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by thesaffrongael

Late rally not enough as St. Louis bow out

McLarnon Cup Knockout

St. Louis Ballymena 3-8 St. Malachy’s Castlewellan 3-11

A late rally from St. Louis Ballymena fell short as the Kintullagh side bowed out to St. Malachy’s castlewellan in the knock-out stages of the McLarnon Cup at Colaisre Feirste on Wednesday afternoon.

The Down side were well on top during the opening half with the superb Ruairi Madine pulling the strings and looked well on their way to the next round when they led by 3-9 to 1-2 at the halfway stage.

Madine was the Ballymena side’s tormentor in chief during this periods but St. Louis will surely reflect on his two late first half goals which were both preventable as the reason why they were left with too much to do in a much improved second half.

It took the Kintullagh side 17 minutes to register their first point from an Odhran Duffin free but by this stage the Down side had registered 1-3 through Martin Og Brannigan, Ruairi Madine and Manus Middleton with their goal coming from Rian Walsh.

Castlewellan kept building up a healthy lead with points from Middleton (0-3), Shea Barker, Caolan Flannagan and Luke Rooney before Caleb Smith gave St. Louis a lift when he finished a well worked move to the net in the 20th minute.

Patrick O’Neill added a point but those two late goals from man of the match, Madine left the South West Antrim club with a mountain to climb in the second half.

Whatever was said at the break, St. Louis returned to the field a much more determined and focused side in the second half and Ryan McKeever, Odhran Duffin (f) and Caleb Smith 0-2 split the posts in the opening 13 minutes.

Manus Middleton and Ryan McCourt replied with points for the Castlewellan College but St. Louis were now enjoying much more of the play and Damian Kinsella gave them a major boost when he finished to the net with 7 minutes remaining.

Fullback Sean McDermott followed with a great long range point before Odhran Duffin finished a fine move to the net with time almost up.

St. Louis pushed hard during the final minutes but a Cillian Scullion point was as close as they would get with St. Malachy’s relieved to hear the final whistle.

St. Louis: 1 Charlie Cunning, 2 Shea griffin, 3 Sean McDermott, 4 Oisin Hamill, 5 Patrick O’Neill, 6 Jack Martin, 7 Ryan McKeever, 8 Sean Og Blaney, 9 Luke McFerran, 10 Odhran Duffin, 11 Sean O’Brien, 12 Fiontan Bradley, 13 Cillian Scullion, 14 Caolan McFerran, 15 Caleb

St. Malachy’s: 1 Callum Travers, 2 Harry Keenan, 3 Luke Brannigan, 5 Shea Barker, 6 Ross Green, 7 Martin Og Brannigan, 8 Daelach McGreevey, 9 Odhran McCann, 10 Ryan McCourt, 11 Luke Rooney, 12 Manus Middleton, 13 Rian Walsh, 14 Ruairi Madine, 15 Caolan Flanagan, 16 Matthew Murran

  Referee: Fergal Laverty  

TO VIEW BERTS PIS FROM GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW  

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by thesaffrongael

Martin’s goal the turning point as CPC curtail St Killian’s fightback.

Danske Bank Mageean Cup Final

St Killian’s Garron Tower 0-13-1-16 Cross and Passion

Kevin Herron reports from the Dub

Cross & Passion celebrate their win over St Killian’s inTuesday night’s Danske Bank Mageean Cup final at the Dub Arena QUB. Pic by Dylan McIlwaine

Padraig Martin’s 51st minute strike took the wind out of St Killian’s second half fightback as Cross and Passion extracted revenge for defeat in the 2023 decider back in January and lifted the Danske Bank Mageean Cup for the 11th time in their history with a 1-16-0-13 win over holders St Killian’s in Tuesday evenings re-arranged decider at the Dub.

Playing with a strong breeze in the opening half Cross and Passion dominated the early scoring with Roan McGarry opening the evenings scoring from a 65’ and Conor Donnelly doubling the lead. McGarry doubled his account from a long range free and pointed from play before Oran McCambridge opened the scoring for the holders.

Cross and Passion restored their four-point advantage through a nice Oisin McCallin point- the first of four he would claim in the opening half hour, adding another angled point midway through the half.

