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Created on Wednesday, 06 February 2013 16:11

 

 

O'Neill's Antrim Football League Division 1

St Joseph's Glenavy 4.4 v O'Donovan Rossa 0-15 

When these two sides met three weeks ago Rossa’s Thomas Morgan brought the sides level in injury time with an excellent point. This time Patrick Gallagher broke the Belfast side’s hearts with a well worked goal which put his side two points up four minutes into injury time to give his side two valuable points.

This game was very important to both sides who found themselves at the wrong end of the table with Rossa on five points and their hosts on three. The old saying that goals win games was never truer than with this result. Rossa probably thought they had the game won when they were a point up with time almost up but got hit with a sucker punch goal at the end. The Lough view side would have won this game much easier if they had taken half scoring their chances that came their way, The wide count was well into double figures.

With so much at stake the standard of play was poor but for Colm Fleming’s unerring left foot with seven pointed frees and three from play was the only shining light on a dull afternoon. Play was broken up far too often with soppy tackling.

The game had an early goal when Niall McCann was soloing through and as he passed the ball the referee gave him an advantage as he passed the ball to Domnic Gallagher who gave the Rossa keeper no chance with the ball nestling in the corner of his net. Rossa were really up for the game and took the home side to the cleaners with four unanswered points from. Colm Fleming split the posts for the first of his ten points. Sean Finch finished a great move with a point. Sean Fleming added two points, one from play a pointed free.

Slowly the orangemen pulled themselves back into the game and were rewarded with a goal which started from Fergal Green’s kickout. Michael Johnston gained position got the ball through to Michael McCourt who drew the Rossa defence got the ball to an unmarked Niall McCann who finished to the net. The Shaws Road side come at the Hill side’s defence who were guilty of some unnecessary frees which were punished by the accuracy of Colm Fleming. Fleming pointed two frees from around the 45 metre line to put his side back in front again. Oisin McVicker got on the score sheet when he stole in unmarked and added a point. Colm Fleming extended the lead with a point from play.

Eoin Henry closed the gap with a point from play only to see that man Fleming cancel it out with a point from play. Niall McCann closed the gap to one with a point from an acute angle. Domnic McEnhill finished the first half with a well worked point. Halftime score Glenavy 2.2 v 0.10 Rossa.

The home side brought in Owen Gallagher and Malachi Doherty for the second half. Doherty was immediately into the action when he pointed a free. Play was a lot better in the second half with both sides going for scores. The home defence got their act together and gave away less unnecessary frees. Colm Fleming took full advantage of an indiscretion when he pointed a free. He quickly put three between the sides when he pointed from play.

Glenavy’s fullforward Domnic Gallagher took full advantage of a poor kickout from the Rossa keeper when he intercepted the short kick and finished with his second goal. With the sides level and time running out the next score was vital and it fell to Glenavy when Owen Gallagher finished his strong run with a point. Once again that man Fleming was breaking Glenavy supporters’ hearts with a pointed free to put his side one up as the time moved into the red. Patrick Gallagher who played at fullback moved up the pitch took a pass and went on one of famous solo runs and placed a beauty out the keepers reach. Now two up and with time almost up the crowd home got one last scare when Rossa mounted a full-blooded attack. The defence stood firm this time and Domnic Hill had to be satisfied with a point.  The final whistle blew with a sigh of relief from St.Joseph’s faithful.

With the teams above these sides winning this win may not be enough to save them.

Teams: GLENAVY: F. Green,. M. Nelson, P Gallagher, S McGirr, M. Hamill, C. Hamill, E Henry (m. Doherty H.T.),  M Johnston; C. Loney, R Phillips (O. Gallagher H.T.), N McCann , M. McCourt, F Cunningham,  D Gallagher, T. Gallagher.

ROSSA: C. Walsh, C. Orchin, S. Shannon, C  McGowan, N. Crossan, O. O’Neill, S. Finch,  S. Beatty, O.  McVicker, D. McEnhill, M. McGreevy, J.  Cooley, C McDonald . C Fleming.    T. Morgan. 

REFEREE: Gerard Dougan (Creggan)

 2^nd Phase Division 1 & Res, Football

29 Jul		Glenavy Glenavy	Res Sen	v v		Aghagallon  Aghagallon	Home Home	1.30pm 3pm
19 Aug		Glenavy Glenavy	Res Sen	v  v		Cargin Rossa	Home Home	1.30pm   3pm
29 Aug		Glenavy	Res Res	v		St.Enda's St.Enda's	Home Home	6.30pm  7.30pm
14 Oct		Ahoghill  Ahoghill	Res  Sen	v v		Glenavy Glenavy	Away	12.30pm 2pm
28 Oct		Glenavy Glenavy	Res  Sen	v		Lamh Dhearg St.Teresa's	Home Home	12.30pm 2.00pm

 

 2018 Match Reports:

 O’Neill’s ACFL Division 1

Aghagallon 5-14 Glenavy 2-8

St. Mary’s Aghagallon claimed the bragging rights over neighbours, St. Joseph’s Glenavy with a comprehensive win in this first round win after the split in division 2B. Glenavy made the short journey to Pairc Na Gael in Aghagallon on Sunday afternoon in an effort to kick start the second half of their season on the positive with some much needed points and also gain some revenge from their earlier league defeat by the men in green. However, the Aghagallon men signalled their intent from the start and let the visitors know that nothing was going to be given away easy in front of their home support.

It was the home sidewho settled first and raced into a four point lead after 9 minutes with points from Ciaran Brady, Ruairi McCann, Gareth Magee and Eunan Walsh. The Glenavy men were having their fair share of possession in the opening stages but found the hard working St Mary’s defence hard to break down with multiple attacks being turned over from bringing the ball into the tackle. However, in the 10th minute they did create an opening when full forward Dominic Gallagher managed to turn his marker and strike the ball low across the goal, only to see his shot rebound of the post and back into play to his namesake Charles, who managed to evade the defender and send the ball over the bar to get them up and running.

Instead of spurring the Glenavy men on, it was St Mary’s who responded better for the next 20 minsutes, outscoring their opponents 3-3 to 0-1 to leave the orange men with a mountain to climb in the second half.

The first goal from Niall McShane after 21minutes who drilled his shot low and hard to the net and gave the men in green some just reward for their positive approach to the game. It was quickly followed up by another goal a minute later when some good defensive work from Paul Mulholland and Eunan Walsh forced a turnover inside the Glenavy half and the latter went on to support the attack and ended up firing past the helpless Donard Shannon in the Glenavy goals. This put some daylight between the teams and when a third goal was dispatched by Gareth Magee in the  27^th minute after another Glenavy attack was foiled it seemed like the roof was caving in on them as they tried to see the half out to the short whistle and regain their composure.

HT Aghagallon 3-7 Glenavy 0-2

With a lot of work to do, Glenavy to their credit came out in the second half with a more positive attacking approach to their game to try and eat into the 14 pointt deficit. They took the game to their near neighbours and outscored their opponents by 1-5 to 0-2 in the third quarter to reduce the deficit to 8 points. Goal scorer Fergus Cunningham and substitute Alex Gallagher were leading the frontline and trying to build a bit of momentum in the game.  In fact, if it hadn’t been for an excellent reaction save from the Aghagallon net minder Gavin O’Neill, who was able to deflect a Thomas Gallagher effort over the bar, the deficit might have been reduced to just 6six points with 15minutes remaining, which might have given the away support something to cheer for going down the home straight. As it happened, Aghagallon were able to regain a foothold in the game with Gareth Magee punishing any indiscretions by the Glenavy defence and a first point at senior level from substitute Adam Loughran stretching the lead back out to 11 points with six minutes remaining.

With time running out Glenavy tried to revert to the long ball into their forward unit in a final effort to get something from the game but the St Mary’s defence were once again equal to the challenge and were able to strike on the counter attack with another two well worked goals in two minutes from substitute Mark McAfee and the hard working Ruairi McCann. This was followed up with a collector’s item point from half back Paul Mulholland to finish off another good team move in what was a hard working team display in which they showed better composure and game management than their opponents.

The men in orange did get another goal at the death from midfielder James Gallagher, but it was scant consolation for them after a miserable afternoon, and now they must regroup ahead of their remaining four league fixtures as they try to hold on to their Division 1 status.

 

Fox and Henry goals secure Glenavy win

Minor Football League Division 2

Glenavy 2-22 Rasharkin 0-8

On a wind-swept Chapel Hill, St Joseph's minors took full advantage of the breeze scoring 6  points in a row with just 1 reply from shell shocked St Mary's Rasharkin. Glenavy midfielders Orrin McGarry and Sean Burke were dominating breaking lots of ball for half forwards Aran McGarry and Michael Kane to  hoover up and dispatch into the full forward line of Fergal Henry, Aodh ONeill and Paddy Fox. 8 different point scores in first half with corner backs and  half backs not letting forwards have all the glory . A great passage of play found Chris Grant driving forward and delivering a super pass to Fergal Henry who was one on one with a St Mary's fullback, he just  power past and buried it into the net. Great kicking out from Anthony OHare Glenavy keeper, his distribution started lots of their attacks with lots of movement off the ball and making full use of every blade of grass on a fantastic pitch. Paddy Fox took full advantage of his team mates hard tackling to  score a fantastic individual goal on the whistle for ht.

