I was away last weekend, so I did not write any reports. The scores were:
Senior Football:
Mayo 3-9 Kerry 2-7
Galway 0-12 Shannon Blues 0-12
Armagh-ND 2-12 McAnespies 3-15
Christopher's 2-8 Cork 1-7
Wolfe Tones 0-10 Donegal 1-7 (Third draw of the season for the Tones).
Senior Hurling
Fr. Tom Burke's 2-16 Tipperary 2-10
Ladies Senior Football
Boston Shamrocks 2-7 Tir na nOg 5-15
Thursday, June 30, 2011
Thursday, June 23, 2011
Schedule June 25-26
This coming weekend is filled with action on Saturday and Sunday. Mayo and Kerry meet Saturday at 4:15 in a game that neither side will want to lose. Mayo have put in some strong performances so far as have Kerry, and at this stage winning championship points is critical. At 5:30 Galway face a tough task in an effort to secure their first win of the year against the Shannon Blues. The teams had last weekend off, but the Blues have looked the stronger of the two teams so far this year.
On Sunday the Ladies footballers get their second outing of the season when the Boston Shamrocks take on Tir na nOg. The Shamrocks will be looking for a better display following Tir na nOg lopsided victory the last time the sides met. Aidan McAnespies will be favoured to keep their winning streak alive when they face Armagh-Notre Dame at 1:15. McAnespies have won their three games so far and Armagh-ND took their first win of the season last weekend against Cork. Christopher’s will be hoping to get back to winning ways against rivals Cork at 2:30, Cork have been struggling so far this year. Christopher’s on the other had look strong and need a win to push for the playoffs. Wolfe Tones and Donegal top the bill at 5:00 in what promises to be a grand finale to the day. Donegal played some good football in their victory over Kerry last week, and Tones have tied their last two games and need a win to solidify their playoff credentials. The senior hurling match of the day features Tipperary and Fr. Tom’s as the teams vie for the senior hurling championship. Tipp looked very strong in last week’s encounter against Galway, and Tom’s will have their work cut out to add to their points tally in what looks to be a strong senior hurling championship.
Schedule
Saturday June 25
4:15 Senior Football: Kerry v Mayo
5:00 Galway v Shannon Blues
Sunday June 26
12:00 Ladies Senior Football: Tir na nOg v Boston Shamrocks
1:15 Senior Football: Armagh-Notre Dame v Aidan McAnespies
2:30 Senior Football: Christopher’s v Cork
3:45 Senior Hurling: Tipperary v Fr. Tom Burke’s
5:00 Senior Football: Wolfe Tones v Donegal
Field B
12:30 Junior B Football: Donegal v Galway
1:45 Junior A Football: Shannon Blues v Connemara Gaels
You can catch TC Cummings preview the games on the radio at WUNR 1600AM Thursday nights from 8-10, or at 1:00 on Saturdays on WROL.
On Sunday the Ladies footballers get their second outing of the season when the Boston Shamrocks take on Tir na nOg. The Shamrocks will be looking for a better display following Tir na nOg lopsided victory the last time the sides met. Aidan McAnespies will be favoured to keep their winning streak alive when they face Armagh-Notre Dame at 1:15. McAnespies have won their three games so far and Armagh-ND took their first win of the season last weekend against Cork. Christopher’s will be hoping to get back to winning ways against rivals Cork at 2:30, Cork have been struggling so far this year. Christopher’s on the other had look strong and need a win to push for the playoffs. Wolfe Tones and Donegal top the bill at 5:00 in what promises to be a grand finale to the day. Donegal played some good football in their victory over Kerry last week, and Tones have tied their last two games and need a win to solidify their playoff credentials. The senior hurling match of the day features Tipperary and Fr. Tom’s as the teams vie for the senior hurling championship. Tipp looked very strong in last week’s encounter against Galway, and Tom’s will have their work cut out to add to their points tally in what looks to be a strong senior hurling championship.
Schedule
Saturday June 25
4:15 Senior Football: Kerry v Mayo
5:00 Galway v Shannon Blues
Sunday June 26
12:00 Ladies Senior Football: Tir na nOg v Boston Shamrocks
1:15 Senior Football: Armagh-Notre Dame v Aidan McAnespies
2:30 Senior Football: Christopher’s v Cork
3:45 Senior Hurling: Tipperary v Fr. Tom Burke’s
5:00 Senior Football: Wolfe Tones v Donegal
Field B
12:30 Junior B Football: Donegal v Galway
1:45 Junior A Football: Shannon Blues v Connemara Gaels
You can catch TC Cummings preview the games on the radio at WUNR 1600AM Thursday nights from 8-10, or at 1:00 on Saturdays on WROL.
#241 Boston hurling champs get good start
Listen to a run down of last weekend's action on Denis O'Brien's weekly podcast.
#241 Boston hurling champs get good start
#241 Boston hurling champs get good start
Tuesday, June 21, 2011
Weekend Scores
Senior Football
Wolfe Tones 2-15 Mayo 2-15
Aidan McAnespies 4-15 Connemara Gaels 1-10
Kerry 1-10 Donegal 1-13
Cork 1-7 Armagh-Notre Dame 2-7
Senior Hurling
Tipperary 2-19 Galway 2-12
Junior B Football
Aidan McAnespies bt Kerry
Junior A Football
Wolfe Tones 2-17 New England Celtics 1-5
Aidan McAnespies bt Connemara Gaels
Junior C Hurling
Worcester 2-4 Portland 1-9
Wolfe Tones 2-15 Mayo 2-15
Aidan McAnespies 4-15 Connemara Gaels 1-10
Kerry 1-10 Donegal 1-13
Cork 1-7 Armagh-Notre Dame 2-7
Senior Hurling
Tipperary 2-19 Galway 2-12
Junior B Football
Aidan McAnespies bt Kerry
Junior A Football
Wolfe Tones 2-17 New England Celtics 1-5
Aidan McAnespies bt Connemara Gaels
Junior C Hurling
Worcester 2-4 Portland 1-9
June 19 - Senior Hurling: Galway v Tipperary
Galway 2-12 Tipperary 2-19
Galway and Tipperary, who played the last game of the season in the championship final last year, met in the opening game of the senior hurling championship. Tipp came away with the win again, but not without Galway making a push late in the first half and for most of the second. Tipp pulled away towards the end of the game with six unanswered points in quick succession to win the game.
Tipperary lorded it for most of the first half with a powerful display of hurling. The half forward line of Bernard Gaffney, Paddy Fanning, and Paul McGrath proved hard for Galway to contain as scores seemed to come easy for them. John Roche and John Kindregan also held the fort at corner back and for much of the opening period Galway struggled to make in impression on their opponents. At one point, Tipp led by nine points and looked to be cruising. Gaffney and Eoin Guinan traded points to get things going after the throw in, and then Tipp fired over a plethora of points. Brian Hartnett at corner forward, Craig Leahy from center back, and Paul McGrath got their names on the scorecard. A goal came from a high ball that Kris Finnegan in the Galway goal lost in the sun and the sliotar dropped unmolested into the net. Things were not going Galway’s way however that was about to change. A goal from Padraig O’Keefe lifted Galway spirits, and it was followed up with a point from Noel McCree. Tipp struck again with a goal, this time from Paddy Fanning to restore the lead to eight but Galway spirits did not dampen. Galway finished the half strong. After Eoing Guinan pointed from a 21 yard free, the corner forward netted after being found with a pass from brother Paul who was playing at wing forward. Gary Burke then reduced the deficit to three points after being found by John Moylan. Tipp finished with points from Fanning and Hartnett to make it a five point difference between the sides at the break.
Galway came out of the gates the stronger of the two sides in the second half and got within a point before 10 minutes had passed. Noel McCree, Stephen Brown, and Eoin Guinan each pointed. McCree in the middle of the field, and Aidan Callnan, and Killian Murphy played well in the Galway back line. Guinan and John Moylan put back to back points together and reduced the lead to the narrowest margin possible. Tipp did enough to keep their noses in front. Darragh O’Connell took over the free taking duties and clipped two over the bar. Galway came back with two from McCree and Paul Guinan, and with less than 10 minutes to go there was just the point in it. Tipp however stifled Galway’s hopes with a quick-fire finish. Six unanswered points in the final five minutes put the matter to rest in a finish that felt a little anticlimactic. O’Connell fired over four, while substitute Eoin Hayes accounted for the other two. Tipp off the mark first with two championship points.
