Tailteann Cup – Round 2A

Antrim v Carlow

Corrigan Park – Sunday 3-15

Antrim entertain Tipperary in the Tailteann Cup this Sunday at Corrigan Park, fuelled by a burning sense of unfinished business.

The Saffrons’ reward for their nail-biting, eight-goal extra-time thriller of a win over Carlow in Netwatch Cullen Park is a massive home draw in Round 2A. When these sides met earlier this year in Division 4 of the National League, Tipperary ran out four-point winners. However, most of the Antrim contingent in attendance that day feel the Saffrons should have won. The controversial dismissal of two Antrim players completely shifted the momentum, a setback manager Mark Doran previously stated cost his side promotion. With Tipp coming to the Belfast cauldron of Corrigan Park, Antrim have the perfect opportunity to set the record straight.

Tipperary travel north after an impressive away victory against Sligo in the opening round, but they face a completely different animal this weekend. Boosted by the incredible character shown in their dramatic victory on Sunday, Antrim possess the scoring power and the home crowd advantage to exploit Tipperary’s vulnerabilities. With a place in the knockout stages firmly in their sights, the Saffrons are primed to avenge their league heartbreak and prove they are true contenders for the silverware.

That league defeat still rankles but Antrim are a much more settled side after that which featured in that poor start to their league campaign.

Dominic McEnhill has been in fine scoring form for the Saffrons

John McNabb, Joseph Finnegan, Kavan Keenan, Marc Jordan, Eoghan McCabe, Paddy McAleer, Eunan Walsh, Ryan McQuillan, Ronan Boyle, Pat Shivers, Niall Burns, Dominic McEnhill and Peter Healey have been regular starters and Sunday’s lineout is unlikely to show too many changes than the one who succeded in Dr Cullen Park.

The Saffrons have also built a strong bench as the season has progressed and Benen Kelly, who scored that winning goal in Carlow is just one of a number who will be hoping for a starting nod in Corrigan.

Tipperary showed that they should be considered as a serious threat thanks to an impressive two-point win over Sligo at Markievicz Park last day out and the league victory over Antrim earlier in the season.

A strong first half, during which they scored four two-pointers, was the foundation for Tipperary’s fine win over Sligo. Full-forward Sean O’Connor scored two of these two-pointers and 0-06 in all.

.Tipperary, who were breeze-assisted in the first half, made a blistering start and had built up a five-point lead by the ninth minute, 0-06 to 0-01.

Two early two-pointers set the tone for Tipperary, with Micheal Freaney and Daithi Hogan finding the range from distance. Sean O’Connor would also impressively land a brace of two-pointers for the visitors, who were good value for a seven-point lead by the 30th minute, 0-11 to 0-04.

Peter Healey whoes return tio the side has strengthened the Antrim defence

Sligo, who trailed all the way through, only played in fits and starts but Pat Spillane’s brace of two-pointers ignited a second-half rally that almost forced extra-time

Midfielders Joe Higgins and Paudie Feehan, with Charlie King also impressed for the Munster side as they held on for a deserved win and will travel North with confidence.

That piece of unfinished business and a packed Corrigan crowd could be the catalyst to drive the Saffrons on to victory however and keep their season alive.

Following Antrim’s spectacular first round win away to Carlow, Antrim have received a home draw in Round 2A where they will entertain Tipperary.

Benen Kelly’s sensational last minute goal with the sides tied in extra time and a penalty shootout beckoning was the stuff that dreams are made of and sent the Saffrons up the road from Netwatch Cullen Park with a smile on their face.

Carlow had already defeated Antrim in the opening game of the division 4 league in Portglenone at the end of January and when the Saffrons went on to lose to Tipperary (away) and Longford at home, two weeks later their season looked to be over before it had started.

Antrim regrouped however to win four league games on the bounce, narrowly missing out on promotion to Carlow and Longford.

It was the Tipperary defeat that really rankled with Antrim manager, Mark Doran and his backroom staff adamant that it is a game they feel they should have won.

Antrim had two men sent off in that game in Moneygall on a pitch that was bordering unplayable but they will feel this is an opportunity to go some way to putting matters right.

The Full Draw

The draw for rounds 2A and 2B of the Tailteann Cup has taken place.

Round 2A sees the eight Round 1 winners meet, with a place in the quarter-finals up for grabs.

