Graham Tarmac Junior Football Championship – Round 3
Ardoyne 3-12 St Malachy’s 0-09
A great display of point taking by Ardoyne set them up for a twelve point win over St Malachy’s in Friday evening’s JFC game at the Cricky. The Kickhams did the damage in the first half when they scored four 2pointers as well as two excellent goals from Cathal O’Neill to go in at the break with an eleven point lead. The men from the Markets faced a daunting task when they came out for the start of the second half, and it was made even more daunting when Aidan McNeill fired in Ardoyne’s second goal two minutes after the restart. St Malachy’s did get a lot more possession after that and with Ciaran Vernon in great form at midfield and John Paul Lagan doing well on the 40 they hit five of the last seven scores of the game, but the goal they really needed eluded them.
A point from Cormac Mullan in the fourth minute was followed by a 2pointer from the same player a minute later and it was eleven minute before Lagan got St Malachy’s opening score. Cathal O’Neill got the first of his two goals soon afterwards when he finished a great move that was started by a long kick-out by goalkeeper Tiernan Hughes.
Ardoyne were in control and a point from Gary McKernan was followed by a 2pointer by Corrigan and a second goal by Cathal O’Neill to give them an eleven point lead at the interval.
If the men from the Markets were to get back into the game then they needed to start the second half strongly, but it was Ardoyne who were quick out of the blocks but it was Ardoyne who got it, and when Aidan McNeill found the net there was fifteen between the sides. St Malachy’s kept on plugging away and they hit five of the next seven scores with Lagan and Vernon both hitting two apiece. However there was no way back.
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St Ergnat’s Moneyglass made it five Minor Championships in a row on Friday night in Randalstown, overcoming a spirited St Gall’s side.
Moneyglass started brightly, rattling off four points in quick succession to settle into the contest. But St Gall’s, with their pacey full forward line with Erin Stewart and Cora Bellew inside, were always a threat. Their persistence paid off after 15 minutes when they broke through for the game’s opening goal.
The reigning champions showed their pedigree immediately after, hitting back with a superb team move finished off by Aoife Madden, who calmly slotted home to restore the advantage.
With further points added, Moneyglass went in at the break well on top, leading 1-10 to 1-0.
The second half brought the expected St Gall’s surge, but the Moneyglass defence stood tall. Caitlin Graffin and Leah Stewart were immense at the back, cutting out danger and breaking up attacks, while every forward kept the scoreboard ticking with well-taken points. St Gall’s goalkeeper, Abbey Browning, also produced a string of fine saves to deny another Moneyglass goal.
In the end, it was the champions’ composure, work rate and experience that carried them across the line. The final whistle sparked huge celebrations as the St Ergnat’s girls claimed their fifth successive Minor Championship title – a remarkable achievement for this talented group.
Both sides deserve immense credit for producing a thrilling contest that showcased the strength of underage football in Antrim LGFA.
For Moneyglass, attention now turns to the Ulster Minor Championship as they look to carry their dominance beyond county borders.
Rossa clinched the South Antrim McDermott Cup with a 2-15-3-07 win over St Johns in the Final at Pairc Naomh Una on Thursday evening.
James Aughey had the Shaws Road side off the mark inside of the opening 60-seconds and it took the Johnnies until the 8th minute to reply from a super Finn Thompson attempt the dropped over.
Domhnall O’Neill’s resulting kick out was then hovered up by David Hand and he shot to the net to give St Johns the advantage for the first time.
In response Daire Cunningham popped over and Liam Carr then drew a fine save from Johnnies keeper Matthew Leydon.
A converted Finn Thompson free restored his sides goal lead, but midway through the half Rossa restored parity with a goal of their own.
A ball out of defence found James Aughey and his slipped pass inside was gathered by Ruairi McDonagh to slid home and make it 1-2 apiece.
The sides traded scores until first half injury time, Rossa twice forged ahead through a McDongah point from play and a converted free- on both occasions the Johnnies hit back.
