Today we look at Lamh Dhearg ‘Best 15’ as seen through the eyes of a stalwart who has requested to remain anonymous. He has produced a strong looking side. Not everyone will agree with his selection but remember it’s only one man’s opinion. ‘It’s just a bit of fun!’

A well-known Lámh Dhearg club-man (Who requested to remain anonymous) has selected his ‘Best 15’ footballers – stretching from the late 60s to present day and has submitted his team to me and probably has had the advice of a few others from the ditch in Hannahstown.

He said it was one of the most difficult tasks he has ever faced because Lámh Dhearg have a strong pedigree of producing top quality footballers down through the generations. This team has a wealth of county and provincial experience and has a very strong physical presence as well. I’m sure the selection will set the hills ablaze with discussions and maybe counter teams produced or selected.

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1-John Finucane – An outstanding custodian for the club over the last 15-years. Commands great presence in the square and is a great organiser of the defence in front of him always inspiring them with confidence. Displays super leadership as the captain, very articulate, agile, athletic, good fielder of the high ball and a tremendous shot stopper. Always displays great bravery and courage. Fantastic long range kicker and in the last few years has scored some crucial a la Cluxton 45’s.

2-Michael ‘Micko’ Herron – an outstanding athlete and talented dual player. Always very fit and very professional in his approach and preparation. A very versatile player and could adapt to any position with aplomb. Very skilful footballer, a good fielder and shows great game perception and an astute reader of the game. An inspirational player and a natural leader. He was very accurate when he played upfront and in defence he revels in the role of picking up loose ball, marshalling the defence well and would the first to use his athleticism to initiate attacks.

3-John McKiernan – a colossal player, physically strong and athletic and a fantastic fielder of the ball. A powerhouse. A great striker of a long range free or 45’s. A whole hearted and committed player who played with the heart on his sleeve and would of went through a brick wall to gain possession. Very versatile and could play any position.  An inspirational player and such a committed and discipline trainer. His pedigree was clearly reflected having successfully distinguished careers with Queens, Antrim and Ulster. 

4-Jackie Duffy – A back with real power and technique and classy decision making. He combined great physique with skill to dominate any opponent. He was one of the first corner backs to track forward into attack and then race back to his position when needed. He took no nonsense; he was a rock solid defender and one of the first names on the team sheet. An iconic figure in the club.

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5-Dominic McCann – If you were going into battle Dominic “Banana” was the man you needed. Teak tough he was one of the finest man markers ever to put on the Lámh Dhearg jersey.

Committed in training, focused on the pitch, he gave 100% every game. A real iron man of the defence who had great positional skill which gave him an edge every game. A tigerish committed player who wanted to win every tackle, every game.

 6-Gerard ‘Rooster’ McCague – He was the strong central lynch pin of the defence. His natural skills allowed him to dominate his position and opponents in equal measure. He was a truly graceful defender always had time on the ball, and one of the firsts dead ball specialists. He could knock over 50.s in his sleep. He was disciplined, self-confident, and a leader .A huge loss to the club when he emigrated to Australia.

7-Declan Lynch – A very fit and mobile player with good pace, very skilful and strong on the ball and always poses a threat to any team with his powerful surging runs from defence. Capable of breaking down blanket defences and always taking a score.  A very tight marker and can be a very effective man marker when delegated the role. A good tackler and very intelligent always showing good decision making. An inspirational player with good leadership qualities personified by being current county captain.

8-JP O’Kane – He has everything you needed in a player. An outstanding, talented footballer, a powerful athlete who knew how to perform no matter the circumstances. Peerless on his day, he had the perfect combination of power and ability. He could pluck the ball out of the clouds and on the way down know exactly who was getting the ball in the forward line. His talent was recognised at county and Ulster level. Simply the best.

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9-Frank ‘The Bull’ Fitzsimons snr – Frank was the true engine room of the teams. Majestic in the air- he commanded the midfield every game he played. His consistency every game was remarkable and he combined that with enthusiasm, skill and tenacity to never shirk a tackle or battle on the pitch. He was central to the team in the tough hard to win games, where he combined his skills and vision to always steer the team home to victory. Not for nothing he is still fondly remembered today as Mr Lámh Dhearg and a colourful personality.

