Antrim’s award winners at the Ulster Camogie Awards- L-R, Seamus McAleenan, Jaimie Woulahan, Roisin McCormick and Orlaith Johnston

The 2025 Ulster Camogie season reached its official conclusion this past Sunday as the annual Awards’ Day brought the province’s Camogie community together to celebrate a year of significant growth and elite performance. It was a good day for Antrim with the Saffron County’s representatives collecting a range of prestigious individual accolades across the youth, senior, and club landscapes.

Ulster Camogie chairperson Karen McCormick, herself a pround Antrim woman, opened the proceedings by praising the rising standards of play and the leadership displayed across all grades, noting that the dedication of players and volunteers alike has placed the sport at the heart of local communities.

The high point of the afternoon for Antrim was the recognition of two generational talents who bookended a successful inter-county campaign. Roisin McCormick, who was named the Senior Player of the Year, was a key player in the Saffrons team who won promotion to Division 1 for 2026 and a top performer on the Loughgiel Shamrcks team who won the Ulster Senior Club title.

Joining her in the winner’s circle was Orlaith Johnston, who received the Ulster Minor Cup Player of the Year award, signaling that the future of Antrim Camogie is in good hands. In the club scene as well, Jaime Woulahan of Brídíní Óga Clenravel being won the Ulster Junior A Club Championship Player of the Year for her instrumental role in her club’s provincial and All Ireland journey.

The ceremony also highlighted outstanding contributions from across Ulster’s diverse competitive landscape. In the youth grades, the talent of neighbouring counties was on full display as Áine Young of Derry took home the Ulster U16 Cup Player of the Year title, while Emma Hart of Armagh and Emma Lynch of Cavan were recognized as the U16 Shield and Plate Players of the Year, respectively. The Minor Shield Player of the Year award was presented to Catherine Moohan of Tyrone, further illustrating the competitive depth currently developing across the province.

The club championship awards celebrated seasoned veterans and emerging leaders from various counties. Fionnuala Carr of Clonduff was named the Ulster Senior Club Championship Player of the Year, while Reagan Faye of Eglish took the Intermediate honors. In the Junior B category, Niamh McElduff of Éire Óg An Charraig Mhór was recognized for her performances, and Niamh McGrath of Aghaderg received the Ulster Bridie Mc Menamin Shield Player of the Year award. These individual honors reflected a season where club Camogie reached new heights of intensity and skill.

Beyond the field of play, the Awards’ Day placed a heavy emphasis on the volunteers and administrators who provide the backbone of the sport. The Administrator of the Year award was shared by Maggie Galligan of Cavan and Mairead Rooney of Down, while Marie Brady of Cavan was named Volunteer of the Year. The strategic growth of the game was credited to figures like Declan Sherlock of Tyrone, who was named Coach/Manager of the Year, and Mary Clarke of Cavan, who received the PRO of the Year award. The Derrylaughan Kevin Barry’s club was celebrated as the EDI Champion for their inclusive efforts, and the afternoon concluded with a standing ovation for Séamas McAleenan of Bridinie Oga and Antrim, who received the President’s Award for his lifelong commitment and invaluable service to the game.

Ulster U16 Cup Player of the Year – Áine Young, Derry

Ulster U16 Shield Player of the Year – Emma Hart, Armagh 

Ulster U16 Plate Player of the Year – Emma Lynch, Cavan 

Ulster Minor Cup Player of the Year – Orlaith Johnston, Antrim 

Ulster Minor Shield Player of the Year – Catherine Moohan, Tyrone

Senior Player of the Year – Roisin McCormick, Antrim

Ulster Senior Club Championship Player of the Year – Fionnuala Carr, Clonduff

Ulster Intermediate Club Championship Player of the Year – Reagan Faye, Eglish

Ulster Junior A Club Championship Player of the Year – Jaime Woulahan, Brídíní Óga Clenravel 

Ulster Junior B Club Championship Player of the Year –  Niamh McElduff, Éire Óg An Charraig Mhór

Ulster Bridie Mc Menamin Shield Player of the Year –  Niamh McGrath, Aghaderg

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Administrator of the Year (shared) – Maggie Galligan, Cavan and Mairead Rooney, Down

