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by thesaffrongael

Inspirational Gillan sends All Saints through to the next round

Junior B Hurling Championship

Preliminary Round

Latharna Og 1-8 All Saints 1-21

All Saints, Ballymena produced a strong second half performance to overcome the challenge of a battling Latharna Og, Larne in the Junior B Hurling Championship at Brustin Brae on Saturday.

The Larne side have been unable to field for a number of fixtures this season and it probably told in the end as All Saints, led by the inspirational Damian Gillan pulled away to win with something to spare in the second half.

It was Gillan who got the action underway with his side’s opening score in the 3d minute with Ryan (Rod) O’Donnell tying the contest from a 4th minute free.

O’Donnell briefly gave the hosts the lead from a ‘65’ before Daniel Kelly evened matters again with a good point from distance to set the pattern for a fairly even opening half.

There were further exchanges from Conor Bell for the Brustin Brae side and ‘Dee’ Gillan for the visitors before Niall Savage and Gillan again edged the Ballymena men two ahead and Conor Bell with an excellent point for the Larne side and Paddy Doherty for the Saints kept the gap at two.

Ryan O’Donnell was in excellent form from the placed ball and he struck two fine efforts to leave it 0-6 to 0-6 after 26 minutes but the visitors finished the half strongly with four unanswered point through Damian Gillan, Daniel Kelly and two from Cormac Magill to leave it 0-10 to 0-6 at the break.

Magill had been getting through a power of work in the opening half without getting the reward his efforts merited but he started the second half as he had finished the first with a point inside 20 seconds.

Ryan O’Donnell responded immediately from a 60 meter free but the visitors were now gaining control with Archie McGreevey, Robert Crooks and Daniel Gray driving them forward from half-back.

The impressive Damian Gillan and Luke O’Rawe added further points before Rod O’Donnell replied for the Larne men and three more on the bounce by the superb Gillan put the visitors 8 ahead by the end of the third quarter.

Cathal McKillop replied from a 60 meter free but All Saints struck a devastating blow when Jack Magill set up his brother Cormac who drove home the game’s opening goal and it was as good as over.

Two more from Gillan and another from Jack Magill piled on the pressure before a long range free from Cathal McKillop dropped short and was finished to the All Saints net by Ruairi Millar to give the hosts some consolation.

It was All Saints who would finish the half as they had started it however and Dee Gillan from a free and Daniel Kelly from play concluded the scoring to see the Slemish park men comfortably home.

Latharna Og: 1 Dara Kerr, 2 Patrick Sherry, 3 Barry Petticrew, 4 Tom Clerkin, 5 Ryan Millar, 6 Cathal McKillop, 7 Brian Rogan, 8 Gary Bergin, 9 Mark Petticrew, 10 Darren Martin, 11 Ryan O’Donnell, 18 Conor Sherridan, 13 Conor Bell, 14 Ruairi Millar, 15 Matthew Magill, 17 Jim McGrann, 25 Daniel Heggarty

All Saints: 1 Ronan McAllister, 2 Kevin Brady, 3 Dwayne McKee, 4 Finn Connon, 5 Daniel Gray, 6 Robert Crooks, 7 Archie McGreevey, 8 Luke O’Rawe, 9 Luke Mulholland, 10 Eoin McGuigan, 11 Cormac Magill, 12 Jack Magill, 13 Daniel Kelly, 23 Patrick Doherty, 15 Damian Gillan, 27 Niall Savage, 17 Paddy Murphy, 25 Joseph Mooney

Referee: Fionntan McCotter (Sarsfields)

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by thesaffrongael

Cadhan does it for ‘Killer’ in emotional Ballycastle win

Above – Somebody up there likes me! Cadhan Crawford, whose grandfather Seamus ‘Killer’ Donnelly died just hours before the game, points to the heavens after scoring a vital point in his team’s dramatic win over Rossa at Shaw’s Road. Pic by Bert Trowlen

Bathshack Antrim Senior Hurling Championship Round 3

Rossa 2-17 Ballycastle 1-21

Ballycastle secured their place in the Antrim Senior Hurling Championship quarter-finals with a dramatic 1-21 to 2-17 victory over O’Donovan Rossa, surviving a relentless late onslaught in a game charged with deep emotion. A draw at Shaws Road would have been enough to send the Belfast hosts through, but Ballycastle held their nerve to edge the contest by a single point.

There was a profoundly poignant edge to the fixture, as Ballycastle took to the field just hours after the passing of club legend Seamus ‘Killer’ Donnelly. Knowing it was exactly what his grandfather would have wanted, Cadhan Crawford made the courageous decision to play. He delivered a stunning performance, acting as the focal point of the Ballycastle attack and racking up nine points to drive his team to victory under incredibly heavy circumstances.

Backed by a strong wind in the opening period, Ballycastle took early control with scores from Cathair Donnelly, Niall McClean, and Crawford. Rossa stayed in contention when Aodhan O’Brien found the net, but the visitors made superb use of the elements. Steady points from Conor Boyd, Niall McKenna, and Seamus McAuley ensured Ballycastle carried a commanding 0-15 to 1-7 lead into the break.

Turning around to face the wind, Ballycastle knew a fightback was inevitable. Rossa methodically chipped away at the deficit, with Dáire Murphy proving lethal from placed balls, while Stephen Beatty and Liam McEnhill added crucial points from play. Just as Rossa looked poised to reel them in, Ballycastle substitute Jack McGowan struck for a vital goal, re-establishing a significant cushion for the Town.

Rossa refused to fold, setting up a grandstand finish. In the 64th minute, a frantic goalmouth scramble ended with Liam McEnhill forcing the sliotar over the line, cutting the gap to just one point. Needing only a draw to advance, Rossa threw everything forward for one final attack. Dáire Murphy had a late chance to level the game and break Ballycastle hearts, but he could not steer his effort between the posts. The final whistle triggered relief and celebration from the travelling support, sending Ballycastle marching on to face either Dunloy or Cushendall.

Mac UíLín CLG (Ballycastle): Eamon Elliott; Oran Kearney, Conal Colgan, Cathair Donnelly; Darragh Donnelly, Conor Boyd, Eoin McAlonan; Ronan Laverty, Ronan McCarry; Neal McAuley, Seamus McAuley, Darragh Kelly; Conor Donnelly, Niall McKenna, Diarmaid McShane. Scorers: Cadhan Crawford 0-9 (0-5F), Jack McGowan 1-0, Cathair Donnelly 0-3, Niall McClean 0-2, Conor Boyd 0-2 (0-2F), Ronan McCarry 0-2, Eoin McAlonan 0-1, Niall McKenna 0-1, Seamus McAuley 0-1.

O’Donovan Rossa: Donal Armstrong; Niall Crossan, Ciarán Orchin, Corey Walsh; Declan McCartney, Christopher McGuinness, Diarmaid Rogan; Dominic McEnhill, Eoin Trainor; Liam McEnhill, Dáire Murphy, Luca McCusker; Aodhan O’Brien, Stephen Beatty, Thomas Morgan. Scorers: Dáire Murphy 0-8 (0-7F), Liam McEnhill 1-2, Aodhan O’Brien 1-1, Deaglan Murphy 0-2, Thomas Rogan 0-1, Stephen Beatty 0-1, Eoin Trainor 0-1, Dominic McEnhill 0-1.

Referee – Declan McGarry (Loughgiel)

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by thesaffrongael

U16 Football Championship Round up

U16A Championship

The U16A quarter finals were played on Thursday night with Naomh Eanna recording a good win when they travelled to St. Paul’s where they had a goal to spare in the e3ndf over a good Shaw’s Road side.

Down in Ballymena the home side produced a strong performance as All Saints overcame the challenge of Kickham’s, Creggan by six points while a strong St. Brigid’s proved too good for a battling St. Gall’s at Musgrave Park.

The other quarter-final was an all-South West affair with Cuchullian’s Dunloy travelling to Toome where they overcame Erin’s Own in a great game with Dunloy emerging winners by five points.

U 16B Championship

The game of the round in the U16B Championship saw Aghagallon travel to Pairc Rossa where they had a point to spare in a nail biting contest with St. Mary’s defeating the O’Donovan’s 2-11 to 2-10.

Down in Moneyglass there was a real goal feast with the young St. Ergnat’s hitting 8 and St. St. James’ Aldergrove replying with five of their own and in the end it was three goals that separated the sides.

It took extra time to separate Con Magee’s, Glenravel and Tir na nOg at Fr. Maginn Park, the Glenravel boys ran out winners by five points after the game had finished 1-6 apiece.

In the other game of the round Casement’s hit an impressive 1-25 to defeat St. Teresa’s on the Glen Road.

U16C Championship

In the U16C Championship there were wins for Ardoyne over St. Brigid’s and Davitt’s over Black Mountain Gaels

by thesaffrongael

Cloney Gaels Edge Glenravel To Keep Their Hopes Alive

McKeever Hotels Intermediate Hurling Championship – Group 2

Clooney Gaels 2-22 Con Magees 2-16

Friday 11 September

Clooney Gaels kept their hopes alive in this year’s Intermediate championship by defeating Con Magees on Friday evening.  Six points separated the sides at the end of the hour as the Glenravel men pushed the Ahoghill reds all the way in what was a hugely entertaining contest.

Colla McDonnell top scored for the Clooney men, he would finish with 1-10 over the hour with his major coming at the exact moment his side needed some momentum in the game.  James O’Connell recorded 1-4, his goal coming early in the game but it was the second half where this game came to life.

Cormac McKeown put in a monumental shift for the Glenravel side, he would finish with 1-12 while Conor Duffin got the other goal for the Con Magees.

In truth, there was little between these sides.  Clooney Gaels were that small bit more clinical when it matter most and had more scoring threats in their team while finishing strongly to ensure the win in the end.

The Ahoghill men started the game strongly and had a goal chance in the first attack.  Conor Crossey going close before Chrissy Quinn saved his effort.  They didn’t have long to wait for their opening goal though as James O’Connell found the back of the net in the second minute for the opening score.  Ronan Graham sending the sliotar into the danger area where O’Connell broke the ball, collected and finished with aplomb.

Colla McDonnell split the uprights with his opening free in the third minute before Con Magees began to find their feet in the game.  Cormac McKeown split the uprights for the opening Con Magees score while Conor Duffin went close to a major in the next attack after Fergus Donaghy and Niall McKeown combined well in the build up.

Colla McDonnell (2) and Patrick Graham raised white flags in response to three frees from Cormac McKeown before the Glenravel man would split the uprights twice in succession from open play to leave just one between the sides midway through the half.

Clooney Gaels hit a scoring burst with six points unanswered in the space of eight minutes to put daylight between the sides.  Eamon Brady, Conor Crossey, Colla McDonnell, James O’Connell and Patrick Graham all finding their range.

Con Magees hit back by scoring their opening goal in the 24th minute.  It was Cormac McKeown who had the initial shot but the sliotar took a wicked deflection and looped over Aidan Graham in the Clooney Gaels goals and into the back of the bet.  That goal taking McKeown’s tally to 1-6 and the sole name on the list of scorers for the Glenravel men up to that point.

He would add another free to reduce the Clooney Gaels lead to three points before Colla McDonnell (’65) and James O’Connell also split the uprights in response.  Michael McDonnell fired over from distance for the final score of the half to leave the half time score 1-12 to 1-8 in Clooney Gaels favour.

It was Con Magees time to start the half brightly as they scored their second goal just two minutes after the restart.  Niall McKeown breaking the sliotar into the path of Conor Duffin and he made no mistake.

Cormac McKeown fired over a brace of points to give Con Magees the lead by the third minute of the second half.  That lead was short lived however as Clooney Gaels scored their second goal with the next attack.  Daniel O’Neill and Patrick Graham combining to leave Colla McDonnell in space and he finished emphatically.

Points followed from James O’Connell and Patrick Graham to put four between the sides again midway through the second half.

Con Magees had another sight of the Clooney Gaels goal with Fergus Donaghy bringing a top save out of Aidan Graham before Daniel O’Neill and Owen Neeson split the uprights either side of another Cormac McKeown free.

A trio of unanswered points from Niall McKeown, Nathan Unwin and a free from Cormac McKeown reduced the Clooney Gaels lead to just two points with nine minutes of the hour remaining.

Clooney Gaels responded by scoring a trio of points of their own with a brace of frees from Colla McDonnell and a free from Ronan Graham kept the scoreboard ticking for Clooney Gaels.

Con Magees kept battling with Cormac McKeown and substitute Ciaran McCann raising the white flag again but Clooney Gaels finished strongly.  Colla McDonnell split the uprights either side of James O’Connell’s fourth point of the evening to ensure Clooney Gaels took the spoils.

This was a mighty effort from Con Magees who played a number of minors, showing good signs for the future.  For Clooney Gaels their championship hopes still remain in the balance and will be hoping for a favour in the other games in the group tomorrow.

TEAMS

Cloney Gaels Starting XV: Aidan Graham; Patrick Dougan, James Magee, Harry O’Donnell; Diarmuid Graham, Bernard Graham, Eoin Graham; Eamon Brady, Daniel O’Neill; Patrick Jr Graham, Ronan Graham, Conor Crossey; Colla McDonnell, James O’Connell, Owen Neeson

  • Subs: Donal Graham for O Neeson (50)
  • Scorers: C McDonnell 1-10 (1’65, 6f); J O’Connell 1-4; P Graham 0-2; R Graham 0-2; E Brady 0-1; D O’Neill 0-1; C Crossey 0-1; O Neeson 0-1

Con Magees Starting XV: Chrissey Quinn; Eoin McCusker, Odhran Kerr, Brian O’Neill; Michael McDonnell, Rian Lennon, Nathan Unwin; Ronan McCormick, Calum Higgins; Fergus Donaghy, Ciaran Laverty, Cormac McKeown; Conor Duffin, Odhran McAleenan, Niall McKeown

  • Subs: Ciaran McCann for O McAleenan (37); Conor Laverty for F Donaghy (45); Luke Loughlin for C Higgins (50); Conleth O’Loan for M McDonnell 53)
  • Scorers: Cormac McKeown 1-12 (1’65, 6f); C Duffin 1-00; M McDonnell 0-1; N McKeown 0-1; N Unwin 0-1; C McCann 0-1

Referee: Terry Reilly (Gort na Mona)

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by thesaffrongael

Lots to be decided on this hurling weekend

The final rounds of the Antrim Intermediate and Senior Hurling Championships get underway tonight at Dunsilly when Cloney Gaels, Ahoghill take on Con Magees Glenravel in the Intermediate Championship at 7pm.

The Ahoghill men will start the game as firm favourites against a Glenravel side which are still looking for their first points in the competition. Even if they did win, Ahoghill will still need a lot of other things to go their way if they are to qualify.

On Saturday at 2:30, the top game in the McKeever Hotels Intermediate Hurling Championship Group 2 sees table-toppers Cushendun take on Shane O’Neill’s Glenarm. The Emmets top the group on 8 points, with Glenarm 2 points back on 6. If the result goes the way of Cushendun, however, Glenarm could find themselves in a three-way tie with Ahoghill and St Paul’s if these two win their respective games this weekend.

At the same time, up in Belfast, O’Donovan Rossa have a home venue against Ballycastle in the final Bathshack Senior Hurling Championship Group 1 game. Ballycastle make the journey to Shaw’s Road knowing that nothing short of a win will do, whereas Rossa, who drew with Champions St John’s in the first outing, will be content with a draw, which would see them through to the quarter-finals. There is of course a chance of the Shaw’s Road men reaching the semis, if they run up a big score against the Town, and Loughgiel do the same against the Johnnies later in the day.

At 4:00, up in Glenormley, St Paul’s take on Tir na nÓg, Randalstown in the Intermediate Championship, knowing that a win would keep them in the mix if other results go their way, but their inferior score difference would make in very hard for them to go through.

Also at 4pm Latharna Og start their championship campaign when they take on All Saints Ballymena at the Brustin Braes, Larne. The Larne men had actually entered the Junior Championship proper but had to withdraw at the eleventh hour, so they were given the chance of salvaging something from the season when they were allowed to play Junior B. However they face tough opponents in the, Ballymena men.

IHC Group 1 leaders Carey Faughs face Creggan in Ballyvoy on Saturday at 5pm where a point will seal a semi-final spot for the Faughs. However a win for Creggan would put them ahead of their hosts in the head to head and if they were to win by more than five points they would go top on score difference as well, though St Gall’s would have to beat Cloughmills by a very big score on Sunday to make that  relevant.

The final game of the day will be played at 5-30 at Fr Healy Park, Loughgiel, where reigning champions, St John’s, take on the Shamrocks in a repeat of last year’s decider. The Johnnies bridged a 52-year gap when they came out on top against Loughgiel in last year’s final in Ballycastle and the Shamrocks will be looking for revenge this time out. Both teams have qualified for the knockout stages, but the winner of this game will go through as group winners, which would take them straight through to a semi-final and avoid the likes of Dunloy or Cushendall in a quarter-final.

SUNDAY

St Gall’s host Cloughmills at the Bog Meadows on Sunday at 1pm knowing that a win will put them through to the knock-out stages, but a win for the Biddies could see them overtake the Belfast men. Of course much will depend on how the Carey v Creggan game has gone the day before.

Up in north Antrim Glenariffe Oisins take on St Enda’s in what is a winner takes all game in the Senior Hurling Championship. Both teams are searching for their first points of the campaign in what promises to be a cracking game. I may be wrong but by my reading of it a draw would be enough to see the Oisins through since they have a superior score difference but that would be cutting things very fine.

Just around the corner in Cushendall the Ruairis host Dunloy at 4-30 pm in what promises to be the big game of the weekend. Both teams are already through to the knock-out stages but a win, or in Dunloy’s case a draw, would put them through to the semi-finals.

There  are two Junior Hurling Championship quarter finals down for decision on Sunday with  Lamh Dhearg taking on St Brigid’s at Hannahstown at 3-30 while Sarsfields host Davitt’s at the Bear Pit at 5pm