OB CONSTRUCTION IHC Group 1

Davitt’s 1-5 Gort na Mona 5-19

Both sides went into this game with something still to play for. A massive win for Davitt’s would have brought about a three way tie between themselves, today’s opponents and St. Teresa’s. Anything less than defeat would earn Gort na Mona a place in the play-offs with group winners St. James Aldergrove but it was clear from early in the game that there was only going to be one winner.

Padraig McParland gave the hosts early hope when he pointed in the opening minute but this would be the only time Davitt’s would lead as the Turf Lodge side began to exert their authority.

They looked to have taken the lead when Matthew McConnell climbed to direct a high delivery to the net but the goal was ruled out for a square ball infringement.

Tarlach Enright levelled the contest from a free and as their strong running game began to open up space, McConnell made no mistake at the second time of asking as he finished a good move to the Davitt’s net.

(4) Padraig Cournane turns away after scoring Gort na Mona’s second goal and above (Featured Image) Hat Trick hero, Matthew McConnell celebrates

Tarlach Enright pointed a free off the upright and towering youngster, McConnell climbed to fist over after a Dessie McClean delivery hung invitingly into his path.

Matthew McConnell was proving a real handful for the Davitt’s defence and he added another fine point in the 12^th minute with Tarlach Enright following suite before McConnell fisted to the net for his second goal and the ‘Gort’s were 10 ahead with only 18 minutes gone.

It got worse for the home side when they lost a player through a Red card in the 21^st minute and a minute later, Michael Savage came forward to kick a good point for the Mona Bye-Pass side.

Substitute Anthony Hargan halted the one-way traffic as he fired over at the other end but it provided only temporary respite as Enright and Daire Keenan replied with points at the other end to leave it 2-8 to 0-2 in favour of the visitors at the hallway stage.

Davitt’s threatened early in the second half but Aaron Slane was wide from a free and Michael Savage pointed at the other end before Paul McLaughlin fired to the net for a Davitt’s goal with 7 minutes gone.

Padraig McParland was doing all in his power to get the home side going and his work rate was phenomenal but he lacked support and it was Gort na Mona who continued to dictate the pace.

Ruairi O’Scollain fisted over and McConnell fired over from an audacious half volley as more and more space opened up in the Davitt’s defence.

Another flowing move from deep saw Padraig Cournane get forward to finish to the home net for Gort na Mona’s third goal in ther 9^th minute and Matthew McConnell and Michael Savage added points as the one-way traffic continued.

Man of the match, McConnell added a fourth major after winning his own ball and Jack Ireland fisted over as the visitors gave an exhibition of score taking before Sean Linberg replied with a point for Davitt’s in a rare excursion into enemy territory.

Davitt’s Padraig McParland comes under pressure from Gort na Mona’s Christopher Carson

The superb McConnell was unplayable as he found the net again for his fourth of the evening in the 23d minute and Gort na Mona then had a player Red carded but it made no difference to their dominance.

Sean Linberg brought the Davitt’s total to 1-4 with a good point but again Gort na Mona responded with O’Scollain, McConnell and Michael Brady hitting 3 on the bounce before Oskar Deevy Persson concluded the scoring with a consolation point for the hosts.

This win sees Gort na Mona finish second to St. James Aldergrove in Group 1 and on this form they should be taken seriously in the play-off while St. Enda’s topped Group 2 after their win over Ahoghill at Hightown today, the Cloney men finished second with both sides already having qualified for the knockout stages.

