Westmeath Féile Clonkill

 Westmeath Féile na Gael

What a day it was for Clonkill who after a ropy start on Saturday morning finished the Feile by bringing home a plate  trophy on Saturday evening.

Manager Sean Loughlin spoke after most games explain that “ even after the opening performances he still has faith that his boys would come home victorious.”

Clonkill 0-3

Birr 5-4

Halfway House Bunclody 

The Westmeath side found it difficult to get the better of there neighbours from Offaly Saturday morning .

After Birr hit the first score Clonkill responded with a minor score from captain Martin Joseph Long. Birr then complete control firing in two goals and a point before Ben Loughlin narrowed the gap for the Westmeath side. With the half time whistle looming Birr finished the scoring with another two goals and finished off the scoring with a point before half time.

After the break the Offaly side found it very difficult to break down which was a much more resolute Clonkill defence. Birr only managed another goal and point in. The final score of the game was a score from Loughlin from a free to narrow the gap slightly before full time.

Clonkill 1-4

Kevin Lynch’s 3-4

In there second game of the tournament Clonkill produced a much better display but their northern opponents got the better of them by two goals.

After a tough opening game this didn’t seem to affect the young Westmeath men as they battled hard in this tie. They didn’t start well as they went four points down inside the opening few minutes. They battled back with two points from Odhran McColgan and sharpshooter Loughlin. There opponents extended the game with another goal and a point before the half time whistle.

After the interval Clonkill battled back firing in a goal from Conor Cleary either side of a third goal and point from the opponents. It was Clonkill who finished stronger with two fine efforts through Aaron Connaire . They couldn’t manage to get those two goals back before the fulltime whistle. 

 Plate Semi Final 

Clonkill 0-10

Bunclody 1-3

In the plate  semi final Clonkill showed they were here to play beating the home side team on Saturday afternoon.

After an early coin toss due to a jersey clash. It was the home club that rattled the back of the net in the opening phases of play. With a couple of positional changes Clonkill battled back into this semifinal. It was captain MJ Long  who narrowed the gap with two frees in between what ended up being Bunclody final score of the half. As half time grew closer Clonkill drove ahead with Long  landing scored and Loughlin adding another to go a point up at the break.

When play resumed it was much the same as Long and Loughlin added another each to there tally. As the full time whistle loomed Ciaran McGrath, Long and Colm Clinton added the insurance scores to make sure there side would be playing in the shield final.

Final 

Clonkill 5-10

Burren Rangers Carlow 1-2

Davidstown 

 

Clonkill managed to finish this tournament in style winning the plate final on Saturday evening with a scintillating performance 

From the outset in this final it was clear that the Westmeath boys had the better of their Carlow opponents. In a carbon copy of the semi final the majority of the scored came from MJ Long and his teammate Loughlin . Long’s performance in the first half was one for the ages as he netted a first half hat trick of goals before adding a point to his tally. Not to be outdone Loughlin doubled his tally in the opening half. There last two scored of the half were minor’s slotted over by Killian Raleigh and Michael. All their opponents could muster in return was a solitary goal before half time.

Once the whistle went for the second half Loughlin decided to take control of the tie for his side. The Clonkill corner forward slotted in two goals and two points to extend the gap for his side . In a game of plenty of scores MJ Long was finding his range as he finished the scoring for him in the Féile with two more white flags. The opponents responded with two consolation scored to slightly narrow the gap. The final score of the game came off the stick of Colm Clinton .

This ensured victory for his side.

After the final we get the thoughts of Loughlin who explains that the “team had a great time traveling and seeing the countryside of Wexford and meeting new people.”

Finally he praises his team who after two tough group games still manged to hurl and bring a trophy back to Clonkill. “ We produced our best game of the tournament in the final and we are delighted to be coming back home with silverware.”

Management: Sean Loughlin,

Steven Cleary 

Joe Daly

Squad:

James Nea,

Peter Raleigh,

Adam Slevin Keirnan,

Jack Raeside,

Killian Raleigh

MJ Long (C)

Ciaran McGrath

Aaron Connaire

Conor Cleary

Colm Clinton

Michael Brennan 

Eoghan Daly

Ben Loughlin

Eli Greene

Séan Maleady

James McHugh

Adam Hughes

Oisin Kenna

Matthew O’Brien

Odhran McColgan

Ben Kelleghan Flynn

Aidan Tuite 

Conor Raleigh.

Kilkenny Féile John Locke's

 Kilkenny Féile na Gael

Game 1

John Locke’s 2-8

Faythe Harriers 0-4

The Kilkenny side made light work of their southeast opponents in this tie running out comfortable winners at the final whistle .

Within minutes of the opening whistle the Kilkenny side took the lead with a fine effort from Max Edwards. Within minutes the tie was level before Locke’s struck for there first goal from Sean Morrisey. As Locke’s gained control Glen O’Sullivan and Liam Corcoran raised white flags along with Morrisey to give them a four point lead the break.

Once play resumed it was much the same from the Kilkenny men as they piled forward in search of more scores. The first of these was a minor from Edwards before that man Morrisey doubled his goal tally for the day. As both sides started to empty there bench Aaron Murphy made an immediate impact with a point before Paddy Grace and O’ Sullivan finished the scoring to ensure victory for there side.

Game 2

John Locke’s 0-4

Ahane 0-6

In the second group game only two points separated the sides at the final whistle as the Limerick side came out on top .

After a free flowing first game scored were much harder to come by in this tie as both defences were clearly on top. Eventually JL’s broke the deadlock with an effort from midfielder Glen O’ Sullivan. The second score of the half was added minutes later when Morrisey found his range in this tie. As the half time whistle came into sight Morrisey made sure his side would go in at the breakup by the minimum 0-3- 0-2.

Once play restarted it was almost a carbon copy of the opening half as neither side could manage to get close to the opposition net.

Locke’s battled hard but only managed  one score in the second half with an effort of the hurl of Liam Corcoran from a deal ball. The opposition managed to add 0-4 to their tally to run out two point winners.

Game 3

John Locke’s 4-7

Oulart  the Ballagh 0-1

In the final game of the group it was the Callan side who produced a fine squad display running out easy winners in the end.

