Author / thesaffrongael

Posts by thesaffrongael

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

Cushendun secure convincing win over Randalstown

ACHL Division 2:

Cushendun 1-22 Randalstown 1-08

Venue: Cushendun

Referee: Paddy Tumelty

Cushendun made it two wins from two in their Antrim Hurling League Division 2 campaign with a dominant 1-22 to 1-08 victory over Tir na nÓg Randalstown on home turf. After weathering an early storm against the breeze, the hosts took total control in the second quarter and dictated a largely one-sided second half to run out comfortable winners.

Randalstown played with the advantage of the breeze in the opening half and were first on the scoreboard through a Tiarnan Bonnes free in the 3rd minute. Cushendun quickly responded with a free from Conlaoth “Loaf” McNeill and a score from play by Fiontan McQuillan to edge ahead, before Emmet Murray leveled proceedings in the 8th minute.

The visitors briefly seized the momentum on the 14-minute mark with a spectacular individual goal. Sean Duffin picked up the ball 40 yards out, evaded three Cushendun tackles on a driving run, and coolly placed the sliotar into J.V. Morgan’s right-hand corner to make it 1-02 to 0-02.

However, Cushendun’s response was immediate and emphatic. Callam Kilgore and Pierce Bannon hit quick-fire points to steady the ship, leaving the sides effectively level as the game entered the second quarter.

The turning point arrived in the 22nd minute. After Randalstown goalkeeper Kevin Sheerin produced a brilliant diving save to deny a Callam Kilgore strike, Fiontan McQuillan was perfectly positioned to tap the rebound into the net from close range. Further points from Connor McHugh and McNeill helped the hosts build a 1-08 to 1-04 lead by the interval. Given they would have the wind at their backs for the final 30 minutes, Cushendun were firmly in the driving seat.

Conlaoth McNeill put on an exhibition of shooting, landing seven points in the second period alone—including a string of accurate frees—to continually keep the scoreboard ticking over.

Randalstown’s best chance to spark a revival came in the 13th minute when Declan Mallon found himself one-on-one with J.V. Morgan, but the Cushendun stopper produced a crucial save with his feet to deny the goal.

From there, the home side cut loose. Connor McHugh and Fiontan McQuillan kept the pressure on, while Callam Kilgore, Shane McQuillan, and Thomas Scally all added their names to the scoresheet as the half wore on. Randalstown battled hard but could only muster four points in the second half—two from Bonnes and one each from Emmet Murray and Caoimhin Duffin.

Ultimately, Cushendun’s second-quarter surge and relentless second-half accuracy proved far too much for the visitors, sealing a comprehensive 14-point victory to maintain their perfect start to the season.

Scorers:

Cushendun: *

Conlaoth “Loaf” McNeill: 0-09

  • Fiontan McQuillan: 1-03
  • Callam Kilgore: 0-03
  • Connor McHugh: 0-04
  • Pierce Bannon: 0-01
  • Shane McQuillan: 0-01
  • Thomas Scally: 0-01

Tir na nÓg Randalstown:

  • Sean Duffin: 1-00
  • Tiarnan Bonnes: 0-04 (frees)
  • Emmet Murray: 0-02
  • Connor McCamphill: 0-01
  • Caoimhin Duffin: 0-01 (free)
by thesaffrongael

Ruairis pull clear in dominant second half

Antrim Hurling League Division 1

Cushendall 2-22 Ballygalget 2-07

Venue: Pairc Mhuire, Cushendall

PICS BY SEAN PAUL McKILLOP

Ruairí Óg Cushendall delivered a dominant second-half performance to secure a comprehensive 15-point victory over Ballygalget in this Antrim Hurling League Division 1 clash at Pairc Mhuire. Despite a spirited first-half display from the visitors, which saw them briefly take the lead, Cushendall’s attacking firepower, led by a devastating 2-4 tally from Fintan Bradley, proved too much to handle.

