The draw for this year’s Tailteann Cup sees Antrim face a difficult opener when they travel to Mullingar to face Westmeath this Sunday in Cusack Park, Mullingar.
The Saffrons will want to forget the last meeting of these two sides at the same venue or maybe it’s better to remember it and travel with the mind-set that this is an opportunity to right the damage inflicted that day back on March 5th 2023.
Everything that possibly could go wrong that day, went wrong as Andy McEntee’s side suffered a heavy defeat that would put a massive dent in their promotion hopes.
A new day, a new game and a different competition and Antrim will want to get their Tailteann Cup campaign of to a good start but face a formidable opponent.
The Antrim side has undergone many changes from that easily forgetable performance in Mullingar with Mick Byrne, Eoin McCabe, James McAuley, Joseph and Patrick Finnegan, Ruairi McCann and Conor Stewart the only players still in the panel that started that day though Dominic McEnhill came on as a substitute.
Captain that day, Peter Healy has not kicked a ball this year but is still around the panel as he recovers from a long term injury that required surgery and just where he is at in terms of recovery is not known at the time of writing.
Westmeath went on to gain promotion to division 2 in 2023 but recorded only one draw from their 7 fixtures and return to division 3 in 2025 while Antrim are relegated to division 4 for the 2025 season.
Eoghan McCabe in action for Antrim against Westmeath in Mullingar back in 2023
Just how those league campaigns have affected both sides remains to be seen but Antrim were somewhat unfortunate to make the drop from division 3 and were competitive in nearly all their games.
Their outstanding performance against All Ireland Champions, Armagh in the ‘Corrigan or nowhere’ Ulster Championship will have given Andy McEntee’s side a lot of confidence.
The Saffrons played out of their skins in that one and led the All Ireland champions by a point at half time and that lead could have been greater but Kavan Keenan’s penalty just before half time was saved by Blaine Hughes.
Paddy McBride, Eunan Walsh, Dermott McAleese and Marc Jordan were missing through injury in Antrim’s meeting with Sunday’s opponents back in 2023 while Kavan Keenan, Conor Hand, Ronan Boyle and Ryan McQuillan are amongst the emerging new faces likely to see action in Mullingar.
Antrim can take a lot of confidence from that performance against Armagh and if they can perform to that level and keep it going for the 70 plus minutes then they are quite capable of getting a result at Cusack Park.
Group 3 Tailteann Cup: Westmeath, Limerick, Antrim, London
Antrim Camogie Division 1 League Loughgiel v Brídíní Óga 6th May 25
Loughgiel 7-20 Brídíní Óg 1-04
Match report and photos from Michael Corcoran at Fr. Healy Park, Loughgiel
Another glorious early summer evening welcomed players and supporters around Fr. Healy Park for another league match from division 1. With just enough of a northerly chill to take the edge off any warmth of the sun, Brídíní Óga, having won the toss, opted to play the first half towards the clubhouse and match referee, Paul O’Neill threw in the sliotar sharply at 7pm to get the game underway.
Loughgiel were first to find the catch net, with an on-form Orlagh Laverty taking the point after a hard-won ball out of a ruck. The Shamrocks would streak ahead to four points with points from Katie McKillop (2) and Marie Laverty to put four on the scoreboard before Brídíní Óga’s Aimee Traynor would reply with Glenravel’s first point after five minutes.
Loughgiel would get their scoring back on track from a fine point by Marie Laverty but a surprise ball that worked its way behind the Shamrock’s defence seen Traynor tidy up the loose ball deep into Loughgiel’s net for the first green flag of the evening and offered promise of possible things to come, but Loughgiel were strong, persistent and consistent and when Katie McKillop offloaded to Orlagh Laverty, the Shamrocks had their first goal of the evening and soon to be two from Laverty at sixteen minutes on the clock.
Brídíní Óga and Loughgiel fight for possession in the Antrim Camogie senior div 1 league match
Brídíní Óga’s Torie Edgar dropped a free over Loughgiel’s bar to keep momentum going, however Loughgiel’s Katie McKillop would play an influential role in feeding sliotars deep into Brídíní Óga’s back line and it wasn’t long before Kirsty McKendry and Marie Laverty were raising two more green flags along with a steady flow of points to close the first half Loughgiel 4-12 Brídíní Óga 1-02.
