Ulster Intermediate Club C’Ship
| November 2, 2008 | ||
| 12:45 pm | to | 2:00 pm |
All Saints (County Antrim) v Erne Gaels (County Fermanagh), Ulster Intermediate Club Championship, Sunday 2nd November, Throw in: 12:45pm, venue: Casement park.
Ulster Club Quarter Final
For the first time in the club’s history, All Saints will compete in the Ulster Club Football Championship this Sunday.
Following Tuesday’s Antrim Intermediate Football Championship Final victory, All Saints will now represent Antrim as we take on the Fermanagh Champions, Erne Gaels at Casement Park on Sunday.
Throw-In for our game is 12:45pm, and it will be followed by the Ulster Club Senior Quarter Final between St Galls and Cavan Gaels.
We had fantastic support for the Antrim Final on Tuesday night, and it certainly helped the players no ends, so we would hope to have an even bigger and louder crowd there on Sunday!
So get your tracksuits, flags, scarves and singing voices gathered together and we’ll see you on Sunday.
Naomh Uile Abú!!!
Saints Clinch IFC Title with Remarkable Comeback
All Saints, Ballymena produced a battling second half come-back to wrest the Intermediate Football Championship title from firm favourites, St. Ergnat’s Moneyglass at cold and Windy Casement Park on Tuesday night. The script looked set for a predictable ending when St. Ergnats scored the opening two points of the second half to go 7 in front but Barney McCann’s side stuck manfully to their task and a goal by his brother, Paul in the 9th minute proved the turning point in the game as the underdogs grew in stature while their opponents began to wilt.
All Saints travelled up the motorway on Tuesday night firmly cast as rank outsiders as they faced their South West neighbours and Division 2 leaders, St. Ergnat’s, Moneyglass in this year’s Intermediate decider. 1986 was the last time that the Slemish Park side experienced Intermediate glory but there was a quiet confidence within the camp that if they could perform to their potential they were in with a fighting chance this year.
They got off to a flying start when wing-half-back, Michael McCarry moved up field to score an excellent point after 30 seconds but they failed to build on this fine opening. Moneyglass began to settle and a dropping ball from James ‘Painter’ Marron fell invitingly towards the square and as the All Saint’s defence failed to act, Kevin Marron rose to fist the ball to the net in the third minute.
This score seemed to lift the favourites and Kevin Marron, Kevin Brady and James Marron added points by the 11th minute with their opponents displaying a lot of nerves and giving away silly ball coming out of defence, errors that were being quickly punished. Still when Paul McCann sent over a 25 meter free and Peter McCann followed with another well struck effort of the ground from 40 meters in the 17th minute it looked like the Braid men had finally found their feet.
They were guilty of some wayward shooting however as Peter McCann, Sean McVeigh, Paul McCann and Peter McNicholl were all off target and when Kevin Duffin moved forward from his defensive duties to strike an excellent left footed effort for St. Ergnats in the 20th minute they began to take control again. Kevin Marron, who was in superb form, added another and Ryan Boyd should have finished the half with his first of the game but his effort sailed wide of the upright.
It left the Moneyglass men with a fairly healthy looking half time lead of 1-5 to 0-3 and at this stage they looked well on track for the title with their opponents unable to match the accuracy of Kevin ‘Kendo’ Marron in front of the posts. The general feeling amongst the Ballymena contingent was that if they were to have any chance then they would have to get off to a good start to the second half.
BRIGHTER START
In the event it was St. Ergnats who were to get off to a flier on the resumption of play with Ryan Doyle and Kevin Marron firing over early points to extend their side’s lead to 0-7 by the 7th minute. At this stage it would have been a brave man who would have put his money on the Ballymena side but they were still battling manfully for every ball and the switching of Paddy Logan to mid-field brought about a change in their fortunes.
The former Ahoghill player began to pull the strings as he and Sean McVeigh took a firm grip in this sector and Peter McCann struck their opening score of the half and their first in 21 minutes as the Ballymena side began to dig deep. A minute later his brother Paul, playing at full-forward dived full length to fist the ball to the St. Ergnat’s net and bring the Ballymena supporters to their feet as they began to roar their side to greater efforts.
There was only a goal between the sides now and a contest that a few minutes earlier had looked out of reach, was now looking winnable for the Slemish Park men. Paddy Logan pointed a free to close that gap to two as the underdogs grew in stature while a bit of panic and frustration started to creep into their opponents play.
Liam Brady replaced Ryan Doyle in the St. Ergnat’s attack as Paul McCann sent over a 13th minute point for a Ballymena side who were growing in stature and belief. Ryan Boyd and Kevin Marron edged the Division 2 leaders further ahead as Moneyglass tried to respond but they had lost their earlier momentum and it was the men from the ‘Town’ who were now dictating matters.
They continued to press and Liam Cassley robbed full-back Donal Laverty as he attempted to clear the ball and passed to Paul McCann who found Peter McCann in front of goals and the former county man sent his close range shot to the net despite a strong challenge as he shot. The Ballymena men had the bit firmly between their teeth at this stage as they scented victory and Paul McCann sent a massive free from near the touchline between the uprights to tie the contest.
A St. Ergnat’s team who had looked positive and assured were now clearly rattled and a bit of indiscipline had crept into their play and Paddy Logan punished an indiscretion as he sent a 40 meter free between the uprights to give his side the lead for the first time since the opening score amidst a mighty roar from the Ballymena support.
Moneyglass did everything in their power to respond but passes that had been delivered with unerring accuracy earlier in the game were now going astray or being intercepted by an eager All Saint’s defence who were playing out of their skins at this stage of the game. And the final score of the game was to go to All Saints as the astute Liam Cassley placed Paul McCann for a great point with three minutes remaining and there was to be no way back for St. Ergnats.
WILD CELEBRATIONS
Scenes of wild celebration followed as the Ballymena side savoured their moment of glory as the tune of ‘When the Saints go marching in’ echoed around Casement. It was 1986 since All Saints last won the Intermediate Championship and although they went on to enjoy a place in Division 1 for a time and a couple of good runs in the Senior Championship, success has eluded them for far too long. On the night their never-say-die attitude coupled with some excellent individual performances carried the day and they now go forward to meet Erne Gaels in their first ever venture into the Ulster series.
