Tonight’s Intermediate Hurling Championship semi-final between Oisin Glenariffe and Cloney Gaels Ahoghill in Ballymena has been postponed due to the Yellow Weather warning issued today.
Storm Amy is predicted to be at its worst between 3-00pm and 8pm today and the fixture is to be rescheduled for next week.
Danske Bank Ulster Colleges Rannafast Cup (U16.5 A Football) – Round 1
Cathair Bhéal Feirste 1-11 St Ronan’s Lurgan 2-10
PIC BY BERT TROWLEN
Cathair Bhéal Feirste, the new combination team comprising St Malachys College, Rathmore Grammar, Edmund Rice College, Colaiste Feirste and Aquinas Diocesan Grammar, came up just short in their first ever game in the Rannafast Cup at Woodlands on Thursday when they lost out to St Ronan’s Lurgan. Trailing by eight points at half time after facing the elements in the first half Cathair Bhéal Feirste came storming back in the second and led by their team captain Aodhan O’Hanlon they has the gap down to two by the end of the third quarter. For a time it looked like they were set to claw back the deficit, but a goal by St Ronan’s star performer Brogan O’Kane five minutes from time closed the door on the comeback.
With the wind and rain at their backs the Lurgan boys wre dominant in the opening half as the new boys struggled to find their rhythm and after lead by just a point after ten minutes the visitors hit a series of top class scores with single points from Ryan Moore (2) and Eoin Lavery, a 2pointer from John O’Hagan and a goal from corner forward Jayden Quinn, that goal a real killer blow for Cathair Bhéal Feirste as they had the ball in the back of the net a minute earlier, only to be ruled out for a ‘square’ infringement.
Trailing by 0-03 to 1-08 at the break the home side set about getting back into the game and Aodhan O’Hanlon lifted spirits with a well taken 2pointer less than a minute after the restart. Ryan Moore came back with two pointed frees for St Ronan’s but a goal on 37 minutes by Cathair Bhéal Feirste’s half back Senan McMahon really got them going. Aodhan McMahon added a point and then a 2pointer to close within four going into the final quarter, but St Ronan’s shut up shop and the next nine minutes were scoreless.
The Lurgan college sealed the win when Brogan O’Kane grabbed his team’s second goal five minutes from time and though Aidan Holmes came back with a point and O’Hanlon grabbed a two pointer they visitors held on for the win.
Cathair Bheal Feirste Panel
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A new chapter in Belfast’s Gaelic football story begins with the formation of Cathair Bhéal Feirste, an amalgamated team representing five local schools, set to compete in the prestigious Ulster Colleges Rannafast Cup, which is the A level football competition for the u16.5 age grade. Participating schools are St Malachys College, Rathmore Grammar, Edmund Rice College, Colaiste Feirste and Aquinas Diocesan Grammar. This initiative aims to elevate the profile of Gaelic football in Belfast and provide elite young players with the opportunity to compete at the highest level of schools’ competition.
The programme is proudly teacher-led, with invaluable support from Antrim GAA staff, ensuring a high standard of coaching, development, and mentorship. This collaborative approach has created a structured and nurturing environment for players to thrive.
Kevin Niblock, teacher at St Malachy’s College, commented:
“It is fantastic to see the Cathair Bhéal Feirste Rannafast team launched this week. Developing and raising the standard of Gaelic Football within the City of Belfast Schools is a key cornerstone of our Football Development Strategy, and this initiative allows the boys participating to consistently experience the cut & thrust of A Grade football in Ulster. These boys can in turn bring that experience of high-grade training and games back to their clubs and schools to help drive standards there.
We are very grateful to Ulster Schools GAA for seeing the merits and the developmental nature of this initiative and accepting the Cathair Bhéal Feirste proposal into both the Rannafast and Dalton competitions this year.
Finally, sincere thanks to our sponsors who are supporting this initiative – Clonard Credit Union (CCU), the Clover Group and P Graham Contracts. Their financial support has helped the group focus solely on the training and preparation for games in a professional-like manner.”
Paddy McBride, teacher at Coláiste Feirste, added:
“I am delighted for Coláiste Feirste to be involved in this initiative. Competing at A grade gives our students the opportunity to challenge themselves against the highest standard of schools’ football, something that would not be possible on our own at the minute.
This exposure will not only raise the standard of their individual development but it will also benefit their school and club teams, while contributing to the overall growth of football within the county.”
The project has been made possible thanks to the generous support of three key sponsors: Clonard Credit Union, P. Graham Contracts and Clover Group.
Speaking on behalf of Clonard Credit Union, CEO Terry McCrudden said:
“As a community-focused organisation, CCU Credit Union is proud to sponsor this exciting new amalgamation of local schools coming together to ensure pupil participation at the highest level of Gaelic Sports. At CCU, we believe in the power of teamwork, dedication, and local pride – values that are at the heart of both sport and our community. By supporting these talented young players as they step up to a higher level of competition, we hope to inspire them to chase their goals and showcase the incredible spirit of our local area.”
