An excellent hardworking performance from Portglenone helped to defeat an under-strength Rossa side in Shaws Road on Wednesday evening. The Portglenone manager Mattie McGleenan will be delighted gaining two points and at times watching his side playing some quality football.
Early exchanges were equal with neither side able to stamp their authority on the game. However a facial injury at the end of the first quarter to Rossa’s Mick Byrne followed by a long delay seemed to disrupt the home team’s flow. From there until the end of the half Portglenone started to take their opportunities and It was the duo of Ronan Kelly and Oran Doherty, who had an excellent game throughout, that helped the scoreboard tick over. But it was Oisin Doherty who finally destroyed Rossa’s resilience when he travelled 45m with the ball before slotting it in the bottom corner. This left the half time score 1-8 to 0-1.
Halftime saw a massive rain shower that sent supporters running for cover but this didn’t dampen the enthusiasm of the Casements men. It was the excellent Aidan McAleese who did most of the damage as the big midfielder was fetching kick-outs and scoring points; indeed everything good that Casements achieved in the second period went through McAleese. He was supported by the experienced Dermot McAleese , Conor McGhee, Michael Donnelly, Caolan Tierney and Ruari Hagan .
Rossa battled hard throughout the final quarter but despite good performances from Corey Walsh Eoghan McMenamin, Darren Grego and Mattie McKiernan they found the hard working Casements side too tough to handle
Rossa
Rossa: M Byrne , M McKernan, P Moyes, F McDonald,, P Byrne, R Grant,D , N Crossan, , D Morgan, , E McMenamin 0-1, C McDonald ,M McEnhill, D Grego (0-1) ,C Fleming (0-2) , R McDonagh ,C Walsh (0-1)
Subs
D Rocks
S McDonald
D Armstrong
Portglenone
K Mullan,DMcNicholl,S Delargy,J Convery,D McAleese,(0-1) CMcghee, R Hagan, Aidan McAleese, (0-3)MDonnelly, CTierney (0-2) ,R Kelly (0-5) ,P Graffin, O Doherty, (1-3)O Doherty,(0-1) T Duffin (0-1)
Erin’s Own Cargin secured a hard-fought 0-17 to 1-11 victory over All Saints Ballymena in an exhilarating Antrim ACFL Division 1 encounter at Quinn Park on Wednesday night. A dominant opening twenty minutes saw the visitor’s race into an eleven-point lead, and at this stage they looked like totally overwhelming their hosts. They were forced to with stand a late rally by the home side however but held on for a deserved victory.
The visitors asserted their authority from the throw-in, orchestrating a master-class in clinical point-taking. With direct attacking play and supreme accuracy, Cargin raced into a commanding 0-11 to 0-00 lead by the 20th minute. Callum Gribbin, Ciaran Bradley, and Jamie Gribbin all found their range from open play, while Tomas McCann converted two crucial frees (1-2pt) The opening blitz was further punctuated by a massive long-range, two-point free from Antrim county goalkeeper John McNabb.
Connell Lemon drives All Saints forward
All Saints, despite losing key defenders Sean O’Brien and James Gillan to early injuries, refused to fold. The introduction of substitutes Joe Rafferty and James McDonnell injected immediate energy into the Ballymena side. In the 25th minute, Benny McDonnell finally opened the hosts’ account with a well-taken point. Moments later, Cal O Brien added another before McDonnell struck a vital lifeline in the 30th minute, driving a low, first-time ground shot into the back of the net after a favourable break in the square. A late response from Tomas McCann brought his personal first-half tally to four, but another accurate strike from McDonnell closed out the half, leaving the scoreboard at 1-03 to 0-12 in favour of the visitors.
Cargin appeared to restore their domination immediately after the restart. In-form substitute Killian Scullion struck two fine scores alongside another white flag from Callum Gribbin to stretch the visitors’ lead.
However, All Saints completely dominated the final quarter as the momentum swung firmly behind the Ballymena side. Driven forward by the superb Connell Lemon, the home team targeted the gaps in the Cargin defence with the strong running of Connell Lemon and Cal O’Brien causing problems.
Ciaran Bradley who was excellent for Erin’s Own
Darach Bradley and substitute Ronan McKillop kicked vital points to ignite the home crowd. Midfielder Conor Stewart stepped up to strike a massive 2 pointer, while McKillop proved clinical under pressure, landing a 2pt free and adding another point from play.
