Month / May 2021

by thesaffrongael

Carey Fast Out of the Blocks against Kickhams

Antrim Hurling League –  Division 2A

 Carey Faughs 6-18 Creggan 0-13

Carey welcomed south west Antrim side Kickhams to St Patrick Park on what was to be a one sided affair. The game had an incredible start with the Faughs scoring 3 goals inside the opening 3 minutes which perhaps knocked the confidence of a young Kickhams side who had many key players out injured. None the less, the Ballyvoy men put on an exhibition for the newly welcomed supporters and did not disappoint. Paddy Gillan with 2 goals in the opening 3 minutes with a Darren McGowan goal in between.

Creggan came back with some fine free taking from Morgan Nelson to open the visitors account with 10 minutes on the clock before Aidan McKeown added to creggan’s tally with a brilliant point. The game took on a less competitive dynamic as Carey put more distance between themselves and kickhams with Connor McBride adding a couple of scores as did Shea Hunter who subsequently came off after 20 minutes with a slight knock. With half time on the horizon the game was effectively over as a contest however Creggan showed glimpses of what they can do with a great score from Dirmuid Mulholland to keep the scoreboard ticking over for the visitors going into half time.

Half time score:

Carey Faughs 3-10

Creggan 0-06

The second half started as a more cagey contest with both sides trading points. Carey then added a goal from Connor McBride after a great passing move with an excellently taken point by Paddy Gillan from a tight angle. It must be said, Creggan battled well despite being faced with a laregly more experienced team however some great performances from Keelan McCann and Kieran Rice gave the away support some encouragement. A goal From John McBride completed a rampant display from the Faughs, putting his name on the scoresheet from the bench. Creggan added some brilliantly taken scores from Morgan Nelson midway through the second half with both sides having made substitutions as the game. Creggan ended the game with a couple of scores to take away a modest scoreline of 0-13 but will be encouraged by some of the performances and invalubale experience gained. For Carey, the first 3 minutes proved to be decisive as Creggan couldn’t recover from the damage caused. Another win for Carey makes it 3 from 3 and a great start for their league campaign.

Carey Team Cathal McAuley, Daniel McBride, Sean McBride, Daniel Hill, Michael McVeigh, James Black, Daniel McKinley, Zach McCaughan, Caolan McCaughan, Shea Hunter, Tiernan McGlynn, Fiachra McVeigh, Connor McBride, Darren McGowan, Paddy Gillan

Subs: John McBride for Shea Hunter, Paedar McVeigh for Darren McGowan, Paddy Butler for Zach McCaughan

Kickhams Team:

Sean McAuley, Mick Maguire, Aidan Maguire, Dannon O’Hara, Jake McAteer, Kieran Rice, Aidan McKeown, Sam Maguire, Keelan McCann, Diarmuid Mulholland, Tiernan McLarnon, Morgan Nelson, Lee Johnson, Sean Donnelly, Kevin Rice

by thesaffrongael

13 man Glenarm hold on for another win.

ACHL Div. 3 Result.

Shane O Neills 1-15 Na Magha 0-16

By Pete Hyndman at Feystown:

Despite losing two men late in the game, Shane O’Neill’s Glenarm held on to claim another victory as they survived a late rally from a spirited Na Magha at Feystown last night.

This game was a classic for the neutrals, it had everything, a goal, great score’s, great saves, red cards and excellent team play from both side’s. Na Magha arrived at a sun drenched Pairc Uí Fhearsithe to face home side Glenarm. Meeting between these sides in recent years have been great tussles and this was to be no exception. After just a few seconds Glenarm’s Ciaran Magill raised a white flag to get the Feystown men off the mark. Daniel Black blazed over a point after a great interception by Liam Mulvenna and in the next few minutes Magill scored a brace of points from free’s.

Na Magha got their first point when Deaglan Foley drove over the bar and the Na Magha number 11 was to have a major influence in his side’s challenge. Glenarm’s reply was immediate with another fine score from Magill before Mark McCloskey got a point for the men from Derry city. A further point from a placed ball from Magill added to the home side’s tally and the young forward was covering large areas of the pitch and found more space and with pin point accuracy sent the ball over Na Magha’s bar. The visitors got the next couple of points with Deaglan Foley hitting two free’s but at this stage it was Shane O’Neill’s who were enjoying the better of the exchanges.

After a short water break Magill pointed a “65” for the home side but Na Magha’s Foley again pegged back the score with two more free’s before the short whistle.

Glenarm 0:10 Na Magha 0:06

First score after the break belonged to the Derry boys with Foley driving over his sixth point and his deadly accuracy was keeping the visitors in touch. Glenarm’s Darren Hamill took a free from over 90 yards and a relieved Barry Robinson in the Na Magha goal could only guide the ball over his own bar. Na Magha’s sharpshooter Foley pointed another free, closely followed up by a home point from Dylan McLaughlin and at this stage play had opened up with the visitors enjoying more of the play.

