Antrim U20 footballers showed a remarkable improvement from their performance against Tyrone a fortnight ago but came up just short against Monaghan in Castleblayney on Wednesday night.
Niall Jackman’s side had suffered a heavy loss to Tyrone in their opening game at Dunsilly but the Antrim manager had nothing but praise for the commitment of his panel in an interview during the week.
The manager’s confidence in his panel was vindicated by this performance and while the young Saffrons lost in the end they were competitive throughout this time around, a testament to their resolve.
They were never able to get their noses in front however despite reducing the arrears to one on a couple of occasions and then two late on, but a late Monaghan goal proved decisive in the end.
Monaghan were first to score when Bobby McCaul found the mark after four minutes and a further seven had passed when Packie Coogan-Burke doubled their advantage.
Tom Shivers finally got Antrim on their way, but they were rattled when McCaul fired to the net after 17 minutes to leave Jackman’s side chasing the game for the remainder.
It was a setback for the Saffrons who had been right in it but they responded well with the next three points from Shivers and team captain Tiernan McCormick to close the gap to one and at this stage the visitors were giving as good as they got.
Monaghan had the final say of the half, however, as Fionán Carolan split the uprights to move the Farney into a 1-3 to 0-4 lead.
Tom Shivers was proving a handful for the Farney defence throughout and he got them back to within a point early in the second half.
At this stage an upset looked on the cards but the young Saffrons just couldn’t find an equaliser as a Stephen Mooney free stretched it back to two and then three in identical fashion.
Connlaodh McCann kept the Saffrons in touch but it was as close as they got with a Mooney free putting that goal between the sides and he would add another from play late on after substitute Darragh Mee got his name on the Farney score sheet.
With five between them, it looked like that was it but Antrim grabbed a late lifeline when Johnny Hannon found the net, but Kian Duffy replied for the hosts to stretch the gap to five and that was how it finished.
A second defeat for Antrim in what has rightly been called the group of death but Antrim can take a lot of encouragement from this performance and they certainly restored some pride in the jersey while vindicating Niall Jackman’s praise of his panel earlier in the week.
Monaghan: J Mooney; G Devlin, J McConnon, F Carlolan (0-1); P Doogan-Burke (0-1), T Hughes, S Callan; A Carey, C McQuillan; C Foy, O McGorman, D McKenna; C Conlon, B McCaul (1-1), S Mooney (0-4, 3f). Subs: K Duffy (1-0) for C Conlon, J McMahon for C McQuillan, D Mee (0-1) for D McKenna, N Sherlock for G Devlin
Antrim: S Laverty; E O’Hare, C Mac Adhaim, C Maginnis; C McCann (0-1), P Duffin, R Quinn; M McCrossan, T Shivers (0-4); C Walsh, E McCartan, N Duffy; T McCormick (0-1), J Hannon (1-0), N Fallon.
Cross & Passion Ballycastle 4-18 Gaelcholáiste Dhoire 4-17 AET
PIC BY BERT TROWLEN
CPC snatched victory from the jaws of defeat at Pairc MacUillin on Wednesday when a point from right half forward Liam Magee sent over the winning point to edge out Gaelcholáiste Dhoire in a thrilling Foresters Shield final. Two minutes earlier it appeared Gaelcholáiste Dhoire had grabbed the winner, but CPC substitute Emmet McKendry sent over the equaliser and Magee grabbed the winning point and the glory when the chips were really down.
You had to feel for the Dungiven boys at the end for they had given so much throughout the game, playing some great hurling as they once again showed what a great addition they are to Ulster Schools hurling. They looked to be out of Wednesday’s game when they trailed by a goal with just a minute left to play, but Aidan Ó Ceallaigh’s late goal brought them level and set up extra time.
The first half of normal time produced five goals as Caodhan Crawford, Liam McGarry and Conor Anderson all found the Gaelcholáiste Dhoire net . The Dungiven school were still very much in the game thought as Emmet óg Mac Íomhair and Peadar Pio Ó Duibhne rattled the CPC net and they trailed by just a goal at the short whistle – 3-5 to 2-5.