Galway: K. Finnegan, K. Murphy, M. Malone, G. McNamara, A. Brennan, A. Callnan, N. McCree (0-2), P. O’Keefe (1-0), G. Burke (0-1), S. Brown (0-1), P. Guinan (0-1), J. Moylan (0-2), E. Guinan (1-5). Tipp: S. Delaney, J. Kindregan, J. Roche, B. Howley, C. Leahy (0-1), A. McRedmond, S. Lambert, D. O’Connell (0-6), B. Gaffney (0-3), P. Fanning (1-2), P. McGrath (0-1), B. Hartnett (0-3), O. Kealy. Sub: E. Hayes (0-3).
By Rory O'Donnell
Galway and Tipperary, who played the last game of the season in the championship final last year, met in the opening game of the senior hurling championship. Tipp came away with the win again, but not without Galway making a push late in the first half and for most of the second. Tipp pulled away towards the end of the game with six unanswered points in quick succession to win the game.
Paul McGrath in posession for Tipp. |
Tipp's Paddy Fanning and Galway's Andrew Brennan contest. |
Galway: K. Finnegan, K. Murphy, M. Malone, G. McNamara, A. Brennan, A. Callnan, N. McCree (0-2), P. O’Keefe (1-0), G. Burke (0-1), S. Brown (0-1), P. Guinan (0-1), J. Moylan (0-2), E. Guinan (1-5). Tipp: S. Delaney, J. Kindregan, J. Roche, B. Howley, C. Leahy (0-1), A. McRedmond, S. Lambert, D. O’Connell (0-6), B. Gaffney (0-3), P. Fanning (1-2), P. McGrath (0-1), B. Hartnett (0-3), O. Kealy. Sub: E. Hayes (0-3).
By Rory O'Donnell
June 19 - Senior Football: Cork v Armagh-Notre Dame
Cork 1-7 Armagh-Notre Dame 2-7
The final game of the day featured Cork and Armagh-Notre Dame. After a lackluster first half, Armagh-Notre Dame put some good passing football together in the second period while Cork struggled to string anything together. The Brighton side won control of the game with two second-half goals, one from a penalty, and got some great performances from Owen Costello, Kevin Campion, Paudie Finnegan and Kieran Lynch who entered as a substitute.
The first half was evenly contested. Cork tried to get the ball into tall corner forward Stephen Coughlin at every opportunity. The strategy worked in the early going with David Mannix putting one over the bar. Armagh-Notre Dame tried to work the ball into Seamie O’Hare in the corner, but short passing did not always meet with success. After Gavin Hall got the northerners on the board, Paudie Finnegan followed with another. Mike Moynihan and Patrick Leddy put Cork one to the good and the rebels began to gain control over affairs. Cork imposed themselves on the game and continued to employ the long ball into the full forward line. A goal resulted from a high ball dropping onto the corner of the square. Stephen Coughlin got a first to it and Cathal Brady was made the save, but Trevor Kelly was first to the rebound off the post to fist into the back of the net. Coughlan pointed to end the half and Cork led by five points at the half.
Armagh-Notre Dame were right back in the game within 10 minutes of the restart. Kieran Lynch entered the fray and made a huge difference to the fortunes of Armagh-ND. Paudie Finnegan pointed shortly after the restart and was involved in almost every good thing for his side in front of the Cork goal. The northerners passing game came together and on several occasions the Brighton based team cut through Cork’s defences. Frank Meehan was brought down in the penalty area on one such occasion and Seamie O’Hare hit the shot hard and low and the leather hit the net. After Finnegan added another point a second goal came for Armagh-Notre Dame courtesy of wing back, Kevin Campion. With the game tied Campion began a run down the right wing and after two interchanges found himself in front of goal and buried the ball from close range. Finnegan again pointed to follow the goal and control of the game was in the hands of the Orchard County men. Cork continued to battle and had a few good chances in the run-in. Trevor Kelly and Moynihan pointed, but whether it was for goal or point, most chances were missed. The northerners continued to play the passing game to good effect. Frank Meehan and John Comiskey rounded out the scoring and Armagh-Notre Dame win their first points of the championship.
Cork: J. O’Toole, E. Barry, J. Leonard, C. Caffrey, M. O’Leary, S. Caulfield, P. Leddy (0-1), E. Walsh, T. Kelly (1-1), M. Moynihan (0-4), J. Crowley, D. Mannix (0-1), S. Coughlin. Armagh-ND: C. Brady, G. Kearns, F. Meehan (0-1), M. McAuley, A. Murnin, J. Lavery, G. Hall (0-1), J. Comiskey (0-1), M. Tiffany, S. O’Hare (1-0), P. Finnegan (0-4).
By Rory O'Donnell
The final game of the day featured Cork and Armagh-Notre Dame. After a lackluster first half, Armagh-Notre Dame put some good passing football together in the second period while Cork struggled to string anything together. The Brighton side won control of the game with two second-half goals, one from a penalty, and got some great performances from Owen Costello, Kevin Campion, Paudie Finnegan and Kieran Lynch who entered as a substitute.
Armagh-Notre Dame got it together in the second half to defeat Cork. |
Armagh-Notre Dame were right back in the game within 10 minutes of the restart. Kieran Lynch entered the fray and made a huge difference to the fortunes of Armagh-ND. Paudie Finnegan pointed shortly after the restart and was involved in almost every good thing for his side in front of the Cork goal. The northerners passing game came together and on several occasions the Brighton based team cut through Cork’s defences. Frank Meehan was brought down in the penalty area on one such occasion and Seamie O’Hare hit the shot hard and low and the leather hit the net. After Finnegan added another point a second goal came for Armagh-Notre Dame courtesy of wing back, Kevin Campion. With the game tied Campion began a run down the right wing and after two interchanges found himself in front of goal and buried the ball from close range. Finnegan again pointed to follow the goal and control of the game was in the hands of the Orchard County men. Cork continued to battle and had a few good chances in the run-in. Trevor Kelly and Moynihan pointed, but whether it was for goal or point, most chances were missed. The northerners continued to play the passing game to good effect. Frank Meehan and John Comiskey rounded out the scoring and Armagh-Notre Dame win their first points of the championship.
Cork: J. O’Toole, E. Barry, J. Leonard, C. Caffrey, M. O’Leary, S. Caulfield, P. Leddy (0-1), E. Walsh, T. Kelly (1-1), M. Moynihan (0-4), J. Crowley, D. Mannix (0-1), S. Coughlin. Armagh-ND: C. Brady, G. Kearns, F. Meehan (0-1), M. McAuley, A. Murnin, J. Lavery, G. Hall (0-1), J. Comiskey (0-1), M. Tiffany, S. O’Hare (1-0), P. Finnegan (0-4).
By Rory O'Donnell
Monday, June 20, 2011
June 19 - Senior Football: Donegal v Kerry
Kerry 1-10 Donegal 1-13
Donegal and Kerry played a very entertaining game of football in beautiful sunny conditions at the ICC in Canton. There were plenty of festival goers on hand to witness a great game of football that hung in the balance until the final minutes. The teams were evenly matched, and it was Donegal who pulled away in the final minutes with two points from Padraig McLoughlin to stay on the playoff trail.
Kerry opened the first half scoring with two points from Eanna O’Connor frees, corner forward Stephen O’Brien was fouled on both occasions. O’Brien proved to be the main dangerman for Kerry and caused numerous problems for his marker. Donegal soon worked their way into the game however, and rattled off six scores before Kerry responded. The forward line started motoring on all cylinders. Rob McCarthy, Andrew Bonner, and Jamie Doherty all pointed. Mid-way through the half a goal came for Donegal. Rob McCarthy fought his way to a ball played over the top and slotted home from close range. With things appearing to be going Donegal’s way and the game getting away from Kerry, the Kingdom found their way back into contention. O’Connor pointed twice from frees, and then Stephen O’Brien found the back of the net and Kerry were within two points. Kerry worked their way back to level pegging with a beautiful point from Sean Fogerty followed by another from fellow midfielder, Peter Curry. An entertaining first half concluded with Brian White and Eanna O’Connor trading points to close the period at 1-7 each.
The game went to and fro for the first fifteen minutes of the second half with both teams playing some good, tight football. The scoreboard reflected the balance of play with the sides remaining on level terms. Kerry opened with a well worked point, the ball making it’s way from Ian Whelan, to Kieran Moore, and finished by Eanna O’Connor. Peter Curry followed with another. Donegal answered with scores from Brian White and Rob McCarthy as the game hung in the balance. Kerry almost netted through O’Brien, the corner forward was found with a long ball from Fogerty and turned outside his man, but the shot hit the outside of the post and trundled wide. Donegal then had claims for a penalty after Collie Carr appeared to be brought down in the area, but it was not given as a fair challenge was the verdict by the referee. After O’Connor and McCarthy traded scores, Donegal eventually broke the deadlock. It must be noted that Kerry substituted O’Brien with about 10 minutes to go, and failed to register a score following the change. Pauric McLoughlin put the winning point over the bar, and followed with another great score after some great work in the Donegal back line. Mcloughlin made a 30 yard run and finished with a well taken score. Rob McCarthy iced the win with a pointed free and Donegal are back on track for the playoffs.
