Cuchullian’s Dunloy made the journey to Ahoghill on Wednesday evening and left with points secured following a hugely impressive performance over the St Mary’s men at Cloney.
The Cuchullian’s arrived in positive mood and as the home side stood aside their visitors opened sharply and before five minutes had elapsed they had three major scores on the board.
The home side seemed unable to stem the tide as the green and gold wave rolled all over them and by the end of the opening quarter their visitors had claimed 4-03 without reply from their hosts.
Keelan Molloy got the Dunloy scoring show on the road with goals in the 3rd and 4th minutes supplemented by another from Kevin Mc Quillan in the 5th and as the home side continued under pressure another major from Karl Fitzpatrick was followed by points from Deaglan Smith, James Scally, Dara Quinn, and Keelan Molloy to see them in complete control at the end of the opening period.
Despite the honest efforts of Diarmaid Graham, Tom McGlone and Fionnbar O’ Neill to get the Cloney show on the road their visitors were not about to ease their foot off the accelerator.
Ahoghill improved for a time following a poor start to proceedings with Patrick Graham making his presence felt but Dunloy had moved into a 4-08 to 0-00 advantage as the short whistle approached.
The hard grafting Tom Mc Glone finally opened the home side’s account with a fine 28th minute point supplemented by another from Diarmuid Graham but that was the sum of their first half scoring with Dunloy taking respite from their first half labours holding a 4-08 to 0-02 lead and the points looked in the bag barring a miracle in the second half.
If the home contingent were looking for a quick start as the second period got under way they were to endure disappointed as it was their visitors who were quickest out of the start traps and a 34th minute goal from the hard working Karl Fitzpatrick after the home side had opened with points apiece from James O’Connell and the pace laden Danny O’ Neill.
The home side had certainly gained in confidence as the second half progressed with the Cuchullian’s possibly easing on the accelerator and Danny O’ Neill added back to back points.
Deaglan Smith replied with a point for Dunloy and another goal by the dangerous Karl Fitzpatrick further extended the Dunloy advantage as the end looked in sight.
Both sides introduced replacements as the game passed the three-quarter marker but the visitors stood tall, despite the honest endeavours of the Clooney men to finish positively.
That was a tall order and further goals from Ryan Mc Fairlane and Karl Fitzpatrick saw the advantage extended to 7-08 to 0-07 as the floodgates opened.
Patrick Graham, who had his shoulder to the wheel for the home side added a good point in the 54th minute but it brought a quick reply from the visitors as a lofted delivery by Deaglan Smith was despatched to the net by Ryan McFarlane and the visitors had earned a 8-13 to 0-7 advantage .
The home side did have the last say on scoring matters however as Patrick Graham raised that flag in consolation with the dominant Dunloy crossing the finish line full value for their 8-13 to 0-08 win.
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Kickham’s Creggan climbed above All Saints into second place in the table following this win over neighbours Tir na nOg and the Ballymena side’s defeat to Rossa in Belfast.
In a match lacking urgency, Kickham’s stormed out of the blocks, racing into a 0-12 to no score lead after 21minutes. Points from Jamie McCann and 2 points from young Connor Johnston got the home side on their way and an excellent 2 pointer from Connor Small who followed that up with another point got them on their way.
Connor’s younger brother Kevin then kicked a superb 2 pointer of his own in the 13th minute as the one way traffic towards the visitors’ goal continued.
With Mathew Rodgers again winning a lot of ball he took his point and set Connor Small up for his 4th of the evening.
The excellent Fintan Close finished a great individual run with a nicely taken point in the 21st minute and at this stage it wasn’t looking good for the Whitehill side who hadn’t registered a score.
Tir na nOg’s finally came to life however and Josh Smith got them on heir way with a well taken goal and they followed with a point each for Aaron McNeilly and Darragh Fagan.
McNeilly concluded the first half scoring in the 29th minute with a 2 pointer. To leave Kickhams leading by 0-12 to 1-04 at halftime.
Inspired by their strong finish to the opening half it was Tir na nOg who opened the second on the front foot and Darragh Fagan got them on their way with a point in the 7th minute.
Kickhams responded with 3 points on the bounce from Jamie McCann and one each from Conor and Kevin Small. Oliver McAtamney replied with the visitor’s second point of the half in the 14th minute but it brought another response from the Staffordstown Road side.
Sean Duffin split the posts and Conor Small added 2 more and another Jamie McCann point had them back in total control by the 25th minute.
