Northern Switchgear Antrim Senior Football Championship 

Group 3 Round 1 

Lámh Dhearg 3-14 – 2-16 Aghagallon 

Kevin Herron reports from Hannahstown 

Lámh Dhearg held off a late fightback by 14-men Aghagallon to make a winning start to their 2021 Senior Football Championship campaign. 

Despite getting themselves into a promising position early-on a Eunan Walsh goal levelled proceedings, but in the aftermath the visitors were reduced to 14-men after Daniel Donnelly received a straight red-card.

It seemed to spur on Kevin Murray’s charges who opened up a four-point advantage- though goals from Declan Smyth and Pearse Fitzsimons later in the half would tilt the balance of play at Hannahstown. 

Terry McCrudden’s goal ten minutes after the restart restored his sides lead in a game that ebbed and flowed and it looked as if the Lámhs had did enough until Pauric Maginnis slotted home late-on to provide a nervy finish.

The hosts would hold-out against the heavy pressure to gain a first group stage win against familiar foe. 

Lámh Dhearg opened up on the front foot with Paddy Cunningham converting back-to-back frees. The first after he had his run halted and the other after a drag back on Terry McCrudden. 

Aghagallon almost had the first goal when Adam Loughran burst through the Lámh Dhearg defence at ease and fisted it across to Ryan O’Neill, it was overcooked though, and O’Neill steered the ball to Gareth Magee who found Ruairi McCann for the reply. 

Paddy Cunningham restored his sides two-point advantage with his third converted free and Conor Murray then kicked a magnificent point from Marc Jordan’s offload and the hosts appeared to have settled quickest. 

All their early work was undone though as Aghagallon picked them off with ease immediately. 

Luke Mulholland’s kick-out was fielded by Adam Loughran who picked out Jack Lenehan off the shoulder, the midfielder burst forward and offloaded to Eunan Walsh who confidently shot past Mark McIlvenny to level at 1-01-0-04. 

The visitor’s joy was short-lived though as referee Darren McKeown’s attention was drawn to an incident at the other end of the field and after consultation with his umpire the St Gall’s official issued a straight red card to Daniel Donnelly for an incident with Conor Murray.

The 14-men would edge ahead for the first time in the aftermath with Marc McAfee kicking a fine point from in-front of the posts and Gareth Magee then measured up another shot that sailed between the posts shortly after. 

Marc McAfee curled over a super point to move his side three ahead at the first half water-break and their purple patch continued with Gareth Magee swinging over his second point of the half to make it 1-05-0-04. 

The hosts needed inspiration and found a route back into proceedings, Pearse Fitzsimons knocked on Mark McIlvenny’s kick-out and sent Declan Smyth in the clear- Smyth slipped the ball off to Conor Murray who was held up and sent it wide to Eoin Matassa and wing-half back picked out Smith in the centre for a finish to the net. 

Magee instantly hit back with a point to send his side two-points clear with Paddy Mervyn swinging one over at the other end in response.

Aghagallon went two ahead again after a lung-bursting run from Eunan Walsh finished with him popping the ball between the posts. 

Paddy Cunningham was on-hand to respond with his first point from play of the evening after receiving a nice lay-off from Conor Murray. 

A fourth converted free from the veteran levelled proceedings at 1-07 apiece, but Aghagallon again forged ahead after Gareth Magee slipped the ball out wide for Conleth McAlindan who returned it Magee for his third point of the half. 

The lead would change hands in the aftermath however, Pearse Fitzsimons got a hand on Mark McIlvenny’s kick-out and flicked it to the on-coming Declan Smyth, Fitzsimons continued his run and took the fist pass from Smyth before guiding a shot across the face of Luke Mulholland and into the net to give his side a 2-07-1-08 lead. 

Magee would half the deficit before the break after taking the ball on loop and swinging it over to ensure the bare minimum separated the sides at the interval. 

Early free’s were traded behind the sides upon the resumption through Paddy Cunningham and Gareth Magee. 

Adam Loughran twice restored parity for Aghagallon in-between another conversion from Cunningham which had the scores locked at 2-09-1-12. 

The crucial moment arrived on 39 minutes when Paddy Mervyn played a one-two with Ross Murray and then guided the ball into the path of captain Terry McCrudden who slotted the ball past Luke Mulholland. 

Marc Jordan followed that up with an outstanding point and things were becoming frayed with a few coming togethers starting to develop in the aftermath of McCrudden’s strike. 

Lámh Dhearg moved five ahead through a nice Ryan Murray point and the sides would trade blows for the much of the last quarter of proceedings.

Gareth Magee converted a free to end a scoreless period of almost 15 minutes for his side. At the other end Michael Hines made an immediate impact after collecting a pass from Ryan Murray and weighting up his options he hoisted the ball high between the posts. 

Further points were traded as Oisin Lenehan played a one-two with Jamie Lamont, rode heavy traffic, and steered the ball over- Paddy Cunningham played a pivotal role in the next score as he lofted in a high ball that Conor Murray collected and laid off to brother Ryan for a score. 

The repetition continued with Ruairi McCann withholding heavy pressure and finding Jack Lenehan for a score to make it a four-point game, only for Terry McCrudden to swing over from Ryan Murray’s pass at the other end. 

McCrudden’s score proved his sides last and a 3-14-1-15 it appeared the game was won with little over three minutes remaining- although Aghagallon didn’t read the script. 

A converted free from Gareth Magee reduced arrears to four again and a grandstand finish was on the cards when Ryan O’Neill broke resulting kick-out and set his side on the front foot. 

Adam Loughran kicked the ball forward and a quick pass through the hands saw Gareth Magee lay it off and substitute Pauric Maginnis picked up the reins and scuffed a low shot across the face of goal and in to make it 3-14-2-16 and give his side renewed hope of claiming a share of the spoils. 

The visitors were afforded the chance of an equaliser when they earned a late free, but after Adam Loughran took it quick to Eunan Walsh – Walsh dropped the ball high into the square where Marc Jordan intercepted to ensure his side held on for a narrow win on home soil. 

Lámh Dhearg: M McIlvenny, R Murray, M Jordan (0-01), M McGarry, E Matassa, A McAufield, D Smith, C Hannan, P Fitzsimons, C Murray (0-01), P Cunningham (0-07, 0-06f), D Smyth (1-00), T McCrudden (1-01), R Murray (0-02), P Mervyn (0-01). Subs: B Rice for C Hannan (47), P Larkin for M McGarry (50), M Hines (0-01) for A McAufield (52), D Larkin for D Smyth (56). 

Aghagallon:  L Mulholland, P Branagan, D Donnelly, A Mulholland, D McAlernon, R O’Neill, J Lamont, D McAlernon, J Lenehan (0-01), E Walsh (1-01), A Loughran (0-02), M McAfee (0-02), G Magee (0-08, 0-03f), R McCann (0-01), C McAlindan. Subs: S Devlin for P Branagan (38), O Lenahan (0-01) for D McAlernon (47), P Maginnis (1-00) for C McAlindan (51). 

Referee: Darren McKeown (St Galls)

Northern Switchgear SFC – Group 4

Creggan 2-14 St Galls 2-7

Wednesday August 11

Brendan McTaggart reports from Pairc Ui Ciceam

Creggan recovered from losing two goals in the opening quarter on Wednesday evening to record a seven point win over St Galls in this Championship opener played at a sun drenched Staffordstown Road venue.

An early penalty from Brendan Bradley and a goal from Sean Kelly gave St Galls an element of control on the scoreboard but once the Kickhams men got into their stride, they always looked like they could edge away from their City rivals.

It was an accomplished performance from Gerard McNulty’s men who had nine different scorers throughout the hour and a defence that yielded very little after the opening quarter.  An element of character to recover from the early goals and self belief to stick to their game plan in the face of some early signs of brilliance from the Milltown Row Azzuri.  Kevin Niblock doing what he does best, winning unwinnable ball and creating chances from nothing for his team mates.  His battle with Ricky Johnston a fascinating subplot to an already intriguing championship affair.

