Annaghminnon and Cuchulainn Share Spoils at The Ramparts

DKIT Sport JFC Group 1 Round 2

From The Ramparts, Dundalk Gaels

Annaghminnon Rovers 2-6 Cuchulainn Gaels 0-12

Dylan McArdle came to Annaghminnon Rovers’ rescue with a dramatic injury-time equaliser as they secured a share of the spoils against Gaels in this DKIT Sport Junior Championship Group 1 clash at Dundalk Gaels on Saturday afternoon.

The Omeath side looked set to claim victory after completing a remarkable comeback from five points down. James Sharkey’s point had edged them ahead for the first time, but they were unable to withstand a late Rovers surge as McArdle split the posts deep into added time.

Annaghminnon entered the contest full of confidence following an impressive opening-round victory over Naomh Malachi and made the brighter start. Fresh from his Team of the Week, Rory Phelan registered an early two-pointer, while Dwayne Markey also found the target as the Rovers raced into a 0-4 to 0-0 lead inside the opening 10 minutes.

David Reilly (Cuchulainn) is tackled by Dylan McArdle (Annaghminnon)

Mark McCann’s side gradually settled with Adam and James Sharkey responded with scores of their own. Rovers then delivered the first major blow of the afternoon when Markey finished to the net, restoring their momentum.

The Sharkey’s continued to pose a threat before the interval, with both finding the target again to leave Annaghminnon ahead by 1-5 to 0-5 at half-time.

The Stonetown side came flying out after the restart and James O’Connor struck a second goal to put Rovers firmly on the back foot.

Cuchulainn refused to fold, however, and launched a determined fightback. Adam Sharkey contributed four points, while James added another two as the Omeath men overturned the deficit and moved into the lead.

It appeared they had done enough when James Sharkey edged them in front with a late score, but there was to be one final twist.

With the game slipping into injury time, McArdle produced the decisive moment, finding the net to snatch a dramatic draw for Annaghminnon Rovers and ensure neither side left the Dundalk venue empty handed.

Annaghminnon Rovers team: Shane Grimes; Christopher Connolly, Ryan Cash, Richie Ashfield; Nathan Buckley, Colin Campbell, Fergal Markey; Conor Russell, Tiernan O’Brien; Rory Phelan (0-3, 1tpf, 1f), Dwayne Markey (1-1), Dylan McArdle (0-2); Aidan Lee Martin, James O’Connor (1-0), Ronan Byrne.

Cuchulainn Gaels team: Ciaran Connolly; Aaron Donnelly, Sean Brennan, James Keenan; Martin Hynes, Phillip McGovern, Brendan O’Hagan; Rammie Phillips, Larry Brennan 0-1; Stephen Og McGuinness, Adam Sharkey (0-8, 4f), Seamus McCabe; Eamonn Donnelly, JP Elmore, David Reilly.

Subs: James Sharkey (0-4, 2f) for James Keenan, Cian McDonald for JP Elmore, Jamie Malloy for Aaron Donnelly.

Referee – Declan Dunne (Lannléire)

Photos – Ciaran Culligan