Kingspan Breffni Quarter-Final Drama
A 63rd-minute two-pointer from Rian O’Neill secured a dramatic 1-22 to 2-18 victory for Crossmaglen Rangers over Gowna in the Ulster Club Senior Football Championship quarter-final. The Armagh champions overturned an 11-point deficit at Kingspan Breffni.
Gowna established early dominance through strong midfield play and sharp finishing. Conor Madden got a touch on Conor Casey’s high shot to punch home the opening goal in the 20th minute, putting the Breffni men nine points clear. Ryan Donohue added a second goal for the Cavan champions, who led 1-13 to 1-5 at half-time, and the margin later stretched to 11 points when Seánie Hartin netted in the first minute of the second half.
Crossmaglen erases deficit through crucial turnovers
Crossmaglen gradually worked their way back into the game by punishing Gowna kick-out turnovers. Cian McConville slipped his marker and fired to the net after Rian O’Neill popped the ball inside. McConville finished with 1-1, while Oisin O’Neill spearheaded the attack with 0-10, driving the comeback alongside a bench impact that brought the visitors back into contention.
🏆Ulster Club Championship QF ⏰FT 🏐Gowna 2-18 Cross 1-22 Well done lads 💪⚫️🟠 ❤️Thanks to the McConville family for sponsoring the ball in memory of Margaret pic.twitter.com/f8DE0JXPvb
The Armagh side reeled off seven unanswered points as panic spread through the Gowna ranks. Pearse Blessing landed a two-pointer and Callum Cumiskey added a point. By the 57th minute, substitute Seamus Teelan had put Crossmaglen in front for the first time since the opening stages.
Late two pointer secures provincial semi final berth
Ryan Donohue responded by raising an orange flag to put Gowna’s noses back in front. However, a controversial free against Eoghan Hartin gave Oisin O’Neill a two-point free, and he dinked the ball into the middle for his brother Rian, whose stunning strike under pressure with the 63rd-minute two-pointer secured the win.
Late, late drama as Rian O'Neill's two-pointer wins it for Crossmaglen and edges them past Gowna in the Ulster Club SFC quarter-final 📺Watch live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player: https://t.co/AKAre5FHdN pic.twitter.com/ul1gdym4xC
The victory advances Crossmaglen to the Ulster semi-finals to face either St Brigid’s or Edendork, continuing their quest for a 12th provincial title. Gowna were left to reflect on a missed opportunity after a prolonged drought for Cavan clubs in the competition, where Gowna’s 2002 campaign remains the last time a Breffni club other than Cavan Gaels won a match at this level.
Rian O Neill seals dramatic comeback win
Who scored the winning point for Crossmaglen Rangers?
Rian O’Neill scored the decisive two-pointer with the final kick of the game in the 63rd minute at Kingspan Breffni.
What was the final score in the Ulster Club SFC quarter-final?
Crossmaglen Rangers defeated Gowna with a final score of 1-22 to 2-18 after overcoming an 11-point deficit.
Who will Crossmaglen face in the next round?
Crossmaglen advances to the Ulster Club semi-final to play either St Brigid’s or Edendork.
Gowna's control of the scoreboard against Crossmaglen has tightened further thanks to Conor Madden's goal 📺Watch live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player: https://t.co/AKAre5FHdN pic.twitter.com/8MLs2wQK1e
More on Neill
It gets better for Gowna as Conor Casey lands a two-pointer against Crossmaglen in their Ulster Club SFC quarter-final 📺Watch live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player: https://t.co/AKAre5FHdN pic.twitter.com/cWeVbl4pg6
Cian McConville gives Crossmaglen some hope approaching half-time with a crucial goal to cut the deficit to Gowna 📺Watch live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player: https://t.co/AKAre5FHdN pic.twitter.com/rSA10Gk6VV
Gowna pick up where they left off in the first half as Ryan Donoghue fires in their second goal of the night 📺Watch live on RTÉ2 and RTÉ Player: https://t.co/AKAre5FHdN pic.twitter.com/JwwbxQJdA4
🏐 REPORT: @crossrangers staged a dramatic @AIB_GAA @UlsterGAA Club SFC comeback against @GownaGFC at Kingspan Breffni #GAA ⬇️ https://t.co/4k3OfSHjkB
Keep reading