Month / January 2021

by thesaffrongael

4 goal McStravick steered St Paul’s to the 1993 title

DOWN MEMORY LANE

Paul McStravick was the star of the show when St Paul’s beat Glenariffe in the 1993 Antrim Intermediate Hurling final. McStravick was the sub goalkeeper four years earlier when Antrim played Tippeary in the 1989 All Ireland final against Tipperary but this time he was at the other end of the field and showed the forwards how it should be done with a brilliant scoring display

Intermediate Hurling Championship 1993

St Paul’s 4-9 Glenariffe Oisins 2-11

‘Goals Win Games’ and Paul McStravick proved the difference
between CLG Naomh Pól and Glenariffe in this entertaining
contest with four ‘majors’ at Casement Park.
McStravick hit the net three times in the first half and once
early in the second and for good measure clipped on a couple
of points for the Shaws Road men to drive them to victory in
this keenly fought contest.


Glenariffe, bidding for their first title since 1988, started well
with points from Dominic Kearns and James McMullan and
were 2 up after two minutes. Eamon Cusack opened the
Naomh Pól account from midfield with a fine strike for 60
metres. Glenariffe continued their impressive start with BBC
Sports commentator, Mark Sidebottom and Kevin O’Connor
adding further points to put the Glens men into a 04 to 01 lead.
Enter Paul McStravick, striking 2 quick points to reduce the
deficit to the minimum, before raising the green flag three
minutes later to put the men in red and white into the lead.


McStravick was not ready for finishing there and after fielding
a Stephen Ramsey 65, blasted again low from close range for
another 3 pointer.
From being three behind just seven minutes earlier Naomh
Pól were now 5-points in front thanks mainly to their work rate
and the finishing excellence of McStravick.
Glenariffe responded quickly one minute later with a James
McMullan goal to reduce the margin to cut the gap to two, and when Dominic Kearns pointed a free the gap was back to the minimum.

Eamon Cusack and Paul Donnelly added points for CLG Naomh Pól to
stretch the gap to three, but the contest was still very close and another Dominic Kearns free maintained a steady flow from the Waterfoot men.

With five minutes remaining in the first half Colm “Bruce” McKiernan
took flight and ran a full 80 yards with the ball before finding Paul McStravick who blasted the ball home to complete his hat trick.
Glenariffe had a good chance to reduce the score when Mark
Sidebottom found himself inside the Naomh Pól defence,
but a great tackle by full back Mickey Glover was enough to
ensure he didn’t find the net and sent the ball over the bar.
Naomh Pól responded immediately with ‘young’ Paul Donnelly
firing over a point within 20 seconds, but the Oisins pulled a point
back through Brendan Wheeler just before half time to leave
four between the teams at the interval.

The second half started well for the Shaws Road men, they
were awarded a 20 metre free – Paul McStravick stepped up
to hit the placed ball and with confidence high he drove low and
penetrated the Glenariffe wall of defence and the green flag was
raised once more for his fourth goal.
Naomh Pól now began to taste victory with a 7-point lead.
James McMullan soon replied with a goal for Glenariffe and 2
pointed frees from Alistair McAlister give the Glensmen new
hope. Mickey Sullivan got Naomh Pól back on the score
sheet by dropping over a 65 and easing the pressure, but Paul Sidebottom returned a fine point for Oisin’s to keep them in touch.

However time was beginning to run out for the North Antrim men and Naomh Pól were still in control. The Oisins went all out for a goal to revive their fading chances but the Naomh Pól defence held strong
The Shaw’s Road men then turned defence into attack They pressed forward and as Paul Donnelly bore down on goal one of the Oisin’s defenders used a bit too much force which saw him sent for an early bath. From the resulting 21 yard free Mickey Sullivan sent
the ball high into the sky and the white flag was raised for the
eighth time and deep into injury time the winners sealed their
victory when Stephen Milligan, aka “Pan Loaf” slotted over
the insurance point from way out the field to wrap up a well deserved victory for the men from Shaws Road.


