Category / Football

by thesaffrongael

Stunning final quarter sees Dunloy through to second final in three years

Northern Switchgear Antrim Senior Football Championship – Semi Final

Dunloy 0-18 Portglenone 1-10

Friday 26 September

Brendan McTaggart reports from Dunsilly

Dunloy produced a stunning final quarter against Portglenone at Dunsilly to book their place in the senior decider for the second time in three years.  Five points was the difference at the end of the hour as the Casement’s semi-final voodoo struck again, Friday nights defeat their sixth loss in seven years at this stage.

Keelan Molloy and Seaan Elliott led the way for the Cuchullains, scoring 14 points between them and shared four two pointers as well as putting daylight between the sides with the game in the melting pot.

This was a contest where the Cuchullains showed both sides of their play.  Playing with patience and dictating the first half, facing whatever wind was blowing at Dunsilly while the second half showcased their ability to break at speed and when given a yard of space, they weren’t found wanting when it came to taking scores from outside the arch.

Deaglan Smith was at his instrumental best in the middle of the park and had plenty of support with Eoin McFerran while Reece Cunning, Aaron Crawford and Ryan McGarry all formed part of an excellent defence.

Portglenone were reliant on the trickery and brilliance of Michael Hagan, he would score four points in the first half but he had little in the way of support.

When Daniel McNicholl scored the only goal of the game in the 51st minute, it reeled the Cuchullains lead in to the minimum and gave Portglenone a shot of adrenaline with the game going into the closing stages.  It was Dunloy who finished strongly however as the Casement’s got little joy from a well organised Cuchullains defence.

Dunloy dominated the opening quarter with Portglenone struggling to get a footing in the game.  Seaan Elliott opened the scoring before a rare attack from the Casement’s yielded a point from Hagan to tie the scores.  Portglenone wouldn’t register another score for close to 15 minutes however as Dunloy kept control.

Point from Nigel Elliott and a brace from Molloy (one free) put three between the sides before Seaan Elliott had a sight of the Portglenone goals.  Cutting through the heart of the defence with a strong run, Elliott went low with the outside of his boot but Kevin Mullan dived at full length to push the ball away.  Elliott did convert the resulting ’45 to put four between the sides by the 16th minute.

Portglenone began to press Dunloy further up the field and as a result, began to find their way into the semi final.  Caolan Tierney split the posts moments after Aidan McAleese saw his effort crash against the crossbar.

Luke McFerran restored the four point Dunloy lead before a brace from Hagan breathed life into the Casement’s challenge as Portglenone played with momentum and drive in the closing stages of the first half.

A Smith free from an acute angle was Dunloy’s last score of the opening 30 in the 25th minute but a controversial two point free for a ‘three man’ infringement in the Dunloy half from Paddy Kelly left the minimum between the sides with Hagan rounding off the scoring with his fourth of the half to leave the sides tied on seven points each at the interval.

Those closing stages were a blow for the Cuchullains who had played the majority of the football in the first half.  Portglenone showed how dangerous they could be when given the opportunity and half time came at the perfect time for Dunloy.

They opened the scoring with a brace of points from Molloy and Seaan Elliott while another three man infringement handed Paddy Kelly the chance to reduce the Dunloy lead to the minimum.

The third quarter was similar to the first but this time it was Portglenone who had the lion’s share of possession, looking to find gaps in the Dunloy defence.  The Cuchullains looked to counter but neither side were finding scoring chances easy.

Portglenone did go close with Dermot McAleese’s goal bound effort superbly blocked by a recovering Reece Cunning but Dunloy, with Molloy and Seaan Elliott taking centre stage.

A brace of two pointers either side of a point from Aidan McAleese opened a four point lead for the Cuchullians once more with 11 minutes of the hour remaining.  Portglenone got a lifeline through half back Daniel McNicholl scoring the only goal of the game.  Coming at the end of a brilliant run from Aidan McAleese with Dermot McAleese prominent in the build up also to leave the minimum between the sides.

It looked like that goal would give Portglenone any momentum there was going but Dunloy hit back through a quite brilliant two pointer from the outside of Seaan Elliott’s right boot.

It was all Portglenone in the closing stages as they looked for another goal.  Enda Lynn brought the best out of Chrissy McMahon from an acute angle before a monstrous two pointer from Molloy stretched the Dunloy lead to five with two minutes remaining.  That score making it four of Dunloy’s last scores to that point were two pointers.

