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by thesaffrongael

Glenavy off to a flying start

LGFA SFC

St. Paul’s 2-7 Glenavy 3-8

St. Joseph’s Glenavy got their Antrim LGFA Senior Championship campaign up and running with an excellent away win over St. Paul’s at Shaw’s Road. A blistering start to both halves proved to be the catalyst for victory for the Chapel Hill side as they raced into a five point lead by the 17th minute

Facing the breeze for the second half, the question was, would their four point half time lead be enough but again the visitors were quickest out of the start traps with Keela McAlister goaling from the throw in and Megan McGarry adding a second with three minutes gone.

St. Paul’s battled to the end and a goal from the penalty spot from Emile Rodgers put them into contention but the St. Joseph’s defence, superbly marshalled by Cathy Scannell held on for a deserved victory.

Ellen Morgan led the early Glenavy charge with two pointed frees and another from play and further points from Aiobheann Monaghan and Anna Rice had the visitors 0-5 to 0-0 ahead with 17 minutes gone.

St. Paul’s had struggled to find their rhythm but an excellent move from deep in their own half saw Aine Tubrity finish to the net in the 19th minute and suddenly there was only two between the sides.

Aisling Hyndman followed with a point to close the gap to the minimum with 8 minutes remaining to the break but Ellen Morgan replied from a pointed free before the Chapel Hill side struck with a somewhat fortunate goal When Keela McAlister’s shot took a bad bounce to deceive Shauna Murphy in the home goals.

Ormorla Dahunsi replied with the final point of the half for St. Paul’s to leave her side trailing by four at the break but with the wind on their backs for the second half.

Playing into the breeze in the second half, Glenavy got off to the best possible start with goals from McAlister and Megan McGarry within three minutes to stretch their lead to nine with St. Paul’s response coming from a Niamh Ritchie free.

Aiobheann Monagh stretched that lead to ten and it looked a long way back for the home side but they showed tremendous fighting spirit to slowly close the gap on their visitors.

Emile Rodgers led the way with a point from play, a converted free and when she fired home from the penalty spot in the 13th minute there was only five between the sides.

Aiobheann Monaghan for St. Joseph’s and Aoife Mervyn for the ‘Hoops’ exchanged further point but despite a concerted effort from the home side, the Glenavy defence closed shop and a late pointed free from Niamh Ritchie was all the home side could manage.

St. Paul’s: 1 Shauna Murphy, 2 Hannah Murray, 3 Gemma McGroarty, 4 Caoimhe Stewart, 5 Saoirse Tennyson, 6 Enya Daye, 7 Aoife Mervyn, 8 Maeve Devlin, 9 Aine Tubridy, 10 Niamh Ritchie, 11 Ormorla Dahunsi, 12 Emile Rogers Duffy, 13 Aisling Hyndman, 14 Emma Kelly, 15 Cara Mervyn.

Subs: Mairead Murray for Saoirse Tennyson

Glenavy: 1 Orlagh Mullin, 2 Aideen McCambridge, 3 Meabh Bradley, 4 Geraldine McCann, 5 Bronagh Forester, 6 Natasha O’Neill, 7 Cathy Scannell, 8 Ana Mulholland, 9 Anna Rice, 10 Anna McStravick, 11 Ellen Morgan, 12 Megan McGarry, 13 Keela McAlister, 14 Aiobheann Monaghan, Mary McStravick

Referee: Ray Matthews (Rossa)

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by thesaffrongael

Derry edge out gallant Antrim in Masters extra time thriller.

Derry 1 – 15 – 1 – 10 Antrim (after extra time).

Antrim and Derry Masters served up a semi final thriller at Swatragh on Saturday, the Oak Leafs  doing just enough to see off a gallant Antrim team in extra time to progress to the final of the intermediate competition.

