June 30, 2025June 30, 2025 by thesaffrongael

Eight goal Antrim take Carlow apart

All Ireland LGFA Junior Football Championship

Carlow 3-07 Antrim 8-16

PICS BY ELAINE KELLY PHOTOS

Antrim senior ladies made the long journey to Carlow on Sunday in the All Ireland LGFA Junior Championship and after emphatically beating the home side 8-16 to 3-7 they have secured their place in the All Ireland semi final on Sunday 13th July at Clones with a 4 pm throw in …

Indeed Antrim made light work of a Carlow team that played a division above the Saffrons this year …

With just 15 seconds on the clock Theresa Mellon had raised the first green flag of the day, but the lead was short lived as from the resulting kick out Carlow broke up the pitch and raised a green flag of their own..

From Antrim’s kick out they secured their own possession and Niamh Mc Intosh and Maeve Blaney combined to set up Lara Dahunsi for her first of a personal tally of 7 points from play …

Carla Mc Kenna then turned over the Carlow kick out and she sent Maria O Neill racing through and with her new golden boots she hit the roof of the Carlow net …

Dahunsi, Anna Mulholland and Maria O Neill then all raised white flags before O’Neill found the bottom corner of the net after some sublime football between Aoife Kelly and Ciara Brown to further stretch their advantage.

Lara Dahunsi then knocked over two more points and the lively Theresa Mellon added a point to her earlier goal, before Carlow replied with a point and were then awarded a penalty which their full forward tucked into the bottom corner…

However from the kickout Antrim created a classic goal. Aine Devlin hit a short ball to Orla Corr who in turn found the raiding Niamh Mc Intosh down the right hand side. Niamh fed Aoife Kelly who spotted Sarah O Neill bursting through the middle and she made no mistake finding the net from close range.

Again Antrim turned the kickout over and Laura Agnew found Maria O’Neill in space and she completed her hat-trick with 25 minutes on the clock …

Indeed two minutes later Maria returned the favour to Laura and she raised a green flag of her own …

O’Neill then knocked a free over the bar and the last score of the half came from Lara Dahunsi when the St Paul’s player caught a wonderful ball in the air before turning two defenders and split the posts from all of 30 metres.

Indeed Lara was causing the home defence endless problems with her intelligent runs for the ball and her quality finishing….

The second half opened with an Ana Mulholland point after brilliant approach play from Eimily Kearns and Aine Kelly. Maeve Mulholland was the provider for Antrims’ next two points when she found Maria O’Neill twice in a row with two long range passes.

Carlow got two points of their own before the hard working Aoife Kelly got her just reward that her performance deserved when she rounded a defender and the keeper and coolly rolled the ball into the net …

Lara Dahunsi then took her total to 7 points from play when she slotted over two scores in quick succession.

Aine Lynch, who had a magnificent game in the middle of the field, then sent Maria O’Neill clear down the right hand side and she slipped the ball across the square for the lively Blaithin NiCahill who nipped in in front of two defenders to palm the ball into the net and raise the green flag for the 8th time for the Antrim girls and unselfishly laid it off to Maria O Neill to to get the final score of the day and secure that All Ireland semi-final place in style.

Antrim scorers were

Maria O’Neill 3/05

Theresa Mellon 1/1

Aoife Kelly1/0

Sarah O’Neill 1/0

Lara Dahunsi 0/7

Anna Mulholland 0/2

Blaithin Ni Cahill 1/01

Laura Agnew 1/0

Team manager Micky O’Kane said after the game.

‘Our girls were outstanding today ..

their football at times was an absolute joy to watch …

Every girl in our panel takes credit for that performance.

They all work so hard and give up so much time to represent their county.

They all enjoy playing football and are all very competitive at training …

It would be great to see a massive support in Clones in two weeks time which would be really appreciated by these girls in their quest to reach an all Ireland final ..

June 30, 2025July 2, 2025 by thesaffrongael

A late Shamrock rally proves a ‘minor’ distraction to a winning Dunloy

Antrim Camogie Minor A Club Championship

Loughgiels Shamrocks 2-12 Dunloy 3-24

Fr. Healy Park was awash with red and white for the annual club day and that didn’t deter Dunloy minors from putting on a strong performance. A breezy summer day with late sunshine brought pitch temperatures upwards of 26 degrees but no one was complaining. Two solid goals from Dunloy in the first half left the Shamrocks with much to do on the turn. Although Loughgiel did deliver two well worked goals in the second half, Dunloy ran away with the points using the breeze to their upmost benefit. Long puck outs from their goalkeeper Mya McKinley dropped far up the pitch to eventually overwork Loughgiel’s catch net.