Kerry: P. Bailey, M. Griffin, D. O’Sullivan, M. Godley, T. Dennehy, K. Moore, S. Fogerty (0-1), P. Curry (0-2), P. Doyle, E. O’Connor (0-7), M. Folan, I. Whelan, S. O’Brien (1-0). Donegal: L. Mailey, H. Devine, M. Canning, T. Cladwell, E. Doonan, C. Carr, B. White (0-2), M. McGinty, A. Bonner (0-1), E. Sheehy, P. McLoughlin (0-2), R. McCarthy (1-6), J. Doherty (0-2).
By Rory O'Donnell
Donegal and Kerry played a very entertaining game of football in beautiful sunny conditions at the ICC in Canton. There were plenty of festival goers on hand to witness a great game of football that hung in the balance until the final minutes. The teams were evenly matched, and it was Donegal who pulled away in the final minutes with two points from Padraig McLoughlin to stay on the playoff trail.
Donegal's Brian White challenges Peter Curry. |
Kerry's Stephen O'Brien works the ball across goal. |
Kerry: P. Bailey, M. Griffin, D. O’Sullivan, M. Godley, T. Dennehy, K. Moore, S. Fogerty (0-1), P. Curry (0-2), P. Doyle, E. O’Connor (0-7), M. Folan, I. Whelan, S. O’Brien (1-0). Donegal: L. Mailey, H. Devine, M. Canning, T. Cladwell, E. Doonan, C. Carr, B. White (0-2), M. McGinty, A. Bonner (0-1), E. Sheehy, P. McLoughlin (0-2), R. McCarthy (1-6), J. Doherty (0-2).
By Rory O'Donnell
Saturday, June 18, 2011
Games on During Irish Festival
To clarify, Games are ON today and tomorrow during the Irish Festival at the ICC in Canton. The schedule is on http://www.bostongaa.org/.
Tuesday, June 14, 2011
June 12 - Junior C Hurling: Worcester v Barley House Wolves
Worcester 1-15 Barley House Wolves (Concord, NH) 1-14
The second game of the Junior C hurling championship took place on Sunday when Worcester played host to the Barley House Wolves. It was a tough game played in tight quarters, but a sporting one at that. It was neck and neck all the way through, however, Worcester grabbed an early goal and the Wolves were chasing the lead all the way through. Joe Nette was the goalscorer. At the break it was 1-7 to 0-8 in favour of the home side.
With Rory O'Mahoney and Liam Kelly taking the frees for each side and Worcester keeping their noses in front throughout the second half, a late O'Mahoney goal put just the point in it with minutes to go. The final minutes were tense. Two players were given their marching orders for excessive rough play as the tension mounted towards the final whistle, Luke Lagorese for Worcester and Derek Russ for the Wolves. Worcester held on for the one point win and join the Wolves with a win each in the championship.
A reception was held at the Greyhound Bar in Worcester following the game.
The Worcester Hurling team defeated the Barley House Wolves by the narrowest of margins Sunday. |
With Rory O'Mahoney and Liam Kelly taking the frees for each side and Worcester keeping their noses in front throughout the second half, a late O'Mahoney goal put just the point in it with minutes to go. The final minutes were tense. Two players were given their marching orders for excessive rough play as the tension mounted towards the final whistle, Luke Lagorese for Worcester and Derek Russ for the Wolves. Worcester held on for the one point win and join the Wolves with a win each in the championship.
A reception was held at the Greyhound Bar in Worcester following the game.
June 12 - Ladies Senior Football: Boston Shamrocks v Tir na nOg
Boston Shamrocks 4-16 Tir na nOg 1-2
Tir na nOg look set to repeat as Ladies senior football champions. The first match of the season was very much a one sided affair. Tir na nOg were far too strong for the Shamrocks who tried hard for the duration but were no match for their rampant opponents. By the time the game had reached half time Tir na nOg had a double digit lead with no hope for the Shamrocks of coming back.
The Tir na nOg back line had a quiet time of it with Shamrocks attacks few and far between, while the forwards had a wealth of possession with which to do some damage. Jane Dolan, Sinead Bannon and Jenny Murphy had their pick of chances. Dolan and Murphy each found the back of the net, while points came from almost all of the forwards in the opening period. Catriona McConnell at wing forward looked impressive with some blistering runs at the Shamrocks defence. The Shamrocks had success in the second half in getting themselves on the scoreboard. Tricia Hassett and Aisling Kerr each pointed, while a goal came from Catriona McGinley at full forward. Tir na nOg win the first game on the best of five for the Ladies championship, the Shamrocks will be looking to make a better fist of it next time out.
Shamrocks: N. Hayward, S. Mulkerrin, J. McNulty, T. Doherty, A. Kerr, J. O’Connell, C. McEleaney, A. McDonnell, D. Ward, T. Hassett, S. McGovern, S. Loughran, K. Keane, C. McGinley, G. Bailey. Tir na nOg: S. Glynn, T. Moran, N. Keane, H. Murray, N. Kirby, M. Lattrell, N. Daly, N. McEvoy, N. Hyland, C. McConnell, K. Murphy, J. Dolan, P. McGrath, J. Murphy, S. Bannon.
Tir na nOg look set to repeat as Ladies senior football champions. The first match of the season was very much a one sided affair. Tir na nOg were far too strong for the Shamrocks who tried hard for the duration but were no match for their rampant opponents. By the time the game had reached half time Tir na nOg had a double digit lead with no hope for the Shamrocks of coming back.
The Shamrocks put up a better second half show against a much stronger Tir na nOg. |
Shamrocks: N. Hayward, S. Mulkerrin, J. McNulty, T. Doherty, A. Kerr, J. O’Connell, C. McEleaney, A. McDonnell, D. Ward, T. Hassett, S. McGovern, S. Loughran, K. Keane, C. McGinley, G. Bailey. Tir na nOg: S. Glynn, T. Moran, N. Keane, H. Murray, N. Kirby, M. Lattrell, N. Daly, N. McEvoy, N. Hyland, C. McConnell, K. Murphy, J. Dolan, P. McGrath, J. Murphy, S. Bannon.
Monday, June 13, 2011
June 12 - Senior Hurling: Wexford v Fr. Tom Burke's
Fr. Tom Burke’s 2-13 Wexford 2-13
It was time to renew acquaintances as Tom’s and Wexford met one week from their Sheehan Cup final, and the game was no less exciting. Beautiful hurling it was not, but each side worked hard and space was tight with very little room given by either side. This time it was Wexford who held the lead for most of the second half, and Tom’s who came back and almost stole the points at the very end. Wexford rallied before the final whistle to level affairs and each side came away with a point.
Tom’s went in at the break with a two-point lead. David Busteed got Tom’s off to a great start with a goal shortly after the throw-in. Fran Keenan followed with a pointed free and Tom’s led by four in the early going. Wexford got themselves into the game soon after Tom’s opening shots. John Hetherington tallied two points from frees, playing at wing forward, the young Dubliner looked dangerous throughout the game. The sides matched each other for points for the remainder of the half. Fran Keenan tallied four points for Tom’s, while for Wexford it was Tom Moloney, Shane Murphy and Hetherington. One of Hetherington’s scores was a gem. After dispossessing his marker, Hetherington clipped over from 30 yards. At the break it was 1-5 to 0-6 in Tom’s favour.
Two goals in the first 15 minutes of the second half put Wexford ahead but Tom’s maintained their focus to stay in contention. After Hetherington pointed, the wing forward goaled from an angle after Wexford found some space in the Tom’s back line. Tom’s rallied and with points from Paul Heneghan, Keenan, and Tommy O’Brien were back in the lead. Wexford continued to press however. Ger Dunphy and Stephen White sent some good ball into the forward line and eventually Stephen Corcoran capitalized with a goal from a similar angle to the first. Gearoid O’Connor made the opening with a mazy run, and Corcoran made no mistake. Wexford had a chance to put the game away after winning a penalty when Corcoran was brought down by Tom’s keeper, John Grealish. Grealish made amends with a save from his counterpart, Ger Griffey, who came from goals to take the penalty. Griffey, however, somewhat mis-hit the shot and the ball bounced once which took some sting out of it. Tom’s were now giving the ball away with their hurried clearances out of defence. Stephen White latched on to one and put it over the bar for Wexford to lead by three. After Keenan and Hetherington traded scores, Tom’s drew level with a great goal from Eugene Cummins who had entered as a substitute. A high ball into the square from Trevor Kelly was cleanly fielded by Cummins who turned excellently and buried the ball to the far corner of the net.
