Category / Football

by thesaffrongael

Antrim face Sligo in a must win encounter this Sunday

Antrim v Sligo

NFL: Division 3

Corrigan Park – Sunday 2-00pm

Antrim face Sligo in Round 6 of the Allianz Football League Division 3 this Sunday, at Corrigan Park.

Going into Sunday’s game, Antrim sit in 6th place in Division 3 with 4 points from 5 games, while Sligo are in 7th place with 3 points, having secured 1 win, and 1 draw.

So the margins between them are minute and the outcome of this match is crucial for both teams as they fight to stave off the threat of relegation to division 4.

This is a massive game for both Antrim and Sligo. Both teams are dangerously close to the relegation zone. A loss here could be a huge setback, while a win would secure Antrim a place in division 3 next season and almost certainly condemn Sligo to the drop.

Antrim have home advantage for Sunday’s fixture but Sligo will be desperate to get something from the game. Expect a tense, hard-fought battle—neither team can afford to slip up at this stage so the Saffrons will need to be on top of their game.

Antrim will be without Marc Jordan for Sunday’s game and that’s a big blow for the Saffrons. Jordan has been a key player for them with his energy and ability to drive forward from deep. Without him, Antrim might struggle to break Sligo down or maintain their usual intensity.

Sligo will see this as an opportunity, but they haven’t been in great form themselves.

It’s a must win for both sides though a draw would possibly keep Antrim in contention to avoid the drop but they would have to beat Kildare away in their last game while hoping that Leitrim could get a first win against Sligo at Markievicz Park.

On the other hand, Sligo will see this as their best chance to stay up. If they get a result here, they’ll back themselves to beat Leitrim at home and secure safety.

It’s set up to be a real dogfight but Antrim have the ability and can handle the pressure to get the win to push them over the line and secure their place in division 3 for another season.

Antrim have won both of their games to date against Clare and Leitrim in Beklfast and went close against both Fermanagh and Laois away, leading in both games at one stage.

The Saffrons have shown they can compete, especially with those home wins. The fact that they ran both Fermanagh and Laois close away shows they’re not far off. It’s just about seeing games out and managing key moments better.

Niall Burns and Paddy McBride can provide the scoring threat to shoot down Sligo

At home in Corrigan Park, they’ll fancy their chances, but without Marc Jordan, they’ll need others to step up. If they can start well and avoid lapses late on, they’ve got a real chance.

Sligo, though, will know that if they win, survival is firmly in their own hands with that home game against Leitrim to come. It’s a pressure game for both team with Antrim’s home form this season suggesting they may have the edge.

The introduction of Aghagallon’s Jack Lenehan to the Antrim defence for the last two games has been a plus while All Saints pair Kavan Keenan (if fit) and Conor Stewart are available for selection and the Antrim team is unlikely to show too many changes from the one who lost away to Laois last time out.

Jack Lenehan coming into the Antrim defence has been a plus. He’s added some solidity, and having a settled backline will be crucial in a must-win game like this.

Given their performance against Laois, Antrim may stick to a similar starting lineout. They were competitive in that game and led by six at one stage, and with home advantage this time, they’ll be hoping to turn a strong display into a vital win.

Sligo have struggled for most of the league but that win away to Clare last time out will have given them huge confidence. Despite a nervy conclusion – when they saw a seven-point lead whittled down to two – Sligo held on for their first win in this year’s Allianz Football League.

Winning on the road in a tough venue like Ennis shows they have fight in them, and now they’re just a point behind Antrim with everything still to play for.

Sligo had a good spread of scorers against Clare with Niall Murphy 0-5 Patrick O’Connor 0-3, Darragh Cummings, Luke Towey, David Quinn and Alan Reilly were amongst the point scorers in Ennis while their goal came from Canice Mulligan.

They were forced to hold on at the end as Clare came strong and indeed had a goal disallowed but this win will surely have boosted their confidence.

Paddy McBride, Niall Burns, Dominic McEnhill, Conor Hand, Ryan McQuillan and keeper, Mick Byrne have the ability to come up with the scores that will see Antrim retain their place in division 3 for next season

Antrim’s home advantage and recent performances suggest they have what it takes to get them over the line, but It could come down to small margins—who handles the pressure better, who takes their chances, and which team can manage the closing stages more effectively.

