Year / 2019

by thesaffrongael

NAOMH Éanna safe after good win at Páirc Na nGael

ACFL Division 1B

St Mary’s Aghagallon 0-8 Naomh Éanna 1-12

Naomh Éanna retained their Division One status for 2020 following this good win over St. Mary’s Aghagallon at Páirc Na nGael last night. Following a very successful 2018 campaign which included an Ulster Intermediate title and a place in an All Ireland final the Glengormley side made a great start to life in division 1 in 2019.

Three wins early in the season suggested they could be serious league title contenders but the departure of many of their players to America and further afield for the Summer quickly put paid to that notion.

Going into the business end of this year’s campaign St. Enda’s were amongst several clubs battling for division 1 survival but the return of most of their prodigal sons has resulted in an inspirational finish to their league campaign.

St. Enda’s established a five-point advantage at the break after a well-taken goal from the impressive Odhran Eastwood put them in control and once again Eastwood was to the fore as he top-scored with 1-7.

With their place in division 1 already secured for next season, Aghagallon played like a side with one eye firmly fixed on Saturday’s Senior Football Championship meeting between the same sides at Glenavy.

The home side will be more concerned by an injury to Darryl McAlernon after he was forced off after 18 minutes with a dislocated finger and they will be keeping their fingers crossed that he will be ok for Saturday.

For Naomh Éanna, retaining their top flight status was the main aim and they signalled their intent right from the off with a point from wing half-forward Ciaran Thompson after just 17 seconds.

Three converted frees from the impressive Eastwood got St. Enda’s away to a good start before Eunan Walsh got Aghagallon off the mark with a fine effort.

The home side certainly weren’t going through the motions and picked up a few early bookings before Ruairi Scott struck a great free off the ground on 16 minutes to leave four between the sides.

Midfielder Dessie Marshall landed a point a minute later, but it would prove to be his side’s final score of the half as Naomh Éanna moved up a gear to finish the half strongly.

Pic by JJ Lawell
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Eastwood punished a foul with another point before Peter Healy raced clear to fist over a point to increase his side’s lead to five. There were no further scores in the closing seven minutes of the half with Naomh Éanna leading by five at the short whistle.

Aghagallon manager Kevin Murray made three changes for the second half and the introduction of Ruairi McCann certainly gave the visitors problems during the second 30 minutes.

Playing conditions deteriorated at the start of the second half and play became a bit scrappy as the heavens opened.

In the rapidly fading light, Healy and Eastwood combined to put the former through on goal and his powerful shot gave Damien O’Hagan in the St. Mary’s goal no chance of making a save.

As the Páirc Na nGael floodlights were switched on Adam Loughran responded with a score at the other end before converting a free minutes later to raise the Aghagallon hopes but Peter Healy’s second fisted point restored his side’s advantage.

The home side were enjoying a bit of success at this point however and further points from Ruairi Loughran and substitute Oisin Lenehan left five between the sides before Eastwood replied with a superb long range effort for the Hightown side.

The momentum was now with the hosts however and they responded with further scores from Loughran and David McAlernon to close the gap to four and ensure a nervous finish for the visitors.

However that was as close as Aghagallon got and was to prove their final score with St. Enda’s hitting the final three scores of the game through Eastwood (two) and substitute Philly Curran.

The closing stages saw Naomh Éanna drop midfielder Joe Maskey back to man-mark Ruairi McCann with both players possibly renewing acquaintances when the sides meet again this weekend in the opening game of the Senior Football championship.

AGHAGALLON: D O’Hagan; D Donnelly, Darryl McAlernon; M McKenna, J Lamont, M McStravick, P Mulholland; N McShane, D Marshall 0-1; F Bustard, E Walsh 0-1, C Brady; A Loughran 0-3 (0-1f), R Loughran 0-1, P Branagan.

Subs: S Branagan for D McAlernon (18mins), David McAlernon 0-1 for Marshall (HT), C Farr for Mulholland (HT), R McCann for Walsh (32mins), O Lenehan 0-1 for David McAlernon (35mins), C Walsh for McShane (44mins).

NAOMH ÉANNA: D Walsh; C Lyttle, M McNamee, C McAuley; P Hamilton, J McAuley, K Jennings; J Maskey, E Gibson; M Morgan, R Scott 0-1 (0-1f), C Thompson 0-1; P Healy 0-1, R Kennedy, O Eastwood 1-7 (0-6fs).

