Author / thesaffrongael

Posts by thesaffrongael

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

Shamrocks take Feis Cup after extra time

Above – The Loughgiel team and some of their young fans celebrate with the Feis Cup after their extra time win over Dunloy. Included is the most famous trophy in north Antrim, the Shield of the Heroes, which was presented at the first Feis final in 1904 – 120 years ago

Feis Cup Senior Hurling Final

Loughgiel 4-25 Dunloy 2-26

Sunday 14 July

Brendan McTaggart reports from Feis Sunday at Glenariffe

Coming into the Sunday showpiece, no-one was really sure in what to expect.  What we got was an exhibition of hurling despite both Loughgiel and Dunloy missing a host of regulars.  It took extra time to separate the sides but, in the end, it was the Shamrocks who had that little bit extra with five between the sides.

The Shamrocks had 11 different scorers and those who came off the bench contributed 2-4 – Conor O’Mullan with a brace of goals while Shan McGrath’s exploits on the edge of the square saw him finish with an impressive 1-8 with just four frees in that tally.  Eoin ‘Snowy’ McGarry was the other goal scorer for the Shamrocks while the midfield pairing of Cahal Hargan and man of the match, Christy McGarry split six points evenly.

The Cuchullains had 10 different scorers with Seaan Elliott topping their scoring charts.  He would finish with eight points beside his name while Barry Scott followed closely behind with 1-4 in what his best performance in a senior Dunloy shirt was.  Eoin O’Neill followed his exploits against Cushendall on Wednesday night by scoring the Cuchullains second major while Aodhan McGarry and Aaron Crawford split six points evenly.

With plenty there to watch the final in warm conditions, Dunloy got off to a great start and led by three points after the opening 10 minutes and looked to be playing with more cohesion.  They had the first glimpse of goal but Elliott’s shot just flashed wide.

The first major came in the 18th minute and it was a piece of brilliance from Eoin McGarry.  How he found the top corner from the position he was in, only he can answer that one.  It kickstarted the Shamrocks as the sides went score for score in the time that remained of the half.  Loughgiel had another glimpse of Gabriel McTaggart’s goal when McGrath found Rian McMullan in space but his shot was saved superbly by the Dunloy ‘keeper.

With the sides tied 0-12 to 1-9 at half time, the Cuchullains could have felt slightly aggrieved given how the first 30 minutes transpired.  Loughgiel took the lead for the first time in the game with Maol Connolly firing over in the opening seconds of the second half but it was short lived with Dunloy breaching the Loughgiel goal line.  Anton McGrath finding Deaglan Smith in space and while his initial shot was saved superbly by Chrissy O’Connell, Eoin O’Neill was first to the loose ball and pulled first time.

They had another chance moments later when Elliott broke free from midfield but O’Connell was equal to the ferocious shot fired his way.

Louhghgiel were slow in starting the second half, much like the first half but a Christy McGarry pointed side line ignited their challenge.  The Cuchullains had another goal chance and again, it was Elliott rampaging from midfield but his effort flashed just wide when it looked destined for the top corner from distance.

With one point between the sides after 10 minutes of the second half, Loughgiel found the back of the Dunloy net through Shan McGrath.  Reading the high ball sent towards the danger area, McGrath collected and with the most delicate of finishes, gave McTaggart no chance despite the Dunloy ‘keeper narrowing the angle.

With eight minutes of the hour remaining, Loughgiel held a four point lead with Pearce Patterson having an entertaining cameo off the bench.  Dunloy would find another gear however as they outscored Loughgiel five points to one in the time that remained.  McGrath with the score for Loughgiel while Oran Quinn, Aaron Crawford, O’Neill, Aodhan McGarry and Scott with the equaliser in the third minute of injury time and with what was the last puck of the hour.

FT score: Dunloy 1-21 Loughgiel 2-18

Again, Dunloy got off to the brighter start with Elliott firing over a brace of points (one free) in the opening exchanges of extra time but Loughgiel’s response was effectively match winning.  They scored 1-4 without reply, Conor O’Mullan with the first of his two majors and scores coming from Pearce Patterson, Ronan Fitzgerald, Eoin McGarry and Shan McGrath to leave the Shamrocks ahead 3-22 to 1-23 at the half time mark of injury time.