On commencement of the second half, the Shamrocks picked it up right where they left off and a neat pass from Christine McCloskey to Marie Laverty eventually found the stick of Kirsty McKendry and into the back of the net for goal number five.
McCloskey would return to the scoring zone again within minutes of the goal but on this occassion, goalkeeper, Orla Donnelly, diffused the sizzling sliotar out wide and away before leaving the field with a foot injury.
With forty five minutes on the clock, Brídíní Óga’s Shauna McDonnell broke through and landed a score over the bar along with a fine point from substitute Oonagh ward but that would never be enough to stop the Shamrock machine from improving their scoreline with another two goals coming from Carlina Sullivan and Katie McKillop, McKillop getting her goal from a Orlagh Laverty pass. Over the second half, Loughgiel would also move the scoreboard along another eight points to close the game Loughgiel 7-20 Brídíní Óga 1-04.
This was a strong performance from the Shamrock’s tonight and a game that offered both sides bench rotation but without a real threat to Loughgiel’s winning position.
Loughgiel panel and scorers
Emma McAllister, Charlene Campbell, Finvola McVeigh, Maria Lynn, Ciara Connolly 0-01, Louise McKillop, Maeve Shannon, Anna Connolly, Shanna Deery, Katie McKillop 1-08 (1×45, 6f), Marie Laverty 1-04, Christine McCloskey, Orlagh Laverty 2-02, Kirsty McKendry 2-00, Anna McKillop 0-04, Shauna McKillop, Zoe Cassley, Sarah Flavin, Erin Connolly, Anna Smyth, Megan McGarry, Aoibheann Gillan, Carlina Sullivan 1-01
It was a night for the big teams in tTuesday’s Antrim Camogie League Division 1 with Dunloy, Loughgiel, Cushendall and Ballycastle all running out convincing winners against Tir na nÓg, Bridini Oga, Ahoghill and Portglenone.
Caoimhe Molloy had her sights set well during her team’s win over Tír na nÓg at Pearse Park
The Randalstown girls did quite well in the first half of their game in Dunloy, but the flood gates opened in the second half as they added eight goals to the one they had scored in the first half, Derbhail Elliott and Caoimhe Molloy both netting hat-tricks.
Loughgiel hit seven in their win over Bridini Oga at Fr Healy Park, Ruairi Og hit 4-28 against Ahoghill in Cloney while Ballycastle ran up 7-13 in their win over Portglenone at Pairc MacUílin
Tír na nÓg centre back Emma Louise McAreavey battle it out with Dunloy’s Aoibhe McAllister
TO SEE MORE PICS FROM THE DUNLOY V TÍR NA NÓG GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW
The mid-week setting continues in the football Leagues with another round scheduled for the 7th May in the three divisions.
Division One (all games at 7.00pm
St Gall’s v Tir na nOg
St Gall’s suffered their first league defeat when they travelled to Portglenone last week. The Milltown men have impressed on their league journey prior to that one and they will seek a better return when they welcome Tir na nOg to Milltown.
Niall Jackman’s side have struggled this term with a couple of points gained from draws away to Dunloy and another with St. Paul’s at Shaw’s Road.
St Gall’s will start this one as firm favourites and they should return to winning ways though their visitors may provide a stiff test.
Con Magees Glenravel v St Johns
St John’s recorded their first win last day out when they defeated keenest rivals, Rossa at Corrigan Park.
St. John’s had struggled up to this point but recorded a ten point win over Rossa and it should give them confidence as they take the road down to Glenravel to cross swords with Con Magees.
The Glensmen have recorded three wins from six starts to date and they came close to ending Cargin’s winning record when the Toome men visited last day out.
This may well be a close one and although the Johnnies will travel with the proverbial spring in the step following their recent victory, ground advantage may well tip the balance in favour of Con Magees.
Dunloy v St James Aldergrove
Cuchullian’s Dunloy have six points to date with a couple of victories and a couple of draws and have more than held their own on their return to division 1.
They earned a point last time out when they travelled to Lamh Dhearg and that will give them confidence as they welcome St. James to Pearse Park.
