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by thesaffrongael

Cross & Passion Retain Shane Mulholland Cup at St Louis

Jayo reports from St Louis Grammar School, Ballymena

Cross & Passion College Ballycastle successfully retained the annual Shane Mulholland Memorial Cup after a pulsating final victory over St Patrick’s College, Maghera.

The two sides had already met earlier in the day during the group stages, with the Derry outfit edging that encounter by two points, 2-2 to 1-3. Danny Boyle and Donal Ruddy struck the goals for Maghera, while Alfie Woodhouse found the net for CPC.

In the semi-finals, St Patrick’s College, Maghera booked their place in the decider with a dominant 4-7 to 1-1 victory over St Killian’s College, Garron Tower. Danny Boyle and Paudie Lynch were among the goalscorers as Maghera produced an impressive attacking display. St Killian’s lone goal came through Alexander Steele, while Logan Taggart added their only other score with a point.

Player of the Tournament Conal Devlin with Maria Mulholland and Mr Cassidy of St Louis
Sean Cassidy of St Louis Grammar School presents the Shane Mulholland Shield to the St Louis captain Conor Delargy
Maria Mulholland presents the Shane Mulholland Memorial Cup to CPC captain Brendan Murtagh after their win over St Pat’s Maghera

Despite overcoming St Louis by just three points in their opening group game earlier in the day, Cross & Passion College produced a much more commanding performance in their semi-final. The Ballycastle side had a 3-11 to 0-5 victory, with Player of the tournament Conal Devlin leading the way with an outstanding haul of two goals and 4 points. Michael Johnstone, Shane Magee and Alfie Woodhouse were also among the scorers as CPC secured their place in the final with an emphatic win. Oscar Brdley landed 4 points for St Louis with Aaron Birkett also on target.

In the Cup final, Brendan Murtagh opened the scoring for the Ballycastle side in the third minute, setting the tone for what followed. Woodhouse quickly added a goal before Conal Devlin converted a free in the sixth minute. Maghera registered their first score in the seventh minute after Boyle saw a goal attempt from a free brilliantly saved by Kian O’Mullan. Darragh Duffy reacted quickest to point the rebound and get his side on the scoreboard. At the break, CPC led 1-2 to 0-1 with just ten minutes left to play.

Player of the Shield final Alan Birkett with Mr Cassidy of St Louis
CPC goalkeeper Kian O’Mullan celebrates at the final whistle.
Sean Cassidy with Player of the Cup final Dan Boyle of St Pat’s Maghera

Devlin extended the Ballycastle advantage to five points with the opening attack of the second half, but the contest burst back into life when Paudie Lynch raced through to score Maghera’s only goal of the game.
Player of the Final Danny O’Boyle then landed an excellent free 40 meters out on the wing to cut the deficit to just one point, and momentum appeared to be swinging in Maghera’s favour.
However, CPC responded in decisive fashion. Quick thinking from Devlin at a free released Michael Johnstone, who finished to the net and restored his side’s four-point advantage.
Maghera refused to go away. Two Boyle frees, either side of an excellent point from play by Lynch, reduced the gap to a single point heading into the final two minutes.
CPC then struck a crucial blow. Winning a free 60 meters from goal following the restart, Joe McSparran delivered a long ball that evaded everyone and found its way into the back of the Maghera net.
St Pat’s pushed forward once more in search of a late comeback, but with time running out another fine save from O’Mullan ensured CPC retained the Shane Mulholland Memorial Cup after a thrilling contest.

Hosts St Louis claimed the Shield title after edging out St Killian’s in a closely contested final, winning 2-4 to 2-3.
St Killian’s held a narrow 2-3 to 2-2 advantage at the interval thanks to goals from Oisin McDonnell and Logan Taggart. St Louis remained firmly in contention, however, with Fionn McGarry and Conleth Magee finding the net at the other end.
The hosts produced a superb defensive display in the second half, keeping St Killian’s scoreless after the break. Cahan Morrison and Luca McCollum were particularly influential, with McCollum making a brilliant diving goal-line block to preserve St Louis’ hopes.
Oscar Bradley levelled the contest before Player of the Final Aaron Birkett stepped up to fire over the decisive score, securing the Memorial Shield for the hosts after an absorbing encounter.

A special presentation followed the finals, with Shane Mulholland’s mother, Maria, on hand to present both the Shane Mulholland Memorial Cup and the Shield trophies to the respective winning captains. Her presence added a fitting touch to a day that once again celebrated Shane’s memory through a series of competitive and sporting contests

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by thesaffrongael

Lets all get behind the GAA FOR All fundraising raffle

GAA FOR ALL have organised a raffle to raise funds for their work during the forthcoming season, The man behind it all Tony McCollum has penned a few lines for the draw launch

Hello everyone this is Antrim GAA FOR ALL super draw. 

As one of the first GAA FOR ALL teams in Antrim, Ulster and Ireland we have been going now since 2012 and we have loved every minute of it. We are the total GAA club with female & male players together playing our games. We welcome all disabilities and all ages and we travel the country to play games and as with your own Club you understand this comes at a price. We have some wonderful sponsors already in place and thanks to Amelia from Forward Focused, Gerard (plasterboard), Oonagh from Kearney’s and Niall & Tony from Antrim business forum for their sponsorship to date. 

We are now running this Grand Draw and as with the support you all have given us on social media I’m asking you for your help to make this draw a success. So if you could take 5/10 tickets and sell them for our team we would be forever grateful so please contact myself or any of our fantastic players who play their heart out for Antrim. Below are the great prizes and the people who sorted them for us. 

2 vouchers for Forward Focused = Amelia O’Neill

£100 gift voucher for O’Neills = Ann Maguire

Litre of Gin = Siobhon Doyle

GAA shirt of your choice = Charlie Devlin

Marrions Hamper = Marrions Bar & Lounge

Precision gloves signed by Niall Morgan

Hurl signed by Antrim hurlers = Martin Hurls

Hurl signed by Antrim camogs= Eleanor Mallon

Signed Antrim football shirt =Tomas Mc Cann

Signed Antrim LGFA shirt = The Devlin Twins 

Signed Down Shirt = Conor Laverty

Signed Armagh Shirt  = Aiden Forker (Ulster Champions) 

Signed Derry Shirt = Padraig McGrogan

Signed Kerry Shirt = Killian Spillane (All Ireland Champions)

by thesaffrongael

Antrim Camogie & LGFA Championship 2026 Launch at Belfast City Hall

The 2026 Antrim Camogie and LGFA Championships were officially launched in the historic surroundings of Belfast City Hall on Sunday 14th June, marking a significant occasion for ladies’ Gaelic games across the county. Over 90 players representing clubs from across both codes gathered for the event, reflecting the strength, unity and continued growth of the games in Antrim.

The occasion was honoured by the presence of the newly elected Lord Mayor, Róis-Máire Donnelly who attended as special guest.The event was expertly compered by Denise Watson, who guided proceedings and set a warm and welcoming tone throughout.

Antrim LGFA Chairperson Ursula Lynch formally opened the launch, extending a welcome to players, coaches, administrators and volunteers. She paid tribute to the collective effort that underpins the championships and expressed sincere thanks to all sponsors supporting each competition in 2026.

Úna Kelly, Chairperson of Antrim Camogie, echoed these sentiments, highlighting the importance of unity and collaboration across ladies’ Gaelic games in the county ‘’Today’s launch is a true reflection of the strength we have when we work together. The integration and cooperation between Camogie and LGFA in Antrim continues to grow, and it is vital as we move forward. Our shared commitment ensures that our players are supported, our competitions are strong, and our games continue to thrive across every club in the county.”A key message from both associations was the importance of ongoing collaboration, particularly around fixtures planning. Working closely together, fixtures committees have ensured that clashes are avoided wherever possible, enabling dual players to fully represent their clubs in both Camogie and Ladies’ Football. This cooperative approach positions both codes to move forward in a place of strength, while supporting player welfare and participation.

