Swatragh's Malachi Ó hÁgáin led Ulster to victory in a squad which included 11 Derrymen, as Ulster claimed the Iomain Colmcille Shinty-Hurling title for the first time in Glasgow thanks to a 2-8 to 1-3 win over Scotland on Saturday.

It proved a case of third time lucky for 'Fir Uladh' who took part in the event, which promotes Irish and Scottish cultural links, for the first time in 2012.

The game which is solely conducted through the Gaelic languages of Ireland and Scotland was a tenacious affair, and despite driving rain throughout, an entertaining spectacle was produced.

Ulster held Scotland scoreless in the second half, as they powered to an eight point victory, with Pádraig Ó Mianain's charges delivering a strong performance, despite testing weather conditions.

Level at 1-3 apiece at the interval, Ulster kicked on in the second half, affording 12 wides in the closing 35 minutes, on the way to victory.

"This was a great game, and very competitive, despite the final score-line", Eoghan Rua clubman Ó Mianain said.

"It was level at half-time, and for the opening minutes of the second half not much separated the sides, but gradually Scotland tired and we were able to hit the ball 60 or 70 metres and it paid off."

Scotland lead by 0-3 to 0-0 after 16 minutes, but Ulster suddenly kicked into form after Slaughneil man Frankie Ó Ceallaigh poached the games first goal.

Ó Ceallaigh despatched a 65 metre free straight to the net, and with quick points from captain Ó hAgáin and Antrimman Oisin Mac an Bhocaire Fir Uladh moved 1-2 to 0-3 clear by the 26th minute.

Scotland responded with a 28th minute Lawrence MacNeacail Bellini goal, but a Sean Ó Corrain point tied the game at the interval.

Ó hAgáin and former Antrim Senior players Áinle Ó Caireallain and Colm Duffin led by example on the restart, with Mac an Bhiocaire netting his sides second goal to ensure a 2-6 to 1-3 lead entering the final quarter, and from then on there was no looking back.

There were strong performances over the game from the Derry contingent, with Ó Ceallaigh joined by fellow Slaughtneil men Joe Ó Dochartaigh, Cathaoir and Éanna Ó Caiside, Joe Ó Lochlainn and Liam Óg Ó Flannagáin in the squad.

Eoghan Rua's Pádraig Ó Tiarnaigh was solid, with Ballinascreen's Conchúr Ó Muirí in excellent form between the posts, despite coming into this game with a back injury.

Lavey's Déaglán Ó Laithbheartaigh was also impressive, in a game where Ulster's skill and determination won through, after an excellent second half display.

After the game Malachi Ó hAgáin received the Chorn Colmcille from competition organiser Eoghan Stewart.

Ó hÁgáin was delighted with the victory, but also to be a part of such a special event.

"It's something very special to be involved with this event and to keep the links between Ireland and Scotland strong, " he said.

"It's a great way to continue our friendship and also to celebrate our culture. As an event it's superb.

"Hard work was put in by the likes of Padraig Ó Mianain in the background, and he done his best to put a strong team together of Irish speakers. And hopefully with the event going to Gaoth Dobhair next year we can keep the momentum going."

FIR ULADH (Derry unless stated): Joe Ó Dochartaigh, Cathaoir Ó Caiside, Joe Ó Lochlainn, Liam Óg Ó Flannagáin, Éanna Ó Caiside, Frankie Ó Ceallaigh, Pádraig Ó Tiarnaigh, Malachaí Ó hÁgáin, Déaglán Ó Laithbheartaigh, Conchúr Ó Muirí, Colm Duffin(Antrim), Seán Ó Corráin (Antrim), Brian Mac an tSionnaigh (Antrim), Éamonn Mac Lochlainn (Antrim), Oisín Mac an Bhiocáire (Antrim), Naoise Ó Cairealláin (Antrim), Ainle Ó Cairealláin (Cork), Ruaidhri Mac Manuis (Antrim), Caoimhín Ó Daimhín (Armagh), Damian Ó Néill (Tyrone).

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