Mayo duo central to historic victory

 On Saturday evening while most eyes were on the Olympics in Paris, Irish sporting history was created in Wroclaw in Poland when Ireland won the European Lacrosse title, beating old foes England in the final.

Mayo was well-represented on the winning team with Ian Galvin and Sean Horkan to the fore as the title was secured with a 10-7 win over England in a thrilling final.

Galvin, from Cape Cod in Massachusetts with a proud Ballina father, and Horkan from New Hampshire with a Claremorris grandfather, were proud men at the end of a hugely successful championships in Poland.

“It was a once in a lifetime experience and getting to represent our Irish and Mayo heritage was amazing,” Horkan told The Mayo News on Saturday night.

From the opening day of the championships the Irish team had been told that their near neighbours England were the favourites to win the title, but it didn't sit well with the boys in green according to Horkan. “We were super fired up and pumped to make sure that we would be victorious on Saturday in the final.”

The young Irish team comfortably got through the group stages. They opened the tournament with an 8-3 win against Germany before defeating Switzerland 14-1. They closed out the group stages with an 11-5 win against their Eastern European opponents Latvia before a comfortable 11-4 victory against Israel.

It was obvious that Ireland were in with a string chance of ultimate glory and this was further emphasised when they defeated the Netherlands 10-3 in the quarter-final. They followed that up with an 11-3 win in the semi-final to set up a decider against England.

That match proved to be a huge success for the men in green and afterwards Galvin described the action. “It was a really good game. We controlled the whole pace of it as we kept possession for most of the game and played well in offence and defence. We did really well on the face-offs (restarts at the start of each quarter or after a goal), considering England's man was supposed to be the best of the tournament. He did absolutely nothing against us as we simply outplayed England and completely out-coached them as well.”

The win was hugely historic for Ireland, a fact not lost on Horkan. “We're the first Irish team to beat England at a major tournament and it's also the first Irish team to ever win gold at a major tournament,” he proudly explained.

In the last three years the Irish U-20 sides have done well in the World Championships in Limerick and have now followed up with a European title in Poland.

These results are hugely encouraging as the Irish Lacrosse side look towards at the Olympics and qualifying for the 2028 games in Los Angeles.

Top 6 Young GAA players Wexford

 Six  young footballers to watch in this year’s senior football championship .

John Hagerty and his Wexford team have an exciting future in store. With these six  players and several others who nearly made this list, the prospects are bright. Next season could be a big one for his side they could cause some serious trouble in the Tailteann Cup and maybe take some scalps in Leinster.

 

Player 1

Paul Hearne 21 ( Shelmaliers)

Paul is a wing forward for his club. Paul was a late developer into the senior set up. He never played minor or U21 for the county. This young man has been a main stay on his club side for the last two years. He is twenty one years of age. Hearne was the man that kicked the winning point in the county final last year and also netted a goal to ensure victory for his side. He is very fast pacy and has a good eye for a goal. He is an excellent finisher whether it’s raising the white flag or going for goals.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Player 2

Cian Hughes 20  ( Killanerain)

Cian is a well known player in GAA circles in the county. He was on the team from Gorey CS that won the All-Ireland B title 2-3 years ago. He has also won the fresher player of the year with DCU. Cian was also part of the Sigerson cup team, along with being a member of both minor and U20 setups in Wexford since he finished in GCS

Hughes is a half/ full forward line player . The north Wexford man has some great skills and can kick off both feet along with an excellent dummy solo , which is his signature move. Like Hearne above this young man has an exceptional eye for goal and is an excellent finisher when the chance arises.

 

Player 3 James Doyle 20 ( Glynn Barntown)

James is the same age as Hughes above he attended St Peters College and played for the senior team for two years. Doyle was wing back on this year’s county U20 team and he is an attacking half back with loads of pace and power but also knows how to defend when needed.

He broke on to his clubs senior side last year and is now irreplaceable in the side. His main strengths are his tenacity,  his defending and ability to take on his opponents and carry the ball forward at every opportunity. For a wing back he is also very creative and can create an opportunity out of noting.

