October 8, 2022October 8, 2022 by thesaffrongael

St. Marys stage fightback to claim Gaelfast Antrim Cup

Gaelfast Year 8 Antrim Cup Final

St. Mary’s CBGS 7-05-6-06 Our Lady and St Pat’s Knock

Kevin Herron reports from Dunsilly

Photos by Bert Trowlen

St. Mary’s fought back from 5-02-3-02 behind at the break to claim the Year 8 Gaelfast Antrim Cup after a breath-taking final against Our Lady and St Pat’s Knock at Dunsilly on Thursday evening.

There was much anticipation for the all Belfast final after both sides came through their respective semi-final clashes the previous Wednesday against St Malachy’s and Coaliste Feirste.

The Glen Road youngster’s laid siege to the St’ Pat’s goals early on, but goalkeeper Jake Doran dealt with the early pressure well.

The breakthrough eventually arrived in the form of a Padraig Kelly goal after three minutes. Jude Gamble followed up with a point and a converted Kelly free had the simmerian’s 1-02 ahead approaching the 10^thminute.

Knock began to apply pressure at the other end and like St. Mary’s, were off target with their opening attempts before Finn Green finally dropped a shot into the net.

Odhran Lynch added his sides first point of the evening and the game was level midway through the half with Oran Mills seeing his shot rise over the bar- following a terrific save from Ollie Brownlee that denied Mills a certain goal.

Mills wouldn’t have long to wait and 60-seconds later got the better of Brownlee with a fine finish to the net.

It was end to end stuff and St. Mary’s hit back and levelled on 16 minutes through a thumping Daire Gault shot that dropped to the net to make it 2-02 apiece.

Less than 60-seconds later and Knock hit the front again through a fine individual goal from Aidan Dobbs, Darragh Conway would follow-up with his sides fourth shortly after and the East-Belfast side were in the ascendancy with the interval looming.

Ollie Brownlee made a further terrific save; however he was helpless to prevent Aidan Dobbs from doubling his goal tally for the half.

St. Mary’s were in desperate need of a score before break and found one in injury-time through Caolan Cosgrove’s flick-on that found the net to ensure his remained in touch and trailed 5-02-3-02.

Like the opening half, it was St. Mary’s who applied the early pressure upon the resumption and Padraig Kelly added to his tally with a further point. But Knock soon increased their lead and Finn Green doubled his goal account after a tremendous team move that culminated in a close-range finish to push his side 6-02-3-03 to the good.

The eight-point advantage was short-lived though as St. Mary’s hit back immediately at the other end, Ollie Brownlee found Jude Gamble to burst forward, he switched the play, and it found its way to Padraig Kelly to drop in his second goal of the evening and give his side renewed hope.

Successive points from Oran Mills and Odhran Lynch in response had Our Lady’s and St Pat’s further clear, but Kelly netted his hat-trick and then converted his second free of the evening after Cruz-Devlin had somehow emerged from the corner in possession of the ball- despite the odds being against him and was fouled.

A converted free from Mills extended his sides lead to four, though with the game entering the final ten minutes- things were on a knife-edge and a grandstand finish was on the cards. St. Mary’s belief was growing, and the energetic Conan Mulligan drove his team forward on numerous occasions.

The bare minimum separated the sides on 42 minutes as Criostoir McCabe surged into a shooting position and sent his effort just beyond the reach of Jake Doran and into the corner of the net to make it 6-05-6-04.

Knock almost restored their four-point advantage after an excellent sweeping move forward, but Caolan McGarry’s knock on was turned behind by Dara O’Sullivan- who celebrated his block like a goal at the other end and showed how much it meant to the young O’Donnell’s number nine.

The interception would prove vital as St. Mary’s hit the front for the first time since the 13^th minute. Ollie Brownlee picked out Caolan Cosgrove with his kick-out and he switched to Criostoir McCabe- who had his run halted. McCabe picked out Padraig Kelly from the resulting free and he in turn found Conan Mulligan, a slip to Jude Gamble then saw him dip the ball over Jake Doran and into the Knock goal to edge his side 7-04-6-05 up.

Our Lady and St Pat’s went on the attack and tried to switch roles again, they didn’t manage to do that but did close the gap as Caolan McGarry bore down on goal- though his shot was too high and went over the black-spot for a point.

St. Mary’s had the chance to wrap things up when Padraig Kelly popped the ball off to Marc Killyleagh who jinked and dropped in a shot that crashed off the crossbar, the loose ball was intercepted by Alfie Manning to turn and hit the post for the second time with his follow-up and a terrific opportunity went a begging.

