Author / thesaffrongael

Posts by thesaffrongael

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

Saffrons come up just short after great last quarter fightback

O’Neills.com Leinster under 20 HC Preliminary quarter-final: 

Dowdallshill, Dundalk

Antrim 4-10 Dublin 2-19

A late Antrim fightback came up just short in Wednesday’s evening’s Leinster Under 20 Hurling Preliminary quarter final at Dowdall’s Hill Dundalk, the Saffrons getting to within one score of their opponents after a brilliant fightback. The Ulster champions had done really well in the first half, but turned around four points in arrears, after having the use of the fresh breeze. Dublin came out after half time with all guns blazing, and when they produced a brilliant third quarter to stretch their advantage to eleven points, 2-16 to 2-05.

The faithful fans who had made the journey to Dundalk must have feared their young charges were in for a bit of a tanking, but on the field the Saffrons dug deep and dominated the final quarter, outscoring their opponents by 2-05 to 0-03 to come within the strike of a ball of forcing extra time. At the final whistle they were understandably devastated, but each and every one of them can hold their heads high, knowing they gave their utmost for the Antrim cause, and as they left the field the Antrim fans congregated at the gate to clap them off.

Antrim opened with two Fiontan Bradley points but the Dubs hit back through Daniel O’Kelly and Brendan Kenny, both of who had excellent games for the boys in blue. Slowly the Dubs got the upper hand and they stretched their advantage to 0-07 to 0-03 with 12 minutes on the clock, but Antrim got right back into the game when a long delivery from a sideline cut by Joseph McLaughlin was fired home by his Cushendall clubmate Fiontann Bradley who once again showed how dangerous he can be. It was nip and tuck during the next ten minutes but Dublin finished the half strongly with three unanswered points to lead at the break by 1-11 to 2-04.

Dublin’s four point half time advantage stretched by the minute during their excellent third quarter, corner forward O’Kelly grabbing his team’s third goal to put eleven points between the sides. Antrim were in need of a tonic and it came in the form of a goal from Jack McCloskey who fired a free home through a packed goalmouth. Suddenly it was game on again and what a finish Antrim provided with Bradley adding three more points and Cormac McKeown grabbing a goal with just seven minutes remaining. Keny put the gap out to six points again with a well taken point, but as the game entered injury time Jack McCloskey fired twenty metre free to the net. The pressure was really on as Antrim fought for the score that would bring the game to extra time, but the final whistle sounded to end their brave bid and the Dubs went through to meet All Ireland champions Offaly in next week’s quarter final.

It has been a great campaign for Mickey McShane and his great backroom team, which saw Antrim win their four games, which included an Ulster title, plus comprehensive wins in Tier 2 over Westmeath and Meath in Leinster. Wednesday’s game ended their great campaign, but only just, and with a bit of luck they could well have been getting ready to face Offaly.

Dublin: D Joyce, C Groake, D Lacey, B Lynch, J Shepherd 0-1, C Ó Riain, K Costello 0-2, C Kennedy 0-1, F Murphy 0-1, J Kinnane 0-1, B Kenny 0-5, D O’Kelly 2-5, 0-3 frees, O Gaffney 0-2, N Fitzgerald 0-1, C Graham.

Subs: D Mulqueen for N Fitzgerald (43), S Crosbie for J Kinnane (52), J Kavannagh for C Graham (53), F Donohue for F Murphy (60 + 2)

Antrim: E Richmond, M McGibbon, S McKay, D Patterson, C McAuley 0-1, L Glackin, B O’Kane, C McIlwaine, N Magee, A McGarry, J McLaughlin 0-1, T McLaughlin, F Bradley 1-6, 0-2 frees, 0-1 sideline, O Donnelly, J McCloskey 2-1, 1-1 frees

Subs: C Mooney for D Patterson (18), C McKeown 1-1 and R Fitzgerald for N Magee and T McLaughlin (both 37), O O’Connor for J McLaughlin (47), O McCallin for O Donnelly (51)

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

https://myalbum.com/album/s585X6Dhfb7eeS/?invite=5fb2ef1f-d408-4565-8b21-b4d404a39d71

by thesaffrongael

St. Gall’s withstand late rally to maintain 100% record

ACFL Division 2

St. Gall’s 3-13 Creggan 1-15

St. Gall’s withstood a late rally from Kickham’s Creggan to maintain their 100% record in division 1 and with Erin’s own Cargin, remain the only two unbeaten sides in the division after five rounds of games.