2-13 to 0-3 . The second half started  with St Mary's taking full advantage of the wind with lots of possession working the ball into good shooting range however, the dogged tackling of Glenavy full back line of Oliver Brankin, Chris Grant and Connor Mulholland made them rush some of their attends under the pressure. Glenavy where wasteful at times they needed to work the ball closer to allow for the breeze, their half back line drove them forward lead by captain Pearce O'Neill, Lorcan Nelson and Declan Doone provided good ball into the forwards.

Subs Anthony Gallagher, Sean McCambridge, Lorcan O Neill, Matthew Horner and Finn Malley all came on and worked tirelessly  for the team. To St Mary's credit they never stopped with worked courageously to the final whistle.

O'Neill's All County Football League Division One (round eleven)

O'Donovan Rossa 0-13 St Joseph's Glenavy 0-13

A late Thomas Morgan injury time point ensured the home side a share of the spoils against visitors Glenavy in the final round of games before the Division One split at a sun kissed Shaw’s Road on Friday evening.

This one most certainly was a game of two halves with visitors Glenavy completely men on top in the first half and indeed the four-point advantage they held at the short whistle probably wasn't a fair reflection of their dominance as the Chapel Hill side had attacked at pace and with purpose from the outset against a Rossa side devoid of ideas for the most part.

However if the South West side had the better of things in the first thirty minutes it was a Rossa who were on top in the second as they found their form from the outset moving the leather at pace and purpose and indeed they had their visitors on the back foot throughout and were possibly unfortunate not to cross the winning line in front. The Rossa men were off the blocks with some purpose but after Thomas Morgan opened their account with an early point the Glenavy men responded quickly with a similar score provided by Paul Treanor in the opening minutes.

However, it was the Chapel Hill side who were to assert themselves on the game in this opening period. Glenavy moved onward as a point from Cunningham saw them in front and then fellow corner-forward, Niall McCann checked in for the day with his opening score to put them three points clear.

Rossa's Oisin Mc Vicker was one clad in blue and gold to figure prominently in the first half and the big midfielder roared into the game when claiming a Glenavy kick out, dispensing with the mark and charging through to kick a fine score. Those fruitful moments were to prove  few and far between for the hosts in the opening half though, as the visitors' counter-attacking with pace-bound players in space and they proceeded to employ the scoreboard operator as Malachi Doherty (2) ), Cunningham and Fergus Cunningham added points to their total.

Rossa struggling to make much impact on their own sod rallied to the cause as Thomas Morgan nipped in to fist over the bar and then despite finding access less than easy Colin Mc Donald managed to make his way forward to add another shortly thereafter.

Thomas Morgan did have a chance at goal a few minutes later but the Glenavy net minder arrived to block the effort, and the home side were on the back foot again  as Patrick Gallagher and Nial Scullion collected points apiece at the other end..

Colm Fleming kept the hosts in touch with a pointed free, but back came St Joseph's as McCann and Cunningham replied with a point apiece to move the Lough shore men 0-10 to 0-05 ahead. Rossa having failed to find any semblance of rhythm for much of the opening period did have the last say on proceedings as Colin  Fleming kicked a late free to narrow the gap to four - 0-10 to 0-6 at the break to give them hope that could somehow engineer a momentum swing in the second half.

The home side opened the second half in the positive as the ever accurate Thomas Morgan kicked a free he won himself seconds into the thirty minutes  and when Stephen Beatty was hauled down inside  the area by Neil Scullion, the home side were awarded a penalty. In the event Colin Fleming's spot kick was brilliantly saved as former county net minder Donard Shannon going down to his left to deny Fleming and keep his team in front. Glenavy restored their four point advantage shortly afterwards as  Niall McCann sent between the posts but Rossa were beginning to gain in confidence and in the event looking much more positive in all sectors fighting for the breaks and looking a viable threat.

Thomas Morgan kicked a free and then added another from play after a swift break and with the gap reduced to a couple the home side were visibly gaining in confidence as the last quarter commenced. Glenavy's  Malachai Doherty halted  the revival when he clipped a 47th minute free between the posts but the setback was to prove temporary as a  Fleming reply in kind brought the gap back to a two. The gap was back to the minimum a couple of minutes later when Dominic Mc Enhill's effort was tipped over the bar by Donard Shannon when a goal looked likely.

Glenavy were now looking to hold on, but they hit what looked a big score on 52 minutes as on the break, they conjured up a goalscoring chance of their own only for Michael Byrne to make a fine stop, the ball falling kindly to Cunningham who popped the ball over. Rossa were soon back on the attack and McVicker played in Terry McGrath who did well to get to the ball that had a little too much on it, but his toe-poked effort was deflected out for a 45, from which the men in blue and gold produced a well-worked score through Chris McGuinness.

With the gap at the minimum Rossa looked like they were going to run out of time until Morgan burst through at pace to level and they almost engineered a winner moments later, but the attack came to nothing as the sides were forced to settle for a point apiece after a game both will feel they could, should have won.

ROSSA: M Byrne; M Smyth, C McGowan, J Cooley; N Crossan, C McGuinness (0-1), M McGreevy; S Beatty, O McVicker (0-1); C Fleming (0-3 frees), SP Donnelly, C McGettigan; C McDonald (0-1), D McEnhill (0-1), T Morgan (0-6, 2 frees). Subs: D Grego for C McGettigan (30), T McGrath for C McDonald (39).

GLENAVY: D Shannon; S McGirr, M Nelson, R Forester; E Henry, P Gallagher (0-1), M Doherty (0-3, 2 frees); J Gallagher, M Johnston; R Phillips, C Gallagher, N Scullion (0-1); N McCann (0-3), D Gallagher, F Cunningham (0-5). Black cards: N Scullion (35, replaced by P Treanor), P Treanor (57, replaced by C Crainey).

REFEREE: Paul Hughes (O'Donnell's)

 

Ten out of ten for Gort-Glenavy

With tremendous wins last week against Loch Mór (at home on Monday evening, 3.06 to 1.03) and against St Enda’s (away on Friday evening, 7.00 to 4.02), the amalgamated Gort na Móna and St Joseph’s Glenavy camogie squad now have only two matches remaining to be played in the U16C league, with the team currently sitting at the top of the league on 20 points, having won all 10 of their games so far this season.

The squad comprises 20 girls – twelve from Gort and eight from Glenavy – and is managed by Danielle Hughes, assisted by Gráinne O’Hare (Gort na Móna), and Colm Donnelly, assisted by Abi Murphy-Donnelly (Glenavy). The amalgamation was approved by the Antrim County Board at their AGM on Sunday 26^th November 2017, following discussion and agreement between the two clubs, the girls, and their parents. For a group who hadn’t trained – let alone played – together as a team until five months ago their success to date has been impressive and huge credit for forging such a unified squad must go to the team’s coach James O’Brien (Gort na Móna), who has skilfully blended the two groups of girls into a single formidable unit, with a fine mix of experience and youth, led on the pitch by joint-captains Lauren McFarlane (Gort na Móna) and Rachael McAreavey (Glenavy).

Gort-Glenavy’s final two matches of the league campaign will be in July against All Saints Ballymena (away) and Lámh Dhearg (home).

O’Neill’s ACFL Division 1

 St. Joseph’s 0-7  St. John’s  4-15

Wednesday night saw St John’s travel to Glenavy to take on St Joseph’s in what proved to be a one sided encounter. In almost perfect conditions the Corrigan Park side proved too strong for a St. Joseph’s side who were promoted from division 2 last year but are finding life in division 1 challenging.

St. John’s were fast out of the starting traps as Patrick McBride opened the score in the first few minutes followed by another from  Matthew Fitzpatrick and again by Bam Neeson making a welcome return to the ‘Johnnies’ ranks.

It took St. Joseph’s 15 minutes to get off the mark with a fine long range point and for the next ten minutes  it seemed we were in for an exciting close encounter with both teams exchanging points . However 5 minutes from half time St John’s lifted the pace once more and points from Conor Johnston, Paddy McBride and Bam Neeson saw the Johnnies move 0-11 to 0-06 ahead at half time.

St John’s emerged for the second half refreshed and advised on what needed to be done and they began to take control of the game.  Simon McDonagh started the onslaught with a strong run through the St Joseph’s defence and hand passed over the bar quickly followed by another from Johnston.

 A few minutes later the St John’s pressure was rewarded when Neeson got out in front, rounded his man and hit the net to put the visitors in complete control. St John’s never looked back from here and struck with two further goals from substitute Pearse Donnelly and another a few minutes later from Johnston.

This moved the Corrigan side into an unassailable 3-13 to 0-06 lead and while St Joseph’s tried hard to get going they got no change from a tight St. John’s defence where Aaron Douglas and Ciaran Johnston were giving nothing away.

St. John’s finished as they had started the half with Patrick McBride adding a further 2 points and Joe Garland found the net for the fourth time. St Joseph’s managed a late consolation point as St John’s eased up in the final minutes, this being there only score of the second half.

