GAA: Two Frankie Donnelly goals shoot Bellaghy to Larkin Cup title

Two second-half goals from Frankie Donnelly put Bellaghy on their way to victory over reigning champions Ballinderry in the Larkin Cup Final on Thursday night in Loup. Bellaghy hit the front with a Donnelly point after 12 seconds and looked like romping clear. With Conleith Gilligan on form (scoring 0-11 in total) and storming run and finish to the net by corner-back Conor Wilkinson, Ballinderry led 1-7 to 0-8 at half-time. Four Gilligan points in a row kept the Shamrock's ahead.  Bellaghy needed a goal to swing the momentum and Frankie Donnelly supplied it, with a neat finish to the corner of the net, levelling matters at 1-11 each. There was controversy with referee Maurice Corrigan's score differing with that on the scoreboard but Bellaghy struck for a second goal - again from Donnelly to put them in control. With three points between the sides, in the referee's book, James Conway almost forced extra-time but his fisted effort went into the grateful arms of Benny Diamond and Bellaghy held on for victory, 2-15 to 1-14. Before the presentation, CCC Chairman Stephen Barker commended both clubs on their efforts and giving the competition the respect it deserved. Coverage from this week's league cup finals in Tuesday's County Derry Post.