First when David Hand converted a close range free and then Finn Thompson landed his third score of the half with an angled attempt that crashed off the large post and dropped over.
It was Rossa who held a slender advantage at the break as McDonagh kicked his fourth score in succession, sweeping a shot over to give his side a 1-5-1-4 lead at the interval.
St Johns made a fast start to the second half and regained the lead when Jonathan Gallagher withstood a few heavy hits and blasted to the net to make it 2-4-1-5.
They were unable to build on it though and Rossa edged back in front in the 38th minute as Matthew Leydon failed to keep out a thumping effort from Daire Cunningham.
Rory Grant doubled the lead shortly afterwards and he was involved in the next score, taking a pass from Daire Morgan and laying it off for James Aughey to pop over.
Rossa opened up a four point advantage thanks to a further Ruairi McDonagh score, with Declan Creggan halting momentum with a much needed score for his side.
The Johnnies would have the chance to level in the 48th minute, Finn Thompson dropped a free into the square and Joe Hand was felled in the opinion of referee Joe Sloan- who signalled for a penalty.
Fra McCrudden seized responsibility and made no mistake with a powerful low finish that tied the game up a 3-5-2-8.
Rory Grant nudged Rossa back in front at the other end and James Aughey then finished off a patient move across the field.
The deficit was reduced to the bare minimum through a converted Thompson free and the sides traded further points through Grant (free) and James Wilson’s high shot that split the posts.
An angled point from Dara Boylan gave Rossa a two-point cushion and a minute into added time a second converted Grant free had put his side a point closer to victory.
St Johns desperately pushed for a levelling goal, but Rossa stood firm with a two-pointed free from Ruairi McDonagh closing the game out and ensuring the Shaws Road outfit ran out 2-15-3-07 winners and claimed the silverware at the conclusion.
The next phase of the football championships is scheduled for this week-end Friday/Saturday/Sunday 29th/30th/31st August with all of the games fixed at neutral venues.
SFC Group 4 – Sat 30th August
Saturday Creggan (4.00pm)
St Mary’s Ahoghill v St Paul’s
Having conceded their place in division One, St Mary’s Ahoghill opened their championship account with a win at Aghagallon in round one underlined the fighting qualities within the Cloney side.
They lost heavily to St Brigid’s in round 2 but a win here and victory for St. Brigid’s over Aghagallon could see the Ahoghill men finish second in the group and a place in the quarter-finals
St Paul’s are without a win to date in Group 4 but the Shaw’s road men are not to be discounted and they will hope to finish with a win as they travel to Creggan.
A close one is anticipated in this one but Eamonn Brady’s men will start as slight favourites and they may well gain the verdict.
SFC Group 4
Glenavy Saturday (4.00pm)
St Mary’s Aghagallon v St Brigid’s
Having endured a less than positive league campaign, St Mary’s Aghagallon received another blow when they lost to St Mary’s Ahoghill in the opening round of Group 4 but they got their campaign up and running last day out with a win over St. Paul’s in round 2.
St. Brigid’s have been the form team in the group and have recorded big wins over St. Paul’s and St. Mary’s Ahoghill to date and while Aghagallon could provide a stiff challenge, St. Brigid’s look capable of overcoming that challenge.
Sat 30th August – SFC Group 1
Group 1
Kelly Park Saturday (6.30 pm)
Cuchullian’s Dunloy v Erin’s Own Cargin
This one brings together the 2023 finalists when Cargin recorded a 2-10 to 0-11 win over Cuchullian’s and this pairing are certain to attract a big crowd to Kelly Park.
Ronan Devlins’s side are on a mission to gain a 4th senior title in succession and their seventh in the past eight years with near neighbours Kickham’s Creggan having halted the sequence when they proved successful with 1-12 to 0-07 win over St Mary’s Aghagallon in 2021.
