Month / May 2020

by thesaffrongael

Oisins won first Intermediate title of the new Millennium

Glenariffe won the the Intermediate Hurling Championship in 2002 when they held of a late charge by a Martin McAuley insired Carey team. The Oisins appeared to be coasting when the gained the upper had in the last quarter but the Faughs came within inches of bring the game to extra time with a great fightback in the final minutes. Here we carry the match report that appeared in the Ballymena Chronicle at the time

Antrim Intermediate Hurling Championship final 2000

Glenariffe Oisins 1-17 Carey Faughs 2-12

The colourful atmosphere which added much to this occasion was only surpassed by the excellence of the hurling on show from both teams in Saturday’s thrilling Intermediate final at Armoy.                    Scoring by both sides was faultless, and the high standard produced is a credit to the two teams. In true championship style this was a real end-to-end game, and direct from the throw-in the scoring began.

Glenariffe were first to register when a fine three-man move was ended with a Johnny McIntosh point, but it was a lead which would only last a few seconds as Martin McAuley levelled the scores from a 40 yard free at the other end. It was now fast and furious and Alastair McAllister edged the Oisins ahead again, only for Carey to reel them in once more with Martin McAuley answering from 50 yards from another ‘placed’ ball.

Dan McKillop gets away from the challenge of Carey’s Bosco McAuley during the 2000 Intermediate Championship final in Armoy

Glenariffe got ahead again when Sean Harvey pointed from a 70 yard free, which was followed by a point from a narrow angle from Niall O’Hagan. In the tenth minute Johnny McIntosh forced a great save from Carey ‘keeper Paul Brogan, but in their haste to clear Carey conceded possession and Seamus Reid won possession to split the uprights from 30 yards. Three points now separated the sides, but Carey began to reel the Oisins in. From all of 75 yards Marin McAuley sent over his third free to reduce the deficit to two, but again Glenariffe pulled away with a Niall O’hagan point. At the end of the opening quarter there was little between the sides as Martin McAuley got his team’s first score from play and them Julian Gillan added another to leave just a point between the sides.

Glenariffe then began to show the form they had promised and a great solo run and hand-pass from Shane McDonnell set Niall O’hagan up for a tap-over point and when McDonnell added another the gap was out to three again. Glenariffe pushed on further with a point from Alastair McAlister and Carey appeared to be losing touch. However the Faughs plan of playing a two-man full forward line began to pay dividends and from Martin McAuley’s long clearance John McVeigh got in behind the Oisins defence and fired the ball to the corner of the net to leave just a point between the sides. (0-9 to 1-5)

Glenariffe responded with a point from a free by Niall O’Hagan and one from distance from Johnny ‘Tosh’, but Carey came back with a point from Tommy Devlin. With just two minutes of the opening half remaining Glenariffe got a big break and after ‘Tosh’ added a point a long delivery from a Sean Harvey free came back off the woodwork and Niall O’Hagan was on hand to kick the rebound the Carey net and send his team in at the break with a six point cushion.

Niall O’Hagan celebrates after scoring Glenariffe’s goal

Backed by the breeze in the second half Carey needed just three minutes to register their first score as Martin McAuley maintained his 100% record from frees, and when John McVeigh added one from play the gap was now down to four. Glenariffe responded with a Niall O’hagan point and one from the veteran Dominic Kearns. With their defence gaining the upper hand again Glenariffe regained control and when Johnny McIntosh added two excellent points in the 38th and 40th minutes the gap was out to eight. Martin McAuley sent a sideline cut all the way over the bar to briefly lift Carey spirits but the Oisins had an answer when Seamus Reid sent over a point at the other end.

When the gap still at eight with just six minutes remaining Glenariffe appeared to be home and dry, but they took their foot off the pedal and Carey got themselves back into contention with the excellent Martin McAuley spearheading the Faughs comeback. Showing great skill he again pointed a side-line ‘cut’ and with just two minutes remaining notched a 40 yard point from play. From full-time coming ever nearer he charged through the Glenariffe defence to fire the ball to the net and leave just a goal between the sides. There was still more drama to come when the Faughs were awarded a 30 yard free and up stepped McAuley again to go for goal, but his well struck shot was touched over by Glenariffe goalkeeper Damian Jamison and the Oisins had survived. The resultant poc-out seconds later sparked scenes of great celebration among the relieved Glenariffe followers.

Dominic Kearns is lifted shoulder high by Johnny Tosh, Alastair McAlister and Mark Sidebottom as holds the cup aloft.

GLENARIFFE – Damien Jamison, Paul Shepherd, Mick McKillop, Padraig McIlwaine, Sean Harvey, Liam McCollum, Norris Murray, Dominic Kearns, Gerard Black, Alastair McAllister, Shane McDonnell, Dan McKillop, Niall O’Hagan, Johnny McIntosh, Seamus Reid.

Subs – Mark Sidebottom for O’Hagan

CAREY – P Brogan, B McAuley, J McBride, A McCormick, P Devlin, J McAuley, J Butler, M McAuley, T Devlin, J Gillan, J McVeigh, S Murphy, C McCaughan, G McAuley, S McNeill.

by thesaffrongael

Faughs and McQuillans team up in their race to New York

Charity Fundraising: Race to the Big Apple 🍎

The Club is asking that you take part in this Club initiative to help raise funds for the local Marie Curie team. They have put out an ‘Emergency Appeal’ “Coronavirus has put everything on hold. We wish we could put terminal illness on hold too, but we can’t. In this time of National Emergency, Marie Curie Nurses and Hospices are needed more than ever.” With so many of the normal Marie Curie fundraising events (annual BBQs and Lammas Fair Draw etc.) curtailed due to Covid-19, we want to help do our bit.

