Wednesday 9 December 2009
Thursday 3 December 2009
Monday 30 November 2009
G.A.A. Newsletter published November 2009
125th Anniversary
The Association’s 125 Anniversary Celebrations are coming to a close and on November 1 the GAA returned to where it all began back in 1884. Exactly 125 years after the foundation of the Association at Hayes’ Hotel a special commemorative day of celebration was held in Thurles. Mass celebrated by Archbishop Clifford of Cashel at Thurles Cathedral was followed by a procession to Dr Croke’s statue on Liberty Square. A number of speeches were made before the President and Director General laid a wreath.
Newtownshandrum’s exciting Munster Club win over Thurles Sarsfields rounded off a memorable day. Work on the graves of founding fathers John McKay (London), Thomas St George McCarthy (Deansgrange), John Wyse Power and Michael Cusack (both Glasnevin) was also completed as part of the 125 Anniversary Year.
“The GAA: A People's History” was also launched this month to celebrate its 125th anniversary. The GAA: A People’s History tells the story of how the GAA has carved for itself a unique place at the heart of Irish life. It outlines how Gaelic games and the social world which revolves around the Association, has shaped the lives of generations of Irish people at home and abroad. From parades and ballads to epic journeys across land and sea, this history of the GAA is as much about what happened off the field as what happened on it. Clubs play a central role in the growth of our Association and are featured throughout the book. Reflecting on where our clubs came from and how they have grown and developed over the past 125 years will help us to build a strong Association for the future.
A special word of thanks to all clubs who marked the year by organising their own unique events and to those who went to great lengths to celebrate Lá na gClub last May,.
Lisa Clancy
GAA Director of Communications
Hurling Helmets
In just over a month a new ruling will come into effect meaning that all hurlers of all ages will be obliged to wear a helmet complete with faceguard once they pick up a hurley whether in training or in a game.
Members of the National Medical, Scientific and Welfare Committee made a presentation to the media in the last month outlining statistical evidence of the reduction of serious head and facial injuries when helmets are worn.
Helmets have been compulsory at U21 level since 2006 and although goalkeepers face a special challenge adjusting to the use of helmets, they too are covered by the new ruling.
From January 2010 match officials will stop play in a situation where a player removes a helmet or attempts to enter the field of play without one. Posters outlining this initiative can be downloaded from http://www.gaa.ie/page/
Ag Éisteacht Programme Continues
The Uachtarán and Ard Stiúrthóir between them have now visited almost 20 clubs since April with Eoghan Rua in Derry and Ballymanus in Wicklow, two of the most recent visits. Thanks to all clubs who have expressed an interest in hosting what is an informal two hour questions and answers fact finding and information gathering session. The 2010 schedule is being compiled and clubs that are interested in participating in the programme should contact the Communications Department through alan.milton@gaa.ie.
Vodafone Affinity Scheme
The roll out of an Affinity arrangement with GAA Football Championship Sponsors Vodafone that will see clubs that register their members recoup 5% of those members’ Pay Monthly Bills or Top Up transactions continues after the launch of the scheme in October. For more information about this new arrangement with one of the GAA’s Official ‘Give Back Partners’ and for details on how your club can sign up, please visit http://www.supportyourgaaclub.
Make a Splash with the GAA Museum
Ultimate Club Day Out - for under €15 - Special Offer – 25% off group rates when you visit Croke Park Stadium & the National Aquatic Centre in one day!The Croke Park Experience has teamed up with the National Aquatic Centre to provide a fun filled day out for GAA Clubs wanting to reward their players of all ages and levels for their hard work and dedication on the pitch. Great savings can be made if you visit both between January and March 2010. Take a behind-the-scenes guided tour through the dressing rooms, players' lounge, pitch side and media centre of the fourth largest stadium in Western Europe. Afterwards enjoy extreme thrills and raging water adventures in the AquaZone at the National Aquatic Centre, which hosts Europe’s biggest and best rides.
Check out www.nac.ie and www.gaa.ie/museum for more information or contact: Maria Gorman, Bookings Executive, Tel- 01 8192374 or email tours@crokepark.ie.
Changes to membership rules and registration rules for 2010
Clubs are reminded that all clubs must complete the registration of Full and Youth members before April 1. Registrations must be completed electronically, through the Association's online player and member registration system (rule 2.2 of the Official Guide). This is now the only acceptable method of registration in the GAA.
