Molloy Reigns Supreme As Cuchullains Edge Tír na nÓg

Senior Football League

Division One

Tír na nÓg 2-9 Dunloy 1-13

Wednesday 3 June

Brendan McTaggart reports from Whitehill, Randalstown

Dunloy recorded back to back league wins on Wednesday evening as they edged Tír na nÓg with just the minimum between the sides by the final whistle.  On a dirty, wet night that you wouldn’t put your dog out in, both sides were far from fluent.  The wet conditions meant handling errors were creating chaos but it was the Cuchullains who showed a little bit more composure when it mattered most.

Keelan Molloy was the star of the show.  Playing in his first football game for Dunloy since their Ulster club game against Newbridge, Molloy finished with nine points beside his name.  All but two of those coming from open play and somewhat fittingly it was he who hit the winning score of the game.

The visitors to Whitehill were dominant in the middle third with Eoin McFerran and Paudie McGilligan excellent.  Their ability to win breaking ball meant they controlled the game but with their shooting in front of the target letting them down, especially in the first half, the home side were always in the game.

Tír na nÓg were led superbly by Ciaran O’Neill at centre half back, his two pointer in the second half a highlight of the game.  He had plenty of assistance from Eamon McAllister and Darragh Fagan but the loss of Sean Duffin to injury at the start of the second half certainly hurt their challenge.

Live wire forward Caleb Smith grabbed the first of Tír na nÓg’s goals in the first half, the second coming in the last minute of the hour to tie the sides via Eamon McAllister and looked to have given Tír na nÓg a share of the league points on offer but Molloy had the final say at the other end of the pitch.

It was Molloy who got the opening score of the game before Oliver McAtamney and Emmet Murray took advantage of handling errors in the Dunloy defence to put the home side in front.

Dunloy were having the lions share of possession but weren’t converting that into points on the scoreboard in those early exchanges.  It was the 12th minute before another score would come with Dunloy forward Donnach Laverty finding the back of the net.  It was a tidy, left footed finish from Laverty but it owed much to the initial run by Nigel Elliott.  Cutting in from the wing, Elliott lured the Tír na nÓg defence before passing to Laverty.  He would side step the first challenge before beating Sean-Paul McAtamney at his near post.

It was a further 11 minutes before either side would score again but the half finished with a flurry of scores.  Molloy with his second of the game came moments before Conal Cunning passed up the opportunity of scoring Dunloy’s second major of the game.  His effort blazing wide when it looked for the world that he would find the back of the net.

The Randalstown Blues responded to that with a brilliant two pointer from McAllister before Caleb Smith’s first goal of the game in the 26th minute.  Sean Duffin delivering the ball high to the edge of the square where Fagan made life difficult for the Cuchullains defence.  The ball broke to Smith and he palmed to the back of the net.

Dunloy responded with points from Molloy and Elliott to tie the sides but Emmet Murray split the uprights for the last score of the half to give the home side a 1-5 to 1-4 lead at the interval.

Molloy and Fagan (’45) opened the scoring after the restart before Tír na nÓg and Fagan were denied by the crossbar.  The home side were awarded a free from a three man breach by Dunloy and whether by luck or by design, Fagan’s effort came crashing back off the crossbar with the Dunloy defence caught on their heels.

Conal Cunning goes close with his goal effort in the first half.

The Cuchullains would respond with points from substitute Barry McCloskey and Molloy but a quite brilliant two pointer form O’Neill edged the home side clear again.

It was Molloy who was causing all the damage for the visitors and his second free of the evening restored parity before his two pointer put Dunloy two clear.  Oisin McCamphill would add his name to the list of scorers with the Cuchullains going three clear going into the final quarter.

McAllister and Elliott would swap scores as Dunloy looked to control the game.  Scoring chances and the frenetic nature of the game had reduced with three between the sides but Tír na nÓg rolled the dice one more time.  O’Neill sending the ball high into the danger area once more where Fagan broke the ball for McAllister to fire home.

All eyes were on referee Darren McKeown to see how much injury time would be played but it was the Cuchullains who created that one more moment of quality as Molloy weaved his way into a scoring position to hit the winning score.

Tír na nÓg’s search for their first win of the season takes them to Ballymena on Sunday while Dunloy will host Portglenone on the same day.

