Armagh 2 – 10  Antrim 0 – 14

Armagh Masters got back to winning ways with a narrow victory against Antrim at Pearse Og grounds on Saturday. The difference between the two teams came down to Armagh’s composure in front of the posts, taking most of the opportunities provided, their two goals from Paul Carville and Chris Rafferty making a huge contribution to their victory.

Antrim will feel they left this one behind them, the unavailability of several players who had club commitments due to a Saturday night round of club league games leaving them without some of the firepower that had put up a big score against Down in their previous match.

The visitors started the contest well, creating several clear cut chances that may have allowed them to settle, but with opportunities spurned, and it was Armagh who seized the initiative and dominated the opening quarter. Points from Conor Clarke, Ryan Lawless, Seamus McConville gave the Orchard county a lead, and it took Antrim until the twelfth minute to register their first score, a 40 metre free by David McAlernon.

Dara Edwards replied almost instantly for Armagh, and when Big Paul Carville blasted past Sean McGreevy to open up a six point gap, Antrim looked in trouble. The introduction of Antrim stalwart James McGreevy had an immediate effect, winning his own ball and dispatched between the posts, to signal a revival of sorts. Davy McAlernon added two more points, and hard-working midfielder Brendan Etherson finished off an impressive solo run by reducing the deficit to three points just before the break.

Antrim had their best spell of the game upon the restart, and took the game to their hosts. Declan McLarnon, Anto Healy and Kevin McAllister wasted no time levelling up the contest, and when international panellist  Ryan Boyd posted from distance there only looked like one winner.

Armagh had other ideas though, and Chris Rafferty’s goal came at the right time to restore Armagh’s advantage. Paul Carville doubled his personal tally to open up a four point gap, and this remained after Dominic Neeson and Ryan Lawless traded white flags as the game entered the final stretch.

Antrim threw everything they had at finding a way back, and in a five minute spell pressed hard, resulting in two more points from Ryan Boyd and another from Davy McAlernon, leaving just the minimum between them with two minutes left on referee Paul Quigleys watch.

Antrim pushed hard, and created that one last opportunity to equalise, but an interception from Mel Courtney set in motion a solo effort which impressive Conor Carville slotted cooly over the Antrim crossbar with time up, to grab both points for a relieved Armagh.

On another day a draw might have been a more deserving result, but Antrim have only themselves to blame for this one, their wasted opportunities coming back to bite, leaving management rueing the unavailability of several experienced finishers who may well have made all the difference.

For Armagh, Paul Carville, Dara Edwards, Conor Clarke, Ryan Lawless and big Mark Beattie in midfield excelled, whilst Antim had excellent performances from debutant Stephen O’Connell, David McAlernon, Ryan Boyd, Brendan Etherson and Darren Craig.

Referee Paul Quigley (Derry) pictured before the game with Antrim captain Colin Connolly and Armagh captain Mark Beattie.

Scorers;

Armagh; Paul Carville 1 – 03, Chris Rafferty 1 – 01, Ryan Lawless 0 – 03, Conor Clarke 0 – 02, Dara Edwards 0 – 01.

Antrim; Ryan Boyd 0 – 05, David McAlernon 0 – 04, Dominic Neeson 0 – 01, Jamesie McGreevy 0 – 01, Anto Healy 0 – 01, Declan McLarnon 0 – 01, Kevin McAllister 0 – 01.

Referee: Paul Quigley (Derry)

Antrim produced another disappointing performance as they fell to visitors
Limerick in the Tailteann Cup at a bright and sunny Corrigan Park on Saturday evening.
Following last week’s defeat to Westmeath in Mullingar the Saffrons were expected to overcome the challenge of a Limerick side who gained promotion from division 4 this season but that’s not how it turned out.

The Leesiders got off to the better start with James Naughton and Iain Corbett pointing them two ahead by the 5th minute but Antrim responded and might have had a goal but Ruairi McCann failed to get a touch on a teasing delivery from his Aghagallon colleague, Eunan Walsh,

The Saffrons seemed to be settling nicely into the game however and Conor Hand and James McAuley replied with points to level matters by the 10th minute.

