Due to the inclement weather, the 2 Cadbury’s Ulster Under 21 Football Championship Semi Finals scheduled for tonight have been postponed until Saturday.
* Note that this is now a double header at Brewster Park, Enniskillen.
Saturday 3rd April:
Cadbury’s Ulster Under 21 Football Championship Semi Finals:
Derry v Donegal at Brewster Park, Enniskillen (12.15pm)
Monaghan v Cavan at Brewster Park, Enniskillen (2.00pm)
Thanks to the new back-door system which has been introduced to the GAA Handball Championship this year, Clann Eireann’s Charly Shanks will contest the 2010 GAA Handball All-Ireland 40×20 Senior Singles Final.
The Chairman of County Armagh GAA Handball secured an All-Ireland final spot following his win over Garden County man Michael Gregan in Saturday’s semi-final. Played before a capacity crowd in Kingscourt, County Cavan, Shanks made no bones about his intentions to any onlookers – he wants to win the All-Ireland. There appeared to be a lot of nerves in the alley at the beginning of the proceedings, but Shanks used this to his advantage as Gregan took a while to get out of the blocks, commanding the first game. Although Gregan fought hard, it was a case of ‘too little too late’ and the orchard star took the first game 21-12 with some world class shots. In the second, Charly never let up and finding himself serving at 18-9, he served two fabulous aces to take him closer to that final. Charly served the ball at 20-9 which Gregan returned well, then Shanks hit a fantastic passing shot, to the rapturous applause of the large Armagh contingent from all of three handball clubs in the county – such a win takes Charly into the holy grail in 40×20 handball – a place where no Armagh man has ever competed – a Senior 40×20 All-Ireland final.
World Number One, Cavan’s Paul Brady will provide Charly’s opposition for the biggest crown in the 40×20 game on this island. Brady disposed of Dublin ace, Eoin Kennedy on a scoreline of 21-16 21-11 in the semi-final.
Shanks – who appears to be in the shape and form of his life has worn the underdog tag both in the Quarter-final and again in the semi-final. In the Quarter-final, he beat Westmeath ace, Robbie McCarthy on a scoreline of 21-14, 13-21, 21-11 – where Shanks’ experience and enhanced fitness troubled McCarthy in the tie-breaker to seal his semi-final spot. After losing in the Ulster final to Brady(21-6, 21-8), Shanks overcame Wexford’s former hurler, Gavin Buggy 21-11, 16-21, 21-13 in the Qualifiers to reach the Quarter final.
In the Ulster Championship, the Clann Eireann ace had a comfortable win over Pauric McGlinchey from Tyrone and a tie-break victory over Antrim’s Ricky McCann before meeting Paul Brady in the Ulster Final.
Shanks is also still in contention for glory in the All-Ireland Open Doubles Championship. He is playing with long-time doubles partner, St. Killian’s, Whitecross man – Onewall World Champion, James Doyle. Significantly, Shanks and Doyle moved into the senior ranks together when they lifted the All-Ireland intermediate doubles title in 2003, the same year in which Shanks also sealed a Singles victory. The Orchard duo face Meath in the All-Ireland quarter final.
Brady is hoping to match a record of six consecutive All-Ireland senior single victories, whilst Shanks is ‘gunning’ for number one!