Callan midfielder Glen O’ Sullivan kept up his fine form in this tournament firing in 1-1 inside the opening five minutes of this tie. After this John Locke’s didn’t hold back as they kept the foot down with Liam Corcoran and O’ Sullivan adding points to the lead. As the half time got closer up stepped centre forward Ollie Molloy to add a second goal before Morrisey  finished the scoring. This left the score 2-4- 0-0 at the interval.

Once the whistle went for the second half another point was added immediately before Aaron Murphy struck of the third goal of the tie. The game was well and truly over but Glen O’ Sullivan and Jack Dermody raised two more white flags.  With the referee about to blow the game up Micheál Jackman stepped up for his first score of the tournament with a well taken goal.

With three wins and a only conceding ten points in the tournament Locke’s finished top of their group which meant a semi final tie with Galway side Oranmore Maree

Quarter  Final 

After the sides couldn’t be separated in normal time two scored in extra time made sure eventual winners Oranmore Maree got the better of their Kilkenny opponents.

John Locke’s 1-5

Oranmore Maree 1-5 Aet 1-7

Callans Glen O’ Sullivan was making a habit of scoring early he yet again raised the first flag of the day for his side . In what was a low scoring opening half the opposition levelled before both defences started to gin control. This left the score a point a piece at half time.

As defences started to get tired in the second half scores became much more plentiful with Liam Corcoran firing over an effort from play and a dead ball in between a Max Edwards strike . With the opposition a goal up Corcoran again took control of the ball before rattling the back of the net to level the tie with five minutes to go.

The opposition took the lead but with the final effort of the game it was scoring machine Corcoran who stepped up to sent this quarter final to extra time.

Unfortunately it wasn’t to be for the Kilkenny boys as the eventual champions slotted two points in extra time to ensure the victory eventually against a valiant Locke’s side.

Management team 

John O’ Neill

Paul Morrisey

Pat Croke

Sean Hogan

Tom Dermody

Joe Molloy

Squad: Patrick Maher

Oisin Kennedy

Ruadhan Doran

Pádraig Tobin

Padraig Croke

Paddy Grace (C)

Oisin O’ Neill

Max Edwards

Glen O’ Sullivan

Eoghan Cassin

Ollie Molloy

Adam Byrne

Sean Corcoran

Sean Morrisey

Liam Corcoran

Sean Henriques

Hamish Carey

Jack Dermody

Aaron Murphy

Micheál Jackman

Peter Lawlor 

Jake Green

Joaquim Nolan

Cathal Power

Danny Power

Darragh Tierney

Eoghan McCorry

Jack Doheny

John Keher.

Kilkenny Feile Bennettsbridge

 Kilkenny Féile Na Gael Bennettsbridge 

“ It was a very proud day for Bennettsbridge as it was the first time since 1981 that they had competed in division 1 of the Féile” manager Alan Morrisey explains.

What a day it was for the Kilkenny girls as they managed to battle hard from start to finish but were unfortunately beaten by the eventually Féile winners in the semifinal.

Game 1

Newmarket on Fergus 2-4

Bennetttsbridge 1-7

There was nothing to separate these teams from start to finish as both sides shared a point each in this opening group game in Ferns Saturday morning.

In what was an end to end game from start to finish nothing could sperate these two sides. The opening half was eventful with goals coming at either end with Holly Ryan netting earlier on for the Kilkenny girls . 

Once play resumed it was much the same from both sides as they battled hard around the middle third . With the final whistle in sigh it looked like the Clare side who were four points up had done enough but the Kilkenny girls fought back with the last four points of the game .Bennettsbridge had Holly Ryan 1-6 and Katie Mulcahy 0-1 to thank to make sure they would start the day with at least one point on the board.

Game 2

Bennettsbridge 1-4

Granagh Ballingarry 4

In the second group game in division two only .A solitary Mia Rusnak  goal was the major difference against a tough Limerick side.

This division was very tightly contested from start to finish . The Limerick side never managed to break through a resolute Bennettsbridge rearguard to trouble the net all the way through the game . Eventually the only goal of the game was scored through Mia Rusnak who drilled an effort past the opposition keeper. It was Holly Ryan who top scored for her side as she was very hard to stop in any of the game adding another 0-4 to her  tally for the tournament 

Game 3 

Athenry 1-3

Bennettsbridge 0-6

In their final game to determine their semifinal placings the Kilkenny girls produced a fine performance  with a last minute point ensuring they would remain unbeaten in this tough group .

It has to be mentioned that in all their  games the sturdy Bennettsbridge defence nearly stood watertight but eventually the Galway side manage to break through for that elusive goal. This  was the difference between the sides as they kept one point ahead until nearly the final whistle . The tie was levelled in the last puck of the game as the Kilkenny girls never lost there cool and showed composure beyond their years to stay unbeaten in the group. The scores in this nerve racking tie came again courtesy of Holly Ryan 0-5 and Katie Mulcahy 0-1.

his result meant they would finish second in the group playing in the cup semifinal Saturday afternoon.

Cup Semi Final 

Bennettsbridge 0-7

Boherlahan Dualla 3-7

It wasn’t to be for the Bennettsbridge girls in the semi final as they were beaten by a couple of goals by the eventual champions.

In what was a very exciting opening few minutes it was eventually the division 1 champions from Tipperary the got the better of the Kilkenny girls who battled hard all the way through. The champions who had a team of 12 nearly all on the cusp were just too good in the end . Bennettsbridge  did get close to theme with another 0-5 from Holly Ryan along with 0-2 from Katie Mulcahy 

After the semifinal Morrisey details how he is very proud of a team that has a wide variety of ages on it. “ We achieved enormous things as our squad ranged from girls eleven years of age all the way up to fifteen.”

This experience may prove crucial in the next few years as these girls come up through the age groups . With  such a young team who knows the Bridge could be seen in the Féile again for the next few years.

Management team 

Paul Forde

Alan Morrisey

Bruce Nelson

Kevin Ryan

Caoimhe Shiels

Sinead Wall

Squad:

Leah Croke

Alice Nelson

Katie Holden

Sadhbh Hennessy

Amy Hughes

Erin Morrisey

Eve Byrne

Lauren Skehan

Katie Mulcahy

Sarah Forde

Holly Ryan

Lilly Mai Meighan

Kate Martin

Kayla Wall

Hollie Meighan

Isabel Nelson

Mia Rusnak

Aoibhe Walpole

Hannah Walpole

Alannah Drea

Brid Bolger

Isabel Brennan

Lily Dooley

Leah Farrell

Kristy Ozola.

