Erin’s Own Cargin face Donegal champions, Naomh Conaill Donegal at Corrigan this Sunday as they attempt to advance to the next round of the Ulster SFC Club tournament for the first time in a number of years.
The Toome club collected their 11th Antrim championship title this year and their fourth in five years when they defeated St. Mary’s Aghagallon in the final at Corrigan Park. It took extra time to separate the finalists with Cargin finally running out 1-18 to 3-9 winners.
It also took extra time in their semi-final as Erin’s Own avenged last year’s semi-final defeat to neighbours, Kickham’s, Creggan so the Toome men have endured a couple of challenging encounters in the build up to Sunday’s meeting with Naomh Conaill.
Naomh Conaill have a good recent record in the Donegal championship. The Glenties side have contested the last six Tir Conaill deciders, winning the championship in 2019, 2020 and again in 2022.
In 2019 they avenged a final loss to Gaoth Dobhar the previous year, that Gaoth Dobhar side went on to beat Cargin in the opening round of Ulster in 2018 before claiming the Ulster title.
It took penalties to decide Glenties and Kilcar after extra time had failed to separate them with Naomh Conaill edging it and this year they avenged a 2021 final defeat to St. Eunan’s. Leterkenny to emerge as Donegal champions.
Ciaran Thompson was the hero for Naomh Conaill as his late free gave the Glenties a one-point victory over holders St Eunan’s in the Donegal SFC final at Ballybofey.
However, the turning point of the game was a controversial red card issued to St Eunan’s attacker Shane O’Donnell just six minutes before the break.
The 2021 champions were leading 1-3 to 0-4 at the break thanks to Eoin McGeehin’s goal, but they suffered a hammer blow when Donegal ace O’Donnell was dismissed for his part in a melee before the interval.
Rory Kavanagh’s men failed to score for the opening 10 minutes of the game, but McGeehin’s goal was their first score after Brendan McDyer and Mac Ceallabhuí had given Glenties the early lead.
The holders kept their noses in front for the remainder of a keenly-contested half, but Naomh Conaill went on to press home their numerical advantage in the second half.
A well-taken goal from Charlie McGuinness was cancelled out when St Eunan’s midfielder Kevin Kealy found the net, 10 minutes from time.
Thompson’s free on 58 minutes would prove to be the final score of the contest as St Eunan’s failed to break down a resolute Glenties defence in the closing minutes as Martin Regan’s men regained the Dr Maguire Cup.
In previous years the turnaround for the Antrim champions was minimal but this year Cargin have had five weeks to prepare from the Antrim final and sounds coming out of the home camp suggests they are in good shape going into Sunday’s Ulster opener.
Ronan Devlin made the step up from coach to manager at the start of the 2022 season following the resignation of Damian Cassidy who he had worked alongside for the past five years and the transition has been relatively smooth.
His panel was well known to him and without making wholesale changes he has introduced a number of young players to the side but is likely to look to his trusted and vastly experienced players as he attempts to gain his first Ulster win.
Cargin record in the competition has been poor since beating Carrickmore at Casement back in 1999 and they have failed to get past the first round since with Killyclougher back in 2018 and Gweedore in 2019 being their most recent conquerors and there was no Ulster in 2020 owing to Covid.
There is a quiet confidence within the camp that this could be their year however and they certainly have the players to push Naomh Conaill all the way. John McNabb and Kevin O’Boyle were selected on the recent Devenish All Stars side and both have been playing out of their skins this season.
Michael McCann and his brother Tomas came up with important scores in the semi-final and finals respectively while Justin Crozier, James Laverty, John Carron, James Laverty, Gerard McCann, Paul McCann and Kevin McShane bring a wealth of experience to the table.
The emerging talents of Matthew Gribbin, Ciaran Bradley, Pat Shivers, Sean O’Neill, Ronan Gribbin and Cathair Donnelly have added pace and momentum to the Cargin side and it makes for a solid unit.
