Month / May 2020

by thesaffrongael

Epic clash see Rasharkin and Ballela share the spoils

AIB Ulster Club Junior Hurling Championship – Quarter Final

Ballela GAC 3-20           St.Mary’s Rasharkin 2-23 (AET)   

Sunday 4th October 2015

This very entertaining end to end fixture had all the thrills and spills of championship hurling, both sides had chances to win this fixture in normal time and indeed additional time but neither did enough to get over the line and alas neither team deserved to lose. The game was nip and tuck until Antrim kingpins Rasharkin pulled away, going eight clear by half time of extra time and the game looked to be over. They then went nine up early in the second period of additional time but Ballela with a never say die attitude, rallied scoring 2-3 on the bounce to rescue draw from certain defeat.

The Down Champions coming out of the hat first were afforded home advantage and due to the unavailability of county ground Páirc Esler in Newry, St.Mary’s Rasharkin, who recently collected their third Antrim Junior crown, travelled to Ballela on Sunday past to fulfil this Ulster Club Junior Hurling quarter final tie against the Katesbridge side.

Derrytrasna club man Anthony Nash was officiating and was flanked with linesmen his brother Eddie and Leon Reynolds, fourth official was Gerard Devlin.

First blood when to the visitors when St.Mary’s corner man Conor McFerran flashed the sliotar through the posts inside the opening minute, Ballela’s wing half back Niall Burns opened his sides account three minutes later, indeed it was the Down men who settled best in the early exchanges the home side when on to point a hat trick of long range frees from their talisman and Down County star Johnny McCusker. Rasharkin responded with points from Thomas Doherty and two sublime strikes from wing half back Daniel Doherty to leave the tie all square midway through the first half. St.Mary’s last line of defence James O’Mullan produced an excellent save on sixteen minutes to deny Ballela’s Daniel Doran, the agile keeper was quick off his line to narrow the space and turn the ball from a one on one situation.

Long range free takers on both sides played a big part of this fixture throughout, and both made valuable use of the elements. Ballela’s Johnny McCusker and Rasharkin Brendan McMullan exchanged frees on the eighteenth minute before the Down Champions finished the half on a high – four points in as many minutes all from the stick of McCusker, three from the set piece and one resulting from a poor clearance out of the Rasharkin defence, saw them establish a firm grip. Shane Hasson and Declan McKay replied for the visitors before McCusker registered his ninth point on half time to leave halftime scoreline Ballela GAC 0-10 St.Mary’s Rasharkin 0-7.

The Katesbridge men started the second period with a substitution, Paddy Mackin had an instant impact on the game and had barely fastened is helmet before he lifted the Rasharkin net with a rasper in the opening seconds. Rasharkin skipper Declan McKay restored calm within ranks and coolly slotted over a minute later, before Shane Hasson pulled on the sliotar from close range to raise the green flag following a goal mouth scramble and reduce arrears to two points. McKay struck again for the blue and amber hoops to close the gap to the minimum before McCusker pointed a free to nudge his side further ahead after ten.

The Dreen men dug deep and took full advantage of the wind in the second period, Decky McKay pointing two frees before his side took the lead for the first time in the game after Brendan McMullan drop the ball over the crossbar from right in front of St.Mary’s dugout much to the cheers of the many travelling supporters. Conor McFerran had Rasharkin on their way and pushed further daylight between the sides when he collected possession rounded his maker and split the points from fifty yards, midway through the half. However, the Down men showed reliance and levelled matters for the third time through none other than McCusker after twenty minutes. The pendulum swung back in favour of St.Mary’s when Declan McKay collected his sixth and seventh points to open up another two point lead. It was a one point game once more when Ballela’s McCusker came to the rescue with five minutes on the clock, before Rasharkin’s Conor McKeever pointed a screamer which looked to have lifted the visitors in the closing minutes. Back again came the home side to close out the game with two back to back points and force additional time. Full time score line Ballela GAC 1-16 St.Mary’s Rasharkin 1-16.

Additional time would be ten minutes each way and was ultimately a game of two halves in more ways than one, The Antrim Champions took on board the inspiring words of wisdom from mentors Paul McFerran and Liam McCart and started at 100mph, Conor McKeever fired over within seconds of the restart and followed up two minutes later smashing the sliotar beyond Gary McMullan on the Ballela goal line raising the green flag, Enda McFerran got in on the act with two points back to back followed by Eamon McNeill with two as Rasharkin released the shackles and opened up a commanding eight point lead. A shell shocked Ballela could only respond with a free from Johnny McCusker before Shane Hasson re-established the eight point margin on the stroke of half time.  

