With conditions far from ideal, a resilient Glenravel side managed to hold off the second-half challenge of a tenacious St Gall’s at Milltown on Sunday. It turned out to be a game of two halves in what was a rerun of last year’s U17B Semi-Final with Glenravel the brighter side in the first and St Gall’s springing into life in the second. It was an absorbing and dramatic tussle with a tempestuous atmosphere at the climax with a few unsavoury scenes spilling over after the full-time whistle.
Oisin Kelly’s superb fisted effort to the net into added time ensured there was only a point in it going into the last minute. However, seconds later, when Glenravel broke on the counter attack, Daire Higgins ruthlessly despatched his effort to the net to seal his side’s progression to the final where they will meet St Brigid’s.
Glenravel raced into an early four-point lead in the opening quarter with Peader McDonnell (2) on target and Shea O’Broin converting from the placed ball (2.) Glenravel were moving the ball fluidly and their industry in the middle third was reaping rewards. St Gall’s too played some quick, silky stuff but had difficulty in converting scores. Manus McCrossan was a constant threat for the hosts driving forward and his battle with Niall Hynds proved to be a pivotal battle.
Naomh Gall got the scoreboard ticking on the 15th minute When McCrossan split the posts from the dead ball but Daire Higgins responded minutes later with a curled effort from the left flank.
The hosts were searching for penetrative avenues for scores but struggled with Glenravel’s tigerish defending. They did however double their tally through the trusty right boot of Padraig Ó’Muirigh as he popped over from a free.
This only seemed to stir Glenravel back into life as they finished the half strongly. Eamon Ward’s searching runs from centre back were a thorn in the side of the Milltown men’s defence and he struck over a fine point before full-forward McDonnell added another to his tally to leave the score 0-02 to 0-07 in at Paul Burn’s short whistle.
St Gall’s emerged a much more potent threat in the second and began to find their range. Despite two quick points from Eamon Ward widening the gap, they responded well, and the introduction of Conor McVeigh seemed to swing momentum back in their favour. McVeigh announced his arrival emphatically with a beautiful point after selling a dummy or two in the build-up.
St Gall’s now had their opponents camped in their own half and Glenravel couldn’t seem to find an outlet to relieve the pressure. The hosts’ rejuvenated approach play was causing headaches for the Con Magee’s. Ciaran Óg Mullan fired over from a tight angle before Aaron Mackle opened his account with a caressed effort from the left flank. Padraig Ó’Muirigh then cut the deficit to only two points on the fiftieth minute as the hosts continued to rally, backed by their home support.
With full time approaching, Glenravel were in desperate need of a score to settle them and Shea O’Broin held his nerve as he converted from a testing free with great composure. The ever-dangerous Cormac McKeown then gave his side that all-important comfort score after he broke from defence with blistering pace to fire over.
Tempers were simmering as Paul Burns brandished a flurry of yellow cards to either side with St Gall’s searching for a crucial goal. Their prayers were answered late in added time when towering midfielder Oisin Kelly rose highest to fist to the net from a high ball in as route one paid off. With a single score now separating the sides, the hosts were buoyant as they searched for that elusive equaliser.
But agonisingly for them it failed to materialise and Daire Higgins sealed the win with a last gap goal on the counter-attack. His rasping effort rippled the net emphatically to trigger a roar from the travelling fans.
Credit to both sides for a hard-fought and entertaining affair. St Gall’s will rue their slow start as they looked a far better side in the second half. Glenravel will be delighted with the resilience and mentality they demonstrated to get over the line. It promises to be an intriguing final against a talented St Brigid’s side.
Teams:
Naomh Gall
L Burns; C Parker, O Maskey, L Walsh; S MacAdhaimh, L Lynn, C Hale; J McCullagh, O Kelly (1-00;) A Mackle (0-01,) M McCrossan (0-01,) D Crawford; C Óg Mullan (0-02,) P Ó’Muirigh (0-02,) A Pierce
Substitute scorer
C McVeigh (0-01)
Con Magee’s Glenravel
D Carey; C Laverty, N Dickson, J Leech; C Mooney, E Ward (0-03,) O McClintock; C Duffin, N Hynds; C Ward, S O’Broin (0-03,) P Ward; C McKeown (0-01,) P McDonell (0-03,) D Higgins (1-01)
St Mary’s Ahoghill held their first U12 camogie Tournament on Saturday, and the weather man saved the best day of the week for it too.
15 clubs descended from Derry, Tyrone and Antrim on Cloney. 17 teams took part, competing in four groups for places in the Cup, Shield and Plate Competitions.