It’s shaping up to be a tense battle but it is a battle than Andy McEntee’s side can win and we call on Antrim fans to come out in numbers to cheer their side to victory.

by thesaffrongael

Goals are key as Cargin advance to the final

O’ Cahan Cup – South West Antrim Senior Football Championship (Semi final)

Cargin 4 16 Moneyglass 0-11

Cargin advanced to the final of the O’ Cahan cup and a decider against Casement’s when they gained the verdict over near neighbours Moneyglass in a competitive semi final under the Toome lights on a cold Wednesday evening.

The visitors proved competitive in the opening period but the home side were on top in the middle sector where Kevin McShane and Gerard McCann took control.

Moneyglass were strong in defence with their excellent net minder

Daniel McErlain making a number of excellent saves.

The keeper was called upon to make a number of saves over the hour, the first in the opening minutes when he stood tall to deny Tomas McCann.

The visitors made the first mark in the opening minute as Conor Boyd raised white but Cargin replied at the other end as Tome Shivers raised white followed by another from Michael McCann.

Mc Cann looked to have added a goal a few minutes later only to be denied by the alert McErlain and the same player was then denied by a square ball decision as the home side continued to press.

The Toome men soon nipped further ahead as Tomas McCann, and Pat Shivers (2) raised whites.

Moneyglass did find the target in the 46th minute as Dermot Mc Erlain despatched between the posts and the visitors seemed to be getting to grips with a slick Cargin attack in the second quarter with the Moneyglass net minder McErlain making a couple of excellent stops.

Cargin got on top in the latter stages of the period with Pat Shivers, Tomas McCann, and John McNabb on target but the visitors were to have the last say as Tyler Cassidy raised a 39th minute white.

Erin’s Own looked in a strong position at the break when they went to the shelter of the changing rooms with a 0-09 to 0-03 advantage.

An early Pat Shivers point in the opening minute increased the home side’s lead with Tyler Cassidy and Jamie Gribbin exchanging further points before Benen Kelly and Tomas Mc Cann combined to send Michael McCann through to add a goal to put Cargin 1-11 to 0-04 ahead.

Points apiece from Paul Duffin and Tyler Cassidy saw the visitors hint at revival but Cargin replied through Benen Kelly, David Johnston (2), and James Laverty to extend the Toome men’s advantage.

The die looked cast as the end approached as Tomas Mc Cann’s delivery opened the way for Tom Shivers to find the net with both the contestants adding replacements as the home side extended their lead through Kevin McShane and Pat Shivers.

Sean Boyd and Seanan O’ Boyle added points in the Moneyglass cause in the closing minutes before Michael McCann despatched a penalty to the back of the net and replacement David Johnston added a spectacular fourth with Michael McCann adding a point in time added.

Cargin were comfortable winners in the end and look ready for league action but the visitors did provide a strong challenge to their hosts with net minder Daniel McErlain, and corner man Tyler Cassidy impressive.

Cargin: John Mc Nabb (0-01), Sean Og Quinn, Kevin O’ Boyle, Conan Johnston, Jack Harney, James Laverty (0-01), Gerard Mc Cann, Kevin Mc Shane (0-01), Benen Kelly (0-01), Tom Shivers(1-03), Jamie Gribbin (0-01), Tomas Mc Cann (0-02 *), Michael Mc Cann (2-02), Pat Shivers (0-06)

Subs:

David Johnston (1-02)

Charlie Mc Cann

Jack O’ Neill

Ben Mc Larnon

Moneyglass: Daniel Mc Erlain, Paul Duffin (0-02, Francis Duffin, Seamus Mc Cormick, Seanachin Duffin, Enda Duffin, Niall Boyd, Kevin Mc Cann(0-02), Damien Duffin (0-01, Oisin Hamill, Mark Duffin (0-02), Sean Boyd, Callum Murray, Charlie Mc Cluskey (0-01), Aiden McErlain, Tyler Cassidy (0-05)

Referee: Martin Quinn (St Enda’s)

by thesaffrongael

Antrim fell short as Sligo came strong in their 2024 meeting

February 25th 2024

 Antrim take on Sligo this Sunday in Corrigan Park in a game that looks like a ‘must win’ for both sides. Games between the two are usually close and Sunday’s is likely to be the same.