Na Magha pointed next with Keelan Doherty getting a ricochet on the ball over Hamill’s bar but Shane O’Neill’s found another response as Ben O Boyle took an excellent point from midfield for the Feystown outfit. Foley replied from another free before a dropped ball in the Na Magha box was only parried down by Robinson in goals and pulled on by Kieran “Morph” O Boyle, there was a bit of confusion as to whether the ball had crossed the line, but referee Ray Matthews signalled a goal to the delight of the home side.

Ruairdhi Mc Laughlin replied with a point for the Derry side and the next 5 minutes belonged to the visitors with Foley scoring a hat-trick of points (0-2 f’s) and a “65”. With only 5 minutes left it was Dylan M Laughlin who stopped the rot for the home side with a great point but Na Magha responded again and that man Foley replied with a point from play. In a mad two minutes Glenarm lost 2 players, Ciaran Magill’s for dissent and Declan McDermott for two yellows! and in the closing minutes Glenarm’s Dan Black and Foley for the visitors got a point each, the latter from another placed ball effort. The old cliche ” a game of two half’s ” certainly applied to this game. Glenarm dominated the first period with Na Magha relying on Foley from the place ball to keep them in touch. The second half was a role reversal with the Derry side pressing hard and out scoring their opponents. Crucially the goal from Glenarm came at the right time as the away team had raised the pressure.

Best for Na Magha was their free taker Deaglan Foley and some of his strikes from long distance on the night were outstanding while keeper Barry Robinson pulled off at least three point blank shots. For Glenarm Niall Hamill in goals made excellent stops from two 20 meter free’s  while Hugh Pat McNeill, Barry Hamill, and Declan McDermott all had solid games in defence while Ciaran Magill took his score’s well and kept the scoreboard ticking over. 

Glenarm: Niall Hamill, Paul Magill, Barry Hamill, Aidan O’Neill, Hugh Pat McNeill, Darren Hamill, Declan McDermott, Sean O’Boyle, Ben O’Boyle, Aidan Scullion, Daniel Black, Ciaran Magill, Kieran O’Boyle, Dylan McLaughlin, Liam Mulvenna.

Na Magha: Barry Robinson, Aidan McMahon, Diarmuid Shiels, Adam Rankin, Fearghal Mac an Deanaigh, Brendan |O’Coigligh, Bliadhan Glas, Padraig Nelis, Mark McCloskey, Tomas Gallagher, Deaglan Foley, Aidan Cutliffe, Timothy Rankin, Keelan Doherty, Ruaidhri McLaughlin.

Referee: Ray Matthews (Rossa)

by thesaffrongael

Oisins in control

Antrim Hurling League Division 2B

Oisins 2-19 St Gall’s 0-7

Early goals from Shea McDonnell and Caolan O’Connor set Glenariffe Oisins up for a big win over St Gall’s in Glenariffe on Wednesday evening. McDonnell’s came after a mix up in the St Gall’s defence which saw the ball spilled around the goalmouth and the corner forward drilled the ball home. O’Connor goal in the eleventh minute was very cleverly taken when he broke through on a loose ball and scooped it over the advancing St Gall’s keeper McGreevy – Shades of Richie Hogan

Oisins Caoalan O’Connor flicks the ball over the advancing St Gall’s goalkeeper to score a spectacular goal in Wednesday evening’s league game in Waterfoot

 The home side went on to build up a good lead but took their foot of the pedal and the scoring dried up. St Gall’s created a lot of chances in the opening half but the lacked the finishing touch, and they also found the Oisins keeper Paul McMullan in fine form.

Half time – Oisins 2-6 St Gall’s 0-5

The second half saw the Oisins pull away with a series of excellent points from Seanie McIntosh, Caolan O’Connor and Alex McDonnell who hit a series of great scores from frees and from play.   

Aidso Gallagher in action for St Gall’s

GLENARIFFE

Paul McMullan, Conor Robert Patterson [both no.2?}Michael Haughey, Daniel Haughey, Mairtin McAllister, Donal Kearney, David Kearney, Shane O,Connor, Sheamus McDonnell, Niall Murray, Kieran McKendry, Michael Gettens, Alex O’Boyle, Shea McDonnell, Caolan O’Connor, Seanie McIntosh.

ST GALLS

Kurtis McGreevy, Lorcan Barra O’Ciarain, Joe Daniel, Stephen Morrison, Niall O’Neill, Aodhan Gallagher, Daniel Churchill, Jack Hopkins, Jackson McGreevy, Gregory McGreevy, Kieran McGourty, Tomas O’Ciarain, Fergus Donnelly, Conor McGourty, Patrick Friel.

Referee – Paul O’Neill (Creggan)

by thesaffrongael

ACFL Reserve Fixtures Preview

Friday 28th May (all games at 7.15pm)

Division One

St Enda’s Glengormley v Erin’s Own Cargin

St Enda’s got off the mark last time out when the Glengormley side gained the points at Gort na Mona and they will look to increase their tally here as they play hosts to Cargin.

The Toome men have made it victory number two last time and they may well continue on the positive at Hightown.

