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by thesaffrongael

Cargin bounce back

ACFL Division 1

Cargin 1-09 Tir na nOg 1-7

Cargin bounced back from their opening-day defeat to local rivals Creggan with a hard-fought two-point victory over Tir na nOg in Toome, finishing with a final score of 1-09 to 1-07.

Playing into a swirling breeze in the first half, Cargin welcomed back Tomas McCann and Tom Shivers to the fold. It was Shivers who opened the scoring in the third minute with a well-taken point, set up by a Conan Johnston clearance and a Benny Devlin delivery. Tir na nOg responded quickly when Declan Mallon was fouled on a forward run, allowing Ciaran O’Neill to tap over the resulting free for a 2 pointer and get the visitors on the board.

Cargin began to assert control midway through the half. Callum Gribbin slotted over a point in the 13th minute, and Shivers added another from a free after Devlin was brought down, giving the home side a 0-05 to 0-02 lead by the 22-minute mark. Both defences held firm for the remainder of the half, though Cargin suffered a blow when Jack Harney was forced off with a leg injury, replaced by David Johnston.

Hugh O’Donnell, Cargin comes under pressure from Ciaran McGrellis, Tir na nOg

With the wind at their backs for the second period, Cargin extended their lead in the 33rd minute through midfielder Eunan Quinn. Tir na nOg stayed in touch, with Dara Fegan capitalizing on a defensive mix-up to point and narrow the gap to the minimum. The game’s turning point came in the 45th minute when Cargin substitute David Johnston, linking up well with Callum Gribbin and fired a low shot into the bottom corner of the net to give the Toome men a comfortable 1-05 to 0-04 advantage.

Cargin looked to be cruising as Cillian Scullion and Ronan Devlin added quick points, however Tir na nOg refused to fold, and the accurate Dara Fegan kept the scoreboard ticking over with a series offrees to keep the Randalstown men within striking distance.

The closing stages provided serious drama. In the 58th minute, Tir na nOg’s Eunan Murray was denied a goal by a brilliant save from Cargin keeper Daniel McCann. However, a Cargin defender hauled down an attacker in the square during the scramble, resulting in a black card and a penalty. Fegan made no mistake from the spot, suddenly reducing Cargin’s lead to a single point. Sensing an upset, Tir na nOg pushed for an equalizer, but Cargin held their nerve. Ciaran Bradley, who had an excellent game throughout, stepped up in injury time to slot a crucial point, securing the victory for the home side.

Cargin goal scorer, David Johnston and Tir na nOg goal scorer, Dara Fegan

Cargin: Daniel McCann, Sean Og Quinn, Kevin O’Boyle, Conan Johnston, Hugh O’Donnell, Cahir O’Boyle, Ronan Devlin (0-01), Eunan Quinn (0-01), Charlie McCann, Jack Harney, Ciaran Bradley (0-01), David Johnston (1-01), Thomas McCann (0-01), Callum Gribbin (0-01), and Tom Shivers (0-02). Substitutes used included Gerard McCann (0-01), Cillian Scullion (0-01), and F Hardy.

Tir na nOg: S P McAtamney, D Mallon, B McLarnon, Manus Smith, Ciaran O’Neill (0-02), Ciaran McGellis, Aidan Toland, Ryan O’Neill, Oliver McAtamney, R Curtis, Josh Higgins, Sean McKeown, Dara Fegan (1-05), and Eunan Murray.

Referee: R Matthews of O’Donovan Rossa.

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by thesaffrongael

Cushendall Power Past Depleted Dunloy to Claim McAuley Cup

McAuley Cup – Senior Hurling

Cushendall 4-19 Dunloy 3-12

Ruairí Óg Cushendall have once again collected the McAuley Cup after a commanding 4-19 to 3-12 victory over Cúchullains Dunloy in the traditional pre-season tournament hosted by the Armoy Club. While both sides came into the fixture understrength due to senior and under-20 county commitments, Dunloy felt the absences more acutely. Cushendall capitalized on this, along with a strong first-half breeze, to build an unassailable 15-point lead by half-time, laying the foundation for their victory before weathering a spirited Dunloy comeback in the second half.

