Month / August 2024

by thesaffrongael

Glenavy withstand late rally to take the points

IFC Group 2

Davitt’s 2-5 Glenavy 0-12

St. Joseph’s Glenavy were forced to withstand a late rally from Michael Davitt’s to get their IFC Group 2 campaign up and running with a hard earned win at Davitt’s Park on Saturday evening.

The Chapel Hillside made a bright start in their opening game of the campaign as they raced into a 0-4 to 0-0 lead by the 10th minute with Patrick Gallagher, Fergal Henry, James Gallagher and Liam Henry on target.

Anthony Rowntree finally got the home side off the mark with a point in the 14th minute but Fergal Henry replied immediately with a point at the other end to restore the visitors four point advantage.

The Gallagher brothers, Patrick and James were giving St. Joseph’s a strong platform at mid-field but Davitt’s were starting to get a foothold and Gerard Slane pointed a free before Nathan Maginn closed the gap to two with a point in the 23d minute.

Finn Shannon moved the Chapel Hill side three ahead with four minutes remaining to the break and they looked to be taking control again but right from the kick-out play was transferred to the other end and Gerard Slane finished to the Glenavy net to tie the contest.

The visitors would finish the half on the front foot however with Patrick Gallagher replying with a late point to leave it 0-7 to 1-3 at the break and all still to play for in the second half.

Glenavy introduced Ciaran Loney to the fray at the start of the second half and ace marksman Fergal Henry extended their lead to two with a point in the 7th minute before Davitt’s stand in keeper, Liam McGivern pulled off an excellent save as the visitors threatened to take control.

Henry again, substitute Dominic Gallagher and two more from the impressive Henry looked to have put the contest out of Davitt’s reach with 7 minutes of normal time remaining but there would be a few anxious moments to endure for the Glenavy faithful.

Despite losing a player to a Black card Davitt’s kept battling to the end with C J Sullivan replying immediately with a point and when Anthony Rowntree fired to the net, two minutes later the fat was back in the fire.

Gerard Slane pointed a 28th minute free to leave just one in it and the momentum was with the men from Davitt’s Park but that would be as close as they would get as Glenavy held on to get their first win in Group 2

Sarsfield’s lead the group with two wins from two starts and look the team to beat at this stage while Glenavy join All Saints on 2 points, both having played one game each.

All Saints travel to Sarsfields for their next game in two weeks-time while Glenavy look to have the easier finish to their campaign with both All Saints and Davitt’s travelling to Chapel Hill.

Davitt’s: 1 Liam McGivern, 2 Caoimhin Rainey, 3 Paul McKinney, 4 Conor Toner, 5 Jack Scally, 6 Anthony Hargan, 7 Odhran O’Kane, 8 Michael Connolly, 9 Niall McParland, 11 Gerard Slane, 13 Nathan Maginn, 14 Anthony Rowntree, 15 Jay Maguire, 17 Marcas Toner,

Subs: 19 Jason Parke, 10 CJ Sullivan

Glenavy: 1 Stephen Daly, 2 Liam Henry, 3 Timmy Honeyford, 4 Rian Phillips, 5 Patrick Fox, 6 Pearse O’Neill, 7 Matthew Lawlor, 8 James Gallagher, 9 Patrick Gallagher, 10 Se O’Neill, 11 Fergal Henry, 12 Malachy Doherty, 13 Finn Shannon, 14 Liam Henry,15 Conor Hamill,

Subs: Ciaran Loney, Dominic Gallagher.

Referee:

FOR MORE BERT TROWLEN PICS FROM THIS GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

https://myalbum.com/album/dtbR7XAVAWQNvT/?invite=1b9aaa77-f831-4591-aeef-2a0ede665293

by thesaffrongael

Carey stars in Glenravel win

Division 2A Minor Camogie

A hat-trick of goals in each half from Sorcha Carey secured the Minor Division 2A camogie title for Brídíní Óga Glenravel in their final league game in Toome on Friday evening.

Both teams fielded short of full strength due to holidays. Nevertheless they served up an entertaining hour’s camogie with the unbeaten Glenravel side generally in control despite the best efforts of Róisín Quinn and Amy Johnston at the back for Cargin.

The winners’ defence was solid throughout with the half-back line of Lucia McQuillan and youngsters Ceoline McKeown and Dana McKenna clearing well while the excellent Orlaith Gould covered every blade of grass. Up front top-scorer Sorcha Carey was well supported by captain Anna O’Kane.