Padraig Kelly would claim the game’s final score, converting his third free of the evening off the deck – but his side would face a nervy finish as Knock earned themselves one last chance of a goal that would have flipped things on its head. Oran Mills floated the ball into a congested square- though Criostoir McCabe emerged with the ball, cleared his lines and final whistle sounded from referee Paul Burns to bring to an end a truly magnificent game of football.

Antrim, Lámh Dhearg and Our Lady and St Pat’s Knock legend Frankie Wilson was on hand to present St. Mary’s captain Cillian Murphy with the trophy and he thanked Gaelfast, both sets of coaches and match officials and also parents for contributing to what has been a successful initiative to integrate the new Year 8s to Gaelic football in the respective schools.

OL&SPK: Jake Doran, Rory Stephens, Charlie Murray, Conor Harkin, Matt McConville, Jamie Craig, Eoin Campbell, Fionn McKay, Caolan McGarry, Darragh Conway, Aidan Dobbs, Sean Cunningham, Finn Green, Reuben Collins, Oran Mills, Thomas Gilsenan, Jarlath Price, Odhran Lynch, Leo Kennedy, Conor O’Doherty.

St Mary’s CBGS: Ollie Brownlee, Cillian Murphy, Cormac Hamilton, Daniel Robb, Daire Gault, Cormac Dempster, Conan Mulligan, Criostoir McCabe, Dara O’Sullivan, Caolan Cosgrove, Padraig Kelly, Cruz Devlin-Amoh, Alife Manning, Jude Gamble, Marc Killyleagh, Ronan Higham, Daniel O’Connor, Cormac McDowell, Darragh McKernan, Jack Rafferty, Orin Agnew, Nathan Brown, Jude Burns, Caolan Mullan, Evan Matthews, Michael O’Dubhfinn, Sean McMullan, Ryan Holmes, Shea Higham, Finn Lawlor.

Referee: Paul Burns (St Comgall’s)

October 8, 2022October 8, 2022 by thesaffrongael

Laochra Loch Lao win LGFA Junior B title

Report and pics by Brian McKee

The sun was shining at Rossa Park yesterday as the home club laid out the red carpet for the ladies from Ardoyne Kickhams and Laochra Loch Lao. A crowd of over 400 people gathered for the final of the Antrim Ladies Junior B Final.

The warm welcome was repaid with a magnificent game of football by the ladies. They put on a display of passion, skill, determination and sportsmanship that are surely a sign that the days are long gone when the success of a club on the field is gauged by the performance of their senior men!

This was an historic occasion for Laochra Loch Lao as they were not only appearing in their first competitive final, but also went on to win a pulsating game with a scoreline of 3-09 to 2-08. Thrills, excitement, joy and heartbreak made it a day to remember for two teams who are so obviously at the heart of their respective communities.

Ardoyne played the first half with the wind at their back as they shot towards the Shaws Road side of the ground. It was clear from the throw-in that the Laochra Loch Lao backroom had done their homework and their game plan kept some of Ardoyne’s more noted players under control.

Shannon O’Connor however was a constant threat for the Ardoyne ladies with surging runs through the heart of the Laochra Loch Lao defence that paid dividends with a first-half tally of a goal and two points. Laochra Loch Lao were not to outdone though and replied with goals from Aine NicAoidh and Rachel Ní Daimhin.

Half-time arrived with a scoreline of 2-04 to 1-06 with every score being taken from play.

Laochra Loch Lao got off to a flyer in the second half with three points in succession that rocked that Ardoyne ladies before a goal from Katie Markey steadied the ship. The excitement grew as Adoyne chased the lead taken by Laochra Loch Lao and the crowd responded to the effort and skill being displayed by both teams.

Despite their best efforts, Ardoyne could not get back on terms and a goal by Roisin NíCeallaign for Laochra Loch Lao finally put the game beyond the reach of the Ardoyne ladies.

