Category / Junior Football Championship

by thesaffrongael

League and Championship double still on for St. Agnes

JFC – Semi-Final

St Agnes’ 1-18 Éire Óg 1-11

Division 3 league winners, St. Agnes are just one game away from a famous double after defeating Eire Og in a competitive Junior Football Championship semi-final at Pairc Una on Saturday evening.

They didn’t get it all their own way against an Eire Og side who were still in contention late in the game when Mark Graham finished to the net from close range to close the gap to four.

As they had done throughout the game, the Aggies were always able to respond and the league winners finished strongly to win by seven in the end and book a place in the final against Na Piarsaigh.

The home side were competing for the first time in the knockout phase after an unbeaten run in the group stages which saw them clinch victory in all three games to earn top spot and automatically enter the semi-final stage.

Éire Óg overcame the challenge of O’Donnell’s just a fortnight ago at the quarter-final stage and squeezed through to take a place in Saturday’s semi-final and while they were competitive throughout, they were much too laboured in their build up play, especially in the opening half.

Eire Og goal scorer, Mark Graham gets his shot away as Defender Reilly attemprts to clock

It was the Derriaghy men who had a great early opportunity when a goal looked on when Lorcan McIlroy found space and drove past his marker but his weakly struck shot was easily dealt with by Colum Carrol in the St Agnes’ nets.

James Campbell got the first score of the game after he pointed for St. Agnes but  Conall Smyth replied with two points for the Óg’s to swing the early momentum in their favour with the second a great effort that clipped the inside of the post.

St. Agnes made a positive response however as they replied with a goal from James Campbell in the 15th minute to take a lead they would never subsequently lose.

Aggies wing-back, Caomhin Floyd’s shot looked to be going over but came back of the upright and Campbell gathered the rebound before dispatching his effort low and into the bottom corner.

The same player followed up his major with a point to pile on the pressure as the Aggies began to take control and David McGaharan added another from out on the wing, much to the delight of the Aggies support.  

James Connell pulled one back for Eire Of just before half time but it was St. Agnes who led by six at the break as both teams made the long trek to the dressing rooms..

The second half began with a number of personnel changes in the Eire Og lineout and the Derriaghy men made a positive start with their attacking play looking far more potent when Lorcan McIlroy struck just after the break to reduce the deficit to five.

McIlroy then converted two frees and a superb effort from the impressive Conor McKenna had the Eire Og bench on their toes in approval and at this stage a shock looked a distinct possibility.  

They were awarded a free just moments after McKenna’s score and the same player had the opportunity to reduce the gap to two points but this time the Eire Og sharp shooter pulled his effort wide.

It proved a pivotal moment in the game as the ‘Aggies’ responded in style to take control with Conall Turley leading the way and the big full-forward would finish the game with 7 points to wrestle control from their opponents.

Turley extended his side’s lead to seven with just nine minutes remaining and it looked as good as over for the opposition but they kept fighting to the end.

Conor Turley who scored 0-7 for St. Agnes drops back to help out in defence

They were rewarded for their efforts when a long delivery fell favourably for Mark Graham and the former Casement’s man flicked the ball beyond Carroll in the Aggies goals to reduce the deficit to four.

Time was not on the side of the underdogs however and St. Agnes responded again when David McGaharan struck two points in quick succession to put the game firmly out of their opponents reach.

Turley sealed victory when he popped over another free for his seventh of the evening to put further daylight between the sides as the referee blew his whistle for the final time.

St. Agnes will now start favourites when they take on Pearses in the final in two weeks-time with the possibility of a league and championship double very much alive but they could face a stiff test from a Pearses side who have run into a bit of form just at the right time.

St Agnes’: C Carroll; C Flannery, K McCormick, P Carroll; R Gilligan 0-1, R Reilly, K Floyd 0-1; D Turley 0-1, P Mulgrew; C McBride 0-1, S Madden, J Campbell 1-2; D McGarahan 0-5, C Turley 0-7 (0-5f), C Clarke.

