Category / Football

by thesaffrongael

Saints withstand second half comeback to retain second spot

ACFL Division 1

All Saints 0-21 St. Mary’s Ahoghill 1-16

All Saints, Ballymena retained second place at the top of division 1 when they withstood a second half rally from St. Mary’s Ahoghill at Slemish Park on Sunday evening.

Baker Bradley’s side led 0-16 to 0-6 at half time and were good value for that victory with Ronan McKillop in excellent scoring form and Peter McReynolds controlling matters around mid-field.

McKillop scored 0-6 during that opening period where the home side were on top for most of the 30 minutes but he failed to return for the second half with a tight hamstring causing his withdrawel while McReynolds limped off after 20 minutes when he came down awkwardly following a spectacular catch.

Colla McDonnell whoes goal early in the second half ignited a comeback by St. Mary’s

Still it didn’t seem to matter that much as the sides headed to the dressing room with ten points separating them and All Saints good value for that lead but St. Mary’s had other ideas as they set about reeling in the opposition in a wind assisted second half.

The Cloney side dominated the second half kick-outs with Boris O’Connell and Patrick Graham catching or picking up everything that Conor Brennan drove into the middle third and a goal in the 6th minute from Colla McDonnell and a point from Neil O’Connell had the gap back to two by the 7th minute and All Saints recent good run of wins looked in decided danger.

Connell Lemon and Sean O’Callaghan replied with points for the Ballymena men but the one way traffic towards the home goal continued to flow and as the game ebbed into the closing stages a James O’Connell 2 pointer closed the gap to the minimum and the momentum was very much with the visitors.

From the resulting kick-out All Saints finally won a primary possession with Paddy McAleer breaking Brennan’s long kick out and he found Connell Lemon who sent substitute Paudin Mitchell clear for the insurance point.

GOOD START

It was Dan O’Neill who got the visitors off to a good start when he raised the game’s first orange flag into the breeze but All Saints were quick to reply as Ciaran Campbell and Paddy McAleer tied the contest by the 7th minute.

McAleer’s attempt at fisting over, came back of the upright but the impressive McKillop struck a 2 pointer and followed with a single to move his side three ahead.

All Saints keeper, Conor Brennan and Michael Read combine to dent Neil O’Connell as St. mary’s press for an equaliser

Sean O’Callaghan, McKillop with a fisted score, Connell Lemon and Paddy McAleer had the home side 8 ahead by the 17th minute before Peter McReynolds was forced out of the game with what looked like a recurrence of a knee injury to be replaced by Emmet Killough.

James O’Connell replied with St. Mary’s first point for 18 minutes but Sean McVeigh, Ciaran Campbell and Connell Lemon responded with points at the other end to move the Ballymena men 10 ahead.

The visitors looked to be in for a much needed score but Michael Read pulled off an excellent diving block to deny James O’Connell before Diarmaid Graham Kicked a massive 2 pointer into the breeze to close the gap to 8 with five minutes remaining to the break.

James O’Connell followed with a pointed free but It was All Saints who finished the half on top with Connell Lemon pointing and Ronan McKillop adding his 6th of the game to leave it 0-16 to 0-6 at the halfway stage.

It was a different story after the break as St. Mary’s dominated the mid-field sector and Colla McDonnell brought them to life with an excellent finish past Conor Brennan.

Prior to that, Noel Crossey was wide off the crossbar and Dan O’Neill struck his second 2 pointer and when Neil ‘Boris’ O’Connell followed with a point from play it was down to two points and the momentum was with the men in Red & Black.

Lemon and O’Callaghan eased the pressure with points at the other end but the momentum was with the visitors as they sensed the victory that would take them further away from the relegation zone.

Connell Lemon added to the All Saints lead as lead as the Slemish Park men countered up field but Ahoghill replied through Colla McDonnell and Neil O’Connell to keep their hopes very much alive.

The visitors were wayward in their shooting however and missed a number of scoring chances as Sean McVeigh screwed the ball over to move the Ballymena side four ahead with James O’Connell replying again to leave just a goal between the sides.