Manager Devlin will have no doubt looked at the three goals his side conceded against Aghagallon in the Antrim final and will be keen that his defence is much tighter against the men from Tir Conaill but if Cargin can put their A game together then they can progress to the Ulster semi-final.
Following their fourth SFC success in five years and with an Ulster Championship opener against Glenties on the horizon next month, Cargin’s Michael McCann speaks to the Saffron Gael and reflects on his side’s season to date.
Michael McCann has seen it all in a long successful career, both in Saffron and the green and white of Cargin. McCann suffered disappointment in 2021 when Cargin lost to neighbours Creggan in the Championship final but all is well that ends well.
Cargin avenged that defeat to their fiercest rivals in this year’s semi-final at Dunsilly and the former All Star replacement and Railway cup medalist collected his fourth SFC medal in five years with a win over Aghagallon in the final at Corrigan Park on the 9th October.
After enduring a long spell on the side-lines this year through injury, ‘Mick’ celebrated success with his colleagues on the wind lashed Corrigan sod to collect his 7th medal in total.
“To be honest I never thought it was possible for me. I suffered for most of the year with a lingering groin problem”.
After extensive treatment McCann was able to take his place in the quarter-final, semi-final and final and his second half goal against Aghagallon proved the turning point in a final where they trailed for long periods to Naomh Muire.
“I am grateful to my wife Seainin, my boys, Charley, Tom, and Max as well as Ronan (Devlin), Fabian (Muldoon) and Dougal’ for the patience they have shown”.
“I spent much of the summer on the injury list, and was probably not easy to live with and despite my exertions and the class treatment I received I was only able to resume training in the last week of August in anticipation of a return in the championship”.
“I managed to start in the quarter final game against Lamh Dhearg and was involved in what turned out to be a frantic semi-final against Creggan and that spell of extra time left a mark”.
“The final against Aghagallon proved to be another lengthy affair and when we concluded the opening period five points in arrears we looked in trouble”
“I was fortunate to have witnessed the character of our under-15 team in their championship success a few weeks previously when they came from thirteen point behind at half time to win by a point. If inspiration was required those boys provided it”
“We needed a good start to the second half but when St Mary’s struck first for their third goal to take an eight point lead we looked in more trouble.
In the event our lads rallied to the cause as we dug deep and went a point ahead but an Aghagallon late pointed free sent the game to extra time”
“Having just managed to find the net a few minutes before the end of normal time I felt better but Aghagallon took the lead again but we finished strongly and points from Tomas (McCann), Pat Shivers, Benen Kelly, Sean O’ Neill, and captain fantastic James Laverty saw us claim our 11th senior title”.
“Although this was my 7th title I have no hesitation in saying this one will go up there as the best. I have been asked about retirement but that is not on my mind at present. My oldest son Charley, who gained his first piece of silverware himself this year, is adamant I should play on”.
“In the meantime we look forward to the visit of Donegal representatives Glenties in a few weeks-time as we dip out toes into the Ulster club championship”
The St Oliver Plunkett PS/Nursery Unit children and staff welcomed senior football players from Erin’s Own Cargin into school on Friday morning with the ‘Antrim Senior Football Cup’. A very interactive assembly was experienced as some of the P7 children led everyone in a game of ‘Who Wants To Be A Millionaire’ followed by a Q and A session with Cargin team members: Gerard McCann, Kevin McShane, Jamie Gribbin and Kevin O’Boyle. There was a lot of fun and laughter heard throughout the hall especially as the question arrived – who was the tallest person in the room? #MrsCairns/GerardMcCann
Kevin O’Boyle presents a copy of his new book to St. Oliver Plunkett principal, Nuala KearneyCargin player, Kevin O’Boyle with a copy of his book ‘My first Gaelic Football Match’
The opportunity then arose for Kevin O’Boyle to showcase his new books which himself and Michael Gerard Doherty have written within the context of gaelic football, camogie and hurling. There wasn’t a sound as Kevin explained that these books are aimed at engaging children in their reading as well as enhancing role play, writing and imagination. Principal, Mrs Nuala Kearney, stepped forward to mirror Kevin’s vision and highlight to the children that these books can be customised for their chosen club.
