Category / Football

by thesaffrongael

Longford dismantle Antrim to end Saffron promotion hopes

National Football League – Division 4

Antrim 1-14 Longford 1-27

Antrim’s National Football League Division Four campaign slumped to a new low at Portglenone on Sunday as a clinical Longford side handed them a 1-27 to 1-14 defeat. The result marks the third consecutive loss for the Saffrons under new manager Mark Doran and effectively kills off any lingering hopes of promotion. Rooted to the bottom of the table with zero points, Antrim appeared shell-shocked by a Longford outfit that moved with a level of pace and precision that suggested they belonged in a much higher bracket.

Antrim captain Eoghan McCabe in action against Longford’s Matthew Carey

The opening half was a period of total capitulation for the hosts. While Adam Loughran opened the scoring within thirty seconds, it proved to be a false dawn. Longford took complete control of the midfield, with Ronan Sweeney and Liam Glennon dominating John McNabb’s restarts. The visitors’ movement was spearheaded by an inspired performance from Matthew Carey at centre-forward, who dictated the tempo and punished Antrim with a series of well-taken scores. Alongside Oran Kenny, Carey helped Longford amass a staggering 0-19 to 1-04 lead by the interval. Antrim’s solitary green flag came via Loughran midway through the first half, a brilliantly taken goal by the Aghagallon man who cut in along the endline and blasted home from a narrow angle. However even that failed to shift the momentum as Longford immediately responded with scores of their own and pulled away again to lead by twelve at the interval.

Dominic McEnhill fires a shot at goal but it wasn’t to be the Saffron’s day and Lonford cleared the danger once again

  Playing with a fresh breeze at their backs in the second period, Antrim did manage to stem the bleeding and compete with more physical intensity. The introduction of Pat Shivers and Ryan Murray from the bench provided some much-needed spark, with Shivers chipping over four points to lead the Saffron resistance. However, the damage done in the first thirty-five minutes was insurmountable. Longford never looked panicked, maintaining their cushion through the accurate free-taking of Carey and the tireless running of the Reynolds brothers.

Any faint hopes of a miracle comeback were officially extinguished when Matthew Carey stepped up to bury a penalty low past John Carron, capping off a dominant individual display. For Antrim, the thirteen-point margin was their most emphatic defeat of the season so far and leaves the camp in a state of disarray ahead of their upcoming fixture against Leitrim. With key personnel changes and a lack of points on the board, the Saffron’s face a massive challenge to salvage pride from a season that is rapidly slipping away.

Longford’s man of the match Matthew Carey fires a second half penalty into the corner of the net despite the best efforts of Antrim goalkeeper John McNabb

ANTRIM: John McNabb; James McAuley, Joseph Finnegan, Kavan Keenan; Eoghan McCabe ©, James Lenehan, Marc Jordan; Paddy McAleer, Cathal Hynds; Conor Hand, Niall Burns, Oisin Doherty; Ryan McQuillan, Adam Loughran, Dominic McEnhill

Subs: Pat Shivers on for Conor Hand (39’), Sean O’Neill on for Oisin Doherty (29’), Ryan Murray on for Ryan McQuillan (47’), Kevin Small on for Cathal Hynds (52’), Ruairi Hagan on for Jack Lenehan (55’)

Antrim scorers: Pat Shiver (0-4, 2TP), Adam Loughran (1-2), Ryan McQuillan (0-2), Ryan Murray (0-2), Dominic McEnhill (0-1f), James Lenehan (0-1), Niall Burns (0-1) Paddy McAleer (0-1)

LONGFORD: Eoin McGuinness; Patrick Fox, Ryan Moffet, Bryan Masterson; Peter Lynn, Oisin O’Toole, Dessie Reynolds; Liam Glennon, Ronan Sweeney; James Moran, Matthew Carey, Daniel Reynolds; Joseph Hagan, Paddy Moran, Oran Kenny

Subs: Cian Brady on for Ronan Sweeney (47’), Cathal McCabe on for Paddy Moran (47’), Ronan Bleakely on for Oisin O’Toole (53’), Niall Farrelly on for Dessie Reynolds

Longford Scorers: Matthew Carey (1-8, 0-6f), Oran Kenny (0-6, 2TP), Daniel Reynolds (0-4), Dessie Reynolds (0-3, 1TP), Liam Glennon (0-1), Cathal McCabe (0-2), Joseph Hagan (0-2), Liam Glennon (0-1)

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

https://myalbum.com/album/3tFNJVsDsEJxyE/?invite=995262af-a722-40e6-a5b7-02bea51074bd

TO VIEW PADDY’S PICS CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

https://myalbum.com/album/hcya6ihCGAfzmr

by thesaffrongael

It’s a long way to Antrim but Tipperary take the win

Centra League Div 1a Antrim 0-09 Tipperary 2-19 14th February 2026

Report and pics from Michael Corcoran in Cushendun

As the song goes ‘It’s a long way to Tipperary’, equally as long up to Antrim but the visitors to Cushendun made it all the worthwhile as they drove back down the road with their first Centra div 1a league win under their belt from 2026.

It was a healthy margin for the Premier County but that was expected as Antrim slip into a new league consisting of Camogie Behemoths, Cork, Galway, Waterford, Kilkenny and Tipperary. For now, Antrim has defined their league encounter as the bed for building performance and taking that into more realistic venues such as Ulster and the Intermediate Championships.

Antrim started well with only three points the difference after twenty minutes gone. The pitch held up well to the torment delivered underfoot and both squads managed to display a number of first touches off the pacy roll, but Tipperary seemed able to offload the sliotar better under pressure to a blue and gold jersey whilst Antrim under similar pressure occasionally spilled the sliotar to a waiting Tipp player. Those opportunities were rarely waisted as they carved up the middle of the pitch to deliver a volley of points and the drift began around twenty eight minutes when Tipp went four ahead and from a simple left flank move down towards the sea end, a running Caoimhe Stakelum teased Antrim’s goalkeeper to come off her line and look big but a rifled sliotar to the back of the net elevated Tipperary’s score to a goal and eight points before adding a further two points short of the whistle. There could have been a second goal for Tipp if not for the sharp action from Antrim’s Caitriona Graham who would continue to spoil more attempts to goal in the second half.

Antrim’s goalkeeper, Caitriona Graham had a solid game with only two green flags raised by Tipperary

Antrim rallied at the restart with a constant drip of points to keep momentum going. Katie Molloy embarked on one of her solo runs, out striding her marker but dropped the sliotar off the stick. Such was the tenacity of the forward, roll lifting out of a mini ruck to continue her solo run finishing with a fine point.

Well into the second half, and making her debut on the senior squad, Eobha McAllister showing no fear went on a solo run charging down the metres for a fine strike at Aine Slattery’s net but sensing the following pack of defenders opted to ‘underarm’ flick it over the bar for her first county senior point. McAllister would get a second chance at Slattery’s net but directed the sliotar towards her from a narrow angle, unfortunately Slattery was able to raise the stick and diffuse the threat.

Antrim’s Eobha McAllister has her goal run stopped by an alert Aine Slattery

It was one of those games, where every point from Antrim was matched by two from Tipperary and a goal but Niamh Treacy was going to change that when Caoimhe Maher offloaded to Aoife Dwyer and finding Treacy for a short tap in over Antrim’s line to hear the long whistle ending Antrim’s first league opener Antrim 0-09 Tipperary 2-19.

