Category / Intermediate Football Championship

by thesaffrongael

Cuchullains Through to Last Four

OB Construction Intermediate Football Championship – Quarter-Final

Dunloy 1-12 Aldergrove 2-7

Sunday September 11

Brendan McTaggart reports from Aldergrove

With this quarter-final stretching into injury time, it looked like Aldergrove had performed the great escape.  Dunloy had stretched into a five point lead and looked to have more than one foot in the semi-final when the home side scored two majors from out of this world that saw them take the lead for the first time in the game.

The Cuchullains remained composed in the time that remained and had enough quality to edge home.  An equaliser through a questionable free and scores from substitute Anthony Smith and Nigel Elliott booked Dunloy’s place in the last four.

Keelan Molloy celebrates scoring Dunloy’s 47th minute goal

The Cuchullains controlled this game for long periods and had the St James side held on after Gerard Mallon’s worldy, it would have been as big a ‘smash and grab’ win as you will see this or any year.  Both goals were incredible finishes and worthy of winning any game of football – Seamus McGarry with the first to give his side a glimmer of hope.

Seamus McGarry was always a threat for Aldergrove and top scored with 1-2 for his side.  Oisin Graham played sweeper to try and control the inside forwards of the Cuchullains while Conor Browning and Andrew Flood also shone for the home side.

Keelan Molloy top scored for the Cuchullains with 1-5, his goal coming mid-way through the second half and looked to be the deciding score of the game.  Nigel Elliott and Conal Cunning were always a threat while defensively, Aaron Crawford and James Scally excelled.  On a day where conditions certainly weren’t conducive for free flowing football, the Cuchullains defence were immense.  Not conceding a free within scoring range throughout the hour but their win was built around the midfield dominance of Ryan McGarry and man of the match Deaglan Smith.  The pairing made little of the inclement weather conditions and less than favourable ground conditions to push Dunloy to victory.

Playing against the wind and up the hill in the first half, Dunloy started superbly and had the first three points on the board before McGarry opened Aldergrove’s account in the eighth minute.  Keelan Molloy, Eoin Gillan and Nigel Elliott with the scores for the Cuchullains.  

Declan Gough scored two points for Aldergrove on Sunday afternoon

Declan Gough scored his first of two points to halve the deficit before Molloy fired over his first of three frees in the 18th minute.

The home side began to find their passing game as the game progressed however and came to terms with the Dunloy attacking movement.  The Cuchullains chances were restricted as Aldergrove began to take control.  Conor Morris and Conal Cunning (free) swapped scores before the home side created a goal scoring chance.  Ronan Hanna with an outstanding pass to find McGarry.  Wide on the left, he dissected the Dunloy defence with an inch perfect pass but McGarry’s touch, for once, let him down with the Dunloy goal at his mercy.  He did manage to score the last point of the half to leave two points between the sides at the short whistle.  Dunloy 0-6 Aldergrove 0-4.

The second half began with much of the same football.  Largely played on Aldergrove’s terms and Dunloy trying to impose their attack again.  The home side restricted the Cuchullains to just one point in the opening quarter after the break, Molloy with the point while they fired over scores from Ronan Hanna (mark), Fearghal Hanna and Declan Gough to leave the sides tied going into the final 15 minutes.

That would be Aldergrove’s last score until the 58th minute however as Dunloy began to fire once again.  Molloy’s second and third frees of the hour came either side of the Cuchullains goal.  Nigel Elliott intercepting a stray Aldergrove pass and spraying a pass to Molloy on the edge of the square.  Molloy remained composed and fired to the back of the net with his scores giving the Cuchullains a five point lead with less than ten minutes remaining.

Dunloy looked to be seeing out the time that remained but Aldergrove rolled the dice one last time.  A high ball fell loose in the Dunloy defence and McGarry gathered before thumping the ball high and to the back of the Dunloy net, giving ‘keeper Chrissy Brogan no chance.

