Just when it seemed that we had successfully covered all the teams in Antrim in our ‘Best 15’ footballers feature I received an e.mail from Gerard Nugent, former McDermott’s player. A blast from the past! Gerard wanted to know if we would include his former team in our ‘Best 15’ feature and I had no hesitation in saying yes. The McD’s had a formidable reputation in Antrim football but at their best were an excellent side who never quite reached their potential, losing six Intermediate finals and a Senior semi-final along the way.

Gerard Nugent’s ‘Best 15’

Sean MacDiarmada 1932-2014

A famous club underpinned by many stalwart families the Maguire’s, Sloan’s, McShane’s, Park, Reid’s, Nugent’s, Campbell’s and not to forget long serving county committee member Charlie Martin a mainstay for the club for years.

I made my debut as a 16 year old in 1990 away to Ballymena alongside some hardy Macs men and played in our final game against St. Comgall’s, Antrim in August 2013. Along the way I amassed some wonderful memories whilst also managing to be on the losing team in 6 Intermediate football finals.

In selecting my ‘Best Ever 15’ I have taken a number of factors into consideration:- length of playing service, overall contribution to the club and family connection to the club. I won’t please everyone and I certainly don’t intend to upset anyone, it’s a bit of fun. My team is also pretty much from the 1980s onwards and is based on players I played with or grew up watching.

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Goalkeeper

Special mention goes to Harry Vernon who I believe was a Macs man and represented Antrim in the 1940s.

My selection is one of only two joint. Martin Linton and Damian Nugent. Two excellent keepers who I cannot split neither of whom would have disgraced the county jersey

Right full back

Special mention to my two muckers Liam and Seamus Reid whose father Billy (RIP) refereed for the club at top level for many years.

My selection though is Bobby McAuley who as well as being an excellent footballer always made sure his opponent knew he had been in a game.

Full Back

Again lots of candidates and special mention to my friend Liam McArdle.

However my selection goes to Peter Campbell (Jnr). Years of service to the club both on and off the field and also via his father Peter Snr a connection to the clubs very roots. Peter was another who let you know you were in a match

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Left full back

Another tough one with the likes of Jim ‘Rico’ Reid and Paddy O’Connor in contention.

It came down to a tossup between Colm McDonald and Dermott McShane. Both excellent man markers but my selection is Dermott whose father Martin ‘Gill’ McShane actually named him after the club

Right Half Back

Plenty of candidates here. Big David Nugent or brothers John or Kevin Maguire could easily have got the nod.

My selection though is big John Sloan to sit in behind the midfield and let the other two half backs run amok. John played for the Macs along with his 3 brothers Gerard, Joe and Tom.

Centre Half Back

Thomas Maguire (Jnr)

Oozed class and would be more interested in attacking so the opposition CHF could never get anything going in terms of their own game. Part of a massive family to represent the Macs including his father and uncles Jimmy, Pat, Gerard (RIP) and Mr Sean McDermott, John Maguire Snr (RIP).

Left Half Back

Tony Kearns

Another Rolls Royce of a player who also oozed class and at top speed was simply a blur. Also more interested in attacking than defending and represented the Macs at county level. Another second generation selection, son of Sean

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Midfield

Tough to select only two. Special mention to Paul Turley, JP Stitt, Sean Conlon, Jim Murray and my big mate Liam ‘Man’ McCann (RIP)

My first selection is Liam ‘Farmer’ Brown. A magnificent fielder of the ball and an unbelievable engine. I suppose the fact his engine ran on ‘QC’ helped. Another who you knew you were in a match with.

My second selection is Jim ‘The Orangutan’ Derby. Jim had a smashing pair of hands and on its day his left foot could split the posts from pretty much anywhere. Another with plenty of Intermediate final heartache.

Right Half Forward

Again lots of candidates, Thomas Henry, Dan Park whose father Tony (RIP) another long associated with club.

My selection is Gerard McConville. An absolute wand of a left foot who took some of the best scores I ever saw in a Macs jersey. Another second generation selection whose father Plunker (RIP) connects right through the clubs history and was the best umpire we ever had.

Centre Half Forward

My only other joint selection.

Firstly Brendan Tully who ran the show in the Macs treble winning season. Deadly accurate from a dead ball and he pulled the team with him when needed.

My joint selection is Gerard Nugent. I will leave it to others to pass comment!

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Left Half Forward

Another tough one as Joe and Tom Sloan were both candidates.

