Category / Football

by thesaffrongael

Creggan crowned League Champions

ACFL Division 1

Kickhams Creggan 0-18 — 0-05 St Paul’s

Champions in waiting, Kickhams GAC Creggan, were officially crowned Antrim ACFL Division 1 League Champions on Wednesday night following a comprehensive victory over St Paul’s at their Staffordstown Road ground.

While Creggan had technically secured the league title two weeks prior after an away win against All Saints, this final fixture served as the perfect homecoming celebration. Even a defeat wouldn’t have denied Creggan of the Eddie Fitzsimons Memorial Trophy, as they held a crucial head-to-head advantage over their nearest chasing rivals, St Gall’s. Instead, the newly minted champions signed off on their league campaign in clinical fashion.

The opening period was a cagey, tactical affair, characterized by long periods of patient possession. Creggan broke the deadlock ten minutes in when Conor Small converted a well-taken free. St Paul’s responded immediately with a brilliant point from play courtesy of Shea Burns in the 12th minute, followed shortly after by a PearseMagee free to edge the visitors ahead by 0-02 to 0-01.

Creggan quickly found their form and Kealan McCann hit a point after a slow, methodical passing move in the 20th minute to level the game, before Liam Quinn split the posts to put Creggan 0-03 to 0-02 ahead and ConorSmall struck his second free of the evening to push the lead to two points.

St Paul’s continued to battle tenaciously. Cormac Trainor grabbed a vital point in the 25th minute, only for Liam Quinn to cancel it out moments later by fist-pointing over the bar. Trainor remained central to the St Paul’s resistance, striking his second point in the 29th minute to keep the visitors within touching distance. However, a late double-salvo from Creggan’s playmaker Conor Johnston sent the hosts into the dressing room with a hard-earned three-point lead.

  • Half-Time Score: Kickhams Creggan 0-07 — 0-04 St Paul’s

Creggan immediately signalled their intent within thirty seconds of the restart when a thunderous shot from Liam Quinn rattled the St Paul’s crossbar. Despite the near miss, St Paul’s briefly threatened a comeback when Shea Burns scored a fantastic point to narrow the gap to 0-07 to 0-05. Remarkably, this would prove to be St Paul’s only score of the entire second half.

From that moment on, Creggan took absolute control of the pitch. Dominic McAteer initiated the scoring onslaught with a quickfire brace of points, widening the margin to five. Liam Quinn followed up with another excellent score, followed in rapid succession by points from play by Fintan Close, Conor Johnston, and back-to-back points from Conor Small.

As St Paul’s ran completely out of steam under relentless pressure, Creggan ruthlessly kept the scoreboard ticking. Fintan Close registered a fisted point, before Conor Johnston, Joe McAteer, and substitute Teddy McKeown all added their names to the score sheet. Creggan’s suffocating defensive press completely shut down the away side, sealing an emphatic 13-point victory.

While St Paul’s fell away in the second half, they showed enough first-half grit to suggest they will be a completely different animal come the summer. Both sides will get to know each other intimately over the coming months; they have been drawn together in a highly competitive Senior Club Championship group that also includes All Saints and St John’s.

After the game CCC Chairman, Joe Edwards presented the Eddie Fitzsimmons Memorial Cup to Creggan captain, Ethan Carey-Small

Scorers:

Kickhams GAC CregganPointsSt Paul’s GACPoints
Conor Small (3f)4Cormac Trainor2
Conor Johnston4Shea Burns2
Liam Quinn3Pearse Magee (1f)1
Dominic McAteer2
Fintan Close (1fist)2
Kealan McCann1
Joe McAteer1
Teddy McKeown1
    

TODAY I HAVE ADDED AN ALBUM FROM WEDNESDAY NIGHT’S GAME. TO VIEW PICS CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

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by thesaffrongael

Shane O’Neill’s battle back from seven down to draw with St Gall’s at Feystown

Antrim Hurling League Division 2

Shane O’Neill’s 2-16 St Gall’s 1-19

Report and pics by Pete Hyndman

Shane O’Neill’s Glenarm and visitors St Gall’s shared the points in Sunday’s Division 2 League game at Feystown in an exciting and well contested encounter. The home team appeared to be in deep trouble when they trailed by seven points at half time, but they fought back well in the second half to earn a share of the points.