It looked like a tall order for the Cuchullains to drag themselves back into this one but with Barry Scott scoring their second major to leave three between the sides, their Feis hopes rekindled once more.  Scott firing home the rebound after a super save initially from O’Connell to deny O’Neill.  A point from Eoin McFerran left the minimum between the sides midway through the second period of extra time but Loughgiel’s fourth major, O’Mullan’s second put them in pole position once more.  It came at the end of a precise and lightning passing move that saw O’Mullan in space and he made no mistake.

Dunloy continued to look for the goals that would bring them back in the game with an array of high ball and dipping frees but the Shamrocks were not to be denied as they held out to take the Feis honours with five to spare.

North Antrim Treasurer Darrach O’Mullan presents the Man of the Match award to Loughgiel’s Christy McGarry after his team’s win over Dunloy in Sunday’s final in Glenariffe. Pic by Michael Corcoran

TEAMS

Loughgiel: Chrissy O’Connell; Tiernan Coyle, Rory McCloskey, Caolan Blair; Conal McCloskey, Seamus Dobbin, Conor Dickson; Cahal Hargan, Christy McGarry; Paul Boyle, Darragh Patterson, Maol Connolly; Eoin McGarry, Shan McGrath, Rian McMullan

Scorers: S McGrath 1-8 (4fs); Conor O’Mullan 2-00; E McGarry 1-2; C Hargan 0-3; C McGarry 0-3 (1f 1’65); M Connolly 0-2; R McMullan 0-2; Pearce Patterson 0-2; D Patterson 0-1; Ronan Fitzgerald 0-1; Ronan McGarry 0-1

Dunloy: Gabriel McTaggart; Eamon Smyth, Conor McKinley, Oran Quinn; Ronan Molloy, Kevin Molloy, Kevin McKeague; Seaan Elliott, Aaron Crawford; Eoin McFerran, Aodhan McGarry, Barry Scott; Eoin O’Neill, Deaglan Smith, Anton McGrath

Scorers: S Elliott 0-8 (5 fs); B Scott 1-4; E O’Neill 1-2; A McGarry 0-3; A Crawford 0-3; D Smith 0-2; O Quinn 0-1; R Molloy 0-1; E McFerran 0-1; A McGrath 0-1

Referee: Shane McDonnell (Glenariffe)

Alastair McAllister presents the Senior Feis Cup which was named after his late father, to Loughgiel captain Tiernan Coyle after his team’s win over Dunloy is Sunday’s Senior Feis Cup final in Glenariffe Pic by Michael Corcoran

For more of Michael Corcoran’s pics from the Feis Cup final click on the link below

https://myalbum.com/album/W3De9TYtYZv8oq/?invite=daa79a7b-66a8-4d5d-a820-e939406e785b

by thesaffrongael

Armoy win the Junior Feis Cup

Feis na nGleann 2024

Junior Hurling Final

Armoy Glen Rovers 3-16 Cushendun Emmet’s 1-15

Armoy won the Junior Feis Cup when they beat Cushendun in Saturday evening’s final at Feis na nGleann in Glenarifffe.

Cushendun got the first score of the game when corner forward Conor Bannon knocked over a point inside 30 seconds, and after Armoy levelled through Eoin O’Boyle the Emmets edged in front again, Bannon again on target. However Armoy began to find their stride and when Trevor Linton hit their first goal in the seventh minute they were never again headed.

Linton’s goal was added to by points from Eoin O’Boyle, Timothy Burns, Ciaran Coyles and a double from Tarlach McBride which put them 1-07 to 04 ahead after thirteen minutes.

Connor Bannon kept the Cushendun scoreboard ticking over and centre back Thomas Scally added one from play but Armoy finished the half strongly and after Linton got his second goal on twenty minutes they followed it with two point from Linton and one from PJ McBride to lead by 2-11 to 0-08 at half time.

