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Football Fixtures and Previews Wed 24th April
There are a full round of football league games this Wednesday evening in all three divisions.
Division One (all games at 6.45pm)
Tir na nOLg v St Enda’s
Tir na nOg lie a point ahead of St Enda’s and they will be hoping for a full return from this one as the Glengormley side visit Whitehill.
The Randalstown side have enjoyed a productive start to the season and they will be striving for a full return of the points in this one to retain their place in mid table.
St Enda’s struggled last term but have enjoyed a good start to the 2024 season but after back to back defeats in their latest twogames they will look for a return to winning ways as they visit Whitehill.
A close encounter is anticipated but ground advantage may count and aid a Tir na nOg to victory.
St John’s v St Mary’s Ahoghill
St John’s have endured a slow start to the 2024 season and after four rounds of games the Corrigan men await their first points as they welcome St Mary’s Ahoghill to Corrigan.
Chris Mc Glone’s St Mary’s opened the season on a positive theme but they seem to have stalled somewhat of late and endured a last round defeat to Aghagallon on their own sod.
A home defeat is not the norm for the Ahoghill men and this trip to Corrigan Park looks a tough assignment for them.
St John’s are in need of points and although the Ahoghill men will give it everything a home win and welcome points for the Johnnies does look the most likely result
Erin’s Own Cargin v Con Magee’s Glenravel
Cargin remain undefeated as they welcome Con Magee’s to Toome. They returned from Crumlin with a win over Aldergrove and will look to continue on the positive trail as the Glensmen pay a visit.
Con MaGee’s have struggled to date and this does look another tough assignment for them as they visit the in form Toome men after a lengthy time in exile from the top division.
Cargin will start this one as firm favourites, but if their visitors travel will all hands on board they may well give their hosts a run for their money.
Lamh Dhearg v All Saint’s Ballymena
All Saints gained their second victory of the season last time when they prove too strong for Tir na nOg in Ballymena. They travel to Hannastown to meet Lamh Dhearg hoping to continue their recent good form.
Lamh Dhearg await their first win of the season with a couple of drawn games under their belts but will fancy their chances of recording their first win.
This looks a tough one to call and a share of the spoils and a draw is possible.
Casement’s Portglenone v St Brigid’s
This looks a strong candidate for ‘game of the round’ as the unbeaten Casement’s, holders of the division one title play hosts to South Belfast side St Brigid’s who will travel down to Kelly park with a similar unbeaten record to date.
This one will certainly attract a good crowd to the Portglenone venue where a close enjoyable affair is anticipated.
The Casement’s men will start as favourites and although St. Brigid’s are likely to ask questions to John Mc Keever’s side a home win is suggested as the likely outcome.
Kickham’s Creggan v St Galls
St Gall’s are in fine form at the moment and the Milltown men will take a trip down to the South West to meet Kickham’s Creggan, unbeaten to date.
Creggan endured a reversal last time out when they lost to St Brigid’s up at Musgrave and they will return to home base in this one looking to return to winning ways.
St Gall’s have certainly emerged for the 2024 season in excellent form but this does look their toughest assignment to date.
St Marys Aghagallon v O’ Donovan Rossa
Aghagallon took s time to get it together this term as the St Mary’s men recovered from a series of injuries but a win at Ahoghill last time suggested better times.
They are back on their own sod this time as Rossa visit and they will be hoping to record another win.
Rossa have recorded only one win to date and they will look to add to that sooner rather than later but this does look a stiff assignment for Hugh Mc Gettigan’s men .
St James Aldergrove v St Ergnat’s Moneyglass
Moneyglass await their first win this term as they travel to Crumlin to face St. James Aldergrove.
The Crumlin side have also found the going tough but they may well gain a full return of the points this time.
Division Two
St Mary’s Rasharkin v St Patrick’s Lisburn
Rasharkin have struggled to date and the Dreen side await their first win of the season in the second grade following success in championship and league last term.
The St Mary’s men have lost both games to date in the second division and they will be seeking a more positive return from the visit of St. Patrick’s Lisburn.
St Patrick’s have fared better than their hosts thus far in the league with a victory over St Paul’s and a drawn encounter with Michael Davitt’s and they will travel in positivity.
Rasharkin certainly have taken time to find their feet in their new berth but they may get something from this one a home win is suggested.
St Pauls v Patrick Sarsfield’s
St Paul’s have gained a couple of wins to date but defeat inflicted by the visiting Lisburn side was not anticipated. They will return to home soil in this one and welcome their near neighbours as Sarsfield’s visit Shaw’s road.
Following back to back wins in their first two outings this term the Paddies were pipped at the post last time by the visiting St Teresa’s and they will hope for a better return this time.
This does look as a close encounter and a share of the spoils is possible but it could go either way.
St Teresa’s v St Joseph’s Glenavy
Both the sides share unbeaten records to date this term as Glen road inhabitants St Teresa’s visit the Chapel Hill to play St Joseph’s Glenavy.
Both sides look fully focused this term and although it is early in the season both look like as candidates for promotion.
A close one looks probable with a good crowd anticipated to Chapel Hill with ground advantage possibly aiding the Glenavy men to a win.
Kickham’s Ardoyne v Cuchullian’s Dunloy
Having opened this term with a win over the visiting Davitt’s, Dunloy lost their second game to Glenavy. The senior championship finalists of 2023 will travel up to North Belfast as firm favourites for a win in this one as they face Ardoyne.
The Kickham’s have not started the season well and await their first points as they play hosts to the Cuchullian’s.
Dunloy will start this one as favourites and although Ardoyne are not to be taken for granted, an away win looks the most likely return.
Michael Davitts v Gort na Mona
An all city encounter in this one as Davitts play hosts to their neighbours from Gort na Mona and again a close game does look in prospect.
Both the contestants have gained a single victory to date with the Gorts proving too strong for Ardoyne in round one whilst Davitts gained victory when they played hosts to Rasharkin.
Another close one in prospect with ground advantage the prime reason in suggesting a win for the Davitt’s in what may well be a close encounter.
Division Three
Cardinal O’ Donnell’s v Wolfe Tones
O’ Donnell’s have enjoyed a smart start to the season unbeaten to date, and although in its early stages the MacRory Park side look contenders for honours.
North Belfast based Wolfe Tones in contrast to their hosts await their first win in 2024 and may travel in hope rather than confidence with a home win anticipated.
St Agnes v Patrick Pearse’s
This looks likely to be a close one as the Aggies play hosts to the men from Pearses with both having enjoyed a single victory apiece in 2024,
The Aggies had a good win over the visiting Wolfe Tones while Pearses proved too good for St Malachy’s with ground advantage probably aiding St Agnes to victory.
Eire Og v St Malachy’s
The Mal’s await their first points of the season as they visit Eire Og and the men from the Markets area of the city may well return with the points on board.
Laochra Loch Lao v St Comgall’s
Antrim based St Comgall’s have really hit the ground running this term and are undefeated to date and with a hefty score difference they do look contenders in the grade.
Laochra Loch Lao have also started the 2024 season in fine form and they have also remained undefeated to date.
A close one is anticipated but ground advantage may well add impetus to the Antrim men with a home win anticipated.
Related Images:
Cushendall Camogs win third Feile title in a row
Antrim Camogie Feile A 2024
Semi Final’s and Final
In the first semi- final Portglenone faced St. Paul’s. Many expected Portglenone to advance to the final but the girls from The Shaws Road started with real purpose. They exploded out of the traps and by the tenth minute they had established a 2-2 to 0-2 lead, their goals coming from Abaigh McNally and Ellie Lynn. Portglenone came back with points from Jojo Darragh and a goal from Aiofe McGrogan but it was St. Pauls who held a slender one point advantage at half time 2-2 to 1-3.
The game was in the melting pot and there to be won and in the second half and it was St. Paul’s who showed the greater resolve and with goals from Aiofe O’ Hare and Chloe Neeson and a pointed free from Amy Gault they claimed the win on a scoreline of St. Paul’s 4-3 Portglenone 3-4.
St. Paul’s scores Ellie Lynn 1-1, Aiofe O’ Hare 1-0, Abaigh McNally 1-0, Amy Gault 0-2.
Portglenone scores Jojo Darragh 0-3, Aiofe McGrogan 1-1, Gemma McAuley 1-0, Eva McCann 1-0.
In the second semi final Cushendall took on old rivals Loughgiel. The same sides contested the U-14 final last year and a tight game was expected. It was Loughgiel who got out of the traps quickest with an early goal from Anna Smyth. However Cushendall began to settle into the game. Tamara Black sent a long ball into the Loughgiel square where Cliodhna Thompson gathered possession and finished to the net. A further two goals and two points for the Ruairis from Cliodhna Thompson had them six ahead at the break 3-2 to 1-2.
In the second half Cushendall again stamped their authority on the game. Cliodhna Thompson got 1-2 and with points added by Tamara Black(0-2) and Mia McKeegan(0-1) they ran out winners on a score of Cushendall 4-7 Loughgiel 2-2.
Cushendall scores Cliodhna Thompson 4-4, Tamara Black 0-2, Mia McKeegan 0-1
Loughgiel scores Anna Smyth 2-1, Roise McGarry 0-1.
In the final it was surprise package St. Paul’s who faced reigning champions Cushendall. The two teams had faced off the previous week in the group stages where Cushendall ran out winners 2-3 to 0-1. However the final was to prove a much closer affair. St. Paul’s moved Ellie Lynn to full back and along with Orla Munce they defended brilliantly. Cushendall however were still able to work themselves into a 0-4 to 0-1 lead at the short whistle with points from Cliodhna Thompson(0-2) Tamara Black(0-1) and Aiofe Molloy(0-1) to Amy Gault’s pointed free for the Shaws Road girls.
