March 19, 2023March 19, 2023 by thesaffrongael

Razor sharp Tipp put Antrim to the sword

National Hurling League Division 1B

Antrim 2-16 Tipperary 4-28

Antrim were put to the sword by a razor sharp Tipperary side at Corrigan Park on Sunday as the Premier County maintained their 100% record, and in doing so qualified for a semi-final meeting with All Ireland champions Limerick next weekend.

Fourteen points down at the break (3-13 to 0-8) Antrim made a better fist of it after the break and had a really good spell when they grabbed two goals through Nigel Elliott and Rian ‘Bubbles’ McMullan, but the Munster men always had the situation in hand and regained their composure to pull away again to win by eighteen points.

Antrim took an early lead with a Seaan Elliott point, but Tipp soon moved up through the gears and when Mark Kehoe grabbed their first goal in the fourth minute the gap began to widen. The points flowed from a potent attacking force and Antrim were left chasing shadows at times and good work between Sean Ryan and his fellow corner forward Conor Bowe, say Bowe crashed home goal number two. Antrim were not helping their cause with some wayward shooting and ten wides in the opening half alone tells its own tale. Tipp on the other had were very economical with the chances they had and a Pauric Campion’s goal just before the break game his team a 3-13 to 0-8 at the interval.

The second half saw a much improved Antrim side take the field and though they were never going to close the yawning gap a flurry of early scores gave the home side something to shout about. Good work by Domhnal Nugent sent the ever dangerous Nigel Elliott clear on the right and the Dunloy man fired an angled shot to the Tipperary net.

Two minutes later full forward Conal Cumming won possession close to goal and fed the ball out to Rian McMullan who raised his team’s second green flag inside five minutes. There was also a series of well taken points from replacements Scott Walsh, Seamus McAuley and Paul Boyle, but the visitors were always able to final a reply. Their fourth goal came from the impressive Sean Ryan who beat the luckless Ryan Elliott with a fine strike from thirty metres to wrap up an emphatic win.

Antrim: Ryan Elliott; Paddy Burke, Ryan McGarry, Phelim Duffin; Gerard Walsh, Eoghan Campbell, Niall O’Connor; Michael Bradley (0-03), James McNaughton; Nigel Elliott (1-02), Keelan Molloy, Domhnall Nugent; Conal Cunning (0-05, 3 frees, 1 65), Rian McMullan (1-01), Seaan Elliott (0-01)

Subs: Scott Walsh (0-01) for Niall O’Connor (HT), Paul Boyle (0-02) for Seaan Elliott (HT), Caolan McKernan for James McNaughton (52), Seamus McAuley (0-01) for Nigel Elliott (55), Rory McCloskey for Gerard Walsh (65)

Tipperary: Rhys Shelly; Eoghan Connolly, Michael Breen, Bryan O’Meara; Enda Heffernan (0-03), Ronan Maher, Pauric Campion (1-00); Joe Fogarty (0-02), Alan Tynan (0-02); Kian O’Kelly, Mark Kehoe (1-00), Gearoid O’Connor (0-09, 7 frees, 1 65); Conor Bowe (1-00), John McGrath (0-07, 1 fee), Sean Ryan (1-03).

Subs: John Campion (0-01) for Ronan Maher (26), Johnny Ryan (0-01) for Bryan O’Meara (HT), Paddy Creedon for Kian O’Kelly (49), Dan McCormick for Alan Tynan (53), Cian O’Dwyer for Gearóid O’Connor (64)

Referee: Paud O’Dwyer (Carlow)

tipperary full forward John McGrath shakes hand with Antrim manager Darren Gleeson after the game

March 16, 2023March 16, 2023 by thesaffrongael

Strong first half sets the Tower up for the win

Danske Bank Gallagher Cup Hurling

St Killian’s 6-7 St Pat’s Maghera 4-9

A strong first half performance sets at Killian’s Garron Tower up for a win over St. Pats Maghera in Tuesday’s Gallagher Cup match at Allen Park, Antrim. Three goals from full forward Cahir McCambridge and one from Shane McQuillan gave the north Antrim boys a healthy lead and they went into the break in a starong position, leading by 4-4 to 0-5.

