Moortown Prevail Against Aghyaran In Thriller

Monday 23.09.2024

Intermediate Championship

Moortown set up a loughshore derby when they play near neighbours Derrylaughan for a place in this year’s intermediate championship decider. Moortown survived three Aghyaran comebacks to leave a sunny Carrickmore with a narrow victory, following a goal fest, as the sides shared six goals in an exciting encounter.

It looked like Moortown were set for another comfortable afternoon as they raced to a 2-4 0-2 lead with nineteen minutes played. Paul Quinn kicked three points from play with goals from Brian McLernon and Liam Lawn as well as an effort cleared off the line.

Aghyaran’s challenge finally swung into life with two Benny Gallen goals in as many minutes, but when Shaun Kelly fired Moortown’s third goal a minute later the Malachy’s seemed to be in control.

Aghyaran were dealt a further blow when Ronan McNamee had to retire injured, but three late Ronan McHugh frees narrowed the deficit to four 3-7 2-6, at the interval.

An early Ciaran McGlinchey point was cancelled out by a Liam Lawn free before Tony Quinn strode forward from goals to strike over a lovely point. Minutes later Tony was picking an Ethan McHugh effort out of the net and once again it was game on.

Tarlach Quinn powered through the centre to point to leave 3 between them as the game entered its final quarter. Three Aghyaran points from Diarmuid & Ronan McHugh and Banny Gallen tied the match for the first time with 51 minutes on the clock. Crucially Aghyaran failed to score again despite looking the likely winner at that stage. Connor Quinn pointed to put Moortown back in front with five remaining followed by a Shea Lawn free to edge two clear.

Late drama in injury time saw Moortown reduced to 14, with Connor Quinn picking up a second yellow and Aghyaran claims for a penalty waved away. The favourites were through after a stern examination and will be happy with the character shown in the final ten minutes.