The 2026 Antrim Senior Football Championship began on Friday evening with a series of group matches. Defending champions Dunloy defeated Rossa, while Creggan suffered a surprise loss to St John’s.

Holders Dunloy opened with a 2-22 to 0-8 win over Rossa despite missing key players Chrissy McMahon, Seán Elliot and Nigel Elliot. Eoin O’Neill and Keelan Molloy featured prominently, with Molloy scoring three two-point scores. Barry McCloskey and Eoin McGrath each scored a goal. Dunloy were reduced to 14 men after Conor Kinsella was sent off in the 36th minute for a shoulder collision. James Scally added a late two-pointer.

In other Group One action, Con Magee’s Glenravel and Tír na nÓg Randalstown drew 2-15 to 1-18. Ryan McQuillan scored two goals for the hosts, but Darragh Fagan’s late free point earned a share of the points for Randalstown.

Group Two saw All Saints Ballymena beat St Paul’s 4-19 to 0-9. Conor Stewart played a key role as the home side scored goals in both halves.

St John’s caused an upset by winning 1-12 to 0-13 away to Creggan. A first-half goal from Conor Hand and a strong performance from Paddy McBride helped the Corrigan Park side take the points.

In Group Three, St Gall’s overcame St Ergnat’s Moneyglass 2-23 to 1-14. Goals came from Bairre McCaffrey and Marty Murray, while Eoghan McCabe returned to the side. Moneyglass’s goal was scored by Conleth McCann.

Erin’s Own Cargin edged St Brigid’s 2-15 to 0-18. Ciaran Bradley and James Laverty scored the goals for Cargin, with Tomas McCann adding late points. Paul Bradley scored several points for St Brigid’s.

Group Four produced the highest score of the weekend as St Mary’s Aghagallon beat Sarsfields 7-27 to 0-8. Adam Loughran scored two goals and six points, and John Hannon added two goals. Ruairi McCann and Eunan Walsh also found the net. Jay Maguire contributed a two-pointer for Sarsfields.

Portglenone defeated Lámh Dhearg 1-17 to 1-14. Aidan and Conor McAleese each landed two-point scores as Portglenone built a lead. Adam Murray scored Lámh Dhearg’s goal from a rebound after a missed penalty, and Tom Duffin replied with a goal for the home side.

The next round of fixtures is scheduled for the weekend of August 21 to 23.