Senior Men
Our senior men made the best possible start to their league campaign on Friday night with a convincing eleven point away win over Middletown, 2 – 16 to 1 – 8.
An early free from Connaire Mackin opening the Shanes account with Middletown replying with the next three points of the game. A point apiece from Ryan Quinn and Kristian Magill had the Shanes level but another two points from Middletown eased them ahead again. Another Kristian Magill point was quickly cancelled out by a Middletown free but Magill replied soon after with a well taken point to leave one between the sides. The Shanes went ahead just before the break when a long hopeful ball from Connaire Mackin was spilled to the net by the Middletown keeper before a Greg McCabe point put the Shanes three ahead going into half-time.
Micheál Brady opened the scoring a great long range point in the early stages of the second-half before half-time substitute Paul O’Rourke fired over two great points. The Shanes led by six at this stage but a Middletown penalty got them back within three before the sides swapped points, with Kristian Magill again on target for the Camlough side. Middletown’s seventh point kept them well in the game but the Shanes then hit four points in a row to all but seal their win with Kristian Magill (0 – 3) and Paul O’Rourke (0 – 1) getting the scores. Another Middletown free proved to be their last score of the game as the Shanes finished the much stronger side with further points from Mark McCabe and Kristian Magill (his eighth of the contest) but the score of the game came right at the end when a superb flowing move was finished to the net by Paudie Hillen. Final score: Shane O’Neills 2 – 16 Middletown 1 – 8.
This was a great start under the stewardship of David Muckian with all the lads playing their part but they have another stern test coming up with a home game against Clan na Gael on Sunday 24th July. It should also be mentioned that the entire full-back line in Friday’s game was made up entirely of the McParland brothers – Kevin, Aidan and Michael, whilst the quartet of McCabe brothers - David, Ryan, Greg and Mark all played their part too.
Senior Ladies
Our senior ladies were scheduled to play Clann Eireann last Wednesday night but they game was called off due to a waterlogged pitch. Training continues on Monday evening at 6.45pm in St Pauls.
Minor Boys
Our minor boys were in action at home to Pearse Ógs last Monday and, with the Shanes leading by six points and approx. ten minutes left on the clock, the game was abandoned and we now await the outcome of the CCC. The lads make the short trip to Carrickcruppen on Monday night for their next game and they are asked to meet at the club no later than 5.45pm.
Minor Girls
Training for our minor ladies continues on Monday evening at 6.45pm in St Pauls.
U16 Boys
The U16 boys amalgamation of St Malachys made the long trip to Middletown on Thursday evening and despite putting in a decent performance they were beaten by the better side.
U16 Girls
Our U16 girls were scheduled to play their Carrickcruppen counterparts last Monday night but the game was postponed due to a death in the Carrickcruppen club.
U14 Boys
The U14 boys amalgamation of St Malachys have a home game on Tuesday evening and all players are asked to be at the club no later than 6.00pm.
U14 Girls
Training for the U14 girls continues every Saturday morning at 11.00am in St Pauls small field.
U12½ Boys
Training continues every Friday evening at 6.00pm at the field.
U12 Girls
Training for the U12 girls continues every Saturday morning at 11.00am in St Pauls small field.
U10s & U8s
Training continues every Friday evening at 6.00pm at the field.
U6s
Training for our U6s continues every Wednesday evening at 6.00pm in Bessbrook Community Centre.
Camogie
The Meabh O’Neills U14 camogs scored a great win over Cullyhanna in the first match of the season last Tuesday evening. The young Meabh girls played a fantastic game with some great scores and great skills on show.
Training for all camogie, U14, U12, U10 & U8, takes place at the Shanes pitch every Wednesday evening at 6.00pm. All new members, age 4 and upwards, are welcome to attend.
Any past or present camogie or hurling players who could spare one hour per week on a Wednesday evening to help coach some of our underage camogs is asked to contact Sandra Smith on 07599640444. Your help would be greatly appreciated.
70s & 80s Night
The club is hosting a hosting a 70's & 80's night on Saturday 30th of April in aid of the Thumbs up for Harvey appeal. There will be prizes on the night for the best dressed male and female with tickets for the Beyonce in Dublin also being drawn. Donations at the door will go to the Thumbs up for Harvey appeal and everyone is invited to come along to support the club and a very good cause in what should be a great night’s craic.
Well Done
Well done to all our younger members who were confirmed at the weekend – we hope you all had a good day. Well done also to our underage footballers Dearbhla Carragher and Paris Boswell who were part of the St Pauls Year 8 dance team who won the Ulster Dance championship at the weekend. Tara Reel, Aisling McKenna and Caoimhe McKenna were also part of the second placed team in their category.
Best Wishes
Best Wishes to Sandra Smith, chairperson of the Meabh O’Neills camogie club, who is currently recovering after surgery.
Lotto
Last week’s winning lotto numbers were 5, 12, 23 & 27. There were no jackpot winners and 1 x match three winner. The jackpot now stands at £2950.
Pave The Way
Work on concreting the drive-way around the club has been completed. However, it is not too late to take part in the scheme and anyone still wishing to contribute £50 to buy a metre of concrete is asked to do so within the next two weeks. The sign acknowledging everyone who donated to the scheme will be going up shortly now that the work has been completed. The club would like to thank everyone who has already contributed...your support is greatly appreciated.