TEAMS

Tír na nÓg Starting XV: Sean-Paul McAtamney; Ryan Crilly, Brandon McLarnon, Manus Smith; Daniel Martin, Ciaran O’Neill, Ciaran Logan; Oliver McAtamney, Sean Duffin; Emmet Murray, Eamon McAllister, Sean McKeown; Conor Hastings, Darragh Fagan, Caleb Smith

  • Scorers: E McAllister 1-3 (1xTP), C Smith 1-00, E Murray 0-2, C O’Neill 0-2 (1xTP), O McAtamney 0-1, D Fagan 0-1 (1’45)

Dunloy Starting XV: Chrissy McMahon; Reece Cunning, Aaron Crawford, Sean Og Blaney; Aodhan McGarry, Ryan McGarry, James Scally; Eoin McFerran, Paudie McGilligan; Jack Martin, Conal Cunning, Oisin McCamphill; Donnach Laverty, Keelan Molloy, Nigel Elliott

  • Scorers: K Molloy 0-9 (2fs, 1xTP), D Laverty 1-00, N Elliott 0-2, O McCamphill 0-1, B McCloskey 0-1

Referee: Darren McKeown (St Galls)

To see more of Brendan’s photos from the game, follow the link below….

https://myalbum.com/album/yQ9Nxs5qeDNGCK/?invite=269c223f-a798-4033-8049-7aa6e1b34112

Rampant Creggan Brush Aside St Galls in Rain Soaked Division One Romp

ACFL Division 1 Senior Football

Kickhams Creggan 0-24 | Naomh Gall St Galls 0-10

Venue: Creggan | Date: Wednesday, 3 June 2026

Match report: Gerard Kelly | Photos: Dominic Kelly

Kickhams Creggan produced a commanding all-round display to brush aside St Galls by fourteen points at a sodden Creggan on Wednesday evening, running out comfortable 0-24 to 0-10 winners in conditions that made flowing football a serious challenge. In heavy, persistent rain that never relented throughout the sixty minutes, Creggan’s accuracy, width of scoring threat and sheer work rate proved far too much for the visitors.

The hosts shared the scoring around with no fewer than thirteen different players raising white flags — a remarkable statistic on any evening, let alone one as testing as this. While St Galls competed gamely in the opening quarter, Creggan gradually tightened their grip and pulled clear with a dominant second-half showing that left no doubt as to the destination of the points.

Even Start Before Creggan Find Their Range

St Galls actually settled the quicker of the two sides, with Michael Pollock opening the scoring inside two minutes. Shea McCann replied for Creggan on 4, but Daniel Quinn and Pollock again had the visitors 0-03 to 0-01 ahead inside the opening ten minutes — an early sign that St Galls had travelled with intent.

Creggan, however, responded emphatically. Liam Quinn pointed on 10, and Ruairi McCann and Eunan McAteer followed to level matters. Kevin Small and Shea McCann edged the hosts in front, and from there the home side never looked back. Despite the greasy conditions underfoot, Creggan’s forwards moved the ball cleverly, and points from Sean Duffin (24th), Ruairi McCann (25th) and Conor Small (26th) had the hosts in a commanding position. Ruairi McCann’s two-point score on 28 and another Shea McCann point on 30 stretched Creggan’s lead to 0-12 to 0-05 at the interval — a deserved advantage given how thoroughly they had taken control after that early wobble.

Creggan Pull Clear After The Break

If St Galls harboured any hopes of a comeback in the second half, they were swiftly extinguished. Creggan came out with real purpose and simply overwhelmed the visitors. A brace from Jamie McCann in the 38th and 39th minutes set the tone, and Kevin Small added a point on 40 followed by a superb two-point score on 41 to push the gap into double figures.

St Galls, to their credit, kept battling, with Pollock and their number 13 doing what they could to stem the tide. But Creggan were relentless. Dominic McAteer pointed on 48, and the home side then produced their most eye-catching passage of the evening — Conor McCann landing a two-pointer on 50 before Shea McCann pointed almost immediately to leave Creggan out of sight.