Attendees also enjoyed an engaging Q&A session featuring a distinguished panel, including Elaine Dowds (Manager of Antrim Camogie), Gráinne Connolly (former county camog and current club referee), and Antrim LGFA managers Michael Devlin and Chris Scullion. The panel shared insights on preparation, player development, leadership, and the evolving landscape of ladies’ Gaelic games.

With enthusiasm high and preparations well underway, the launch set the tone for what promises to be an exciting and competitive 2026 Championship season across both codes.

As clubs and players now turn their focus to the months ahead, there is a shared optimism and ambition that the foundations being built today will continue to strengthen the games long into the future—looking ahead with confidence to an even bigger and better Championship season this year!.

We expect record crowds at our Camogie and LGFA championship games this year!

Good luck to all teams.
Ulster #ChampionshipTime

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TO SEE ELAINE KELLY’S PHOTOS FROM THE LAUNCH CLICK ON THIS LINK

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by thesaffrongael

Lámh’s comfortable win doesn’t tell the whole story 

ACFL Division One 

Lámh Dhearg 4-23-2-8 Moneyglass 

Kevin Herron reports from Hannahstown 

Despite the scoreline suggesting otherwise, Lámh Dhearg didn’t have things all their own way in their 4-23-2-8 win over Moneyglass on Sunday afternoon. 

The Hannahstown side were in relative control but the visitors had their moments and didn’t go down without a whimper on a rare warm and sunny day on the edge of Black Mountain. 

Lámh Dhearg were quickly off the mark when Terry McCrudden bent a shot inside the posts and they had the games first goal inside of seven minutes when Mark Finnegan’s high looping ball was palmed to the net by Jody Quinn. 

The lead extended when Adam Murray popped over a point, though Moneyglass settled into things with Seanchan Duffin steering over after good build up from Sean Boyd and Boyd would then unleash a two-pointed shot from outside the arc that dropped over the bar to make it 1-2-0-3. 

In reply, the hosts hit four unanswered points to flex their muscles. Adam Murray converted two frees and in between times Owen McKeown burst away from trouble and clipped the ball over, with goal scorer Quinn adding his first point of the afternoon. 

An angled Sean Boyd point doubled his personal tally, though Adam Murray confidently swung over a two-pointed score from play, added a further free and Terry McCrudden doubled his tally. 

Moneyglass were slowly growing in confidence and added two further points before the interval through Duffin and Boyd with McCrudden adding a further score in between. 

On the stroke of half time the visitors were punished when Niall McGarry’s dropping shot was spilled by goalkeeper Rory Gribbon and Pearse Fitzsimons was on hand to capitalise on the gift and poke into the net to make it 2-11-0-6 at the midway point. 

The Lámhs added to their advantage in the early stages of the second period as Declan Lynch and Niall McGarry joined the scoring list. 

However, Moneyglass hit back with a goal after Colum Duffin popped the ball into the path of Dermott McErlain to thump a shot beyond the reach of John Finucane and make it 2-13-1-6. 

It looked as though the hosts would pull away again with five unanswered points in response. 

Nippy wing-half forward Niall McGarry added the first and last of the five, talisman Adam Murray added a further point from the placed ball and another from play and Jody Quinn also increased his personal tally. 

Moneyglass were refusing to go quietly though and conjured up a second goal. Sensing the hosts were switched off, Callum Murray picked out Charlie McCloskey with a free and despite having a bit of work to do, McCloskey hooked the ball home on the turn to make it 2-18-2-6. 

Paddy Cunningham converted a free and Conor Murray opened his account as the Lámhs sought the ascendancy again, but Dermot McErlain pointed after Callum Murray had again exposed the hosts lapse in concentration. 

Quickfire Adam Murray points were replied to by a further Sean Boyd score going down the home straight. 

It was Lámh Dhearg who would finish with a flourish, Jody Quinn kicked his third point of the afternoon and the visitors were twice caught out late on. 

