McGrattan goal key as Portaferry secure Ulster club SHC final berth

Dunloy's Luke McFerran and Caolan Taggart of Portaferry ©INPHO/Dan Clohessy

Portaferry booked their place in the Ulster Club senior hurling championship final after producing an impressive 1-25 to 2-14 victory over Dunloy at Armagh's Athletic Grounds.

Tom McGrattan proved the difference-maker, scoring 1-7 over the hour, including a crucial 54th-minute goal that halted Dunloy’s comeback and put the Down champions firmly in control.

Portaferry led 0-16 to 2-7 at the break after a strong first-half display, with Finn Turpin contributing six points and Tom Murray and Eoghan Sands also influential.

Dunloy battled back after the restart and closed the gap to a single point with seven minutes remaining, but McGrattan’s fortunate goal swung momentum back in Portaferry’s favour.

The Down champions finished strongly, adding four unanswered points to seal a deserved victory and book a final showdown with defending champions Slaughtneil on November 28th.

The win was also an emotional occasion for Portaferry, who paid tribute to the late Ciara Mageean, with the team producing a spirited performance in honour of the town’s two-time Olympian.