St Pat’s Maghera and St Mary’s Magherafelt will contest the Year 8 Camogie final for the Davitt Cup in Lavey on Wednesday at 1-30 after the two Derry schools came out on top in Monday’s round robin sessions at Slemish Park Ballymena.
CPC topped the group with St Mary’s in second place, so in the semi-finals St Pat’s played St Louis Ballymena, while St Mary’s took on CPC. With both Derry schools successful it was decided to move Wednesday’s final to Lavey, instead of Ballymena, which had been the original plan.
St Pat’s MagheraSt Mary’s Magherafelt St Louis Ballymena Cross & Passion College, Ballycastle St Killian’s Garron Tower
Brian McKee has been a contributor and a great supporter of the Saffron Gael in recent times. Unfortunately for us Brian is taking a step back to take over a much more important role in local GAA, chairman of the famed Ardoyne Kickhams GAC. Brian has penned a few lines to explain his deep love for GAA, instilled in him by his late father, a dyed in the wool Gael Uladh man, and how his love for Ardoyne developed. We wish him every success in his new role and thank him for all the support he has given us
Saffron Gael
IT’S MY DA’S FAULT
It’s my da’s fault. More or less from the time I could walk he instilled in me a love of all things gaelic. Like the day in 1963 when his beloved Gael Uladh were playing a football match in McCrory Park. We lived in Beechview Park at the time, literally right beside the pitch. The Gaels were short a few players, so he pulled a blue and yellow jersey on me and told me to stand at the corner flag nearest the wall. My mum couldn’t see me on that part of the pitch from our bedroom window. I was four years old. Start them young…
My daddy was a Falls Road man to his core. Lower Falls to be more precise, and yes, there is a difference. However, he was one of those Falls Road men who was lucky enough to fall in love with and be civilised by an Ardoyne woman. While she indulged him those few years of living back on the Falls, she had her own plan of action and it was only a matter of time before we were back home in Ardoyne.
Some things never changed for my daddy though. He was a Ton Street man all his life. Nothing could change that, and coming a very close second to my mum was his other passion in life, Gael Uladh. As a child I loved the closeness of being carried on his shoulders across the West Circular Road on his way to watch his beloved Gaels play in Corrigan or Falls Parks. Under strict instructions not to tell my mum that he was fighting on the sidelines when I got home, it was of course the first thing I spurted out as soon as I got through the door.
At one time Gaels had a clubroom at the top of Broadway opposite the Bee Hive pub. I remember the men with paint brushes and plaster carrying out the renovations. Great GAA men: Harry Spence, Sam Connolly, Big Al Austin, Donal Murphy, the Donnellys, the Wards, the McMahons and so many others. A real family club. This was at a time when players washed in the water trough in McCrory Park after a match and when a hot shower was something that you experienced when it rained in August.
While integrating into the Ardoyne community, my dad never backtracked on his loyalty to the Gaels, even after they folded! Ardoyne players would joke that my daddy refereeing was worth at last 3 points to Ardoyne, but he was Gael Uladh until his dying day. It was fitting that his coffin was adorned with his beloved blue and yellow jersey as he was carried out of Holy Cross Church on the day we said our final farewell.
What has all that to do with accepting the role of Chairperson of Ardoyne Kickhams? No true GAA man or woman would ask that question. It’s in the blood. It’s all about your club, and the club is all about your community and your sense of identity. While I now live in Ballymena, the parish of Holy Cross and the wonderful club that is Ardoyne Kickhams is where my heart is. I have a Falls Road man to thank for that. I know now why he never turned away from his beloved Gaels!
If your commitment to the GAA is reduced to winning championships, then we have robbed it of its soul. If the commitment of the GAA is about focusing on the elite to the detriment of Junior B, then we have robbed it of its soul. We are much more than that. We have the privilege of promoting our Irish culture and games in the hearts of our young people and at the heart of our different communities. We have the privilege and challenge of fostering the identity of our young people and communities in a way that embraces all and excludes none. We have been gifted with the greatest games and culture in the world and our role is to protect and nurture that gift for all.
Such a vision of the GAA is at the heart of Ardoyne Kickhams. Born in 1907, from its very beginnings it had an integral role in the parish community. Our black and white jerseys come from the black and white habit worn by the Passionists priests and brothers. That strong connection is now reflected in some of the jerseys our teams wear this year. The ’30s and ‘40s were good years for our club, especially in senior football and Ardoyne were senior football champions in 1937.