With the game now all square a poorly taken short puckout was sent straight back over the bar and Tom’s were up by one and time almost up. A Hetherington free leveled matters again. It was not pretty at this stage, but great excitement as both sides scrapped for possession. An untimely foul or little piece of space to shoot could be the difference. Tom’s looked like they might win the day. Fran Keenan popped a close range free over and was followed with a Howley point from play. However, like last week Wexford had the final say. With Wexford on the attack and the Tom’s back line swarming, Corcoran settled for a point when a goal was a possibility. The last puck of the game was taken by Hetherington who stroked the ball over from a free 65 yards out to square up the scores. A fair result in the end to get each club off the mark in the championship.
Tom’s: J. Grealish, S. O’Brien, D. Nealon, D. Moore, B. Harding, P. Heneghan (0-1), T. Kelly, J. Dooley, F. Keenan (0-9), S. Higgins, S. Howley (0-2), T. O’Brien (0-1), D. Busteed (1-0). Sub: E. Cummins (1-0). Wexford: G. Griffey, D. Redmond, G. Dunphy, B. Dalton, D. Magill, S. White (0-1), J. Kehoe, T. Moloney (0-1), G. O’Connor, JJ Kenny, J. Hetherington (1-9), S. Murphy (0-1), S. Corcoran (1-1).
By Rory O'Donnell
It was time to renew acquaintances as Tom’s and Wexford met one week from their Sheehan Cup final, and the game was no less exciting. Beautiful hurling it was not, but each side worked hard and space was tight with very little room given by either side. This time it was Wexford who held the lead for most of the second half, and Tom’s who came back and almost stole the points at the very end. Wexford rallied before the final whistle to level affairs and each side came away with a point.
Wexford's Gearoid O'Connor on a run. |
John Hetherington finishes expertly. |
With the game now all square a poorly taken short puckout was sent straight back over the bar and Tom’s were up by one and time almost up. A Hetherington free leveled matters again. It was not pretty at this stage, but great excitement as both sides scrapped for possession. An untimely foul or little piece of space to shoot could be the difference. Tom’s looked like they might win the day. Fran Keenan popped a close range free over and was followed with a Howley point from play. However, like last week Wexford had the final say. With Wexford on the attack and the Tom’s back line swarming, Corcoran settled for a point when a goal was a possibility. The last puck of the game was taken by Hetherington who stroked the ball over from a free 65 yards out to square up the scores. A fair result in the end to get each club off the mark in the championship.
Tom’s: J. Grealish, S. O’Brien, D. Nealon, D. Moore, B. Harding, P. Heneghan (0-1), T. Kelly, J. Dooley, F. Keenan (0-9), S. Higgins, S. Howley (0-2), T. O’Brien (0-1), D. Busteed (1-0). Sub: E. Cummins (1-0). Wexford: G. Griffey, D. Redmond, G. Dunphy, B. Dalton, D. Magill, S. White (0-1), J. Kehoe, T. Moloney (0-1), G. O’Connor, JJ Kenny, J. Hetherington (1-9), S. Murphy (0-1), S. Corcoran (1-1).
By Rory O'Donnell
June 12 - Senior Football: Shannon Blues v Donegal
Shannon Blues 0-13 Donegal 0-7
Shannon Blues had control of this one from start to finish. Donegal went scoreless for most of the first half as the Blues rattled off seven unanswered points. The northerners came within a goal in the second period, but the Blues finished strong to hand the reigning champions their first defeat of the 2011 Great performances from Pa Magee, Denis McElligott and Mike Lyons saw the Blues through to a well deserved second championship victory this season.
Shannon Blues finished the first 30 minutes with a five-point advantage over their opponents. Donegal opened brightly and got the first two points of the game, the first a lovely score from Kevin Curran and the second came from the boot of Andrew Bonnar. From then on the Blues took over. Donegal attacks were snuffed out by a diligent Blues back line and possession turned time and again. The Blues made the most of the chances as a result. Shane Cahill and Denis McElligott led the charge for the Blues, and between them accounted for six of the Blues for half points. Kevin O’Shea put the odd score over, finishing a sweeping downfield move. Donegal’s back line had to work hard, but were under a lot of pressure for most of the half. It was seven points to two for the Blues who were pleased with their work over the first 30 minutes.
By Rory O'Donnell
Shannon Blues had control of this one from start to finish. Donegal went scoreless for most of the first half as the Blues rattled off seven unanswered points. The northerners came within a goal in the second period, but the Blues finished strong to hand the reigning champions their first defeat of the 2011 Great performances from Pa Magee, Denis McElligott and Mike Lyons saw the Blues through to a well deserved second championship victory this season.
Donegal spent much of the afternoon in pursuit of the Blues forwards. |
Shannon Blues finished the first 30 minutes with a five-point advantage over their opponents. Donegal opened brightly and got the first two points of the game, the first a lovely score from Kevin Curran and the second came from the boot of Andrew Bonnar. From then on the Blues took over. Donegal attacks were snuffed out by a diligent Blues back line and possession turned time and again. The Blues made the most of the chances as a result. Shane Cahill and Denis McElligott led the charge for the Blues, and between them accounted for six of the Blues for half points. Kevin O’Shea put the odd score over, finishing a sweeping downfield move. Donegal’s back line had to work hard, but were under a lot of pressure for most of the half. It was seven points to two for the Blues who were pleased with their work over the first 30 minutes.
Brian Collopy on the attack for the Blues. |
Donegal met with little success in trying to turn the tables on the Blues in the second half. The Tir Chonaill men did get within a goal. Brian White, Jamie Doherty, and Robert McCarthy found the mark for Donegal, but the Blues retook the initiative for the final 15 minutes. Pa Magee at wing back was in excellent form and the Blues forced Donegal into making several substitutions early in the second half in search of an answer. Back came the Blues with an excellent final 15 minutes from Mike Lyons at corner forward. Lyons did well getting to the end of balls and pointed twice, his second point a great score. The workrate from the Limerick man was tremendous and provided a valuable outlet for the Blues. After Lyons extended the Blues lead with an excellent point, Denis McElligott landed another after good work from Magee, and Lyons put the Blues six to the good with time running out on Donegal. A goal was required to have a chance at a comeback and Donegal never looked like coming close to threatening the goalkeeper. Eoin Sheehy and McElligott traded points to finish the game. A solid performance from the Blues as they are beginning to look like championship contenders, .
Blues: G. Kissane, S. Kelly, S. Mann, P. Magee, C. Murphy, C. Mullen, P. Murray, D. McElligott (0-5), K. O’Shea (0-1), S. Cahill (0-3), J. McCormack, M. Lyons (0-2), S. Moriarty. Sub: B. Collopy (0-1). Donegal: C. McLoughlin, H. Devine, M. Canning, B. Duffy, E. Doonan, P. McLoughlin, B. White (0-1), M. McGinty, K. Curran (0-2), A. Bonnar (0-1), C. Carr, R. Reilly, J. Doherty (0-1). Subs: R. McCarthy (0-1), E. Sheehy (0-1)
By Rory O'Donnell
Sunday, June 12, 2011
June 12 - Senior Football: Aidan McAnespies v Christopher's
Christopher’s 1-7 Aidan McAnespies 1-9
Aidan McAnespies prevailed over Christopher’s in an exciting senior football contest. Conditions were cold and overcast, with a greasy surface not making things easy. Having gone in at the break trailing by four points, McAnespies put their stamp on the game in the second half and held Christopher’s scoreless for most of the period.
A great first half of football considering the difficult conditions, though McAnespies will have been disappointed with the number of wides kicked from good positions. The sides traded scores to open matters. Mark Little fisted over for McAnespies and Eric Hegarty answered with a point from play. After Shane Beston put Christopher’s ahead, Sean Hughes came up from the half back line to level it again. Hegarty and Beston put two points together to open a lead for Christopher’s and in the early going it looked as if a long day could be in store for the McAnespies back line as Christopher’s forwards looked rampant. As the game wore on however, McAnespies looked to have an advantage picking up possession in the middle of the field and on two occasions were through with chances at goal. Sean Cournane’s shot was deflected over the bar and Paul O’Dongohue’s a few minutes later was deflected for a 45. In spite of enjoying most of the possession McAnespies kicked several wides. Christopher’s hit with a goal on 22 minutes. Colm O’Driscoll found Aidan Walsh coming in and the wing back finished low and into the corner from inside the 14. Some niggle crept into the latter stages of the half as affairs threatened to get out of hand. McAnespies’ Sean Hughes was booked for an off the ball shoulder and the referee was called upon to prevent matters getting out of hand. The half ended with Colm O’Driscoll and Plunkett Kane trading points. Christopher’s led by 1-5 to 0-4 at the break.
