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.
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.
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
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.
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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.
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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 6th December.
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.
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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.
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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.
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.
Venue: Hannahstown Community Centre, Belfast
Info: This part theory/part practical course is aimed at coaches and parents who are interested in rolling out gaelic games and adapted activities within the GAA club and at home to children and young adults with disabilities and special needs.
Tutor: Shane McCann
Please note the above course is open to everyone and are free of charge.
Contact: Should you have any queries please contact Shane McCann 07920 528793.
Venue: Kilkeel GAA Club (Co.Down)
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.
Venue: Gweedore GAA Club (Co.Donegal), Mullahoran GAA Club (Co. Cavan), Cross & Passion, Ballycastle (Co.Antrim)
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.
Flooded roads, many of them closed, throughout Ulster at the weekend didn’t deter almost 500 people from attending the Quinn Insurance Ulster GAA Writers’ annual banquet, at the Slieve Russell Hotel where the yearly honours were distributed.
Among the attendance were various personalities from sponsors Quinn Insurance, including the boss man himself, Sean Quinn, GAA Ard Stiúrthóir Paraic Duffy, Ulster President Tom Daly plus secretary Danny Murphy, Treasurer Martin McAviney and PRO Michael Hasson. In attendance, too, was John Maguire, MD of Belleek Pottery, suppliers of the annual and monthly trophies.
Other special guests were World handball champions from Ulster and members of the Ulster Football team and their mentors, the recent winners of a record 29th MD Donnelly Interprovincial Championship title.
The Personality of the Year award went to Derryman, Liam Bradley, the manager of the Antrim football team that created a surprise in Ulster football this year while creating a record was Pat McEneaney. The Monaghan whistler received the Referee of the Year Award for a fifth time. World Open champion Paul Brady collected the Handball Award and Fiona Shannon, who like Brady won a record third World Open title, was presented with Chairman Jerry Quinn’s Award.
Awards were presented in 11 categories covering all aspects of the GAA while Ulster President Tom Daly handed over the interprovincial medals to the Ulster players and management.
Tom Daly also received a present from Chairman Jerry Quinn on behalf of the UGAAWA members – a painting of Rossnowlagh Beach by Fermanagh artist Jo Tinney – to mark the end of his term in office. Tom will hand over the reins to a new Ulster President in February.
Quinn Insurance Ulster GAA Writers Awards 2009:
Personality of the Year: Liam Bradley (Antrim)
Male Footballer of the Year: Kevin Hughes (Tyrore)
Hurler of the Year: Neil McManus (Antrim)
Lady Footballer of the Year: Caroline Little (Fermanagh)
Handball Award: Paul Brady (Cavan)
Camogie Award: Grainne McGoldrick (Derry)
Service to the GAA: Bernie Mullan (Derry)
Referee of the Year: Pat McEneaney (Monaghan)
Communications: Fergal McCormack (Warrenpoint)
Young Achiever of the Year (Cormac McAnallen Award): Michael Murphy (Donegal)
Chairman’s Award: Fiona Shannon (Antrim)
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Article By Tony McGee
Michael Hasson, Ulster GAA PRO arrived in Banagher this week to commemorate the contribution of a remarkable man to Gaelic games in Ulster, Rev. Fr. Patrick McNally.
The name of Fr. McNally is synonymous with Banagher. He was a founder member when the club was formed as a parish amalgamation of St. Mary’s Park and St. Joseph’s Feeny.
The club became St. Mary’s Banagher, and the colours of maroon and white were chosen in recognition of the Galway team who were All Ireland champions that year.
Serving President of Ulster Council Fr. McNally’s sudden and untimely death at only 57 years old sent shockwaves through the county and entire province of Ulster.
He was managing an underage Banagher side that were playing neighbours Dungiven at home, and had just brought the team together for the half time talk. He drew his players close and just began to speak when he fell to one knee. Still conscious, his last words still resonate in the ears of the players that were there that night, “Get in hard, lads.”
He grabbed for Martin Murphy’s left shoulder and collapsed on the field. Despite desperate attempts to resuscitate him he passed away before arrival at hospital.
The young Banagher and Dungiven players stood side by side in shock and grief at the scene, as the man who did so much for football in Derry and Ulster lay motionless before their eyes. Local man Frank McHenry recalled appealing to the young men to say a prayer for the priest, and one by one they filed into St. Mary’s church to do so.
Born in Gortin, Co. Tyrone in 1910 he was one of two children and was fanatical about Gaelic games from an early age. He was educated at St. Columb’s College Derry before attending St. Patrick’s College Maynooth. Ordained a priest in 1935 he spent some time on missionary work before returning to his beloved Ireland.
He ministered in Claudy, Bellarena and Gortin before arriving in Ballinascreen in 1951. He remained in the south Derry parish for 13 years before making the journey into north Derry in 1964 when he was appointed curate of Altinure. In April 1967 he was promoted to PP of Banagher following the retirement of the then ailing Rev. E. McNamee.
While based in Ballinascreen he joined the local GAA club and was actively involved in the development of Dean McGlinchey Park.
It became the main ground in Derry for hosting inter-county matches and county finals for many years. Such was the impact he had in Ballinsacreen the covered stand at Dean McGlinchey park was named after him.
