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Under 10 Hurling
Ulster Blitz at Magherafelt
Bredagh U10 Hurlers were on the road again on Saturday when they competed in the Ulster Indoor Hurling Blitz at the magnificent Meadowbank Sports Arena in Magerafelt. There were over 100 teams competing drawn from Clubs from all over Ulster making this quite a spectacle and a thoroughly enjoyable day. Bredagh had 4 teams competing in the afternoon session and all 4 put in fantastic performances further enhancing the Club's reputation at this level.
Team A
Ronan Costello, Niall McFarland, Joseph Hanrahan, Cormac O’Rawe, Joseph Blaney.
The Bredagh A team opened their programme of matches with a tough encounter against a very strong St John’s team, They fell behind to an early goal but good work in midfield created an opportunity for Joseph Blaney to grab a much deserved equalizer.
In the second game, Bredagh quickly got into their stride against Keady and were convincing winners by a margin of 4 goals to 1, Ronan Costello scoring a hat-trick and Cormac O’Rawe adding the fourth. Bredagh followed this with a fine performance against Buncrana winning by 7 goals to 2, all five players managing to make the score sheet.
Ballygalget were the next opponents and, as always between these teams, it proved to be a very tight affair. Niall McFarland and Joseph Hanrahan were hugely influential in general play while Ronan Costello and Cormac O’Rawe scored the goals. Joseph Blaney also had a fine game and worked tirelessly for the team. In the final game, Bredagh overpowered St Comgalls of Maherafelt on a score-line of 9-0, Niall McFarland and Ronan Costello each scoring a hat-trick.
This rounded off a very good day’s hurling for Bredagh A who once again finished top of their group. Winning is developing into a habit for this talented group of players.
Team B 1
Cillian Durkan, Dara Curran, Sean Hughes, Conor O'Keefe, Jacob McDonald and Jonathan Field.
This team were in a tough section but the boys played some tremendous hurling to top the group with 4 wins and 1 draw.
The first game was against Rasharkin and with Dara Curran and Cillian Durkan controling midfield the Bredagh boys took the lead when Cillian found the net. Dara struck for the second and although Rasharkin pulled one back Bredagh were in control and it ended Bredagh 2 Rasharkin 1.
In the second game Gort na Mona were the opposition and they proved to be a strong and physical team. Bredagh went a goal down early on but the fightback was led by Sean Hughes who was exerting pressure on the opposition defence and he was rewarded with an equalising goal. Conor O'Keefe who was also in fine form struck a great second goal and Bredagh took a deserved win, Final Score Bredagh 2 Gort na Mona 1.
The third Game against Glenshesk was probably the toughest of the day. The North Antrim boys put serious pressure on the Bredagh defence early on but stern defending by Cillian Durkan and Conor O'Keeke and a string of saves from Sean Hughes in goals kept them at bay. However eventually a great sideline cut from Glenshesk was deflected to the Bredagh net. Bredagh then upped their game and with more ball getting through to Jacob McDonald in the forward line the contest really came to life. Eventually Jacob pounced with a superbly struck goal and the game ended all square, Bredagh 1 Glenshesk 1
Game 4 was against yet another Antrim team, St Enda's, who were a big strong team. However Bredagh had the better stickwork and with goals from Sean Hughes and Cillian Durkan they took the win. Jonathan Field was very solid in the Bredagh goals and in defence. Final score Bredagh 2 St Enda's 0
Bredagh faced Tyrone opposition in the final game, Carrickmore. This was a good contest and with Conor O'Keeke and Jonathan Field keeping things tight at the back and Sean Hughes and Jacob McDonald busy up front it left the midfielders Dara Curran and Cillian Durkan plenty of room to operate and it was these two who got the crucial goals on the way to a 2-1 win.
Team B 2
Jude Lundy, Aaron Patterson, Evan Maguire, PJ Lavery, Patrick Broderick and Odhran Davies
Facing quality opposition from all over Ulster, this young Bredagh side battled hard to win 4 of their 6 matches. They drew a fifth match, but were very unlucky to loose the 6th by the narrowest of margins.
Up first against Balyvarley they won 2-1, with some great scores from Ohdran Davies. Odhran had a magnificent tournament and was Bredagh's top scorer with 5 well deserved goals. Unfortunately, the Bredagh boys had a long wait before their 2nd game, which probably explained their slow start against Beart. The team were incredibly unlucky to lose this match by a single goal from the last strike of the game. Unbowed, the boys upped their game in the 3rd match against a very skillful Creggan team from North Antrim and emerged 1-0 winners with Odhran Davies once again proving too hot to handle. During this and many of games Aaron Patterson fought well in defence, and was ably assisted by Jude Lundy. Aaron was the key to breaking up many opposition attacks, which allowed Jude to get up and down the pitch to great effect, including getting on the scoresheet. But for a number of great saves from opposition keepers he could easily have challenged Odhran's 5 scores. Evan Maguire adapted well to the midfield and attacking roles he was tasked with. Evan was at the centre of much of the attacking link up play, displaying some deft touches and turned his markers well on many occasions.
The following two games produced 2-1 and 1-0 victories against St Enda's and Barleyvarley. In both these matches there were great performances from Patrick Broderick and PJ Lavery. Patrick took several heavy tackles, earning one penalty, but deserving at least 2 more. Despite the rough treatment he played a pivotal role in both the wins. PJ Lavery deserves special praise for his goalkeeping performances, pulling off some amazing saves and just as importantly starting off many penetrating Bredagh attacks. In the final drawn game against Beart, the boys dominated from start to finish, but just couldn't get the all important final touch to notch up the win they deserved.
Team B 3 kicked off the campaign with a good game against Croamh Rua from Armagh. The Armagh team opened the scoring but Bredagh soon settled with their superior stick work paying off. 2 well taken goals from Aodhan O’Keefe proved crucial and Matthew Rainbird’s well struck third goal put the game beyond doubt.
Up next were one of the group favourites, St Endas. This was a tight affair and early pressure from the North Belfast team was soaked up by a strong defence with Tiernan Sheehan in goals and well protected by Fintan McCollum and Lucas Mallon. In midfield, Matthew Rainbird was dominating the game. But it was that man again, Aodhan Okeefe who grabbed the winner making it 2 wins from 2.
Tyrone’s Carrickmore, who were also unbeaten, provided the next opposition. Bredagh dominated this game with great work from Lucas Mallon and Matthew Lyttle but could not find that crucial goal and it was Carrickmore who nicked a goal in the last minute.
The last game was against Belfast’s Na Pairsagh. Again this was another close affair, but Bredagh grabbed the first goal with a well taken effort from Tiernan Sheehan. Na Pairsagh grabbed a late equaliser towards the end, with the game finishing a draw.
Overall an excellent display from this Bredagh group, finishing level on top of their group with Carrickmore.
Team photographs from Bangor Blitz
Team; Coach, Danny Hughes with
Back Row L to R Ronan Costello, Joseph Hanrahan, Niall McFarland
Front Row L to R Cormac O'Rawe and Dylan Kerrigan
Team; Coach Brian Patterson with
Back Row L to R, Sean Hughes, Jacob McDonald, Aaran Patterson
Front Row, L to R, Cillian Durkan and Lucas Mallon
Team; Coach, Alex McFarland with
Back Row L to R, P J Lavery, Fintan McCollum, Jude Lundy
Front Row L to R, Evin Maguire and Conall Hughes (deputising for Jonathan Field)
Bangor Blitz
Bredagh U10 hurlers were in action at the Eddie Irvine Sports Arena in Bangor on Saturday when they competed in an Indoor Blitz organised by the Michael McCollough, Down Hurling Development Officer. The event, played on 3 of the excellent 3rd Generation pitches, featured teams from Ballygalget, Ballycran, Ballyvarley, Carryduff and Bredagh. It was a 5 a side competition and Bredagh entered 3 teams with all the boys thoroughly enjoying the day.
Bredagh A
Team, Dylan Kerrigan, Niall McFarland, Cormac O'Rawe, Ronan Costello and Joseph Hanrahan.
Bredagh A were in a strong group featuring the A teams of Ballygalget, Ballycran and Ballyvarley and they played some tremendous hurling on their way to winning all their games.
The first game was against a Ballygalget side high on confidence after taking the Div1 title last week at the North Antrim Competition. But Bredagh the Div2 winners at the same event matched the Ards men in all departments and deservedly took the lead when the outstanding Ronan Costello hit an unstoppable shot to the top corner of the Ballygalget net. Bredagh continued to press forward and Costello fired in a second. Ballygalget pulled a goal back with the last shot of the match but Bredagh had recorded a 2-1 win. Bredagh went on a scoring spree in their second game against Ballyvarley the game ending in an 11-2 win for the Belfast boys, with goals from Ronan Costello (3) Cormac O'Rawe (2), Niall McFarland (2), Joseph Hanrahan (2) and Dylan Kerrigan. The third game against Ballycran was a tough encounter but again Bredagh had the edge on the Ards boys and came through to win 3-1 with goals from Ronan Costello (2) and Cormac O'Rawe. With time to spare at the end, Bredagh played Ballyvarley for a second time and this time despite being 3-0 up ended up with a narrow 3-2 win.Ronan Costello (2) and Joseph Hanrahan were the Bredagh scorers on this occasion.
Ronan Costello's scoring ability and general play was spectacular while Niall McFarland showed all his skill and athleticism in defence. As ever Cormac O'Rawe put in powerful performances around mid field. Joseph Hanrahan and Dylan Kerrigan shared the goal keeping and forward duties and both were excellent throughout.
Bredagh B
Team: Cillian Durkan (Captain), Jacob McDonnell, Sean Hughes, Lucas Mallon and Aaron Patterson
The Bredagh B team played five matches against Balleyvarley and a tough tackling Ballycran team. Led throughout by Captain Cillian Durkan, the boys produced a series of excellent team performances winning four matches and drawing a fifth. All the players comfortably adjusted to the different positions they had to play in each game.
They displayed great skill in beating a hard working Ballyvarley squad 6-0, 7-0 and 4-0, which included well deserved hat-tricks from Cillian Durkan and Jacob McDonnell. Both these boys were simply unstoppable at times and several of their goals would have graced the best GAA pitches in Ireland.
The team had closer encounters with Ballycran who they beat 3-2 in the first match, before fighting back from 2-0 down for a well deserved 2-2 drawn in the second game. But for some great Ballycran defending and a top notch performance by their goalkeeper, Bredagh could easily have won the second game.
During all the matches there were excellent displays of blocking and hooking from Sean Hughes and Aaron Patterson, and some great ground strokes by Lucas Mallon. Lucas had an outstanding perfomance in goal against Ballycran, which he followed up with some hard working outfield play that included 2 well taken goals. Time and again Sean Hughes unselfishly sacrificed his natural attacking game to shore up the midfield and defence, and yet still managed 3 goals. Aaron Patterson, also got on the score sheet and was well disciplined in defence which was the foundation for a number of the victories.
Overall, it was a great team effort and while the results were good, it was even more pleasing to see each player get stuck in and apply the skills they practice at training and at home each week.
Bredagh B
Team – Jonathan Field, Evin Maguire, PJ Lavery, Jude Lundy, Fintan McCollum,
The second Bredagh B team played six matches in all against sides from Carryduff and Ballycran, winning three, losing two and drawing one. Throughout the games the young Bredagh team showed skill and determination in equal measure. Jude Lundy finished as the side’s top scorer with seven goals including a top class hat-trick in a 6-0 victory over Carryduff. He was ably assisted up front by PJ Lavery who never let the opposition defenders settle and weighed in with four goals himself. Evin Maguire was excellent in defence with some courageous blocking and fine clearances. Evin also got on the score sheet with a goal in the 3-1 victory over Carryduff. Fintan McCollum seemed to cover every square inch of the playing area and managed to score Bredagh’s equaliser in possibly the best match of the competition, a 2-2 draw against Ballycran. Jonathan Field was having an excellent tournament until illness forced him to retire. His physical presence was sorely missed against a very powerful Ballycran team in particular. However, the introduction of Conall Hughes managed to steady affairs for Bredagh and he proved a very valuable deputy making a number of important interceptions and long clearances. His brother Sean also helped out and even managed to get on the score-sheet.
This was a very encouraging day out for a young, inexperienced Bredagh team. Over the six matches, they maintained a high level of skill and commitment and played with great enthusiasm. Every member of the squad can be proud of their contribution to the team’s success.
U10's Win North Antrim Indoor Title
Bredagh U10 hurlers won the North Antrim Indoor Hurling Division 2 title when they competed in the Finals day at Ballymena's Seven Towers Leisure Centre on Saturday. They had made it through to the final against Shane O'Neills of Glenarm after 2 weeks of qualifying rounds. There were 7 divisional finals in all played and it made for a fine spectacle at this excellent venue.
Bredagh went into the game knowing that the Glenarm boys would be difficult opponents and so it proved. Bredagh were rocked by an early Glenarm goal but did not panic and stuck to their game plan. Midway through the half Ronan Costello banged in the first of his three goals to square the match. Bredagh continued to press and young Costello fired the Bredagh boys into the lead approaching half time and at the interval they held a slender 2-1 lead.
Shortly after the resumption Bredagh keeper Joseph Hanrahan was rather hashly adjudged to have put a toe out of the goalkeepers zone as he played the ball. The result was a penalty and Shane O'Neills took full advantage cracking the ball to the net to leave the game tied for the second time. Bredagh really upped their workrate in the final quarter and were rewarded for their efforts when Ronan Costello completed his hattrick with another excellently struck goal. Bredagh had again edged ahead and with Niall McFarland and Cormac O'Rawe in brilliant form in defence the Belfast boys controlled the remaining minutes. At the final whistle Bredagh had taken the title on a scoreline of Bredagh 3 Shane O'Neills 2.
Squad
Joseph Hanrahan was as usual safe and assured in the Bredagh goals. Niall McFarland again proved he is one of the top defenders at this level, with his tight marking and crisp striking. Cormac O'Rawe used all his strength and skill around the middle and in defence and had a superb final. Ronan Costello was probably the best striker on show on the day with 3 great goals and brilliant all round play. Sean Hughes and Matthew Rainbird were constant threats up front for Bredagh and took some watching by the Glenarm defence in the first half. Dylan Kerrigan and Cillian Durkan took over the forward duties in the second half and again both were excellent as they battled for every ball.