A young and superbly fit St. Gall’s held the upper hand for long periods of the game and with 11 minutes of normal time remaining led 3-11 to 1-8 and were good value for their lead.

The visitors had been slow and predictable in their build-up play and were being turned over too easily but suddenly they came to life with the returning Kevin Small leading the way.

Small raised a couple of orange flags to close the gap to two with five minutes remaining and the momentum was very much with the Staffordstown Road side at this stage of the contest.

Creggan’s Matthew Rodgers takes on Gairech MacAdhaimh

St. Gall’s weathered the storm however with mid-fielder Niall Burns responding with a good point from play and the same player ensured that there would be no way back for the visitors as he converted a late free to give them a deserved victory.

It was visitors, Kickham’s Creggan who were first on board with Sean Duffin pointing in the 4th minute and they might have had a goal in their next attack but Matthew Rodgers was closed down after a strong run and the danger cleared.

Barra McCaffrey brought the sides level from a free before Rodgers briefly pointed the visitors ahead in the 9th minute but St Gall’s replied with a goal from Eoghan McCabe to take a lead they would not relinquish again.

Kevin Small, returning to the Creggan side after a lengthy layoff due to injury,  closed the gap to the minimum with a good point but Burns replied at the other end before Niall O’Neill moved his side three in front.

The pace and direct running of a young St. Gall’s was beginning to cause the visitors problems and Daniel Quinn moved them four ahead with a good individual point and Shea McCann for the visitors and another exchange between Jamie McCann and  Niall Burns left the home side four ahead.

The Milltown Row men were edging the exchanges as they played with great intensity and pace and Barra McCaffrey and Eoghan McCabe exchanged points with Conor McCann and Dominic McAteer to leave four between the sides at the break.

St. Gall’s opened the second half on the front foot and Oisin Kerr came off his line to deny Niall O’Neill when a goal looked on before Shea McCann responded with a goal from close range at the other end to close the gap to the minimum with four minutes of the new half gone.

Matters got a little heated and Paul Burns showed Red to a player from both sides following an off the ball incident and when play resumed the home side struck for a second goal when substitute Con Doherty fired to the net with virtually his first touch after being set up by Niall Burns.

Burns followed with a point and might have had a goal but blasted over and points from a Barra McCaffery free and another from play by Niall O’Neill had St. Gall’s six in front after 14 minutes.

It looked all over when McCaffrey set up Daniel Quinn for St. Gall’s third goal with 11 minutes of time remaining but it finally brought a response from the visitors.

St. Gall’s Barra McCaffrey runs at the Creggan defence

Kevin Small, Conor Johnston and Matthew Rodgers replied with unanswered points and a couple of 2 pointers from the excellent Small had it back in the melting pot to leave just two between the sides.

It would be as close as the visitors got however with Niall Burns pointing from play and adding another from a free to conclude the scoring and give the Milltown side the win that their overall performance deserved.

St. Gall’s: 1 Kevin Niblock, 2 Sean McCaffrey, 3 Gairech Mac Adhaimh, 4 Christopher hale, 5 Ruairi Wilson, 6 Dubhaltach MacLiam, 7 Conall McGirr, 8 Niall Burns, 9 Conor Stinton, 10 Callum Walsh, 11 Brendan Bradley, 12 Eoghan McCabe, 13 Barra McCaffrey, 14 Niall O’Neill, 15 Daniel Quinn

Subs: 18 Con Doherty

Creggan: 1 Oisin Kerr, 2 Aidan Maguire, 3 Ricky Johnston, 4 Liam McLarnon, 5 Ethan Carey-Small, 6 Sam Maguire, 7 Fintan Close, 8 Jamie McCann, 9 Conor McCann, 10 Sean Duffin, 11 Kevin Small, 12 Joe McAteer, 13 Dominic McAteer, 14 Matthew Rodgers, 15 Shea McCann

Subs: 21 Conor Johnston

Referee: Paul Burns: Naomh Comhgall

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

https://myalbum.com/album/ik5YGvyeJJKFgr

by thesaffrongael

All-Saint’s withstand late fightback to continue strong start 

O’Neills ACFL Division One 

All-Saints Ballymena 1-15-1-14 Lámh Dhearg 

Kevin Herron reports from Quinn Park 

All Saint’s held off a late Lámh Dhearg rally to claim a 1-15-1-14 win and make it four wins from their first five. 

