Ulster Council GAA

The Evolution of the GAA: Ulaidh, Éire agus Eile brings together leading writers and academics to examine the history of the GAA over 125 years, in Ulster, Ireland, and abroad, and the antiquity of Gaelic games over previous centuries.

The book opens with a series of personal reflections by prominent members of the GAA from Ulster in the last seven decades: President Mary McAleese, Cardinal Seán Brady, Paddy McFlynn, Maurice Hayes, Jim McKeever, Peter Quinn and Mickey Harte. This is followed by a range of academic essays on themes of GAA history, with many new findings relating to such matters as:

• Protestant influence on the playing of hurling and variant games pre-1884;
• how the GAA’s rules may have wiped out traditional styles of play in Ulster;
• how John McKay, a founding secretary, came from Co. Down and died in London, and how his son became a world-famous theatrical producer;
• why Gaelic games have become less violent over time;
• how the football rules for years failed to define the solo-run accurately;
• why Ulster was the GAA’s weakest province up to the 1940s, and why this began to change;
• why camogie flourished after 1930, despite two national splits;
• why the Sam Maguire Cup was not presented after the 1947 football final;
• how native Bretons have embraced Gaelic games as part of a Celtic identity;
• and why, from a global perspective, capitalism, secularism and urbanisation present the biggest challenges to the GAA in future.

There are 23 chapters in all in the book, on the following subjects: the antiquity of hurling and related games in Ulster; the founding of the GAA and the social aspects of early clubs; the GAA’s relationship with the press, religion and politics; its initial struggles in Ulster; the development of the playing rules and the ‘civilising’ of the games; camogie up to 1950; and the international dimensions of the GAA.

Other special features include newly completed records of all Ulster SFC and SHC results and final teams, 1888-2009; the most extensive bibliography of GAA-related material published to date; and dozens of previously unpublished images.

The Evolution of the GAA is edited by Dónal McAnallen, David Hassan and Roddy Hegarty, produced in partnership between the Ulster Council of the GAA and the Cardinal Ó Fiaich Library, and published by the Ulster Historical Foundation. The book retails at £20 sterling.

The book will be launched at the Cardinal Ó Fiaich Library, Armagh, on Monday 7 December, at 7.30 pm; the Royal College of Surgeons, Dublin, on Tuesday 8 December, at 6.30 pm; St Mary’s University College, Belfast on Wednesday 9 December, at 7.30 pm; Kelly’s Inn, Ballygawley, on Thursday 10 December, at 6.45 pm; Cavan County Museum, Ballyjamesduff, on Friday 11 December, at 7.30 pm; and Downpatrick RGU club, on Saturday 12 December, at 8.00 pm.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009 at 12:02 pm and is filed under Homepage News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Ninety-one years after his death, Joseph Patrick Ryan, was honoured by the Gaelic Athletic Association on Saturday, December 19, 2009 in Cranbrook, BC Canada as one of the Founders 125 years ago.

Ryan who was born in Carrick-on-Suir, Tipperary, in April 1857 was a solicitor in Ireland before emigrating to Canada in 1899 and becoming involved in the life of British Columbia with the Board of Trade, the mining industry, a judiciary member and prominent journalist.

Ryan was remembered at mass in St. Mary’s Church with Mayo’s Father Harry Clarke celebrating. The President of the Canadian Board, Brian Farmer, spoke passionately about the role of the Association at the end of Mass and the importance to Canada that one of the GAA Founders would not be forgotten.

Wreath laying ceremonies conducted at Ryan’s grave included Clonmore, Armagh’s Brian Farmer of the Canadian Board, Eamonn Kelly of the North American Board, John Keane (Honourary Irish Counsel in Seattle) with Loughgiel, Antrim’s Paul McGarry of the Seattle Gaels and Cranbrook’s Mayor Scott Manjak .

There is no doubt that the location and honour given at Ryan’s grave will be known far and wide by the GAA community due to the efforts of our friends and supporters in Canada and Ulster.

John O’Flynn
Rúnaí – Canadian County Board

This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 22nd, 2009 at 9:31 am and is filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

The application form is attached and the closing date for applications is Friday 8th January 2010.  Applications must be signed by the County Secretary and the appropriate fee must accompany the application.

The league commences on Sunday 7^th February and the group games will run for five consecutive weekends.  Please note all matches are fixed for the Sunday at 2.00pm.