Overall a comprehensive win for the Johnnies who move on to St Teresa’s this Sunday 1st July

All County Minor Football League Division 2

St. Joseph's Glenavy 7-12  St.Comgall's Antrim 1-5

St Joseph's bounced back from a run of poor results with a impressive win over a hard working St Comgall’s team. In perfect conditions at Chapel Hill .Glenavy started brightly with two points from Anthony Gallagher and Aodh O'Neill then the Antrim men struck back with a goal and two points .this was the last time they were in front .goals from Connor Mulholland(2) .Matthew Horner .Fergal Henry and Aodh O'Neill. with Fergal scoring some super point.with Glenavy’s backs getting to grips with the Antrim full forward line .Chris Grant and Lorcan O Neill keep getting out in front.ht 5 5 to 15. The men in orange started full of purpose and moving the ball on quickly with half backs Declan Doone .Pearce O Neill and Oliver Brankin taking control .Antrim were restricted to 2 scores .Anthony O Hare showed great intelligence to fist over the bar .Aodh O'Neill had the last say with 2 well taken goals .The game was played in great spirit .well done to both teams.

O’Neill’s ACFL Division One

                                                                     Portglenone 3-14 Glenavy 0-10

                                                                                            Friday June 22

 Roger Casements recorded a comfortable 13 point victory over Glenavy at O’Cahan Park on Friday evening with three goals all coming in the second half.  The home side’s majors came from Conall Delargy, Kieron McKenna and Niall Delargy as they turned the screw after a scrappy opening 30 minutes.

 Both sides were severely depleted and the first half lacked the fluency that Portglenone and Glenavy are capable of producing.  Glenavy were dogged and tenacious in defence yet heavily reliant on the free taking ability of Malachi Doherty.  The attacking half back hit all of Glenavy’s points in the opening 30 minutes, seven in total with one from play and while Portglenone had five different scorers in the first half, just one forward got their name on the sheet with their half back line contributing four of their seven first half points.

 The home side upped the ante after the restart however, scoring 2-2 in the first eight minutes to take the game away from the Chapel Hill men.  Jude Donnelly’s side comfortably controlled the second half in what was a routine victory for his side in the end.

 Glenavy opened the scoring with Doherty pointing his first free with barely 60 seconds on the clock.  Portglenone soon found their rhythm though with Kieron McKenna landing back to back impressive points to give the Casements the lead after six minutes.  A point from distance by marauding half back Caolan Tierney opened a two point lead as Portglenone began to dominate and Glenavy had Donard Shannon to thank for stopping the flood gates opening.  The veteran shot stopper used all his experience to deny Michael Hagan a certain goal in the 10^th minute.  Portglenone had to settle for a ’45, midfielder Brendan Donnelly dispatching with ease, followed by a Niall Delargy point and while Portglenone were more economical in possession, they were denied again by Shannon – this time Conall Delargy denied mid-way through the first half.

 Glenavy began to grow in confidence as the half progressed.  Doherty and Ronan Kelly swapped frees to keep the Portglenone lead at three points but the visitors ended the half on top.  The Gallagher brothers were getting the upper hand in the middle of the park with Michael McCourt and Foge Cunningham finding space in the Portglenone defence.  Doherty kept nicking over points, one from a free and the visitors first from play in the 22^nd minute to keep them within touching distance.  Brendan Donnelly landed a point from distance with the outside of his boot to score his second point of the half but a brace of frees from Doherty tied the scores on 0-7 to 0-7.  The home side were let off the hook in first half injury time when Conor Craney brought the best out of Casement’s ‘keeper Brian McManus.  McCourt sent a long ball in search of a point but his shot cannoned off the top of the crossbar.  Craney rose highest to punch but McManus managed to prevent the ball from crossing the line using his legs.

 The sides went into the interval tied at 0-7 each after an even first half but the Casement’s went through the gears after the restart to take control of the game.  They opened the scoring when they hit the first major of the match in the third minute of the second half.  Ronan Kelly’s effort from distance bouncing back off the upright into the path of Conall Delargy.  The Portglenone full forward palmed the ball to the back of the net with Glenavy ‘keeper Shannon stranded.

 The second goal came with the next attack.  Niall Delargy providing the assist as he drove through the heart of the Glenavy defence and evading three tackles before laying off to Kieron McKenna.  The Casement’s half back made no mistake from close range to open a six point lead.

 Michael Hagan and Corey McLaughlin raised white flags to take the Portglenone advantage to eight points after just eight minutes of the second half and despite Foge Cunningham getting his name on the scoresheet soon after, it looked already at that stage that it would be a long way back for the Chapel Hill men.

 Gerard McAleese and McCourt (free) swapped points in the 45^th minute before Portglenone wrapped up the points with their third goal.  Niall Delargy collected the loose ball in midfield and went on a run down the left hand side.  The Glenavy defence were happy to show him the line but he cut inside and with a burst of pace evaded two visiting defenders before finding the top corner from an acute angle.  A superb strike as the home sides advantage stretched to 10 points with 10 remaining.

 Substitute Eoin Henry fisted over from an acute angle as Glenavy looked for a response to Delargy’s goal but that would be their last score of the match as Portglenone maintained control.  Points from McAleese, a brace from Kelly (one free) and Hagan (free) ensured a comfortable hour work for the home side.

 Portglenone will be looking to maintain their winning form after a four week break as they welcome St Teresa’s to O’Cahan Park on Wednesday evening while Glenavy face St John’s on the same evening.

 Portglenone:Brian McManus; Ryan Convery, Shane Delargy, Ronan Delargy; Kieron McKenna, Niall Delargy, Caolan Tierney; Stephen Kelly, Brendan Donnelly; Michael Hagan, Ronan Kelly, Michael Donnelly; Corey McLaughlin, Conall Delargy, Gerard McAleese

 Subs: Fergal O’Kane for S Kelly (46); Michael Kelly for N Delargy (56); Paddy Graffin for C Tierney (60)

 Glenavy: Donard Shannon; Marin Nelson, Chris Scullion, Sean McGirr; Neil Scullion, Conor Hamill, Malachi Doherty; James Gallagher, Paddy Gallagher; Ryan Phillips, Michael McCourt, Matthew Hamill, Fergus Cunningham, Conor Craney, Niall McCann

 Subs: Eoin Henry for N McCann (45); Peter Traynor for R Phillips (52); Ruairi Forrester for C Scullion (55)

 Referee: Gerard Dougan (Creggan)

 

Antrim Division 1 Football League

                                         Glenavy 0.07 v 6.06 Creggan

 This result was known by the eighteenth minute with the score Creggan 4.03 to the home sides no score. Indeed only for a couple of smart saves from Eddie Nelson the home keeper the score would have been a lot more. The highlight of the first half was Connor Small’s hat-trick of goals.

 The Hill side was playing some good football but continued to carry the ball into the tackle when they came off second best. Creggan were in control from start to finish and seemed to score when they wanted to.  Kevin Small had the games first point quickly followed by a David McGuickan goal. David McCann burst through and gave the keeper no chance with a bullet to the net. Conor Small pointed before Kevin Small had the visitors’ third goal. Jamie McCann made an excellent run to collect the ball and split the posts. Once again Connor Small found the net far too easley to leave his side leading by 4.03 to no score.

 Mathew Hamill came off injured and was replaced by his brother Conor. With plenty of club and county experience Conor seemed to have a steadying influence on his defence. The orangemen had their first score when the ever reliable Malachi Docherty pointed a free from forty five meters out. With a well worked move out of defence the ball was worked into Johnny Phillips who split the posts to give some hope to his side.

 A side is always most vulnerable just after a score and this was what happened to Glenavy. From the kickout the ball was worked up the left wing to Conor Small who took his opportunity when the defence backed off. He completed his hat-trick when he finished to the net.  Johnny Phillips finished the first  half scoring with a point.

 The home side started the second half with four unanswered points from Owen Gallagher, Michael McCourt and Malachi Docherty and Johnny Phillips. This was. As good as it got for the large home support.. Back came the lough shore men with 2.02. Donal McCann pointed quickly followed by a Jamie McCann goal. At this stage both sides emptied their benches. Ruairi McCann added a point and David McGuickan had the final score   with a well taken goal.

 This game won’t have helped either side and were delighted when the referee blew the final whistle.

 St.Joseph’s; Eddie Nelson; Niall McLaughlin (Eddie Forester); Sean McGirr; Mathew Hamill (Conor Hamill); Malachi Docherty; Oisin Hamill; Johnny Phillips;  Michael Johnston; Patrick Gallagher; Ryan Phillips; Owen Gallagher; Michael McCourt; Fergus Cunningham; Fergal Green (Eoin Henry); Thomas Gallagher (Peter Traynor).

 Kickham’s: Leon Bones; Oistin McAteer; Richard Johnston; Aidan Maguire; Sam Maguire; Conor McCann; Jamie McCann; Aidan McKeown; Fintan Burke; Paddy Coey; Tiaman McAteer; Odhran; McLarnon; Kevin Small; Conor Small; Davis McGuickin..

 Referee: Cathal McDermott

 South West U12 Football League

Glenavy 4-4  Aldergrove 0-0

As local rivalries go, this one is up there with the best of them. The scene was set on a glorious sunny Friday evening in Chapel Hill. Spectators waited anxiously as the sun was starting to dip in the sky. The game started well for Glenavy; one goal and a point in the first three minutes. Plenty of possession and great play on and off the ball by the Chapel Hill side. The game flowed from end to end but Aldergrove just could not seem to hit the target unlike Glenavy, who at times looked like a team on fire. The second half started by another great goal from Glenavy’s Oisin Brown. Ten minutes into the second half and everyone knew it just wasn’t Aldergrove’s night but they all kept battling on but just could not seem to break down Glenavy’s solid defenders. Tonight it was all about Glenavy, whose captain Pàdhraic McKevitt played out of his skin and absolutely never put a foot wrong. Some great individual performances from the Chapel Hill side. The score, 4-4 to 0-0. It could have been double that. But I am sure the team and coaching staff will be happy after just beating their fierce rivals. It’s Glenavy who have the bragging rights when they go to school on Monday morning. A great game with a great atmosphere from the crowd but most of all, it was just great to feel the sun on your back watching football.

