Posts by thesaffrongael

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

March 1, 2026March 1, 2026 by thesaffrongael

Deadly Dublin dismantle Antrim in Corrigan cruise

Allianz Hurling League Division 1B

Antrim 1-16 | Dublin 1-31

Dublin made a resounding statement in Belfast on Sunday afternoon, delivering a clinical performance to outclass Antrim while handing out a 15-point beating. After last week’s impressive win over Carlow the Saffron fans were hoping for another good showing, but Dublin were a different class of opponent. From the opening exchanges, the visitors exerted a level of control that left the Saffron faithful fearing a long afternoon. That openinng burst which saw them lead by 0-09 to 0-01 after ten minutes gave the boys in blue complete control of the game, and though the Saffrons competed well for the remainder of the half it was mostly about damage limitation. Keelan Molloy grabbed three superb points and Ruairi Donaghy lifted spirits with neatly taken goal, but the Dubs always had an answer.

Aided by a strong breeze, Dublin stormed into an early lead. The excellent Donal Burke was the orchestrator-in-chief, accounting for nearly half of Dublin’s 20-point first-half haul. His highlight, a monstrous 90-yard free that soared over with room to spare, epitomized Dublin’s efficiency with the elements.

Antrim struggled to find their rhythm in a feisty encounter, though Seáan Elliot provided a reliable outlet. Despite the difficult conditions, the Dunloy man was unerring from placed balls, striking six points to keep the hosts within touching distance.

Dublin’s depth was on full display as Fergal Whitely and late inclusion James Madden added to the tally. However, the home side found a lifeline ten minutes before the break. Ruairi Donaghy flicked the sliotar past Seán Brennan for a goal that ignited the Corrigan Park crowd. A follow-up brace from Keelan Molloy and more accuracy from Elliot briefly cut the gap to six, before Cian O’Sullivan ensured Dublin went into the sheds with a 0-20 to 1-08 lead.

Antrim hoped the wind advantage would favor them in the second period, but those hopes were swiftly extinguished. Chris Crummey found the net shortly after the restart, a blow from which the Saffron County never recovered.

As the wind seemed to die down, so did Antrim’s momentum. Dublin’s defense tightened, and their attack remained relentless. O’Sullivan added three more to his personal tally, while Whitely continued to punish defensive lapses. While James McNaughton and Elliott added late scores for the hosts, the result had long been beyond doubt.

The Saffrons are not in action for another three weeks when they meet old rivals Down in Newry in an Ulster derby.

Allianz Hurling League Division 1B Table

Pos	Team	P	W	D	L	Diff	Pts
1	Clare	5	5	0	0	+62	10
2	Wexford	4	3	1	0	+13	7
3	Dublin	4	2	1	1	+27	5
4	Kildare	4	2	0	2	-1	4
5	Carlow	4	1	0	3	-26	2
6	Antrim	5	1	0	4	-27	2
7	Down	4	0	0	4	-48	0

Weekend Results (Round 5)

Dublin 1-31 | Antrim 1-16
Carlow 0-18 | Clare 1-28
Kildare 3-24 | Down 1-23

What this means for Antrim:

With only 2 points from 5 games and a difficult scoring difference, Antrim are now officially in a scrap to avoid the relegation play-off. Their upcoming match against Down (who have a game in hand) will be the deciding factor in who stays up and who faces the drop. However a win over the Ards men may not even be enough as they will need other results to go their way as well if they are to avoid the drop

Scoring & Teams

Team	Scorers
Dublin	D. Burke 0-8 (5f), F. Whitely 0-5, D. Purcell 0-4, C. Crummey 1-1, C. O’Sullivan 0-4, R. Hayes 0-2, J. Madden 0-2, P. Smith 0-1, B. Hayes 0-1, J. Hetherton 0-1, C. Burke 0-1, D. Ó Dúlang 0-1 (1f).
Antrim	S. Elliot 0-8 (7f), R. Donaghy 1-1, K. Molloy 0-3, J. McNaughton 0-2 (1f), C. Johnston 0-2.