Depending on the number of applications received, the winner from each section along with the two best runners up will qualify for the Quarter Finals, which are fixed for Sunday 21st March.

The semi finals are fixed for Sunday 28^th March while the final will be fixed at a later date, although it has traditionally been played on Easter Monday.

Related:

- Ulster Club Football League Application Form 2010

This entry was posted on Monday, December 21st, 2009 at 10:23 am and is filed under Homepage News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

On Wednesday 16^th December, the Minister for Education Caitríona Ruane was accompanied on a visit to Rathlin Island by Provincial Director of Ulster GAA Danny Murphy, GAA DENI schools coach Roisin Keenan, Chairperson of Moyle District Council, Councillor Cara McShane and the Gaelic Language Development Officer for North Antrim Andrew Mac Uait.

Upon landing on Rathlin, the group was warmly welcomed by the Principal of St Mary’s Primary School Helen O’Halloran.

Indeed, this was Catríona Ruane’s first visit to the school as Education Minister, and she commented:
Small rural schools are usually at the heart of their community. St Mary’s Primary School provides a vital service to help sustain the Rathlin community and provide a well rounded education for the children. It is the only inhabited island off the north coast of Ireland and it is important that government encourages and supports key services such as education.

“I wanted to visit St Mary’s to see the work of the Principal and Board of Governors and introduce the four children to the Primary Languages and Sports Programmes. I am grateful to the GAA and Pobal an Chaistil in Ballycastle for their support in these initiatives.”

The day was also used as a platform to launch the new Gaelic Start and Fundamentals programme currently being run out by the Ulster GAA DENI coaches.

Roisin Keenan presented the Minister with the first Gaelic Start pack in Ireland. Caitríona was delighted to see the pack and spoke of the excellent work being done through the DENI coaches in the Sport in Schools initiative. Caitríona in turn presented the pack to Helen who was delighted to receive it and spoke of the enjoyment that the school children would get from taking part.

After all were introduced and acquainted it was time for the main stars of the show to take centre stage, the children. After a good warm up involving everybody, the children went through a few of the Gaelic Start stations. These were working on agility, balance, co-ordination, running, jumping, throwing, catching, kicking and striking. These stations were all completed in a fun way and all the children had rosy red cheeks when they finished, which was just in time before the rain came on.

Before leaving, Provincial Director of Ulster GAA Danny Murphy commented on the importance of the Minister’s Sport in Schools Programme and how he was delighted to be in Rathlin.  Danny also presented both the Minister and Helen O’Halloran with special GAA 125 anniversary coins, which were greatly received.

For more information on the Ulster GAA DENI schools coaches programme, please contact:
Terence McWilliams
Ulster GAA Games Development Manager
terence.mcwilliams.ulster@gaa.ie
028 (048) 3752 1900

This entry was posted on Monday, December 21st, 2009 at 10:21 am and is filed under Homepage News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

110 children from various primary schools in the Newry area attended the P2 Christmas Fun Day in Newry Sports Centre at the start of December which was organised and delivered by the Down DENI coaches.

Children participated in FUNdamental games with a Christmas theme, among the most popular were ‘Pull the Cracker’, ‘Capture the Turkey’ and ‘Dodge the Snowmen’.

Special Thanks must go to the P7 pupils from St Ronan’s in Newry who were responsible for each individual game ensuring the children knew what they had to do and what skills they were working on.

Down’s Martin Clarke was in attendance throughout the day and thoroughly enjoyed helping the kids at ‘Jingle-Bell Basketball’.

However the star attractions on the day were the Ulster GAA Snowman and a surprise visit from Santa who encouraged the children to keep active and to develop their skills at home, school and at their local club before leading everyone in a Christmas Sing Song and giving each child a present for attending the event.

This entry was posted on Monday, December 14th, 2009 at 1:04 pm and is filed under Homepage News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Ulster President Gerry Doherty was on hand at the Ulster Council offices, Armagh on Monday evening to launch the 2010 Dowd Cup competition.  In a bid to make the competition more competitive and to help the development of inter-county and college football in Ulster the competition is now open to a number of Ulster counties as per the Dr McKenna Cup.

