All roads lead to Cargin on Saturday as Antrim Masters face off against the mighty men from Tyrone, winners of four consecutive Dr Mick Loftus Cups for the All Ireland Master champions.
This is the sixth and final league game, with both counties on 8 points from five games to date. Antrim’s only defeat was to Armagh whilst in a surprise result in the first league game, Cavan overcame Tyrone. That means there is no room for error for either county who have aspirations of qualifying for the elite Dr Loftus Cup for the four best placed teams after the six league matches have been concluded.
Last year saw Antrim make solid progress under the new management of Frank Delargy when Antrim took Kerry to extra time before the Kingdom pulled out a bit more to earn their passage to the Dr Loftus. Antrim then were paired against Derry in the competition for the teams placed fifth to eighth, and once again lost out in an extra time thriller, Derry then going on to deliver back to back intermediate titles by beating Cork by a wide margin in the final.
Paddy Kelly, Chairman of Antrim Masters and owner of Kelly Stone presents team travelling tops to Secretary, Carl O’Neill in TeamKit, Ballymena. Included is Antrim Masters manager Frank Delargy and Timmy Connolly, Assistant manager
“Many looking in from the outside saw that as progress, but internally our ambition is to break into the top four and stay there” said Delargy.
“Tyrone are the standard bearers, there is no dispute about that. This will be a huge test for us to see how we measure up against the most successful Masters team ever. Whether that’s enough to qualify for the top four, or the very competitive group just beneath that, we plan to keep progressing and chase for silverware this season. But Timmy Connolly and I have plenty of belief in our own men and if we do not have our noses in front at the finish on Saturday we will be disappointed.
Those two extra time defeats last year hurt, but it showed us we were close. But close is not the target we have set for this season” said Delargy.
At the time of writing the Antrim panel for the game has not yet been decided, but it is hoped that a strong squad will be available for this important game, which incidentally is first match to be live streamed outside of those on Masters Finals Day, so Antrim supporters unable to attend can tune in for free on Antrim Gaa Facebook.
Thanks to Michael Collins from Portglenone Podiatry & Foot Mechanics who sponsor the match ball.
Antrim Masters manager, Frank Delargy presents a complimentary team jersey to Aaron Laverty, manger of he Fiddlers Rest, Portglenone and Co Sponsor of AntrimGaelic Masters 2025
Antrim Masters got their season back on track with a good performance against gritty Monaghan in Clones on Saturday. Playing into a slight breeze big midfielder Brendan Etherson got the scoreboard ticking with an excellent point in the third minute and classy Kieran Close added another a few minutes later to send the visitors into an early lead.
With Ryan Boyd and Brendan Etherson claiming plenty of possession around the middle and Michael Herron leading his defence from the front, once Michael McCann started to run his engine through the gears there was only going to one winner. Michael pointed in the seventh minute, his first of four points on a day when at times he looked on a different level.
Antrims Kieran Close was also in terrific form, his well-timed runs securing lots of possession, one of which he used to chalk up Antrim’s second point of the day.
Ciaran Close who was in fine scoring form against Monaghan
Monaghan were still competitive though, with full forward Noel Smith a particular handful, his three well taken points keeping the Farneymen level on the scoreboard along with a point from Peter Tuite.
A timely interception by Thomas Doherty set up a superb Antrim move which involved half a dozen Antrim men before Michael McCarry finished to the Monaghan net to put a little daylight between the teams as the new Clones scoreboard read minute seventeen. Peter Tuite would narrow the deficit once again for the hosts but in the closing minutes of the half, two superbly taken points from Darren Craig and Ryan Boyd steadied the ship, sending the Saffrons in four points to the good at half time.
A four point lead at half time didn’t realy do justice to Antrim’s dominance, a disallowed goal and hitting woodwork twice meant the scoreboard remained closer than it may have.
Monaghan centre half Stephen Fitzpatrick reduced that gap slightly with the opening score of the second half, but it would be almost fifteen minutes before Monaghan scored again. This third quarter saw Antrim playing with confidence and purpose as they began to assert themselves on the contest.
Kevin McAllister opened his account for the day before Michael McCann tagged on two super points from play, to put Antrim six points up. The next few minutes saw his fellow Cargin legend Kieran Close chip in with a goal and a point, and when the excellent Michael McCarry fired over immediately afterwards, all of a sudden the gap was out to ten points. Antrim Masters stalwart Liam Geezer Magee extended the lead out to eleven with a well taken score, introducing himself to the action.
As both teams ran their benches points from Monaghans excellent Noel Smith, as well as Eddie Lennon and Aidan McGarrel kept Monaghan in touch, without the result ever being in real doubt.
Mickey Donnelly concluded the scoring with a fine point for the Saffrons which would prove to be his side’s final score of a productive evening’s work.
Antrim will be relieved to get back to winning ways, and management will be pleased with some of the quality on offer, particularly during an excellent fifteen minute period when Antrim scored 1 – 04 without reply.
