Antrim Football League – Division 1

Glenravel 0-12 Tír na nÓg 1-09

In drawn games both teams always look back on what might have been, a combination of ifs, buts and maybes. This game is no different as both sides squandered chances they would normally have hoped to convert. The home side were behind for most of it, only drawing level on fifty eight minutes and then surged into a three point lead but were eventually pegged back by two scores yielding three points from Randalstown’s star attraction Darragh Fagan. The burly full forward contributed five points to the visitors’ tally and carried the main threat from the men from the Hill. Probably a draw was fair but result but try telling that to both camps after the game.

Playing with the aid of a stiff breeze, Randalstown opened a three point lead through Emmett Murray, Alex O’Donnell and Daragh Fagan as they dominated possession in the opening ten minutes. Glenravel  would reply  to level the game through Rian Lennon, Eamon Ward and Sean Paul McKenna so with a quarter of the game gone it was honours equal. Joshua Higgins goaled for the visitors shortly afterwards and with a stroke, Tír na nÓg were back three ahead.  Glenravel got it back to an even game through Fergus Donaghy and two frees from Rian Lennon, one being a majestic 45 into a strong breeze. On the stroke of half time Pauric Redmond pointed to give TNN a narrow lead as the teams headed to the changing rooms.

Ciaran O’Neill and Daragh Fagan added two points the the Tír na nÓg scoreline and in between Callum Higgins added to the home side’s tally to leave Randalstown two ahead going into the final quarter on a 1-06 to 0-07 scoreline. Glenravel re-schuffled the deck bringing on Eoin Hynds, Niall Hynds and Cormac McKeown and that seemed to rally the home side as they rattled off five points without reply in a ten minute period to wrestle back control of the game. So with six minutes ordinary time left Glenravel led by three 0-12 to 1-06. In those closing minutes though the visitors looked the more likely to win the game and three points, one of which was a 2-pointer, from Dargah Fagan levelled the game as we entered added time. Both sides went for glory in those added minutes but neither could raise a flag so the league points were shared as Fiontan McCotter called proceedings to halt. Game ended Glenravel 0-12  Tír na Óg 1-09.

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Glenravel Team

1. Conleth O’Loan
2. Conor Carey
3. Eoin McCusker
4. Niall Dickson
5. Cahal Hynds
6. Niall Swann
7. Rian Lennon
8. Callum Higgins
9. Sean Higgins
10. Eamon Ward
11. Shea McAuley
12. Joe Martin
13. Fergus Donaghy
14. Davy Higgins
15. Sean Paul McKenna

Tír na nÓg Team

Note: These are the players marked with a check/number on the official team sheet.

1. Sean-Paul McAtamney
2. Rian Crilly (Rian Mac Raghallaigh)
3. Brandon McLarnon (Braonáin Mac Giolla Earnáin)
4. Manus Smith (Manus Mac Gabhann)
5. Paul McCloskey (Pól Mac Bhloscaidh)
6. Ciaran McGrellis
7. Aodhan Tolan (Aodhán Ó Tuathaláin)
8. Ciaran O’Neill
9. Joshua Higgins (Joshua Ó hUiginn)
10. Sean McKeown (Sean Mac Eoghain)
11. Emmet Murray (Eiméid Murray)
12. Pearse Redmond (Pádraig Redmond)
13. Alex O’Donnell
14. Darragh Fagan
15. Connor Hastings (Conchubhar Ó hOistín)

ACFL Division One:

Aghagallon 2-10 Roger Casements, Portglenone 1-13

Match report and photos by Brian Hamill

A dramatic late rally from Roger Casements, Portglenone salvaged a draw at St Mary’s on Wednesday evening, denying Aghagallon a victory that had looked secure heading into the closing stages.

The home side controlled much of the contest and led by two goals in the second half, but a determined Portglenone finish, driven by key contributions from their panel saw them claw their way back for a share of the spoils.

Aghagallon made the brighter start and established a 0-6 to 0-4 lead by the break, with Eoin Brankin, Adam Loughran and Jamie Lamont all finding their range. At the other end, Portglenone stayed in touch through the efforts of Johnny Convery and Ryan Convery, while Odhrán Doherty and Tom Duffin worked hard to keep the scoreboard ticking.

The home side seized control in the third quarter. Stephen Devlin finished off a well-taken goal with one of his regular, far post runs, before Jonny Hannon added a second major to stretch the advantage. With Brankin continuing to add points, Aghagallon looked to be in command.

Portglenone, however, refused to fold. Driven by midfield influence from players such as Michael Donnelly and Conor McGhee, they began to build momentum. Long-range scores from Kevin O’Kane and Ciaran McAleese cut into the deficit, while Caolan Tierney and Sean Byrne also contributed important points.

The turning point came late on. A powerful attacking spell involving Conor McCann and Rory Moore created the opening for a crucial Portglenone goal, finished clinically to bring the sides back within touching distance. With confidence growing, further points from Ryan O’Neill and Paddy Graffin brought the sides level in the dying moments.

Aghagallon, who had looked comfortable after their two-goal surge, struggled to regain composure under the late pressure, as Portglenone’s bench and extended panel including contributions from Conall Morgan and Daniel McNicholl helped sustain the fight-back.

In the end, Portglenone will feel they earned the result through perseverance and accuracy in the closing stages, while Aghagallon will be disappointed not to have seen out a game they largely controlled.

A gripping contest overall, with Aghagallon’s goal-taking matched by Portglenone’s resilience and late scoring burst ensuring the points were shared.

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