Largy College Clones Triumph in Thrilling U13.5 McKee Cup Ulster Final

St. Tiernach’s Park, Clones, played host to a pulsating U13.5 McKee Cup Ulster Final on Friday, March 28th, as Largy College Clones faced off against St. Joseph’s Crossmaglen. The game was a spectacle of two contrasting halves, with Largy producing a dominant first period before Crossmaglen mounted a ferocious comeback.

Largy College started the match in fine form, taking full advantage of a strong breeze to dictate play. Their attacking intent paid off early, with Fiochra Carolan and Darragh McAvinney both finding the net to give Largy a commanding lead. Moving the ball efficiently through the hands, Largy stretched the Crossmaglen defense, opening up opportunities and ensuring a halftime scoreline of 2-05 to 0-2 in their favour.

However, as the second half commenced, Crossmaglen came out with renewed determination, turning the game on its head. With the wind now in their favour, they launched an unrelenting attack, rattling off a succession of scores to remarkably level the contest at 2-05 apiece. Momentum had completely shifted, and Largy found themselves on the back foot as Crossmaglen surged ahead, establishing a three-point lead with just four minutes of added time remaining.

Just when it seemed Largy’s hopes were fading, a moment of magic reignited their challenge. Jamie Morgan picked out Danny McCormick with a pinpoint pass, and McCormick showed incredible composure to bury the ball into the net, bringing the teams level once again. As Crossmaglen restarted with a kickout, Largy pressed high, forcing a turnover that led to a crucial point from Darragh McAvinney, nudging Largy College ahead by a single score.

The final whistle soon followed, confirming a dramatic and hard-fought victory for Largy College. It was a game of two halves, with both teams showcasing their quality, but in the end, Largy’s resilience and late-game heroics sealed a famous triumph in the U13.5 McKee Cup Ulster Final.