The second half with a different game however as St. Pats came out fighting. A goal and a point within 60 seconds of the restart from PJ Glover got the Maghera school back into the game, and when they added another 1-1 through Fionn Charlton five minutes later the gap was down to just 3. The Tower boys rallied and another goal by McCambridge was followed by one from Connlaoth McNaughton steadied the ship. However St Pat’s were always threatening and they added a further two goals through St Killian’s did well to end up winning by Joe Conway and Owen O,’Neil to trail at the last by just four points.

Overall there were good performances from Cahir McCambridge, Shane McQuillan and Connor’s McNaughton in the forwards, with Dillon McNaughton working hard at midfield. Paddy Morgan, Kieran Graham and Brian McNeill were very good in defence.

March 14, 2023March 14, 2023 by thesaffrongael

Cross and Passion clinch Forester’s Cup after classic final

Danske Bank Forester’s Cup Final

Our Lady and St Patrick’s Knock 3-07-3-09 Cross and Passion College

Kevin Herron reports from the Dub

A 39^th minute goal from Roan McGarry ensured that Cross and Passion lead for the third and final time of an epic Forrester’s Cup Final as the Ballycastle outfit ran out 3-09-3-07 winners over Our Lady and St Patrick’s Knock in the final at the Dub on Tuesday afternoon.

***Knock full-back Owen O’Neill breaks his hurl as he tries to block down a shot by CPC’s Roan McGarry***

Cross and Passion began as favourites but Knock, competing in their first ever ‘A’ hurling final- didn’t read the script and lead at the break thanks to a quickfire double from Ben Teggart and Frank Kane.

The County Down men recovered from a slow start to the second period to regain the lead through points from Liam Blaney and Ben Teggart.

McGarry’s strike proved pivotal, and his side hung on despite Kane slicing the deficit with a goal 12 minutes from time that provided a grandstand finish to a breath-taking encounter.

Knock started brightly and opened their account when Sean McCollum picked out Tomas O’Brien and he found Liam Blaney on the offload to point.

Caedan Crawford hit back at the other end and Cross and Passion drew the first major blow with a 6^th minute goal.

Aidan Richmond flicked a pass into the path of Crawford and he in turn found Roan McGarry to guide a shot past Mark Guest and give the Ballycastle side a 1-01-0-01 lead.

***CPC’s Caedan Crawford picks off a point eary in the game.***

Further points followed with Conor Donnelly conjuring a fantastic point from range and Ronan Fitzgerald converting a free.

With ten minutes to the break, Knock came roaring back. A foul on Frank Kane saw the East Belfast outfit awarded a free and Ben Teggart opted to go low and blasted to the net to make it 1-03-1-01.

A role reversal two minutes later saw Teggart drop a long range free into the danger zone and Kane swung a low shot to the net to edge his side back in front.

Back-to-back points from Liam Blaney saw Knock open up a three-point advantage and the sides would trade further scores before the break.

Roan McGarry converted a free and Teggart then replied through a 65’ as Knock were 2-04-1-04 ahead at the midway stage of the decider.

Cross and Passion reduced arrears through a Liam Glackin angled point early in the second period and then got themselves back in front.

**Knock’s Ben Teggart who had a great game at centre back.**

Conor Donnelly burst through the Knock defence and picked his spot in the net to make it 2-05-2-04.

Parity was restored when Ben Teggart’s free dropped short and Liam Blaney fired high between the posts for his fourth of the afternoon.

Teggart added to his first half strike with a point from a further placed ball to ensure his side were ahead for the third time in proceedings.

