The ‘Red Bay’ Derby returned to the Antrim Hurling League Division 1 calendar with plenty of fire as Ruairi Og, Cushendall made the short trip to Oisins, Glenariffe on Friday evening. While it had been a few years since these neighbors met in league play, Glenariffe’s promotion last season ensured this highly anticipated fixture was back on the map. Despite both sides being depleted, with Cushendall notably missing several key figures due to county commitments, the quality remained high. Ultimately, the experience of Ruairi Og, especially the ball winning ability of Neill McManus saw them through to a 2-19 to 2-14 victory in a game where clinical finishing proved the difference.
The opening period was a cagey affair as both teams looked to find their rhythm. Ruairi Og started brightly with Liam Gillan and the ever-reliable Neil McManus getting them off the mark, with McManus striking two early frees. Glenariffe struggled to find their range early on but stayed in contention through the accurate free-taking of Alex O’Boyle. Points from Brogan O’Connor and Orrin O’Connor kept the home side’s spirits high, but Cushendall’s Fiontan Bradley began to exert his influence, knocking over a series of frees to keep the visitors ahead. The momentum shifted just before the break when, in the 29th minute, Michael O’Boyle found the back of the net for Oisins. This vital goal ensured Glenariffe went in level at the break, with the scoreboard reading 1-06 to 0-09.
The second half began at a blistering pace. Calum McIlwaine and Michael O’Boyle added points for the Oisins to pile on the pressure, but Cushendall’s response was lethal. In the 7th minute of the second half, Thomas McLaughlin fired home a goal to restore Cushendall’s cushion. Just over ten minutes later, Oisin Woodhouse mirrored the feat, netting a second goal that effectively broke the Oisins’ resistance. Fiontan Bradley continued his masterclass from placed balls, finishing the day with an impressive haul of 10 points. Glenariffe refused to lie down, with Alex O’Boyle pointing from a ’65’ and open play to finish his day with 6 points, while Oliver Kearney managed to grab a late goal in injury time. However, it proved to be a mere consolation. While Glenariffe will be disappointed to lose at home, their ability to compete suggests they will be a handful this season, while Ruairi Og’s win provides a steady foundation as they await the return of their county stars.
OISINS – Paul McMullan, Donal Kearney, David Kearney, Odhran Gillan, Michael Haughey, Daniel Kearney, Niall Magee, James Kearney, Calum McIlwaine, Michael O’Boyle, Oliver Kearney, Orrin O’Connor, Alex O’Boyle, Brogan O’Connor, Aaron Cosgrove.
RUAIRI OG – Conor McAlister, Conor McCann, Martin Burke, Fred McCann, Liam Gillan, Stephen Walsh, Austin Birt, Callagh Mooney, Charlie McAuley, Ed McQuillan, Joe McNaughton, Neil McManus, Oisin Woodhouse, Thomas McLaughlin, Fiontan Bradley
Davy Fitzgerald’s Antrim finally ignited their Joe McDonagh Cup campaign with a battling, if ultimately nerve-wracking, victory over London in windy conditions at Ruislip. The Saffrons laid the foundation for the win with a masterful first-half display, but were made to sweat in the dying embers of the game after a bizarre second half saw them concede four goals.
Despite the late wobble, Antrim held their nerve to bring the points safely back across the Irish Sea, reviving their championship ambitions in the process.
The Glensmen looked to be in absolute cruise control when the half-time whistle blew. Playing into the teeth of a strong wind in the opening period, Antrim dominated the possession and the tactical battle. The opening exchanges lacked real intensity and briefly descended into a shootout of placed balls, but it was Antrim’s Seaan Elliott who stole the show.
Outstanding from start to finish, Elliott kept the scoreboard ticking over during a scrappy first half, punishing London’s indiscipline. His accuracy ensured the visitors dictated the tempo, allowing Antrim to carve out a thoroughly deserved 0-10 to 0-07 lead at the break—a phenomenal return given the adverse weather conditions they faced.
PIC BY SHELIA FERNANDES
With the wind at their backs for the restart, Antrim threatened to blow the Exiles away completely. Paul Boylesplit the posts early on, but London briefly rallied with a Paul Kennedy solo goal and a point from a free by former Ruairi Og hurler Ronan McGrady to level proceedings.
