Category / Latest News

by thesaffrongael

Ahoghill edge South West Derby

ACFL Division 2

St. Mary’s Ahoghill 2-13 Naomh Comhghall 1-13

It’s been a while since these two South West rivals met in competitive action with St. Mary’s having made the drop from division 1 at the end of last year and Naomh Comhghall in their second season in division 2.

Both sides have made contrasting starts to the season with St. Mary’s winning one and losing one going into Wednesday night’s meeting at Cloney and Naomh Comhghall with a win and a draw under their belts.

So there was a fair deal of interest as they took the field in Ahoghill on Wednesday night and that interest was well founded as they went on to serve up an excellent game of attacking football.

It was the Antrim town side who got off to a blistering start as Kian Smith found the net in the second minute and points from Tiernan Floyd and Caolan O’Loan had them 1-2 to 0-0 ahead by the third minute.

Naomh Muire looked shocked but gradually they began to get their own game together and Ronan Graham put them right back in it with a goal in the 7th minute.

Dan O’Neill added a point to leave just one in it after only 8 minutes of a blistering opening period but a lively Naomh Comhghall were edging the opening exchanges and they moved further ahead again through a Tom Hodkinson double.

The hosts kept in touch however with Donal Graham firing over two points and it remained nip and tuck in the period leading up to half time with Tom Hodgkinson 0-2 and Caolan O’Loan hitting points for the Antrim town men and Dan O’Neill and Colla McDonnell replying for the men from Cloney.

Hodkinson was certainly playing his part in keeping the Naomh Comhghall noses in front as he added two more points by the 4th minute of the second half to move his side three in front and they looked on their way to lifting a major scalp.

Points are never easy gained in Cloney however and Ahoghill responded with points from Dan O’Neill 0-2 and James O’Connell in response to one from O’Loan for the visitors.

The turning point in the game arrived at the end of the third quarter when Patrick Dougan finished to the net for Naomh Muire’s second goal and that score seemed to lift his colleagues.

Diarmaid Graham for the home side and Conor McAuley for the visitors exchanged further scores but it was the Ahoghill side who ensured there would be no way back for the ‘Town’ going down the finishing straight.

Dan O’Neill, James O’Connell and Donal Graham all raised white flags and despite a late double from Tom Hodkinson for the visitors it was Naomh Muire who held on for their second win in three outings.

An entertaining game of football with both sides deserving great credit for the football they served up but in the end it was probably Ahoghill’s greater experience that saw them through.

Naomh Muire Ahoghill: 1 Noel Crossey, 2 Shea Neeson, 3 James Magee, 4 Harry O’Donnell, 5 Fionnbar O’Neill, 6 Martin Graham, 7 Eamonn Brady, 8 Ronan Graham, 9 Patrick Graham, 10 Dan O’Neill, 11 Donal Graham, 12 Patrick Dougan, 13 Colla McDonnell, 14 Donal Graham, 15 Noah Friel, 18 Rian Martin, 21 James O’Connell, 22 Seamus McKeever

Naomh Comhghall: 1 Peter McAuley, 2 Leo McAleer, 3 Cathal Donnelly, 4 Eoin Lynott, 5 Ruairi Griffin, 6 James McCabe, 7 Danaan O’Hara, 8 Michael McCabe, 9 Caolan O’Loan, 10 Aaron McGaw, 11 Miles Devine, 12 Dylan Murdock, 13 Tom Hodgkinson, 14 Kian Smith, 15 Tiernan Floyd, 17 Balle1gh Close, 18 Aaron McHugh, 19 Aidan Short, 23 Conor McAuley

Referee: Fionntan McCotter (Sarsfield’s)

by thesaffrongael

O’D’s shade full blooded encounter at MacRory Park

ACFL Division 3

O’Donnell’s 1-9 Laochra Loch Lao 2-5

Cardinal O’Donnell’s and Laochra Loch Lao served up a full blooded encounter in terrible underfoot conditions at MacRory Park on Wednesday evening in one of the few games that survived the weather.

The Saffron Gael had three photographers in Belfast to cover games but I arrived at Davitt’s where a late call by the referee deemed the pitch unplayable.

Curly suffered a similar fate at Milltown and again both sides were on the field when the decision to call off was taken while Bert had a similar experience at the Bear Pit with the Sarsfields v St. Brigid’s game called off.