Dermot McAleese and Deaglan Smith swapped points at the death as Dunloy saw out the remaining time to qualify for a meeting with the winners of Sunday’s Loughshore derby between Creggan and reigning champions Cargin.

TEAMS

DUNLOY: Chrissy McMahon; Reece Cunning, Aaron Crawford, James Scally; Aodhan McGarry, Ryan McGarry, Conor Kinsella; Eoin McFerran, Deaglan Smith; Eoin O’Neill, Seaan Elliott, Tom McFerran; Luke McFerran, Keelan Molloy, Nigel Elliott

Subs: Jack Martin for J Scally (37); Barry McCloskey for L McFerran (56)

Scorers: K Molloy 0-7 (1f, 1xTPF, 1xTP); S Elliott 0-7 (2xTP, 1’45); D Smith 0-2 (1f); L McFerran 0-1; N Elliott 0-1

PORTGLENONE: Kevin Mullan; Ryan Convery, Kevin O’Kane, Ronan Delargy; Conor Magee, Niall Delargy, Daniel McNicholl; Niall McKeever, Dermot McAleese; Oisin Doherty, Enda Lynn, Caolan Tierney; Paddy Kelly, Michael Hagan, Aidan McAleese

Subs: Johnny Convery for K O’Kane (45); Ronan Kelly for N McKeever (45); Stephen Kelly for C Tierney (59); Sean Byrne for M Hagan (60)

Scorers: M Hagan 0-4; P Kelly 0-3 (1f, 1xTPF); D McNicholl 1-00; D McAleese 0-1; C Tierney 0-1; A McAleese 0-1

Referee: Paddy Tumelty (Lámh Dhearg)

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

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by thesaffrongael

Griffin inspires Moneyglass to victory

U16B Football Championship final

St. Ergnat’s 3-8  Gort na Mona 2-7

On a perfect night for football under the Dunsilly lights the U16 B Championship final saw St Ergnat’s Moneyglass face Gort Na Mona. With both sides showing early final nerves it was the Skilful Joey Griffin who got the South West side on their way with an early point followed by a goal and a further point from the same player.

Gort na Mona were creating opportunities themselves with a combination of resolute defending by the Moneyglass defence, where Niall Quinn in goals was excellent and wayward shooting kept them scoreless.  

The Turf Lodge side would finally get off the mark through a point from Aodhan O’Hanlonand when Lorcan Cordner followed with a goal it was game on with only a point separating the sides.

Moneyglass looked shocked but reacted positively with a goal from Sionan McCormack and another from that man Griffin and when Lurghan Hardy and his midfield partner Daniel McErlain added two points, St. Ergnats were back in control.

Gort na Mona’s only first half response came from mid-fielder, Nathan McKenna who split the posts at the other end but at half time Moneyglass were in a strong position when they led 3-05 to 1-03.

Second half proceedings got underway with a rejuvenated Gort na Mona showing their intent from the throw in driving forward at every opportunity and Aodhan O’Hanlon pointed and when Michael Donnelly finished to the net for their second goal the St. Ergnat’s lead had been reduced to three points with 15 minutes gone.

The South West side had been held scoreless during this period and this was followed by a big moment in the game, with advantage being played to Gort na Mona and they looked certain to score a third goal.

Moneyglass keeper, Niall Quinn came to his side’s rescue with an excellent save however the ball brought back for the earlier infringement, which was converted and it was now a two point game 3-05 to 2-06 and all still to play for.

This seemed to push St. Ergnat’s on as they began to wrestle the advantage away from the opposition with Joey Griffin and Sionán McCormack scoring to extend their lead to four again and that was how it would finish with both sides exchanging late point through Jack Wisdom and Joey Griffin.

A great advert for Juvenile football and a credit to both sides for an entertaining game with plenty of talent on show from both sides but in the end it was the  Joey Griffin inspired St.Ergnat’s who did enough to claim the trophy.

TO VIEW MORE OF ELAINE KEELY’S PICS FROM THE GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

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by thesaffrongael

Belfast Schools unite to launch Cathair Bhéal Feirste Team for Ulster Colleges Rannafast Cup

A new chapter in Belfast’s Gaelic football story begins with the formation of Cathair Bhéal Feirste, an amalgamated team representing five local schools, set to compete in the prestigious Ulster Colleges Rannafast Cup, which is the A level football competition for the u16.5 age grade. Participating schools are St Malachys College, Rathmore Grammar, Edmund Rice College, Colaiste Feirste and Aquinas Diocesan Grammar. This initiative aims to elevate the profile of Gaelic football in Belfast and provide elite young players with the opportunity to compete at the highest level of schools’ competition. 

The programme is proudly teacher-led, with invaluable support from Antrim GAA staff, ensuring a high standard of coaching, development, and mentorship. This collaborative approach has created a structured and nurturing environment for players to thrive.

Kevin Niblock, teacher at St Malachy’s College, commented:

“It is fantastic to see the Cathair Bhéal Feirste Rannafast team launched this week. Developing and raising the standard of Gaelic Football within the City of Belfast Schools is a key cornerstone of our Football Development Strategy, and this initiative allows the boys participating to consistently experience the cut & thrust of A Grade football in Ulster. These boys can in turn bring that experience of high-grade training and games back to their clubs and schools to help drive standards there.

We are very grateful to Ulster Schools GAA for seeing the merits and the developmental nature of this initiative and accepting the Cathair Bhéal Feirste proposal into both the Rannafast and Dalton competitions this year.

Finally, sincere thanks to our sponsors who are supporting this initiative – Clonard Credit Union (CCU), the Clover Group and P Graham Contracts. Their financial support has helped the group focus solely on the training and preparation for games in a professional-like manner.”

Paddy McBride, teacher at Coláiste Feirste, added:

“I am delighted for Coláiste Feirste to be involved in this initiative. Competing at A grade gives our students the opportunity to challenge themselves against the highest standard of schools’ football, something that would not be possible on our own at the minute.

This exposure will not only raise the standard of their individual development but it will also benefit their school and club teams, while contributing to the overall growth of football within the county.”

The project has been made possible thanks to the generous support of three key sponsors: Clonard Credit Union, P. Graham Contracts and Clover Group.

Speaking on behalf of Clonard Credit Union, CEO Terry McCrudden said:

“As a community-focused organisation, CCU Credit Union is proud to sponsor this exciting new amalgamation of local schools coming together to ensure pupil participation at the highest level of Gaelic Sports. At CCU, we believe in the power of teamwork, dedication, and local pride – values that are at the heart of both sport and our community. By supporting these talented young players as they step up to a higher level of competition, we hope to inspire them to chase their goals and showcase the incredible spirit of our local area.”

Phelim McCloskey of P. Graham Contracts added:

“We are happy to support and sponsor the Belfast Schools amalgamation team, Cathair Bhéal Feirste because it’s helping to create a pipeline of talent that can contribute to a successful Antrim team in the future. Working alongside development squads it’s exposing more players to high level coaching, training and more importantly competition. The more players that get exposure and the earlier they get it, the greater the chances of making an impact at the highest level. I look at Odhran Doherty from Roger Casements and Jack O’Neill from Cargin – both holders of MacRory and Hogan Cup medals a year early. Two lads with massive inter-county futures ahead of them.

It can also help elevate the whole team culture, boost morale and increase the overall standard of football within Antrim. It will create a snowball effect where success breeds success, with the players who have been exposed to top level football themselves bringing that back to their individual schools and clubs. Finally, I would like to wish all management and players every success this year in their respective competitions.”

Jim Conlan from Clover Group shared:

“Clover Group is delighted to stand behind Cathair Bhéal Feirste as they embark on their Rannafast Cup journey. By supporting Cathair Bhéal Feirste, we aim to help raise the profile of Gaelic football across the city and inspire a new generation of players and supporters. Cathair Bhéal Feirste offers elite young athletes the chance to compete at the highest level of schools Gaelic football. Clover Group is committed to nurturing talent and believes that every gifted player deserves the opportunity to shine. We believe this initiative will leave a lasting legacy for Gaelic football in Belfast, and we look forward to cheering on the team as they represent our city with pride, passion, and purpose.”

The organisers extend sincere thanks to the sponsors and teaching staff from the five participating schools whose collaboration and commitment have made this initiative possible. Their shared vision and dedication to youth development are helping to shape a brighter future for Gaelic games in Belfast. 

