Senior Football Championship – Group Two – Round One

Saturday 3^rd August

Report by Niall Kelly 

Tír Na nÓg Randalstown 0-09  Naomh Éoin 3-13

This game was the absolute epitome of the old adage, a game of two halves. The first was an attritional and cagey affair; a game of chess as each dared the other to make their move. Scores were at a premium and both were guilty of squandering a few scoring chances. St John’s enjoyed the lion’s share of possession in the opening thirty but their lack of conviction in front of the posts for much of the half would’ve been a cause for concern for the visitor’s management team.  However, the second half saw some sparkling football on display from the Corrigan Park outfit. Their high press and ability to attack with dynamism and pace caused all sorts of headaches for the Randalstown rearguard. County men Conor Hand and Paddy McBride were hugely influential in galvanising their team whilst Conall Bohill, Ronan Quinn and Conor Adams put in a great day’s work.

Tír Na nÓg’s Darragh Fagan got the scoring underway from the placed ball on the fifth minute before Conor Adams replied with a free of his own. Both sides were methodical and patient in their approach as they tried to negotiate their way through packed defences. It was Tír Na nÓg though who made the most of their scoring opportunities as Aaron McNeilly put the finishing gloss on a slick move involving Emmett Murray and Fagan before tapping over a close-range free minutes later.

St John’s looked to respond and showed glimpses of the threat they posed, but too often in these opening exchanges, they lacked the end product. They then tried to mix it up with the long, direct ball into the forward line but time and again it was thwarted as the hosts had their tails up. Fagan, who was a constant danger when supplied, doubled his account five minutes before the end of the half to extend the gap to three and from a Whitehill perspective, all seemed well.

Finally, it started to click for St John’s and they ended the half with a flurry of scores with four points in as many minutes. First, Conall McGlade angled his effort to perfection from a tight angle before Conor Adams unleashed an absolute towering effort from just outside the 45.

Riding a wave of momentum, the visitors looked like a different team and their high press on the resulting kickout paid dividends as Conall Quinn got his name on the scoresheet. With the scores level at four a piece, we seemed destined for a stalemate at the interval, but Paddy McBride had other ideas. His drilled ball into Quinn was returned to sender and the Johnnies number 10 made no mistake with his execution caressing the ball over from a tight angle.

The final five minutes of the first half proved to be the St John’s blueprint for the second as they turned the screw. Right from the off, they meant business. Conor Hand fired a warning shot in the opening 25 seconds as he rampaged up the field straight from the throw in and was unlucky to see his drilled effort veer the wrong side of McAtamney’s post. Josh Higgins managed to level the game moments later with a superb effort, negotiating his way through the tightest of spaces.

However, this would be their last score for a quarter of an hour, and it would be in this fifteen minutes were the visitors put the game to bed. Determined to rectify for his earlier miss, Conor Hand was a man possessed and registered three crucial scores in a row. After some intricate play with Conall Quinn, the Naomh Éoin number 14 split the posts from a tight angle to edge in front once more. Moments later, he was at it again and his slaloming surge forward paved just enough space for him to convert from a similar angle. He would then deal a hammerblow to the host’s hopes of victory. Conall Bohill’s quick free caught the Randalstown defence on their heels as Hand raced out to gather the size five before turning his man and slotting nonchalantly into the bottom corner.

Tír Na nÓg sought desperately to respond and pushed higher up the field but they couldn’t make it stick on the scoreboard and their wide count was growing.  Their opponents were in no mood to relent though and Paddy McBride doubled his tally finishing off a marauding run before Ronan Quinn popped up with a great score.

The barrage of attacks just kept coming and despite battling valiantly, Randalstown were powerless to stop the St John’s juggernaut as Conor Adams netted his side’s second goal with a powerful finish on the forty fifth minute.

To their credit, the hosts rallied bravely and continued their advances in search of paving a path back into contention. Darragh Fagan slotted over a much-needed score from a 45 but again the visitors would catch the men in blue on their heels as Conall McGlade and Conor Adams bolstered their individual tallies.

With ten minutes to go, the hosts drove forward and began to implement a more direct approach with the high ball in to their forwards. Although it wouldn’t quite stick for them, they did manage some success as McNeilly and Paul McCloskey’s efforts both found their mark to slightly reduce the gap.

However, St John’s were determined to finish the stronger and further points from McGlade and McBride were sandwiched either side of yet another major.  This time it came in the form of wing-back Ronan Quinn whose driving runs forward were finally rewarded as he latched onto Conall Quinn’s through pass before driving to the net.