Scally added another for the Emmet’s at the start of the second half to reduce the gap, and though Ciaran Colyle replied with one for the Glen Rovers men on 35, further points from Conor Bannon and substitute John V Morgan brought Cushendun within seven.

The gap was down to six by the 17th minute after Bannon slotted over two more, in reply to on from Tarlach McBride for the winners, and Cushendun were back in contention. However two by Trevor Linton and one from Tarlach McBride pulled Armoy clear of the danger again and when Linton competed his hat-trick of goals in the 57th minute the cup was on its way to Armoy.  

North Antrim PRO Darrach O’Mullan presents the Junior Feis Cup to Armoy captain Arthur Devlin after his team’s win over Cusheundun at Feis na nGleann in Glenariffe

For more of Sean Paul’s pics from the final click on the link below

https://myalbum.com/album/6Bc4yYMBQsNMNR

by thesaffrongael

Brigid’s power past depleted Saints to make league decider

O’Neills ACFL Semi-final

St Brigid’s 5-25-0-09 All Saints, Ballymena

Kevin Herron reports from Dunsilly

St Brigid’s claimed the vacant spot in the League final with Cargin after powering through a depleted All Saint’s side at Dunsilly this afternoon.

The nature of the time of year told on the Saint’s – who were only able to muster a squad of 16 and whilst St Brigid’s were also missing players, they were much stronger in options to call upon.

The Musgrave outfit were ahead within two minutes after being awarded a penalty that was dispatched low to the corner of the net by Conor McAleer.

Patrick Finnegan could have doubled the goal tally minutes later, but Conor Brennan stood tall to deny him.

They would extend their lead through points from James Smith and a fisted Finnegan effort before All Saint’s hit back.

Michael McCarry flighted a high ball on top of Sean McVeigh- who claimed the mark and converted it.

The sides traded scores as Enda Downey landed a free and Kavan Keenan tried to find McVeigh with a long pass inside that bounced over the bar.

St Brigid’s pulled clear with five unanswered scores in the aftermath, Finnegan dropped over his second point and then slipped an off the shoulder pass to John Toner to shoot over.

Conor McAleer landed a point from Jack Dowling’s lay-off, Rory McErlean converted a free and Shea Downey swept over to ensure that their side were 1-08-0-02 ahead by the 21st minute.

The Saint’s briefly halted the momentum as Michael McCarry kicked the first of three first half frees, the other two following four further St Brigid’s scores without reply.

McErlean converted his second free of the half and then landed his first from play, Patrick Finnegan shot over his third and James Smith doubled his personal tally.

McCarry’s successive replies momentarily narrowed the margins, but St Brigid’s ended the half with a further goal and a point.

Their second goal arrived on the 29th minute when Niall Duffy popped the ball across to James Smith in space and he swept a shot into the corner to make it 2-11-0-05.

Rory McErlean kicked his third free of the half before it was out as St Brigid’s were in cruise control at the interval.

The Musgrave men picked up where they left off before the break as Shay Campbell guided a shot over and four minutes after the restart their third goal arrived when Niall Duffy palmed across for McErlean to touch home.

Michael McCarry kicked his fourth free in response, though Michael Cummings slipped in Patrick Finnegan to take a fisted point.

A move off the training ground saw John Toner sweep the ball to Jack Dowling in space and he added to the scoreboard before Shay Campbell rolled home a fourth goal to move his side 4-16-0-06 to the good.

To their credit, All Saint’s battled with Sean McVeigh proving tough to deal with on the edge of the square- one of his knock downs almost resulted in a goal opportunity, though Darach Bradley opted to split the posts instead and McCarry converted a further free in the aftermath.

Patrick Finnegan would add another score before departing and substitute Conan McNicholl then added his name to the increasing list of scorers.

Both sides spurned glorious goal opportunities within seconds of each other, Sean McVeigh knocked the ball down for Oliver O’Rawe who was twice denied in quick succession and after St Brigid’s sprung the counterattack; Aodhan McNicholl could only watch on as his low effort clipped the outside of the post.

Fortunately for St Brigid’s they wouldn’t rue their missed chance as they grabbed their fifth of the afternoon through Rory McErlean after a nice interchange with Conan McNicholl.

