Last weekend the Antrim Under 14 hurling development squad travelled to Portlaoise, Laois, to participate in the Division 2 All-Ireland, Tony Forrestal hurling tournament. 

After comfortably battling through the group stages on the Saturday morning, with convincing wins over Wicklow and Laois-O’Moores,  Antrim were drawn against a determined Westmeath side in the semi-final at O’Moore Park. 

The Saffrons knew Westmeath would present a formidable challenge as they had narrowly won a thrilling encounter against them in early July at the DJ Carey tournament in Kilkenny.  

Antrim began the half the brighter of the two counties and kept the scoreboard ticking over with some great points from corner forward Dara Rocks, half-forward James Connolly, centre-half forward Seaghan Shannon, captain Conor Christie and a goal 

by full-forward Cormac McClafferty.  

The Saffrons went in at the half-time break 1-6 to 1-1 in front.  

Westmeath staged a comeback in the second half and drew level scoring a goal and two points. 

However, great defending from the Saffrons restricted the Westmeath forwards. In the latter stages of the second half a further goal by Jude McCurdy and two points by Seaghan Shannon were added to the Saffrons’ tally which saw Antrim home in the end 2-08 to 2-03 winners.  

In the final, the Saffrons came up against an extremely talented Laois team.  

Laois began well and raced into a six-point lead at the half-time break with the Saffrons ruing failed chances to convert easy scoring opportunities. 

Midway through the second half, down 0-7 to 0-2 points, Antrim raised their game after having a player sent off.  

Eoin Conlon worked tirelessly in midfield and helped to produce goals for fellow midfielder, Padraig McGreevy and half-forward James Carey.  

This was followed by a superbly taken long distant point from wing-back Odhran Laverty.  

Laois replied and equalised in the last minute of normal time with extra time required to decide the game.  

In the first period of extra time, corner-forward Emmet Martin put the Saffrons ahead with a goal after some great play from captain, Conor Christie and corner forward Dara Rocks. 

Further points were added by James Carey and Conor Christie to the tally. 

Although, Laois rallied and scored four more points, the Saffrons defended well with full-back Ryan McNulty and backs Stephen Gaskin, Deaghlan Murphy and Ryan McCollum restricting the scoring of the Laois forward line. 

The game was secured for the Saffrons when full-forward Cormac McClafferty struck the back of the net with a sublimely taken goal which saw the Saffrons home comfortable winners by 4-05 to 0-12.

Bredagh’s U10 hurlers continued their impressive form this season when they competed in a blitz competition hosted by the Ballela Club recently. 

Despite a number of absentees due to the holidays, Bredagh were still able to field two teams and both played excellent hurling, winning all their games.

Bredagh A

Bredagh A played three games in all against Ballela, Ballycran and Ballygalget.

Game 1

Bredagh A .......................9-4 

Ballela ............................0-0

Bredagh started against the home team, Ballela and by half time were well ahead leading 5-1 to no score. 

Jacob McDonnell was sound in goals and had great cover from his defence of Cormac O’Rawe, Joseph Blaney and Matthew Rooney. 

Niall McFarland and Dara Curran ruled midfield while up front Ronan Costello Sean Hughes and Odhrán Davis gave the Ballela defence more than a few headaches. 

By half-time Bredagh were well in command, Ronan Costello being scorer in chief with 2-1 while Cormac O’Rawe pushed up from defence for two great goals. 

Niall McFarland was also on target as Bredagh led 5-1 to no score at the break. 

In the second half Costello continued to torture the home defence with a further two goals and two points. Niall McFarland got his second goal and his midfield partner, Dara Curran, also found the net twice as Bredagh ran out convincing winners.

Bredagh scorers: Ronan Costello 4-3, Niall McFarland 1-1, Dara Curran 2-0 and Cormac O’Rawe 2-0.

Game 2

Bredagh A ......................11-5  

Ballycran .........................1-0

This incredible scoreline against a strong Ballycran team was due to Bredagh playing some of their best hurling of the season so far. 

The opening exchanges were tight and Ballycran took the lead with a well-struck goal but from then until the end Bredagh turned on the style and Ballycran simply had no answer. 

Ronan Costello, Odhrán Davis and Niall McFarland were the main scorers but this was a real team performance that left the Ards boys shell-shocked at the end. 

Special mention must go to Fintan McCollum who had been with the B team but was called into the breach when Sean Hughes limped off with a knee injury. 

Fintan capped a fine performance when he fired over a great point from a tight angle.

Bredagh scorers: Ronan Costello 4-2, Odhran Davis 4-0, Niall McFarland 3-1, Dara Curran 0-1 and Fintan McCollum 0-1.

Game 3

Bredagh A .......................5-4  

Ballygalget .....................4-4

The two unbeaten teams met in the final match and what a cracker. Ronan Costello showed in this game what a special talent he is with some mesmerising forward play and amazing scores. 

It was score for score in the first half and at the break it was level 1-4 each, Odhrán Davis getting the Bredagh goal and Costello contributing three points, one a delightful sideline cut. Cormac O’Rawe burst through from defence to register a point. 

In the second half Bredagh’s tremendous work rate all over the field led to openings for Costello who hammered in four top class goals and added a point. Ballygalget contributed much to a game, which was a great advert for U10 hurling in the county. 

They came with a late rally and when their star man, Cathal Coulter, found the Bredagh net twice in the final minutes it left just a goal between them at the final whistle.

Bredagh scorers: Ronan Costello 4-4, Odhran Davis 1-0 and Cormac O’Rawe 0-1.

Team: Jacob McDonnell, Cormac O’Rawe, Joseph Blaney, Matthew Rooney, Niall McFarland, Dara Curran, Ronan Costello, Odhran Davis, Sean Hughes and Fintan McCollum.

