Shane O'Neill's Club Notes 3rd October 2016

Senior Ladies

Our senior ladies are through to the Ulster Intermediate semi-final following a comprehensive 5–15 to 1–11 win over Donegal champions Carndonagh on Sunday.

The side’s swapped points in the opening exchanges with Aimee Mackin getting the Shanes score before she hit four points in a row to give her side an early advantage. Moya  Feehan then fired over a great long range point to increase the lead before Blaithin Mackin picked the ball up in midfield before powering forward to dispatch the brilliantly to the net to give her side a nine point advantage. Moya Feehan then pounced on a poor kick-out to fire the ball back over the bar to keep the Shanes well in control. Carndonagh registered their second point of the game soon after but this was quickly cancelled out by another point from Aimee Mackin. The sides then swapped two frees apiece with Aimee Mackin getting both the Shanes scores  and with half-time fast approaching recorded another two points to leave the Shanes firmly on top at the break, 1–12 to 0–4.

Carndonagh were first on the scoreboard in the second-half with a pointed free with Aimee Mackin replying for the Shanes, also from a placed ball. Another free for Carndonagh saw them register their sixth point of the contest before Shauna Grey played a pinpoint ball to Aimee Mackin who took on her marker before firing the ball to net for the Shanes second goal of the game. A seventh point kept the scoreboard ticking over for Carndonagh but two goals in as many minutes from Aimee Mackin all but sealed the win for the Shanes. To their credit Carndonagh kept plugging away and they scored a quick fire goal and a point before Aoife McCoy scored a fine individual point, leaving the Carndonagh defence in her wake before firing over. Minutes later Aoibheann Jones was upended in the square and Aimee Mackin confidently dispatched the resulting penalty to the net. A ninth Carndonagh point was quickly cancelled out by an Aimee Mackin free before Carndonagh got the last two points of the game.

All in all this was a great performance from the entire Shanes team with the goalkeeper and the defensive unit solid throughout whilst the midfield and attackers were dominant over the 60 minutes.

Next up for the senior ladies is a home semi-final on Sunday 16th October against Truagh from County Monaghan.

U10s

Saturday saw our U10s take part in the annual Dromintee blitz. Following some good performances against tough opposition in the form of Cullyhanna, Forkhill, Dromintee and Silverbridge the young Shanes finished in joint 3rd position. Unfortunately they lost out in a place in the cup quarter-final due to point’s difference. The management would like to thanks all parents and kids for their efforts this season. 

Training for the U10s will now take place on Thursday evening in St Paul’s school from 7.00pm – 8.00pm.

U8s

Saturday saw our U8 footballers finish off the season by travelling to the Newry Shamrocks tournament.  After three group games against Burren, Tullylish and Shamrocks the Shanes youngsters progressed to the shield semi-final and Mayobridge were the opponents. This proved to be a tough game for the boys and girls and some brilliant scores were exchanged by both teams in what was a tight game, but the young Shanes dug deep and won by a couple of points to win a place in the final. Saval were the opposition in the final and the Shanes got off to a brilliant start with an early goal. Saval replied with a couple of well taken points but the Shanes youngsters remained relaxed and continued to enjoy themselves whilst playing some wonderful football. At the final whistle our young boys and girls got what they really deserved and won the final by a few points. This was a great way to finish off the season and it was great for the kids to be rewarded for all their hard work throughout the year. 

Training for U8 boys and girls now takes place on Thursday evening from 6.00pm – 7.00pm in St Paul’s school.

U6s

Training for U6s continues every Wednesday evening at 6.00pm in Bessbrook Community Centre. All boys and girls at this age group are welcome to attend.

Meabh O’Neills Camogie

From Tuesday, 11th October training for all age groups will move indoors for the winter in St Paul’s school sports hall from 6.00 - 7.00pm.

The camogie club’s AGM will take place in the Shanes club-house on Monday, 24th October 7.30pm sharp. For anyone wishing to take up position in the committee your nomination must be received two weeks before AGM. Please contact Sandra Smith on 07599640444 for more information.

The prize-giving night for the Meabh O’Neill’s camogie club will take place on Friday, 18th November at 7.30pm. 

Lotto

Last week’s winning lotto numbers were 8, 18, 25 & 29. There were no jackpot winners and 1 x lucky dip winner. The jackpot now stands at £4150.