Cushendall burst out of the blocks with the wind at their backs, establishing dominance from the first whistle. Nicholas McLaughlin opened the scoring from play just over two minutes in, sparking a relentless wave of Ruairí Óg attacks. Joseph McNaughton quickly established himself as a sharpshooter, converting from both a ’65 and multiple frees to keep the scoreboard ticking. The story of the first half, however, was Cushendall’s full-forward Sean McAfee. He was in devastating form, terrorizing the Dunloy full-back line to net a brilliant first-half hat-trick. His goals in the 8th, 17th, and 23rd minutes effectively put the game to bed before the interval. Dunloy struggled to gain a foothold against the breeze, though their brightest spark, Ciarán Elliott, managed to breach the Cushendall defense for a 19th-minute goal and followed it up quickly with a point. Despite Elliott’s efforts, Cushendall went into the dressing rooms with a commanding 3-10 to 1-1 advantage.

To their credit, Dunloy emerged for the second half determined to restore some pride. With the elements now in their favor, they immediately launched a comeback effort, rattling off four consecutive points in the opening three minutes, including well-taken scores from Elliott and Jack Martin. Just as Dunloy looked to be building momentum, Cushendall’s Fergus McCambridge stepped up. McCambridge traded points with Dunloy’s Aodhan McGarry before breaking Dunloy hearts with a crucial goal in the 40th minute, restoring a massive lead for his side and halting the Dunloy surge.

The final twenty minutes devolved into an open, high-scoring shootout. Dunloy continued to fight hard, finding the back of the net twice more and picking up steady points through frees. However, Cushendall’s experienced heads managed the game exceptionally well. McNaughton remained flawless from dead balls to finish with a massive personal tally of nine points, McCambridge added 1-3 from play, and late points from Padraig McKillop and McLaughlin ensured the gap remained comfortable. Ciarán Elliott finished an impressive shift as Dunloy’s top scorer with 1-4, but the early deficit was simply too large to overcome as Cushendall comfortably claimed the silverware.

Cúchullains Dun Lathaí (Dunloy)

  1. Paul Doherty
  2. Sean Óg Blaney
  3. Oran Quinn
  4. Daire McMullan
  5. Padraig McGilligan
  6. Jack Martin
  7. Aodhan McGarry
  8. Francis McMullan
  9. Ciaran Elliott
  10. Conor Mort
  11. Karl O’Kane
  12. Aidan Richmond
  13. Cathair McCloskey
  14. Charlie Cunning
  15. Emmett McKendry
  16. Joseph Magee
  17. Jack McKeever
  18. Caolan McFerran
  19. Daithi Cree
  20. Paudraig McColgan

Ruairí Óg (Cushendall)

  1. Conor McAlister
  2. Aodhán Campbell
  3. Martin Burke
  4. Michael Quinn
  5. Austin Birt
  6. Stephen Walsh
  7. Alex McCambridge
  8. Padraig McKillop
  9. Darach Bradley
  10. Edward McQuillan
  11. Joseph McNaughton
  12. Fergus McCambridge
  13. Nicholas McLaughlin
  14. Sean McAfee
  15. Ciaran Neeson
  16. Ruairi Sharpe
  17. Ryan McAuley
  18. Fintan McKillop
  19. Neil McManus
  20. Killian McNaughton

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by thesaffrongael

Antrim Secure Hard-Fought Victory in Season Finale in Toome

National Football League – Division 4

Antrim 0-18 London 1-14

Antrim brought their Division 4 campaign to a spirited conclusion at Erin’s Own Cargin on Sunday, securing a 0-18 to 1-14 victory over London. While the Saffrons held up their end of the bargain by clinching a fourth consecutive win—a feat not achieved by the county in years—results elsewhere ultimately dictated that both sides would remain in the basement division. Despite the mathematical outside chance of promotion hanging in the air at throw-in, the afternoon served as a showcase of Antrim’s growing resilience, even as a late London surge turned a comfortable lead into a frantic defensive stand.

Pat Shivers celebrates after scoring a late point in Sunday’s narrow in over London in Toome

Playing with the advantage of a first-half breeze, the hosts established a firm grip on the proceedings early on. Dominic McEnhill was in inspired form, particularly during a clinical opening quarter where he slotted over two superb two-pointers. Pat Shivers provided the necessary physical presence and accuracy to keep the scoreboard ticking, while Ryan McQuillan was unlucky not to find the net following a desperate block by the London defence. Late addition Niall Burns proved his worth in the middle of the park, showing great composure to navigate crowded areas and fire over crucial scores that ensured Antrim went into the interval with a deserving five-point cushion.

The question on some peoples lips was, would five points be enough given the strength of the breeze as Antrim might have been much further ahead but were guilty of some poor shooting, dad choices and had a couple of goal chances charged down.

The Healy brothers Kristian and Peter who were on opposit sides in Sunday’s game in Toome. The former St Enda’s players now ply their trade at club level in Dublin and London. Pic by Paddy McIlwaine

The complexion of the game shifted just before the break when London’s Ciaran Diver was shown a red card for an off-the-ball incident involving Kavan Keenan. Despite being a man down, the Exiles emerged for the second half with renewed intensity, immediately chipping away at the lead with a quick-fire two-pointer and a follow-up score. Antrim appeared to steady the ship as the half progressed, utilizing the extra man to stretch the play. Entering the final fifteen minutes, the Saffrons looked to be cruising toward a comfortable finish, having successfully restored and then extended their advantage to six points.

Antrim’s Tiernan McCormack (10) races through to send over a point during the second half.

However, the closing stages proved far more nerve-racking than the Toome faithful would have liked. A mistake in the Antrim defence allowed Nathan Feeney to break through for a low-drilled goal past John McNabb, sparking a frantic revival from the visitors. Joe McGill then took charge for the Londoners, landing a pair of two-pointers that narrowed the gap to a single point as the clock ticked into injury time. In a frantic finale, a late point from Ronan Boyle provided the necessary breathing room, allowing the Saffrons to survive the late onslaught and end their season on a high note, even if the ultimate prize of promotion remained just out of reach.

There were a lot of great aerial battles in the middle of the field during the game, which added the the excitemant.

A good end to a season where Antrim recorded four wins on the bounce after losing their opening three games and they will rue their defeat to Tipperary in particular when they lost a man to a Red card just before halftime.

Spare a thought for the gallant Exiles. A win over Antrim would have left them level with Longford and given them promotion on a head to head but it wasn’t to be for either side in a season where they have both performed well after a poor staret to their respective campaigns

Nathan Feeney fires in the London goal. Pic by Paddy McIlwaine

ANTRIM: John McNabb; John Morgan, Joseph Finnegan, Kavan Keenan; Eoghan McCabe (C), Peter Healy, Niall Burns; Paddy McAleer, Eunan Walsh; Tiernan McCormack, Ronan Boyle; Ryan McQuillan, Pat Shivers, Dominic McEnhill

SUBS: Adam Loughran on for Ryan McQuillan, Tomas McCann on for Patrick Finnegan, Tom Shivers on for Ronan Boyle, James McAuley on for Peter Healy

Scorers for Antrim: Dominic McEnhill 0-8 (3 2pt f’s 2 1pt Pat Shivers 0-4 (0-2F), Niall Burns 0-3, Tiernan McCormick 0-2, Ryan McQuillan, Ronan Boyle 0-1

LONDON: Andy Walsh; Aidan McLoughlin, Matt Moynihan, Sean O’Donoghue; Conor Goggin, Conal Gallagher, Conor O’Donohue; Liam Gallagher (C), Liam Murphy; Josh Obahor, Shay Rafter, Ciaran Diver; Jim Davis, Joe McGill, Kristian Healy

SUBS: Nathan Feeney on for Nathan McElwaine, Finbar Crowley on for Aidan McLoughlin, Liam Crowley on for Conor Goggin

Scorers for London: Scorers: Joe McGill 0-8 (0-2F, 2xTPF), Nathan Feeney 1-0, Shay Rafter 0-2 (0-1f), Conal Gallagher 0-2, Josh Obahor 0-1, Kristian Healy 0-1

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by thesaffrongael

Kilkenny secure the win, but dissapointment for both sides at Nowlan Park

National Camogie League – Division 1

Kilkenny 2-18 Antrim 1-12

Despite going in as underdogs, Antrim delivered a spirited performance that proved they truly belong at this level. Ultimately, the home side’s late surge proved too strong. Kilkenny secured a 2-18 to 1-12 victory at UPMC Nowlan Park, but the final whistle brought mixed emotions: Antrim are relegated from Division 1A of the Centra Camogie League, while Kilkenny agonizingly missed out on the league final due to score difference.

Coach Elaine Dowds will undoubtedly take heart from the Saffrons’ campaign, but the day ended with tough pills to swallow for both squads.

Saffrons Set the Pace

Antrim came out of the gates firing, completely unfazed by the occasion. Two early frees from Nicole McAtamney set the tone. Even after Kilkenny responded with two points of their own, Antrim pushed ahead to a 0-5 to 0-2 lead thanks to clinical scores from McAtamney, Lucia McNaughton, and Róisín McCormick.