10- Conor Murray – An outstanding footballer, very athletic, industrious and skilful. An unbelievable fielder of the ball and can jump to some height. Fantastic at taking spectacular long range scores and a super target man. Very strong runner with ball and always provides an outlet from defence. A very accurate and precise passer of the ball. Conor is also excellent in controlling the game to suit the pace of the team. He is a great servant to county as well as the club and a colourful character in the dressing room.

11- Sean McQullian – One of the classiest players this club has ever seen. A maestro on the pitch, he pulled the strings and made the team play like champions. He was a naturally gifted player with no weaknesses. He was a superb striker of the ball with either foot and had the skill of all great players in that he always seemed to have the time and space to make things happen. He lit up the field every time he graved it and he was without peers in his role in the Number 11 jersey. If ever we had a Lionel Messi in the club it was Sean McQuillan. A great talent, a great person and a great loss through emigration to the success of the team.

12- Cyril  “Horse” Jordan – Cyril simply made magic happen on the pitch. He was the central play maker, the man who orchestrated the scores and go-to player when things got tight on the pitch.  He had an uncanny sense of everyone’s position on the pitch and his unerring passes dropped into the player’s hands with no effort. He was one of the clubs thoroughbreds, said little but did all his talking on the pitch. He had mobility, speed and could turn on a sixpence. He was a true, classy, stylish half-forward, a great all-round player and a truly great club man.

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13- Paddy Cunningham jnr – top class forward and a fantastic servant to club and county. Very intelligent and skilful and astute at creating space and gaining possession- despite close attention of defences. He has been top scorer for the club and county for many years and consistently scores points from any angle and always a handful for any defender. Without a doubt, one of the best free-taking corner-forwards in the county and country. His accuracy is impressive and unerring and is equally adept at using both feet. Has a great eye for goal and a cool and clinical penalty taker.

14- Sean McElhatton – A tall and stylish full forward whose physique, athleticism and intelligence posed many problems for defences. Great fielder of the ball and an effective target man who could take scores or cutely bring other forwards into the game. Had the versatility and ability also to play outfield when the need arose. He was very professional in his preparations and training which set the foundations to be a successful and respected coach at club, college and county. Successful college career with the Ranch and Tyrone.

15- Ryan Murray – a very fast and livewire forward, superb ball winner and his turn of pace is a constant thorn in any of the defences he plays against. Like Conor, he can also score long range points and has a deadly eye for goal. Even though diminutive in stature- he is good in the air and extremely brave and brilliant at winning possession. A very skilful and wholehearted player who can also roam out the field effectively to help consolidate control of the game.

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 *It was just as hard to pick a subs bench which would be laden with quality of accomplished, talented and skilful footballers such as Mickey Boyle, Paddy Cunningham senior, Brendan Herron, Pat McCambridge and Terry McCrudden senior. These guys could easily make the team of any other club in the county.

In 1987 Davitt’s caused a major upset when they won the Antrim Minor Football Championship for the first time, beating Lamh Dhearg in the final at Casement Park in a game that was played before the St Gall’s v Cargin senior final. It may have been an upset for a lot of people but in truth it didn’t come totally out of the blue.   As team member and current club official Eugene Gallagher explains

“We also beat Lamh Dhearg in the league play-off that year. Our team had broadly been together from U12, with a few new faces here and there over those years. At U14 and U16, Sarsfields were our main football adversaries (they had the likes of Jim Magilton, Joe Kennedy and Paul Gormley RIP) but we won the U16 football two years earlier and we knew we were in with a good chance”

This is a report that Davitt’s produced in one of their publications a few years later

Antrim Minor Football Championship Final 1987

Michael Davitt’s 1-8 Lamh Dhearg 1-2

The teams arrived on the field just before 2 O’Clock and to a large and enthusiastic following. Once referee Hugh Henry threw in the ball the stage was set for the dream to become a reality. The long hard nights’ training now a thing of the past….the next sixty minutes were all that mattered. Lamh Dhearg settled quickly and soon had Jim Davis at full stretch and with the Hannahstown men holding sway at midfield over Terry Park and Stephen Toner there was some cause for concern.  