Phelim McCloskey of P. Graham Contracts added:
“We are happy to support and sponsor the Belfast Schools amalgamation team, Cathair Bhéal Feirste because it’s helping to create a pipeline of talent that can contribute to a successful Antrim team in the future. Working alongside development squads it’s exposing more players to high level coaching, training and more importantly competition. The more players that get exposure and the earlier they get it, the greater the chances of making an impact at the highest level. I look at Odhran Doherty from Roger Casements and Jack O’Neill from Cargin – both holders of MacRory and Hogan Cup medals a year early. Two lads with massive inter-county futures ahead of them.
It can also help elevate the whole team culture, boost morale and increase the overall standard of football within Antrim. It will create a snowball effect where success breeds success, with the players who have been exposed to top level football themselves bringing that back to their individual schools and clubs. Finally, I would like to wish all management and players every success this year in their respective competitions.”
Jim Conlanfrom Clover Group shared:
“Clover Group is delighted to stand behind Cathair Bhéal Feirste as they embark on their Rannafast Cup journey. By supporting Cathair Bhéal Feirste, we aim to help raise the profile of Gaelic football across the city and inspire a new generation of players and supporters. Cathair Bhéal Feirste offers elite young athletes the chance to compete at the highest level of schools Gaelic football. Clover Group is committed to nurturing talent and believes that every gifted player deserves the opportunity to shine. We believe this initiative will leave a lasting legacy for Gaelic football in Belfast, and we look forward to cheering on the team as they represent our city with pride, passion, and purpose.”
The organisers extend sincere thanks to the sponsors and teaching staff from the five participating schools whose collaboration and commitment have made this initiative possible. Their shared vision and dedication to youth development are helping to shape a brighter future for Gaelic games in Belfast.
Photo credit; Bert Trowlen from The Saffron Gael.
Bathshack Senior Hurling Championship Semi Finals
Cushendall v St John’s
Saturday 4 October
Referee: Mark O’Neill
Throw in: 4pm
Venue: Páirc Pearse, Dunloy
Dunloy v Loughgiel
Sunday 5 October
Referee: Kevin Parke
Throw in: 3:30pm
Venue: Páirc Naomh Mhuire, Cushendall
Brendan McTaggart looks ahead to the weekends semi finals as the Volunteer Cup reaches the last four….
And then there were four. The race for the Volunteer Cup reaches the semi final stages and for me, the best weekend in the year. You can almost guarantee the drama in one or both matches and this weekend could be no different.
That being said, there’s a distinct feel of déjà vu with the pairings the exact same as 12 months ago and the exact same venues…. Much to the disappointment of those from the Whiterock Road, more on that in a bit.
Cushendall play St John’s in a semi final for what feels like the 15th year in a row, the Johnnies surely questioning the laws of averages at this stage and thinking they are due a win while Dunloy take on Loughgiel. Should be a quiet enough affair, right? Tongue firmly in cheek.
So, after the calls for a semi final to be played in the Big Smoke, they have taken it to God’s Country. Sorry, I couldn’t resist that one. But just like the 2024 championship, Cushendall and St John’s at Pearse Park, Dunloy. An excellent venue, just not in the City. In a perfect world, this match would be played in a Belfast venue, I’d agree with that. But, realistically and I’m thinking more logistically, could one of the City clubs hold the crowd expected? Situations like this is just another reason why we are still frustrated at the lack of progress with the Casement Park development, or lack off.
On the game itself, both sides will feel they have a bit to prove to themselves. St John’s, somehow, got past Rossa in a quarter final where they looked for all the world to be bowing out of the championship. That is off course until Mick Bradley had his say on the game. They know they’ll need to improve if they are to finally break their semi final hoodoo. But, there is room for improvement and they showed in the dying moments on the Hightown Road two weeks ago that they have the stomach for the fight.
Cushendall might have made it straight to the semi finals by winning their group but a bit like St John’s against Rossa, how the Ruairi Og’s managed to defeat Loughgiel still feels a bit crazy. I’m not sure whether a four-week break was welcomed by Brian Delargy and his side. Four weeks to think on a game like that can be a bad thing, sometimes you want to get out and put manners into a team, get it out of your system, as soon as possible. That being said, four weeks can clear up injuries and niggles, perhaps it’s come at the right time for a few on the Cushendall panel?
I could look through previous semi final meetings between these two and regurgitate the exact same thing. The various scenarios and how it might transpire, the one constant has been a Cushendall win.
How Cushendall deal with the likes of Conor Johnston and Donal Carson, will Peter McCallin line out at centre half back again? Will Michail Dudley pair with Sean Wilson in midfield? On paper, it’s the ideal duo. Work rate, guile, speed and power. Ciaran Johnston back in defence and he had an excellent game against Rossa. I managed to get a video of the build up to their winning score and Ciaran was pivotal to that move. He made the initial line break before orchestrating his team mates to spread the sliotar out wide where Ryan McNulty did the rest.