Captain, Joseph Hanrahan stepped up to accept the trophy on behalf of the team much to the delight of the parents who had travelled to support these young stars. The win was just reward for the hard work and committment the boys have shown over the last 3 weeks.
The Division 1 final was won by Ballygalget making it a good day for County Down.
North Antrim Indoor competition
Back Row
L to R; Ronan Costello, Dylan Kerrigan, Cormac O'Rawe, Niall McFarland
Front Row
L to R; Matthew Rainbird, Sean Hughes, Cillian Durkan, Joeseph Hanrahan
Bredagh travelled to Ballymena on Saturday to compete in division 2 of the North Antrim indoor hurling competition. They topped the division playing some brilliant hurling and now go forward to the final next Saturday against Shane O'Neills of Glenarm. There were seven teams in total competing and out of six matches played, Bredagh won 5 and lost once to Shane O'Neills. The Glenarm boys however had two draws and finished on the same number of points with Bredagh having the superior goal difference.
Bredagh started the day with a great 3-1 win against Loughgeil, Cilllian Durkin hitting two sweet goals.
Next up were Shane O'Neills. Although Bredagh dominated this game the goals just did not come easy. Niall McFarland did eventually edge Bredagh ahead when he cracked in a goal from midfield.The Glenarm boys finished strongly and shocked Bredagh with 2 late goals to take the win.
Bredagh and in particular Ronan Costello were in devestating form in the third game when they demolished the home side, All Saints, 5-0, young Ronan helping himself to all 5 goals.
By the fourth game Bredagh were flying and poor Strabane found themselves on the wrong side of an 8-0 drubbing. That man Costello struck 4 and the youngest squad member Sean Hughes hit two fine goals.
Creggan who were in with a chance of progressing to the final proved difficult opponents in the 5th game. Bredagh dashed their hopes with a hard fought 2-1 win, the Bredagh goals coming from Cillian Durkin and Cormac O'Rawe.
Bredagh's final game was against Carndonagh the young Donegal hurlers could not contain Bredagh who now had a place in the final firmly in their sights. Sharp shooters Ronan Costello and Sean Hughes helped themselves to a brace of goals each, on the way to a 4-0 win.
Results and Scorers
Game1
Bredagh 3-1 Loughgeil
Scorers; Cormac O'Rawe 1 Cillian Durkin 2
Game 2
Bredagh 1-2 Shane ONeills
Scorer; Niall Mc Farland
Game 3
Bredagh 5-0 All Saints Ballymena
Scorer; Ronan Costello 5
Game 4
Bredagh 8-0 Strabane
Scorers; Ronan Costello 4, Sean Hughes 2, Cormac O' Rawe 1 and Joseph Hanrahan 1
Game 5
Bredagh 2-1 Creggan
Scorers; Cormac O'Rawe and Cillian Durkin
Game 6
Bredagh 4-0 Carndonagh
Scorers; Sean Hughes 2 Ronan Costello 2
Squad; Joseph Hanrahan had a great day in goals and even popped up for a goal against Strabane. Niall Mc Farland was a rock in defence and had great assistance from Dylan Kerrigan. Bredagh had a powerhouse midfeild in the form of Cormac O'Rawe and Ronan Costello while Matthew Rainbird also showed up well in this Department when called upon. Up front Cillian Durkin and Sean Hughes tormented the opposition defences and took some lovely scores.
North Antrim league Round 1
Bredagh U10 hurlers were in action on Saturday morning at Edmund Rice School, Glengormley when they competed in the North Antrim Indoor League. Out of 5 games they recorded 3 wins 1 draw and 1 defeat to end second over all and qualify for Division 2 next Saturday. Ballygalget were unbeaten on the day and topped the group.
Bredagh started the day with an easy win against St Gall's B team. Cormac O'Rawe and Cillian Durkan hit a brace of goals each and Joseph Hanrahan , Sean Hughes and Ronan Costello also scored on their way to a 7-0 win.
Next up were St Enda's and they proved to be more difficult to break down. Cormac O'Rawe did eventually find the net and at the back Niall McFarland and Joseph Hanrahan in goals held firm as Bredagh took the win.
The Third game was against Ballygalget and this was a real cracker and turned out to be the decider as to who would go through to Division 1 next week. Ballygalget got the best possible start banging in 2 early goals. Bredagh settled and pulled a goal back, a fine score from Matthew Rainbird. They fought hard for an equaliser but Ballygalget held on for the win.
Bredagh went on a scoring spree in the 4th match, beating St Galls A team 8-2 with Ronan Costello helping himself to a hat trick and Niall McFarland cracking in 2 long range efforts. Dylan Kerrigan, Cillian Durkan and Joseph Hanrahan also got on the scoresheet.
Bredagh's final game ended in a 1-1 draw against Sarsfields. The West Belfast boys took the lead early on and after that it was all Bredagh but they had no luck in front of goals. Niall McFarland did eventually find the Sarsfield net for the equaliser and it eneded all square.
The squad of Joseph Hanrahan, Niall McFarland, Ronan Costello, Cormac O,Rawe, Dylan Kerrigan, Sean Hughes, Cillian Durkan and Matthew Rainbird all performed brilliantly against some top quality opposition. They will need to be on top form again next week when they compete in Division 2 as only the top 2 will progress to the Divisional Finals on 13th February.
Bredaghs Results and Scorers
Game1
Bredagh 7 St Galls B 0
Scorers; Cormac O'Rawe 2, Cillian Durkan 2, Joseph Hanrahan, Sean Hughes and Ronan Costello
Game 2
Bredagh 1 St Endas 0
Scorer Cormac O'Rawe
Game 3
Bredagh 1 Ballygalget 2
Scorer; Matthew Rainbird
Game 4
Bredagh 8 St Galls A 2
Scorers; Ronan Costello 3, Niall McFarland 2, Dylan Kerrigan, Cillian Durkan, Joseph Hanrahan
Game 5
Bredagh 1 Sarsfields 1
Scorer; Niall McFarland
Carryduff Blitz
Conor Sullivan proudly holds the Cup while Colum McGuigan and Ronan Costello look on. Ryan Woods wonders what all the fuss is about.
Back Row L to R
Alex McFarland, Donncha Hanrahan, Damien McGuigan and Danny Hughes
Middle Row L to R
Jake Carlin, Dylan Kerrigan, Joseph Blaney, Conor Sullivan, Cormac O'Rawe, Lorcan Fahy, Daniel Leggett, Liam Francis and Dara Curran.
Front Row L to R
Rian Woods, Niall McFarland, Odhran Davis, Conall Hughes, Andy Harney, Ronan Costello, Colum McGuigan and Joseph Hanrahan
The Bredagh boys watch the Shield final waiting to take the field for the Cup final against Ballela
Bredagh U10 Hurlers won the Cup Competition at the annual U10/12 Carryduff hurling tournament on Saturday morning. Bredagh had won the sheild section last year but went one better taking the main silverware in what was a fiercely contested competition. It was the Bredagh boys last competitive outing of what has been a long season and the win was just reward for the work and dedication shown by this young squad.
Bredagh went into the group stage with Newry Shamrocks and Liatriom and after coming second in the group behind Liatriom they went into the semi final against Portaferry who had topped the other group. After a brilliant win over the Ards boys they lined out in the final against Ballela who had a shock win over Liatriom in the other semi. Ballela however proved worthy finalists and Bredagh needed to call on all their strength and skill to eventually come out on top by 2 points.
Group 1 matches
Bredagh 4-2 Newry Shamrocks 0-0
Bredagh got off to a great start. Ronan Costello made little of the blustery conditions to expertly fire an early free over the bar. It was Ronan again a few minutes later who found the bottom corner of the Shamrocks net. There was little getting past the Bredagh half backs Liam Francis and Dara Curran and the scores kept coming. Cormac O'Rawe sent over a great point and when Joseph Hanrahan was upended in the box he stepped up himself to fire the resulting penalty to the net to leave the half time score Bredagh 2-2 Shamrocks 0-0. The young Newry team staged a mini revival in the second half but when they got close to the Bredagh goals they could not penetrate the full backs Jake Carlin and Colum McGuigan or goal keeper Lorcan Fahy. At the other end Bredagh had not finished and there was another goal from the skilful Ronan Costello and midfielder Andy Harney got the final score a well taken goal.
Bredagh 0-1 Liatriom 2-0
Matches between Bredagh and Liatriom this season have not been for the faint hearted and this clash was no exception. The tackling was tough but fair and the skill level was unbelievable from these two young teams. Niall McFarland gave Bredagh the lead with an excellent point from play and this proved to be the only score of the first half giving Bredagh a slender 0-1 to 0-0 half time lead. The second half was more of the same with two teams at the top of their game serving up an exhibition of all the skills of hurling. The Liatriom Keeper was in fine form pulling off a number of saves from the Bredagh forwards. It looked as though Bredagh might hold out for the win but a late surge by the Liatriom boys and a couple of moments of indecision in the Bredagh defence saw Liatriom score 2 late goals to take the win.
Cup Semi Final
Bredagh 2-0 Portaferry 1-0
The Ards boys had topped Group 2 having beaten both Ballela and Carryduff and went into this game in confident mood. However Bredagh had other ideas and having regrouped after the disappointment of the Liatriom defeat had only one thing on their mind, reaching the final. The workrate of Andy Harney and Joseph Hanrahan at midfield was immense and Portaferry found it hard to cope in this sector. When it looked like the first half might end scoreless Conor Sullivan picked the ball rounded his man and cracked in a great goal; half time Bredagh 1-0 Portaferry 0-0. Portaferry got back on level terms midway through the second half and it made for a tense final quarter. Just when it seemed the game might end in a draw, Andy Harney took posession and burst past two defenders in his customary fashion and fired an unstopable shot to the Portaferry net much to the delight of the Bredagh supporters. Portaferry had no time to respond and Bredagh had made the final.
Final
Bredagh 1-3 Ballela 1-1
This final was full of drama and had both sets of mentors and supporters on edge right to the final whistle. That whistle took some time in coming as the sides were level at full time and again after two 3 minute periods of extra time. It took another 6 minutes play before Bredagh finally saw off the magnificant challenge from the country boys. Bredagh went behind in the first half when they conceded a freak goal. As Colum McGuigan, the best full back on show in the competition, picked the ball in the Bredagh goal mouth it bounced from his hand and dropped behind the goal line. It would have been a cruel way to lose the final and things were not looking good for Bredagh as the game wore on. Ballela's keeper was in inspired form bringing off save after save to deny Ronan Costello, Lorcan Fahy, Daniel Leggett and Joseph Hanrahan who were peppering the Ballela goal. Points were also hard to come by due to the windy conditions and then when it looked like Ballela might take the title the brilliant Niall McFarland broke away from 3 defenders and unleashed a shot that flew past the big Ballela keeper and into the net, leaving it a goal each at the end of normal time.
During extra time Cormac O'Rawe scored a terrific long range point but Ballela equalised when their keeper launched a massive hitout which sailed over the Bredagh bar. All square at the end of extra time, the decision was made to play another 6 minutes and up stepped Ronan Costello with 2 sweetly struck points. Ballela pressurised but could not break down the Bredagh defence or get past Liam Francis who had taken on the goalkeeping duties.In the end Bredagh thoroughly deserved the win. All 17 squad members played a part in the final. When introduced, Rian Woods and Joseph Blaney provided strength in defence, Conall Hughes and Daniel Leggett brought experience to the forwards and Odhran Davis and Dylan Kerrigan showed their versitility switching between both departments.
Captain Andy Harney accepted the Cup on behalf of the team and a special mention to Cormac O'Rawe who was presented with an award for Player of the Tournament. Cormac has matured into a fine hurler who can play in any position and the good news for Bredagh is that he is eligible to play U10 again next year.
Team photograph from St John's Blitz
Team photo from St Johns
Back Row L to R
Jonathan Field, Joseph McKee, Rian Woods, Matthew Rainbird, Dara Curran, Tim Cunningham, Niall McFarland, Dylan Kerrigan and Conor Sullivan
Front Row L to R
Andy Harney, Odhran Davis, Joseph Hanrahan, Lorcan Fahy and Colum McGuigan
St Johns U10 Hurling Tournament
Bredagh received an Invitation to St John's Annual Hurling Tournament on Saturday and despite travelling without half a dozen first team players they acquitted themselves very well and indeed were winners of the Plate Competition. Bredagh were in illustrious company in this competition, the line up being St Johns and Loughguile (Antrim) Ballycran, Ballygalget and Bredagh (Down) and Cuchullains Armagh. Bredagh were drawn in a group with the home team and Ballygalget and although well beaten in the end by St John's they competed well and did not look out of their depth. They also lost to Ballygalget but only because they conceded two rather soft goals. Bredagh did look the better team but were nevertheless 3 points behind at the final whistle. That left Bredagh bottom at the end of the group stage and they then contested the final of the Plate competition against Cuchullains of Armagh. They ended the day on a high winning a closely contested and exciting final with a last gasp Conor Sullivan goal. Andy Harney Bredagh's outstanding player on the day was awarded the Captains medal and Colum McGuigan received a special medal for his Man of the Match performance in the Final. The rest of the squad stepped up to receive their well deserved winners medals. A special word of thanks to the St John's Club whos hospitality on the day was second to none.
Game 1
Bredagh 0-2 St Johns 4-2
Bredagh Scorer; Andy Harney 0-2 (1 free)
Game 2
Bredagh 0-3 Ballygalget 2-0
Bredagh Scorer; Andy Harney 0-3
Plate Final
Bredagh 2-0 Cuchullains Armagh 1-1
Bredagh Scorers; Colum McGuigan 1-0, Conor Sullivan 1-0
The Squad
Lorcan Fahy and Jonathan Field did very well in sharing the goalkeeping duties. The defence was made up of Rian Woods, Dara Curran, Matthew Rainbird, Dylan Kerrigan and Joseph Mckee and each one stood up fantstically against strong opposition. Andy Harney was a revelation at midfield, his point scoring ability from all distances and angles was incredible. His partner Colum McGuigan playing more of a defensive role was excellent throughout and popped up with the goal of the day in the final when he blasted to the roof of the Cuchullains net from a tight angle. The strikeforce was led by Niall McFarland and Joseph Hanrahan who both got through a mountain of work and were unlucky not to get on the scoresheet. They had great assistance in the full forward line from Odhran Davis, Tim Cunningham and Conor Sullivan, with Conor getting that late winning goal in the final.
