Month / May 2021

by thesaffrongael

Another win for Cargin

Homefit ACFL Division One

Erin’s Own Cargin 0-21 St Mary’s Ahoghill 1-09

Cargin claimed another brace of points at the expense of Ahoghill at Toome on Wednesday evening.

The Clooney men produced a poor performance in their opening game when losing heavily to the visiting Creggan and arrived at the home of the reigning county champions as extreme outsiders but in the event they can take comfort in a performance far above their first round offering.

Cargin had started well with a couple of early scores as Sean Og O’Neill split the posts in the 2nd minute with Paul Mc Cann quick to add another.

The home side were dominant in the early minutes but in the event it was visitors whop took the lead in the 5th minute after a well-executed approach and James O’ Connell found the net to make it 1-00 to 0-03.

Cargin responded and a brace of Kieran Close points and points from Paul McCann and Kevin McShane saw them nip 0-06 to 1-00 ahead.

A James O’ Connell point in reply after Michael O’ Connell was fouled reduced the home side’s advantage at the first water break as the home side led 0-06 to 1-01.

Cargin started in the second quarter very much on a positive note and with a couple of early scores from Paul Mc Cann and Kieran Close.

Full forward McCann was in excellent form and his left sided despatch to earn his third score was an excellent finish to make it 0-09 to 1-01.

The Clooney men were finding it difficult to contain the strong running home side with Gerard Mc Cann dominant in the middle and Justin Crozier leading from the back and further scores from Ciaran Bradley (2) and a smart long distance John Carron finish saw them lead at the by 0-13 to 1-01.

On the restart Ahoghill kept battling without really looking like getting back in contention. James O’ Connell did add a couple of points in the early stages with Cargin replying with further scores by Sean og O’ Neill (2), and John Carron with O’ Connell on target for the visitors with another in the 45th minute.

The home side started the last quarter with an early point fromPaul McCann to ensure a ten point advantage but they were not allowed to rest on their laurels as the Clooney men replied and the pin point accuracy of net minder Frankie Neeson’s kick outs was paying dividends and James O’ Connell added back to back points with late replacement Donal Graham adding another.

David Johnston and substitute PJ Quinn, one of three from the 2020 minor championship side sent into action, added points apiece at the other end.

James O’ Connell brought his personal tally to 1-07  in the 29th minute with Eunan Quinn’s 30th minute reply seeing the home side cross the line and gain the points at 0-21 to 1-10.

Cargin: John Mc Nabb, Sean Og Quinn, Kevin O’ Boyle, Gerard Mc Corley, Sean Og O’ Neill (0-03), Justin Crozier, Brendan Laverty, Gerard Mc Cann, Kevin Mc Shane (0-01), David Johnston (0-02), Ciaran Bradley (0-02), John Carron (0-02), Kieran Close (0-02), Paul Mc Cann (0-07), Ronan Gribbin

Subs

Michael Clarke (0-01) for K Close

PJ Quinn (0-01) for P Mc Cann

Benen Kelly for G Mc Cann

Eunan Quinn (0-01) for R Gribbin

Shay Bovill for J Mc Nabb

Ahoghill: Frankie Neeson, Pat Dougan, Martin Graham, Stephen O’ Connell, Fionnbar O’ Neill, Diarmuid Graham (0-01), Ronan Graham, James Magee, Tom Mc Glone, Eamon Brady, Neil O’Connell, Bernard Graham, Danny O’ Neill, Michael O’ Connell, James O’ Connell (1-08)

Subs

Conor Corry for R Graham

Colla Mc Donald for M O’ Connell

Donal Graham for Neil O’Connell

Joe Logan for M Graham

Referee C McOscar (Tir na nOg)

by thesaffrongael

Lamhs edge it in Hightown

Homefit Antrim Senior Football League Division 1

St Enda’s 0-05-0-06 Lamh Dhearg

Kevin Herron reports from Hightown

The scoreline didn’t do the game justice on Wednesday evening as Lamh Dhearg ground out a narrow 0-06-0-05 win over St Enda’s at Hightown.
Both sides suffered defeat in their opening league encounters on Sunday but Lamh Dhearg were able to call upon the experience of Paddy Cunningham for the opening half of the evenings encounter.