Antrim: D. Nugent; S. Rooney, N. O’Connor, P. Burke; E. McFerran, G. Walsh, J. Maskey; R. McCambridge, P. Boyle; K. Molloy, C. Johnston, R. Donaghy; S. Elliot, J. McNaughton, S. Walsh.

Subs used: E. O’Neill, J. McLoskey, S. Duffin, J. McLaughlin.

Dublin: S. Brennan; C. Groarke, P. Smith, E. O’Donnell; A. Dunphy, C. Crummey, C. Burke; B. Hayes, C. Donohoe; F. Whitely, D. Burke, J. Madden; D. Purcell, J. Hetherton, C. O’Sullivan.

Subs used: D. Ó Dúlang, C. McHugh, J. Bellew, C. O Cathsaigh, R. Hayes.

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

https://myalbum.com/album/BKv7MFdoHK2ivx/?invite=e37fc290-b9a7-4f15-8c7e-17ac0bd2082b

March 1, 2026March 1, 2026 by thesaffrongael

Moneyglass up and running with win in Ballymena

O’Cahan Cup

All Saints 0-9 Moneyglass 0-13

St. Ergnat’s Moneyglass got their season up and running when they travelled to Ballymena on Sunday and overcame the challenge of All Saints in the opening round of the O’Cahan Cup.

The home side have three games under their belts in the Ulster league this season but it was the visitors who looked much better prepared as the action got under way with a strong wind at their backs at Quinn Park.

Aidan McErlain got them on their way with a point in the 4^th minute then struck a fine 2 pointer to move them three ahead by the 8^th minute.

Sean McVeigh rose to fist over a dropping ball for All Saints in the 12^th minute but team captain, Colm Duffin replied as he raised the Orange flag from a free and when Sean Boyd hit another 2 pointer from play the visitors were 0-7 to 0-1 ahead.

All Saints had been second best up until this point but Brendan McDonnell converted two frees in quick succession and a fine point from play from youngster, Sean O’Brien had it back to three by the 28^th minute.

Given the strength of the breeze three points looked a manageable lead but it was St. Ergnat’s Colm Duffin who responded with the final score of the half when he again raised Orange to leave his side 0-9 to 0-4 ahead at the break.

Ryan Stewart replaced Connor Brennan in the All Saints goals for the start of the second half and with the wind behind them they would have been confident of overturning the visitors lead.

However it was St. Ergnat’s who opened the brighter and Caolan Boyd extended their lead with a good point in the 9^th minute.

A 2point converted free from James McDonnell had it back to four, a minute later but All Saints found further scores hard to come bye as a solid Moneyglass defence swept up everything that came their way.

It would be a further 10 minutes before Brendan McDonnell converted his third free of the game to leave just three between the sides and when Sean O’Brien struck an excellent effort from distance there was only one between the sides.

That would be as close as the home side got however with the impressive Sean Boyd replying at the other end and Aidan McErlain added another from a converted free with four minutes remaining.

McErlain added another from the same scenario as things threatened to boil over and it was to prove the game’s final score as St. Ergnat’s marked their return to division 1 after one year in division 2 and on this performance they look well capable of holding their own in the higher grade.

All Saints: 1 Connor Brennan: 2 Oliver O’Rawe, 3 Rian Tom, 4 James Gillan, 5 Patrick Ferris, 6 Finn Connon, 7 Charlie Metrustry, 8 Peter McNicholl, 9 James McDonnell, 10 Darrach Bradley, 11 Ciaran Campbell, 12 Sean O’Brien, 13 Emmet Killough, 14 Sean McVeigh, 15 Brendan McDonnell.