Casement’s Portglenone v St Mary’s Ahoghill

This local derby derby sees the Bannsider’s welcome their near neighbours St Mary’s Ahoghill to Portglenone.

The home side will start this one as firm favourites and on recent form they should collect the points.

St John’s v Kickham’s Creggan

This looks a close one as both the Johnnies and their visitors from Creggan have continued unbeaten thus far.

Ground advantage may prove the deciding factor in this one and tip the balance in favour of the Corrigan residents.

St Brigid’s v St Gall’s

St Brigid’s have remained undefeated to date and a 3-10 to 1-04 victory at Rossa last time underlines their potential as they welcome St Gall’s to Musgrave Park.

St. Gall’s will travel across the city in the positive having also remained unbeaten to date but although the Milltown men will give it a lash the home side may well gain the day.

Gort na Mona v O’ Donovan Rossa

This all city fixture sees Rossa pay a visit to Gort na Mona and both will be in search of improvement with neither having gained a point to date.

The Gorts did make Cargin work for their victory in their trip to Toome last week and that suggests they may be capable of going one better this time.

Division Two

St Joseph’s Glenavy v St Mary’s Rasharkin

Having failed to gain a point to date Rasharkin travel to Glenavy seeking a better return for their efforts.

Glenavy gained a share of the points in round one when St Paul’s paid a visit and the Chapel Hill side may go one step further in this one with a home win probable.

St Paul’s v Tir na nOg Randalstown

St Paul’s remain unbeaten to date having earned a point at Glenavy in round one before proving too strong for the visiting Rasharkin in their next game but this looks a tougher assignment as the Randalstown Blues visit.

The Whitehill side had a good win over Glenravel last time out and that suggests that another win on the road is possible.

St James Aldergrove v St Ergnat’s Moneyglass

This looks a tight one as unbeaten Aldergrove play hosts to Moneyglass who have full points from their two outings.

The points at stake are certain to be well contested and indeed a share of the spoils may well be the possible conclusion.

Con Magees Glenravel v All Saint’s Ballymena

This looks like another close one as Con Magees welcome All Saints to Fr. Maginn Park.

All Saints remain unbeaten to date and although the Glensmen will not bend the knee easily an away win does look the probable outcome.

by thesaffrongael

‘Town’ take the points in Corrigan

Doherty Woodshavings Antrim Hurling League Division 1

St Johns 1-14 Ballycastle 1-17

After falling behind to the first three scores of the game, Ballycastle, led by the impressive Conor Boyd and Neal McAuley in their half back line, left Corrigan Park with three points to spare against St Johns writes Paul McIntyre.

The ‘Town’ were slow out of the blocks but Tiernan Smyth’s 13th minute goal brought them right back into contention when it looked like St Johns were going to cruise to victory.

Aaron Bradley was impressing for the homeside and contributed two early points before Smyth picked up a breaking ball to fire past Declan Cregan to level to game at 0-4 to 1-1 after 15 minutes. Conor Boyd and Lorcán Donnelly edged the visitors ahead but it was St Johns who went into the break ahead thanks to a moment of good fortune.

Brendan Connor in the Ballycastle goal seemed to have Cónall Morgan’s long ball under control, but the strong evening sun somewhat distracted the netminder and the ball trickled into the net to help St Johns lead by one at the break, 1-7 to 1-6.

Ciaran Butler quickly drew Ballycastle level at the start of the second half as the visitors raised the tempo of the game. Boyd and Donnelly added to their totals but St Johns stayed in touch with scores from Bradley and Ciaran McKenna.

Ballycastle’s Conor Boyd who scored four points from half-back

While Donnelly was accurate from placed balls, Boyd was finding himself in all sorts of space as he landed four second half points from play.

St Johns were finding the visitors defence too tough to breakdown and their wide tally started to mount up, and in the final seconds Donnelly brought his personal tally to 0-8 with the last action of the game and to wrap up an impressive on the road victory.

 Teams & Scorers:

St Johns: Declan Morgan, Jack Bohill, Ryan McNulty, Lorcan Heenan, Stephen Tierney, Cónall Morgan (1-0), Conor Carson (0-1), Caoimhin Hanna, Andrew McGowan, Jim Peoples (0-1), Aaron Bradley (0-8 5f), Aidan McMahon (0-1), Dónall Carson, Domhnall Moran, Ciaran McKenna (0-2).

Subs: Conor Hand for D. Moran (40), Louis Boyd (0-1) for C. Hanna (50).

Ballycastle: Brendan Connor, Orán Kearney, Thomas McIlroy, Jack McGowan, Conor Boyd (0-5 1f), Neal McAuley (0-1), R. Laverty, Ciaran Butler (0-2), Reuben McClean, Seamus McAuley, Kevin Barry McShane, Lorcán Donnelly (0-8 6f), Tiernan Smyth (1-0), Owen Kiney, Feargal McKiernan (0-1).

Subs: Eamon Elliot for R. McClean (HT), Oisin McAuley for T. Smyth (38), Cathal Connor for F. McKiernan (54), Sean Kelly for O. Kinney (59).

Referee: Mr Hugh Torney (Ballycran)