The pendulum would swing back into Cross and Passions favour on 39 minutes. Conor Donnelly tried to drive into a shooting position but fumbled and the ball was worked into the path of Roan McGarry to flick home and give his side a 3-05-2-06 lead.

Three unanswered points had given the Ballycastle outfit some temporary breathing space. Ronan Fitzgerald picked off an angled point, McGarry converted a free when Conor Donnelly was felled, and Donnelly would add the last of the three in succession.

Knock were in need of a score to try and turn the tide and on 48 minutes they found their third goal of the afternoon when Frank Kane gathered, and his shot spun past Ruairi McShane and into the top left-hand corner of the net to make it 3-08-3-06 and ensure it was game on once again.

***Knock’s Frank Kane places his shot just inside the the CPC post to bring his team right back into the game***

A converted Teggart free left the bare minimum between the sides and Knock thought they had managed to claw themselves back level with a Liam Blaney effort that was very close.

The umpire had originally signalled for a point, although after further consultation with referee Brendan Toland- the man in the middle signalled that Blaney’s effort had drifted an inch wide of the post.

Roan McGarry nudged his side a further point clear from his third converted free of the contest.

Two-points remained the difference going into added time, Cross and Passion couldn’t muster a further score that would have left Knock needing a goal to force extra-time.

The East Belfast side would in fact have the chance to steal victory from the jaws of defeat when the ball was worked into the path of Liam Blaney to bare down on goal. However, Cross and Passion goalkeeper Ruairi McShane made himself big and bravely blocked the subsequent effort.

They were able to clear their lines in time for referee Toland to bring an epic final to its conclusion with contrasting emotions from both sets of players – unbridled joy for Cross and Passion and devastation for the Knock players, who were immense to a man for the 60+ minutes.

Our Lady’s and St Patrick’s Knock: M Guest, M Gilmore, O O’Neill, T McCusker, S McCollum, B Teggart (1-03, 1-02f, 0-01 65’), J Dynes, L Doran, C Boyle, R Donnelly, L Blaney (0-04), S O’Connell, T O’Brien, F Kane (2-00), J McKay.

Cross and Passion: R McShane, C McMullan, C Baudant, A McGarry, C Cane, L Glackin (0-01), A Kelly, R Fitzgerald (0-02, 0-01f), C Donnelly (1-02), D Donnelly, O Connolly, A Richmond, R McGarry (2-03, 0-03f), C Crawford (0-01). Subs: L Magee for C McMullan (35), C Johnston for A Richmond (41), O McCallin for C Crawford (59).

Referee: Brendan Toland (Lámh Dhearg)

March 13, 2023March 13, 2023 by thesaffrongael

Antrim stars shine at the Gaelic Life awards night

It was a great night for Antrm GAA at Friday’s Gaelic Life awards night in Monaghan’s Hillgrove Hotel.

The annual Gaelic Life All Stars Gala, now in its 12^th year, marked a night of celebration for club players – senior, intermediate and junior – across Ulster in all four codes – hurling, camogie, men’s and ladies football and it turned out to be a great night for the Antrim Gaels who scooped a host of awards

Dunloy goalkeeper Ryan Elliott was named as Ulster hurler of the year at the Gaelic Life All-Star awards on Friday night in the Hillgrove Hotel Monaghan. Pictured are Ciaran McLaughlin (Ulster GAA President), Sean McIntosh (Gaelic Life) and Clodagh McManus of McKeever Sport)

Centre – Ladies Footballer of the Year Orlaith Prenter from Moneyglass receive her award.

Right – Camogie Player of the Year Roisin McCormick is presented with the Camogie Club Player of the Year Award

Players on the four respective All-Star teams of the year were presented with their awards with former Antrim camogie star Jane Adams inducted into the Hall of Fame.

***Rossa legend Jane Adams receives the Hall of Fame award***

Dunloy’s Ryan Elliott won the Hurler of the Year, Glen Maghera’s Ryan Dougan was named as footballer of the year, Loughgiel’s Róisín McCormick announced as Camogie Player of the Year while the Ladies Footballer of the Year award went to Orlaith Prenter.

