October 30, 2024October 30, 2024 by thesaffrongael

Rasharkin dip their toes in the Ulster water

Ulster JHJC Quarter-Final

Sean Tracey’s Armagh v Rasharkin

Athletic Grounds Armagh-Saturday 2-00pm

St. Mary’s Rasharkin defied the odds to defeat Glen Rovers, Armoy in the Antrim final in Loughgiel two weeks ago and on Saturday they travel to the Athletic Grounds where they will face Sean Tracey’s of Lurgan in the Ulster club championship.

Despite Rasharkin finishing above Armoy in the league, it was last year’s beaten finalists Glen Rovers who were tipped to take this year’s Junior title in Loughgiel and when Rasharkin lead by only three at half time after playing with a strong breeze it wasn’t looking good for the Dreen side.

Two goals in the opening four minutes of the second half swung this Junior Hurling Championship decider decisively in the direction of St. Mary’s Rasharkin though they were forced withstand a late rally from Glen Rovers.

With the gale force wind at their backs St. Mary’s led by 0-8 to 0-5 at the interval but with the elements in their favour in the second half, Glen Rovers were expected to take control.

Instead it was the men from Dreen who dictated the early second half exchanges with Conor McFerran following up on a Conor Devlin save from Donagh Quigg in the opening minute to finish to the net from close range.

Three Minutes later the excellent Quigg got in for a second St. Mary’s goal and suddenly a three point lead had been stretched to nine and the Blue & Amber’s were firmly in the driving seat.

St. Mary’s were forced to withstand a late rally from their North Antrim opponents but stood strong to take the title before the celebrations got underway.

Rasharkin defeated Davitt’s and Ardoyne to qualify from Group 1 while Armoy won all three games in Group to set up what looked to have the makings of a good final and so it proved to be.

The men from Dreen can go into Saturday’s quarter-final with confidence against a Sean Tracey’s side who will have confidence themselves after defeating Erne Gaels in last weekend’s preliminary round.

**Donagh Quigg in action against Armoy in the Antrim final and above celebrating with the cup can lead Rasharkin to a win over Sean Tracey’s in Armagh on Saturday**

The return of James O’Mullan to the Rasharkin goals has been a major boost while Daniel and Conor Doherty and Connaire Donaghy form a solid full-back line for St. Mary’s.

Ruairi and Tiernan O’Boyle flanked Aidan McKeever in the half-back line against Armoy while Shane Hasson and Conor McFerran formed an experienced mid-field partnership against Glen Rovers.

Team captain Donagh Quigg led by example in a man of the match performance and his goal early in the second half and another from Conor McFerran proved match winning scores and these two with Emmet McFerran carry the scoring threat that can see them advance to the semi-final on Saturday.

Throw in at the Athletic Grouds in 2-00pm and Rasharkin are likely to bring a big support to the Armagh venue and lets hope the Blue & Ambers can make their journey worth while.

Rasharkin v Armoy: 1 James O’Mullan, 2 Daniel Doherty, 3 Conor Doherty, 4 Connaire Donaghy, 5 Ruairi O’Boyle, 6 Aidan McKeever, 7 Tiernan O’Boyle, 8 Shane Hasson, 9 Conor McFerran, 10 Cathir Henderson, 11 Emmet McFerran, 12 Conor McKeever, 13 Donagh Quigg, 14 Conor McKillop, 15 Declan McKay.

Subs: Brian Og O’Neill for Conor McKillop, Connor Higgins for Tiernan O’Boyle, Caolan Maria, Daniel Hasson

October 30, 2024October 30, 2024 by thesaffrongael

Hurling for Gaza

Gaels against Genocide have been working closely with Gaza Paediatrician Care Initiative who have arranged for Palestinians,badly injured in Gaza to come to Ireland and in partnership with the initiative we hope to raise much needed funds to go towards medical costs. Today we launched ‘Hurling for Gaza’ when hurling stars from all over Ireland will come together for this great cause in what will be a great game and occasion to be involved in. Tickets are available via link below for the game and cash will also be accepted on the day.Donations are also available.We encourage everyone to purchase ticket whether you can make the game or not and encourage your family,friends and neighbours

#GazaInitiative #SaoirseDonPhalaistín

https://www.eventbrite.com/…/hurling-for-gaza-tickets…

October 29, 2024October 29, 2024 by thesaffrongael

St Marys Aghagallon Annual Awards Night 2024.