With the U10 hurling season drawing to a close there is one last outing, the Carryduff annual U10/12 hurling Tournament on Saturday 3rd October and Bredagh will be there hoping for further success.
Ballycran Blitz
Bredagh U10 hurlers travelled down the Ards Peninsula on Saturday to compete in the Ballycran Mini Blitz. There were 3 teams in total, Ballycran, Bredagh and St Paul which meant 2 games each. Bredagh carried on where they left off in Warrenpoint with 2 highly impressive wins to take the honours yet again.
Game 1 - Ballycran v Bredagh
There have been some tough battles with Ballycran over the season and this proved no different with both teams showing great determination and skill from the throw in. Indeed so tight were the exchanges that scoring oppurtunities were at a premium and the sides were level at half time, nil each. Bredagh probably shaded the first half with Niall McFarland, Ronan Costello and Andy Harney unlucky not to get on the scoresheet. There was a concern going into the game as ace defender Colum McGuigan was absent due to illness but management need not have worried as his replacement young Dara Curran was superb; his first touch and striking were impeccable.
Ballycran took the lead when they flashed over a point moments into the second half. Bredagh did not panic and maintained pressure on the home sides defence. It was not long before they were on level terms when Ronan Costello hit a great point from play. Bredagh then went ahead with the score of the game. Dara Curran cleared from the heart of the defence picking out ace mifielder Joseph Hanrahan who delivered the ball into the Ballycran goalmouth. Daniel Leggett reacted brilliantly, fielding the ball, rounding the keeper and stiking to the net from a tight angle. Bredagh really piled on the pressure in the final quarter and were rewarded with another goal, a well struck effort from distance by Cormac O'Rawe who starred in the Bredagh half back line. Ballycran were unable to breach the Bredagh defence again and so it finished on a scoreline of Ballycran 0-1 Bredagh 2-1
Game 2 - Bredagh v St Pauls.
Although this match was not as competitive as the first, St Pauls did nonetheless put in a spirited performance. Bredagh took the lead when Ordhan Davis found the St Pauls net and this was added to when Conall Hughes doubled on a through ball to score a second goal. Joseph Blaney operating in the half back line sent over a fine long range point from beyond midfield and this was followed by a sweetly struck Niall McFarland 65, over the bar. Daniel Leggett scored his second goal of the day to leave the Belfast boys well ahead at the break, Bredagh 3-2 St Pauls 0-0.
St Pauls put up a real fight in the second half but could find no way past Jake Carlin and Dylan Kerrigan in the Bredagh full back line. Lorcan Fahy who as ever had a good day in goals for Bredagh moved out in the second half and it was he who got the only score of the half, a well struck ground stroke to find the St Pauls net.
Final Score, Bredagh 4-2 St Pauls 0-0
Again these young Bredagh hurlers showed on Saturday what a talented bunch they are. They have matured throughout the year into a real force within the County and have now just one more outing before the season draws to a close. That will be a visit to Carryduff on 3rd October for their annual U10 Tournament.
Warrenpoint Blitz
Down Hurling Chairman Michael Keenan presents Andy Harney with his award for Bredagh's player of the Tournament.
Niall McFarland who starred at the Warrenpoint Blitz eyes the ball in the game against Ballyvarley.
Simon Francis and Bredagh chairman, Paul Blaney enjoy the craic with Liatriom manager, Jerome McCrickard and Down Hurling Chairman, Michael Keenan at the Warrenpoint U10 Hurling Blitz.
Warrenpoint u10 Hurling Blitz
Back Row L to R; Conor Sullivan, Cormac O'Rawe, Daniel Leggett, Andy
Harney, Liam Francis, Jake Carlin, Lorcan Fahy and Michael Napier.
Front Row L to R; Joseph Blaney, Joseph Hanrahan, Conall Hughes, Niall
McFarland, Dylan Kerrigan, Dara Curran and Colum McGuigan.
Report
Bredagh were the overall winners of the Warrenpoint U10 hurling Blitz on
Saturday with 4 straight wins. They coasted through their first 2 games
against Ballyvarley and Warrenpoint and eventually got the better of a
very good Mourne team in the third match. That left a final game to decide
the issue against Liatriom who had also won their opening 3 games.
Liatriom went into the game as favourites having previously been unbeaten
in all competitions this season. Bredagh had met them on one other
occasion at the Kilclief blitz a few weeks ago, a game which Liatriom won
by 3 points. With Bredagh virtually at full strength this rematch looked
like being a real classic and so it proved with uncompromising skilfull
hurling from start to finish. It was stalemate for much of the first half
but eventually the excellent Niall McFarland broke through the Liatriom
defence to fire in the opening goal. The same player a few minutes later
sent over a 65 to leave Bredagh ahead by 4 at the break. The third quarter
was laden with tension as Liatriom fought hard to get back into the game.
They pulled a point back but this was cancelled out by an Andy Harney
special. Liatriom then managed to force the ball over the line in a
goalmouth scramble and suddenly Bredagh's lead was cut to a single point.
But the Bredagh boys dug deep in the final quarter and Liatriom were not
able to match their skill and tenacity. Jake Carlin, Liam Francis and in
particular Colum McGuigan were outstanding in defence. Andy Harney, who
thoroughly deserved his medal for Bredagh's player of the tounament, and
Joseph Hanrahan were completely on top at midfield while Cormac O'Rawe
Niall McFarland and Dylan Kerrigan wre too hot to handle for the Liatriom
defence. Dylan Kerrigan, Andy Harney and Joseph Hanrahan all banged in
goals and Cormac O'Rawe hit a point as Liatriom fianally wilted under the
Bredagh pressure. Final score Bredagh 4-3 Liatriom 1-1. This was very much
a squad effort and the others who all put in impressive performances in
this game and throughout the day were goalkeeper/striker Lorcan Fahy, Dara
Curran, Conall Hughes, Conor Sullivan, Daniel Leggett, Joseph Blaney and
Michael Napier.
Game1
Bredagh 7-7 Ballyvarley 0-0
Bredagh Scorers ;
Niall McFarland 1-5
Conor Sullivan 2-0
Cormac O'Rawe 1-1
Andy Harney 1-1
Joseph Blaney 1-0
Lorcan fahy 1-0
Game 2
Bredagh 8-5 Warrenpoint 0-0
Bredagh Scorers;
Andy Harney 2-0
Colum McGuigan 2-0
Dylan Kerrigan 2-0
Lorcan Fahy 1-1
Liam Francis 1-1
Cormac O'Rawe 0-2
Niall Mcfarland 0-1
Game 3
Bredagh 3-2 Mourne 0-1
Bredagh scorers;
Conall Hughes 1-0
Andy Harney 1-1
Daniel Leggett 1-0
Niall McFarland 0-1
Game4
Bredagh 4-3 Liatriom 1-1
Bredagh Scorers;
Niall McFarland 1-1
Andy Harney 1-1
Dylan Kerrigan 1-0
Joseph Hanrahan 1-0
Cormac O'Rawe 0-1
Carryduff U10 Hurling Blitz
Bredagh U10 Hurlers participated in the Carryduff U10 hurling blitz on Saturday. Apart from a heavy shower at the half way stage the conditions were farely good and the Bredagh boys,despite not being at full strength, competed very well. They played games against Ballycran, Kilclief and Carryduff and won 2 out of 3, losing once to a very strong Ballycran outfit.
Ballycran 2-3 Bredagh 1-1
Fielding without half a dozen first team players this was always going to be a tough call against a full strength Ballycran team. Having said that the team really put it up to the Ards boys and gave a battling performance from start to finish. Ballycran were first to strike with a well taken goal. Odhran Davis was very unlucky moments later when his fierce drive was parried by the keeper and although the ball appeared to cross the line the Ballycran umpire saw it different; no goal. Bredagh were rocked by this decision and soon fell further behind and at the early stage of the second half were 2-2 to 0-0 behind. They then staged a mini fightback, Andy Harney broke through on the right and depatched a fine goal and Niall McFarland sent a 65 between the posts. Ballycran finished strongly with a further point and deserved their win.
Kilclief 3-1 Bredagh 4-1
This was a high scoring game full of drama and excitement. Kilclief took an early lead against the run of play and this gave them the belief to really take the game to Bredagh. Andy Harney cracked in an equalising goal and by half time Bredagh had edged ahead and led 2-1 to 1-1, thanks to scores from Conall Hughes 1-0 and Ronan Costello 0-1. Kilclief hit another goal on the resumption and the sides were level but Bredagh pulled away with a goal each from Conall Hughes and Ronan Costello. Kilcief to there credit would not lie down and scored another goal and Bredagh were relieved to hear the final whistle and take the 3 point victory.
Carryduff 0-0 Bredagh 2-4
Bredagh kept their best performance to the last game against neighbours Carryduff. Ronan Costello gave an exhibition of scoretaking in this game hammering in a great first half goal and clipping over 3 fine points. Niall McFarland scored the other goal and Joseph Hanrahan finished the scoring with a point
Team
Joseph McKee deputising in goals for the absent Lorcan Fahy, played very well. The defence was led by Colum Mcguigan and Dylan Kerrigan who had great support from Dara Curran and P J Lavery. Andy Harney and Joseph Hanrahan were the real engineroom of the team, both showing great skill and tenacity throughout. Ronan Costello and Niall McFarland looked particularly sharp in the half forward line and at full forward Conall Hughes and Odhran Davis were always in the thick of the action. Matthew Lyttle, Sean McFarland, Owen Guthrie and Jack Donnelly were introduced at various times to very good effect.
Another good day out for the young hurlers of Bredagh. There are still 3 more competitions to go, at Warrenpoint, Ballycran and Carryduff and with the holiday season drawing to an end we should be returning to full strenght.
Kilclief Blitz
Bredagh U10 Hurlers competed at the Kilclief hurling Blitz on Saturday and although forced to field without a number of their first string due to holidays they put in some fine performances to come away with a credible 2 wins and 2 narrow defeats. The standard of the opposition was of a high calibre and the boys learned much from this enjoyable days hurling in the sunshine on the shores of Strangford Lough. Bredagh played games against the host team as well as Liatriom and Ards teams Ballycran and Ballygalget.
Game1
Bredagh 6-0 Ballygalget 0-2
Bredagh started in determined mood, brushing aside a skilfull Ballygalget team. Conall Hughes and Colum McGuigan scored first half goals to leave the Bredagh boys ahead 2-0 to 0-1 at the break. Sean Hughes was introduced at half time and Darra Curran was moved from defence to attack and the changes had the desired effect with both scoring a brace of goals each. Dylan Kerrigan, Joe Hanrahan and Liam Francis gave little away at the back conceding only one further point to leave Bredagh well ahead at the end.
Game 2
Liatriom 2-1 Bredagh 1-1
This was a tough match against a big and physically strong Liatriom team. Liatriom held a slender one point lead at the break 0-1 to 0-0. In a dramatic second half Joseph Hanrahan scored a fine equalising point but then Bredagh fell behind to a well taken goal from Liatriom's big centre forward. However Bredagh pulled level again when Jude McStay hit the back of the Liatriom net. But Liatriom hit a late winning goal. Bredagh in this game had 75% of posession but it was Liatriom who were more effective in front of goals.
Game 3
Kilclief 0-1 Bredagh 4-2
Bredagh put the Liatriom defeat behind them and put in a great performance against the home team. Colum McGuigan having moved to attack cracked in 2 first half goals to go along with points from Andy Harney and Joseph Hanrahan leaving Bredagh well ahead 2-2 to 0-1 at the break. Bredagh eased off in the second half but still managed 2 more goals scored by Sean Hughes and goalkeeper, Lorcan Fahy.
Game 4
Bredagh 1-0 Ballycran 2-0
Games with Ballycran this season have always been tight and exciting affairs and this was no exception. Ballycran led by a goal to nil at the break but soon after the restart a shot from way out on the left by Niall McFarland dropped into the Ballycran net for the equaliser. Both teams battled hard for the winning score and it was Ballycran who eventually got it when they hit an excellent goal and took the win; sweet revenge for Bredagh's win over them when they last met.
Summary
Another day when Bredagh,s young hurlers showed that they are very much a force at this level. Although forced to field without such stalwarts as Ronan Costello, Cormac O,Rawe and Jake Carlin to name but a few the squad who travelled did the Club proud.
Team
Lorcan Fahy, Darra Curran, Dylan Kerrigan, Rian Woods, Liam Francis, Joseph Hanrahan, Colum McGuigan, Andy Harney, Niall McFarland, Conor Sullivan, Conall Hughes, Jude McStay and Sean Hughes
Bredagh Blitz
August 1, 2008
Bredagh hosted Kilclief, Carryduff and Ballygalget in an U10 hurling Blitz at Cherryvale on Saturday. A number of other Clubs who had been invited were unable to attend for one reason or another. Bredagh despite players missing due to the holidays were still able to enter 3 teams making 6 teams in total and ensuring 5 matches each. It was an enjoyable afternoon and the rain held off for the most part. Bredagh 1 won all their matches to take the honours while Bredagh 2 and Bredagh 3 also acquitted themselves very well.
