Big Day For Eoghan Ruadh Hurling Club

Sunday 09.05.2021

Saturday was something of a milestone day in the history, and future, of Eoghan Ruadh hurling club in Dungannon. For the first time ever, Eoghan Ruadh fielded a “reserve” team, and played in division four of the Antrim league while their “first” team played in division two of the same league. To make the day even more remarkable, the Dungannon hurlers were unable to select any of their senior County panelists. Between County players and several injuries there were over 20 players unavailable for selection. 

For the division two game Eoghan Ruadh hosted Gort na Móna from Belfast. Due to the pandemic restrictions, both teams were playing their first game of the year. Understandably the game started tentatively enough but the Antrim lads found their feet first and scored some nice points from play. The Ruadh lads competed well and more than matched their opponents as the game progressed. The younger players started to gain more confidence and debutant Turlough Mullin scored the best point of the half from play. Turlough was one of 5 players who made their senior debuts in the game. Senior football championship winner from 2020 Cormac Hughes was another. 

The second half was nip and tuck with both teams sharing the lead. With time almost up Eoghan Ruadh took the lead with a goal from Cathal McErlean after great work from Branan Molloy. Gort came back to move ahead again before Molloy levelled the game deep into stoppage time. The home side still had time to hit two wides before the long whistle but a draw was a fair enough result on the day. 

Final score: Eoghan Ruadh 1.15 Gort Na Móna 0.18

In the second game another ten Ruadh lads made their senior debuts and several hurled in their fist game in years as Dungannon played host to Naomh Bríd. Paul Lavery was a steadying influence on the team from centre back, scoring several nice points. The Monk Casey was rock solid at full back and Josh Campbell had a great game in midfield. Like the first game, this one was slow to take off but the home side found their feet first and never looked back after. Some well taken points from Eoghan Orr kept Eoghan Ruadh in front and they maintained that lead to the end. The visitors were still well in touch when a high ball was played towards their goals and Eoin Gildernew doubled perfectly on it for a goal. Goalkeeper Mark Sidebottom had no chance. 
Another 3 goals followed in the second half as the home side emptied their bench. Eoin Orr, Conor MacGinty and Jack Toner with a goal each. David Kelly, Ciaran Ross and Danial McCrudden marked their return to hurling after several years out alongside Cian McCrory, Jack Campbell and Harry Morgan who stepped up from last year’s minor side. 

Final score: Eoghan Ruadh 4.09 Naomh Bríd 1.08
Over 40 lads hurled for Eoghan Ruadh on Saturday. A great achievement and testament to the development work going on within the club