That goal advantage remained for most of the second half through the second half as CPC’s Caodhan Crawford (1-3) and Gaelcholáiste Dhoire’s Dylan Ó hEireamhóin (0-14) picked off the points. CPC were holding on a bit nearing the end but it looked as if they had done enough to seal the win, but the Derry boys battling qualities were rewarded when Ó Ceallaigh struck late to send the game to extra time with the scores tied on 3-11 apiece.
Both sides added five points apiece in the first half of extra time which ended on 3-16 each and when Jude Ó Conaire fired home for Gaelcholáiste Dhoire early in the second period it looked like the title was on its way back to Dungiven. However super sub McKendry grabbed a ‘major’ at the other end, before levelling the scores with a point. It appeared to be anyone’s game at this stage until Liam Magee picked up a long clearance from Ashdon McGarry to send over the magic score.
Cross & Passion: C Crawford 1-3, E McKendry 1-1, L McGarry and C Anderson 1-0 each, O McCallin 0-11, C Johnston and L Magee 0-1 each.
Gaelcholáiste: E óg Mac Íomhair 1-2, PP Ó Duibhne 1-1, A Ó Ceallaigh and J Ó Conaire 0-1 each, D Ó hEireamhóin 0-14
Gaelcholáiste: Caoimhín Ó hEireamhóin, Cormac Mac an tSionnaigh, Declan Ó Ceallaigh, Ciarán Ó Muirí-Mac Uilliaim, Cian Ó Dughaill-Ó Cinnéide, Dara Ó Lochlainn, Dylan Ó Ceallaigh, Lorcán Ó Muirí, Cahair Ó Baoill, Dylan Ó hEireamhóin Jude Ó Connaire, Cahir Mac Niocaill, Aidan Ó Ceallaigh, Emmett óg Mac Íomhair, Peadar Pio Ó Duibhne
Round 2 of the Division one league continues on Saturday afternoon following its kick-off two weeks ago.
A busy Saturday is anticipated with a full programme with the opening rounds of both division Two and Three scheduled as well as the second round of the top division.
Division One (all games 5.00pm)
All Saints Ballymena v Kickham’s Creggan
All Saints celebrated their return to the top grade after a lengthy absence with a win over St. John’s at Corrigan Park.in the opening game at Corrigan Park.
The visitors were undoubtedly well prepared for that one and a victory on the Whiterock road is never an easy ask.
The Saints have home advasntage when Creggan pay a visit and this looks another tough assignment for the Ballymena side.
Creggan had to dig deep to gain an opening day victory over their neighbours, Moneyglass in round one and they hope to add to that win.
This looks like another tough assignment for the Ballymena lads but if they can replicate the form shown against the Johnnies in round one they might not be too far away.
St James Aldergrove v Tir na nOg
This all South West encounter sees Aldergrove play hosts to the Randalstown men as Tir na nOg visit Crumlin.
Aldergrove lost out to Casement’s at Kelly Park in round one and they will be aiming for a win in this one to aid morale.
Tir na nOg did well to earn a share of the points when they hosted the men from Hannahstown in round one and they can go one better this time.
St Mary’s Ahoghill v O’ Donovan Rossa
Although they lost their opening game away to Cargin, Chris McGlone’s Ahoghill side came strong in the second half and only the clock beat them as they came from well off the pace to significantly close the gap.
Chris Mc Glone will be well pleased at the character shown by his side and his charges will have home advantage for the visit of Rossa.
Rossa suffered defeat to St. Gall’s at Rossa Park in round 1 when the visitors secured a 1-12 to 1-07 victory and Hugh McGettigan’s charges and this one could be close with home advantage possibly swaying it in favour of St. Mary’s.
St. Ergnat’s v Casement’s
Another all Country affair in this one as last year’s league champions visit Marian Hill in search of another couple of points.
Moneyglass lost out to Creggan in round one but they did give their hosts a run for their money and they will return to home base in search of improvement.
Benny Marron seems to have his charges in form but his St Ergnat’s side may need to find improvement as the Bannsider’s visit.
