Armagh's Stefan Campbell tackles Tyrones Sean Cavanagh at Saturdays Croke Park showdown. Photograph: Columba O'Hare
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Any Armagh fans who dared believe that fresh from beating Kildare the previous week, their team could, just maybe take on and beat Tyrone in Croke Park on Saturday didn't have long to bask in that particular theory, as from the word go Mickey Hartes men worked up an eight point lead in scarcely 15 minutes, with the help of an early penalty conversion.
Armagh's Niall Grimley got their first score from a free three minutes later but they were only able to add another three points before the half time whistle.
The game never seemed in reach for Armagh going in to the second half already seven points down but unlike many other times when the half time break spurred the team on to a nail biting finale, things just got worse.
With Tyrone dominating there were slim pickings indeed for Armagh, managing just another four points to bow out of the Championship with a final score of Tyrone 3:17 Armagh 0:8
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Any Armagh fans who dared believe that fresh from beating Kildare the previous week, their team could, just maybe take on and beat Tyrone in Croke Park on Saturday didn't have long to bask in that particular theory, as from the word go Mickey Hartes men worked up an eight point lead in scarcely 15 minutes, with the help of an early penalty conversion.
Armagh's Niall Grimley got their first score from a free three minutes later but they were only able to add another three points before the half time whistle.
The game never seemed in reach for Armagh going in to the second half already seven points down but unlike many other times when the half time break spurred the team on to a nail biting finale, things just got worse.
With Tyrone dominating there were slim pickings indeed for Armagh, managing just another four points to bow out of the Championship with a final score of Tyrone 3:17 Armagh 0:8
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All roads and rail lines lead to Croke Park tomorrow as Armagh GAA fans head to Dublin in their thousands for the second weekend in a row, for the clash of the year with long time rivals Tyrone.
Translink have put on three extra trains for the game with all three are sold out so a full house at Croke Park is on the cards. The renewed interest and support for Armagh has also seen a crowdfunder website raising almost seven thousand pounds for the Armagh team.
With the winners getting the All Ireland semi final spot and the losers putting their boots away till after the new year, the stakes could not be higher.
Last weeks three point win over Kildare should ensure that any Croke Park jitters are well and truly gone. A win over Tyrone will set up a clash with either last years All Ireland Champions, Dublin or qualifiers Monaghan who play at 6pm in the second of Saturday's double header games at HQ.
Armagh Manager, Kieran McGeeney announced his starting 15 earlier today.
1 Blaine Hughes Carraig an Chrupain
2 James Morgan Raonaithe na Croise
3 Charlie Vernon Cláirsigh Ard Mhacha
4 Paul Hughes Raonaithe na Croise
5 Brendan Donaghy Cluain Mhor
6 Mark Shields An Chrois Bhan
7 Joe McElroy Clarsigh Ard Mhacha
8 Stephen Sheridan Foirceal
9 Niall Grimley Na Madáin
10 Rory Grugan ( C ) Baile Mhic an Aba
11 Ciaran O’Hanlon Cill Shleibhe
12 Aidan Forker An Machaire
13 Jamie Clarke Raonaithe na Croise
14 Gavin McParland Baile Mhic an Aba
15 Stefan Campbell Clan na Gael
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Saddle & Reins Special Olympics Equestrian Club recently hosted Omagh Spires and Donegal’s Sarah Brophy as part of the Ulster Special Olympics Equestrian League.
It was a very busy day at Barkston Stables, with 21 Athletes taking part in Equitation and Working Trails.
Under the guidance of Coach Clare Murtagh, Saddle & Reins recorded 12 firsts on the day with a number of athletes picking up 2nd and 3rd places also.
These awards will help the club in their league as they move on to being hosted by Coleraine RDA & Omagh Spires later in the year.
Concluding the event at Barkston Stables, Club Chairperson, Bernard Robb said, “It has been a wonderful day here at the stables, made all the more enjoyable with clubs travelling to part of this event. My thanks to the judges, Clare our coach, volunteers, and most importantly the athletes."
The next rounds take place in Coleraine and Omagh.
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The Martin Donnelly Poc Fada Craobh na hÉireann finals in hurling and camogie will be held on the Cooley Mountains this Saturday August 5. T
The competition was first held in 1960 and following a short hiatus from 1970-1980, it returned in 1981 and has been ever-present on the National calendar since.