The captain got the scoring started with a point, but Cáitríona Fagan hit back for the home side. Two goals inside 60 seconds from Sorcha Carey however opened a gap. The Cargin defence though stepped up for the next ten minutes to prevent any more scores while captain Emer McErlean forced home a goal from close range at the other end.

That score however seemed to rouse Brídíní Óga once more and Carey quickly completed her hat-trick and tagged on a point. Although Caoimhe McErleaen responded with a Cargin point, a goal from Anna O’Kane and late points from Orlaith goal and Sorcha Carey meant that Glenravel turned around with a 4-5 to 1-2 lead.

Points from Cathy Craig and Caitriona Fagan on the re-start reduced the deficit, but Carey, now operating at full-forward, turned her marker and buried her fourth goal.

Midway through the second half Caoimhe McCann forced home a sixth goal for Brídíní Óga before Caoimhe McErlean hit back with a goal direct from a 35m free. But Sorcha Carey was causing all sorts of problems at the other end and got in for another goal before Emer McErlean hit back with an excellent strike off her left at the other end. However Carey brought her individual total to an excellent six goals and five points with the final score of the day.

The minor championship is next on the agenda and Brídíní Óga move up to the Minor A grade. They host Ahoghill next Friday evening while Cargin get their defence of the B title under way with a home quarter-final tie against Rossa also on Friday.

Brídíní Óga: Catherine Irvine, Emma McKeown, Emer McCann, Hannah McDonnell, Ceoline McKeown, Lucia McQuillan, Dana McKenna, Orlaith Gould 0-2, Katie McDonnell, Sorcha Carey 6-5, 0-1 free, Anna O’Kane captain 1-2, Ashley Anderson, Cainah Stephens, Emer Donnelly, Caoimhe McCann 1-0.

Subs: Orlaith McDonnell for C Stephens, Clara O’Neill 0-1 for A Anderson, Lára McDonnell for C McCann

Cargin scorers: Emer McErlean 2-0, Caoimhe McErlean 1-1, 1-0 free, Cáitríona Fagan 0-2, Cathy Craig 0-1.

Referee: Paul O’Neill (Creggan)

FOR MORE PHOTOS FROM THE CELEBRATIONS CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

https://myalbum.com/album/7mZdNTKEWh8m8i/?invite=08e810a2-3e98-4bec-bd18-9dd43b626e20

by thesaffrongael

“Loughgiel’s Social Camogie entertains and delivers on its goals”

Ulster Camogie and Loughgiel Shamrocks’ Social Camogie 2nd August 2024

Report and photos from Michael Corcoran at Fr. Healy Park, Loughgiel.

We watched the weather forecast with bated breath ahead of Friday night’s Social Camogie blitz from Ulster Camogie and Loughgiel Shamrocks, as an arm of wet weather swept across the entire province. Predications from the usual outlets suggested a playable window for the evening and true to their word, the sun came out on the stroke of 7pm, so that the players could warm up comfortably ahead of the first throw in at 7:30pm. There’s nothing like a blue-sky to lift spirits for an outdoor event.

The key to success for these events revolves around the weather, planning, volunteering and adoption of the rules and spirit by everyone. The basic concept behind social camogie is to enjoy yourself whilst engaged in some physical activity amongst friends. All of these elements were in abundance and much more.

With a wide acceptance of the invitation from Rossa – Magherafelt, Rossa – Belfast, Ballinderry, St. Paul’s, Tattyreagh, Swatragh and two teams from the host club as Loughgiel 1 & 2. Match rules were simple; supply a seven aside squad with unlimited substitution, 12 minutes straight down one half of a shortened pitch, puck outs from the goal line and no scoring from that puck out, helmets, boots and off you go! Our match referees coordinated the games in conjunction with Justin McCormick on the megaphone. The last match of the night between Loughgiel 1 and 2, witnessed a rare sight as ‘Roar-in’ (Ronan) McCloskey took to the pitch to referee in a dinosaur’s outfit. Not entirely sure we’ll see that catch on in Croke Park though.

‘Some of the players might be a bit rusty but none of the skills are dusty’ was a shout from the sidelines! There weren’t any scores taken, only a recognition that points and goals were scored, so our Fridge Raider scoreboard looked on in silence. With no overall winner except the spirit of the event, everyone wrapped up on time to enjoy supper and music in the Pound Bar & Lounge afterwards.

