Following Antrim’s spectacular first round win away to Carlow, Antrim have received a home draw in Round 2A where they will entertain Tipperary.
Benen Kelly’s sensational last minute goal with the sides tied in extra time and a penalty shootout beckoning was the stuff that dreams are made of and sent the Saffrons up the road from Netwatch Cullen Park with a smile on their face.
Carlow had already defeated Antrim in the opening game of the division 4 league in Portglenone at the end of January and when the Saffrons went on to lose to Tipperary (away) and Longford at home, two weeks later their season looked to be over before it had started.
Antrim regrouped however to win four league games on the bounce, narrowly missing out on promotion to Carlow and Longford.
It was the Tipperary defeat that really rankled with Antrim manager, Mark Doran and his backroom staff adamant that it is a game they feel they should have won.
Antrim had two men sent off in that game in Moneygall on a pitch that was bordering unplayable but they will feel this is an opportunity to go some way to putting matters right.
The Full Draw
The draw for rounds 2A and 2B of the Tailteann Cup has taken place.
Round 2A sees the eight Round 1 winners meet, with a place in the quarter-finals up for grabs.
In Round 2B, the eight first round losers face each other with season ending elimination on the cards for the teams that lose those ties.
First named teams have home advantage with the games to be places on 23 or 24 May.
Kickhams GAC Creggan marked a landmark moment in its proud history on Sunday 10th May with the official opening of its newly developed facilities, the culmination of an extraordinary six-year effort driven by the vision, dedication and community spirit of the people of Creggan.
The £1.2 million development represents a significant investment in the future of the club and the wider community. The project includes a brand-new playing pitch, state-of-the-art floodlighting, an extended walking track, and a modern, purpose-built gym and club shop. Together, these facilities will support players, members, and the wider community for generations to come.
GAA President Jarlath Burns and club chairman Terry Robb cut the ribbon to mark the opening of the new pitch.President of the Camogie Asssociation Brian Molloy addresses the crowdEileen Jones, Ulster President LGFA addresses the crowd
The occasion was fittingly marked by the presence of distinguished guests from across the Gaelic games family. Jarlath Burns, President of the GAA, Brian Molloy, President of the Camogie Association, and Eileen Jones, Ulster President of the LGFA, all attended and were glowing in their praise of the club’s vision, ambition and the quality of the new facilities. Each acknowledged the importance of such developments in strengthening communities and promoting participation across all codes.
Club Chairperson Terry Robb in his speech reflected on the journey taken to reach this milestone, paying tribute to the countless volunteers, supporters and contributors who made it possible and also recognising the efforts of the past generations who built the foundations of the fantastic club we have today
GAA President Jarlath Burns and Camogie Association president Brian Molloy chat with Creggan legend Harry Bateson.GAA President Jarlath Burns and Camogie Association president Brian Molloy during a walk around the new facilities at Creggan
Proceedings began with a vibrant and colourful parade, led by the Whitehill Accordion Band. The parade featured the club’s underage players alongside senior members, symbolising both the rich heritage and the bright future of Kickhams GAC. The sense of pride was evident as members of all ages circled the new facilities together, showcasing the unity and spirit that has underpinned the entire project.
A special moment followed as Fr John Forsythe conducted a blessing of the new pitch, marking the official transition from vision to reality.
In keeping with the club’s focus on youth and development, it was fitting that four underage players had the honour of becoming the first to score on the new pitch. Their achievement was met with a rousing cheer from all in attendance, a moment that perfectly captured the excitement and promise surrounding the new facilities.
A member of the Whitehill Accordian Band, who led the paradeMembers of the Antrim and Derry All Stars team who played on the new pitch.Fr John Forsythe blesses the new pitch
Following the official opening, the day became a true celebration of community and sport. Juvenile players were given the opportunity to take to the new field, enjoying the facilities first-hand. The festivities culminated with the Antrim and Derry All Stars teams showcasing their talents, providing an entertaining and fitting conclusion on the pitch.
The entire day was blessed with glorious sunshine, adding to the celebratory atmosphere on the lough shore. Attendees were treated to refreshments, including burgers, hot dogs and ice cream, ensuring a welcoming and inclusive environment for everyone present.