Subs: C Gregory, C McKee, P McClenagahn, O McKenna, D Quigley, C Kennedy, C Gilligan

Éire Óg: J King; B McDaid, B O’Malley, J Devlin 0-1; C Rice, C McKenna 0-1, K Clark; P McNeils B O’Malley; S Erskine, R Donnelly 0-1, G Donnelly; C Smyth 0-3, L McIlroy 0-4 (0-2f), M Graham 1-0

Subs: R Clarke, J Connell 0-1, K Vesall, E Sheehy, J George

Referee: Sean Elliott (Lamh Dhearg)

Roy McLarnon of St. Agnes presents a cheque for £500-00 to Paddy McIlwaine before the St. Agnes v Eire Og semi-final in Belfast on Saturday. Paddy was receiving it on behalf of the Saffron Gael

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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

Second half football feast in north Belfast derby

Brian McKee reports from Fennell Park

JFC Quarter-Final

Ciceam Ard Eoin 1-13 Na Piarsaigh 1-15

The first-half fare in the North Belfast Derby at Fennell Park between Na Piarsaigh and Ciceam Ard Eoin was a dull and mistake ridden disappointment. Both sides failed to convince supporters that braving the threatening weather was a better choice than watching Eastenders.  Na Piarsaigh wouldn’t have worried too much about the complaints though, as they were very much in control in the opening half.

As the dark clouds floated across from the direction of the Cave Hill the men in black and white failed to get any rhythm into their game and it was clear from early in this game that they were struggling to match Na Piarsaigh.

Na Piarsiagh had moved into a three point lead before Cormac Mullan got his first point of the night. Liam Deegan though was very much in form, from both play and his free kicking, and it looked from early on that he was going to be the key figure in the Na Piarsaigh side.

Ciceam Ard Eoin saw a glimmer of hope to get back into this game disappear as a penalty opportunity failed to find the net, although Mullan redeemed himself a few minutes later with a glorious point from outfield.

The lack of discipline from Ciceam Ard Eoin was punished on the scoreboard by the men in green and gold, with Deegan proving ruthless from frees. Despite the poor fare, Na Piarsaigh entered the dressing rooms at half-time on double scores over Ardoyne, while the Kickhams were left with a lot to ponder.

Half-Time: Ciceam Ard Eoin 0-3 Na Piarsaigh 0-8

The second half began with Na Piarsaigh again taking advantage of the lack of organisation in the Ardoyne defence as Deegan planted the ball in the back of the net from a 30 metre free.

Ten minutes into the half Na Piarsaigh had stretched their lead to six points and supporters of Ciceam Ard Eoin must have feared that a complete collapse was on the way.

The Cavehill had disappeared from view in the descending darkness when Cormac Mullan stepped up for Ardoyne and slotted over a two pointer from play, a score that saw this game spark into life. The football and commitment on display for the remainder of this game was a credit to the skill and spirit of both sides.

James Og McAuley found his way into this game and he produced a display of football that would have graced the grass of any pitch in the County. He pointed twice in quick succession and his determination and energy sparked a revival in the Ardoyne side.

Six unanswered points followed, and with just under 10 minutes to go Ardoyne had drawn level with Na Piarsaigh. When Cormac Barnes slotted home an opportunistic goal with great skill, it looked like a resurgent Ardoyne were on their way to turning Na Piarsaigh over

It was then that Player of the Match Deegan stepped up to the plate and fired over a two pointer for Na Piarsaigh, and over the remaining ten minutes these local rivals were like Championship boxers exchanging blows. It was very much toe to toe until Deegan once again slotted over a two pointer from play that eased Na Piarsaigh into a one point lead.

Ciceam Ard Eoin continued to pressurise the Na Piarsaigh defence but with the scent of victory over their close rivals, Na Piarsaigh held strong. Sean Moreland raised the final white flag of the game that finished with a two point win for Na Piarsaigh and their place in the semi-final secured. If there is a more exciting second half in any game in this year’s Football Championships then just hope you are there to see it.

Final Score: Ciceam Ard Eoin 1-13 Na Piarsaigh 1-15

Ciceam Ard Eoin: 1 Tiarnan Hughes 2 Cormac Curran 3 Micheál McGreevy 4 Aran Stewart 5 Joe Gibson (0-1) 6 Pearse Marley 7 Finna Wall O’Brien 9 Gary McKernan (0-1) 11 Kealan McCallan 12 Cormac Mullan (0-8, 3f )13 Fiontain Campbell 26 Eoghan Corrigan 22 Padraig McGreevy  25 Odhran McKee 15 Ciaran McNeill(0-1) 19 Cormac Barnes (1-0) 20 Fiontain Lagan 21 Paul Baker 22 Joseph McNeill 27 Conor Magee 28 Paul Baker 29 James Og McAuley (0-2)

Na Piarsaigh 1 Eamonn McKenna 2 Darren O’Neill 3 Cormac O’Neill 4 Vincent Lismore 5 Luca Giannetto 6 Aidan Bannon (0-1) 7 Cormac Gillespie 8 Thomas Mc Farlane 9 James Smyth 10 Fion Grew (0-1)12 Philip Murray, 14 Liam Deegan (1-11) 15 Sean Moreland (0-1) 17 Ciaran McKavanagh 19 Tomás Austin 22 Piaras Donaghy (0-1) 24 Aodhan McCavanagh 23 Ronan Sharkey 25 Aogán Nugent

Referee Chris Brown

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by thesaffrongael

Eire Og edge out O’Ds in nervy quarter final clash 

Graham Tarmac Antrim Junior Football Championship, Quarter Final 

Eire Og 0-12-0-10 O’Donnell’s 

Kevin Herron reports from Woodlands 

Pics by Bert Trowlen

Eire Og saw off the challenge of West Belfast rivals O’Donnells and advanced to the semi-final of the Graham Tarmac Antrim Junior Football Championship with a 0-12-0-10 at Woodlands on Friday evening. 

The hosts had two scores on the board within the first two minutes, Lorcan McIlroy converted a free within the opening minute after he was bottled up in his attempt to land a score from play, then after a combination involving all the full forward line Kevin Clarke kicked a point. 

It took almost 10-minutes for O’Donnell’s to reply, but it was a levelling score. Ciaran McKissock kept an Eire Og kick out in play and switched the ball to Darragh Walsh, he in turn popped the ball to Cailean Walsh to swing over from the edge of the arc. 

Midway through the first half McIlroy doubled his account for the evening from play and Stephen Erskine then dropped over a further score to restore their sides two-point lead. 

Scores were traded between Conor Walsh and Conor McKenna- though O’Donnell’s restored parity for the second time as Darragh Walsh flashed a shot over and then McKissock picked out Fionnbar McKernan to pop over on the turn and make it 0-5 apiece. 

Eire Og would hold a slender lead at the interval through a converted McIlroy free, but in dying embers of the half O’Donnell’s were reduced to 14-men when Cailean Walsh was red carded for an off the ball incident and the Whiterock men would have to try their best to readjust things at the break. 

Despite being a man light, O’Ds levelled things up for the third time early in the second half with Fionnbar McKernan converting a close range free. 

It was from the same scenario that Eire Og nudged themselves back in front, Conor McKenna sent an angled free between the posts, Connall Smyth shot over 60-seconds later to double their advantage and McKenna kicked a further free to move their side 0-9-0-6 ahead. 

Stephen Seawright looked to have eaten into the three-point deficit when his two-pointed effort was sailing over, though Jamie King got a hand to it and to half the score’s worth. 

Substitute Padraig McKissock narrowed the margins further with a straight forward converted free midway through the second half. 

The hosts looked to have kicked on in the aftermath when substitute Dermot Burns sent an angled shot over with almost his first involvement. 

Talisman Lorcan McIlroy then added a further score to his personal tally following a long passing sequence until the opportunity presented itself and it did come through Conor McKenna’s pierced pass into his path. 

McIlroy looked to have added an insurance point a minute shy of the hour mark, but O’Donnell’s didn’t go away quietly and two minutes into added time Padraig McKissock halved arrears with a two-pointed free. 

There was enough time for O’Ds to claim a further two-pointer that would have forced extra time, but Eire Og saw the game out to advance to the last four and a meeting with Division 3 champions St Agnes’. 

EIRE OG: J King, C Rice, E Sheehy, J Devlin, R Donnelly, C McKenna (0-3, 0-2f), K McKenna, P McNelis, C Erskine, G Donnelly, M Graham, S Erskine (0-1), C Smyth (0-1), K Clarke (0-1), L McIlroy (0-5, 0-2f). SUBS: D Burns (0-1) for S Erskine (45), B O’Malley for C McKenna (60), J Connell for G Donnelly (60+3). 