Michael Davitt’s: 1 Aaron Slane, 2 Conor Toner, 3 Nathan Maginn, 4 Rory Ireland, 5 Sean Linberg, 6 Caoimhin Rainey, 7 Jack Scally, 8 Michael Connolly, 9 Oskar Deevy Persson, 10 Paul McLaughlin, 11 Sean O’Neill, 12 Brady Maguire, 13 Matthew Nugent, 14 Padraig McParland, 15 Caomhan Slane, 25 Anthony Hargan

Gort na Mona: 1 Anton Farelly, 2 Darren Cahill, 4 Padraig Cournane, 5 Tirnan Morton, 6 Michael Savage, 7 Eogan Corrigan, 8 Jack Ireland, 9 Christopher Carson, 10 Caoinhin Beck, 11 Tarlach Enright, 13 Daire Keenan, 14 Dessie McClean, 15 Matthew McConnell, 19 Niall DE Brun, 20 Ruairi O’Scollain

Subs: 3 Ciaran Donnelly, 17 Ryan Donnelly, 23 David McKeown, 22 Michael Brady

Referee: Paul Burns (Naomh Comhghall)

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OB CONSTRUCTION IFC Round 5

Naomh Padraig, Lisburn 2-5  Naomh Comhghall 0-13 

Report and photos by Brian Hamill

Naomh Comhghall secured their Intermediate Championship and league status for another season after producing a determined display to defeat Naomh Padraig at Kirkwoods Park.

The Antrim side enjoyed the benefit of a strong wind in the opening half, but despite the favourable conditions they struggled to shake off a resilient Naomh Padraig outfit. Scores from Ryan Clarke, RuairiGriffin and Miles Devine kept them in touch, but it was the Lisburn side who made the greater impact on the scoreboard with two crucial goals.

An early point from Tom Buckley settled Naomh Padraig before Jude Rafferty found the net to give the hosts an ideal start. Rafferty also added a two-point score. The contest took a dramatic turn before the interval when Naomh Padraig were reduced to 13 men. Adam Patterson was shown a red card and, shortly afterwards, Oisin Gorman also received his marching orders, leaving the home side facing an uphill battle for the remainder of the game.

Conor Ward raised a second green flag early in the second half, as the Lisburn men made the most of their scoring opportunities. With the wind now against them, Naomh Comhghall showed impressive character and discipline. Playing into the breeze, they gradually wrestled control of possession and territory.  Miles Devine became increasingly influential in attack, landing a number of free kicks against the wind to keep the pressure on the hosts.

Scores from Ruairi Griffin, Micheal McCabe and Louis Higgins helped the Antrim men keep pressure on the home side. Despite their numerical disadvantage, Naomh Padraig continued to battle and remained within touching distance through scores from Che Smyth and a wonderful long range free by  Jude Rafferty.

However, Naomh Comhghall’s patience and composure eventually told. Having reeled in the deficit while facing both the elements and a determined home side, they edged in front during the closing stages before adding the insurance score required to secure a vital victory.

The final whistle confirmed a hugely significant result for Naomh Comhghall. Their reward is guaranteed Intermediate Championship football again next season. For Naomh Padraig, defeat leaves their future uncertain. The Lisburn side must now wait on results elsewhere to discover whether they can retain their Intermediate status or face relegation to the Junior Championship next year.

Naomh Padraig scorers

• Jude Rafferty 1-1 and one two-point free
• Conor Ward 1-0
• Tom Buckley  0-1
• Che Smyth 0-1

Naomh Comhghall scorers

• Ryan Clarke  0-4
• Miles Devine 0-3 and a two-point free
• Ruairi Griffin  0-2
• Micheal McCabe  0-1
• Louis Higgins  0-1

Referee: Mark O’Neill

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St Teresa’s entered their Antrim Intermediate Football Championship Round 5 clash against St Agnes as strong favourites against the reigning junior champions. The Aggies had lost several players since last year’s triumph and faced a tough challenge. St Teresa’s ultimately secured a convincing victory, though their progression to the next stages remains dependent on other results in tomorrow’s matches.