When these two athletes take to the court, all past victories and defeats will no longer be relevant, the script has not yet been written – one thing for sure, Shanks will do his club and county proud on All-Ireland final day.efeats are no longer relevant, the script has not been written yet and Shanks will be sure to do his c
Other results/fixtures from Armagh Handballers:
All-Ireland Juvenile Semi-final results:
Girls U14S Aoife McConville (Clann Eireann, Armagh) dft Sophie Carroll (Cork) 15-7, 15-1
Girls 16S Martina McMahon (Limerick) dft Niamh Henderson (Clann Eireann, Armagh) 21-3, 21-2
Girls 17S Sionann McConville (Clann Eireann, Armagh) dft Alana O’Brien (Clare) 21-18, 21-5
Ladies Minor Catriona Casey(Cork) dft Armagh Fionnuala McKenna(Eugene Quinn, Armagh) 21-4, 21-5
All-Ireland semi-final adult result:
SMBS Clare [John Cawley] dft Armagh (Clann Eireann, Armagh) 21-6, 21-20
Men Open Doubles Qualifier final round:
Armagh (Charly Shanks, Clann Eireann/James Doyle, St. Killian’s, Whitecross) dft Mayo (Vinnie Moran/Campbell Brennan) 21-4, 21-6
Important Fixtures:
2010 GAA Handball All Ireland Juvenile Championship Finals to take place in Munster venues on Sunday 11th April 2010
Girls U14S Aoife McConville (Clann Eireann, Armagh) v Cianna Ni Churraoin (Galway)
Girls 17S Sionann McConville (Clann Eireann, Armagh) v Melanie Byrne (Carlow)
Sunday 4th April, in Leixlip, Kildare, 2:30pm and 4.00 pm.
4pm: Ladies Minor Doubles All-Ireland semi-final:
Armagh (Fionnuala McKenna, /Erin Connolly both Eugene Quinn) v Cork [Catriona Casey/Aishling O Keeffe]
Kingscourt – Date and time TBC
Mens Open Doubles Quarter Final:
Armagh (Charly Shanks, Clann Eireann/James Doyle, St. Killian’s, Whitecross) v Meath (Tom Sheridan/Brian Carroll)
The Club is the GAA’s lifeblood, volunteers are its soul. Giving their time, asking nothing in return. The passion, pride, commitment, generosity, hard work… legends in every community.
To enter your Club, School or Volunteer in The Irish News Club & Volunteer Awards email clubawards@irishnews.com for an application pack or visit: http://www.irishnews.com/clubawards/
Ulster GAA’s newly elected president, Aogán Ó Fearghail, said that Comhairle Uladh was delighted to launch the Irish News Club and Volunteer Awards at the Wellington Park Hotel on St Patrick’s Day.
A scheme that has grown at pace and become a hugely popular initiative, he called for those interested in it to support the Awards in record numbers.
“As a volunteer club member myself, I believe our grassroot club volunteers are the most important people in our Association,” Ó Fearghail said.
“The Awards have become a highlight in the Ulster GAA calendar. I would encourage as many clubs and schools as possible to enter the various categories.”
The Club and Volunteer Awards are in its eighth year and the addition of a special urban category continues a theme within the scheme; that is, to endeavour year on year to modify and expand in order to reflect changing times in the GAA.
So, what can your club win?
For each category there is a prize of £1,000, plus £1,000 O’Neill’s Sportswear vouchers. Your club will be profiled in The Irish News. Also, there’s a Highly Commended winner per category. That prize is £500.
What does the Volunteer winner in each category receive?
An Irish News Reader Holiday voucher worth £100 and £100 of O’Neill’s Sportswear vouchers.
What about schools?
The winning primary and second level school will each receive a £1,000 cheque. They will also receive £500 of O’Neills Sportswear vouchers.
“Our award scheme is structured to give everyone the chance to receive recognition and reward for their efforts, on and off the pitch,” said Irish News sports editor, Thomas Hawkins.
“On the field of play, the honours usually go to the bigger clubs or those with better performers. However, this project acknowledges that there is much more to success than mere silverware.”
Significant partners with The Irish News and Ulster Council of the GAA in the scheme are O’Neill’s Sportswear, the Cardiac Risk in Young group and the Wellington Park Hotel.
Noel Doran, editor of The Irish News, said of the awards:
“We always endeavour to report on the wide range of GAA activities throughout the nine counties of Ulster.
“We hope that the funding available for our award winners will assist in doing that at grassroots level, continuing to keep Gaelic Games healthy and successful. “These awards are a celebration of the success and continued growth of the GAA in Ulster.”
The process could not be easier. Submit entries via the Official Application Form. This can be downloaded from www.irishnews.com/clubawards
Closing date is 12pm on Friday, April 16.