Offaly Féile Birr

 Offaly Feile 

Birr produced some fantastic hurling from start to finish on Saturday in Bunclody to win the division 2 Feile today.

This young side battled hard in the final, missing three of their stronger players for several reasons.

Manager Simon Whelehan said after the final “that hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard.”

This was definitely the case for this young side who showed experience and courage beyond their years to bring home another all Ireland to Offaly.

Birr 5_4

Clonkill 0-3

In the opening game of the group in Bunclody Birr's Edward Caty made sure of victory for his side with four goals, one better than the other .

Birr flew out of the blocks early in this tie with a white flag through Robert Landy inside the opening two minutes. The tie was then leveled before Edward Carty took control of this opening group game. He netted a goal from a long range free before batting in a second goal minutes later, he then added a point to finish this flurry of scores. The opposition responded with a point before Carty added two more excellent goals alongside a Micheal Kelly long range point before half time.

Once the whistle started  again the Offaly boys found it much more difficult to score, eventually they fired in the fifth goal from the stick of Ryan Lagace. This meant all the full forward line had scored from play, this was a great achievement for the young side. The last two goals of the game was a free from the opposition before Carty slotted one final dead ball before the final whistle.

Birr 4-6

Kevin Lynch's 3-7

In what was arguably one of the games of the tournament the Offaly boys beat last year's division 2 champions in a titanic tussle.

Within the opening minutes of this second game Birr took control with a point from Barry Bennet before that man Carty netted his fifth goal of the tournament. This was the end of the scoring as the Derry boys took control, firing a goal and four unanswered points . With half time looming Birr battled back with two more dead balls from Carty before Lynch’s finished the scoring  with an effort from play leaving them two up at the break.

After the break the score started coming thick and fast with Lynch’s rattling the back of the net early. The Offaly men did not drop their heads as the full forward line kicked into gear as Landy goaled along with Lagace before a minor score from Carty who was causing havoc. The gap was then narrowed slightly with another dead ball before Carty added another goal and point to his tally for the day. With the full-time whistle around the corner the Derry boys battled back canceling out Carty four points by adding the same at the other end. It was captain Barry Bennet whose outrageous free from the sideline ensured the victory for his side.

Cup Semi Final 

Birr 1-4

Tralee Parnell’s 0-2

After two very high scoring games Birr showed their true character in this semifinal after battling to a five point win after playing all the second half with fourteen men.

Birr kept up their goal scoring form with an early three pointer from Ryan Lagace. The gap was then narrowed to one when the opposition slotted two frees. Minutes later Birr went down to fourteen men when Lagace was unfortunately shown the line for what looked like a tangle of legs. The rest of the half the semifinal turned into a stalemate as neither side managed to trouble the scoreboard before the break. Leaving the minimum between the sides.

Down to fourteen men Birr made some very important changes and after the break this started to reap the rewards as defensively, they kept the opposite scoreless for the whole second half of the game. In response the Offaly boys managed to fire over four scores with one better than the other. The scoring was opened through wingback Tom Enright before their captain Barry Bennett fired over two monster frees into the wind. With the last puck of the game Campbell Naughton slotted over to ensure his side's passage into the cup final.

Cup Final 

Birr 2-8

St Anne's 2-5

After letting in two early goals against the run of play Birr produced some fantastic hurling to come out on top against one of the home county side Saturday evenings.

It was Birr who got off to the ideal start in this final when Cambell Naughton managed to raise the first white flag of the game. They then kept control of the ball for the next few minutes only to be done by two quick fire goals from the opposition against the run of play. The side from south Wexford kept the pressure on firing over two more points to add to the early tally. This purple patch didn't seem to affect the Birr boys as Cathal Mooney drew for the first time on a pass from Naughton to hit the back of the net to narrow the gap. The opposition fired over one last free before the boys in green and red added an effort from Darragh Carty before Bennett found his range with a free. This left a goal between the sides at the break.

Once the play restarted Anne’s extended the gap as it looked like they were going to pull away. This wasn't the case as the side in green and red battled back into it with a goal off the hurl of David Machel. This woke his side up as Barry Bennett, who had now moved out to center back started to take complete control of the tie with three points one from a free before two monster efforts from open play. As the full time whistle grew closer and the cup got closer Anne’s fired over once last score as they tried to gain a foothold. This didn't happen as scorers from Robert Landy and a final one from Bennett made sure that another all-Ireland title would be heading back to Offaly this week.

After the final whistle we get the thoughts of manager Simon Whelahan who firstly tells us how proud he is of how the boys played all day, having all sorts thrown at them. “Fair play to the boys they have battled all day against the odds.” He gives a special mention to three players who were all missing the final for different reasons. “Our first forward Edward Carty gone , then Ryan Lagace and a special mention to Lorcan Owens who was away on holidays and couldn't make the tournament but had been with us all season.”

Manager Simon Whelahan

Brian Whelahan

Squad: Thomas Murray

Jack Carroll

Barry Bennett (C)

Dara Franks

Shane Milne

Darragh Carty

Tom Enright 

Oscar Boyd

Michael Kelly

Isaac Mullarkey

Peter Spain

Campbell Naughton

Ryan Lagace

Robert Landy

Edward Carty

Shane Dillon 

Fionn Whelahan

Darragh Hand

Sean Pilkington

Nathan Newham

Donagh Tierney

Cathal Mooney

Lorcan Owens

David Machel

Zmarak Khan

https://www.offalyexpress.ie/news/home/1538144/heroic-birr-team-take-u-15-national-feile-hurling-division-2-title.html

Derry Féile Kevin Lynch's

 Derry Féile na Gael

Group 2 Game 1

Kevin Lynch’s 3-4

Clonkill 1-4

In their opening game of the tournament in Wexford the Dungiven side got the better of their Westmeath opponents by two majors from the stick of Aidan Kelly.

Kevin Lynch’s got off to the ideal start in Bunclody, when Aidan Kelly rattled the back of the net. The gap was extended as Aodhan McVey slotted over a dead ball. Scores were coming easier for the Derry side as McVey drove an outrageous sideline over the bar before Kelly added his second goal of the tie. All the opposition could muster was two white flags before half time.