With the deficit cut to just three points in the final minutes, the traveling Cargin support was left calling anxiously for the final whistle. The visitors utilized all their experience to manage the clock in injury time however, successfully holding out for a narrow, but deserved victory.
All Saints Ballymena: 1-11 (Benny McDonnell 1-02, Ronan McKillop 0-03, Conor Stewart 0-02, Cal O Brien 0-01, Connell Lemon 0-01, Darach Bradley 0-01)
Erin’s Own Cargin: 0-17 (Tomas McCann 0-05, Callum Gribbin 0-2, Killian Scullion, John McNabb (2pt), Ciaran Bradley, Jamie Gribbin, Killian Scullion 0-2, John Carron, Ciaran Bradley, Jimmy Gribbin 0-2,
All Saints: Ryan Stewart, Seán Ó Brien, Michael Read, Sean McDermott, Charlie Metrustry, James Gillan, Cal Ó Brian, Emmet Killough, Peter McReynolds, Connell Lemon, Conor Stewart, Harry Connon, Jack Patterson, Benny McDonnell, Darach Bradley.
Subs used: James McDonnell, Joe Rafferty, Ronan McKillop
Cargin: John McNabb, Kevin O’Boyle, Kevin McShane, Cahir Donnelly, Conan Johnston, James Laverty, Jack O’Neill, Gerard m,cCann, John Carron, Ciaran Bradley, Tomas McCann, Paul McCann, Jamie Gribben, Eunasn Quinn, Callum Gribbin.
Subs: Killian Scullion, Fiontan Hardy
Referee: Ritchie Leahy
TO VIEW MORE PICS FROM THE GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW
Enjoy live music sessions, a céilí and more as we celebrate Fleadh Cheoil Aontroma 2026
Friday 15th May – Sunday 24th May
Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Dhún Lathaí are proud to host the 2026 County Antrim Fleadh and look forward to welcoming, friends, and visitors to celebrate our traditional music, song, dance, culture and community through Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ).
This year’s Fleadh is especially significant as we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Dunloy Comhaltas. Reaching a milestone of 5 decades is a tremendous achievement. It reflects the vision of those who handed down the rich traditions for us. Through their commitment CCÉ Dhún Lathaí has made an enormous contribution to traditional music and culture in County Antrim and beyond.
Visitors are also invited to call into the Pop–Up, Tob–Ghaeltacht throughout the Fleadh weekend to explore a display of local heritage sites and place-names. The story of Irish in Dunloy is comh sean leis na cnoic, as old as the hills, and the language has a wonderfully strong place here.
This year also marks the 75th anniversary of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, the All Ireland Fleadh, will take place in Belfast for the first time, marking another milestone for Comhaltas. Throughout its 75 years in existence, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann continues to be based on volunteers and community, and has extended its Branch network to 26 countries worldwide.
The Fleadh is more than competitions. We bring people together through a shared love of music and culture. We hope that everyone soaks up the spirit and atmosphere of the weekend and enjoys the events and friendships that make occasions like this so special.
Ádh mór/ Good luck to all those attending the various Fleadhanna, competitions, summer schools and workshops throughout Ireland.
Brendan McTaggart reports from Pearse Park, Dunloy
A disciplined second half performance from St Paul’s ensured they would seal their second league win of the season. The visitors held a three point lead at the interval but Dunloy had a considerable wind advantage at their back for the second period. St Paul’s were excellent after the interval however and while the home side will be disappointed with a number of shots going astray as they chased the game, the Shaws Road men were deserving of their victory.
Caoimhin Duffy would finish top of the scoring charts for St Paul’s, finishing the hour with 1-5 while midfielder James Farrell scored their other major. Ciaran Rogers-Duffy and Mark Munce excelled for the Shaws Road side while second half substitute Conall Finnegan gave them a semblance of control. Dunloy were well into double figures for wides in the second half as they looked to make inroads into that St Paul’s lead but they were restricted to four points in the second half in the face of an organised St Paul’s defence. Paudie McGilligan was their best performer, the Dunloy midfielder’s performance in the first half in particular outstanding with a series of high catches while Conor Kinsella and Nigel Elliott also excelled.
