The amalgamation of Portglenone and Ahohill at juvenile level to form what was to be known as Sean Stinsons was treated with scepticism in many quarter but from humble beginnings one of the finest amalgamations in modern times developed.
This marriage of convenience began in the late 70’s when neighbouring clubs, Portglenone and Ahoghill were struggling to field juvenile teams. Conversations subsequently took place at County meetings between Phonsie Agnew, Harry Graham and Eamon Graham. This led to an informal arrangement between the clubs that they would compete in the South-West Leagues, initially at U-14, U-16 and minor level. Instrumental in bringing players together, among others, two men stand out. Phonsie Agnew and Frankie Doherty were pivotal to the survival of the fledgling combination at that time. They, and others, spent many hours transporting players to and from training and matches and coaching them as well. The teams were to be known as Sean Stinson’s. Why were they named after Sean Stinson and who was he? Few men have made a greater contribution to the G.A.A than Sean Stinson. Sean was born in Anahorish in 1911 and moved to Belfast when he was just seven and settled into Ballymacarret. As well as the G.A.A, he was a member of the Belfast Feis and the National Graves Association. He was a founder member of both Eire Og and St Malachy’s and was a member of County Committee for 40 years, serving as secretary. He was involved in the buying and development of Casement Park as well. Sean, in later years, purchased the widely renowned Crosskeys Inn and after his untimely death in 1979 in a car accident it was decided to call the Ahoghill/Portglenone amalgamation after this dedicated G.A.A stalwart. Mary, Queen of the Gael Pray for him. The first few years were barren ones. However, in 1982 both the minors and the U-15’s finished second in their respective South West Leagues. Improvement continued steadily and the U-12’s won over half their games in 1984. Information on these early years have been difficult to acquire but it’s known that they were beaten in the semi-final in their section of the League in 1985. In 1986 the link between Ahoghill and Portglenone was formalised and Sean Stinson’s officially came into existence. Again, there was steady improvement in 1987 but better times were just around the corner.
In 1995 Stinson’s won their first Minor Football championship when they proved too good for St. Paul’s in a game that preceded the senior final between St. John’s and Cargin.
It was to herald a golden era for the combination side and Sean Stinson’s were to go on and win four successive titles.
Today the Saffron Gael revisits that first win in 1995.
The Sean Stinson’s team who won the first of four Minor Championship titles when they defeated St. Paul’s at Casement Park
Minor Football Championship (final) 1995
Sean Stinson’s 1-08 St Paul’s 0-02
By Geordie McGuckin
Sean Stinson’s are minor football champions for the first time as the Ahoghill/Casement’s combination impressed at Casement today to over power the challenge of St Paul’s.
The Shaw’s road side did their utmost to contain their country cousins from the outset to conclusion but they struggled throughout to contain a well-schooled combination which had too much power, pace, and style for their rivals.
Kevin Madden, who was to impress throughout opened account and got the Stinson’s scoring show on the road with a quite superb finish in the 3rd minute as he guided a 25 metre side line kick between the posts.
This score settled Stinson’s and it took a splendid save from the St Paul’s net minder Barry Mc Greevey to defy the pace laden Declan Duffin a goal in the 5th minute.
It was a case of backs against the wall for St Paul’s in the opening phase as their wind assisted opponents continued to press and they were rewarded again in the 10th minutes as Cormac Graham found the net.
Barry Mc Greevey, who had done well to deny Declan Duffin a few minutes previously, stood tall to stop the initial effort from Kevin Madden after a precision based Stephen Hardy delivery but the net minders superb efforts proved in vain as corner forward Cormac Graham pounced to return the ball to the back of the net.
Stephen Mc Neill opened account for the Shaw’s road men with a point when he was placed by a direct Robert Gamble delivery.
An excellent score from the wing half forward to offer hope but as the game entered the second quarter Stinson’s were gaining momentum and finding their rhythm as a Stephen Hardy point served due warning of what was to follow.
