Author / thesaffrongael

Posts by thesaffrongael

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

Magill leads the Dunloy charge in Championship opener

Antrim Senior Camogie Championship – Round Robin 1

Ballycastle 0-05 Dunloy 6-13

The Ballycastle (above) and Dunloy teams stand for a minutes’ silence in memory of Glenariffe Oisins player Eunan Harvey before Tuesday evening’s Senior Championship opener at Pairc MacUilin

Last year’s beaten finalists started their 2025 championship off with a resounding win away to Ballycastle. Despite the scoreline they were made to work hard for it from a resilient Ballycastle team who pushed them all the way and will also rue their form up front.

Whilst they never threatened the Dunloy goal they had plenty of scoring chances but failed to convert them due to poor shooting and a strong Dunloy defence.

Dunloy started with intent straight from the off with Aine Magill converting a point which was then followed up a pointed free from the same player.

The visitors were well on top at this stage and opened up Ballycastle for the first goal of the night. A pass into the path of Katie Molloy was well laid onto the in coming Magill of which she fired into the corner of the net, leaving Beckie Ellis with no chance.

It was a blow to the home side who had been giving as good as they got in the opening stages of the match but had missed scorable frees which could of kept the margin down.

Ballycastle did get on the scoresheet with a Riana McBride free after Eimear McCaughan was fouled.

Cassie McArthur replied for Dunloy from a Nicole McAtamney sideline to extend Dunloy’s lead to five points. Ballycastle were trying to keep in touch with points from Riana McBride but they were all coming from frees and not making enough of an impact in the visitor’s defence with 15 mins gone in the half.

Nicole McAtamney picked up her first score of the day thirty seconds later to again wipe out the Ballycastle reply. With twenty minutes gone Aine Magill continued her scoring with a well taken score from an Eimear Johnston pass.

Ballycastle were finding it hard to make any head roads and the pressure told with Dunloy finding the net for the second time. Caoimhe Molloy’s well struck sideline ball to Aine Magill saw her leave three players in her trail. She evaded the tackles and a loose stick to fire into the top left corner and more or less put this game to bed.

Riana McBride replied with two more well taken frees but in truth it was a good as the forward could get as they got no change from this Dunloy defence.

As the half came to a finish Dunloy made sure there was no way back for the home side with an Aine Magill pointed free and a third goal by Eobha McAllister.

If there were any doubts the game was over as a contest first half it certainly was 2 minutes into the second as Dunloy added 1-01 in this period. Katie Molloy goaled straight away followed up by an Aine Magill free

With the breeze at their backs Ballycastle dropped the sweeper they employed first half to use the massive puck out of Becky Ellis to try and push into the Dunloy defence.

Unfortunately for the home side they didn’t make any sort of impact on the Dunloy back line with only one solitary point from play courtesy of Elen McIntosh for this half.

Dunloy continued in the same form as the first half with Cassie McArthur, Katie Molloy, Aine Magill and Nicole McAtamney all splitting the uprights. As the game came to a conclusion as a contest Dunloy raised the green flag two more times through Nicole McAtamney & Eobha McAllister.

A thorough performance from Dunloy who were solid at the back and were able to find their scores much easier throughout the hour due to their hard work. For the home side they will be disappointed their efforts didn’t yield more scores, but it wasn’t for the want of trying.

Ballycastle will now travel to Loughgiel with Dunloy now on the bye week.

Ballycastle

B Ellis, C Delaney, A Toner, M O’Neill, N Cosgrove, E McShane, S Heggarty, J McIntosh, F McIntosh, M Kelly, R McBride (0-04 frees), S Graham, E McIntosh (0-01), E McCaughan

Dunloy

C O’Kane, S McIlhatton, B Magill, K Boyle, E Kearns, K Laverty, K Mullan, C Molloy, B Magill, E McAllister, (2-02), E Johnston, N McAtamney (1-01), C McArthur (0-02), K Molloy (1-01), A Magill (2-06 ~ 4 frees)

