by thesaffrongael

Pearl’s a winner

Above – Pearl McQuillan cuts the 35th anniversary quiz cake while Cushendun Emmet’s President Denis O’Hara and Oscar winner James Martin looking on.

THIRTY FIVE years of devoted service to staging a weekly quiz for the Cushendun Robert Emmet’s GAC was celebrated in Randal McDonnell’s iconic rivermouth hostelry where Academy Award winner James Martin joined in the special occasion.

It was a unique gathering to salute the Quiz founder Mrs Pearl McQuillan, whose youngest son Rory is the present manager of the Emmet’s senior hurling team.

Many past hurlers attended this milestone ‘do’ – to join in a fabulously successful weekly community gathering that began in 1989

in the much missed Bay Hotel – then owned by Pearl and her late husband Danny, a former Emmet’s player and team manager.

Pearl recalled the Quiz start when proposing the idea during  the hurling club’s AGM..

“Helping me then – and for a further four years as Quizmaster was Club member Barney McKay. In 1999 the Bay Hotel closed down and Randal McDonnell thankfully came to our rescue, offering the use of a room to hold our weekly quiz.

I’m delighted Barney McKay is here for our 35th birthday,- along with the loyal helpers such as Patsy Patterson, Pat Crummey, Felicity Patterson, our ever present Picture Round expert Marie Mort, Music  Round man John O’Kane, a publican from Randalstown. James Martin also helps set the music round tests – while MC and Quizmaster is Emmet’s regular match referee, Paul McSparran.

Many other people stayed with us – including Anona Robertson, who once travelled all the way every Thursday evening from Carrickfergus to attend the Quiz. Other folk always backing the Quiz included Sean McKendry, Brigid Scally -Millar, the McKay brothers – Patrick and James and their wives. Terence McNeill, Jude McNeill, John Delargy. I could go on and on.

I’m not forgetting the very generous support given by the Martin family – Ivan and Suzanne and their very special son James.

Oscar winner James Martin with his dad Ivan and Emmet’s Hurling Club president Denis O’Hara at the quiz

Sadly, many great helpers and faithful followers such as former Quizmaster Robert Laverty, Jim and Margaret Jeffers, Betty Allen and Kevin Murray are no longer with us.”

Of course the highlight of the evening was when Oscar winner James Martin helped Pearl and Emmet’s President Denis O’Hara cut a specially designed occasion cake.

Incidentally, Oscar winner James Martin, who is also the official Ambassador to the Corrymeela project at Ballycastle, will receive his MBE honour this upcoming weekend in London.

by thesaffrongael

A.C. Football League (Fixtures and Previews) Wed 22nd May

The next round of the football league fixtures is down for Wednesday evening 22nd May with games fixed in all of the Divisions, One, Two and Three.

Division One (all games at 7.15)

St Ergnat’s Moneyglass v St Brigid’s

St Brigid’s are unbeaten to date and sit joint top of the table with Cargin and Portglenone at the moment. They proved too strong last time for Aldergrove when the St James side visited Musgrave and the city men will travel to Moneyglass for this one as firm favourites.

Moneyglass have missed the services of a number from their panel, with a big number from within based Down under at the present. A depleted panel has ensured the St Ergnat’s side are struggling to gain positive returns but they have not rolled over for any in their programme and they will look forward to another challenge in this one.

St Brigid’s will travel to Marian Hill in confidence but although the city men are fully expected to gain the day the home side will give it their all.

Lamh Dhearg v St Mary’s Ahoghill

Ahoghill showed plenty of character when they came from off the pace to earn a share of the points with Tir na nOg last time.

The Randalstown men looked home and hosed when they held what looked like a winning lead but a late Dan O’ Neill score ensured a share of the spoils for the Clooney side.

Lamh Dhearg did take a time to get it together this term but a draw at Milltown last time was a good return and they will look forward to a return to home terrain and the visit of Ahoghill.

Only a single point separates this duo in the ratings at present but ground advantage should tip the balance in favour of the Lamh’s but Ahoghill will give it their best.

Casement’s Portglenone v Con Magee’s Glenravel

The reigning league champions Casement’s remain unbeaten to date as they seek to retain their hard earned title.

