6/23/2024 - Senior Football - Connemara Gaels vs Aiden McAnespies

Senior Football – Connemara Gaels vs Aiden McAnespies

 

By Neil McEnaney

 

Full Time Score:

Connemara Gaels: 2-16

Aiden McAnespies: 1-18

 

Last but not least today was Connemara Gaels against Aiden McAnespies in the Men’s Senior Championship. Both teams were looking to get their season back on the right track after disappointing losses in their last games.

 

There was a goal chance straight from the throw up for the Gaels as Stefan Okunbar was well picked out by Oran Cunningham, who then laid it off to Adam Waddick who was denied by a great save by Robbie Croft in goals for the Macs. It was Okunbar who got the opening point of the game after another strong run through the middle shouldering his own man out of the way at one point!

 

A well taken free by Joe Hagan levelled the game for the Macs. Captain Coleman Mulkerrins responded straight away for the Gaels. He dummy solo’d on his right foot before kicking it high and accurately over the bar with his weaker left foot.

 

We were treated to some excellent points from play on both sides with Joe Hagan, Rory Brolly and Adam Fanning kicking some great points for the Macs and Ryan Fadden, Ross Keogh and Oran Cunningham doing likewise for the Gaels.

 

The first half was as evenly matched as two sides have been in Canton this year as neither team went more than one point ahead at a time. The Macs just about edged it going into the half time break.

 

Half Time Score:

Connemara Gaels: 0-10

Aiden McAnespies: 0-11

 

Anton Tohill started the second half strong winning the throw up and continued his run down the right wing to kick a point from a tight angle. Gaels responded immediately with Ross Keogh scoring three points without reply (1 free, 1 mark and 1 from play). Keogh looked unmarkable at times and was a constant threat to the Macs full back line.

 

The two Gormleys (Rurai and Eoin) linked up brilliantly to put Rurai through on goal with a Gaels a defender and keeper still to beat. He went for control and side footed it past Bryan O’Flaherty in nets for the games first goal.

 

Aiden McAnespies kept the pressure on after their goal. Continuous running at the Gaels defence led to frees within the scoring zone which Brolly and Fanning kicked accurately.

 

A mazy solo run by Oran Cunningham opened up the Macs defence before he set up Okunbar one on one with the Macs keeper. Croft got down well to make a great save to deny the Kerry man to keep 4 points between the sides. A series of bad wides for the Macs ensued with some kickable points going astray.

 

The goal of the game came from Connemara’s captain, Colman Mulkerrins. He started the move on the right wing from a kickout, continued his run into the middle before being found by Cunningham in front of goal. Mulkerrins didn’t panic and side footed it past Croft in the Macs nets.

 

The teams traded points before disaster struck for Aiden McAnespies. A high press by the Gaels led to a turnover by Jack Lundy. Lundy released Cian Folan who took on his man and finished with a great goal to go two up. Brolly converted a free for the Macs to leave the minimum between the sides. The Macs had one last attack and launched it high into the square but to no avail as the Gaels turned it over and the full time whistle was blown.

 

Man of the Match: Colman Mulkerrins

 

Referee: Ciaran O’Donovan

 

Teams and Scorers:

Connemara Gaels: Bryan O’Flaherty, Sean Kennedy, Keelan Beirne, Colman Mulkerrin (1-1), Stefan Okunbar (0-1), Michael Kerr (0-1), Adam Waddick, Jack Lynch, Ryan Fadden (0-1), Dylan Murtagh, Jack Lundy, Ross Keogh (0-7), Oran Cunningham (0-4)

Subs: Cian Folan (1-1)

 

Aiden McAnespies: Robert Croft, Cormac McKeogh, Darran Gibney, Conall Devlin, Matthew Murnaghan, Owen Ward, Anton Tohill (0-1), Steven Ward, Joe Hagan (0-5), Eoin Gormley (0-1), Rurai Gormley (1-2), Adam Fanning (0-3), Rory Brolly (0-5)

 

Senior Football: Aiden McAnespies v Christopher's - Aug 1

Aiden McAnespies 1-14 Christopher’s 1-14

For the second time in two weeks Aiden McAnespies senior footballers were involved in a superb game of football, this time against the current championship holders, Christopher’s. The end result was slightly better for the northerners, a draw earned thanks to a cool CJ McGourty long range free that sailed over the bar to level the game with hardly any time left on the clock. There was never more than four points separating the sides at any point during the game, but Christopher’s looked to have done enough to win before McGourty stepped in to save a point for the Macs.

There was little quarter given as McAnespies Thomas Corrigan and Ciaran McDonald contest the ball.

The first half was helter skelter. McAnespies played some great football. In the early going Thomas Corrrigan and McGourty took advantage of some great ball played into their corners. Tiernan Diamond at center forward looked to be settling into the role more comfortably and played some well placed passes into the corners. Corrigan opened the scoring with a nice point and Cillian Brosnan answered from wing back for Christopher’s. After Sean O’Hare put Christopher’s ahead McAnespies out scored Christopher’s by a goal and three points to one point. Corrigan and McGourty (2) pointed for Macs, and Dan Kenneally put a booming point over for Christopher’s. Then came the McAnespies goal, a Diamond cross field ball found Donnacha Tobin coming in unmarked on the far side of the field and Mark O’Sullivan looked to have done enough to put the ball out for a 45 but it came back off the post and rebounded off the keeper’s foot and into the net. Christopher’s did not panic. With the midfielders coming more into the game patience paid off. Points from Sean Kelly and a Cathal McNally free reduced the deficit to two points. McNally was having a tough time in the corner, being well marked by Martin Boyne and nothing was coming easy for the Kildare man. Eventually referee John Fitzpatrick saw fit to issue a yellow card to Brendan Kelly for persistent fouling, and later one to Dan Kenneally was the pressure increased. Christopher’s finished the half the stronger side and points from Alan Maloney, Sean Kelly, and two McNally frees left it with McAnespies ahead by a point, 1-7 to 0-9 at the break.