Ulster U16 C Championship Final

Antrim 3-13 Monaghan 3-7

Corrigan Park was in prestine condition this afternoon as Monaghan & Antrim went toe to toe in a pulsating Ulster C Championship Final. Infact, either team could have featured in either the B or A final such is the high standard within Ulster football currently. When the squads met earlier in the season, Monaghan were comfortable 11 point victors in Clones although today was much different.

Playing into a strong breeze blowing from the Whiterock Road end in the opening half, the saffrons were quickest to settle and opened the scoring with an Erin Boyd point after 5 minutes. Monaghan soon levelled though the next 7 minutes were taken up by seperate, match ending injuries to both centre backs Maeve Finnegan for Antrim & Monaghan captain Ella Carolan. On the restart Monaghan sneaked into a one point lead. Antrim were still performing well but struggled to get quality ball into their inside forward line. Aimee Traynor broke free on the left wing on the 18th minute and left her marker in her wake and crashed the ball to the back of the Monaghan net. Ellen Morgan tagged on another point as Antrim again pushed forward. Back came Monaghan although their wide count mounted as they were forced to shoot under pressure from a tenatious saffron defence. Maria Sestakova raced forward to split the posts on the counter attack & stretched the Antrim lead to 3. Eventually though Monaghan efforts were rewarded with a goal in the first of 7 injury time minutes. Again Antrim immediately responded with full forward Natasha Clarke pointed. Monaghan girls claimed 3 more injury time points to give them a 2 point cushion at half time.

The temperature continued to soar at half time and it was the saffron girls who got off to a blistering start to the second period. A long range effort from Morgan which was destined to cross the end line, was kept live by the nippy Aimee Traynor who spotted her opposite corner forward Caitlin McGuiness free across the square & McGuiness duely hit the back of the net. McGuiness added another point and added to her tally with another goal to open up a 5 point cushion for the saffrons after 3 minutes from the restart. Morgan pointed a free & 2 more McGuiness points by the 18th minute meant that Antrim had scored  2-4 to no reply.

An uncharacteristic mistake in the Antrim defense let the Farney girls in for a goal on the 25th minute and this gave Monaghan a life line. The Saffrom response again was immediate as McGuiness added another point to bring her second half account to 2-4. Toni Leigh Finnegan added a free as we entered injury time and when Ciara McGlinchey collected the ball on the 45 and pointed the game looked all over with a 8 point lead. Monaghan had other ideas and in the 7th minute of injury scored a goal & point to bring the deficit back to 4. Fittingly the last score fell to Antrim as McGlinchey pointed with the last kick of the game.

This was an excellent team performance from the Antrim girls who saved their best to the last game of the season. Orla Donnelly had a consistently solid game in nets, as she has done all season. The full back line of Siantelle Boyd, Caragh Shannon & Duana Coleman were strong and repelled all that Monaghan could throw at them. The most consistent line this squad have had all year had by their own high standards, a quieter day, maybe due to the early injury to Maeve Finnegan & an early knock to Maeve Mulholland however Mulholland & McConville on the wings never stopped & Erin Boyd was a revelation when seconded to centre half back. The mid field pairing of Niamh Quinn & Bronagh Laverty were always in control with the outstanding Laverty, who covered every blade of Corrigan turf, was deservedly awarded the O'Neills Sports Player of the Match award. The half forward line of Niamh McKay, Maria Sestakova & Ellen Morgan provided great link play throughout the day and tracked back when required. The inside forward line were always a threat. Traynor's major in the first half gave Antrim a foothold by half time while McGuiness was in devastating form in the second half. Although Clarke was tightly marked she stilled scored as did substitutes Toni Leigh Finnegan & Ciara McGlinchey.

All in all a satisfying day for Antrim LGFA who now have lifted Ulster Championships in the last 3 weeks at U14, U16 & Minor.

Antrim Team: Orla Donnelly, Siantelle Boyd, Caragh Shannon, Dúana Coleman, Kerry McConville, Maeve Finnegan, Maeve Mulholland, Niamh Quinn, Bronagh Laverty, Niamh McKay, Eireann Boyd (0.1), Ellen Morgan (0.2), Caitlin McGuiness (2-4), Natasha Clarke (0.1), Aimee Traynor (1.0) Maria Sestakova (0.1) for Finnegan, Toni Leigh Finnegan (0.1) for Clarke, Ciara McGlinchey (0.2) for McKay, Naoise Farrelly for Sestakova, Erin Culbert, Tierna Bell, Niamh McArdle, Sara Gartside, Áineróis McKenna

Laverty Cup (under-18) (round one)

Erin’s Own Cargin 6-15 St Joseph’s Glenavy 1-10

Cargin made progress into the next round of the Laverty Cup on Sunday when they held off the determined challenge of the visiting St Joseph’s side at a sun kissed Toome arena in perfect conditions.

The visitors who arrived without a few ‘regulars’ were a fair bit behind their hosts at conclusion but had come from well off the pace and eight points in arrears at the half time juncture to close the gap to a mere four by the 40^th minute but when asked question the home side replied very much on the positive dominating the remainder.

It has been a while since the All County minor leagues were halted for a time, the last round having been completed on April 17^th and possibly the long lay off from activity had bearing on the opening round of the Laverty cup competition as Cargin played hosts to Glenavy with the finishing efforts of both leaving a lot to be desired.

The Erin’s Own side did make the early running and had a couple of points on the board by the 3^rd minute but they were not to give a lot of work to the scoreboard attendant for the remainder of the period.

Pat Shivers opened the account in the opening minute to see the Toome men away in front and Paudie Mc Loughlin doubled the lead a couple of minutes later.

The Chapel Hill side were obviously short of target practise in the opening minutes as a couple of openings went astray and indeed such trend was to hamper particularly in the first thirty minutes in which they were only to raise a single white flag.

The Cargin boys were far better than their visitors in front of posts but in the event they were not blameless in their efforts in front of posts as several chances were squandered after a Shay Bovill free kick yielded a 12^th minute point to make it 0-03 to 0-00.

Glenavy, despite the creation of openings continued to misfire in front of the Cargin posts and with the Toome lads not much better until a Eunan Quinn pass sent Ronan Gribbin in for a 16^th minute goal.

Cargin did defend well with Sean og Quinn, Oran Lynn and Orrin Johnston leading by example in a solid unit which stood tall for most of the hour.

Gribbin did come close to finding the net again a couple of minutes later with the cross bar making intervention and as the visitors continued to squander chances, further white flags raised by Shay Bovill, Sean og O’ Neill, and Ronan Gribbin ensured a 1-06 to 0-00 as the half counted down.

The St Joseph’s side finally opened their account when centre forward Aaron Mc Garry sent between the posts in the 29^th minute and although off the mark at last Glenavy were still well in arrears at the break with Cargin enjoying a 1-06 to 0-01 advantage at the short whistle.

The St Joseph’s lads opened brightly on the restart as hard working full forward Pat Mc Cann split the posts from long range but the home side were quick to reply in kind as Paudie Mc Laughlin raced away to split the posts.

A good score provided by the mid-fielder after Sean og Quinn had made timely interception at the other end and when Shay Bovill added a couple more by the 35^th minute the Toome boys looked well in charge at 1-09 to 0-01.

St Joseph’s were about to gain composure and absolute domination in the next phase saw them very much in contention. The home side seemed to lose concentration as Glenavy seized opportunity and taking the game to their opponents the scores began to flow.

A Declan Doone pointed free signalled advance with purpose within the ranks and with the Glenavy strike force answering the ‘call to arms’ the next six minute saw Chris Grant, Dara Doherty (2), Pat Mc Cann and Aaron Mc Garry all deliver the leather over the bar to significantly reduce the deficit.

Cargin having looked in a safe place just a few minutes previously were now just four points ahead at 1-09 to 0-08 and in imminent danger.

The Erin’s own lads looked in trouble but in the event they were soon to provide answers in the positive as centre back Mark Keegan collected on his own ‘40’ to deliver into the path of Ronan Gribbin who raced away to add a second goal and when the flame haired centre forward was brought down a minute later Pat Shivers pointed the resulting free.

Shivers who was injury at the start of proceeding and hampered in movement was now operating at full forward and indeed comfortable in his new berth as evident in the next few minutes as he despatched three unanswered points and followed with a 48^th minute goal aided by a Sean Mc Larnon interception and delivery.

Cargin had moved into a 3-13 to 0-08 lead but Glenavy responded as Dara Doherty who had started in defence now operating much further up-field nipping in from the left side to grab a 50^th minute goal.

Cargin were quick in reply however and when the Johnston brothers, Orrin and replacement Malachai combined to open the way to another goal for the home side as Shay Bovill collected the die was cast, with the home side at 4-13 to 1-08.

Sean og O’ Neill who had impressed throughout in the green and white added another goal to the Cargin total when he found the net in the 52^nd minute with the defensive qualities of Sean og Quinn and delivery from  Ben Dobbin creating the opening.

