Back to winning ways for Eoghan Rua

The five point winning margin flatters Eoghan Rua just a bit as there was only a point between the sides, the Coleraine men ahead 0-12 to 1-8, just under five minutes from the end. It was at this time that Colm McGoldrick got on to the end of a long range pass from his brother Barry to hold off his marker and strike low to the corner of the net. In added time a good run and finish from Liam McGoldrick gave Eoghan Rua than five point winning margin that keeps them well placed in second place at the top end of Division 1.

Both these teams set up very defensively with sweepers back in front of two man full forward lines while the half forwards acted more as defenders rather than in any real offensive role. Consequently space inside the respective 45m lines was at a premium with scores hard earned. Patience was the key in the build-up play and the Eoghan Rua men showed plenty of that as the ball passed through lots of hands most times before a shot at goal was taken. Ironically the crucial score of the game through the direct route as Barry McGoldrick’s sixty meter punt up field was won by his brother Colm in the danger area and he beat his marker before blasting to the net.

Very little separated the sides throughout this game, the opening exchanges setting the pattern for what would follow. After Eoghan Rua took a 0-3 to 0-1 lead by the 9th minute points from benny Heron and Carlus McWilliams had Ballinascreen level midway through the half. Either side of two pointed frees for the home side Ballinascreen took the lead for the first time with a goal in the 19th minute. Eoghan Rua goalkeeper Ryan McGeough tipped Eunan Murray’s shot onto the bar but the ‘Screen man reacted quickest to gather the rebound and smash to the Coeraine net. Benny Heron then added to Ballinascreen’s lead before Eoghan Rua enjoyed a spell of pressure in the closing minutes of the half. Four unanswered points from Colm McGoldrick (2) Declan Mullan and Richard Carey had Coleraine back in front by time going into added time. Right on the half-time whistle Benny Heron pointed well from a 40 meter free to leave his side just one , 0-9 to 1-5, adrift of Eoghan Rua.

The third quarter was very tight with both defences very much on top the sides exchanging one point each, Benny Heron levelling matters before Gregory Bradley put Eoghan Rua back in front again midway through the half. Ten minutes in to the second half Mark McTaggart, who had a superb game at the heart of the Eoghan Rua defence, denied ‘Screen a certain goal when he clawed the ball away from the top corner for a ‘45’ that was sent wide. Patient build up by the visitors seen Benny Heron eventually find the space to kick over another equaliser going into the final quarter.

The home side went back in front again in the 50th minute while Leo Sweeney added to their lead with a neat point. It was back to one yet again when Seamus Bradley finished clinically approaching five minutes from the end. Just after that point Coleraine struck for the crucial score of the game as Colm McGoldrick shrugged off his marker to hit the corner of the net with a low drive, effectively providing the game changing moment.

Eoghan Rua hurlers win

It was a successful weekend for Eoghan Rua’s hurlers as they got their Derry reserve league campaign back on track with a winning return against Lavey in a good contest at Pairc Eoghain Rua.The home side opened up a four point lead 0-5 to 0-1 by the end of the first quarter with some fine long range scoring, Liam McGoldrick twice in a minute and Ruari Mooney both on target.

Lavey came back with a goal but with Conor Carey and Ciaran weighing in with good points Eoghan Rua led 0-9 to 1-2 at the break. After the sides had exchanged wides Colm McGoldrick found the net while RuarI Mooney added another fine point. Lavey now playing with the wind had a good spell ad fired over four points in a row to reduce the gap to four going into the last ten minutes.

It was at this stage that the home side got their second and crucial goal, Colm McGoldrick gathering Ciaran gaile’s sideline cut to fire to the net. Lavey came back well with two points and in the last minute they got their second goal but it came too late as the final whistle sounded soon after. The home side hoding on for a narrow two point win.

Good win for Under-16 footballers

Played in wonderful conditions last Thursday night Eoghan Rua’s Under-16 footballers quickly put the disappointment of the Newbridge defeat behind them with this emphatic victory over Glenullin on a score of 4-16 to 1-4.

Aaron Doherty and Daniel Rowntree were added to the forward line where they acquitted themselves well after tentative starts. In defense Barry Daly and James Breslin were given the opportunity to shine and neither disappointed. Despite playing against a slight breeze in the first half Eoghan Rua built up a commanding 2-8 to a solitary point lead.

As the game wore on Eoghan Rua took their foot of the gas and cantered home with ease. This allowed a number of substitutes to be used and the most notable of these was James Maguire. Playing in attack for the first time he bagged himself a goal and three points. There were solid performances from Connor Boyle, Niall Brown, Justin Donnelly and Jack O’Doherty all of whom put in enormous efforts with their off the ball running and closing down. While more difficult opposition will lie ahead it was an effective and efficient performance from the team and an important morale boost.

Training continues at 6.30 on Monday nights and full attendance is required in advance of the championship.

Eoghan Rua hurlers and camogs jubilant after Feile success

It was a great day for the Under-14 hurlers and camogs of Eoghan Rua at the Ulsetr Fiele finals in Owenbeg, Dungiven last Sunday.

The hurlers won their Division 6 final by 0-5 to 1-0 over Sean Machumails of Ballybofey. Playing with the wind two early points settled the side but they did miss a few long range efforts. The Donegal side then scored a goal from a free driven low from 25 yards out to put them ahead at the break.

In the second the Eoghan Rua boys had to withstand a measure of real pressure as they played against the strong wind, clearing dangerous attacks on a number of occasions.

The Donegal side missed a few good chances but as the game wore on the Eoghan Rua confidence grew as they realised this game was there to be won and that is just what they did with a flurry of late points. There was relief in the camp when a last second free from the Ballybofey lads whizzed low just past the post as Eoghan Rua held on to win 0-5 to 1-0. The Eoghan Rua scorers were: Aidan Boyle (0-3), Dara McGoldrick (0-1), Costa Christopopulous (0-1).

Meanwhile the Eoghan Rua’s U14 camogs have every reason to be proud of themselves having ended up as joint winners of Division 3 in the Ulster Feile na Gael in Owenbeg on Sunday.

Their campaign began in Magherafelt on the Saturday when they won all of their matches in convincing style. Their first opponents, Dungannon, started strong and led at half time but the Eoghan Rua camogs showed their grit and determination by blasting home five goals past the Dungannon keeper.

Next up was by far their toughest opponents, the hot favourites Magherafelt. The home side dominated in the first half and surely felt the games was theirs but an exceptional team effort by Eoghan Rua in the second half saw a remarkable comeback as they claimed a well deserved victory by the narrowest of margins.

The final match of the play offs was an easier victory against St Johns Eoghan Rua finished comfortably ahead of the Belfast side 4-2 to 1-0.

Eoghan Rua’s biggest achievement was against Dungiven in the Division 3 final at Owenbeg on Sunday. It seemed that the underdogs had pulled off an incredible victory but Dungiven snatched a goal to draw the match, two goals each, in the dying seconds of the game. The Eoghan Rua camogs should be incredibly proud of their achievements and will surely build on this wonderful success. It was agreed that the trophy should be shared.