The boys from ‘Up the Hill’ were settling more quickley and after twelve minutes a pass from Michael Boyle found Michael Press in space, and with Christy Brady vainly chasing back, Press drove the ball past Gerard Thornton to the Davitt’s net. Lesser teams would have folded but Paul Donaghy and Pearse McCormick drove their team on to greater effort and slowly the tide began to turn. A long ball from Fra Gallagher into the Lamh Dhearg goalmouth was fumbled and the ever-alert pounced on the breaking ball to fire to the Lamh Dhearg net and bring the sides level. For the remainder of the opening half play flowed from end to end, but it was Davitt’s who made best use of their chances and points from Stephen Toner and Martin Mooney saw the Davitt’s go to the changing rooms at half time with a 1-2 to 1-0 lead.

In those changing rooms team managers Stephen and Sean emphasised how important it was to keep playing attractive football and to maintain their discipline on the field. History was only thirty minutes away.

Davitt’s started the second half where they left off in the first and were on the attack from the offset. Michael Topping ran at the heart of their defence time after time and it was clear that the scores would eventually come. Points form Martin Arwell and Eamon Elliott were cancelled out when Maxwell pointed for Lamh Dhearg and when McLaughlin’s effort, which seemed to all to be wide, was signalled a point by both umpires, the pressure was suddenly on, despite the Davitt’s dominance from play.

Was there to be a comeback from the Hannahstown boys? Marty Arlwell and Eugene Gallagher were determined that this was not going to happen and they led the line as Davitt’s regained control. Time and again they broke down any Lamh Dhearg attack and sent their half forwards in motion where Marty Mooney and Tony McGratten caused all sorts of problem for the Hannahstown defence. Further scores from Michael Topping and Martin Mooney put Davitt’s back in control and they held that advantage to Hugh Henry’s final whistle, which sparked scenes of great celebration.

History had been made and when county chairman Oliver Kelly presented the cup to team captain Stephen Toner the party was in full flow.  

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Today we look at Casement’s Portglenone’s ‘Best 15’ through the eyes of former player and manager, Kevin Kidd. The former South Derry man has gone with a balance of players from his time with the club and selected a strong line-up. Not everyone will agree with his selection but it’s only one man’s opinion.

‘It’s just a bit of fun!’

By Kevin Kidd

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Not an easy task Paddy, but I’ll give it a go.  It’s only a little bit of fun.  I’m a past chairman, senior manager for 4 years, player, and now supporter.  The team is mainly from 1990 to the present day and mostly played Division 1 football.  

1-Brian McCann was the Casements Keeper for 15/20 years and was very consistent in that time.  A long kick-out with the left foot and usually got the ball out from danger.

2-Damian (Scotchy) Hagan moved to the parish from Moortown and played for around 5/6 years.  He was a brilliant-reader of the game, good leader on the field and also a tough competitor.   We had a very good defence at that time and he added to this.  He could kick comfortably with both feet and when the going got tough he rarely went missing.

3-John McKeever came into the senior team aged 16 and a player you would want in your team.  Very fast, good reader of the game, tough competitor, and not many players got the better of him.  He played quite a bit at midfield or half back during the years but the majority of seasons at number 3.  Good leader and captained the team for a number of years.

4-Paddy Carey also made his senior debut at 16, great reader of the game and elegant left foot.  Always in the right place at the right time.  Not too many players got the better of Paddy.  Ronan Delargy showing a lot of potential in this position now in the current team.

5-Niall Delargy is a great attacking player.  Very fit and fast.  Also, good defensive

 qualities and never lets the team down.  He always lets his football do the talking.  A very solid player.

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6-Tony Convery was a quality footballer.  Serious reader of the game.  Quiet in personality but another serious competitor on the field.  An expert in blocking and catching and the solo dummy.  He led by example on the field and captained the team for a number of years also.  Could be argued as Casements best ever player.