It was Cunningham who converted an early free to give his side the lead and doubled it after quickly switching a quick free to Michael Herron and the ball made its way quickly through the hands of Declan Straney, Daniel Murray and Fionn Mervyn before Cunningham executed a terrific curling point.
The Hannahstown side increased their lead almost instantly after Daire Larkin broke the resulting kick-out and was able to drive forward and run onto a Declan Smith pass- sell a dummy and pop it over to make it 0-03-0-00.
St Enda’s responded through an excellent point from Eoin Nagle who caught out Daniel Murray with a feigned shot before shooting over with the outside of the boot.
The hosts almost got in behind the Lamh Dhearg backline but Kristian Healy guided the ball to the back stick and there was enough cover to see off any significant danger.
After the first water break in proceedings the Lamhs restored their three point advantage with Michael Hynds slipping the ball to Terry McCrudden and the full-forward adjusted his body shape and stuck the ball over for the final score of the half.
Just before the interval the visitors had a glorious goal chance go a begging when Eoin Matassa released Terry McCrudden whose palm across the face of goal was sent goal wards by Daire Larkin- though somehow Larkin was denied on the line by Conor Maxwell.
St Enda’s had a golden opportunity to level proceedings early in the second period when Niall Heatley knocked Donall Clarke’s cross field pass into the path of Michael Morgan who raced through on goal, but Mark McIlvenny stood strong and parried the ball over at the expense of a point .
A point from Michael Herron re-established his sides three points advantage once more with Eoin Nagle claiming his second of the evening in response.


Lamh Dhearg were reduced to 14-men for ten minutes when Michael Hynds was black carded and St Enda’s made the most of their temporary numerical advantage as Donall Clarke converted a free to reduce the scores to the minimum.
It was backs to wall for the Hannahstown side but they countered St Enda’s and claimed a point from Declan Smiths’ pass to Terry McCrudden to put two-points in it.
The hosts went in search of a late goal but could only a muster a late point from substitute Philly Curran as Lamh Dhearg held on for a narrow win in Hightown.

St Enda’s: D Breen, F Eastwood, P Hamilton, N Heatley, C Lyttle, C Maxwell, R O’Neill, F O’Connor, M Morgan (0-01), D Clarke (0-01f), G Crossey, K Healy, M Devenney, E Nagle (0-02), F Nagle. Subs:P Curran (0-01) for F O’Connor (37), C Morgan for for K Healy (42), S McBride for M Morgan (53), M Kennedy for F Nagle (56), C Scott for M Devenney (57).
Lamh Dhearg:M McIlvenny, R Murray, P Larkin, M McGarry, E Matassa, D Straney, M Hynds, M Herron (0-01), P Fitzsimons, D Smith, P Cunningham (0-02, 0-01f), D Murray, F Mervyn, T McCrudden (0-02), D Larkin (0-01). Subs:D Smyth for D Straney (HT), F Dugan for P Cunningham (HT), C McVarnock for M McGarry (45), C Nolan for P Larkin (49), C Hannon for M Hynds (54).
Referee: Karol Doherty (Rasharkin)

by thesaffrongael

Ogs snatch victory from the jaws of defeat

ACFL Division 2

Tir na nOg 2-13 St. Pauls 3-9

Tir na nOg staged a late rally to snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in this thrilling division 2 clash at Whitehill tonight. Visitors St. Paul’s had come from two points down at half time to go three ahead with only two minutes of normal time remaining thanks to two goals from half time substitute, Conal Duffy but the final chapter of this end to end drama had not yet been written.

Sean Duffin got the home side back on level terms with an excellent strike with time almost up and Caoimhin Duffin screwed over the winner to grab both points and deny the visitors a share of the spoils.

It was Tir na nOg who made the brighter opening with Aaron McNeilly from a 4th minute free and Darragh Fagan direct from a ‘45’ putting them two in front with only seven minutes gone before Liam McKenna replied with a good point from play for the visiting St. Paul’s.

At this stage of the game it was the Whitehill side who were dictating matters and after Colm McLarnon fired over to bring the Shaw’s Road side level, Ciaran Dobbin sent Aodhan Toland through for the game’s opening goal with 14 minutes on the clock.

Ciaran Dobbin added a point before Liam McKenna replied with a point for St. Paul’s in the 19th minute and that’s how it stood at the first water break with Toland’s goal separating the sides and at this stage the home side were showing the greater hunger and pressing up high on their opponents.