In Round 2B, the eight first round losers face each other with season ending elimination on the cards for the teams that lose those ties.

First named teams have home advantage with the games to be places on 23 or 24 May.

Tailteann Cup Round 2A

Antrim v Tipperary

Fermanagh v Wexford

Offaly v Winner (Down v Leitrim)

London v Laois

Tailteann Cup Round 2B

Wicklow v Limerick

Clare v Longford

Waterford v Sligo

Loser (Down v Leitrim) v Carlow

Antrim 3-15 (24) — 1-05 (8) Wexford

Antrim’s minor footballers made a massive statement on Saturday afternoon, as they brushed aside Wexford with a dominant 16-point victory at the TU Dublin Blanchardstown campus. The Saffron youngsters showed exactly why they are a force to be reckoned with in the Electric Ireland Tier 3 All-Ireland Championship (Seamus Heaney Cup), securing a safe passage into the quarter-finals with a clinical and professional performance.

Clinical Saffrons Take Control

From the throw-in, it was clear that Antrim had arrived with a point to prove. Despite the long journey to the neutral Dublin venue, they settled almost immediately, racing into a 1-02 to 0-00 lead within the first 15 minutes with Shea McFerran causing all sorts of problems at the edge of the square. The Saffron forward line punished every Wexford mistake and kept the scoreboard ticking over with ruthless efficiency.

By the interval, the game was already tilting heavily in Antrim’s favour. The Glensmen had carved open the Wexford defence twice for two vital goals, heading into the dressing rooms with a commanding 2-05 to 0-03 lead.

No Let-Up in the Second Half

Any hopes of a Wexford fight-back were quickly extinguished after the restart. While the Model County managed to find the net once, they were completely overwhelmed by Antrim’s superior fitness and tactical discipline.

Moneyglass lad, Joey Griffin added to Shea McFerran’s double for a third goal with a flurry of points from McFerran, Colm Kane, Dara Campbell showcasing the depth of talent currently emerging from the county.

By the time Referee Ian Howley blew the final whistle, the gap had widened to 16 points, with Antrim finishing on a comprehensive scoreline of 3-15 to 1-05.

Quarter-Final Bound

This victory ensures Antrim’s name is firmly in the hat for the next round, as they continue their pursuit of the Seamus Heaney Cup. On this evidence, few teams will fancy the task of slowing down this high-scoring Saffron side.

The Saffron management team deserve a lot of credit in the manner in which they have stuck to their guns during a difficult Ulster League and Championship campaign where they showed in glimpses just what they are capable of.

None more so than when they travelled to Monaghan and led the Ulster League winners by six early in their Ulster Championship meeting and at the weekend it all came together with this encouraging win.

Antrim are scheduled to face Carlow, who had a big win over Kilkenny, in their quarter-final on Saturday, 16 May.

Antrim: 1. Niall Quinn 2. ⁠Cillian McKenna 3. ⁠Shea McLernon 4. ⁠Bradan O’Donnell 5. ⁠Sean McPeake 6. ⁠Conor McArt 7. ⁠Thomas Douthart 0:01 8. ⁠Dara Campbell 0:02 9. ⁠Tom Convery 10. ⁠Conall Wilson 0:01 11. ⁠Dàire Thornbury 0:01 12. ⁠Joey Griffin 1:00 13. ⁠Colm Kane 0:05 14. ⁠Shea McFerran 2:04 15. ⁠Tiernan Lee 17. Sionan McCormack 18. ⁠Sean McMullan 19. Nathan Burns 0:01 20. ⁠Ruairi O’Connell 21. ⁠Cillian McDonnell

Management: Donal Laverty, Owen Doherty, Ciaran Browne, Mark Carey, Che Connor.

GAA Masters Football League 2026 – Round 1

Antrim 2-11  Monaghan 1-16

Venue: Portglenone | Date: Saturday, 9 May 2026

Match report: Gerard Kelly  Photos: Dominic Kelly

Monaghan edged a pulsating Masters League opener at Portglenone on Saturday afternoon, running out two-point winners on a scoreline of 1-16 to 2-11 against an Antrim side that showed tremendous character in defeat, only to be undone by a composed Monaghan finish in the dying minutes.

