by thesaffrongael

Dunloy power home for round two win in the Antrim senior championship

Loughgiel 2-12 Dunloy 3-17 Match referee Paul O’Neill

Report and photos from Michael Corcoran in Fr. Healy Park

On a perfect Saturday afternoon, a large crowd gathered to witness round two of the Antrim Camogie championship fixture between two familar foes. Speculation before the game had supporters thinking that today’s game would be throttled down to accommodate an early round robin stage. But they were wrong. Both squads came out swinging the camán to give spectators a pulsating game and ultimately Dunloy delivered a shot across Loughgiel’s bow with a show of tight camogie and knowing how to be efficient with the scraps around the edge of the Shamrocks’ box and get over the line with some to spare.

Although Dunloy opened up with a point from a set ball in under ten seconds, it was Loughgiel that delivered the first heavy piece of artillery from an alert Lucia McNaughton, pulling on the sliotar just outside the rectangle to tidy up a loose sliotar, in just under the two minute mark.

Loughgiel’s Ciara Laverty looks for a Shamrock jersey in the first half

Points would follow from both sides, with Loughgiel’s Marie Laverty cleaning up a puck out before Dunloy’s Aine Magill, Eobha McAllister and Katie Molloy replied, the latter two points coming towards the end of a lengthy period of physical cat and mouse.

With almost twenty minutes gone in the first half, Loughgiel’s McNaughton found Marie Laverty for a timely point to go one ahead before floating a soaring point of her own, from close to the centre of the pitch. It was toe to toe until Dunloy drew up alongside Loughgiel after Nicole McAtamney slotted her point neatly over the bar from an industrious Caoimhe Molloy, running hard to possess a loose sliotar.

A careless throw of the ball gave the Cuchullin’s their first opportunity to edge into the lead from McAtamney’s set ball, but that was only momentary as Loughgiel’s Orlagh Laverty broke through to deliver the sliotar to Marie Laverty running ahead. Laverty punished the back of the net to shift the Shamrocks back into the lead at 2-04 to 0-08. Another point apiece just before the short whistle left both sides with every thing to do in the second half to secure a win.

Loughgiel looked like they were in their stride but Dunloy’s second half play towards the lough road was text book, drawing the defence out to open up gaps for the omnipresent Eobha McAllister. With barely ten minutes gone, McAllister managed to recycle an attempt at goal from short range, giving the goalkeeper little chance of a save.

A couple of points from set play gave each side level pegging at Loughgiel 2-09 Dunloy 1-12 before an unmarked Aine Magill would punish Loughgiel, striking into an almost open goal. This was a tell tale moment. Dunloy surged ahead by three points, making that six as McAllister dusted off the three points, two of those from set play.

Aine Magill digs out the sliotar and moments later delivers for a green flag

Loughgiel bounced back with two points on the trot but substitute Casey Crawford neutralised one of those with a clean point from a long pass deep from within Cuchullin territory. Loughgiel needed two goals to pull off a tie but a busy Eobha McAllister had other intentions when she offloaded to Caitlin Crawford, running at pace and making no mistake in finding Loughgiel’s net. McAllister would close out Dunloy’s account with another point before Loughgiel had a chance to pull back a goal from an awarded penalty. Loughgiel’s Róisín McCormick drilled the sliotar up under the bar but the sliotar floated just over for the point and the long whistle, Loughgiel 2-12 Dunloy 3-17.

Caitlin Crawford polished off the third and final goal for Dunloy in today’s round two Antrim championship game

Dunloy have changed the narrative of the round robin stages with this win today, but no doubt the Shamrocks will take stock and work on the fix with a less intensive game coming up next week before the challenge from the Antrim league winners, Cushendall.