Bredagh B

Bredagh B also played three matches against Warrenpoint, Ballela and Ballyvarley.

Bredagh B .......................5-2 

Warrenpoint .....................1-1

Facing Warrenpoint in their first match, Bredagh started slowly and fell behind to a well-taken goal by the South Down boys. 

Fintan McCollum quickly levelled things for the South Belfast side, but a lack of concentration and poor tackling saw Bredagh go in a point down at half-time. 

A fired up Bredagh team came out in the second half with the skillful Fintan McCollum leading the way by scoring a further goal and two points. 

As their confidence rose, the Bredagh boys started to play some flowing hurling, with every player attempting to lift the ball first time. 

Tiarnan Sheehan was immense in midfield, arguably putting in one of his finest displays in a Bredagh shirt and he put the match beyond doubt with an excellent goal. 

Cillian Durkan and Matthew Lyttle also put in great midfield performances with both adding a goal towards the end. 

Conn McFarlane was magnificent in goal and his puck outs, which have improved tremendously in recent months, were the foundation of the Bredagh second half display. 

Evan Maguire, Rory Mullan and Aaron Patterson in the back line, contributed fully to this excellent performance by completely dominating the Warrenpoint lads for the whole second half period.

Bredagh B .......................2-0 

Ballyvarley .......................1-1

Ballyvarley provided a stiffer test for the young Bredagh team, which was made up mostly of U9s. 

Bredagh quickly fell a goal behind, but led by Cillian Durkan and Mathew Lyttle this side was never going to give up. 

Tiarnan Sheehan and Fintan McCollum kept pumping the ball into the hard working forward line of Cameron Johnston and Sean Starrs who, despite facing a strong Ballyvarley back line, created a number of great scoring chances. 

Their hard work finally paid off when Cameron made room for Sean to smash in his first goal of the day. 

Sean quickly followed this up with another well-struck goal from short range, which again owed much to his striking partner Cameron’s close support. 

At two points up the Bredagh boys still had a lot of work to do to win the match. Conn MacFarlane and Evan Maguire in the back line, ably supported by Rory Mullan in goals, proved to be the key to seeing this game out with a number of timely and well-taken clearances. 

Bredagh B .......................2-0

Ballela .............................0-1

In their final match against hosts Ballela, Bredagh’s opponents again took the lead first. Ballela put the South Belfast side under sustained pressure for most of the first period.

But for the tenacity of goalkeeper Rory Mullan and defender Aaron Patterson, this game could have been put out of Bredagh’s reach. 

Starting the second half just a point down, Bredagh then lost Cillian Durkan to injury, which led to a major shake-up in the team.

 Jacob McDonnell came into goals and played brilliantly. Aaron Patterson moved up to midfield and quickly made his presence felt by scoring a major during a goalmouth scramble. 

This was followed up by a well-taken, long range goal from Tiarnan Sheehan from a free. The Ballela boys threw everything at the Bredagh back line, but Evan Maguire and Conn McFarlane repelled each attack with increasing skill and determination and saw off the Ballela challenge to ensure Bredagh B won the competition with three wins out of three. 

Team: Cillian Durkan (captain)(1-0), Evan Maguire, Fintan McCollum (2-2), Sean Starrs (2-0), Aaron Patterson (1-0), Tiarnan Sheehan (1-0), Rory Mullan, Conn McFarlane, Mathew Lyttle (1-0) and Cameron Johnston.

Down Senior Ladies Football Championship final

Bredagh ........................3-16

Castlewellan ..................4-04

Bredagh’s ladies retained their Down Senior Championship crown at Saval on Saturday evening thanks to a nine-point victory over Castlewellan.

It was far from Bredagh’s best performance but nonetheless they got the job done.

“It is always nice to win but we didn’t play that great on the night,” was the honest assessment of team manager Colm Joyce.

“We were missing a few players as well so we are happy to move on to the Ulster Championship now.”

Claire Timoney and Hannah Murray were both unavailable for Bredagh while star player Cassie Moane, who had been suffering with illness, had to come off the field after only three minutes.

Kathy Conway and Naoime McMullen didn’t enjoy the best preparation for the game either as they were involved in Derry’s 2-10 to 3-10 All-Ireland Ladies Junior Football Championship semi-final defeat to Louth at Emyvale only hours before throw-in. 

The duo had to immediately race up to Saval for their second consecutive game. This time though they were celebrating. Bredagh set the tone for the game early on when Caroline Kelly split the posts in the opening seconds. But undeterred Castlewellan responded with two consecutive points.

The Ormeau Road girls didn’t panic and soon found their rhythm as Kelly fired over two points with Claire Byrne registering her first score of the evening.

Castlewellan seized control minutes later when Claire Drummy managed to break through the Bredagh rearguard and gave goalkeeper Eimear Murtagh no chance with a clinical finish.

The set-back only served to wake up the Bredagh girls with McMullen, Emma Mulhern and Aoife McDonald raising the white flag to bring the sides level.

With the momentum in their favour Bredagh capitalised, somewhat fortuitously, when Kelly found the back of the net after a defensive lapse with Aoife McDonald rubbing salt into the wound thanks to an eye-catching point.

The sides exchanged further points during a period in which Bredagh’s customary fluency seemed to be in short supply.

Again Castlewellan wriggled their way through the Bredagh defence for their second goal of the evening courtesy of a telling strike from Aoife Keown.

As half time approached Joyce’s troops regained their composure as Byrne split the posts while Emma Mulhern added a goal to leave Bredagh six points to the good at the interval. Half time: Bredagh 2-11 to Castlewellan 3-02.