Paddy Cunningham held the ball up and popped a ball over the top to Declan Smyth who spotted Rory Gribbon off his line and substitute Ross Murray poised to take advantage and Murray had the simplest task of touching Smyth’s floated pass into the empty net. 

Then from the resulting kick-out, Mark Finnegan cut out the pass and hooked a fine ball into Paddy Cunningham who lifted the ball over Gribbon and into the net to complete the scoring and a straight-forward afternoon in the end. 

LÁMH DHEARG: J Finucane, M McGarry, P Mervyn, F Mervyn, E Matassa, D Lynch (0-1), D Smyth, P Fitzsimons (1-0), M Finnegan, O McKeown (0-1), A Murray (0-10, 0-4f, 1×0-2pt), N McGarry (0-3), T McCrudden (0-3), J Quinn (1-3), C Murray (0-1). SUBS: P Cunningham (1-1, 0-1f) for P Mervyn (34), Ross Murray (1-0) for F Mervyn (43), D Martin for M McGarry (44), J Trainor for T McCrudden (49). 

MONEYGLASS: R Gribbon, O Hamill, C McCann, J McCormick, C Murray, S Duffin (0-2), S Devlin, C Duffin, D McErlain (1-1), S Boyd (0-5, 1×0-2pt), A McErlain, C O’Kane, S McGlinchey, T Cassidy, C McCloskey (1-0). SUBS: C Boyd for T Cassidy (52). 

REFEREE: Colly Thompson (St Johns)

TO SEE MORE OF ELAINE’S PICS FROM THIS GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

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by thesaffrongael

Ruthless Creggan move closer to the title

ACFL Division 1

Creggan 3-16 Dunloy 1-8

Kickham’s Creggan delivered a menacing statement of intent on Sunday, ruthlessly dismantling Cuchullian’s Dunloy 3-16 to 1-8 at Staffordstown Road to march closer to the ACFL Division 1 title.

The victory was a master-class in sheer footballing dominance. From the first whistle to the last, Creggan operated at a different level, exposing the gulf between the league leaders and a chasing pack that simply has no answer to their relentless title charge.

Creggan did not just lead this game; they completely suffocated Dunloy from the throw-in. The home side unleashed a ferocious attacking blitz that left the visitors shell-shocked and scoreless for the opening twenty minutes.

Creggan’s relentless pressure yielded an unanswered 0-7 before Shea McCann raised the first green flag in the 18th minute.

Just two minutes later, Conor Johnston sliced through the Dunloy defence for a second goal, establishing a staggering 2-8 to 0-0 lead.

Joe McAteer
Sam Maguire

Points rained in from all angles, with Jamie McCann, Kevin Small, Dominic McAteer, and Shea McCann putting on an exhibition of elite, high-tempo finishing.

While a badly depleted Dunloy managed to rally slightly in the second half to close the gap, the game remained firmly under Creggan’s control and a third goal from Jamie McCann put the contest out of reach.

 Despite the heavy defeat, Dunloy look relatively safe from any league drop trouble.

The reigning Antrim County Champions will undoubtedly be a completely different animal when they welcome their full complement of players back into the fold later this summer.

Star figures Seaan Elliott and Keelan Molloy are just two of the marquee names likely to return for the championship. As they focus on tuning up their match fitness, Dunloy’s primary objective remains firmly on retaining their hard-won county championship title.

This was more than just a league win; it was the performance of champions-in-waiting. Creggan’s relentless pace, defensive solidity, and clinical edge ahead of the posts suggest that the Division 1 silverware is rapidly heading to the Staffordstown Road.

Ruairi McCann

Creggan: 1 Oisin Kerr, 2 Aiden Maguire, 3 Liam McLernon, 4 Fintan Close, 5 Sam Maguire, 6 Ethan Carey Small, 7 Dominic McAteer, 8 Conor McCann, 9 Jamie McCann, 10 Shea McCann, 11 Kevin Small, 12 Ruairi McCann, 13 Conor Johnston, 14 Conor Small, 15 Joe McAteer