St Gall’s v Con Magee’s Glenravel
Division One new boys, Con Magee’s lost their opening game but they only finished a couple of points in arrears to St Brigid’s and they will hope to build on that performance as they visit Milltown.
St Gall’s, have gained in status over the past couple of seasons and a good win at Rossa in round one is testament to current well-being.
A close one at Milltown is probable but the home side will start a favourites and they may well prevail.
Lamh Dearg v Erin’s Own Cargin
Cargin gained victory in the opening round when they withstood a late rally from the visiting Ahoghill. Ronan Devlin’s charges had a significant half time advantage but they had to defend stoutly to keep the Clooney men at bay in the second half to earn the points.
This does look a stiffer test for the Toome men as they take the road to Hannahstown for a meeting with Lamh Dhearg.
Lamh Dhearg were held to a draw at Whitehill in round one and they will return to base intent on better as the Toome men visit.
Another close one is anticipated and although with ground advantage possibly aiding the Lamh’s to victory but it will be close.
St Brigid’s v St Mary’s Aghagallon
St Brigid’s recorded a good win at Glenravel in round one and they will return to home base for this second assignment as they welcome Aghagallon to Musgrave Park.
Aghagallon are short handed at the moment and they did lose to the visiting St Enda’s in round one. That was a rare home defeat for St Mary’s and they will travel to the city seeking a better return.
St Brigid’s will start as favourites and although improvement within the Aghagallon ranks may well be forthcoming a home win is anticipated.
St Enda’s v St John’s
St Enda’s opened account with a good away win at Aghagallon in round one and they will have home advantage as the Johnnies visit Hightown.
The Glengormley side struggled last term but will have been encouraged by that positive start and they will hope for another victory in this one but such may not be easily gained.
Division Two (all games at 5.00pm)
Gort na Mona v Kickham’s Ardoyne
Gort na Mona will look for a good start in this one with Niall Enright in charge as they welcome Ardoyne to the Mona Bye-pass for their opening assignment.
The Ardoyne men have raised their profile lately with former county manager Brian White in charge and will hope for a repeat of their opening day win over the same opponents last year at Cliftonville.
The former Rossa and Antrim man will be hoping for a win to get his tenure up and running but home advantage may sway it Gort na Mona’s way.
St Patrick’s Lisburn v St Teresa’s
St Patrick’s Lisburn struggled to get it together last season and they will hope for better this season with the new management team of Colin Toal, Stephen Brannigan and Tommy Logan installed.
Liam Mc Goldrick remains in charge of St. Teresa’s and the experienced Glen Road side could be contenders in the second grade.
The home side will look for a good getaway but St. Teresa’s will start as favourites, and they may gain the points.
St Mary’s Rasharkin v St Pauls
Rasharkin enjoyed a great 2023 season gaining a division 3 league and Junior Championship double and they will hope to continue in the same positive mode in division 2 in 2024.
St Pauls with former player Donnagh Finnegan and Damien Martin as managers will look to raise their profile with a return to the top grade probably the aspiration.
St Paul’s will travel to the Southwest in confidence but although the Shaw’s roadside will start as favourites the home side could cause an upset.
Patrick’s Sarsfield’s v St Joseph’s Glenavy
Sarsfield’s enjoyed a fair 2023 season and with Martin Mc Anerney, Aaron Brady, and Emmet Hughes included in the management team the Paddies will hope to continue that progress in the new season as they play hosts to Glenavy in this opening game.
Glenavy struggled in 2023 and with Martin Clenaghan and Gavin Philips, included in the management team, the Chapel Hill residents will seek improvement this term.
Sarsfield’s are never easily beaten at the ‘Bear Pit’ and although Glenavy may well be capable of upset a home win does look probable.
Cuchullian’s Dunloy v Michael Davitt’s
Although league form within the Cuchullian ranks was nothing to write home about in 2023 their passage to the senior championship decider was a supreme effort for the dual club.
Dunloy failed in their titanic efforts to get the better of a Cargin team in that decider but they gave it their best shot and will return to league fare anticipating similar form.
Anthony Mc Quillan retains the reins again and they may could prove challengers in this division.
Division Three (all games 5.00pm)
St Malachy’s v Laochra Loch Lao
Little separated this duo in their 2023 meetings and a similar situation is possible when the Mal’s play hosts to Laochra Loch Lao this term.
Ground advantage may well aid the men from the Markets who have appointed Pat Turley as manager in this one to but the appointment of Padraig O’Muiri by the visitors catches the eye and this one could go in favour of the Irish Speakers.
St Comgall’s v Patrick Pearses
Antrim based St Comgall’s had a fair enough 2023 season, but they are capable of improvement this term having appointed former St Paul’s player Barry Burns into the managerial position.
St Agnes v Wolfe Tones
St Agnes had a fair 2023 campaign, and the West Belfast side will look to build on that in the season ahead. They did take time to get it together last term, but the appointment of Tyrone native Tony Curran looks a good appointment.
The new hand at the tiller at the Aggies has bags of experience and a couple of All Ireland medals gained with the Tyrone Masters.
North Belfast based Wolfe Tones had a descent 2023 season and they will be seeking a good start under the guidance of Tony Curran.
Eire Og v Cardinal O’ Donnell’s
West Belfast based Cardinal O’ Donnell’s, the residents of MacRory Park came close to glory last term, finishing as runner’s up in both league and championship and they will look to take one step further this term.
Joe Herald ably assisted by James Braniff lead the way this term and they may well guide their charges to an opening day win at Eire Og.
The year of 2024 has certainly been a memorable one so far for the pupils and staff at Moneynick Primary School. The school itself were finalists at the Cumann na mBunscol National Awards for both Promotion of Gaelic Games and Culture and the Small School of the Year categories. These prestigious accolades highlighted the dedication shown by the teachers, scholars and wider school community in their continued commitment towards Gaelic games, culture and ethos.
Being one of the group of pioneers in South West Antrim to participate in the newly formed Schools League in 1924, Moneynick has shown over the past 100 years an enduring pledge to continue and nurture our games, language and heritage.
Such people in Moneynick’s history as Tessie McKeon, Jean O’Donnell and Brenda McAteer have been followed in recent times by the passionate current school staff and a drive to further develop and ensure the deep connections the pupils have with all of their respective GAA clubs and the health, cultural and social benefits that ensures.
Cathy Carey the Moneyglass senior captain called to wish the girls well
The magnificent journey of 2024 continues for the P7 Girls of Moneynick ps when they represent Antrim in the Indoor Cumann na mBunscol Ulster Finals on Wednesday 20th March.
Truly this is a wonderful feat for a small rural school such as Moneynick, highlighting its unswerving determination to serve all the people of Duneane and represent them with pride. Within such a hotbed of Gaelic football as Duneane, it should come as no surprise the three parish GAA teams are all engaged with the school and this is also highlighted within the Girls football team where Erin’s Own Cargin, St Ergnat’s Moneyglass and Kickham’s Creggan have two girls apiece on the team.
Again, this is reciprocated in the fantastic businesses from across Duneane who have come forward to kindly sponsor the Girl’s team for the Ulster Finals namely, the school kit sponsored by Gribbin pharmacy, a set of Antrim Jerseys donated by GP Scullin Construction, Gloves by Breathe Sports, Footballs by The Elk, Gum Shields by S Scullin Stone Effect Plastering, Bags by Mrs F McConway followed by Boyd’s Service Stations who provided Snacks and Hydration.
St Patrick’s Day 1964 was a special day for Glenavy and Antrim legend ‘Big’ Jim McCorry. Named as a sub on the Ulster team the Glenavy man came on to play at full back on the team who beat Leinster 0-12 to 1-6 before over 50,00 fans at Croke Park. He started the following year wearing the number 3 jersey as he collected his second Railway Cup medal on the side that beat Connacht by 0-19 to 0-15 at the same venue.
Jim McCorry is 4th from right on this Antrim team photo in the Ulster Championship against Down in Newcastle in 1958
The Glenavy clubman may have missed the best of Antrim’s days, but he stood out as one of the best full-backs in Ulster and beyond during his county days. A sturdy number three, whose ability to turn defence into attack was as invaluable as his long kicking.
