November 30, 2019December 1, 2019 by thesaffrongael

Antrim ease to win in Kehoe Cup opener

Kehoe Cup – Leinster Hurling – Round 1

Saturday November 30

Antrim 3-27 Meath 1-15

Brendan McTaggart reports from Páirc Tailteann, Navan

What a difference a year makes. 12 months ago, Antrim played Wicklow in the opening round of the Kehoe Cup with a thread bare squad, barely a starting 15 and with a question mark over pre-season. On Saturday, they took apart Meath and had time to experiment in the second half. A comfortable if not facile victory against the Royal County with 18 points to spare. The start to his term as Antrim manager Darren Gleeson would have been hopeful of.

**Alex Delargy scores the first goal with his first touch of the ball.**

The first 35 minutes and despite a slow start, the Saffrons Antrim were touch perfect all over the field. To nit-pick, they missed a few too many scoreable chances but from the moment Alex Delargy scored the opening goal in the 23^rd minute, the Saffrons would hit a further 1-8 before the half time whistle. Antrim’s second goal coming from man of the match Domhnall Nugent when the St John’s clubman riffled a 21 yard free to the roof of the net. A fierce strike that would have troubled any ‘keeper in the country. His contribution throughout the 70 minutes was immense. Starting on the edge of the square before drifting further out, Nugent’s touch, vision and work rate was exemplary. A welcome return to the Saffron shirt and a glimpse of what can be for the forthcoming season.

Meath scored their goal at the start of the second half, substitute Jack Regan with a penalty but Antrim responded with Michael Bradley scoring their third goal nine minutes after the restart and controlling the second half. The Royal’s improved as they brought on more experience off their bench but Antrim were on top in defence and had the ability to score at will. Ciaran Johnston and Paddy Burke forming the spine of the Saffrons defence, strong, controlled and putting on an exhibition. Conor McCann, a captain’s performance with four points from play while Conor Johnston top scored, six of his ten points coming from placed ball.

The midfield partnership in the starting 15 of Eoghan Campbell and Niall McKenna dovetailed naturally during their time together on the pitch. McKenna was one of six players who made a welcome return to the Saffron fold and during his 55 minutes on the field, he gave us a reminder of his talents.

In a cagey opening, the sides were tied on two points each after nine minutes. Antrim were already showing more intensity and work rate, but their lack of accuracy in front of target meant their early play wasn’t reflected on the scoreboard.

Antrim did manage to open a five point gap by the 22^nd minute with Conor Johnston, McCann, McKenna and Bradley all finding their range before Delargy hit the opening goal of the game. Nugent claiming a high ball before delivering an intricate pop pass into the path of Conor Johnston. He was hounded by two Meath defenders and smartly found Delargy on the edge of the square who made no mistake from point blank range.

Delargy’s goal marked the start of a blistering period for the Saffron’s where everything they touched turned to gold, or scores as the case may be. They led by 11 points when Ryan McCambridge was hauled to the ground making his way to the Meath goal. Nugent stood over a 21 yard free and no one was prepared for what was to come. His stance over the sliotar didn’t give any indication he was about to go for goal but that he did and he found the Meath net with a ferocious drive.

Further scores from Bradley, McCambridge, Nugent and Conor Boyd were answered to by Anthony Healy’s third free of the match to leave Antrim 17 points ahead at the interval.

**Domnhal Nugent who marked his return to county colours with a polished display**

Half time: Antrim 2-16 Meath 0-5

Antrim really didn’t want half time to come such was how they were taking Meath apart. The Royal’s started the second half with more intensity and didn’t let Antrim dictate and scored their only goal of the contest three minutes after the restart. Nicky Potterton fouled while burrowing his way to Ryan Elliott’s goal. Jack Regan found the back of the net but Saffrons responded and didn’t allow Meath to gather any momentum.

The third Antrim goal came in the 44^th minute with Ryan McCambridge claiming a diagonal ball from Ciaran Johnston. The Ruairi Og man went one way and passed inside to Michael Bradley who moved intelligently into the space McCambridge’s run created. 20 plus yards from goal, Bradley found the top corner with a sumptuous drive and all but end the match as a contest.

Antrim introduced Ronan Molloy, Ryan McGarry along with James O’Connell and Conor McHugh at half time while remaining in control and keeping Meath at arm’s length. The points still flowed with Conor Johnston, Bradley and Paddy Burke all finding their range while Molloy could have had two majors inside the 15 minutes.

Meath never looked like adding to their goal tally, a good reflection on the organisation showed in the Antrim defence throughout. Solid, unyielding and their delivery into the attack allowed the Saffrons to flourish.

Next up, the McGurk Cup and a match against Armagh in the Dub before travelling to Abbottstown next Saturday and their Kehoe Cup second round match against Wicklow.

We’re off and running once again.

TEAMS

Antrim: R Elliott; S Rooney, Ciaran Johnston, C Boyd (0-1); G Walsh, P Burke (0-1), M Donnelly; E Campbell, N McKenna (0-3, 2 frees); M Bradley (1-3), R McCambridge (0-1), C McCann (0-4); Conor Johnston (0-10, 5 frees 1’65), D Nugent (1-3), A Delargy (1-1).

