St.Joseph’s Glenavy Win Division Two League

St.Bridgid’s 2.10 v 1.16 St.Joseph’s

Glenavy travelled to Musgrave Park knowing a win would secure the league title. Starting with six of normal fifteen missing for a variety of reasons success didn’t look too bright. The six players that came in did an excellent job and jelled into the system of play very quickly. A heavy shower left an excellent pitch very slippery which resulted with players slipping at crucial moments. Both sides deserve great credit for the standard of play and the art of score taking.

Alex Gallagher got the visitors going with a pointed free quickly followed by cousin Owen splitting the sticks for an excellent point. Back came the city side with three minors from Jack Dowling, Ronan McGrady and Peter Lundy to put their side in front. Alex Gallagher and Ronan McGrady exchanged pointed frees. We then had the first goal of the game when county player Patrick Gallagher lob the ball into the square for brother Domnic to send the visiting supporters into high spirits when he pounced and scored what turned out to be a crucial goal.

Back came the lads in white and blue with some excellent play which was rewarded with points from James Smyth and Ben Leonard to level the scores. The experienced Michael McCourt got his side back in front with a point from play and a pointed free. The hard working midfielder Ciaran Loney broke through for a well worked point. Fergus Cunningham put his side four in front with a point from out on the sideline.

Glenavy were dealt a blow when the lost their influential full forward Domnic Gallagher with hamstring trouble, he was replaced by brother James. Against the run of play St.Bridgid’s put a move together which caught the visitors defence flatfooted for Peter Lundy to bury the ball in the Glenavy net to leave the score 1.07 v 1.06  in Glenavy’s favour. The referee blew the halftime whistle.

From the throw-in the ever reliable Michael pointed a long distance free. We then had a fightback from the home side first Ronan McGrady pointed a free. From the kickout county player Jack Dowling gained possession and got the ball through   quickly through to the inrushing Ronan McGrady who gave the keeper no chance. Ronan put his side three up with a pointed free.

This Glenavy team is made of stern stuff and responded to the knockback with seven unanswered points. Owen Gallagher added two followed by Niall McCann (good to see Niall back after his shoulder injury at the start of the season) point. Ciaran Loney, Owen Gallagher, Niall McCann and Michael McCourt added points. Ronan McGrady had a point from play and one from a forty-five to complete his sides scoring. Michael McCourt had the game’s final point.

St.Brigid’s through everything into attack but the orange men’s defence stood firm. Referee Barry Coyle blew the full time whistle to the delight of the players and supporters. It’s twenty five years since St.Joseph’s last won division two.

Glenavy: Gerard Hamilton, Martin Nelson, Conor Hamill, Johnny Phillips, Sean McGirr, Patrick Gallagher (C), Ryan Phillips, Peter Traynor, Ciaran Loney, Michael McCourt, Owen Gallagher, Alex Gallagher, Niall McCann, Domnic Gallagher (James Gallagher 20m), Fergus Cunningham.

St.Brigid’s: Stephen Morrisey; Finn McKernan; Ryan Daly; Niall George; Michael Cummings; Conor King; Barry McMahon; Cathal Conway; Jack Dowling:  Fergal Hegarty; James Smith; Peter Lundy; Ethan Carlton; Ronan McGrady; Andrew Sweeney.

Referee: Barry Coyle St.Paul’s

All County Football League Div 2Glenavy: 2.13 (19) Tír na nÓg 1.08 (11)

Glenavy took a step nearer the Division 2 Football title when a strong second half performance saw them see off the challenge of Tír na nÓg  at Chapel Hill. The Randalstown men led by one point at half time but Glenavy came out and made their mark on the game and claimed an 8 point victory at Chapel Hill to secure promotion into the top division in 2018.

Owen Gallagher got the first two points of the game after six minutes before Christy Sheerin pulled one back for the blues. Gallagher struck again after ten minute to put his team two clear but Christy Sheerin kept the visitors in the game with a free after Chris Scullion handled the ball on the ground. Tír na nÓg continuously tried long balls into the full forward line however with Sean Duffin dropping back into the defence the Glenavy men mopped up everything that was fired at them.

