Reserve Football Cup semi-final

All Saints 1-9 Creggan 3-14

A well worked goal from Aidan McKeown in the 8^th minute and a second from Paddy Coey, a minute later paved the way for a convincing Kickham’s Creggan victory over All Saints in the Reserve Cup semi-final at Quinn Park on Wednesday night.

The visitors had it more or less wrapped up at the half way stage when they led 2-9 to 0-3 and while the Ballymena men kicked five of the first six points of the second half they never looked like closing the gap on a well organised Creggan side.

Tiarnan McLarnon gave the visitors the lead with a point in the second half with Ciaran Campbell replying for the home side to level matters in the 4^th minute.

The home side defended deep and invited the opposition on and the Staffordstown Road side didn’t need a second invitation as Paddy Coey and Diarmuid Mulholland moved them two ahead before Aidan McKeown struck with the game’s opening goal in the 8^th minute.

His goal came after a good build up with several players involved in the build-up and the big full-forward made no mistake after being placed in the clear.

Tiarnan McLarnon followed with a point before Paddy Coey climbed to fist the ball past Conor Brennan in the All Saints goal to move his side 2-4 to 0-1 ahead by the 10^th minute.

Darach Bradley from a free and Matty Downey replied with points for the home side but it brought another response from the Kickham’s with Sam Maguire, Fintan Close, two from Paddy Coey and another from Conor Johnston moving Creggan 12 ahead as Ryan O’Reilly sounded his half time whistle.

The Ballymena side had been out thought and out fought during the opening thirty minutes and it looked like getting worse when Conor Johnston moved the visitors further ahead on the restart but it finally brought a response from the home side.

Matty Downey, who was excellent throughout, replied with their fourth point of the evening and followed with another before Sean McVeigh, Ciaran Campbell and Archie McGreevey made it five on the bounce as the home side enjoyed a wee bit of success for the first time.

Indeed they looked to be in for a goal as they continued to press but Mark Dougan in the Creggan goals got out ahead of Harry Connon to an inviting cross to avert the danger.

Creggan came back with points from Hugh McNulty and a great effort from Fintan Cloe from out near the right touchline but the home side were enjoying their best period in the game.

They responded as Darach Bradley pointed and when Ciaran Campbell fired home a superb goal with five minutes remaining the gap was back to seven.

As they pushed forward in search of further scores they were turned over as keeper Conor Brennan moved up field in support of his attack and in a swift counter Tristan McCann sent his shot to an empty net to put the game to bed.

Paddy Coey, who had been excellent on the ‘40’ for the visitors concluded the scoring as he fisted over the game’s final point and it will be Kickham’s Creggan who now go forward to face St. Gall’s in the decider.

All Saints: 1 Conor Brennan, 2 Archie McGreevey, 4 Oliver O’Rawe, 5 Rian Tom, 6 Conall Killough, 7 Charlie Metrustry, 8 Sean McVeigh, 9 Peter McNicholl, 10 Matthew Downey, 11 Ciaran Campbell, 12 Harry Connon, 13 Darach Bradley, 14 Peter McReynolds, 15 Joseph Rocks, 19 James Gillan.

Subs: Paul O’Boyle, Ciaran McQuillan

Kickham’s: Mark Dougan, 2 Odhran Hampsey, 3 Dermot McCann, 4 Sean McAuley, 5 Sam Maguire, 6 Jake McAteer, 7 Fintan Close, 8 Hugh McNulty, 9 Sean Donnelly, 10 Diarmuid Mulholland, 11 Paddy Coey, 12 Tiarnan McLarnon, 13 Oisin McAteer, 14 Aidan McKeown, 15 Conor Johnston

Subs: Tristan McCann, Niall McAuley, Brian McAteer

Referee: Ryan O’Reilly (Glenravel)

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In a remarkable display of talent, determination, and resilience, Gort na Móna’s U14 LGFA team has been crowned the U14A league champions after an unbeaten campaign that saw them triumph in all 12 of their matches. This outstanding achievement, which kicked off in April, saw the girls overcome some of the best teams in Antrim, finishing with a perfect record and the maximum 36 points.