Bredagh 1 Games
Game1
Bredagh 1 0-2 Kilclief 0-0
Bredagh scorers, Niall McFarland 0-1 Cormac O'Rawe 0-1
Game2
Bredagh 3-0 Ballygalget 0-0
Bredagh scorers, Conall Hughes 1-0, Ronan Costello 1-0, Niall McFarland 1-0
Game3
Bredagh 1 3-1 Bredagh3 1-0
Bredagh 1 Scorers, Andy Harney 1-1, Conall Hughes 1-0, Cormac O'Rawe 1-0
Bredagh2 Scorer, Anna Doyle 1-0
Game 4
Bredagh 1 3-3 Bredagh2 2-0
Bredagh 1 Scorers, Andy Harney 1-2, Jake Carlin 1-0, Colum McGuigan 1-0, Niall McFarland 0-1
Bredagh 2 scorers, Ronan Costello 1-0, Joseph Blaney 1-0
Game 5
Bredagh 1 6-2 Carryduff 0-0
Bredagh scorers, Ronan Costello 4-2, Andy Harney 1-0, Jake Carlin 1-0
Bredagh 1 Team
Jake Carlin and Colum McGuigan were were superb in defence and had great support in this sector from Liam Francis and Dylan Kerrigan. At midfield Joseph Hanrahan was unstoppable showing excellent pace and skill. The other midfielder Andy Harney gave his usual dominant performance and registered some lovely scores. At half forward Ronan Costello and Niall McFarland picked off some some delightful scores from various distances and angles. Cormac O'Rawe has made the smooth transition from defender to striker and he and Connall Hughes did plenty of damage in the full forward line.
Bredagh 2 Games
Game1
Bredagh2 0-0 Carryduff 0-0
Game2
Bredagh2 2-2 Bredagh3 0-0
Game3
Bredagh2 1-0 Kilclief 0-3
Game 4
Bredagh2 2-0 Bredagh1 3-3
Game 5
Bredagh2 1-1 Ballygalget 4-3
Bredagh 2 Team
The Bredagh 2 team all played well both individually and as a team. They were, Cillian O'Hare, Conor O'Keefe, Rian Woods, Joseph McKee, Jude McStay, Niall Boyle, Odhran Davis, Joseph Blaney, Jonathan Field and Leo Waterfield.
The third team was composed of some of the less experienced boys and understandably, struggled but put up a good show nonetheless. They only had four games in the end instead of the planned five due to Kilclief having to leave before the day was over.
Game 1
Bredagh 3 0-1 Ballygalget 4-3
This was a very difficult initial assignment and Bredagh were chasing the game from the off, their case not being at all helped by a nasty hand injury to Matthew Rainbird. They didn’t manage a score in the first half and Ballygalget had an unassailable lead at the interval. The second half was lit up, however, by an absolutely wonderful point by the very impressive Dara Curran, who stormed forward and confidently slotted the sliotar over. This score was the equal of any other registered during the day.
Game 2
Bredagh 3 0-0 Bredagh 2 1-2
This game also proved difficult and the third team found it hard top come to terms with their team mates, with Joseph Blaney playing a prominent role for his team.
Game 3
Bredagh 3 1-0 Bredagh 1 3-1
For this game, it was deemed appropriate to mix teams, and some of the boys from team 1 guested for the thirds. It was also nice to have some of the U-10 camogs playing in this game. It was in fact one of those (birthday girl Anna Doyle) who opened the scoring for the thirds, but the senior team came back strongly and rann out comfortable winners in the end.
Game 4
Bredagh 3 3-0 Carryduff 8-0
Carryduff were very keen to get a win on the board in this game and pulled out all the stops to achieve a victory. Although Eoghan Guthrie notched up two goals in the first half, Carryduff led by four goals to two at halftime. The second half was a similar story, with Carryduff again notching four goals, against a solitary reply from Tim Cunningham.
Overall, the team did their best but inexperience in the end told against them. Dara Curran deserves particular mention for his contribution.
Team: Sean McFarlane, PJ Lavery, Lucas Mallon, Philip McNamee, Liam O’Keefe, Eoghan Guthrie, Tim Cunningham, Dara Curran, Matthew Rainbird, Jack Donnelly
Ballycran Blitz
Bredagh U10 hurlers took part in the blitz hosted by Ballycran on Sunday 5th July.
The opening game saw Bredagh take on Portaferry. The Bredagh performance was a little disappointing and despite the best efforts of Rian Woods, Daniel Leggett and Dara Curran in defence, Portaferry ran out winners by 3 goals and 2 points to 2 points. The Bredagh scores were Colm McGuigan and Niall McFarland.
The second match saw Bredagh take on Ballygalget. The Bredagh team were much more focussed and produced a much better performance running out winners by a score of 1 goal and 2 points to 2 points. Odhran Davies scored Bredagh’s goal with a well taken effort while Niall McFarland grabbed both points.
The game against Ballycran proved to be the game of the tournament. The host club took an early lead before Niall McFarland equalised for Bredagh with a point before half-time. In the second half, Bredagh gradually got on top in a tough, physical encounter. Conor Sullivan’s strong forward play was rewarded with a goal and just before the final whistle, impressive midfielders Andy Harney and Colm McGuigan combined to produce an excellent goal to cap a fine performance. The final score, Brdagh 2 goals and a point, Ballycran I point.
In the final game, Bredagh were comfortable winners against Carryduff on a scoreline of 3 goals and 2 points to no score. Bredagh goals were scored by Jack Donnelly, Conor Sullivan and Sean McFarland while Andy Harney and Lorcan Fahey added the points.
Many thanks to parents for their support during the day.
U10 : Carryduff 0-0 6-4 Bredagh
Star midfieler Ronan Costello in action.
Cormac O'Rawe scorer of 2 great points.
Total consentration from Jude McStay.
Bredagh U 10 hurlers made the short trip up the Saintfield Road to take on Carryduff on Sunday morning and were given a stern test although as the scoreline suggests the outcome was never in doubt. The game was played over 3 x 15 minute periods. Carryduff started brightly but once the Bredagh midfield of Andy Harney, Joseph Hanrahan and Ronan Costello got into there stride the forwards enjoyed good possession and began picking off scores. Colum McGuigan got the first when he rifled the ball to the back of the Carryduff net and the same player followed up with a fine point from play. Ronan Costello sent over one of his trademark long range points and then Cormac O'Rawe who has just moved to the forwards drilled over 2 wonder points to leave Bredagh ahead by 1-4 to nil at the end of the first period.
In the second period the Bredagh management decided to experiment a little and put all the forwards into defence and the defenders up front.
The game keepers turned poachers did not disappoint banging in 4 goals and generally keeping the Carryduff rearguard busy. The goals were scored by Lorcan Fahy, Liam Francis, Cillian Durkan and Lucas Mallon, leaving the score at the two thirds stage 0-0 to 5-4.
Carryduff to their credit did not throw in the towel and battled right to the end, restricting Bredagh to a single score in the final period.
This was a great goal scored by the ever improving Jude McStay. Matthew Rainbird was unlucky to see his fine shot from distance cannon off the crossbar and cleared by the Duff defenders.
This was a good warm up ahead of next Sundays Blitz in Ballycran the last competition before the summer break. After that the next U10/U8 hurling Blitz will be hosted by Bredagh at Cherryvale on August 1st.
Team
Lorcan Fahy 1-0, Lucas Mallon 1-0, Cillian O'Hare, Dara Curran, Liam Francis 1-0, Cillian Durkan 1-0, Joseph Hanrahan, Ronan Costello 0-1, Andy Harney, Colum McGuigan 1-1, Jude McStay 1-0, Cormac O'Rawe 0-2, Conall Hughes, Matthew Rainbird, Michael Napier, Sean McFarlane
U10s who beat St Bridget's (Belfast)
Photographs from St Paul's Blitz
St Brigids 2-1 3-2 Bredagh
Bredagh U10 hurlers had a hard fought victory against their near neighbours St Brigids at the YMCA grounds Stranmillis on Tuesday evening. This was a 15 a side game played over three 15 minute periods. St Brigids made up their numbers by playing a few over age players but the young Bredagh boys did not shirk the physical contest and took the game to the Malone boys from the start.
By the end of the first third Bredagh had a slim lead 1:0 to 0:0 the goal a coming from the outstanding Niall McFarland.
St Brigids fought back in the second third scoring 2 goals. Conor Sullivan playing his first game in the forwards chipped over a fine point for Bredagh and at the 2 thirds stage Bredagh trailed 2:0 to 1:1
Bredagh knew they had a battle on their hands to turn the match around in the last period. But the boys were not found wanting and played some great hurling. Bredagh's star midfielder Andy Harney burst through the St Brigids defence to blast in a goal. Then sharpshooter Ronan Costello struck another great goal to put Bredagh 4 ahead. When St Brigids were awarded a penalty they saw a chance to get back into the game but the well struck free went an inch over the crossbar. With a goal between the teams entering the final minutes the entire defence fought tooth and nail to keep the home forwards at bay. At the other end Colum Mcguigan slipped his marker but his goal bound shot was turned past the post by a defender. Ronan Costello coolly slotted the resulting 65 over the bar to give Bredagh a 4 point lead which they held to the end. The most pleasing aspect of the win was the way this young Bredagh team stood up to the physical challenge.
Team: Lorcan Fahy, Joseph Blaney, Rian Woods, Cormac O'Rawe, Dara Curran, Liam Francis, Dylan Kerrigan, Andy Harney 1:0, Colum McGuigan, Joseph Hanrahan, Ronan Costello 1:1, Niall McFarland 1:0, Odhran Davis, Conor Sullivan 0:1and Conall Hughes
St Pauls blitz
Bredagh U10 hurlers had 2 teams competing in the St Pauls Blitz on Saturday afternoon. Both teams acquitted themselves very well and indeed Team1 came very close to a clean sweep of wins, losing only once and by the narrowest of margins to Ballygalget. The tournamemt was played in glorious sunshine and was a colourful spectacle with 6 clubs represented at U8 and U10 levels
Team1
game 1
Bredagh 3.1 Portaferry 0.1
Bredagh scores
Odhran Davis 1.0
Ronan Costello 1.0
Niall McFarland 1.0
Andy Harney 0.1
Bredagh hit the ground running with this fantasic win over a strong Portaferry side.
Game 2
Bredagh 0.3 Carryduff 0.0
Bredagh scorers
Ronan Costell 0.1
Colum Mcguigan 0:1
Andy Harney 0.1
Bredagh struggled early on against a determined Carryduff side but came through in the end with a strong second half performance.
Game 3
Bredagh 2.3 St Pauls 0.0
Bredagh scorers
Andy Harney 1.1
Lorcan Fahy 1.0
Niall McFarland 0.1
Ronan Costello 0.1
The Bredagh boys were always in control against the home side and ran out comfortable winners.
Game 4
Bredagh 0.2 Ballygalget 1.0
Bredagh scorers
Andy Harney 0.1
Ronan Costello 0.1
Another close encounter against a fine Ballygalget team and in the end Bedagh lost out by 1 point despite outscoring the Ards boys.
Game 5
Bredagh 1.4 Ballycran 2.0
Bredagh scorers
Cormac O'Rawe 1.0
Ronan Costello 0.2
Colum McGuigan 0.1
Niall McFarland 0.1
Bredagh left their best hurling to the last game hitting some tremendous long range points. Ballycran scored a goal with the last shot of the game to make it look closer than it really was
Team
Lorcan Fahy had another good day in goals. liam Francis and Cormac O'rawe led the defence with great assisance from Rian Woods and Conor Sullivan. Andy Harney was probably the star player of the tournament and his midfield partner Colum McGuigan was also in fine form. Niall McFarland and Ronan Costello were superb taking some sensational scores and Conall Hughes and Odhran Davis also battled hard in the forward department. Daniel Leggett, Joseph Blaney, Jude Mcstay and P J Lavery also put in strong performances when introduced.
Team 2
This young Bredagh side competed well against very strong opposition. They had a well deserved draw against the home team, St Pauls and were only narrowly beaten by Carryduff. They showed excellent character against the 3 Ards teams and although they did not win they continue to improve with every game.
Team
Lucas Mallon, Michael Hooley, Michael Napier, Adhon O'Keefe, Conor O'Keefe, Liam O'Keefe, Michael O'Rawe, Tim Cunningham, Matthew McAreavey Owen Guthrie, Joseph Mckee, Sean McFarlane, Philip McNamee, Jonathan Field and Cillian O'Hare
Photograph from match with St Paul's
St Pauls (Belfast) 1-2 Bredagh 8-6
Bredagh's young hurlers had a comprehensive victory over St Pauls at a wet and blustery Shaws Road on Saturday afternoon. St Pauls had won the corresponing fixture at Cherryvale last season but on the this occasion the result was never really in doubt. The game however was not as easy as the scoreline might suggest and St Pauls certainly made the Bredagh boys fight for every score. Playing with the wind at their backs in the first half Bredagh piled on the pressure from the outset and after Ronan Costello fired over the opening point the scores began to flow. The basis for this victory was the midfield performances of Andy Harney and Colum McGuigan both of whom were outstanding in their bruising encounter against a phisically strong St Pauls pairing. Bredagh had two further stars in the half forward line, Ronan Costello and Niall McFarland, both taking some lovely scores in difficult conditions.
By Half time Bredagh were ahead 5-4 to 0-1, the Bredagh scores coming from Niall McFarland 2-1, Colum McGuigan 1-1, Ronan Costello 0-2 and Andy Harney and Conor O'Keefe a goal each.
St Pauls with wind assistance in the second half fought hard to get back into the game but found the Bredagh defence, particularly Jake Carlin, Dylan Kerrigan and Darragh Curran, very difficult to break down. They did manage a goal and a point in the second period but at the other end Bredagh took some excellent scores, with 1-2 coming from the stick of Ronan Costello and goals apiece from Daniel Leggett and Colum Mcguigan. This game was very good preparation for the County Blitz to be held at St Pauls (Holywood) next Saturday.
Team
Lorcan Fahy, Jake Carlin, Joseph McKee, Joseph Blaney, Darragh Curran, Dylan Kerrigan, Cillian Durkan, Andy Harney 1-0, Colum McGuigan 2-1, Daniel Leggett 1-0, Ronan Costello 1-4, Niall McFarland 2-1, Joseph Hanrahan, Odhran Davis and Conor O'Keefe 1-0
Portaferry Blitz
Bredagh U10 hurlers competed at the County Blitz held at Portaferry on Saturday. Despite a missing list stretching to 20 (due to Holy Communion at St Bernards) we were able to field 2 teams and both aquitted themselves well showing the strenght in depth of the squad.
