Last month primary school children from Cumann na mBunscol schools throughout Co. Antrim represented their County in the annual Friendship Games against Dublin. The occasion was the latest instalment in a link that has not only spanned many decades but has a historical link to one of Belfast’s oldest GAA grounds.
Way back in 1932 a team from Ireland’s 1st city of Dublin travelled to the country’s 2nd city of Belfast to play Gaelic games. The teams were comprised of pupils attending primary schools in both cities and thus was forged a link that has remained unbroken ever since. In 2022 the link was further expanded to include young players, not only from across the city of Belfast but across primary schools throughout County Antrim.
On an annual basis since then the teams alternate between Dublin and Belfast and all 4 GAA codes and handball are represented. Croke Park, Casement Park and this week Corrigan Park have all played host to the young players but back in 1932 it was MacRory Park on the Whiterock Road in the west of the city who had the honour.
It was with that link very much in mind that delegates from Cumann na mBunscol Aontroma and Baile Atha Cliath enjoyed a visit to the home of the current MacRory Park tenants, Cardinal O’Donnells GAC. An informative visit was the result and current club chairperson, Joe McVeigh, was on hand to detail some of the important historical events in the life of the venue which included the first GAA games being played circa: 1900, the famous Belfast Celtic playing at the site for a period and the occupation of the ground by the British Army from 1972 until 1987.
Moving to 1935 and Dublin’s Evening Herald newspaper, in an attempt to encourage the city’s inhabitants to attend that year’s games in the capital, reported that the boys who were playing would appreciate their support as, did that of the 10,000 strong who saw them in action in MacRory Park in 1934.
A link that stretches back 91 years is no doubt set to continue with the enthusiastic support of the 2 Cumann na mBunscol committees and with much to look forward to, including an expected return to Casement Park in the not too distant future, the stars of tomorrow will continue to display their skills and strengthen the Friendship Games.
Joe McVeigh and Joe Herald (O’Donnells GAC) shared their knowledge of the MacRory Park history with the visitors from Dublin during today’s visit.
Jim Brady (Antrim Cumann na Mbunscol), James Hayden (Chairperson, CnmB Baile Atha Cliath) and Jerry Grogan (CnmB Baile Atha Cliath) pictured at MacRory Park
South West Antrim held a very successful U11.5 Fetival of Football at St. Enda’s Glengormley on Sunday morning with the teams taking part, St. Enda’s, Glenavy, St. Patrick’s Lisburn, St. James Aldergrove and St. Mary’s Aghagallon taking part.
Monday 3rd July kick started our annual Cul-camp week when 100 boys and girls arrived at St Joseph’s GAC Glenavy kitted out in this year’s Kellogs Cul camp gear. The children were introduced to Conor from Premier Fittness who started the morning of a warm up and some stretches. Players aged between 6 to 13 took part in Gaelic Games including Camogie, football, rounders and fundamental movement skills. Each day finished off with mini blitzes.
On Wednesday the camp welcomed LCCC Deputy Lord Mayor Gary McCleave who took time to chat with the children and mentors. On Thursday the children aged 8 to 13 enjoyed a mental health session with Stephen from YMCA. They had the opportunity to discuss the importance of being respectful and the skill set required to make a good team player. There were a number of club players coaching and Paul Law from Gaelfast and Marty Mclaughlin from Antrim GAA, who also assisted this week, commented that the coaches were a credit to the club. Their enthusiasm and session plans kept the players active and entertained all week. This week would not have been possible without the support of management, coaches, young helpers and parent helpers. It was very much a team effort. Big thank you to all involved. Marie Anne Forester Cul-camp coordinator
The throw-in in this game was delayed for five minutes to allow county treasurer, Donal Murphy to make his way to Toome with the division 1 trophy should Casement’s slip up in their final game against Creggan.
In the event it wasn’t necessary and Murphy, who doubles as his clubs treasurer was able to join in the celebrations at Kelly Park as his Portglenone side defeated Creggan to collect their first division 1 title.
Cargin completed their league programme with a win over the visiting Ahoghill and although events elsewhere made the result irrelevant, both sides served up a very entertaining game of football.
Sean Og O’Neill makes a timely interception before firing home Cargin’s opening goal
‘It is a case of very well done to the Portglenone team said Kevin Doyle, part of management structure at Cargin, consistency is the key to success in the league and Casements started the season well, and continued in the positive until conclusion for what was a deserved success.
Cargin started this last league game of the season in the knowledge that only victory over the Clooney men would keep their league aspirations alive but in the event it was the visitors who were to start very much on the front foot.
Aided by the fresh southerly breeze, Chris Mc Glone’s charges were quickly out of the start traps and Patrick Graham fired between the posts with Paul McCann replying at the other end to tie the contest.