Polly Moane got Bredagh off to the perfect start in the second half but more sloppy play allowed Castlewellan to score their fourth goal of the final. It must surely be a concern for the Bredagh management if they have designs on a solid Ulster Championship campaign.

Claire Byrne and Kelly kept the Bredagh tally ticking over while Kelly O’Higgins posted Castlewellan’s last point of the final with 15 minutes left on the clock. Kelly added some gloss to the scoreline with a goal and two points to help Bredagh to a deserved victory.

County Chairman Frank McMullan presented captain Kerrie O’Neill with the trophy to wild scenes of celebration.

Next up for Bredagh is an Ulster Championship clash with Lurgan at Breffni Park on October 3.

BREDAGH: Eimear Murtagh, Ashlin McCloskey, Grainne Hughes, Emma Mulhern (1-01), Petia McAllister, Naoime McMullen (0-01), Kerrie O'Neill (c), Cassie Moane (0-01), Aoife McDonald (0-02), Ciara Maguire, Kathy Conway (0-01), Catherine Murphy, Caroline Kelly (2-06) Polly Moane (0-01), Claire Byrne (0-03), Laura Willighan, Marian Corry, Katie O'Rourke, Katie Campbell, Jamie Willighan, Louise McQuaid, Victoria Mallot, Enya McCafferty, Niamh McCafferty.

Reserve football

Ardglass II .....................0-16

Carryduff III ..................2-07

This was a most entertaining game with the Ardglass management complementing the Carryduff team by saying it was the toughest match they had played all year. 

In what was an entertaining game Carryduff got off to a blistering start when midfielder Kevin McGoran won the throw in and soloed up the pitch to point for Carryduff. 

The game was evenly matched up to half-time with Ardglass taking a two-point lead, Ardglass 0-7 Carryduff 0-5. 

In the second half Ardglass pulled away before two goals in quick succession by the hard-working Carryduff men put them one point ahead with 12 minutes remaining. 

The first goal was a classic move involving the youngest member of the Carryduff team on the pitch, Connor Cassidy. He fielded high to collect the ball and soloed though the Ardglass defence before setting up Cormac McCrory who finished expertly into the Ardglass net. 

A number of minutes later Carryduff added a second goal when half backs, midfield and forwards combined for Kevin McGoran to stroke the ball into the Ardglass net. 

The final 12 minutes were frantic with all of the Carryduff 15 battling valiantly to keep Ardglass at bay. Sean Sherry and Rory McGrath added two further points. 

Unfortunately a victory for the travelling side was not on the cards. With a number of well-taken points the Seasiders edged to a victory. 

The nature of the fight of the Carryduff players was most encouraging with everyone deserving plaudits for their commitment and skills. 

Carryduff: Peter Cassidy, Declan O’Rourke, Dermi McGorrian, Kevin Teague, Connor Cassidy (0-3), Ben Fitzsimmons (0-1), Cormac McCrory (1-0), Connor McCarroll, Kevin McGoran (1-1), John Fitzsimmons, Plunkett Kelly, Steven Gilmore, Sean Sherry (0-1), Eamon Quinn, Rory McGrath (0-1).

U16 Hurling

Carryduff ......................5-04

Bredagh ........................1-08

At Cherryvale on a beautiful sunny evening Carryduff finally reversed a string of defeats at various codes by neighbours Bredagh. 

Carryduff manager Michael Conway demanded his team restore pride to the purple and gold strip but it was Bredagh who got off to a better start as pointed frees from Aidan Donaghy gave them an early advantage.

Carryduff slowly got into gear as Sean O’Callaghan and Sean McGonagle dominated at the middle of the park despite the valiant efforts of Ruarí Sheridan.

This spurred the forward line into action and goals from JP Rooney and Toby Flood regained the initiative for the ’Duff.

Diarmuid Magorrian fed O’Callaghan for a third goal and by this stage Carryduff were well in control. Two magnificent long range points from play by McGonagle dented any hopes of a Bredagh revival. 

Indeed when Jonno Hardy linked well with Seamus McCann to set up another JP goal, the game seemed over.

To their credit Bredagh fought back well and goaled before the interval to keep the game alive. 

At the beginning of the second half Bredagh regained the initiative and a string of unanswered points brought them back into the game.

Combative defending by Ciaran Rodgers, Mark Hamill and Ronan McGrady repulsed the Bredagh siege of the Carryduff goalmouth. 

An accurate clearance from keeper Michael McGrath found Rory McKay unmarked and from his own half Rory struck the sliotar over the bar. 

This settled the whole Carryduff team and they held out for a well-deserved victory on the night.

The game was marred by a serious finger injury to Bredagh player Tom Doherty. 

Everyone at Carryduff would like to wish Tom a full and speedy recovery. 

All-Ireland SFC semi-final

Down 1-16

Kildare 1-14

FIFTY years on from their maiden All-Ireland win and Down’s footballers will have the chance to mark the occasion by reclaiming Sam Maguire following their thrilling 1-16 to 1-14 win over Kildare at Croke Park on Sunday.

James McCartan’s side will face Cork in the decider where the Ulster county will aim to keep their 100 per cent record in finals intact after this thrilling semi-final win.

Kildare actually made the early running in this contest  and went two points ahead before Kevin McKernan opened Down’s account.

On 12 minutes came the score that really set Down on their way.

A long ball floated into the Kildare square was met by the fist of Benny Coulter who diverted to the net to put the Mournemen into the lead they were not to loose.

It actually appeared that Coulter was in the small square before the ball arrived but Pat McEnaney awarded the goal.

Down suddenly were in the ascendency and scores from McKernan and Mark Poland sent them into a 1-3 to 0-3 lead.

The sides swapped scores approaching half-time, but Down were always able to keep a gap between the sides hitting some fine scores in the process.

