6/9/2024 - Intermediate Football - Donegal Boston vs Wolfe Tones

By Neil McEnaney

Full Time Score:

Donegal 7-6

Wolfe Tones 2-10

 

It was a case of take the goals and the points will come for Donegal in the Intermediate Championship against Wolfe Tones! Donegal were just a level or two above the Tones today with the pacy Alex Doherty causing a lot of damage from center forward.

 

It was all square after 15 minutes as the game ebbed and flowed. A patient build up and some strong running by Tiernan McHugh of Donegal led to the games first goal taken by Doherty.

 

Wolfe Tones responded immediately with a long kick pass from Padraig Diamond into the two inside forwards, Dylan Murtagh and Darragh O’Reilly who combined well to set up a point for O’Reilly.

 

Doherty and McHugh moved the ball quickly in response for Donegal to set up Mark McFadden who side footed it into the net from a tough angle with his left foot. Tones responded again with a great switch of the play from Paddy Maughan to pick Barry O’Connell who took his man on one-on-one to finish with a great goal for the Tones.

 

With just three points between the sides, Murtagh had a goal chance denied by the bottom of the post as his shot just went a few inches too left to find the net. In a killer blow to the Tones just before half time, Conor O’Neill picked out Doherty on the left wing with a great kick pass. Doherty used his pace to take on his man and finished brilliantly into the bottom corner.

 

Half Time Score:

Donegal 3-4

Wolfe Tones 1-6

 

The start of the second half finished just like the first with a goal for Donegal. This time taken Matthew Smith. It wasn’t long before Doherty finished his hattrick after some strong running. Padraig Diamond for the Tones made a strong run up the wing to set up O’Reilly who was brought down for a penalty. O’Reilly made no mistake from the penalty spot cooly finishing to the bottom corner.

 

Tones could have had a few more goals themselves but for some last ditch defending by Donegal. Eoghan Rocks dived for a block and was down in discomfort and had to be subbed off. Sources tell me he dislocated his elbow so we wish him a speedy recovery.

 

Conor O’Neill finished with a goal himself after another assist from McHugh.

 

 

Man of the Match: Alex Doherty

 

Team and Scorers:

Donegal Boston:

Darren Grant, James Newell, Eoighan Rocks, Mark McFadden (1-0), Jack O’Brien, Ethan McDevitt, Ryan McMahon, Conor O’Neill(1-1), Ben Bradley (0-1), Alex Doherty (3-0), Matthew Smith (0-2), Tiernan McHugh (0-2), Michael Winston

Subs: Mikey Whelan (0-1), Conor Coyle (1-1)

 

Wolfe Tones:

Cormac Joyce Power, Thomas McGuinness, Conor Farrell, Ross Carolan, Mikey Kerr, Jon Foster, Padraig Diamond (0-1), Mikey Quinn, Barry McShea, Barry O’Connell (1-6), Paddy Maughan, Dylan Murtagh, Darragh O’Reilly (1-3)

Boston Northeast Championships Begin at the ICC

Next weekend sees the start of the Boston Northeast GAA championships.  2017 Pat O’Brien Cup champions, Aidan McAnespies take on Christopher’s while Connemara Gaels and the Wolfe Tones will lock horns.  The following week will see Shannon Blues, Donegal and Galway in action as the championship picks up momentum. 

This year’s senior football championship is most eagerly awaited as it is anticipated to be one of the most competitive in many years, with several teams having a real chance of winning.  The registration rules have been amended for 2017 to require 6 home based players, and the deadline has been brought forward to July 1.  Many teams look as though they have been shaping up nicely on the home based front, already there is plenty of top class talent, and many familiar faces, ready to put their skills and competitiveness to the test.

The senior and junior hurling championships start on a couple of weeks later on June 18 with Galway and Fr. Tom’s facing off in what will be a best of 5 games for this year’s title.  Wexford and Tipperary kick of what look like it will be a very competitive junior A championship that also will have defending champions, Offaly, as well as Galway and Tom’s vying for the coveted Eddie Treacy Cup.  The junior C hurling championship has started with Barley House Wolves scoring a win against the newest arrivals, Providence HC.  The hurlers of Portland, Hartford and Worcester will also be plying their trade on the hurling fields of New England.

The Kerry footballers make a welcome return to the ranks and will enter the junior B competition, while the race for the prestigious junior A championship will see six teams make up a very competitive field challenge for the Pat Callaghan Cup.  Cork, Shannon Blues, Aidan McAnespies, Connemara Gaels, Donegal and Wolfe Tones will all have an eye on making the semi-finals in early August.