Team 1
Game 1
Ballygalget 2-0 Bredagh 1-1
Team 1 had a tough opening game against a strong Ballygalget side. The last time the 2 met the result was a draw and there was little between them on this occasion. Bredagh got off to the perfect start when Conall Hughes hammered in an early goal but Ballygalget equalised just before the break. In the second half Ronan Costello pointed a free and it looked like Bredagh would hold out for a well deserved win but nearing the final whistle a bit of indecision in the Bredagh defence allowed Ballygalget in for the winning goal.
Game 2
Portaferry 1-1 Bredagh 0-0
Missing a number of key players Bredagh found the going difficult against a phisically strong home side. They did however battle well and were unlucky on a few occasions not to score. In the end Poraferry did get the scores on the board and deserved their win.
Game 3
Carryduff 0-0 Bredagh 4-3
Bredagh lifted there game when they lined out against their neighbours Carryduff and in the end had a fairly straight forward win. However the young Carryduff team made life difficult in the first half. Andy Harney struck a fine point in the opening minutes and then just before the interval Cormac O'Rawe's ground shot ended in the Carryduff net. Bredagh lifted their game in the second half and the scores started to flow. Colum McGuigan helped himself to a goal and 2 points and there were further goals from Andy Harney and Ronan Costello to leave Bredagh well ahead at the end.
Game 4
Kilclief 0-0 Bredagh 5-5
Bredagh in this game carried on where they had left off in the Carryduff game and this match was over as a contest at half time with 2 goals from Conall Hughes, a goal and a point from Colum McGuigan and a point from Andy Harney. The second half was more of the same. Conall Hughes completed his hattrick, Michael Hooley got a goal and there were some lovely points from Ronan Costello(2) and Colum McGuigan.
Game 5
Ballycran 1-1 Bredagh 0-4
Bredagh left their best hurling to the end and this game was a real classic. Bredagh went ahead with a pointed free from Ronan Costello but Ballycran struck back with a goal. Bredagh however continued to dominate and further points from Ronan Costello and Colum McGuigan left the sides level at half time. Bredagh regained the lead early in the second half when Costello got his third point and it looked like they might hold out for the win. But in the dying seconds Ballycran were awarded a 65 and young Savage held his nerve and sent the ball over the bar to leave it level at the finish.
The Squad
Michael Hooley had a good afternoon in goals. The defence, Conor Sullivan, Cormac O'Rawe, Dylan Kerrigan and Liam Francis were solid throughout and were rarely breached. Andy Harney and Colum McGuigan starred in their midfield roles. Up front Ronan Costello gave an exhibition of point scoring, Conall Hughes banged in the goals and Joseph Hanrahan and Darragh Curran were superb.
Team 2
Team 2 was also depleted due to absentees but they performed magnificently and came away with a very credible 2 wins and 2 defeats from their 4 matches. Sean Hughes and Jacob McDonald were recruited from the U8s to make up the 12 strong squad and both played important roles.
Game 1
Carryduff 0-0 Bredagh 1-0
Bredagh2 also had a Derby game against Carryduff and the 2 teams were well matched in terms of ability. It was Bredagh who took the lead with a well struck first half goal by Sean Hughes. Carryduff tried hard to get back on level terms but the Bredagh defence led by Joseph McKee and Jonathan Field held firm and Bredagh took the victory.
Game 2
Liatriom 5-4 Bredagh 0-0
Bredagh were a little out of their depth in this one against what was a phisically strong and very skilful Liatriom team. The smaller Bredagh boys battled hard and did their best to stem the tide but in the end they were glad to hear the final whistle.
Game 3
Ballgalget 3-1 Bredagh 0-0
Bredagh competed heroically in this game and indeed were unlucky not to be closer at the end. Ballygalget scored 3 first half goals but after this Bredagh really took the game to the Ards boys. With Daniel Leggett and Cillian Durkan exerting their influence at midfield the forwards started to get more ball but unfortunately the scores just did not come. Bredagh played superbly in the second half restricting Ballygalget to just 1 further point. Jude McStay in the Bredagh goals made a number of outstanding saves.
Game 4
St Pauls 0-0 Bredagh 1-1
Bredagh recorded their second victory of the day against the young hurlers of Holywood in a close fought game. Bredagh took the lead in the first half when Sean Hughes sent a long range free all the way to the St Pauls net and they led by a goal at half time. St Pauls tried everything to get back into this game but midway through the second half they gave away another free and this time Sean Hughes sent the ball high over the bar for a point. St Pauls never recovered and Bredagh took the honours.
The Squad
Jude McStay was superb in the Bredagh goals. Joseph McKee, Jonathan Field, Cillian O'Hare and Jacob McDonald gave their all in defence. Daniel Leggett and Cillian Durkan played some great hurling at midfield and in the forward department Philip McNamee, Sean Hughes, Jack McGurk, Matthew Rainbird and Matthew Lyttle showed great skill and determination.
A special thanks to the Portaferry Club for their hospitality in hosting their second Blitz of the Season.
Photos from Portaferry
Portaferry Blitz
Bredagh U10 Hurlers had a good day out in Portaferry when they competed in the home teams annual Blitz. The fine spring weather added to the occassion as the 3 Ards teams, Portaferry, Ballycran and Ballygalget as well as St Galls of Belfast and 2 Bredagh teams made the line up in what was a highly competitive tournament with some great skill on display over the afternoon.
30 young Bredagh hurlers made the trip and were split into 2 squads, Bredagh1 and Bredagh2. The games were 11 a side and everyone got plenty of hurling as each team completed in 4 matches.
Bredagh1 played their first match against St Galls and well on top from the outset. Colum McGuigan cracked in the first goal followed by a delightful point from Niall McFarland to leave Bredagh ahead 1-1 to no score at the break. Niall McFarland scored another point on the resumption and Bredagh then really opened up and finished strongly with well taken goals from Conall Hughes, Lorcan Fahy and Cormac O'Rawe and a point from Colum McGuigan, to leave them well ahead at the finish on a scoreline of Bredagh 4-3 to 0-0
The second match was very tight as Bredagh and Ballygalget both very committed and skilfull teams went head to head. Both defences were in excellent form, to such an extent that the game ended in a scoreless draw. Bredagh 0-0 Ballygalget 0-0
Match3 was another close fought affair against Ballycran who Bredagh had beaten by a single point in Cherryvale recently. Again this was a game that swung one way and then the other before the Crans finally came out on top by a goal. Andy Harney gave Bredagh a slender half time lead with a superb point from play. The second half was laced with excitement and controversy. Ballycran equalised with a pointed free but Bredagh again nosed ahead with another great point from Harney. Then during a scramble in the Bredagh goalmouth the ref blew for what everyone thought was a hop ball but instead he awarded Ballycran a goal even though the ball had clearly not crossed the line. This put Ballycran into the lead and they tagged on a point to leave the final score Bredagh 0-2 Ballycran 1-2
Match 4. The final match was against the home team and again there was tension and drama as the home support got behind their team as did Bredagh's travelling fans. Scores were again hard to come by due to the intensity of the exchanges and the first half was scoreless. In the second period Andy Harney lofted over a point and indeed Bredagh were unlucky not to go further ahead as the Portaferry keeper was kept busy. However near the end Portaferry broke through the Bredagh defence to find the net and take the honours on a final scoreline of Bredagh 0-1 Portaferry 1-0
There were many positives to take from this series of games. Bredagh were fielding without top players such as Ronan Costello, Liam Francis and Jake Carlin and yet they more than held there own against the 3 Ards teams. There were great individual performances particularly from the midfield duo of Andy Harney and Colum McGuigan. Lorcan Fahy and Michael Hooley did very well sharing the goalkeeping duties while the defence of Conor Sullivan, Rian Woods, Darragh Curran, Cormac O'Rawe, Dylan Kerrigan and Joeseph McKee were solid throughout. Joseph Hanrahan showed great skill and energy in the half forward line where Niall Mcfarland also displayed his consderable talent. Conall Hughes and Odhran Davis in the full forward line kept the opposing defences busy.
Team2 This was a very young and in some cases inexperienced team that lined out and battled to the end in every game against what was top class opposition. They too had 4 matches against the 3 Ards teams and St Galls. Despite not recording victories they showed great heart, determination and skill and with a bit more luck could have got a result against St Galls going down 2-0 to 1-0 in the end, the goal coming from young Owen Guthrie who has just recently taken up the game. Joseph Blaney was the star man of this team showing a wide range of skills and dictating matters at midfield. Jonathan Field had a great tournament in goals and was well protected by Michael O'Rawe and Tim Cunningham in defence. Cillian Durkan, the O'Keefe cousins Conor and Aodhan and PJ Lavery also stood out in what was a magnificent team effort. Jonathan Rea, Niall Boyle, Philip McNamee, Matthew Lyttle, Lucas Mallon, Leo Friel, Owen Guthrie and Cillian O'Hare gave their all and were in no way overawed by such illustrious opposition. They will all have learned a lot from their experience of their day out in Portaferry.
Special Thanks must go to the Portaferry Club for their hospitality and the smooth running of the competition. Thanks also to all the parents who made the trip down the Ards Peninsula to support the boys.
Ulster Council 125 Blitz
The 15 U10 Hurlers who competed in Magerafelt on Sunday 19th April
Back Row L to R - Colm McGuigan, Conor Sullivan, Dylan Kerrigan, Ronan Costello, Rian Woods, Cormac O'Rawe, Niall McFarland and Joseph Blaney
Front Row L to R - Odhran Davis, Sean Hughes, Joseph Hanrahan, Conall Hughes, Lorcan Fahy, Conor O'Keefe and Andy Harney
Ulster Council 125 Blitz
Bredagh took part in a spectacular festival of hurling organised by the Ulster Council to mark 125 years of the GAA. 108 teams converged on the fabulous new Meadowbank Indoor Sports arena in Magherafelt on Sunday, 54 for the morning session and a further 54 in the afternoon. Bredagh competed in the afternoon session and considering the large numbers involved the event ran very smoothly. This was a 5 a side competition and Bredagh had registered 2 teams of seven. However when Ballygalget failed to show we were given the chance to enter a 3rd team and so U8 Sean Hughes who had come along to spectate was drafted in and we entered 3 teams of 5. There were groups of 6 teams competing simultaneously on 9 pitches inside the huge complex which meant each team got 5 matches.
Team 1 from Magerafelt
Left to Right; Colm Mcguigan, Andy Harney, Ronan Costello, Lorcan Fahy and Dylan Kerrigan
Bredagh team 1
Bredagh Team 1 made up of Lorcan Fahy, Ronan Costello, Colm McGuigan, Andy Harney and Dylan Kerrigan were in fine form playing some fantstic hurling on their way to 4 victories and just one defeat, topping their section.
Match 1
Bredagh 4 St Brides (Belfast) 0
Bredagh scorers; Ronan Costello 3, Colm McGuigan 1
Match 2
Bredagh 4 Carndonagh (Donegal) 1
Bredagh scorers; Lorcan Fahy 2, Andy Harney 1, Ronan Costello 1
Match 3
Bredagh 2 Dunloy (Antrim) 3
Bredagh scorers; Colm McGuigan 2
Match 4
Bredagh 3 St Colmcille (Tyrone) 0
Bredagh Scorers; Andy Harney 1, Lorcan Fahy 1, Ronan Costello 1
Match 5
Bredagh 1 Dungiven (Derry) 0
Bredagh Scorer; Colm McGuigan
Team 2
Team 2 had similar success winning 4 and losing just once, to top their section. The team all of whom put in superb performances were, Conor Sullivan, Conall Hughes, Niall McFarland, Joseph Hanrahan and Rian Woods
Match 1
Bredagh 2 Four Masters (Donegal) 1
Bredagh Scorers; Niall McFarland 1, Conall Hughes 1
Match 2
Bredagh 4 Derrylin (Fermanagh) 0
Bredagh Scorer Conall Hughes 4
Match 3
Bredagh 2 St Eunans (Donegal) 0
Bredagh Scorer; Conall Hughes 2
Match 4
Bredagh 3 St Galls 1
Bredagh Scorers; Rian Woods 2, Conall Hughes 1
Match 5
Bredagh 0 Glenavy (Antrim) 2
Team 3
Despite being the youngest of the 3 Bredagh teams, Team 3 performed heroically against tough opposition. Two teams in their section failed to show leaving 4 teams in total and they played each other twice. Bredagh lost the first 3 games by the narrowest of margins but finished strongly with 2 draws and a victory. The young stars were Conor O'Keefe, Joseph Blaney, Odhran Davis, Cormac O'Rawe and Sean Hughes
Match1
Bredagh 1 Lavey (Derry) 2
Bredagh Scorer; Cormac O'Rawe
Match 2
Bredagh 1 St Brigids (Belfast) 2
Bredagh Scorer; Sean Hughes
Match 3
Bredagh 1 Dunloy (Antrim) 3
Bredagh Scorer; Cormac O'Rawe
Match 4
Bredagh 1 Lavey 1
Bredagh Scorers; Joseph Blaney
Match 5
Bredagh 2 Dunloy 2
Bredagh Scorers; Sean Hughes 1 Conor O'keefe 1
Match 6
Bredagh 2 St Brides 1
Bredagh Scorers; Odhran Davis 1 Conor O'Keefe 1
Photographs from the Ballycran and St Paul's matches.
The Bredagh A squad and mentors who defeated Ballycran in Cherryvale.
Star mid fielder Andy Harney in action against Ballycran.
The Bredagh B squad that beat St Paul's in Hollywood.
Action from Bredagh B v St Paul's.
U10 Hurling: St Paul’s 1-0 2-0 Bredagh
Saturday 4 April 2009 gave a very good indication of the health of underage hurling in Bredagh, with two under 10 teams in action in different locations. While one group was seeing off Carryduff, the other travelled east to Hollywood.
It was agreed that play would be confined to ground hurling, so points were obviously not going to come easily. Bredagh were on top at the beginning and scored the only goal of the first half through Lucas Mallon, although the home team came very close near the whistle, the ball actually touching the line rather than crossing it.
The second half was more even, although Bredagh went two ahead with a very good goal from Matthew Rainbird who rifled the ball home confidently. St Paul’s hit back with a fine goal. The visitors could have thrown away the win but for some last-gasp defending and one particularly good save from goalkeeper Jonathan Field.