However, rather than panic, Antrim showcased their pedigree. They intelligently slowed the game down, seized total control of the middle third, and hit a devastating purple patch. The scores began to flow effortlessly, culminating in a superbly taken goal from Conal Cunning that seemed to effectively kill the tie. At one stage, Fitzgerald’s men were sitting pretty with a commanding nine-point cushion, seemingly with one foot already on the plane home.
Yet, to their credit, the hosts refused to throw in the towel. London captain Sean Glynn scrambled a goal to spark a revival, though Antrim immediately answered with three quickfire points to momentarily silence the home crowd. The drama wasn’t over, however. Jack Morrissey blasted a desperate free through a crowded Antrim square, and substitute Conor Byrne managed to rattle the net deep in stoppage time.
Pic by Shelia Fernandes
Suddenly, what should have been a routine finish had turned into a tense finale, with Antrim’s once-massive lead whittled down to a precarious three points.
Any lingering hopes of a miraculous London heist were firmly slammed shut by Antrim’s composure. When London’s Padraig Muldoon lost his discipline—earning a red card for throwing his hurley to cynically stop a surging Antrim breakaway—James McNaughton cooly stepped up and calmly slotted the resulting free to put a four-point gap between the sides and seal a thoroughly deserved victory.
Antrim will now return to home soil with their tails up, taking massive confidence from their dominant spells into upcoming clashes with Westmeath and Carlow as they look to storm their way back into the title reckoning. The win staves off any fear of relegation, but they need to win their two remaining games against table toppers Carlow and Westmeath, and hope things go their way in other games to have any chance of qualifying.
PIC BY SHIELA FERNANDES
Scorers:
Antrim: S Elliott 0-08 (4f), C Cunning 1-03, J McNaughton 0-03 (3f), K Molloy 0-03, C Johnston, C Bohill, P Boyle, J McCloskey, R Donaghy 0-01 each.
London: R McGrady 0-05 (5f), P Kennedy, S Glynn 1-01 each, J Morrissey 1-00, N Fitzgerald, A Cunney 0-01 each.
Teams:
Antrim: C McFadden; R McNulty, P Burke, S Rooney; O Donnelly, N O’Connor, G Walsh; K Molloy, P Boyle; C Bohill, C Cunning, R McCambridge; J McNaughton, C Johnston, S Elliott.
Subs: J McCloskey for McCambridge (49), J McLaughlin for Bohill (51), R Donaghy for Elliott (59), R McCormick for Burke (65).
London: M Kilgannon; A Cunney, P Muldoon, B Morrissey; N Fitzgerald, J Morrissey, J Loughnane; T Hanifin, R Lodge; N Quinlan, R McGrady, F Whelan; S Glynn, P Kennedy, E McGrath.
Subs: C Byrne for Whelan (46), N Eames for Lodge (36), S Whelan for Quinlan (60), D Leary for McGrath (67), E Kelly for Fitzgerald (68).
Referee: N Malone (Clare)
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Above – Antrim’s Pat Shivers who gave a man of the match display, hitting 1-06 in the Saffron’s win over Carlow
Tailteann Cup Football
Carlow 2-26 Antrim 6-17 (AET) at Netwatch Cullen Park
Sweet revenge for the Saffrons. Entering Netwatch Cullen Park as clear underdogs, Antrim sent shockwaves through the Tailteann Cup with a sensational 6-17 to 2-26 extra-time victory over Division Four champions Carlow. The history between the two sides added a heavy layer of intrigue to Sunday’s clash. Carlow had previously defeated Antrim by four points in the opening round of the National League, a result that ultimately served as a sliding doors moment for both counties. While Carlow rode that momentum to a league title and promotion, Antrim agonizingly missed out, despite finishing their campaign with four consecutive victories. With home advantage and a piece of silverware already in their cabinet, Carlow were heavy favourites to advance, but Antrim brought their formidable late-league form into the championship to pull off a monumental upset.
Marc Jordan
There was little to separate the sides in the early exchanges, with the teams feeling each other out to a four-point apiece deadlock. However, Antrim soon clicked into a devastating gear. After 21 minutes, wing-forward Ronan Boyle breached the Carlow defense to raise the game’s first green flag. The Saffrons capitalized on the shifting momentum instantly, with Dominic McEnhill and Niall Burns tagging on quickfire points. After Carlow’s Lee Walker and Antrim’s Pat Shivers traded scores, the Saffrons struck a second hammer blow before the break when Burns rattled the net for a second time. Shivers, who was in unplayable form and finished as Antrim’s top scorer with 1-6, added two more points. Carlow managed to respond with a Kyle Nolan effort from distance, but it was Shivers who had the final say of the half, pointing just before the whistle to give the visitors a commanding 2-10 to 0-7 lead.
Eoghan McCabe
Antrim kept the pedal down immediately after the turnaround, with Eoghan McCabe finding the back of the net to raise Antrim’s third green flag of the afternoon. However, the Division Four champions were never going to roll over on home soil, and Padraig Bolger quickly responded with a goal for Carlow to ignite a fierce fightback. When Carlow’s Lee Walker, who finished the day with 1-4, converted a penalty, it sparked a massive scoring spree for the hosts that saw Antrim’s comfortable lead aggressively whittled down to a single point. In a frantic final quarter of normal time, Pat Shivers grabbed Antrim’s fourth goal of the day to give the Saffrons some breathing room, but Carlow’s relentless pressure eventually saw them edge ahead through Jamie Clarke. Staring down the barrel of a heartbreaking defeat, Antrim showed incredible resolve as Joseph Finnegan held his nerve to slot over a crucial equalizer, rescuing the Saffrons and forcing the game into extra time. Antrim reclaimed control in the first period of extra time. The defense tightened up brilliantly, shutting out the hosts entirely, while Ryan McQuillan struck for Antrim’s fifth goal, the only score of the half, to put the Saffrons back in the driving seat.
Ryan McQuillan who grabbed Antrim’s fifth goal in the first period of extra time
Carlow refused to go away quietly, battling back to level terms late in the second period courtesy of a Conor Crowley point. But Antrim’s eye for goal proved to be the ultimate difference. A dramatic, late sixth goal for the visiting side finally broke Carlow’s resistance, sealing a famous three-point win
Scorers for Antrim: P Shivers 1-6 (1-2p 1f), R Boyle 2-0, R McQuillan 1-3, D McEnhill 0-4 (1-2p f), B Kelly 1-0, E McCabe 1-0, N Burns 0-3, J Finnegan 0-1, T McCann 0-1 (f).
Scorers for Carlow: L Walker 1-4 (1-0 pen, 3fs), C Crowley 0-6, P Bolger 1-1, R Dunphy 0-3, A McCarron 0-3 (1-2pf), J Clarke 0-2, C Blake 0-2, K Nolan 0-2 (1-2p), J Phiri, P McDonnell, L Gavin (f) 0-1 each
ANTRIM: John McNabb; John Morgan, Joseph Finnegan, Kavan Keenan; Eoghan McCabe, Peter Healy, Marc Jordan; Paddy McAleer, Eunan Walsh; Tiernan McCormack, Ryan McQuillan, Ronan Boyle; Pat Shivers, Niall Burns, Dominic McEnhill. Subs: Tom Shivers for McCormack (49), Tomas McCann for McEnhill (57), Benen Kelly for Keenan (59), Adam Loughran for Boyle (59), Conor Hand for Jordan (65), Jordan for Finnegan (76), Cathal Hynds for McAleer (84).
CARLOW: Ben McCarron; Kyle Nolan, Niall Roche, Lee Moore; John Phiri, Dara Curran, Padhraig Bolger; Mark Furey, Adam Burgess; Paddy McDonnell, Lee Walker, Conor Doyle; Jamie Clarke, Chris Blake, Ross Dunphy. Subs: Conor Crowley for Furey (41), Adam McCarron for Blake (62), Aaron Amond for Nolan (53), Tadgh Roche for Burgess (69), Darragh Foley for Walker (69), Shane Buggy for Moore (78), Liam Gavin for Clarke (85), Cormac Lomax for Furey (89).
Monaghan edged a pulsating Masters League opener at Portglenone on Saturday afternoon, running out two-point winners on a scoreline of 1-16 to 2-11 against an Antrim side that showed tremendous character in defeat, only to be undone by a composed Monaghan finish in the dying minutes.
Officiated by Paul Quigley of Derry, this was the kind of contest that Gaelic football was made for, three goals, multiple lead changes, a game that could have gone either way with five minutes to play, and sixty minutes of honest, committed football from two proud counties. Those in attendance at Portglenone were treated to an occasion that bodes well for the Masters campaign ahead.
