September 14, 2024September 16, 2024 by thesaffrongael

Fast start and strong finish sees All Saints advance

IFC Group 2

Glenavy 0-11 All Saints 1-12

A fast start and a strong finish saw All Saints advance from this winner-takes-all encounter with St. Joseph’s Glenavy in the final Group 2 game of the Intermediate Football Championship.

Four points separated the sides at the final whistle but Glenavy will reflect on a period in the opening quarter when they shot seven wides with a strong breeze at their backs.

The Ballymena side sat deep and broke at pace to lead by five with only 8 minutes gone with their goal coming from a Sean McVeigh tap in from close range after Matty Downey’s original effort was well saved by Stephen Daly.

The Chapel Hill side began to find their range during the second quarter to out-score the visitors 0-5 to 0-1 and close the gap to the minimum at the halfway stage but with the breeze to face in the second half.

All Saints increased that gap to three early in the second half but the home side kept in touch throughout the second period thanks mainly to the accuracy of Fergal Henry.

They came close to getting back on terms after 18 minutes with Ryan Stewart pushing a Ciaran Loney goal bound attempt over for a point but that was as close as they got as Ronan McKillop 0-2 and substitute Michael McCarry added late scores to usher the visitors into the semi-final.

Sean McVeigh’s finish from close range after 2 minutes and points from Conor Stewart and Paddy McAleer moved All Saints five ahead by the 8^th minute as their fast direct football opened up the home defence.

St. Joseph’s, with a strong breeze at their backs might well have been on terms but some wayward shooting saw them miss a handful of scoring chances that would eventually lead to their downfall.

James McDonnell moved the visitors six ahead after 18 minutes with a great point as he put the finishing touch to a move that began deep in his own half but after that the scores dried up as the Chapel Hill side began to find their range.

**Glenavy’s Conor Hamill passes as Ciaran Campbell and Patrick Ferris, All Saints move in to challenge**

Paddy Gallager and Fergal Henry from a couple of converted frees closed the gap to a goal and a great point from James Gallagher from out on the right and another Henry conversion closed the gap to the minimum at the halfway stage.

Connell Lemon raced through to fist over on the restart and Kavan Keenan added a second to move the Slemish Park side three in front with only two minutes gone with Fergal Henry replying from another free.

Things were starting to move up a notch as Conor Stewart and Paddy McAleer moved All Saints four in front by the 10^th minute but a Fergal Henry converted free and another excellent point from play from the same player left just two in it at the end of the third quarter.

Ronan McKillop replied with a good point to move the Ballymena side three ahead once more but Glenavy might well have been back on terms but Ciaran Loney’s well struck shot was pushed over at the expense of a point by Ryan Stewart.

McKillop for the visitors and Ryan Phillips exchanged further points and Michael McCarry for the visitors and Fintan O’Boyle for the home side did likewise and there was still only two in it with two minutes of normal time remaining.

It was the Ballymena side who would finish on the front foot however as the impressive Ronan McKillop added two late points to ensure that his side would go through to the semi-final where they will meet St. Paul’s in two weeks-time.

In the other semi-final Sarsfield’s will meet St. Teresa’s after the Glen Road men finished their Group 1 campaign with a win over Naomh Padraig in Lisburn to finish second to St. Paul’s in Group 1 on score difference.

St. Joseph’s: 1 Stephen Daly, 2 Ryan Phillips, 3 Patrick Fox, 4 Timmy Honeyford, 5 Liam Henry, 6 Pearse O’Neill, 7 Mathew Lawlor, 8 James Gallagher, 10 Patrick Gallagher, 11 Ciaran Loney, 13 Fergal Henry, 15 Conor Hamill, 17 Malachi Doherty, 20 Michael Fox, 23 Michael Johnston.

Subs: Fintan O’Boyle

All Saints: 1 Ryan Stewart, 2 Michael Read, 3 Cal O’Brien, 5 James McDonnell, 6 Sean O’Callaghan, 7 Patrick Ferris, 8 Sean McVeikgh, 9 Peter McNicholl, 10 Connell Lemon, 13 Emmet Killough, 14 Conor Stewart, 15 Paddy McAleer, 20 Kavan Keenan, 21 Ciaran Campbell, 24 Ronan McKillop

Subs: Joe Rafferty and Michael McCarry

Referee: Colin Thompson (St. John’s)

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September 14, 2024September 14, 2024 by thesaffrongael

Clinical Cargin in cruise control

Antrim SFC (Quarter Final)

Erin’s OwnCargin 2-20 St Mary’s Ahoghill 0-05

Reigning football champions Erin’s Own Cargin advanced to the semi-final stages of this year’s competition with a convincing win over St Mary’s Ahoghill on Friday evening with a performance that suggests that they are well on course to retain the title.

