Author / thesaffrongael

Posts by thesaffrongael

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

Griffin goal ensures Four Masters edge out Magherafelt in thrilling Ulster Minor decider

FonaCAB Ulster Minor Football Tournament at St Pauls

O’Donovan Rossa, Magherafelt 0-09-1-08 Four Masters

Kevin Herron reports from Pairc Naomh Pol

DARRAGH Griffin’s palmed goal at the beginning of the second half ensured that Four Masters retained the Jimmy McConville Cup after a fantastic spectacle saw the holders run out 1-08-0-09 winners over Magherafelt at the Shaws Road venue on New Year’s Day.

The sides cancelled each other out in the opening half with Griffin’s goal giving his side the advantage for the first time and it was one they didn’t relinquish as they became the first team since Glen to successfully defend their crown and followed in the footsteps of fellow Donegal side Killybegs- who won back-to-back honours in the 1980s.

Holly Donnelly and her dad Aidan present the Anne Marie Donnelly Player of the Match awards to Four Masters Kevin Muldoon after his team’s win over Magherafelt

Both sides made a late change as Darragh Griffin replaced Thomas Lenehan for Four Masters and Michael McKenna came in for Caolan Higgins for Magherafelt.

Magherafelt were ahead inside of a minute when Conall Higgins guided a pass low into the path of Cahair Spiers and he laid off to Jude Beattie to pop over.

Spiers swung over a free to extend his sides lead and their third score came from an advanced mark after Lorcan Higgins chipped a ball into Kian Maynes- who claimed the mark- and converted.

It took until the 13th minute for the holders to get off and running on the scoreboard. Oisin Doherty slipped a ball into the path of Tiarnan McBride, under pressure McBride popped the ball out to Conor Gallagher McCahill to drop over an angled score.

A converted 45’ from Magherafelt keeper Karl Campbell restored his sides three-point advantage, but Four Masters got to grips with things as the half progressed.

Conor Gallagher McCahill swung over a close-range free and a Tómas Carr kicked a magnificent 45’ against the wind on the 23rd minute.

They had the chance to claim the opening goal when Kevin Muldoon burst forward and laid off to Tómas Carr, he in turn found McCahill to send a low attempt across the face of goal and wide.

Just before the break Four Masters restored parity, Carr popped the ball into the path of Callum McCrea and his quick lay-off allowed Oisin Doherty to blast over and make it 0-04 apiece at the interval.

The opening score arrived four minutes into the second period, and it would prove decisive at the conclusion.

Tómas Carr kicked a ball into the forward line that Tiarnan McBride got a flick to and the outstretched palm of Darragh Griffin guided the ball beyond the reach of Karl Campbell and into the net to make it 1-04-0-04.

Magherafelt’s Kian Maynes sends over an early free

A super point followed from Conor Gallagher McCahill but Lorcan Higgins weaved his way forward and landed a fantastic reply to lift Magherafelt.

Two scores inside a minute before the midway point in the half strengthened Four Masters grip, Turlough Carr fed brother Tómas to clip over and after McCahill was hauled down- Oisin Doherty converted the free.

Points were exchanged between Rory Small and Turlough Carr as the gap remained at five with less than 10-minutes remaining.

Magherafelt rallied with Conall Higgins swinging a shot over following a move involving Rory Small and Cahair Spiers and he then kicked a magnificent angled free to leave a goal in things with four minutes left.

The Derry side sensed a chance of an equaliser after Lorcan Higgins intercepted a wayward pass by Theo Colhoun and played a one-two with Ronan Ferris before a heavy hit from Eoghan O’Neill brought the chance to a conclusion, with Conall Higgins converting the free and reducing arrears in the process.

The much-needed goal that Magherafelt sought wouldn’t arrive in the closing stages and both sides lost men in added time.

Theo Colhoun rose highest to claim goalkeeper Lewis McCaughan’s kick-out and he slipped a pass to Kevin Muldoon- who was taken out by substitute Michael Lavery, and he received a black card for his troubles.

The subsequent free clipped the large post from McCahill’s effort and Turlough Carr was then black-carded for a pull-down as Magherafelt attempted to break-out of defence.