**Loughgiel’s Caela Casey breaks free from Dunloy’s ring of steel**

Dunloy’s scoring blitz started with potential from a racing Eobha McAllister as she punched her throw-in prize hard into the clubhouse end wind. The sliotar had all the legs and although drifting wide, it sent out a message that despite the elemental challenge, McAllister had its makings.

For the first fifteen minutes, both sides went toe to toe, Loughgiel trailing by only one point 0-05 to 0-06 but when a Dunloy puck out worked its way cleanly into Loughgiel’s box, Erin McMullin found the back of the net with only a two point reply from Loughgiel before McMullin took advantage of a dropped ball at close quarters to raise her second green flag, in the closing stages of the first half. The half time whistle from referee Ryan O’Reilly left the score on the large Fridge Raiders scoreboard, Loughgiel 0-07 Dunloy 2-09. Walking into the clubrooms, Loughgiel would reflect on not capitalising on the two real goal scoring opportunities from close range that were hit with no power and directly to the goalkeeper.

**Loughgiel’s Marie Laverty takes a spill in the second half**

The second half commenced with some similarity to the initial game throw-in, as Dunloy’s McAllister hurtled out of the throw-in with the sliotar to claim her point on this occasion. The Shamrock’s were largely holding their own but their first touch had deserted them and any potential to build up a run at goal went amiss as the sliotar couldn’t be picked up quick enough to protect the prize and Dunloy were eager to take advantage of that. With thirteen gone on the clock, Eobha McAllister claimed her own goal from a long wind-assisted puck out. Loughgiel replied with a goal, when the sliotar found itself round the back of keeper McKinley and running in at speed, Loughgiel’s Eva McGarry made no mistake in finding the net at very close range. Loughgiel looked lively now, despite a two goal and five point difference and seven minutes later it was one goal and seven points, as Riona McCaughan struck green gold from a well worked sequence that was clockwork in appearance.

The Shamrock’s managed to improve their scoreline with an additional two points but Dunloy had by now tamed the wind and another seven points put the game beyond Loughgiel as O’Reilly blew for full time, the scoreline ended Loughgiel 2-12 Dunloy 3-24.

Loughgiel panel and scorers

Maeve Scullion, Rhea Dickson, Brianna McCloskey, Eibhlin Kearney, Sarah Flavin, Aoibheann Gillan, Catherine McGarry, Anna Smyth, Rose McMullan 0-04 (2f, 45), Caela Casey, Marie Laverty 0-04 (2f), Caela Dobbin 0-03, Aoife McKinley, Caoimhe McGarry, Eva McGarry 1-00, Aoife Cunningham, Riona McCaughan 1-00, Roise McGarry 0-01

Dunloy panel and scorers

Mya McKinley, Eimear McGilligan, Brid O’Kane, Rebecca McGrath, Sarah Louise Kearns, Casey Crawford 0-01, Carly McNamee, Eobha McAllister 1-09 (4f, 2×45), Micha Cunning, Erin McMullan 2-05, Mary McArthur 0-03, Adria McAllister 0-03, Caoifhionn McShane 0-02, Kerry Rose Drain 0-01, Ciara McMullan, Hannah Richmond, Ava Johnston, Lucy Cunning, Hannah O’Neill, Carragh Boyle

You can see more action photos from the Minor game here…

https://myalbum.com/album/58PjkBzR6fB3hS/?invite=a2980f0a-b169-4879-b63f-6e6da32ed1d2

June 30, 2025June 30, 2025 by thesaffrongael

Antrim Masters back to winning ways

Monaghan 0 – 10 Antrim 2 – 13

Antrim Masters got their season back on track with a good performance against gritty Monaghan in Clones on Saturday. Playing into a slight breeze big midfielder Brendan Etherson got the scoreboard ticking with an excellent point in the third minute and classy Kieran Close added another a few minutes later to send the visitors into an early lead.

With Ryan Boyd and Brendan Etherson claiming plenty of possession around the middle and Michael Herron leading his defence from the front, once Michael McCann started to run his engine through the gears there was only going to one winner. Michael pointed in the seventh minute, his first of four points on a day when at times he looked on a different level.

