GRASSROOTS
COOLERA/STRANDHILL
Wedding Bells Congratulations to club Chairman Philip Maree and committee member Michelle McKiernan who recently celebrated their wedding in Cyprus. Everyone at the club wishes them a long happy marriage. Intermediate Ladies
The Intermediate Ladies hosted C.T. Gaels in Ransboro Pk. on Sunday morning. Lining out without the injured Ruth Goodwin meant that Cliodhna O’ Sullivan moved to midfield to partner Laura Ann Laffey. The visitors started quickly and were a point ahead in the first minute. Our girls settled though and a Meadhbh Kenneally point levelled the game. There then followed a fifteen minute spell where the hosts played some of their best football of the year. Further points from Attracta Halloran, Shona Dalton and Laura Ann Laffey put us ahead and when Laura Ann fired to the net the score was 1-04 to 03. C.T. responded well and the movements of their forwards meant that the home defence was under constant pressure. The defence, led by Gráinne Redmond, Aislinn Doggett and Caoimhe O’ Sullivan, worked extremely hard to keep the attacks at bay. They were well supported from midfield and also by the wing forwards Attracta Halloran and Ellen Prior, both of whom tracked back tirelessly throughout. The pressure began to tell however, and by half time the visitors led 1-10 to 1-06.
The second half saw our girls playing into the strong wind, and they struggled to clear their lines for the early part of the half. A series of unanswered scores from C.T. Gaels widened the gap, but to their credit our girls worked their way back into the tie. The direct running of Cliodhna O’ Sullivan and Laura Ann Laffey caused the visitors’ defence endless problems and with Meadhbh Kenneally, Shona Dalton and Attracta Halloran linking well, scores began to come. The introduction of Roisín Heneghan, Sarah McCormack and Lauren McGarry also gave a much needed boost, but ultimately the task was just too much and the girls lost 2-22 to 1-11.
Despite the result and the scoreline, this was a greatly improved team performance. The work rate and commitment never dropped from the first whistle to the last and they played some lovely attacking football when the opportunity arose. Beibhinn Harte was her usual dependable self in goals. In defence, Caoimhe O’ Sullivan, Ellen Monaghan and Aislinn Doggett were excellent, while Gráinne Redmond also worked extremely hard. It was a true case of youth and experience in midfield where Laura Ann Laffey once again led by example, scoring 1-02, supported by Cliodhna O’ Sullivan, who also got on the scoresheet when she pointed after one of her many surges forward. The half forward line of Ellen Prior, Shona Dalton and Attracta Halloran epitomised the team performance on the day, tracking back selflessly while also attacking at every opportunity and taking some fine scores. Meadhbh Kenneally once again was very effective at full-forward, linking well with the rest of the attack and taking her scores well. The girls finish their campaign with a trip to Collooney next Sunday in a re-arranged fixture with Owenmore Gaels.
Team; Beibhinn Harte, Amy Hampson, Caoimhe O’ Sullivan, Ellen Monaghan, Aislinn Doggett, Gráinne Redmond, Nadine Deering (Sarah McCormack), Cliodhna O’ Sullivan (0-01), Laura Ann Laffey (1-02), Ellen Prior (Lauren McGarry), Shona Dalton (0-02), Attracta Halloran (0-04), Amy Deering (Roisin Heneghan), Meadhbh Kenneally (0-02), Leah Kerrigan (Amy Deering). Under 10 City League
Our under 10 boys had their final game of the season on Wednesday last when they played Drumcliffe/Rosses Point. The boys gave a fine exhibition of football on the night. Throughout the season their skill levels improved with each game. Micheál Harte had an excellent game in goals while Patrick Healy was most impressive in defence. Cillian Corkery worked tirelessly in midfield, and Noah Quigley took the scoring honours. Matthew Keeley gave a Man of the Match performance. Well done boys on a great year, and the management look forward to working with you again next year. Senior Football Semi-Final Our senior footballers have to do it all again after a tight, tense semi-final with reigning champions Tourlestrane ended in a draw in Collooney on Sunday. Despite being rank outsiders in the tie, the team dominated for periods in the first half, and went in at half time leading 2-05 to 1-05. Niall Murphy was in top form, opening the scoring with a goal in the first minute. The south Sligo side responded and within a short period of time they had levelled the tie. An opening quarter of high intensity saw the sides exchange points with Colin Parke and Niall Murphy putting over for Coolera. A strong finish to the half led to Colin Parke rounding the Tourlestrane keeper to goal, after some excellent buildup play by Karol O’ Neill and Niall Murphy.
