Category / Ladies Football

by thesaffrongael

Moneyglass finish with a flurry but time runs out

LGFA Ulster SFC club semi-final

Clann Eireann 2-10 Moneyglass 1-10

Clann Eireann withstood a late sustained comeback from Antrim champions, Moneyglass to advance to the final of the AIB Ulster club final where they will meet Cavan champions Lurgan later this month.

A year ago St. Ergnat’s travelled to the same venue where they suffered a heavy defeat to today’s opponents and they were determined to put that defeat behind them.

Things certainly didn’t go to plan during the opening half when the Lurgan side raced into a 1-5 to 0-2 half time lead  and were well in control with Cassie Henderson with an 18th minute goal, the replacement forward also grabbing a point, while full-forward duo Niamh Murray and Eimear McConaghy each hit two points.

Emma Louise McArevey finally got the Antrim champions off the mark with a point in 23rd minute and Orlaith Prenter adding their second in first half injury time but at this stage it looked a long way back for the Marian Hill side.

It got worse for St. Ergnat’s on the restart as Aoibhinn Donohue extended the Clan Eireann lead when she found the back of the net two minutes in to move her side nine points clear.

Niamh Henderson extended that lead to 10 and that remained the gap after Maria O’Neill, Cathy Carey and Bronagh Devlin pointed for the visitors and Henderson and Cassie Henderson replied for the reigning champions.

Orla Prenter, who had been well contained up to this point, hit two more for the Moneyglass side and Niamh Henderson and Eimear McConaghy responded for the Lurgan side with what prove to be their final score with 13 minutes remaining.

It looked over, even at this early juncture but St. Ergnat’s came roaring back as Orla Prenter hit three in-a-row to reduce the gap to seven points with five minutes remaining.

Cathy Carey put the cat amongst the pigeons when she fired to the Clann Eireann net in the 62nd minute and Prenter followed with another point to leave just a goal separating the sides with Meabh McCambridge claiming a late delivery from Bronagh Devlin as the visitors pushed for an equaliser.

A brave performance from the Antrim champions after a bad start and on reflection they will probably look at that start as their downfall but they certainly restored pride in the jersey and no doubt, will be back in search of a first Ulster next season.

Clann Eireann: 1 Catherine Lawless, 2 Erin Melanophy, 3 Clodagh McCambridge, 4 Grainne Carville, 5 Roisin Mulligan, 6 Megan McCann, 7 Dearbhla Coleman, 8 Cait Towe, 9 Niamh Coleman, 10 Aoibhin Donohue, 11 Niamh Henderson, 12 Tirna Grimes, 13 Eimear McConaghy, 14 Niamh Murray, 15 Meabh McMambridge

Moneyglass: 1 Aine Devlin, 2 Danielle Duffin, 3 Niamh McIntosh, 4 Niamh Neeson, 5 Aoife Leahy, 6 Sarah O’Neill, 7 Rebecca Bradley, 8 Aoife Kelly, 9 Laura McCann, 10 Annie Griffin, 11 Cathy Carey, 12 Cliona Griffin, 13 Maria O’Neill, 14 Orla Prenter, 15 Jo Jo Darragh

TO VIEW ELAINE’S PICS CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

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by thesaffrongael

Lámh’s G4MO’s Barcelona Bound 

As Halloween is an exciting time for all, it has even taken on a more exciting time for Lámh Dhearg’s G4MO’S as they have the opportunity of representing the club in a European tournament in Barcelona. An opportunity of a lifetime for the keen mothers.

Gaelic for Mothers and Others started in the club in September 2016, and they have enjoyed playing in fun, non-competitive blitzes, while experiencing weekly exercise in a fun way and meeting other mothers and building up camaraderie and friendships. 

The highlight of their short history was playing at Croke Park in 2017 at half time of the LGFA All-Ireland final.  The trip to Barcelona will surely be another memorable highlight.  Naturally the mothers are buzzing about playing in Barcelona. 

Their adventure began with a Facebook post inviting teams from Ireland to forward their interest in a blitz with the Barcelona Gaels. Joanne O’Reilly, decided to forward  Lámh Dhearg G4MO’s team and not mention it to anyone as Joanne didn’t think the Lámhs would make the cut. However, to her amazement the Hannahstown Mothers secured a place out of 207 teams who submitted an expression of interest form. 

The girls went back to the 80’s to raise funds for the trip

Totally excited by this Joanne had to speak to the committee who completely backed the team all the way and acknowledged the benefits to the team and club. 

Excitement grew once Joanne spoke to the players who were blown away to be able to play at a once in a lifetime experience.

The team quickly came up with a variety of ways to fundraise for the big event, a grand national sweep, football scratch cards, sponsoring some girls in the 10k féile, an 80’s night fancy dress disco at the club and finally their first ever G4MO’s blitz. 

The blitz is to take place on Saturday 2nd Nov 2024. The girls are so excited to play alongside other teams such as Middleton Magpies, Jude’s Jets, St Mary’s Convoy and of course their hosts Barcelona Gaels to name a few.

The girls would like to acknowledge Lockdown Security for their generous support who have kindly funded a new team rig and will be worn with pride in Barcelona.

The trip to Barcelona has really galvanised the mothers and they are really anticipating a brilliant time in Barcelona and believe it can only make them a stronger group and promises a bright future for G4MO’s in the club. 

Joanne O’Reilly commented. 

“The aim of this blitz was to increase participation for our GFMO’s team due to a dip in numbers over the past few years. I am so proud of our girls who support the club in everything that they do and always actively participate in the behind-the-scenes activities from our FUNdamentals to our senior teams. Not only have the girls increased in numbers since the blitz was advertised but we have got to know each other deeper and on a more personal level supporting each other physically, emotionally, mentally, and of course socially. Planning this trip was a journey and one that I will remember forever. I can’t wait to play alongside this amazing team of women and looking forward to making a lot more memories with a group that I call friends. This blitz and this group will be remembered in the club for years to come “

Mairead Stanley commented “What a momentous occasion for our team & the club to be heading to Barcelona to play football. From the news broke that we had been selected, the team has only grown in strength and numbers, with both old & new girls. It will be an honour to wear the jersey representing the club on the pitch, but more importantly, it will be an honour to play with such an amazing bunch of girls that I am now proud to call friends.”

Caoimhe Whinnery, commented“G4MO provides a vital platform for inclusion of women who never had the opportunity to try Gaelic football and those hanging up their competitive boots alike. We struggled to regain momentum after Covid, but we were determined not to let such an inclusive initiative dissipate. The upcoming Barcelona trip has given focus and renewed vigour. It has brought the team back together and we have attracted several new members this year. We are delighted to be back at full force.”

 No doubt Barcelona 2024 will become an important and memorable event in the short history of the G4MO’s in Hannahstown and the girls will be worthy ambassadors for Lámh Dhearg , West Belfast and the county.

Lamhs organised their own inaugural tornament to raise funds for the trip

FOR MORE PICS CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

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by thesaffrongael

Rasharkin dip their toes in the Ulster water

Ulster JHJC Quarter-Final

Sean Tracey’s Armagh v Rasharkin

Athletic Grounds Armagh-Saturday 2-00pm

St. Mary’s Rasharkin defied the odds to defeat Glen Rovers, Armoy in the Antrim final in Loughgiel two weeks ago and on Saturday they travel to the Athletic Grounds where they will face Sean Tracey’s of Lurgan in the Ulster club championship.

Despite Rasharkin finishing above Armoy in the league, it was last year’s beaten finalists Glen Rovers who were tipped to take this year’s Junior title in Loughgiel and when Rasharkin lead by only three at half time after playing with a strong breeze it wasn’t looking good for the Dreen side.

Two goals in the opening four minutes of the second half swung this Junior Hurling Championship decider decisively in the direction of St. Mary’s Rasharkin though they were forced withstand a late rally from Glen Rovers.

With the gale force wind at their backs St. Mary’s led by 0-8 to 0-5 at the interval but with the elements in their favour in the second half, Glen Rovers were expected to take control.

Instead it was the men from Dreen who dictated the early second half exchanges with Conor McFerran following up on a Conor Devlin save from Donagh Quigg in the opening minute to finish to the net from close range.

Three Minutes later the excellent Quigg got in for a second St. Mary’s goal and suddenly a three point lead had been stretched to nine and the Blue & Amber’s were firmly in the driving seat.

St. Mary’s were forced to withstand a late rally from their North Antrim opponents but stood strong to take the title before the celebrations got underway.

Rasharkin defeated Davitt’s and Ardoyne to qualify from Group 1 while Armoy won all three games in Group to set up what looked to have the makings of a good final and so it proved to be.

The men from Dreen can go into Saturday’s quarter-final with confidence against a Sean Tracey’s side who will have confidence themselves after defeating Erne Gaels in last weekend’s preliminary round.

Donagh Quigg in action against Armoy in the Antrim final and above celebrating with the cup can lead Rasharkin to a win over Sean Tracey’s in Armagh on Saturday

The return of James O’Mullan to the Rasharkin goals has been a major boost while Daniel and Conor Doherty and Connaire Donaghy form a solid full-back line for St. Mary’s.

Ruairi and Tiernan O’Boyle flanked Aidan McKeever in the half-back line against Armoy while Shane Hasson and Conor McFerran formed an experienced mid-field partnership against Glen Rovers.

Team captain Donagh Quigg led by example in a man of the match performance and his goal early in the second half and another from Conor McFerran proved match winning scores and these two with Emmet McFerran carry the scoring threat that can see them advance to the semi-final on Saturday.

Throw in at the Athletic Grouds in 2-00pm and Rasharkin are likely to bring a big support to the Armagh venue and lets hope the Blue & Ambers can make their journey worth while.