Eire Og Carrickmore who won the Shield competition
The hosts went in to the Plate Competition (sponsored by the The Drycleaning Co Magherafelt) and played a pre-lim against Belfast’s Rossa, then met Bridini Ogá in the Semi Final, this game looked like it would go to extra time but the Cloney Camogs hit the net again to secure a place in the final against Rasharkin who saw off Derry city side, Ná Mágha. In the final, Ahoghill had an early lead but got complacent and the sides were all level at the break however a great second half performance put the game out of reach of Rasharkin and the hosts were delighted to lift silverware on their maiden event which will be an Annual Tournament.
Ruairi Og Cushendall who became the first winners of the Cloney Cup
In the Shield Competition Tyrone side Éire Og Carrickmore met Lamh Dhearg in the Pre-lim and Ballycastle met St Enda in Pre-lim 2. Black and amber were lucky colours as Éire Og went through as did Ballycastle, who then met Belfast teams Padraig Sarsfields and Gort Ná Mona in the respective Semis. Gort secured a final place after seeing off Ballycastle in extra time and Éire Og dug deep as they had done all day to go through and face Gort and it was the Tyrone side who were victorious lifting the new Perpetual Shield, sponsored by PCD Dougan Contracts.
The Cup Competition was another exciting round. There were two preliminary rounds in this with Dunloy seeing off colour-match Creggan and Cushendall beating one of the Swatragh teams. The Derry side had two very successful teams who both reached the Cup Competiton and Cushendall met their other team in the semi-final where the coastal side continued their winning streak. Tír Ná nÓg of Randalstown met Dunloy in the other semi and after a close contest it was Dunloy who made it through to leave a North Antrim final which was certainly a game of two halves, Dunloy going into the break with the lead but Cushendall battled in the second half to overcome the deficit and lift the new Cloney Camogie Cup, sponsored by Hardy Bros Wholesale.
Throughout each game of the day, including the finals, a Player of the Match was selected. The player with the most votes from the independent judges received Player of the Competition prizes:
Plate Player of the Competition was Ahoghill’s Erin Neeson
Shield Plate Player of the Competition was Éire Og’s Annie Fox McGlone
Cup Plate Player of the Competition was Cushendall’s Laoiseach McNaughton.
St Mary’s Ahoghill would like to thank all Clubs, team and coaches who attended.
Many people commented on the outstanding level of camogie and skills on display in all games during the day especially for u12, it was most impressive.
The focus of the day was participation in games, fun, positivity and respect and that certainly was the case.
Special thanks to the trophy sponsors G Hardy, of Hardy Bros, Patrick Dougan of PCD Contracts and JP Neeson of the Drycleaning Co and also to the Red and Black Army of helpers who ensured the day took place and was a great success.
Erin’s Own Cargin 1-18– 3-09 St. Mary’s Aghagallon AET
Kevin Herron reports from Corrigan Park
Cargin came from eight points behind in the second half and finished strongly in the second period of extra-time to clinch their fourth Antrim Senior Football Championship in five years with a 1-18-3-09 win over Aghagallon at a wet and windy Corrigan Park this afternoon.
Two goals in the space of four first half minutes from Adam Loughran and Ruairi McCann stunned the pre-game favourites and a further McCann goal after the restart left Ronan Devlin’s men with a mountain to climb.
But they didn’t panic and clawed their way back into contention with Michael McCann’s 51st minute strike a real hammer blow to Aghagallon- who needed to force extra-time despite leading for the majority of proceedings.
Extra-time was cautious until Cargin stepped things up and landed four scores on the trot to down the brave resistance of Aghagallon and ensure the Padraig McNamee trophy will reside in familiar surroundings for the next 12-months.
Substitute, Benen Kelly fires over a point with his first touch of the ball after replacing Sean Og O’Neill
Cargin went into the game as favourites to reclaim the trophy that they relinquished with defeat to eventual winners Creggan 12-months ago.
While Aghagallon were hoping that they would be able to put the disappointment of last year behind them and try to clinch the trophy in their second ever outing in the senior decider.
Aghagallon were first off the mark on a soggy afternoon on the Whiterock Road, Jamie Lamont fed a perfect pass to Ruairi McCann- who claimed a mark and subsequently converted.
Eunan Walsh was denied doubling his sides lead by a terrific diving block by John Carron and Cargin levelled at the other end through a steady Pat Shivers point; after Jamie Gribbin slipped him a nice ball inside.
