February 16, 2011
By Staff Reporter
Inspired by the two Fermanagh stars Rory and Raymie Gallagher, St Brigid’s stormed into a 0-11 to 0-3 halftime lead, and although Crokes responded with a Conor Murphy goal, the normally reliable Ray Cosgrove was off-form and the underdogs were able to hold out for victory.
In Cork, Castlehaven secured the county title for a third time when they edged out Clonakilty by 1-9 to 1-7 at Pairc Ui Chaoimh. Colin Crowley was the most impressive performer on view finishing with 1-4 from play, while 40-year-old veteran Niall Cahalane also played a key role in Castlehaven’s success.
There was to be no further joy for Tyrone’s All-Ireland winning captain, Peter Canavan, when his club Errigal Ciaran were beaten 2-6 to 1-7 by Killyclogher in the county final at Omagh. Canavan, who had been struggling with an ankle injury, was introduced as a substitute with 10 minutes remaining, however, Killyclogher battled on a first title in their 99 year history.
There was another first-time success in Tipperary where Cahir got the better of Ardfinnan by 0-7 to 0-4 in a low-scoring decider at Clonmel., while in the Carlow replay, O’Hanrahan’s just got the better of Old Leighlin by 0-9 to 0-6 at Dr Cullen Park.
In hurling, two goals by Trevor Hogan made the difference as Rathnure defeated Glynn-Barntown to take the Wexford championship by 3-9 to 1-18 at Wexford Park. Both of Hogan’s goals came in the second half as Rathnure claimed their 19th county title.
Meanwhile, Leinster and Connacht qualified for the final of the Railway Cup provincial championship, which will be played in Rome, Italy next month. Inspired by Henry Shefflin who hit 2-4, Leinster overcame Ulster by 5-16 to 2-10 at Casement Park, and in the other semi-final, Connacht, for whom Eugene Cloonan scored 1-6, defeated Munster by 1-20 to 1-16.