Category / Ladies Football

by thesaffrongael

Glenariffe triumph in epic battle at Fennell Park

LGFA Junior Championship

A passionate crowd of supporters from the Glens and from North Belfast gathered at Fennell Park yesterday evening for the preliminary round of the Antrim Ladies Junior Football Championship. With the sun descending beautifully behind them in the shadow of Cavehill, little did they realise the exhibition of Gaelic football that was in store for them as the Senior Ladies of Ardoyne Kickhams and Glenariffe Oisíns gave battle.

Given their blistering league form, Ardoyne entered the clash as clear favourites, and as the opening half developed it looked a certainty that this game would follow the league form book. The ever-reliable Anna McGarry got the Ardoyne ladies off to a dream start. She struck twice in quick succession, hitting the back of the net with two goals to rattle the visitors. Her clinical finishing was brilliantly aided by the in-form Alex Trainor, who confidently slotted over the first of her impressive six points of the evening.

It was well past the ten-minute mark before Sionainn Graham finally registered the first goal for the visitors, offering a lifeline for the Glenariffe side. In truth, however, the remainder of the half was utterly dominated by the home side, who dictated the pace and won the vital battles across the pitch.

The closing minutes of the first half saw Ailisa Frame emphasise Ardoyne’s dominance with a gaol and point to put the ladies from the District a clear nine points ahead and firmly in the driving seat of this game. 

Half-Time Score: Ardoyne Kickhams 3-06  Glenariffe 1-03

Alex Trainor struck first blood for Ardoyne immediately after the restart, slotting over her opening point of the second half to extend the home side’s lead. However, Glenariffe’s powerhouse, Sionnain Graham, quickly gave notice that the half-time break had breathed new life and hope into the Glens side, firing home her second goal of the game.

For a brief moment, the Kickhams duo of Trainor and Orla McGarry looked to have restored order, combining beautifully to tag on a goal and a point between them. Yet, what followed blew the game completely wide open. Over the next fifteen minutes, Glenariffe somehow established dominance. Launching a blitz on the Ardoyne goals, they rattled off an incredible 2-06 to leave the sides locked dead even as the third quarter came to a dramatic close. Saorla Maguire pulled off a magnificent save for the Ardoyne ladies, that unfortunately led an injury requiring her replacement between the posts for Ardoyne.

The final quarter of this game was an absolute war of attrition as the teams traded score for score in a furious, high-octane battle. Neither side was willing to blink, ultimately forcing a period of extra time to try to separate two teams that refused to be beaten.

As the sun fully disappeared behind the Belfast hills, the players left every single ounce of energy on the pitch. Both panels fought tooth and nail to establish ascendancy under the fading light. Ardoyne dug deep, showing their quality by slotting over six crucial points during extra time. However, it was Glenariffe who found the lethal touch when it mattered most. The visitors hit the home side with two devastating goals and a vital point, snatching victory from the jaws of defeat.

With the final whistle, this exhibition of pulsating football saw the heroic effort from the Ardoyne ladies fall just short, while Glenariffe deservedly secured progress to the next round of the Championship by the bare minimum.

Full-Time Score: Ardoyne Kickhams 5-16  Glenariffe 7-11

Ciceam Ard Eoin: 1. Saorla Maguire 2. Tierna McAuley 3. Colleen McLaughlin 4. Aoife McDonnell 5. Niamh McAuley 6. Ella McLaughlin 7. Catherine McGarry 8. Lauren Coleman 9. Aideen McDonnell 10. Anna McGarry 11. Orlaith Lynch 12. Cadhla Glover 13. Ailisa Frame 14. Alex Trainor 15. Natasha Rooney 17. Cailiosa Doherty 18. Abbi Maguire 19. Cliodhna Lynch 20. Kacey McLaughlin

Glenariffe Oisin: 1. Meabh McIlwaine 2. Mary-Rose McDonnell 3. Kate Ewings 4. Molly Magee 5. Scarlett McKillop (1-0) 6. Laura McMullan 7. Ciara McKeague 8. Derval McMullan (1-05, 4f) 9. Emer O’Neill (1-01)10. Clodagh McMullan (1-01) 11. Maebh O’Neill 12. Leah O’Boyle 13. Caitlin Hunter 14. Sionainn Graham (3-04)15. Isabella black 16. Caitlin O’Boyle 17. Cara Kilgore 18. Sarah Black 19. Majella Johnston

Referee: Patrick O’Callaghan

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by thesaffrongael

Naomh Eanna Ladies Celebrate Division 2 success. 

Naomh Eanna ladies celebrated the end of a successful league campaign with an inter panel challenge match. 

Amber and Black versus Black and Amber. 

The Glengormley girls negotiated their way through a highly competitive league two campaign suffering only a solitary defeat in 15 games. Very impressive to achieve this with the quality teams from Sarsfields,  Ardoyne and Cargin mounting their own title challenges.While the younger division 3 squad have finished in the runners-up spot losing out to an excellent Aghagallon team and playing predominantly as an u20 squad to lose just 3 times. 

With both teams having their final league games conceded the players prepared for the upcoming Junior and Junior B championship with a competitive match refereed by Sean Maguire. 

Presenting the trophy to Naomh Eanna captain Orla McNulty Sean paid tribute to the skills of all the players on display and wished the Hightown girls good luck in the championships and for next year. 

With exciting teams at u16 and u14 emerging the future looks bright for the lgfa in the Glengormley hills as they return to Division 1 for the first time in 5 years.

by thesaffrongael

Goals The Difference As St Brigid’s Defeat All Saints 

Junior Hurling Championship 

Group 3 

All Saints, Ballymena 1-13 St Brigid’s 4-11 

Saturday 25 July 

Brendan McTaggart reports from Slemish Park, Ballymena 

Two goals in either half proved to be decisive for St Brigids as they got their junior hurling championship off to a winning start on Saturday evening.  They had seven points to spare over All Saints by the time that Terry O’Reilly called for time at the end of the game and sealing a vital win in this group. 

This was an even contest for the majority of the game but it was the Musgrave Park side’s performance in the final quarter that proved to be the winning of the game.  They restricted All Saints to just two points while scoring 1-4 themselves in the same period. 

David Prenter and James Bready shared the goals between them for St Brigid’s, both grabbing majors in either half while the performance of James Kelly belittled the fact he stepped off a plane less than 24 hours earlier from trekking across south Asia!  Kelly’s performance as the game progressed lifted his side as they finished strongly. 

The home side will look at that final quarter and know they let this game slip from their grasp.  With Damian Gillan in top form, they had a player capable of conjuring something from nothing.  He finished with 11 white flags, four from open play and a constant thorn in the side of the St Brigid’s defence. 

All Saints ability to comeback from losing goals was hugely impressive and Cormac Magill’s goal early in the second half had them on terms but they would only raise the white flag on three occasions, proving to be a telling factor in the outcome of this game. 

The opening score of the game came via the hurl of Prenter.  Collecting the sliotar, he showed tremendous footwork to evade the challenges before firing to the back of the net, giving his side the dream start. 

Both teams were guilty of passing up scoring opportunities in the opening quarter, St Brigid’s in particular wasteful in front of the target.  Gillan’s free taking and a points fromCormac Magill and Luke O’Rawe had the sides tied. 

The second goal of the game came in the 23rd minute with Bready taking advantage of indecision in the All Saints defence.  With the sliotar lose after a scramble, Bready took advantage and pulled first time to the back of the net to put three between the sides. 

The home sides responded superbly with a trio of Gillan white flags to tie the sides at the short whistle.  They did have a half chance for a major in the closing stages of the half but Niall Savage’s kicked effort went to the wrong side of the posts from the tightest of angles. 

St Brigid’s almost started the second half exactly like the opening exchanges of the game when Oisin McDonnell went close for their third goal.  Ronan McAlister was equal to his effort however and cleared the sliotar to safety. 

It was the home sides turn to find a major early in the half though with Cormac Magill making the most of indecision in the St Brigid’s defence and finishing well, giving his side the lead for the first time in the game. 

The Musgrave Park men responded superbly to that setback, however.  James Kelly pointed his first free of the second half before Bready grabbed his second major.  The St Brigid’s man fired home to the near post with the All Saints lead lasting barely two minutes. 