Christopher's Danny Kenneally tries to dispossess Neil Donaghy.

McAnespies looked like they would pull away in the second half, but as with the first, Christopher’s reined in their opponents. Corrigan and Diamond put McAnespies three ahead with a point each to start the second period. Sean Kelly and McNally answered for Christopher’s. McAnespies then stretched their lead to four points for the second time in the game. Two McGourty frees were followed by a point from substitute Niall Golden. After McNally and Corrigan traded points, and things looking to be going very much in favour of McAnespies, it was Christopher’s turn to get a stroke of luck and find the back of the net. McNally was first to a breaking ball that resulted from a hopeful punt into the McAnespies square and the goal brought Christopher’s within a point. David Nation leveled the scores with a point from play, and Sean Kelly put Christopher’s ahead with a great score as time ran out. McAnespies’ CJ McGourty won a free well out the field and showed a cool head to send it over the bar from long range and save a point for the northerners. McAnespies will take the point, but for Christopher’s a win was really in order. Christopher’s must now beat the Gaels and Kerry in their final two games to have keep in with a chance of the playoffs.


Macs: S. Connolly, B. O’Reilly, M. Boyne, N. Clancy, T. McClelland, S. Shortall, B. McGarr, N. Donaghy, C. McCrory, T. Diamond (0-1), D. Tobin (1-0), CJ McGourty (0-8), T. Corrigan (0-4). Sub: N. Golden (0-1). Christopher’s: M. O’Sullivan, C. Aylward, C. McDonald, B. Kelly, B. McNally, C. Brosnan (0-1), D. Kenneally (0-1), S. O’Hare (0-1), A. Maloney (0-1), S. Kelly (0-4), J. Kenneally, E. McCarthy, C. McNally (1-5). Sub: D. Nation (0-1).


By Rory O'Donnell

Gaelicsportscast with Denis O'Brien

Listen to the run down from Independence Day weekend with Denis O'Brien.

July 4 - Senior Football: Kerry v Aiden McAnespies

Aiden McAnespies 2-16 Kerry 1-7

It was a frustrating day for Kerry as the Kingdom went down to a heavy defeat against table toppers, Aiden McAnespies. Kerry managed to keep the deficit down to four points for much of the game, and in fairness a goal would have given their opponents something to think about, but in the final 15 minutes McAnespies pulled away with seven unanswered scores to register a comfortable victory.

  

Donnacha Tobin comes away with a breaking ball for Aiden McAnespies.

Thomas Corrigan was the man first on the scoresheet with a point, while Kerry answered through Robbie Croft and James O’Sullivan – Kerry ahead in the early going. Donnacha Tobin banged in a goal, and between them Corrigan and Conor John McGourty added three points between them to put McAnespies ahead by five. Kerry enjoyed a good spell of football and generated some goal chances all of which shot across the face of goal and wide. All the southerners had to show for a period on top was a solitary Croft point. At the half McAnespies held a five point lead.

Sean Leahy makes a foray forward for the Kingdom.

One wondered had Kerry run out of ammunition in the first half, but they had some good football in them. Joe McGillicuddy and ColmMoriarty continued to work hard in midfield, while Croft toiled up front with seemingly endless reserves of energy. Kerry won a penalty for a foot block, and Croft took it well to bring Kerry within four points. Colm McCrory and Joe McGillicuddy exchanged points, and then it all ended for the Kerrymen. Things opened up in the Kerry back line as tiredness took its toll. McGourty registered a goal and four points before all was said and done, while Murray, Corrigan, and super sub, Luke Sweetman, tagged on additional scores. McAnespies strength throughout the field told in the end, and the northerners are now top with four wins from four games.

Macs: S. Connolly, D. Wylie, M. Boyne, C. O’Sullivan, T. McClelland, D. Tobin (1-0), N. Donaghy, B. McGarr, C. Murray (0-2), T. Diamond, C. McCrory, CJ McGourty (1-8), T. Corrigan (0-4). Sub, L. Sweetman (0-1). Kerry: S. Hogan, A. Fenton, S. Hogan, M. Godley, J. McGillicuddy (0-2), S. Leahy, D. Loughlin, C. Moriarty, J. Molloy, M. Moffatt, M. Geaney, R. Croft (1-4), J. O’Sullivan (0-1).

By Rory O'Donnell

June 26- Senior Football: Aiden McAnespies v Shannon Blues

Shannon Blues 0-9 Aiden McAnespies 2-10

Aiden McAnespies took the wind out of the sails of a high flying Shannon Blues side on Saturday afternoon thanks to a commanding midfield performance from Brendan McGarr and relentless attacking from wing forwards Donnacha Tobin and Conor Murray. Shannon Blues were hoping to follow up on their victory over Donegal, but spent most of the game trying to catch their opponents. The Blues looked like they would make a run at it in the second half, but when the momentum looked like it was changing in their favour, McAnespies regained control of the game and ran out seven point winners.

Shannon Blues Michael O'Brien runs at the McAnespies defence.

The first half opened with space at a premium as each back line was quick to shut off any window of opportunity for the opposing forwards to find room. The first clear shot did not come for 9 minutes and the first score came 10 minutes into the game. Thomas Corrigan put the ball over from a tight angle for McAnespies. Wing back, Simon Shortall, popped up for a second and Corrigan added a third for McAnespies as at the other end of the field, the Blues forwards struggled against a tight McAnespies defence. Alan Holland put the first score over the bar for the Blues in the 23rd minute and followed with a second shortly afterwards. Conor Murray answered for McAnespies and on the stroke of half time McAnespies goaled to put themselves in a commanding position. Corrigan, the lively Fermanagh youngster, fired home from close range and at the break McAnespies led by a score of 1-4 to 0-2.

McAnespies Colin O'Sullivan ships a hefty challenge.