Antrims Kieran Close was also in terrific form, his well-timed runs securing lots of possession, one of which he used to chalk up Antrim’s second point of the day.

**Ciaran Close who was in fine scoring form against Monaghan**

Monaghan were still competitive though, with full forward Noel Smith a particular handful, his three well taken points keeping the Farneymen level on the scoreboard along with a point from Peter Tuite.

A timely interception by Thomas Doherty set up a superb Antrim move which involved half a dozen Antrim men before Michael McCarry finished to the Monaghan net to put a little daylight between the teams as the new Clones scoreboard read minute seventeen. Peter Tuite would narrow the deficit once again for the hosts but in the closing minutes of the half, two superbly taken points from Darren Craig and Ryan Boyd steadied the ship, sending the Saffrons in four points to the good at half time.

A four point lead at half time didn’t realy do justice to Antrim’s dominance, a disallowed goal and hitting woodwork twice meant the scoreboard remained closer than it may have.

Monaghan centre half Stephen Fitzpatrick reduced that gap slightly with the opening score of the second half, but it would be almost fifteen minutes before Monaghan scored again. This third quarter saw Antrim playing with confidence and purpose as they began to assert themselves on the contest.

Kevin McAllister opened his account for the day before Michael McCann tagged on two super points from play, to put Antrim six points up. The next few minutes saw his fellow Cargin legend Kieran Close chip in with a goal and a point, and when the excellent Michael McCarry fired over immediately afterwards, all of a sudden the gap was out to ten points. Antrim Masters stalwart Liam Geezer Magee extended the lead out to eleven with a well taken score, introducing himself to the action.

As both teams ran their benches points from Monaghans excellent Noel Smith, as well as Eddie Lennon and Aidan McGarrel kept Monaghan in touch, without the result ever being in real doubt.

Mickey Donnelly concluded the scoring with a fine point for the Saffrons which would prove to be his side’s final score of a productive evening’s work.

Antrim will be relieved to get back to winning ways, and management will be pleased with some of the quality on offer, particularly during an excellent fifteen minute period when Antrim scored 1 – 04 without reply.

**Michael Herron who was solid at the heart of the Antrim defence**

Antrim’s defence was sound throughout, captain for the day Ryan Daly and Michael Herron always in control posted superb individual displays. The midfield duo of Ryan Boyd and Bredan Etherson both contributed enormously to the victory, winning a high percentage of kick outs and breaking ball which provided a vital platform for a forward line which worked hard all day and can be pleased with their own individual efforts.

Barry McMahon and Michael McCarry showed their worth to this squad, their fitness and assurance on the ball providing lots of attacking options, many which resulted in scores. Kieran Close looked much more like his classy self and his contribution of a goal and three points demonstrating his value to his team.

Fellow Cargin legend Michael McCann’s contribution was immense throughout, his participation with his county over 40s providing Antrim with a top quality player who many believe should still be playing with his county seniors.

Michael was the quality player on view, edging the man of the match conversation on the day which also involved tough competitors to the cause, Brendan Etherson and Michael Herron and Kieran Close who were also superb throughout.

Antrims next league match is a Round 5 league game at home to Louth on Saturday with a 2pm throw in, at Cargin GAC.

June 30, 2025June 30, 2025 by thesaffrongael

Conor Devlin Tournament at Tir na nOg

Featured image: Paddy & Marie Devlin, the parents of Conor presenting the Conor Devlin Cup to Kevin Lynches captain. Included is club chairman Nicky Bonnes

On Saturday, 28th June, Tír na nÓg Randalstown hosted their 17th annual Conor Devlin Tournament. On the day the teams that played were Naomh Olcán, Swatragh, St. Enda’s, Ard na Rí, Kevin Lynches & Bannagher.

After an excellent day’s hurling Naomh Olcan, progressed to the Shield final where they would meet St. Enda’s while the cup final involved Ard naRi and Kevin Lynch’s, Dungiven.

The tournament had a big crowd spectating throughout the day as per usual. The pitches were in pristine condition! This year was a little more special as Louise Frazier, from Falkirk, in Scotland, travelled by motorcycle to join us with her husband after the Devlin family extended an invite to her. In 2007, after Conor’s tragic death, Louise received some of Conor’s organs. Paddy & Marie made a special presentation to commemorate her visit. Well done to everyone who participated on the day, thanks to the referees, Fionntan McCotter & Mark O’Neill for officiating and all those who organised the day.

