Senior Hurling
14 April 2026
In a thrilling encounter Ballyvarley overcame Naomh Columcille under the lights in Coalisland in their delayed opening round of the Down Hurling League on a score line of Ballyvarley 1-15 Naomh Columcille 2-10.
Ballyvarley made a fast start thanks to Liam Conlan and Paddy McGrath opening the scoring for the side. Ballyvarley were dominant in the first quarter, with Louis Murray mopping up possession after possession, and were leading 5 points to 2 when Naomh Columcille hit two quick fire goals to bring them right back into the game. However, Harrison Lennon and Brogan Brackenbury hit the last 2 scores of the half to steady the ship and bring Ballyvarley back to within 3 points at half time.
During the opening 15 minutes of the second half, Ballyvarley got of to a flying start with the defence and midfield imperious in starving the Tyrone side of possession and in turn supplying quality ball into the forward line who took advantage of it with Eoin Brackenbury scoring the all important goal that give Ballyvarley a firm foothold in the game. This was backed up by further points from Liam Conlan and Harrison Lennon, who was excellent from frees on the night. During this purple patch, Ballyvarley hit 1-6 without reply, to go 6 points up entering the last 15 minutes.
In the last quarter Naomh Columcille began to gradually chip away at the Ballyvarley lead. However, two exceptional saves from goalkeeper Eoghan Devine, who was making his league debut, in the last 10 minutes helped to ensure Naomh Columcille could not bridge the gap. Ballyvarley pulled through to record a 2 point victory and sets them up strongly going into a clash with East Belfast in Ballyvarley next Monday night.
Ballyvarley- Eoghan Devine; Sean Devlin, Thomas Lennon, Sean Boyle; Ciaran Davis, Chrissy Lennon, Rory McShane; Darragh McKay, Louis Murray; Liam Conlan (0-3), Harrison Lennon (0-10), Paddy McGrath (0-1); Eoin Brackenbury (1-0), Michael Lennon, Brogan Brackenbury (0-1);
Ory McLean, Anjum Hussain, Thomas Lennon, Jarlath Larkin, James Campbell,
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