You can see more photos from the game here…

https://myalbum.com/album/fj5G7c6PPU8qbf/?invite=f867c27f-1d41-4f3c-bfad-24469c4280bd

Loughgiel starting panel

Emma McAllister, Charlene Campbell, Megan McGarry, Clare McKillop, Katie Lynn, Amy Boyle, Ciara Laverty, Anna Connolly, Lucia McNaughton, Annie Lynn, Róisín McCormick, Shanna Deery, Orlagh Laverty, Marie Laverty, Katie McKillop

Dunloy Starting panel

Clodagh O’Kane, Sarah McIlhatton, Brid Magill, Katherine Mullan, Eilis Kearns, Katie Laverty, Caoimhe Conlon, Eimear Jonnston, Bronach Magill, Caoimhe Molloy, Caitlin Crawford, Nicole McAtamney, Eobha McAllister, Katie Molloy, Aine Magill

Graphic courtesy of Brona McCollum
by thesaffrongael

Today’s hurling programme throws up some great ties

SAT 29th AUG

JUNIOR HURLING

A west Belfast derby gets thing going today when Gort na Mona take on Davitt’s at Hannahstown in the Junior Hurling Championship, This game brings together the two unbeaten teams in Group 2 and promises to be a real cracker. Throw-in time at Hannahstown is 2pm.

Also at 2pm the two bottom teams in Group 1, Belfast Saints and Ardoyne, meet up St Teresa’. Both would appear to be out of the running but there still will be no quarter ask or given.

INTERMEDIATE HURLING 

In the Intermediate Championship currently unbeaten Cushendun travel to Whitehill to take on Randalstown Tir na nOg , also at 2pm. A win for the Emmet’s would all but seal a semi-final spot but if the Whitehill men were to gain a victory then they would still be in with a chance of that third place in Group 2

At 4-30 Creggan travel to De La Salle Park to take on St Gall’s in Group 1 of the McKeever Hotels Intermediate Championship in a game the home team need to win to keep in the race for a knock-out place. A win for Creggan would cement their second place, Last night’s win by Cloughmills brings them level with the St Gall’s men and those two meet in their last game, so it is all to play for.

SENIOR HURLING

County champions St John’s, who drew with Belfast rivals Rossa in their opening game will feel they need to beat Ballycastle in their round 2 game at Ballymena at 4pm, while the Town really need a win to keep their hopes alive after losing to Loughgiel in their opener. This is a very interesting game as both teams will feel they are capable of getting a win

The final match of the day takes place at Whitehill, Randalstown at 6-30 where last season’s runners up Loughgiel Shamrocks take on Rossa. Having drawn their opening game Rossa will have a bit of breathing space but a win would secure their place in the knock-out stage and they will be going all out against the group leaders.

by thesaffrongael

Armoy hit thirty points to cement top spot

Antrim Junior Hurling Championship – Group 1
Glen Rovers Armoy 0-30 Lámh Dhearg 2-14
Dunsilly

Glen Rovers Armoy cemented their position at the top of Group 1 with an impressive ten-point victory over Lámh Dhearg at Dunsilly.

Turlach McBride spearheaded a strong attacking display, his accuracy from frees and ability to find the target from distance helping Armoy take control. The Hannastown men battled throughout, with two second-half goals from Conor G McConville providing their chief highlights, but the Glen Rovers’ steady accumulation of points kept them firmly in command.

McBride set the tone inside the opening four minutes, sandwiching a fine long-range point from play between two converted frees. Odhran Waldron opened Lámh Dhearg’s account, but Armoy quickly pressed on through PJ McBride, Conor Christie and Emmett O’Hara.

Adam Murray responded for the Hannastown side and added an excellent score from an acute angle, but Armoy were finding scoring contributions across their forward line. Trevor Linton struck twice, while John Dillon produced a fine individual effort from far out on the left.

Further scores from Turlach McBride maintained the pressure. Michael Herron replied for Lámh Dhearg, only for Dillon and Linton to add to the Glen Rovers’ tally, the latter finishing a well-worked move.

Murray converted a free approaching the interval, but McBride continued to punish infringements. His outstanding effort from deep inside his own half was followed by two more successful frees before McConville pointed for Lámh Dhearg in first-half added time.

Armoy carried that momentum into the second half. McBride resumed with another long-range free, while O’Hara landed two points from play, including a fine strike from the left.

