Month / October 2018

by thesaffrongael

Football Leagues reach Conclusion

The football leagues have reached conclusion and following competition which started away back in April the winners and those who fared less well will have time to reflect, and make plans for the following season.

A splendid summer ensured there were no hold ups in the season, with a huge percentage of the games proceeding as planned but in the event conclusion was not reached until the very last day of competition.

 

Kickham’s Creggan took the plaudits in the top division and Kevin Madden’s side have bridged a yawning gap extending since 1961 in bringing the division one title back home to their Staffordstown road complex.

The Creggan men had an excellent season and in fact were only denied a historic double by their near neighbours when Cargin gained a hard earned verdict in the senior championship decider.

The Toome men who did complete a rare league, championship double a few years previous completed this league campaign in second place with St Gall’s and St John’s finishing in the top four spots to ensure seeding for the 2019 senior championship draw.

Rossa and Glenavy struggled to gain foothold in the top division and as result both will endure relegation and will be forced to contemplate life in the second grade next term.

Rossa, despite having taken both the minor and under-21 championships last term struggled to overcome long term injuries suffered the same fate away back in 2010 before being led back on the upward trail again the next season under Brian White and the Shaw’s road side may well return to the top table without delay again.

St Joseph’s Glenavy having returned to division one again last term following a lengthy period in exile struggled to consolidate in their new surroundings but the Chapel Hill men may well be capable of making a quick return.

St Mary’s Ahoghill looked destined for the drop at the start of the second phase having only a couple of points to their name but the Clooney men are certainly not lacking in character and proceeding through the B section in unbeaten fashion saw them move to 13 points and status secured.

Division 2 winners Gort na Mona

Division Two proved close in the extreme and with the lead changing hands a number of time in the latter stages, with Aldergrove, Gort na Mona, St Brigid’s and Tir na Nog all having spells in residency at the top.

A lot depended on the last day, and the final round of competition with the silverware, and promotion to be decided between the Tir na Nog, Gort na Mona and St Brigid’s and as events were to unfold it was the South Antrim duo who were to prove successful.

Gort na Mona gained consolation for their reversal in the Intermediate championship final defeat when a 4-10 to 1-06 victory ensured the division two title while St Brigid’s secured passage upwards by virtue of a 1-13 to 2-07 win over fellow combatants Tir na Nog.

Both will look forward to a residency in the top division in 2019.

O’ Donnell’s, having made the upward journey from the bottom grade to the second tier this term struggled to come to terms with their new status and the McCrory park side, having finished bottom will return again to division three next term.

The West Belfast side will most likely have learned from experience gained and may well be planning a return to the second tier sooner, rather than later.

St Paul’s will accompany their neighbours on the downward trail in what has been a surprise development with the former longtime residents of the top division now facing a term in the bottom tier.

The Shaw’s road side is not expected to linger in the third grade and most onlookers are anticipating a short residency in the basement.

UlsterJFC01

Division 3 winners Con Magee’s Glenravel

Competition proved close in the third grade and although the top positions did look to rest between several, with Ardoyne, St Comgall’s, Glenravel, and St Patrick’s looking contenders but although competition was keen the silverware was to prove a match between the Con Magees and the Lisburn men.

Con Magees eventually secure the title by the slimmest of margins on a count back of a single one point score advantage over the gallant St Patrick’s.

The Glensmen had taken the junior championship in a 0-09 to 0-06 verdict over St Patrick’s and both will look forward to a life in the second division 2019

 

 

 

 

by thesaffrongael

St. Enda’s take a step into the unknown

 Ulster Intermediate club football championship quarter-final

St. Enda’s Antrim v Doohamlet Monaghan

12-30 Corrigan Park (Sunday)

Antrim champions, St. Enda’s take a step into the unknown on Sunday when they face Monaghan champions, Doohamlet in the quarter-final of the Ulster Intermediate club championship at Corrigan Park.

Despite playing their football in division 1 this season the Glengormley side had never won a Senior football championship in Antrim until this year but under the guidance of former Antrim manager Frank Fitzsimmons and his assistant Pat Hughes St. Enda’s collected their first title this year when they beat Gort na Mona in the final at Sunday’s venue.