Some very promising hurlers were on show on both teams. For Bredagh, Joseph McKee shone in defence, along with Jude McStay, while PJ Lavery also had a fine game. Cillian Durkan confidently patrolled the middle of the park, but it was his midfield partner, Niall Boyle who stole the show with his energy and commitment, showing time and again to halt a Hollywood attack or launch a Bredagh one.
Squad: Jonathan Field, Cillian O’Hare, Michael Hooley, Michael O’Rawe, Leo Waterfield, Joseph McKee, Jude McStay, Cillian Durkan, Niall Boyle, Matthew Lyttle, Eoghan Guthrie, PJ Lavery, Sean MacFarland, Lucas Mallon, Matthew Rainbird, Tom McVeigh, Jonathan Wray
U10 Hurling: Carryduff 0-0 Bredagh 12-0
Bredagh U10 hurlers had a convincing away win over near neighbours Carryduff on Saturday. After their great win over Ballycran on Thursday they again served up a fine display full of skill and tenacity. Conor O'Keefe opened the scoring after 5 minutes and although Carryduff battled hard they could find no way through a resolute Bredagh defence backboned by Cormac O'Rawe, Jake Carlin, Conor Sullivan and Dylan Kerrigan. Ronan Costello one of many stars on the Bredagh team scored the second goal, the first of his hattrick on the day. Darragh Curran and Andy Harney added further goals to leave the half time score Carryduff 0-0 Bredagh 4-0. There was no let up from the Bredagh boys in the second period and as the Carryduff resistance wilted and spaces began to open up the floodgates opened with goals from Lorcan Fahy, Colm McGuigan(2) Conall Hughes, Odhran Davis(2) and Ronan Costello(2). Another excellent win to start off the season and great preparation for the Blitz competitions which will commence in the coming weeks.
Team: Lorcan Fahy 1-0,Conor Sullivan, Cormac O'Rawe, Philip McNamee, Dylan Kerrigan, Jake Carlin, Colm McGuigan 2-0, Andy Harney 1-0, Joseph Hanrahan, Niall McFarland, Ronan Costello 3-0, Conor O'Keefe 1-0 Conall Hughes1-0, Odhran Davis 2-0, and Darragh Curran 1-0,
Bredagh 1-1 1-0 Ballycran
Bredagh U10 hurlers in their first match of the season had a narrow but well deserved victory over Ballycran at Cherryvale on Thursday night. Ballycran as always proved tough opponents but the Bredagh boys were well up for the challenge. Despite falling behind in the early stages of the game when Ballycran found the net, Bredagh took control of the game and thereafter had the bulk of possession. They were however a bit wasteful in front of goals and failed to raise a flag in the first half leaving the interval score Bredagh 0-0 Ballcran 1-0. Bredagh lifted their game in the second half and when Andy Harney hit a great equalising goal within 5 minutes of the restart, the game really came to life. As both fully committed teams battled for scores Ronan Costello was upended as he shot for goal and the same player stepped up to coolly slot the resulting free over the bar to put Bredagh ahead. 5 minutes later Ballycran were awarded a free from a similar distance and Phelim Savage saw his attempt for an equalising point dip under the crossbar and brilliantly saved by Lorcan Fahy in the Bredagh goals. Bredagh missed a number of chances to go further ahead and were well worth the 1 point victory in the end.
Lorcan Fahy had a fine game in nets while Jake Carlin, Dylan Kerrigan and Liam Francis were superb in defence. Colm McGuigan and Andy Harney at midfield came out on top in a tremendous battle with Ballycrans 2 main dangermen. Up front Ronan Costello, Niall McFarland and Joseph Hanrahan were in top form.
Squad: Lorcan Fahy, Conor Sullivan, Jake Carlin, Cormac O'Rawe, Rian Woods, Liam Francis, Dylan Kerrigan, Colm McGuigan, Andy Harney 1-0, Ronan Costello 0-1, Niall McFarland, Darragh Curran, Conall Hughes, Joseph Hanrahan, Liam O'Keefe, Aidon O'Keefe, Conor O'Keefe, Joseph Blaney, Philip Mcnamee, Matthew Rainbird and Odhran Davis
North Antrim Indoor League Week 2
Bredagh U10 hurlers competed in the North Antrim Indoor Hurling for the second consecutive Saturday. This week they were in Coleraine having been graded in Div2A, a group of 7 teams. Only one team would progress to the final next week to play the top team from Div2B and so a tough assignment lay in wait for the young hurlers of Bredagh. Their first match of the day proved to be the decisive one when they lined out against a very big and strong team from Burt in Donegal. Andy Harney struck first to put the Belfast boys ahead but Burt were soon on level terms and then took the lead. Conor Sullivan equalised for Bredagh and as the final whistle approached Burt hit the winner. Not a good start for the Bredagh boys but as the tournament went on it was clear they had started against the strongest team in the competition and Burt went through the rest of the afternoon unbeaten dropping only 1 point when they drew with Emmetts. Bredagh for their part won 3 games on the day, drew 1 and lost 2 to finish a very credible joint second place with Cushendall. Almost 50 teams from Antrim, Down, Donegall, Derry and Tyrone competed in 7 Divisions and Bredagh did fantastic to finish so high up the pecking order.
The squad
Once again Lorcan Fahy did a great job in goals in the first 4 games and when introduced up front in the last 2 games he scored in both. Jake Carlin and Conor Sullivan were tough tackling and hard hitting in defence while Andy Harney and Conall Hughes put in tremendous work around midfield. Up front Colm McGuigan and Rian Woods were a constant threat to opposition defences.
The Matches
Match 1
Bredagh 2 Burt 3
Bredagh scorers; Andy Harney and Conor Sullivan
Match 2
Bredagh 1 Emmetts (Cushendun) 0
Bredagh scorer; Colm McGuigan
Match 3
Bredagh 3 Eoghan Rua (Coleraine) 1
Bredagh scorers; Conall Hughes 2 Andy Harney 1
Match 4
Bredagh 2 Ruairi Og (Cushendall) 4
Bredagh scorers; Colm McGuigan 1 Andy Harney 1
Match 5
Bredagh 2 St Eunans (Letterkenny) 2
Bredagh Scorers; Andy Harney 1 Lorcan Fahy 1
Match 6
Bredagh 1 Glenshesk 0
Bredagh Scorer; Lorcan Fahy
u9s in Larne
The younger under 10s from Bredagh went to Larne again to play in division 3 of the North Antrim indoor hurling. The boys went with high hopes after playing well the previous Saturday.
The opposition was quite strong, however, and the Bredagh lads seemed a lot smaller than the other teams, reflecting the gulf in age which they were fighting against. They got two creditable draws but went down in the other three. The experience will stand them in good stead, however, and they should be well-equipped to make a strong challenge for honours next year.
U10s at North Antrim Indoor competition
The Bredagh U10 hurlers got the new season off to a great start on Saturday morning when they competed in the North Antrim U10 Indoor competition at Edmund Rice School, Glengormley. They were in a group with Ballygalget, St Endas, Rossa, Pearces and St Galls. The boys were in tremendous form winning 4 games and losing only once to a very strong Rossa team who were unbeaten on the day. The results mean Bredagh will compete in Division 2 in next weeks graded section of the tournament.
The Squad
Lorcan Fahy was excellent in goals, with some brilliant saves and intelligent distribution. Jake Carlin was an absolute rock in defence with Conor Sullivan also showing well in this sector. Andy Harney starred at midfield as did Conall Hughes and Rian Woods. Up front Colm McGuigan was on fire, taking some lovely scores and had great assistance from young Ronan Costello.
The Games
Game 1
Bredagh 4 Ballygalget 1
Bredagh Scorers; Colm McGuigan 2 Lorcan Fahy 1 and Ronan Costello 1
Game 2
Bredagh 4 St Endas 0
Bredagh Scorers; Colm McGuigan 1 Conor Suillivan 1 Jake Carlin1 and Rian Woods 1
Game3
Bredagh 0 Rossa 2
Game 4
Bredagh 3 Pearces 1
Bredagh Scorers; Colm McGuigan 2 Rian Woods 1
Game 5
Bredagh 7 St Galls 0
Bredagh Scorers; Andy Harney 2 Rian Woods 2 Jake Carlin 1 Ronan Costello 1 and Conor Sullivan 1
Under 9s
In the same competition Bredagh entered an U9 team and they also performed heroically at their venue in Larne. First up was a creditable 2-2 draw with Ruairi Og from Cushendall, with goals from Odhran Davis and Niall McFarland. The second game against a very strong Shane O'Neills team was difficult and the Bredagh boys lost 4-1 to the team that went unbeaten throughout the morning, although two of the Glens boys goals came from fairly soft penalties. Bredagh then played a great game against the home team. Despite losing 1-0, Jonathan Field played a marvellous game in goal.
Bredagh's best game was the fourth one against a fancied Emmetts team, running out 5-1 winners. The rout started with an unstoppable penalty from Conor O'Keeffe, which was followed by goals from Aodhan O'Keeffe, Joseph Hanrahan, Joseph Blaney and Niall McFarland. The last game was a scoreless draw against St Enda’s. Conor O'Keeffe got numerous shots on goal, but found the goalkeeper in inspired form.
All in all, the Bredagh boys played very well and are looking forward to the next round of matches this coming Saturday.
Good luck to both teams for next week as they attempt to reach finals day on 14th February.
Carryduff Shield winners
The winning Bredagh squad with coaches Damian, Danny and Gerry.
U10s win Sheild in Carryduff
Bredagh U10 hurlers lifted silverware in their final outing of the season when they won the Sheild competition at the Carryduff Tournament. There were 6 teams in all competing in the U10 section and Bredagh were place in a qualifying group with Ballycran and Ballygalget. The other section comprised Portaferry, Carryduff and Ballyvarley.
Game 1
First up were Ballycran who proved tough opponents but Bredagh performed well in the early stages and took a deserved lead with a sweetly struck Lorcan Fahy goal. Then half way through the first half inspirational captain Conall Doyle sustained a severe hand injury and had to retire. This dispupted the team and allowed Ballycran to get on top around mid field. They equalised and then took the lead and held a slender 1 point lead at the break. Despite good Bredagh pressure in the second half the Ballycran defence stood firm and Bredagh could not find a way through. Ballycran did pick off some lovely points and cracked in a second goal to leave the final score Bredagh 1-0 Ballycran 2-4
Game 2
Bredagh's second game against Ballygalget was a very close contest. Again Bredagh took an early lead when Conall Hughes found the Ballygalget net and then Ronan Costello lofted over a fine point from play. But Ballygalget pulled a goal back just before the break and Bredagh led by a point at half time. In the second half Conall O'Rawe blasted in a goal to put Bredagh 4 ahead but Ballygalget stormed back scoring 1-1 to equalise and in the dying moments they snatched a winning point. Final score Bredagh 2-1 Ballygalget 2-2
Game 3
Having failed to make the Cup semi finals Bredagh had the consolation of contesting the Shield final against the third placed team from the other section, Ballyvarley. Following the disappointment of the narrow defeat to Ballygalget Bredagh were determined not to let things slip in the final. When they took the lead through goals from Brendan Stewart and Lorcan Fahy they fought hard to stay in front. Ronan Costello scored a great point to leave the Bredagh boys well positioned at the break leading 2-1 to 0-0. Ballyvarley made a spirited start to the second half and soon pulled a point back. However this was cancelled out when Conor Sullivan pointed a free. Ballyvarley threw everything they had at Bredagh but the could find no way through a resolute rearguard. Bredagh took the title on a scoreline of Bredagh 2-2 Ballyvarley 0-1
Summary
This was a great squad performance. Emmett Curran was a safe netminder and his puck outs were long and acurate. The defence was led by Jake Carlin, Colm McGuigan and Rian Woods who had great support from Philip McNamee, Conor Sullivan, Pearce Woods and Faolan McCambridge. The loss Conall Doyle early on meant Andy Harney was drafted into midfield to assist Conor Leggett and both were superb. Brendan Stewart, Lorcan Fahy and Ronan Costello were in fine scoring form around the half forward line while the 2 Conalls, Hughes and O'Rawe were excellent in the full forward line. Liam Francis arrived late but did play in the final and contributed to the win. The injured captain Conall Doyle made a brief appearance in the final and this gave the team a real boost. It was Doyle who accepted the Shield on behalf of the team presented by Carryduffs Paul Lavery. This was a great way to end the season for the U10 hurlers who have improved immensly over the course of the season.
Team
Emmett Curran, Jake Carlin, Conor Sullivan, Rian Woods, Pearce Woods, Philip McNamee, Lorcan Fahy, Conall Doyle, Faolan McCambridge, Andy Harney, Conor Leggett, Colm Mcguigan, Conall Hughes, Brendan Stewart, Conall O'Rawe, Ronan Costello and Liam Francis
Newry Tournament
The Bredagh U10 hurlers were in action in South Down for the second consecutive week when they participated in the Newry Tournament. The previous week they had performed brilliantly in the sunshine at Warrenpoint finishing runners up to Portaferry. This week in Newry the conditions were much tougher with incessant rain and formidable opponents in the group stages. Bredagh drew top Antrim team St Enda's, Down kingpins, Portaferry and ever improving, Ballyvarley. The Bredagh boys played some excellent hurling making light of the difficult weather conditions but finished third in the group missing out on the Shield play offs on scoring difference.
Game 1 Bredagh 0-1 St Enda's 2-2
Bredagh got off to a great start and matched their opponents in most departments and were rewarded with a pointed free from Ronan Costello. However the Glengromley boys then seemed to raise their game and went on to win by a rather flattering scoreline which was not a true reflection of Bredaghs input.
Game 2 Bredagh 4-0 Ballyvarley 0-0
This was another hard fought game but this time Bredagh got the right result. While the whole team were superb, the hero with a hat trick of goals was young Ronan Costello. Lorcan Fahy scored the other when he doubled overhead on a high ball delivered into the box by Costello. Conall Doyle and Andy Harney controlled midfield and Jake Carlin and Colm McGuigan were solid in defence.
