Posts by thesaffrongael

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

Football (Fixtures/Previews) Wed 18th June

As the football league approaches the end of the first phase another full round of fixtures has been arranged for the mid-week setting on Wednesday evening in all of the divisions.

Division One (all games at 7.15pm)

Kickham’s Creggan v Tir na nOg

Tir na nOg make the short journey to meet neighbours Kickham’s Creggan in a fixture which is likely to draw a good crown to the Staffordstown Road.

The home side remain in touch at the top of the table and are currently holding a healthy return of 18 points to date and very much involved in the race for the league title, only four points behind the pace setters and will aim for the win to ensure they remain in touch.

The Og’s will also travel with positive intentions but for different reason as with just six points banked to date they need the points to retain league status.

Creggan will start as firm favourites and although their visitors will be giving their all in search of points it is difficult to see anything other than a home win to ensure the home side remain in the chase for league honours.

Casement’s Portglenone v Erin’s Own Cargin

County champions Cargin suffered their first league defeat of the season when St. Brigid’s visited Toome in their last game. That one saw the reigning league holders win by  0-16 to 0-11 to end the home side’s unbeaten run.

Cargin will be keen to put that defeat behind them as they travel to meet a Portglenone side they have already beaten this year in the O’Cahan Cup final.  

Casement’s are still in the running for a top 4 finish that would give them a place in the league play-offs while, barring accidents Cargin have already ensured their place in the semi-finals.

The Portglenone men’s greater need could inspire them to another victory but I would expect Cargin to get back to winning ways but a draw is not to be ruled out.

O’ Donovan Rossa v All Saint’s Ballymena

Rossa have really struggled to get it together this term and the Shaw’s road residents currently sit at the bottom of the table with only 2 wins.

The home side have really struggled to get it together though they did record a good win over Aldergrove recently but look in serious bother as the end of the league draws ever closer.

 A trip to Dunloy and a home game against St. Brigid’s completes their programme following the visit of All Saints on Wednesday night and Hugh McGettigan’s side will need at least two wins from those games to have any chance of survival

All Saint’s sit in second place at present and will travel to Belfast intent on keeping their play-off place intact but Rossa will not give up their division 1 status without a fight and All Saints will need to be at their best if they are to claim the points.  

St Mary’s Aghagallon v St James Aldergrove

St Mary’s have struggled this season with only seven points to date but another win would guarantee their safety and they will see this one as an opportunity to secure their division 1 status.

Aldergrove have enjoyed a good season with seven victories to date and sit in a safe mid-table berth with division 1 football guaranteed for another year.

Aghagallon have been poor this season but with their county players back on board they may well have enough to get the win they so badly need

Con Magee’s Glenravel v St Paul’s

Con Magees have enjoyed a good 2025 as their place in the top ten strongly suggests and they will look to make further addition in this one as St Pauls visit Fr. Maginn Park.

It took Shaw’s road side a time to get their bearings back in the top grade but a recent win over the inform St Galls would suggest that they are on the road back.

This may well be a close one but the Glensmen will start as favourites on their own sod and they may well make addition to their points haul.

St John’s v Lamh Dhearg

The Johnnies have really struggled this season and at present the Corrigan men have only six points from two wins and two draws and sit second bottom in the ratings.

Lamh Dhearg have 14 points and occupy a snug spot in the table and they will travel to Corrigan in search of further points.

This may well be a close one and although the home side have struggled, they can never be discounted and this one may well end up honours even with a draw possible.

St Gall’s v St Brigid’s

St Galls and their visitors in this one St Brigid’s have enjoyed good seasons to date and both reside in the top six at present with St Brigid’s 2 places higher than the Milltown men in fourth spot.

This could be a close one but St Brigid’s have been in good form recently and defeated cargin last time out and they should have enough to take the points.

St Mary’s Ahoghill v Cuchullian’s Dunloy

St Mary’s Ahoghill sit too close to the bottom for comfort but Eamon Brady’s charges can never be written off and were unfortunate not to take something from their visit to All Saints last time out. They dominated the second half of that one at Slemish Park but missed too many chances and paid the price.

Cuchullian’s have eight points in the league to date and although they will travel in search of further addition Eamon Brady’s charges may get the win they so badly need.

Division Two A  (all games at 7.15pm)

St Ergnat’s Moneyglass v Patrick Sarsfield’s

Moneyglass and Sarsfields are level on points at the top of the table, both having gained 21 points with St Ergnat’s ahead on score difference.

This one is certain to attract a good audience to the Marian Hill venue and there will be little between them at the end but home advantage may well prove the decisive factor.

St Joseph’s Glenavy v St Patrick’s Lisburn

Little separates this duo to date but the Lisburn side lead the way on points, having banked 12 with the St Joseph’s men three in arrears on 9.