Murray and Waldron kept Lámh Dhearg’s account moving, Waldron producing a particularly skilful over-the-shoulder finish, but the Glen Rovers continued to create and take their chances.

Christie added another point before PJ McBride struck twice in quick succession, the second a superb individual score under severe pressure. Thomas Burns also found the target as Armoy maintained their grip on proceedings.

Lámh Dhearg were rewarded for their persistence when McConville fired home a brilliant goal in the 50th minute. Armoy’s response was immediate, however, with Turlach McBride pointing from play soon afterwards to keep the scoreboard moving.

Murray added another fine individual point for the Hannastown men, while Tim Burns joined the Armoy scorers during the closing stages.

McConville claimed his second goal from a penalty a minute from the end of normal time, but there was no prospect of a late turnaround. McBride fittingly supplied another converted free in added time as Armoy completed a convincing victory.

Thirty points reflected the Glen Rovers’ attacking strength on the night, with their spread of scorers and McBride’s assured finishing providing the foundation for another valuable Group 1 success.

Armoy: 1 Conor Watterson, 2 Charlie Douthart, 3 Liam Dillon, 4 Shane Devlin, 5 Kieran McToal, 6 Arthur Devlin, 7 Ciaran McKenna, 8 Eoin Bailey, 9 PJ McBride, 10 Thomas Burns, 11 Turlach McBride, 12 Emmett O’Hara, 13 Trevor Linton, 14 John Dillon, 15 Conor Christie.

Lámh Dhearg: 1 PaddyJoe Herron, 2 Corey Camlin, 3 Aidan McGuigan, 4 Tiernan McKenna, 5 Fionn Mervyn, 6 Paddy Mervyn, 7 Conor G McConville, 8 Ciaran Boyd, 9 Niall McGarry, 10 Sean Paul Gibson, 11 Adam Murray, 12 Odhran Waldron, 13 Mark Finnegan, 14 Mitch McGarry, 15 Donal Martin.

TO SEE MORE OF BERT’S PICS FROM THIS GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

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by thesaffrongael

Cloney too strong for Glenarm as Neeson hits a hat-trick

IHC GROUP 2 — ROUND 4 RESULT

Ghaeil Chluanaidh 3-18
Shane Uí Neills 1-16

An Owen Neeson hat-trick paved the way for a Cloney Gaels win over visitors, Shane O’Neill’s Glenarm and puts them back into contention for a place in the play-offs.

Glenarm made the journey to Ahoghill on Friday night with three wins already under their belt and favourites to gain the win that would cement their place at the top of Group 2.

It didn’t quite work out that way however and it proved a tough evening for the Feystown boys, as Shane Uí Neills came up against a strong and determined Ghaeil Chluanaidh outfit, who eventually proved too powerful over the sixty minutes.

Dan O’Neill and James O’Connell pointed the home side into an early lead before Darren Hamill set up Niall Rodgers for a goal for the visitors with only four minutes gone.

Owen Neeson (15) fires home to complete his second half hat-trick as Cloney Gaels defeated Shane O’Neill’s in Group 2 of the IHC

Patrick Graham then levelled matters with a well-taken score, bringing the sides back on terms after the early exchanges.

Glenarm were beginning to settle into the contest, and Daniel Black stepped up to put the Feystown boys’ noses ahead, raising another white flag and giving the visitors a slender advantage as the game continued at a lively pace.

The Gaels then hit a purple patch, with Conor Crossey pointing from play before Colla McDonnell showed his accuracy from the placed ball, converting a brace of frees to swing the momentum back in favour of the home side.

Patrick Graham, followed with his second point of the game, as Ahoghill began to find their rhythm.

The hosts were moving the ball with greater purpose, while the visitors were being forced to work hard to stay in touch.

Glenarm’s Niall McGarel reacted quickest to a loose ball, showing good composure to win possession before sending over a well-taken point, reducing the arrears and giving the Feystown boys a timely lift as they looked to regain a foothold in the contest.