My selection is Christopher Turley who gave years of service in both football and hurling like brothers Paul and Gerard. Chris simply glided across the pitch and was deceptively strong and another who would not have looked out of place with a county jersey on.

Right Full Forward

Thomas Maguire Snr

Represented the club at football, hurling and handball for many, many years and is still winning All Ireland titles in handball. Sold a lovely dummy which left many a defender flummoxed and resulted in lots of scores. Also managed the footballers to one of the Intermediate final defeats.

Full Forward

Again plenty of candidates such as Gerard Turley or Charlie Nugent Snr.

My selection is Sean Kearns, another from the 80s team. An excellent target man who almost always guaranteed a goal and Sean like most of that team let you know you were in a game.

Left Full Forward

Charlie Nugent Jnr

Could easily have went for senior or junior here. Vote goes to Charles Jnr for sheer volume of scores over two decades. Probably the clubs record score taker and always guaranteed you at least 4 or 5 scores a game. Another who tasted more than his share of final defeats.

So there it is my ‘Best 15’. My sincere apologies to anyone I have forgotten to mention no doubt you will let me know. I have tried to be as fair as possible to the two generations of teams I played in. It’s only my opinion I didn’t say it was right, but I do hope it will begin plenty of chat/debate about our great club.

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Go raibh mile maith agat

Sean MacDiarmada Abu

Gearoid MagUinseann

Today we look at Éire Óg through the eyes of Fintan Morgan, a stalwart with the Doire Achaidh club. As with all the previous teams, not everyone will agree with his selection. It’s just one man’s opinion. Just a bit of fun!

 Fintan Morgan’s Éire Óg ‘Best 15’

 This team represents the best Éire Óg footballers of the last 40 years. It would be remiss not to mention some of the great Óg’s who were in the twilight of their career prior to then namely Gerry Hodgkinson, Paul Crozier, Gerry Henvey, Bobby Rice and widely regarded as the greatest Óg of the last 50 years the great Sean Rice  who represented his county in both hurling and football. Where positions have been closely contested, longevity in playing for the Óg’s has been the determining factor.

Goalkeeper

1– Neil Ryan

Not a surprise Neil is on the team but perhaps a surprise for some that he gets the goalkeeper’s jersey. Neil was a county minor goalkeeper although he played for the Ógs at half back for the majority of his career.  Neil never missed a training session and was highly respected by his teammates. Neil captained the team for a long period in the 1990’s and 2000’s and many believe retired too early.

Phil Boomer and Rowan Vernon were both great shot stoppers while Curley Ferrin also merits a mention.

Full Backs

2- Brendan Downey

Brendy played with the county seniors and was without doubt, the best defender the club has seen in the last 40 years. An excellent reader of the game, for any high or low ball that came in to the square, Brendy always seemed to emerge with it firmly in his hands

3- Joe George

Still playing, Joe has unbroken service with the club since primary school. A vocal and no-nonsense defender, Joe wasn’t long in telling you if you made a mistake. Not one for kicking the ball, Joe’s soft hands has quietened many a full forward.

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• 4- Conor Wills

The quiet man Conor was a mainstay of the 2001 of Junior Championship winning team. Conor played in almost every position during his Eire Óg career, but typical of the man, he never complained. Putting a lot of time into the club, Conor was the author of the Éire Óg 75^th Anniversary book.

Brian Quinn and Brendan McPoland  were two ‘quiet’ corner backs in their day, while Fintan Morgan, controlled the edge of the square for over 20 years supported by tigerish corner backs   Fergal Lynch, Aidso O’Reilly, Kayvan Vesali and Kieran Ryan

Half Backs

5- Conor Ellis

Current club captain Conor’s tight marking makes him a nightmare for forwards. He never  gives an inch and is always looking to go forward and support the midfield and attack. Conor will hopefully be part of the senior team for many years to come.

6- Gerard McNulty

The current Creggan Kickham’s manager, Gerard had a long and distinguished career with the Óg’s at juvenile and senior level. With his Rolls Royce engine, it was always a pleasure to play alongside Gerard,  as he covered every blade of grass and covered for any defenders who were caught out of position.

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• 7- Conor Muldoon

Current joint manager of the Óg’s ladies’ team, Conor loved to mark ‘space’. What he lacked in speed he made up for in courage and determination. Conor never pulled out of tackle, is an  all round good guy, and a good man to have in your company on or off the pitch.