Within 15 minutes of the restart McAnespies had the scores level. Contesting well in the middle of the field and in defence, McAnespies gradually ate into the Christopher’s lead. Sean Cournane converted the first two points, Niall Gallen the third and Mark Little leveled affairs. Christopher’s struggled to get any decent ball into the forwards, and eventually left Eric Hegarty alone to try to exploit the space inside the 21 yard line. Martin Bogue, however, was up to the challenge when the ball came in and Christopher’s did not meet with much success in that regard. Having looked so threatening in the first half, the Christopher’s forwards were very quiet in the second. With Christopher’s stuck inside their own half for much of the second period, McAnespies cut through their defences time and again but could not convert the decisive score. Philip Toner almost found the back of the net but his first time fisted effort on the run hit the post. The go ahead score finally came from a Colm McCrory free with minutes left on the clock. McCrory put an insurance score away with a goal from a move almost identical to the one from which Toner almost netted, but McCrory’s first time touch was over the advancing keeper’s head and into the back of the net. Christopher’s first scores of the second half came within the last five minutes. Shane Beston and Paudie Kenneally pointed when a goal was required as Christopher’s failure to score for 25 minutes of the second half cost them. A hard won game for McAnespies who are now 2 for 2. Plenty of football yet to play.
Christopher’s: S. Kelly, N. Ryan, E. O’Neill, S. McNally, A. Greaney, A. Walsh (1-0), D. Kenneally, K. O’Driscoll, C. O’Driscoll (0-1), P. Delaney, S. Beston (0-3), P. Kenneally (0-1), E. Hegarty (0-2). Macs: C. Kendrick, M. Bogue, A. McAnespie, S. Hughes (0-1), N. Kerr, N. Gallen (0-1), P. Kane, R. Bracken, P. Toner, C. McCrory (1-1), S. Cournane (0-3), P. O’Donoghue, M. Little (0-2).
By Rory O'Donnell
Aidan McAnespies prevailed over Christopher’s in an exciting senior football contest. Conditions were cold and overcast, with a greasy surface not making things easy. Having gone in at the break trailing by four points, McAnespies put their stamp on the game in the second half and held Christopher’s scoreless for most of the period.
Aidan McAnespies are the last team with a hundred percent record with their win over Christopher's. |
Within 15 minutes of the restart McAnespies had the scores level. Contesting well in the middle of the field and in defence, McAnespies gradually ate into the Christopher’s lead. Sean Cournane converted the first two points, Niall Gallen the third and Mark Little leveled affairs. Christopher’s struggled to get any decent ball into the forwards, and eventually left Eric Hegarty alone to try to exploit the space inside the 21 yard line. Martin Bogue, however, was up to the challenge when the ball came in and Christopher’s did not meet with much success in that regard. Having looked so threatening in the first half, the Christopher’s forwards were very quiet in the second. With Christopher’s stuck inside their own half for much of the second period, McAnespies cut through their defences time and again but could not convert the decisive score. Philip Toner almost found the back of the net but his first time fisted effort on the run hit the post. The go ahead score finally came from a Colm McCrory free with minutes left on the clock. McCrory put an insurance score away with a goal from a move almost identical to the one from which Toner almost netted, but McCrory’s first time touch was over the advancing keeper’s head and into the back of the net. Christopher’s first scores of the second half came within the last five minutes. Shane Beston and Paudie Kenneally pointed when a goal was required as Christopher’s failure to score for 25 minutes of the second half cost them. A hard won game for McAnespies who are now 2 for 2. Plenty of football yet to play.
Christopher’s: S. Kelly, N. Ryan, E. O’Neill, S. McNally, A. Greaney, A. Walsh (1-0), D. Kenneally, K. O’Driscoll, C. O’Driscoll (0-1), P. Delaney, S. Beston (0-3), P. Kenneally (0-1), E. Hegarty (0-2). Macs: C. Kendrick, M. Bogue, A. McAnespie, S. Hughes (0-1), N. Kerr, N. Gallen (0-1), P. Kane, R. Bracken, P. Toner, C. McCrory (1-1), S. Cournane (0-3), P. O’Donoghue, M. Little (0-2).
By Rory O'Donnell
June 12 - Junior A Football: Shannon Blues v Wolfe Tones
Wolfe Tones 3-9 Shannon Blues 1-2
The Tones and the Blues fielded in difficult conditions which made it hard for both teams to put together much in the way of crisp passing football. After the Blues got off to a great start with an early goal, the Tones imposed themselves on the game and ended up with a comfortable first win in the junior championship.
Simon Sinnott got the Blues off to a great start with a goal from a high ball dropped into the Tones square within minutes of the throw-in. After Marty McGeough had put two points over for the Tones, Brendan Driscoll pointed for the Blues and it looked like we might have a game on our hands. The Tones took control from that point on however. The Tones back line had matters well in hand, Adam Munnelly, Darren Maguire, and Cliff Malone were alert to any dangerous balls played in by the Blues and several moves were built on the back of tight defending. Joey Farrell and Dara Bonfil got themselves on the scoreboard with a point each, and the Tones netted late in the half through Marty McGeough. McGeough was found with a lovely cross-field ball and finished well from a tight angle.
With the Tones ahead by a goal at the break the Blues still had it all to play for, however, their opponents stretched the lead. Shortly after the restart Bonfil and McGeough added a point each to the Tones tally. Ger Molloy was very much in the game for the Tones having dropped into the back line, while midfielders Alo McGeough and Robert O’Brien were instrumental in the Tones effort. The Blues got a good score from Kieran O’Sullivan following a well worked move, and shortly afterwards Pat Murray saved well from the inrushing Gary Leonard to keep the Tones from scoring a second goal. Conor Fitzgerald, Nicky Murray, and Simon Sinnott tried hard to turn the tide in the Blues favour, however, most ball was played forward more in hope than in finding a target inside the Tones 21. The Tones continued to link up well considering conditions. Marty McGeough capitalized on a turnover in the Blues back line with another point and late in the game the Tones goaled twice. The first came from a ball over the top that McGeough latched on to having stolen behind the defence and this time Murray was given no chance. The third goal was a little bizarre. Leonard made another run into the Blues back line and was adjudged to have been fouled while attempting to gain possession. A quick free was put into the empty net by Leonard himself and so it ended. A good win for the Tones juniors to get off the mark.
Tones: J. Joyce, A. Munnelly, C. O’Callaghan, G. Leonard, D. Maguire, C. Malone, A. McGeough, R. O’Brien, D. Bonfil, G. Molloy, M. McGeough, J. Farrell, D. Landers. Blues: P. Murray, M. Green, M. Buckley, M. Coyne, C. Fitzgerald, S. Griffin, N. Murray, M. Keegan, B. McDermott, K. Sullivan, T. Hernon, S. Sinnott, B. Driscoll.
By Rory O'Donnell
The Tones and the Blues fielded in difficult conditions which made it hard for both teams to put together much in the way of crisp passing football. After the Blues got off to a great start with an early goal, the Tones imposed themselves on the game and ended up with a comfortable first win in the junior championship.
The Tones defence was up for anything the Blues threw at them. |
With the Tones ahead by a goal at the break the Blues still had it all to play for, however, their opponents stretched the lead. Shortly after the restart Bonfil and McGeough added a point each to the Tones tally. Ger Molloy was very much in the game for the Tones having dropped into the back line, while midfielders Alo McGeough and Robert O’Brien were instrumental in the Tones effort. The Blues got a good score from Kieran O’Sullivan following a well worked move, and shortly afterwards Pat Murray saved well from the inrushing Gary Leonard to keep the Tones from scoring a second goal. Conor Fitzgerald, Nicky Murray, and Simon Sinnott tried hard to turn the tide in the Blues favour, however, most ball was played forward more in hope than in finding a target inside the Tones 21. The Tones continued to link up well considering conditions. Marty McGeough capitalized on a turnover in the Blues back line with another point and late in the game the Tones goaled twice. The first came from a ball over the top that McGeough latched on to having stolen behind the defence and this time Murray was given no chance. The third goal was a little bizarre. Leonard made another run into the Blues back line and was adjudged to have been fouled while attempting to gain possession. A quick free was put into the empty net by Leonard himself and so it ended. A good win for the Tones juniors to get off the mark.
Tones: J. Joyce, A. Munnelly, C. O’Callaghan, G. Leonard, D. Maguire, C. Malone, A. McGeough, R. O’Brien, D. Bonfil, G. Molloy, M. McGeough, J. Farrell, D. Landers. Blues: P. Murray, M. Green, M. Buckley, M. Coyne, C. Fitzgerald, S. Griffin, N. Murray, M. Keegan, B. McDermott, K. Sullivan, T. Hernon, S. Sinnott, B. Driscoll.