Clubs should also be aware that the closing date for the acceptance of membership fees in order to entitle a person to the privileges of membership, including the right to vote at the club AGM, is on a date prior to March 31 (rule 6.2 of the Club Constitution). Therefore, the old date of August 1 is no longer in use.
Training for the new online registration system will take place in all counties in early 2010. Many counties are already on board the online system, with 960 clubs having used the system to register in 2009. Clubs will be receiving further communication on this in due course.
Games Development
The GAA Games Development Conference took place in Croke Park last Friday and Saturday, November 20th-21st. Over 650 delegates from all 32 Counties as well as delegates from Europe and North America attended the two day event. Speakers at the event included Liam Sheedy (Tipperary Hurling Manager), Mickey Ned O’Sullivan (Limerick Football Manager), Aidan O’Connell (Trainer Cork Senior Football Team), Enda McNulty (Sports Psychologist), Rod Thorpe (University of Loughborough) and John Considine (Cork Minor Hurling Manager). Topics such as Technical Development, Tactical Awareness in Hurling and Gaelic Football, Nutrition and Sports Psychology were discussed, and delegates had an opportunity to quiz speakers throughout the day. It is possible to download the presentations made at the Games Development Conference from - http://gamesdevelopment.gaa.
The Conference was streamed live in conjunction with RTÉ sport. It is possible to watch the video files of the Key Note addresses from the Games Development Conference 2009 on the RTÉ media player. Click on the link below:
The Games Development Conference has grown from strength to strength over the last 7 years and planning for the 2010 event has already begun.
Ticketing
Supporting your County has never been so easy.....
The 2010 GAA Season Ticket is fantastic value for the true GAA fan. At a starting price of €75, the GAA Season Ticket is available for football or hurling. It includes entry to all your County’s Allianz GAA National League matches and your County's opening GAA Championship match in your selected code. In addition to this, Season Ticket holders get a €5 discount on entry for their county's subsequent Championship matches (excluding Provincial & All-Ireland Finals where no discount applies) in their selected codes.
For further information or to purchase see www.gaa.ie.
Scór
The winter is upon us shorter days and longer evenings that are less conducive to our field games. However, our cultural activities in the form of Scór, provide a suitable alternative and Scór na nÓg has already reached the county final stage. The Provincial Scór na nÓg Finals dates are as follows:
Ulster - 16th. January, 2010 - Galbally, Co. Tyrone
Leinster - 17th. January, 2010 - Ballymore, Co Westmeath
Connacht - 23rd. January, 2010 - Banada, Co. Sligo
Munster - 31st. January, 2010 - Ballybunnion, Co. Kerry
The All-Ireland Finals are in Athlone IT Hall on Saturday, 20th. February, 2010 at 3.00 p.m.
Scór Sinsear will be starting up early in the New Year and we would encourage all clubs to make every effort to participate in what is a most enjoyable GAA activity and who knows – there might be an All-Ireland in it!
Eolas ó Máire Ní Ghráham, Cumann Lúthchleas Gael, Páirc an Chrócaigh, Baile Átha Cliath 3.
Ríomhphost: moira.graham@gaa.ie Fón: 018658683.
Tuesday 17 November 2009
Shannon Gaels Scòr competitors
The Ballad group who progressed to the County Semi-Finals. Well done girls and all the best in the next stage, which is to be held in Ballyleague Friday 27th/Saturday 28th November.
L/R: Eimear Gallagher, Eimear Cryan, Ciara McMorrow, Laura Dean and Niamh Murray.
Joining the girls at the semi-final stage will be the successful quiz team that also made it through the qualifiers. The trio include Jack O' Dowd, Aideen Filan and Diarmuid Beirne. Best of luck in the next round and a photograph of the quiz team will appear after the Ballyleague heat
Joining the girls at the semi-final stage will be the successful quiz team that also made it through the qualifiers. The trio include Jack O' Dowd, Aideen Filan and Diarmuid Beirne. Best of luck in the next round and a photograph of the quiz team will appear after the Ballyleague heat
The first group of figure dancers L/R: Christina Beirne, Lauren Devanney, Rachel O' Dowd and Sarah Surlis.