There was still enough time for Magherafelt to clutch victory from the jaws of defeat, but Kian Maynes late shot was deflected over and referee Colm McDonald’s final whistle brought proceedings to an end as Four Masters celebrated back-to-back triumphs in the competition

St Paul’s chairperson Caroline McLaughlin and Sean Walsh of tournament sponsors fonaCAB presents the cup to joint captains of Four Masters Terence McGovern (19) and Callum McCrea after the game

O’Donovan Rossa, Magherafelt: K Campbell (0-1 45’), T Cartin, Z Gavigan, R Conway, M McKenna, R Small (0-1), C Kerr, J Beattie (0-1), C Spiers (0-1), C Leacock, E Spiers, L Higgins (0-1), K Maynes (0-1m), C Higgins (0-3, 0-2f), M Higgins. Subs: M Lavery for M Higgins (28), R Ferris for E Spiers (51).

Four Masters: L McCaughan, K Muldoon, D McGinty, E O’Neill. C Gavigan, C McCrea, A Quinn, Tómas Carr (0-2,0-1 45’), T Colhoun, P McGonagle, Turlough Carr (0-1), D Griffin (1-0), C Gallagher McCahill (0-3, 0-1f), T McBride, O Doherty (0-2, 0-1f). Subs: A McHugh for D Griffin (52).

Referee: Colm McDonald (Naomh Gall)

TO SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THE FINAL CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

https://myalbum.com/album/DLYRzvjKczDfMN

by thesaffrongael

Glenariffe/Glenravel hang on to claim Ulster title

Leadon Timber Frames Ulster Minor Hurling Tournament Cup Final

Glenariffe/Glenravel 2-6 Erin’s Own, Lavey 0-6

Tuesday 31 December 2024

Brendan McTaggart reports from Páirc an Déin Mhíc Loinsaigh, Baile na Scrine

The last piece of silverware of the 2024 season comes back to the Saffron county.  Glenariffe/Glenravel won the Ulster minor hurling tournament at a wind and rain swept Ballinascreen on Tuesday afternoon but they were pushed to the pin of their collar by a Lavey side who will rue their missed chances.

Six points separated the sides at the end of the hour, a very harsh reflection and one that doesn’t do the Derry side any favours but in a game where Glenariffe/Glenravel led for the majority, the Antrim champions had an element of score board control in a frenetic last quarter.

Incredibly, the only score in that last 15 minutes was the game winning goal from Oisin Gillan and that came with the last action of the final.  Prior to that, it was backs to the wall defending from Glenariffe/Glenravel as they looked to repel an onslaught of Lavey attacks.  They defended superbly however with Colla Ward, John Scullion and man of the match Niall Magee all superb.

Despite losing the toss, Glenariffe/Glenravel had the aid of a substantial wind at their back for the opening half.  Despite this, it was James Sargent who opened the scoring from a fifth minute free.  It was a gruelling opening quarter where no quarter was asked nor given.  The contest certainly wasn’t one for the faint of heart with bodies being put on the line and challenges coming thick and fast.

By the midway point of the first half, Glenariffe/Glenravel had taken the lead thanks to a brace of frees from Orrin O’Connor either side of Phelim Ward’s pointed effort in the ninth minute – the first score of the game from open play.

Glenariffe/Glenravel’s Oisin Gillan celebrates after scoring the game clinching goal in the last minute of the game.

Glenariffe/Glenravel were piling on pressure, looking to make their wind advantage count but the Derry champions were winning the majority of ruck ball and nullifying the attacking threats of Glenariffe/Glenravel with Tiarnan Melaugh and Ryan McGarvey prominent. 

Any Lavey attacks were scarce and with points coming from Harry Fyfe and Oisin Gillan, Glenariffe/Glenravel built a four point lead with 12 minutes of the half remaining.

The opening goal of the game came moments later and came through the genius of O’Connor.  Collecting a direct pass from Canice McIntosh, O’Connor took on the Lavey defence looking to get clear.  The Lavey support and management questioned the number of steps the Glenariffe/Glenravel man took but what couldn’t be questioned was the finish.  O’Connor’s effort was emphatic and gave Oisin Mulholland no chance between the sticks. 

It would be their last score of the first half though as Lavey finished strongly.  A brilliant catch and strike from Conor Melaugh reduced the Glenariffe/Glenravel led to six points with eight minutes of the half remaining.  The Derry champions missed a couple of frees before Conor Melaugh split the uprights in the third minute of injury time in what was the last action of the half to leave the half time score 1-5 to 0-3 in favour of Glenariffe/Glenravel.