Ronan Devlin’s charges looked at ease and were always in control under the Casement’s floodlights and took an early lead through a Tomas McCann penalty after Michael McCann was upended inside the danger area.

Michael McCann added a point shortly after and it was 19 minutes before James O’Connell finally got the Cloney side off the mark with a fine point.

Cargin continued to look composed as Tomas McCann, Conhuir Johnston, Justin Crozier, and the impressive Jamie Gribbin added to their increasing tally on the scoreboard with the latter on hand to finish to the back of the net nearing the end of the opening period

Sean O’Neill started the move down the left and found Tomas McCann to offload to his brother Michael who placed the advancing Jamie Gribbin to send to the top corner of the net.

St Mary’s were fighting hard to get their own game together and did increase their tally in the latter stages of the half with James O’ Connell delivering a 40 metre free between the posts in the 23^rd minute.

It brought an immediate response from the men in Green with a late point by Conhuir Johnston after another sweeping move and as the half time whistle sounded it looked as good as over with the reigning champions leading 2-10 to 0-03.

There would be no let-up as he second half got under way as the Toome side with a place in the semi-final stages obviously secured, came forward from the throw in and Benen Kelly provided a precise finish which split the posts to increase their advantage.

St Mary’s were not about to give up the ghost despite the situation they faced and Fionnbar O’ Neill placed Ronan Graham’s who’s delivery from away out on the right flank sailed between the posts before James O’ Connell punished an indiscretion with another a couple of minutes later.

Cargin were quick to return fire as James Laverty advanced from the right to fire between the posts and Paul McCann followed with another to extend the champions advantage to 2-13 to 0-05.

At this stage Erin’s Own introduced a couple of replacements with David Johnston coming in for James Laverty and Conan Johnston replacing Jamie Gribbin.

The Toome side continued to press and after a superb catch by the hard grafting Pat Shivers sent Conhuir Johnston away to fire between the posts, Tomas McCann added another with his sibling Michael following suit to move his side 2-16 to 0-05 clear with ten minutes remaining

St Mary’s replaced Seamus McKeever with Harry O’ Donnell just as Michael McCann fired between to posts to add to the Toome men’s lead with Benen Kelly quick to add another.

Substitute Ronan Devlin, who had replaced Paul McCann in the latter stages,

gothis name amongst the scorers with a well delivered 55^th minute point with fellow replacement David Johnston following suit.

The score of the game fell to Conhuir Johnston as he delivered between the posts in the last minute to ensure a place in the semi-finals for the reigning champions and serve notice that whoever seeks to replace them at the summit will have to earn that reward.

Cargin: John Mc Nabb, Kevin O’ Boyle, Kevin Mc Shane, Benen Kelly (0-02), Justin Crozier (0-01), Paul Mc Cann (0-01), Sean O’ Neill, Gerard Mc Cann, Pat Shivers (0-010, Tom Shivers, Jamie Gribbin (1-02), Conhuir Johnston (0-04), Michael Mc Cann (0-03), Tomas Mc Cann (1-04)

Subs:

Conan Johnston (0-01)

Conan Devlin (0-01)

David Johnston (0-01)

Callum Gribbin

Ahoghill: Noel Crossey, Seamus Mc Keever, James (Bobby) Magee, Donal Graham, Fionnbar O’ Neill, Tom Mc Glone, Patrick Graham, Conor Crossey, James O’ Connell (0-02), Eamon Brady, Donal Graham (0-02), Patrick Graham, Ronan Graham (0-01)

Subs

Ger Graham

Aodhan Graham

Shea Neeson

Harry O’ Donnell

Referee: C Mc Donald (St Gall’s)

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September 13, 2024September 13, 2024 by thesaffrongael

Con Magee Gaels win U16C title

Under 16C Football Final

Con Magee Gaels 4-09 St Mary’s Rasharkin 0-07

Con Magee Gaels won the Under 16 C Football Championship when they beat Rasharkin by 4-09 to 0-07 at Slemish Park, Ballymena on Thursday evening. On top from the early stages goal from Daire Higgins and Niall McKeown helped the Gaels to a 2-07 to 0-3 half time lead, Shea McFerran and Liam Kearney showing well for Rasharkin.