O’Connell raised another orange flag to close the gap to the minimum as the clock counted down but All Saints broke up field and Paudin Mitchell fired over for only their fourth point of the half as Darren McKeown’s full time whistle sounded from the kick-out.

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by thesaffrongael

First half goals send Wexford on their way to convincing victory

Wexford 5-23 Antrim 2-21

Tailteann Cup

First half goals from Sean Nolan and Ben Brosnin put Wexford in a strong position at half time in this preliminary Tailteann Cup quarter final at Wexford Chiswicks Park on Sunday and left Antrim with a mountain to climb in the second half.

The Saffrons started well in Wexford and took an early lead through a Conor Hand point and might have had a second but a long distance free from Mick Byrne came back of a post.

It was as good as it was to get for the Saffron in the opening half as Wexford, aided by the stiff breeze replied directly from a Darragh Brooks ‘45’, one of three the big keeper would kick during the opening half.



Martin O’Connor took advantage of a quickly taken short free to move the Chadwicks Park side ahead though Dominic McEnhill restored parity for the Saffrons with a good finish with 8 minutes gone.

Eoin Porter had obviously been handed the task of containing Antrim’s perceived danger man, Ryan McQuillan and the two players were shown yellow following an altercation as slowly Wexford assumed control.

Aided by the strong breeze they would go on to kick a number of 2 pointers with keeper, Darragh Brooks striking one from 55 meters and Ben Brosnan adding another to put the home side 0-8 to 0-6 ahead by the 21st minute.

Wexford were winning the majority of prime possession from the kick-outs and Sean Nolan put them in a strong position when he fired to the net in the 23d minutes, McQuillan and McEnhill having poster points for the visitors.

Nolan, Jack Higgins, Robbie Brooks added to the Wexford total with Mick Byrne striking a good 2 pointer into the wind to keep the visitors hanging on but still very much in the game.

McQuillan added a point but a strong run from Martin O’Connor just before half time saw him set up Ben Brosnin who palmed to the net for Wexford’s second goal to put his side 2-12 to 0-7 ahead at the break.

Given the strength of the breeze that lead certainly didn’t look unsurmountable but it was Wexford who made the better start to the second half as they kept possession before extending their lead through Pauric Hughes and Jack Higgins.

The game was then halted for six minutes following what looked like a serious injury to Martin O’Connor and after being assessed on the field he was replaced by Kevin O’Grady.

When play resumed, Dominic McEnhill, who with Ryan McQuillan were Antrim’s best forwards, kicked a 2 pointer and Glen Malone and McQuillan exchanged further points before Jack Higgins and Glen Malone combined to place Sean Nolan for his side’s third goal.

The scores continued to flow for the homeside as Sean Nolan added his sides fourth major of the evening while Mark Rossiter added another on fifty-seven minutes that had them leading 4-10 to 0-11.

As Wexford relaxed their grip on the game, Antrim replied through a Patrick Finnegan goal ten minutes from the end and Dominic McEnhill added another to reduce the deficit to 4-23 to 2-14.

The Saffrons enjoyed their best spell in the game at this point with Mick Byrne 2pts, Conor Hand, Ryan McQuillan, Byrne with another 2 pointer and Euan Quinn from deep in his own half added unanswered scores but just to show their control, Wexford finished with a Robbie Brooks goal giving them a real boost for the tougher test that lies ahead.

For Wexford it was a welcome victory over the Saffron county who on their previous two visits to the model county had come away with victories, but there was never going to be a repeat as the home side took control in the second quarter to go on to a comfortable victory.

Scorers for Wexford: S Nolan (2-3, 0-1 f); D Brooks (0-6, 2tpf); B Brosnan (1-2, 1tp); M Rossiter (1-1); R Brooks (1-0); M O’Connor (1tp), P Hughes, J Higgins (0-3 apiece); G Malone (0-2).

Scorers for Antrim: D McEnhill (1-4, 1tp, 1 ’45); M Byrne (0-7, 3 tpf); R McQuillan (0-5, 2f); P Finnegan (1-0); C Hand and E Quinn (1tp) (0-2 apiece); E McCabe (0-1) 

WEXFORD: D Brooks; M. Furlong, G Sheehan, E Porter; M O’Connor, G Malone, D furlong; L Coleman, N Hughes; M Kinsella, P Hughes, M Rossiter, J Higgins, S Nolan, B Brosnan. 

