CHRISTMAS NEWSLETTER

CHRISTMAS NEWSLETTER December 07 072007


We would like to take this opportunity to wish all of our club members a wonderful Christmas and a joyful new year. Parents, your continued support by attending matches, bringing players to venues and general dedication in ensuring your children focus on developing their football skills does not go unnoticed. Thank you for your work throughout 2007 and we hope your support will continue into 2008. Coaches, mentors and club executives, without your unwavering commitment and perseverance the club would not be what it is today. All the ‘background’ work involved in preparing the players, pitches, organising match times and venues, devising training programmes, controlling the club’s finances and much more deserve immense credit. Sometimes focus may be too much on winning, but without our loyal coaches, mentors and executives, the club would not be as renowned within the echelons of Gaelic football. Players, for a small team like Shannon Gaels to achieve what it has in the past year, and years previous, it can only mean one thing—that its players are superb. This is true for all levels with the minor club from as young as the U8s right up to minor. This year both the U11s and the U14s were crowned champions and once again brought a great sense of pride to the local community. We are delighted with most of your dedication and we hope this will persist in the coming year. Once again THANKS TO ALL OUR SUPPORTERS!!!


The ‘little ones’
As another year draws to an end and we recap on our footballing calendar, we can certainly look back with pride and a sense of achievement. Our U10 panel are definitely an enthusiastic bunch and very interested in their football… we started off 2007 with the U10 Boyle tournament – always a delight to take part in as it is brilliantly organised and congratulations to them. Long may they continue. Most of the U10 panel took part in the Kilglass U11 tournament. Shannon Gaels won the B group final and brought home the first cup of the year for the club. This panel of players were presented with their medals after our annual fundraising walk in Croghan by Fintan Cregg – of the Roscommon Minor Panel 2006. We have a great bunch of children coming up the ranks, starting off with U8 & U10’s and the Club’s future looks very bright.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank those who helped me with the coaching and organising of this panel namely; Fergus O’Beirne, Debbie Beirne & Trevor McKeon and all the parents that turn up week after week to bring their children to training and games.
Also thanks to Sea Murtagh & Chris O’Dowd who took a panel of U8’s to Tulsk back in September for a very enjoyable Sunday afternoon football tournament.
Wishing you all a happy Christmas and a very successful 2008.
Yours in sport.
Patricia Beirne


Overall we can look back at this year with pride and satisfaction. We witnessed the development of our U16 team that “might do all right” to a team that “can do all right”. While this team was not successful in winning trophies, they were successful in so many other areas. The progress of all players was a joy to watch, both individual and as a team. As each year goes by you are always looking for that one, two or even three players that has the ability to go on and represent the club (or County) at Senior level. I can confidently say that this year we are looking at a lot more than three players that have a tremendous future ahead of them playing football. To help maintain the progress of these young lads it is important to insure that good facilities are available for them and their coaches. That is why from time to time we look to you for your support both personally and financially to help achieve our goals.Many thanks must go to the players for their effort, the coaches for their patience, the parents for their encouragement and lifts to games and the officers of the club for keeping everything going. - Shane Loftus


AS the end of the year quickly approaches, we must definitely send our gratitude to the people who make it possible for Shannon Gaels to function—OUR SPONSORS. Each and every one of them—no matter what their contribution, make a difference. Their input plays a huge role in making sure the young players are given the opportunities they deserve… Joe Dolan, Bush Hotel; Frances Cryan, Cryan’s Hotel; Paul O’ Gara, Havanna; Kilmore Signs; Jim Glancy, publican; Loftus Insurance Carrick & Boyle; Tom Beirne, Butcher; Padraig Glancy, Supervalue; Michael Gannon, Frersh Poultry; Kalzan Tool Hire; Tracy Duignan, The Croghan Bar; Paul Beirne, Croghan; Padraig Collins; Leo Marron, Carrick Tiles; Gerry & Breege Mullaney; Aisling Creighton, physio therapy, Dr. Mar tina Cogan, Andy & Ann Mulligan, Seamus Beirne, Alo and Patricia O’ Dowd.
THANK YOU ALL SINCERELY



Shannon Gaels U 14
What a year! After winning the treble in 2006 expectations were high going into 2007. When Chris revealed that we were promoted to Division 2 there was mixed reactions, with half of last years team now over age and playing 15 a side on a full pitch the task was daunting. However as characteristic with this bunch of players nothing is impossible and they began preparations with a weekly session in the gym during the winter. The panel was assessed and some gaps were evident from the get go, the search was on for new talent and Darragh O Carroll was a welcome addition. After a successful challenge with St Michaels on Good Friday our league campaign kicked off on April 25th ( a day earlier than planned to facilitate the punters going to Punchestown) with a victory over Elphin, this was followed with victories over Tulsk, Castlerea, Strokestown, Western Gaels and Oran. The Strokestown game was a tight affair as we were without Luke O Dowd who was judging stock at Balmoral but two goals from Fintan Sweeney and another from Matthew Mc Dermott secured a two point victory. Our next league outing was a top of the table clash away to St Ciarans on June 7th. On a hot sunny evening in Fuerty the Gaels produced their best league display to date, Patrick Cummins who hadn’t been available earlier due to college comitments totally dominated the midfield exchanges while scoring three long range points. Liam Murtagh was in spectacular form on the forty contributing a goal and four points. We ran out winners by twenty points against a fancied St Ciarans. This was followed with further success against St Aidans and Kilbride and we finished the league top of the table having won all nine games. Next up was feile, such a fantastic national event to come to the locality was a joy to all. We hosted the Warrickshire team and participated in the parade in Carrick on Shannon on June 29th proudly displaying the club colours and on June 30th we played in the competition. U 14 championship commenced on July 12 at home to Western Gaels, this was a tough battle with never more than a score separating the teams until the final ten
minutes when the Gaels pulled away with two late goals from Michael Murtagh and Darren Conlon. David O Dowd was outstanding at centre back all through and along with Daniel Marron, Conor O Dowd and Aideen Filan they snuffed out a strong Western Gaels forward line. Two days later we travelled to Ballyforan to play St Aidans in the next round, the Gaels were in control from the throw in and with man of the match Shane O Dowd scoring four goals and Kialan O Dowd getting his first championship goal victory was never in doubt. The championship was now gathering momentum and next up was a semi final clash with Castlerea. Kilmore on July 19th was the new venue but as Castlerea didn’t show up due to communication issues, Shannon Gaels were subsequently awarded the game. There was now a break until the final with Eire Og and families availed of the opportunity to take that well deserved holiday. Garda Cup was next out of the blocks and with wins over Kilmore, Western Gaels and old rivals Ballinameen a place in the final versus Boyle was secured. We beat Boyle in the final of this competition in 2006 but this year Boyle were a much superior and well balanced Division 1 team and despite the best efforts of Keelan Loftus, David O Dowd, Liam Murtagh, Luke O Dowd, Patrick Cummins Aideen Filan and Lisa Collins we were outclassed in the final.The looming championship final was a key conversation topic around the parish and finally Sunday August 26 th in Boyle was judgment day. In preparation we traveled to Drumkeeran for a challenge, it afforded the opportunity to try out alternative options and although we pulled away in the last ten minutes the victory was far from decisive. Sunday August 26th came, conditions were ideal for football and supporters travelled in droves. Eire Og opened the stronger and were one goal and three points up after eight minutes before Liam Murtagh got a blistering goal.
It was end to end football. Eire Og then scored two goals and began to dominate before David O Dowd finished off a 70 yard solo run with a great individual goal, he followed this with a splendid long range point and the Gaels were one point ahead at half time. Some strong words from Gay during the interval set the scene for a gusty second half performance. Fintan Sweeney was now on top at full forward and he added two points but Eire Og swept up field and rattled our net followed by two points. Gaels re-shuffled the pack, the changes had immediate impact, it was now route one direct football, David O Dowd was dominating the half back line while Sile O Dowd was mopping up the breaking ball, Liam Murtagh although policed by two Eire Og defenders was rampant, Fintan Sweeney and Darren Conlon were out in front for every ball. A high ball from Liam Murtagh was deflected to the net by Fintan Sweeney, Liam Murtagh followed with a fine individual goal and then it was the Darren Conlon show, he scored a point from an acute angle followed by two classic goals and another point, Fintan Sweney added three more points from frees which put the victory beyond doubt and the Division 2 Cup was heading for Croghan for the very first time in the clubs history. Final score Shannon Gaels 6 – 15, Eire Og 5 – 8. When Captain David O Dowd lifted the Cup a dream had come through for a bunch of players full of skill, passion and commitment, winning the U 14 championship for three consecutive years is some achievement. Jubilant scenes followed with bonfires blazing as the cavalcade traveled back through Drumlion, Cortober and a circuit around Carrick Town before moving on to Croghan for food and refreshments kindly provided by Tracy Duignan.Coupled with a hectic club schedule four of our players were picked to represent Roscommon at county level – Luke O Dowd, Fintan Sweeney, Liam Murtagh and David O Dowd. This has added a new dimension to their game while also enhancing club performance. This U14 panel have brought such pride and joy to their parents, school, club and parish – Keep it Going ! - JAMES EGAN


HAPPY HOLIDAYS!!!!!!!

UPCOMING FUNDRAISER EVENTS!!!!!!!!!!!!

On St. Stephen's Day there will be a big splash in Cavetown Lake as participants from the club dive into the freezing water to raise funds. Please show your support and wonderful refreshments will be available.

The minor club are attempting to provide festive entertainment for the senior members of the club by holding a poker classic on the 30th December at 4pm in the Carrick on Shannon Golf Club. Everyone is welcome and large cash prizes are on offer.

The last edition of the Shannon Gaels Newsletter:
Week ending 9th December 2007
‘Supporting underage sport throughout the club’
WELCOME… all new electives to our Minor Board and to those returning for another year. Our AGM was recently held and a few new faces have joined our committee. Firstly, the chairperson this year will be Paticica Beirne, who takes over from Aidan Filan. This undoubtedly is a perfect position for this marvellously charismatic lady and is a delightful choice of leadership. The treasurer, Brendan Morris will be using his calculator for another year and Chris O’ Dowd will still have the wonderful task of confronting a certain Mr. Kelly about match fixtures!!! A couple of editions back, those avid readers of this newsletter will be reminded of a particular piece highlighting the growing domination from the female force within the club. Yes, it stressed how the guys can no longer snigger and guffaw when they hear about ladies playing football… this of course was brought about by our girls reaching the county final in their first year together. Oh how the senior men’s team quaked in their boots. Well, low and behold, the situation has deteriorated since. Not only are the females beating them on the pitch but the new chairperson is… a woman?!!!!! The Spice Girls reunion must have reignited feelings of Girl Power because in the short space of time since our 2006 AGM, the club has been transformed. And certainly not for worse as the ladies involvement brings a well needed sense of entertainment and craic!!!! Patricia Noone’s name definitely springs to mind as a person full of amusement and a great personality. We have no doubt about your ability to lead the club forward over the coming years. Your father, the late Tommy Noone, from Croghan village was always a staunch supporter and member of the club. Paddy Mulvey recently reflected on his dependability in particular when everyone else might let the side down. Yes, your pedigree is proven so now let the craic commece!!!!
We sincerely thank Aidan Filan for his dedicated services over the years. Under his guidance the club flourished and expanded. He was always enthusiastic in taking on new ideas and ventures.
We will miss him a lot over the next weeks, but thankfully he is not lost to the club – just away on license for a short break…

PRESENTATION NIGHT
Last Friday evening the Bush Hotel was the venue for the Ladies Presentation night. It was a superb formal event with speeches and everything. The captain of the Leitrim Ladies team was on hand to present runner up medals to the ladies. A commendable part to note was the ladies’ inclusion of both U16 and U12 girls teams in the presentation. This was very kind on their part and proves their commitment to supporting underage football. Another element on the night was the launch of the Shannon Gaels Ladies Calendar which is available throughout the parish. The calendar stands as a testament to the achievements of the ladies over the year. For the small fee of €10, not only will you be supporting the ladies but also looking at them on your wall for 2008!!!
Sinead Brennan, captain of the all-conquering Leitrim Ladies football team attended along with the Quinn Cup which they won as All-Ireland Junior Champions. The Cup is named after a Mary Quinn who hailed from County Leitrim, and is a fitting tribute as Leitrim were the inaugural winners. The U12s also appear in the May section of the calendar along with their coaches Joe Murray and Edel O’ Dowd. These are most certainly the faces of the future – Laura Conlon, Connie Doyle, Blue Sky McGarry, Mairead O’ Dowd, Aine O’ Dowd, Laura Deane, Niamh Murray, Caoimhe O’ Dowd, Eimear Matthews, Tess Murtagh, Aisling Egan, Sarah Surliss, Rachel McDermott, Eimear Cryan, Christina Beirne. (in order as they appear in Calendar)

SPLASH IN THE POND – There is huge interest in this novel idea. Twelve personalities are getting their feet wet along with anyone else who wishes to brave the elements on St. Stephen’s Day. This event is intended to provide part of the funding necessary to run the minor club for the forthcoming year and also supply gear and equipment for approx. 150 children. Your general support for the cause will be greatly appreciated. The 12 personalities are as follows:
Patrick Sharkey, Tracy Duignan, Gerry Mullaney, Oliver Donagher, Wee Jimmy Glancy, Frank O’ Dowd, Julie Marron, Kieran Lynch, Padraig Glancy, Shane Devaney, Johnny McGuire and Pudsey McKeown. In addition, it is intended to nominate TWO CELEBRITY SWIMMERS to the list and this can be done by YOU. The person to raise the appropriate sponsorship will get the chance to push their nominated celebrity into the pond. At the time of going to print, Milo Beirne and Seamus Sweeney are hotly tipped winners, with Fr. Martin a close third losing out by a few quid.

Minor Club Meeting
A meeting of the minor club will be held this Thursday night December 13th in the Patrician hall, Cortober at 8pm. All members are welcome and particularly coaches are asked to attend.
Congrats to…our four minor players namely Niall Lynch, Mathew Molloy, James Deane and Cathal O’ Dowd who took part in trials for the County Minors last Saturday in Elphin. Best of luck lads!!!
COACHING COACHING COACHING
We have commenced coaching boys and girls between the ages of 5 and 11 years of age. It takes place in the Sports Complex, Carrick on Shannon each Thursday evening between 6-7pm.
ALL CHILDREN ARE WELCOME TO ATTEND.
A nominal fee exists and we would especially welcome interest from parents, senior players from both men and ladies clubs in assisting with the coaching of these children. Please contact any member of the minor club in this regard.

Chairperson’s Inaugural Address:
Now that I am the chairperson of Shannon Gaels minor club, I look to 2008 with a great sense of pride and anticipation. The coming year of football is bound to be as exciting as the last. We, as a club are very committed to our underage players and I believe that each individual brings with them a unique characteristic. It is vital to encourage them from a very young age and this is one of our defining elements as a club. I would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank my predecessor, Aidan Filan, for doing a splendid job and I will aspire to do the same. He brought great enthusiasm and dedication to his role over the past three years. I wish him well for the future. I look forward to the coming year as we improve, inspire and involve all of Shannon Gael’s young members in the delightful game that is Gaelic football.

Yours in sport,

Patricia Beirne.

Highlights of 2007 in picture

The year that was 2007 - U14 success in the Division 2 County Championship and U12 success in the League. Also in their inaugral year, the Shannon Gaels Ladies team were runners up in the County Final.