The unique GAA contest promises to be a great day of sport. Defending senior hurling champion James McInerney (An Clár) puts his crown on the line against a high calibre field that includes All-Star winning goalkeepers Brendan Cummins (Tipperary) and Eoin Murphy (Kilkenny).
Aoife Murray (Corcaigh) also returns to defend the Senior titles she captured 12 months ago. Cathal Kiely (Uíbh Fhailí) does likewise in the Under 16 hurling competition and he will be hoping to follow in the footsteps of his older brother and current Offaly senior player, Cillian by annexing the title for a second year-in-a-row. The 2015 and 2016 Under 16 camogie winner, Sarah Healy (Gaillimh) returns to the mountain but she is taking part in the Senior competition for the first time.
Across all competitions hurlers and camógs from Clare, Louth, Antrim, Derry, Laois, Dublin, Galway, Limerick, Tipperary, Kilkenny, Down, Roscommon, Offaly, Cork and Meath will have the opportunity to compete for an All-Ireland title.
Donnelly GAA All-Ireland Final Proceedings will get under way at 11.00amon Annaverna Mountain, Ravensdale, Co. Louth on Saturday, August 5th.
Speaking at the recent launch event the GAA Leas-Uachtarán, Jim Bolger said: “There are few events in our diary that stand out from the rest of our activities in the same way as the Poc Fada.
“The Poc Fada is a truly unique event held at the picturesque setting of the Annaverna Mountain. It is a real test of skill and stamina. The contestants value the competition highly and given that they participate at a very busy time of the season, both at Inter-County and club level, shows the importance they place on their involvement. I would also like to thank Martin Donnelly for his continued support of the competition, in what will be the 21st year sponsoring the Finals in the Cooley Mountains.”
Also speaking at the launch Ard Stiúrthóir Cumann Camógaíochta, Joan O'Flynn said: “I am looking forward once more to this year’s prestigious Poc Fada Finals, which promise to be an exciting event in the spectacular Cooley Peninsula at the foot of the Annaverna Mountain. I am very pleased that Camogie players are, once again, part of this outstanding competition. I am really looking forward to a tremendous contest over the very challenging course. Thanks to Martin Donnelly, whose commitment to the Poc Fada goes beyond that of a standard sponsorship.”
Martin Donnelly said: “I’m particularly proud to continue my association with the Poc Fada, supporting this wonderful and exciting competition as this is my 21st year sponsoring the Finals in the Cooley Mountain. This year’s finals promise to be “as good as ever” with James McInerney and Aoife Murray returning to defend their titles against very stiff opposition.”
Humphrey Kelleher, Chairman of the National Poc Fada Committee stated: “An Poc Fada is one of our finest traditions and we in the GAA, whether it be at Club, County, Provincial or National level have a responsibility to cherish and develop it to the best of our ability. I am particularly delighted that most counties and provinces have held their competition on “mountain courses” this year. That gives the final contestants a real flavour for what they will face on the mountain.”
The Competitors
Senior Hurling
James McInerney (Clare) Gerard Smith (Louth) Donal McKernan (Antrim) Ruairi Convery (Derry) Eoin Reilly (Laois) Fintan O’Brien (Dublin) Mark Fahy (Galway) Tadhg Haran (Galway) Brian O’Loughlin (Clare) John Chawke (Limerick) Brendan Cummins (Tipperary) Eoin Murphy (Kilkenny)
U-16 Hurling
Ciaran Watson (Down) Adam Donnelly (Roscommon) Cathal Kiely (Offaly) Ryan Renehan (Tipperary)
Senior Camogie
Aoife Murray (Cork) All-Star Pick to be confirmed Orlagh O’Hara (Antrim) Faye McCarthy (Dublin) Sarah Healy (Galway) Áine O’Loughlin (Clare)
U-16 Camogie
Roisin McCormick (Antrim) Abbye Donnnelly (Meath) Maeve Muldoon (Galway)
Molly Lynch (Cork)
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Senior Men
Our senior men staged a late smash and grab raid in Derrynoose on Friday, beating the home side by just two points, 3 – 9 to 2- 10.