18-minutes in and the lead extended to six after McGarry chalked up his third placed ball of the evening.

Points were traded between Callagh Mooney and McGarry (free) and by the 22nd minute Cross and Passion had opened up an eight-point advantage (0-10-0-02) following Oisin McCallin and Caedan Crawford adding further scores but Garron Tower ended the half stronger and clipped over three of the final four points.

Thomas McLaughlin slipped in Canice McIntosh to drop a shot over and McLaughlin then intercepted and opened up his account for the evening.

McCallin and Nicholas McLaughlin traded injury time points to close out the half as Cross and Passion held a 0-11-0-05 advantage at the interval.

An early side-line cut from Ronan Fitzgerald ensured that Cross and Passion struck first after the restart and things may have got better when Caedan Crawford bore down on goal and saw his goal-bound shot blocked by Ben Duncan and then scrambled clear in the nick of time.

Thomas McLaughlin replied from a free on the 37th minute and a long-range point followed from Oran McCambridge as the holders cut the deficit and clawed their way back into proceedings.

A superb Calum McIlwaine point from play lifted Garron Tower’s confidence and despite Padraig Martin pointing midway through the half for the leaders, momentum was with the Tower as Thomas McLaughlin reeled off three points on the bounce, the first from play and the other two from frees.

The defining score arrived on the 51st minute with the gap down to just two. Padraig Martin received a cut back from the by-line and rocketed a shot into the roof of the net past Ben Duncan to make it 1-13-0-11.

An instant response followed in the form of a Thomas McLaughlin point from play, but St Killian’s needed a goal in order to breathe new life into their challenge.

Their best chance came when substitute Michael Fury decided to make a break for the target and his attempt was diverted behind by Cross and Passion keeper Anthony Mullan.

Instead, the Ballycastle men finished strongly courtesy of points from goal scorer Martin, the lively Oisin McCallin and a converted Ronan McGarry free – with Oran McCambridge claiming a late consolation score.

Peter Owens final whistle was greeted by the obligatory pitch invasion from the Cross and Passion fans as they celebrated becoming Mageean Cup winners for the 11th time and they will hope to match the success of the dethroned holders when they compete in the Paddy Buggy Cup in 2025.  

St Killian’s Garron Tower: B Duncan, C McNaughton, C Ward, C McCann, A McCambridge, C McAuley, J Scullion, A Campbell, C Mooney (0-1), C McIntosh (0-1), C McIlwaine (0-1), O McCambridge (0-3), N McLaughlin (0-1), T McLaughlin (0-6, 0-4f), C Leech. Subs: D McNaughton for N McLaughlin (45), M Fury (57), O Gillan for C Leech (60+1).

Cross and Passion: A Mullan, D Kinney, C Baudant, N McLean, R Cunning, L Glackin, A Kelly, D Donnelly, R Fitzgerald (0-1s), E Johnson, C Donnelly (0-1), P Martin(1-2), O McCallin (0-5), R McGarry (0-6, 0-5f), C Crawford (0-1). Subs: C Johnson for C Donnelly (46), A Richmond for C Crawford (57).

Referee: Peter Owens (Down)

Man of the Match Oisin McCallin lifts the James O’Kane Memorial Trophy for his star performance

Pic by Sean Trowlen

Cross & Passion captain Liam Glackin lifts the Mageean Cup after his team’s win over St Killian’s inTuesday night’s Danske Bank Mageean Cup final at the Dub Arena QUB. Pic by Dylan McIlwaine

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by thesaffrongael

Only the Sky Above Me

Friends and family of the late Jim McKeever as well as many admirers and former students attended the launch of a new book on his sporting life, which was held in St Mary’s University College on Saturday 7th December. The book launch was preceded by a series of tributes to Jim including readings from the book by some members of his family, audio visual presentations of former times, panel discussions with some of his past students and the playing of a video featuring a speech by the late Mick Gribben from 1995.

The book is edited by Seamus McRory and in essence it is a memoir of Jim McKeever. Many memorabilia of Jim’s sporting life were on display at the gathering including the painting entitled “The Catch” by the internationally renowned artist JB Valle

Friends and family of the late Jim McKeever as well as many admirers and former students attended the launch of a new book on his sporting life, which was held in St Mary’s University College on Saturday 7th December. The book launch was preceded by a series of tributes to Jim including readings from the book by some members of his family, audio visual presentations of former times, panel discussions with some of his past students and the playing of a video featuring a speech by the late Mick Gribben from 1995.