The hosts were off the mark inside the opening minute as Patrick Ferris guided a shot inside the large posts, but Niall McGarry hit back instantly. 

Lámh Dhearg raced into a three-point lead as Ryan Murray converted a free and Declan Lynch and Terry McCrudden followed up with points from play. 

McCrudden swept a shot inches wide of the post and the crossbar denied him a second time a moment later. 

Instead, All Saints closed the gap through James McDonnell’s point and a high angled shot from Connell Lemon that sneaked inside the posts. 

Ryan Murray opened his account from play and then dropped a superb two-pointer over the bar to give his side a 0-7-0-3 lead. 

The hosts were guilty of lacking composure in the opening half but Sean McVeigh converted a free and McDonnell doubled his tally. 

On the 25th minute the game’s opening goal arrived, Paddy McAleer carried the ball forward and cut in along the by-line before slipping the ball to Sean McVeigh for a simple palm to the net to give his side a 1-5-0-7 lead. 

McAleer would extend his side’s lead from a converted free as All-Saints held a slender advantage at the interval. 

Parity was restored inside the opening 60-seconds of the restart as Calum Fegan-Lappin landed a delightful two-pointed score. 

Back-to-back Connell Lemon points had the Saint’s ahead again and James McDonnell kicked his third point of the evening in the aftermath. 

Kavan Keenan then drove forward and unleashed a two-pointed shot that sailed over, with a further Ronan McKillop point opening up a 1-12-0-9 lead. 

Lámh Dhearg steadied themselves with McCrudden kicking his second score of the evening, substitute Mark Finnegan converted a free and Evan Stanley swung over a magnificent point. 

Three-unanswered scores in response saw All-Saints re-establish their six-point advantage going down the home straight. 

Conor Stewart steered a shot over, Ronan McKillop angled a shot between the sticks and Paddy McAleer doubled his account from the placed ball to move the hosts into a commanding 1-15-0-12 lead. 

Quickfire points from Mark Finnegan and Ben Rice gave the visitors renewed hope, but Calum Fegan-Lappin saw red in the closing stages and any potential comeback would need to be completed with a numerical disadvantage. 

Deep into added time Colm McDonald awarded Lámh Dhearg a penalty that was initially kept out by Connor Brennan in the All-Saint’s goal, however Mark Finnegan’s rebounded goal was the last action of the evening as the hosts held out for a narrow win at Quinn Park.

All-Saints: C Brennan, M Downey, K Keenan (1×0-2), C O’Brien, P Ferris (0-1), S O’Callaghan, J McDonnell (0-3), E Killough, C Stewart (0-1), C Lemon (0-3), P McAleer (0-2f), B McDonnell, C Campbell, S McVeigh (1-1, 0-1f), R McKillop (0-2). 

Lámh Dhearg: G Smyth, Ross Murray, P Mervyn, M McGarry, B Rice (0-1), D Lynch (0-1), D Martin, P Fitzsimons, M Jordan, C Fegan-Lappin (1×0-2), R Murray (0-4, 0-1f, 1×0-2), C Boyd, N McGarry (0-1), T McCrudden (0-2), A Murray. Subs: F Mervyn for M McGarry (28), E Stanley (0-1) for C Boyd (HT), M Finnegan (1-2, 0-1f) for P Fitzsimons (41), R Diamond for N McGarry (41), S McCarthy for A Murray (50). 
Referee: Colm McDonald (St Galls)

by thesaffrongael

Football Fixtures and Previews (Wed 23rd April)

The mid-week setting for the Football leagues continues with another round of fixtures in all of the divisions scheduled for Wednesday evening.

Division One (6.45pm)

O’Donovan Rossa v St Mary’s Aghagallon

Having gained a win from their second outing this term with victory over the visiting Ahoghill Hugh McGettigan’s Rossa have lost to St Gall’s, Cargin and Con Magee’s.

Aghagallon have mixed the good with the bad with wins over Dunloy and Ahoghill but have lost to St. Brigid’s and St. Gall’s.

Both sides will see this one as an opportunity to get points on board and

this one could be close but ground advantage could well prove significant and a tentative vote is awarded to the home side and two points for Rossa

Cuchullian’s Dunloy v Tir na nOg

With a couple of victories in their campaign to date, including a win over the visiting in-form Kickham’s, Dunloy were well beaten by Portglenone last day out.

Tir na nOg enjoyed a good league campaign last term but have only one point on board this term following a draw with St Paul’s and lost heavily to All Saints last Wednesday night.

This one could go either way and will depend very much on the availability of key players for both sides but a draw looks possible.

Con Magee’s Glenravel v Erin’s Own Cargin

Erin’s Own Cargin have enjoyed a good start to the season and remain unbeaten after four rounds of games.

Ronan Devlin’s charges proved far too strong for the visiting Aldergrove last time but this looks like a tougher assignment for the Toome men as they take the road to Glenravel.

The Glens men have started the season well with wins over Ahoghill and Rossa but lost to St. Brigid’s and St. Gall’s and Cargin should have too much for an improving Con Magee’s and are likely to extend their winning run to five.

St Brigid’s v Casement’s Portglenone

Casement’s had a good win over Dunloy last time out after losing to All Saints in their previous outing and they face another stiff challenge when they travel to the league champions.

St. Brigid’s lost at Creggan last time out and they will hope to get back to winning ways as John McKeever’s men visit.

This looks a hard one to call with a good game in prospect and although the home side will start as firm favourites Casement’s are capable of causing upset.

St Gall’s v Kickham’s Creggan

St Gall’s remain unbeaten to date and they will be more than keen to retain the winning habit in this one as Kickham’s Creggan visit Milltown.

The home side have looked good this season and recorded a good win over the Johnnies at Corrigan last week.

Kickham’s only defeat came at the hands of Dunloy and raised a few eyebrows but they returned to form with a home win over St. Brigid’s last day out and they will travel up to Milltown hoping to build on that win.

A close one looks in prospect between two in form sides and although ground advantage will ensure that Gall’s start as favourites, they may have to share the spoils as a draw looks possible.

St Paul’s v St James Aldergrove

St Paul’s have struggled in their first season back in division 1 for some time with only a single point on board following a draw with the visiting Tir na nOg.

The Shaw’s road side will see this one as an opportunity to get more points on board but St. James have been in good form this season and should collect the points.  

All Saints Ballymena v Lamh Dhearg (7.30pm)

All Saint’s Ballymena have enjoyed a good season to date with their only defeat coming in round two when they lost at Creggan.

They have remained undefeated since that trip to Creggan and they will start as favourites as Lamh Dhearg visit Slemish Park.

The Hannastown side have recorded a couple of wins to date and they will travel to Ballymena in the positive following a big win over St Paul’s last time out but this looks a tough test for the visitors with the ‘Baker Boys’ awarded the vote.

St Mary’s Ahoghill v St John’s (7.30pm)

Both sides are pointless going into this one so something has to give as St. John’s make the trip to Cloney to face St. Mary’s Ahoghill.

St. Mary’s came mighty close when they entertained Glenravel in their last home fixture while St. John’s pushed St. Gall’s hard at Corrigan last day out.

A win looks vital for both sides and this one should be close with ground advantage possibly aiding the St Mary’s men to victory.

Division Two (6.45pm)

Gort na Mona v St Enda’s

With one win each for Gort na Mona and St Enda’s this one looks hard to call.

Gort na Mona’s win came against Michael Davitt’s whilst former first division residents St Enda’s earned theirs with victory over the visiting Naomh Comhghall.

This may well be a close one with ground advantage possibly giving advantage to the Gorts.

St Comgall’s Antrim v St Patrick’s Lisburn

St Comgall’s have only one win to date but that one came against Davitt’s at Dunsilly and Barry Burns’ side were impressive on that occasion.