John Mc Keever’s charges were not hard pressed last time as a 1-15 to 0-05 victory over Rossa pays testament and they will return to base for this one as Glenravel visit.

Con Magee’s have returned to the top grade this year following a long term in division 2 and are still in search of their first win and this looks another tough assignment.

Casement’s will start as firm favourites and although the Con Magee’s will give this one their all a home win does look likely.

Kickham’s Creggan v St Mary’s Aghagallon

It took Creggan a time to get it together this term but a return to the green and gold from a number of their injured has prompted improvement.

They have moved up the ratings to a top four spot and will hope to gain another win as Pete Mc Grath’s Aghagallon visit the Staffordstown Road.

Aghagallon have struggled this term without a number of their panel and they will do well to get anything from this one.

Creggan will start as firm favourites and although Aghagallon will give them a run for their money a home win looks likely.

Tir na nOg v O’ Donovan Rossa

Tir na nOg were caught right on the line last time when a late Danny O’ Neill point earned Ahoghill a draw at Clooney.

The Whitehill residents have enjoyed a good season to date and they will hope to gain another brace of points when Hugh Mc Gettigan’s men visit Whitehill.

Rossa sit a few places behind the Whitehill Blues in the table but they West Belfast men are capable of better.

This does look like a close one in prospect and a draw is possible.

Erin’s Own Cargin v St John’s

Cargin remain unbeaten in the league as they will play hosts to the Johnnies in this one seeking to retain that winning habit.

St John’s dual status doesn’t help them and they will travel at less than full strength but much in need of points.

Cargin will start as firm favourites and although their visitors will ask questions to their hosts a home win does look likely.

All Saint’s Ballymena v St Enda’s Glengormley

All Saint’s, despite the unavailability of their county players have performed well to date and this is reflected in their mid-table berth at present.

They will look forward to the visit of St Enda’s and the ‘Baker Boy’s’ will hope to add to their point total.

Having started the present season well with a couple of early victories, the Glengormley side got their third win last time out over the visiting Moneyglass and will hope to add to that win in Ballymena.

The home side will start this assignment as slight favourites but should be wary of a St. Enda’s side who are capable of adding to last week’s victory.

St James Aldergrove v St Gall’s

St Gall’s have enjoyed a good 2024 campaign to date but have lost their last two games and will travel down to Crumlin to face Aldergrove seeking the addition of another couple of points.

Aldergrove have returned to the top division this term after more than a few years in exile and have struggled to gain points despite turning in some fine performances.

St Gall’s will start this one as firm favourite and although the Aldergrove men will ask questions, an away win does look likely.

Division Two (all games at 7.15)

St Pauls v Cuchullian’s Dunloy

This looks like a close one as St Paul’s welcome Cuchullian’s to Shaw’s Road with a good game in prospect.

The home side took the scalp of top of the table St Teresa’s last time, away from home and they will welcome Dunloy in a positive mood.

The Cuchullian’s enjoyed a great run in senior championship last year but league fare is proving less appetising and they have suffered a couple of defeats to date.

St Paul’s will hope to build on last week’s win on the Glen Road and they may well be successful but Cuchullian’s will ask questions of the home side.

St Patrick’s Lisburn v St Joseph’s Glenavy

St Teresa’s defeat last time out opened the way for Glenavy to move closer to the top and a hard earned victory over Rasharkin duly opened the door as the gap is reduced to a couple of points.

Lisburn have gained in momentum this term following a disappointing 2023 as three league wins thus far suggests.

A win for Glenavy does look probable but the Lisburn men will give them a run for it.

Gort na Mona v Patrick Sarsfield’s

With just a single win to date Gort na Mona will hope for better in this one as Sarsfield’s visit Enright Park.

The Paddies will travel as favourites and unless the Gorts show improvement a win for Sarsfield’s in  probable.

St Mary’s Rasharkin v Kickham’s Ardoyne

Rasharkin were pipped at the post last time out as Glenavy held on to gain the verdict over their visitors at Chapel Hill.

St Mary’s came strong  in the closing stages of that Glenavy encounter and they may well return to winning ways in this one as they welcome Ardoyne to Dreen.

Noth Belfast based Ardoyne have struggled to get off the mark this season and this may well be another step too far for the Kickham’s.