Subs: Ryan Stewart, Connell Lemon, Jack Patterson, Archie McGreevey

Moneyglass: 1 James McLaughlin, 2 Eunan McErlain, 3 Matthew Mullan, 4 Colum Duffin, 5 Conleth McCann, 6 Paul Duffin, 7 Connor O’Kane, 8 Sean Boyd, 9 Seanchan Duffin, 10 Caolan Boyd, 11 Aidan McErlain, 12 Francis Duffin, 13 Tyler Cassidy, 14 Colm Duffin, 15 Charlie McCloskey

Subs: Callum Murray, Odhran Duffin

Referee: Colin Mallon (Aghagallon)

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

https://myalbum.com/album/ZtE9Cv9t5Lq2Sj

March 1, 2026March 2, 2026 by thesaffrongael

Loughgiel Shamrocks Presentation Dinner looks back on another successful year

Report and photos from Michael Corcoran

Loughgiel Shamrocks’ held their annual Presentation Dinner in the Wild Duck, Portglenone to celebrate successes accumulated through 2025. A packed events hall enjoyed a finger buffet with a portion of the awards taken place between the second course. The evening progressed with the final awards and a celebration of the senior camogiers winning their twelfth county title in a row along with four Ulster Championships.

Awards for teams and individuals were as follows:

U16 Hurler of the year – Joe McFadden

U16 Camogier of the year – Anna Smyth

Minor Hurler of the year – Conan Johnston

Minor Camogier of the year joint awards – Aoibheann Gillan and Marie Laverty

U21 Hurler of the year – Ben McGarry

Most Improved Camogier of the year – Rose McMullan

Most Improved Hurler of the year – Fionn McCormick

Junior Hurler of the year joint award – DD Quinn and Damian Quinn

**“Quinners are winners” Father and son DD Quinn and Damian show off their impressive haul of silver.**

Junior Camogier of the year – Eimear McKinley

Reserve Hurler of the year – Connal McCloskey

Intermediate Camogier of the year – Aoibheann Gillan

Senior Hurler of the year – James McNaughton

Senior Camogier of the year – Clare McKillop

The evening finished with a tribute to the camogie senior panel, recapping the years and panels leading up to the historic twelfth county win and a fourth Ulster title.

**Katie McKillop and Katie Lynn hold up the Ulster and County Championship trophies at last night’s awards ceremony**

More photos from the evening can be viewed on our picture album here…

https://myalbum.com/album/5cDanbFKyxWcu9/?invite=ec619f22-630e-45b5-8242-2853bda02262

February 28, 2026February 28, 2026 by thesaffrongael

Dubs come to town as Antrim look to build on first league win

NHL Division 1b – Antrim v Dublin

Sunday 1 March – Time: 2pm

Venue: Corrigan Park, Belfast

Brendan McTaggart looks ahead to Antrim’s league encounter with Dublin on Sunday…

After an encouraging performance against Carlow seven days ago, Antrim welcome Dublin to Corrigan Park with the picture becoming a little clearer in the fight to stay in Division 1. That win against the Barrowsiders has eased some of the pressure on Davy Fitzgerald’s side as they keep their fate in their own hands going into the final two matches of the campaign.

One win from the remaining two matches could be enough, but there’s every possibility that we could take a further three points just to make sure we aren’t reaching for calculators and reading score differences or our head-to-head record against those around us.

When these sides last met, the Dubs left Belfast with the two Leinster Championship points available with a score line of 3-25 to 0-19. A game that saw Antrim finish with 14 men with James McNaughton seeing red late in the game but the Saffrons put in an improved second half performance after trailing 2-13 to 0-7 at the break.

If anything, that trait has hung around this squad of players. They’ve shown in matches against Clare and Carlow last week that they could be looked upon as a second half team. They competed strongly against a talented Banner side while the hurling they produced the further the game progressed against Carlow certainly gave reasons for optimism. A strong performance full of work rate, grit and determination in the first half laid the foundation for them to flourish after the restart. The likes of Coby Cunning, Seaan Elliott, Keelan Molloy, Ryan McCambridge, Paddy Burke and Niall O’Connor all stepping up to be hugely influential in the win.

It’s wonderful what a bit of confidence can do to a side. That final quarter was as good as we’ve seen from an Antrim side under Davy’s tenure. A quick word with Seoirse Bulfinn while he waited for the BBC cameras at Corrigan Park after the game, he said that these lads deserved that kind of win, that kind of performance. It’s hard to argue that fact. They’ve came in for a fair amount of criticism from plenty of corners, in the media and the terraces but they’ve stuck to their guns. You hear the term ‘trust the process’ being used a lot these days and watching Molloy’s interview after the game, I think we can put to bed any doubt of any players not buying in to what Fitzgerald and his backroom team are trying to do. Block out any outside noise and keep doing their thing.

