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9 October 1997 Edition

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Sportsview: No ceasefires in Casement Park

Limerick 1-12 Galway 1-9


It's odd seeing the National Hurling League Final being played at this time of year. After another successful hurling season of high drama, second chances and ``back-door finalists'' the league final in October will take some getting used to. However, 21,000 turned up to witness the game between Galway and Limerick, which saw the Treaty men capture their eleventh crown. A lively Limerick performance was epitomised by their excellent defence and experimental team. Galway, the defending champions, gave a poor performance.

Also taking place around this fair isle were numerous county and inter-provincial club encounters. The liveliest of these affairs had to be the Ulster Hurling Club Final between Dunloy (Antrim) and Lavey (Derry) at Casement Park, Belfast. In what was an exciting game, five players were sent to the line in added time. Then, in scenes more reminiscent of a Millwall game, the crowd, many of them the worse for drink, invaded the pitch at the end, with the poor referee being escorted from the ground. It is not often that the supporters of the winning team attack the referee, but then maybe those involved in these disgraceful scenes arer not the kind of supporters that Dunloy wants.

A full investigation is now under way, with the possibility of Dunloy being stripped of their title. It may well happen because there was a strong feeling of embarrassment and anger among GAA fans as the scenes were broadcast repeatedly on BBC and UTV this week.

Lost among the mayhem was the fact that a Derry team put up such a strong challenge for the Ulster title.

Bhoys march on


In the world of soccer Celtic beat Kilmarnock 4-0 and stretched their unbeaten run to ten games with their fifth consecutive league victory. The rejuvenation continues. A brace of goals from the Swede Larson and one each from Morton Wieghorst and Simon Donnelly saw the Celts safely through. The Celtic style under Jansen - stylish passing and movement - has now become his trademark. He described his team's performance thus: ``There is tactical discipline, but at the same time there is room for individuals to express themselves as they did.'' Who needs Paulo Di Canio? Way to go, Wim!

Elsewhere, Hibs really should have beaten the `Huns'. Being 3-1 up, a thunderous free-kick shot from the English clown Gascoigne brought Rangers back in to it. Hibs lost concentration and were beaten by goals from Albertz and Negri.

In the Brandywell reigning League of Ireland Champions Derry City belatedly kicked off their season when they beat previously unbeaten Bohs 1-0 in a timid affair compared to last year's ``antics'' during the corresponding fixture. Shelbourne went top of the table by beating Cork City 3-1 and Sligo Rovers are hot on their trail after beating Drogheda United 4-2.

In the Six-County Orange league, the beleaguered Cliftonville continued their recent good form by beating East Belfast outfit Glentoran 2-0. Maybe a league title challenge from North Belfast? Go on the reds!

By Ciaran Heaphey

An Phoblacht
44 Parnell Sq.
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Ireland