Monday 10 March 2008

U14 Training

THE U14 TEAM will commence training this Tuesday evening in the Sports Complex, Carrick on Shannon.

All players are asked to attend.

U16 Football 2008

THE ANTICIPATED U16 League kicks off on the 24th March with Shannon Gaels lining out at home to St. Aidans at 12p.m. All players are advised to attend training before this match.

Shannon Gaels U16s are competing in the Division 2 league and the games are as follows:

(THROW IN FOR ALL IS 12.PM)

March 24th St. Aidans Croghan

March 30th Eire Og Croghan

April 6th St. Faithleachs Ballyleague

August 17th Beal na Buille Strokestown

August 31st Castlerea Croghan

September 14th Tulsk Tulsk

September 28th St. Dominics Knockcroghery

Senior Football Update

GREAT to see that the seniors have apparently finally got their act together with a great display of creative football against Clann na nGael over the weekend.

The lads played with fierce passion and determination in easily overcoming a dejected Clann. Hopefully this is the beginning of improvement for the team. Players appeared to have developed a sense of pride that was somewhat missing over the last while.

On a duller note, there are still two players refusing to comply with the club's rules that the complete shorts and socks have to be worn during games and not mismatched colours that highly distract from the overall display of our green and gold. Wake up lads... we have plenty of good young minors who are more than willing to take your place if the opportunity arises!!

The Mighty Minors

SHANNON GAELS MINORS played a lively challenge game against neighbours Ballinameen on Sunday March 10th. Croghan stadium was the venue and there was doubt beforehand on the condition of the pitch. Thankfully the weather held fine and the stadium glimmered in the sunlight. Gaels used the occasion to test players in alternating positions with great success.

Andy Dolan came in between the posts replacing Cathal Sweeney to the full forward position. Both conveyed excellent composure throughout the match and Dolan was a very competent keeper. Sweeney was speedy up front, winning numerous kick outs and proving that he is a player to watch in the future.

Ryan Dempsey and Ciaran Murray completed the full forward line and the two were more than capable of their striking role. These two players will be a vital aspect to the forward force of this team when full fitness is reached.

Pearse Beirne was once again inspirational in most of the attacking play. Niall Lynch lined out at midfield alongside Cathal O' Dowd and gave a much improved display from previous matches. Mark O' Dowd, Fergal Harmon, James Deane and Matthew Molloy were strong and proficient in defence, marking their opponents well and keeping the scoreline close for most of the game.

Liam Murtagh was at his usual best as was Niall Leydon and James Filan, who were entertaining to watch with their immense skill.

Management retained super sub Shane O' Dowd until the final quarter. It was unfortunately too late as the wee man couldn't redeem matters, although his efforts were exceptional.

Ballinameen ran out winners by a four point margin. It was an entertaining contest with the two teams displaying a high standard of gaelic football throughout.


AS FAR AS MINOR PLAYERS ARE CONCERNED, THERE IS A VERY IMPORTANT MATCH AGAINST BOYLE NEXT SUNDAY (MARCH 16TH) IN BOYLE AT 12 p.m.

Full turnout by both the U16s and minors at training during the week is essential if players expect to be part of the starting 15. Failure to be present at training or failure to adhere to wearing the full club colours will mean immediate refusal by team management to play next Sunday.

Monday 3 March 2008

Minor league success

THE MINORS LADS had a tremendous win over rivals Michael Glaveys yesterday afternoon (March 2nd).

Shannon Gaels were by far the stronger opponents clocking up an impressive 3-8 when the final whistle was blown. Michael Glaveys kicked seven points throughout the match. This achievement follow the previous week's win over St. Croans in Enfield.

James Deane was superb in defence alongside Mattew Molloy, Fergal Harmon and James Filan. They were backed up by solid gaming between the posts by Fintan Sweeney. Liam Murtagh was inspirational in his role as an attacking half back. David O' Dowd along with Cathal O' Dowd lined out at centre-field and were a brilliant force.

We had the return of Shane Leydon playing his first match in the league. He controlled the forward line with his exceptional talent. Also making their mark was Pearse Beirne and Daniel Morris who opened up the Croan's defence line, contributing to many of the scores. Gaels ran out deseved winners by four points even being the under-dogs.

The next Minor game will be against Boyle on Sunday, March 16th at 12 p.m. Boyle will be at home.