As we build up to this weekend’s Intermediate Hurling Championship we take a look back at when both teams won the title in the past. Tir na nÓg won their only Intermediate title back in 2020 but we have to go back a further 20 years since the Oisins tasted success at this level.
Their opponents that day were Carey Faughs and the venue was Armoy
This is a link to the report of the game we reproduced in the Saffron Gael during the first year of Covid
2023 Mageean Cup winners St Killian’s made a winning start to this year’s campaign when they beat St Mary’s CBGS in Cushendall on Wednesday. An early Ciaran McCann goal gave the Tower a good start and they soon opened a five point lead (1-04 to 0-02), but the Belfast boys battled back and goal from Lewis Rafferty and two points from Oisin Boyle and one from Odhran Donnelly saw them take the lead. However St Killian’s settled into the game and by half time they had opened a 1-14 to 1-08 advantage.
The third quarter saw both sides add four points apiece but the Tower began to edge further ahead in the final quarter and a goal from Cahir McCambridge wrapped up the win.
The Tower’s next outing is against St Louis Ballymena on Tuesday next at Fr Maginn Park, Glenravel with a 4-30 thow-in.
St Killian’s : C McCambridge 1-2, C McCann 1-1, C McIntosh 0-9, 8fs, O Gillan 0-5, 1f, C Leech 0-3, N McLaughlin and D McNaughton 0-2 each, N McKeown 0-1.
St Mary’s: L Rafferty 1-1, O Boyle 0-7, 5fs, O Donnelly 0-2, D Jemfrey, M Murray and C Mulligan 0-1 each.
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St Patrick’s Maghera 4-20 Cross & Passion Ballycastle 4-16
St Pat’s Maghera laid down a marker at Portglenone on Wednesday evening when they powered their way to an impressive victory over Mageean Cup holders Cross & Passion College Ballycastle and earn themselves a place in the semi-finals.
It was like CPC were hit by a steam roller in the opening quarter as St Pat’s sprung from the traps with a goal and a point in the opening minute, Daithi McCloskey raising the white flag and Rian Collins raising green seconds later. On three minutes Finn Cartin got goal number two as CPC were left chasing shadows as Ultan McCloskey made it three to stretch his team’s lead to 3-06 to 0-03 with just ten minutes on the clock.
CPC were rocking on the ropes but to their credit they showed character to steady the ship a little and Oisin McCallin picked off a couple of points, but Maghera came back with their team’s fourth goal. Liam McGarry threw the Convent a lifeline when he grabbed a goal but their defecit was still in double figures until Cadhan Crawford grabbed two quick goals to cut their arrears to seven by the time referee Tarlach Conway sounded the half time whistle.
If CPC were to get back into the game they need a good start to the second half and full forward Oisin McCallin provided it as he hit four of the first five points just after the turnaround. The gap was down to just three but Maghera were able to react to the pressure and they kept knocking over the points to stretch their advantage. There was six between the sides in the final minutes, but when substitute Paudi O’Kane batted the sliothar home from close range there was just a score between them. The Ballycastle college pushed hard for an equaliser but the St Pat’s defence held fast and a well taken point from substitute Rian Tohill added the insurance point to seal the win and make it two from two for his team, who beat their Derry neighbours Gaelcholáiste Dhoire at the weekend.
St Patrick’s: R Collins 2-4, 0-2fs, F Cartin 1-4, U McCloskey 1-1, P O’Kane 0-3, PJ Glover and D McCloskey 0-2 each, D O’Neill, N McNicholl, C Gallagher and R Tohill 0-1 each.
CPC: O McCallin 0-10 (6f), C Crawford 2-1, L McGarry 1-2, P O’Kane 1-0, E McKendry 0-2, L McConville and C Johnston 0-1 each
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(Featured Image: Roy McLarnon proudly lifts the cup with his son Declan and his grandchildren)
Big Roy McLarnon wore a smile as wide as the stand he had just watched from as his beloved St. Agnes collected their first Junior Football Championship title at Davitt’s Park on Saturday past.
Beside him, in tears, his son Declan couldn’t hide his emotions. Declan, a member of Antrim Over 40’s side had made a cameo appearance as the ‘Aggies’ overcame the challenge of Na Piarsaigh in a final they never looked like losing.
Roy McLarnon has been a member of St. Agnes since 1963. When I spoke to him after the game he gave me an insight into the history of his club.
