Category / Football

by thesaffrongael

Facile win for rampant Antrim girls

All Ireland LGFA Junior Championship

Antrim 3-18 London 0-00

Antrim senior ladies scored a facile win over London at Tir na nOg on Saturday in round 2 of their all Ireland group games and easily accounted for the visitors who suffered the indignity of failing to score while Antrim were rampant, running up a very impressive 3-18.

It was a very much changed Antrim team from their previous game with the management team making 7 personnel changes to the starting 15 with a good few of them laying down a marker.  

This is a very competitive panel of players and it’s so important for them all to have the opportunity to get good game time … 

Antrim flew out of the traps early and Theresa Mellon scored 3 wonderful points in the first 5 minutes… 

Indeed Theresa was proving a handful for the opposition defence and she then came provider for the impressive Maria O Neill on two occasions and O’Neill raised two white flags … 

Blaithin Ni Cahill then got her first score of the day with a great point and Luisne Adams then registered a point with a great long distance point… 

Nicole Jones then fired over two quick scores after good build up play from Aine Kelly and Grace Shannon… 

After a great solo run Anna Mulholland got her first score of the day and Aoife Turley then sent Maria O Neill in to raise the white flag again.

Just before the half time whistle Mellon and O Neill hit a point each to send the Antrim girls in 0-13 to no score at the break. 

The second half continued the same pattern as the first with Mellon and Ni Cahill hitting early point. London did manage to get the ball in the Antrim net in the second minute but the score was ruled out for a square ball offence.  

Antrim’s workrate was tremendous and in absolute terrible conditions they held and used the ball with great effect… 

After 10 minutes of the second half Antrim got their first goal of the day when Niamh Mc Intosh, Aine Devlin and Gemma Mc groarty worked the ball out from the back and in turn sent Ciara Brown clear and she unselfishly laid the ball off to O’Neill who hammered to the net … 

Aiobheann Monaghan and Laura Agnew then combined well to set up Anna Mulholland for her third score of the day before O’Neill grabbed her fifth point of the day from close range. 

Olivia Todd then intercepted the London kickout, she found Debbie Boyd in acres of space who in turn found Blaithin Ni Cahill with an exquisite pass and she hammered the ball to the back of the London net… 

With only a few minutes left Antrim got their third goal when after a brilliant one two between Rachel Tubridy and Maeve Blaney the latter scored a screamer from all of 20 metres, the ball hitting the inside of the left hand upright before spinning across the line and into the net.

The Antrim management team were understandably delighted with a win when they spoke to the Saffron Gael after the game.

Antrim senior ladies now travel to Carlow in two weeks’ time for their final round robin game .

“Our girls were superb in those conditions out there today. They worked so hard and used the ball really well.. 

The girls had tireless energy today and this showed in our massive turnover count… 

Every girl was excellent, plus the encouragement the girls were getting from their team-mates who didn’t get game time was tremendous. Such is the togetherness in this group.  

We chose today to give quite a few girls a well-deserved start and such is the competitiveness in this group every girl in this group showed that they have the quality to play at this level… 

All in all a good days work” 

The win secures Antrim’s place in the knockout stages but they play Carlow next weekend in the last of their round-robin games.

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by thesaffrongael

Molloy dominant as Cargin close the gap

ACFL Division 1

                                  Erin’s Own Cargin 4-19 St Galls 3-12

A towering performance from mid-fielder Odhran Molloy assisted by the scoring power of John McNabb ensured victory for Cargin to draw within a point of their opposition St Gall’s who arrived with a three point advantage over their hosts on Friday evening.

Senior keeper McNabb excelled in his full-forward birth for Cargin’s second string and contributed  a personal haul of 2-12 over the hour, including four two pointers.

St Gall’s were quick into their stride but the visitors missed early opportunities and it was Cargin mid fielder Odhran Molloy who opened their account with a 3rd minute point but the visitors were soon to nip ahead as Liam Lynn raised white before Paddy Murray despatched a 30 metre free on the same path.

