by thesaffrongael

Shamrocks deny Dunloy the chance to retain the league cup

Antrim Camogie Senior Division 1a Tuesday 8th July 2025

Loughgiel 4-11 v Dunloy 3-09

Match report and photos from Michael Corcoran in Fr. Healy Park, Loughgiel

On a drizzling murky evening unbecoming of a summer’s eve, Loughgiel and Dunloy squared up in their penultimate league encounters, with Dunloy in with a chance to retain their league cup if the stats would hold true for them. Unfortunately a win for Cushendall against Ballycastle and a loss at the hands of Loughgiel would close the door for the Cuchullians, despite another game to play and the league baton now passes across to Cushendall.

Tonight’s game drummed up goals and lots of points worked up from creating space and chances. Loughgiel’s Orlagh Laverty picked up tonight’s form where she left off, running, scoring and creating scoring chances. Laverty would strike with the first goal at the road end after twenty minutes and spectators could have been forgiven to think the game was sliding away from Dunloy as the Shamrocks started to run up the points, but a goal three minutes later from Eobha McAllister amidst a flurry of close quartered action brought the game back to six the difference in favour of Loughgiel.

Another Cuchullian goal, this time from Lisa McConville, again at close quarters from a Mary McArthur lob that was brought down initially safely by Loughgiel’s goalkeeper, Emma McAllister, had Dunloy trailing by only four points at the half time whistle, Loughgiel 1:10 Dunloy 2:03 and still everything to play for at the restart.

Loughgiel’s Emma McFadden brings the sliotar into Shamrock possession

Dunloy took the restart by the horns and two fine points from Eobha McAllister closed the gap to just two before Loughgiel’s Marie Laverty found Katie McKillop and a well placed sliotar to the left side of Clodagh O’Kane after seven minutes, took Loughgiel another goal forward. It wasn’t too long before a third Shamrock goal would appear, as Emma McFadden launched a long ball, gained as the spoils of a tackle, into the half forward area and a running substitute, Carlina Sullivan found the back of Dunloy’s net.

The Shamrocks were on the verge of drifting well ahead until Dunloy struck green again with their substitute, Sarah Louise Kearns, finding a way to slip the sliotar past an advancing Loughgiel goalkeeper and now with only two points in the game with nine minutes of normal play, scores stood at Loughgiel 3-10 Dunloy 3-08.

Dunloy’s Mary McArthur takes the spoils away from a ground battle

Both Loughgiel and Dunloy found themselves swapping points, Dunloy’s coming from a well worked move up the field, eventually finding the secure hand and stick of Eobha McAllister and Loughgiel’s Orlagh Laverty would finish tonight’s game with a point and a goal that stemmed from a McFadden catch from a Dunloy puck out, released to find Laverty on the move for that final score in the game, leaving the scoreboard at Loughgiel 4-11 Dunloy 3-09.

Loughgiel panel and scorers

Emma McAllister, Charlene Campbell, Emma McFadden, Maria Lynn, Ciara Connelly, Louise McKillop, Zoe Cassley, Ciara Laverty, Anna Connelly 0-01, Shanna Deery, Marie Laverty 0-02, Katie McKillop 1-01, Orlagh Laverty 2-04, Kirsty McKendry 0-01, Anna McKillop 0-02, Shauna McKillop, Finvola McVeigh, Sarah Flavin, Therese McKinley, Carlina Sullivan 1-00

Dunloy panel and scorers

Clodagh O’Kane, Kathryn Boyle, Sarah McIlhatton, Carly McNamee, Casey Crawford, Katie Laverty, Eilis Kearns, Eimear McMullan, Micha Cunning, Eobha McAllister 1-06 (1f), Caoimhe Molloy 0-02, Kyra Doherty, Mary McArthur 0-01, Erin McMullan, Lisa McConville 1-00, Kirsty McFerran, Sarah Louise Kearns, Orla McMullan, A McAllister 1-00

You can see more photos from the game by following this link to the album…

https://myalbum.com/album/SPTJGKWrbQFE3R/?invite=89b0c4d1-cb1d-4983-9876-db7509e0b283

by thesaffrongael

Ruairis rally late to seal the league title

Antrim Camogie League – Division 1

Ballycastle 2-08 Cushendall 2-14

A late scoring burst which yielded a goal and four points without reply saw Cushendall win the Division 1 League title for the first time in thirty years, beating Ballycastle by 2-14 to 2-06 at Pairc MacUilin on Tuesday evening. When Ballycastle’s full-forward Ellen McIntosh scored a brilliant goal from the narrowest of angles in the 53rd minute to cut the deficit back to a single point, it looked like they could get something out of this game, but Cushendall came back with a vengeance and hit a goal and four points within six minute to seal the win. With this game in the bag the Ruairis needed Loughgiel to do them a favour against Dunloy up at Fr Healy Park and within a few minutes the word had   filtered through that the county champions had won by five against their old rivals and Cushendall were able to celebrate their success.