Despite playing into the strong wind, the Cuchullains made a bright start to the contest with Donnach Laverty splitting the uprights for the opening score of the game. St Paul’s were content to soak up any Dunloy pressure but when they turned over the ball, they broke at speed and were willing to kick long into the forward line. James Farrell’s goal came in the fourth minute and down to those circumstances as he played a one-two with Conall Duffy before lashing the ball to the back of the net.
A free from Rogers-Duffy followed and while Conor Hughes also added his name to the score sheet, a brace of points from Laverty kept Dunloy in touch by the 13th minute.
The Cuchullains goal came in the next attack and it owed much to the predatory instincts of Karl Fitzpatrick. Tom McFerran looked to jink his way through the St Paul’s defence and while his effort looked to be dropping short, Fitzpatrick stole in on the blindside to palm the ball into the back of the net.
St Paul’s responded well however with Caoimhin Duffy restoring parity in the next attack. The second St Paul’s goal came in the 19th minute and while it was taken well, it came as a result of Dunloy’s own doing. A kickout from McMahon was collected inside the 40 meter arc and from the resulting free, St Paul’s went for the jugular. Rogers-Duffy’s effort came back off the crossbar but Caoimhin Duffy was first to the rebound and made no mistake.
Dunloy responded well however with points coming from Nigel Elliott and Fitzpatrick either side of a two pointer from Caoimhin Duffy.
The home side added further points from McFerran and Fitzpatrick while Rogers-Duffy and Caoimhin Duffy found their range for St Paul’s before the interval. It could have been a greater advantage for St Paul’s but Caoimhin Duffy’s effort was superbly saved by Chrissy McMahon between the sticks for Dunloy before the ball would spiral over the bar.
With only three points between the sides at the short whistle, Dunloy would have been content and well placed to take the league points. They reduced the St Paul’s lead to the minimum when Jack Martin fired over from outside the 40 meter arc for the home sides first two pointer of the game in the second minute but incredibly, the home side would register just two further points in the time that remained.
A free from Tom McFerran restored parity to the score line in the 10th minute of the second half but as St Paul’s began to take a stranglehold of the game in the middle third and force turnovers, they began to make the score board tick once more. Points followed from Rogers-Duffy, Conall Finnegan and Shea Burns as the Dunloy attack floundered.
The home side continued to look for ways into a well drilled St Paul’s defence but their radar was off on the night and a number of efforts dropping short.
A free from Eoghan McGrath in the 49th minute was their last score of the contest and while St Paul’s didn’t fare much better at the other end of the pitch, they held the Cuchullains at bay. Caoimhin Duffy taking his personal tally to 1-5 for the game with the last score of the contest to ensure a St Paul’s victory.
Dunloy will be hoping to get back to winning ways when they travel to Moneyglass next Wednesday while St Paul’s will welcome All Saint’s to the Shaws Road on the same evening.
TEAMS
Dunloy
Starting XV: Chrissy McMahon; Michael Trainor, Sean Og Blaney, Cathair McCloskey; Aaron Crawford, Ryan McGarry, Conor Kinsella; Ciaran McQuillan, Paudie McGilligan; Jack Martin, Tom McFerran, Nigel Elliott; Eoghan McGrath, Karl Fitzpatrick, Donnach Laverty
Scorers: K Fitzpatrick 1-2, D Laverty 0-3, J Martin 0-2 (1xTP), T McFerran 0-2 (1f), N Elliott 0-1, E McGrath 0-1 (1f)
Match report: Gerard Kelly | Photos: Dominic Kelly
Glenavy claimed a hard-earned two-point victory at Ahoghill on Wednesday evening,
running out 1-16 to 1-14 winners in a contest that had everything — a dramatic second-quarter comeback, a pulsating closing spell, and a Leon Lavery goal that effectively sealed proceedings with seven minutes to play.
With a stiff wind making conditions testing throughout, both sides had to adapt their game accordingly, and the match swung emphatically in both directions before Glenavy ultimately found the composure and the scores to see it through. Ahoghill will feel that a number of missed opportunities in the second half cost them dearly, but on balance Glenavy were the more consistent side across the sixty minutes.
Glenavy Hit the Ground Running
With the wind at their backs, Glenavy made an electric start and looked to have the home side on the ropes inside the opening quarter. James Monaghan opened the scoring in the 2nd minute, and quick-fire points from Pearse O’Neill (8th) and Finn Jack Shannon (10th) extended the visitors’ advantage before Ahoghill had time to settle. Fíontán O’Boyle added a fourth on 19 to make it 0-4 without reply, and early on, a comfortable Glenavy afternoon appeared to be in the offing.