The scores kept coming. Joe McAteer (56th), Conor Johnston (59th) and Mark Dougan (60th) all found the target late on as Creggan ran out fourteen-point winners, with substitute Conor Small and the introductions off the bench all playing their part in a thoroughly professional team performance.

The Verdict

This was about as complete a display as Creggan could have produced in such difficult conditions. The McCann contingent led the way — Shea (0-4), Ruairi (0-4), Jamie (0-2) and Conor (0-2) combining for twelve points between them — while Kevin Small (0-4) was equally influential. The spread of thirteen different scorers spoke volumes about Creggan’s collective threat, and their ability to maintain such accuracy in driving rain was hugely impressive.

For St Galls, Michael Pollock (0-4) and Daniel Quinn (0-4) carried the bulk of the scoring threat, but the visitors were ultimately second best in every sector and will have plenty to ponder ahead of their next outing. On this evidence, Creggan look every inch a side capable of challenging at the top end of Division One.

KICKHAMS CREGGAN: Oisin Kerr; Eunan McAteer (0-1), Liam McLernon, Fintan Close; Aidan Maguire, Ethan Carey-Small, Dominic McAteer (0-1); Kealan McCann, Jamie McCann (0-2); Sean Duffin (0-1), Kevin Small (0-4), Ruairi McCann (0-4); Joe McAteer (0-1), Liam Quinn (0-1), Shea McCann (0-4). Also used: Conor Small (0-1) for L. Quinn (inj.), Conor McCann (0-2) for P. McGuckian, Mark Dougan (0-1), Conor Johnston (0-1).

NAOMH GALL ST GALLS: Niall McCurdy; Christopher Hale, Gairech Mac Adhaimh, Eoghan McCurdy; John McCaffrey, Dubhaltach Mac Liam, Damien Ball; Manus McCrossan, ConorRyan; Conaill Murray, Daniel Quinn (0-4), Cormac Austin; [No. 13] (0-2), Padraig Jnr O’Muirigh, Michael Pollock (0-4). Also used: Louis McCormick, Michael Hopkins, Martin Murray, Niall Fallon, Aidan McDonagh.

TO VIEW MORE OF DOMINIC KELLY’S PICS CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

Goals take Loughgiel through to the Antrim Camogie Feis final

Antrim Camogie Feis Semi final

Dunloy 0-13 v Loughgiel 2-15

Match report and photos from Michael Corcoran at Pearse Park, Dunloy

A heavily depleted Dunloy squad held their own for much of tonight’s Feis semi final game until Loughgiel worked out how to solve the puzzle of striking into the heart of the Cuchullain’s net. Shamrock’s Annie Lynn and Marie Laverty raised those green flags, both in the second half, tipping the game in favour of the visitors. Up to the first goal that came after three minutes in the second half, Dunloy’s grit, tenacity and perseverance made them look every bit the favourites, but Loughgiel held the course and their own perseverance into the low lying scoring territory paid off in a game that was both physical and energetic.

A damp evening largely kept supporters at home but there was no dampening of enjoyment for those that rocked up to Pearse Park. Given the deluge of rain throughout the afternoon, Dunloy’s turf was immaculate and set up nicely for an evening’s entertainment under the brollies.

Referee Shane McDonnell rolled in on the half hour past seven and it shortly fell to Loughgiel’s Marie Laverty to convert the first foul of twenty eight in the game in just under thirty seconds. Dunloy’s Erin McMullan was happy to reply with her first point of eight, the other seven from frees before Laverty converted a 45 into the slight breeze at the chapel end.

Dunloy’s Eimear Johnston put in a big shift in tonight’s Feis semi final

For the next fifteen minutes, it was Dunloy’s game, running up five more points before Loughgiel’s Marie Laverty found Katie McKillop running at the edge of the box. The Shamrock sensed the goal route was risky and opted to float the sliotar over the bar, allowing Loughgiel to work the scoreboard again. Three more Shamrock points followed, allowing them to draw alongside their hosts at six points apiece before Dunloy clawed back another two, one coming from a recycled 45 that went wide for a puck out. Dearbhail Elliott found the sliotar and offloaded to Aileen McManus for a fine point derived from alertness.

Dunloy and Loughgiel would wrap up the first half with another point apiece, with scores at the short whistle Dunloy 0-09 Loughgiel 0-07.