Subs: J O’Connell for R McCambridge (h/t); C McHugh for M Donnelly (h/t); R Molloy for M Bradley (55); Ryan McGarry for N McKenna (55); R McCambridge for C Boyd (68)

Meath: C Ennis; G Murphy, P Lally, S Brennan; S Geraghty, J Toher (0-4, 2 frees), K Keoghan; P Hanrahan (0-1), P Potterton; J Walsh (0-1), S Whitty, A Healy (0-7 frees), D Raeligh, D Gilmartin, N Potteron.

Subs: J Regan for P Lally (h/t); P Slevin for D Gilmartin (h/t); S Ennis for G Murphy (49); C Kelly for J Walsh (58); N McLarnon for P Potterton (58); P Potterton for P Hanrahan (65)

Check out the goals from Saturday’s game

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGRcXihePco&feature=youtu.be

The third goal is something special

November 30, 2019 by thesaffrongael

U21 Finals tomorrow

U21B Football Final

St. Gall’s v Lamh Dhearg

Colaiste Feirste 11-00 am

The U21 Football Championships reach their conclusion tomorrow with the finals of both the A and B competitions set for Colaiste Feirste with the action set to get under way at 11-00 am with the meeting of Lamh Dhearg and St. Gall’s in the B decider.

Both teams have shown inconsistent form on their way to tomorrow’s decider with Lamh Dhearg losing to both St. John’s and St. Enda’s in their opening two grading round games. That form improved with a win over Gort na Mona and then St. James Aldergrove in the B semi-final and they will hope to carry that form into tomorrow’s final against St. Gall’s.

Like the Hannastown side, St. Gall’s have shown mixed form in this year’s championship, losing to All Saints in Ballymena on day one of the grading rounds but a win over Aldergrove on day two and an impressive win away to Portglenone in the quarter-final showed marked improvement.

It was their win over Aghagallon in the semi-final that marks them down as slight favourites for tomorrow’s decider however but predicting results in the U21 championship has been difficult this year. A week ago I predicted Aghagallon to go all the way in the B championship but the Milltown side turned that prediction firmly on its head.

A man of the match performance by Eoghan McCabe was the catalyst for the St. Gall’s win over a strong St. Mary’s side with the St. Gall’s Senior and former county panellist scoring the final three points of the game to see his side home by three and he will undoubtedly be one that the Hannastown side will be keeping a tight eye on.

Ronan Gilligan, Caolan Chada, Thomas Bunting, Daniel O’Muirigh, Mark McKenna and Niall Burns are others who looked useful against the Lough Shore side and Paddy Murray’s side will be hoping to carry that good form into tomorrow’s final.

Lamh Dhearg had six points to spare over St. James’ Aldergrove in their semi-final and look capable of giving the Milltown Row side a real run for their money. Mark Finnegan top scored for the Hannastown side with 0-9 (0-8 frees) and Lamh Dhearg will need to be disciplined in their tackling if they are to avoid the punishment that Finnegan is capable of dishing out.

Declan Dunne, Ross Murray, goal scorer John Boyd and Aaron Ferris also caught the eye and there might not be too much between them in the end but if St. Gall’s can reproduce last week’s form they may edge it.

Under-21 A Championship (final) 12.45pm

Colaiste Feirste

Tir na nOg Randalstown v St Brigid’s (holders)

Reining under-21 A champions St Brigid’s, who defeated Dunloy in last year’s final have impressed en route to the decider again and with a good number of the successful 2018 side still available for selection they will carry the favourites tag.

The South Belfast side gave firm notice of positive intention way back in the qualifying rounds with an opening win over a more than useful Creggan side and they have not broken stride since.

In a repeat of last year’s final, they brushed aside the challenge of a descent Dunloy in last week’s semi-final in Glenravel and the margin of victory will certainly have made interested parties sit up and take notice. St. Brigid’s romped home 3-14 to 2-05 winners and will go into tomorrow’s final against Tir na nOg full of confidence.

St Brigid’s had 12 points to spare over the Cuchullain’s. Dunloy kept in touch for a good part of the game but the Musgrave Park men scored six points in next to no time at the death to add the gloss while James Smith put in a man of the match performance throughout. The St Brigid’s full forward finished the semi-final with a personal tally of 2-6 followed closely by John Blaney who finished with 1-3.

Peter King, John Toner, Joe Finnegan, Rory Brolly, Patrick Finnegan and Peter Henvey are others who carry a threat in a very good St. Brigid’s side but Smith looks like the player Tir na nOg will have to curtail if they are to take the title.

Tir na nOg collected the B title last term and the Whitehill side will be hoping to make it a double this term and the Randalstown lads are not to be dismissed in their quest for glory.

They have impressed on their trail to tomorrow’s decider and their win over Kickham’s Creggan in the competitions first ever penalty shoot-out was a real knife edge affair.

The Whitehill Blues came from off the pace to force a period of extra time and when the extra minutes added failed to find a winner Ricardo Conceicao became the hero of the hour, producing a spectacular penalty save to see his side through to tomorrow’s final.