A setback arrived for the visitors when Darragh de Brún was forced off inside the opening few minutes, with a substitute filling in, but it barely disrupted Glenavy’s rhythm as they continued to make the wind count.
Ahoghill Storm Back
What followed in the final ten minutes of the first half was a remarkable passage of play that completely transformed the contest. Donal Graham opened Ahoghill’s account in the 16th minute, and Fionnbar O’Neill reduced the gap further on 20. The home crowd were revived moments later when Ronan Graham produced a superb strike from outside the 45 for two points, a score that levelled the game in an instant and signalled that Ahoghill had well and truly found their footing. Colla McDonnell pointed on 22 and Graham added his second on 23 to put the home side two clear. Leon Lavery pointed on 25 for Glenavy to keep it competitive, but Ronan Graham
responded again on 26 before Fionnbar O’Neill delivered the moment of the half, finishing clinically to the net in the 27th minute to put Ahoghill well in command.
Michael Morgan pointed for Glenavy before the break, but Daniel O’Neill’s composed two-point score in the 35th minute stretched Ahoghill’s advantage further and ensured the home
side went to the interval leading 1-07 to 0-06. From four points down to four points up, a stunning turnaround in the space of fifteen minutes.
Glenavy Reel It Back In
The second half saw Glenavy take control, though Ahoghill made them earn every score. With conditions presumably more in their favour now, the visitors came out with renewed purpose and systematically set about overturning the deficit.
Shannon added his second point of the evening on 32, before Daniel O’Neill landed another two-pointer for the hosts on 35 to push the gap back out to five — a score that seemed to steady Ahoghill’s nerves temporarily. But Glenavy had the answers. Pearse O’Neill pulled back two with a superb score from distance on 38, and a brace from Leon Lavery in the 40th and 43rd minutes, both calmly taken, had the sides level with Ahoghill unable to pull clear. The home side will rue a number of wasted chances during this spell that might have altered the outcome significantly.
Odhran Arthurs edged Glenavy in front for the first time since the opening quarter with a point on 46, and though Noah Friel levelled matters from play on 48 to raise home hopes, Shannon immediately responded with a composed two-pointer to put the visitors two clear.Fionnbar O’Neill pointed to keep Ahoghill in the hunt on 51, and the game remained in the balance heading into the final stretch.
Lavery Puts the Game To Bed
The decisive moment arrived in the 53rd minute when Leon Lavery, outstanding all
evening and finishing with a match-winning 1-3, found the net to give Glenavy a four-point cushion that Ahoghill could not overcome. Donal Graham pointed for the hosts on 54 to keep the gap to three, but the vistors wrapped up the scoring on 57 to confirm a four-point win for the Glenavy men.
Ahoghill will be frustrated.
Their second-quarter display showed a side with genuine quality and the ability to hurt any team in this division, with Fionnbar O’Neill (1-2) and Donal Graham (0-3) both impressive throughout. But the failure to take their chances after the break, particularly during the period when the game was there to be won, proved costly. For Glenavy, it was a performance built on patience and character. Lavery’s contribution was the standout, but the supporting cast, Shannon Pearse O’Neill among them all played their part in an encouraging away win.
NAOMH MUIRE AHOGHILL: Ryan Martin; Shéa Neeson, Tom McAlone, Seamus McKeever; Fionnbar O’Neill Ronan Graham Eamonn Brady; Donal Graham Patrick Graham; Conor Crossey, Daniel O’Neill Patrick Dougan; Noah Friel Noel Crossey, Colla McDonnell Also used: Ben Friel for E. Brady (60), Stephen O’Connell, Eoin Graham.
NAOMH SEOSAMH GLENAVY: Luke Devereux; Ruairi Forester, Darragh Doherty, Jonathan Phillips; Pearse O’Neill, Padhraic McKevitt, Odhran Arthurs Fíontán O’Boyle Patrick Gallagher; James Monaghan Darragh de Brún, Finn Jack Shannon Michael Morgan Darragh Armstrong, Leon Lavery Also used: Branan Loughan Ethan Hotchkiss.
