Month / April 2025

by thesaffrongael

Kikenny start and finish strong to run up a big score against Antrim

Leinster Senior Hurling Championship, Round Two

Antrim 2-12 Kilkenny 2-30

In the end it was a one sided affair with eighteen points separating the sides but the Antrim fans will care to remember the second quarter of the game when Saffrons came from 0-8 to 0-1 behind to lead by 2-08 to 0-13 at half time.

Spirits were high as the teams went to the changing rooms at and for the first ten minutes of the second half they showed well, but the concession of two quick goals turned the game on its head as they appeared to knock the stuffing out of the home side.   

Kilkenny goalkeeper Eoin Murphy gets past the challenge of Antrim’s Conor Johnston

Kilkenny flew from the traps at the start of the game and after Stephen Donnelly hit the first score inside a minute Martin Keoghan, John Donnelly, Fionán Macakessy and Paddy Deegan all picked off points as star-struck Antrim were left chasing shadows. James McNaughton settled things a little with a pointed free but the Leinster champions stretched the lead to 0-8 to 0-01, despite playing against the stiff breeze.

Antrim couldn’t get their hands on the ball but three quick points from James McNaughton, Keelan Molloy and Conall Bohill settled them into the game and suddenly the tide began to turn.

A great pass from Conor Johnston sent James McNaughton away in the left corner and the Shamrocks speedster showed the Cats defence a clean pair of heels before firing past Eoin Murphy in the Kilkenny goal and suddenly the sides were level.

McNaughton seemed set for a second goal soon afterwards but his shot came back of the butt of the post and Murphy got it clear, but Keelan Molloy showed great skill just before the break to squeeze the ball home to complete an eight point turnaround and send the Saffrons in with a one point advantage. (2-08 to 0-13)

Keelan Molloy wheels away in celebration after scoring Antrim’s second goal just before half time

Three Eoin Cody points in reply to one by McNaughton early in the second half saw the visitors open a two point gap. Antrim looked set to take the lead again when Nigel Elliott made a brilliant run from midfield, but Murphy was equal to the shot as he turned it over the bar for a point which tied the scores yet again. The blow that started the Kilkenny avalanche of scores came on 52 minutes when Kilkenny Martin Keoghan disposed ad Antrim defender who was soloing up the field, Keoghan the racing through to fire past the helpless Ryan Elliott in the Antrim goal.

Suddenly from being in a very competitive position it appeared that the rug had been pulled from under the Antrim team and incredibly they went on to add a further 1-13 to a single Antrim point. The Saffrons introduced four of their Under 20 team who had run Dublin close during the week, but to be honest they never really saw the ball as the Kilkenny midfield and half-back line totally dominated possession and with man of the match Eoin Cody leading the charge the Cats pulled away to win by 18 in the end.

Kilkenny corner forward Eoin Cody who gave a great scoring exhibition, ending up with 1-13 to his name

ANTRIM: R Elliott; S Rooney, N O’Connor, P Burke; C Boyd, J Maskey, C Bohill (0-1); E Campbell, G Walsh; K Molloy (1-1), N Elliott (0-1), S Walsh; R McCambridge, J McNaughton (1-9, 0-9f), C Johnston.

Subs: C McKeown for C Johnston (HT), S McKay for R McCambridge (52), J McLaughlin for S Walsh (55), E O’Neill for E Campbell (69), A McGarry for G Walsh (69).

KILKENNY: E Murphy; M Butler (0-1), H Lawlor, T Walsh (0-1); M Carey, R Reid, P Deegan; C Kenny (0-2), J Molloy (0-2); F Mackessy (0-1f), J Donnelly (0-1), B Ryan (0-1); S Donnelly (0-3), M Keoghan (1-2), E Cody (1-13, 1-9f).

Subs: H Shine (0-1) for F Mackessy (40), L Hogan for S Donnelly (64), B Drennan (0-1) for J Donnelly (67), K Doyle for M Carey (67), E Lyng for C Kenny (70).

REFEREE: S Hynes (Galway)

Antrim corner fowrard Ryan McCambridge in action against Kilkenny’s Paddy Deegan

TO SEE MORE PICS FROM THE GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

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by thesaffrongael

Cargin provide residence for the O’Cahan Cup

O’ Cahan Cup (Final)

Erin’s Own Cargin 3-10 Casement’s Portglenone 0-08

The Erin’s Own Club rooms at Toome will provide residence for the O’Cahan Cup for the next year as Cargin proved too strong for Casement’s Portglenone in the final before a good crowd at the home of St Mary’s Ahoghill Sunday evening.

The trophy has remained in storage for a few years with the South West division opting to reinstate their competition again this term and in the event it proved a good decision with the final drawing a big attendance to Cloney.

