Category / Football

by thesaffrongael

Stylish CPC win the Gallagher Cup

Danske Bank Gallagher Cup Hurling

Cross & Passion College 4-16 St Patrick’s College, Maghera 2-14

Cross & Passion College, Ballycastle, delivered a masterclass in underage hurling at Slemish Park, Ballymena, on Friday, overcoming a resilient St Patrick’s Maghera side in a deeply entertaining Danske Bank Gallagher Cup final. The 4-16 to 2-14 victory extends the Ballycastle school’s remarkable unbeaten run in third-year Ulster schools’ hurling to three full seasons. The bedrock of CPC’s victory was their devastating attacking duo. Powerhouse centre forward John Óg Darragh and full forward Tom Richmond led the line impeccably, combining for a staggering 3-15 to keep Maghera at arm’s length. For St Pat’s, Patrick O’Loughlin stood out as their most potent forward, spearheading a spirited fightback that kept the game fiercely competitive.

Despite Maghera opening the scoring in the very first minute with a Harry McCloskey 65, CPC wasted no time asserting their dominance. Just 90 seconds in, Darragh scooped the sliotar through to Richmond, who ruthlessly found the back of the net. By the 13th minute, Darragh himself raced through to raise a second green flag for the north Antrim school, pushing them to a commanding 2-5 to 0-3 lead. Maghera desperately needed a spark, which came courtesy of a superb point from half-back Ryan Murray following a bursting run through the centre. Three subsequent frees, two from O’Loughlin and one from McCloskey, helped Maghera claw their way back into the contest. However, the relentless scoring pace of Richmond and Darragh, who both finished the half with 1-4 to their names, ensured CPC carried a comfortable 2-9 to 0-7 advantage into the break.

The gap quickly stretched to ten points immediately after the restart thanks to two rapid-fire scores from Darragh. Refusing to capitulate, Maghera dug deep, and by the 40th minute, they had slashed the deficit to just four points. The surge was ignited when O’Loughlin masterfully took down a long McCloskey free and buried it for a goal, followed quickly by a flurry of points from McCloskey, Murray, and O’Loughlin. Darragh and Richmond answered the call for CPC, temporarily restoring order, but Maghera hit back again through Quentin Farren and O’Loughlin. With just 12 minutes remaining, a mere five points separated the two sides, and CPC began registering their first wides of the afternoon.

Any rising tension among the CPC supporters was swiftly alleviated by Richmond. Showing exceptional deftness, the full forward controlled a long delivery from the defense, creating the space needed to hammer home his second goal of the game. Less than 90 seconds later, Daire Kearney struck the final blow, netting CPC’s fourth goal to put the game out of reach. Maghera fought admirably until the final whistle, finding a glimmer of consolation when Harry McCloskey buried a penalty with three minutes left on the clock. Fittingly, however, it was John Óg Darragh who had the final say, firing over his tenth point of the day to seal the victory.

For the newly crowned champions, Darragh finished with an impressive 1-10, including six frees, while Richmond contributed 2-5, with three from placed balls. Kearney added 1-0 and team captain K Cassidy chipped in with a point. Maghera’s valiant effort was led by O’Loughlin with 1-8, including five frees, supported by McCloskey’s 1-3, Murray’s two points, and a single point from Farren.

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by thesaffrongael

Ardoyne survive second half revival from Eire Óg

ACFL Division 3

Ardoyne 3-15 Eire Og 3-13

Report & Pics: Brian McKee

A master-class from talisman Cormac Mullan ensured Ciceam Ard Eoin narrowly secured the league points at Fennell Park, weathering a ferocious second-half comeback from a resilient Éire Óg side in a thrilling encounter.

Ardoyne were dominant in the first half and found their rhythm from the throw-in.

Early driving runs from McKernan consistently sliced open the Éire Óg rearguard.

The breakthrough arrived courtesy of both the elements and individual skill. Mullan unleashed a high, searching ’45’ that caught the strong wind, bypassing visiting goalkeeper King to drop directly into the back of the net.

Éire Óg responded with their own touch of good fortune, as a speculative bouncing ball eluded the Ardoyne defence, allowing Dixon to pounce and fire past Hughes.

Ardoyne quickly reasserted dominance, with Cahal Keown blasting home a magnificent second goal. Finnen Wall O’Brien produced possibly his best display in an Ardoyne jersey in a standout performance, culminating in curling over an exquisite point from distance. Further scores from Hardy and Lagan left Éire Óg reeling at the break.

Half-Time: Ciceam Ard Eoin 2-09  Éire Óg 1-03

Éire Óg emerged transformed after the interval and the fightback began immediately from the throw in. McIlroy ignited the resurgence with a pointed free. Dixon then galvanized his team, scoring an inspirational two-pointer before Donnelly expertly turned provider to set up Smyth for a clinical goal.

Ardoyne found themselves firmly under pressure. Despite Mullan steadying the ship with two pointed frees, Éire Óg kept coming, with McKenna clipping over two successive points. The momentum swung towards Eire Óg when Dixon collected his second goal of the afternoon.

