Author / thesaffrongael

Posts by thesaffrongael

Photographer and GAA writer who has been covering hurling, football and camogie for almost forty years
by thesaffrongael

Antrim hoping to upset the odds in Iniskeen

Antrim enter their Ulster Minor Championship clash with Monaghan carrying a quiet sense of momentum and growing belief. After a promising run through their league fixtures, this is a side that looks more settled and confident than in recent years

Much of Antrim’s optimism centres on a hard-working midfield and a forward line that has shown it can take scores under pressure. Discipline and decision-making, however, will be crucial—turnovers in key areas have hurt them before, and against seasoned opposition, those mistakes tend to be punished.

Defensively, Antrim will need to stay compact and organised, with communication across the back line likely to play a big role in limiting Monaghan’s scoring chances.  If they can strike the right balance between patience and attacking intent, there’s a genuine opportunity to make this a competitive contest.

For Antrim, this fixture represents more than just a championship opener—it’s a chance for a young group to show their progress and lay down a marker for the future.

Antrim Minors make the trip to Inniskeen, mid-day Saturday to face Monaghan in the first round of the Ulster Minor Football Championship.

The young Saffrons will go into Saturday’s encounter with the Farney as rank outsiders but the underdog tag will probably suit Antrim and it’s something that Antrim teams have become accustomed to in recent years.

They face a Monaghan team who recently beat Tyrone in the Ulster Minor League final and will be amongst the favourites to lift Ulster and beyond.

This is not an Antrim team without hope however and while they suffered a number of defeats in the Ulster league they showed against Donegal just what they are capable of if they can put their best game together.

The Saffrons producing a solid performance but in the end they were forced to share the points with the Tir Connaill outfit in a game they should have won.

Dara Campbell, who had a fine game at mid-field for the hosts, responded for Antrim with Danny Og Cooney and Darragh O’Hare 2pt on target for the visitors and Tom Convery punishing a breech at the other end to leave Donegal 0-10 to 0-6 ahead at the break but with the breeze to face in the second half.

Antrim looked in a bit of trouble when Tadhd McDaid from play and then from a free extended the visitors lead at the start of the second half but they replied through Joey Griffin 2 pointer and another from Thomas Douthert to get their second half up and running.

The Saffrons were then punished as the ball was moved forward after a disputed free which O’Hare converted but they responded in the best possible way with Mark McFerran, Daire Thornbury and Aodhan O’Hanlon on target at the other end.

Indiscipline began to creep into the Antrim play though it has to be said that a number of the frees against them were of the soft variety and ace free taker, Darragh O’Hare took advantage with four on the bounce with Dara Campbell hitting a 2 pointer and a single from play to keep the home side in touch.

A great point from Sean McCormack had the side’s level going into injury time but again they were punished for an indiscretion, much to the annoyance of the home support, which O’Hare converted.

It looked as good as over at this stage but the young Saffrons showed tremendous fighting spirit and Daire Thornbury became their hero as he split the posts in the 34th minute to give them a share of the spoils.

by thesaffrongael

Antrim face Down in Dunloy as the Joe McDonagh Cup gets underway

Joe McDonagh Cup – Round One

Antrim v Down

Saturday 18 April at Pearse Park, Dunloy – Throw in: 1:30pm

Referee: Thomas Gleeson (Dublin)

Antrim begin their McDonagh Cup campaign on Saturday afternoon against, as fate would have it, Down in Pearse Park, Dunloy.  After the rollercoaster ride that was the National League campaign and that game in Pairc Esler, the hurling Gods have looked upon Antrim favorably with the schedule and paired us up against our neighbours on the opening weekend.

On the ‘We Are Antrim’ podcast, I said it was the perfect time for Antrim to face Down again.  I stand by that.  It’ll be four weeks since that last gasp Donal Hughes goal denied Antrim in the Marshes and despite plenty of groundwork done since, you have to think that game will be fresh in the memories of the Saffrons.  There was an overriding emotion of hurt and a savage disappointment coming away from that game that can only be a good thing.  If there was motivation needed, they don’t need to look much further.

