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by thesaffrongael

Smash and Grab Cuchullains Take the Points 

Senior Football League

Division One

All Saints 1-13 Dunloy 0-17

Wednesday 6 May

Brendan McTaggart reports from Quinn Park, Ballymena

Dunloy recorded their second league victory of the year on Wednesday evening as they produced a smash and grab win over All Saints.  Leading by four with a little over 11 minutes left, the Cuchullains had to withstand a barrage of attacks from the Ballymena men and when Cal O’Brien tied the scores by splitting the uprights for his second of the evening, it looked like there was only going to be one winner.

Dunloy managed to break free from the resulting kickout and Jack Martin converted the winning score with what was the last action of the contest.

The Saints weren’t happy coming off the pitch and you can understand why.  The home side were dominant in those closing stages and should have put the game to bed but they switched off for the last kick out of the game and Dunloy took full advantage.

Despite Dunloy opening the scoring with Tom McFerran’s first of seven points, it was the home side who started brightly.  Brendan McDonnell and O’Brien were excellent in attack while Connell Lemon, Peter McNicholl and Peter McReynolds movement was always giving them an option.  McDonnell fired over a brace of scores and while Dunloy defender James Scally tied the scores, the Ballymena men were giving the Dunloy defence a torrid time.  Sean McVeigh popped up to score the first two pointer of the game and and McDonnell converted his second free of the match soon after.  

The only goal of the game came in the 13th minute, coming at the end of a patient move before McDonnell provided the injection of pace to get the yard needed in the danger area and gave the Saints a 1-5 to 0-2 lead.

The home side wouldn’t register another score for fully 15 minutes however as Dunloy began to find their feet.  Three points in as many minutes from Nigel Elliott, Jack Martin and McFerran left McDonnell’s major the only score between the sides but a brace of frees from Eoghan ‘Corkery’ McGrath brought the visitors to Quinn Park to within one point going in to the final 10 minutes of the half.   

McDonnell took his tally to 1-4 for the half with his third free of the game but a brilliant two pointer from McFerran had the sides all square at the short whistle.

On reflection, the sides being tied at the interval was a fair reflection on that opening 30 minutes.  All Saints started superbly but when Dunloy began to win ball in the middle third, they showed how devastating their attack can be.

The Cuchullains started the second half on top and had opened a four point lead inside the opening eight minutes of the half – scores coming from McFerran and McGrath before McFerran added his second two pointer of the game and take his personal tally to 0-7.

The Ballymena men began to settle into the second half with Lemon and O’Brien splitting the uprights in response to scores from McGrath and Ryan McGarry as the Cuchullians maintained that four point lead going into the final quarter.

The home side found another gear however with substitute Ronan McKillop playing a pivotal role.  He would score three points in a little over six minutes with Lemon adding his second of the night and while Nigel Elliott replied for the Cuchullains, the Dunloy lead was cut to the minimum going into the final minute of the 60.

As injury time was announced, All Saints were on the prowl once again.  They looked for a way into the Dunloy defence and O’Brien provided the composure when required to tie the scores.

There looked like there would only be one winner at that point but Dunloy somehow managed to break.  Chrissy McMahon’s kickout finding Donnacha Laverty free in the middle third and the young Dunloy forward began the attack.  Two passes later, the ball was fed to Jack Martin and he split the uprights to score his second of the match and effectively hit the match winning point.

All Saints will be hoping to get back to winning ways next Wednesday when they host Cargin while Dunloy will welcome St Paul’s to Pearse Park on the same evening.

TEAMS

ALL SAINTS: Ryan Stewart; Oliver O’Rawe, Michael Read, Ryan Thom; Charlie Metrusty, Connell Lemon, Matthew Downey; Emmet Killough, Peter McNicholl; Harry Connon, Cal O’Brien, Peter McReynolds; Sean McVeigh, Brendan McDonnell, Darach Bradley

Subs: Joe Rafferty for R Thom (HT), Sean McDermott for M Downey (HT), James Gillan for S McVeigh (38), Ronan McKillop for D Bradley (38)

Scorers: B McDonnell 1-4 (3fs), R McKillop 0-3, S McVeigh 0-2 (1tp), C O’Brien 0-2, C Lemon 0-2

DUNLOY: Chrissy McMahon; Michael Traynor, Sean Og Blaney; James Scally, Aaron Crawford, Conor Kinsella; Ryan McGarry, Ciaran McQuillan; Jack Martin, Tom McFerran, Aodhan McGarry; Eoghan McGrath, Nigel Elliott, Karl Fitzpatrick

Subs: Donnacha Laverty for J Scally (15), Emmet McKendry for K Fitzpatrick (54)

Scorers: T McFerran 0-7 (2tp), E McGrath 0-4 (2fs), N Elliott 0-2, J Martin 0-2, J Scally 0-1, R McGarry 0-1

Referee: Ray Matthews (Rossa)

To see more of Brendan’s photos from the game, follow the link below….

https://myalbum.com/album/m9RNasqgxhXN7t/?invite=2636025c-ab29-4267-b8e1-d2233705e2f7

by thesaffrongael

Cushendall stay unbeaten with a win over Dunloy in a great contest

Antrim Camogie League – Division 1

Cushendall 3-13 Dunloy 1-09

League champions Cushendall continued their unbeaten run in the Antrim Division 1 Camogie league with an impressive win over Dunloy at Pairc Mhuire, Cushendall. It has to be said that both teams fielded without their county players, but Dunloy were affected more than Cushendall, but despite both being short, this turned out to be an excellent game which was fiercely contested from start to finish. Dunloy started very well and managed to build a strong lead early on, despite playing into a stiff breeze. After Eva McNeill opened the scoring for the home side with an early free, Dunloy quickly took control. Aine Magill leveled the game with a point from play before Caoimhe Molloy edged them ahead with a free. Magill then fired a goal to the net, and although Cliodhna Thompson responded with a point for Cushendall, Molloy tapped over another free to establish a five-point advantage for the visitors.

Cushendall soon settled into the game however and began to make use of the conditions. Eva McNeill spearheaded their revival, hitting a 45 and adding a point from play, alongside a fine score from Kady McNeill. Eva McNeill then drove a free to the back of the net to put Cushendall in front, following it up with another point from play shortly after. Dervla Cosgrove added a point from a free, and Eva McNeill struck again to extend the gap. Just before the interval, Cliodhna Thompson found the net for Cushendall’s second goal. Dunloy managed to finish the half with late points from a Caoimhe Molloy free and an Aine Magill effort from play, but Cushendall held a commanding 2-09 to 1-05 lead at the break.

After the restart, Eva McNeill extended the Cushendall lead with a free, but Dunloy quickly responded. They hit three quick points from play through Eimear Johnston, Aine Magill, and Erin McMullan, and appeared to be on course to close the gap when McMullan added her second to leave just four points between the sides. However, Cushendall steadied the ship and regained control of the contest. Brogan Abram broke Dunloy’s momentum with a crucial point from play, and Eva McNeill added another free to keep the scoreboard ticking. The result was put completely beyond doubt when Kady McNeill struck for Cushendall’s third goal in the 21st minute. Eva McNeill concluded the scoring with a late free, ensuring Cushendall maintained their unbeaten streak with an impressive 3-13 to 1-09 victory.

Ruairí Óg: 1 Orlagh Burke, 2 Laoise McCollam, 3 Anna McNeill, 4 Tamara Black, 5 Ellen Leech, 6 Abi McNeill, 7 Aoife McClafferty, 8 Dervla Cosgrove, 9 Siobhan McKillop, 10 Brogan Abram, 11 Orlaith McCurry, 12 Rhianna Black, 13 Cliodhna Thompson, 14 Eva McNeill, 15 Kady McNeill.

Dunloy: 1 Clodagh OKane, 2 Sarah McIlhatton, 3 Brid Magill, 4 Kathryn Boyle, 5 Katharine Mullan, 6 Katie Laverty, 7 Eilis Kearns, 8 Eimear McMullan, 9 Eimear Johnston, 10 Bronach Magill, 11 Caoimhe Molloy, 12 Caitlin Crawford, 13 Erin McMullan, 14 Dearbhail Elliott, 15 Aine Magill.

