ARCHIVES: Bellaghy claim big scalp while Bailieborough earn second chance

10 YEARS AGO

THERE were disappointing scenes in Kerry as South Kerry and Killarney Legion drew the county final with a melee breaking out afterwards and referee Séamus Mulvihill requiring a Garda escort off the pitch.

Jamie O’Sullivan’s equaliser for Legion four minutes into additional time sparked the scenes, with the sides having a week to cool off before their replay.

Elsewhere in Munster, Stradbally boss Pat Curran hit out at the Waterford county board as they were forced to play Nemo Rangers in Munster just 23 hours after winning their county title.

“It was a complete and utter disgrace,” Curran said, and few could disagree.

Having defeated Ballinacourty in the Waterford final on the Friday, they were out the next day against the Cork kingpins and unsurprisingly fell to a heavy defeat, losing 1-13 to 0-5 in the end.

Meanwhile, Ulster JHC champions Eoghan Rua easily booked an All-Ireland semi-final spot after a routine 1-11 to 0-6 dismissal of British champions Fullen Gaels.

Thomas Magee scored the only goal of the game in the second half in Birmingham with Ciaran Gaile landing seven points to help his side progress.

In Ulster, a number of league titles were handed out with Clonoe taking the honours in Tyrone.

The east Tyrone side outclassed Carrickmore on a 1-11 to 1-5 scoreline with Ryan O’Neill top-scoring with 1-2.

In nearby Donegal, it was St Michael’s who were celebrating. Amongst their starters was 2012 All-Ireland winner Peter Witherow who this Saturday takes North London Shamrocks into Connacht action when they face Ballina in Mayo.

20 YEARS AGO

BELLAGHY claimed a big Ulster Club scalp as they defeated Armagh champions Crossmaglen 0-11 to 0-9 on their own patch.

In a strange game, the Derry champions came through despite failing to score in the second half – but much of that had to do with the windy conditions as they led 0-11 to 0-2 at the interval.

Joe Cassidy gave Francie Bellew a tough time of it in front of 6,000 fans while the Rangers were left to rue a late missed goal chance, John McEntee blasting wide.

Down representatives Mayobridge were too strong for Donegal’s Naomh Conaill as they won 0-10 to 1-5 in Newry.

The ‘Bridge led by two at the break having played into the wind, but any thoughts of a comfortable day’s work were undone by a determined Glenties outfit after the break.

Still though, they had enough firepower to get through with the veteran Mickey Linden amongst their scorers and Benny Coulter unusually absent from that list.

St Gall’s had an eye-catching win over an in-form Carrickmore, the Antrim side easing to a 1-11 to 0-8 victory over their Tyrone opponents.

The inspirational Seán Kelly was absent through injury, but Karl Stewart hit 1-1 in the opening minutes to send them on their way.

Monaghan’s Donaghmoyne made history as they qualified for their first-ever All-Ireland Ladies Club final.

They were 2-7 to 0-9 winners against Galway hotshots St Brendan’s – Majella Woods and Cathriona McConnell with their majors.

30 YEARS AGO

CAVAN’S Bailieborough were handed a second chance in their Ulster Club semi-final as they earned a draw with Derry’s Ballinderry.

Despite being down to 14 players after Aidan Connolly’s dismissal, Roy Brennan stroked over a late free to ensure the sides would have to do it all again.

In the National Hurling League, Antrim’s winning start came to an end after a 1-17 to 3-7 loss to Limerick in Division Two.

The Saffrons fought back brilliantly with two goals in the last 10 minutes at Casement Park, but they had a couple of penalty claims turned down and Limerick held on. Jackie Carson scored two goals for the Ulster side.,

It was a difficult weekend for Ulster sides elsewhere with Down, Armagh, Derry and Fermanagh all losing, with Tyrone not in action.

The northerly province was guaranteed at least one winner though – barring a draw – and it came Donegal’s way as they beat Monaghan 1-13 to 2-7.

With 1-7 to his name, Ronan McLaughlin was key to the Tir Chonaill side’s victory.