League leaders Darragh Cross fell to a three-point defeat against a resurgent Clann na Banna on Friday night. The Banbridge men came to Darragh on a high after a good run of results which has seen them move into the promotion play-offs in Division 3. Darragh got the first score when Hugh Murray pointed from a free. The away side soon leveled when they took a short 45 and pointed from long range. Another point was quickly followed by their opening goal, when a pass from the sideline went right through the Darragh defence and found a free man at the back post who finished it to the net. Clann na Banna added two more points, before Marcus Miskelly got Darragh’s next point from a free. In the next attack the away side got another goal when their full forward finished from close range. Eoin Mageean and Hugh Murray added points for Darragh to leave them trailing by 0-4 to 2-4 at half time.

The Banbridge men got the first two scores of the second half, to increase the deficit to eight points, before two Marcus Miskelly frees gave Darragh some hope. Another point for Clann na Banna sparked Darragh into life, who went on to score four unanswered points and put just three between the sides. Eugene Murray (2), Peter Casey and Marcus Miskelly all pointed in Darragh’s best spell of the game. Clann na Banna pointed from a free before a Marcus Miskelly point from a narrow angle brought it back to a three-point game. Clann na Banna held on, but there was a controversial end. The referee’s whistle blew for full-time just as Darragh corner forward Marty-Healy received a flick-on and slotted past the keeper. All-in-all the poor first half performance cost Darragh, while Clann na Banna deserved to take the spoils.

Darragh Scorers – M Miskelly (0-5), H Murray (0-2), E Murray (0-2), E Mageean (0-1), P Casey (0-1)

Monday 31st saw the senior camogie team play Warrenpoint away in the semi-final of the championship. The match got off to a fast start with both teams battling for the first score and soon into the first half Darragh opened the scoring with an excellent goal from Jade Heath. Warrenpoint quickly replied with a point and the strong, physical home side started putting Darragh's defence under real pressure. Una Mc Clements was impressive in goals and kept her cool to clear several balls of the line.

Jan Miskelly in full back, Cathy Mc Mahon, Nicole McGrath and Marie-Louise Miskelly on the half back line, all battled relentlessly to defend the Darragh goals. Warrenpoint scored another two points to leave the score level at 1-0 to 0.3 at the half time whistle. Darragh got off to a much better start in the second half with an early goal from Rosie Murray who had a superb all round game. Finnait Mageean, Meabh Mageean and Claire Miskelly never gave up and slowly started to dominate the midfield. Noreen Mageean, Jade Heath and Christine Miskelly in the half forward line, started to break down the Warrenpoint defence, leading to another fine goal from Rosie Murray and well hit free by Cathy Mc Mahon also landing in the net. Further points from Rosie Murray and Noreen Mageean late into the second half saw Darragh start to dominate the game. Warrenpoint did well but all round fitness and the total commitment shown by the whole Darragh team saw the match finish Darragh Cross 4-4 Warrenpoint 2-4. Darragh Cross now play An Riocht in the final on Sunday Auguat 20th.

Race Day tickets are now on sale for Downpatrick racecourse on August 13th. Tickets Cost £60 and this includes a four course meal, race card, gala draw entry, celebrity tipster, entry to privat marquee, music and entertainment and an evening party. For further information, contact THOMAS MURRAY on 07765118034