Match dedicated to Feargal McCaughan

THE past week was very traumatic and emotionally upsetting for all connected to the Glen Rovers Armoy Club after the tragic death from meningitis of player Feargal McCaughan.

As the team travelled to Glenravel to Play in the Final of the Division 3 Ulster Hurling league only one thing was on their minds.

Feargal had helped them reach this final and in his memory this final had to be won for Feargal and his family's sake. Glen Rovers entered this game as underdogs because their opponents Ahoghill played in Division 2 of the Antrim All County League whereas Glen Rovers Armoy played in the 3rd Division. From the body language early on you could sense that this was a game Armoy were not going to lose and at halftime Glen Rovers lead 0-09 to 0-04.

Feargal's younger brother Eamonn wore the number 13 jersey and scored 2-02 from play as Glen Rovers played out of their skins to win convincingly by 25 points.

Large numbers of Armoy supporters spilled on to the pitch and there was emotional scenes as Matin McAviney from the Ulster Council of the GAA presented the cup to Eamonn McCaughan who his team mates had elected captain before the game.

Damien Gillan team manager said: "The GAA prides itself in not only being a sporting organisation but also a family and community based association. Whenever a family hurts we the club hurt and this has manifested its self clearly this past week.It is times like this you cherish belonging to your club."

Mark O'Neill club chairperson stated: "While this is obviously a great day in the history of our club we must remember our member, player and dear friend Feargal and his contribution to our club.

"Our thoughts go to his family at this time and this victory is dedicated to them and his memory."

Glen Rovers Armoy team.

D McToal K McErlain B McClelland T McClafferty M McErlain J Dillon C McCormick G McFetridge J Cassley O Kinney C Hunter L Forsythe E McCaughan T Kinney P McErlain

Subs used S McBride, P McFetridge, D McToal, F McBride and C Devlin.