Antrim Football League – Division 1

St Brigid’s 1-17 All Saints 0-08 at Musgrave Park

St Brigid’s secured a convincing victory over All Saints Ballymena in this Antrim Football League Division 1 clash at Musgrave Park. While St Brigid’s were the dominant force overall and well-deserved winners, the final 1-17 to 0-8 scoreline belies a spirited second-half performance from Ballymena. Had the visitors been more accurate in front of the posts, the contest could have been a lot closer.

St Brigid’s flew out of the traps, establishing control in the opening minutes with a flurry of points from play. Donal Harrison opened the scoring just 45 seconds in, followed by a point from Patrick Finnegan at the three-minute mark. Niall Duffy added an excellent individual point shortly after, and Brian Mc Gurk further extended the advantage after eight minutes. Ballymena finally got on the board at the 12-minute mark with a well-worked team point finished by Brendan McDonnell. Any momentum shift was quickly halted, however, by a superb save from St Brigid’s goalkeeper Fearghus Canning on 17 minutes. St Brigid’s continued to turn the screw as the half progressed. Brian Mc Gurk slotted his second point on 22 minutes, and shortly after, following a defensive infringement in the small square, Paul Bradley stepped up to confidently dispatch a penalty too the All Saints net. Patrick Finnegan closed the half with another point, leaving the half-time score at St Brigid’s 1-6, All Saints Ballymena 0-1.

The second half was a much more competitive affair. St Brigid’s resumed scoring within 30 seconds through a point from play, via JJ Higgins. Ballymena immediately answered with a Brendan McDonnell free on two minutes. Individual points were traded by Ballymena’s Brendan McDonnell and St Brigid’s Brian Mc Gurk before Ballymena looked to freshen their attack, bringing on Sean Mc Veigh to replace Sean O Brien. Brendan McDonnell then hit a purple patch, knocking over two consecutive points from play around the 12-minute mark to narrow the gap.

Ballymena goalkeeper Ryan Stewart produced an outstanding save to deny St Brigid’s Jack Dowling, but the Belfast men responded to the pressure with a point from Paul Bradley on 15 minutes. Ballymena suffered a setback when they had a player black carded on 19 minutes and St Brigid’s capitalized on the numerical advantage, and JJ Higgins added a point on 21 minutes, followed shortly by a goal. Joseph McCarney added a point at 23 minutes but Ballymena continued to fight valiantly, with Brendan McDonnell adding another point to his impressive tally. St Brigid’s orchestrated a well-worked team point finished by Niall Duffy, and Fearghus Canning was called into action again, making another crucial save for St Brigid’s. Ballymena’s persistence finally paid off with a late goal from the prolific Brendan McDonnell, and Cal O Brien converted a final free for Ballymena to close out the scoring.

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ACFL Division 2

St. Teresa’s 1-08 (11) — 0-10 (10) Davitt’s

St. Teresa’s entertained Davitt’s in the ACFL Division 2 on Wednesdaynight, eventually securing a hard-fought one-point victory under the evening sunshine on the Glen Road.

The game’s decisive blow landed as early as the 9th minute. A long delivery into the Davitt’s square was mishandled by keeper Aaron Slane, and Zachary Morgan reacted quickest to palm the ball to the net. Despite the goal, St. Teresa’s found themselves battling a stiff breeze in the opening half. They focused on a patient possession game with points from Anto Taylor and DarrenMcCann, but Davitt’s led 0-06 to 1-02 at the interval thanks to scores from Caomhan Slane (0-2), Deevy Persson, the excellent Sean O’Neill, and an Aaron Slane free.

St. Teresa’s struggled to find their rhythm after the restart, failing to push on even with the wind at their backs. Davitt’s handled the conditions better, extending their lead through another Slane free and two superb points from Conor John Sullivan. When Eoin Connolly finally got St. Teresa’s off the mark in the 15th minute of the half, they still trailed 0-09 to 1-03 and the visitors looked more likely winners.