The game began at a frantic pace, with veteran marksman Neil McManus opening the scoring from a free just nine seconds in. Ballygalget’s John McManus replied immediately from play, setting the tone for a tit-for-tat opening period.

Cushendall edged ahead with scores from Callagh Mooney and a massive long-range free from goalkeeper Conor McAllister. Ballygalget stayed well in touch, picking off impressive points from Oisin Coulter, a Marc Fisher free, and another from John McManus to keep the scoreboard tight.

The turning point of the half arrived in the 24th minute. Following an Eoin McDermott point that leveled the game at 0-6 apiece, Ballygalget’s Fearghal Gilmore found the back of the net to stun the hosts and give his side a sudden 1-6 to 0-6 advantage.

However, the Ardsmen’s lead was short-lived. Cushendall responded right away, reeling off four unanswered points before the short whistle. Sean McAuley and Edmond McQuillan found their range, while Neil McManus slotted two crucial late scores (one free, one from play) to send Cushendall into the dressing rooms with a narrow 0-10 to 1-6 lead.

The second half was largely a one-sided affair as Cushendall found another gear. Edmond McQuillan fired over straight from the restart, signaling the beginning of a relentless Ruairí Óg onslaught. Fiontan Bradley quickly added two frees to extend the gap.

Ballygalget managed their only point of the second half in the 38th minute through Brook Byers, but the game was soon put beyond doubt. In the 39th minute, Bradley struck for his first goal of the afternoon. Just four minutes later, the dynamic corner-forward raised his second green flag, completely taking the wind out of Ballygalget’s sails and stretching the lead to 2-13 to 1-7.

Cushendall’s bench also made a significant impact. Thomas McLaughlin, introduced for Christy McNaughton early in the half, registered two fine points from play. EdMcQuillan continued to cause havoc, finishing the day with 0-4, while Neil McManus, Callagh Mooney, Joseph McNaughton, and Austin Birt all tagged on scores to turn the result into a rout.

Deep into stoppage time, Ballygalget substitute Dara Pucci managed to breach the Cushendall defence to grab a late consolation goal, but it was purely academic at that stage.

Scorers for Ruairí Óg Cushendall:

  • Fintan Bradley: 2-4 (0-3 frees)
  • Neil McManus: 0-5 (0-2 frees)
  • Edmond McQuillan: 0-4
  • Callagh Mooney: 0-2
  • Oisin Birt: 0-2
  • Thomas McLaughlin: 0-2
  • Conor McAllister: 0-1 (0-1 free)
  • Sean McAuley: 0-1
  • Joseph McNaughton: 0-1

Scorers for Baile Mhic Uileagóid (Ballygalget):

  • Fearghal Gilmore: 1-0
  • Dara Pucci: 1-0
  • John McManus: 0-2
  • Oisin Coulter: 0-1
  • Marc Fisher: 0-1 (0-1 free)
  • Michael Johnson: 0-1
  • Eoin McDermott: 0-1
  • Brook Byers: 0-1

Substitutions:

  • Cushendall: Thomas McLaughlin for Christy McNaughton (36 mins), Nicholas McLaughlin for Neil McManus (50 mins).
  • Ballygalget: Dara Pucci for Michael Johnson (61 mins).
by thesaffrongael

Ardoyne head back to “the District” with both points

ACHL Division 4

St. Gall’s 11 0-8 Ardoyne 2-12

Photographs & Report: Brian McKee

While this was not a game that will live long in the memory, Ardoyne headed back across the city with both points secured from this Div 4 Hurling League fixture. The opening half was dominated by the Northenders with Patric McGreevy leading the way in collecting the scores.

Two early scores from play from McGreevy set the tone for the rest of the half with St Galls finding it difficult to stay in touch. Stephen McIlhatton though put over St Galls opening point, with Odhran Delany following up with an exquisite point from a tight angle. The rest of the first half was dominated by an Ardoyne team that despite keeping a healthy lead, never really got themselves into top gear.