Antrim will know themselves they didn’t play well enough on the day.  Take nothing away from Down and their performance.  When Antrim took the lead through a late James McNaughton point, it looked like they had got out of jail.  An armed robbery in the Marshes.  It would have been an undeserving victory but one you would certainly have taken and moved on.

It didn’t materialize.  Down were excellent at utilizing space in the Antrim defence with Shea Pucci on the edge of the square immense.  When you have the likes of Daithi Sands and Tom McGrattan in an attacking unit, you’ll always be in with a chance.  A defence well marshalled by Caolan Taggart and Barry Trainor along with Liam Savage in the middle third, Down have proven themselves to be a side who are in with a realistic chance in the McDonagh Cup.

But, in a competition where momentum plays a massive role, Antrim have to get off to a winning start.  Use the hurt from that game, register two points early doors and get the ball rolling.  With tricky away trips to Laois and London to follow, if Antrim are to have success in this competition for a record third time, you feel that a winning start is imperative.

The starting 15 has been named with Cormac McFadden getting a nod for the number one shirt.  Ryan McNulty retains his position in the side after an excellent game against Down while Oisin Donnelly makes his debut in an Antrim shirt, forming a full back line with Niall O’Connor and Stephen Rooney.  Donnelly taking the place of Gerard Walsh in the back six with the Rossa man carrying a knock coming into the game and only fit enough for a role on the bench.

Eoin O’Neill and Paul Boyle form the midfield pairing once again while there is one change in the attacking six.  Ryan McCambridge coming in for Conor Johnston, the game coming too soon for Jonty as he looks to shake off a nasty hand injury.

The four week break since the league will have been used to refocus the mind and shift mentality towards the championship while taking in a warm weather training camp in Portugal, it’s all systems go for Saturday.  We’ve seen the importance of and the positives of these training blocks in Portugal before – incredibly, I was told that it’s cheaper to do this for four days than go anywhere else in the country that might provide the same facilities.  When you hear the list of counties from both codes using the same complex as Davy Fitzgerald’s side, you have to think that it’s a worthwhile exercise and one that the players themselves get behind with the fundraising.  The training is intense, but the bonds that are formed and solidified coming through the likes of this are hugely beneficial to creating that team ethos that is a huge factor in gaining success.

The last time we faced Down in the McDonagh Cup, we came away from Ballycran with a handsome victory in 2022.  Incredibly, Antrim will start with just six of the same starting 15 on Saturday while another came off the bench on that occasion.

Seaan Elliott grabbed two goals that day while Ciaran Clarke, Domhnall Nugent and Conor Johnston added the other majors in a 6-22 to 3-16 victory.  I can’t see that margin of victory again, but I think Antrim will get their championship season off to a winning start.

by thesaffrongael

Eire Og make it three from three

ACFL Division 3

Eire Og 0-18 St Brigid’s Cloughmills0-5

Eire Óg made it three wins from three in Division 3 with a controlled and at times impressive performance against The Biddies at Woodlands, although a wasteful opening half meant the margin could have been even more emphatic.

The home side made the ideal start when Eoin Dixon split the posts inside the opening minute after a sharp attacking move. That early score set the tone for much of the first half as Eire Óg dominated possession and territory but struggled to fully capitalise.

Despite a series of missed opportunities—including a gilt-edged goal chance that went a begging—the Ogs kept the scoreboard ticking over thanks largely to the accuracy of Conor McKenna, who landed three fine points from play. Gavin Donnelly also contributed with a well-taken effort after good approach work, while Lorcan McIlroy proved a constant outlet inside, winning primary possession and linking play effectively.

St Brigid’s, who had caused a real shock when beat Ardoyne last time out, found scores hard to come by this time around against a compact and disciplined Eire Óg defence, with their only real opportunity of note in the half—a free around the 20-minute mark—going astray. At the other end, the hosts continued to create chances but again failed to convert a clear-cut goal opportunity into an open net.