Aodhan Toland and Barry McCormick struck further points to move Tir na nOg five in front by the 22nd minutes but St. Paul’s replied through a great individual goal from Liam McLarnon to put themselves right back into contention.

In the minutes leading up to half-time Darren Fagan pointed a free for the Whitehill men but St. Paul’s had the final score of the half when Liam McLarnon set up Niall Peoples for a point to leave just two between the sides at the break.

Tir na nOg had looked the better side during the opening thirty minutes but the St. Paul’s management made an important switch for the second half, introducing Conal Duffy and within 30 seconds he had the ball in the Randalstown net to move his side in front for the first time.

Sean Duffin replied with a point for Tir na nOg but Duffy responded with one at the other end as the visitors started to enjoy a bit of success. It was end to end stuff with neither side holding back in the challenges as Darragh Fagan and Sean Duffin splits the posts at the other end to edge the home side one in front again after 13 minutes.

Things were really hotting up with both sides playing entertaining football as Liam McLarnon levelled matters once more from a great long range free and the same player performed a similar fete to move his side ahead once again with 11 minutes remaining.

Two minutes later Ciaran O’Neill levelled the contest once more but a couple more from the excellent McLarnon in response to one apiece from Aaron McNeilly and Ciaran O’Neill left it all square again with only three minutes of normal time remaining.

A draw at this stage looked the likely result and probably both sides would have settled for it but the final chapter of this enthralling drama had yet to be written. A high delivery into the Tir na nOg danger area was superbly fielded by Darren McCormick but he slipped as he attempted to hand pass it and Duffy nipped in to steal the ball and hammer it to the net.

The points looked to be on their way up the motorway but Tir na nOg staged a strong finish with that goal from Sean Duffin and a point from his older brother Caoimhin to snatch a late-late victory.

Tir na nOg: Sean Paul McAtamney, Sean Devlin, Ciaran McGrellis, Peter Cullen, Ciaran O’Neill, Barry McCormick, Caoimhin Duffin, Christy Sheerin, Darren McCormick, Aaron McNeilly, Sean Duffin, Darragh Fagan, Ciaran McKeown, Ciaran Dobbin, Aodhan Toland. Sub: Ciaran Logan for Ciaran McKeown

St. Paul’s:  Kiefer Toolan, Damien Magee, Sean Bradley, Niall Ward, Joe Duffy, Don Burns, Aodhan Kavanagh, Cormac O’Hanlon, —–, Padraic Lowe, Niall Peoples, Daniel Lavery, Liam McKenna, Liam McLarnon, Colm McLarnon. Subs: Conor Hughes, Conal Duffy, Conjal Barnes, Mark Nonce.

Referee: Danny O’Neill (Gort na Mona)

by thesaffrongael

St Brigid’s impress as they beat St Gall’s by double scores

Antrim Football League Division One

St Brigid’s 0-20 St Gall’s 1-7

St Brigid’s made it two wins out of two in Division 1 of the Antrim Football League when they beat and understrength St Gall’s side in Wednesday evening’s game at Musgrave Park.

The south Belfast men had won their opening game at the weekend thanks to an injury time goal in Portglenone. However they were in charge from the start in this game and controlled proceedings from start to finish. They led by 0-6 to 0-2 at the first water break and were 0-10 to 0-4 ahead at half time. They continued to dominate in the second half and though the visitors grabbed a goal in the final quarter through Thomas Bunting it was little more than a consolation by that stage and in the end St Brigid’s were ten to the good, and full value for it..

St Brigid’s corner forward Peter Henvey caused the St Gall’s defence no end of problems in the opening quarter and his strong direct running led to a series of scores from himself and team mates Ryan Tweedy, Peter Webb and Patrick Finnegan which helped the Musgrave Park side to a 0-6 to 0-2 lead at the end of the opening quarter.

Mark Cummins pulled a point back for the visitors just after the restart, but substitute Jimmy Smyth, who was just on the field replied with a fine score at the other end. A point from Niall Burns left just three between the sides but St Brigid’s hit back strongly and points from Henvey and Ronan Boyle helped them to a 0-10 to 0-5 lead by the interval.

During the third quarter St Gall’s fought back and closed the gap to just four points, thanks to a fine score by Sean Burke from distance, but the home team upped the pace again and three on the bounce from King, Henvey and Finnegan had them seven up at the second half water break,

With Jimmy Smith in superb form in the final quarter the home side pulled further ahead and two excellent points from Smith and one from Ryan Tweedy stretched them eleven clear. To their credit the Milltown men battle back and Thomas Bunting grabbed a consolation goal, but it was a case of too little – too late as the home side had the points already secured.