Game 3 Bredagh 1-0 Portaferry 2-1
Pipped again by Portaferry for the second time in a week but again little between the teams. This game was played in torrential rain and Portaferry took the lead with a well taken goal. Bredagh stormed back and Conall Hughes with a cross field pass picked out Brendan Stewart who blasted in an equalising goal. It was end to end stuff thereafter but in the closing minutes sustained Portaferry resulted in a goal and a point and they took the victory.
It was a soggy but happy bunch who left Newry for the journey back to Belfast and each member of the squad can be very proud of their performance. The final Tournament of the season is next Saturday 11th October at Carryduff.
Squad: Emmett Curran, Jake Carlin, Rian Woods, Colm McGuigan, Michael Hooley, Conall Doyle, Andy Harney, Lorcan Fahy, Conall Hughes, Ronan Costello, Brendan Stewart, Conor Sullivan, Pearse Woods and Philip McNamee.
U10 hurlers put through their drills in Park Esler ahead of the Newry Shamrocks Tournament
Photograph from Warrenpoint
Bredagh U10s at Warrenpoint Blitz.
Warrenpoint Blitz
Bredagh U10 hurlers were in fine form on Saturday at the Warrenpoint Blitz finishing runners up to Winners Portaferry. This turned out to be a real marathon of hurling with 7 teams competing and each team playing 6 games of 15 minute duration. The Bredagh boys played some great hurling on their way to winning 5 games and the only defeat was to eventual winners Portaferry.
Match scores and scorers:
Match 1
Bredagh 2-1 Newry Shamrocks 0-1
Lorcan Fahy 1-0
Brendan stewart 1-0
Andy Harney 0-1 free
Match 2
Bredagh 2-1 Ballygalget 0-1
Colm McGuigan 1-0
Conall Doyle 1-0
Andy Harney 0-1
Match 3
Bredagh 1-2 Ballyvarley 0-0
Conor Leggett 1-0 free
Conall Hughes 0-1 free
Andy Harney 0-1 free
Match 4
Bredagh 1-0 Mourne 0-0
Brendan Stewart 1-0
Match 5
Bredagh 0-0 Portaferry 2-1
Match 6
Bredagh 5-4 Warrenpoint 0-0
Lorcan Fahy 2-1
Brendan Stewart 2-1
Emmett Curran 1-0
Andy Harney 0-2
The entire squad of 15 were magnificent but special mention must go to Conall Doyle who was shortlisted by Brian Murphy the Down minor Manager for player of the tournament. The award in the end went to Portaferry's Daithai Sands. Thanks goes to the St Peters Warrenpoint club for their hospitality and congratulations on the smooth running of the event
Team: Emmett Curran, Michael Hooley, Rian Woods, Pearce Woods, Andy Harney, Jake Carlin, Colm McGuigan, Conor Sullivan, Conor Leggett, Conall Doyle, Conall Hughes, Brendan Stewart, Lorcan Fahy, Philip McNamee and Conall Ross.
Bredagh u10s at Ballycran with their coaches.
Ballycran Blitz
Bredagh U10 hurlers travelled to Ballycran on Saturday to compete in the home clubs annual Blitz which was played in perfect conditions on the splendid McKenna Park. They played some great hurling as they defeated Ballygalget and put up spirited performances against the other 2 Ards teams Ballycran and Portaferry.
Match 1
Bredagh made a terrific start to the day and in their first half against Ballygalget they were in unstoppable form. Conor Lally opened the scoring with a well taken goal. With the midfield of Conall Doyle, Andy Harney and Conall O'Rawe well on top the forwards revelled in a plentiful supply of the ball. Conor Lally soon had a hatrick of goals before Emmett Curran hit a fourth. Ballygalget pulled one back but that man Lally stole in for his fourth and Bredaghs fifth. Conall Hughes also hit the Ballygalget net just before half time to leave the half time score Bredagh 6-0 Ballygalget 1-0. The second half was a tougher affair as Ballygalget came out fighting and tried to find a way back into the game. Defenders Colm McGuigan, Brendan Stewart and Conor Sullivan were rock solid although the Galget did manage to get one back. The players on both teams tired in the heat as the match wore on and there were no further scores leaving the final score Bredagh 6-0 Ballygalget 2-0
Match 2
Bredagh found the host team very capable opponents and the young black and ambers put early pressure on the Bredagh defence. Liam Francis was superb in goals with some fine saves and long puck outs. Ballycran did eventually hit the Bredagh net on 2 occasions and this semmed to spark a response from the Bredagh boys and Conor Lally pulled a goal back. The Crans hit 3 unanswered points before Conor Lally again struck a goal for Bredagh to keep them in touch. But Ballycran goaled just before half time to leave the score at the interval Ballycran 3-3 Bredagh 2-0. Jonathan Field and Cormac O'Rawe came on in the second half and with a few other positional switches Bredagh really got to grips with the opposition and with both defences well on top there was only 1 point scored by either team Bredagh's coming from a sweetly struck free from the impressive Andy Harney. That left the final score Ballycran 3-4 Bredagh 2-1.
Match 3
Again Bredagh were up against a very strong Portaferry team and by half time found themselves trailing 3 goals to 1, the Bredagh goal coming from who else but Conor Lally. Bredagh fought hard in the second half and after the Ports had scored again "goal machine" Lally incredibly fired in 2 more goals to bring in back to 4 goals to 3 but the young Portaferry team finished strongly with 3 late goals to leave them with a rather flattering final scoreline of Portaferry 7-0 Bredagh 3-0
Summary
Bredagh continue to improve at this agegroup and this day out in Ballycran was invaluable experience for them. Star of the show was Conor Lally who cracked in an amazing 9 goals over the 3 games. But this was by no means a one man show. Liam Francis and Emmett Curran shared the goal keeping duties and both excelled. Brendan Stewart, Colm McGuigan and Conor Sullivan were superb in defence ably assisted by Rian Woods and Jonathan Field. Conall Doyle continues to show signs that he will be an exceptional talent as he roamed the midfield with tough tackling Conall O'Rawe and the skilfull Andy Harney. Conor Lally was not alone up front and had great support in this department from Cormac O'Rawe, Conall Hughes and Conor Wilson. Overall a great team performance.
Carryduff 3-2 0-0 Bredagh
Contrary to what the scoreline suggests, Bredagh performed very well against their neighbours, Carryduff, who are one of the top under 10 sides in the County. When the two met earlier in the season Carryduff racked up a whopping 3-13 to Bredagh's 2-0. On Monday night, due to a clash with a school play, Bredagh fielded without 5 of the boys who took the honours at the Dungannon Blitz on Saturday. Clearly progress is being made and each of the travelling squad of 22 played and showed great battling qualities throughout the match of three 15 minute periods.
Carryduff's main scoring threat came from their talented midfieler Ronan Beattie and in the first period despite the best efforts of Andy Harney, he hit a goal and a point. Conor Sullivan was then given the job of man marking Beattie and a fierce but fair battle ensued between the two. Conor stuck brilliantly to his task and restricted his man to 1 point in the second period and a goal in the third.
Liam Francis deserves special mention for his display in goals with some great saves and long puck outs. Conall O'Rawe was his usual reliable self in defence and Conall Doyle who has just recently joined the squad continues to impress. The forwards led by Conor Lally and Lorcan Fahy did test the Carryduff keeper but could not find a way past him.This was essentially a great effort by the whole team right down to the 3 Under 8s Ronan Costello, Jonathan Field and PJ Lavery who did not look out of place at this level.
Team
Liam Francis, Lorcan Fahy, Andy Harney, Fintan Quinn, Conor Lally, Conall O'Rawe, Conor Sullivan, Colm McGuigan, Conall Doyle, Rian Woods, Conall Hughes, Michael Hooley, Cormac O'Rawe, Sean McFarlane,Philip McNamee, Liam O'Keefe, Ronan Costello, Peter Gracey, Daire Magee, Jonathan Field, Jude McStay and PJ Lavery
Under 10 Hurlers shine in the sun at Dungannon Blitz
Bredagh under10 hurlers had a great day out at the Dungannon Blitz on Saturday. To top it off they finished joint winners in Division1 along with Rossa and hosts Dungannon. A squad of 26 travelled and as this was a 7 a side competition Bredagh entered 3 teams. The A team played in Division1 and the B and C teams in Division2. A novel scoring system was in place whereby 3 points were awarded for striking the ball over the crossbar and 1 point for finding the net. 1 point was also awarded for a clean catch. This encouraged the boys to attempt to field the ball and to shoot for points.
Bredagh A
Match 1 v Coalisland
This was a tough opener but Bredagh finally won through thanks to some superb goal scoring from Conor Lally who fired in 5. There were catches from Conor Leggett and Daniel Graham to give Bredagh a final score of 7points to Coalislands 5 points
Match 2 v Carrickmore
Again Bredagh battled hard against a skilfull Carrickmore. They began to find there range and strike over the bar, Daniel Graham and Brendan Stewart getting a 3 pointer each. Sharpshooter Conor Lally weighed in with 2 goals to leave the final score Bredagh 8 points Carrickmore 2 points
Match 3 Strabane Shamrocks
Strabane were a big physical team but could not compete with the skill of the Bredagh boys in particular Conor Lally who was on fire thumping in another 5 goals. Conor Leggett was also in fine form around midfield and scored a goal and a clean catch. Brendan Stewart who was getting better with each game also hit a goal and took a catch. Conall O'Rawe and Jake Carlin were rock solid in defence and Shamrocks were restricted to 1 goal and 1 catch. Final score Bredagh 9 points Shamrocks 2 points
Match 4 v Dungannon
Bredagh found the home side in mean mood and following a fantastic effort particularly from midfielders Andy Harney and Conor Leggett they suffered their first defeat. Dungannon hit 3X3 pointers and 3 goals to Bredagh 3 pointer from Andy Harney and goal from Conor Lally to leave it Dungannon 12 points Bredagh 4 points at the end.
Match 5 v Rossa
Bredgah shook off the Dungannon defeat to record a memorable win in the final game against previously unbeaten Rossa. The star of this game was keeper Emmett Curran who made a number of great saves to deny the the Rossa boys. His shot stopping and long hitouts in all 5 games was terrific. Bredagh went 2 goals down but stormed back to hit 3 pointers from Conor Lally, Conor Legget and Andy Harney. Andy also struck a goal to leave the final score Bredagh 10 points Rossa 2 points. This meant the 2 teams finished top along with Dungannon all 3 only having lost 1 game.
Division 2
Bredagh B
Bredagh B played 4 matches in all recording victories over Bredagh C and Shamrocks
Match 1 v Bredagh C
The clash of the maroon and white saw the B team take the honours with a 2 point victory. Both goals were scored by Lorcan Fahy
Match 2 v Rossa B
The B's were unlucky in this encounter going down by a single point to a very useful Rossa team. Colm McGuigan scored a goal and a 3 pointer and Ronan Costello 2 goals to lose by the minimum on a scoreline of Bredagh 6 points Rossa 7 points
Match 3 v Dungannon B
As this young Bredagh side tired in the searing heat, the home team took the victory. Lorcan Fahy and Colm McGuigan hit goals but it was not enough as Dungannon ran out winners 13 points to 2 points.
Match 4 v Strabane Shamrocks B
Bredagh got back to winning ways with this tough battle between 2 evenly matched teams. Colm McGuigan Lorcan Fahy and Ronan Costello hit Bredagh's goals to end 1 point ahead. Fianal score Bredagh B 3 Shamrocks B 2
In the B squad Sean McFarlane and Michael Hooley had the goal keeping duties and did very well. Conor Sullivan, Conall Hughes and Conall Doyle were excellent in defence while Ronan Costello and Colm McGuigan were masters of the midfield. Rian Woods and Lorcan Fahy did a great job in the forward division.
Bredagh C
The Bredagh C team also performed heroically. After that narrow defeat to their comrades Bredagh B they went on to record a fantastic win over Strabane Shamrocks B. They also put up stern resistance, before going down to Rossa B and Dungannon B. This young squad played some lovely hurling and gave there all as the temperatures soared. They were Liam O'Keefe, Philip McNamee, P J Lavery, Daniel Leggett, Pearce Woods, Jude McStay, Rory McCloskey, Cormac O'Rawe, Conor Wilson and Jonathan Field
Bredagh A with coach Danny Hughes
Bredagh B with coach Gerry Woods
Bredagh C with coach Damian Mcguigan
Portaferry tournament
The Bredagh U10 Hurlers had a great day out at the Portaferry Tournament on Saturday. The theme of the day was "fun by participation" and that is what was had by all the clubs who competed in this well run event. Bredagh had 4 games in all against against the hosts, Portaferry, Ballyvarley, Ballycran and Newry Shamrocks.
Game 1
The Bredagh boys had a slow start in their first game after their long journey and Portaferry ran out comfortable winners despite some stern resistance from Pearce Woods in goals, Daniel Graham and Conall O'Rawe in defence, Jake Carlin at midfield and Conor Lally in attack.
Game 2
It was a more settled Bredagh team that took to the field against Ballyvarley in the second game and once Colm McGuigan slotted over the opening point the Belfast boys laid seige to the Ballyvarley goals. The O'Rawe brothers bagged 3 goals between them (Conall 1 and Cormac 2), Colm McGuigan got his second score a well taken goal and defender turned striker, Rian Woods, weighed in with a fifth goal. Conall Hughes and Andy Harney were the pick of the defenders as Ballyvarley were restricted to 1 goal and with young Ronan Costello showing all his skills at midfield Bredagh went on to win with a bit to spare.
Game 3
This was a tough battle against a very big and skilfull Ballycran team. Bredagh matched their opponents in the first half and were only a point down at half time Bredagh's goal coming from full forward Rian Woods who had great support in this department from Liam O'Keefe. Despite the introduction of Michael Hooley and Philip McNamee in the second half to bolster the defence Ballycran scored a couple of second half goals to take the victory.
Game 4
The Bredagh lads were showing signs of fatigue in the final game against a very impressive young Newry team who took some lovely scores. Jake Carlin however gave a man of the match performance for Bredagh and others to impress were Ronan Costello, Andy Harney, Conor Lally and Conall O'Rawe. In the end Newry got the vital scores and took the win.
Summary
Considering Bredagh were not at full strength due to a clash with an Under 10 football blitz and others away for the bank holiday weekend, they performed magnificantly. This is a young squad (most eligible again next year) who are showing improvement with every game and are reaping the rewards of their dedication to training.