The visitors kept going to the end as Pat Mc Cann and Aiden O’ Neill collected late points but Cargin were to have the last say and after Pat Shivers and Ronan Gribbin added further points, a late Ben Dobbin goal saw them over the winning line and into the next round of the Laverty Cup.

 Cargin: Oran Molloy, Sean og Quinn, Oran Lynn, Orrin Johnston, Sean Mc Larnon, Mark Keegan, Ruairi Mc Cann, Pat Shivers (1-06), Paudie Mc Laughlin (0-02), Ben Dobbin (1-00), Ronan Gribbin (2-02), Eunan Quinn, Sean Mc Auley, Shay Bovill (1-04), Sean og O’ Neill (1-01)

SubsMalachai Johnston for S Mc Auley

 Glenavy: Matthew Magee, James Mulholland, Jack Mc Cann, Dara Doherty (1-02), Declan Doone (0-01), Pearse O’ Neill, Lorcan Nelson, Finn Stott, Chris Grant (0-01), Aiden O’ Neill, (0-01), Aaron Mc Garry (0-02), Michael Kane, Rory Nelson, Pat Mc Cann (0-03), Pearse Connaughton Referee Tomas Eastwood (St Enda’s)

O'Neill's ACFL Division 1

Glenavy 2-12 Ahoghill 1-9

After a tight first half Glenavy pulled away in the second to claim their first points of the season and leave Ahoghill rooted to the foot of the table. In a fairly open game Glenavy took an early lead through scores from Owen Gallagher, Fergus Cunningham and Fergal Green. However Ahoghill kept in touch thanks to two outstanding long range efforts from Thomas McGlone then took the lead after the ball was scrambled home following good work from Neil O'Connell driving forward. Half time score was 0-8 to 1-5.

 

The turning point in the game was when Thomas Gallagher reacted quickest to a loose ball and fired home to open up a 4 point lead for the first time. Glenavy managed the game well following the goal and tagged on points from Michael Johnson, Patrick Gallagher and a fantastic 45 from Malachi Doherty. However with PJ O'Connell showing well up front Ahoghill were always dangerous and only a good save from Eddie Nelson prevented a second Ahoghill goal. Matthew Hamill enjoyed a good battle with PJ O'Connell, and was ably assisted by Martin Nelson sweeping in front of him.

 

Glenavy were finally able to slightly relax when Thomas Gallagher finished his second goal to the top corner, and the men in orange could have had a third but Francis Neeson made a good stop from substitute Eoin Henry. In the closing minutes Neil O'Connell, who had a good game at midfield, attempted to drive Ahoghill forward to get the goal they needed but the Glenavy defence kept them out and finished the game on a score of 2-12 to 1-9 to secure the points.

                                                                                                          O’Neill’s ACFL Division 1

Aghagallon 2-14  Glenavy 1-12

The big crowd that made the trip to Pairc Na Gael for this local derby between St Mary's Aghagallon and Glenavy were treated to an open and entertaining game of football in glorious conditions. Going into this game both sides had failed to win in their three outings to date so the points were extremely important and on this occasion the bragging rights go to Aghagallon. Credit must go to both sets of players for putting on a spirited display and to referee Cathal McDermott for always keeping a tight control on the game without spoiling it as a spectacle.

Aghagallon were quickly out of the blocks and capitalised on a nervy start by the visitors hitting 1-3 in the first six minutes. The goal coming from a good strike by full forward Shane Russell in the 4th minute which was then followed up by  points from Pat Brannigan, Ruairi McCann & Ruairi Loughran. Glenavy were struggling to get out of their own half for the opening period and it wasn't until the 10th minute when a well taken point by their centre half forward got them off the mark.

This seemed to settle the men from Chapel Hill and they dominated the next 10minutes of the game hitting 1-3 from play without reply, to go one point in front after 20minutes. This included a great point from midfielder Patrick Gallagher followed by a goal from brother James, who's shot managed to sneak into the bottom right hand corner of the net despite the best efforts of Gavin O'Neill in the St Mary's goals.

A second point from Pat Brannigan after a driving run at the Glenavy defence seemed to lift the St Marys men again and they went on to create a number of scoring opportunities including a couple of goal chances, which the Glenavy goalkeeper was equal to. The teams exchanged a point each in the closing minutes of the half to leave the half time score at 1-5 apiece.

The men in green made a good start to the second half with points from Shane Russell and Eunan Walsh but Glenavy bounced back again and the sides were back level by the 40th minute. The turning point of the game came midway through the second half when a great through ball by Oisin Lenehan played in Shane Russell, who was under a lot of pressure from the Glenavy defender but still managed to palm the ball past the advancing keeper and into the net to put some breathing space between the two teams. This seemed to unsettle the men in orange and the St Mary's men followed it up with another four unanswered points with Eunan Walsh 0-1 and gareth magee 0-3 the marksmen, to move seven clear going into the final ten minutes.

Glenavy managed to stem the tide through a pointed free, but Aghagallon were able to respond to each Glenavy score through Gareth Magee and a collector’s item from substitute Mark McStravick who showed great composure in front of the posts after just entering the field of play.

This response showed great character from the men in green as the game entered injury time, as they were determined to avoid conceding any late goals and restricted the visitors to just a couple of late frees. Oisin Lenehan who worked tirelessly throughout, rounded of a great display with the final point of the day to leave the final score 2-14 to 1-12 to the St Marys men and leave the home support the happier of the two.

This was an important win for the home side, and gets them off and running in what is a very competitive and uncompromising league. The difference between the two teams in the end was probably the efficiency of the Aghagallon attack coupled with the hard working defence led by Pat Brannigan, Ryan O'Neill and Aiden Mulholland. The Aghagallon management also utilised the bench to good effect given the warm playing conditions, with all substitutions making important contributions in the final quarter to ensure the visitors would not find a way back into the game.

Best for Glenavy were Patrick Gallagher who worked hard all afternoon and drove his team forward, along with Matthew and Oisin Hamill who had great duals with their opponents over the course of the hour.

O'Neill's All County Football League Division 1

Lámh Dhearg 2-16-0-08 Glenavy

Lámh Dhearg bounced back from their weekend defeat to St John’s and inflicted a third straight defeat on new boys Glenavy with a 2-16-0-08 win at Hannahstown this evening.

It is possibly an evening that young Glenavy goalkeeper Edward Nelson will want to forget in a hurry as his first-half kick out was claimed by Paddy Cunningham unopposed and Terry McCrudden rifled home and early in the second-half - Michael Herron hassled and harried the 23-year old into conceding possession and Herron found the net to send Lámh Dhearg on their way to two league points.

The Lámhs were boosted by the return of absentees Brendan McComb, Declan Lynch and Paddy Cunningham – all of whom missed Sundays game with St John’s, while Glenavy manager Colin Toal was forced to withdraw Chris Scullion through injury during the warm up and replace him with Peter Treanor at full-back.

Lámh Dhearg made a bright start despite playing against a strong breeze and after Eoghan McKeown was tripped on route to goal, Paddy Cunningham converted the resulting free.

Kevin Quinn doubled his sides lead after a superb carry and accurate shot which sailed over the bar to put Lámh Dhearg 0-02-0-00 to the good – however Glenavy refused to let their heads drop and were quickly back on terms through a quick fire double from Niall McCann and towering midfielder Patrick Gallagher.

Lámh Dhearg regained their lead on 13 minutes with Kevin Quinn again causing havoc in the full-forward line and popping the ball over for his second of the evening.

Darren Bellew went close with an effort that tailed wide midway through the first-half and from the resulting kick-out – disaster struck.

Glenavy goalkeeper Edward Nelson’s kick out went straight to Paddy Cunningham unopposed, Cunningham resisted the opportunity to have a pop himself and his perfectly weighted pass picked out full-forward Terry McCrudden who bored down on goal and rifled into the corner of the net to give Lámh Dhearg a 1-03-0-02 lead.

Eoghan McKeown claimed the next score after bamboozling the Glenavy defence with his quick twists and turns before Paddy Cunningham converted his second free of the evening as the hosts had conjured up 1-03 without reply.

Ryan Murray was the Lámhs lead marksman against St John’s on Sunday but a couple of early efforts were this evening – however on 22 minutes Murray’s persistence paid off with a fantastic point after cutting in from the right, Terry McCrudden then bagged his first score of the evening as Lámh Dhearg appeared to be running away with the game and were 1-07-0-02 in front.

Ryan Phillips ended Lámh Dhearg’s 1-05 in a row with an excellently converted point but Paddy Cunningham kicked his third free of the half to restore his sides eight-point lead approaching the break.

It looked as though eight would separate the sides at the interval though Glenavy gave Lámh Dhearg some food for thought as Malachi Doherty converted a free and Fergus Cunningham quickly hit a second to reduce deficit to six at the break as the visitors left the field with a bit of a spring in their step despite trailing, 1-08-0-05.

Lámh Dhearg drove at Glenavy early in the second-period – a marauding run from attacking wing-corner back Brendan McComb saw him pop the ball to Paddy Cunningham whose shot dropped short, however half-back Michael Herron hassled and harried Edward Nelson into a spill and found the net to give his side a 2-08-0-05 lead within the first two minutes of the restart.