In 1969 we were on the brink of something special happening for our club. We had a very successful senior football team playing in Division 1B. This was alongside a talent filled U16 team who won the South Antrim final, just one week after over 140 homes were destroyed by fire in Ardoyne through 14-16 August 1969. The Troubles that followed saw not only those two teams, but the entire club structure rocked to its very foundations through killings, imprisonment and exile. We lost the use of our home pitch at Ballysillan Playing Fields. I remember the day in August 1970 when loyalists came through the gates and the ensuing battle down the Ardoyne Road back into the district. We never again played a home match until the mid 1980s, but we never failed to field.
Success still came on the field in both hurling, football and camogie but we struggled hard through dark days. Success was intermittent though, and longer term strategic progress and planning was difficult when the community about you was in the midst of a struggle to survive. While days are thankfully brighter now, the legacy is lasting. We are left with the challenge of attracting young people towards Gaelic games against the constant media coverage of soccer and pay per view. We struggle every week to find sufficient pitch allocation against the scandal of no dedicated Gaelic pitches in North Belfast. On a Sunday morning we can have over 6 teams marking out squares on the one pitch available to us, and then only for a few hours.
There is also the positive legacy of a club that has been at the heart of a community scarred by years of conflict. Ardoyne Kickhams now field at least 29 teams, the latest being our U6 camogs. We host Irish language classes and open our handball alley to local schools. After a number of years without a senior hurling team we are back at the table and pushing for success. Camogie is enjoying a revival and attracting young women from across North Belfast. These are positive signs that we are punching above our weight in terms of promoting Gaelic games and culture.
What does the future hold? I hope that Ardoyne Kickhams will be back participating in Scór competitions at all levels; that we not merely continue but positively develop our relationship with the local parish community; that we build upon our success in promoting the Irish language and culture; that we provide opportunities for our young members to participate in international experiences; that gaelic games become a natural choice for young people from Ardoyne and the surrounding community, and that we make the provision of dedicated gaelic pitches a reality in North Belfast. We will only do that though by working together as one club and with the support of the wider GAA community.
Up until recent weeks, Philip McTaggart was holding the reins as Chairperson of the Kickhams. Philip’s work and dedication to suicide prevention following the death of his son Pip is legendary across our community. In recent weeks this dedication has seen Philip evaluate and prioritise his time commitments. He decided that for the benefit of both this work and for our club that he would step away from the role of chairperson. He remains fully committed to the club and we are proud of the great service he offers to our community.
While two weeks ago I would have run a mile from taking on the role of chairperson, I now recognise it as an absolute privilege. An opportunity to give back even a fraction of what I have received from this proud club. Today in this club we stand on the shoulders of giants but we are up for the fight, and say what you want about Ardoyne Kickhams, we could never be accused of shirking a fight, on or off the pitch!
It’s a strange experience writing about a club you belong to with tears in your eyes and a smile on your heart, but that’s the GAA. It gets under your skin until you fall in love with it and then you just have to pass it on to others. If the GAA is not in your heart and if it’s not in your soul, then it’s not in you at all. Ard Eoin Abú! (Sorry daddy – Up the Gaels!)
VERSATILE Emmet’s prospect Colm McKeegan was in a late switch from shot stopper to match-winning score snatcher in this lively North Antrim JHL at The Riggs.
McKeegan was involved in trading places with another Cushendun wannabe, Eoin ‘Cubby’ Magee.
The two Impressive talents combined to cause Con Magee’s maximum confusion in a bizarre ending that may well also claim an unenviable record for a Glenravel defensive reserve.
All the drama was encapsulated in the hectic Emmet’s second session rally, just when it seemed Con Magee’s would hold out to take the result.
Four minutes from time Dominic Sharkey fizzed a shot past Glenravel goalkeeper Adam McAuley, the goal squaring the tie at 3-11 apiece.
At that moment host team sharpshooter ‘Cubby’ Magee sustained a leg muscle problem and limped downfield to swap places with goalkeeper McKeegan.
Magee then stubbed out a Con Magee attack and his lengthy clearance landed almost on top of McKeegan,
Glenravel corner back O’Kane blocked the Emmet’s threat, but illegally stopping McKeegan and Sharkey..
Not only did the visitors present the Emmet’s with a lead point by McKeegan from the resultant 29th minute free but also O’Kane damaged a leg in the process and had to retire .
to make matters worse for the Con Magees men the sub who came on board, but was given marching orders 90 seconds later.
The unfortunate player was instantly involved in blocking some ground scrimmaging, but was deemed to have illegally picked the sliothar off the deck with his hand.