Cuchullian’s have often been there or thereabouts on the championship trail over the years but more so in hurling and although they have been active on the football scene in recent years the Cuchullian’s last gained a senior title back in 1936.
Cargin have recorded wins over Tir na nOg and St John’s but this looks like their toughest test to date as they line out against a Dunloy side which has been in fine form in this campaign.
The Cuchullian’s really impressed in round one with an emphatic 2-30 to 1-11 first round victory over St. John’s but they got it much tighter in round two with a 4-15 to 5-08 win over Tir na nOg.
Cargin will start this one as favourites but if Dunloy can field at full strength then they could push the Toome side all the way.
SFC Group 1
Ballymena Saturday (6.30pm)
St John’s v Tir na nOg
After a poor league campaign and an opening day hammering to Dunloy in the championship, St. John’s did show improvement in Round 2 when Cargin visited Corrigan Park but still ended on the losing side.
The Toome men were installed as the firmest of favourites to gain the verdict in that one and finished 4-15 to 1-11 ahead but St. John’s showed some improvement from round 1 but a strong finish and a late goal blitz from the Toome men opened the door to victory.
St John’s hinted at improvement however and they will travel down to Ballymena to meet Tir na nOg feeling they can win this one.
Tir na nOg lost to both Dunloy and reigning champs Cargin in their opening two fixtures but performed much better than St. John’s against the same opponents.
They led their hosts Cargin in Toome in round one before a strong finish saw the home side finish ahead and were again competitive against Dunloy at Whitehill before losing by 418 to 5-08.
Neither side can now qualify for the quarter finals but both will be keen to avoid bottom spot in the group and a place in the dreaded relegation play-offs and this one could be mighty close with a tentative vote going to Tir na nOg based on their respective championship campaigns to date.
Sunday 1-00pm (St Enda’s)
SFC Group 3
All Saint’s Ballymena v Lamh Dhearg (1.00pm)
The contestants in this one have lost their opening two games in Group 3 and defeat for either would ensure a place in the relegation play-offs so while qualification is out of reach for both, there is still much at stake here.
Both Sunday’s opponents lost to Creggan and St. Gall’s in what was deemed the group of death with All Saints starting well in both their games but fading badly late in both their games.
Lamh Dhearg pushed both St. Gall’s and Creggan to the wire and their greater experience at this level will see them start this one as firm favourites and All Saints will need to be at their best for the full 60 plus minutes if they are to gain their first Group 3 win.
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Creggan Kickham’s v St Gall’s
SFC Group 3
(Dunsilly Pitch One) Sunday – (1.00pm)
This could be the game of the round as previously unbeaten Creggan and St. Gall’s cross swords at Dunsilly to decide who will top Group 3.
Both Sunday’s opponents have recorded victories over Lamh Dhearg and All Saints and both have impressed in the championship to date.
Both the contestants are considered as contenders in the race for the title and this could be a close one and should attract a good crowd to Dunsilly.
This one could go either way but Kickham’s will start as slight favourites and they may well finish in front.
Sunday 31st August
SFC Group 2 Sunday – (4.00pm)
(Toome)
O’ Donovan Rossa v Con Magee’s Glenravel
With one victory each in the championship, this meeting of Rossa and Con Magee’s in Toome is certain to be a close hard fought encounter with victory bringing the reward of a place in quarter-final to the victor.
Both sides lost to Group leaders, Casement’s, Portglenone but recorded wins over St. James Aldergrove with Rossa earning a 3-14 to 0-12 win away from home whilst Con Magees recorded a 3-14 to 2-11 victory at Fr. Maginn Park.
Rossa will start as slight favourites but this one could go either way and a draw cannot be ruled out
St James Aldergrove v Casement’s Portglenone
Sunday – Whitehill (4.00pm) SFC Group 2
Casement’s have recoded two victories to date and are going well at the moment and last year’s beaten finalists have been installed as favourites to go all the way by some observers.
