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by thesaffrongael

Garron Tower bridge 60-year Mageean gap

Danske Bank Mageean Cup Final

St Killian’s Garron Tower 0-17 Cross and Passion 0-13

AS WE BUILD UP TO FRIDAY NIGHTS MAGEEAN CUP FINAL BETWEEN CROSS & PASSSION COLLEGE AND ST KILLIAN’S GARRON TOWER WE BEGIN BY LOOKING BACK AT LAST YEAR’S FINAL BETWEEN THE SAME TWO TEAM

Kevin Herron reports from the Dub 

St Killian’s team captain Joseph McLaughlin lifts the Mageean Cup after his team’s win over CPC in Wednesday evening’s final at the Dub. Looking on is Oonagh Murtagh of tournament sponsors Danske Bank

St Killian’s Garron Tower bridged a 60-year gap and lifted the Danske Bank Mageean Cup for just the second time in their history after defeating Cross and Passion 0-17-0-13 in the final at the Dub on Wednesday evening. 

Less than a month after the game was originally due to be played, conditions were ideal at the South Belfast venue as referee Colm McDonald got proceedings underway.

Cross and Passion were first off the mark after Colla Ward fouled Roan McGarry- who converted the resulting free, but St Killian’s replied instantly when goalkeeper Thomas McLaughlin picked out Cormac McKeown to drop over from range. 

McKeown would draw a foul from Darragh Kelly and that allowed Orrin O’Connor to send the resulting free over and give their side the advantage that they would hold onto for the rest of the half. 

Callagh Mooney extended the lead within 60-seconds before McLaughlin doubled his tally from play. 

The Tower made it four without reply and for the second time McLaughlin linked up with Cormac McKeown with a similar outcome to the first time they combined. 

Cross and Passion replied before the midway point in the half, Ronan Fitzgerald made himself available and collected a free before swinging over to reduce the deficit (0-05-0-02). 

It failed to the shift the momentum that was firmly with Garron Tower and they added another four unanswered points. 

Orrin O’Connor grabbed his third point of the half after turning over the Cross and Passion puck-out and finding a score from range. 

Ruairi Og prodigy Joseph McLaughlin then added three scores on the spin, the first a fine angled effort before converting two frees that opened up a 0-09-0-02 lead. 

Cross and Passion remained in touch and claimed four of the final five points in the half. Roan McGarry added two further frees and Liam Glackin produced a nice score in-between times. 

Despite McLaughlin converting an injury-time free, Ronan Fitzgerald doubled his final tally with the last act of the half to ensure his side remained in touch, trailing 0-10-0-06 at the break. 

CPC team captain Ben McGarry strikes a long range free

Orrin O’Connor strikes an early Garron Tower free

Cross and Passion reduced arrears upon the resumption with Conor Donnelly floating over within 60-seconds of the restart. 

Oran McCamrbidge instantly replied, and St Killian’s stole a march again and established a six-point lead by the 39th minute. 

Niall Magee added a point from range and Cormac McKeown brought his personal tally to 0-03 with an excellent score that had his side 0-13-0-07 ahead. 

Cross and Passion free-taker Roan McGarry dropped over his first from play in response and Oisin McCallin then swung over after Ronan Fitzgerald dropped a high ball into the danger area. 

Back-to-back scores from man of the match Cormac McKeown and talisman Joseph McLaughlin (free) opened up a six-point advantage again for St Killian’s with four minutes of normal time remaining, though Cross and Passion landed four without reply and ensured a grandstand finish was on the cards. 

Ben and Roan McGarry dropped over back-to-back frees and on the 60th minute Ronan Fitzgerald landed a super point from play to make it a three-point game (0-15-0-12). 

A further Ben McGarry free left it a single score game with two of the five minutes added on remaining. 

St Killian’s held their nerve though and Joseph McLaughlin converted a free and dropped over an angled insurance score that ensured Garron Tower ran out winners at the final whistle and would lift their first Mageean title in 60-years. 

