by thesaffrongael

Kilkerrin-Clonberne are a mighty outfit

All Ireland LGFA Senior Club final

Kilkerrin-Clonberne v St Ergnat’s Moneyglass

Moneyglass’ opponents Kilkerrin-Clonberne are shaping up to be one of the most dominant teams in the history of the sport. The Galway, champions have won multiple All-Ireland titles (including completing four-in-a-row in 2024). The Connacht championships, have a strong community focus, exceptional skill, and a core group of players developing from childhood, making them a powerhouse in the sport. They recently secured their eighth Connacht title in November 2025 and are aiming for a fifth consecutive All-Ireland when they face Moneyglass at Croke Park on Saturday.

The Galway champions in action against Kilmacud Crokes in the 2024 All Ireland final Croke Park

In 1999, they took their first steps to success when they won an intermediate LGFA club All-Ireland title. It took them twenty years to get up among the top clubs in the country when they finished runner-up in 2019 Senior All-Ireland Ladies’ Club Football Championship when they lost in the final to Mourneabbey of Cork who that day won their second title in a row. There was no championship in 2020 because of the Covid pandemic but the Galway girls made the breakthrough in 2021 when they got revenge on Mourneyabbey to secure their first title. Since then there has been no stopping them as they followed that success by beating Donaghmoyne of Monaghan in the 2022 final and the competition’s most successful club Ballycarbrey of Waterford in 2023. Last year they beat Kilmacud Crokes from Dublin in the decider, the team that Moneyglass beat in this year’s semi-final.

Moneyglass’ Maria O’Neill with the Kilkerrin-Clonberne captain at the launch of Saturday’s final

At Provincial level they have excelled winning Connacht Ladies’ Senior Club Football Championships in 2014, 2015, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 and were runners-up: 2000, 2013 and 2017.

In the Galway Ladies’ Senior Club Football Championship the have been virtually untouchable  2000, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025

On their way to Sunday’s final they beat St Brigid’s of Roscommon in the provincial final before accounting for Munster champions Comeragh Rangers from Waterford in the All Ireland semi-final.

Since they won their Galway title they have been free scoring running up an impressive 7 goals and 65 points with  Eva Noone and Olivia Divilly leading the line with 1-18 apiece but Moneyglass have actually outscored them during that time with 12 goals and 53 points, Cathy Carey topping the scoring charts with  3-26 and Maria O’Neill with 2-10

The Kilkerrin-Clonberne scorers since they won the Galway title were

Eva Noone 1-18 (6f), Olivia Divilly  – 1-18 (10f), Chloe Miskell 0-11, Lynsey Noone 2-01, Niamh Divilly 0-06, Aisling Madden 1-02, Louise Ward 1-02, Nicola Ward 1-02, Hannah Noone 0-02, Siobhan Divilly 0-01, Aine Shaughnesey 0-01, Caitlin Boyle 0-01

Leah Stewart

The Moneyglass scorers since their Antrim final win were even more impressive however

Cathy Carey 3-26, (10f) Maria O’Neill 2-10 (1f), Bronagh Devlin 2-07, Leah Stewart 2-04, Jo Jo Darragh 1-03, Sarah O’Neill 1-01, Bredagh OG 0-01, Eleanor Mallon 0-0, Rebecca Bradley 0-01

To say that Moneyglass are up against it would be an understatement but that is exactly what everyone was saying when they faced Kilmacud Crokes in the semi-final and looked what happened there. The St Ergnats girls have written their own script this season, so why can’t they do it one more time on Saturday.

by thesaffrongael

Cathy Carey speaks to the Saffron Gael

St. Ergnat’s St. Ergnat’s Moneyglass v Kilkerrin-Clonberne

All Ireland LGFA Senior Club Final

This Saturday St. Ergnat’s Moneyglass travel to Croke Park where they take on Galway giants, Kilkerrin-Clonberne in the All Ireland LGFA club final.

The Galway girls are aiming for a fifth All Ireland title in a row as they take on Antrim and Ulster champions, St. Ergnat’s Moneyglass who will be competing in their first All Ireland final following a maiden Ulster win this year.

In the build up to Sunday’s final Paddy McIlwaine of the Saffron Gael spoke to one of St. Ergnat’s greatest servants, Cathy Carey to gain her thoughts on the task that lies ahead.

I said to Cathy, you have been part of the Moneyglass setup for as long as I can recall and have served your club and county with distinction over many years.

Cathy answered:It’s probably too many to admit now!  Hopefully there’s a few more years in me yet.

 I put the question to one of St. Ergnat’s most consistent performers, “It’s been a long journey for you and your colleagues to reach Saturday’s decider. Tell me about the heartaches you have suffered over recent years. Firstly on your club journey where St. Paul’s dominated for a long time and then on your Ulster campaign where you suffered a number of setbacks before claiming your first title this year”?

 Cathy answered “The heartaches are a big part of what has driven the team on, particularly the older cohort, over the years.  The first year we won senior was a massive breakthrough and the next target was to get an Ulster title.  Getting to the final in 2022 provided that bit of experience that helped when we were preparing for this year, sometimes it takes a loss to get that win”.