Indeed, while Coulter’s goal may have been a talking point, his score from the outside of his boot in front of the Hogan Stand will also live long in the memory for its sheer brilliance.

This sent the Mournemen into the break holding a 1-9 to 0-7 advantage and well on their way to booking  a place in the final.

Down began the second period well and were always able to hold a healthy lead.

The general feeling was that Kildare badly needed a goal to get their challenge back on the rails and this almost arrived on 43 minutes when Eamonn Callaghan’s shot crashed off the right-hand post.

In fairness, Down also had their chances and could have goaled moments later but the shot was blocked by Peter Kelly.

On 58 minutes Peter Fitzpatrick was sent through but he opted to take his point when a goal was there for the taking but this sent Down 1-14 to 0-10 clear as it seemed this game was over.

Not so; Kildare came storming back and had the ball in the net seconds later when Callaghan beat three defenders and showed composure to round the goalkeeper and finsh to the net to give The Lilywhites hope.

Kieran McGeeney’s men continued to chip away at the lead and had reduced the gap to two with five minutes of injury time played.

They had a late chance with a close in free to get the goal they needed to win the game, but amazingly Robert Kelly’s piledriver was deflected onto the crossbar and scrambled away to safety.

The final whistle then sounded to confirm Down’s first final appearence since 1994 after they just about deserved to progress in this thrilling All-Ireland  semi-final.

St Agnes’ 2-13

Ballycastle 0-4

St Agnes’ progressed to the semi-finals of the JFC on the back of a 2-13 to 0-4 win over Ballycastle at Sarsfields. 

Although neither team had enjoyed a particularly successful season, both sides entered the contest with the renewed optimism that only Championship football can bring. 

The Aggies welcomed back Declan Crummey into the starting line-up after his recent knee surgery, as well as Neil ‘Fred’ Gillespie at left half forward after his own injury problems. 

A late rain shower made conditions slippery under foot for both teams on what was otherwise a fine surface for football. 

It was the Belfast side who got off to the better start with stand-in captain Christopher McKee rifling over an early score followed by a brace from Fionbarr Fitzpatrick and a fourth from half-back Conor Caldwell. 

Ballycastle got off the mark with a free from corner forward Conor Campbell, but the Aggies hit back with a poacher’s goal, Mark Caldwell pouncing on a rebound from 

Ballycastle goalkeeper Patrick McAuley. 

The sides exchanged a pair of points each before the break with Martin Duffy and Declan Crummey on the mark for the men in black and white, and two further frees from Campbell for the north coast side.

 After the break the Aggies set about putting the game beyond reach with four points from McKee, Fitzpatrick (2) and Mark Caldwell. 

The rain eased as the game progressed and Ballycastle tired allowing St Agnes’ to turn the screw.

Half-time sub Micky McLean produced a devastating ten minutes of football, scoring two points and showing great awareness to slot home a goal when Crummey’s original effort smacked off the cross bar.  

Ballycastle threatened the Aggies’ goal late on after being awarded a 14-yard free, but Ronan Boyle’s effort cleared the cross-bar for a consolation point. 

Brendan Grieve put the icing on the Aggies’ cake with a fisted point before the final whistle, the full-time score reading, St Agnes 2-13, Ballycastle 0-4. 

Best for the Belfast side were Chris McKee and Fionbarr Fitzpatrick, while half backs Barry Kelly and Conor McAuley battled valiantly for Ballycastle.

 In the semi-finals St Agnes’ now go on to face McDermott’s in two weeks time, the Falls Road men storming back to beat St Malachy’s having been 1-2 to 0-0 down in the early stages.  

Elsewhere in the competition, O’Donnell’s laboured to a 1-9 to 0-8 win over Eire Óg at Rossa Park, despite having led 1-8 to 0-3 at the break. 

O’Donnell’s will face St Comgall’s, who continued their impressive run in 2010, overcoming Lisburn by six points to reach their first semi-final in a number of years. 

Davitts 2-6

Ardoyne 1-8

The Davitts senior footballers took the Beringer Cup title with a one point win over Ardoyne at Casement Park. 

It was an exciting match and after a slow start Davitts levelled the score at 0-3 with Gerard Burns picking up the points. 

The Falls Road side then edged in front when Gerard Burns slipped a handpass into Stephen Toner’s path and he slotted it over the bar. 

They followed this up with a fast break from their own thirteen metre line and with a string of passes the ball fell to Collie O’Riordan who blasted to the back of the Ardoyne net. 

Davitts had started to take control of the game and when Collie converted a penalty they had increased the advantage to seven. The last score of the first half came from Stephen Toner and left the half-time score 2-5 to 0-3. 

Ardoyne came out in the second half with all guns blazing and chipped away at the deficit. 

No matter what Davitts tried they just couldn’t get into the same rhythm that they had in the first half.  Ardoyne added four unanswered points and when Gerard Burns fired over a free to leave five between the sides it looked as if Davitts would definitely go on and win the game. But Ardoyne continued to press and some fine saves by Dee Issacs in goal helped the West Belfast side maintain their advantage. 

However, Dee was finally beaten. After making an excellent save the ball looped into the path of an Ardoyne forward to drive to the net.

The lead had been reduced to two and with time running out all the momentum was with Ardoyne. 

They scored another point in injury time to set up a nail biting finish but Davitts were able to regain possession of the ball and played themselves into the Ardoyne half of the pitch to see the game through to the final whistle.

This was definitely a game of two halves – Davitts controlled the first while Ardoyne hit back in the second. However, a one point victory saw the Falls lads lift the trophy and make up for the defeats in the last two finals.  Well done to Danny Toner and the team for picking up the silverware. Congratulations also to Dee Issacs who picked up the man of the match award.