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA
Conor Browning retains possession for Aldergrove
Eoin Gillan tackles Andrew Flood during the first half in Aldergrove

The Aldergrove faithful were still celebrating when they carved out another chance.  Gerard Mallon with half a glimpse of goal and his finish was emphatic.  A thunderous strike into the top corner that gave the home side the lead for the first time in the game as the game ticked into injury time.  Aldergrove were reduced to 14 men when Fearghal Hanna was sent off for a second bookable offence and Dunloy regrouped.  They were rewarded a dubious free to equalise with the next attack, Conal Cunning converting the free and the Cuchullains pushed for home in the closing stages.  A superb ball over the top found substitute Anthony Smith in space and he showed composure to split the uprights while Nigel Elliott had the final say with his second white flag of the hour with what was the last action of a dramatic second half.  Cuchullains proceed to the last four.

TEAMS

Dunloy: Chrissy Brogan; Conor Kinsella, Aaron Crawford, Oran Quinn; Eoin McFerran, Kevin McQuillan, James Scally; Deaglan Smith, Ryan McGarry; Nigel Elliott, Eoin Gillan, Chrissy McMahon, Conal Cunning, Keelan Molloy, Seaan Elliott

Scorers: K Molloy 1-5 (3fs); N Elliott 0-2; E Gillan 0-2; C Cunning 0-2 (2fs); Anthony Smith 0-1

Aldergrove: Shane O’Neill; Eoin Gough, Christopher McVeigh, David Aiken; Gerard Mallon, Andrew Flood, Declan Gough; Ryan Owens, Fearghal Hanna; Seamus McGarry, Ronan Hanna, Conor Browning; Conro Morris, James Trowlen, Oisin Graham

Scorers: S McGarry 1-2; G Mallon 1-00; D Gough 0-2; F Hanna 0-1; C Morris 0-1; R Hanna 0-1 (1 mark)

Referee: Danny O’Neill (Gort na Mona)

Declan Gough scored two points for Aldergrove on Sunday afternoon
Keelan Molloy celebrates scoring Dunloy’s 47th minute goal
Conor Browning retains possession for Aldergrove
Eoin Gillan tackles Andrew Flood during the first half in Aldergrove
by thesaffrongael

Con Magees bounce back from bad start to seal semi-final place

OB Construction Intermediate Football Championship Quarter Final

Sunday 11th September

Report by Niall Kelly 

Con Magee’s Glenravel 0-14    All Saints Ballymena 0-12

Con Magees Glenravel secured a place in the semi-final of the Intermediate Football championship when they beat old rivals All Saints in Sunday’s quarter final at Fr Maginn Park. Trailing by five points in the first ten minutes, the signs were looking ominous for the Con Magee’s. Ballymena had established a stranglehold on the game and their fluid movement in transitions and constant pressure had the hosts camped in their half. However, Eamon Fyfe spearheaded a Glenravel resurgence and his rasping point from range on the twenty fifth minute was the perfect exclamation mark for their revival. It would be a lead that they would refuse to relinquish for the remainder of the game.

This much anticipated game was always going to be a hard one to call and predictions of a tight and feisty affair proved to be correct as the pendulum of momentum swung to and fro throughout. The arrival of Irish Autumn was all too evident as the players were forced to battle a deluge of rain. What ensued on Father Maginn Park was a gruelling and heavy hitting duel between two battling sides.

All Saints started the game in scintillating fashion and talisman Paddy McAleer fired over the opening score a mere thirty seconds into proceedings after rising like a salmon from Kevin Park’s throw-in and surging relentlessly through the Glenravel rear guard. Eamon Fyfe replied with a well despatched free off the carpet but Ballymena’s sheer power driving forward was to be a thorn in the side of their hosts. Benny McDonnell slotted over three trade-mark frees before corner back Shaun O’Callaghan embarked on a marauding run at the heart of the Con Magee’s defence, firing over as competently as a seasoned forward. Peter ‘Pizza’ McReynolds has been a welcome inclusion back in the starting fifteen for All Saints and made his presence known after linking well with Eoin Walsh before tapping over from an acute angle.

Ballymena’s breathless opening had the hosts on the ropes and Eoin Hynd’s pointed free from range on the twelfth minute offered the hosts a much-needed respite. Glenravel started to look brighter following this and their ability to win countless second balls in midfield would provide the fulcrum they required to mount their comeback. Hynds would pop over another from the placed ball before Connor McNeill offloaded for Ryan McQuillan to finish with aplomb. Eamon Fyfe then put on a forward’s masterclass as he would fire over a further five points without reply. Ball after ball went in to Fyfe and despite often being marshalled by two All Saints defenders, he still managed to negotiate space for himself with his weaving, powerful surges before finishing with devastating accuracy. Indeed, it turned out to be a first half of two halves with Ballymena retreating to the changing rooms at half-time perhaps scratching their heads at the Glenravel revival.