Referee – Owen Elliott

TO SEE ALL THE PHOTOS FROM THIS GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

https://myalbum.com/album/BtpMY6dMVmRooo/?invite=e890fd53-3f9f-4d2d-be3f-17486722688b

by thesaffrongael

Loughgiel drive home for the win despite Ballycastle’s intentions

Antrim Camogie League Senior Div 1 Round 4 Tuesday 5th May 2026

Loughgiel 2-16 Ballycastle 0-10

Match report and photos from Michael Corcoran at Fr. Healy Park, Loughgiel

Tonight’s league encounter delved out a great show of strength and tenacity, the Shamrocks displaying strength along the defence to frustrate their opponents and Ballycastle bringing tenacity to the rucks and intercepts. On a chilly evening brought about by a persistent northerly breeze, Ballycastle opted to use that element on their backs in the first half after winning the toss. The Town was able to hold their own for the most part but heading into the break one point behind, the odds had already stacked against the black and amber jerseys to contain the Shamrocks despite a good show of determination.

No sooner had Shane McDonnell rolled in at the top of the hour, when Loughgiel were on the offensive deep into Town territory. Loughgiel’s Marie Laverty had her close quartered shot to goal well saved by Erin O’Hara but Laverty got a second chance as the sliotar came out for a skilful flick up into the top of the net for an opening green flag.

Ballycastle replied with a good point coming in from the terrace side from Nuala Devlin and Ballycastle spirits were soon heightened again with a threat to goal from Devlin but diffused by Megan McGarry with an outstretched arm over the line for the forty five. Ballycastle’s Louise McBride drifted that cleanly over the bar to pull up behind the Shamrocks 1-00 to 0-02.

Loughgiel’s point from Ceala Dobbin brought the Shamrocks back into the game before a foul on Louise McBride offered her a point to close the gap to only one point again. Loughgiel’s Carla Sullivan playing in a left full forward position took a pass routed to her from Anna McKillop and wasted no time in splitting the posts for a 1-02 to 0-03 scoreline after approximately fifteen minutes.

Ballycastle’s Louise McBride soars over another point for the Town in tonight’s league game

Ballycastle’s McBride was in superlative shooting form and pointed another free over Loughgiels bar followed by two more points from Loughgiel’s Shanna Deery from Marie Laverty and Sullivan again. Ballycastle’s McBride replied again from a free before the Shamrocks inched further ahead with two fine points from Marie Laverty and Annie Lynn, after being on the receiving end of a Sullivan to Deery delivery. Eighteen minutes had elapsed on the scoreboard clock to accompany the scoreline Loughgiel 1-06 Ballycastle 0-05.

Ballycastle dug deep and responded from sideline instructions, crafting three more points from McBride and Shannon McQuillan from frees and a point from play as McQuillan picked up a loose sliotar and opted for a short solo run to build space for taking her point.

McQuillan was enjoying a spell of fortune as a Cara Delaney free dropped to McQuillan and if it hadn’t been for a super block from Loughgiel’s Charlene Campbell, The Town could have had a real goal chance from close quarters.

Loughgiel’s Megan McGarry and Charlene Campbell were instrumental in diffusing three close quarter threats to goal in last night’s league game

McBride would keep up her scoring accuracy and clipped the sliotar over Loughgiel’s bar for the Town’s ninth point and with only a couple of minutes left in the first half, Loughgiel’s Annie Lynn pushed hard through Ballycastle’s defence to point and walk in at the break, Loughgiel 1-07 Ballycastle 0-09.

The second half proved to be a test for the Town as the Shamrocks took the chilling breeze on their backs and within a few minutes, Carlina Sullivan found a running Annie Lynn in space, who punished the back of the net for a fine goal.

The Shamrocks now took control of the game and clocked up five more points before Ballycastle replied with another McBride free after nearly twenty minutes of play in the second half. At eight points the difference, Loughgiel made that twelve with four points in succession. One of those points came from an edge of the box awarded free that teased for a penalty. Anna McKillop stepped in for the point but at one stage players had assumed a penalty and the box was empty except for the Ballycastle goalkeeper, Erin O’Hara. A scramble of amber and black jerseys rectified the situation, leaving some Loughgiel spectators to reflect on a missed opportunity.