Glenarm’s Darren Hamill hit the first score after two minutes from a free, a moment later the visitors’ Cormac Sheehan levelled the game. Another early free was punished again by Hamill before St Galls player Mark Napier slotted over a point.
In a eight minute purple patch for the visitors they hit Glenarm with 1-04 without a reply. Greg Mc Greevy struck a 90 yard point, with Napier hitting another free and Anthony Healy slotting over a fine score. Fergus Donnelly hit a white flag effort also before a neat move resulted in Mc Greevy breaking the Glenarm defence and driving the ball beyond the Glenarm keeper for a 1-06 to 0-02 lead.
Glenarm’s number one free taker Darren Hamill was called upon to rifle over 2 points to try and eat into the visitors lead.
A few minutes later the Milltown boys won the sliotar on 2 occasions round the middle of the pitch and added scores from Sheehan and Healy. Aaron Mackel working at corner back found space and he charged up the field and drove over a nice score.
The Feystown boys needed a lift and after stealing a ball Ben O Boyle found space to send a pile driver to the corner of Kurtis Mc Greevy’s net……GAME ON.

Unfortunately further points from Napier, Fergie Donnelly and Greg Mc Greevy cancelled out Glenarm’s green flag effort.
At the close of the first half Darren Hamill drove over another point.

HALF-TIME GLENARM 1-05 ST GALLS 1-12

After the short whistle both team emerged from the pavillion and Glenarm got stuck into reducing the 7 point deficit!!
Barely six seconds in and Aidan Scullion found the freedom of the pitch to charge forward and split the uprights. Darren Hamill also added to his tally when he scored a lovely long distance point which pleased the home support. He also pointed a 34th minute free. Not to be outdone by his team mate, Aidan Scullion floated over a 55 yard effort.
Tomas O Ciarain hit St Galls first score in the second half on 40 minutes.

After a couple of passages of play with both teams shooting aimlessly wides, Aidan Scullion lobbed in a sideline cut to the St Galls box and recently introduced sub Daniel “Magic” Black jumped up and flicked the ball into the Milltown boys goals, for Glenarms second major of this tight tussle.
Darren Hamill rose to the occasion and again with pin point accuracy hit a free over the Bog Meadows teams bar, which woke up the home support and applauded Hamill who levelled this epic battle.
After trailing for over 35 minutes play, the hosts took the lead as Niall Mc Garel gathered the ball and zipped a rasper over the bar. Dylan Mc Laughlin bounced off two St Galls markers and drilled over a score. Dan Black added to Glenarms tally and struck a point for a 3 point lead.

Between the 53rd and 57th minutes Mark Napier for the visitors found himself in loads of space and slotted over 2 points from play and also converted two frees to take a solitary point lead.
In the closing stages the scores came thick and fast with both teams trying to establish a winning score.
Niall Rodgers for the hosts lashed a point over to level this match before Napier pointed again. It was real tit for tat stuff now, as Hamill slotted a free. only for Gregory Mc Greevy to point going into injury time.
Straight from a quick poc-out from Michael Abram who found Dylan Mc Laughlin in space, he repelled a tackle and dispatched the sliotar with accuracy right over the black spot to earn a share of the spoils in this classic encounter.

Shane Uí Neills
Michael Abram, Sean Mc Dermott, Barry Hamill, Michael Fury, Conal Ward, John Scullion, Ryan Mc Loughlin, Dylan McLaughlin 0-02 , Aidan Scullion 0-02, Ben O Boyle 1-00, Niall Mc Garel 0-02, Liam O Neill, Paddy Mc Auley, Darren Hamill0-01 -08f, Rory Mulvenna.
Subs.
Niall Rogers 23 mins, 0-01, Dan Black 38 mins, 1-01, Ryan O Boyle, Liam Mulvenna, Aidan O Neill, Declan Mc Dermott.

St Galls
Kurtis Mc Greevy, Oran Mc Ilhatton, Ewan Rush, Eoghan Mc Curdy, Aaron Mackel, Joseph Mc Daniel, Patrick Friel, Jack Hopkins, Gregory Mc Greevy 1-04, Fergus Donnelly 0-02, Anthony Healy 0-02, Tomas O Ciarain 0-01, Cormac Sheehan 0-02, Niall Fallon, Mark Napier 0-05, 03 f.

REITEOÍR Fergus Mc Allister Ruairi Og.

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

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by thesaffrongael

Early goals see off Dunloy at the final whistle

Antrim Camogie League Round 8 Loughgiel 3-12 Dunloy 0-12

Match report and photos from Michael Corcoran at Fr. Healy Park, Loughgiel

What promised to be a warm summer’s evening of spectating turned into a cool misty laden evening with Fr. Healy Park shrouded at times around the perimeter with a veil of mizzle. But that was a welcome set of circumstances for many of the players, considering how warm it was for many of us today. No hydration breaks tonight.

