Antrim Football League – Division1 – Relegation play-off semi-final
Sarsfields 3-17 Tir na nÓg Randalstown 2-14
Sarsfields stunned Tir na nÓg Randalstown with a sensational second-half comeback in Division 1 of the Antrim Football League at Davitt’s Park, running out 3-17 to 2-14 winners. Playing with the aid of a fresh wind in the first half, Randalstown started brightly, with Ciaran Logan kicking a great individual point from play after just two minutes. Sarsfields responded on seven minutes with a good long-range point from Conor Morley, and took the lead two minutes later when Garry Lennon converted a free following a Randalstown breach. The Paddies extended their advantage on 11 minutes when a superb length-of-the-field move was finished to the net by Lennon. However, Randalstown fought back strongly. Darragh Fagan pointed on 16 minutes, and Ryan O’Neill struck a massive long-range two-pointer two minutes later to shift the momentum. Fagan then found the net with a good goal on 22 minutes to put Randalstown in control. Sarsfields kept in touch through a Daniel Smyth free and a 45 from Jay Maguire, but late points from Caleb Smith and Eamon McAllister following a defensive mix-up gave Randalstown a 1-08 to 1-04 half-time lead. Despite the deficit, Sarsfields had defended well against the wind, leaving them in a good position for the second period.
The second half opened with a great individual point from play by Randalstown’s Oliver McAtamney on 32 minutes, which was soon followed by a great two-pointer from a free by Fagan. Sarsfields began their comeback with a free from Maguire on 38 minutes and a great long-range point from play by Morley on 40 minutes. Tomas Skillen added a good individual score on 43 minutes, and after Fagan pointed another free, Lennon responded from play on 45 minutes. The game took a dramatic turn a minute later when Sarsfields lost a man to the sin bin for ten minutes following a black card for a foot trip. Despite the numerical disadvantage, Sarsfields rallied to score a well-worked team goal finished by Smyth on 48 minutes. Fagan and Smyth traded points shortly after, before Randalstown seemed to regain control on 55 minutes when a ball across the square from the wing was tapped to the net by Fagan.
Facing a late deficit, Sarsfields produced a remarkable scoring burst to close out the game. Smyth landed a good long-range two-pointer on 58 minutes and followed it up with a two-pointer from a free just a minute later. Philip McPeake then drove forward to point from play on 61 minutes, and Smyth slotted another free to keep the pressure on. The decisive moment arrived on 63 minutes when a great length-of-the-field move ended with Lennon firing to the net for his second goal of the game. Randalstown managed to pull a point back through their substitute number 18 on 64 minutes, but it was not enough to halt the home side’s momentum. Sarsfields had the final say on 65 minutes when McPeake fisted the ball over the bar, sealing a spectacular 3-17 to 2-14 victory. The result means Randalstown will now go on to play Moneyglass in the relegation final.
Sarsfields: 1 Cayden Smith, 2 Martin McPolin, 3 Cormac Muirí, 4 Kevin Barry McArdle, 5 Philip McPeake, 6 Joe McNally, 7 Fionn Jemfrey, 8 Caolan McKernan, 9 Conor Morley, 10 Daniel Smyth, 11 Jay Maguire, 12 Tomas Skillen, 13 Conor Glenholmes, 14 Garry Lennon, 15 Cormac Mulligan.
The Saffrons are heading back to the All-Ireland Junior Championship final! Banishing the heartbreak of last year’s decider, a resilient and ruthless Antrim side booked their ticket to the final after an enthralling victory over Sligo at St. Tiernach’s Park in Clones.
The star of the show was undoubtedly Moneyglass maestro Maria O’Neill. Putting on an absolute masterclass in the forward line, the lethal attacker racked up an incredible 3-5 to constantly keep Sligo at bay whenever they threatened to spoil the Saffron party.
Antrim stamped their authority on the game almost immediately. After Alyssa Davidson and Sligo’s Anna McDaniel traded early points, the Saffrons clicked into top gear. Just seven minutes in, a beautifully worked ball from Bronagh Devlin was expertly flicked into the back of the net by O’Neill for her first goal of the afternoon.
With Antrim’s attack purring, they quickly built a commanding seven-point advantage before Sligo could even manage their second score. O’Neill continued to torment the Yeats County defense, showcasing her sublime skill with a spectacular two-point free in the 16th minute. Just two minutes later, she ruthlessly struck for her second goal, giving Antrim a massive 10-point lead. At that stage, the Saffrons looked absolutely untouchable.