The second half was equally as tight with scores at a premium. Tourlestrane began the stronger and had three unanswered points before Niall Murphy put over from long range after eighteen minutes. A spectacular effort from Karol O’ Neill would be our only other score of the half. As the game approached the final whistle, both sides had chances to win, but after five minutes of injury time it ended all square 2-07 to 1-10.
Team: Kevin Kelly, Enda Mitchell (Karol O’ Neill (0-01)), Gary Cawley, Mark Comerford, Seán Murphy, Conor McDonagh, Aaron O’ Boyle, Kevin Banks, Barry Doyle, Colin Parke (1-01), Keelan Cawley, Peter Laffey, Gary Cadden, Barry O’ Mahony, Niall Murphy (1-05).
DRUMCLIFFE/ROSSES POINT
OUR junior men’s footballers have qualified for the ‘B’ championship county final following Saturday’s 1-9 to 2-5 win over St John’s at Scarden. We led 1-7 to 0-2 at halftime with Sean Flanagan getting the scored, but then had to withstand a second-half rally from our opponents before securing victory by a single point. Congrats to the players and manager Hughie Cannon (Jnr). We play St Farnan’s in the county final.
OUR Under 21 footballers begin their championship campaign this Saturday afternoon with a trip to Castleconnor at 4:30pm. We are in a four-team group which also includes Calry/St Joseph’s and Owenmore Gaels. BENBULBEN Gaels hurlers captured the U14 shield title last Sunday morning with an impressive 9-12 to 3-2 win over Western Gaels. Well done to all the players. Our minor hurlers got a walkover against Tubbercurry/Cloonacool in the championship.
THE U9 and U11 urban leagues concluded last Wednesday with an enjoyable trip to Scarden to play Coolera/Strandhill. A big thankyou to all the coaches and parents & guardians for their support and -taxi-ing’ services over the last few Wednesdays!
OUR GAA nursery will finish for the year on Saturday October 27th with a special presentation event for all our young players. More details will be communicated to parents and guardians in the coming weeks.
THE club is holding a Boston Tea Party at the Radisson Blu Hotel on Sunday, October 28th (bank holiday weekend). A great night out is planned as the 2018 draws to a close. We are looking for club members and supporters who are interested in hosting a table on the night. Please contact Mary Carway 0864181201, Mary Power 0876288718 or Austin O’Callaghan 0876855621 for more info or to book a table.
ST MOLAISE GAELS
WELL done to our Minor Girls and Management Team on winning the C Championship final against Curry in Cuilbeg on Sunday last. Best wishes to Lauren Shaw for a quick recovery from an injury picked up during the game. OUR Minor Boys produced an outstanding display to beat Eastern Harps 1-14 to 1-09 in Keash on Saturday evening last in the semi final of the A Championship to see the Club through to their first Minor A Final. Gaels dominated the first half building up a six point lead but the home side responded strongly and even went ahead by a point. However it was Gaels who finished brilliantly with a late goal sealing a fabulous win. Well done to the Panel and Management Team and best wishes to Ryan Gallagher for a quick recovery from an injury sustained in the game.
THE sun shone in Donabate Dublin on Saturday last as the cream of club football from Dublin and surrounding areas took part in the U11 Trent Latham Tournament hosted by St Pat’s. Raheny Blues, Thomas Davis, Ballymun Kickams and the hosts featured from Dublin while Kildare kingpins Newbridge Sarsfields and Louths Newtown Blues were joined by St Molaise Gaels from Sligo. Our 28 Boys were simply outstanding producing a number of brilliant displays between the two teams. Our U11 side made it all the way to the Cup final before exhaustion from an early morning start kicked in and we were beaten by the St Pat’s A side. There was the consolation of Conor Langan picking up one of the Players of the Tournament awards.
OUR U10 side overcame the loss of our first fixture against Raheny to blitz our way to the Shield Final where in the game of the Day we edged Newbridge Sarsfields by a narrow margin to clinch a superb Tournament success. Paedar Hegarty received the Trent Latham Shield from former Dublin senior star Ciaran Whelan. A great day, success and a near miss in a big Tournament in Dublin and 28 young lads who played their heart out displaying brilliant skill and commitment representing their Club in exemplary fashion. OUR U10 Girls took part in the County Blitz at Sligo IT on Saturday last and produced some excellent displays. Well done to the Group and their Coaches. ON Wednesday evening our U9 and U11 Boys completed their Urban League schedule with some excellent displays away to St John’s in Cuilbeg. Thanks to the Carraroe club for their hospitality to the children and Parents and Coaches after the matches. OUR next Club Lotto Draw takes place on Tuesday October 16th at 8.30pm. Thank You to everyone for their continued support for this important fundraiser.
