Category / Football

by thesaffrongael

Cargin fall well short of Tyrone champions Errigal Ciaran

AIB Ulster Club Senior Football Championship, quarter-final

Cargin 0-9 Errigal Ciarán 0-17

Tyrone champions Errigal Ciaran proved just too good for a disappointing Cargin side at Corrigan Park on Sunday, the Tyrone champions winning with ease to set up an Ulster semi-final meeting with Armagh’s Clann Eireann, who beat Derry champions Newbridge at Celtic Park later in the day.

Four weeks out from their Antrim county final win over Portglenone the Toome men simply could not get to the pace of the game, while Errigal Ciaran, who won the Tyrone title just eight days ago, were sharp from the start. The were 0-3 to 0-0 ahead early in the game, and though Cargin appeared to be back in the game when they closed the gap to 0-4 to 0-3 with twenty minutes gone, the Tyrone men found their second wind as they outscored Cargin by 0-07 to 0-01 over the last ten minutes of the opening half and as the team’s headed in at half time with the scoreboard reading 10-4 you felt all was missing from the were the words ‘Over and Out’

 If the Antrim side were to get back into the game they needed a strong start to the second half, but that never happened and Errigal’s ability to win practically every kick-out put Cargin on the back foot. Half way through that second period the Errigal management men were emptying their bench to give players a ‘run out’, and though Cargin did keep battling on against the odds it was clear that Errigal’s path to the semi-final was secured.

Cargin captain James Laverty in action during Sunday’s Ulster quarter final against Errigal Ciaran

The Tyrone champions went ahead with two pointed frees from Thomas Canavan, both awarded for incidents well away from the play, something that was going on all over the field to be honest but the Erins’s Own men never seemed to benefit from any of them. Ruairi Canavan stretched the lead to three with the first score from play and it was clear that Cargin were in trouble. However the Errigal scoring dried up as they shot a series of bad wides, and there was a sense of relief when Cargin netminder McNabb fired over his team’s first score of the game on sixteen minutes. When Tomás McCann and Sean O’Neill added two more for Cargin there was suddenly a bit of optimism among the Toome fans, but those hopes didn’t last long as Errigan reset their ‘radar’ hitting the next six points wihoout reply to open the gap to six by the time Monaghan referee Martin McNally sounded the half time whistle.

The Tyrone side, managed by former Antrim boss Enda McGinley who is a brother-in-law of the McCann clan from Cargin, had clearly done their homework and despite being on a hectic run of games that included a preliminary round win last week, they had more energy from the start and set a bar Cargin couldn’t reach.

Even though shooting would prevent Errigal from moving out of sight in the first half, they still held a six-point gap at the short whistle and were able to manage it in the second period.

Over the hour, Enda McGinley’s men had 10 different scorers and this epitomised a team effort as they limited Cargin to just three points from play and they will be delighted with their day’s work.

“We didn’t turn up at all,” conceded Cargin manager, Ronan Devlin.

“We didn’t compete, do the basic stuff, got cleaned out on the break balls, made mistakes and gave the ball away. After a bad start, we worked our way into it but then just silly mistakes let them chop away – it was a bad day all round.

“It was just so flat, dead – just not good enough. We’ve nobody to blame this time but ourselves.”

Errigal had the first two scores through Thomas Canavan frees, both awarded for holding off the ball as referee Martin McNally set out to lay down a marker.

Ruairi Canavan grabbed their first from play as David Johnston went into the book for a foul in the build-up and the Tyrone champions were flying as their pace of attack left Cargin chasing shadows.

However, their shooting began to let them down with five straight wides, yet Cargin were still having no joy getting anything going in the opening period and it took goalkeeper John McNabb to finally get them off the mark with 16 gone.

The Antrim champions enjoyed a mini spell as Tomás McCann and Sean O’Neill replied to one from Ben McDonnell, but the Tyrone side reasserted themselves over the final 10 minutes of the opening half with six of the last seven scores as Joe Oguz, Tiernan Colhoun and Peter Og McCartan assisted the Canavans, Darragh (two) and Ruairi as they took a deserved 0-10 to 0-4 lead into the break.

Errigal’s Ciaran McGinley had the gap out to seven soon after the restart, and though Tomas McCann pulled one back from a free, midfielder Joe Oguz and corner forward Ruairi Canavan put more daylight between the sides.

