Antrim SFC: Dunloy double dream still on as Portglenone’s semi-final hoodoo strikes again

Dual stars Keelan Molloy and Seaan Elliott hit 0-15 between them as Dunloy booked their place in the Antrim SFC final for the second time in three years

Northern Switchgear Antrim SFC semi-final: Dunloy 0-18 Portglenone 1-10

The Antrim SFC and SHC double moved a step closer for Dunloy as their footballers qualified for a second county final appearance in three years with a five-point win over Portglenone in Dunsilly on Friday night.

It was a familiar tale of semi-final woe for Casement’s as they suffered a sixth semi-final defeat in seven seasons.

They lost five-in-row, including against Dunloy in 2023, before finally getting over the line against Lámh Dhearg last season before losing out to Cargin after extra-time in the decider.

John McKeever’s men were always on the back foot against a hard running Dunloy side.

With Seaan Elliott and Keelan Molloy causing problems, the north Antrim men led from the early stages and were deserving winners.

Indeed, the lead 0-5 to 0-1 after 15 minutes with Michael Hagan scoring Portglenone’s only point of the first quarter.

Seaan Elliott opened the scoring with his brother Nigel also on target before back-to-back points from Molloy.

The younger Elliott sibling might have plundered a goal only for a fine save from Kevin Mullan, although he did score the resulting 45.

Casement’s went close at the other end when Paddy Kelly smacked a shot off the crossbar and a disputed breach led to a vital two-pointer from Kelly late in the half.

Hagan would then level the game in stoppage time at the end of the first half as Casement’s fought their way back from a poor start.

Molloy and Seaan Elliott moved Dunloy two clear on the restart and the duo landed two-pointers to push Dunloy into a commanding lead after Kelly was on target with another free.

However, a goal from Daniel McNicholl gave Portglenone a lifeline heading into the final 10 minutes. Yet, Dunloy closed the door once again in impressive fashion with another brace of stunning two-pointer from Elliott and Molloy.

They will face the winners of Sunday’s semi-final meeting between holders Cargin and Creggan with the final scheduled for Sunday, October 12.

Dunloy scorers: Keelan Molloy 0-8 (0-2fs, 1tpf), Seaan Elliott 0-7 (0-1 45, 2tps), Nigel Elliott 0-1, Luke McFerran 0-1, Deaglan Smith 0-1.

Portglenone scorers: Michael Hagan 0-4 (0-1f), Paddy Kelly 0-3 (0-1f, 1tpf), Daniel McNicholl 1-0, Dermot McAleese 0-1, Aidan McAleese 0-1, Caolan Tierney 0-1.