Moneyglass will be bitterly disappointed. They were cast as firm favourites and for more than half the game justified the favourites tag. They were rattled however by the ferocity of the All Saint’s comeback and lost a momentum they were consequently unable to regain. They look certain to be playing their football in Division 1 next season and while this will be little consolation just now, they are a young side and look well equipped to hold their own in the higher grade.
All Saints: Mickey O’Kane: Seamus McAffee, Andy Kelly, Damian Kelly: Michael McCarry, Peter McNicholl, Terry Logan: Barney Logan, Sean McVeigh: Tiernan Walsh, Paddy Logan, Conor Crilly: Liam Cassley, Paul McCann, Peter McCann. Subs: Joe Rafferty for Barney Logan, Ryan Lyness for Terry Logan.
Moneyglass: Mark Carey: Myran Neeson, Donal Laverty, Ciaran Kelly: Ciaran Duffin, Jarvis Weir, Owen McMeel: Adrian McKeefrey, Kevin Marron: Kevin Brady, James Marron, Ryan Doyle: Stephen Griffin, Ryan Boyd, Fergal Duffin. Subs: Liam Brady for Ryan Boyd, Gareth Quinn for Stephen Griffin, Gerard Carey for Owen McMeel.
Referee: Eugene Traynor (Ardoyne)
Related:
- IFC Final 2008 Gallery
- Post Match Celebrations Gallery
Coaching Information – Jim Brady
Folks, Just looking for some feedback on an idea.
Pat Falls has been tasked with getting together a group to examine coaching in the club with a view to assessing current structures (qualified coaches, possible coaching improvements, procedures etc) in line with the club’s strategic plan. As you know myself and John Donaghy were asked by Pat to give our thoughts on how to move the issue forward and did so in a recent meeting which led to various people from all aspects of club life being asked to come forward. Hugh, Bernie and Paddy are the nominated representatives from the juvenile end of things. Girl’s football will be included as well!
Since becoming involved I have felt that to look at all coaching from juvenile up to senior may not be the best way forward. As we all know juvenile is the most important area if future success is to be achieved and senior coaching is very much dominated by the managers of the time. My thoughts therefore are that whatever structure we decide on for the activity the focus should be only juvenile activity at this stage. I would go further than coaching and look at all aspects of what we do (coaching, child protection, fundraising, committee structures, parental involvement etc).
The overall plan that we have suggested would be to have a half day (Sat morning) session with all interested parties involved, including guest speakers, sometime in November as a type of seminar event. This would enable us to take stock of where we wish to go and help us form a rolling plan for the next 3-5 years. The 3 of us are meeting next week and I would appreciate feedback from all interested members currently involved in youth or interested in the future youth development of the club as to whether this is worth running with.
Thanks, Jim
Club Notes WB: 26-10-08
ALL SAINTS GAC Club Notes WB: 26-10-08
Lotto: Numbers:3,12,20 . No Winner. Hard Luck prize: T Ward, £20. Tonight’s Jackpot £1200. Lotto Tickets available from any committee member or purchase at Bingo or contact 25644904 / 07802278597 / 07747726144. If you’re not in you can’t Win!
Fixtures: Sunday 26th Oct (today) ACFL D2 v Rossa (Home) @2pm. Tuesday 28th Oct: IFC Final Re-fix All Saints v Moneyglass. Venue: Casement Park Throw in: 7.30pm (Time still to be confirmed). Come along and support your club in this historic fixture. Our first chance of county silverware since 1986.
Results: ACFL D2 Dunloy 1-07 All Saints 4-09
Please refer to our re-launched website for all club news including recent developments on Quinn Park & the IFC final refix time. Also, Why not leave your ‘members profile’ on the website?
D2 Football All Saints V Rossa – Cancelled
The above match scheduled for this Sunday has been postponed due to the forthcoming championship. Regarding our league position we need to get the games played ( hoping that we win the IFC) even Sat and Sun games to be sure of finishing with enough points to avoid the drop.
We also will need to get the co-operation of other clubs for changes.
All Saints Archieve Material – Hurling
See below – This is an old account that I thought I had lost. Our site Administrator can add to the history section. Some blanks need filled in but there is some memorable items.
Alaster
HURLING
The All Saints Club was founded with the aspiration to promote hurling within the Ballymena area. In 1975 that dream became a reality when Anthony Mulvenna established the first hurling team in the All Saint’s club. Anthony Mulvenna recalls that his perception was that families had moved into Ballymena from the Glens and other areas where the hurling tradition was strong. He believed that these families would become involved in the new club.
Hurling began within the newly formed club in the summer of 1975 with friendly games organised at the all weather pitch at St Patrick’s School and Carnival games throughout Antrim and Derry.
In 1976 All Saints entered the South West hurling leagues at U16 and U12 level. The U16 team showed promise with victories in their first 2 games at Moneyglass (2.0 – 4.1) and Cargin (0.0- 5.2). The mentors Seamus Crummey and Anthony Mulvenna felt satisfied at the progress being made. Over the next 3 years Juvenile hurling flourished within the South West leagues.
Senior hurling began in the All Saints club in 1978 were they successfully competed in the South West Junior championship were they reached the final at their first attempt. The match against ———-.
In 1979 All Saints entered the All County Division 4 hurling league with Denis Martin as team selector. The first seasons campaign was mixed with some heavy defeats as well as a few memorable victories. The first victory recorded in the league was on the 2nd August 1979 at Hugomont when they beat their local rivals Ahoghill a local reporter noted ” This was Ballymena’s Junior hurling team’s first win in the league. They set about their task in a determined fashion and were ahead by half time, Ahoghill put pressure on in the second half but the local side held out to the final whistle. (2.7- 2.2). Outstanding for Ballymena were Tony Mulvenna, Seamus McCracken, Seamus Crummey and JockMcKay. Scorers: E McCann 0-2, S McCracken 1-2, J McKay 0-1, S Crummey0-1,J Agnew 1-0 and C McCaughey0-1. Team: D Martin, P Neeson, R Shannon, A Mulvenna, S McLaughlin, P Devlin, R Wiliamson, C McCaughey, S McCracken, J McKay, S Crummey,E McCann, R O’ Neill, R Mort and J Agnew
On their way to the 1979 final they sensationally disposed of Glenavy in the semi final with a massive 8-7 to 1-2 scoreline, one reporter noted,” This was an outstanding victory especially since the All Saints men had played 50 minutes with 14 men. Des O’ Neill was outstanding in goals while Seamus McKernan and Paul McNeill had sterling games in defence, Seamus Crummey and Paul Fleming controlled the middle while Paul McGuckian and Tony Mulvenna were always alert in attack. Glenavy gave a heroric defensive display in Joe O’ Boyle (Antrim’s Present Chairman), and Stephen, Seamus and Pat Mulholland”. The final proved to a similar outcome to the previous years. On this occasion the opposition was from ——- and the ———-.