Laochra Loch Lao: Sorcha Ni Coinne Rachel Nic Eoghain Caitriona Ni Bhailis Claire Nic Giolla Rabhaigh Maebh Damary Séanna Lee Kavanagh Gearóidin Nic Cathmhaoil Caoimhe Ni Bhradaigh Shauny Shiels Jennifer Adams 0-05 (1f) Aine Nic Aoidh 1-0 Fiona McAteer Rachel Ní Daimhin 1-04 Roisin Ní Cheallaigh 1-0 Rosie McNally

Ardoyne: Saoire Maguire Rachel Gilvary Regan Hughes Grace McAllister Ciara McEvoy Colleen Waite Tiarna McAuley Rebekah Matthews 0-2 Lauren Coleman Ailisa Frame Kacie McLaughlin 0-1 Zoie McAuley 0-1 Erin Mailey 0-2 Fiona McKenna Shannon O’Connor 1-02 Katie Markey(s) 1-0

October 7, 2022October 8, 2022 by thesaffrongael

Prolific Pearses clinch Junior Title

Graham Tarmac Junior Football Championship Final

Friday 7^th October

Report by Niall Kelly

Cardinal O’Donnells 0-07 Na Piarsaigh 1-15

A goal on the rebound from the predatory Naoise O’Cuilin seven minutes from the final whistle added the extra gloss on a composed performance from Pearses to put the game beyond the reach of a despondent O’Donnells side. The North Belfast natives reversed an early one-point deficit after five minutes and refused to relinquish their advantage for the remainder.

In truth, with the exception of the opening ten minutes of the second half, the men in green and yellow seemed to constantly exert a measure of control over proceedings and were ruthlessly efficient in front of the posts. Piaras Donaghy was certainly the conductor of their symphony. The number twenty-two starred on the evening and was the fulcrum of nearly every Pearses’ attack. His ability to dictate and link play was pivotal in their success and the prolificity of their full forward line, assisted well by top scorer Stephen Fitzsimmons, proved to be too much firepower for the O’D’s rear-guard to thwart.

To their credit, O’Donnell’s wouldn’t go down without a fight and battled tooth and nail for each other right till the end. Trailing by five at the interval, the Whiterock side emerged a resurgent outfit and reduced the margin to three. Slick, fluent offensive play was causing problems for Pearses but they failed to capitalise further on the scoresheet which ultimately led to their demise. Their squandering of chances proved to be their Achille’s heel and they were made to pay as their Belfast counterparts seemed to ruthlessly despatch each chance that fell in their favour.

It was O’D’s who drew first blood with a mere forty seconds played as Ciaran Ferran’s caressed effort off the outside of the boot found its mark. Pearses responded well though and O’D’s shot-stopper sprung into early action as he denied Liam Campbell from close range. Campbell slotted the resulting forty-five over effortlessly before another trio of scores from Fionn Grew, Stephen Fitzsimmons and Campbell again.

Pearses were now well in the ascendancy and were asking all the questions. Despite a McKissock reply to reduce the gap, they bolstered their lead further with Piaras Donaghy instrumental, dominating in midfield. The MacRory park side’s goal was living a charmed life as again Pearses threatened to raise the green flag. Johnny O’Donnell was forced into an outstanding block to deny Pearses before Fionn Grew rattled the cross bar from close range. Naoise O’Cuillin was alert to pop over the rebound before Stephen Fitzsimmons steered over two well-taken efforts to leave the score 0-02 to 0-07 in favour of the men in green and yellow at the break.

The interval seemed to have a galvanising effect on the O’s as their play was brimming with intensity and vigour in the early exchanges of the second period. Despite Campbell increasing the lead to six, O’Donnell’s seemed to have more purpose and flair to their play. Padraig McKissock slotted over from a close range free and it seemed things were beginning to click.

All their promising play though threatened to be undone when Pearses were awarded a penalty on the thirty fifth minute on the counter. However, Murphy telegraphed Grew’s effort expertly to parry away and it seemed momentum was firmly in favour of the O’Donnells camp. The men in maroon and yellow seemed to have more swagger about them and composed two scintillating passages of play with Géaroid McKernan and Richard McAvoy adding the finishing touches.

With a kick of the ball in it now, it was game on and when James Begley had the black card brandished in his direction, O’Donnells could go for the jugular. However, their inability to make their efforts stick on the scoreboard proved a frustrating theme for their raucous travelling support and they were limited to two points from McKissock and McAvoy, yet still they stormed forward in their droves looking to capitalise on their numerical advantage.

Pearses though had other ideas and yet again Donaghy was at the forefront. His driving run from the engine room presented Fionn Grew to make some amends for his earlier miss from the spot, which he duly obliged. Grew was on target yet again on the fiftieth minute following some excellent work from corner back, Aidan Bannon.

The death knell for O’Donnells was to sound five minutes later though as O’Cuilin blasted home emphatically from close range on the rebound despite Murphy’s heroics to deny Liam Campbell from the initial effort.

