Junior B hurling v Rapparees

The eagerly aniticpated clash between the third teams of ourselves and Rapparees had to be delayed for 15 minutes this evening due to crowd congestion, but the patient crowd were rewarded with a fantastic display of scoring from both teams, with the final score being 2-19 to 0-31 in favour of the Rapps. Despite some heavy defeats to the Rapps in the last two years at this level our lads were as determined as ever. No stone was left unturned by management, and every detail was carefully analysed. Keith Swaine got a new plastic hurl for this 2018 season as he was nearly single handedly responsible for an ash shortage in Western Europe. He also reckons it allows him to get a crisper strike and I think this evening could have been the first time ever that a foam roller was seen in a Junior B dressing room.

The game started off well with Niall O’Loughlin opening the scoring, but the Rapparees were playing with the wind and proved to be more accurate to give them a 0-02 to 0-07 lead. An over the shoulder shot from the sideline by Colm McGannon and a few frees by Niall O Loughlin helped to close the gap to only a couple of points before the Rapps got another flurry of points to lead by 0-15 to 0-08 at half time. Playing with the wind in the second half our lads were reasonably confident of closing the gap, and the second half started brilliantly with a goal from Niall o Loughlin and a point from Conall Nolan. Another two points  each from James Gahan and Conall Nolan meant we closed the gap to just two points at one stage. Unfortunately, the Rapparees were able to introduce some fresh legs in their forwards and they got on top again.

Despite only missing one free, Niall O Loughlin was removed as free taker by Colm McGannon, who insists on perfection. His confidence was to be admired as he struck a long range effort from inside our own 65 straight over the bar, despite Ger Millar telling him not to take it. A second goal from James Gahan and another McGannon free once again closed the gap to just 2 points. The game was in the balance until the referee gave a harsh free to the Rapps, it was probably one of the few times in the game that Keith clearly hit the ball, but the referee didn’t change his mind despite some polite questioning from the sideline. A late flurry of 5 unanswered points by the Rapparees meant they ran out deserving winners, in what was a cracking game of free flowing hurling and some great scores.

Team: Darren Millar, Padraig Stafford, Barry Millar, Keith Swaine, Colin Hawkins, Peadar Lacey, Adrian O Loughlin, Conall Nolan, Arran Breslin, Colm McGannon, Niall O Loughlin, James Gahan, Cathal O Leary, Eugene Breslin, Micheal Stafford.

Scores: Niall O Loughlin 1-09, James Gahan 1-03, Colm McGannon, 0-04, Conall Nolan 0-03

Junior A football v Volunteers

The mighty Junior A footballers kept their 100% away record over the last two seasons with a 1-08 to 0-08 point victory over the Volunteers in Pairc Charman this evening. Management received a boost midweek with the news that Daire Turner was not available. Nonetheless we had 17 lads on the day with the return of Stephen Murphy for his first game since the 2016 Junior B county final proving to be a big boost.

The game started slowly and got gradually slower, with the heavy pitch not suiting our dynamic running game.

Two nice points from Rob Breen were divided by a rasper of a shot from Micheal Gahan to leave us 1-02 to 0-01 ahead. The Vols responded with a few points of their own until Mark Walsh pointed shortly before half time to leave the score 1-03 to 0-04 in our favour.

At half time Barry Murphy started a game of keepie-uppies which meant he got more touches of the ball during the interval than he did during the game itself. Further good news came at half time with the removal of Denis Walsh.

The second half started well and we managed to have most of the possession. Robbie Donnelly got our first two points of the second half, while Stephen Murphy and Pauric Walshe were very good under the high ball. Some woeful shooting from the usually accurate Rob Breen and the usually inaccurate John Murphy meant that our dominance didn’t show on the scoreboard, and the Vols got a couple of points to keep them in the game. We finished much the stronger with Pauric Walshe and Mark Walsh getting our last 3 points between them to see us to victory.

Team was:

Colin Hawkins,Pauric Walshe, Barry Murphy, James Donohoe, Lee McHale, Brian O’Loughlin, James Gahan, Mark Walsh, Sean McCabe, Stephen Murphy, Robbie Donnelly, John Murphy, Denis Walsh, Rob Breen, Micheal Gahan. Sub’s: Sean O’Leary for Denis Walsh, Peter Mernagh for Rob Breen, Rob Breen for Brian O’Loughlin.

Scores: Micheal Gahan 1-00, Robbie Donnelly 0-02, Rob Breen 0-02, Mark Walsh 0-02, Pauric Walshe 0-02.

 

Biggest Loser Cycle 2018

The Biggest Loser Cycle is taking place this Sunday, the 29th of April starting at the GAA Grounds in Monageer. There are two different options, the 16km cycle and the 50km cycle. The event is free for all biggest loser participants, and there is a charge of €10 for any visitors, and €20 for a family. All are welcome to attend, helmets must be worn and children are to be accompanied by an adult.

GAA Lotto

The Next GAA Club lotto draw takes place on Tuesday 14th of November at 9.30pm in the old complex. Tickets are €2 each and the jackpot is €3,350