Antrim had beaten Derry in their corresponding league fixture in July, but several of Antrim’s outstanding players that day were unavailable, and in contrast Derry were boosted by the return of Gerard OKane, Raymond Wilkinson and Ciaran McIvor, this extra bit of quality making just enough difference on the day for the Derry men.

Nothing separated the teams throughout a gripping contest, where no quarter was asked for or received. From the first minute when Gavin Diamond opened the scoring for the hosts, and Kevin Mc Allister replied for the visitors, this game was destined to go right to the wire.

Brian Mullan put Derry one up a few minutes later and again this was evened out by Portglenone’s Mark Graham, the game remaining evenly balanced throughout the entire contest.

Raymond Wilkinson and three from the trusty boot of Ryan O Kane kept the scoreboard ticking over for Derry who were the winners in this grade last year, with Ryan Boyd and two long range points from returning Mark Dougan keeping Antrim well in the contest.

Despite missing the assurance of Colin Brady and Sean Kelly, the Antrim defence was holding its own, Adrian Scullion going toe to toe with Ciaran McIvor a particular highlight and Colin Connolly holding his own with Derry sharpshooter Raymond Wilkinson.

Derry went in one point to the good at the half time break, and went three up briefly after the restart, with a duo of points from Moneymore’s Liam McElhone…the marauding Gerard O Kane and impressive Paul Cartin in the thick of the action. This Antrim side has showed great character all year though, and were far from finished. Despite now playing against a breeze, Micheal Herron won another of his trademark turnovers and supplied Ryan Boyd, who launched a high ball into the Derry square. Big Liam Magee from St Pauls got his fist on the end of it and the ball ended up in the net for the first goal of the game.

Further points from McAllister and Magee gave Antrim supporters further optimism and Down referee Willie Fitzpatrick was keeping busy, branding several black cards with the game going down the straight and into the closing stages.

Both teams threw the kitchen sink at trying to get over the line in a frantic last quarter.  Kevin McAllister, Mark Dougan and the hugely impressive Thomas Doherty (Rasharkin) separated the posts for Antrim and Derry favourite wee Jimmy OConnor, Paul Cartin and James McNicholl doing likewise. With seven minutes to go came the games turning point. Antrim were working the ball out of defence and the safe and dependable Tony Convery was dispossessed, with everyone in Saffron claiming he had been fouled in the process, but the whistle didn’t come and within seconds Gavin Diamond had the ball in the back of the Antrim net, and it was game on.

With one minute left on the clock Antrim were a point to the good, and with a three on two overlap that looked certain to extend that to two and inevitable victory, but overdid the passing and Pearse McCallan in the Derry nets got his hand to the goal bound effort, and began one last ditch Derry move, working the the ball through the middle third before Jimmy O Connor was fouled around the forty metre line. With a last ditch free to level it for Derry, up stepped Marty Donaghy to bring the game into extra time, where they finished stronger than Antrim with some strong substitutions and fresh legs making a difference.

On a day with some excellent individual contributions, special mentions to Antrim’s Adrian Scullion, Colly Connolly, Thomas Doherty and Michael Herron, and for the Derry, Gerard OKane, Eugene Scullion, Gavin Diamond, Kevin McGuckian and best player on view, Banagher man Paul Cartin.

While Derry make it back to back finals and a date with Cork, Antrim management and panel will reflect on what may have been if they had an ounce or two more composure in the final third, but will take some satisfaction knowing that in their recent losses that they can confidently match up most of the top performing counties in this increasingly popular competition.

Antrim Panel.

Tony Scullion, Ryan Daly, Mickey Donnelly, Mark Dougan, Michael Herron, John Finucane, Colin Connolly, Adrian Scullion, Aidan Dunlop, Tony Convery, Sean McGreevy, Thomas Doherty, Carl O Neill, Brendan Etherson, Mark Graham, Kevin McAllister, Liam Magee, Damien Casey, Ken Golden, James McGreevy, Niall Sweeney, Ryan Boyd, Barry McMahon, Declan McLarnon, Niall Conway.

Derry Panel.