The journey to victory was anything but easy. The Gort girls opened their campaign with a challenging away game against a determined St Paul’s side. Despite the tough opposition, Gort Na Móna emerged victorious with a scoreline of 3:6 to 4:9. This victory set the tone for what was to come, as the team followed up with a strong 8:10 to 4:2 win against Naomh Éanna.

One of the season’s most testing encounters came early on when the Gort girls faced a formidable Moneyglass team. Digging deep, they managed to secure the win, demonstrating the grit and determination that would characterise their entire season. The next game against St Gall’s proved to be another nail-biter, with Gort na Móna trailing for most of the match. However, a late surge saw them pull off a dramatic 5:9 to 3:6 victory, fuelled by a flurry of goals in the dying minutes.

The momentum continued as they faced St John’s in another hard-fought battle. Gort na Móna once again came out on top, adding another victory to their unblemished record. One of the toughest challenges of the season followed in an away match against an outstanding Cargin side. Despite falling behind early, the Gort girls showed incredible spirit to fight back and secure a narrow win.

The league campaign continued with a home game against Ardoyne. Although the scoreline didn’t fully reflect the intensity of the match, the Gort na Móna girls managed to claim another hard-earned victory. A challenging away game against Davitts followed, where Gort na Móna faced a talented and determined side. Once again, their perseverance paid off, and they came away with the win.

As the league entered its final phase, Gort na Móna remained at the top of the table, having successfully navigated the league split. The final four games, a reverse of earlier fixtures, presented the same high-quality opposition, but the results remained consistent. Each team they faced was a formidable opponent, yet the Gort girls proved time and again that they were up to the challenge.

This exceptional season is a testament to the talent, work rate, and determination of every player on the squad. Gort na Móna’s U14 girls have set a standard of excellence, showing that they can compete and succeed against the very best. The club and coaches extend their heartfelt thanks to all players, parents, and family members for their unwavering support throughout the season. Whether it was tying shoelaces, traveling to away games, or cheering from the sidelines, every effort has been deeply appreciated.

As the team now transitions to U16, the club wishes them all the best in the next chapter of their sporting journey. For the younger players staying at U14, the challenge is set to go for it again next year. This season has proven that with talent and determination, anything is possible.

Pics by Ciarán Ó Brolcháin 

Lámh Dhearg and Saffron Old Boys have organised an over 40’s 9 a-side Football tournament in memory of the late Frankie Wilson who sadly passed away after a long courageous battle with illness in October 2022. Frankie was very highly respected in GAA, Ulster Schools and Soccer circles and his popularity is reflected by 20 clubs lining out in the inaugural memorial tournament.

Frankie was a former and talented Derriaghy and Lámh Dhearg player and had enjoyed a distinguished playing career with Antrim and the Antrim Masters. Frankie was inducted into Lámh Dheargs’ Hall of fame prior to his sad passing.  Lámh Dhearg have released a retro Frankie commemorative jersey for their team and members to play in and wear at the tournament. He was a former esteemed head of PE in Our Lady’s St Patrick’s Knock and very proactive and committed in promoting sport across all codes.

Frankie enjoyed a very successful Irish league career playing for Cliftonville, Carrick Rangers, Ballyclare Comrades, Omagh Town and Bangor and had a busy management career in managing NI Under 18 Schoolboys, Sport and Leisure, Lurgan Celtic, Bangor and Banbridge Town.

Lámh Dhearg Chairman Brian Smyth is looking forward to the tournament as Frankie was a much loved and respected figure in the club and in wider sporting circles. Brian believes the tournament will be a fitting and poignant tribute to Frankie and provide much needed solace and strength to his Family and friends.

The tournament will also raise awareness of the charity AMMF. AMMF is the UK’s only cholangiocarcinoma charity, dedicated to tackling this challenging cancer on all fronts: providing information and support, campaigning to raise awareness, and encouraging and supporting research. https://ammf.org.uk/ . Participating players will all contribute to the charity.

After the tournament in the clubrooms there will be presentation of awards, tributes to Frankie and sure some stories to be told and then craic agus ceoil.

Saturday 7th September looks like a great day of sport and craic.