Once the play resumed Kelly netted his hat trick before another free from dead ball specialist McVey. After a period of pressure the Westmeath men netted to narrow the gap. As the final whistle got closer McVey finished the scoring for his side with an effort from play.

The final two consolation scored came from their opponents before the game finished.

Group 2 Game 2

Kevin Lynch’s 3-7

Birr 4-6

In arguably one of the games of the competition Birr manged to get the better of the Derry side by the narrowest of margins.

After Birr flew into an early four point lead the game changed as Kevin Lynch’s battled back with a goal and four points unanswered.

The scoring started with white flags from Oisin Donaghy and Dara McKenna. It was dead ball specialist McVey that narrowed the gap with a third in a row from play.  The Dery men then took the lead when Dylan Irwin raised a green flag. The last score of the purple match was that man McVey again. With the halftime whistle around the corner Birr narrowed the gap before the final score of the half with a minor from midfielder Peader Kelly.

The second half began with a bang as Dylan Irwin found the back of the net. Afte this early goal Birr battled back into the with two goals and a point as the tie came back into the melting pot. With eight minutes to go scored were getting harder to come by until McVey found his range with another free. The Offaly side hit a purple patch in the last few minutes with a final goal and two points in between a scrambled goal by Lynch’s before a final McVey effort from play.

 Shield Semi Final

Kevin Lynch’s 2-2

Trim 1-6

Only a point separated the two sides in this semi final as the Meath side managed  to come out on top.

From the outset of this semifinal anyone in attendance could see that scored would be very difficult to come by. The first of the game was from the Meath side before KL’s took the lead as Aidan Kelly found the back of the opposition net. As the halftime whistle got closer Trim added two more white flags in between a Kelly effort this time from play. This left the minimum between the sides at the break.

The Dery side got the ideal start to the second period with a second goal of the game from Kelly.

This was the end of the scoring as Trim battled back control with a goal and two points of their own. It looked like Trim were on the way to a win  but  McVey had other ideas as he levelled the tie with a long range free. It wasn’t to be for the Derry boys as Trim made sure of the victory with the final puck of the game.

Management Team 

Manager Davy Harry

Coach: Anton O’ Hara 

Kieran Farren

Kevin Loughart 

Oliver Kelly 

Cathal O’Kane 

Prionnsias Brolly

Squad:

Ryan Moore

Charlie O’Kane

Conal Gillan

Oran McCloskey

Conor O’ Neill

Ultan McCloskey

Anton Farren

Pearse Murphy (C) 

Peader Kelly

Dara McKenna

Oisin Donaghy

Aidan Kelly

Dylan Irwin

Aodhán McVey

Dára Lockhart

Séan Farran

Oisin O’ Neill

Ben Haran

Breandan Óg Kelly

Conor McCloskey

Shay Colgan

Aodhan McCloskey

James Óg O’ Kane

Aaron McGonigle

Ruairí Haran

https://www.derrynow.com/news/derry-sport/1538268/kevin-lynch-s-reach-the-shield-semi-final-of-the-derry-feile-na-gael-in-wexford.html

Derry Feile Ballinderry

 Derry Camogie Féile na nGael

The Féile is where memories are made and this was certainly the case when Ballinderry won the division 2 title at the Féile. “Memories” was the word of the weekend. And there is no doubt that there were special memories made. To quote Jane Adams, “memories that will last a lifetime”. 

These girls never get ahead of themselves, they are professionals. They are cool, calm and collected. They know they have a job to do and they just go and do it. They are composure personified. They are the pinnacle of underage camogie in the county and beyond and we couldn’t be prouder.” These were the words of manager Blaithin Doonan in the aftermath of this historic achievement by this Ballinderry  team.

Game 1 

Naomh Eamann 0-0

Ballinderry 1-7

What a performance this was from the Derry team as they kept there Laois opponents scoreless for the whole game.

From the opening whistle the Derry girls took control of this game with sharpshooter Eva Forbes finishing the game with a goal and five points. Her teammates Ellen Cullen and Kerri Lee Mullen finished the scoring for there side. 

At the other end of the pitch plaudits have to go to the girls at the back led by goalkeeper Larissa Mullan whose puckouts were pinpoint from the start of the game. The defensive unit led by full back Faye McGuckin kept the opposition scoreless for the whole game. This early performance  boded well for the rest of the tournament for this side.

Game 2 

Gailtir 2-1

Ballinderry 1-7

Nothing could sperate these sides as both sides brought home a point each from the second group game.

It was always going to be a challenging match. End-to-end action from the start. Ballinderry  went 1-1 down in the first few minutes but never lost their  composure. Emma McVey excelled  in the middle of the pitch emulating the performance of her partner in the first game covering every blade of grass.  This was the tournament  where Eimear Crozier who really came into her own over the weekend, positioned herself perfectly to receive a brilliant pass from Sabia Bell. Bell fought hard, bravely won the ball, and held it up to find Crozier on the 21-yard line, who then finished  into the net with ease. Ellen Cullen, ended with a score of 1-03 to ensure her side would come away with at least a point from this group game .

Game 3 

Ballinderry 1-12

Blackwater  1-02

Ten points was the difference at the end of the final group game as Ballinderry got the better of their Wexford opponent’s  ensuring top spot in the group.

It was the final group game the Derry girls  were jittery at times, but once they  gained momentum, they  were an  unstoppable force  Lily-Rose McKinless who  had just come onto the pitch when she found the back of the net inside the opening few minutes Though it was a scoring showcase, all these scores were  the result of turnovers at the back, with Faye McGuckin, Aimee Ryan, and Ellen McGuckin expertly working the ball up to the attackers. Emily McGuckin was a powerhouse up front. It was Eve Forbes who top scored with 0-6 along with 0-4 from Ellen Cullen and a point each from Eimear Crozier and Kerri Lee Mullan. 

Semi Final 

Éire Óg 0-0

Ballinderry 4-10

The Derry side made light work of there Kildare counterparts running out twenty two point winners.

The first five minutes of this semifinal  set the tone, with Sienna Bell and Caoimhe McKeown scoring points early on. Abaigh Rocks, Raiesha Ryan, Cara Rose Mullan, Sarah Jane Rocks, Aine Logan, Leah Loughran and Lara McGuckin all made their Feile debuts in impressive fashion. 