Ardoyne kept the scoreboard ticking over and by the 15th minute were 8 points ahead. Goals from Cormac Barnes and Caolan Wallace threatened to overrun a St Galls side that were finding it difficult to get a handle on this game.

Half-Time: Naomh Gall II 0-05 Ciceam Ard Eoin 2-08

The second half did not prove to be as one sided, with St Galls matching the Ardoyne men on the field. Despite this, they were let down by wayward shooting that saw them missing opportunities to put any meaningful pressure on Ardoyne.

It was 10 minutes before they eventually got their first score of the second half but they will be encouraged in that they held Ardoyne to a total of 4 points in the second half. Although Ardoyne never looked in danger of losing this game, they will be disappointed in their second half scoring ability and their inability to stamp their authority on the game.

The frustration of both teams was evidenced in the number of frees awarded. However, Ardoyne will be pleased with two points secured, while St Galls will be hoping for a better display in the next game away to All Saints.

Naomh Gall: Lorcan O’Ciarnan, Stephen McIlhatton(0-01), Michael McMullan, Maghnus Dunne, Ciaran McCaffrey, Anto Healy, Simon Dowds, Tiernan McAleenan, Aodh Mullan, Josh Southern (0-05, 3f), Tom Ghee, Mark McArevey, Paul Loughran, Odhran Delany(0-02), Dylan Meighan, Adam O’Hare, Caoimhin Pierce

Ciceam Ard Eoin: Connor O’Neill, Cormac Curran, Paul Baker, Dean Goodall, Paddy Heaney, Pascal Clarke, Matthew Crommie, Pól McGuigan, Diarmuid Martin, Patric McGreevy(0-06, 3f), Matt McKillen(0-02), Cormac Barnes(1-0), Caolan Wallace(1-0), Micheál McGreevy(0-03), Patrick McKillen, Pól Og McGuigan(0-01), Sean Searle, Enda Slattery, Aran Stewart, Cahal Clarke, Emmet Corey, Stephen Hill, Pearse Hull, Fiontan Lagan, Michael Lee-Murphy

Referee: Hugh Torney

TO VIEW MORE OF BRIAN’S PICS CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

https://myalbum.com/album/xqNyK7YYHjE8AV

by thesaffrongael

Cuchullains Comfortable Against Oisin’s

Antrim Senior Hurling League – Division One

Dunloy 4-16 Glenariffe 0-17

Sunday 12 April

Brendan McTaggart reports from Pearse Park, Dunloy

Dunloy continued their winning start to the 2026 league campaign with an 11 point win over Glenariffe.  Two goals in either half proved to be the difference with a fast start by the home side laying the foundation for the victory.

Despite going nine points down after just over 10 minutes, Glenariffe hit six points unanswered to find their footing in the game but they never looked like they were going to add to their opening day victory.

Oisin McCallin added to his burgeoning reputation with a final tally of 1-6 while Aaron Crawford, Ciaran Elliott and Eamon Smyth all found the back of the net.  Aodhan McGarry had another busy performance while Ryan McGarry excelled at full back.

The Oisín’s were best served by Niall Magee, Orrin O’Connor and Alex O’Boyle – O’Boyle finishing top of their scoring charts with 0-6 while O’Connor and Oliver Kearney shared six points between them.  Despite the result, it was a strong performance from the Waterfoot men who showed they are well able for Division One hurling.

With the wind blowing towards the Academy, it favoured Glenariffe in the first half.  Despite this, the Cuchullains started superbly.  Ciaran Elliott’s goal with the home sides first attack coming via a super delivery into space from Ryan McGarry.  Elliott rounded his man and hammered home from close range to give Dunloy the perfect start.  McCallin and Nicky McKeague raised white flags either side of O’Connor’s first point of the game before Aaron Crawford fired in the second goal.  The home side cutting through the Glenariffe defence before Nigel Elliott’s reverse pass found Crawford in space.  The Dunloy man made no mistake from close range.