The Ladies senior championship kicks off on June 17 with the Boston Shamrocks and Connacht Ladies renewing a rivalry and a best of 5 for the Orla Benson Cup.

Also at the weekend on Saturday, the first hurling trophy of the season is up for grabs between Tipperary and Fr. Tom Burke’s in the Sheehan Cup Final, while the Boston Shamrocks defend their Orla Benson Cup title in the final versus Connacht Ladies on Sunday at 1:00.

Schedule

Saturday June 3

Sheehan Cup Final

4:00 Tipperary v Fr. Tom Burke’s

Sunday June 4

Irish Cultural Center, Canton Ma.

Orla Benson Cup Final

1:00 Connacht Ladies v Boston Shamrocks

Senior Football Championship

Pat O'Brien Cup First Round

The first round of Pat O’Brien cup games got the Boston Northeast 2017 season off to a great start at the Irish Cultural Center in Canton Mass.  Weather conditions were good, though perhaps a little on the warmer side than we are used to in late April, and a stiff wind blew up as the afternoon wore on. 

Six football teams were in action, with each club almost having completed their home based rosters.  Games were entertaining with some familiar names from recent years back in action on the fields of Canton, wins for Aidan McAnespies and Connemara Gaels in group A, while in Group B Wolfe Tones came away with the win.

Group A

Aidan McAnespies 1-8 Shannon Blues 0-7

Aidan McAnespies had a good first outing of the season.

Aidan McAnespies and the Blues got the action going with a few new signings impressing for McAnespies.  Brian Breslin (Strabane) and Paul Clifford (Kildare) looked strong in the half back line, with Breslin popping over a couple of points, and at corner forward another Tyrone native, Che O’Donnell, proved very effective with 1-3 to his name by the time affairs concluded.  Robbie Croft made the big move back to Boston, and playing in the middle of the field had a largely productive outing.

Shannon Blues will be looking towards their outing against the Gaels.

The Blues side featured some returning names from years past.  Notably Darren Wallace and Barry Hartnett.  Also coming in during the game was veteran Michael Ralston.  The Blues played some nice handpassing football out of defence, but almost always came up against a stiff defence when in scoring range.  McAnespies held a 0-6 to 0-2 lead approaching the break, and Ralston and Wallace reduced that gap to 2 points before the whistle.  It was a late second half goal from O’Donnell that put the win in the bag for McAnespies to get them off the a good start.

Macs:  Paddy Coakley, Eoghan Delmer, Jimmy Rigney, Brian Breslin, Paul Clifford, Seamie Breslin, Marty Mongan, Robbie Croft, Cathal O’Neill, Niall Breslin, Tommy Brereton, Che O’Donnell, Russell Quirke. 

Blues:  Daragh O’Shea, Fionn Herlihey, S. Henefy, Conor Kerins, Shane Kelly, John Craig, Barry Hartnett, Pat Murray, James Maher, Darren Wallace, Conor Mullen, S. Conway, Liam Henry.

Connemara Gaels 2-9 Galway 1-5

Next up were the westerners, Connemara Gaels and Galway.  It was fairly tight all the way until the Gaels put some distance between themselves and their opponents in the final quarter of the game.

Kieran Killeen gets the Gaels going.

There were lots of familiar names on both rosters, with Coleman Mulkerrin featuring well for the Gaels and Kevin Cummins for Galway in the early going.  It was 3 a piece after 10 minutes, before PJ Connolly from Leitir Mór netted for the Gaels after a great Ryan Caffrey run.  James Doyle responded with a point for Galway, but another point from Connolly had the Gaels sitting on a 4 point half time lead.

Galway's Sam Lenihan

Galway opened the second half with a fine goal from Tom Walsh.  Cummins found his teammate on the corner of the square with an unorthodox pass from the outside of his boot, and after the fetch Walsh buried the ball on the near side of the posts.  Kilmacud Crokers man, Peter Herlihy, leveled matters with a point, and it was all to play for down the stretch.  The Gaels ended with 5 unanswered scores as they stepped up the pressure.  The wind picked up and helped the Gaels with their efforts, as did Ciaran Killeen who sparked the team with a point, and set up a goal for Sean Conneely, to see the Gaels to the win.

Gaels:  Paddy Sweeney, David Black, Niall Collins, Damien Doolan, Ian Heanue, Ciaran Killeen, Ryan Caffrey, James Flaherty, Coleman Mulkerrin, Paddy McGee, Sean Conneely, Patrick Connolly, Gabhain McCrystal. 

