Portaferry too hot for Ballycran
In the hurling decider Portaferry bridged a six-year gap by beating holders Ballycran 3-8 to 0-12 in the final in Ballygalget. In a low-key game, Ballycran, thanks to the accurate free taking of Scott Nicholson who scored 0-8 from frees, had the better of the first-half.
However, in a nine-minute spell at the start of the second-half, Ballycran were hit with a three-goal Portaferry salvo and the winners were in control. Star of the Portaferry attack was Eoghen Sands, whose father Noel is a former county and Ulster star and actually managed the Ferrymen to the title.
Meanwhile, Burren lost their football crown when beaten by Longstone in the quarter-final in Páirc Esler. After leading 2-6 to 0-5 at half time, Burren could only manage two second-half points as Longstone, who lost last year’s semi-final to Burren, came storming back. Ambrose Rogers, Conor Doran and Michael Ireland inspiring them to a 1-13 to 2-8 win.
Former champions Mayoridge had a 0-17 to 1-11 win over Saval in their quarter-final. Thanks to seven points from Cathal Magee, Mayobridge led 0-10 to 0-3 at half time.
Bryansford, after leading by 1-6 to 0-3 at half time, ran out deserving winners over Rostrevor weinning by 1-10 to 0-8. The ‘Ford goal was scored by county star Kalum King with Ciaran Brannigan scored six points.
In the last quarter-final game Kilcoo, despite having a player sent off midway through the first-half turned in a brilliant second period to overcome neighbours Castlewellan 0-14 to 0-11.