Kilkenny began to claw their way back with points from Aoife Prenderghast and Asha McHardy. Antrim’s Maeve Kelly slotted an excellent response, but Prenderghast nailed two frees to tie the game at 0-7 apiece. The sides traded one more point each to go into the break deadlocked at 0-8 to 0-8.

Kilkenny’s Late Surge

The third quarter remained highly competitive. Katie Nolan (Kilkenny) and Kelly (Antrim) traded scores immediately after the restart, but the home side slowly began to turn the screw, opening up a 0-13 to 0-10 lead by the midway point of the half.

The momentum shifted dramatically in the 47th minute when Sarah Barcoe found the back of the net for Kilkenny. While McNaughton paused the onslaught with a point for Antrim, Nolan and Emma Shortall stretched Kilkenny’s lead to 1-15 to 0-11 with ten minutes remaining.

Refusing to fold, Antrim’s Cliona Griffin pulled off a spectacular play—taking a fine catch, speeding down the left flank, and cutting in to smash the ball into the net. A follow-up point by Katie McKillop suddenly cut the deficit to just three points (1-15 to 1-12) by the 54th minute.

However, with Kilkenny acutely aware they needed to drastically improve their score difference to catch Galway, they hit the gas. The hosts unleashed an unanswered 1-3 in the dying minutes to seal the game, even if it wasn’t quite enough to punch their ticket to the final.

Scorers

TeamScorers
KilkennyE Shortall (1-2), S Barcoe (1-0), A Prenderghast (0-6, fs), L Murphy (0-3), K Nolan (0-3), A McHardy (0-2), S Fitzgerald (0-1), C Keher-Murtagh (0-1)
AntrimC Griffin (1-1), N McAtamney (0-5, fs), L McNaughton (0-2), M Kelly (0-2), R McCormick (0-1), K McKillop (0-1)

Kilkenny

A Norris; G Brennan, M Teehan, A Carroll; C Dowling, N Deeley, A Brett; L Greene, R Phelan; A McHardy, L Murphy, C Keher-Murtagh; E Shortall, S Fitzgerald, A Prenderghast.

Subs Used: S Barcoe for S Fitzgerald (14), K Nolan for C Keher-Murtagh (HT).

Antrim

C Graham (capt); C Patterson, N Cosgrove, C McKillop; S Heggarty, K Molloy, D Dobbin; A Boyle, E McAllister; M Kelly, L McNaughton, N McAtamney; C Griffin, J McIntosh, R McCormick.

Subs Used: C McNaughton for C Patterson (45), S O’Neill for S Heggarty (45), K McKillop for E McAllister (45), C Conlon for D Dobbin (49), E McIntosh for N McAtamney (56).

by thesaffrongael

Antrim Survie Despite Down Defeat

Above – Down midfielder Donal Hughes celebrates after his last gasp goal gave the men from the Ards victory over the Saffrons at Pairc Esler on Saturday evening

NHL Division 1B

Down 3-22 Antrim 3-20

Saturday 21 March

Brendan McTaggart reports from Páirc Esler, Newry

When James McNaughton pointed in the 73rd minute of this contest, it gave Antrim a slender lead with time running out.  The Saffron forward allowed himself a small celebration and clinched fist.  You wouldn’t blame him for it either.  It looked like Antrim had seen this game through despite trailing by eight points in the first half.

Shea Pucci raises his hand in celebration after scoring the second of his two goals at Pairc Esler

Down had other ideas.  A brilliant pass from Caolan Taggart and a moment of genius from Donal Hughes gave Down victory with the last puck of the game.  A whirlwind ending to a helter-skelter contest that Antrim will feel they left the league points behind them.  Despite trailing by four points at half time, the Saffrons hit back in the second half.  They reeled the Down advantage in and took the lead at different times.  Down’s metal was tested but they never looked like wilting. 

It’s a contest that when reviewing, you’d have to say the better team on the day won, yet Antrim can count themselves unlucky not to have come away with the victory.  Seaan Elliott was excellent once again and Antrim’s star performer while Paul Boyle and Paddy Burke put in top performances.  Boyle opting to play for the Saffrons despite his St Pat’s Maghera side playing in the Paddy Buggy Final.  An All-Ireland final in itself with Boyle heavily involved in the Derry schools run in the Mageean Cup and journey to the final against Tralee CBS.