Galway:  James Kelly, Sean O’Rourke, Greg Lundy, Tom Davey, Stevie Cullen, Colm Tummon, Alan Egan, Thomas Walsh, Kieran Gallagher, Sam Lenihan, Peter Herlihey, Kevin Cummins, James Doyle

Group B

Wolfe Tones 1-13 Christopher’s 0-7

The final game saw Christopher’s take on the Wolfe Tones.   The Tones ran away with a 9 point win, but not without a fight from Christopher’s for much of the game. 

Christopher's Dan Kenneally lines up a shot.

Gavin Walsh opened the scoring for the Tones, who had Gerry Troy and Jarlath Boyce anchoring midfield.  The scores flowed for Tones though Mike O’Brien, Shane O’Rourke and Cormac Joyce-Power.  With Ferghal O’Brien playing well at corner back and Daniel Courtney in the middle of the half back line, the Tones were well on top of affairs.  A goal from O’Rourke (Kilcock) put them in the driver’s seat as Christopher’s tried to get themselves back into the contest.

The Tones' Daniel Courtney with Murt Hunt in pursuit.

Opening the second half down by 7, Christopher’s made things interesting with three points on the trot from Dan Kenneally, Shane Dooey, and Paddy Manning.  A goal chance that that would have put Christopher’s right back in it after Dooey opened up for himself, was well saved by Shane Hayes.

The Tones steadied the boat with Tones veteran Joey Farrell popping over a couple of scores after entering as a substitute, as the Tones saw themselves through to the win.

Christopher’s:  Mark Delaney, Martin Coppinger, Sean Coppinger, Paudie Kenneally, James Horgan, Denis Dempsey, Jerry Kenneally, Shane Dooey, Paddy Manning, Murt Hunt, Patrick Kerrigan, Dan Kenneally, Paul Bannon. 

Tones:  Shane Hayes, Keith Gill, Darren McDonnell, Ferghal O’Brien, Daniel Courtney, Darren Maguire, Gerry Troy, Jarlath Boyce, Cormac Joyce-Power, Mike O’Brien, Cathal Moriarty, Shane O’Rourke, Gavin Walsh.

Schedule - May 6 2017

Pat O’Brien Cup – Second Round

Saturday May 6

Group A

4:00 Shannon Blues v Connemara Gaels

5:00 Aidan McAnespies v Galway

Group B

6:00 Wolfe Tones v Donegal

Junior A Football: Wolfe Tones v Aidan McAnespies

Wolfe Tones 1-14 Aidan McAnespies 2-8

Wolfe Tones booked their place in the semi-final of the junior A football championship with a deserved win over Aidan McAnespies.  Sean Higgins lined out in midfield for Wolfe Tones, making a return to action following last season’s injury that kept him out for almost a full year.  Chris Fenner was the Tones dangerman at corner forward, and when in possession the South Boston men linked up well.  McAnespies had the speedy Armagh duo of Sean McConville and Jemar Hall up front.  The game was tight on the scoreboard all the way, however, the final five minutes saw the Tones secure the win with points from Fenner and Gavin Walsh who entered the fray in the latter stages.

Forkhill man Jemar Hall is on to this ball as Pa Collins looks on.

Wolfe Tones took the break a point to the good thanks to a Chris Fenner free just before the whistle.  The sides were evenly matched, however, it was McAnespies who looked more threatening going forward.  The speed of Sean McConville opened up the Tones defence on a handful of occasions, and it was from the third one of these forays that the Macs netted.  The first 2 occasions that the Tones defence was opened up the end product was a wide, however the third time Hall was pulled back in the area, and McConville blasted the shot home.

The Tones had the advantage on the scoreboard with points well spread across the forward line, the lively Fenner at corner forward, Kyle Lynch, Lyndon Kiley, and Pa Collins each got on the scoring list as the Tones looked well balanced.  Scores for McAnespies came from Hall, Kieran Treanor, and Jonathan McGourty.  At the break it was 0-8 to 1-4 in the Tones favour.

Will Sean Higgins or Enda Hamill blink first?

With 10 minutes to go it was all square, and anxious Cork men were observing in the wings as a Tones win would leave Cork with no hope of making the semi-finals.  Tones had extended their lead with a Fenner goal that finished off a well worked move shortly after the restart, and Kevin Gorham added a point.  McConville popped up for another goal for McAnespies to keep them in touch, and that score was followed by points from Hall and Brian Shaughnessy. 

