Category / Hurling

by thesaffrongael

Early goals crucial as St. Mary’s overcome Maghera 

Danske Bank Mageean Cup, Section B Round 3 

St. Pat’s Maghera 1-11-2-18 St. Mary’s CBGS 

From Kevin Herron in Maghera 

St. Mary’s CBGS claimed top spot in section B of the Mageean Cup with a 2-18-1-11 win over St Pat’s Maghera on Wednesday afternoon. 

The weather conditions were far from ideal and led to a late venue switch with Slaughtneil unable to host the game as planned with the sides instead meeting in St Pat’s own school pitches. 

It was the hosts that opened the scoring through an Owen O’Neill free, the first of many during the course of the contest. 

In response Matthew Murray picked out Daire Jemfrey and he crashed home the game’s opening goal. 

Better would come for the Belfast side as Lewis Rafferty rifled a second goal past Fionn Wallace. 

A converted free followed and three points from play courtesy of Irlagh Rogan, Matthew Murray and Cormac Mulligan was establishing clear daylight. 

Points were traded between free-takers O’Neill and Murray, both then added scores from play- O’Neill first after Sean O’Kane laid the ball off and his goal bound shot was deflected over Eoghan Millar’s crossbar- then Murray clipped over his third of the half. 

The respective talisman were both on song again from the placed ball, Murray converting his second and O’Neill this time registering from a 65’. 

As the half concluded Murray and O’Neill continued to add to their sides and their own respective tallies. 

All of them came from frees, Murray landing back-to-back and O’Neill doing likewise, the half concluded with Murray clipping over his fifth to ensure his side were 2-10-0-6 ahead at the midway point. 

Although Peadar Pio Peoples hit the opening score of the half for the hosts, St. Mary’s surged further clear after Matthew Murray opened his sides second half account from a free. 

Points from play followed by Cormac McCann, Lewis Rafferty and Murray with Owen O’Neill replying from a free in between times. 

Maghera gave themselves a lifeline in the 41st minute, O’Neill laid the ball off to Peoples who in turn slipped the ball to Sean O’Kane and he swept a low shot to the net to make it 2-15-1-8. 

A quickfire second opportunity fell to Finn Cartin, though Lewis Rafferty stood firm and parried the goal bound effort. 

A converted Owen O’Neill free had reduced arrears to single-figures, though Matthew Murray got St. Mary’s back on the scoring front. 

Goal scorer Sean O’Kane clipped a free over and in reply Adam McCahey conjured up a splendid point. 

Matthew Murray would bring his personal tally to 0-11 before the afternoon was out with Finn Cartin converting a late free to end the afternoon’s action. 

The result saw St. Mary’s overtake the Derry side and Cross and Passion on scoring difference, though all sides will feature in the last-eight ties after the Halloween break. 

by thesaffrongael

Creagh announced as Main Partner for a Night with St Louis – Overcoming Adversity

 

St Louis Grammar School is delighted to announce Creagh as the main partner and sponsor of its forthcoming fundraising event, ‘A Night with St Louis- Overcoming Adversity’. 

Taking place at Tullyglass House Hotel on Friday 30 October, the event will bring together parents, past pupils, business leaders, members of the local community and sporting networks for an evening focused on resilience, determination and overcoming challenges in sport, business and life. 

St Louis is particularly grateful to Creagh for its support as our main partner, which will help the school deliver an event designed not only to raise vital funds for pupils but also to celebrate the values of perseverance, ambition and community that are central to the St Louis ethos. 

The evening will feature a series of conversations with individuals who have faced significant challenges and adversity in their own lives and careers, including Caoimhe Conlon, Niall Grimley, Richie Power, Aimee Mackin and Paddy McBride, with sports psychologist Dr Noel Brick providing insight into the psychology of overcoming setbacks. The evening will be hosted by Shane Elliott. 

The event will raise funds to support new resources and opportunities for St Louis pupils, including the continued development of the school’s sporting facilities. A particular focus is the development of the school’s GAA facilities, including the ambition to transform the existing GAA ball wall into a year-round, 3G facility. 

Principal Jacqui O’Neill said: 

“We are incredibly grateful to Creagh for becoming the main partner of ‘A Night With St Louis – Overcoming Adversity’. Their support is a wonderful example of a local business working in partnership with our school and developing the opportunities available to our students. 

“The theme of overcoming adversity is particularly appropriate because resilience is something we want every St Louis pupil to develop. The evening will provide an opportunity to hear from people who have experienced setbacks in very different circumstances and have found the determination to move forward. 

