Category / Intermediate Football Championship

by thesaffrongael

Championship semi-finals this weekend

The Senior football Championship scheduled for this week-end is an all country affair with four sides from the South West division making up the semi-finals.

Dunloy and Casements get the action underway at Dunsilly on Friday night while reigning champions Cargin and near neighbours Creggan meet in the second semi-final on Sunday at the same venue.

Senior Football Championship Semi Final (Friday 26th Sep at 7.30pm)

Roger Casements v Cuchullian’s Dunloy

The first semi-final at Dunsilly is sure to attract a bumper crowd as Cuchullian’s Dunloy take on Casements in what looks likely to be a close exciting encounter.

Casements have not seen their endeavour rewarded with a senior title to date but they have come close on several occasions when they lost to a superb St Gall’s side by three points back in 2005 before suffering similar fates to the dominant Milltown men again in 2007 and 2009.

The Bannsider’s advanced to another final again last year against a Cargin team which was in search of a ‘three in a row’ senior titles and they came close to halting the Toome men with the side’s level after 60 minutes.

It took extra time to separate the contestants with Erin’s Own edging the extra time exchanges with a 0-10 to 0-08 victory as they collected their third title in a row.

The Bannsider’s are back on the championship trail again with former player John Mc Keever holding the reins and they have been impressive to date with a good run of victories.

They were not at all pressed in their group games, completing unbeaten with victories over Rossa, Glenravel, and Aldergrove without much trouble but faced a much sterner test before defeating St. Gall’s in the quarter-final.

Portglenone have been strengthened by the return of Niall McKeever to duty this term after the big man took a short time away and his contribution in the central zone can make a difference with Deaglan Smith a huge cog in the wheel of the Cuchullian’s and his high fetching talents blended with accuracy on the target can be a key factor.

John Mc Keever’s side will look to the talents of Enda Lynn in the forward department in which Michael Hagan, Oisin Doherty and Aodhan Mc Aleese can be important players.

Dermot McAleese could accompany McKeever at mid-field while Casement’s are well served in defence by the Delargy brothers Ronan and Niall as well as Kevn O’ Kane and their defence could be asked questions aplenty by the sharp shooting Keelan Molloy the Elliot brothers Seaan and Nigel as well as mid fielder Smith and roving half back Ryan Mc Garry.

A good game in prospect and this one can go either way with questions being posed to each with the Portglenone men seeking to curb the influence of Deaglan Smith in the central zone whilst the Cuchullian’s will look to stifle the threat posed by the scoring power of Dermot Mc Aleese and Enda Lynn.

A close one on a good sod is anticipated and a contest which could go either way with extra time or a replay possibly required.

Senior Football Championship (Semi Final)

Erin’s Own Cargin v Kickham’s Creggan

Sunday 28th September Dunsilly (4-00pm)

The second semi final at Dunsilly on Sunday afternoon brings together Cargin and Creggan and this one is certain to attract another bumper attendance as near neighbours and keen-rivals line out to decide the second finalists.

Cargin arrive in search of a ‘four in a row’ and this could provide an extra motivating factor for their opponents as they attempt to overcome their neighbours.  

The Toome men have been impressive to date despite the absence of Pat Shivers, Kevin O’Boyle and Jamie Gribbin while doubt remains over the availability of Ronan Gribbin and Eunan Quinn.

Tom Shivers has returned to the squad in good form and the Cargin management have a strong panel to select from as their reserves have already claimed the county title.

Callum Gribbin, Jack Harney, Hugh O’ Donnell, Ben Mc Larnon, and Patrick O’ Neill are just a few of that side who will be hoping for the call up.

There is plenty of experience within the Cargin ranks with the McCann brothers, Michael, Tomas, and Paul, John Carron, John McNabb, James Laverty, Sean O’ Neill, Gerard McCann, Benen Kelly and Jack O’ Neill all possible starters.

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Creggan with the 2025 league title already secured may be lagging behind their neighbours in the senior title count but they are seasoned campaigners with Ricky Johnston, Fiontan Close, Ruairi McCann, Ethan Carey Small, Oisin Kerr, Matthew Rogers, Sam Maguire, Jamie McCann  and Kevin Small all strong performers.

Cargin will start as firm favourites and Ronan Devlin’s charges may well claim another berth in a County final but their neighbours will be more than keen to halt their progress and the Toome men will need to be at their best to gain a place in the 2025 Senior decider.

It’s also football championship semi-final time in the other grades, Intermediate and Junior with Naomh Una and Eire Og and Laochra Loch Lao and Pearses getting the Junior competition going on Saturday afternoon.

