OB Construction Antrim Intermediate Football Championship Group 2 

Ardoyne 0-13-0-07 St Pats Lisburn 

Kevin Herron reports from Fennell Park 

Ardoyne hit six unanswered points in the second period and that was the springboard to victory over St Pats as the North Belfast outfit bounced back from defeat to St Teresa’s with a 0-13-0-07 win at Fennell Park on Saturday evening. 

The hosts had to battle back and restored parity on three occasions in the opening half and were reduced to 14-men for a ten-minute period, though Marty Kane’s charges dominated after the break and restricted Lisburn to two late points- that were very much consolation in the pattern of the game. 

Ardoyne went into the game knowing that defeat would bring their season to a close on home turf after a 2-09-2-05 defeat to St Teresa’s in their group opener a fortnight previous. 

St Pat’s were first off the mark in Fennell Park with Francis McMeel swinging over a 2^nd minute free and they doubled their lead through Che Smyth’s fine hanging shot at the near post midway through the half. 

Prior to doubling their lead, St Pat’s were afforded a numerical advantage for a 10-minute period after Conor McLaughlin of Ardoyne was black-carded for a high pull down. 

The North Belfast side were without a score until the 18^th minute when Kevin Lynch picked out the run of Aidan McNeill- who claimed the mark and then converted. 

McNeill turned provider for his side’s leveller within 60-seconds, slipping a pass to Cormac Mullan who guided a tricky looking shot inside the posts. 

McMeel temporarily restored his sides advantage from a free, but Mullan replied from the same scenario a few minutes before McLaughlin re-entered proceedings. 

St Pat’s went two ahead for the second time in the half. Josh McMullan steered an angled effort between the posts and a minute later full-forward Mark Chernek got underneath a dropping ball close to the by-line and fisted over under pressure to move Lisburn 0-05-0-03 ahead. 

Ardoyne fought back and levelled at the break however, Kevin Lynch had his run checked at the edge of the box and Cormac Mullan tapped the close-range free over. 

Mullan would tie things up at the break with his third converted free of the half and at the break the sides went in the score 0-05 apiece. 

A minute after the restart Ardoyne hit the front for the first time thanks to Aidan McNeill’s second point of the evening. 

Cormac Mullan doubled his sides advantage with his second point from play and after Jack McMullan was penalised for touching the ball on the ground, Mullan was able to stretch the lead from the resulting free. 

Mullan made it five from five on the midway point of the half and further points followed through Kevin Lynch and Aidan McNeill to give the hosts a 0-11-0-05 lead by the 53^rd minute. 

It took St Pat’s until five minutes from time to initiate a response in the form of a Che Smyth point. 

Aidan McNeill kicked his second advanced mark of the evening, though Oisin Gorman replied after a quick attack and pop over the bar.

The visitors would end the game a man light after Mark Torbitt was black-carded for a deliberate drag-back a minute from time. 

Ardoyne completed a routine half’s work in injury time when talisman Cormac Mullan steered over his sixth free of the contest to ensure his side ran out 0-13-0-07 winners at the conclusion to leap into second place behind St Teresa’s. 

Although their place into the quarter-final isn’t confirmed yet with St Pat’s due to host St Teresa’s in the last group game in two weeks’ time.

Ardoyne:  T Hughes, M McGreevy, D McCormick, C Curran, K McCallin, C McLaughlin, K McLaughlin, S Rooney, O McVicker, E Corrigan, A McNeill (0-04, 0-02m), G McFarland, C Keown, C Mullan (0-08, 0-06f), K Lynch (0-01). Subs: C Barnes for K McLaughlin (41), D Moore for C Keown (57). 

St Pat’s Lisburn: R McKenna, J McMullan, T Burns, P Law, O Gorman (0-01), M Torbitt, B McMullan, C Burns, A Patterson, R Kennedy, J McMullan (0-01), C Smyth (0-02), T McMeel (0-02f), M Chernek (0-01), E Dixon. Subs: C Ewing for T McMeel (HT), D Taggart for R Kennedy (43), T McMeel for M Chernek (48), C Dixon for A Patterson (56). 