A lively opening as corner forward Liam Lynn quickly added a goal but the home side were quick to reply as Paul McCann and Odhran Molloy opened the way for the lively P J Quinn to reply in kind at the other end.

The visitors aided by a lively easterly breeze, took advantage of the elements as Daniel Murray and Patrick Og Murray despatched 55 metre frees between the posts, and when the latter added a goal to open up a healthy lead the Milltown Blues looked on their way at the end of the opening quarter.

John McNabb sent a ‘45’ metre free between the posts to reduce the deficit and when he followed with a 60 metre ‘two pointer’ from an Enda McGrogan pass the deficit was reduced to a single score.

The visitors finished the half on top and late points from Jarlath Mervyn and Patrick Og Murray ensured a 2-09 to 2-06 lead at the short whistle.

The Toome men were to enjoy the favours of the breeze in the second half and they were quickly in to their stride as an Odhran Molloy fetch opened the way for Diarmuid Quinn to fire over the bar with a John McNabb ’45’ despatched between the posts providing addition a minute later.

A Paddy Murray point saw the visitors open their second half account but the home side were quick to reply with Odhran Molloy dominating in the central zone and a John Mc Nabb ‘two’ pointer saw the Toome men take the lead.

 McNabb added another shortly after Diarmuid Quinn had added a point and the home side had gone three points ahead 2-13 to 2-11.

John McNabb who scored 2-12 in his side’s victory over St. Gall’s on Friday night

Daniel McCann announced his presence with a point but the visitors were quick to make reply and a Patrick Murray goal brought them back on level terms before an Odhran Molloy fetch and point from the resultant kick out ensured his side had regained the lead.

Cargin dominated the closing stages and Diarmuid Quinn added a goal and McNabb followed with a further ‘2’ pointer before Molloy opened the way for a goal for the rampant Mc Nabb and the home side had gained a 4-17 to 3-12 advantage as the long blast approached.

Odhran Molloy had the last say on matters, grabbing back to back points in the last minutes to see his side breast the winning line at 4-19 to 3-12 to get within a point of the division one leaders.

Cargin: Shea Laverty, Jack Harney, Gerard Mc Corley, Sean og Quinn, Ben Mc Larnon, Marty Kane, Ronan Devlin, Darren Mc Daid (0-01), Odhran Molloy (0-03), PJ Quinn(1-01), Paul Mc Cann, Cian Scullion, Diarmuid Quinn (1-02), John Mc Nabb( 2-12), Enda McGrogan

Subs

Daniel McCann (0-01)

Michael Laverty

Tom McCann

St Galls: Niall McCurdy, Oisin O’Callaghan, Tiarnan Keenan, Christopher Hale, Eathan Mc Cabe, Gareth Adams, Mark Kelly, Jarleth Mervyn, Michael Hopkins(0-02),Conall Murray, Liam Lynn, Mark Kelly, Nial Fallon (Paddy Murray (1-04)Sean Burke (0-02)

Referee: John Hasson (All Saint’s)

by thesaffrongael

Antrim Masters to Face Off against Old Foes Derry

Throw in 1pm at Henry Joy McCrackens GAC, Moneymore.

Antrim Masters are back in action on Saturday when familiar foes Derry provide the opposition, 1pm throw in, Moneymore GAC.

Antrim began their 6 match league campaign with a resounding victory over Down, but came up slightly short in the in second game when Armagh held on grimly to claim both points on offer. In a most competitive league, where many of the northern sides are grouped together, Derry, Armagh and Tyrone all have won two out of their three games to date, so Antrim need to be at their best on Saturday just to join that elite group on four points from their own three engagements.

With difficult assignments coming down the tracks, including away to Monaghan in a fortnight, then home to Louth and a very tough closing match when Antrim host Tyrone, winners of the Dr Loftus cup for all Ireland winners of the masters series, on Saturday 26th July in Cargin, Antrim need to focus on Derry for now, and going by the last two bruising encounters, there will be little to spare between two very evenly matched teams.

