Month / December 2024

by thesaffrongael

CPC regain Mageean Cup after extra time blitz

ON NOVEMBER 22nd 2019 CPC PRODUCED THE GOODS IN EXTRA TIME TO SEE OFF THE CHALLENGE OF ST MARY’S AT THE DUB ARENA. IT TOOK A MAGNIFICENT STRIKE FROM A MICHAEL O’BOYLE INJURY TIME FREE TO BRING THE GAME TO EXTRA TIME, BUT THE BALLYCASTLE SCHOOL REALLY TURNED IT ON IN EXTRA TIME AS THEY OUTSOCORED ST MARY’S BY 2-08 TO 0-00 IN THE TWENTY MINUTES THAT WERE ADDED

Danske Bank Mageean Cup final (AET)

CPC Ballycastle 3-18 St Mary’s CBGS 1-10

By John McIlwaine

Cross & Passion regained the Danske Bank Mageean Cup after a five year absence when they outscored their opponents St Mary’s CBGS 2-8 to 0-0 in a bizarre twenty minutes of extra time in Friday evening’s final at the Dub Arena. After trailing for most of the normal sixty minutes and looking second best for long periods it took a magnificent strike from a Michael O’Boyle injury time free from all of 80 meters to bring the game to extra time.

After watching the close nature of normal time the big crowd of supporters at the QUB venue must surely have been expecting extra time to continue in a similar vein, but incredibly CPC took complete control and when substitutes Conor O’Mullan and Cailin O’Connor grabbed goals during a blistering six minute spell which also produced five points, there was no way back for the luckless St Mary’s side. In the end fourteen points separated the teams as the shell shocked Glen Road side failed to raise a flag. It was one of those “If I hadn’t seen that with my own eyes I would not have believed it” events.

Substitute Caolan O’Connor jumps for joy after scoring his team’s third goal in the first period of extra time

Both teams looked nervous as the game got underway in slippery underfoot conditions. Despite a good start which saw corner forward Christy McGarry hit a fine opening point it was St Mary’s who had the better of the opening half. Gary McIlhatton brought St Mary’s level and though CPC responded well with points from Fergal McKiernan and Michael O’Boyle Dannan McKeogh and Coalan McKernan came back with two of St Mary’s to tie the scores at 3 apiece. Joe McToal picked off a neat point to edge the Ballycastle school ahead but St Mary’s hit the front when McKeogh fired a penalty to the CPC net to put his team 1-3 to 0-4 ahead.

Joe McToal reduced the gap to the minimum but St Mary’s hit back when Daire Murphy sent over a free late in the half to send his team to the dressing rooms at half time two points to the good on 1-4 to 0-5.

When St Mary’s increased their lead to three early in the second half with another pointed free from Murphy they appeared to be in a strong position but CPC responded well and points from a Michael O’Boyle free plus one from his Oisins club mate Shea McDonnell (who had just been introduced as a second half substitute) closed the gap to one. With Enda Og McGarry now operating at centre back for the Ballycastle school things began to happen for CPC and when McDonnell’s shot for goal was blocked down minutes later corner forward Rian McMullan drilled the ball low to the St Mary’s net.

Rian McMullan celebrates after scoring CPC’s opening goal

Two points in arrears St Mary’s responded well and after Murphy and O’Boyle traded points Caolan Duffin cut the gap to one before the excellent St Mary’s midfielder Eoin Trainor tied up the scores with a point from play. The Belfast boys then enjoyed a spell of dominance only to be denied by a brilliant save by CPC goalkeeper Tiernan Smyth and the width of the crossbar on another occasion. However they did hit points through Caolan McKernan and Caolan Duffin to go two ahead with five minutes of normal time still to play. It was backs to the wall time for CPC but to their credit they dug deep and two well struck points from Michael O’Boyle frees, the latter a magnificent strike, brought the game to extra time.

CPC’s Seamus McAuley receives the Man of the Match award

What unfolded during the first period of extra time was truly sensational as everything fell perfectly into place for CPC. Substitutes Conor O’Mullan and Cailin O’Connor plundered the goals and with the shackles off the points flowed with ease. The gap was out to eleven by half time and after the change of ends they added three more, the final one coming at the end of bursting run by Oggie McGarry that put the seal on the victory.