“Creagh’s support will also make a tangible difference to our pupils by helping us provide new resources and develop our facilities. We are hugely appreciative of their commitment to St Louis and to the wider Ballymena community.” 

James McKeague, Managing Director of Creagh, said: 

“We are delighted to support St Louis Grammar School as the main partner of ‘A Night With St Louis – Overcoming Adversity’. The theme of the evening really resonates with us as a business. Throughout our own journey, we have seen first-hand the importance of resilience, determination and having the confidence to overcome challenges and keep moving forward. 

“As a local business, we recognise the importance of supporting the communities in which we operate and, particularly, of investing in the next generation. Schools play such an important role in giving young people the skills, confidence and opportunities they need to fulfil their potential. 

“We are pleased that our support will contribute to the fundraising efforts at St Louis and help provide pupils with additional resources and opportunities. We look forward to being part of what promises to be a very enjoyable and meaningful evening.” 

The partnership also reflects the wider opportunities created when schools and local businesses work together. Sponsorship of the event provides Creagh with a high-profile connection to the St Louis community while supporting a fundraising initiative directly focused on pupils and their future. 

The school is also grateful to all of the businesses, parents, past pupils and supporters who have already backed the event and helped build on the success of previous St Louis fundraising initiatives. 

Tickets and sponsorship opportunities for ‘A Night with St Louis – Overcoming Adversity’ are available through St Louis Grammar School. A range of sponsorship opportunities remain available for businesses wishing to support the event and contribute to providing new resources and opportunities for pupils. 

Kevin McKeague (Creagh), and school principal Jacqui O’Neill with students Patrick O’Boyle, Cliodhna McKeever, Niall Quinn and Annie Convery at the launch of the Night with St Louis event which will be held in Tullyglass Hotel on Friday October 30th.
MC for the evening Shane Elliott
by thesaffrongael

St Killian’s hold off Keady’s second half rally

Danske Bank Mageean Cup

St Killian’s 5-12 | Keady 2-12

St Killian’s held off a spirited second half comeback by Ardscoil Phadraig Keady in Monday’s Danske Banke Mageean Cup game at Dunsilly.

With a strong breeze at their backs the Tower boys dominated the early stages, going ahead inside the first 30 seconds through midfielder Cadhan Graham, Only two minutes had elapsed when full-forward Dylan McNaughton pounced for their opening goal from close range. Jamie Laffan soon punished Keady with a point from an acute angle along the endline, and on eight minutes, Ciaran McCann went on a searing solo run through the middle before rifling an unstoppable shot to the back of the net.

St Killian’s were in full flow, and in the 14th minute, Donnacha Laverty finished off a sweeping team move for their third goal. Laverty was then forced off with an injury, with Dara Ward introduced into the attack.

Keady finally opened their account on 15 minutes through James Hamilton, followed two minutes later by another point from play to give the Armagh side a foothold. But St Killian’s hit back and on 22 minutes, corner-forward Cahir McCambridge rattled the net from close range. Moments later, wing-back Ronan Magee landed a long range point from out around the middle.

Caoimhín Mane showed Keady’s quality in the 25th minute with a sensational point from 60 metres, but Cahir McCambridge answered right back from out on the right wing, before Ronan Magee launched another stunning long-range effort between the uprights from inside his own half to send St Killian’s in 4-5 to 0-3 ahead at the break.

Keady emerged after the restart with all guns blazing. Charles Baxter clipped over the opening point of the half, and sharpshooter Sé McConnell fired over a free from distance. St Killian’s replied through midfielder Kian McSorley, but McConnell responded again for the visitor with an expertly taken midfield free.

St Killian’s centre-back Ben Duncan stood up to split the posts with a sweetly struck ’65, and Jamie Laffan added another from play, yet McConnell remained almost unplayable on the right wing for Keady, knocking over two good  points from play.In the 13th minute of the half, St Killian’s effectively put the seal on the game with a piece of textbook combination play. Dylan McNaughton drove up the right and slipped a neat hand-pass inside to Jamie Laffan, who hammered the sliotar home for their fifth goal.

To their immense credit, Keady never threw in the towel. McConnell continued his personal scoring clinic with two more points, and Caoimhín Mane fired over a superb score from out the field. Keady got the goal their efforts deserved on 24 minutes when Mane drilled a 20-metre free directly into the net.

Quick points from Jamie Laffan and Ciaran McCann kept the scoreboard moving for St Killian’s, but Keady struck again with three minutes remaining when Charles Baxter finished to the net for their second major. When James Hamilton pointed seconds later, Keady had clawed the gap back to five.