Referee: Fionntan McCotter (Sarsfields)

OB Construction Intermediate Football Championship Group 4 

Saturday 12^th August 

Report by Niall Kelly   

Patrick Sarsfields 1-11    Gort Na Móna 0-06 

A composed and assured performance from Sarsfields against Belfast counterparts Gort Na Móna, ensured progression into the quarter final stage with home advantage their added incentive. In truth, Sarsfields had a measure of control of proceedings from referee Paul Burn’s first whistle despite a dogged effort from Gort Na Móna. Gary Lennon gave his side the lead after just two minutes, and it would be a lead they would refuse to relinquish for the rest of the game. Substitute Brian Healy’s calm finish to the net with ten minutes remaining extinguished all hopes of any sort of Gort revival as their hosts cantered home to victory with eight points to spare.  

The commanding presence of Gary Lennon caused early problems for the visitors and the number 14 opened the scoring with a fine mark on the second minute before an audacious effort off the outside of Philip McPeake’s right boot split the posts from range to double their lead moments later. Seeking to respond, the visitors tried in vain to create opportunities of their own but struggled to get any sort of fluid football together and Sarsfield’s high press on their kickouts was causing all sorts of problem.  

With the Gort defence hemmed in, Sarsfields’ calculated and patient approach play reaped rewards as the familiar prowess of Kevin McKernan came to the fore with the number 15 grabbing the next two scores to see his side go four in front by the twentieth minute.  

Gort Na Móna were desperate for some sort of reprieve and despite some promising build up play couldn’t seem to get the final pass right. Their reliance on the high ball into target men in the full forward line wasn’t having its desired effect as the Paddies’ defence stood resolute under the ariel bombardment.  

On the 25^th minute, the visitors’ efforts were finally rewarded when Tarlach Enright despatched a free from close range. Big hits were beginning to fly in and with a few off the ball altercations, things were starting to heat up. This perhaps sparked the hosts back into action again, as the ever-impressive McPeake doubled his tally, fisting over after some intricate link play with Liam Mitchell to leave the score at the short whistle 0-05 to 0-01. 

With scores hard to come by in the first half, the second period was a much more open affair. Kevy Floyd opened the scoring with a superb, curling effort from range before Gort responded immediately through the boot of midfielder Aidan McDonagh who was at the heart of everything positive in his side’s performance.  

However, three points in the space of five minutes from Sarsfields helped them bolster their lead further. Again, it was the dynamic duo of McKernan (2) and Lennon combining to great effect.  Yet again though, Gort Na Móna refused to lie down and managed to cut the gap back to five. Ciaran Donnelly bulldozed his way through the Paddies’ rearguard before unleashing a monstrous effort from range. This was followed up by the trusty right boot of Enright from the placed ball and momentum was now slowly shifting towards the visitors in their search of a comeback.  

Reinforcements from the host’s bench would prove to be pivotal though as the fresh legs reinvigorated the men in green and black in their drive for victory. Caolan McKernan put the finishing touches on a marauding, driving run from full back Joe McNally before Brian Healy hammered the final nail in the coffin on the fiftieth minute. Healy, who had barely been on the pitch two minutes, raced through on goal and having been denied by a wonderful save from Thomas McCaffrey, he made no mistake despatching the rebound as he drilled home off the ground into the bottom left of the despairing keeper’s net.  

Sarsfields’ relentless press was executed to great effect again as Gary Lennon curled over from close range after having regained possession deep in the Gort half as the result looked a foregone conclusion now.  

To their credit, despite the sizable margin stacked against them and the imminent arrival of Paul Burn’s full-time whistle, the visitors continued to plug away and were rewarded with two excellent points from dangerman Enright as he increased his tally to 0-03 for the day.  

Sarsfields will be delighted with yet another comprehensive win and assurance of topping the group. With a full complement of players at their disposal, they are certainly a side with realistic Championship hopes. Gort Na Móna no doubt will be disappointed with the result, but they must take solace in the fact that all is not lost. Their clash with Glenavy will be a winner-take-all scenario with both vying to grab the last quarter final spot.  

Teams: 

Sarsfields 

M Brady; C McDonnell, J McNally, M McPolin; P McPeake (0-02,) D McKernan, L Mitchell; C McKernan (0-01,) C Murray; K Floyd (0-01,) N McKenna, C Glenholmes; N McAlea, G Lennon (0-03,) K McKernan (0-04) 

Substitute scorers:  

B Healy (1-00) 

Gort Na Móna: 

T McCaffrey; T Enright (0-03,) P McCaffrey, P Mulvenna; D McClean, P McHugh, D Boyd; A McDonagh (0-02) P Courmane; M Savage, C Carson, C Donnelly (0-01) B Burns, T Morton, S Campbell 

OB CONSTRUCTION 1FC GROUP 3

St. James Aldergrove 0-13 All Saints 1-10

When Emmet Killough kicked a quite outrageous point, 19 minutes into the second half to move All Saints 1-9 to 0-7 clear in this Group 3 IFC clash in Crumlin it was hard to see anything other than a win for the visitors.

