As we head into another ACFL season on Sunday, the Saffron Gael once more appeals to P.R.O’s from the clubs taking part to send us reports from your games.
On Sunday there are 17 games fixed in all three divisions of the ACF Leagues and as always the Saffron Gael will be doing our best to bring you reports and photographs (If possible) from these games.
The reality is that we only have the staff to cover about five or six of these games and we will rely heavily on clubs to furnish us report or even statistics.
Here’s a few pointers on how to do a report:
Get a photograph on your phone of both team sheets before the game (Tell the referee that you are taking it to do a report for the Saffron Gael (You’ll find that our referees are very co-operative)
Write down the scorer’s numbers and the time the score occurred as they happen using a separate column for both sides
This will give you the framework for your report.
Add a wee bit of detail about the goals scored and who played well for both sides.
Refrain from criticising referees in your report or anything that could be seen as controversial.
If you don’t feel confident about doing the reports then just send us the stats.
Names of teams playing
Half time score
Final score
A few key facts about the game
Team sheets
Anything else that you feel relevant
Note to clubs:
It doesn’t have to be your PRO who furnishes these reports or statistics.
Perhaps you could appoint someone who attends most of your games and is not involved in any other capacity.
We will endeavour to get along to some of your games over the season but we quite simply cannot cover them all personally.
Send your reports-stats with photos of team sheets to:
2025 Antrim Rose selection night is being held on Saturday 10th May 7pm at the Dunsilly Hotel, Antrim.
The 2023 Antrim Rose, Mollie O’Brien, a Gaelic footballer with All Saints in Ballymena, reflects on her time representing the Saffron County at the International festival.
Over the past two years, Mollie has had the honour and privilege of representing Antrim at the Rose of Tralee International Festival, a journey she describes as nothing short of extraordinary. As she prepares to hand over the sash to the next lady who will proudly represent County Antrim, Mollie has reflected on her experience, shared her thoughts on the selection process, and encourages other young women to consider applying for this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.
Mollie O’Brien, last year’s Antrim Rose with her All Saints team colleagues before a game in Ballymena
The Selection Process: A Journey of Personal Growth
When I first applied to be the Antrim Rose, I didn’t fully comprehend the magnitude of what I was about to embark on. The selection process involving individual, group, and stage interviews was both challenging and rewarding. It gave me the chance to showcase my personality, pride in my community and values, and I enjoyed meeting the other inspiring women vying for the title.
The Journey to the Festival: A Week to Remember
After being selected, I had the incredible opportunity to travel to Tralee for the festival, but before that, there was a whirlwind tour of Ireland. I remember the excitement of getting to know the other Roses, seeing the beauty of our country, and feeling so proud to be a part of this incredible tradition. From scenic tours of Ireland’s stunning landscapes to bonding with the other Roses, it was an experience that allowed me to build lasting friendships and feel a deep connection with women from all around the world.
An International Adventure: From Germany to New York
One of the most unique aspects of being a Rose is the chance to travel to incredible places and meet people from all walks of life. Highlights included visiting Frankfurt, Germany, to attend the opening of the Christmas markets. Then, just a few months later, I was in New York, walking down 5th Avenue on St. Patrick’s Day, something that is forever beyond my imagination. These experiences helped me understand the global community that the Rose of Tralee fosters and made me appreciate the deep cultural connections that unite us all.
This could be you! Rose of Tralee contestants pose for a photograph at last year’s final
A Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity: My Advice to Future Applicants
To young women considering applying, I say: Do it. You’ll meet extraordinary people, see places you’ve only dreamed of, and be part of a network of remarkable women.
The Rose of Tralee isn’t just about beauty or talent – it’s about celebrating who you are and where you come from. It’s an experience I wish every young woman could have, and I will forever treasure the memories of my time as the Antrim Rose.
As I prepare to hand over the sash to the next Antrim Rose, I am filled with hope and excitement for her journey ahead. I know she will be as proud as I was to represent our County, and I can’t wait to see the next chapter in the story of Antrim at the Rose of Tralee.
Best of luck to all the incredible women who will be applying. This is just the beginning of a beautiful adventure!
Antrim Rose, Mollie O’Brien is interviewed at last year’s final in Tralee
Added Information and How to Apply:
For those inspired by Mollie’s journey, applications for the 2025 Antrim Rose are now open! This is your chance to step into the spotlight and become part of an extraordinary International Festival. The selection will take place on Saturday, 10th May 2025, at the Dunsilly Hotel in Antrim, starting at 7pm.
To apply, visit www.roseoftralee.ie, or for any further information, feel free to contact the Antrim Rose Centre via their social media channels:
The semi-finals of the Armoy tournament, the McAuley Cup, are down for decision this weekend with games on both Saturday and Sunday. Dunloy were due to play Glenariffe in the first game on Saturday but the Oisins are unable to field so Mickey McShane’s county Under 20s have stepped into the breach to take on the Cuchullains in what should be an very interesting game.