By Rory O'Donnell
June 11 - Senior Football: Kerry v Galway
Kerry 0-13 Galway 0-9
The Kerry Squad: Kerry handed Galway their third loss of the season. |
Stephen O’Brien opened the scoring with a free earned by Ian Galvin who fielded excellently on the edge of the penalty area. The diminutive corner forward was giving his marker a torrid time, full of running both on and off the ball. Galway strung three points together in the early going. Stephen Walsh and Peter Nolan found the mark, O’Brien’s second was the result of a well crafted move. Kerry drew level with a lovely O’Brien point followed by another from his corner forward partner, Galvin. O’Brien then put Kerry ahead with a nice score, though he did get away with two hops before shooting. Eanna O’Connor put a free over from 45 yards out to extend Kerry’s lead to two points. Tom Walsh pointed for Galway following a jinky Peter Nolan run and that was it for scoring for the half. Both sides missed several chances, Galway would have been the guiltier party in that department. Galway 0-4 to Kerry’s 0-5 at the break.
Kerry took over in the second half. Eanna O’Connor came into his own at center forward, while Kerry’s midfield pairing of Sean Fogerty and Padraig Doyle put their stamp on the game. The scrappy nature of the game persisted however, and neither side really got into any kind of flow. After Fogerty added to Kerry’s lead with a point, the midfielder almost added a goal only for Mattie O’Donnell to save from close range. O’Connor settled for a point from the rebound. Declan Walsh played well at corner back for Galway, the Ian Galvin threat was neutralized. Kerry had more than Galvin for Galway to worry about however. After O’Brien pointed again for Kerry, O’Connor scored the final six points for the Kingdom, two from play and four from dead balls. Danny Reddin, Nolan, Eamonn Doherty and Stephen Walsh tallied scores for Galway, but the game was slipping away from them as time wore on. Galway kept the difference within two points until midway through the second half, Kerry outscored Galway five points to two in the final 15 minutes to close the game. Not a pretty win, but one that Kerry will take. Galway still looking for a win to get off the starting blocks in the championship.
Kerry: P. Bailey, M. Griffin, D. O’Sullivan, M. Godley, T. Dennehy, K. Moore, S. Fogerty (0-1), P. Doyle, I. Whelan, E. O’Connor (0-8), M. Foley, I. Galvin (0-1), S. O’Brien (0-4). Galway: M. O’Donnell, D. Walsh, S. Gallagher, P. Cummins, G. Dunphy, J. Kehoe, T. Walsh (0-1), E. Doherty (0-1), D. Reddin (0-1), P. Nolan (0-2), S. Walsh (0-3), G. O’Connor, N. Farragher.
By Rory O'Donnell
Thursday, June 9, 2011
Denis O'Brien's Gaelicsportscast
Every week I catch up with Denis O'Brien on the news from Boston. Click the link to listen to the latest Podcast from Gaelicsportscast.com.
#235 Boston Wexford take Sheehan Cup thriller
#235 Boston Wexford take Sheehan Cup thriller
Schedule and Tables
Saturday June 11
ICC Canton
4:15 Senior Football: Cork v Connemara Gaels
5:30 Senior Football: Kerry v Galway
Field B
4:30 Junior B Football: Shannon Blues v Mayo
Hartford, CT.
5:00 Junior B Football: Hartford v Aidan McAnespies
Sunday June 12
ICC Canton
12:00 Junior A Football: Shannon Blues v Wolfe Tones
1:15 Ladies Senior Football: Boston Shamrocks v Tir na nOg
2:30 Senior Football: Aidan McAnespies v Christopher’s
3:45 Senior Hurling: Fr. Tom Burke’s v Wexford
5:00 Senior Football: Donegal v Shannon Blues
Field B
12:30 Junior B Football: Armagh-Notre Dame v Galway
1:45 Junior B Football: Kerry v Donegal
Lake Park, Worcester Mass.
2:00 Junior C Hurling: Worcester v Barley House Wolves
ICC Canton
4:15 Senior Football: Cork v Connemara Gaels
5:30 Senior Football: Kerry v Galway
Field B
4:30 Junior B Football: Shannon Blues v Mayo
Hartford, CT.
5:00 Junior B Football: Hartford v Aidan McAnespies
Sunday June 12
ICC Canton
12:00 Junior A Football: Shannon Blues v Wolfe Tones
1:15 Ladies Senior Football: Boston Shamrocks v Tir na nOg
2:30 Senior Football: Aidan McAnespies v Christopher’s
3:45 Senior Hurling: Fr. Tom Burke’s v Wexford
5:00 Senior Football: Donegal v Shannon Blues
Field B
12:30 Junior B Football: Armagh-Notre Dame v Galway
1:45 Junior B Football: Kerry v Donegal
Lake Park, Worcester Mass.
2:00 Junior C Hurling: Worcester v Barley House Wolves
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
June 5 - Junior Football: Shannon Blues v Donegal
Donegal 2-19 Shannon Blues 1-3
It was mostly one-way traffic as Donegal proved to be far too strong for the Shannon Blues in the opening junior championship game of the season. Donegal fielded a side containing several names that we may very well see feature in senior competition later in the year. The Blues battled throughout the hour but it was a case of trying to beat back the waves as Donegal overran their defences.
Donegal left the Blues looking a mountain to climb by the time the first 30 minutes were played. Darren Green, Paddy McLoughlin, Alan McGirr, Eamonn McCarney, and Eoin Sheedy got their names on the scoreboard in the opening period. Sheedy accounted for the first half goal, finishing a fine move put together by Donegal. Donegal had things locked down from midfield and any attacks the Blues attempted were quickly closed off. Alan McGirr at midfield and Brian Duffy at center back had matters well in hand for the northerners. At the half Donegal led by a score of 1-9 to 0-1.
It was more of the same in the second half. The Blues added a second point to their tally, and Mike Coyne forced a save out of Christy McLoughlin in the Donegal goal following some well placed passes from the Blues. Donegal, however, cruised to victory. Additional scores from Duffy, McCarney, Pauric McLoughlin, and Eoin Sheedy embellished the Donegal tally. A late Blues goal was well finished by Conor Fitzgerald, who added a well-taken point shortly afterwards. An easy win for the Donegal juniors to get off the mark, while the Blues will be looking for better things in the season to come.
Donegal: C. McLoughlin, B. Friel, N. Byrne, K. Coyle, B. Duffy, P. Wanish, P. McLoughlin, A. McGirr, E. McCarney, R. Ivers, E. Sheedy, J. Eagan, D. Green. Blues: P. Murray, M. Green, M. Buckley, M. Keegan, B. McDermott, P. Moriarty, N. Murray, B. Collopy, M. Coyne, K. O’Sullivan, C. Fitzgerald, T. Hernon, R. Howley.
By Rory O'Donnell
Other results from the Junior A Championship were:
Connemara Gaels 2-15 Wolfe Tones 0-6
Aidan McAnespies 1-22 New England Celtics 1-8
It was mostly one-way traffic as Donegal proved to be far too strong for the Shannon Blues in the opening junior championship game of the season. Donegal fielded a side containing several names that we may very well see feature in senior competition later in the year. The Blues battled throughout the hour but it was a case of trying to beat back the waves as Donegal overran their defences.
Blues rise highest for this kickout. |
It was more of the same in the second half. The Blues added a second point to their tally, and Mike Coyne forced a save out of Christy McLoughlin in the Donegal goal following some well placed passes from the Blues. Donegal, however, cruised to victory. Additional scores from Duffy, McCarney, Pauric McLoughlin, and Eoin Sheedy embellished the Donegal tally. A late Blues goal was well finished by Conor Fitzgerald, who added a well-taken point shortly afterwards. An easy win for the Donegal juniors to get off the mark, while the Blues will be looking for better things in the season to come.
Donegal: C. McLoughlin, B. Friel, N. Byrne, K. Coyle, B. Duffy, P. Wanish, P. McLoughlin, A. McGirr, E. McCarney, R. Ivers, E. Sheedy, J. Eagan, D. Green. Blues: P. Murray, M. Green, M. Buckley, M. Keegan, B. McDermott, P. Moriarty, N. Murray, B. Collopy, M. Coyne, K. O’Sullivan, C. Fitzgerald, T. Hernon, R. Howley.
By Rory O'Donnell
Other results from the Junior A Championship were:
Connemara Gaels 2-15 Wolfe Tones 0-6
Aidan McAnespies 1-22 New England Celtics 1-8
Monday, June 6, 2011
June 5 - Senior Football: Armagh-Notre Dame v Christopher's
Christopher’s 4-15 Armagh-Notre Dame 0-14
It was a major about turn for Christopher’s following their first outing of the year as they comfortably won two championship points at the expense of Armagh-Notre Dame. Christopher’s team featured a number of new additions, most notably Colm O’Driscoll at center forward and Shane Beston at wing forward. Adrian Greaney anchored the back line while Eric Hegarty, who featured in the 2009 championship side, made a return at corner forward. Christopher’s established and early lead and from that point were in cruise control, while Armagh-ND worked hard and enjoyed some good spells, but never got close enough to put any doubt in the outcome.
