Month / May 2021

by thesaffrongael

Free scoring Saints make it two from two

ACFL Division 2 Reserve

All Saints 3-24 St. Comgall’s 1-11

All Saints Ballymena proved too slick for a battling St. Comgall’s Antrim in the ACFL Division 2 Reserve football league at Quinn Park tonight. Backboned by quite a number of last year’s minor team and a sprinkling of experience they took the game to the opposition right from the off with Shea O’Brien pointing them in front in the second minute.

Ronan McKillop, Michael Reed and Kevin Brady edged them four ahead by the 12th minute before Anthony Watson in the St. Comgall’s goals brought off a fine save to deny Michael Sloan as the one way traffic towards the visitor’s goal continued.

Conor Connolly, Ronan McKillop and Niall Walsh added further points before Conor Connolly fired home his side’s opening goal in the 18th minute and even at this stage it looked a long way back for the Antrim town side.

To their credit they kept battling hard and were rewarded with a good goal from Shea McTernan after 19 minutes to give them some hope but that hope was soon dashed. Ronan McKillop replied with a point and then Patrick Ferris followed up to finish to the net after Watson in the St. Comgall’s goals brought off another brave save to deny McKillop.

The slick moving Ballymena side continued to open up the opposition defence and they finished the half as they had started with Ronan McKillop and Shea O’Brien 0-2 adding further points to leave the half time score 2-11 to 1-4 in favour of the home side.

All Saints introduced Diarmuid McNally and Darren Mussen for the second half with James McAloran coming into the St. Comgall’s defence but it made little difference as thew Quinn Park side continued to press forward in numbers with their pace and team work opening up the St. Comgall’s defence.

McKillop send over an 8th minute point and followed with a goal in the 10th minute and Phelim Killough got forward from defence to get his name on the score-sheet and Ronan McKillop brought the third quarter to an end with another point following another good save from Anthony Watson.

The St. Comgall’s chances were few and far between despite rousing performances from Paul McConville, Aaron Murray, Shaun McLarnon, Eoin Lynott, Colm Louge and substitute McAloran when the action got under way again it was more of the same.

All Saints introduced Cormac Lemon, Charlie Metrustry and Paddy O’Brien while Ryan Kingi and Ryan McTiernan came into the St. Comgall’s side but it did nothing to change the flow of play. Indeed the home side continued to press as their opponents tired with Niall Walsh, Darra Mussen, Diarmuid McNally, Paddy O’Brien and Charlie Metrustry all adding points.

by thesaffrongael

Parnell Park next as Antrim face the Dubs

Allianz Hurling League Division One – Group B

Antrim vs Dublin – Saturday May 22 – Parnell Park, Dublin

Throw in: 5pm

Referee: Sean Cleere (Kilkenny)

By Brendan McTaggart

The difference between Division Two and One, as a fan you travel to games in the top tier with hope rather than expectation.  This year feels different.  The hope is still there, it never leaves but what we hope for differs.  Last year there was an expectancy for Antrim to at least make the league final, this year the expectancy is performance levels and a hope they give a good account of themselves.  So far, Antrim have delivered that in spades.

A monumental win against Clare and while they didn’t get any points last Sunday in Nowlan Park, once again they showed that Antrim hurling is on the up.  Three goals against Kilkenny and it’s no exaggeration to say they could have had the same again on another day.  Only for some goalkeeping brilliance, cynical defending and the width of a crossbar, Darren Gleeson’s men could have added another scalp to their collection. 

Kilkenny proved tough opponents in Nowlan Park last weekend.

The graft, the desire and the intensity shown by all players involved was incredible.  Where they might have caught Clare on the hop two weeks ago however, Kilkenny were in no mood for the same to happen them.  Antrim won the lions share of ball in the middle sector against Brian Lohan’s men whether that was through high ball or in rucks.  It was the single most impressive factor of that 70 minutes in Corrigan Park.  Kilkenny were a different proposition.  Antrim were found wanting and it’s mainly how the Cats turned the screw when they needed to.  Winning possession from poc outs and putting Antrim on the back foot.