However, the home side found a second wind. A brilliant long-range free from John Mallon in the 22nd minute brought the Glen Road men to life, while the introduction of Philip Maguire brought much-needed composure to the midfield battle. St. Teresa’s hit a purple patch to clinch the result, with further points from Darren McCann and two more from Anto Taylor. A late reply from Marcus Toner for Davitt’s wasn’t enough to bridge the gap as the hosts held on.

In a game that was uncompromising but fair throughout, Referee Darren McKeown did a great job in keeping play moving and managing the intensity of the local derby.

For the winners, Paul Johnston, Darren McCann, Niall McCann, and AntoTaylor were excellent throughout. Davitt’s were best served by the tireless Sean O’Neill, along with Aaron Slane and Conor John Sullivan.

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Senior Football League – Division One

Dunloy 1-12 Cargin 1-12

Wednesday 29 April

Brendan McTaggart reports from Pearse Park, Dunloy

In their first meeting since the county final last October, Dunloy and Cargin couldn’t be separated.  Just how this contest ended a draw by the end of the fifth minute of injury time will be one of the great mysteries of 2026. 

Dunloy showed tremendous powers of recovery and resilience to claw their way back into the game with Cargin dominating the second half.  A brace of two point frees from Karl Fitzpatrick and a Paudie McGilligan point looked to give them a share of the points and when the Cuchullains were awarded another free within Fitzpatrick’s range, they were favourites to take the points on offer. 

The Dunloy marksman’s effort dropped short and Cargin broke.  Dunloy scrambled and the Toome men cut through only to see Eunan Quinn’s first timed effort come back off the crossbar.

A breath taking end to a contest that Cargin looked to be in control of for long periods of the second half.  They kept Dunloy scoreless for 28 minutes and turned the screw in midfield to increase pressure in the Cuchullains defence.  But, the home side showed their qualities right to the death and earned a hard fought draw.

With a slight wind blowing towards the chapel at Pearse Park, the visitors had the elements in their favour yet it was Dunloy who made the brighter start.  They had four points registered in the opening eight minutes with Eoghan McGrath in fine form.  He would land three of those scores, Nigel Elliott with the other and while Callum Gribbin opened the scoring for the Toome men, it was the Cuchullains who were dictating terms in the opening quarter.

The opening goal of the game came in the 10^th minute and while it owed to a touch of fortune, the finish was class.  The bounce of a dropping ball evading the Dunloy defence and James Laverty stole in behind, finishing to the back of the net despite the best efforts of Dunloy ‘keeper Chrissy McMahon.

A two pointer from Gribbin and the first of three Jack O’Neill points stretched the Cargin lead to three points by the 14^th minute but they wouldn’t register another score for the remainder of the half.  McGrath scored his fourth and fifth points of the half either side of a Tom McFerran point to bring parity to the scoreboard.

Dunloy’s major came in first half injury time with McGrath heavily involved.  Collecting a high ball, McGrath was swarmed by the Cargin defence but managed to find Nigel Elliott who finished superbly.

That run of 1-3 unanswered gave the Cuchullains the perfect platform for the second half.  But, if anything, the half time interval came at the wrong time for the home side.  After a slow start to the second half with both sides missing chances, Cargin reorganised and pressed the Dunloy restarts with more intensity and aggression, any attacks from the home side were fleeting as Cargin upped their game.  The Cuchullains cause wasn’t helped with the loss of midfielder Ciaran McQuillan to injury, the Dunloy man had been instrumental up to that point in the game.

The Toome side would keep Dunloy scoreless for 28 minutes and took a four point advantage into the last ten minutes.  Points from Laverty, Cillian Scullion (two), O’Neill and Gribbin – including his second two pointer of the game put Cargin in control.

Indeed it could have been even better for Cargin but Dunloy ‘keeper McMahon managed to deflect David Johnston’s effort onto the post when it looked like he would bag his sides second goal of the game.

