17 May 2009
Rossa captured the All County Feile na nGael hurling title when they beat Loughgiel by 2-11 to 1-3 in Saturday’s final in Casement Park.
In what was another excellent game of hurling Rossa had the better of the opening half and led by 0-4 to 0-2 at the interval, the points coming from man of the match Aiden Orchin (2), Donal Moran and Chris McComish, in reply to two from Loughgiel’s Conor Christie.
After the change of ends Rossa gained the upper-hand and four points in reply to just one from Loughgiel pulled them five points clear midway through the second-half.
The Belfast boys appeared to be home and dry at this stage, but Loughgiel came right back into contention with a goal from Ciaran McKinley to cut the arrears to just two with eight minutes left for play.
However Rossa found a quick response and with Aiden Orchin superb in the half-forward line, midfielders Callum McVeigh and Nathan Early in great form, and Domhall Moran a tower of strength at the pivot of the defence they dominated the remainder of the game.
Goals from Chris McComish and David Quinn put the game beyond Loughgiel’s reach and they added three fine points for good measure to seal the title in impressive fashion.
ROSSA – Seaghan Shannon, Stephen Gaskin, Eamon Shannon, Gerard Walsh, Sean Pat Donnelly, Domhall Moran, Niall Devlin, Callum McVeigh, Nathan Early, Deaglan Murphy, Ciaran McAnulty, Aiden Orchin, Sean Smiley, Chris McComish, Darrah Rocks. SUBS – David Quinn, James Connolly.
LOUGHGIEL – Cahir McGrath, Ryan McCollum, Caelin Blair, Ryan Cassley, Darwin Watt, Maol Connolly, Cahir McMullan, Odhran Laverty, Conor Christie, Ryan McKee, Ciaran McKinley, James McNaughton, Tiernan McCloskey, Damon McMullan, Shan McGrath.
Referee – Gary Brown (Glenravel)