Scores from McCallin (free) and Aodhan McGarry followed but the home side wouldn’t register another score for 15 minutes as the Oisin’s found their feet in the game.  Four points from Alex O’Boyle along with scores from O’Connor and Michael O’Boyle brought Glenariffe to within three points with five minutes of the half remaining.

Dunloy responded with scores from McCallin, Smyth and Tom McFerran before Alex O’Boyle’s fifth white flag of the half left Dunloy 2-8 to 0-8 ahead at the interval.

Dunloy started the second half brightly with points coming from Smyth, Aodhan McGarry, McCallin and McKeague – Alex O’Boyle with the solitary response for Glenariffe in that opening 10 minute spell.

Points followed for the visitors from substitute Oisin Gillan and Oliver Kearney to keep Glenariffe within touching distance.  The home side responded with McCallin firing over either side of McKeague’s third white flag of the match and while Daniel Kearney left nine points between the sides going into the final 10 minutes, the home side scored their third goal of the game to all but end the hopes of a Glenariffe win.  Daire McMullan sent a free into the path of Ciaran Elliott who found Smyth running through the middle.  The half back had work to do but he finished superbly to put the difference into double digits.

Glenariffe responded well with three unanswered points in as many minutes – Gillan, Michael O’Boyle and Oliver Kearney with the scores.  Kearney bringing the best out of Ryan Elliott in the Dunloy goals with the Cuchullains ‘keeper deflecting his goal bound effort over the bar.

Substitute Chrissy McMahon dissected the uprights and while Glenariffe responded with points from O’Connor (free) and Oliver Kearney’s third of the match, Dunloy and McCallin had the final say.  McMahon this time with the assist as he unselfishly passed to McCallin who was unmarked to fire home from close range.

The Cuchullains are on their travels for their next game, heading to Ballygalget next Sunday while Glenariffe make a first trip to the City when they face Rossa on the same afternoon.

TEAMS

DUNLOY: Ryan Elliott; Conor Kinsella, Ryan McGarry, Sean Og Blaney; Eamon Smyth, Paul Shiels, Daire McMullan; Aaron Crawford, Paudie McGilligan; Nigel Elliott, Nicky McKeague, Aodhan McGarry; Ciaran Elliott, Oisin McCallin, Tom McFerran

Subs: Ben O’Kane for C Kinsella (42); Chrissy McMahon for N Elliott (42); Oisin McCamphill for N McKeague (47); Jack Martin for P McGilligan (52); Francis McMullan for A Crawford (56)

Scorers: O McCallin 1-6 (3fs); E Smyth 1-2; N McKeague 0-3; A Crawford 1-00; C Elliott 1-00; A McGarry 0-2; R McGarry 0-1; T McFerran 0-1; C McMahon 0-1

GLENARIFFE: Paul McMullan; Odhran Gillen, Colla Ward, Conor Patterson; Niall Magee, Daniel Kearney, James Kearney; Calum McIlwaine, Donall Kearney; Orrin O’Connor, Phelim Ward, Michael O’Boyle; Seanie McIntosh, Oliver Kearney, Alex O’Boyle

Subs: Oisin Gillan for P Ward (24); Cailin Devlin for D Kearney (40); Canice McIntosh for S McIntosh (54)

Scorers: A O’Boyle 0-6 (3fs, 2’65s); O O’Connor 0-3 (1f); O Kearney 0-3; M O’Boyle 0-2 (1’65); O Gillan 0-2; D Kearney 0-1

REFEREE: Declan McGarry (Loughgiel)

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

https://myalbum.com/album/7P2T3ywvGfyeHq/?invite=a618a9bd-4c2e-4269-b23c-6543db107cd1

by thesaffrongael

Clash of colours fails to disrupt clash of the ash

ACHL Division 2

St. Mary’s Ahoghill 4-24 St. Brigid’s Cloughmills 2-16

A clash of colours at Cloney on Sunday failed to disrupt the clash of the ash as Cloney Gaels overcame the challenge of St. Brigid’s Cloughmills in a high scoring and thoroughly entertaining game of hurling.