Five points certainly wasn’t a comfortable lead for the Antrim champions given the elements they would be facing after the restart.  It was going to take a monumental effort to ensure they were on the right side of the result by the final whistle and they delivered thanks to some brilliant defending and poor decision making or inaccuracy from Lavey.

A Rian Collins free opened the scoring in the second half while Gillan had a glimpse of the Lavey goal.  The young Glenariffe/Glenravel speedster was denied by a brilliant piece of defending from Rory Scullion.

With the game being quite broken and both sides doing what they could to gain any sort of advantage, it wasn’t the easiest game to officiate.  The middle third resembled a game of rugby given the amount of rucks that evolved and scoring chances were at a premium but any that came were falling the way of Lavey.

A James Sargent free from deep in his own half was followed by a Phelim Ward point (free).  That would be Glenariffe/Glenravel’s last score for almost 20 minutes however as Lavey turned the screw.

Rian Collins split the uprights from a placed ball in the 44th minute to leave a goal between the sides but that was the Derry men’s last score of the final.  Chances came for both goals and further points but a serious of missed opportunities in that final quarter will haunt Lavey players and management.

With four minutes of the hour remaining, Gillan added more shine to the scoreline for Glenariffe/Glenravel.  Substitute Michael Furey had got a half yard of space but his effort was partially blocked and Gillan was first to the breaking sliotar and fired to the back of the Lavey net and seal the Ulster title for his side.

It was an hour or more of hurling where Glenariffe/Glenravel showed an incredible amount of character, heart and desire.  They have shown their talents with the hurl and sliotar to get this far and they answered more questions than many might have been expecting in this final.  The future is bright for hurling in Glenariffe/Glenravel!

Man of the match Niall Magee makes a great catch during the first half.

TEAMS:

Glenariffe/Glenravel: Ben Duncan; Cahir McNaughton, Colla Ward, Harry Fyfe; James Kearney, Niall Magee, Oisin Mort; Callum McIlwaine, John Scullion; Canice McIntosh, Orrin O’Connor, Christy Leech; Peader McDonnell, Phelim Ward, Oisin Gillan

Subs: Michael Furey for P McDonnell (HT)

Scorers: O O’Connor 1-2 (2f’s); O Gillan 1-1; P Ward 0-2 (1f); H Fyfe 0-1

Erin’s Own, Lavey: Oisin Mulholland; Rory Scullion, Tiarnan Melaugh, Eoin O’Donnell; Cathal Mulholland, Ryan McGarvey, Ronan Birt; James Sargent, Conor Melaugh; Patrick Birt, Rian Collins, Charlie Mulholland; Lorcan McDonnell, Jack Convery, Ruadhri Melaugh

Subs: Conor Sargent for C Mulhollan (15); Donnacha Collins for R Melaugh (38); Dara O’Kane for L McDonnell (44)

Scorers: C Melaugh 0-2; J Sargent 0-2 (2fs); R Collins 0-2 (2fs)

Referee: James Connors (Donegal)

Lavey midfielder James Sargent in action durinng the final

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

https://myalbum.com/album/EN8mMnCu5i4QkP

by thesaffrongael

Magherafelt keen to avenge last year’s quarter-final defeat

St. Paul’s fonaCAB Final

Wednesday-1-00pm Shaw’s Road

Four Masters Donegal v Rossa Magherafelt

Rossa of Magherafelt will go into Wednesday’s fonaCAB final at St. Paul’s keen to avenge a narrow quarter-final defeat to holders Four Masters in 2023 and confident that they can replace the Donegal side as Ulster Minor Club Champions.

Four Masters strike late to beat Magherafelt in 2023

  FonaCAB St Pauls Ulster Minor Football Tournament

Two goals in injury time saw Donegal champions Four Masters snatch victory from the jaws of defeat when Wednesday’s fonaCAB finalists met in the quarter final of the St Pauls Ulster Minor Football tournament at Colaiste Feirste back in 2023.

Four Masters of Donegal went on to defeat Cavan Gaels in the New Year’s Day decider while Rossa of Magerafelt were left to reflect on what might have been.

With the wind at their backs in the first half the Magherafelt boys were in total command and after twenty one minutes play they were 0-8 to 0-0 ahead, their brilliant midfielder Conall Higgins scoring six of the points.

