Sunday June 1: Junior A Football - Cork v Armagh-Notre Dame

Cork 3-13 Armagh-Notre Dame 1-3

Cork captured two points in their first outing of the season with an impressive win over Armagh-Notre Dame.  A hat trick from West Cork's Cian Clifford put the stamp on the win, while some tidy play from corner backs Eoin Barry and Mike Carolan kept the Armagh-ND forwards from making inroads on the scoreboard. 

Cork got their season off to a good start.

Playing away from the clubhouse end, Cork built up a 10 point lead over the first 30 minutes of play.  The rebels had the kind of finishing that their opposite numbers were lacking.  Although there were a decent handful of missed chances mid way through the half, Cork availed of most of the chances that came their way.  Cian Clifford accounted for 1-3 from his corner forward berth, while his partner in the other corner, Mike Moynihan, accounted for 2 points.  At the other end, Armagh-ND generated several scoring chances, but the final effort drifted wide.  Eoin Barry played well at corner back for Cork to snuff out a number of balls into the full forward line, and it looked like the 2 points would be safe for Cork as they led by 10 points at the break.

Armagh-Notre Dame Junior A Football Team

Early in the second half Armagh-Notre Dame spirits rose after a Frank Meehan point was followed by a goal from Brian Devlin.  The Cork lead was reduced to 7, but the rebels restored the difference almost right away with a second goal from Clifford.  Mick Lyons popped over 2 more points and a third goal followed from Clifford to complete a hat trick for the Rathcormack man.  Cork continued to put their stamp on proceedings as the Brighton side struggled to gain traction.  John Moylan and Moynihan traded points to end the game with Cork looking good in their first outing.

Armagh-ND:  O. Murphy, S. McKenna, P. McDermott, B. Devlin, N. Al-Hakim, M. Murphy, D. Magill, A. Blake, J. Moylan, P. Grace, B. McGrath, D. Maguire, M. Tiffany.  Cork:  K. Reid, E. Barry, M. Carolan, D. Brogan, S. McGarr, D. Kerins, M. Lyons, D. O'Regan, M. Maye, C. Caffrey, J. Crowley, C. Clifford, M. Moynihan.

NACB Finals - Sunday

The Boston Northeast Board had 7 teams representing the division at the NACB finals in the Cleveland suburb of North Ohlmstead.  The layout and organization was a credit to the Cleveland clubs who did a great job hosting the event.  It was something new for much of the attendees, telling by the fold out chairs on the sidelines and chatting to some of the punters, it was a new thing for them to see live games of gaelic football and hurling.  Of the Boston teams, the Wolfe Tones pulled off a win at junior A football, while the Connemara Gaels went down in a gallant display against Ulster from San Francisco, While Tipperary and Connacht Ladies lost out in their respective finals.

Junior A Football

Wolfe Tones 2-11 Patriots Chicago 1-8

NACB Junior A Football Champions - Wolfe Tones

Having got a bye straight into the final, Wolfe Tones captured the men's junior A football trophy with a great display against the Patriots from Chicago.  Leading by a goal at half time, the Tones made sure with a second goal in the second half and brought the NACB junior A football championship trophy back to Boston for the first time since Aidan McAnespies in 2009 when the finals were last held in Canton*. 

With the game close in the first half, Lee Carr fired the ball home to provide the lead to the Tones.  With Ger Molloy his usual industrious self at center forward, and Carr motoring in the corner the scores came from Carr, Gary Leonard and Collie Carr stepped up from center back to float one over the bar.  Aodhan McEnerney, still on a high following Dublin's win over Kerry earlier in the day put in a lot of work in the middle of the field, as did Kilcock man Gavin Walsh.  The Philly side, made up of a lot of American Born players, though proved to be a tough nut to crack and hung on, matching the Tones for points.

