St. Benedict’s Harps 3-11 – 0-16 Hugh O’Neills​

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St. Benedict’s Harps have made a statement in the Yorkshire Senior Championship, defeating reigning three-in-a-row champions Hugh O’Neills in a thrilling opening encounter.

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St. Benedict’s Harps returned to competitive Gaelic football for the first time since the start of June, facing a Hugh O’Neills side renowned for hitting top form in September. What followed was a fantastic display of determination, teamwork and attacking quality from the boys in green and red.

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A growing club making its mark

Before a ball was kicked, the hard work taking place behind the scenes at St. Benedict’s Harps was already evident. A 25-man panel, recruited from across Leeds, Bradford, Wakefield, Harrogate and as far as York and Hull, alongside a growing number of supporters on the sideline, demonstrated the strength and ambition of our club, promoting Gaelic Football in Yorkshire.

 

With many new players joining over the past few months, everyone has played their part in building this team, whether they made it onto the pitch or supported the squad from the sideline.

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First-half fightback

Hugh O’Neills started brightly, establishing an early four-point lead. However, the Harps quickly began to find their rhythm, with Jack Cleary opening our scoring before Conor Houton added three points from dead balls.

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The game then produced its first major turning point.

 

A beautifully worked move saw Dan Cafferkey play the ball inside to Cleary, who switched it across to David Tierney. Tierney found James Spargo, who finished brilliantly at the back post to send the Harps into the lead.

Hugh O’Neills responded, but further points from Cleary and Bon Glynn ensured St. Benedict’s went into the interval with a deserved advantage.

Half-time: St. Benedict’s Harps 1-7 – 0-8 Hugh O’Neills

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Harps turn the screw

The second half began in excellent fashion for St. Benedict’s.

Conor Houton finished off another flowing move with a superb two-pointer, extending the Harps’ lead to four. Moments later, Paul Curran produced a fantastic finish at the back post, putting further daylight between the teams.

With the Harps firmly in the ascendancy, Hugh O’Neills needed a response. Some ill-discipline from St. Benedict’s presented the reigning champions with opportunities from frees, and their full forward kept the contest alive.

David Tierney settled the nerves with an important point before another decisive moment arrived.

In a fantastic aerial duel with the Hugh O’Neills goalkeeper, Daniel Cafferkey rose highest and found the back of the net, restoring a five-point advantage for the Harps. Bon Glynn then added another point to keep the game at arm’s length.

Despite a late push from Hugh O’Neills, St. Benedict’s held firm to secure a memorable opening-round victory.

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Final score

St. Benedict’s Harps 3-11
Hugh O’Neills 0-16

A brilliant performance from the boys in green and red, defeating the reigning Yorkshire Senior Champions and laying down an early marker in the 2026 Yorkshire Senior Championship.

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Team: Domnick Thompson; Brian Sheridan, Mark Phelan, Ciaran Connor; Daniel Cafferkey, Sean Ó Duinnin, Paul Curran; Kallem Morris, Conor Houton; James Spargo, Colm McArdle, Jack Cleary; Kieran Simpson, Bon Glynn, David Tierney

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Subs: Asher Hoyle, Declan Bull, Kevin Finn, Kieran Lofthouse, Jordan Riches, Myles Milliken, Evan Brady, Aaron O'Toole, Rory Scullin, Ben Forshaw

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Scorers: Conor Houton (0-6 (2 two pointers, 1 from free, 2 frees), Dan Cafferkey 1-0, Paul Curran 1-0, James Spargo 1-0, Jack Cleary 0-2, Bon Glynn 0-2, David Tierney 0-2

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Next up: St. Vincent’s

The Harps now face another huge challenge in their bid to progress from the championship group stage.

📅 Sunday
⏰ 2pm
🏐 St. Benedict’s Harps vs St. Vincent’s

With the Yorkshire Senior Championship proving as competitive as ever, the boys will need your support once again. Get behind the Harps as we continue our journey in Gaelic football in Leeds and Yorkshire!

Up the Harps! 🟢🔴

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