Hugh McPoland, Killian Shortt, Jim Magee, Henry Largey, Niall Cochrane, and Paul Taggart were the other stand out half backs over the last forty years.

Midfield

8- Johnny Smye

Without doubt the best fielder of a ball the club has seen in the last 50 years. Johnny was the target of all Óg’s kickouts when he was playing and rarely lost a high ball challenge. His quality was recognised throughout the county and he played for the Saffron’s under several managers.

9- Alec McGoran

Alec soldiered with the Og’s for an eternity, not being allowed to retire, and still played midfield on the Senior team into his 50’s. Probably the only Óg’s player we have never heard swearing, his fitness levels enabled him to have a long career. Alec was also one of the best coaches the club had. Alec is currently coaching at Carryduff.

Lawrence Kelly came close to displacing his teacher for the midfield slot, Lawrence was unfortunate with injuries. Other exceptional fielders of the ball were John Morgan, Gerry O’Reilly, Colm McAuley John Devlin, JP Dunney, Seamus Holmes and Deano McMullan.

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Half Forwards

10- Conor McKenna

Conor is the backbone of our current senior squad. A dedicated trainer and now TV star (after being selected for TG4 Underdogs last year), Conor’s determination to bring the Og’s to the next level is infectious to his teammates and hopefully he will get his just rewards in the next couple of seasons. A great lad who is an excellent ambassador for the club.

11- Jim Dalzell

The fulcrum of the forward line in the 1985 Intermediate championship team, Jim was a stylish player who always created space for himself to either have a shot or link up with another forward. Almost impossible to get the ball from him when he had possession

12- Paddy Doherty

The Óg’s have yet to see a better free-taker since Paddy retired. His accuracy was one of the main reasons why we won the Intermediate Championship in ‘85. An excellent footballer, Paddy was one of those players who could make a chance out of nothing.

Brian Turbitt, David Morgan and current senior coach Gareth Gags McLaverty were all outstanding half forwards, while Ciaran McGarrity, Gerard Crawford and Aidy Doherty were stalwarts in the 90’s. Micky Quinn and Chris Browning were two similar reserved forwards with the motto ‘thy shall not pass’.

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Full Forwards

13- John McPoland

Apparently the ‘best’ footballer in the McPoland household, John was another who played in several positions throughout his career. As an accurate forward John always liked to remind people that he  was equally  as accurate with either feet. John faced sibling rivalry from his brother Brendan for the number 13 jersey

14- Peter Elliott

The baby of the 2001 Championship winning team, Peter’s underage talents transferred to senior where he was the Óg’s top scorer for numerous seasons. Rarely missing when close to goals, unfortunately for the Óg’s, Peter has suffered from injury the last few seasons and has been badly missed.

15- Pat Rice

The number 15 jersey was a straight fight between father and son. While Niall was lightening quick and skilful, his departure to Oz meant his senior career was cut short, although we may see his return in the future. His dad Pat was Mr Éire Óg an excellent footballer and part of the ‘85 Championship winning team. Pat would later go on and serve every position within the club. A great friend to all who had the pleasure of knowing him and deeply missed by everyone.

The full forward line was probably the most difficult to pick. Emmett Holmes unlucky to lose out to the two corner forward veterans, while Gerard Ferrin and Jim Kane from the Intermediate champions in ‘85 also had an eye for goals. Full forwards always capable of turning games and deserving of a mention include the roving Sean O’Neill, Kevin Brown, Barry Hall, Sean McKenna and Fra Grimley. Luckily most of them played before the introduction of the player-fit jersey!

I’ve no doubt that if we revisited this topic in 10 years time, current senior players Ciaran Rice, Conor Erskine and Caoimhin Daykin will also be pushing for a place.

I’m sure the 15 chosen will spark many a debate but it’s all about opinions.

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Although the McQuillan’s Club in Ballycastle are most renowned for Gaelic games with the small ball, the Town has produced its fair share of fine size 5 ballers.  Having played football for the McQuillan’s club for 18 years, Gerard McIlroy looks back at his “Best 15”.

 Not everyone will agree with his selection. It’s just one man’s opinion. Just a bit of fun!

Gerard McIlroy’s ‘Best 15’

1- Aidan McIlroy.  For sheer fear of getting kicked with one of his steel toed kick-outs, he was always a big presence in the nets for the early part of my time playing.  Good length in the kick-out (didn’t matter where they went!).  Being the younger brother, he always had my back too!