The Second Group of figure dancers L/R:
Elaine McDermott, Laura Dean, Rachel McDermott and Hannah O' Dowd.
Maureen Keenehan gives words of wisdom before showtime
Group of Shannon Gaels dancers enjoying the show.
Instrumental group who participated in the event L/R: Ciara Mulvey, Niamh Murray and Eimear Cryan.
Shannon Gaels support out in force at the Scòr quarter-finals last Friday in Elphin, Co. Roscommon.
Tuesday 13 October 2009
U14 Girls - County Champions 2009!!!!
Congrats to the U14 girls who had a terrific win over Kilglass Gaels in what was a superb game of football. It was a tremenduously tight match and a joy to watch.
Congrats to team managers Gerry Flanagan and Clodagh Corrigan also.
Well done girls!!!
Congrats to team managers Gerry Flanagan and Clodagh Corrigan also.
Well done girls!!!
Friday 9 October 2009
Best of luck girls!!!
We would like to wish our U14 girls ALL THE BEST in the Championship County Final tomorrow against Kilglass Gaels.
Throw in is 2.30pm in Boyle and we want you all to support the team as they fight for county glory!!!
Pictured below are the team along with coaches Gerry Flanagan and Clodagh Corrigan.
Throw in is 2.30pm in Boyle and we want you all to support the team as they fight for county glory!!!
Pictured below are the team along with coaches Gerry Flanagan and Clodagh Corrigan.
Foundation Laying on Memorable Day
Young and old were in attendance to witness a truly great supporter and past player of Shannon Gaels, Paddy Mulvey, lay the very first stone of our new club dressingrooms recently.
It was a wonderful moment for the club to honour a man who has done so much over the years since the club was first established.
Also on hand was another prestiguous clubman, John 'Fr.' Heslin who blessed the ground amid much adulation - adding a humourous touch to the occassion and even referring to Good Friday at one point!!
The great man Paddy laying the very first block
John Heslin giving his esteemed speech, watched on by Aidan Filan
Father for the day Mr. Heslin doing the honours!!
Young and old members of the club... Paddy pictured with Frankie
The dressing rooms coming along nicely...
It was a wonderful moment for the club to honour a man who has done so much over the years since the club was first established.
Also on hand was another prestiguous clubman, John 'Fr.' Heslin who blessed the ground amid much adulation - adding a humourous touch to the occassion and even referring to Good Friday at one point!!
The great man Paddy laying the very first block
John Heslin giving his esteemed speech, watched on by Aidan Filan
Father for the day Mr. Heslin doing the honours!!
Young and old members of the club... Paddy pictured with Frankie
The dressing rooms coming along nicely...
Thursday 24 September 2009
A work in Progress...
As we are sure you are well aware, plenty of hard work is currently to be had in Cortober as the good men of Shannon Gaels are putting shape on the new club dressing rooms.
Here are a few pictures of their recent endeavours.
Note in Photo 2, Wee Jimmy Glancy took it upon himself to instruct on the best practises for preventing radon gas.
Also photographed doing a mighty job are Paddy Filan, J.P. O' Dowd, Brendan Leydon, John Heslin, Joe O' Dowd and Aidan Filan.
Keep up the great work lads or wee Glancy might be putting on wellies next!
Here are a few pictures of their recent endeavours.
Note in Photo 2, Wee Jimmy Glancy took it upon himself to instruct on the best practises for preventing radon gas.
Also photographed doing a mighty job are Paddy Filan, J.P. O' Dowd, Brendan Leydon, John Heslin, Joe O' Dowd and Aidan Filan.
Keep up the great work lads or wee Glancy might be putting on wellies next!
Wednesday 16 September 2009
FUNRUN, Local Derby and All-Ireland final for desserts
THIS WEEKEND (September 19th) will see great celebrations in Croghan village to commemorate 125 years of the G.A.A. and what a line-up is in store.
On Saturday morning at 11.30am, the U14 Parish League will be held for its second year - with the local parishes up against each other in what is bound to be a highly contested affair! Boys and girls from the ages of 14 and under will fight it out in a local football derby to be crowned the Champs of Croghan!
The Shannon Gaels Minor Club are eager for you to come out and support us in our first fundraiser for 2009 on Sunday next at 6pm. The hugely popular FUNRUN will see both young and old darting around the village hoping to get a grasp on some of the plentiful prizes available!
