Month / September 2024

by thesaffrongael

Naomh Eanna make history with final win over Ard na Rí

Antrim Under 16 A Hurling final

Naomh Eanna 1-16 Ard na Rí 1-14

A great second half fightback by Naomh Eanna saw the Hightown outfit get the better of Belfast rivals Ard na Rí in Tuesday evening’s Under 16A Hurling final at Dunsilly, and in doing so made a bit of history for the club by winning their first ever A competition in hurling.

In a great game of hurling both teams gave their all, in what was the first all Belfast juvenile final in a long time, competitions which are normally dominated by north Antrim sides. Last season St Enda’s were well beaten by Dunloy at the same stage, but they bounced back this time, gaining revenge against the Cuchullains in last week’s semi-final, before going on to take the title this time around.

For most of the first half it looked like Ard na Rí would be collecting the silverware after five points in a row put them six clear nearing half time. However St Enda’s got the break they needed just before the break when a long ball from midfield confused the Ard na Rí defence and ended up in the net, meaning there was just three between the sides at the change of ends.  

St Enda’s took control of the game right from the restart, hitting eight of the next nine points to move well clear. However Ard na Rí made a late bid to save the game but despite a late goal Naomh Eanna held on to take the title

Ard na Rí got off to a great start and a point from full forward Conail Dempsey and two from the stylish Padraig Kelly had them 0-03 to 0-01 up after eight minutes, the St Enda’s score coming from Christopher Roberts. Despite shooting a few bad wides Naomh Eanna began to settle and points from Aaron Quinn and Shea Bell brought them level, but Ard na Rí got back on top and five points on the trot, three from Kelly, and one apiece from Ronan Taylor and Fionn McCann gave them a five point lead, Kelly really catching the eye with some excellent finishes.

The gap was out to seven nearing half time when St Enda’s got the break they needed when a long delivery by centre back Aaron Quinn ended in the back of the Ard na Rí net, though Odhran Bellew replied for Ard na Rí with a point from play to put his team three clear at the short whistle. (1-04 to 0-10)

The smart money would probably still have been on Ard na Rí as the second half got underway, but Naomh Eanna were a transformed side and they flew from the traps with two points each from Darragh Quinn and Shea Bell plus one from Cormac McCann to move ahead. Kelly pulled one back for Ard na Rí but Naomh Eanna pushed on again and appeared to be cruising to victory. However their fans had to endure a few nervous minutes before that victory was secure as an Ard na Rí substitute grabbed a late goal. With just two points between them it was nerve-racking for both sets of fans, but that was as close as they got and final whistle sounded to spark scenes of great celebrations for Naomh Eanna

County treasurer Angela Callin presents the Under 16A Hurling trophy to Naomh Eanna captain James McAlister after his team’s over Ard na Rí in Tuesday evening’s final at Dunsilly

Naomh Eanna’s Harry Feeney and Christopher Roberts celebrate their team’s win. Pic by Aaron Alatas

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by thesaffrongael

St Galls stave off relegation fears with win over Naomh Eanna

Northern Switchgear Antrim SFC, Relegation Play-off

St Galls 4-18-2-09 Naomh Eanna

Kevin Herron reports from Hannahstown

ST GALLS ensured that they would continue to ply their trade in the Senior Football Championship in 2025 with a 4-18-2-09 win over Naomh Eanna in the relegation play-off semi-final at Hannahstown on Sunday afternoon.

It was St Galls who hit the front on a breezy afternoon on the hill with Brendan Bradley swinging over after several missed attempts early on.

The opening goal arrived after four minutes, James McAuley claimed an advanced mark and laid the ball off the shoulder to the advancing Eoghan O’Hare- who rifled past Chris Kerr in the St Galls goal.

Their opening point would arrive in the form of a Odhran McKenna effort that sailed over, but a foul on Niall O’Neill allowed Niall Burns to hit back.

Further points were traded with Ronan O’Neill producing an outstanding point from range, only for Burns to hit back from the placed ball.

Burns clipped over his first from play and he then assisted in his side restoring parity, sending a quick free into the path of Brendan Bradley to double his account for the half.

St Enda’s regained the lead with their second goal on the 19th minute thanks to a stunning finish from Stephen O’Connor.