Having guided St. Enda’s to promotion from division 2 last season, Fitzsimmons has instilled a new found belief into his side and they performed admirably in their first season back in division 1 St. Enda’s have had a good league campaign, finishing at the top of 1B and during the season they had a number of impressive results beating St. Mary’s Ahoghill and Erin’s Own Cargin, who are Antrim senior champions, and losing by a point to championship finalists, Kickhams Creggan.

They are a superbly fit side and play an attractive brand of football and on the way to this year’s Antrim Intermediate final they have beaten St. Paul’s, Davitt’s, Moneyglass and Gort na Mona. They weren’t extended in a preliminary round game against St. Paul’s but did enough to win by 2-8 to 1-4.

In the quarter-final they met Davitt’s under the lights at Ahoghill and were never pushed as they recorded a facile win over the Falls Road side, 5-17 to 0-7 but were expected to face a much stiffer challenge against Moneyglass when the sides met in the semi-final at Lamh Dhearg.

176

James McAuley and Eoin Nagle celebrate a goal against Moneyglass in the semi-final

The game looked finely balanced when St. Enda’s led by only two at the break after playing with a stiff breeze. The game certainly won’t be remembered as a spectacle as a blustery wind on the Black Mountain made conditions difficult. Conan Lyttle drew first blood with a St Enda’s goal just shy of the 12th minute mark but Moneyglass fought back and levelled late in the half through Conaill Prenter.

Two late points edged St Enda’s ahead at the break but the Hightown side were much too strong in the second period and sealed the win late on as Eoin Nagle capitalised on a defensive glitz in the Moneyglass defence to rifle to the net and set-up an all Belfast affair in the Intermediate final against Gort Na Mona.

Naomh Éanna produced a polished performance in the final to run out winners.  Five points separated the Hightown Road side and Gort na Mona at the full-time whistle as Naomh Éanna crushed the Turf Lodge side’s hopes of a league and championship double.

Played at Corrigan Park, the Gort’s were more than a match for their opponents for long periods of the first half. Naomh Éanna were playing with the aid of a healthy wind at their back but the organisation and tenacious defending of the Gorts kept the slick Naomh Éanna men at bay.

It was in the second half that Naomh Éanna showed their class. Playing and holding their own in Division One for 2018 had the Hightown Road side coming into the final as favourites and after the half time whistle, Naomh Éanna upped their game. With Joe Maskey and Philly Curran beginning to dominate in midfield along with man of the match Odhran Eastwood and Ruairi Scott starting to pull the strings, Naomh Éanna never looked behind them.

29.JPG

Odhran Eastwood who turned in a man of the match performance against Gort na Mona in the Antrim final

What of Doohamlet?

Doohamlet are a side with an impressive record having won 4 Monaghan Intermediate titles since 2010 and completing a league and championship double in 2015. Monaghan always produces strong robust teams at this level and the Monaghan champions are sure to provide St. Enda’s with a stiff test but it is one they are capable of overcoming.

In the semi-final of the Monaghan championship Doohamlet beat a fancied Donaghmoyne side at St. Mary’s Park, Castleblaney before going on to beat Sean McDermott’s in a tight final.

McElvaney W&R Intermediate Championship Semi Final:  (Courtesy Doohamlet website)

Doohamlet 3-12  Donaghmoyne 2-09

After another heart stopping encounter Doohamlet eventually earned their place in the 2018 Intermediate  Championship final.  This was never going to be easy with two top teams fighting for a place in the final and Doohamlet playing against the strong breeze in the first half were excellent, strong in the tackle and creating chances. Points from Barry McBennett, Paul McArdle and Conor Marray kept the scoreboard ticking over but the decisive score came from wing back Damian Ward who raced through and finish to the net leaving Doohamlet 1-05 to 0-05 ahead at the break.

Doohamlet now played with the wind in the second half and had a dream start when Barry McBennett rattled the net and now led by six  but before Doohamlet could resettle Donaghmoyne replied with a flicked goal of their own.  Donaghmoyne were now dominating possession and when Pauric Donaghy scored a screamer of a goal to level the game it looked like they had the upper hand and went two points ahead.  Great credit to the Doohamlet players, as they did in the quarter final they regrouped and when Barry McGinn stepped up for a crucial free kick deep into stoppage time he showed nerves of steel to slot over this pressure kick and bring the game to extra time.