 Our conversation continued. “Cathy you have represented and captained Antrim with distinction and have led them to victory in Croke Park so perhaps your experience of playing in Croke Park and at the highest level will be something that will be of benefit to you and something you can pass onto your colleagues”?

Cathy replied. “There are quite a few of us who have played in Croke before, and I’m glad we are able to pass onto others what to expect.  The thought of it can be more daunting than what it actually is, so it’s trying to get across that it’s still just another pitch with goalposts at either end”.

 I suggested. “The draw for venues during this year’s Ulster and All Ireland semi-final success hasn’t done you any favours but you and your side have shown great resilience and a never-say-die spirit to get to Saturday’s final. What has been different from previous years”?

 She replied. “We have been building for a while now and although the venue draws haven’t been great, sometimes time on the road creates that extra bit of a bond.  We’ve shown a great focus this year and that’s credit to the team and management for sticking to the plan for each game”. 

 I then put the question. “Saturday’s opponents, Kilkerrin-Clonberne are aiming for a fifth All Ireland title in a row and will start as firm favourites on Saturday. What do you know about them and can the underdogs tag be a motivating factor as you aim for a first All Ireland success”?

Cathy Answered.“Any team that has won 4 All Irelands in a row have a lot of quality and Kilkerrin-Clonberne have that experience of the big occasion, so I expected nothing less than going into the final as big underdogs”

Moneyglass forward, Cathy Carey hoping for success with her side in Saturday’s All Ireland Final against Kilkerrin-Clonberne of Galway in Croke Park

“What about St. Ergnat’s and how have your preparations gone since your Ulster and All Ireland semi-final success” I asked the St. Ergnat’s forward?

She Answered. “Preparationshave been going well, we’ve had plenty to work on after each game so have kept the intensity up.  The whole club and community have got behind us so it’s been an enjoyable few months”. 

I then posed the question. “You probably don’t want to talk about individual players but could I press you on the players who have pulled you through tight games when the chips were down?

Cathy replied.“We’ve got plenty of leaders but the likes of Aine Devlin keeping things tight and organised at the back, Emma McAreavey and Cliona Griffin’s driving runs, Leah Stewart popping up everywhere to win ball and Maria O’Neill has been in great form.  I could go on though as everyone has a massive role to play”. 

“Tell me about the Moneyglass management of Charlie O’Kane and Maxi Curran and the difference they have made to St. Ergnat’s since taking over” I asked

Cathy Answered: “Charlie has been with us the past 3 years and has been telling us all along how much potential we had – he puts so much confidence in the team!  Maxi came in at the end of 2023, so just over 2 years.  He has brought a level of professionalism and driven standards – never a stone left unturned.  Hopefully we can do them proud on Saturday”. 

I finished by bringing Cathy’s attention to the fact that their game will now not go out live on TG4: “I have just read that TG4 will not be broadcasting the final live now but will carry a deferred broadcast at 8.10pm because of the Junior Eurovision Song Contest. What a load of hypocrisy”!

Very disappointing – I couldn’t believe it when I heard it” she responded!

It is of course being shown on TG4 You Tube chanel and the Moneyglass club will have a link to it on their Facebook pages. Those unable to attend, that cant view the game online, will be hoping to tune in and hopefully celebrate the moneyglass success. We at the Saffron Gael will of course have your very own, Elaine Kelly there and we will carry a report on your game. We wish you and your side every success.

Tomorrow we will take a look  Kikerrin-Clonberne in the build up to Saturday’s final.

by thesaffrongael

St Louis beat Lecale Trinity to qualify for McLarnon knock-out stages

St Louis Ballymena 4-8 Lecale- Trinity Downpatrick 1-12

PICS BY BERT TROWLEN

St Louis Ballymena have qualified for the knock-out stages of the Maclarnon cup after a deserved 5 point win over Lecale Trinity Downpatrick at the Crickey on Wednesday afternoon. 

Playing against the strong elements in the first period the Antrim School had opened up a 2-3 to 0-5 lead by the 28th minute with goals from Bobby Kennedy and Tom Convery, but the Down side rallied to lead by one at the break, a goal from Keelan Kearney and a brace of points from the lively Eoghan Convie giving them the edge.

Cillian Sculllion brought St Louis back on terms early in the second half but Kearney and Convie hit back for Lecale Trinity with two points. However St Louis delivered a killer blow when Jude Storey and Aaron Doherty got in for two quick goals to swing the game in their team’s favour. Three in a row from the Lecale Trinity side cut the gap back to a single point by the 53rd minute, but it was to be their last score of the game and a point from Cillian Scullion, two points from dual star Fiontan Bradley and one from corner-back Sean O’Brien saw them safely home as they booked their place in the knock-out stages for the first time in three years.

