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.
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Come on the Gaels
Air - (The Road to Dundee)
The Shannon Gaels Minors have won out their section.
They have reached the League Final in two thousand and three.
It’s a credit to all the fine players and coaches,
to win five in a row and make club history.
The first team they played was the gallant Saint Ronans,
who gave of their best to taste sweet victory,
but the Gaels were superb and crushed Ronans defences
to deprive them of glory on their home ground with glee.
S/G 4 – 17 Ronans 0 - 7
The next teams to falter without any mercy,
were Kilmore and Eire Óg at the feet of the Gaels.
By now it was clear that our minors were magic
as they kicked their way forward with the wind in their sails.
S/G 2 – 17 Kilmore 1 – 6 S/G 4 –18 Eire Óg 3 - 6
Saint Michaels took on Shannon Gaels with great passion.
while supporters galore helped to fuel the great fight.
But their plans to defeat the Great Gaels were disrupted
when Saint Michaels collapsed under Shannon Gaels might.
S/G 3 – 12 Michaels 1 - 2
Saint Croans said hold on now our team is not ready
and to play The Great Gaels on that point we won’t yield.
Then the Gaels took some time out to rest on their laurels
as they planned the demise of Saint Croans at Enfield.
Soon the Croans boys declared that their team was in order
to take on the Gaels and kick the wind from their sails.
Then the Gaels under guidance from Foley and Marron
lined out to their fans chanting “Come on the Gaels”
The first half came easy with points for the taking
In the second Saint Croans took a turn in the lead.
Then the Gaels with their skills and superior talents,
scored a goal and a point that forced Croans to concede.
S/G 3 – 10 Croans 2 - 9
By now they had conquered all teams in their section
and plans were a foot for to capture the league.
The news going around was, they’d have to play Faithleachs.
at a venue independent of Croghan and Ballyleague.
It was Faithleachs alright they had come through their section
The Gales had won group A and they had won B.
Then the final was fixed for the twelfth day of August
on the pitch at Kilmore by the games committee.
That match at Kilmore was a thriller to witness
as both teams fought for glory with pride all the way,
but the best they could pull from the bravely fought contest
was a well earned draw at the end of the day.
S/G 2 – 6 Faith. 1 - 9
In the replay that followed both teams were outstanding
Saint Faithleachs had two points to spare at half time.
Then the Gaels took the lead with three points to their credit
but were two points behind when Willie blew up full time.
It gave Faithleachs a hop to play ball with our minors
in a contest a kin to the best ever seen.
When the replay was over and the League was decided
the score board display was one twelve to thirteen.
Faith. 1 – 12 S/G 13
Brendan C. Morris Croghan Boyle. © 16-08-03
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