Danske Bank Treanor Cup play-off
St Joseph’s Donaghmore 4-11 St Malachy’s Castlewellan 3-9
By Séamas McAleenan
ALTHOUGH St Malachy’s Castlewellan led at half-time in this Danske Bank Treanor Cup play-off in Newry on Monday afternoon (9 March), St Joseph’s Donaghmore came through in the second half to snatch a quarter-final spot against Lecale Trinity. St Malachy’s started well with the breeze behind them and went in at the break with a narrow lead of 2-5 to 2-4. Pádraig Bannon was the leading marksman for them, with an impressive 1-3. Tommy Kane was pulling the strings around the middle, while the powerful Eoin Polly caused constant problems with his strong, driving runs forward.
However, goals from Dara O’Neill and Matthew Mallon proved significant for Donaghmore as it kept them within striking distance. The Tyrone side had a great start to the second half, making full use of the wind. They forged ahead with two goals from Cormac Doran and three points from full forward Neil McElroy while there were strong performances throughout from Cahal Mulgrew, Matthew Mallon, Jimmy Canavan and McElroy.
The introduction of Fiachna McAleenan strengthened the St Malachy’s forward line and he delivered the final touch of their well-worked third goal. Cillian Shields was another who made an impact from the bench by slotting over a point with his very first touch. There were strong performances throughout the Castlewellan team as well, with great work from Ollie McAlinden in goals and Kevin Doyle, Josh Magorrian, Fionn McEvoy and Cailean Machin in defence. Luke Rice also impressed with his driving runs up and down the pitch through the game.
St Joseph’s now face Lecale Trinity, who qualified directly for the knock-out stages with an enhanced position in the leagues over the past couple of months.
