Gort na Móna CLGAntrim LGFA John West Féile A — Champions 2026

Semi-Final: Gort na Móna 4-07 Creggan 2-01

Pics by Ciarán Ó Brolcháin 

The young Gort na Móna girls made history by becoming the club’s first ever LGFA Féile A champions! What started out as a mild morning quickly turned into horrendous, windy conditions by the time the girls lined out for their semi-final against Creggan. The wind was blowing across the field, giving Gort na Móna an early advantage.

Play got underway and, after a scrappy opening few minutes, the Gort girls struck first with a well-taken goal from Siana Ward. Winning an early delivery into the forward line, Siana turned her marker and slotted home. The half-forward line of Abbie Lennon, Holly-Mae Magill and captain Kaila Walsh made it extremely difficult for the Creggan goalkeeper to play out from the back, and when Ella Hughes intercepted a pass she released Cadhla Stilges down the left side. Cadhla took on her marker with a strong solo run before slotting the ball over the bar. Siana then brought her tally to 1-1 shortly after as the girls really hit their stride.

Creggan, to their credit, worked tirelessly in their back line and, after a few adjustments, eventually broke out of their half and moved the ball upfield — but a great turnover from Jessie McGeown set Gort up for another attack. Jessie moved the ball on to Alexia Largey, who drove forward and found her midfield partner Niamh Keenan. Niamh hit an early strike from range that dipped under the crossbar past an unlucky goalkeeper.

This was to be Jessie and Cadhla’s last contribution, as the 8-minute rotation rule meant two new players had to be introduced. Whilst we fully understand the reasons behind such rules, it is really hard to make an impact in just eight minutes — but both players did exactly that before giving way to two more fresh faces. Their replacements, Carly Muckian and Hollie McKeaveney, got involved right away, with Hollie going into goals and Carly setting herself up in the forward line alongside Evie Magee-McKenna, who had started the game in goals. Both were involved in the next two phases of play, supporting the strong runs of Seana Fryers breaking from the number six position.

As the half drew to a close, Sophie O’Hanlon added her name to the scoresheet with a well-taken point — the first of what would prove to be an impressive personal tally of 1-4 across the game. That was the final score of the half, with the scoreboard reading Gort na Móna 2-3, Creggan 0-0, though the girls were well aware that the wind would be in their opponents’ favour for the second half.

Second Half

Straight from the throw-in, Alexia Largy knocked the ball down and Niamh Keenan scooped it up, charged forward and set up Sophie O’Hanlon to take a routine point. Creggan, buoyed by the wind, moved the ball up the pitch with some strong running and support play and deservedly scored their first goal with a well-taken strike from inside the 21.

Corner-backs Casey McKeown and Grace Kearney were instrumental in working the ball out of our back line, and when Kearney carried the ball out from goalkeeper Hollie McKeaveney accurate kick-out it created another goal-scoring opportunity, with the support of Ella Hughes and Carly Guckian. Holly-Mae Magill was accurate from a free, slotting the ball between the posts. Creggan didn’t let this faze them though and worked themselves back up the pitch to score a well-worked point. The Loughshore girls began to put pressure on the Gorts kick-outs and hit a number of shots that went just wide before McKeaveney produced a wonderful save to keep the ball out of the net. Eventually the Creggan pressure paid off and they got themselves another goal after McKeaveney made a great stop, only for the rebound to be tapped in by the Creggan corner forward.

This was to be Creggan’s last score of the game, mainly due to the organisation and relentless defending from our full-back line, led by the excellent Meabh Maguire, with Seana Fryers controlling things in front of her. The Gorts introduced Aoife Mackel and Ciara McConnell for the final 12 minutes in place of Siana Ward and Evie Magee-McKenna Gort maintained possession and control throughout, and with the last score of the game being another well-worked goal from the ever-dangerous Sophie O’Hanlon— who clinically beat the Creggan goalkeeper — the final whistle confirmed a place in the final.

Final: Gort na Móna v Erin’s Own Cargin

The final was a replay of last year’s decider, with the girls coming up against familiar foes in Erin’s Own Cargin. The game was moved to Naomh Éanna’s main pitch, which was in impeccable condition. After winning the toss, match captain Seana Fryers chose to play with the wind at our backs. Unlike the semi-final, where the wind had blown across the field, this pitch had the wind blowing end to end — making it an even greater advantage for the team playing with it.