SFC quarter-final replay 

St John’s 2-10 

Ahoghill 0-7 

St John’s senior footballers won their Senior Championship quarter-final replay on Wednesday night over a determined Ahoghill team in Randalstown. 

It was two points to one after ten minutes with some bad wides being the major concern for the Johnnies who were the sharper to start. 

The first half finished with a scoreline of 0-06 to 0-02 for the Belfast men with points coming through Adrian Oliver and Enda McKenna who worked well at winning possession.

Oliver was always showing for the ball and the wise old head of McKenna allowed him to get into space and create various problems for the south west side. 

The second half was dominated by the Johnnies with midfielders Stephen Millar, substitute Joe Hand and Simon McDonagh who capped a fine performance with a goal, winning primary possession. 

A quick free from half back Stephen Tierney found the industrious Oliver who laid off to McDonagh.

He coolly side-stepped the keeper and finished to the net. 

St John’s had another chance for a goal two minutes later with half forward Kevin McGlinchey getting through but instead of shooting with his trusty left boot he chose to fist over with only the keeper to beat. 

St John’s continued to command the game in the middle of the park but were also tighter in defence with all six working hard to keep Ahoghill out. 

The game was finished with a goal eight minutes from time for Brian Neeson after more hard work from Oliver under the diminishing light in Randalstown. 

The Johnnies now have St Gall’s in their sights and showed in parts in the replay that they are capable of competing.

They will certainly have no fear of the All-Ireland champions. 

St John's: P Nugent, A Douglas, C McCurdy, A Press, G Clarke (0-01), S Tierney (P Gribben), D McGarrity, S McDonagh (1-00), S Millar (J Hand), P Donnelly, A McGowan (0-01), K McGlinchey (0-02), E McKenna (0-01) (B Neeson 1-00), A Oliver (0-06), K Kennedy. 

All-County League Division 1

Cargin 0-17 

St Paul’s 2-07

St Paul’s ran out of time and games to sustain their senior, first division status despite a spirited display as they lost their last game at Toome.

Although the Erin’s Own men started as firm favourites they were on the back foot just a couple of minutes into the contest as the city side gained a morale boosting early goal when Brian Gillen found the net. 

The wing half back had assumed attack mode from the outset, and he was on hand to pick up the rebound after Daniel Hanna’s pass to give the Shaw’s Road side hope.

Cargin were looking a little heavy footed as their visitors spurned several openings to increase the lead as Daniel Hanna, Damian Duff, and Padraig Lowe fired wide but the home side were on terms by the 11th minute.

Normal service

Normal service seemed assured as the home side gained control but St Paul’s, fighting for survival, were soon to respond when Daniel Hanna seized on a defensive howler to score.

His left footed drive was sent to the corner of the net to see his side reclaim the advantage at 2-00 to 0-03.

A Paul McCann 16th minute point seemed to have restored the home side to the upward trail, but their visitors had their tails up.

Daniel Hanna nipped in to claim another score, a 27th minute point and when net custodian Sean McGreevey strode forward to send a 48-metre free all the way over the bar a couple of minutes later the city men had moved 2-02 to 0-04 ahead.

Darren Craig did come forward to reduce the deficit when he split the posts in the 22nd minute, but the visitors were quick to reply as Daniel Hanna picked up broken possession to transfer over the bar in the 24th minute, and it when Liam Carland who added another within a minute as an away win still looked possible.

The St Paul’s dream was still very much alive, and the points at stake were still in focus at the short whistle as they took short respite holding a 2-04 to 0-06 advantage.

If the home side had looked more than a little uncomfortable in the opening period they were to emerge for the second in a different guise and in the event they had assumed control and taken the lead by the 37th minute.

Emerging full forward Mark Kelly pointed and the excellent Tómas McCann followed suit within a couple of minutes, just prior to an Emmett Logan score.

When Paul McCann nipped in from the left to add another it was 0-11 to 2-04 seven minutes into the period.

Further points, dispatched by Donal McKeever and Tomas McCann, had the Toome men three clear as the writing was on the wall for the visitors.

St Paul’s did reply with a 47th minute Laurence Higgins point but further Cargin scores helped the league champions finish as 0-17 to 2-07 winners.

Cargin: Kevin McNally, Brian McCann, Kevin O’Boyle, Donnach McKeever, Dualtach Johnston (0-01), Tony Scullion, Darren Craig (0-01), Seamus McCloskey, Justin Crozier, Emmett Logan (0-02), Tomas McCann (0-04), Donal McKeever (0-03), Paul McCann (0-02), Mark Kelly (0-01), Peadar McKeever (0-01). Subs: James Laverty for D Craig, Gerard O’Boyle (0-01) for P McCann, Feargal Johnston (0-01) for P McKeever, Enda McGrogan for T McCann.

St Paul’s: Sean McGreevey (0-01), Joe Duffy, Declan Gamble, Fintan Gamble, Brian Gillen (1-00), Niall Ward, Sean Bradley, Brian Rushe, Paul Barr, Liam Carland (0-01), Chris Sweeney, Damian Duff (0-02), Padraig Lowe, Laurence Higgins (0-01), Daniel Hanna (1-02)

Intermediate Championship

St Enda’s ........................1-10 

St Mary’s Aghagallon ....2-09

St Enda’s fell sort in their pursuit of the Intermediate Football Championship losing by two points to Division 1 bound Aghagallon at Hannahstown on Saturday evening. 

The Hightown men got off to a blistering start when Gerard Crossey pointed in the opening minutes and Pearse McCallen  followed this by placing his shot into the net before Aghagallon had even settled. 

However two defensive mistakes were to prove costly for St Enda’s as they allowed St Mary’s back into the game with two soft goals that gave them renewed hope. 