Peter Nash restored the Limerick lead from a close range free before Eunan Walsh hit a tantalising 2 pointer to move the Corrigan Park side 0-4 to 0-3 ahead by the 18th minute.

That would be as good as it got for the home side as Nash equalised from another free and Danny Neville restored the visitors lead before Marc Jordan’s effort came back of the crossbar as Antrim tried to respond.

Gradually the visitors began to get on top as Antrim took the wrong options or were guilty of handling errors or poor choices and Peter Nash and Tadhg O’Siochru moved Jimmy Lee’s side 0-7 to 0-4 ahead with three minutes remaining o the break.

Dominic McEnhill pulled one back following a period of sustained Antrim pressure but the final score of the half would fall to Limerick’s Cillian Fahy who curled over an excellent late effort to leave his side three ahead at the break.

Antrim introduced Conor Stewart for Patrick Finnegan for the second half with Marc Jordan dropping back into defence and Stewart partnering Conor Hand at mid-field for the second half.

It was visitors Limerick who started the newhalf on the front foot however as Jason Hassett finished a great move with a fine 2pointer.

Antrim replied through a Dominic McEnhill double to close the gap to three once more but again Limerick found a response and O’Siochru pointed at the other end.

The visitors were growing in a confidence that the home seemed to lack and they might have had a goal but Emmet Righter stumbled as he was about to race clear and the opportunity went a begging.

Back came the visitors however with Iain Corbett hitting a good point and Dominic McEnhill replying at the other end but the game was slipping away from Andy McEntee’s side and Peter Nash pointed before Emmet Righter took advantage of a misplaced kick out to add another.

It went from bad to worse for the Saffrons when Limerick were awarded a penalty which Iain Corbett converted to move the Leesiders 10 in front at the end of the third quarter and it looked as good as over.

Conor Hand pulled one back for the home side but Limerick were flying and O’Siochru and James Naughton replied at the other end as the visitors confidence grew.

Antrim needed a goal if they were to have any chance of closing the gap but Ruairi McCann had his attempt blocked down before McEnhill sent over a good point as the Saffrons introduced Fionn Magle, Niall Burns and John Morgan.

It was Limerick who continued to create and convert the better chances however and James Naughton added a point with only a couple of minutes remaining.
It was substitute Niall Burns who would eventually create the opening for an Antrim goal when he fired across the danger area and Paddy McBride rose to palm home what proved to be the game’s final score.

The result means that Antrim have lost both of their opening two games in group three and will need to beat London in their final group match in a fortnight’s time to secure a preliminary quarter-final spot.
Limerick will take on Westmeath in their final group fixture in a straight shootout for top spot and a place in the quarter-final.
Antrim: Mick Byrne, Eoghan McCabe, Eunan Walsh, Kavan Keenan, James McAuley, Dermot McAleese, Patrick Finnegan, Conor Hand, Marc Jordan, Ronan Boyle, Adam Loughran, Patrick McBride, Ryan McQuillan, Ruairi McCann, Dominic McEnhill
Subs: Conor Stewart for Patrick Finnegan, Fionn Nagle for McCann, Niall Burns for Adam Loughran John Morgan for Ronan Boyle

Antrim: Mick Byrne, Eoghan McCabe, Eunan Walsh, Kavan Keenan, James McAuley, Dermot McAleese, Patrick Finnegan, Conor Hand, Marc Jordan, Ronan Boyle, Adam Loughran, Patrick McBride, Ryan McQuillan, Ruairi McCann, Dominic McEnhill

Subs: Conor Stewart for Patrick Finnegan, Fionn Nagle for McCann, Niall Burns for Adam Loughran John Morgan for Ronan Boyle

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Tailteann Cup Round 2

Antrim v Limerick

Corrigan Park-Saturday 4-30

Following last weekend’s defeat to Westmeath in Mullingar, Saturday’s meeting with Limerick tomorrow (Saturday) at Corrigan Park is one that Antrim must win if they are to retain any ambitions of being involved in the later stages of the Tailteann Cup.