 As Ballinderry took control this resulted in Casey McKinless working  a beautiful one-two with Eva Forbes, who finished coolly into the net  It was a confident and composed display all around, capped off by Eva Forbes' top-drawer penalty to the roof of the net – a beautifully struck shot.  Ballinderry were finding it easier to score with Kerri Lee Mullan adding 1-1 to her tally for the tournament with Cullen adding another impressive four points along with Ellie Gilligan, Crozier and Bell who finished off the scoring.

This set up a mouthwatering all Ulster final with Antrim side Cushendall 

Cushendall 1-4

Ballinderry 1-7

Only a goal separated these tow northern rivals on the final whistle with the Derry girls coming out on top and making sure they would bring the cup home to Ballinderry on Sunday.

Cushendall started stronger they were clearly ready for this. But were this strong battling Ballinderry side  The sideline was frustrated, and our supporters were nervous as Cushendall  started to gain control  It was an end-to-end battle, with only the bare minimum separating the teams. At halftime, there were tears, aches, pains, and high emotions.  All that was left was fifteen minutes between the Derry girls coming out victorious  or not.

 After the break, up stepped Kerri-Lee Mullan and Dairine Campbell, leaders by name and nature as they  started taking control. Then came another long ball from, which was duly put in the net by  Eva Forbes. The Derry girls then   pushed  on and closed  the space at the back with  Ailise Musgrave producing some fine defending and outstanding blocks and duly helped by her teammates who all worked hard as the final whistle loomed  

In the final phases of the game the Antrim side narrowed the gap with a goal of their own. There were shots from both sidelines as no one knew where this was going to go but Ballinderry bench made an impact with Shilegha Hughes making an impact.  With the last play of the game victory was unsured for the Derry side as Eimear Gilligan put three between the sides just before the final whistle.

After the game manager Blaithin Doonan gives us her thoughts  on her side’s unbelievable achievement. “This victory took every single girl to get it over the line. Everyone participated. Everyone contributed. We have 26 history makers in Ballinderry Shamrocks. We scored a total of 8-43 on the day – but we only conceded 4-07. Amazing statistics. This speaks volumes about the work that took place all over the pitch.” 

It also has to be added that this team could go on and make even more history in the ladies’ football Féile. “The same girls are in the all-Ireland football feile final. And if we win. We will be one of the few clubs in Ireland to have done the double in 30/50 years  of Feile.

Managers 

Shauna Forbes

Sinead Crozier

Blaithin Doonan

Coaches 

Clodagh McKinless

Deirdre McGuckin

Roisin Egan

Squad : Larissa Mullan

Aimee Egan

Faye McGuckin

Ellen McGuckin

Alisha Musgrave

Dairine Campbell

Rionach Conlon

Eva Forbes

Emma McVey

Kerri Lee Mullan

Ellen Cullen

Eimear Crozier

Sabia Bell

Emily McGuckin

Grace McVey

Abbaigh Rocks

Caoimhe McKewon

Sophia O’ Neill

Lara McGuckin

Shileigha Hughes

Sienna Bell

Leah Loughran

Casey McKinless

Ellie Gilligan

Lily Rose McKinless

Kasey Musgrave.

https://www.derrynow.com/news/derry-sport/1538321/brilliant-ballinderry-shamrocks-create-lifelong-memories-at-derry-camogie-feile-na-ngael.html

Kilkenny Kennedy Cup ( Kilkenny People)

 

Kilkenny Kennedy Cup

 

 

Kilkenny 2

 

Lisburn 0

 

It was Kilkenny who opened up their Kennedy Cup campaign with a two goal win over their Northern opponents.

 

The long journey down to Limerick didn't seem to affect the southeast side as they had taken the lead inside six minutes when Sean Corcoran from Callan rattled the back of the net. After gaining such an early advantage Kilkenny kept the pressure on for the rest of the half but couldn't manage to find that second goal to extend their lead.

 

Just minutes after the interval the side in black and amber did manage to double their lead when Spa Utd’s Aaron Phelan finished expertly into the net.

This was the end of the scoring as Kilkenny held out to get their first three points of the tournament.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kilkenny 3

 

Roscommon 3

 

Nothing could separate the Leinster and Connacht sides in this six goal thriller in the second group game in UL on Tuesday morning.

 

In an almost carbon copy of the first game the Cats flew out of the box netting inside six minutes again this time through Conor Doyle from Freebooters. This was the end of the dominance as just before half time the Connacht side took the lead with a goal from Finn Kearney and then Conall Molloy.

Kilkenny managed to level the tie seven minutes into the second half through that man Doyle again.

This was the end of the scoring  until added time which was considerably long in this game. In the sixth minute of added time the southeast side took the lead through Corcoran. In the final play of the game Roscommon mounted an attack which ended up finishing into the net through Tom McDonell.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Kilkenny 0

 

Cork 0

 

In this last group game nothing could separate these two great sporting rivals as they went toe to toe in yet another sporting code .

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bowl Quarter Final

 

Kilkenny 2

 

Mayo 1

 

A solitary goal was the difference in this quarter final as Kikenny came out on top against another Connacht opponent .

Kilkenny must be the one of the only teams to score within ten minutes of all their games as Alex Shepard from the Lions broke the deadlock early on.  Their opponents then battled back into the tie and leveled this game with a James Dever effort just before the break.

 

From the resumption of play both sides were creating chances but nothing was causing any major issue this was until a minute before the second water break . As it looked like we would be level up stepped  Evergreen’s Brion Walsh stepped in to give his side the lead. Kilekkny would hold onto this lead and eventually come out one goal winners in this bowl quarter final.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Bowl Semi Final

 

Kilkenny 1

 

Limerick Desmond 2

 

The home county side managed to use the breeze to their advantage to win out one goal winners in a great game of soccer.

 

It was the side from the southeast playing with the elements who managed to take control of the tie. They created the first two chances from corners but couldn't find the back of the net. Then against the run of play the West Limerick side drove in a cross  and after a scramble the  ball was put in by Geoff O’ Donnell.  Just as the ref was about to blow for the first water break Kilkenny equalized with a long range free which flew into the net from Evergreen Brion Wash.

After the resumption it was all Kilkenny but they found it difficult to break down a strong opposition defense . The closest they  got was on the cusp of half time when a goal line scramble was cleared out of the box.

Once the play resumed Limerick took control using the elements to their advantage and pinning back Kileknny at every opportunity. It wasn't until after the water break that they took the lead after another scramble in the box this time after a free kick led to Stepehn McCugh netting what turned out to be the winner.

