Discover the incredible achievements of Sleacht Néill in the Ulster hurling championships.
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Since their emergence in the Ulster Senior Hurling Championship, Sleacht Néill has etched their name in the annals of hurling history. The team has experienced a remarkable transformation, shifting from a club that had never claimed the coveted Four Seasons Cup to dominating the provincial landscape.
As they prepare for another final this weekend, it’s a perfect moment to reflect on their five championship victories that have solidified their stature in the sport.
Starting with their first major triumph in 2016, Sleacht Néill’s ascent has been nothing short of spectacular, marked by thrilling matches and unforgettable moments.
2016: The breakthrough moment
The year 2016 marked a pivotal point for Sleacht Néill as they finally broke through the barriers that had previously hindered their progress. In a gripping final against Loughgiel, they raced to an impressive 2-3 to 0-0 lead, with goals from Brendan Rogers and Cormac O’Doherty sending shockwaves through their opponents.
Maintaining their momentum, they secured a four-point lead at halftime. Despite a late consolation goal from Joey Scullion, the victory was decisive and celebrated as a significant achievement for the club. This championship not only marked the beginning of a new era but also coincided with a remarkable treble that included victories in camogie and football.
2017 and 2019: Continued success
In 2017, Sleacht Néill faced Ballygalget in another thrilling final. Dominating the match, they showcased their prowess with a score of 2-21 to 1-12. Cormac O’Doherty once again proved to be a key player, contributing significantly with another standout performance. The match saw the opposition suffer a red card, which only solidified Sleacht Néill’s grip on the game. As they celebrated their second consecutive title, the team established itself as a force to be reckoned with in Ulster hurling.
Fast forward to 2019, and Sleacht Néill faced a formidable challenge from Dunloy. A crucial moment came when Oisin Doherty made a spectacular save, preventing an early goal for Dunloy. This save proved to be a turning point, as Sleacht Néill capitalized on the momentum to lead at halftime. Despite a red card issued to an opponent that shifted the dynamics further in their favor, a penalty converted by O’Doherty sealed their victory, marking their third Ulster title in four years.
and Recent achievements
The final saw Sleacht Néill clash with Ballycran. After a hard-fought semi-final against Dunloy, the team was ready to defend their title. The match was competitive, with Ballycran leading at the water break. However, a goal from Brendan Rogers in the final quarter secured their victory, allowing them to triumph with a score of 1-14 to 0-10. O’Doherty continued to shine, finishing as the top scorer once again.
In, Sleacht Néill faced Portaferry in a nail-biting final. Despite trailing by eight points at one stage, the team rallied to take the lead through a late goal, only for Portaferry to respond with a goal of their own. However, crucial long-range points from Ruairí Ó’Mianáin and a top-scoring performance from Cormac O’Doherty ensured that Sleacht Néill emerged victorious with a score of 2-19 to 1-19, further solidifying their place in hurling history.
The road ahead
As Sleacht Néill approaches yet another Ulster final, they stand on the brink of further historic achievements. With only three clubs ahead of them in the Ulster roll of honour, the stakes have never been higher. Their journey from underdogs to champions is a testament to their resilience and skill, making them a team to watch in the future.
