Category / Football

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

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by thesaffrongael

St. Gall’s too good for visiting St. John’s

U21 A Football semi-final

St. Gall’s 3-14 St. John’s 0-5

St. John’s made the short trip to Milltown on Sunday, confident that they could build on last weekend’s excellent win over St. Paul’s at Corrigan in the quarter-final and when Conor Hand kicked them into a two point lead after 8 minutes that confidence looked justified.

The young Johnnies flattered to deceive however as St. Gall’s responded through Manus McCrossan in the 9th minute and Daniel Quinn had it all square with 11 minutes on the clock.

The Milltown Row side were starting to get on top and they struck with a well worked goal at the end of the opening quarter with several involved in the build-up before Niall Fallon finished emphatically to the net.

Manus McCrossan who was excellent at mid-field for St. Gall’s in their win over St. John’s

Daire King replied with a point for the Whiterock side but with McCrossan dictating matters around mid-field it was St. Gall’s who finished strongly and Callum Walsh kicked a great point from out on the left.

The St. Gall’s pressure was beginning to pay dividends and Daniel Quinn punished a bad kick out to return the leather between the posts and the same player concluded the first half scoring with another from play to leave it 1-5 to 0-3 at the half way point.

St. John’s needed a good start to the second half if they were to make inroads into their opponents lead but things went from bad to worse for the Corrigan Park side when substitute Padraig Murray fired to the net with only ten seconds gone.

Daniel Quinn fisted a point as the visitors looked rocked by the early onslaught before their best on view, Conor hand replied with his third and his side’s fourth of the afternoon.

It failed to inspire his side however and with Manus McCrossan covering every blade of grass for the home side they responded with three on the bounce from Liam Lynn 0-2 and Barra McCaffery.

St. Gall’s were now playing with great confidence and another good move saw the impressive Daniel Quinn fire to the net for their third goal in the 10th minute with Padraig Murray following with a point.

Conor Hand continued to carry what little threat the visitors were providing and the Johnnies number 8 pointed an 18th minute free for his fourth of the evening but it would be the Johnnies final score of the contest.

They did look in for a goal soon after but Ciaran Og Mullan produced an excellent save and it was St. Gall’s who finished on the front foot to run out convincing winners.

Joe Diamond added points in the 20th and 25th minutes with the excellent Daniel Quinn wrapping matters up with a pointed free in the 27th minute and another from play as the game edged into time added on.

A good win for the Milltown side and it should make them slight favourites against Con Magee’s Gaels in next weekend’s final. They are sure to face a stiffer test however against a side who recorded a good semi-final win over St. Mary’s Aghagallon at Fr. Maginn Park.

St. Gall’s Vice Chairman, Gareth Higgins presents a cheque for £400-00 to Saffron Gael photographer, Bert Trowlen prior to the U21A semi-Final at Milltown on Sunday

St. Gall’s: 1 Ciaran Og Mullan, 2 Dubhaltach MacLiam, 3 Gairech MacAdhaim, 5 Ethan Walsh, 6 Conall McGirr, 7 Liam Lynn, 8 Che Smyth, 9 Manus McCrossan, 10 Aodh Mullan, 11 Daniel Quinn, 12 Aaron Mackel, 13 Barra McCaffery, 14 Niall Fallon, 15 Callum Walsh

St. John’s: 1 Padraig Graham, 2 Michael Darragh, 3 Enda McGurk, 4 Matthew Mallon, 5 Joshua Robb, 6 Ronan Quinn, 7 Daire King, 8 Conor Hand, 9 Ronan Donnelly, 10 James Wilson, 11 Odhran McAuley, 12 Conan McKinney, 13 Fintan McKinney, 14 Odhran Quinn, 15 Fionnbar McKernan

Referee: Brendan Toland (Lamh Dhearg)

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by thesaffrongael

Con Magee Gaels gain the spoils to clinch spot in decider

U21A Football Semi-Final

Sunday 3rd November 2024

Con Magee Gaels 0-14   Naomh Mhuire Aghagallon 2-04

Report by Niall Kelly

Con Magee Gaels sealed their spot in the showpiece of this year’s U21A Championship overcoming the rigorous challenge of a dogged Aghagallon side at a greasy Father Maginn Park on Sunday afternoon. Truth be told, the men from the tenth glen were good value for the win but it didn’t come easy as Aghagallon’s resiliency didn’t wane throughout the sixty minutes and they always seemed to have an answer when the going got tough. 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.

It was the hosts who started brightest and were two ahead after ten played thanks to Daire Higgins and Colla Ward. The visitors replied through Enda McCartin who applied the finishing touches to a patient move. Glenravel though looked the more menacing and driven forward by Cormac McKeown, Niall Hynds and Callum Higgins they appeared an ominous prospect. The Aghagallon goal was indeed living a charmed life in the opening quarter as netminder Gabhan Baine came to the rescue to deny Colla Ward from close range before Daire Higgins’ scorching effort rattled off the wrong side of the post.

The home side needed to start making their efforts count on the scoreboard and Fionntan Hodgson increased the gap as he met a flighted effort from Shea Ó’Broin to fist over from close range. Naomh Mhuire kept about their business though and their patient approach was starting to pay dividends with Hugh Hannon responding almost immediately with a delicate effort off the outside of this right boot.

With the short whistle approaching, Glenravel sought about increasing their advantage and two great scores from Fergus Donaghy and a Daire Higgins free-kick did the trick. However, it was Aghagallon who had the final say of the half as talisman Jonny Hannon converted from the placed ball to leave the score 0-05 to 0-03 in favour of Glenravel.

The second period burst into life as Aghagallon came storming back to gain the lead in the opening two minutes. A goal-bound effort from Eoin Maginnis was saved spectacularly by Con Magee’s number one, Déaglán Carey, but among the melee the ball somehow diverted into the net off an unsuspecting Glenravel defender to trigger an almighty roar from the travelling faithful.

The visitors further capitalised on their early second half momentum as Michael McStravick angled his effort to perfection to increase the gap to two. Glenravel would’ve been scratching their heads and could’ve been forgiven for a temporary lapse in performance but instead they immediately sought about rectifying the situation and taking back their stranglehold on proceedings.

A Shea Ó’Broin free settled them back into things nicely as they started to wrestle momentum back in their favour. How the Con Magee’s didn’t manage to notch a goal to their tally remains a mystery as another flowing move once again ended with a thundering Daire Higgins effort being thwarted by the post. The Glenravel number 15 though did have some joy as he converted from a close range free moments later.

Higgins then turned provider for centre forward Shea O’Broin, who unleashed a colossal effort from just outside the 45 to reestablish a slender lead with 15 minutes remaining, triggering an almighty roar from the ‘Balcony Boys’ as their side were beginning to purr.  Substitute, Ronan McCormick, then announced his arrival to the game with a well-taken point to further increase the gap.

With the game now finely poised, the heavy artillery up top for the hosts sprang to action. O’Broin was on hand to convert another free before Fergus Donaghy negotiated himself the smallest slither of space and carressed his effort between the posts. Glenravel were relentless now in their offensive pursuits and after Callum Higgins had commandeered possession with an outstanding fetch in the middle third, he fed the tireless Cormac McKeown who rampaged up the field before tapping over to increase their advantage to five with as many minutes remaining.

Just as it seemed that the Con Magee’s were cantering home to victory, Aghagallon turned the screw themselves to set up a grandstand finish. The men from the Lough Shore were bombarding forward and were thwarted on more than one occasion by Déaglán Carey’s heroics in goal. However, the Glenravel shot stopper and his defenders were powerless to stop Padraig Gowdy rising highest to fist home to the net from the high ball at close range.

Still the visitors came surging forward as the game entered time added on with Glenravel’s lead a perilous one now at two points. Aghagallon then thought they had struck gold as the ball found its way to the net yet again, but the whistle had sounded just before to signal a free out. They continued to pepper Carey’s goal but the host’s defence remained resolute led by some outstanding defending from Callagh Mooney and Niall Hynds.

Cormac McKeown then embarked on one of his trademark runs before firing over to settle the host’s nerves. The visitors were unperturbed though and knew another goal would force extra time as the bodies continued to file forward. With the last action of the game though, they were caught on the counter as again the Glenravel defence stood tall with Callagh Mooney emerging from defence before setting up Shea O’Broin to hit his fourth and final point of the game to clinch a superb win.

