Derry power to Ulster final
Ulster SHC semi-final: Derry hurling manager Ger Rogan wants the Ulster final to be played in the North’s hurling heartlands of Dunloy or Owenbeg.
Rogan’s side dismantled Down in Saturday’s Ulster SHC semi-final replay at Armagh’s Athletic Grounds, Ulster Council’s preferred venue for Sunday’s final against Antrim.
“To come down here again is not pushing the game or the Ulster hurling championship forward,” said Rogan.
“You have to generate an interest so we should toss for home advantage. I’d much prefer to play the game in an atmosphere where people will appreciate the game and enjoy it.”
Considering Derry and Down could not be separated six days earlier, despite playing two bouts of extra- time and over 100 minutes of play, the one-sided nature of the replay was a surprise. Derry led 1-10 to 0-7 at half time and once they also scored the first three points of the second half, it was game over. Derry sub Michael Conway added a second goal on 56 minutes.
Scorers for Derry: R Convery (1-11, 8fs, 1 65), M Conway (1-0), A Kelly (0-3), T McCloskey (0-2), M O’Hagan, P McSorley, C Convery (0-1).
Scorers for Down: J McCusker (1-6, 1f), C Bailie, M Ennis (0-2 each), S Nicholson (0-2, 1 65), M McGee, M Turley, J Coyle (0-1).
DERRY: D McDermott; R McCloskey, C Quinn, E McGuckin; A Rafferty, O McCloskey, C McQuillan; S McGuigan, M O’Hagan; T McCloskey, J O’Dwyer, A Kelly; P Cleary, R Convery, C Convery
Subs: P McSorley for Rafferty (ht), J McCloskey for McQuillan (ht), T McCloy for McGuigan (44), M Conway for O’Hagan (53).
DOWN: S Keith; C Hughes, P Flynn, M Hughes; B Nicholson, C Woods, P Hughes; S Nicholson, R Brannigan; M McGee, M Ennis, C O’Prey; M Turley, J McCusker, C Bailie
Subs: J Coyle for Bailie (37), F Conway for Brannigan (47).
Referee: Garrett Duffy (Antrim)