Dunloy jurling manager Gregory O’Kane and Loughgiel’s Camogie manager Benny Dillon made it a north Antrim double, though Benny was not able to attend.

Four Masters of Donegal picked up the Club of the Year award after a clean sweep of underage titles in the county.

On top of that there was a host of Antrim players who won individual All Star awards on the various teams. This event just keeps getting better and better, but Friday past must surely be the best ever for all Antrim followers. Many thanks to Gaelic Life for letting us share these great photos.

Hurling manager of the Year Gregory O’Kane receives his award while looking on is Galic Life’s ‘Mal’ McMullan (right)

Loughgiel’s Amy Boyle and Lucia McNaughton who won Camogie All Stars

Cathy Carey (right) of Moneyglass was selected on the LGFA All Star team

Niamh McIntosh (centre) of Moneyglass who was selected at corner back on the LGFA All Stars team

Dunloy’s Phelim Duffin (2nd from right) who was selected on Hurling All Stars team

Loughgiel’s Caitrin Dobbin and Rosin McCormick with Clonduff’s Sarah Louise Carr who made up the full forward line on the All Stars Camogie team

The All Star half back line of Bridini Oga’s Laoise McKenna, Loughgiel’s Shauna Doran and Katie Doran of Clonduff

***Camogie Manager of the Year Benny Dillon (left), with Clonduff duoe Alastair McGilligan and Kieran McGourty and Bridini Oga’s Rodney Kerr***

March 12, 2023March 12, 2023 by thesaffrongael

Super Saffrons See Off Laois

Allianz Hurling League – Division 1b

Antrim 3-18 Laois 1-18

Sunday 12 March

Brendan McTaggart reports from Corrigan Park, Belfast

***Mick Bradley who played superbly when moved to centre back***

And breathe!

Antrim came out of a barnstorming second half against Laois on Sunday afternoon to defeat the O’Moore County and secure their Division One status for 2024. Six points between the sides at the end of a pulsating 70 minutes but the scoreline and performance mattered little on the day. This was a game that needed winning and the Saffrons stood up to be counted. A second half performance that saw them hold Laois to just four points while they played with intensity, power, guile when it was needed and a determination to get the job done.

Darren Gleeson’s men had leaders all over the pitch. Michael Bradley moving to centre half after the opening 20 minutes and played out of his skin while Ryan McGarry dealt with anything Laois could bring his way. People will look at Conal Cunning’s final tally of 1-10 and say he had a good game. Those who watched the match will see his performance and say he was outstanding. Dropping deeper, breaking lines, picking passes, Coby led Laois a merry dance along with man of the match Nigel Elliott. Starting for the first time in an Antrim shirt since 2019, Elliott was outstanding. Firing Antrim’s opening goal in the fourth minute, looking like he may have to come off soon after with a dead leg but he put in a performance for the ages. Laois couldn’t live with him with his pace, power and work rate immense.

***Neil McManus’ goal just before half time set Antrim up well for the second half***

It wasn’t all sunshine and daisies for Antrim on Sunday however. They needed a goal in first half injury time to haul themselves back into this game after a first half played largely on Laois’ terms. They played with the elements and with Enda Rowland’s restarts landing between the 21 and 45 yard line, they were causing the Antrim defence plenty of trouble. Aaron Dunphy and Tomas Keyes lively on the breaks while Antrim seemed to be shot-shy at the other end. While they were playing against the wind, they probably took too much out of the ball. Goal chances did come and go but when taking a score was the easy option, they looked for a pass to carve open a Laois defence that were swarming them at every opportunity.

With Elliott and McManus’ goals leaving just two between the sides at half time, Antrim regrouped. The second half performance was everything Gleeson would have wanted, scoring three points in injury time to give the scoreboard a little more of a healthier outlook but one the Antrim performance deserved.