The FUNRUN course will be the same as previous years’ with prizes for: 1st, 2nd and 3rd home – person who raised most money – youngest person home and of course much more!!
Your support is vital and we encourage you to help the children get as many names on their cards as possible. Every amount is imperative at keeping the minor club running.
We take immense pride in the beneficial role we have in the lives of our players and we strive to make the club the best that it can be. We really need your help - as parents, players or spectators – over the weekend.
Your support will be greatly appreciated.
Thursday 10 September 2009
G.A.A. celebrates its 125 year milestone
ON THE FIRST day of November 1884, in the billiards room of Hayes' Hotel, Thurles, County Tipperary - Michael Cusack, Maurice Davin, John Wyse Power, John McKay, J. K. Bracken, Joseph O'Ryan and Thomas St. George McCarthy - set up the foundations of Cumann Luthchleas Gael or the G.A.A. - which would later become recognised internationally as one of the largest voluntary organisations in the world.
"The Irish who emigrated brought their national games with them and both regional and club units are now well established in America, Australia, New Zealand, Britain, Canada, mainland Europe and in many other parts of the world where the large Irish diaspora are located.
The GAA has over 2,500 clubs in Ireland alone.
The site upon which Croke park now stands was originally owned by Maurice Butterly in the 1870's and was known as the "City and Suburban Racecourse". The GAA became one of the ground's most frequent users.
In 1908 Frank Dineen purchased the 14-acre site for the handsome sum of £3,250. The GAA subsequently purchased the site from Frank Dineen in 1913 for £3,500 and immediately renamed the ground Croke Park in honour of the association's first patron Archbishop Croke of Cashel."
{Source: http://www.gaa.ie/history_of_croke_park.html}
Post by an eager Blues fan on Hoganstand.com (note the date)
"If it wasn't for the Super Dubs and there fans the GAA wud be up the creek without a paddle. Don't bother arguing the point yis boyz - yis know its true. Sure we don't mind either - tho a bit of deservd respect from some of yis wouldn't go amiss. Next few years now will show the true worth of Dubs to the GAA - startin at the end of the month.
Theirs an interstin fact for yis all - know wot I'm sayin." 19/01/09
- aahhh what a prime example of one of the G.A.A.'s favourite slogans 'Believe'.
"The Irish who emigrated brought their national games with them and both regional and club units are now well established in America, Australia, New Zealand, Britain, Canada, mainland Europe and in many other parts of the world where the large Irish diaspora are located.
The GAA has over 2,500 clubs in Ireland alone.
The site upon which Croke park now stands was originally owned by Maurice Butterly in the 1870's and was known as the "City and Suburban Racecourse". The GAA became one of the ground's most frequent users.
In 1908 Frank Dineen purchased the 14-acre site for the handsome sum of £3,250. The GAA subsequently purchased the site from Frank Dineen in 1913 for £3,500 and immediately renamed the ground Croke Park in honour of the association's first patron Archbishop Croke of Cashel."
{Source: http://www.gaa.ie/history_of_croke_park.html}
Post by an eager Blues fan on Hoganstand.com (note the date)
"If it wasn't for the Super Dubs and there fans the GAA wud be up the creek without a paddle. Don't bother arguing the point yis boyz - yis know its true. Sure we don't mind either - tho a bit of deservd respect from some of yis wouldn't go amiss. Next few years now will show the true worth of Dubs to the GAA - startin at the end of the month.
Theirs an interstin fact for yis all - know wot I'm sayin." 19/01/09
- aahhh what a prime example of one of the G.A.A.'s favourite slogans 'Believe'.
Tuesday 8 September 2009
Minors March onto County Semi-Final
Shannon Gaels 4-15 St. Ronans 1-02
THE SHANNON GAELS minor team eased into the Division 3 Championship semi-final with a resounding 4-15 to 1-2 victory over St. Ronans on Friday evening last.
Although the Gaels did not play as well as they would have liked there was a lot of glimpses of what the lads could produce. The forward play was impressive; particularly 3-5 scored by Daniel Morris, while in midfield there was excellent high fielding by the duo of James Filan and Liam Murtagh.
The Croghan pitch held up well for the game as the home team played into a stiff breeze in the first half.
