Stacked sports section this week

IT's Tuesday again, so that means one thing - your weekly sport recap across the Borough.

And as always, starting from the back - what can only be described as a historic moment, Championship Leaders Limavady United dumped reigning Linfield FC out of the Irish Cup after a shocking 1-0 victory at the Coleraine Showgrounds after Ryan McNickle flicked the ball over Chris Johns, and the ball rolled ever so slowly into the net, giving Limavady the lead that Linfield couldn't come back from.

Football

In other Cup news, Coleraine bounced back from their Bet McLean exit on Tuesday night against Glentoran by defeating Carrick Rangers 4-1 in AET in the Irish Cup. A early goal from Ben Wylie edged the Bannsiders ahead. Carrick's Adam Leckey levelled which led to the dreaded AET - a repeat of Tuesday's defat to the Glens. But Coleraine's number 9 Matthew Shevlin came off of the bench and netted three of Coleraine's goals to ensure a smooth transition into the next round.

Limavady United pulled off the upset against Linfield and progressed into the next round against the mentioned above, Coleraine FC - to be held on the weekend of March 7 at the Coleraine Showgrounds. Limavady boss Paul Owens noted the finance aspect of the clash: “Financially, it’s a great draw for the club. “It won’t be far for our supporters to travel, and we know how big Coleraine’s crowds are, so we’re expecting a big turnout and a very difficult game.

I thought Coleraine would be our toughest draw. I’ve stood at the Coleraine dugouts for many years and I know that when you’re standing on the sidelines you hear everything behind you. I’ve seen how they perform at home. It would be amazing to get into the next round, for myself and the players and it’s definitely going to be exciting. We all know how difficult it’s going to be but we’ve earned the right to be here after a historic win. 

"We had brilliant support for the Linfield game, but the Coleraine draw is going to be totally different. I would expect the Showgrounds to be filled with supporters. There are a lot of things I don’t have the answers to yet: who has the home gate, where our supporters will sit and where will the Coleraine supporters sit? But, on the day, it’s going to be a great occasion for everybody."

In less than happy news for football, the former Premier Intermediate League side Tobermore United released a club statement that they are withdrawing from the 2025/26 Season. "The committee remains deeply committed to rebuilding Tobermore United and ensuring its return to football for the start of the 2026/2027 season.
After thorough consideration of the club’s current circumstances and available options, the decision has been made to return to a competitive level. The committee believes that this approach will provide Tobermore United with the most stable foundation for recovery and will allow for the strengthening of club structures moving forward."

GAA

Derry hurlers scored their opening league victory of the season with an ultimately comprehensive 10 point victory over Mayo that could prove critical as the Division Two survival battle unfolds. Fintan Bradley was back in action just two weeks after being helped off the field with a shoulder injury against Kerry and he proved his worth by scoring five points from open play despite playing at midfield.

It is a big test for Derry but given the manner in which they played against Tyrone in round two they will fancy their chances but a few tweaks are needed particularly in attack where their zest for goals has seen opportunities for points bypassed.

Kildare are a point ahead of Derry in the table having drawn away to Tyrone despite playing half the game with 14 players. They then eased past Leinster rivals Offaly by 3-17 to 0-17. In their two games Kildare have scored 4-36 while Derry, in the same number of games, have scored 2-28. Derry have conceded 2-31 while Kildare have shipped 2-33.

Rugby

Coleraine Grammar School First XV will play Ballyclare High School in the semi-finals of the Danske Bank Ulster Schools' Shield. It follows the Coleraine school’s 39-0 demolition of Friends School Lisburn at the college on Saturday morning.
Ballyclare enjoyed victory Down High School on the same day. Belfast Royal Academy will face RS Armagh in the other semi-final. There were mixed results for local schools in the Danske Bank Schools' Bowl quarter-finals as Limavady Grammar School defeated Larne Grammar School while Dalriada School lost to Bangor Grammar.

Ballymoney 2s hosted familiar opponents in City of Armagh 3rd XV, in a Crawford Cup Quarter Final.
With recent fixtures including last year's final all coming down to the last plays, both sides knew it would be a tough 80 minute encounter. The match kicked off with Ballymoney playing away from the clubhouse.

Armagh started with a strong spell of possession and territory, but unable to break the line. Ballymoney were struggling to clear, with a combination of turnovers and penalties handing back the advantage. But once on the front foot, Ballymoney began to show their ambition.

Hockey

A brace of goals for the Coleraine XI from Hope Ross and Gracie McNally saw a convincing 7-0 victory over league leaders Dungannon in the Senior 1 league. Coleraine raced into a third minute lead when Ross scored from close range. Dungannon came back with two short corners but Molly Brown in goals dealt these producing some agile saves.

Coleraine extended their lead with Gracie McNally on the break flicking the ball into the corner of the net and right on the stroke of half time Maddy McNally got her name on the scoresheet when she volleyed home from a penalty corner rebound.

The 2nd XI travelled to Ballymena on Saturday knowing they were in for a competitive and demanding encounter.
From the opening whistle, the match lived up to expectations, with both sides producing a high-quality, evenly matched contest. The first half was closely fought, with chances at both ends and neither team able to find a breakthrough.
Coleraine showed good attacking intent through their forward line of Tilly McKee, Zoe Campbell and Sofia McFarland.

For full reports and pictures, see this weeks Coleraine Chronicle.