1980 saw the All Saint’s hurlers making further achievements in the South West Junior Hurling Championship for the third year in succession. In the semi final they came up against Cargin in what turned out to be a one sided affair with Seamus Crummey controlling the play while younger players like David Neeson and Micky Robinson showed promise. Final score All Saints 3-4, 0-0 Cargin.
In the final All Saints came up against St Mary’s Ahoghill at Randalstown on 17th August 1980. A Large crowd saw All Saints open the scoring with a point from Harry Dobbin only for Ahoghill’s reply with a point and then took the lead with a goal. Seamus Crummey immediately replied with an All Saint’s goal followed by a point from Jock McKay to leave All Saints with a point lead at half time. The second half saw Ahoghill open with 2 points before yet again Semus Crummey found the back of the net with a 30 yard drive. Shortly afterwards Harry Dobbin scored another goal to set up All Saints for their first hurling achievement ( 3-3 to 1-5). Press reports at the time noted: ” Ballymena’s defenders were sound and in this department Raymond Shannon was outstanding at centre half, In midfield team captain Jock McKay was outstanding and was backed up by Seamus McCracken and forwards Harry Dobbin and Seamus Crummey were effective.
Having taken the South West Junior Hurling Championship All Saints came up against Ballycastle’s second team in the County Junior final. On the Day Ballycastle’s experience and strength was far superior to All Saints.
The mood within the All Saint’s hurlers was that to improve in hurling it would be more effective to compete in the North Antrim league and subsequently in 1981 All Saints began to compete in North Antrim.
Throughout the next seven years All Saints found the competition in North Antrim stronger than that of the South West and it wasn’t until 1988 that the Junior Championship would beckon again.
1988 saw the appointment of Tony McClements as team manager his appointment seemed to lift the moral of the team. In his first season he guided the hurler’s to runners up behind St Teresa’s in Division 4, the highest position in their short history. Another first that year was the North Antrim Junior Championship title when along the way they defeated Larne and Cushendall before disposing of Armoy in the final. On this occasion the opposition in the County final would come from the Belfast club Kickham’s Ardoyne.
The 1988 final played at Casement Park turned out to be a disappointment for the All Saint’s hurlers. After a bright first quarter All saints were ahead by 1-2 to 0-1 only for Ardoyne to pull back. The second half proved to be a one-sided affair with Ardoyne ending another Championship dream. Although the season finished on a low, feelings were that Tony McClements was beginning to gell a team capable of a higher standard.
1989 saw All Saints back again for another attempt at the Junior Championship, after disposing of McDermott’s of Belfast in the semi final they now came up against their local rivals in the final. The game had an added attraction for one of All Saints former players John Sayers, who had lined out in the 1980 final was now lining out for Ahoghill.
The 1989 Junior Championship final was played on 25th September at Cushendall and the question was could All Saint’s make it third time lucky.
Ahoghill started brightly with a point in the opening minute but a brace of points at the mid point of the first half and a long free from Donal Carey touched to the back of the net by Stephen McAfee left All Saints favourites going into the break. The third quarter saw All Saints increase their lead only for Ahoghill to peg them back and when Ahoghill netted followed by a brace of points, All Saints found themselves 2 points behind. Jock McKay pointed for All Saints with minutes remaining. Ahoghill held on to take their first Junior title at All Saints expense.
The North Antrim Junior hurling championship was retained in 1990, in the final this time the opposition came from Armoy. (did we play Armoy in 2 finals?)
1991 proved to be a milestone for hurling within All Saint’s when the U16 hurler’s became the first juvenile side to win a league title when they where crowned North Antrim U16 league winners. Eoin Elliott, a former Ballycastle hurler, assumed the roll as coach of the U16 panel and his determination was embodied in the spirt of the team.
The league decider, against Loughguile, was played at Dunloy on the 6th october 1991. From the first puc-in All Saints took Control one local reporter noted: ” Liam foxy Maybin gave them the best possible start when he netted in the first minute and the blond-haired midfielder and captain was to have a major influence on the contest. Another point form Maybin followed by a point from Chris Devlin and goals Dominic Sayers and Liam Maybin gave All Saints a commanding 9-point lead at the break. The second Second half with a strong wind against them saw Loughgiel press with an early point followed by a scrambled goal. All Saints felt their first title was in jeopardy. All saints reacted in the best possible way and when Francis Casey netted in the 9th minute followed by a Dominic Sayers point the lead was restored. Paul McCann and Damien Kelly were outstanding during the second half thwarting the loiughgiel attack at every opportunity. ” Eoin Elliott deserves recognition but it would be wrong not to include the names of Seamus Crummey, Denis Martin and Jock McKay for the barren years that they spent bringing along this fine group of U16’s. Final Score : All Saints 6-6, Loughguile 3-3
The senior hurlers went on that year to capture yet another North Antrim Junior Championship when the defeated Cushendun “B” in the final at Glenarriffe. The Semi final of the All County saw All Saints come up against McDermott’s at Corrigan Park, Belfast, But on this occasion the Belfast men were too strong for All Saints.
1992 saw All Saints again picking up yet another North Antrim Championship when they disposed of Cloughmills at Loughgiel on 12 August 1992. The game itself proved to be a close encounter but the start of the match it seemed anything but as local press reported,” Cloughmills went into the break leading by 0-7 to a single Jock McKay point. All Saint’s hopes of retaining their championship seemed very much uncertain. All Saints came out in the second half with the strong wind in their backs and set about redressing the score. A Point from Sean O’ Kane followed by a brace from Liam “foxy” Maybin reduced the deficit to 2 points. 8 minutes from time Stephen McAfee prodded to the net a long ball from Martin McGarry to leave All Saints with a one point margin that they held on for the remaining tense minutes to retain yet another championship. “Best for All Saints were at the back Sean Magee, Dominic Downey, Gerry Maybin, Sean McCormick,and team captain Donal Carey. Damien Casey commanded the middle while up front Liam Maybin, Jock McKay, Martin Mc Garry and Stevie McAfee were on top of their game.
