Author / thesaffrongael

Posts by thesaffrongael

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

Confidence builds for Aghagallon

ACFL Division One: Aghagallon 3-15 St John’s 1-7

Photos and report by Brian Hamill.

Aghagallon delivered a composed and clinical performance at home on Wednesday evening to secure a convincing 13-point victory over St John’s in Division One. Goals at key stages proved decisive, with the home side’s cutting edge in attack separating the teams over the hour.

The home side settled quickly, building from a solid defensive platform where the full backs; Branagan, Hamill and Mulholland stood firm. In midfield, Pauric Magennis and Jack Lenehan established control, ensuring Aghagallon enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and territory.

Further forward, Enda McCartan sent some slide rule passes into the full forward line, highlighting Aghagallon’s ability to link effectively with the inside line. A well-worked goal helped Aghagallon open daylight, and by the break they were comfortably ahead. Aghagallon maintained their intensity after the restart and effectively killed off the contest with two further goals.

The starting forward line, ensured a steady stream of scores, throughout the game. Their ability to convert goal chances at crucial moments saw the lead stretch into double figures and put the result beyond doubt.

St John’s struggled to break down a well-organised Aghagallon defence, mustering just four first-half points. Patrick McBride was their most consistent scoring outlet, with points from play and from frees, while Conor Adams added two. The Belfast side did find the net late on through second half substitute Domhnall Nugent, who made a huge impact after his introduction, but it proved only a consolation.

There were also contributions from James Wilson, who chipped in with a point after coming off the bench, but overall scoring opportunities were limited.

Despite honest efforts from players such as Simon McDonagh, Odhran McAuley and Conor McEvoy, St John’s were unable to generate sustained attacking opportunities. 

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

https://myalbum.com/album/Uiv8bAbdnZpECU

by thesaffrongael

Teamwork wins it for Portglenone

Antrim football League – Division 1

Rossa 0-05 Portglenone 2-17

An excellent hardworking performance from Portglenone helped to defeat an under-strength Rossa side in Shaws Road on Wednesday evening. The Portglenone manager Mattie McGleenan will be delighted gaining two points and at times watching his side playing some quality football.

Early exchanges were equal with neither side able to stamp their authority on the game. However a facial injury at the end of the first quarter to Rossa’s Mick Byrne followed by a long delay seemed to disrupt the home team’s flow. From there until the end of the half Portglenone started to take their opportunities and It was the duo of Ronan Kelly and Oran Doherty, who had an excellent game throughout, that helped the scoreboard tick over. But it was Oisin Doherty who finally destroyed Rossa’s resilience when he travelled 45m with the ball before slotting it in the bottom corner. This left the half time score 1-8 to 0-1.

Halftime saw a massive rain shower that sent supporters running for cover but this didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the Casements men.  It was the excellent Aidan McAleese who did most of the damage as the big midfielder was fetching kick-outs and scoring points; indeed everything good that Casements achieved in the second period went through McAleese. He was supported by the experienced Dermot McAleese , Conor McGhee, Michael Donnelly, Caolan Tierney and Ruari Hagan .

Rossa battled hard throughout the final quarter but despite good performances from Corey Walsh Eoghan McMenamin, Darren Grego and Mattie McKiernan they found the hard working Casements side too tough to handle

Rossa

Rossa: M Byrne , M McKernan, P Moyes, F McDonald,,  P Byrne, R Grant,D , N Crossan, , D Morgan, , E McMenamin 0-1, C McDonald ,M McEnhill, D Grego (0-1) ,C Fleming (0-2)  , R McDonagh ,C Walsh (0-1)

Subs

D Rocks

S McDonald

D Armstrong

Portglenone

K Mullan,DMcNicholl,S Delargy,J Convery,D McAleese,(0-1) CMcghee,  R Hagan,  Aidan McAleese,  (0-3)MDonnelly,  CTierney (0-2) ,R Kelly (0-5) ,P Graffin, O Doherty,  (1-3)O Doherty,(0-1) T Duffin (0-1)