The book is edited by Seamus McRory and in essence it is a memoir of Jim McKeever. Many memorabilia of Jim’s sporting life were on display at the gathering including the painting entitled “The Catch” by the internationally renowned artist JB Vallely.

by thesaffrongael

Erin’s Own GAC Cargin Celebrates Centenary and Historic Championship Milestones

(Featured image- The Centenary Committee)

Erin’s Own GAC Cargin hosted a memorable night to celebrate the launch of their centenary book Clann na nÉireann: 100 Years of Pride and Passion and commemorate two significant milestones in the club’s rich history: the 50th anniversary of the first county championship-winning team in 1974 and the 25th anniversary of the 1999 championship-winning side.

The evening, held in the packed Cargin Social Club, was expertly compered by Diarmuid Shivers, who brought the event to life with engaging interviews of past players. Shivers delved into the memories of the two historic finals, bringing nostalgia and laughter as players recounted their experiences and reflected on their contributions to the club’s success.

Aidan Johnston presented trophies to the captains of the victorious teams: Packie McGuckin (1974) and Michael Johnston (1999). Both teams were also honoured with a specially commissioned team sheet, showcasing the players and scorers from their respective finals, a cherished memento for all involved.

The event drew past players and supporters from far and wide, filling the venue to capacity with standing room only. This turnout was a testament to the enduring pride and passion that binds the Cargin community and its remarkable history.

Clann na nÉireann: 100 Years of Pride and Passion

The 1974 Championship winning side

A highlight of the evening was the unveiling of the club’s centenary book, Clann na nÉireann: 100 Years of Pride and Passion. The meticulously crafted book, with contributions spearheaded by Peadar McCann, chronicles the rich tapestry of Cargin’s history.

The 27 chapters include fascinating insights into the club’s journey, exploring topics such as:

  • Townlands and Religion: The geographical and cultural roots of the club.
  • Folklore and Legends: Stories that have shaped the community.
  • The Gaelic Revival: The broader cultural context of the club’s founding.
  • Sports Beyond Gaelic Football: Chapters on rounders, camogie, handball, and ladies football.
  • Mascots and the Future: A look at the club’s enduring spirit and future aspirations.

The book is an essential read for any Cargin enthusiast, capturing a century of dedication and achievement while setting the stage for the next 100 years.

The 1999 Championship winning side

A Community United

The event showcased the strength of the Erin’s Own GAC Cargin community, celebrating both past achievements and future potential. From the players who took the field in 1974 and 1999 to those who worked tirelessly to produce the centenary book, the night highlighted the collective effort that continues to define the club’s legacy.

For anyone passionate about Gaelic games or local history, the event and book stand as a reminder of the deep pride and passion that have driven Cargin for 100 years.

1974 captain, Packie McGuckin is interviewed by Dermot Shivers
1999 captain, Michael Johnston and 1974 captain Packie McGuckin at the Erin’s Own Centenary Book Launch and championship celebrations in the Erin’s Own clubrooms on Saturday night
1999 championship winning m,anager, John Brennan addresses the large crowd who attended the centenary celebrations

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by thesaffrongael

Fr. Rock’s advance after extra time to secure a semi-final place

fonaCAB Ulster Minor Football Tournament, quarter-final (AET)

Fr Rocks, Cookstown 0-19

Mayobridge 1-11

Fr. Rock’s Cookstown, the Tyrone County Champions became the last team to make their bow in the fonaCAB-St. Paul’s Minor Football tournament when they faced Mayobridge of Down in the final quarter-final of the competition at Shaw’s Road on Sunday.

Mayobridge had already negotiated a preliminary round and Sunday’s game against Fr. Rocks took a time to get up to speed and going into the closing stages it was the Down side who looked to have done enough.

Fr. Rocks finished strongly to force extra time and keep the good crowd who had attended at Shaw’s Road on their toes.

The Tyrone champions showed great battling qualities with Mayobridge looking to have nicked it late, but the Cookstown club forced the additional time and there was no looking back from there as they built a wind-assisted lead to dominate the final 10 minutes.

