Do you have a story to tell about Casement Park? If so Fionnuala Murphy would like to hear from you! The well know LGFA referee is writing a book about the stadium and would like you to share your thoughts and memories of the great old stadium which opened 70 years ago.
Fionnuala told the Saffron Gael
“I graduated from QUB with a history degree and due to personal circumstances could not become a history teacher, my ultimate goal – history is how we come to be! Instead I used my qualifications for my career, not my refereeing career.
The first floodlit game in Casement in March 2007 when Antrim hurlers played Dublin
In recent years, I began to write a book, a story on the history of Páirc Mhic Asmaint. This book is not just about our codes, it is also based on the social and cultural aspect that this ground has on every single Gael in Antrim and further afield. Páirc Mhic Asmaint is 70 years old in June 2023 and I would love to hear from anyone that has a story, a memory – any reminiscences if you attended the opening day, played games, indeed played on the road during the occupation, went to school under the stand, were or are a member of the social club, attended any social events and parades etc
As this story is about every single one of us, I would love to hear from you – please email me at fionnuala.murphy@btinternet.com”
DESSIE O’NEILL, arguably one of Antrim and Ulster hurling’s greatest goalkeepers, has sadly passed away, he was 89.
A remarkable natural hurling talent he spent four years in the Antrim minor hurling team – and from 1951 until 1960 wore the number one jersey for the Saffrons.
O’Neill, a civil servant based for a time at Portadown, retired to Ballymena before recently returning to his family members in Belfast. He became a proficient golfer at Royal Protrush and took a proud interest in son Michael’s career as a professional soccer player and Northern Ireland team manager.
Born in October 1933, he once recalled the happiest occasion of his burgeoning hurling career happened when at primary school.
“That was on Sunday June 16, 1946, when I was picked as a 12 year old to be goalkeeper for the Belfast Schools team in an inter-city match at the Corrigan Park Carnival Week. For the first time, Belfast won (3-1 to 2-0) and then presented with gold medals by the legendary Fr Flanagan of Boys Town, USA. He was the Guest of Honour that year for the games at Corrigan. Our team included Pat ‘Battler’ Mullaney. Pat Gallagher, Brendan and Gerry Barry.”
O’Neill progressed to the Antrim Under-18 team, once playing a losing battle with Tipperary in the All-Ireland minor hurling semi-final at Croke Park.
Also in that 1949 team were cracking caman prospects – Robbie Elliott, Seamus Gallagher, Dermie Donnelly and Johnny Coyle.
Back row, L-R, Liam Harvey, Jimmy Roe, Tommy McMahon, Eamon McGarry, Willie Corville, Seamus Gallagher, Pat Mulanney, Eugene McMullan, Arthur Forsythe, Bobby McMullan, Vincent Kerr, John Kearns, Brendan Elliott, Austin Wright, Robbie Elliott, Frank McCarry, Al McMurray. Front L-R, Kevin Armstong, Pat McMahon, Geordie Walsh, Liam McGarry, Eugene Gallagher, Seamus McDonald, Seamus Wright, Dessie O’Neill, Sam Giles, Joe Gibson, Oliver Campbell, Jimmy McVeigh
Dessie is just to the right of the centre of the front row, the player who appears to be wearing a wristwatch
Dessie also featured in both hurling and football teams for his beloved St Gall’s, once reaching the Antrim SHC semi-final but eliminated after a rowdy game against Loughguile at Corrigan Park. O’Neill then was merely 16 years old.
In 1951, when 17, he was named in the Antrim senior hurling team, fronted by seasoned players like Billy Feeney, James McGarry, Barney McNally, Danny Kelly,the iconic Kevin Armstrong, Des Cormican, Robbie Elliott and Donough Forde.
He made his Railway Cup hurling debut with Ulster in 1952, alongside the likes of Colm Lynn, Jimmy Woods, Kevin Armstrong, Billy Feeney and Des Cormican.
O’Neill, always a fiercely competitive player, helped Antrin win the NHL Division Two title in 1956 and the All-Ireland Home JHC in 1959.
All the while he was a stalwart in the St Gall’s team, mostly playing in an outfield role – a side that featured Hugh and Pat Sheehan, Brendan and Gerry Barry, Frank Smyth, Owen Boyle and Liam Stewart.
His work move to Portadown meant a transfer to Armagh Cuchulians hurling team and then competing for Armagh in some NHL fixtures.
We at the Saffron Gael send our sincere condolences to the O’Neill family
Kilkenny hurling legend Brian Cody had a busy night at the Marine Hotel Ballycastle on Saturday where he, and his wife Elsie, were chief guests of the McQuillan’s club, who held their awards dinner for the first time in three years, following the pandemic.
Presentations were made to Players of the Year for 2021 and 2022, but the main presentation of the evening was to the 1980 team who were the first Antrim team to qualify for an All Ireland Club Hurling final, where they lost out narrowly to Castlegar of Galway at Pairc Tailltain in Navan, on Sunday 1st June.
