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

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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

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by thesaffrongael

Shamrocks win hands Rossa league title

Senior Hurling League – Division One

Dunloy 1-14 Loughgiel 4-11

Friday 4 July

Brendan McTaggart reports from Pearse Park, Dunloy

Loughgiel rounded off their league campaign with a convincing win over a depleted Dunloy side on Friday evening to end the Cuchullains hopes of winning the league title.  Six points separated the sides at the end of the hour, all off which means that Rossa have been crowned winners of the Divison One league title for the first time in 30 years.

Goals were the difference on the scoreboard at Pearse Park with the Shamrocks plundering in four over the hour, despite a missed penalty and a plethora of saves from Dunloy ‘keeper Eoghan Richmond.

With Paul Boyle threatening to cut loose playing on the edge of the square and James McNaughton closing in on his impish best, this victory was built around a solid defensive display that saw the Shamrocks hold Dunloy to just 1-6 from open play.  Rory and Declan McCloskey catching the eye while Tiarnan Coyle never gave an inch of space.

Both sides were missing regulars, Dunloy’s strength in depth was certainly tested to its limit with no less than nine players missing from their match against St John’s last Sunday.  Seaan Elliott top scored for the home side, raising nine white flags over the hour while Keelan Molloy top scored from open play with four points.  The returning Chrissy McMahon got Dunloy’s goal mid-way through the second half but the Shamrock’s always had the edge overall.

Played in conditions that were more akin to that of the month of October than the first week in July, it was Loughgiel who got out of the blocks quickest.  Rian ‘Betty’ McKee opened the scoring with barely 25 seconds on the clock.  Both sides were wasteful infront of the target before Loughgiel were awarded a penalty for a foul on Jack McCloskey.  James McNaughton stepped up but his effort was well saved by Richmond.

Richmond was called into action soon after with McNaughton testing his reflexes once again while Deaglan Smith split the uprights for Dunloy to open their account in the 6th minute.

The Shamrocks created another major chance and this time it was Paul Boyle who was presented with the opportunity.  Haring in from the left, he made no mistake after just eight minutes.

Dunloy responded with a trio of unanswered points to bring the sides level mid-way through the first half but it was a brief respite from the Loughgiel assault on the Dunloy goal.  Ruairi McCormick going close but again Richmond with a brilliant save before the second Loughgiel goal came in the 18th minute.  Paul Boyle turning provider this time as McNaughton finally beat Richmond to put five points between the sides.

The home side finished the half on top however with scores coming from Keelan Molloy and four frees from Seaan Elliott.  Molloy’s score coming after a brilliant catch among a group of players and with a swing of his wrists, instinctively finding the target.  Ruairi McCormick split the uprights in the same time period for Loughgiel to leave the half time score 2-4 to 0-9 in the Shamrocks favour.

As the rain became heavier, it didn’t dampen the Shamrocks spirit at the start of the second half.  Keelan Molloy did level the sides with the opening score of the half but before the home side would register another score, Loughgiel found the back of the Dunloy net.  Points from McNaughton and Roan McGarry preceded the third major in the 36th minute – James McNaughton creating the chance and while it looked like Richmond had dealt with his effort, he spilled the sliotar over the line and when Rian McMullan pointed soon after, Loughgiel had opened a six point advantage.

Dunloy responded with another brace of points from Seaan Elliott, scoring his seventh free and first from open play before the Shamrocks responded with a free from Declan McCloskey and Boyle.

Dunloy’s hopes were revitalised when Chrissy McMahon found the back of Odhran McFadden’s net, collecting the sliotar from a Seaan Elliott pass, McMahon made no mistake with a rasping drive to leave three between the sides.

Loughgiel responded by creating another goal chance soon after.  McNaughton blasting the sliotar to the bottom corner but Richmond dived at full length to turn the sliotar away.

McNaughton (free) and Keelan Molloy swapped scores going into the final 10 minutes before the Loughgiel man would strike a contender for score of the game.  Running down the right hand side and with the Dunloy defence in close quarters, McNaughton swung the sliotar off the hurl to split the uprights.  An outrageous score given the weather conditions, the challenges put in and angle.

Loughgiel’s fourth goal came from wing half back Ben McGarry.  He fired the sliotar to the back of the net from the most acute angle and while Dunloy responded with a free from Seaan Elliott in injury time, they rarely looked like eating into the Loughgiel lead.

This was far from a classic between these two great rivals and both will be disappointed with the number of missed chances.  All thoughts now turn to the race for the Volunteer Cup however with these two harbouring serious ambitions of claiming silverware.

TEAMS

DUNLOY: Eoghan Richmond; Phelim Duffin, Sean Og Blaney, Oran Quinn; Conor Kinsella, Kevin Molloy, Eamon Smyth; Jack Martin, Ciaran Elliott; Deaglan Smith, Padraig McGilligan, Keelan Molloy; Chrissy McMahon, Gabriel McTaggart, Seaan Elliott

Subs: Aaron Crawford for S Og Blaney (HT); Paul Shiels for J Martin (45)

Scorers: S Elliott 0-9 (8fs); Keelan Molloy 0-4; C McMahon 1-00; D Smith 0-1

LOUGHGIEL: Odhran McFadden; Tiarnan Coyle, Enda Og McGarry, Liam Glackin; Declan McCloskey, Rory McCloskey, Ben McGarry; Rian McKee, Ruairi McCormick; Rian McMullan, James McNaughton, Darragh Patterson; Roan McGarry, Paul Boyle, Jack McCloskey

Subs: Eoin McGarry for D Patterson (54); Donal McKinley for R McCormick (57); Patrick Laverty for L Glackin (Inj)

Scorers: J McNaughton 1-4 (2fs); P Boyle 1-1; B McGarry 1-00; J McCloskey 0-1; R McGarry 0-1; R McMullan 0-1; R McCormick 0-1; R McKee 0-1; D McCloskey 0-1 (1f)

REFEREE: Mark O’Neill (Armoy)

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by thesaffrongael

Gary Duffin R.I.P.