Subs: K O’Grady for O’Connor (inj.43); R Brooks for Brosnan (54), C Walsh for Nolan (59), R Martin for Rossiter (66), C Carty for Kinsella (72).

ANTRIM: M Byrne; E McCabe, K Keenan, E Walsh; R Boyle, J Finnegan, D McAleese; C Hand, C Stewart; P McBride, A Loughran, M Jordan; R McQuillan, R McCann, D McEnhill. 

Subs: N Burns for Jordan (53), P Finnegan for McBride (53), E Quinn for Stewart (56), J McAuley for McCabe (62).

Referee: C Lane (Cork).

by thesaffrongael

Can lightning strike again at Chadwicks Park

Tailteann Cup quarter-final

Wexford v Antrim,

 Chadwicks Wexford Park, Wexford, 1pm

 Antrim make the long journey to Chadwicks Park to take on Wexford in the knockout stages of the Tailteann Cup. They say lightning never strikes twice in the same place but can it strike again at Chadwicks Park on Sunday?

The Saffrons travelled to Wexford in the group stages last year and recorded a good win over Sunday’s host to finish in second place on score difference to Sligo after drawing with the Connaught side and defeating Tipperary.

A Ruairi McCann goal at Chadwicks Park would prove the important score as Antrim ran out 1-15 to 0-17 winners. The Aghagallon man’s goal after 5 minutes gave Antrim a lead they would not lose for the remainder of the game.

The big full-forward has made a habit of getting goals against Sunday’s opponents over the years and undoubtedly would like to add to his impressive record against the Leinster men.

McCann, like some of his colleagues has been hampered by injuries and a dip in form this year but has been named in Andy McEntee’s side to face Wexford after missing the Saffrons excellent victory over London in Newry last week which earned them a place in Sunday’s quarter-final.

Patrick Finnegan was also missing for the London clash but with McCann, is one of two changes to the starting line-up against the Exiles with Conor Stewart and Ryan Murray making way.

Croke Park hasn’t been a happy hunting ground for Wexford so far this year.

They lost the Division 4 league final there, to Limerick, and were beaten by Fermanagh at GAA HQ in their final Tailteann Cup group game last weekend so will be hoping that a win on Sunday will give them another opportunity to put that right.

There would not appear to be much between this weekend’s opponents though Wexford gained promotion from division 4 while Antrim were relegated from division 3

Niall Burns will be disappointed not to start but can make a big impact of the bench if called upon at Chadwicks Park

Robbie Brooks came on against Fermanagh last Sunday in Dublin for Wexford and has kept his spot in the starting team, the only change to John Hegarty’s line-up.

Despite that relegation, Antrim showed just how aggressive and potent they can be in the first-half of their Ulster SFC clash with All-Ireland holders Armagh and carried some of that form into the London game.

That win over London was their first of the Tailteann Cup campaign and secured them the last preliminary quarter-final spot. Andy McEntee will be hoping that lightning can strike again at Chadwicks Park and can call upon a strong bench if needed.

Niall Burns was excellent when introduced in the second half and scored 1-1 in Newry and may feel unfortunate not to have earned a starting spot while Conor Stewart and Ryan Murray did little wrong and will be champing at the bit if called upon.

 Only a point separated Sunday’s opponents last time they met but if Antrim can produce their best form then I expect them to advance to a third Tailteann semi-final in a row.

WEXFORD: Darragh Brooks; Michael Furlong, Gavin Sheehan, Liam O’Connor; Eoin Porter, Glen Malone, Pairic Hughes; Liam Coleman, Niall Hughes; Martin O’Connor, Tom Byrne, Mark Rossiter; Kevin O’Grady, Robbie Brooks, Sean Nolan.

Subs: Colum Feeney, Sean Barden, Ruairi Martin, Dylan Furlong, Cathal Kehoe, Cathal Walsh, Jack Higgins, Conor Carty, Michael Kinsella, Ben Brosnan, Sean Ryan.