That four point advantage remained as Dunloy staged a remarkable comeback, thanks largely to the free taking of substitute Karl Fitzpatrick.  He would split the uprights on two occasions to raise the orange flag either side of O’Neill’s third of the match to leave the minimum between the sides in the second minute of injury time.

Dunloy pressed the Cargin restart and managed to create another scoring opportunity that midfielder Padraig McGilligan made no mistake from.  The drama didn’t end there as Dunloy and Fitzpatrick had one more chance.  The angle was horrible and it would have been a special kick to execute from the distance he was facing.  His effort dropped short and Cargin broke.  Dunloy scrambled and the visitors looked like they were going to secure the win but Quinn’s first timed effort came back off the crossbar and referee Ritchie Leahy calling time soon after.

An entertaining game that both sides will argue they should have won.  They’ll have to settle for a share of the points.  Cargin will welcome St John’s to their home patch next Wednesday while the Cuchullains will make the journey to All Saints on the same evening.  Incredibly, the county champions are in the middle of a schedule that sees them competing in 15 games in 8 weeks across hurling and football.  With plenty of dual players to look after and guide, it’s a schedule that doesn’t encourage players to maintain dual status.  The Cuchullains continue to test themselves and push the boundaries, but at some point if scheduling like this remains, something will give.

TEAMS

DUNLOY: Chrissy McMahon; Sean Og Blaney, Aaron Crawford, Cathair McCloskey; Conor Kinsella, Ryan McGarry, James Scally; Ciaran McQuillan, Padraig McGilligan; Jack Martin, Tom McFerran, Aodhan McGarry; Eoghan McGrath, Nigel Elliott, Emmett McKendry

Scorers: E McGrath 0-5 (3fs); Karl Fitzpatrick 0-4 (2tpf); N Elliott 1-1; T McFerran 0-1; P McGilligan 0-1

CARGIN: Padraig McLaughlin; Conan Johnston, Cahir Donnelly, Fiontan Hardy; Ronan Devlin, James Laverty, Jack O’Neill; Kevin McShane, Charley McCann; Ciaran Bradley, Eunan Quinn, Paul McCann; Cillian Scullion, Callum Gribbin, David Johnston

Scorers: C Gribbin 0-6 (2tp); J Laverty 1-1; J O’Neill 0-3; C Scullion 0-2

Referee: Ritchie Leahy (Moneyglass)

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Antrim Football League – Division 1

Glenravel 0-12 Tír na nÓg 1-09

In drawn games both teams always look back on what might have been, a combination of ifs, buts and maybes. This game is no different as both sides squandered chances they would normally have hoped to convert. The home side were behind for most of it, only drawing level on fifty eight minutes and then surged into a three point lead but were eventually pegged back by two scores yielding three points from Randalstown’s star attraction Darragh Fagan. The burly full forward contributed five points to the visitors’ tally and carried the main threat from the men from the Hill. Probably a draw was fair but result but try telling that to both camps after the game.

Playing with the aid of a stiff breeze, Randalstown opened a three point lead through Emmett Murray, Alex O’Donnell and Daragh Fagan as they dominated possession in the opening ten minutes. Glenravel  would reply  to level the game through Rian Lennon, Eamon Ward and Sean Paul McKenna so with a quarter of the game gone it was honours equal. Joshua Higgins goaled for the visitors shortly afterwards and with a stroke, Tír na nÓg were back three ahead.  Glenravel got it back to an even game through Fergus Donaghy and two frees from Rian Lennon, one being a majestic 45 into a strong breeze. On the stroke of half time Pauric Redmond pointed to give TNN a narrow lead as the teams headed to the changing rooms.