Subs

R Convery

C McAleese

S Kelly

by thesaffrongael

Cargin Withstand All Saints fight-back to take the points

 Antrim ACFL Division 1

All Saints 1-11 Erin’s own 0-17


Erin’s Own Cargin secured a hard-fought 0-17 to 1-11 victory over All Saints Ballymena in an exhilarating Antrim ACFL Division 1 encounter at Quinn Park on Wednesday night. A dominant opening twenty minutes saw the visitor’s race into an eleven-point lead, and at this stage they looked like totally overwhelming their hosts. They were forced to with stand a late rally by the home side however but held on for a deserved victory.

The visitors asserted their authority from the throw-in, orchestrating a master-class in clinical point-taking. With direct attacking play and supreme accuracy, Cargin raced into a commanding 0-11 to 0-00 lead by the 20th minute. Callum Gribbin, Ciaran Bradley, and Jamie Gribbin all found their range from open play, while Tomas McCann converted two crucial frees (1-2pt) The opening blitz was further punctuated by a massive long-range, two-point free from Antrim county goalkeeper John McNabb.

Connell Lemon drives All Saints forward

All Saints, despite losing key defenders Sean O’Brien and James Gillan to early injuries, refused to fold. The introduction of substitutes Joe Rafferty and James McDonnell injected immediate energy into the Ballymena side. In the 25th minute, Benny McDonnell finally opened the hosts’ account with a well-taken point. Moments later, Cal O Brien added another before McDonnell struck a vital lifeline in the 30th minute, driving a low, first-time ground shot into the back of the net after a favourable break in the square. A late response from Tomas McCann brought his personal first-half tally to four, but another accurate strike from McDonnell closed out the half, leaving the scoreboard at 1-03 to 0-12 in favour of the visitors.

Cargin appeared to restore their domination immediately after the restart. In-form substitute Killian Scullion struck two fine scores alongside another white flag from Callum Gribbin to stretch the visitors’ lead.

However, All Saints completely dominated the final quarter as the momentum swung firmly behind the Ballymena side. Driven forward by the superb Connell Lemon, the home team targeted the gaps in the Cargin defence with the strong running of Connell Lemon and Cal O’Brien causing problems.

Ciaran Bradley who was excellent for Erin’s Own

Darach Bradley and substitute Ronan McKillop kicked vital points to ignite the home crowd. Midfielder Conor Stewart stepped up to strike a massive 2 pointer, while McKillop proved clinical under pressure, landing a 2pt free and adding another point from play.

With the deficit cut to just three points in the final minutes, the traveling Cargin support was left calling anxiously for the final whistle. The visitors utilized all their experience to manage the clock in injury time however, successfully holding out for a narrow, but deserved victory.

All Saints Ballymena: 1-11 (Benny McDonnell 1-02, Ronan McKillop 0-03, Conor Stewart 0-02, Cal O Brien 0-01, Connell Lemon 0-01, Darach Bradley 0-01)

Erin’s Own Cargin: 0-17 (Tomas McCann 0-05, Callum Gribbin 0-2, Killian Scullion, John McNabb (2pt), Ciaran Bradley, Jamie Gribbin, Killian Scullion 0-2, John Carron, Ciaran Bradley, Jimmy Gribbin 0-2,

All Saints: Ryan Stewart, Seán Ó Brien, Michael Read, Sean McDermott, Charlie Metrustry, James Gillan, Cal Ó Brian, Emmet Killough, Peter McReynolds, Connell Lemon, Conor Stewart, Harry Connon, Jack Patterson, Benny McDonnell, Darach Bradley.

Subs used: James McDonnell, Joe Rafferty, Ronan McKillop

Cargin: John McNabb, Kevin O’Boyle, Kevin McShane, Cahir Donnelly, Conan Johnston, James Laverty, Jack O’Neill, Gerard m,cCann, John Carron, Ciaran Bradley, Tomas McCann, Paul McCann, Jamie Gribben, Eunasn  Quinn, Callum Gribbin.