A very enjoyable morning which involved a lot of fun, effective questioning and some learning to go along with it.
Cargin players Kevin McShane, Jimmy Gribbin, Gerard McCann and Kevin O’Boyle on their visit to St. Oliver Plunkett P.S. on FridayThe questions and answers team!Mrs Cairns with Gerard McCann. Who’s the tallest ?Nuala Kearney with her brother in law, Gerars McCannSt. Oliver Plunkett P.S. Principal, Nuala Kearney sets up the lap top for a ‘Who wants to be a Millionare’ session.
Erin’s Own Cargin 1-18– 3-09 St. Mary’s Aghagallon AET
Kevin Herron reports from Corrigan Park
Cargin came from eight points behind in the second half and finished strongly in the second period of extra-time to clinch their fourth Antrim Senior Football Championship in five years with a 1-18-3-09 win over Aghagallon at a wet and windy Corrigan Park this afternoon.
Two goals in the space of four first half minutes from Adam Loughran and Ruairi McCann stunned the pre-game favourites and a further McCann goal after the restart left Ronan Devlin’s men with a mountain to climb.
But they didn’t panic and clawed their way back into contention with Michael McCann’s 51st minute strike a real hammer blow to Aghagallon- who needed to force extra-time despite leading for the majority of proceedings.
Extra-time was cautious until Cargin stepped things up and landed four scores on the trot to down the brave resistance of Aghagallon and ensure the Padraig McNamee trophy will reside in familiar surroundings for the next 12-months.
Substitute, Benen Kelly fires over a point with his first touch of the ball after replacing Sean Og O’Neill
Cargin went into the game as favourites to reclaim the trophy that they relinquished with defeat to eventual winners Creggan 12-months ago.
While Aghagallon were hoping that they would be able to put the disappointment of last year behind them and try to clinch the trophy in their second ever outing in the senior decider.
Aghagallon were first off the mark on a soggy afternoon on the Whiterock Road, Jamie Lamont fed a perfect pass to Ruairi McCann- who claimed a mark and subsequently converted.
Eunan Walsh was denied doubling his sides lead by a terrific diving block by John Carron and Cargin levelled at the other end through a steady Pat Shivers point; after Jamie Gribbin slipped him a nice ball inside.
The underdogs restored their lead after Justin Crozier was penalised for holding inside and Gareth Magee converted.
Magee doubled his tally after Ruairi McCann held the ball up and laid it off to sweep between the posts.
Cargin were back on terms before the midway point in the half, Paul Mulholland halted the direct run of Ciaran Bradley and Tomas McCann was on hand to convert and Pat Shivers then swung over from James Laverty’s lay-off to level at 0-03 apiece.
Justin Crozier, John McNabb, Roan Gribbin and John Carron (Cargin) look back as Ruairi McCann’s shot sails to the net for Aghagallon’s third goal
The Toome men had a border-line penalty appeal turned down when Pat Brannigan halted the run of Sean O’Neill, but referee Conall Roberts was happy for play to continue, and O’Neill would later depart after sustaining a knock.
O’Neill’s replacement Benan Kelly made an instant impact and had his side in front for the first time with an excellent score.
On 20 minutes the opening goal of the final arrived, Jack Lenahan dropped a side-line ball on top of Eunan Walsh- who gathered and fired low past John McNabb to edge his side 1-03-0-04 in front.
Gareth Magee converted his second free of the half in the aftermath and his side were in dream land on 24 minutes when they hit their second major in the space of four-minutes.
A high ball into the square by Eunan Walsh picked out Ruairi McCann and the full-forward fired a powerful shot into the roof of the net to make it 2-04-0-04.