Declan Lynch combined with Paddy Cunningham for the first point of the half but Glenavy responded to their fresh set-back through successive points from Malachi Doherty and Gallagher – who along with midfield partner Michael Johnson were relishing the dual against Pearse Fitzsimons and Paddy Mervyn.

Paddy Cunningham hit Lámh Dhearg’s second point of the second period from a free and the next score arrived almost midway through the half courtesy of Cunningham from the same scenario.

In between those scores – Lámh Dhearg should have found a third goal on the 40^th minute as Eoghan McKeown’s pop off to Paddy Cunningham released Terry McCrudden who sent the ball to the back stick where Ciaran Flaherty was lurking, but the Fermanagh native  somehow dragged his shot wide of the goal.

Glenavy hit their final point of the evening on the 46^th minute from a converted Fergus Cunningham free to make it 2-11-0-08 – though Ciaran Flaherty atoned for his earlier miss with an excellent point to put nine between the sides.

Lámh Dhearg began to ring the changes and Gerard Slane was next on the score sheet after Paddy Cunningham opted to go short from a free in front of the posts and Slane popped the ball over rather than try and beat the heavily congested Glenavy rearguard.

Cunningham’s final contribution before departing was to convert his sixth score of the evening and claim his second point of the evening from play afterwards as he departed with a personal tally of  0-08.

Terry McCrudden converted a late free to score his second point of the evening and there was no time for the resulting kick-out as referee Fintan McCotter blew his full-time whistle with Lámh Dhearg 2-16-0-08 ahead.

Lámh Dhearg: J Finucane, P Larkin, A McAufield, D Bellew, D Lynch, M Herron (1-00), B McComb, P Fitzsimons, P Mervyn, E McKeown (0-01), C Flaherty (0-01), R Murray (0-01), P Cunningham (0-08, 0-06f), T McCrudden (1-02, 0-01f), K Quinn (0-02). Subs: G Slane (0-01) for R Murray (44 mins), C Nolan for D Lynch (51 mins), C Hannon for P Mervyn (55 mins), R Diamond for P Cunningham (57 mins).

Glenavy: E Nelson, M Nelson, P Treanor, M Hamill, R Phillips, O Hamill, J Philips, M Johnston, P Gallagher (0-02), M Doherty (0-02, 0-01f), T Gallagher, F Cunningham (0-02, 0-01f), M McCourt, D Gallagher, N McCann (0-01). Subs: R Philips (0-01) for M Hamill (9 mins), F Green for P Traynor (39 mins), P Traynor for M Johnson (44 mins), R Forester for J Philips (46 mins),  E Henry for R Philips (54 mins).

Referee: Fintan McCotter (Sarsfields)

 Antrim Division 1 League

St.Joseph’s Glenavy 1.05 v 1.17 St.Gall’s

Glenavy playing their first division 1 at home for seven years found the former All Ireland Champions too hot to handle on a very warm and pleasant afternoon.

With a fairly stiff breeze blowing into the corner made scoring a little more difficult. The visitors had the advantage of the wind in the first half and laid down a marker of how to take points. Michael Pollock was first on the scoreboard with a well taken point quickly followed by a Niall O’Neill score to go two up. The Hill side were well in the game and showed they could also score. A long kickout from Eddie Nelson found Michael Johnston who quickly got the ball to Malachi Doherty who chipped the ball across the square for Thomas Gallagher to rise the highest and punch to the net.

The Milltown side showed their class with four unanswered points from the McGourty brothers, C J scored two frees and a beauty from an acute angle. Kieran also added his name to the scoresheet. Ryan Phillips broke the flow with a well taken point from forty meters out. Michael Pollock added two points to his personal tally and player/manager Sean Kelly got in on the act with a well taken point. Malachi Doherty broke through a tight St.Gall’s defence and closed the gap to four. Conor Stinton pointed to extend his side’s lead. The side in blue were putting on the pressure and only for an outstanding save from Eddie Nelson in the home side’s goal they would have raised the green flag. CJ McGourty finished the scoring in the half with a pointed free. Halftime score Glenavy 1.02 v 0.11 St.Gall’s

CJ McGourty started the second half with a pointed free. Owen Gallagher pulled a point back for the orange men. Thomas Bunting who had just joined the fray was put through by Kevin Niblock for a well taken goal. Niall O’Neill pointed to widen the gap to ten. Kevin Niblock broke free from his marker to join the scorers with a point. Malachi Doherty took a well worked point to give his side encouragement. CJ McGourty showed he hasn’t lost his scoring touch when he added a point. Fergal Green who was just on the pitch showed how it can be done with an excellent point. With the home side tiring the visitors got through for the last three points from John McCaffery, Thomas Bunting and Michael Pollock.

Referee Fiontan McCotter blew the final whistle to leave the Belfast side running out easy winners on a score of 1.17 t0 1.05.

St.Joseph’s: Eddie Nelson; Martin Nelson; Chris Scullion; Sean McGirr (Edward Forester); Ryan Phillips (Peter Trainor); Jonathan Phillips; Malachi Doherty; Michael Johnston; Patrick Gallagher; Niall McCann (Eoin Henry); Owen Gallagher; Fergus Cunningham (Fergal Green); Michael McCourt; Domnic Gallagher; Thomas Gallagher.  

St.Gall’s: Ciaran O’Connor; John McCaffery (Sean Kelly); Colin Brady; Ruairi Wilson; Marcus Kelly; Sean Kelly (Thomas Bunting); Jackson McGreevy; Michael Pollock; Conor Burke; Niall O’Neill; Kieran McGourty (John McCaffery); Eoghan McCabe; Terry O’Neill; Kevin Niblock; Conor McGourty.

South West Under-12 League

St Joseph’s Glenavy 2-04 Erin’s Own Cargin 4-10

The Cargin under-12 side recovered from a slow start in the opening game in the double bill of fare at the Chapel Hill arena in Glenavy on Friday evening to secure the win.

The home side were quickly out of the start traps and a superb opening strike which yielded a Matthew Nelson goal in the opening minute was followed a minute later with a James Monaghan point,

The home side had shown early dash but with Callum Gribbin taking the lead the Cargin lads were alongside again by the 10^th minute.

The mid-fielder raised back to back whites from a 30 metre free and a ‘45’scores which sandwiched a Jonny Hazzard 8^th minute point and it was at 1-01 to 0-04.

Having recovered from such a lack lustre opening Cargin did look in charge when Daniel Mc Cann pounced to find the net after the Glenavy net minder Dara Brown who made a number of fine saves in the course of the game intervened again to prevent Callum Gribbin access over his line.

The young keeper having pushed the strong delivery away was unlucky to see the full forward on hand to return to the net.

The home side did come again in the latter stages of the period and a second Matthew Nelson goal, a second super strike from the centre forward ensured his side were on par at the break, 2-01 to 1-04.

Cargin were quickly away in the second twenty minute period and they had pulled away into a good lead by the 28^th minute.

Ewan Mc Laverty raised white in the first minute of the period and Niall Quinn added another before the excellent Callum Gribbin added a 25^th minute goal.

The mid-fielder having received from corner back Fiontan Hardy raced forward to send to the net and ensure his side had claimed a seven point advantage, 2-08 to 2-01.

The home side looked in some trouble, but the St Joseph’s were not about to raise any semblance of white as back to back points from Matthew Nelson and James Monaghan (2) strongly suggested come back.

Having been knocked out of stride for a time Cargin quickly returned to the positive after those concessions and a couple of Jack Harney stylish scores restored confidence.

The Toome boys returned to the offensive in the latter stages and back to back goals delivered by Jack O’ Neill and Daniel Mc Cann saw them over the winning line at 4-10 to 2-04.

Cargin: Brogan Mc Nally, Fiontan Hardy, Eoin Scullion, Fiontan O’ Donnell, Patrick Matchick, Brian Darragh, Aodhan Lynn, Callum Gribbin (1-03), Jack Harney (0-02),Jack O’ Neill (1-00), Codai Mc Garry, Jonnie Hazard (0-01), Ewan Mc Laverty (0-01), Daniel Mc Cann (2-00), Patrick O’ Neill (0-01)

Subs: Niall Quinn (0-02) for C Mc Garry

South West Under-14 Football League

St Joseph’s Glenavy 1-02 Erin’s Own Cargin 6-09

After their demise in the final of the Feile competition last week-end  Cargin lads returned to action on Friday evening last travelling to Glenavy, and although they did take a time to shake of the ‘post game blues’ when they did hit stride they galloped away to what was to be an impressive win.

The Toome boys were forced into action less a few who had sustained knocks in their previous game and it did take them a while to regain composure.

Glenavy had the opening score as Ruairi Hamill raised white in the opening minute and although a Conan Johnston goal was posted in reply a minute thereafter Shay O’ Neill nipped inside the visitors defence to reply in kind a few minutes later.

The young mid-fielder struck to find the corner of the net to take advantage but the Cargin boys were not to linger long in arrears.

Charlie Mc Cann who was to dominate the central zone for the remainder fetched and delivered for Tom Shivers to fire between the posts and after Conan Johnston and Shay Laverty provided similar service the full forward added a couple more.

Cargin had taken the initiative and after Ryan O’ Neill’s effort found the post when the shot look net bound Diarmuid Quinn was quick to gather the rebound and return post haste to the back of the net.

