Category / Division 1

by thesaffrongael

Creggan survive early scare to keep their winning run going

Antrim Football League – Division 1

Glenravel 1-09  Creggan 1-18

Creggan proved their table topping status with a convincing win in Glenravel but for the opening quarter they looked a long way second best in this encounter as the hosts got off to a flying start to lead 1-04 to 0-02 with twelve minutes on the clock. However Creggan started dominating midfield possession in the final five minutes of the first half and pretty much most of the second half limiting their opponents to only four more scores whilst they popped over points at will with Liam Quinn, berthed at full forward but roving at pace around the D, being unstoppable on the night.

Con Magees started well and led by three, Niall Hynds, Daire Higgins and Cathal Hynds the providers. Fintan Close and Martin Johnson pulled two back for the visitors but Glenravel replied through an Eamon Ward point and Cathal Hynds goal to lead 1-04 to 0-02 with twelve minutes gone. Up popped Liam Quinn with the first of his total of five points followed by Dominic McAteer to reduce the gap to three. Creggan’s big midfielder Jamie McCann was gifted a chance in front of goal to level the game but his piledriver was tipped onto the bar by Conleth O’Loan in goals and the same player recovered quickly enough to grab the rebound and clear the danger; but the warning signs were beginning to flag in the home side’s defence. Callum Higgins, who had a good hour in the green and white stretched the gap to four points but with five minutes remaining Creggan started to wrestle control of the game back and levelled with three from Liam Quinn and one from Sean Duffin. On the stroke of half time Glenravel themselves had a great goal chance but the shot was blocked and rebounded to Declan McAuley who also impressed throughout the game and McAuley slotted over with his left peg to give the home side the narrowest of leads as the half time whistle blew.

Creggan would have the advantage of what was sometimes a swirling wind in the second half and they used that to good effect. Though wayward at times they had enough possession to be wasteful without major impact. In the third quarter of the game they slotted over six points without reply from the home team. Two from Quinn and points each from Sean Duffin, Jamie McCann, Kevin Small and Conor Johnson to open up a five point lead. Aiden O’Donnell pointed from a free and with ten minutes remaining but Creggan had a four point advantage 0-14 to 1-07. With only a couple of minutes normal time left Kevin Small popped over a 2-point free and in as many minutes after Sean Duffin and Conor Johnson opened the gap to eight points as we entered added time. Whatever hope the home side had was completely eliminated when burly sub Aidan McKeown goaled to effectively kill the game. In the last play of the game Callum Higgins put over a 2-pointer from the forty five metre line in what was probably the score of the game and fitting that he should score it. But seconds later referee Kevin Parke kindly called time just before the rain came on; the visiting supporters much happier getting into their cars dry. Final score Glenravel 1-09 Creggan 1-18.

CON MAGEES – 1 Conleth O’Loan, 2 Conor Carey, 3 Eoin McCusker, 4 Niall Dickson, 5 Declan McCauley, 6 Sean Higgins, 8 Calum Higgins, 9 Cathal Hynds, 10 Niall Hynds, 11 Aidan O’Donnell, 12 Joe Martin, 13 Fergus Donaghy, 14 Harry Fyfe, 15 Daire Higgins.

CREGGAN – 1 Mark Dougan, 2 Conor McCann, 3 Ricky Johnston, 4 Liam McLernon, 5 Sam Maguire, 6 Ethan Carey-Small, 8 Martin Johnston, 9 Jamie McCann, 10 Fintan Close, 11 Kevin Small, 12 Sean Duffin, 13 Joe McAteer, 14 Liam Quinn, 15 Shea McCann.

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by thesaffrongael

Naomh Bríd run up big score against Moneyglass

Antrim Football League – Division 1

Naomh Bríd 5-22 Moneyglass 1-16

A dominant first-half display laid the foundations as Naomh Bríd secured an impressive victory over Moneyglass in last night’s Division 1 League game at Musgrave Park, eventually running out 5-22 to 1-16 winners.

St Brigid’s started the game sharply and quickly settled into their rhythm with early scores from Niall Duffy, who clipped over two excellent points, while Dara Quinn, JJ Higgins, Paul Bradley and Aodhan ‘Mini’ McNicholl all added to the tally. Mini’s effort came from a well-timed run to eventually collect the ball and fist over the bar after good attacking play from the south Belfast side.

The game burst into life approaching half time as Naomh Bríd hit a devastating purple patch. Cousins Patrick Finnegan and JJ Higgins, both found the back of the net, while Dara Quinn and James Smith also raised green flags in a blistering five-minute spell that completely swung the contest in the Biddies’ favour. Moneyglass struggled to cope with the pace and direct running of the St Brigid’s attack as the home side took full advantage of their momentum. 