7-Kevin Carey RIP played for me in my days managing the senior team.  Between travelling he didn’t play a lot of senior football after that.  But when I had him from the age of 18 he was as good as any, very strong and loved a tackle.  If you told Kevin to go through a brick wall he would.

8-Martin McCarry started out as a goal keeper and when he realised he couldn’t shift Brian McCann (joke), he moved outfield and had serious effect playing at full forward or midfield.  Very fit and strong and always gave his best.  His father Seamus would say he took the football after himself.  Still kicking for his adopted club and now his home in Glenravel.  But big Marty was a player you would want on your team.

9-Niall McKeever high ball catching is his greatest skill set, and his engine, the ability to get up and down the field is brilliant.  The club definitely glad he returned from Australia as he was missed when he was away.

10-Dermot McAleese is playing his greatest football and current player.  An honest hard worker who never gives up.  Works tirelessly for the team and has a brilliant attitude.  A serious footballer who is getting better each year.

11-Owen Doherty was always around to win dirty ball.  He was a tough competitor, always gave his all and made the best of his ability. Came up with a few scores and in his mid-20s was as good as any 11.

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12-Niall Breslin was a gifted player, a sweet left foot that could score or send you a dummy to the chip shop for a fish supper.  He had a few shoulder injuries like Paul McKeever that hindered his football.  Headed travelling and kicked ball in America.

13-James Storey had a great leap and super catcher of a ball.  Very good from a dead ball also.  Couldn’t get him fitted into midfield so I had to make a place for him, he’ll play in the corner and come out the field.

14-Paddy Kelly is also very good from the dead ball like James and a solid target man.  Strong and good in the air.  Has scored a lot of important points for the Casements in the last few seasons.  

15-Kevin Madden was fast, exciting, and a clinical finisher.  If the club hadn’t lost him as a player to health reasons we would surely have got over the line in one county final.  Always got you 5/6 points in a game. I think he scored 2:13 in a club game when I was manager.  He would claim I taught him all he knows, but a good player.

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Subs:

16-Paul McKeever RIP, in his underage and first few senior years he was as good as any in defence or forwards.  Very fast and could take players on and when needed in defence was a really good man marker. Unfortunately several shoulder injuries hindered his football and he took up the whistle as referee.

17-Gerard McAleese was a free flowing scoring forward.  When he first came through as a senior he was unmarkable at times.  Changed his game after returning from travelling to a more hard-working player from defence to attack and is still playing well for the club.

18-Mark Graham was always on your team.  A really deceiving fast player who loved to take players on.  Got a lot of abuse in games, but let his football do the talking.  

I think that 15 would be very hard to beat and subs, a few of these players represented Antrim at all age groups to senior level.  If I was to add a WILD CARD I would have to put myself at the edge of the square number 14.  

Today we take a look at the ‘Best 15’ of Erin’s Own, Cargin as selected by former player and now Saffron Gael scribe, Geordie McGuckin. Geordie had the unenviable task of selecting his ‘Best 15’ from the reigning league and championship winners and won a championship medal himself back in 1974. His team includes players from that era to the present day and while not everyone will agree with his selection it is a formidable line-up.

Remember it’s just one man’s opinion and ‘It’s just a bit of fun!’

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Geordie McGuckin’s Cargin ‘Best 15’

Having been given the task of selecting a Cargin team from over the years by the Boss I fully knew the enormity of the task, but after more than a few attempts to (pass the buck), and approach those who would undertake the assignment and being politely refused I had no choice in the matter.

I was fully aware of strength and depth within the ranks but in the following you will find the result of my labours which caused me anguish a plenty.

I am more than sure that I could come up with another 15 which would most likely be as good.

I do make apologies to those who I may have missed, and be content in the fact that I haven’t a clue.

Cargin Select (just one man’s opinion)

1 John Mc Nabb

Last man standing between the posts and has impressed in his station over the past. Stands tall in his defiance with precision based kick outs a strong point

2 Martin Mc Auley

A strong and resolute defender blessed with a good turn of pace and a good reader of the game earning his place at the corner of the defence.