The Tones put the pressure on and had a handful for bad wides as opportunities to open a lead presented themselves.  Fenner eventually hit back to back points and the Tones looked like they would be headed to the semi-finals.  McAnespies kept plugging away and narrowed the gap to a point entering the last few minutes with scores from Hall and Ryan Shaughnessy.  The Tones, however, defence contained a tired looking McAnespies forward line in the last few minutes, and Fenner, along with Gavin Walsh popped over back to back points to secure the victory.  With the win Cork are out of the running and the Tones join McAnespies, Connemara Gaels, and Donegal in the semis.

Tones:  P. Miskell, A. Rooney, D. Branniff, C. Moriarty, K. Regan, L. Kiley, S. Higgins, P. Collins, J. Carroll, N. Crowe, K. Gorham, C. Fenner, K. Lynch.  Macs:  E. McKenna, J. Flynn, M. McQuaid, P. Daly, J. Ahern, M. Bogue, B. Shaughnessy, K. Treanor, J. McGourty, S. McConville, E. Hamill, S. Kane, J. Hall.

By Rory O'Donnell

Sunday June 22 - Junior A Football: Wolfe Tones v Kerry

Kerry 0-8 Wolfe Tones 4-12

Wolfe Tones proved to be far too strong for a Kerry junior side that fielded with no subs to spare.  In spite of worthy endeavor for the Kingdom, it was a losing battle almost from the start.  The Tones banged in 4 goals in the opening period and had little to worry about for the remainder of the game.

In spite of a lot of hard work, Kerry were overmatched
by Wolfe Tones.

Kerry were up against it from the throw in.  The Tones first attack ended with the ball fizzing wide, but the second a minute later ended with the ball nestling in the back f the net.  Shane Delaney finished a quick passing move that had the Kerry defenders chasing shadows.  A Lee Clarke point followed, and then another goal from Cormac Joyce-Power at corner forward had Kerry in damage control mode.  Kerry suffered a blow as James Dooley had to leave the field with a shoulder injury, leaving Kerry with 12 men.  Joyce-Power proved to be a handful for the Kerry defenders.  The Limerick man netted twice more before the break. 

Along with Clarke and Shane Delaney in the half forward line, the Tones looked dangerous on each attack.  Kerry managed 2 points at either end of the half.  Brian O'Driscoll at center forward being the scorer.  The Kingdom managed to threaten the posts on several occasions, and forced a save from Pauric Miskell on the stroke of half time.  However, the finishing touch was just not there.  At the break it was a formidable 3-4 to 0-1 Tones lead.

The second half continued as the first ended.  Joyce-Power, Sean Kelly, Andy Rooney, and Jonathan Carroll found the spot between the posts.  Kerry continued to work hard and were rewarded with scores from Ryan Evans and O'Driscoll.  Kerry had a chance at a goal after Danny O'Sullivan was held in the box, but Miskell was alert to the shot and parried it for a 45.  The Tones continued to pop over the points to see out the game and take their first 2 points of the season.

Kerry:  D. O'Connor, P. Murphy, M. Moriarty, M. Godley, R. Foley, J. Dooley, R. Evans, F. O'Sullivan, M. Moriarty Snr., B. O'Driscoll, D. O'Sullivan, K. McCarthy, B. Monagle.  Tones:  P. Miskell, D. McCarron, M. McNamara, K. Gill, D. McGuire, P. Flynn, J. Carroll, P. Collins, E. Carr, L. Clarke, S. Delaney, C. Joyce-Power, S. Kelly.

By Rory O'Donnell

Action From Canton

Galway v Cork Junior B Semi Goals.

Ended in a tie AET 3-7 to 1-13.  Replay Tue at 5:00.

Tones v Blues Junior A Action

Tones win and are  into final Sunday at 11:30.

Cathal Cregg Goal for Blues v Macs

Blues Survive to meet Donegal next week.

Video by Jerome Quinn Media.

2011 Senior Hurling Championship Best in Years; McAnespies put Stamp on Senior Football

With the 2011 Boston GAA season in the rearview mirror, and preparations underway for 2012, the year just gone by can be looked on as a successful one in many ways for the GAA in this corner of the nation. Despite obstacles, many that were thrown up unexpectedly, there was plenty to be happy about in Boston. When all was said and done on the field, there were 2 North American championship trophies that made their way back to the Northeast from San Francisco, and Boston took the opportunity to shine by hosting a flawless CYC in August. The level of competition at senior football and hurling was the highest that it has been in several years. Hurricane Irene paid an unwelcome visit to the Northeast at precisely the wrong time and somewhat spoiled what had promised to be a finals weekend to remember.  The board was forced to bring the games forward to finish them all by early Saturday afternoon. The Northeast also saw the first Junior C hurling championship in it’s history as 3 clubs contested for the first title. At youth level several new clubs sprung up to make a total of 9, making the Boston Northeast Division the fastest growing North American region at underage level.