It was a lead they would relinquish quickly however as St Galls hit back at the other end, Seanan Nagle kept out Niall O’Neill’s initial and Ruairi Wilson swooped from close range to make it 2-02-1-05.

A third Niall Burns free had St Galls back in the driving seat- though Stephen O’Connor pointed from a free in response.

The fourth goal of the game would arrive before the break and fell to St Galls after an intelligent flowing move that saw Conn Doherty palm home from close range and make it 2-06-2-03.

Points were traded between Brendan Bradley and Odhran McKenna in the aftermath of Doherty’s goal and it was St Galls who would extend their lead prior to the half time whistle with Daniel Quinn steering over to give his side a 2-08-2-04 advantage at halfway.

St Enda’s narrowed the deficit three minutes after the restart as Stephen O’Connor dropped a high shot over in the wind, but Niall O’Neill swung over at the other end after linking up with Marcus Donnelly.

A third goal almost arrived for St Galls, but Conn Doherty flashed a shot inches over the bar following a neat move involving veterans Aodhan Gallagher and Michael Pollock.

The Milltown outfit were moving through the gears as Niall Burns kicked his fourth free of the afternoon, Daniel Quinn produced a fine point and goal-scorer Conn Doherty dropped a shot inside the posts to open up an eight-point gap (2-13-2-05).

Sean McBride powered forward and produced a much-needed score to briefly halt St Galls momentum and the sides then traded points through Michael Pollock and Stephen O’Connor in the aftermath.

The game was moving further away from St Enda’s with Daniel Quinn increasing his personal account and substitute Bara McCaffrey getting on the act.

There was half chance of goal for the Hightown men, though Odhran McKenna had to make do with a point instead.

St Galls finished strongly as Michael Hopkins popped over and back-to-back goals arrived through Bara McCaffrey.

The substitute took a lay-off from John McCaffrey and finished to the net before adding a second moments later after a strong run from Aodhan Gallagher in the build-up.

McBride would land his sides final score of the afternoon and replied with the last kick to ensure that St Galls ran out 4-18-2-09 winners at the conclusion to ensure their senior status is intact for 2025, while St Enda’s still remain in danger of Championship relegation with a decider against Glenravel to come.

ST GALLS: C Kerr, M Donnelly, T Keenan, G Mac Adhaimh, J McCaffrey, C McGirr, R Wilson (1-0), C Ryan, A Gallagher, D Quinn (0-4), M Pollock (0-1), N Burns (0-5, 0-4f), C Doherty (1-2), N O’Neill (0-1), B Bradley (0-3). Subs: C McCabe for M Donnelly (38), C Burke for G Mac Adhaimh (38), B McCaffrey (2-1) for B Bradley (45), M Hopkins (0-1) for C Doherty (54), F Donnelly for R Wilson (55).

NAOMH EANNA: S Nagle, E O’Hare (1-0), D McNulty, K Jennings, R O’Neill (0-1), C Lyttle, R Hamilton, N McKeown, S Murray, R Kalla, C Morgan, S McBride (0-2), J McAuley, S O’Connor (1-2, 0-1f), O McKenna (0-4). Subs: C McKeown for K Jennings (11), J Lewis for R Hamilton (54), P Doran for R Kalla (57).

REFEREE: Brendan Toland (LAMH DHEARG)

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by thesaffrongael

‘PG100’ Charity Fund Raiser at Casement’s Portglenone

The committee of The Friends of Portglenone GAC are organising one major fundraiser in 2024 – a cycling event called ‘PG100’. This event will help the club grow and develop and will also act as major charity fundraiser.

On Sunday 22nd September 2024 it is our intention to have upwards of 200 cyclists completing either a minor route of 50km/30miles or an advanced route of 100km/60miles. This challenging and inclusive one day cycle event will leave Roger Casements GAC, Gortgole Road Portglenone on Sunday 22nd September using 2 cycle routes and returning to Portglenone for a celebration and dance.

