A LANCASHIRE League semi-final win over Wolfe Tones capped off an exciting month for Scotland’s Hurling and Camogie club, Ceann Creige.
After losing to Wolfe Tones in August, Ceann Creige enacted revenge on their Lancashire rivals with an impressive 3-18 to 1-10 win in the semi-final of the Lancashire league. This was the Glasgow-based club’s first competitive year in the Lancashire league making the win all the more impressive.
Ceann Creige started brightly, putting three points on the board before grabbing an early goal through corner forward Stephen Treacy with ten minutes on the clock. The Glasgow team struck the back of the net again five minutes later through full forward Chris Kelly. Wolfe Tones hit back with some stunning long-range scores from Cormac Kenny and Dermot Duffy to narrow the gap.
Despite the fight back from the Liverpool outfit, Ceann Creige closed out the first half strongly as their rock-solid defence assisted the forwards who converted some stunning scores from Simon Holland, Ryan O’Connor, Bernard Lawless and Finbar Horgan, meaning Ceann Creige ended the half with a 2-11 to 0-6 lead.
Ceann Creige again rose the green flag soon after the break, as wing forward Simon Holland was put through by substitute Sam O’Neill. Holland made no mistake, striking the ball firmly into the roof of the net.
Wolfe Tones then enjoyed a purple patch, with some quality scores from free-taker Dermot Duffy and midfielder Thomas Cleary. Despite a penalty save from Ceann Creige goalkeeper Ray Dooley, the Wolfe Tones pressure eventually told as they finally rose the green flag after a goal mouth scramble.
The goal seemed to kick Ceann Creige back into life however, and the defence quickly got back on top allowing captain Phil Shine and midfielder Jamie McFadyen to tag on two beautiful long-range scores. Holland and Kelly also struck to add to Ceann Creige’s lead. The scoring was closed out by Treacy who struck his seventh pointed free to leave the final score: Ceann Creige 3-18 Liverpool Wolfe Tones 1-10.
The club wished to place on record its gratitude to Liverpool Wolfe Tones GAA for travelling, referee, Finbar McCarthy, Joe Bradley of Sands MacSwineys GAA for organising the pitch, Danny McGowan of Tír Conaill Harps for providing a replacement set of nets and to sponsors Kitty O’Shea’s and Filament PD.
Prior to the success of the Senior Men’s side, the club enjoyed a busy few weeks in terms of youth participation. As the new school term got underway, the club began its new six schools programme, which will end with a school’s tournament. Ceann Creige is working with four primary schools on this project including: St Rose of Lima, Sunnyside, Avenue End and St Francis. The club’s youth hurling section is expanding further by starting a new session on a Monday night from 6-7pm starting in Barrachnie Park. Ceann Creige is always keen to get new members so if anyone wants their child to give it a try please get in touch with the club.
The Ladies Camogie team have also been busy training and are waiting for the autumn league to start so they can showcase their skills in the upcoming matches.
As well as the Men’s side getting their first league campaign off to a great start by gaining a place in the League Final, they will be looking to get the Championship season—which starts in October—off to a flyer with an away fixture against Yorkshire Emeralds.