Play got underway with the new midfield duo of Kaila Walsh and Niamh Keenan getting involved right away, making direct runs at Cargin’s defence. After a neat build-up, Holly-Mae opened the scoring with a well-taken point. The full-forward line of Cara Malone, Siana Ward and Holly-Mae Magill closed the space for the Cargin kick-outs, and with the Gorts midfield and half-forwards pushing up they dominated possession and won kick-out after kick-out with relentless pressure assisted by a strong wind. After a few wasteful chances the girls really got into their stride — Sophie O’Hanlon got on the scoresheet with a well-taken point, Kaila knocked over a free from distance, and Holly-Mae then found the net with a beautiful finish.

Cargin were finding the wind a real hindrance but eventually won possession and moved the ball up into our half for the first time in the game. This made for a great counter-attacking opportunity when Seana Fryers turned the ball over and found Ella Hughes with acres of space to run into. She did just that and, when she found herself in range, popped over a great score O’Hanlon added the last point of the half — just as she had done in the semi-final. That was to be the final score of the first half, with the scoreboard reading Gort na Móna 1-5, Cargin 0-1, though the girls were well aware that the wind would now be in Cargin’s favour and the reigning champions would not be giving up their crown without a fight.

Second Half

The Gorts rejigged their lines for the second half and played with one up front, introducing Carly Muckian and Evie Magee-McKenna to give us a more defensive setup. With Muckian’s pace and fitness the Gorts management knew they could rely on her to get us out of trouble when needed. Straight from the throw-in we set about moving the ball up the pitch, but unlike the first half our early delivery was held up in the wind and Cargin countered. Some great defending from the Gorts defence got us out of trouble time and time again, though our attacks fell short on every occasion.

This was to be Siana Ward and Grace Kearney’s last contribution, as the team management introduced Holly Donaghy and Laura Lyons for their well-deserved debuts, giving a rest to two players who had put in a tireless shift. The next few minutes were spent around the middle of the pitch, with both sides turning each other over multiple times, until eventually Cargin broke through our rearguard and found themselves in on goal — only for McKeavenyey to pull off an incredible save, bravely winning the rebound and playing the ball back out of the defence.

A stoppage for injury gave the Gorts just enough time to send instructions onto the pitch: play a possession game and forget about trying to score in the final five minutes — something they had been working on over the past few months. The girls carried out those instructions to the letter. The team moved the ball quickly and found space, while on the far side of the pitch the defence replicated their team-mates by doing exactly the same. The game ended with the Gorts girls in possession, moving, weaving and supporting each other in a superb passage of football — and when the referee blew for full time, they had achieved what seemed impossible. They kept a very good Cargin side scoreless in the second half, and after four A finals in a row and numerous others across their short 11-year history, the girs from Turf Lodge had won their first ever Féile A title!

A lot of credit has to go to both the U16 and U14 coaches, as this group of girls is a mix of both squads. The girls will now go on to represent Antrim in the All-Ireland Féile Peile na nÓg in Derry on 27th June. A massive well done to everyone who took part, supported and assisted us on this journey.

Squad List

1. Abbie Lennon
2. Alexia Largey
3. Aoife Mackel
4. Cara Malone
5. Carly Muckian
6. Casey McKeown
7. Cadhla Stilges
8. Ciara McConnell
9. Clara McKenna
10. Ella Hughes
11. Eloise McAuley
12. Evie Magee-McKenna
13. Grace Kearney
14. Holly Donaghy
15. Hollie McKeaveney
16. Holly-Mae Magill
17. Jessie McGeown
18. Kaila Walsh
19. Laura Lyons
20. Mayla Thompson
21. Meabh Maguire
22. Niamh Keenan
23. Ruby Manning
24. Seana Fryers
25. Siana Ward
26. Sophie O’Hanlon

Another round of football fixtures are scheduled for this week with games in all of the Divisions, One Two and Three.

Division 1

Dunloy v Glenravel: Wednesday 6-30

Dunloy finally get their season up and running when they entertain a Glenravel side who lost their opening game away to Lamh Dhearg. Much will depend on what strength both teams field at but Dunloy could edge it if they are near full strength.

St Paul’s v Con Magee’s Glenravel – Sunday 5^th April 12-00

After a tough outing on their own turf against St John’s, St Paul’s head to the South West hoping to get back to winning ways. Glenravel, meanwhile, have two games under their belts and may have enough to edge this one but it could be close.

St Ergnat’s Moneyglass v St Mary’s Aghagallon Saturday 4^th April; 2-00pm

 It’s been a baptism of fire for Moneyglass back in the top flight, coming off a loss to Creggan at Marian Hill. They remain at home this week against an Aghagallon side also smarting from a defeat to All Saints. This one feels like a battle of attrition; Moneyglass are desperate to find their feet, and a hard-fought draw wouldn’t be a surprise.

Cuchullian’s Dunloy v Patrick Sarsfield’s Sunday 5^th April 12-00

The reigning county champions lost to St. Brigid’s in round one and host Glenravel on Wednesday night with both sides looking for their first win. Dunloy host a Sarsfield’s side that showed serious grit in a one-point loss to St Gall’s. While the “Paddies” are improving, Dunloy may have enough to edge it—expect the home side to get the win here.

St Brigid’s v St Gall’s – Saturday 4^th April 2-00pm

The “Biddies” have been the early pace-setters, maintaining a perfect record so far. They face a St Gall’s team who have also won their two opening games against All Saints and Sarsfield’s, but this is a much steeper test. St Brigid’s look formidable and should continue their winning streak at Musgrave.

Lámh Dhearg v St John’s – Friday 3d April 6-30

 A massive South Antrim derby as St John’s came good by winning at St Paul’s last week, but the hills of Hannahstown are never an easy place to visit. This should be the game of the round, with Lámh Dhearg likely to use the home advantage to snatch a narrow victory.

All Saints v O’Donovan Rossa Saturday 4^th April 6-00pm

 All Saints battled hard to gain a win over Aghagallon last time out and look comfortable at home. However, Rossa are dangerous travellers, having crushed Moneyglass in round one before a slip-up against St Brigid’s. If Rossa can rediscover their scoring touch, they’ll push the Ballymena men to the limit.

Erin’s Own Cargin v Casement’s Portglenone Sunday 5^th April 4-00pm

The pick of the South West ties. Casement’s have been one of the league’s “form” teams with back-to-back wins over city opponents. Cargin got back on track against Tir na nOg, but they’ll need to move through the gears to stop a confident Portglenone side. Cargin’s historical dominance in this fixture gives them the edge, but only just.

Tir na nOg v Kickham’s Creggan – Sunday 5^th April 11-30am

Creggan are undefeated to date, sitting pretty with maximum points. They travel to Whitehill to face a Tir na nOg side that pushed Cargin hard last week. While Randalstown will provide a physical test, Creggan’s clinical nature should see them move to 3 wins from 3.

---

Division Two

St Enda’s v Michael Davitt’s – Friday 3d April 6-30pm

Davitt’s caused the shock of the opening round by pipping Ahoghill in a high-scoring thriller. Now they face a St Enda’s side with plenty of top-tier experience. The Glengormley men looked sharp against Aldergrove and should have too much quality for the visitors here.

St Mary’s Ahoghill v Gort na Móna – Sunday 5^th April 4-00pm

Ahoghill were on the wrong side of a one-point result last time out and will be itching to set the record straight at Clooney. Gort na Móna are never an easy opponents but the St Mary’s men are notoriously tough to beat on their own sod. Expect a home win.

St Patrick’s Lisburn v St James’ Aldergrove  –  Sunday 5^th April 4-00pm

Aldergrove struggled to adapt to Division Two in their opener against St Enda’s, but a trip to Lisburn offers a chance at redemption. St Pat’s will be gritty, but Aldergrove’s pace should see them leave with the points.

Naomh Comhghall Antrim v St Agnes – Friday 3d April – 6-30pm

Dunsilly plays host to a meeting of two sides looking to establish themselves in this division though Naomh Comhghall are in their second year in division 2. “The Aggies” showed heart in a defeat to Glenavey in round one, while Naomh Comhghall will have home advantage. This could be the closest game in the division—a home win by a point or two is the call.

---

Division Three

Laochra Loch Lao v Éire Óg Wednesday 1^st April 7-30

Laochra seek their first points after an opening day defeat to Ardoyne. They’ll be much more comfortable at home, but face an Éire Óg side that proved they can grind out results following their opening day win over Pearses. Eire Og can build on that opening round win but a stalemate wouldn’t be shocking here.

Pearses v O’Donnell’s Sunday 5^th April – 4-00pm

Pearse lost their opening game to Eire Og and will be keen to get their first victory under their belts but will be tested by an O’Donnell’s side who drew with Rasharkin first time pout.

Brid Cloiche An Muillin Gaels v Kickham’s Ardoyne – Wednesday 8^th April – 6-45pm

The “new kids on the block” had a tough introduction against St Malachy’s and now face an Ardoyne side that looked unstoppable in their opening round game, racking up 24 scores. Ardoyne go into this as heavy favourites to keep their momentum rolling.