DOWN may have been making all the headlines in 1960 and ’61 with their ground-breaking All Ireland triumphs but those years also marked the induction period of Antrim’s Jim McCorry to county football.
It was just as Down were moving into overdrive that Jim was plucked from the Glenavy side to fill a corner-back slot in the Saffrons line-up against Fermanagh.
And it proved to be his only game in that position.
Jim in action against Down at Newcstle in 1958 – above and below
“I was asked to play at full-back in the next game and I was lucky enough to hold down that spot for the next 10 years or so,” recalls Jim.
His elevation to the Antrim ranks did not quite follow the normal lines.”I never played under-age or minor football. I just started with the club at senior level and suddenly found myself in the county side alongside such well-known players as Patsy Totten, Hugh O’Kane, Colm O’Loan, Tony McAtamney and Pat Grogan,” explains Jim.
And for a spell he found it difficult to believe that he was sharing the same pitch with players he had looked up to as heroes.
“Some of these boys had given outstanding service to Antrim and it took me a while to realise that I was to be a regular in the side.
“I never took anything for granted – every time I was picked it was a real bonus and I always pledged to myself that I would do my utmost in every game in which I played,” states Jim.
His strong. forceful presence and unflinching courage under the high ball made him a feared and respected opponent.
He mixed strength and skill, vision and craft to such an extent that he was regarded as one of the outstanding full-backs of the 60s era.
Indeed, had it not been for the majestic form displayed by Down’s Leo Murphy, Jim would have enjoyed an extended run in the Ulster side in the Railway Cup competition.
As it was, he was selected for the squad for four years running and made a big impression even though he had resigned himself to living in the considerable shadow of Murphy.
“No doubt about it, Leo Murphy was a class full-back and a gentleman. He had a big input into Down’s successes and I must say I was delighted to be involved with Ulster,” reflects Jim.
He had particular admiration for players such as Charlie Gallagher, PT Tracey and Sean Ferriter.
“Ulster was producing some great players then and it was no surprise that we had crowds of up to 50,000 going to the Railway Cup matches then. The atmosphere was always electric no matter where the games were played – what a contrast to the way in which the competition is staged now,” laments Jim.
He particularly recalls the contribution of Leinster’s Des Foley who earned Railway Cup medals in both football and hurling.
“People like Des underlined what provincial honours were all about. They had prestige in those days,” adds Jim.
He has no difficulty in recalling the highlight of his 25 years spent as a player with Glenavy.
GlenavyJim McCorry (back left) on a Glenavy team in the late 1970s
“I was made captain when I was about 28 and in that year we were very fortunate to win the Antrim Junior Championship and league. In fact, I think we won about five trophies in all and I must say I got a great kick out of leading the side,” smiles Jim.
He fondly recalls the contribution of players like Joe Creaney, Owen Ruddy, Ciaran O’Neill, John Loughan and Frank Rodgers to Glenavy’s ongoing success.
“Take Frank Rodgers, for instance. He was a Fermanagh man who came to teach in Glenavy and proved more local than the locals,” he laughs.
Jim was 40 when he retired: “The saddest day of my life. I didn’t want to hang the boots up at all but I knew that I could not go on forever.”
Jim receiving a trophy from county chairman Hugh McPoland after refereing a county final in Casement ParkJim with the Kerry legend Paudie O’Shea Jim with his grandson Enda McCartin after Antrim won an Ulster U0 Hurling championship at Corrigan Park a few years ago.
But there was compensation in the mid-90s when his son Emmet led Glenavy to a clean sweep of trophies.
Unfortunately, injury subsequently curtailed Emmet’s career. He had been an outstanding left-half-back who, like his dad, had given sterling service to his club. In contrast, his dad seldom, if ever, incurred a knock while he was playing.
“I never missed a day’s work because of injury, I was dead lucky. I might have picked up the odd wee sore knock but I rarely missed a game – indeed, it would have broken my heart to sit out a match,” he says.
It was the herculean efforts of people like Jim McCorry who helped to fashion the thriving Glenavy club that today is among the most progressive units of the Association in Antrim.
He smiles: “I was only one of many who tried to do their bit.”