Christopher’s hit early and hard. A powerful forward line had their opponents on their heels right from the get go. Beston buried a goal in the first minute to get his side off to a great start. Eric Hegarty followed with two points from frees, and after Adrian Greaney won a free in his own back line Aidan Walsh added a third in the points column. Beston added another point and with their opponents still to register a score, Christopher’s tallied their second goal through wing forward Beston to open a ten point lead with scarcely 10 minutes gone. Armagh-Notre Dame lifted their game and made a contest of the remainder of the half. Seamie O’Hare notched two points from frees, and Ruairi O’Connor added a well taken third point for the northerners. The Brighton team’s backs tightened up and won some ball that was well used. Further scores followed from James Lavery, Kevin Campion, and Frank Meehan. All the while, however, Christopher’s maintained the distance between the teams. Kevin O’Regan and O’Driscoll in the forward line pointed, while Paudie Kenneally registered a third goal for Christopher’s. At the half it was 3-8 to 0-6 in favour of the 2009 senior champions.
Shortly after the restart Christopher’s had extended the lead by a further seven points. Kevin O’Regan and O’Driscoll combined well for the first point, while Hegarty tallied two more points. Some great interplay led to goal number four. A long ball into Hegarty was dished to the inrushing O’Driscoll and the man who came from the Tadhg MacCarthaigh club it inside the far post. Christopher’s felt comfortable enough to put on the subs at that point while the Brighton side set about putting some respectability on the scoreboard. Corner backs, Gerard Cairns and Donnacha Culliton worked hard to close down their men and Frank Meehan got forward from his wing back berth to notch a couple of scores. Ruairi O’Connor and James Lavery also did well for the orchard men. Beginning to look like it could be a long season for Armagh-Notre Dame while Christopher’s look like they will be competitive again this year.
Christopher’s: S. Kelly, N. Ryan, E. O’Neill, P. Manning, A. Greaney, S. McNally, D. Kenneally, Al Walsh, S. Beston, C. O’Driscoll, K. O’Regan, E. Hegarty, P. Kenneally. Armagh-ND: D. Fields, G. Cairns, D. Culliton, T. Cassidy, F. Meehan, K. Campion, J. Cumiskey, J. Lavery, M. Tiffany, S. O’Hare, G. Hall, N. Finnegan, R. O’Connor.
By Rory O'Donnell
It was a major about turn for Christopher’s following their first outing of the year as they comfortably won two championship points at the expense of Armagh-Notre Dame. Christopher’s team featured a number of new additions, most notably Colm O’Driscoll at center forward and Shane Beston at wing forward. Adrian Greaney anchored the back line while Eric Hegarty, who featured in the 2009 championship side, made a return at corner forward. Christopher’s established and early lead and from that point were in cruise control, while Armagh-ND worked hard and enjoyed some good spells, but never got close enough to put any doubt in the outcome.
Colm O'Driscoll was in great form for Christopher's Sunday. |
Donnacha Culliton wins this battle with Eric Hegarty. |
Christopher’s: S. Kelly, N. Ryan, E. O’Neill, P. Manning, A. Greaney, S. McNally, D. Kenneally, Al Walsh, S. Beston, C. O’Driscoll, K. O’Regan, E. Hegarty, P. Kenneally. Armagh-ND: D. Fields, G. Cairns, D. Culliton, T. Cassidy, F. Meehan, K. Campion, J. Cumiskey, J. Lavery, M. Tiffany, S. O’Hare, G. Hall, N. Finnegan, R. O’Connor.
By Rory O'Donnell
June 5 - Senior Football: Connemara Gaels v Wolfe Tones
Connemara Gaels 1-12 Wolfe Tones 1-12
Sean Manley mans the rearguard for the Gaels. |
A fantastic result for the Tones who will take it as a point won. The Gaels on the other hand will look at the result as a point lost. The Gaels played with an extra man for three quarters of the game but could not make effective use of same. The Tones play actually improved immensely following the sending off as 15 minutes into the game, at the time of the sending off, the Gaels led by seven points to no score. Marty Farrell, Sean Kelly, James Doyle, and CJ Power were the heroes for the Tones, while the Gaels will be looking to see where it all went wrong.
The Gaels enjoyed the better of things for most of the first half and played some fantastic football. Sean Connolly had the forward line motoring to the point where the Gaels sliced the Tones defence apart time and again. The westerners played some great passing football with the players working for each other to open the spaces for the easy pass. Brian Connor opened the scoring with a point, and a flood of scores followed. Brian Carroll put the second over, and some great scores came from Eoin Ward, Steve Monaghan, and Niall Judge over the next ten minutes. The Tones looked in real trouble when Eoin Naughton was sent off for an off the ball incident. The South Boston side trailed by seven points and were now a man down. Luke Kavanagh got things started for the Tones with a well taken point after 15 minutes. Now it was the turn of the Gaels back line to feel the pressure. James Doyle followed with a score as did Marty Farrell. Doyle caused problems for the Gaels backs and the early ball into the Laois man proved the key for the Tones to the Gaels defence. The sending off seemed to give the Tones an awakening as they steadily ate into the Gaels lead. Two more points from Doyle, one from Kelly and then a goal – that involved a great pass to and from Doyle – put the Tones into the lead late in the first half. Bart Blanchfield finished the move with a blast into the back of the net. Steve Monaghan relieved the situation with a point for the Gaels, and following a Marty Farrell free the Tones had turned what looked to be a hopeless situation into a two point half time lead.
Marty Farrell looks to get around Goose Murphy. |
While the Gaels were the side with the extra man it looked as if the Tones had the advantage in personnel for most of the second half. The Tones continued to work hard and play smart in the forward line and Farrell, Kelly, and Doyle engineered some good moves. James Doyle and Luke Kavanagh pointed for the Tones to take the lead to four points. Incredibly, with the extra man, the Gaels failed to register a score for the first 22 minutes of the second half. Finally, Robbie Fox pointed to reduce the Tones lead to a goal. The Gaels then leveled the scores with a well worked goal starting in their own corner. Barry Murphy carried the ball out of defence and Brian Carroll found Steve Monaghan at the far post, Monaghan finished from close range and the sides were tied. If you thought that this would be the point where the Tones tired and Gaels took over you would have been wrong. The Tones restored the lead through an Andy Rooney point as it was all hands to the pump. Gaels substitute John Molloy leveled the scores with a 45 as full time approached. It looked as if the game was in the bag for the Gaels in injury time. Robbie Fox pointed from just inside the 45, but it was not over yet. Marty Farrell had the final say with a free from a similar distance and the final whistle sounded before the ball hit the ground behind the goal. A great performance from the Tones following the sending off, the Gaels on the other hand played their best football with the sides even in personnel. The next time out they may be hoping that the opposition keeps all their players on the field.
Gaels: B. Joyce, L. Wylie, S. Manley, P. McNicholas, B. Murphy, W. Callaghan, P. McGonagle, B. Connor (0-1), S. Connelly (0-2), E. Ward (0-1), B. Carroll (0-2), N. Judge (0-1), S. Monaghan (1-2). Subs: C. O’Neill, R. Fox (0-2), J. Molloy (0-1). Tones: C. Hynes, D. Maguire, A. Rooney (0-1), E. Naughton, K. Regan, M. O’Brien, L. Kavanagh (0-2), G. Brilly, B. Blanchfield (1-0), M. Farrell (0-3), S. Kelly (0-1), CJ Power, J. Doyle (0-4).
By Rory O'Donnell
Sunday, June 5, 2011
June 5 - Senior Football: Mayo v Shannon Blues
Mayo 0-10 Shannon Blues 0-11
Mayo and the Blues served up an exciting game of senior football Sunday afternoon. In the second half there was never more than one point in it, with the Blues Simon Sinnott putting the winning point over the bar in injury time. It was always a game that either side could have won, but a sending off late in the game of Mayo’s Kevin Keane for a second yellow card might have given the edge to the Blues down the critical stretch at the end of the game.
The first half was well contested, at the end of 30 minutes there was just 2 points between the teams with the Blues sitting on six points to four for Mayo. Mayo corner forward, Lewis Cawley, opened the scoring with a fine point from play however the Blues went on a four point scoring run over the next ten minutes. Shane O’Donoghue, Pa Magee, and Shane Cahill each pointed. Cahill looked impressive for the Blues at center forward and over the 60 minutes put in a man of the match performance. Mayo got themselves back into the game. Some fine performances from Fintan Kelly and Barry McShea in the back line helped Mayo get back on track. Midfielder Peter O’Hanlon and wing back Paudie O’Donohue each pointed to bring Mayo back within a point. The direct ball into the dangerous corner forwards appeared to be Mayo’s strategy, however, the Blues corner backs worked diligently to keep the threat at bay. Steven Mann and Shane Kelly worked hard to keep Jack McDonnell and Cawley from winning easy ball. McDonnell did take advantage of an early ball to point towards the end of the half, while Cahill and Magee pointed for the Blues.