The Saffrons travelled to Markievicz Park in February 2024 with Sligo winning comfortably in the end and today the Saffron Gael looks back at the report from that game

Allianz NFL Division 3

Sligo 1-20 Antrim 1-13

Following a winning start to the season, an inexperienced Antrim suffered their second successive defeat when they travelled to Markievicz Park on Sunday and lost to a good Sligo side, led by their captain, Niall Murphy.

The Sligo number 15 scored eight points as the men in black put in their best performance of 2024 to run out seven point’s winners against a Saffron side who had performed well in the opening half.

Inspired by their own sharp shooter, Paddy McBride, the visitors led 1-9 to 1-8 at the short whistle and might well have been further ahead but were hit by a goal on the break from Cian Lally in the 26th minute.

Antrim came back from this setback to hit 0-6 on the bounce with McBride leading the way and Ruairi McCann, Dominic McEnhill and keeper Mick Byrne moving them two in front as half time approached.

An injury time point from Daragh Cummins for the Yates County left the home side trailing 1-9 to 1-8 to the break but Antrim must have felt fairly comfortable despite facing the breeze in the second half.

Antrim rattled the home side with a scrambled goal in the seventh minute when Ronan Boyle got the final touch after a Ruairi McCann delivery – a point attempt from a mark – dropped short.

A couple of minutes earlier Sligo keeper Aidan Devaney came smartly off his line to deny Marc Jordan with his legs as the big wing half back looked certain to find the net.

Sligo, though, gradually improved and they moved a point ahead, 0-5 to 1-1, with 23 minutes played following scores from Niall Murphy, Darragh Cummins and Sean Carrabine.

Good points from Dermot McAleese and Patrick McBride put Antrim back in front, 1-3 to 0-5 before Sligo replied with a goal from Lally in the 26th minute and followed with a point from Niall Murphy that looked to have put the Connacht County in control.

Antrim responded positively as they scored six points without reply, including four from the impressive Patrick McBride, who was landing some beautiful scores, to lead 1-09 to 1-08 in first-half stoppage time.

Sligo produced a much improved second half performance to secure their third win of the campaign with Murphy leading by example as they struck through Paul Kilcoyne and Sean Carabine to take the lead in the opening minute before Paddy McBride briefly levelled the contest with his sixth of the evening.

The visitors would only add two further points however through Colm McLarnon and Niall Burns as Sligo took control and slowly began to turn the screw.

The home side grew in confidence and stature with Niall Murphy leading the way and the Sligo captain would finish the contest with 0-8 to his credit as they out-scored their opponents 0-12 to 0-3 in a dominant second half display

The hosts and the visitors had identical records coming into this fixture – two wins and one loss apiece, with Sligo victorious over Limerick in the previous round and Antrim losing to promotion favourites Down.

These sides contested successive Allianz Football League finals back in 2009 and 2010, with Sligo winning those Division Four and Division Three deciders.

Recent meetings have been close encounters – a one-point win for Sligo in 2020 and a minimum margin victory for Antrim three years ago.

Murphy, substitute Luke Towey, Eddie McGuinness and Brian Cox impressed in a strong Sligo side and this win looks to have secured their place in division 3 for another campaign.

Antrim, for whom Patrick McBride was outstanding, finished with 14 players because of a late black card for Marc Jordan and will hope to get something from next week’s visit of Westmeath as they look anxiously over their shoulders at the chasing pack.

Sligo: Aidan Devaney, Paul McNamara, Eddie McGuinness, Evan Lyons, Brian Cox, Darragh Cummins (0-3), Nathan Mullen, Patrick O’Connor (0-3), Paul Kilcoyne, Alan McLoughlin, Donal Conlon, Cian Lally (1-0), Pat Spillane (0-1), Sean Carrabine (0-2, 1f), Niall Murphy (c) (0-8, 4f, 2 ‘mark’)

Subs used: Lee Deignan (0-1) for Pat Spillane, h-t; Luke Towey (0-2) for Donal Conlon, 46; Eoghan Smith for Alan McLoughlin, 62; Mikey Gordon for Sean Carrabine, 68; David Quinn for Cian Lally, 68