“We were always in and around Division 4 but in successive years we won Division 4, Division 3 and were runners up in Division 2 and were promoted to Division 1.
Team captain, Dan Turley receives the Antrim JFC Cup from Ciaran McGraw
We lasted only one year in the top grade and floated between Division 2 and 3 for a number of years. We played intermediate championship from 91 to 2006. We contested a number of Junior Championship finals over the years but lost to Cargin in 91, to Ahoghill in 2007, to O’Donnell’s in 2011, and to St Comgall’s in last year’s decider.
Big Roy has served St. Agnes through thick and thin as player, Treasurer 1977 to 1997, Chairman 1997 to 2008, county board delegate 1977 to and committee member through the highs and lows of the Woodlands club.
One of Antrim’s great GAA men, Roy McLarnon found time to serve his county and was assistant manager to Eamon Grieve from 1986 to 1990, a period in which Antrim contested a National League quarter-final where they lost to Kerry at Croke Park.
Roy was part of the Antrim minor management team from 1996 to 98 and was involved in various Antrim management teams under Aidan Thornbury, Lenny Harbison, Enda McGinley and most recently with Andy McEntee.
He was manager of the last Antrim U21 team to win an Ulster title in 1989 when they defeated Down in the final.
Like Roy his wife Maria is still involved with St. Agnes and Aine their daughter was a very good footballer and played for Antrim minors in both football and camogie, a real family affair!
It would be fair to say that Roy McLarnon has enjoyed contrasting emotions with his beloved St. Agnes, perhaps more lows than highs but he never once stepped away and was always there when the club needed him.
Roy McLarnon joins in the St. Agnes celebration after the game
I asked Roy about the ‘Aggies’ manager, Martin Shortt and what he has brought to the side. Roy had high praise for the Tyrone native.
“Martin Shortt, has brought massive energy and enthusiasm to the side and all the lads have bought in and the level of organisation and belief he has brought to the side finally got us over the line”
On a weekend when Dunloy lifted their first Senior Football Championship title since 1936 when they defeated reigning champions Cardin and Moneyglass overcame the challenge of division 2 league winners, Sarsfield’s in the Intermediate decider it would have been easy to have overlooked the achievements of St. Agnes and Roy McLarnon but it would have been remiss of me to do so.
I’ve known Roy for most of my GAA life and even played against him on the old Hugomount pitch for All Saints. One of the games gentlemen and one of his club and county’s greatest servants.
Big Roy watched the game from the Davitt’s stand before joining his team and colleagues on the splendid Davitt’s Park surface as Dan Turley received the Cup from Antrim committee member, Ciaran McGraw, a life time of service finally rewarded!
TO VIEW PADDY’S PICS FROM THE JFC FINAL CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW
Naomh Bríd CLG and the U9 Committee were delighted to welcome 24 clubs, 48 teams, and over 700 players and their families to the annual Festival of Football at Queen’s University Belfast Malone Playing Fields on Sunday the 12th.
It was a fantastic day filled with football, fun, and community spirit. Visiting clubs joined us from across Antrim, Down, Derry, Tyrone, Armagh, Donegal, Cavan, Fermanagh, Dublin, and Kildare. A special mention goes to our own Naomh Bríd player Oscar Murphy, who travelled furthest on the day – all the way from North Tipperary – to line out and play a starring role for his team.
Con Magees, Glenrael St John’s Glenavy BredaghSt Paul’s Aghagallon
The day began with a parade full of colour and energy, as teams made their way around the immaculate QUB pitches led by a piper. From 11am right through to the final whistle at 3pm, the pitches were alive with fantastic football. The standard of skill on display was exceptional, and it’s safe to say many of these young players will go on to represent their counties in the years to come.
Naomh Bríd proudly stands by our club motto:
“Mol an Óige agus tiocfaidh sí” — Praise the youth and they will flourish.
Special credit goes to all the children who took part, showcasing outstanding skill, teamwork, and sportsmanship while representing their clubs, families, and communities with pride.
A huge thank you to our army of volunteers, parents, referees, and sponsors who made the day possible. We look forward to welcoming many of these clubs back in 2026!
Kilrea
TO SEE MORE OF JOE CARBERRY’S EXCELLENT ACTION PICS FROM THE FESTIVAL CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW
