Antrim Ladies Football Division 2.

Ciceams Ard Eoin 1-12 v St Endas 3-6

Ciceams Ard Eoin and St Endas played out a very competitive and entertaining draw on Sunday evening at Fennell Park in the first league game of the season.

Having missed three early frees in the first 5 minutes Ard Eoin took a four points to nil lead through scores from Kacey McLaughlin, Evie McAllister and two frees from Aideen McDonnell. St Endas recovered to bring the score to 0-4 to 0-3 before two further frees from the accurate Aideen McDonnell stretched the lead to three in her teams favour.

St Endas again fought back to bring the score to 0-6 to 0-5 before Ciceams responded with two excellent points from Evie McAllister and Cadhla Clover. The ever cool McDonnell added two more frees to bring her first half total to six from six giving her a 100% record.

With the half time break approaching and Ard Eoin leading by 0-10 to 0-4 St Endas slipped in for a late goal to close the gap to three points.

Half time score: Ard Eoin 0-10 v St Endas 1-4

On the re-start Anna McGarry raced through to add an excellent point before St Endas scored two fortuitous goals to lead 3-5 – 0-11.

It looked at this stage that it wasn’t going to be Ard Eoin’s day however with around seven minutes left to play the excellent Anna McGarry raced through from 70 meters to score a wonderful goal to bring the sides level. This was followed by what could have been the winning point from the tireless Ashling Anderson however St Endas equalised late on from a free.

Ciceams had 2 opportunities to clinch the win but both went wide to leave the final score Ciceams Ard Eoin 1-12 v St Endas 3-6.

Overall this was an excellent start to the campaign from a young and inexperienced Ard Eoin side with many excellent performances throughout the team. The effort and will to win from everyone was clearly there for all to see.

Special mention must go to Evie McAlister who covered every blade of grass from full forward, chipped in with two points, and won a number of frees with her pacey direct running.

On the down side there were a few injuries picked up by the excellent Orlaith Lynch, Grace McAllister and Amiee McAloran. Hopefully nothing too serious and we’ll see them back soon.

Ard Eoin team and scorers: Saorla Maguire, Niamh McAuley, Colleen McLaughlin, Orlaith Lynch, Ailisa Frame, Lauren Coleman, Grace McAllister, Ashling Anderson (0-1), Anna McGarry (1-1), Tiarna McAuley, Kacey McLaughlin (0-1), Aideen McDonnell (0-6 Frees), Cadhla Glover (0-1), Evie McAllister (0-2) Fiona McKenna. Subs: Aimee McAloran, Natasha Rooney, Erin Mailey, Derbhla Carmichael, Eve Morgan, Cliodhna Lynch.

Fermanagh 0-7 Antrim 3-16

Antrim U16LGFA team worked hard to see off a determined Fermanagh team at Derrylin.

Antrim came out of the traps with a stunning individual goal by Aoibhean Monaghan and a quick point from JoJo Darragh.  Despite several other opportunities to extend the lead they didn’t manage to shake off the Erne girls who stayed in touch with a number of well struck frees.

Antrim continued to press and a period of quick scores from Erin Stewart, Chloe Boyd -Munce and the ever dangerous Monaghan meant they looked comfortable at halftime leading 1-8?to 0-5.

The second half saw Antrim maintain an impressive level of consistency while refreshing players throughout. 28 players contributing to the win.

In a strong defensive performance with Seana Bradley, Lila McCann and Sally Scullion dominant Antrim held the home side to just 2 points in the second period.

Spurred on by the efforts of Siobhan McGurk and Aoife Fitzsimons at midfield the forward line continued to pick off scores. The tireless running of Hannah Mead and the sharpshooting of her teammates allowed the young Saffs to stretch away and take the points.

Antrim Scorers

Erin Stewart 1-5

Aoibhean Monaghan 1-4

Siobhan McGurk 1-0

Hannah Mead 0-2

Jojo Daragh 0-1

Chloe Boyd-Munce 0-1

Katie McKavanagh 0-1

Aoife Rice 0-1.

Lidl Ladies NFL Division 3: Antrim v Louth  (Sunday, 2pm, Davitt Park Belfast)

Antrim ladies footballer go into to Sunday’s opening game in Division 3 with a team which is short a lot of regulars, with the retirement of team captain Cathy Carey and the decision of a few of her Moneyglass team mates to take a break. Star of the team for the past couple of seasons Orlaith Prenter plus Glenavy ace Grainne McLaughlin have gone to Australia, which is a major blow to the team, but with some of Prenter’s Moneyglass team mates also absent, plus Aisling McFarland and Aine Turbity, team manager Emma Kelly has a big task on her hands.  

 With team captain Cathy Carey deciding to call it a day after over 20 years’ service Emma Kelly must have been tempted to try and persuade her great leader to stay on, but the manager thought that would have been unfair on Carey, a player who has given such great service to her county.  

The Moneyglass and Antrim legend Carey led the Saffrons to promotion from Division 4 last season while also winning the Ulster Intermediate title, but narrowly missing out on an All Ireland Intermediate final appearance.

One piece of good news that Emma Kelly announced was that Carey will be on hand to help out this season, just not in a playing capacity. 

“Cathy has given plenty of time during her career. It is her own personal decision – it is the same with girls who’ve stepped away for work or exams or travelling,” said Kelly. 

“Cathy will be on the sideline for our home games to be another set of eyes for us. “There was no point in ringing Cathy and asking her to drop in because we’ve lost too many players. That wouldn’t be fair on her either. She has given us enough time and it is her decision.”

With Carey retired, Ciara Brown from St Paul’s has been promoted to captain, while Brown’s clubmate Lara Dahunsi is vice-captain alongside St Brigid’s defender Emma Ferran. 

Antrim begin their Division Three campaign with a home game against Louth at Davitt’s on Sunday. 

Emma Kelly has urged supporters to get behind the team and says it is up to the players to step up and be counted in the absence of so many experienced players. 

“From the League final last year, we’ve lost 10 starters so it is a big hit,” said Kelly. 

“It isn’t ideal when you’ve so many key players stepping away at the same time, but these things happen. You have to deal with it. 

“It is sink or swim. 

“It is up to the rest of the girls to step up. We’ve only five starters from last year and they have to step up and be the leaders.

“They might only be 21 or 22 years old, but they need to step up and be counted. It is Division Three and they’ll have to learn. We’re still hoping to play good football and put it up to the rest of the teams in the division. 

“It will take some time for players to settle into the squad.”

She added: “It is going to be a difficult year, we can’t deny that. We need everybody to get out and support us now. It is a brand new squad. 

Kelly has given great service to Antrim as a manager and she certainly deserves the supprt of all those who have to welfare of Antrim football at heart, so get along to Davitt Park and cheer on her new charges