The Erin’s Own side did look to provide further employment to the scoreboard attendant in the latter stages of the period but after the woodwork had gotten in the way a couple more times Conan Johnston and Cahir O’ Boyle combined to open the way for another Tom Shivers point to see the Cargin boys 2-04 to 1-01 ahead at the break.

Having regained in confidence as the game progressed the Cargin boys continued in dominance in the second portion and Conan Johnston’s early point was followed by a Tom Shivers goal after Diarmuid Quinn’s cute delivery opened the way for the full forward to finish.

The home side were struggling to contain the incessant swarm of green and white but onwards marched the Toome boys and further points from the hard grafting Charlie Mc Cann and Tom Shivers ensured a 3-07 to 1-01 lead at the 28^th minute.

The Glenavy lads did their utmost to maintain and a Niall Burke point arriving in the 30^th minute did offer hope but such was in vain as Cargin moved into overdrive in the last quarter,

Later replacement Ciaran Mc Peake signalled his arrival with a smart 33^rd minute goal and when the turned provider a minute thereafter his assist sent Diarmuid Quinn in for another.

The home side were enduring pressure a plenty in the last phase as the Cargin boys maintained pressure and after Shay Laverty and Ben Mc Larnon bagged points apiece corner forward Diarmuid Quinn completed his hat trick as his last minute strike took Cargin over the line with points secured on a 6-09 to 1-02 winning advantage.

 Glenavy: Jamie Hanna, Eugene Cleneghan, Chris O’ Hare, Daniel Hanna, Finn Shannon, Cormac Loney, Emmett Mc Cloy, Dara Mc Allister, Shay O’ Neill, Fintan O’ Boyle, Niall Burke, Michael Morgan, Ruairi Hamill (0-01), Conal Hanna

 Cargin: Brogan Mc Nally, Donal Mc Geady, Cahir Donnelly, Brian Darragh, Cahir O’ Boyle, Craig Thornton, Hugh O’ Donnell, Charlie Mc Cann (0-01), Kian Scullion, Shay Laverty (0-01), Conan Johnston (1-01), C Kennedy, Diarmuid Quinn (3-00), Tom Shivers (1-05), Donal Mc Geady.

Subs: Ciaran Mc Peake (1-00) for H O’ Donnell; Ben Mc Larnon for C Kennedy

 

Referee Stephen Higgins (Tir Na Nog)

  O'Neill's All County Football League - Division 1

Erin’s Own Cargin 2-14 St Joseph’s Glenavy 2-04

Having gained promotion in 2017 it was back to division one for the men from Glenavy after an absence of ten years but there was no welcome on the mat in their new assignment at Toome on Wednesday evening as they lost out to the reigning league champions.

The St Joseph’s men did seemingly set up expecting pressure in a formation which was much in the defensive, and depending on swift counter did work for a time as they stayed alongside the Toome men for the opening ten minutes but in the event that was to be as good as it got for the men from Chapel Hill.

Cargin took the patient route with the half back department leading the charge and although stationed with numbers behind the ball in an effort to repel the visitors they were quite naïve in their defending and tackling which resulted in free kicks awarded as consequence proved costly and the home side had nipped into a half time lead at 1-09 to 0-03.

The McCann brothers Tomas and Michael had raised white flags apiece in the opening phase to see the home side away but back to back points from Glenavy corner man Fergus Cunningham had the visitors on par at the 10^th minute.

Cunningham had done well from quick counters but a further brace of points, the first of which was a superb strike from away on the right touchline despatched by the obviously in-form Tomas Mc Cann, was followed by another from his brother which saw the Toome men three ahead 0-05 o 0-02 at the end of the opening quarter.

 Glenavy stuck rigidly to the ultra-defensive formation from the outset and combined with quick counter worked the oracle in the 18^th minute as Michael Johnston fetched and released James Gallagher to add a point.

Cargin tried to reply with patience the key to approach as the leather transferred through hands a plenty in pace for Tomas Mc Cann receiving on the left side to send Michael Clarke in for a 20^th minute goal.

The home side then turned the screw tighter utilising the patient approach to the optimum and Tomas Mc Cann stepping forward to despatch frees, awarded in turn fouls on the advancing Justin Crozier, Tony Scullion, and James Laverty.

The Toome men had moved 1-09 to 0-03 ahead when Enda Mc Grogan nipped away inside to collect from Michael Mc Cann and send between the posts but Glenavy had the last say in the scoring stakes in the opening period and a rare unforced error within the ranks of the green and white was punished when Paddy Gallagher raised white.

 The home side continued in the second period as they had the first, on the offensive, but the visitors maintained a defensive formation. Cargin kept coming in a controlled approach driving from deep with the defence not at all afraid to take the offensive route with Tony Scullion, Justin Crozier, and Kevin ‘Kobo’ O’ Boyle seen in the opposition territory in regular intervals.

The Glenavy men looked to stand tall in defiance but Kevin O’ Boyle’s 33^rd minute surge opened the way for Enda Mc Grogan to raise white, and back to back frees awarded for fouls committed on Ciaran Bradley and the advancing Brendan Laverty were punished by the ever accurate Tomas Mc Cann as he increased the tally on the board by a couple.

 Glenavy needed scores and indeed they claimed a well delivered 48^th point to raise the morale as centre back Oisin Hamill collected from Malachy Doherty to fire to the net. The home side provided quick response when John Carron raced away at the other end to claim a point, but the Chapel Hill side were to claim another major via replacement Thomas Gallagher.

The substitute collected away on the right hand side after Michael Johnston had intervened to thwart a Cargin offensive and the finish was right out of the top drawer

 Glenavy had reduced to arrears to six points in a matter of minutes but the home side were quick to regain composure and when Tony Scullion and Kevin O’ Boyle combined to send Ciaran Bradley away on the right hand side the corner forward’s delivery fell nicely for Enda Mc Grogan to finish to the net.

The Toome men returned to the positive and a late Tomas Mc Cann point following a foul on his sibling Michael completed the role of the score keeper with the reigning league champions crossing the winning line, first points secured at 3-14 to 2-04.

 Cargin: Peadar McKeever, Donnach McKeever, Martin Kane, Kevin O’ Boyle, Tony Scullion, Justin Crozier, David Johnston, John Carron (0-01), Enda Mc Grogan (1-02), Michael Clarke (1-00), Ciaran Bradley, Tomas Mc Cann (0-09), Brendan Laverty

 Subs: Odhran McGuckin for J Laverty

 Glenavy: Eddie Nelson, Martin Nelson, Chris Scullion, Seamus Mc Girr, Matthew Hamill, Oisin Hamill (1-00), Jonathan Philips, Michael Johnston, Ciaran Loney, Ryan Philips, Patrick Gallagher (0-01), Niall Mc Cann, Michael Mc Court, James Gallagher (0-01), Fergas Cunningham (0-02)

 Subs: Thomas Gallagher (1-00) for N Mc Cann: Eoin Henry for M Hamill: Fergal Green for F Cunningham

 Referee Karol Doherty (Rasharkin)

 A.C. Minor League Division 2

 St.Joseph’s Glenavy 2.22 v 0.08 St.Mary’s Rasharkin

 Patrick Fox and Fergal Henry goals secure Glenavy’s second league win. The game was played on a wind swept Chapel Hill,

 St Joseph's minors took full advantage of the breeze scoring 6 points in a row with just 1 reply from shell shocked St Mary's Rasharkin. Glenavy midfielders Orrin McGarry and Sean Burke were dominating breaking lots of ball for half forwards Aran McGarry and Michael Kane to clear up and dispatch into the full forward line of Fergal Henry, Aodh ONeill and Paddy Fox. 8 different point scorers in first half with corner backs and half backs not letting forwards have all the glory.

 A great passage of play found Chris Grant driving forward and delivering a super pass to Fergal Henry who was one on one with a St Mary's fullback, he just powered past and buried it into the net. Great kicking out from Glenavy keeper Anthony O’Hare started lots of their attacks with lots of movement off the ball and making full use of every blade of grass on a fantastic pitch. Paddy Fox took full advantage of his team mates hard tackling to score a fantastic individual goal on the whistle for ht. 2-13 to 0-3.

 The second half started with St Mary's taking full advantage of the wind with lots of possession working the ball into good shooting range however, the dogged tackling of Glenavy full back line of Oliver Brankin, Chris Grant and Connor Mulholland made them rush some of their attempts under pressure.

 The home side where wasteful at times and needed to work the ball closer to allow for the breeze, their half back line drove them forward lead by captain Pearce O'Neill, Lorcan Nelson and Declan Doone provided good ball into the forwards.

 Glenavy subs Anthony Gallagher, Sean McCambridge, Lorcan O Neill, Matthew Horner and Finn Malley all came on and worked tirelessly for the team.

 Both sides deserve great credit on a cold and windy evening as they never stopped working courageously until the final whistle,

  Fulltime Glenavy 2-22 v 0-8 Rasharkin.

  Reserve Championship Shield

Rasharkin 1-11 Glenavy 1-4

Glenavy were the visitors on a stormy, wet night at Dreen for the Reserve Football Shield quarter final. The effect of the wind could be clearly seen in the warm drills as cones were moved closer together as the players tried to adjust to the conditions.