Volunteer of the Year – Marie Brady, Cavan

Coach/Manager of the Year – Declan Sherlock, Tyrone

PRO Of the Year – Mary Clarke, Cavan

EDI Champion – Derrylaughan Kevin Barry’s

President’s Award – Séamas McAleenan

Antrim 3-11 Kildare 2-09 at the Cricky

Pics by Bert Trowlen

Antrim claimed a hard-fought victory over Kildare in the All Ireland Minor A Shield series on on Sunday at the Cricky. The match opened with Eimear McCaughan firing over an early point for Antrim, which was quickly canceled out by a free from Kildare’s Ruby Baker. Antrim regained the lead through a ’45’ from Maeve Scullion and a long-range free by Caoimhe McErlain, but Kildare surged ahead in the 12th minute when Aoibheann Birchall found the net from a long free. The half remained competitive as Eimear McCaughan and Bella Rose Gleeson exchanged scores, followed by two points from Ruby Baker and a long-range effort from Grace Nolan. However, Antrim finished the half strongly with points from Eimear McCaughan and Tegan Cassidy, capped off by a crucial Eimear McCaughan goal in the 29th minute to leave Antrim leading 1-08 to 1-04 at the interval.

The second half began with Eimear McCaughan extending Antrim’s lead from a free, but Kildare responded through a well-worked score and a free from Alannah Pearson and Ruby Baker. Kildare continued to pressure as Alannah Pearson added another point, but Antrim pulled away again when Anna Smyth and Louise McBride combined to set up a goal from play by Cara Delaney. Kildare kept themselves in the hunt with a scrambled goal from Alannah Pearson in the 18th minute, but despite a fine save from the Kildare goalkeeper shortly after, Antrim’s accuracy proved decisive. Late points from Eimhear McCloskey and Tegan Cassidy kept the Saffrons in control, and although Kildare managed one final point, a second goal from Eimear McCaughan in the final minute secured a 3-11 to 2-09 win for Antrim.

Antrim

1. Maeve Scullion
2. Cara Lynch
3. Laoise Stone
4. Isabelle Martin
5. Orla Munce
6. Cara Delaney
7. Amy Gault
8. Eimhear McCloskey
9. Amelie Annett
10. Louise McBride
11. Caoimhe McErlain
12. Anna Smyth
13. Eimear McCaughan
14. Aoife Fitzsimons
15. Tegan Cassidy

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Kildare

1. Megan Doherty Brunnock
2. Laoise Ni Bhriain
3. Closa Kelly
4. Katie Moran
5. Keeva Flynn
6. Aoife Ni Riain
7. Ruby Moran
8. Aoife Ni Treasaigh
9. Grace Nolan
10. Roisin Gilchrist
11. Aoibheann Birchall
12. Alexandra Solan
13. Ruby Baker
14. Alannah Pearson
15. Saoirse Green

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Competition: Ulster U20 Hurling Cup

Antrim v Donegal in Cushendun

Date: February 15, 2026

Pics by Mickey Morgan

Antrim continued their dominant form in the Ulster U20 Hurling Cup with a convincing victory over Donegal, maintaining their unbeaten run as they head towards the final.

Antrim took control from the opening whistle, with Conor Donnelly and Roan McGarry finding the range early. The clinical free-taking of Charlie McAuley and regular points from Liam McEnhill kept the scoreboard moving.

The first-half goals came at crucial intervals; Conor Donnelly found the net at the 9-minute mark, followed by a second goal from Oisin McCamphill just before the break. Despite Donegal’s efforts to stay in touch, Antrim went into the interval with a commanding lead.

Second Half

The second half saw Antrim utilize their bench to great effect, resulting in a scoring surge that took the game completely out of Donegal’s reach. Oisin Gillan was particularly impressive, netting a hat-trick of goals in a devastating 10-minute spell.

Further goals from Oisin McCallion, James McDonnell, and Oisin Woodhouse highlighted the depth of the Saffron attack. Donegal managed a few points from frees, but they were unable to breach a disciplined Antrim defense.

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After such a momentous year St. John’s GAC celebrated in style bringing together almost 400 people for a huge night of celebration on Friday 13^th February in the Europa Hotel. The club had the great honour of having All-Ireland winning senior hurling manager Liam Cahill as their prestigious guest who spoke from the heart about leading the Tipperary hurlers to the panicle and lifting the Liam McCarthy Cup.