O’DONNELLS: C Murphy, M Sloan, S Smiley, J McKenna, K Kennedy, S Seawright (0-1), G McKernan, C Carville, J Wilson, P Rice, D Walsh (0-1), C McKissock, Cailean Walsh (1×0-2pt), Conor Walsh (0-1), F McKenna (0-2, 0-1f). SUBS: P Moore for D Walsh (37), P McKissock (0-3, 1f, 1×0-2ptf) for P Rice (41), Connor Walsh for Conor Walsh (50), J Rafferty for C Carville (58). 

REFEREE: Martin Quinn (NAOMH ÉANNA)

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by thesaffrongael

Naomh Una survive O’D’s second half rally to top Group 1

Graham Tarmac JFC Group 1

O’Donnell’s 1-13 Naomh Una 1-21

St. Agnes cemented their place at the top of Group 1 of the GRAHAM TARMAC JFC when they recorded a hard earned win over an O’Donnell’s side who were battling for third place in the group and a place in the quarter-finals.

Naomh Una showed why they were top of Group 1 as they controlled the opening half despite being without a few regulars and with the wind in their favour they raced into a 1-9 to 0-3 half time lead.

After the break their hosts, O’Donnell’s stepped up their game considerably and a goal from Conor Walsh had it back to five with 8 minutes remaining but the ‘Aggies’ reacted with three quick points to ease the danger.

Despite a sustained effort by the O’D’s this was as close as the Whiterock Road side got with St. Agnes pushing on to win by 8 in the end and secure their place in the semi-finals.

Visitors to MacRory Park, St. Agnes raced into a 4 point lead by the 10th minute with Cormac McBride, Conall Turley 0-2 and Shay Madden the men on target as O’Donnell’s struggled to turn good possession into scores against the swirling breeze.

Fionnbar McKernan got them off the mark from a free in the 16th minute after the Aggies had breached the 3-up rule and Pearse Rice added another following a pull down offence.

It looked like the home side were finally getting to grip but St. Agnes raced up the field from the resulting kick-out and Shay Madden placed Conall Turley who fired to the net.

A couple of pointed frees from David McGaharan and points from Turley and James Campbell in response to one from a Fionnbar McKernan free for O’Donnell’s had the visitors 1-9 to 0-3 ahead at the short whistle and they looked in total control.

It was a much more motivated O’D’s who emerged for the second half and Gearoid McKernan pointed after 20 seconds but St. Agnes restored their nine point advantage through Cormac McBride with 4 minutes of the new half gone.

There was a greater urgency about the men in Maroon & Yellow however as Matthew Sloan kicked a good point and McKernan added another from a free with Shay Madden replying for Naomh Una with 9 minutes on the clock.

Joe Wilson for O’Donnell’s and the excellent Caoimhin O’Maoltuile for the Aggies exchanged further scores but O’Donnell’s were beginning to enjoy a bit of success and McKernan kicked three frees on the bounce to cut the deficit to five at the end of the third quarter.

St. Agnes looked under a bit of pressure for the first time in the game as the home support sensed a famous comeback but Conall Turley replied from a well struck free from distance into the wind and David McGaharan added another from play.

The momentum was still with O’Donnell’s however and Conor Walsh fielded a high dropping delivery and somehow squeezed his shot home in the 21st minute.

It was at this stage the ‘Aggies’ showed just why they were division 4 league champions this season as they responded with points from Cormac McBride 0-2 and James Campbell to ease the pressure.

Back came the MacRory Park side and Ciaran McKissock hit a great 2 pointer and it was down to five again but that would be as close as they got.

St. Agnes finished as they had started with the impressive Turley pointing from an acute angle and Shay Madden, David McGaharan and Dan Turley pointed with O’D’s sole reply coming from Fionnbar McKernan.

This win earns Naomh Una an automatic semi-final place and Ardoyne are through to the quarter-finals in second place but confusion reigns over the battle for third spot which also qualifies for a place in the quarter-finals.

O’Donnell’s only point to date came in a draw with St. Malachy’s who themselves have a single point but failed to field against St. Agnes on the 17th August so the matter will most likely have to be dealt with at committee level.

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