Both the contestants have secured the trophy over the years and both occupy residence in the top grade with a close affair expected as they lined out in opposition on Sunday evening.

The reigning county champions Cargin started as favourites but as St Comgall’s based whistler Paul Burns signalled start it was the Casement’s lads who were to nip faster out of the traps but Cargin were soon to gain in stride.

Pat Shivers celebrates after scoring his sides third goal

Ronan Kelly and Aidan Mc Aleese raised white flags apiece in the opening minutes but the Casement’s flattered to deceive as Erin’s Own took control.

The Bann-siders attempted to keep the score board attendant in work but they missed several opportunities to increase their tally and it was the opposition who opened account when  the Gribbin brothers combined as Jamies delivery opened the way for sibling Callum to split the posts.

Casement’s, despite having their share of possession continued to find the target elusive as the first period continued as the Toome men proved strong in defence with Conan Johnston and Ben McLarnon influential at the back and it was a clearance by the latter that sent Pat Shivers on his way to raise white and square matters.

Cargin were beginning to dominate at mid- field as the game progressed with Jamie Gribbin and Pat Shivers adding points apiece before net minder John Mc Nabb vacated his domain for a term to grab back to back points to earn a 0-06 to 0-02 advantage.

Casement’s had lost their way and their Toome based rivals continued to threaten with the Gribbin brothers and the Shivers boys causing more and more problems for their opponents.

Pat Shivers raised a further white flag in the 26th minute after his brother Tom played a role and when Jamie Gribbin added another it ensured a 0-08 to 0-02 lead for the Toome men at the end of the first period.

The second half started with the residence of the O’Cahan cup still to be resolved but Cargin were soon to gain in impetus as a combination of the Shivers brothers, Tom and Pat paved the way for Benen Kelly to find the net with an excellent finish.

Cargin keeper, John McNabb comes of his line to foil Conor Magee’s goal attempt

Big full forward Aiden Mc Aleese always posted threat to the Cargin defence when he split the posts twice in succession but Erin’s Own were quick to return fire as the hard grafting Jamie Gribbin eluded a couple of stiff challenges to split the posts in the 42nd minute.

Casements were doing all in their power to get their own game going but their opponents were soon to deliver a decisive blow as a John McNabb delivery found Benen Kelly who sent Jamie Gribbin away to find the net.

Gribbin’s goal moved the Toome side 2-10 to 0-05 ahead and it was as good as over at this stage as both sides emptied their benches.

Casement’s fought to the end but with limited success and another pointed free by Aiden Mc Aleese was cancelled out by one at the other end by Pat Shivers.

The big full forward, who was excellent over the hour was then sent on his way after a slick combination between Michael Mc Cann and Sean Og O’ Neill to bury the leather in the back of net and that was that with the silverware on its way to Toome.

South West Chairman, Stephen Graham presents the O’Cahan Cup to Cargin captain, James Laverty

Cargin: John Mc Nabb (0-02), Conan Johnston, Kevin O’ Boyle, Sean og Quinn, Benen Kelly (1-01), Kevin Mc Shane, Sean og O’ Neill, Michael Mc Cann, Tom Shivers (0-01) , Jamie Gribbin (1-02), John Carron, Callum Gribbin (0-01),

Ben Mc Larnon, Pat Shivers (1-03), David Johnston

Subs

James Laverty

Tomas Mc Cann

Tomas Mc Cann

Jack O’ Neill

Charlie Mc Larnon

P J Quinn

Casement’s: Kevin Mullan, Ronan Delargy, Kevin O’ Kane, Patrick Graffin, Ryan Convery, Conor Mc Ghee (0-01), Stephen Kelly, Niall Delargy, Fergal O’ Kane, Oisin Doherty, Ronan Kelly (0-02), Aodhan Mc Aleese (0-05), Ciaran Mc Aleese.

Subs: Ryan McKeever, Sean Byrne, Paddy Graffin

Referee: Paul Burns (St Comgall’s)

TO VIEW MORE PICS FROM THE O’CAHAN CUP FINAL CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

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by thesaffrongael

Oisins delight the home fans

Antrim Hurling League – Division 2

Glenariffe 4.15 v Creggan 1.11

It was only in the last 15 minutes when Oisin’s managed to shake off their visitors, Kickhams Creggan, to finish 13 points to the good in Saturday’s Division 2 league game at Waterfoot

Glenariffe would have been firm favourites for this one and they got off to a great start, 3 points and a goal within the first 6 minutes. Orrin O’Connor got the home side up and going with a fine point from play and Alex O’Boyle converted the next 2 frees and when Seanie McIntosh found the net the omens didn’t look good for the visitors. Thomas McCann got the first point for the Creggan with 6 minutes gone, while Morgan Nelson reduced the gap to 4 points on the 8th minute. O’Boyle converted another free as both teams began to settle as the game opened up.