The second half was a much more open affair from a scoring standpoint, but was marred by several scuffles. The Blues gained some traction, but as they crept within striking distance, McAnespies closed the door. Still trailing by five points, the Blues got within two thanks to points from Michael O’Brien and two from Holland. The manner in which the Blues swept upfield for their fourth point of the half looked ominous for McAnespies, combined with an impressive block by Shannon Blues center back, Noel Galvin, on Tobin who was bearing down on goal at the other end. McAnespies dug deep however. McGarr dropped back to help the defence, while Tony McClelland and Colin O’Sullivan in the half back line worked hard to change the tide. A point from Murray and another from McCrory from the ensuing kickout put McAnespies back into a four-point lead. Murray re-opened the gap to five points with a superb strike from near the sideline. After the Blues pointed from a Holland free, McAnespies hit with a second goal to kill the game. Tobin palmed a high ball played across the box by Murray into the net. The sides traded points to finish out the game. McAnespies will be pleased with the win, and judging from this performance are on track to regain the Boston championship. The Blues looked strong and at times played some nice football, but will need to find a way to spread the scoring if they are to go one better and raise the cup this year.

Blues: A. Garry, S. Kelly, T. Wallace, S. Lennon, D. McElligott, N. Galvin (0-1), P. Murray, M. O’Brien (0-1), JP Murphy, P. McGee, A. Holland (0-7), J. Burke, T. Maloney. Macs: S. Connolly, D. Wylie, M. Boyne, C. O’Sullivan, T. McClelland, S. Shortall (0-1) N. Donaghy, B. McGarr, D. Tobin (1-0), T. Diamond, C. Murray (0-3), C. McCrory (0-1), T. Corrrigan (1-3). Subs: L. Sweetman (0-1), C. Hands (0-1).

By Rory O'Donnell

McAnespies v Mayo - May 30

McAnespies 0-6 Mayo 0-5

Mayo will have come away from this game regretting having missed a golden opportunity to win at least a point off one of Boston’s big guns. The game was hard fought and in the end decided by the narrowest of margins, which in no way flattered Mayo. Both defences were in the ascendancy for most of the game and the forward lines struggled to find any rhythm or range. Mayo had numerous chances that could have won them the game, but the McAnespies back line held firm in the final ten minutes to preserve the win.

It was a hard fought contest between Macs and Mayo.

After one half of well contested, but disjointed play, McAnespies held the slightest of advantages. Having enjoyed more of the possession, McAnespies were a little guilty of overplaying the ball. Mayo, on the other hand, made the most of their chances. It was Mayo who opened the scoring with a free from the returning Dara McLaughlin, and Colm McCrory responded likewise for McAnespies. The sides then struggled to find a pattern to their play and a long scoreless spell ensued. Mayo’s David Carroll put the westerners ahead with a well taken point from distance. McAnepsies corner forwards , Kevin Brady and Dermot McCrudden then pointed three times between them to open a two point lead. McLaughlin finished the half with another free for Mayo to make it 0-4 to 0-3 at the half.

Does this pass the new handpass rule?

The second half followed a similar pattern. Mayo’s attacking efforts often ended in the hands of McAnespies corner back Martin Bogue, while Mayo’s Ciaran McLaughlin and Sean Clifford made life difficult for the McAnespies front men. As with the beginning of the first half, McLoughlin and McCrory traded points from frees. It would remain that way until 19 minutes in when Kevin Brady made up for a poorly attempted shot with a rifled score from 30 yards. Mayo’s efforts then took on a new sense of urgency and the westerners rallied upfield. A goal looked on at one point following one of the better moves of the half, but Shane Connolly got down well to save from Alan Benson. Mayo cut the lead to a point again with another McLaughlin free with five minutes to go. In an exciting last 5 minutes both sides narrowly missed scoring chances down the stretch as the game was up for grabs. Martin Bogue made the last block of the game to deny Gabe McTaggert the equalizing point, and McAnespies escaped with full points from an unexpectedly tough encounter.

Macs: S. Connolly, M. Bogue, N. Clancy, D. Wylie, C. O’Sullivan, C. O’Sullivan, D. Tobin, B. McGarr, N. Donaghy, G. Hennessy, C. McCrory (0-2), C. Clarke, K. Brady (0-3), D. McCrudden (0-1). Subs: S. Magill,C. Dempsey. Mayo: A. Townsend, S. Clifford, F. Coyne, M. Carolan, K. Comer, C. McLaughlin, G. McAllister, S. McDonagh, D. Carroll, G. McTaggert, K. McAllister (0-1), D. McLaughlin (0-4), A. Benson.

By Rory O'Donnell

Championship Begins

The championship season opened in Canton on a beautiful Memorial Day Weekend. There were perfect sporting conditions, with sunny skies and light breeze. Ten teams took the field for the first games of the senior football championship. There were wins for Wolfe Tones, Connemara Gaels, Aiden McAnespies, Donegal, and the Shannon Blues. Donegal and Shannon Blues looked strong in their wins over Armagh-Notre Dame and Kerry respectively, while Mayo and Galway fell by a single point each to McAnespies and the Gaels. Reports to follow...

Championship Begins

Since the last post, Aiden McAnespies clamined the first silverware of the 2010 season by winning the Pat O'Brien Cup. The chamionship begins this Sunday with 5 senior football games on the schedule.

12:00 Cork v Wolfe Tones
1:15 Connemara Gaels v Galway
2:30 Aiden McAnespies v Mayo
3:45 Armagh-Notre Dame v Donegal
5:00 Kerry v Shannon Blues

Recently I had a little chat with Denis O'Brien, a former press box colleague, with some reflection on last season and looking forward to the coming one. Click on the link below and then hit play to listen.

http://www.gaelicsportscast.com/2010/05/25/60-boston-championship-preview/

Pat O'Brien Cup

The Pat O'Brien Cup final will be contested between Kerry and Aiden McAnespies. Kerry defeated Armagh-Notre Dame by 5 points in today's semi-final, while McAnespies defeated Donegal by a single point in a closely fought contest.