Referee Darren McKeown was quite happy to let the game go ahead as both sides took the field in very similar strips and the St. Gall’s official did a good job of identifying the players as the game got underway.

Playing with a strong wind in their favour it was the Ahoghill side who made the early running and points from Dan O’Neill 0-2, Ronan Graham 0-2 and Colla McDonnell in response to one from a Michael Devlin free had them 0-5 to 0-1 ahead after 12 minutes.

A great point from distance from Bernard Graham saw Stephen Smyth reply from an equally impressive effort but Ahoghill were enjoying the better of the exchanges and Dan O’Neill and Eoin Graham extended their lead before Rian Dobbin replied with the ‘Biddies’ third of the afternoon.

The Ahoghill pressure was beginning to tell however as Colla McDonnell fired to the net in the 19th minute and points from Bernard Graham, McDonnell and O’Neill moved them 11 ahead.

Michael Devlin struck another good free into the wind for the visitors and then replied to two more from Dan O’Neill to keep his side’s challenge just about alive.

Cloney’s final score of the half came from the lively Dan O’Neill but two in reply from Kevin O’Boyle and Eoin Dobbin left it 1-15 to 0-8 ahead at the break and given the strength of the breeze, it didn’t look an insurmountable lead.

St. Brigid’s needed a good start to the second half if they were to claw back the Cloney lead but it was the Ahoghill side who made a blistering start to the second half with PJ O’Connell finishing to the net after 30 seconds.

Seamus Duffin replied with a point at the other end but Cloney Gaels continued to look dangerous and Christopher McKernan in the St. Brigid’s goals brought off a great save to deny Dan O’Neill.

The visitors were doing everything in their power to get themselves going and Eoin Dobbin struck a fine point from distance but it brought another decisive response from the Cloney side as PJ O’Connell finished to the net from close range.

O’Connell was making his first start for Ahoghill in more than a year and while he might not be as fast as he once was, he certainly hasn’t lost his instinctive poaching qualities as he got his second and his team’s third goal and it looked as good as over with 13 minutes remaining.

To their credit St. Brigid’s continued to battle with Stephen Smyth pointing and then getting in for a goal as they began to enjoy a wee bit of success.

A second goal by James O’Boyle had the gap back to seven but the ‘Gaels’ continued to find their range with Patrick Graham, PJ O’Connell and Eoin Graham splitting the posts.

Substitute Rian McFarlane and the sweet striking Mickey Devlin add points for the ‘Biddies’ but O’Connell completed his hat-trick for the home side with time almost up and his return to the Cloney side will provide them with a massive boost as the season progresses.

Ahoghill: 1 Aiden Graham, 2 Shea Neeson, 3 James Magee, 4 Harry O’Donnell, 5 Fionnbar O’Neill, 6 Diarmaid Graham, 7 Bernard Graham, 18 Eamonn Brady, 9 Ryan McPeake, 10 Patrick Graham, 11 Patrick Dougan, 12 Eoin Graham, 17 PJ O’Connell, 13 Colla McDonnell, 14 Ronan Graham, 15 Dan O’Neill.

Subs: Jack McFall

Cloughmills: 1 Christopher McKernan, 2 Jack McDowall, 3 Sean McKendry, 4 Aaron McGuckian, 5 Johnny Duffin, 6 James Doherty, 7 Dara Watterson, 8 Geoffery Og Laverty, 9 Eoin Dobbin, 10 Michael Devlin, 11 Kevin O’Boyle, 12 Rian Dobbin, 13 James O’Boyle, 14 Seamus Duffin, 15 Stephen Smyth

Subs: Rian McFarlane, Ryan Watson, Corey Blair

Referee: Darren McKeown (St. Gall’s)

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

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