Cushendall substitute Caoimhe O’Hara receives treatement from team attendant Collette Birt during their clash with Ballycastle

Eimear McCaughan gave Ballycastle an early lead but Orlagh O’Hara brought Cushendall level soon afterwards. Two points from full forward Ellen McIntosh put the home team two clear but again Cushendall found an answer when Cara O’Boyle and Orlagh O’Hara found the target for Cushendall.  

Ballycastle got the upper hand and boosted by a great goal by Ellen McIntosh, following a brilliant run by Eimear McCaughan, they went four ahead with half time fast approaching they opened a four point gap, but Brogan Abram cut it back three before Orlagh O’Hara capitalised on a short puc-out that went astray and levelled matters just on half time.

Ballycastle’s Fay McIntosh in action against Cushendall’s Amy McAllister during Tuesday evening’s leagute game at Pairc Mac Uilin

Ballycastle were finding the going tougher after the change of ends and three points from the visitors through Brogan Abram and Orlagh O’Hara gave them a bit of breathing space. They had opened the gap to five midway through the second half but an excellent point by Eimear McCaughan and a goal by Ellen McIntosh gave the ‘Castle renewed hope.

However a Brogan Abram point got Cushendall going again on 24 minutes and two minutes later Cara O’Boyle delivered the killer blow with brilliant individual goal, before Orlagh O’Hara closed the door on their opponents with three more points to seal the league title.

Cushendall’s Cara O’Boyle celebrates after scoring her team’s second goal

by thesaffrongael

Creagh continue to build a concrete sponsorship with Antrim Camogie

Creagh Concrete management are presented with the Antrim Camogie jersey as a small gesture of thanks from the senior squad. L-R Amy Boyle – captain, Martin McIvor – purchasing manager, Aisling O’Donnell, Tom McKeague – Accountant, Sarah O’Neill, James McKeague – Managing Director, Becky Ellis, Dominic Dillon – TSP Planner and Niamh Neeson.

Antrim Camogie PRO Michael Corcoran

Antrim Camogie were delighted to have announced a senior team sponsorship arrangement with Toome based Creagh Concrete some months back, as this secured financial stability for the county sports unit and with that firm footing, the senior team have gone from strength to strength; winning the Very 1b National league, then the Ulster championship, Creagh can be pleased that their commitment to Antrim Camogie and women in sport has and continues to be a success story.

Antrim’s captain, Amy Boyle holds up the coveted Antrim jersey along with James McKeague – Managing Director along with the Very National 1b league and Ulster Championship trophies.

Saturday will offer up another building block for more success, if Antrim manage to beat rivals, Offaly, in the All Ireland Intermediate semi final championship, in Newbridge, Co.Kildare. For now though, Antrim took some time out to thank Creagh for their sponsorship and presented Managing Director, James McKeague, a framed Antrim camogie jersey, which has been heralded by many as being one of the most sought after pieces of merchandise due to the design and associated successes that the jersey has brought to the county.

Antrim Camogie’s treasurer, Angela Boyle, who played a pivotal role in attracting Creagh as the main sponsor is delighted to share in the presentation of the jersey to James McKeague – Managing Director.

Antrim’s semi final game throws in at 1pm as part of the double header weekend in St. Conleth’s Park, Newbridge, Co. Kildare, where Kerry play Down at 3pm in the other semi final. With the weather forecast to be nothing short of fabulous, travelling supporters will be in for a treat and hopefully witness the passage to the final in Croke Park on the 10th August. Antrim will no doubt want that travelling sixteenth player to have a loud and supporting voice with a swathe of saffron to add additional visual impact.