They were helped with a slight change in the system employed against Carlow. Forwards not as isolated with support runs yet there was still runners coming from deep. A number of times Antrim players made third man runs that are both a nightmare to defend against and brilliant to watch when they come off. It does come with a big risk and reward scenario – if a pass doesn’t go to plan, it leaves gaps but with the confidence Antrim played with in the second half, you could visibly see them enjoying their hurling again.

With the news breaking during the week that Coby will be out for a period of time with a fractured jaw. The Antrim captain picked up the injury early in the game, a game that he was in the running for man of the match for. Imagine what he’d have done if his jaw wasn’t fractured.

Jokes aside, he will be a massive loss for Antrim on Sunday. He has been Antrim’s most consistent performer in the league so far and certainly leaves a whole that will need filled. Club mate Eoin O’Neill takes his place in the starting 15 with Domhnall Nugent returning to the number one slot the only other change from the Carlow game. ‘Sammy’ has been playing around the middle third for the Saffrons this season but is equally as adept to playing in the inside forward line. He’s a player who is capable of a bit of brilliance while he also loves a celebration – a photographer’s dream.

The defence looked to be caught on a number of occasions in the first half but their performance after the half time break was immense. Restricting Carlow to just three points in the 35 minutes while their delivery of ball into the forward line gave Antrim plenty of chances.

Conor Johnston was in the thick of the contest and deservedly takes a starting 15 place and while it might not have been a classic performance from James McNaughton, his ability to get into the right place and reading of the game hasn’t faltered. He just needs something to click for him to get him firing again. Wouldn’t it be brilliant to see that happening against the Dubs?

Dublin have their eyes on league, Leinster and All Ireland honours. This is a side who are backboned by the Na Fianna men who won the club All Ireland in 2025 and shocked the hurling world by defeating Limerick in the All Ireland quarter final stage last year.

Donal Burke is a man who rarely misses a free while John Hetherton and Cian O’Sullivan are two men who will need no introduction to the Saffrons defence. Paddy Smyth and Chris Crummey will marshal their defence but their work rate, physicality and pace breaking from the middle third is the Dublin way. We’ve seen it many times in the recent past and when they get up to speed, they are one of the best in the business.

It will take something special for Antrim to get anything out of this one. Our hopes of staying in this division will never come down to matches like these but it would be a serious boost to the confidence that was growing against Carlow if we could manage to make it back to back wins before heading to Down in two weeks time.

Can it happen? Off course it can. We have come seriously close in Corrigan to defeating the Dubs not that long ago and when we’re playing on the Whiterock Road, we’ve shown we can be a match for anyone. Lets get out and give these lads our support one more time as we enter the biggest month in Antrim’s league history in since we were promoted after Covid.

February 28, 2026March 1, 2026 by thesaffrongael

Antrim improvement continues as they overcome Wicklow

Main picture – Antrim’s top scorer Ryan McQuillan finds an opening before sending over a late point during the second half of Saturday’s win over Wicklow at Portglenone. Pic by John McIlwaine

NFL Division Four

ANTRIM 2-18 WICKLOW 1-14

An Antrim side who finally got their season up and running in Carrick on Shannon last Sunday continued to show improvement as they swept aside the challenge of second placed Wicklow in Portglenone on Saturday evening.

Antrim showed their intent right from the start with pace and aggression unsettling Oisin McConville’s side but it would be 12 minutes before they opened the scoring when Ryan McQuillan fired over.

Meanwhile, a highly rated Wicklow had found scores hard to come-bye themselves with a number of opportunities going a begging and they were made to pay when a lighting run from deep by Eunan Walsh saw his pass across goal palmed home by Pat Shivers in the 14^th minute.

***Antrim’s Pat Shivers goes past the challenge of a Wicklow defender during Saturday’s win over The Garden County at Portgenone. Pic by John McIlwaine***

Four minutes earlier the hosts might have had the game’s opening goal but Conor Hand’s well struck effort sailed just wide of Mark Jackson’s right hand post after he had outpaced the Wicklow defence.