 

Kilkenny have one game left to see how high they can place against  Kildare

 

Place Match 11/12

 

Kilkenny 0

 

Kildare 3

 

It wasn't to be for Kilkenny on the final day as their neighbors Kildare came out three goal winners.

From the outset it was the Lillywhites who took control but some courageous Kilkenny defending kept the score level at the first water break.

Minutes later the deadlock was broken when Filip Wojcik found the net from long range. As the half grew to a close Kilkenny broke away but they cannoned an effort of the post leaving them one behind at the break.

 

After the interval it was much the same as Kilkenny defended well as the opposition tried to get that elusive second goal. The water break was just around the corner when Kildare’s James Maloney netted the second of the game.

In the dying embers of the game Kiladre broke away to fire in the deciding goal with striker Harvey Bowers finding the back of the net.

This result meant Kilkenny finished twelfth  place in the competition.

 

Coach Robbie Lawlor spoke at the end of the tournament saying “ it went ok and that he was really proud of the boys and finishing 12th in such a great competition is no mean feat.”

In regards to the future of this team he speaks about how “ he is going to lose four players as they are going to play hurling next year but he is hoping that he will get one exceptional young fella Sam Norton who in next years competition.”

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Squad:

Rian O’Dwyer: Lions

Sam Norton: Evergreen

Dan O’ Brien: Freebooters

Danny Campion: Lions

Dara Leamy: Freebooters

Ryan Farrell: Freebooters

Alex Shepard: Lions

Conor Henderson: Evergreen

Robert Cullen: Evergreen

Brion Walsh Evergreen

Conor Roche: Freebooters

Sean Corcoran: Callan

Fionn O’ Sullivan: Lions

Aaron Phelan: Spa Utd

JJ Cahill: Evergreen

Jack Marnell: Freshford

Conor Doyle: Freebooters

Noah Murtagh: Deen Celtic

Liam Corcoran: Callan

Shay Blanchfield; Evergreen

 

Head of Delegation: Michael Coughlan

Head Coach: Robbie Lawlor

Coach: Neil Murtagh

Coach Michael Walsh

Coach John Flynn.

Physio: Sinead O’ Keefe

Lucy Doyle Farrington Story

 

Lucy's Doyle Farrington Story

 

The Arklow girl following in the footsteps of Katie Taylor.

 

Club  Lucy began her Arklow United career at U9s and in her own  words she walked up to  the club  and one of the coaches welcomed her with open arms. From her first training session at the club “she felt like she was at home and her coaches gave her belief that she could go a long way in soccer.” In her first ever match for the club a coach handed her a pair of gloves and from then on  she never looked back. Lucy was in a position with the club from the beginning that to play games at any age group she made the decision  to play with the boy’s team as it made her develop as a goalkeeper. Looking back at her career with the club to date she remembers fondly winning a league title against Ashford in 2022. In 2023 she was fortunate enough to go with the club on a trip to Blackpool, Lucy felt that “ anything was possible with her club team and whether winning or losing they did it together.”

 

 

School: In September Lucy went into first year in St Marys where she has developed her game as a goalie and even as an outfield player. With her own U15 team in school she finally experienced playing on an all-girls team in her hometown . This was a wonderful experience for her because as she explains “ football is just a sport that I enjoy no matter who is on the team with me.” In recent weeks the Arklow girl was a part of the schools U17 team that won a Leinster shield. She showed her versatility as a player playing at  attacking midfield on this winning side. .

 

 

 County: After the Covid break Lucy first experienced playing with the county while still playing on an all-boys team. When she first got the call up to play with the lads she felt, “ it was a new chapter in my career and I was going to give it the best shot that I could. Last Summer her County team won the Galway Cup.” I was pumped going into the penalty shootout and I believed that we would win it as we had such great support on the sideline.”  Lucy, who guessed right for every penalty, explains how “she was immensely proud of all the work the coaches had put in before and during the tournament and how this led them to believe that they would come home with the silverware.”

 

 

 

Kennedy Cup

 

 

 

Being one of the first females to play in the Kennedy Cup for Wicklow since the aforementioned Katie Taylor Lucy described how this is going to feel, “  It's a great thing knowing that you have someone to look up to and  hopefully follow and make it in a professional sport.”

 

 

 

 

Leinster: Once the Galway Cup had finished Lucy got called up to the Leinster U15 school team. We get her initial thoughts on this achievement.”  I felt like it was my chance to go and show that I could do it at a high level.”  The Leinster side that she was a part of were lucky enough to beat their rivals Munster to win the FAI schools U15 girls’ interprovincial  tournament.

 

 

 

 

 

Ireland. Following on from her performance at the FAI schools she got the opportunity to train with the Irish team in Athlone in February. After a number of training sessions she found out  she  had been selected for the Bob Doherty Cup that was played in Athlone during the Easter Holidays. After the call up she explained how she felt before the tournament, “ I was excited to wear the green jersey and was delighted that all my hard work had paid off. “ At the end of the tournament she was the only goalie from Ireland, Scotland , England and Northern Ireland to keep a clean sheet.

 

 

 

 

Soccer courses over the summer to teach young kids. .

In the upcoming  weeks the young girl has already decided to give back to her local community. Firstly, she is going to give two local schools a presentation on football. While bringing in her Ireland cap. The schools are  Scoil Ghormáin Naofa, Castletown.  and St Joseph's, her old primary school. She is also going to  support at the  Arklow united summer camps as this is where her journey began four years ago.

Midlands Kennedy Cup 2024

 

Midlands Kennedy Cup 2024

 

 

Midlands 1

 

Limerick Desmond 2

 

After an early second half goal from Jordan Daly it looked like Midlands would hold out but one of the home teams netted twice in the last few minutes to take all three points.

 

It was Midlands who started the brighter with  Lochlann Fletcher carving out a chance which was well saved. The home side then wrestled back control up until the water break but the Midlands defense held them out well. After the break both sides carved out chances but couldn't make a breakthrough before halftime.

 

Within minutes of the resumption substitute Jordan Daly expertly finished into the net after a great pass from …

It was the away side that controlled the game up until the last ten minutes. With eight left on the clock Dan Healy lashed a penalty into the top corner.