Liam Bradley’s side were five ahead and looked in complete control as they moved the ball around at pace and with conviction. Connell Lemon added another from a close range free, a minute later to extend that lead to and they looked on their way to victory.

It would be their final score of the game however and not for the first time this season the Ballymena side retreated into their shell and handed the initiative to their opponents Aldergrove who didn’t need a second invitation.

Inspired by the magic of Seamus McGarry St James slowly reeled in their opponents and the former Antrim county panellist would kick five of his sides six unanswered points to earn his side a draw.

It was St. James Aldergrove who enjoyed the better of the opening half exchanges, playing down the Crumlin slope on a bright afternoon, interrupted by a number of heavy showers.

Ryan McCarthy pointed them ahead following a Mark in the second minute with Ronan McKillop levelling matters with five minutes gone.

McGarry showed his early influence on the contest as he pointed the home side back in front from a free in the 8^th minute and he added another from play before Ferghal Burke moved the Crumlin side 0-4 to 0-1 ahead after 13 minutes play.

Space was at a premium as both sides pulled players behind the ball with possession the name of the game but Benny McDonnell finally raised the visitor’s second white flag of the contest following a strong run.

Mid-fielder, Ryan Owens restored the home side’s three point advantage with a good point in the 17^th minute and as defences continued to dominate, a great point from full-back, James McDonnell for the visitors would conclude the first half scoring.

Playing down the slope in the second half, All Saints found themselves further behind as Seamus McGarry fired over in the second minute to move Aiden Dougan’s side three ahead.

The visitors had struggled to put meaningful attacks together up to this point but suddenly they came to life as Ronan McKillop, who had been dangerous throughout, split the posts in the 5^th minute.

A minute later it got even better for the Slemish Park side as Sean McVeigh and Shea O’Brien combined to place Benny McDonnell for a goal from close range and All Saints were ahead for the first time and beginning to show belief.

Ronan McKillop followed with his third point of the game and Emmet Killough followed with another to move his side three clear with only eight minutes of the second half gone.

McKillop, who was in inspirational form, added two as the Ballymena side pushed men forward and Killough’s superb effort and Lemon’s point from a close range free looked to be enough to earn the visitors victory.

There was still 11 minutes plus stoppage time left and as All Saints lost their way the Crumlin side staged a remarkable comeback with Seamus McGarry orchestrating matters.

James Trowlan began the assault when he pointed a free in the 20^th minute after the ball had been moved forward for dissent and Cormac McGarry added another before Seamus McGarry stamped his class and influence on the game with three on the bounce.

Suddenly there was only one between the sides and McGarry kept his cool to punish another indiscretion by the visitors defence when he fired over from 30 meters to keep his side top of Group 3.

All Saints can still join them in the quarter-finals. Beat or even draw with St. Comgall’s in their final game and their through. Beat them by more than 16 points and they will top the group. Lose and it will be the Antrim town men who will join St. James in the play-offs

OB Construction Antrim Intermediate Football Championship.

Group One at the Bear Pit

Davitt’s 0-15 Pearse’s 1-9

Davitt’s bounced back from last week’s defeat in Glenravel to take the points in Friday evening’s Intermediate Football Championship game against Belfast rivals Pearses at the Bear Pit.  

The Falls Road men were in control for most of the game and were nine clear at a stage in the second half, but last year’s Junior Champions Pearses staged a late revival to close within two and there were a few worried looking Davitt’s fans wondering just what was going on. However they never panicked and saw they game out to get their championship hopes back on track.

The winners struck early when Jay Maguire pointed in the opening minute and Gerard Slane and CJ Sullivan added points apiece to stretch their lead to three. It took Pearses a while to get going but they broke their duck nearing the end of the opening quarter when Daniel Magee got on the end of a long ball from Piaras Donaghy and fisted the ball past Slane in the Davitt’s goal to open up their account.

You felt that Pearses would push on from such a great score but Davitt’s regained control and PJ Sullivan, Aaron Slane and Deaglan Mooney all knocked over points to help stretch their team’s lead to seven at the half way stage. (0-10 to 1-0).

Eamon Connor got Pearses second score of the game early in the new half but Sullivan, Slane and Maguire all came back with scores and Davitt’s were in cruise control. The only thing that appeared to be in question was the size of the winning margin but the men from the New Lodge suddenly took control of the game and hit seven points in a row to cut the arrears to just two and turn the game on its head.

Stephen Fitzsimons led the line with four pointed frees and one from play, while Moreland and Connor also got in on the scoring act.

Davitt’s were treading water. They needed a lift to arrest their slide and it came from Gerard Slane who slotted over a very good point, before adding one from a free. Pearses, who by this stage were reduced to fourteen men after Devine received a straight red card, did manage to pull one back through a Fitzsimons free but Davitt’s managed to hold on to seal the win

DAVITT’S: A Slane (0-1 free); C Rainey, J park, C Toner; K Skelly, A Hargan, D Mooney (0-1); M Connolly (0-1), N McParland; C Slane (0-1), G Slane (0-4, 1 free), N Magin; CJ Sullivan (0-5), J Maguire (0-2), A Rowntree.

Subs: S McGivern for A Rowntree (46), C Ferran for C Toner (60+3)

PEARSE’S: E McKenna; C McCavana, T McFarlane, A Bannon; C Gillespie, N Gorman, J Collins; P Donaghy, C O’Neill; S Moreland (0-1), S Fitzsimons (0-6, 5 frees), P Murray; E Connor (0-2), D Magee (1-0), A McCavana

Subs: N Devine for J Collins (42), B Harper for C Gillespie (52)

REFEREE: Martin Quinn (Naomh Éanna) 

OB Construction Intermediate Football Champioinship

Glenravel 1-16  St Pauls 2-05

They say familiarity breeds contempt. Well St Pauls GAC Club would be justified in feeling some level of contempt towards Glenravel GAC Club having faced defeat by them three times in six days across hurling, camogie and football. On this occasion it was the big ball game and though the scoreline looks impressive for the green and whites it certainly did not all go their way. Two goals either side of half time brought St Paul’s right back into the game but they failed to build on that momentum and Con Magees ran out comfortable enough winners in the end.

Eamon Fyfe and Seán Mac Corraidh exchanged points in the opening minutes but that was followed by a litany of mistakes by either side courtesy of a slippery ball and greasy surface brought about by some heavy rain showers pre throw in. Fyfe again and David Higgins gave Glenravel a three point lead at the end of the first quarter but that was reduced to two when St Paul’s Patrick Doyle put over a nice point with ten minutes of the half remaining. Eoin Hynds and Fyfe increased Glenravel’s lead before Patrick Doyle pulled one back for the Belfast men. In the closing stages of the first half Glenravel started to dominate possession and went on to score four unanswered points to stretch their lead to seven points 0-10 to 0-03. A mix up in Glenravel’s defence allowed midfielder Colm McLarnon to ghost in behind and he blasted to the roof of the net much to the delight of the city spectators. Cahal Hynds fisted the final score of the first half so the teams retired with Glenravel leading 0-11 to 1-03. 

Glenravel needed to suppress their opponents upward momentum at the start of the second half but that went badly wrong when Liam McLarnon pounced for a goal two minutes after the restart to reduce the gap to two points and it looked like we had a game on our hands. However it would take St Pauls another twenty five minutes before registering their next score. Glenravel responded with a point and there then followed a sixteen minute hiatus when neither side could raise a flag so with ten minutes of the game remaining Con Magees held a slender lead 0-12 to 2-03. However that was all to change in the next five minutes when Cormac McKeown goaled and that was followed up by points from Callum Higgins (0-02) and Declan Traynor to increase Glenravel’s lead to 1-15 to 2-03 and only five minutes normal time remaining. St Pauls went route one with long balls to try and conjure up a goal but to no avail. They did manage two frees from Patrick Doyle, their only second half scores after the second minute goal and so it was left to an Eoin Hynds free to bring the game to conclusion and victory for Glenravel 1-16 to 2-05. 

The win secures qualification to the quarter finals for Con Magees while St Paul’s must travel to Davitt Park in the final game in a winner takes all match in two weeks time.