Bellaghy to take on Clan Na Gael in Paul McGirr Ulster U16 Club Championship

The first semi-final in the Paul McGirr Ulster U16 Club Championship takes place this Saturday at 2.00pm, with a mouth-watering clash between Derry champions Bellaghy and Armagh’s Clan Na Gael in Páirc Ghearrdhroma, Dromore.

Both sides have impressed to date and will fancy their chances of securing a spot in next weekend’s Ulster final. Bellaghy have been a team that simply refuse to lose, having come from ten points down in both their games so far.

Drawn against many people’s pre-tournament favourites Four Masters in the preliminary round, things looked bleak for Francis Glackin’s side. Trailing heavily with fifteen minutes to go, they launched a stirring comeback thanks mainly to the outstanding Jacob McCartney, who was switched to full forward, and the long range kicking of Adam Mulholland.

They were pushed even further in last weekend’s quarter-final. Again ten points in arrears with a quarter of an hour remaining, Bellaghy, driven on by McCartney and towering midfield partner Gabriel Gormely fought back bravely. A two pointer in the dying seconds from Mulholland rescued a draw against Magheracloone before the inspirational Oran Glackin proved the hero in extra time with the winning score in a thrilling encounter.

Glackin will be hoping for a more sustained performance from his side this weekend but is under no illusions as to the challenge ahead.

He said: “We look forward to the semi-final, hoping the boys bring that same never-say-die spirit into this weekend’s challenge. We know 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.”

Clan Na Gael entered their quarter-final as underdogs against a physically strong Portglenone side and took some time to settle, but a second half scoring blitz, led by their prolific marksman Matthew McAdam, saw them through comfortably in the end. Wing back Darragh O’Hagan, with his driving runs, caused Portglenone problems and will be one for Bellaghy to keep close tabs on, as will influential playmakers Cian McCord and JJ O’Hagan.

Clan manager Paul O’Hagan is confident his troops have what it takes to progress if they reach their performance levels. “We are delighted to be through to the semi-final of the Paul McGirr. Bellaghy have come through two tough battles so we know they will be a massive challenge for us. If we can keep the effort and workrate as high as our previous games, we will give ourselves a decent chance”.

If Bellaghy can stymie the threats posed by McCord and McAdam then they will have one foot in the final, with the tenacious Tom McErlain and Oran Glackin likely to be given those assignments. Clan Na Gael boast a rich history in Ulster football, and will be hopeful of this side extending that legacy, but Bellaghy resilience, honey by two serious battles, may just give them the edge as they strive to keep the Paul McGirr title in Derry.