The difference in class of opposition is night and day from the previous two league seasons.  The movement of Kilkenny and how they made the ball work for them along with their speed of thought was on a different level.  Slick, accuracy, correct decision more often than not yet Antrim pushed them all the way in a barnstorming second half.  Trailing by eight at half time, Donal Og might have been sharpening his pen.  Antrim had other ideas. 

James McNaughton who scored six points against Kilkenny last weekend.

When the scores were tied 1-13 to 2-10, I couldn’t help but give a little laugh to myself in the press box.  Honestly, it does your heart good to see our team rub shoulders with the best of the best.  James McNaughton’s performance, especially in the second half was breath-taking.  He has that ability to evade challenges, bounce off tackles and find a yard of space.  With his speed that yard quickly becomes two and three.  He wasn’t quite at the races against Clare but he showed his class in Nowlan Park.  Six white flags, four from play, the young Shamrock must wish he could play in Nowlan Park every week.  Eoghan Campbell another player who has run himself into the ground so far while Gerard Walsh doesn’t look out of place at full back that’s for sure.  I still prefer him at wing half where he can break tackles and chip in with a few long range scores but the Rossa man has been one of Gleeson’s top performers so far this season. 

Eoghan Cambell who was his usual tenacious self against the Cats

Two points from two games, if it was offered to me a month ago I would have taken your hand off for it.  The Dubs are in a similar situation.  They were defeated by Brian Cody’s men on the opening day of the League season before they comfortably saw off the challenge of Laois.  There’s the warning every Saffron fan should take heed off.  Laois themselves are no slouches and while they are no longer under the tutelage of Eddie Brennan, ‘Cheddar’ Plunkett is a top manager himself.

This is a dress rehearsal for the championship encounter on 26th June in Pairc Tailteann when after Antrim’s heroics in the McDonagh Cup in 2020, they make a welcome return to the Leinster Championship and the Liam McCarthy competition.  That may only be five weeks away but Antrim have three huge games between now and then before they can consider or prepare for that match in Navan.

The hope is Antrim can maintain their performance levels they have shown thus far.  That is an incredible ask given what they’ve come through in the past two weeks.  Playing in Division One is both physically and mentally fatiguing.  Playing in Division One three weekends in succession will take its toll.  The team hasn’t been released as yet but I’d be surprised if it’s unchanged again.  Options are available. 

Conor Johnston got some game time in Nowlan Park

Conor and Ciaran Johnston both came off the bench against Kilkenny with Eoin O’Neill.  Shea Shannon and Domhnal Nugent were introduced along with Phelim Duffin in defence.  Dan McCloskey has been introduced in the past two matches also with a hugely important contribution in the win over Clare.  Winning the match sealing free deep in injury time, I wouldn’t be surprised to see him regain a spot in the starting 15 also.  The strength in depth is there, a proud sight for any Antrim gael.  Gleeson and his backroom team have a tough time picking the match day squad never mind a starting 15 such is the quality and talent available in this current squad.

While sitting in Nowlan Park last Sunday, it was a chance to evaluate just how far Antrim have come.  Last year after two league matches, the Saffrons had defeated Wicklow on a less than desirable pitch in the Garden County where Joe Maskey helped fix the netting in one of the goals before seeing off Mayo the following week in Loughgiel.  Fast forward 15 months later give or take and we’ve lowered the Banner and frightened the Cats.

The Dubs are next as the journey continues.

by thesaffrongael

All Ireland Camogie Championship structure

The Camogie Association yesterday announced the dates and format for the various inter-county All-Ireland championship. Antrim have teams in both the Intermediate and Premier Junior championships which begin on 24th July and finish in Croke Park on September 12th.

There are 12 teams in the All-Ireland Intermediate title-race including Antrim, last year’s losing finalists, and neighbours Derry whom they meet in the National League next weekend.

