ACFL Division 2

St Paul’s 2-8 Glenavy 0-16

Pics Bert Trowlen

St. Joseph’s Glenavy travelled to Shaw’s Road on Wednesday night and recorded a good two point win after an excellent hour of football. The visitors trailed by two at the halfway stage but a strong third quarter where they kicked six unanswered points swung it St. Joseph’s way.

It was the men from Chapel Hill who drew first blood with mid-fielder, Ciaran Loney kicking two fine points and Fiontan O’Boyle adding another to edge them three in front and at this early stage the visitors were moving the ball around with confidence.

It took the ‘Hoops’ a time to settle but Patrick Doyle got them on the scoreboard with a good point and when Liam McKenna punished a mistake in the visitors defence to fire to the net they were ahead for the first time.

That lead was short lived as the visitors replied through the impressive Fergal Henry to draw level but St. Paul’s were coming more and more into the game and Patrick Doyle and Liam McLarnon with a great long range effort saw them hit the front again.

Glenavy replied with Fergal Henry splitting the posts despite being under pressure and Fergus Cunningham marking his introduction with another as play swung from end to end. The visitors then looked to be in for a goal of their own but Jack McAufield made a great save to deny David Nelson.

St. Paul’s finished the half strongly and Mark Munce kicked a good point before Liam McKenna stroked a ‘45’ directly between the uprights to give the home side a two point lead as the half time whistle sounded.

Glenavy came out strongly at the start of the second half with Paddy Gallagher closing the gap to one with an early point before the impressive Ciaran Loney fired over the equaliser as his side dominated the early second half exchanges.

Gallagher moved forward from halfback again for his second point of the game to edge the visitors ahead and Gareth Henry pointed a free but Glenavy had their keeper Gareth Collins to thank as he dived to his left to deny St. Paul’s what looked like a certain goal.

Two more points from Fiontan O’Boyle, who was having a good game on the ’40’ and a massive long range score from Matthew Lawlor had the visitors four in front and looking comfortable before Conal Duffin finally opened St. Paul’s second half account with a point in the 12^th minute.

This score seemed to lift the Shaw’s Road side and Gareth Collins again had to be at his best as he saved with an outstretched foot before Conall Finnegan added another point for the home side as they began to gain a bit of momentum again.

Liam McLarnon got in for a good goal as the clock ticked down to leave just one between the sides but the biggest cheer of the night came from the travelling faithful as Malachi Duffin hoisted another long range point over the black spot for the game’s final score to leave the Chapel Hill side victorious by two point.

St. Paul’s: 1 Jack McAufield, 2 Aodhan Kavanagh, 3 Damien Magee, 4 Michael Duffy, 5 don Burns, 6 Cormac O’Hanlon, 7 Padraic Lowe, 8 Conall Finnegan, 9 James Farrell, 10 Paul O’Hanlon, 11 Liam McLarnon, 12 Mark Munce, 13 Conal Duffin, 14 Liam McKenna, 15 Patrick Doyle

Glenavy: 1 Gareth Collins, 2 Darragh Doherty, 3 Liam Henry, 4 Michael Fox, 5 Padraig Fox, 6 Matthew Lawlor, 7 Paddy Gallagher, 8 Michael Johnston, 9 Ciaran Loney, 10 Ryan Phillips, 11 Fiontan O’Boyle, 12 Ruairi Forester, 13 Niall McCann, 14 David Nelson, 15 Fergal Henry

Homefit Antrim Football League Division One

St Brigid’s 2-9 O’Donovan Rossa 1-17

An Eoghan McMenamin goal in the 56^th minute swung this game at Musgrave Park decisively in favour of visitors Rossa and sent them on their way to a win over St. Brigid’s on Wednesday night ans saw Rossa climb to 5^th place in the league.

Rossa looked to be in the driving seat when they led their hosts by six at the break but St. Brigid’s came back strongly to dominate the third quarter to move two points clear and appeared to be heading for victory.

McMenamin’s goal gave the momentum back to visitors Rossa who finished very much in the ascendancy to win by five points.

However, Rossa found a way and when McMenamin rattled the net, they grabbed back momentum at the perfect time to finish strong and win by five.

County panellist Dominic McMenamin was enjoying a rare start for his club side and served notice that he is ready for an opportunity at County level when he finished top scorer for the Shaw’s Road side with 0-9. Six of his total came from frees but his contribution from play was significant as he fired over three superb efforts.

St. Brigid’s defended in numbers from the start as Rossa owned possession in the early stages but it took them a little while to find a way through a tight home defence until McEnhill found enough space to get onto his right and curl over after four minutes.

Darren Grego doubled the Rossa lead when put through, but his fierce drive sailed over when he might have had a goal. This brought a quick reaction from the home side and they made an immediate reply with Conor McAleer getting them off the mark before Finnegan burst through to score and Jack Dowling followed with a long range effort to see them in front after 12 minutes.