The game was barely 60 seconds old when referee Cathal McDermot had a massive call to make.  Eoghan McCabe putting Niall Burns through on goal but Eunan McAteer fouled the St Galls man inside the square with Brendan Bradley making no mistake from the spot kick.

The Creggan response was typically assured.  With Kevin Small scoring his first of two points before frees from Jamie and Ruairi McCann brought the home side level by the 7^th minute.

Creggan had edged the opening exchanges but the St Galls attack looked like they could cut the Creggan defence open with Niblock, Bradley and Niall Burns all pivotal in providing pieces of magic.  Their second goal came from the most unlikely of sources in the 10^th minute.  Sean Kelly leaving his sweeping position to play his way through the Creggan defence and swapping elaborate passes with Terry O’Neill before sliding past Oisin Kerr in the Creggan goals.

Once again the home side responded superbly and before the waterbreak they edged ahead for the first time in the game.  Paddy Coey and Ruairi McCann (free) bringing Creggan to within touching distance before Odhran McLarnon scored their first goal of this years championship in the 16^th minute.  Creggan taking advantage of a misplaced kick out before working the ball to McLarnon who finished well.

The second quarter belonged to Creggan.  Niall Burns responded for St Galls before the water break but points from Tommy McCann, two from Conor Small wither side of a sumptuous move that saw Ruairi McCann add to his tally was only answered to by a Brendan Bradley free to give Creggan a 1-9 to 2-2 lead at the short whistle.

St Galls introduced Barra McCaffrey and Tomas O’Ciaran at half time to try and swing the momentum in their favour and they got to within one point of Creggan with Niall Burns and Kevin Niblock opening the scoring in what was a slow start to the second half.  It was as close as they got to the home side however with Creggan opening their account for the second half 13 minutes after the restart with a Paddy Coey goal.  Ruairi McCann and Kevin Small involved in the build up before Coey slotted past Kerr in the St Galls goal.

St Galls went chasing to get back into the game and Creggan took full advantage but soaking up pressure and countering into the spaces left behind.  Points from Tiarnan McAteer, a delightful effort with the outside of his boot from an acute angle, Jamie McCann (free) and Sean Duffin opened an eight point lead going into the final five minutes.

St Galls rallied with Barra McCaffrey (two) and Eoghan McCabe scores breathing fresh impetus into their challenge but Creggan saw out the time that remained with little alarm.  Further scores from Kevin Small and Ruairi McCann ensured a comfortable win for last years beaten finalists.

St Galls play hosts to Gort na Mona on Sunday in the next round while Creggan make the journey to Pairc Mhic Ionnrachtaigh next Friday.

TEAMS

Creggan: Oisin Kerr; Ethan Carey-Small, Ricky Johnston, Eunan McAteer; Aidan Maguire, Tommy McCann, Jamie McCann; Kevin Small, Aidan McKeown; Ruairi McCann, Paddy Coey, Tiarnan McAteer; Sean Duffin, Conor Small, Odhran McLarnon

Subs: Kealan McCann for A McKeown (43); Matthew Rodgers for P Coey (50); Sam Maguire for T McAteer (54); Killian Burke for E McAteer (inj)

Scorers: Ruairi McCann 0-4 (3f); Paddy Coey 1-1; Odhran McLarnon 1-00; Jamie McCann 0-2 (2f); Kevin Small 0-2; Conor Small 0-2; Tommy McCann 0-1; Tiarnan McAteer 0-1; Sean Duffin 0-1

St Galls: Chris Kerr; Marcus Donnelly, Colin Brady, Shane O’Hagan; Conail Murray, John McCaffrey, Conor Stinton; Niall O’Neill, Thomas Bunting; Niall Burns, Terry O’Neill, Eoghan McCabe; Brendan Bradley, Kevin Niblock, Sean Kelly

Subs: Caolan Chada for S O’Hagan (22); Tomas O’Ciaran for C Murray (HT); Barra McCaffrey for B Bradley (HT); Conall McGirr for C Brady (46); Mark Cummings for T Bunting (53)