Three wides in the first five minutes may have put doubts in the mind but an excellent 45' by Fintan Sweeney put the Gaels three points to the good. Eleven minutes into the game and Ronans found their feet. A goal chance for them was cleared off the line by David O' Dowd but from the resultant 45' the Ronans full-forward made a good catch and unleashed a powerful drive into the top of Chris Jordan's goal. This left Ronans a point behind. They followed up with another good score to put the sides level.
Daniel Morris had numerous goal chances for the Gaels some of which were narrowly over the crossbar but on the 23rd minute a long ball from Niall Leyden found Morris who dispatched the ball into the bottom corner.
Five minutes later a ball from David O' Dowd found Morris thirty yards out and another good attacking run by the forward found the net once again.
At halftime Shannon Gaels were 2-07 ahead of St. Ronan's 1-02.
The second half continued in the same way as the first with the Gael's dominance getting stronger as the game wore on and the 36th minute saw Morris complete his hat trick for the day.
The Gaels decided to tag a few points during the second half. Pearse Beirne with two brilliant points (he finished with a total of 0-4), plus points from Morris, Sweeney, David O' Dowd and Keelan Loftus kept the Gael's score ticking over.
The Gael's final goal came in the 57th minute and was one which is unlikely to be replicated again in Croghan, indeed it was a goal which Giovanni Trapattoni could have done with in Cyprus. Great footwork by Andy Dolan in the 14yard line dazzled everyone before he delicately side footed the ball into the bottom corner.
With that the final whistle blew three minutes later and the Gaels had their semi-final position secured. There was excellent performances on the evening from Pearse Beirne, James Filan, Andy Dolan and Daniel Morris. The usual suspects of David O' Dowd, Liam Murtagh, Luke O' Dowd, Fintan Sweeney and Niall Leyden also worked hard.
Shane O'Dowd in the back line and Keelan Loftus also put in a good shift. Substitutes Adam Fennel, Fergal Harmon, Darragh O' Carroll and Rory O' Donnell helped the team progress.
The team are into the county semi-final which is likely to be played next week. Unfortunately County player Shane Leydon picked up an injury and the club would like to wish him a speedy recovery!!
TEAM
Chris Jordan, Shane O' Dowd, Niall Leyden, Andy Dolan (1-0), David O' Dowd (0-01), Luke O' Dowd, Liam Murtagh, James Filan (0-01), Keelan Loftus (0-01) Fintan Sweeney (0-03), Pearse Beirne (0-04). Adam Fennel, Daniel Morris (3-05). Subs: Fergal Harmon, Rory McDonnell, Darragh O' Carroll, Damien McKeon, Daniel Harmon
THE SHANNON GAELS minor team eased into the Division 3 Championship semi-final with a resounding 4-15 to 1-2 victory over St. Ronans on Friday evening last.
Although the Gaels did not play as well as they would have liked there was a lot of glimpses of what the lads could produce. The forward play was impressive; particularly 3-5 scored by Daniel Morris, while in midfield there was excellent high fielding by the duo of James Filan and Liam Murtagh.
The Croghan pitch held up well for the game as the home team played into a stiff breeze in the first half.
Three wides in the first five minutes may have put doubts in the mind but an excellent 45' by Fintan Sweeney put the Gaels three points to the good. Eleven minutes into the game and Ronans found their feet. A goal chance for them was cleared off the line by David O' Dowd but from the resultant 45' the Ronans full-forward made a good catch and unleashed a powerful drive into the top of Chris Jordan's goal. This left Ronans a point behind. They followed up with another good score to put the sides level.
Daniel Morris had numerous goal chances for the Gaels some of which were narrowly over the crossbar but on the 23rd minute a long ball from Niall Leyden found Morris who dispatched the ball into the bottom corner.
Five minutes later a ball from David O' Dowd found Morris thirty yards out and another good attacking run by the forward found the net once again.
At halftime Shannon Gaels were 2-07 ahead of St. Ronan's 1-02.
The second half continued in the same way as the first with the Gael's dominance getting stronger as the game wore on and the 36th minute saw Morris complete his hat trick for the day.
The Gaels decided to tag a few points during the second half. Pearse Beirne with two brilliant points (he finished with a total of 0-4), plus points from Morris, Sweeney, David O' Dowd and Keelan Loftus kept the Gael's score ticking over.