McFerran and Kearney pulled a couple back for Rasharkin in the early stages of the second half but Con Magee Gaels got back on top again and after a point from a Niall McKeown free corner forward Ben Duncan got in at the back post for his team’s third goal and when full forward Christopher Leech added a fourth there was no way back for Rasharkin

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September 12, 2024September 13, 2024 by thesaffrongael

Casements stage great comeback to claim the title

U16A Football Final

Casement’s 1-16 Naomh Brid 2-11

Casement’s Portglenone produced the comeback of all comebacks at Dunsilly on Thursday night to overcome the challenge of St. Brigid’s and claim the Antrim U16A title.

Trailing by three early in the second half, all hell broke loose with players from both sides involved in an unseemly confrontation and when the dust had settled the Portglenone side had two players dismissed by referee, Joe McCavana.

It would have proved a setback that most sides could not have contemplated but the young Casement’s quite simply refused to surrender and they produced a performance right out of the ‘Roy of the Rovers’ book to reel in the Musgrave Park side.

The game itself, despite the flare up was a great advert for Gaelic football and it was the Bannsiders who made the early running with Odhran Doherty pointing them ahead from a free and James McVeigh and Doherty again moved them three clear before Michael McCann got St. Brigid’s going with a good point in the 8^th minute.

That score seemed to settle the South Belfast side and two minutes later they took the lead when Joseph Logan finished to the net from close range following a pass across the face of the square from Peter Molloy.

**St. Brigid’s Joseph Logan (14) fires home the game’s opening goal as Michael McCann (13) celebrates**

Undeterred, Portglenone resumed control and led by the superb Odhran Doherty they came back strongly with Doherty hitting two on the bounce and Conor McKeever and Christy McDonnell moving Them three in front by the 19^th minute.

Towering mid-fielder, Liam Carson replied with a superb long range point with Christy McDonnell responding with an excellent effort at the other end but the last two scores of the half fell to the Musgrave side as Carson and Joseph Logan split the posts.

That left just one between the sides at the interval and Naomh Brid would probably have reflected on a couple of goal chances that went a begging but they made quick amends on the restart with Rhys Bray firing home their second goal after 30 seconds.

Conor McKeever, who impressed throughout the hour pulled one back with a point but Michael McCann responded with two at the other end to move the Belfast side three in front with only 4 minutes of the second half gone.

Odhran Doherty and Joseph Logan exchanged further points to keep the gap at three before things boiled over after the South West side felt they should have had a free that was awarded against them.

The intervention of mentors and officials quickly brought matters to a conclusion but when play resumed the young Bannsiders had been reduced to 13 men and faced a mountain to climb.

The superb Doherty reduced the gap to two with a great point but when substitute, Cian Graham and Michael McCann replied with points at the other end it looked as good as over.

Casement’s had other ideas however as they set up deep and broke with great efficiency and Odhran Doherty, Christy McDonnell and Doherty again pointed and when Tom Convery palmed a tantalising cross from Conor Burns to the net Dunsilly erupted.

There was still five minutes of time remaining as James McVeigh blasted over at the other end when he might have had a goal but it was fitting that the final two points of the evening would fall to the superb Doherty as he ushered the young ‘Ports’ over the finishing line.

There were scenes of wild celebration at the final whistle as the large Portglenone support rushed onto the field to embrace their heroes.

They had just witnessed a quite superb game of football in which both sides played their part but the character and resolve of the winners was the difference in the end.

**County officer, Terry RFeilly presents the U16A Championship cup to Casement’s captain, Odhran Doherty**

Casement’s: 1 Eoghan Smith, 2 Cillian McDonnell, 3 Conall Morgan, 4 Cillian McKenna, 5 Thomas Douthart, 6 Christy McDonnell, 7 Tom Duffin, 8 Odhran Doherty, 9 Rory O’Kane, 10 Eoghan McErlean, 11 Tom Convery, 12 Conor Burns, 13 Frank McAleese, 14 James McVeigh, 15 Conor McKeever.

Subs: 17 Oisin Convery, 18 Thomas Kearney, 19 Ronan McAleer, 20 Phelim McCloskey, 21 Patrick O’Boyle Jnr., 22 John O’Boyle, 24 Tom Burns, 25 Jack Kearney.