A grandstand finish was enjoyed by the spectators. Hardy looked to have sealed it for Ardoyne with a crucial goal against the run of play, but Éire Óg refused to yield. Two spectacular consecutive two-pointers suddenly reduced the deficit to a solitary point. With the game on a knife-edge, Ardoyne turned to Mullan. The forward showed nerves of steel to slot over the final point of the match from play, sealing a breathless two-point victory.

Ciceam Ard Eoin: 1. Tiernan Hughes, 2. Cormac Curran, 3. Micheál McGreevy, 4. Conor Magee, 5. Joe Gibson, 6. Pearse Marley, 7. Finnen Wall O’Brien (0-02), 8. Daniel Keenan, 9. Oisin Maskey, 10. Odhran McKee, 11. Gary McKernan, 12. Cormac Mullan (1-09, 4f), 13. Fiontan Lagan (0-01), 14. Cahal Keown (1-0), 15. Kealan Hardy (1-03), 16. Oisin Copeland, Emmet Corry,  Eoghan Craig, Brendan Hmilton, Eoin Fennell, Aidan McConnell, Odhran Mullan, Daniel Moore, James Og McAuley, Ethan Magill, Ciaran Lopes, Padraig McGreevy, Cormac Barnes, Aodhán Quigg, Diarmuid Martin

Eire Og: 1. Jamie King, 2. Ryan Clarke, 3. Brian O’Malley, 4. Matt Hanna, 5. Luca Mulholland, 6. Stephen Erskine, 7. Malachy McIvor, 8. Barry McDaid, 9. Patrick Maxwell, 10. Adam McKenna, 11. Conor McKenna (0-02), 12. Ronan McKeown, 13. Conall Smyth (1-01),  14. Eoin Dixon (1-05,4f), 15. Gavin Donnelly, Ciarán Rice, Stephen McDonagh, Conor Dixon(1-04,4f), Karl McKenna, Lorcan McIlroy(0-01,1f), Mark Graham,

Referee: Sean Toal

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by thesaffrongael

Creggan survive early scare to keep their winning run going

Antrim Football League – Division 1

Glenravel 1-09  Creggan 1-18

Creggan proved their table topping status with a convincing win in Glenravel but for the opening quarter they looked a long way second best in this encounter as the hosts got off to a flying start to lead 1-04 to 0-02 with twelve minutes on the clock. However Creggan started dominating midfield possession in the final five minutes of the first half and pretty much most of the second half limiting their opponents to only four more scores whilst they popped over points at will with Liam Quinn, berthed at full forward but roving at pace around the D, being unstoppable on the night.

Con Magees started well and led by three, Niall Hynds, Daire Higgins and Cathal Hynds the providers. Fintan Close and Martin Johnson pulled two back for the visitors but Glenravel replied through an Eamon Ward point and Cathal Hynds goal to lead 1-04 to 0-02 with twelve minutes gone. Up popped Liam Quinn with the first of his total of five points followed by Dominic McAteer to reduce the gap to three. Creggan’s big midfielder Jamie McCann was gifted a chance in front of goal to level the game but his piledriver was tipped onto the bar by Conleth O’Loan in goals and the same player recovered quickly enough to grab the rebound and clear the danger; but the warning signs were beginning to flag in the home side’s defence. Callum Higgins, who had a good hour in the green and white stretched the gap to four points but with five minutes remaining Creggan started to wrestle control of the game back and levelled with three from Liam Quinn and one from Sean Duffin. On the stroke of half time Glenravel themselves had a great goal chance but the shot was blocked and rebounded to Declan McAuley who also impressed throughout the game and McAuley slotted over with his left peg to give the home side the narrowest of leads as the half time whistle blew.

Creggan would have the advantage of what was sometimes a swirling wind in the second half and they used that to good effect. Though wayward at times they had enough possession to be wasteful without major impact. In the third quarter of the game they slotted over six points without reply from the home team. Two from Quinn and points each from Sean Duffin, Jamie McCann, Kevin Small and Conor Johnson to open up a five point lead. Aiden O’Donnell pointed from a free and with ten minutes remaining but Creggan had a four point advantage 0-14 to 1-07. With only a couple of minutes normal time left Kevin Small popped over a 2-point free and in as many minutes after Sean Duffin and Conor Johnson opened the gap to eight points as we entered added time. Whatever hope the home side had was completely eliminated when burly sub Aidan McKeown goaled to effectively kill the game. In the last play of the game Callum Higgins put over a 2-pointer from the forty five metre line in what was probably the score of the game and fitting that he should score it. But seconds later referee Kevin Parke kindly called time just before the rain came on; the visiting supporters much happier getting into their cars dry. Final score Glenravel 1-09 Creggan 1-18.

CON MAGEES – 1 Conleth O’Loan, 2 Conor Carey, 3 Eoin McCusker, 4 Niall Dickson, 5 Declan McCauley, 6 Sean Higgins, 8 Calum Higgins, 9 Cathal Hynds, 10 Niall Hynds, 11 Aidan O’Donnell, 12 Joe Martin, 13 Fergus Donaghy, 14 Harry Fyfe, 15 Daire Higgins.