Shivers goal settled the Saffrons but they were guilty of another missed goal opportunity before Paddy McAleer extended their lead with a point and Dominic McEnhill raised an Orange flag as they continued to call the shots.

As the pace of the home side continued to create openings, Ryan McQuillan finished to the net to put his side 2-4 to 0-0 ahead after another well executed build up and when Pat Shivers followed with another 2 pointer in the 24^th minute it was hard to see a way back for Wicklow.

The visitors finally opened their account with an Eoin Darcy pointed free after the ball had been moved forward for dissent and further points from Kevin Quinn, Sean Murphy and another Darcy free brought their total to 0-4 for the opening half.

***Things are looking up for Antrim after their second win in a row. Pic by John McIlwaine***

Ten ahead at the break, Mark Doran’s side looked to have the heavy lifting done as the teams took the field for the second half and when Ryan McQuillan and Conor Hand added early points they were looking good.

Marc Jordan, who had been the provider for those two opening points, added two himself in quick succession and these scores finally brought a response from a Wicklow side who were in second place in the league going into Saturday’s game.

Kevin Quinn and Dean Healy kicked points and then Padraig O’Toole finished to the Antrim net following a goalmouth scramble and with 28 minutes still to play the travelling support roared their approval.

Mark Jackson raised an Orange flag as the visitors game started to gain a bit of traction and when Darcy fisted over the deficit had been reduced to six and for the first time in the game there was a sense of anxiety along the Antrim line.

John McNabb came forward again to convert a ‘45’ and another closer to goal with Darcy replying from a free at the other end but McNabb’s 2pointer with 10 minutes remaining seemed to knock a lot of the fight out of McConville’s side.

Substitute Ryan Murray announced his arrival with a point and big Erin’s Own keeper, McNabb stretched his total for the evening to 0-4 before Ryan McQuillan kicked his side’s final point.

Jackson raised another Orange flag for the visitors and Kevin Quinn concluded the scoring, deep in injury time but Antrim were well out of sight and they will be delighted to make it back-to-back victories and their first at home in 2026 as their hopes of promotion, despite being minimal, still remain in the balance.

***Antrim’s Conor Hand gets past the challenge of Wicklow’ Padraig O’Toole during*** ***during Saturday’s win over The Garden County at Portglenone. Pic by John McIlwaine***

Antrim Team: John McNabb 0-5 (1TPf, 0-2f, 1 ’45’); John Morgan, Cathal Hynds, Kavan Keenan; Eoghan McCabe ©, Sean O’Neill, Marc Jordan 0-2; Paddy McAleer 0-3 (1TP), Eunan Walsh; Conor Hand 0-1, Adam Loughran 0-1, Ronan Boyle; Ryan McQuillan 1-2, Pat Shivers 1-0, Dominic McEnhill 0-4 (1TPf, 1TP)

Subs: Ryan Murray 0-1 on for Ronan Boyle (53’), Oisin Doherty on for Adam Loughran, Patrick Finnegan on for Cathal Hynds (63’), James McAuley on for Kavan Keenan (55’), Tiernan McCormick on for Sean O’Neill (69’)

Wicklow Team: Mark Jackson 0-4 (2TPf); Cian Deering, Craig Maguire, Tom Moran; Gavin Fogarty, Malachy Stone, Darragh Fee; Dean Healy ©, Jack Hardy; Cillian McDonald, Padraig O’Toole, Kevin Quinn 0-3; Matt Nolan, Sean Murphy 0-1, Eoin Darcy 0-4 (0-3f)

Subs: Christopher O’Brien 0-2 (1TP) on for Gavin Fogarty (51’), Oisin McGaynor 1-0 on for Sean Murphy (49’), Jo Prendergast on for Cillian McDonald (49’)

Referee: Enda McFeely (Donegal)

*Antrim goalkeeper John McNabb shares a joke with match referee Enda McFeely before sending over a 2pointer during the second half of Saturday’s win over Wicklow at Portglenone. Pic by John McIlwaine*