Playing with a stiff breeze in the first half, St Teresa’s started strongly by registering three points in the opening five minutes, with Darren McCann (2) and Anton Taylor getting the scores. St Agnes had their first real attack on the four-minute mark down the right side, creating a good goalscoring opportunity that St Teresa’s managed to scramble clear. Just two minutes later, St Teresa’s found the net when Darren McCann palmed the ball in following a cross from Anton Taylor. Conor Mallon added a point for St Teresa’s on eight minutes, quickly followed by another from Anton Taylor on nine minutes. The St Agnes goalkeeper made a crucial save on the line to deny another goal on 10 minutes, but St Teresa’s pressure paid off again three minutes later. Their big full-forward, Darren McCann, won possession from a long ball out the field, turned his man, and buried the rebound into the net after his initial shot was saved. Niall McCann pointed a minute later to extend the lead, but St Agnes finally opened their account on 18 minutes with a well-taken point curled against the wind from out on the right by Cormac McBride. A minute later, Conall Turley added another excellent score for the Aggies, curling it over from outside the 20-metre line. However, St Teresa’s finished the half strongly with points from Anton Taylor and Conor Mallon, leaving the halftime score at 2-8 to 0-02.

Despite turning to play with the strong wind, St Agnes could not stem the St Teresa’s tide in the second half. Pierce O’Rawe opened the second-half scoring in the first minute for the home side. The St Agnes goalkeeper then produced two outstanding saves, blocking one with his feet from inside the square and diving to keep the second out. John Mallon added a point for St Teresa’s five minutes in, before a great team movement culminated in Pierce O’Rawe firing low into the net on eight minutes, giving the goalkeeper no chance. St Agnes immediately responded by moving down the field to grab a goal for themselves through 46-year-old Declan Crummey. St Teresa’s quickly resumed control with good movement on the right; Zachary Morgan cut inside and passed to John Mallon, who curled it over the bar. A strong attack then resulted in a disputed point from Niall McCann that was eventually awarded by the referee.

John Mallon added another point for St Teresa’s on 11 minutes, and Cormac McBride responded for St Agnes on 16 minutes. St Teresa’s continued to dictate the play, winning a kick-out and using slick movement to find Conor O’Rawe clear in front of goal to tap over before Paul McClenaghan added a point down the other end for St Agnes. The closing stages turned into target practice for St Teresa’s, with Niall McCann and Anton Taylor adding to their tallies, alongside another point from an unidentified scorer. St Agnes kept battling, as Cormac McBride added two more points and an unknown teammate scored another, before Conall Turley tapped over a free on 29 minutes. However, Conor Mallon had the final say for St Teresa’s, firing over two late points—including one just inches over the crossbar after winning a kick-out—to seal the comprehensive victory.

St Teresa’s 1 Mark Small, 2 Conor O’Rawe, 3 Paul Johnston, 4 Ryan Mallon, 5 Conor Mallon, 6 Eoin Connolly, 7 Colm McGoldrick, 8 Sean Maguire, 9 Pierce O’Rawe, 10 Zachary Morgan, 11 Phil Maguire, 12 Niall McCann, 13 John Mallon, 14 Darren McCann, 15 Anton Taylor – Subs -16 Philip Glennon.

St Agnes 1 Declan McLarnon, 2 Patrick Carroll, 3 Briondan McLarnon, 4 Killian McCormick, 5 Daniel Gillespie, 6 Conall Turley, 7 Conor Gregory, 8 Barry McCrea, 9 Patrick Mulgrew, 10 James Halleron, 11 Paudie Meehan, 12 Cormac McBride, 13 Conor McGoran, 14 Declan Crummey, 15 Colin Mallon, 23 Paddy Toner, 24 Neill Gillespie, and 28 Paul McClenaghan.

Referee – Paul McNally (Creggan)

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Antrim Intermediate Football Championship – Round 4
St Joseph’s Glenavy 1-19 St Enda’s 1-22 at Chapel Hill, Glenavy

St Enda’s produced a superb second-half comeback to overturn a ten-point interval deficit and edge St Joseph’s Glenavy by 1-22 to 1-19 in a cracking Intermediate Football Championship encounter at Chapel Hill, Glenavy.