Mayobridge played against the breeze in the opening half but they got off to the perfect start as a long ball from Patrick Woods saw Gary Clerkin turn his marker and place Daire O’Keefe to finish to the net.

The Cookstown side got off the mark from an Eoin Long free, but their shooting would let them down in the opening half as they recorded 10 wides during a wasteful 30 plus minutes.

Clerkin again used his pace to get clear to add a score for Mayobridge and finally, a barren 10-minute spell for the Tyrone side ended with Conall Sheehy landing back-to-back scores.

Two Clerkin frees was the Mayobridge response with Long firing over and Sheehy steering his third of the half over the bar to leave one in it again.

Mayobridge could have had a second goal when Ben Kelly got free but his pass into Jude McGlade was too high, yet a converted mark from Darragh Poland gave them a 1-4 to 0-5 advantage at the interval.

Despite playing into a strong wind for the second period, it was Cookstown who asserted themselves early on, but a couple of promising attacks came to nothing.

Mayobridge sat deep and attempted to hit on the break and the tactic looked like paying off when a turnover saw Daniel Carr take a snapshot that curled just wide.

However, the Tyrone champions were playing all the football and were denied a goal of their own when Conor Colhoun made a vital block on Darragh McHugh.

Eventually, it would turn the way of Fr Rocks as two long frees tied it before they hit the lead for the first time through substitute Sean Devlin.

They would kick on as Long, Lorcan McMurray and Michael Lennon split the posts to open a four-point gap with 10 to play.

Mayobridge needed to get something going and it was the excellent Patrick Woods who led the way, converting a free and adding three more from play with Carr also on target to give them the lead as the clock ticked down.

Long tied it up with a free seconds into added time but the restart saw the Down men conjure what looked the winner as Colhoun split the posts.

There was time for one more attack however from Fr. Rocks that saw them earn a free and off his left foot into the wind, McMurray sent the game into extra-time with the score 0-13 to 1-10.

This time, with the wind behind them, the Tyrone champions would avail of the advantage with five points on the spin in the first period – two apiece from Karol Wawrynkiewicz and Long (one free) that sandwiched a McMurray score.

A Clerkin point reduced it to 0-18 to 1-11 at the turnaround, but despite the wind advantage for the final 10 minutes, Mayobridge couldn’t turn it around.

Instead, the superb Sheehy’s fourth of the day extended the gap as the Down team attacked but missed opportunities as they began to chase goals.

Cookstown goalkeeper Sean Og Quinn was up to the task with a couple of high catches as the minutes ticked by and when Mayobridge lost Daniel Carr to a late red card, that was that as the Tyrone side earned the right to face defending champions, Four Masters of Donegal in the semi-final on St Stephen’s Day (1pm at St Paul’s).

The first of the semi-finals will take place this Sunday (December 21 at St Paul’s, 1pm) when Armagh’s Clann Éireann take on O’Donovan Rossa from Magherafelt, Derry with the final down for decision on

New Year’s Day.

Fr. Rocks: S Og Quinn; S Corrigan, D McHugh, C McElkearney; C Mulligan, K Wawrynkiewicz (0-2), M Lennon (0-1); L Neeson, Y Baba; J McElhone, L McMurray (0-3 1f), C Sheehy (0-4); D Ward, E Long (0-8, 6f), C Ward.

Subs: S Devlin (0-1) for C Ward (HT) C Hawker for D Ward (HT), M McCrellis for J McElhone (46), D Ward for C Hawker (51).

ET subs: C Ward for D McHugh (started), J McElhone for C McElkearney (20), D McHugh for E Long (20)

Mayobridge: M Gallagher, R Magone, B Kelly, J McGlade; O De Rose, D McMahon, C Colhoun (0-1); D O’Keefe (1-0), C Keenan; D Carr (0-1), C Clerkin (0-4, 3f), P Woods (0-4, 2f); R Coulter, D Poland (0-1m), C McPolin.

Subs: G Barry for R Magone (48).

ET subs: J McConville for R Coulter (15), J Keenan for B Kelly (19).

Referee: Colm McDonald (Antrim) 

TO VIEW BERT TROWLEN’S PICS FROM THE GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

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