The Portglenone men were not asked serious questions to date and have recorded convincing wins over the visiting Con Magees and away to Rossa.
St James have had a poor start in the championship, losing to both Rossa and Glenravel and although they will give this one their best shot another Casement’s win and a place at the top of Group 2 looks likely.
IFC Group 1
Moneyglass Friday – 6-45pm
St. Ergnat’s v Naomh Padraig Lisburn
St. Ergnat’s opened their IFC campaign with a good win over Sarsfields in Moneyglass but had to wait 17 days for their next game away to St. Enda’s.
They were pushed hard by the Glengormley side but earned a draw and a win here would put them in a strong position.
The Lisburn side performed well in Division 2 of the league but anything other than a St. Ergnat’s win looks unlikely and my vote goes to the home side
IFC Group 1
Rasharkin Saturday 6-00
Rasharkin v St. Enda’s
St. Mary’s Rasharkin have nothing but pride to play for in this one with relegation to division 3 already decided and defeats in both their opening championship game.
St. Enda’s could yet gate crash the qualification places in Group 1 should Moneyglass or Sarsfields slip up and that could be the carrot for the Hightown side who should win this one.
IFC Group 2
Enright Park Saturday 6-pm
Gort na Mona v Naomh Comhghall
St. Joseph’s Glenavy look to have tied up Group 2 with three wins from 3 and St. Teresa’s and Davitt’s look like contesting second place so Gort na Mona and St. Comgall’s look to be playing for pride in this one.
Both sides are capable of better than their results to date have shown but if Barry Burns’ side are at their best then Naomh Comhghall can edge this one.
IFC Group 2
Sunday 2pm Davitt’s
Davitt’s v St. Teresa’s
Second place in Group 2 is the prize for the winners of this one with St. Teresa’s on 3 points from 3 starts and Davitt’s on 2 from 2 starts.
A win for either would almost certainly earn them second place in the group and home advantage could play a part.
A lot will depend on just what St. Teresa’s side will turn up as they have mixed the good with the mediocre in the present campaign but I give a tentative vote to the Glen Road side.
GRAHAM TARMAC JFC Round up
Friday JFC Group 1
Friday 6-15 Fennell Park
Kickham’s Ardoyne got themselves back in contention of a qualification place in Group 1 with a big win over O’Donnell’s last day out and should have enough to beat St. Malachy’s in this one.
JFC Group 2
Eire Og v Pearses
Friday 7-30 pm at Eire Og
Eire Og have raised a few eyebrows with their performances in Group 2 when they hit 5 goals in their opening day win over Laochra Loch Lao and Wolfe Tonnes suffered the same fate as they hit another 5 on day two to top the group.
This one could be closer but the vote goes to goal scoring specialists, Eire Og.
JFC Group 1
O’Donnell’s v St. Agnes
MacRory Park Sunday 2-00
St. Agnes have been the outstanding performers in division 4 this year as they gained promotion to division 3 and they have carried that form into the JFC.
They recorded a big win over Ardoyne in round 1 with St. Malachy’s failing to field in round 2 and a win here would see them top the group and they should have enough to overcome the challenge of O’D’s.
Cushendall got their Senior Camogie campaign off to a flying start on Tuesday evening when they scored a big win over visitors St Mary’s Ahoghill at Pairc Mhuir.
A goal in the second minute by centre forward Siobhan McKillop gave Cushendall the perfect start and they got their second at the start of the third quarter through Orlaith McAllister to move 2-04 to 0-00 on sixteen minutes and they kept on hitting the target to push their score out to 2-13.
County goalkeeper Catriona Graham, who plays up front for Ahoghill got her team on the scoreboard with three points in the second half but the hosts were relentless and ended up winning decisively in the end.
Cushendall are at home next week again when Ballycastle are the visitors, while county champions Loughgiel play hosts to Dunloy in a repeat of last year’s county final.
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