Antrim Hurling League – Division 1

Glenariffe Oisins 0-19 | Rossa 4-18

Pics by Micky Morgan

Glenariffe Oisins and visitors Rossa played out a highly entertaining, high-scoring clash in Glenariffe in their final league outing of the campaign. While the result had no bearing on the final league standings, both sides used the fixture to fine-tune their squads ahead of their respective Championship campaigns looming just a few weeks away. Ultimately, it was the visitors who laid down a serious Championship marker, pulling away in the second half with a ruthless display of goal-scoring.

The opening quarter was a tight, point-for-point affair. Oisins settled quickly with an early free from the highly accurate Alex O’Boyle and a tidy score from play by Oisin Gillan. Rossa’s response was swift, finding their rhythm through their number Aodhan O’Brien and number Eoin Trainor.

The first major turning point arrived in the 7th minute when Rossa’s Daire Murphy buried a penalty to the net. Undeterred, the home side kept the scoreboard ticking over with excellent scores from Michael O’Boyle and Patrick McIlwaine. By the time the referee called for the first water break, Rossa held the narrowest of leads at 1-3 to 0-5.

The second quarter continued in much the same vein. Eoin McFerran and Rossa’s Dominic McEnhill were lively, but Glenariffe stayed right on their heels. Alex O’Boyle was clinical from placed balls, while Canice McIntosh also split the posts to ensure Oisins went into the half-time interval trailing by just a single point, 0-10 to 1-8.

Rossa Pull Away After the Restart

If the first half was a tense battle, the second half belonged entirely to the Belfast men. Rossa emerged from the dressing room with serious attacking intent. Though Daniel Haughey and Oliver Kearney landed early points to keep Glenariffe in the hunt, Rossa’s ability to find the back of the net proved to be the decisive factor.

Rossa’s Daire Murphy grabbed his second goal of the game in the 13th minute of the half, creating a cushion that Oisins struggled to close. Despite a brilliant exhibition of striking from Alex O’Boyle—who landed several frees and a beautiful sideline cut—the visitors’ forward line was simply overwhelming.

Rossa’s Aodhan O’Brien put the game firmly to bed in the final ten minutes, firing home two rapid-fire goals in the 23rd and 29th minutes to kill off any hope of a Glenariffe comeback.

Looking Ahead to Championship

For Rossa, this was an ideal tune-up. Registering 4-18, particularly with such a devastating second-half performance, will give them massive momentum heading into the Championship.

For the Oisins, despite the final scoreline, there are plenty of positives to take. Racking up 19 points against a strong Rossa side is no small feat, and the form of Alex O’Boyle will be a major asset in their upcoming knockout fixtures. They will, however, be looking to tighten up their defensive structure to prevent the kind of goal-leaks that cost them the game today.

Rossa – Stephen Beatty 1, Niall Crossan at 2, Christopher McGuinness at 3, Ciarán Orchin at 4. Eoin Trainor 5 Declan McCartney 6 and Diarmaid Rogan 7. Corey Walsh 8 Luca McCusker 9. Liam McEnhill 10, Dáire Murphy11, Dominic McEnhill12, Aodhan O’Brien13, Joseph Mulholland 14, Deaglan Murphy 15.

Glenariffe – 1. Paul McMullan, 2. Odhran Gillan, 3. Colla Ward, 4. Donal Kearney, 5. Connor Patterson, 6. James Kearney, 7. Canice McIntosh, 8. Calum McIlwaine, 9. Patrick McIlwaine, 10. Brogan O’Connor, 11. Oliver Kearney, 12. Michael O’Boyle, 13. Alex O’Boyle, 14. Daniel Haughey, 15. Oisin Gillan

Rossa scorers – Daire Murphy 2-6 (1 pen, 0-5 frees)
Aodhan O Brien 1-3
Deaglan Murphy 1-1
Dominic McEnhill 0-2
Liam McEnhill 0-2
Eoin Trainor , Aidan Orchin, Tiarnan Murphy , Luca McCusker 0-1

Referee – Declan McGarry (Loughgiel)

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

https://myalbum.com/album/J3wMaeahaVrd7R/?invite=e1ed9002-b5c1-4d09-a988-a5e844ed1739

Antrim All-County Hurling League – Division 1

Loughgiel Shamrocks 5-27 St. John’s 1-21

Fr. Healy Park, Loughgiel

Pics by Bert Trowlen

The rivalry between Loughgiel Shamrocks and St. John’s renewed its vigour at Fr. Healy Park, carrying all the competitive edge you would expect from two sides that clashed in last year’s tightly contested Championship final. On that occasion, the Johnnies edged it in a thriller, but as both sides build up their preparations for this season’s campaign, the tempo is clearly rising once again.