Antrim: Michael Byrne (0-1, 1f), Ronan Boyle, Eunan Walsh, Kavan Keenan, Marc Jordan, Joseph Finnegan, Dermot McAleese (c) (0-1), Colm McLarnon (0-1), Patrick McAleer, Cormac McGettigan, Patrick McBride (0-6), Ruairi McCann (0-2, 1 ‘mark’, 1f), Declan Lynch (0-1), Niall Burns (0-1, 1f), Dominic McEnhill

Subs used: Eoghan McCabe for Kavan Keenan, 39; Eoin Hynes for Cormac McGettigan, 45; Conor Hand for Dominic McEnhill, 53; Ryan McQuillan for Patrick McAleer, 63; Jack Dowling for Colm McLarnon, 63

Referee: Margaret Farrelly (Cavan)

by thesaffrongael

All Saints get their division 1 campaign off to a winning start

ACFL Division 1

All Saints 4-13 St. John’s 0-14

All Saints got their division 1 campaign off to a winning start when they proved too good for St. John’s in an entertaining, high scoring thriller at Quinn Park on Wednesday night.

Both sides were missing key players for this, the opening game of the Antrim leagues with the Whiterock men the worst affected but perhaps All Saints involvement in the recent Ulster club league gave them the edge under the new rules which were being implemented for the first time in club football within the county.

The Ballymena side survived an early scare before taking the lead through the excellent Benny McDonnell with a goal in the third minute and Sean McVeigh followed with a point before Paddy McAleer followed with a second major with only seven minutes gone.

Odhran Quinn, who had an excellent game for St. Johns moves clear of Michael Read, All Saints

The home side were moving the ball at speed with Ciaran Campbell directing matters around mid-field and their strong running was causing major problems for the opposition who opened their account through the excellent Odhran Quinn with a point in the 9th minute.

Quinn’s point briefly interrupted the All Saints onslaught but they made an immediate response with Sean O’Callaghan finishing another defence splitting move to the net for goal number three.

The visitors looked in trouble but they slowly began to get their game together with Conal McGlade firing over a two pointer off the ground and Odhran Quinn adding a point from play before McGlade raised his second Orange flag of the evening.

The All Saints goals had dried up at this stage but they continued to rack up points with Sean O’Callaghan and Michael McCarry 0-3 (2 frees) bringing their total to 3-6 at the break and an improving St. John’s increasing their total to 0-7 with McGlade and Quinn leading the way.

McCarry increased the All Saints lead to 10 in the opening 8 minutes of the second half but St. John’s were beginning to enjoy a wee bit of success with Ronan Quinn and a couple from Odhran Quinn closing the gap to six by the 13th minute.

Quinn struck another excellent effort to leave just five between the sides and the Ballymena men looked in a bit of bother for the first time but they responded through Benny McDonnell and ‘Gooch’ McCarry before a long delivery from the lively McDonnell travelled all the way to the Johnnies net with 8 minutes remaining.

Michael McCarry fires over an All Saints point

Those scores settled the issue with McCarry and Connell Lemon 0-2 concluding the All Saints scoring and the superb Quinn and Odhran McAuley replying with consolation scores for the visitors.

Early days but Baker Bradley and his management team should be well pleased with their side’s performance and those earlier Ulster league outings certainly seemed to have helped their preparations for the new rules.

For an under strength St. John’s it was a case of learning on the job and they certainly improved as the game progressed and they will be happy with the performances of a number of their youngsters with Odhran Quinn one to watch in the season ahead.

Finally a word on referee, Colm McDonnell who did an excellent job in implementing the new rules and the St. Gall’s official took time to explain decisions when questions were asked.

All Saints:  Conor Brennan,  Michael Read,  Cal O’Brien,  James Gillan,  Charlie Metrustry,  Sean McDermott,  Rian Tom,  Peter McReynolds,  Peter McNicholl,  Connell Lemon,  Michael McCarry,  Brendan McDonnell,  Ciaran Campbell,  Sean McVeigh,  Paddy McAleer.

Subs: Sean McDermott for Sean O’Callaghan HT, Harry Connon for Brendan McDonnell

St. John’s:  Rua Lambert,  Michael Darragh,  Ronan Quinn,  Odhran McAuley,  Ross Hannigan,  Luke Peden,  Daire King,  Ronan Donnelly,  Ryan McNulty,  Conor McEvoy,  Conal McGlade,  Daragh McGuinness,  Conall Quinn,  Aaron Bradley,  Odhran Quinn

Subs: Fintan McKinney, Fionn Thompson, Diarmuid Brecknell, Odhran Carleton.