St Killian’s kept their composure, however, and Cahir McCambridge settled any remaining nerves by firing over two late points to ensure the Garron Tower lads emerged deserved winners.

Scorers:

  • St Killian’s:
    • Jake Laffin: 1-2
    • Cahir McCambridge: 1-5
    • Ciaran McCann: 1-1
    • Dylan McNaughton: 1-0
    • Donnacha Laverty: 1-0
    • Ronan Magee: 0-1
    • Cadhan Graham: 0-1
    • Kian McSorley: 0-1
    • Ben Duncan: 0-1 (0-1 ’65’)
  • Keady:
    • Caoimhín Mane 1-2 (1-0 free)
    • Charles Baxter 1-1
    • Sé McConnell  07 (0-2 frees)
    • James Hamilton 0-2

St Killian’s:

  1. Charlie McNaughton
  2. Conor Kerr
  3. Christopher Leech
  4. Oliver Mowry
  5. Rian Laverty
  6. Ben Duncan
  7. Ronan Magee
  8. Cadhan Graham
  9. Kian McSorley
  10. Ciaran McCann
  11. Donnacha Laverty
  12. Charlie Black
  13. Cahir McCambridge
  14. Dylan McNaughton
  15. Jake Laffin

Subs used: Cormac McMullan for Dylan McNaughton, Dara Ward for Donnacha Laverty, Eoin McNaughton for Charlie Black, PJ Kelly for Jake Laffin, Nicholas Lolky for Rian Laverty.

Keady:

  1. Aaron Keenan
  2. Faolan McQuade
  3. Aaron Monaghan
  4. Harry Fox
  5. Jack Gormley
  6. Shea Monaghton
  7. Peter O’Callaghan
  8. Darragh McKee
  9. Keaton O’Shaughnessy / O’Hara
  10. Dan Sweeney
  11. Sé McConnell
  12. Caoimhín Mane
  13. Charles Baxter
  14. Paul Óg Grimes
  15. James Hamilton

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

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by thesaffrongael

Cushendall Edge Dunloy in Thrilling Antrim Minor Hurling Final

Antrim Minor Hurling Final at Slemish Park, Ballymena

Ruairi Og, Cushendall 1-13 Cuchullains Dunloy 0-15

Holders Cushendall (Ruairí Óg) did just enough to edge past Dunloy in the Antrim U18 Minor Hurling A Championship final at Slemish Park, Ballymena. Cushendall held the upper hand for large parts of the game and survived a breathtaking finish to secure back-to-back titles with a final score of 1-13 to 0-15. It may not have been a classic as lots of chances were missed by both sides, but the closeness of the scoring meant it was always exciting and it kept the large crowd as Slemish Park on their toes right to the final whistle.

Dunloy opened the scoring within the first minute thanks to a point from Euan Molloy but Cushendall responded emphatically just over a minute later when full forward Connlaodh McNaughton found the back of the net for the game’s only goal, putting his side 1-00 to 0-01 ahead.

Cushendall extended their lead through points from Jake Laffan and Cahir McCambridge but Dunloy stayed well in contention, driven by the accuracy of McAlonan, who registered three points (one from a free), and additional scores from Euan Molloy and Aaron Doherty. A late first-half free converted by Nicholas McLaughlin left Cushendall leading by just a point at the break, 1-04 to 0-06.

Cushendall burst out of the gates in the second half, with Cahir McCambridge and Nicholas McLaughlin pointing early on. Connlaodh McNaughton proved to be a constant threat, registering four points (one from a free) in the second period. McLaughlin added two more points from frees, pushing Cushendall to an eventual tally of 1-13.

Dunloy refused to quietly fade away, mounting a determined comeback. The introduction of substitute Paidi O’Kane lifted the young Cuchullain and Euan Molloy added two more points to his tally, while PJ Molloy and Odhran Boyle also got on the scoresheet. O’Kane hit two quick points in succession around the 24th and 25th minutes to keep the pressure on.

However as the game entered injury time, Cushendall were still a goal clear and looked safe but Dunloy were not done yet, and they reduce the deficit to the absolute minimum, with late frees successfully converted by Jay McAlonan and James McGarry.

In a heart-stopping final act at Dunloy were awarded a chance to tie the game and the tension was palpable. However, the well-struck free went just inches wide of the target, allowing Cushendall to survive the scare and claim their second championship in a row.

Cushendall: Shane Coulter, Sean McAuley, Paddy Morgan, Charlie McAlister, Cormac Burke, Conor McCann, Rian Laverty, Oliver Mooney, Aaron Dylan Mcnaughton, Donncha Laverty, Nicholas McLaughlin, Shane Mc Quillan, Cahir McCambridge, Connlaodh Mcnaughton, and Jake Laffan. During the second half, Calum Magee was brought on as a substitute.

