Cuchullian’s Dunloy 1-7 St. Mary’s Aghagallon 0-13
St. Mary’s Aghagallon got their 2025 league campaign off to a winning start when they defeated newly promoted Cuchullian’s Dunloy to take the points at Pearse Park on Saturday afternoon.
Both sides started cagily, with each side probing for openings but it was Dunloy who were first to score through a Charlie Cunning point in the 3rd minute.
They went 2 in front when Barry McCloskey fired over on the 6-minute mark, before Aghagallon got on the scoreboard with a long-range point from Pauric Maginnis.
Dunloy were quickly to reply as Oisin McCamphill converted a two-pointer from a free before Aghagallon replied through Maginnis, Thomas Mallon, and Johnny Hannon to level matters at 0-4 to 0-4 after 25 minutes.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERAAghagallon’s Johnny Hannon holds of the challenge of Declan Smith of Dunloy during the ACFL Division meeting at Pearse Park onSaturday
Barry McCloskey’s second point of the evening put Dunloy in front with three minutes remaining to half-time, but a long delivery from mid-field broke to Johnny Hannon who fired over the equaliser from close range to make it 0-5 apiece at the break.
The second half began with Aghagallon taking advantage of the wind in their favour, as they made the early running but Johnny Hannon hit three wides before finally finding the target and Luke Mulholland came forward from goals to convert a 45-meter free to put St. Mary’s two ahead.
The visitors were enjoying the better of the exchanges and Adam Loughran added another to increase that lead to three, and it was 22 minutes before Tom McFerran finally opened Dunloy’s second-half account with a point to leave two between the sides.
Aghagallon keeper Luke Mulholland stroked a 40-meter free between the sticks for the second two-pointer of the game to make it 0-10 to 0-6 before Barry McCloskey replied at the other end, but when Hannon and Mulholland, from another free, split the posts, it looked all over.
Goal scorer, Anton McGrath breaks clear of his marker
Cuchullian’s never gave up, and Anton McGrath finished a good move with a superb goal in the 33rd minute to close the gap to three again however, Adam Shanks had the final say with a point at the other end to conclude the scoring.
A fiercely contested game with both defences on top and Christopher Brogan, Adrian Scullion, James Scally, Declan Smith, Barry McCloskey, Anton McGrath and Oisin McCamphill best for Dunloy, while Luke Mulholland, Aidan Mulholland, Ciaran Maginnis, Pauric Maginnis, Johnny Hannon, Adam Loughran, and Pat Brannigan were in excellent form for the winners.
Referee: Cathal McDermott (Tir na nOg)
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Antrim face Sligo in Round 6 of the Allianz Football League Division 3 this Sunday, at Corrigan Park.
Going into Sunday’s game, Antrim sit in 6th place in Division 3 with 4 points from 5 games, while Sligo are in 7th place with 3 points, having secured 1 win, and 1 draw.
So the margins between them are minute and the outcome of this match is crucial for both teams as they fight to stave off the threat of relegation to division 4.
This is a massive game for both Antrim and Sligo. Both teams are dangerously close to the relegation zone. A loss here could be a huge setback, while a win would secure Antrim a place in division 3 next season and almost certainly condemn Sligo to the drop.
Antrim have home advantage for Sunday’s fixture but Sligo will be desperate to get something from the game. Expect a tense, hard-fought battle—neither team can afford to slip up at this stage so the Saffrons will need to be on top of their game.
Antrim will be without Marc Jordan for Sunday’s game and that’s a big blow for the Saffrons. Jordan has been a key player for them with his energy and ability to drive forward from deep. Without him, Antrim might struggle to break Sligo down or maintain their usual intensity.
Sligo will see this as an opportunity, but they haven’t been in great form themselves.
It’s a must win for both sides though a draw would possibly keep Antrim in contention to avoid the drop but they would have to beat Kildare away in their last game while hoping that Leitrim could get a first win against Sligo at Markievicz Park.
On the other hand, Sligo will see this as their best chance to stay up. If they get a result here, they’ll back themselves to beat Leitrim at home and secure safety.
It’s set up to be a real dogfight but Antrim have the ability and can handle the pressure to get the win to push them over the line and secure their place in division 3 for another season.
Antrim have won both of their games to date against Clare and Leitrim in Beklfast and went close against both Fermanagh and Laois away, leading in both games at one stage.
The Saffrons have shown they can compete, especially with those home wins. The fact that they ran both Fermanagh and Laois close away shows they’re not far off. It’s just about seeing games out and managing key moments better.
Niall Burns and Paddy McBride can provide the scoring threat to shoot down Sligo
At home in Corrigan Park, they’ll fancy their chances, but without Marc Jordan, they’ll need others to step up. If they can start well and avoid lapses late on, they’ve got a real chance.
Sligo, though, will know that if they win, survival is firmly in their own hands with that home game against Leitrim to come. It’s a pressure game for both team with Antrim’s home form this season suggesting they may have the edge.
The introduction of Aghagallon’s Jack Lenehan to the Antrim defence for the last two games has been a plus while All Saints pair Kavan Keenan (if fit) and Conor Stewart are available for selection and the Antrim team is unlikely to show too many changes from the one who lost away to Laois last time out.
Jack Lenehan coming into the Antrim defence has been a plus. He’s added some solidity, and having a settled backline will be crucial in a must-win game like this.
Given their performance against Laois, Antrim may stick to a similar starting lineout. They were competitive in that game and led by six at one stage, and with home advantage this time, they’ll be hoping to turn a strong display into a vital win.
Sligo have struggled for most of the league but that win away to Clare last time out will have given them huge confidence. Despite a nervy conclusion – when they saw a seven-point lead whittled down to two – Sligo held on for their first win in this year’s Allianz Football League.
Winning on the road in a tough venue like Ennis shows they have fight in them, and now they’re just a point behind Antrim with everything still to play for.
Sligo had a good spread of scorers against Clare with Niall Murphy 0-5 Patrick O’Connor 0-3, Darragh Cummings, Luke Towey, David Quinn and Alan Reilly were amongst the point scorers in Ennis while their goal came from Canice Mulligan.
They were forced to hold on at the end as Clare came strong and indeed had a goal disallowed but this win will surely have boosted their confidence.
Paddy McBride, Niall Burns, Dominic McEnhill, Conor Hand, Ryan McQuillan and keeper, Mick Byrne have the ability to come up with the scores that will see Antrim retain their place in division 3 for next season
Antrim’s home advantage and recent performances suggest they have what it takes to get them over the line, but It could come down to small margins—who handles the pressure better, who takes their chances, and which team can manage the closing stages more effectively.
It’s shaping up to be a tense battle but it is a battle than Andy McEntee’s side can win and we call on Antrim fans to come out in numbers to cheer their side to victory.
Above – The Cross & Passion team and management wearing an Antrim strip for their All Ireland semi-final win over Clonmel two weeks ago. The boys will be back in the school colours on Saturdsay or the final
Masita GAA Post Primary Schools Paddy Buggy Cup Final
Cross & Passion College v Calasanctius College Oranmore at Ballyshannon
When you think of venues for big hurling finals Ballyshannon does not instantly spring to mind, but tomorrow Cross & Passion Ballycastle travel to the Donegal town to face Galway’s Calasanctius College Oranmore in the Paddy Buggy Cup final. Two weeks ago when they beat Munster champions Clonmel in the semi-final in UCD, Bellfield we all thought that the we would be back in Dublin for the final, with Abbotstown the probable venue….but it was not to be. We were all thinking of venues in the Dublin area, and to be honest nobody would have thought of Ballyshannon, Co Donegal as a venue for an All Ireland hurling final, but that is where it is fixed for. That is not a complaint, for word has it that the pitch is in great shape and the venue is equidistant from for both teams, the drive for both sets of fans around the two and a half hour mark.
Cadhan CrawfordConor Donnelly Arden Kelly Team captain Liam Glackin
CPC’s opponents are different than most of the teams they have faced in the past, with the vast majority of their players coming from one club, the local Oranmore-Maree GAC.