Though both teams were short a few regulars, the standard of hurling on display remained exceptionally high. The match started with a furious flurry of scores from both sides. St. John’s relied heavily on the lethal accuracy of Oisín McManus, who knocked over a succession of fine scores from both placed balls and open play, alongside well-taken points from Aaron Bradley, Fearghal MacManus, and Ruáirí Galbraith.

Loughgiel, however, found answers all over the pitch. Roan McGarry, Shan McGrath, and Daniel McCloskey were clinical, while defenders Declan McCloskey and Ruairí McCormick even standard-beared long-range points from deep inside their own half. The crucial breakthrough of the opening period came in the 18th minute. A beautifully worked team move sliced through the St. John’s defense, allowing Jack McCloskey to rifle the ball into the back of the net. By the halftime whistle, Loughgiel had ground out a hard-earned four-point cushion, leading 1-15 to 0-14.

Second-Half Avalanche

After the change of ends, any thoughts of another nail-biting finish were quickly dispelled as the Shamrocks pushed home their advantage with devastating authority. While St. John’s momentarily found hope when Michael Bradley pounced on a defensive mix-up to slot home a goal, Loughgiel simply went into overdrive.

The Shamrocks hit a merciless purple patch, raining down four more goals on the St. John’s net. Cahal Hargan raised a green flag almost immediately after the Johnnies’ goal, followed shortly by a second major from the unstoppable Jack McCloskey. James McNaughton, who had been a constant livewire in the forward line, then saw his brilliant effort partially stopped by the St. John’s keeper only to force its way over the goal line.

As the fog rolled heavily across Fr. Healy Park making visibility difficult in the closing stages, Jack McCloskey capped off a masterful individual performance by completing his hat-trick with another well-worked team goal.

Points from Patrick Laverty, Ronan Fitzgerald, and Ryan McKee capped off a commanding performance from the home side. St. John’s kept fighting until the final whistle with late replies from Michael Bradley and Aaron Bradley, but the evening belonged to the Shamrocks, who ran out convincing winners on a final scoreline of 5-27 to 1-21.

LOUGHGIEL SHAMROCKS: S. McDonnell (0-1), C. Blair, C. Dickson, R. Fitzgerald (0-3), L. Glackin (0-1), C. Hargan (1-0), Conall McCloskey, D. McCloskey (0-2), Declan McCloskey (0-2), J. McCloskey (3-3), R. McCormick (0-2), E. McGarry, R. McGarry (0-3), T. McGarry, S. McGrath (0-1), R. McKee (0-2), J. McNaughton (1-1), E. Smyth, P. Laverty (0-1).

ST. JOHN’S: S. Doherty, A. Bradley (0-3), M. Bradley (1-1), O. Carleton, A. Downey, R. Galbraith (0-1), B. McFall, O. McManus (0-12), C. Morgan (0-1), R. Donnelly, S. Shannon, S. Wilson, J. Wilson, F. MacManus (0-1), L. McCallin.

Since he is no longer involved in the World Cup Cristiano Ronaldo had decided to work for the Saffron Gael for a week or two. Bert grabbed a shot of him (Cayden Laverty) during the half time break

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

https://myalbum.com/album/fG99ow4iskgKVb/?invite=a9e88e1b-c362-445e-9de5-4d96ada0cdf3

Senior Hurling League

Division One

Dunloy 2-23 Ballycastle 0-15

Sunday 28 June

Brendan McTaggart reports from Pearse Park, Dunloy

Dunloy maintained their course for the league title with a comfortable win over Ballycastle on Sunday afternoon.  A 14 point victory that saw them score two goals in the first half and their starting front six all on the scoresheet by the short whistle, the Cuchullains gave Ballycastle a torrid afternoon.  An eye opening 2-18 of Dunloy’s final tally coming from open play with Conal ‘Coby’ Cunning top of the scoring charts once again.

