November 21, 2023November 21, 2023 by thesaffrongael

Tower topple St Pat’s in one sided semi-final

St Killian’s Garron Tower 6-22 St Patrick’s Maghera 1-7

St Killian’s eased their way into the final of the Mageean Cup when they brushed aside the challenge of a disappointing St Pat’s Maghera team at Quinn Park, Ballymena on Tuesday afternoon. Always noted for their battling qualities when it comes to the knock-out stages of any competition, it just wasn’t St Pat’s day as the Tower boys were in control all over the pitch.

With Joseph McLaughlin, one of the stars of Cushendall’s Ulster semi-final win over Portaferry on Sunday, carrying on where he left off, St Killian’s dominated the opening quarter, scoring seven points without reply, and it could have been more had McLaughlin not have been denied by the woodwork when a goal looked certain.

Ruairí Beggs eventually got Maghera on the scoresheet, and when a Jack McCloy 65 went all the way to the St Killian’s net you began to wonder if St Pat’s were back in the game. However St Killian’s hit back right away and soon the green flag was flying at the other end as Oran McCambride slotted home a rebound after a Joe McLaughlin shot had been well saved, and when Cormac McKeown pointed thirty second later it was clear there would be no way back for the Maghera boys.

.By half time the gap was 1-13 to 1-3 and when Oran McCambridge got in for a second goal early in the new half the only thing in question was the size of the winning margin. Ruairi Beggs pulled a couple back for St Pat’s but substitute Niall Hynds got his team’s fourth goal soon after being introduced and Oran McCambridge made it five soon afterwards as he completed his hat trick. Substitute Michael Furey came off the bench to add a sixth goal for St Killian’s who are bidding for the school’s first Mageean title since 1963.

In that final they will meet the winners of tomorrow’s (Wednesday) second semi-final between Cross & Passion Ballycastle and St Mary’s Belfast which throws in at Dunsilly at 4pm.

St Killian’s: O McCambridge 3-1, M Furey 2-0, N Hynds 1-0, O O’Connor 0-9, 3 frees, J McLaughlin 0-4, C McKeown 0-2, P McDonnell 0-2, C Mooney 0-2, C McAuley 0-1, E Ward 0-1.

St Patrick’s J McCloy 1-1, 1-0 free, R Biggs 0-4 frees, F Turner 0-1, C Gaile 0-1.

St Killian’s: Thomas McLaughlin, Colla Ward, Cailin Devlin, John Scullion, Cathan Graham, Charlie McAuley, Niall Magee, Calum McIlwaine, Callagh Mooney, Orrin O’Connor, Austin Birt, Cormac McKeown, Peadar McDonnell, Oran McCambridge, Joseph McLaughlin

Subs : Niall Hynds for P McDonnell (39), Eamonn Ward for C Graham (44), Michael Furey for J McLaughlin (48), Fintan McKillop for O McCambridge (44), James Kearney for J Scullion (44)

St Patrick’s Maghera: Danny Gallagher, Lorcan Collins, Martin McKenna, Kevin Barry Mullan, Jack McCloy, Ryan McGarvey, Odhrán McElhinney, Senan Lockhart, PJ O’Kane, Barney Bradley, Conor Gaile, Sean Boyd, Gavin McIvor, Turlough McHugh, Fionn McEldowney

Subs: Antaine Donnelly for O McElhinney (37), Pádraig O’Kane for G McIvor (37), Charlie Friel for L Collins (44), Fiachra Turner for J McCloy (44), Johnny Mullan for B Bradley (54).

Referee: Paddy Tumelty (Lamh Dhearg)