Aodhan would join sibling Conan on the scoresheet with a fine point from range with Conan doubling his personal tally a minute later and fellow substitute Peter Lundy popping over another as their advantage continued to increase.

A converted 45’ from Brian McGurk followed and further scores from Rory McErlean (free) and Peter Lundy ensured that St Brigid’s had amassed 1-08 without reply.

Free-takers McCarry and McErlean would kick placed balls before the contest was brought to its conclusion as St Brigid’s booked their place in the League decider against Cargin for a chance to lift the Eddie Fitzsimons trophy next weekend.

St Brigid’s: D Heery, J Toner (0-01), J Finnegan, C King, B McGurk (0-01 45’), S Downey (0-01), S Campbell (1-01), M Cummings, J Dowling (0-01), N Duffy, P Finnegan (0-05), J Smith (1-02), E Downey (0-01f), C McAleer (1-01, 1-00p), R McErlean (2-06, 0-05f). Subs: C McNicholl (0-02) for N Duffy (39), A McNicholl (0-01) for J Smith (40), P Lundy (0-02) for J Dowling (40), C Downey for P Finnegan (45).

All Saint’s: C Breenan, A McGreevey, M Read, R Thom, D Bradley (0-01), K Keenan (0-01), E Walsh, E Kilough, P McNicholl, P Mitchell, M McCarry (0-06f), P O’Boyle, O O’Rawe, S McVeigh (0-01m), R McVeigh. Subs: J Rocks for O O’Rawe (HT), O O’Rawe for P O’Boyle (42), P O’Boyle for S McVeigh (53), S McVeigh for P Mitchell (60).

Referee: Mark O’Neill (Glen Rovers, Armoy)

For more pics from the game click on the link below

https://myalbum.com/album/mWMUyiVvU4JUin

by thesaffrongael

Naomh Seamus secure Division 1 status

O’Neill’s Sportswear ACFL Division 1 Relegation Play-Off

Saturday 13th July

Report by Niall Kelly 

Con Magee’s Glenravel 1-12    St James’ Aldergrove 3-09

A chance to dine once more at the top table of Antrim football was the incentive for both Glenravel and Aldergrove in Ballymena on Saturday evening. In what was a thoroughly absorbing and entertaining encounter, it was Naomh Seamus who emerged victorious in dramatic style. Despite being in arrears for 55 minutes of football, the Crumlin side took the lead when it mattered most as marksman in chief, Seamus McGarry, netted the all-important goal in the dying minutes of the game to ensure another year of topflight football for the men in red.  

Glenravel came flying out of the traps in the opening exchanges and fired themselves into an early five-point lead. The potent pair of Eoin Hynds and Eamon Fyfe both split the posts before the latter put the finishing touches to an intricate move, unleashing one of his signature piledrivers to the Aldergrove net in the process and the Con Magee’s seemingly had their tails up.

Perhaps this shocked their opponents to life as they sought about finding a foothold in proceedings, step forward Seamus McGarry. The Aldergrove number 15 hit the next four unanswered points demonstrating his predatorial instincts in front of the posts, foraging for any spillages or breaks in possession. His brother Cormac made it a family affair and levelled matters after twenty minutes with a well-taken score ably assisted by Brian McQuillan.

Glenravel then finished the half the same way they started it; with a flourish and vigour to their play. County man Callum Higgins sent over two superb points in reply to yet another McGarry free before Eoin Hynds closed out the half with a free from close range leaving the score 1-06 to 0-06 in favour of the men in green and white.

The second period was the epitome of an end-to-end game with both teams pushing forward to gain the ascendancy. It was however, Glenravel who got the scoreboard ticking over again. A pinpoint pass from Rian Lennon was despatched with aplomb by Eamon Fyfe before his partner in crime, Eoin Hynds came to the fore again curling over an outstanding effort from an extremely acute angle to extend their lead.

