Prior to Sunday’s Division 1 Football League game between Con Magees, Glenravel and Sarsfields, the teams who met in the 1966 senior football final, got together once again.
66 was a very special year for the Glenravel club because that day they took the only senior football title in their history, beating a very good Sarsfields team in the final in Casement Park. The majority of the remaining Glenravel team attended, plus half a dozen of the Sarsfields side who were invited along as guests.
Speaking on behalf of the Sarsfields Club, their former great Brian Whinnery thanked Glenravel for their very generous gesture in inviting them along and praised the facilities that the club had at Fr Magin Park. Whinnery had been part of the Antrim team who won the Ulster minor title in 1964 alongside three of that Glenravel side, Alastair Scullion, who was team captain, Sean McNeilly and Gerard Higgins.
The Glenravel team of 1966 at last weekend’s 60 year reunion in the Con Magees clubrooms. Back row, L-R, Patsy McCann, Raymond Scullion, Liam McNeill, Terry McNeill, Dominic O’Loan (manager), Dave Kerr, Alastair Scullion, Brian Whinnery of Sarsfields, Gerard Higgins, Sean McNeilly, Kevin Scullion. Front row, L-R, Arthur Mulholland, Eddie Forde, Colm O’Loan (captain), Anthony O’Loan, Noel Kerr, Kieran McMullan.
Alec McQuillan who was MC for the day, praised the work done by Kevin and Brendan McNeill in organising the event, and Ciaran Ward of Sarsfields. Ciaran is a son of Jimmy Ward who captained Sarsfields that famous day at Casement Park. Ironically Ciaran’s three sons now play their football with Glenravel. Alec had great words for the former team who were involved in that historic game and a special word of praise for the manager of the side, Dominic O’Loan, who has done so much for the club over the years.
After lunch they watched from the team balcony as Sarsfields got revenge for that 66 result by beating Glenravel in a thrilling Division 1 league game.
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Kickham’s Creggan went into this game requiring a point to clinch the division 1 league title and while they eventually finished with two, they were made to work for them by a lively All Saints Ballymena at Quinn Park on Wednesday night.
The visitors led by a goal at the halfway stage despite playing against the breeze, thanks to a goal from Conor Small after 20 minutes but when James ‘Jimbo’ McDonnell fired home the equaliser from the penalty spot, 6 minutes into the second half we looked to have a game on our hands.
As the breeze increased, it was Creggan who pushed on, playing some excellent controlled football and they would out score their hosts going down the home straight with the Ballymena side finding it difficult to break the Creggan press.
Conor Lemon opened the scoring with an All Saints point after 4 minutes with Liam Quinn fisting over the equaliser at the other end before Benny McDonnell restored the host’s lead with a great 2 pointer.
Points from Shea McCann (f), Ruairi McCann and Liam Quinn saw the visitors hit the front again by the 11th minute but another 2 pointer, this time from Conor Stewart saw the home side men edge ahead for the third time.
Conor Johnston fisted over at the other end to level matters again and Liam Quinn restored the visitor’s advantage before team captain, Benny McDonnell levelled it once more in a pulsating game of football.
A fisted point from Shea McCann and an opportunist goal from Conor Small seemed to have put the Kickham’s in control but All Saints refused to fold and the introduction of county player, Paddy McAleer, steadied the home side.
Conor Stewart and Ciaran Campbell replied with points with Joe McAteer and Liam Quinn on target at the other end as play swung from end to end with some excellent passages of approach play from both sides.
Connell Lemon and Jimbo McDonnell had it back to two as we approached half time but the final score of the half fell to Creggan’s Dominic McAteer, whose point left a goal between the sides at the interval.
Conor Johnston and Benny McDonnell exchanged points on the restart before All Saints were awarded a penalty which James McDonnell fired confidently home to tie the contest at 1-12 to 1-12.
The home support were on their toes in anticipation of a famous result but it was the Staffordstown Road side who showed why their unbeaten this season as we moved into the final quarter.
As the wind increased following a shower of rain, All Saints were finding it harder and harder to stage meaningful attacks and would add just two further points as Creggan began to turn the screw.
Sam Maguire, Jamie McCann, Joe McAteer, Shea McCann (f), Conor Small with an excellent 2 pointer and another Orange flag raised by Ruairi McCann saw them move clear to claim the points and the ACFL Division 1 league title.
All Saints: Ryan Stewart, 2 Sean McDermott, 3 Michael Read, 4 Joe Rafferty, 5 Patrick Fewrris, 6 Cal O’Brien, 7 Harry Copnnon, 8 Peter McReynolds, 9 Emmet Killough, 10 Connell Lemon, 11 Conor Stewart, 12 James McDonnell, 13 Sean O’Brien, 14 Benny McDonnell, 15 Ciaran Campbell.
Subs: Paddy McAleer, Kavan Keenan Paudi Mitchell, Sean McVeigh
Ballymacrickett Primary School ended an exceptional school year on a high when they clinched the All County Boys 7 a side title at St Louis Ballymena.
The Glenavy lads were up against St Patrick’s Loughgiel, many of whom had played their first game of football a few weeks ago in the North Antrim championship and Belfast winners (and last years All County winners) Bunscol Phobail Feirste. Each team playing each other once in a league format.
Game one saw saw Bunscol Phobail Feirste race into an early lead against St Patrick’s Loughgiel, however when the North Antrim lads started to get a grasp of the big ball they came more into the game registering 1.2 by the end of proceedings, with the Belfast Boys emerging victorious.
In game two St Patrick’s were very competitive and forced Ballymacrickett to shoot for points in a very entertaining game, when referee Gerard Dougan blew the final whistle it was a victory for the Glenavy men.
The early results meant game three between Bunscol Phobail Feirste and Ballymacrickett was a shoot-out for the All County title.
Ballymacrickett raced into an early lead putting up 2.2 by half time against the wind. The second half saw Bunscol pile on the pressure but it was well soaked up by Ballymacrickett who saw out the game, assisted by excellent goalkeeping to be crowned champions.
A great morning of football with excellent skills and brilliant individual and team displays from all three teams.
Thanks from Aontroim CNMB go to Gerard Dougan for refereeing, St Louis for the use of their facilities and to Antrim footballer Paddy McAleer for taking time out to talk to the boys and present medals.
Player of the tournament was Alfie Laing, Ballymacrickett.
The Ulster Poc Fada 2026 took place on Tuesday 16th June at Gowkstown Hill, Glenarm, with Shane O’Neill’s GAC once again providing an excellent venue and organisation for the annual event.
Competitors faced a demanding mountain course, testing both striking ability and endurance
Ulster Camogie chairperson Karen McCormick presents the Under 16 Girls trophy to Gráinne McAleenan of Liatroim Fontenoys, DownUlster GAA vice-chairman Declan Woods presents the Under 16 Trophy to Damian Lavery of Loughgiel Shamrocks and AntrimLadies Senior winner Eimear Colton (Naomh Treasa, Tyrone) receives her award from Ulster Camogie chairperson Karen McCormickSenior runner-up Connor Delaney of Coothill Celtic and Cavan, who also goes through to the All Ireland final on August, receives his award from Ulster GAA vice-chairman Declan WoodsSean Og McLaren of Naomh Pól, and Antrim retained his Ulster title and set a new course record with a winning score of 23 pocs and 191yds. Sean Og is seen here receiving his awards from Ulster GAA vice-chairman Declan WoodsThe two Ulster champions Damian Laverty and Sean Og McLarenThe four Ulster title winners and Senior runner up who go through to represent the province in the All Ireland final on August Bank Holiday Monday on the Cooley Mountains in Louth.The four Ulster title winners and Senior runner up who go through to represent the province in the All Ireland final on August Bank Holiday Monday on the Cooley Mountains in Louth. Included are Ulster GAA vice chairman Declan Woods and Ulster Camogie chairperson Karen McCormick. L-R, Senior Ladies: Eimear Colton (Naomh Treasa, Tyrone), Damian Laverty, Loughgiel and Antrim, Sean Og McLaren, St Paul’s and Antrim, Connor Delaney of Cavan and Gráinne McAleenan of Liatroim Fontenoys and Down. Pic by John McIlwaine
Senior Men: Sean Og McLaren (Naomh Pól, Antrim) claimed the title and set a new course record with a winning score of 23 pocs and 191yds, holding off strong challenges from Connor Delaney (Cavan) and Finbarr Kelly (Down), both on 24.
Senior Ladies: Eimear Colton (Naomh Treasa, Tyrone) delivered an impressive performance to take the honours on 31 pocs, ahead of Ciarraí Devlin (Armagh) and Charlie Kelly (Down).
U16 Boys: Damian Laverty (Loughgiel Shamrocks, Antrim) secured victory on 26 pocs and 119yds, just edging Fiachna McAleenan (Down)
U16 Girls: Gráinne McAleenan (Liatroim Fontenoys, Down) topped the standings with 35 pocs, finishing ahead of Annie Fox-McGlone (Tyrone) and Cara Rose Griffin (Derry) both on 36
The four winners, along with Senior Men’s runner-up Connor Delaney, now progress to the All-Ireland Poc Fada Finals, which take place on Monday 3rd August 2026 on Annaverna Mountain, Co. Louth.