A Christy Sheerin point from 40 metres out with the outside of his left foot spilt the Glenavy posts, an excellent points and his third of the game and Darren McCormick was fouled going forward Pearse Sheerin added to his team’s total with a pointed free. After 20mins Glenavy keeper Gerard Hamilton pulled off a wonderful save to deny wing forward Sean Redmond and after Sheeren hit the resultant 45 short, Darragh Fegan got the last score of the half to leave the visitors leading by one point (0-5 to 0-4).

Fergus Cunningham got the home side off the mark with two points in as many minutes at the start of the second half and to take the lead once again. Alex Gallagher added one from a free before Christy Sheerin got one back for the Ógs. The home side then took a firm grip of the game when Ryan Phillips and Owen Gallagher combined to place Alex Gallagher for the first goal of the game. The Randalstown men responded well with a point from Ciaran Logan followed by a goal from Ciaran McKeown following a brilliant mark from Caoimhin Duffin. Malachy Doherty who had just been introduced for Eoin Henry made and quick impression as he slotted over two minutes after coming on the field.

With 20 minutes remaining, torrential rain accompanied by thunder and lightning made conditions extremely difficult, but Conor Hamill battled through it all to take a point from centre half back to increase the Glenavy lead. Both teams rang the changes with Glenavy introducing Peter Trainor for Alex Gallagher while Tir na nÓg brought on Darren O'Kane and Declan Mallon. A twenty free for the home side saw Trainor hit a short ball to Owen Gallagher who was dragged down by the visitors defence and from the resultant award Gallagher spilt the posts for his fourth point of the game. Michael McCourt got the next point of the game to leave the score 1.11 to 1.07 and in the next play McCourt was back in his own full back line to make an interception to set up an attack which seen Cunningham kick his third point. Niall McCann was introduced into the game with five minutes to go and to play his first game of the year after a shoulder injury and he showed no ill effects of the lay-off as he pointed with his first touch of the ball. Christy Sheerin pulled one back as he pointed for the blues but the last score of the game went to the homes side when a Hamill interception put Malachy Doherty clear for a goal to wrap up a convincing win.

This 8 point victory sees Glenavy earn 2 more points and a total of 23 after 11 wins, which will secure their promotion into the top division in 2018.

Glenavy G. Hamilton 2. M. Nelson 3. C. Scullion 4. M. Hamill 17. R. Philips 6. C. Hamill 7. J. Philips 8. T. Gallagher 9. C. Lonely 10. E. Henry 11. O. Gallagher 12. M. McCourt 13. Fergus Cunningham 14. D. Gallagher 15. A. Gallagher 18. N. McCann 19. S. McGirr 20. Peter Trainor 21. Malachy Doherty 22. Fra McMullan

Scorers: O. Gallagher (0.4- 1 free/1 45), M. Doherty (1.1) A. Gallagher (1.1- 1free), F. Cunningham (0.3), C. Hamill (0.2), M. McCourt (0.1), N. McCann (0.1)

Subs: S. McGirr for C. Scullion (15mins), M. Doherty for E. Henry (40mins), P. Trainor for A. Gallagher (46mins), N. McCann for F. Cunningham (56mins), F. McMullan for M. Nelson (62mins)

Tír na nÓg: SP McAtamney 2. B. Magee 3. Colm Duffin  4. D. Martin 5. C. Logan 6. Caoimhin Duffin 7. D. McCormick 8. R. O'Neill 9. P. Sheerin 10. S. Duffin 11. R. Fitzgerald 12. C. Sheerin 13. K. Sheerin 14. S. Duffin 15. D. Fegan 20. C. Mckeown 22. M. Duffin 23. D. Mallon 24. C. Montgomery 25. D. O'Kane

Scorers: C. Sheerin (0.5- 3 frees), C. McKeown (1.0), P. Sheerin 0.1- 1free), D. Fegan (0.1), C. Logan (0.1)

Subs: C. McKeown for R. O'Neill (33mins), M. Duffin for R. Fitzgerald (42mins), D. O'Kane for P. Sheerin (47mins), D. Mallon for C. Logan (50mins), C. Montgomery for B. Magee (53mins)

Referee: Fiontan McCotter Sarsfield's.

All Saints 4-13  Glenavy 3-15

All Saints Ballymena are this year’s Breslin Shield Winners. In a titanic battle in Moneyglass on Sunday evening they hung on to deny a brave Glenavy in a game that had more twists and turns than a corkscrew.

The Ballymena side looked like running away with the contest early on as they raced into a 3-3 to 0-2 lead and their supporters might have been forgiven for thinking the game was already over at this stage but the Chapel Hill side staged a remarkable come-back to reel in the All Saints lead.

All Saints took control from the throw in and points from Jake White and Ruairi Campbell in response to one from Fergal Henry saw them hit the front after seven minutes play. Jake White then raced through again before setting up Campbell for the opening goal of the game and from the resulting kick-out the same player intercepted before racing in for a second.

Aidan Scullion added a goal and a point to make it 3-3 to 0-1 after 12 minutes and at this stage it looked like a complete route for the Slemish Park side but Glenavy survived the early onslaught and slowly began to get a foothold in the game .

Callum Crighton began the fight back with a goal in the 19^th minute and as the Chapel Hill side grew in confidence Fergal Henry began to stamp his class on proceedings. The big number 11 struck three points, one from a penalty that sailed over off the crossbar, with Oisin Connolly replying with a point for the Ballymena side but the momentum was now very much with St. Joseph’s.

Now well on top around mid-field the boys in Orange pressed forward once more and a fisted goal from Matthew Horner, another from Aodh O’Neill and points from O’Neill and Henry saw them head for the dressing room 3-6 to 3-4 ahead after completing an unbelievable turn around.

LOOKED SHELL SHOCKED

All Saints looked shell shocked but whatever was said to them in the dressing room seemed to steady them as they returned for the second half. They were now battling again for possession and Oisinn Connolly got them on their way with an early point.

Fergal Henry responded with a fisted point before Aidan Scullion hit back with a great point direct from a ‘45’ as play swung from end to end and fortunes swung too and fro. Ruairi Campbell looked to have placed Conor O’Rawe for an All Saints goal but his fisted attempt was cleared off the line as the pace of the game increased.

The Ballymena side looked set to score again but their insistence on going for goal was being thwarted by a resolute Glenavy defence and St. Joseph’s soaked up the pressure before responding with a good point from Anthony Gallagher to move three ahead again after 11 minutes.

Glenavy continued to press and Matthew Horner rose to fist over and might have had a goal as they threatened to take control. Aidan Scullion, who’s place kicking was exceptional throughout the game replied from a 20 meter free and Jake White sent a first time ground shot screaming over as the eventual winners responded once more.

It was now end to end stuff in a compelling contest as the irrepressible Scullion brought matters level again from a couple of well struck frees but again the Chapel Hill side responded with a point from Fergal Henry after Jason Givens in the All Saints goals brought off a splendid save to deny Matthew Horner.

The Glenavy side continued to press but the Ballymena defence, which had looked so vulnerable throughout the game were now getting closer to their men and putting in telling tackles and the Slemish Park side struck with a deadly counter attack as Aidan Scullion raced in for their fourth goal.

Crighton and Henry responded with points for Glenavy with Scullion again easing the pressure with an All Saints point with three minutes remaining and it was still anyone’s game at this stage and when Fergal Henry and Chris Grant struck with late points the sides were level for the umpteenth time.

The momentum now looked to have swung again in favour of Gavin Phillips side but from the resulting kick-out Jake White rose to make a terrific catch before placing that man Scullion for an excellent point that was to prove the match winner.

VALUE FOR MONEY

Those who paid in at Moneyglass for this game certainly got value for their money. This was a great advert for attacking football. Forget about defensive coaching manuals. It seemed at times that both management teams had torn up the coaching books as their sides went head to head in an effort to outscore the other.

It’s a pity there had to be a loser and this game could have gone either way and perhaps a draw would have been a fair result but on the night All Saints had a match winning place kicker in Aidan Scullion and it was perhaps fitting that he should get the score that decided the fate of the Breslin Shield.

Both sides were laced with skilful players and I have a feeling these two side will have more big battles in the future and both sides were a credit to their managers, All Saints for keeping going when things looked bad and Glenavy for the sporting manner in which they accepted defeat.

All Saints: Jason Givens: Ronan McKillop, Rory McAllister, Conall Killough: Kevin Brady, Conall O’Neill (Captain), Luke Mulholland: Jake White, Oisin Connolly: Conor O’Rawe, Kieran O’Boyle, Aidan Scullion: Charlie Metrustry, Ruiari Campbell, Angus Steele. Subs: Ciaran Campbell, Jack Donnelly, Sean Hasson,

Glenavy: Conor Jones: Lorcan O’Neill, Jack McCann, Darragh Doherty: Cal Burke, Chris Grant, Anthony O’Hare: Finn Malley, Anthony Gallagher: Matthew Horner, Fergal Henry, Callum Crighton: Lorcan Nelson, Aodh O’Neill, James Mulholland. Subs: Rory McCann, Sean McCambridge, Darragh Armstrong, Patrick O’Leary, Matthew Magee.