For further information, email clubawards@irishnews.com or write to:
The Irish News Marketing Department
113-117 Donegall Street
Belfast
BT1 2GE
Venue: Mid Ulster Sports Arena, Cookstown, Co Tyrone
Tutors: Shane Elliot and Graham Clarke
Info: Former Antrim No. 1 and Current Down No.1, will be delivering the Coach Observation Session. This CDP will allow coaches to see appropriate skill and technique development for the specialist position of goalkeeper. All Inter-County Goalkeepers (Senior/Minor) along with Senior Club Goalkeepers which would like to participate in the session are asked to contact Kevin Kelly on 079 2952 8794 on or before Tuesday 30th March.
All Coaches (Free, Please note there will be a FREE DVD of the Course Available to clubs who have 5 or more coaches in attendance). For more details please contact Kevin Kelly on 079 2952 8794
Please note the above course is open to everyone and are free of charge.
Venue: Owenbeg, Dungiven, Co Derry
Tutors: Paul Callaghan
Info: This outdoor observation session will look at a number of games (Conditioned & Small Sided) to suit children aged between 7 and 12.
Please note the above course is open to everyone and are free of charge.
Contact: Should you have any queries please contact Paul Callaghan on 00353 868 066166.
Ulster Ladies Gaelic & Ulster Camogie are working together in conjunction with Trócaire in a campaign called “Party Against Poverty”. The initiative aims to raise funds for Women in Uganda while at the same time raising funds for our clubs.
All clubs in the GAA family are asked to get involved in the campaign so that our GAA family can help other families who are not as well off as ourselves. All clubs are asked to do is to throw a party under the banner of Party Against Poverty and out of the funds raised from the event up to 50% of them can be kept by your club.
The parties can be anything from a disco to a table quiz, a house party to a talent show, a guest tea to a fancy dress party – we don’t care what you do, we just want you to do something and help us help those in greater need than ourselves!
All parties should be organised as end of Lent events so should take place between Easter Sunday and 30th April with the proceeds lodged with Trócaire as soon as possible after the event.
A party pack with further information to get your party started can be ordered by visiting www.partyagainstpoverty.ulstercamogie.ie or by visiting www.ulsterladiesgaelic.com and clicking on the “Party Against Poverty” logo on the home page. Alternatively free phone 0800 912 1200 and a pack will be sent out.
We can’t change the world, but together, Ulster Gaels can make a difference.
Education Minister Caitríona Ruane has praised Ulster GAA and the IFA for their ongoing coaching within schools across the north, as part of her ‘Sport in Schools Programme’.
Earlier today Minister Ruane visited a cross-community event jointly organised by Ulster GAA and IFA coaches in Queens Physical Educational Centre. The multi skills day was designed for Primary 4 children drawn from schools in the south and east areas of Belfast.
Speaking after the event Ulster GAA Provincial Secretary Danny Murphy said, “This is a wonderful event which really emphasises the enjoyment children get out of participating in sport, and the benefits that participation has on their health, both body and mind.
“Ulster GAA is proud to be part of the Minister’s Sport in Schools Programme and we hope that this programme will continue to be rolled out across all schools in the north, so that all children can get the opportunity to develop their skills and interest in the game.”
Mr Murphy concluded, “It is commendable that 15 GCSE pupils from Ashfield Boys School and St Joseph’s College have volunteered to help out at today’s event and I believe this shows that sport inspires our young people to do good work, both for themselves and their communities.”
Director of Coaching and Games Development Eugene Young said, “I commend Ulster GAA and IFA coaches who organised this worthwhile event. The Sport in Schools Programme is vital for the development of children in terms of their physical literacy skills. The feedback we are receiving from schools, parents and children, is extremely positive, with more and more children getting activity, both in and outside their school life.
“It is very important that children are encouraged from a young age to participate in sport, especially for their health and wellbeing, but sport also helps to breakdown boundaries and helps children to socialise. For instance, this event is cross community and through sport these children are learning from each other and about each other’s backgrounds. The values of equality, fair play and respect are foremost within this programme and that is quite evident today.”
Minister Ruane said: “Training exercises based on lifelong sports, like Gaelic games and soccer, are excellent ways in which to achieve improved physical literacy and develop fundamental skills. I would like to thank both the GAA and IFA for their support and hard work in helping deliver a range of fun and interesting activities to so many local young people.