St Louis scorers

Tom Convery 1-1

Fiontann Bradley 0-3

Bobby Kennedy 1-0

Jude Storrie 1-0

Aaron Doherty 1-0

Cillan Scullion 0-1

Caolan McCollum 0-1

Sean O’Brien 0-1

Conan McKeown 0-1

Lecale Trinity scorers

Eoghan Convie 0-7

Keelan Kearney 1-2

Seany Duggan 0-2

George Burns 0-1

ST LOUIS

Shayne Dorrity, Matthew Watt, James McGarry, Sean O’Brien, Cillian Scullion, Odhran Duffin, Jay McAlonan, Tom Convery, Conan McKeown, Eanna McGuckian, Fiontan Bradley, Luke McAllister, Bobby Kennedy, Mickie O’Brien, Jude Storey

LECALE TRINITY DOWNPATRICK

Shea Holland, Owen Hamill, Odhran Higgins, Shane Brennan, Oisin Hanna. George Burns, Lorcan Murray, Jake Skelton, Patrick Sharvin, Jay Flanagan, Calum Cope, Odhran McGreevy, Eoghan Convie, Seany Duggan, Keelan Kearney.

Referee – Fergal Laverty

by thesaffrongael

Moneyglass game switched to TG4 YouTube channel

Moneyglass’s All-Ireland Senior Club Ladies Football final against reigning champions Kilkerrin-Clonberne of Galway will not now be shown live TG4 as originally planned, because of a clash  with the Junior Eurovision Song Contest which the Irish Language channel has been promoting.

Moneyglass became the first Antrim team to reach an All Ireland Senior final when they beat Dublin and Leinster champions Kilmacud Crokes two weeks ago and all roads lead to Dublin on Saturday as they bid to end the incredible run of the Galway champions, and there is great disappointment among the fans who are not able to make the journey. However fear not, as the game will be streamed live on TG4’s You Tube channel and the TG4 player, although the latter option is not available to viewers in the North of Ireland.

No doubt the St Ergnat’s club will have links to the game on their Facebook page so all their followers throughout the county get the chance to view this historic match.

by thesaffrongael

Holleran the hero as St Pat’s finish strong to deny St Louis

Danske Bank Leonard Cup final at Creggan

St Patrick’s Maghera 3-9 St Louis Ballymena 1-14

Pics by Bert Trowlen

Two goals by centre-forward Daithí Holleran in the final quarter of Monday’s Leonard Cup final at Creggan brought St Pat’s Maghera back from the brink and set them up for a win over St Louis in a highly entertaining game. The Ballymena school appeared to be on course to take the title when they led by seven points going into the last quarter, but Holleran turned the game on its head with goals in the 47th and 49th minutes, just as St Louis had done in their semi-final win over CPC.

St Louis held the upper hand in the first half and points from Joe Casey, Oisin O’Brien and Joe Connolly gave them a good foundation, but St Pat’s full-forward Ronan O’Loughlin hit back with a goal before adding a point to bring his team level.

St Louis reacted well to the setback and two points from Cody McGarry frees were followed by two from play by Casey who then went on to fire home his team’s goal eight minutes before half time. McGarry tacked on another point from a free and Harry Blaney added one from play to stretch his team’s lead to seven by the time referee Brendan Toland sounded the half time whistle. (1-13 to 1-06)

Although St Pat’s had much more of the play during the third quarter St Louis were able to keep them at bay and that seven point gap was still there with thirteen minutes to play. That is when Hollearan really stamped his authority on the game and after firing home in the 47th minute he added another two minutes later to change the game completely. The Lavey star brought his team level on 53 minutes and though St Louis had time to regain the upper hand they just couldn’t get back in front and St Pat’s held on to claim the silverware.

St Patrick’s: D Holleran 2-2, R O’Loughlin 1-1 (0-1f), J Ward 0-3 (fs), P O’Loughlin 0-2, J Conway 0-1 each

St Louis: J Casey 1-6 (0-1f), C McGarry 0-3 (fs), J Connolly 0-2, O O’Brien, H Blaney and L Martin 0-1 each

 St Patrick’s: Shea O’Kane, Harry McCloskey, Danny Bradley, Conan Boyle, James Ward, Ryan Murphy, Harry McGilligan, Aodhán McCloskey, Sionann McCormick, Tony McErlean, Daithí Holleran, Liam McErlean, Patrick O’Loughlin, Rónán O’Loughlin, Joseph Conway.

Subs: Dara Scullin for H McGilligan (39), Ben Bradley for A McCloskey (42).

St Louis : Harry McKay, Fergus Maguire, Dylan McMullan, Harry McQuillan, Joe O’Hara, Oisín O’Brien, Eoghan McCormick, Cody McGarry, Joe Connolly, Harry Blaney, Joe Casey, Niall Duffin, Eoghan Lorcán Bradley, Lorcán Martin, Caden Doherty

Subs: Thomas McGarry for N Duffin (28), N Duffin for T McGarry (ht)

Refereee; B Toland (Lámh Dhearg)

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

https://myalbum.com/album/MuPzYExzLfyNnN/?invite=04549bbd-4a12-4b6c-92e0-62ec0d7a0d9e