This may well prove to be a close one but ground advantage may well prove the difference with Glenavy hoping to avenge an away defeat to the Lisburn side and they may well claim both points.

St Comgall’s Antrim v St Enda’s

St Comgall’s have ground advantage in this one as they play host to St Enda’s at Dunsilly where first meet second in division 2B.

The home side have performed well in their first season back in division 2 and will give this one a real lash but St Enda’s have been showing good form recently and they may well pick up a full return of points.

Michael Davitt’s v St Mary’s Rasharkin

Both Michael Davitt’s and their visitors in this one, St Mary’s Rasharkin have found the going somewhat tough this term.

Rasharkin gained promotion in 2024 but have been decimated by injury this term and they will do well to get anything from their visit to Davitt’s Park.

Division Three (all games at 7.15 pm)

Wolfe Tones v Cardinal O’ Donnell’s

Wolfe Tones enjoy ground advantage but they have struggled this term with just one win and O’Donnell’s should have enough to gain another brace of points.

Eire Og v St Agnes

St Agnes have enjoyed a grand season to date with only one defeat as they retain leadership of the division on 18  points.

Eire Og have struggled this term and they look likely to suffer another defeat at the hands of the league leaders.

St Malachy’s v Pearse’s

St. Malachy’s have banked 11 points to date to ensure a snug position in the ratings as they play hosts to Pearses.

Pearses remain a few points behind their hosts and they will have to be at their best if they are to improve their position in the table.

Kickham’s Ardoyne v Laochra Loch Lao

Kickham’s Ardoyne sit third in the table at present and recorded a good win over unbeaten St. Agnes recently and a win here would see them climb above their visitors, Laochra Loch Lao.

Laochra Loch Lao have enjoyed a good campaign to date and have fifteen points and trail St. Agnes by three at the top.

This one will be fiercely contested but ground advantage may well edge it in favour of the Kickham’s with a draw not to be ruled out.

Slick moving Gorts too good for Glenavy

LGFA ACFL Division 1

Glenavy 2-9 Gort na Mona 4-14

A slick moving Gort na Mona proved too good for St. Joseph’s Glenavy in a good game of open football in the LGFA Division 1 on Monday evening.

The early exchanges were fairly even with Dembele Mills and Niamh Enright for the Gorts and Anna Mulholland and Megan Hannan for Glenavy exchanging points but when Ciaran Maguire edged Gort na Mona ahead in the 13th minute they began to take control.

Dembele Mills and Ciara Maguire added points and when Alyssa Davidson and Bronagh Crossin added two quick fire goals in the 21st and 24th minutes the girls from the Mona bye-pass were in complete control.

Blaithin Nic Cathail followed with her first point of the contest before Ellen Morgan gave the Chapel Hill girls some of hope when she finished to the net in the 28th minute.

That hope was soon dashed as Dembele Mills replied with a goal at the other end and Alyssa Davidson added a point to leave Gort na Mona 3-7 to 1-2 ahead at the break and good value for their lead.

Ellen Morgan briefly reduced the gap with a point for St. Joseph’s on the restart but Blaithin NicCathail replied for Gort na Mona and Broghan Crossin added a good goal to move the Gorts 14 points ahead with only five minutes of the new half gone.

Kella McAllister replied for the Chapel Hill side with a point but Niamh Enright and Blaithin NicCathail responded with points for the visitors before Eva Ramsey got through for Gleavy’s second goal in the 18th minute.

It gave St. Joseph’s a boost going down the home straight and they actually outscored their opponent during the final quarter while never looking like getting back into contention.

Ana Mulholland 0-2, Megan Hannan, Carla Scannell and Keela McAllister added points for the girls in orange while Blithin NicCathail from 3 long range frees and Ciara Maguire saw Gort na Mona home comfortably.

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

Ulster Poc Fada is Tuesday evening at Shane O’Neill’s Glenarm

The 2025 Ulster Poc Fada will be held tomorrow Tuesday 17th June in Shane O’Neills, Glenarm @6:30p

Compeitors will meet at Forsythe Park at 6-30 before going up to Gawkston Hill for 7pm start

  • Competitors are advised to bring the appropriate gear with them for the Mountain.
  • All county representatives are asked to wear their county jersey at the event.
  • Please bring wet gear/sun-lotion as weather conditions vary considerably.
  • Competitors are responsible for their own personal belongings and valuables.
  • All Competitors must bring TWO ‘Spotters’ with them.  We would recommend three of these at a minimum (as lost Sliotars =  lost shots)
    • Please note this is difficult terrain and we ask that only those who are in good health try to complete/ walk the course.
  • On the evening All Competitors will participate in a brief “rules summary” before the competition starts.
  • You will be paired with another competitor and a referee who will mark each of your:
    • Pocs taken
    • Distance Sliotar ends up over the halfway and Endline (in case of tie breakers)
  • Players go out according to the draw as made by Ulster GAA.
  • Sliotars will be provided for all competitors but only at the start of the event.  Ulster GAA will not be providing practice balls.

