Antrim team to play Monaghan at Dunsilly tonight
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This week’s Football Fixtures
Another round of football fixtures are scheduled for this week with games in all of the Divisions, One Two and Three.
Division 1
Dunloy v Glenravel: Wednesday 6-30
Dunloy finally get their season up and running when they entertain a Glenravel side who lost their opening game away to Lamh Dhearg. Much will depend on what strength both teams field at but Dunloy could edge it if they are near full strength.
St Paul’s v Con Magee’s Glenravel – Sunday 5th April 12-00
After a tough outing on their own turf against St John’s, St Paul’s head to the South West hoping to get back to winning ways. Glenravel, meanwhile, have two games under their belts and may have enough to edge this one but it could be close.
St Ergnat’s Moneyglass v St Mary’s Aghagallon Saturday 4th April; 2-00pm
It’s been a baptism of fire for Moneyglass back in the top flight, coming off a loss to Creggan at Marian Hill. They remain at home this week against an Aghagallon side also smarting from a defeat to All Saints. This one feels like a battle of attrition; Moneyglass are desperate to find their feet, and a hard-fought draw wouldn’t be a surprise.
Cuchullian’s Dunloy v Patrick Sarsfield’s Sunday 5th April 12-00
The reigning county champions lost to St. Brigid’s in round one and host Glenravel on Wednesday night with both sides looking for their first win. Dunloy host a Sarsfield’s side that showed serious grit in a one-point loss to St Gall’s. While the “Paddies” are improving, Dunloy may have enough to edge it—expect the home side to get the win here.
St Brigid’s v St Gall’s – Saturday 4th April 2-00pm
The “Biddies” have been the early pace-setters, maintaining a perfect record so far. They face a St Gall’s team who have also won their two opening games against All Saints and Sarsfield’s, but this is a much steeper test. St Brigid’s look formidable and should continue their winning streak at Musgrave.
Lámh Dhearg v St John’s – Friday 3d April 6-30
A massive South Antrim derby as St John’s came good by winning at St Paul’s last week, but the hills of Hannahstown are never an easy place to visit. This should be the game of the round, with Lámh Dhearg likely to use the home advantage to snatch a narrow victory.
All Saints v O’Donovan Rossa Saturday 4th April 6-00pm
All Saints battled hard to gain a win over Aghagallon last time out and look comfortable at home. However, Rossa are dangerous travellers, having crushed Moneyglass in round one before a slip-up against St Brigid’s. If Rossa can rediscover their scoring touch, they’ll push the Ballymena men to the limit.
Erin’s Own Cargin v Casement’s Portglenone Sunday 5th April 4-00pm
The pick of the South West ties. Casement’s have been one of the league’s “form” teams with back-to-back wins over city opponents. Cargin got back on track against Tir na nOg, but they’ll need to move through the gears to stop a confident Portglenone side. Cargin’s historical dominance in this fixture gives them the edge, but only just.
Tir na nOg v Kickham’s Creggan – Sunday 5th April 11-30am
Creggan are undefeated to date, sitting pretty with maximum points. They travel to Whitehill to face a Tir na nOg side that pushed Cargin hard last week. While Randalstown will provide a physical test, Creggan’s clinical nature should see them move to 3 wins from 3.
Division Two
St Enda’s v Michael Davitt’s – Friday 3d April 6-30pm
Davitt’s caused the shock of the opening round by pipping Ahoghill in a high-scoring thriller. Now they face a St Enda’s side with plenty of top-tier experience. The Glengormley men looked sharp against Aldergrove and should have too much quality for the visitors here.
St Mary’s Ahoghill v Gort na Móna – Sunday 5th April 4-00pm
Ahoghill were on the wrong side of a one-point result last time out and will be itching to set the record straight at Clooney. Gort na Móna are never an easy opponents but the St Mary’s men are notoriously tough to beat on their own sod. Expect a home win.
St Patrick’s Lisburn v St James’ Aldergrove – Sunday 5th April 4-00pm
Aldergrove struggled to adapt to Division Two in their opener against St Enda’s, but a trip to Lisburn offers a chance at redemption. St Pat’s will be gritty, but Aldergrove’s pace should see them leave with the points.
Naomh Comhghall Antrim v St Agnes – Friday 3d April – 6-30pm
Dunsilly plays host to a meeting of two sides looking to establish themselves in this division though Naomh Comhghall are in their second year in division 2. “The Aggies” showed heart in a defeat to Glenavey in round one, while Naomh Comhghall will have home advantage. This could be the closest game in the division—a home win by a point or two is the call.