St.Mary’s started the second period of additional time similar to the first after Eamon McNeill blazed over to extend their advantage to a convincing nine points with eight minutes remaining. However, the Down men dusted off and got back at it, Ballela’s midfielder Malachy Magee started the comeback with a major after three before Johnny McCusker added two points from range after six. St.Mary’s frantically held on but couldn’t get a foothold, Magee bagged another goal with two minutes remaining before fittingly man of the match McCusker dropped over on full time to bring his personnel tally to a magnificent eighteen points – a good day at the office!

The Antrim kingpins will wonder how they let a nine point lead evaporate and Ballela must be thankful their ace man was is scintillating form. Both sides will have gained a lot from this game, we’ll find out next Sunday who has learned the most. Replay is confirmed 3.30pm Sunday 11th October at Loughgiel. Armagh Champions Sean Tracy’s await the winners of this pairing following their victory over Cavan champions Cootehill.       

St.Mary’s Rasharkin: James O’Mullan, Donagh Quigg, Aidan McKeever, Conor Hasson, Daniel Doherty, Brendan McMullan, Conor Donaghy, Conor McKeever and Thomas McMullan, Eamon McNeill, Thomas Doherty, Shane Hasson, Conor McFerran, Declan McKay and Enda McFerran

Subs: Joey Quinn, Kevin Agnew, Aidan Darragh, Chrissy McKiernan and Emmett McFerran

Ballela GAC: Gary McMullan, Ryan Burns, Daniel McCusker, Donal McCann, Niall Burns, Gareth Burns, Michael Doyle, Johnny McCusker and Malachy Magee, Calvin Magee, Rory McPolin, Daniel Doran, Kevin Close, Ryan McCusker and Mark Cosgrave

Subs: Deon Kelly, Paddy Mackin, James McParland, Paddy McPolin

Referee: Alan Nash (Doire)

Antrim Junior Hurling Champions St.Mary’s Rasharkin

Lines man Eddie Nash (Doire), Ballela GAC captain Johnny McCusker, referee Alan Nash (Diore), St.Mary’s Rasharkin captain Declan McKay, linesman Leon Reynolds (Ard Mhacha) and Standby Referee Gerard Devlin (Ard Mhacha).

Down Junior Hurling Champions Ballela GAC

There was a feeling after the game that this the one that got away and so it proved to be when Ballela narrowly won the replay in Loughgiel but never the less it is a time that the hurlers of Rasharkin can look back at with some pride after the disappointment abated.

by thesaffrongael

4Oth Anniversary Championship Celebration in Cargin revisited

On the 4th August 1914 Erin’s Own GAC, Cargin held a special celebration on to honour the team who won the Antrim SFC in 1974. Most of the team who took part in that famous win attended the function and those deceased or unable to attend were represented by family members. A packed house attended the function in the Erin’s own clubrooms and after a meal MC for the night, Dermot Shivers spoke eloquently about the players who brought about that success.

The team of 74 and their representatives at an evening in their honour in the Erin’s Own clubrooms.

Back l-r

Artie Close, Eddie Mc Keever, Donal Laverty, Damian Mc Kee (Seamus Mc Kee RIP),  Laurence Mc Cann, Eamon Laverty, HP Johnston (TJ Johnston), Ciaran Mc Guckin (Geordie McGuckin), Terence Mc Allister.

Middle l-r

Raymond Mc Guckin (Martin Mc Guckin), Colm Grant, Patrick Mc Guckin (captain), Paddy Graffin, Henry Johnston, Terence Laverty (John Laverty), Gerard Laverty.

Bottom l-r

Finnoula Murray (Gerry Murray RIP), Gerard Close, Pat Close, Eamon Close, Sean Quinn, Kyle Johnston (Richard Johnston), Francis Mc Cann, James Mc Corley, Dan Mallon (Michael Mallon RIP), Collette Devlin (Brendan Devlin RIP).

Erin’s Own stalwart, Brian Devlin addresses the crowd.

The Mc Corley brothers, James and Pat.

Ciaran Close who captained the 2006 winning team with his dad Eamon who was part of the 74 team.

JP Mc Corley and his dad James

Francis Mc Cann wows the audience as Sean Quinn looks on.

The Cargin team who won the Antrim SFC in 1974.

by thesaffrongael

Pearses reached the Promised Land in 1968

  PEARSES 1-6 ST JOHNS 0-4

Two eighteen year old Antrim Football clubs hit the jackpot yesterday for the first time in their career. Moneyglass lifted the county Junior Football crown in a dramatic game with city team O’Donnell’s, while the All-Belfast senior football final also at Casement Park saw North Queen St club, Pearses, easily defeat favourites St John’s. Playing in their fourth senior final in six years, Pearses at last broke through with a very decisive win over old campaigners St John’s, chasing their eleventh title. Unlike previous finals, where the fans had to tolerate dismal weather conditions, the setting yesterday at Casement was perfect, although a swirling breeze played tricks with the ball in a game that by no means was a classic. The winners surprised everyone by the fact that they more or less dominated the game right from the start. They seemed much fitter, tackled hard and tossed the ball about with an air of confidence. This determined combination had the game wrapped up at the interval and had they played with the same zip in the second half, they would have won by a wider margin.

