ACFL Division 1

St Johns 2 – 12    Roger Casements 4 – 14

A large and youthful St Johns panel assembled at sunny Corrigan Park to ask questions of visiting Portglenone, who had huffed and puffed in earlier stages of this league, but who had been on a decent run of late. Both clubs were missing their county men, and on top of that Casements were without half a dozen of their team who started last year’s county final, so for St Johns, this represented an opportunity to claim two highly desired points.

The opening quarter though dispelled any notion that an upset was imminent. Casements took control from the fist whistle, Michael Hagan and Ronan Kelly pointing to ease them into the game, before racing into an early ten point lead playing fast cohesive football and a couple of well worked goals from returning Michael Hagan and Enda Lynn.  The hosts were restricted to a single Conchuir Adams free, the writing written large that this game as a contest was already as good as over.

The Johnnies though had other ideas. A long ball sent into the Portglenone goalmouth to bustling Conall Bohill resulted in tangled feet in the square, Mark ONeill having no hesitation in stretching both arms wide for a penalty which was expertly dispatched by young Conor McAvoy in the process offering St Johns a way back into the game.

Although Ronan Kelly tapped over a free immediately after, one of five on the night, it was the famous blue and white jerseys that pressed hardest in the closing minutes of the opening half, scores from Oran Quinn, Conall McGlade and John Wilson reducing the deficit to a much more respectable margin as the whistle went for the interval.

Stalwart Adrian Oliver secured the first white flag upon resumption, their fourth score on the trot, and for a brief moment, this game looked like it could go to the wire.

To their credit, Casements acknowledged the danger, and regained the initiative. Needing a response and quickly, a mazy phase of possession ended up with Oisin Doherty finalising some cohesive team play, a green flag the outcome.

Another Ronan Kelly free kick extended the gap to eight, and to many in the sizeable crowd, it looked like any hopes of a home town comeback had been averted.

Assume nothing though as six of the next eight scores came from a determined Johnnies team. Playing into their favoured goals, Conall Bohill and Ryan McNulty led a revival of sorts, both pointing from distance. Even though these were cancelled out by Oisin Doherty and Ryan McKeever, the hosts managed to find their best spell, and keep the contest honest and the lively crowd engaged. Bustling John Wilson managed to finish to the net and when Adams, Quinn and Bohill posted three points on the bounce, all of a sudden the lead was back down to just two points, and once again, it was game on.

Goals win games they say, and Portglenone’s fourth of the evening, a cool finish from Michael Hagan after a fast break out of defence, catching out the St Johns keeper and helpless defence, to put some daylight between the teams once again, with just five minutes left.

Although hardworking Ryan McNulty and Oran Quinn kept the scoreboard ticking over for the hosts, it was their visitors who finished on the stronger foot. A Ronan Kelly free was followed by a masterclass in kicking the ball off the ground – Big Paddy Kelly tapping over a sixty yard free like it was as easy as tying his shoelace. The pacy and elusive Niall Delargy and Ryan McKeever raised the last couple of white flags to run out fairly comfortable eight point winners in the end.

St Johns played well in spells, their competitive attitude never making it easy, but they can only hope to get their county men back as soon as possible, and in particular their scorer in chief Patrick McBride. Nevertheless Ryan Mc Nulty, Conor McGlade, Oran Quinn showed well, as did Conall McGlade, whilst robust full forward Conall Bohill was one of the most impressive players on display.

Casements will be happy to know their recent resurgence from bottom four to a top four placing in intact, and will feel that they are back pointing in the right direction. Some of their football was excellent and looked well in control for most of the match. Captain Niall Delargy led from the front, assisted by Paddy Kelly who worked tirelessly in midfield, with Oisin Doherty and the classy Enda Lynn looking on top of their game.

ACFL Division 1

Aghagallon 3-19 Tir na nOg 3-19

 4 June 2025 – Photos and report by Brian Hamill

On a cold but sun-drenched evening in Aghagallon, St. Mary’s and Tír na nÓg Randalstown played out a breath taking 3-19 to 3-19 draw, in a match that swung like the breeze — quite literally.

With a sharp wind blowing straight down the pitch, Aghagallon enjoyed the advantage in the first half, while Tír na nÓg used it to their benefit in the second. The result was a fiercely competitive encounter where neither side could maintain control for long, and both produced moments of real quality. Aghagallon made the most of the wind at their backs early on, settling quickly and building an early 0-4 to 0-1 lead. They added their first goal, scored by Ruairi McShane, after a spell of sustained pressure, and their long-range shooting, aided by the breeze, was particularly impressive.

They closed out the half with a flurry of scores, including a second goal, dispatched by Odhran Rooney, to take a commanding 2-12 to 1-8 lead into the break.

Tír na nÓg turned the tide after the interval. Now with the wind behind them, they surged forward with renewed intensity. Darragh Fagan was central to their revival, finding gaps in the Aghagallon defence and chipping in with vital points.