The Tones stepped it up in the second half to drive on to the finish.  Sean Kelly on the wing created havoc for the Philly back line, and though he did not make the score sheet the wee man from County Down earned his keep.  Collie Carr's second goal came with about 15 minutes left and having seen the Philly side chip a point or two off the Tones lead it was a breath of fresh air.  Further points from Carr (Collie), Carr (Lee), and Leonard gave the Tones a nice cushion coming into the last 5 minutes.  Try as they might to break the Tones defence for a much needed goal, the Philly side could not and there will be an extra passenger on the bus on the 14 hour journey back to Boston!

Tones:  C. Hynes, K. Gill, P. Collins, M. Farrell, C. Carr, C. Malone, G. Walsh, A. McEnerney, S. Kelly, G. Molloy, D. Egan, G. Leonard, L. Carr.

Ladies Senior Football

Connacht Ladies 1-9 Fog City Harps (SF) 4-15

Connacht Ladies get ready for the big game.

Connacht Ladies came through their first test with flying colours.  The Boston girls were pitted against Notre Dames from Philadelphia, and after conceding an early first half goal settled down and went on to win the game with plenty to spare.  Arlene Fox got the scoring off and was followed by Amy ring, then came a goal and a point for the Philly girls.  Connacht Ladies then got their act together and goals from Grainne Field, Ciara Donnelly, and Jane Ward before half time, along with some well taken points had the Boston side in a 19 point half time lead.  The Philly side made a better fist of things in the second half, but there was too much catching up to do.  Final score was 4-17 to 3-9 and the Connacht Ladies have a final to look forward to.

Captain Joanne O'Connell in action in the semi-final.

The final was a different story as there was some controversy regarding the numbers of players.  Connacht had come prepared to play 13-a-side and played the semi-final with 13, with one player togged out on the line.  The powers that be decided that the game should be 15-a side and the services of Ciara Burns had to be called upon to make the 15th player.  San Francisco were unwilling to compromise and insisted on the 15 a side game.  Connacht were up against it from the beginning against a physically strong San Francisco team.  The Boston team managed a goal from Ciara Donnelly, and Amy Ring put several frees over the bar, but by the time the break came the gap was 8 points.  San Francisco piled it on the second half and rattled the net 3 more times.  It was a tough end to the season for the Connacht girls, and maybe a lesson learned that the playing rules need clarification before teams make the journey to the finals.

Connacht Ladies:  C. Heraty, L. Burns, S. McAleer, G. Fields, M. Breen, J. O'Connell, A. Kerr, S. Brady, E. Byrne, A. McCloskey, A. Ring, F. Fallon, J. Ward, C. Donnelly, C. Burns, S. Mulkerin.

Men's Senior Football

Connemara Gaels 2-9 Ulster San Fran 1-14

Connemara Gaels Senior Footballers

The Connemara Gaels had plenty to do to dispose of a scrappy Young Irelands from Philadelphia in the semi-final.  At the break Philly were ahead by 5 points after a goal from a penalty.  The Gaels tried to contain the lively Philly forwards but the outlets that were available in the Boston final were not longer there.  Noel Graham accounted for the goal, which was the first score for the Gaels.  Both points also came from the boot of the Offaly man as the Gaels struggled.  The Boston side came good in the second half however.  With 10 minutes to go the sides were on level terms.  Graham, Coleman Mulkerrin, Pat McNicholas, Kevin McGrath all got on the scoreboard.  Lee Cullen moved to the middle of the field and the Gaels fortunes improved there.  A Sean Conneeley goal capped off a fine comeback, and the Gaels find themselves in tomorrow's final facing a fancied Ulster side from San Francisco.  Final score, Gaels 2-14 Philly 1-12.

The final was a heartbreaker for the Gaels, though it has to go down as one of the most exciting NACB football finals in the last few years.  The Connemara men, who fielded 9 home based players for the game, ended up on the wrong side of a two point game, though they gave it their all.  Players were moved around the field to get the get the maximum out of the team at different stages of the game.  The Gaels ran their legs off and almost pulled it off, but it was not to be for the Boston side in the end.  Having trailed at half time by 5 points the Gaels clawed their way back into the game and in the final minutes needed a goal to win it, but their exhausted legs could not breach the Ulster rearguard one more time.

