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Senior Men
It was disappointment for our senior men on men on Friday night as they bowed out of this year’s championship, going down by two points to Clan na Gael, 0 - 13 to 0 - 11.
Clan’s opened the scoring in the second minute with a pointed free and it took five minutes for the Shane’s to reply with Paul O’Rourke equalising from a placed ball. The Lurgan side went ahead soon after with their second point of the game, again from a free, with Matthew Girvan hitting the first point for play in the fourteenth minute to tie the game again. The Shane’s then went ahead for the first time when Mark McCabe fired over, before Ciaran Mackin made it a two point game with a monster score with the outside of his left boot. A Connaire Mackin free increased the Camlough side’s advantage but this was quickly cancelled out by the Clan’s third point of the game, before a free from Paul O’Rourke and a 45 from Connaire Mackin saw the Shane’s go four points ahead. Two points in added on time at the end of the first-half, one from a free, saw the Clan’s reduce the deficit to just two at the break, 0 - 7 to 0 - 5.
The side’s swapped a point apiece in the opening exchanges of the second-half, with Paul O’Rourke on target for the Shane’s before the same player swung over his fourth point of the night following some great work from Connaire Mackin. The Shane’s now led by three but another point from a placed ball got the Clan’s back to within two and they reduced to the deficit to just one with almost twenty minutes of the second-half played. The Shane’s they had a goal chance when Eamon McCabe chased down a long ball and appeared to be upended by the Clan’s keeper but the referee waved away the penalty appeals and the Lurgan side travelled the length of the field to tie the game at nine points each. Paul O’Rourke put the Shane’s ahead again with a brilliantly worked score but this was quickly cancelled out by a Clan’s free, only for O’Rourke to reply for the Camlough side with a free and put them back in front. However, the lead didn’t last long as the Clan’s tied the game again with another placed ball with thirty minutes on the clock, and they then went ahead for the first time since the thirteenth minute of the game, with their twelfth point of the game, again from a free. They then sealed win with the last point of the game to leave the final score 0 - 13 to 0 - 11 in favour of the Clan’s.
Senior Ladies
Our senior ladies qualified for the championship semi-final following a comprehensive win over Crossmaglen on Saturday night, 10 - 9 to 2 - 13.
Cross made the much better start to the game and with just over five minutes gone they led 0 - 4 to no score before Sinead McDonnell opened the Shane’s account with a well taken point. The sides then swapped points with Blaithin Mackin pointing for the home side from a free, before points from Abbie McVerry and Mackin again left just one between the sides. Cross hit the next three points to restore their four point advantage but two frees from Blaithin Mackin kept the Shane’s in touch and the sides swapped a further point each before the break, Emma Kenny getting the Shane’s score, to leave the away side leading by two at half-time, 0 - 9 to 0 - 7.
The Shane’s reduced the deficit to just one in the opening minute of the second-half with half-time substitute Aimee Mackin pointing from close range before the same player raised the first green flag of the game to put the home side in front for the first time. Minutes later Sorcha McDonnell netted for the Shane’s again to leave five between the sides before Crossmaglen hit their first point of the second-half to keep them right in the game, but the Shane’s all but sealed their win in a five minute spell when Aimee Mackin goaled three times to leave the Camlough side firmly in control. Cross responded with a goal of their own but the Shane’s kept the scoreboard moving with a further two Aimee Mackin goals, a Blaithin Mackin goal and Aoibheann Jones chipping in with a well taken point. An eleventh point for Cross was quickly cancelled out by by another three-pointer from Aimee Mackin but to their credit the away team kept fighting to the final whistle, scoring a further goal and two points but it was the Shane’s who got the final score of the game when Aimee Mackin raised another green flag to leave the home side winners on a score-line of 10 - 9 to 2 - 13.
This was a brilliant all round display from the girls, right from the goalkeeper through to the corner-forwards. Each and everyone of them put in a tremendous performance and they will go into the championship semi-final against Armagh Harps full of confidence.
U17 Boys
Our U17 boys travelled to Silverbridge last week for their latest league game but despite putting in a great performance they were defeated by just a single point. The lads are in championship action on Monday night away to Ballyhegan.
U16.5 Girls
Our U16.5 girls made the journey to Eire Óg last Monday night to take on the home side in the championship and returned home with the win, 5 - 12 to 3 - 5. The girls played some great football on the night and were fully deserving of their win.