 

Player 4

Jack Higgins 21( Castletown)

Jack is now a member of Hegarty Wexford panel. Higgins actually made a couple of appearances for the side in the league and the Tailteann Cup. Jack has played three years for the U20 side and a minor for two years.

Higgins was part of his sides victory in the county final in 2022 when he gave a great performance against Shelmailers along with Hughes he was also a member of the GCS team that won the All-Ireland  It looks like north Wexford have plenty of half forward as Higgins is another one who plays either ten or eleven. His main attributes are his one on one attacking and his blistering pace.

 

Player 5

Dylan Cooke Leonard 20 ( Naomh Éanna)

Dylan was another one of the players on the list who has won an All-Ireland medal with GCS a couple of years ago along with winning a fresher all Ireland with DCU this year. Dylan is one of the most versatile players in the county as he can play and has been known to play in a number of different positions. Leonard has lined out mainly half back or  half forward but also wore the county jersey at corner back for the minors along with playing in the full forward line as well.

During this championship he is currently playing wing forward.  His main strengths are he is a utility player, left footed and can sick scores from distance. This young man has a great eye for a killer pass with his delivery into the full forward line being excellent

 

Darby Purcell 20 ( Sarsfields)

Purcell is a current member of the Wexford U21 hurling panel. Darby was a dual player at minor. This man is another left footed player and is well able to hit frees. He plays at eleven or in corner forward for his club.

The Wexford town man is a serious player to kick points from long range with that sweet left foot.

 

 

 

Player 7 Brendan Tobin 21 ( Cranford)

Tobin is definitely one of the up and coming plyers in the county even though he is playing intermediate A with his club.

Brendan is a centre forward who attended Carnew CBS and he was on the Wexford U22/20 team for two years. His main strengths are his ability to kick frees, find and a pass and find the back of the net.

He is a very clever player he is like a quarter back at times as he gets on a lot of ball . This man is an outlier as he is playing intermediate football but is good enough to play senior.

https://wexfordweekly.com/2024/07/27/six-young-players-to-look-out-for-in-this-years-wexford-senior-football-championship/entertainment/

Dublin vs Wicklow Masters GAA

Dublin 5-16

 

Wicklow 0-9

 

Eoin Horkan

 

St Brigid’s GAC Dublin

 

After a strong first half performance from the Wicklow Masters side, they were eventually beaten with three late Dublin goals putting a gloss on hard working performance from the Wicklow men.

 

After a cagy opening couple of phases of play it was the home side that troubled the scoreboard first when Niall Crossan fired over. Within minutes Wicklow sharpshooter Tony Darcy slotted over two efforts from play to give his side the lead within seven minutes. The Garden County men were gaining a foothold in the tie after Darcy added another effort from open play after Kevin Golden had leveled the tie. As the away side pushed forward, Dublin defended stoutly and against the run of play fired in the first goal of the tie through Crossan, who added to his tally. After another play broke down Dublin wingback, Dave Mooney, found himself in the right place to find the net. The final score of this purple patch came from the other wingback, Alan  Daly, who raised a white flag.

There was ten minutes left in the half when a Darcy free narrowed the gap, Dublin responded with two more minors - the first from full forward Tommy Brennan, before they unleashed Bernard Brogan of the bench to extend their lead. The final scores of the half came from a dead ball from Darcy again before Ciaran MacFhearghusa ensured his side would go in seven points up.

After the interval Dublin gained a complete foothold as Borgan added two more white flags, one from play and another from a dead ball. Wicklow's response came through the boot of center forward - Conor Parsons, who was playing his second match in two weeks.

After the gap was narrowed Dublin started to empty their bench, this is when they took full control raising four white flags in a row as Crossan, Brennan and Golden added to their tally before Kevin O’ Caroll finished off this scoring spree. The noisy neighbors narrowed the gap as Peter O’Brien drove forward to hit an outrageous score. With twelve minutes left in the tie the boys in blue kept the pressure on with points from  MacFhearghusa and two from Ciaran Slane. With their final attacks of the tie, Denis Bastick and Dabhac Dineen found the back of the net before Crossan finished the scoring for his side.

Not to be outdone, Willie O’ Hagan drove over the final two points of the tie from frees to narrow the gap slightly. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Dublin: Stephen Moore; Shane Harkin, Brian Kirby, Felim Condron; Alan Daly(0-1), Stephen Mullen, Dave Mooney(1-0), Ross McConnell, Dabhac Dineen(1-0); Ciaran Slane (0-2), Kevin Golden (0-2), Kevin O’ Carroll (0-1); Ger Vickery, Tommy Brennan (0-2fs), Niall Crossan (1-3).

Subs Used: Ciaran Murray, Cormac Donohue, Ciaran MacFhearghusa (0-2), Gary O’ Connell, James O’ Connor, Bernard Brogan (0-3 2fs), Andy Farrell, Trevor Connolly, Jimmy Keogh, Brian Keogh, Denis Bastick(1-0),Ian Clarke, Niall Ryan.

 

 

Wicklow: Mervyn Travers; Peter O’ Brien (0-1),Brian Nolan, Patrick Egan; Alan Nolan, Paddy Dalton, David Cullen; Eoin Burke, Barry Sheehan; Jonathan Behan, Conor Parsons (0-1), Alan Ellis; Tony Darcy(0-5 2fs), Ray Stapelton, Willie O’Hagan (0-2fs)

Subs Used: Michael O’ Neill, Seamus McGraynor, Derek Daly, Tony Hannon, Johnny Mooney.

 

Referee Peter Farrell (Johnstownbridge)

Mayo Girls Soccer Tournament

 

On Sunday the 21st of July the Mayo girls took part in an FAI development blitz in the FAI HQ in Dublin.

 

Eoin Horkan

 

National Sports Campus

 

Mayo 0

 

Longford 0

 

In their first game of the day Mayo battled hard but couldn't break down a resolute opposition defense.

 

After a cagy opening couple of minutes, the Longford team mustered two efforts on goal but neither troubled the Mayo girls As the half went on Mayo gained a foothold in the middle of the park and managed to carve out chances towards the end of the half. These efforts were curtailed by the offside flag on both occasions.

When the game resumed Mayo took complete control with winger Clodagh Breslin causing trouble down the wing. The aforementioned carved out a great chance but her goal bound effort was saved. With the final whistle looming Mayo eked out two more corners but they couldn't break through a solid opposition rearguard.

 

Mayo 1

 

DLR Waves 3

 

It was the local side whose three goals against the run of play saw them coming out on top.

 

After a bit of confusion Mayo took to the field in their second game of the day. In the opening minutes they found themselves a goal down. This didn't stop the girls as they battled back as Breslin had an effort saved moments later. Inside ten minutes and against the run of play DLR had doubled their lead through Sadhbh Murphy.

The second half was much the same as Mayo controlled the ball before DLR were awarded a questionable penalty by the officials which was converted by Murphy. From the thyroid goal to the final whistle it was all Mayo and they deservedly got a goal back when Breslin drove down the wing to fire in her second of the day.

 

Mayo 2

 

Drogheda 4

 

It was the Louth side who came out on top in this six-goal thriller in the final game of the day.

 

It was Mayo who carved out the first chance of the game when a Roisin Horkan header flew wide from a corner. Within minutes the opposition took the lead when M McCloskey broke through to lob the goalie. The tie was level five minutes later as Emily Jennings fired in an effort from long range. The Connaught side controlled possession until half time even after McCloskey finished her hat trick.

After the interval it was all Mayo again as they threatened to narrow the gap which they eventually did through Breslin who was causing danger every time she got the ball. With the final whistle looming it looked like Mayo could draw the game, but Drogheda broke away for the final goal of the game against the run of play.