Referee: Kevin Parke (St. Enda’s)

Antrim Division 2 Football (2^nd Phase)

St.Ergnat’s 2.10 v 5.11 St.Joseph’s

Glenavy travelled to Moneyglass hoping to avenge their only defeat in the league. This was an excellent game of football played at championship pace from start to finish. The game had everything with both sides taking excellent scores and hard tackles were the order of the day. The visitors who were league leaders going into the game lead from start to finish.

Alex Gallagher got the scoreboard ticking when he split the posts after a jinking solo run. From the kickout the Toome side went straight up the pitch and fullforward Liam Brady took a pass and had the game level. Playing an exciting brand of football the visitors went into a 1.04 v0.02 lead after 12 minutes. Owen Gallagher pointed quickly followed by a point from cousin Alex and not to be outdone Domnic Gallagher added a point. With a sweeping move from defence the Chapel Hill side pushed forward and when Domnic Gallagher passed the ball to his brother Patrick who landed the ball in the back of the net.

St.Joseph’s suffered a severe setback when their influential midfielder Michael Johnston was very unlucky to be dismissed with a red card. The Marian Hill side came back into the game with points from Conal Prenter and Pat McCormick added points to narrow the gap to four. To their credit the visitors had regrouped and Owen Gallagher steadied the ship with a fisted point. Centre back Conor Hamill gained possession and got the ball to the inrushing Alex Gallagher who found the corner of the net. Urged on by the home vocal support the players responded and Ryan Boyd gave them hope when he scored a beauty from an impossible angle. Conor Hamill broke forward to score a point. Back came the side in saffron with a well worked move the ball was lobbed in by S. Duffin which was misjudged by the Glenavy keeper and the ball was in the back of the net. Pat McCormick added a point as the referee blew the haltime whistle. Score St.Ergnat’s 1.05 v 2.06 St.Joseph’s.

The home support was hoping for a big response from their side as the secondhalf started Dermot McErlain got them going with an excellent point.  Michael McCourt proved Glenavy were not going to let this one slip when he ran the full length of the pitch to finish a flowing move with a point. Liam Brady pointed a free and Conal Prenter added one from play to level the scores for the second time. Once again back came the visitors with a point from the hard working Owen Gallagher. We were then treated to the best move of the game with play starting with the keeper and involved seven players before the ball was released to the ever alert Alex Gallagher took a pass and coolly took his goal to put his side six in front.

Dermot McErlain and Conor Boyd had a point each to close the gap. The orangemen

Showed there was still life left in them when team captain added a point to put five between the sides. Liam Brady once again split the posts to give his side hope. Any chance Moneyglass gad of closing the gap was snuffed out in the next five minutes with Michael McCourt and Conor Hamill added points to their tally. Domnic Gallagher made sure of victory when he one again found the net.  Eoin Henry had Glenavy’s final score when he pointed. Seamus Brady had the final score when he pointed. To leave the final score 5.11 v 2.11 in Glenavy’s favour.

Glenavy: G. Hamilton, M. Nelson, C. Scullion; R. Phillips; M. Hamill; C. Hamill;          J. Phillips; M. Johnston; C. Loney; P. Gallagher; O. Gallagher; M. McCourt;  N. Scullion (E. Henry): D. Gallagher (F. Cunningham); A. Gallagher (Sean McGirr).    

Moneyglass: M. Carey; M. Neeson; J. McMeel; S. Kelly; P. McCormick; T. Duffin ; S. Devlin; R. Boyd. S. Duffin; G. Murray; P. Tohill; D. McErlain . C. Prenter 14. Liam Brady 15. Padraig Mackle

  Referee: Karol Doherty Rasharkin

Antrim Division 2 Football League

St.Joseph’s Glenavy 2.14 v 0.08 St.Enda’s

This top of the table clash was played at Glenavy on an excellent pitch. The shower of rain that fell just as the ball was thrown i made for slippery under foot conditions. Level on three occasions in the first half nobody in the large crowd present would have guessed how the second half turned out.

