Category / Football

by thesaffrongael

Strong starts sets up Ballyastle victory

Antrim Hurling League – Division 1

Ballycastle 2-12 Cushendall 0-16

A grandstand finish at Páirc MacUilín saw McQuillan GAC Ballycastle secure a hard-fought 2-12 to 0-16 victory over local rivals Ruairí Óg Cushendall in a gripping Antrim Senior Hurling League Division 1 encounter.

Ballycastle caught the visitors completely cold in the opening exchanges, flying out of the traps to build a commanding early lead. Seamus McAuley and Cadhán Crawford opened the proceedings with two well-taken points from play to set the tempo. The early momentum shifted heavily in favour of The Town when Conor Donnelly took centre stage. After firing over a point from play to extend the lead, Donnelly found himself in the thick of the action moments later. His initial shot on target was sharply saved, but he reacted quickest, hammering the rebound into the back of the net for a vital early goal. Donnelly followed up his major with another quick point from play, leaving the scoreline reading a stunning 1-04 to 0-00 in favour of the hosts.

Cushendall finally opened their account ten minutes into the half courtesy of a pointed free. Ballycastle’s Daragh Donnelly responded with a score of his own to exchange points from play, keeping the gap comfortable at 1-05 to 0-02. However, the visitors began to find their rhythm as the half progressed. Striking a succession of unanswered scores, including an 18th-minute pointed free by Fiontan Bradley Ruairí Óg dragged themselves firmly back into contention, narrowing the deficit to a competitive 1-05 to 0-05.

The second half evolved into a high-scoring, end-to-end battle. Ballycastle managed to raise a second green flag as Conor Donnelly struck again to keep themselves in front. However Cushendall refused to go away, executing a fierce scoring run to narrow the gap to just two points at 2-09 to 0-13. Bradley, second half substitute Christy McNaughton among the scorers. With the pressure mounting, Conor Donnelly stepped up once again for Ballycastle, showing great composure to swing over a vital point from play. Seamus McAuley then showed ice-cool composure on 24 minutes, slotting over a long-range free to push Ballycastle’s lead out to 2-11 to 0-13.

True to form, Ruairí Óg launched a relentless late assault. Exploiting a mixture of discipline errors and neat play, the visitors hit three unanswered points from play and placed balls Nicholas McLaughlin, Fiontan Bradley and Eoghan Campbell on target, to cut the deficit to a single point at 2-11 to 0-16, setting up an incredibly tense final few minutes. With the game in the melting pot, Ballycastle won a crucial late free. Criostaí McAuley took on the responsibility, splitting the posts under immense pressure to secure the victory, a win that sees the Town finish the league in second place, their highest finish for long and many a day.

BALLYCASTLE – 1 Eamonn Elliott, 2 Oran Kearney, 3 Conal Colgan, 4 Cathair Donnelly, 5 Orann Donnelly, 6 Conor Boyd, 7 Cian Baudant, 8 Eóin McAlonan, 9 Ronan Laverty, 10 Daragh Donnelly, 11 Seamus McAuley, 12 Neal McAuley, 13 Callum Campbell, 14 Conor Donnelly, 15 Cadhan Crawford.

TO SEE MORE OF SEAN TROWLEN’S PICS FROM THIS GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

https://myalbum.com/album/AXVXgqJXX4obrW/?invite=790f2826-a827-4140-9146-70126617b7b8

by thesaffrongael

Con Magees finish league campaign with a win

Antrim Hurling League – Division 3

Con Magees 1-21 Rasharkin 1- 08

Glenravel Con Magees finished their Antrim Division 3 Hurling League campaign on a high note, securing a comfortable 13-point victory over St Mary’s Rasharkin at Fr Maginn Park. While the home side will be pleased to string together consecutive wins to finish at the top of the second half of the league table, the visitors were notably understrength, fielding without several regular starters. Nevertheless, Glenravel handled their business efficiently, gaining valuable momentum ahead of a much stiffer test against Tir na nÓg, Randalstown, in the Intermediate Championship opener in two weeks’ time.