A chance meeting with a fellow Gael at Colaiste Feirste informed me that he had seen Laochra Loch Lao making their way into MacRory Park and I arrived just in time to witness 30 hardy souls take the field as the rain that had been falling heavily earlier abated.

Things got underway under the guidance of referee, Anthony Carleton and despite water on the surface these division 3 rivals went on to serve up a game of championship intensity.

Playing away into the pavilion end it was visitors Laochra Loch Lao who took an early lead through Oisin Crawford with a point in the 8th minute but hosts O’Donnell were soon back on terms from a Padraig McKissock free with 11 minutes gone.

Fergal McNerny, wearing 34 put O’Donnell’s ahead for the first time as they began to control the exchanges with some excellent build up play and two more from McKissock (1f) had the lower Whiterock men 3 ahead after 22 minutes

The visitors were enjoying a fair deal of possession but wayward shooting and some strong defending by the O’D’s defence, where Stephen Seawright, Conor Walsh and Jonathan McKenna were giving nothing away, kept Laochra in check.

Fionnbar McKernan extended the home lead and the industrious Fergal McNerney moved them five ahead after 24 minutes and Laochra looked in a spot of bother.

They were handed a lifeline however when a long distance free from Conor McGucken appeared to take a deflection and ended in Conor Murphy’s net to leave it 0-6 to 1-1 at the break.

It was still all to play for as the sides emerged from the dressing rooms for the second half with McGucken splitting the uprights in the opening minute to leave the minimum between the sides.

Padraig McKissock replied for O’Donnell’s as he converted a free following a breech with Conor McGucken replying at the other end to again leave just one between two very competitive sides.

Fergal McNery continued to impress around mid-field and he once again moved O’Donnell’s two ahead but the hosts suffered a blow when they had a player Red carded in the 10th minute.

The excellent McGucken pointed the resulting free to again reduce the gap to one and it looked like being a long evening for the home side.

They had to be thankful to their keeper, Conor Murphy who came off his line to make an excellent blocking save from Kevin Devine and the home side countered with their halftime substitute (29) racing in for a goal.

It gave O’Donnell’s a cushion but Laochra were now enjoying a lot of possession and pushing forward in numbers and a point from Kevin Devine and a goal from the penalty spot by sharp shooter McGucken had it back to one with time almost up.

O’Donnell’s refused to panic and countered from the kick-out with a point from Richard McAvoy before running down the clock as they held possession, affording Laochra no further opportunity.

O’Donnell’s: 1 Conor Murphy, 2 Joseph Rafferty, 3 Stephen Seawright, 4 Sean Smylie, 5 Kevin Kennedy, 6 Conor Walsh, 7 Jonathan McKenna, 8 Patrick Matthews, 9 Joseph Rafferty, 10 Ciaran McKissock, 11 Scott Thompson, 12 Paul Moore, 13 Richard McAvoy, 14 Padraig McKissock, 15 Fionnbar McKernan, 34 Fergal McNerny,

Laochra Loch Lao: 1 Sean O’hEachain, 26 Deaglan McComb, 3 Conor McCaffery, 4 Michael Nolan, 5 Gearoid McShane, 6 Connla O’Coinn, 7 Dubhaltach MacCrabhagain, 8 Tomkas Tolan, 9 Cathal O’Ceallaigh, 10 Conor McGucken, 11 Kevin Devine, 12 Tiarnan Mac Siacais, 13 Oisin Crawford, 24 Michael O’Dalaigh, 15 PJ O’Prey,

Referee: Anthony Carleton (St. Brigid’s)

TO VIEW MORE PICS FROM LAST NIGHT’S GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

https://myalbum.com/album/Z6bfXJXjUj6yh4

by thesaffrongael

Freddie raises £17,700 for Macmillan Cancer Support

Freddie McIntyre, a familiar and much-loved character, known far and wide as the life and soul of the party. Full of fun, Fred was always one for a bit of mischief and enjoyed the craic with his mates, but above all else he was known as a loyal friend and a much-loved brother and son. In more recent years, Fred’s world centred around his two young boys, Tristan and Jonah. A devoted dad, he cherished every moment with them and saw them as his greatest achievement! However, in 2022, Fred’s life took an unexpected and devastating turn when he was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. What followed was an incredibly challenging period of intensive chemotherapy and treatment. Just as he reached the end of this journey and things began to look more hopeful, Fred was dealt another cruel blow — the lymphoma had spread to his brain, despite this happening in only a very small percentage of cases. Though the outlook was uncertain, Fred showed remarkable determination. Refusing to give up, he faced a gruelling series of procedures including multiple tests, lumbar punctures, scans, further treatment, a stem cell transplant and even a brain biopsy. Against all the odds, Fred has come through this battle and is now cancer free. While he has not regained full cognitive function, his strength and resilience have inspired all who know him.

Freddie celebrates after reaching the top of Orra

Having experienced first-hand the vital support provided during such a difficult time, Fred and his family have spoken of the immense impact of Macmillan Cancer Support. Determined to give something back, Fred recently took on a sponsored walk to raise funds for the charity.

The response from the community has been overwhelming, with generous donations and messages of encouragement. Fred and his family have expressed their heartfelt gratitude for the kindness shown.

Special thanks have also been extended to local businesses across Loughgiel, Cloughmills, Armoy, Dunloy and Glenravel, who kindly supported the effort by hosting sponsor sheets and helping to collect donations.

Fred’s journey is one of courage, resilience and community spirit — a story that has touched many and continues to inspire.

Fred has always had strong ties to Loughgiel Shamrocks, where he played hurling in his younger years. A proud member of the club, he holds an Under-21 Championship medal and remains a passionate supporter of both the hurlers and the camogie teams, continuing to follow their progress closely.

by thesaffrongael

Antrim stars shine in the QUB Future Stars Awards

It was a night of immense pride for Antrim GAA at the Whitla Hall on Wednesday evening, as players from across the Saffron County took centre stage at the annual McKeever Sports Queen’s University Future Stars gala dinner.

While talented athletes from across Ulster were recognised, it was the staggering achievements of Belfast and North Antrim schools that truly stole the headlines, headlined by a historic, unprecedented treble for Rathmore Grammar’s Aodhán O’Hanlon.

Here is how Antrim’s brightest young talents dominated the 2025-26 Future Stars across all codes.

A Historic Treble for Gort na Móna’s O’Hanlon

Last year, history was made when a player collected two Future Stars awards. This year, Rathmore Grammar and Gort na Móna clubman Aodhán O’Hanlon went one better.

O’Hanlon was the undeniable star of the evening, picking up an incredible three Future Stars awards across Hurling, Gaelic Football, and Soccer. A driving force for Rathmore in all three codes, O’Hanlon notably racked up 1-10 in the Danske Bank Kirk Cup hurling final against St Malachy’s Belfast just before Easter.

Queens Future Stars 2026 – Antrim hurlers who received award

Saffron Stranglehold on the Hurling Team

Antrim’s traditional hurling powerhouses absolutely dominated the Future Stars hurling selection, claiming a massive portion of the starting fifteen.

  • Cross & Passion Ballycastle: Following their victory over St Mary’s CBGS in the Danske Bank Foresters’ Cup final, CPC secured three spots through Aaron Gillan, Oran Baudant, and Charley McCauley.
  • St Mary’s CBGS Belfast: The beaten finalists were rightfully represented by defensive duo Ben McCaul and Conall Dempsey.
  • St Malachy’s Belfast: After retaining the Kirk Cup, Ollie Gregory and Harry Feeney (who hit 1-4 in the decider) became the first-ever hurlers from St Malachy’s to be selected for a Future Stars team.
  • St Louis Ballymena: Goalkeeper Jack McQuillan and forward Éanna McGuckian ensured Ballymena was well represented.
  • Rathmore Grammar: Aodhán O’Hanlon took his rightful place in the forward line.
  • St Mary’s Magherafelt – Ronan Colgan (Kickhams Creggan)
Queens Future Stars 2026 – Antrim Camogs

Camogie: Antrim’s Production Line Continues

Antrim’s future in senior camogie looks incredibly bright, with several breakout stars from the county picking up awards.

Clíodhna Thompson, who led St Killian’s Garron Tower to the Liatroim Fontenoys’ Cup with a stunning 1-7 in the final, took her place in the forward line alongside St Louis Ballymena’s Cliodhna McKeever. Meanwhile, Coláiste Feirste collected their first-ever camogie award thanks to the standout performances of midfielder Róisín Nic Bhrádaigh.

There was also a nod to Antrim Camogie royalty. Rose McMullan from Cross & Passion Ballycastle—who helped shock St Patrick’s Maghera in the Corn Uan Uladh final—was selected. She is the daughter of Róisín Duffin, who famously starred for Antrim in the 2001 All-Ireland Intermediate final.

