by thesaffrongael

Shamrocks hold off Dunloy comeback to take McMullan Cup

Feis na nGleann 2024

North Antrim U16 Hurling Championship – McMullan Cup Final

Sunday 14 July

Loughgiel 3-14 Dunloy 3-11

Brendan McTaggart reports from Feis Sunday at Glenariffe

A superb first half performance was the foundations for the Shamrocks on Sunday afternoon as they claimed the McMullan Cup against Dunloy.  Three points separated the sidses at the end of the hour but Loughgiel had to withstand a second half comeback from the Cuchullains after leading by seven points at half time.

With eight minutes remaining, Dunloy had brought the sides level after a run of 1-5 unanswered in the space of just over four minutes but Loughgiel were not to be denied and held the Cuchullains scoreless in the time that remained with a mix of excellent defending and sharp shooting at the other end of the pitch.

Liam McGarry top scored for the Shamrocks in a man of the match performance.  He finished with 1-5 beside his name and scored two of the last three scores to see Loughgiel over the line.  He had plenty of support however with Caolan McCollum also excellent in attack while the midfield pairing of Dylan Boyle and Domhnall McKay contributed 1-2 between them and worked tirelessly throughout.

Dunloy’s best came through Jay McAlonan who was outstanding when they could get the ball his way.  He finished with 1-7 and looked a constant threat while the moving Ollie McClements to half forward and James McGarry to the edge of the square looked like it was the missing ingredients the Cuchullains were looking for but their comeback just came up short.

Both sides missed goal chances in the opening exchanges with Damien McMahon and McKay going close but the game was only five minutes old when the first green flag was raised.  McAlonan providing the assist for Anthony Cochrane who rattled the back of the net from distance with a superb strike.

Loughgiel took a stranglehold of the game however with any meaningful Dunloy attacks fleeting.  Loughgiel’s first major came in the 12th minute through McGary, claiming a high ball and getting the half yard he needed to give Eunan Brogan no chance in the Dunloy goals.

A McAlonan free followed for Dunloy and while it would be their last score for 12 minutes, Loughgiel were in irresistible form at the other end of the pitch.  A free from Dan Lynn started a purple patch that would see the Shamrocks score 1-5 in the space of seven minutes.  Their second major came through an error in the Dunloy defence where they didn’t deal with the dropping sliotar and Caolan McCollum took full advantage.

McCollum had another chance moments later but Eunan Brogan saved his effort superbly but with points following from Liam McGarry, Cian Higgins (two) and McKay, Loughgiel were in control.

Dunloy’s Jamie McMullan in action during the McMullan Cup final against Loughgiel.

A Jay McAlonan free got the scoreboard ticking for Dunloy once again but a second free from Lynn would prove to be the last action of the half as the Shamrocks led 2-8 to 1-4 at the short whistle.

A point from McKay in the opening exchanges of the second half was followed closely by a Eunan Curry effort for the Cuchullains.  Dunloy looked to be playing with a bit more intensity after the restart and had their second major just three minutes into the second half.  Jay McAlonan collecting and showing speed and strength before finishing with aplomb.

Loughgiel responded with a brace of points from McCollum and Lynn (free) and while Dunloy reduced the lead to five through another McAlonan free, Loughgiel’s third major came midway through the second half.  It came as the Cuchullains failed to deal with another dropping ball and after a scramble, it was Dylan O’Boyle who got the last touch and send the sliotar to the back of the net to leave eight between the sides going into the final quarter.

Dunloy responded by reshuffling their pack and found some attacking impetus.  McAlonan fired over a brace of points (one free) either side of a goal chance for James McGarry.  He pulled on the sliotar but Cody McGarry made an instinctive save to deny him.

A further brace of points from Ollie McClements followed as Dunloy found some momentum and when Daire Elliott found the back of the net in the 51st minute, it left the minimum between the sides.

McAlonan’s fifth free restored parity to the sides to mean the Cuchullains had hit 1-5 in the space of just four minutes and it looked at that point that they would be the likely victors but Loughgiel dug deep.  They kept the Cuchullains scoreless in the time that remained and with a brace of Liam McGarry frees, found themselves in the lead with time running out. 

Substitute Joe Casey had the final say with a brilliant point, showing some super skill to send the sliotar between the sticks and ensuring the Shamrocks would not be denied.

