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BT Nolan Cup Defeat for holders, St. Joseph’s, Donaghmore.
Friday 11.03.2011
St. Joseph’s Convent, Donaghmore surrendered their BT Nolan Cup title yesterday at Naomh Éanna, Glengormley, when they were defeated 2-9 to 0-5 by first time finalists, Coláiste Phádraig, Bearnageeha.
The game was played at high altitude under the shadow of ‘Napoleon’s Nose’ in the north of the city and conditions proved difficult with a gale force wind and stinging hail storms battering both teams.
Ultimately, St. Joseph’s grip on the Cup was significantly weakened by half time when, after enjoying the benefit of the strong breeze, they could only manage 3 points to the city side’s one. Donaghmore will rue the number of kickable scores from both open play and frees that went a begging in a costly first half.
Although the second half started brightly for the Convent, who seemed more than capable of defying the elements with some effective support play, the strengthening breeze and the pressure applied by Bearnageeha proved insurmountable. As good champions do, St. Joseph’s fought to the end with Ulster Colleges’ All Star, Conall McNulty and midfielder Cathal Donnelly leading the charge.
However, the Belfast lads, with early second half goals from Ciaran Largey and Liam Campbell, were able to keep their distance, repelling several dangerous Donaghmore attacks and tagging on points of their own from Aidan McNeill, Cormac Mullan and Daniel Magee to seal a rare Antrim win over a Tyrone side.
Speaking after the game, Donaghmore coach, Donal Gallagher, magnanimous as always, wished the St. Patrick’s squad well in their first BT Nolan Cup final – a position the Convent themselves had been in the previous year.
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