Michael Herron who was solid at the heart of the Antrim defence
Antrim’s defence was sound throughout, captain for the day Ryan Daly and Michael Herron always in control posted superb individual displays. The midfield duo of Ryan Boyd and Bredan Etherson both contributed enormously to the victory, winning a high percentage of kick outs and breaking ball which provided a vital platform for a forward line which worked hard all day and can be pleased with their own individual efforts.
Barry McMahon and Michael McCarry showed their worth to this squad, their fitness and assurance on the ball providing lots of attacking options, many which resulted in scores. Kieran Close looked much more like his classy self and his contribution of a goal and three points demonstrating his value to his team.
Fellow Cargin legend Michael McCann’s contribution was immense throughout, his participation with his county over 40s providing Antrim with a top quality player who many believe should still be playing with his county seniors.
Michael was the quality player on view, edging the man of the match conversation on the day which also involved tough competitors to the cause, Brendan Etherson and Michael Herron and Kieran Close who were also superb throughout.
Antrims next league match is a Round 5 league game at home to Louth on Saturday with a 2pm throw in, at Cargin GAC.
Antrim Masters hope to get their season back on track this weekend when they travel to Clones to face a Monaghan side that has always proved a tough adversary in the past. Both sides will be keen to add to their points tally, with Antrim 13th in the current league standings, just one place ahead of Monaghan.
Antrim boss Frank Delargy rues the lost opportunities in the games against Armagh and Derry where points were dropped on the back of a narrow two point defeat and a draw.
“Those points were definitely there for the taking. Antrim are creating more than enough chances to win these matches, just a lack of composure up front has been our downfall. We need to finish off our moves a bit more clinically, that’s our downfall at the minute. Apart from that the rest of the machine is ticking over quite well”.
Antrim have a relatively strong panel travelling to Clones, despite the unavailability of players of the quality of Sean Kelly, Adrian Scullion, Colin Brady, Brendan Herron, David McAlernon and sharpshooter Paddy Cunningham due to holidays or injury.
Delargy remains optimistic though that there is sufficient quality travelling to get the job done, and with Louth next up the following Saturday, is hopeful that four points in six days can get his squad back on track and into a loftier league position. For now the focus is entirely on Sundays encounter and what is expected to be a genuine test of Antrims credentials at this level.
Antrim Masters Squad.
Conor Crilly, Michael Donnelly, Ryan Daly, Damien Kelly, Stephen Harbinson, Liam Magee, Kevin McAllister, Michael Mc Carry, Declan McLarnon, Brendan Etherson, Darren Craig, Laurence Higgins, Ryan Boyd, Michael McCann, Mark Graham, Kieran Close, Michael Herron, Barry McMahon, Kevin Gallagher, Phelim McCluskey, Sean McGreevy, Thomas Doherty, Colly Connolly, Declan McErlean.
After three years in charge Andy McEntee’s tenure as Antrim Senior Football Manager has come to an end.
We would sincerely like to thank Andy and his entire backroom team for their service and commitment to our Senior Footballers during their term.
With the Saffrons, Andy made successive Tailteann Cup semi-finals with our Footballers in 2023 and 2024. As well as bringing through a whole host of U20 talent integrated into our senior panel.
He had this to say “ Having finished our Tailteann Cup campaign, my three-year tenure as Antrim manager has come to an end.
There are a lot of people that I would like to thank for the past three years. Firstly, I would like to thank Donal Murphy for making that first call and persevering to convince me to make the trip up the M1.
I would also like to thank the County Board Chairman at the time, Ciarán McCavana and the current Chairman, Seámus McMullan who ensured that we had the continuous support of the county board over the last three years.
To the Saffron Business Forum, I would like to express my gratitude for their support.
I have been very fortunate to work with a backroom team (too many to mention) who have such love for Antrim football. I would like to pay tribute to the medical and performance team who have worked tirelessly to ensure players received the best treatment and are in the best possible condition at all times to represent their county.
To the management team of Tom, Terry, Justin, Brendan, John and Darren, I would like to thank you for your massive contribution.
To the players, I would like you to know that it has been an honour to get to know and work with such a great bunch of young men. I wish you nothing but the best going forward. I will be watching.
To all of the above I hope that you continue to strive to reach your potential as a county.
“Ni neart go cur le chèile”
Finally, I would like to mention my family who never ceased to support me from Limerick to Belfast, from Sligo to Croke Park and everywhere in between”.
We wish you and your family the best of wishes for the future. You will always be welcome in the Saffron County.
This third clash of these neighbouring counties in recent years was expected to be close, and that’s exactly what happened in their 3rd round national masters league tie in Moneymore on Saturday. In a contest that ebbed one way and then the other, the sides were finally level when referee Brian McCallion (Castlederg) blew his whistle at the end of an absorbing hour, the two heavyweights slugging it out, chasing that extra point that may yet make a difference when points total is tallied at the end of this most competitive northern league.