U15 Boys
Our U15 boy’s amalgamation of Patrick Rankins we’re in Crossmaglen on Thursday night for theit latest league game and despite dominating proceedings the game ended all-square. The young Rankins played some great attacking football but unfortunately their accuracy in front of goal wasn’t as good as it should have been.
U13 Boys
Our U13 boys played their Killeavy counterparts last Tuesday night and despite putting in a decent performance they lost out on a score-line of 3 - 9 to 1 - 7.
U11’s
Our U11 footballers were involved in a great game against Newtown on Wednesday night. They young Shane’s have been working hard in training and it showed on Wednesday night as they played some brilliant football against a much bigger and stronger Newtown side.
U7’s
Our U7’s were scheduled to play on Saturday morning and they were all kitted out and ready to go but unfortunately their opponents failed to show up.
Underage Training Schedule
U5’s: Tuesday 6.00pm - 7.00pm
U7’s: Thursday 6.30pm - 7.30pm
U9’s: Wednesday 6.30pm - 7.30pm
U11’s: Wednesday 6.30pm - 7.30pm
U12 Girls: Monday 7.30pm - 8.30pm and Friday 7.00pm - 8.00pm
U13 Boys: Friday 7.00pm - 8.00pm
U14 Girls: Monday 7.30pm - 8.30pm and Friday 7.00pm - 8.00pm
U15 Boys: Monday 6.30pm - 7.30pm, Thursday 6.30pm - 7.30pm and Saturday 10.30am - 12.00pm
U16 Girls: Monday 7.30pm - 8.30pm and Friday 7.00pm - 8.00pm
U17 Boys: Monday 6.30pm - 7.30pm, Thursday 6.30pm - 7.30pm and Saturday 10.30am - 12.00pm
All current players at all age groups are asked to take note of their training times and all new boys and girls at any of the above age groups are welcome to come along.
Condolences
The club would like to offer it’s sympathy to the family of Thomas Moan who has passed away at the week-end. Thomas was the grandfather of our underage footballer Dylan Moan.
The club would also like to offer it’s sympathy to the family of Patsy McShane who has passed away in America. Patsy was the brother of our long serving club and committee member Bridie Doran.
Sympathies also to the family of Suzie McCullough who passed away recently. Suzie was the mother of our former ladies mentor Clare Carroll, mother-in-law of our former player, manager, club and committee member Raymie Carroll, grandmother to our former players Niamh and Shay Carroll.
May Thomas, Patsy and Suzie all rest in peace.
Club Lotto
Last week’s winning lotto numbers were 8, 11, 20 & 26. There were no jackpot winners and 1 x lucky dip winner. The jackpot now stands at an impressive £5850 and and tickets are available from Camlough Post Office or from any committee member.
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Senior Men
Our senior men put another two league points on the board on Friday night with an impressive 1 - 14 to 0 - 8 home win over Whitecross.
Whitecross opened the scoring in the second minute with Ryan Cabe replying for the Shane’s soon after before points from the Mackin brothers, Ciaran and Connaire, edged the home side in front. A pointed free from Paul O’Rourke kept the scoreboard moving for the Shane’s before Greg McCabe tagged another score put his side four to the good after twenty minutes. Just after the first-half water-break the Shane’s increased their advantage to seven when Matthew Girvan finished a great flowing move by firing the ball low past the Whitecross keeper before Connaire Mackin sailed over a great long-range free. With the game entering first-half stoppage time Whitecross recorded just their second point and go in at half-time seven points in arrears, 1 - 6 to 0 - 2.
Whitecross scored the first point of the second period before the sides swapped frees, with Connaire Mackin on target for the Camlough side. The Shane’s then hit five points in as many minutes, the scores coming courtesy of Paul O’Rourke, David McCabe, Mark McCabe, Eamon McCabe and Matthew Girvan before Whitecross popped over two points in a row to leave nine between them. Both sides then exchanged two points apiece, both the Shane’s scores coming from Ciaran Mackin, to leave the home side winners on a score-line of 1 - 14 to 0 - 8.
This was undoubtedly the Shane’s best performance of the season so far and will give them great confidence as they head into next week’s championship game against Clan na Gael. That game will take place next Friday night, 14th August at 7.00pm in Pearse Ógs and admittance to the game will be by ticket only. For those who have ordered tickets for the game please keep an eye on our social media for details on when tickets can be collected.
Senior Ladies
Grange were the visitors to Camlough on Saturday night to take on our senior ladies and was the Shane’s who claimed the win on a score-line of 4 - 12 to 1 - 10.
