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by thesaffrongael

Cushendall Edge Loughgiel in Entertaining McAuley Cup Semi-Final

McAuley Cup – Senior Hurling

Cushendall 1-17 Loughgiel 1-15

Despite both sides being short a good few regular starters due to senior and Under-20 county commitments, Cushendall and Loughgiel served up a highly competitive and thoroughly enjoyable McAuley Cup pre-season semi-final in Armoy. Cushendall ultimately held off a spirited second-half comeback from Loughgiel to secure a two-point victory, winning 1-17 to 1-15.

Loughgiel was first on the scoreboard just ninety seconds in with a well-taken point from play by Christy McGarry. However, Cushendall responded emphatically moments later when Sean McAfee found the back of the net to give the Ruairi Og men an early lead. The game quickly settled into a shootout. Tiago McGarry pointed for Loughgiel to settle them down, but Cushendall’s Joe McNaughton began to exert his influence, knocking over a point from play and shortly after converting a free. Padraig McKillop and Fergus McCambridge added to Cushendall’s tally, keeping them comfortably in front. Midway through the half, Loughgiel’s Cahal Hargan found his rhythm, scoring from a 65 and converting two frees to keep his side in touch. Teammates Connal McCloskey and Eoin McGarry also registered scores from play. However, Cushendall finished the half strongly. Points from Nicholas McLaughlin and a brace from Oisin Woodhouse ensured they went into the break with a four-point cushion, leading 1-11 to 0-10.

Loughgiel came out firing after the restart. Declan McCloskey pointed from play in the opening minute, followed by another Hargan free, cutting the deficit to two. A pivotal moment came ten minutes into the half when Cushendall introduced the experienced Neill McManus for Ed McQuillan. McManus made an immediate impact, pointing from play less than two minutes after coming on to steady the Cushendall ship. Loughgiel refused to fade as Christy McGarry grabbed his second point of the day. The game was then blown wide open in the 46th minute when Cahal Hargan breached the Cushendall defense for a crucial Loughgiel goal, leveling the momentum.

The final quarter was a tense, tit-for-tat battle. Padraig McKillop notched his second for Cushendall, but Declan McCloskey stepped up massive for Loughgiel, converting a free and then scoring from play to keep the pressure on. In the dying minutes, Cushendall’s discipline and experience shone through. Joe McNaughton punished Loughgiel infractions by slotting two late frees, bringing his personal tally to an impressive haul. Midfielder Darragh Bradley then sealed the deal with a fantastic point from play in the 57th minute, putting Cushendall just out of reach before the final whistle.

TO SEE MORE OF SEAN PAUL’S PHOTOS FROM THIS GAME CLICK ON THE LIN BELOW

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CUSHENDALL

1 – Conor McAllister

2 – Aodhan Campbell

3 – Liam Gillan

4 – Martin Burke

5 – Austin Birt

6 – Stephen Walsh

7 – Alex McCambridge

8 – Padraig McKillop

9 – Darrach Bradley

10- Ed McQuillan

11 – Joe McNaughton

12 – Fergus McCambridge

13 – Nicholas McLaughlin

14 – Sean McAfee

15 – Oisin Woodhouse

SUBS

16 – Ruairi Sharpe

17 – Neill McManus

18  – Senan Black

19 – Paddy Sharpe

20 – Ryan McAuley

LOUGHGIEL

  1. Shae McDonnell
  2. Ryan O’Boyle
  3. Enda Og McGarry
  4. Pearce Patterson
  5. Caolinn Blair
  6. Declan McCloskey
  7. Tiago McGarry
  8. Connor Dickson
  9. Connal McCloskey
  10. Christy McGarry
  11. Cahal Hargan
  12. Finn Henry
  13. Dan McCloskey
  14. Shane O’Boyle
  15. Eoin McGarry

Loughgiel Substitutes Used

Darragh Patterson Patrick Laverty Ryan Hill Conan Johnston Connor O’Mullan Damian Quinn

Would you like me to m

Cushendall (1-17)