Representatives of the seven teams participating in the 2010 competition were present at the launch where the draw for the competition was made. Two groups were decided upon and each team will now play each other. The top two in each group will play in semi finals planned for the 30th January and the final will take place the following day Sunday 31st January.  As is traditional for the Dowd Cup weekend, the McNally Plate will also be contested on 30^th & 31^st Jan by the other college teams including UU Magee, UU Coleraine, St Mary’s and UUJ 2nds team.  A great weekend’s football is now guaranteed!

The draws have resulted in UUJ, Antrim, Fermanagh and Down in Group 1 and Queens, Armagh and Tyrone in Group 2.  Fixtures will be compiled and sent out to the respective colleges and counties before Christmas with the first games taking place on Sunday 10th January.

Speaking at the launch and draw Ulster President Gerry Doherty said, “This is the first time counties have been involved in the Dowd Cup Competition and I hope it will be beneficial to both themselves and the universities. The new format should act as great preparation for both the O Connor Cup and the Bord Gais Energy National League and add a greater element of competition to their pre-season preparations.”

Under the rules of the competition if a player is eligible to play for both her university and her county she must play for her college team.  This will allow county managers to extend their panel for the competition and trial a wider range of players who could prove to be vital to their squads later in the year.

Present for the draw were Maebh Moriarty (Armagh), Cathy Donnelly (Tyrone), Sinead Mc Cleary (UUJ), Ciara O Higgins (QUB), Niamh Lennon (Down), Patricia Melanophy (Fermanagh) and Helen Ward (Antrim).

Further information is available from Ulster Ladies HEC Secretary Sonya Mc Gaw on 028 3751 0065 or email ulsterladieshec@hotmail.co.uk

This entry was posted on Monday, December 14th, 2009 at 11:48 am and is filed under Homepage News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

From Páirc Bharróg, Kilbarrack, in January to Croke Park in September, the often brutal, muddy start to a season’s hopes, to the heartache and joy of a season end, the expectations and dreams of players and fans, the task faced by the managers, new and experienced, A Season of Sundays yet again beautifully chronicles the world we inhabit from weekend to weekend throughout the year, capturing the essence of what makes the GAA part of what we are.

The book, sponsored by Carroll Cuisine, was officially launched by Uachtarán Chumann Lúthchleas Gael Criostóir Ó Cuana, in the company of Kilkenny hurler Martin Comerford, who graces the cover of the 13^th edition of the book.

The epic starts as Anthony Daly and Pat Gilroy take charge of their Dublin sides “pushing off into the uncharted waters of a new season” and ends with Cork captain Mary O’Connor pointing out that Kilkenny still have some work to do “Kilkenny Hurlers, we’ll see your four and raise you one”.

Among the 172 pages of this year’s tome are stunning images of the GAA 125 celebrations in Croke Park on January 31^st,  Mayo fan’s creation of  “Hill 17”  in Ballina and they also take you beyond the dressing room doors with a unique visual insight into the men at the helm, the 2009 Football managers.

Brought to life by the prose of journalist Tom Humphries, and peppered with quotes from players, managers and media, this book is a must for every GAA fan.

Speaking at the launch, Sportsfile’s Ray McManus said “I am delighted on behalf of the Sportsfile team to present this, our thirteenth edition. We are both proud and honoured to be able to take a moment in time and preserve it so it can be examined not just now, at the end of a season, but in years to come, as part of what we were, the times we lived in, and the things we enjoyed”

McManus also paid credit to the book’s long term supporter, Carroll Cuisine “Like all teams, A Season of Sundays enjoys the backing of a sponsor, and we have the longest team supporter in the land, Carroll Cuisine. I thank them for their valued support”

Brian O’Casey, Managing Director, Carroll Cuisine said “Carroll Cuisine have supported the GAA for many years. We are the longest running sponsors of any county in Ireland and have supported A Season of Sundays in their journey for many years.  Like you, we are on the same journey from January to September.  It was a season of glorious Sundays from start to finish and we at Carroll Cuisine are proud to have supported that journey all the way”

GAA President Christy Cooney said: “This annual collection of photographs paints a vivid picture of our season year in year out and it’s a publication that is keenly awaited by so many ­ and for good reason”.