Both sides made an indifferent start to the game and it was fully fifteen minutes before David McCabe fisted over the opening point and put the Shane’s in front with his younger brother Mark following up soon after with a close-range point. Two points in a row, one from a free, had Derrynoose back on level terms with Micheál Brady replying for the Shane’s to put them one ahead again. Great work from Kevin McParland in the full back berth saw the ball make its way to Paul O’Rourke who powered forward at the Derrynoose defence before firing the bar over to give his side a two-point advantage once more. However, the lead lasted barely two minutes as Derrynoose recorded their first goal of the game to put them one in front and they followed this up with three points on the trot before a point from David McCabe got the Shane’s back to within three. With the game in first-half stoppage time a second Derrynoose goal saw them go into the half-time interval six points to the good, 2 – 5 to 0 – 5.
The sides swapped two points apiece in the opening five minutes of the second-half, the Shanes’ scores coming from David and Mark McCabe, which saw Derrynoose hang onto their six-point lead. Paul O’Rourke reduced the deficit to five with a well taken point before Mark McCabe connected brilliantly with a loose ball to slam the ball to the Derrynoose net and get the Shane’s back within two. Derrynoose weathered the mini Shane’s storm and fired over the next two points to give them a four-point cushion with second-half substitute Danny Monaghan responding for the Camlough side. With less two minutes of regulation time remaining Derrynoose got their tenth point of the contest to give them a seemingly unassailable four-point lead but the Shane’s lads weren’t finished and with thirty-one minutes on the clock a goal mouth scramble ended with David McCabe finishing the ball to net to get his team back to within one. The Shane’s had a couple of chances to level the game but they failed to take them and it looked like their chance had gone but a great diagonal ball from Ryan Quinn saw David McCabe dive full length to flick the ball to the Derrynoose net and put his side two in front. There was still time for the home side to launch a final attack but the Shanes defence held firm and they held on to claim a dramatic two-point victory, 3 – 9 to 2 – 10.
Whilst the Shane’s didn’t play their best football in this game they deserve great credit for their guts and commitment throughout which hopefully they can carry into their final two league games, both against Middletown, at home this Wednesday 26th July and away again on Friday 28th July. The championship is up after that on Friday 4th August against Derrynoose in Cullyhanna.
Senior Ladies
Training for our senior ladies takes place on Sunday morning at 9.30am and Tuesday evening at 7.00pm. The senior league game against Dromintee has been refixed for 7th August at 7.30pm at home.
Minor Ladies
Training for our minor ladies takes place on Sunday morning at 9.30am and Tuesday evening at 7.00pm
Minor Boys
Our minor boy’s amalgamation of Patrick Rankins put in a great display of football last Monday night to record a 4 – 13 to 3 – 9 home win over Clan na Gael. The young Rankins side led by ten at the break and they continued to play the better football throughout the second-half to record the win. The lads were due to be in action again on Monday night against Mullaghbawn but the game has been postponed and will be refixed for a later date.
U16 Boys
Our U16 boys’ amalgamation of Patrick Rankins took part the Leo Hughes 7s Tournament in Carrickcruppen on Saturday. The lads enjoyed a great day’s football and we would like to thank Carrickcruppen for the invite and hospitality. The lads have an away game against St Paul’s on Thursday evening.
Underage Training
Please note that training for all our U6s, U8s, U10s and U12s will take place every Friday night from 6.00pm - 7.00pm at the field. All boys and girls at these age groups are very welcome to come along. The U10s also train on Tuesday evening from 6.00pm – 7.00pm at the field.
Meabh O’Neill’s Camogie
The senior camogs will be training on Monday and Wednesday from 6.30pm – 8.00pm whilst the underage camogs will train on Wednesday evening from 6.00pm – 7.30pm. Tuesday night sees the U14 camogs travel to play Clontibret and all girls are asked to meet at the club at 6.00pm. The senior camogs are in championship action on 2nd August against Crossmaglen with the venue still to be confirmed.
Cúl Camp
Over the past week the club hosted a very successful Cúl Camp which saw well over 100 children, boys and girls, in attendance on each day. The club would to thank all those attended the camp, all those who helped to organise it and special word of thanks to everyone who volunteered every day to help make it such a great success.