ST MARY’S
OUR Minor boys hit the marks with a 4 pt win over Geevagh / St Michaels in their Minor Championship final last Friday evening. The final was held in Scarden and thanks to everyone who went out to support the lads. This was a very impressive team performance from start to finish with a well deserved victory to cap a season which at times was frustrating for them, but it is fitting that many of them finished their time in Bord na nÓg with a trophy. Thanks to the management team of Glenn Young, Hubert Gilvarry, John Clifford, Gerry Moore and Francis Fidgeon for all their hard work and time throughout the years and also Mark Breheny and Aidan Rooney for helping out with coaching over the last few weeks. The U10 girls finished their season by participating in a Sligo LGFA blitz in Sligo IT. The girls played Eoghan Rua, St Farnan’s and CT Gaels. Despite reduced numbers, the girls played magnificently, coming out on top in all their games. The Blitz was very well organised and the girls got to meet some of the Senior Sligo Ladies afterwards, and had double All Ireland winner, Leah Caffrey, cheering them on from the sideline. The u16 girls continue their preparation for the county A Championship final with competitive challenge matches against the Ursuline College last Wednesday and St Patrick’s Dromahair on Saturday. The final takes place this coming Saturday in Shamrock Gaels Park, Coola with Eoghan Rua providing the opposition. ST Marys Ladies completed their Senior Championship campaign with an emphatic win over Eoghan Rua on a scoreline of 10-11 to 3-08. Playing against the Easkey wind in the first half the ladies played smart football defending in numbers and breaking at pace. This kept the scoreboard ticking over with the impressive trio of Emma Keavney, Ruth Monaghan and Ciara Gilroy showing the way ably assisted by Michaela Gaffney. Despite the strength of the wind being faced, our girls were 6 points ahead at the break. Eoghan Rua started the second half strongly but resolute defending from Aileen Ruane, Aoife Connolly and Ali Dykes ensured St Marys had the platform to push on and win the game comfortably. Special mention to 3 more players making their adult debut, Erin and Kayla Breheny and Roisín Martin. Each was impressive on the day. The game concluded an encouraging first Senior Championship season for the ladies, and great to see the number of new faces introduced to the squad. Thanks to all the players and their management and we look forward to next year. IN a sure sign that the football season is coming to a close, we are having the end of season party this Saturday for the kids attending Saturday morning coaching. Training will be held in the afternoon from 3-4pm on the pitch, and this will be followed by a disco and fun from 4-5pm in the clubhouse. Well done to all the children involved and we look forward to seeing your skills on the playing field in St Marys colours. Again we are indebted to all who help on the Saturdays whether coaching or in the many vital jobs that are so important to the smooth running of the mornings.
CT GAELS
CT Gaels senior girls will play Tourlestrane in this year’s Intermediate Final. The appearance in the final will be their first since 2012 and shows the strides the club is making at this level. After wins against Drumcliffe-Rosses Point, Calry, Owenmore Gaels and Coolera-strandhill, CT Gaels have finished 2nd in the table and will play neighbours Tourlestrane in the decider on Oct 13th in Kilcoyne Park, Tubbercurry.
BOTH clubs hope that their supporters come out in their droves and create a great atmosphere in a local derby final on October 13th 1230pm in Tubbercurry.
U14 A Final
CT GAELS v Tourlestrane
ON a blustery Saturday afternoon in Curry, the CT Gaels girls kept their successful bandwagon going by adding the U14 ‘A’ title to the U12B title they secured a few weeks ago. This was a game of high standard, pure football and both clubs can be very proud of they way their teams set out to play. It was totally entertaining and full of all that is good in ladies football. Playing with the wind in the first half, it was envisaged that Tourlestrane would need to open up a lead at HT. However, it was all level at the break, and worryingly for Tourlestrane, the wind wasn’t easing. CT Gaels took control in the second half playing some outstanding football, and Tourlestrane, despite putting in a huge effort, just couldn’t get the scores to keep with them. Both teams contributed to this fine contest and there’s no doubt we’ll see some interesting games between these neighbouring rivals in the years ahead. However, this was CT Gaels day and congratulations to the team and their management.