St. Benedict’s Harps 0-17 – 3-9 St. Vincent’s Sheffield

 

St. Benedict’s Harps came within a single point of an impressive comeback victory against St. Vincent’s Sheffield in the third round of the Yorkshire Senior Championship, eventually falling to an 1 point defeat.

 

Despite the result, the Harps finish top of their championship group, marking another significant step forward for the club and Gaelic football in Leeds and Yorkshire.

 

St. Vincent’s started brightly, opening the scoring before Conor Houton’s excellent two-pointer and a free from Dave Tierney put the Harps ahead. Sheffield demonstrated why they came into the game as league champions as they really began to turn the screw as the first half progressed, notching a goal and a series of points to establish a 1-6 to 0-4 lead at half-time, with Jack Cleary adding a point for the Harps before the break to bridge the gap.

 

The second half saw St. Benedict’s come roaring back into the contest. Houton opened the scoring from a free before further points from Cleary and Tierney brought the deficit down. Sheffield then struck for their second goal with a free from inside the penalty area, which saw the lead stretch back out to 8 points.

 

However, the St. Benedict's lads refused to lay down and fought their way back into the tie. Some mammoth defending from Kallem Morris and Sean O Duinnin marshalling the defence, and Ciaran Connor stepping up to disposses the St. Vincent's attackers built the platform for Paul Curran and Colum McArdle to add points. The change of the tireless Rory Scullin into midfield helped shift the tie into the Harps' favour, while another two-pointer from Houton helped keep them within touching distance.

 

Ben Forshaw made an immediate impact from the bench, scoring a point, before further scores from Tierney and Houton brought the sides level at 14 points apiece.

 

The closing stages produced a thrilling finish. Tierney, with an outrageous half volley from the right hand side, Curran and a free from Houton put St. Benedict’s 1 point in front with time running out.

 

However, Sheffield responded with a late goal and a final point from Danny Nolan to secure a narrow victory.

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Despite the disappointment of losing by just one point, there is plenty for the Harps to be proud of. Two years ago, St. Benedict’s Harps did not compete in the Senior Championship. To now be competing at this level, finishing top of the group with the reigning Senior Champions and League Champions shows some huge strides made by the club in the last 24 months.

 

A huge thank you to everyone who has contributed to that progress, both on and off the pitch. The journey continues, as we await our semi final opponents, due to take place on Sunday 27th September 2026.

 

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

 

Substitutes: Kieran Lofthouse, Ben Forshaw, Rory Scullin.

 

Scorers: Conor Houton (0-7, including 2 two-pointers and 1 free), David Tierney (0-4), Paul Curran (0-2), Jack Cleary (0-2), Colum McArdle (0-1), Ben Forshaw (0-1).

 

Join St. Benedict’s Harps GAA in Leeds

 

Interested in playing Gaelic football in Leeds, Yorkshire or the surrounding areas? St. Benedict’s Harps GAA welcomes players of all abilities, whether you’re an experienced Gaelic footballer or completely new to the sport. Based in Leeds, our club brings together players from across Leeds, Sheffield, Bradford, Wakefield, York and surrounding areas, offering a welcoming environment to get involved in Gaelic games, make new friends and be part of a growing GAA community. If you’re looking for a Gaelic football club in Leeds, get in touch with St. Benedict’s Harps and join our journey. 💚❤️

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