Aldergrove needed a response as it appeared Glenravel were cantering to the finish line. Adrian Dougan’s half-time instructions must have been ringing in his charges’ ears and most certainly may have centred around driving the high ball into substitute Ronan Hanna in full forward as the dominating number 25 gave the Aldergrove attack a different dynamic and commanding aerial presence. Midway through the half, they executed this ploy to perfection as Hanna rose highest to claim Declan Gough’s lobbed ball in, before offloading to Cormac McGarry who finished to the net tidily to raise his side’s first green flag.

McGarry’s major, however, only paved the way for yet another Glenravel onslaught who were in no mood to relinquish their lead. Yet again it was Hynds who was at the forefront of their attacks and the Con Magees number 11 reinvigorated his team with a well-taken free. From the resulting kick-out, Conleth O’Loan commandeered possession of the size five before offloading to that man Hynds, who unleashed a monster effort from range over the bar.

In what was a recurrent theme of the game, just when Glenravel looked to be inching closer to the win, Aldergrove sparked into life. Yet again, it was Hanna who spearheaded their revival as he latched onto Gerald Mallon’s pass before thundering an effort on the turn from close range to the Glenravel net and with merely a point separating them with ten minutes to go, it was all to play for.

With both teams displaying such resiliency and character, the game was now being played at such a frantic and frenetic pace. The men from the tenth glen again asserted their authority through the familiar prowess of Fyfe and Hynds with inspired points from play and it really did look as though this time, they would hang on.

Their counterparts had other ideas and with Glenravel going down to 14 men for a second-bookable offence, they capitalised immediately. Substitute Fergal Burke announced his arrival in style with an excellent point before top-scorer Seamus McGarry dealt the hammer blow four minutes before the final whistle. With Aldergrove pressing high on the Glenravel kickout they managed to steal possession as Hanna reassumed his role as provider paving the way through on goal for his partner in crime, who blasted home his side’s third and game-clinching goal.

Glenravel desperately sought for penetrative avenues of attack and peppered the Aldergrove defence with an endless barrage of high ball in. Unfortunately, it just wouldn’t stick and when it eventually did, Eamon Fyfe was exceptionally unlucky to see his shot flash wide of the post in the dying embers as their opponents held out for the win.

Credit to both sides for a great game. St James’ will be delighted in securing their Division One status for next year. Their never say die attitude stood them well and they can take great heart from this performance and perhaps carry some of this momentum into their Championship campaign.

For Glenravel, they will be wondering how this one got away. Their performance perhaps didn’t warrant coming out on the losing side but such is the cruel nature of sport. They will no doubt dust themselves down and ready themselves for the challenge of Moneyglass to see which side will make the drop to Division Two in what should be a thrilling game.

Teams:

Con Magee’s Glenravel:

S O’Boyle; E Ward, E McCusker, D Carey; N Swann, C Henry, D McQuillan; C Higgins, (0-02)  D Higgins; R Lennon, E Hynds (0-07,) C O’Loan; A O’Donnell, E Fyfe, (1-03,) S McKay

St James’ Aldergrove

C Totten; M Burns, E Irvine, A Irvine; C O’Toole, C McVeigh, E Gough; B McQuillan, O Graham; D Gough, A Flood, G Mallon; C McGarry (1-01,) K Toner, S McGarry (1-07)

Substitute scorers:

R Hanna (1-00) F Burke  (0-01)

https://myalbum.com/album/BrgEb6WZ85DQwp

by thesaffrongael

Feis na nGleann 2024

Feis na nGleann 2024 will be hosted by Oisin Glenariff CLG this weekend of

Dé Sathairn 13ú July   &   Dé Domhnaigh 14ú Iúil

                                                                 Saturday 13th July     &       Sunday 14th July

With a rich history in culture and sport, we are grateful to be back in Glenariffe for the 120th anniversary Feis Weekend. This historical event is also part of the celebration of 120 years of Oisíní Gleann Aireamh CLG

