The 15th October 2011 will see Clubs from across Ireland gather in Croke Park to launch phase 2 of the GAA’s Social Initiative. The seminar will recognise Clubs who have been active in the past year, including 22 from Ulster, with all being awarded with certificates for their efforts in the programme.

The seminar is an excellent opportunity for new Clubs to join the Social Initiative and to learn from the experiences of those already involved, and all new and existing Clubs are encouraged to attend.

There will also be an opportunity for Clubs to meet with various agencies and services who might assist in the delivery of Social Initiative projects across the Country.

This event is certain to be very popular and Clubs who wish to attend should register their interest with joan.cooney@gaa.ie asap to avoid disappointment.

This entry was posted on Friday, September 30th, 2011 at 10:54 am and is filed under Blog.

Armagh Harps GFC presents an evening in the Singular Company of Ireland’s Ambassador of Music Phil Coulter with Special Guests Geraldine Brannigan and Chloe Coyle (better known as Winner of RTE’s All Ireland Talent Show).

This special fundraising event will take place on Saturday 22^nd October 2011 at 8pm in the Armagh City Hotel .  Tickets are £20 with a donation being made to Marie Curie Cancer.

To Book Contact: Armagh City Hotel (028 37 518888) or Armagh Harps Social Club after 7pm (028 37 523281)

Book early to avoid disappointment!

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 28th, 2011 at 2:22 pm and is filed under Blog.

On Sunday 4th September Drumragh Sarsfields GFC played host to the final Ulster Gaelic4Mothers blitz for 2011 and what a day it was!  160 mums from 13 different clubs around the province took to the pitch in the lashing rain and although they were soaked to the skin there were smiles on every single face throughout.

The Gaelic4Mothers initiative has proven to be one of the most successful development initiatives of the Ladies Gaelic Football Association and clubs from around the province are reaping the rewards of having this new band of players, coaches and volunteers involved in their club.  Speaking at the Ulster Blitz Peter Donaghey from the Drumragh club spoke of how the initiative has helped in his club saying “Gaelic4Mothers has been a great innovation for the club.  It’s totally reinvigorated it because it’s brought in new people.  It’s given the ladies the chance to play football given that they’ve always just ferried their children and partners to games and it’s given them a great interest; it’s actually given the club some new coaches!  There’s just a real feel good factor around the club and so many more people are willing to get involved and help out.  The benefits can’t be overstated!”

Sheena Kelly Ladies Football Development Officer for Ulster GAA and organiser of the event said “Today’s been another great day for Ladies Football.  The mums taking part today have come on leaps and bounds since they first started playing a couple of years ago and the friendships they’ve built up along the way are brilliant.  They really look forward to coming together for each of our blitzes and are already planning their next day out!”

Many thanks to all those who helped make the blitz possible; the pitch co-ordinators and referees and most importantly Drumagh GFC for their fantastic hospitality!

Pictured are some of the mums from Antrim, Donegal, Tyrone, Down and Armagh who were among those who made the trip to the Tyrone club.  Gaelic4Mothers is available for all clubs to take part in, for more information contact Sheena Kelly at sheena.kelly.ulster@gaa.ie

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 28th, 2011 at 2:19 pm and is filed under Blog.

On Wednesday 31^st August the cream of Belfast U12 footballers, hurlers and camogs descended on Casement Park to take part in the 2011 Belfast Skills Challenge Grand Final. Organised by Belfast Urban GAA and coaches Paul Doherty, John Crossey & Shane McCann , in association with O’Neills store.

The event was a culmination of a selection process which took place in Belfast clubs allowing the coaches to carry out skills tests with their U12 Hurling, Camogie, Boys and Girls Football teams.

The top scorers from each club then progressed to this event in Casement Park. The level of competition from the children was high and required composure in front of a sizeable crowd of onlookers.

The competitors faced tough testing on their pick-up, solo ability, put, kick, handpass and shooting accuracy with both feet.  The winners on the night did so by the smallest of margins showing just how close the competition was. The highest scorers in all codes received an O’Neills Voucher.

Congratulations to not only the winners but all the children who participated, making this a very successful event for all involved.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 28th, 2011 at 2:17 pm and is filed under Blog.