Magee finished his sides scoring for the half with his third free – though back-to-back frees from Tomas McCann and Shivers would cut the deficit at the break as Aghagallon went in at the interval with a 2-05-0-06 lead.
Ruairi McCann turns away in celebration after scoring Aghagallon’s second goalCargin’s Tomas McCann comes under pressure from Stephen Devlin and Daryl McAlernon, Aghagallon
Cargin would have been hoping for a positive beginning to the second period but found themselves further behind within three minutes of the restart.
Eunan Walsh slipped the ball off to Ciaran Magennis and with the Cargin defence stretched he picked out Ruairi McCann to steer home his second goal of the afternoon.
Tomas McCann kicked his third free of the afternoon in response and brother Paul then fisted another point in quick succession.
The Toome outfit were on the comeback trail as Jamie Gribbin’s excellent score from range was followed by a converted 45’ by John McNabb to half the margin that McCann’s goal had exerted.
A further free from McCann brought them closer, though Aghagallon found a much-needed score- their first in 16 minutes.
Eunan Walsh drove towards goal and popped the ball off to Ruairi McCann, he In turn slipped a pass to Gareth Magee to shoot between the sticks.
With little under ten minutes remaining Cargin reduced arrears to the bare minimum with their only goal of the contest.
Tomas McCann sent a high pass in the direction of brother Michael on the edge of the square and he did enough to bring it down and send a low shot to the corner of the net to make it 3-06-1-11.
Parity was restored for the first time since the 17th minute when John McNabb kicked his second placed ball of the afternoon.
Michael McCann raises his hands in celebration after scoring Cargin’s only goal to bring his side right back into contention
Three minutes were added on at the end of the half and a minute in Cargin edged in front for just the second time through a magnificent, angled effort from James Laverty that dropped over the bar.
Aghagallon suddenly found themselves in an unfamiliar position of having to chase a leveller, having worked hard to hang onto their lead and their persistence paid off when Jack Lenahan picked out brother Oisin to swing over the leveller at the near post and force extra-time after a 3-07-1-13 draw at the conclusion.
Extra-time:
Extra-time saw both sides adapt a huge degree of caution, and it took six minutes of the first period for the opening score to arrive.
Eunan Walsh fed substitute Pauric Magennis- who has felled, and Gareth Magee kicked his third free of the contest.
Cargin would draw level with the last kick of the first period after Jamie Gribbin fed Pat Shivers to drop a high shot onto the roof of the net.
Aghagallon hit the front 60-seconds into the second period after Pauric Maginnis charged forward and lashed a shot high over the bar. But it would prove to be their final score of the contest and Cargin would finish strongly.
Tomas McCann converted his fifth placed ball to level again and after claiming the subsequent kick-out; Cargin hit the front through an excellent angled shot from Pat Shivers.
Ciaran Bradley, Cargin solos away from the chasing Aghagallon pack
The Aghagallon defence were stretched as they chased an immediate response and Benan Kelly added to his first half point with a fisted finish over the bar- when a goal was a possibility.
Two-points remained the difference going into added time and Cargin eventually found their insurance point, having re-entered proceedings and shaken off a first half injury- Sean O’Neill nipped and won possession and dropped a shot between the posts to seal the deal and a fourth Championship win in five seasons for his side.
The final whistle sounded shortly after, and a familiar green invasion hit the Corrigan turf to celebrate with their heroes.
James Laverty would eventually join Antrim Chairman Ciaran McCavana to accept the Padraig McNamee trophy and the celebrations could begin for the Toome men who take their familiar position at the summit of Antrim football and will begin preparations for the Ulster Championship in the coming weeks.