With Kelly metronomically accurate from place ball and Jake Massingham pointing from distance, St Brigid’s looked much stronger and better placed as the half progressed.  They led by three points with a little over four minutes remaining when Prenter’s second goal put daylight between the sides.  Reading the break of the sliotar from Oisin McDonnell, Prenter gave McAlister no chance between the sticks and effectively win the game for his side. 

All Saints were reduced to 14 men in the final minute of the hour, Cormac Magill seeing red for an overzealous challenge but it had little impact on the outcome of the game.  St Brigid’s deservedly taking the championship points and putting themselves in prime position to progress from the group. 

TEAMS 
All Saints Starting XV: Ronan McAlister; Kevin Brady, Dwayne McKee, Luke Mulholland; Daniel Gray, Robert Crooks, Niall Savage; Luke O’Rawe, Harry Connon; Cormac Lemon, Cormac Magill, Gary Miskelly; Jack Magill, Archie McGreevy, Damian Gillan 

  • Subs: Pearse Martin for N Savage (HT); Michael Connolly for J Magill (40), Vincent Esler for A McGreevy (40); Sean O’Rawe for H Connon (57) 
  • Scorers: D Gillan 0-11 (7fs); C Magill 1-1; L O’Rawe 0-1 

St Brigid’s Starting XV: Matthew Madden; Ronan O’Loughlin, James Kelly, Jake Massingham; Conn Flannery, Phelim Lennon, Dara Sidebottom; Michael Kerr, Joseph McCarney; James Bready, Toirealach Brolly, John McGuckian; David Prenter, Oisin McDonnell, Fionn McCann 

  • Subs: Cathal Conway for T Brolly (47); Conor Leonard for J Bready (57) 
  • Scorers: J Bready 2-1; J Kelly 0-7 (5fs); D Prenter 2-00; J Massingham 0-1; O McDonnell 0-1; F McCann 0-1 

Referee: Terry O’Reilly (Gort na Mona) 

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by thesaffrongael

Sharp Saints claim the LGFA U14C Championship title

LGFA U14C Championship final

All Saints 4-17 Eire Og 2-6

A sharp All Saints are the LGFA U14C Ladies Champions following a good win over a determined Eire Og at sun kissed St. James Aldergrove on Thursday night.

In near perfect conditions it was the Ballymena girls who got off to a good start when Beth Hendron split the posts but the Belfast girls served notice that they were not there just to make up the numbers.

They replied with points from Anna McNulan and Sibeal Morrissey to briefly take the lead but slowly All Saints took control.

A goal from Emme O’Mullan gave the Slemish Park girls a lead they would never subsequently lose with Cliodhna Keenan, Belle Hudson and Beth Hendron adding further goals to put them 4-8 to 1-6 ahead at half time.

The points came from Beth Hendron 0-2, Emme O’Mullan 0-2, Cara McIlwaine, Alanna Connon and Maria Doherty with Sibeal Morrissey getting the Eire Og goal and adding two first half points and Anna Donnelly 0-2 and Anna McNulan their other point scorers.

When Sibeal Morrissey got in for her second goal early in the second half for Eire Og it looked like we might have a game on our hands but All Saints failed to panic and gradually regained control.

Cliodhna Keenan, Cara McIlwaine 0-2, E,mme O’Mullan 0-2, Gracia Lyness, Eva McGillian and Belle Hudson were all on target as a smart moving Ballymena side fired over some excellent scores while the All Saints defence closed shop.

A great and sporting game of football where both sides played their part and while All Saints were worthy winners on the day, their opponents Eire Og never gave up and will surely be back in the near future to contest another final

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by thesaffrongael

Naomh Éanna Sparkle in the Rain to Capture U14A Crown

LGFA U14A Final

Naomh Éanna 7-12            Erins Own 3-07

Despite the dreary, wet conditions on a dull evening at Dunsilly, a large crowd was treated to a spectacular showcase of football as Naomh Éanna claimed the U14A Championship title. Both teams displayed immense skill, resilience, and attacking flair in a highly entertaining final that was closer than the final score suggests.

Naomh Éanna opened the scoring with a brilliant point from Effie Walsh, sparking what would become a masterclass individual performance of 4 goals and 3 points. Erin’s Own responded immediately through a fine individual score from Bella Scullion. However, Cargin failed to capitalise on their early momentum, registering a series of costly wides.

The Hightown ladies punished those misses when Una McCavana seized the initiative. Embarking on a powerful solo run, McCavana coolly slotted the ball into the back of the net. Naomh Éanna capitalised on this momentum, adding another goal and a point shortly after. Walsh then pounced on a dropped ball in the Erin’s Own square, ruthlessly slamming it home to extend the lead.

Refusing to back down, the Cargin side fought back valiantly, swinging the flow of play in their direction with a quickfire 1-02. Their period of dominance was eventually halted by Cargin goalkeeper Convery, who made the first of many spectacular saves on the night, though the rebound was quickly snapped up by the ever-alert Walsh for Naomh Éanna.

Cargin stormed right back into the contest. Adele McCann split the posts with a well-struck free, and Ruby Daly cut the deficit further, scything through the Glengormley defence to accurately place the ball into the back of the net. Cargin looked primed to further reduce the deficit when Emer Casey unleashed a powerful shot, but Naomh Éanna goalkeeper Jennifer Dowds pulled off a stunning save. It was a night of elite goalkeeping, with both Dowds and Convery producing displays of which Cape Verde’s Vozinha would have been proud.

As the whistle approached, Naomh Éanna regained their composure, with Mae McKinlay knocking over a pointed free to ensure a six-point cushion at the break.

Half-Time: Naomh Éanna 4-04    Erins Own 2-04

Erin’s Own started the second half with high intensity. Einian Neeson caused constant headaches for the Naomh Éanna backline, helping Cargin push deep into enemy territory. Emma Diver raised the first white flag of the half for Cargin, though Johnston responded quickly for the Hightown side. Neeson then converted a free of her own making as Cargin continued to press, though they ultimately left several scoring opportunities behind them.

The defining period of the match arrived fifteen minutes into the second half when Naomh Éanna found another gear. Mae McKinlay ignited an unstoppable 11-point surge by bulging the Cargin net. Moments later, Convery made another fine save, but Walsh was on hand once more to clean up the loose ball for a goal. Fagan added to the tally with a brilliant point from long range before Walsh struck again, completing her second-half goal brace.

Faced with a heavy deficit, Cargin showed immense character and refused to lie down. Diver sent over another point before Jane McCann was justly rewarded for her tireless commitment throughout the match, fighting through to score a well-deserved goal.

Ultimately, Naomh Éanna kept their composure and kept the points ticking over until the final whistle blew. While Cargin will feel the sting of defeat, they can look back with immense pride at a heroic performance against an exceptional Naomh Éanna team who proved to be worthy champions.

Naomh Éanna: Jennifer Dowds, Niamh McCart, Annie McGlynn, Molly McGivern, Aoibhinn Murphy, Mollie Mooney, Eva Rankin, Una McCavana(1-01,1f), Molly Smith, Jessica Johnston(0-01), Caoimhe Moss, Emer Casey, Níadh Fagan (0-02), Effie Walsh(4-03), Mae McKinlay(2-05,1f), Rose toner, Ruby Daly, Aoibhin McKeown, Eimear Coy, Rua Grace Fitzpatrick, Fódhla NeiDhomhnaill, Aine Maskey, Aoife Bell, Evie Bew, Maeve McMenamim, Jessica Wilson, Orlagh Laverty, Alison Byrne, Eimear McNicholl, Lara Brady

Erins Own: Sarah Convery, Cara Liddy, Sophia McFall, Erin O’Donnell, Cate McCann, Sophia McCann, Annie Scullion, Adele McCann(0-01,1f), Bella Scullion(0-01), Eabha Quinn, Einin Neeson (0-01,1f), Chloe Mackle, Niamh Kearny(1-0), Daisy Neeson(0-01,1f), Rose McLaughlin, Aoife Molloy, Emma Diver(1-04,1f), Jane McCann(1-01), Eimear Quinn, Cara McPeake, Leana Murray, Trea McCann

Referee: Michael Bannon

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