THE Antrim Senior Football Championship saw the final round of group fixtures throw up some dramatic finishes as the group stages finalised the last few positions in the quarter-finals of the 2026 campaign.
Dunloy, St John's and Portglenone had ensured their position as group victors ahead of their final day clashes and for the North Antrim side and of course the Johnnies, it could prove huge ahead of their small ball ties next weekend and the ability to rest some of their key dual stars.
But, for the rest of the teams everything lay in the balance and the hopes of progression paired with the avoidance of a potential relegation play-off made sure that it was all to play for.
Rossa 4-16 Tír na nÓg 2-9
The Jeremiahs earned themselves a quarter-final spot at full-time after a huge second half performance saw them put Randalstown to the sword in Hannahstown after a cagey opening half at the foot of the Black Mountain.
Second-half goals came when McEnhill struck his major when his penalty effort rebounded off the post and the Antrim star was on hand to punch a shot into the net.
Stephen Beatty enjoyed a terrific brace to cap off an unusual performance in the front-line, with Thomas Rogan getting in on the act and Beatty's second wrapped up the victory for Rossa.
Dominic McEnhill led the scoring for Rossa with a goal and eight points to his name, and despite Randalstown showing some fight with Eamon Óg McAllister and Caleb McAllister both finding the net, ultimately it would be the men from the Shaws Road who would prevail.
Dunloy 0-8 Glenravel 2-10
Relying on results elsewhere didn't deter Con Magees as they managed to overcome their rivals on the final game to avoid the relegation play-off.
Ryan McQuillan starred as they managed to earn a big victory in Cargin, with table-toppers Dunloy starting a fairly mixed bag of a starting line-up.
A first half penalty miss from Dunloy ended any hopes of a comeback and when they netted a second goal thanks to O'Broin's strike in the second period the derby spoils would be their consolation prize along with retaining a top-flight status.
Lámh Dhearg 1-15 Sarsfields 0-13
A second half Ben Rice goal ensured that Lámh Dhearg would be solely waiting on the outcome from Portglenone's game with Aghagallon to see if they would be facing the county champions in the quarters.
Despite a half-time deficit Lámh Dhearg fought back and had to rely on the returning Paddy Cunningham to star with their lion's share of scoring.
At full-time the team anxiously waited but celebrated knockout football after missing out last term.
Portglenone 2-16 St Mary's Aghagllon 0-18
When Eunan Walsh's long-range effort in the dying minutes crept inches wide, the feeling of an almighty comeback was denied to Aghagallon as Portglenone managed to rally late on and earn themselves a huge win over St Mary's.
A first half brace from Michael Hagan set Portglenone on their way to victory, but Aghagallon would not lie down and fought valiantly in the second half, but an early Adam Loughran injury stunted their attacking force.
Portglenone struck a late two-pointer from Doherty sealed the win and top spot in the group.
St Paul’s 1-10 St John’s 2-10
Conal Bohill’s late goal sealed a third win in succession for St John’s as they took the derby spoils over St Paul’s on Sunday afternoon and condemned their rivals to the relegation play-off.
Despite the late victory, St Paul’s had the game tied when Cormac Trainor slotted the ball home, but the Johnnies got back in front when Conal McGlade netted just before the half.
Odhrán Quinn’s red card did not deter the Corrigan Park side who went on and claimed their victory as they made it three from three.
Creggan 3-16 All Saints Ballymena 2-12
Despite the concession of two early goals, Creggan managed to earn themselves the quarter-final berth with a massive victory over Ballymena on Sunday afternoon.
Once Creggan got a foothold on the game it was hard to see any other result on the afternoon.
Goals from Shean McCann and Conor Small helped the South Antrim side grow into their lead and a late Tiernan McAteer goal wrapped the game for the Kickhams, whilst Paddy McAleer and Conor Stewart did find green flags for their side, but a strong performance from Creggan ensured they would progress.
Cargin proved too strong and ended St Gall's Championship hopes
St Brigid’s 7-19 Moneyglass 0-8
A comprehensive victory ensured safe passage to the next round for the Biddies after they made short work of St Ergnat’s in Ahoghill.
A 12-point half-time lead proved the game was only waiting on the whistle with huge performances from Niall Duffy and JJ Higgins among the star Ronan McGrady helped put the Lough Beg side to the sword.
Duffy found another goal late on as St Brigid’s confirmed second place in the group and a knockout derby with St John’s.
Cargin 2-14 St Gall’s 1-11
The task proved too tall for the men from Milltown and when Conhuir Johnston slotted underneath Chris Kerr in the dying minutes the game was sealed.
A strong first half kept St Gall’s in the tie with their deficit at just four points with the breeze in their favour to come, but Cargin rallied and put to bed any fears that the Belfast club side would mount a comeback.
Despite Callum Walsh finding the net, Cargin kept ticking away with Johnston and Mick McCann playing pivotal roles in the remainder of the tie and Johnston managed to find the net in the dying minutes to seal a six-point win.
Cargin clinched the win and topped the ‘group of death’ in the process.
The Full draw for the Antrim Senior Championship Quarterfinals below:
Cargin v Creggan
St John’s v St Brigid’s
Lamh Dhearg v Dunloy
Rossa v Portglenone
All ties will be played across the weekend of September 18th-20th with neutral venues still to be selected.