Naomh Una v Eire Og

Pairc Una  4-00pm Saturday

The Aggies have a division 3 league title already under their belt and have been the form team in this division all year but they face an Eire Og side who have been in fine form themselves in the championship.

Eire Og found the net five times against Laochra Loch Lao and Wolfe Tones and added another three against Pearses but lost that one by a point.

This one could be mighty close but the greater experience and knowhow of Naomh Una coupled with home advantage should see ‘the Aggies’ through.

Laochra Loch Lao v Pearses

Colaiste Feirste 4-00pm Colaiste Feirste

Both sides have recovered from defeats in the group stages to reach Saturday’s semi-finals through the quarter-final route.

Laochra shipped five goals against Eire Og in their opening group 2 encounter but recovered to beat Pearses and Wolfe Tones while Pearses recorded a one point win over Eire Og before defeating a fancied Ardoyne in the quarter-finals.

Laochra’s win over Pearses in the group stages coupled with home advantage would suggest they are favourites to win this one but the men from the Antrim Road could be hitting form just at the right time and are capable of gaining a place in the final.

IFC Semi-Finals

St. Ergnat’s Moneyglass v St. Teresa’s

Saturday 5-00pm  Bear Pit

St. Ergnat’s Moneyglass have had an excellent season despite losing half a side to immigration the previous year but were pipped at the post for the division 2 league title by Sarsfields who will get a close up view of this one as St. Ergnat’s face St. Teresa’s.

St. Ergnat’s recovered from that league defeat to Sarsfields to defeat the Stewartstown Road side in the championship and will start Saturday’s semi-final as firm favourites against a St Teresa’s side who finished second to Glenavy in Group 2.

The Glen Road side, who reached last year’s final but were beaten by All Saints should not be dismissed but a St. Ergnat’s side led by the Duffin brothers, Colm, Fearghal and Seanchan, Kevin McCann, Paul Duffin, Conleth McCann, Aidan McErlain, Tyler Cassidy and Conor Boyd should advance.

Sarsfields v Glenavy

Sunday – Kelly Park Portglenone 2-00pm

Glenavy have had a great run in the IFC going through Group 2 unbeaten with wins over St. Teresa’s, Naomh Comhghall, Davitt’s and Gort na Mona but face their toughest test to date when they face league winners Sarsfields in Portglenone.

Sarsfields recorded a big win over St. Joseph’s at Chapel Hill when the sides met in the league back on the 23d April with 18 points separating them on the evening.

That form would suggest that there can be only one winner on Sunday but St. Joseph’s were missing a few on that occasion and with all their players back on board have finished their season on top form.

The Gallagher brothers, Paddy, Eoin and James, Fergal Henry and Ciaran Loney will lead he St. Joseph’s challenge while Sarsfields will look to Brian Healey, Conor Moley, Conor Glenholmes, Philip McPeake and Gary Lennon for inspiration.

Sarsfields will start this one as firm favourites based on that big win over Glenavy in the league but league form can count for little when it comes to the championship and I would expect this one to be mighty close.

by thesaffrongael

Moneyglass secure top spot in Group 1 and a place in the semi-finals

IFC Group 1

Rasharkin 0-5 Moneyglass 1-15

St. Ergnat’s Moneyglass secured their place at the top of Group 1 of the OB Construction IFC and a place in the semi-final following this comprehensive victory over St. Mary’s Rasharkin in wintry conditions at Dreen on Sunday.

The visitors had this one fairly well sewn up when they led 1-9 to 0-0 at the halfway stage as they took full advantage of the elements and while St. Mary’s showed improvement after the break it only served to put a better reflection on the final score-line.

It was Moneyglass who took the game to their South West neighbours right from the first whistle with Connor O’Kane raising the first white flag in the 3d minute and Roan Campbell adding another before Fearghal Duffin found the net with five minutes on the clock.

Rasharkin were fighting a rear guard action in an attempt to contain a rampant Moneyglass attack but the visitors continued to push forward in numbers as their slick movement continued to create openings.

Tyler Cassidy, Aidan McErlain and Cassidy again moved the visitors 8 ahead by the 9th minute before Connor O’Kane kicked his second of the afternoon as the one way traffic towards the Rasharkin goal continued.

By half time it looked as good as over bar the shouting as McErlain, Fearghal Duffin and Kevin McCann brought the visitors total to 1-9 with St. Mary’s still to raise a flag.