With time almost up both sides created chances to win the game an  Antosh Stasczak effort was expertly saved. With the last play of the game Leon O’ Connor finished expertly  to ensure victory for his side.

 

 

Midlands 2

 

Cavan/ Monaghan 1

 

In a role reversal of the first game as the  Midlands fought back to win this tie in the last couple of minutes to grab their first three points of the tournament.

 

From early on the Midlands side pressed up high on there opposition

This nearly paid off after four minutes when Lochlann Fletcher's effort flew over the bar. Moments later they thought they had broken the deadlock only for the offside flag to be raised .

After the water break all the chances still came to the side in black with Cormac Graham, Cillian Gavin and L Fletcher all coming close .

After the break and against the run of the Northern side opened the scoring when Eoin Kelly long range free kick evaded everyone to find the back of the net

Not to be deterred, Lochlann Fletcher leveled the tie within three minutes.

It wasn't until five minutes to go when Midlands finally took the lead as Antosh Stasczak was awarded a penalty which was slotted away by Joshua  Coyne to give his side a well deserved victory.

 

 

Midlands 0

 

South Belfast 3

 

It wasn't to be for the youthful Midlands side as their Northern counterparts got the better of them in their final group game.

This result meant they finished 3rd in their group.

 

It was clear from the outset that the Midlands would be up against it as the Belfast side kept up there good form from the beginning of the tournament

The Midlands side did produce a very good defensive display in the first half keeping their counterparts scoreless up until the break.

It wasn't until just before the second water break that the deadlock was finally broken when Rocco Devlin opened the scoring with a well taken goal. After the final break two more goals were added, the first from Beto Unhabo with eight minutes remaining before Devlin finished off the scoring when he doubled his tally for the day.

 

 

The Midlands were drawn to play Clare in the shield quarter final on Wednesday evening in UL.

 

 

Midlands 3

 

Clare 5

 

A five star performance from Clare striker Kalyum Mata saw them beat Midlands after what was a strong first half performance  from the opposition.

 

From the outset the Munster side had more possession than their opponents but couldn't break down a strong Midlands defense. After the water break and against the run of play the Midlands side managed to net three goals inside ten minutes. The first of these was a great pass from David O’ Shea to Sam Meegan who controlled and finished expertly  into the corner. This goal changed the course of the game as the side in blue kept pushing forwards and minutes later had doubled their advantage when Culainn McEvoy managed to head in a ball from a corner. With the last play of the half Midlands extended there lead when Clare’s Daithí Ryan put the ball into his own net.

 

It looked like the tie was out of sight but one man changed this quarter final in the second half. This was Clare strike Kaylum Mata who managed to find the net five times in the second half. The last two of his goals  coming in added to time to give his side a victory which looked out of the question at the interval.

 

Midlands now play Carlow in the shield placing game at midday Thursday

 

Midlands 1 Pen 5

 

Carlow 1 Pen 4

 

After a tough day yesterday this Midlands side showed some serious character to win a penalty shootout against their neighbors Carlow.

 

From the outset of this game it was very clear that nothing would separate the sides as they were so well known to each other. Between the water break and half time the Midlands side did gain a foothold but couldn't get the breakthrough that their play deserved.

 

Moments after the game resumed it was Carlow who broke away against the run of play to take the lead with a strike from Owen Fitzharris. Within a couple of minutes the tie was leveled as Sam Meegan controlled a pass from Conor Keeshan to fire home.

As the final whistle drew closer penalties looked inevitable this was until Carlow were awarded one which was brilliantly saved by Tom McCaul.

This save brough the tie to the dreaded penalty shootout.

 

Midlands managed to score all five of their penalties through Jayden Daly, Mark Dunne, Sam Meegan, Donnacha Seery and the final one of the boot of Joshua Coyne.

Another save on the final effort from McCaul ensured victory for his side.

 

Leaving them to play Wicklow on Friday morning.

 

Placing match 21st/22nd

 

Midlands 2

 

Wicklow 4

 

It wasn't to be for the Midlands today after a spirited effort there southeast opponents got the better of them in a six goal thriller on Friday morning.

 

From the opening whistle Midlands defended with a lot of heat and were eventually broken down when Wicklow fired in a direct free kick to take the lead. This didn't stop the side as the battle back to create chances before the break but they couldn't make the breakthrough before the half time whistle.

After the break Midlands leveled the tie after four minutes when Sam Meegan’s rocket flew into the top corner of the net. They were pinned back moments later as the opposition took the lead for the second time. Just before the second break in play the tie was level again as Oliver Gouliding found the back of the net.

This was the closest they got as Wicklow netted  twice in the last fifteen minutes to ensure victory .

A special mention goes to goalkeeper Damiel Hynes who was rushed to hospital last night and couldn't make the final match.

 

After the final whistle we got the thoughts of Midlands manager Darren Whelan.H e believes that “ it's a tournaments of ups and downs really.” he notes that his side are small but still wanted to play football and stick to their principles. He explains that even coming up against bigger teams “ that sticking to his teams principals was the highlight of the tournament for him and his coaches .”

 

 

 

 

 

 

Midlands Squad:

Tom McCaul; Mullingar Athletic

Antosh Stasczak: Kinnegad Juniors

Marius Buividavicius: Mullingar Athletic 

Aaron Martin: St Joseph’s

Culainn McEvoy: Portlaoise AFC

Connor Keeshan: Birr Town

Cormac Graham: T+S Utd

Sam Meegan: St Francis

Jayden Daly: Tullamore Town

Cillian Gavin: St Joseph’s

Ilyan O’Dwyer;Portlaoise AFC

Conor O’ Neill: Temple Villa

David O Shea: Tullamore Town

Lochlann Fletcher: Frankford Utd

Joshua Coyne: Hodson Bay Celtic

Daniel Hynes: Edenderry Town

Mark Dunne; Killeigh SBG

Oliver Goulding: Edenderry Town

Donnocha Seery: Edenderry Town

Danny Breen; Portlaoise AFC

 

Head of Delegation: Derek Collins

Manager: Darren Whelan

Coach; Simon Dagg

Coach Ciaran Nestor

GK Goach

Ken Gorman

Analyst: Ethan Dagg

Coach: Cormac Nee.

https://www.westmeathindependent.ie/2024/06/21/mixed-fortunes-in-kennedy-cup-for-midlands-outfit/

Sligo?Leitrim Kennedy Cup ( Sligo Independent)

 

Sligo/Leitrim Kennedy Cup 2024

 

 

 

Sligo/ Leitrim 1

 

North Tipperary 0

 

In what what their coach classed a games of two halves it was the side from the north east who managed to hold out for a well deserved victory

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sligo/Leitrim 4

 

Longford 1

 

In this second round tie SL produced some fantastic football from the opening minutes to win out three goal winners .