Credit to both teams for an excellent game. November football is usually far from pretty but both sides demonstrated that it can be done. Aghagallon fought tooth and nail and can be proud of their efforts as they refused to surrender right to the last. Glenravel will now look forward to yet another underage final. They will meet familiar opposition in St Gall’s in a repeat of the 2021 final of the old U20A competition in which they were victorious. The Con Magee’s will seek to repeat the same feat again whereas St Gall’s will have revenge on their minds. Either way, it promises to be an intriguing final.

Teams:

Con Magee’s Glenravel

D Carey; N Dickson, N Hynds, A Campbell; C Mooney, D McQuillan, E Ward; C Higgins, 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)

Substitute scorer

Ronan McCormick (0-01)

Naomh Mhire Aghagallon

G Bainne; J McCormick, S Devlin, C Hannon; C Magill, C Maginnis, J Hannon; J Hannon (0-01,) P Gowdy (1-00;) H Hannon (0-01,) E McCartan (0-01,) E Maginnis; S Gowdy, T Mallon, M McStravick (0-01,)

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

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by thesaffrongael

Creggan finish strongly to secure their place in the final

U21 B Football Championship semi-final

Creggan 1-13 Lamh Dhearg 1-7

Kickham’s Creggan finished strongly to earn their place in the U21 B Football Championship final when they overcame the challenge of Lamh Dhearg at their Staffordstown Road ground on Sunday.

The Kickham’s led 1-5 to 0-4 at the short whistle thanks to a goal from Shea McCann in the 12th minute but the introduction of Patrick Tumelty to the visitor’s ranks for the second half threatened to turn the game on its head.

The bustling Tumelty pointed with his first touch of the ball in the 2nd minute to bring the Hannastown side to life with Creggan keeper Joel Dudley then pulling off a good save to deny Evan Stanley.

Lamh Dhearg’s Patrick Tumelty who’s half time introduction threatened to spark a come-back for the Hannastown side

Tumelty brought the travelling support to their feet as he pointed the resulting ‘45’ and a pointed free from Adam Murray closed the gap to one with only 8 minutes of the half gone and Creggan looked in a spot of bother.

The visitor wouldn’t score again until late in the game as a Fintan Close pointed free in the 13th minute finally opened the home side’s second half account and seemed to settle them and they would push on to win convincingly in the end.

Shea McCann, Fintal Close, Sean Duffin 0-2 and Conor Johnston were the Creggan first half point scorers with Cian Graffin kicking three for the visitors and Fegan Lappin getting the other Lamh Dhearg first half point.

Fintan Close’s second half opener saw the home side take advantage of some wayward tackling from the visitors which resulted in a stream of pointed frees from Shea McCann 0-3, Conor Johnston 0-3 and fine effort from play by substitute Ronan McGuckian.

Lamh Dhearg were struggling to get back in touch following that early second half burst but they kept going right to the end and were finally rewarded for their efforts when Fionn Mervyn climbed above the pack in a crowded goalmouth to fist a Patrick Tumelty free to the net.

Sean McAuley drives forward to set up a Creggan attack

A good win in the end for the South West side who had sharp forwards in Shea McCann, Conor Johnston and Fintan Close while Sean Duffin drove them forward with some strong running and Odhran Hampsey, Liam McLarnon and Sean McAuley were solid in defence.

The Kickham’s now meet Cuchullian’s Dunloy, who defeated Tir na nOg in the other semi-final and on the evidence of today’s encounters it should prove to be an interesting final with both sides looking impressive.

Kickham’s Creggan: 1 Joel Dudley, 2 Paedar McGuckian, 3 Odhran Hampsey, 4 Caolan Hughes, 5 Liam McLarnon, 6 Sean McAuley, 7 Anton Martin, 8 Aidan McIlwee, 9 Tristan McCann, 10 Fintan Close, 11 Sean Duffin, 12 Oisin McAteer, 13 Shea McCann, 14 Cian Graffin, 15 Conor Johnston, Subs: 19 |Ronan McGuckian

Lamh Dhearg: 1 Oisin Devlin, 2 Corey Camin, 3 Declan Young, 4 Odhran Lee, 5 Sean McCarthy, 6 Niall McGarry, 7 Rudi Smith, 8 Ciaran Boyd, 9 Fionn Mervyn, 10 Evan Stanley, 11 Fegan Lappin, 12 Eoghan Breen, 13 Eoin Campbell, 14 Adam Murray, 15 Donal Martin,