Rossa responded as they dominated the breaks and looked much more sharp in attack, hitting five points in as many minutes as McEnhill scored two identical points out on the right before converting a free, while younger brother Michael got in on the act and Colm Fleming nailed a free.

Conor McAleer hit back with a point for St Brigid’s, but a pair of McEnhill frees swung it decisively back in favour of the visitors going into the break with Sean Pat Donnelly played a first time ground shot across goal and Dara Rocks looked certain to net but his shot sailed over to leave Rossa 0-10 to 0-4 up ahead at the break.

St. Brigid’s looked a much more focused side on the restart oracle as they began to press up on the Rossa defence to stop them building from the back as they had been able to do with ease in the opening period.

This approach began to pay dividends as they won possession in the third minute and a smart approach down the left saw them open up the Rossa defence and Ronan Boyle squared for Paul Bradley to climb and palm the ball to the net.

Michael McEnhill responded with a point for Rossa straight away, but it was clear the momentum had shifted as St Brigid’s had gained the initiative with Conor McAleer kicking a free and another excellent move involving Niall Lundy and Bradley saw James Smith one-on-one and his finish superbly to the net in the 40^th minute.

McAleer pointed a free to give the home side the lead with Colm Fleming levelling with a point from Rossa in the 50^th minute but St Brigid’s were in the ascendancy and Michael Cummings finishing a well-worked with a point and Patrick Finnegan added another from a difficult angle on the right.

It was visitors Rossa who finished strongly however and Fleming converted a free to reduce the gap to the minimum and from the resultant kick-out Adam Devlin was first to the broken ball. He found Diarmuid Rogan who in turn fed McEnhill and with McMenamin taking the layoff, he burst in from the right and buried the ball in the St. Brigid’s net

McEnhill added a couple of frees as Rossa pressed home their advantage while Ronan Boyle replied with a point in stoppage time to leave a goal in it. The final scores fell they way of the visitors as Jack Morris firing over and McEnhill curling over a late free for his ninth point of the evening to seal a big two points for Rossa that moves them up to fifth place.

ST BRIGID’S: D Heery; R Boyle (0-1), J Toner, D Foster; P King, C King, F Meenagh; M Cummings (0-1), J Dowling (0-1); C McAleer (0-4, 3 frees), P Finnegan (0-2), P Bradley (1-0); J Finnegan, J Smith (1-0), N Lundy.
Subs: S Campbell for D Foster (44), J Morgan for P King (49), M Lynch for P Bradley (59).

ROSSA: M Byrne; S Shannon, C Orchin, P Moyes; J Morris (0-1), C McGuinness, N Crossan; D Grego (0-1), C McGettigan; C Fleming (0-3, all frees), D McEnhill (0-9, 6 frees), M Mallon; SP Donnelly, D Rocks (0-1), M McEnhill (0-2).
Subs: E McMenamin (1-0) for D Rocks (40), A Devlin for M McEnhill (46), D Rogan for D Grego (55)

REFEREE: Conal Roberts (St John’s)

•  

Homefit Division 1 ACFL 

Tir na Nog 1-08-0-11 Lámh Dhearg 

Kevin Herron reports from Whitehill 

Ryan Murray was sprung from the bench and proved to be his sides savour as Lámh Dhearg came from behind to claim a point from Whitehall this evening after a 1-08-0-11 draw with Tir na Nog. 

Behind to Darragh Fagan’s 16^th minute strike, the visitors were required fresh impetus from the bench- with Ryan Murray and Marc Jordan entering the fray. 

Murray would land five of his sides eleven points over the course of the evening to ensure his side left with a share of the spoils – at the end of what was at times a feisty encounter. 

Terry McCrudden converted an early free to give the Lámhs the early advantage. Despite Tir na Nog creating plenty of opportunities during the first quarter, they were unable to register their first score until the 13^th minute when Ciaran Logan claimed an advanced mark from Sean-Paul McAtamney’s kick-out and fed Connor Hastings to swing over the leveller. 

McCrudden would get on the end of an intelligent pass from Carl Maxwell, claim a mark and convert to nudge his side back infront. 

But the only goal of the game would elevate Tir na Nog into the driving seat and a position they would hold for the majority of proceedings.

Oliver McAtamney showed hunger and desire to attack John Finucane’s kick and fist the ball to Joshua Higgins, the midfielder side footed the ball into the path of Darragh Fagan to sweep the ball to the net and give his side a 1-01-0-02 lead. 

The hosts extended their advantage through an Aaron McNeilly free and an easy score from play from goal-scorer Fagan in the immediate aftermath. 

Declan Smith would conjure up a response following a patient build-up from his side and Terry McCrudden then kicked his third point of the half after collecting Declan Lynch’s pass and converting a second advanced mark. 

