St Michael’s GFC
Under 8
The under 8 team played culloville last week in a game that was full of good tackling, passing and score taking. Joe Brophy was excellent in goals with his kickouts always finding a teammate. The defence was led well by Kevin o’malley ,Shea mc Creesh and Lucia Vallely with Dylan Vallely and Kyle Mckernan -Caherty and Caolan Murphy fielding and passing well in the middle. Daithi o’malley, Chloe McArdle,Rian swift and Oisin O’Malley looked lively up front in attack. Training continues on Tuesday at 6:30 with the next match away to Forkhill on Wednesday 27th may.
Under 10
St Michaels Under 10’s played their second game of the year with an away trip to Carrickcruppin last Friday night. Played in windy conditions before a large home support the game was played in two fifteen minute periods. St Michaels played against the wind in the first half and found themselves having to defend well against a Carrickcruppin team who had some lively forwards. St Michaels also managed some good attacks throughout the first half and scored a goal and two points. In the second half the team got into their stride and played good one touch football with the players showing off their full range of skills.
Carrickcruppin continued to play well but found themselves on the back foot for most of the half. The team tagged on a further six goals and four points with Joe McClelland and Shea Davidson top scorers. Conor Rock and Shea Gibney also got on the score sheet. In defence Oisin Hollywood, Serjejs Leanov and Tomas Byrne played best with some good blocks and interceptions. Thanks to the parents who helped with transport on the night. The team who played were David Gostautas, Oisin Hollywood, Serjejs Leanov, Tomas Byrne, Shea Gibney, Conor Rock, Aidan Rock, Joe McClelland, Tomas Byrne, Shea Davidson and Caillean Mackin. The next game is planned for this Wednesday night 27th May against Cullyhanna, venue to be confirmed.
Under 12’s
St Michael’s recorded a good victory over Silverbridge by a point on Friday night in a hard fought match. Despite the wet conditions, both teams deserve praise for a good attacking game of football. Conor Rock was excellent in goal, and was ably supported by Dean Conlon, Oisin Hollywood, Joe McClelland and Niall O’Malley who put in strong defensive performances. The back line were impressive with their tackling and distribution of the ball.
Sean McVerry, Rory Foster, and Dara Swift worked well in the middle of the field, tackled strongly and moved the ball confidently. Up front, Lorcan O’Malley, Paddy McVerry, Jason Devlin, Thomas O’Malley and Shea Gibney were comfortable in possession, supported each other and took some fantastic scores. Overall this was an excellent team performance, and St Michael’s showed great character in fighting to the end to secure the win against a strong Silverbridge team.
Thanks to Silverbridge for their hospitality on the night in hosting the game. Man of the Match; Dean Conlon. Dean played well throughout the match, and showed what a good player he is. Well done!
Under 14’s
We played granemore last Tuesday night. Our defense was very tight making the Granemore attack work extremely hard for their scores. Our midfield held their own and up front we took some fantastic goals and points with our fast free flowing football. Granemore edged it in the end but a good performance from all going into our championship.
Cake Sale/Coffee Morning 21st June
There will be a coffee morning & Cake Sale in the new hall on Sunday 21st june after the Blessing of the graves. This was a very popular event last year and we have decided this year to allow people to stay and enjoy a cup of coffee in the hall on the morning. There were some delicious lemon meringues, fifteens and madeira cakes last year, so speculation is already mounting as to what mouthwatering treats will be served up this time around.
NEW Volunteers Needed
The club need help with running events in the hall. From making sandwiches for visiting teams, helping out in the kitchens on matchdays, and cleaning the hall on the morning after fundraising events. These jobs currently get left to the same 2 or 3 people every week. When parents and children from St.Michaels visit opposing teams, there is generally a good level of hospitality offered, and we would like to show that we can club together and show the same if not better hospitality in Newtown. Please think about offering a small amount of time at the upcoming cake sale and future events throughout the year. Contact any member of the committee if you can lend a hand in any way.
Senior Team
The senior Team need to have umpires and linesmen available at every senior match. Can we ask supporters, that when our regular umpires and linesmen are unable to make the games, that those who are able to support the team by helping out with this, make themselves available for this job on matchdays. Also Thanks to the ladies for their help with making tea and sandwhiches on match days, it is much appreciated.
Armagh V Donegal Ulster Championship Tickets: Reminder for anyone wanting tickets for the Armagh
match to contact committee members and keep an eye on social media and newspapers for details
closer to the time.