Merchandise available at O’Neills outlets, Stewarts Sports and a pop up shop at request. Tickets for the game can be purchased here…

https://www.universe.com/events/glen-dimplex-championship-intermediate-semi-finals-tickets-PJ8KCH

by thesaffrongael

Ballycastle win the battle but Rossa win the war

Senior Hurling League – Division One

Ballycastle 1-21 Rossa 0-16

Sunday 6 July

Brendan McTaggart reports from Páirc Mac Uílín, Ballycastle

Ballycastle rounded off their league campaign with a comprehensive win over newly crowned league champions, Rossa.  An eight point win, largely down to an excellent second half that saw them hold the men from the Shaw’s Road to just five points from frees in the 30 plus minutes after the half time interval.

Seamus McAuley finished top of the scoring charts for the Town, three of his 11 points coming from open play in an all-round excellent performance while Conor Donnelly chipped in with 1-2.  Niall McKenna was at the heart of it all again for his side, adding three points in an all action performance while Conor Boyd, Darragh Donnelly and Conal Colgan all excelled in defence.

To be fair, Rossa were missing more than a few from what might be perceived as their first 15.  Deaglan Murphy top scored with all of his nine points coming from placed ball but they had excellent performances from Stephen Shannon and Stephen Beatty in the half back line, Corey Walsh in midfield while the work rate of Declan McCartney, James Connolly and Dara Rocks could never be questioned.

In a close first half, it was the home side that played with more cohesion with McKenna prominent in the opening exchanges.  They couldn’t put any daylight between the sides though as the visitors managed to get the scoreboard ticking and were certainly more economical than the home side.

Going into the final 10 minutes of the first half, Ballycastle held a one point lead with the scores eight points to seven before Conor Donnelly scored the only goal of the game.  Neal McAuley gathering the sliotar on the left hand side before taking a second to survey his options.  He found Donnelly 25 yards from goal but in a more central position, the Rossa defence looked to swarm him out but the Ballycastle forward showed great composure before firing the sliotar to the back of the net.

Rossa almost responded in perfect fashion but goalkeeper Anthony Mullan was equal to Deaglan Murphy’s effort.  A Seamus McAuley free put five between the sides with a little over five minutes of the first half remaining but Rossa finished with a flourish reeling off four unanswered points in the time that remained.  Scores coming from Murphy (free), Dara Rocks, Aodhan O’Brien and Stephen Shannon.  It could have been even better for the Jeremiah’s but Rocks flashed his effort to the wrong side of the posts.

With just one point between the sides, the game was still in the balance but the home side started the second half superbly.  Four unanswered points from Cathair Donnelly, Seamus McAuley, Conor Donnelly and Ardan Kelly put five between the sides and the home side in control.

Rossa were slow at getting their challenge going again in the second half with their first point coming in the 40th minute – the first of five second half frees from Deaglan Murphy.  They had another couple of sights of the Ballycastle goal in those opening exchanges of the second half with James Connelly and Deaglan Murphy combining but Murphy’s was denied by a magic piece of defending from Seamus McAuley just as he was about to pull the trigger.  Not long after, Rocks saw his effort well saved by Anthony Mullan.  The angle was far from favourable for the Rossa man but his effort was well struck and Mullan did well to keep the effort out of the goals.

The last quarter of the game belonged to Seamus McAuley with the Town midfielder firing over another five points while Tiarnan Smyth and McKenna also chipped in with scores. 

Rossa’s accuracy in front of the target wasn’t economical enough to sustain their challenge with a number of uncharacteristic wides.  Murphy’s frees kept their side of the scoreboard ticking but it wasn’t enough to reel in the home side.

Both sides now have a four week break before they turn their attention to the championship in the first weekend in August.  Rossa will begin their campaign in good spirits despite this result with a first Division One league title in almost 30 years while Ballycastle are a side that have been improving with every league game.  They have strength all over the pitch and an attacking unit that have speed and guile.  Both sides will have lofty ambitions as the race for the Volunteer Cup begins.