In the 1992 All County Junior final All Saints came up against St Enda’s of Glengormley. St Enda’s had been playing in division 2 of the All County hurling league and in the end their superiority left All Saint with yet another County final to reflect upon.
1993 saw a restructuring of the Championship to an open draw and in the championship. All Saints lost out narrowly in the first round to local rivals Glenravel. Revenge for the Championship defeat came within weeks when All Saints reversed the result of the Championship in the North Antrim Junior Feis semi final. All Saint’s hurlers and new team manager Chris Mathews collected their first North Antrim Junior Feis final at Carey on Saturday 3rd July 1993. Rasharkin were the opposition on this occasion but the strength and determination of All Saints inspired by Donal Carey, Joe McNally, Dominic Downey, Sean McCormick and Martin McGarry proved the difference.
The juvenile hurling within All Saint’s was boosted by the progress of the minor hurler’s who achieved success in becoming the first minor hurling team to record a league title for All Saints. Under the Management of Seamus Crummey, Owen Elliott and Chris Mathews All Saint’s Minor’s were brought to their first league final.
The league play-off saw All Saints come up against Glenarriffe at Loughguile. The game itself was played with great enthusiasm from All Saint’s this team was still the backbone of the successful team that had won the 1991 U16 league. Players that had now come of age included Paul McCann, Liam Maybin and Dominic Sayers….. In a closely fought contest All neutrals at the game watched on as All saints were crowned North Antrim minor Division 2 Champions.
1995 saw a change again in hurling manager, on this occasion first team stalwart Jock McKay took over at the helm. During the course of 1995 All Saint’s hurlers recorded their most significant season to date.
Since first entering the All County leagues All Saints had competed in Division 3. The season of 1995 changed that with a concerted effort in the league campaign coupled with the injection of minors breaking through, All Saints found themselves becoming Division 3 league champions. In addition to the league All Saint’s hurlers also lifted yet another North Antrim Junior Championship title when they beat ==== at — on —–.
1996 beckoned with new horizons for All Saints senior hurlers, for the first time in their history they would compete in the Intermediate league having changed their status on promotion from the All County Division 3 league.
The 1996 league campaign began and from the onset it had become obvious that the gulf in standard in division 2 and division 3 was immense. Although All Saints started brightly in a number of games but the lack of experience of playing at the intermediate level proved to be a defining moment in the league. All saints had during the course of the season succumbed to the fact that relegation was evident.
In North Antrim All Saints competed in Division 2 and came up against, in many occasions, County hurlers who somehow were able to field in this league. Results in the league were so one sided that it lowered the moral of the team to an all time low.
The success story of hurling in 1996 was South West Antrim’s initiative to promote hurling within their division. A South west team successfully competed in the All IrelandU16B hurling final at Croke park where they were beat by aone point margin against Armagh. One of the Mentors of the team was Billy Butcher (current club chairman), All Saints players who where part of the team included Adrian O’ Kane, Conrad Butcher, Kevin Fyfe, Peter Butcher ans Stephen Campbell. The following year the team sadly met with a similar result when a solitary point also beat them, this time by Mayo.
1998 the All County leagues where restructured and the hurlers found themselves playing in Division 4 (the division one team had been split into 2 sections). Promotion that year eluded them by the narrowest of margins. In the Junior championship All Saints swept aside Ardoyne in the first round only to be eliminated by Rossa in the semi-final.
Since 1996 juvenile hurling had began to unravel within All Saint and in 1998 no juvenile hurling was played in North Antrim at Minor or U12 age.
As All Saint’s move into the new century attempts are being made to rejuvenate hurling within the All Saints club.
COUNTY PLAYERS
All saint’s players who represented the club at County level were Danny McCormack who featured in the County Minor ——
All Saints History Archieve material -Football
Football began within the All Saints Club in the early part of 1976. The concentration at that stage was with U16 and U12 football. During their first season in the U16 South West football league the team finished in 3rd position in their league.
The following year the U16 footballer’s went on to become the first team to win a league title for All Saints. The league play-off saw All Saints take on Tir Na-Nog in Toome. A local press report noted “The match was played in blustery conditions but the determination of the All saints boys was the difference in the sides. Best for the All Saints side were Enda McCann ,Martin McGinley, Vincent O’Loughlin and Eamon Corrigan”
The success of the U16 footballer’s inspired the team mentors Francis Scullion and Tim O’Kane. Coaching methods where improved upon. Sean Gallagher and Pat Jordan, a qualified coach, made progress on the skills and fitness of the juveniles.
In 1978 the U14 & U18 football leagues saw both teams finishing runners- up in their perspective leagues.
During the same year it was decided to enter an adult competition. The first game played was the 1978 South West Junior football Championship. The team came up against Cargin at Toomebridge on May 1978. Cargin won the game quite comfortable however the result of the game was not as important as the achievements by the All Saints club. The Cargin Officials congratulated the team and the Committee in their determination to promote Gaelic football and offered their support. (other games played?)
In 1979 and due to the popularity of adult Gaelic football, All Saints entered Division 4 of the adult All County Football league as a Junior Club. Coaching was beginning to show dividends. The new Junior football coach Sean Gallagher began to gel a team with a mixture of experience and youth. The former Ulster and Antrim Footballer Tony McAtamney, who now lived within Ballymena, had transferred from Casement’s Portglenone. Several other players who had played for GAA clubs in the south west but now lived in Ballymena also joined the ranks of this new team.
The growth within football was evident that now All Saints catered for teams from Under 12 right up to adult competition. The emphasis on training was rewarded again in 1980. Mentors Alex McCormack and Pat Jordan guided the U12 and U14 football teams to their perspective south west league title. It had become obvious that the talent within the team at this level was immense.
