Two point league defeat

DIVISION TWO FOOTBALL LEAGUE Shanballymore 2-6 Glanworth 0-10

Once again luck deserted our Junior footballers as they fell to a two point defeat last week. The record so far is played three, lost three, but when you see the scoring difference was 1pt, 1pt and 2 pts it could so easily be three wins from three if a few things went our way.

This game doubled up as a league semi-final from last year so there was a lot on the line. We had the aid of the strong breeze in the first half and so we knew we needed a strong effort in the first half. We started very well, going 4 pts clear after eleven minutes through points from Aaron Noonan, Jessie Welsh, Emmett Sheehan and Mikie Sheehan.

In the next fourteen minutes we only added two more points, both from Emmett, as we were a bit wasteful in attack. I felt at this stage we were doing fine but it would be better if we finished the half with a couple of points as we were always going to face a battle in the second half. Then with one of their few attacks of the half they scored a goal and they were right back in the match. The halftime score read 0-6 to 1-0.

I thought we would get an onslaught from the get go in the second half but we actually came out strong. Mikie Sheehan clipped a lovely point a minute into the half and in the 36th minute Tom McGrath kicked a great point. They kicked their first point in the 38th minute but we replied with points from Peter Condon and Scotty Sheehan to go six points clear again with 15 to go. From here it was mostly Shanballymore pressure as they threw everything at us to get the win.

They hit the crossbar twice but they did get five points in a row to leave it with one in it going into injury time. We looked like we were going to hold out but in the dying seconds they got a free about 50 yards out. The free dropped in short and the ball found its way to a Shanballymore man who duly dispatched it into the back of the net. We had one last attack but it was fruitless and the final whistle sounded.

For our lads it was a tough loss. Like the previous two games the lads didn’t do a whole lot wrong but just couldn’t get on the right side of the result. Keep the heads up boys. Things will turn. Also we wish Shanballymore the best of luck in the final.

Team: Shay Coleman, Colm Clancy, Michael Blackburn, Colm Whelton, Damian Curran, Marc Moloney, Jesse Welsh, Jamie Fogarty, Tom McGrath, Emmett Sheehan, Peter Condon, Aaron Noonan, Brian Gallagher, Mikie Sheehan, Scott Sheehan. Subs: Ian Dwyer and Darragh Hannon.

LORY MEAGHER CUP

Last weekend Jerome Fitzgibbon and the Leitrim Hurlers battled to a draw against Monaghan in the 1st round of the championship. Looking at the odds beforehand Monaghan were strong favourites so it was a very good result. They now face Lancashire this Saturday and hopefully they can continue the great form. Best of luck Jerome.

GLANFEST

Glanfest 2023 is fast approaching so I thought I would give a few details on who you can see over the weekend.

On Friday we have three legends of the GAA for an in depth discussion: Briege Corkery, John Mullane and Dónal Óg Cusack.

Briege is one of the most decorated players in GAA History. 18 All Ireland titles, 14 National leagues and 16 All-Stars speaks for itself. But she wasn’t just a bit part of these teams, she was a lynchpin who delivered time and time again. Her passion for Cork GAA shone through time and again. I have no doubt she will have some stories to tell.

Dónal Óg Cusack hurled for Cork for 16 seasons and is widely regarded as one of the best goalkeepers we have seen in the game. His passion for Cork Gaa is probably unrivalled. Since he retired he has become of the best analysts around on the Sunday Game. His opinion is quite often one not to miss and usually spot on. I’m sure with Cork opening game that weekend he will give great insight into how Cork’s championship will fare out.

John Mullane is a Waterford legend. His is one of the best hurlers the Deise have ever produced. With 5 All-Stars he is the most decorated too. He always gave 200% to the cause and that passion and love for the game has transitioned to the radio as he has become a beloved commentator. One thing is for certain John is never boring!

The main event on Saturday at 9pm is the Fógues. They are a four-piece ballad group consisting of cousins Micheál, William and Jack Fogarty and Ted O’Brien. The Fogarty family are a big part of our club and parish. Their set is always organic, lively and energetic and loved by young and old alike.

Success at Battle of the Bands and busking competitions cemented their position at the forefront of the local music scene. Their debut album ‘ Long Nights in Pokey Places’ was a great success and we are sure there is a lot more to come. They are certainly not to be missed.

On Sunday at 7pm we will have live music from Kevin O’Brien. Mitchelstown native Kevin O’Brien is a young, energetic musician who has been getting his name passed around for his one band show. Kevin, who is also the singer of Indie rock band The Neon Cars, has been fortunate to support the likes of Mundy, Aslan and The Frank and Walters to name a few. He is heavily influenced by the likes Bruce Springsteen, U2 and Noel Gallagher and this is definitely something that has influenced his music.

At 9pm the main event will be Deuces Wild which includes Glanworth’s very own Martin Flynn. Martin is a wonderful musician and we have always been very proud of him. Deuces Wild are one of the top professional party bands in Ireland. With four experienced musicians and singers the band is sure to please the crowd and play the music that will create unforgettable memories for everyone. If there is one guarantee - they will raise the roof.

FIXTURES

Friday, 21st April Division 3 Football League v Nemo Rangers in Glanworth at 7.30pm. Sunday, 23rd April Division 2 Football League v Deel Rovers in Milford at 11.30am. Wednesday, 26th April Division 1 Hurling League v Dromina in Dromina at 7pm.