Tipperary defeated Fr. Tom Burkes by 1-22 to 1-14 in the Sheehan Cup.

Cup Competitions

Last Sunday Donegal beat Galway in the Pat O'Brien Cup quarter final.

Next week sees the cup semi-finals between Aiden McAnespies and Donegal at 1:30 and Kerry v Armagh-Notre Dame at 4:00pm.

The Kieran Sheehan Cup in hurling begins with Tipperary v Fr. Tom Burkes at 2:45.

I will start posting reports once the championships begin on May 30.

Pat O'Brien Cup

The Pat O'Brien Cup continued last Sunday in Canton. Kerry defeated the Connemara Gaels in a game that could have gone either way. Galway beat the Wolfe Tones and Armagh-Notre Dame came out well on top against Shannon Blues.

The results put Donegal and Galway into a quarter final, while Kerry, Armagh-Notre Dame and Aiden McAnespies are in the semis.

Pat O'Brien Cup - First Round

The first round of the Pat O'Brien Cup was played last Sunday. I was taking a break in the White Mountains of New Hampshire - so unfortunately I do not have any reports. However, I did get the results.

Kerry defeated Cork after extra time, Armagh-Notre Dame beat Mayo by one point, and Aiden McAnespies beat the New England Celtics. McAnespies are though to the semi-final as theirs was a quarter final game.

Next Sunday's quarter finals will feature Shannon Blues v Armagh-Notre Dame and the Connemara Gaels v Kerry. Galway will play Wolfe Tones in a first round game that was postponed, and Donegal will have to wait another week to play the winners in the last quarter final game.

Junior A Football Final

Junior Football Final

Donegal 1-7 McAnespies 2-7

Shane Lynn tries to stop Donegal's Thomas Caldwell.

McAnespies regained the Junior A football championship title in a scrappy affair that could have gone either way. After a tight first half, a goal each from Shane Lynn and Colin Clarke mid-way though the second provided McAnespies with a lead that Donegal could not overturn. Donegal seemed to be playing the slightly better football, but once McAnespies took the lead, the northerners found their groove and made sure there would be no comeback for Donegal.

Donegal held a slight advantage at the end of a scrappy first half. The previous day’s rain had made the surface a little greasy, but the field looked in good condition considering. The sides traded scores to open the half, and the game began to take shape. Defences were on top as efforts from both sides at creating something fell short, and when shooting opportunities presented themselves, the shot was usually wayward. Jonathan Byrne and David Bell each pointed well to put Donegal two points to the good. McAnespies got back into the game and added to their tally through Kieran Leonard. David Bell canceled out the score , and each player did likewise before the end of the half. Donegal led by two points, 0-5 to 0-3 at the half.

Kieran Leonard bursts through as Paul Boyce moves to intercept.

The second half started as the first did, the sides traded scores. Paul Boyce made the most of a goalmouth scramble to force the ball over the bar, and Leonard answered for McAnespies with a well worked point from the kickout. Both sides continued to give the ball away and were error prone when in possession. McAnespies hit Donegal with a double blow mid way through the half as the northerners finally found their stride. The first goal came from Shane Lynn. Lynn got on the end of rebound off the post and finished from close range. Eugene McKenna added a point and McAnespies began to look like they had found their groove. The second goal was a well worked score, Peadar Nugent and McKenna found each other and then Nugent passed to the incoming Colin Clarke whose finish was perfectly placed into the bottom right hand corner. McAnespies now led by five points. Donegal hit back shortly afterwards with a fine goal of their own. Paul Boyce finished high to the near corner, and with less then 10 minutes to go it was game on again. Paddy McCusker and Thomas Caldwell traded points and heading into the final sequence McAnespies held a dangerous two point lead. Donegal pressed forward in search of the score that would save the game for them, but McAnespies defenders shut the door. Eugene McKenna, who came back after a broken jaw earlier in the year, put a sideline over the bar for the final score of the game, and McAnespies regain the junior football title.

Donegal: C. Murphy, P. McNulty, R. Porter, F. Grenaghan, E. Doonan, C. McGee, J. Byrne (0-1), T. Caldwell (0-1), J. Deery, E. McCarney, P. Boyce (1-1), D. Bell (0-4), C. Rush. Macs: N. Duffy, N. Clancy, C. Traynor, G. Hennessey, P. McCusker (0-1), C. O’Hanlon, S. Lynn (1-0), C. Clarke (1-0), P. Nugent, M. Allen, S. McGettigan, K. Leonard (0-4), E. McCusker. E. McKenna (0-2).

By Rory O'Donnell

Junior Football Semi-Final: Aiden McAnespies v Wolfe Tones

Wolfe Tones 0-11 McAnespies 1-14

Aiden McAnespies pulled away from the Wolfe Tones in the second half to secure a berth against rivals Donegal in the junior football final next week. The sides were all square at half time, but an early second half goal put McAnespies into the drivers seat, and a good all around display saw off their fellow South Bostonians.

The teams went in at the break all square at four points each. Nigel Regan, Kieran Leonard and Mike Allen pointed for McAnespies, while the Tones matched their opponents for the first 30 minutes. Mike Allen netted an early goal and also knocked the Tones out of their stride. Allen slotted home from close range with a well taken finish.

Brendan Murray tangles with Colin Clarke as Alo McGeough looks on.

Peadar Nugent added two points to the lead within the same minute, and less than 5 minutes into the second half the Tones found themselves 5 points in arrears. Marty McGeough and Mick Sammon each pointed from frees for the Wolfe Tones, but these were quickly erased by scores from Stephen McGettigan and Nugent. With 10 minutes remaining the Tones needed a goal, but Niall Duffy saved well and some valiant defending from Daithi O’Mahoney kept the Tones from coming back. Nigel Regan pointed twice and Leonard once as the Tones crept farther forward and left gaps at the back. Mick Sammon and McGeough picked off a point each from frees with 5minutes remaining, but with five points between the teams a goal was required. Allen made sure that even that would not be enough with two well taken points in the last minute as the Wolfe Tones find themselves playing second fiddle to their local rivals once again.

