Leadon Timber Frames Ulster Minor Club Hurling Cup final:

Loughgiel (Antrim) v Éire Óg Carrickmore (Tyrone)

(Saturday, Ballinascreen, 1pm)

Loughgiel go into Saturday final at Ballinascreen as hot favourites after their runaway win over Derry champion Lavey last weekend. The young Shamrocks were a cut above their opponents and without having to extend themselves were convincing winners in the end. Of course if you took Jack McCloskey’s contribution out of it things would have been a bit tighter, the talented corner forward grabbing 3-5 of this team’s 3-18 total, but in truth the Antrim side were dominant throughout the field. Liam Glackin was the man that made things tick, the strong running midfielder a cut above the rest as he pulled the strings in the middle of the park, his ball winning skills eye-catching.

The other semi-final last Sunday was a much more competitive contest, with Tyrone champions Carrickmore taking extra time to get the better of Down’s Bredagh. The boys in black and amber should probably had things wrapped up in normal time but a late surge by Bredagh saw them snatch a draw. Carrickmore regained the upper hand in the ten minutes each way extra time and were deserving winners in the end as they secured their final place.

It may be a little arrogant to assume that Loughgiel will dominate the decider, and the Tyrone boys will be going all out to prove the doubters wrong, but I think that Liam Glackin, Ben McGarry, Ronan Fitzgerald, Jack McCloskey and the Patterson twins will have too much for their rivlas and should retain the trophy they won when the competition was last played back in 2019.

Loughgiel will be without Codi McGarry who was unlucky to see red last weekend but the rest of the team should be very similar to the one that beat Lavery.

The team that lined out last week was Mark Christie; Ronan McLaughlin, Pearce Patterson, Ashdon McGarry; Tiago McGarry, Ben McGarry, Preston McGarry; Liam Glackin, Charlie O’Hagan; Ronan Fitzgerald, Darragh Patterson, Ryan O’Boyle; Jack McCloskey, Codai McGarry, Roan McGarry Subs: Danny McAuley for D Patterson (52); Conan Johnston for B McGarry (54); Oisin Convery for L Glackin (55)

Former county official Eamon McMahon pays tribute to his old friend and colleague

With his passing earlier this week, the GAA in Belfast, Antrim and beyond has lost one of its great characters. A man of a generation and type who were fundamental in the development of our Association. Known universally, simply as Gilly, to the thousands of people with whom he came in contact as a player, mentor, team manager and administrator. Roles that unbelievably extended across eight decades. That took Gilly throughout Antrim, Ulster and far beyond to many Counties in Ireland and indeed London.

Gilly was a dedicated John Mitchels man. He served his club as a player for many years. If the team was short it was not unknown for Gilly still to lineout, at an age when most would have been drawing their pension. He looked after teams from underage level up and it was normal to see his car overflowing with young lads going to a game. Health and Safety concerns and car capacities were matters overlooked.

As a player, mentor and administrator Gilly made a unique and longstanding contribution to the GAA. He was never afraid of putting in the hard work and never baulked at a challenge, no matter how impossible it may have seemed. His club and County were the beneficiaries of his efforts.

Gilly was never afraid to express his opinions- on and off the field. He was ever prepared to grant referees the benefit of his interpretation of the playing rules. And this would not be done in a quiet, shy or retiring manner. It would be direct and very audible.

And similarly, in the council chambers, be it at Divisional Board or at County Level. Chairmen and Secretaries were fair game. Other delegates would not get things their way. Gilly could hold his own in any debate. His timing could be brilliant. It would appear an issue was done and dusted and the end of the meeting was beckoning. Then Gilly would get to his feet. And away we would go again. Gilly could introduce humour into his comments and could poke fun at himself. Above all his opinions were steeped in his dedication to his club and the Association.

Gilly was a hurling man above all. He was passionate about the game and brought generations of young people to participate in and enjoy our ancient game. As an U16 player with Gael Uladh I remember Gilly on the sideline looking after teams. I would later play against him and referee games in which he played. Both could be interesting. He was a tricky hurler to line and would let you know your mistakes, in his opinion, when you were the referee.

Later during my time as Secretary of the Antrim Hurling Board, I served alongside Gilly for many years. Initially this was in his role in County underage management. Here he worked at times with among others two greats of Antrim hurling in Kevin Donnelly of McQuillans Ballycastle and the late Seanie Burns of St. Johns Belfast. He later progressed to take charge of the County U21 team. In these roles there emerged players who went on to grace Antrim teams in the 80s and 90s and on our All-Ireland squad in 1989. And not only did he seek out players for the County. Gilly enlisted the help of a man who was to succeed him both as a Hurling Board Chairman and more importantly as Senior Team Manager. And as they say the rest is history, for the arrival on the scene of Jim Nelson pay dividends for Antrim Hurling.