November 21, 2023November 21, 2023 by thesaffrongael

O’Donovan Rossa juvenile awards night

On Friday, November 17th, the Devenish Complex in Belfast played host to a joyous celebration of club GAA, not the all stars, rather the O’Donovan Rossa Juvenile community. In a heartening event, the first juvenile celebration evening since the challenges of Covid brought together approximately 250 kids, parents, and friends. This gathering served as a tribute to the dedication of volunteer coaches, the passion of young players, and the often-overlooked contributions of parents. The focus of the night was to acknowledge the effort and growth of young players ranging from U11 to U16, encompassing both boys and girls across all codes. Emphasising long-term development, the speakers highlighted the importance of teamwork while recognising players who embodied the values of dedication and individual performance. The presentation of awards featured senior players and friends of Rossa, including multi-World Champion handball legend Fiona Shannon, who paid a special tribute to the highly successful handball squad. For the girls’ teams, Jane Adams, Sarah Armstrong, Mo Quinn, Bronagh Orchin, Bronagh Rogan, and Caragh Shannon added a special touch to the evening. All-Star Camoge and Rossa Legend, Jane Adams, took a moment to honor her own hero, Maggie Armstrong, who played a pivotal role in Jane’s career and continues to support Rossa camoges. Supporting the boys were a distinguished lineup of Rossa and Antrim talent, with Stephen Beatty, Gerard Walsh, Cormac McGettigan, and Dominic McEnhill presenting prizes to the U11 to U15 teams. With a special mention for our u15 footballers who made great strides this year. The event was a resounding success, and the Rossa Juvenile committee extends gratitude to all sponsors for their invaluable contributions to making this celebration possible.

November 20, 2023November 20, 2023 by thesaffrongael

Carey Faughs celebrate 120 years of hurling

Carey Faughs celebrated the club’s 120th year at their annual awards dinner in Carey Hall on Saturday evening where their special guests included four of the five surviving members of the team who reached the 1959 and 1961 senior championship finals. Also in attendance were memers of Glenarm Shane O’Neill’s, a club who are also in the 120th year, plus members of the North Antrim committee, chairman Martin Magee and PRO Darrach O’Mullan. Carey PP Fr Con Boyle was also in attendance and said Grace before the start of the meal.

The greatest hurling trophy ever, the Shield of the Heroes, played for at the 1904 Feis na nGleann between Carey and Glenarm, was on display at the Faughs dinner.

Members of the Carey team who reached the Antrim Senior Hurling Championship final in 1959 and 1961 were guests at the club’s 120th anniversary awards dinner in Carey Hall. Seen here with North Antrim chairman Martin Magee are L-R, Gerard Butler, Fr Bobby Butler, Jimmy McVeigh and Sean O’Rawe. Missing from the night was the other surviving member of the team Alex McVeigh.

Carey club chairam Sean McBride (right) with special guests North Antrim chairman Martin Magee, Carey PP Fr Con Boyle and North Antrim PRO Darrach O’Mullan at the Carey Fauhs awards dinner

Brendan Ward, who was part of a group of Glenarm club members who attended the dinnenr as speical guest, makes a presentation on behalf of Glenarm Shane O’Neill’s to mark the Carey Faughs 120th anniversary

Juvenile Hurler of the Year James McNeill received the Danny McKinley Memorial Trophy from Danny’s sons Eoin and Conleth McKinley (left).

Senior Hurler of the Year Conleth McKinley received his award from team manager Michael Heggarty

James Black received the Players Player of the Year award from Sean Gillan at the Carey dinner

Club chairman Sean McBride made presentations to the Senior team management in appreciations of their efforts over the past year. L-R, Sean Gillan, Michael Heggarty, Darren McVeigh and Paddy McIlroy.

Club secretary Máirín McVeigh presents a bouquet of flowers to Sinead McGivern who did the catering for the Carey dinner

November 20, 2023November 21, 2023 by thesaffrongael

The Maestro McManus digs the ‘Dall out of a hole before McLaughlin adds the gloss to a remarkable game

Ulster Club Senior Hurling Championship semi-final:

Cushendall (Antrim) 4-28 Portaferry (Down) 3-19

Neill McManus has played many starring roles for his home club Cushendall over the years but Sunday’s showing in Armagh Athletics Grounds must surely top them all. Despite scoring eleven points with almost sixty minutes gone his side trailed Down champions Portaferry by four with time almost up. He cut the gap to three with a well taken point but his teams cause still seemed hopeless as Portaferry, who had dominated the second half showed no signs of easing their grip on the game. The four minutes of time which had been signalled by the match referee were almost up when the Ruairis gave it one last go. After a real battle for possession around the Portaferry penalty area McManus won possession and the panic that ensued a Portaferry defender dragged him down, and match referee Tarlach Conway awarded a free just outside the twenty metre line and suddenly the chance was there to save the day.