The underdogs restored their lead after Justin Crozier was penalised for holding inside and Gareth Magee converted.
Magee doubled his tally after Ruairi McCann held the ball up and laid it off to sweep between the posts.
Cargin were back on terms before the midway point in the half, Paul Mulholland halted the direct run of Ciaran Bradley and Tomas McCann was on hand to convert and Pat Shivers then swung over from James Laverty’s lay-off to level at 0-03 apiece.
Justin Crozier, John McNabb, Roan Gribbin and John Carron (Cargin) look back as Ruairi McCann’s shot sails to the net for Aghagallon’s third goal
The Toome men had a border-line penalty appeal turned down when Pat Brannigan halted the run of Sean O’Neill, but referee Conall Roberts was happy for play to continue, and O’Neill would later depart after sustaining a knock.
O’Neill’s replacement Benan Kelly made an instant impact and had his side in front for the first time with an excellent score.
On 20 minutes the opening goal of the final arrived, Jack Lenahan dropped a side-line ball on top of Eunan Walsh- who gathered and fired low past John McNabb to edge his side 1-03-0-04 in front.
Gareth Magee converted his second free of the half in the aftermath and his side were in dream land on 24 minutes when they hit their second major in the space of four-minutes.
A high ball into the square by Eunan Walsh picked out Ruairi McCann and the full-forward fired a powerful shot into the roof of the net to make it 2-04-0-04.
Magee finished his sides scoring for the half with his third free – though back-to-back frees from Tomas McCann and Shivers would cut the deficit at the break as Aghagallon went in at the interval with a 2-05-0-06 lead.
Ruairi McCann turns away in celebration after scoring Aghagallon’s second goalCargin’s Tomas McCann comes under pressure from Stephen Devlin and Daryl McAlernon, Aghagallon
Cargin would have been hoping for a positive beginning to the second period but found themselves further behind within three minutes of the restart.
Eunan Walsh slipped the ball off to Ciaran Magennis and with the Cargin defence stretched he picked out Ruairi McCann to steer home his second goal of the afternoon.
Tomas McCann kicked his third free of the afternoon in response and brother Paul then fisted another point in quick succession.
The Toome outfit were on the comeback trail as Jamie Gribbin’s excellent score from range was followed by a converted 45’ by John McNabb to half the margin that McCann’s goal had exerted.
A further free from McCann brought them closer, though Aghagallon found a much-needed score- their first in 16 minutes.
Eunan Walsh drove towards goal and popped the ball off to Ruairi McCann, he In turn slipped a pass to Gareth Magee to shoot between the sticks.
With little under ten minutes remaining Cargin reduced arrears to the bare minimum with their only goal of the contest.
Tomas McCann sent a high pass in the direction of brother Michael on the edge of the square and he did enough to bring it down and send a low shot to the corner of the net to make it 3-06-1-11.
Parity was restored for the first time since the 17th minute when John McNabb kicked his second placed ball of the afternoon.
Michael McCann raises his hands in celebration after scoring Cargin’s only goal to bring his side right back into contention
Three minutes were added on at the end of the half and a minute in Cargin edged in front for just the second time through a magnificent, angled effort from James Laverty that dropped over the bar.
Aghagallon suddenly found themselves in an unfamiliar position of having to chase a leveller, having worked hard to hang onto their lead and their persistence paid off when Jack Lenahan picked out brother Oisin to swing over the leveller at the near post and force extra-time after a 3-07-1-13 draw at the conclusion.
Extra-time:
Extra-time saw both sides adapt a huge degree of caution, and it took six minutes of the first period for the opening score to arrive.
Eunan Walsh fed substitute Pauric Magennis- who has felled, and Gareth Magee kicked his third free of the contest.
Cargin would draw level with the last kick of the first period after Jamie Gribbin fed Pat Shivers to drop a high shot onto the roof of the net.
Aghagallon hit the front 60-seconds into the second period after Pauric Maginnis charged forward and lashed a shot high over the bar. But it would prove to be their final score of the contest and Cargin would finish strongly.
Tomas McCann converted his fifth placed ball to level again and after claiming the subsequent kick-out; Cargin hit the front through an excellent angled shot from Pat Shivers.
Ciaran Bradley, Cargin solos away from the chasing Aghagallon pack
The Aghagallon defence were stretched as they chased an immediate response and Benan Kelly added to his first half point with a fisted finish over the bar- when a goal was a possibility.