Division Three
Laochra Loch Lao v Éire Óg Wednesday 1st April 7-30
Laochra seek their first points after an opening day defeat to Ardoyne. They’ll be much more comfortable at home, but face an Éire Óg side that proved they can grind out results following their opening day win over Pearses. Eire Og can build on that opening round win but a stalemate wouldn’t be shocking here.
Pearses v O’Donnell’s Sunday 5th April – 4-00pm
Pearse lost their opening game to Eire Og and will be keen to get their first victory under their belts but will be tested by an O’Donnell’s side who drew with Rasharkin first time pout.
Brid Cloiche An Muillin Gaels v Kickham’s Ardoyne – Wednesday 8th April – 6-45pm
The “new kids on the block” had a tough introduction against St Malachy’s and now face an Ardoyne side that looked unstoppable in their opening round game, racking up 24 scores. Ardoyne go into this as heavy favourites to keep their momentum rolling.
St Malachy’s beat Rathmore in Kirk Cup final
Danske Bank Kirk Cup Hurling Final
St Malachy’s Belfast 2-16 Rathmore Grammar 1-10
ST Malachy’s College have retained the Danske Bank Kirk Cup final, seeing off Rathmore Grammar in the Belfast derby yesterday evening in Woodlands.
Harry Feeney’s goal in the 22nd minute was the key that opened the door for the Antrim Road school and they led by 1-6 to 0-5 at the break.
All five Rathmore points in the opening half came from midfielder Aodhán O’Hanlon and he ended up his team’s only scorer over the hour. The Gort na Móna player’s goal at the start of the second half briefly brought the gap down to a point.
However St Malachy’s free-taker Cillian Carabine replied almost immediately with a green flag to maintain that half-time gap and that was how it remained until close to the end when points, from Carabine, Aidan Johnston, Ethan Connolly and Conor Stewart left the final score-line a little flattering for the north Belfast school.
Apart from Carabine with a goal and eight points, others to shine for St Malachy’s were Harry Feeney, Ollie Gregory, Aodhán McNally and Connolly while Ronan Leonard, Zak Kerr-Woodrow in defence, Liam Carson in midfield and Ronan Downey in half forward provided best support for Aodhán O’Hanlon in the Rathmore colours.
St Malachy’s: C Carabine 1-8 (0-7fs), H Feeney 1-4, C Stewart 0-2, A Johnston and E Connolly 0-1 each
Rathmore: A O’Hanlon 1-10 (0-5fs)
GAA DAY IN BALLYMACWARD PS
Ballymacward Primary School held their annual and popular GAA day recently. The day began with a special and busy assembly with special guests Conal Morgan , NaomhEoin. Antoin McCaffrey , St Galls, Mark Munce,Gaelfast, and Bert Trowlen of the Saffron Gael.
The assembly commenced with Principal Mr Kennedy revealing the new school jerseys generously sponsoredby RADSNI Radiator Suppliers. (www.radsni.com)
Conal Morgan much to the delight of the happy Principal, Mr Kennedy a former Johnnies player and committee member, brought along the Antrim Senior Hurling Chmpionship trophy, the Volunteer Cup.
Mr Buchanan presented a short presentation on the History of the Volunteer Cup and conducted a q/a session with Conal with excellent questions from the pupils. Conal then participated in a photoshoot with all the classes and the famous trophy.
The Assembly finished with a few hurling challenges among the guests and Principal Mr Kennedy proved the adage that you never lose it.
After the assembly, Antoin McCaffrey read excerpts to the classes of his recently released GAA novel “Magic Gloves “and pupils really enjoyed meeting and questioning Antoin about his exciting novel.
In class pupils enjoyed the collapsed curriculum and keenly participated in the array of GAA orientated activities such as Comprehension on the History of the GAA, Acrostic poetry on Gaelic Football, numeracy task on GAA Stadium capacities, designing own GAA kit and creating profiles on current GAA stars.
Pupils and staff also enjoyed the challenge of Spot the Teacher Quiz in trying to identify Mr Buchanan and Mr Kennedy from their GAA Careers.
All classes enthusiastically enjoyed the quality coaching sessions throughout the day.
• FUNdamentals for (Primary 1 & Pebbles)
• Football Hurling & Camogie for classes P2-7.
The sessions were conducted by Mark Munce Gaelfast, Lamh Dhearg’s Kieran Megraw, Marty Caroline Tracey along with Mr Buchanan.
In all a very active, educational and enjoyable day for the pupils focusing on the GAA.
TO SEE MORE OF BERTS PICS FROM THIS GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW
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Mount St. Michael’s PS to Host Inaugural Primary School Cross Country Event in Association with Favour
Above – Steven McGarry (left) and his brother Neilly (right) of Favour Pet Foods with Mount St Michael’s P7 Cross Country Runners, Thomas, Lilla, Orlaith and Joel and their Coach Paralympian and multi Gold medal winner Michael McKillop at the launch of Primaryry Schools Cross County event at Favour Pet Foods Randalstown headquarters on Monday.