St.Enda’s made the better start with two points from Christopher Hanley. After five minutes the game was level wit points for the home side from Michael Johnston and Mathew Hamill. Donal Walsh got on the score sheet with an excellent point from an acute angle. Nigel Scullion fisted a point to bring the sides level. St.Enda’s went in front  again when Michael McGill pointed. The Loughview men were gaining control around midfield and made possession count when Alex Gallagher split the post with a beauty. Conor Hamill broke through from his centre back position to add to the scoresheet.

Domnic Gallagher playing at full forward was causing the St.Enda’s defence all sorts of trouble and was rewarded for his hard work when he left his marker stranded and put his side two in front. With play moving from end to end and both defences not giving an inch scores were hard won. The Glengormley side finished the half the stronger and brought the sides level with a brace from Donal Walsh and a pointed 45  from goalkeeper Dan Fleeton to leave the halftime score six each.

The home side started the secondhalf in whirlwind fashion and added 2.6 before St.Enda’s got a pointed free twenty minutes in. Glenavy had points from Owen Gallagher, Michael McCourt and Patrick Gallagher. When Domnic Gallagher found the back of the net the writing was on the wall for the visitors. The hill side were now in complete control. The hard working Alex Gallagher was fouled in the square Michael McCourt stepped up and gave the keeper no chance as he found the net. St.Enda’s keeper brought off a brilliant save to stop what looked like a certain goal chance. Ryan Phillips added to the home sides tally with an excellent point.

Now ten points in front the Glenavy management made some changes to the line up. Fergus Cunningham, James Gallagher, Eoin Henry and Johnny Phillips joined the fray. Owen and Domnic Gallagher added points before Orin Eastwood pointed two frees for his side’s only scores in the second half. Eoin Henry and Michael McCourt brought proceedings to an end with two points to leave the score 2.14 v 0.08 in Glenavy’s favour.

 Both side deserve great credit in the sporting manner the game was played in which made Thomas McGilligan’s job that much easier. I’m sure St.Enda’s are looking forward to the next phase of the league to get the opportunity to get revenge.

Glenavy: Gerard Hamilton; Martin Nelson; Chris Scullion; Niall McLaughlin; Mathew Hamill; Conor Hamill; Ryan Phillips; Michael Johnston; Ciaran Loney; Owen Gallagher (Johnny Phillips); Patrick Gallagher; Michael McCourt; Niall Scullion (Eoin Henry); Domnic Gallagher (James Gallagher) ; Alex Gallagher (Fergus Cunningham).

Ladies Football - Under 16 League

It was a windy night on the hill as Glenavy Under 16 Girls took on Rossa in the All County League at Chapel Hill.
Visitors Rossa took an early lead with a goal in the opening minute, but the Glenavy girls fought back with Ellen Morgan trying to even the score but her shot went narrowly wide and soon afterwards Naomh Steele again just failed to put some points on the board after a great run. However the opening goal was to come for Glenavy soon afterwards when an excellent shot from Ana Mulholland found the Rossa net.

Rossa hit back strongly with two goals but a great pass from Ellen Morgan to Naomh Steele set her up for an excellent point soon afterwards. Rossa were holding to a slender lead and it looked like they would go in at half time holding that one point advantage but just before the break Samantha Largey hit another great point to tie the scores at half time on 2-05 to 3-02.

After the break both teams battled hard to gain an advantage and Naomh Steele sent over an excellent point to put Glenavy back in front. Rossa hit back with a goal but great work by defenders Beth Hamill and Fiona Matthews saw them work the ball up the field in a move that lead to Glenavy’s fourth goal. Rossa hit back with another goal grab a two point lead late in the game but Glenavy would not be denied and a great solo run from Ellen Morgan saw her fire the ball to the Rossa net to secure a great win for Glenavy.

Antrim Football League Division 2.

Davitt’s 0.02 v 6.19 St.Joseph’s

After the disappointment of Wednesday evening when Ardoyne failed to field Glenavy were looking to the game against Davitt’s. Even though with league positions at either end of the table games between these sides are generally fairly close, not on this occasion as the visitors ran out convincing winners by a thirty five point margin. The hill side was 1.06 in front before Aaron Slane pointed for Davitt’s, this proved to be their only score in the first half.