A  Season of Sundays is an official GAA publication, published by Sportsfile and supported by Carroll Cuisine.  It is distributed by Eason’s and is available in all leading bookstores priced €29.95 or on the Sportsfile website http://www.sportsfile.com/id/SeasonOfSundays09/5002/

This entry was posted on Tuesday, December 8th, 2009 at 12:39 pm and is filed under Homepage News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Venues: Foreglen GAA Centre, Co.Derry
Info: This is a theory & practical course for Parents and Club members to introduce Gaelic Games to people in their club or community who have a disability.
Tutor: Paul Callaghan

Please note the above course is open to everyone and are free of charge.

Contact: Should you have any queries please contact Paul Callaghan 086 8066166.

This entry was posted on Monday, December 7th, 2009 at 5:09 pm and is filed under Events. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

AIB Ulster GAA Club Football Junior Championship Final Replay:
Emyvale (Monaghan) 2-14 St Teresa’s (Antrim) 1-11

Emyvale lifted the title when they overcame Antrim champions St Teresa’s, Belfast in this final replay in Pairc Esler Newry.

The winners made a brilliant start with a point from John T Trainor and a goal from Robbie McHugh inside the opening two minutes and Emyvale eventually took total control, with Brendan and PJ McKenna dominating midfield. Emyvale weathered the St Teresa’s second-half storm and struck for their second goal from Daniel McMahon

Scorers:
Emyvale: D McMahon 1-2, R McHugh 1-1, M McAree, JT Trainor 0-3 each, PJ McKenna, G McQuaid 0-2 each, B O’Brien 0-1
St Teresa’s: R Gallagher 0-7, P Dugan 1-1, A Taylor, P McGoldrick, C Sands 0-1 each.

Emyvale: G McCaffrey; K McKenna, S McKenna, P McCarron; B Askin, J Flannery, B O’Brien; B McKenna, PJ McKenna; G McQuaid, M McAree, JT Trainor, D McMahon, G McKernan, R McHugh. Subs: S McMeel for JT Trainor; C Connolly for K McKenna; C McKenna for G McQuaid; S Downey for B Askin; J Morrough for S Downey.

St Teresa’s: C Murtagh; B Curran, C Toal, P Johnston; Colm McGoldrick, Conor McGoldrick, S O’Hara; E Doherty, J Rainey; A Taylor, P Maguire, R Gallagher; P McGoldrick, P Dugan, S McIlvenny. Subs: C Sands for J Rainey; K McLaughlin for C Sands

Ref: C Reynolds (Down).

Report: independent.ie

This entry was posted on Monday, December 7th, 2009 at 12:51 pm and is filed under Homepage News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Venues: Beragh GAC (Co. Tyrone), Knocks Grattan GAA Club (Co. Fermanagh)
Info: These are indoor coach participation sessions and will look at drills, skills and games for players aged 4-8 years.
Tutor: Kevin Kelly

Please note the above course is open to everyone and are free of charge.

Contact: Should you have any queries please contact Kevin Kelly 07920528794.

This entry was posted on Monday, November 30th, 2009 at 4:40 pm and is filed under Events. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Venue: St John Bosco Hall, Newry (Co. Down)
Info: These are indoor coach participation sessions and will look at drills, skills and games for players aged 4-8 years.
Tutor: Kevin Kelly

Please note the above course is open to everyone and are free of charge.

Contact: Should you have any queries please contact Kevin Kelly 07920528794.

This entry was posted on Monday, November 30th, 2009 at 4:38 pm and is filed under Events. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Tesco Ladies Senior Club Championship Final:
Donaghmoyne (Monaghan) 2-07 Donoughmore (Cork) 1-08

Ulster and Monaghan champions Donaghmoyne produced a stunning performance to land their second All Ireland senior club title in four years on Sunday at St Rynagh’s Banagher. This was a game that produced just about everything with defending of the highest quality along with scores from the top drawer. In the end Donaghmoyne deservedly lifted the title but they were made fight to the final whistle.

A strong wind made conditions difficult but two teams hungry for success produced a cracker. The Cork girls had the aid of the wind in the opening half but it was Donaghmoyne going in the happier at the break with a two point lead. Entering the contest Catriona McConnell had a whopping score of 9-40 to her name, so it was little surprise she was to the fore for the eventual winners. Along with McConnell, the Courtney sisters of Sharon and Fiona worked hard throughout along with team captain Niamh Lynch. Also catching the eye was Amanda Casey who won the battle of the midfield but this was an all round team performance and in the end they got their just reward.