“Schools have an important role to play in encouraging healthy lifestyles in our young people. By engaging in sports and other physical activity, children can combat and prevent obesity whilst improving their overall health and wellbeing.”
Cadburys Ulster Under 21 Football Championship Quarter Final:
Armagh 0-09 Donegal 1-09 @ Brewster Park, Enniskillen
Although he only contributed one point of his side’s total, Young Footballer of the Year Michael Murphy proved to be the difference between the sides as Donegal claimed victory over Armagh in Brewster Park, Enniskillen.
The crucial score of the game came 7 minutes before half time as Murphy fielded a long ball and set up James Carroll who finished coolly to the net for the game’s only goal.
Donegal will now face Derry in next week’s semi final.
—
Cadburys Ulster Under 21 Football Championship Quarter Final:
Cavan 3-14 Down 1-08 @ Kingspan Breffni Park, Cavan
Cavan delivered a clinical performance to the expense of last year’s beaten All Ireland finalists Down at Breffni Park, Cavan last night.
With David Givney and Gearoid McKiernan dominant in midfield, the Cavan attack were afforded an abundance of possession where their speedy forwards ran the Down defence ragged.
Goals from Declan McKiernan and Conor McClarey in the first half and substitute Michael O’Reilly in the second confirmed the victory whilst a late major for Down’s Chris Duggan served only as a consolation score for the Mourne men.
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Cadburys Ulster Under 21 Football Championship Quarter Final:
Fermanagh 2-12 Derry 5-09 @ Celtic Park, Derry
Goals proved vital as Derry claimed a 6 point victory over Fermanagh at Celtic Park last night.
The Oak Leaf men looked to be easing to victory as they led by 3-03 to 0-04 at half time, with the goals coming from Aaron Kerrigan and Lee Moore (2).
However, Fermanagh staged a remarkable second half comeback which was sparked by a Chris O’Brien goal 5 minutes into the half. O’Brien claimed another goal 5 minutes later, before Ryan Jones pointed to give the Erne men the lead.
With James Kielt and Emmet McGuckin having more of an influence in midfield, Derry regained their composure and Benny Herron fired home a goal 8 minutes from time, with Kerrigan netting his second and his side’s fifth to seal the win in added time.
—
Cadburys Ulster Under 21 Football Championship Quarter Final:
Antrim 2-06 Monaghan 2-12 @ Casement Park, Belfast
Goals in either half from Kieran Hughes and David Miller saw Monaghan ease to a 6 point victory over Antrim in Casement Park last night.
Antrim battled gamely throughout and a personal tally of 1-03 for corner forward Colm Fleming and a late goal from Martin Kane served only to add respectability to the scoreboard as a dominant performance from Monaghan, and in particular Hughes, Miller and Donal Hahessy saw the Farney men set up a semi-final showdown with Cavan.
Video: Monaghan manager Seamus McEnaney was delighted with the county’s first win at this level in three years and is looking forward to next week’s semi-final against neighbours Cavan.
Info: The ‘Games to Develop Football’ course which was originally planned for Wednesday 24th March has now been postponed until a later date.
Contact: Should you have any queries please contact Tony Scullion on 07795 120438.
Venue: Lissan Training Grounds, Co Fermanagh
Tutors: Tony Scullion
Info: This outdoor observation session will look at games (Conditioned & Small Sided) specifically for those players involved from Under 14 to Senior level.
Please note the above course is open to everyone and are free of charge.
Contact: Should you have any queries please contact Tony Scullion on 07795 120438.
Venue: St Macartan’s College, Monaghan
Tutors: Diarmaid Marsden
Info: This half day course is designed to support club officers in their official role of managing their club. The course will be a mixture of plenary sessions and workshops. There will be dedicated workshops for each of the following officers: Chairpersons, Secretaries, Treasurers, PROs, Community and Cultural Officers, Coaching Officers, Development Officers and Youth Officers. Clubs are asked to ensure they are well represented and should email sharon.haughey.ulster@gaa.ie to RSVP or alternatively contact Sharon Haughey on 02837 517180.