2- Colm Dynes.  Was as wide as he was long!  Thou shall not pass was his motto.  Also did mixed martial arts……You just didn’t mess with him.  Excellent carrier of the ball, could tackle (properly) and give a pass out from the back.

3-. Damian (Boogie) McAfee. Leader on the pitch, never say die attitude and surreal fitness levels!  Never one to let a forward pass by without a “gentle” tackle!  I played a lot of my playing days in Full Back – Boogie made it look easy!

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4- Conor Donnelly.  One of the calmest heads on the pitch.  His famous runs from corner back would often see the ball end up over the “black spot”.  A real hassler in the full back line.  I always liked play at 3 when Conor was on the pitch.  He knew when to go or when to cover.  Always one of the fittest on the pitch!

5-Benny Bailey.  Could run all day.  Awesome fitness levels and speed.  He was the creator of many scores for the forward 6.  In backs he could give the best half forwards a difficult day.  He also like the pints in the city after Sunday games!

6- Ronan Boyle.  One of the best natural footballers in north Antrim.  He was able to control a game single handed.  His fitness levels never seemed to drop (until he hit 40!).  Going into the tough games, you want to have Ronan on your side, tough as they come and had the ability in football terms to back it up! 

7-. Barry Kelly.  Although Barry played mostly in midfield or the half-forward line, he was best suited to the half back line (nothing to do with the amount of shots he put wide in the length of a game).  Simply because the man could run!  He had the pace to burse out of the half back line and deliver a pass….or on occasions took the odd shot – sometimes they went over!

8- Stephen McGill.  Looks like butter wouldn’t melt.  The mistake most people make with the big fella.  Could shoot from halfway and did all the tracking from 21 to 21.  Played with this guy for over a decade and can’t state highly enough the impact he has had on many wins for McQuillan’s.  

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9- Leon Bailey.  The Joker of the pack.  On his day he couldn’t be marked!  Alongside McGill in the engine room, this pairing were unbeatable.  A Rolls Royce engine….as long as he wasn’t out the night before!  Could have played against the best and still came out on top.

10- Mark Higgins.  I never played with Mark but in recent seasons I have watch a fair few games.  Ball carrier and scorer can take the big hits and give them!  Would fit into any McQuillan’s football team over the years.

11- Jaffa Connolly.  Mr Shuffle.  I play indoor soccer with Jaffa still!  He had such ability for all sports.  He played a number of positions over my years with the club and he is still involved in coaching.  Like Ronan Boyle, he can control a game and put the scores over when needed most.  He was fond of rolling over ten times after a challenge looking for a free – more often than not he got them! 

12- Conor McMichael.  An unreal talent from a young age.  Came through the youth setup with Aidan Toner and Gerry McGlynn.  Could play anywhere on the pitch.  He was strong and had pinpoint accuracy for a pass or score.  He is certainly a player we have missed over the last number of years.

13-.Michael Magee.  Played, retired, came back, retired,….then played in the 2019 North Antrim Feis final with his Sons!  The wee man from Armagh was lethal between the 45 & 21 lines.  Either from play or from the dead ball the man could finish!  Once the clubs top scorer…..he obviously never told anyone, apart from the time we won the NA Feis in 2010.  The pub crawl after….Michael vanished and came back in a taxi with his top scorer trophy from 2000!  Always a good laugh with him about!

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14- Joe Cassidy. The king of the “Show and Go” played for his home club Bellaghy and Derry at various levels.  Ended up his playing days for the town.  If only he played for Ballycastle years before, oozing natural ability.  Effortless stride and the capacity to kick scores from anywhere on the pitch.  Fine free taker and was a real focal point anywhere in the front 6.

15- Martin (Marty J) Jamison. Could play on the line, roam deep, brilliant ability to read the play and passes.  Had the ability to shoot from either side no matter how tight the angle!  He was a running machine. 

Having played football for so long, there are a few honorary mentions:

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When Curly hung up the gloves, Patrick (POD) McAuley stepped up.  Has been there ever since and would be the first name on the team sheet.

Brian Gaynor – Came late to Ballycastle having won it all in Laois and Lenister.  Sound fella with bags of skill!

Brian McLernon – the beast of midfield.  Enough said.

Sean Kelly, Conor McAuley, Stephen McIlroy & Conleth McCaughan – Great servants to the club and on their day could command their position.  We had some great Feis and Championship runs.

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