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by thesaffrongael

Historical AIB All Star Awards in Croke Park

Loughgiel’s Lucia McNaughton, Clare McKillop and Amy Boyle at the AIB All Star Awards in Croke Park.

Report and photographs from Michael Corcoran in Croke Park

For the first time in the ‘AIB Club Player Awards’, all four codes of Gaelic football, Ladies football, Camogie and Hurling were united in a landmark awards ceremony in Croke Park.

Gathered amongst the Uachtaráin of Cumann Lúthcleas Gael and An Cumann Camógaíochta, estemmed guests, the award winners, their families and friends, a special mention was given to members of Cumann Peil Gael na mBan, joining the awards for the first time, making it an historic year for the Championships.

Altogether, 60 players took to the stage and received their awards for their unwavering commitment, their tireless training, on field performance and contribution to their club’s championship campaign in 2024. Of particular relevance to Antrim, was the attendance of Lucia McNaughton, Clare McKillop and Amy Boyle from Loughgiel Shamrocks, who were selected onto the AIB Camogie team of the year 2024.

Each award has been beautifully made to be slightly different and therefore personal

Clare’s citation: Stood out as solid in the Ulster semi final defeat of Clonduff and provided the glue for a defensive effort that held Swatragh to just five points in the provincial decider. The Antrim senior has forged a reputation as one of Ulster’s very best defenders.

Amy’s citation: The Antrim captain is a force of nature in the middle third and lit up both her province and beyond. Boyle seemed to pride herself coming away from rucks and breaking ball contests with the sliotar in her hand. Intercepted a Sarsfields pass out of defence to setup a Roisin McCormick goal in the All-Ireland semi final, summing up what she’s all about.

Lucia’s citation: An experienced and respected figure in the Shamrock’s camp. Pilfered 0-2 and 0-3 tallies in the Ulster semi final and final, though did her best work in general play, creating and cajoling. Provided the pass for Caitrin Dobbin’s goal, which ended the Ulster final as a contest. Dobbin then played McNaughton in for a goal during their early blitzkrieg against Sarsfields in the All Ireland semi final.

You can see more photos from the awards in our photo album here…

https://myalbum.com/album/bzD4hmGz66BT5u/?invite=1cc58250-4008-48ed-b157-3643c28f62ca

by thesaffrongael

St Louis edge out St Mary’s in goal-fest final

Gaelfast Year 8 Football Cup final

St Louis Ballymena 6-6 St Mary’s CBGS 6-04

The Year 8 Gaelic Football final between St. Louis and St. Mary’s was a thrilling encounter, full of drama, excitement, and exceptional skill. The two teams gave it their all, but it was St. Louis who emerged victorious with a narrow win, securing a 6-6 to 6-4 victory.

The match began with early exchanges as both teams looked to settle into the game. St. Louis took the lead through a well-taken goal from their forward, Oisin Anyalechi, who found the back of the net with a clinical strike. St. Louis were soon on the scoreboard again, this time with a point from Thomas Mathhews, who slotted over a well-timed effort. St. Mary’s responded swiftly, with Ryan Hughes adding a point, but St. Louis quickly regained control with another goal, this time from Ronan Laverty, who managed to fire home a powerful shot into the net.

St. Mary’s weren’t to be outdone as Taylor Magee scored a brilliant goal to bring them back into the game, keeping the match finely balanced. After a short spell of dominance from St. Louis, they were back at it, with Kiran Jayaprkash scoring another goal to extend their lead. St. Mary’s continued to push forward, and it was Taylor Magee once again who scored a second goal for his team, keeping the contest alive. However, Lorcan Douglas of St. Mary’s added a point shortly after, narrowing the gap.

The Ballymena school found the net once more through a brilliant goal from Cahan O’Kane while Matthews added a point to extend St. Louis’ lead further as the first half drew to a close.

The second half started with plenty of attacking intent, and it was St. Mary’s who made the first breakthrough, with Tom Harbinson scoring a well-taken goal. St. Louis, however, replied with a point from Conan McKeever before St. Louis added another point, showing the team’s composure. St. Mary’s continued to fight back, with Austin scoring another goal, followed quickly by a goal from Ryan Hughes, making it a nail-biting contest. However, St. Louis responded in spectacular fashion, with Kiran Jayaprakash firing in another goal to push them back ahead. Conan McKeever added a point from play, and St. Louis extended their lead further with a free kick point from McKeever, keeping their noses in front. Laverty of St. Louis added a final point to seal the victory as the game drew to a close. Final Score: St. Louis 6.6 (24 points) St. Mary’s 6.4 (22 points)

The game was a fantastic display of Gaelic football, with both teams demonstrating great determination and skill throughout. St. Louis’ attacking strength proved too much for St. Mary’s in the end, as they held on for a thrilling victory. Both teams should be proud of their performances, making it a memorable final for all involved.

by thesaffrongael

Cargin off to a winning start

ACFL Division One

St Mary’s Ahoghill 1-13 Erin’s Own Cargin 5-18

Reigning county senior champions, Cargin got their league programme off to a positive start when the travelled to Clooney on Saturday evening and returned with a win over St Mary’s Ahoghill.

Ahoghill, now under the guidance of Eamon Brady gave their hosts problems in the opening period and a Ronan Graham goal had closed the gap at one stage but with big Pat Shivers causing problems, the visitors had nipped away to a clear lead at the end of the first period.

The Toome men attacked from the start and a trio of whites raised by the impressive Shivers, Michael Mc Cann and his brother Tomas ensured a good getaway for the visitors.

Tomas Mc Cann nipped in to find the net following a fine Gerard McCann fetch in the 9th minute and Pat Shivers finished to the net after being placed by Michael Mc Cann.

The home side had four points on the board at this stage after both Ronan Graham and James 0’Connell had collected two pointers apiece from back to back free kicks.

Cargin led 2-08 to 0-04 after 21 minutes but when a lofted delivery was finished to the net by Ronan Graham the home side seemed to be getting to grips with their mid-fielder, Danny O’ Neill, and James O’ Connell working hard.

Cargin had other ideas and moving the ball at pace Conan Johnston and Jamie Gribbin combined to open the way for Tom Shivers to add another goal with Pat Shivers following with a point.

Cargin had regained control and Gerard McCann and Tomas McCann combined in stylish approach to open the way for the latter to find the back of the net and ensure a 4-10 to 1-09 interval advantage.

The visitor’s started the second half as they had finished the first with Tomas McCann and Jamie Gribbin raising early white flags.

The Toome men were well on top and Sean Og Quinn and Ronan Gribbin combined to set up Gerard McCann to point before creating the space for Tom Shivers to add a second major.

The visitors had grabbed a firm grip on proceedings as the second period progressed with Ronan Devlin’s men continuing to dominate as James Laverty and Harry O’ Donnell swapped points at either end.

The Gribbin brothers Jamie and Callum added points for the visitors in the latter stages with Neil O’ Connell having the last say with a late point with Cargin breasting the line, first league points secured at 5-18 to 1-13.

Ahoghill: Aodhan Graham, Shea Neeson, Past Dougan, Seamus Mc keever, Fionbar O’ Neill, Diarmuid Graham, Harry O’ Donnell (0-01), James Magee, Ronan Graham (1-04*), Colla Mc Donnell, James O’ Connell (0-04**), Danny O’ Neill (0-01), Neil O’ Connell (0-01), Conor Crossey

Cargin: John Mc Nabb, Sean og Quinn, Kevin O’ Boyle, Conan Johnston (0-01), Ronan Gribbin, Benen Kelly (0-01), James Laverty (0-01), Kevin Mc Shane, Gerard Mc Cann (0-02), John Carron, Tom Shivers (2-02), Jamie Gribbin (0-03), Tomas Mc Cann (1-04), Pat Shivers (1-05), Michael Mc Cann (0-01)

Subs

Callum Gribbin (0-02)

Charlie Mc Cann

Jack Harney

Referee Ray Matthews (Rossa)

by thesaffrongael

Lámhs edge to opening day victory 

O’Neills ACFL Division 1 

Lámh Dhearg 3-14-2-14 Tir na nÓg 

Kevin Herron reports from Hannahstown 

Lámh Dhearg got their league season off to a winning start with a 3-14-2-14 win over Tir na nÓg at Hannahstown on Saturday afternoon. 

The visitors got off to the perfect start and were ahead through a two-pointer from Alex O’Donnell, with Terry McCrudden replying from a forward mark. 