An active promoter of our Irish games, language and song he was an enthusiastic Gael. Football however was arguably his greatest love.
He served as a selector on the 1958 All Ireland side the first Derry senior team to reach an All Ireland final. Roddy Gribben, who managed the All Ireland side, said, “I remember Fr. Mac as one of the more active members of the Derry board. He was very easy got on with and a lovely man.” Roddy went on to recall, “We all attended his funeral in Banagher, his death was a big shock for the whole GAA community at the time.”
Fr. McNally served as a member of the Derry County board and also held the position of President of Ulster Council at the time of his death in 1967.
Speaking at the presentation of the plaque in Banagher this week Michael Hasson of Ulster Council said: “It’s an honour for the Ulster Council to commemorate this great man, a founder member of St. Mary’s and the most recent President of Ulster Council from Derry. He held the post of Uachtaráin at the time of his death.”
Mr. Hasson went on to say, “It is also personally a pleasure for me to be able to make this presentation as I have relations in this area.”
Current chairman of St. Mary’s Pat Devine said, “We at St. Mary’s are delighted that Ulster Council have decided to make this presentation.”
Fr. McNally’s nephews Paddy and Sean Bradley were in Banagher for the occasion and Sean said, “I remember Fr. McNally being very proud of the young footballers of Banagher and we are delighted that Ulster Council are making this presentation for our uncle.”
The plaque will be mounted at Fr. McNally Park to serve as a reminder to all Gaels of the invaluable contribution Fr. McNally made not only to the community of Banagher, but to Derry and Ulster for many generations to come.
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Article by Mary K Burke
pictures@derrypost.com
Venue: St Patricks Primary School, Armagh
Info: This part theory/part practical course is aimed at coaches and parents who are interested in rolling out gaelic games and adapted activities within the GAA club and at home to children and young adults with disabilities and special needs.
Tutor: Diarmaid Marsden
Please note the above course is open to everyone and are free of charge.
Contact: Should you have any queries please contact Diarmaid Marsden 07920 528792.
Venues: Slaughtneil GAC, (Co Derry), St Patricks High School, Keady (Co Armagh) & Portaferry GAC (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.
Venues: Creggan GAC (Co Antrim) & St Comghalls High School, Lisnaskea (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.
The launch of the 2010 Dr McKenna Cup took place today in the Armagh City Hotel where the new sponsors of the competition were revealed.
The 2010 competition will be sponsored by Barrett Sports Lighting and Managing Director, Martin Barrett stated:
“Barrett Sports Lighting are delighted to sponsor the Dr McKenna Cup. This is a competition where the future county stars can challenge themselves against current county stars in competitive action. It also provides counties with meaningful preparation for the National Football League, and we are already looking forward to the Barrett Sports Lighting Dr McKenna Cup”.
Ulster GAA President Tom Daly paid tribute to the previous sponsor Gaelic Life, while he welcomed the new partnership with Barrett Sports Lighting as he commented:
“Ulster GAA is extremely grateful for the support from our new sponsors Barrett Sports Lighting. We look forward to working together to raise the profile of the competition to an all-time high. We look forward to the beginning of our Inter County programme for 2010 and an exciting and entertaining month of Barrett Sports Lighting Dr McKenna Cup action in January. I wish all teams well”.
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2010 Barrett Sports Lighting Dr McKenna Cup Launch:
Paddy O’Rourke looks forward to his first taste of Competitive action as Armagh Manager:
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The Groups and Fixtures for the 2010 Barrett Sports Lighting are as follows:
Group A
UUJ
Monaghan
Armagh
Fermanagh
Group B
St Mary’s
Cavan
Donegal
Tyrone
Group C
QUB
Down
Antrim
Derry
Barrett Sports Lighting Dr. McKenna Cup 2010
All Sunday games at 2.00 p.m. All midweek games at 7.30 p.m.
(Extra time to be played in Semi finals & Final)
Sun 10th January: (Round 1)
Group A
Monaghan v UUJ at Clones
Armagh v Fermanagh at Crossmaglen
Group B
Tyrone v Cavan at Healy Park
Donegal v St. Mary’s at Ballybofey
Group C
Derry v Down at Celtic Park
Antrim v Queens at Casement Park
Sunday 17th January: (Round 2)
Group A
Armagh v UUJ at Crossmaglen
Fermanagh v Monaghan at Brewster Park
Group B
Cavan v Donegal at Kingspan Breffni Park
Tyrone v St. Mary’s at Healy Park
Group C
Down v Queens at Pairc Esler
Antrim v Derry at Casement Park
Wednesday 20th January: (Round 3)
Group A
Monaghan v Armagh at Inniskeen
Fermanagh v UUJ at Brewster Park
Group B
Cavan v St Mary’s at Kingspan Breffni Park
Donegal v Tyrone at Ballybofey
Group C
Down v Antrim at Pairc Esler
Derry v Queens at Celtic Park
Sat 23rd / Sun 24th January:
Semi Finals:
(1) Best Runners Up v Winner of Section C
(2) Winner of Section A v Winner of Section B
Saturday 30th January:
Final: 1 v 2