On Sunday 27^th Oct., St Marys held their Annual Awards night at the splendid surroundings of the Seagoe Hotel Portadown. This was an Awards night with a difference for St Marys as this was a special night for the whole club when all the children from our underage sections were present with family and friends. This made the night a special night and one the children involved will remember for a long time.

The night began when Columb Walsh introduced our special guests of honour, when we were introduced to An Uachtaran Jarlath Burns, Andy Mc Entee manager Antrim Senior Football manager, Emma Kelly Antrim LGFA, former Antrim player and Manager and Aimee Mackin LGFA Armagh player. A formidable collection of guests and a reflection of the growing nature of our club. Our special guests took time to mingle with guests and have a relaxing chat with adults and children alike.

With the Seagoe staff serving up a delicious meal for all our guests it was time to enjoy the meal and catch up with family and friends and the young people were looking forward to the rest of the evening. To keep the itinerary light hearted one of our compares for the night was the hilarious Orla Hamill and she introduced a humorous take on ‘Play your Cards Right’. One of our young guests, Hannah Mooney excelled and won herself a voucher.

It was time now to put the spotlight on all our youth sections of the club when all the boys teams from U 12 through to U 18 were called to the platform for special photos with our special guests. An Uachtaran and Andy Mc Entee did the honours for the boys. Our LGFA section were next in the spotlight as the U 12 to U 16 teams had the pleasure of representing their teams with the special guests. Amongst all our young stars were the girls U 14 team who excelled this year and were the clubs first girls team in the club to win an LGFA Championship. The young stars on the night were presented with their Championship medals by An Uachtaran Jarlath, Emma Kelly and Aimee Mackin. A new and popular section in our inclusive club we have the G4MO’s section, newly formed this year led by Allison and Claire. This group of ladies have had a fantastic first year and were enthusiastic in making their way to the platform to meet An Uachtaran who warmly welcomed them.

The club has developed a fantastic ‘All Stars’ section with upwards of 40 children training and taking part in many representative activities including playing at Croke Park. The joy and excitement for all the children and many dedicated coaches was a pleasure for the audience to watch as they all made their way to the platform for a very special photo with An Uactharan and guests. The Club were awarded a special Inclusivity award by Disability Sport NI for all the work put in during the year. Zara Mc Cavigan held aloft the coveted framed Certificate.

In Camogie we had the U 12 team gathered to take a bow underlining all the hard work they have done during the year and this section of the club is making great progress. Continuing with senior camogie, Meabh Lenehan was a worthy recipient of the ‘POY’ award and played her part in the team reaching the semi-final of the Championship. Award presented by An Uachtaran and Chris Drain.

Now to Scor, the sections are unending. Una Mc Stravick is the epitome of Scor at St Marys and she led her band of young artists to the platform for their spot in the light with An Uactharan. Our Scor section are never far away from Ulster medals and this year they are novelty act Ulster Champions. Jarlath donned a St Marys bobble hat and took up a dramatic stance whilst recalling his Scor days with his club Silverbridge.

In the mens senior football section there was great excitement on the presentation of these awards. A popular Johnny Hannon received the PPOY trophy and this was some reward for Johnny who led the line for St Marys this year. The famous Paddy Barnes trophy was then awarded to another great servant for the year, Kieran Hamill, POY for 2024. Kieran had a great year after battling back from injury to play a major part in the teams defensive set up. Awards presented by An Uachtaran and Andy Mc Entee. Andy along with An Uachtaran made a presentation to the clubs County players who played on the team this year, Luke Mulholland, Ruarai Mc Cann, Eunan Walsh and Adam Loughran.

The individual Club awards were next giving recognition to individuals who have given their time and energy far and beyond the call of duty. The ‘Brendan Campbell’ Club Person of the Year award went to the dedicated Neill Mc Stravick for his work with the LGFA section of the club. Joe O’Neill won the Agnes Hannon ‘Extra Mile Award’ for all his hard work with the training in the childrens section of the club and his leading role in organising the Cul Camp in the summer. Club Secretary Kevin Kenny was presented with the Clubs recent ‘Club Maith’ award in recognition for his input in this work.

After a wonderful night of awards and craic ably directed by Columb Walsh Chair, Colin Loughran and Orla Hamill, when almost everyone in the room met with An Uachtaran and the special guests. Special mention to Una Mc Stravick and Bert Trowlen. Time to rock and roll and stretch them dancing legs. Late night music and dancing went on into the night with ‘Soulmates’ to cap off a truly wonderful night when all ages came together as one.

Aghadh Gallain Abu, go raibh maith agaibh.