The first half started with the Gaels netting early after Robbie Kiely made a tremendus run down the middle of the field and buried the ball.  Ulster had notched a point from star midfielder Caolan Daly.  Daly proved to be the main man for Ulster in the middle of the field.  The Tyrone man would remind you of Dublin's Michael Darragh McCauley the way he fielded and ran with the ball.  Ulster pulled away late in the half.  With the Gaels in a 1-3 to 0-4 lead, points coming from Noel Graham, Coleman Mulkerrin, and Graham again, Ulster scored the last 6 points on the trot.  Center forward James Austin was involved in many of the Ulster moves and they moved the ball well.  The Gaels had it all to do in the last 30 minutes.

Ulster tallied the first score after the restart, but the Gaels lifted themselves to the full extent of their abilities.  Tommy Sally pointed, as did Damien Doolan but then that man Daly netted for Ulster.  The score put Ulster up by 7 points.  The Gaels got it back within 3 minutes, a great move involving Kevin McGrath, Tom Sally, and a finish from Graham.  Ulster's lead was back to 3 points, and Austin added another before Ulster got a penalty with less than 10 minutes to go.  Eoghan Connolly pulled off a fantastic save to keep his side in the game and the momentum swung to the Gaels.  Three points on the trot from McGrath (2) and Doolan reined Ulster in to a single point, but after the San Francisco side extended their lead to 2 with minutes left the Gaels needed a goal.  The tired Gaels managed to get into the danger zone a couple of times but did not find the opening for a shot.  Ulster were jubilant at the final whistle, the Gaels totally gutted. 

Gaels:  E. Connolly, L. Cullen, C. Cullen, P. McNicholas, R. Kiely, D. Doolan, R. Hyde, T. McDonagh, S. Conneely, N. Graham, K. Owens, C. Mulkerrin, K. McGrath.  Subs used:  J. Purcell.

Senior Hurling

Na Fianna (San Fran) 0-25 Tipperary 1-9

Action from the Senior Hurling Final

Tipperary arrived in Cleveland with a bye into the final, and without many of their players from the Boston final, and also without their jerseys.  Tipp had to borrow the Wexford club's jerseys for the game.  As it turned out the Boston champions fell to Na Fianna by 13 points, though it must be said that Tipp hurled well at times, even though they were 2 men down for most of the second half, and a man down for most of the first.

Sean Moriarty netted early in the game, but soon after wards was shown a red card.  Still 50 minutes of the game to go.  Na Fianna got some great scores from free taker Sean Dowds, as well as Noel Kirby at center forward.  The San Francisco lead was gradually built up but Tipp hung in there with additional points from Kevin Kelly, James Pender, and Neil Foyle.  At the break it was 1-6 to 0-13 in favour of the western club.  Not a huge lead to overturn, but with a man down the job would all the harder.

The second half saw the second sending off, this time Pat Moriarty.  Now with 2 men down it would be nearly impossible for Tipp to pull off the win.  San Francisco kept the scoreboard ticking over, mainly from Kirby and Dowds.  Tipp did the best they could with the 11 men and at times had the San Fran back line under pressure.  Scores came from O'Donnell who had moved further forward, Pender and Foyle.  Into the fray came Danny Egan, Cliff Malone and Kevin Hartnett and at that stage the result was in little doubt.  Na Fianna have won 3 in a row now, having beaten Galway, Wexford, and now Tipp in the last 3 NACB finals.

Tipp: J. Logue, D. Buckley, R. O'Donnell, S. McGarr, A. McRedmond, P. Moriarty, C. Dempsey, M. Jordan, K. Kelly, J. Pender, M. Moriarty, S. Moriarty, N. Foyle.