In 1981 the U16 football team that was made up of the previous year’s victorious U14 team went on to be crowned south west Champions. During the same year the new Junior football coach, Gus Reid guided the Junior football team to the Club’s first adult success in football, when they were crowned South West Junior league Champions.
Team Captain Andy McAuley recalls the playing conditions at the Hugomont Pitch during that campaign and one match in particular. “The conditions for a match were atrocious, the bog at the bottom of the field was flooded due to heavy overnight rain. Brian McCambridgehad got a length of drainpipe and channeled most of the water away from the goals”.
“During the game Moneyglass kicked a ball into the All Saint’s penalty area (All Saint’s were defending the bog). The ball immediately stopped in the muck. Players from both sides dived in attacking the ball, which nobody could see. The referee blew the whistle and players separated, moments later, completely covered in slurry type muck, Gus Reid arose out of the ground and resumed his position in goals to roars of laughter”.
The following year the nucleus of the previous year’s South west Junior team was the backbone to the Success of All Saint’s going on to win the club’s first All County league title when they were crowned the 1982 Division 4 Champions.
A mixture of experience and youth within the team gelled together by Gus Reid and Paddy McIlwaine pointed to further success in 1983.
The D3 league play-off saw All Saint up against a more experienced team in St James’s Aldergrove. The Game was played at Moneyglass on 19 December 1983 and expectations were high. From the throw-in All Saints took control of the game, such was their determination. Enda McAtamney caught the opening ball and sent a through ball to Raymond Shannon who, in turn, set up Frank Delargy to strike the opening goal.
In the end All Saints where crowned D3 league champions winning by 1-8 to 0-3. A local reporter noted “Ballymenawere by far, the more superior side and with performances like these they need not fear second division football. Many a side will fall to the Ballymenamen before the season is through”. With players of the experience of Denis Rocks at the Back, the McCormick Brothers at half- backs, Andy McAuley and Lexi Elliott at midfield they have the foundation to improve. In addition they have an array of talent in Enda McAtamney, and the McCann Brothers Gerald and Brendan, Sons of the former Bellaghy and DerryPlayer Gerry McCann and Frank Delargyanother player with tremendous potential.
Although the going in the Division 2 during the 1984 season had been tough and physical the team managed to retain their position in the league
1984 recorded yet another milestone in the history of All Saints when the All Saints Footballers where crowned All County Junior Football Championship winners.
In the championship they overcame Cargin, Antrim and Rasharkin before defeating Tir Na Nog at Ahoghill in the south west final. In the County Semi final, Ardoyne where the victims, earning the Saints a place in the final.
On September 30 1984 at Casement Park they came up against Glenarm.
Glenarm had been a bogey team for the All Saints men and also had defeated them in the 1983 County Junior Football Championship semi final.
Gus Reid had now been coaching the team for the past 3 years and his efforts where finally rewarded on the day.
All Saints won with ease on the day by 1-9 to Glenarm’s 0-1. B McCann (0-5), P Magee (1-0), K Quigley (0-2), G McCann ( 0-1) and E McAtamney (0-1). P O Neill got Glenarm’s only score.
The local press noted the success ” Gus Reid and Paddy McIlwaine deserve the success for the determination they have shown to this talented team.”
” Some outstanding performances but if one had to choose a man of the match then it would rightly be attributed to a player that is coming to the end of his career but who on the day played out of his skin, Kevin Quigley.”
In Goals Brendan Lynn has been a stalwart while in defence Denis Rock and Seamus McCormack where in control. Gerry McCann and team captain Andy McAuley, controlled the middle, up front, Brendan McCann was outstanding.
“If the All Saint’s men can keep the momentum going one can see a senior title in the not too distant future”
1984 also saw All Saints Minor team crowned SouthWest league winners for the first time. Some members of the minor team had begun to break into the ranks of the senior team. The talent in this panel was immense with the likes of Timmy Connolly, Dominic Gallagher, Gerry Davey, James McErlane and Declan Farrell all becoming of age.
In 1985 the U12 football team under the management of Brian McLarnon and ——, were crowned U12 South West league winners. The potential of the team would re-emerge in latter years.
1986 proved to be another milestone for All Saints football.
Under the management of Kevin Quigley, Enda McCann and Tony McAtamneythe Intermediate team competed with distinction in the Division 2 league campaign, using it to blend in the vast array of talent that had come through the Juvenile structure of the club. In the end the team finished runners-up.
The Intermediate football championship saw All Saints disposing of Mitchels in the first round while in the semi final came up against a much fancied Ardoyneteam. The match itself was a nail biter with nothing between the team in the final minutes of the game until a Frank Delargy goal ripped the back of the net, All Saints found themselves in yet another County final.
On Sunday 24 August 1986 All Saints came up against St Enda’s of Glengormley in the Intermediate Fooball Championship final at Randalstown. The teams had met earlier in the league campaign and that encounter ended in a draw. Expectations where high from bothcamps, with the St Enda’s team boosted by the quality of the County players Eamon , Kieran and Brendan Prenter, All saints felt that they had a stronger team in every department. In goals Brendan Lynn was always dependable while newcomer Michael McVeigh and Timmy Connolly had strengthened the defence this season. Gerald McCann and Andy McAuley compliment each other in the middle while up front the Brendan McCann, Enda McAtamney, James McErlane and Frank Delargy would torment any defence in Antrim.
From the throw-in the All Saints men had opportunities to command the lead but frustratingly kicked too many chances wide before eventually winning 0-7 to 0-5. A local Reporter noted: ” Displaying skills that would put many a senior side to shame, Kevin Quigley and his merry men disposed of St Enda’s challenge but should have won by a much greater margin
Failing to score in the opening ten minutes when they should have had a half dozen points, they allowed St Enda’s to take control of the first half. But for some wonderful place kicking from Frank Delargy, All Saints would have been behind going into the break.
” Ballymena’s scores came from F Delargy (0-4), Gerald McCann (0-2) and Brendan McCann (0-1)”. Ballymena must thank Team Captain Gerald McCannwho had a real stormer on the day and drove his team on with determination”
“After only 10 years in existence and at their second attempt at the Intermediate Championship, All Saints find themselves in Senior Championship Football”
All Saints now found themselves in the 1987 playing with the elite of Antrim Football.