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

https://myalbum.com/album/CcuPkKAXHtsuiJ/?invite=4ff8d62a-6b42-4982-a617-7c60967d13b0

https://myalbum.com/album/CcuPkKAXHtsuiJ/?invite=4ff8d62a-6b42-4982-a617-7c60967d13b0

by thesaffrongael

Cushendall snatch late goal to beat Loughgiel

Antrim Minor Hurling League Division 1

Loughgiel 2-18 Loughgiel 3-17

A goal by Callagh Mooney in injury time saw Cushendall snatch victory from the jaws of defeat in Sunday’s Antrim Minor Hurling League game at Fr Healy Park. The young Ruairis were trailing two points as the game went into injury time when they were awarded a penalty by match referee Colum Cunning. Fiontan Bradley stepped up to take the penalty but his shot was saved and Mooney reacted quickest to turn the rebound to the net. A minute later Mooney struck again with a point from play to give his team a two point win.

Loughgiel had the better of things in the first half and had a wider range of scorer than their opponents who were heavily reliant on Fiontan Bradley for their scores. A goal on sixteen minutes from the Shamrocks right half forward Caolan McCollum, put them 1-05 to 0-05 ahead but Bradley grabbed one for the Ruairis three minutes from the break to leave just a point between them, However the Shamrocks corner forward Joe Casey found the Cushendall net just before the break to help his team to a 2-09 to 1-07 lead at the interval.

With Liam McGarry showing great accuracy from frees Loughgiel stretched their lead to 2-12 to 1-08 five minutes into the second half and it was 2-15 to 1-12 by the end fo the third quarter as both teams added three apiece . Five points for the visitors, in reply to just two by Loughgiel closed the gap to two with just three minutes of normal time remaining but two more Liam McGarry points appeared to have sealed the win for Loughgiel.

Bradley closed the gap to a single point as the game went into added time before Mooney turned the game on its head  with a late goal and point to seal Cushendall’s win.

TO SEE MORE OF MICKEY MORGAN’S PICS FROM THIS GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

https://myalbum.com/album/UaGeSdFztQy7vc/?invite=06391e24-1be3-4bce-9c56-5f4661b90699

by thesaffrongael

Eunan Harvey RIP

We at the Saffron Gael would like to pass on our condolences to the Harvey family, Sean, Sharon, Aoife and Lena on the tragic death of Eunan, who lost his battle with caner yesterday. A great young man who was loved and respected everwhere he went, we reproduce tributes from his home club Glenariffe Oisins, from Con Magees, Glenravel where he played football and with his school St Killian’s College where he was a Year 14 student.

We can only imagine the pain his family is going through at this awful time.

The bright light of heaven to you Eunan

Eunan with his dad Sean after Glenariffe-Glenravel beat Dunloy in the Antrim Minor Hurling final in Armoy last September

Glenariffe Oisins CLG

The Committee and members of Glenariffe Oisin CLG and the whole Glenariffe community are deeply saddened and heartbroken with the news of the tragic passing of Eunan, our esteemed minor hurler.

Eunan was an intelligent, talented young man with an infectious love for life and for his sport. He was at the centre of everything which was good around our club, whether that was as part of our Ulster Minor Championship winning team last year or volunteering of his time at Oisin’s CUL Camp. We were incredibly proud as a club to see Eunan represent us as he lined out for Antrim minor hurlers in 2025.

Eunan’s cheerful positivity, enthusiasm and determination were a true inspiration to those around him and his loss will be deeply felt by all his friends and teammates.

We extend our deepest sympathy to his parents Sean and Sharon, his sisters Aoife and Lena, his entire family circle and large group of friends and teammates at this sad time.

Mary Queen of Gael pray for him.

Ar dheis De go raibh a anam 🙏

Antrim Minor champions 2024
Eunan and Sean after the Ulster final in Ballinascree
Ulster Minor champions 2024
Eunan playing with the Con Magee
Eunan and Sean after the Con Magees Breslin Cup triumph in 2023

Glenravel Con Magees

Remembering Eunan Harvey

It is with the deepest sadness that we learned of the passing of Eunan, a great teammate and friend.