Loughgiel’s full back defence of Campbell, Megarry and Gillan made it hard for Dunloy to advance but Dunloy made it difficult for the Shamrocks to advance back out

Tonight’s elements showed no favour for the Shamrocks as the breeze dropped noticeably at the start of the second half, however when it did rain, there was just enough wind to make working the ball by the hosts more difficult than they would’ve liked as they squinted into the drizzle. Loughgiel needed an edge to get them deeper into Cuchullain scoring territory and they didn’t have to wait long. No sooner had Adria McAllister pointed for Dunloy when Caela Dobbin made an attack on goal that was well saved by Aimie Shirt. Shirt would be kept busy and got the better of most of the Shamrock attacks, but a Marie Laverty pass to Annie Lynn was one of the exceptions as the net bulged from the force of the number four sliotar, just three minutes gone in the second half. Lynn would quickly be back with another goal chance but Shirt’s stick got to that one in time.

Annie Lynn rifles the first Shamrock goal past Dunloy’s Aimie Shirt

Both sides would go three for three, Dunloy making their three points from consecutive accurate frees from Erin McMullan, then Loughgiel struck deep and low from a Laverty goal passed in from Katie Lynn, having picked up Shanna Deery’s exquisite sideline cut. Dunloy lost momentum after that goal at around fifteen minutes and Loughgiel topped their evening’s work off with another five points to draw the semi final to a closure, Dunloy 0-13 Loughgiel 2-15.

Loughgiel will now play Cushendall in the Feis final on Sunday 5th July in Dunloy, time to be confirmed.

You can see more photos from this evening’s Feis semi final game here…

Dunloy starting panel and scorers

Aimie Shirt, Carragh Boyle, Sarah McIlhatton, Sarah Louise Kearns, Eimear McMullan, Eilis Kearns, Caitlin Crawford, Eimear Johnston 0-01, Micha Cunning, Erin McMullan 0-08 (7f), Dearbhail Elliott, Kerry Rose Drain, Adria McAllister 0-03, Aileen McManus 0-01, Erin Traynor

Loughgiel starting panel and scorers

Emma McAllister, Charlene Campbell, Megan McGarry, Aoibheann Gillan, Finvola McVeigh, Katie Lynn, Ciara Laverty, Anna Connolly, Louise McKillop, Shanna Deery 0-01, Marie Laverty 1-06 (1f 1×45), Katie McKillop 0-06 (3f), Anna McKillop 0-01, Annie Lynn 1-00, Caela Dobbin 0-01

Shamrocks untouchable as Roan McGarry leads the line

Loughgiel Shamrocks 5-27 Carey Faughs 1-11

Loughgiel Shamrocks 2nds delivered a masterclass performance in the Countess of Antrim Hurling semi-final, dominating Carey Faughs from the opening minute to the final whistle. The Shamrocks showcased ruthless efficiency in attack, building a massive early lead that secured their path to a final meeting with Ruairi Og Cushendall.

Loughgiel wasted no time making their mark on the game. Roan McGarry opened the scoring with a point from play just 14 seconds into the match. Finn Henry raised the first green flag with a goal from play at the six minute mark, setting the tone for Loughgiel’s devastating offensive display. The pressure remained relentless, and McGarry followed up with a goal of his own on ten minutes. Carey Faughs struggled to gain a foothold in the game, relying on frees and scattered points from Connor McBride, James Black, and Conall McGlynn to keep the scoreboard ticking. Meanwhile, Loughgiel continued to press their advantage. Further first-half goals by Ryan Hill midway through the half and Conan Johnston on 22 minutes effectively ended the contest before the break. By half-time, Loughgiel held a commanding and unassailable 4-15 to 0-6 advantage.

The second half followed a very similar script as Loughgiel continued to dictate the pace. Ryan Hill found the back of the net for his second goal of the day on 39 minutes, cementing the Shamrocks’ absolute control. Carey Faughs showed resilience and managed to break through for a consolation goal when Ryan McQuaid struck in the 44th minute. In truth the visitors could easily have had a couple more goals had it not been fro a couple of top class saves from the Loughgiel goalkeepr John Francis Connolly. However, Loughgiel’s depth and accuracy shone through as they emptied their bench and continued to pick off points from all angles. The match concluded with a final scoreline of 5-27 to 1-11 in favour of the Shamrocks.

