Cushendall Ruairi Og turned in an impressive display when to beat Belfast Camogie in the final of the Under 16 Camogie at Feis na nGleann in Dunloy in Friday evening.
Last year’s All Ireland Feile winning team were in unstoppable form against the St Paul’s-Gort na Mona-Sarsfields combination, winning by a big score in the end. Their forward division was unstoppable as they picked off points from all angles, and had the game won a long way out.
Belfast Camogie started promisingly and despite playing up the slope, on the back pitch, they looked dangerous in the early stages, but they came up against a rock solid Ruairi Og defence who were giving nothing away. In Maeve Devlin, Saorlaith Brennan, Orlaith McNulthy, Aimee Ferris and Orlaith Walker they had top class players.
Cushendall had two early points from Amy McAlister and Niamh McNeill, before Eva McNeill got their first goal in the third minutes. Further goals followed from brilliant centre forward Eva McNeill as they raced to a 4-12 to 0-1 half time lead, the Belfast Camogie score coming from Amy Ferris.
The goals kept coming after the change of ends as Cushendall pushed home their advantage, Niamh McNeill grabbing a great goal on the volley while Cliodhna Thompson got one, plus a few superb points. Niamh McNeill added a couple more as the Cushendall girls claimed the silverware in emphatic style.
CUSHENDALL
Laoiseach McNaughton, Cara McNaughton, Maeve McAlister, Laoise McCollam, Erin McNaughton, Laura Black, Naoise McDonnell, Rhianna Black, Erinmae Mitchell, Kady McNeill, Eva McNeill, Tamara Black, Cliodhna Thompson, Niamh McNeill, Amy McAlister
Subs – Niamh McCollam, Maebh Graham, Mia McKeegan, Emma Mitchell, Aibrgam Campbell
BELAST CAMOGIE
Emma Meenan, Cara Harbinson, Deirbhle Killyleagh, Roise Stevenson, Nicole Munse, Maeve Devlin, Kyla McVeigh, Aimee Ferris, Alex Curie, Orla McNulty, Saorlaith Brennan, Cora Pierce, Aoife Rice, Demi McGreevy, Orlaigh Walker
The quarter-final draw for the Tailteann Cup has paired Antrim with old foes Carlow at Corrigan Park this Sunday and it is a game that the Saffrons should win. Carlow have proved to be a difficult opponent for Antrim in the past but the sides haven’t cross swords since 2020 in the NFL Division 4.
In 2018 the sides met at Corrigan Park in a game where Carlow created their own little bit of history by defeating Antrim to secure promotion to division 3 with Laoise, confining Antrim to another year in the basement division.
Carlow’s reign in division 3 lasted only one year and in 2019 they were relegated back to division 4 with Sligo and have remained there since. In 2023 the Leinster minnows won only 2 of their 7 games in division 4 against London and Waterford.
On paper then it looks like a very winnable game for Andy McEntee’s side but Antrim would be well advised not to take the visitors to Corrigan lightly.
Darren Foley turns away after scoring the goal that gave Cartlow promotion back in 2018. Foley is still a prominent member of the Carlow attack and contributed 0-7 in his side’s win over New York
Saturday’s opponents came to Corrigan that day back in 2018 needing a win to gain promotion for the first time in 33 years and in another tight contest they emerged victorious with a late Darragh Foley goal separating the sides at the end and heralding wild scenes of celebration at the final whistle.
Foley is still a prominent player in the Carlow attack and scored 0-7 in their win over New York last weekend to qualify for Sunday’s meeting in Belfast.
Carlow were relegated the following year and have remained in the basement division ever since but Antrim would do well to remember just how tough an opponent the Leinster side have been in the past and will need to be at their best to avoid a potential banana skin.
Carlow lost their first game in the Tailteann Cup Group stages to Limerick but recovered to defeat Longford and Wicklow with themselves and Limerick qualifying with 4 points but Limerick topped the group on the head to head between the two sides.
Antrim won their three games in the group stages with victories over Leitrim at home, Wexford away and a great win last day out against Ulster rivals, Fermanagh in Armagh to qualify automatically for a home quarter final draw.
Cormac McGettigan was given a start against Fermanagh at centre-half and didn’t disappoint
Meanwhile Carlow, as runners up in their group were paired with New York in a preliminary quarter-final at Dr. Cullen Park and eventually emerged as winners but didn’t get it all their own way against the exiles
New York entered the competition at this stage under a previous agreement having played no qualifying games.
They had already enjoyed a historic season having won a Connacht Championship game for the first time when beating Leitrim on penalties.
Carlow were the favourites for this one but weren’t underestimating their American opposition.
And it was New York who started the match the stronger as they caused plenty of problem for a below-par home side.