Officiated by Paul Quigley of Derry, this was the kind of contest that Gaelic football was made for, three goals, multiple lead changes, a game that could have gone either way with five minutes to play, and sixty minutes of honest, committed football from two proud counties. Those in attendance at Portglenone were treated to an occasion that bodes well for the Masters campaign ahead.

A Torrid Opening – Monaghan Make Hay Early

Damian Kelly announced Antrim’s intentions with a fine point inside the opening minute, but what followed was a sobering opening quarter for Frank Delargy and Timmy Connolly’s charges. Monaghan found their rhythm quickly and punished every Saffron lapse. Hugh McElroy,who would go on to be the game’s most influential player, split the posts twice, in the 5th and 8th minutes, as the Farney men began to take command. Paul Farnan added a third from play in the 11th minute, and a composed Edmond McArdle made it 0-5 to 0-1 in the 13th to leave the Antrim faithful wondering what was coming.

To their considerable credit, the Saffrons refused to fold. Kelly split the posts again to give Antrim something to build on, and gradually the home side clawed their way back into the contest. George McKitterick edged Monaghan six clear in the 26th minute, but Antrim’s response was immediate and impressive. Michael McCarry (27th), Mark Graham (29th) and Ryan Boyd (30th) all registered points in a productive closing spell, and the sides went to the interval with the gap reduced to the bare minimum Monaghan 0-6, Antrim 0-5. All to play for.

A Second Half to Remember

If the opening period was one-sided before Antrim came good, the second half was something else entirely, a relentless, gripping exchange that will live long in the memory of all who witnessed it.

Chris Keenan opened the second-half scoring for Monaghan, but Antrim came roaring back with a Michael McCarry pointed in the 33rd minute before Michael Herron levelled proceedings in the 35th. McArdle edged Monaghan back in front a minute later, but the defining moment of

the half appeared to have arrived when Liam Cassley raised the first green flag of the afternoon in the 37th minute, burying his effort to give the Saffrons a two-point advantage,1-7 to 0-8.

What followed was the most breathless sequence of the day. Monaghan, to their immense credit, refused to be rattled. McElroy pointed in the 39th minute, and then two scores in quick succession, from Keenan (40th) and Shane Birdy (40th) had the Farney men back in front within the space of sixty seconds. Before Antrim could regroup, McElroy produced the kill shot, a well-taken goal in the 41st minute that gave Monaghan a four-point cushion and seemed to have put the tie beyond the Saffrons.

But Antrim had other ideas.

McCarry reduced the gap in the 42nd minute and then came the moment of the match, Michael Herron, outstanding throughout drove forward and finished emphatically to the net in the 43rd minute, levelling proceedings at 2-8 to 1-11 with time still remaining.

The Portglenone crowd rose to their feet. Niall Sweeney edged the Saffrons in front from play in the 44th minute, and McCarry tireless and composed throughout extended the advantage to two with his fourth point of the day in the 46th minute.

Antrim were ahead with the clock ticking. At 2-10 to 1-11, it looked for all the world like the Saffrons were going to take the opening day honours.

Monaghan’s Experience Tells

The mark of a good team is what they do when their backs are against the wall, and Monaghan demonstrated exactly that quality in the closing stages. Managed by Noel Marron, the Farney men dug deep and found the scores that mattered most. Derek McMahon pointed on 49 minutes to narrow the gap, and McElroy levelled again in the

50th with a composed finish from play. Kelly’s response for Antrim in the 51^st, his third of the afternoon looked like it might yet be enough, but Edmond McArdle, who was magnificent from first whistle to last and finished with four points from play, levelled the contest again in the 52nd minute. Level at 2-11 to 1-14 (17 points each) with seven minutes

remaining. The composure shown by Monaghan in those closing minutes was the difference. Shane Birdy split the posts in the 57th minute to edge the visitors back in front, and McArdle drove

the final nail home in the 59th to give Monaghan a 1-16 to 2-11 victory that, over the full sixty minutes, they just about deserved.

The Big Picture

It is a defeat that will sting for Antrim, particularly given how close they were in the final quarter, and the manner in which they recovered from a dismal opening spell shows that this is a squad with genuine character and quality. The performances of Damian Kelly (0-3),

Michael McCarry (0-4) and Michael Herron (1-1) in particular will have given Delargy and Connolly much to be encouraged about ahead of a tough campaign that still has plenty of road to run.

For Monaghan, the collective showing was impressive. Hugh McElroy (1-3) and McArdle (0-4) provided the cutting edge, while Keenan and Birdy were lively throughout. Monaghan’s ability to find scores when they needed them most was the hallmark of an experienced, well-drilled outfit.

With Tyrone, Donegal, Cavan, Derry and Down also to come in what looks like a hugely competitive group, both counties will know there is plenty more to play for. The Masters campaign of 2026 is off to a flying start.

ANTRIM: Stephen Harbinson; Ryan Daly, Ken Golden, Colin Connolly; Donald Crawford, Laurence Higgins, Declan McErlean; Damian Kelly (0-3), Michael Herron (1-1); Mark Graham (0-1), David McAlernon, William (Liam) Magee; Niall Sweeney (0-1), Michael McCarry (0-4), Liam Cassley (1-0). Also used: Ryan Boyd (0-1), Michael McCourt, Dominic

Neeson.

MONAGHAN: Sean Farmer; Gareth King, Eddie Lennon, Thomas Mee; Noel Tuite (0-1),

Stephen Fitzpatrick, Pauric Gollogly; Derek McMahon (0-1), Thomas O’Neill; Paul Farnan(0-1), Edmond McArdle (0-4), Martin Mc Nally; Niall Kelly, Hugh McElroy (1-3), George

Mckitterick (0-1). Also used: Chris Keenan (0-2), Shane Birdy (0-2), Aidan McGarrell.

Referee: Paul Quigley (Derry)

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 Antrim v Monaghan

Portglenone: Saturday -2-00pm

The Gaelic Football Masters season opens this weekend with a full round of matches. Antrim share a very tough group this year which includes perennial competition winners Tyrone, last year’s beaten finalists Donegal, recent Tier two winners Cavan and Derry, along with Monaghan and Down.

The games take place every fortnight – Antrim’s campaign beginning this Saturday at 2pm in Portglenone where they host a Monaghan team that has started the season well with a solid preseason behind them. Paul Quigley (Derry) is the man in the middle.

Antrim have made excellent strides in recent years and look forward to another campaign.  Several additions have been added to the panel including Mark Dougan (Creggan) Michael McCourt (Glenavy) Kieran McKeown (Glenravel) Sean McVeigh, Donal Crawford, William Wilkinson (All Saints) and Conor Kennedy (St Agnes).

The team management of Frank Delargy and Timmy Connolly remain in place for another season and are realistically cautious about making any predictions. “This is a tough group. You could make a case for quite a few of these counties being in the top six in Ireland, so nothing is going to be won easily. We have a good panel on paper but that’s not how it’s judged, we need to commit fully to the cause, and if we do that we should be thereabouts at the finish. Monaghan are a dogged team and in recent seasons there has been little to spare between us. If we come out on top on Saturday it will be very hard earned” said Delargy.

When asked for a pre match comment Monaghan GAA Masters chairman Ciaran Ward said “We are looking forward to a competitive match between two counties that there has been very little to separate in recent years. Hopefully the Farney men enjoy their trip to Portglenone and reverse those recent results!”

Special thanks to Fiddlers Rest, Portglenone for their generous sponsorship of this match.

Saffron Gael extends its best wishes to players and management for the season and as usual will do its best to keep our readers up to date with all the action during the season.

Antrim Masters 2026

Antrim Over 40s Squad; Declan McLarnon Conor Kennedy James McGreevy Liam Magee Laurence Higgins Michael Herron Stephen O’Connell Sean McVeigh Michael McCarry Damian Kelly Donal Crawford, Liam Cassley William Wilkinson Seanie McGreevy Michael Donnelly Ken Golden Ryan Boyd Sean Kelly Colin Brady Michael McCann Colly Connolly Ryan Daly Dominic Neeson Declan McErlean Brendan Etherson Niall Sweeney Stephen Harbinson Mark Dougan Kieran McKeown Mark Graham Darren Craig Conor McAreavey Michael McCourt  David McAlernon Paddy Cunningham Adrian Scullion Thomas Doherty Barry McMahon.

Management; Frankie Delargy and Timmy Connolly.

Logistics and Equipment; Carl O’Neill.

Admin; Carl O’Neill (chairman) and Niall Conway.

PRO; Sean Kelly.