The Gael's final goal came in the 57th minute and was one which is unlikely to be replicated again in Croghan, indeed it was a goal which Giovanni Trapattoni could have done with in Cyprus. Great footwork by Andy Dolan in the 14yard line dazzled everyone before he delicately side footed the ball into the bottom corner.
With that the final whistle blew three minutes later and the Gaels had their semi-final position secured. There was excellent performances on the evening from Pearse Beirne, James Filan, Andy Dolan and Daniel Morris. The usual suspects of David O' Dowd, Liam Murtagh, Luke O' Dowd, Fintan Sweeney and Niall Leyden also worked hard.
Shane O'Dowd in the back line and Keelan Loftus also put in a good shift. Substitutes Adam Fennel, Fergal Harmon, Darragh O' Carroll and Rory O' Donnell helped the team progress.
The team are into the county semi-final which is likely to be played next week. Unfortunately County player Shane Leydon picked up an injury and the club would like to wish him a speedy recovery!!
TEAM
Chris Jordan, Shane O' Dowd, Niall Leyden, Andy Dolan (1-0), David O' Dowd (0-01), Luke O' Dowd, Liam Murtagh, James Filan (0-01), Keelan Loftus (0-01) Fintan Sweeney (0-03), Pearse Beirne (0-04). Adam Fennel, Daniel Morris (3-05). Subs: Fergal Harmon, Rory McDonnell, Darragh O' Carroll, Damien McKeon, Daniel Harmon
Friday 28 August 2009
Matches, Marvels and Memories!
YESTERDAY EVENING, Thursday August 27th, saw the end of our U14 team’s campaign for 2009.
I had the privilege of attending all of their matches throughout the year and most of their training sessions and I would like to take this opportunity to say how proud I am of having been associated with them.
Back at the beginning of 2009 I was beginning to think that it was going to be difficult, firstly to get the group of lads that should be playing U14 out to training and secondly, that it would be impossible to get a coach or manager for them.
How wrong could I have been.
Up steps the emotional, impassioned and skillful -James (Deano) Dean & the cool, practical and rock steady expert in coaching - Mr Cathal Sweeney.
These two young men took the U14 team under their wings in March of this year and patiently and vigourously brought them to two county finals and the semi final of the Garda Cup. Winning the County League Final in what was – to say the least – a very exciting and heartstopping match.
The Garda Cup semi-final was the last match this team played officially for this year and they went into it as major underdogs against a strong Division 2 team - the Frenchpark boys of Western Gaels.
The lads once again proved to anyone left with any doubts that they could play among the best.
From the first kick of the ball they fought hard and won some fabulous scores. Unfortunately there had to be a loser and the Shannon Gaels U14s bowed gracefully out of this competition.
Much credit is due to the young players, themselves for their dedication to the game and the club and the pride they brought to the parish.
I cried tears of heartache and disappointment with them when they lost the county championship final by a mere three points and I cried tears of joy, delight and pride when they won the county league final against the same team by a single point.
My heart swelled when I saw them recently organizing themselves for a warm-up before a game under the leadership of captain Daniel Marron. It showed just how much this team has grown, not only in stature but in maturity of mind and respect for their mentors and the beautiful game of football.
They have certainly brought their supporters on a roller coaster ride of emotions and they will not be forgotten for a long time.
From big Jimmy Burke in the goals to little Shane McDonnell on the full forward line I wish each and every one of them good luck as they go back to school and every success in their future footballing careers.
I also wish to express my sincere gratitude to Cathal and James for their dedication and hard work with this team and look forward to working with you both in the future.
I firmly believe the future of Shannon Gaels football is in safe hands.
The team players are Jimmy Burke, Drew Bell, Jonathan Beirne, Evan Beirne, Keelan O’Dowd, David McDonnell, Gavin Dolan, Conor O’Dowd, Daniel Marron (C), Mattie Mulvey, Michael Murtagh, Mathew McDermott, Cian Harmon, Shane McDonnell, Niall Morahan, Morgan Conway, Michael Jordan.
It’s been a pleasure boys.
Yours in Sport,
Patricia Beirne.
I had the privilege of attending all of their matches throughout the year and most of their training sessions and I would like to take this opportunity to say how proud I am of having been associated with them.
