​Corrigan Clashes Strenghten Friendships

Cluichí na gCarad - the annual friendship games between Dublin and Antrim - celebrated 91 years in existence on Thursday last, back where they began in McCrory Park and Corrigan Park in Belfast. 

Some of the greatest-ever Dublin and Antrim players have participated over the years - Kevin Armstrong, Ciarán Barr, Jim Connolly, Jimmy Keaveney, Peadar Carton, Shane Ryan, Conal Keaney and Cormac Costello are among the celebrated alumni.

After a guided tour of historic McCrory Park to explain its significance in the history of the Friendship Games, the on-field action took place in nearby Corrigan Park. 

Dublin footballers, captained by Donabate-Portrane player Max Egan, had star players in Éanna Mac Amhlaigh,Gaelscoil Bhaile Bhrigín, James Mulligan, Rush NS, Leo Brennan and Adam Kinsella both Rolestown NS and Tom Kirrane from Oliver Plunkett’s NS, Malahide. Tom’s mother played in the Friendship Games 30 years ago. 

Caolán Daly with his father Darren.

Caolán Daly, son of former Dublin star, Darren, scored two great points while Ruadán McKenna Divilly, son of Galway All-Ireland winner, John Divilly, looks like he has a bright future in the game. 

Player of the match for Áth Cliath was Brian McGee from St. Fiachra’s, Beaumont.

The girls’ football team were also impressive winners with Ciara McCabe from Sacred Heart NS, Sruleen starring. 

Ruadhan McKenna Divilly with his father John. 

Hope Canavan from St. Brigid’s and Sadhbh O’Brien from Holy Child, were impressive contributors. 

Ellen Stafford from Ballyboughal scored 1-3 while team captain Leah Gallagher, from Scoil Mhearnóg, led by example with 1-3 on the scoreboard.

Chloe Ní Chárthaigh, from Gaelscoil Naomh Pádraig, notched an impressive 4-3 for the camogie girls while Holly Nic Gabhann’ goal was applauded by the large crowd in Corrigan Park. The camogie team joined the boys’ and girls’ footballers in claiming honours up north. 

The Áth Cliath hurlers were beaten on the scoreboard but played some great hurling under managers Kevin Kealy (Holy Trinity NS) who is a St. Eunan’s and Donegal footballer and hurler and Longford teacher Niall Keane who is in St. Joseph’s, East Wall. 

Kevin Kealy and Niall Keane with the hurlers at halftime.

As part of the current Cumann na mBunscol ‘ Hooked On Hurling’ promotion, Kevin wrote a short report on the north-south hurling encounter in Corrigan Park. 

Some of the names mentioned will be heard of in the future: 

Iomáint: Áth Cliath v Aontroim

After an exciting encounter at Corrigan Park, Belfast, between Dublin and Antrim, the final score stood at 2-8 to 0-5 in favour of Antrim. Despite the result, Dublin showcased their talents on the field, dominating possession throughout the match. Unfortunate to concede two goals, they fought right till the end. 

Eoin Lynch of St. Helens displayed outstanding defensive skills in the full back line and even contributed a superb point. Cormac O'Neill from Pope John Paul II impressed at full forward, scoring two points. His father, a former St. Galls player, watched proudly from the stand.

Darragh Healy from St. Helens impressed with a terrific solo run up the sideline, culminating in a magnificent left-sided score. Cullann O'Hanlon (St. Francis Xavier), Finn Garner (St. Lorcan's Palmerstown), Malachy Phelan (St. Fiachra's Beaumont), and Sam Flanagan (Bayside) fought tirelessly in the middle third, displaying great determination. Andrew Mc Carthy (Holy Trinity SNS) captained the Dublin side and led by example at full back. Rian O'Toole (Scoil Mobhi) performed well in nets. His impressive long puckouts, provided Dublin with a significant advantage.

Despite the outcome, Dublin showcased a top class attitude and memorable teamwork. They conducted themselves in the true spirit of the game, representing their families, schools, and clubs with excellence. The Dublin players can take pride in their efforts and cherish the memories of their participation in the 2023 Dublin-Antrim Friendship Games. Congratulations to the Antrim side who were the better team on the day. Well done to everyone involved.

Coiste Aontroma, Cumann na mBunscol, hosted a wonderful day’s sport and leisure activities for their Dublin visitors. Cumann namBunscol, Áth Cliath, is most grateful and is already preparing for an Antrim party to come to the capital in 2024.

* Handball teams from both sides also provided a wonderful exhibition as part of the exchange.

* Research into the history of the unique 91-year-old Dublin v Belfast/ Antrim exchange has revealed some wonderful stories dating back to the 1930’s. Cumann na mBunscol would like to hear from families that have connections with the north-south exchanges over the years, particularly from the 1930s to the 1970s. Contact Jerry Grogan -pro@cnmb.ie