Naomh Bríd 4-1 Moneyglass 0-06

To their credit, Moneyglass responded strongly in the second half despite facing into the wind and arguably enjoyed the better of the exchanges for long periods. Dermot and Aidan McErlain led the fightback and lifted the visitors with some excellent scores, including two superb two-pointers from Dermot from almost 50 metres out. Colum Duffin also contributed important points as Moneyglass attempted to close the gap.

However, Naomh Bríd always looked capable of responding and continued to pick off scores when needed through Donal Harrison and Dara Quinn. Conan McNicholl came up with a brilliant two-pointer that effectively sealed the victory and ensured there would be no late comeback from the visitors.

Overall, it was an excellent attacking display from Naomh Bríd, particularly in the opening half where their clinical finishing proved decisive.

Screenshot

Naomh Brid : 1. Séamus Mac Lochlainn, 2. Roibeard Ó Cinnéide, 3. Maitiú Ó Maoláin, 4. Séamus Mac Naomh Brid (Screenshot 2026-05-14 181348.jpg): 1. Fearghus Canning, 2. Sonny Doyle, 3. Conor King, 4. Joseph McCarney, 5. Aodhan McNicholl, 6. Peter King, 7. Reuben Carleton, 8. Jack Dowling, 9. Patrick Finnegan, 10. Dara Quinn, 11. James Smith, 12. Paul Bradley, 13. Niall Duffy, 14. Conan McNicholl, 15. JJ Higgins.

Moneyglass: 1. Jamie McLaughlin, 2. Bobby Kennedy, 3. Matthew Mullen, 4. James McCormick, 5. Callum Murray, 6. Dermot Mc Erlain, 7. Eunan Mc Erlain, 8. Seanchan Duffin, 9. Colum Duffin, 10. Sean Boyd, 11. Odhran Duffin, 12. Connor O Kane, 13. Tyler Cassidy, 14. Aidan Mc Erlain, 15. Caolan Boyd

Referee- Darren McKeown

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by thesaffrongael

Confidence builds for Aghagallon

ACFL Division One: Aghagallon 3-15 St John’s 1-7

Photos and report by Brian Hamill.

Aghagallon delivered a composed and clinical performance at home on Wednesday evening to secure a convincing 13-point victory over St John’s in Division One. Goals at key stages proved decisive, with the home side’s cutting edge in attack separating the teams over the hour.

The home side settled quickly, building from a solid defensive platform where the full backs; Branagan, Hamill and Mulholland stood firm. In midfield, Pauric Magennis and Jack Lenehan established control, ensuring Aghagallon enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and territory.

Further forward, Enda McCartan sent some slide rule passes into the full forward line, highlighting Aghagallon’s ability to link effectively with the inside line. A well-worked goal helped Aghagallon open daylight, and by the break they were comfortably ahead. Aghagallon maintained their intensity after the restart and effectively killed off the contest with two further goals.

The starting forward line, ensured a steady stream of scores, throughout the game. Their ability to convert goal chances at crucial moments saw the lead stretch into double figures and put the result beyond doubt.

St John’s struggled to break down a well-organised Aghagallon defence, mustering just four first-half points. Patrick McBride was their most consistent scoring outlet, with points from play and from frees, while Conor Adams added two. The Belfast side did find the net late on through second half substitute Domhnall Nugent, who made a huge impact after his introduction, but it proved only a consolation.

There were also contributions from James Wilson, who chipped in with a point after coming off the bench, but overall scoring opportunities were limited.

Despite honest efforts from players such as Simon McDonagh, Odhran McAuley and Conor McEvoy, St John’s were unable to generate sustained attacking opportunities. 

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by thesaffrongael

Teamwork wins it for Portglenone

Antrim football League – Division 1

Rossa 0-05 Portglenone 2-17

An excellent hardworking performance from Portglenone helped to defeat an under-strength Rossa side in Shaws Road on Wednesday evening. The Portglenone manager Mattie McGleenan will be delighted gaining two points and at times watching his side playing some quality football.

Early exchanges were equal with neither side able to stamp their authority on the game. However a facial injury at the end of the first quarter to Rossa’s Mick Byrne followed by a long delay seemed to disrupt the home team’s flow. From there until the end of the half Portglenone started to take their opportunities and It was the duo of Ronan Kelly and Oran Doherty, who had an excellent game throughout, that helped the scoreboard tick over. But it was Oisin Doherty who finally destroyed Rossa’s resilience when he travelled 45m with the ball before slotting it in the bottom corner. This left the half time score 1-8 to 0-1.

Halftime saw a massive rain shower that sent supporters running for cover but this didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the Casements men.  It was the excellent Aidan McAleese who did most of the damage as the big midfielder was fetching kick-outs and scoring points; indeed everything good that Casements achieved in the second period went through McAleese. He was supported by the experienced Dermot McAleese , Conor McGhee, Michael Donnelly, Caolan Tierney and Ruari Hagan .

Rossa battled hard throughout the final quarter but despite good performances from Corey Walsh Eoghan McMenamin, Darren Grego and Mattie McKiernan they found the hard working Casements side too tough to handle

Rossa

Rossa: M Byrne , M McKernan, P Moyes, F McDonald,,  P Byrne, R Grant,D , N Crossan, , D Morgan, , E McMenamin 0-1, C McDonald ,M McEnhill, D Grego (0-1) ,C Fleming (0-2)  , R McDonagh ,C Walsh (0-1)

Subs

D Rocks

S McDonald

D Armstrong

Portglenone

K Mullan,DMcNicholl,S Delargy,J Convery,D McAleese,(0-1) CMcghee,  R Hagan,  Aidan McAleese,  (0-3)MDonnelly,  CTierney (0-2) ,R Kelly (0-5) ,P Graffin, O Doherty,  (1-3)O Doherty,(0-1) T Duffin (0-1)

Subs

R Convery

C McAleese

S Kelly

by thesaffrongael

Cargin Withstand All Saints fight-back to take the points

 Antrim ACFL Division 1

All Saints 1-11 Erin’s own 0-17


Erin’s Own Cargin secured a hard-fought 0-17 to 1-11 victory over All Saints Ballymena in an exhilarating Antrim ACFL Division 1 encounter at Quinn Park on Wednesday night. A dominant opening twenty minutes saw the visitor’s race into an eleven-point lead, and at this stage they looked like totally overwhelming their hosts. They were forced to with stand a late rally by the home side however but held on for a deserved victory.

The visitors asserted their authority from the throw-in, orchestrating a master-class in clinical point-taking. With direct attacking play and supreme accuracy, Cargin raced into a commanding 0-11 to 0-00 lead by the 20th minute. Callum Gribbin, Ciaran Bradley, and Jamie Gribbin all found their range from open play, while Tomas McCann converted two crucial frees (1-2pt) The opening blitz was further punctuated by a massive long-range, two-point free from Antrim county goalkeeper John McNabb.

Connell Lemon drives All Saints forward

All Saints, despite losing key defenders Sean O’Brien and James Gillan to early injuries, refused to fold. The introduction of substitutes Joe Rafferty and James McDonnell injected immediate energy into the Ballymena side. In the 25th minute, Benny McDonnell finally opened the hosts’ account with a well-taken point. Moments later, Cal O Brien added another before McDonnell struck a vital lifeline in the 30th minute, driving a low, first-time ground shot into the back of the net after a favourable break in the square. A late response from Tomas McCann brought his personal first-half tally to four, but another accurate strike from McDonnell closed out the half, leaving the scoreboard at 1-03 to 0-12 in favour of the visitors.

Cargin appeared to restore their domination immediately after the restart. In-form substitute Killian Scullion struck two fine scores alongside another white flag from Callum Gribbin to stretch the visitors’ lead.

However, All Saints completely dominated the final quarter as the momentum swung firmly behind the Ballymena side. Driven forward by the superb Connell Lemon, the home team targeted the gaps in the Cargin defence with the strong running of Connell Lemon and Cal O’Brien causing problems.

Ciaran Bradley who was excellent for Erin’s Own

Darach Bradley and substitute Ronan McKillop kicked vital points to ignite the home crowd. Midfielder Conor Stewart stepped up to strike a massive 2 pointer, while McKillop proved clinical under pressure, landing a 2pt free and adding another point from play.

With the deficit cut to just three points in the final minutes, the traveling Cargin support was left calling anxiously for the final whistle. The visitors utilized all their experience to manage the clock in injury time however, successfully holding out for a narrow, but deserved victory.

All Saints Ballymena: 1-11 (Benny McDonnell 1-02, Ronan McKillop 0-03, Conor Stewart 0-02, Cal O Brien 0-01, Connell Lemon 0-01, Darach Bradley 0-01)

Erin’s Own Cargin: 0-17 (Tomas McCann 0-05, Callum Gribbin 0-2, Killian Scullion, John McNabb (2pt), Ciaran Bradley, Jamie Gribbin, Killian Scullion 0-2, John Carron, Ciaran Bradley, Jimmy Gribbin 0-2,

All Saints: Ryan Stewart, Seán Ó Brien, Michael Read, Sean McDermott, Charlie Metrustry, James Gillan, Cal Ó Brian, Emmet Killough, Peter McReynolds, Connell Lemon, Conor Stewart, Harry Connon, Jack Patterson, Benny McDonnell, Darach Bradley.

Subs used: James McDonnell, Joe Rafferty, Ronan McKillop

Cargin: John McNabb, Kevin O’Boyle, Kevin McShane, Cahir Donnelly, Conan Johnston, James Laverty, Jack O’Neill, Gerard m,cCann, John Carron, Ciaran Bradley, Tomas McCann, Paul McCann, Jamie Gribben, Eunasn  Quinn, Callum Gribbin.

Subs: Killian Scullion, Fiontan Hardy

Referee: Ritchie Leahy

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