Gilly then took over the role of County Senior Hurling Manager and went on become Chairman of the County Hurling Board. Joining Gilly in managing the Senior team was another legend of Antrim Hurling, the late great Neilly Patterson of Loughguille Shamrocks. Here we had another man steeped in the game of hurling. Together Gilly and Neilly made a great partnership. I travelled the length and breadth of Ireland with these men, together with Con Grego of O’Donovan Rossa who was the then Hurling Board Treasurer. At a time when County hurling did not have the profile it deserved and which thankfully it now rightfully enjoys. The All-Ireland ‘B’ Hurling title was won and progress was being made.

As I have said above Gilly was a GAA character. And as such there are a legion of stories about him. I am sure that over these next days many will be recounted. From the County perspective, there are a number which come to mind. Travelling throughout the Country could be adventurous. My colleagues were not known to hang about when driving and we need not have the road systems of today. The Circuit of Ireland rally was often repeated going to Cork, Limerick and Kerry during winter months.

And it was in Kerry that one Sunday morning we lost Neilly and Gilly. They had decided to go and see where Roger Casement had landed on Banna Strand and failed to return. There was concern in the fact that Neilly’s car had a lot of the players’ hurleys in the boot. It transpired that they drove onto Banna Strand and got bogged down in wet sand. A farmer with a tractor had to drag them out.

On another occasion, Gilly was driving the minibus and got lost in a fog. A signpost was found, Gilly climbed up the post and with the light from a cigarette lighter belonging to John Crossey to find the right road.

And here in Antrim Gilly could cause panic with his driving. Going to training one night, he pulled out of a line of traffic to go up the hard shoulder. Unfortunately, it was a British Army checkpoint and there was a machine gun emplacement on the hard shoulder. Players told me later that they were terrified and that the soldier didn’t look too happy either. Gilly talked his way out of it somehow.

And on the pitch Gilly could get into trouble when playing. He was sent off in a game and the referee reported him for breaking a hurley over an opponent. His reply to the disciplinary meeting typical Gilly, “ For God’s, they are not making hurleys the way they used to” It didn’t prevent a suspension.

As well as using his voice on the pitch or at meetings, Gilly was prepared to use his vocal talents in other ways. One afternoon the tape with the National Anthem broke down. There was no need for the bit of panic that arose. The microphone was handed to Gilly and he duly obliged by singing our National Anthem.

Travelling throughout Ireland, Gilly and I had meals in many different places. He did like his food. And it is ironic that the last of the countless occasions upon which we met, took place when he was eating. I met Gilly in an ice-cream parlour next door to Casement Park where, over the years we had spent many hours together. In front oh him, Gilly had a cup of tea and a plate with a large slice of apple cake topped with ice cream. There we discussed hurling, the County and recalled the years gone by. We laughed and I went home.

There is only one way that I can sum up Gilly McIlhatton. He was a GAA man to the core. We did not always agree but that did not intrude on a friendship that lasted over fifty years. The argument could be fierce but that would be no obstacle to you going to his home or he to yours. Gilly was fine human being who lived a long and active life. It is poignant that he left us on the day of his 92^nd birthday. May Gilly now know everlasting peace with his wife, Eileen and may God grant him eternal rest.

Ar dheis Dé do raibh a anam.

Conor McGurk Cup Hurling at QUB

QUB 5-24 Louth 2-9

Hosts QUB qualified for the semi-final of the McGurk Cup when they had too much power for Louth in Tueday evening’s first round game at the Dub Arena.

Queens, with a good sprinkling of Antrim players on show, dominated the opening half and were ahead by 3-15 to 0-6 at the break, the pick of the goals coming from corner forward Sean Hughes.

After the change of ends Louth showed much better and they grabbed two goals through substitute Padraig Fallon. However their hosts hit two at the other end and ended up convincing winners as they set a  quarter-final, against Down at the same venue on Saturday.

QUB

Adam Murtagh, Dara Maguire, Niall McFarland, Shane O’Hagan, Caolan McReynolds, Conal Bohill, Oisin O’Hare, Reuban McLean, Jordan Murtagh, Paddy Friel, Daire Murphy, Michael Cormick, Tom McGrattan, Niall Millagan, Darragh Turley, Sean Hughes.

Subs – Michael McCormick

Referee – Ciaran McCloskey (Loughgiel)

Leadon Timber Frame Ulster Minor Hurling Championship Semi-Final

Loughgiel 3-18 Lavey 1-6

Brendan McTaggart reports from Dean McGlinchey Park, Ballinascreen

Loughgiel minors continued their love affair with the Ulster Minor Cup on Saturday afternoon as they swept aside the challenge of Lavey.  It was a clinical performance from the young Shamrocks who after a slow start, soon found their feet and came to terms with the challenge brought by the Derry men.

Jack McCloskey’s reputation in the game continues to soar with the Shamrocks star forward contributing 3-5 over the hour, two of his three goals simply outrageous as he put the Lavey defence to the sword in a man of the match performance.  While McCloskey’s scoring exploits will take the headlines, Liam Glackin at midfield made Loughgiel tick.  On another day he would have been a shoo-in for man of the match but the nature of McCloskey’s goals made it impossible to ignore.