The Shane’s girls began brightly and went ahead early on through points from Aoibheann Jones and Blaithin Mackin, with Grange replying with their opening point of the game. Further points from Blaithin Mackin and Sorcha McDonnell put the Shane’s four up before the very impressive Rachel McCabe beat the Grange keeper from close range to raise the green flag and put her side firmly in control. Sorcha McDonnell and Blaithin Mackin registered a further point each to put the Shane’s eight to the good before Brianna Mathers pulled a magnificent one-handed save to tip a goal bound effort over the bar. This score was quickly cancelled out by a great point from the boot of Sinead McDonnell to keep the score-board ticking over before Brianna Mathers was called into action again, this saving at the feet of her Grange opponent to prevent a certain goal. The away side popped over two points on the trot to leave just six between them but the Shane’s finished the half on a high following a goal and a point from Blaithin Mackin to lead by ten at the break.
Two early second-half points kept Grange in the game but the Shane’s upped their game again with Aoibheann Jones netting the Shane’s third goal of the contest, with Blaithin Mackin following up soon after with a brilliant range effort. The Shane’s then introduced Aimee Mackin into the fray after a year out following a cruciate injury and with almost her first touch of the ball she fired the ball to the net and put the home side well ahead. Further points from Aoibheann Jones and Moya Feehan stretched the Shane’s advantage, with Grange responding with two points of their own before Aimee Mackin notched up her side’s twelfth point of the game. To their credit Grange kept battling right to the final whistle and in the closing stages they scored a goal and a point to leave the final score 4 - 12 to 1 - 10 in favour of the Shane’s.
This result and overall performance will give the girls a great confidence boost as they head into next Saturday night’s championship tie against Crossmaglen. That game is scheduled to throw-in at 7.00pm next Saturday, 15th August in Camlough.
U17 Boys
Our U17 boys amalgamation of Patrick Rankins played Loughgilly Gaels last Monday night in Camlough and ran out comfortable winners. The Rankins went ahead early and went on to dominate the game and play some brilliant football to pick up their first league points of the season.
U16.5 Girls
Our U16.5 girls travelled to Killeavy last Monday night where they came up against a very strong home side, and it was Killeavy who won the game on the night.
U15 Boys
Our U15 boys amalgamation of Patrick Rankin’s were involved in a high scoring and very entertaining game against Carrickcruppen on Thursday night. Both teams played some great attacking football but unfortunately for the young Rankin’s it was the home team who ran out winners by 4 points, 5 - 12 to 5 - 8.
Underage Training Schedule
U5’s: Tuesday 6.00pm - 7.00pm
U7’s: Thursday 6.30pm - 7.30pm
U9’s: Wednesday 6.30pm - 7.30pm
U11’s: Wednesday 6.30pm - 7.30pm
U12 Girls: Monday 7.30pm - 8.30pm and Friday 7.00pm - 8.00pm
U13 Boys: Friday 7.00pm - 8.00pm
U14 Girls: Monday 7.30pm - 8.30pm and Friday 7.00pm - 8.00pm
U15 Boys: Monday 6.30pm - 7.30pm, Thursday 6.30pm - 7.30pm and Saturday 10.30am - 12.00pm
U16 Girls: Monday 7.30pm - 8.30pm and Friday 7.00pm - 8.00pm
U17 Boys: Monday 6.30pm - 7.30pm, Thursday 6.30pm - 7.30pm and Saturday 10.30am - 12.00pm
All current players at all age groups are asked to take note of their training times and all new boys and girls at any of the above age groups are welcome to come along.
Best Wishes
Best wishes to our long serving club and committee member Gareth McLoughlin, and our current senior footballer Nathan Morgan who are both recovering at home following short spells in hospital.
Club Lotto
Last week’s winning lotto numbers were 10, 21, 27 & 28. There were no jackpot winners and 3 x match three winners. The jackpot now stands at an impressive £5800 and and tickets are available from Camlough Post Office or from any committee member.
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Senior Men
For the second week running our senior men were on the road, this time away to Culloville on Friday night and they returned home as winners by six points, 1 - 12 to 0 - 9.
An early Paul O’Rourke free got the Shane’s off the mark, with home side replying soon after before they edged in front in the tenth minute with their second point. A second Shane’s free, this time from Connaire Mackin, levelled things up but Culloville replied immediately to put them back in front only for Raymie Fitzpatrick to tie the game again with a well taken score. Mark McCabe, having recovered from early an early knock to the head, put the away side in front in the twentieth minute but two pointed frees from Culloville saw they them lead by one at the end of a very stop-start first-half.