Two-points remained the difference going into added time and Cargin eventually found their insurance point, having re-entered proceedings and shaken off a first half injury- Sean O’Neill nipped and won possession and dropped a shot between the posts to seal the deal and a fourth Championship win in five seasons for his side.
The final whistle sounded shortly after, and a familiar green invasion hit the Corrigan turf to celebrate with their heroes.
James Laverty would eventually join Antrim Chairman Ciaran McCavana to accept the Padraig McNamee trophy and the celebrations could begin for the Toome men who take their familiar position at the summit of Antrim football and will begin preparations for the Ulster Championship in the coming weeks.
Cargin captain James Laverty (Right) and Sean Og Quinn raise the Padraig McNamee Cup after their side defeated Aghagallon in the final at Corrigan Park today
Erin’s Own Cargin: J McNabb (0-02 45’), K O’Boyle, J Crozier, C Donnelly, J Carron, J Laverty (0-01), S O’Neill, R Gribbin, G McCann, C Bradley, J Gribbin (0-01), P McCann (0-01), P Shivers (0-05, 0-01f), M McCann (1-00), T McCann (0-05f). Subs: B Kelly (0-02) for S O’Neill (17), S O’Neill (0-01) for R Gribbin (37), M Kelly for M McCann (60+2). Extra-time: B Laverty for C Donnelly (68), K McShane for M Kelly (73), D Johnston for B Kelly (76), G McCorley for J Laverty (79).
St. Mary’s Aghagallon: D O’Hagan, D Donnelly, J Lamont, P Mulholland, C Magennis, P Branigan, D McAlernon, O Lenahan (0-01), J Lenahan, E Walsh, A Loughran (1-00), M McAfee, G Magee (0-06, 0-04f), R McCann (2-01, 0-01m), J Hannon. Subs: P Gowdy for J Hannon (blood sub 12-17), P Gowdy for J Hannon (HT), E McCartan for P Gowdy (42), P Maginnis for M McAfee (50). Extra-time: S Devlin for P Mulholland (77), N McShane for P Brannigan (80+2).
Referee: Conall Roberts
YESSS! Cargin player celebrate as fans run on to join them as Conall Roberts blows the final whistle Kevin O’Boyle is joined by his wife and children as he receives a voucher for £100 from Nobel Cafe in Ballymena who sponsored the man of the match awardPaddy McIlwaine presents the Saffron Gael man of the match award to Cargin’s Kevin O’BoyleCargin secretary, Roisin Mc|Keever presents a sponsorship cheque to Paddy McIlwaine who received it on behalf of the Saffron Gael prior to today’s SFC Final at Corrigan ParkAntrim treasurer Donal Murphy presents a sponsorship cheque on behalf of the county to Paddy McIlwaine from the Saffron GaelEunan Walsh celebrates after scoing Aghagallon’s second . goal. Pic by Bert TrowlenCargin and Aghgallon players battle for possession under the dropping ball in Sunday’s thrilling Antrim Football final at Corrigan Park. Pic by Bert TrowlenCargin’s Pat Shivers wins possession. Pic by Bert TrowlenRuairi McCann turns away in celebration after scoring Aghagallon’s opening goalEunan Walsh celebrates after scoing Aghagallon’s second . goal. Pic by Bert Trowlen
Travel Ireland Coaches Antrim senior camogie final
Loughgiel 0-9 Dunloy 0-6
LOUGHGIEL won their ninth successive Antrim Senior Camogie title in a row at rain sodden and windswept Fr Maginn Park, Glenravel on Sunday when they saw off the stern challenge of Dunloy in a very entertaining contest. Loughgiel led by 0-5 to 0-2 at half time, after having the use of the elements in the first half, but when Dunloy closed the gap to a single point with two early scores in the second period appeared to have a real challenge on their hands. However like true champions they responded well when the chips were down and they regained control to hold their opponents to just two more point for the remainder of the game.
Dunloy full forward Cassie McArthur in action during the first half
In wind and driving rain Dunloy started promisingly and were level with the champions in the early stages. However they missed a couple of good chances from frees and were made to pay. Still the looked to be in the driving season when Loughgiel were only a point clear with just seven minutes of the opening half to go. However the champions responded with points from Caitrin Dobbin, Mary McKillen and Annie Lynn before the break to stretch their advantage to 0-5 to 0-2 by the time referee Owen Elliott blew the half time whistle.