Mike O'Brien can only look on as Mike Allen fires over a point for McAnespies.

Tones: W. O’Dowd, B. Fagan, A. Skeehan, M. O’Brien, K. Gorham, J. Foley, B. Murray, A. McGeough, M. McGeough, M. Sammon, D. Munnelly, S. O’Brien, S. Kelly. Macs: N. Duffy, D. O’Mahoney, N. Clancy, P. McCusker, C. Dempsey, D. Young, S. Lynn, C. Clarke, M. Allen, S. McGettigan, P. Nugent, K. Leonard, N. Regan.

By Rory O'Donnell

Senior Football Semi Final: Aiden McAnespies v Christopher's

Aiden McAnespies 1-10 Christopher’s 3-10

Aiden McAnespies reign at the top of Boston and North American football was brought to an end at the hands of Christopher’s. Christopher’s, a side with three American born players in the starting lineup, found themselves in the unfamiliar position of the senior football semi-final and put on a blistering display of early passing and shooting in the first half. Two crucial goals in the second half from substitute Mark O’Sullivan secured the win as McAnespies were making a brave push to come back from behind down a man.

Rory Maguire shoots, and Ryan Graber made the save.

Christopher’s were sitting pretty at the end of the first half thanks to some well taken scores by the forwards, and a back line that covered well for each other. Sean Kelly curled a lovely point over the bar in the first minute, a sign of things to come from Christopher’s. McAnespies settled into the game and Colm McCrory finished a well worked move to point, and Colm Donnelly did likewise soon afterwards. In the early going McAnespies were one step ahead. Once Christopher’s got into the swing of things the forwards put some nice moves together and took some lovely points. Ian Rowland leveled things with a pointed free after Barry O’Driscoll was fouled, and O’Driscoll himself followed with a fine score. Christopher’s threatened the McAnespies goal on a couple of occasions, Sean Kelly’s shot was well saved by David Wright, and shortly afterwards it was Kelly again who was blocked by the diving Fergal McPhillips as he shot low from close range. Kelly was a powerful force and McAnespies had little answer for the strident running of the Crossmolina man. Rowland put two more frees over the bar as Christopher’s enjoyed the advantage in the balance of play. McCrory and Donnelly answered for McAnespies with a point each, but the Tyrone side lost Neil Donaghy to a red card for striking his marker as the kickout was being taken. A goal came from Barry O’Driscoll as he finished off a good move low into the far corner as Christopher’s motored. Hegarty and Rowland put two fantastic points over from play, and Collie Moore and Donnelly pulled a couple of points back for McAnespies. Donnelly and Sean Kelly traded points to leave Christopher’s five points to the good at half time.

Neil McAdam and Will Kennedy contest a kickout.

McAnespies came out strong in the second half, clearly with the attitude that it was all or nothing. The northerners tallied the first four points. Neil McAdam put two dead balls over the bar and was followed by a Collie Moore point. Moore stole forward from his corner back berth where he was putting in a Trojan effort in trying to keep Barry O’Driscoll shackled. Colm McCrory put a fourth unanswered point over the bar to bring McAnespies within a point with 17 minutes of the half expired. Christopher’s looked like they had lost their way, and that the introduction of Mark O’Sullivan at corner forward at the break had disrupted the forward line. O’Sullivan however proved invaluable when he finally got involved in the play. McAnespies failed to properly clear a ball as tired legs eventually took their toll, and O’Driscoll found an unmarked O’Sullivan standing on the edge of the square. O’ Sullivan coolly worked the space open and side footed the ball home. Ian Rowland followed with a point from a 45, but McAnespies still had life. Colm Donnelly netted to keep hope alive for the South Boston lads but O’Driscoll and O’Sullivan combined again to score a second goal – O’Sullivan again unmarked in front of goal as the spaces opened up in the McAnespies back line. O’Driscoll pointed to cap a fine overall display from Christopher’s.

Macs: D. Wright, C. Moore (0-2), K. Hudson, A. Nestor, M. McGovern, F. McPhillips, N. Donaghy, N. McAdam (0-2), C. Donnelly (1-3), R. Maguire, J. Kelly, C. McCrory (0-3), D. McCrudden. Christopher’s: R. Graber, N. Ryan, E. Cotter, B. Lonergan, P. Hogan, S. McNally, D. Kenneally, W. Kennedy, I. Rowland (0-5), S. Kelly (0-2), G. Kenneally, B. O’Driscoll (1-2), E. Hegarty (0-1). Sub: M. O’Sullivan (2-0)

By Rory O'Donnell

Senior Football: Kerry v McAnespies - Aug 16

McAnespies 4-9 Kerry 1-8

A second half bombardment from the South Boston side ensured that McAnespies avoid a playoff and make it into the senior championship playoffs next weekend. Kerry had their opponents on the ropes by the time the first half had ended. Trailing by two points and with Kerry looking like they were well able for the challenge, McAnespies looked like they were in trouble. The northerners came roaring back in the second half, and four goals put the Kerry challenge to rest.

Brian Kelly saved a Colm McCrory penalty late in the first half.

