Category / Hurling

by thesaffrongael

 Tunney the hero as Rasharkin pip Sarsfields

1FC Group 1

St. Mary’s Rasharkin 2-17 Sarsfield’s 1-17

A splendid display of goalkeeping from Rasharkin’s Liam Tunney and a rather fortuitous goal from his own half by Conor McKeever saw St. Mary’s Rasharkin claim victory over Sarsfields in an exciting and keenly contested Group 1 opener at Dreen on Friday night.

St. Mary’s keeper, Tunney pulled off a handful splendid stops over the hour and his handling of the sliothar under pressure and his distribution over the hour were instrumental in his side’s victory.

It was Conor McKeever who shot Rasharkin into an early lead with a point in the opening minute but the visitors responded with points from Enda McCartan 0-2 Caolan McKernan and 0-2 to lead by the by the 9th minute.

Liam Tunney, who had a superb game inh goals for rasharkin, clears his lines.
Above Featured Image: Conor McKillop who was in excellent scoring form for the home side

McKeever raised his second white flag of the evening but McKernan was on fire for the visitors as he struck two long range frees to increase their lead before a Conor McKeever ‘65’ and point from distance by Tiernan O’ Boyle had it back to 2 with 19 minutes gone.

Caolan McKernan continued to display unerring accuracy from the placed ball as he hit two more before Rasharkin lost a player to a Red card for a reckless swing.

The Stewartstown Road side were calling the shots at this stage with McKernan’s 5th of the contest and McCartan’s third moving them 4 ahead with five minutes remaining to the break.

Donagh Quigg and Conor McKeever responded with points for the men from Dreen but they had their keeper, Liam Tunney to thank for a couple of excellent saves as the visitors threatened to take total control.

The final score of the half fell the way of Sarsfield’s ace marksman, Caolan McKernan who converted a ‘65’ deep into injury time to leave his side leading 0-10 to 0-7 at the interval and the hosts now down to 14 men.

The visitors moved further ahead on the restart with Fionn Jemfrey pointing after 10 seconds but Rasharkin replied through Donagh Quigg and another Conor McKeever converted free to keep in touch.

They looked in trouble when Michael Johnston got in for the first goal of the game for the ‘Paddies’ in the 7th minute but once again St. Mary’s found a response.

Conor McKeever continued to match the free taking prowess of McKernan with another converted free and then a bit of fortune fell the way of the home side when Conor McKeever’s massive effort from his own half deceived Andrew McStay in the Sarsfield’s goal and dipped to the net.

The visitors looked rattled as Donagh Quigg added a 10th minute point and then a terrible mix-up in the visitors defence saw the impressive McKeever finish to the net.

The momentum was now very much with the side in Blue & Amber as McKeever from another free and Donagh Quigg with a fine strike from out on the left put the home side in a commanding position at the end of the third quarter.

Caolan McKernan who top scored for Sarsfields in their defeat to Rasharkin

Sarsfield’s were not finished however as they staged a rally of their own and once again net minder Tunney came to his side’s rescue with his 4th excellent stop of the evening.

The visitors pressed again however as Caolan McKernan pointed a 20th minute free and Anthony McGarrigle added another from play before two more McKernan’s conversions had it back to two with 6 minutes remaining.

It still looked anybody’s game but it was Rasharkin who finished the stronger with McKeever landing another long range effort and McGarrigle replying for the men from the ‘Bear Pit’.

Quigg, McKeever (free) and another from play moved the gap to three with two minutes of normal time remaining with McKeever again responding to a McKernan pointed free in injury time to conclude the scoring.

Rasharkin’s next game is against Cloney Gaels in Rasharkin on the 23d August and is sure to attract a bumper crowd to Dreen as old adversaries renew acquaintance while Sarsfields don’t play again until the Saturday 20th September when they entertain St. Paul’s at the Bear Pit.