 

 

Squad: Sarah Heaney, Rebecca Moran, Roisin Horkan, Hannah Breslin, Muireann Nolan, Emily Jennings, Cara Culkin, Lauren Neary, Mary Moran, Mary Ann Ward, Sarah Gallagher, Tori Duffy, Amber Glavey, Clodagh Breslin, Niamh Curran.

Absent from squad; Maura Hughes, Sophia McHale, Kate Brennan, Emily Vahey.

Ian Galvin ( Mayo Lacrosse)

 

As the Irish squad prepares for today's crucial encounter at the European U-20 Lacrosse Championship a young man with powerful Mayo heritage is a central figure.

Ian Galvin, from Cape Cod in Massachusetts has already helped Ireland to solid wins over Germany and Switzerland and are hoping to continue that good run with another victory over Latvia, today (Tuesday) in Wroclaw, Poland. Germany were put to the sword, 8-3 on Friday before Switzerland were defeated 14-1 the following day.

Ian is excited about Ireland's prospects and believes the young men in green can make a big impression at the prestigious tournament. He began his lacrosse journey at the age of seven and is extremely proud to now be wearing the green of Ireland. “I'm really excited. You know, playing for a country where your parents come from along with the majority of the rest of your family. So, it's really cool and it means more to me every time I put on the Irish jersey,” he explained following Saturday's win over Switzerland.

Ian's father, Jarlath, is a Ballina man, well known for his athletic exploits, and his mother, Natalie, is a native of Dublin, so the pride of Ireland is embedded in the very core of his being. Today's big game in Wroclaw comes after Ian has finished high school in America and is playing for his local team in Cape Cod, the Redhawks.

The dream of playing for Ireland runs deep in the Galvins and Ian's older brother Jack has already played underage and senior for the Irish lacrosse team. They can thank their mother and her place of employment for their elevation to the green machine.

“My mother worked in Boston. She heard about the Ireland Lacrosse team one day through a co-worker and obviously my brother has now also played for Ireland at underage and senior level, so I tried out for the team in America and then there were two try-outs in Limerick. So, I made the team and now I am really excited to wear the green Jersey in Poland and see what it's all about,” Ian continued.

The man with powerful Ballina roots has big dreams and is already looking towards the future. Once this tournament is over in Poland, he's hoping to catch the eye of the senior management. The new Olympic cycle isn't far away and the Galvins are hoping to feature in the Irish senior squad together.

“It could be a great honour to wear the green jersey alongside my brother at any major event but doing it at the Olympics would be extra special,” he added.

However, Galvin, the younger, has business to do this week and he's determined to drive Ireland as high as possible in the European Championships. Playing for Ireland is a proud and precious thing.

https://www.mayonews.ie/news/other-sport/1563126/from-ballina-to-poland-via-cape-cod.html

Sean Horkan ( Mayo Lacrosse)

 

Sean Horkan

 

 

From Claremorris to Boston to Poland and Beyond

 

 

We hear from Irish U20 lacrosse international Sean Horkan who explains his Mayo roots lie with his grandfather Martin who is from Claremorris  and how it feels to represent Ireland at an international tournament. Sean grew up in Malden, Massachusetts, a city in the suburbs of Boston. Sean began lacrosse at a very young age. He first learned the game from his father, Marty who was his youth coach. He played for Malden Youth Lacrosse and simultaneously played for Tomahawks Lacrosse club team out of New Hampshire. In high school he moved on from Tomahawks and joined The Clams club program. In addition to playing for The Clams, Sean played for Belmont Hill School in Belmont, MA where they brought home the ISL championship this year. Sean graduated from Belmont Hill School in the spring. He will be attending Connecticut College in the fall majoring in Economics and Finance. He will play for the Conn College Camels lacrosse team with his older brother, Liam. Liam was a member of the U20 Ireland Worlds Team that played in Limerick two years ago. The two Horkan boys are excited to be playing together for Coach Nagel at Conn College.