All in all much the expected outcome in terms of score but a decent game for Antrim, taking the opportunity to run out Laura Black, Aimee Ferris and Eobha McAllister for first appearances in the senior Saffron jersey. Fine performances came in from Clare McKillop, Nicole McAtamney, Lucia McNaughton, who clutched an awkward ball out of the air that fed McAllister on her goal effort and stalwarts like Maeve Kelly, Shannagh Heggarty, Erin Coulter, Amy Boyle, Katie Molloy and Janey McIntosh to name a few and a great opening game for returning players like Colleen Patterson, Niamh Cosgrove, Katie McKillop and Elen McIntosh.

Antrim’s bench, alert and tuned in to Saturday’s game now know the standard in division 1a

Antrim’s next game is against Cork on Saturday 21st February, weather permitting.

You can see more pics from Saturday’s game against Tipperary here…

https://myalbum.com/album/48Z724vNqcuGFW/?invite=6c803eeb-4c9a-492a-af7b-73cda93ab900

Antrim Starting Panel and Scorers

Caitrin Graham, Colleen Patterson, Shannagh Heggarty, Clare McKillop, Laura Black, Niamh Cosgrove, Erin Coulter, Amy Boyle 0-01, Nicole McAtamney 0-05f, Maeve Kelly 0-02, Lucia McNaughton, Katie McKillop, Elen McIntosh, Janey McIntosh, Katie Molloy, Eobha McAllister 0-01

Tipperary Starting Panel and Scorers

Aine Slattery, Isobel O’Donnel, Celine Guinan, Eimer Loughman, Sarah Corcoran, Caoimhe McCarthy 0-02, Emma Carey, Kate Ralph 0-02, Karen Kennedy 0-01, Amy Quinlisk, Roisin Howard 0-01, Clodagh McIntyre 0-03, Caoimhe Stakelum 1-04, Eimear McGrath 0-04 (1w), Lucy Purcell 0-01, Aoife Dwyer 0-01, Niamh Teacy 1-00

by thesaffrongael

Antrim team to play Longford announced

The Antrim team to play Longford in the NFL Division 4 in Portglenone on Sunday has been announced and shows a number of changes to the one who lost to Tipperary last time out.

Aghagallon’s Jack Lenehan makes his first start of the season at centre-half while his St. Mary’s colleague, Adam Loughran comes into the side at full-forward.

Both Cathal Hynds of Glenravel and Conor hand of St. John’s, who both came on as substitutes last day out start at mid-field and right half forward respectively in a side hoping for their first win of the season.

by thesaffrongael

Gaels honoured at 2025 O’Neill’s Ulster GAA President’s Awards

Main picture – The Antrim Camogie team who won Division 1B last season. Pic by Michael Corcoran

Gaels from across the province were honoured at the 2025 O’Neill’s Ulster GAA President’s Awards, held last weekend at the Slieve Russell Hotel in County Cavan.

More than 200 guests attended the ceremony, hosted by radio broadcaster Damien Donohoe, which celebrated a successful year for Ulster teams in 2025 while recognising the outstanding contribution of individuals across the province. Awards highlighted excellence across all codes and acknowledged dedication in community and volunteering, coaching, education and culture.

Guests were welcomed on arrival by the Drumlane Scór group, with renowned violinist Patricia Treacy providing superb musical entertainment throughout the evening.

O’Neills Ulster GAA Lifetime Service to the GAA Award

Mickey McGoldrick (Eskra Emmets & Tyrone)

Footballer of the Year

Finnbarr Roarty (Naomh Conaill & Donegal)

Damian Casey Award – Hurler of the Year

Matthew Conlan (Portaferry & Down)

Service to the GAA through Education

Seamus McAleenan (St Patrick’s College Maghera & Ulster Schools GAA)

Special Recognition Awards

  • Fíachra Ó Dúill, Handball
  • Gerry Doherty, Ladies Football
  • Sheila Kearney, Camogie
  • Carrickmacross Rounders Club, Rounders
  • Michael Lynch, St Patrick’s GAC Lisburn
  • Frankie Quinn, Antrim GAA, and Tom Boyle, Fermanagh GAA