Glenravel wasted no time establishing dominance, with the prolific Cormac McKeown opening the scoring just a minute in. Rasharkin briefly leveled the game in the ninth minute via a Tiernan O’Boyle 65, but the home side immediately struck for a major. A well-worked team move in the 10th minute was finished to the net by McKeown, putting Glenravel firmly in the driver’s seat. Fergus Donaghy added a point shortly after, and McKeown followed up with a moment of individual brilliance—a sublime pick-up and sprint away from his marker to fire over, making it 1-03 to 0-01.

Conleth O’Loan kept the scoreboard ticking for the Con Magees from placed balls, landing a 65 on the quarter-hour mark. Rasharkin found brief spells of rhythm in the middle sector; Seamus Higgins claimed a Glenravel puck-out, soloed through, and split the posts, which was soon followed by a similar solo effort from centre-forward Conleth McMullan. However, Glenravel’s response was instant. Declan McAuley caught the ensuing puck-out and fired over a neat point, completely blunting the visitors’ momentum. O’Loan then showcased his accuracy with consecutive long-range frees to stretch the lead to 1-08 to 0-03. Rasharkin received a stroke of luck on the stroke of halftime. A shot from their number 5 looked harmless, but a mix-up between the Glenravel goalkeeper and the full-back resulted in a deflection that trickled into the net. O’Loan tapped over one final free before the whistle, leaving the halftime score at 1-09 to 1-03 in favour of the hosts.

Any hopes of a Rasharkin revival were quickly extinguished upon the restart. Glenravel came out firing, with McKeown pointing early on, followed just 30 seconds later by a Declan McAuley score to extend the gap to 1-11 to 1-03. Caolan Lennon then got in on the act, pointing in the 33rd minute to widen the margin to nine. Conor McKillop managed to pull one back for Rasharkin from a 35th-minute free, but Glenravel were operating in a different gear. McKeown struck another excellent point from play, and despite a second McKillop free for the visitors, Glenravel hit a purple patch. Lennon found his range out on the left wing, sending over a beautiful score, which was quickly followed by a 40-meter strike from McKeown and another superb left-wing point from Lennon.

With the result beyond doubt, both teams emptied their benches. Declan Trainor got his name on the scoresheet in the 45th minute, and while Seamus Higgins pointed a free for Rasharkin, Glenravel finished exceptionally strong. Connor Laverty raised a white flag with an excellent point, and substitute Nathan Unwin made an immediate impact by slotting over two quick scores. Tiernan O’Boyle managed a final consolation point for Rasharkin before the final whistle confirmed a 1-21 to 1-08 victory for the home side. Glenravel now shift their focus entirely to the championship, hoping to carry this form into their clash with Randalstown.

Con Magees, 1 Chrissy Quinn 2 Odhrán Kerr, 3 James Duffin, 4 Brian O’Neill, 5 Michael McDonnell, 6 Ronan McCormick, 7 Eoin McCusker, 8 Conor Lavery, 9 Declan McAuley, 10 Fergus Donaghy, 11 Declan Traynor, 12 Caolan Lennon, 13 Conleth O’Loan, 14 Cormac McKeown,15 Ciaran Laverty.

Rasharkin-1 Liam Tunney, 2 Daniel Hasson, 3 Aidan McKeever, 4 Conor Doherty, 5 Connairé Donaghy, 6 Tiernan O’Boyle, 7 Jason McGregor, 8 Conor McFerran, 9 James Higgins, 11 Conan Mc Mullan, 12 Conor McKillop, 13 Oisin Doherty, 14 John Kelly, 14 Terence McGregor.

Referee – Fergus McAlister (Cushendall)

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

https://myalbum.com/album/LnrnAoEaDTf2f3/?invite=4c125bbe-03d5-4a2c-9a62-b1140d3d0bb4

by thesaffrongael

Proud Sponsors of Antrim GAA for All

At Forward Focused Reiki & Hypnotherapy, I am incredibly proud to sponsor Antrim GAA for All.

This amazing team has been a huge part of my life for the past 10 years, and I’ve seen first-hand the positive impact it has on so many people.

Antrim GAA for All provides individuals with learning disabilities and additional needs the opportunity to enjoy Gaelic games in a fun, inclusive, and supportive environment. But it’s so much more than just a sports team. It also creates a wonderful community for parents, carers, and families—a place where people can connect, share experiences, learn from one another, access training and support, and build lasting friendships.

The team is made up of dedicated players, committed coaches, supportive volunteers, amazing families, and everyone who gives their time to make it such a welcoming and inspiring environment.

At Forward Focused Reiki & Hypnotherapy, we believe in supporting wellbeing in all its forms, so we’re honoured to play a small part in supporting such a fantastic organisation and look forward to seeing the team continue to grow and thrive.

Here’s to another great season with Antrim GAA for All! 

Amelia O’Neill

The new Kit Bags sponsored by Oonagh Kearney of Kearney’s Randalstown

A big thanks to Oonagh Kearney from Kearney’s, Randalstown for sponsoring the kit bags and to Peter McCollum of MCC Designs who was the sleeve sponsor.

#ForwardFocusedReikiAndHypnotherapy #AntrimGAAForAll #Inclusion #Community #GAAForAll #SupportingFamilies #Wellbeing #MakingADifference

We also had fleeces sponsored by Gerard Redmond and Sons Plasterboarding contractors 

Gerard Redmond and Sons Plasterboarding contractors who sponsored the fleeces
Amelia O’Neill hands over the new Antrim GAA For All jerseys
GAA For All trainer Philip O’Kane

TO SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THE ANTRIM GAA FOR ALL CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

https://myalbum.com/album/FomuYkVqfvMBzP/?invite=fe01c064-7e65-4f25-9458-9e0bc4ddd6c8

by thesaffrongael

O’Boyle stars as Loughgiel win the Junior Feis Cup

Junior Feis Cup

Loughgiel 3-15 Armoy 0-18

Loughgiel won the Junior Feis Cup at Feis na nGleann on Saturday evening when they came from two points down at half time to beat Armoy in a well contested final at Pearce Park Dunloy.

A strong and physical Glen Rovers side made Loughgiel work hard for their victory and with PJ and Tarlach McBride to the fore. Loughgiel made the first breakthrough when Man of the Match Shane O’Boyle grabbed the first of his two goals on fifteen minutes, but despite that Armoy still went on to lead by 0-13 to 1-08 at the break, Tarlach McBride proving very accurate from placed balls.

The Shamrocks got the upper hand in the second half and took the lead when Shane O’Boyle fired in his second goal on 40 minutes. Armoy kept themselves well in contention but a third Loughgiel goal on fifty minutes from Conan Johnston proved a vital score and they went on to win by six on a scoreline of 3-15 to 0-18

LOUGHGIEL 

  1. Dan O’Mullan, 2. Tomás McNulty, 3. Tony McCloskey, 4. Paddy Bradley, 5. Eddie Smith, 6. Odhrán McMullan, 7. Ashton McGarry, 8. Cathal Hargan, 9. Dónal McKinley, 10. Niall McFadden, 11. Shane O’Boyle, 12. Mick McGarry, 13. Odhran McGrath, 14. Cathair McGrath, 15. Conan Johnston.

Subs – Aidan McFadden, Charlie O’Hagan, Conall McMahon, Conor Dallas, Conor McCormicjk, Damien Quinn, Danny McAuley, Darra McGivern, Dylan Devlin, Ronan Casey, Roan McCloskey, Tiernan McFadden

Manager Seamus McGarry

by thesaffrongael

Boyle strikes late as Glenavy repel St Teresa’s fightback 

ACFL Division 2A 

St Teresa’s 1-20-2-19 Glenavy 

Kevin Herron reports from St Teresa’s 

Fiontan Boyle’s last gasp goal snatched victory from the jaws of defeat for Glenavy in their thrilling 2-19-1-20 win over St Teresa’s on the Glen Road on Sunday afternoon. 

Glenavy didn’t fall behind in the game until the dying embers when Paul Johnston’s point looked to have snatched a comeback win for the hosts. 

However, Boyle carried the ball forward and despite being fouled en route towards the target he continued on and saw the goal open up, slotting home to seal victory. 

It was Glenavy who were quickest off the mark and in front inside of a minute through a James Monaghan point, with Niall McCann restoring parity a few minutes later. 

The games opening goal came in the 6th minute with Monaghan to the fore again, touching the ball home past Mark Small. 

Niall McCann doubled his account from a 45’ but his side were very much on the back foot in the aftermath, 

Referee Ritchie Leahy penalised Eoin Connolly for overcarrying and that allowed Glenavy goalkeeper Luke Devereux the opportunity to come forward and kick a two-pointed free. 

The visitors made the most of their wind advantage in the first period and Leon Lavery added his side’s second two-pointed score, this time from play. 

Lavery blasted over a further score after being slipped in by Monaghan, with Niall McCann kicking a two-pointed free in response to keep St Teresa’s in touch (1-6-0-4). 

With five minutes to the break Glenavy had moved ahead by double figures. They added two further two-pointers, the first following a patient move before Pearse O’Neill dropped the shot over from outside the arc, Leon Lavery added his second from a tigh angle and Finn Shannon then surged towards goal but saw his shot parried over for a point. 

St Teresa’s had a lifeline before the break, Philip Maguire’s free was kept in play by Ronan Hamill and Sean Maguire palmed the loose ball past Devereux and into the net to make it 1-11-1-4. 

A further two-pointed free was converted by Niall McCann before the break, but Glenavy responded when Finn Shannon’s high shot from outside the arc dropped between the posts to ensure his side were 1-13-1-6 ahead at the midway point. 

It was Glenavy who would extend their lead after the restart courtesy of a third two-pointed score from Leon Lavery, on this occasion from a free. 

A straight-forward free from Niall McCann got his side up and running and the hosts ate into the nine-point deficit that Lavery’s free had established. 

Darren McCann kicked his sides first two-pointed score from play and two minutes later Niall McCann scored his third of the afternoon and first from play to make it 1-15-1-11. 

A further point followed from John Mallon, but St Teresa’s momentum was ended by successive close range frees by Leon Lavery and James Monaghan. 

John Mallon increased his personal tally, converting his side’s third two-pointed free of the contest. 

A few minutes later Ronan Hamill popped over and by the 51st minute the bare minimum separated the sides as Mallon took a lay-off from Ryan Mallon and split the posts. 

The margins widened slightly as James Monaghan surged forward and pointed and he added his second free of the half two minutes later to make it 1-19-1-16. 

The hosts came battling back with experienced veteran Philip Maguire scoring his first, John Mallon converted a free to make it a point game again and it stayed the way until the 60th minute when Mallon stroked over a further placed ball to tie the sides level for the first time since the 6th minute. 

In a battle of wits St Teresa’s looked to have seized victory a minute into injury time when Paul Johnston calmly fisted the ball over to give his side the lead for the first time. 

Luke Devereux’s kick out was won by a team-mate and immediately the visitors charged forward in search of a leveller at the very least. 

Fiontan Boyle took up possession and used his pace to drive into a shooting position for a point, he was fouled but Ritchie Leahy allowed the advantage to develop and Boyle found himself bearing down on goal and he showed great composure to steer a low shot beyond Mark Small and into the corner to dramatically make it 2-19-1-20. 

There wasn’t enough time for St Teresa’s to try and hit back for a second time as Boyle’s late strike proved the difference. 

ST TERESA’S: M Small, A Dugan, P Johnston (0-1), R Mallon, E Connolly, C O’Rawe, C McGoldrick, D McCann (0-2, 1×0-2pt), P O’Rawe, J Mallon (0-5, 1×0-2ptf, 0-1f), S Maguire (1-0), P Maguire (0-1), R Hamill (0-1), N McCann (0-10, 2×0-2ptf, 1×0-2pt, 0-1f, 0-1 45’). 

GLENAVY: L Devereux (0-2, 1×0-2ptf), O de Brun, R Forester, M Fox, F Boyle (1-0), C Hamill, P McKevitt, P Fox, O Arthurs, J Monaghan (1-4, 0-2f), R Phillips, P O’Neill (0-2, 1×0-2pt), L Lavery (0-8, 2×0-2pt, 1×0-2ptf, 0-1f), B Loughran, F Shannon (0-3, 1×0-2pt). SUBS: B McCambridge for O Arthurs (51). 

REFEREE: Ritchie Leahy (ST ERGNAT’S, MONEYGLASS)

More photos from the game can be accessed below

https://myalbum.com/album/AjCjb34jcJdodf/?invite=83c79114-6834-48c6-bb93-acf34b4928e6