The second half was a gruelling battle for the ascendancy with Ballymena trying to force the issue. Eoin Hynds was on hand for the hosts two minutes into the second half as fired over from a free after tenacious work from Ryan McQuillan. The visitors though began to dominate the ball in the first quarter of the half. Deploying Emmet Killough back to his more familiar midfield position was reaping rewards, giving them an outlet in the engine room to springboard attacks. Benny McDonnell’s two precise efforts from frees cut into the Glenravel lead and prompted Baker Bradley’s charges to heap the pressure on the Glenravel defence but the hosts responded tigerishly with Cathal Hynds and Niall Swann marshalling their resolute back-line.

After withstanding the barrage of All Saints attacks, Eoin Hynds steered over an excellent effort assisted ably by his brother Cathal on the forty fifth minute. Hynds then exchanged further points with Conor Stewart whose presence on proceedings was becoming more influential. Stewart then caressed over another as he put the finish touches on a move very much constructed by the trojan-like Kavan Keenan.

With the gap down to two and less than ten minutes on the clock, the home faithful watched with baited breath as nerves were no doubt frayed. Declan Traynor was to be the man who answered their prayers as he bombed forward from his defensive role to put the finishing touches on a fluid move after industrious work from Niall Swann. Traynor doubled his tally minutes later following intelligent play from Sean McKay.

With the game approaching added time, Ballymena’s resilience and mentality was never in question as they continued to surge forward in their droves searching for that all-elusive goal. High balls were launched in the hope of unlocking the door but it was to no avail. Benny McDonnell’s trusty right foot despatched two more scores but it was to prove too little too late as Glenravel clung on for victory.

Ballymena will no doubt be despondent as their Intermediate Crown dreams are no longer. Last year’s finalists will rue their missed opportunities and how they couldn’t replicate their form in the opening exchanges over the course of the game. Conversely, for Glenravel the win will no doubt galvanise their efforts to be atop the Intermediate grade come its conclusion. Nothing has been won today for them, but there can be little no doubt that knocking out one of the big favourites will only serve to bolster their momentum and it will be an intriguing proposition when they meet a resurgent Sarsfields side in two weeks’ time.  

Teams:

Con Magee’s Glenravel:

J McEvoy; C Henry, C Hynds, C Carey; R Lennon, N Swann, D McQuillan; C Higgins, D Higgins; A O’Donnell, E Hynds (0-05,) C McNeill; D Traynor (0-02,) E Fyfe (0-07,) R McQuillan (0-01)

All Saints Ballymena:

N Shannon; S O’Callaghan (0-01,) J McDonnell, J Gillan; C McGarry, P McAleer (0-01,) K Keenan; E Killough, S McVeigh; C Stewart (0-02,) B McDonnell (0-07,) M McCarry; S O’Brien, P McReynolds (0-01,) E Walsh

Referee Kevin Parke (NaomhEanna)

by thesaffrongael

Sarsfields sail through to semis

OB Construction Antrim Intermediate Football Championship, quarter-final
Sarsfield’s 2-21 St Paul’s 1-11

Yet another impressive display by Sarsfields saw them take another step up the ladder in their standing in the Intermediate Football Championship. Once again the men from the Bear Pit showed just what they are capable of as they beat their neighbours St Paul’s by 13 points to book their place in the semi-final and now must be among the favourites to take the title.

With former St Gall’s and Antrim start Terry O’Neill guiding them this team has grown in confidence, and their style of play has saw them rack up big scores. Saturday was another such display as they put 2-21 on the board, and all of the six starting forwards contributing to that total. Saturday performance bore no resemblance to the one who struggled against St Patrick’s in Lisburn just a few short weeks ago, one who went 29 minutes before raising their first flag.

Sarsfields corner forward Tomas Skillen who score 1-3 in his team’s win over St Paul’s.

It was Kevin McKernan who broke their duck that day, but on Saturday he had the white flag raised inside the first minute, and added another from a free soon afterwards. Padraig Doyle pulled one back from a free for St Paul’s but the Paddies were well on top and when corner forward Tomas Skillen got the first goal of the game midway through the half they men in green and black were firmly in charge. Padraig Lowe and Conal Duffy kept St Paul’s in touch with two well taken points, but the home side regained their composure and Niall McAlena and James Farrell found the target to help the Paddies to a 1-8 to 0-6 lead at the break.

That five point gap was soon out to seven as Kevo McKernan and Gary Lennon got the first two points of the second half, but St Paul’s were thrown a lifeline when corner forward Ruairi Hamill was fouled in the ‘square’ and Conal Duffy fired home the resultant penalty. However the St Paul’s fans had just time for a brief celebration as the boys from the Bear Pit responded right away and after Naill McAlea and Kevin Floyd came back with points, corner forward Brian Healy won possession and powered his way through to fire in his team’s second goal. By this stage the only thing in question was the size of Sarsfield’s winning margin and Caolan McKernan, Tomas Skillen, Kevo McKernan and Gary Lennon all added to the scoring to wrap up an impressive win.

Next weekend they turn their attention back to the small ball, and while the odds seemed stacked against them, it is not impossible. They travel to Fr Maginn Park to take on a Glenravel side who are already out of the running and will be hot favourites to win that one. However if Glenariffe win their game just down the road in Waterfoot against Creggan it will not matter as the Oisins would be through, but if the Kickhams were to overturn the Oisins then the Paddies could go through on a superior score difference.

SARSFIELD’S: M Brady; A McGarrigle, M McPolin, M Johnston; P McPeake, D McKernan, C McKernan (0-1); C Murray, N McKenna; N McAlea (0-2), K McKernan (0-7, 4f), K Floyd (0-1); T Skillen (1-3), G Lennon (0-5, 3f, 1m), B Healy (1-2).
Subs: D Smyth for C Murray (43), J McNally for N McAlea (44), D McGuinness for K Floyd (45), L Mitchell for A McGarrigle (47).

ST PAUL’S: J McAufield; N Ward, G McGroarty, M Duffy; T Auld, D Burms, A Kavanagh; S O’Brien, J Farrell (0-1); P Lowe (0-1), E Reid, M Munce; Conal Duffy (1-2, 1-0 pen), P Doyle (0-5, 4f), R Hamill (0-2).
Subs: J Rodgers for J McAufield (46), D Quinn for M Munce (48), P Magee for G McGroarty (53), M Gallagher for M Duffy (55), Caoimhin Duffy for E Reid (57).

REFEREE: Colm McDonald (St Gall’s)

by thesaffrongael

Football Championships have reached the knockout stages

Football Championship Week-end (9th/11th September)

It’s back to the football championships this week end which features games in all the levels, Senior, Intermediate and Junior over the three days. After the group stages it’s down to sudden death with no second chances for this weekend’s losers.

Just one game on Friday evening with the first quarter final of the senior grade featured with further games in all of the grades scheduled for Saturday and Sunday.

Northern Switchgear Senior Football Championship (quarter finals)

Friday 9th September (7.30pm)

Dunsilly

Erin’s Own Cargin v Lamh Dhearg

The opening game on the championship agenda is certain to attract a big attendance at Dunsilly as Lamh Dhearg and Cargin cross swords in what looks an intriguing confrontation.

Cargin have been favoured by some of the pundits to regain the title following their defeat at the hands of near neighbours Creggan last term but the Toome men have not been at their best recently. They did gain victory over St Enda’s in their opening game but found the going tough next time in defeat to Rossa and improvement will certainly be required.

Lamh Dhearg gained a share of the spoils at Creggan before defeating St. John’s on day two at Hannastown before finishing with another draw against St Gall’s at Milltown on day 3.

Cargin will start as favourites but this looks like a close one with the Toome side given a tentative nod.

Saturday 10th September (5.00pm)

Dunsilly

Casement’s Portglenone v Gort na Mona

Casement’s have impressed in their march undefeated through the group stages and will start this quarter final as firm favourites as they take on Gort na Mona on Saturday evening at Dunsilly.