Ita McGarry with her grandsons JJ (left) and Liam after their win over Dunloy in the McMullan Cup final at Feis na nGleann

TEAMS

Dunloy: Eunan Brogan; Joseph Doherty, Aaron Doherty, Seamus McMullan; Jamie McMullan, Jack McQuillan, Ollie McClements; James McGarry, Eunan Curry; Damian McMahon, John Ferguson, Anthony Cochrane; Eanna McGuckian, Jay Mc Alonan, Daire Elliott

Scorers: J McAlonan 1-7 (5fs 1’65); D Cunning 1-00; A Cochrane 1-00; O McClements 0-2; J McGarry 0-1; E Curry 0-1

Loughgiel: Cody McGarry; Padraig McNulty, JJ McGarry, Conor McCann; Joe Deery, Eunan Johnston, Corin McCullough; Dylan O’Boyle, Liam McGarry, Caolan McCollum; Dan Lynn, Caolan Christie, Cian Higgins

Scorers: L McGarry 1-5 (2fs); D Lynn 0-3 (3fs); D O’Boyle 1-00; D McKay 0-2; C Higgins 0-2; Joe Casey 0-1

Referee: Ryan O’Reilly (Glenravel)

For more pics by Michael Corcoran from the McMullan Cup final click on the link below

https://myalbum.com/album/izjZD3Zma5Z539/?invite=6bf78ccb-04cf-4bb0-8175-eb4a9b5e771f

by thesaffrongael

St. Johns retain their Division 1 status

O Neill’s ACFL Division One Relegation Play-off 13/07/2024

St Ergnats Moneyglass 3:10 St. Johns 5-12

They say goals wins games and there were certainly plenty on show at Glenavy in this one as St. Johns retained their place in the top flight for another year. What ended up a convincing victory on the day as the scoreline suggests wasn’t all plain sailing for the Johnnies and credit must go to the St. Ergnat’s side who have been plagued by injuries and absentees and at this stage it left Benny Marron with a skeleton panel to pick from.

St. Johns raced into a 3 point lead after 5 minutes with scores from Andrew McGowan, Conor McAvoy and county man Paddy Mc Bride. The Antrim star was always going to be a threat going forward for the Johnnies but he was well shackled by James McCormick in this encounter and that would be his only score of the game.

Connlaodh McCann, St. Ergnat’s palms the ball past the despairing grasp of Johnnies keeper, Lambert

It took until the 9th minute for Moneyglass to register their first score when Tyler Cassidy found himself with a yard of space and calmly slotted over the bar to open their account. Cassidy would double his tally soon after to cut the lead in half.

A superb move from St. Johns from the kick out saw the ball reach Mc Bride on the half way line and at pace he went through the defence and was one on one with the Moneyglass keeper only to be denied by the quick reaction off the line by Jamie Mc Laughlin, it was a scramble on the 14 but somehow Conall Quinn managed to pull on the ground ball and into the net to increase their lead by 6.

St. Ergnats had their backs against the wall at this stage but it was helped slightly when a palmed effort by Connlaodh McCann to the St. Johns net assisted by Dermot McErlain might have been the lift they needed, although St. Johns had other ideas and replied at the other end straight away as Conal Bohill’s run was off loaded to Conchur Adams to strike to the net to increase the lead once again.

St. Johns were reduced to 14 just on the stroke of half-time when they lost the services of full forward Conor Hand on what the referee deemed a red card.

St. Johns started the brighter in the second half with Adams again registering scores from frees in the opening minutes to attempt to stretch the lead, they were intent on capitalising on that lead but it was reduced again by St. Ergnats through Aidan McErlain. McErlain found space out on the left and bullishly took on several of the St. Johns defence to fire to the net to try and ignite some momentum for his side.

St. John’s Conall Quinn fires to the net despite the best efforts of Moneyglass keeper, Jamie McLaughlin

With both teams displaying a desire to come out on the right side of this encounter it was end to end going down the stretch and goals from St. Johns’ Conall Bohill and Conchur Adams were the nails in the coffin that Moneyglass were trying to avoid.

Frustration was creeping in for the Moneygalss lads and they also found themselves reduced to 14 with only minutes remaining as Seanchan Duffin was sent to the line which would’ve been the last thing they would needed going into Saturdays decider.