With a strong wind having a major influence on proceedings, underdogs Glenavy appeared to have put themselves in a winning position when they made full use of the conditions in the opening half to establish a 1-15 to 0-08 interval advantage.

The question at the break was whether ten points would be enough once St Enda’s had the elements in their favour.

It proved not to be.

The Hightown side used the wind even more effectively after the change of ends, with Odhrán Eastwood particularly influential from placed balls, while Glenavy contributed to their own downfall on a couple of occasions when dissent or failure to return the ball resulted in frees being advanced into scoring range.

A scrambled goal from Fionn Nagle with eight minutes of normal time remaining completed the turnaround and helped St Enda’s emerge with the points after an absorbing contest.

Glenavy could hardly have wished for a better start as they struck for the opening goal after just 40 seconds. Michael Morgan was on the end of the move, getting forward to palm the ball into the St Enda’s net.

The visitors responded through Eastwood, who opened their account after two minutes, but James Monaghan replied for Glenavy a minute later.

Eastwood added his second point before Stephen O’Connor got on the scoresheet as St Enda’s began to settle despite playing into the strong breeze.

Michael McKenna produced a good individual point in the seventh minute, but Glenavy were increasingly beginning to exploit the conditions.

Monaghan converted a free in the ninth minute before Eastwood replied from a placed ball four minutes later. Monaghan then landed another fine individual score as Glenavy maintained their advantage.

Pádhraig O’Hare replied for St Enda’s, but Glenavy hit back with one of the scores of the half when Pearse O’Neill landed an excellent two-pointer in the 15th minute.

Goalkeeper Luke Deveraux followed with a two-point free two minutes later and Glenavy added another two-pointer from play in the 19th minute as their advantage began to grow.

Paddy Gallagher added another point for the home side in the 20th minute, although Kristian Healy replied for St Enda’s a minute later.

The visitors were handed another score in the 22nd minute after a Glenavy mistake resulted in the ball being advanced, James McAuley taking advantage to send over.

Glenavy, though, continued to make the most of the wind. Monaghan converted another free before Devereux landed a 45 and then struck a two-point free following a breach.

Pearse O’Neill completed a well-worked move with another point in the 28th minute as Glenavy continued to pile on the scores.

St Enda’s might have reduced the deficit just before the break, but the Glenavy goalkeeper produced an excellent fingertip save in the 29th minute.

It left the home side leading 1-15 to 0-08 at half-time and ten points ahead of a St Enda’s team who had gone into the contest as hot favourites.

However, the strength of the wind meant the game was far from over.

St Enda’s immediately set about reducing the deficit after the restart, James McAuley opening the second-half scoring inside the first minute.

Eastwood then landed a two-point free in the third minute and suddenly Glenavy’s comfortable interval cushion was beginning to look considerably less secure.

Ciaran Loney gave the home support some encouragement with a well-worked point in the fourth minute, but St Enda’s captain Stephen O’Connor responded from a free two minutes later.

Devereux struck a two-point free for Glenavy in the seventh minute, but Eastwood replied in kind just 90 seconds later.

The St Enda’s number 13 was becoming increasingly important to the visitors’ comeback and he struck another two-point free in the 15th minute after the ball was brought forward when Glenavy failed to return it following the award of a free.

Four minutes later another Glenavy breach presented Eastwood with a further opportunity and he again punished the home side from the placed ball.

The momentum was now firmly with St Enda’s and, with the wind at their backs, they continued to drive at a Glenavy defence which was coming under increasing pressure.

The decisive score arrived in the 22nd minute.

A high delivery was sent into the heart of the Glenavy defence and, after the home side failed to clear the danger, Fionn Nagle forced the ball over the line for the St Enda’s goal.

Sean Murray followed almost immediately with a point and the visitors were now in command.