The Bannsider’s under former player John McKeever have not been unduly troubled to gain their berth in the last eight and they will start this latest assignment in search of a place in the last four as firm favourites.

Gort na Mona have struggled in the league and they have yet to gain a win in the championship but earn a quarter final berth with a superior score difference to Tir na nOg.

Casement’s will go into this one as the firmest of favourites and although their West Belfast based opponents will be aiming to cause an upset it is more than difficult to envisage anything other than a win for the Portglenone men.

Sunday 11th September (1.00pm)

Hannahstown

St Mary’s Aghagallon v St Brigid’s

This looks a close one as last year’s beaten finalists St Mary’s Aghagallon look to take a step further in 2022 as they meet St Brigid’s at the elevated at Hightown.

Having endured a poor league campaign, due mainly to a long injury list and several key individuals travelling Stateside, Aghagallon have shown marked improvement of late and they will hope to continue that form in the championship.

St Brigid’s, have struggled to make the breakthrough in the senior championship despite a long list of continuing juvenile success.

They will possibly look at 2022 as a chance to make good and travel to St. Enda’s with confidence following a good win at Ahoghill in their final group game.

A close one is anticipated, which could go either way with the combatants looking well matched, but a tentative vote is awarded to the South Belfast men.

Hightown (3.30pm)

Kickham’s Creggan (holders) v O’ Donovan Rossa

This last quarter final features defending champions, Kickham’s Creggan take on an in form O’ Donovan Rossa at Hightown.

The South West based champions have not been at their best on their route to the quarter final stages and were pushed all the way at Corrigan last time to earn a draw which secured them a place in the quarter-final.

Rossa impressed in their last game in the group stages with a win over the visiting Cargin and Hugh Mc Gettigan and Paul Close seem to have the dual club really firing on all cylinders.

Creggan will start this one as firm favourites and they may well deliver, but Rossa are more than capable of causing an upset.

O B construction Intermediate Football Championship (quarter-finals)

The Intermediate championship is at the quarter final stage with the sides topping the respective groups enjoying home advantage.

Sat 10th September (3.00pm)

Patrick Sarsfield’s v St Paul’s (Bear Pit)

Following a moderate ‘middle of the road’ showing in league, Sarsfield’s have really hit the ground running in the championship with an unbeaten record in their group and they look contenders for honours.

They completed their group section with a big win over Ardoyne and will hope to carry that form into this quarter final as they welcome near neighbours St Paul’s to the Bear Pit.

St Paul’s qualified by virtue of score difference at conclusion of their group games to gain this quarter final place.

The Shaw’s road side finished on a three way tie with Aldergrove and St Teresa’s and snatched this last eight place just ahead of St Teresa’s, on an eight point score difference.

A close game between these sides which only a fence separates is envisaged with ground advantage for Sarsfields possibly tilting the balance in favour of the Paddies.

St Joseph’s Glenavy v Michael Davitt’s (Chapel Hill)

Having produced a moderate league campaign Glenavy have impressed in the championship to date and it has been a case of best foot forward from the St Joseph’s men.

They won both games in their group, impressive in victory at Ballymena and likewise in a big win over the visiting St Comgall’s.

Michael Davitt’s lost their way somewhat in the league following a positive opening but a win over Rasharkin and a final day defeat at Glenravel set up this quarter final trip to Glenavy.

Glenavy will start this one as firm favourites with home advantage and although Davitt’s are capable of producing better a win for St. Joseph’s does look the most likely scenario.

Sunday 11th September (12 noon)

St James Aldergrove v Cuchullian’s Dunloy (Crumlin)

This all South West encounter sees St James Aldergrove play hosts to Cuchullian’s Dunloy and a close one does look in prospect.

The Crumlin residents topped their group in qualification but only with a superior score difference over St. Paul’s and St Teresa’s.

Cuchullian’s qualified the last eight with wins over Ardoyne and St Patricks and the dual club will travel up to Crumlin fully focused.

Aldergrove have experience a plenty within their ranks and recorded a good win over Dunloy in the league recently but Dunloy look in a positive mode and they may well gain a narrow verdict.