Kerry led by two points at the end of the first period thanks to a good display of football. The sides traded wides to open the game, and McAnespies almost had the ball in the net but Jamie Kelly, who only had the keeper to beat, snatched at his shot and the ball trundled wide. McAnespies enjoyed most of the possession and Kerry did not mount anything resembling an attack for the first 10 minutes of the game. It was Kerry though, who opened a two point lead with their first two attacks. Robbie Croft pointed a free and Conor O’Sullivan stole forward from wing back to score a well earned point. Kerry maintained the distance for the remainder of the half as they raised the tempo. Frankie Sullivan worked hard in the half back line, while Thomas Dennehy and Phillip Corrigan were on top in the midfield battle. Mike Godly, Croft, and Dennehy pointed for the green and gold. McAnespies pointed through Jamie Kelly, Colm Donnelly, and Dermot McCrudden. McAnespies had a chance towards the end of the half to move into the lead. Colm McCrory was fouled in the penalty area, however, Brian Kelly dived to his left and put the ball around the post for a ’45. Dermot McCrudden mopped up to point just before the half time whistle to make it 0-6 to 0-4 in Kerry’s favour at the break.

Frankie Sullivan battled hard for Kerry in the first half.

The second half was not so close. McAnespies made their intentions clear with an early goal to take the lead. After Colm McCrory reduced the deficit to a point, Neil McAdam broke forward from midfield, and after a give and go with McCrudden, tipped the return pass over the advancing keeper’s head and into the net Kerry replied with a point from a Robbie Croft free, but that was it from the Kingdom from a scoring perspective until the almost the end of the game. McAnespies were now winning the kickouts, and the back line stepped up to force Kerry into coughing up the ball on several occasions.

Neil McAdam led the charge for McAnespies in the second half.

Alan Nestor was introduced to the fray, and McAnespies lifted their game. McAdam added another point, and McAnespies second goal followed. This time Kelly made no mistake as his low, hard shot ended up in the back of the net. Colm Donnelly and McAdam extended the lead to seven points with a couple of well taken scores. Hopes of a Kerry comeback were put to rest after McCrory stole behind his marker and side stepped the keeper to fire home McAnespies’ third goal. Kelly made it four with 10 minutes to go. After Donaghy pointed substitute Donal Bowe scored a consolation goal for Kerry.

Macs: D. Wright, S. Magill, C. Moore, M. McGovern, K. Hudson, F. McPhillips, N. Donaghy, N. McAdam (1-2), C. Donnelly (0-2), C. McCrory (1-1), G. Clark, D. McCrudden (0-2), J. Kelly (2-1). Kerry: B. Kelly,R. Dwyer, A. Fenton, M. Godley (0-1), F. O’Sullivan, C. O’Sullivan (0-1), T. Dennehy (0-1), P. Corrigan G. O’Keefe, S. Kiley, R. Croft (0-3), R. O’Neill, G. Molloy. Sub: D. Bowe (0-1).

By Rory O'Donnell

Sr Football: Aiden McAnespies v Connemara Gaels - August 2

Connemara Gaels 3-12 Aiden McAnespies 2-14

A week is a long time in football. After dispatching of high-flying Donegal last week with a focused, efficient display, McAnespies fell to a depleted Connemara Gaels. The Gaels performances have been inconsistent this season, but the Connemara men produced the comeback of the season with a passionate and committed second half display. After the first 30 minutes it looked like a handsome McAnespies win would be the inevitable outcome, but the Gaels raised their game in the second half and overcame an 11-point deficit to leave McAnespies scratching their heads wondering how they could so easily push past their opponents in the first half, yet still not win the game.

Neil McAdam wins the ball for McAnespies as they ran over their opponents in the first half.

McAnespies were missing Mark McGovern and rearranged the team slightly, but the Gaels found themselves having to call up Pat O’Malley and Michael Kelly from the junior squad. The South Boston side had the ball in the Gaels net twice within the first eight minutes, the first was from an Alan Nestor penalty. Nestor was fouled in the area as he ran through the Gaels defence and took the penalty well. The second came courtesy of Luke Sweetman. The Erins Isle clubman was found unmarked at the far post and his close range shot cannoned into the far corner. The Gaels picked up two bookings as the backs were forced to resort to containment of an illegal nature, such was the manner in which they struggled to hold off the rampant McAnespies forwards.

Gaels corner backs Cormac Arkinson and Colin Flanagan worked hard to try and keep Jamie Kelly and Colm McCrory in check, but McAnespies came out of the half back line strong, and Rory Maguire and Colm Donnelly in the half forward line proved to be valuable link men. McAnespies tallied eight points for the remainder of the half and were seldom troubled at the back. Colin Harkin, John O’Brien, Tom McDonagh, and Michael Magill managed points for the Gaels, while for McAnespies, Jamie Kelly, Colm McCrory, Rory Maguire, Gary Clarke, Sweetman, and Colm Donnelly found the mark. At the half McAnespies were ahead by 11 points, and the outcome seemed to be already decided.

A midfield tussle as the tension mounts in the second half.

Nobody could have forecast what was coming in the second half. Two goals in the fifth and sixth minutes breathed new life and belief into the Gaels. Michel Magill caught the McAnespies defence unawares and planted a 14 yard free into the back of the net five minutes in, and one minute later Colin Harkin ran through the opposing back line to fire home a second. Given the way the first half went,even this appeared to be a blip on the radar. Colin Harkin and Aiden Flanagan lifted things in the middle with some fine fielding as the Gaels won more and more possession. McAnespies on the other hand seemed to be happy to maintain cruise control. Having to remove Colin Moore and Alan Nestor from the fray did not help, and the Gaels to their credit took full advantage. Michael Magill found a new gear as he and Colin Harkin ran at the opposing defence. With 10 minutes to go the difference between the sides was three points, Tom McDonagh, O’Brien (a superb score), and Magill pointed for the Gaels, while McCrory kept some distance between the teams with two points.

Michael Magill in full flight as the Gaels run at McAnespies in the second period.