Pearse McCallan, Adrian Deery, Kevin McGuckian, Eddie McLaughlin, Gerard OKane, Brian Mullan, Donal Brolly, Paul Cartin, Eugene Scullion, Gavin Diamond, Ciaran Mullan, Jimmy o Connor, Ryan OKane, Ciaran McIvor, Raymond Wilkinson, Joe Gray, Stephen McGuigan, Rory OReilly, Marty Donaghy, James McNicholl, Gareth Murphy, Eunan Murphy, Liam McElhone, Kevin Donnelly, Kieran OKane, Martin McGuinness.

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by thesaffrongael

Mc Auley’s penalty strike sends Glenravel through to the final

South West Laverty Cup (semi Final)

Laverty Cup semi-final

Erin’s Own Cargin 1-05 Con Magee’s Glenravel 1-07

A 31st minute penalty strike, despatched with assurance to the corner of the net, proved the difference and the key to success as Glenravel secured victory and a place in the Laverty Cup final at the expense of a gallant Cargin team on a sodden Shore Road pitch on Friday evening.

A heavy downpour a couple of minutes into the start of a semi final contest involving the home club Erin’s Own Cargin and Con Magee’s Glenravel, made conditions extremely difficult as the action got under way.

Glenravel’s Colla Ward’s defied the conditions first as he sent a 5th minute free kick between the posts to open the visitor’s account.

The home side tried to respond with Jack O’ Neill and Ryan Mc Peake leading the way but Darragh O’ Boyle’s 6th minute shot went just wide of the post with a major score on his mind.

With the early deluge abating conditions did improve some and Cargin opened their account with Cillian Scullion sending confidently between the sticks after a well directed kick out from Daniel Mc Cann was forwarded to the full forward by Conleth Hamill.

Glenravel went ahead again with a Joe McKay 15th minute point but with scores proving hard to come as both sides wasted opportunities in the strong breeze before Cillian Scullion defied the elements when he fired between the posts to leave the sides level again.

Con Magee were enjoying more possession as the game progressed and finished the opening period in front with late scores provided by Niall Hynds with a super long range effort followed by a 30th minute addition from Ronan Mc Donnell.

Glenravel got off to a great start to the second half as the man in charge pointed to the spot after Ronan McDonnell had been fouled inside the square and a penalty was his decision.

Shea Mc Auley fired to the back of the net just out of reach of net minder Daniel Mc Cann and the visitors had earned a 1-04 to 0-02 advantage which looked good in difficult conditions.

The Glensmen with Niall Hynds leading the way at mid field added another  point as Joe Mc Kay despatched a 30 metre free between the posts and then their net minder Declan Carey denied the impressive Cillian Scullion at the other end when a goal looked on.

Things were livening up as Cargin keeper, Daniel Mc Cann stood tall to deny Feargal Mc Donnell in the 37th minute but Niall Hynds followed with a point a couple of minutes later directing his long range effort directly between the posts in the 40th minute to secure a 1-06 to 0-02 advantage.

The visitors looked on their way to the Laverty Cup decider as the second half progressed, but Cargin were far from finished and Dara McAuley and Cillian Scullion combined to place Patrick O’ Neill to fire to the back of the net and when the same player followed with a point it was game on.

Carl McCann added another to close the gap to two and set the scene for a grandstand finish and the momentum was now with the home side.

A smart long range point from central defender Shea McAuley steadied the Glenravel ship and move the visitors three ahead but a foul on late replacement Fiontan Hardy was punished when Cillian Scullion sent the resulting free over the bar.

That was as close as Cargin got however as the Con Magee’s defence stood firm in the closing stages to cross the winning line 1-07 to 1-05 ahead to gain a place in the Laverty cup decider.