After the finals, All Competitors and spectators are invited back to the Shane O’Neill’s clubrooms were there will be refreshments, and the presentations completed.

Each of the four winners and Senior Hurling Runner up, will receive their Ulster Trophy, Medal and Jersey.

Our 4 Provincial Winners along with the Senior Mens Runner up will then progress to the All-Ireland Finals on Monday 4th August in the Annaverna Mountain, in the Cooley Range, Ravensdale, Co. Louth.

The list below is what we currently have registered and participating in the Ulster Poc Fada:

Senior Mens (8 Registered)U16 Boys (8 Registered)Senior Ladies (6 Registered)U16 Girls (7 Registered)
Sean Og McLaren, Antrim
James Hamill, Armagh
Connor Delaney, Cavan
Gearalt Ó Mianáin, Derry
Pearce Smyth, Down
Shane Patton, Donegal
Hugh Byrne, Monaghan
Sean Kelly, Tyrone
Cadhán Graham, Antrim
Daniel Christy, Armagh
Donnacha Collins, Derry
Setanta ó Lionnain, Donegal
Ryan McElroy, Down
Ben Pamler, Fermanagh
Jack Murphy,Monaghan
Ronan O’Neill, Tyrone
Ellen Leech, Antrim
Sophie Califf, Armagh
Grace Draine, Derry
Sarach Lambe, Donegal
Charlie Kelly, Down
Hollie Croucher, Tyrone
Eimear Ward, Antrim
KatieDonnelly,Armagh
Cara Rose Griffin, Derry
Allison Tourish, Donegal
Gráinne McAleenan, Down
Louise Dempsey, Monaghan

Five star Cloney get back to winning ways

ACHL Division 2

Cloney Gaels 5-13 Carryduff 1-20

Cloney Gaels got back to winning ways following a number of recent defeats to Cushendun, Sarsfields and Glenariffe and a draw with Shane O’Neill’s.

Goals win games is the old adage and on this occasion the Ahoghill side hit five, four in the opening half but despite that they were only four ahead at the interval, thanks mainly to the point scoring of Carryduff’s Darragh Goodwin, who registered 0-4 in the first half.

It was Diarmaid Graham, Fionnbar O’Neill and Colla McDonnell who got Cloney Gaels of to a perfect start with three goals in the opening ten minutes and a fourth from Conor Crossey at the end of the opening quarter saw them 4-4 to 0-11 ahead at the short whistle.

The Ahoghill points came from James O’Connell 0-3 and Noah Friel while Conor McAllister 0-3, Ciaran Goodwin, Eoin Rooney and Gareth O’Lionsigh were the other Carryduff point scorers.

After the break Cloney Gaels were more reliant on their point taking though they did add a fifth goal through Fionnbar O’Neill from the penalty spot with two minutes remaining to ensure there would be no way back for the county Down men.

Colla McDonnell added to his opening half goal with 0-2 in the second half while James O’Connell brought his total for the hour to 0-6 while Eoin Graham, Diarmaid Graham, Dan O’Neill and Owen Neeson were the other point scorers.

Donal Rooney led the Carryduff challenge with half a dozen second half points with Eoin Rooney 0-4 also impressing for the visitors and Conor McAllister getting their goal.

A good win for the Ahoghill side which leaves them in joint second place but the victory was somewhat tempered by the fact that Oisin’s Glenariffe claimed the league title on the same day with a win over Shane O’Neill’s in Waterfoot.

With two rounds of games still remaining these games will turn to Championship preparations and Cloney Gaels will hope to build on Sunday’s win as they finish their league programme with away games away to Cloughmills and at home to Tir na nOg.

Allianz Aontroim Cumann na mBunscol – “Friendship” Renewed

Over 150 school children from the counties of Antrim and Dublin connected once again in a series of games during the recent Cumann na mBunscol Friendship Games. Played in Corrigan Park, Belfast the primary school pupils gave it their all for their County before a medal swapping ceremony whereby players from each jurisdiction exchanged silverware. 

Organised on an annual basis the children from both counties participate in games across all 4 GAA on-field codes and handball. The Antrim children, selected from over 50 primary schools from Ballycastle to Belfast and everywhere in between, were hosts this year for their Dublin friends and what a great day was had by all. Parnell Park will host the next instalment in 2026. 

Cumann na mBunscol Aontroma wish to record its thanks to its partner schools, our team coaches and referees, committee organisers, our colleagues and pupils from Dublin, St. John’s GAC and Gort Na Mona GAC.  

The Antrim and Dublin Cumann na mBunscol teams who played at Gort na Móna

TO SEE LOTS MORE PHOTOS FROM THE DAY CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW