Category / Latest News

by thesaffrongael

Antrim’s fate in the hands of others as they travel to Newbridge

NFL Division 3

KLildare v Antrim

Newbridge – 2-00pm

Antrim’s fate looks all but decided as they travel to Newbridge on Sunday to face promotion hopefuls, Kildare.

The Lilly Whites looked like running away with the title in the early stages of this year’s division 3 campaign but now need a win over visitors Antrim to maintain their push for promotion.

Recent defeats to Offaly and Clare have reeled Kildare back into the promotion chasing pack with Offaly, Clare and even Fermanagh still in the chase on the final day.

I’m not going into the permutations of results that would bring about success for the relevent sides as they have been well documented in the National Media this week,needless to say they do not involve Antrim.

Antrim’s chances of division 3 survival all but ended at Corrigan Park last weekend when they lost to Sligo in a winner takes all contest where they failed to turn up in the opening half.

A much improved second half performance saw them close the gap to the minimum at one stage after trailing by 8 at the break before Sligo kicked a couple of late 2 pointers to eventually win by three.

That win moved Sligo a point above Antrim and with a home game against a Leitrim team, who couldn’t field last week, the Yeats county look odds on to retain their division 3 status.

So pride might well be the only motivation for an Antrim side who will reflect on a season of ‘might have been’ where they led against both Fermanagh and Laois before losing narrowly in both away games.

It’s been that sort of a division this year with little between all of the sides on any given day.

Andy McEntee has named the same side that started against Sligo last week so they are not travelling to St. Conleth’s Park just to fulfil a fixture and are quite capable of causing an upset against Kildare.

The Saffron management and players refuse to use the ongoing debacle of the forthcoming Ulster Championship game against Armagh (CORRIGAN OR NOWHERE) as an excuse but it has to have played on the minds of some.

Sunday could provide an opportunity to record a win that would instil a bit of confidence for that forthcoming meeting with the All Ireland champions.

That game should be staged at Corrigan Park following the long running saga that has been the Casement Park project.

Good luck to Andy McEntee and his side on Sunday and who knows, Leitrim may travel to Markievicz Park and beat Sligo – Antrim are overdue a wee bit of good fortune!

by thesaffrongael

St. Louis ruled Ulster in 2006

In 2006 I covered an Ulster LGFA Final in Dungannon involving St. Louis Ballymena which the Ballymena College won. I cant remember the opposition college’s name but it may have been St. Catherine’s (Someone will undoubtedly let me know)

The celebration photographs from the game popped up on my Facebook memories today and I thought you might like to see them again.

Proud father, Tony mcNicholl with his daughter Liz
The main man! Team manager, Adrian Quinn with his proud parents, Arthur and Sally
by thesaffrongael

P.R.O’s we need your help

As we head into another ACFL season on Sunday, the Saffron Gael once more appeals to P.R.O’s from the clubs taking part to send us reports from your games.

On Sunday there are 17 games fixed in all three divisions of the ACF Leagues and as always the Saffron Gael will be doing our best to bring you reports and photographs (If possible) from these games.

The reality is that we only have the staff to cover about five or six of these games and we will rely heavily on clubs to furnish us report or even statistics.

Here’s a few pointers on how to do a report:

Get a photograph on your phone of both team sheets before the game (Tell the referee that you are taking it to do a report for the Saffron Gael (You’ll find that our referees are very co-operative)

Write down the scorer’s numbers and the time the score occurred as they happen using a separate column for both sides

This will give you the framework for your report.

Add a wee bit of detail about the goals scored and who played well for both sides.

Refrain from criticising referees in your report or anything that could be seen as controversial.

If you don’t feel confident about doing the reports then just send us the stats.

  1. Names of teams playing
  2. Half time score
  3. Final score
  4. A few key facts about the game
  5. Team sheets
  6. Anything else that you feel relevant

Note to clubs:

It doesn’t have to be your PRO who furnishes these reports or statistics.

Perhaps you could appoint someone who attends most of your games and is not involved in any other capacity.

We will endeavour to get along to some of your games over the season but we quite simply cannot cover them all personally.

Send your reports-stats with photos of team sheets to:

John.mcilwaine@yahoo.co.uk or ptrckmclwn@yahoo.co.uk

by thesaffrongael

Could you be the next ANTRIM ROSE OF TRALEE? 

2025 Antrim Rose selection night is being held on Saturday 10th May 7pm at the Dunsilly Hotel, Antrim. 

The 2023 Antrim Rose, Mollie O’Brien, a Gaelic footballer with All Saints in Ballymena, reflects on her time representing the Saffron County at the International festival. 

Over the past two years, Mollie has had the honour and privilege of representing Antrim at the Rose of Tralee International Festival, a journey she describes as nothing short of extraordinary. As she prepares to hand over the sash to the next lady who will proudly represent County Antrim, Mollie has reflected on her experience, shared her thoughts on the selection process, and encourages other young women to consider applying for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. 

Mollie O’Brien, last year’s Antrim Rose with her All Saints team colleagues before a game in Ballymena

The Selection Process: A Journey of Personal Growth 

When I first applied to be the Antrim Rose, I didn’t fully comprehend the magnitude of what I was about to embark on. The selection process involving individual, group, and stage interviews was both challenging and rewarding. It gave me the chance to showcase my personality, pride in my community and values, and I enjoyed meeting the other inspiring women vying for the title. 

The Journey to the Festival: A Week to Remember 

After being selected, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Tralee for the festival, but before that, there was a whirlwind tour of Ireland. I remember the excitement of getting to know the other Roses, seeing the beauty of our country, and feeling so proud to be a part of this incredible tradition. From scenic tours of Ireland’s stunning landscapes to bonding with the other Roses, it was an experience that allowed me to build lasting friendships and feel a deep connection with women from all around the world.  

An International Adventure: From Germany to New York 

One of the most unique aspects of being a Rose is the chance to travel to incredible places and meet people from all walks of life. Highlights included visiting Frankfurt, Germany, to attend the opening of the Christmas markets. Then, just a few months later, I was in New York, walking down 5th Avenue on St. Patrick’s Day, something that is forever beyond my imagination. These experiences helped me understand the global community that the Rose of Tralee fosters and made me appreciate the deep cultural connections that unite us all. 

This could be you! Rose of Tralee contestants pose for a photograph at last year’s final

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity: My Advice to Future Applicants 

To young women considering applying, I say: Do it. You’ll meet extraordinary people, see places you’ve only dreamed of, and be part of a network of remarkable women.  

The Rose of Tralee isn’t just about beauty or talent – it’s about celebrating who you are and where you come from. It’s an experience I wish every young woman could have, and I will forever treasure the memories of my time as the Antrim Rose. 

As I prepare to hand over the sash to the next Antrim Rose, I am filled with hope and excitement for her journey ahead. I know she will be as proud as I was to represent our County, and I can’t wait to see the next chapter in the story of Antrim at the Rose of Tralee. 

Best of luck to all the incredible women who will be applying. This is just the beginning of a beautiful adventure! 

Antrim Rose, Mollie O’Brien is interviewed at last year’s final in Tralee

Added Information and How to Apply: 

For those inspired by Mollie’s journey, applications for the 2025 Antrim Rose are now open! This is your chance to step into the spotlight and become part of an extraordinary International Festival. The selection will take place on Saturday, 10th May 2025, at the Dunsilly Hotel in Antrim, starting at 7pm. 

To apply, visit www.roseoftralee.ie, or for any further information, feel free to contact the Antrim Rose Centre via their social media channels: 

  • Instagram: @antrim_rose 
  • Facebook: Antrim Rose Centre 

This could be your moment to shine! 

by thesaffrongael

McAuley Cup semi-finals this weekend

The semi-finals of the Armoy tournament, the McAuley Cup, are down for decision this weekend with games on both Saturday and Sunday. Dunloy were due to play Glenariffe in the first game on Saturday but the Oisins are unable to field so Mickey McShane’s county Under 20s have stepped into the breach to take on the Cuchullains in what should be an very interesting game.

Sunday sees Loughgiel Shamrocks take on county champions Ruairi Og Cushndall. These games are always worth a watch, and even though both teams well be depleted due to counnty commitments, it will still be very competitive. Both games are due to throw-in at 2pm