Tir na nÓog extended their advantage with Joshua Higgins and Darragh Fagan on hand to pop over scores. 

Midway through the half, Lámh Dhearg drew level when captain Terry McCrudden was played through after a neat exchange of passes and he slotted low to the net to level at 1-01-0-04. 

The Red hands led for the first time through a fine Donal Martin point and doubled it soon after through Conor Murray’s opening score of the afternoon. 

Parity was restored momentarily when Aaron McNeilly kicked his sides second two-pointer of the half, but Lámh Dhearg found the net for the second time in response. 

Eoin Matassa collected the resulting kick-out and opted for a long ball into the forward line and Ryan Diamond peeled into a dangerous position, took a short pass from Adam Murray and shot low into the corner of the net. 

McNeilly clipped over his second score of the half as Lámh Dhearg held a slender 2-03-0-07 lead at the midway point. 

Lámh Dhearg began the second half in the ascendancy with Adam Murray popping over and they found the net shortly after when Conor Murray forced a turnover and play was switched into the path of McCrudden to double his goal-tally for the afternoon and make it 3-04-0-07. 

Conor Murray shot over his second of the afternoon but Tir na nÓg were gifted a route back into the game after a foot-block was penalised by referee Collie Thompson and Darragh Fagan confidently slotted home from the spot. 

Points were traded in the aftermath by Adam Murray and McNeilly but Lámh Dhearg pulled clear when Murray and substitute Evan Stanley hit back-to-back scores, Murray then shot over from the edge of the arc to land his sides only two-pointer of proceedings and would shoot over his fifth of the game shortly afterwards to give his side a 3-11-1-08 lead.

Tir na nÓg weren’t deterred however and chipped away at the hosts. Aaron McNeilly landed his fourth score and midfielder Ciaran O’Neill guided a shot between the posts. 

Then on the 47th minute Darragh Fagan netted for the second time when he fisted a floated sideline ball to the net at the near post to make it 3-11–2-10. 

A third goal was almost forthcoming, though Ciaran O’Neill shot straight at John Finucane in the Lámhs goal and after defence turned to attack, Conor Murray eased some of the pressure with his third point of the afternoon. 

Darragh Fegan steered an angled shot between the posts but back-to-back converted Murray frees had the hosts 3-14-2-11 ahead going down the home straight. 

Aaron McNeilly kicked his sides third two-pointer and Fegan added another point to reduce arrears to three on the stroke of regulation time. 

The Lámhs saw the game out thereafter to make a winning start to the campaign ahead of a difficult trip to Toome next weekend, whilst Tir na nÓg will hope to get their first points on the board when they host Aldergrove. 

Lámh Dhearg: J Finucane, R Murray, P Mervyn, M McGarry, D Smyth, D Lynch, E Matassa, C Boyd, P Fitsimons, D Murray, C Murray (0-5, 0-2f), R Diamond (1-0), D Martin (0-1), T McCrudden (2-1,0-1f), A Murray (0-6). Subs: N McGarry for R Diamond (40), E Stanley (0-1) for D Murray (40), S McCarthy for P Mervyn (52). 

Tir na nÓg: SP McAtamney, S McKeown, C McGrellis, D Mallon, P McCloskey, B McLarnon, C Logan, C O’Neill (0-1), R O’Neill, C McCamphill, J Higgins (0-1), A McNeilly (0-7), C Smith, D Fagan (2-3, 1-0p), A O’Donnell (0-2). Subs:  M Smith for C McCamphill (HT), D McLarnon for A O’Donnell (39), B Devlin for D Mallon (52). 

Referee: Collie Thompson (Naomh Eoin)

by thesaffrongael

Antrim book their place in the league final

Antrim’s Amy Boyle muscles in ahead of Down’s Aimee McAleenan

Antrim 1-16 Down 0-12 

Match report and photos from Antrim Camogie PRO, Michael Corcoran in Ahoghill 

Six minutes into the first half of today’s Very National League encounter between Antrim and Down would leave a watermark, whenever Antrim’s Annie Lynn would raise the green flag from a skillful pull into the right side of Down’s goals, beyond the reach of temporary goalkeeper, Neisha McCullough. Down would shadow Antrim all the way to the short whistle with only that goal and a point the difference but the Saffrons would return to the field for the last thirty-three minutes in a dominant role, much of it physical, with periods of skillfull hooking and blocking that kept their opponents from working their way back into a winning position. 

Antrim would be the first to visit their opponents scoring zone within the first two minutes of the throw-in but early attempts from Annie Lynn and Katie Molloy would drift wide. It would take a foul on Katie Molloy for Dervla Cosgrove to convert that to a point after five minutes on the clock and then a Caitrin Dobbin/Katie Molloy advance at close quarters would force the sliotar out wide for Annie Lynn to pull on the ground ball for the only goal in the game. 

Down were able to close the score gap after Paula O’Hagan made good of a foul on Sophie McGrath and then returned for her own point in play after winning the sliotar the hard way from a ruck. Antrim would reply with three points on the trot with the third of those coming from a Nicole McAtamney textbook block that setup Caitrin Dobbin for the point. 

Down’s Tara Monan braces for an encounter with Antrim’s Caitrin Dobbin

Down, though, weren’t figuring on letting Antrim drift too far in front and replied with three points from fouls stemming from three in the hand and a slap of the stick but such was the ebb and flow of the early stages in the game, Antrim came right back with three points, Katie Molloy getting the best of those with a skillful pickup and delivery. 

With twenty-six minutes elapsed, a throw ball from Antrim would find the ball net from an accurate Paula O’Hagan free and it could have been two converted frees only O’Hagan’s angle for the second proved to be impracticable. Referee Bernard Heaney brought the first half to a close, Antrim 1-07 Down 0-06. 

Down’s sideline felt that they were initially slow to get into the game, and the second half would mirror those sentiments, as Antrim made frequent visits over Down’s bar for five in a row, Katie Molloy enjoying three of those with her first needing a cool redirect by goalkeeper McCullough over the bar. 

Down would now come back into the game at thirteen minutes as O’Hagan dropped another free over the bar and an opportunity to bump up the scoreboard from a penalty as Antrim’s goalkeeper, Becky Ellis, stood up an advancing Grace Cunningham more robustly than referee Heaney allowed. O’Hagan would fire the sliotar to Ellis’ right just inside the post, but her reach was sufficient to prevent Down from raising the green flag. O’Hagan though would make amends with a fine point from play after Down mounted a period of pressure in front of Antrim’s nets. Saoirse Sands would add to that with her own point before O’Hagan’s accuracy found the ball net from two more frees.  

Down’s Dearbhla Magee secures the catch as Antrim’s Maeve Kelly closes in

With only six points the difference, Down still had a window of opportunity despite the clock ticking down from twenty-six minutes of normal time and three added for injury but Antrim would tack on another two points in that time compared to Down’s one point from play by Grace Cunningham, and it would fall to Antrim’s Caitrin Dobbin to enjoy the last point in the game from a Sarah Fyfe pass before the long whistle brought proceedings to an end, score on the board Antrim 1-16 Down 0-12. 

Saturday’s result seals Antrim’s entry into the league final on the 29th March against Clare. Antrim will have a head-to-head with Clare on the 22nd for the last league game and neither side are likely to go all out, sensibly keeping something in reserve for the final. 

Antrim starters and scorers 

Becky Ellis, Clare McKillop, Katie Lynn, Caoimhe McNaughton, Erin Coulter, Eavanne Martin, Shannah Heggarty 0-01, Amy Boyle, Nicole McAtamney, Maeve Kelly 0-01, Lucia McNaughton, Dervla Cosgrove 0-04 (4f), Annie Lynn 1-01, Katie Molloy 0-05, Caitrin Dobbin 0-04 

Down starters and scorers 

Neisha McCullough, Clare McGilligan, Tara Monan, Aoife McDowell, Dearbhla Magee, Beth Fitzpatrick, Blanaid Savage, Dearbhla Coleman, Niamh Savage, Aimee McAleenan, Deirbhile Savage, Gerra McGrattan, Sophie McGrath, Erin Elliott, Paula O’Hagan 0-10 (8f), Grace Cunningham 0-01, Saoirse Sands 0-01 

More photos from today’s game, including the half time matches can be found in the album here… 

https://myalbum.com/album/n76BtNqzZF46h4/?invite=49151dce-9264-4c5b-b714-55b2536d5d51