ANTRIM: Michael Byrne; Eoghan McCabe, Eunan Walsh, Kavan Keenan; James McAuley, Dermot McAleese, Patrick Finnegan; Conor Hand, Marc Jordan; Ronan Boyle, Adam Loughran, Patrick McBride; Ryan McQuillan, Ruairi McCann, Dominic McEnhill.

Subs: Luke Mulholland, Calum Higgins, Conor Stewart, Daniel McNicholl, Eunan Quinn, Fionn Nagle, James McDonnell, John Morgan, Joseph Finnegan, Niall Burns, Ryan Murray.

by thesaffrongael

Champions St. Brigid’s stay in touch of a play-off spot

ACFL Division 1

St. Brigid’s 0-22 Dunloy 0-14

St Brigids got back to winning ways on Wednesday evening after an impressive win at home to Dunloy. The victory keeps last year’s league champions in touch of a playoff place heading in to the last 4 rounds. In a high scoring game Dunloy looked to settle better and went in to an early 0.03 to 0.02 lead. St Brigids soon got to grips with the game and worked some impressive team scores. Ruben Carleton especially was punishing Dunloy with a couple of 2-point efforts. Dunloy would answer back and Karl Fitzpatrick impressed with two 2pointers of his own.

Half time score St Brigids 0.13 Dunloy 0.10

St Brigids came out for the 2nd half and showed some of the form that helped them to last year’s league title. With impressive forward play they were able to create scoring chances which their accurate forwards took full advantage of. They got on top of Dunloy in the third quarter with the lively Enda Downey pulling the strings in what was an impressive cameo performance from the half time substitute. With 7 unanswered points at the start of the 2nd half it was job done for the Belfast side who now had a 10 point lead. Dunloy showed some fight back to try and close the gap and the teams exchanged scores in the closing stages but St Brigid’s would hold on for a deserved victory.

Next up on Sunday for St Brigids and it looks like the stand out fixture of the round as they travel to league leaders Cargin, whilst the Cuchullains entertain St Galls.

by thesaffrongael

Football Fixtures/Previews Sunday 8th June

Another round of fixtures is scheduled for Sunday 8th June as the end of the first phase draws close with the last round scheduled for July 2nd.

Division One (Sunday 8th June)

Cuchullian’s Dunloy v St Galls

Cuchullian’s have blown hot and not so hot in their programme to date but no doubt the Dunloy men are more than capable but despite giving most of their opponents a run for their money they have only passed the post in front a couple of occasions to date.

St Galls in contrast to their opponents have gained seven league victories thus far and the Milltown men are more than capable of mixing it with the best as they take the road down to Dunloy.

The city men will travel carrying the favourites tag but although form says they should collect a full return of the points the home side are more than capable when in the mood and they may well give their visitors a run for their money but recent form does suggest an away win looks probable.

Casement’s Portglenone v Kickham’s Creggan

This all South West affair will most certainly attract a good gathering to Portglenone and those in attendance are more than likely to be treated to a good game.

Casement’s have enjoyed a good season to date and they remain in firm contention for a place in the division one league final having amassed a 17 point total of points to date and sit in third spot in the table.

The Creggan men lost out to the visiting Cargin last time but they only trail their hosts in this one by a single point and will travel seeking a full return of the points.

This one certainly is a contender for match of the day and the attendance are likely to be treated to a good game and ground advantage is likely to play a part but Casements may have to dig deep to collect both points.

Tir na nOg v St Johns

The Johnnies have struggled this term and have recorded only two wins and a draw to date and the Corrigan residents will be hoping for an upturn in fortunes sooner rather than later as they take the road to the South West to cross swords with Tir na nOg.

Draw specialists, Tir na nOg, like their visitors have five points secured and both sides remain too close to the cut off point for peace of mind and both will be looking for a full return from this one to ease the burden of possible relegation.

Circumstances will ensure the points at stake will be fiercely fought for and in what is certain to be a tough encounter ground advantage may prove the key to the points with a tentative vote given to the home side.

St Paul’s v O’ Donovan Rossa

This bottom of the table clash involves next door neighbours St Paul’s and O’ Donovan Rossa and brings together two sides who both really require points.

St Paul’s hold a one point advantage over Rossa but a full return in this one is the likely requirement if division one status is to remain in sight.