To their credit, Sligo refused to roll over and mounted a spirited fightback to cut the deficit to four. However, Antrim’s composure shone through. O’Neill halted Sligo’s momentum with a crucial point, and Theresa Mellon fired over a stylish score right before the whistle to send the Saffrons into the break with a well-deserved 2-9 to 0-9 lead.
A Test of Saffron Resilience
The second half tested Antrim’s championship credentials. Sligo came out of the dressing room swinging, and after an early point, Denise McGrath managed to breach Áine Devlin’s goal to slash the Saffron lead to just two points.
Showing the mettle of true finalists, Antrim didn’t panic. They immediately hit back with three consecutive, hard-earned points. Even when Sligo’s McGrath scrambled a second goal in the 48th minute to reduce the gap to a nerve-wracking single point, Antrim’s response was that of champions.
Cometh the hour, cometh the woman. Just one minute later, the clinical O’Neill struck again, burying her third goal of the game to complete a phenomenal hat-trick and restore Antrim’s breathing room. Orlaith Prenter—who was excellent throughout—and O’Neill quickly followed up with vital points to keep the scoreboard ticking.
Knowing Sligo desperately needed a third goal to salvage their championship, the Saffron defence pulled down the shutters. The Antrim backline was immense in the closing stages, holding firm under immense pressure. Sligo managed a couple of late consolation points, but the day belonged to Antrim.
The Saffrons have shown they have the firepower, the resilience, and the sheer willpower to go all the way this year. Next stop: the All-Ireland decider!
Scorers for Antrim: M O’Neill 3-5 (2f, 1tpf), O Prenter 0-4 (1f), T Mellon 0-2, L Dahunsi, Á Tubridy, A Davidson 0-1 each.
Scorers for Sligo: D McGrath 2-0, A McDaniel 0-4, L Duffy 0-3, S Regan 0-2, R McGoldrick, B Lavin, A Haran, L Normanly (f) 0-1 each.
ANTRIM: Á Devlin; E Kearns, M Blaney, M Mulholland; L Agnew, D Coleman, C McKenna; L Dahunsi, Á Tubridy; T Mellon, B Devlin, A Davidson; E Louise McAreavey, M O’Neill, O Prenter.
Subs: A Monaghan for Davidson (36), C Maguire for Prenter (55).
TO SEE MORE OF ELAINE’S PHOTOS FROM THIS GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW
Brendan McTaggart reports from Slemish Park, Ballymena
Before we start, it should be acknowledged that this was the best game of football I’ve been at this year and by some distance. A game that had everything you would want from a game of football, a game that no one deserved to lose. In the end, it was the Con Magees who held their nerve long enough in extra time to seal their topflight status for the 2027 season.
It was a game that Glenravel will feel like they had to win twice. Leading by eight points at half time and 12 some two minutes into the second half but they were faced with the dogged tenacity of a Moneyglass side who produced a Lazarus style comeback and effectively, probably should have won it at the end of the hour.
It took a two pointer from Calum ‘Bomber’ Higgins to force extra time as the Con Magees used their ‘get out of jail’ card. A second chance that they took with both hands as their game management and fitness levels were seemingly a small step further than what Moneyglass could reach.
In a high scoring game, incredibly Con Magees recorded 5-25 from open play and had 11 different scorers with contributions from all over the pitch. Ryan McQuillan was top of the scoring charts with 2-6 while Calum Higgins, Colla Ward and Cathal Hynds grabbing the other majors.
Moneyglass were reliant on the brilliance of Colum Duffin and Aiden McErlain to lead their scoring threat. McErlain with 2-12 for the 80 minutes, Duffin landing 0-7. Midfielder Seanchan Duffin scored their third goal but the St Ergnat’s men will rue the closing stages of normal time. They looked to see out the clock and hold off the Con Magees charge, a dangerous ploy that ultimately sealed their fate after extra time.
Despite the blistering heat at Slemish Park, there was a fresh wind blowing down the pitch that the Glenravel men had to their advantage in the first half. They held a two point lead after the opening 10 minutes with the sides showing a sign of things to come – Sean Boyd and McQuillan firing over two pointers in those early exchanges. The orange flag would be raised a further nine times throughout the contest.
The first goal came in the 14th minute with Ryan McQuillan palming the ball to the back of the net after great work by David Higgins in the build up.
Colum Duffin’s second free of the match briefly halted the Con Magees charge but a two pointer from Calum Higgins and a fisted point from Colla Ward saw the Glenravel men open an eight point lead.