Subs: 20 Aidan Morrow, 22 Patrick Tumelty, 23 Fiachra Clenaghan, 29 Conal McGarry, 30 Aidan McCague

Referee: Paul Burns (Naomh Comhghall)

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by thesaffrongael

McMullan double paves the way for Cuchullian’s victory

Under-21 B Football Championship (Semi Final)

Tir na nOg 1-03 Cuchullian’s Dunloy 2-10

Daire McMullan found the net in both halves as Cuchullian’s Dunloy advanced to the final of the under-21 B football championship when they travelled to Randalstown on Sunday and gained access to the decider with a good victory over Tir na nOg on a damp Whitehill sod.

The home side took their place in Sunday’s semi-finals with victory over the visiting Casement’s last week but although they did start this game well their visitors adapted to the underfoot conditions better and a Daire Mc Mullan goal in the 26th minute gave them a 1-04 to 0-02 half time lead.

Tir na nOg had started with a spring in the proverbial step with an early point from corner forward Rory Mullan and gave as good as they got throughout the opening quarter.

Indeed they might have had a goal after ten minutes but Rory Mullan and Caleb Smyth’s efforts from close range was charged down and the ball was cleared to safety following a goalmouth scramble.

Sean Grant for the home side and the visitors Daire Mullan swapped points but despite being denied by the home side’s net minder on a couple of occasions the Cuchullians, with the towering Daire Mc Mullan a permanent threat on the edge of the square took control in the period leading up to half time.

The towering Mc Mullan found the back of the net in the latter stages as Sean Mc Shane provided the cross and Aodhan Mc Garry converted a ‘45’ after Levi Thuman pulled off a superb save to deny Barry McCloskey.

Dunloy’s Thomas McFerran drives forward to set up an attack

The visitors finished strongly and Eoin McFerran added another to put the visitors 1-04 to 0-03 ahead at the break and they were good value for that lead.

Having finished the opening period on top the Cuchullians began the second in a similar fashion but Tir na nOg keeper, Levi Thuman brought off another super save to deny Aodhan Mc Garry with Barry McCloskey getting a consolation point from the ‘45’.

As the second period progressed the visitors tightened their grip on proceedings despite the considerable efforts of the home sides Caleb Smith and middle man Dylan McLarnon.

 Dunloy, with height advantage pressed ahead and a cross field delivery from McGarry placed Daire Mc Mullan to finish to the net for his second of the evening to move the visitors 2-07 to 0-03 ahead and in sight of victory.

The home side fought hard but found scores hard to come by as the Dunloy defence gave little away.

The Dunloy goal lives a charmed life as Rory Mullan and Caleb Smith are denied by the Dunloy defence

Joshua Higgins and Dylan Mc Larnon worked hard for the Whitehill men but with Padraig Martin and Aodhan Mc Garry leading by example the home side were halted in their efforts.

The visitors were in command as Thomas McFerran and Sean McShane came forward to add points but Tir na nOg were still battling hard and Dylan Mc Larnon came forward with purpose to grab a 53rd minute goal.

In the event it proved too little too late and a late point from Daire McMullan enabled the Cuchullian’s to cross the winning line with advantage of 2-10 to 1-03 and into the under-21 B final where they will meet Kickham’s Creggan.

Tir na nOg: Levi Thuman, Daniel Mc Larnon, Brendan Devlin, Sean Mc Keown, Sean Grant, Paul Mc Closkey, Daire Martin, Joshua Higgins (0-01), Dylan Mc Larnon (1-00), Ciaran Mc Camphill (0-02), Alex O’ Donnell (0-01), Shane Maguire, Sean Martin, Caleb Smith, Rory Mullan

Cuchullian’s: Eoin Mc Keown, Cahir Mc Mullan, Michael Traynor, Reece Cunning, Thomas Mc Ferran (0-02), Padraig Martin, Sean Mc Shane(0-01), Lucas Mc Ferran (0-01), Eoin Mc Ferran (0-01), Sean Mc Aleese, Aodhan Mc Garry (0-02), Ben O’ Kane, B Mc Closkey (0-01), Daire Mc Mullan (2-02), Oisin Mc Camphill (0-01)

Referee: K Parke (St Enda’s)

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