Red mist instantly descended.
The players pulled on the ball on the ground, the missile striking Cushendall referee Conan Brown in the process.
A red card was issued, and from that awarded free, some thirty yards, out mercurial McKeegan clipped in the ball between the posts to seal the a two-points victory.
Con Magee’s players may well look back in anguish.
How did they blew what appeared to become a likely unruffled test.
From as early as the opening minute the sprightly Glenravel gang ran a horse and coaches attack through a mesmerised and alarmingly porous Cushendun defence.
Brian O’Neill clipped a ground shot wide of a post before winger Conor Laverty joined Martin Scullion in a double goal blast.
Home ‘keeper McKeegan was left unprotected, tried to cover the lines by himself as Glenravel raced to a two-goals burst inside sixty seconds by the ninth minute.
With Con Magee’s midfield of Odhran McAleenan and Conor Duffin, who bagged seven points – six from frees, running loose there was clever approach interplay..
While this tie was a level down from the big boys the match-up was fascinating, hugely enjoyable as young players, some relatively untried, tried feverishly to impress.
.Emmet’s endured a sluggish start, but kicked into energetic action when burly John V Morgan cleverly flicked home a rebound in the 25th minute.
Con Magee’s veteran corner forward Martin Scullion (All Ireland winning defender with Loughigel Shamrocks in 2012) again caught the home boys all over the shop to sprint into space and complete an outstanding solo run goal.
Euan McSparran pinched a welcome sniffer’s goal sixty seconds later as the game became more open.
Still. Con Magee’s turned 3-8 to 2-7 ahead.
On reflection, the visiting players had to ponder the perplexing puzzle of having scored merely three points in the second half.
Granted they had Christy Quinn’s point-blank effort saved by McKeegan ten minutes from time.
This incident, in,turn, proved a reversal of fortunes and industry for the sea-siders’ late late show.
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EMMET’S B:-Colm McKeegan; Peter Dunne, Declan McKernan, John Joe O’Connell;
Michael McHugh Andrew Breslin, Paul O’Scollain;
Aidan McSparran and Ryan McCurdy;
Cavin McCormack, Dominic Sharkey, Conor O’Hara;
Eoin Magee John V Morgan, Euan McSparran.
CON MAGEE’S B:-Adam McAuley; Thomas O’ Kane, Sean Burns, Dillon Healy;
Aaron Coulter, Shane Woulahan, Pat O’Neill;
Odrhan McAlenan and Conor Duffin; Conor Laverty, Chrissey Quinn, Conor McAuley; Brian O’Neill, Eoin Butler, Martin Scullion.
Subs used-Chris McCann, Donal McCann. Paul Hughes.
Antrim Division 2 Reserve League at Cushendall (11-05-23)
CUSHENDALL RUAIRI OG 3-18 CUSHENDUN EMMET’S 3-15
By Denis O’Hara
SPRING-HEELED sharpshooter Joe McNaughton masterminded this narrow Antrim Reserve League derby victory for the home side at Cushendall.
The lanky winger plundered 1-13 in an extremely entertaining and competitive clash of the Coast Road young guns.
Anxious to impress their respective senior team bosses it was local rising star McNaughton who set a blistering early pace.
In the evening sunshine of the first half there was a constant cry to – ‘Slip it to Joe’ – who often materialised in open ground to pick off a string of points from play. He was also deadly accurate from placed balls.
The 17-year-old, a grandson of the late Tully sea captain Danny McNaughton, was the major influence for the Ruari Og’s,and given superb support by midfielder Paddy Sharpe and upfront centre men Daire Mort and burly full forward Euan McKillop.
Apprentice electrician McKiilop was not the only bright spark on show as the Emmet’s had their special marksman in Eoin ‘Cubby’ Magee.
Not to be outdone he helped restore pride and purpose in the second session when shifted from corner forward
to a roving loose cannon role around the midfield. Cubby duly obliged with twelve points..
Sedate supervision by laid-back Glenravel referee Ryan O’Reilly kept the showdown to a refreshingly sporting level.
The Emmet’s were made to pay for overly lax marking in the first half to leave acres of room for the home boys, especially McNaughton and turned five points ahead (1-11 to 2-3) at the interval.
The Dall players, comfortably in control, it seemed, looked stunned when young Euan McSparran pickpocketed two goals.
Keeping Cushendun from drifting out of sight amid the early pressure was the singularly impressive wing back Pearse McKeegan, a strong contender for ‘Man of the Match’ accolade with his robust aggression and stinging deliveries.