Michael Davitt’s v St Teresa’s

This could be a close one as Davitt’s play hosts to St Teresa’s in what may be the ‘match of the day’.

St Teresa’s occupy top spot in the division but lost to St Paul’s last time out for their first defeat of the season to date.

Davitt’s are still in touch at the top of the table, just four points in arrears of St. Teresa’s and they are capable of a win which would see them close the gap further.

Division Three (all games at 7.15 pm)

Laochra Loch Lao v St Malachy’s

St Malachy’s are too close to the bottom of the table for their own peace of mind and they will hope for improvement as they travel to meet Laochra Loch Lao but home advantage should sway it the way of the Irish language side.

Patrick Pearse’s v St Comgall’s Antrim

St Comgall’s, under the management of Barry Burns lead the way in the table and are unbeaten to date and they will hope to maintain that unbeaten record as they visit second placed Patrick Pearse’s.

Wolfe Tones v St Agnes

Wolfe Tones await their first win of the season as they welcome the Aggies to their domain with an away win possible.

by thesaffrongael

Meabh is the Belle of Belfast City

Meabh McNeill, a young woman from Lámh Dhearg celebrated her All Ireland Scór win on Monday in Belfast City Hall. Lord Mayor of Belfast, Ryan Murphy hosted a Civic Reception Meabh and her family. The Club Chairperson Brian Smith and members of the club committee were in attendance, as well as Bronagh Lennon from Antrim Scór and Paula Magee, Chairperson of National Scór.

Meabh was presented with a certificate in recognition of her achievement in winning the Solo Singing at the All Ireland Scor finals in Killarney recently, and she performed her All Ireland winning song in City Hall. John Finucane, a fellow Lámh Dhearg club member was also in attendance and showed Meabh around City Hall. The Lord Mayor congratulated Meabh on her win and spent time talking with her friends and family. Bronagh Lennon, County Scór Officer and member of the National Scór committee addressed the crowd in Irish before describing Meabh as a “special young lady who should reach for the stars.” She said: “Scór is very special. It is more than a competition. It is about moments like this today, celebrating with friends and family.” We wish Meabh well in her year as All Ireland Champion.

This is a huge honour for her club and indeed for the Saffron County as a whole. The last singer to win the title for Antrim was the wonderful Angela Feeney, a world renowned Opera Singer who took the title back to St Paul’s in 1974.

by thesaffrongael

Cushendun survive a late scare

Antrim Hurling League – Division 2

Cushendun 1-16 Carryduff 2-11

PICS BY MICKY MORGAN

Cushendun overcame a late scare from visitors Carryduff in Sunday’s Division 2 league game at the Field of the Rigs on Sunday before taking the points with a narrow victory.

With just five minutes of normal time left to play of a good competitive game the home team appeared to have it all wrapped up, as they led by five points. However the Down men produced a strong finish and after Conor McAlister drilled a penalty just inches over the bar, Sean O’Callaghan broke through to score a brilliant individual goal and cut the gap to a single point. Suddenly it looked anyone’s game but just as he has done so often ‘Loaf’ McNeill steadied the ship as he fired over a late point from a free to seal the win.

McNeill had made his mark in the opening half when the visitors led by 0-3 to 0-2 after ten minutes, their points coming from two pointed frees by Donal Mooney and one from play by Darragh Goodwin. The next ten minutes was all Cushendun as they hit six in a row, the first three from McNeill frees, one from play by Donal O’Hara, one from Calum Kilgore and McNeill again from a free. James Laverty and Donal Rooney came back with points for Carryduff but Colm McKeegan came back with one for the home side to see them lead by 0-9 to 0-6 at half time.

The second half had an explosive start as Loaf caught a high ball on the edge of the Carryduff ‘square’ in the opening minute and fed Colm McKeegan who blasted home. The gap was now out to six but less than a minute later Carryduff got their first goal, James Lavery raising the green flag at the other end to cut it back to two.  