The All Saint’s team included four player’s involved in Antrim’s Ulster Championship match against Donegal, Brendan McCann and Enda McAtamney were in the starting line-up while Timmy Connolly and Frank Delargy where introduced during the second half. Another addition to the squad was the Antrim player Kevin “Speedy” McAllister. Michael O’ Neill, son of the former St Gall’s and Antrim hurler Dessie, was another who had came through the club’s Juvenile structure that showed great potential. (Michael went on to become a professional soccer player for Scottish team Hiberian as well as English teams Newcastle, ……. He also has been capped for the Northern Ireland Soccer team on numerous occasions)
The senior football championship draw of 1987 gave All Saints a draw that was described as a “Baptism of hell for the newcomers”. All Saints were paired off with St John’s of Belfast, the 1986 Senior football Champions, in a preliminary round to be staged at O’Cahan Park, Portglenone on the 10th May 1987.
The pre-match pundits from the Irish News, Andersonstown News and local press gave the All Saints men no chance. The All Saints men had other ideas.
The report on the game in the Irish News on Monday 11th May 1987 was preceded by a banner headline along the top page of the Irish News “St John’s dumped out in SFC shock – see back page”.
The back page report went: “St John’sthe Antrim football champions, were dumped from this years competition by Unknowns,Ballymena in this preliminary round game at Portglenone.
“Stunned by the power and determination of the All Saints Side the Corrigan Park men could never get their game together and indeed by the final whistle it was in tatters”
“Ballymena, Undaunted by the occasion, took their scores with Frank Delargy, Micky O Neill and Raymond Shannon putting them 3 to the good in the first quarter. ” Delargy again in the 25 minute saw his point-blank shot tipped over the bar and then the most luckless attack saw O’ Neill and Shannon hit the timber before James McErlane found the back of the net. Despite second half chances St John’s failed to make any impression and on each occasion they scored Ballymena replied. Seven minutes from time Micky O’ Neill punched a Raymond Shannon cross to the net and the Ballymena dream became a reality – Result Ballymena2-8 1-4 St John’s. New stars emerged as a result of this sensation with Brendan Lynn and Seamus McMahon two players whose names should be noted”
“Gerald McCann and Timmy Connolly had a rough ride in the first half but got back into it while Micky O Neill and Barney McCann on the left flank outplayed the St John’s defenders, forwards Raymond Shannon and Frank Delargy both came of age”
Having shocked the Gaels all around Antrim, All Saints came up against Lamb Dherg of Hannahstown in the next round, the Venue again was Portglenone. (All Saint’s grounds where under construction and had been given permission by the Portglenone Club to use their facilities during the championship)
On Sunday 6th July 1987 All saints took the field confident that they could equal their achievement of the previous round and within minutes they set their stall out.
” Goals from Frank Delargy and Kevin Quigley put All Saints into commanding lead but a goal and a penalty for Lamb Dhergleft the sides level and All Saints were lucky to go into the break with a point lead thanks to James McErlane”.
The second half proved to be even more exciting than the first half with one team then the other looking winners.
“Ten minutes to go and Ballymena leading by a single point, were awarded a penalty. The ball hit the woodwork and Lamb dhergcleared up field and replied with a point to level the score. Three minutes from time Lamb Dherg struck another point to go into what looked like the winner. Kevin McAllistersaved the All Saint side with a point to order a replay”.
” Best for Ballymena were B Lynn, M McVeigh, T Connolly, F Delargy, K McAllister and R Shannon.
The replay at Lamb Dherg would be yet another daunting task for All Saints. The feeling amongst the press was that they had their chance and blew it. Injuries had taken their toll and the loss of Denis Rocks in defence led to apprehension in the All Saints camp.
The replay proved to be a classic. All Saints trailing 1-4 to 0-2 two minutes before the interval then Frank Delargy on a solo run netted to leave a margin of 2 points leading into the break. The second half saw All Saints level the match before Lamb dhergreplied with a point to tilt the score in their favour.A Barney McCannpoint with time nearly up seemed to have won the game but there was a feeling of de ja vous when Lamb Dherg equalised in the last kick of the game, extra time would decided the winners.
Extra time was the last thing All Saints needed. With further injuries to key players during normal time All Saint’s had to change their game plan, All Saints looked doomed.
Within seven minutes of extra time All Saints fell behind by 2 goals and 1 point. It looked over.
” In the 12thminute Ballymena found their inspiration in the form of Barney McCann, who took on the entire Hannahstown defence soloed through for, by far the most important goal of the game.”
The second period of extra time saw All Saint’s take control and ended up winning 3-14 to 3- 10.
The Match reports noted that every player that played that day where” hero’s for the guts and determination that they had shown”
In their first season Saints have reached the quarter- finals of the Senior Football Championship attempt where they play Championship favourite’s St Paul’s.
Alas the championship dream was ended at Shaw’s Road, home of St Paul’s.
They had taken notice of All Saint’s and with injuries still troubling All Saints, on the day St Paul’s where just too strong, adapting better to the wet and blustery conditions.
The championship now gone All Saints concentrated on the league campaign and managed to gain promotion to Division 1 of the All County Leagues.
In 1988, and under the new management of Tony McAtamney and Enda McCann , All Saint’s open their campaign in the premier league.
A defeat against St Paul’s at the Shaw’s Road before beating Davitt’s in a home game at the new grounds at Slemish Park.
A defeat in the first round of the Senior Championship by Rasharkin stunned the team. League successes had been average with a mid- table finishing point.
All Saints went on that year to add another Championship, this time it was the South West senior football championship, the “O’Cahan Cup”. All saints came up against Erins Own (Cargin) at Rasharkin. All Saint’s yet again started the game as underdogs, a nametag that always inspired the team to higher achievements.
Opening points by Barney McCann and Timmy Connolly gave All Saints an early lead before replies by Cargin. Barney McCann palmed in another point and 2 free kicks by Enda McAtamney gave All Saints a 5-4 lead at the break. A Couple of replied by Carginat the start of the second half, saw All Saints behind for the first time in the game. The game start to become physical with over zealous players which took away from the momentum of the game. After a series of missed opportunities by All Saints, Sean Quinn finally levelled the scores. In the 28thminute, All Saint’s where awarded a free some 40 yards from goal. Substitute, Frank Delargy, was given the task of converting the chance which he calmly done and what proved to be the final score – All Saints 0-7, 0-6 Cargin.