ST BRIGID’S

D Heery; J Morgan, C King, C Webb (0-1); P King (0-1), J Toner, O Boyle; M Cummings, J Dowling; R Boyle (0-1), R Tweedy (0-4), P Finnegan (0-3); P Webb (0-1 free), J Finnegan (0-1), P Henvey (0-3, 2 frees). Subs: J Smith (0-5) for P Webb (17 mins), N Lundy for P King (52 mins), C Conway for J Dowling (58 mins).

ST GALL’S

 N McCurdy; C Chada, S O’Hagan, C Murray; R Wilson, A Gallagher, J McCaffrey; S Burke (0-1), T Bunting (1-0); C Doherty, T O’Neill, N O’Neill; M Cummings (0-1), N Burns (0-3 frees), S Kelly. Subs: B McCaffrey (0-2 frees) for N O’Neill (HT), E McCurdy for R Wilson (43 mins), C O’Kane for S Burke (45 mins), O Crawford for C Murray (47 mins), N O’Neill for M Cummings (51 mins).

REFEREE: Kevin Parke (Naomh Éanna)

by thesaffrongael

Tale of two penalties as Ports beat Johnnies

Homefit Antrim Football Division 1

St Johns 1-9 Portglenone 1-12

Paul McIntyre was at Corrigan Park.

It was a tale of two penalties at Corrigan Park on Wednesday evening as Portglenone came away with the points following a three-point victory over the hosts.

Conal Delargy converted his strike in the 15th minute to his give the Casements a lead that they held to the end, while early in the second half Ryan O’Neill got down to his left to deny Darren Bellew for St John’s. And to rub salt into the wounds, O’Neill also saved Bellew’s follow up attempt.

It was a bright opening to the contest and when Andy McGowan landed a point from 40 metres in the 12th minute, it levelled proceedings at 0-3 each before Delargy dispatched his penalty after a foul on Oisin Doherty.

It remained nip and tuck for the remainder of the half and Stephen Tierney’s point just before the break for the hosts left the scoreboard reading St Johns 0-8 Portglenone 1-7.

Bary Dillion’s chargers sped out of the blocks at the start of the second half and Conal Delargy brought his tally to 1-4 from a free before half back Ryan Convery registered a score when maybe an off load to Doherty was the better option.

Following their penalty miss, St Johns were dealt a further blow when they lost defender Aaron Douglas to injury, while at the other end, they had still to trouble the scoreboard operator.

Portglenone were happy to tag on the points and opened up a six-point lead when Paddy Kelly pointed a free in the 46th minute.

St Johns received a lifeline on 51 minutes when Darren Bellew found himself in acers of space to drive the ball into the roof of the Portglenone net after a great forceful run from Pearse Donnelly, however any hopes of a comeback were quickly put to bed when Ryan McNulty was sent off on a second yellow card just three minutes later.

Portglenone happily saw out the remaining minutes of the contest and Kelly claimed his second of the night with an expertly struck 45 to seal a first win of the new league season.

Team & Scorers:

St Johns: Padraig Nugent, Michael Dudley (0-1), Connor Carson, Aaron Douglas, Oisin Donnelly, Pearse Donnelly (0-1), Paul Gribben, Jack Bohill, Ronan McCafferty (0-1), Ryan McNulty, Stephen Tierney (0-1), Darren Bellew (1-3 2f), Conall Quinn, Andy McGowan (0-2), Fra McCrudden.

Subs: Simon McDonagh for C. Carson (HT), Ross Hannigan for A. Douglas (37), Connor Hand for F. McCrudden (46), Joe Garland for P. Donnelly (58).

Portglenone: Ryan O’Neill, Connor McGee, Shane Delargy, Ronan Delargy, Ryan Convery (0-1), Ruairi Hagan, Caolan Tierney, Ronan Kelly (0-1), Paddy Kelly (0-2 1f, 1’45’), Conal Delargy (1-5 1-0 pen, 4f), Aidan McAleese, Fergal O’Kane, Michael Kelly, Michael Hagan (0-3), Oisin Doherty.

Sub: Ciaran McKenna for R. Hagan (57).

Referee: Brendan Toland (Lamh Dhearg)