Throughout the first half St Enda’s continued to play the more attractive football and points from O’Connor 0-2, Darby 0-2 and Crossey 0-1 left the Glengormley side trailing by two points at half time. H/T: St Enda’s 1-6 Aghagallon 2-5

Second half

The second half was much tighter and St Mary’s showed their craft in slowing the ball and making the most of limited opportunities as St Enda’s pushed hard to get back in front. 

Paddy Coogan, Stevie O’Connor and Paul Darby brought St Enda’s to within a point of the lead but despite a number of half chances they couldn’t find the net to take the victory. 

With St Enda’s pushing forward Aghagallon were also guilty of wasting some good chances to extend their lead before a last minute point secured the two-point victory.

In a game where St Enda’s could well have been victorious there were fine defensive performances from Gault, McKillen and O’Kane while Curran and MacNamee worked hard throughout in a crowded midfield. 

In the forward line O’Connor and Coogan were a constant threat and with a bit more luck could have snatched the game.

The introduction of second half substitutes Flood, Dornan, Scott and McGoldrick helped exert pressure on Aghagallon but to no avail.

While disappointed the game did illustrate that St Enda’s have the ability to consolidate their position in Division 2 next year and with the younger players now firmly established it will again be an interesting season for St Enda’s. 

The reserve side are close to capturing the Division 5 title and with senior panellists Kealen McCallen, Kieran Kane, Sean Paul Miller and Daire Cooper and others involved they will be hopeful of a run in the reserve championship that should continue to improve the competition for places on the senior side.

St Enda’s scorers: S O’Connor 0-4, P Darby 0-3, G Crossey 0-2, McCallen 1-0 and P Coogan 0-1. 

Five Pearses players, Johnny Cummings, James McCann, Matt O’Neill, Matt McKillen and Cillian McCooey took part in the recent Campa Saffron for hurlers.

The Camp included teambuilding games, core stability practical, workshop on drugs and alcohol awareness as well as intensive hurling practical.

The camp was taken by Kieran Megraw and Dominic McKinley and many thanks to  Kevin Kelly, Ulster GAA, Gerry McClory, Ulster GAA and Ciara Ferry for delivering their workshops and to Gort na Móna and Loughgiel for the use of their facilities.  

County hurler Kieran McGourty attended on the final day to present the players with their unique Campa Saffron training t-shirt.

The Pearses players really bought into the Camp and hopefully the knowledge gained will help the club progress in the years to come. Pearses wish to thank everyone involved in the camp.

Another no show

Another no show for Pearses U14 hurlers on Saturday has now seen seven of their games called off for different reasons.

St Paul’s were the latest team that failed to field against Pearses on Saturday and Pearses mentor Deegal McKillen said serious questions need to be asked and answered if underage hurling is to progress in the county.

“It’s needs to be decided if divisional or all-county hurling is the best way forward,” said McKillen.

“Teams won’t play Rossa or St John’s as they are so far ahead, now the chasing pack seems to have stalled.”

This Saturday Pearses are scheduled to play St Gall’s at the Cricky with a 3pm throw in, all players are to be at the Cliftonville Road venue for 2.30pm.

We are reaching the climax of the domestic season with the two semi-finals of the Senior Hurling Championship this weekend following closely on from the Senior Football Championship quarter finals which took place last weekend. 

St Gall’s had a leisurely summer after the magnificent achievement of winning the All-Ireland Senior Club title back in March but now it is time to concentrate on trying to retain that crown.

Comfort

Some eight of last season’s regulars were missing from the St Gall’s side which started the new campaign on Friday last against Moneyglass at St Teresa’s ground and the depleted side won with a fair degree of comfort without ever impressing as reigning All-Ireland kingpins.  

St Gall’s had much the better of the opening half when assisted by a strong breeze and led by 0-8 to 0-3 at the break.  There were some who thought that Moneyglass would make a serious challenge in the second period with the wind behind them.

That never materialised as St Gall’s always kept that five points ahead with a degree of comfort throughout the second half, though it took two injury time points to give the holders their seven point winning margin, 0-15 to 0-8.  

St Gall’s know that a huge improvement in performance will have to be made if last season’s glories are to be repeated, but at the same time it has to be realised that by and large the squad have had six months well-deserved rest and when restored to full strength will be formidable opposition.

Another city side into the semi finals is St Brigid’s. They had a facile win over Portglenone at Corrigan Park, winning by 1-12 to 0-7 after starting off in blistering fashion with four unanswered points in the first eight minutes and subsequently never lost that lead. 

Despite the efforts of Gerard McAleese who hit five points, Portglenone handicapped themselves by having three players sidelined and never really threatened.  

Senior crown

St Brigid’s improvement has continued for several seasons now and though it may not happen just yet, it will surely come in a few short years that they will annex their first senior crown.

The main obstacle to St Gall’s will in all probability be Cargin once more, though one has to go back to 2006 for their last Championship title. 

In a local derby played at Ahoghill they beat neighbours Creggan by two points, 0-11 to 0-9, in a dour, hard-fought encounter that never saw more than a couple of points in it.  

Cargin led by two at the 

break, 0-7 to 0-5, and had 

actually ground out a five point lead before three late Creggan points cut the final margin to two.  

Cargin have already won the Division 1 title and will hope to add the knock out crown but it remains to be seen if they can lay their St Gall’s bogey.

By the time you read this column you will know if St John’s are the third city team in the semi final after they have replayed their drawn tie with Ahoghill on Wednesday night. 

The game on Sunday last finished level at 0-10 each but the Johnnies must be wondering how they blew a four point lead with ten minutes left.  

St John’s were marginally the better side throughout but went defensive in the closing minutes and paid the penalty for conceding territorial advantage.  If St John’s are true to their tradition they will put matters right on Wednesday  despite having to go to the South West for the replay.