With a makeshift half back line keeping a lively Ballycastle attack at bay, the Dunloy goals came from Ciaran Elliott and Nicky McKeague, helping the home side to develop a lead and daylight between the sides in the first half.

In fairness, both sides were missing plenty of regulars and the Town were certainly more effected.  They did have solid performers in Conor Boyd and Eamon Elliott, the Ballycastle netminder producing a number of top saves throughout to deny the Cuchullains while Ardan Kelly and Cadhan Crawford always looked threatening in attack.  Kelly in particular with a number of runs from midfield that kept the Dunloy defence honest.

The first goal of the game came in the fourth minute with the sides tied on one point apiece.  Oisin McCallin and Seamus McAuley (free) raising white flags before Ciaran Elliott’s mahor.  Sean Og Blaney delivering a crossfield that saw Elliott steal out in front of his marker.  He was round him before the Ballycastle defence could react and made no mistake with his effort.

A brace of scores from Nigel Elliott followed before McCallin’s second point of the contest.  The young Cuchullain had more on his mind when drilling low but his effort was stopped superbly by Eamon Elliott with the sliotar deflecting over the bar.

A ’65 from McAuley gave the Town their second point of the afternoon in the ninth minute but Dunloy maintained their strong start.  Chrissy McMahon pointing before Nicky McKeague’s major in the 12 minute.  McKeague was in a world of space when he received the pass but the work rate of McMahon in the build-up to dispossess the Ballycastle defence laid the chance on a silver plate.

Coby Cunning brought the best out of Eamon Elliott shortly after as Dunloy looked to go for the jugular but they did extend their lead to double figures after the opening quarter with scored from Ciaran Elliott and Coby Cunning.

The McQuillan’s seemed to find their footing in the second quarter and outscored Dunloy for the remainder of the half.  Scores coming from Seamus McAuley, Boyd, Kelly, Crawford, Ronan McCarry and Niall McKenna while the Dunloy scores came from McMahon, Seaan Elliott, McKeague and Nigel Elliott to leave the half time score 2-10 to 0-8 in Dunloy’s favour.

Despite playing against the wind in the second half, Dunloy made a strong start to the second half.  Paudie McGilligan and Coby Cunning splitting the uprights in the first minute while Seaan Elliott tested the reflexes of Eamon Elliott between the sticks.  Coby converted the resulting ’65 and while Dunloy were well on top, their accuracy was letting them down in front of the target.

Ballycastle opened their second half account with a free from Seamus McAuley but they were denied a major with Ryan Elliott denying Neal McAuley moments later.

A run of four unanswered points from McKeague, substitute Eoin O’Neill and a brace from Cunning extended the home sides lead further before Kelly split the uprights for his second point of the game in the 47^th minute.

Seaan Elliott responded with his second white flag of the half before Niall McKenna and Ronan McCarry responded for the Town.  Seamus McAuley tested the abilities of Ryan Elliott in between the sticks with a fiercely driven 21 yard free but the Dunloy shot stopper was equal to his effort.

Dunloy continued to keep the scoreboard ticking in the final 10 minutes with Coby Cunning raising the white flag on another four occasions while Cian Baudant, Seamus McAuley and Ardan Kelly responded for the home side.

With just one match remaining in the league, the Cuchullains know that a positive result against St John’s on Wednesday evening will see the league crown returning to Pearse Park while Ballycastle’s next game isn’t until 8^th July when they host Cushendall in their final game.

TEAMS
Dunloy Starting XV: Ryan Elliott; Oran Quinn, Ryan McGarry, Sean Og Blaney; Barry Scott, Aaron Crawford, Eamon Smyth; Seaan Elliott, Paudie McGilligan; Nigel Elliott, Nicky McKeague, Chrissy McMahon; Ciaran Elliott, Conal Cunning, Oisin McCallin

• Subs: Eoin O’Neill for O McCallin (HT), Ryan Mort for S Og Blaney (44)
• Scorers: C Cunning 0-9 (4fs, 1’65), N McKeague 1-2, C Elliott 1-1, N Elliott 0-3, O McCallin 0-2, C McMahon 0-2, S Elliott 0-2, P McGilligan 0-1, E O’Neill 0-1

Ballycastle Starting XV: Eamon Elliott; Oran Kearney, Conal Colgan, Patrick McAlonan; Cian Baudant, Conor Boyd, Eoin McAlonan; Niall McClean, Ardan Kelly; Ronan McCarry, Orann Donnelly, Neal McAuley; Seamus McAuley, Niall McKenna, Cadhan Crawford