Catriona McConnell struck over the game’s opening point with just over a minute elapsed with a free following a foul on Amanda Casey. However, when McConnell again found the target on nine minutes, the girls from the Rebel County had 1-2 to their name. Juliet Murphy levelled matters with a free before the All Star midfielder edged them in front with a fine effort from play. On six minutes Donoughmore struck for the games opening goal. It was to be the only goal of the championship that the eventual winners conceded and in truth the only moment in the game that the Donaghmoyne defence were caught out and Patrice Kearney punished them with a delightful finish low into the net. Following McConnell’s second converted free, Murphy re-established the Cork sides four point lead with a free at the start of the second quarter. That was to be their final score of the half as Donaghmoyne turned the game around. On 20 minutes Cora Courtney was sent to ground as she burst though on goal and referee Des McEnery had no hesitation in awarding a penalty. Linda Barrett was sent to the sin bin and Catriona McConnell stepped up to beat ‘keeper Caitriona O’Connell. Donoughmore wasted two scorable chances before McConnell struck for her second major on 29 minutes. The excellent Sharon Courtney went on a blistering run that cut open the Cork defence before laying off to McConnell who fired home and leave it at the halfway stage Donaghmoyne 2-2 Donoughmore 1-3.

While the first half was played an electrifying pace so too was the second thirty and Sharon Courtney took just 15 second to extend the lead. Hazel Kingham almost strengthened it further but her speculative effort from distance had the ‘keeper beaten but the post denied the Donaghmoyne star. Murphy (free) and Aisling O’Connor narrowed the deficit before Hazel Kingham struck over a beauty. Kingham then saw yellow before Majella Woods pointed and there was three between them again as the clock ticked into the final quarter. Gina McGowan made it four with eight remaining but Donoughmore came roaring back with points from Regina Curtin and Murphy (2) to leave it a one point game into added time. The Cork side pushed the equaliser but Donaghmoyne defended gallantly despite now down to fourteen following the sin binning of Joanne Geoghegan and McConnell had the final say at the other end with a free to leave two between them at the finish of a titanic and thrilling decider.

Donaghmoyne: L Martin, J Geoghegan, M Grimes, N Lynch, H Kingham (0-1), F Courtney J Courtney (0-1), S Courtney (0-1), A Casey, E McElroy, M Woods (0-1), L Kingham, G McGowan (0-1), C McConnell (2-2, 1-0p, 0-3f), C Courtney. Subs: A Lennon for L  Kingham, L Daly for A. Lennon

Donoughmore: C. McConnell, E. Walsh, L. Barrett, R. OMahony, A. Barrett, V. Sheehan, A.M. OShea, R. Buckley, J. Murphy (0-6, 5f), O. Healy, R. Curtin (0-1), P. Kearney (1-0), Y. Twomey L. Murphy, A. OConnor (0-1).Subs: R. Barrett for O. Healy

This entry was posted on Monday, November 30th, 2009 at 4:32 pm and is filed under Homepage News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

AIB Ulster GAA Football Club Senior Final:
St Gall’s (Antrim) 0-16  Loup (Derry) 0-05

Antrim champions St Gall’s ran out easy winners over Derry’s Loup in a one-sided game at Páirc Esler on Sunday afternoon.

Gall’s led 0-8 to 0-4 at the interval and completely dominated the second half to win the game by a margin of 11 points.

It was a clinical attacking display by Gall’s, who had their two midfielders and all their forward line except for Kevin McGourty on the score sheet.

In contrast, the Loup attack misfired badly, failing to score during a harrowing 32 minute spell midway through the encounter. They also failed to score from play, while Ciaran Devlin’s point was their solitary score of the second half.

CJ McGourty was Galls’ top scorer, finishing with 0-6 in total after a fine display.

Indeed, the Antrim’s side margin of victory might have been greater had Kevin Niblock not been awarded what looked like a clear penalty when he was taken down by Shane McGuckin, the Loup netminder.

Loup managed to stay in the game throughout the first quarter, but a CJ McGourty score in the 24th was the first of four Gall’s points in succession. Rory Gallagher, CJ McGourty again and Séan Burke were all on target, as St Gall’s led by four points at the interval.

The second half was something of a non-event as the Antrim kingpins eased through the gears and met little resistance – Devlin’s solitary point aside – to claim the Ulster title and an All-Ireland semi-final spot.