Despite the falling thermometer, Loughgiel warmed things up with two very early goals that had Dunloy chasing all evening. It was going to be an engaging game given that both sides almost had a full compliment due to the natural County haitus ahead of an Intermediate semi final, but no one would have anticipated the physicality in the game borne from a desire to win. Forty four fouls spread evenly across the two halves would grind the ebb and flow of the game to a simple start stop motion. All the same, in between, this evening’s game had flair, tactical play and a bunch of scores to keep the sidelines engaged.

Within two minutes of Ryan O’Reilly’s whistle, Loughgiel’s forwards had broken through Dunloy’s defence with relative ease. Loughgiel’s Lucia McNaughton fed the sliotar into Marie Laverty, offloading to Annie Lynn and with only Dunloy’s goalkeeper, Clodagh O’Kane to beat, the sliotar was fired to her left and up went the first early green flag. A minute later, Marie Laverty would exercise a simple one-two with Annie Lynn and Laverty would have the second green flag in as many minutes.

Dunloy’s Aine Magill denied another scoring opportunity by Aoibheann Gillan

Dunloy didn’t panic, rather they went about building their score point by point, opening a salvo of seven points before the break to Loughgiel’s 2-04, five of Dunloy’s points coming from open play with Crawford, McAtamney and Aine Magill seeing the first half action. On the other hand, Loughgiel were slow to respond after their initial goal feast, building only four points coming from Laverty and Katie McKillop, two apiece leaving the scoreline at the break, Loughgiel 2-04 Dunloy 0-07.

At the switch, Aine Magill was first to wake up the large ‘Dan Scullion’ scoreboard from a free, shortly followed by a point from Loughgiel’s Katie McKillop. Magill would now stitch together three further points from fouls, with McKillop replying with four leaving a gap of four points for Dunloy to close and it would soon be three. Dunloy’s Eilis Kearns found McAtamney, now feeding through a delicate sliotar to Dunloy’s mid field machine, Eimear Johnston for a fine point.

Loughgiel’s Katie McKillop was on scoring form from the dead ball in Tuesday’s league game

But that would be Dunloy’s sum total of scores for the game, as Loughgiel tightened their grip on the game, starting with a short free from Clare McKillop to Katie McKillop for a point, followed by a pressured pass from Shanna Deery to Lucia McNaughton with a soaring point towards the clubhouse and finally a free from McKillop, who was on free taking form tonight. Loughgiel’s captain, Lucia McNaughton dealt the final blow with two minutes left as another soaring sliotar dived viciously under the bar for Loughgiel’s third goal and score for the night, scores ending Loughgiel 3-12 Dunloy 0-12.

To see more photos from Tuesday’s league game, click here…

https://myalbum.com/album/JAUJk7vDcjS95w/?invite=93cd79ab-b1b0-4f77-90c1-6bf2f453476e

Loughgiel starting panel and scorers

Emma McAllister, Aoibheann Gillan, Megan McGarry, Finvola McVeigh, Katie Lynn, Amy Boyle, Clare McKillop, Anna Connolly, Shanna Deery, Annie Lynn 1-00, Lucia McNaughton 1-01, Katie McKillop 0-09 (7f), Marie Laverty 1-02 (1f), Christine McCloskey, Kirsty McKendry

Dunloy starting panel and scorers

Clodagh O’Kane, Eimear McMullan, Brid Magill, Kathryn Boyle, Eilis Kearns, Katie Laverty, Caoimhe Conlon, Eimear Johnston 0-01, Caitlin Crawford 0-01, Nicole McAtamney 0-02 (1f, 1×45) , Dearbhail Elliott, Bronach Magill 0-01, Aine Magill 0-07 (5f), Aileen McManus, Adria McAllister

by thesaffrongael

St Ciaran’s Finish Strong to win Connor Marron Trophy

Featured Image: St. Ciaran’s Ballygawley, winners of the Conor Marron Trophy

St Ciaran’s Ballygawley produced a dramatic late comeback to defeat hosts St Louis Ballymena and claim the Connor Marron Memorial Trophy in the annual Year 8 boys’ football competition.

Just a week after their defeat in the Martin O’Farrell Final, the Tyrone school showed great character to bounce back and secure silverware in Ballymena.

Both finalists progressed through the morning group stages with perfect records, winning all four of their matches to qualify automatically for the semi-finals.