Drubbing

The Antrim Under 21 hurlers went down to Tullamore on Saturday to take on Munster champions Tipperary in an All Ireland semi final and received a drubbing for their trouble.  

After  eighteen minutes we were behind by 1-11 to nil, at half time it was 1-18 to 0-1 and eventually  lost by a massive twenty eight points, 2-32  to 

1-7.  All this in front of live TV cameras and it has to be asked just what good it is doing to our young hurlers? 

I am not blaming them but sending the youngsters down to face the Munster champions with a limited preparation is simply pointless.

We have been winning Ulster Under 21 and Minor titles for years now then progress into the All Ireland series and get whipped with the odd rare exception. 

The problem is that we are too strong for Ulster but not nearly strong enough for the major hurling powers.  

Our major problem is one of being geographically remote from the hurling stronghold so that our underage players rarely get the chance of testing themselves against the stronger counties.

Now that our seniors are competing, and learning from, competing in Leinster surely it is time for our Under 21 and Minor teams to be competing in the Leinster Championships?  

We have to lobby to be allowed to do that but if there is wholehearted drive on to improve hurling in the weaker counties surely the  authorities will see the wisdom of such a move.  

In vogue

The system currently in vogue has produced decades and decades of failure and cannot be allowed to continue.

This weekend’s Senior Hurling Championship semi-finals in Antrim see Dunloy playing Loughgiel and Cushendall taking on Ballycastle. 

Holders Dunloy are not the force of old but the club’s superb coaching system continues to throw up teams that are difficult to beat and whilst they currently do no not have the stars of old they are still the team to beat. 

Once again Loughgiel are making all sorts of noises that this will be their year, but it hasn’t been their year since 1989 and I doubt if 2010 will be their’s either.

Ballycastle are gradually improving and  must have some sort of chance against Cushendall, but Cushendall are having a typical year for them, sleeping through the League but then emerging as a force when the knock out competition arrives.  

Ballycastle may be the coming team but the ‘Dall  have been down the hard road too often for them at present.

U14 

Portaferry .....................0-01 

Bredagh .......................7-09

Bredagh’s hurlers created another bit of history at the weekend by beating Portaferry to reach the Down 'A' final for the first time in the club's history. 

Bredagh were hot favourites to make it through, having won the Down Féile and reached the final of the All-Ireland Féile, and they didn't disappoint, dominating the game from start to finish to qualify for the county final.

Bredagh got off to a flying start when full forward Conor Costello fielded a high ball and wrestled his way past his marker to smash the sliotar to the corner of the net. 

The same player added a point before Doherty got on the score sheet from long range. 

Just before half-time Hanrahan won the ball and fed Francis who booted to the net to leave the score 2-2 to 0-1 at the short whistle.

The first half domination didn't show itself on the scoreboard as the Belfast boys recorded a number of wides and were thwarted by excellent goalkeeping and full back play from the Ports. 

The Ports only score of the half came from a 21-yard free. 

The game started to open up in the second half and Francis who had got a taste for goal notched up 3-2 to take his tally to 4-2 on the night. 

The other forwards started to weigh in with Blaney smashing a major to the net and Curran the same while the dangerous Quinn shot two excellent minors and Devlin finished off the scoring with a well-taken point.

Overall this was a solid display by the South Belfast boys. 

The team was dominant throughout with Devlin in goals dealing with any danger that came his way. 

The full back line of Collins, Power and Ferry gave their men no room while the wing half backs of McConville and Smyth, superbly led by Patterson in the centre, let little through and were the launch pad for many of the Bredagh attacks.

Midfielders McGourty and Devlin, dominated their sector, and the half forward line of Doyle, Doherty and Curran, who were rusty in the first half, showed their scoring prowess in the second period. 

Up front the two Conors, Costello and Francis, were a constant threat, ably assisted by the lively Hanrahan. 

Quinn and Blaney put down a marker for a starting position in the final with excellent performances when coming on while the strength in depth of the panel was demonstrated by the displays of Young, Geraghty, Mongan, McCartney and the Carlins, Christy and Jake.

Bredagh now await the winners of Newry and Ballygalget in the final. 

Either of whom will make for a much stiffer test with the Ormeau Road men needing to be on top of their game if they are going to bring the Championship trophy to Belfast for the first time.

BREDAGH: Odhran Devlin, Rory Collins, Kaelan Power, Chris Ferry, Dominic McConville, Mark Patterson, Niall Smyth, Sean McGourty, Daniel Devlin 0-1, Ruairí Doyle, Tom Doherty 0-1, Tiarnan Curran 1-1, Conor Francis 4-2, Conor Costello 1-2, Damien Hanrahan, Ronan Quinn 0-2, Sean Blaney 1-0, Peter Mongan, Faolan McCambridge Geraghty, Stephen Young, Declan McCartney, Christy Carlin, Jake Carlin.

Intermediate Hurling Championship semi-final

Bredagh ........................2-14 

Ballela ...........................0-16

Bredagh’s hurlers reached the IHC final for the second year running after a hard fought victory over Ballela in Castlewellan on Sunday afternoon. 

The game was played in excellent conditions in front of a large crowd and it was Ballela who hit the ground running with an early point from county star Johnny McCusker. 

A Niall Donnelly point from play drew Bredagh level but Ballela looked the hungrier side and points from McCusker and Kelvin Magee put them 3-1 ahead with 12 minutes gone.

Ballela were winning most of the breaking ball at this stage but a great catch from Feargal McCamphill fed Donal Hughes who broke from midfield.

Hughes dropped the ball in around the square for Doole to drive to the net. 

Bredagh were a point up, very much against the run of play, and Ian Galway added to the lead with a free from 50 metres. 