Cargin: Daniel Mc Cann, Sean Mc Peake, Eoin Scullion, Tom Mc Cann, Dara Mc Auley, Jack O’ Neill, Niall Quinn, Jack Harney, Carl Mc Cann (0-01), Dara O’ Boyle, Patrick O’ Neill (1-01), Conleth Hamill, Sean og Bovill, Cillian Scullion (0-03), Ryan Mc Peake

Subs

Fiontan Hardy

Ewan Mc Laverty

Glenravel: Declan Carey, Conrad McIlhatton, Ronan Mc Cormick, Joe Leech, Cahir Mc Naughton, Shea Mc Auley (1-0 – penalty), Oran Mc Clintock, Niall Hynds (0-01),Callagh Mooney (0-01), Joe Mc Kay (0-01), olla Ward (0-2f),Niall Mc Keown, Fergal McKayl (0-01), Peadar Mc Donnell (0-1), Oisin McKeown.

Referee: P Burns (St Comgall’s)

by thesaffrongael

Rasharkin make Statement of Intent

JHC Group 1

Rasharkin 5-29 Ardoyne 3-10

In a very convincing win over Ardoyne played at Rasharkin, the home side made it very clear that they are serious contenders for this year’s Junior Hurling Championship.

Ardoyne were first off the blocks with a point from play by Paddy Heaney after several wides from Rasharkin.

Declan McKay got Rasharkin into gear with a lovely point from a sharp angle before sharp shooter McKeever rifled over the next two points for Rasharkin. Paddy Heaney was the anchorman for the North Belfast men as they strove to keep in touch, with Padraig McGreevey playing his part with a goal that was a fitting end to a great solo run through the Rasharkin defence by Sean Searle.  However, with six different players getting their names on the scoreboard for Rasharkin, it was looking ominous for Ardoyne as the short whistle was blown.

Half-Time: Rasharkin 2-14 Ardoyne 1-06

Dan Moore opened the second half for Ardoyne with a point that sparked a revival for Ardoyne as they outscored Rasharkin by 2-04 to 0-05 in the third quarter of this game. McKeever was in form though and he kept the scoreboard ticking over for Rasharkin. Matt Killen has been a regular goal scorer for the Northenders this season and again he was on target but his goal at 15 minutes into the second half marked the end of any meaningful resistance from Ardoyne.

The final quarter exposed Ardoyne’s lack of experience at this level of competition as Rasharkin corrected their sights and put on a display of accurate shooting for which Ardoyne, despite several outstanding saves from Agnew, did not have the answer on the day.

Rasharkin will move on with confidence, while Ardoyne will hope that with several key players back on board that they can regroup as both teams move on to the next stage of the championship.

Full-time: Rasharkin 5-29 Ardoyne 2-10

Rasharkin: Liam Tunney Daniel Doherty Conor Doherty Conaire Donaghy Ruairi O’Boyle 0-03 Aidan McKeever 0-01 Tiernan O’Boyle Shane Hasson Conor McFerran 0-01 Caolan Maria Emmet McFerran 0-01 Declan McKay 0-02 Conor McKillop 1-03 Donagh Quigg 1-04 Conor McKeever 1-14 James O’Mullan Terry McGregor 2-0 Brian Og O’Neill

Ardoyne: JP Agnew, Paul O’Halloran Micháel McGreevy  Eamon Mac Lochlainn  Sean Searle Kealan McCallan Diarmuid Martin Dean Goodall 0-01 Paul McGuigan  Paddy Heaney 0-03 Dan Moore 0-01 Padraig McGreevy 1-03 Aran Stewart 0-03 Matt McKillen 2-0 Caolan Wallace, Enda Slattery Piarais O’Neill, Padraig O Deorain Connor O’Neill Cormac Curran Jonathan Larkin Ciarán Gaston

Referee: Declan McGarry

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by thesaffrongael

Magic McClean earns Gort na Mona a share of the spoils

Casement SC Antrim JHC Group 2

Gort na Móna 1-18 Lámh Dhearg 2-15

Despite a personal haul of 1-14 from former Antrim County player, Derssie McClean, Gort na Mona had to settle for a share of the spoils in this keenly contest Junior Hurling Championship encounter against Lamh Dhearg at Enright Park on Saturday.