Subs: Killian Scullion, Fiontan Hardy

Referee: Ritchie Leahy

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

https://myalbum.com/album/HJvZiniAxrD8J6

by thesaffrongael

Naomh Pól’s perfect start blown off course at Kelly Park

Antrim Camogie League – Division 2

Geraldines 0-17 St Paul’s 1-05

Geraldines produced a disciplined and hard-working display to overcome previously unbeaten Naomh Pól in Division 2 on Wednesday evening, claiming a deserved 0-17 to 1-5 victory in difficult conditions at Pairc Uí Cheallaigh Portglenone.

Played in a strong cross-field wind, this was a contest that was always going to demand work-rate and composure in possession, and Geraldines delivered impressively throughout. 

Their victory was built on relentless defending and a willingness to win one-on-one battles all over the pitch, limiting a dangerous Naomh Pól side to very few clear-cut opportunities across the hour.

The home side settled quickest, Shannon Darragh opened the scoring inside the opening minute before Jojo Darragh added another excellent point from play soon after. 

Geraldines continued to build momentum as the half progressed. Shannon Darragh added a free, while Eimear McKee and Hollie Martin also found the target during a dominant spell for the home side. Naomh Pól struggled to find their range in the difficult conditions throughout the first half, and missed a number of opportunities to stay in touch. Amy Gault eventually opened Naomh Pól’s account in the 25th minute, but Geraldines responded strongly with further scores from Shannon Darragh and Eimear McKee to take a commanding 0-8 to 0-1 lead into the break.

Geraldines picked up where they left off after half-time. Shannon Darragh continued to lead the attack, Aoibhinn McCloskey, Aoife McGrogan, Jojo Darragh and Eimear McKee all added fine points from play to keep the scoreboard moving, while at the other end the full back line of Hannah Friel, Anna O’Kane and Maria Mooney refused to allow any foothold in the game for the visitors.

To their credit, Naomh Pól continued to battle throughout. Nicole Munce and Maeve Devlin added second-half points, before Amy Gault struck for a late goal to leave the final scoreline more respectable after Geraldines had controlled much of the contest.

While Naomh Pól will reflect on missed opportunities, particularly during the opening half when the wind made accuracy difficult, Geraldines fully deserved the victory thanks to their collective effort and efficiency in front of goal. 

Shannon Darragh finished top scorer with six points for Geraldines, while Eimear McKee contributed four in a dominant midfield display.

Geraldines: Siobhan Doherty; Hannah Friel, Anna O’Kane, Maria Mooney; Aoife McKenna, Orlagh Convery, Ellie Tsang; Aoibhinn McCloskey (0-2), Eimear McKee (0-4); Hollie Martin (0-1), Laura McAleese, Jojo Darragh (0-2); Aedin Vallely, Shannon Darragh (0-6, 3f), Aoife McGrogan (0-1).

Subs used

Laura O’Boyle, Cliodhna McKeever, Caitlin Graffin, Mollie McGinty

Naomh Pól: Brona Reilly; Dáirine Phillips, Róise Stevenson, Gemma McGroarty; Clíodhna Phillips, Caoimhe McCartan, Emer Rocks; Caitlin Heggarty, Maeve Devlin (0-3); Amy Gault (1-1), Niamh Ritchie, Aisling Hyndman; Fionnghuala Rocks, Emer Smyth, Nicole Munce (0-1).

Referee: Paul O’Neill 

by thesaffrongael

Dunloy host Fleadh Cheoil Aontroma 2026

Enjoy live music sessions, a céilí and more as we celebrate Fleadh Cheoil Aontroma 2026

Friday 15th May – Sunday 24th May

Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Dhún Lathaí are proud to host the 2026 County Antrim Fleadh and look forward to welcoming, friends, and visitors to celebrate our traditional music, song, dance, culture and community through Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ).