Creggan’s Conor McCann got his first point on the 12th minute while McIntosh responded with a point from distance to leave it 1.05 – 0.04. Creggan’s Morgan Nelson reduced the deficit to 2 points , finding the net on the 19th minute. The same player pointed 2 minutes later to level the contest but that was only short lived as McIntosh raised the 2nd green flag on the 21st minute to put them 3 in front. Alex O’Boyle added to the home side score with a point on the 26th minute while Conor McCann added a 2nd point for the visitors to leave it a goal between the teams. As we headed towards the short whistle, there was nothing between the teams until Alex O’Boyle found the net in added time.

HALF TIME SCORE:    Glenariff 3.06 v Creggan 1.06

Ray Matthews got proceedings underway for the 2nd half. As Creggan came on to the field in the 2nd half, they knew they were going to have to reduce the 2-goal deficit quickly. Morgan Nelson pointed from a converted free on the throw in and adding a point 2 minutes later. Lee Johnston scored his first point on the 31st minute. Nelson converted his 2nd free on the 39th minute to leave 2 points between the sides, but that was as good as it got for Creggan as Keelan McCann was the only scorer of the rest of the contest, a point on the 51st minutes. As we headed into the last quarter, Glenariffe put on a display that delighted the home support. They displayed some beautiful free flowing hurling, moving the ball at pace. Creggan did their best to keep up and were unlucky with several goal chances going wide but it was the men from Waterfoot’s day. Niall Magee got the first of two 2nd half points on the 39th and 52nd minute, Alex O’Boyle converted 2 frees on the 40th and 50th minute, while Brogan O’Connor added 2 points, one minute apart, on the 40th and 41st minute. Glenariff’s last goal came on the 50th minute as a result of a goal mouth raucous. This was stopped on the line twice by Shea McCann only for Michael O’Boyle to flick it past on his 3rd attempt while rolling on the ground. McIntosh finished the contest with the last 2 scores to give him a personal tally of 2 goals and 3 points. Creggan’s management will be disappointed with the way this game went. They came back well in the 2nd half but just faded in the final quarter allowing a much pacier Oisin’s to take advantage

REFEREE:            RAY MATTHEWS

GLENARIFF: No.1 Paul McMullan, No.2 Patrick McIlwaine, No.3 Michael Haughey, No.4 Cailin Devlin, No.5 Brogan O’Connor (0.02), No.6 Niall Magee (0.02), No.7 James Kearney (0.01), No.8 Calum McIlwaine, No.9 Oliver Kearney, No.10 Orrin O’Connor (0.01), No.11 Conor Patterson, No.12 Daniel Kearney, No.13 Alex O’Boyle (1.06), No.14 Seanie McI|ntosh (2.03), No.15 Michael O’Boyle (1.00), No.16 Odhrain Gillan, No.17 Ronan Leech, No.18 Cathal Graham, No.19 Sean McMullan, No.20 Ben O’Boyle, No.21 Martin McAllister, No.22 Jack Leech, No.23 Cahir McNaughton.

CREGGAN: No.1 Shea Devlin, No.2 Dylan Hinfey, No.3 Aidan McKeown, No.4 Paedar McGuckian, No.5 Matthew Rodgers, No.6 Ruairi McCann, No.7 Keelan McCann (0.01), No.8 Senan O’Boyle, No.9 Jake McAteer, No.10 Dan Doran, No.11 Thomas McCann (0.01), No.12 Lee Johnston (0.01), No.13 Morgan Nelson (1.05), No.14 Conor McCann (0.03), No.15 Sean McAuley, No.16 Joseph James Smyth, No.17 Conor Loughran, No.18 Danaan O’Hara No.19 Michael Maguire, No.20 Paul Colgan, No.21 Michael Carey Small, No.23 Niall McAuley, No.24 Ronan McGuckian.

TO SEE MORE OF DYLAN’S PICS FROM THE GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

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by thesaffrongael

Naomh Eanna hold on for first victory

ACHL Division 1

St. Enda’s 3-14 Ballygalget 2-10

Naomh Eanna picked up their first points in the present league campaign when they entertained Ballygalget at Hightown on Saturday evening.

The Down men started without their County contingent who were in action earlier but Pucci, McManus, Fisher and Taggart all arrived to take their place in the second half and bolster the Ballygalgert challenge.

At that stage Naomh Eanna had built up a 2-8 to 0-2 lead with Brendan Cormican and Rian Gillan getting the goals and at this juncture the Hightown side looked to be coasting to victory.