It was twenty five minutes before the Donegal champions opened their account when Colhoon scored their first point and they added to it four minutes later, but Magherafelt came back with a J Beattie point in injury time to send them in with what appeared to be a comfortable seven point cushion.

When Four Masters got the first four points of the second half, three of them from brilliant corner forward McCahill, it was clear this game was far from over, but Man of the Match Conall Higgins appeared to have wrapped it all up when got two of the next three points to push the gap out to three again. When the Derry champions pushed the gap out to five going into injury time a place in the semi-final seemed assured, but the drama was only starting.

In a totally incredible finish Four Masters were awarded a penalty which centre forward Kevin Muldoon fired to the net, which cut the gap to two points. Magherafelt must have still thought the game was safe but in the fifth minute of injury time a long ball into the Maghera square was punched home by Tiernan McBride to put his team in front, and there was still time for corner forward Turlough Carr to add the insurance point.

With the age group changed from U17 to U18 both sides will line out with many of the same panel available with the Derry Champions eager to redress the balance.

Both sides have impressed on their way to Wednesday’s decider with Four Masters defeating Fr. Rocks of Cookstown in last week’s semi-final to go forward to their third fonaCAB final in succession.

They sealed their place in the FonaCAB Ulster Minor Football Tournament with a 1-12 to 0-08 win with Theo Colhoun netting the game’s only goal a minute from the end of normal time to wrap up the win.

Conor |Gallager-McCahill top scored for the Donegal Town side with 0-5 with Oisin Doherty and Turlough Carr weighing in with important scores.

They will face a Rossa of Magherafelt side who have impressed themselves this year and will be keen to put that late 2023 implosion behind them. A strong first half performance did the trick as Magherafelt held off Clann Éireann in their semi-final.

A gale force wind blowing across the pitch favoured the Rossa side in the first half. They bagged the game’s first goal. Cathir Spiers cut through the Lurgan defence before hammering to the net for a 1-2 to 0-0 lead with 10 minutes gone.

Kian Maynes and Lorcan Higgins kicked Magherafelt seven clear before Clann Éireann scored.

It got even better for Magherafelt when Conall Higgins was fouled for a late penalty. He took the kick himself to notch a third goal to give Rossa a 3-7 to 1-1 lead.

Clann Eireann rallied during the second half  but never really looked like overturning the Rossa lead with the Derry champions pushing on to win by seven in the end.

Holders, Four Masters will start Wednesday’s decider on the Shaw’s Road as favourites and have earned the favourites tag but they will face a strong opponent in a Rossa side who are in great physical condition and look capable of reversing last year’s quarter-final result

by thesaffrongael

Glenariffe/Glenravel face Lavey for Ulster Honours

Leadon Timberframes Ulster Minor Hurling Tournament

Glenariffe/Glenravel vs Erin’s Own, Lavey

Tuesday 31 December 2024

Throw in: 12 noon

Venue: Dean McGlinchey Park, Ballinascreen

After their nail-biting semi-final victory against Bredagh, Glenariffe/Glenravel have their eyes set on further silverware.  Standing between them and the chance to be named Ulster minor hurling champions are Derry side, Lavey.

The Gulladuff side are competing in the tournament for the third year in succession and after a disappointing showing in the 2023 competition, played much more to their potential last day out when they defeated Eoghan Ruadh Dungannon.  At the end of the hour, Lavey ran out comfortable winners by a score line of 3-16 to 0-12 with goals coming from Lorcan McDonnell in the first half before a brace from Patrick Birt after the interval put daylight between the sides.

Oisin Gillan in actiond during the semi-final win over Bredagh
Orrin O’Connor in action during Saturday’s win over Bredagh

After a close first half that the Derry champions edged, Lavey really put in an excellent performance with centre half back Ryan McGarvey starring.  His ability to cut out attacking threat coming into the Lavey defence gave his side a solid platform to take control of the game while Tiarnan Melaugh at full back shone.  His twin, Conor forms an excellent midfield partnership with James Sargent – Sargent a rising star with the big ball within the Oak Leaf County having won back-to-back minor football All Ireland’s and captaining Derry earlier this year.  He is every bit as talented with the ash (or bamboo nowadays) and sliotar, a real driving force for the Derry men and his ability to play in a range of positions makes him difficult to pin down.  Up front, they have the attacking talents of Rian Collins, Jack Convery and goal scorers Birt and McDonnell. 