Alex Gallagher started the scoring with a point quickly followed by his cousin Domnic finding the back of the net. Matthew Hamill broke forward to add a minor. Then we had the Gallagher scoring show with a tally of 2.05. Alex plundered 1.03, Domnic helped himself to 1.01 while Owen added a point. Aaron Slane took a point from a free. Michael Johnston and Michael McCourt got their names on score sheet with a point a piece. Just before the break Domnic and Alex Gallagher added goals to leave the haltime score 5.10 v 0.01 to the Chapel Hill side.

At halftime a strong breeze blew up to favour the Belfast side they didn’t make use of it. Eoin Henry and Fergus Cunningham joined the fray and soon were on the Glenavy scoring list with points from Fergus with two and Eoin adding two. Michael McCourt split the posts and Fergus Cunningham added two more to his tally Team captain Patrick Gallagher added to the long list of scorers when he fisted over the bar.  Conor Hamill broke up field to add a point. Just before the fulltime whistle Martin Nelson and came up from corner back to get a point, Davitt’s had the last score when they got a consolation point.

This win puts the Orangemen top of the table but the run in will test their mettle. Next up is St.Enda’s.

Glenavy Scores: Domnic Gallagher 3.03; Alex Gallagher 2.04, Eoin Henry 1.01; Fergus Cunningham 0.04, Michael McCourt 0.02, Owen Gallagher 0.01, Michael Johnston 0.01, Patrick Gallagher 0.01, Conor Hamill 0.01 & Martin Nelson 0.01.  

Davitt’s: Aaron Slane 0.02.

Glenavy Team: Gerard Hamilton; Martin Nelson; Chris Scullion; Niall McLaughlin; Mathew Hamill; Conor Hamill; Ryan Phillips (Sean McGirr); Michael Johnston; Ciaran Loney; Owen Gallagher; Patrick Gallagher (C); Michael McCourt (Malachi Doherty); Nigel Scullion; (Fergus Cunningham)  Domnic Gallagher & Alex Gallagher (Eoin Henry)

Referee: Mark McDonald St.Gall’s    

South West Antrim U14 Football League

St. Joseph’s Glenavy  V St. Comgall’s Antrim

Going into this game the Glenavy team had unbeaten record and were determined to keep it that way. However they knew the Antrim team were no push overs and were going to give them a real physical battle. The team rotation policy of the Glenavy coaches say many players in unfamiliar positions and a few others rested but the coaches had great confidence in the players stepping up.

Five unanswered points two from Darragh Armstrong, two from Rory Nelson and the pick of the bunch from lightning quick Shay O’Neill, seemed to give the Glenavy men confidence but this was soon to change as the Antrim Full forward struck two quick goals and a point to level the game.

An excellently work move seen Conall Hanna fire the ball past the Antrim keeper to restore Glenavy’s lead. This was followed by a well taken point by Midfield giant Chris Beaumont.

A beautifully taken penalty by Matthew Lawler followed by another individual goal by the same player saw the half finish 4-5 to 2-1 in favour of the Chapel Road men.The Antrim team were not finished and started the second half with more determination and even more physicality. Changes made at half time for the Glenavy team saw Darragh the Dodger Doherty take up position between the stick where he was kept busy in the first 5 minutes, making two excellent saves and just failing to reach another powerful shot from the accurate boot of the Antrim 14 who had completed a hat-trick. However this was to be his last score as the Fighting Fit Finn Malley took up a man to man marking role snuffing out the Antrim. Antrim scored two more points to bring their final tally to a hard earned 3:3 but at this stage they seemed spent.

Glenavy seized the opportunity to run at the Antrim team moving the ball quickly through the ranks, holding on when under pressure and tackling tenaciously when the ball was lost. (skills taken straight from the Practice Ground)  The lighting speed and awareness to the Timmy The Tank Hunnyford proved unstoppable and although not getting on the scoreboard himself he was involved in everything, from defence to attack. A goal and two points  from Shay O’Neill, further points from Darragh Armstrong and Chris Beaumont and  two more from Matthew The Mauler Lawler brought Glenavy’s Winning total to 5:12 to 3:3. An excellent win for the Glenavy men but one that they would be quick to admit was very hard fought for and not total reflective of the hard fought entertaining  game.

South West Laverty Cup Semi-Final

Glenavy 3.10 v 3.07 Dunloy

Cuchullian’s travelled to Glenavy as Laverty Cup holders but after an excellent game returned home empty handed. This game provided both sets of supporters some anxious moments as both sides fought for a win.

The visitors got the perfect start with a goal from the impressive Sean Elliott after twenty seconds play. From the kickout Jack Hill got possession and quickly passed to Thomas Gallagher who had the sides’ level with just a minute gone. The home side was getting the better ball around midfield and targeting Thomas Gallagher at fullforward. The exchanges between the fullforward and fullback were one of the highlights of the game. Malachi Doherty pointed a free to put his side in front.

Pearse O’Neill stole forward and took a pass from Aodh O’Neill and rattled the net to put his side four up. With free flowing football from both sides scores were going to come. Once again with a swift move from defence Sean Elliott received the ball and gave the home keeper no chance with a bullet to the net. Thomas Gallagher pointed for the hill side before the speedy Elliott got through for another goal to put his side one up. Orin McGarry pointed a beauty to bring the sides level.

On twenty five minutes Declan Smith had Dunloy’s first point. Malachi Doherty brought the sides level when he pointed a free from an acute angle. With the home support behind them Glenavy began getting the better of their tight marking opponents. With a move that started from the home keeper Jake Nelson and carried on by Jack Hill who got the ball to Thomas Gallagher who spotted his brother Thomas who coolly placed the ball beyond the keeper. Thomas Gallagher and Jack Hill pointed to leave the halftime score Glenavy 3.06 v 3.01.

Fergal Henry joined the game at halftime and was immediately pointed. Now facing a seven point deficit the North Antrim side really put it up to the division one side. Scores were becoming harder to with both defences putting in an enormous amount of work on an extremely hot evening. Anthony Smith got on the scoreboard with a point quickly followed by a Thomas Gallagher point. Sean Elliott pointed to leave five between the sides.

St.Joseph’s were dealt a blow when the lost their influential midfielder to a black card, he was replaced by Chris Grant. Fergal Henry doubled his scoring when he took a point while under pressure. Cuchullian’s were now getting to grips with midfield and fro two excellent possessions Declan & Anthony added points. Aaron McGarry stopped the rot with an excellent point. With time running out Dunloy threw everything into their attack which was blocked on several occasions by a resolute defence. Anthony & Declan Smith did get through for points to leave a nail biting finish with the home side three up. There was jubilation for the home side as they had reached the final for the first time in five years.     

Antrim Ladies Gaelic Football League Div 1:

Moneyglass 7.1 Glenavy 0.6

Moneyglass hosted Glenavy ladies on Sunday evening at Marian Hill and having beat the visitors in the reverse fixture earlier in the year they understandably started favourites.

After 3 minutes Eleanor Mallon got the girls in blue off the mark with a goal swiftly followed by a point from captain Cathy Carey. Aimee McAtamney returned to the starting 15 this evening after almost a year out with a knee injury and she pointed after seven minutes. Teresa Scullion, new to the moneyglass fold this year, broke through from midfield to hit the target before Megan McGarry fired over Glenavy's first point of the half assisted by Edel Christie. Eleanor Mallon and Aimee McAtamney fired over two more points before Beverley Graffin also found the net from a driving run made by Danielle Duffin. Glenavy's full forward Fionnuala Connor fought back with another well taken point, followed by a point from Bronagh Cunningham.  The home team continuted their dominations and before  half-time Cathy Carey found the net and Aimee McAtamney brought her tally to three. The ploy of  playing Annemarie McCormick as a sweeper was working effectively for the hosts, as pushed on to lead  at the break by 3.6 to 0.2.

Moneyglass introduced a multiple of substitutions for the start of the second half  and one of those replacements, Orlaith Prenter, started off where her team mates ended and pointed after 30 seconds. Cathy Carey and Aine Devlin got in on the act before Megan McGarry pointed again for the visitors despite Orla Carey and Gearldine Campbell pushing as much ball away as possible. Moneyglass would continue to increase their lead through goals from Orlaith Prenter, Aine Devlin and Teresa Scullion. Natasha O'Neill and Ellen Morgan tried to spur on the visitors  with two points with Bronagh Forrestor. However Orlaith Prenter added 4 more points, Cathy Carey scored a penalty after 50minutes and Aine Devlin finished the scoring for the evening with a point on the stroke of the full whistle.

