With Ballykelly, Castlemitchell and Kildangan amalgamated under Abbey Rangers for this year’s Minor campaign, hopes are high for a strong season ahead.

While results have not yet fallen their way, the performances across the opening two rounds show plenty of promise and determination within this talented group.

Round 1

Balyna travelled to Kildangan for the opening fixture and made a strong start, registering 1-02 before Devan Abbey opened Abbey Rangers’ account with a well-taken free.

The sides traded scores throughout the half. Points from Alex Cullen and Tomas Dunne kept Abbey Rangers in touch, while Evan Groves was lively in the full-forward line, adding two fine scores. Devan Abbey added another late point to leave the half-time score at:

The second half proved a tight and physical battle. Ben O’Connor and Seanie Haughton were solid in the full-back line, while Kevin Nolan and Losha Ozernoy drove forward repeatedly to launch attacking moves.

Balyna edged the second half by five points to three, leaving Abbey Rangers just three points short at the final whistle.

A warm welcome to our new Castlemitchell players:
 Seanie Haughton, Tommy Donnelly, Losha Ozernoy and Cillian Casey.

Round 2

Round 2 brought Abbey Rangers to Ballykelly to face St Edwards on Sunday morning.

With the aid of a strong wind, St Edwards stormed into an early lead, going 2-01 up within the opening five minutes.

Abbey Rangers responded impressively. Devan Abbey was clinical in front of goal, finishing the first half with 2-02. Additional scores from Dan Geoghegan and Oisín O’Reilly kept Abbey Rangers well in contention at the break:

Abbey Rangers dominated large periods of the second half and built a five-point lead before St Edwards struck twice in quick succession with crucial goals.

The contest ebbed and flowed. Abbey Rangers regained the lead, fell behind again following a converted penalty, and once more edged ahead by a single point. However, a late St Edwards goal proved decisive, with Abbey Rangers eventually falling short by the narrowest of margins.

Second-half scorers included:
 • Tomas Dunne (3 points)
 • Devan Abbey (3 points)
 • Oisín O’Reilly (2 points)
 • Daniel Geoghegan (1 point)
 • Adam Martin (1 point)
 • Calum Walsh (1 point)

Tommy Donnelly and Conor Clarke were outstanding in defence, while Oisín O’Reilly delivered a Man of the Match performance in midfield, combining tireless defensive work with powerful attacking runs.

Despite two defeats, the effort, resilience and quality shown by this young squad gives great encouragement for the games ahead.

The campaign continues next weekend.