We at the Saffron Gael were deeply saddened to hear the news of the passing of Gary Duffin after a long illness. We got to know Gary when he wrote reports for us, mostly covering St. Ergnat’s games after being introduced to us by his friend and Saffron Gael photographer, Elaine Kelly.

We have kept in touch with his deteriorating condition through Elaine and today we carry a tribute posted on her facebook page.

Sad news came through yesterday morning. Our friend Garry Duffin passed away in the early hours. Garry was a friend to us all, a great Moneyglass man, a true Gael.

He did endless work throughout our St Ergnats GAC Moneyglass club. It was only a few months ago Garry and a few members he got together organised a big clean up at the Taylorstown pitch and grounds, this was very much led by Garry.

He also wrote the match reports at all the Moneyglass games for The Saffron Gael to accompany my action shots.

The match reports were very precise and he never held back while writing, as we all know.

Always willing to help and promote our beloved game and club, Garry fought a long, hard and brave battle with his illness with his lovely wife Luann and their 4 boys with him every step of the way.

Gone too soon our friend, he will be missed by so many people.

Garry always kept up to date with the posts on this page, so this one is for him.

May you RIP Garry 🙏

Thoughts and prayers are with Luann, Frank, Paul, Mark, Damien and Garry’s parents.

Condolences to all the extended family and friends 🙏

by thesaffrongael

Ports hold off late Lámhs rally at Kelly Park 

O’Neills ACFL Division One 

Portglenone 1-15-1-12 Lámh Dhearg 

Kevin Herron reports from Kelly Park 

Sean Byrne struck late on as Portglenone held off a Lámh Dhearg second half rally in their 1-15-1-12 win at Kelly Park on Wednesday evening. 

Early points were traded between Marc Jordan and Stephen Kelly in the opening exchanges but the hosts had begun brighter with Michael Hagan and Aidan McAleese (free) kicking their side into a 0-3-0-1 lead. 

Lámh Dhearg restored parity by the midway point in the half with Owen McKeown and Ben Rice steering individual efforts over. 

The visitors hit the front for the second time after Adam Murray swivelled and shot over and Aaron McAufield then watched as his goal chance flashed wide of the target. 

Aidan McAleese doubled his tally for the half from a placed ball to level proceedings for a third time, but Mark Finnegan scored from the same scenario to edge his side ahead again. 

The sides looked to be heading in level at the break when Ronan Kelly clipped over-though Ryan Diamond popped over a score with the last kick of the half to ensure Lámh Dhearg held a slender 0-6-0-5 lead at the interval. 

It didn’t take the Ports long to tie up the game again through a Ciaran Lynch point early into the second period and Aidan McAleese landed his first from play to give his side the lead for the second time. 

McAleese added another from the placed ball and minutes later John Finucane denied Ronan Kelly from finding the net. 

Approaching the midway point in the second half Portglenone surged further clear with successive two-pointed scores. 

The first a fantastic Michael Hagan shot from play that sailed over from outside the arc and after the resulting kick-out was lost and Enda Lynn was impeded, referee Conall Roberts advanced the free – Lynch added a further two-points from the placed ball to give his side a 0-12-0-5 advantage. 

A fifth McAleese point stretched the lead and with twelve and a half minutes remaining, Lámh Dhearg remained scoreless since the break. 

Their luck would change when Marc Jordan curled a shot inside the posts and substitute Ryan Murray then opened his account. 

With little over ten minutes remaining the Red Hands found a much needed goal after Jordan cut the ball across and Owen McKeown stabbed the ball to the net. 

A point from roving Ryan Convery steadied Portglenone, though Ryan Murray and Owen McKeown both pointed to make it a single score game with five minutes remaining. 

Points were traded between Aidan McAleese and Eoin Matassa to leave a point the difference until the first minute of time added on when a Lámh Dhearg attack deep in the Portglenone half broke down with fatal consequences as the hosts punished them with substitute Byrne slamming the ball home to make it 1-15-1-11. 

Ryan Murray kicked a consolation point with the last action of proceedings but Portglenone were home and dry and finished their league campaign on a winning note. 

PORTGLENONE: D McNicholl, R Convery (0-1), K O’Kane, J Convery, C Tierney, R Hagan, C McGhee, P Kelly, C Lynch (0-3, 1x2ptf), P Graffin, A McAleese (0-6, 0-4f), E Lynn, M Hagan (0-3, 1x2pt), S Kelly (0-1), R Kelly (0-1). SUBS: S Byrne for C Tierney (38), J McAleese for P Graffin (60+2). 

LÁMH DHEARG: J Finucane, Ross Murray, M McGarry, A McAufield, D Smyth, B Rice (0-1), E Matassa (0-1), P Fitzsimons, M Jordan (0-2), R Diamond (0-1), O McKeown (1-2), D Murray, M Finnegan (0-1f), A Murray (0-1), D Martin. SUBS: E Stanley for D Murray (45), C Boyd for R Diamond (48), P Larkin for A McAufield (48), Ryan Murray (0-3,0-1f) for D Martin (49), J Quinn for M Finnegan (55). 
REFEREE: Conall Roberts (St Johns)