Con Magees Glenravel v All Saint’s Ballymena (Mc Quillan Park)

This local derby sees bCon Magees play hosts to All Saints as former Antrim supremo ‘Baker’ Bradley takes his side to Fr. Maginn Park to play Joe Cassidy’s Glensmen.

Glenravel have had a descent league campaign and were undefeated in their championship group games with wins over Rasharklin and Davitt’s and with home advantage will fancy their chances in this one.

They  had six point to spare at Rasharkin and followed up with a seven point win over Davitt’s at Sunday’s venue to see them finish top of Group 3.

All Saint’s gained their place in the quarter final following a win over St Comgall’s, which followed defeat to Glenavy at Slemish Park in their opening game.

This one could go either way but home advantage may be enough to swing it Glenravel’s way.

.

Sat 10th September (3.00pm)

Graham Tarmac Junior Football Championship (qtr. finals)

Patrick Pearses v St Agnes

Patrick Pearses, with a couple of wins in their group games will enter the fray as firm favourites when they entertain St Agnes.

The Aggies recorded a big win when they hosted Mc Quillan’s at Woodlands and were narrowly beaten in their other 2 group 2 games. This looks a more difficult task for Roy McLarnon’s side and Pearses are expected to gain the day and a place in the next phase of the Junior championship.

Laochra Loch Lao v Eire Og

This looks like another close one in prospect as Eire Og travel to meet Laochra Loch Lao with both enjoying a similar profile.

The home side have gained wins over Mc Quillan’s and St Agnes in the group stages and may well add another victory en route to the next round.

by thesaffrongael

Con Magees get through against 13 man Davitt’s

OB Construction Intermediate Football Championship

Con Magees Glenravel 1-14 Michael Davitt’s 1-07

A strong second half by Con Magees saw them safely through to the quarter final of the Intermediate Football Champpionship at Fr Maginn Park on Saturday evening. The home team led by two at half time but three points in four minutes after the restart eased them clear, a task made easier when Davitt’s had two men sent off in the 35th and 42nd minutes. To their credit Davitt’s rallied in the final quarter and three pointed frees from substitute Cricky Laverty saw them reduce the deficit to four. The home side were at sixes and sevens for a while but they found their radar again and three late points saw them win by seven.

Davitt’s goalkeeper Aaron Slane sends over the opening point of the game from a free

Davitt’s goalkeeper Aaron Slane gave the Falls Road men the lead with a pointed free in the third minute, but straight from the kick-out Eoin Hynds made a great catch and called the mark before finding Eamon Fyfe with a great pass, and the full forward finished superbly to the net with the left foot. From the kick out Fyfe intercepted an attempted short pass and placed corner forward Ryan McQuillan for a point but soon afterwards Davitt’s centre forward  Padraig McParland popped one over at the other end to cut the gap back to two points.

Davitt’s hit the front on ten minutes when centre back Niall McParand cut in along the Glenravel endline and fired home a goal and when they added a point on twenty minutes they appeared to be gaining control. However that was to be their last score of the first half and the Con Magees finished the half strongly with points from Eamon Fyfe, Eoin Hynds and Fyfe again to lead by 1-5 to 1-3 at half time.

Con Magees Calum Higgins who had a great second half for the Glenravel men.

After the restart Glenravel continued on where they left off and two excellent points from midfielder Calum Higgins and one from Rian Lennon stretched their lead to five. Davitt’s task got harder when they last a player to a second yellow card, and when Calum Higgins, who had a brilliant second half, added another they faced a real uphill battle.

They pulled one back with a great point direct from a sideline kick out on the right but when the lost their second player soon afterwards a difficult task became well-nigh impossible. A pointed free from Eoin Hynds and one from play by Eamon Fyfe stretched the home team lead to seven and appeared to be cruising. However the introduction of substitute Cricky Laverty heralded a ten minute spell when Davitt’s were on top again, Lavery cutting the gap back to four with three excellently finished points from free.

Davitt’s Gerard Slane comes out of defence with the ball.

There was a nervousness among the home fans, seeing their team lose their way, but those nerves were settled when Eamon Fyfe sent over a free from 35 meters and when Calum Higgins and Ryan Lennon followed with well taken scores from play they were safely through to a quarter final meeting with old rivals All Saints, back at Fr Maginn Park in two weeks’ time.