Caleb Smith added another layer of threat up front, combining clever movement with clinical finishing. Two second-half goals from the visitors helped erase the deficit and even briefly pushed them ahead. But Aghagallon refused to roll over. Luke Mulholland remained dependable from placed balls, ending up with 0-7 courtesy of 3 long range free kicks. A third goal, scored by full forward Eoin Maginnis, from the home side in the final stages, looked to have sealed the win only for Tír na nÓg to respond once again, landing a string of late points and a penalty to take a late lead.

Odhran Rooney scored from a free kick, to score a dramatic equaliser deep into injury time. This was a match shaped by the wind and defined by character, with each team making the most of the conditions when in their favour. A draw felt like a fair result after a contest of such high intensity and quality. Aghagallon and Tír na nÓg may each rue missed chances but both can take pride in what was a superb showcase of club football, watched by a lively crowd on a chilly June evening.

An interesting footnote to Wednesday night’s game was the half-time entertainment where the Aghagallon club invited boys and girls from the parish to come along and experience Gaelic games during the half time break

ACFL Division 1

Kickham’s Creggan 0-16 Erin’s Own Cargin 2-13

Pat Shivers kicked 0-8 on the night and placed Sean O’Neill for a goal as Cargin defeated neighbours, Creggan to remain unbeaten after a fiercely contested division 1 clash on the Staffordstown Road on Wednesday night.

The home side led by 0-09 to 1-05 at the end the opening period, aided by the strong northerly breeze but given the strength of that breeze, the question was, would it be enough?

Creggan nipped smartly out of the start traps and had earned a two point advantage by the 10^th minute through Conor Johnston and Matthew Rogers but the visitors soon found their feet and took the lead by the end of the first quarter thanks to a David Johnston goal.

Pat Shivers, who had an excellent game, got the Toome men off the mark with a 7^th minute point but Creggan were quick to reply as the busy Matthew Rogers and Ethan Carey Small raised further whites apiece to earn a three point lead 0-04 to 0-01  after 10^th minutes

Creggan utilised the strength of the breeze to their advantage but it took a smart save from net minder Oisin Kerr to deny Sean O’ Neill a goal as the visitors countered.

It was Cargin keeper, John McNabb who was the busier of the two during the opening half however as he came to his side’s rescue with a number of excellent stops.

The pick of these was when he went full length to deny Conor Johnston from close range after a smart build-up as Creggan led 0-09 to 1-05 at the end of the first period.

Cargin had the benefit of the breeze in the second half and the introduction of minor star Jack O’ Neill was to prove a positive move.

In the event the wind had calmed a little and it was the home side who were to increase their lead with an early point.

The Toome men were quick to reply however and a superb end to end approach involving Michael McCann saw Pat Shivers open the way for Sean O’ Neill to fire to the net and Cargin were ahead for the second time.

The visitors continued to press and added to their lead with Pat Shivers in sparkling form and the big full forward continued to add to his personal total with a number of excellent scores.

Creggan, with Conor McCann leading by example fought hard but Jamie Gribbin and Pat Shivers added points for the visitors before Matthew Rogers fired between the posts at the other end and the full forward was soon back to add another to bring the sides level.

Cargin called Eunan Quinn into action just as a Shea McCann point  secured the lead again for the Kickham’s , but that lead was short lived as a long range Jamie Gribbin ‘two pointer’ ensured his side reclaimed advantage with the game clock at 55 minutes.

TheKickham’s were quickly to post reply via a Conor Small point but the visitors were taking the game to the opposition with Jack O’Neill impressing, and Pat Shivers added a trio of points.

Creggan pressed hard during the closing stages and Mattherw Rodgers pointed but they could find no way through a resolute Cargin defence with the visitors always dangerous on the break.

John McNabb, who was imperious throughout made another couple of saves in the latter stages to deny the hosts as the goal they needed just wouldn’t come.

The last minutes proved lively in the extreme and a Conor Small point saw them back on terms but it was the visitors who finished on top and Pat Shivers pointed a 30 metre free and added a couple from play to see his side cross the winning line points secured.

Shivers was the Cargin hero with those late three points and proved a real handful over the hour as the Erin’s own secured the points to move four clear of All Saints at the top of the table and it’s difficult to see anyone catch them in the race for the title.