In Derry, they had a comprehensive win against Swatragh in the opening round before defeating Kevin Lynch’s in the semi-final and set up a meeting with Slaughtneil in the decider.  That match would go to extra-time when Lavey came back from the brink, thanks to a James Sargent major in the closing stages.  They finished strongly and commanded extra time to take the Derry title for the third year in succession.

Against Bredagh, Callum McIlwaine shone from midfield.  Seven points from play, five in the first half and immense work rate after the interval to help his side against a Bredagh side who had their tails up and the scent of victory in the closing stages.  There was something poetic about him getting the final score of the game, it put two between the sides in injury time but it felt like the winning score at the time.

Orrin O’Connor was excellent at 11 and pulled the strings for his side.  The sight of him having to be carried off at the final whistle with what looked like an ankle injury will be a major concern for the Glenariffe/Glenravel management.  He has been brilliant for his side this year and an integral part of the Oisin’s senior panel that reached the county final.  However, he did play without any hindrance during a helter-skelter 60 plus minutes.

Action from Lavey’s Jack Convery (14) and and Ryan McGarvey (6) in their semi-final win over Eoghan Rua on Saturday

Corner forward Oisin Gillan and full forward Phelim Ward scored their majors against Bredagh and formed an excellent inside forward line.  Gillan’s pace and touch bewildering at times and gave the Bredagh defence plenty to think about.

Colla Ward had an excellent game on the edge of his own square and with team captain Niall Magee in front of him, they form a superb central spine to their defence.  Magee, much like Sargent for Lavey, can control proceedings and make things happen with his vision and reading of the game.

Despite this being the first time Glenariffe/Glenravel have competed in this tournament, this group of players have met before.  It’s three years past on 28 October that Glenariffe won the All-Ireland Division Two Féile and in their group, they defeated Lavey 2-6 to 0-4 – the then team captain Phelim Ward with the goals in what turned out to be their most difficult group game.

Lavey are looking to bridge a 19 year gap from their previous win in the tournament but Glenariffe/Glenravel will start this one as favourites.  The nature of their match against Bredagh will sharpen their focus that little more ahead of this final.  They are coming up against a talented Lavey side who’s threats will take some looking after but if they play to their potential, Glenariffe/Glenravel should add their names to the list of Antrim winners of this tournament.

Pics from the Glenariffe v Lavey meeting in the All Ireland Feile B competition in Thurles in 2021

by thesaffrongael

St John’s CC announce plans for Maltina Park, Carnlough

St John’s Camogie Club and Carnlough Swifts FC are thrilled to officially announce the naming of our ground as Maltina Park, a heartfelt tribute to the parents of Brendan Rodgers, Malachy and Christina, and a name that will forever honour their legacy. This moment marks a significant milestone for our community, and we are deeply proud to share it with all of you.

The decision to name the ground Maltina Park reflects Brendan’s remarkable generosity, his unwavering support for our community, and his deep personal connection to the name Maltina. It represents the values of family, dedication, and resilience that his parents instilled in him—qualities that Brendan carries forward in his life and work.

For us, it is an immense honour to celebrate Brendan’s legacy in this way. His vision for Maltina Park is not simply about a name; it’s about creating a place that inspires young athletes, regardless of their sport, to dream big and strive for excellence. Brendan’s commitment to supporting sports stars of all disciplines serves as a powerful reminder that talent, dedication, and passion have no boundaries.

Through this incredible gesture, Brendan has given us a legacy of hope and opportunity. Maltina Park will now stand as a beacon for aspiring sports stars, a place where dreams begin, and a tribute to the enduring values of community and generosity.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Brendan Rodgers for this extraordinary gift and for his unwavering belief in the potential of our clubs and community. Together, we look forward to making Maltina Park a hub of inspiration, hard work, and celebration for generations to come.

St John’s Camogie Club and Carnlough Swifts FC would like to thank our respective Committees and also the Stoneyhill Committee for getting us to this point in the redevelopment. We want to also thank Ryan Dougan from Vision Design Architecture and the incredibly talented Enda McSorley who has worked tirelessly on the drawings. Many more people to thank who have been involved so far but we will do that later as different phases near completion, 2025 is going to be an amazing year, we hope you like the drawings.

Welcome to Maltina Park. A legacy, a landmark, and a home for all.