Tomas Mccann was keeping the scoreboard ticking over from frees, but though there were a couple of half chances for the goal they needed to ignite a comeback, the Errigal defence were always in control.

A disappointing day for a team that have given so much over the past decade, and they will be glad of the break to recharge the batteries. Elligal manager Enda McGinley, a former Antrim manager and brother in law to the three McCann brothers, will now lead his team into a semi-final meeting with Armagh champions Clann Eireann. That will be a tougher test for the Tyrone champions, who are seeking their first Ulster title since 2002, but Sunday’s showing by his team should give him a good deal of confidence

Don’t look back in anger! Cargin’s Michael McCann is greeted by his brother in law Enda McGinley after the game

Scorers for Cargin: T McCann 0-6 (5f, 1 45), J McNabb 0-1, S O’Neill 0-1, R Gribbin 0-1.

Scorers for Errigal Ciaran: R Canavan 0-4 (3f), D Canavan 0-2, T Canavan 0-2 (2f), J Oguz 0-2, C McGinley 0-2, P Og McCartan 0-1, T Colhoun 0-1, M Kavanagh 0-1, R McRory 0-1.

CARGIN: John McNabb; Kevin O’Boyle, Kevin McShane, Ronan Gribbin; Justin Crozier, Sean O’Neill, Jamie Gribbin; Michael McCann, John Carron; David Johnston, Tomás McCann, James Laverty; Conhuir Johnston, Eunan Quinn, Pat Shivers.

Subs: Paul McCann for D Johnston (HT), Benen Kelly for J Crozier (HT), Conan Johnston for E Quinn (37), Ronan Devlin for B Kelly (46), Tom Shivers for Conhuir Johnston (51)

ERRIGAL CIARÁN: Darragh McAnenly; Cormac Quinn, Aidan McCrory, Thomas Canavan; Peter Og McCartan, Niall Kelly, Tiarnan Colhoun; Ben McDonnell, Joe Oguz; Pauric Traynor, Peter Harte, Ciaran McGinley; Ruairi Canavan, Darragh Canavan, Odhran Robinson.

Subs: Mark Kavanagh for P Traynor (46), Ciaran Quinn for T Colhoun (46), Padraig McGirr for O Robinson (51), Eoin Kelly for T Canavan (51), Ronan McRory for D Canavan (57)

REFEREE: Martin McNally (Monaghan)

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by thesaffrongael

Penalty heartbreak for All Saints

Ulster Intermediate Football Intermediate Football Championship at Toome

Derrylaughan 3-21 All Saints 6-12 AET (Derrylaughan won 5-4 on penalties

It was penalty heartbreak for All Saints Ballymena on Saturday in Toome after they bowed out of Ulster at the hands of Tyrone champions Derrylaughan.

All Saints led both at the end of normal and extra time only for points from James Donnelly giving Kevin Niblock’s side a lifeline.

Conor Stewart looked to have won the game at the end of extra-time only for Tyrone star Brian Kennedy to win possession before setting up Donnelly for the equaliser.

In the shootout, it was Derrylaughan ‘keeper James Kennedy who denied Peter McReynolds with Ballymena’s second kick. After conceding five goals in normal time and one more in extra time Kennedy became the unlikely hero of the hour as he got down to his left to keep McReynolds well hit shot out

Sean McVeigh punches the airwith delight after scoring his team’s second goal

With both teams on target for the rest of the shoot-out, Brendan McDonnell nailed Ballymena’s pressure fifth kick before Com O’Hagan sent Derrylaughan through with the final kick of the afternoon.

It was cruel on the Ballymena men who worked themselves into a three point lead with a second goal from star man Paddy McAleer early in the second half.

Derrylaughan plonked Brian Kennedy at the edge of the square where he scored two goals to give them a lifeline back into the game.

It was a classic game and one that will be talked about in years to come. It was just a pity there had to be a loser.

The fact both sets of fans applauded the Ballymena players off at the end of the game spoke volumes for the level of respect at the end of a clean, sporting but high-octane game.

After all talk of playing rules, this is a game the Football Review Committee could take a lot from.

Derrylaughan had the wind in the opening moments but it was Ballymena who had the ball in the net. A direct ball to Sean McVeigh created havoc before McAleer punched to the net.

It was the perfect start but Ballymena struggled with their own kick-out as Derrylaughan settled with a point from James Donnelly.