Back at the beginning of 2009 I was beginning to think that it was going to be difficult, firstly to get the group of lads that should be playing U14 out to training and secondly, that it would be impossible to get a coach or manager for them.
How wrong could I have been.
Up steps the emotional, impassioned and skillful -James (Deano) Dean & the cool, practical and rock steady expert in coaching - Mr Cathal Sweeney.
These two young men took the U14 team under their wings in March of this year and patiently and vigourously brought them to two county finals and the semi final of the Garda Cup. Winning the County League Final in what was – to say the least – a very exciting and heartstopping match.
The Garda Cup semi-final was the last match this team played officially for this year and they went into it as major underdogs against a strong Division 2 team - the Frenchpark boys of Western Gaels.
The lads once again proved to anyone left with any doubts that they could play among the best.
From the first kick of the ball they fought hard and won some fabulous scores. Unfortunately there had to be a loser and the Shannon Gaels U14s bowed gracefully out of this competition.
Much credit is due to the young players, themselves for their dedication to the game and the club and the pride they brought to the parish.
I cried tears of heartache and disappointment with them when they lost the county championship final by a mere three points and I cried tears of joy, delight and pride when they won the county league final against the same team by a single point.
My heart swelled when I saw them recently organizing themselves for a warm-up before a game under the leadership of captain Daniel Marron. It showed just how much this team has grown, not only in stature but in maturity of mind and respect for their mentors and the beautiful game of football.
They have certainly brought their supporters on a roller coaster ride of emotions and they will not be forgotten for a long time.
From big Jimmy Burke in the goals to little Shane McDonnell on the full forward line I wish each and every one of them good luck as they go back to school and every success in their future footballing careers.
I also wish to express my sincere gratitude to Cathal and James for their dedication and hard work with this team and look forward to working with you both in the future.
I firmly believe the future of Shannon Gaels football is in safe hands.
The team players are Jimmy Burke, Drew Bell, Jonathan Beirne, Evan Beirne, Keelan O’Dowd, David McDonnell, Gavin Dolan, Conor O’Dowd, Daniel Marron (C), Mattie Mulvey, Michael Murtagh, Mathew McDermott, Cian Harmon, Shane McDonnell, Niall Morahan, Morgan Conway, Michael Jordan.
It’s been a pleasure boys.
Yours in Sport,
Patricia Beirne.
Monday 24 August 2009
Roscommon U16s Fr. Manning Cup Winners
Congrats to the Roscommon U16 panel who won the Fr. Manning Cup last Thursday evening against Westmeath.
Shannon Gaels had four players on the team - David O' Dowd, Luke O' Dowd, Liam Murtagh and Fintan Sweeney.
Wednesday 19 August 2009
Roscommon to play in Fr. Manning Cup Final
Congratulations to the Roscommon U16 team for reaching the final of the Fr. Manning Cup which is to be played Thursday at 7pm in Michael Fay Park (Longford Slashers' ground).
The team overcame Leitrim and Longford last Wednesday to reach tonight's final against Westmeath.
We wish Fintan, Luke, David and Liam all the best in the blue and amber jersey.
The team overcame Leitrim and Longford last Wednesday to reach tonight's final against Westmeath.
We wish Fintan, Luke, David and Liam all the best in the blue and amber jersey.
Tuesday 18 August 2009
When the fat lady sings...
Last Saturday, August 15th, the Division 3 League Final saw Shannon Gaels take on championship winners St. Faithleachs at 6pm in Kilmore. The match - like their championship encounter - was a very tight affair with the second half in particular nail-bittingly close.
From the throw-in, St. Faithleachs were determined to set a fast pace - with their dominance through players like half back John Mulligan causing serious problems for the Gaels lads.
Shannon Gaels were trailing at one stage by four points but through good scores by Daniel Marron and a splendid goal by Matthew McDermott, at the half time whistle a single point separated both sides.
Gaels emerged the stronger at the start of the second half and took a four point advantage thanks to terrific goals by Niall Morohan and Matthew McDermott who were working effectively up front.
Shannon Gaels were much more impressive in this half with players such as Shane McDonnell, Daniel Marron, Matthew Mulvey and Conor O' Dowd breaking down Faithleach's attack. Great kick-outs by Jimmy Burke in goals meant the ball was being fed into the half forward line.