TEAMS

BALLYCASTLE: Anthony Mullan; Ryan McCook, Ronan Laverty, Conal Colgan; Mark McClean, Conor Boyd, Darragh Donnelly; Seamus McAuley, Cathair Donnelly; James Bakewell, Niall McKenna, Ardan Kelly; Conor Donnelly, Neal McAuley, Tiarnan Smyth

Scorers: S McAuley 0-11 (8fs); Conor Donnelly 1-2; N McKenna 0-3; D Donnelly 0-1; Cathair Donnelly 0-1; A Kelly 0-1; N McAuley 0-1; T Smyth 0-1

ROSSA: Donal Armstrong; Oisin McVicker, Joseph Mulholland, Darragh Morriarity; Stephen Shannon, Aodhan O’Brien, Stephen Beatty; Corey Walsh, Deaglan Murphy; Liam McEnhill, Declan McCartney, Conor O’Neill; Eoghan McMenamin, James Connolly, Dara Rocks

Scorers: D Murphy 0-9 (5fs 1’65); S Shannon 0-1; A O’Brien 0-1; C Walsh 0-1; L McEnhill 0-1; D McCartney 0-1; E McMenamin 0-1; D Rocks 0-1

REFEREE: Colum Cunning (Dunloy)

Rossa celebrate winning the Division 1 League title. – Pic by Bert Trowlen

Dessie Donnelly presents the Division 1 Hurling League trophy to team captain Declan McCartney. Pic by Bert Trowlen

TO SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THIS GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

https://myalbum.com/album/tVuWhojWpTJK9w/?invite=ad588136-6499-4546-9fff-d31aa7273add

by thesaffrongael

Saints take another step towards the title

Division 3B

All Saints 9-17 Ardoyne 0-2

All Saints took another step towards the Division 3B Camogie title with a comprehensive win over a hard working but out classed Ardoyne at Slemish Park on Thursday night.

Playing with the fresh breeze at their backs, the Ballymena girls laid down an early marker when they found the Ardoyne net and the visitors keeper, Danielle Webb would become the busiest player on the field as All Saints pressed from the off.

Webb made a number of excellent saves and clearances over the hour but inevitably the roof caved in as All Saints outstanding player, Johanna McKeown, Sianeese Maybin, Brianna-Lee Casey and Aimeelee Holmes all rattled the net.

Ardoyne were battling hard to gain a foothold but were finding it difficult to get beyond mid-field where Roisin Ward and Cliodhna Metrustry were dominant, Metrustry driving forward when the opportunity presented itself to support her attack.

All Saints Amy McIlhatton comes under pressure from Deepika Sadagopan, Ardoyne

Shane McDonnell’s half time whistle must have come as a welcome respite for the Kickham’s ladies but even with the wind at their backs in the second half they were unable to penetrate a strong All Saints defence.

Karen Davis in goals, Jessica McIlhatton, Niamh McMahon and Orla Magill were solid in a good all round home defence with Johanna McKeown the outstanding player on view in an All Saints side who were all on top of their game.

Despite conceding heavily Danielle Webb brought of a number of excellent saves over the hour in the Ardoyne goals while Michelle Canning, Niamh Maginn and Deepika Sadagopan worked tirelessly in defence.

Amanda O’Prey, Ciara McEvoy and Linda McCann showed glimpse of what they are capable of in an Ardoyne attack that suffered from lack of supply and the entire side deserve credit for the effort they put in.

This win moves Johnny Sayer’s side three points above nearest challengers, Loch Mor Dal gCais with the sides set to meet in Ballymena on the 17th July and that game should go a long way in deciding the league title with All Saints in pole position.

All Saints: Karen Davis, Arleen Moore, Jessica McIlhatton, Leah McArdle, Niamh McMahon, Orla Magill,  Aoife Mulholland,  Roisin Ward,  Cliodhna Metrustry,  Johanna McKeown,  Sianeese Maybin, Amy McIlhatton,  Siobhan McCann,  Brianna-Lee Casey,  Aimeelee Holmes

Subs: Jessica Graham, Lucy McGuigan, Abigail McLarnon

Ardoyne: Danielle Webb,  Michelle Canning,  Tracey McBride,  Sarah McGrillen,  Anthea Maguire,  Niamh McGinn,  Deepika Sadagopan,  Jennifer Kennedy,  Amanda O’Prey,  Shannen O’Connor,  Fiona McKenna,  Ciara McEvoy,  Leona Burns,  Linda McCann,  Zara McCann

Subs:  Bethan Ross, Patricia Owens, Dearbhla Carmichael

Referee: Shane McDonnell

TO VIEW MORE PICS FROM THE GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

https://myalbum.com/album/CPhVe54og3dwGy