St. Patrick’s Lisburn have been in good form this term with a good win over the visiting Glenavy last time out, having won at St. Enda’s on day one.

The Lisburn side seem in fine fettle this term and they may well add another couple of points to remain in touch at the top but Naomh |Comhghall have the ability to cause an upset.

St Teresa’s v St Ergnat’s Moneyglass

Moneyglass are the inform side in division 2 but face a stiff test when they travel to the Glen Road to meet St. Teresa’s.

Last year’s beaten Intermediate finalists lost last time out at the Bear Pit to Sarsfields but will be keen to get back to winning form and may provide St Ergnat’s with a stiff test but an away win looks probable.

St Joseph’s Glenavy v Patrick’s Sarsfield’s

This looks likely to be a close one as Glenavy play hosts to unbeaten Sarsfield’s with both having an eye on a return to the top grade.

The Paddies will probably start as favourites but the home side will not make it easy for their visitors and a share of the spoils and a draw looks possible.

St Mary’s Rasharkin v Michael Davitt’s

Rasharkin remain pointless to date as they play hosts to Michael Davitt’s at Dreen.

Davitt’s find themselves in a similar position and only score difference keeps them ahead of their hosts in the ratings and something has to give as both search for their opening points with ground advantage possibly aiding the home side to such reward.

Division Three (6.45)

Wolfe Tones v Patrick Pearses

Wolfe Tones recorded their first league win for some time last day out to join Pearses on two points apiece and this one could be close with the home side possibly recording another win.

Kickham’s Ardoyne v Cardinal O’ Donnell’s

Ardoyne, with a couple of wins to date face a stiff test against the visiting O’Donnell’s but home advantage could swing it their way.  

Laochra Loch Lao v St Agnes

St. Agnes defeated Wednesday night’s opponents in last year’s Junior Championship semi-final and will travel in confidence to Colaiste Feirste and might just shade this one

St Malachy’s v Eire Og

A tough one to call with both sides on one win from three starts and ground advantage could prove the difference with St. Malachy’s given the nod.

by thesaffrongael

McShane ask Antrim hurling fans to come and support the U20 hurlers

Leinster Under 20 Hurling Championship

Antrim v Dublin at Dowdalshill, Dundalk – Throw in 6-15

Antrim Under 20 hurling manager Michael McShane is none too pleased that his team have to travel back to Dundalk next Wednesday for the preliminary quarter final against Dublin. Tuesday evening’s win over Meath saw the Saffrons top their Tier 2-Group 2 section but have to travel for the third game in a row, while Kildare, who won Tier 2-Group 1 have a home fixture against Laois, who finished bottom of their Tier 1 group.

“Leinster council not playing fair with us at all. In the group stages we were fixed to play Westmeath in Mullingar and Meath in Navan but that game last night was changed to Dundalk as it was a Tuesday night. All away fixtures. Kildare won their Tier 2 group and now get home advantage against Laois who came bottom of their Tier 1 group. We win our Tier 2 group and now play Dublin who were bottom of their Tier 1 group. But the game is in Dundalk. Why not Corrigan? It’s only 90 minutes from Dublin. Why not allow us the same concessions as Kildare. Galway, like ourselves, are “invited guests” in to the Leinster U20 championship. They got a home game against Offaly in the group stages. Why are we treated differently?”

Despite Michael’s efforts the game still goes ahead at Dowdalshill, Dundalk and today he was appealing to Antrim fans to make the journey down to Dundalk tomorrow evening and support the young Saffrons.

“It would be great to see as many Antrim supporters as possible in Dundalk to back these young lads in this game. Sometimes that extra vocal backing can make the difference and more especially when it is young lads at this age. This panel has worked incredibly hard since we first got together 4 months ago and I believe that Antrims senior hurling future is in good hands with these young men if they continue to work as hard as that have done for me over the last few weeks and months. There is an abundance of talent in this age group and it would do their confidence the world of good to win on Wednesday night and progress to the next stage to play reigning AI champions, Offaly.“

Antrim fans on the banking when the Saffrons took on Kilkenny in the 1987 All Ireland senior hurling final at Dowdalshill Dundalk, The picture features Danny McNaughton scoring the second of his two goals. Pic by John McIlwaine