Photographs: Elaine Kelly

Ulster LGFA Semi-Final

St. Ergnat’s 6-20 Steelstown 1-5

St. Ergnat’s Moneyglass had little trouble in overcoming the challenge of Derry champions, Steelstown in this LGFA Senior Club semi-final to set up a final meeting with old acquaintances, Donnaghmoyne.

The reigning Antrim and Ulster champions took control from early in the contest and had matters pretty well in hand when they led 4-9 to 1-4 at the halfway stage.

Cathy Carey set them on their way with a goal after 5 minutes and further goals from Sarah O’Neill, Maria O’Neill and Leah Stewart put them in almost total control while Orlagh Prenter 0-3, Maria O’Neill 0-3, Ruby Mc Erlain 0-2 and Cliona Griffin were their first half point scorers.

It didn’t get any better for the Derry champions after the break as last year’s All Ireland beaten finalists ran riot and further goals from Ruby McErlain in the 14^th and 16^th minutes put them out of sight.

Orlaith Prenter continued to give an exhibition of point taking, adding another 4 to her first half contribution to take her total to 0-7 for the afternoon while Ruby McErlain, Laura McCann 0-2, Cathy Carey 0-2, Leah Cassidy and Maria O’Neill were all on target.

Dara McKeever was Steelstown outstanding performer, kicking 3 first half points and contributing their only second half score while her mid-field partner, Orla McGeough battled bravely beside her, contributing 1-1 over the hour.

St. Ergnat’s Moneyglass now play former Ulster kingpins, Donnaghmoyne in the decider after the Monaghan champions defeated Knockbride of Cavan in the other semi-final and while they may not be the potent force they once were, they never the less will provide a step up in class from the Derry champions.

The final is scheduled for Killyclogher next Sunday 8^th November at 2-30pm and a good crowd is expected as St. Ergnat’s attempt to retain their Ulster title to provide them with another opportunity of attaining another attempt at All Ireland glory

Moneyglass: 1 Aine Devlin, 2 Aoife Leahy, 3 Niamh McIntosh, 4 Caitlion Graffin, 5 Rebecca Bradley, 6 Emma Louise McAreavey, 7 Cliona Griffin, 8 Leah Cassidy, 9 Sarah O’Neill, 10 Leah Stewart, 11 Maria O’Neill, 12 Bronagh Devlin, 13 Ruby McErlain, 14 Cathy Carey, 15 Orlaith Prenter, 18 Laura McCann

Steels town:  1 Molly McBride, 2 Katy Holly, 3 Niamh Friel, 4 Tara Burns, 26 Molly McDonnell, 6 Kathryn Canavan, 7 Sarah Hunter, 8 Orla McGeough, 9 Dara McKeever, 10 Hannah Danan, 11 Caoimhe O’Kane, 12 Megan Devine, 13 Ellie Williams, 14 Emma Doherty, 15 Ella-Rose Sainsbury, 19 Eva Ferguson, 20 Gemma Duffy, 30 Shannon McCartney

LGFA SFC

St. Paul’s 2-12 Glenavy 1-6

St. Paul’s booked an impressive victory in the Antrim LGFA Senior Football Championship at Shaw’s Road, shaking off a highly competitive opening half to decisively dominate Glenavy in the second period, finishing on a scoreline of 2-12 to 1-6.

The early stages of the game were tightly contested as Glenavy started brightly, opening the scoring through a point from Anna Rice in the 10th minute. St. Paul’s responded immediately with a point from Nicola Girvan, only for Glenavy to restore their advantage with an Aiobheann Monaghan score. A great sequence then saw Orlaith McCrory land a point for St. Paul’s, followed closely by a well-taken goal from Aine Tubridy to push them ahead.

However, Glenavy refused to let the gaps widen in the first half; Monaghan pointed a free and Ellen Morgan added another to narrow the gap. After Amy Murray slotted over a fine point for St. Paul’s, Caoimhe McCartan struck back for Glenavy. The turning point of the half arrived in the 22nd minute when St. Paul’s midfielder Aine Tubridy broke through for a clinical goal, making it 1-3 to 0-5. Though Monaghan struck a final free for Glenavy, and Cassie Shannon pulled off a magnificent save to prevent further damage, St. Paul’s held a narrow 1-4 to 0-6 advantage at the half-time whistle.