Always keen to move forward and provide link to the attack.

3 Packie Mc Guckin

Captained the 1974 team to ground breaking success in the first senior title and played that part to the full.

Strong in the air and provided a lengthy, accurate clearance from kick outs.

4 Kevin O’ Boyle

A hugely talented defender who was more often than not used most ably as a man to man marker.

Always keen to take opportunity to move forward and his huge score against Donegal in the Saffron’s championship success gained over Donegal will live long in the memory.

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5 Tony Scullion

A pace laden defender the T S express always looked to get forward both in the Green or the Saffron at the drop of a hat.

He remains the only Antrim player to have bagged a goal against the Kingdom in the championship.

6 Justin Crozier

An automatic selection on the team sheet since he claimed a place as a teenager J C is blessed with pace and balance combined.

A strong running defender, good in the air and with a keen eye for a score for both club and county

7 Donal Laverty

Another from the ground breaking team of ‘74 Donal was selected on an Ireland select in his era and was a hugely talented defender.

Was selected in the half back berth but was equally at home in the central zone or in the half forward department.

8 Eddie Quinn

Big Eddie gained selection in the central zone in which Cargin were blessed with more than a few brilliant performers in that department.

Always keen to move forward and take a score was first on the team sheet and was never found wanting when questions were asked.

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9 Ciaran O’ Neill

Big Ciaran O’ Neill was outstanding in the Green and the Saffron during his tenure and combined aerial supremacy with an eye for a score.

Accurate in the extreme from long distance frees the ‘Butcher’ provided more than a few match winners over the years.

10 Declan Gallagher

Declan (Blondie) Gallagher was a score getter supreme for his team during his tenure and proved a proverbial thorn in the side for any defender that crossed his path.

Quick off the mark, and most accurate in the finish and strong and direct in approach ensured healthy returns on the scoreboard.

11 Michael Mc Cann

Damien Cassidy’s Rolls Royce tag applied to Mick is thoroughly deserved description of a man who is totally reliable and remains at the top of the tree in Antrim football.

Awarded the number 11 jersey for this assignment but is equally as comfortable in a mid-field berth or at full forward.

12 Tomas Mc Cann

Tomas is laden down with skill and would feel at home in any position in the attack.

His last kick strike which claimed a spectacular goal and earned progress over St Gall’s in that never to be forgotten championship clash of 2018 typified the man and his undoubted brilliance.

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13 Kieran Close

Closey’s been at the top of the pile for quite a time and with the sweetest left foot securing a huge reply over the years in both green and Saffron.

He continued as good as ever last term in another positive campaign for the double winning champions and will most likely remain in harness for a couple of seasons yet.

14 Raymond Mc Guckin

Raymond (Harry), Although some may suggest that I may well be a tad prejudiced, is as talented an individual as I have seen in my long years in support of the Greens.

Was seen to good effect over the years in a central position but possibly at his best occupying the full forward position.

15 John Laverty (RIP)

A hugely influential member of the path finding Cargin team of 1974, John was a hugely talented footballer and was as tough as nails.

He was ever direct on his way towards the posts and he made life more than difficult for any defender who looked to halt his pathway towards goal.

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Replacements (those who just missed the cut)

16 Kevin Doyle

Kevin (Dougal) started out on his senior career at a tender age and blessed with a great turn of foot he made life difficult for any defender who stood in his path.

17 Dermot Mc Peake

A play anywhere player Dermot was more often than not employed in a defensive role and always very tactically aware and a clever individual

18 James Laverty

James has been a great servant to both club and county and a young man who has looked equally at home in any role assigned to him.

19 Jamie Gribbin

A youngster who looks to have a bright future ahead, (Huggy) has impressed since he made his senior debut a couple of seasons back and looks destined to add to his two senior championship medals earned thus far.

20 Paul Craig

(Paul (Kat) was a superb servant in the Green and could fill any role in the half back department or a central role at his ease earning the respect of all during an impressive career.

21 JC Devlin

JC had a long and distinguished career in the Green forming a lasting, productive partnership with (Big Harry) over the years and since retirement he has proved successful in management.