The Active Communities Programme in Gaelic Games for Cookstown District Council and Dungannon Borough and District Council spearheaded the first Tyrone GAA 5 Aside Club Blitz on Saturday 27th August in Mid Ulster Sports Arena. The GAA clubs that were represented included; Donaghmore, Dungannon, Ardboe, Beragh, Strabane and Errigal Ciaran.

The initiative was organised by Geraldine Christie, Active Communities Gaelic Coach and its success was due to the extensive coaching programme that was delivered throughout both Council areas. Adults with Mild Learning Disabilities participated in a 6 week programme of adapted Gaelic Football using fun games and skills. The players have performed exhibition games at half time at the Ulster Senior Football Championship, Ladies Ulster Championship, Tyrone Ladies Championship and the first ever Intercounty Gaelic Football blitz.

This Fun Blitz was made possible by the dedicated and committed coaching at grassroots throughout recent years made possible by Ulster GAA in partnership with the Disability Sport NI, Active Communities coaches, County Boards, Local Councils and local community groups.

Funded By Sport Northern Ireland and Tyrone and Ulster GAA the ‘Active Communities in Gaelic Games’ is a programme that aims to increase participation in sport and physical recreation in communities throughout NI, especially amongst under represented groups including women and girls, people with a disability and older people. Sport NI will invest up to £13.5 million in the employment, deployment and training of a network of 100+ coaches who will facilitate the delivery of a wide range of sports and activities in all 26 district council areas of NI.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 28th, 2011 at 2:12 pm and is filed under Blog.

A large turnout was at Croke Park for the GAA Handball Ireland launch of their new ‘Strategic Vision for the Future, 2011-2016″ and it certainly has received widespread praise from all quarters.

Uachtarán C.L.G., Christy Cooney, was present to officially launch the plan and he highlighted how this is a “new beginning for this great sport which continues to impress in it’s massive strides forward”. He highlighted how “a terrific structure now being implemented has lead to a top class, comprehensive and ambitious plan being launched by the association and that the GAA are very proud of handball as one of our family of games”. The Uachtarán also pinpointed “the brilliant work at all levels of GAA Handball and the unique and hugely successful dimension of the game at International level and hoped that this would some day lead to securing Olympic Status”.

Uachtarán GAA Handball Ireland, Walter O’Connor, spoke of “the immense pride and passion within the association that was now witnessing growth and profile like never before.” He emphasised his continued commitment to ensuring “the best possible standards are met with a view to attaining the goals and ambitions within the plan and with those objectives realised, Handball will be in a very strong place in the future at all levels.”

The new  ‘Strategic Vision for the Future, 2011-2016′ was presented by C.E.O. GAA Handball Ireland, Chris Curran, and he advised that “a major task may now lie ahead but that the huge network of brilliant and committed volunteers throughout the association will relish the challenge and will no doubt succeed in the same manner which our top class players have done so on the court of play”.

Overall there is no doubt that GAA Handball Ireland are in an exciting era for the continued and accelerated growth of the game, with over a 30% rise in players and in excess of 20% of new clubs having joined the association in the past 2 years. Added to that is the creation of 118 new One-Wall facilities having been launched as part of the new One-Wall Initiative in Schools, it is clear that the sport is enjoying a very solid upward curve in growth and profile. The plan will now be distributed to GAA Handball Clubs and County and Provincial Committees over the next week as well as being distributed to GAA County Committees to view, as GAA Handball Ireland continues to strive for even greater levels of integration in the years ahead.

For more information www.gaahandball.ie

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 28th, 2011 at 2:09 pm and is filed under Blog.

The fifth Irish News Ulster GAA Club and Volunteer Conference will be held on Saturday 29th October in the Armagh City Hotel.

This is Ulster GAA’s flagship non-games event which is focused at supporting clubs, volunteers and community development right across Ulster’s nine Counties. The Ulster Council supports over 250,000 volunteers working in 580 constituent GAA clubs and approximately 600 constituent educational units across the Province.

The theme of this year’s conference is “Enhancing the GAA Community in Challenging Times” and it will provide club volunteers with an opportunity to hear from some of Ulster’s Greatest GAA enthusiasts and will also provide a platform for club volunteers to air their views.

The focal point of conference this year will be a panel discussion ‘Ulster GAA Talks Back’ hosted by BBC presenter Lynette Fay and is sure to be a big hit with conference delegates as some of Ulster’s best known and best loved GAA pundits, players and managers take to the stage to talk all things GAA in Ulster.