An enforced early change saw Kayvan Vesali introduced for the injured Adam McKenna, and while his first involvement led to a foul that Naomh Bríd converted for a two-pointer, Eire Óg finished the half strongly. Points from Dixon and Conal Smyth ensured the home side carried a commanding 0-09 to 0-02 lead into the break.

The second half began in blistering fashion with Smyth raising a white flag inside 15 seconds. Although St Brigid’s responded through their midfield, Eire Óg remained in control. McIlroy added a free, and further scores from McKenna and Smyth underlined the growing dominance of the Woodlands men.

A moment of indiscipline saw Cloughgmills awarded a 13-metre free, which they converted, but it did little to shift the momentum. Smyth, in particular, was in outstanding form, repeatedly finding space and finishing clinically, including several well-worked scores from sweeping team moves.

Defensively, Eire Óg were equally impressive. Barry McDaid and Brian O’Malley marshalled the backline superbly, mopping up loose ball and snuffing out any sustained threat. While a couple of late frees—one again brought forward for dissent—offered Naomh Bríd some respite, the result was never in doubt.

Further points from Dixon and Smyth, including a brace late on following incisive attacking play, rounded off a comfortable victory for the hosts.

With three wins from three now secured, Eire Óg’s strong start to the campaign continues, and they will look to carry that momentum into their next outing—a tricky away trip to Rasharkin.

Eire Óg: J King; B O’Malley, B McDaid, C Rice; S Erskine, C McKenna (0-05), L Mulholland; P Maxwell, E Dixon (0-03); A McKenna, M O’Hanlon, G Donnelly (0-01); L McIlroy (0-02); J Erskine, C Smyth (0-07). Subs: K Vesali for A McKenna, M Hanna, R Clarke, A Thompson.

by thesaffrongael

Nothing to lose as Antrim travel to Celtic Park

Ulster SFC

Derry V Antrim

Saturday 5pm Celtic Park

Antrim make their bow in this year’s Ulster Championship when they travel to Celtic Park in Derry on Saturday evening to face a Derry Side who will be cast in the role of red hot favourites and rightly so.

Derry played their football in division 2 of the National league this year and turned in some great performances, winning five of their seven games and missing out narrowly on promotion to division 1.

They were pipped for a promotion place by Cork and Meath despite recording a big win over Cork in early March but an opening round defeat to Meath on day one and a loss to Louth on 14th March would eventually cost them a promotion place.

Left to Right: Niall Burns, Peter Healey and Pat Shivers

A solid league campaign never the less under Ciaran Meenagh, who appears to have got all of Derry’s top players back on board after a short reign by Mickey Harte which produced a National league title.

Former Tyrone manager Harte was never fully accepted by the Oak Leaf support despite that title in 2024 and following a poor 2025 campaign Derry turned to former coach, Meenagh.

And while Meenagh was taking up the reigns in Derry, Antrim had a new man in charge themselves. Mark Doran was to endure a less than spectacular start in charge of the Saffrons when they lost their opening three games in Division 4.

Like Meenagh with Derry, Doran has steadied the Antrim ship however and the Saffrons won their final four games in the lower division and just lost out narrowly on a promotion place.

The Derry side to face Antrim at Celtic Park will be littered with household names like Padraig McGrogan, Gareth McKinless, the Doherty’s, Matthew Downey, Conor Glass and Shane McGuigan to name but a few.

McGuigan scored 0-11 in their final league game against Cavan while Conor Glass is often the driving force in the Derry engine room.

Conor Glass reckons a good Ulster Championship campaign would see Derry’s confidence spiral and could act as a springboard for their summer.

Glass says Derry still see themselves as “one of the top teams in Ireland” and if they aren’t striving to compete at that level they have no business playing football.

The Glen All Star can tell by the confidence of his team mates that they have recovered from a 2025 campaign where they didn’t win a League or Championship game.

Antrim have their own stars however and they won’t be going to Celtic Park just to make up the numbers.

The Saffrons will take great heart from their performance against Armagh in their opening championship game last year when they took the game to the Orchard and led by one at half time.