Shortly afterwards, James O’Connell added another white flag for the Gaels, before team-mate Eamonn Brady followed up with a well-taken point, as Ahoghill continued to keep the pressure on the visitors.

Glenarm’s Dylan McLaughlin then showed his quality with a fine solo effort, driving over a superb point for the team in blue and keeping the Feystown boys within touching distance as the contest continued to ebb and flow.

The classy James O’Connell and Patrick Graham were proving influential for the Gaels, with both players showing excellent composure on the ball and keeping the scoreboard ticking over as Ahoghill continued to apply pressure.

Shane O’Neill’s rallied in the closing stages of the half however with Darren Hamill converting a couple of frees and a ‘65’ while Aidan Scullion and Kieran O’Boyle added points from play to leave it all square at the interval.

HALF TIME
Ahoghill 0-11 Glenarm 1-08

Straight from the second-half throw-in, the hosts regained the initiative, with Colla McDonnell pointing from play before the classy James O’Connell produced a sublime effort to split the uprights, much to the delight of the home crowd. Ahoghill had started the second period with real purpose, putting the team in blue under immediate pressure.

Darren Hamill then reduced the deficit with a well-struck point before Dylan McLaughlin showed great alertness to win a stray ball and fire over a point, bringing the sides level once again in this keenly contested Intermediate battle.

Two goals in the 7th and 10th minutes, clinically finished by Owen Neeson put the Cloney side firmly in control with Colla McDonnell adding a point before Aidan Scullion and Ben O’Boyle replied with points for the visitors.

Further points from McDonnell in reply to a Darren Hamill converted free had the ‘Gaels ‘ 2-16 to 1-12 ahead at the midway stage of the half and then Colla placed Owen Neeson with a great ball and the Ahoghill attacker made no mistake to complete his hat-trick.

Niall McGarrel and Darren Hamill replied with points for the Feystown side with James O’Connell and Hamill exchanging late scores to leave 8 between the sides at the final whistle.

This win puts Cloney Gaels back in the race for a quarter-final place though they could face a stiff challenge from last week’s conquerors, St. Paul’s who play Glenravel on Saturday.

Despite this defeat Glenarm have done enough to secure a play-off place with three wins from their previous three outings.

Cloney Gaels: Aidan Graham, Patrick Dougan, James Magee, Harry O Donnell, Diarmuid Graham, Bernard Graham, Eoin Graham, Eamonn Brady (-01) Daniel O Neill (-01) Patrick Graham (-03) Ronan Graham, James O Connell (-05) Colla Mc Donnell (04, 3f) Owen Neeson (3-00) Conor Crossey (-01)

Subs. Martin Graham, Ryan Mc Peake, Noel Friel, Donal Graham, Ben Friel, Conal Walls. PJ O Connell,

Shane Uí Neills: Michael Abram, Sean Mc Dermott, Barry Hamill, John Scullion, Kieran O Boyle, Ciaran Magill, Michael Fury, Conal Ward, Sean O Boyle, Niall Mc Garel (-02) Daniel Black (-01) Dylan Mc Laughlin (-02) Aidan Scullion (-02) Darren Hamill (-03, 7f.) Niall Rodgers (1-01)

Subs. Ryan O Boyle (used 44 mins), Sean O Hare, Aidan O Neill, Paddy Mc Auley, Ben O Boyle, Ryan Mc Loughlin, Rory Mulvenna, Liam Mulvenna, Liam O Neill, Shea O Connell, Anthony O Neill.

Reiteóir: Ray Matthews. Rossa

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Paul Dougan, St. Mary’s GAC Ahoghill treasurer presents a sponsorship cheque for £1,000 to Paddy McIlwaine, who received it on behalf of the Saffron Gael, prior to last night’s IHC Group 2

TO VIEW PADDY’S PICS FROM THE GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

https://myalbum.com/album/yLPZXdB9gd96jS

by thesaffrongael

Fast-starting Cloughmills keep play-off hopes alive

McKeever Hotels Intermediate Hurling Championship


St Brigid’s Cloughmills 3-15 Rasharkin 0-11


Fr Leonard Park, Cloughmills

Cloughmills kept their hopes of reaching the play-off stages alive with a convincing victory over Rasharkin at Fr Leonard Park, laying the foundations with a dominant first-half display.