With both sides now out on their feet and the stakes high Donaghmoyne grabbed the initiative going two points ahead before Doohamlet struck for goal number 3, Oisin O’Neill with a brilliant finish after being set up by Colin Walshe.  From this point on Doohamlet never relinquished their lead. Ciaran McManus who was outstanding throughout orchestrated the defence. Donaghmoyne’s resistance was broke and points from Jason McElroy, Barry McBennett, Barry McGinn and substitute Cormac McKenna saw Doohamlet win a titanic struggle by six points.

Monaghan Intermediate final

Doohamlet 0-9 Sean McDermott’s 0-8

In the final Doohamlet came out tops after a tight battle with Sean McDermott’s on heavy ground, Colin Walshe fisted over the winning point deep into three minutes of stoppage time.  This game was by no means a classic as Doohamlet hit numerous wides and made mistakes a plenty but for sheer grit and effort the players could not be faulted.

The victory was built on their defence who were outstanding throughout.  James Casey in goal was assured and commanding and the full back line was immense.  Jason McElroy and Gavin King gave a masterclass in tackling and turning over the opposition on  numerous occasions  with Martin Hughes solid at full back.  The half back trio of Darren Connolly, Conor Marray and Damian Ward worked tirelessly with their forays forward and defending.  Jamie Walshe who received Man of the Match was a tower in midfield never stopped and put in a great shift nullifying their talisman and scored two excellent points.

The forwards had to fight for every score and credit to the Sean’s defence who pressed our attack in numbers, Barry McGinn and Barry McBennett were a constant threat with the youthful Hugh McGinn playing in his first final scoring a fine long range point.  Paul McArdle was their focal point at 14 and also worked hard alongside Niall Connolly.

The Monaghan champions were in action again last weekend when they defeated Aughnamullen by 1-13 to 1-12 in a league semi-final and they will come into Sunday’s meeting with St. Enda’s in confident mood. They certainly know how to win tight games and will probably start as favourites but that won’t worry Frank Fitzsimmons and his backroom team.

Who will win?

Having put the skeleton of former championship failure firmly into the closet they can go into Sunday’s game with nothing to lose. Ulster debuts can be difficult for most clubs but this St. Enda’s side have the credentials to get their Ulster campaign of to a winning start.

They are a fit and talented side with Paddy Flood in goals an experienced and reliable campaigner and Michael McNamee, Conan Lyttle and James McAuley strong in a defence who like to push forward when the opportunity arises.

The experienced Philly Curran and high fielding Joe Maskey form a good mid-field partnership while Odhran Eastwood, Ruairi Scott, Peter Healey and Eoin Nagle are all potential match winners in a pacey and skilful attack.

A good start could be vital if St. Enda’s are to advance and if they can achieve that and leave the Monaghan side chasing the game then they have the potential to push on and win this one and, having seen them on a number of occasions this year, I expect them to do just that.

Naomh Éanna v Gort na Mona: Paddy Flood; Killian Jennings, Mick McNamee, Cormac Eastwood; Conan Lyttle, James McAuley, Conor McAuley; Philly Curran, Joe Maskey; Peter Healy, Ruairi Scott, Kristian Healy; Donal Walsh, Odhran Eastwood, Eoin Nagle.

Subs: Ryan Kennedy for C McAuley, Ethan Gibson for P Curran, Ciaran O’Neill for D Walsh

 

by thesaffrongael

Cargin’s Jamie Gribben looks forward to his first game in the Ulster club football championship

As the dust settles on a massive weekend for Antrim club hurling, attention now switches to the football scene as Erin’s Own Cargin and St. Enda’s make their debut on this year’s Ulster stage. Saffron Gael reporter, Geordie McGuckin speaks to one of Cargin’s youngsters, Jamie Gribbin who is looking forward to his Ulster debut against Gaoth Dobhair of Donegal at Corrigan Park on Sunday.