After the restart points from Cawley and McDonnell had the sides on level terms. From then on it was up and down the field as each side tried to pull away from the other, but neither could find any separation. Cahill put the Blues up by one only for Fintan Kelly to sally from corner back and level matters. Cahill again put the Blues ahead from a free and substitute Kevin Keane again put the sides on level terms. With 10 minutes to go Ken Kileen put the Blues ahead and the game was very much in the balance. Again Mayo brought themselves level, Barry McShea running out of defence was instrumental in a move that was finished by Gervais Toner. It was Mayo’s turn to take the lead with 26 minutes gone. McDonnell put a very difficult free between the posts to give Mayo the slenderest of leads. With the tension mounting every change of possession and free was met with cheers or jeers depending on the side favoured. The Blues had plenty of chances to draw level but either missed or made the wrong choice in front of goal, the feeling was that it might just be Mayo’s day. Not so however. With a man down and under constant pressure, eventually Mayo were called for overcarrying the ball out of defence. Cahill popped the free over the bar and it was all square again in injury time. With the Blues pressing for the win, and holding a numerical advantage in players, a desperate Mayo clearance found Simon Sinnott waiting all alone on the 45. Sinnott took his measure and floated the ball down the middle and over the bar. A stirring win for the Blues to get their first two championship points of the season and disappointment for Mayo who looked like they might just pull off the win.
Mayo: A. Townsend, S. Clifford, F. Kelly (0-1), P. O’Donohue (0-1), B. McShea, M. Carlon, P. O’Hanlon (0-1), D. Kirby, M. Butterfield, R. Carthy, G. Toner (0-1), J. McDonnell (0-2), L. Cawley (0-3). Sub: K. Keane (0-1). Blues: G. Kissane, S. Mann, S. Kelly, P. Magee (0-2), C. Murphy, C. Mullen, D. McElligott, K. O’Shea, D. White, S. Cahill (0-6), J. McCormack, S. Moriarty, S. O’Donoghue (0-1). K. Kileen (0-1), S. Sinnott (0-1).
By Rory O'Donnell
Mayo and the Blues served up an exciting game of senior football Sunday afternoon. In the second half there was never more than one point in it, with the Blues Simon Sinnott putting the winning point over the bar in injury time. It was always a game that either side could have won, but a sending off late in the game of Mayo’s Kevin Keane for a second yellow card might have given the edge to the Blues down the critical stretch at the end of the game.
Mayo's Lewis Cawley shadowed by Steven Mann. |
Barry McShea and Mayo put in a hard fought 60 minutes but fell just short in the end. |
Mayo: A. Townsend, S. Clifford, F. Kelly (0-1), P. O’Donohue (0-1), B. McShea, M. Carlon, P. O’Hanlon (0-1), D. Kirby, M. Butterfield, R. Carthy, G. Toner (0-1), J. McDonnell (0-2), L. Cawley (0-3). Sub: K. Keane (0-1). Blues: G. Kissane, S. Mann, S. Kelly, P. Magee (0-2), C. Murphy, C. Mullen, D. McElligott, K. O’Shea, D. White, S. Cahill (0-6), J. McCormack, S. Moriarty, S. O’Donoghue (0-1). K. Kileen (0-1), S. Sinnott (0-1).
By Rory O'Donnell
Sheehan Cup Final - Fr. Tom Burke's v Wexford
Wexford 2-10 Fr. Tom Burke’s 0-15
2011 Sheehan Cup Winners - Wexford |
It was a dramatic final as Wexford overturned a six point deficit in the final five minutes to put their name on the Sheehan Cup. Tom’s led from the 13th minute until the end of normal time, and on two occasions when Wexford looked like they might overturn the lead, Tom’s reasserted themselves on the game. Tom’s let victory slip from their grasp in the final minutes and could not shut the door on Wexford in the final run-in to the full time whistle.
The first half was marked by some uncharacteristic missed opportunities from both sides. Shane Howley missed a couple for Tom’s, as did the usually reliable Shane Murphy for Wexford. It took a little while for the scores to come. Wexford had an opportunity to strike first after winning an early penalty when Shane Murphy was held. Murphy took it himself and fluffed the rise. Tom’s saved on the line – it was a harbinger of the half that lay ahead for the Wexford Corner forward who was off target for the remainder first period. Tom’s played well as a team and got some great work from midfielders James Dooley and Trevor Kelly. In fact, Tom’s played well from goalkeeper to corner forward and swarmed Wexford so as not to let their opponents settle. Dooley was a prime example of the effort made by Tom’s and the Athenry man had a hand in scores from Fran Keenan and Kelly. David Busteed, lining out at corner forward for Tom’s, put the finishing touches on a well worked point after showing a great turn of speed. Wexford looked a little knocked out of their stride by the hard working Tom’s. Murphy opened the scoring with a point after 7 minutes for Wexford, and four minutes later Howley squared the game with a point from a free he won himself. Tom’s worked themselves into a five points to two lead, and with Tom’s in the ascendancy, Gearoid O’Connor put a lovely score over from the wing for Wexford, however, the wing forward was having a quiet enough day. After Howley made it 0-6 for Tom’s to 0-3 for Wexford, Peter Ryan found himself through with Dermot Fox to beat, but Fox was up to the shot. Tom’s led by three at the break.
Wexford had the scores level one minute into the second half. A quickly taken free from Murphy found the Tom’s back line napping and Ger Griffey put it into the far corner of the net. Colm Kearns followed with a point and Wexford were now ahead by a score. The effort was noticeably lifted by the model county men, but Tom’s were not backing down. The westerners did not lose their focus and soon had the lead back to three points. Howley (4), Seamus Higgins, and Ciaran Moore each notched scores and with the final quarter of the game approaching Tom’s led by five points. Wexford pulled it back to three with points from substitute John Heathering and Shane Murphy free, but once again Tom’s restored the six point advantage with scores from subs Tommy O’Brien and Conor O’Callaghan, and another from corner forward Busteed. Tom’s were looking good to collect the cup, but it all fell apart in the final five minutes. A soft enough 21-yard free was awarded to Wexford, and Ger Griffey hammered it low and into the back of the net. Having been able to reestablish themselves earlier in the game, Tom’s could not buy a point at this stage. Wexford sensed that the win was still there for the taking. A free from Heathering brought Wexford within two, and two points from Griffey in the space of a minute drew Wexford level. With the game in injury time Shane Murphy, who had missed all day, put the winning point over the bar in injury time. Tom’s had a last chance to force extra time with a free from the wing, and in cruel contrast it was Howley who mishit the free with the last puck of the game. Wexford saved their best until it was almost too late, though even the Brighton men will concede that it was a game they stole.
Wexford: E. Spruhan, G. Dunphy, D. Redmond, B. Dalton, D. Magill, J. Kenny, J. Kehoe, J. Foley, C. Kearns (0-1), P. Ryan, G. O’Connor (0-1), S. Murphy (0-4), G. Griffey (2-2). Sub: J. Heathering (0-2). Fr. Tom’s: D. Fox, S. O’Brien, D. Nealon, P. Heneghan, B. Harding, E. Cummins, T. Kelly (0-1), J. Dooley, S. Howley (0-7), S. Higgins (0-1), F. Keenan (0-1), D. Busteed (0-2), C. Moore (0-1). Subs: T.O’Brien (0-1), C. O’Callaghan (0-1).
By Rory O'Donnell
Friday, June 3, 2011
Denis O'Brien's Gaelicsportscast
I spoke earlier in the week with Denis and brought him up to date with the goings on here in Boston.
#232 Boston champs survive scare
Also, former St. Finbarrs, Cork City, footballer and hurler, Denis Irwin will be in town next week. Denis will be at Anthem in Faneuil Hall from 6:00-7:30 on Tuesday, June 7. The Corkman will have the Premier League Trophy with him. (Denis also played for Manchester United and Ireland.) Denis appears thanks to Irish Network Boston.
#232 Boston champs survive scare
Also, former St. Finbarrs, Cork City, footballer and hurler, Denis Irwin will be in town next week. Denis will be at Anthem in Faneuil Hall from 6:00-7:30 on Tuesday, June 7. The Corkman will have the Premier League Trophy with him. (Denis also played for Manchester United and Ireland.) Denis appears thanks to Irish Network Boston.
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