County Chairman, Terry Cormican presents the 1995 Minor Football Championship trophy to Sean Stinson’s captain, Kevin Madden
St Paul’s did provide strong resistance as the second quarter progressed but a trio of points from the excellent Kevin Madden between the 21st and 24th minutes followed and gaps were beginning to appear in the ranks of the Shaw’s Road side.
Stinson’s kept up the pressure in the remaining minutes of the half and further points by goal scorer Cormac Graham and Declan Duffin saw them take respite with a 1-07 to 0-01 interval advantage.
With the wind behind them St Paul’s trailed by nine as the second half got under way and they started strongly but a combination of poor finishing and solid defending ensured they were kept at bay until Barry Burns raised white in the 41st minute.
In the event the wing half forward’s effort was to prove their lot and when Kevin Madden raised another white at the other end in the 50th minute the icing was on the cake and the silverware looked destined for the South West.
Madden’s score proved the last of the day despite effort aplenty from the gallant St Paul’s in the closing minutes but the Stinson rear guard, well marshalled by Tony Convery repelled everything that came their way and net minder Bryan McCann finished the championship without conceding a major score.
The defensive unit was superb throughout with Alistar McDonnell, returning from injury, impressing as did Stephen Hardy, Niall Breslin, Paddy Logan, Tony Convery and man of the match Kevin Madden.
A first title for the combination side and a good deal of credit must go to Colm Graham and his able assistants, Michael Madden, Dermot Graham, and Frankie Doherty.
Sean Stinson’s: Bryan Mc Cann, Adrian Scullion, Alastair Mc Donnell, Paul Mc Keever, Oliver Kearney, Tony Convery, Eugene Mc Groggan, Stephen Hardy, Paul Storey, Niall Breslin, Kevin Madden (0-05) (cpt), Paddy Logan, Cormac Graham (1-01), Eoin Doherty, Declan Duffin (0-01)
St Pauls: Barry McGreevey, Paul Murray, Cormac Mc Kenna, Colm Keenan, Mark Mc Nally, Kevin Kennedy, Robert Gamble, Ciaran Killyleagh, Sean Finan, Barry Burns (0-01), Mark Carey, Stephen O’ Neill (0-01), Vincent Smith, Patrick Coyle, James O’ Neill
Referee Jim Murray (McDermott’s)
Four in a Row
Sean Stinson’s went on to beat Dunloy, Rossa and Rasharkin in successive finals and they were the dominant force in Antrim Minor football during this period.
There was a rumour circulating at the time of the Rasharkin final that a group of supporters of the lads from Dreen had made a banner which read ‘Cherrio to 4 in a Row’. Rumour or fact we’ll never know but the banner was never unfurled as Stinson’s collected their fourth title that day.
The combination continued until two years ago when the clubs involved decided to go their separate ways the ‘Marriage made in Heaven’ had run its course and the divorce seems to have been fairly amicable.
They never reached those heady heights of the mid to late 90’s again though they continued to be competitive in all grades up to the parting of the ways.
Was the combination a success? In my opinion, most certainly. Both clubs were playing their senior football in Antrim’s lower divisions at that time but they are both now established in division 1 at present and the steady stream of excellent young players that Sean Stinson’s produced certainly contributed to their respective success.
Action from the 1995 final
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- Portglenone Chairman, Sean McAleese presents the Clubman of the Year award to Frankie Doherty in recognition of his work with Sean Stinson’s
- Sean Stinson’s captain, Kevin Madden makes a special presentation to Sean Stinson’s selectors, Frankie Doherty and Micky Madden at the Portglenone dinner.
- Dermot Graham presents the Sean Stinson’s U16 Footballer of the Year award to Paul McKeever (R.I.P)
- Sean Stinson’s Alistar McDonnell is accompanied of the field by County Secretary, Brendan Totten and Chairman, Terry Cormican but returned at the end of the game to collect his winners medal.
- County Chairman, Terry Cormican and Secretary, Brendan Totten present the MFC Cup to Sean Stinson’s captain, Kevin Madden