Squad
Pearce Woods, Daniel Graham, Jake Carlin, Andy Harney, Conall Hughes, Cormac O'Rawe, Conall O'Rawe, Rian Woods, Colm McGuigan, Conor Lally, Liam O'Keefe, Philip McNamee, Michael Hooley and Ronan Costello
U10 Friendly: Bredagh v Carryduff
The U10 hurlers played Carryduff in a challenge match at sunny Cherryvale on Saturday afternoon. Carryduff proved to be very strong at this level and were victors in the end but management were encouraged by the enthusiasm and commitment shown by all 24 Bredagh boys in their first game of the season.
There will be an extra training session this week on Wednesday evening 14th, 7pm to 8pm ahead of the Portaferry Tournament on 24th May (details to follow).
U10 Hurlers compete in Antrim Indoor Hurling Competition
The young hurlers of Bredagh had an early start on Sunday morning. 15 in all turned up at Cherryvale at 9am to travel to St Malachy's School to compete in the first round of the North Antrim indoor tournament.
We were placed in a tough group with Rossa, St Enda's, Pearses and Ballygalget. As this was a 5 a side competition we decided to divide the boys into 3 teams so that a different Bredagh team contested the first 3 matches and we then picked a top 5 and subs for the final game. The first match was against Pearses which we lost 3-1, Emmett Curran getting the Bredagh goal. We then lost to Rossa on a similar scoreline, with Conor Sullivan this time getting on the scoresheet.
The third match was against the eventual winners St Endas and we lost 4-0. Despite these 3 defeats the boys played some fantstic hurling in real end to end games. The final game was against Co. Down neighbours Ballygalget and this was a tight fought affair. Bredagh took the lead with a well taken strike from Emmett Curran. Ballygalget came storming back and were soon on level terms but with time almost up it was that man Curran again who blasted in the winner.
With 1 win out of 4 we await our division for the next round which will take place next Saturday at a venue to be advised. Unfortunately the panel for the next round has to be cut to a squad of 10 and this will surely give the management a few headaches.
Well done to all the boys on their performances.
The Panel
Rory McCloskey, Michael Hooley, Emmett Curran, Ronan Costello, Andy Harney, Conor Sullivan, Sean McFarland, Declan O'Keefe, Conall Hughes, Liam O'Keefe, Colum McGuigan, Pearse Woods, Rian Woods, Jake Carlin and Fintan Quinn
Ballycran 4-3 Bredagh 1-3
Challenge, Saturday September 23rd - Ballycran 4-3 Bredagh 1-3. Bredagh's young hurlers put in another gutsy performance at Ballycran where the eventual scoreline didn't quite reflect the closeness of the contest. With one or two regulars missing, there was a chance for some of the new faces to make a name for themselves. Tiernan Curran and young Liam Francis didn't disappoint. Bredagh started brightly and matched Ballycran score for score in the opening exchanges with Tiernan slotting over two brilliant points in the first half. Half-time: Bredagh 0-2 Ballycran 0-2.
Second-half: Bredagh went ahead with a long range Daniel Devlin point and when Lawrence Whiffen netted, a win looked on the cards. However, Ballycran showed their mettle and replied with three late goals to pull away at the finish. Every one of the Bredagh lads can be extremely proud of themselves. They didn't look one bit out of place alongside the Ards men, matching them both in skill and spirit. There will be brighter days ahead for this young side if this standard can be maintained.
Man of the Match - Odhran Devlin gave a MoM display between the sticks, ably supported by Damian Hanrahan, Mark Patterson, Christy Carlin and Sean Blaney in defence. Sean McGourty was the usual Mr Dependable and Daniel Devlin held his own at midfield. Tiernan Curran, Donal Smyth and the Francis brothers tried hard in attack. Rory Collins and Kaolan Power are improving with every game. After the game Bredagh earned great praise from several interested onlookers including former Down Senior star Gary 'Gazza' Savage, who had two sons turning out in the black and amber. Well done lads - lets see a big turnout at Cherryvale next Saturday - hopefully we'll get another competitive game before the season closes.
Blitz
U-10 Blitz in Cherryvale on Saturday, August 19th - with St Enda's and Carryduff. Bredagh beat Carryduff 8-4 to 3-0, while Bredagh U-8s played St Enda's and a Bredagh/St Endas Select played a Carryduff/St Enda's Select. Training is on Saturdays at 4.00pm for U-8s and all newcomers.
Cherryvale Blitz
Saturday June 17th - Bredagh hosted a very successful Go Games Blitz with the Ards clubs. The Bredagh boys had notable successes against two of the Ards clubs and two gallant performances against a strong Ballygalget side - sure signs of improvement.
The results were:
A Section
Bredagh 2-0 Ballygalget 5-2, Portaferry 2-1 Ballycran 0-2, Bredagh 2-6 Portaferry 1-1, Ballygalget 10-1 Ballycran 2-1, Bredagh 2-5 Ballycran 1-1, Ballygalget 5-3 Portaferry 1-2. Finals - Ballygalget 6-3 Bredagh 4-1, Ballycran 4-3 Portaferry 3-4.
B Section
Ballygalget 3-2 Bredagh/Portaferry Select 0-0, Bredagh/Portafery Select 7-1 Ballycran 0-0, Ballygalget 11-4 Ballycran 0-1.
Bredagh will host another Blitz on Saturday August 19th.
St John's Blitz
Saturday May 6th at Corrigan Park - after a parade with the Liam McCarthy cup, Bredagh beat St Galls and Gort na Mona in the group stages and although they lost narrowly to Cushendall, they still qualified for the semi-finals where they lost to St Enda’s by 1-3 to 0-1.
Results
Bredagh 1-2 St Galls 0-0
Bredagh 3-0 Cushendall 3-2
Bredagh 1-2 Gort Na Mona 1-1
Semi Finals
Bredagh 0-1 St Endas 1-3
St Johns bt Cushendall
Final
St Johns bt St Endas
Match Reports
Bredagh 1-2 St Gall’s 0-0 - after a scoreless first half, Sean Blaney weighed in with two fine points from frees, while Daniel Devlin scored a great goal from a ground stroke.
Ruairi Og, Cushendall 3-2 Bredagh 3-0 - Laurence Whiffen, Daniel Devlin and Sean Blaney each scored goals from frees, but Cushendall hit back with 3-2. There was a whiff of controversy about one of their goals because of a distinct impression that it had gone over rather than under the bar, but the goal stood.
Bredagh 2-2 Gort na Mona 2-1 - Bredagh had to win but Gort na Mona hit an early goal. Odhran Devlin and Laurence Whiffen replied with goals and Daniel Devlin added a point. Gort na Mona hit back with 1-1 to level the match, before Daniel Devlin hit the winning point to give Bredagh a very exciting win.
St Enda’s 1-3 Bredagh 0-1 - Bredagh came up against an impressive St Enda's team in the semi-finals and were one point down at half-time. In teh second-half, Bredagh were very unlucky to see a goal attempt go inches wide and to see a goal Rory Collins disallowed for kicking. St Enda’s scored 1-2 to make the final.
Summary: the day was very pleasant and thanks are due to the St John’s club for organising the tournament and for their hospitality to both players and mentors.
Squad: Odhran Devlin, Caolan Power, Daniel Devlin, Sean Blaney, Lawrence Whiffen, Donal Smyth, Tiernan Curran, Christopher Madden-McKee, Damian Hanrahan, Ruairi Doyle, Rory Collins, Conor Francis, Niall Smyth, Sean McGourty.
Bredagh 5-2 St Endas 5-2
Bredagh began their 'Go Games' season by sharing the spoils with old rivals St Endas's. The new format will obviously take a bit of getting used to but the boys are learning fast. This young side have really improved since last year with skill levels in all aspects of the game on the up.
Squad: Damian Hanrahan, Christopher Madden-McKee, Rory Collins, Sean McGourty, Daniel Devlin, Mark Patterson, Conor Francis, Conor Costello, Tiernan Curran, Lawrence Whiffen, Sean Blaney. Scorers: Daniel Devlin 2-1, Conor Costello 1-1, Sean Blaney 1-0, Lawrence Whiffen 1-0.
Indoor Training
Indoor hurling started on Saturday 7th January at Rosario Youth club.
It's Safe! - All children wear helmets and play with a hurley with a rubber boss and use a soft ball. Hurleys are supplied. Thanks to St Michael's PS for the loan of indoor hurls.
It's Fun! - Indoor hurling is a great way to introduce the game to children for the first time.
Expert coaches are on hand, including Danny Hughes and his sons Donal and Cormac, and several of Bredagh's brightest young hurlers. All Ireland Féile stars Paddy Woods and Michael Guerin help out with the P3s and P4s, while U-16 League winners Rowan Smart, Oisin Quinn, Niall Colton and Owen Costello pass on their knowledge and skills to the older groups.
Indoor Champions
FIRST TROPHY OF 2006...
Bredagh U-10s pictured at Ballymena Leisure Centre on Saturday, March 18th after winning the Division Four Final of the North Antrim Indoor League. Back row, left to right: Mark Patterson, Sean McGourty, Daniel Devlin, Daniel Mulvenna, Odhran Devlin. Front: Oisin Smylie, Daire McPeake, Conor Costello, Aidan Donaghy, Sean Blaney.
The boys came from behind to stage a great comeback and beat Glenshesk 3-1 in the final. They trailed 1-0 at half-time, but stormed back with second-half goals from Daniel Devlin, Odhran Devlin and Sean McGourty. All ten boys got a run out, Conor Costello made a number of point-blank saves to secure victory, Aidan Donaghy was superb in marshalling the defence, Mark Patterson and Sean Blaney held their own in midfield while up front Daniel Mulvenna, Daire McPeake and Sean Blaney were always a handful to the Glenshesk defence. Last year, Bredagh won the Division Five Final at the same Finals Day, so they have stepped up a level and enjoyed a terrific campaign in beating the likes of Dunloy, Cushendun, St Agnes, St Galls, Carryduff and Rasharkin. Well done to all the boys and many thanks to their mentors and parents, who got up early on many Saturday mornings to make the long treks into North Antrim to compete.
Indoor Results
North Antrim Indoor League
Saturday, February 25
Bredagh 2 Dunloy 1
Bredagh 5 Rasharkin 1
Bredagh 2 Loughgiel 4
Saturday, March 11
Bredagh 0 Glenravel 1
Bredagh 1 Creggan 1
Tuesday, March 14
Play-offs at Larne
Bredagh 2 Cushendun 1
Bredagh 3 St Agnes 0
Bredagh 4 St Galls 2
Bredagh 0 Glenshesk 0
Bredagh 2 Carryduff 1
Saturday, March 18
Finals Day
Bredagh 3 Glenshesk 1 - Champions!
REPORT ON WEEK ONE: Bredagh beat the mighty Dunloy in one of their three matches played at Ballymoney. The score was 2-1 and the Bredagh scorers were Daniel Mulvenna and Damien Hanrahan. Bredagh also beat Rasharkin 5-1 with goals from Mulvenna (2), Daire McPeake, Sean McGourty and Mark Patterson. The boys also led the strongest team in the competition, Loughgiel, 2-1 up until the closing minutes, before losing 4-2. The scorers in this game were Mulvenna and McPeake. Player of the Day was goalkeeper Odhran Devlin who pulled of a string of fantastic saves, mostly with his feet!
REPORT ON WEEK TWO: Bredagh drew one and lost one, both very tight games against quality opposition. In fact, Glenravel and Creggan were two of the strongest teams in the section, though the South Belfast lads played their hearts out against Glenravel and only lost to a late goal. In the second game against Creggan, Bredagh again went behind but in the final minute Daire McPeake lashed the ball to the net to gain a deserved draw. The whole squad did their club proud. Panel: Odhran Devlin, Ossian Smylie, Daniel Devlin, Daire McPeake, Daniel Mulvenna, Damian Hanrahan, Sean McGourty, Sean Blaney, Mark Patterson.
Bredagh Indoor U-10s pictured outdoors after the first day of the League on Saturday, February 25th. Back row, left to right: Mark Patterson, Sean Blaney, Daire McPeake, Daniel Mulvenna. Front: Sean McGourty, Odhran Devlin, Damien Hanrahan.
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Ulster Blitz at Magherafelt
Team photographs from Bangor Blitz
Bangor Blitz
U10's Win North Antrim Indoor Title
North Antrim Indoor competition
North Antrim league Round 1
Carryduff Blitz
Team photograph from St John's Blitz
St Johns U10 Hurling Tournament
Ballycran Blitz
Warrenpoint Blitz
Warrenpoint u10 Hurling Blitz
Carryduff U10 Hurling Blitz
Kilclief Blitz
Bredagh Blitz
Ballycran Blitz
U10 : Carryduff 0-0 6-4 Bredagh
U10s who beat St Bridget's (Belfast)
Photographs from St Paul's Blitz
St Brigids 2-1 3-2 Bredagh
St Pauls blitz
Photograph from match with St Paul's
St Pauls (Belfast) 1-2 Bredagh 8-6
Portaferry Blitz
Photos from Portaferry
Portaferry Blitz
Ulster Council 125 Blitz
Ulster Council 125 Blitz
Photographs from the Ballycran and St Paul's matches.
U10 Hurling: St Paul’s 1-0 2-0 Bredagh
U10 Hurling: Carryduff 0-0 Bredagh 12-0
Bredagh 1-1 1-0 Ballycran
North Antrim Indoor League Week 2
U10s at North Antrim Indoor competition
Carryduff Shield winners
U10s win Sheild in Carryduff
Newry Tournament
Photograph from Warrenpoint
Warrenpoint Blitz
Ballycran Blitz
Carryduff 3-2 0-0 Bredagh
Under 10 Hurlers shine in the sun at Dungannon Blitz
Portaferry tournament
U10 Friendly: Bredagh v Carryduff
U10 Hurlers compete in Antrim Indoor Hurling Competition
Ballycran 4-3 Bredagh 1-3
Blitz
Cherryvale Blitz
St John's Blitz
Bredagh 5-2 St Endas 5-2
Indoor Training
Indoor Champions
Indoor Results
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