Tuesday evening and the dust had begun to settle and the celebrations were nearing closure as the Cargin men having celebrated their latest championship success the ‘new kid on the block’ Jamie Gribbin sat down for a chat and reflected on the previous Sunday and the day he pocketed his first senior medal.

The nineteen year old who had been brought into the ranks of the seniors last year by John Brennan whilst still involved in the ‘minors’, was thrust into championship fare as the defending champions opened in defense of their title in an opening round victory over Aghagallon and he went and retain his position against St John’s in the initial drawn affair, and again in the replay in which the Toome men were to lose their crown.

A change in management at the Shore road club for the present season saw Damien Cassidy assume the ‘hot seat’ at Cargin, and the Bellaghy native who arrived as an All Ireland medal winner with Derry, and an impressive CV in both club and county management, kept faith with Jamie Gribbin, and as the events of 2018 were to unfold the vote of confidence was to prove well founded.

The rookie was given a good introduction on the ‘bread and butter’ scene of the league before going on to impress in championship fare.

A slim individual, fair of feature with a cheeky grin who would most likely be asked to produce his ID if he looked to purchase a beer, is in fact a second year student studying ‘Building and Surveying’, at UUJ, pulled up a chair and with a mug of coffee In hand and still wearing that broad smile which had been evident since the previous Sunday evening as he recounted his arrival to the senior ranks and championship success.

Jamie Gribbin was destined to make his way in the GAA as his dad Matthew, from a family that needs no introduction in the Association having represented both Derry and Antrim at under-21 level, and senior competition and his mum Patricia hailing from the Moneymore based Young family equally steeped firmly in the GAA tradition.

“I really enjoyed my progress through the under-age system, he started, and especially my time in the minors in which I learned a lot from JC Devlin and when John Brennan asked me into the senior ranks in the summer of 2018 I leaped at the opportunity.

Jeez I was to be standing shoulder to shoulder with the likes of Mick and Tomas Mc Cann, Kobo, Justy Crozier and Tony Scullion. Sure I remember my dad taking me down to Tullamore six or seven years back and watching those lads in an Antrim team line out against Kerry in an All Ireland qualifier, and I will never forget Tony Scullion’s goal.

I had a few senior league outings prior to championship and although we were not hard pressed in the opener against Aghagallon ultimate disappointment was to follow as we eventually went out to the Johnnies when after an initial drawn affair and a replay which followed ended level again the Corrigan men nicked the verdict after extra time.

My first taste of senior championship and those exhausting 150 minutes and more than a few welcoming knocks left a lasting impression.”

“A new management team had arrived at Cargin for the new season and I was delighted that my presence was still required under the new regime as Damien Cassidy and Ronan Devlin were installed.

The new management required no introduction with the lads being well aware of their capabilities and the entire panels were impressed right from the outset with the new approach to training.

We were all made aware that the ‘championship’ was the focus and although a few results went against us in the early stages of the league, and we lost out to our neighbours from Creggan in the O’ Cahan cup final the upcoming game against the reigning county champions from Lamh Dhearg occupied most attention”.

.“Despite preparations being hampered by a lengthy injury list we stared well against Lamh Dearg in the opening round of the championship up at Creggan, but despite holding a six point lead at the end of the first half a couple of Paddy Cunningham goals saw them move ahead by a couple of points before Tomas Mc Cann’s late scores earned us another chance.

That was a close call but we made no mistake in the replay despite seeing Mick (Mc Cann) sent off and coming away from Corrigan with a handy advantage we were set to meet up with the St Gall’s men in the semi-final.

St. Gall’s had impressed this season and had proved too strong for us in both the league games but we had prepared well and approached the game, switched to Creggan in a positive frame of mind.

An incredible game in which we trailed throughout and although I was lucky to arrive on time to gather a cute Michael Magill flick and sent to the net to see us on terms late in the game but the city men struck back with a couple of points from Eoghan Mc Cabe and Michael Pollock and it looked like we were out.

Tomas had other ideas however and he came to the rescue again and that injury time strike which has enjoyed a wide audience all over the country since provided an incredible finish and we were in the final.

Another county final for Cargin and having been as a spectator previously in four or five I had to pinch myself to believe I was to be involved in this one.”