Creggan: Oisin Kerr, Aiden Maguire, Liam Mc Lernon, Fintan Close, Ethan Carey Small (0-01, Sam Maguire, Seamus Mc Cann (0-03), Keelan Mc Cann, Conor Mc Cann, Jack Mc Ateer (0-01), Keelan Small, Ruairi Mc Cann (0-02), Conor Johnston (0-01), Matthew Rogers (0-06), Conor O’ Caloite (0-02)

Subs: Shea McCann,Dominic Mc Ateer,Diarmuid Mulholland

Cargin: John Mc Nabb, Sean og Quinn, Kevin Mc Shane, Callum Gribbin, Conan Johnston, Paul Mc Cann, Michael Mc Cann, Gerard Mc Cann, Tom Shivers (0-02), Sean O’Neill (1-00), David Johnston (1-00), Jamie Gribbin (1 2*). Pat Shivers (0-08), James Laverty

Subs:Jack O’ Neill,Eunan Quinn

Referee: Kevin Park (St Enda’s)

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ACFL Division 3

St Agnes 3-15 St Malachys 0-5

Division 3 league leaders, St. Agnes recovered well from last week’s defeat to Ardoyne as they proved too good for St. Malachy’s. They dominated from start to finish scoring 3-7 to the Mals solitary point in the first half with Dee McGrahaghan hitting the net twice and Ronan Carroll getting the Aggies other goal. Determined to put last week’s defeat behind them, they weren’t just as dominant in the second half but still outscored the home team eight points to four. The Aggies remain on course for the league title with two wins from their remaining four games required and barring mishaps look certain to be playing their football in division 2 next season.

ACFL Division 1

St. Gall’s 3-13 All Saints 3-20

A blistering opening five minutes provided the platform for another All Saints victory when they travelled to Milltown on Wednesday night and overcame the challenge of St. Galls.

The Ballymena side came racing out of the blocks with Sean McVeigh pointing after 20 seconds and Paddy McAleer and Ronan McKillop added two points before Peter McNicholl had his shot pushed over by Niall McCurdy in the St. Gall’s nets.

Harry Connon added the visitors 5^th point as the one way traffic towards the home goals continued and when a flowing move from deep in their own half saw Sean McVeigh rattle the St. Gall’s net, it looked like being a tough evening for the Milltown Row side.

Colm Walsh finally got the hosts off the mark with a point in the 12^th minute and from there until the end they would match the visitors score for score but the damage had already been done.

Conn Doherty 0-2, Marty Murray 0-2, Daniel Quinn 0-4 (3f’s) brought the St. Gall’s total to 0-9 by half time but the visitors always had a response as Cal O’Brien, Connell Lemon 0-2, Ronan McKillop, Peter McReynolds and Paddy McAleer raised white flags at the other end.

A goal from Conn Doherty, two minutes into the second half closed the gap to three and when Daniel Quinn pointed his 4^th free of the evening it was back to two and the game appeared to be swinging St. Gall’s way.

It brought the desired response from Baker Bradley’s side however and McCurdy in the home goals brought off a good save but was helpless to stop Peter McReynolds finish to the net in the 4^th minute.

Ronan McKillop and Paddy McAleer added points and normal service appeared to have been restored but Conn Doherty had other ideas as he fired past Ryan Stewart for his and his side’s second goal in the 10^th minute.

Once again the visitors were able to find a response as McKillop and McAleer split the posts at the other end but the Milltown side now had a bit of wind in their sales and Marty Murray and Daniel Quinn replied before Stewart in the visitors goals pulled off a good save.

Cal O’Brien came forward from defence to raise an orange flag and put a bit more daylight between the sides with 13 minutes still remaining as Mickey Pollock replaced Michael Hopkins in the St. Gall’s attack.

The end to end sequence of the game continued as Ronan McKillop added a point for the visitors before the Slemish Park men were awarded a penalty with McCurdy receiving a Black card and Paddy McAleer confidently finishing to the net from the spot.

St. Gall’s battled to the end and were rewarded when Conall McCabe found a way past Ryan Stewart for their third goal of the evening with McAleer and Colm Walsh exchanging late points to conclude the scoring.

A great game of football and a good advert for the new rules with 6 goals and 33 points posted over the evening and both sides displaying all that is good in the game.

In the end that bright start for the men in black would prove the difference in the end and these sides will face each other again in Championship action later in the year in a game that will be eagerly anticipated.

St. Gall’s: 1 Niall McCurdy, 2 Gairtech MacAdhaimh, 3 Conor Burke, 4 Dubhaltach MacLiam, 5 Ruairi Wilson, 6 Conall McGirr, 7 Conall McCabe, 8 Aodhan Gallagher, 9 Conor Stinton, 10 Michael Hopkins, 11 Brendan Bradley, 12 Marty Murray, 13 Colm Walsh, 14 Conn Doherty, 15 Daniel Quinn

All Saints: 1 Ryan Stewart, 2 Matthew Downey, 3 Rian Tom, 4 Cal O’Brien, 5 Patrick Ferris, 6 Sean O’Callaghan, 7 Joe Rafferty, 8 Peter McReynolds, 9 Peter McNicholl, 10 Connell Lemon, 11 Paddy McAleer, 12 Harry Connon, 13 Coiaran Campbell, 14 Sean McVeigh, 15 Ronan McKillop

Referee: Ray Matthews

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