Ulster GAA, in partnership with Tesco, has today launched an exciting new resource for primary school children – a Health Booklet which is an interactive learning tool, aimed at helping children understand the importance of eating a healthy balanced diet. This resource compliments the Ulster GAA’s school coaching programme delivered to Key Stage 1 pupils as part of the ‘Sport in School’ Initiative, with Tesco the ideal the ideal partner in the community.
In addition to the puzzles and quizzes, children have the opportunity to track their own eating and are offered advice if changes are necessary. There’s also a section for parents to get involved; ensuring healthy eating is truly a family affair!
Available in both English and as Gaeilge, Ulster GAA has ensured that all pupils involved in the Sport In Schools programme can fully avail of this learning resource.
Speaking at the Booklet launch in Belfast, Uachtarán Chomhairle Uladh Aogán Ó Fearghail said ‘We are delighted to make this resource available to the children involved in our Coaching programme. It is a wonderful publication, presenting a healthy eating message in a fun and informative way. The involvement of Tesco as sponsors is most welcome and with over 10,000 school children using this resource; that’s good news for everyone’.
Gerarda O’Connor, marketing executive for Tesco said “ We are delighted to be involved again with this exciting initiative in conjunction with the Ulster GAA. The booklet helps underpin our corporate social responsibility at helping to get young people to lead an active and healthy lifestyle, and our wider commitment of encouraging our youth in participating in sport”
It is certain that as a result of this initiative the children, parents and teachers involved will be‘fitter, healthier and happier’ as a result!
Notes:
For further information on the Ulster GAA Health Booklet, contact Aileen Tohill 028 37519182 or aileen.tohill.ulster@gaa.ie
On Saturday March 27th, Croke Park will host the first GAA Alcohol & Substance Abuse Prevention Conference.
Below is the agenda for the day:
GAA Alcohol & Substance Abuse Prevention Conference Agenda
9:30 Registration (Tea/Coffee)
10:00 Opening and Welcome – Joe Connolly (MC)
10:10 Christy Cooney (An t-Uachtarán GAA)
10:25 Brendan Murphy (ASAP Programme Coordinator)
10:40 John Curran TD (Minister of State for the National Drugs Strategy)
11:00 Susan Kenny (HSE – Less Pints, More Points Programme)
11:30 – 12:15 Simultaneous workshops
12:15 – 12:30 Tea/coffee
12:30 – 1:15 Repeat of Workshops
1:15 – Summary of workshops (Each workshop gives a report back to large group)
1:45 – Recommendations and closing of conference
2:00 – Lunch
Book Early, Places are limited!
For more information, or to book a place go to www.gaa.ie/asap
All Ireland U16 Vocational Schools Final:
Holy Trinity, Cookstown 0-13 St Brogan’s, Bandon 1-05
Tears of joy flowed at sun-splashed Banagher in Offaly on Saturday as Holy Trinity College from Cookstown claimed an inaugural All-Ireland U-16 crown.
It was an occasion to savour in so many ways for the Cookstown College whose U-16′s thus emulated Holy Trinity’s 1998 All-Ireland winning U-18 team twelve years on.
Trinity carried the game to St Bandon’s despite taking a little time to settle playing with the first half breeze.
The Tyrone team managed to establish an interval advantage of 0-6 to 0-1 and withstood a spirited St Brogan’s rally in the second 30 minutes.
Cork and Munster winners St Bandon’s tried valiantly to turn it around but came up against a well-drilled and fluent Holy Trinity side.
Trinity’s defence proved rock solid and throughout the team players stood up to the plate and delivered strong performances, including Micheal Cassidy, Eoin Coyle, Conan Campbell, Cathal Devlin and Adrian Armstrong to mention some.
Holy Trinity manager Adrian O’Donnell, his assistant Peter Canavan, helpers, players and supporters shared in a momentous milestone here. It’s one that is extra special according to Adrian.
“Thank God we were able to produce a really solid team display on the day and overcome a very good St Brogan’s side.
“There were times, especially in the second half, when the nerves got frayed but the lads responded brilliantly to finish the game off in style.