Ulster schools’ secretary Méabh Cassidy noted the direct pathway these awards provide, pointing out that Antrim senior stars like Sarah O’Neill, Erin Coulter, Shannagh Heggarty, Janey McIntosh, Orlaith McAlister, Laura Black, and Eobha McAllister all previously came through the Future Stars ranks.

Queens Future Stars 2026 – Male and Female Football winners

Breaking New Ground in Gaelic Football

Rathmore Grammar was the story of the night in the boys’ football selection, claiming three spots. Joining the ubiquitous Aodhán O’Hanlon were Darragh Cross clubman Connor Sheridan in goals and St Brigid’s midfielder Liam Carson.

Antrim schools also celebrated several historic “firsts” in the football categories:

  • Nathan Burns became the first player from Edmund Rice College Glengormley to win a Future Stars award.
  • Fintan McArdle proudly put Aquinas Grammar Belfast on the roll of honour for the very first time.

In Ladies Football, the Saffron representation remained strong. Evie McAllister from Dominican College Fortwilliam picked up an award, as did Rathmore Grammar forward Anna Adams, daughter of former Antrim senior footballer Gearóid Adams.

In the Handball category, Edmund Rice College Glengormley was represented once again, with Mia Carlin taking home one of the three female awards.

Queens Future Stars 2026 – Handball award winners including Mia Carlin (left) of Edmund Rice College
Queens Future Stars 2026 – St Mary’sCBGS winners

The Antrim & Belfast Roll of Honour

NameSchoolSport
Aodhán O’HanlonRathmore GrammarHurling & Boys Football
Aaron GillanCross & Passion BallycastleHurling
Oran BaudantCross & Passion BallycastleHurling
Charley McCauleyCross & Passion BallycastleHurling
Ben McCaulSt Mary’s CBGS BelfastHurling
Conall DempseySt Mary’s CBGS BelfastHurling
Ollie GregorySt Malachy’s BelfastHurling
Harry FeeneySt Malachy’s BelfastHurling
Jack McQuillanSt Louis BallymenaHurling
Éanna McGuckianSt Louis BallymenaHurling
Connor SheridanRathmore GrammarBoys Football
Liam CarsonRathmore GrammarBoys Football
Nathan BurnsEdmund Rice College GlengormleyBoys Football
Fintan McArdleAquinas Grammar BelfastBoys Football
Clíodhna ThompsonSt Killian’s Garron TowerCamogie
Cliodhna McKeeverSt Louis BallymenaCamogie
Róisín Nic BhrádaighColáiste FeirsteCamogie
Rose McMullanCross & Passion BallycastleCamogie
Evie McAllisterDominican College FortwilliamLadies Football
Anna AdamsRathmore GrammarLadies Football
Mia CarlinEdmund Rice College GlengormleyHandball (Female)

by thesaffrongael

Mount St. Michael’s Cross Country Event a Major Success

There was a fantastic display of athleticism and community spirit at Tír na nÓg, Randalstown today as Mount St. Michael’s Primary School hosted their inaugural Cross Country Event in association with Favour.

Pupils from a number of local schools took to the course in what proved to be a superbly organised and highly enjoyable day of competition. Both races were keenly contested, with participants showing great stamina and determination throughout.

A special word of congratulations goes to all the winning individuals and school teams, whose performances set a very high standard, while every child who took part deserves enormous credit for their effort and enthusiasm.

The event marks another significant step in the growth of cross country running within the area, supported by the ongoing work of Michael McKillop (Team McKillop Coaching) whose coaching influence has helped inspire a new generation of young runners.

Speaking after the event, Mount St. Michael’s Principal Paudie Shivers paid tribute to those who made the day possible:

“It was fantastic to see such a high standard on display today and more importantly, the clear benefits an event like this bring to our young people in terms of confidence, wellbeing and enjoyment of sport.
A huge thank you to Favour Foods for their amazing sponsorship and support of this event, to Michael McKillop for his expertise, to Mrs McMullan for coordinating everything so well, and to Tír na nÓg GAC Randalstown for the use of their excellent facilities and a big well done to all the staff and schools who took part today. We hope to build on the success of this event and establish it as an annual fixture.”

With strong community backing and such a positive response from schools, this event looks set to become a key date in the primary school sporting calendar for years to come.

TO SEE MORE OF BERT TROWLEN’S PICS FROM THIS EVEN CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

https://myalbum.com/album/kwqoAmdRv7o7e7/?invite=7bc455fe-26af-48da-9c85-87368bce3845