Any possibility of a St. Mary’s comeback were soon dashed as the visitors hit the first four scores of the second half to put them out of sight with Conleth McCann 0-2, Kevin McCann and Tyler Cassidy the men on target.

To their credit Rasharkin were still fighting hard to get their own game going and their best player, Eamonn McNeill finally got them on the scoreboard with a point in the 16th minute.

The same player would add a couple of fine 2 pointers in the closing stages of the game to give the scoreboard a better look but points from Conor Boyd and Niall Boyd ensured there would be no way back for the home side.

By my calculations Moneyglass will now meet St. Teresa’s in the semi-final while Sarsfields and Glenavy will contest the other semi-final while Rasharkin’s season is over but the Dreen side will regroup and come back strongly in 2026.

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by thesaffrongael

All square in final group game at Davitt’s Park

IFC Group 2

Davitt’s 1-9 Gort na Mona 0-12

There was little at stake only pride in this final OB Construction IFC Group 2 game with Glenavy already topping the group and St. Teresa’s joining them in the semi-final.

Never the less Davitt’s and Gort na Mona served up a competitive contest with Davitt’s probably feeling that they should have gained some revenge for last week’s Junior Hurling defeat to the same opposition.

It was visitors Gort na Mona who enjoyed the better of the opening half and with the elements in their favour they went into the half time break leading 0-9 to 1-3.

In a low scoring opening half Tarlach Enright’s ability from the dead ball saw him split the uprights on four occasions, 1- 2 pointer and another from a ‘45’ while Anthony Rowntree’s goal in the 12th minute and Paul McLaughlin 0-2 and Padraig McParland left the Davitt’s Park side trailing by three at the break.

Davitt’s Anthony Rowntree turns away after scoring the game’s only goal

Michael Savage and Dessie McClean were the other Gort na Mona first half scorers but the men from of the Mona Bye-pass had a strong wind to face in the second half.

Davitt’s looked to have drawn level when they had the ball in the Gort na Mona net early in the second half but the score was ruled out for an infringement leading up to the goal.

Three minutes later Tarlach Enright continued to showcase his dead ball skills as he hit a 2 pointer of the ground into the wind to move Gort na Mona five ahead but it brought a response from the Davitt’s.

Paul McLaughlin got them off the mark with a point in the 13th minute and when Stephen McGivern followed with a 2 pointer it was down to two.

The hosts looked to be in for a second goal but Ciaran Donnelly made an excellent block before keeper Aaron Slane converted a 2 pointer of the ground to edge them ahead in the 28th minute and they looked to have secured victory.

However referee, Richard Leahy signalled a period of extra time and Deaglan Mooney became the Gort na Mona hero when he pointed in the 36th minute to leave it all square at the end.

Gort na Mona will now turn their attentions to the Junior Hurling championship and a semi-final meeting with Glenravel while Davitt’s season is over but the Falls Road side are sure to be back contesting on all fronts next season.

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by thesaffrongael

Naomh Comhghall’s hopes dashed by St. Joseph’s

IFC Group 2

Naomh Comhghall 1-13 St. Joseph’s 3-18

A Ciaran Loney led St. Joseph’s Glenavy put an end to Naomh Comhghall’s chances of gate crashing the semi-finals of the IFC when they travelled to Antrim and defeated the home side.

Barry Burns’ side were impressive during the opening period and thanks to a Ryan Clare goal and a couple of 2 pointers from Eoin Lynott and Aaron McHugh were well in contention at the interval when they trailed by the minimum.

The game swung decisively in the way of the Chapel Hill side as St. Joseph’s hit 1-2 within 3 minutes to move six ahead and create a gap that Naomh Comhghall never looked like bridging.

It was Naomh Comhghall who got off to the better start at Dunsilly with Miles Devine and James McCabe giving them an early lead before James Gallagher replied with two points for the visitors to tie the contest with 5 minutes on the clock.

Eoin Lynott for the Antrim town men and Eoin Gallagher exchanged further points and Aaron McHugh edged the home side ahead for the third time before the hard working Ciaran Loney pointed to level matters again with 10 minutes gone.

Things were livening up and Matthew Emery in the Antrim goals brought off a good save to deny James Gallagher and Ryan Clarke split the posts at the other end to edge his side ahead once more.

It was end to end stuff as two well matched sides went at it toe to toe as Fergal Henry 0-2 and James Gallagher edged the Chapel Hill side ahead and Miles Devine (f) and Henry with a similar effort exchanged further points.

A well worked goal from Ryan Clarke appear to have handed the initiative back to the home side but instead it was the group leaders who finished the half with a flurry to lead at the break.