Another McKeegan, Colm, was also in fine form, this time as goalkeeper.
Normally regarded a lethal corner forward, Colm’s eye-catching saves, including a blinding point-bank stop, used his nimble speed to repeatedly skip through a bunch of attackers and make lengthy clearances.
Ironically, at the other end of the Emmet’s formation was hefty full forward John V Morgan, Garron Tower’s present Colleges All Star hurling goalkeeper.
He had two sizzling shots cleverly turned over the bar by Cushendall ‘keeper Paddy Doherty, and also a hand in the two goals by his cousin Euan McSparran.
Just as the Emmet’s threatened to slice the gap to nothing up popped substitute Rory Sharpe to get the better of Colm McKeegan. four minutes from end.
Another replacement, Matthew McCann and a Joe McNaughton free added points to widen the gap to six points before the dogged determination of Cushendun midfielder Dominic Sharkey paid off through a splendid goal sixty seconds from time.
First half goals from Adam Murray and Terry McCrudden proved decisive as Lámh Dhearg chalked up their fifth victory on the spin with a hard fought 2-05-0-08 win over Aghagallon at Pairc Na nGael on Sunday afternoon.
The hosts were five unbeaten with four wins and a draw from their last reversal at home on April 12th, whilst Lámh Dhearg were hoping to make it five wins on the spin after a slow start to their league campaign.
It was the Hannahstown side that were first off the mark through a floated point from Declan Lynch, though Gareth Magee levelled things up from a converted free.
A foul on Michael Hynds lead to Declan Dunne restoring his sides lead from a free and the red hands would find the game’s opening goal after ten minutes.
Terry McCrudden forced a turnover in his sides defensive third and switched the ball to Michael Hynds to stride forward.
Hynds picked out Carl Maxwell and he in turn found Adam Murray, who weaved his way into a shooting position and saw his deflected effort loop into the net to move his side 1-02-0-01 ahead.
Adam Murray gets his shot away and Declan Dunne watches on as it is deflected into the net
Aghagallon responded midway through the half when Magee slipped the ball to Jamie Lamont to drop a shot over.
Carl Maxwell would restore his sides four-point lead almost instantly, popping over after Declan Dunne’s lay-off on a breakaway attack.
Things got much better for the Lámhs as they hit their second goal of the half on 23 minutes. The visitors showed patience in abundance and continued to keep hold of possession until the right moment when Paddy Mervyn fisted the ball to Terry McCrudden and his scuffed shot found the bottom corner to give his side a 2-03-0-02 lead.
Aghagallon would finish the half with three unanswered points to cut the deficit before the break.
Jamie Lamont doubled his personal tally for the half and converted frees from Hugh Hannon and Gareth Magee ensured their side trailed 2-03-0-05 at the break.
Aghagallon picked up where they left off at the interval as Magee kicked his third free of the afternoon a few minutes after the break.
Declan Dunne and Carl Maxwell then caught the hosts napping and took advnatage when the later swung over his second point of proceedings, from Dunne’s quickly taken free.
The hosts hit back immediately with Eunan Walsh floating a shot between the posts and a further free from Magee had two-points separating the sides with ten-minutes remaining.
Declan Dunne would kick his second free of the afternoon to open up a goal advantage as the game creeped towards it conclusion.
Aghagallon pushed for a goal that would have saw them salvage a share of the spoils in added time.
John Finucane was forced to turn away a goal bound effort and then Eunan Walsh worked an opportunity from the follow-up and his effort rose and struck the large post and came out.
Lámh Dhearg would see through a nervy few minutes to make it five wins in a row and bring to an end Aghagallon’s fine run of late.
Aghagallon: D O’Hagan, A Mulholland, D McAlernon, P Branigan, C Maginnis, J Lamont (0-02), P Gowdy, D Donnelly, J Lenehan, J Hannon, E Walsh (0-01), P Maginnis, E McCartan, G Magee (0-04f), H Hannon (0-01f).
Lámh Dhearg: J Finucane, F Mervyn, M McGarry, P Larkin, D Smyth, D Lynch (0-01), M Hynds, P Mervyn, M McElgunn, C Maxwell (0-02), S McManus, C Murray, T McCrudden (1-00), D Dunne (0-02f), A Murray (1-00).Subs: Ross Murray for F Mervyn (40), K Fay-Kelly for A Murray (44), D Martin for M McElgunn (56), E Stanley for C Maxwell (60+1).