  • Joe McNaughton: 0-9 (7 frees)
  • Sean McAfee: 1-0
  • Oisin Woodhouse: 0-2
  • Padraig McKillop: 0-2
  • Fergus McCambridge: 0-1
  • Nicholas McLaughlin: 0-1
  • Neill McManus: 0-1
  • Darrach Bradley: 0-1

Loughgiel (1-15)

  • Cahal Hargan: 1-4 (3 frees, 1 ’65)
  • Christy McGarry: 0-3
  • Declan McCloskey: 0-3 (1 free)
  • Tiago McGarry: 0-1
  • Connal McCloskey: 0-1
  • Eoin McGarry: 0-1
  • Dan McCloskey: 0-1
  • Finn Henry: 0-1
by thesaffrongael

Solid Saffrons unfortunate to drop a point

Ulster MFL

Antrim 0-17 Donegal 0-17

Antrim minors got their Ulster League campaign up and running when they entertained Donegal on Saturday at Dunsilly with the Saffrons producing a solid performance but in the end they were forced to share the points with the Tir Connaill outfit in a game they should have won.

Despite playing into the breeze, Mark McFerran and Daire Thornbury fired Antrim into an early two point lead before the visitor’s replied through Mark Anthony McGuinness, Danny Og Cooney and Callum Dorrian to take the lead with 7 minutes gone.

Tom Convery converted a ‘45’ into the stiff breeze and a fine point from the impressive Sean McCormack had the boys in Saffron ahead once more but again Donegal responded through Tadhd McDaid, Darragh O’Hare (f) and Lewis Cunnea to move two ahead by the 17th minute.

Dara Campbell, who had a fine game at mid-field for the hosts, responded for Antrim with Danny Og Cooney and Darragh O’Hare 2pt on target for the visitors and Tom Convery punishing a breech at the other end to leave Donegal 0-10 to 0-6 ahead at the break but with the breeze to face in the second half.

Antrim looked in a bit of trouble when Tadhd McDaid from play and then from a free extended the visitors lead at the start of the second half but they replied through Joey Griffin 2 pointer and another from Thomas Douthert to get their second half up and running.

The Saffrons were then punished as the ball was moved forward after a disputed free which O’Hare converted but they responded in the best possible way with Mark McFerran, Daire Thornbury and Aodhan O’Hanlon on target at the other end.

Indiscipline began to creep into the Antrim play though it has to be said that a number of the frees against them were of the soft variety and ace free taker, Darragh O’Hare took advantage with four on the bounce with Dara Campbell hitting a 2 pointer and a single from play to keep the home side in touch.

A great point from Sean McCormack had the side’s level going into injury time but again they were punished for an indiscretion, much to the annoyance of the home support, which O’Hare converted.

It looked as good as over at this stage but the young Saffrons showed tremendous fighting spirit and Daire Thornbury became their hero as he split the posts in the 34th minute to give them a share of the spoils.

Antrim: 1 Niall Quinn, 2 Braden O’Donnell, 3 Shea McLarnon, 4 Conor McArt, 5 Sean McCormack, 6 Thomas Douthert, 7 Conal Wilson, 8 Dara Campbell, 9 Sean McMullan, 10 Tiernan Lee, 11 Mark McFerran, 12 Joey Griffin, 13 Aodhan O’Hanlon, 14 Tom Convery, 15 Daire Thornbury.

Subs: 17 Sean McPeake for Joey Griffin, 23 Nathan Burns for Conal Wilson

Donegal: 1 Ronan O’Donnell, 2 Niall McBrearty, 3 Mark Wilkinson, 4 Raynne Rowan, 5 Thomas McHugh, 6 Conor Griffin, 7 Fionan Coyle, 8 Tadhd McDaid, 9 Shay McNulty, 10 Aaron McGinley, 11 Mark Anthony McGuinness, 12 Lewis Cunnea, 13 Darragh O’Hare, 14 Danny Og Cooney, 15 Callum Dorrian

TO VIEW MORE OF BERT TROWLEN’S PICS FROM THE GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

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by thesaffrongael

Waterford outscore brave Antrim at Slemish Park

Centra National Camogie League – Division 1

Antrim 0-09 Waterford 1-16

Waterford maintained their impressive momentum in the Centra National League Division 1A with a commanding ten-point victory over Antrim at All Saints. While the final scoreline of 1-16 to 0-9 suggested a comfortable outing for the Deise, the Saffrons put up a spirited performance that proved they can compete at this elite level. For the Antrim faithful, the most significant highlight was the second-half introduction of Roisin McCormick, who made her first appearance of the season to inject some much-needed energy into the home side’s attack.