Subs: C O’Neill for Scott (48mins), P Curran 0-1 for Morgan (50mins), C Maxwell for Kennedy (63mins).

REFEREE: F McCotter (Sarsfield’s).

Pics by J.J. Lawell

by thesaffrongael

Young Saffrons beat Carlow in Hibernia Cup

U15 Hibernia Cup Quarter Final

Antrim 5-17 Carlow 4-8

Saturday 10th August 2019

Antrim travelled to Abbotstown GAA Centre, Dublin on Saturday for the quarter final of the Hibernia Cup.  A 2pm planned throw in was quickly changed to 1.30pm with no time for a warm up but this didn’t affect the Antrim performance as they opened up the scoring with points from play from Ronan Mc Collum, Paul Donnelly and a Padraig Mc Killop free.  Carlow started to find their feet and responded with a goal from full forward Kevin Kavanagh, but the Carlow’s revival was short lived as Antrim’s Ronan Mc Collum responded with Antrim’s only goal of the first half.  Further points from Ronan Edgar, Padraig Mc Killop and Ronan Mc Collum were sandwiched between another Carlow goal from Kevin Kavanagh and three points from Donagh Murphy, leaving the half time score Antrim 1-9 Carlow 2-3.

Antrim’s defence and midfield were completely dominant throughout the game. The team started the second half in whirlwind fashion completely dominating Carlow and within the first ten minutes had scored four more goals through Paul Donnelly, Anthony Mc Garrigle and Ronan Mc Collum (2) completing his hat trick. The scoring surge continued for the remainder of the half with Antrim able to utilise their bench, bringing on players who also got in on the scoring act with Fintan Cleary and Liam Walsh both scoring points. 

While the goals dried up in the final quarter, the points certainly didn’t, more came from the sticks of Enda Mc Cartan, Padraig Mc Killop and Ronan Mc Collum to finish out the game on a final score of Antrim 5-17 Carlow 3-8

The players and management now look forward to the semi-final on 31st August back at Abbotstown.

Antrim Panel and Scorers

Rhys Camlin, Finn Henry, Ruairi Mc Cormick, Tiarnan Auld, Caoinhim Killyleagh, Enda Mc Cartan (0-1), Deaglan Mooney, Declan Quinn, Connor Dickson, Niall Mc Garrel, Anthony Mc Garrigle (1-0), Paul Donnelly (1-1), Ronan Edgar (0-3), Padraig Mc Killop (0-4), Ronan Mc Collum (3-6), Conal Mc Guigan, Fintan Cleary (0-1), Ryan Mort, Daire Mc Mullan, Josh Schnell, Conin Sheridan, Caolán Lennon, Tom Mc Ferran, Liam Walsh (0-1).

by thesaffrongael

League Fixtures and Previews (Wed 14th Aug)

As the last round of the league approaches there are still some issues unresolved and questions to be answered on Wednesday evening.

Wed 14th August

Division One (8.00pm)

Casement’s Portglenone v Lamh Dhearg

Casement’s play hosts to Lamh Dhearg and although this one is of no significance to the home side, the Hannahstown men will arrive in search of a win as such would earn them a ‘seeded’ berth in next year’s championship.

They have a superior scoring difference to the other participants, St Gall’s and St John’s, who are scheduled to meet on Monday evening next and a win at O’ Cahan park would be mission accomplished.

Despite the fact that Casement’s are out of the running for honours this one is certain to be fully contested and likely to be a close one as both look forward to the championship with the in-form Hannahstown men possibly taking the spoils.

St Teresa’s v St Brigid’s

St Teresa’s, despite their best efforts over the recent past have succumbed to relegation and the Glen Road men will play in the second grade in the season ahead.

They have struggled against the odds for the past few seasons and although character is not a question within the ranks they have struggled to gain points.

St Brigid’s have also struggled to make impact this term and the South Belfast side will travel in the knowledge that a full return of points is required if they are to ensure division 1 status for another term.

The visitors have been hit with more than a few short term absentees over the summer months and will be hoping to be back to near full-strength for this one.

St Brigid’s will start as favourites, and they may well prevail but the Glen road men will not go down without a struggle.