Aldergrove are enjoying a good season to date and they may well travel down to Dunloy in confident mood but the home side will start as favourites and they may well collect the points.
All Saint’s Ballymena v St Paul’s
St Paul’s have endured a poor start to the season but have hinted at improvement recently and pushed Cargin hard down in Toome before losing by a couple of points.
The Ballymena men have enjoyed a good season to date and they will hope to build on it against a side they last met in the Intermediate Championship semi-final in 2024.
All Saint’s will start in this one as favourites but should be wary of an improving St. Paul’s but if they are at their best then a home win is anticipated.
St Brigid’s v Lamh Dhearg
St Brigid’s have four wins and a draw from their opening six games and last year’s league champions are well in touch with the leaders in this year’s campaign.
They shared the points with the visiting Casement’s last time out after their only defeat to Creggan in their previous outing and they will hope to regain the winning habit as the play hosts to Lamh Dhearg.
Lamh Dhearg took a time to get it together in this year’s league campaign but have recorded wins over St Pauls and Tir na nOg but this looks a difficult assignment for them on current form as they travel to meet the in-form St Brigid’s.
St Brigid’s will start as firm favourites and although the men from Hannahstown are not to be dismissed a home win looks probable.
O’ Donovan Rossa v Kickham’s Creggan
Rossa have struggled this season without a number of regulars and Hugh McGettigan’s men have only recorded one victory to date over fellow strugglers, St. Mary’s Ahoghill.
They lost by ten points to St. John’s last week at Corrigan in a result which will have hurt and they face another tough assignment in this one as they travel to the South West to meet Kickham’s Creggan.
Creggan are going well to date with just a couple of defeats but have recorded some massive wins on their home ground.
Rossa are badly in need of points but this looks a tough one and barring mishap a home victory looks certain.
St Mary’s Ahoghill v Casement’s Portglenone
Wins have been hard to come by for St.Mary’s and for the new man in charge, Eamon Brady but his charges are never to be discounted, particularly in this one as their close rivals and near neighbours Casements visit Cloney.
Casement’s did take a time to get it together this term but they have shown improvement in recent outings and John Mc Keever’s men will travel in confidence to add another win.
Casement’s will start in this one as firm favourites and although their host will not will not concede without a fight, the visitors are given the nod.
St Mary’s Aghagallon v Erin’s Own Cargin
Erin’s Own Cargin top the table and are still unbeaten but they had a fight on their hands to remain so last time when St Paul’s visited Toome.
The Shaw’s road side looked on course to complete the shock of the season with the home side needing a couple of late, late scores to gain the win.
Cargin have maximum points as they make the journey to Aghagallon which is never an easy assignment.
The visitors should have enough to record another win however against a St. Mary’s side who have blown hot and cold this term.
Division Two (all games at 7.00pm)
St. Ergnat’s Moneyglass v Davitt’s
St Ergnat’s Moneyglass lost their division one status at the end of last term and have suffered from the exodus of key players to emigration. They have continued to set the pace in division 2 this term despite those losses with the introduction of new faces and at present top division 2
Michael Davitts remain in search of their first points in the division and this looks a difficult assignment for the city men as they travel to Marian Hill.
St Ergnat’s will start this one as short priced favourites and although stranger things have happened, a home win looks likely in this one.
Gort na Mona v St Joseph’s Glenavy
Gort na Mona have just one win to date and need to show improvement if they want to climb the table and a victory at Glenavy would certainly raise expectations.
Glenavy have been going reasonably well with two wins and two defeats to date but need to put a run together if they are to keep in touch with the league leaders.
Gort na Mona will see this as an opportunity to increase their points total but Glenavy are never easily beaten at Chapel Hill and it could be close but a home win looks likely.
St Comgall’s Antrim v Patrick Sarsfield’s
St Comgall’s have failed to build on their single win over Davitt’s this season though they came close before throwing away a substantial lead against Naomh Padraig but face another daunting challenge when Sarsfields visit Dunsilly.
Sarsfield’s top the division alongside St Ernat’s with both having eyes set on promotion and they will travel to Antrim in search of another couple of points, and although the Antrim men are capable of improvement an away win looks probable.