Both teams will feel that they should have taken two points, but just as likely both teams could have had nothing to show, therefore a draw was perhaps a fitting result.
Despite the damp and drizzle, a fair crowd had gathered to witness the third version of this modern trilogy, no doubt expecting to see a repeat of those previous endeavours which had resulted in one victory each, albeit by the slimmest of margins.
Ciaran McIvor fires past Sean Mc Greevey for Derry’s second goal
The much awaited return to county action of legendary Cargin forward Kieran Close resulted in the games opening score, but Derry’s reply within a minute was deadly, a well worked move resulting in Rory OReilly rounding long serving Antrim custodian Sean McGreevy and firing to the net for the opening goal of the game.
Two pointed frees from the accurate feet of All Saints Michael McCarry levelled it up again on the scoreboard, but the reality was Antrim hadn’t really settled into the contest and it was no surprise when bustling Ciaran McIvor and his wing half forward colleague Rory OReilly tagged on a goal and a point to put Derry ahead at the end of the first quarter.
Antrim finally got into their rhythm, and began to put a few moves together. Led from the front by county legend Michael McCann, players began to shake off their cobbles, and dictate the pace of the games second quarter. Classy Kieran Close slotted over his second point after a brilliant offload from Mick McCarry and Barry McMahon followed this with a terrific solo run which he finished himself to raise another white flag.
Another well worked move found Davy McAlernon free but impeded in the Derry goalmouth, up stepped Michael McCarry to slide the ball comfortably into the net from the resulting penalty, and the Saffrons were back in the game.
Michael McCann split the posts from a full fifty yards to put Antim one up, though this slender lead was short lived, Derrys full forward Darren Conway equalising a minute before half time, a score that would send the teams in level for the half time interval.
Despite Antrim’s nervy start to the match, they had settled in well and started off the first half on the front foot, stretching their lead to four inside twelve minutes of the restart. Mick McCann kick started this period of Saffron dominance, another long range point setting the tone, and when Laurence Higgins, Declan McLarnon and Michael McCarry tagged on further scores it really looked like there would be a clear winner. Big Ryan Boyd had battled manfully all day in the midfield exchanges, and his superb point in the forty fifth minute gave Antrim supporters further cause for optimism.
Several of those scores were at the end of moves which saw one on ones with the Derry keeper, and players, wisely or otherwise (as it turned out) deciding to fist the ball over the bar for minors when a green flag may well have put the contest to bed.
Having come from five points down to four up, maybe some Antrim players thought the work had been done, and in truth no one objected to those fisted scores, such was the extend of that particular period of dominance from the visiting Saffrons.
Laurence Higgins moves forward to set up an Antrim attack
Derry had other ideas though. Their squad is battle hardened and has tasted success in two consecutive seasons, and it was no surprise they would get their own spell back on the front foot.
Ciaran McIvor kickstarted the inevitable comeback with an excellent point, then Glenullin’s highly decorated Gerard O Kane showed why he has captained school college club and county in the past, grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck and dragging his Oakleafs back into the contest. Two hallmark OKane scores, almost identical in nature were dispatched from distance on his left foot, after winning ball and making large advances deep into Antrim territory to level things up.
In between Antrim showed their own fighting spirit, with challenges hard and heavy, vital interceptions from Michael Donnelly and Adrian Scullion notable as players from both counties put their bodies on the line. Two missed frees at crucial times served to increase the anxiety of those in Saffron, punished clinically by Derry half back Edward McLaughlin’s fine solo effort which put the red and white a point up and only a few minutes left on the clock.
This Antrim side have shown their battling qualities on many occasions in the last few years, and now they would need to summon those reserves one more time. Ryan Daly made the vital interception which set in motion an attack which saw Michel Herron release Mick McCarry for the games equalising score, a forty yard effort which came in high off the post to the relief of the travelling party.
With one minute to go Antrim probed for what might have been a last gasp winner, a fingertip interception from retreating Derry forward Sean Brady spoiling that opportunity, to signal the long full time whistle from the very competent referee Brian McCallion.
This absorbing contest probably resulted in its fairest outcome, two good teams giving it their all for a full hour, and demonstrating plenty of ability, skill and determination in between.
Derry’s standout players on the day were Sean Brady, Brian Mullan Eunan Murphy, and Gerard OKane, whilst best in saffron on the day were Michael Herron, Michael McCarry, Stephen OConnell and Michael McCann.
Its possible these counties could meet up once more later this year, possibly in championship mode, and if that is the case, expect sequel number four to be as exhilarating as the previous three.
Antrim travel to play Monaghan in Latton on Saturday 28th June at midday in their next contest, and Louth one week later on Saturday 5th July, hoping for two wins which will set them up for their final league game on Saturday 26th July against Tyrone, All Ireland winners of this increasingly prestigious competition for four consecutive years.
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