Glenavy started the half with the wind on their back and nearly got off to the perfect start. The throw in was won by James Gallagher who sent the ball in high to the full forward line. It was broken down by Gareth Collins into the path of the on coming David Nelson who rocketed his shot off the crossbar. It took Rasharkin a couple of minutes to settle into the game but it was worth the wait. A long ball into the corner from Cathair Henderson found Brian Og O’Neill who offloaded to Gerard Chuckles O’Hagan and the latter finished low into the corner of the net. Straight away from the resulting kick out Brian Og O’Neill gathered the ball and slotted it over the bar. 1-1 to 0-0 with 10minutes gone. A few minutes later the same move produced the same result. A ball in from half back Henderson, found O’Neill and this time Brendan Tip Toes Etherson gathered the ball off the shoulder but was brought down in front of the goals, with the free converted from close range. Further pressure was added as Killian O’Boyle pointed from play a few minutes later.

 Glenavy worked hard but couldn’t find the target. A few near misses and balls running wide frustrated the players and management. On the 18th minute full forward Mark Cushnahan was on the end of a well worked move down the right side to get Glenavy a point on the scoreboard. The midfield battle was key with the wind holding up the ball from kick outs and breaking ball. In the 20th minute James Gallagher was moved into the full forward line, and by the 23rd minute he had found the back of the Rasharkin net. Cushnahan won and played a long ball into Gallagher who found the side of the net, giving Rasharkin keeper Emmet Smyth no chance. With five minutes of the half remaining Glenavy remained on form as Gareth Collins converted a '45', bringing the half time score to Rasharkin 1-4   Glenavy 1-2.

 As the second half started, so did the rain. Glenavy continued as they had left off in the first half, with Gareth Collins benefiting from some in-disciplined tackling from the Rasharkin defence and from broken down passing play. He converted two a 20meter frees within 2minutes bringing the game level. Rasharkin dug deep as Conor Gallagher led the charge from the half back line running at the Glenavy defence and swinging the ball over the bar from 40 yards on his left foot. Soon after Fergus Geesy Quigg and Cathair Henderson found their range too as they were composed on the ball and notched up two more points for the home side.

 From 40minutes the game entered a scrappy stage as the relentless rain and wind continued. Attacks from both sides broke down in the final third as both teams became wasteful in possession. Gerard Chuckles O’Hagan had a chance to rattle the net for Rasharkin again as he won the ball, and took on his marker - however the Glenavy goalkeeper stood strong palming the ball out to the side. Glenavy found it difficult trying to get the ball out of their half. Midfielders Keelan Darragh and Brendan Etherson controlled the midfield with strong aerial play and turnovers at important stages. This led to scores from play from Killian O’Boyle, setup by Aidan Darragh, and frees from Brian Og O’Neill leaving the game at 1-9 to 1-4 to the home side.

 Towards the end, more space was created as Glenavy pushed forward looking for much needed scores. This gave forward O’Hagan the chance to run at the defence, steadying himself and scoring from range. Rashartkin might have increased their lead  had it not been for Glenavy’s Martin McPeake who cut out a number of attacks. Rasharkin ran out eventual winners on a score line to 1-11 to 1-4.

  Rasharkin: Gerard O’Hagan 1-1, Brian Og O’Neill 0-5, Killian O’Boyle 0-2, Conor Gallagher 0-1, Cathair Henderson 0-1, Fergus Quigg 0-1

  Glenavy: James Gallagher 1-0, Gareth Collins 0-3, Mark Cushnahan 0-1

  Referee - Gerard Dougan (Creggan)

  Ladies Football League division 1

Glenavy 5-10 Aldergrove 1-9

Glenavy and Aldergrove ladies battled out a bruising encounter at Chapel Hill. In the first half with a gale-force wind on their backs Glenavy forced Aldergrove to defend deep in their own half. Goals from Megan McGarry and Grainne McLaughlin along with an excellent strike from Bronagh Cunningham and some fine scores from Fionnula Connor saw Glenavy lead 3-8 to 0-1 at half time. Aldergrove came out in the second half and attacked Glenavy from the off. Some great scores for Aldergrove saw them eat into Glenavy’s lead. But a couple of breakaway goals from Grainne McLaughlin and Fionnula Conor saw Glenavy win by 5-10 to 1-9. This was a great game played by two teams who were both giving their all. The return game in Aldergrove will be a game worth watching.

 South West Feile quarter-final

 Aldergrove 5-5 Glenavy 1-1

 Aldergrove moved into the Feile semi- final with a 5-5 to 1-1 win over neighbours Glenavy in the local derby fixture at Crumlin Leisure Centre on Sunday 11th March.

 Aldergrove were strong favourites entering the game with their goal feast tally in the previous round v Creggan still the hot topic of conversation, however, Glenavy looked like they could have delivered a shock as they held the upper hand in possession over the first half.

 

Aldergrove opened the scoring on 5 minutes with a well taken Aiden Irvine goal but this was cancelled out within the minute by an equally good strike by Michael Morgan.  Throughout the first period Aldergrove struggled to deal with Conall Hanna and Shay O’Neill whose twin traits of aerial power and blistering speed gave Glenavy a midfield dominance and caused more than a little concern on the Aldergrove bench.  However, Glenavy failed to capitalise on this dominance and kicked 5 wides in this period.

 Having weathered the storm Aldergrove then struck for their second goal of the game in the last minute of the first period with a great run from Daniel Shields which split the defence and allowed him to bear down on a hapless Jamie Hanna in nets who had no chance in keeping the ball out.

 Glenavy started the second half in blistering form with a point after 20 seconds from Michael Morgan and it looked like this derby game was in for a tight encounter.  However, Aldergrove slowly started to get to grips at midfield with Malachy Burns becoming more influential.  Aldergrove responded with 2 fine points before scoring their 3rd goal of the day after 27 minutes.

 As the subs were rolled on with both teams using entire panels of 25 players the game lost its shape and Aldergrove experience and expertise shone through as they took a strangle hold on the game to score a further 2-2 with no reply in the last 10 minutes to run out clear winners on a 5-5 to 1-1 scoreline.

 All in all an entertaining game played in a good spirit with Aldergrove’s experience and dominance of key players Malachy Burns and Daniel Shields seeing them through to the next round although Glenavy will be pleased with their performance in particular the midfield pairing of Conall Hanna and Shay O’Neill.

South West Football Feile

Glenavy v Glenravel

St Joseph’s Glenavy U14 footballers started their competitive season with an extra time Feile win over a great Con Magee's Glenravel team at Crumlin Leisure Centre on Sunday 4th March. The game was played in a fantastic sporting attitude by two evenly matched teams.

The teams were evenly matched throughout with Glenavy just edging away with a 3-3 to 1-6 final score line after extra time.

Glenravel were quickest off the mark with an early goal but Glenavy responded well and finished the half ahead 1-1 to 1-0. In a game where defences were on top Glenavy finally found their rhythm with Michael Morgan, Shay O'Neill and Fiontan O'Boyle starting to get on top at midfield and Niall Burke doing excellent unseen work for the team on the half forward line.

The second half continued in similar format to the first with end to end football which resulted in a penalty for Glenavy which was ably dispatched by Michael Morgan.  As the game entered the final stages Glenavy had numerous goal opportunities which were spurned. At normal time the scores were tied at 2-2 to 1-5.

In extra time Glenavy pulled away with another 1-1 to Glenravel’s single point which has set up an exciting derby against Aldergrove in the next round.

 Antrim Division 1 League

18 Apr	Cargin	v	Glenavy	Away	8pm
29 Apr	Glenavy	v	St.Gall’s	Home	3pm
2 May	Lamh Dhearg	v	Glenavy	Away	8pm
6 May	Glenavy	v	Aghagallon	Home	3pm
11 May	Glenavy	v	Ahoghill	Home	8pm
27 May	Glenavy	v	Creggan	Home	3pm
22 Jun	Portglenone	v	Glenavy	Away	8pm
27 Jun	Glenavy	v	St. John’s	Home	8pm
29 Jun	St.Enda’s	v	Glenavy	Away	8pm
4 July	St.Teresa’s	v	Glenavy	Away	8pm
6 July	Rossa	v	Glenavy	Away	8pm

 

 

Antrim Division 1 League Reserve

 

18 Apr	Cargin	v	Glenavy	Away	6.45
29 Apr	Glenavy	v	St.Gall’s	Home	1.30
2 May	Lamh Dhearg	v	Glenavy	Away	6.45
6 May	Glenavy	v	Aghagallon	Home	1.30
11 May	Glenavy	v	Ahoghill	Home	6.45
27 May	Glenavy	v	Creggan	Home	1.30
22 Jun	Portglenone	v	Glenavy	Away	6.45
27 Jun	Glenavy	v	St. John’s	Home	6.45
29 Jun	St.Enda’s	v	Glenavy	Away	6.45
6 July	Rossa	v	Glenavy	Away	6.45

 

 

 

Antrim Minor League

 

10 Apr	St.Enda’s	v	Glenavy	Away	6.45pm
17 Apr	Glenavy	v	Rasharkin	Home	6.45pm
12 June	Glenavy	v	Moneyglass	Home	7.30pm
19 June	Sarsfield’s	v	Glenavy	Away	7.30pm
26 June	Glenavy	v	Antrim	Home	7.30pm
3 July	G. N. M.	v	Glenavy	Away	7.30pm
10 July	Glenavy	v	Clan na Gael	Home	7.30pm
17 July	St.John’s	v	Glenavy	Away	7.30pm

 

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