The ever-popular workshop sessions are back with club volunteers having the opportunity to tease out current issues.  There are four workshops which will be repeated once so that all delegates will be able to attend two workshops, including:

•             Enhancing your Place – Club Planning, Community Enhancement and Club Maith
•             Securing Sponsorship, Marketing and Fundraising in Recessionary Times
•             CASC, VAT and keeping the books. Saving by good accounting in the GAA Club
•             Recruiting, Retaining, Valuing volunteers at club level

The conference will also launch the revamped Irish News Club Call and the Ulster GAA Council will formally receive its ‘Investing in Volunteers Award’ from Sandra Adair from Volunteer Now, which the Council has been working hard to achieve over the past 2 years.

As always, there will be an exhibition area where local businesses and organisation will promote their products and services to Club volunteers.

This year the Irish News and Ulster GAA are offering the best-ever package for delegates to include: conference entry, conference pack, specially commissioned gift, refreshments throughout the day and a full lunch for only £15 per delegate.

Clubs are urged to register early with the first with the first 20 paid up club registrations eligible for 5 delegates for the price of 4: That’s a carload of club delegates for £60!

The Irish News and Ulster GAA have also shortened the day for delegates with the conference starting with registration between 8:45am to 9:30am and the closing Key note Speakers and a lunch at 2.30pm.

Speaking ahead of conference Irish News editor Noel Doran said; `This is a very special event, which focuses on the key issues facing the GAA and brings together the people who have made the association such a force for progress across Ulster. It has gone from strength to strength over the last five years, and October 29 should be another memorable day.’

For more information or to book places on the conference, please email conference.ulster@gaa.ie or Tel: Bernie Fox on (028) 3752 1900.

Related:
- The Irish News Ulster Club & Volunteer Conference 2011 Booking Form

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 28th, 2011 at 2:00 pm and is filed under Blog.

With the Inter-County season coming to a close, the focus will be turning on the Club Championships.

In previous years the Ulster Club Championships have captured the imagination of all, and this year promises to do the same.

Ulster GAA, in co-operation with Ulster Ladies Football and Ulster Camogie will be holding a joint launch of the Ulster Club Championships in the Morgan Athletic Grounds at 7pm on Wednesday 5^th October.

All County Champions or Clubs which are still involved in their County Championships are invited to attend wearing their Club colours.

To confirm your attendance at the launch, or for further information please email Bernie Fox on bernie.fox.ulster@gaa.ie

Below are the Club Football and Hurling Championship fixtures:

Club Senior Football Championship
(Extra Time must be played if needed in all games up to and including the semi finals)

16^th October:
(a) 1. An Cabhán v 2. Dún na nGall at Kingspan Breffni Park

30^th October Quarter Finals:
(b) 4. Tír Eoghain v 5. Doíre at Healy Park
(c) 6. St Galls (Aontroim) v 7. Ard Mhacha at Casement Park
(d) 8. Fear Manach  v 9. An Dún  at Brewster Park
(e) 3. Muineachán v (a) An Cabhán / Dún na nGall
If Muineachán v An Cabhán at Clones
If Dún na nGall v Muineachán at Ballybofey

13^th November Semi Finals:
(b) v (c)
(d) v (e)

27^th November Final

Club Intermediate Football Championship
(Extra Time must be played if needed in all games up to and including the semi finals).

16^th October:
(a) 1. An Cabhán v 2. Aontroim at Kingspan Breffni Park

30^th October Quarter Finals:
(b) 4. Tír Eoghain v 5. Muineachán at Healy Park
(c) 6. Doíre v 7. An Dún at Celtic Park
(d) 8.Ard Mhacha v 9.Dún na nGall at Morgan Athletic Grounds
(e) 3. Fear Manach  v  (a) An Cabhán / Aontroim
If Fear Manach v An Cabhán at Brewster Park
If Aontroim v Fear Manach at Casement Park

13^th November Semi Finals:
(b) v (c)
(d) v (e)

27^th November Final

Club Junior Football Championship
(Extra Time must be played if needed in all games up to and including the semi finals).

30^th October Quarter Finals:
(a) An Cabhán v Cremartin (Muineachán) at Kingspan Breffni Park
(b) Dún na nGall v An Dún at Ballybofey
(c) Ard Mhacha v Aontroim at Morgan Athletic Grounds
(d) Doíre v Tír Eoghain at Celtic Park

13^th November Semi Finals:
(a) v (b)
(c) v (d)

27^th November Final

Club Senior Hurling Championship:
(Extra Time must be played if needed in all games up to and including the semi finals).