The 12 teams will be divided across three groups, each of four teams with two of the group winners progressing directly into the semi-finals on 28th/29th August. The third group winner plus those placed second in each group will go into the quarter-finals a week earlier.

There will also be relegation from the Intermediate championship between the teams placed fourth in each group.

The Premier Junior championship will see the 2020 champions Armagh defending their title against nine other competitors including beaten finalists Cavan and Reserve teams from both Down and Antrim.

Again the format and time-line are similar to the senior and intermediate competitions. The draws for all three competitions will take place in the next couple of weeks.

The draws for the Tesco minor and under 16 All-Ireland championships have already taken place and Derry and Antrim are grouped together in both with just one other team (Meath at under 16 and Westmeath at Minor). Two teams progress into semi-finals from the group.

The under 16B championship get under way in just over three weeks with Antrim and Derry meeting on Sunday 13th June in the first round.

At the moment Antrim have no under 16 management in place and have placed a notice on social media asking for anyone interested to contact the County Development Officer Rachel Neeson who was involved in the management team last year.

Up until this weekend under age county development squads and teams were not allowed to meet up. So in many ways the new management will not be at a huge disadvantage – provided they are in place quite quickly.

The competition is run off quickly as well with two teams qualifying from each of the two groups for the semi-finals on 11th July and the final is a week later.

Antrim and Derry kick-start the All-Ireland Minor B championship on July 25th with a Round One game at an Antrim venue. Westmeath is the third team in their group with two teams qualifying for the semi-finals on 21st August with the final a fortnight later.

There is a manager in place here, but the county would also be interested in recruiting a coach as well to help prepare the team.

All-Ireland Intermediate Championship

12 teams-3 groups of 4, Draw for group winners- 2 will go into Semis and 1 to Quarters along with group runners up.

Relegation applies: 1 relegated – Draw between the bottom 3 teams, winner is safe, other 2 playoff.

Teams; Antrim, Carlow, Cork, Derry, Dublin, Galway, Kerry, Kildare, Kilkenny, Laois, Meath, Tipperary

Saturday 24thJuly 2021 – Round 1

Sat 31st July 2021 – Round 2

Saturday 7th August 2021 – Round 3

Saturday 14th August 2021 – Back matches and relegation matches

Sat/Sun 21st /22nd August 2021 – Quarter Finals

Sat/Sun 28th /29th August 2021 – Semi-finals

Saturday/Sunday 4th/5th September 2021 – Back matches

Sunday 12th September 2021 – All-Ireland Intermediate Final

Saturday/Sunday 18th /19th September 2021 – All-Ireland Final replays

All-Ireland Premier Junior Championship

10 teams; 2 groups of 3, 1 group of 4. Draw for group winners- 2 will go into Semis and 1 to Quarters along with group runners up.


Teams; Antrim, Armagh, Cavan, Clare, Down, Kildare, Limerick, Roscommon, Waterford, Wexford

Saturday 24th July 2021 – Round 1

Sat 31st July 2021 – Round 2

Saturday 7th August 2021 – Round 3

Saturday 14th August 2021 – Back matches

Sat/Sun 21st /22nd August 2021 – Quarter Finals

Sat/Sun 28th /29th August 2021 – Semi-finals

Saturday/Sunday 4th/5th September 2021 – Back matches

Sunday 12th September 2021 – All-Ireland Premier Junior Final

Saturday/Sunday 18th /19th September 2021 – All-Ireland Final replays

Minor B Championship
7 teams- 1 groups of 4 and 1 group of 3. Top 2 to semi-finals

Group 1                      Group 2

Antrim                         Carlow
Derry                           Kildare
Westmeath                 Laois
                                    Offaly

