Month / May 2021

by thesaffrongael

A draw was a fair result at Glenavy

Antrim Football League Division 2

St.Joseph’s Glenavy 0.11 v 0.11 St.Ergnat’s Moneyglass

By Terry Cormican

A beautiful summer day with little or no wind set the scene for an interesting game at Chapel Hill on Sunday as Glenavy hosted last season’s Intermediate Football Champions Moneyglass. In a close fought contest both sides will feel they should have won the game and indeed the home side will feel a little unlucky not to have taken the honors. With time almost up a ball played into the square rolled onto a post and was cleared. This was a game of two halves as both sides fought for the two points on offer. The visitors ruled the first half with a handy three-point lead with the score 8pts to 5. The home side outscored their opponents 6 to 3 in the second period.

Conor Boyd opened the scoring for the visitors with an excellent point from an acute angle to put his side in front, a lead they would hold until the fifty-sixth minute. Fergal Green closed the gap to one when he split the posts. Ryan Doyle added two points before Jimmy McMeel got on the scoresheet to leave his side four in front at the water break. Ryan Phillips kept the Hill side in touch with a point. Indeed, the Marian Hill side would have had more scores on the board if it hadn’t been for the home defence. Niall Boyd stole through for a well taken point to leave the score 6 to 2 in faour of the visitors. Peter Trainor and Fergal Henry closed the gap to two with hard earned points, but Colum Duffin then showed his prowess with two excellent scores. The Orangemen had the final score of the half with young Fergal Henry showing all his class with a point while under severe pressure, to leave the halt-time score Glenavy 0.05 v 0.08 Moneyglass

The second half started at breakneck speed with both sides fighting for ascendency. After a bout of end-to-end stuff the home side were first to break the deadlock with team captain showing the way with a point. Once again Fergal Henry closed the gap when he split the posts to leave the minimum between the sides, but the Moneyglass lads showed their fighting spirit and added two well-earned points from Connor Boyd and Colum Duffin. Fergal Green, who was unlucky with a couple of frees, showed his free taking skills when he split the posts from fifty-five metres out, but Colum Duffin kept his side in the driving seat with a similar effort at the other end.

 With five minutes left on the clock the visitors were three points in front and looked as if they had wrapped up the point, but to their credit the lough-view side seemed to get a second wind and added three unanswered points, the first of them from a Fergal Green free. The hill side were unlucky when a shot came back off the post, but Fergus Cunningham closed the gap to one soon afterwards. For a time it looked liked the home side weould come up just short, but Fergal Henry was rewarded for his hard work as she sent over the equalising score. Both sides deserve great credit for the entertainment they gave to their supporters. Either side could have claimed both points, but a draw seemed to be a fair result.

St.Joseph’s: Lorcan Murphy; Oliver Brankin; Liam \Henry; Johnny Phillips; Darragh Doherty; Charles Gallagher; Ruairi Forester; Oisin Hamill; Michael Johnston; Ryan Phillips; Malachi Doherty; Fergal Green; Fergal Henry; Peter Trainor; Ciaran Loney. Panel: Finn Malley; Fergus Cunningham; Declan Doone; Michael Fox; Thomas Gallagher. Mathew Lawlor; Sean O’Doherty.

St.Ergnat’s; Gary Murray; Peter McCormick; Tiernan Duffin; Jervis Weir; Kevin McPeake; Conor Boyd; Patrick McCormick; Ciaran Kelly; Colum Duffin; Sean Kelly; Seanchann Duffin; Jimmy McMeel; Niall Boyd;  Ryan Doyle; Aidan McErlain;   Panel: Danny McErlain; Luke O’Donnell; Tyler Cassidy; Jack McCoy; Conall Prenter;  Callum McStocker; Charlie McCloskey. Connor O’Kane. Dermot Scullin

Referee: Vincent Boyle Dunloy

by thesaffrongael

All Square at O’ Cahan Park

Homefit ACFL Division One

Casement’s Portglenone 0-11 Kickham’s Creggan 0-11

Creggan and Casements shared the points at O’Cahan Park on Sunday when a late Ronan Kelly point ensured the home side a share of the spoils.

It was Creggan who edged the opening exchanges and the visitors edged into an early 0-04 to 0-02 lead at the first water break.

David Mc Guckin hoisted the first white flag a minute into proceedings and  a couple of frees were despatched directly between the posts by Jamie McCann and Paddy Cooey to open up a three point advantage.