Local press reports noted the key players, in defence Mickey McVeigh, Seamus McMahon, and Enda McAtamney, in midfield AndyMcAuley and Gerald McCann. Forwards Barney McCann and man of the match Timmy Connolly.
During the next 4 years the senior team went through a transitional period, other experienced players who had moved into the Ballymena area replaced retiring players.
1990 proved to be another successful year for the All Saint Juvenile teams, and in particular the Minor football team. This team under the guidance of senior footballer Jimmy Scullion and Hugh Killough, a former senior football, where made up of the U12 team that won their league in 1985. The minor’s found themselves up against Dunloy in the South West final (Date?). Within 7 minutes All Saints where 5 points down some questions where been asked of the Management, in particular that they insisted in playing Shane McQuillan at full forward. All Saint’s Captain Felix McQuillan led by example and opened the Saint’s scoring in the 8thminute. The latter part of the first half justified the team selection when Shane McQuillannetted in 29minutes followed by a brace of points to put them into a point lead by half time. The second half All saints pulled further away with 2 goals from Justin McLaughlin only for Dunloy’s Gregory O’Kaneto claw his side back with a 27thminute penalty leaving a margin of 2 points in favour of All Saints – All Saints 3-9 4-4 Dunloy. Local press reports reported “A deserved win for the All Saint and the manner in which the game was played was a credit to both teams. The Payne brothers Damian and Gary where superb in defence, while Felix McQuillan was outstanding in the middle of the park, up front their attack was very sharp in Justin McLaughlin and the outstanding Shane McQuillan. Having taken the South West title they now came up against St Paul’s in the County final but on the day the dream disappeared. St Paul’s fielding 7 County minors took control of the game at an early stage. A report on the game noted “All saint’s came up against Antrim’s strongest minor team for some years and they shouldn’t be disheartened by the result. This team has the potential to represent their club in Championships in years to come.”
In 1992 the senior football team were relegated from Division 1 of the All County league. The 1993 league saw the All Saint’s men competing again in the intermediate championship but after a win against O’ Donnell’s the team where knocked out at home to Moneyglass.
Success was achieved in the league campaign. All Saints finished runners-up, St Teresa’s of Belfast won the Intermediate Championship and the Division 2 league. St Teresa,s earned promotion through the Championship leaving the runner-up position available for promotion. A return to the senior was the reward.
In the Intermediate reserve championship, All Saints reserves enjoyed a degree of success in reaching the final where they came up against St Teresa’s of Belfast. All Saints took early control of the game before going behind with minutes remaining. “All Saint’s midfielder John Hasson fisted a point to earn his side a much deserved replay. In goals AlasterMcWilliams made two important saves while man of the match Kevin McCarry was the pick of the defence. Stephen McAtamney and John Hasson held their own in the middle. Niall Quinn, Maurice Goldring and Paul Curry where the pick of the forwards. Manager Gerry McParlandhas to be given credit for keeping with the team that got them to the final. The replay a week later saw the All Saints men lose by a point in what was a good spirited game. ” The difference on the day was”the free taking of ex Antrim Star Danny Cunningham whose point taking was of the highest standard.”
The 1994 league campaign got off to a great start by beating the County Champions St Gall’s in the first match. All Saints finished the league in 7th position their highest league position.
Another milestone was reached in 1995 in the senior football championship, this time under the management of player/manager Gerald McCann.
The initial draw saw All Saint’s come up against our D2 bogey team St Teresa’s. All Saint’s overpowered St Teresa’s before sweeping aside O’Donnell’s in the quarter -final. All Saints found them again up against St John’s in the semi-final. All Saint’s were somewhat concerned that the duration of time in staging the semi-final was to suit the “commitments” of their opposition.
Rasharkin was the venue for the semi final, All Saints began the match playing their normal short game and matched each and every score of St John’s before taking a point lead at the interval. The second half saw St John’s move up a gear and on this occasion the All Saint’s men couldn’t reply.
In the senior football championship in 1996 All Saints disposed of O’Donavan Rossa in the first round. The quarter final against St Enda’sproved to be a physical encounter with St Enda’s running out eventual winners in a replay.
Success was yet again beckoning for the All Saint’s men in the O’Cahan Cup. After disposing of ===== in the earlier rounds All Saints came up against Con Magee’s Glenravel in the final.
The venue for the final was St Mary’s Ahoghill. During the game ============. The second half emotions where running high on both sides before a full-scale melee erupted on the field. The feeling was that perhaps the opposition wanted the game abandoned as by this stage and time running out they where trailing to All Saint. All Saints held their nerve in the final minutes and ran out worthy winners in a game marred by lack of discipline.
The U14 footballer’s were unlucky not to have won their league. The management team of Seamus Fyfe and Brian Loughran guided the U14’s to the league final only to be beaten narrowly in the last quarter of the game by Rasharkin.
The 1997 football season was not a memorable one for All saints. The 2 most significant factors that year was that due to restructuring of the All County Leagues All Saints found themselves competing in Division 1B. The second and most important factor was that All Saints were unable to compete, for the first time in their history, in the Minor football league.
The senior football Championship of 1998 was played in sections, All Saints found themselves in the same group as St Gall’s, Dunloy and St John’s. The first game against St Gall’s was a disaster. Next was Dunloy and having seemingly done enough to take the points casual errors crept into the game and another championship run was over. The final game proved to be the classic of the group All Saints up against St John’s again. A free flowing exciting game ended in a draw. A draw for St John’s was the feeling in the All Saint’s dressing room. Team Manager Kevin Quigleyhoped that the team’s recognition of their ability might have encouraged them to concentrate on promotion from division 2. His aspiration diminished when the next training session 7 players reported. The league campaign finished with All Saints in 5th position in Division 1B.
Brian Loughran and Michael Walsh guided the U14 football team to the South West U14 Shield only to be narrowly beaten by St Jame’s Aldergrove. Likewise, Seamus Fyfe guided the U16 football team that was narrowly beaten by St Mary’s Aghagallon. The minor football team, under the guidance of John Donaghy, rejoined the league again and although there was no major success the fact that the team was back in the league was of great significance.