In their semi-final win over Leinster champions Enniscorthy of Wexford thirteen of the starting team were from Oranmore, the other two came from Castlegar, a club that is well known in Ballycastle. When the McQuillan’s became the first Antrim team to reach an All Ireland club final back in 1980 it was Castlegar they faced in the final in Navan, the Galway champions, back-boned by the famous Connolly family, winning a tight game by four point.
Oranmore were excellent in their semi-final win over Enniscorthy. Like CPC’s semi-final against Clonmel this was a really had fought contest and when the Wexord champions went two ahead with ten minutes left for play they appeared to be on course for a place in the final. However Oranmore finished strongly, hitting the last six points without reply to seal their place in the decider.
Joe Cassidy and his backroom team are reporting a clean bitt of health going into tomorrow’s game and are expected to line out along the same lines as they did against Clonmel.
Eoin Richmond should start in goal with Reece Richmond, Cian Baudant and Eunan Johnston taking their places in the full back line. Darragh Donnelly, team captain Liam Glackin and Arden Kelly formed the half back line in the semi-final and should do so again tomorrow, while Ronan Fitxgerald and Darragh Kinney should again be at midfield. Niall McClean, Conor Donnelly and Paudie Martin should once again form the half forward line with Oisin McCallin, Roan McGarry and Cadhan Crawford wearing the 13, 14 and 15 jerseys.
Its tem years since CPC journeyed home with the Paddy Buggy Cup. Tomorrow they are bidding to do it for the fourth time. They will face very tough opposition, but they have the players to do it, and if they can produce a performance like they did in Dublin two weeks ago that should get them over the line again.
Oisin McCallin celebrates after scoring CPC’s second goal in the semi-final win over ClonmelRoan McGarry sends over a point during Cross & Passions’ Paddy Buggy Cup semi-final win over Munster champions Clonmel CBS at UCD Sports, Dublin. Pic by John McIlwaine
Google Maps is showing the journey to take roughly two and a quarter hours so fans should be on the road early. The team will leave the school at 8am and the fans will probably start setting off around 10ish. Enjoy the journey and the game. These chances don’t come along too often.
Former GAA President Paddy Buggy, the man who Saturday’s trophy is named after, is seen here in Ballycastle during the All Ireland Feile na nGael in 2002. Lets hope the trophy will be back again on Saturday evening
Paddy Buggy has enjoyed the last year in North Antrim. Im sure he would like to come back for another year!
For those who can’t make it to Ballyshannon here is the link to watch the game online.
All-Ireland Post Primary Schools Paddy Buggy Cup Final
Cross & Passion College v Calasanctius College Oranmore
St. Genevieve’s won the Year 10 Gaelfast Camogie Shield on Wednesday when they beat Rathomre in the final at Woodlands in a well contested game.
St Genevieve’s got off to a flying start setting the tone early with a well-taken goal from Ella Cavanagh. A crucial defensive block from Sophie Rea helped maintain their momentum, followed by another important stop from Erin Grego. Rathmore responded with a point from their Lila McCavanagh but St. Genevieve’s Ella Cavanagh struck again, netting another goal to extend their lead to 2-0 to 0-1.
As the first half progressed, St. Genevieve’s No. 8 made a key interception, but Rathmore’s Lila McCavanagh showed her accuracy from a free, narrowing the gap to 2-0 to 0-2. McCavanagh then broke through for a goal, bringing the game back to a single point. However, she missed a crucial free shortly after, and the sides went into halftime with everything still to play for.
Straight from the throw-in at the start of the second half, St. Genevieve’s right-half forward Sophie O’Hanlon found the net, pushing the lead to 3-0 to 1-2. A powerful shot from Erin Cunningham was initially saved by the Rathmore keeper Aisling McKeown but O’Hanlon was quick to react, finishing the rebound to the net to put St. Genevieve’s even further ahead at 4-0 to 1-2. Rathmore managed to respond with a point but St. Genevieve’s Ella Cavanagh soon added another fine score, making it 4-2 to 1-3.