St Gall’s v St John’s (Monday 19th Aug at 7.30pm)

An end of season affair here as both the Johnnies and their hosts at Milltown are likely to be focusing on the championship with the destination of the league title in other hands.

 Both are on 20 points apiece with Lamh Dhearg just a point in arrears and if the Hannahstown men gain the spoils from their assignment in the South West irrespective of the result on the Lower Falls arena the Lamh’s will have secured place number four in next year’s seeding.

This one is always a closely contested affair and is certainly destined to follow in the same trend with the Johnnies possibly gaining the points.

Kickham’s Creggan v Erin’s Own Cargin

A local derby as Creggan play hosts to their near neighbours from Cargin with the current league holders welcoming the county champions to their abode.

This one is always keenly anticipated and certain to be well attended as the Toome men arrive a couple of points ahead of their hosts in the league ratings and a superior points difference cast as strong favourites to play hosts to the Eddie Fitzsimmons trophy this term.

Kevin Madden’s men will be doing their utmost to retain a grip on the silverware but such will require a ten point winning margin which looks highly unlikely.

Gort na Mona v St Mary’s Ahoghill

Having already secured status for season 2020 Gort na Mona will not be facing any pressure in this one as the under pressure St Mary’s Ahoghill visit with the Cloney men needing the win in their efforts  to maintain a division 1 place next season.

Ahoghill have showed spirit and character but lost out last time to relegation rivals St. Enda’s and they require a full return here and hope results elsewhere will favour them.

St Enda’s gained the points at Aghagallon on Monday evening and the relegation play off will now involve either Ahoghill or St Brigid’s.

Gort na Mona will approach this one with a proverbial spring in the step but Ahoghill will give it everything.

Division Two (8.00pm)

St Patrick’s Lisburn v St Mary’s Rasharkin

St Patrick’s Lisburn  got a win last time out when they returned from a trip down to Glenravel with their first points secured.

Such, has arrived too late to save the gallant St Patrick’s from a quick return to the lower division but they are certain to have learned from the experience and no doubt they will be back in the promotion race again next year.

St Mary’s Rasharkin have struggled this term and they are set to meet the runner’s up in the third grade in a two legged play off with a place in the 2020 second division as prize for the eventual winners.

The Dreen men have improved recently, defeating Glenravel on Sunday and may well return from this trip to Lisburn with the points secured.

O’ Donovan Rossa v St Ergnat’s Moneyglass

Rossa suffered their second defeat of the season in Ballymena last time out to put their division 2 celebrations on hold but a win here would ensure them the title. The Shaw’s road men lead the division a point ahead and a game in hand over second placed Moneyglass and a win against the visiting St. Ergnat’s will secure the title.

A Moneyglass win however would see them move above their hosts, leaving Rossa needing a win in their last game away to Tir na nOg but Moneyglass will still be promotion contenders irrespective of the result in this one.

If they lose the  Marian Hill residents will meet up with either near neighbours Ahoghill or St Brigid’s in a play-off if not successful in this one.

Rossa with ground advantage will see Wednesday night’s encounter as the opportunity to secure the division two title and the greater prize of promotion.

Tir na Nog Randalstown V Patrick Sarsfields

Nothing at stake in this one as Tir na nOg play hosts to Sarsfield’s with both having lost sight of promotion.

The Championship is just around the corner however and both will look to this one to aid preparation for the knock out competition.

Sarsfield’s have enjoyed a good run this term and with 16 points gained the ‘Bear Pit’ residents will travel down to Randalstown in search of more.

Tir na nOg won at Sarsdfields in the corresponding fixture and they may well gain the verdict.

All Saint’s Ballymena v Dunloy

All Saint’s produced one of their best performances of the season last time out with a win over Rossa.

The Ballymena men came from off the pace to gain the verdict and they will be looking to keep their recent good run going as the championship approaches.

Dunloy defeated All Saints in Dunloy earlier in the year and will travel to Slemish Park hoping to record the double over the Ballymena side.

Both sides will have an eye on the championship and will see this as excellent opportunity to prepare for their forthcoming championship games and this one could go either way.

Con Magees Glenravel v Michael Davitt’s

Con Magees have lost their last two games following an excellent run in their first season back in division 2 with their long since division 2 status secured for next season.

They are back on home turf again as Michael Davitt’s visit and will be hoping to get back to winning ways as the championship approaches.