The evening finished with the award of three novelty awards, ‘funniest moment’, which went to St. Paul’s for smashing the team seat into two during a squad photo (sorry no photos, as the legs went up, vanity went out the window), ‘Couldn’t have missed but did!’ and ‘Spent most of the night on her posterior’. We’ll let you guess the last two winners from the photo album of last night’s event, which you’ll find by clicking on the link below.

You can expand the photos by clicking on it, view the album as a book or web pages, download any photo you like and order the entire album online if you wish.

https://myalbum.com/album/fgUNBZ3YxmHXzG/?invite=5e8fec35-424a-4071-9eef-61d39e800f5c

Follow Michael G Corcoran @keep_clickin on X (formerly Twitter) for match Gifs when available.

Follow The Saffron Gael @TheSaffronGael on X for links to hurling and camogie match reports.

by thesaffrongael

Lámhs join Dunloy at the summit of Group 1

Northern Switchgear Antrim Senior Football Championship, Group 1

Lámh Dhearg 2-24-0-05 Naomh Eanna

Kevin Herron reports from Hannahstown

Lámh Dhearg joined Dunloy at the summit of group 1 in the Antrim Senior Football Championship after defeating Naomh Eanna in their opening round clash at Hannahstown on Saturday evening.

It is the third time that the duo have been drawn together in the same group in recent years with both sides registering a victory in their double meeting in 2021 and drawing last year’s encounter on the hill.

Visitors St Enda’s travelled to Hannahstown without the services of Peter Healy, Fionn Nagle and Odhran Eastwood amongst others.

The hosts came flying from the traps with Marc Jordan popping over the opener after a trademark burst from deep, Conor Murray doubled the lead moments later and Paddy Cunningham dropping over from a fine Declan Lynch switch.

Murray added to his personal tally with an angled point and Cunningham converted his first free of the evening in the aftermath.

A goal almost arrived a quarter of an hour in, Declan Smith floated a high ball that Conor Murray got a fist to- but his goal-bound attempt crashed off the underside of the bar and was scrambled clear.

Defence turned to attack for St Enda’s, and they kicked their first score of the half through a Sean McBride shot that dropped over.

A foul on Paddy Cunningham afforded the lethal free-taker the chance to restore the hosts five-point advantage and he obliged.

Their lead was extended when Declan Smith and Ben Rice kicked nice points, Paddy Cunningham added his third from the placed ball and Conor Murray held off his man and shot over on the turn under pressure to open up a 0-10-0-01 lead.

More would follow before the break with Cunningham adding another point from a free and his second from play, Conor Murray notched his first free and Declan Smith conjured up a second point of the half.

Sean McBride would convert a close-range free in between times, but his side faced an uphill task at the break, trailing 0-14-0-02.

Despite playing against the elements in the second period, Lámh Dhearg picked up where they left off.

Paddy Cunningham swung over his third from play, Marc Jordan blasted over, and Daniel Murray clipped over after a turnover.

The opening goal arrived on the 37th minute after Pearse Fitzsimons broke the kick-out and let Marc Jordan take up the reins.

Jordan bore down on goal and saw his low shot parried by Sean Nagle, and Fitzsimons scrambled the loose ball home to make it 1-17-0-02.

St Enda’s talisman McBride curled over a fantastic point in reply only for Marc Jordan to double his account.

The visitors should have found a goal of their own after breaching the Lámhs defensive rear-guard, though Gerard Smyth spread himself well and denied Odhran McKenna.

To their credit, St Enda’s didn’t let the heads drop and they kicked successive points for the first time in the aftermath of a third Declan Smith point.

Sean McBride took his tally for four with a second converted free before Conor Maxwell laid the ball into the path of Tomas Gilmour to swing over.

Lámh Dhearg would finish strongly as Ben Rice fisted over, substitute Callum Fegan took an offload and kicked his first point and Declan Lynch found range.

Their work-rate didn’t stop as Eoin Matassa forced a turnover high up field and shot over and a second goal arrived with little over 60-seconds of regulation time to go.

Marc Jordan linked up with Callum Fegan, ran towards goal and slotted to the bottom corner to make it 2-23-0-05.

Substitute Ciaran Boyd would finish the scoring for the evening as the hosts got off the mark at the first time of asking.

The Lámhs will hope to make it two from two when they make the short trip to Crumlin in little under two-week’s time, while St Enda’s will hope to get back on track on home soil against Dunloy.