Credit to both sides for an entertaining game, Moneyglass will have to dust themselves off and prepare for to face Glenravel.  

 St Ergnats: Jamie Mc Laughlin, Eamon Kelly, Fergal Duffin, Matthew Mullan, James McCormick, Sean Boyd (0-1), Paul Duffin, Kevin McCann (0-1), Dermot Mc Erlain (1-1), Connor O Kane, Connlaodh McCann (1-0), Conor Boyd (0-1), Seanchan Duffin, Aidan McErlain (1-2), Tyler Cassidy (0-4)

Subs: Ben Hamill for Eamon Kelly (24mins),  

St. Johns: E. Lambert, D. King, J. Garland, C. McAvoy (0-2), R. Quinn, C. Bohill (1-0), L. Peden, A. Mc Gowan (0-1), P. McBride (0-1), S. Tierney (0-1), R. Mc Nulty, C. McGlade (1-1), C. Quinn (1-0), C. Hand, C. Adams (2-6, 4f)

Subs: A. Oliver for C. Bohill, L. Boyd for C McGlade

Referee: Kevin Parke

For more of Elaine Kelly’s pics from this game click on the link below

https://myalbum.com/album/MU2N6dDYNFvAbs

by thesaffrongael

Cuchullain Camogs Take Feis Honours

Feis na nGleann 2024

Senior Camogie Final

Dunloy 3-15 Cushendall 1-12

Sunday 14 July

Brendan McTaggart reports from Feis Sunday at Glenariffe

Dunloy camogs took the honours on Sunday afternoon as they defeated Cushendall with nine to spare.  It was a controlled, strong performance from the Cuchullains who’s foundations for victory was built on an excellent first half that saw them led by nine and while the Ruairi’s came roaring back in the second half to leave just two between the sides after an Amy McAllister goal.  The Cuchullains regained control however and goals from substitutes Dearbhille Elliott and Aine Magill ensured they were celebrating come the final whistle.

Playing with a slight wind advantage, Dunloy quickly got into their stride with Nicole McAtamney pivotal.  She would top score for the Cuchullains with eight white flags raised throughout the hour and it was McAtamney who opened the scoring.  A fine score off the hurl from Cassie McArthur followed soon after with the Cuchullains flying in those early exchanges.

Brogan Abram opened the Ruairi’s account from a free in the fifth minute, she would have an excellent game for Cushendall and along with Kady McNeill, they were pivotal in everything the Ruairi’s were doing.  But, for most of the first half, it was all one way traffic and Cushendall attacks were fleeting.

The opening goal of the final came in the 11th minute with Katie Molloy raising the green flag for the Cuchullains.  It was an excellent finish from Molloy who did superb work to get into a position where she could get a strike away and despite a less than favourable angle, Molloy found the back of the net.

A brace of points from placed ball by Abram followed but six points in the space of 10 minutes put Dunloy in control with daylight on the score board.  Katie Molloy, Eobha McAllister and McAtamney all finding their range.

Kady McNeill and McAtamney swapped scores just before half time to leave Dunloy 1-10 to 0-4 ahead at the short whistle.

Cushendall reorganised and the introduction of Orlagh O’Hara and Amy McAllister at the interval certainly had a positive effect on their play.  They opened the scoring with Lara Haughey splitting the uprights soon after the restart with what was their first score from open play.  Dunloy responded through a McAtamney free but the Ruairi’s hit a purple patch to reignite their challenge.

A free from McNeill came before Eva McNeill was denied a certain goal by the most brave of saves from Mary Martin in the Dunloy goals.  Kady McNeill converted the resulting ’45 and another point followed moments later as she produced an outrageous dummy.  Cushendall began to turn the screw in the middle third to keep the pressure on the Cuchullains and bagged a major to leave just two between the sides.  Abram sending the sliotar long and as the Cuchullains couldn’t clear their lines, substitute Amy McAllister made no mistake when the chance fell her way.

McAllister’s major meant it was 1-3 in the space of just four minutes but it was as good as it got for the Ruairi’s as Dunloy found their footing in the second half with their own substitutes combining.  Dearbhill Elliott split the uprights before Aine Magill scored their second major.  Playing a one-two with Katie Molloy, Magill was still some 50 yards from goal but burrowed her way towards goal and found the top corner with a sublime strike.