The sides swapped points in the opening minutes of the second-half with Connaire Mackin on target for the Shane’s before the sides registered a free each, Paul O’Rourke getting the score for the away side. From the resulting kick-out Mark McCabe pounced on a poor clearance from the Culloville keeper and fired in a shot which looked to be heading for the top corner of the net but the keeper redeemed himself and pulled off a brilliant one-handed save to keep his side in front. Another Paul O’Rourke free had the Camlough side back on level terms and they went two in front just before the second-half water break courtesy of great points from the McCabe brothers, Mark and Greg. Culloville made it a one point game again with their eighth point before Connaire Mackin rose highest in midfield to fetch the ball and powered forward to fire it over the bar and restore his team’s two point advantage. This score gave the Shane’s a tremendous boost and further long range scores from Ryan McCabe and Paul O’Rourke put them four to the good with less than five minutes of normal time remaining. In the fourth minute of injury time Culloville got back to within three but the Matthew Girvan made the game safe a minute later when he raised the green flag to seal a six point win for the Shane’s, 1 - 12 to 0 - 9.
Culloville is never an easy place to go and get a result but the lads dug deep on Friday to get the win, especially with their regular full-back line of Donal Austin, Michael McParland and Nathan Morgan all ruled out. However, credit must go to Paudie Hillen and the Garvey brothers, Michael and Paddy, who all stepped up and put in great performances.
Next up is a home game against Whitecross next Friday night.
Senior Ladies
Our senior ladies travelled to Silverbridge on Saturday night hoping to pick up their first win of the league campaign and they did just that, recording a six point win, 3 - 8 to 1 - 8.
The torrential rain which fell throughout the match made for very difficult playing conditions but credit must go to both sets of players for serving up an entertraining game of football.
An early Silverbridge point was quickly cancelled out by close range score from Aoibheann Jones before the same player fired to the net to put the Shane’s three in front. Silverbridge reduced the deficit to two soon after only for Sinead McDonnell to pop over a great point to keep the Shane’s out in front. Two points in a row from the home side left just the minimum between the teams before Silverbridge hit the back of the net to lead by two. Louise Kenny then pointed for the Shane’s before Aoibheann Jones rattled the net again to put the Camlough girls back in front and they finished the half the stronger side and further points from Tara Byrne and Blaithin Mackin gave them a four point half-time advantage, 2 - 5 to 1 - 4.
An early Blaithin Mackin point in the second-half increased the Shane’s advantage to five but Silverbridge got the next two points to keep themselves right in the game. The away side then recorded their third goal of the contest when some great work from the impressive Aoibheann Jones set up Sinead McDonnell to fire low to the net and put the Shane’s six to the good. The sides swapped two points apiece in the closing stages of the game, Blaithin Mackin on target twice, and the Shane’s ran out winners by six, 3 - 8 to 1 - 8.
Grange are the senior ladies opponents next Saturday evening in Camlough.
U17 Boys
Our U17 boys amalgamation of Patrick Rankins were in Culloville last Monday to play O’Doirnin Blues. It was an entertaining affair with both sides playing some good attacking football but it was the home side who were more accurate in front of goal and they ran out winners in the end. Next up for the U17 boys is a home game against Loughgilly Gaels on Monday night at 7.15pm in Camlough.
U16.5 Girls
Our U16.5 girls were in Dromintee last Monday night for their second league outing of the year and they were hoping to build on their previous weeks win. Unfortunately they came up against a very good Dromintee team who played the better football on the night to claim the win. The girls return to action on Monday night away to Killeavy.
U15 Boys
The U15 boys amalgamation of Patrick Rankins played Dromintee on Thursday night in Correnshigo. This was their first competitive outing of the year and after a rusty start they went on to dominate the game before eventually running out deserved winners. The lads were back in action on Saturday afternoon away to Culloville and they put in another decent performance to run winners and make it two wins from two games.
U14.5 Girls
Our U14.5 girls entertained their Killeavy counterparts on Thursday night and despite putting in a brave performance they came up against a Killeavy side who were much stronger on the night, and they ran out deserved winners.
