June 27, 2024June 27, 2024 by thesaffrongael

GAA supporting the Arts in Cushendall

Ruairí Óg GAA, Cushendall will play host to this year’s Éigse na nGlinntí on 28^th and 29^th June. The culture and language festival is supported by Foras na Gaeilge and is the result of co-work between Irish language groups in north Antrim.

This year’s programme focuses on Sorcha NicLochlainn’s research into old songs of Rathlin and the Glens as well as the life and work of Seán MacMaoláin of Glenariff. There will be talks, an Irish class, books for sale, a singing workshop and Glens Comhaltas Friday night trad session will be in the Clubrooms. See full programme and details at www.glinnti.net/eigse2024 & facebook.com/eigsenanglinnti

Irish is the language of the festival, so you can try out your ‘cúpla focal’. The talks themselves will be in English. Deirdre Goodlad is the Oifigeach Forbartha (development officer) working for groups in North Antrim. ‘I’m originally from Tyrone, but I love the Glens history and heritage around Irish language. There’s just so much of it. And I hope the Éigse will bring some of that to life for the weekend and of course, that people will come along and show their support and passion for it.’

One particular aspect of the Éigse will be the display of some of the collection of Black & White aerial maps of Rathlin Island showing over 400 place-names collected many years ago. Discovering and learning about field-names and place-names is a very popular pass-time these days. A direct link to the land and language all around us, seen in our club names and in our townlands. People are keen to make sure that these things don’t get lost. The place-names of Rathlin resonate across the Glens with strong influences of Gaeilge and Gàidhlig to be found – the translations can lead to lively debate!

Gaeil Ruairí Óg agus Gaeil na nGlinntí is the Irish language community group in Cushendall. They are supported by their local Ruairí Óg GAA and each week there are classes, youth programmes and a very popular toddler group. More information about Éigse na nGlinntí and other Irish language activities, events and classes across the Glens can be found on www.glinnti.net

June 26, 2024June 27, 2024 by thesaffrongael

McGarel magic keeps Glenarm on course for the title

ACHL Division 2

Shane O’Neill’s 0-24 Clooney Gaels 0-18

A virtuoso display from Niall McGarel kept Shane O’Neill’s on target for promotion to division1 following this six point win over rivals Cloney Gaels at Feystown on Wednesday night.

McGarel was in imperious form as he contributed 0-13 on the night from both placed balls and play and proved a real handful for an Ahoghill side who were missing a number of regulars.

It was the visitors from Ahoghill who made the early running, led by the excellent Ronan Graham, as they moved into a 0-5 to 0-1 lead after 10 minutes with Ronan Graham 0-2, Donal Graham 0-2 and Colla McDonnell the men on target and McGarel replying for the Feystown side.

**Niall McGarel, who scored 0-13 as Shane O’Neill’s defeated Clooney Gaels at Feystown on Wednesday night.**

Niall McGarel and Ciaran Magill closed the gap to two before Martin Graham edged the visitors three in front again with a point in the 12^th minute but the home side were coming more and more into the game.

McGarel, Daniel Black and Sean O’Boyle for Shane O’Neill’s in response to two converted Donal Graham frees and a massive free from Fionnbar O’Neill had the Clooney side three to the good by the 17^th minute but slowly the home side began to close the gap.

Two long range frees from Niall McGarel and one from Darren Hamill from 70 meters had the side’s level before the excellent McGarel edged his side ahead for the first time with 7 minutes remaining to the break.

The visitors rallied in the closing stages of the half with Ronan Graham, Owen Neeson and Diarmaid Graham on target in response to points from Dylan McLaughlin and Aidan Scullion to leave it all square at the break.

Ahoghill’s Colla McDonnell takes on Darren Hamill of Glenarm

HT Glenarm 0-12 Ahoghill 0-12

Blistering starts to the second half has been a feature in Shane O’Neill’s success this season and they came flying out of the starting blocks on Wednesday night with Daniel Black, Niall McGarel, Dylan McLaughlin, McGarel with two more, Blain McDermott and a further trio from McGarel moving them 9 clear by the 14^th minute.

The visitors looked shell shocked but Donal Graham finally got them of the mark and they did show some improvement in the final quarter but never really looked like getting back into contention.

The home side continued to score freely with Ciaran Magill 0-2 and Niall McGarel keeping the score board ticking and Ronan Graham on target with two for the visitors.

Both sides ran their benches in the closing stages but by this juncture the home side were out of sight and Owen Neeson’s point in the 32^nd minute for the ‘Gaels’ was merely consolation.

This win moves the Glenarm side onto 16 points from 11 starts where they are joined by Carey Faughs who have the same number of points from the same number of games.

**Sean Scullion tidies up for Shane O’Neill’s**

Clooney Gaels are still in contention with 14 points from 12 games and St. Paul’s are well in the hunt with 14 points from 11 games so nothing is decided yet.

Glenarm will meet the Carey Faughs this Sunday in Feystown and the sides are due to meet again on the final day of the season in Ballyvoy and the race for the title may well go down to that final day fixture.

Shane O’Neill’s: 1 Michael Abram, 2 Joshua Quinn, 3 Barry Hamill, 4 Sean Scullion, 5 Aidan Scullion, 6 Darren Hamill, 7 Declan McDermott, 8 Kieran O’Boyle, 9 Daniel Black, 10 Dylan McLaughlin, 11 Ciaran Magill, 21 Blain McDermott, 13 Conal Ward, 14 Niall McGarel, 15 Sean O’Boyle.

Subs: Paul Magill, Ryan McLaughlin

Cloney Gaels: 1 Aiden Graham, 2 Shea Neeson, 3 Patrick Graham, 4 Harry O’Donnell, 5 Fionnbar O’Neill, 6 James Magee, 7 Diarmaid Graham, 8 Conor Crossey, 9 Martin Graham, 10 Donal Graham, 11 Ronan Graham, 12 Jack McFall, 13 Colla McDonnell, 14 Noah Friel, 15 Owen Neeson.

Subs: Charlie McCloskey, Conall Walls, Michael Martin, Ben Friel

Referee: Mark O’Neill (Armoy)

June 26, 2024June 26, 2024 by thesaffrongael

Half time games at Croke Park

To see more pics from the half time games click on the link below

https://myalbum.com/album/R86UMWTgdyyaou/?invite=4890c80f-e44b-4ae3-80ef-4cd871657ad9

June 26, 2024June 26, 2024 by thesaffrongael

Cargin come late to gain the verdict

O’ Cahan Cup (round One)

Casement’s Portglenone 2-09 Erin’s Own Cargin 1-13

Cargin came from off the pace and a six point deficit to cross the winning line with a point to spare over the hard working Portglenone at Kelly Park on Tuesday evening.

The O’ Cahan cup, in effect the South West Division’s Senior Championship, has been placed in mothballs in recent years but has been re-launched this year with Cargin and Portglenone drawn to meet in the first round to get this year’s competition under way.

Little had separated the sides in the ACFL of late and a good crowd had gathered at the pristine Kelly Park on a fine June evening in anticipation of another close encounter.

Both sides fielded without the services of a few regulars but it was the home side who opened their account as Michael Hagen raised the opening white flag a few minutes after throw in.

The visitors were quick to reply and as back to back points from the Johnstons, Conan and his cousin Conhuir saw them take the lead by the 12^th minute.

Cargin were on top in the central zone with Charlie McCann and the experienced Gerard McCann in control and went further ahead when Jack Harney fired to the net after combining with Tomas McCann in the 14^th minute to give them 1-02 to 0-01 lead.

The home side responded and a a positive approach and a rasping finish from full forward Ronan Neeson in the 20^th minute saw them close the gap and although Pat Shivers returned fire with a point, the Casement’s men were to gain the lead soon after.

Full back Kevin O’ Kane made his way forward to join with his attack and placed Sean Byrne and he finished to the net to give his side a one point lead.

As the end of the first half approached the visitors regained the initiative and a late point from Tomas Mc Cann ensured parity at the break 2-01 to 1-04.

Casements were first off the mark as the second half got underway and it was mid fielder Aiden McAleese who fired between the posts, defying distance in the 32^nd minute.

The Toome men were quick to reply however and Tomas McCann converted back to back free kicks and Conhuir Johnston added another and the Erin’s Own men had nipped into a 1-07 to 2-02 lead.

The Bannsider’s, with the home support offering encouragement gained the upper hand again and replied with four unanswered scores as Ruairi Hagen, Caolan Tierney and two from Michael Hagen saw them lead 2-06 to 1-07 and a home win looked in sight.

A Stephen Kelly 47^th minute point increased the home side’s advantage but the Toome side responded as Tomas Mc Cann, James Laverty and Pat Shivers with a long range delivery ensured parity again at 2-07 to 1-10 with the clock ticking onwards and the end in sight.

The next score was going to be vital and it fell to Cargin as a foul on the Conhuir Johnston was fully punished when Tomas Mc Cann delivered the 30 metre award between the posts and Pat Shivers followed with another to give the visitors a 1-12 to 2-07 advantage.

A fine point from Stephen Kelly reduced the deficit to the minimum but Conan Johnston replied with a point for the visitors to move them two ahead again with Michael Hagen closing the gap to the minimum once more but that was as close as it got.

Casement’s: Kevin Mullan, Kevin O’ Kane, Daniel Mc Nicholl, Jonny Convery, Caolan Tierney (0-01), Ruairi Hagen (0-01), Conor Magee, Stephen Kelly (0-01), Aiden Mc Aleese (0-02), Michael Kelly, Michael Hagen (0-04), Niall Delargy, Ronan Kelly (0-01), Sean Byrne (1-00)

Cargin: John McNabb, Ronan Gribbin, Kevin Mc Shane, Hugh O’ Donnell, Justin Crozier, James Laverty (0-01), John Carron, Charlie Mc Cann, Jack Harney (1-00), Pat Shivers (0-03), Conan Johnston (0-02), Tomas Mc Cann (0-05), Conhuir Johnston (0-03), Paul Mc Cann

Subs

Brendan Laverty

David Johnston

Referee: K Parke (St Enda’s)

June 26, 2024June 26, 2024 by thesaffrongael

Cross & Passion College sports awards

Last week Cross & Passion College, Ballycastle held their annual sports awards breakfast in the school canteen where a host of trophies were handed out to a wide range of teams and sports, ranging from judo, tennis, soccer, gaelic football, camogie and hurling. Guests of honour were Antrim Camogie star Fionnuala Kelly, a former pupil of CPC, and County hurler Conor McCann of Creggan Kickhams.

Safron Gael, who received presentations from the school and from the Lucia Quinney Mee foundation, went along to capture the action.