This memorable occasion stands as a testament to what can be achieved through collective effort and shared ambition. The official opening of the new facilities is the beginning of an exciting new chapter for Kickhams GAC Creggan and the entire community it serves.
GAA President Jarath Burns, Camogie President Brian Molloy, LGFA President Eileen Jones and club chairman Terry Robb with young members of the club. MT McCann, Brian McAvoy, Karen McElroy, Eileen Jones, Fiona McConway, Brian Molloy, Owen Elliott, Jarlath Burns, Sinead Sargent , Collette Stevenson and Terry Robb
Brian Molloy, Jarlath Burns, Brian McAvoy, Barry Donaghy, MT McCann, Eileen Jones, Damien McAuley, Eamon Doherty, Fr John Forsyth, Terry Robb, and Benny Devlin outside the new club Gym. GAA President Jarlth Burns with members of the Maguire family at offical opening of Maguire gates. L-R, Paul Maguire, Francie Maguire, Jarlath Burns, Anne Maguire, Patsy Maguire and Anthony Maguire The King of Creggan Tony McCollum, who has been in poor health in recent months, still made his way to the opening of the new facilities on Sunday. Tony is seen here with five of his grandchildren Cillian and Éabha McCollum on the left. Joe and Mya Henry on the right and the newest edition to the clan, 7 week old Eilís McCollum on his knee
TO SEE MORE OF BERTS PICS FROM THIS GREAT EVENT CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW
St Brigid’s made history with back-to-back wins in Division 3 for the first time, coming out on top after a thrilling contest with Gort na Móna.
Early scores from Toirealach Brolly, James Kelly and Oisín McDonnell got the Biddies off to a strong start, but Gort na Móna responded through Patrick McCaffrey, whose well-taken goal helped the Turf Lodge men edge ahead in a frantic opening spell.
Naomh Bríd battled superbly in the first half. McDonnell forced a turnover before feeding David Prenter, with the ball eventually breaking to full-forward Conor Leonard, who made no mistake as he drilled a low finish into the bottom corner for his first goal of the afternoon. Brolly then added another excellent point from distance to keep the South Belfast side moving.
Gort na Móna hit back through Darren Boyd, who landed three points in succession, but James Kelly’s accuracy from placed balls ensured St Brigid’s stayed in touch. Just before the break, captain Phelim Lennon launched a dangerous ball into the forward line, where Leonard showed great instinct to gather, follow his own touch and unleash a brilliant strike into the bottom corner.
Half-time: Naomh Bríd 2-13 Gort na Móna 3-07
Gort na Móna began the second half strongly, with the McCaffrey brothers again proving influential. However, their momentum was halted when the Gorts were reduced to 14 men following a second yellow card.
St Brigid’s lifted the tempo. Dara Sidebottom picked out McDonnell with a diagonal ball, and he pointed from close range, before Jake Massingham produced a brilliant 80-metre solo run to set up the ever-reliable James Kelly for another score.
Gort na Móna refused to go away, with Thomas McCaffrey finding Patrick McCaffrey, who pointed from close range to leave the sides level with five minutes remaining. McDonnell was then dragged down just outside the penalty area, and Kelly held his nerve to convert the resulting free and edge the South Belfast side ahead.
Gort were then reduced to 13 men after a second player received a red card and with time almost up, David Prenter’s handpass found Leonard, who looked set to complete his hat-trick, only for John Carlin to arrive at the perfect moment and tap home the decisive goal.
It was a superb team performance and a historic day for Naomh Bríd, who secured their second Division 3 win in a row for the first time.
Antrim Hurling League Division 2 Venue:CushLig an Airgid, Cushendun
Referee:Shane McDonnell
Cushendun 1-16 – Ballycran 1-22
Ballycran continue their relentless march towards promotion, making it a perfect six wins from six with a comprehensive 1-22 to 1-16 victory over Cushendun. Even this early in the season, the men from the Ards return to Division 1 hurling looks like a cast-iron guarantee.
For the home side, the defeat shakes up the table significantly. The result leaves Cushendun embroiled in a four-way tie for the runner-up spot, sitting dead level with St Paul’s, St Gall’s, and Carryduff on 8 points apiece.
Playing with a stiff breeze at their backs in the opening thirty minutes, the visitors made their advantage count. While Cushendun’s ace marksman Conlaoth ‘Loaf’ McNeill drew first blood with a free in the opening minute, Ballycran quickly clicked into gear.