The game began with Waterford firmly in control, despite Antrim having the advantage of a strong breeze. The visitors dominated possession and territory in the opening twenty minutes, while Antrim struggled to find their rhythm, registering five wides, one of them a clear goal chance, before Nicole McAtamney eventually opened their account from a free. A controversial goal after eight minutes set the tone for the half; Lorraine Bray’s shot appeared to be drifting over the bar, but after a goalmouth scramble involving Catriona Graham, the umpire raised the green flag to give Waterford a 1-1 to 0-0 lead.

Antrim showed great character to stay in touch, with McAtamney’s clinical free-taking reducing the deficit. There were missed opportunities for both sides to find the net before the interval; McAtamney saw a penalty loft over the bar, while Maggie Gostl was denied at the other end by a desperate Antrim defense. By the time the halftime whistle blew, Waterford held a steady 1-7 to 0-4 lead, though the home side remained within striking distance.

The second half saw a tactical shift for Antrim with the introduction of Roisin McCormick and Katie McKillop, which provided the hosts with more physical presence in the forward line. This paid immediate dividends as McAtamney added two further frees, and Lucia McNaughton notched Antrim’s only point from open play in the 43rd minute. At that stage, the gap stood at just six points, and it seemed a comeback might be on the cards as the game entered the final quarter.

However, Waterford’s depth and experience ultimately told. As Antrim’s energy began to wane, the Waterford bench provided a late surge that killed off any hopes of a home upset. The Deise rattled off a series of points to stretch their lead, while Antrim could only manage a single late free from Eobha McAllister. The result leaves Antrim at the bottom of a highly competitive table on score difference, but the performance—and the return of their star forward—provides plenty of optimism ahead of their next clash against Galway.

Scorers & Teams

Antrim: N McAtamney 0-8 (fs), L McNaughton 0-1, É McAllister 0-1 (f). Waterford: L Bray 1-2, N Rockett 0-5 (3fs), L Forrest 0-2 (1f), E O’Neill 0-2, B Carton 0-2, R Kirwan 0-2, K Corbett-Barry 0-1.

Antrim Team: C Graham, C Patterson, N Cosgrove, D Dobbin, C McKillop, K Molloy, S Heggarty, A Boyle, E McAllister, M Kelly, L McNaughton, N McAtamney, A Ferris, J McIntosh, C Griffin. Subs used: R McCormick, K McKillop, S O’Neill, C Conlon, O McAllister, A O’Donnell.

Waterford Team: B O’Regan, I Heffernan, C Carroll, A McNulty, R Walsh, K Corbett-Barry, O Hickey, L Bray, L Forrest, E O’Neill, B Carton, B Bowdren, N Rockett, M O’Brien, M Gostl. Subs used: A O’Sullivan, R Kirwan, S Lacey, C Sherlock, R Farrell.

Referee: G Donegan (Dublin)

TO SEE MORE PICS FROM THIS GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

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by thesaffrongael

Lámh Dhearg announce new partnership and senior presentation takes place at Beechlawns Hotel

Lámh Dhearg are delighted to announce that Lagmore Shopping Village have generously become a partner of the club.
Brian Smyth club Senior Liaison Officer commented that support of sponsors like Lagmore Shopping Village are such a valuable help to the club in helping the promotion and development of games and their support is greatly appreciated.
Kerry Fitzsimons from Lagmore Shopping Village added “ As we provide a valuable hub of shopping for the community we are delighted to be a partner of such an established club as Lámh Dhearg who are an integral part of 
the local community as well”
The club would encourage all members to support Lagmore Shopping Village or any of our other many generous partners if the opportunity arises as they are all vital in facilitating the successful organisation of the club.