9^th October Semi Final:
Loughgiel (Antrim) v Derry at Casement Park

23^rd October Final:
Antrim / Derry v Ballycran (Down) at Casement Park

Club Intermediate Hurling Championship:
(Extra Time must be played if needed in all games up to and including the semi finals).

2^nd October: Quarter Finals:
(a) Lisbellaw
(b) Kilclief (An Dún) v Castleblayney (Muineachán) at Pairc Esler
(c) Middletown (Ard Mhacha) v Eire Og (Tír Eoghain) at Crossmaglen
(d) Lamh Dhearg (Aontroim)

9^th October: Semi Finals:
(a) Lisbellaw(Fear Manach) v (b);
(c) v (d) Lamh Dhearg (Aontroim)

23^rd October: Final

Club Junior Hurling Championship
(Extra Time must be played if needed in all games up to and including the semi finals).

25^th September: First Round:
(a) Lisnaskea (Fear Manach) v Na Magha (Doíre) at Maguiresbridge

2^nd October: Quarter Finals:
(b) Ballymachugh (An Cabhán)
(c) Carryduff (An Dún) v Kickhams Creggan (Aontroim) at Pairc Esler
(d) Strabane Shamrocks (Tír Eoghain) v Burt (Dún na nGall) at Healy Park
(e) Na Magha (Doíre) v Monaghan Harps (Muineachán) at Celtic Park

9^th October: Semi Finals:
(b) Ballymachugh v (c)
(d) v (e)

23^rd October: Final

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 28th, 2011 at 1:03 pm and is filed under News.

This weekend is a busy one in the Ulster ladies calendar with ten club quarter finals in all three grades down for decision.

SENIOR
There will be new Ulster senior club champions this year as reigning champs Termon (Donegal) failed to retain their county title. The Donegal championship was won by Glenfin who on Sunday next will entertain Mourne champions Annaclone. A host of county stars will be in action and Derry referee Eddie Nash will take charge.
The tie of the round sees Tyrone kingpins St. Macartan’s host Armagh greats Clann Eireann. With a number of quality footballers in action this game should be of the highest standard. Both sides have a wealth of experience and possess a hunger that could see the winner progress all the way to an Ulster final.
In the third senior quarter final former Ulster and All Ireland champions Donaghmoyne take on Antrim outfit St. Gall’s. This should be an interesting game. Donaghmoyne have a number of players who lost last Sunday’s All Ireland final and will have to pick themselves up for this game. St. Gall’s on the other hand defeated red hot favourites St. Paul’s in the Saffron final and will be looking forward to their first taste of Ulster senior club football.

INTERMEDIATE
All four intermediate quarter finals take place on Sunday with 2pm starts. First up is the meeting of Dromintee (Armagh) and St. Mary’s (Convoy). The Donegal winners have a very long journey for this one and for that reason Dromintee will start as slight favourites.
Former All Ireland club champions Monaghan Harps will host Fermanagh side Lisnaskea. The Farney champions did not have any players on the beaten Monaghan side last weekend and will be looking forward to a return to Ulster action. Lisnaskea will be no walkover having beaten a very well fancied Newtownbutler side in their own championship.
Down champions Rostrevor will play Breffni outfit Gowna in the third quarter final. Home advantage could prove vital here.
Last year’s Ulster junior champions Omagh St. Enda’s claimed the Red Hand intermediate title this season and their reward is a home tie against Ardtrea of Derry. The Tyrone sides run last season should stand to them but Ardtrea will not lie down easy. Gavin Corrigan fresh from his exploits in Croke Park last weekend will take charge.

JUNIOR
This competition kick starts the weekend with three ties on Saturday. First up is the meeting of Faughanvale of Derry and Sperrin Og from Tyrone. Antrim kingpins St. Paul’s have their reserve side in this competition and they will play Drumlane (Cavan). The Belfast side will have home advantage. St. Pat’s from Donagh in Fermanagh will take on Monaghan champions Inniskeen.

This entry was posted on Wednesday, September 28th, 2011 at 11:08 am and is filed under Homepage News.

Venue : St Patricks College Armagh

Dates: Friday 4^th –Sunday 6^th November & Friday11^th – Sunday 13^th November.

To register for this Course contact Roger Keenan at roger.keenan.ulster@gaa.ie or 07960 061854.

This entry was posted on Monday, September 26th, 2011 at 4:07 pm and is filed under Events.

For the first time ever Gaels from across Ulster will have the opportunity to gain a recognised qualification in ‘GAA Performance Sports Coaching’ and ‘GAA Sports Management’, both of which are accredited Level 3 Diploma courses.

This exciting initiative has been designed in times of economic hardship and unemployment, with the aim to provide GAA volunteers the opportunity to develop new skills and competencies that will benefit them when seeking employment.

Ulster GAA working with Open College Network Northern Ireland (OCNNI) and Skills Active will deliver these Level 3 Diploma Courses in Armagh from Wednesday 5^th October.

Speaking at the launch of this new initiative Ulster GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail said, “Gaels across Ulster will no doubt be intrigued by this new initiative which offers for the first time ever an opportunity to receive a Diploma in GAA studies.

“We have thousands for volunteers who give their time freely coaching in their clubs from U8s right up to Senior teams.  They do so because they have a love for the Association, for the games, for their club and their community.  Now the GAA wants to give back to those volunteers by providing the opportunity for our members to obtain a recognised qualification so that they can use that for further education or employment.

“I have no doubt that there will be massive interest in these courses.  We have developed the timetable with volunteers in mind and as such the courses will be delivered once a week in the evening time in Armagh City.”

Welcoming the joint initiative Brendan Clarke, CEO of Open College Network Northern Ireland said,  “Sport is an integral part of our life here in Ulster, supporting young players and adults alike to make a valued contribution to their local and national community, as well as to themselves and their families – this aligns well with OCNNI’s mission as a charity focused on supporting learning.    To be associated with this key development, and able to support it by accrediting such a distinctive and important activity as the GAA coaching programme, is a source of significant pride to the OCNNI.

“The accreditation of this programme will enable the skills and knowledge gained by GAA coaches to be formally recognised through a national awarding body via a national qualification.   Coaches will gain a tailored national qualification issued through OCNNI’s status as a national awarding body.”

NI Manager for Skills Active Siobhan Weir has also welcomed the launch of the new GAA Diploma courses by saying, ““The formal accreditation of this important qualification is an excellent achievement for Ulster GAA.  Accreditation benefits everyone – from the learner who will achieve external recognition of their skills and the tutors who will be guided by an experienced awarding organisation through to the wider sporting industry which aims to ensure that the hard work of volunteer coaches count towards career development and job satisfaction.”

Anyone interested in applying for the Level 3 Diploma in ‘GAA Performance Sports Coaching’ or ‘GAA Sports Management’ should contact Course Co-ordinator Roger Keenan on 02837517180 or email roger.keenan.ulster@gaa.ie .  Ulster GAA website has full details also www.ulster.gaa.ie

Photo: Launching the new Ulster GAA accredited courses are Director of Coaching and Games Eugene Young, NI Manager for Skills Active Siobhan Weir, Ulster GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghail, Sean McCormack, Open College Network Northern Ireland and Ulster GAA Coaching Development Officer Roger Keenan outside Ulster GAA Offices in Armagh.

This entry was posted on Monday, September 26th, 2011 at 3:53 pm and is filed under Homepage News.

Ulster GAA, in support of the National Student Bursary Scheme, will once again award bursaries of up to €1,000 (£800) to students attending Higher Education colleges as part of its ongoing commitment to Player Welfare.

The scheme, which is now in its fifth year, will be open to members of the Association who are attending a full-time Higher Education course and who are active participants in their Higher Education club.  However students who hold other GAA-related or a college scholarship/bursary will not be eligible to apply. Full eligibility criteria is provided with the application form.

Ulster GAA welcomes applications from those students in our province regardless whether their attendance is at a college inside or outside of Ulster.

Each bursary granted will be for up to a maximum of €1000/£800.

All completed forms should be returned to:

Jimmy Darragh
Ulster GAA Student Bursary Scheme
8-10, Market Street
Armagh
BT61 7BX

The closing date for application will be October 14^th 2011.  Applications received after the closing date will not be eligible for consideration.

Related:
- GAA Student Bursary Application Form 2011

This entry was posted on Monday, September 26th, 2011 at 2:55 pm and is filed under Homepage News.

Were you in Croke Park on the third weekend of September 1995?

Did you witness the point that never was?

Can you remember the player who was sent off twice?

If you weren’t there, or you were there and can’t remember, Dungannon Clarkes in association with Jarlath & Rachael Corrigan invite you and your families to ”Cian Corrigan’s Field Of Dreams Weekend”.  A series of events have been organised, beginning on September 30th, to celebrate the opening and dedication of Dungannon Clarkes new training pitch, which is being named in memory of Cian Corrigan.

Cian was a member of Dungannon Clarkes and in late 2008, at the young age of 11 years, he was diagnoised with a rare and teminal tumour.

By May 2009 Cian passed away but not before leaving an indelible impression on those who knew him and those who got to know him. He faced his condition with great fortitude and courage which belied his years.

Cian was a “Dub” by birth, and was brought up in Rush, North County Dublin. When the family relocated back to Dungannon a number of years ago his allegiance to the Dublin cause was severely tested. He always attended Tyrone matches with his father Jarlath but always kept one ear on how the Dubs were doing.

With all this in mind and as a thank you to the NORTHERN IRELAND CHILDREN’S HOSPICE, to whom all proceeds are going, the challenge was put to both panels and was accepted with great anticipation.

The weekend’s events start with the dedication of the new training facilities, on Friday September 30th at 6.30 pm.

Later that evening a question and answer session has been arranged in Mc Aleer’s Bar at 9.30 pm, with confirmed guests including Joe Brolly and Pat Mc Enaney. The evening is to be hosted by Dungannon’s very own Adrian Logan.

On Saturday October 1st, Dungannon Clarke’s U-14s will host Rush St Maur’s U-14s in a challenge match.  Both teams will have the great honour of being the first teams to play on the new training pitch.  This will be followed by a community fun day and barbeque. Later that evening, Dungannon Youth Club have offered up their new facilities for an 80s themed disco, with all proceeds going to Northern Ireland Children’s Hospice.

The main event, the Tyrone v Dublin rematch,which is being sponsored by O Neill’s International Sportswear, will take place on Sunday 2nd October at 3.30pm.  The management and backroom staff of both teams involved on that day will be in attendance, with both sets of players eagerly awaiting the up and coming challenge, subject to arthritis, heart conditions and weight issues!

To give it that added spice, the official from that day, Paddy Russell, will be officiating.  Match commentary for the day will be provided by the one and only Micheal O Muircheartaigh.

The match itself, follows a challenge match, a Team Cian Selection v a Celebrity Selection. The Team Cian Selection will contain many of Cian’s close friends and family against a team of celebrities and inter-county footballers (if available, subject to their club committments).

Please watch the press for further details or contact any of the people below. We hope to see you there at O’Neill Park, Dungannon, for what should be a terrific afternoon of nostalgia, fun and many talking points.

Contacts :
Jarlath Corrigan @ jjcorrigan1@btinternet.com. Tel 07905529918.
Rachel Corrigan, Tel 07840296122.
Simon Brady @ sbrady19@hotmail.co.uk. Tel 07926253800.

This entry was posted on Monday, September 26th, 2011 at 2:17 pm and is filed under Homepage News.

Cavan came from three points down in the final six minutes to salvage a draw against Westmeath in the TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Intermediate Football Championship final at Croke Park. Second-half goals from Johanna Maher and substitute Karen Hegarty helped Westmeath to overturn a two-point half-time deficit and lead by 2-05 to 0-08 with 49 minutes on the watch.

Sub Daena Clerkin hauled Cavan back into contention with a 54th minute score before a brace of frees from captain Aisling Doonan restored parity for the Breffni ladies. Doonan was the pivotal figure for Cavan, top-scoring with six points and producing some majestic moments of individual brilliance. In the 16th minute, the Templeport ace crashed a shot off the crossbar after her initial effort was kept out by Westmeath goalkeeper Gemma Leahy. And two minutes later, Doonan had the audacity to convert a sideline kick from the Cusack Stand side of the field over the Davin Stand crossbar. Leahy was called upon again in the 22nd minute to keep out Renée Murphy as Cavan threatened again, but it wasnt all one-way traffic as Cavan goalkeeper Christine McCutchon had pulled off a good save in the tenth minute to deny Westmeath captain Elaine Finn from close range. The sides were level twice in the first half before points from Murphy and Doonan opened up a 0-05 to 0-03 interval lead for Cavan.