By Rory O'Donnell
*Corrected from previous report.

Tables and Next Weekend's Schedule

Boston GAA Schedule

All games at the Irish Cultural Center unless otherwise noted

Wednesday July 18

5:00 Junior Hurling:  Tipperary v Wexford

5:30 Junior B Football: Aidan McAnespies v New England Celtics

Saturday July 21

4:15 Junior A Football:  Shannon Blues v Connemara Gaels

5:30 Senior Football:  Armagh-Notre Dame v Cork

Field B

4:30 Junior B Football:  Kerry v Galway

5:45 Junior B Football:  Mayo v Shannon Blues

Worcester, Ma.

3:30 Junior C Hurling:  Worcester v Barley House Wolves

Sunday July 22

11:30 Junior A Football:  Donegal v Aidan McAnespies

12:45 Ladies Senior Football:  Boston Shamrocks v Connacht Ladies

2:00 Youth Games

2:30 Senior Football:  Mayo v Galway

3:45 Senior Hurling:  Wexford v Galway

5:00 Senior Football:  Connemara Gaels v Christopher’s

Field B

1:45 Junior B Football:  Armagh-Notre Dame v Donegal

3:15 Junior B Football:  Cork v Hartford

This time of year all the games count.  Sunday starts with Connacht Ladies and the Boston Shamrocks.  The Shamrocks came out on top in the last encounter thanks to a last minute penalty, and Connacht Ladies felt hard done by.  Making amends for that result will be foremost on the minds of the westerners.  Midfieler, Imelda McNulty, had to leave that game at half time with an ankle injury and should she be unavailable it will be a blow to Connacht.  The Shamrocks have some fine talent in their lineup.  The McGovern sisters, Sharon and Edel McGovern feature prominently, while Sheila Carroll and the hero last time, Linda Cronin will give their opposing backs plenty of trouble.  An intriguing encounter awaits.  In men's senior football on Saturday, Cork will keep in with a chance if the rebels can overcome the challenge of Armagh-Notre Dame.  The northerners are looking for their first win of the season and might see Cork as an opportunity to get it.    

On Sunday Galway face Mayo.  Like Armagh-Notre Dame, Mayo are seeking their first win of the year.  Galway fancy their chances though, and with Pat O'Rourke in the full forward line they will be hard to stop.  The tribesmen have everything to play for and the talent in the side should see them through.  

The last game of the day on Sunday will feature Connemara Gaels and Christopher's.  This is a biggie.  Each side needs the win to avoid slipping out of contention, and both teams are loaded with talent.  Starring for Christopher's in the forward line have been Dr. Croke's duo Daithi Casey and Chris Brady.  Eoin Gorman and Gavin O'Grady have also performed well, so the Gaels will have their work cut out at the back.  The Gaels are also loaded with talent.  Connemara men, Ciaran O'Donnell, Sean Conneely, Coleman Mulkerrins, and also Sean Moran have performed consistently, while Michael Rogers and Joe Greaney give them two talented big men.  The big field at the ICC has seen some massive battles so far this season, and odds are that the Gaels and Christopher's will serve up another classic.

The big senior hurling match on Sunday sees Galway and Wexford meet.  The teams played to a tie in their last outing, but Galway have grown in stature since and might fancy themselves to take this Battle of Brighton.  From Steven Nolan in the back line and Seamus Corry in midfield, to Eoin Guinan and John Moylan up front, Galway have a well balanced side.  Wexford  have been doing it with their reliables, Brian Dalton, Eoghan Kavanagh, Jamie Keogh, Donal Redmond, and Tom Moloney have worked hard for the Wexfordmen, and they would love nothing more than to put one over on their local rivals.  Hurling fans should have one to look forward to Sunday. 