The undisputed star of the show for the Shamrocks was corner forward Roan McGarry. He orchestrated the attack brilliantly, finishing the game with a phenomenal personal tally of 1 goal and 11 points. His masterclass performance was achieved despite being substituted midway through the second half, highlighting his incredible efficiency while on the pitch.

Loughgiel Shamrocks

  1. John Francis Connolly, 2. Liam Glackin, 3. Eddie Smyth, 4. Ashdon McGarry, 5. Caolan Blair, 6. Ben McGarry, 7. Conall McCloskey, 8. Tiago McGarry, 9. Ronan Fitzgerald, 10. Finn Henry, 11. Shane O’Boyle, 12. Pearce Patterson, 13. Conan Johnston, 14. Ryan Hill, 15. Roan McGarry.

Carey Faughs

  1. Conlith McKinley, 2. Eoin McCarry, 3. Peadar McVeigh, 4. Daniel McKinley, 5. Patrick Gillan, 6. Sean McBride, 7. Eoin Hill, 8. James Black, 9. Conall McGlynn, 10. Brendan McQuaid, 11. Caolan McCaughan, 12. Patrick Butler, 13. Connor McBride, 14. Ryan McQuaid, 15. Fiachra McVeigh.
    • Referee – Leo O’Reilly

TO SEE MORE PICS FROM THIS GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

Glenarm down the Shamrocks in a hard fought win

Antrim Hurling League – Division 2

Louhghgiel 2-21Glenarm 1-26 at Fr Healy Park

Report and pics by Pete Hyndman

Glenarm scored a great win at Fr Healy Park on Sunday when they beat Loughgiel 2nd in a highly entertaining game. The visitors had 9 different scorers which pleased the management, plus the fact they had a couple back from County duties. Still missing a couple from long term injuries but for those that took to the pitch today will be hoping to claim a regular slot in the team.

Darren Hamill scored 5 points from free’s and was a constant threat for the Loughgiel defence. Dylan Mc Laughlin drove over 5 also, with Niall Mc Garel, put the disappointment of his Croke Park defeat with Tyrone by hitting a half dozen points. Sean O Hare bagged himself a goal and a point, with Ciaran Magill (McGarel’s Tyrone teammate) Sean O Boyle Aidan Scullion also claiming a point each. Liam O Neill stepped up into the senior squad and scored a brace. Working on the  wing three quarter line young Sean Mc Dermott led the defenders ragged and slotted over 4 excellent points from play.

For the hosts they had 7 different scorer’s and played a lot of lovely hurling spraying the ball well. Tiago Mc Garry added 1-07 (05 f) to his tally. The very tall presence of Shane O Boyle had a great game for the Shamrocks drilling over five points and a goal, Ryan Hill and Donal Mc Kinley hitting a hat-trick each. And Conor O Mullan hit a brace. Ronan Mc Collum and Finn Henry both scoring a point each.

Before the start there was a 1 minute silence in memory of Jane Bakker and Robert Quinn from Carnlough who both had family connections to Shane Uí Neills GAC, the silence was held impeccably.

There was a slight breeze blowing downfield towards the pavilion, the pitch had a lush grass surface as the referee blew to start the game.

Both teams started in a real ding dong pace as just after the first 4 minutes it was 2 points each. Dylan Mc Laughlin pointed for the visitors, with Tiago Mc Garry slotting over an early free. Niall Mc Garel replied with a point before Donal Mc Kinley levelled the scoreline for the hosts.

Sean Mc Dermott got his first point from play as he collected a ball out on the wing and split the uprights. Straight away though Loughgiel’s Donal Mc Kinley returned the favour with a point.

Liam O Neill picked up a loose sliotar and working out on the sideline struck a delightful effort over the bar. The home side levelled this game again as Donal Mc Kinley pointed.

A few moments later the visitors scored a brace of points with a cute hand pass from Ciaran O Boyle feeding Mc Laughlin scoring his second point. Sean Mc Dermott also pointed in front of the posts for a nice score.

Ryan Hill reduced the deficit with a point from out near the sideline, but Ciaran Magill was next to point for the team in blue as he ran up the pitch and struck a great point over the bar. 