St Mary’s Caolan McKernan breaks out of defence

CROSS AND PASSION: T Smyth; R McClean, E McGarry (0-1), R Laverty; C McGlynn, J McAllister, C McKinley; S McAuley (0-1), S Brogan; J McToal (0-2), F McKiernan (0-3), M O’Boyle (0-6, all frees); R McMullan (1-2, 0-1 free), O McGrath, C McGarry (0-1). Subs: D Devlin for S Brogan (HT), S McDonnell (0-2, 1 free)) for O McGrath (34), C O’Mullan (1-0) for J McToal (51), J McGowan for C McKinley (59), C O’Connor (1-0) for J McAllister (60)

ST MARY’S: A Mullan, O May, D Murray, D Wilson; C Boyle, C McKernan (0-2 frees), D Churchill; E Trainor (0-1), A McLean; R Murray, G McIlhatton (0-1), D Delaney; C Duffin (0-2), D Murphy (0-3 frees), D McKeogh (1-1, 1-0 pen, 0-1 free). Subs: R Crossan for D McKeogh (17), F Mervyn for A McLean (41). 

REFEREE: Colin Murray (Down)

by thesaffrongael

Garron Tower bridge 60-year Mageean gap

Danske Bank Mageean Cup Final

St Killian’s Garron Tower 0-17 Cross and Passion 0-13

AS WE BUILD UP TO FRIDAY NIGHTS MAGEEAN CUP FINAL BETWEEN CROSS & PASSSION COLLEGE AND ST KILLIAN’S GARRON TOWER WE BEGIN BY LOOKING BACK AT LAST YEAR’S FINAL BETWEEN THE SAME TWO TEAM

Kevin Herron reports from the Dub 

St Killian’s team captain Joseph McLaughlin lifts the Mageean Cup after his team’s win over CPC in Wednesday evening’s final at the Dub. Looking on is Oonagh Murtagh of tournament sponsors Danske Bank

St Killian’s Garron Tower bridged a 60-year gap and lifted the Danske Bank Mageean Cup for just the second time in their history after defeating Cross and Passion 0-17-0-13 in the final at the Dub on Wednesday evening. 

Less than a month after the game was originally due to be played, conditions were ideal at the South Belfast venue as referee Colm McDonald got proceedings underway.

Cross and Passion were first off the mark after Colla Ward fouled Roan McGarry- who converted the resulting free, but St Killian’s replied instantly when goalkeeper Thomas McLaughlin picked out Cormac McKeown to drop over from range. 

McKeown would draw a foul from Darragh Kelly and that allowed Orrin O’Connor to send the resulting free over and give their side the advantage that they would hold onto for the rest of the half. 

Callagh Mooney extended the lead within 60-seconds before McLaughlin doubled his tally from play. 

The Tower made it four without reply and for the second time McLaughlin linked up with Cormac McKeown with a similar outcome to the first time they combined. 

Cross and Passion replied before the midway point in the half, Ronan Fitzgerald made himself available and collected a free before swinging over to reduce the deficit (0-05-0-02). 

It failed to the shift the momentum that was firmly with Garron Tower and they added another four unanswered points. 

Orrin O’Connor grabbed his third point of the half after turning over the Cross and Passion puck-out and finding a score from range. 

Ruairi Og prodigy Joseph McLaughlin then added three scores on the spin, the first a fine angled effort before converting two frees that opened up a 0-09-0-02 lead. 

Cross and Passion remained in touch and claimed four of the final five points in the half. Roan McGarry added two further frees and Liam Glackin produced a nice score in-between times. 

Despite McLaughlin converting an injury-time free, Ronan Fitzgerald doubled his final tally with the last act of the half to ensure his side remained in touch, trailing 0-10-0-06 at the break. 

CPC team captain Ben McGarry strikes a long range free

Orrin O’Connor strikes an early Garron Tower free

Cross and Passion reduced arrears upon the resumption with Conor Donnelly floating over within 60-seconds of the restart. 

Oran McCamrbidge instantly replied, and St Killian’s stole a march again and established a six-point lead by the 39th minute. 

Niall Magee added a point from range and Cormac McKeown brought his personal tally to 0-03 with an excellent score that had his side 0-13-0-07 ahead. 

Cross and Passion free-taker Roan McGarry dropped over his first from play in response and Oisin McCallin then swung over after Ronan Fitzgerald dropped a high ball into the danger area. 

Back-to-back scores from man of the match Cormac McKeown and talisman Joseph McLaughlin (free) opened up a six-point advantage again for St Killian’s with four minutes of normal time remaining, though Cross and Passion landed four without reply and ensured a grandstand finish was on the cards. 

Ben and Roan McGarry dropped over back-to-back frees and on the 60th minute Ronan Fitzgerald landed a super point from play to make it a three-point game (0-15-0-12). 

A further Ben McGarry free left it a single score game with two of the five minutes added on remaining. 

St Killian’s held their nerve though and Joseph McLaughlin converted a free and dropped over an angled insurance score that ensured Garron Tower ran out winners at the final whistle and would lift their first Mageean title in 60-years. 