“To win a first U-16 All-Ireland is a landmark achievement and one that will be remembered fondly for years and years.
“It’s a great feeling to be heading back to Holy Trinity with an All-Ireland trophy to show everyone and that’s just reward for all the hard graft put in by the players,” stressed the Trinity teacher.
Scores didn’t come easy in the opening 30 minutes but Holy Trinity still put six on the board for just one in reply and constructed a solid platform in the process.
Aidan Armstrong notched the breakthrough point after a few nervy opening minutes as both teams tried to get a handle on things.
Cathal Devlin tapped over from open play and placed points in succession to leave Cookstown three up heading into the second quarter.
Barry Potter was denied by the post as Trinity pushed forward but Potter punched over a 27th minute point with St Brogan’s still to register.
Devlin added his third score and Eoin Coyle put Trinity six in front on 30 minutes before Gary Farrell broke Bandon’s duck with a 32nd minute point. The industrious Aidan Armstrong repeated his opening half point feat when putting Trinity 0-7 to 0-1 ahead and Cathal Devlin continued his scoring contribution with a 34th minute point.
St Brogan’s began to make some progress as Jason Crowley and Farrell pointed, followed by Devlin and Crowley swapping scores.
A Devlin free made it 0-10 to 0-4 for Holy Trinity with 15 minutes remaining but St Brogan’s won a 47th minute penalty that Farrell knocked home to reduce Trinity’s lead to three.
Jason Crowley closed the gap to two points when landing a 50th minute score but referee Damian Brazil brandished a red card in Crowley’s direction not long after, Bandon losing another player to a second yellow late on as Trinity emerged worthy winners.
Ciaran Blake, Conor McAleer and company upped the pace again for Trinity who finished the stronger to secure victory via Devlin(0-1) and a Kieran McGeary brace in the closing minutes.
Scenes of sheer elation greeted the last whistle in the Holy Trinity camp and they then took delighted delivery of the precious All-Ireland U-16 Cup.
Report by Damian Donnelly: Ulster Herald (nwipp-newspapers.com)
AIB GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Championship Final:
St Galls (Antrim) 0-13 Kilmurry-Ibrickane (Clare) 1-05
St Gall’s crowned their centenary year by claiming the AIB GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Club title following a 0-13 to 1-5 victory over Kilmurry-Ibrickane at Croke Park on St Patrick’s Day.
The Antrim champions recovered after conceding an early goal to dominate a one-sided encounter. They led 0-8 to 1-1 at the break and were never stretched in the second half as Kilmurry failed to deliver on the big stage.
The Clare side were utterly reliant on the excellent Stephen Moloney, whereas every one of Gall’s forwards, including their two midfielders, managed to get their names on the scoresheet.
Following the heartache of losing the 2006 football decider and their defeat at the final stage in the Intermediate hurling competition at the same venue last month, it was probably no more than the Belfast Club deserved.
Their stand-out performers on the day included the effective Kevin Niblock, and the McGourty brothers, who tormented the Kilmurry defence with their pace and movement throughout.
The game began in whirlwind fashion as Gall’s opened the scoring with their first attack. Kieran McGourty won the ball and without as much as a thought unleashed a towering left-footed shot which sailed over the bar.
If Gall’s had caught the late arrivals at Croke Park on the hop, Kilmurry rocked Headquarters to its foundations a minute later. Johnny Daly won a long ball delivered into the full-forward line, offloaded to wing-back Declan Callinan who in turn fed the rampaging Stephen Moloney who rifled a low shot under Ronan Gallagher to the back of the net. The sizeable crowd from the west coast, needless to say, were in raptures.
CJ McGourty, Galls’ attacking talisman, was given an early test of his form from placed balls; the 21-year-old, as his wont, stroked over a ’45 to leave a point between the sides.
The frenetic early pace inevitably waned, with both sides guilty of some wayward shooting. Kilmurry-Ibrickane introduced Evan Talty, the hero of their Munster final win, to their attack in place of Michael Hogan after just 12 minutes in a sure sign that they were already having doubts about the potency of their attack.