Club Gaeilge na Bliana

CLG Mhig Uidhir an Iompú Deiseal, Fear Manach

Inclusion, Equality, Diversity & Inclusion Award

Thomas Clarke GFC Dungannon, Tyrone

Healthy Club Award in association with Ulster Independent Clinic

Beragh Red Knights, Tyrone

Sustainable Club Award

CLG Cúchulainn, Cavan

Coaching Award

Anthony Harkin

Coaching Award

Caroline McGrath

Communications Award

Paula Magee, Down GAA

Community Engagement Award

Tír na nÓg GAC Portadown, Armagh

Recognition of All Ireland winning teams

  • All-Ireland Under-20 Football Championship – Tyrone
  • All-Ireland Minor Football Championship – Tyrone
  • National Football League Division Two – Monaghan
  • National Hurling League Division Two – Down
  • All-Ireland Under-20 B Hurling Championship – Down
  • All-Ireland Under-20 C Hurling Championship – Armagh
  • National Camogie League Division 1B – Antrim Camogie
  • All-Ireland Camogie Junior Club Championship – Brídini Óga Glenravel, Antrim
CHAMPIONS – Brídíní Óga’s celebrate their teams’ win over St Dominic’s, Roscommon in Saturday’s All Ireland Junior A Camogie final in Ashbourne
  • All-Ireland Camogie Junior B Club Championship – Éire Óg Carrickmore, Tyrone
  • All-Ireland Intermediate Ladies Football Championship – Tyrone LGFA
  • All-Ireland Intermediate Ladies Club Football Championship – Knockbride, Cavan
by thesaffrongael

Saffron Gael gets update from Antrim manager

Mark Doran speaks to the Saffron Gael

By Paddy McIlwaine

In the build up to Sunday’s NFL game against Longford, Paddy McIlwaine of the Saffron Gael spoke to Antrim manager, Mark Doran.

I first asked Mark to confirm a rumour I had heard that both Paddy McBride and Conor Small had left the Antrim panel

He confirmed that Conor and Paddy were no longer part of the squad.

“To be fair to Conor, he had made it clear when he came into the squad that he had applied for a promotion in work and if he got it he would have to spend a bit of time in Dubai. Conor ended up getting his promotion and it’s just left it now impossible for him to make the commitment that is needed. 

As for Paddy, he and I had a good honest conversation last week and Paddy had informed me for personal reasons he was going to have to step away for the moment and you have to respect his decision” 

I then asked him how he felt about Antrim’s league performance to date:

“The League hasn’t started the way we would have liked and if you look back on both games. In the Carlow game we did a lot right but the 2 goals in a minute we conceded were real sucker punches. We wouldn’t be happy as a group how we defended both. We responded really well to both just before half time to close the gap to one.

At the start of second half we had a very poor 3 minutes where we conceded two 2 pointers and a 1 pointer. In a 4 minute spell that was 2-5 in total and that really hurt us. 

The Tipperary performance when you reflect on it was a really poor performance from us, riddled with far too many errors that were self- inflicted and a lack of discipline on our behalf really hurt us. We’ll look through that through the prism of our own eyes in terms of where we are. We will look to take the learnings from both games and progress from them. 

From last year we have lost Mick Bryne, Dermort McAleese, Ruiri McCann & Conor Stewart. 

Peter Healy, Ryan Murray, John Morgan, Ronan Boyle, Adam Loughran and Conor Hand all missed the first 2 games with injuries so in that regard it has been a new team. 

Over the first 2 league games I think 7 lads have made their debut so in that regard it’s been good to be able to expose them to that level of football but as I said before we wouldn’t have been happy with the level of performance against Tipperary and I would expect a big improvement this Sunday”

The Saffron Gel will be at Portglenone on Sunday to cover the Antrim v Longford game – throw in 2-00pm so let’s all get out there and get behind the Saffrons as they aim to get their first points of the season on board.