Rasharkin: 1 Liam Tunney, 2 Connor Higgins, 3 Conor Doherty, 4 Daniel Hasson, 5 Tiernan O’Boyle, 6 Aidan McKeever, 7 Jack Quinn, 8 Declan McKay, 9 Conor McFerran, 10 Cathir Henderson, 11 Donagh Quigg, 12 Jason McGregor, 13 Conor McKillop, 14 Thomas McMullan, 15 Conor McKeever, 16 Brian Og O’Neill, 17 Terry McGregor, 18 Oisin Doherty, 19 Brendan Kelly

Sarsfields: 1 Andrew McStay, 3 Niall McAlea, 4 Daragh Coleman, 5 Aidan McKiernan, 6 David Johnston, 7 Jay Ward, 8 Caolan McKernan, 9 Nicolas O’Mullane, 10 Enda McCartan, 11 Michael Johnston, 12 Anthony McGarrigle, 14 Fionn Jemfrey, 17 Jay Maguire, 19 Mark McCavanagh,   21 Daniel Smyth, 20 Niall Cardell.

Referee: Mark O’Neill (Armoy)

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by thesaffrongael

Cushendall hold on to claim u21 title

Antrim U21 Hurling Championship Final

Cushendall 2-15 Loughgiel 0-19

Monday 4 August 

Brendan McTaggart reports from Páirc MacUílín, Ballycastle

Cushendall held off a second half comeback from Loughgiel to take the U21 championship on Monday evening with just two points to spare by the final whistle.  Midway through the second half, it looked like the Ruairi’s were going to cruise to victory when they opened up a seven point advantage but the Shamrock’s fought back and were probably worthy of at least earning extra time at the death.

The Ruairi’s were in debt to netminder Nicholas McLaughlin by the time the final whistle came with the Cuchendall ‘keeper producing two top class saves in the last five minutes while Sean McKay’s hook on Liam Glackin when the Loughgiel defender had the goal at his mercy was ultimately the winning of the game.

County chairman Seamus McMullan presents the Neill Patterson Cup to Ruairi Og joint captains Padraig McKillop (left) and Sean McKay after their team’s win over Loughgiel in Monday evening’s final at Pairc MacUílin, Ballycastle

The old adage of goals winning games couldn’t have been more true in this contest and it was Joseph McLaughlin who bagged both majors for his side.  The first from rather fortuitous circumstances when Loughgiel ‘keeper Pearce Patterson misjudged the flight of his free from full 75 yards out and while the penalty McLaughlin scored for his second could be somewhat questionable, McLaughlin’s finish was not.  He would finish with 2-7 for his 60 plus minutes of work.

Jack McCloskey was the star of the show for the Shamrocks, he finished with 13 white flags, 11 from placed ball but he was the one player who really led the fight for Loughgiel and almost singlehandedly brought them back into this contest.

Ultimately, the Shamrocks were too reliant on his talents and Cushendall did just enough.  Despite going through 17 minutes without scoring, the Cushendall defence soaked up pressure with a series of tackles, hooks and interceptions that it was going to take something special for Loughgiel to get the goal that would have changed the momentum of this final.  Charlie McAuley, Sean McKay and Padraig McKillop all excelling and revelling in the contest being put their way.

With the wind from Storm Floris going more cross field towards the scoreboard, it favoured Cushendall more in the first half and they could have had two goals in the opening minutes of this final.  Alex McCambridge going close only to be denied by a superb piece of defending from Tiago McGarry while Pearce Patterson denied Oisin Woodhouse with an outstanding piece of bravery.

Joe McNaughton and Thomas McLaughlin pointed either side of a Ronan ‘Rosey’ Fitgerald point for the Shamrocks to get the scoring going before a brace of frees from Jack McCloskey had the Shamrocks ahead.

The game was very even in the opening exchanges with neither side really stamping their authority on the game but with 10 minutes to go, it was the Shamrocks who held the lead by the minimum. 

The Ruairi’s recorded four unanswered scores in the space of three minutes to take a three point lead for the first time – the scores coming from Thomas McLaughlin, Aodhan Campbell and a brace from Fiontan Bradley (one free).

Just when it looked like Cushendall would put some daylight between the sides, Loughgiel hit back.  Jack McCloskey pointed either side of a brilliant score from Roan McGarry to the sides on nine points apiece with five minutes of the half remaining.

The sides went score for score with Joseph McLaughlin (two) firing over for the Ruairi’s while Eoin McGarry and Ruairi McCormick responded for Loughgiel to leave the sides tied on 11 points each at the short whistle.