New York took a two point lead into half-time but they could only then muster another two points in a second half that was dominated by Carlow.
The home side really stepped it up but didn’t take the lead until the 9th minute but were comfortable winners in the end.
Carlow scorer’s v New York
Darragh Foley 0- 7 (5f)
Colm Hulton 0-1
Conor Doyle 0-2
Ciaran Moran 0-1
Jordan Morrisey 0-1
Sean Bambrick 0-1
Conor Crowley 0-2
Marc Jordan and Andy Healey lead the charge against Fermanagh in the final game of the group stages in Armagh
Andy McEntee’s Antrim have undergone a major overhaul since he took over at the start of the season and despite a mixed league campaign there has been a marked improvement since the Tailteann Cup got underway.
The Meath man has introduced a number of youngsters during the Tailteann campaign and all have acquitted themselves well.
Cormac McGettigan started at centre-half against Fermanagh with Glenravel’s Cathal Hynds lining out for the second game in succession at mid-field and Conor Johnston, Eunan Quinn and Oisin Doherty getting game time off the bench.
It is the more experienced players like Michael Byrne, Peter Healey, Marc Jordan, Conor Stewart, Adam Loughran, Paddy McBride, the returning Dermot McAleese and the two Ruairi McCann’s and Dominic McEnhill who have inspired this Tailteann Cup run however and who will be vital if Antrim are to progress to the semi-final come Sunday.
The Aghagallon McCann and his club Colleague, Adam Loughran have come up with important goals throughout the Talteann Cup campaign while Healey has been an inspirational captain. As you can see from our featured image above, Sunday’s lineout will show a lot of changes from that game back in 2018 but Healey is one of the Antrim survivors from that game.veAntrim will be confident going into this weekend’s meeting with an old foe who has presented plenty of problems in the past but if the Saffrons can come close to the levels of performance they displayed against Fermanagh then I would expect them to progress with something to spare.
Gaelfast have named the Year 8 Antrim Cup Hurling All-Stars 2023!! Congratulations to all those who took part in the competitions, were nominated for an All-Star and developed their skills and abilities week in, week out. Going by the talent on show, we re going to be seeing plenty of these players coming through our Player Development pathway via Clubs, Schools and Academies. All our winners and 2 guests will be invited to St Mary’s University to receive their All-Star award and join our celebrations of the Antrim Schools Cup Hurling Year 8 & Year 10 Competitions which will take place on Wednesday 28th June 6.30pm.
With the first phase of divisions one and two completed both divisions will make further progress to determine the winners and the relegation issues.
It was decided during 2022 that change will be made to the division at the end of the current season with two teams relegated from the top division and just the winner from division two enjoying promotion to the top division.
Division two has made the split into section A and B and are progressing to determine the ultimate winner and relegation.
Division three carries on in their usual path with the outright winner in contention for a place in the division 2 in 2024 but there is no relegation issue in this grade.
Division1A
St Mary’s Ahoghill v Kickham’s Creggan (Saturday 12-00pm)
Defending league champions Creggan have struggled to get it together in the early stages of the league but have gained in stride of late.
They are a full six points in arrears of the pace setting Casement’s who top the table and will travel to Clooney in the knowledge that anything less than a full return of the points would make the retention of the hard earned league title almost impossible.
The Ahoghill men have really impressed this term and hold a top four spot in the league table.
Confidence is high at Clooney at the moment, and they may well fancy their chances at gaining another couple of points in this one.
They did gain a spectacular victory last time when a last gasp Noel Crossey thunderbolt secured a full return of the points from a trip to Aghagallon to underline current wellbeing.
A close one looks in prospect but although Creggan will travel as favourites a home win in the circumstances cannot be ruled out.
St Mary’s Aghagallon v Erin’s Own Cargin– 600pm Sunday unless stated
A replay of last year’s senior championship decider in this one as St Mary’s Aghagallon play hosts to the reigning champions Cargin.
The St Mary’s men have impressed thus far in 2023 with the legendary Pete Mc Grath at the helm and their second place berth includes a win over the Cargin men in Toome.
Ronan Devlin’s Erin’s Own have enjoyed a good league run and although they may have eyes fixed on another direction they do remain within touching distance of the Eddie Fitzsimmons trophy.
A good game looks in prospect although both may field under strength but ground advantage may well tip the balance in favour of the St Mary’s men.
Lamh Dhearg v Casement’s Portglenone
Having enjoyed a good season to date John Mc Keever’s Casement’s will travel to Hannahstown for this one leading the way in the division and well in contention for a first ever Division One title.
The Portglenone men enjoy a four point lead over the chasing pack but this does look a tough one and Lamh Dhearg are certain to test their resolve.