Player of the match Annie Lynn sends over a point
Despite this, Dunloy appeared to be in a good position as they started the second half, and when they hit the opening two points of the new half through Cassie McArthur and Nicole McAtamney they must have felt they were in with a great chance. However Loughgiel steadied the ship and when top scorer Caitrin Dobbin sent over a point from a free things began to swing back in the champions favour. Centre forward Mary McKillen added one from play to put her team three clear, and though Caoimhe Molloy came back with one for the challengers, it was to be their last score of the game.
Loughgiel restored their three point cushion when corner forward Annie Lynn split the posts and the gap was out to four when Dobbin hit her fourth score of the day. Dunloy three all they had at Loughgiel in closing minutes, but the goal they needed to revive their challenge never really looked like coming and Loughgiel;s defence held out to seal yet another title win, the first for new manager Duck McFadden
Loughgiel’s Caitrin Dobbin who finished with four points to here name
Loughgiel: E Boyle; C Campbell, K Lynn, C McKillop; M Lynn, Ú McNaughton, S Doran; A Boyle, L McNaughton 0-1 (f), C Laverty, M McKillen 0-1, A Connolly; C Dobbin 0-4 (3fs), K McKillop, A Lynn 0-3.
Subs: R McCormick for A Connolly (26), C Boyle for U McNaughton (50).
Dunloy: M Martin; K Mullan, E Kearns, D Elliott; C Crawford, C Conlon, K Laverty; Brid Magill, N McAtamney 0-2 (fs); C Molloy 0-2 (fs), E Johnstone, K Molloy 0-1; E Elliott, C McArthur 0-1, Á Magill.
Subs: Bronagh Magill for C Molloy (40), K Boyle for E Elliott (58).
Referee: Owen Elliott (All Saints)
Player of the Match Annie Lynn receives the new Lilly Spence Memoria Cup Joint captains Lucia McNaughton and Amy Boyle lift the cup Brona McCollum of Bee Creative Designs presents the top scorer of the Championship award to Caitrin Dobbin who topped the chart with 1.24 over 4 matches.
Con Magees manager Joe Cassidy speaks with Brendan McTaggart at the final whistle in Dunsilly
Watching the opposition celebrate at the end of a final is never easy. One look at Joe Cassidy and you knew he didn’t want to be there. Both he and Paul Downey stood side by side wondering just how it got away from them at Dunsilly against a Dunloy side who never dominant. “Very disappointing,” started Cassidy: “more so for the lads. They didn’t turn up or do themselves justice. That’s not taking anything away from Dunloy, they were the far superior team. If it hadn’t of been for Jamie (McEvoy) in goals, they could have had at least three goals. Jamie kept us in it.”
Dunloy’s domination of the middle third of the pitch and ability to win turn over ball in the Glenravel half allowed them to apply unrelenting pressure. The Con Magees manager was left scratching at their lack of competitiveness in midfield: “Where we’ve done the business in the last three games in terms of pressing opposition kick outs, I mean we dominated Ballymena on their kick outs and the same with Sarsfields. Today, we didn’t do that and that allowed Dunloy to get the advantage on us. When you’re playing chasing shadows with the athlete’s that Dunloy have you’re always going to be in bother.”
Trailing by six at half time, the Con Magees took a little longer than the allotted time. Cassidy said it was a time for cool minds as they looked to get a way back into the final: “We were trying to get our team sorted out. We were making a few changes, we knew where the problems were. There was no point in roaring or shouting, that wasn’t going to do anyone any good or turn the game around. It was about trying to sort out where the problems where.
“It was always going to be an uphill battle, you were going to need a goal at some point to get a bit of momentum. We could never get that. We got a couple of points but we needed a goal and at that you’re grasping at straws. The damage was done in the first half. Dunloy had six kick outs and got out with five of them. The last day against Sarsfields we completely blitzed their kick out and that’s the most disappointing thing from today.”
Despite defeat, reaching the Intermediate final should be seen as progress for the Glenravel side. Cassidy continued: “They are a very young side. Probably, this time last year would they have taken progress to an Intermediate Final, possibly. But when you get to a final you want to win it and I genuinely believe we wouldn’t be far away but I have to hold my hands up, the best team won.”
Despite the silver lining from defeat, Cassidy wasn’t pulling any punches when he said: “That’s for Glenravel people to decide that (progress). Every manager is going to say the same sort of garbage at the end of the season. They’ve got to their first Intermediate final in whatever number of years it is so from that point of view its progress. They won an U20 championship last year, they are building. They have a good group of minors coming below that again. Sometimes you have to lose one to win one, at it’s really how they kick on from here but it’s very hard to say there’s been progress when you get to a final and you’re well beat.”
