Warrenpoint 1-2 Bredagh 2-10

Bredagh were crowned Down Democrat Junior Hurling Champions with a hard fought victory over Warrenpoint in Ballela on Saturday past. With Warrenpoint defeated finalists 2 years ago and Bredagh beaten finalists last year both teams were determined to make the breakthrough this year.
Warrenpoint started the better, but they squandered a lot of possession through over carrying the ball or badly placed passes. Bredagh with fewer chances opened the scoring from a free by Ian Galway on seven minutes. For ten minutes both teams shot several wides as the game descended in to a hard slog around midfield.

Warrenpoint nearly opened the scoring through a Paul Brown shot after 15 minutes which was expertly saved by Lorenzo McMullan in the Bredagh goal. But it was Bredagh who made the first goal Breakthrough. A sideline to the Warrenpoint box was broken by Ali McAlister and drilled to the net by Seamus McLoughney in the 22nd minute. Further Bredagh points left them 1-4 to 0-1 ahead at half time.

An initial push from Bredagh a the start of the second half was rewarded with a point after 2 minutes. The next score for either side was some 13 minutes later when Warrenpoint’s John O’Kane drilled a 21 yard free to the net. Whilst it raised the shouts from the Warrenpoint fans it also raised the game play of Bredagh. Bredagh moved their half forwards out to midfield and left the full forward line more space to operate in. The once tight and uncompromising Warrenpoint defence was much less secure.

McLoughney picked out McKillop for a second Bredagh goal after 22 minutes. A series of points then followed from both play and frees to leave Bredagh 11 point winners.

Whilst Ian Galway walked away with the official Man of the Match award a few other players stood out on the day. For most of the first half Warrenpoint’s defence and in particular Declan Doyle and Fergal McGivern were in superb form and their midfielder Ronan Mulligan showed why he was drafted onto this year’s Down Junior panel.

Half forward Eoghan Donnelly and Captain Liam Mc Collum were both outstanding for Bredagh but it was former Down County star Danny Hughes at centre half back who really starred. Bredagh now progress to the Ulster Championship scheduled for 2 weeks time. They have a strength and depth in their panel and lots of experience, it sounds like an ideal combination to challenge for an Ulster title.

Warrenpoint B. Murphy, E. McConville, D. Doyle, D, McConville, C. McKey, F. McGivern. L. Rice, B. Hanna, R. Mulligan, J. O Hare, C. Rooney, J. O Kane, K. Maxwell, P. Brown, T. McNally
Subs M. Fegan, C. O Neill, A. O Hare, M. Murphy, S. Burns, L Boyle, A Higgins, N. Domigan, D. Grant, C. Reily, R Fegan

Bredagh L. McMullan, M. Heron, M. Whyte, C. Dillon, L. McCollum, D. Hughes, A. McAllister, I. Galway, W. Gilmore, E. Donnelly, F. McCamphill, J. Anderson, S. McLoughney, S. McKillop, P Doole,
Subs M. Sidebottom, M. McGinley, M. McKervey, P. Byrne, R. McCaughey, C. Hughes, B. Connelly, C. O Neill, D. Brady, P. Moriarty, M. Mullan, P. Boyle, V. McCool, P. Johnston, P. McGrenaghan, K. Muldoon, M. McAfee, U. Power, C. Bonnar