Cargin captain James Laverty (Right) and Sean Og Quinn raise the Padraig McNamee Cup after their side defeated Aghagallon in the final at Corrigan Park today
Erin’s Own Cargin: J McNabb (0-02 45’), K O’Boyle, J Crozier, C Donnelly, J Carron, J Laverty (0-01), S O’Neill, R Gribbin, G McCann, C Bradley, J Gribbin (0-01), P McCann (0-01), P Shivers (0-05, 0-01f), M McCann (1-00), T McCann (0-05f). Subs: B Kelly (0-02) for S O’Neill (17), S O’Neill (0-01) for R Gribbin (37), M Kelly for M McCann (60+2). Extra-time: B Laverty for C Donnelly (68), K McShane for M Kelly (73), D Johnston for B Kelly (76), G McCorley for J Laverty (79).
St. Mary’s Aghagallon: D O’Hagan, D Donnelly, J Lamont, P Mulholland, C Magennis, P Branigan, D McAlernon, O Lenahan (0-01), J Lenahan, E Walsh, A Loughran (1-00), M McAfee, G Magee (0-06, 0-04f), R McCann (2-01, 0-01m), J Hannon. Subs: P Gowdy for J Hannon (blood sub 12-17), P Gowdy for J Hannon (HT), E McCartan for P Gowdy (42), P Maginnis for M McAfee (50). Extra-time: S Devlin for P Mulholland (77), N McShane for P Brannigan (80+2).
Referee: Conall Roberts
YESSS! Cargin player celebrate as fans run on to join them as Conall Roberts blows the final whistle Kevin O’Boyle is joined by his wife and children as he receives a voucher for £100 from Nobel Cafe in Ballymena who sponsored the man of the match awardPaddy McIlwaine presents the Saffron Gael man of the match award to Cargin’s Kevin O’BoyleCargin secretary, Roisin Mc|Keever presents a sponsorship cheque to Paddy McIlwaine who received it on behalf of the Saffron Gael prior to today’s SFC Final at Corrigan ParkAntrim treasurer Donal Murphy presents a sponsorship cheque on behalf of the county to Paddy McIlwaine from the Saffron GaelEunan Walsh celebrates after scoing Aghagallon’s second . goal. Pic by Bert TrowlenCargin and Aghgallon players battle for possession under the dropping ball in Sunday’s thrilling Antrim Football final at Corrigan Park. Pic by Bert TrowlenCargin’s Pat Shivers wins possession. Pic by Bert TrowlenRuairi McCann turns away in celebration after scoring Aghagallon’s opening goalEunan Walsh celebrates after scoing Aghagallon’s second . goal. Pic by Bert Trowlen
The big question on most people’s lips going into Sunday’s Northern Switchgear Antrim Senior Football Championship final is, can David slay Goliath. The David in this case is Naomh Muire, Aghagallon who are going into their second consecutive final having lost to Kickham’s Creggan in their first ever Senior final a year ago.
Kickham’s will not be there this time but that is little consolation to the club who border county Armagh as they will face what conceivably could be an even stiffer hurdle in the form of former three in a row champions, Erin’s Own Cargin.
The Toome side’s three in a row was prevented from becoming four in a row at the semi-final stage when Kickham’s Creggan defeated them in last year’s semi-final but a still smarting Cargin came back to avenge last year’s defeat in this year’s semi-final.
It took extra time to decide that Creggan v Cargin semi-final at Dunsilly and it took extra time to decide the second semi-final before Aghagallon overcame the challenge of Portglenone.
Jamie Lamont, AghagallonJustin Crozier, Cargin
On Sunday the Cargin men will be aiming for their fourth title in five years and their 11th in all while Aghagallon are still in search of their first.
Damian Cassidy has moved on after managing Erin’s Own to success in that treble that straddled 2018-2019-2020 to be replaced by Ronan Devlin who trained Cargin during Cassidy’s very successful period in charge and is highly rated within the Cargin club and much further afield as a trainer.
The move to manager has been a smooth transition for the Balinderry man who has had a successful first season in charge of the Toome side to finish a point behind Creggan in second place in the league despite introducing a raft of young players to his side over the season.