Barry Kirwan Comes to the Shane's
Irish Country Music sensation Barry Kirwan will be appearing in the marquee at Shane O'Neill's GFC on Saturday 26th August in what promises to be a great night’s entertainment. The night will also see the club host a jiving competition with a winner-takes-all prize of £500 – so if you think you’re the best jiver around then why not come along and put yourself to the test. More details on the event will be available over the coming weeks.
Congratulations
Congratulations to the Meabh O’Neill’s senior camogie player Fionnuala Bradley who married Mark Hadden at the week-end. Congratulations also to local couple Eamon and Aoibheann Reavey on the birth of their baby son Dáire at the week-end.
Transfer Tuition Summer School
A Transfer Tuition Summer School will take in the club for pupils entering P7 in September. The school will be running from Monday 31st July - Friday 4th August, 10.30am – 1.00pm. The numbers will be limited to a maximum of 10 pupils. For further information please contact 07813 148134.
Lotto
Last week’s winning lotto numbers were 12, 16, 21, & 31. There was no jackpot winner and 1 x match three winner. The jackpot now stands at a very impressive £6,150.
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Senior Men
It was disappointment for our senior men on Friday night losing out by four points away to Mullaghbawn.
Two early Mullaghbawn frees were cancelled out by a Sean McLoughlin free and a fine point from half-back Eamon McCabe. Mullaghbawn registered their next four scores with Paul O’Rourke replying for the Shanes from a placed ball before the sides swapped points with O’Rourke again on target for the Shanes. Two further pointed frees from O’Rourke had the Shanes back within two but a couple of late first-half points, one from a free and another from a 45, saw Mullaghbawn go into the break four to the good, 0 – 9 to 0 – 5.
Mullaghbawn notched up the first two points of the second period to lead by six before three Shanes points in a row courtesy of Ryan Quin and two Sean McLoughlin frees had the Camlough side back to within three before another Mullaghbawn free extended their advantage. The teams swapped the final four points of the game with second-half substitute Matthew Girvan and Sean McLoughlin on target for the Shanes but it was Mullaghbawn who claimed the all-important win on a score-line of 0 – 14 to 0 - 10.
Senior Ladies
Our senior ladies made the journey to Armagh last Monday night to face an out of sorts Harps team. The Shane's also had a few players missing through injury and holidays but still fielded a strong side.
The first half was dominated by the Shane's and with our defence well on top, Harps were often pinned back in their own half. The Shane's ladies led at half time by 3-4 to 0-0, but could easily have been much further ahead. Throughout the second half the Shane's kept control of the game to run out winners on a score-line of 6 - 9 to 1 - 2.
Shanes lineout; Dhebora Barbosa, Yasmin Mackin, Emma Kenny, Cliodhna Sloan, Hannah McMenamin, Louise Kenny, Hayley Mackin, Kirsty Murphy, Blaithin Mackin, Jessica Watters, Orlaith McArdle, Ellen Hannaway, Aoibheann Jones, Sorcha McDonnell, Rayza Souza, Luany Azevedo, Briana Mathers.
Minor Boys
The minor boys’ amalgamation of Patrick Rankins play Maghery on Monday night at 7.30pm in Lisummon, meeting at the Shane’s at 6.35pm.
U16 Girls
Our U16 girls have a home game against Carrickcruppen on Monday evening at 7.00pm and all players are asked to meet at the club at 6.15pm.
U10s
Our U10s travelled to Mayobridge on Saturday and fielded two teams against the home side. Once again, all our boys and girls put in a great effort, produced some good football really enjoyed themselves and we would like to thank Mayobridge for hosting us. Training continues Tuesdays and Fridays at the field from 6.00pm -7.00pm.
Underage Training
Please note that training for all our U6s, U8s, and U12s will take place every Friday night from 6.00pm - 7.00pm at the field. All boys and girls at these age groups are very welcome to come along.
Meabh O’Neill’s Camogie
The senior camogs will be training on Monday whilst the underage camogs will train on Wednesday evening from 6.00pm – 7.30pm. The senior camogs also have a challenge game on Wednesday against Mullaghbawn, throwing-in at 7.00pm.
Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camp
The club is hosting a Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camp from Monday 17th July – Friday 21st July. To register for the event visit gaa.ie/kelloggsculcamps
Best Wishes
Best wishes for a speedy recovery to Hayley Mackin who was taken to hospital following our senior ladies game last Wednesday night. Take care Hayley and we all hope you’re feeling better soon.
Congratulations
Congratulations to our senior ladies’ footballer and U6 coach Yasmin Mackin who graduated last week.
Good Luck
Good luck to our former players Michael Smith and Emmet Murtagh on the opening of their new facility, Est.28. We hope it all goes well for the lads.
Club Merchandise
Club shorts and socks will be handed out in the club on Monday night from 9.00pm for anyone who hasn’t collected theirs yet.
Lotto
Last week’s winning lotto numbers were 3, 7, 14 & 25. There was no jackpot winner and 2 x match three winners. The jackpot now stands at a very impressive £6,050.
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Down Camogie team took on Galway yesterday at Pairc Esler in the third round of the Liberty Insurance All Ireland Intermediate Championship.
Down were sitting third in the group after two draws in the previous games. Galway settled the quicker and backed by a very strong breeze ran up an early lead of 1-03 to 0-01, the girls kept battling and ate into the lead with some very well taken points. The Galway puck outs were catching the Down girls out as they were landing well beyond the midfield and their forwards were making great runs and they notched up two more goals. The Down heads though never went down and with Down's Paula Gribben sending the sliotar to the back of the net it put the half time score Galway 3-08 to Down 1-09.
The second half was all Down and every player became sharper the forwards were making great runs and the camogie on display was excellent with all the skills of the game on display, high fielding, blocking, tackling and accuracy from scoring. Galway only scored 2-02 in the second half with both goals coming late on in the game. Down notched up 2 10 in the second half with a number of players getting their name on the score sheet.
There were strong performances all over the pitch especially in the second half Sara Louise Carr was immense at centre forward throughout the game with an exhibition of high catching and scores from play, Paula Gribben in midfield worked tirelessly throughout the match and finished with the first half with a fabulous goal, alongside her was Maebh O’Hare who worked really hard, Niamh Mallon at full forward came deep at times to win the ball and had a great second half, corner forwards Neisha McCullough and Danielle Toner were very unlucky no to get on the score sheet as well.
Aimee McAleenan and Cassie Fitzpatrick both got onto the score sheet, the defence marked the Galway players very tight and their tackling put the forwards under immense pressure and forced them to shoot from awkward angles. Maria McNally at full back marshalled her troops in front encouraging them all the time, she had terrific support in the full back line from Clare McGilligan and Caoimhe Byrne.
Dearbhla Magee made a very welcome return the half backline after having surgery and alongside her there was very strong performances from Alannah Savage and Sabrina McCullough, and last but by no means least young Lauren Clarke in nets made some crucial saves when the team was under pressure.
Aoife Savage replaced Caoimhe Byrne, Catriona Caldwell came on for Maebh O’Hare and scored a point and Megan O’Reilly replaced Neisha McCullough in the forward line.
It’s just a shame that more people don’t come out and support the girls, they train hard and work very hard for each other on the pitch and it would be a real boost if they had more support at the games.
Final score Down 3:19 Galway 5:10
Team and scorers; 1. Lauren Clarke, 2. Caoimhe Byrne, 3. Maria McNally, 4. Clare McGilligan, 5 Alannah Savage, 6 Dearbhla Magee, 7. Sabrina McCullough, 8. Maebh O'Hare, 9. Paula Gribben 1-05, 10. Cassie Fitzpatrick 1-01, 11. Sara-Louise Carr 0-06, 12. Aimee McAleenan 0-01, 13. Neisha McCullough, 14 Niamh Mallon 1-05, 15 Danielle Toner, 16 Nicola McCabe, 17 Cori Smyth, 18 Amanda Wood, 19 Aoife Savage, 20 Caitriona Caldwell 0-01, 21 Megan O'Reilly came on for Neisha McCullough, 22 Nicola O'Hagan
The Down team have two games left to play, Meath and Cork.
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U10 Annual Football Blitz
The club held its annual U10 blitz on Saturday and it proved to be a very successful day. With twenty-seven teams and over two hundred players, boys and girls, the tournament saw teams from Armagh, Down, Monaghan and Tyrone taking part.