Shane O Boyle replied for the hosts with two points in a 2 minute spell to level this tight tussle for the third time in the first half. 

Glenarm’s Mc Garel pounced on a low hit ball and turned his marker before lobbing over for a point.

Back came Loughgiel as a slick move resulted in Shane O Boyle catching a ball and driving it beyond Michael Abram in the Glenarm goal’s!!

Niall Mc Garel offered a quick response as he punished the home team with a brace of score’s to level this fixture. Liam O Neill added a point also, but again Tiago Mc Garry for the red and white’s slotted over a point from a free.

Sean Mc Dermott added to his tally with his third score before a reply from Finn Henry.

After some great stickwork and stealing the ball Niall Mc Garel, unselfishly passed the ball to Sean O Hare who obliged by sending an absolute rocket beyond Shay Mc Donnell in the Loughgiel nets.

A free was pointed next for the hosts off the stick of Tiago Mc Garry.

Just before the short whistle with the visitors raising the tempo, O Hare and Mc Laughlin both hitting white flag efforts.

Ronan Mc Collum replied for the home team with a point to leave the visitors in control by three at the break.

HALFTIME    Loughgiel 1-11    Shane Uí Neills 1-14

Five seconds had barely gone in the second period as Glenarm’s Aidan Scullion burst through and pointed a great effort.

Sean O Boyle, who came on as a second half sub for the visitors, showed his intent in this great game  and pierced the afternoon sky with a lovely point.

A five point lead was added to as Glenarm where finding openings in the Loughgiel rearguard, with Mc Garel and Hamill slotting over a point each, Hamill’s effort from a free.

Shane O Boyle on two occasions found himself in space and reduced the deficit to 5 points, before Hamill made it a six point lead with a converted free.

Donal Mc Kinley hit his third point of the game a moment later and both teams had their star free-takers to thank next as Darren Hamill and Tiago Mc Garry both hit 2 free’s each in a ten minute spell.

Dylan Mc Laughlin added to the Glenarm score with a nice solo effort as he evaded a couple of tackle’s and pointed, but not to be outdone back came the hosts as Ryan Hill hit an equally great score.

Mc Garel again carved a gap for himself and scored a good score before Loughgiel’s Conor O Mullan pointed. 

The Feystown boys tally was mounting with further points from a free off the stick of Darren Hamill, and another score from young Sean Mc Dermott.

In the closing minute’s Loughgiel hit a purple patch bagging 1-03 without reply leaving the bare minimum between the teams.

Tiago Mc Garry s truck a 40 yard free which totally evaded a Glenarm defender and nestled in the back of the net.

Hill and O Mullan added further score’s, Mc Garry hitting a free leaving a single point deficit.

With the game on the blow Glenarm hit an insurance point from Dylan Mc Laughlin to take the win, to end this entertaining game.

Loughgiel

Shay Mc Donnell, Cahir Connolly, Eddie Smyth, Ashdon Mc Garry, Tomas Mc Nulty, Finn Henry0-01, Niall Mc Closkey, Conor Deery, Tiago Mc Garry 1-06, 05f, Ryan Hill 0-03, Shane O Boyle 1-05, Ronan Mc Collum 0-01, Conan Johnston, Donal Mc Kinley0-03, Danny Mc Auley.

subs

Conor O Mullan 0-02, Liam Mc Garry, Liam Smyth, Dylan O Boyle

 Shane Uí Neill’s

 Michael Abram, Liam Og Mc Loughlin, Barry Hamill, John Scullion, Kieran O Boyle, Ciaran Magill 0-01, Michael Fury, Dylan Mc Laughlin 0-05, Aidan Scullion 0-01, Sean Mc Dermott 0-04, Niall Mc Garel 0-06, Liam O Neill0-02, Paddy Mc Auley, Darren Hamill 0-05f, Sean O Hare 1-01.

subs 

Sean O Boyle 0-01 for Paddy Mc Auley H/T, Rory Mulvenna for L O Neill 58 mins, Liam Mulvenna, Ryan Mc Loughlin, Aidan O Neill, Charlie Ward 

REITEÓIR  Fionntan Mc Cotter

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