Men's Senior Football: Easy for the Blues

Shannon Blues 5-16 Armagh-Notre Dame 0-5

The second senior football match of the day turned into an easy win for Shannon Blues who are now five out of five and atop the senior football table.  Armagh-Notre Dame were out of their depth against the top team and by the time the second half arrived it was a case of shooting practice for the Blues.

Two up for the Shannon Blues.

The Brighton based side fielded without midfielder Kevin Sheerin who was on hurling duty with Wexford, but still may have hoped to keep it tight for as long as possible.  Any hopes of that were dashed from the outset.  Paul Garvey and Kieran Hurley had netted within the first five minutes.  Hurley was on his way to a hat trick of goals that was completed within 20 minutes.  The Northerners managed some scores through Kevin Marron, Mark Davidson, and Conor McGoran, but suffered a major blow when Marron was shown a red card for lashing out at Mike McGowan, more out of frustration having lost the ball.  The Blues now had the added comfort of an extra man on the field, who was deployed at the back.  The Blues continued to play with ease and points sailed over the bar from Hurley, James Heinz, and Hurley again.  At the break the Blues lead was unassailable, to the point where the second half was more of a training match. 

The Brighton side could have made it easier on themselves when in possession but turned the ball over coming out of defence on several occasions which resulted in scores for the Blues.  All of the Blues forwards got on the scoresheet and in the second half the subs got in on the act.  The Blues will have more of a test next week when they face Connemara Gaels, a team that is sitting in playoff position.  Armagh-Notre Dame will meet Cork, and will be hoping for a better showing, though Cork are showing well this year and certainly will be favoured.

Referee:  James Trimble (Tir Chonaill)

Blues:  T. Sayers, R. Callahan, C. Phelan, M. McGovern, D. Clarke, B. Curran, S. Moriarty, D. Dineen, S. O’Connor, J. Heinz, G. Curran, P. Garvey, K. Hurley.  Armagh-ND:  O. Murphy, S. Murney, S. Magee, S. McKenna, F. Meehan, A. Donovan, C. Magee, A. Gunn, S. McGarr, M.Davidson, D. McGovern, C. McGoran, K. Marron.

By Rory O'Donnell

Kerry Get Back on Track

Armagh-Notre Dame 1-7 Kerry 3-13

Kerry brushed aside the Armagh-Notre Dame challenge with little fuss to recover from last week’s loss to the Gaels.  Armagh-Notre Dame’s keeper, Ollie Murphy pulled off a string of fine saves to keep the Kerry goals tally at a minimum, while Kevin Marrow, Paul McGoran, and Alan O’Donovan battled hard out the field.  Kerry played quite well throughout, but took 15minutes to get going.  Wing back Paul Coffey, Paul O’Neill in midfield, and Conor O’Brien carried game for the Kingdom.

The Kerry Senior Footballers 

It took a while for the scores to start to flow in the game.  After wing back James Coffey pointed to open Kerry’s account a string of missed chances ensued for the Kingdom.  Kerry kept up the pressure on their opponents without killing themselves, but the scoring touch was not there.  Eventually, center forward Mark Schutte added a second, and the third came from his Cuala cohort, Conor O’Brien at corner forward.  The northerners enjoyed a spell of pressure and got two points out of it.  The key was getting the ball in to Kevin Marron, the Antrim native looked capable when in possession.  Marron and Conor McGoran converted points to bring the gap to one, but then Kerry pulled away.  Three points on the trot between Donnacha Fenton and O’Brien stretched Kerry’s lead, while the Armagh men tallied just the one one from Conor Magee.  Marron almost pulled his side back into the game on the stroke of half time, but while working to create the opening for a shot at goal lost his direction a little and hot wide.  At the half it was Kerry by four.

