Down champions power into provincial hurling final
Portaferry booked their place in the Ulster decider with a commanding 1-25 to 2-14 victory over Dunloy. Tom McGrattan’s late goal settled a lively semi-final at the BOX-IT Athletic Grounds after the Antrim side had twice found the net.
Portaferry powered into the Ulster Senior Hurling final with a 1-25 to 2-14 victory over Dunloy at the BOX-IT Athletic Grounds, pulling clear after a lively semi-final contest.
The Down champions led by three points at the break, despite first-half goals from Keelan Molloy and Conal Cunning keeping their Antrim opponents in contention. Eoghan Sands opened the scoring, while Tom McGrattan’s frees and Finn Turpin’s sharp shooting helped Portaferry to a 0-16 to 2-7 interval lead.
Cunning and substitute Eoin O’Neill helped Dunloy cut the gap to two after the restart, but Turpin and Sands kept the scoreboard moving for Portaferry.
The decisive moment came in the 55th minute when McGrattan’s speculative effort slipped beneath goalkeeper Ryan Elliott and trickled into the net. Murray, McGrattan, Ronan Blair and Niall Fitzsimmons added points as Portaferry stretched their advantage to eight.
The victory sends Portaferry into the provincial final. It was another disappointment for Antrim clubs in Ulster, with Cushendun also losing to Keady on penalties earlier in the day.