FOR MORE PICS FROM KEVIN HERRON FROM THIS GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

https://myalbum.com/album/S92dF2Es3Pk77z/?invite=fce9be01-f465-4093-b319-412df4ab3fae

LÁMH DHEARG: G Smyth, B Rice (0-02), M McGarry, R Murray, E McKeown, D Lynch (0-01), D Smith (0-03), P Fitzsimons (1-00), M Jordan (1-03), D Murray, S McManus, E Matassa (0-01), P Cunningham (0-07, 0-04f), C Murray (0-05, 0-01f), T McCrudden. Subs: F Mervyn for R Murray (28), C Fegan (0-01) for P Cunningham (44), D Martin for D Murray (44), C Boyd (0-01) for S McManus (49), M Lowe for E McKeown (52).

NAOMH EANNA: S Nagle, E O’Hare, D McNulty, C McKeown, R Hamilton, C Lyttle, N Heatley, C Maxwell, S Murray, F O’Connor, T Gilmour (0-01), C Morgan, S McBride (0-04, 0-02f), L Murray, R Kelly. Subs: O McKenna for F O’Connor (27), C McCabe for C Maxwell (46), A McCann for T Gilmour (49).

REFEREE: Darren McKeown (NAOMH GALL)

by thesaffrongael

Rasharkin have comfortable win over a spirited Ardoyne

Intermediate Football Championship

Ardoyne 0-10 Rasharkin 1-13

An afternoon of road blocks, traffic jams and a sense of unease saw a stop – start game between Ardoyne Kickhams and St Mary’s Rasharkin in the IFC at Fennell Park on Saturday.

Rasharkin will have been happy to leave with a six point victory, but the number of missed opportunities and wayward shooting will give them plenty to work on before their next game in the championship. Ardoyne, while losers on the day, will be encouraged by another spirited performance from a young and inexperienced team.

It was the Northenders who were first on the scoreboard with an opening 65 from Cormac Mullan. This was followed up by a strong run from Aran Stewart out of the heart of defence to slot the ball over the bar to give Ardoyne a two point lead.

Eamonn McNeill steadied the ship for Rasharkin with a strong drive through the Ardoyne defence and fired the ball over for the first of his six points of the afternoon.

Joe Gibson has been showing well for Ardoyne recently and he showed his potential with a beautiful point floated over from near the sideline. This saw a spirited response from Rasharkin with two points put on the scoreboard before a great piece of interplay saw them cut through the Ardoyne defence before man of the match Brian Og O’Neill found the net for the only goal of the game.

Ardoyne were more than holding their own despite falling behind and at the half-time whistle were only two points behind.

Half-time: Ardoyne 0-06 Rasharkin 1-05

The second half saw Rasharkin stamp their authority on the game with six points on the trot before Ardoyne managed to raise the white flag for their first point of the half.

Brian Og O’Neill was having a great afternoon in the forward line before a bad landing saw him being stretchered off after 20 minutes of the second half. His injury seemed to put a dampener on Rasharkin’s performance with Ardoyne putting up stiff resistance with 3 points in a row. Rasharkin eventually got their game together again and pulled away to secure a 6 point win.

Rasharkin will be hoping to improve on this performance as the championship progresses. Ardoyne, while still without a win this season, will be greatly encouraged by their recent improvement in form and the potential shown by the younger members of their team.

Ardoyne: Tiernan Hughes, Aran Stewart 0-1, Conor Magee, Oisin Hickey, Eoghan Corrigan 0-1, Pearse Marley, Joe Gibson 0-1, Gary McKernan 0-1, Keelan McCallan, Cormac Mullan 0-5 (4f), Odhran Mullan, Odhran McKee 0-1, Padraig McGreevey, Paddy Heaney, Fiontan Lagan, Ethan Magill, Daniel Moore, Padraig O’Deorain, Rian McGranaghan, Aodhan Quigg

Rasharkin: Cathair Henderson, Pearce Kelly, Emmet McFerran, Liam Quigg, Pearse McTeague 0-1, Seamus Ellis, Fergus Quigg, Ruairi O’Boyle 0-2(1f), Shane Hasson, Colm Kennedy, Eamonn O’Neill 0-6 (1f), Donagh Quigg, Tiernan O’Boyle 0-1, Brian Og O’Neill 1-3, Ferghal Kennedy, Killian O’Boyle, Ryan Lynch, Oisin Casey

Referee:

FOR MORE PICS BY BRIAN McKEE CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

https://myalbum.com/album/fEBUErZSfNwFJE