Sunday sees Loughgiel Shamrocks take on county champions Ruairi Og Cushndall. These games are always worth a watch, and even though both teams well be depleted due to counnty commitments, it will still be very competitive. Both games are due to throw-in at 2pm
The Year 8 Gaelic Football final between St. Louis and St. Mary’s was a thrilling encounter, full of drama, excitement, and exceptional skill. The two teams gave it their all, but it was St. Louis who emerged victorious with a narrow win, securing a 6-6 to 6-4 victory.
The match began with early exchanges as both teams looked to settle into the game. St. Louis took the lead through a well-taken goal from their forward, Oisin Anyalechi, who found the back of the net with a clinical strike. St. Louis were soon on the scoreboard again, this time with a point from Thomas Mathhews, who slotted over a well-timed effort. St. Mary’s responded swiftly, with Ryan Hughes adding a point, but St. Louis quickly regained control with another goal, this time from Ronan Laverty, who managed to fire home a powerful shot into the net.
St. Mary’s weren’t to be outdone as Taylor Magee scored a brilliant goal to bring them back into the game, keeping the match finely balanced. After a short spell of dominance from St. Louis, they were back at it, with Kiran Jayaprkash scoring another goal to extend their lead. St. Mary’s continued to push forward, and it was Taylor Magee once again who scored a second goal for his team, keeping the contest alive. However, Lorcan Douglas of St. Mary’s added a point shortly after, narrowing the gap.
The Ballymena school found the net once more through a brilliant goal from Cahan O’Kane while Matthews added a point to extend St. Louis’ lead further as the first half drew to a close.
The second half started with plenty of attacking intent, and it was St. Mary’s who made the first breakthrough, with Tom Harbinson scoring a well-taken goal. St. Louis, however, replied with a point from Conan McKeever before St. Louis added another point, showing the team’s composure. St. Mary’s continued to fight back, with Austin scoring another goal, followed quickly by a goal from Ryan Hughes, making it a nail-biting contest. However, St. Louis responded in spectacular fashion, with Kiran Jayaprakash firing in another goal to push them back ahead. Conan McKeever added a point from play, and St. Louis extended their lead further with a free kick point from McKeever, keeping their noses in front. Laverty of St. Louis added a final point to seal the victory as the game drew to a close. Final Score: St. Louis 6.6 (24 points) St. Mary’s 6.4 (22 points)
The game was a fantastic display of Gaelic football, with both teams demonstrating great determination and skill throughout. St. Louis’ attacking strength proved too much for St. Mary’s in the end, as they held on for a thrilling victory. Both teams should be proud of their performances, making it a memorable final for all involved.
St Louis’, Ballymena 4-16 Gaelcholáiste Dhoire 1-14
A blazing start and a strong finish saw St. Louis, Ballymena advance to the semi-final of the Danske Bank Gallagher Cup when they overcame the challenge of an excellent Gaelcholaiste Dhoire in Ballymena on Thursday afternoon.
The Kintullagh side looked on their way to a comfortable victory when they raced into an early two goal lead on their own 4G pitch with Joe Casey powering through for both goal in the early exchanges.
Cody McGarry who score 0-9 (6f’s) for St. Louis in their Danske Bank Gallagher Cup win over Gaelcholaiste Dhoire on Thursday
Casey added a point to his two majors and at this stage there was only one team at the races but slowly the Dungiven College began to gain a foothold.
Gaelcholáiste dominated the middle part of the half and hit back with four points between the 38th and 46th minutes, while Ballymena goalie Harry McKay was called on to make two superb saves.
The Dungiven lads got their game together after playing second fiddle for the opening 10 minutes and closed the gap to 2-6 to 0-9 by half-time, with four of those points coming from Harry Ó Cearnaigh.
The Gaelcholaiste comeback gained further momentum with Brógan Ó Dughail-Ó Cinnéide closing the gap further with the opening score of the second half but this score appeared to waken St. Louis from their slumber.
The Ballymena side moved six clear with four unanswered points through Casey, free-taker Cody McGarry (two) and Blaney to give them some breathing space.
The visitors kept plugging away with Harry O’Cearnaigh prominent with his free taking and looked at one stage like over hauling the St. Louis lead but a double strike from half-back Harry Blaney in the 51st minute lifted the Ballymena side and they pushed on to win by 11 points in the end.
St Louis’ now face St Mary’s, Belfast in the semi-final, while the first semi-final involving St Patrick’s, Maghera and Cross & Passion, Ballycastle is pencilled in for Portglenone on Monday.
St Louis’ J Casey 2-2; H Blaney 2-1; C McGarry 0-9 (0-6f); EL Bradley 0-3 (0-2f)
Gaelcholáiste H Ó Cearnaigh 1-7 (1-6f); B Ó Dughail-Ó Cinnéide 0-3; O Ó Gilláin 0-2; O Ó Cléirigh (f) and MJ Mac Oscair 0-1 each
TO VIEW MORE PICS FROM THE GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW
