Hurlers win in Celtic Challenge
MAYO SLIGO 5-8 2-22
THIS game had everything and was hotly contested between the two neighbouring counties.
It was played on a beautiful,warm summer’s evening with only a slight breeze which favoured Sligo in the first half.
Mayo got the first score from a free but Sligo replied with four unanswered points.
Sligo had two shots at goal, first hitting the post and the rebound just pucked wide.
Mayo enjoyed a purple patch adding 3-2 to their tally including a goal from a long range free taken by Oisín Greally and Sligo found themselves 8 points in arrears.
The Yeats County fought back and added 1-7 to their total to leave the sides level at half-time; Sligo 1-11, Mayo 3-5.
After the break Sligo captain Niall Kilcullen added two points. Mayo got another two goals when disaster struck for Sligo as their captain was sent off. At this stage with over fifteen minutes remaining the score read Sligo 1-15, Mayo 5-6. Despite the numerical disadvantage it was Sligo who finished stronger outscoring Mayo by 1-7 to 0-2. Sligo also lost Fergal Curran to a red card with two minutes remaining.
Sligo had great performances all over the field and in particular from Eoghan Rua McGowan, Cahan Hallinan, Thomas Cawley, Fionn Moylan and Fionn Connolly who worked tirelessly.
Mayo’s Oisín Greally was outstanding and is a superb hurler. Luke Comer, Daniel Hill and Mark O’Grady did well as did their goalie Josh Boles. Best and Fairest Award for Sligo: Fionn Connolly.
Best and Fairest Award for Mayo: Oisín Greally.
SLIGO: Patrick O’Connor, Fergal Curran, Eoghan Rua Mc Gowan, Paul Gallagher, Donal Keaveney, Niall Kilcullen (Capt.)(0-2(1f)Daire Cawley, Liam O’Kelly Lynch, Fionn Connolly, Jim Davis, Cahan Hallinan(0-3),Thomas Cawley,(0-10(7f,65”)Blaine Waters, Fionn Moylan(0-6),Fergal O’Kelly Lynch(1-1) Padraig McGowan(1-0), Anthony Fidgeon, Shane Molloy.
MAYO: Josh Boles, Ruairi Haran, Michael Grimes, Tomas Rushe, Evan Heraty, Daniel Hill, Mark Gilmartin, Luke Connor(0-1), Shane Morrisroe, Paddy Dozio, Matthew Walsh, Mark Gibbons(0-1) Ciaran Boland, Kevin Kenneally(1-1)Oisín Greally(1-5(3f), Jason Huane,Donal Coyne, Nathan Colleran, Josh Howard, Evan Conboy(1-0), Matthew Rooney, Paul Flood, Mark O’ Grady(2-0),Neil Dozio, Jamie Duffy, Padraic Murphy, Rory Gallagher, Darren Murray, Oisín Farrell.
EASTERN Harps has been developing its Healthy Club initiative and the uptake from people interested in getting involved has been immense.
From Operation Transformation, boot camps, boxing, park runs and fitness classes, there is something there for everyone to take part in. A committee oversees the running of the programme which is aimed at people of all ages and abilities to try and get them more active.
Carmel Taheny is the Healthy Club officer and she said Eastern Harps was one of only 16 clubs in the country to begin the programme. She said: “There are now 150 clubs or so involved and it is hoped that it will grow even further.
“When we started off first it was all very new to us but I must say that our Executive was very supportive. We did Operation Transformation and have been overwhelmed with the response.
“We had 150 thus year which for a rural area is really good.
“I think it’s so popular because it is very good value for money and it is also good in terms of socialising.”
Operation Transformation includes fitness classes, bootcamps, walks, boxing and park runs.“The price is €70 per person or €100 for a couple and the Operation Transformation runs for 6-8 weeks which is very good value compared to the gym.
“The fitness classes are still running and it’s good as a social element for people too. The Healthy Club committee has five people which is great. People are interested in a walking club and once a month there is a walk at 10am in different locations with a relaxed gradient in places such as Union Rock, Knockvicar and other locations.” She said they are also talking about putting up signage as part of Slí na Sláinte.
Carmel said: “We have people involved in Healthy Club ranging in ages from 18 to 70 so it is broad.
“There are a lot of people who have finished football who are still interested in keeping fit and the programme is really suitable for those people too.
“We are welcome to new volunteers which is a huge part of the club and a lot of it is down to community goodwill.” Carmel said Phase 2 of the new clubhouse is starting with the first phase of the blockwork and roof completed. “When the old clubhouse was built ladies were not even playing football it was that long ago. The new clubhouse will be two storey and have a social room upstairs. We have the fundraiser buy a block and we still have to do more,” she added. And with Eastern Harps Healthy Club thriving there is much to look forward to.