After Jamie Kelly restored the lead to four points in McAnespies favour, and Michael Magill reduced it to a goal, the Gaels kicked three straight wides. A brave comeback that fell short seemed to be the story for the record. Colm McCrory seemed to get the insurance point with one minute left, but Michael Magill put a free kick over for the Gaels to make it three between the sides once again. The Gaels then won a free on the edge of the square, and Magill tried to force the ball through the wall of McAnespies defenders. The Antrim man picked up the rebound and fisted the ball across the crowded goalmouth for Colin Harkin to punch home and level the game. Could the Gaels do the unthinkable? None other than Michael Magill put the winning point over the bar three minutes into injury time to the cheers of the Connemara supporters. A fantastic win for the Gaels, and for McAnespies there may be some figuring out to do if the championship is to be retained.

Gaels: P. O’Malley, C. Arkinson, C. Flanagan, C. Conroy, A. Flanagan, K. Owens, C. Harkin (2-1), J. Flaherty (0-1), M. Kelly, M. Magill (1-5), T. McDonagh (0-3), J. Moore, J. O’Brien (0-2). Macs: D. Wright, C. Moore, D. Donegan, K. Hudson, N. McAdam, A. Nestor (1-0), G. Clark (0-1), N. Donaghy, C. Donnelly (0-1), R. Maguire (0-2), L. Sweetman (1-1), C. McCrory (0-7), J. Kelly (0-2).

By Rory O'Donnell

Sr. Football: Aiden McAnespies v Donegal - July 26

Donegal 0-8 McAnespies 0-13

McAnespies showed that they can learn from past experience, and along with some positional changes, brought an attitude to the game that was all business. Luke Sweetman started at midfield and Colm Donnelly at wing forward. Donnelly thrived with his newly found freedom on the wing in the first half, while the middle of the park might suit the skills of Sweetman more than the forward line where he had appeared in the past. In addition the back line was as tight as a fist and strangled the Donegal forwards, limiting some high caliber marksmen to a combined six points, two in the first half. Donegal have a pool of talent that is the envy of most clubs, but still are trying to find the right combination. Paddy Kelly did not start the game, and came in within 10 minutes as Donegal were struggling early on. From the get go McAnespies put a stranglehold on their opponents and while Donegal managed to find some breathing room here and there in the second half, the Tir Chonaill men could not break the grip of the North American champions.

Donegal's Eddie Mangan evades the reach of Neil Donaghy.

McAnespies put four points over the bar before Kevin Curran opened Donegal’s account. Jamie Kelly, Alan Nestor, and Colm Donnelly (2) had McAnespies ahead after 15 minutes. Indicative of the task that Donegal faced was the immediate response to Donegal’s opening score. Donnelly finished a sweeping move from the ensuing kickout. Donegal also had Fergal Murphy to thank for two outstanding saves to keep the ball out of the net. Both were shots from Jamie Kelly. Murphy parried the first powerful shot one over the bar, and on the second occasion Kelly tried to sneak the ball past Murphy, but Murphy got a trailing foot to the ball. Cahir Healy also saved Donegal’s bacon on another occasion as he blocked a close range Colm McCrory shot. Healy’s battle with McCrory was one of the few that Donegal could claim as a victory. Healy did an outstanding job on the McAnespies dangerman, but the problem from a Donegal viewpoint was that there were others needing stopping.

One up for the ball lads!

Sitting on a comfortable six point lead to start the second half, McAnespies had their work cut out to keep it. Donegal pushed harder on the door, but scores were in short supply and six points seemed double that. Eddie Mangan got a much needed point for Donegal the start the second period after three minutes, but McAnespies answered with a typically well worked score. Rory Maguire found Luke Sweetman, who served the ball to Mark McGovern on the overlap from wing back, and over the bar. Donegal lopped two points off the lead as the northerners started to win more possession and did a better job holding the McAnespies forwards in check. However, with the forwards quieter, each of the McAnespies half backs stepped up to point in the second half and maintain distance between the sides. Paddy Kelly put a fine individual effort over the bar and Michael McGinty reduced the lead to four points. McAnespies, however, answered in kind through Keith Hudson and McCrory. Donegal had to fight hard for every score, and Kelly put two more hard earned points over the bar. Time was a factor however, and Donegal did not have it on their side. David Wright saved well from substitute Robert Porter, and Donegal added another point from a Fergal Murphy 65. McAnespies continued to win and keep enough possession to maintain the advantage, and when given the chance slowed down the play. Neil McAdam put an insurance point over the bar with 26 minutes gone and by that stage a goal was needed for Donegal, and it looked unlikely that one would come. McAnespies kept the door shut and while enhancing their playoff position, ensured that Donegal’s chance of claiming top spot are lessened. The result leaves no team undefeated as Kerry put paid to Christopher’s unbeaten run in mid-week.

McAnespies: D. Wright, D. Donegan (0-1), C. Moore, M. McGovern (0-1), N. McAdam (0-1), K. Hudson (0-1), N. Donaghy, L. Sweetman, C. Donnelly (0-3), R. Maguire (0-2), A. Nestor (0-1), C. McCrory (0-2), J. Kelly (0-1). Donegal: F. Murphy (0-1), S. Lee, C. Healy, M. McGowan, S. Hannon, R. McLaughlin, D. Nolan, M. McGinty (0-1), R. Withery, C. Bell, K. Curran (0-1), C. Mullins, E. Mangan (0-2). Sub: P. Kelly (0-3)

By Rory O'Donnell

Senior Football: Aiden McAnespies v Shannon Blues - July 12

Aiden McAnespies 0-10 Shannon Blues 1-9

Aiden McAnespies senior footballers tasted defeat for the first time in over a year at the hands of a determined and spirited Shannon Blues team. Once the Blues had the smell of victory in their nostrils, they kept working until the job was done. The Blues trailed for the first 40 minutes, but went ahead early in the second half with a well taken Colm McGee goal. The Blues then dug in until the very end and stifled McAnespies’ efforts at maintaining their unbeaten record.





















Philip Lydon gets his hands on the ball as Neil Donaghy challenges.