In the quarter-finals, St Mary’s CBGS overcame St Patrick’s Keady, while St Pius X accounted for Rathmore Grammar to book their places in the last four.

Heavy rain arrived for the semi-finals, but it did little to halt the attacking football on display. St Ciaran’s powered past St Mary’s CBGS on a 3-3 to 0-1 scoreline, while St Louis secured their place in the decider with a 2-7 to 2-0 victory over St Pius X.

The hosts looked set for victory in the final after leading by two points at the break, with a goal from Conleth Magee proving crucial. Fiontann McCoy was also among the scorers as St Louis held the advantage for much of the contest.


Beaten Finalists, St. Louis Ballymena

St Ciaran’s stayed in touch through the efforts of Player of the Tournament Matthew Donaghy and his twin brother Ronan, both of whom contributed important scores.

The game remained finely poised throughout a fiercely contested second half. Scores from Woods and Matthew Donaghy levelled matters with just two minutes remaining, setting up a thrilling finish.

St Louis then came agonisingly close to reclaiming the lead, only to see a clear goal chance brilliantly cleared off the line. The momentum swung decisively in Ballygawley’s favour and goalkeeper Tommy Riley seized the moment.

Riley calmly converted a late free to put St Ciaran’s ahead for the first time in the match with just a minute remaining. From the resulting kick-out, St Louis were penalised for failing to clear the required distance, and the Ballygawley goalkeeper stepped up again to split the posts and seal victory.

His late heroics ensured the Conor Marron Memorial Trophy returned to Tyrone for a second successive year and completed a memorable victory for St Ciaran’s.

In the Aidan Walsh Shield competition, St Patrick’s Maghera emerged victorious after defeating St Malachy’s in the final. Maghera had booked their place in the decider by overcoming the St Louis Development team in the semi-final, while St Malachy’s advanced with a win over Aquinas.

Following another highly successful tournament, Connor Marron and Aidan Walsh parents were in attendance to present both trophies, bringing the curtain down on a memorable day of football in Ballymena.

TO VIEW MORE PHOTOGRAPHS FROM THE TOURNAMENT CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

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by thesaffrongael

Celebrating Excellence at the Antrim GAA/Gaelfast Schools Cup All-Stars Event

Antrim GAA Coaching & Games Dept, Gaelfast proudly celebrated the outstanding achievements of young Gaelic games talent at the Antrim Schools Cup All-Stars event, held yesterday at St Mary’s University College, Belfast.

The prestigious evening brought together players, coaches, teachers, parents and GAA representatives from across the county to recognise excellence in post-primary schools throughout the county. The event showcased the dedication, skill and sportsmanship displayed throughout this year’s highly competitive Antrim Schools Cup competitions.

A total of 90 All Star awards were presented to players for the Year 8 Football & Hurling, Year 9 LGFA & Camogie and Year 10 Football & Hurling who consistently excelled for their schools, demonstrating exceptional ability, leadership and commitment on and off the pitch. Each recipient was acknowledged for their contribution to their team’s success and for upholding the core values of the GAA.

Speaking at the event, organisers praised the standard of games across this year’s competitions and highlighted the vital role of schools in developing the next generation of Antrim players.

The event welcomed guest speakers including Seamus McMullan (County Chairperson), Seamus McKillop (Saffron Business Forum), Aine Lynch (Antrim LGFA Senior Footballer) and Maeve Kelly (Antrim Senior Camogie player), Gerard Walsh (Antrim GAA Senior Hurler), Eoghan McCabe (Antrim GAA Senior Footballer and Captain).

Antrim GAA and Gaelfast Head of Games, Alfie Hannaway recognised the crucial work of teachers and coaches, whose dedication ensures that Gaelic games remain a central part of school life across Antrim. Their ongoing support and guidance were acknowledged as key drivers in maintaining high participation levels and standards of performance.

Families and supporters in attendance were treated to a memorable occasion, celebrating not only individual success but also the collective spirit of school communities. The event reinforced the strong connection between schools and clubs, which continues to underpin the growth of Gaelic games across the county.

Antrim GAA and Gaelfast extends its sincere thanks to St Mary’s University College for hosting the event, especially Gareth, Christopher and Eilis for their continued support and expert guidance in helping to organise the smooth running of the event. Massive thanks also to the Saffron Business Forum for their long term sponsorship and to all who contributed to making the ceremony such a success.

Congratulations to all award winners—your achievements set a high standard for future competitions and inspire the next generation of players

TO SEE MORE OF BERT’S PICS FROM THIS GREAT EVENT CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

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