Kerry and David Fitzsimons donating a cheque of £1000 to Lámh Dhearg’s Senior Liaison Officer Brian Smyth on behalf of their father Harry and Lagmore Shopping Village .

On Saturday 28th February, Lámh Dhearg held their senior presentation dinner at the Beechlawns Hotel, acknowledging personal achievements from the 2025 season. The award winners are listed below

Awards

G4M&O Joanne Reilly

Handball Gerard Lynch 

Hurling

U18 Conor mc Conville

U21 Callum Lappin

Reserve Michael McGarry

Senior Adam Murray

LGFA

Minor Lila McCann

Reserve Tamara Daly

Senior Ciara Larkin 

Camogie 

Minor Laoise Stone

Senior Raicheal Mulholland

Football

Minor Tiarnan Lee

U21 Aaron Kennedy 

Reserve Aaron Ferris​

Senior Ross Murray 

Special awards 

All Ireland Camogie Shield Champions

Amelie Annett

Aoife Fitzsimons

Cara Lynch

Laoise Stone

McGuigan Shield winners

Referee of Year Award Lauren Smyth

Cultural Award Brenna Armstrong & Loise Stone

Club person of the Year Peter Kane 

by thesaffrongael

Antrim face tough task against Waterford

National Camogie League – Division 1

Antrim v Waterford at Quinn Park, Ballymena

Throw in – 1pm

It’s a strange sight in Division 1A: the two teams currently sitting below Antrim in the table—Galway and Cork—are the exact same counties that contested the last two All-Ireland deciders and last year’s league final.

While Antrim’s sensational victory over Cork in their last outing is the primary reason for this standings shake-up, it also serves as a stark warning. With an inferior scoring difference, the Saffrons are far from safe from relegation. To stay up, they will likely need to claim a second massive scalp, as it’s inevitable that both Cork and Galway will find another gear over the next three weekends.

Antrim rightly dominated the headlines after their shock win in Cork a fortnight ago, earning them live coverage from the Camogie Association for Staurday’s clash in Ballymena, however Waterford will be a formidable test.

Niamh Cosgrove
Janey McIntosh
Aobhe McAllister
  • Formidable Form: The Déise have already beaten both Cork and Galway in their opening two fixtures.
  • Key Threats: Fielding close to full-strength panels, Waterford has relied on the firepower of Beth Carton, Niamh Rockett, and Abby Flynn to punch holes in elite defenses. Waterford is the ultimate blueprint for a team that has successfully climbed from junior to highly competitive senior status over the past decade. Crucially, they rarely lose to other counties trying to make that exact same journey.

While the two sides aren’t total strangers—having met in a Loughgiel championship clash a couple of years ago on a much faster pitch—Waterford will be bringing largely the same experienced squad north for this encounter.

Lucia McNaughton
Katie Molloy
Catriona Graham

Manager Elaine Dowds previously highlighted a costly “switch-off” period at the end of each half against Tipperary, which leaked around 2-6. While she admitted there was little time to correct it on the training ground before facing Cork, the subsequent two-week break should have given the squad vital time to regroup.

In a welcome boost, Róisín McCormick has rejoined the panel. However, ongoing injury concerns mean her actual game-time will likely be limited, if she features at all. Ultimately, if Antrim wants to take any points off Waterford, they will need to replicate the relentless, exhaustive work rate they showcased in Cork.

ANTRIM

  1. Catriona Graham
  2. Colleen Patterson
  3. Niamh Cosgrove
  4. Dearbhail Dobbin
  5. Claire McKillop.
  6. Katie Molloy.
  7. Shannagh Heggarty
  8. Amy Boyle
  9. Aobha McAllister
  10. Maeve Kelly.
  11. Lucia McNaughton
  12. Nicole McAtamney
  13. Aimee Ferris
  14. Janey McIntosh
  15. Cliona Griffin