Loughgiel’s Louise McKillop takes a tumble along with Ballycastle’s Eimear McCaughan in last night’s league encounter

The long whistle came shortly afterwards, leaving the large scoreboard to announce the final result, Loughgiel 2-16 Ballycastle 0-10 in round four of the senior division 1 league.

Loughgiel starting panel and scorers

Emma McAllister, Charlene Campbell, Megan McGarry, Aoibheann Gillan, Finvola McVeigh, Katie Lynn, Ciara Laverty, Anna Connolly, Louise McKillop, Annie Lynn 1-04, Marie Laverty 1-03 (1×45, 1f), Shanna Deery 0-01, Ceala Dobbin 0-01, Anna McKillop 0-02, Carlina Sullivan 0-04, Eimear McKinley 0-01

Ballycastle starting panel and scorers

Erin O’Hara, Christina Hamilton, Enya McShane, Catherine McShane, Cara Delaney, Fay McIntosh, Fiadh Sands, Aoife Toner, Niamh Ann Donnelly, Eimear McCaughan, Louise McBride 0-07 (1×45, 6f), Fionnuala Toner, Faye Roddy, Nuala Devlin 0-01, Shannon McQuillan 0-02 (1f)

You can see more photos from tonight’s game by following the link…

https://myalbum.com/album/VgqfEGafiRSExd/?invite=710dc02c-2466-42e5-b9ea-11adc3d0603b

by thesaffrongael

Naomh Bríd claim first league victory with impressive display at Musgrave Park

Antrim Hurling League – Division 3

St Brigid’s 4-15 Con Magees 0-20

Naomh Bríd secured their first win of the league campaign with a commanding performance against reigning Antrim Junior Hurling champions Glenravel at Musgrave Park on Sunday

The home side made a bright start, with Brian McGurk and James Kelly setting the tone early on by registering some excellent points. Naomh Bríd’s attacking intent paid off when David Prenter delivered a superb ball across goal to Cathal Conway, who finished emphatically at the back post for his first goal of the game.

Naomh Bríd continued to apply pressure throughout the opening half, and just before the interval, Conn Flannery showed great awareness to intercept a stray Glenravel pass and split the posts, extending the advantage.

Naomh Bríd 2-8 Glenravel 0-8

Glenravel responded well after the break, with Conleth O’Loan striking three points in succession to reduce the deficit. However, James Kelly proved vital for Naomh Bríd, maintaining their momentum with a series of accurate scores from placed balls.

A key moment came with the introduction of Fionn McCann, who made an immediate impact by turning over possession deep in the Glenravel defence. The ball broke to David Prenter, who made no mistake in finding the net to give Naomh Bríd further breathing room.

Glenravel pushed hard in the closing stages and were awarded a penalty with just two minutes remaining, but their effort sailed over the bar, summing up a frustrating day in front of goal.

by thesaffrongael

Antrim had too much power for Carlow despite injuries and illness

Leinster Minor B Hurling Championship

Antrim v Carlow at Abbotstown

As Antrim minor hurlers final game of the round-robin series against Carlow in the Leinster B Championshp had no significant impact on the league table it gave manager Alan Rainey and his backroom team the chance to cast their eyes over some of the fringe players, a sitauation created due to sickness and injuries within the squad.

The tone was set within the opening sixty seconds of the game when points from Conal Dempsey and Jay Gault got the score-board up and running.
Carlow to their credit worked hard and forced Antrim to produce some scintillating hurling.
Antrims first of three green flags was worth the wait. A ball worked out of defence through the lines and into an ever dangerous forward line for Conal Dempsey to hit the back of the Carlow net.
Carlow continued to pick off points and particularly from the dead ball where they showed an exhibition of free taking.
Defensively Antrim were very disciplined and worked extremely hard limiting Carlow to four points from play.
Their midfield marshalled the game, turning ball over while grabbing some big scores themselves.
Upfront the forwards battled tirelessly together and picked off some well taken scores under pressure.
Overall a dominant performance to top the group and set up a semi-final meeting with Kerry next Saturday.