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by thesaffrongael

Antrim avoid Dire Straits playing Sultans of Swing in the second half

Glen Dimplex All Ireland Intermediate Championship

Westmeath 4-04 Antrim 5-09

Match report and photos from Antrim Camogie PRO, Michael Corcoran

Torrential downpours across portions of Saturday’s game defined scoring conditions as visibility dropped to mere metres at times, grips were saturated and underfoot was slippy but it it didn’t detract from the intensity of the match. Attempts to float the heavy sliotar through a curtain of rain for points were far and few between, as both sides opted to play safe and go low.

It was Westmeath that leveraged those conditions early in the game and amidst a sprinkling of chaos in the Antrim defence, Westmeath found themselves two goals up after fifteen minutes before Antrim came back with a Nicole McAtamney penalty, as referee Karol Collins agreed Caitrin Dobbin was pulled to the ground on her advance to goal.

Westmeath making their presence known in Saturday’s epic game in Cusack Park

Antrim looked like they had steadied the ship at 2-02 apiece, points from Lucia McNaughton and Maeve Kelly as McAtamney struck again from a free that tucked itself under the bar for her second green flag but Westmeath had their share of luck too, as a high dropping ball bounced out of the hand of Antrim’s keeper for their third of the game at twenty eight minutes gone.

Antrim’s Katie Molloy battles the elements during a torrential downpour

Unrelenting rain was the hallmark of the second half and Westmeath wasted no time in puncturing Antrim’s net with their fourth goal from a delicate pass into Julie McLoughlin, but Antrim were about to swing their fortunes and the appearance of Roisin McCormick from the bench would send Westmeath into turmoil, infusing skills with pushing forward, feeding Katie Molloy and Caitrin Dobbin, Dobbin enjoying two goals, one of those from a Katie Molloy Annie Lynn genesis and onto McCormick. McCormick would announce her presence quietly at first, cruising two frees over Westmeath’s bar before becoming a handful for Westmeath.

Caitrin Dobbin takes aim for one of her goals against Westmeath

One of Dobbin’s goals came from a tenacious read of Westmeath’s puck out by McCormick as the dud ball slammed short, picking it up and offloading into Dobbin for her goal. A buoyant Antrim had four goals in the bag and McCormick was about to be rewarded with her own goal to register five on the scoreboard for Antrim with nine points gathered up from McCormick, Dobbin, Kelly and two from McAtamney to Westmeath’s 4 goals and four points, Westmeath only managing to score 1-02 in the second half speaks volumes of Antrim’s swing in fortunes as they continued to keep the sliotar forward and ground down any advance from Westmeath.

Making the difference, Roisin McCormick picking out a fellow player to advance Antrim’s score

Despite Collins adding on four extra minutes, Westmeath were unable to make good of those precious minutes and Antrim walked in 5-09 to 4-04, a tough but well won three points, facing Meath now on Saturday 21st June in Loughgiel.

Westmeath Panel and scorers

Aoife Corcoran, Emily McCabe, Dearbhail McLoughlin, Claire Gaffney, Katie Coleman, Roisín Scally, Laura Doherty, Caoimhe McCrossan 0-02 (1f), Aoife O’Malley, Karen Keegan, Áine Newman, Hannah Core 0-01, Meadbh McLoughlin 1-01, Julie McLoughlin 2-00, Olivia Kelleghan 1-00

Anna Weir, Fiona Keating, Ciara Corcoran, Katie Penrose, Reanna Kennedy, Eva Cawley, Kate Whyte, Rebecca O’Neill, Mary Geraghty, Muireann Scally, Holly Dowdall, Caoimhe McCormack

Antrim panel and scorers

Becky Ellis, Clare McKillop, Katie Lynn, Caoimhe McNaughton, Erin Coulter, Sarah O’Neill, Shannagh Heggarty, Amy Boyle, Nicole McAtamney 2-02, Maeve Kelly 0-02, Eavanne Martin, Lucia McNaughton 0-02, Cassie McArthur, Katie Molloy, Caitrín Dobbin 2-01

Caitriona Graham, Dearbhail Dobbin, Katie Rose Bell, Sarah Fyfe, Niamh Neeson, Janey McIntosh, Emer Johnston, Roisín McCormick 1-03 (2f), Aisling O’Donnell, Annie Lynn, Orlaith McAllister, Fionnuala Kelly, Dervla Cosgrove, Collen Patterson

You can view more photos from Saturday’s game here…

https://myalbum.com/album/jSpbNsNZLggczJ/?invite=12656bd3-83da-4da6-8af4-b0fb7b7c3955

by thesaffrongael

Cushendall hold off late Loughgiel rally to bridge an eleven year gap

North Antrim Minor Hurling Championship – Darragh Cup

Cushendall 4-21 – Loughgiel 3-18

Cushendall held off a second half challenge from Loughgiel to take the John Darragh Memorial Cup for the first time since 2014 at Pairc Mhuire, Cushendall, on Friday evening. When the Ruairis went in at half time with a nine point lead (3-11 to 1-08) it looked as if they were racing home untroubled. The gap was still nine with just five minutes of normal time remaining, but goals in the 53rd and 57th minutes by Logan McConville and Conan Johnston closed the gap to just three. There were a few very anxious looks at the clock by the home fans as Loughgiel searched for an equaliser, but Cushendall slammed the door on the Shamrocks with two late points from Nicholas McNaughton and one from Ryan McAuley to seal the win with six to spare.

Malachy Darragh presents the John Darragh Memorial Cup to Cushendall captain Thomas McLaughlin after his team’s win over Loughgiel in Friday evening’s final at Pairc Muuire.

A point within 20 seconds from Cahir McCambridge put Cushendall ahead but Ryan O’Boyle had Loughgiel level two minutes later. Conleth McNaughton edged Cushendall back ahead but two in a row from the Shamrocks by Ryan O’Boyle and Conan Johnston gave Loughgiel the lead by the fifth minute.

A goal from Fiontan Bradley in the seventh minute kick started a Cushendall surge and though Caolan McCollum came back with a point for the visitors, the young Ruairis were starting to hit their stride and five unanswered points from Fiontan Bradley, Thomas McLaughlin, Ryan McAuley, Oran McCambridge and Bradley again put them 1-07 to 0-4 ahead by the end of the first quarter. Caolan McCollum pulled one back for the Shamrocks but the winners hit back with a devastating double blow as Cahir and Conor McCambridge hit two goals in as many minutes. Two more points by Fiontan Bradley pushed the gap out to eleven and though Dan O’Mullan pulled a goal back for Loughgiel the Ruairis went in at the break with a nine point cushion. (3-11 to 1-08)

Loughgiel’s Oisin Connolly in action during the Darragh Cup final against Cushendall

The scoring dropped off a bit during their third quarter, but Cushendall stretched their lead to twelve. Ryan O’Boyle and Logan McConville kept Loughgiel’s hopes alive but when Conlaith McNughton got Cushendall’s fourth goal most people in the big crowd would have thought the game was over. However the Shamrocks hit four of the next five points and when Logan McConville and Conan Johnston fired home goals in the 54th and 57th minutes it was game on once again. The nerves were starting to jangle among the home fans as Loughgiel were on the verge of a mammoth comeback, but Cushendall held their nerve and two points by Nicholas McNaughton and one by Ryan McAuley sealed a memorable victory.

CUSHENDALL

Shane Coulter, Paddy Morgan, Conor McCann, Charlie McAlister, Patrick McCambridge, Aidan Campbell, Diarmuid McManus, Callagh Mooney, Thomas McLaughlin, Ryan McAuley, Oran McCambridge, Nicholas McLaughlin, Cahir McCambridge, Fiontan Bradley, Connlaodh McNaughton.

LOUGHGIEL

Sean Douthart, Eunan Johnston, Eddie Smyth, Thomas McNulty, Ger McFadden, Ashton McGarry, Niall McCloskey, Donal McKay, Logan McConville, Ryan O’Boyle, Oisin Connolly, Liam McGarry, Caolan McCollum, Dan O’Mullan, Conan Johnston.

Referee – Colm Cunning (Dunloy)

https://myalbum.com/album/46bXSBUHkK4bsw/?invite=94591262-c861-4f1a-b35a-36d13bd80730

by thesaffrongael

Antrim’s All Ireland campaign continues with round 2 against Westmeath in Mullingar

Glen Dimplex All Ireland Intermediate Championship Group 1 Round 2 

Westmeath v Antrim in TEG Cusack Park, Mullingar Saturday 14th June, throw-in 2pm 

Saturday’s championship game promises to be an exciting proposition between two sides that have already met in a Very league game in Ballycastle, Saturday 1st Match 2025. On that occasion, Antrim chose to run off the bench first with only a handful of the regular starting panel weighing in with their experience. That was part of the Coulter-McCormick move to give starting time to ‘blood’ the younger players.  

Antrim’s Dervla Cosgrove came on late in the game but after settling in, got Antrim on their winning way

Westmeath were matched 0-04 to 0-04 at the short whistle, but running off the bench in the second half, it was Dervla Cosgrove’s goal in the 45th minute that allowed Antrim to drift ahead by a comfortable six points, however Westmeath’s, Caoimhe McCrossan, pinned Antrim back from a series of frees and once the gap was reduced to three points, Westmeath went hunting for the green flag putting Antrim’s deep defence of Dearbhail Dobbin, Katie Lynn, Caoimhe McNaughton and goalkeeper, Becky Ellis to the test. Despite the pressure, that goal never came, and Antrim walked into the changing rooms 1-09 to Westmeath’s 0-09 at the final whistle.  

