St Benedict's Harps claim first Yorkshire Title

Sunday 16th August 2016

St Benedict's Harps 4-06

Cu Chulainns 0-08

St Benedict's Harps from Leeds claimed their first ever Yorkshire Senior Gaelic Football Championship on Sunday after a commanding display against previous county kingpins Cu Chulainns from Newcastle.

The Newcastle outfit came into the game having won 8 out of the previous 9 Yorkshire titles and were favourites once more to add to this tally. However, they came across a very determined and highly talented St Benedict's team who were focused on delivering the first senior county title to the club in their 33 year history.

The game started at a frantic pace with Newcastle racing into a 4 point but great defensive play by Liam Toomes, Joe McPartlan and Declan Rooney enabled Benedict's to stay in touch and points from Domnick Thompson and Paul Curran kept the scoreboard ticking over. The game turned late in the first half when the Leeds lads struck for two quick goals. The first coming via an opportunistic strike from full forward Steve Gaughan and the second from Paul Curran after cutting in from the right wing to crash a left footed shot to the net. This left St Benedict's going in at half time protecting a 4 point lead.

Cu Chulainns must have received a strong word from their management team at the break and cut the deficit to 2 points after only 5 mins of the second half but points from Andy Mullan and Paul Curran again steadied the ship for the home side. The Leeds team were now beginning to exert their dominance in midfield with Mark Giblin and Noel Hynes leading the way and after a nip and tuck 10 minute period the game turned decisively in St Benedict's favour when Dave O'Mahoney raced through to crash the ball to the net to give them a 6 point cushion. Benedict's gave a masterful defensive display in the second half with Colum McArdle, Paul McCormack and Cian Lowney excelling. A late penalty from the impressive Domnick Thompson and a point from substitute Chris McNerlin ensured a 10 point victory for the Leeds team.

St Benedict's now progress to the All Britain semi final where they face a tough task against Scottish Champions Dunedin Connollys in Edinburgh on 30th October.

Team: St Benedicts: Conor Houton, Joe McPartlan, Cian Lowney, Liam Toomes, Collum McArdle, Paul McCormack, Declan Rooney, Mark Giblin, Noel Hynes, James Reilly, Andy Mullan (0-1), Dave O'Mahoney (1-0), Paul Curran (1-2) Steve Gaughan (1-0), Domnick Thompson (1-2)

Subs: Chris McNerlin (0-1) for Steve Gaughan, Rory Scullion for Mark Giblin, Declan Leahy for Liam Toomes, John McGowan for Declan Leahy (55 seconds)

Tweet

Most Read Stories