Ironically Derry defeated Armagh, who in turn defeated Antrim, and with home advantage in Owenbeg, you could make a case for Derry being favourites to extend their winning sequence. This point was not lost on assistant manager Timmy Connolly who agrees that this one could be a cliffhanger.

Dominic Neeson who made his Antrim Masters debut against Down and above (Featured Image) Michael McCarry who was in fine scoring form against the Mourne men.

“Derry don’t like losing to Antrim, but we managed to put one over on them last year, and it set things up nicely for our championship encounter later in the year. That one also went to the wire, but Derry proved a bit stronger than us in extra time, before going on to win the intermediate title, easily accounting for Cork in the final. To be fair they are a good side, but we travel with plenty of confidence ourselves” said Connolly who is now in his sixth year with Antrim Masters.

Manager Frank Delargy has come in and restored some prestige to wearing the Antrim jersey at this level, and together we have unearthed a few new players this season, some of whom need no introduction to the football scene in the county.

“We have a grand panel on paper but we will need some of our big guns out for this one. All counties strengthen their panels, not only us, and Derry have some class acts they can call on. Paddy Bradley, Paul Cartin, Gerard OKane, Brian Mullan, Jimmy OConnor, Marty McGrath, plus competitors like Martin McGrath, Sean Brady, Darren Conway and Loup legend Gavin Nipper Mallon. We need to bring our A game to this one that’s for sure!” said Timmy.

At the time of writing the travelling Antrim panel had still to be finalised, but it was hoped that the return of Michael Herron would strengthen the defence, where Stephen OConnell shone in his long awaited debut against Armagh, and Adrian Scullion is expected to be available.  Up front the Antrim management team  was hoping they could rely on some or all of Kieran Close, Paddy Cunningham or Michael McCarry’s availability, as scores win games and Antrim experienced some difficulty in that regard in their last outing.

Midfield third is where many contests are won or lost, and if Antrim can call on the services of Mick McCann, David McAlernon, Ryan Boyd and Brendan Etherson there is no reason they will not be well in the hunt for both points at the end of what is expected to be an absorbing contest.

by thesaffrongael

Well-earned win for Dunloy

ACFL Division 1

Dunloy 2.12 St Galls 0.13

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Dunloy picked up a well-earned win at home to St Galls on Sunday morning. In what was an evenly matched contest throughout, goals would prove decisive and when Karl Fitzpatrick found the net twice in the second half the Cuchullains held strong to claim the 2 points.

With the game scheduled for an 11am throw in, it took time for this one to spark into life. Defences were on top in the early stages with chances limited from play and the team’s early scores were limited to dead balls. Michael Pollock eventually found a gap in the Dunloy defence and with the wind at his back, slotted over his the visitors first from play.

Dunloy though answered back through a fine score from Luke McFerran followed by a great individual effort by Reece Cunning who drove his team forward and saw his effort sail over. The teams exchanged further scores through breaches in the new rules – firstly St Galls were guilty of failing to keep 3 in attack and Dunloy were too eager to tackle Aodhan Gallagher after the midfielder claimed a fine mark.

St Galls made no mistake with the advanced 50 metre free to level the scores before the break. Half time Dunloy 0.05, St Galls 0.05

Dunloy would have been the happier of the teams as they would have the slight breeze in the second half but it was St Galls that started the half strong with 2 points from play. The rest of the half though belonged to Karl Fitzpatrick as he cancelled out St Galls early scores with a 2 point free.

Fitzpatrick was on hand again shortly after when the forward got on the end of a fine move before finishing to the net. Dunloy had started to gain momentum and in their next attack Ryan McFarliane was brought down and the Cuchullains were awarded a penalty.

Karl Fitzpartick stepped up and made no mistake with the finish. The visiting St Galls answered with a couple of points but Fitzpatrick with another 2 point effort and a fine score from Tom McFerran kept Dunloy out of touching distance. The teams exchanged late scores but it was Dunloy’s day as they held on for the win.

Karl Fitzpatrick who scored two goals against St Gall’s on Sunday

This win moves Dunloy onto 8 points and should ensure their survival in division 1 while this third defeat on the trot makes it unlikely that St. Gall’s can earn a top four birth and a place in the play-offs

by thesaffrongael

Lámhs have too much for depleted Aghagallon in Hannahstown 

O’Neills ACFL Division One 

Lámh Dhearg 1-13-1-03 Aghagallon 

Kevin Herron reports from Hannahstown 

Photographs: Brian Hamill

Lámh Dhearg had 10-points to spare in a victory that ensured their top-flight status for next season after they saw off an Aghagallon side short of their big hitters in a 1-13-1-03 victory at Hannahstown on Sunday afternoon. 

The hosts were first off the mark from a Ciaran Boyd point after Paddy Cunningham played an indirect free short, but Odhran Rooney converted a free to restore parity. 

Adam Murray re-established his side’s lead and Ben Rice broke the resulting kick-out and popped over. 

A Ruairi McShane score halved the deficit, however the hosts began to move up through the gears and scored the games opening goal. 

Terry McCrudden was unable to continue after sustaining a knock in the early stages and it was his replacement in Sean McCarthy that netted the opening goal. 

Donal Martin flighted a ball into the path of Adam Murray whose goal bound shot was acrobatically parried by Gabhan Baine in the Aghagallon goal, though McCarhty was quickest to react and poked the loose ball to the net to make it 1-3-0-2. 

In the aftermath points were traded between Paddy Cunningham (free) and Eoin Maginnis, with Maginnis’ score his sides last of the half. 

Lámh Dhearg kicked on and had stretched their lead into double figures by the break, Paddy Cunningham converted three frees on the bounce with his second a two-pointed effort from outside the arc. 

A further two-pointed score came from play courtesy of Ben Rice as the hosts were 1-10-0-3 ahead at the interval. 

The second half was a relatively low scoring affair, playing with the wind- Aghagallon found the net within five minutes of the restart with Odhran Rooney’s deflected shot finding it’s way past Gerard Smyth. 

They threatened a further goal within 60-seconds but Gerard Smyth was able to smother the danger after a scramble in the area. 

The Lámhs kept possession effectively and it took until the 48th minute before they replied through a Declan Smyth shot that dropped over the bar. 

Paddy Cunningham kicked his fifth free of the afternoon from a difficult angle and Owen McKeown would clip over to seal a straight-forward 1-13-1-3 win at the conclusion, a result that moves the Hannahstown men firmly into the safety zone with three games remaining, 

Aghagallon meanwhile occupy one of the bottom four spots and are amongst a trio of sides deadlocked on six-points, hoping to move away from the end of season relegation play-offs next month. 

Lámh Dhearg: G Smyth, D Murray, P Mervyn, Ross Murray, D Smyth (0-1), B Rice (0-3, 1×0-2pt), R Diamond, C Boyd (0-1), P Fitzsimons, O McKeown (0-1), P Cunningham (0-6, 4f, 1×0-2f), D Bellew, D Martin, T McCrudden, A Murray (0-1). Subs: S McCarthy (1-0) for T McCrudden (10), C Murray for D Bellew (39), A McGuigan for P Cunningham (59). 

Aghagallon: G Baine, K Hamill, A Mulholland, A Doherty, S Branagan, J Lamont. C Magill, S Devlin, P Maginnis, R McShane (0-1), C Maginnis, O Rooney (1-1, 0-1f), S McCavigan, E Maginnis (0-1), M McStravick. Subs: J McIntyre for A Doherty (HT), J Hannon for S Branagan (40), T Mallon for R McShane (47), C Mallon for S McCavigan (51). 

Referee: Paul Burns (St Comgalls)

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