Dunloy: Damian McMahon, Ronan Black, Joseph Doherty, Seamus McMullan, Jack McQuillan, James Mc Garry, Ollie Mc Clements, Aaron Doherty, John Ferguson, Anthony Og Cochrane, Jay McAlonan, Eanna McGuckian, Euan Molloy, PJ Molloy, and Odhran Boyle. Substitutes used during the match included Padai O’Kane and Jamie Mc Mullan.

Referee – Ray Matthews (Rossa)

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

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by thesaffrongael

Gaelcholáiste Dhoire top Group A

Danske Bank Mageean Cup Group A

Gaelcholáiste Dhoire 3-9 St Louis Ballymena 0-14

Gaelcholáiste Dhoire secured their position at the summit of Group A in the Danske Bank Mageean Cup with a hard-fought 3-9 to 0-14 victory over St Louis Ballymena at Slaughtneil this Tuesday. Capitalizing on a favorable wind in the first half, the Derry squad delivered an explosive opening performance, surging to a commanding 10-point advantage within the first 21 minutes of play. Their formidable attack was ignited early by a point from Cormac Ó Catháin, which was quickly followed by a spectacular solo goal from Kian Ó Ceallaigh just three minutes into the match. Despite retaliatory points from St Louis’s Joe Casey and Dylan O’Boyle, Gaelcholáiste maintained a relentless pace. Brógan Ó Dubhghail-Ó Cinnéide broke through for their second goal, and Ó Catháin found the back of the net for a third time in the 18th minute, stretching the lead to a daunting 3-4 to 0-3.

Facing a significant deficit, St Louis Ballymena mounted a fierce comeback anchored entirely by the sharpshooting of Joe Casey. Closing out the first half with five consecutive points—three of them from frees—Casey managed to cut the Derry side’s lead in half by the break. The Ballymena defense then tightened their ranks on the restart, completely neutralizing the Gaelcholáiste attack until Dylan Ó hÉireamhóinn finally relieved the pressure with a 38th-minute free. Casey continued his masterclass from dead balls, methodically chipping away at the lead and ultimately accumulating an impressive 12 points, 10 of which were frees. With just four minutes remaining on the clock, Casey set up O’Boyle for a crucial score that narrowed the gap to a tense two points.

Faced with immense late-game pressure, Gaelcholáiste managed to hold their nerve in the dying moments to claim the win. A critical point from Ó Dubhghail-Ó Cinnéide, gathered after the sliotar broke from an Ó hÉireamhóinn 65, gave the Derry team vital breathing room, and Ó hÉireamhóinn officially sealed the game with an injury-time free. Looking ahead, Gaelcholáiste now requires only a draw in next Wednesday’s final group stage clash against St Killian’s Garron Tower to secure a direct path to the semi-finals. Meanwhile, the competition continues in Group B this Thursday afternoon as Cross and Passion host the reigning champions, St Patrick’s Maghera, in a highly anticipated rematch of last year’s final.

Gaelcholáiste: B Ó Dubhghail-Ó Cinnéide 1-2, C Ó Catháin and K Ó Ceallaigh 1-1 each, D Ó hÉireamhóinn 0-5fs.

St Louis: J Casey 0-12, 10 fs, D O’Boyle 0-2.

Gaelcholáiste: Odhrán Ó Giolláin, Killian Ó Dubhghail-Ó Cinnéide, Conán Ó Giolláin, Ailbhe Mac Conmidhe, Oisín Mag Uiginn, Emmet Mac Íomhaire, Odhrán Ó Cléirigh, Dylan Ó Ceallaigh, Aaron Mag Uiginn, Cormac Ó Catháin, Dylan Ó hÉireamhóinn, Fionn Ó Conaire, Brógan Ó Dubhghail-Ó Cinnéide, Pádaí Mac Ainmhire, Kian Ó Ceallaigh.

Sub: Damhnaic Ó Ceallaigh for P Mac Ainmhire (50).

St Louis : Shane McGilligan, Joe Connolly, Cillian Scullion, Brian Agnew, Oisín O’Brien, Dylan McMullan, Liam McKee, Charlie Dunne, Lorcán Martin, Dylan O’Boyle, Neill Rodgers, Joe McFadden, Joe Casey, Domhnall McKay, Harry Blaney

Subs: Oisín Sisk for B Agnew and Ciarán Corr for L McKee (both ht)Rory Blaney for S McGilligan (34)

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

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