Ruairi Donaghy hit 0-4 during the opening half and Killian Jennings and Gillian were amongst the first point scorer and things certainly looked to be going to plan as the sides changed ends.

The arrival and introduction of the Down contingent for the second half saw Ballygalget start to reign in the St. Enda’s lead and the men from the Ards’ peninsula would add 2-8 to their meagre first half total.

St. Enda’s were in no mood to relinquish their hard earned lead and hit a further 1-6 of their own with Gillan getting his second goal and Luke O’Connor, Eddie O’Connor and Killian Jennings adding to their first half points total.

TO VIEW MORE OF JJ LAWELL’S PICS FROM THE GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

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by thesaffrongael

Glenarm take the points in Feystown

ACHL Division 2

Shane Uí Neílls 3-14

St. Pauls             2-13

A brace of goals from Sean O Boyle and one from Aidan Scullion helped Glenarm to a hard fought win against St. Pauls in the ACHL Division 2 at Feystown on Saturday.

It didn’t take long for the scoring to start, as both teams came out of the starting blocks like a scalded cat.

Glenarm’s Niall McGarel, back from County duty, was first to raise a white flag with a nicely weighted effort over the visitors bar.

Caolan Crossan hit back immediately with a goal, striking the sliotar beyond Michael Abram.

Daire Stevenson pointed for the visitors to extend their lead to 3 points and at this stage of the game the ‘Hoops’ were calling the shots.

Glenarm replied however with a similar score and Sean O Boyle working at wing forward won a loose ball and rifled it into the top corner to level this game.

The impressive Caolan Crossan added to his tally with two more points, one from play and a converted free.

O Boyle for the hosts sent another well drilled ball over the bar, before Niall McGarel collected the sliotar deep in defence and pointed a mighty effort from over 70 yards.

Sean Munce for the West Belfast club pointed next, before McGarel hit a speculative effort from distance over the bar.

Back came St. Paul’s and  Caolan Crossan for the Shaw’s Rd club pointed another free before the excellent Niall McGarel replied with two at the other end, the latter effort from a “65”

St. Pauls were starting to enjoy a bit of success and took the lead when Sean Munce sent over and Crossan followed from a converted “65”

This game flowed from end to end as another brace from Niall McGarel and a great solo effort from Dylan McLaughlin gave the hosts a two point cushion.

The visitors finished the half on the front foot and Caolan Crossan pointed another free as the half time whistle sounded with the game very much in the balance.

H.T.Shane Uí Neills 1-09       St Pauls  1-08

Glenarm’s Dylan McLaughlin pointed early in the second half to extend the Feystown side’s lead to two but back came St Pauls to take the lead with the excellent Crossan leading by example and firing home another goal, and he followed immediately with a point.

Glenarm looked in a spot of trouble but from an awkward angle, on the 13 yard line and out near the sideline McGarel sent the ball with purpose right over the bar, much to the delight of the home support.  

Crossan was proving a real handful for the home side and he  again pointed for the red and white’s before Sean Og McLaren converted a free to keep this intriguing contest very much in the balance.

Back came the home side again and half time substitute, Ciaran Magill, evaded a couple of tackles and pointed but McLaren replied immediately with a point at the other end.

Things became a bit heated as the intensity of the game increased and on 51 minute’s a melee ensued at midfield, resulting in the referee brandishing two red cards, one for each team.

When things calmed down Glenarm were awarded a free and up stepped Aidan Scullion whose high dropping ball evaded the St Paul’s keeper and nestled nicely in the corner of the net, much to the delight of the home support.

Scullion’s fortuitous goal levelled the contest for the fourth time and set the scene for an exciting finish with the points still very much up for grabs.

St Pauls McLaren hit the next point to restore the visitors lead on 56 minutes and the points looked to be heading back to Shaw’s Road but this turned out to be their last score of the game.

Ciaran Magill brought it all square again with another fine point, before Sean O’Boyle burst forward and received the ball before raising his second green flag of the evening to give his side a three point lead with 2 minutes remaining. 

The last score in this fiercely contested encounter fell to the impressive Niall McGarel who split the uprights from 40 yards with referee Terence Masterson called for the ball on the puck out.

For the visitors Caolan Crossan had a great game and registered 2-07 on the day, but will feel disappointed to end on the losing side, and leaving empty handed.

Glenarm Niall McGarel slotted over 9 points, (1 ‘65’, 1 free) and his return to action for the Feystown side has proved a major boost.

Mc Laughlin and Magill were others to impress in attack while the rear guard led by Barry Hamill, Joshua Quinn and young Ciaran McLoughlin battled hard and dominated their positions.

After this win, Shane Uí Neill have jumped 4 places in this tight League Table sharing 4 points each with five clubs all playing 4 games each.