Antrim corner forward Ruairi Donaghy fires the ball past Down goalkeeper Pearce Smyth for the Saffrons opening goal

Down were excellent in winning breaking ball with Antrim struggling when the sliotar went loose and through Shea Pucci on the edge of the square had a player capable of scoring majors from nothing.  His first goal came through classic full forward play, breaking the sliotar into his own path and pulling first time to catch the Antrim defence off guard.  His second showcased his bravery and knack getting into the right place at the right time.  The sliotar played between Pucci and Cormac McFadden and despite the Antrim ‘keepers best efforts, Pucci got there first.  The brilliant Daithi Sands providing the assist for both majors.

Antrim were largely wasteful in the first half with several missed chances.  Their first goal came when the home side held an eight point lead and owed to the brilliance of Ruairi Donaghy.  Fetching the sliotar from the air, leaping like a salmon before somehow managing to beat Pearce Smyth.

The first half was largely played on Down’s terms.  They dictated the tempo for long periods and Antrim’s error count was creeping high.  The Down defence held Antrim to just 1-4 in the first half while a four point lead was the minimum their efforts deserved.

Antrim needed a fast start to the second half and had their second major six minutes after the restart.  Seaan Elliott with the break before his effort was saved superbly by Smyth, Niall O’Connor’s rebound was smothered clear before Donaghy pounced on the rebound.

Down responded with Pearse Og McCrickard, McGrattan and Barry Trainor all involved while Elliott’s frees kept Antrim in touch.

Four points separated the sides when Antrim got a slice of luck with their third goal.  Elliott with the break from midfield with his effort taking a massive deflection before going to the back of the net.  Points followed from Paul Boyle and Jack McCloskey to give Antrim a one point lead with 15 minutes of the tie remaining.  McCloskey firing over with his first touch while Boyle was having one of his best games in an Antrim shirt.

Seaan Elliott who was once again Antrim’s stand out player, scoring 1-09 in a brillliant display

It was time for Down to respond again and a gargantuan free from Smyth, striking the sliotar over from inside his own 40 yard arc brought the home fans to life.

Antrim edged ahead five different times in the last 10 minutes of the 70 but each time Down pegged them back.  McNaughton’s effort in the third minute of the minimum five of additional time gave Antrim a slender lead but Down had the final say.  A brilliant pass from Caolan Taggart and Donal Hughes with the piece of individual genius that capped the day off for the Ardsmen.

Antrim survive avoid relegation despite the result with their status in Division 1B secured for the 2027 season while unfortunatel Down are relegated.  Attention will turn to the McDonagh Cup in the coming weeks when these two will face off once again in the opening weekend.  It couldn’t be set up any more perfect after this result.  Antrim will be disappointed with the end result and their overall performance, they have shown at different times this year they are capable of more.  If we are to go deep in the McDonagh Cup, it will take more than what was shown in the Marshes.

Down goalkeeper Pearce Smyth sends over a brilliant long range free from inside his own 40 meter arc, one of four the Portaferry man scored in a brilliant all around display

ANTRIM: Cormac McFadden; Stephen Rooney, Paddy Burke; Ryan McNulty, Joe Maskey, Gerard Walsh; Eoin O’Neill, Paul Boyle; Keelan Molloy, Conor Johnston, James McNaughton; Seaan Elliott, Conal Cunning, Ruairi Donaghy

Scorers: S Elliott 1-9 (7fs); R Donaghy 2-00; P Boyle 0-4; J McNaughton 0-2 (1f); P Burke 0-1; J Maskey 0-1; E O’Neill 0-1; K Molloy 0-1; Jack McCloskey 0-1

DOWN: Pearce Smyth; Tom Murray, Ruairi McCrickard, Ben Teggart; Barry Trainor, Caolan Taggart, Niall McFarland; Donal Hughes, Liam Savage; Finn Turpin, Pearse Og McCrickard, Tim Prenter; Tom McGrattan, Shea Pucci, Daithi Sands

Scorers: S Pucci 2-1; P Og McCrickard 0-5 (3fs); T McGrattan 0-4; P Smyth 0-4 (3fs, 1’65); D Hughes 1-00; D Sands 0-2; T Prenter 0-2; F Turpin 0-1; L Savage 0-1; B Trainor 0-1; Michael Dorrian 0-1

Antrim’s Paddy Burke breaks out of defence during the early stages of Saturday’s game

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