Westmeath’s Caoimhe McCrossan was influential from placed balls in March

Antrim’s starting squad will therefore prove pivotal in Saturday’s game, and with Antrim’s depth in recent times, it shouldn’t come as a surprise that Coulter-McCormick will roll with the core squad and keep a few finishers on the bench to be called up at the right moment in the game. And what about Westmeath? Their All Ireland campaign got off to a shaky start, with Meath getting the upper hand in a round one game ending Westmeath 2-08 Meath 3-15 in Cusack Park. If Antrim offers a tough encounter, the Lake County will have to come off the ropes to face Offaly in round three, but for now, they’ll play it one game at a time. 

Westmeath went flag hunting in the latter minutes of the game in March but Antrim’s defence held firm for the win

TEG Cusack Park, Friar’s Mill Road, Mullingar will no doubt offer itself up as a venue worthy of an All Ireland encounter but in comparison to the stadium’s opening ceremony, it’s unlikely the match referee, Karol Collins, will drop a ball in from a low flying airplane; the weather forecast though offers up some certainty with light winds, a chance of light rain but warm nonetheless. Will it be a factor? We’ll have to wait and see. 

You can get your match ticket here…

https://www.universe.com/events/glen-dimplex-intermediate-championship-westmeath-v-antrim-tickets-F68C04?ref=universe-discover

by thesaffrongael

Antrim Masters to Face Off against Old Foes Derry

Throw in 1pm at Henry Joy McCrackens GAC, Moneymore.

Antrim Masters are back in action on Saturday when familiar foes Derry provide the opposition, 1pm throw in, Moneymore GAC.

Antrim began their 6 match league campaign with a resounding victory over Down, but came up slightly short in the in second game when Armagh held on grimly to claim both points on offer. In a most competitive league, where many of the northern sides are grouped together, Derry, Armagh and Tyrone all have won two out of their three games to date, so Antrim need to be at their best on Saturday just to join that elite group on four points from their own three engagements.

With difficult assignments coming down the tracks, including away to Monaghan in a fortnight, then home to Louth and a very tough closing match when Antrim host Tyrone, winners of the Dr Loftus cup for all Ireland winners of the masters series, on Saturday 26th July in Cargin, Antrim need to focus on Derry for now, and going by the last two bruising encounters, there will be little to spare between two very evenly matched teams.

Ironically Derry defeated Armagh, who in turn defeated Antrim, and with home advantage in Owenbeg, you could make a case for Derry being favourites to extend their winning sequence. This point was not lost on assistant manager Timmy Connolly who agrees that this one could be a cliffhanger.

Dominic Neeson who made his Antrim Masters debut against Down and above (Featured Image) Michael McCarry who was in fine scoring form against the Mourne men.

“Derry don’t like losing to Antrim, but we managed to put one over on them last year, and it set things up nicely for our championship encounter later in the year. That one also went to the wire, but Derry proved a bit stronger than us in extra time, before going on to win the intermediate title, easily accounting for Cork in the final. To be fair they are a good side, but we travel with plenty of confidence ourselves” said Connolly who is now in his sixth year with Antrim Masters.

Manager Frank Delargy has come in and restored some prestige to wearing the Antrim jersey at this level, and together we have unearthed a few new players this season, some of whom need no introduction to the football scene in the county.

“We have a grand panel on paper but we will need some of our big guns out for this one. All counties strengthen their panels, not only us, and Derry have some class acts they can call on. Paddy Bradley, Paul Cartin, Gerard OKane, Brian Mullan, Jimmy OConnor, Marty McGrath, plus competitors like Martin McGrath, Sean Brady, Darren Conway and Loup legend Gavin Nipper Mallon. We need to bring our A game to this one that’s for sure!” said Timmy.

At the time of writing the travelling Antrim panel had still to be finalised, but it was hoped that the return of Michael Herron would strengthen the defence, where Stephen OConnell shone in his long awaited debut against Armagh, and Adrian Scullion is expected to be available.  Up front the Antrim management team  was hoping they could rely on some or all of Kieran Close, Paddy Cunningham or Michael McCarry’s availability, as scores win games and Antrim experienced some difficulty in that regard in their last outing.

Midfield third is where many contests are won or lost, and if Antrim can call on the services of Mick McCann, David McAlernon, Ryan Boyd and Brendan Etherson there is no reason they will not be well in the hunt for both points at the end of what is expected to be an absorbing contest.

by thesaffrongael

McNaughton to the rescue as Shamrocks share the spoils

ACHL Division 1

St. John’s 4-15 Loughgiel 2-21

A James McNaughton inspired Loughgiel finished strongly to gain a point from this excellent ACHL Division 1 encounter against St. John’s at Corrigan Park on Wednesday evening.

Trailing by four, Antrim county star McNaughton struck with his second goal of the game in the 33d minute to close the gap to the minimum and followed with a point from a 34th minute free to give the visitors a draw which on the balance of play they just about deserved.

It was the visitors who made the early running with Christy McGarry and James McNaughton sending them into an early two point lead before Oisin McManus got the ‘Johnnies’ on the score card when he pointed a free in the 4th minute.

The visiting Shamrocks continued to set the early pace as Ryan McKee from distance, Rory McCloskey and Paul Boyle moved them four ahead with only seven minutes on the clock.

League leaders, St. John’s raised their second white flag when free taker McVicker pointed his second of the contest and when Ruairi Galbraith got on the end of a good move to finish to the net they were ahead for the first time.

Shea Shannon and Dannan McKeogh added further points for the Corrigan side before Sean Wilson limped out of the contest to be replaced by Caoimhin Hanna.

Loughgiel were right back in the contest as James McNaughton struck with his side’s opening goal in the 15th minute and Domhnall Nugent in the St. John’s goals pulled off a fine save as the visitors threatened for a second.

Shea Shannon and Declan McCloskey exchanged points and Oisin McManus and Paul Boyle for the visitors exchange further minors before McManus scored a good goal for the team in blue to bring them right back into contention.

The excellent James McNaughton added two late pointed free for the Shamrocks and Ryan McKee added another long range effort from play with Ruairi Galbraith’s reply for the home side leaving it all square at the break.

It was the turn of John Francis Connolly in the Shamrock’s goals to come to his side’s rescue on the restart before Caolan Blair replaced Ruairi McCormick in the visitors defence.

James McNaughton moved Loughgiel ahead from a free in the opening minute but St. John’s began to exert their control on matters and Shea Shannon and a couple of fine points from Oisin McManus had them two ahead after 7 minutes.

Shannon increased that lead to three from a 10th minute free as Eoin McGarry replaced Darragh Patterson in the visitor’s defence and McNaughton (f), Eoin McGarry and McNaughton from another free had it all square again with 13 minutes gone.

Both keepers had to be on their toes as play swung from end to end as Oisin McVicker for the Johnnies and Ryan McKee from a long range effort for Loughgiel exchanged points and it was clear this one was going to go down to the wire.

Jack McCloskey edged the Shamrocks ahead again and McNaughton fired over from deep to edge the visitors ahead again but once again the Whiterock men found a response as substitute Lorca Heenan finished to the net with virtually his first touck.

The intensity of the game continued to grow with Rian McMullan and James McNaughton adding to the Loughgiel total and Michael Bradley and Patrick Laverty exchanging further points.

A goal from Donall Carson in the 27th minute and points from Michael Bradley (0-2) moved the home side four ahead and looked to have sealed it for St. Johns as the game crept into time added on.

The men in red quite simply refused to concede defeat however and it was that man McNaughton who became their hero when he drove a close range free to the net before following with a late pointed free to leave it all square at the end.

St. John’s: 1 Domhnall Nugent, 2 Ronan Donnelly, 3 Conall Morgan, 4 Jack Bohill, 5 Daragh McGuinness, 6 Ryan McNulty, 7 Enda McGurk, 8 Sean Wilson, 9 Shea Shannon, 10 Aaron Bradley, 11 Michial Dudley, 12 Dannan McKeogh, 13 Donall Carson, 14 Oisin McManus, 15 Ruairi Galbraith.

Subs: 16 Conor Flannery, 17 Michael Bradley, 18 Caoimhin Hanna, 19 Michael Darragh, 20 21 Lorcan Heenan

Loughgiel: 1 John Francis Connolly, 2 Ben McGarry, 3 Enda Og McGarry, 4 Ruairi McCormick, 5 Declan McCloskey, 6 Rory McCloskey, 7 Conall McCloskey, 8 Ryan McKee, 9 Darragh Patterson, 10 Rian McMullan, 11 Christy McGarry, 12 James McNaughton, 13 Daniel McCloskey, 14 Paul Boyle, 15 Jack McCloskey

Subs: 17 Caolan Blair, 20 Eoin McGarry, 18 Patrick Laverty

Referee: Colm McDonald

TO VIEW MORE OF BERT’S PICS CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

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