Kerry opened things up a little more in the second half.  Early in the period the Cuala men combined for goal.  Schutte broke the defence and shot low across the face of goal for O’Brien to finish at the far post.  The sides traded scores, and Kerry threatened the Armagh goal time and again.  A second goal came in the form of a penalty for a foot block in the area after keeper Ollie Murphy had pulled off a couple of fine saves.  Midfielder, Paul O’Neill stepped up to take it and his shot was true and into the roof of the net.  Armagh-Notre Dame kept up the fight and were rewarded with a goal.  Fintan Kerins was moved to the opposite end of the field from which he started, corner back to corner forward, and the St. Vincent’s clubman got on the end of a ball from Marron to slot into the far corner of the net.  The Orchard County men followed with a point and though the Kerry lead was still seven points, there were calls from the line and on the field for the Kingdom to pick it up, and pick it up they did.  Whelan, Ian Somers, and Schutte were involved in the move for Kerry’s third goal, Schutte was the finisher.  Another tough game for the Armagh man and considering the result from Ireland, not a good day for the Orchard County.

Referee:  Nobby Walsh (Co. Meath)

Man of the Match:  James Coffey (Kerry)

Armagh-ND:  O. Murphy, S. Mageee, F. Kerins, S. McKenna, D. Kelly, A. Donovan, K. Sheerin, C. Magee, F. Meehan, M. Davidson, L. O’Connor, K. Marron, C. McGoran.  Kerry:  S. O’Leary, M. Godley, J. O’Mahoney, L. Mulligan, K. O’Connor, J. Coffey, I. Whelan, P. O’Neill, I. Somers, M. Schutte, D. Fenton, S. O’Neill, C. O’Brien.

By Rory O'Donnell

Galway Come off Best in Brighton Derby

Galway 0-16 Armagh-Notre Dame 2-4

The Brighton clubs crossed swords Sunday afternoon with each side looking for their first win of the season.  It was a game that would have Galway as favourites by a significant margin.  Galway ended up coming away with the win, but the outcome was in serious doubt until the last 10 minutes of the game.  Armagh-Notre Dame held a one-point lead with 15 minutes to go, but the northern effort lost steam and scoring options were at a premium in the latter stages.  Galway finished comfortably in the end, but not without being put to the test.

Armagh-Notre Dame gave it a go but did not have enough juice for Galway.

Armagh-Notre Dame held their own in the first half, but one had the feeling that the chances of an upset were slim.  Galway missed a plethora of scoring chances that would have seen their half-time lead be far more than the single point that it was.  A sending off early in the game also gave the feeling that it would probably hurt the Orange half of Brighton more than it would Galway.  Corner back, Shane Murney, and Galway’s Keith O’Hara were shown the line for their part in an off the ball wrestling match eight minutes into the game.  Armagh-ND kept in it for most of the half thanks to a goal from Conor McGoran who fisted a bouncing ball into the net from the edge of the small square.  Galway had put three points over the bar, one each from Mark Kenny, Eoghan Whelan, and Ollie Doherty.  Jamie Keogh leveled the scores and Galway then opened up a lead.  Leon Kelly and two Doherty frees looked like they would put Galway three to the good at the break, but a late flurry from the northerners reduced the deficit to the one point.  Conor McGoran and Shane Marrow each pointed before the break.  There could also have been a goal, but Pronsias McComiskey got down well to save from McGoran.

The Galway footballers got the better of their Brighton rivals, but only just.

Armagh-Notre Dame threw the cat among the pigeons with a second half goal that put them into an unlikely one point lead.  Galway had missed some easy chances to start the second period, and at that point the unlikely upset looked possible.  The game slipped away from Armagh-Notre Dame from that point on however.  Galway stepped up their level of intensity and the orchard county side began to tire.  After Doherty leveled the scores, Kenny and Graham Cullen went to work and combined well to put four points over the bar between them, and put some distance between the teams.  The frustration grew for the northerners as Galway played the ball around with relative ease in the final quarter.  Doherty added two free kicks to round out the scoring.  Armagh-Notre Dame yet to record their first win, and Galway take their first two points of the season.