Proceedings for the evening began with the County Hurling Champions being led into the hall by uileen piper Frank Maskey to the cheers of the assembled gathering. The euphoria of that day in Ballycastle was once again relived through the standing ovation the team and their managers received from delighted family and friends.

Having the County Chairman Seamus McMullan and his wife Siobhan in our midst added to this joyful occasion which was handled superbly by MC David Robinson. David executed the evening with such professionalism which was no easy task keeping 400 people on board, as he introduced speakers, played clips on the big screen and managed presentations.

An added bonus to the evening was the presence of Fr Joe McGuigan, son of the famous Joey McGuigan after which the ‘Joey McGuigan Cup’ was named. Fr Joe led us in thanksgiving for the meal we were about to eat and for being able to celebrate in such numbers. He was then called upon to present the Joey McGuigan Cup to the mixed team of young and not so young players who not only represented the club with great pride but won the South Antrim League. Club chairman Aidan Kelly, a player on this team himself, related a few escapades on their journey, especially making the tight fit jersey loved by the athletes in the club go over the more maturing body!!

Minor teams in both Ladies Gaelic Football and hurling were honoured for their achievements on the field, lifting their respective cups as these cups and medals were distributed. These young players were recognised as the future of the club and were praised for their commitment to training and wearing their club jumper with pride. The ‘Minor of the Year’ award was then announced and presented by a former winner back in 1978, club treasurer and one of the main organisers of the night, Neal Peden to a very worthy winner, hurling team captain Finton Mc Kinney.

As an interlude in the events, Peeky Blinders star Packy Lee entertained the crowd with his wit, telling the story of how he tried to join St. John’s back in the day but he was told that maybe Gortnamona would be more suited to his talent!

Then came the main players in whose honour the event was organised, the senior hurling team who one by one were brought out to victorious applause and standing ovations. A huge tribute was paid to Peter McCallin who unfortunately couldn’t be there but was watching proceedings in the Australian sunshine.  Once again MC David spoke to manager Gerard Cunningham about the team achievements with the hope that we could continue the euphoria into the new season and do a ‘back to back.’ What a wonderful accolade for each hurler to be presented with their prestigious medal by Tipperary’s finest Liam Cahill.

No presentation could be concluded without a rousing chorus of ‘Whack-fol-the-diddle’ the Naomh Eoin anthem, led by one of the five 1973 team members who were present, the man himself Mr Mick, Mickey Gallagher.

Having sat through the beautiful meal and presentations the crowd were itching to boogie and led by the fabulous Marty Fay band they did just that, while our good friend and most dedicated photographer Bert Trowlan continued to capture the event in pictures.

Tipperary manager Liam Cahill who was guest of honour at the St John’s dinner in the Europa Hotel

Above – The Dunloy team who bridged an 89 year gap by winning the 2025 Senior Football Championship were honoured at the club’s annual dinner in the Tullyglass Hotel.

Dunloy Cuchullains held their annual dinner dance at the Tullyglass Hotel last night with Thomas Niblock the host for the evening.

In a night with a twist, Thomas did a number of interviews with those involved in the club while performing podcast style chats with those associated with the clubs success in 2025.  Gabriel McTaggart and Éobha McAllister were first up under the microphones and cameras, Gabriel standing in for Eamon Smyth who was unable to attend the event.  Keelan Molloy and Kevin McQuillan were up next – Kevin making the most of his time with the microphone and taking centre stage.

Senior football Captain Seaan Elliott was accompanied with his grandfather Don Maguire for the last podcast of the evening with Don declaring that despite being in the village 58 years, he classes himself as a ‘blow in’ and how he never misses a training session thanks to ‘a hole in the hedge’.

A brilliant evening was rounded off with a montage of clips of both video and photographs from the year, Ger Dixon’s song ‘Dunloy’ providing the music for the video.

A lovely way to round off a special evening as the Cuchullains remembered the journey they have been on to end an 89 year drought to bring the senior football championship back to Pearse Park.

Dunloy held a raffle on the evening with the prizes being a signed shirt by the senior footballers (won by the McMahon Family) and the football used in the county final signed by the team (won by Oisin McCamphill).

Many thanks to the Cuchullains who made a presentation to The Saffron Gael through Brendan McTaggart.  The support of clubs up and down the county is greatly appreciated.

County chairman Seamus McMullan is interviewed by Thomas Niblock.