Sean McVeigh repeated the dose with a second Ballymena goal for a 2-0 to 0-1 lead before Donnelly added a second.

After trailing by seven points against Termon in the preliminary round, Derrylaughan don’t make a habit of panicking and three points from Tomas Carney helped them back within a point after 23 minutes, 2-1 to 0-6.

When All Saints needed a response, it was McAleer who fired over to continue a fine performance. With Emmett Killough and Conor Stewart at midfield, it gave Liam ‘Baker’ Bradley the luxury of playing with McAleer and McVeigh in attack.

At the other end Peter McNicholl played as the sweeper to limit the Derrylaughan path to goal.

There was another boost for All Saints before half time when Ronan McKillop’s kick went all the way to the Derrylaughan net after being missed by everyone and the Antrim champions led 3-3 to 0-8 ahead at the break.

The Tyrone net was bulging again as early as 23 seconds of the second half. It was a direct move and involved three key All Saints players.

Stewart played the ball forward, McVeigh won it in the air and Paddy McAleer finished to the net to open a seven-point lead.

With nothing to lose, Derrylaughan moved the towering Brian Kennedy to the edge of the square.

When Shane Scullion’s diagonal ball was plucked by Kennedy, he turned to hammer to the back of the net. It was just what his side needed, cutting the cap to three points, 4-4 to 1-10.

Derrylaughan keeper James Kennedy is beaten again as a long delivery from Ronan McKillop (out of picture) drops in at the far post

Like they did all afternoon, there was a response from Ballymena with pacey wing back Patrick Ferris at the heart of the counter-attack before Stewart squeezed a low shot past Kennedy in the Derrylaughan net and into what appeared to be a commanding lead. However All Saints began to drop deep and it invited a green wave on to them.

When Kennedy’s low shot squirmed under goalkeeper Stewart there was one minute left to play and the sides were level, 5-4 to 2-13.

Connell Lemon and Liam Cushnahan exchanged points before Conor Stewart’s 62nd minute score looked to have won the game. There was time for one more attack and when Derrylaughan were awarded a questionable free, Donnelly took the game to extra-time.

Within 10 seconds of the restart, Brian Kennedy had the ball over the bar but All-Saints response with their sixth goal. McAleer was involved and the move was finished by Brenndan McDonnell.

Home and hosed? Not yet. Ciaran Gervin hit 1-1 for Derrylaughan in as many minutes and the Tyrone champions led 3-17 to 6-7 half time into extra time.

There were no more goals but there was plenty of drama. When Michael McCarry’s free levelled matters, All Saints found another gear and three more points gave them a two-point lead.

Two Carney frees had the sides level again with penalties looming. But not yet. Conor Stewart looked like he had won the game before the final throw of the dice and a high ball tossed in on top of Kennedy. was held firm before playing James Donnelly in on his left foot and he saved the day for Derrylaughan.

Now it was down to penalties with goalkeeper Kennedy’s save from Peter McReynolds, it was the final action in an afternoon of inches, millimetres and drama.

What a game. Both sides deserve immense credit but it was Derrylaughan who advanced. All Saints players will play this game over and over again in their heads in the years to come. They were every bit as good as their opponents but cruelly pipped at the post.

Conor Stewart shows his delight after hitting a superb point late in extra time, but cruelly it was not to be as Derrylaughan hit a late equaliser to take the game to penalties

 Derrylaughan: James Kennedy; Colm O’Hagan (0-1), Ciaran O’Hagan, Liam Cushnahan (0-1); Liam Gervin, Conor Kennedy, Sean Robinson; Brian Kennedy (2-1), Shane Scullion; Conor Hughes, Fergal McAliskey (0-2), Danny Ball; James Donnelly (0-5, 1f), Tomas Carney (0-9, 84, 1 45), Ciaran Quinn
Subs: Ciaran Gervin (1-1) for Quinn (38), Caoilean Hughes for Ball (43), Darragh Carney (0-1) for McAliskey (54), Mark Robinson for Cushnahan (60), McAliskey for C Carney (78)

All Saints: Ryan Stewart, Michael Read, Kavan Keenan (0-1), Cal O’Brien; Peter McNicholl; James McDonnell (0-1), Shaun O’Callaghan (0-1), Patrick Ferris; Conor Stewart (1-2), Emmett Killough; Connel Lemon (0-1), Ronan McKillop (1-0), Ciaran Campbell; Sean McVeigh (1-0), Paddy McAleer (2-4, 1f)
Subs: Brendan McDonnell (1-1) for Campbell (47), Michael McCarry (0-1f) for McKillop (53), Joe Rafferty for Ferris (60+2), Peter McReynolds for Killough (80+1)

Referee: Diarmuid Boylan (Monaghan)

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

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by thesaffrongael

U21 Football Finals on Sunday

The U21 A & B Football finals are down for decision this Sunday with Con Magee Gaels meeting St. Galls in the A final in Poretglenone at 12-00pm and Dunloy and Creggan facing each other in the B decider in Ballymena at the same time.

Good crowds have attended the earlier round of the competition but these could be affected on Sunday with Cargin Ulster clash with Errigal Ciaran fixed for 1-00pm at Corrigan Park.

Manus McCrossan, (St.Gall’s)

U21A final

Con Magee Gaels v St. Gall’s

Portglenone 12-00pm

Both sides have impressed on their way to Sunday’s final with Con Magee Gaels pulling out all the stops to defeat Cargin at Fr. Maginn Park in the quarter-final and St. Gall’s recording a big win over neighbours St. Gall’s at Milltown.

Con Magee Gael began their campaign with a preliminary round win over St. Ergnat’s Moneyglass before getting over the line in this tough quarter-final win over Cargin at Fr. Maginn Park.

They looked in a bit of bother after a final furlong flourish from rivals Cargin when they tagged on four unanswered points in the final five minutes to draw level but then yielded two scoreable frees in added time which the home team converted.

Daire Higgins was the Glenravel hero with those two late conversions and it put the Gaels through to a semi-final meeting with Aghagallon with the Glens men again enjoying home advantage.

St. Mary’s had earned their place in the semi-final after a good 1-13 to 1-9 home win over a fancied St. Brigid’s in the quarter-final and travelled to Glenravel to meet the home side in the semi-final.

Once again the Gaels produced the goods to run out 0-14 to 2-4 winners. In the end, Glenravel’s sharpshooters at the top end of the pitch made the telling difference as they had that little bit more composure in front of the sticks when it mattered most.

F Hodgson (0-01), F Donaghy (0-02,) S O’Broin (0-04,) C Ward (0-01;) C McKeown (0-02,) P McDonell, D Higgins (0-03) were the Glenravel marksmen after a polished performance.

St. Gall’s have had an easier route to Sunday’s final after All Saints withdrew from the competition to hand them passage to the semi-final and a meeting with a St. John’s side who had impressed in their quarter-final win over St. Paul’s.

Manus McCrossan was excellent at mid-field for the Milltown Road men with goals from Niall Fallon, Daniel Quinn and Padraig Murray paving the way for a 3-14 to 0-5 win.

With three win s in the competition already behind them Con Magee Gaels will fancy their chances of adding this year’s U21A title to the B title they collected last year but they face a good St. Gall’s side and this one could go either way with the Gaels getting a tentative nod.

Aidan McGarry (Dunloy)
Fintan Close (Creggan)

U21B Final

Dunloy v Creggan

Ballymena 12-00pm

Dunloy will start this one as favourites after recording good away wins over Sarsfields at the Bear Pit on day one while Creggan were recording an opening day win on the adjacent pitch when they finished strongly to defeat Rossa by five points.

Dunloy were on the road again in the semi-final when they travelled to Whitehill and proved too good for Tir na nOg.

Daire McMullan hit 2-2 as the visitors ran out 2-10 to 1-3 winners while Padraig Martin, Thomas McFerran, Aodhan McGarry and Eoin McFerran impressed in a good all round Cuchullian’s side.

At the same time over on the Staffordstown Road Creggan were made to work hard before overcoming the challenge of visitors Lamh Dhearg in the other semi-final.

The Kickham’s led 1-4 to 0-5 at the halfway stage but were reeled in early in the second half with half time substitute, Patrick Tumelty kicking two early points to close the gap to the minimum.

Creggan rallied though to dominate the final quarter and finish 1-13 to 1-7 ahead with Odhran Hampsey, Sean McAuley, Tristan McCann, Fintan Close, Sean Duffin, Shea McCann and Conor Johnston seeing them comfortably over the line.

This could be another close encounter but Dunloy might just have enough to see them home but there is not likely to be a lot between these two South West rivals.

by thesaffrongael

All Saints hope to launch another successful Ulster run

Ulster IFC quarter-final

All Saints v Derrylaughan – Toome 2-00pm Saturday

It’s been 13 years since All Saints last represented Antrim in Ulster but on Saturday in Toome their long wait will be over.

There was a feeling after that heady campaign in 2011 that saw them defeat St. Monaise of Fermanagh and Drumgoon of Cavan on their way to a semi-final defeat to Culloville of Armagh that it would only be a matter of time before they would be back.

If there is one thing that is certain in Gaelic football it is ‘nothing is certain’ and in the years that followed that 4th Intermediate title eluded the Ballymena men until now.

All Saints finally got over the line this year with a convincing win over St. Teresa’s following defeat to Tir na nOg and Con Magee’s in the 2008 and 2010 deciders.

The appointment of Liam ‘Baker’ Bradley as manager a couple of years ago and his appointment of Declan ‘Honda’ Mullan has been instrumental in developing a strong and enthusiastic panel with a good blend of youth and experience.

Word coming out of the camp is positive with more than 30 players attending training this year and that training has paid dividends.

All Saints were promoted to division 1 this year despite only finishing third in division 2 last year owing to the restructuring of the Antrim leagues and despite playing nearly all their games without their county players, finished third in the top division.

The emergence of young talent which has included Patrick Ferris, Sean O’Callaghan, Ronan McKillop, Michael Read, Cal O’Brien and Ryan Thom amongst others has been a strong factor in this year’s success.

All Saints who face Derrylaughan in Toome on Saturday

The Ballymena side are complimented by a solid bunch of experienced players, a number who remain regulars since that memorable 2011 run.

Sean McVeigh, Peter McNicholl, Emmet Killough, Michael McCarry, Peter McReynolds, Paddy McAleer and Rory McVeigh were part of that 2011 campaign and are in the frame for selection on Saturday.

The emergence of county players, Conor Stewart, and James McDonnell adds to the selection headache facing Baker Bradley and his backroom team but it is a headache that the Glenullin native will surely relish.

Despite their recent success All Saints will go into Saturday’s meeting with Tyrone champions Derrylaughan as underdogs.

A number of the management team and players were in Omagh last Saturday to see them come from behind to beat Termon of Donegal in a preliminary round and can’t have been anything other than impressed by the Tyrone champions.

Three points separated the sides after 60 minutes in Omagh after Termon had raced into a 1-4 to 0-0 lead after 11 minutes.

Tomas Carney led the Derrylaugan comeback and finished the game with 1-6 to his name so will need careful watching but he is only one of a very potent and experienced side that has Tyrone’s Brian Kennedy leading their charge from mid-field.

A win for Termon would have meant a trip to Donegal for the Ballymena side so there is the consolation of the short journey to Toome and a return to the Erin’s Own ground where they recorded their recent county success.

Derrylaughan will start Saturday’s game as firm favourites but that is unlikely to faze Baker Bradley and his side who will have a big support cheering them on as they aim to launch another successful Ulster run.

What about Derrylaughan?

Ulster IFC Preliminary Round

Derrylaughan 1-11 Termon 1-8

It took Derrylaughan 11 minutes to register their first score in their preliminary round win over Termon at Healey Park on Saturday evening but when they did get going there was no stopping them.

Donegal Champions Termon led by 1-4 to 0-0 at this stage and must have fancied their chances of pushing on to meet All Saints in the quarter-final but they would register only four more points for the remainder of the game as the Tyrone champions came to life.

The Tyrone side had a real match winner in full-forward Tomas Carney, who accounted for 1-6 of his side’s total and in the end, was the difference between the sides.

Connor Hughes got Derrylaughan on the scoreboard on 11 minutes and directly from the kick out Tomas Carney hit a second and it was Carney who would turn this game on its head with a masterful display of score taking.

Carney was to prove his worth again a minute later to cut the lead to four. Termon then had a goal chance but the final pass was over hit while Emmett Maguire in the Termon goal made a great save to deny Danny Ball at the expense of a ’45’ which Carney converted for his third point.

The Derrylaughan number 14 converted a free on 20 minutes and by the 28th minute the Lough shore side were back on terms through Sean Robinson and James Donnelly and were the dominant side.

Half-time Termon 1-4, Derrylaughan 0-7.

Termon briefly threatened to regain control at the start of the second half with John James Sweeney pointing within 30 seconds of the restart and Jack Alcorn adding another on 33 minutes.