U13 Boys
Our U13 boys made the short journey to Carrickcruppen last Tuesday evening for their opening league fixture of the year. Both teams were evenly matched throughout and they went into the half-time interval all square, Shane’s 4 - 5 Carrickcruppen 3 - 8. The second-half continued be closely fought with the sides going almost score for score but it was Carrickcruppen who edged ahead in the final minutes to eventually win by seven, 4 - 19 to 6 - 6. The lads have no game this week before they return to league action on Tuesday 11th August at home to Killeavy.
U11’s
Our U11’s had their first game of the season on Sunday morning away to Forkhill. In what was a high scoring contest the young Shane’s put in a great performance and ran out strong winners.
U9’s
Our young U9’s are at home next Saturday, 8th August against SIlverbridge at 10.00am.
U7’s
Our U7’s are also in action next Saturday morning at 10.00am, away to Shamrock Gaels.
Underage Training Schedule
U5’s: Tuesday 6.00pm - 7.00pm
U7’s: Wednesday 6.30pm - 7.30pm
U9’s: Wednesday 6.30pm - 7.30pm
U11’s: Wednesday 6.30pm - 7.30pm
U12 Girls: Monday 7.30pm - 8.30pm and Friday 7.00pm - 8.00pm
U13 Boys: Friday 7.00pm - 8.00pm
U14 Girls: Monday 7.30pm - 8.30pm and Friday 7.00pm - 8.00pm
U15 Boys: Monday 6.30pm - 7.30pm, Thursday 6.30pm - 7.30pm and Saturday 10.30am - 12.00pm
U16 Girls: Monday 7.30pm - 8.30pm and Friday 7.00pm - 8.00pm
U17 Boys: Monday 6.30pm - 7.30pm, Thursday 6.30pm - 7.30pm and Saturday 10.30am - 12.00pm
All current players at all age groups are asked to take note of their training times and all new boys and girls at any of the above age groups are welcome to come along.
Club Lotto
Our club lotto starts back tomorrow night, Monday 3rd August. The jackpot stands at £5700 and and tickets are available from Camlough Post Office or from any committee member.
New Club Jersey
Our new club jersey is available to order online in men’s, ladies and kids sizes from www.oneills.com
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Senior Men
Clan na Gael were the opposition for our senior men’s second league game of the season but the game didn’t reach it’s natural conclusion as the ref abandoned proceedings with about fifteen - twenty minutes left and with Clans winning by two, 0 - 7 to 0 - 5.
Playing against the breeze in the opening half the Shane’s made the brighter start and led 0 - 2 to no score after twelve minutes. However, they never scored from the remainder of the half as the Clans fired over six points in a row, five from frees, to lead by four at the break, 0 - 6 to 0 - 2.
Greg McCabe reduced the deficit to three early in the second-half with fine longe range effort but this was quickly cancelled out by Clans seventh point of the game. David McCabe then fired over for the Shane’s before Paul O’Rourke tapped over a close range free to leave just two between them. However, that proved to be the final action of the game as the referee called a halt soon after.
Senior Ladies
As a precautionary measure the Forkhill club suspended all activities over the weekend and as a result Saturday night’s senior ladies against Dromahill has been postponed.
U17 Boys
Our U17 boys amalgamation of Patrick Rankins played Newry Shamrocks last Monday in a challenge game and proved to be a very useful workout for the lads. All of them got so very important game time ahead of their return to competitive action on Monday night away to O’Doirnin Blues.
U16.5 Girls
Our U16.5 girls had their first League last Monday night at home to Carrickcruppen. The game itself was an evenly matched affair with both teams playing some good football and it was nip and tuck throughout the game but it was the Shane’s girls who eventually ran out winners by a few scores. Best wishes to the Carrickcruppen goalkeeper who suffered an injury close to the end of the game. The girls return to action on Monday night away to Dromintee.
U15 Boys
Our U15 boys amalgamation have two games coming up over the course of the next week. They play Dromintee in Correnshigo on Thursday evening before travelling to play Culloville next Saturday afternoon.
U14.5 Girls
Our U14.5 girls travelled to Dromintee on Thursday night for their first league outing of the year but decent playing some decent football they were beaten by the better team on the night.
U13 Boys
Following a number of challenge games our U13 boys are in competitive action on Tuesday night away to Carrickcruppen.
U12.5 Girls
Sunday morning saw our U12.5 girls play Carrickcruppen in the Shane’s. The young Shane’s played some tremendous football and ran out deserved winners.
Underage Training Schedule
U5’s: Tuesday 6.00pm - 7.00pm
U7’s: Sunday 10.30am - 11.30am
U9’s: Sunday 10.30am - 11.30am
U11’s: Sunday 10.30am - 11.30am
U12 Girls: Monday 7.30pm - 8.30pm and Friday 7.00pm - 8.00pm
U13 Boys: Wednesday 7.00pm - 8.00pm and Sunday 4.30pm - 5.30pm
U14 Girls: Monday 7.30pm - 8.30pm and Friday 7.00pm - 8.00pm
U15 Boys: Monday 6.30pm - 7.30pm, Thursday 6.30pm - 7.30pm and Saturday 10.30am - 12.00pm
U16 Girls: Monday 7.30pm - 8.30pm and Friday 7.00pm - 8.00pm
U17 Boys: Monday 6.30pm - 7.30pm, Thursday 6.30pm - 7.30pm and Saturday 10.30am - 12.00pm
All current players at all age groups are asked to take note of their training times and all new boys and girls at any of the above age groups are welcome to come along.
Craobh Rua Play at the Shane’s
Last Tuesday night saw local hurling club Craobh Rua use the Shane’s for their first league game of the season against Cuchulainns from Armagh. By all accounts it was a great match which the “home” side claim the win by two points, 0 - 20 to 1 - 15. The club were delighted to be able to help Craobh Rua out and we wish them well for the rest of the season.
Club Lotto
Our club lotto will be back up and running on Monday 3rd August. The jackpot currently stands at £5700 and and tickets are available from Camlough Post Office or from any committee member.
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Killeavy GAA have announced that one of their senior players has tested positive for Covid-19
A spokesperson made the announcement on the club's Facebook page. They said "I have been in contact with our Covid positive player and he has informed me that Public Health have already carried out tests on his close contacts. The results of these tests should be known tomorrow and unless we have any more positives affecting members then activities should return to normal immediately with the exception of the single team affected (Men's Senior 2nds)."
A fixture tomorrow evening with the senior (1sts) team against Granemore remains on at present.
Another County Down team Longstone GAA also announced a player testing positive today.
GAA games re-commenced locally last weekend though without an audience. From tomorrow spectators will once again be able to attend outdoor competitive games with numbers determined by the venue in line with public health advice;
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Newry and Armagh MLA Justin McNulty MLA has welcomed the return of Gaelic Games at the weekend and has used the opportunity to call on the Executive to review its ban on spectators attending outdoor gatherings. Write a comment
Senior Men
Senior football returned to Camlough on Sunday afternoon when our senior men entertained Tir na nOg in their first league game of the season and they got off to the best possible start, winning by three points, 1 - 12 to 1 - 9.
The away side opened the scoring in the first minute, with David McCabe equalising for the Shane’s soon after. The sides then swapped points with Mark McCabe getting the Shane’s score before Tir na nOg edged in front from a placed ball. However, from the resulting kick out the Shane’s powered forward and a great flowing move saw Greg McCabe coolly finish to the net to give his side a two point advantage. Connaire Mackin increased his side’s lead to three with a fine long range effort but Tir na nOg hit the final three scores of the half to leave the teams all square at the break, 1 - 3 to 0 - 6.
Connaire Mackin pointed early in the second-half to give the Shane’s the lead with Tir na nOg levelling a few minutes later with a pointed free. Another point for the away side put them one to the good before the Shane’s hit a purple patch, scoring seven points without reply in brilliant fifteen minute spell. Connaire Mackin got the ball rolling with a pointed ‘45 and he followed this up with great long range score, and the Shane’s kept the scoreboard ticking over with points from Mark McCabe (0-2), Paul O’Rourke (0-2) and Ciaran Mackin (0-1). Tir na nOg then got their third point of the half to stop the Shane’s scoring spree but this was quickly cancelled out by a point from the boot of Matthew Girvan. The game was now in injury time and the Shane’s led by six but a late penalty saw Tir na nOg get back to within three but the final whistle sounded soon after and the Shane’s ran out deserved winners, 1 - 12 to 1 - 9.
Next up is a tough assignment away to Clan na Gael.
The club would once again like to thank Camocha/Fiships for their generous club sponsorship and the Hughes brothers, Ciaran and Micheál, were on hand on Sunday to present the senior men with a new set of jerseys.
The club would also like to thank Noel McTaggart for his sponsorship of the match ball for Sunday’s game.