Moneyglass: 1. Anna McCann 2. Orla Carey 3. Christine McCann 4. Geri Campbell 5. Danielle Duffin 6. Bridget Scullion 7. Sarah Louise Duffin 8. Teresa Scullion 9. Sarah McCann 10. Beverley Graffin 11. Cathy Carey 12. Eleanor Mallon 13. Sinead McLaughlin 14. Aimee McAtamney 15. Annemarie McCormick

Scorers: O. Prenter (1.5), C. Carey (2.2), A. Devlin (1.2), E. Mallon (1.1), T. Scullion (1.1), A. McAtamney (0.3), B. Graffin (1.0)

Subs: Aine Devlin for Aimee McAtamney, Aine Scullin for Beverley Graffin, Cailin Weir for Sarah Louise Duffin, Gemma Laverty for Christine McCann, Laura McCann for Sarah McCann

Glenavy: 1. Orlagh Mullan 2. Eve McCarthy 3. Ciara McCorry 4. Mary McStravick 5. Bronagh Cunningham 6. Cathy Scannell 7. Annie McCambridge 8. Bronagh Forrestor 9. Edel Christie 10. Ellen Morgan 11. Megan McGarry 12. Natasha O'Neill 13. Charlotte Mulholland 14. Fionnuala Connor 15. Michele Gregory

Scorers: Megan McGarry (0.2), Ellen Morgan (0.1), Natasha O'Neill (0.1), Fionnuala Connor (0.1), Bronagh Cunningham (0.1)

                                                                             Laverty Cup Minor Football

                                                                                              St.Joseph’s 8.17   5.09 St.Ergnat’s

Both teams served up a thriller on a cold windy evening at Chapel Hill. Thirty nine scores including thirteen goals helped to keep both sides supporters warm. There was no blanket defences on show. Both teams fielded without several first tem players because of exams and injuries. The players who stepped in gave a competent display and will be fighting for a start in the next game. The very strong wind had a bearing on the game. Glenavy played with the breeze but only pulled away in a three minute period just before halftime with three goals and two points.

Malachie Doherty was first on the scoreboard with a pointed free only to see Dermot McErlean level the game. Malachie Doherty and Pearse O’Neill added two points. The game was flowing from end to end and only for two brilliant saves from Jake Nelson in the Hill sides goal Moneyglass would have been well in front. They eventually beat the keeper when Fintan Murray blasted to the net to put his side one in front. Patrick Fox stole forward and finished a passing movement with a well taken goal. Ben Hamill and Sean Duffin levelled the game with two points.

Michael Kane helped himself to a point to put the Orangemen in front for a lead they never lost, Malachie Doherty pointed from a free. Thomas Gallagher playing at fullforward took a pass from his brother Anthony and used his strength to get through for a well worked goal. Pearse O’Neill stole through the visitors defence for a point. Dermott McErlean and Ben Hamill pulled it back to a four point game.

Glenavy really put the game out of reach for the Toomebridge lads in the next three minutes when they conceded three goals and three points. Aodh O’Neill playing his first game of the season after having a broken ankle got a great cheer when he blasted home. Thomas Gallagher and Orin McGarry added two more goals with Malachie Doherty and Pearse Green getting points apiece. This left the halftime score 5.8 v 1.5 in Glenavy’s favour.

Now playing with the strong breeze everyone expected the visitors to come charging out of the blocks but it didn’t happen. Malachie Doherty took possession from the throwin and ran at the defence before passing to Thomas Gallagher who gave the visiting keeper no chance. Centre back David Nelson took possession from the kickout and went on a solo run before finding the corner of the net. Malachie Doherty split the post from an acute angle to leave the score 7.09 v 1.05.

To their credit the visitors didn’t throw in the towel and pulled themselves together and added points from Fintan Murray and Tyler Cassidy. Malachie Doherty broke had an excellent effort from forty meters. Dermott McErlean who had an excellent game pulled a goal and point back for his side. Once again Thomas Gallagher got on the end of a long ball and found the corner of the net. Malachie Doherty added another point before Dermott McErlean showed he wasn’t finished when he found the corner of the net. Thomas Gallagher pointed and Malachie Doherty with two widened the gap. Sean Duffin had a Moneyglass’ point. Orin McGarry and Patrick Fox added Glenavy last points. Tyler Duffin blasted to the net for the final kick of an exciting game. The final score Glenavy 8.17 v 5.09 Moneyglass

Referee - Brendan McCartan (Aghagallon)