Sceideal Cluichí            Game ScheduleImeachtaí Eile        Other Events
Dé Sathairn 13 Iúil 13/07/2024    Saturday 13th July5.00pm Corn Sóisearach Iománaíochta Junior Hurling Final Fhánaithe an Ghleanna v Eiméid  Taispeántas na Feise. Ealaíona, Ceardaíocht & Stair Feis Exhibition of Arts, Crafts & History
Dé Domhnaigh 14 Iúil 14/07/2024   Sunday 14th July  1.00pm Iománaíocht Corn Mhic Mhaoláin McMullan Cup Final  Seamróga Loch gCaol v Cúchulainn Dhún Lathaí Réiteoir  Ryan O Reilly Maor Líne Pete Hyndman Maor Líne Shane McDonnell     3.00pm   Camógaiocht Senior Camogie Final Cúchulainn Dhún Lathaí v Ruairí Óg Réiteoir Mark O’Neill     5.00pm  Iománaíocht Senior Hurling Final Seamróga Loch gCaol v Cúchulainn Dhún Lathaí Réiteoir Kevin Parke Maor Líne Fergus McAllister Maor Líne Paul McSparran  Rince Gaelach Irish Dancing   Taispeántas na Feise. Ealaíona, Ceardaíocht & Stair Feis Exhibition of Arts, Crafts & History   Ceol le CCÉ Ghlinntí Aontroma Music with Glens CCÉ

Ealaíona, Ceardaíocht & Stair – Arts & Crafts will be displayed throughout the community centre with the Garron Suite Hall as the main display area.

Rogha Gach Bia agus Togha Gach Dí 

  • Food and drink will be available throughout the weekend upstairs in the Garron Suite.
  • There will be a ground floor tuck shop for snacks and refreshments.
  • Barbeque on Sunday

Bourke Sports are sponsoring Junior Hurling at Feis na nGleann and will have a PopUp shop on site during the festival.

Réiteoir, Referee

The Give Respect, Get Respect campaign has been a success and continues.  GAA Games would not be possible without the huge work of our Referees and Match Officials. The thanks of the Association is due to all of our Referees and Match Officials who enable our Games to thrive

Feis na nGleann is a shared cultural community festival, open to all and crossing political and religious boundaries. The venue changes each year so that all areas of North Antrim have an opportunity to host it.

Ferdia Mac Domhnaill, Naomh Éanna, has been awarded a Scholarship from Aontroim Thuaidh CLG to assist with the cost of attending a Gaeltacht course at Coláiste Bhríde – Rann na Feirste

The North Antrim and Feis na nGleann committees are working together to reintroduce and expand the Arts & Crafts in the programme of Feis after the pause that was created by Covid19.

The old Irish word feis (meaning ‘a recurring feast or festival’) was used in the 1890s for the annual festivals organised by branches of Conradh na Gaeilge (The Gaelic League). Competitions were typically held for arts and crafts, dancing, singing and playing music, Gaelic games and Athletics, storytelling and writing and they quickly became established throughout the country.

Feis na nGleann (The Glens Feis) was established in 1904 in the Glens of Antrim to harness and display the talents of the Glens folk and promote the Irish language, traditions, songs, music, games and pastimes for future generations. Industrial and arts exhibitions were a part of the original Feis. It displayed the craftwork of the Glens people, helped generate much needed employment and, in those days, consisted of 46 sections.

Local Industries; spinning, quilting, furniture making and shoemaking.  

Arts and Crafts; Wood, metal and other Craft;

Kitchencraft and Needlecraft; baking, knitwear, sewing, woodwork, lace making, embroidery, and crocheting

Field Events included Gaelic Football, Hurling, Camogie, Poc Fada, Ground Skills and Childrens Sports.

Many tales were related round glen firesides during the long winter nights as people recounted the events of that wonderful day in 1904 when Feis na nGleann became a reality. They were proud that it represented what they stood for all down the years. They were also determined that the Feis would not end with one demonstration of their national outlook but would continue as an annual event and so it has. Feis na nGleann 2024 will be held in the glen that is generally recognised to be the home of the Feis agus tá bród ar Oisín CLG as Feis na nGleann a cheiliúradh – Oisín CLG Glenariffe are proud to host Feis na nGleann and celebrate with them 120 years

That this traditional sporting and cultural occasion has survived for so long is a great tribute to the unselfish commitment and endeavour of the Feis Committees through the years and this year the people of Glenariffe are delighted to once again be associated with the Feis Committee in organising the event.