CLG Naomh Pól defence of Paul Burns, Kieran Cooper, Mickey
Glover, Chris Brown, Paul Stevenson, Stephen Ramsey, and
Terence McLaughlin (Sub Stephen Milligan 0-1) recovered from
a shaky start to play really well, especially in the second half.
The midfield pairing of David Nolan and Eamon Cusack hurled
tirelessly with Nolan helping out his defence with distinction
in the second half and Cusack hitting 2 great points in the
opening half. Paul McStravick took all the plaudits in the
Naomh Pól forward line with a match winning tally of 4-2 but
was very well assisted by his industrious colleagues in Mickey
Sullivan 0-2, Frankie Keenan, Colm ‘Bruce’ McKiernan, Paul
Donnelly 0-2 and Brian Creen.


by thesaffrongael

Every Step Counts for Naomh Gall Gaels

On these dull and wet January days there have been a sea of people in their blue Naomh Gall jackets covering the pavements and hills of Belfast, all counting their steps in aid of the Every Steps Counts Challenge, an All Ireland event running for GAA clubs.  The aim is for each GAA club to accumulate at least 4000km while walking, between 13th Jan and 3rd March, to be entered into a prize draw. 

Naomh Gall Health and Wellbeing officer Rosemarie O’Rawe, swiftly signed the club up for the initiative, and its members have been pounding the streets ever since, come rain, hail or snow!!!  They have engaged so well with the challenge that the West Belfast club has already surpassed the 4000km target set, currently lying 9th place out of 204 teams entered into the challenge from Ulster, and are leading the way as the highest ranking club in Antrim. January is a tough month at the best of times but given the challenging environment we are currently living in, the initiative has given the club and its members something to focus on, something to bring members together for the one cause, even though physically we can’t be together – virtually we are all doing our part to help the club succeed. 

There’s stiff competition even among all the 108 Naomh Gall club members taking part, as they can all see who has covered the most miles, so everyone is putting in the distances to try and beat their friends, it has definitely generated a lot of banter and craic.   With restrictions still in place in regard to training and matches and no sign of them being lifted anytime soon, this initiative has encouraged members to increase their physical activity in other ways – simply walking. 

Naomh Gall as a club, place great importance on staying connected with their members and looking after their mental health, so being involved in this challenge has certainly given them plenty of opportunity to do that!

by thesaffrongael

Anthony (Tony) Mulvenna RIP


Once again Shane Uì Nèill Glenarm find themselves mourning the passing of one of their elder members.
An honorary life member, Anthony played many roles within the club, secretary, treasurer, and coaching roles at juvenile and senior level.
He was also a founder member and first chairman of All Saints GAC Ballymena when they reformed in 1975/76
Born on Gowkstown farm 1938, Anthony was a member of the Glenarm team who won junior championship 1957, playing with, among others Eugene McMullan RIP, who also passed away recently.
Among Anthony’s proudest moments was being coach/selector of Antrim minor hurlers 1980 when they defeated Kilkenny at Nowlan Park in the Leinster championship.
Anthony was county hurling board secretary 1979-1996 during which time he enjoyed success, the highlight being when Antrim reached the All-Ireland senior final 1989.
He was also a keen amateur historian and often contributed to the Glens of Antrim Historical Society.
To Anthony’s family and the wider Mulvenna family we offer our deepest condolences.
Mary Queen of the Gael pray for him.

Anthony Mulvenna (2nd from right on the back row) on the Glenarm team who won the Junior Championship in 1957

by thesaffrongael

Dunloy powered past Ballycran in 1995 Ulster final

Down Memory Lane

In a little tribute to former Dunloy manger Phonsie Kearns (who died last weekend) we carry the report and photos from the 1995 Ulster final which saw Phonsie steer the Cuchullains to his second Ulster title on the trot.

Team manager Phonsie Kearns (RIP) gives a few words of advice to Seamus Mushy McMullan during the pre-match parade

Ulster Club Hurling final 1995

Dunloy 2-18 Ballycran 0-9

Dunloy turned in a sparking display of devastating hurling as they  dismissaed Down champions Ballycran in Sunday’s Ulster Club Hurling final at Casement Park. Four points to the good after a scrappy first half the Antrim champions went into overdrive with a free scoring second half display. The impressive Alastair Elliott, who had rattled the Ballycran net in the first half, killed off the challenge of the Down champions midway through the second with a glorious goal after a mazy 40 yard run.

In truth Ballycran were second best in all sectors of the field. Conor Arthurs battled bravely at right half forward but received little support from his more experienced colleagues.

The Ards men did get off to a flying start with a point from midfielder John McCarthy after 30 seconds, however the industrious Eamon McKee equalised within a minute and Dunloy were never again in arrears. Alastair Elliott grabbed his first goal after a long delivery from Frankie McMullan had eluded both Dunloy’s Gregory O’Kane and his marker Bill Hughes.