Louise Frazier, from Falkirk, Scotland who was the recipient of organs donated by Conor Devlin after his tragic death in 2007. Louise travelled to the tournament with her husband on their motorbike for the occasion.

Shield final: Naomh Olcán vs. St. Enda’s

Naomh Olcán, an amalgamation between Tír na nÓg and Kickhams U15 hurlers came out on top against St. Enda’s in the shield final, despite a tight encounter, goals were the difference in the end, which saw the Randalstown men over the line.

Captain Ciaran Corr received the trophy from Paddy & Marie Devlin, alongside club chairman Nicky Bonnes.

Cup Final: Kevin Lynches v Ard na Ri

In the cup final, tournament favourites Kevin Lynches, Dungiven took the honours against Ard na Rí, an amalgamation team of St. Brigids and St. Galls. Martin Hurls continued their sponsorship of the tournament and sponsored a prize for the puc fada winner, which went to St. Enda’s and the player of the tournament that was awarded to an Ard na Rí player.

TO VIEW MORE OF BERT TROWLEN’S PICS FROM THE DAY CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

https://myalbum.com/album/RxRKsLs7uS5yLq

June 30, 2025June 30, 2025 by thesaffrongael

Rossa stay in the title race with win over Shamrocks

Antrim Hurling League – Division 1

Loughgiel 3-14 Rossa 1-21

Rossa stayed in the Division 1 title race when a point deep in injury time by Conor ‘Spud’ O’Neill gave them a one point victory over Loughgiel at Fr Healy Park on Sunday evening. The score came after play had been held up because of an incident in the Loughgiel goalmouth, which the great RTE commentator Micheál O’Hehir would have described as ‘a bit of a shemozzle’, an incident that could have turned nasty, but thankfully common sense prevailed and play resumed with normal time almost up. Both teams had chances of grabbing the winner but it was Walsh who slotted over the winner after he picked up a breaking ball about 30 meters out and sent it between the posts.

The win leaves Rossa on 18 points with one game left to play against Ballycastle, but even if they win that game they could still be caught, if Dunloy, who beat St John’s earlier in the day, win their last two games, the first of them on Friday evening against Loughgiel and the other, a match that was postponed back on the opening day of the season.

Loughgiel got away to a great start in Sunday’s game when Ben McGarry pointed inside 12 seconds and Shan McGrath added a second two minutes later. Rossa soon got into their stride though and four points in a row from Dominic McEnhill, Deaglan Murphy (2) and Daire Murphy put them two clear by the tenth minute. Loughgiel’s Shan McGrath and Rossa’s James Connolly exchanged points to keep the gap at two, but Loughgiel got back in front on fifteen minutes when left half back Declan McCloskey finished off a great move by the Shamrocks by running in along the endline and batting the ball down past Rossa goalkeeper Donal Armstrong.

When Jack McCloskey and McGrath added two more points the gap was out to three, but Rossa finished the first half strongly with points from Eoin Trainor, Deaglan Murphy (2), Declan McCartney, in reply to just one from the home side’s Declan McCloskey, to go in at the break on level terms, Loughgiel 1-06 Rossa 0-09.

With the fresh breeze at their backs in the second half most observers would have fancied Loughgiel to push on, but it was the visitors who made the better start and two points in as many minutes from Deaglan Murphy put Rossa back on top. Their lead did not last long though as corner forward Jack McCloskey won possession before rounding his marker and firing home from a narrow angle on the left, but thirty seconds later the ball was nestling in the net at the other end when Liam McEnhill finished off a good Rossa move with a neat finish.

Jack McCloskey came back with a point for the home side but Rossa came strong again and during the next ten minutes they hit five points without reply, two of them from Aodhan O’Brien two from Deaglan Murphy and one from Liam McEnhill.

Just when it appeared that the Belfast side were gaining control Loughgiel got back in the running with a goal from Shan McGrath. Two points from Daire Murphy were answered by McGrath for the Shamrocks as the tension built. Three points from each side, the pick of them a real beauty direct from a sideline ‘cut’ but Ryan ‘Betty’ McKee, kept the game deadlocked entering injury time and it looked like a draw was the most likely outcome, but with the seconds ticking away O’Neill got the break his team needed and picked up the ball to send over the winner.