The second half turned into a real battle. Tamara Black exchanged points with Amy Gualt but what looked like the critical score came with five minutes left of the clock Abaigh McNally broke a couple of tackles and finished to the net to draw St. Paul’s level. The momentum seemed to be with St. Pauls but despite a couple of attacks they couldn’t edge their noses in front thanks to superb defending from Niamh McCollam and Aibrean Campbell. With seconds ticking away Dall centre half back Erin McNaughton won possession around the middle third. She went on a solo run and from fully 40 yards her shot found the top corner of the St. Pauls net. The poc out was taken and things were frantic around the middle of the field but the Dall girls stood strong until the final whistle. Final score Cushendall 1-5 St. Paul’s 1-2.
And so it was Cushendall who claimed their third Feile title on the trot. However great credit must go to St. Paul’s who came so close to causing an upset.
Cushendall scores Erin McNaughton 1-0, Tamara Black 0-2, Cliodhna Thompson 0-2, Aiofe Molloy 0-1.
St. Paul’s scores Abaigh McNally 1-0, Amy Gault 0-2.
Related Images:
Fermanagh Come strong after the break to brush aside Antrim
Ulster U20 Football Championship
Tier 2 Play-off
Antrim 0-10 Fermanagh 1-16
A strong second half performance from visitors Fermanagh saw them overcome the challenge of a disappointing Antrim in the Tier 2 Ulster U20 Football Championship at Dunsilly on Monday night.
With the wind at their backs the Saffrons had built up a 0-6 to 0-3 lead by the 23d minute and were playing some good football when they lost a player to a Black card.
Fermanagh took advantage of the extra man and kicked the final point of the half through Mattie McDermott to close the gap to two at the half way stage but Antrim might have been further ahead.
After the break it was a different story as the Erne County took control, outscoring Antrim by 1-12 to 0-4 in a dominant second half with their goal coming from Mattie McDermott in the 30th minute and they will now go forward to play Down in the Tier 2 decider.
It was hosts Antrim who made the early running to move into a 0-4 to 0-1 lead after 11 minutes with Tom Shivers and Niall Hynds on top at mid-field and Johnny Hannon 0-2, Niall Duffy and Shivers their marksmen.
Fermanagh had opened the scoring from a Liam MacEnri free in the second minute but it would be another 11 minutes before Mattie McDermott would kick their second.
Two minutes later corner-back, Cal McAnespie came forward for a third as the Antrim early fluency began to break down with players carrying the ball too often into the tackle and being turned over.
A great point from Tom Shivers and another from Callum Walsh, when Antrim looked in for a goal, saw the home side head for the dressing room two ahead with Fermanagh’s last point coming from a Mattie McDermott free.
The second half was only 30 seconds old when McDermott converted from a Mark and when Kealan Fitzpatrick followed with another from play in the 5th minute the sides were level.
A point from Cian O’Brien and two delightful scores from Caolan Brennan saw the visitors three in front by the 10th minute and at this stage Antrim were struggling to put a move together.
Cian O’Brien kicked his second of the half for the visitors before Tom Shivers finally opened Antrim’s second half account with a pointed free in the 14th minute but it failed to spark the young Saffrons into action.
Instead they had to thank Senan Nagle who pulled off a superb diving save to deny Diarmuid Owens what looked a certain goal but the Fermanagh side kept coming in waves as Lanty Feely increased their lead with a point in the 13th minute.
Antrim were still fighting but were much too laboured in their build-ups but Connlaodh McCann kicked a nice point from near the end-line for their second score of the half with 8 minutes remaining.
It was Fermanagh who finished in total command however as Diarmuid Owens, Conor O’Hanlon and Caolan Brennan added points before Mattie McDermott shot past the excellent Senan Nagle with time almost up.
Conan Johnston and Sean Conlon for the visitors exchanged late points but by this stage it was well and truly over and it is Fermanagh who now go forward to take on Down in the final.
ANTRIM
Sean Nagle, Ciaran Maginnis, Gaireach Madhaim, Eoghan O’Hare, Paul Duffin, Conan Johnston, Connlaidh McCann, Niall Hynds, Tom Shivers, Collum Walsh, Cahir Donnelly, Niall Duffy, Callum Gribben, Johnny Hannon, Niall Fallon.
Subs: Enda McCartan for Callum Gribbin, Roan Quinn for Callum Walsh, Jack Toner for Niall Fallon, RoryMcErlean for Paul Duffin
Related Images:
Gaelfast Year 10 Cup Hurling All Stars
Gaelfast have just named their Year 10 Cup Hurling All Stars team Congratulations to all those who took part in the competitions, who were nominated for an All-Star and developed their skills and abilities week in, week out. Going by the talent on show, we re going to be seeing plenty of these players coming through our Player Development pathway via Clubs, Schools and Academies.
An invite will be sent to the schools to bring their winners to St Mary’s University College – Belfast to receive their All-Star award on Wednesday 1st May 1pm. (More details to follow)
The pupils are asked to attend in their School uniform or School Pe uniform as we will be taking individual and Team photo to mark the occasion and the winners will bring their jersey home with them.