Belnaleck Art McMurrough’s secured an historic victory in Kilmacud Crokes All-Ireland 7s series, defeating Trillick in the final to clinch the title.

This was the 51st year of the prestigious Kilmacud Crokes, Beacon Hospital 7s Series and it was Belnaleck’s first appearance following a welcome invite from Fermanagh’s own Liam McBarron who is highly regarded official with the current All Ireland Club champions.

Belnaleck, along with Enniskillen Gaels and Devenish St Mary’s made up a trio of Fermanagh competitors on the day and the Kilmacud Crokes 7s organising committee said:

“Kilmacud Crokes express great delight in the significant presence of Fermanagh teams participating in their esteemed Senior All Ireland 7’s competition, which took place on the eve of the All Ireland football Final in Dublin.

“Celebrating the 51st anniversary of this event, Kilmacud Crokes took particular pleasure in witnessing Belnaleck GAC’s triumph as the first Fermanagh club to secure victory in the All Ireland competition.

“Enniskillen and Devenish St. Mary’s also put on impressive performances in the tournament, despite unfortunately experiencing defeat during the group stages.”

Belnaleck played their three first round games at Silver Park Tudor Lawns, Stillorgan; losing to Dungannon Clarkes in their opening game before defeating Drumcliffe Rosses Point and Raheny to qualify as group runners up.

The action then moved over to Kilmacud Crokes headquarters at Glenalbyn Road, Stillorgan.

In the quarter final game they faced Na Fianna, Dublin coming out on top on a 4-09 to 3-07 scoreline.

Unfortunately Garrett Cavanagh, who had scored 4-02 in the earlier games, picked up an injury in this game and was unable to play any further part in the subsequent games.

Next up in the semi final were Dungannon Clarkes who had beaten the Art McMurrough’s in the group stages. This was a very close contest with the scores even at half time; 1-06 apiece. With both teams adding five points to their tally the scores were all even, 1-11 each at the end of normal time. Then came the penalties, each team scoring three out of three. This was followed by a sudden death shoot out.

A Kane Connor save from Dungannon’s seventh kick left it to Garvan Quigley to take penalty number seven for Belnaleck - and he made no mistake, powerfully placing his shot to the keeper’s right and blasting an elated Belnaleck into the final against Trillick St Macartan’s.

For both teams this was physically a very challenging encounter bringing total playing time for the day in advance of a 120 minutes.

The first half was keenly fought with goals hard to come by. Peter Monaghan opened the scoring for the Art McMurrough’s with a long-range point from the right after a patient build up. This was swiftly followed by two points for Trillick from the boot of James Garrity.

Both teams defended staunchly with Fergal Keenan to the fore in the Belnaleck defence. Garvan Quigley soon levelled matters with a well worked point from the left.

This was quickly followed up with a point from Conor McAuley. However, a further point from Lee Brennan restored the Trillick lead.

Mattie Donnelly and James Garrity added two points for Trillick but two points from Quigley and one from Conor McAuley pulled Belnaleck level as half time approached.

So, all level going into the second half which brought goals for both teams. Shortly after the restart Conor McAuley expertly finished to the net after getting on the end of a quick free from Oisin McCarney. Belnaleck looked to be in the ascendancy but Trillick still had plenty of time to work themselves back into the game. This they did with further points from Brennan and Garrity.

Belnaleck’s ability to keep their lead was greatly helped by Kane Connor’s pin point kick outs. These provided the platform for Belnaleck to create further scoring opportunities. Che and Lee Cullen, as well as Connor McAuley, were relentless in winning kick outs on the Belnaleck restart.

Trillick came right back into the game when James Garrity got on the end of a breaking ball and drilled from the ground into the back of Kane Connor’s net.

Shortly after this Mattie Donnelly was forced to retire from play due to injury following a goal line collision.

Trillick kept up the momentum creating another goal chance only to see Kane Connor block it on the line and clear the danger to Fergal Keenan who drove forward. Eventually Orran McCarney got on the end of this and pointed. This was followed with a converted free from Garvan Quigley securing an historic two point victory for the Art McMurrough’s; 1-11 to 1-09.

BELNALECK SQUAD:

Lee Cullen, Peter Monaghan, Oisin McCarney, Garrett Cavanagh, Oran McCarney, Conor McAuley , Che Cullen, Kane Connor, Garvan Quigley and Fergal Keenan.

Manager - Daniel Kille