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Bellaghy (Derry 1-13 v Magheracloone (Monaghan) 1-12
Sun, 23 Nov 2025
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Bellaghy (Derry) 1-13 v Magheracloone (Monaghan) 1-12 AET
Bellaghy and Magheracloone made light of atrocious weather conditions on Sunday afternoon in Pairc Gheardhromma, Dromore to produce a game for the ages with the Derry champions prevailing by the minimum margin at the end of extra time in an absorbing encounter in the last of the 2025 Paul McGir Ulster U16 Club Championship quarter finals.
Despite the swirling wind and heavy rain, both sides have to be commended for displaying guts, determination and no lack of skill, keeping the large crowd enthralled throughout. Making their debut in the Paul McGirr tournament, Magheracloone were the first to settle when the excellent Jacob O’Loan opening the scoring. Bellaghy struck back with points from Odhran Doyle and Aodhan Scullion, but the remainder of the half belonged to the Farney men, with further scores from O’Loan, Micky Doogan Burke and Bobby McCabe to lead 0-04 to 0-02 at the break. Bellaghy could have been in deeper trouble only for keeper Charlie McFall, who produced a point-blank save to deny Burke.
It was a first half where defences dominated. Captain Ben Freeman and Luke Cosgrove fought for everything at one end for Magheracloone, while the tenacious Tom McErlain and Oran Glackin tackled ferociously at the other.
Magheracloone were edging the battle and started the second half impressively, with points from Burke, Padraig Gannon and Freeman putting daylight between the sides. An acrobatic goal-line stop from McErlain denied the diminutive yet elusive Jamie Hughes, but Hughes wasn’t to be denied a second time, coolly finishing after the rampaging Freeman’s effort was partially blocked down. A further point from Gannon extended the Monaghan champions’ advantage to ten, and they appeared set for a semi-final place.
Bellaghy, though, had other ideas. Just as they had done in their preliminary-round win over Four Masters, they launched a stirring comeback as conditions deteriorated. A series of spectacular two-point frees from the majestic Jacob McCartney ignited their challenge and brought them right back into contention as tensions rose and possession battles grew ferocious. Yet another two-pointer from McCartney, followed by a further point from himself, left just two between the sides as the game entered its final moments. Then, just as he had done against Four Masters, the man of the moment Adam Mulholland delivered a sensational long range two-pointer with the last kick to bring an absorbing contest to extra time at 1-07 to 0-10.
Given the heavy underfoot conditions, no one would have blamed the players if the quality had dipped in extra-time but it certainly did not. Every ball was fought as if their lives depended on it, driven on by their respective vocal support. A breach of the three-up rule gave Magheracloone the first score via Gannon, but they were rocked when a long ball from Cadhan Rocks evaded everyone skidding through and found its way to the net. The Monaghan champions, however, showed great sprit and wrestled back control for the remainder of the half, with a two pointer and a single from the excellent O’Loan, and another point from Gannon, giving them a two-point cushion at the turnaround.
Once again Bellaghy were being asked serious questions, and once again they delivered the answers. A two pointer from Doyle levelled the game, and only a point-blank save from Cian McEneaney denied the raiding Fearghal McLarnon a second Bellaghy goal. As time ticked down and legs grew tired, MFC Man of the Match Oran Glackin popped up with the winner, curling over a superb effort from the right wing. Magheracloone had one last chance and went for goal when a point would have forced penalties. A series of separate Bellaghy blocks denied them, before Tom McErlain emerged with the ball as referee Enda Mallon, excellent throughout, blew the final whistle.
Relieved but delighted Bellaghy manager Francis Glackin was super proud of his troops and already looking forward to the next day out “This was a massive test for our boys. The conditions were brutal and Magheracloone proved to be an excellent side, but once again our lads showed real grit and resilience. They refused to give up, battled to the very end, and their die-hard attitude paid off. We now look forward to the semi-final, hoping they bring that same never-say-die spirit into next week’s challenge. Although we know that Clan na Gael will be a mountain for our boys to overcome as they beat a good Portglenone team well in the quarter final. The challenge ahead is huge, but hopefully the belief and determination in this group is enough to get them to the final”.
It was heartbreak for a gallant Magheracloone side who will reflect on a game they will feel they should have wrapped up, but they can take immense pride in their performance. Bellaghy, the team that never give up, now progress to next weekend’s semi-final where they will face Clan Na Gael of Armagh. A tremendous game of football that will live long in the memory of the large crowd that braved the elements.
Bellaghy - Charlie McFall, Diarmuid Doherty, Cian O’Sullivan, Tom McErlain, Oran Glackin (0-1), Tom Harkin, Fearghal McLarnon, Gabriel Gormley, Jartlath McCartney (0-6, 5F), Donnacha Scullion, Odhran Doyle (0-3), Adam Mulholland (0-2), Ruairi Hull, Cadhan Rocks (1-0), Aodhan Scullion (0-1, 1F)
Subs: Mark Og McLarnon for D Scullion, Cathan Loane for Hull, Daniel McElhone for A Scullion
Magheracloone Mitchells - Cian McEneaney, Luke Cosgrove, Pa O’Loan, Ciaran Farrelly, Oisin McGarrell, Ben Freeman (0-1), Ryan Freeman, Jacob O’Loan (0-5, 1F), Liam McConnon, Oran Farrelly, Micky Doogan Burke (0-2, 1F), Jamie Hughes (1-0), Cormac Kelly, Padraig Gannon (0-3, 1F) and Bobby McCabe (0-1)
Subs: Cormac McEntee for McCabe
Referee – Enda Mallon (Armagh)
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