In addition to the cycle, we will also host a 5km walk/run, 10km run and a Mini PG100 for the children to ensure we can have as many of the local community participate as possible

One of the major goals of the cycle is to raise funds for 5 charities that have been chosen by our local community. These charities are:

  • Motor Neurone Disease Association
  • MacMillan Cancer Support
  • The Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust (KBRT)
  • Air Ambulance Northern Ireland
  • Community Rescue Service Portglenone

Following the cycle the club will be making a sizeable donation split between the 5 local charities. We would be delighted if you could help us build our future and help us support these very worthwhile charities.

Our main sponsors for the event are Premier Electrics, Fullans Food Hall Portglenone and C Doherty & Co Accountants. We would like to thank them for their support to the club and agreeing to be our main sponsors for this event.

Registration for the 5km walk/run, 10km run and a Mini PG100 is FREE, once registered we will provide you with a sponsorship card and the DONATION PAGE is also available for collecting online Sponsorship ahead of the event.

If you have further queries, please do not hesitate to contact Ciaran.doherty@cdohertyaccountants.com or 07980962062.

by thesaffrongael

St. Ergnat’s mark pitch opening with success in the Plate

South West Antrim U14FL Plate final

Moneyglass 4-7 Glenavy 2-7

St. Ergnat’s Moneyglass collected the South West U14 Football Plate following their two goal win over St. Joseph’s Glenavy at the opening of St. Ergnat’s new pitch on Sunday morning.

A wonderful sporting gesture by the Chapel Hill club saw them concede a neutral venue to travel to the new home of their opponents and they certainly played their part in making the final and the day a wonderful occasion.

Indeed the early exchanges suggested that St. Joseph’s might be rewarded for their sportsmanship when Cormac Green shot them into an early lead as he pointed before firing to the net to put his side 1-1 to 0-0 ahead.

St. Ergnat’s came back with points from mid-fielder, Senan McCormick before his mid-field partner, Shea Scullin drew them level with the game’s opening goal.

Glenavy responded and the impressive Cormac Green fired over his second point of the contest and Jude Burke followed with another and as the visitors continued to dominate Donnacha Devine and Ronan Arthurs moved them four ahead.

Moneyglass had been under the cosh for a while but they regrouped to finish the half strongly and Senan McCormick kicked the final two points of the half to put them right back into contention as they trailed by two at the short whistle.

Spurred on by their success at the end of the opening half, Moneyglass started the second period on the front foot and the excellent Senan McCormick put them ahead for the first time with an early goal.

McCormick added a point from a free as St. Ergnat’s began to take control and when full-forward, Cahir McErlaine finished to the net for their third goal of the contest, the momentum had swung decisively in favour of the home side.

They continued to press home their advantage as the outstanding player on view, Senan McCormick got in for their fourth goal and as they continued to press Jude Melarkey and McCormick added pointed frees.

Glenavy were still giving it everything but the fluency that had been such a feature of their game in the opening half had deserted them but they were finally rewarded for their efforts when Michael Brazier fired home their second goal.

It was merely consolation at this stage as Senan McCormick replied with a point but fittingly the final two points would fall the way of the boys in orange with Ronan Arthurs and Ryan Greenwood on target.

After the game Moneyglass captain, Senan McCormick was presented the John O’Boyle shield as the plate winners for 2024.

A word of thanks to referee John Moran and to Glenavy who sportingly allowed Moneyglass to host the final at their new pitch opening today. It was a very sporting gesture on a momentous day for St Ergnat’s Moneyglass club.

A great game of football, with the Shield final – Tir na nOg v Aldergrove & Cup final – Dunloy v Aghagallon to come next Sunday evening.

Sean McAtamney presents the South West U14 Football Plate to St. Ergnat’s captain, Senan McCormick

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by thesaffrongael

Festival of hurling in memory of Brendan McGarry

“North Antrim is delighted to have had the chance to celebrate the Festival of Hurling at Fr Barrett Park in memory of Brendan McGarry. It was very special to have Brendan Snr, Jean, Kevin and Una with us in Loughgiel to celebrate this fantastic incentive. The Festival is in memory of Brendan, and should continue in its status in Club identity and history as much as the McCaughan Cup is in Larne, the Feis in Glenariffe and as the Darragh Cup is in Cushendall. All players who attended had received a new North Antrim jersey. We celebrate their talent and abilities and wish to see them develop. Hurling is our tradition, formed by family and passion and we in North Antrim GAA are very proud to stand side by side with the McGarrys.

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