The physical contest between O’Kane and Hughes was one of the highlights of the first half.  Hughes picked up a caution from Carlow referee Pat Aherne after just nine minutes for an over-zealous challenge and was later dismissed for a second bookable offence.

Dunloy spurred on the dynamitic efforts of wing forwards Nigel and Jarlath Elliott, led 1-6 to 0-2 by the seventeenth minute. However Ballycran did threaten a comeback and got back into the contest just before half time when they began to employ a more direct style to good effect. That style earned them three frees in the final minutes which were expertly sent over by centre-forward Dermot O’Prey.

However Ballycran failed to maintain their momentum in the second half as Dunloy moved up through the gears. The all-action Jarlath Elliott struck two fine points in the opening minutes to stretch his team’s lead to six. An excellent 41st minute stop by Noel Keith to deny Seamus McMullan a goal even failed to rally Ballycran. Referee Aherne and award the penalty after a foul on the dangerous Alastair Elliott in the small square.

There is a resigned look on the face of Ballycran goalkeeper Noel Keith as Alastair Elliott fires the ball to the net for the first of his two goals.

Unperturbed Dunloy kept pressing on and when Frankie McMullan, dominant at midfield alongside Colm McGuckian, send over a point a minute later they were back in full control. The roof fell in on Ballycran’s chances When Alaistair Elliott soloed through to score his wonder goal and there was no way back for the Down men. Dunloy were rampant in the final stages and their task was made that bit easier when Michael Braniff joined Bill Hughes back in the changing room.

Dunloy’s next game is against the champions of London in the All Ireland quarter-final in a few weeks’ time and on Sunday’s form they will strong favourites to advance in that one as well.

Ballycran’s Gary Savage grabs the ball after saving Seamus McMullan’s penalty

DUYNLOY – Shane Elliott, Niall McCamphill, Paul Molloy, Sean McIhatton, Seamus McMullan, Gary O’Kane (0-1), Sean Mullan, Frankie McMullan (0-2), Colm McGuckian, Nigel Elliott (0-2), Tony McGrath (0-1), Jarlath Elliott (0-3), Alastair Elliott (2-0), Gregory O’Kane (0-4), Eamon McKee (0-3).

Subs Malachy Molloy (0-1) for Nigel Elliott (inj); Seamus Boyle for Alastair Elliott.

BALLYCRAN – N Keith, S McAree, B Hughes, H Torney, M Braniff, D Woods, G Savage, D Qoods, J McCarthy, K Blaney, D O’Prey, C Arthurs, S Mallon, H Gilmore, M Blaney.

Subs – T Masterson for Mallon; P Braniff for M Blaney.

Referee – Pat Aherne (Carlow)  

Dunloy captain Nigel Elliott shows the scars of battle as he receives the Four Seasons Cup from Ulster Council Chairman Danny Murphy
by thesaffrongael

2006 a momentous year for Clooney Gaels

2006 was to prove a great year for the hurlers of Clooney Gaels and marked their arrival as serious contenders on the Antrim hurling scene. This week we look back at that momentous season and begin their journey to a place in an All Ireland junior final in Croke Park with a look back at their Antrim final win over old adversaries Rasharkin at Slemish Park Ballymena.

Antrim Junior Hurling Championship final

Clooney Gaels 3-18 St. Mary’s Rasharkin 1-9

Played at Slemish Park, Ballymena the 2006 Junior Hurling final was an eagerly awaited contest as the hurlers of St. Mary’s Rasharkin met up with old rivals Clooney Gaels from Ahoghill. The Clooney men last lifted the title way back in 1989 and featured names like O’Connell, Graham and Downey amongst others and these names were prominent a generation on where sons, cousins, nephews and brothers had taken hold of the reigns to emulate the spirit of the 89 team.

With so much at stake both sides struggled to find their rhythm at the beginning. Clooney’s Donal Graham was the first to settle when he sent over his first point two minutes into the contest. Donal’s point was followed by a frustrating passage of play as both sides locked horns in a battle for supremacy with little scoring chances being created.

It was Aidan Graham who broke the deadlock when he got hold of the ball, slotting over a point and effectively bringing order to the game. Rasharkin, still scoreless at this stage got to grips with matters and worked the sliothar up field and when a foul was committed 30 yards out Brendan McMullan stepped up and took his score in the 12th minute.