Cúchulainn CLG, An Mullach Bán
Weekly Club Notes
SENIOR FOOTBALL
The next league fixture for our seniors is Keady (away) on Sunday @2pm. The Reserves received a bye in the championship during the week and on Wednesday evening, travel to take on Ballymacnab in the league.
REST IN PEACE
Everyone associated with Mullaghbawn GAA wishes to offer their sincere sympathies to the family and friends of Collegeland player Patrick Campbell who passed away on Sunday last. May He Rest in Peace.
CHARLIE GRANT CUP
We have reached the final of the 2015 Charlie Grant Cup, which will take place next Sunday, May 31st @6.30pm in Páirc Cúchulainn, An Mullach Bán. Naoimh Moninna Killeavy and Crossmaglen Rangers will contest the showpiece and there are hopes for another big turnout this year and remember all proceeds are in aid of Southern Area Hospice, so please lend as much support as you can.
LADIES FOOTBALL
It was a successful week for our Senior Ladies who recorded a very impressive 11 point win over high-flying Lissummon on Monday past, and also beat Crossmaglen by 2.07 on Saturday. Next up is an away game –V- Mullabrack @7pm on Saturday, May 30th.
COUNTY GAELTACHT SCHOLARSHIPS
Congratulations to Rory Quinn, Jack Ridley, Ruairí Myles, Conor Muckian, Conor Tierney, Niamh Downey, Bridie O’Sullivan, Tara McKinley, Sean Gallogly, Sarah McCann, Hannah McWall, Colm Óg Marks, Victoria Murtagh who received grants towards their Summer colleges through the County Board scheme.
SUNDAY SESSION
There was a great session in the club last Sunday with lots of musicians, both young and old entertaining the crowd.
UNDERAGE FIXTURES
U12s have a bye. U10s away to Newtownhamilton on Sunday. Please confirm exact times and if games are still going ahead with players or management before attending, as often these are subject to change.
10K RUN & 5K FUN RUN / WALK
The 2015 10K Run & Fun Run / Walk is on Sunday, August 02nd @12noon. Keep a note of the date and get the trainers dusted off again.
CLUB LOTTO
The club has hit the £4K mark! Make sure you are in with a chance of winning by purchasing a ticket from any of the regular sellers! It’s the simplest way to support your local GAA club.
ST MARY’S PS FUNDRIASER
Country star Jim Devine will play Silverbridge Resource Centre on Friday June 19th with all proceeds going towards St Mary’s PS ICT Fund. Admission is £12.50 and for more information phone 02830888351. Jim will be preceded by Elite Country Radio DJ Stephen Doherty from 9pm.
St Patrick’s Cullyhanna GFC
Armagh Senior League: St Patrick’s 2-9 Wolfe Tones 2-8
Cullyhanna emerged from this away fixture as somewhat fortuitous victors in a nervy and closely contested encounter last Sunday afternoon. Yet there was no indication of the eventual tightness of the result in the early stages as Cullyhanna threatened to run riot. Only 20 seconds had elapsed when Robbie Tasker kicked a fine point from play to open the scoring and a minute later Aidan Nugent benefitted from a fine Cullyhanna passing move to net a goal.
The perfect start for the visitors continued five minutes into the game when Mickey Murray burst through the Wolfe Tones defence, combining adeptly with Robbie Tasker and Tony Donnelly to allow the latter to goal from short range. Seven points to the good against unfancied opponents, most onlookers expected a comfortable hour for the South Armagh outfit but such predictions could not have proved further from the mark as the plucky Derrymacash outfit worked their way back into the fixture.
A perfectly struck 45 opened the scoring for the home side before a goal 9 minutes in brought them back within three points. The sides shared four points between the fifteenth and twentieth minutes with Tony Donnelly’s place kicking responsible for the two Cullyhanna efforts. Sean Connell sprinted forward to kick a further Cullyhanna point and when Gareth Mackin fired over an excellent score from range six minutes from half-time, the visitors looked to have reasserted a measure of control on proceedings. It was Wolfe Tones who had the final say in the half however with another pointed 45 to leave four between the sides at the break.
That margin was not last long as Wolfe Tones dominated the early stages of the second half with three points in succession to reduce their deficit to the minimum. A Tony Donnelly pointed free doubled the advantage and when good play from Mal Mackin allowed Shea Hoey to link with Robbie Tasker for a point, it looked as though St Pat’s might have steadied the ship.