The Down champions lined the goals to face up to the free but the Cushendall captain drilled the ball low off the ground and the sliothar came off the inside of the post for the score that brought the game to extra time.

Suddenly it was game on again as the sides lined up for 10 minutes each way extra time, and when Portaferry got the first two scores they must have felt they were gaining the upper hand again. However the game was turned on its head once again when teenage corner forward Joseph McLaughlin, who had returned to the fray after being substituted near the end of normal time, suddenly took control of the game. The St Killian’s College student cut in from the left of the town end goal and fired a low angled shot past Portaferry goalkeeper Pearse Smith to give his team back the lead they would not relinquish.

McLaughlin, who had been awarded the Young Hurler of the Year at the Devenish Antrim Club All Stars evening in Belfast two nights earlier, was suddenly ‘in the zone’, and added a further 1-1 before the extra time interval to give his team a four point lead. He was then involved in a brilliant length of the field move which ended with Alex Delargy grabbing his team’s third goal and McLaughlin added goal number four before time was up to end an incredible game.

You had to feel for the Down champions at the end. For long periods of normal time they held the upper hand, though it has to be said their cause was aided by a couple of almighty defensive blunders which yielded two goals. They had some outstanding performers, none better than centre back Caolan Taggart and substitute Niall Fitzsimmons who was magnificent in the second half of normal time.

As time ticked away it looked odds on that they were going to repeat their 2014 Ulster final victory over the Ruairis, but McManus was there to snatch victory from their grasp.

Cushendall appeared to be in a good position at the end of the first half in normal time when they went in just level, after playing ‘up the slope’ in a competitive opening half. The Antrim champions soon levelled and were three points to the good when the first of two defensive blunders turned the game on its head.

Portaferry were now the dominant team and they played some great hurling to move five clear at a stage. The gap was down to four as extra time approached and it would have taken a brave man to predict a Cushendall win, but McManus kept his team in touch before delivering the killer blow in injury time to save the day.

When the teams re-emerged McLaughlin was back in the fold, a brave call by Cushendall manager Brian Delargy, but it proved a master stroke. The skilful corner forward suddenly found his form and the help of the maestro McManus he steered the Ruairis to a twelve point win

Ruairí Óg: N McManus 1-14, 1-6 frees, J McLaughlin 2-5, A Delargy 1-0, F McCambridge 0-2, E McQuillan 0-2, Scott Walsh 0-1, P Burke 0-1, E Campbell 0-1, F McCurry 0-1, R McAteer 0-1.

Portaferry: N Milligan 2-0, E Sands 1-2, D Sands 0-4, T McGrattan 0-5, 4 frees, P Doran 0-3 frees, F Turpin 0-2, C Taggart 0-1, N Fitzsimons 0-1, M Conlon 0-1

Ruairí Óg: C McAlister, P Burke, l Gillan, M Burke, Scott Walsh, E Campbell, A McNaughton, F McCurry, R McCambridge, R McAteer, N McManus capt., F McCambridge, A Delargy, S McAfee, J McLaughlin.

Subs: E McQuillan for R McAteer (45), C McNaughton for S McAfee (53), R McCollum for A McNaughton (53), P McGill for F McCurry (58), Stephen Walsh for E Campbell (76), R McCambridge for Scott Walsh (77), F McCurry for N McManus (78)

Portaferry: P Smyth, D Mallon, T Murray, R Smyth, B Trainor, C Taggart, C Savage, M Conlon capt, S Conlon, P Doran, F Turpin, E Sands, T McGratan, N Milligan, D Sands.

Subs: N Fitzsimons for P Doran (36), C Fay for S Conlon (57), C O’Prey for E Sands (58), E Sands for M Conlon (69), C O’Neill for E Sands (71), D Mallon for C Savage (75),

November 18, 2023November 19, 2023 by thesaffrongael

Creggan fall to slick Carrickmore

Ulster Intermediate Hurling Club semi-final

Kickham’s Creggan 1-15 Eire Og Carrickmore 4-11

Antrim champions, Kickham’s, Creggan made their exit from the Ulster Club Intermediate Hurling Championship when they fell to a slick Eire Og, Carrickmore at a windy Owenbeg on Saturday.