Cushendall will be looking for a more cohesive performance than that from four weeks ago. They started well but when Loughgiel took control, they struggled to get any joy in the middle third. That being said, Ed McQuillan was excellent that day against the Shamrocks and on another day, Neil McManus would have walked off the pitch with a hat-trick. You’d have to think the talismanic forward won’t be as wasteful again – St John’s should take note and be warned. If there is to be a change in the Ruairi’s line up, I can see Joseph McNaughton starting. He’s a player who has improved immensely over the last 12 months and would certainly bring another facet to the Cushendall attack.
In the other semi final, Loughgiel will be hoping that lightening doesn’t strike twice as they face Dunloy in Cushendall. The Shamrocks came through a quarter final against Ballycastle and while they weren’t exactly firing on all cylinders, Loughgiel did enough. A strong first half performance playing against the wind allowed them to keep the Town at arm’s length and dictate the game on their terms. Ballycastle had chances but Loughgiel always managed to find another score to dampen their spirit.
Their team was disrupted by the suspension of Tiernan Coyle, TC’s suspension remains for the weekend and I’d imagine Ruairi McCormick will line out in the full back line in his absence. ‘Badger’ had been excellent in midfield with Rian McKee and while Darragh Patterson battled, he got little joy against Cushendall. They may look to play Paul Boyle further out the field when they look at their match up’s against Dunloy.
Dunloy are the one side who were delighted to have a break after topping their group. Since defeating St John’s in the last of their group games, the Cuchullains have reached the decider of the big ball. The exact same as two years ago when they paired up against Loughgiel in the semi final, the Shamrocks dethroning the five in a row chasing Dunloy in Ballycastle. The Cuchullains were more like a team of the walking wounded back then with players visibly playing through injury and wary of long seasons running into another. That doesn’t seem to be the case on this occasion.
Playing Keelan Molloy deeper in a play maker roll has been a brilliant call by the Dunloy management. One of Dunloy’s most potent attackers and major threats is now pulling the strings and giving teams something else to think about at the other end of the pitch while Seaan Elliott seems to have found another gear both with a hurl and a size five ball this year. Taking the accolade of the best dual player in the county – don’t even come at me over that one, it’s a no brainer of a statement.
Against St John’s, Eoin O’Neill was outstanding while Nigel Elliott, Oran Quinn and Phelim Duffin caught the eye. The first half saw Dunloy and Seaan Elliott cut through the Johnnies defence at will and if Loughgiel try to go toe to toe with the Cuchullains, it will make for epic viewing. I can’t see that happening. Loughgiel will look to outwork Dunloy in the middle third and look to the speed of Boyle and James McNaughton, the trickery of Ronan Fitzgerald and guile of Roan McGarry to get the scores.
Prediction time….
For the record, I got two from two on my predictions for the quarter final. Cushendall and Dunloy will start the weekend as favourites and it’s hard to look beyond that. St John’s will need everything to go their way and Cushendall to have another off day to get anything from that game and while some will look at Dunloy’s dual exertions, the momentum of winning big games and with the vast majority of the players involved with both, they will be in a good place right now. Loughgiel will want to right their wrongs from 12 months ago but I see Dunloy getting over the line and making it another Ruairi Og and Cuchullains final.
IHC Semi-Final
Ballymena 7-30 – Friday
Glenariffe Oisin v Cloney Gaels
As Glenariffe and Cloney Gaels get the hurling semi-final action underway at Quinn Park on Friday night both sides could be staring into the eye of a storm.
Oisins will start this one as favourites by virtue of a league campaign that saw them win 13 out of their 14 fixtures to take the Division 2 title with their only defeat coming at the hands of Emmet’s Cushendun way back on the 28th May.
Ghaeil Chluanaidh had a descent league campaign themselves as they went through a rebuilding programme as they finished third in the table with 8 wins, 4 defeats and 1 draw.
Come championship time Oisin CLG continued to set the pace but they were pushed all the way in Group 2 by Tir na nOg, Randalstown with both sides recording 4 wins and 1 draw in their group games.
Significantly Glenariffe beat Tir na nOg in the group stages and that defeat came in their final game in the group against St. Brigid’s Cloughmills when the Waterfoot men had already topped the group and booked their semi-final place.
Cloney Gaels weren’t as impressive in their qualification from Group 1 but 2 wins, 1 draw and 1 defeat in their group games was enough to earn them qualification with Kickham’s Creggan.
Ten points separated the Ahoghill side when they lost to Glenariffe in Cloney back on the 4th June with the visitors cementing their place at the top of the league with a 3-19 to 1-15 win but whether that league form will have any significance in the championship remains to be seen.
With Storm Amy set to be doing her worst over Quinn Park on Friday evening the adverse weather could play its part and it could be down to the side that wants it most on the day.
Paul McMullan, Niall Magee, David Kearney, Calum McIlwaie, Odhran Gillan, Orrin O’Connor, Alex O’Boyle and Seanie McIntosh will spearhead the Oisin challenge.
Cloney Gaels are renowned championship contenders and Aiden Graham, James Magee, Fionnbar O’Neill, Diarmuid Graham, Dan O’Neill, Ronan Graham and James O’Connell have been down this road before and will be determined to whip up their own storm in Ballymena.