Tir na nOg hadn’t finished however and after Oisin Kerr pulled off his second great save of the night they hit 2 excellent 2pointers, one from Ciaran O’Neill and one from Darragh Fagan followed by points from Aaron McNeilly and Darragh Fagan to close the gap to four.
It would be their final score of the night however and Sean Duffin kicked the game’s final point to leave Kickham’s with a 5 point victory and a step closer to the end of season play-offs.
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As the football league approaches the end of the first phase another full round of fixtures has been arranged for the mid-week setting on Wednesday evening in all of the divisions.
Division One (all games at 7.15pm)
Kickham’s Creggan v Tir na nOg
Tir na nOg make the short journey to meet neighbours Kickham’s Creggan in a fixture which is likely to draw a good crown to the Staffordstown Road.
The home side remain in touch at the top of the table and are currently holding a healthy return of 18 points to date and very much involved in the race for the league title, only four points behind the pace setters and will aim for the win to ensure they remain in touch.
The Og’s will also travel with positive intentions but for different reason as with just six points banked to date they need the points to retain league status.
Creggan will start as firm favourites and although their visitors will be giving their all in search of points it is difficult to see anything other than a home win to ensure the home side remain in the chase for league honours.
Casement’s Portglenone v Erin’s Own Cargin
County champions Cargin suffered their first league defeat of the season when St. Brigid’s visited Toome in their last game. That one saw the reigning league holders win by 0-16 to 0-11 to end the home side’s unbeaten run.
Cargin will be keen to put that defeat behind them as they travel to meet a Portglenone side they have already beaten this year in the O’Cahan Cup final.
Casement’s are still in the running for a top 4 finish that would give them a place in the league play-offs while, barring accidents Cargin have already ensured their place in the semi-finals.
The Portglenone men’s greater need could inspire them to another victory but I would expect Cargin to get back to winning ways but a draw is not to be ruled out.
O’ Donovan Rossa v All Saint’s Ballymena
Rossa have really struggled to get it together this term and the Shaw’s road residents currently sit at the bottom of the table with only 2 wins.
The home side have really struggled to get it together though they did record a good win over Aldergrove recently but look in serious bother as the end of the league draws ever closer.
A trip to Dunloy and a home game against St. Brigid’s completes their programme following the visit of All Saints on Wednesday night and Hugh McGettigan’s side will need at least two wins from those games to have any chance of survival
All Saint’s sit in second place at present and will travel to Belfast intent on keeping their play-off place intact but Rossa will not give up their division 1 status without a fight and All Saints will need to be at their best if they are to claim the points.
St Mary’s Aghagallon v St James Aldergrove
St Mary’s have struggled this season with only seven points to date but another win would guarantee their safety and they will see this one as an opportunity to secure their division 1 status.
Aldergrove have enjoyed a good season with seven victories to date and sit in a safe mid-table berth with division 1 football guaranteed for another year.
Aghagallon have been poor this season but with their county players back on board they may well have enough to get the win they so badly need
Con Magee’s Glenravel v St Paul’s
Con Magees have enjoyed a good 2025 as their place in the top ten strongly suggests and they will look to make further addition in this one as St Pauls visit Fr. Maginn Park.
It took Shaw’s road side a time to get their bearings back in the top grade but a recent win over the inform St Galls would suggest that they are on the road back.
This may well be a close one but the Glensmen will start as favourites on their own sod and they may well make addition to their points haul.
St John’s v Lamh Dhearg
The Johnnies have really struggled this season and at present the Corrigan men have only six points from two wins and two draws and sit second bottom in the ratings.
Lamh Dhearg have 14 points and occupy a snug spot in the table and they will travel to Corrigan in search of further points.
This may well be a close one and although the home side have struggled, they can never be discounted and this one may well end up honours even with a draw possible.
St Gall’s v St Brigid’s
St Galls and their visitors in this one St Brigid’s have enjoyed good seasons to date and both reside in the top six at present with St Brigid’s 2 places higher than the Milltown men in fourth spot.
This could be a close one but St Brigid’s have been in good form recently and defeated cargin last time out and they should have enough to take the points.
St Mary’s Ahoghill v Cuchullian’s Dunloy
St Mary’s Ahoghill sit too close to the bottom for comfort but Eamon Brady’s charges can never be written off and were unfortunate not to take something from their visit to All Saints last time out. They dominated the second half of that one at Slemish Park but missed too many chances and paid the price.
Cuchullian’s have eight points in the league to date and although they will travel in search of further addition Eamon Brady’s charges may get the win they so badly need.
Division Two A (all games at 7.15pm)
St Ergnat’s Moneyglass v Patrick Sarsfield’s
Moneyglass and Sarsfields are level on points at the top of the table, both having gained 21 points with St Ergnat’s ahead on score difference.
This one is certain to attract a good audience to the Marian Hill venue and there will be little between them at the end but home advantage may well prove the decisive factor.
St Joseph’s Glenavy v St Patrick’s Lisburn
Little separates this duo to date but the Lisburn side lead the way on points, having banked 12 with the St Joseph’s men three in arrears on 9.
This may well prove to be a close one but ground advantage may well prove the difference with Glenavy hoping to avenge an away defeat to the Lisburn side and they may well claim both points.
St Comgall’s Antrim v St Enda’s
St Comgall’s have ground advantage in this one as they play host to St Enda’s at Dunsilly where first meet second in division 2B.
The home side have performed well in their first season back in division 2 and will give this one a real lash but St Enda’s have been showing good form recently and they may well pick up a full return of points.
Michael Davitt’s v St Mary’s Rasharkin
Both Michael Davitt’s and their visitors in this one, St Mary’s Rasharkin have found the going somewhat tough this term.
Rasharkin gained promotion in 2024 but have been decimated by injury this term and they will do well to get anything from their visit to Davitt’s Park.
Division Three (all games at 7.15 pm)
Wolfe Tones v Cardinal O’ Donnell’s
Wolfe Tones enjoy ground advantage but they have struggled this term with just one win and O’Donnell’s should have enough to gain another brace of points.
Eire Og v St Agnes
St Agnes have enjoyed a grand season to date with only one defeat as they retain leadership of the division on 18 points.
Eire Og have struggled this term and they look likely to suffer another defeat at the hands of the league leaders.
St Malachy’s v Pearse’s
St. Malachy’s have banked 11 points to date to ensure a snug position in the ratings as they play hosts to Pearses.
Pearses remain a few points behind their hosts and they will have to be at their best if they are to improve their position in the table.
Kickham’s Ardoyne v Laochra Loch Lao
Kickham’s Ardoyne sit third in the table at present and recorded a good win over unbeaten St. Agnes recently and a win here would see them climb above their visitors, Laochra Loch Lao.
Laochra Loch Lao have enjoyed a good campaign to date and have fifteen points and trail St. Agnes by three at the top.
This one will be fiercely contested but ground advantage may well edge it in favour of the Kickham’s with a draw not to be ruled out.
Over 150 school children from the counties of Antrim and Dublin connected once again in a series of games during the recent Cumann na mBunscol Friendship Games. Played in Corrigan Park, Belfast the primary school pupils gave it their all for their County before a medal swapping ceremony whereby players from each jurisdiction exchanged silverware.
Organised on an annual basis the children from both counties participate in games across all 4 GAA on-field codes and handball. The Antrim children, selected from over 50 primary schools from Ballycastle to Belfast and everywhere in between, were hosts this year for their Dublin friends and what a great day was had by all. Parnell Park will host the next instalment in 2026.
Cumann na mBunscol Aontroma wish to record its thanks to its partner schools, our team coaches and referees, committee organisers, our colleagues and pupils from Dublin, St. John’s GAC and Gort Na Mona GAC.
The Antrim and Dublin Cumann na mBunscol teams who played at Gort na Móna
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This third clash of these neighbouring counties in recent years was expected to be close, and that’s exactly what happened in their 3rd round national masters league tie in Moneymore on Saturday. In a contest that ebbed one way and then the other, the sides were finally level when referee Brian McCallion (Castlederg) blew his whistle at the end of an absorbing hour, the two heavyweights slugging it out, chasing that extra point that may yet make a difference when points total is tallied at the end of this most competitive northern league.
Both teams will feel that they should have taken two points, but just as likely both teams could have had nothing to show, therefore a draw was perhaps a fitting result.
Despite the damp and drizzle, a fair crowd had gathered to witness the third version of this modern trilogy, no doubt expecting to see a repeat of those previous endeavours which had resulted in one victory each, albeit by the slimmest of margins.