Cushendall responded with a point from a Kady McNeill free before Dunloy had another glimpse of the Ruairi’s goal.  McAtamney this time with the effort but Louise Mulholland was equal to the strike.  Eobha McAllister collected the rebound and fired the sliotar over the bar to leave six between the sides going into the final 10 minutes.

Kady McNeill took her tally to 0-7 for the day with her second point from play but the third Dunloy major followed to all but end the tie as a contest in the 55th minute.  Substitute Elliott with the predatory instincts as she read the dropping sliotar perfectly.

Points from McArthur and McAtamney (free) followed before Abram fired over her third free of the match and fourth point in total but it was the Cuchullains who became Feis champions by the final whistle.

TEAMS

Dunloy: Mary Martin; Sarah McIlhatton, Eilis Kearns, Casey Crawford; Chloe Drain, Caitlin Crawford, Kathryn Boyle; Katherine Mullan, Caoimhe Molloy; Kyra Doherty, Nicole McAtamney, Kerry Rose Drain; Eobha McAllister, Cassie McArthur, Katie Molloy

Subs: Dearbhill Elliott for K Doherty (37); Aine Magill for KR Drain (37); Bronach Magill for C Drain (45); Annie Laverty for K Boyle (56)

Scorers: N McAtamney 0-8 (7fs); K Molloy 1-1; D Elliott 1-1; C McArthur 0-3; A Magill 1-00; E McAllister 0-2

Cushendall: Louise Mulholland; Anna McNeill, Aimee McDonnell, Laura Black; Catherine O’Boyle, Annie Leech, Aoife McClafferty; Brogan Abram, Siobhan McKillop; Laura Haughey, Mary Kane, Eva McNeill; Kady McNeill, Laura McMullan, Ellen Leech

Subs: Orlagh O’Hara for C O’Boyle (HT); Amy McAllister for M Kane (HT); Erin Mae Mitchell for L Haughey (46)

Scorers: K McNeill 0-7 (3fs 2 ‘45s); B Abram 0-4 (3fs); A McAllister 1-00; L Haughey 0-1

Referee: Mark O’Neill (Armoy)

Check out Michael Corcoran’s photo album of Senior Camogie photos from Feis na nGleann

https://myalbum.com/album/x2rG6hDhMm2vuR/?invite=e881b22b-0661-4528-82ba-3967fda9e383

by thesaffrongael

Back to back All Irelands for Antrim LGFA U16s

All Ireland LGFA Under 16 C final

Antrim 1-12 Limerick 1-7

Deniese O’Flaherty reports from Kinnegad

Pics by Niall Mitchell

A strong last quarter saw Antrim retain their LGFA All-Ireland U16 C title with victory over Limerick in Kinnegad.

Trailing by four points in the 37th minute the Saffrons drew level ten minutes later despite having Aoibheann Monaghan sin-binned in the 42nd minute. Josephine Darragh scored a goal in the 54th minute and it set them on their way.

Antrim’s Erin Stewart opened the scoring with a pointed free inside the first minute. Limerick drew level in the eighth minute with a point from Maeve Murphy. Minutes later they took the lead when Mary English set up Murphy and she found the back of the net.

Aoibhínn O’Connor fired over a free to put five points between the sides in the 23rd minute. Both sides had opportunities to get more scores but didn’t take them.

Limerick will be disappointed with the way they gave the ball away on a number of occasions in the final third of the pitch.

After 24 minutes without a score Antrim got their second point in the 25th minute; a great effort from Josephine English. Anna Rice followed up to close the gap to just two points.

O’Connor got a fine point from play in the 29th minute and right before half-time Stewart kicked over her second point for Antrim to reduce the margin and cut the gap to 1-3 to 0-4 at the break.

Stewart landed a free in the first minute of the second half before O’Connor scored three points in a row (one free) to extend her side’s lead to four points.

Limerick keeper Geraldine Carmody got a vital touch to Darragh’s ball in the 39th minute. Stewart kicked over the ‘45. Darragh got a neat point herself to cut the deficit to just one point.

Despite being down to 14 after Monaghan was yellow carded in the 42nd minute Antrim took the game to Limerick. They took the lead in the 51st minute, the first time they were in front since the first minute.

