St Eunan’s minors staged a rousing comeback, but they were pipped at the post by Bellaghy in the semi-final of Ulster Minor Club Tournament at St Paul’s.
St Eunan’s 3-6 Bellaghy 0-16
St Eunan’s trailed by nine points, 0-10 to 0-1, at half-time, but Pauric Ryan’s men rolled the sleeves up and got to work in the second half.
Eunan’s actually led by two points with seven minutes to go, but late scores by Conleth McShane, Lorcan Spier and Paul Cassidy steered Bellaghy home.
St Eunan’s comeback was kick-started by Conor O’Donnell, whose goal early in the second half was the catalyst.
Peter McEniff riffled home a second goal for the black and amber.
And when O’Donnell netted from a penalty, the Cathedral Town men were eyeing up a place in the final – only for a trio of late points to give the Wolfe Tones the edge.
Lorcan Spirt hit six points for Bellaghy, two of them in a dominant first half by the Derry champions.
Charlie Diamond (3), Paul Cassidy (2), Kealan Friel (2) and Ronan McFaul all registered points for Bellaghy as they took command.
O’Donnell’s brace and McEniff’s three-pointer gave Eunan’s hope, but they were nabbed at the finish.
Bellaghy will face Crossmaglen in the final on New Years Day.