A fine effort from Ciaran O’Neill dropped over the bar to open up a three-point lead again and Tir na Nog thought they had their second goal of the evening through Fagan. 

The wing-half forward was picked out with an excellent pass from Ryan O’Neill- but his effort crashed off the far post and out to safety. 

Declan Lynch was obstructed and that led to McCrudden converting a free with the last kick of the half to leave his side trailing 1-04-0-05 at the midway point. 

Tir na Nog hit the halfs opening score after a patient move that saw the ball move from side-to-side in order to draw the visitors out, eventually Caoimhin Duffin made a run from deep, adjusted himself and shot over the bar.  

This prompted an instant response as Marc Jordan and Ryan Murray were summoned from the bench in order to attempt to stem the tide and turn the game in their sides favour. 

Midway through the second-half the visitors were given a numerical advantage after Connor Hastings picked up a second yellow-card and departed; following a high challenge round the neck on Ryan Murray. 

The 14-men came up with the next score though- Caoimhin Duffin poked the ball to Oliver McAtamney to swing over and make it 1-06-0-05. 

After almost 20 scoreless second-half minutes Lámh Dhearg finally landed a much-needed score through substitute Murray. 

Barry McCormick slipped a pass off the shoulder for Darragh Fagan to hit back immediately and restore their sides four-point lead. 

The Lámhs were beginning to find more attacking joy as Marc Jordan showed nifty footwork and dropped a shot over the black spot. 

Ryan Murray then converted back-to-back frees, the second of which was an excellent effort from a very tight angle to ensure that just a single point separated the sides with minutes remaining (1-07-0-09). 

Tir na Nog appeared to have wrapped the game up after referee Fiontann McCotter allowed an advantage and Ciaran O’Neill shot over his second point of the evening.

But a foul on Marc Jordan presented Ryan Murray with the chance to convert his third free since his introduction and he dually obliged to make it one-point game once more. 

In attempting to land the equaliser, Murray was upended off the ball and awarded a potentially equalising free, but in the aftermath Ben Rice struck out and was given his marching orders- with the ball then hopped. 

Although the Lámhs fought for a share of the spoils and gained it when Declan Dunne found Declan Smith and he had the presence of mind to pick out Murray to land an outstanding point for his fifth since his introduction to level at 1-08-0-11. 

There was no time for either side to grab the winner as referee McCotter sounded his full-time whistle in the aftermath of Sean-Paul McAtamney’s kick-out and the dup had to make do with a point apiece. 

Tir na Nog: SP McAtamney, E Higgins, B McLarnon, D Martin, C O’Neill (0-02), C Duffin (0-01), O McAtamney (0-01), J Higgins, R O’Neill, C Logan, K Sherrin, D Fagan (1-02), B McCormick, A McNeilly (0-01f), C Hastings (0-01). 

Lámh Dhearg: J Finucane, R Murray, M McGarry, P Larkin, R Diamond, P Mervyn, F Mervyn, C Hannan, D Lynch, C Maxwell, B Rice, D Smith (0-01), T McCrudden (0-04, 0-02f, 0-02m), S Tully, N McGarry. Subs: R Murray (0-05, 0-03f) for S Tully (35), M Jordan (0-01) for C Hannan (35), D Dunne for N McGarry (46). 

Referee: Fiontann McCotter (Sarsfields)

Homefit Football League Division 1

St John’s 1-8 Creggan 0-14

County champions Creggan produced a strong second half performance to beat St John’s at Corrigan Park on Wednesday evening and as a result move into joint second place in the league table with Cargin, with a game in hand.

Trailing by two points at half time Creggan looked more assured in the second half and despite having a man sent off, due to a second yellow card, they fought back to take the victory by two points

After Darren McKeogh had given St John’s an early lead Creggan hit back with points from Keelan McCann and Paddy Coey to go in front in the 8^th minute. They appeared to be set to stretch that lead when they were awarded a penalty soon afterwards but Kevin Small’s shot was saved by the Johnnies goalkeeper Eoghan Rua Lambert and the danger cleared. Paddy McBride drew the home side level with a point on 10 minutes, and though Paddy Coey edged Creggan back in front on 12 minutes, St John’s were soon in front when corner forward Andy McGowan got out in front of his marker to win a good ball before breaking through and sending a left footed shot to the Creggan net.

After Ceggan’s Fintan Burke and Paddy McBride exchanged points Creggan hit two in a row through goalkeeper Oisin Kerr, who came up to stroke over a 45, and the excellent Coey, who added another to his first half tally to bring his team back on terms. Two in a row from Paddy McBride frees put the home team one ahead again, and though Oisin Kerr converted his second from a placed ball on 30 minutes to to bring his team back on terms, another McBride point from a free sent the Johnnies in with a one point lead at the break.  

McBride increased the Johnnies lead to two with a point from play within seconds of the restart, but points from Tiernan and Dominic McAteer had the county champions back level just three minutes later. Two Paddy Coey points from frees had Creggan two clear by the 40^th minute but St John’s closed the gap again when corner back Ciaran Garland made his way up from the back to send over an excellent score. However that was to be St John’s last score of the game and despite having Killian Burke sent off, after receiving a second yellow card, Creggan managed the game well and added late points through Matthew Rodgers and Dominic McAteer to win by three in the end.

ACFL Dvision 1

St Mary’s Ahoghill 1-12 St Gall’s 1-15

A late goal by corner forward Niall Fallon proved the difference as St Gall’s gained victory and a precious couple of points in a keenly fought contest in their visit to Ahoghill on Wednesday evening.

Never more than a couple of points had separated the sides throughout but with the long blast only a few minutes away the corner forward retained his composure to complete a well organised counter attack to fire the ball to the back of the net and seal the deal.

With both sides much too close to the bottom of the table for their own peace of mind on four points apiece, a close encounter was anticipated and in fact delivered as St Mary’s Ahoghill played hosts to St Gall’s on Wednesday evening.

The visitors were quickest away and back to back points from their best on view and chief organiser, Mickey Pollock and Niall Burns had them a couple of points clear by the 3^rd minute.

The home side had proved sluggish in the early stages but soon regained composure and only a smart save by net minder Louis Mc Cormick denied Eoin Neeson access over his line in the 5^th minute.

Danny O’ Neill who was on the cusp of an excellent shift for the home side had put the wing man into the scoring zone only to be denied by the keeper.

The Cloney men were on the board a minute later when Ronan Graham drilled through a crowded goal mouth to the back of the net  and they were to pull a couple of points clear a few minutes after when Conor Crossey followed with a point.

The opening quarter continued in end to end activity and with Niall Fallon and Paddy Dougan swapping points and when Niall Burns found the target from a long range effort only the minimum separated them with Ahoghill at 1-02 to 0-04.

Such end to end stuff and score at one end provoked similar reply at the other but as time marched on the visitors were to dominate central proceedings and more often than not laying claim to the broken ball.

Points from Michael Pollock and Dualtach Johnston sandwiched a similar effort from PJ O’ Connell at the other end but despite difficulty in finding the target with the dynamic Danny O’ Neill often spearheading the offensive the Clooney men retained advantage and the lead at the end of the opening period 1-07 to 0-09 ahead.

St Gall’s suitably refreshed from the interval break started the second half on the positive and an early point from the ever accurate Niall Burns ensured equality on the board.

Colla Mc Donnell’s 33^rd minute reply in kind ensured the home side had regained advantage but such was only to last for a couple of minutes as a point from second period replacement Niall O’ Neill, ensured they were back abreast by the 37^th minute.

The Milltown men were gaining impetus in the central zone and laying claim to the broken ball but a brace of fine scores by  James O’ Connell secured the lead for the Clooney men 1-11 to 0-13 as the end drew ever closer.

The home side looked set for a win but in a game in which twists and turns proved a theme back came the Milltown men with the evergreen Mickey Pollock pulling the strings and a fine point secured from a 50 metre free ensured parity in the 57^th minute before Niall Burns followed suit to ensure the lead.

The home side tried to make recovery but when the Gall’s full back Conall Murray rose highest to collect a lofted delivery his clearance found Eoghan Mc Cabe who placed Niall Fallon and he finished to the back of the net and that was to be that.

The home side had the last say when James O’ Connell despatched a long range free between the posts and although they tried to rally time proved against them and the points which may well prove a valuable acquisition as St Gall’s breastiedthe line at 1-15 to 1-12.

St Gall’s

Louis Edwards, Cormac Flannery, Conaill Murray, Cormac Bradley, Caolan Chada, Marcus Donnelly, Conaill Mc Girr, Ryan Irvine, Eoghan Mc Cabe (0-02), Ruairi Wilson, Niall Burns (0-06), Dualtach Johnston (0-01), Callum Walsh, Michael Pollock (0-04), Niall Fallon (1-01)

Subs

Niall O’ Neill (0-01) for M Donnelly

Fergus Donnelly for C Walsh

Ahoghill

Noel Crossey, Patrick Dougan (0-01), James ‘ Bobby’ Magee, Bernard Graham, Tom Mc Glone (0—01), Eamon Brady, Eoin Graham, Neil ‘Boris’ O’ Connell, James O’ Connell (0-04), Eoin Neeson, Danny O’ Neill, Ronan Graham (1-01), Colla Mc Donnell (0-01), PJ O’ Connell (0-03), Conor Crossey (0-01)

Subs

Donal Graham for E Graham

Referee S Laverty (St Ergnat’s)