They regained the lead in the 54th minute when Darragh raised the green flag and they didn’t let it slip. Try as they might, Limerick couldn’t find a way past Antrim’s resolute defence.

Stewart kicked over two late frees to seal the win for Antrim. They ended the game with 14 players after substitute Aine McCavana was sin-binned deep in stoppage time.

Scorers – Antrim: E Stewart 0-8 (7fs, 1’45), J Darragh 1-2, A Rice, E McAllister 0-1 each.

Limerick: A O’Connor 0-6 (3fs), M Murphy 1-1.

Antrim captain S Bradley receives the All Ireland trophy after her team’s win over Limerick in Kinnegad

ANTRIM: O Lynch; A Mitchell, S Scullion, A McDonnell; S Bradley, S McGurk, A Annett; A Rice, L Scullion; L McCann, A Monaghan, C Boyd Munce; A Fitzsimons, E Stewart, J Darragh. Subs: E McAllister for Mitchell (ht), H Mead for Boyd Munce (46), A McCavana for Bradley (58).

LIMERICK: G Carmody; A MacNamara, C Hennessy, E Fitzgerald; K O’Donnell, E Cleary, T Hynes; G Hunt, O Barrett; C Moriarty, G Fitzgibbon, M O’Mahony; M English, M Murphy, A O’Connor. Subs: R Conway for Hennessy and C Murphy for Moriarty (ht), A Davis for O’Mahony and C Long for O’Donnell (50), G Leahy for Barrett (53).

Referee: Sinead McHugh (Donegal)

To see more of Niall Mitchell’s excellent pics from the game click on the link below

https://myalbum.com/album/8MYWXTdLWW27cP

by thesaffrongael

Shamrocks take Feis Cup after extra time

Above – The Loughgiel team and some of their young fans celebrate with the Feis Cup after their extra time win over Dunloy. Included is the most famous trophy in north Antrim, the Shield of the Heroes, which was presented at the first Feis final in 1904 – 120 years ago

Feis Cup Senior Hurling Final

Loughgiel 4-25 Dunloy 2-26

Sunday 14 July

Brendan McTaggart reports from Feis Sunday at Glenariffe

Coming into the Sunday showpiece, no-one was really sure in what to expect.  What we got was an exhibition of hurling despite both Loughgiel and Dunloy missing a host of regulars.  It took extra time to separate the sides but, in the end, it was the Shamrocks who had that little bit extra with five between the sides.

The Shamrocks had 11 different scorers and those who came off the bench contributed 2-4 – Conor O’Mullan with a brace of goals while Shan McGrath’s exploits on the edge of the square saw him finish with an impressive 1-8 with just four frees in that tally.  Eoin ‘Snowy’ McGarry was the other goal scorer for the Shamrocks while the midfield pairing of Cahal Hargan and man of the match, Christy McGarry split six points evenly.

The Cuchullains had 10 different scorers with Seaan Elliott topping their scoring charts.  He would finish with eight points beside his name while Barry Scott followed closely behind with 1-4 in what his best performance in a senior Dunloy shirt was.  Eoin O’Neill followed his exploits against Cushendall on Wednesday night by scoring the Cuchullains second major while Aodhan McGarry and Aaron Crawford split six points evenly.

With plenty there to watch the final in warm conditions, Dunloy got off to a great start and led by three points after the opening 10 minutes and looked to be playing with more cohesion.  They had the first glimpse of goal but Elliott’s shot just flashed wide.

The first major came in the 18th minute and it was a piece of brilliance from Eoin McGarry.  How he found the top corner from the position he was in, only he can answer that one.  It kickstarted the Shamrocks as the sides went score for score in the time that remained of the half.  Loughgiel had another glimpse of Gabriel McTaggart’s goal when McGrath found Rian McMullan in space but his shot was saved superbly by the Dunloy ‘keeper.

With the sides tied 0-12 to 1-9 at half time, the Cuchullains could have felt slightly aggrieved given how the first 30 minutes transpired.  Loughgiel took the lead for the first time in the game with Maol Connolly firing over in the opening seconds of the second half but it was short lived with Dunloy breaching the Loughgiel goal line.  Anton McGrath finding Deaglan Smith in space and while his initial shot was saved superbly by Chrissy O’Connell, Eoin O’Neill was first to the loose ball and pulled first time.