CPC full back Cian Baudant solos clear of St Killian’s full forward Oran McCambridge during the Danske Bank Mageean Cup final at the Dub
Fr Paddy Delargy, who was a member of the Garron Tower team who won the very first Mageean Cup back in 1963, is seen here withe the McLaughlin brothers Thomas (left) and Joseph.

St. Killian’s: T McLaughlin, C Ward, C Devlin, C Graham, A Birt, C McAuley, N Magee (0-01), C McIlwaine, C Mooney (0-01), C McKeown (0-04), J McLaughlin (0-07, 0-05f), O O’Connor. (0-03, 0-01f), P McDonnell, O McCambridge (0-01), N Hynds. Subs: F McKillop for P McDonnell (48), J Scullion for N Magee (60). 

Cross and Passion: E Richmond, C Donnelly, C Baudant, J Magee, B O’Kane, B McGarry (0-02f), T McGarry, R Cunning, D Kelly, R Fitzgerald (0-03), L Glackin (0-01), P Martin, O McCallin (0-01), C Donnelly (0-01), R McGarry (0-05, 0-04f). Subs: C Crane for J Magee (26), A McGarry for T McGarry (48), G McToal for P Martin (51), C Crawford for O McCallin (54), P Martin for R Fitzgerald (60+3). 

Referee: Colm McDonald (St Galls)

Man of the Match Cormac McKeown celebrates at the final whistle of Wednesday evening’s Mageean Cup final win over CPC at the Dub
by thesaffrongael

A Memoir and Tribute – Jim McKeever


Friends of the ‘Ranch’ and those who wish to acknowledge the exceptional contribution of Jim McKeever to physical education and sport will gather on Saturday 7th December 2024 at 12 noon, in St Mary’s University College.
 
A book on Jim’s life and legacy will be on sale (cash sales only at £20) and there will be an associated event to highlight the esteem in which he is held by our College community in the widest sense.


 
The book, which was developed over the past year by a team of five people and edited by Seamus McRory sets out the story of Jim’s remarkable life in an easy to read form. We want as many people as possible to purchase and read the book which contains a great deal of Jim’s own ideas and thoughts. The book is both a memoir and a tribute. It will have a limited print run

Left to right – Peter Finn, Meabh ( Jim’s daughter) Seamus McCrory author, Sean Bradley, missing from photo Jimmy Smyth.

Ulster Schools (GAA) have given due recognition to Jim’s contribution to gaelic games for the youth of the province, where his many former students actively coach in all schools
 
At the event we will hear first-hand from people who knew Jim well and wish to share their thoughts on a great physical educationist, outstanding footballer and coach as well as a highly respected gentleman.
 
Gaels from Belfast, Antrim and beyond are invited to remember this remarkable man at the launch of the book.

A message from Professor Peter Finn KSG on behalf of St Mary’s University College, Belfast.

by thesaffrongael

Geraldine’s & Casement’s Juvenile Presentation

Geraldine’s & Casement’s Portglenone held their Annualk Juvenile Presentation in the Wild Duck in Portglenone on Sunday with over 200 guests attending what was an excellent event.

Special guests at the presentation were Barry McCambridge, the Clann Eireann and Armagh All Ireland winning footballer and Aoife Ní Chaiside, the Slaughtneil and Derry Camogie star and Geraldine’s and Antrim player, Dearbhail Dobbin.

The award winners are included below and the photographs can be found in the attached album by clicking on the link below:

Geraldine’s Fundamentals Camog’s receive their presentations from Special Guests, Slaughtneil Camog, Aoife Ní Chaiside,, with Geraldines and Antrim’s, Dearbhail Dobbin, pictured alongside their Coaches, Orlagh Doherty, Tony Convery and Sherrin Kearney.

Geraldine’s U6 Camog’s receive their presentations from Special Guests, Slaughtneil Camog,  Aoife Ní Chaiside, with Geraldines and Antrim’s, Dearbhail Dobbin, pictured alongside their Coaches, Mark McAleese, Nuala Dunlop, Marissa McErlain, Louise Crozier, Aislinn McGillion and Therese Murphy.