The next fifteen minutes saw each side hit three points apiece, the highlight of the scores coming from Conor McAlister who sent one over from a sideline cut. When the Emmet’s stretched the lead to five they appeared to be safe, but they had to endure a few anxious moments before securing the win as Carryduff came back late, only to fall just short

by thesaffrongael

Steady progress earns Creggan the points

ACHL Division 3

Con Magee’s 0-9 Kickham’s Creggan 0-15

PICS BY CLAIRE FAWL

North Antrim’s glorious sunshine brought Glenravel’s faithful out in numbers but the home side just couldn’t make a strong enough impact on the Creggan midfield and backline over the hour.  The visitors were pretty much in control of the game, even though one point separated them at half time – Creggan 0.06 v Conn Magee 0.05.  The visitors closed the contest with 6 points to spare. 

 Glenravel had the scoreboard up and running 3 minutes in with Ciaran Laverty pointing of the hurl to put his side one point up.  The visitor’s response was instantaneous, two points from Cregggan’s half forward, Morgan Nelson gave them a lead that they would not relinquish. 

Glenravel’s Sean McKay was on form playing a blinder keeping the home side within touching distance of the visitors with four points in the 9th, 15th, 24th and the 29th minute, three from the placed ball and one from play.  McKay was one of only 2 scorers for the home side in the first half, although their tally could have been more only for a series of wides.  

With both teams sounding each other out, Creggan had the more momentum, winning the majority of the dirty ball and four scores added – 2 points for Sean Duffin and one apiece for Liam McCann and Cormac Rice, but it could have been worse for the home side had Glenravel’s keeper, Chris McCann, not stopped Rice’s effort on the line, he resulting deflection returned over the bar by Rice. 

As we approached the short whistle there was nothing between the teams as both teams battled to add to their tally.

HALF TIME SCORE:      CREGGAN 0.06 v CONN MAGEES 0.05.

 Loughgiell Ref, Declan McGarry, got proceedings up and going again, with Creggan increasing their lead with two more pointed frees from Nelson.  McKay cancelled this out with 2 pointed frees for the home side to put the minimum between the sides, Creggan 0.08 v Glenravel 0.07.  

The game was evenly matched at this stage although Creggan were getting more opportunities, missing as many as they were scoring.  As Glenravel struggled for possession their conversion rate cost them dearly. 

Creggan’s midfield dominance finally paid rewards with 4 unanswered points from Michael Maguire, Morgan Nelson, Liam McCann and Sean Duffin, giving the visitors a 6-point lead. 

Glenravel battled on and were thrown a life line when the visitors were reduced to 14 players with 10 minutes on the clock.  Awarded a 20 metre free, there was only one decision to be made, to go low and to get back in the game.  

 McKay drove the ball low and in the ruck it went narrowly wide.  A goal at this stage would have put the home side back in contention but it wasn’t to be. 

Creggan, now a man down, had to pull an extra man back into defence as they withstood the relentless pressure from the home side in search of a goal that never came. 

The visitors kept calm and held their nerve, adding 2 further points to their tally, with Sean McAuley getting onto the score sheet and Morgan Nelson securing his 8th point of the game.  Glenravel’s Sean McKay equalled Nelson’s tally of 8 points, being one of only two scorers for the Glenravel side.

 Referee, Declan McGarry, controlled the proceedings well and had a good game.

 CONN MAGEES: No.1 Chris McCann, No.2 Caolan Mullan, No.3 Caolan Lennon, No.4 Eoin McCusker, No.5 Jonathan Fyffe, No.6 Rian Lennon, No.7 James Duffin, No.8 Odhran McAleenan, No.9 Darragh Donaghy, No.10 Declan Trainor, No.11 Sean McKay (0.08), No.12 Ciaran McIlfatrick, No.13 Adam McAuley, No.14 Ciaran Laverty (0.01), No.15 Conor Laverty, No.21 Eoin Butler, No.22 Eoin Duffin.

CREGGAN: No.1 Oran McCann, No,2 Michael Carey Small, No.3 Aidan Maguire, No.4 Paedar McGuckian, No.5 Liam McCann (0.01), No.6 Keelan McCann, No.7 Senan O’Boyle, No.8 Jake McAteer, No.9 Sean Duffin (0.03), No.10 Morgan Nelson (0.08), No. 11 Lee Johnston, No.12 Dermot Mulholland, No.13 Sean McAuley (0.01), No.14 Cormac Rice (0.01), No.15 Mick Maguire (0.01).

Referee: Declan McGarry (Loughgiel)