Photo credit; Bert Trowlen – The Saffron Gael. 

by thesaffrongael

Carolan Lennon guest of honour at the Saffron Business Breakfast

It was another brilliant morning of insight and networking at the Saffron Business Forum’s latest business breakfast at the Crowne Plaza hotel. With around 150 members in attendance in the main ballroom of the hotel, Paul McErlean interviewed one of Ireland’s most respected and senior businesswomen, Carolan Lennon, the Head of Salesforce Ireland.

Salesforce, the world’s largest Customer Relationship Management (CRM) company, is one of this island’s most important US investors and largest employers with over 3000 staff from 31 countries at its headquarters in Dublin. Carolan told the story of her rise, first in the telecoms industry, finishing as CEO of EIR and then her move into CRM with Salesforce. The event was sponsored by Marshall McCann Architects and before the interview with Carolan, Roisin (Marshall) McCann gave a tour de force presentation on the company’s work. Short presentations also came from members: Opticare & Audiocare; Beyond Business Travel and Ulster University. Also introduced at the event was the Antrim’s new head of operations, Ciaran Kearney.

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

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by thesaffrongael

Championship semi-finals this weekend

The Senior football Championship scheduled for this week-end is an all country affair with four sides from the South West division making up the semi-finals.

Dunloy and Casements get the action underway at Dunsilly on Friday night while reigning champions Cargin and near neighbours Creggan meet in the second semi-final on Sunday at the same venue.

Senior Football Championship Semi Final (Friday 26th Sep at 7.30pm)

Roger Casements v Cuchullian’s Dunloy

The first semi-final at Dunsilly is sure to attract a bumper crowd as Cuchullian’s Dunloy take on Casements in what looks likely to be a close exciting encounter.

Casements have not seen their endeavour rewarded with a senior title to date but they have come close on several occasions when they lost to a superb St Gall’s side by three points back in 2005 before suffering similar fates to the dominant Milltown men again in 2007 and 2009.

The Bannsider’s advanced to another final again last year against a Cargin team which was in search of a ‘three in a row’ senior titles and they came close to halting the Toome men with the side’s level after 60 minutes.

It took extra time to separate the contestants with Erin’s Own edging the extra time exchanges with a 0-10 to 0-08 victory as they collected their third title in a row.

The Bannsider’s are back on the championship trail again with former player John Mc Keever holding the reins and they have been impressive to date with a good run of victories.

They were not at all pressed in their group games, completing unbeaten with victories over Rossa, Glenravel, and Aldergrove without much trouble but faced a much sterner test before defeating St. Gall’s in the quarter-final.

Portglenone have been strengthened by the return of Niall McKeever to duty this term after the big man took a short time away and his contribution in the central zone can make a difference with Deaglan Smith a huge cog in the wheel of the Cuchullian’s and his high fetching talents blended with accuracy on the target can be a key factor.

John Mc Keever’s side will look to the talents of Enda Lynn in the forward department in which Michael Hagan, Oisin Doherty and Aodhan Mc Aleese can be important players.

Dermot McAleese could accompany McKeever at mid-field while Casement’s are well served in defence by the Delargy brothers Ronan and Niall as well as Kevn O’ Kane and their defence could be asked questions aplenty by the sharp shooting Keelan Molloy the Elliot brothers Seaan and Nigel as well as mid fielder Smith and roving half back Ryan Mc Garry.

A good game in prospect and this one can go either way with questions being posed to each with the Portglenone men seeking to curb the influence of Deaglan Smith in the central zone whilst the Cuchullian’s will look to stifle the threat posed by the scoring power of Dermot Mc Aleese and Enda Lynn.

A close one on a good sod is anticipated and a contest which could go either way with extra time or a replay possibly required.

Senior Football Championship (Semi Final)

Erin’s Own Cargin v Kickham’s Creggan

Sunday 28th September Dunsilly (4-00pm)

The second semi final at Dunsilly on Sunday afternoon brings together Cargin and Creggan and this one is certain to attract another bumper attendance as near neighbours and keen-rivals line out to decide the second finalists.

Cargin arrive in search of a ‘four in a row’ and this could provide an extra motivating factor for their opponents as they attempt to overcome their neighbours.  

The Toome men have been impressive to date despite the absence of Pat Shivers, Kevin O’Boyle and Jamie Gribbin while doubt remains over the availability of Ronan Gribbin and Eunan Quinn.