Geraldine’s U8 Camog’s receive their presentations from Special Guests, Slaughtneil Camog, Aoife Ní Chaiside, with Geraldines and Antrim’s, Dearbhail Dobbin, pictured alongside their Coaches, Sinead O’Kane, Catriona Gribben, Anna McErlane and Sinead McKeever.

Geraldine’s U10 Camog’s receive their presentations from Special Guests, Slaughtneil Camog, Aoife Ní Chaiside, with Geraldines and Antrim’s, Dearbhail Dobbin, pictured alongside their Coaches, Deidre McCann and Susan King.

Geraldine’s U12 Camog’s receive their presentations from Special Guests, Slaughtneil Camog, Aoife Ní Chaiside, with Geraldines and Antrim’s, Dearbhail Dobbin, pictured alongside their Coaches, Sinead McErlean, Niamh Doherty, Shauna O’Boyle and Siobhan McAfee.

U12 Player of the Year, Nicole McFall, pictured with Special Guests, Slaughtneil Camog, Aoife Ní Chaiside, with Geraldines and Antrim’s, Dearbhail Dobbin.

U12 Most improved Player of the Year, Olivia McFerran, pictured with Special Guests, Slaughtneil Camog, Aoife Ní Chaiside, with Geraldines and Antrim’s, Dearbhail Dobbin. 

U14 Joint Players of the Year, Caitlin Graffin and Cliodhna McKeever, pictured with Special Guests, Slaughtneil Camog,  Aoife Ní Chaiside, with Geraldines and Antrim’s, Dearbhail Dobbin. 

U14 Endeavour Award Winner, Mollie McGinty, pictured with Special Guests, Slaughtneil Camog, Aoife Ní Chaiside, with Geraldines and Antrim’s, Dearbhail Dobbin.

U14 Players, Caitlin Graffin and Cliodhna McKeever receiving the U14 League Cup and The U14A Championship Cup, presented by Special Guests, Slaughtneil Camog,  Aoife Ní Chaiside, with Geraldines and Antrim’s, Dearbhail Dobbin.

The U14 League and A Championship Winning Team 2024.

U16 Most improved Player of the Year, Finola McCormack, pictured with Special Guests, Slaughtneil Camog, Aoife Ní Chaiside, with Geraldines and Antrim’s, Dearbhail Dobbin.

U16 Player of the Year, Aedin Vallely, pictured with Special Guests, Slaughtneil Camog, Aoife Ní Chaiside, with Geraldines and Antrim’s, Dearbhail Dobbin.

The Geraldine’s U16 Team 2024.

The Under 13 Geraldines representatives who won the Slaughtneil Tournament Shield 2024

Fundamentals, U6 and U8 Geraldines Camogie players receive their presentations from Special Guest, Slaughtneil Camog,  Aoife Ní Chaiside, pictured alongside their Coaches.

Roger Casements GAC U6 Footballers pictured with Special Guest, Co. Armagh and Clann Éireann’s, Barry McCambridge, with their Coach Declan McErlean.

Roger Casements GAC U8 Footballers pictured with Special Guest, Co. Armagh and Clann Éireann’s, Barry McCambridge, with their Coaches Michael Convery, John Kearney, Declan McErlean and Ruairi McKenna

Roger Casements GAC U10 Footballers pictured with Special Guest, Co. Armagh and Clann Éireann’s, Barry McCambridge, with their Coaches Michael Convery, John Kearney and Ruairi McKenna.

Roger Casements GAC U12 Footballers pictured with Special Guest, Co. Armagh and Clann Éireann’s, Barry McCambridge, with their Coaches Daniel O’Boyle and Paul McAleer.

Special Guest, Co. Armagh and Clann Éireann’s, Barry McCambridge, presenting the Roger Casements GAC Most Improved Players of the Year, Caidan Convery and Nicholas McCrory with their awards.

Special Guest, Co. Armagh and Clann Éireann’s, Barry McCambridge, presenting the Roger Casements GAC Player of the Year Award to Conan McKeever which was received by his sister Cayla McKeever on his behalf.

Roger Casements GAC U12 Footballers pictured with Special Guest, Co. Armagh and Clann Éireann’s, Barry McCambridge, with their Coaches Brian Burns, Liam Martin, Caolan McKee, Aidy Anderson, Anthony Carey and Brian Mahany.

U14 Most improved Player of the Year, Ronan McAleer, receiving his award from Special Guest, Co. Armagh and Clann Éireann’s, Barry McCambridge.

U14 Player of the Year, Cillian McDonnell, receiving his award from Special Guest, Co. Armagh and Clann Éireann’s, Barry McCambridge.

The U14 Footballers pictured with Special Guest, Co. Armagh and Clann Éireann’s, Barry McCambridge and their Coaches, Liam Martin, Brian Burns, Caolan McKee, Aidy Anderson, Brian Mahany and Anthony Carey.

U16 Player of the Year, Odhran Doherty, receiving his award from Special Guest, Co. Armagh and Clann Éireann’s, Barry McCambridge.

Roger Casements GAC U16 Footballers who won the U16A Championship and retained The Breslin Cup, pictured with Special Guest, Co. Armagh and Clann Éireann’s, Barry McCambridge.

TO VIEW PHOTOGRAPHS FROM THE GERALDINE’S AND CASEMENT’S JUVENILE PRESENTATION CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

https://myalbum.com/album/iWPagynDMzANgG

by thesaffrongael

Clann Éireann set up semi-final meeting with Magherafelt

fonaCAB St Paul’s Ulster Minor Tournament

Clann Éireann 5-12 St Molaise Irvinstown 3-11

A strong second half showing by Armagh champions Clann Éireann saw the Lurgan side book their place in the semi-final of the fonaCAB at the expense of St Molaise of Irvinstown in Sunday’s quarter final at Sportlann, Colaiste Feirste.

There was little between the two teams in the opening half, Clann Éireann turning around with a two point lead, but the really got going early in the second and added three more goals to their half time total of 2-2 to open a massive gap. However the Irvinstown boys kept battling away and three goals in the last ten minutes brought them back to within seven at the end.

The opening quarter was a low scoring affair as both team adjusted to the 4G surface and though Clann Éireann made the early running it was the Fermanagh champions who got the first two scores through the excellent Mattie McDerrmott and Barry Goodwin. The Armagh Champions ability to get goals was to prove a major factor and two from left half forward Adam Furphy on fifteen minutes and full forward Euan McAreavey on twenty two saw them go in at the break with a one point lead (2-02 to 0-07)

With the stiff breeze at the backs in the second half Clann Éireann were soon ahead with early scores from Cohen Henderson and Euan McAreavey. Barry Goodwin levelled matters again with a point for Irvinstown but the next ten minutes was all one way traffic as the Armagh boys began to hit their stride. Five in a row from goalkeeper Liam Carroll, Cohen Henderson, Euan McAreavey (2) and James McCooe saw them pull well clear and it was clear at this stage they would advance.

The added to the pressure with two superb goals from full forward McAreavey and centre forward McCooe, and indeed McAreavey could have had another had it not been for a great point blank save from Jamie McConnell in the Irvinstown goals.

The gap was into double figures entering the last ten minutes but to their credit Irivinstown kept battling away and managed to score three further goal through Mattie McDermott, Barry Goodwin and James Hanna to close within seven at the end.

Clann Éireann’s win sees them through to a semi-final meeting with O’Donovan Rossa, Magherafelt on December 22nd at St Paul’s.

Irvinstown goalkeeper Jamie McDonnell makes a fantastic point-bacl save to deny Clann Éireann’s Euan McAreavey

TO SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THIS GAME CLINK ON THE LINK BELOW

https://myalbum.com/album/Wdx939HbBEkVh4

by thesaffrongael

Heartbreak for Shamrocks as Sarsfields edge through to another final

AIB Senior All-Ireland Club semi-final


Loughgiel (Ulster Champions) 3-9 Sarsfield’s (Connacht champions) 1-16

For most of the first half of Sunday’s all Ireland Camogie semi-final at Breffni Park, there must have been a big section of the Shamrocks fans making plans for a trip to Croke Park on Sunday week. The Antrim and Ulster champions were flying it after an unbelievable start and were nine points clear of All Ireland champions Sarsfields at one stage.