A pointed free kept Wolfe Tones very much in the game before they finally grabbed the lead with a goal nine minutes from time. Suddenly St Pat’s were in dire straits however they rose manfully to the challenge and began to dominate the latter stages of the affair. Six minutes remained when Paudie McCreesh chipped over a badly needed point to restore parity between the teams. In the final minutes both sides had their chances but Cullyhanna in particular carved out a number of opportunities before spurning each.
In the end however, they were not left to rue their profligacy as a final opportunity presented itself from a injury time 45. Robbie Tasker stepped up to the task and was not found wanting, cooly slotting over the pressure kick to secure victory. Although a couple of minutes of injury time remained, a Barry McConville interception ensured that Wolfe Tones could not fashion an equaliser.
In truth, although two points away from home will always be welcomed, this was a rather flat performance which will not live long in the memory. There was a lethargy and lack of intensity about the Cullyhanna display which was quite disappointing. That said, the side did display excellent character in the final stages to reassert themselves in a match where little appeared to be going their way though much better will be required against Pearse Ogs next weekend.
Starting XV: Deaglan McArdle, Cathal Donnelly, Stephen Reel, Kieran McCooey; Sean Connell (0-1), Gary McCooey, Paudie McCreesh (0-1); Mal Mackin, Barry McConville; Aidan Nugent (1-0), Michael Murray, Gareth Mackin (0-1); Robbie Tasker (0-3), Tony Donnelly (1-3), Shea Hoey. Subs Used: Eugene Casey, Phelim McArdle, Francie O’Rourke
Seconds
An Aodhan Conlon goal proved important as the Seconds continued their good league form with a 1-14 to 1-7 victory over Dromintee II at home last Friday evening as Paul Donnelly and Ciaran O’Neill delivered impressive individual displays.
Sympathy
Our sincerest condolences to Eugene McCreesh and family on the recent sad death of his brother-in-law, Seamus Barrett, Tipperary. May he Rest in Peace.
Updates
Anybody who wishes to receive club updates by text should text their name to 07827959659.
Armagh Harps GFC
ARMAGH V DONEGAL TICKETS – The Club will be notifying Members of the ticket distribution of the Ulster Championship in the near future please keep an eye on Facebook & Twitter for updates. Please note that tickets will ONLY be issued to PAID up members of the Club.
FÉILE CLOTHES FUNDRAISER- As part of their fundraising Harps U14 girls Féile team are organising a clothes collection over the next week. Anyone that has any unwanted clothes/shoes/curtains/bedding (NO DUVETS) please put into a bin bag and leave up to Abbey Park any evening between now and 30th May. If you require your bag(s) collected please contact Shauna on 07743429988 to arrange pick up.
ABBEY LOTTO –This week’s lucky numbers Mon 18th May were 1, 20, 26 and 28 One matched three numbers and wins £50. Next’s week jackpot is £1,350.
FÉILE POKER- A special Poker Classic will be held in the Social Club on Sunday 31 May, commencing 6pm in aid of the girls Féile team. Adm £10.
HARPS KIDS DISCO’s – There will be two discos on Friday Night 29th May to accommodate all our youth.
6.45pm to 8.30pm – Nursery, U6 to U8 (3years to 8 years)
8.45pm to 10.45pm – U10 & U12 (9 Years to 13 Years)
Adm £3.
FEILE DISCO – There will be a disco for all U12 & U14 Boys & Girls on Fri 5th June all proceeds for the U14 Girls Feile
9pm to 11pm Adm £3.
FEILE FAMILY ZUMBA – The Feile Team have organised a Family Zumba Session in Abbey Park Pitch on Wed 3rd June open to everyone for an hour of exercise and plenty of fun no age limit. Adm: £5 Adults £3 Kids. All Proceeds for The Ladies Feile Team.
FEILE MR & MRS NIGHT– There will be a Mr & Mrs Night in the Harps Social Club on Sat 20th June where 6 well known Harps Couples will take to the stage and quizzed by our Comperes on the night Andy McTaggart & Nathan Clarke. Details of our couples will be publicised over the coming weeks so keep an eye on Facebook & Twitter for updates. A night Not To Be Missed! Guaranteed Great Craic. Adm £5. All proceeds towards our U14 Girls Feile Team.
SENIOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE 2015- Our Senior men beat Granemore on Sunday with a 2.11 – 1.13 victory. The Harps drew St Pats Cullyhanna in the next round of the Senior Championship in August. Next up in the League St Pauls in Abbey Park on Sun 31st May at 2pm.
SENIOR RESERVE LEAGUE- Harps had a great win over Ballymacnab on Wednesday a great effort by all the lads great team performance. Next up Granemore Away on Wed 3rd June in the B Championship, followed by Derrynoose Away on Wed 10th June in the League. The winners in the Championship will meet Carrickcruppen in the semi at a neutral venue on Wednesday 24 June! The final is scheduled for Tuesday 21 or Wednesday 22 July.
SENIOR LADIES – The Girls had a great win Sat nite against Sarsfields Ladies in the Div 1 league at abbey park. With new management duo in place of John Rath & Barry Ryan the girls where out to prove themselves and that they did. Some great team work, the girls dug deep showed great support for each other . TEAM: Brenda Gill, Chloe Gamble, Paula Enright, Phillipa Toal Dougan, Cailin Duffy, Tanya McCoy, Leah McGoldrick, Shauna McCready, Cliodhna McKay, Kelly Mallon, Annalivia Hynds, Sinead McParland, Sinead Rafferty, Mollie Maguire, Fionnuala McKenna, Eimear O’Kane & Nadia Knipe.
Training Continues Monday & Wed nights at 7pm on the JD Pitch and Saturday Nights at 6.30pm on the JD Pitch. All New & Existing Players welcome. The girls secured a bye in the first round of the Senior Championship where they now play local rivals the Grange in the Semi Final of the Senior Championship. Next league game Sat 30th May at away to the Grange at 7pm, followed by Ballyhegan at 7.30pm Away on Mon 1st June.
Congratulations to Kelly Mallon on winning the Interprovincials at the weekend along with 4 other Armagh Colleagues as part of the Ulster Squad. Well Done Kelly.
YOUTH NEWS
MINOR BOYS – No game this week due to a break in the exams. Training continues Friday Nights at 6pm at Abbey Park. Next League Game Mon 8th June @7pm in Abbey Park against Crossmaglen, followed by an Away game to Silverbridge on Mon 15th June.
MINOR GIRLS – Training Continues Monday Nights 7pm in Abbey Park Wed Nights in College Fields at 7pm & Sat Nights 6.30pm, Bring Gum Shields, Water Bottles & £1. Membership Is Now Due. Minor Game Thurs 28th May in Abbey Park at 7pm against Crossmaglen.
BOYS UNDER 16’s – There is a break in the U16 League due to exams. Training Continues Friday Nights along with the Minor boys at 6pm. Next Game Thurs 11th June @ 7pm Abbey Park against Shane O’Neills.
GIRLS UNDER 16 – Training Continues Mon Nights at 7pm in Abbey Park. Next league game Mon 25th May Away to Clan Na Gael at 6pm.
BOYS UNDER 14’s- There was no game this week as St Peters were unable to field. There is now a split in the leagues and Harps will continue their league status in Division 1 well done lads . The next round of fixtures is Tues 2nd June but aren’t released yet keep an eye on Facebook & Twitter for updates. The Boys play the winners of Silverbridge and Crossmaglen in the Championship on Tues 9th June. The U14 Championship Final is scheduled for 17th/21st June. Training continues Tuesday & Thursday’s at 6.30pm. Players please ensure you bring your Gum Shield, Water Bottle & £1.
GIRLS UNDER 14’s- The girls had a 3 point win over Shane O’Neills on Sunday in the U14 League a great team performance well done girls. Training every Monday & Thursday Nights in Abbey Park @ 6pm. Players please ensure you bring your Gum Shield, Water Bottle & £1s. Next League game is Clan Na Gael Mon 1st June TBC.
GIRLS UNDER 12’s – Training continues Wednesday Nights 6pm in Abbey Park. All new and existing players welcome .Don’t forget Gum Shields, Water Bottles & £1. Next League Game Away to Granemore on Sun 31st May at 12.30pm.
BOYS UNDER12 &1/2’s – Training continues every Wed at 6.15pm and when there are no games Saturday from 3pm – 4pm on the JD Pitch. All players are asked to bring Gum Shields, Water Bottle & £1. Membership Is Now Due. The boys will be heading to the Newry Mitchells Football Tournament on Sat 30th May, followed by Pearse Ogs in Abbey Park in the league on Wed 3rd June.