“We had anticipated a final against our near neighbours and when Creggan duly delivered with a couple of points to spare in their semi-final win over the Johnnies the next day the prospect of a championship final against our keenest rivals had everybody talking.

The next couple of weeks in preparation for what was to be a historic occasion ensured that tension increased day by day but we were well prepared and arrived at the Ahoghill venue in confident mood.

A huge crowd had gathered in anticipation and in truth the whole thing passed me by on the day but I have had time to reflect on an occasion I will remember for the rest of my life.

Sure, the pundits were unhappy and passed comments aplenty on the content of the final, but in the event we did what we had to do and having been well prepared by Damien and Ronan for whatever circumstances dictated, and despite the negativity the MacNamee is back in Toome and I have a first ever senior championship medal.”

“Some have suggested that this will be the Cargin ‘swansong’ but I don’t know where they are coming from to reach such conclusion.

I hear no suggestions of imminent retirements from within the ranks and with a big panel which includes a big number of lads of 17 and 18 and the return to the green and white of both Podgy (Ryan Mc Kiernan) and RD (Ronan Devlin) imminent the prophesy of Cargin’s demise is unfounded”.

“We will now prepare for Ulster and no doubt the champions of Donegal will travel up to our neck of the woods in confident mode.

We will start as underdogs but  those who would suggest as no-hopers may have to eat their words”

Whatever happens on Sunday Jamie Gribbin is sure to play his part if called upon. He has been a breath of fresh air since coming into the Cargin side last year and his skill, pace and insatiable work-rate could cause problems for the Donegal champions.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

by thesaffrongael

Cushendall and St. Gall’s opponents in action at Corrigan

 

Ballycran v Slaughtneil

Saffron Gael photographer, Bert Trowlen captures the best of the action from Ballycran’s win over Slaughneil at Corrigan Park on Sunday. Ballycran now meet Ruairi Og, Cushendall in the Ulster final

While the majority of hurling supporters in Antrim were in Ballycastle on Sunday to watch the Minor and Senior finals or at Owen Beg where Emmet’s Cushendun and St. Gall’s made their way into Ulster Junior and Intermediate finals respectively, there were two important games going on at Corrigan.

When the news filtered through to Leyland Road and Dungiven that Ulster Senior champions, Slaughtneil had been unceremoniously dumped out at the semi-final stages of this year’s Ulster campaign by Ballycran there were undoubtedly a few eyebrows raised.

While these are not normally the games the Saffron Gael would be covering we were aware that the winner of Ballycran and Slaughtneil would be meeting the Antrim winners in the Ulster final while the winners of Liatroim and Keady would face St. Gall’s in the Intermediate decider should the Milltown Row men advance at Owen Beg.

As we now know Ballycran upset the Slaughtneil applecart in no uncertain manner, hitting four goals in the process while an experienced Keady side had too much in the tank for Down champions Liatroim.

Analysis of those games are for another day but I’m sure the mentors of both Cushendall and St. Gall’s are already preparing dossiers on their respective opponents on Sunday 4th November.

Despite the demands of covering three Ulster games on Sunday involving Antrim teams and the double header at Ballycastle the Saffron Gael sent one of our photographers, Bert Trowlen to Corrigan and he got some excellent shots of the action from both games.

BER_6230_432329

Bert Trowlen captures the best of the action from the Keady Lamh Dhearg v Liatroim Ulster Intermediate semi-final at Corrigan Park on Sunday. Keady now meet St. Gall’s in the Ulster final on the 4th November

by thesaffrongael

St. John the Baptist collect first ever Allianz Cumann na mBunscol league title

St. John the Baptist are the Antrim Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Belfast Girls champions following their victory over Holy Trinity in the Football A Final at Musgrave Park. Holy Trinity battled hard throughout t6he contest and deserve huge credit for an enormous effort in very close contest.

But it was goals from Niamh McCullough (St Galls) and Izzy Ferran (Sarsfield’s) in the second half that turned out to be crucial scores in the game and send St. John the Baptist on their way to victory.

Others to shine in this good win were the  Mervyn’s from St Paul’s who were excellent as usual and helped seal  St. John the Baptist first ever Girls ‘A-League’ win!

B2