James Gallagher, Fergal Henry, Ciaran Loney and Paddy Gallagher struck four unanswered points to leave St. Joseph’s ahead by the minimum as the half time whistle sounded.

HT Naomh Comhghall 1-8 Glenavy 0-12

Naomh Comhghall needed a quick response if they were to get their challenge up and running again as the second half action got underway but instead it was the Chapel Hill side who would increase their lead.

Ciaran Loney pointed after 15 seconds and James Gallagher added another before a good move saw James Gallagher finish to the net with only 3 minutes of the new half gone.

Suddenly it was the strong running of the group winners that was causing serious problems for the home side who replied with an Aaron McHugh point which brought another response from the men in orange.

James Gallagher pointed and Fergal Henry punished a defensive error with Glenavy’s second goal at the end of the third quarter and it was as good as over.

James McCabe did reply from a ‘65’ and Aaron McHugh followed with a 2 pointer with Fergal Henry pointing a 22nd minute free for the visitors.

Dylan Murdock pulled one back for the ‘Town’ but when Fergal Henry got on the end of an excellent build up to fire home St. Joseph’s third goal with five minutes remaining, there would be no way back for the hosts.

The skilful Henry concluded the scoring with a late point and Glenavy must now fancy their chances of going all the way after going through their group unbeaten.

However they are likely to face a tougher semi-final challenge from Sarsfields who secured their place in the semis after a win away to Naomh Padraig in Group 1 yesterday or Moneyglass who can top the group if they secure a victory away to Rasharkin on Sunday evening.

Glenavy will be joined by St. Teresa’s, last year’s beaten finalists, in the semi-finals as a result of Naomh Comhghall’s defeat to Glenavy and things should liven up when an interesting looking semi-final line-up is confirmed

by thesaffrongael

McCann goal sends St. Teresa’s to victory at windy Davitt’s Park

IFC Group 2

Davitt’s 0-12 St. Teresa’s 1-13

St. Teresa’s took a step closer to a place in the IFC play-offs when a goal from Niall McCann after 13 minutes of the second half would prove the difference against Michael Davitt’s at windy Davitt’s Park on Sunday.

The gale that blew down the West Belfast venue would prove to be a major contributor to the Glen Road side’s first half dominance as they led by 0-8 in a first half where they were nearly always on top.

Davitt’s failed to raise a flag during that period and while they became more proficient in front of the posts after the break, it was St. Teresa’s ability to keep the score board moving that would prove the difference in the end.

Niall McCann got the Glen Road side of the mark from a free in the 6th minute and John Mallon converted a second after Aaron Slane in the Davitt’s goals was penalised for taking too long from his kick-out.

The early momentum for St. Teresa’s continued as Eoghan Hamill pointed then added another great 2 pointer from out on the left but they had to be thankful to their keeper, Mark Small who made a smart save as the home side briefly threatened.

Conor Mallon, Anton Taylor and John Mallon from a free moved St. Teresa’s 0-8 to 0-0 ahead at the break but given the strength of the driving wind they were to face in the second half, would 8 be enough?

HT 0-0 TO 0-8

Anthony Rowntree finally got the home side going with a point in the 4th minute and followed with another 2 pointer from distance and when keeper, Aaron Slane raised another orange flag in the 6th minute the deficit was down to three and the visitors looked in trouble.

They rallied however and their ability to keep possession and work their scores saw Conor Mallon split the posts and John Mallon added another from a disputed free before Niall McCann got in for the game’s only goal in the 13th minute.

Suddenly that 3 point lead had been increased to 8 and the visitors could rest a little bit easier as Philip Maguire replied to a Niall McParland point for Davitt’s.

Davitt’s were still battling hard as Conor John Sullivan struck a fine 2 pointer which again brought a response from Matthew Mallon with a point at the other end.

A sustained period of pressure going down the home straight saw Aaron Slane, Paul McLaughlin and Padraig McParland from a free close the gap to a goal by the 29th minute but again the visitors found a response.

Conor Mallon pointed as the game moved into injury time to move his side 4 in front and then Aodhan Dougan made an excellent block on his own line as Davitt’s launched one last ditch attempt to save the contest.

This win moves St. Teresa’s into second place in Group 2 with all their games played and one foot in the semi-finals though they could be caught by Naomh Comhghall who travel to Glenavy in their final game.

The Antrim town men would have to record a big win at Chapel Hill however and while Barry Burn’s side are capable of victory, the margin needed looks too great.

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