January 26, 2026January 28, 2026 by thesaffrongael

Casement’s & Geraldine’s celebrate

Featured Image: The casements Minor Football Championship winning side with managers Gareth Kelly, Owen Doherty and Kevin Kidd

Casement’s & Geraldine’s Portglenone held their presentation dinner in the Wild Duck, Portglenone on Saturday night, attended by a large crowd.

Highlight of the evening’s Presentations were to their successful U16 and Minor Football sides who both collected County titles this year and to their U16 Camogs who were also County Champions.

Perhaps the loudest cheer of the night went to outgoing Secretary, Martin Kearney who has served the club in various positions for the past 30 plus years and to outgoing treasurer, Zara Convery with awards made to both.

The Casements Casements GAC Club Person of the Year was presented to Conor McAleese by Noel Kelly while the club presented a cheque to Saffron Gael on the night and we thank them for their continued support.

**The Casement’s U16 Footballers with their county trophy at the Wild Duck in Portglenone on Saturday night. Included are managers Nialll Kelly and Phelim McCloskey**

**Geraldine’s U16 Camogie team who collected the Antrim county title with their management team at the club’s Annual presentation evening in the Wild Duck on Saturday night**

Left to Right: John McKeever presents the Senior Footballer of the year award to Paddy Graffin: County Chairman, Seamus mcMullan and Casement’s Chairman, Noel Kelly present the Minor Championship cup to Ryan McKeever: County Chairman, Seamus McMullan presents the County U16 Football Cup to Tom Convery.

Jo Jo Darragh – Presentation in recognition of getting an Colleges All Star Award from Una Kelly, County chair person

TO VIEW MORE PHOTOGRAPHS FROM THE EVENING CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

https://myalbum.com/album/gUA2HMq5Xj3po2

January 2, 2026January 2, 2026 by thesaffrongael

Colin ‘Buckey’ McCambridge R.I.P.

It was with deep sadness that we learned this week of the passing of Colin ‘Buckey’ McCambridge, former All Saints and later Glenravel player.

I had the pleasure of managing this excellent young man as a juvenile player at All Saints where his contribution to his side was always immense. An excellent footballer who competed fiercely and was well respected by both his management and playing colleagues.

Colin went on to represent All Saints at senior level and his father, Henry RIP was a regular attender at many of his games while his brothers Henry, Declan and Adrian all played juvenile football for the Ballymena club where his uncle Brain has been a member of the All Saints club committee since its formation, 50 years ago.

Later in his career Colin played for Con Magee’s, Glenravel for a number of years and there too he gained the admiration of his colleagues for his strong contribution to their side.

Colin is survived by his wife Marika, sons Kaiden and Aian, his mother Catherine, brothers Henry, Declan and Adrian and sisters Siobhan and Kathryn and to them and his wider family circle we at the Saffron Gael extend our deepest sympathy.

Our Lady of the Gael, pray for him.

August 20, 2025August 20, 2025 by thesaffrongael

All Saints GAC Marquee weekend

Big 50th Bash

As All Saints GAC continue their celebration of providing Gaelic games in Ballymena for the past 50 years they are inviting fellow Gaels to join with them at their upcoming Marquee Weekend. Three nights of craic and fun across the Bank Holiday weekend await those who attend. Comedy and live big band music is scheduled across the 3 nights. Tickets are available from the link below.

https://bit.ly/Big50Weekend

July 19, 2025July 19, 2025 by thesaffrongael

20 Years of Frankie’s Nursery

By Brendan McTaggart

Friday evening in Dunloy Parish Centre, the crowds packed in with the promise of an evening full of craic and banter. It’s fair to say they delivered.

A fundraiser organised spearheaded by Neil McManus, culminated in an ‘Up for the Match’ style chat hosted by BBC’s Thomas Niblock where he had the expert views of Neil himself, Conal Cunning and two time All-Ireland winning player, two time All Star and two time National League winner, John Conlon.

The panel gave their views on the year that’s been and the final itself and how they see the game transpiring.

The evening itself kicked off with Thomas interviewing Fr PJ McCamphill and asking what made the now retired missioner begin the Nursery at his Parish in Kenya 20 years ago. In what is a truly inspiring story borne from tragic circumstances but ultimately sees the school thriving through the hard work and goodwill of those connected in memory of one of Dunloy’s favourite sons, Frankie McMullan.

Frankie’s daughters Orla and Eimear were both interviewed and gave their thoughts and feelings on the school made in their dad’s memory, the work that goes on and their hopes for the future. An inspiring tale to see such positivity and another example of the good that comes from a close-knit community.

McManus arranged to have a raffle for two of the hottest tickets in the country up for grabs – Sunday’s All-Ireland hurling final and entry to the Gaelic Players Association Legends Lunch, also on Sunday.

Congratulations to Dunloy’s Stephen O’Boyle who was the lucky name to have been pulled from the hat.

In a brilliant evening where even the threat of a power outage couldn’t derail the fundraiser. Almost as if someone was looking down on the Parish Hall in the north Antrim village to ensure it went as smoothly as possible.

Comhghairdeas libh go léir on what was a terrific fundraiser as Frankie’s Nursery goes from strength to strength.

TO SEE BRENDAN’S PICS FROM THIS EVENT CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

https://myalbum.com/album/vMPvxK6cuZTNmi/?invite=9f41f6ec-e132-45fe-8736-b78fb9a1db1b

July 15, 2025July 17, 2025 by thesaffrongael