**Man of the match, Piaras Donaghy takes control of the ball as O’Donnell’s Gerard McKernan moves in to challenge**

A seven-point lead with minutes remaining would prove insurmountable for the West Belfast side and despite battling valiantly, Pearses would continue to punish them on the scoresheet. Grew increased his ever-growing tally with a monster effort from range before Stephen Fitzsimmons expertly despatched three frees as the game approached its climax before Danny O’Neill’s final whistle sparked emotional and jubilant scenes for the North Belfast travelling faithful.

O’Donnells can certainly hold their heads high. The score line doesn’t perhaps fully reflect their efforts. The game slipped away in the closing ten minutes, but they were in contention for the majority. Their inability to convert promising play and scorable frees into points was certainly their downfall but it just seemed to be one of those nights. Nevertheless, they will be a stronger team in the future with the talent at their disposal and can use this as a learning curve to strengthen going forward.

A huge win for Pearses who have been knocking on the Junior Championship door for years. This will be a vindication and redemption for their efforts over recent years as they finally got over the line under the lights at Dunsilly. They produced a polished performance when it mattered most and were unfazed by the occasion. There were fitting Champions on the night and congratulations to their players and coaches alike. Enjoy the celebrations and we wish them every success in their upcoming Ulster campaign.

Teams

O’Donnells:

C Murphy; C Doherty, J O’Donnell, J McKenna; G McKernan (0-01,) S Seawright, K Kennedy; S Thompson, C Walsh, PJ Meenan, F McNerney, J Rafferty; P McKissock (0-03,) C Ferran (0-01,) K Loughran

Substitute scorers: R McAvoy (0-02)

Pearses

N Largey; D O’Neill, C O’Neill, A Bannon; T McFarlane, A McCavana, N Gorman; R Bannon, P Donaghy; P Murray, S Fitzsimmons (0-07,) S Moreland; F Grew (0-04,) L Campbell (0-03,) N O’Cuilin (1-01)

**Pearses centre half back, Aodhan McCavana poses for a photograph with Marty Hill, part of the Pearses management team and Liam Steele** **who won a Senior Football Championship with Pearses in 1968**

October 7, 2022October 7, 2022 by thesaffrongael

Portglenone and Glenravel meet in Intermediate Camogie final

Doherty Woodshavings Antrim Intermediate final

Saturday 1pm in Ballymena:

Geraldine’s Portglenone v Brídíní Óga Glenravel

Glenravel Camogs bid to make it an Intermediate double when they take on Portglenone in Saturday’s Intermediate Camogie final in Ballymena. Having won the Intermediate Football title at the expense of St Gall’s last weekend, what is practically the same line out against the Geraldine’s.

Portglenone have a fantastic record in Antrim Camogie, producing a series of championship winning teams over the years, but recently they have struggled to match the teams in the top division. Last year they made the decision to compete and Intermediate level and though last season it failed to pay dividends, it has been a different story this year. A good win over St John’s in the opening game got them away to a great start and they really hit the heights in the semi-final when they beat a really fancied Tir na nOg team by eight points.

Glenravel caused a shock in the quarter final when they beat Loughgiel, a team that had beaten them regularly in recent years. That win gave them a boost and in the semi-final they accounted for Cargin at Whitehill. That was a real tough battle that could have gone either way, but two late goals from their elusive corner forward Aimee Traynor in the last ten minutes swung it Glenravel’s way.

This is a hard one to call. If Glenravel can produce that form of the last quarter again Cargin then they are in with a good chance, but if Portglenone show the form that got them past Tir na nOg in their semi-final they must be in with a great chance of getting back on the trophy trail.

October 7, 2022October 7, 2022 by thesaffrongael

CPC and St Pat’s Maghera book semi-final spots

Ulster Colleges Year 9 Hurling – McNamee Cup

Cross & Passion College Ballycastle topped the group in Friday’s McNaee blitz at the Dub, a competition which was organised to decide the seedings for the Year 9 Hurling competition which starts in a couple of weeks’ time.

All the teams played five matches, which were 8 minutes each way. CPC won all of their games, beating St Mary’s by 0-3 to 0-2 in the lowest scoring game of the day, before running up a big score against St Louis in their second game. In the north Antrim derby they beat St Killian’s by 1-17 to 1-2, they beat Knock in their penultimate game before getting the better of a very good St Pat’s Maghera by 1-6 to 1-2.

CPC and St Pat’s go straight through to the semi-final while the other four will battle it out in quarter finals to find out who go through to face them in the semis.