It should also be a good way to motivate everyone to keep up / take up some exercise and a good way to connect the squads and groups in the Club at this time. Open to everyone to get involved. Our Senior Hurling team and Carey Fit Club will be leading the way.

McQuillan GA & CC Ballycastle; MacUilín CLG, our neighbouring Club are also encouraging their members to take part – the more people involved, the more we can hopefully raise!

Collectively (but on an individual basis) we want to cover a set distance and reach our ‘destination’ through our daily running, walking and cycling. Everyone does their bit during a set period and we take the cumulative total.

A Just Giving Page has been set up to collect sponsorship so we would ask participants to give something towards it themselves if they can and to share the details with family and friends who may be willing to support too.

All you need do is:

🔅Wear Club Gear / Club Colours.
🔅Record the distance of your Daily Walk / Run / Cycle in Kilometres.
🔅Take a Selfie – Couple of Photos of the Route / Scenery – Short 5-10 Seconds Video Clips.
🔅Be inventive if you can – something different, positive energy and surroundings etc.
🔅Stick to Government Guidelines regarding Daily Exercise and Social Distancing.
🔅Donate on Just Giving page to Marie Curie and / or Share the link for others to Sponsor.
🔅The journey will be shared on Club Social Media platforms to encourage support.

We aim to travel the distance from Fairhead to New York, which is 5,046km, in just 2 weeks starting on Tuesday 5th May. We hope to raise £2,000 for Marie Curie’s Moyle Group while doing so.

Post daily photo/video and distance here in your What’s App group and your group coordinator will share the info. with the organising group to add to our daily total.

Don’t wait about, we have a big challenge ahead of us and a target to hit so get moving and don’t stop after day 1!

Good Luck: Ádh mór oraibh!

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/fairheadnewyork

by thesaffrongael

Martin McMullan completes his virtual Camino walk on his 58th birthday

Dr Martin McMullan, whose sons are playing members of St Patrick’s GAC Lisburn, yesterday completed his virtual Camino walk in the garden of his own home, a project that has raised over £33,000 for Trócaire.

Martin completed the 120 kilometre walk at 3.37 yesterday May 4th (his 58th birthday), cheered on by family and friends, who all of course kept their safe distance under the Covid 19 restrictions.

Tired and very sore after his gruelling adventure Martin, who is suffering from cancer, was nonetheless in high spirits.

Dr Martin McMullan crosses the finish line yesterday afternoon

Speaking to the Irish News afterwards Martin said “It’s been very difficult. I had thought I might give myself six days to do it if I was struggling, but so many people knew about it and knew my birthday was today and that was when I said I would be finishing that I’ve had to push on.

“The first day nearly killed me. It’s not the same as doing the actual Camino where you have scenery and catching sight of the next town spurs you on. It is mind-numbingly boring”

Dr Martin has got great support from the GAA community within the county and of course you can still contribute to this very worthy cause by clicking on the link

Pics by Bert Trowlen

by thesaffrongael

Oisin’s ladies raise funds for Hospice…..and now they are off to Berlin.

On Monday 27th April 2020 the Glenariffe Oisíns LGF team set off on their virtual 1200km challenge, in aid of the Northern Ireland Hospice.

The girls have challenged themselves to complete the distance – which is equivalent to the Kilomotres between Glenariff and Mizen Head, in 10 days.

Before the challenge had began they had already reached their target of raising £1200 – which is a much needed boost for the Northern Ireland Hospice.

Like many other charities, Covid 19 has significantly impacted their ability to raise much needed funds for those they support within our communities.

For the past week the girls swapped their football boots for trainers as they walked, ran and cycled their way through this challenge. Working together – whilst staying apart.

The girls showed grit and determination as they pushed onwards to Mizen Head and had reached it in only 2 days! By day 5 the girls had smashed their target and covered the 1200km journey in half the time.

With 5 days still to go – the girls decided to push their boundaries even further, to see if they could virtually make it to Paris by Day 6 (1400km) and make it to Berlin (2400km) by Day 10.

So far the girls have raised £2383.00 and covered 1620km (DAY 7). With only two days to go the girls are digging deep, pushing past the sore legs and blistered feet to reach their new goal!

Well done girls -it’s such an achievement and your fundraising will really make a difference.

If anyone wishes support the girls you can do so by donating on the link below!

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/glenariffe-ladies-lgfa?utm_source=whatsapp&utm_medium=fundraising&utm_content=glenariffe-ladies-lgfa&utm_campaign=pfp-whatsapp&utm_term=f4e9d5bee9ad4411a3cf45b110ffdbd9

by thesaffrongael

Marriage made in Heaven delivers four Minor titles

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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  1. Portglenone Chairman, Sean McAleese presents the Clubman of the Year award to Frankie Doherty in recognition of his work with Sean Stinson’s
  2. Sean Stinson’s captain, Kevin Madden makes a special presentation to Sean Stinson’s selectors, Frankie Doherty and Micky Madden at the Portglenone dinner.
  3. Dermot Graham presents the Sean Stinson’s U16 Footballer of the Year award to Paul McKeever (R.I.P)
  4. 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.
  5. County Chairman, Terry Cormican and Secretary, Brendan Totten present the MFC Cup to Sean Stinson’s captain, Kevin Madden