Feis Cup Senior Hurling
Glenariffe 2-21 Cushendall 2-21(Cushendall win 3-1 in the penalty shoot-out)
Pics by Sean Trowlen
A remarkable game of hurling, played in far from ideal weather conditions, resulted in what is likely the first-ever Feis Cup game to be decided on penalties. Underdogs Glenariffe must have thought they had caused a major upset against next-door neighbours Ruairi Og Cushendall when they led by a point at the end of normal time. Two injury-time points from Alex O’Boyle had seemingly sealed the win, but Fiontan Bradley saved the day for the ‘Dall when he sent over a 64th-minute equaliser, forcing extra time.
When the sides still couldn’t be separated after extra time, Cushendall eventually emerged victorious, winning the shootout 3 goals to 1.
Glenariffe burst out of the blocks in the opening half, establishing an early lead with quick points from Aran Cosgrove, Seanie McIntosh, and Orrin O’Connor. By the time Michael O’Boyle found the back of the net in the 8th minute, Glenariffe had surged to a 1-04 to 0-03 advantage.
Ruairi Og steadily clawed their way back into the contest. Fiontan Bradley kept the scoreboard ticking over from placed balls, while Ed McQuillan also chipped in with a point. The game’s momentum shifted significantly around the 15-minute mark when Neil McManus struck for Cushendall’s first goal.Â
The visitors then took a commanding position late in the half, courtesy of a second goal from Callagh Mooney in the 26th minute, helping Cushendall to a 2-09 to 1-09 lead at the break.
The second half proved to be a dogged, tense affair with Glenariffe fighting hard to close the gap. The Oisins relied heavily on the dead-ball accuracy of Alex O’Boyle, who slotted over multiple frees to keep his side in contention.
Cushendall’s Fiontan Bradley matched O’Boyle score for score at the other end, hitting a series of crucial frees and points from play. As the clock ticked into the red, O’Boyle delivered two rapid-fire scores to give Glenariffe a 1-17 to 2-13 lead.Â
However, in the 34th minute of the half, Bradley stepped up to nail a clutch free, levelling the game at 2-14 to 1-17 and sending the derby into extra time.
Cushendall dominated the first period of extra time. Points from Fiontan Bradley, Neil McManus, Thomas McLaughlin, Nicholas McLaughlin, and Ed McQuillan gave them a 2-19 to 1-19 cushion at the quick turnaround, with Seanie McIntosh and Alex O’Boyle managing the only replies for the home side.
Glenariffe refused to lie down, however, and a dramatic goal from Oliver Kearney in the second period of extra time breathed life back into their challenge.Â
Cushendall kept their noses in front with points from Nicholas McLaughlin and an Oisin Woodhouse free, but the irrepressible Alex O’Boyle converted two late frees for Glenariffe to tie the marathon match at 2-21 apiece at the final whistle.
In the ensuing and historic penalty shootout, Cushendall held their nerve to secure the victory. Thomas McLaughlin, goalkeeper Conor McAllister, and Ryan McCambridge all converted their penalties for Ruairi Og, while Seanie McIntosh registered Glenariffe’s solitary successful strike, ending a breathtaking encounter.