Derrylaughan’s came back with a Tomas Carney point from a mark and the same player hit a post with a ’45’ a minute later.

The Tyrone side hit the front on 44 minutes when danger man Carney was on the end of a centre to fist to the net and from the kick out Liam Gervin extended their lead to three points.

Termon were now struggling to get their own game going again and Carney extended their lead from a ‘45’ and Ciaran Gervin added another while Jamie Grant had a point in reply for Termon and in added time Dáire McDaid cut the lead to three but it was Derrylaughan who now move on to meet Baker Bradley’s All Saints in Cargin on Saturday at 2-00pm..

Derrylaughan scorers: Tomas Carney 1-6, 2 ’45s’,1 f, 1m; Liam Gervin, Sean Robinson, Connor Hughes, James Donnelly, Ciaran Gervin 0-1 each.

Derrylaughan v Termon: James Kennedy; Colm O’Hagan, Ciaran O’Hagan, Caoilean Hughes; Liam Gervin, Conor Kennedy, Sean Robinson; Brian Kennedy, Shane Scullion; Connor Hughes, Fergal McAliskey, Danny Ball; James Donnelly, Tomas Carney, Ciaran Quinn. Sub: Ciaran Gervin for S Scullion (41); Liam Cushnahan for C Hughes (44); Mark Robinson for F McAliskey (58)

by thesaffrongael

All Saints Dreams Shattered in Omagh in 2011

As we head into Saturday’s Ulster Intermediate Football Championship clash between All Saints and Derrylaughan  in Toome, the Saffron Gael looks back at the Ballymena side’s last Ulster campaign in 2011.

All Saints defeated St. Molaise, Enniskillen in a preliminary round at Casement Park before going on to beat Drumgoon Eire Og of Cavan in the quarter-final at Breffni Park.

Their campaign ended in Omagh where they lost in extra time to Culloville of Armagh in the semi-final by two points but many within the camp feel that it was one that got away.

Seven members of the present squad were part of that All Saints panel who will go into action on Saturday in Toome.

 The men of 2011: Rory McVeigh, Peter McReynolds, Emmet Killough, Sean McVeigh, Peter McReynolds and Paddy McAleer photographed after the County final in Toome and will bring a lot of experience to their clash with Tyrone’s Derrylaughan at the same venue on Saturday.

2011 semi-final report

All Saints 1-12  Culloville 2-11 AET

The dream of a place in the Ulster final was shattered in cruel fashion in Omagh on Sunday but the memories of a wonderful season will last for many years in the minds of All Saints players and their wonderful supporters.

They went into this game as rank outsiders against a Culloville Blues side who ply their trade in Division 1 of the Armagh League and indeed had recorded a win over the legendry Crossmaglen Rangers in that league earlier in the year.

It was obvious from the opening whistle that Culloville had done their homework on the Ballymena side with Sean McVeigh in particular, Sean McCambridge and Peter McReynolds coming in for a lot of unsavoury attention.

The Armagh champions opened confidently and were 3-0 up after 10 minutes through the impressive Kieran Hatzer, Seamus Watters and Niall Rowland and with Andy Kelly and Michael McCarry carrying injuries into the game, it wasn’t looking good for All Saints.

Once again however the bags of character, that has carried them through the Antrim Championship and to this stage of the Ulster, started to emerge and a good move saw Peter McReynolds race clear on goal in the 11th minute but his goal bound attempt was well saved by Blue’s keeper, Kieran McMahon. Sean McCambridge collected the rebound but he was quickly closed down by a determined Culloville defence.

Gradually though the Slemish park side began to play their way into the game and a Michael McCarry pointed free in the 12th minute followed by another from Paddy Logan gave notice of their intentions.

Things were slowly swinging in favour of the Ballymena side as the Culloville hauling and dragging tactics continued to go unpunished but when Liam Cassley was felled by towering mid-fielder, John Kingham with a blatant body-check there seemed no alternative for the referee but to administer a red card.

The Derry official, after waiting for Cassley to recover, decided on the easy option of yellow and when the same player had his close range effort foot-blocked inside the large square, two minutes later referee McErlane waved away what looked like a legitimate penalty claim by the All Saints players.