Ciaran McIvor fires past Sean Mc Greevey for Derry’s second goal
The much awaited return to county action of legendary Cargin forward Kieran Close resulted in the games opening score, but Derry’s reply within a minute was deadly, a well worked move resulting in Rory OReilly rounding long serving Antrim custodian Sean McGreevy and firing to the net for the opening goal of the game.
Two pointed frees from the accurate feet of All Saints Michael McCarry levelled it up again on the scoreboard, but the reality was Antrim hadn’t really settled into the contest and it was no surprise when bustling Ciaran McIvor and his wing half forward colleague Rory OReilly tagged on a goal and a point to put Derry ahead at the end of the first quarter.
Antrim finally got into their rhythm, and began to put a few moves together. Led from the front by county legend Michael McCann, players began to shake off their cobbles, and dictate the pace of the games second quarter. Classy Kieran Close slotted over his second point after a brilliant offload from Mick McCarry and Barry McMahon followed this with a terrific solo run which he finished himself to raise another white flag.
Another well worked move found Davy McAlernon free but impeded in the Derry goalmouth, up stepped Michael McCarry to slide the ball comfortably into the net from the resulting penalty, and the Saffrons were back in the game.
Michael McCann split the posts from a full fifty yards to put Antim one up, though this slender lead was short lived, Derrys full forward Darren Conway equalising a minute before half time, a score that would send the teams in level for the half time interval.
Despite Antrim’s nervy start to the match, they had settled in well and started off the first half on the front foot, stretching their lead to four inside twelve minutes of the restart. Mick McCann kick started this period of Saffron dominance, another long range point setting the tone, and when Laurence Higgins, Declan McLarnon and Michael McCarry tagged on further scores it really looked like there would be a clear winner. Big Ryan Boyd had battled manfully all day in the midfield exchanges, and his superb point in the forty fifth minute gave Antrim supporters further cause for optimism.
Several of those scores were at the end of moves which saw one on ones with the Derry keeper, and players, wisely or otherwise (as it turned out) deciding to fist the ball over the bar for minors when a green flag may well have put the contest to bed.
Having come from five points down to four up, maybe some Antrim players thought the work had been done, and in truth no one objected to those fisted scores, such was the extend of that particular period of dominance from the visiting Saffrons.
Laurence Higgins moves forward to set up an Antrim attack
Derry had other ideas though. Their squad is battle hardened and has tasted success in two consecutive seasons, and it was no surprise they would get their own spell back on the front foot.
Ciaran McIvor kickstarted the inevitable comeback with an excellent point, then Glenullin’s highly decorated Gerard O Kane showed why he has captained school college club and county in the past, grabbing the game by the scruff of the neck and dragging his Oakleafs back into the contest. Two hallmark OKane scores, almost identical in nature were dispatched from distance on his left foot, after winning ball and making large advances deep into Antrim territory to level things up.
In between Antrim showed their own fighting spirit, with challenges hard and heavy, vital interceptions from Michael Donnelly and Adrian Scullion notable as players from both counties put their bodies on the line. Two missed frees at crucial times served to increase the anxiety of those in Saffron, punished clinically by Derry half back Edward McLaughlin’s fine solo effort which put the red and white a point up and only a few minutes left on the clock.
This Antrim side have shown their battling qualities on many occasions in the last few years, and now they would need to summon those reserves one more time. Ryan Daly made the vital interception which set in motion an attack which saw Michel Herron release Mick McCarry for the games equalising score, a forty yard effort which came in high off the post to the relief of the travelling party.
With one minute to go Antrim probed for what might have been a last gasp winner, a fingertip interception from retreating Derry forward Sean Brady spoiling that opportunity, to signal the long full time whistle from the very competent referee Brian McCallion.
This absorbing contest probably resulted in its fairest outcome, two good teams giving it their all for a full hour, and demonstrating plenty of ability, skill and determination in between.
Derry’s standout players on the day were Sean Brady, Brian Mullan Eunan Murphy, and Gerard OKane, whilst best in saffron on the day were Michael Herron, Michael McCarry, Stephen OConnell and Michael McCann.
Its possible these counties could meet up once more later this year, possibly in championship mode, and if that is the case, expect sequel number four to be as exhilarating as the previous three.
Antrim travel to play Monaghan in Latton on Saturday 28th June at midday in their next contest, and Louth one week later on Saturday 5th July, hoping for two wins which will set them up for their final league game on Saturday 26th July against Tyrone, All Ireland winners of this increasingly prestigious competition for four consecutive years.
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