Moneyglass had a glimpse of the Glenravel goal when Tiernan McCormick bore through the heart of their defence and created the chance for Seanchan Duffin but his effort flew over the bar. If there was any disappointment from that miss by Moneyglass, it was compounded seconds later when Glenravel scored their second major – Calum Higgins taking his tally to 1-2 for the game with a composed finish to put the difference to double figures.
Moneyglass responded well with their first goal coming in the next attack. Aiden McErlain with the incisive run before finding Seanchan Duffin and he made no mistake. It signalled the beginning of a chaotic end to the first half that saw another two goals scored. Cathal Hynds firing beyond Rory Gribbon after great work from Cormac McKeown to turnover the ball while Aiden McErlain scored the second major for Moneyglass after a scramble on the edge of the square.
The half time score saw Glenravel lead 2-12 to 2-7 and given how the opening 30 minutes transpired, no one could have foreseen how the second 30 minutes would play out.
Con Magees held a nine point lead when they scored their fourth goal of the game in the second minute after the restart. Rian Lennon with the run before laying off to Lennon who put away the chance with aplomb.
Moneyglass found another level however with Dermott McErlain splitting the uprights from outside the 40 meter arc to get them firing again. Points followed from Aiden McErlaine (free), Colum Duffin and Dermott McErlain again to reduce the Glenravel lead to seven points.
Rian Lennon briefly halted the Moneyglass comeback but three two point scores in just three minutes had the St Ergnat’s men within two points before the half way mark of the second half. A brace of frees from Aiden McErlain and Seanchan Duffin with the scores.
Glenravel regrouped and had two major chances that saw Colla Ward fire wide from close range before a second chance moments later that saw him bring the best out of Rory Gribbon while Eamon Fyfe’s rebounded effort came back off the foot of the post.
Points from McQuillan (free) and substitute Harry Fyfe were followed by Lennon’s second of the game but the Glenravel men wouldn’t register another score for 14 minutes as Moneyglass took control.
Colum Duffin fired over a two pointer from open play before Aiden McErlain took advantage of a misunderstanding in the Glenravel defence to score the St Ergnat’s mens third goal of the contest. Colum Duffin and Aiden McErlain split the uprights from placed ball to give Moneyglass a two point lead going into the final two minutes.
They looked to slow down the play and try to maintain a level of game management in the closing stages but the Con Magees pressed and pressed. With time running out, they were awarded a ’45 that saw Lennon and Calum Higgins work the ball short between them and the big midfielder splitting the uprights from distance with what was effectively the last act of the hour.
Playing with the wind at the start of extra time, it was the opening 10 minutes that were effectively the winning of the game for the Glenravel men. They held a one point lead before Ryan McQuillan scored his second major of the day, Calum Higgins with the strong run and assist before McQuillan would put five between the sides at the short whistle.
Given what happened in the second half, five points wasn’t a massive lead and well within the reach of Moneyglass but it was one comeback too far as the Con Magees men played with more assurance and patience, bringing an element of control to the game.
Moneyglass did manage to score another brace of two pointers from Aiden McErlain but scores from Aiden O’Donnell (2), Eamon and Harry Fyfe ensured Glenravel were ahead at the final whistle.
A brilliant game of football in draining conditions between two evenly matches sides. Con Magees can look forward to the senior championship now with the knowledge that their status in Division One is secure for next season while Moneyglass will have one more bite of the cherry when they face Tír na nÓg in a winner takes all encounter.
TEAMS
Con Magees starting XV: Jude Scullion; Declan McAuley, Sean Higgins, Niall Dickson; Cathal Hynds, Niall Swann, Rian Lennon; Calum Higgins, David Higgins; Niall Hynds, Colla Ward, Cormac McKeown; Declan Traynor, Eamon Fyfe, Ryan McQuillan
Subs: Connleth O’Loan for J Scullion (26); Harry Fyfe for D Traynor (44); Eoin Hynds for D Higgins (55); Luke McQuillan for C Ward (56); C Ward for E Fyfe (ET5)
Scorers: R McQuillan 2-6 (1TP, 1F); C Higgins 1-5 (2TP); C Ward 1-1; C McKeown 0-3; C Hynds 1-00; E Fyfe 0-2, H Fyfe 0-2, R Lennon 0-2, N Hynds 0-2, Aidan O’Donnell 0-2; D Higgins 0-1
Moneyglass starting XV: Rory Gribbon; Bobby Kennedy, James McCormick, Callum Murray; Eunan McErlain, Fearghal Duffin, Sean Boyd; Tiernan McCormick, Seanchan Duffin; Odhran Duffin, Aidan McErlain, Conor O’Kane; Mark Duffin, Colum Duffin, Dermott McErlain
Subs: James Devlin for O Duffin (HT); Francis Duffin for Fearghal Duffin (ET3)
Scorers: A McErlain 2-12 (3TPF, 1TP, 1F); C Duffin 0-7 (4Fs, 1TP); S Duffin 1-3 (1TP); D McErlain 0-3 (1TP); S Boyd 0-2 (1TP)
Referee: Kevin Parke (Naomh Éanna)
To see more of Brendan’s photos from the game, follow the link below….