Westmeath at Cusack Park was always going to be a tough ask for the Saffrons and so it proved to be as a Luke Loughlin inspired home side ran out convincing winners in the end.

For 40 minutes though Andy McEntee’s side were performing well and looked to be still in contention but they would eventually concede 4 goals over the course of the game and ended up losing by 16 points.

It goes without saying then that Antrim will need to tighten up in defence for the visit of Limerick, who defeated London the day previous to Antrim’s meeting with Westmeath, but wholesale changes would not be the answer.

Antrim’s last meeting with tomorrow’s opponents was back in January 2024 in division 3 of the National League when the Saffrons travelled to Rathgael and recorded a good win over the home side.

Antrim had a descent season in the league in 2024 with three wins that maintained their division 3 status while Limerick were relegated and played their football in division 4 last year.

A year on its Antrim who are heading to the lower division after a season where they played well in spells but too often were unable to maintain it for the full 70 plus minutes.

Limerick are going in the opposite direction and will play their football in division 3 again in 2026 after finishing second to Wexford in division 4 and following last week’s win over London, will travel to Belfast with confidence.

It’s a game that Antrim should win if they can perform anywhere near the level they are capable of and Limerick at home is a different proposition to Westmeath in Mullingar but there is no margin for error.

LIMERICK 0-25 LONDON 1-15 (Tailteann Cup – Round 1)

A dominant third quarter propelled Limerick to a vital seven point victory in the Tailteann Cup as they got the better of London in Newcastle West.

Division Four runners up Limerick were slow to settle and it was the visitors who were able to find their feet early in the game. Ciarán Diver kicked two early points before Shay Rafter (free) put them 0-3 to 0-1 early on.

Jimmy Lee’s charges had a great 8 minute spell which pulled them well clear. Darragh O’Hagan landed the first two-pointer, before another youngster, Rigter, added a free from near the sideline – for another two.

Iain Corbett, Danny Neville and Naughton put the foot on the gas with accurate kicking as Limerick dominated the Andrew Walsh kick-out.

The Exiles rallied and Liam Gallagher (45), as well as a pair from Shay Rafter either side of a fine goal from Ruairí Rafferty saw the gap cut to just two at the interval.

It was 0-14 to 1-8 at half time but, London would only register six further points as the Limerick defence tightened considerably.

Substitute Barry Coleman and veteran Iain Corbett both kicked two pointers with Joshua Obahor and Shay Rafter replying in between.

The Treaty finished strongly and keeper Josh Ryan kicked a monster 2 pointer as they eventually won by 7 points in Newcastle West.

Eunan Walsh, Kavan Keenan, James McAuley, Dermot McAleese, Marc Jordan, Conor Hand, Paddy McBride, Ryan McQuillan, Dominic McEnhill and substitute Niall Burns all did enough in Mullingar to get the nod for a start against Limerick and I wouldn’t expect the side not to show too many changes for a game that Antrim should win.

Tailteann Cup Group Three

Westmeath 4-24 Antrim 1-17

Antrim’s opening game in this year’s Tailteann Cup didn’t go to plan when they were comprehensively beaten by a Luke Loughlin inspired Westmeath in Cusack Park, Mullingar on Sunday.

Loughlin finished the game with a personal tally of 1-17 which matched the visitors total for the afternoon and Antrim looked a dejected side as the clock counted down to conclusion.

Andy McEntee’s side made a promising start in Mullingar with full-back Eunan Walsh getting forward to point them ahead in the 3d minute with Sam McCartan levelling for the home side before Ryan Murray wasted an opportunity to restore the Antrim lead.

McCartan edged Westmeath ahead for the first time and Antrim hit a couple of wides before Dominic McEnhill edged them ahead for a seconds time with a well struck 2 pointer in the 10^th minute.

It got even better for the Saffrons when Paddy McBride hit a second 2 pointer from distance to move them 0-5 to 0-2 ahead before Luke Loughlin made his first contribution on the score board when he pointed a free in the 14^th minute.