Referee: Colm McDonnell (St. Gall’s)

TO VIEW MORE PICS FROM THE GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

https://myalbum.com/album/7qHwjZaH5abYxx

by thesaffrongael

Football League gets underway on Wednesday night

 Fixtures and Previews (Wed 12th and Sat 15th March)

A new season on the way and the opening round is scheduled for Wednesday evening when All Saints will play hosts to the men from Corrigan when St Johns take the road down to the South West while the remainder of the opening phase is on Saturday afternoon 15th March

Wed 12TH March (8.00pm)

All Saint’s Ballymena v St John’s

The opening game in the league programme 2025 looks to be one to watch as Liam Bradley’s men welcome St John’s to Ballymena and this one is likely attract a good attendance to the Ballymena venue.

The Ballymena side have enjoyed a good run in the Ulster Club league, played over the winter period but are likely to be short quite a number for Wednesday night’s fixture.

All Saints have a strong panel and it is likely to be severely tested by the Whiterock side but ground advantage may well nudge the home side to victory.

Saturday 15th March (all games 4.00pm

St James Aldergrove v Casements Portglenone

Aldergrove struggled for results last term but they can be relied upon to get it together on their own Crumlin sward and they will look for such positivity as they play hosts to Portglenone in this opening day contest with John Morrison and Bill Geoghan installed in the management role.

Casement’s have mixed it with the best in the recent past and with John McKeever assisted by Tony Convery, Scotchy Hagen, and Tommy Hagen on the sideline and Glen star Emmett Bradley lending a hand in training they will hope to be in the mix for honours.

The home side will give it everything and although the Portglenone men will start as favourites they may well be asked questions by the Crumlin men.

Lamh Dhearg v Tir na nOg

Lamh Dhearg are never far away in the race for honours, especially at Hannahstown and they will start this opener as favourites as the Randalstown based Tir na nOg visit.

Tir na nOg retained the services of Aodhan Jackman as trainer and the former Fermanagh man has brought improvement within the ranks of the Whitehill side.

Lamh Dhearg will start as favourites and ground advantage may aid them to victory but Tir na nOg could ask questions to the home side.

St Paul’s v Kickham’s Creggan

It’s been a while since St Paul’s last played in the top grade after languishing in division 2 for a time and they will be hoping to retain their recently acquired division 1 status.

The Shaw’s Road club have reaped the rewards from their work in the juvenile ranks and this is a red letter day for them as they play hosts to Creggan in a top division affair.

Creggan have retained the services of Joe Cassidy and the Kickham’s men will be in the hunt for the big prizes again and they will travel up to the city in search of victory and although the home side will give it a lash, a win for the visitors looks likely.

St Brigid’s v Con Magee’s Glenravel

St Brigid’s collected theior first senior league title last term and they will be striving to retain it again this term with an eye also on the championship as they await the arrival of Con Magees for their first outing in league fare 2025.

The Con Magee’s have regained senior status in the recent past and will strive to retain it but this trip to Belfast looks like a tough assignment and although the South West men will most certainly give it everything, a home win looks the most likely return.

Cuchullian’s Dunloy v St Marys Aghagallon

Dunloy are back in the top grade and although the dual club will possibly find the going tough but they will give it their all with Aghagallon asking the questions in this opening fixture.

St Mary’s did prove a trifle unpredictable last term but they are certainly not lacking in man power or ability and they are more than capable of standing toe to toe with the best.

Dunloy are more than capable of mixing it with the best in the top grade and although their visitors in this one will ask questions the Cuchullian’s may well provide the answers.

St Mary’s Ahoghill v Erin’s Own Cargin

St Mary’s Ahoghill have appointed Eamon Brady in the management role this term after Chris McGlone decided to stand down and the new man in charge faces a tough ask in his first challenge as the reigning county champions visit Clooney in round one.

Cargin have retained the services of Ronan Devlin in the management role with Fabian Muldoon and Kevin Doyle making up the management team.

Cargin have already seen action in ‘friendlies’ and in O’ Cahan Cup with more than a few of their youngsters seeing action and some are certain to make debuts in the upcoming season.

A win for the visitors is probable in this one but Eamon Brady’s men will provide a test for the Toome men.