The story of the first half was one of attacking variety versus isolated brilliance. Ballycran showcased a remarkable spread of scorers, with Connor Dorrian, Steven Gilliland, and Connor Woods all finding their range early on. Paul Sheehan proved lethal both from open play and dead balls, keeping the scoreboard ticking over relentlessly.
Cushendun, playing into the wind, were forced to rely almost entirely on the dynamic duo of Conor McHugh and ‘Loaf’ McNeill to stay in touch. McNeill was incredibly accurate from placed balls, slotting over five first-half frees, while McHugh chipped in with two fine scores from play. However, Ballycran’s sheer volume of options—including late first-half points from Sean McCarthy, Eon Kelly, and Scott Nicholson—allowed them to pull away. By the time referee Shane McDonnell blew for half-time, the visitors had established a commanding seven-point lead, 0-15 to 0-08.
Turning around to face the breeze, Ballycran showed no signs of letting up. Scott Nicholson and Paul Sheehan fired over early points to extend the gap, but Cushendun dug deep. ‘Loaf’ McNeill hit a purple patch, rattling off three unanswered points (two frees) between the 6th and 8th minutes to breathe some life into the home crowd.
The game’s pivotal moments arrived midway through the half. After Ballycran had restored a comfortable nine-point cushion through Dara Rogers and the ever-reliable Sheehan, Cushendun finally breached the visitors’ defense. In the 22nd minute, Conor McHugh found the back of the net, instantly followed by quickfire points from Colm McKeegan and McNeill, suddenly dragging the hosts right back into the contest at 1-14 to 0-21.
However, Ballycran demonstrated the ruthless streak of a team destined for the top tier. Just as Cushendun looked poised to mount a grandstand finish, Phelim Savage struck a decisive blow in the 25th minute, raising a green flag for the visitors to instantly kill the comeback momentum.
McHugh and McNeill kept fighting to the bitter end, adding late points for the home side, but fittingly, it was Ballycran’s top scorer Paul Sheehan who had the final say with a 32nd-minute free to cap off a six-point victory.
Scorers
Cushendun (1-16)
Conlaoth ‘Loaf’ McNeill: 0-12 (0-09 frees)
Conor McHugh: 1-03
Colm McKeegan: 0-01
Ballycran (1-22)
Paul Sheehan: 0-09 (0-04 frees, 0-01 ’65)
Connor Dorrian: 0-04
Scott Nicholson: 0-03
Connor Woods: 0-02
Phelim Savage: 1-00
Steven Gilliland: 0-01
Sean McCarthy: 0-01
Eoin Kelly: 0-01
Dara Rogers: 0-01
TO SEE MORE OF MICKY’S PICS FROM THIS GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW
Above – The Antrim Minor team who beat Kerry in thePeadar O Liathain Cupsemi-final on Saturday.
Antrim 1-19 Kerry 1-12
Another long journey for the Antrim Minor Hurlers, where they booked their place in the Peadar O Liathain final following an impressive semi-final win over Kerry Minor Hurlers at Ratheniska GAA, Co Laois.
Facing into a strong breeze in the opening half, the young Saffs made a blistering start and quickly established a 0-05 to 0-02 advantage. Kerry responded well with a series of accurate scores, particularly from placed balls, to stay in touch throughout a competitive first half.
A late surge from Kerry saw them hit 1-01 in the closing minutes before the break, leaving the sides separated by just two points at half-time, with the scoreboard reading Kerry 1-06, Antrim 0-11.
Kerry opened the second half strongly with two early frees to draw level, but Antrim responded in composed fashion. A string of scores from play helped restore their advantage, and the Saffs maintained control as the contest entered the closing stages.
The decisive moment arrived late in the game when vice-captain Oisin McLaren rifled home a penalty to seal victory and secure Antrim’s place in the final on a scoreline of Kerry 1-12, Antrim 1-19.
The result capped another huge effort from the Antrim panel, who have travelled more than 2,500 miles during their campaign while balancing preparations with ongoing exams. Having spent seven of the last eight weeks on the road, the young Saffs now turn their attention to one final push as they prepare to face Offaly Minor Hurlers in this weekend’s final, which is looking like a 12:30 throw in at Parnell Park (still tbc).
