C&P College too slick for Belfast side in final

Cross and Passion Ballycastle picked up their first ever BT Br Leonard Cup (Ulster Colleges “A” U-15 ½) title after coming from behind to beat holders St Mary’s Belfast in Ballymena last week.

Considering the unbelievable success that Cross and Passion College have had over the past 10 years winning numerous “A” Ulster Hurling titles, and recently their back to back All Ireland Senior Colleges titles, it’s remarkable that this title has eluded them until now.

The first half saw St Mary’s on top and they led by 1-5 to 1-3 at half time, Déaglán Murphy the goal-scorer for St Mary’s, with Diarmuid McShane finding the net for CPC with a great goal. 

However with coach Alex Campbell determinded not to let the title slip away he switched Eoin Hill into the defence, and this move turned the game in Ballycastle’s favour.  They conceded just three second half points and hit the net themselves on four occasions with Johnny McErlain the dominant forward on show scoring 1-2. The other goals came from Cormac McClafferty and Loughgiel pair Shan McGrath and Caolan Blair.

Other players to shine were corner back Paddy Joe Graham, Sean McBride and Cathal Connor.

Cross & Passion College team: Benny Connor, Shea Hunter, Sean McBride, Paddy Joe Graham, Conor Patterson, OD Laverty, Coalan McCaughan, Eoin Hill, Cathal Connor, Jack Brown, Johnny McErlain, Ryan McKee, Diarmuid McShane, Cormac McClafferty, Ciaran Butler. Subs: TT Butler, Shan McGrath, Caolan Blair

St Mary’s : Déaglán Murphy 1-5, Conor McCann 0-1, Gerard Walsh 0-2, Patrick Mervin 0-1.

Cross and Passion College have also qualified for the semi final of the BT Ennis Cup (U-14 ½) Gaelic Football, after defeating last year’s champions Lumen Christi Derry on a score line of 5-7 to 0-2. The lads were beaten in last years BT Mallon Cup final and will be hoping to get back to another final. They play Aquinas GS Belfast on Thursday 23rd February at 1pm in Ballymena.