In the semi-final they had beaten Crumlin of Dublin by 3-9 to 0-8 in Croke Park with a powerful performance. Despite this display they were rank outsiders in the Dublin media going into the final but they pushed the Galway champions all the way, trailing by just a point at half time, before losing out by three 1-11 to 1-8.
Sady there were a few ot the team unable to make it on the night. Phelim Watson sadly died last year while leading scorer on the day Paul Porky Boyle and sub on the team Brendan Bear Donnelly are now resident in the USA. Midfield stylist Terence Barton is now resident in England.
Brian Cody makes a presentation to 1980 All Ireland Club final goalkeeper Paul SmythBrian Cody makes a presentation to 1980 All Ireland Club final defender Kevin ‘Ginger’ BoyleBrian Cody makes a presentation to 1980 All Ireland Club final defender Seamus ‘Killer’ DonnellyBrian Cody makes a presentation to 1980 All Ireland Club final defender Dessie DonnellyBrian Cody makes a presentation to 1980 All Ireland Club final defender and team captain Kevin DonnellyBrian Cody makes a presentation to 1980 All Ireland Club final defender Gerard ‘Fish’ McAuleyBrian Cody makes a presentation to 1980 All Ireland Club final nidfielder Stephen ‘Dingus’ BoyleBrian Cody makes a presentation to 1980 All Ireland Club final forward Micky DallatBrian Cody makes a presentation to 1980 All Ireland Club final forward Peter DallatBrian Cody makes a presentation to 1980 All Ireland Club final forward Eddie DonnellyBrian Cody makes a presentation to 1980 All Ireland Club final forward Brian DonnellyBrian Cody with his good friend Fr Raymond Fulton, who is chairman of the McQuillan’s club. The two first met at St Kieran’s College in Kilkenny where Fr Raymond was in the seminary studying for the priesthood and Brian was starting what was to become one of the greatest hurling careers in history, among his achievements, captaining the St Kieran’s side to Hogan Cup glory in 1971. Overall he collected 11 All Irelands, 18 Leinster Championships, 10 National Leagues, 7 Walsh Cups and 1 Oireachtas which makes a staggering 47 trophies Ballycastle Division 3 Camogs, who won the Junior Development League & Championship in 2022, are seen here with Geust of Honour Brian Cody at the club’s awards night in the Marine HotelGuest of honour Brian Cody presents a Joe McDonagh Cultural award to the club’s Cultural Officer Patricia McAuley at the Ballycastle McQuillan’s awards dinner in the Marine Hotel.Brian Cody presents the Junior Development League & Championship trophies to team Captain Gráinne Hunter (left) and Vice Captain Eimear Donnelly.Junior Team Captain Gráinne Hunter & Vice Captain Eimear Donnelly present a bouquet of flowers to club secretary Ciara McKendry at the Ballycastle dinnerBrian Cody presents the 2021 Minor Hurler of the Year award to James Bakewell.2021 Minor Camogie Player of the Year
Riana McBride receives her award from Brian CodyBrian Cody presents the 2021 Under 16 Camogie Player of the Year award to Shannagh Heggarty2021 Senior Reserve Camogie Player of the Year
Fay McIntosh receives her award from Brian CodyBrian Cody presents the 2021 Footballer of the Yea award to Leona McKeirnan who accepted it on behalf of her son Fergal, who was unable to attend as he was Hurling with UUJ)Brian Cody presented the 2021 Senior Hurler of the Year award to Conor BoydDarragh Kelly accepted the 2022 Most Improved Minor Hurler award on behalf of his cousin Fionn MullanBrian Coday presented the 2022 Minor Hurler of the Year award to Orann DonnellyBrian Cody presented the 2022 Minor Camogie Player of the Year award to Fay McIntoshU20 Hurling Player of the Year for 2022 Joe McToal receives the award from Brian Cody.Junior Camogie Most Improved Player 2022
Laura Dallas receives from Brian CodyJunior Camogie Player of the Year 2022
Gráinne Hunter receis her award from Brian CodyLorcan Donnelly received the Junior Hurling Most Improved Player 2022 on behalf of his brother Oisín DonnellySenior Reserve Camogie Player of the Year 2022
Cliodhna Donnelly receives her award from Brian CodySenior Reserve Hurling Player of the Year 2022
James Bakewell receives his award from Brian CodyBrian Cody presents the 2022 Footballer of the Year award to Eoin MageeBrian Cody presents the Senior Camogie Player of the Year 2022 award to Maria DonnellySenior Hurling Most Improved Player 2022
Oisín McAuley receives his award from Brian CodySenior Hurling Player of the Year 2022
Conor Boyd receives his award from Brian CodyThe McQuillan’s club committee with guest of honour Brian CodyAll Stars. Brian Cody with McQuillan’s legend Paul McKillen Brian with Club president Robbie Elliott, who played for a Rest of Ireland team (a forerunner to the All Stars) in Croke Park back in 1954, is still in fine form in his 92nd year. Club legend John Sparrow Harkin has a warm welcome for Brian Brian with club secretary Ciara McKendry and her husband Martin Barry Kelly and Ciara McKendry make presentations to Brian and Elsie Cody in appreciation of them travelling up from Kilkenny to the be chief guests at the McQuillan’s GAC dinner dance in the Marine Hotel. Elsie was a noted camogie player who won three All Ireland medals with WexfordBarry Kelly presents a cheque for £500 to John McIlwaine of the Saffron Gael. Many thanks to the McQuillan’s club for their contined support.
Antrim U17 hurlers followed up their victory on Wednesday over Derry with a good win over Westmeath at the Louth Centre of Excellence at Darver on a scoreline of 2-23 to 0-16, Antrim goals coming from Glenariffe’s Orrin O’Connor and Loughgiel’s Ronan Fitzgerald. Today’s win keeps the momentum going for Antrim who play Down next in Ballycran on Saturday 25th at 12noon.
Brídíní Óga’s All Ireland Junior Championship win was celebrated in style at the Tullyglass Hotel on Friday night at the people of Glenravel turned out in style for an evening of celebration. With the girls winning the 2022 Intermediate Football Championship as well the focus was definitely on the female side of the club, the the Senior football team and the minors both came close, losing their respectful finals.
The Camogs where presented with a 36 page book as a special souvenier of their achievement. The book featuring photos of the campaign and match reports of their game by Seamus McAleenan, was designed and produced by Ronan McCann, the same man who designed the club’s history to celebrate the Con Magees Centenary back in 2016
Team captain Kirsty Laverty and manager Rodney Kerr with copies of the souvenier book which was designed and produced by Ronan McCann (right), featuring reports by Seamus McAleenan (left) and photos from the Saffron Gael whoare represented here by Dylan McIlwaineThe Glenravel team who won the Antrim Intermediate Football title receives their awards at the club dinner in the Tullyglass Hotel. Included are team manager Paul Mulholland and Damian McPeakePhilip Sharpe presents the Minor Camogie Player of the Year award to Sara Fyfe at the Brídíní Oga-Con Magees dinner in Tullylass HotelGlenravel PP Fr Paul Strain presents Joe McDonagh Irish Language awards plus Inclusion & Diversity Awards to Paula Fyfe and Clare McAleenanLast years winner Clodagh McCann and team manager Damian McPeake presents the LGFA Senior B Player of the Year award to Jamie Woulahan.Team manager Rodney Kerr presents the Division 3 Camogie Player of the Year award to Jamie WoulahanGerard Carey presents the reserve Football Player of the Year award to Jude ScullionAlec McQuillan presents the Danny McQuillan Memorial Cup four Outstanding Endeavour to Laoise McKenna, who becomes the first player to win the award twice.Team manger Henry Duffin presents the Senior Reserve Player of the Year award to Martin Scullion at the Glenravel GAC dinner.Gerard Carey presents the Senior footballer of the Year award to Niall Swann.Team manager Rodney Kerr presents the Senior Camogie Player of the Year award to Maeve MulhollandHenry Duffin presents the Senior Hurler of the Year award to James Duffin.Club chairman Ian McKeown presents the Clubperson of the Year award to joint winners Paula Fyfe and Maire O’LoanCHAMPIONS – The Brídíní Óga Glenravel team who won the Antrim Intermediate and All Ireland Junior A Camogie titles, were honoured at the club dinner in Tullyglass Hotel. Included are Rodney Kerr (team manager) and team of Coaches Seanan McToal, Malachy McToal, Aidan McKeown and Martin CoulterMinor LGFA Player of the Year Emily Sharpe (left) receives the trophy from last year’s winner Aisling Donnelly.Gerard Carey presents the Minor Footballer of the Year trophy to Cormac McKeown Team manager Rodney Kerr makes a special presentation to Seamus McAleenan, the man who started the Brídíní Oga Camogie Club twenty years ago.Claire Emerson, Molly Woulahan, Maeve Mulholland and Maria McKenna who were members of the Antrim team who won the 2022 All Ireland Junior Football title, were honoured at the Glenravel GAC dinner.Club chairman Ian McKeown presents the Clubperson of the Year award to joint winners Paula Fyfe and Maire O’LoanSean and Sinead O’Hagan presetns the SPOH trophy, in memory of their son Sean Paul, to Cormac O’Loan at the Glenravel GAC dinnerMinor LGFA Player of the Year Emily Sharpe (left) receives the trophy from last year’s winner Aisling Donnelly.Sean and Sinead O’Hagan presetns the SPOH trophy, in memory of their son Sean Paul, to Cormac O’Loan at the Glenravel GAC dinnerCormac Scullion presents the Minor Hurler of the Year award to Cormac McKeown