All Saints were struck another blow when Andy Kelly had to retire after about 20 minutes to be replaced by Peter McCann. Michael McCarry pointed a 25th minute free to bring the sides level but after soaking up a period of pressure which produced nothing, Culloville hit back to take the lead through Padraig Caherty who moved forward from right-half-back to send over an excellent point.

The Saints were now gaining in confidence however and they finished the half well on top as Damian Kelly converted a couple of late frees to give them a slender 0-5 to 0-4 half-time lead. The unpleasant tactics of the opposition continued however as they got involved with the All Saints men in the tunnel on their way to the dressing room with Niall Rowland being issued a yellow card.

Paddy McAleer in action against Culloville in 2011
Sean McVeigh in action in Omagh and still going strong in 2024

                                               EQUALISER

The large Ballymena crowd who had travelled in expectation awaited the start of the second half with relish but it was Culloville who were first off the mark as Seamus Watters fired over the equaliser after 25 seconds.

Michael McCarry restored the All Saints lead as he sent over another free in the 5th minute but the Antrim men were rocked back on their heels as the Armagh side hit back with an 8th minute goal by Johnny McGeeney who beat Brian Martin to the jump after finding himself unmarked on the edge of the square.

Once again All Saints displayed their determination and resolve as a cross field lob by Peter McCann was broken down by Sean McCambridge and Peter McReynolds got the vital touch in the goalmouth scramble that ensued to finish to the net.

Their joy was to be short lived however as their opponents again exploited gaps in the All Saints defence, who were struggling badly at this stage, and Colm Watters collected unmarked to the left of the area before rounding Brian Martin and hammering home the ‘Blues’ second goal with 11 minutes gone.

Could Kevin McCarry and Timmy Connolly’s men respond again?, well respond they did, digging deep into their reserves of character they again started to carry the game to the opposition with Michael McCarry pointing yet another free to close the gap to two at the end of the third quarter.

Kieran Hartzer again edged Culloville three ahead and Peter McReynolds, direct from a ‘45’ and Rowlands exchanged further points to keep the gap at three with ten minutes remaining.

 

Sean McVeigh, who was outstanding throughout, began to exert his influence even more as he ran 40 yards before splitting the uprights and his mid-field partner Paddy Logan hit another to level the contest as the Ballymena side threatened to take control once more.

Culloville continued to look dangerous on the break however and the impressive Johnny McGeeney fired over to give them back the lead and it looked like this score would prove to be the winner but Peter ‘Pizza’ McReynolds kept his cool to fire over the equaliser once again, direct from a ‘45’ to send the game into extra time.

                                                       EXTRA TIME

Ten minutes each way extra time was ordered and again it was Culloville who took the initiative with Fergal Rowland and Kieran Hartzer both finding the target in the 6th minute to open up a two point lead but a Michael McCarry pointed free in the 9th minute kept the Antrim men in contention at the short whistle.

When Johnny McGeeney again extended the Culloville lead to two, two minutes into the second half of time added on things looked set for a barn storming finish but it was to prove to be the last score of the game.

The Ballymena side, led by Sean McVeigh drove forward unrelentingly in an effort to pull the game out of the fire but despite incessant pressure they were unable to gain the scores that would give them victory.

They kicked four wides during this period but looked set to take the lead as Peter McReynolds placed Liam Cassley in the clear but his low shot at goal sailed just wide of the upright. With time almost up and All Saints pushing for that all important goal the ball broke to Paddy McAleer but his goal bound ground shot was blocked by corner-back Sean Liddy and cleared to safety as the full-time whistle sounded.

                                              BITTER DISAPPOINTMENT

Bitter disappointment for All Saints and their supporters who will justifiably feel that they deserved something more for their efforts. They recovered from another poor start to take a half-time lead, might have had a goal while their opponents were fortunate to start the second half with 15 men.

In the end injuries to Kevin McAllister, Andy Kelly and Michael McCarry, who gave his all despite carrying an injury into the game, conspired to beat them and the rub of the green deserted them when it was most needed.

No one should be disappointed or desponded however. To lose by two points in extra time, seven games into a tough Championship campaign which included wins over Glenavy, St. Teresa’s, Aldergrove before beating Portglenone in the County final and then wins over Drumgoon and St, Molaise of Irvinestown in Ulster is hard to take.

LETS HOPE WE ARE CELEBRATING AGAIN ON SATURDAY EVENING !

to view pics from the 2011 semi-final click on the link below

https://myalbum.com/album/BFzQN7CwjL68q3

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