The Portglenone men did get off the mark when Michael Hagen raised white after ten minutes and Conal Delargy added another a couple of minutes later following strong run by Fergal O’ Kane but Tiernan McCann replied to ensure a 0-04 to 0-02 advantage for Creggan at the first water break.

As the opening period progressed on a little seperated the sides and as the end of the opening period approached the pace of both Ryan Convery and Caolan Tierney was causing concern for the Creggan defence.

Ryan Convery opened the way for Michael Hagen to split the posts in the 16th minute and after a Kevin Rice long range effort posted reply in kind at the other end Ronan Delargy and Caolan Tierney combined to see Conal Delargy finish in style.

Fergal O’ Kane was dominating at mid-field for Portglenone and despite losing the services of Paddy Kelly who had been despatched to the sin bin for a ten minute stretch they had nipped ahead as half time approached.

Points, raised in turn by Michael Hagen and a super Conal Delargy effort saw the Bannsider’s nip ahead for a time but an injury time point by Paddy Cooey ensured the sides were level at 0-06 apiece.

Paddy Cooey edged the visitors ahead on the restart but a Caolan Tierney and Fergal O’ Kane inspired approach saw a foul on Michael Hagen which was punished as Conal Delargy defied an acute right sided angle to fire between the posts.

The home side were reduced in number after Paddy Kelly was black carded but the home side were not knocked out of their stride and after Paddy Cooey sent a 37th minute penalty just wide of the post, an excellent Michael Kelly point saw the home side nip ahead.

Creggan were back on terms in the 42nd minute with a fine point from the hard working Oran Mc Larnon but a foul on Ryan Convery was punished again as Michael Hagen sent the resultant award between the posts. The home side then wasted a couple of scoring opportunities but still led 0-09 to 0-08 at the second water break.

As the last quarter commenced in energy sapping conditions an excellent point from the hard working Fergal O’ Kane opened up a two point gap but Creggan came back strongly with Oran Mc Larnon leading by example.

Kickham’s men finished strongly and  late replacement Tiernan Burke grabbed a point with Paddy Cooey following suit to ensure parity with time almost up.

Creggan hit the front again when Paddy Cooey was well placed to despatch between the posts after another Oran Mc Larnon fetch and delivery, but Stephen Kelly tied the game for the final time to ensure the points were shared.

Casement’s: Ronan O’ Neill, Conor Magee, Jonny Convery, Ronan Delargy, Ryan Convery, Caolan Tierney, Aiden Mc Aleese, Ronan Kelly (0-01), Paddy Kelly, Michael Donnelly, Michael Kelly (0-01), Fergal O’ Kane (0-01), Conal Delargy (0-03), Michael Hagen (0-05), Oisin Doherty

Subs

Ciaran Mc Kenna for O Doherty

Creggan

Peter Graham, Ethan Carey Small, Sam Maguire, Daniel Hinfey, Killian Burke, Jamie Mc Cann (0-01), Aiden Maguire, Kevin Rice (0-01), Aiden Mc Keown, Paddy Cooey (0-05),Tiernan Mc Ateer (0-01), Oran Mc Larnon (0-01), David Mc Guckin (0-01), Sean Duffin

Subs

Seamus Mc Auley for A Maguire

Eoin Hinfey for A Mc Keown

Donnach Mc Ateer for S Duffin

Tiernan Burke (0-01) for D Mc Guckin

Referee – Darren Mc Keown

by thesaffrongael

Strong second half showing as All Saints take the points.

ACFL Division 2

All Saints 2.16 Davitts 0.6

Photographs: Neal O’Boyle

All Saints third league game of the campaign saw them take on Davitts in Ballymena today.

The Belfast men travelled to Slemish Park without any points from their opening two games but during the opening half they matched the home side stride for stride and at half time they must have fancied their chances.

It was a different story after the break as All Saints finally got their game together, outscoring the visitors by 2-10 to 0-2 and showing glimpses of what they are capable of when they put their minds to it

In an error strewn first half, both sides were guilty of giving the ball away and looked sluggish with little free flowing football and most of the scores coming from frees with Michael McCarry (0.3) and Brendan McDonnell (0.2) registering on the scoreboard. Davitts lost a man to the sin bin for 10 minutes and competed well in the first half with their points

coming from Stephen Tully (0-2), Michael Connolly and  Tony McGrattan.

The Saints management team will have been disappointed with the first half showing and strong words will have been needed at the break.