Tir na nOg celebrate after last week’s penalty shoot out win over Creggan but will they be celebrating tomorrow?

Declan Mallon, Peter Cullen, Darren McCormick, Aaron McNeilly, Ciaran O’Neill, Darragh Feagan, Eamon Og McAllister, Aodhan Toland and Joe Webb were all on the Tir na nOg score sheet in last week’s win over their parish rivals.

St Brigid’s will start as firm favourites but they will need to produce of their best to get the better of this Tir na nOg side with another penalty shoot-out not to be ruled out.

November 30, 2019December 1, 2019 by thesaffrongael

SMary’s GAC Ahoghill Annual Dinner and Presentation evening

St. Mary’s GAC, Ahoghill held a very successful and well attended dinner and presentation evening in the Wild Duck, Portglenone last night (Friday). The massive array of trophies on display included the Bridie McMenamin Shield, the Antrim Junior Camogie Cup and the Abbey Cup along with a wide range of juvenile awards.

Loudest cheer of the evening went to camogie captain, Fiona Blaney as she stepped up to receive the Bridie McMenamin Cup and a standing ovation for the team’s manager, Dermot Graham as he received an award for his efforts with a this very successful team.

The St. Mary’s Ahoghill camogie team with the Bridie McMenamin Shield and the Antrim Junior Camogie Cup at the clubs Annual Dinner in the Wild Duck

Patricia Downey receives the Minor Camog of the Year award from Oonagh Graham and Fiona Blaney

Dermot Graham presents the Senior Camog of the Year award to Ciara McGuigan

St. Mary’s Chairman, Gerard McGarry makes a special presentation to retiring referee Harry Graham.

Fionbarr O’Neill presents the Danny O’Neill Memorial trophy for Clubperson of the Year to Ciara Graham

The Cloney Gaels hurling team who were Abbey Cup winners at the club’s Annual Dinner in the Wild Duck

The Cloney Senior Hurling management team, Hugh Dobbin and Ryan Doherty present the Abbey Cup to P.J. O’Connell

The St. Mary’s Minor Hurling team with the North Antrim U18B Shield

Minor team manager, Dessie McGuigan presents the U18B Shield to team captain, Colla McDonnell

Rachel Neeson presents the U10 Camog of the Year award to Aoibheann Neeson

Oonagh Graham and Fiona Blaney present the U16 Camog of the Year award to Rioghnach Cairns

Bernard Graham presents the U10 Hurler of the Year award to Fiontan Hardy

Megan O’Donnell & Ciara Walker make a special presentation to Rachel Neeson

St. Mary’s GAC Ahoghill chairman, Gerard McGarry presents a cheque for £500-00 to Paddy McIlwaine who accepted it on behalf of the Saffron Gael

November 29, 2019 by thesaffrongael

Neil meets a local lad on the All Star tour in the United Arab Emirates

While the rest of the Antrim hurlers are getting ready to head off to ice cold Navan for the start of the Kehoe Cup tomorrow against Meath, Neil McManus is enjoying the sunshine during the PwC All Star Hurling Tour 2019 All Star game at Zayed Sport City in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Neil was helping out with a training session with some of the young ex pats when he bumped into Daithi Walsh whose mother is from Dunloy, the same village as Neil’s wife Aileen. Daithi showed off his skills for the Ruairi Og man and had his pic taken with the Antrim star but when ask for a few tips on how the Ruairis could beat the Cuchullains in next season’s championship Daithi was remaining tight lipped.

Many thanks to Ray McManus of Sportsfile for the pics

29 November 2019; Antrim’s Neil McManus of 2019 PwC All-Star with seven year old Daithi Walsh during a coaching session before the PwC All Star Hurling Tour 2019 All Star game at Zayed Sport City in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Photo by Ray McManus/Sportsfile

November 28, 2019 by thesaffrongael

St. Oliver Plunkett’s are girl’s champions

Allianz Ireland South West South West Cumman Na Bunscoil indoor girls football

St Oliver Plunkett’s Toome overcame 14 other schools to be crowned Allianz Ireland South West Antrim Cumman Na Bunscoil indoor girls champions. On the day over 100 girls were involved in an excellent display of football from start to finish.

In the group stages St Oliver Plunkett’s came through undefeated with some high scores accumulated. The race for second place in the group and semi-final qualification was nail biting with Creggan eventually coming out on top on goal difference above Moneynick.

Over on the other court an abacus was almost required to work out qualification, Mount St Michael’s Randalstown were the clear leaders but a group of schools were competing vigorously for second place, namely Ballymacricket, St Brigid’s Ballymena, Millquarter and St Comgall’s. St Comgall’s eventually emerged in second place.

The semi-finals saw a local derby between Mount St Michael’s and Creggan with Mount St Michael’s victorious in a tight affair. In the other semi-final St Oliver Plunkett’s eventually overcame an excellent challenge from St Comgall’s, who were inspired by an amazing goalkeeping performance.

In a tight and hard fought but fair final the girls from Toome emerged on a scoreline of 2-0.

Well done to all involved in a brilliant days football.