Clooney’s Declan Scullion took a quick puck out and the Gaels gathered possession and worked the sliothar up field where it was fed into Gerard Graham who put the Clooney men two in front. Rasharkin were finding it hard to settle and were giving away to many unnecessary frees and with Gerard Graham in top form Clooney went three points clear at the end of the first quarter.

Donal Graham got the defining score of the first half when a long ball was dropped in around the Rasharkin goalmouth. Rasharkin’s keeper, Kevin Collins had judged the sliothar to be going wide but as it fell short Donal Graham was on hand to flick it to the net. The Graham clan were now making their presence felt and when Aidan found his cousin Gerard he edged the Ahoghill side further ahead.

Their opponents had been on the back foot but responded through Declan McKay who pulled one back as he converted a free but the industrious Sean O’Connell hit back immediately for the Clooney men to maintain their advantage. Rasharkin looked to be in trouble and desperately needed to register some scores and experienced campaigner Christopher Hasson did just that with a fine point in the 25th minute and substitute Liam McCart followed with another to give them fresh hope.

In the last five minutes of the half however Clooney Gaels went into overdrive and began to display great teamwork throughout the field and when the towering figure of Declan Graham got hold of the sliothar he took his point, effectively opening the floodgates. The Ahoghill men finished the half with a flourish notching up four unanswered points through Gerard Graham, Sean O’Connell, Joe Downey and Aidan Graham as the moved into a 1-11 to 0-4 half time lead.

UP AGAINST IT

The Rasharkin men looked up against it going into the second half as they went in search of some much needed scores. Daniel O’Mullan took a fine point one minute in from the restart but any attempt at a comeback was effectively squashed when Aidan Graham fired home Clooney’s second goal in the 35th minute.

  • The Graham family celebrate a famous victory over Rasharkin

The Clooney Gaels, now in full flow, turned on the style and big Neil O’Connell picked off a superb point. The Rasharkin defence was now in disarray and continually gave away frees with Clooney’s Gerard Graham gratefully excepting as he added another two to his tally. When Donal Graham and Sean O’Connell added two more from play it was effectively the point of no return for Rasharkin.

To their credit they kept battling away however and in the last quarter Daniel O’Mullan and Declan McKay added two points to Rasharkin’s tally before Aidy Scullion fired a consolation goal past his brother Declan in the Clooney nets with ten minutes remaining.

This score only served to put a better reflection on the score line as Donal Graham responded for the Gaels with another goal and a point almost straight away. Rasharkin added a further two points from frees just before the end but the last score of the game came from Clooney’s John Friel who fired over a massive 70 yard free leaving the final score, Clooney Gaels 3-18-Rasharkin 1-9.

  • The O’Connell clan celebrate

This was a superb performance by Clooney Gaels who took control right from the start and were never troubled by a Rasharkin side who battled hard but just could not cope with the pace, power and superior stick work of their opponents.

They were rock solid in defence where Bernard Graham was outstanding at centre-half-back and showed great determination, as did Pearse Close and Francis Neeson who never put a foot wrong. At mid-field Dominic Neeson covered massive amounts of ground and partner Joe Downey showed great skill and determination. Captain Sean O’Connell led from the front and took a fair few knocks in the process. Star man up front was Donal Graham who contributed not less than 2-4

  • Pat Connelly presents the Antrim Junior Hurling Championship cup to Clooney captain, Sean O’Connell

TRIBUTE TO COACHING

This team have shown vast improvement over the championship campaign and this is due in no small way to the hard work done by coaches, Brendan Kelly and Harry Graham and indeed of all the coaching staff at the Clooney Gaels club. Great credit is due to them.

Clooney Gaels: Declan Scullion, Pearse Close, Brian Kelly, Francis Neeson, Neil O’Connell, Bernard Graham, John Friel (0-1), Joe Downey (0-1), Dominic Neeson, Declan Graham (0-1), Sean O’Connell (0-4), Gerard Graham (0-5), Donal Graham 2-4, Aidan Graham 1-2, Gerard Kelly.

Subs: Malachy Friel, Dessie McGuigan, Barry Drain, Diarmaid Graham, Stephen O’Connell.

Later this week we will follow Clooney Gaels on their journey to Ulster success in 2006 and their progress to the All-Ireland final in the same year.