The changes made throughout the game were pivotal. Playing Gerard Walsh at six was quickly changed with Michael Bradley returning to centre half where he played so well after Eohan Campbell’s dismissal against Waterford. Neil McManus moved to the edge of the square with James McNaughton roaming out to the middle third. McNaughton’s speed was causing Laois plenty of problems but the physicality McManus brought on the edge of the square meant the ball would stick and the Antrim forwards thrived off it.

***Conal Coby Cunnning who gave another fine display in today’s win over Laois,***

The power and pace of Elliott, Niall McKenna and Keelan Molloy at rucks allowed the Saffrons to turn the screw in attack.

They were back ahead by the 46^th minute, Cunning (free), Joe Maskey and McManus finding their range but if the second Antrim goal revived their challenge, the third put them in control. A sideline ‘cut’ from Gerard Walsh was broke in the air by Maskey and Nigel Elliott gathered the sliotar. Cunning ran off his shoulder, collected the pass and made no mistake with a cracking finish. Counting the last scores of the first half, it meant Antrim hit 2-5 in 18 minutes to just one point from Laois in the same period of time. Game defining, league defining.

**Joe Maskey in action during Antrim’s win over Laois**

Laois looked to their bench to try and get back into the game with Willie Dunphy, Stephen Bergin and James Duggan all introduced into the attack but Antrim never looked like letting this one go. They managed the game in those closing stages, keeping a three or four point lead while Laois rarely looked like threatening Ryan Elliott’s goals. The one chance they did have, a 25 yard free from ‘keeper Rowland but Stephen Rooney was on hand to ensure the Antrim nerves were calmed in the closing stages.

Eoin O’Neill scored a customary classy point when introduced, leaving the Corrigan Park patrons in the stand purring as the sliotar sailed between the uprights while Laois were reduced to 14 men late in the game. Substitute Gearoid Lynch seeing red for a dangerous challenge on Bradley when tempers threatened to boil over.

“I’ve been up here now what feels like a lifetime and it’s the first time we can properly prepare for the Championship”, the words from a relieved Darren Gleeson at the end. Job done for the Saffrons who entertain Tipperary next Sunday with an eye on the Leinster Championship, league points on the board and top table status secured once more.

TEAMS

Antrim: Ryan Elliott; Paddy Burke, Ryan McGarry, Stephen Rooney; Joe Maskey, Gerard Walsh, Niall O’Connor; Michael Bradley, James McNaughton; Keelan Molloy, Niall McKenna, Nigel Elliott; Conal Cunning, Neil McManus, Conor Johnston

Subs: Seaan Elliott for C Johnston (35); Domhnall Nugent for N McKenna (63); Scott Walsh for N O’Connor (63); Paul Boyle for J Maskey (67); Eoin O’Neill for N Elliott (inj)

Scorers: C Cunninh 1-10 (9fs 1’65); N McManus 1-1; N Elliott 1-00; N McKenna 0-2; K Molloy 0-2; J Maskey 0-1; P Burke 0-1; E O’Neill 0-1

Laois: Enda Rowland; Ian Shanahan, Liam O’Connell, Donnchadh Hartnett; Padraig Delaney, Patrick Purcell, Fiachra Fennelly; Jack Kelly, Aidan Corby; Stephen Maher, Ryan Mullaney, James Keyes; Tomas Keyes, Martin Phelan, Aaron Dunphy

Subs: Willie Dunphy for M Phelan (42); James Duggan for R Mullaney (51); Gearoid Lynch for A Corby (58); Stephen Bergin for J Keyes (62)

Scorers: S Maher 0-7 (6fs); A Dunphy 1-4; T Keyes 0-2; J Kelly 0-2; R Mullaney 0-1; J Keyes 0-1; M Phelan 0-1

Referee: Patrick Murphy (Carlow)