CPC full back Cian Baudant solos clear of St Killian’s full forward Oran McCambridge during the Danske Bank Mageean Cup final at the Dub
Fr Paddy Delargy, who was a member of the Garron Tower team who won the very first Mageean Cup back in 1963, is seen here withe the McLaughlin brothers Thomas (left) and Joseph.

St. Killian’s: T McLaughlin, C Ward, C Devlin, C Graham, A Birt, C McAuley, N Magee (0-01), C McIlwaine, C Mooney (0-01), C McKeown (0-04), J McLaughlin (0-07, 0-05f), O O’Connor. (0-03, 0-01f), P McDonnell, O McCambridge (0-01), N Hynds. Subs: F McKillop for P McDonnell (48), J Scullion for N Magee (60). 

Cross and Passion: E Richmond, C Donnelly, C Baudant, J Magee, B O’Kane, B McGarry (0-02f), T McGarry, R Cunning, D Kelly, R Fitzgerald (0-03), L Glackin (0-01), P Martin, O McCallin (0-01), C Donnelly (0-01), R McGarry (0-05, 0-04f). Subs: C Crane for J Magee (26), A McGarry for T McGarry (48), G McToal for P Martin (51), C Crawford for O McCallin (54), P Martin for R Fitzgerald (60+3). 

Referee: Colm McDonald (St Galls)

Man of the Match Cormac McKeown celebrates at the final whistle of Wednesday evening’s Mageean Cup final win over CPC at the Dub
by thesaffrongael

A Memoir and Tribute – Jim McKeever


Friends of the ‘Ranch’ and those who wish to acknowledge the exceptional contribution of Jim McKeever to physical education and sport will gather on Saturday 7th December 2024 at 12 noon, in St Mary’s University College.
 
A book on Jim’s life and legacy will be on sale (cash sales only at £20) and there will be an associated event to highlight the esteem in which he is held by our College community in the widest sense.


 
The book, which was developed over the past year by a team of five people and edited by Seamus McRory sets out the story of Jim’s remarkable life in an easy to read form. We want as many people as possible to purchase and read the book which contains a great deal of Jim’s own ideas and thoughts. The book is both a memoir and a tribute. It will have a limited print run

Left to right – Peter Finn, Meabh ( Jim’s daughter) Seamus McCrory author, Sean Bradley, missing from photo Jimmy Smyth.

Ulster Schools (GAA) have given due recognition to Jim’s contribution to gaelic games for the youth of the province, where his many former students actively coach in all schools
 
At the event we will hear first-hand from people who knew Jim well and wish to share their thoughts on a great physical educationist, outstanding footballer and coach as well as a highly respected gentleman.
 
Gaels from Belfast, Antrim and beyond are invited to remember this remarkable man at the launch of the book.

A message from Professor Peter Finn KSG on behalf of St Mary’s University College, Belfast.

by thesaffrongael

Geraldine’s & Casement’s Juvenile Presentation

Geraldine’s & Casement’s Portglenone held their Annualk Juvenile Presentation in the Wild Duck in Portglenone on Sunday with over 200 guests attending what was an excellent event.

Special guests at the presentation were Barry McCambridge, the Clann Eireann and Armagh All Ireland winning footballer and Aoife Ní Chaiside, the Slaughtneil and Derry Camogie star and Geraldine’s and Antrim player, Dearbhail Dobbin.

The award winners are included below and the photographs can be found in the attached album by clicking on the link below:

Geraldine’s Fundamentals Camog’s receive their presentations from Special Guests, Slaughtneil Camog, Aoife Ní Chaiside,, with Geraldines and Antrim’s, Dearbhail Dobbin, pictured alongside their Coaches, Orlagh Doherty, Tony Convery and Sherrin Kearney.

Geraldine’s U6 Camog’s receive their presentations from Special Guests, Slaughtneil Camog,  Aoife Ní Chaiside, with Geraldines and Antrim’s, Dearbhail Dobbin, pictured alongside their Coaches, Mark McAleese, Nuala Dunlop, Marissa McErlain, Louise Crozier, Aislinn McGillion and Therese Murphy.

Geraldine’s U8 Camog’s receive their presentations from Special Guests, Slaughtneil Camog, Aoife Ní Chaiside, with Geraldines and Antrim’s, Dearbhail Dobbin, pictured alongside their Coaches, Sinead O’Kane, Catriona Gribben, Anna McErlane and Sinead McKeever.

Geraldine’s U10 Camog’s receive their presentations from Special Guests, Slaughtneil Camog, Aoife Ní Chaiside, with Geraldines and Antrim’s, Dearbhail Dobbin, pictured alongside their Coaches, Deidre McCann and Susan King.