Sun 25th July 2021 Round 1 – Round 1: Antim v Derry

Sunday 1st August 2021 – Round 2 Derry v Westmeath

Sunday 8th August 2021 Round 3 Westmeath v Antrim

Sunday 15th August 2021 – Back matches

Sat/Sun 21st /22nd August 2021 – Semi-finals

Sat/Sun 28th/29th August 2021– Minor B Final

Saturday/Sunday 4th/5th September 2021 – Minor B Final Replay

U 16 B
7 teams- 1 groups of 4 and 1 group of 3. Top 2 to semi-finals

Group 1                      Group 2

Antrim                         Carlow
Derry                           Laois
Meath                         Offaly
                                    Kildare


Sunday 13th June 2021 Round 1 – Antrim v Derry

Sunday 20th June 2021 Round 2 – Derry v Meath

Sunday 27th June 2021 Round 3 – Meath v Antrim

Sunday 4th July 2021 – Back matches

Sunday 11th July 2021 – Semi-finals

Sunday 18th July 2021 – U 16 B Final

Sunday 25th July 2021 – U16 B Final replay

by thesaffrongael

Holly takes charge of her first game

Antrim Ladies Football U14 League

Glenavy v Davitt’s

Holly Bone, one of Antrim’s new LGFA Youth Club referees from Naomh Gall, officiated at her first Under14 league Ladies Football game between Glenavy and Davitt’s on Thursday evening at Chapel Hill.

It turned out to be a great game and Holly kept control of the pitch at all times. Glenavy fielded a strong team against the Belfast rivals, and this showed with them taking an early lead. The young ladies from Glenavy continued to impress throughout the first half taking points freely. Davitts ventured up the other side of the field and were rewarded with a goal and 2 points, unfortunately for them Glenavy strode forward again and dominated the game with scores coming from all forward positions.

During the second period Glenavy grew in confidence and passed free around the park stretching the Davitts team, who continued to play well, but were up against a stronger team on the night. Congratulations to Holly Bone who was officiating her first match and kept the game under control.

by thesaffrongael

Shamrocks take confident first step

North Antrim Minor Hurling – Darragh Cup

Loughgiel 2-22 Ballyastle 3-6

Darragh Cup holders Loughgiel took the first step towards defending their title when they beat Ballycastle in Wednesday evening’s round-robin game at Fr Healy Park

The Shamrocks had the better of the opening exchanges and at the first half water break they led by five points, their goal coming from the ever dangerous Jack McCloskey while Darragh Kelly and Oran Donnelly caught the eye for Ballycastle.

The second half continued in a similar pattern with the home team holding the upper hand and by half time they had stretched their lead to 1-13 to 0-4, the stand-out score coming from Ronan McCollum.

The second half saw the visitors get more into the game and goals from Criostai McAuley, Daragh Donnelly and Tiernana Heggarty made things look a little better. However the home side were never threatened and added a series of great points to run out winners by 2-22 to 3-6

Loughgiel

  1. Mark Christie. 2. Ronan McLaughlin. 3. Ruairi McCormick 4. Cahir Connolly. 5. Charley O’Hagan. 6. Finn Henry. 7. Conin Sheridan. 8.  Pearse Patterson. 9. Ben McGarry. 10. Darragh Patterson. 11. Ronan McCollum. 12. Tiago McGarry. 13. Danny McAuley. 14. Jack McCloskey. 15. Jack McKendry. 17. Ronan Casey. 18. Eoin McGarry. 19. Roan McGarry. 20. Ronan Fitzgerald. 21. Liam Glackin

Ballycastle

  1. Criostai McAuley. 2. Conall Magee. 3. Patrick McAlonan. 4. Cormac Dallas. 5. Seamus Goodlad. 6. Somhairle Mathers. 7. Cian Baudant. 8.Orann Donnelly. 9. Eamon Butler. 10. Gavin McToal. 11. Conor Donnelly. 12. Darragh Kelly. 13. Aidan Hamilton. 14. Tiarnan Heggarty. 15. Daragh Donnelly. 17. Callum Woods. 18. John McHenry. 19. Eoin McKinley. 20. Frank McCaughan.