Scorers: Brendan Bradley 1-2 (1-00 pen, 2f); Sean Kelly 1-00; Barra McCaffrey 0-2; Eoghan McCabe 0-1; Niall Burns 0-1

Referee: Cathal McDermot (Tir na nOg) 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

Northern Switchgear SFL Group 2

Casement’s 2-19 St. Brigid’s 0-11

Casement’s Portglenone produced a performance of power, pace and total commitment to overcome the challenge of a disappointing St. Brigid’s in this opening Group 2 game of the SFC at Kelly Park tonight. At the start of the season these two sides met in a division1 league opener at the same venue with St. Brigid’s striking with a late goal to take the points but it never looked likely that there would be a repeat of that result tonight.

The visitors were 1-2 to 0-0 down before they knew what hit them with Michael Hagan side footing the ball to the net in the 2^nd minute when the St. Brigid’s defence failed to deal with a dropping ball into the danger area.

Fergal O’Kane had opened the scoring with a point, a minute later and Oisin Doherty followed Hagan’s goal with another point as the visitors struggled to get going. St. Brigid’s were conceding needless frees and Michael Hagan punished them with a point in the 8^th minute before Patrick Finnegan finally got St. Brigid’s off the mark with a point at the other end.

Niall McKeever and James Smith exchanged further points before a point from the impressive Dermot McAleese left Portglenone 1-5 to 0-2 ahead at the first water break and in almost complete control.

Michael Hagan extended the Casement’s lead from a free on the restart before Ronan Boyle replied with a good point for the visitors but the momentum was still very much with the home side as Niall Delargy and Michael Hagan edged them further ahead by the 23d minute.

• 

• 

The Musgrave Park side were doing all in their power to wrestle control form the opposition and enjoyed their best spell of the game in the minutes leading up to half time with Ruairi Brolly, Shay Campbell, James Smith and a great point from Patrick Finnegan bringing their total to 0-7 at the break but the Ports were still five ahead as the half time whistle sounded.

If St. Brigid’s were to get back into contention then they need a good start to the second half but in the event it was Portglenone who continued to call the shots with Stephen Kelly getting them on their way, 30 seconds after being introduced as a half time sub.

James Smith pulled one back from a free but the Casement’s pressure was relentless and St. Brigid’s couldn’t cope with their pace and movement. Michael Hagan, Ruairi Hagan and Oisinn Doherty moved the Kelly Park side 1-14 to 0-8 ahead by the 7^th minute and even at this early juncture it looked a long way back for the Musgrave Park side.

Eight points separated the sides at the second water break with Oisin Doherty for Portglenone and James Loughery and Ryan Tweedie for St. Brigid’s the marksmen but when Niall McKeever won the race with Declan Heery for a through ball to stab to the net in the 21^st minute it was over.

Oisin Doherty sent over a great point before departing the contest and Dermot McAleese concluded the scoring with an equally impressive effort to see his side run out winners by 14 points and on this form they look like a side who could be in the frame come the knockout stages of the championship.

• 

• 

 Portglenone: Ryan O’Neill, Johnny Convery, Shane Delargy, Ronan Delargy, Ryan Convery, Ruairi Hagan, Caolan Tierney, Niall McKeever, Fergal O’Kane, Niall Delargy, Dermot McAleese, Aidan McAleese, Michael Hagan, Oisin Doherty, Paddy Kelly,. Subs: Stephen Kelly for Paddy Kelly Ronan Kelly for Aidan McAleese, Michael Kelly for Michael Hagan, Conal Delargy for Oisin Doherty, Conor Magee for Niall Delargy.

St. Brigid’s: Declan Heery, John Morgan, John Toner, Calum Webb, Ronan Boyle, Conor King, James Loughery, Michael Cummings, Jack Dowling, Peter King, Joseph Finnegan, Patrick Finnegan, Peter Henvey, James Smith, Ruairi Brolly. Subs: Shay Campbell for Calum Webb, Paul McCumiskey, Ryan Tweedie, Conor McAleer

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

•