A Torrid Opening – Monaghan Make Hay Early
Damian Kelly announced Antrim’s intentions with a fine point inside the opening minute, but what followed was a sobering opening quarter for Frank Delargy and Timmy Connolly’s charges. Monaghan found their rhythm quickly and punished every Saffron lapse. Hugh McElroy,who would go on to be the game’s most influential player, split the posts twice, in the 5th and 8th minutes, as the Farney men began to take command. Paul Farnan added a third from play in the 11th minute, and a composed Edmond McArdle made it 0-5 to 0-1 in the 13th to leave the Antrim faithful wondering what was coming.
To their considerable credit, the Saffrons refused to fold. Kelly split the posts again to give Antrim something to build on, and gradually the home side clawed their way back into the contest. George McKitterick edged Monaghan six clear in the 26th minute, but Antrim’s response was immediate and impressive. Michael McCarry (27th), Mark Graham (29th) and Ryan Boyd (30th) all registered points in a productive closing spell, and the sides went to the interval with the gap reduced to the bare minimum Monaghan 0-6, Antrim 0-5. All to play for.
A Second Half to Remember
If the opening period was one-sided before Antrim came good, the second half was something else entirely, a relentless, gripping exchange that will live long in the memory of all who witnessed it.
Chris Keenan opened the second-half scoring for Monaghan, but Antrim came roaring back with a Michael McCarry pointed in the 33rd minute before Michael Herron levelled proceedings in the 35th. McArdle edged Monaghan back in front a minute later, but the defining moment of
the half appeared to have arrived when Liam Cassley raised the first green flag of the afternoon in the 37th minute, burying his effort to give the Saffrons a two-point advantage,1-7 to 0-8.
What followed was the most breathless sequence of the day. Monaghan, to their immense credit, refused to be rattled. McElroy pointed in the 39th minute, and then two scores in quick succession, from Keenan (40th) and Shane Birdy (40th) had the Farney men back in front within the space of sixty seconds. Before Antrim could regroup, McElroy produced the kill shot, a well-taken goal in the 41st minute that gave Monaghan a four-point cushion and seemed to have put the tie beyond the Saffrons.
But Antrim had other ideas.
McCarry reduced the gap in the 42nd minute and then came the moment of the match, Michael Herron, outstanding throughout drove forward and finished emphatically to the net in the 43rd minute, levelling proceedings at 2-8 to 1-11 with time still remaining.
The Portglenone crowd rose to their feet. Niall Sweeney edged the Saffrons in front from play in the 44th minute, and McCarry tireless and composed throughout extended the advantage to two with his fourth point of the day in the 46th minute.
Antrim were ahead with the clock ticking. At 2-10 to 1-11, it looked for all the world like the Saffrons were going to take the opening day honours.
Monaghan’s Experience Tells
The mark of a good team is what they do when their backs are against the wall, and Monaghan demonstrated exactly that quality in the closing stages. Managed by Noel Marron, the Farney men dug deep and found the scores that mattered most. Derek McMahon pointed on 49 minutes to narrow the gap, and McElroy levelled again in the
50th with a composed finish from play. Kelly’s response for Antrim in the 51st, his third of the afternoon looked like it might yet be enough, but Edmond McArdle, who was magnificent from first whistle to last and finished with four points from play, levelled the contest again in the 52nd minute. Level at 2-11 to 1-14 (17 points each) with seven minutes
remaining. The composure shown by Monaghan in those closing minutes was the difference. Shane Birdy split the posts in the 57th minute to edge the visitors back in front, and McArdle drove
the final nail home in the 59th to give Monaghan a 1-16 to 2-11 victory that, over the full sixty minutes, they just about deserved.
The Big Picture
It is a defeat that will sting for Antrim, particularly given how close they were in the final quarter, and the manner in which they recovered from a dismal opening spell shows that this is a squad with genuine character and quality. The performances of Damian Kelly (0-3),
Michael McCarry (0-4) and Michael Herron (1-1) in particular will have given Delargy and Connolly much to be encouraged about ahead of a tough campaign that still has plenty of road to run.
For Monaghan, the collective showing was impressive. Hugh McElroy (1-3) and McArdle (0-4) provided the cutting edge, while Keenan and Birdy were lively throughout. Monaghan’s ability to find scores when they needed them most was the hallmark of an experienced, well-drilled outfit.