Paul Doole knocked over a fine point from the right wing to extend the lead but Ballela fought back with three unanswered points to level the scores with five minutes left to half-time.  

In the remaining minutes two points from Galway, one from Eoghan Donnelly for Bredagh and two from Mal Magee for Ballela left Bredagh a point ahead at the break.

Half-time: Bredagh 1-06 0-08 Ballela.

After a stern talking to at half-time the young Bredagh team began the second half with more determination. 

Points from Galway, McCamphill and Niall Donnelly extended the lead and Paddy Byrne and Donal Hughes began to dominate at midfield. 

The long, accurate, puck outs from Anderson in goals were being won by the Bredagh forwards with McAuley at full forward threatening the Ballela goal on a number of occasions. 

With 12 minutes gone another break by McAuley left the full back out of position and a perfect pass found Ian Galway unmarked on the edge of the square to knock in Bredagh’s second goal.

It looked like game over but Ballela had other ideas. They fought back with two points each for Johnny McCusker and Mal Magee with an Ian Galway free in between. 

With the Bredagh defence under pressure two 65s were conceded and knocked over by Ballela veteran Dan McCusker but Galway kept Bredagh in front with two frees of his own. 

With ten minutes remaining Ballela were going for goals and dropping the ball in around the square at every opportunity. Anderson pulled off a couple of fine saves while the full back line of McKetterick, McCallom and Devlin ensured that there was no way through. 

Half backs Cormac Hughes, Mark McGinley and Paudie Gallagher worked hard throughout and their intelligent tackling ensured very few frees were conceded at this crucial stage of the game.  

With time running out and the lead narrowed to three points a break away point from Donal Hughes eased the Bredagh nerves. 

A McCusker shot on goal was deflected over for a point in injury time and a Niall Donnelly point from the puck out finished the scoring to leave Bredagh with a four-point win.

This was a good win over determined opponents but the Bredagh lads know they will have to improve if they are to beat Newry Shamrocks in the final and win the club’s first Intermediate title. 

“That was a bit like the proverbial curate’s egg – good in bits. We didn’t start well but once we got going we played some good hurling and overall I thought we were the better team,” said manager Sean McGuinness.

“The defence was tremendous in the second half and it is always good to keep a clean sheet. 

All of our forwards can take a score and the midfielders dominated their opponents for most of the game. 

“There are a number of things we need to work on in training over the coming weeks and I expect the lads to work hard to bring the Intermediate title to South Belfast for the first time ever.”

BREDAGH: Jack Anderson, Mark Devlin, Liam McCallom, Stevie McKetterick, Mark McGinley, Cormac Hughes, Paudie Gallagher, Paddy Byrne, Donal Hughes (0-1), Feargal McCamphill (0-1), Eoghan Donnelly (0-1), Ian Galway (1-7), Paul Doole (1-1), Donal McAuley, Niall Donnelly (0-3), Paul Moriarty, Michael White, Willie Gilmore, Caiher Bonner, Gearóid Murray, Ryan Curran, Jon O’Leary, Ali McAllister, Ultan Power, Niall Irwin, Conal Mulholland.

Antrim Senior Football Championship quarter-final

St Brigid’s .....................1-12

Portglenone .................0-07

St Brigid's eased into the Senior Football Championship semi-final thanks to a thoroughly professional display against Portglenone on Sunday afternoon at St Johns’ Corrigan Park.

The Malone Gaels showed no sign of nerves and avenged their 2009 Championship defeat to Portglenone with a well-deserved eight-point margin.

The Ports' lack of discipline throughout was to cost them dear as three red cards provided them with an uphill struggle.  

The South Belfast men led by double scores at the interval, by which time the Ports were already down to 14 men. Sweeney and Smyth were lording the midfield as the Ports badly missed the services of towering Aussie Rules rookie Niall McKeever. 

Ten minutes into the second half Naomh Brid's lead had stretched to nine when Chris McCann clinically punched to the net from a Mark Sweeney pass across the square. The game was up as the Casements challenge quickly petered out and further reckless play saw their numbers reduced to 12 by the final whistle.  

There was not to be a collapse this time around, after a number of noticeable capitulations in the league, which will have pleased manager Eunan Conway.

St Brigid’s delivered a solid performance overall with James Loughrey and Aidan Christie partciularly prominent.

Naomh Bríd will now advance to meet Cargin in the semi- final after the Erin's Own men narrowly saw off their neighbours Creggan by two points.  

St Gall’s

Meanwhile St Gall’s showed their usual tenacity, hunger and fighting spirit to overcome Moneyglass 0-15 to 0-8 at St Teresa’s on Friday.

Team captain Colin Brady said they are just happy to clear the first hurdle in the defence of their three titles, and felt their experience stood them in good stead in this contest.

“We are glad to win this match,” he said.

“We knew what we were up against on a tight pitch and knew what Moneyglass would bring, so it’s great to get over the first hurdle.

“At the start we went four points clear but Moneyglass just didn’t give up, they kept chipping away at us.”

Despite having just seven of the starting line-up from the All-Ireland win on St Patrick’s Day, Brady paid tribute to the squad of players who were able to slot in and get the job done against a spirited St Ergnat’s challenge.

“We have always been glad of the big squad,” he added.

“We are always comfortable in knowing that if we are missing a couple of players, there are others who are just as good who can do it out on the pitch.

“The best thing as a team is to have good strength in depth.”

In the other quarter-final St John’s and Ahoghill played out a 0-10 to 0-10 draw. 

St John’s seemed to have this one wrapped up with a four-point lead with ten to play, but decided to sit back and this backfired as Ahoghill snatched a draw with an injury time Donal Graham point.

The pair renew acquaintances on Wednesday evening in the replay.