Ben McGarry and Ronan Fitzgerald also caught the eye for the Shamrocks who conceded just two points in a dominant second half.

Lavey started this semi-final superbly and looked to be a match for Loughgiel in the opening quarter but as they game progressed, they couldn’t live with the attacking threat posed by the Shamrocks.  Connor Melaugh, Eoin Scullion and James Sargeant all putting in a huge shift for the Erin’s Own men while Jack Convery got their major at the end of the first half.

In what was far from a ‘dirty’ game of hurling, surprisingly referee James Connors gave three red cards.  In fairness to the Donegal whistler, he did well to quell tempers when they threatened to boil over when the game went into the last 10 minutes.  Melaugh and Codai McGarry seeing red while Conor McGurk was unlucky to see his game ended early in the last minute of normal time.

With the sides finding their feet in the opening exchanges, the free takers took centre stage.  Loughgiel looked to McCloskey and Roan McGarry firing over scores either side of a Eoin Scullion point for Lavey.

The Derry men took the lead with Scullion (’65) and Conor Downey splitting the uprights, Downey’s effort instinctive and from distance.  A morale boosting score that saw the Lavey support find their voices but it would be their last score for almost 15 minutes as Loughgiel took control.

Darragh Patterson brought parity to the sides before McCloskey’s first major.  Tiago McGarry playing the sliotar up the right into McCloskey’s path where he spun his defender and finished to the back of Conall Moore’s net from an acute angle.

McCloskey and Codai McGarry fired over before James Sargeant’s first of the match briefly halted the Loughgiel charge.

The Shamrocks continued to be hugely clinical in the time that remained in the first half.  Fitzgerald, Glackin and Ben McGarry (’65) all splitting the uprights before they scored their second major.

Ben McGarry lofted a free towards the Lavey goal where McCloskey plucked the sliotar out of the air to claim a ball he just had no right to take.  If the catch was good, his finish was outrageous.  Predatory instinct, clinical, brilliant to put 12 between the sides.

With the next attack, Lavey were awarded a penalty with referee James Connors spotting a push.  Sargeant’s effort was saved by Mark Christie but Convery pulled the rebound to the back of the net in what was the last action of the half.

The first half belonged to Loughgiel and their attacking unit.  Lavey made a bright start to the second half with Sargeant pointing a free but it was going to take something special for the Erin’s Own men to get back into the game as Loughgiel continued to show their prolific side in front of goal.

Points from Fitzgerald (two), McCloskey (two) and Darragh Patterson inside a four minute spell put to bed any thoughts of a Lavey comeback.  Sargeant split the uprights in the 43^rd miunute for his first from play but it would be their last score of the game.

The Loughgiel third goal came with the next attack.  Tiago McGarry with the delivery and McCloskey judged the flight of the sliotar superbly before doubling in mid-air and firing to the back of the net to complete his hat-trick.  A quite brilliant piece of hurling brilliance that brought a purr from the Loughgiel support.

Tempers threatened to boil over with some challenges coming in late and Melaugh and Codai McGarry seeing red.  Fitzgerald split the posts for his third of the half and fourth overall before Ben McGarry and Jack McCloskey completed the scoring. 

Lavey were wasteful throughout the second half with a number of frees going off target and late in the game they looked for goals but the Loughgiel defence stood firm.  The Shamrocks now look forward to a final meeting with Carrickmore as they continue their defence of the Ulster Cup.

TEAMS

Loughgiel: Mark Christie; Ronan McLaughlin, Pearce Patterson, Ashdon McGarry; Tiago McGarry, Ben McGarry, Preston McGarry; Liam Glackin, Charlie O’Hagan; Ronan Fitzgerald, Darragh Patterson, Ryan O’Boyle; Jack McCloskey, Codai McGarry, Roan McGarry

Subs: Danny McAuley for D Patterson (52); Conan Johnston for B McGarry (54); Oisin Convery for L Glackin (55)

Scorers: J McCloskey 3-5 (1f); R Fitzgerald 0-4; B McGarry 0-3 (1f 1’65); D Patterson 0-2; R McGarry 0-2 (1f); L Glackin 0-1; C McGarry 0-1

Lavey: Conall Moore; Ronan Birt, Ryan McGarvey, John McGurk; Connor Melaugh, Eoin Scullion, Lorcan Collins; Charlie Curley, James Sergeant; Patrick Birt, Jack Convery, Charlie Mulholland; Rian Collins, Conor Downey, Lorcan McDonnell

Subs: Conal Bradley for C Mulholland (52); Cathal Mulholland for P Birt (54); Eoin Young for L McDonnell (60)

Scorers: J Sargeant 0-3 (1f); J Convery 1-00; E Scullion 0-2 (1f 1’65); C Downey 0-1

Referee: James Connors (Donegal)