 

Sean was originally picked for the Irish U20 team for this Summer's European championships after having played for Ireland in Limerick at what ended up being the U21 championships due to Covid-19. Sean tried out for the team in the United States and had his final tryout in Dublin in January of this year. He made the team and is excited to represent Ireland as a dual citizen.

"I am very proud and excited to have made the Ireland team for the second time. It feels good to be a veteran on the team."

Sean describes the initial feeling of making the first Irish underage squad along for Poland "It means so much to represent my heritage and family. I am honored to wear the Ireland jersey."

Once this tournament is over in Poland Sean starts looking towards the future with senior appearances and even hopefully an Olympics on the horizon,  in which he could be playing alongside his older brother Liam  they both give us their thoughts on what it would be like to wear the Irish senior jersey together.” It could be the second time we get to play on the field together for Ireland. Limerick was special but with the Olympic news that was announced this year there could be plenty of chances too line out together in the green jersey.”

Luke Moloney Sligo ( Olympics)

Luke Moloney Attacker No. 19

From Easkey to Manchester to Olympics 2028 Luke Moloney has

had an amazing Lacrosse career so far and we hear how he has

come from Sligo to the World stage and Olympic Stage all going

well

Since the World Championship in San Diego Luke has been lucky

enough to wear the green jersey again in 2024. Luke played in a

six’s competition in Faro for Ireland a couple of months ago. This

is another variation of Lacrosse with only six players on the field.

“Faro was an amazing experience it gave me an insight into the

variation of Lacrosse that will be played in the Olympics in 2028.”

It is clear Luke has a plan and let’s hope we will see the man from

Easkey wear the Irish jersey at European and World

championships along maybe even Olympic level in 2028 and

further on.

What is field Lacrosse Moloney explains the different variations of

this sport. “It’s a ten-man game which would be played on a

normal size sports field. This is what I played in San Diego at the

World’s last Summer.”

Pursuing a lacrosse career was always going to be challenging

for the young man, but through hard work, he managed to

achieve his dream. “Moloney, who spent part of last year in

Canada developing his lacrosse skills, points out to us that he will

find it difficult to play for Ireland if he stays in his native country,

as all the sport is played in Dublin which means he would have to

travel a number of hours to play.” My goal is to continuously strive

to improve and become a more impactful player for the national

team in whatever variation of the sport I play. I have obtained a

visa for Canada, where I plan to train and play box lacrosse

again. I spent time there last year and hope to return this winter to

further develop my skills and contribute more effectively to the

Irish team in upcoming competitions.”

In 2024 Moloney has tried his best to keep up his Lacrosse skills

by playing in the UK every couple of weeks. “I am involved with a

team in Manchester and try to get over there every couple of

weekends to play competitive matches.”

He began his Irish career in 2019 for the when the U20 European

championship took place in Prague in the Czech Republic.

Following that, one of the coaches, who also coached the men's

box team, called me up as an alternate for the 2019 Men's box

team. Since then, I haven't looked back and have made every

senior-level squad possible."”

While in San Diego, Moloney describes how he felt when he

received the call to play for the men’s senior team at the World

Championships.

“When the team was announced, I received an email, which was

a huge relief after all the hard work that went into preparing and

trying it out. It's always a great feeling to represent my native

country on the world stage. I was obviously a bit relieved, but in a

good way. I felt I had to step up and really live up to it. I went in

there with the idea of trying to learn as much as I could, being a

student of the game rather than an experienced player and tried

to help the team in any way possible.”

The news of Ireland and the Olympics has only been

recently announced and Luke gives us his initial feelings when he

heard the news. “My initial feeling. Obviously, there's relief,

excitement, and you know, mostly excitement. But the relief that

finally we've got the recognition.”

This news has really got the Irish Lacrosse world excited

We can't wait to see Luke on the world stage in the next few

years.

Where next for this Sligo man as he gets his name onto the world

stage.

https://www.pressreader.com/

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