When the going gets tough-the tough get going or so the saying goes!
Just over a week ago St. John’s found themselves in the relegation zone and were one of four sides stuck at the bottom of the table on six points. In midweek they came from behind and a late goal from Conor Hand gave them a share of the points against visiting Lamh Dhearg.
Returning county player, Conor Hand was again at the cutting age of his side’s convincing win over St. James, Aldergrove in Crumlin but few could have envisaged the ease with which they dealt with an out of sorts St. James side.
Conor Hand (10) turns away in celebration after scoring St. John’s second goal
Darragh McKeogh and Odhran Quinn pointed the Johnnies into a two point lead before Conor Hand fired home his side’s opening goal with only 4 minutes gone.
The visitors were flying, obviously intent on putting the threat of relegation behind them and when a long delivery from Paddy McBride was parried by keeper Oisin McGarry , Odhran Quinn was on hand to finish to the net from close range in the 6th minute.
Quinn followed with a point and Conor Hand intercepted a misplaced pass to solo clear for another and St. John’s were ten ahead with only 9 minutes gone and at this stage they were in complete control.
Declan Gough replaced Malachy Burns in the St. James’ side and Seamus McGarry pointed a ‘45’ and added another from play to finally get the home side off the mark but Ross Hannigan replied with two for the visitors.
Declan Gough announced his introduction with a point for the Crumlin side but Paddy McBride and Conal McGlade replied for St. John’s before Sean Patrick Fay concluded the first half scoring with a point for St. James.
Aldergrove’s Seamus McGarry comes under extreme pressure from Ross Hannigan, St. John’s
Trailing 0-4 to 2-8 at the break, it looked a long way back for St. James but James Trowlen added a point in the opening minute to give them a glimmer of hope but that hope didn’t last too long as Paddy McBride replied from a free and added another following a breach of the incursion rule.
Conor Hand, Conal McGlade, Ronan Quinn, Ryan McNulty, Odhran Quinn and Conal Quinn added half a dozen points on the bounce as the Aldergrove resistance crumbled.
Seamus McGarry and Declan Gough replied with St. James’ points, their first scores for more than 20 minute but at this stage they merely put a better look on the score card.
The Johnnies finished as they had started with Ryan McNulty, Conall Quinn, Paddy McBride 2pt and Conor Hand 2pt bringing their total for the evening to 2-22 with McGarry hitting a late consolation for the team in red.
In what has been a poor season for a team with such a proud record St John’s have once again shown that when the chips are down they would not be found wanting and this win guarantees them division 1 football for next season.
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Glen Dimplex All Ireland Intermediate Championship Fr. Healy Park, Loughgiel 21st June 2025
Antrim 4-19 Meath 0-13
Match report and photos from Antrim Camogie PRO Michael Corcoran
Despite temperatures soaring to 25 degrees in Fr. Healy Park, Antrim were unrelenting in their game today, turning up the heat even more against their travelling opponents, Meath, to secure a semifinal place in St. Conleth’s Park, Newbridge, Co. Kildare on the 12th July.
Supporters were entertained with four Saffron goals and a wide spread of points from across the squad. This was one of those games where everyone put in a solid shift and consequently, the result showed on the scoreboard and created an opportunity for Antrim management, McCormick and Coulter, to flush out the bench in the second half.
Meath was competent in spells, and it would have been a mistake to think they couldn’t be dangerous but today, Antrim’s defence was solid like a ring of steel and able to quash all Meath approaches to goal.
With no more than thirty seconds or so on the clock, Antrim’s Lucia McNaughton struck at the heart of Meath’s catch net from a Katie Molloy pass and after Caitrín Dobbin followed swiftly with her point, Molloy returned with a striking point won on her own volition as she persevered to win the sliotar and make the run down the dugout side of the pitch.
Antrim would now be four points up after Dobbin took possession from a great Shannagh Heggarty pass before Meath clipped a point over Antrim’s bar from Brodie Kelly at five minutes on the clock.
There would be no breathers in this game, the unrelenting pace witnessed Antrim’s Maeve Kelly take a big hit on the move but undeterred, Kelly struck the sliotar for her point only a minute after Meath’s. However, Antrim’s physicality yielded two Meath frees and in quick succession, Meath’s Aoife Carey and Tara Murphy had closed the gap to just two points.
Carey and Murphy each stepped up to flight two more frees over Antrim’s bar, with bookended points from Antrim’s Dobbin, McCormick and Boyle to steady the scoring campaign and start the drift away from Meath at 0-10 to 0-05.
The gap would widen within five minutes of Boyle’s point with a goal from Maeve Kelly, driving in a high ball that unexplainably dropped in over the goalkeepers head, running over the line and chaperoned to a result by a sheltering McCormick, preventing any Meath influence.
Antrim’s Maeve Kelly on her way to raising the green flag
Antrim had a taste of goal, and you sensed the full forwards wanted in on the action and they didn’t have long to wait, as Katie Molloy offloaded to McCormick running outside the Meath box. McCormick spotted and offloaded to an unmarked Cassie McArthur and under strict instructions from the sideline, ‘to bury it’ Antrim had their second goal.