The visitors went into this game as rank outsiders but that was far from apparent in a positive start to proceedings and by the 10th minute they had nipped into a 1-03 to 0-01 lead.
Colla Mc Donald fetched a high delivery from Fionnbar O’ Neill to finish to the back of the net in the 10th minute following back to back points by the excellent James O’ Connell and another from net minder Noel Crossey as he despatched a ‘45’ firmly between the posts.
Cargin’s Eunan Quinn comes under pressure from Ahoghill’s Fionnbar O’Neill
The home side returned fire in the 12th minute as Sean Og O’ Neill fired over but Ahoghill replied as Colla McDonald added a point to ensure a 1-04 to 0-02 lead for the visitors at the end of the first quarter.
Having trailed in a poor opening quarter the home side upped the ante in the second and points from the Shivers brothers, Pat and Tom brought them back into contention.
The visitors replied through a superb long range point from Danny O’ Neill but the home side were quick to reply and a smart interchange between David Johnston and Cahir Donnelly opened to way for Sean Og O’ Neill to drill his shot low to the net.
O’Neill’s goal seemed to lift the Toome side and the Shivers brothers added points to see them hit the front for the first time but Gerard Graham replied from a free at the other end to leave it all square at the break.
Cargin had the breeze at their backs at the start of the second half and they were quick to pick up the pace.
A first minute point from centre back Paul McCann saw them hit the front for the second time and a smart interchange by Jamie Gribbin opened the way for David Johnston to add another.
Colla McDonnell who finished with 1-2 for AhoghillJames O’Connell, on target for Ahoghill in Toome
Erin’s Own attacked again as Pat Shivers added a point with James O’ Connell replying at the other end but Tom Shivers and Tomas Mc Cann added points apiece before Eunan Quinn and Gerard McCann combined for the latter to fire to the net.
McCann’s goal moved Cargin 2-11 to 1-07 ahead at the end of the third quarter and the Clooney side looked in trouble as the game moved into the final quarter but they were not about to accept defeat without a fight.
They came back strongly and the superb Danny O’ Neill fired to the back of the net, following a strong solo, to signal a possible comeback as they continued to move the ball around confidently.
Cargin replied through a 50th minute Eunan Quinn point and only a smart save from net minder Noel Crossey prevented the full forward finding the net as the big net minder got his foot to divert Quinn’s goal bound effort away.
A further point from replacement Tomas McCann nudged Cargin nearer to the winning line but James O’ Connell replied at the other end before replacement McCann despatched a 60 metre free firmly between the posts in the 57th minute.
McCann, returning from a long term injury, was then denied by St. Mary’s keeper Crossey but the visitors were still giving it everything and James O’Connell pointed in the 59th minute.
Ahoghill’s Gerard Graham is brought down at the expense of a penalty
The visitors pressed again and looked in for a goal but Gerard Graham was denied by a foot block with the man in the middle immediately spreading his arms to indicate a penalty.
Noel Crossey, who had been excellent in his goalkeeping role, stepped forward to despatch the award firmly into the corner of the net.
A positive finish from the visitors but at the completion it was the home side who had earned the points on a final score of 2-15 to 3-09.
Celebrations were understandably muted with the news already filtering through from up the road that Portglenone had beaten Creggan to claim the league title.
Both sides will have benefited from the game however and will see it as useful preparation for the forthcoming senior championship and holders Cargin look to be running into a bit of form just at the right time.
The holders will be amongst the fancied sides as the championship gets under way next month and on the evidence of what I have seen this year, Ahoghill look capable of causing a few upsets when the premier competition kicks off.
David Johnston hand passes to Pat Shivers during his side’s win over Ahoghill in the final league game of the season in Toome on Sunday
Cargin: Shea Laverty, Sean og Quinn, Kevin Mc Shane, Kevin O’ Boyle, Justin Crozier, Paul Mc Cann (0-02), Cahir Donnelly, Gerard Mc Cann (1-00), John Carron, Pat David Johnston (0-01),Pat Shivers (0-03), Sean og O’ Neill (1-01), Tom Shivers (1-03), Eunan Quinn (0-02), Jamie Gribbin
Subs:Tomas Mc Cann (0-03), Ben Mc Larnon
Ahoghill: Noel Crossey (1-01), Seamus Mc Keever, James Magee, Shea Neeson, Fionnbar O’ Neill, Gerard Graham (0-01), Diarmuid Graham, Patrick Graham (0-01), Tom Mc Glone, Danny O’ Neill (1-01), James O’ Connell (0-03), Bernard Graham (0-01), Conor P Crossey, Donal Graham, Colla Mc Donnell (1-02)
Subs: Harry O’Donnell, Shay Madden, Ryan McPeake, Connor McGarry