Tom Shivers has returned to the squad in good form and the Cargin management have a strong panel to select from as their reserves have already claimed the county title.

Callum Gribbin, Jack Harney, Hugh O’ Donnell, Ben Mc Larnon, and Patrick O’ Neill are just a few of that side who will be hoping for the call up.

There is plenty of experience within the Cargin ranks with the McCann brothers, Michael, Tomas, and Paul, John Carron, John McNabb, James Laverty, Sean O’ Neill, Gerard McCann, Benen Kelly and Jack O’ Neill all possible starters.

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Creggan with the 2025 league title already secured may be lagging behind their neighbours in the senior title count but they are seasoned campaigners with Ricky Johnston, Fiontan Close, Ruairi McCann, Ethan Carey Small, Oisin Kerr, Matthew Rogers, Sam Maguire, Jamie McCann  and Kevin Small all strong performers.

Cargin will start as firm favourites and Ronan Devlin’s charges may well claim another berth in a County final but their neighbours will be more than keen to halt their progress and the Toome men will need to be at their best to gain a place in the 2025 Senior decider.

It’s also football championship semi-final time in the other grades, Intermediate and Junior with Naomh Una and Eire Og and Laochra Loch Lao and Pearses getting the Junior competition going on Saturday afternoon.

Naomh Una v Eire Og

Pairc Una  4-00pm Saturday

The Aggies have a division 3 league title already under their belt and have been the form team in this division all year but they face an Eire Og side who have been in fine form themselves in the championship.

Eire Og found the net five times against Laochra Loch Lao and Wolfe Tones and added another three against Pearses but lost that one by a point.

This one could be mighty close but the greater experience and knowhow of Naomh Una coupled with home advantage should see ‘the Aggies’ through.

Laochra Loch Lao v Pearses

Colaiste Feirste 4-00pm Colaiste Feirste

Both sides have recovered from defeats in the group stages to reach Saturday’s semi-finals through the quarter-final route.

Laochra shipped five goals against Eire Og in their opening group 2 encounter but recovered to beat Pearses and Wolfe Tones while Pearses recorded a one point win over Eire Og before defeating a fancied Ardoyne in the quarter-finals.

Laochra’s win over Pearses in the group stages coupled with home advantage would suggest they are favourites to win this one but the men from the Antrim Road could be hitting form just at the right time and are capable of gaining a place in the final.

IFC Semi-Finals

St. Ergnat’s Moneyglass v St. Teresa’s

Saturday 5-00pm  Bear Pit

St. Ergnat’s Moneyglass have had an excellent season despite losing half a side to immigration the previous year but were pipped at the post for the division 2 league title by Sarsfields who will get a close up view of this one as St. Ergnat’s face St. Teresa’s.

St. Ergnat’s recovered from that league defeat to Sarsfields to defeat the Stewartstown Road side in the championship and will start Saturday’s semi-final as firm favourites against a St Teresa’s side who finished second to Glenavy in Group 2.

The Glen Road side, who reached last year’s final but were beaten by All Saints should not be dismissed but a St. Ergnat’s side led by the Duffin brothers, Colm, Fearghal and Seanchan, Kevin McCann, Paul Duffin, Conleth McCann, Aidan McErlain, Tyler Cassidy and Conor Boyd should advance.

Sarsfields v Glenavy

Sunday – Kelly Park Portglenone 2-00pm

Glenavy have had a great run in the IFC going through Group 2 unbeaten with wins over St. Teresa’s, Naomh Comhghall, Davitt’s and Gort na Mona but face their toughest test to date when they face league winners Sarsfields in Portglenone.

Sarsfields recorded a big win over St. Joseph’s at Chapel Hill when the sides met in the league back on the 23d April with 18 points separating them on the evening.

That form would suggest that there can be only one winner on Sunday but St. Joseph’s were missing a few on that occasion and with all their players back on board have finished their season on top form.

The Gallagher brothers, Paddy, Eoin and James, Fergal Henry and Ciaran Loney will lead he St. Joseph’s challenge while Sarsfields will look to Brian Healey, Conor Moley, Conor Glenholmes, Philip McPeake and Gary Lennon for inspiration.

Sarsfields will start this one as firm favourites based on that big win over Glenavy in the league but league form can count for little when it comes to the championship and I would expect this one to be mighty close.