The draw was enough however to secure them second spot in the group ahead of Saturday’s opponents on score difference but the Hannastown men will also go through to the quarter-final.

Lamh Dhearg  will be disappointed they didn’t see it out after leading by four with ten minutes remaining and two as the game edged into time added on but conceded two late frees which the mercurial McClean converted to give his side the draw they needed.

Patrick McCaffrey was first to register as he pointed he Gorts ahead in the second minute but Adam Murray brought the sides level with his first free of the day.

Points from Thomas McCaffrey and Nathan Gibson edged the home side back ahead and Odhran Waldron replied for the visitors but at this stage the scores dried up for a time as both sides wasted chances.

It would be nine minute before Adam Murray added his second of the day to bring the side’s level again and a further seven before Dessie McClean made his first contribution of the evening to edge Gort na Mona ahead for the third time.

McClean had taken 16 minutes to announce his arrival but he would go on to have a massive influence on the game and would ultimately provide the scores to give his side a share of the spoils.

He added two more converted frees with Odhran Waldron and Mark Finnegan replying for the Hannastown side before McClean weighed in with two more as Gort na Mona enjoyed the better of the exchanges.

The Mona Bye Pass men might well have had a goal at this stage but wasted a good opportunity but they made their next opportunity count and after Ryan McCamlinn saved from Tiernan O Cadhlaigh, McClean gathered the rebound and fired to the net.

Lámh Dhearg responded well with three points on the bounce from substitute Evan Stanley – who had replaced the injured Ryan Diamond – and a pair of Murray frees, but another from McClean left the hosts 1-9 to 0-9 ahead at the interval.

It was the Red Hands who made the better start to the second half as Murray pointed a free before Padraig McHugh was adjudged to have fouled Gerard Smyth with referee, Piaras McCaffery pointing to the penalty spot and Finnegan hammered the resulting free to the corner of the net.

Dessie McClean levelled matters again with Odran Waldron edging the visitors ahead once more before Lamh Dhearg got in for a second goal in the 38 minutes as a long ball broke to Waldron and he fired home despite the best efforts of Gort’s goalkeeper Caolan McCrory.

Waldron extended the gap out to four and it looked like the points would be heading up the road to Hannastown but Gort na Móna replied through three McClean frees and a fine effort from Thomas McCaffrey to draw level once more with time almost up.

Two more from the excellent Finnegan looked again to have sealed the win for Lamh Dhearg as McClean as Murray exchanged further score to keep the gap at two.

There would be a final twist in what had been an excellent contest as Gort na Mona were awarded a late fee which McClean converted and then another free was moved forward for dissent with McClean becoming the Gort’s saviour.

McClean finished with 1-14 to his name and 13 of those points came from the placed ball as his side now have a home quarter-final against Ardoyne to look forward to while Lámh Dhearg will head to Davitt’s

Gort na Mona: C McCrory; J Connolly, P McHugh, L Dixon; G McKenna, Neil Henry, N Gibson (0-1); J Hicks, T O Cadhlaigh; D McClean (1-14, 0-13f), T Morton, T McCaffrey (0-2); Niall Henry, P McCaffrey (0-1), M McMullan.

Subs: J Monaghan for Niall Henry (36), D Hughes for L Dixon (45), M Carlin for M McMullan (55).

Lamh Dhearg: R McCamlinn; N McGarry, A McGuigan, C Camlinn; T McKenna, R Diamond, D Murray; C Boyd, F Mervyn; A Murray (0-6, 5f), M Finnegan (1-4, 1-0 pen, 0-2f), O Waldron (1-4); M McGarry, G Smyth, C Lappin.

Subs: E Stanley (0-1) for R Diamond (22), O Lee for M McGarry (51)

Referee: Piarais McCaffrey (St Gall’s)

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