They had another chance moments later when Elliott broke free from midfield but O’Connell was equal to the ferocious shot fired his way.

Louhghgiel were slow in starting the second half, much like the first half but a Christy McGarry pointed side line ignited their challenge.  The Cuchullains had another goal chance and again, it was Elliott rampaging from midfield but his effort flashed just wide when it looked destined for the top corner from distance.

With one point between the sides after 10 minutes of the second half, Loughgiel found the back of the Dunloy net through Shan McGrath.  Reading the high ball sent towards the danger area, McGrath collected and with the most delicate of finishes, gave McTaggart no chance despite the Dunloy ‘keeper narrowing the angle.

With eight minutes of the hour remaining, Loughgiel held a four point lead with Pearce Patterson having an entertaining cameo off the bench.  Dunloy would find another gear however as they outscored Loughgiel five points to one in the time that remained.  McGrath with the score for Loughgiel while Oran Quinn, Aaron Crawford, O’Neill, Aodhan McGarry and Scott with the equaliser in the third minute of injury time and with what was the last puck of the hour.

FT score: Dunloy 1-21 Loughgiel 2-18

Again, Dunloy got off to the brighter start with Elliott firing over a brace of points (one free) in the opening exchanges of extra time but Loughgiel’s response was effectively match winning.  They scored 1-4 without reply, Conor O’Mullan with the first of his two majors and scores coming from Pearce Patterson, Ronan Fitzgerald, Eoin McGarry and Shan McGrath to leave the Shamrocks ahead 3-22 to 1-23 at the half time mark of injury time.

It looked like a tall order for the Cuchullains to drag themselves back into this one but with Barry Scott scoring their second major to leave three between the sides, their Feis hopes rekindled once more.  Scott firing home the rebound after a super save initially from O’Connell to deny O’Neill.  A point from Eoin McFerran left the minimum between the sides midway through the second period of extra time but Loughgiel’s fourth major, O’Mullan’s second put them in pole position once more.  It came at the end of a precise and lightning passing move that saw O’Mullan in space and he made no mistake.

Dunloy continued to look for the goals that would bring them back in the game with an array of high ball and dipping frees but the Shamrocks were not to be denied as they held out to take the Feis honours with five to spare.

North Antrim Treasurer Darrach O’Mullan presents the Man of the Match award to Loughgiel’s Christy McGarry after his team’s win over Dunloy in Sunday’s final in Glenariffe. Pic by Michael Corcoran

TEAMS

Loughgiel: Chrissy O’Connell; Tiernan Coyle, Rory McCloskey, Caolan Blair; Conal McCloskey, Seamus Dobbin, Conor Dickson; Cahal Hargan, Christy McGarry; Paul Boyle, Darragh Patterson, Maol Connolly; Eoin McGarry, Shan McGrath, Rian McMullan

Scorers: S McGrath 1-8 (4fs); Conor O’Mullan 2-00; E McGarry 1-2; C Hargan 0-3; C McGarry 0-3 (1f 1’65); M Connolly 0-2; R McMullan 0-2; Pearce Patterson 0-2; D Patterson 0-1; Ronan Fitzgerald 0-1; Ronan McGarry 0-1

Dunloy: Gabriel McTaggart; Eamon Smyth, Conor McKinley, Oran Quinn; Ronan Molloy, Kevin Molloy, Kevin McKeague; Seaan Elliott, Aaron Crawford; Eoin McFerran, Aodhan McGarry, Barry Scott; Eoin O’Neill, Deaglan Smith, Anton McGrath

Scorers: S Elliott 0-8 (5 fs); B Scott 1-4; E O’Neill 1-2; A McGarry 0-3; A Crawford 0-3; D Smith 0-2; O Quinn 0-1; R Molloy 0-1; E McFerran 0-1; A McGrath 0-1

Referee: Shane McDonnell (Glenariffe)

Alastair McAllister presents the Senior Feis Cup which was named after his late father, to Loughgiel captain Tiernan Coyle after his team’s win over Dunloy is Sunday’s Senior Feis Cup final in Glenariffe Pic by Michael Corcoran

For more of Michael Corcoran’s pics from the Feis Cup final click on the link below

https://myalbum.com/album/W3De9TYtYZv8oq/?invite=daa79a7b-66a8-4d5d-a820-e939406e785b