All Saints started the second half strongly and began to build some momentum with Sean McVeigh dominating the midfield exchanges and Joe Rafferty providing an attacking outlet from the half back line.

Saints quickly took control of the game and registered 2.5 to no score by the 2nd water break with goals coming from Oisin Connolly and Brendan McDonnell. They led at the 2nd water break by 2.10 to 4 points.

In the final quarter, the home side kicked over a further 6 points with a couple of consolation points by Davitts from frees. McCarry (0.8) and McDonnell (1.4) top scored for All Saints.

All Saints will be happy with a further 2 points on the board though significant improvements will be necessary if they to prove real contenders at this level this season.

It was largely a tale of 2 halves however with a very cagey first half ending with Saints leading by the minimum margin on a scoreline of 0.5 – 0.4.

All Saints: Joe Rocks, Mathew Downey, Reece O Mullin, Cormac Lemon, Joe Rafferty (0.2), Emmet Killough, Kieran McGarry, Sean McVeigh (0.2), Shea O Brien, Conal Lemon, Kavan Keenan, Michael McCarry (0.8),, Brendan McDonnell (1.4), Oisin Connolly (1.0), Rory McVeigh.

Subs:

Ronan McKillop for Rory McVeigh (20 mins)

James Gillan for Emmet Killough (40 mins)

Ciaran McLarnon for Brendan McDonnell (50 mins)

Niall Walsh for Oisin Connolly (55 mins)

Davitt’s: Aaron Slane, Michael Og Rowntree, Anthony Rowntree, Nathan Maginn, Conor Toner, Daniel Wallace, Niall McParland, Caomhan Slane, Sean O’Neill, Michael Connolly, Stephen Tully, Gerard Slane, Conor John Sullivan, Tony McGrattan, Marcas Toner

Referee: Paul Burns (St. Comgall’s)

by thesaffrongael

Glenravel hold on to take the points

Antrim Football League – Division 2

St Paul’s 1-11    Glenravel 2-09

Glenravel held a six point lead on three separate occasions in Sunday’s Division 2 Football League game with St Paul’s at Shaw’s Road, but just about scraped over the line with one point to spare in the end.

Glorious sunshine welcomed back spectators to Shaw’s Road and with three simultaneous  games running (Rossa v Cargin & Sarsfields v Tir Na nOg)  those spectators were often left wondering which referee’s whistle was blowing at any given time. These two teams, both with proud traditions in the big ball game, served up a free flowing football game that reminded us all what we had missed these past few months.

The home team opened in the first minute with a point from Padraic Lowe but the visitors then started to take control in front of goal. Glenravel we’re delighted to welcome the return of Eamon Fyfe to the forward line but I very much doubt by the end of the game if St. Paul’s were equally as delighted. Fyfe levelled on six minutes. Aiden O’Donnell doubled the lead from a free on ten minutes and two minutes later Fyfe tripled the lead. During these opening exchanges St Pauls had the lion’s share of possession but strong defence and good luck from the visitors kept the scoreboard quiet.

Callum Higgins scored a lovely point form half back and now the visitors were ahead by three 0-04 to 0-01. Glenravel were living on their wits in defence at this stage and a goal line clearance from Michael Laverty, where he showed little regard for his own personal safety – nor that of the right hand upright – thwarted the locals once more. The injury to Laverty gave an ideal opportunity for a much needed water break as the players on both sides struggled in the high tempo and high temperatures. On the resumption, Conleth O’Loan slotted over with the outside of his right boot and Glenravel were now in front by four.  St. Paul’s strategy up to this point had been to try and isolate their six foot two full forward Liam McLarnon – curiously christened “Tiny”, and it paid off on twenty minutes when he pointed for the home team.  But within a minute Eamon Fyfe had the ball in the back of the net and followed up with a point from play one minute later. Conor Burns was beginning to have more influence on the game and he brought us to half time with a fine point to leave six between them at the break, Glenravel leading 1-06 to 0-03.

It would be interesting to get a transcript of the St. Paul’s half time team talk as they came out in the second half completely invigorated playing up the hill towards Shaws Road. They put over four unanswered points in the first eight minutes of the second half, Burns with the first and then “Tiny” Liam McLarnon with the other three. The water break gave the visitors a welcome break and not long after that Eamon Fyfe chipped the goalkeeper to goal after a loose kick out. Aiden O’Donnell stretched Con Magee’s lead to six once more with a free and with ten minutes left it looked like an away victory was inevitable.

St Pauls reduced the deficit to five but Fyfe again restored the six point cushion with now only five minutes left. Surely the points were now secure for the visitors!!!! Think again. Three points on the bounce for St. Paul’s from Micheal Duffy and a brace from Conor Burns meant the sides were now separated by a single score.

Into added time Glenravel were playing keep ball but Conleth O’Loan opted for an audacious effort from the left hand side line which sailed over the black spot to put four between the teams. We didn’t realise at the time just how important that point would prove to be. Three minutes into added time St. Paul’s were awarded a penalty which the “Tiny” man dispatched to the net to leave a one point game. Possession from the kick out was all important and the visitors secured that and managed to hold onto the ball until the referee put us out of our misery and ended a close tense affair with Glenravel ahead by the narrowest of margins.

St Pauls:: Kiefer Toolan, Niall Ward, Damien Magee, Aodhan Kavangh, Joe Duffy, Don Burns, Mark Munce, Conor Hughes, Daniel Lavery, Padraic Lowe (0-01), Conor Burns (0-04 4f), Colm McLarnon, Micheal Duffy (0-01), Liam McLarnon (1-04 1f, 1pen), Aidan Finnegan

Glenravel:: Shaun O’Boyle, Michael Laverty, Paul McCurry, Conor Carey Jnr, Callum Higgins (0-01), Niall Swann, Cathal Hynds, Eoin McCusker, Eoin Hynds (0-01), Conleth O’Loan (0-02), Aiden O’Donnell (0-02 2F), Rian Lennon, Eamon Fyfe (2-03), David Higgins, Declan Traynor.

by thesaffrongael

Gorts hang on for second win of the season

Homefit ACFL Division 1

Gort na Mona 2-8 St. Enda’s 1-10

Gort na Mona dug deep into their reserves of character and fighting spirit to overcome the challenge of St. Enda’s in the ACFL Division 1 at Enright Park today. The Gorts looked in trouble when they trailed by three at the second water break but Patrick McCafferty climbed at the back post to palm home his second goal of the game for the home side and despite having Ciaran Donnelly dismissed for a second yellow they held on for victory.

The sides were locked at 1-3 to 0-6 at half time with McCaffrey getting the Gort na Mona goal and Dermot McVeigh, Tirnan Morton and Padraig McHugh amongst the point scorers. Donal Walsh 0-2, Fionn Nagle Eoin Nagle 0-2 and Fintan O’Connor were the men on target for the Glengormley side and it looked anybody’s game as the half time whistle sounded.

On the restart St. Enda’s dominated the opening exchanges and went three in front after an excellent goasl from Krisian Healy to took on the Gort na Mona defence before firing past Thomas McCaffrey.

  • Gort na Mona’s James Connolly carries the ball out of defence

McCaffrey’s second goal of the game got Gort na Mona right back into contention and points from Aidan McDonagh and Padraig McHugh edged them ahead going down the home straight with St. Enda’s reply coming from Conor Maxwell.

The Enright Park side looked in trouble when Ciaran Donnelly saw red following a second yellow but they battened down the hatches with Dermot McVeigh striking a great point from play and another from a free to go three ahead.

St. Enda’s threw everything at the opposition in the closing stages and points from Kristian Healey and Conor Maxwell closed the gap to the minimum but that was as close as they got with Gort na Mona hanging on for their second win in three outing while St. Enda’s find themselves pointless from the same number of games though things should improve when they get their county contingent back on board.

Gort na Mona: Thomas McCaffrey, James Connolly, Tiernan Keenan, Michael Savage, Ciaran Donnelly, Neil Henry, Padraig Colanane, Caoimin Magee, Christopher Carson, Patrick McCaffrey, Padraig McHugh, Sean Campbell, Niall Melaney, Dermot McVeigh, Aidan McDonagh. Subs: Tiarnan Morton, Christopher Devlin, Darren Cahill, Brendan Burns, Aidan Dempster

St. Enda’s: Declan Breen, Fiontan Eastwood, Padraig Hamilton, Niall Heatley, Michael McNamee, Conor Maxwell, Ronan O’Neill, Kristian Healey, Michael Morgan, Donal Walsh, Gerard Crossey, Fionntan O’Connor, Eoin Nagle, Cormac Morgan, Fionn Nagle. Subs: Philip Curran, Michael Devenny, Michael Kennedy, Owen Kennedy, Gerard McAlea, Conor McAuley, Diarmuid McNulty, Ruairi Scott.

Referee: Cathal McDermott (Tir na nOg)