After a couple of hours of group games and cup, shield and plate quarter-finals and semi-finals, six teams were left standing. Both Whitecross teams made it through to the plate final, Shane O’Neills and Middletown got through to the shield final whilst Castleblayney and Fr Rocks contested the cup decider. All three games, like a lot of the games before them, were all keenly contested with all the young footballers playing some great football and showing off some of their skills. When the final whistles sounded in the finals Shane O’Neill’s triumphed in the shield whilst Castleblayney overcame a very good Fr Rocks side to claim the cup with Whitecross sharing their plate success amongst their two teams.
Following the completion of the football all the players who took part in each final were presented with runners-up and winners medals with club PRO Brendy Osborne presenting the plate, our senior footballer Mark McCabe presenting the shield and Armagh ladies footballer and All-Star winner Aimee Mackin presenting the cup. Aimee also presented Tiarnan Ruddy from Castleblayney who was named as the Player of the Tournament.
The club would like to thank all the teams who participated in the competition and helped to make it a great success. We would also like to thank everyone who organised the event and helped out on the day – referees, umpires, score keepers, tea and sandwich makers, the burger-makers, tuck shop operators, the Hughes Family (NISA Camlough) – your help was greatly appreciated.
Senior Men
It was a busy weekend for our senior men with a home game against Clonmore on Friday night followed by another home game against St Pauls on Sunday afternoon with both contests ending in draws.
In Friday night’s game, the Shane’s were by the far the best team in the first-half and deservedly went in leading at half-time. However as has been happening recently the second-half saw their opponents mount a comeback and in the end the Shane’s were fortunate to escape with a draw, 1 – 13 apiece.
On Sunday St Pauls were the visitors to Camlough and as with the Shane’s previous two league games it ended all square, 1 – 14 to 1 – 14.
The sides were level in the opening minutes with St Paul’s leading through a free which was cancelled out by a David McCabe point and they swapped the next two points also with Matthew Girvan on target for the home side. The Shane’s moved three ahead minutes later when a high ball from Matthew Girvan made its way to David McCabe and he made no mistake from close range before young Girvan extended his side’s advantage with a well taken point minutes later. However, the Shane’s lead was short-lived as St Paul’s hit a goal and a point in quick succession to get them back on level terms once more. A point from Ryan Quinn and a free David McCabe edged the Shane’s two ahead again with St Paul’s responding with a pointed free. With half-time fast approaching the Shane’s hit a real purple patch and scored four answered points to lead by five at the break. Paddy Doran powered forward from defence for fire over from long range before good work from Michael McParland found Matthew Girvan in space and he made no mistake as he slotted over his third point of the half with Paul O’Rourke and Mark McCabe also chipping in with scores.
The Shane’s made a great start to the second period with David McCabe registering a great point in the opening minute and his side now led by six. However, this proved to be their last for score twenty minutes as St Paul’s fired over seven points on the trot to put them ahead for the first time since the opening minute. Paul O’Rourke stopped the rot with a well taken free and he cancelled out another St Paul’s point minutes later to leave the sides all square with less than five minutes on the clock. St Paul’s edged ahead soon after only for Ryan Quinn to level things again with a well taken point from a very tight angle and when Mark McCabe put the Shane’s in front with the game in added time it looked like the Camlough had done enough to claim the win but a pointed free with the last kick of the ball saw St Paul’s salvage a draw with the sides finishing on 1 – 14 apiece.
Next up for the seniors is a vitally important game away to Mullaghbawn on Friday evening.
Senior Ladies
Our senior ladies are back in league action on Monday night way to Armagh Harps with the game throwing in at 7.30pm in Sherry’s field. The ladies also have a challenge game at home to Newry Bosco on Wednesday evening at 7.30pm. Training continues next Sunday morning at 9.30am.
Minor Boys
The minor boys are at home on Monday night against Clan na Gael with the game throwing in at 7.30pm.
Minor Ladies
Training continues next Sunday morning at 9.30am.
U16 Boys
The U16 boys have no game this week but will be training at 6.00pm on Thursday.
U12 Girls
A massive well done to our U12 girls who were in action on Thursday night away to a very good Silverbridge and Cullyhanna amalgamation. The game itself was played in poor weather conditions but the Shane's girls put in a great team performance to win the game – well done everyone. Training continues this week on Tuesday and Friday from 7.00pm – 8.00pm at the field with a challenge game away to Poyntzpass at 7.00pm on Wednesday evening. The girls are scheduled to have their next league game next Sunday at home to Naomh Labhaoise with the time still to be confirmed.
U10s
Our annual U10 blitz took place in Saturday which saw the Shane’s field two teams in the tournament. One of our teams found themselves in a tough group along with Madden, An Port Mor, Silverbridge and Armagh Harps. The young Shane’s put in a great effort which saw them qualify for the knock out stages of the plate. They faced Whitecross in what proved to be a very tight game but it was Whitecross who took their chances and emerged victorious by a couple of scores.
The other Shane's team also found themselves in a tough group with Carrickcruppen, Naomh Eoin, Fr Rocks and Whitecross. This group produced some great games of football by all clubs and at the end of the group stages the Shane’s found themselves paired against another of the team’s fielded by Fr Rocks in the quarter-final of the shield.
This started off a tight game but the young Shane's upped their game and eventually emerged victorious. Next up was the semi-final against a very good Clann Eireann team and it was the Lurgan side who began the game strongly and raced into a three-point lead. However, the Shane’s remained composed and clawed back two points before the half-time interval. The second-half was also very tight with both teams putting in a massive effort and produced one of the best games of the tournament which saw the Shane’s gain the upper hand, scoring a great goal and point to put them two points in front. Clann Eireann pulled a point back to produce a tense finish, but great defending and overall team work saw the Shane's over the line by the narrowest of margins and into the shield final.
Middletown were the opponents in the final and the Shane’s started strongly and a couple of early scores helped to calm the nerves. Throughout the remainder of the game the Shane’s produced some great football all over the pitch and came away with a thoroughly deserved win.
Every member of the U10s squad played their part right throughout the blitz and the management would like to thank all the kids for their continued effort and to everyone who helped make the tournament run smoothly.
U10 training continues on Tuesdays and Fridays from 6.00 – 7.00pm at the field.
Underage Training
Please note that training for all our U6s, U8s, and U12s will take place every Friday night from 6.00pm - 7.00pm at the field. All boys and girls at these age groups are very welcome to come along.
Meabh O’Neill’s Camogie
Well done to Meabh O'Neill's senior camogs who won the Division 2 league title on Monday night having gone through the season unbeaten. The U14 camogs are away to Crossmaglen on Tuesday night with the game beginning at 7.00pm. Training continues on Wednesday night from 6.00pm – 7.30pm at the field.
Club Merchandise
Club shorts and socks will be handed out in the club on Wednesday evening between 7.30pm and 8.30pm. There are still some spare socks for sale in sizes 11 – 2, 4 – 7 and 7 – 9…there are no size 2 – 4 left.
Well Done
Well done to everyone who took part in the quiz in the The Yellow Heifer on Wednesday night to help raise funds for our ladies’ football teams – your support is greatly appreciated. A big word of thanks to Aengus Hannaway who performed the role of quizmaster on the night.
Best Wishes
Best wishes to our underage footballer Cadhla Ferris who suffered a broken finger during the U12 girls game last Thursday night. Best wishes also to our senior footballer Damian Doyle who suffered a nasty eye injury during the St Paul’s game.
Hard Luck Sinead
It was disappointment for Sinead McDonnell and her Armagh U14 team-mates when they lost out in the All-Ireland final against Leitrim on Saturday but it was a great achievement none the less.
Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camp
The club is hosting a Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camp from Monday 17th July – Friday 21st July. To register for the event visit gaa.ie/kelloggsculcamps
Lotto
Last week’s winning lotto numbers were 2, 5, 17 & 31. There was no jackpot winner and 2 x match three winners. The jackpot now stands at a very impressive £6,000.
Condolences
The club would like to offer its sympathy to the family of Philip Patton who died recently.
Philip was the father of our former underage footballers Mark and Philip and brother of Gerard Patton who managed our 1994 Junior Championship winning team. May he rest in peace.
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