Senior Ladies
Despite putting in a decent performance our senior ladies fell to an eight point defeat against last years beaten county finalists Armagh Harps on Saturday evening, 3 - 9 to 2 - 4. Blaithin Mackin opened the scoring for the Shane’s before the Harps hit three points to lead by two but Ciara Jones put the Shane’s in front again with a well taken goal. Two further points edged the home side in front again before Blaithin Mackin converted from the penalty spot after Niamh Carragher was brought down. The Shane’s looked to be heading into the half-time break a point to the good but two quick fire goals turned the game in the Harps favour and it was the Armagh side who led at the interval, 2 - 5 to 2 - 1.
The home team stretched their advantage to five early in the second-half but two points in row from Blaithin Mackin got the Shane’s back to within three. However, this was as good as it got for the Shane’s as the Harps hit a further 1 - 3 compared to a single point for the Camlough girls courtesy of Blaithin Mackin.
The Shane’s were right in this game until the final ten minutes when Harps eventually pulled away but they can take great heart from their performance ahead of next weeks game at home to Dromahill.
U17 Boys
Our U17 boys play Newry Shamrocks in a challenge game on Monday night.
U16.5 Girls
Our U16.5 girls have their first league game of the year at home to Carrickcruppen on Monday night at 7.00pm.
U14.5 Girls
Our U14.5 girls begin their league campaign away to Dromintee on Thursday night.
U13 Boys
Our U13 boys were in friendly action on Saturday afternoon against Loughgilly Gaels. The club would like to wish a speedy recovery to Evin McKenna following an injury he picked up in the game. Thanks to Loughgilly for hosting the game.
U12.5 Girls
Dromintee were the visitors to Camlough on Saturday morning to take on our U12.5 girls and after a vey entertaining game of football it was the Shane’s who ran out winners by a few scores.
Underage Training Schedule
U5’s: Tuesday 6.00pm - 7.00pm
U7’s: Sunday 10.30am - 11.30am
U9’s: Sunday 10.30am - 11.30am
U11’s: Sunday 10.30am - 11.30am
U12 Girls: Monday 7.30pm - 8.30pm and Friday 7.00pm - 8.00pm
U13 Boys: Wednesday 7.00pm - 8.00pm and Sunday 4.30pm - 5.30pm
U14 Girls: Monday 7.30pm - 8.30pm and Friday 7.00pm - 8.00pm
U15 Boys: Monday 6.30pm - 7.30pm, Thursday 6.30pm - 7.30pm and Saturday 10.30am - 12.00pm
U16 Girls: Monday 7.30pm - 8.30pm and Friday 7.00pm - 8.00pm
U17 Boys: Monday 6.30pm - 7.30pm, Thursday 6.30pm - 7.30pm and Saturday 10.30am - 12.00pm
All current players at all age groups are asked to take note of their training times and all new boys and girls at any of the above age groups are welcome to come along.
Club Lotto
We hope to have the club lotto back up and running over the next couple weeks. The jackpot currently stands at £5700.
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Consistency will be key if Armagh are to make the transition from alsorans to genuine contenders this season, says Aidan Nugent.
The versatile attacking wing half-back contributed 1-4 in three games as Armagh took pole position in Division Two despite dropping points against Laois and Westmeath earlier this year.
That result against Westmeath typified Armagh’s mercurial form over recent seasons as the Orchardmen raced into what looked like a match-winning lead only to collapse in the second half and emerge with a draw.
“Inconsistency is something we’re striving to improve on,” says Nugent.
“We know how good we can be and then we know how easily we can switch off and let teams get back into it. This year it showed in the Westmeath game. We blew them away in the first 15-20 minutes but then we let them back into it.
“It’s just about getting that consistency and keeping up concentration levels because if we perform for the full 70 minutes, I don’t think we’ll be far away from anyone.”
Despite that draw in Mullingar and a loss in Portlaoise, Armagh recovered to take pole position in Division Two and a dominant performance against Fermanagh in round five (Nugent weighed in with 1-2) left them well placed for promotion with two games to go.
Happily for them, those games (versus Roscommon and Clare) will be played, meaning Kieran McGeeney’s side have the chance to clinch a place in the top flight and Nugent sees that as key to future Championship success.
“If you’re serious about winning anything at county level you want to be up in Division One because you’re testing yourself week-in, week-out against the best in the country,” said Nugent, a teacher at Colaiste Chu Chulainn in Dundalk.
“If you’re winning games and putting it up to those teams you know you’re well fit to compete with them (in the Championship). Being in Division One is the only place to be if you want to challenge for Ulsters and All-Irelands.”
