Posts by thesaffrongael

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

August 1, 2023August 1, 2023 by thesaffrongael

It’s hurling this weekend

Last weekend saw the Football Championships get underway and this weekend it is the turn of hurling to make its debut with 14 championship games scheduled over Friday, Saturday and Sunday.

Last weekend the Saffron Gael covered all 15 football championship games and we are determined to do as many of the hurling games this weekend as possible but that coverage would not have been possible without the contribution of friends of the Saffron Gael who sent us reports and photographs.

It is therefore imperative that if we do not have a reporter or photographer at your game that you’re PRO or someone within you’re club sends us a report or stats from the game.

Get a photograph of the team-sheets – Send the photos with your report
Note scorers and times of scores (If you don’t know the name of the player just note the number – we can then match the number with the name on the team sheets)
Note half time score-full time score
In the case of a goal or an exceptional score add details of the build up to the score.
If you wish to write the report yourself that would be great-Avoid controversy such as criticising referees.
Send you report-stats to ptrckmclwn@yahoo.co.uk or john.mcilwaine@yahoo.co.uk

**Aghagallon’s Colum Walsh makes a cheque Presentation to Saffron Gael’s Bert Trowlen before the Championship game between Aghagallon and St. Brigid’s at Pairc Na Gael on Saturday**

Last week we appealed to clubs to make a contribution to the site and both Tir na nOg and Aghagallon made presentation to us at their weekend Championship games. We once again appeal to clubs who have not made their donation this year and to those who have never made a donation to do so if possible.

Your financial donations are essential if we are to keep the site going and growing.

To the many businesses and clubs who are regular sponsors we once again send our thanks and we would be glad to hear from anyone who wants to become a new sponsor. Just contact us on the above email addresses.

To all the teams setting off on their championship journey this weekend-Good Luck! And for those fortunate to go all the way to the final the Saffron Gael will be there with you on that journey

July 31, 2023August 2, 2023 by thesaffrongael

Hugh ‘Shuggie’ McLaughlin R.I.P.

By Paddy McIlwaine

I was saddened to hear of the recent passing of my friend and former All Saints playing colleague, Hugh ‘Shuggie’ McLaughlin.

Hugh was full-back on the first All Saints team who played in the ACFL League division 4 and was a fine defender with an excellent pair of hands. He is pictured in this photograph, taken at the old Hugomount pitch (Standing back extreme left) and the photograph includes a number of players who represented or went on to represent their county.

His son Justin was an excellent juvenile footballer for All Saints while his nephew, Timmy Connolly represented All Saints and Antrim with distinction over many years.

‘Shuggie’ like a number of players in the photograph played for Glenravel, where he is fondly remembered, prior to the formation of All Saints GAC.

To his family, relatives and friend I offer my and the Saffron Gaels’ deepest sympathy.

Hugh’s Funeral Mass is in All Saints Parish Church, Ballymena tomorrow (Thursday) 3d August at 10.00am

May he rest in Peace!

**An earlier photograph of All Saints with ‘Shuggie’ centre with the ball at his feet and team mangers, Sean Gallager (Left) and Brian McLarnon (Right) deceased**

July 31, 2023July 31, 2023 by thesaffrongael

All Saints’ Mollie is Antrim Rose

All Saints’ GAC footballer Mollie O’Brien has been voted this year’s Antrim Rose and to mark the occasion the club held a fund raiser in their Slemish Park clubrooms on Saturday night.

The evening consisted of live music and entertainment by the very talented Katie Fyfe, the All Saints Scor instrumental group and a fine display of Irish dancing by the Geraldine Donnelly School of dancing (of which Mollie is also a member)

Half way through the evening there was a raffle with some amazing prizes donated by local businesses, Leighmhor House Hotel, Bathshack, Teamkit, Montrose Garden Supplies, The Nurture Hub, Nobel Café, Lir Irish Whiskey and many more.