Playing with a slight breeze, McAnespies took advantage and established a three point lead after 30 minutes of play. David O’Callaghan opened the scoring for the Blues. After that McAnespies went on a five points to one scoring spree. Colm McCrory and Alan Nestor shared the spoils. Usually taking the field at wing forward, McCrory lined out at corner forward to start the game, perhaps in hindsight for the northerners, McCrory’s trademark speed could have been better utilized on the wing. It seemed as though we were in for another routine win from the South Boston boys. However, in spite of playing second fiddle on the scoreboard, had The Blues taken their chances it would have been closer at the half. There were at least three good opportunities that went amiss. Eventually Phillip Lydon found the mark and Colm McGee displayed a flash of brilliance that was a harbinger of what was to come in the second half. The man from Tubbercurry scored a rousing point to lift the Blues at the end the half and made it a three point game.
















Colm Donnelly chases down the ball for McAnespies

The Blues got off to the start they wanted in the second period with a point from a Lydon free kick. Jamie Kelly and Colm McCrory put McAnespies back into a four point lead with a point each. Then the Blues hit with a goal five minutes into the second half. Again, it was the Tubbercurry man, Colm McGee, who roused the Blues contingent with a fantastic goal. McGee ran on to ball played through the middle and tapped it past the advancing keeper, then placed the ball exquisitely into the corner of the empty net from a tight angle. Philip Lydon then leveled the scores with another pointed free kick. Frustration began to creep into McAnespies play, and bookings were issued to Neil Donaghy and also to Philip Lydon for the Blues. Again, McGee got them cheering in the stand on the Blues side of the field with another fine score to put the Blues in the lead two thirds of the way through the half.

With time running down McAnespies started to lose their way with some wayward shooting and aimless kicking into the forward line. Fouling the ball when in possession on several occasions, and with some poor shooting, the frustration grew for the defending Boston and North American champions. The Blues could smell that a famous victory would be at hand and dug in at the back. Philip Lydon added to the Blues lead with 13 minutes still left to play. As McAnespies continued in vain to claw themselves back into the lead, the Blues put up a solid wall at the back to keep their opponents out. With a minute to go McCrory brought McAnespies within a point and set up a tense finale to the game. McAnespies pressed for the equalizing score, but Lydon put the insurance point over the bar in injury time and the Blues celebrated a fine win. The result opens things up at the top of the table as now Donegal and Christopher’s are the only teams yet to be beaten.

Macs: D. Wright, C. Moore, N. McAdam, G. Clark, K. Hudson, F. McPhillips, N. Donaghy, C. Donnelly (0-1), D. Donegan, R. Maguire, A. Nestor (0-2), L. Sweetman, C. McCrory (0-5). Sub: J. Kelly (0-2). Blues: D. Hawes, S. Kelly, T. Wallace, B. Maloney, P. O’Brien, E. Mullarkey, P. Lydon (0-5), S. Gilmartin, L. McQuade, S. O’Mahoney, C. McGee (1-2), A. O’Donoghue, D. O’Callaghan (0-2).


By Rory O'Donnell

Senior Football: Aiden McAnespies v Mayo - July 5

McAnespies 1-19 Mayo 1-5

The scoreline tells the story for this game. A comfortable win for McAnespies who had little to worry about once they took the lead after 5 minutes. Mayo never looked like they felt that they could pull off an upset and for much of the game the outcome was inevitable. Don O’Malley managed to keep a clean sheet for Mayo for 59 minutes, until Colm McCrory netted at the death to rob Mayo of even that bright spot to an otherwise forgettable day for the westerners.

Keith Hudson has matters in hand at center back for McAnespies.

Once things got warmed up McAnespies started to cruise and opened up comfortable lead. The sides were on a level footing after five minutes with 2 points each. Keith Hudson and Colm McCrory pointed for McAnespies, while Barry O’Donovan was on the mark for Mayo. Once Alan Nestor put McAnespies one to the good from a free the South Boston side cruised without looking like they were overextending themselves. The only interruption to the one way traffic was a point from Barry O’Donovan. Mayo did make an occasional foray into McAnespie’s territory, but the Macs back five mopped up with reasonable comfort. Colm Donnelly finished an incisive move to put McAnespies four points to the good after 15 minutes, while McCrory and Nestor clocked up the points tally between them. At the half McAnespies led by 0-11 to 0-3, and all the while looking like they could raise the tempo if needed.

Kevin McAllister finds room to play the ball into the corner.

The second half continued as the first ended. A Rory Maguire point was followed by a pointed McCrory free. Barry O’Donovan bucked the trend and netted for Mayo, after Stephen Hughes supplied the pass, finishing the best move of the afternoon for the westerners. Macs answered with three points over the following five minutes. Colm McCrory picked things it up in the speed department and finished two sweeping moves for points, though it was clear that a goal was on his mind. Luke Sweetman got credit for the third point. Sweetman had the goal at his mercy, but Don O’Malley got down well to deflect the shot over the bar. Mayo kept Macs from netting a goal and put some respectability on the scoreboard, and seemed to apply themselves a bit better late in the day. There were a couple of occasions where McAnespies defence had to put some work in. Kevin McAllister pointed twice for Mayo, one could have been a second goal for Mayo but the ball floated over the bar from close range. McCrory eventually put one in the goal column for McAnespies. With time almost up, the Monaghan man put first time shot in the top corner from close range denying Mayo a clean sheet. Macs still unbeaten, while Mayo are no doubt looking to put this one behind them.

Macs: D. Wright, S. Magill, C. Moore, G. Clarke, K. Hudson (0-1), F. McPhilips, C. Donnelly (0-2), N. Donaghy, D. Donegan, C. McCrory (1-8 – 4f), A. Nestor (0-5), L. Sweetman (0-2), R. Maguire (0-1). Mayo: D. O’Malley, S. Clifford, M. Wynne, M. Carolan, J. Toner, D. Murphy, M. Coakley, P. Walsh, J.Carney, P. McHale, S. Hughes, K. McAllister (0-2), B. O’Donovan (1-3).

By Rory O'Donnell