The second half was a completely different affair as St. Paul’s came out of the traps with relentless intensity, holding Glenavy completely scoreless until deep into injury time. Orlaith McCrory set the tone by converting an early free, which was quickly followed by a brilliantly worked team move that ended with Cara Mervyn crashing the ball into the back of the net in the 5th minute. The points flowed freely from there as Nicole Munce and Aine Tubridy raised white flags to extend the lead. McCrory was in exceptional form during this dominant period, punishing Glenavy’s indiscretions with another pointed free before launching a spectacular long-range point from play in the 26th minute. Sub Aoibh Ward also got in on the scoring act, and Clodagh Mervyn added another tidy point as the Shaw’s Road side ran riot. Glenavy finally broke their second-half drought 32 minutes into the half when Ellen Morgan managed to find the net for a consolation goal, but McCrory had the final say for the victors, chipping over her final point in the 33rd minute to cap off a comprehensive second-half exhibition.

St. Paul’s: 1 Fionnghuala Rocks, 2 Abagh McNally, 3 Maria Hanna, 4 Clodhna Phillips, 5 Eimile Rogers Duffy, 6 Nicola Girvan, 7 Aoife Mervyn, 8 Gemma McGroarty, 9 Aine Tubridy, 10 Orla Munce, 11 Orlaith McCrory, 12 Cara Mewrvyn, 13 Clodagh Mervyn, 14 Amy Murray, 15 Nicole Munce, 18 Aoibh Ward, 19 Jade Magee, 20 Leila O’Rawe

Glenavy: 1 Cassie Shannon, 2 Mary McStravick, 4 Bronagh Forester, 5 Chloe Doone, 7 Katie Cassidy, 8 Meabh Bradley, 9 Natasha O’Neill, 10 Anna Rice, 11 Aiobheann Monaghan, 12 Jessica Morgan, 13 Ellen Morgan, 14 Jessica Hotchkiss, 15 Emma Rice, 16 Caoimhe McCartan, 19 Keela McAllister, 20 Lydia Grant, 21 Cara McGarry, 24 Ellen Suffern, 25 Aideen McCambridge.

In the build up to Saturday’s All Ireland LGFA Club Final between Moneyglass of Antrim and Kilkerrin-Clonberne of Galway, the Saffron Gael speaks to Maxi Curran, the St. Ergnat’s joint manager.

Maxi Curran took Donegal ladies to two All Ireland semi-finals and a National league final during his stint with the Tir Connell team

We began, “Maxi, you were involved with your native Donegal Ladies for a number of years and enjoyed success with the Tir Conaill girls, tell me how it came about that you got involved with St. Ergnat’s”?

Maxi answered. “I got a call in March 2023 telling me the St. Ergnat’s girls were holding a training weekend in Downings and I was asked to come and take a session. So after doing that one, the girls mentioned coming up to Moneyglass to do another one in September, closer to Championship, and having witnessed the genuineness and honesty of the group first hand in Downings, it was an easy decision, and I’ve been involved ever since” 

We then posed the question to the Donegal man. “Tell us about the development and steady improvement of St. Ergnat’s over the last number of years from reaching an Ulster final to winning their first with a win over Errigal Ciaran this year. What do you put it down to”?

He answered. “Along with a large degree of talent, the Moneyglass girls are a tremendously honest and hard-working group of girls and if you persist at anything long enough, putting as much into it as they do, you tend to get the breaks at some point, and I think our time just came this year”. 

“You would probably have gone into a number of games this year as underdogs including you All Ireland semi-final against Kilmacud Crokes but your girls have overcome the challenge on each occasion. What has brought about this great belief” we asked?

He answered. “Belief is one thing, but you need a slice of luck sometimes too, and I think we got breaks at times this year that we didn’t get in previous years. And then when that helps you get over the line on a big day, you get a serious bounce for subsequent games and you just kind of get on a roll”. 

“Both Errigal Ciaran in the Ulster final and Kilmacud Crokes in the All Ireland semi-final looked like big hurdles which Moneyglass were able to overcome. Kilkerrin-Clonberne are going for five in a row and will obviously start as favourites. What do you know about the Galway side and what can you do to overcome that challenge”? we asked

“ I don’t think I’ve heard of any team, in any sport in recent times being on a 5 year winning streak of 52 games unbeaten, so that tells you all you need to know about them really. They are serial winners, blessed with buckets of talent and we will need 13/14 of our girls having the game of their lives to stand any chance. But David did slay Goliath before, so if we give our best, who knows” he concluded. 

All roads lead to Croke Park this Saturday where St. Ergnat’s are aiming to be the first club from Antrim to win a Senior LGFA All Ireland title. The task facing them is immense but the Moneyglass girls have overcome what appeared to be insurmountable odds all season and, if they are at their best then they can cause a major upset.

We at the Saffron Gael wish your side every success and we will be there to capture the action!

St. Ergnat’s St. Ergnat’s Moneyglass v Kilkerrin-Clonberne

All Ireland LGFA Senior Club Final

This Saturday St. Ergnat’s Moneyglass travel to Croke Park where they take on Galway giants, Kilkerrin-Clonberne in the All Ireland LGFA club final.

The Galway girls are aiming for a fifth All Ireland title in a row as they take on Antrim and Ulster champions, St. Ergnat’s Moneyglass who will be competing in their first All Ireland final following a maiden Ulster win this year.

In the build up to Sunday’s final Paddy McIlwaine of the Saffron Gael spoke to one of St. Ergnat’s greatest servants, Cathy Carey to gain her thoughts on the task that lies ahead.

I said to Cathy, you have been part of the Moneyglass setup for as long as I can recall and have served your club and county with distinction over many years.

Cathy answered:It’s probably too many to admit now!  Hopefully there’s a few more years in me yet.

 I put the question to one of St. Ergnat’s most consistent performers, “It’s been a long journey for you and your colleagues to reach Saturday’s decider. Tell me about the heartaches you have suffered over recent years. Firstly on your club journey where St. Paul’s dominated for a long time and then on your Ulster campaign where you suffered a number of setbacks before claiming your first title this year”?

 Cathy answered “The heartaches are a big part of what has driven the team on, particularly the older cohort, over the years.  The first year we won senior was a massive breakthrough and the next target was to get an Ulster title.  Getting to the final in 2022 provided that bit of experience that helped when we were preparing for this year, sometimes it takes a loss to get that win”.

 Our conversation continued. “Cathy you have represented and captained Antrim with distinction and have led them to victory in Croke Park so perhaps your experience of playing in Croke Park and at the highest level will be something that will be of benefit to you and something you can pass onto your colleagues”?

Cathy replied. “There are quite a few of us who have played in Croke before, and I’m glad we are able to pass onto others what to expect.  The thought of it can be more daunting than what it actually is, so it’s trying to get across that it’s still just another pitch with goalposts at either end”.

 I suggested. “The draw for venues during this year’s Ulster and All Ireland semi-final success hasn’t done you any favours but you and your side have shown great resilience and a never-say-die spirit to get to Saturday’s final. What has been different from previous years”?

 She replied. “We have been building for a while now and although the venue draws haven’t been great, sometimes time on the road creates that extra bit of a bond.  We’ve shown a great focus this year and that’s credit to the team and management for sticking to the plan for each game”. 

 I then put the question. “Saturday’s opponents, Kilkerrin-Clonberne are aiming for a fifth All Ireland title in a row and will start as firm favourites on Saturday. What do you know about them and can the underdogs tag be a motivating factor as you aim for a first All Ireland success”?

Cathy Answered.“Any team that has won 4 All Irelands in a row have a lot of quality and Kilkerrin-Clonberne have that experience of the big occasion, so I expected nothing less than going into the final as big underdogs”

“What about St. Ergnat’s and how have your preparations gone since your Ulster and All Ireland semi-final success” I asked the St. Ergnat’s forward?

She Answered. “Preparationshave been going well, we’ve had plenty to work on after each game so have kept the intensity up.  The whole club and community have got behind us so it’s been an enjoyable few months”. 

I then posed the question. “You probably don’t want to talk about individual players but could I press you on the players who have pulled you through tight games when the chips were down?

Cathy replied.“We’ve got plenty of leaders but the likes of Aine Devlin keeping things tight and organised at the back, Emma McAreavey and Cliona Griffin’s driving runs, Leah Stewart popping up everywhere to win ball and Maria O’Neill has been in great form.  I could go on though as everyone has a massive role to play”. 

“Tell me about the Moneyglass management of Charlie O’Kane and Maxi Curran and the difference they have made to St. Ergnat’s since taking over” I asked

Cathy Answered: “Charlie has been with us the past 3 years and has been telling us all along how much potential we had – he puts so much confidence in the team!  Maxi came in at the end of 2023, so just over 2 years.  He has brought a level of professionalism and driven standards – never a stone left unturned.  Hopefully we can do them proud on Saturday”. 

I finished by bringing Cathy’s attention to the fact that their game will now not go out live on TG4: “I have just read that TG4 will not be broadcasting the final live now but will carry a deferred broadcast at 8.10pm because of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. What a load of hypocrisy”!

Very disappointing – I couldn’t believe it when I heard it” she responded!

It is of course being shown on TG4 You Tube chanel and the Moneyglass club will have a link to it on their Facebook pages. Those unable to attend, that cant view the game online, will be hoping to tune in and hopefully celebrate the moneyglass success. We at the Saffron Gael will of course have your very own, Elaine Kelly there and we will carry a report on your game. We wish you and your side every success.

Tomorrow we will take a look  Kikerrin-Clonberne in the build up to Saturday’s final.

Ulster LGFA Club Final

Moneyglass 3-10 Errigal Ciaran 0-6

Refusal to accept second best finally paid dividends for St. Ergnat’s Moneyglass when they turned in a strong performance to beat Tyrone champions, Errigan Ciaran in the Ulster LGFA Senior final at Brewster Park on Sunday.

The Moneyglass girls halve been knocking at the Ulster door over the past five years and lost their previous final to Monaghan’s Donnaghmoyne back in 2022 before hitting a brick wall in the form of Clann Eireann.

This year the Clann Eireann challenge was overcome at the semi-final stage, setting up a second Ulster final appearance on Sunday against Errigal Ciaran.

Three first half goals from Leah Stewart, Cathy Carey and Maria O’Neill sent the Antrim champions on their way to a 3-1 to 0-4 half time lead and even at this stage it was hard to envisage an Errigal Ciaran comeback.

Goal scorers, Maria O’Neill and Cathy Carey

Maxi Curran and Charlie O’Kane had the Antrim champions well set up as they defended deeply and struck with devastating effect on the break.

It was Errigal Ciaran who started strongly however with county star Aoife Horisk firing over the first two points.

They continued to press and were awarded a penalty, but Maria Canavan sent her spot kick to the right and wide.

It took a time for Moneyglass to settle into the game but Cathy Carey got them on their way with a point in the 12^th minute and when Leah Stewart reacted fastest to a free that dropped short to finish to the net they were up and running.

Minutes later Stewart became the provider and this time it was the St. Ergnat’s talisman, Cathy Carey who applied the finish and there was a sense that the Antrim champions had victory firmly in their sight.

 Horisk immediately responded with her third point but Moneyglass then extended their lead when Maria O’Neill fired to the net after a strong run.

Errigal had the last say of the half, with Maria Canavan firing over a free, however, the Antrim champs went in happiest, leading at the break by six.

Catrhy Carey has been a key player for the St. Ergnat’s side for over a decade and she continued to lead from the front in the second half and while the goals dried up it was the points that began to flow.

Carey continued to lead the charge for Moneyglass as they outscored Errigal 0-9 to 0-2 over the course of the second half while at the other end of the field the Moneyglass defence shut up shop.

The St Ergnat’s girls hit the ground running in the second half with Carey, O’Neill and Bronagh Devlin all pointing.

Horisk opened Errigal’s second-half scoring in the seventh minute but it was Moneyglass who continued to call the shots, with further points from Carey (2), Devlin and Stewart.

With time running out, Emile Loughran found the net for Errigal but the score was ruled out for a square ball infringement after the referee consulted with his umpires.  

The Tyrone champions were handed an opportunity to get themselves going again when they were awarded a second penalty in the 28^th minute and Canavan stepped up once again but this time she had her effort pushed over the bar by Bronagh Devlin with the final act of the game to seal a maiden Ulster title for Moneyglass.

St Ergnat’s became the first ever club from Antrim to win the senior ladies crown and they will now represent Ulster in the All-Ireland semi-final later this year.

There were wild scenes of celebration at the final whistle. The door St. Ergnat’s have been knocking at persistently over recent years without gaining entrance had been finally broken down.

Scorers
St Ergnat’s Moneyglass: C Carey 1-04 (2f), L Stewart 1-02, M O’Neill 1-02, B Devlin 0-02.
Errigal Ciaran: A Horisk 0-04 (2f), M Canavan 0-02 (2f).

St Ergnat’s Moneyglass: A Devlin; Caitlin Griffin, N McIntosh, L Stewart; A Leahy, S O’Neill, R Bradley; A Kelly, EL McAreavey; Cliona Griffin, M O’Neill, N Neeson; B Devlin, C Carey, L McCann. Subs: E Mallon for A Kelly (54), D Duffin for A Leahy (59), A Griffin for L Stewart (59), J Daragh for B Devlin (59), K McCloskey for L McCann (62).

Errigal Ciaran: M O’Brien; O McAleer, M Traynor, C McCann; C Canavan, E Corrigan, M Moore; B McAleer, S Cunningham; E McNamee, M Canavan, E Maguire; K McCaffrey, A Horisk, M Corrigan. Subs: E Loughran for E Maguire (33), N Quinn for M Traynor (41), R Quinn for K McCaffrey (43).

Referee: Brendan Rice (Down)

TO VIEW ELAINE KELLY’S PICS FROM SUNDAY’S FINAL CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

https://myalbum.com/album/3udkDp3x8sYA2z