Kilmurry’s goalkeeper, Dermot O’Brien, was then forced to make a dramatic sliding intervention with his feet after Niblock won a fine ball and attempted to pick out a team-mate on the edge of the small square. Aodhán Gallagher was not to be denied in the 16th minute when he levelled the game with a score for the Antrim champions.
There were worrying signs for Kilmurry as they were being dominated in midfield and the Gall’s forwards were discomfiting their full-back line with some brilliant movement. Those fears were borne out when Gall’s kicked three unanswered points in the next five minutes. CJ McGourty landed another free before he ghosted in behind the Kilmurry defence to carve out a great goal-scoring opportunity, but he was blocked brilliantly by Shane Hickey when he looked set to deliver a potentially fatal blow.
In between, Anthony Healy had complimented the Gall’s attack by streaking up the pitch from centre-back to pop the ball over the bar, while Kevin McGourty grabbed the best score of the half when he sliced through the Kilmurry defence to give his side a 0-6 to 1-0 lead in the 24th minute.
Kilmurry, alarmingly, had gone 25 minutes without a score when Daly landed a free to nudge them back into the game. However, they had been comprehensively outplayed in the first half, and it was Gall’s who finished the half the stronger, with Terry O’Neill and Kevin McGourty adding further points to leave them 0-8 to 1-1 ahead at the break.
The Clare champions needed a good start to the second half and got just the opposite. Niblock was causing mayhem at full-forward and he tapped over the opening point of the half when he was left in acres of space by an AWOL Kilmurry defence. Niblock turned provider for CJ McGourty minutes later and Gall’s had opened up a six-point lead within two minutes of the restart.
As if to emphasise the gulf in class between the sides, and the equity with which the scoring burden was shared by the St Gall’s team, Séan Burke became the eighth Ulster man to get his name on the scoresheet. CJ McGourty nearly added a goal to his tally in the 43rd minute, but he took too much out of the ball and was blocked when put clear through on goal.
Kilmurry finally registered their first score of the half when Moloney added a point to his earlier goal. Gall’s immediately went up the other side of the field and Rory Gallagher became the last of their starting forwards to hit the target, fisting over the bar when he might as easily have hit the back of the net.
To sum up a miserable day for the Clare side, Odhran O’Dwyer, so often the man they have called upon in dire situations, raced through the Gall’s defence and struck a post, damaging his hamstring in the process.
Stephen Moloney finished with 1-2 for Kilmurry, but he remained their only forward to score from play until Michael O’Dwyer stole in for a late point in injury time.
The game finished as it had played out for the previous 60 minutes with Gall’s showing their greater class in attack as Niblock sent over his second point of the game to secure a 0-13 to 1-5 victory for the Ulster men.
Kilmurry Scorers: S Moloney 1-3 (0-1f), M O’Dwyer 0-1, J Daly 0-1 (0-1f).
St Gall’s Scorers: A Healy 0-1, S Burke 0-1, A Gallagher 0-1, T O’Neill 0-1, R Gallagher 0-1, K McGourty 0-2, CJ McGourty 0-3 (0-1 ’45, 0-1f), K Niblock 0-2, K McGourty 0-1.
Kilmurry-Ibrickane: D O’Brien; D Hickey, M Killeen, M McMahon; S Hickey, E Coughlan, D Callinan; P O’Connor, P O’Dwyer; M Hogan, I McInerney, S Moloney; M O’Dwyer, J Daly, N Downes.
Kilmurry-Ibrickane Subs: E Talty for M Hogan ’10, O O’Dwyer for E Talty ’33, M McCarthy for P O’Connor ’41, B Moloney for M Killeen ’51, P O’Dwyer for N Downes ’53.
St Gall’s: R Gallagher; P Veronica, A McClean, C Brady; M Kelly, A Healy, S Kelly; S Burke, A Gallagher; T O’Neill, R Gallagher, Kevin McGourty; CJ McGourty, K Niblock, Kieran McGourty.
St Gall’s Subs: K Stewart for T O’Neill ’46, S Burns for S Burke ’55, S Kennedy for P Veronica ’61.
Referee: Derek Fahy (Longford)
Attendance: 34,357