1999 began with another restructuring of the All County league. This time All Saints found themselves in division 2 but still in the senior championship. Division 1 consisted of 10 teams, so the top 6 teams that had finished in the division 1B qualified for the senior championship.
The 1999 senior football championship saw All Saint’s come up against senior championship debutantes Casement’s of Portglenone. All Saint’s swept aside Casement’s only and come up against St Ergnet’s Moneyglass in the quarter final.
All Saints halfback Barry Quinn was the hero on the day with his clinical place kicking. Point after point went over the bar demoralizing the Moneyglass men with every kick. All Saints where once again back in the semi final.
At that stage of the season All Saints where top of Division 2, in the Semi final of the O’Cahan cup and semi finalist in the senior football championship.
The semi final arrived with the All Saint’s men in disarray. A loss of form as well as internal wrangling had lowered the team’s moral. Coupled with that injuries had taken their toll, hampering team selection.
The game against St Paul’s of Belfast was surprisingly played at Randalstown. St Paul’s went into the break 2 points up. 10 minutes from time an injury to midfielder Peter McCann gave St Paul’s the spur they need to finish off yet another All Saint’s championship.
Within days All Saint’s where knocked out of the O’Cahan Cup semi final by the revenging Moneyglass, All Saints promising season had ended fruitless.
The major success of 1999 was the U14 football team winning the U14 south west shield, the first juvenile success since 1990. The efforts put in by team mentors Brian Loughran and Michael Walsh where rewarded. Another outstanding success in 1999 came when Antrim were crowned All Ireland B football champions. Peter McCannrepresented the club with distinction and has become the first Player in the Club’s short history to win an All Ireland medal in Gaelic games.
The 2000 campaign has just begun and the signs are that All Saints senior footballer’s are going through a transitional period. For a club to lose all but one member of its victorious 1990 minor team would be a daunting prospect for the likes of St Paul’s or Cargin let alone All Saints.
At Juvenile level signs are encouraging but the lack of cohesion from Juvenile to senior would suggest that the time has come for All Saint’s to look at their history and note that good senior teams need good juvenile teams coming through the club structure.
COUNTY PLAYERS
Throughout the years several players have embarked in trails for County Minor and Senior teams. The first of these, extending back to 1978 and right up to the present day. The first being Enda McCann who was part of the ‘78 Minor team. Enda would have undoubtedly achieved senior representation had it not been for an injury that ended his participation. The last (or hopefully, the most recent) is Peter McCann, younger brother of Enda. Sandwiched between them were brothers Gerald and Brendan who also featured in County Senior teams while Paul was part of the Antrim Minor team of 1997. Brendan and most recently Peter have also been members of the Ulster team. Suggestions have been made over the years on who was the best of the McCann’s, the answer is still being debated.
The overall commitment of the McCann family to Gaelic games and in particular football within the All Saint’s club since its formation has been outstanding. Every club has one or two dominant families and in All Saints case the McCann’s fill that roll. Their Cousins Enda and Stephen McAtamney sons of the former Ulster and Antrim star Tony McAtamney also starred in Antrim teams, Enda at Senior while Stephen at minor.
Frank Delargy also donned the Saffron in the 80’s. Timmy Connolly has featured for Antrim during the 80’s and 90’s but for work commitments Timmy would surly have represented the County to a greater extent.
Other players who have represented All Saints at County Minor level were Hugh Killough who featured in the 80’s winning team against Monaghan. Shane McQuillan who featured withminor teams in the 90’s but was drawn by Irish League Soccer.
Teamwork the key to great result over Dunloy
ACFL D2 Sunday 19/10/08:
Dunloy 1-07 All Saints 4-09
At a very windswept and wet Dunloy on a greasy surface, our senior footballers played out a great victory away to Dunloy on Sunday past. Full credit to both teams for playing good positive football and serving up a good, hard and exciting game. The First 10 minutes wasa game riddled with defensive mistakes by All Saints, giving the ball away too easily accounting for 2 of dunloys’ points and on a day when scores were proving hard to come by this was proving costly to the saints. Saints had earlier been spurred into life after injuries to key players (T walsh and K Mcallister, latter having made some outstanding blocks on the Dunloy attackers). These injuries had brought All Saints to life as D Casey was moved into the half back line, J Donaghy into full back line and G Murhpy into the half forwards. Saints burst into action with some nice slick play after this. A good interchange of play sent Peter McCann in on goal and coolly slotted the ball past Dunloy keeper. With the wind at their backs Saints started to use the intelligent Long ball to good effect and acouple of quick points in succession and another goal by Peter McCann was just reward for Saints team effort and has to be said slicker football. Towards end of Half Liam Cassley slotted over a lovely sideline ball from 35 yards out on the left hand side, a lovely score indicative of the nice play that was evident throughout the 1st half by the Saints. Half time the Saints led by 9.
2nd Half.
With a strong wind at their backs and conditions worsening , a nine point advantage didn’t seem too insurmountable. Favouring the Dunloy attack, an onslaught was expected. However it was the Slemish Park men who got the first two scores of the second half and when a third goal was created and finished expertly by Peter McCann the script wasn’t going to plan. However, Dunloy’s time did come and for a period of about 15 mins or so they pepperd the AS goal and mounted something of a comeback. McAllister scored Dunloy’s goal after the long ball played in and 4 points were picked off from play. Saints though, fought for every ball and the greater teamwork and skill saw them come through in a very impressive team performance. A great game for Saints to win, they will now go into C’Ship final in a better frame of mind. Much improved on last week’s draw with Glenravel.
All Saints: M O’Kane, Kevin McAllister, Seamus McAfee, Andy Kelly, Terry Logan, Tiernan Walsh, Mick McCarry, Brney Logan, Sean McVeigh, Liam Cassley, Paddy Logan, Conor Crilly, Paul McCann, Damien Casey, Peter McCann. Subs used: J Donaghy, Gary Murphy.
Scorers:
Peter McCann 2-1 Conor Crilly 2-0, Gary Murphy 0-1, Liam Cassley 0-2, Sean McVeigh 0-1, Paddy Logan 0-1, Paul McCann 0-3
All County Intermediate Football Championship Final
| October 28, 2008 | ||
| 7:30 pm |
IFC Final: All Saints v Moneyglass. Venue: Casement Park. Throw in: TBC