The home side took a while to get going this term but they are tough opponents, especially on their own ground.
The Bannsider’s will travel in confidence and they might just edge it and keep their league title dream alive.
Division One B
St Ergnat’s Moneyglass v St John’s
Both Moneyglass and their visitors in this one, St John’s came close to gaining a place in the top six, both concluding with a commendable twelve points, a good place to start as they attempt to remain well above the relegation issue.
This looks like a good game in prospect and will attract a good crowd to the Marian Hill.
Moneyglass finished the first phase in the league programme with a good win at Hightown and if they remain in the same positivity they may well gain the day.
St Enda’s Glengormley v O’ Donovan Rossa – Sunday-6.00pm
St Enda’s struggled in the latter stages of the league and were without the services of their county players in a number of games. Karl McCabe’s charges will be seeking a good start to this second phase.
Their visitors Rossa visit Hightown with the Shaw’s Road side badly in need of points and although a touch inconsistent on occasions, Hugh McGettigan’s men are more than capable when in the mood.
The points at stake will prove valuable in this one and although the home side will give this a real lash an away win for Rossa looks possible.
St Brigid’s v Tir na nOg Randalstown
Another close one in prospect as Tir na nOg travel to Musgrave to meet St Brigid’s in a game that could go either way.
Both sides have 8 points to date and a win for either would certainly ease their relegation worries.
The circumstances will dictate a close, hard fought game is in prospect and ground advantage may sway it the way of St Brigid’s.
Division Two A
All games at 6.00pm
All Saint’s Ballymena v Michael Davitt’s
All Saints led the table all season but fell at home last time out to Glenravel who replace them as league leaders.
Michael Davitt’s have had a good season and took a point off the Ballymena side at Davitt’s Park in phase 1 but All Saints will be hoping to put last week’s defeat behind them and should collect the points
Con Magees look favourites for a return to the top grade as they lead the way in the division and Joe Casssidy’s side will start this one as firm favourites as they play hosts to St Joseph’ Glenavy.
The Chapel Hill residents kept in touch with events at the top and promotion for a time and a win over Glenravel did hint at better but they have lost their way of late and are seven points in arrears of the top.
Glenavy really require a win in this one if they are to retain any hope but Con Magees will start as firm favourites and they should collect the points.
St James Aldergrove v Gort na Mona
The Aldergrove challenge at the top regained impetus last time out when they proved too strong for the visiting St Paul’s and they will look to keep the positivity going in this one as they play hosts to Gort na Mona.
The Gorts are off the pace with the front runners in the race for promotion and although they are capable of better this looks a tough test for the west Belfast side and a home win looks likely.
Division Two B
Kickham’s Ardoyne v St Paul’s – 4.00pm Saturday
Kickham’s Ardoyne have fared well following the ‘split’ and Martin Kane’s charges are well away from the relegation zone and leading the way in the B section.
St Paul’s are out of danger at the minute but struggling to gain impetus and although they will travel across to the north side of the city confidence a home win and another couple of points for the Kickham’s looks probable.
St Patrick’s Lisburn v Patrick Sarsfields
Lisburn based St Patrick’s are struggling to get a first win and they will look for improvement again as the Sarsfield’s men travel to Lisburn.
The Paddies have proved unpredictable in their performances in 2023 but they will travel to Lisburn in a positive mode for this assignment and should return to the Bear Pits with the points gained.
Cuchullian’s Dunloy v St Teresa’s– Sunday -11.00am
Cuchullian’s have struggled to get it together for the season and the reigning Intermediate football champions will play hosts to St Teresa’s in this one seeking late improvement.
St Teresa’s have 11 points from 13 starts and occupy a safe mid table slot and they can add a couple of points from this one.
Division Three
Naomh Comhghall v St Mary’s Rasharkin- 5-00pm Saturday
St. Mary’s Rasharkin continue their relentless push towards the division 3 title
As they travel to Antrim to meet St. Comgall’s. The Antrim town side are usually strong contenders in this division but have not been at their best this season but could provide the Dreen side with a challenge.
St. Mary’s have been unstoppable this year however and should record another win.
St. Agnes v Laochra Loch Lao Sunday-6.00pm
Laochra have shown big improvement this year and should have the edge over St. Agnes in this one though with home advantage the Aggies will not go down without a fight.
Wolfe Tones v O’Donnell’s- 600pm Sunday
O’Donnell’s currently sit in second place in the league table, just a point behind Rasharkin but with a game more played and should keep in touch with the league leaders with a win here.
Pearses v Eire Og–
Third placed Na Piarsaigh should maintain their third place slot with a win over Eire Og who occupy a mid-table spot.