A statement of intent perhaps from St John’s as they leave their disappointing league campaign in the rear-view mirror. If they can replicate that second half performance in future games, they will certainly be a match for anyone in this year’s Senior Championship. For Randalstown, it’ll be back to the drawing board. In patches, they played some good football, but it was too infrequent and slower than their usual offensive approach. However, they know the potential that they possess in their artillery and will look to make amends in their next outing against Rossa.

Teams:

Tír Na nÓg:

S.P McAtamney; B McLarnon, C McGrelis, S McKeown; P McCloskey (0-01,) B McCormick, C O’Neill; O McAtamney, J Higgins (0-01;) A McNeilly (0-03,) E Óg McAllister, E Murray; A Tolan, D Fagan (0-04,) C Sheerin

Naomh Éoin:

E Rua Lambert; E McGurk, J Garland, C McEvoy; L Pedan, C Bohill, R Quinn (1-01;)  A McGowan, R McNulty; P McBride (0-03,) S Tierney, C McGlade (0-03;) C Quinn (0-01,) C Hand (1-02,) C Adams (1-03)

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Junior Football Championship – Round 1

Wolfe Tones 1-4 St Malachy’s 2-13

St Malachy’s got their Junior Football Championship off to a great start when they travelled to the Valley Leisure Centre on Friday evening and beat Wolfe Tones by twelve points. The scoreline might suggest this was a very one sided game but to be fair it was a tougher challenge than the scoreline would suggest. The Greencastle men trailed by five at half time, but a goal six minutes into the second half breathed new life into the Tones challenge. They had the gap down to two points at one stage but St Malachy’s found their form again and pulled away to win convincingly in the end.

Wolf Tones started with a point from half back Kieran Maloney in the third minute and it was seven minutes later before St Malachy’s got their first score on the board through Criostoir Devlin. The home team went back in front a minute later when midfielder Martin Connor sent one over from a free, but the men from the Markets were starting to find their range and they dominated the remainder of the half, hitting six points without reply through midfielder Ciaran Vernon (2), Anthony Dobbin, Devlin, Jack McGivern and Devlin again to lead by 0-7 to 0-2 at the interval.

Vernon got the first point of the second half to stretch the Mal’s lead to six, but Wolfe Tones grabbed a lifeline when corner forward Aodhan Maloney cut in from the right and fired low to the St Malachy’s net in the 36^th minute. The goal breathed new life into the Tones and although St Malachy’s replied with a point from McGivern, the home side grabbed the next two scores through substitute Declan Madden to close the gap to just two.

That was as close as they would get however as St Malachy’s, brilliantly led by right half forward McGivern, they dominated the final quarter. Centre forward Anton McGreevy started the run with a point from play on 47 minutes and McGivern added another a minute later. Patrick McDairmuid made it three points in as many minutes when he slotted over a free, McGivern grabbed another two minutes later while substitute Gavin McManus and the excellent Vernon grabbed late goals to wrap it all up.

St Malachy’s face St Comgall’s at home next time out with the winners almost sure of a semi-final spot in what should be a real cracker.

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Senior Football Championship Group 3 (round one)

Casement’s 1-17 St Mary’s Ahoghill 0-03

Casement’s, having claimed the Division One league title last term posted a statement of intent on the championship trail in their opening game of the 2024 championship when they proved too strong for their near neighbours St Mary’s Ahoghill at Kelly Park on Friday evening.

The Cloney men were a little short handed without James O’ Connell, Boris O’Connell, and Cahir O’ Kane but the visitors were first to employ the score attendant as Patrick Graham raised an early white flag but the home side soon gained in momentum.

Danny Mc Nicholl’s early brace of points saw Casements take the lead and when the former’s delicate cross opened the way for Oisin Doherty to find the net the writing was visible on the wall as early as the 12^th minute.

The Clooney side created chances but failed to finish as the home side took control and only an excellent save from net minder Noel Crossey denied Oisin Doherty a second major.

 Conan Delargy despatched the resulting ‘45’ between the posts and as the inspirational Dermot Mc Aleese and Caolan Tierney added points apiece, the Bannsider’s move 1-05 to 0-01 ahead by the 20^th minute.

The visitors fought hard as the opening period progressed but the home side were dominant in defence with Ruairi Hagen and the Delargy brothers, Niall and Shane leading by example.

Casement’s were hungry for scores at the other end and retained the offensive mode in the latter exchanges of the opening period with points from Aodhan Mc Aleese, Dermot Mc Aleese, and Caolan Tierney to lead 1-08 to 0-01 as the combatants left the field at Half time.

