Antrim Hurling

[Tony Baloney]

Regardless of who started it, when you hear of disorder at a hurling match in Antrim it's an inevitability that Loughgiel are involved.

[marty34]

Not knowing what had happened, I'd have picked out one club for certain who'd be involved in the ugly stuff.

Usual behaviour at all age groups.

I agree with this 100%. St John's are a disgrace.

Not St. John's.

[Cannon Fodder]

Unless you were actually there you would be best not to speculate too much.

Firstly whatever happened on the pitch should have stayed on the pitch, the actual game didn't have a dirty stroke during it so unsure why it blew up at the final whistle.

But a certain St John's footballer who hails from Co Louth has a lot to answer re what started in the terrace - fact.

[paddyjohn]

Big couple of weeks ahead for the county board. Sanctions needed for both clubs and hopefully a permanent ban for a certain county "footballer" after his actions were read out in court last week.

[Sherman1915]

Just received more videos of the crowd incident.

Idiots all around but one absolute coward threw a bottle at the St John's supporter in green and it seems to kicked off after that. As I said I was on the other side and it was toxic.

Another video followed showing a Shamrocks supporter calling people "scum b@stards".

Depressing scenes. Something the GAA is going to have to deal with. Throw both clubs out of the championship and let them cry about it. Disgraceful.

Everything I said was a bit of tongue in cheek helped by a few pints and the hangover this morning but that is deeply depressing stuff.

It was a St John's supporter threw the bottle at a Loughgiel supporter, fella in the green hoodie that was hit with the bottle is a former underage hurler for Loughgiel. Maybe don't fire out so many accusations

[takeyourpoint]

Why a permanent ban Paddy John?

[paddyjohn]

Why a permanent ban Paddy John?

Surely our county board has an obligation to ensure our county players conduct themselves in a way that is acceptable. Driving off and leaving a young mother to die and then lying about it isn't really acceptable. 

Showed no remorse and was then made county poster boy.

Disgusting and disgraceful from our county board.

[takeyourpoint]

Of course none of that is true but crack away.

[paddyjohn]

Of course none of that is true but crack away.

⚖️ ANTRIM GAA PLAYER WHO LEFT PEDESTRIAN WITH LIFE-CHANGING INJURIES HANDED SUSPENDED JAIL SENTENCE

Antrim GAA player Kavan Keenan who admitted causing serious, life-changing injuries to a pedestrian in a hit-and-run accident was handed a suspended prison sentence today (Fri).

In sentencing the 27-year-old, Judge Peter Irvine KC said the nature of the accident itself and the significant harm caused to the victim, along with Keenan's actions in leaving the scene and trying to claim that his father was driving the van, merited a prison sentence.

While he imposed a nine-month jail sentence, the Antrim Crown Court judge said the guilty plea, genuine remorse and previously clear record amounted to what he considered to be exceptional circumstances.

"Therefore I have determined that each of the sentences will be suspended for 12 months," Judge Irvine ruled.

With the victim and her family sitting in the public gallery, the judge told her that although it seemed "by necessity," that the court focused on Keenan, "you have not been forgotten."

At an earlier hearing Keenan, from Millfield in Ballymena, admitted causing grievous bodily injury by driving carelessly on the Glenravel Road on 26 October 2024.

He also entered guilty pleas to driving without insurance as well as failing to report and failing to remain following an accident which caused injury.

Opening the facts of the case today (Fri), prosecuting counsel Suzanne Gallagher outlined how charges arose after a Peugeot Partner van struck a pedestrian on the Glenravel Road in Martinstown, just before 9pm that Saturday evening.

The victim had walked from a bar where she had been socialising with friends and the court heard that she was just about to turn into her driveway when she was struck from behind.

The court heard that while there was no footpath at that particular point, there was a white line clearly delineating the edge of the road, and there was also "ample room" for pedestrians to walk.

Describing how the area was also well lit, Miss Gallagher said the victim was struck from behind and was "thrown forcefully, face first into her driveway" where she blacked out until her friend roused her.

"She tried to get up but couldn't as her leg kept giving out," the prosecutor told the court, adding that while she was taken to Antrim Area Hospital initially, the victim was then transferred to RVH.

The court heard that having sustained injuries including ruptured cruciate ligaments, a broken leg, three fractured vertebrae and a shattered pelvis, the victim spent a month in hospital before she was allowed home.

During surgeries, she had multiple pins and plates inserted, and doctors have said she will only regain 85% use of her leg.

Miss Gallagher told the court that having struck the pedestrian, Keenan, who was driving his father's work van, drove on.

When the victim's brother and sister were on their way to the scene, they spotted the Peugeot van pulled over and that it had sustained significant damage to the front passenger side.

They spoke to Keenan, and when they asked his name, he "hesitated" before claiming that his name was Joe.

When police arrived, the van had left the scene but their enquiries led officers to Keenan's home where the defendant's father Joseph Keenan, claimed that he had been driving.

However, while police were there Kavan Keenan walked into the room and they could see that he fitted the description of the driver, namely athletic build, six feet tall, sandy hair and wearing GAA shorts.