**Mollie with her grandparents, Frank and Eithne Hefferon**

A great night’s craic was had and Mollie would like to thank everyone for coming and supporting her on her journey to Tralee. The Rose of Tralee will be televised on Monday 21st and Tuesday 22nd of August at 8pm on RTE 1

A special thanks to Mollie’s Sponsors, Nobel Café, Oranmore Guesthouse, Abbey Autoline, All Saints GAC, Phelim McCloskey (P Graham Tarmac), Connolly’s Spar, M&E Erwin, Damian Heffron (Dash Developements)

Mollie plays for All Saints Ladies Senior Football team and spent the week of the club’s recent Cul Camp coaching their players of the future

All Saints GAC and we at the Saffron Gael wish Mollie every success in Tralee!

Mollie demonstrate her Irish Dancing Skills

**Mollie thanks all those in attendance for their support**

July 30, 2023July 30, 2023 by thesaffrongael

Cushendall win U14 Camogie League

Antrim U-14 Camogie League Final 2023

Friday 28^th July at St. Patrick’s Park, Carey

Cushendall Ruairi Og 6-10 Loughgiel Shamrocks 2-4

The young camogs of Cushendall and Loughgiel served up a thrilling league final on Friday evening at St Patrick’s Park, Carey. Ruairi Og entered the game as favourites but it was Loughgiel who made the better start and they recorded the first score from a Caela Casey free. Cushendall began to settle into the game, Mia McKeegan pointed from play and her score was soon followed by two in a row from full forward Cliodhna Thompson, one from a free and the other from play from out on the right wing.

However Loughgiel came roaring back when Rose McMullan gathered the ball 35 yards from the Dall goal, she soloed in and fired a brilliant shot to the top corner of Ellen McAlister’s net to wrestle back the lead for her team. The lead lasted all of two minutes as Cushendall worked the ball up the field through the hard working Tamara Black and after a goal mouth shemozzle Laoiseach McNaughton was on hand to finish to the net for Cushendall. Cliodhna Thompson added two points either side of a goal when Mia McKeegan’s long range effort for a point ended up in the Loughgiel net. Caela Casey stopped the rot for Loughgiel with another well taken free but Cushendall finished the half strongly. Scarlet Kerr-McKillop played a low ball to Cliodhna Thompson, she won possession, rounded Kelsie Laverty and finished to the net to leave the score at half time Ruairi Og 3-5 Shamrocks 1-2.

If Loughgiel were going to win the game then they needed a good start in the 2nd half but it was Cushendall who got out of the traps quickest. Laoiseach McNaughton kicked in a goal after another goal mouth scramble. Scarlet Kerr-McKillop had been pushed further up the field and she fired over a nice point despite the close attention of Anna Smyth. Cushendall had earlier sprung Ellena McQuillan from the bench and she made a major contribution with two quick fire goals, she was in the right place at the right time to finish two ground strokes. Loughgiel showed great character to again fight back. Catherine McGarry hit a lovely point and followed it with a super goal. Rose McMullan converted a free to give her side hope. Cushendall however finished the game in style, Cliodhna Thompson, now operating at midfield, converted a free and a 45. Mia McKeegan and Scarlet Kerr-McKillop put the icing on the cake with a point a piece to leave the final score Ruairi Og 6-10 Shamrocks 2-4.

If Loughgiel were going to win the game then they needed a good start in the 2nd half but it was Cushendall who got out of the traps quickest. Laoiseach McNaughton kicked in a goal after another goal mouth scramble. Scarlet Kerr-McKillop had been pushed further up the field and she fired over a nice point despite the close attention of Anna Smyth. Cushendall had earlier sprung Ellena McQuillan from the bench and she made a major contribution with two quick fire goals, she was in the right place at the right time to finish two ground strokes. Loughgiel showed great character to again fight back. Catherine McGarry hit a lovely point and followed it with a super goal. Rose McMullan converted a free to give her side hope. Cushendall however finished the game in style, Cliodhna Thompson, now operating at midfield, converted a free and a 45. Mia McKeegan and Scarlet Kerr-McKillop put the icing on the cake with a point a piece to leave the final score Ruairi Og 6-10 Shamrocks 2-4.