St. Brigid’s: 1 Eoghan McCrory, 2 Edward Graham, 3 Fionn McCann, 4 Jack Heatherington, 5 Padraic O’Connor, 6 Conor Friel, 7 Ronan Taylor, 8 Peter Molloy, 9 Liam Carson, 10 Conor Hanna, 11 Rhys Bray, 12 Conaill Taggart, 13 Michael McCann, 14 Joseph Logan, 15 Johnny Higgins.

Subs: 16 Daire Mullan, 17 Conor Graham, 18 Harry Sproule, 19 Rory Conway, 20 Aaron McHenry, 21 Cian Graham, 22 Seagh McEwan, 23 Ethan Ervine, 24 Thomas Vincent

Referee: Joe McCavana (Naomh Comhghall)

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September 12, 2024September 12, 2024 by thesaffrongael

Ard na Rí shock the Shamrocks to book final place

Under 16A Hurling semi-final

Ard na Rí 2-12 Na Seamroga 1-9

A huge crowd filed on to the banks of Milltown Row on Tuesday evening as favourites Loughiel locked horns with the home side Ard na Rí in a battle for a place in the u16 Antrim hurling championship final. And they would not be disappointed

The Shamrocks came into the championship on the back of a strong league finish with wins over Glenariffe and Cushendall to sit top of the table, followed up by a 21 point dismissal of Sarsfields in the quarter final of the championship. But it was Ard na Ri’s outstanding performance in defeating St Pauls in their quarter final which had many neutrals in attendance at St Galls.

And it was the underdogs who took up where they left off the week before by producing a defensive masterclass in shutting out an extremely talented Shamrocks forward line led by Domhnall McKay.

The game set off at a high pace but both sides were guilty of nervous shooting resulting in some uncharacteristic wides before Fionn McCann settled the home side with a well worked and superbly finished point from play in the seventh minute. Odhran Bellew was off target with two long range frees into a difficult breeze before Dylan O Boyle, with the wind at his back, sent in a long range free which was completely lost by the Ard na Rí full back line and sailed straight into Fionn Smith’s net. Sensing a shift in momentum, the Loughiel men were immediately on the attack from the puck out but Cian Higgins shot tailed wide before another effort on goal was created. This time, Fionn Smith made up for the earlier goal by producing a great save and a composed clearance to halt the onslaught.

That was as good as it would get for the Shamrocks as Ollie Bellew’s side hit four unanswered points from play from Ronan Taylor, Conall Dempsey and two from Padraig Kelly.

Eunan Johnston of Loughgiel clears the danger area. Pictuyre Mark Marlow

The battle between Odhran Bellew and Loughiel sharpshooter McKay was proper championship stuff with the Loughiel man the focal point of their puck out. It was McKay who kept his side in touching distance with a well taken point from play in the 24th minute. The game then lifted in intensity yet again. But it was the home side who answered in style. Still hurling into a strong breeze, Pody Kelly clipped over two more frees before Fionn McCann and Conall Dempsey had the home support rocking with two more from play. Collie Thompson’s short whistle signalled the end of a relentless half of hurling and both sides heading off to a great reception from their fans.

Loughiel certainly lit the touch paper in the second half with the dominant and hard running Eunan Johnson driving at the Ard na Ri defence at every opportunity. But with Seagh McEwan and Cairbre Adams marshalling Cian Higgins and Caolan McCollum, Barra Bellew and Aaron Flynn were able to turn over the Loughiel attack at every opportunity – credit must go to both sides for their excellence in the tackle with an unusually high amount of turnovers and dispossessions. And it was from one of those turnovers after a high Loughiel press that Dan Murray delivered a long-range clearance to the tireless Dempsey who took on the Shamrocks defence to grab a goal in the fourth minute of the half.

In the 9^th minute, Ard na Rí introduced Laim Finnegan and he popped over a point from play with his first touch. With the game lifting again in intensity, Johnson was pushed further upfield and forced Ard na Rí to double their efforts in defence, such was the talent of the centre half back. But it was Ard na Rí who would deliver another blow as super-sub Finnegan pounced on a breaking ball and found the Loughgiel net. Kelly added a pointed free before Ronan Taylor raised the white flag from play. Kelly would add another from play as the home side began to take control once again. To their credit, the Shamrocks did not lie down and when Caolan McCollum sent over a point in the 19^th minute the men in red were still throwing everything at the Ard na Ri defence.

As the light began to drop, Collie Thompson brought an end to the game to great celebrations on the Milltown Hill. Two teams gave their all and both were gracious and sporting in defeat and victory.