Galway:  P. McComiskey, R. Vickers, J. O’Callaghan, S. Fox, E. Whelan, J. Kehoe, O. Doherty, E. Kavanagh, K. O’Hara, L. Kelly, M. Kenny, G. Cullen, D. Reddin.  Armagh-ND:  O. Murphy, S. McGee, S. Murney, S. McKenna, N. Lowry, F. Meehan, K. Sheerin, C. McGee, D. Shaw, A. Donovan, K. Marrow, C. McGoran, M. Davidson.

By Rory O'Donnell

Boston Senior Football Championship Kicks Off

The Boston Senior Football Championship begins next Sunday, May 20, at the Irish Cultural Center in Canton, Mass with four games on the schedule.  Based on what has gone in the cup competitions it promises to be an action packed summer.  There are eleven teams searching for one of six playoff spots, and last year there were 9 clubs in with a shout until the final weeks of the season.  Aidan McAnespies get their title defence off to a start and early season front-runners Wolfe Tones and Donegal are also in action 

Wolfe Tones, seen here following their 7-a-side win in
New York, meet Armagh-Notre Dame on Sunday.

The first game of the day sees 2010 champions and 2012 Pat O’Brien Cup finalist, Donegal, meet 2009 champions Christopher’s.  Though it is early days, Donegal have established themselves as an early front-runner and put in some fine performances so far.  The side features top quality footballers such as Brian White, Christy Bell, Garbhan Friel and Thomas Donaghue.  I would also not be surprised to see a contribution from old hands, Kevin Curran and Michael McGinty.  Christopher’s will have their work cut out to take something from the game.  Dan Kenneally, Pat Delaney, Noel Ryan and company could be in for a rough 60 minutes, and I’d be surprised to see Donegal walk away with anything less than two points.

Aidan McAnespies meet Kerry in the first game of their defence of the championship.  Kerry could present a tough task for the lads from South Boston.  The Kingdom side features quality players such as Kieran O’Connor, Donnacha Fenton and Ian Somers and will fight hard to put one over on the reigning champions.  For their part, McAnespies will have Niall Gallen, Marty Bogue, Gareth O’Neill, Colm McCrory, and Colly Donnelly in what should be a balanced side.  Macs to win, but not without a fight.

Armagh-Notre Dame get Wolfe Tones out of the way in their first game.  The Tones look very strong, even at this stage.  There seems hardly a weakness in the side, and with players up front of the caliber of Marty Farrell, Dan McCabe, and Barry Grogan the men in the back line for the Orchard County will have a tough task on their hands.  Armagh-Notre Dame will have to dig deep to make a game of it, and will look to Frank Meehan and Dominic Magill to produce some of the old magic.  Tones to win with a bit to spare.

The final game of the day features Shannon Blues and Galway.  The Blues have come in to this season fielding the strongest home-based side in many a year, and a win will be the hope.  With the likes of Conor Mullen at the back, Pat Murray in the middle, and Sean Moriarty up front, the Blues have talent spread throughout the field.  Galway will also fancy their chances of getting their season off to a good start, especially with Leon Kelly anchoring the midfield, and players of the caliber of Danny Reddin and Gearoid O’Connor up front, Galway present a tricky hurdle for the Blues.

Not in action on Sunday are Cork, Mayo, and Connemara Gaels who will have to wait a week to get their respective seasons off to a start.

Schedule, Sunday May 20

1:15  Christopher’s v Donegal

2:30  Aidan McAnespies v Kerry

3:44  Wolfe Tones v Armagh-Notre Dame

5:00 Shannon Blues v Galway


Orla Benson Cup
1:45 Tir na nOg V Connacht Ladies

By Rory O'Donnell

Gaels and Galway into Cup semis, Connacht Ladies Debut.



Connacht Ladies made their debut in the Orla Benson Cup on Sunday in Canton,
 but lost out to the Boston Shamrocks.

The Boston Shamrocks picked up a win over the new Connacht Ladies side on Sunday.