He was arrested and taken into custody but it was not until the following day that Keenan admitted being the driver.

Keenan claimed that he did not know he had struck a person, believing instead that he had clipped the wing mirror.

Miss Gallagher told the court that the van was seized, and forensic tests recovered fibres from the victim's coat from the damaged front near side.

Joseph Keenan, the court heard, was dealt with in the lower court for obstructing police and he was given 100 hours of community service.

Prosecuting counsel said while she had seen a large volume of character references on behalf of Keenan, each of them outlining his high levels of remorse, "the victim does not feel that remorse has ever been conveyed to her."

Given Keenan's actions that night, "at no stage did he report the matter to police, he displayed no remorse on the night of the collision," Miss Gallagher suggested.

Defence counsel Patrick Taggart emphasised however, that remorse was evident in the pre-sentence report and the wealth of references and that in addition, "I have been asked to express publicly, on behalf of Mr Keenan, his remorse."

Conceding that the harm caused is significant, Mr Taggart said that "one cannot help but be moved by the contents of the Victim Person Statement."

He argued that over and above the offences themselves, there were no other aggravating features but that there were also many mitigating features, including Keenan's plea, clear record, remorse and that he contributes to his own community.

In his sentencing remarks, Judge Irvine agreed that Keenan makes a "significant contribution" to the community, both in his work and by coaching kids in GAA.

He said it was his view that while the case was more than a momentary lapse in concentration, it did not amount to careless driving "coming close to the level of dangerous driving."

As such, the range for sentencing fell between a "heavy" community order or a short jail sentence.

Judge Irvine said taking all matters into account, the case called for a prison sentence but that given the matters in mitigation, it could be suspended.

In addition, Keenan was banned from driving for a year and given five penalty points but the judge ordered that the defendant will not be required to resit his driving test.

ENDS
Copy by Paul Higgins
Photo by Pacemaker: defendant Kavan Keenan

✍️ Factual, impartial and committed to open justice.


I'll crack on with what the family have also said. 👍

[Antrim]

Whilst Glenariffe might be greener, it's only slightly greener compared to Enda's who aren't exactly draped with experience. I know you need to punt for your team Mr Mallusk but I fancy Ossians to win that one in a tight game especially at home. Youll need Ray Matthews on your team and not licking the arse of Johnny McIntosh shouting on from the sidelines.

I couldn't disagree more with the Johnnies game too. Loughiel will be gunning for them after their fortuitous championship win last year in desperate conditions.  Loughiel by 8.

Rossa and Ballycastle bit of a damp squib. Fancy Rossa but like Endas and Ossisns, nobody really considers any of them anywhere near contenders, merely also rans who will provide the eventual winners with a competitive game.

Dunloy are flying and will win the championship this year at a canter.

Leave it to those who know Mallusk man.
Rossa ruined my full house.

[paddyjohn]

Whilst Glenariffe might be greener, it's only slightly greener compared to Enda's who aren't exactly draped with experience. I know you need to punt for your team Mr Mallusk but I fancy Ossians to win that one in a tight game especially at home. Youll need Ray Matthews on your team and not licking the arse of Johnny McIntosh shouting on from the sidelines.

I couldn't disagree more with the Johnnies game too. Loughiel will be gunning for them after their fortuitous championship win last year in desperate conditions.  Loughiel by 8.

Rossa and Ballycastle bit of a damp squib. Fancy Rossa but like Endas and Ossisns, nobody really considers any of them anywhere near contenders, merely also rans who will provide the eventual winners with a competitive game.

Dunloy are flying and will win the championship this year at a canter.

Leave it to those who know Mallusk man.
Rossa ruined my full house.

I had predicted Cushendall all year but I think Dunloy will have a major say on it. Cushendall may not be able to cope with Burke and Bradley both out.

[Deerstalker]

Thought St Endas were very poor today & St John's will prove a bridge too far for Glenariffe.

It's been a while  since a team has come up from intermediate and progressed to a QF.

[NAG1]

Not much to pick between Dunloy and Cushendall yesterday, probably little bit of shadow boxing knowing they will likely meet again down the line.

Interesting to see the reaction to Saturday's antics in LG this week. Would like to think there would be quick response, but knowing Antrim 

[BigGreenField]

Not much to pick between Dunloy and Cushendall yesterday, probably little bit of shadow boxing knowing they will likely meet again down the line.

Interesting to see the reaction to Saturday's antics in LG this week. Would like to think there would be quick response, but knowing Antrim 

Belfast Live reporting Antrim are awaiting the referee report which seems a bit mad Ted.

[NAG1]

Not much to pick between Dunloy and Cushendall yesterday, probably little bit of shadow boxing knowing they will likely meet again down the line.

Interesting to see the reaction to Saturday's antics in LG this week. Would like to think there would be quick response, but knowing Antrim 

I'm sure our resident ref will get his paperwork tidied up sharpish 

Belfast Live reporting Antrim are awaiting the referee report which seems a bit mad Ted.