—

AIB Ulster GAA Football Club Intermediate Final:
Cookstown (Tyrone) 0-09  Lavey (Cavan) 1-04

The Patrick McCully Cup will remain in Tyrone for another year after Cookstown Fr Rock’s secured their first ever Ulster Intermediate title in Enniskillen on Sunday afternoon.  Cookstown claimed their first ever provincial success and will now follow in the footsteps of both Pomeroy and Trillick as they aim to win a first ever All Ireland Intermediate club football title for Tyrone.

The Tyrone men defeated Cavan champions Lavey by two points after a hard fought game.  Cookstown started the brighter in the early stages and were three points ahead when Lavey were awarded a penalty.  This brought the side level going into the break, Cookstown 0-05 Lavey 1-02.

The second half continued to be a nip and tuck affair.  With the sides level with ten minutes remaining, points from Christopher Eastwood and  Raymond Mulgrew sealed the win for Cookstown.

—

AIB Ulster GAA Football Club Junior Final:
St Teresa’s (Antrim) 1-09  Emyvale (Monaghan) 2-06

Daniel McMahon’s point in the first minute of injury time made sure that St Teresa’s and Emyvale will have to do it all over again this Sunday.

The draw was probably the fair result but Emyvale manager Gerry McCarville will be left to rue his side’s 11 wides over the 60 minutes.

Playing against the strong breeze in the first half, the Monaghan champions got off to the perfect start as midfielder PJ McKenna scored a major after only 4 minutes.  However, they were not to score again for another 16 minutes as St Teresa’s piled on the pressure.  The Antrim champions really should’ve opened up a gap between the sides but a combination of shots dropped short and a penalty save by Gerard McCaffrey kept Emyvale in touch.
With half time approaching the sides were level before Robbie McHugh hit the net for Emyvale’s second goal.  St Teresa’s responded with a point to send the sides in at 2-02 to 0-05.

In the second half both sides were reduced to 14 men as first Emyvale’s half back Brendan Askin then St Teresa’s full forward Patrick Duggan picked up double yellows.

Entering the final quarter Emyvale held a 3 point lead before St Teresa’s got a goal through a combination of Stephen McIlvenny and an Emyvale defender.

The momentum was now with the Belfast side and Robert Gallagher’s point looked like it would be enough to clinch the title, before McMahon popped up with the injury time equalizer.

The replay will take place in Pairc Esler at 2.00pm this Sunday 6^th December.

This entry was posted on Monday, November 30th, 2009 at 1:53 pm and is filed under Homepage News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

AIB Ulster Senior Club Football Final:
Loup (Derry) v St Galls (Antrim)

This Sunday sees a rematch of the 2003 Ulster Club Final where St Galls from Antrim meet Derry winners, Loup.   Six years ago, it was Loup who emerged victorious under the watchful eye of current Fermanagh manager, Malachy O’Rourke, as they collected their first ever Ulster title on a scoreline of 0-11 to 1-05.  This is the Loup’s first appearance back in the Ulster Club series since that memorable success, whereas their opponents have been regular visitors to the Ulster Club Championship.

St Galls have collected a remarkable eight out of the last nine Antrim championships.  After being defeated in the 2003 Ulster Club Final, they re-emerged in 2005 to collect the Ulster Club title as they defeated Bellaghy at Healy Park, Omagh.  In fact, they progressed to the All Ireland Club Final on St Patricks Day in 2006 where they lost out narrowly to Galway champions, Salthill/Knocknacarra on a scoreline of 0-7 to 0-6.  In 2007, St Galls were back in the Ulster Final where they were defeated by the formidable Crossmaglen Rangers side.

In fact, a number of the St Galls squad have already collected an Ulster title this year, when they won the Ulster Intermediate Hurling Championship at the end of October.  They will again look to team captain, Colin Brady, Sean Kelly and Anto Healy to marshal the defence.  They have a strong platform around the middle sector of the field where Aodhan Gallagher, Sean Burke and Kevin McGourty will be responsible for securing primary possession.  Up front, Rory Gallagher has rediscovered his form while the McGourty brothers added to the likes of Terry O’Neill and Karl Stewart will be entrusted with providing the necessary scores.  Victories over Cavan Gaels, Pearse Og and Clontibret have secured another Ulster Final appearance.