The return of Marc Jordan will give the Antrim challenge a major boost

Kieran McGeeney’s side stepped it up after the break to win comfortably enough in the end but Antrim can be well satisfied with their performance for 40 plus minutes of that game.

John McNabb has been excellent for Antrim since taking over the goalkeeper’s jersey from Mick Byrne and the return of Eunan Walsh at full-back has added a bit of composure to their defence.

Marc Jordan has been outstanding for Antrim this year but missed the final game of the season against London with a hand injury but has been included in the side named on Thursdasy night and will be a big boost for the Saffrons.

Kavan Keenan, Eoghan McCabe, Paddy McAleer, Dominic McEnhill, Pat Shivers, Joe Finnegan and Adam Loughran have been regulars in a team that has had a more predictable look to it as the season has progressed.

In fact Jordan and Conor Hand are the only changes from the side who finished their league campaign with a win over London and the Saffrons are as near full strength as they could be.

Ryan McQuillan can be a match winner on his day and whether he starts, or is introduced will be hoping to play his part as underdogs Antrim go for broke in the Maiden City.

by thesaffrongael

Champions too strong for Ahoghill in league opener

Antrim Camogie League – Division 1

Ruairi Og, Cushendall 5-23 | Ahoghill 0-04

League champions Cushendall proved too strong for Ahoghill when the sides met in the opening game of the Division 1 League at Pairc Mhuire on Tuesday evening. In their first game since winning the league title last summer Cushendall had just two much firepower for the visitors who, despite defeat, battled to the very end.

The story of the evening belonged to the attacking masterclass put on by the established star Eva McNeill and the sensational young debutant Cliodhna Thompson, who tormented the Ahoghill defence from start to finish.

Cushendall wasted no time asserting their dominance. Within three minutes, Cliodhna Thompson opened her account with a point from play, settling any pre-match nerves. She was quickly followed by Eva McNeill, setting a relentless rhythm that Ahoghill simply could not cope with.

Thompson capped off a dream opening quarter by rattling the back of the net in the 12th minute, pushing Cushendall far ahead early on. Siobhan McKillop, Kady McNeill, and Brogan Abram also added their names to the scoresheet with well-taken points from play.

Ahoghill struggled to secure possession, but briefly found some respite in the second quarter. Their corner forward Noreen Graham converted two frees, and number Maeve O’Donnell added a point from play, but it was merely a drop in the ocean. Cushendall finished the half strong, with McNeill, Lara Haughey, and McKillop tagging on further points to leave the half-time score at a daunting 1-15 to 0-3.

If Ahoghill hoped for a reprieve in the second half, those hopes were entirely dashed within the first sixty seconds of the restart. Cushendall came out of the blocks flying, with Thompson scoring her second goal of the game just 19 seconds in. Before the spectators could even settle, Kady McNeill found the net again less than a minute later, effectively ending the game as a contest.

Eva McNeill continued her clinic from both dead balls and open play, splitting the posts effortlessly. County goalkeeper Catriona Graham, who plays outfield for her club, pulled a point back for the visitors in 9th minute, their only score of the half, as the Ruairi Og defence locked down completely.

In the final ten minutes, Cushendall emptied the tank. Cara O’Boyle made her mark with a point and a clinical 27th-minute goal. Fittingly, it was Eva McNeill who had the final say, finding the back of the net in the dying moments to cap off an incredible personal tally and seal a monumental 5-23 to 0-4 victory.

Ruairi Og, Cushendall:

  • Eva McNeill: 1-10 (2f, 1 ’45)
  • Cliodhna Thompson: 2-4
  • Kady McNeill: 1-2
  • Cara O Boyle: 1-1
  • Siobhan McKillop: 0-3
  • Dervla Cosgrove: 0-1
  • Brogan Abram: 0-1
  • Lara Haughey: 0-1

Ahoghill:

  • Noreen Graham: 0-2 (2f)
  • Maeve O’Donnell: 0-1
  • Catriona Graham: 0-1