Young David McDonnell was working tirelessly in defence but Diarmuid Murtagh - St. Faithleach's elusive corner forward - was using his strength advantage and always looked a threat on goal.
St. Faithleachs eventually capitalised on some shaky defending, blasting in a goal followed by a point in the space of a minute. Shannon Gaels answered with a super score by Michael Murtagh to reduce Faithleach's lead to one.
The Referee Ciaran Candon awarded a free to St. Faithleachs with five minutes to go, which Murtagh - their player of the match - converted to stretch their lead to two once again.
A free down the other end was sent wide by Shannon Gaels who at this stage were looking for another goal. A St. Faithleachs player was penalised for overcarrying and Matthew Mulvey set up Matthew McDermott for a killer goal. The umpires hesitated but once the green flag was raised the Gaels contigent went wild. The lead was again theirs by one precious point.
The joy was short lived though as St. Faithleach's John Mulligan powered forward through the midfield area after a poor pass by a Gaels player. Jimmy Burke was left with no option other than to break down the oncoming player - whereby the referee immediately pointed to the spot.
Diarmuid Murtagh calmly placed the ball down and with silence filling the park he sprang forward and smashed the ball into the net. St. Faithleachs were ahead by two with thirty seconds remaining.
Jimmy Burke walloped the ball up the field finding Daniel Marron - player of the match - who made a final attack on Faithleachs defence, slamming the ball past Jonathan Garvey who had no chance of saving it.
Joy for the Gaels, heartbreak for the Lanesboro lads and mini-heartattacks for the spectators!!!!
Final Score:
Shannon Gaels 5-5
St. Faithleachs 2-13
Well done lads and coaches. Good luck in Garda Cup this Thursday against Elphin.
From the throw-in, St. Faithleachs were determined to set a fast pace - with their dominance through players like half back John Mulligan causing serious problems for the Gaels lads.
Shannon Gaels were trailing at one stage by four points but through good scores by Daniel Marron and a splendid goal by Matthew McDermott, at the half time whistle a single point separated both sides.
Gaels emerged the stronger at the start of the second half and took a four point advantage thanks to terrific goals by Niall Morohan and Matthew McDermott who were working effectively up front.
Shannon Gaels were much more impressive in this half with players such as Shane McDonnell, Daniel Marron, Matthew Mulvey and Conor O' Dowd breaking down Faithleach's attack. Great kick-outs by Jimmy Burke in goals meant the ball was being fed into the half forward line.
Young David McDonnell was working tirelessly in defence but Diarmuid Murtagh - St. Faithleach's elusive corner forward - was using his strength advantage and always looked a threat on goal.
St. Faithleachs eventually capitalised on some shaky defending, blasting in a goal followed by a point in the space of a minute. Shannon Gaels answered with a super score by Michael Murtagh to reduce Faithleach's lead to one.
The Referee Ciaran Candon awarded a free to St. Faithleachs with five minutes to go, which Murtagh - their player of the match - converted to stretch their lead to two once again.
A free down the other end was sent wide by Shannon Gaels who at this stage were looking for another goal. A St. Faithleachs player was penalised for overcarrying and Matthew Mulvey set up Matthew McDermott for a killer goal. The umpires hesitated but once the green flag was raised the Gaels contigent went wild. The lead was again theirs by one precious point.
The joy was short lived though as St. Faithleach's John Mulligan powered forward through the midfield area after a poor pass by a Gaels player. Jimmy Burke was left with no option other than to break down the oncoming player - whereby the referee immediately pointed to the spot.
Diarmuid Murtagh calmly placed the ball down and with silence filling the park he sprang forward and smashed the ball into the net. St. Faithleachs were ahead by two with thirty seconds remaining.
Jimmy Burke walloped the ball up the field finding Daniel Marron - player of the match - who made a final attack on Faithleachs defence, slamming the ball past Jonathan Garvey who had no chance of saving it.
Joy for the Gaels, heartbreak for the Lanesboro lads and mini-heartattacks for the spectators!!!!
Final Score:
Shannon Gaels 5-5
St. Faithleachs 2-13
Well done lads and coaches. Good luck in Garda Cup this Thursday against Elphin.
Monday 17 August 2009
U14 LEAGUE WINNERS 15-08-2009
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