The Home side were first to strike in the second half as an Aodhan Mc Aleese point increased their advantage.

A Ronan Graham point following indiscretion on the hard grafting Danny O’ Neill saw the Clooney men post reply in kind but it failed to herald a come-back with Ronan Kelly despatching a long range point between the posts at the other end.

Ronan Delargy added another to secure a 1-11 to 0-02 lead and the hard grafting Dermot Mc Aleese added to the home sides ever increasing total at the three quarter mark.

As the game progressed into the last quarter Donal Graham replied with  a superb long range point in the 47^th minute but despite the efforts of the O’ Neill brother brothers, Fionnbar and Danny and James Magee there would be no way back for the Cloney side.

Casements coasted to a win which looked likely from a long way out as Ronan Kelly, 0isin Doherty, the impressive Conal Delargy, Ciaran Mc Kenna, Paddy Kelly and man of the match Dermot Mc Aleese all helped themselves to points in the latter stages to ease their side over the winning line full value for a 1-17 to 0-03 win.

Casements: Kevin Mullan, Niall Delargy, Shane Delargy, Jonny Convery, Danny Mc Nicholl (0-02), Ruairi Hagen, Ryan Convery, Dermot Mc Aleese)(0-03), Stephen Kelly, Conal Delargy (0-03), Caolan Tierney (0-02), Aodhan Mc Aleese (0-03), Oisin Doherty (1-01), Ronan Kelly (0-03), Ronan Delargy (0-01)

Subs

P Kelly

Feargal O’ Kane

Ciaran Mc Kenna

Ahoghill: Noel Crossey, Seamus Mc Keever, James Magee, Hugh O’ Donnell, Fionnbar O’ Neill, Dermot Graham, Patrick Graham (0-01), Tom Mc Glone, Bernard Graham, Danny O’ Neill, Eamon Brady, Donal Graham (0-01, Ronan Graham (0-01), Patrick Dougan, Colla Mc Donnell

Subs: Gerard Graham for Seamus McKeever

Referee: Patrick Tumelty (Lamh Dhearg)

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Senior Football Championship

Dunloy 2-11 Aldergrove 1-7

Friday 2 August

Brendan McTaggart reports from Pearse Park, Dunloy

Second half goals from Seaan Elliott and substitute Michael Smith ensured last years beaten finalists, Dunloy made a winning start to 2024 championship.  This turned out to be an open affair with both teams playing an attacking brand of football and leaving plenty up the pitch when defending and despite Aldergrove going into the lead early in the second half having overturned a three point half time deficit, the Cuchullains reaction to that proved to be the winning of this game.

The home side scored 2-3 without reply and defensively held the Crumlin side to just one shot in the last 20 minutes as defensively they remained organised and turned over ball, making the most of the spaces left in the Aldergrove defence as they pushed forward.

Aldergrove will look at the first half and three missed goal chances. Twice Dunloy ‘keeper Sean Doherty denied Seamus McGarry and Patrick Burns while Cormac McGarry was crowded out by some last gasp Dunloy defending with the goal at his mercy.

The Cuchullains had their own goal chances and were guilty of missing chances throughout the 60 plus minutes but their ability to create chances and the number of different dangermen shone.  Seven different scorers for the Cuchullains will please Dunloy manager, Anthony McQuillan and his backroom team while the concession of just 1-5 from open play was a testament to the defensive work put in.

Aldergrove were always a threat on the break with Ronan Hanna a handful on the edge of the square.  They had willing runners from deep in the form of Eoin and Declan Gough who’s pace gave them a serious option while Brian McQuillan and Patrick Burns also impressed. 

The Crumlin men had their purple patch at the start of the second half but when Dunloy got to grips with their attacking threat, they couldn’t make any inwards into the Dunloy defence.

Declan Gough opened the scoring with barely 15 seconds on the clock.  Attacking at pace from the throw in, it was an early warning for the Dunloy defence.  The Cuchullains retaliated with Aodhan McGarry splitting the uprights with an instant reply.

Hanna fired over from a mark in the third minute but the home side looked to turn the screw with three points unanswered in the space of two minutes.  Seaan Elliott, Caolan Gillan and Kevin McQuillan (free) taking Dunloy into a two point lead.

The visitors to Pearse Park were guilty of spurning chances with a couple of wides before a quick counter saw Patrick Burns fire over his first of two points in the 14^th minute to leave the minimum between the sides.

Aldergrove were playing with a slight wind at their back but it was a super move through the Dunloy defence that saw Seamus McGarry through on goal.  Doherty in the Dunloy goals came out bravely and denied the Aldergrove marksman with a super save.  The Cuchullains temporarily cleared their lines but with the next attack and similar move, Aldergove had another chance.  Cormac McGarry looked destined to find the back of the net but the Dunloy defence scrambled to clear.

As if to compound the Aldergrove frustration at missing those chances, Dunloy went up the pitch with the next attack and Keelan Molloy slotted over his first of three frees and five points overall to double the Dunloy lead.

It was Dunloy’s turn to see a goal chance go a begging in the 23^rd minute with Aldergrove ‘keeper Conor Totten coming to their rescue.  Keelan Molloy found space in the heart of the Aldergrove defence and riffled his shot high only for Totten to get a hand to the ball and deflect it onto the crossbar.  The rebound fell to Seaan Elliott but his effort skewed wide.

Molloy would put the Cuchullains three clear in the 24^th minute only for the visitors to hit a brace of points from Cormac and Seamus McGarry (free) in the space of a minute.  That would be their last score of the half however with Dunloy responding with a brace of points of their own – another Molloy free and a sumptuous score from the outside of the right boot from Chrissy McMahon to give the home side a three point lead.

With time running out in the opening 30, Aldergrove created one more goal chance.  Hanna collecting a long ball and he rounded his man instantly before firing on goal.  Doherty was the hero for Dunloy once more and kept the Cuchullains lead intact at the half time whistle.

Aldergrove started the second half on the front foot but a couple of wides threatened to derail any momentum they might have before they scored the opening goal of the game.  The clock ticked into the fifth minute of the second half when Declan Gough sent a high ball into Hanna on the edge of the square.  Doherty didn’t deal with the dropping ball and Hanna gathered the rebound before slotting into the net with an instinctive finish.

Points followed from Brian McQuillan and Patrick Burns – either side of missed chances from Gillan at the other end of the pitch for Dunloy.  That would be as good as it got for the Crumlin side however as Dunloy controlled the game from then on. 

A brace of points from Molloy (one free) and another from substitute Michael Smith edged Dunloy into the lead once more and only for a couple of chances dropping short, that one point lead could have been more.

With eight minutes of the game remaining, the home side hit the game defining score through Seaan Elliott.  A break from deep by Molloy had Aldergrove on the back foot and he played the ball into space for Elliott to break into.  Cutting in from the right and faced with Totten, Elliott shaped to hit with his right before sending the Aldergrove ‘keeper the wrong way by using his left.  A clever finish that had the Dunloy support purring.

Barely two minutes had passed when the Cuchullains put the game to bed with their second major.  Molloy turning provider once again by delivering a long ball into Michael Smith.  He evaded his marker and expertly finished to give the home side a seven point lead in the 54^th minute.

It would turn out to be the last score of the game as Dunloy looked keep the ball and retain possession.  Both sides had further goal chances with Seamus McGarry dragging his effort wide and Seaan Elliott’s left foot letting him down when presented with the chance but it’s the Cuchullains who get their campaign off to a winning start.  They travel to Naomh Eanna in two weeks time while Aldergrove will welcome Lamh Dhearg to their turf.

TEAMS

Dunloy: Sean Doherty; Conor Kinsella, Eoin McFerran, Oran Quinn; Chrissy McMahon, Deaglan Smith, Seaan Elliott; Eoin O’Neill, Ryan McGarry; Nigel Elliott, Caolan Gillan, Aodhan McGarry; Anthony Smith, Kevin McQuillan, Keelan Molloy

Subs: Tom McFerran for A McGarry (45); Michael Smith for K McQuillan (45); Karl Fitzpatrick for C Gillan (60)

Scorers: K Molloy 0-5 (3fs); S Elliott 1-1; M Smith 1-1; C McMahon 0-1; C Gillan 0-1; A McGarry 0-1; K McQuillan 0-1 (1f)

Aldergrove: Conor Totten; Aidan Irvine, Emmett Irvine, Malachy Burns; Eoin Gough, Chris McVeigh, Declan Gough; Oisin Graham, Brian McQuillan; Andrew Flood, Cormac McGarry, Gerald Mallon; Patrick Burns, Ronan Hanna, Seamus McGarry

Subs: Eoin Hamill for A Flood (36); Conleth O’Toole for C McGarry (55); Glenn Dunham for M Burns (55)

Scorers: R Hanna 1-1 (1 mark); P Burns 0-2; D Gough 0-1; B McQuillan 0-1; C McGarry 0-1; S McGarry 0-1 (1f)

Referee: Richie Leahy (St Comgalls)

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