Ciaran O’Neill and Daragh Fagan added two points the the Tír na nÓg scoreline and in between Callum Higgins added to the home side’s tally to leave Randalstown two ahead going into the final quarter on a 1-06 to 0-07 scoreline. Glenravel re-schuffled the deck bringing on Eoin Hynds, Niall Hynds and Cormac McKeown and that seemed to rally the home side as they rattled off five points without reply in a ten minute period to wrestle back control of the game. So with six minutes ordinary time left Glenravel led by three 0-12 to 1-06. In those closing minutes though the visitors looked the more likely to win the game and three points, one of which was a 2-pointer, from Dargah Fagan levelled the game as we entered added time. Both sides went for glory in those added minutes but neither could raise a flag so the league points were shared as Fiontan McCotter called proceedings to halt. Game ended Glenravel 0-12  Tír na Óg 1-09.

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Glenravel Team

1. Conleth O’Loan
2. Conor Carey
3. Eoin McCusker
4. Niall Dickson
5. Cahal Hynds
6. Niall Swann
7. Rian Lennon
8. Callum Higgins
9. Sean Higgins
10. Eamon Ward
11. Shea McAuley
12. Joe Martin
13. Fergus Donaghy
14. Davy Higgins
15. Sean Paul McKenna

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Tír na nÓg Team

Note: These are the players marked with a check/number on the official team sheet.

1. Sean-Paul McAtamney
2. Rian Crilly (Rian Mac Raghallaigh)
3. Brandon McLarnon (Braonáin Mac Giolla Earnáin)
4. Manus Smith (Manus Mac Gabhann)
5. Paul McCloskey (Pól Mac Bhloscaidh)
6. Ciaran McGrellis
7. Aodhan Tolan (Aodhán Ó Tuathaláin)
8. Ciaran O’Neill
9. Joshua Higgins (Joshua Ó hUiginn)
10. Sean McKeown (Sean Mac Eoghain)
11. Emmet Murray (Eiméid Murray)
12. Pearse Redmond (Pádraig Redmond)
13. Alex O’Donnell
14. Darragh Fagan
15. Connor Hastings (Conchubhar Ó hOistín)

ACFL Division One:

Aghagallon 2-10 Roger Casements, Portglenone 1-13

Match report and photos by Brian Hamill

A dramatic late rally from Roger Casements, Portglenone salvaged a draw at St Mary’s on Wednesday evening, denying Aghagallon a victory that had looked secure heading into the closing stages.

The home side controlled much of the contest and led by two goals in the second half, but a determined Portglenone finish, driven by key contributions from their panel saw them claw their way back for a share of the spoils.

Aghagallon made the brighter start and established a 0-6 to 0-4 lead by the break, with Eoin Brankin, Adam Loughran and Jamie Lamont all finding their range. At the other end, Portglenone stayed in touch through the efforts of Johnny Convery and Ryan Convery, while Odhrán Doherty and Tom Duffin worked hard to keep the scoreboard ticking.

The home side seized control in the third quarter. Stephen Devlin finished off a well-taken goal with one of his regular, far post runs, before Jonny Hannon added a second major to stretch the advantage. With Brankin continuing to add points, Aghagallon looked to be in command.

Portglenone, however, refused to fold. Driven by midfield influence from players such as Michael Donnelly and Conor McGhee, they began to build momentum. Long-range scores from Kevin O’Kane and Ciaran McAleese cut into the deficit, while Caolan Tierney and Sean Byrne also contributed important points.

The turning point came late on. A powerful attacking spell involving Conor McCann and Rory Moore created the opening for a crucial Portglenone goal, finished clinically to bring the sides back within touching distance. With confidence growing, further points from Ryan O’Neill and Paddy Graffin brought the sides level in the dying moments.

Aghagallon, who had looked comfortable after their two-goal surge, struggled to regain composure under the late pressure, as Portglenone’s bench and extended panel including contributions from Conall Morgan and Daniel McNicholl helped sustain the fight-back.

In the end, Portglenone will feel they earned the result through perseverance and accuracy in the closing stages, while Aghagallon will be disappointed not to have seen out a game they largely controlled.

A gripping contest overall, with Aghagallon’s goal-taking matched by Portglenone’s resilience and late scoring burst ensuring the points were shared.

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