Excitement builds for major schools sporting event at Tír na nÓg GAC, Randalstown on Wednesday 15th April…
Mount St. Michael’s Primary School is proud to announce the launch of its inaugural Primary School Cross Country Event in association with Favour, which will take place at Tír na nÓg GAC Randalstown on Wednesday 15th April.
The event promises to bring together young athletes from across the area for a celebration of running, fitness, wellbeing and community spirit, while also highlighting the importance of physical activity in supporting both physical health and mental wellbeing among children.
The initiative has been made possible through the support and collaboration of Favour, Contact Marketing NI Ltd, and Team McKillop Coaching, with the event set to become a standout occasion in the local primary school sporting calendar.
Promoting Fitness, Wellbeing and Opportunity
Mount St. Michael’s has placed a strong emphasis on health, wellbeing and physical development within school life, and this event reflects that commitment in action.
Principal of Mount St. Michael’s, Paudie Shivers, said:
“Mount St. Michael’s are delighted to be hosting this event in partnership with local business Contact Marketing and Team McKillop Coaching.
Everyone knows how important physical fitness is for our general health and mental wellbeing and it is certainly something that is to the forefront of our school ethos and this is lived out through our participation in initiatives like the Daily Mile which our children take part in every day and we are proud to be a champion school here in the North of Ireland.
We are very fortunate to have Michael McKillop in our school coaching our children and instilling habits which will stand to them long into adulthood. Likewise, to be supported by Steven, Neil and the entire team at Contact Marketing is testament to their commitment to investing in the community and especially in young people.
Having met both men in the sporting arena many moons ago, I know just how passionate they are when it comes to sport and physical wellbeing, so we are hugely grateful for their support.
I would like to pay tribute to Mrs McMullan, Mr Lavery and all the staff who attend Running Club each week for igniting a passion for running amongst our pupils and this is what has ultimately led to the idea for this event.”
Building a Love of Running
The event is the latest chapter in a growing cross-country culture within Mount St. Michael’s, developed through the work of Michael McKillop and Team McKillop Coaching.
Former Paralympian Michael McKillop said:
“A few months back, towards the end of 2025, I was asked to come into Mount St Michael’s Primary School to take the P7s for an after-school running session. Fast forward six months, and the coaching is still going strong.
Every week, children of all abilities show up with the same two goals: to have fun and to work hard. The progress, commitment and energy they bring is infectious.
It’s been incredible to see some of them go on to represent the school at local and county level, with one particular pupil making history by becoming the first ever pupil from the school to qualify for the Northern Ireland finals.
With the club established, the school wants to host the first ever Invitational Cross Country Race this April and I’m proud to be playing a part in making it happen. The aim is simple: to give more young athletes the opportunity to showcase their talent and love for running.”
Strong Community Support
Local business support has also played a key role in bringing the event to life, with Contact Marketing NI Ltd and their well-known pet brand Favour coming on board as event sponsors.
Steven McGarry of Contact Marketing NI Ltd said:
“Contact Marketing NI Ltd, a local Randalstown-based company, is delighted to get involved in this initiative, which will only help build awareness for young children that running is fun and provides many physical and mental benefits.
Our widely known pet brand, Favour, is delighted to be brand ambassador of this event and to be interlinked with the great local Olympian Michael McKillop. Pet ownership walks hand in hand with children and people that get so much from and enjoy outside activity.
We wish everyone involved the very best for the 15th April and look forward to this event growing in stature year after year.”
A Celebration of Sport and Community
The children’s excitement and enthusiasm was evident on the day of our launch and they all added their own thoughts on the upcoming event.
Thomas: “It is really exciting to be able to put all the hard training we have been doing into practice and cool that a local business thinks we are worth supporting for our event.”
Lilla: “I found running really tough at first but Michael has a great way of making all the sessions fun.”
Orlaith: “I never thought running could be so enjoyable and to have a coach like Michael driving me on has helped me to achieve some things that I never thought I could.”
Joel: “I found the sessions really difficult at first but one of the things I have learned from Michael is to never give up no matter how hard I find something and that is what I try to do now every day.”
The Mount St. Michael’s Primary Schools Cross Country Event in association with Favour is expected to attract strong participation and create a memorable day for pupils, staff, schools and families alike.
With a focus on participation, enjoyment, achievement and healthy living, organisers hope the event will become an annual fixture and continue to inspire young people to embrace sport and active lifestyles for years to come.