LITTLE IN THE CHASE

St John’s, apart from staccato bursts, were never really in the picture. Their defence was a little hesitant, mid-field was out of the hunt and their attack never clicked as a unit. The writing was on the wall at the interval. St John’s were truly up against it as they were outplayed in every department and even with wind advantage, they trailed by six points. It was a brilliant move three minutes from half time that sealed the game for Pearses. Earlier, Martin Green was splitting the St John’s defence wide open with spectacular solo run. Combining with high catching Joe Mulvenna, he set off bearded Vinty Kearney down the right wing. The wing forward’s pass found the stocky Jimmy Kelly who placed big Pat O’Hara in position on the edge of the square. The burly Pearses captain didn’t reckon on heroic Johnnies keeper Henry Gallagher who forced him to return the ball to unmarked Kelly who sent a rocket into the roof of the net. Earlier, St John’s must have bemoaned two great chances of goals but Eagleson showed great anticipation when he stopped McGrogan and later a point-blank shot from Andy McCallin.

PEARSES RELAXED

With such a confident lead, plus the sun and the wind in their backs, Pearses lost their edge. St John’s tried to make a fight of it and the switching of Micky Gallagher and Des Armstrong to centre field gave them more attacking play. This made little difference as the two stars of this win for the North Queen St club really emerged. Full back Aidan O’Prey, a 21 year old school teacher and right half back Jimmy O’Reilly. It was certainly worth flying cherub-faced O’Reilly a 20 year old, from Derby where he is a research worker. On the short side for a defender, O’Reilly out jumped the opposing attack to bring off some brilliant catches.

ST JOHNS SWITCHES

The cool O’Prey cut off many of St John’s attempts….. So much so that late in the game the Corrigan Park mentors moved corner back John Maguire, ex Fermanagh county star up field to try his luck on the edge of the square. Maguire did fist a point but he too was out caught by O’Prey. When Pearses began to lose their dominance on the game mid-way through the second half, team, manager, Patsy Burns, a happy man after the game took off injured Hugh O’Hara, moved Phelim Green from full forward to centre field and brought on the clubs oldest player, 34 year old process worker Liam Steele as poacher. This helped to tighten up the slack and the title was clinched. Eagleson played a steady game in goals, back Etherson, O’Prey and O’Neill were resolute.

O’PREY EXCELLED

O’Prey excelled while Loughran played it close against johnnies most dangerous forward Sean Burns. Mulvenna had a wonderful hour at centre field where his fielding was perfection and along with the hard working George O’Hara, outclassed their opposite numbers in the first half, success that played an important part in the win. Martin green was the pick of the attack, which moved sweetly at times, but their finishing was poor and a few of the players tended to hold on to the ball too long.

LOSERS BEST

For the losers, goalie Henry Gallagher did his utmost to save his team but there was too much hesitancy by some of the men in front of him. Eamon Grieve, Artie McGlone and Des Armstrong worked hard, while up front Din Joe McGrogan and Sean Burns looked the only match savers, but here, too, shooting was rather sloppy.

Patrick Pearse GAC

George Eagleson

Robert Etherson     Aidan O’Prey     Fergal O’Neill

Jim O’ Reilly           Joe Loughran         Hugh O’Hara

Joe Mulvenna    Geordie O’Hara

Vincent Kearney     Martin Green      Phelim Green

Jimmy Kelly           Pat O’Hara (c)    Seamus Lavery

Subs: Liam Steele for Hugh O’Hara

Scorers: M Green (0-4), J Kelly (1-0), S Lavery (0-1),           

J Mulvenna (0-1)    

St. John’s GAC

Henry Gallagher

John Gough            Eamon Grieve       John Maguire

Artie McGlone         Micky Gallagher    Des Armstrong

Gerry McClory        Clem Stewart

Din Joe McGrogan       Sean Burns          Andy McCallin

Seamus Gallagher      Tony McGlone      Brian Rainey

Scorers: S Burns (0-2), A McCallin (0-1), J Maguire (0-1)

by thesaffrongael

Lamh Dhearg won the 2010/11 St Paul’s tournament

Lamh Dhearg became only the second Antrim club to win the prestigious St Paul’s Ulster Club Minor Football tournament almost a decade ago. The final is normally played on New Year’s Day but the 2010 tourname ran late because of the bad weather and was actually played on Jan 21st 2011. Conditions were perfrect for most of the game but a fog decended in the last ten minutes of the game, just as the Antrim champions sealed the win with a late point from substitute Matthew Murray

