BELLAGHY came good in the second half and survived a late scare in this Ulster Club Championship game in Enniskillen, having trailed to an energetic Devenish side by 0-6 to 0-4 at half-time.
In the second half, having drawn level after six minutes with two pointed frees from Joe Cassidy, Bellaghy took over.
But they failed to extend their lead beyond two points and late in second half they suddenly found themselves with a game on their hands after scores by Paul Coyle and Mark Gallagher brought the teams level with eight minutes remaining.
However, they managed to find another gear with Gerry McPeake raiding on the left to provide a pass for substitute Jude Donnelly to snatch the lead point, which was quickly followed up by another from Joe Cassidy after McPeake was fouled.
For good measure the hard-working Karl Diamond provided the final pass for full-forward Damien Cassidy to secure the insurance point and they ran out 0-11 to 0-8 winners.
Bellaghy: K O’Neill, S Doherty, D O’Neill, P Diamond, C McNally, P Downey, G McPeake, J Mulholland (0-2), D Quinn (0-1), K Diamond (0-1), B Lee (0-2), G Doherty, E Cassidy, D Cassidy (0- 1), J Cassidy (0-3).
Subs: S Birt for P Diamond, J Donnelly (0-1) for E Cassidy.
Devenish: P Maguire, B Treacy, P McGuinness, C Clancy, F Maguire, K Gallagher, S Burns (0-2), B Carty, B O’Brien, S McCann, M O’Brien (0-1), P Coyle (0-2), M Gallagher (0-2), G O’Brien (0-1), G Mulrone.
Subs: P Mulrone for McCann (inj), A McGoldrick for Treacy, S Maguire for G O’Brien.
Referee: B Crowe (Cavan)
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Kieran McKeever is the new Derry senior football captain.
The Dungiven building contractor takes over from Henry Downey and, like his predecessor, will be hoping to get his hands on “Sam” and the National League trophy.
Acknowledged as the best right half back in the game his performances over the past 10 years must make him a strong contender for an Allstar award this year.
His vice-captain is Anthony Tohill.
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RTE soccer pundit Eamon Dunphy insisted yesterday that a move by Wimbledon to bring Premiership soccer to Dublin is still on the cards.
He has been a central figure in trying to seal the £20 million deal backed by U2 manager Paul McGuinness and others.
But reports that the deal is done have been dismissed by club owner Sam Hammam. The fiery writer said: “I think Sam’s quote was ‘just because you’re going out with a girl doesn’t mean you have to marry her’.
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ANNADALE Striders’ Dermot Donnelly produced a solid performance when finishing fourth in the British 10km road race championship at Solihull, Birmingham, yesterday.
A group of five comprising Donnelly, Eamon Martin (Basildon), Glynn Tromans (Coventry Godiva), Chris Robison (Derby), Dave Taylor (Blackheath), soon broke away from the main pack.
Just after the six kilometre marker, Martin kicked hard and covering the next kilometre in 2.49 established what was to prove a winning lead.
The 37-year-old British record holder ran out the new champion with a time of 29.01 from Tromans, 29.03 and Robison 29.10. Donnelly finished fourth in 29.