With Tyrone, Donegal, Cavan, Derry and Down also to come in what looks like a hugely competitive group, both counties will know there is plenty more to play for. The Masters campaign of 2026 is off to a flying start.
ANTRIM: Stephen Harbinson; Ryan Daly, Ken Golden, Colin Connolly; Donald Crawford, Laurence Higgins, Declan McErlean; Damian Kelly (0-3), Michael Herron (1-1); Mark Graham (0-1), David McAlernon, William (Liam) Magee; Niall Sweeney (0-1), Michael McCarry (0-4), Liam Cassley (1-0). Also used: Ryan Boyd (0-1), Michael McCourt, Dominic
Neeson.
MONAGHAN: Sean Farmer; Gareth King, Eddie Lennon, Thomas Mee; Noel Tuite (0-1),
Stephen Fitzpatrick, Pauric Gollogly; Derek McMahon (0-1), Thomas O’Neill; Paul Farnan(0-1), Edmond McArdle (0-4), Martin Mc Nally; Niall Kelly, Hugh McElroy (1-3), George
Mckitterick (0-1). Also used: Chris Keenan (0-2), Shane Birdy (0-2), Aidan McGarrell.
Venue: McGovern Park, Ruislip – Date: Sunday 10 May
Throw in: 1pm
Referee: Niall Malone
Brendan McTaggart looks ahead at Antrim’s must win encounter with London in the McDonagh Cup.
The London team that Antrim will face tomorrow in London
When it comes to penning previews, I’ve often sat in front of my laptop wondering what angle I can take. We publish these pieces a bit closer to match day so by the time other media outlets have released their pearls of wisdom, speaking with a player or management can feel like you’re going over old ground.
I have figured that it doesn’t matter what I come out with here and now, it will have been said throughout the 32 counties since Antrim left Portlaoise on 25th April. A chastening defeat and a nightmarish second half after a more than decent opening 35 minutes. It wasn’t the first time we’ve left the O’Moore Park stadium with our tail between our legs, I’ve been reporting on games for the better part of 13 years and I’ve never witnessed an Antrim hurling victory there in that time – although there was one victory for the big ball men under precarious circumstances and one Chris Kerr starring, a story for another day and maybe a podcast.
Back to the hurling and my angle. What is my angle I hear you shout? Unity. It’s time to put the maniacal whirlwind of the last two weeks behind us and concentrate on what happens on the pitch. Statements, counterstatements, rumours with substances, scurrilous rumours that if true would make the hairs on your toes stand on end, it never sat well with me. You might think that when you dip your toes in this profession that someone like me would be relishing these circumstances. I promise you, that couldn’t be further from the truth. I would much rather be reporting on Antrim victories and having pints with the management team than having that gut wrenching feeling in the pit of my stomach before grabbing a few words after the game.
The national media and a few clowns on podcasts and ‘X’ have had their say – no, not the three amigos on We Are Antrim, although we’ve had our say also. Some of the reporting has been sensationalised, some of it for clicks. What I will say is that the silence for the last week from the hurling camp has been music to my ears. I’m hoping that means there has been a resolution found and everyone has their shoulder to the wheel. Like I said on the We Are Antrim podcast, we are still alive in the McDonagh Cup despite the two defeats. We have three winnable games coming up, starting with Sunday in London. It certainly won’t be a handy 70 minutes, that’s for sure but it’s 70 minutes that we need a result. If things don’t go our way in Ruislip, not only can we kiss goodbye to a place in the top two and the McDonagh Cup final but we are looking over our shoulders at relegation and into the Christy Ring. That’s a very negative way to be thinking about the upcoming game but it is the reality of where we are right now.
A starting 15 hasn’t been released as yet at the time of writing. I’m hoping there will be some changes with potentially Jack McCloskey, Conal Bohill, Scott and Gerard Walsh getting their place in the starting 15. McCloskey has been in fine form for Loughgiel and has to be worth a shot at this stage to help an attack that has been heavily reliant on Seaan Elliott. Bohill and the Walsh lads would add a bit more tenacity and physicality in the middle third that was badly missing in the face of a tidal wave of Laois momentum.
Systems and formations are irrelevant for me at this stage. What I want to see is a result. If that comes with playing one man inside and employing a running game from midfield, I’ll be happy. If a result comes from playing a more like we have been used to seeing in Antrim and playing to our strengths, I’ll be happier.