St Paul’s Ulster Minor Football Tournament Final 2010

(Played 22nd January 2011)

Lamh Dhearg 0-9 Magherafelt 0-8

Lamh Dhearg won their first Northern Bank Ulster Minor Football tournament at St Paul’s on Saturday when they edged out Derry Champions Magherafelt O’Donovan Rossa by nine points to eight in a thrilling final to become the first Antrim club to taste success in the competition since the host club won it back in 1986.
Ten minutes into the second-half the Hanastown boys appeared to be heading for victory with a bit to spare as they opened up a 0-8 to 0-5 lead, but they suddenly lost their way and the Derry champions fought back to level by the fifty-fifth minute. After playing such super football throughout the tournament a final defeat now seemed a distinct possibility for the Hannahstown boys, but when the going was tough up stepped substitute Matthew Murray to save the day as he burst through the Magherafelt defence to score the winning point.


Lamh Dhearg started well against the highly rated Derry champions and right-half back Mark McGarry soled up from defence to score a great point in the second minute. Magherafelt hit back and were denied a goal in the fourth minute when Lamh Dhearg goalkeeper Gerard McKeown brilliantly turned Chris Spiers goalbound shot around the post for a 50. Magherafelt did keep up the pressure though and Conor Kearns equalised soon afterwards before Spiers edged his side ahead in the thirteenth minute with a point from a close range free.
Lamh Dhearg came back well and their excellent corner-forward Ryan Murray knocked over a point from a forty metre free, followed by one from play to edge his team in front yet again, though Fergal Duffin had the Derry boys back on terms with a neat point from play in the twenty-fifty minute.
Murray hit his third point inside ten minutes with a great finish from a narrow angle on the left and Michael Lappin swung one over his shoulder to put the Antrim champions two clear by the twenty-sixth minute, though Spiers cut the gap to just one by the break when he pointed from a close range free.


Lamh Dhearg started the second-half in fine style and an early point from left-half-back Michael Hynes put them two clear within a minute. Magherafelt replied with a Chris Kearns point from a free but when Ryan Murray and Michael McKiernan tagged on points to put the Hannastown boys three clear they seemed well set for victory.
Their collapse during the next twenty minutes was hard to believe as the flowing football which has been their characteristic throughout the tournament suddenly abandoned them. However they never lost their fighting spirit and when Magherafelt hit back to level with points from Spiers (2) and Kearns they dug deep.
With time ticking away they began to get a foothold again, thanks in no small way to their centre-half-back and captain Declan Stranney who gave a man-of-the-match performance. Stranney rallied his troops and after coming close on a couple of occasions in injury time Matthew Murray wrote his name in the Lamh Dhearg history books when he cut through to hit the winning score.


LAMH DHEARG– Gerard McKeown, Christopher Monaghan, Aaron McAufield, Conor McIlvenney, Mark McGarry, Declan Stranney (capt), Michael Hynes, Stephen Tully, Stephen Lynch, James Lindsay, Gerard Slane, Mark Jordan, Ryan Murray, Matthew McKiernan, Matthew Lappin. Subs – Matthew Murray.
MAGHERAFELT – Conor McLarnon, Paul O’Kane, Pter Quinn, Patrick Kielt, Niall Higgins, Michael Kerr, Fergal Duffin, Blain Atchison, Peter McErlain, Anton McElhone, Stelhen McGuckin, Conr Kearns, EndalMcLaughlin, Stephen Lagan, Christopher Spiers.
Subs – Philip McCusker
REFEREE – Jimmy White (Donegal)

by thesaffrongael

Gerry Higgins R.I.P.

We at the Saffron Gael were saddened to hear of the death of former St. Galls and Antrim footballer Gerard (Gerry) Higgins at the N.I. Hospice on Sunday. Gerry was an outstanding footballer and represented his beloved St. Galls for nearly two decades.

Under the management of PJ O’Hare, Gerry Higgins captained the St. Galls side who won a first Antrim championship for nearly 50 years in 1982. They went on to collect the Ulster title that year before losing narrowly to a strong Clan nGael of Roscommon in the All Ireland semi-final.

Gerry Higgins also captained St. Galls to a number of All Ireland sevens titles and represented Antrim with distinction before becoming part of PJ O’Hare’s management team when he took over the management of the county.

After his retirement from playing Gerry Higgins continued to play an important role with the Milltown Row club as a coach and manager and he served as Vice Chairman for a spell. His sister Monica is the current St. Galls Chairperson.

To his wife Olivia, sons Gareth and Paul, daughter Lisa and to the wider family circle we at the Saffron Gael offer our sincere sympathy. May he rest in peace!

Our Lady of the Gael pray for him