BOYS U10’s – Training continues every Wed at 7pm and Sun Morning s at 10.30am. There was an excellent turn out of 21 players and won both matches against a very competitive Madden. Great skills and determination shown by all lads well done. Next up Pearse Ogs Wed 27th May Away. All players are asked to bring Gum Shields, Water Bottle & £1.
U8 Boys & Girls – Training commences Tues 27th May at 6.15pm in Abbey Park and Every Sunday Morning when there is no game from 10.30am to 11.30am, all kids are asked to bring Gum Shields, Water Bottles & £1. Next go game Sat 30th May Away against Keady, time TBC.
U6 Boys & Girls – The P1 & P2 of this age group will play away to Pearse Ogs at 10.30am. Players are asked to meet at Pearse Og Park for 10.15am. This up and coming generation of players are learning from an early age and are showing they are more than capable of learning the basics of Gaelic Football. Training continues Every Sunday Morning from 10.30am to 11.30am, all kids are asked to bring Gum Shields, Water Bottles & £1.
CHILD PROTECTION/HEALTH & SAFETY- In conforming to health and safety and child protection requirements only designated approved Club coaches with appropriate Access NI certification will be permitted access to the playing/training areas during the forthcoming season. (Under 6’s may be accompanied by parents/guardians)
Parents/guardians are welcome to watch matches/training from the designated viewing areas. `
IRISH LANGUAGE ACT- Armagh Harps actively encourages promotion and usage of our national language. Exponents of the Irish Language may wish to respond to the current consultation using the following link-
ULSTER CHAMPIONSHIP TICKETS- Tickets are now on sale for the opening round games of both football and hurling fixtures. Purchase early and you could save up to 20%!!!! For complete ticketing information visit www.ulstergaa.ie
The County allocation of tickets is available from the Cenarrus from tomorrow (20 May). Advanced purchase prices are
Stand- Adult £20/25; Senior Citizen; £12/€15 ;Juvenile£5/5. Terrace- Adult £12 /€15; Student/Senior Citizen £8/10; Juvenile 5/€5 Match day prices are more expensive! Get your tickets early!!!
Ticket enquires to the County office on 02837527278 or e-mail administrator.armagh@gaa.ie
SOCIAL CLUB- Book your birthday or special occasion party now!! Contact Brian in the Social Club on 02837523281 regarding bookings. FANCY A PINT AND A PUNT? There’s no better place to be than the Social Club. Each Saturday the “£10 Special”, two pints and a £5 bet during football and racing!
ZUMBA- Each Wednesday night in the Social Club- 7.30-8.30pm.
High Moss Sarsfields GFC
Most Important Notices
Armagh League First Division Dromintee vs Sarsfields GFC
Sunday 24th May 2014
Final score Dromintee 1-11 Sarsfields 4-8
Sunday afternoon saw Sarsfields travelling away to Dromintee on a sunny afternoon, with Sarsfields playing with a slight crosswind advantage in the first half. Eamon McGeown scored the opening point for Sarsfields before Christopher Lynch returned two points for the home side, including a well recovered point after a Kevin O’Hagan block.
Taking advantage of the strong wind, Paul McGaughey and Eamon McGeown added two more long distance points and with Connor Martin and Patrick Rice adding three points for the home side later in the first half, the home team remained three points ahead after fifteen minutes. Just before the half time whistle, Michael Stevenson and Kevin O’Hagan managed two points back for the Hoops men to leave Dromintee one point ahead after a quiet thirty minutes of play with both sides racking up many wides.
The second half proved much more stimulating, with Sarsfields scoring three goals in ten minutes. With the High Moss men on the back foot, Michael Stevenson scored a free before Thomas McAlinden sent the ball across the mouth of the goal line ending Caolan Skelton scoring into the back of the net. Niall Kerr covered defence well collecting the loose ball and a smart goal by Paul McGeown in beating the goalkeeper. Then with Kevin O’Hagan hitting the post it was to be Michael Stevenson who put the ball in the net again to give Sarsfields a healthy lead.
With Thomas adding a point from a tight angle, Dromintee managed four points back with help from Cathal O’Neill. With forwards Michael Stevenson and Thomas McAlinden adding two late points for the Hoops men and Dromintee’s Connor Martin scoring a late consolation goal, the sides ended with final score Dromintee 1-11 Sarsfields 4-8. Sarsfields next match is this Sunday 31st away to Tir na nÓg at 2pm.