And Armagh – who begin their Championship campaign against Derry - intend to challenge for the Ulster title this year.
“At the start of this year we set out and we want to win Ulster,” explained Nugent, who made his full debut against Down in the Ulster Championship last year.
“We’ll take each game as it comes. It’s knock-out football which makes it even more interesting and hopefully we’ll get there.”
Meanwhile, the ball gets thrown back into Armagh’s football mix on Friday night as competitive games make a welcome return after four months and Nugent predicts it will be “championship pace” from the start.
Nugent will be integral to Cullyhanna’s prospects this year and the St Patrick’s side make the trip to Madden on Friday night where he will come up against his Orchard County team-mate Niall Grimley.
“We’re three or four weeks out from the championship so we’ll be taking this game on Friday night as close to championship pace as we can,” said Nugent.
“There’ll be no taking it easy for the first few weeks, I know injuries and all that is going to be part of it but you can’t be holding back.”
Cullyhanna were county finalists in 2013 and 2016 and with management team Steven Reel and Sean Nugent working alongside coach Ciaran McKeever, they hope to go a step further this year.
“Some of our personnel have changed,” Nugent explains. “We have a lot of boys away but we’re playing to a structure so it doesn’t matter who we have on the pitch, we could have 15 new players and it wouldn’t matter as long as they know the system we play. We have as good a chance as anyone in the county.
“Everything we do is relevant, you’re never doing stuff in training thinking: ‘What are we doing this drill for?’ Everything we are doing is geared towards games so we’re not lacking anything preparation-wise, everything has been put in place for us so it’s up to us on the pitch to turn it on when it comes to the games.”
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The hammer-and-tongs quality of the Down club scene should leave the Mourne county team well prepared for back-to-back battles in the League and Championship, says experienced full-back Benny McArdle.
Down resume Division Three action determined to drive on to promotion by winning their remaining fixtures against bottom two Leitrim and Louth before turning their focus to what McArdle describes as a “smash and grab” Ulster Championship campaign which begins against Fermanagh.
McArdle believes that success in the first could provide a springboard to more in the sprint for the Anglo-Celt Cup and that Down’s competitive club environment is ideal preparation for both.
“To get an opportunity to finish out the League campaign with those last two games is great,” said the experienced defender.
“There is a sprinkling of youth coming through in Down and the younger guys are setting new standards so if we can get up to Division Two with those new guys who are coming in it would be a great help for them.
“If we can get promotion then an Ulster Championship becomes a possibility. It’ll be ‘smash and grab’ where you’re going in and none of the teams really have any form and I think Down football is in a strong-enough place to get us ready for that.
“I think it’s one of the better club championships and I think you’ll find that the Down players will be in a good place come October. The club scene is very strong. The upper-end with Kilcoo, Mayobridge, Burren, Bryansford… they are all strong teams that could compete with anybody.”
Kilcoo – the Ulster club champions and last year’s All-Ireland finalists - have proved that point and McArdle is confident that Down can be a match for any of their Ulster rivals on their day.
Last season they battled back to come close to beating Armagh before the Orchard county won a thriller in extra-time and also ran Mayo close in Newry in the Qualifiers.
“That’s one thing about Down,” he said: “If we can get things to click it can happen very quickly.
“It happened under Eamonn Burns three years ago. Things just seemed to click and we got to an Ulster final. That’s what everyone is playing for, we hope we can do that again.”
Now 33, McArdle – whose wife recently gave birth to their first child Daniel – admits he is on a “rolling contract” and is in “bonus territory” but he is enjoying his football as much as ever and before returning to county action he will concentrate on club football with Annaclone.
“Whenever we got back to the club that first week it was so refreshing to get back at it,” he said.
“What the GAA has done in prioritising the club is the right move and it’s good to be back, we have a new manager in (former player John Haughey) so we’re hopeful of giving the intermediate championship a run. We’ll see how we’re going over these first three league games and then go into it.
“It’s all going to come onto us very quickly and I think it has given a team like us more of a chance. There’s no form, no team will have form going into it so we are optimistic, we’ll see how it goes.
“We literally have no idea we’re at. Some boys came back fitter after the lockdown and then you have the opposite end of the spectrum as well.
“We’ve been playing training games and they’re feisty enough but we’ll not know where we’re at exactly until we’ve played a couple of games. You could find that you’re flying or you could realise that you’re miles off it.”
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