After a tight tense affair yesterday Sligo produced some great football from the opening times whistle to take control of this game early. They had deservedly taken  the lead inside  five minutes when Ethan  Medas crossed for Daniel Connoly to finish expertly. Within three minutes they had tripled their lead with efforts from Medas and Connoly on the double .

After this flurry of goals Sligo/Leitrim controlled the tie till the break

After the interval it was much the same with SL playing the ball around . This dominance eventually led to a fourth goal with a long range strike from Killian  Hynes.

In the last play of the game Longford managed to net a consolation through Alvin  Kontoh.

 

Sligo/ Leitrim 1

 

DDSL 1

 

On Tuesday evening with most of the games over in the competition these two sides played out a highly entertaining draw ensuring the Dublin side would top the group on goal difference.

 

The Connacht side clearly had a game plan from the outset. This was to defend with all they had while striker Daniel Connolly would cause a threat up the other end. This plan worked perfectly as Connolly broke away to give his side the lead midway through the half. It was the Dublin side that pushed forward all the way to the interval but some resolute defending kept SL a goal up at the break.

Once the second half began it was much the same with the Leinster side controlling possession but not creating any major opportunities.

This was until just before the water break they won a corner which was headed in by captain Alfie  Cully. This goal meant Sligo needed the win to top the group . A long range Connolly effort grazed the outside of the post just before the final whistle.

Leaving the tie level at full time.

 

Sligo/Leitrim then drew one of the home sides Limerick Desmond in the bowl quarter final

 

Sligo/Leitrim 1 Pen 3

 

 

Limerick Desmond 1 Pen 4

 

It wasn't to be for Sligo/ Leitrim in the bowl quarter final as their West Limerick opponents managed to come out on top in the penalty shootout.

 

The Connacht side who had produced a fine display against DDSL the night before carved out the opening opportunity of this game but Cian Boylan’s effort was well saved. The West Limerick side then gained control and created two chances, the first fell to Finn Ruttle and then Tiernan O’ Flynn but neither could get the ball past Sean Deacy.

A couple of minutes after the resumption the home county side took the lead when O’Flynn controlled well before finishing into the corner of the net. With less than five minutes to go in the tie both sides nearly netted but Leon O’ Connor’s effort was saved before Limerick cleared the ball away after a goalmouth scramble.

 

As the second half dragged on it was clear that both defenses had now got the measure of their opponents . With this happening it looked like the home side had done enough but with seven minutes to go Sligo/ Leitrim fired in a free which was put into his own net. This meant the quarter final was heading to penalties.

 

Sligo stepped up first through James Sheridan but both his first and retaken penalty were saved by Ronan O’ Carroll.

Limerick then scored all three of their next three penalties from Dan Healy, Leon O’ Connor and Charlie O’ Mahoney. The Connacht side's response was goals from Eryk Chmielas and Cian Boylan in between a missed effort from Oscar Fahey.

Last up was Cory Myles Gordon who netted before Micheal O’ Kelly won the tie for the Limerick side.

 

Up next for Sligo/ Leitrim is a battle against there Connacht neighbors Mayo

 

Sligo/ Leitrim 5

 

Mayo 1

 

A clinical five star display saw Sligo / Leitrim get the better of their Connacht rivals on Thursday afternoon in UL.

 

After Mayo did all the running in the opening minutes it was S/L who took the lead with an effort from Killian Hynes after his initial effort was blocked. After the early goal the side in blue sat back on their lead but defended well to keep the lead. With two minutes left in the half Oscar Fahey broke through to double his side's lead. The ref was about to blow the whistle for half time  when that man Fahey doubled his tally for the day.

 

Within a minute of the game starting S/L added a fourth of the day this time as  Fahey completed his hat trick inside six minutes of game time. Both sides then started to empty their bench as the final whistle got closer. In the final two minutes of the game both sides managed to find the net, it was that man Fahey who added his fourth before golden boot chasing James Dever found the back of the net with the last shot of the game.

 

Place match 13/14.

 

Sligo Leitrim 2

 

Limerick District 3

 

Anyone in attendance at this five goal thriller Midday Friday was treated to a great game of football that the home side eventually managed to come out on top of.

 

Within three minutes of the game Limerick had created a chance from a free but it was well saved by Sean Deacy. It was the home side that then took the lead minutes later through Alex Meaney.Once this goal went in Sligo/ Leitrim defended valiantly as a side and kept the game scoreless until nearly half time. Then against the run of play they leveled the tie when Arrow Harps player Ethan Medas got on the end of a James Sheridan free kick.

 

When the game resumed neither side could manage to break each other down before the second water break. The game then burst into life with five minutes to go as the District side broke away through Paudie Quilter who found the back of the net. Limerick then thought they had ensured victory moments later when Rian Stewart doubled  the advantage on the cusp of full-time. With three minutes added on S/L battled back and were awarded a penalty which the competition top scorer Oscar Fahey slotted away just before the whistle was blown for full time.

 

 

Sligo/ Leitrim Squad:

Stephen McDonagh: Abbey Utd

Travis Conlon Abbey Utd

Callum Kenny Ballisodare Utd

Daniel Connolly: Ballisodare Utd

Tom Cosgrove Calry Bohs

Conor McCabe Carrick Town

Sean Barry Carrick Town

Bruce O’ Hagan: Manorhamilton Rangers

Cian Boylan: Manorhamilton Rangers

Ciaran Gunning; Merville Utd

Fionn Devins: Strand Celtic

Killian Hynes: Strand Celtic

James Sheridan: Strand Celtic

Sean Deacy: Yeats Utd

Corey Miles Gordon

Oliver Ettery: St John’s

Oscar Fahey: St Johns

Zach Carty St John’s

Ethan  Medas: Arrow Harps

 

Head of Delegation: Michael Mulvaney

Manager: John Conlon

Coach Aidan Kenny

Physio: David Brick

Kit Keith Carty