Armagh-Notre Dame 0-1 Galway 3-9

Galway had an easy win to advance to the semi-final stage of the Pat O’Brien Cup. Armagh-ND had earned a second game in the competition thanks to last week’s win over Christopher’s. With the addition of Leon Kelly to partner Ollie Doherty in the middle of the field, Galway were always in control. Jamie Kehoe bagged a first half goal, and in the second it was Gearoid O’Connor and Kehoe again who rattled the back of the net. Armagh-Notre Dame for their part battled hard but did not have the power to match their opponents. Galway will have their work cut out for them when they face a very strong looking Wolfe Tones in the semi-final.

Armagh-ND: O. Murphy, S. Murney, S. McKenna, F. Meehan, A. Donovan, N. Lowry, Galway: P. McComiskey, G. Bannon, R. Vickars, JJ O’Neill,JJ Doyle, S. Gallagher, O. Doherty, L. Kelly, G. O’Connor, P. Nolan, T. Walsh, D. Reddin, J. Kehoe.

Connemara Gaels 2-7 Shannon Blues 0-12

Connemara Gaels had the slenderest of wins over the Shannon Blues on Saturday afternoon. In an entertaining, open game of football, the Gaels looked well in control at the end of the first half. The Gaels enjoyed a 1-5 to 0-5 advantage and early in the second stretched that lead to six points. Goals from Rosmuc native Sean Conneely and David McDonagh from Leitir Mor put the Gaels in the drivers seat. The Blues made a late run to try and bridge the gap and got within a point, but it was the Gaels who hung on to win a semi-final place against Donegal next week.

By Rory O'Donnell

Late penalty sees Armagh-Notre Dame through

Armagh-Notre Dame 1-3 Christopher’s 0-5


Armagh-Notre Dame pulled off somewhat of a dramatic victory over Christopher’s to earn a quarter final game against their local Brighton rivals, Galway. The game was empty of scores in the first half as both sides floundered in front of goal, but the second was much more enjoyable. Christopher’s looked like pulling away only to be reined in and eventually overtaken by a determined Armagh-Notre Dame side.

Dan Kenneally makes a clean catch this time.

Mid-way through the first half the game remained scoreless, and it was only with the period winding down that either side chalked up a score. For the men in the orange jerseys it was Dominic Magill, and then for Christopher’s it was Owen Keohane who made it a point each at the break. Christopher’s opened the second half looking like they were about to steamroll their opponents. Some great play resulted in four points for Christopher’s. The quick ball into the corner forwards paid heavy dividends. Armagh-Notre Dame dug in however. Conor McGarry popped over a point, making it a one-score game. Midfielders Adrian Gunn and Kieran Sheerin made things difficult for their opposite numbers, and Pat Delaney ended up getting a second yellow card for rough play handing the Orchard men a numbers advantage with plenty of time left to play.

Dominic Magill on the run for Armagh-Notre Dame.

Armagh-ND kept up the tempo and dug deep in a big effort to get the season off to a good start, and their efforts eventually paid dividends. At the end of a fine move the ball ended up in the hands of McGarry, and a penalty resulted. McGarry was pulled down and Frank Meehan slotted the kick into the bottom corner. All square now and with Christopher’s frustration growing and the bit between the teeth for the Brighton team, veteran Darren Maguire popped over a free in the dying moments of the game to send his side through to the next round.

Armagh-ND: O. Murphy, S. Redmond, S. McKenna, F. Meehan, N. Lowry, M. Graham, A. Gunn, K. Sheerin, G. Hall, D. Magill, M. Tiffany, C. McGarry, D. Maguire. Christopher’s: J. Duane, N. Ryan, L. Luke, M. Delaney, C. Murphy, P. Manning, D. Kenneally, J. Kenneally, P. Mannion, P. Delaney, L. Hickey, D. Keohane, R. Kenneally.


By Rory O'Donnell