Geraldine’s U12 Camog’s receive their presentations from Special Guests, Slaughtneil Camog, Aoife Ní Chaiside, with Geraldines and Antrim’s, Dearbhail Dobbin, pictured alongside their Coaches, Sinead McErlean, Niamh Doherty, Shauna O’Boyle and Siobhan McAfee.

U12 Player of the Year, Nicole McFall, pictured with Special Guests, Slaughtneil Camog, Aoife Ní Chaiside, with Geraldines and Antrim’s, Dearbhail Dobbin.

U12 Most improved Player of the Year, Olivia McFerran, pictured with Special Guests, Slaughtneil Camog, Aoife Ní Chaiside, with Geraldines and Antrim’s, Dearbhail Dobbin. 

U14 Joint Players of the Year, Caitlin Graffin and Cliodhna McKeever, pictured with Special Guests, Slaughtneil Camog,  Aoife Ní Chaiside, with Geraldines and Antrim’s, Dearbhail Dobbin. 

U14 Endeavour Award Winner, Mollie McGinty, pictured with Special Guests, Slaughtneil Camog, Aoife Ní Chaiside, with Geraldines and Antrim’s, Dearbhail Dobbin.

U14 Players, Caitlin Graffin and Cliodhna McKeever receiving the U14 League Cup and The U14A Championship Cup, presented by Special Guests, Slaughtneil Camog,  Aoife Ní Chaiside, with Geraldines and Antrim’s, Dearbhail Dobbin.

The U14 League and A Championship Winning Team 2024.

U16 Most improved Player of the Year, Finola McCormack, pictured with Special Guests, Slaughtneil Camog, Aoife Ní Chaiside, with Geraldines and Antrim’s, Dearbhail Dobbin.

U16 Player of the Year, Aedin Vallely, pictured with Special Guests, Slaughtneil Camog, Aoife Ní Chaiside, with Geraldines and Antrim’s, Dearbhail Dobbin.

The Geraldine’s U16 Team 2024.

The Under 13 Geraldines representatives who won the Slaughtneil Tournament Shield 2024

Fundamentals, U6 and U8 Geraldines Camogie players receive their presentations from Special Guest, Slaughtneil Camog,  Aoife Ní Chaiside, pictured alongside their Coaches.

Roger Casements GAC U6 Footballers pictured with Special Guest, Co. Armagh and Clann Éireann’s, Barry McCambridge, with their Coach Declan McErlean.

Roger Casements GAC U8 Footballers pictured with Special Guest, Co. Armagh and Clann Éireann’s, Barry McCambridge, with their Coaches Michael Convery, John Kearney, Declan McErlean and Ruairi McKenna

Roger Casements GAC U10 Footballers pictured with Special Guest, Co. Armagh and Clann Éireann’s, Barry McCambridge, with their Coaches Michael Convery, John Kearney and Ruairi McKenna.

Roger Casements GAC U12 Footballers pictured with Special Guest, Co. Armagh and Clann Éireann’s, Barry McCambridge, with their Coaches Daniel O’Boyle and Paul McAleer.

Special Guest, Co. Armagh and Clann Éireann’s, Barry McCambridge, presenting the Roger Casements GAC Most Improved Players of the Year, Caidan Convery and Nicholas McCrory with their awards.

Special Guest, Co. Armagh and Clann Éireann’s, Barry McCambridge, presenting the Roger Casements GAC Player of the Year Award to Conan McKeever which was received by his sister Cayla McKeever on his behalf.

Roger Casements GAC U12 Footballers pictured with Special Guest, Co. Armagh and Clann Éireann’s, Barry McCambridge, with their Coaches Brian Burns, Liam Martin, Caolan McKee, Aidy Anderson, Anthony Carey and Brian Mahany.

U14 Most improved Player of the Year, Ronan McAleer, receiving his award from Special Guest, Co. Armagh and Clann Éireann’s, Barry McCambridge.

U14 Player of the Year, Cillian McDonnell, receiving his award from Special Guest, Co. Armagh and Clann Éireann’s, Barry McCambridge.

The U14 Footballers pictured with Special Guest, Co. Armagh and Clann Éireann’s, Barry McCambridge and their Coaches, Liam Martin, Brian Burns, Caolan McKee, Aidy Anderson, Brian Mahany and Anthony Carey.

U16 Player of the Year, Odhran Doherty, receiving his award from Special Guest, Co. Armagh and Clann Éireann’s, Barry McCambridge.

Roger Casements GAC U16 Footballers who won the U16A Championship and retained The Breslin Cup, pictured with Special Guest, Co. Armagh and Clann Éireann’s, Barry McCambridge.

TO VIEW PHOTOGRAPHS FROM THE GERALDINE’S AND CASEMENT’S JUVENILE PRESENTATION CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

https://myalbum.com/album/iWPagynDMzANgG