St Teresa’s v St Enda’s
Wednesday’s opponents go into this one having lost 2 and won 2 and this one could be close. Glengormley based St Enda’s have struggled to maintain their status of late following the departure of several top players but they have gained a couple of wins in the division.
St. Teresa’s were forced to call of their game last week owing to sickness in the camp but if all are back on board will start this one as favourites and home advantage could see them earn another win..
St Mary’s Rasharkin v St Patrick’s Lisburn
Rasharkin have struggled this season but recorded a first win over Davitt’s last time out and they will hope to build on that win when Naomh Padraig visit Dreen.
The Lisburn side have been going well this season with four wins from five starts and currently sit in third place with an away win suggested to ensure they remain in contention.
Division Three (all games at 7.00pm)
Eire Og v Patrick Pearses
Nothing separates the sides in this one as both Eire Og and their visitors Pearses have recorded 1 win from 4 starts. This one could go either way with Pearses given a tentative nod.
Wolfe Tones v Laochra Loch Lao
Laochra Loch Lao sit in second place in the ratings, four points in arrears of St Agnes and they should gain another couple of points in this visit to Wolfe Tones to consolidate their berth.
Kickham’s Ardoyne v St Agnes
With just a couple of victories to date, Ardoyne need a win here if they are to keep their promotion ambitions alive but St. Agnes have been flying this term and should have enough to gain another brace of points.
St Malachy‘s v Cardinal O‘Donnell’s
Both St Malachy’s and their opponents O’Donnell’s remain in touch at the top and points are required as they look to bridge the gap.
O’Donnell’s recorded a good win over Pearses last day out and they could add another victory in this one.
An injury time goal from Ballycastle captain Ronan ‘Rambo’ McCarry secured the league points when McQuillan’s made the long trip down the Ards peninsula on Sunday afternoon.
Early scores were exchanged in Ballygalget, Ardan Kelly, playing at number 7, with his first of 3 for the visitors, 2 of which were superb scores from the half back line.
Ballygalget went 0-03 0-01 up with Eoin Pucci on target from the dead ball for 2 of the opening scores.
Ballycastle’s Conor Donnelly, who collected his Ulster Colleges All Star on Friday night, took charge & wrestled through for the game’s first goal to give his team the lead again.
The town’s captain, McCarry, got his first score of the day with a well taken point before young Ardan Kelly picked off his second from long range. The home side answered that with a goal of their own, a superb effort from full forward Shea Pucci who rifled the sliotar to the top corner of the Ballycastle net.
Points were exchanged as the game remained a closely contested affair, the pick of the scores a long range effort from McQuillan’s Seamus McAuley that sailed between the uprights from inside his own half.
The Down men went into the break 2 points to the good at 1-11 to 1-09.
Ballygalget came out of the blocks fastest for the second 30 minutes, and went 4 points up with Eoin Pucci’s accuracy from frees aiding his team’s cause.
Seamus McAuley was able to match that accuracy for Ballycastle though to keep his team within touching distance.
Ardan Kelly Daragh Donnelly
Points from Daragh Donnelly, Kelly and McCarry then brought the game level. The teams would be tied on two more occasions, Ballycastle’s substitute Criostai McAuley making an impact, before Captain McCarry hit the telling blow, after good work from substitute Daragh Kelly. ‘Rambo’ made no mistake seeing the sliotar to the net to give Ballycastle the advantage deep in injury time. Although Ballygalget mustered another point from the poc out, the lobbed effort from the corner dropping just over the bar as they attempted to seek out a goal opportunity, there was no time for a comeback as the long whistle sounded on the poc out and the points were set to head back up the road with the travelling town men.
Teams
Ballygalget
Eoin Clarke, James Higgins, Ciaran Watson, Joseph Smyth, Ben Teggert, Cathal Coulter, Rory Taggart, Cormac Coulter, Michael Toner, Eoin Pucci, Eoin McDermott, Michael Dorian, Ben Murray, Shea Pucci, Daniel Toner
Ballycastle
Eamonn Elliott, Oran Kearney, Conal Colgan, Ryan McCook, Mark McClean, Ronan Laverty, Ardan Kelly, Seamus McAuley, Cathair Donnelly, Ronan McCarry, Orann Donnelly, Daragh Donnelly, Conor Donnelly, Neal McAuley, James McShane