Rathmore’s No. 9 kept her side in the game with another point, but St. Genevieve’s keeper came up big with a crucial save, leading to a ‘65’. As the final whistle blew, St. Genevieve’s walked away as deserved winners, having dominated key moments throughout the match.
TO SEE MORE OF BERT’S PICS FROM THIS GAME CLICK IN THE LINK BELOW
O’ Cahan Cup – South West Antrim Senior Football Championship (Semi final)
Cargin 4 16 Moneyglass 0-11
Cargin advanced to the final of the O’ Cahan cup and a decider against Casement’s when they gained the verdict over near neighbours Moneyglass in a competitive semi final under the Toome lights on a cold Wednesday evening.
The visitors proved competitive in the opening period but the home side were on top in the middle sector where Kevin McShane and Gerard McCann took control.
Moneyglass were strong in defence with their excellent net minder
Daniel McErlain making a number of excellent saves.
The keeper was called upon to make a number of saves over the hour, the first in the opening minutes when he stood tall to deny Tomas McCann.
The visitors made the first mark in the opening minute as Conor Boyd raised white but Cargin replied at the other end as Tome Shivers raised white followed by another from Michael McCann.
Mc Cann looked to have added a goal a few minutes later only to be denied by the alert McErlain and the same player was then denied by a square ball decision as the home side continued to press.
The Toome men soon nipped further ahead as Tomas McCann, and Pat Shivers (2) raised whites.
Moneyglass did find the target in the 46th minute as Dermot Mc Erlain despatched between the posts and the visitors seemed to be getting to grips with a slick Cargin attack in the second quarter with the Moneyglass net minder McErlain making a couple of excellent stops.
Cargin got on top in the latter stages of the period with Pat Shivers, Tomas McCann, and John McNabb on target but the visitors were to have the last say as Tyler Cassidy raised a 39th minute white.
Erin’s Own looked in a strong position at the break when they went to the shelter of the changing rooms with a 0-09 to 0-03 advantage.
An early Pat Shivers point in the opening minute increased the home side’s lead with Tyler Cassidy and Jamie Gribbin exchanging further points before Benen Kelly and Tomas Mc Cann combined to send Michael McCann through to add a goal to put Cargin 1-11 to 0-04 ahead.
Points apiece from Paul Duffin and Tyler Cassidy saw the visitors hint at revival but Cargin replied through Benen Kelly, David Johnston (2), and James Laverty to extend the Toome men’s advantage.
The die looked cast as the end approached as Tomas Mc Cann’s delivery opened the way for Tom Shivers to find the net with both the contestants adding replacements as the home side extended their lead through Kevin McShane and Pat Shivers.
Sean Boyd and Seanan O’ Boyle added points in the Moneyglass cause in the closing minutes before Michael McCann despatched a penalty to the back of the net and replacement David Johnston added a spectacular fourth with Michael McCann adding a point in time added.
Cargin were comfortable winners in the end and look ready for league action but the visitors did provide a strong challenge to their hosts with net minder Daniel McErlain, and corner man Tyler Cassidy impressive.
Cargin: John Mc Nabb (0-01), Sean Og Quinn, Kevin O’ Boyle, Conan Johnston, Jack Harney, James Laverty (0-01), Gerard Mc Cann, Kevin Mc Shane (0-01), Benen Kelly (0-01), Tom Shivers(1-03), Jamie Gribbin (0-01), Tomas Mc Cann (0-02 *), Michael Mc Cann (2-02), Pat Shivers (0-06)
Subs:
David Johnston (1-02)
Charlie Mc Cann
Jack O’ Neill
Ben Mc Larnon
Moneyglass: Daniel Mc Erlain, Paul Duffin (0-02, Francis Duffin, Seamus Mc Cormick, Seanachin Duffin, Enda Duffin, Niall Boyd, Kevin Mc Cann(0-02), Damien Duffin (0-01, Oisin Hamill, Mark Duffin (0-02), Sean Boyd, Callum Murray, Charlie Mc Cluskey (0-01), Aiden McErlain, Tyler Cassidy (0-05)