The Antrim champions won the toss and elected to play into the strong breeze in the first half and it is a decision they will possibly rue as the Tyrone side struck with four first half goals to lead 4-7 to 1-8 at the interval.

**Sean Og Grogan (14) scores his and Carrickmore’s second goal of the game**

It has to be said that at least two of them were of their own making but they never recovered from the Eire Og first half onslaught despite performing better in the second half.

Conor McCann pointed the Kickham’s into an early lead as he sent over in the second minute but it would be the only time they would be ahead as Carrickmore replied with a point from Oisin Daly before Sean Og Grogan struck with the game’s opening goal in the third minute.

Grogan had acres of space as he received the sliotar to the left of goal and he drilled his shot into the right hand corner of Cormac Rice’s goal to give his side a lead they would never lose.

McCann replied from a 5^th minute free but Carrickmore were winning a lot of dirty ball and pressurising the Creggan defence who were continuously being turned over.

**Kevin Rice fires home Creggan’s goal to briefly raise his side’s hopes**

Conn Sweeney and Ruairi Slane added points before Sean Og Groggan added his second goal of the game in the 8^th minute after robbing Aidan McKeown as he attempted to make a clearance.

Conor McCann replied with a point for the Kickham’s but their attack were being forced to feed on crumbs as the Carrickmore work rate continued to knock them out of their stride.

The Antrim champions appeared to be gathering some traction when Conor McCann pointed a 17^th minute free and Kevin Rice sent a sideline cut between the uprights before McCann and Rice combined for the later to fire past Conor McElhatton from close range in the 19^th minute.

Rice’s goal left just two between the sides but before the Creggan cheers could die down Carrickmore replied with their third goal from Justin Kelly and again the Creggan defence were nowhere to be seen.

McCann replied with his sixth of the evening from a 60 meter free but Eire Og were growing in confidence and playing some great hurling as Conn Sweeney and Dermot Begley from a free moved them five ahead by the 23d minute.

**Creggan mid-fielder, Sean Duffin delivers the ball to his attack**

The Tyrone side continued to press and added their fourth goal of the evening when a long range effort from Conn Sweeney dropped into the corner of the Creggan net.

By half time they led 4-7 to 1-8 with Conor McCann and Oran McCann adding late Creggan points but with the wind in their favour after the break they would have harboured hopes of a comeback.

It never looked like materialising and indeed it was Carrickmore who struck the first two points of the second half through Bryan McGurk and the superb Dermot Begley.

Conor McCann from a 20 meter free and Kevin Rice from his second sideline cut of the evening cut the gap to nine by the 13^th minute and two more from the Creggan number 14 and another from substitute Tiarnan McLarnon had it back to six but even at this stage the Kickham’s needed a goal and it never looked like materialising.

Indeed it was Carrickmore who had the ball in the net when Aidan Kelly finished a Sean Og Grogan cross home but the score was ruled out for ‘square ball’,

Creggan pressed to the end but a couple of points from Liam McCann and a Ruairi McCann ‘65’ was all they could manage and it’s Eire Og Carrickmore who go through to the final where they will meet Satanta of Derry, who defeated Middletown in the other semi-final.

Creggan: Cormac Rice, Aiden Maguire, Aidan McKeown, Jake McAteer, Sam Maguire, Kealan McCann, Liam McCann, Sean Duffin, Ruairi McCann, Morgan Nelson, Kevin Rice, Oran Mccann, Thomas McCann, Conor McCann, Diarmuid Mulholland. Subs Used: Ethan Carey-Small, Tiarnan McAteer.

Carrickmore: Conor McElhatton, Michael Kelly, Oran McKee, Dean Rafferty, Jonathan Muroe, Dermot Begley, Anthony Crossan, Bryan McGurk, Ruairi Slane, Conor Grogan, Justin Kelly, Con Sweeney, Cormac Munroe, Sean Og Grogan, Seamus Sweeney.

Subs Used: Aidan Kelly, Tony Hughes, Enda Grimes

Referee: James Connors (Donegal)