Ronan Kalla added another score in the 25th minute before Michael McKenna sent over in the 28th as St Enda’s completed a remarkable transformation from their position at half-time.

Glenavy continued to battle and Monaghan converted a free in the 32nd minute, but it was not enough to rescue the home side.

The final whistle confirmed a 1-22 to 1-19 victory for St Enda’s, completing a 13-point turnaround from their position at the interval.

There was little between the teams over the course of an excellent game, with the wind dictating much of the pattern. Glenavy used it effectively to build their ten-point half-time advantage, but St Enda’s were even more ruthless when they had the conditions behind them.

The home side will also rue the costly occasions when frees were advanced, allowing Eastwood to punish them from two-point range at a crucial stage of the comeback.

Ultimately, St Enda’s just about deserved their victory, showing considerable composure after finding themselves in serious trouble at the interval, but Glenavy’s performance ensured the hot favourites had to fight all the way for the points.

Final score: St Joseph’s Glenavy 1-19 St Enda’s 1-22.

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OB CONSTRUCTION IFC

Aldergrove 4-13 St Teresa’s 3-12

Match report and photos by Brian Hamill at St James’

Aldergrove survived a remarkable second-half revival from St Teresa’s to seal a hard-earned Intermediate Championship victory in a contest that produced seven goals and plenty of drama. 

The home side looked firmly in control by the interval after a devastating opening half. Lewis Smyth proved unplayable during that spell, rattling home a hat-trick of goals, while Cormac McGarry also found the net as Aldergrove surged into a commanding 4-5 to 0-5 lead. 

St Teresa’s struggled to contain the direct running of the Aldergrove attack, although JohnMallon kept the scoreboard ticking over with a series of frees to ensure they remained within touching distance. 

The game was transformed after the restart. St Teresa’s emerged with renewed energy and quickly reduced the deficit when John Mallon converted a penalty before adding further scores. A goal from Anton Taylor followed, and when Philip Maguire blasted to the net and then landed a two-point score, the gap was suddenly reduced to a single point. 

Aldergrove were under real pressure as St Teresa’s continued to attack. Scores from Phil Maguire, 0-2 John Mallon and Colm McGoldrick brought the visitors right back into contention and set up a tense finish. 

To their credit, Aldergrove steadied themselves at the crucial moment. Important scores from Seamus McGarry and Cormac McGarry settled nerves before the hosts closed out the contest despite St Teresa’s pushing desperately for an equaliser. 

Aldergrove’s ruthless first-half finishing ultimately proved decisive, but St Teresa’s can take great encouragement from a second-half performance that nearly produced one of the comebacks of the championship.

Aldergrove Starting XV

1. Sean O’Neill
2. Malachy Burns
3. Cayden Lagan
4. Logan Fleming
5. Chris McVeigh
6. Emmett Irvine
7. Conor Morris
8. Corey Fogarty
9. Ryan McCarthy (0-2)
10. Oisin Graham
11. Seamus McGarry (0-4)
12. Glenn Dunham (0-2)
13. Ronan Hanna (0-2)
14. Lewis Smyth (3-1)
15. Cormac McGarry (1-2)

Subs used:
17. Fearghal Burke
19. Ryan McCarthy
20. Conor Morris 

St Teresa’s Starting XV

1. Mark Small
2. Liam Connolly
3. Paul Johnston
4. Ryan Mallon
5. Piaras McCaffery (0-1)
6. Eoin Connolly
7. Colm McGoldrick (0-1)
8. Sean Maguire
9. Pierce O’Rawe
10. Zachary Morgan
11. Phil Maguire (0-1)
12. Niall McCann (1-2, including one two-pointer)
13. John Mallon (1-7, including a penalty goal and one two-pointer)
14. Darren McCann (1-0)
15. Anton Taylor (0-1)

Sub used:
19. Conor Delaney 

Referee: Paul McNally

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