Stabannon to host Gaelic4Girls initiative
ST Fechins got their season off to the perfect start when they recorded a three-point victory at home to Kilkerley Emmets on Sunday morning.
In a game that was very much in the balance throughout, the hosts produced the stronger finish as points from Joseph Corrigan and Niall Devlin saw them claim the victory.
It was the visitors who got off the mark first as Tadgh McEneaney opened the scoring with a point. However, the Fechins response was impressive as they struck 1-3 without reply to take command of the game, with the goal coming from Holcroft, who also added two points along with another from Niall Devlin.
This time it was Kilkerley who had to respond and they did so with a brace of scores from both Shane Lennon and James Fegan before Holcroft struck again for the Fechins. However, McEneaney and Lennon had the final say of the half with pointed frees to make it 1-4 to 0-7 at the break.
The home side made the better start to the second half with scores from Holcroft 0-3 and Conor Haughney. However, Kilkerley replied through Lennon (2), McEneaney and sub Ciaran McGlynn to level the game entering the closing stages.
Both sides went in search of victory but it was St Fechins who popped up with the vital scores as a brace from Corrigan was followed by another from Niall Devlin to seal the win.
ST FECHINS: Niall McDonald; David Collier, Niall McCabe, Paul Dillon; Conor Haughney 0-1, Colm O’Neill, Leo McGrane; Brian Devlin, Donal Ryan; Paul Mathews, Joseph Corrigan 0-2, Bevan Duffy; Matthew Flanagan, Niall Devlin 0-2, Ronan Holdcroft 1-6. KILKERLEY EMMETS: Cillian Quigley; Alan McGeough, Fintan Clarke, Ciaran Clarke; Cillian Kampes, Shaun McElroy, Cillian Mulligan; Ciaran Bellew, Adam Shields; Rian Hand; James Fegan 0-2, Sean Hand, Tadgh McEneaney 0-3, Shane Lennon 0-5; Dan McKeown. Sub: Ciaran McGlynn 0-1 for A McGeough, Barra McCarthy for F Clarke, Ciaran Murtaghh for C Kampes. STABANNON Parnells Ladies Gaelic Football will host an exciting new programme called Gaelic4Girls from Saturday 14th April for eight weeks.
The programme is aimed at increasing participation in Ladies Gaelic Football and targets girls aged between 8-12 years who are not currently registered with a Ladies Gaelic Football Club or who recently joined a Ladies Gaelic Football Club or currently play with a boys team.
Gaelic4Girls is focused on fun and participation, allowing girls to get an introduction to Ladies Gaelic Football in a non-competitive environment.
It will be held in Stabannon Gaelic Football Grounds every Saturday from 10-11am, commencing on the 14th of April.
On completion of the programme, participants are presented with certificates and jerseys for their participation.
Following the 8 weeks, the girls will be encouraged to register with a Ladies Gaelic Football club, and those that do will be integrated into the existing teams.
A Mini Blitz will also be held with another Gaelic4Girls team after the 8 weeks and this is a major highlight of the programme.
Stabannon will also be showcasing the girls skills during the Nicola Barry Memorial Tournament which will be held on 9th June in Stabannon.
This is the first Gaelic4Girls programme to be held in the area with Stabannon and the Wolfe Tones being the two successful applicants to take two of the 40 spots nationwide this year.
All girls from mid-Louth and the surrounding areas are encouraged to attend and learn the basic skills of Ladies Gaelic Football.
This is a great way to make new friends and learn a new sport!
The cost for the entire programme is only €10. For more information phone: 0857790956 (Bronagh McGrane), email: stabannonparnellsladies@gmail.com or Facebook “Stabu-Ladies Gfc” or just show up early on the 14th of April for registration.