Derry Ulster SHC Semi-final: New York 1-18, Derry 1-12 New York created hurling history when they defeated a depleted Derry side to reach the Ulster final for the first time at Gaelic Park, New York, yesterday.

The winners played some excellent hurling with Cathal McKeever and Liam O'Connor dominating midfield while in attack Michael Kennedy, Colin Whyte and Kieran Berrigan gave the Derry defence a very serious examination throughout the 70 minutes.

The New York half back line, of Adrian Guinan, Tom Moylan, Hugh O'Leary, were outstanding.

Derry who were short almost half their standard side had outstanding defenders in Emmet McKeever, Cathal Brunton and Paul Sweeney but the attack depended on the accuracy from frees by Ruairí Convery and the hard working John O'Dwyer.

Derry dominated the first half and by 1-9 to 0-10 at half-time with their goal coming in the 10th minute through Gary Biggs.

New York took the lead 12 minutes into the second-half with a goal from Michael Kennedy and they slotted over points at regular intervals with Derry's only reply being three pointed frees by Ruairi Convery.

NEW YORK: A Gleeson; M Mitchell, R Gaule, P Wickham; A Guinan, T Moylan (0-1), H O'Leary; L O'Connor (0-1), C McKeever; P Murray (0-1), J Madden (0-1), M Kennedy (1-6); K Kennedy, C Whyte (0-3), K Berrigan (0-4). Subs: T Fletcher (0-1), for P Murray, S Corrigan for K Kennedy, S Cunningham for K Bergin.

DERRY: K Stevenson; M Kearney, E McKeever, G Brunton; P Sweeney, C Brunton, P O'Kane; E Farren, R McCloskey; M Craig (0-1), R Convery (0-9), D McGreallis (0-1), S McBride, G Biggs (1-0), J O'Dwyer (0-1). Subs: A Closkey for F Craig, G O'Kane for S McBride, K Hinphey, for B McGreallis,

Referee: E Morris (Dublin)