Ulster GAA and Ulster Camogie extend sincere thanks to Shane O’Neill’s GAC, St John Ambulance, all officials, volunteers, competitors and their spotters for ensuring another successful staging of this unique and historic event and wish our Ulster Representatives the best of luck in the All-Ireland Final.
Kevin Kelly of Ulster GAA points out the path ahead
Kevin Kelly of Ulster GAA points out the path ahead
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The McCaughan Cup final at the Brustin Braes, Larne, saw Cloughmills 2nds secure a hard fought1-21 to 1-16 victory over Loughgiel 3rds in a thoroughly entertaining game. Cloughmills got away to a blistering start, setting the tone just 14 seconds in with a point from Liam Kearns. Eoin Dobbin doubled their advantage on three minutes before Cahir McGrath opened Loughgiel’s account from a free. Cloughmills then surged ahead when Kearns beautifully caught a high ball, swiveled, and planted it in the bottom corner of the net at the seven-minute mark. Thirty seconds later, Michael Reid fired over a point to put his side in a commanding position, followed quickly by another from Kearns and an excellent distance strike from Dobbin.
Despite Cloughmills creating plenty of chances, they began to shoot a lot of wides, allowing Loughgiel to come back into the game and close the gap. Niall ‘Cowboy’ McFadden sparked the revival on 12 minutes with a fine score, before immediately winning the subsequent puck-out and sending it back over the bar. Aodhan McFadden and Cahir McGrath added good points from the wing to narrow the deficit. Although Eoin Dobbin landed a fantastic long-range point from inside his own half for Cloughmills, Loughgiel struck a major blow on 20 minutes when full-back Conor Dallas impressively soloed up the field to join the forwards and fired to the net, bringing his team right back into contention. The sides traded scores approaching the break, with Shemus Duffin, Ruairi Laverty, and Kearns pointing for Cloughmills, while Odhran McMullan accurately converted a distance free for Loughgiel, leaving the halftime score delicately poised at 1-09 to 1-07.
At the start of the second half, Cloughmills were once again first out of the traps. They hit three unanswered points through Stephen Smyth, Liam Kearns, and Conor Mc Kendry to stretch their gap to five. Loughgiel responded well through a Cahir McGrath free, but Cloughmills maintained their momentum when Stephen Smyth ran through from midfield to strike a fine point off his left side. Loughgiel continued to press, with Niall McFadden and McGrath adding to their tally, and Odhran McMullan brilliantly striking another long-range free straight over the bar. Michael McGarry then narrowed the gap further with a great point from midfield on 16 minutes.
Loughgiel kept chipping away at the lead, but Cloughmills weathered the storm superbly in the final quarter. Stephen Smyth immediately replied to McGarry’s effort with an equally good strike from midfield for Cloughmills. Eoin Dobbin then added two excellent points from distance, while Smyth raised another white flag to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Liam Kearns effectively sealed the victory on 28 minutes, stretching the Cloughmills advantage to eight points. Loughgiel fought to the bitter end, registering impressive late points from Conor Dallas on the right wing, a monstrous strike from Odhran McMullan that was the longest point of the night, and additional scores from Michael McGarry and . However, a late point from Conor Mc Kendry and the resilient Cloughmills attack ensured they went on to win convincingly in the end.
Naomh Bríd (Cloughmills): 1 Cathaoir McFerran, 2 Jack McDowall, 3 Corey Blair, 4 Sean McKendry, 5 Reece Watt, 6 Ruairi Laverty, 7 Dara Watterson, 8 Stephen Smyth, 9 Aaron McGuckian, 10 Michael Reid, 11 Eoin Dobbin, 12 Shemus Duffin, 13 Ryan Watson, 14 Liam Kearns, 15 Conor Mc Kendry,
Subs – 17 Johnny Duffin, 18 Geoffrey Og Laverty, 19 Timothy McNeill, 20 James O’Boyle.
Na Seamróga (Loughgiel): 1 D Ó Mullan, 2 T McNulty, 3 Conor Dallas, 4 Ger McFadden, 5 Dara McGivern, 6 Odhran McMullan, 7 Charley O’Hagan, 8 Aodhan McFadden, 9 Michael McGarry, 10 Patrick Bradley, 11 Niall McFadden, 12 Dylan Devlin, 13 Tomás McIntyre, 14 Cahir McGrath, 15 Odhran McGrath,
Subs – 16 Danny McAuley, 17 Ronan Casey, 18 Tiernan McFadden, 19 Anthony McCloskey, 20 C McMahon.
Referee – Deaglan Carey – Con Magees
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