This year’s Fleadh is especially significant as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Dunloy Comhaltas. Reaching a milestone of 5 decades is a tremendous achievement. It reflects the vision of those who handed down the rich traditions for us. Through their commitment CCÉ Dhún Lathaí has made an enormous contribution to traditional music and culture in County Antrim and beyond.

Visitors are also invited to call into the Pop–Up, Tob–Ghaeltacht throughout the Fleadh weekend to explore a display of local heritage sites and place-names. The story of Irish in Dunloy is comh sean leis na cnoic, as old as the hills, and the language has a wonderfully strong place here.

This year also marks the 75th anniversary of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the All Ireland Fleadh, will take place in Belfast for the first time, marking another milestone for Comhaltas. Throughout its 75 years in existence, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann continues to be based on volunteers and community, and has extended its Branch network to 26 countries worldwide. 

The Fleadh is more than competitions. We bring people together through a shared love of music and culture. We hope that everyone soaks up the spirit and atmosphere of the weekend and enjoys the events and friendships that make occasions like this so special.

Ádh mór/ Good luck to all those attending the various Fleadhanna, competitions, summer schools and workshops throughout Ireland.

Fleadh Cheoil Aontroma 2026 @ Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Dhún Lathaí

https://www.instagram.com/dunloy_comhaltas?igsh=MTZ1aWNkZDEwNjVnbg==

@dunloy.comhaltas

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FRI 15th MAY

7.30PM : ST. JOSEPH’S PARISH CENTRE, DUNLOY

  • Dunloy 50th Anniversary Concert – A fantastic evening of music, song and dance featuring members of Dunloy Comhaltas past and present!

SUN 17th MAY

  • Junior Session : 3PM : DUNLOY GAC CLUBROOMS All young musicians welcome!
  • Traditional Music Session: 7PM: CORNER HOUSE BAR, CLOUGHMILLS;

All welcome to join for a lively evening of traditional music and song

TUE 19th MAY

  • Intermediate Session into Open Session: 8PM : DUNLOY GAC CLUBROOMS

Led by Dunloy’s Traditional group. Light supper provided, donations welcome

THU 21st MAY

  • Singing Session with Mairead Mc Mahon Walls: 7.30PM : DUNLOY GAC CLUBROOMS

An evening of traditional singing with the talented Mairead Mc Mahon Walls originally from Dunloy

  • Traditional Music Session; : 8.30PM : THE BRIDGE BAR; Join us for a fun night of traditional tunes!

FRI 22nd MAY

  • Céilí for All : 7.30PM : ST JOSEPH’S PARISH CENTRE: Music by our very own talented Killimorrie Céilí band

SAT 23rd MAY

  • Fleadh Competitions : 10.30AM : ST. JOSEPH’S PRIMARY SCHOOL

See musicians, dancers and storytellers compete in the Fleadh Cheoil Aontroma!

  • Tob-Ghaeltacht, Pop up Gaeltacht : 11AM : ST. JOSEPH’S PRIMARY SCHOOL:

Fun, games, crafts, as Gaeilge! Exhibitions on Placenames, local heritage sites and history of CCÉ Dhún Lathaí

  • Traditional Music Session : 7PM : THE VILLAGE INN, DUNLOY

Another fantastic evening of traditional music and great craic after a busy day of competitions

SUN 24th MAY

  • Fleadh Competitions: 12.30PM : ST. JOSEPHS PARISH CENTRE

Watch dancers, Céllí bands and Grúpaí Ceoil go head-to-head in our last day of competitions

  • Gig Rig : 3.30PM : ST. JOSEPH’S PARISH CENTRE: Performances from all Antrim CCÉ branches
  • Closing Session : 7PM : THE VILLAGE INN, DUNLOY

Finish off an amazing week of music with our closing session in The Village Inn