Loughlin followed with another 2 pointer from a free to level the contest with 16 minutes gone but 30 seconds later Marc Jordan struck a fine point at the other end to edge the visitors ahead once more.

Up to this point Andy McEntee’s side had given as good as they got but Sam McCartan started and finished a move to fire home the game’s opening goal and things went from bad to worse for Antrim as Mick Byrne seemed to lose the flight of a Danny McCartan shot and it ended in the net.

That was in the 19^th minute and Adam Loughran replied with a point at the other end and Antrim then had what looked like a legitimate claim for a close range free and possibly a penalty waved aside when Marc Jordan was dragged down as he bore down on goal.

McEnhill for Antrim and Loughlin for the home side traded points before fortune finally seemed to favour the visitors as Kavan Keenan was on hand to collect a rebound shot from Paddy McBride and fire past McCormick in the Westmeath goal and reduce the gap to the minimum.

Loughlin moved the home side three in front as he fired over from outside the arc and then Westmeath were awarded what seemed a very harsh penalty when Eunan Walsh got back to deny Ronan Wallace but referee Tommy Murphy pointed to the spot, much to the despair of the Antrim defender.

Luke Loughlin made no mistake from the spot and Westmeath could have had a fourth goal only for Byrne to do well to smother Danny McCartan’s effort as Antrim went upfield and won a free, which McEnhill converted.

Marc Jordan followed with one from play, but another from Loughlin, which brought his first-half tally to 1-7, ensured his team led 3-9 to 1-10 at the break.

McEnhill pulled two back straight after the restart from a free, but Eoghan McCabe hit back with a two from play immediately and Westmeath again went close to another goal, but Ronan Wallace’s shot rebounded off the crossbar.

It was a let-off for Antrim but they responded at the other end when Mick Byrne converted from distance for 2 points but Robbie Forde replied at the other end and Loughlin landed another two pointer to move his side six ahead.

Westmeath were starting to get on top as the Antrim resistance began to falter and Loughlin fisted over before Whittaker waltzed through for a fourth Westmeath goal and put the contest out of reach.

Substitute Niall Burns pulled one back, before the crossbar again came to Antrim’s rescue with the frame of the goal this time denying Lorcan Dolan but once again the hosts were able to cut Antrim open with their direct running.

The scores were now coming thick and fast and Stephen Smyth opened his account while the superb Loughlin continued to add to his personal tally with three, including a two-point free.

Ryan McQuillan (free) and Lorcan Dolan exchanged points as he game entered the final 10 minutes, but at this stage Westmeath were out of site and Antrim were looking deflated.

Niall Burns responded with a point and was then denied a goal by McCormack before Loughlin kicked a two with the lasts score of the game to finish with 1-17 and cap a spectacular performance.

Antrim now meet Limerick, who defeated London on Saturday, in Belfast next week and can still qualify if they defeat them and follow it with a win over the Exiles in their final game.

Westmeath: C McCormack; D Giles, Sam Smyth, J Gonoud; J Moran, R Wallace, S McCartan (1-2); K O’Sullivan, E McCabe; M Whittaker (1-0), D McCartan (1-0), B Cooney; L Loughlin (1-17, 1-0 pen, 3xtp, 2x2pf), Stephen Smith (0-1), N Harte (0-2, 1xtp). 
Subs: R Forde (0-1) for B Cooney (11), L Dolan (0-1) for D McCartan (41), K Martin for Stephen Smith (52), T Baker for R Wallace (55), D Scahill for S McCartan (64).

Antrim: M Byrne (0-2, 1xtpf); E McCabe, E Walsh (0-1), K Keenan (1-0); J McAuley, D McAleese, P Finnegan; C Hand, M Jordan (0-2); R Boyle, A Loughran (0-1), P McBride (0-2, 1xtp); R McQuillan (0-1f), R Murray, D McEnhill (0-6, 1xtp, 1xtpf, 1f) 
Subs: N Burns (0-2) for A Loughran (HT), Fionn Nagle for R Murray (HT), C Stewart for C Hand (48), C Higgins for R McQuillan (60), J Morgan for J McAuley (60).

Referee: T Murphy (Galway)