There were still four to the good at half time and though Sarsfields clawed their way back in the second half they were still level going into injury time at the end of the game. However the momentum had swung in favour of the Galway    side at this stage and two late points in injury time got them over the line.

There was still hope however when Loughgiel were awarded a free and Roisin McCormick took the point that was on offer, but the other chance they needed never came and the All Ireland champions continued their brilliant run of success with yet another All Ireland final appearance.

The Shamrocks made a dream start and after Lucia McNaughton grabbed a point in the opening minute, and following good approach work by Anna Connolly Caitrin Dobbin broke through, and despite being pulled back by a Sarsfields defender, she fired low to the net.

What a star! Things couldn’t get any better, but they did when Amy Boyle won possession and sent Roisin McCormick clear and the corner forward made not mistake as she grabbed her team’s second goal.

Seven in arrears Sarsfields were rocked back on their heels but the All Ireland champions got their first score on the board when Niamh McGrath sent over. However Loughgiel were still very much on the front foot and they hit back with well taken points from Annie Lynn and Roisin McCormick to stretch the lead to eight.

Sarsfields finally found a bit of rhythm in their play when the McGrath sisters Siobhan and Niamh found the target, but Loughgiel gained the upper hand again when Lucia McNaughton was put clear by Caitrin Dobbin and McNaughton sent the travelling Loughgiel fans into ecstasy when she grabbed her team’s third goal.

The first set-back or the Shamrocks came soon afterwards when Sarsfields got their first goal of the game, and they took advantage as the clock ticked towards half time, adding two more points to close the gap to four by the time referee Donegan sounded the half-time whistle.  (Loughgiel 3-04 Sarsfields 1-06)

The Sarsfields revival continued after the restart when Cora Kenny and Orlaith McGrath knocked over points to leave just two between the sides, but Roisin McCormick stretched the lead to three when she sent a free between the Sarsfields posts. However the champions were getting the upper hand and three points without reply from the brilliant Siobhan McGrath brought them level for the first time in the game.

Scores were getting harder to come by as underfoot conditions deteriorated, but Loughgiel ended the deadlock when McCormick and Dobbin added points to put them two clear yet again. Sarsfields Caoimhe Kelly and Loughgiel’s Roisin McCormick exchanged points to keep the gap at two, but the All Ireland champions hit back to level the match again, Kelly and McGrath providing the scores.

The Galway girls hit the front for the first time as the clocked ticked towards full time, Niamh McGrath’s free giving them the lead. That lead was doubled soon afterwards the All Ireland champions experience started to show in such a pressure situation, and though McCormick reduced the gap to the minimum with a pointed free, time was against the Shamrocks and Sarsfields scrambled over the line.

A heroic effort by the Antrim and Ulster champions, and a hard blow to take, but they once again showed they are right up there with the best teams in the country.

Loughgiel: E Boyle, C McKillop, K Lynn, F McVeigh, M McGarry, E McFadden, C Laverty, A Boyle, A Connolly, C McCloskey capt, L McNaughton (1-1), A Lynn (0-2), Caitrín Dobbin (1-1), K McKillop, R McCormick (1-5, 0-3 frees).

Subs: M O’Hara for F McVeigh (44), A McKillop for K McKillop (59)

Sarsfield’s: L Glynn, R Kelly, L Ward, K Gallagher, T Kenny, M Cooney, J Daly, C McGrath, N McGrath (1-2, 1-1 frees), K Donohue, O McGrath (0-1), S Spellman, C Kelly (0-3), S McGrath (0-8, 4 frees), R Murray.

Subs: C Kenny (0-2) for R Murray (ht), L McGrath for C McGrath (50), C McGrath for S Spellman (57),

Referee: G Donegan (Dublin)

TO SEE MORE OF MICHAEL CORCORAN PHOTOS FROM THE GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

https://myalbum.com/album/zJfztpYT4FQvP7/?invite=22ccd34b-8a85-44d0-8faf-d1566e67b9aa