Two early goals from centre forward Eoin Dobbin helped the home side take control, and by half-time their 3-12 to 0-04 advantage had effectively settled the contest. Rasharkin improved considerably after the break, with James Higgins leading their response, but the damage had already been done.

The result leaves Cloughmills facing what looks likely to be a decisive final group game against St Gall’s, with third place and a route into the knockout stages at stake.

The hosts wasted little time in asserting themselves. Ryan Watson and Mickey Devlin, the latter from a free, opened their account, while Dobbin struck twice for goals during a blistering opening spell.

Devlin added a point from play and Conor Laverty also found the target before another Devlin free left Cloughmills 2-05 to no score ahead after just ten minutes.

There was little respite for the visitors. Devlin sent over from the right wing and Eoin Dobbin followed with a fine effort from the opposite flank as the home side continued to dictate proceedings.

Rasharkin’s problems deepened when a long delivery found its way into their net for a third Cloughmills goal, further extending an already commanding lead.

Thomas McMullan eventually opened the visitors’ account in the 18th minute, but Watt replied with a neat point, striking off his left side from close range.

McMullan added his second before Ryan McFarline produced one of the scores of the half, soloing out of defence and sending a fine shot over from distance.

Devlin maintained his influence with another excellent point from play and a converted free. Rasharkin then managed successive scores through a Conor McKillop free and a James Higgins effort, before Laverty was on target again approaching the interval.

Cloughmills went in leading by 3-12 to 0-04, reward for a first half in which their sharpness in attack had left Rasharkin struggling to gain a foothold.

The pace dropped considerably on the restart, with nine minutes passing before Rasharkin’s Higgins registered the first score of the second half.

Cloughmills had an opportunity to add a fourth goal when awarded a penalty three minutes later, but Devlin fired wide. He responded by opening his side’s second-half account with a point from play in the 43rd minute.

Higgins was becoming increasingly prominent for Rasharkin and struck two further points, continuing an impressive individual second-half performance.

Devlin converted a free, but Higgins answered again as the visitors enjoyed a much better share of the exchanges.

A long-range Devlin point in the 53rd minute completed the home side’s scoring, with Rasharkin finishing through John Kelly, a Conor McKillop free and a sharply taken late free from Oisin Doherty.

The visitors could take some encouragement from outscoring Cloughmills by seven points to three after the break, but the home side’s explosive opening half ensured there was never any serious threat to the outcome.

For Cloughmills, Dobbin’s early goals and Devlin’s consistent scoring were central to a valuable victory. Attention now turns to St Gall’s, with their championship ambitions still very much alive.

Cloughmills: 1 Christopher McKernan, 2 Jack McDowall, 3 Corey Blair, 4 Seán McKendry, 5 Kevin O’Boyle, 6 Geoffrey Og Laverty, 7 Rian Dobbin, 8 Ryan McFarline, 9 Dara Watterson, 10 Michael Devlin, 11 Eoin Dobbin, 12 Reece Watt, 13 Ryan Watson, 14 Shemus Duffin, 15 Conor Laverty.

Rasharkin: 1 Brendan Kelly, 2 Jason McGregor, 3 Aidan McKeever, 4 Daniel Hasson, 5 Conor Doherty, 6 Tiernan O’Boyle, 7 Conaire Donaghy, 8 James Higgins, 9 Conor McFerran, 10 Thomas McMullan, 11 Conan McMullan, 12 Jack Quinn, 13 Conor McKillop, 14 John Kelly, 15 Oisin Doherty.

Referee – Mark O’Neill

TO SEE MORE PICS FROM THIS GAME CLICK ON THE LINK BELOW

https://myalbum.com/album/SawbEPqY2iRcbS/?invite=534331ce-5c01-4d96-bff8-31b6402d71cb