Meath attempted to close the gap with two points from substitute Grace Coleman, however Antrim quickly neutralised those from a McCormick free and a simple but effective combo from a McNaughton sideline into the hands of Dobbin to close out the second half Antrim 2-12 Meath 0-07.
Antrim now enjoyed the breeze largely on their backs at the restart, and with a flush of substitutes at the whistle. Right from the ‘get go’, Fionnuala Kelly made her intentions known as she assisted McCormick in the raising of a green flag. Antrim’s three goals were about to become four as McCormick brought more trouble to Meath’s door. A raking shot intended for goal was intercepted by Cassie McArthur as she raised her hand for the catch and the deflection into goal meant four for Antrim. One staved thumb later and a slow walk back to the dugout seen McArthur safely on the bench for some treatment.
Antrim’s Roisín McCormick taking her point in the first half, followed by a goal and maybe a second off a Cassie McArthur thumb
Meath weren’t without their chances all the same, as witnessed ten minutes into the half, Meath’s Brodie Kelly found a gap between Antrim defenders wide enough to test goalkeeper, Caitriona Graham. It was a decent effort but a better save, ending out wide for the 45.
Both sides would trade points up to the final whistle, but not before Meath’s Claire Coffey blocked a certain goal from Maeve Kelly that was cleverly fed in from Sarah O’Neill.
At the final whistle, Antrim’s 4-19 to Meath’s 0-13 secured a semifinal place in Newbridge, Co. Kildare on the 12th July. In the meantime, Antrim, like the winners of group two, Kerry, will wait to see who their opponents will be after quarter final play offs on the 5th July.
Clare McKillop from Antrim’s impenetrable defence plays with a battle worn stick before changing
The playing fields echoed with energy, skill, and spirit as schools from across Ulster came together for the much-anticipated Festival of Football, honouring the memory and legacy of three remarkable young men: Connor Marron, Aidan Walsh, and Conal Gould. The annual event, growing in stature and significance, featured competitive football, high sportsmanship, and a vibrant sense of community.
Fixtures & Format
The tournament featured eight schools, split into two competitive groups:
Group A
SLG 1
St Patrick’s Keady
St Joseph’s Donaghmore
St Malachy’s Belfast
Group B
SLG 2
Coláiste Feirste
St Pius X Magherafelt
St Mary’s CBS
Runners Up in the Connor Marron Cup, St. Louis Grammar and above, winners St. Joseph’s Donnaghmore
Each team played group fixtures to determine placing’s for the prestigious Connor Marron Cup and the Aidan Walsh Shield knockout rounds. The structure ensured that every game counted, as the top sides from each group advanced to compete for the Cup, while the next tier battled for the Shield.
Connor Marron Cup Final
The tournament culminated in a thrilling final between St Louis Grammar 1 and St Joseph’s Donaghmore. It was a match worthy of the Connor Marron name — passionate, fast-paced, and full of quality. In the end, St Joseph’s Donaghmore emerged victorious, lifting the Connor Marron Cup after a spirited display of teamwork and determination.
Donaghmore’s Ruan Cavanagh was the standout performer throughout the competition, displaying outstanding leadership, composure under pressure, and moments of sheer brilliance. His consistent excellence earned him the coveted Conal Gould Player of the Tournament Award.
St. Patrick’s Keady, Aidan Walsh Shield winners
Aidan Walsh Shield Final
The Aidan Walsh Shield was no less competitive. In a clash of flair and grit, St Patrick’s Keady overcame a strong and determined Coláiste Feirste side. The final was a showcase of developing talent and tactical awareness, with Keady’s composure in key moments proving decisive. It was a fitting tribute to Aidan’s love of the game and the players who play it with pride and purpose.
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The end of the first phase of the Division One Football league draws near with only a couple of rounds remaining before the participants in the knock out stages are finalised. The penultimate round is on Saturday with the final round scheduled for Wed 2nd July.
Division One – Sat 21st June
Cuchullian’s Dunloy v O’ Donovan Rossa
Cuchullian’s have enjoyed a good season to date and were more than impressive in Wednesday evenings win over St Mary’s Ahoghill but they are not in the reckoning for a place in the knock out phase.
They have already secured division one football for next season and currently sit on 10 points and with a number of their hurlers back in the side at Cloney they looked mighty impressive.
Rossa have endured a poor season but Wednesday evening’s win over All Saint’s would suggest that Hugh McGettigan’s side are capable of better and they will travel to Dunloy hoping to build on that impressive performance.
Dunloy will start as firm favourites in this one but with their backs against the wall and retention of status at stake the Shaw’s road men may well give their hosts a run for their money.
All Saint’s Ballymena v Con Magee’s Glenravel
All Saint’s travelled to Rossa last time with their eyes firmly fixed on a place in the league play offs but suffered defeat to bottom place Rossa and looked a shadow of the side that has performed admirably earlier in the league.
That defeat followed another below power performance against Ahoghill where they were fortunate to get over the line and they will need to show improvement if they are to get anything from the Con Magee’s visit.
Con Magee’s have had a good season to date occupying a mid-table position with their place in the top grade next term assured but games between these sides are never easy to predict.