Loughgiel would have been happier at the interval with the elements at their back for the second half but they got off to the worse possible start.  Joseph McLaughlin stood over a free fully 75 yards from goal and while ‘keeper Pearce Patterson looked well placed to deal with the dropping sliotar, he could only deflect it into the net.

A Joseph McLaughlin free followed but the opening quarter was dictated by the Ruairi’s as they dominated the breakdown and didn’t give Loughgiel a sniff.

The Shamrocks first score of the second half came from a Jack McCloskey free in the 38th minute but by the time he would add to their score tally eight minutes later, Cushendall had opened a seven point lead thanks largely to a penalty in the 41st minute.

Austin Birt sending the sliotar high in to the edge of the square where Thomas McLaughlin was lurking.  He got to the sliotar ahead of Roan McGarry and the Loughgiel man was deemed to have been overzealous with his tackle with referee Piaras McCaffrey awarding a penalty.  Joseph McLaughlin made no mistake with his strike and with a free moments later as the Ruairi’s looked to cut loose with 15 minutes remaining.

Jack McCloskey who dragged Loughgiel right back into the game, scoring 13 points overall

Incredibly, they would only score two points in the time that remained as Loughgiel found some momentum in the final quarter.  Despite having missed a couple of chances previously, Jack McCloskey landed five points from frees in the space of nine minutes while team captain Padraig McKillop split the uprights with the solitary response for his side.

With three points separating the sides going into the final minute of the hour, Loughgiel finally created clear cut goal chances.  Tiago McGarry sent the sliothar high into the danger area where Roan McGarry claimed the loose ball.  He got his shot away instinctively but Nicholas McNaughton somehow managed to stop his effort with a sensational piece of goal keeping.

McCloskey would convert the resulting ’65 and when Ben McGarry pointed moments later, it left just one point between the sides with just over three of the four allotted minutes of injury time remaining.

The Shamrocks had their chances with Ruairi McCloskey and Eoin McGarry both going wide while Eddie Smyth was denied by Nicholas McLaughlin’s bravery from point blank range.  Liam Glackin looked for the world to score a major with the goal at his mercy but Sean McKay produced a quite brilliant block from out of nowhere to deny him at the last moment.

Joseph McLaughlin would have the final say when he pointed his sixth free of the final in the fifth minute of injury time to ensure it was the Ruairi’s who were celebrating at the final whistle.

Joseph McLaughlin sends over the final point of the game to seal the Cushendall win five minutes into injury time

TEAMS

CUSHENDALL: Nicholas McLaughlin; Conor McCann, Sean McKay, Callagh Mooney; Padraig McKillop, Charlie McAuley, Austin Birt; Aodhan Campbell, Joe McNaughton; Killian McNaughton, Thomas McLaughlin, Joseph McLaughlin; Oisin Woodhouse, Alex McCambridge, Fiontan Bradley

Scorers: J McLaughlin 2-7 (1-6f, 1-00pen); F Bradley 0-3 (2f); T McLaughlin 0-2; J McNaughton 0-1; A Campbell 0-1; P McKillop 0-1

LOUGHGIEL: Pearce Patterson; Cahir Connelly, Liam Glackin, Tiago McGarry; Eddie Smyth, Ben McGarry, Finn Henry; Ronan Fitzgerald, Ruairi McCormick; Eoin McGarry, Darragh Patterson, Conan Johnston; Roan McGarry, Jack McCloskey, Ronan McCollam

Scorers: J McCloskey 0-13 (10f, 1 ’65); B McGarry 0-1; R Fitzgerald 0-1; R McCormick 0-1; E McGarry 0-1; D Patterson 0-1; R McGarry 0-1

REFEREE: Piaras McCaffrey (Naomh Gall)

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by thesaffrongael

Shane O’Neill’s storm to U21B Final victory

U21B Hurling Final

Shane O’Neill’s 0-18 Tir na nOg 1-10

Storm Floris may have not reached the heights predicted on Wednesday in Ballymena but Shane O’Neill’s, Glenarm took full advantage of the gale that blew down Slemish Park to build up a substantial half time lead in this keenly contested U21B Hurling final against Tir na nOg.

That the Randalstown side choose to play against the strong wind in the first half after winning the toss was a decision that was questionable as the boys from Feystown raced into a 0-12 to 0-2 half time lead.

A shower that fell in the minutes leading up to half time seemed to calm down the breeze though the Whitehill side still had a reduced version at their backs in the second half as they battled hard to close the 10 point gap.

They had it back to four going into the final quarter after a strong third quarter where they scored 1-6 but that was as close as they got as Shane O’Neill’s stood strong to win by five in the end.

Glenarm’s John Scullion breaks clear to set up an attack

It was the Glenarm side who opened at breakneck pace with Niall McGarel, Gerald Burns, Michael Fury and Sean McDermott pointing to lead by four after four minutes as they dominated the opening exchanges.

Their opponents, Tir na nOg were finding it difficult to mount a meaningful attack but it took a timely clearance by the Shane O’Neill’s defence to deny Ciaran McCamphill in the 8th minute.

Gerald Burns, John Scullion, James O’Kane and Niall McGarel from a 60 meter free increased the Shane O’Neill’s lead to 0-8 by the 20th minute and despite missing a number of frees it was looking like a walkover for the Feystown side at this stage of proceedings.

Joe McCormick finally opened the Tir na nOg account with a point in the 21st minute with Niall Rodgers and Gerald Burns with a superb conversion moving the Glenarm men 9 ahead by the 25th minute.

The Whitehill side were battling hard to get their game going as they faced the wind and a slick moving opponent and Conor McKenna raised their second white flag of the evening in the 26th minute.

Shane O’Neill’ continued to dictate matters and points from Michael Fury and a 60 meter conversion from Niall McGarel saw them head to the dressing rooms with a fairly healthy looking 0-12 to 0-2 half time lead.

Given the fact that they would now face the wind in the second half, the question was, would a 10 point lead be enough and when the Randalstown side hit 1-3 in the opening minutes that 10 point half time lead looked in some danger.

Dylan McLarnon clears his lines as Niall Rodgers attemps to block

Caleb Smith was the man who led the early charge with a point and Tiarnan Bonnes added another before Smith hammered home the game’s only goal and when Connor O’Neill followed with a point in the 5th minute their fight-back looked well on target.

Team captain McGarel steadied the ship with a point for Shane O’Neills and Gerald Burns replied to a pointed free from Bonnes as Glenarm began to recover from the early Randalstown onslaught.

The exchanges were fairly even at this stage though the Shane O’Neill’s defence were playing out of their skins to contain the opposition attacks with Ciaran McLoughlin, Michael Fury and John Scullion getting in some timely tackles.

Gerald Burns and Niall Rodgers responded with points but points from Conor McKenna and Tiarnan Bonnes at the other end had it back to four by the 16th minute.

Once again the Feystown side found a response and that man McGarel converted a great 60 meter free into the breeze and added another from closer to goals to move his side six ahead by the 19th minute.

The Glenarm captain, McGarel then saw another attempt rebound of an upright with Robbie McDonald denied from the rebound at the expense of a ‘65’ which the team captain converted.

That score moved the boys in light blue 7 ahead again with five minutes of normal time remaining and despite a sustained late push from Tir na nOg which produced 2 points from Dylan McLarnon, it was Shane O’Neill’s who deservedly claimed the title.

After the game Antrim committee member, Terry Reilly presented the U21B Cup to Shane O’Neill’s captain, Niall McGarel as his colleagues and large support roared their approval.

Shane O’Neill’s: 1 Blaine Mitchell, 2 Odhran Daly, 3 Michael Fury, 4 Robbie McDonald, 5 Ciaran McLoughlin, 6 John Scullion, 7 James O’Kane, 8 Charlie Black, 9 Sean McDermott, 10 Charlie Ward, 11 Shea McConnell, 12 Ronan Rodgers, 13 Niall McGarel, 14 Gerald Burns, 15 Niall Rodgers

Subs: Matthew Black, Ryan O’Boyle

Tir na nOg: 1 Aodhan McGuckian, 2 Malachy Martin, 3 Patrick McCloskey, 4 Odhran Loughran, 5 Dara Martin, 6 Daniel McLornan, 7 Paul McCloskey, 8 Dylan Larnon, 9 Brendan Devlin, 10 Joe McCormick, 11 Tiarnan Bonnes, 12 Ciaran McCamphill, 13 Connor O’Neill, 14 Conor McKenna, 15 Caleb Smith

Subs: Rory Neeson, Pauric Redmond

Referee: Seamus Shannon (Rossa)

Terry Reilly presents he U21B Cup to Glenarm captain, Niall McGarrell

to view more pics from the final click on the linkbelow

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by thesaffrongael

Countdown to Saturday’s unique Gaelic matches

Hulring/Shinty/Camogie games to be played at Corrigan Park

30 July 2025

The countdown is on for a unique Gaelic sporting encounter this Saturday (2 August), when Select Antrim Hurling and Camogie teams face two shinty teams from Scotland using composite rules. The two matches are part of the 140th celebrations of Antrim GAA and organised by the Presbyterian Church in Ireland (PCI) and the County. They will take place at Antrim’s current home ground, Corrigan Park in west Belfast.

Part of the West Belfast Festival, Féile an Phobail, the initiative for the matches comes from an unusual source – PCI minister, Rev David Moore, who is leading the Church’s special ministry in the west of the city known as An Tionólann, or The Gathering.




Picture by William Cherry / Press Eye

Launching ‘Between the Sticks’ when Select Antrim Hurling and Camogie teams will meet two Scottish Shinty teams on 2 August in a composite rules match at Antrim GAA’s current ground, Corrigan Park in West Belfast. Part of Antrim’s 140th anniversary celebrations and Féile an Phobail, the Shinty teams, from Stirling and the Isle of Skye, are being brought to Belfast by the Presbyterian Church in Ireland’s minister in West Belfast, Rev David Moore. Pictured at the launch, which took place at Corrigan Park are (LtoR) Antrim’s County Chairman, Séamus McMullan and Rev David Moore.

“There is a long tradition of Gaelic games in these islands and the coming together of these sports from Scotland and Ireland will be something special. As they are playing composite rules, we have called the event ‘Between the Sticks’ or ‘Idir Camánaibh’, as it paints a picture of the two Gaelic games coming together. It is also symbolic of much more besides, as we seek to reconnect with the west of the city as a church,” Mr Moore said.

“We could not have done it without the support of Antrim GAA, and I want to thank them, especially Collie Donnelly, former County hurler and chairman, who has got us to this point. Antrim is providing the special teams’ kits, County facilities on the day, and has just been really engaged and supportive,” he said.

The men’s shinty squad is drawn from a team from Stirling in Stirlingshire and Uddingston in Lanarkshire, with the women’s team coming from the Isle of Skye in the Inner Hebrides, north west of the Scottish mainland.

There is a history of the two games coming together, with the first shinty-Hurling match between Irish and Scottish Gaelic teams taking place in 1896 in London. Annual international fixtures in both countries have become a regular fixture, with 2024’s international between Ireland and Scotland resulting in an Irish victory. Jenna Beaton, who has been playing shinty since primary school is the coach of Skye Camanachd.

In 2013 she played for Scotland in the women’s international and is looking forward to Saturday’s match. “In 2013 we won that match, but win or lose it’s good craic and we are all looking forward to Saturday. Half of the team have played combined rules, and I hope that everyone watching will enjoy it.

“For us it is always a tough game, because we use different rules, and you have to get used to that, which makes it more exciting to play and, I hope to watch. I might make a wee appearance up front, depending on how things go,” she said.

Playing shinty-Hurling-Camogie composite rules, with 14 players aside, aspects of each sport are involved, which means that both sides are equally disadvantaged. Each half will last for 35 minutes, with teams using their own sticks. Like the scoring, the goal to be used is the goal used for hurling.

Al Reed, who is captain of the joint men’s shinty team has been playing for 17 years. In 2018 he played for Scotland at university level against Maynooth University in the County Kildare town. “Shinty is a Highland sport that was brought to the central belt of Scotland, and has a special place in Scottish Gaelic culture. It was actually brought here by the Irish centuries ago, and has developed into its own local game. All the guys are looking forward to Saturday’s match and a big shout out to the organisers for having us over,” he said.

As for tactics, both Scots were keeping their cards close to their chests, although Mr Reed said, they’d be aiming “to get to the ball first from the throw in and then get it away quickly, but not too high.”

The gates open at 3pm with the men’s game starting at 4pm. The women’s match is scheduled for 6pm. The two friendlies are free for everyone and will have a ‘carnival atmosphere’ with a Photo Booth opportunity for the children with some of Antrim’s Hurlers, which is being provided by County sponsor, Fibrus. Antrim’s half pace hurlers will also be showing their skills, and pace, during the half-time game providing entertainment for all the family.

County Chairman, Séamus McMullan, will be at the match and is looking forward to it as part of Antrim’s 140th year of celebration, “This event is a powerful reminder of the enduring ties between Antrim, particularly the Glens of Antrim, and the Highlands of Scotland – links rooted in Gaelic language, culture, and sport. As we celebrate 140 years of the GAA in Antrim, it’s fitting to honour that shared heritage through our ancient games of hurling and shinty. In coming together across traditions and communities, we’re not just marking history – we’re continuing it.”

Mr McMullan continued, “The bond of friendship developed between Collie and Rev David has brought this game into being. We really thank them for that and wish the teams the best for Saturday’s games.”

The Presbyterian Church in Ireland once had several congregations in west Belfast, which closed during the 1970s and 1980s for various reasons. On the first Sunday of each month, Mr Moore holds a service in An Chultúrlann, the Irish cultural heritage centre on the Falls Road – which from 1882 for 100 years was Broadway Presbyterian Church.

“There is a link with west Belfast that has been lost and as Presbyterians we’re trying to re-establish it through An Tionólann. In reconnecting we have held a number of events during recent Festivals as a way of initially reconnecting and ‘Between the Sticks’ is very much part of that,” Mr Moore said.

Talking about people’s perceptions, he continued, “In the north of Scotland, you have people who speak a Gaelic language, they play a Gaelic game, they’re in a Gaelic culture, but their background is probably, but not always, Presbyterian. In some ways, what we are doing here is a kind of ‘narrative disruption’ and we think the matches are a great way to do this, as it may not fit with what most people ideally see as ‘Presbyterian’. We would like as many people to come along as possible on Saturday. It’s a free family-fun day out and I’m looking forward to it,” Mr Moore said.

by thesaffrongael

Cushendall through to meet Shamrocks in final

Under 21 Hurling Championship semi-final

Cushendall Ruairi Og 3-16 Glenariffe/Glenravel 015

Cushendall set up a final meeting with Loughgiel when they beat neighbours Glenariffe/Glenravel in Monday evening’s semi-final at Pairc Mhuir, Cushendall. O-05 to 0-01 up after ten minutes the home side always held the upper hand and went on the lead by 1-11 to 0-05 at the interval.

Glenariffe/Glenravel got the first score of the second half but Cushendall were soon back in control, and added two more goals on their  way to an emphatic win.

The home side hit five points in the first five minutes, three of them from Jospeph McLaughlin and one each from Fiontan Bradley and Oran McCambridge and while Orrin O’Connor came back with two for the visitors Cushendall took over and after adding another Joseph McLaughlin point at the end of the first quarter Thomas McLaughlin got their first goal after a high ball into the ‘square’ by Oran McCambridge. Joseph McNaughton and Joseph McLaughlin tagged on two more points, and while James McHenry and Calum McHenry came back with two in the final minute of the half Cushendall were still 1-11 to 0-5 clear at the interval.

The lead was out to eleven early in the second half and while Cormac McKeown and Calum McIlwaine sent over two more for the visitors a goal from Oisin Woodhouse and a point from Fiontan Bradly ended the game as a contest. When Bradley scored his second goal inside five minutes there was no way back for Glenariffe/Glenravel side, and even though they came back with five points on the trot, two from Cormac Keown, two from Canice McIntosh and one from Peadar McDonnell, Cushendall finished strongly with points from Joseph McLaughlin and Fiontan Bradley to set up a meeting with Loughgiel next Monday evening.