To view berts pics click on the link below

https://myalbum.com/album/o4skL5pYKH59Jy

October 29, 2024October 29, 2024 by thesaffrongael

So close yet so far for battling Lamh Dhearg

AIB Ulster LGFA Junior Club Q/Final

Lámh Dhearg 1-6 Cumann Pheadair Naofa 0-10

Despite a spirited performance, Lamh Dhearg made their exit from the Ulster Junior Club Championship when they lost by the minimum to a good Cumann Pheadair Naofa in Hannastown on Saturday.

It was a case of, so close yet so far in a game that was in the balance right up to the final whistle with Enya Quinn’s late point for the Down champions clinching a place in the semi-finals where they will meet Monaghan champions Aughnamullen next weekend.

In a very tight, hard fought contest, St. Peter’s edged the early exchanges with some fine flowing football and looked the more impressive of the two sides. With never more than the bare minimum between them the hosts soon got to grips with the game and took a slender one point lead into the break thanks to five scores from Robin Murray, who was at the heart of everything good that the Antrim champions could produce in a good first 30 minutes.

Murray kicked five of Lámh Dhearg’s six first half points, whilst the Down Champions scores came from Enya Quinn, Anna Craven & Alicia Seoin.

The Blues had an appeal for a penalty waved away just before the half, but would have been pleased to be only one behind having played into the wind in the first half.

Disaster looked to have struck for the visitors early in the second when Emma Russell received a yellow card and whilst she was sitting out her 10 minutes in the sin-bin Lamh Dhearg seized an opportunity to pull away from their doggedly determined opponents, when a high ball into the square from a Murray free shortly after found the net to establish a four point lead.

The Lamh’s looked in a strong position at this stage but that proved to be their final score as Warrenpoint slowly, but surely, crept level with five unanswered points, the impressive Enya Quinn pointing the equaliser with six minutes to play before firing over the winner, three minutes later for a first ever Ulster semi-final appearance for the seaside town.

To view Berts Photographs click on the Link Below

https://myalbum.com/album/z5TAXhrjRtamHt

October 28, 2024October 28, 2024 by thesaffrongael

Lámhs see off Glenavy to reach last four

U-21 B Football Championship Quarter-final

Lámh Dhearg 3-13-2-02 Glenavy

Kevin Herron reports from Hannahstown

For 50-minutes of Sundays U-21 Quarter-final encounter, it was one-way traffic as Làmh Dhearg looked to be advancing to the semi-final with ease and although they did have plenty of breathing space in the end, Glenavy finished strongly and should have had more to show in their 3-13-2-02 defeat at Hannahstown.

The hosts were quickest off the mark and led through a converted free and advanced mark from Adam Murray, with Eugene Clenaghan kicking a point in response.

On 9 minutes the opening goal arrived, Rudi Smyth forged forward and offloaded to Fiachra Clenaghan- whose high shot dropped, and Adam Murray palmed the ball to the net to give his side a 1-02-0-01 lead.

Murray doubled his goal account midway through the half with a shot that Matthew Nelson initially turned onto the post but failed to gather as it spun away from his grasp.

He would then kick his first point from play before adding his third goal of the half before the break.

Fionn Mervyn tried his luck with a shot that hung in the air, Murray gathered as it dropped and slammed a low shot past Nelson and into the net to make it 3-03-0-01 at the interval.

The Lámhs talisman added to his ever-increasing personal tally with a converted free and a second point from play and steered another over in-between a fine Niall McGarry point.

Murray and McGarry would pop over further points as their side were 3-09-0-01 to the good with little under a quarter of an hour remaining.

Glenavy ended a scoreless period of over 40-minutes with a consolation goal after substitute Caolan McClenaghan ran onto a long ball and keeping his cool he rolled a shot underneath the advancing Rhys Camlin.

The visitors would end the game with 14-men following Michael Fox picking up a second yellow card for dissent.

In-between Fox receiving his marching orders, Ciaran Boyd and Evan Stanley added points, but Glenavy hit the net for the second time on the 53^rd minute.

Caolan McClenaghan again advanced but his shot struck the base of the post and Rhys Camlin did well to save low down with a follow-up attempt, a third shot at goal skewed across the face of goal to substitute Darragh Brown – who rifled home.

Further chances evaded them as Jim Higham flashed a low shot inches past the post and Darragh Doherty pulled a shot wide from a promising position.

Evan Stanley conjured up two fine points in closing stages with Leon Lavery also providing his sides final score of the contest as Lámh Dhearg ran out 3-13-2-02 winners at the end and advanced to the last four.