Rasharkin v Armoy: 1 James O’Mullan, 2 Daniel Doherty, 3 Conor Doherty, 4 Connaire Donaghy, 5 Ruairi O’Boyle, 6 Aidan McKeever, 7 Tiernan O’Boyle, 8 Shane Hasson, 9 Conor McFerran, 10 Cathir Henderson, 11 Emmet McFerran, 12 Conor McKeever, 13 Donagh Quigg, 14 Conor McKillop, 15 Declan McKay.

Subs: Brian Og O’Neill for Conor McKillop, Connor Higgins for Tiernan O’Boyle, Caolan Maria, Daniel Hasson

by thesaffrongael

So close yet so far for battling Lamh Dhearg

AIB Ulster LGFA Junior Club Q/Final

Lámh Dhearg 1-6 Cumann Pheadair Naofa 0-10

Despite a spirited performance, Lamh Dhearg made their exit from the Ulster Junior Club Championship when they lost by the minimum to a good Cumann Pheadair Naofa in Hannastown on Saturday.

It was a case of, so close yet so far in a game that was in the balance right up to the final whistle with Enya Quinn’s late point for the Down champions clinching a place in the semi-finals where they will meet Monaghan champions Aughnamullen next weekend.

In a very tight, hard fought contest, St. Peter’s edged the early exchanges with some fine flowing football and looked the more impressive of the two sides. With never more than the bare minimum between them the hosts soon got to grips with the game and took a slender one point lead into the break thanks to five scores from Robin Murray, who was at the heart of everything good that the Antrim champions could produce in a good first 30 minutes.

Murray kicked five of Lámh Dhearg’s six first half points, whilst the Down Champions scores came from Enya Quinn, Anna Craven & Alicia Seoin.

The Blues had an appeal for a penalty waved away just before the half, but would have been pleased to be only one behind having played into the wind in the first half.

Disaster looked to have struck for the visitors early in the second when Emma Russell received a yellow card and whilst she was sitting out her 10 minutes in the sin-bin Lamh Dhearg seized an opportunity to pull away from their doggedly determined opponents, when a high ball into the square from a Murray free shortly after found the net to establish a four point lead.

The Lamh’s looked in a strong position at this stage but that proved to be their final score as Warrenpoint slowly, but surely, crept level with five unanswered points, the impressive Enya Quinn pointing the equaliser with six minutes to play before firing over the winner, three minutes later for a first ever Ulster semi-final appearance for the seaside town.

To view Berts Photographs click on the Link Below

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by thesaffrongael

Five-Star Moneyglass advance to another final

LGFA Minor A semi-final

St. Ergnat’s 5-13 Gort na Mona 0-7

Holders, St. Ergnat’s Moneyglass advanced to another LGFA Minor final when they produced a five-star performance to overcome the challenge of Gort na Mona in the semi-final in Portglenone on Tuesday night.

Goals from Leah Stewart, Jo Jo Darragh and Annie Griffin between the 10th and 14th minute of the second half put matters to bed at a time when the Belfast girls had briefly threatened a comeback.

St. Ergnat’s led 1-9 to 0-2 at half time and added a point at the start of the second but three on the bounce from the Enright Park side suggested that perhaps this game wasn’t over.

That quick fire treble of majors from the Marian Hill side put paid to that notion and they added a fifth goal from a Ruby McErlain penalty in the 29th minute to run out convincing winners.

It was St. Ergnat’s who made all the early running with Jo Jo Darragh 0-2 and Katie McCloskey 0-2 shooting them into a four point lead by the 7th minute as they dominated the early exchanges.

There would be no relief for the Mona Bye-pass side as Annie Griffin added another before the impressive Darragh moved St. Ergnat’s six in front from a free and Ruby McErlain got herself on the score card with a goal in the 13th minute.

Darragh and McErlain added points before Orla McNulty finally opened the Gort na Mona account with a point in the 20th minute and Mia Dembele Mills followed with another before Katie McCloskey kicked the final point of the half to leave Moneyglass 1-9 to 0-2 ahead at the interval.

Gort na Mona started the second half well and after McCloskey had extended the reigning champions lead, Dembele Mills, Casey Meighan and Chloe Boyd Munce replied with three in a row.

The celebrations had scarcely finished before St. Ergnat’s responded with a sustained onslaught with points from Ruby McErlain and Leah Cassidy bookending a hat-trick of goals from Stewart, Darragh and Griffin to put matters to bed with 15 minutes remaining.

Ruby McErlain’s goal from the penalty spot in the 20th minute only served to put a brighter look on the score-board with the same player adding a late point and Gort na Mona finally rewarded for a battling effort with two late points from Casey Meighan and Brooke Largey.

St. Ergnat’s now meet St. Brigid’s in a repeat of last year’s final which the Marian Hill girls won and they will start this one as favourites but will face a tougher challenge from a Musgrave Park side who defeated St. Paul’s in the other semi-final on Sunday.

TO VIEW ELAINE KELLY’S ALBUM CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

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