Eunan was the kind of fella everyone enjoyed having around the pitch and the dressing room – passionate, energetic, and always ready with a smile. His infectious spirit lifted everyone around him, both on and off the field. A natural sportsman and a loyal friend, he brought laughter and life wherever he went. Eunan played on our U16 Championship winning team last year and The Breslin Cup winning team in 2023.

Though his time with us was far too short, the impact he made will never be forgotten.

Our thoughts are with Sean, Sharon, Aoife & Lena, his friends, and teammates both here and in Glenariffe, during this difficult time.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis

St Killian’s College Garron Tower

It is with deep sadness that we share the news of the passing of Eunan Harvey, Year 14, who died peacefully after a short illness, earlier this morning.
Eunan was a valued member of our school community—bright, lively and full of promise. Surrounded by many friends, his presence touched our lives and brought much joy to his entire year group. His loss will be felt deeply by all our students, staff, and those who knew him.
Eunan was a top achieving pupil at both GCSE and AS Level, recently achieving an A in PE, a Distinction in ICT and a C in Environmental Technology whilst battling an illness. More than the sum of his academic achievements, Eunan was an outstanding sportsperson representing the college in numerous sports, his club (Glenariffe) and County Antrim in hurling, and also representing Con Magees, Glenravel in Gaelic football.
Eunan was a lively, outgoing and sociable young man who made a lasting impression among his peers and large friendship group. Eunan knew how to enjoy himself and had a great sense of humour, showing us the importance of making the most out of each and every day.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to all of Eunan’s family, particularly his parents Sharon and Sean, and his sisters Aoife and Lena. Our thoughts are also with his friends, classmates and entire St Killian’s community during this incredibly difficult time. We will continue to offer support in any way we can.
Please join us in keeping Eunan and his loved ones in your thoughts and prayers.
May he rest in peace 🙏

by thesaffrongael

Ardoyne get their championship ambitions back on track

GRAHAM TARMAC JFC Group 1

Ardoyne Kickhams 4-12 O’Donnells 0-6

 Ardoyne Kickhams got their Graham Tarmac Junior Football Championship ambitions back on track with a comfortable 18-point win over city rivals O’Donnells at Davitt Park on Sunday.

The game was as good as over at the break with Ardoyne 4-7 to 0-2 to the good. The 20-plus degree heat took its toll after the restart and the scoring rate slowed considerably. O’Donnells added three of the last four points of the game but the result was well beyond doubt at that stage.

Ardoyne got off to a flier with Gary McKernan opening the scoring followed by a goal from Aodhan McNeill. Pádraig McGreevy then raised a second white flag before Aodhan McNeill finished a slick passing move to palm to the net on the 10-minute mark.

Cormac Mullan added a two-pointer before O’Donnells finally got off the mark on 17 minutes with a pointed free. Ardoyne’s third and fourth goals arrived minutes later, either side of an Eoghan Corrigan point. Cahal Keown fired to the net for his side’s third goal and Cormac Mullan latched onto a rebound after his penalty was saved to sidestep the O’Dee’s keeper and extend the Ardoyne lead.

Aodhan McNeill added point number six with Ciaran McNeill completing his side’s first half tally after a sublime through ball from McKernan. O’Donnells added their second free just before the short whistle.

The second half was a more subdued affair with Ardoyne adding five points over the 30 minutes, McKernan slotting over the game’s final score just before the final whistle. O’Donnells added their first score from play on 44 minutes, a reflection of Ardoyne’s dominance at the back.

The Whiterock Road men strung together three unanswered points but Ardoyne’s thoughts had already turned to the visit of St Malachy’s to Fennell Park on 29 August for the final Group 1 game.

Ardoyne team: Tiernan Hughes Cormac Curran Micheál McGreevy Aran Stewart Joe Gibson Piaras Marley Finnén W O’Brien Eoghan Corrigan Gary McKernan Kealan McCallan Aodhan McNeill Cormac Mullan Cahal Keown Ciarán McNeill Padraig McGreevy Subs Cormac Barnes for Padraig McGreevy Fiontan Lagan for Cahal Keown Michael Maguire for Aran Stewart Fiontann Campbell for Joe Gibson