Davitt’s are well clear of the relegation zone and will take the trip to the country in their stride.

Con Magee’s will start as favourites and although their visitors will not go down without a fight home advantage may tilt the balance in favour of the Glensmen.

Division Three (7.30pm)

Cardinal O’ Donnell’s v St Pauls

St Paul’s are flying high in the division and barring major accident they look on their way back to the second grade.

Ardoyne are hot on their tail however and they cannot afford a slip with a win at McCrory Park the likely outcome.

Kickham’s Ardoyne v St Agnes

Ardoyne are still very much in contention for promotion at the end of the season and they are likely gain the verdict in this one as the Aggies visit.

St Malachy’s v Patrick Pearses

Nothing at stake in this one only pride as St Malachy’s play hosts to Pearses.

This one may  well be close but the current climate would suggest an away win is possible but it could go either way.

St Comgall’s Antrim v Mc Quillan’s Ballycastle

St Comgall’s are not ruled out of the promotion race but they would need results elsewhere to go their way  but such looks unlikely in the present climate.

The Dunsilly residents will maintain focus until conclusion and they will add another couple of points to their credit here as McQuillan’s visit.

Eire Og v Laochra Loch Lao

Another one in which pride is the only motivator with Laochra Loch Lao given the nod in this one.

by thesaffrongael

Minor/Under-16 Fixtures Tues13th/Thursday 15th

Tuesday 13th August

Minor Football League Division One (7.30pm)

Patrick Sarsfields v Cuchullian’s Dunloy

All Saint’s Ballymena v St Brigid’s

St Paul’s v Tir na nOg Randalstown

St Mary’s Aghagallon v Kickham’s Creggan

St James Aldergrove v St Galls

Erin’s Own Cargin v Casement’s Portglenone

Thursday 15th August

Under-16 A Football Championship (7.30pm)

St Brigid’s v St Ergnat’s Moneyglass

O’ Donovan Rossa v All Saint’s Ballymena

Con Magees Glenravel v Patrick Sarsfields

Erin’s Own Cargin v St James Aldergrove

Under-16 B Football Championship (7.30pm)

St Joseph’s Glenavy v St Enda’s Glengormley

Tir na nOg Randalstown v St Pauls

Lamh Dhearg v St Mary’s Rasharkin

Cuchullian’s Dunloy v Oige an tSleibhe Duibhe

by thesaffrongael

McIntosh score fest sees Oisins end Rossa’s unbeaten league run

Antrim Under 16 Hurling League

Oisins 3-13 Rossa 1-8

An incredible scoring feat by wing forward Seanie McIntosh steered Oisins to victory over table toppers Rossa in Monday evening’s U16 Hurling League Division 1 game at Waterfoot. McIntosh scored an incredible two goals and eleven points, which included all 1-8 of his teams’ first-half score, as the boys from the Glens ended Rossa’s unbeaten league run. They led by 1-8 to 0-2 at half time as Rossa struggled to get to the pace of the game. The Belfast boys fared much better in the second half and boosted by an Eoin Trainor goal closed the gap to four at one stage, but Glenariffe finished strongly and closed the game out with a goal by Shea McDonnell.

All eleven of McIntosh’s points came from frees and three of them in the first five minutes gave his team an early cushion. Marcus Toner pulled one back for Rossa but ‘Tosh’ hit two more from placed balls before racing through to kick a goal in the 14th minutes. Rossa came back with a point from a Ruairi Murray free but three more in the 23rd, 25th and 26th minutes from McIntosh gave his team a nine point cushion at the break.

Rossa started the second half much better and Ruairi Murray pulled two back from frees before Eoin Trainor brought his team back into contention with a brilliantly taken goal in the 38th minute. The gap was suddenly down to four but the Oisins steadied the ship with a good long range point from Aidan Scullion before McIntosh drilled an angled shot to the Rossa net. Rossa were still in contention though and points from Dairmuid Rogan, Ruairi Murray and Eoin Traynor had the gap back to four and it could have been closer had it not been for couple of good saves by goalkeeper John V Morgan.  With eleven minutes left for play Oisins full forward McDonnell all but sealed the win with a brilliantly taken goal and further points from ‘Tosh’ and Aidan McSparran saw them ease to a convincing win.