• Subs: Cormac Donnelly for P McAlonan (44), Darragh Donnelly for E McAlonan (44)
• Scorers: S McAuley 0-5 (2fs, 2’65s), A Kelly 0-3, R McCarry 0-2, N McKenna 0-2, C Crawford 0-1, C Baudant 0-1, C Boyd 0-1 (1f)

Referee: Tarlach Conway (Rasharkin)

To see more of Brendan’s photos from the game, select the link below….

https://myalbum.com/album/zC5okpi5nUHMWj/?invite=808f7ea5-572e-4722-b6b9-cb95d6d1ac1b

Antrim Hurling League Division 1

Glenariffe Oisins 2-22 (28) – 3-19 (28) Ballygalget

Glenariffe and Ballygalget battled to a pulsating, high-scoring draw in the Antrim Hurling League Division 1, with both sides walking away with a crucial point in their respective fights to stave off relegation. In a game marked by sweeping momentum changes, five goals, and a pair of red cards before the break, a final scoreline of 2-22 to 3-19 was a fitting end to a gripping contest.

The home side exploded out of the blocks in the opening exchanges. After an opening free from Ballygalget’s Fergal Gilmore, Calum McIlwaine leveled matters before Oisin Gillan rattled the net for Glenariffe with a goal from play just three minutes in. Michael O’Boyle swiftly followed up with a point to put the Oisins firmly in the driver’s seat.

Alex O’Boyle kept the scoreboard ticking over for Glenariffe with pinpoint accuracy from placed balls and open play. However, Ballygalget weathered the early storm and launched a devastating counter-assault late in the half. In a chaotic two-minute spell, the Ardsmen turned the game on its head. Tim Prenter crashed home a goal in the 21st minute, and Shea Pucci followed suit with another major just a minute later, suddenly propelling the visitors into the lead.

The intensity boiled over as the half drew to a close. Glenariffe were reduced to fourteen men in the 29th minute when Michael O’Boyle picked up a second yellow card. Ballygalget’s numerical advantage lasted barely a minute, as full-back Ciaran Watson also received his marching orders for a second bookable offense.

At the short whistle, Ballygalget held a slender one-point advantage, 2-9 to 1-1

Ballygalget came out firing upon the restart. Just one minute into the second half, Shea Pucci found the net for his second goal of the afternoon, extending the visitors’ lead and threatening to pull away. They followed up with quick points from Prenter and Jordan Doran, forcing Glenariffe to dig deep.

The Oisins, showing immense character, methodically chipped away at the deficit. Alex O’Boyle was flawless from frees, while Canice McIntosh and Brogan O’Connor registered vital points from play to keep the home side within striking distance.

The defining moment of the second half arrived in the 22nd minute when Oisin Gillan struck for his second goal of the match, an intervention that fully erased Ballygalget’s hard-earned cushion and set up a grandstand finish.

The final ten minutes were a tense, point-for-point shootout. Alex O’Boyle slotted crucial frees under pressure, while Daniel Kearney stepped up with a massive point from play in the 32nd minute to edge Glenariffe forward. Ballygalget pressed hard in the dying moments, with Daniel Toner converting crucial frees to ensure the Ardsmen didn’t leave empty-handed.

When the final whistle blew, the teams were deadlocked at 28 points apiece, a result that ensures the battle for Division 1 survival goes down to the wire.

Team Line-Outs

Glenariffe Oisins

1. Paul McMullan
2. Odhran Gillan
3. Michael Haughey
4. Donal Kearney
5. Connor Patterson
6. Daniel Kearney
7. James Kearney
8. Calum McIlwaine
9. Niall Magee
10. Canice McIntosh
11. Colla Ward
12. Brogan O’Connor
13. Michael O’Boyle
14. Alex O’Boyle
15. Oisin Gillan

Ballygalget

1. Eoin Clarke
2. Michael Toner
3. Ciaran Watson
4. Conaire Monan
5. Ben Teggart
6. Marc Fisher
7. John McManus
8. Cormac Coulter
9. Tim Prenter
10. Dara Pucci
11. Jordan Doran
12. Cathal Coulter
13. Daniel Toner
14. Shea Pucci
15. Fergal Gilmore