They cruised into a 0-07 to 0-03 lead within five minutes of the restart but Westmeath roared back into contention in the 40th minute when Ruth Kearney placed Maher for a well-taken goal. The Westmeath comeback was complete in the 47th minute when Kearneys shot was saved by McCutchon and Hegarty blasted home the rebound. The Lake Countys second goal saw them move 2-04 to 0-08 clear before sub Emma Morris fisted a 49th minute point to extend the lead. Westmeath looked primed to land the Mary Quinn Memorial Cup at that point. But Cavan, contesting a first All-Ireland final since the 1981 senior decider, refused to yield and came storming back to secure a replay.  The replay is expected to take place on Sunday, 9 October, at a venue to be confirmed.

This entry was posted on Monday, September 26th, 2011 at 2:03 pm and is filed under Blog.

Goals proved crucial for Cork as the Leesiders captured a sixth TG4 All-Ireland Ladies Senior Football Championship crown in seven seasons at Croke Park yesterday. The Munster champions lost to Tyrone at the quarter-final stage last year but have hit back in impressive fashion in 2011, adding the Brendan Martin Cup to the Bord Gáis Energy National League and Munster championship crowns collected earlier in the season.

Cork routed Monaghan by 14 points in the 2008 decider but just two points separated the sides today as the Ulster champions put up a huge fight. Monaghan came from two points down to lead by a point twice in the second half but then the Farney girls conceded a killer penalty in the 43rd minute. Monaghan sub Isobel Kierans hauled down Cork replacement Orla Finn and Rhona Ni Bhuachalla made no mistake to hand the winners a 2-05 to 0-08 advantage. It was the second time that Monaghan had conceded a goal at a crucial time, as Nollaig Clearys 21st minute effort gave Cork a 1-03 to 0-03 lead. And again, it was an avoidable score from a Monaghan perspective as Linda Martins mistake was pounced on by Cleary, who lobbed the unfortunate goalkeeper at the Hill 16 end.

For much of the game, Monaghan stood toe to toe with their much-vaunted opponents as they chased a first All-Ireland senior crown since 1997. But ultimately, they were left empty-handed once again; suffering a sixth defeat in their eighth final appearance, but this was a hugely respectable performance by Gregory McGonagles team.

Experience counted for a huge amount in Corks victory but there was a black spot on the afternoon as captain Amy OShea suffered suspected cruciate knee ligament damage in the second half. The corner forward has already experienced the dreaded injury in both knees and addressed the media after the game with a protective brace on her right knee. OShea scored a hat-trick of goals against Laois in the semi-final and went close to another in the third minute today, with her third minute deflected shot rattling the Monaghan crossbar.

The sides were level three times in the opening twenty minutes before Cleary struck that crucial goal in a low-scoring first half. OShea could have added a second but in untypical fashion, she fouled the ball when through on goal in the 23rd minute. At the other end, Ellen McCarron blazed over the crossbar on the stroke of half-time with a goal for the taking.

But Monaghan opened the second half in determined fashion as Ciara McAnespie pointed within 20 seconds of the restart, before Niamh Kindlon added two points to put Monaghan a point clear, 0-07 to 1-03. The sides traded scores as Monaghan edged clear again before Geraldine OFlynn surged forward for an inspirational Cork score with twenty minutes remaining to level the scores at 1-05 to 0-08. Then, disaster struck for Monaghan when Kierans fouled Finn and from the resultant penalty, Ní Bhuachalla made no mistake.

Monaghan did get back to within a point, 0-11 to 2-06, in the closing minutes but midfielder Rena Buckley banged over a 55th minute point for Cork to restore a two-point buffer. And calling on all of their experience in the games dying embers, Cork cleverly used possession to run down the clock. Defensively, this was an impressive display from the Rebelettes, with full-back Angela Walsh and corner back Deirdre OReilly outstanding.

MONAGHAN: L Martin; G McNally, S Courtney, C Reilly; A McAnespie, N Fahy, L Connolly; A Casey, C Courtney; T McNally, E McCarron, C McConnell; C McAnespie, N Kindlon, C Mohan.

Subs: I Kierans for C Courtney (25), L McEnaney for Kindlon (42), C Courtney for McCarron (42), E McElroy for Kierans (50).

This entry was posted on Monday, September 26th, 2011 at 2:00 pm and is filed under Blog.