This is likely to be another close one as near neighbours come together but the home side will start as favourites and could gain the points to ensure their place in the play offs.
St James Aldergrove v St John’s
St John’s with just 7 points at present underlining a poor season for the Corrigan men and they will travel to Crumlin to meet St. James’ Aldergrove seeking a full return of the points to ease their relegation worries.
St James have enjoyed a good 2025 season and have 14 points at the moment and that ensures a place in the top grade for next season.
The home side will start this one as favourites but their visitors need is greater and an away win for the Johnnies is quite possible.
St Brigid’s v St Mary’s Ahoghill
Current division 1 league champions St Brigid’s have enjoyed a good season and have 20 points to date and a win in this one would assure a place in the knock out stages.
St Mary’s Ahoghill have struggled this season and suffered a heavy defeat to an on fire Dunloy on Wednesday past and Eamon Brady’s side look in some trouble at the moment and the retention of division 1 status looks fragile.
Ahoghill travel to St Brigid’s in search of the win to keep their hopes alive but anything other than a St. Brigid’s victory would be a major surprise and the Musgrave Park side are likely to take the points.
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Erin’s Own Cargin v St Gall’s
Cargin continue to set the pace in division 1 and as it stands the Toome men are certain to reach the knock out phase as they play hosts to St Gall’s in their penultimate assignment.
The Milltown men have enjoyed a good campaign to date but with 14 points secured they will not be involved in the knock out stage this term.
Ronan Devlin’s side have answered the call and despite suffering their first defeat to St Brigid’s recently, they regained composure with a victory at Portglenone last time out.
The Toome men will start this penultimate league game as firm favourites and they should gain another brace of points.
Tir na nOg v Casement’s Portglenone
Tir na nOg are one of four sides fighting for their division 1 lives and have struggled for most of the season and desperately need a win to ease their relegation worries.
Casement’s have enjoyed a positive season but their defeat to Cargin is likely to see them finish just outside the top 4.
Casement’s will start as favourites however and will be hoping for a major slipup by one of the three sides above them in the table but Tir na nOg’s greater need may well drive them onwards to victory.
Lamh Dhearg v Kickham’s Creggan
Creggan are almost certain for a place in the play offs with 20 points secured as they travel to Hannahstown aiming to seal their place in the semi-finals.
Lamh Dhearg have 15 points and are outside the qualifying places but with ground advantage and home support they could give the Kickham’s men a run for their money but an away win looks the most likely result.
St Paul’s v St Mary’s Aghagallon
St Paul’s looked prime candidates for relegation in the early stages of the league but the Shaw’s Road side have improved as the season progressed and they recorded a good win at Glenravel on Wednesday night to move onto 9 points and they look likely to retain status.
Aghagallon have the same number of points as their hosts, following a good win over Aldergrove in their last game and may just be running into a bit of form at the right stage of the season.
St Paul’s will start as favourites but a draw would suit both sides and a share of the points can’t be ruled out.
Sunday 22nd June
Division 2 (all games 2.00 pm)
St Teresa’s v St Patrick’s
St Teresa’s have fared well this term but they did find the going tough at times and they will travel to Lisburn to meet St Patrick’s hoping for a positive return.
The Lisburn men have enjoyed a good campaign this term and have shown a lot of improvement but although they may well give the visitors a run for their money, a St Teresa’s win is anticipated.
St Enda’s v Michael Davitt’s
Davitt’s have struggled for points this term but recorded a good win over Rasharkin last time out and will be hoping to add to that win as they fight to avoid relegation.
St. Enda’s currently hold top spot in division 2B and on current form look likely to add another win from the Davitt’s visit.
St Mary’s Rasharkin v Gort na Mona
Rasharkin have endured a long list of injuries this season and have struggled to cope in division 2 and points have proved elusive.
They do have ground advantage in this one as Gort na Mona visit but their fate already looks to have been sealed and they could suffer another defeat in this one.
St Ergnat’s Moneyglass v St Joseph’s Glenavy
Moneyglass suffered a first defeat of the season when Sarsfield’s visited on Wednesday night and that win puts the Paddies in pole position for the division 2 title.
St. Ergnat’s just have to keep winning and hope the Stewartstown Road side slip up in their final game against Naomh Padraig on 2nd July and
St Ergnat’s with a youthful panel should win this one.
Division Three Sat 21st June (4.00pm)
Laochra Loch Lao v Wolfe Tones
Laochra Loch Lao have impressed in the league and currently sit in second place. They recorded a good win over Ardoyne on Wednesday night while Wolfe Tones were picking up their second win of the season against O’Donnell’s but home advantage should see Laochra take the points here.
St Agnes v Kickham’s Ardoyne
St. Agnes suffered their only defeat of the season away to Satuday’s opponents and will be keen to avenge that defeat and collect the points that would secure them the division 3 title and an Aggies win is predicted.
Cardinal O’ Donnell’s v St Malachy’s
O’ Donnell’s trail St. Malachy’s by five points in the table and suffered defeat to bottom club, Wolfe Tones last time out and will do well to get anything from their visitors in this one with St. Malachy’s given the nod.