Devlin has enlisted the services of Ballinderry club mate, Fabian Muldoon while retaining Kevin Doyle to his management team and to date all appears to be going to plan.
Cargin were drawn in group 4 of the championship qualifiers with St. Enda’s and Rossa and defeated the Glengormley side by 3-10 to 0-14 in Toome in their opening game. They lost out to Rossa at Shaw’s Road on day 2 but finished in second place in the group after Rossa and St. Enda’s drew the previous week.
The Rossa defeat had people asking questions about the credentials of the former champions going into the quarter-final against Lamh Dhearg on Friday the 9th September at Dunsilly but those questions were quickly answered as Cargin ran out fairly comfortable 0-13 to 0-9 winners over the Hannastown side.
JohnMcNabb who has been excellent in goals for Cargin this seasonAghagallon’s Enda McCartan
This set them up with a semi-final meeting with holders Creggan and a repeat of last year’s semi-final which the Kickham’s won. Cargin and Creggan rarely fail to deliver when it comes to Championship drama and this one at Dunsilly was no different. In the end it was Cargin who edged their parish rivals in extra time, Tomas McCann with the winning point.
WHAT ABOUT AGHAGALLON?
Aghagallon, despite reaching the final last year, slipped under the radar to qualify for this weekend’s final. A poor league campaign which saw them finish second bottom where they will face a promotion-relegation playoff with All Saints ruled them out in some punters predictions.
That league campaign was played with almost half a team missing through a long injury list and a number of their key players spending the Summer in the States. Those players have slowly returned and the turnaround in performances as a result has been impressive.
St. Mary’s were drawn in group 3 of the qualifiers with Gort na Mona and Tir na nOg and topped the group with wins over both these sides. They were drawn against St. Brigid’s in the quarter-final and St. Mary’s made it three championship wins from three starts with a 0-14 to 0-7 win over the Musgrave Park side.
This set them up with a repeat of last year’s semi-final when they were drawn against Casement’s Portglenone who were playing in their 4th semi-final in succession, having lost the previous three. St. Mary’s Aghagallon produced a Lazarus like come-back, not once but twice, to earn their place for the second year in succession in the Northern Switchgear Senior Football Championship final.
Gareth Magee, AghagallonMichael McCann, Cargin
An Adam Loughran goal, four minutes into time added on in the second period of extra time broke the brave hearts of Casement’s Portglenone who could be forgiven for wondering just what they have to do to reach a final.
Ruairi McCann got the other two goal in a 3-10 to 0-18 win and these two with Eunan Walsh, Gareth Magee, Daniel Donnelly, Jack Lenehan, Oisin Lenehan, David McAlernon, Jamie Lamont and Johnny Hannon are likely to spearhead the Aghagallon challenge and they will take a lot of confidence from their semi-final win.
They will face a Cargin team who appear to have peak just at the right time and laced with household names and exciting emerging talent. John McNabb in goals has been very impressive and his forays up the field has provided vital scores for his side.
McNabb is the designated free taker for his side and converted 2 ‘45’s’ and a free in the semi-final while Kevin O’Boyle, Justin Crozier, John Carron, James Laverty, Gerard, Michael, Paul and Tomas McCann (if fit) and Kieran Close have seen it all before.
Add to that the emerging talent of Pat Shivers, Jamie Gribbin, Cathaoir Donnelly, Sean O’Neill and Ciaran Bradley and Cargin should have enough to collect their fourth title in five years but I would expect a dogged Aghagallon to push them all the way.
Kevin McShane who will be in action for Cargin at Corrigan while his wife Chloe represents Dunloy in the Antrim Camogie final at much the same time against Loughgiel in Glenravel
spare a thought!
Spare a thought for Cargin defender Kevin McShane and wife, Chloe Draine. As Kevin is lining out for Cargin at Corrigan, his wife Chloe will be representing Dunloy in the Antrim Senior Camogie final against champions Loughgiel at more or less the same time.