Report and photos from Michael Corcoran at Fr. Healy Park, Loughgiel
Saturday witnessed a fun and action packed afternoon of pitch and games activities ranging from fundamentals, underage blitzes against other clubs, Couch to 5K conclusion, Poc Fada, penalty shoot out, cross bar challenge, sliotar targets, and much more as everyone enjoyed the warm clammy air infused with the aroma from the BBQ running all day.
Underage blitz for hurlers and camogs occupied every inch of the pitch
The senior camogiers had a favourable outcome in the challenge match against All Ireland 2023 winners, Dicksboro and five time winners, Mitchell’s from Corkey, won the Benny McIlhatton Tug-O-War for the fifth year allegedly in a row! The McCrackens are hoping to better that tally next year.
The McCrackens’ hope to level up next year
Congratulations to everyone participating and enjoyed their activities leading up to and during the day. Sunday will see the conclusion of Club Day with a Senior hurling game against Slaughneil.
Senior camogs enjoyed a challenge game against All Ireland winners, Dicksboro
There’s three albums of photos to enjoy from Loughgiel’s club day. Remember that the photos are better enjoyed on a large screen like on a laptop, tablet or monitor. Click on any image to see a full size or flick between ‘Book View’ or ‘Screen View’.
To see the photos from the pitch activities follow this album link…
This lovely tribute appeared in Donegal Daily to our good friend Albert Waide who was laid to rest yesterday in Loughgiel.
Albert was born in raised in Loughgiel before moving to Donegal in his twenties. When he was growing up he spent a lot of time here in Sunray Crescent, Cargan with his granny Annie Magee and his uncle Davy Magee, brother of his mother Moira.
Donegal Daily tribute
Tributes have been paid in Donegal following the passing of Albert Waide, whose death is particularly mourned in GAA circles.
Albert hailed from Loughgiel in Antrim and was a real hurling enthusiast. A Donegal senior championship winner with Setanta, he was on the Donegal senior hurling backroom team in 2006 when they reached the Nicky Rackard Cup final.
Albert was a player-selector in 2007 when Setanta broke Burt’s long dominance in the Donegal SHC. He often commuted long journeys from his work on a gas rig off the coast of Cork to fulfil his hurling commitments.
His son, Eoin, captained Donegal minors to victory in an Ulster MFC final at Croke Park – against Albert’s native Antrim – and is an eight-time Donegal SFC winner with Naomh Conaill.
“Albert was a long time member of our club and throughout all his roles, he displayed great commitment, integrity and enthusiasm,” Setanta Hurling Club said.
“Albert was part of many successful teams both as a player and as part of the senior management team which made the breakthrough in 2007.
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“His motto ‘have hurl will travel’ epitomised his dedication and pure love of the game. Cork-Glenties-Crossroads was his usual commute to our training and games.
“He was immensely proud of his roots and his love of Loughgiel Shamrocks could never be questioned. He wore his Shamrock jersey like a medal of honour.”
Another Loughgiel native and Setanta clubman, Eamon Campbell, managed Donegal to that Nicky Rackard Cup final in 2006.
Setanta said: “His fervour from the sideline was a driving force. Universally liked by all the players, in a county with deep club divisions, historically, his likeable personality helped heal rifts and form bonds, which last to this day.”
Loughgiel Shamrocks said it was “deeply saddened” by his passing and extended condolences to the family while the Naomh Conaill club added its condolences.
Albert passed away on July 5, peacefully at the MacMillan Unit Antrim Hospital.
Late of 176 Corkey Road, Loughgiel, he was the beloved son of the late Harry and Moira, former husband of Thérèse, dearly loved father of Eoin, Callan and Lauren, father-in-law of Catherine, devoted granda of Katie, Harry and Patrick, very dear brother of Sinead and the late Paddy RIP and a dear nephew, uncle, cousin and friend.
His Requiem mass took place on Wednesday at 12 noon in St. Patrick’s Church, Loughgiel with burial afterwards in the adjoining cemetery.
