Club News
28/09/02 St. John's Under 16's win back-to-back county
hurling titles
Under 16 All-County Hurling Champions 2002
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Winning an all-county title is a difficult task, and
retaining it is even harder but, that is exactly what was accomplished
when St. John's under-16 hurlers won the under-16 championship on
Saturday afternoon at Cushendall.
At the same stage last year the Johnnies defeated Dunloy in the county
final, this year however it was the turn of Loughgiel to have the
misfortune of facing an in-form and invincible St. John's side. |
St. John's and Loughuile players battle it out
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Jimmy Peoples gets the better of his marker |
On the road to their championship success St. Johns
had already accounted for plenty of quality opposition in the shape
of Rossa, Lámh Dhearg and St. Galls (during the South Antrim
championship) and were therefore well-prepared for their North Antrim
counterparts Loughuile.
Undoubtedly though they saved their best to last, winning the All-County
Final with an impressive ten points to spare. |
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The St. John's side was helped to victory with goals
from Jim Peoples, who found the net in the first half, and Dermot
Hartigan, who hammered one home in the second half.
At half time only two points separated the sides and an impressive
second half performance was needed to ensure victory for St. John's.
This was provided in some style as they dug deep, produced some strong,
skillful hurling and ultimately proved the stronger side winning,
as they did, by a 2-11 to 1-4 scoreline. Adrian Oliver top scored
during the game, with five points to his credit.
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Liam Boyle gets his shot away
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St. John's proved the hungrier side, especially in the second half
County chairman, Joe O' Boyle presented the County Hurling Shield
to St. John's captain, Noel Rooney and he congratulated the side on
their skill and commitment.
The St. John's under-8s joined the under-16s after the game for the
celebrations. The Johnnies under-8 side had earlier played games against
Cushendall and Glenariff.
The weekend was also a successful one for the St. John's under-14
hurlers. They won the South Antrim hurling league, following their
victory over Gortnamona yesterday morning. |
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