In contrast, Loup have had victories over Fermanagh champions, Derrygonnelly and Down winners, Kilcoo.   Loup have a number of players still on board from their 2003 success such as Joe O’Kane, Fintan Devlin, Johnny McBride, Paul Young and Paul McFlynn.  O’Kane has matured into a strong force at full back and he captains the side.  McBride and McFlynn have been synonymous with Loup teams for many years and will see this as a massive opportunity to secure a second Ulster Club title.  Newcomers such as Brian Doyle, Declan McVey, Paul McVey and Aidan McAlynn have added a new dimension and a freshness to an otherwise experienced side.  It promises to be a fascinating contest as St Galls have been fancied from the outset while Loup have caused a number of upsets en route to this week’s decider.  The respective managers Lenny Harbinson and John Brennan, have prepared their teams well and now it is done to the players.

—

AIB Ulster Intermediate Club Football Final:
Cookstown (Tyrone) v Lavey (Cavan)

In the Intermediate Final, to be played at Brewster Park, Enniskillen, Tyrone champions, Cookstown Fr Rocks take on Cavan winners, Lavey.  Cookstown have already defeated Ballymartin and Monaghan Harps en route to today’s decider.  Former All Ireland medal winner, Chris Lawn manages the Tyrone outfit and has ensured that no stone has been left unturned in their preparations.  Lavey had a narrow victory over Kinawley in the quarter final and they also defeated the Donegal champions, Fanad Gaels in the semi final.  They are managed by Terry Hyland and he showed his full value in the semi final against Fanad Gaels.  Trailing by five points at half time, Lavey made a number of changes, held their opponents scoreless and emerged victorious by six winners.

Cookstown are captained by centre half back, Barry Hughes while they will also look to the likes of Ryan Pickering, Paul McGurk and Stephen Monaghan in defence.  In the midfield sector, Gary Fitzpatrick, Raymond Mulgrew and Conor Mullan have been the leading lights and will need to deliver big performances today.  Up front, Owen Mulligan and Martin Murray have led the way in the scoring stakes but centre half forward, Barry Mulligan has been rejuvenated under the new management and has had a tremendous year to date.

Lavey are captained by full back, Darren Smith who will have a major task in curtailing the influence of Owen Mulligan.  Joseph Jordan and Aaron Smith provide a solid foundation in the half back line while up front they will look to Kevin Brady and Declan Murphy.  Corner forward, Shane Tierney is their jewel in the crown and his performance in the semi final underlined his importance to the side as he weighed in with 1-4.  It should be an intriguing encounter that may go right down to the wire.

—

AIB Ulster Junior Club Football Final:
Emyvale (Monaghan) v St Teresas (Antrim)

In the Junior decider, which will be played at Pairc Esler, Monaghan champions Emyvale take on Antrim winners, St Teresa’s.  Emyvale are managed by former Monaghan great, Gerry McCarville and have reached the decider courtesy of victories over Tyrone champions, Newtownstewart and Shane O’Neills from Armagh.  Team captain, John Flannery leads the side from centre half back and midfielder, Brendan McKenna has experience with the county senior team.  In attack, Martin McAree, Robbie McHugh and Patrick McCarron provide a serious threat.  The fact that they are the only side on show today that have yet to concede a goal in the Ulster Club series also outlines their strength in defence.

St Teresa’s are managed by Liam McGoldrick and his son, Conor, captains the team from the pivotal position of centre half back.  Joe Rainey, who notched 1-1 in the semi final, and Eamon Doherty provide a solid midfield partnership.  In attack, Philip Maguire, Robbie Gallagher and Paul McGoldrick will be under the watchful eye of the Emyvale defence.  Half forward, Robbie Gallagher led the charge in the semi final as he notched 1-6.  St Teresa’s were defeated in the County Final in 2008, and have already avenged that defeat, today they seek to go the whole way. Good luck to all teams involved in this weekend’s finals.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, November 25th, 2009 at 2:16 pm and is filed under News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.

Venue: Dungannon, Ballyconnell & Belfast (Actual venues to be confirmed)
Info: This is an Indoor Coach Participation Session and will look at Drills, Skills and games for players aged 4-8yrs.
Tutor: Kevin Kelly

Please note the above course is open to everyone and are free of charge.

Contact: Should you have any queries please contact Kevin Kelly 079 2052 8794.

This entry was posted on Tuesday, November 24th, 2009 at 4:04 pm and is filed under Events. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.