CREGGAN – 1 Mark Dougan, 2 Conor McCann, 3 Ricky Johnston, 4 Liam McLernon, 5 Sam Maguire, 6 Ethan Carey-Small, 8 Martin Johnston, 9 Jamie McCann, 10 Fintan Close, 11 Kevin Small, 12 Sean Duffin, 13 Joe McAteer, 14 Liam Quinn, 15 Shea McCann.

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by thesaffrongael

Naomh Bríd run up big score against Moneyglass

Antrim Football League – Division 1

Naomh Bríd 5-22 Moneyglass 1-16

A dominant first-half display laid the foundations as Naomh Bríd secured an impressive victory over Moneyglass in last night’s Division 1 League game at Musgrave Park, eventually running out 5-22 to 1-16 winners.

St Brigid’s started the game sharply and quickly settled into their rhythm with early scores from Niall Duffy, who clipped over two excellent points, while Dara Quinn, JJ Higgins, Paul Bradley and Aodhan ‘Mini’ McNicholl all added to the tally. Mini’s effort came from a well-timed run to eventually collect the ball and fist over the bar after good attacking play from the south Belfast side.

The game burst into life approaching half time as Naomh Bríd hit a devastating purple patch. Cousins Patrick Finnegan and JJ Higgins, both found the back of the net, while Dara Quinn and James Smith also raised green flags in a blistering five-minute spell that completely swung the contest in the Biddies’ favour. Moneyglass struggled to cope with the pace and direct running of the St Brigid’s attack as the home side took full advantage of their momentum. 

Naomh Bríd 4-1 Moneyglass 0-06

To their credit, Moneyglass responded strongly in the second half despite facing into the wind and arguably enjoyed the better of the exchanges for long periods. Dermot and Aidan McErlain led the fightback and lifted the visitors with some excellent scores, including two superb two-pointers from Dermot from almost 50 metres out. Colum Duffin also contributed important points as Moneyglass attempted to close the gap.

However, Naomh Bríd always looked capable of responding and continued to pick off scores when needed through Donal Harrison and Dara Quinn. Conan McNicholl came up with a brilliant two-pointer that effectively sealed the victory and ensured there would be no late comeback from the visitors.

Overall, it was an excellent attacking display from Naomh Bríd, particularly in the opening half where their clinical finishing proved decisive.

Screenshot

Naomh Brid : 1. Séamus Mac Lochlainn, 2. Roibeard Ó Cinnéide, 3. Maitiú Ó Maoláin, 4. Séamus Mac Naomh Brid (Screenshot 2026-05-14 181348.jpg): 1. Fearghus Canning, 2. Sonny Doyle, 3. Conor King, 4. Joseph McCarney, 5. Aodhan McNicholl, 6. Peter King, 7. Reuben Carleton, 8. Jack Dowling, 9. Patrick Finnegan, 10. Dara Quinn, 11. James Smith, 12. Paul Bradley, 13. Niall Duffy, 14. Conan McNicholl, 15. JJ Higgins.

Moneyglass: 1. Jamie McLaughlin, 2. Bobby Kennedy, 3. Matthew Mullen, 4. James McCormick, 5. Callum Murray, 6. Dermot Mc Erlain, 7. Eunan Mc Erlain, 8. Seanchan Duffin, 9. Colum Duffin, 10. Sean Boyd, 11. Odhran Duffin, 12. Connor O Kane, 13. Tyler Cassidy, 14. Aidan Mc Erlain, 15. Caolan Boyd

Referee- Darren McKeown

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by thesaffrongael

Confidence builds for Aghagallon

ACFL Division One: Aghagallon 3-15 St John’s 1-7

Photos and report by Brian Hamill.

Aghagallon delivered a composed and clinical performance at home on Wednesday evening to secure a convincing 13-point victory over St John’s in Division One. Goals at key stages proved decisive, with the home side’s cutting edge in attack separating the teams over the hour.

The home side settled quickly, building from a solid defensive platform where the full backs; Branagan, Hamill and Mulholland stood firm. In midfield, Pauric Magennis and Jack Lenehan established control, ensuring Aghagallon enjoyed the lion’s share of possession and territory.

Further forward, Enda McCartan sent some slide rule passes into the full forward line, highlighting Aghagallon’s ability to link effectively with the inside line. A well-worked goal helped Aghagallon open daylight, and by the break they were comfortably ahead. Aghagallon maintained their intensity after the restart and effectively killed off the contest with two further goals.

The starting forward line, ensured a steady stream of scores, throughout the game. Their ability to convert goal chances at crucial moments saw the lead stretch into double figures and put the result beyond doubt.

St John’s struggled to break down a well-organised Aghagallon defence, mustering just four first-half points. Patrick McBride was their most consistent scoring outlet, with points from play and from frees, while Conor Adams added two. The Belfast side did find the net late on through second half substitute Domhnall Nugent, who made a huge impact after his introduction, but it proved only a consolation.

There were also contributions from James Wilson, who chipped in with a point after coming off the bench, but overall scoring opportunities were limited.

Despite honest efforts from players such as Simon McDonagh, Odhran McAuley and Conor McEvoy, St John’s were unable to generate sustained attacking opportunities. 

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