Sarsfields team: Darren McAvoy, Brian Kerr, Ciaran Kerr, Darragh O’Hanlon, Kevin O’Hagan, Niall Kerr, Declan Breen, Brian Lavery, Eamon McGeown (captain), Michael Stevenson, Paul McGaughey, Mark Reynolds, Thomas McAlinden, Paul McGeown, Caolan Skelton. Subs used: Johnny Reynolds, Conor Creaney, Conan Murray.
Dromintee team: Philip McEvoy, Barry Toner, Anthony Fearon, Niall Quinn, Aaron McKay, Peter Jnr Campbell, Glen McKeown, Gareth McCrink, Shane O’Neill, Cathal O’Neill, Cathel McKenna (21), Christopher Lynch, Patrick Rice, Aidan Morgan, Connor Martin.
BIG BREAKFAST FUNDRAISER – Sunday 21 June – Further details available from all team managers and committee members A Table Quiz will take place in the Bay Hall on Friday 12 June in aid of all football teams This week’s football results Tuesday 19 May – Under 14 boys – Sarsfields 5-9 Eire Óg 0-6 Wednesday 20 May – B Team – Sarsfields 4-11 Ballyhegan 1-11 Friday 22 May – Under 10 boys played Clann Eireann Saturday 23 May – Under 12’s – Sarsfields 2-6 Maghery 1-4 Saturday 23 May – Senior Ladies – Sarsfields 1-10 Armagh Harps 3-10 Sunday 24 May – Senior men – Sarsfields 4-8 Dromintee 1-11
This week’s lotto
Numbers 9, 12, 16, 22 – 3 winners matching 3 numbers – Kacey Reynolds, Kieran McAlinden & John McConville – Next week’s jackpot £950 This week’s training times 1. Monday – 7pm to 8pm – Under 16 boys 2. Tuesday – 7.30pm – Senior Men 3. Wednesday – 6pm to 7pm – Primary 1 and 2, and primary 5 and 6 boys and girls – please note under 8’s are away to Ballyhegan leaving Sarsfields at 6.15pm 4. Thursday 6pm to 7pm – Under 12 boys and girls 5. Thursday 6.30pm to 7.30pm – Under 16 boys This week’s fixtures 1. Tuesday – Under 14 boys versus Culloville – venue Culloville 2. Wednesday – Under 8 Team versus Ballyhegan – Throw in 7pm in Ballyhegan 3. Wednesday – B Team versus Eire Óg – Throw in 7.30pm in Eire Óg 4. Friday 29 May – Senior Ladies versus Clann Eireann – Throw in 7.30pm in Sarsfields 5. Sunday 31 May – Under 10’s versus Ballyhegan – Throw in 11am at Sarsfields 6. Sunday 31 May – Senior Men versus Tir na nÓg – Throw in 2pm at Tir na nÓg The club would like to thank all those Club Sarsfields members and ordinary club members whose contributions have enabled works to date to be completed. Any member who would like to join Club Sarsfields can they please contact any committee member or e-mail francis.reynolds1@hotmail,com for further details
Madden Raparees GFC
Intermediate League
Our senior team travelled to Dorsey in South Armagh on Friday evening past in what was for many a first journey to this pitch. The started incredibly well with two Aron McKenna goals within the first five minutes of the game. It was evident early on that our lads were far superior to that of their opponents all over the field. The scores began to flood in with Niall Grimley contributing 0-03 and Ciaran Rafferty, Caolan Vallely and Colm Campbell all getting in on the act with points a piece from play. The introduction of the mercurial Paul O’Reilly did not help the hosts case with Paul notching up 1-2 within minutes very early on. The first half action was brought to a close with an impressive point from the sideline by our roving corner back Cillian Mallon. The lads went in at the interval with a 3-12 to 0-02 advantage.
It was safe to say that the game as a contest was well and truly over, this gave the management a chance to experiment. The introduction of a series of substitutes offered game time to players who have not been experiencing much of late as well as allowing players who are carrying injuries a chance to recover. As a result the game became more open in the second half and was perhaps more competitive and enjoyable for the hosts. The amassed an impressive 3-05 to Madden’s 0-05 in the second half including a well taken penalty. The players remaining hung on to come out winners on a full time score line of Madden 3-17 to Dorsey 3-07.
Whilst this game will have been extremely beneficial to the players in terms of raising their confidence following a morale blowing defeat to Silverbridge the previous week. The lads know they will have to put this game behind them and put in a hard weeks training this coming week in preparation for a Clann Eireann side who are travelling to Raparee Park this coming Sunday seeking revenge for they championship defeat inflicted by our lads. The game has a throw in of 2pm with all support greatly appreciated.
Brian Og Maguire Sevens
Fresh from the senior league victory over Dorsey on Friday night a selection of players made the journey to Lisnaskea in County Fermanagh to participate in the now annual Brian Og Maguire Sevens competition on Saturday past. Our lads were handed a tough draw in the group stages where they come up against current Fermanagh Senior League Champions Ederney and two Fermanagh county representative sides.
The lads did not get off to the start they wished for against the first Fermanagh side, a strong side featuring a handful of players who have only recently departed the Fermanagh team, none more prominent than two time all-star Barry Owens.
It took the lads a wile to get into the swing of playing this brand of football. Fermanagh scored a couple of goals early on which proved to be the catalyst for their victory. Intent on ensuring this did not happen again the lads went into the second game against the other Fermanagh representative side with a renewed spirit. Playing some delightful football and using their substitutes to perfection they got the first points on the board. Their final group game was against an Ederney side featuring Martin McGrath another one of Fermanagh’s all stars.
Quite like the last game the lads played some great football moving the ball quickly and making sure they got the right people on the ball at the right time. Another victory here meant the lads had progressed to the knockout stages and faced a quarter-final with Newtownbutler from Fermanagh. Sadly this is where the tournament would end for our lads going down by a late goal.
The lads who travelled were a credit to the club and conducted themselves immensely throughout the day, they were well warned in advance not to embarrass their Manager Ronan Gallagher on his return to his native county. All who attended this event will agree that it was extremely enjoyable and would welcome a return next year.
The players who represented Madden were as follows; Aron McKenna, Donal Rafferty, Cillian Mallon, Conor Morgan, Niall Smith, Ciaran Rafferty, Caolan Vallely, Niall Grimley, Peter Lappin, Barry Mallon and David Loughran.
Reserve Championship
The reserve team under the guidance of Brendan McGuinness travelled to Davitt Park in Lurgan on Wednesday evening past where they encountered a strong Clann na nGael side in the Intermediate Reserve Championship. The sun was shining as the lads graced the field with conditions perfect for football. The first half was an extremely close affair with a ding-dong battle until the last five minutes where Clans managed to score 1-3 unanswered to lead by six points at the interval.
The hosts came out in the second half and added a further two pints almost immediately. With now an eight point deficit the game was beginning to slip away from the lads. Nevertheless they began to battle hard to try and pull themselves back into the game with Barry Mallon and Patrick Vallely putting in some great individual displays working hard inside and getting crucial scores.
The superior fitness levels of the blues was evident towards the end of the game this combined with two late goals meant the lads dreams of retaining the cup they last won in 2012 were well and truly over for another year. Full Time Score Clann na nGael 2-19 Madden 0-09.
Fixtures
Tuesday: U14’s CHAMPIONSHIP Away to Dromintee
Wednesday: B’s Away to Killeavy
Thursday: U-16’s No Fixture owing to Exams
Saturday: U12’s At home to Grange
Saturday: U8’s Away to Grange
Sunday: U10’s Away to Middletown
Sunday: At home to Clann Eireann
Monday: Minors No Fixture owing to Exams
Sympathy
The club would like to wish their deepest sympathy to both the McIlvanna and O’Reilly families at this time on the death of Frank McIlvanna. Frank is a grandfather to current senior players Paul and Stephen O’Reilly. Ar dheis de go raibh a ainm.
Monthly Draw
The monthly draw will resume again this weekend with a total of £ 500.00 up for grabs once more. Entry is £ 10.00 per month and for anyone wishing to join this fundraising initiative by the club please contact a member of the executive committee.
Weekly Lotto
This weeks winning numbers were 1, 9, 10 and 14. Unfortunately there was no winner of the jackpot, there was however three winners of £10 in the form of Eugene Kiernan, Hannah Kiernan and Connor Grimley (Slaterock Road). Next weeks jackpot is £2,200.00.