Rossa recorded a big win over Aldergrove last day out and a tentative vote is awarded to the Hugh Mc Gettigan’s men to gain the verdict.

All Saint’s Ballymena v St Mary’s Ahoghill

St Mary’s Ahoghill looked in serious bother earlier in the season and destined for a place in the second grade next term, but a recent uplift in form and three victories recorded has seen them climb the table with safety possibly in sight.

All Saints have enjoyed a good season to date and currently sit in second place following their most recent victory over St. Gall’s at Milltown.

The Ahoghill men will travel to Ballymena hoping to build on their recent win over St. Paul’s and although All Saint’s will start as firm favourites the Cloney side are likely to push them close.

St James Aldergrove v Con Magee’s Glenravel

Little separates this duo in the table but Aldergrove lead the chase with twelve points whilst the Glensmen are just a single point behind them and this suggests a close game in prospect.

Aldergrove started the season in good form and that can be said about the Glensmen who have also made themselves at home in the top division.

Recent form would suggest that this could be close but ground advantage may again prove a factor and St James may well claim the points.

Erin’s Own Cargin v St Brigid’s

Cargin remain in top form this term and the 2024 senior championship winners have remained unbeaten in the league to date although they had to dig deep a few times to gain the verdict.

St Brigid’s claimed the division 1 title last term and although they have suffered several defeats in the league to date, they will travel to Toome in a positive mood.

This one will draw a good crowd to Toome where a close encounter is anticipated but reversals in their own back yard are rare events for the Toome men and recent form would suggest Ronan Devlin’s side should gain another win.

Lamh Dhearg v St Mary’s Aghagallon

St Mary’s Aghagallon have recorded only three wins in the league to date and face another test of character in this one as they travel to Hannahstown to meet Lamh Dhearg.

The Hannahstown side sit a couple of places above their visitors and will be hoping to get back to winning ways following a defeat to Con Magee’s at Glenravel last time out.

Lamh Dhearg will hope to put that defeat behind them and get back to winning ways and while Aghagallon will push them hard, a home win looks the likely result.

Division Two

St Ergnat’s Moneyglass v St Teresa’s

Moneyglass gained a good win from what looked like a tough assignment away to an improving Lisburn side last time and they are back on home soil this time as St Teresa’s visit Marian Hill.

St Teresa’s are blessed with experience and although they trail Moneyglass in the table they will travel with confidence.

St Teresa’s will test the resolve of the home side but St Ergnat’s will start as firm favourites and they should gain the day.

Patrick Sarsfield’s v St Joseph’s Glenavy

Sarsfield’s remain on terms with Moneyglass in the ratings and following a good victory over St Teresa’s last time they will start this one as firm favourites as Glenavy visit the Bear Pit.

Glenavy may well ask questions of their hosts but Sarsfield’s will be more than capable of coming up with the answers and a home win is anticipated

St Enda’s v Gort na Mona

St Enda’s proved too strong for Rasharkin last time out, beating the home side by 10 points and they will look for a repeat performance here as they play hosts to Gort na Mona.

Gort na Mona played out a draw with the visiting St Comgall’s last time but this looks like a more difficult fixture as they travel to Glengormley where St Enda’s are favoured to take the points.

Michael Davitt’s v St Comgall’s

St Comgall’s earned a draw from a visit to Gort na Mona last time and they are on the road again as they visit Davitts and they may find this one another tough assignment but one they are capable of winning.

Division Three

Patrick Pearses v Wolfe Tones

Pearses have struggled this year but lead bottom place Wolfe Tones by three points in the table and could gain another win in this one.

Cardinal O’ Donnells v Kickham’s Ardoyne

O’ Donnell’s, like Pearses, have not been at their best this season and reside in a mid-table berth. Their visitors Ardoyne have hit a bit of form recently and inflicted a first defeat of the season on league leaders, St. Agnes recently and the visitors should have enough to add to that win.

Eire Og V St Malachy’s

Eire Og languish much too close to the basement for peace of mind but they will need to produce improvement aplenty if they are to overcome the challenge of a St. Malachy’s side who are currently fourth in the table.