Paul O'Donoghue was one of the stars in Canton in 2011.

The senior football championship took on a new format with the top 6 making the senior championship playoffs. That meant that late in the season 9 of the 11 teams had a chance of making the playoffs. It was clear that all 11 clubs involved had put in a lot of time and effort into fielding top quality teams. The games were highly competitive and of the level of play was impressive. The 6 teams that made it in the end were Aidan McAnespies, Connemara Gaels, Christopher’s, Wolfe Tones, Donegal, and Galway. Galway made their first senior championship semi-final in over 20 years and were unlucky to go down to the Connemara Gaels in the semi-final. It was Aidan McAnespies however, put their stamp on the season. The senior footballers went unbeaten all year. Having claimed the Pat O’Brien Cup in May, McAnespies assembled a squad of players that would go 12-0 for the Boston and NACB senior championships. The team looked unstoppable at times and played a brand of football that made very good teams look very ordinary. The only time the South Boston side looked vulnerable was in the second half of the semi-final against Christopher’s. The game looked over bar the shouting at the break as McAnespies held a seeming unassailable lead. However, Christopher’s stormed back and but for a couple of key saves by goalkeeper, Ciaran Kendrick, McAnespies could have found themselves on the outside looking in.

The final pitted McAnespies against the Connemara Gaels who were celebrating 50 years and hoping to mark the occasion with a senior championship. The Gaels had put in some inconsistent performances but there was no denying the strength of a side that contained several players of intercounty pedigree. Offaly man Brian Connor starred for the Gaels in the middle of the field all season, while Pat McNicholas and Barry Murphy were 2 of the players that formed a talented back line.  McAnespies, however, held the edge throughout the game, and with the Gaels looking like making a second half charge; 2 goals sealed their fate. They came fittingly from corner forwards, and St Mary’s Caherciveen men, Paul O’Donoghue and Sean Cournane. A few of the players who characterized the unselfish nature of the team were Niall Gallen, Sean Hughes, Plunkett Kane, Gareth O’Neill, Mark Little, and Philip Toner.  The Boston representatives worked hard to win the North American Championship in very difficult conditions in San Francisco and showed a lot of patience and character to hold off a stiff challenge from Parnell’s of Chicago in the final. 

Wolfe Tones broke the Donegal-McAnespies hold over the junior A football championship with an impressive win over Donegal in the final. The side contained many veterans of previous campaigns, Kevin Gorham, Joey Farrell, Alo and Marty McGeough, and Mick Sammon led the way for the Blue side of South Boston. The junior B championship also went to McAnespies who defeated Galway in the final. Captained by Eoin McCusker, the side also featured such stalwarts as Eugene McKenna, Ollie Guirke, Peadar Nugent, Nigel Regan, and Stephen McGettigan.

Cillian Murphy and Eoghan Naughton each starred
for their clubs at senior and junior level respectively.

The senior hurling championship was the most exciting in many a year. All four teams made the “playoffs” since there had to be a playoff game between the bottom 2 teams.  In effect it was a quarter final to separate Galway and Tom’s and see who would make the semi-final against Tipperary. It was touch and go all season long. Wexford dominated the first half of the season, and Galway looked out of the picture without a win after 3 games. The Tribesmen were too good to be left out of the picture though, and a draw and 2 wins in the second round saw them force a playoff against arch rivals, Fr. Tom Burke’s. Galway came through that encounter to meet Tipperary in the semi-final. Galway pipped Tipp by 2 points to advance to the final where they met local Brighton rivals, Wexford. The game was tight all the way and had a controversial ending. With the 60 minutes played it looked as if Wexford had done enough with a Tony Murphy point, but Eoin Guinan leveled and Fintan O’Leary put the winner over from a tough angle and distance. Wexford looked like they had one last chance to force extra time as the referee at first looked to motion for a free from a very score-able position, but then called full time. Galway, it must be said, showed great character to stick with it throughout the season, especially after a tough start, to win their first championship since 2001. Captain Cillian Murphy, Andrew Brennan, Noel McCree, Eoin Guinan and Fintan O’Leary were stellar for the westerners. Unfortunately Galway brought an under strength side to San Francisco as, ironically, key home-based players could not travel to the west coast. However, veterans Liam Byrne, John Byrne, James Kinsella, and ultra-veteran, Josie Fahy filled in on the home-based front. Galway made it past Vancouver to make the final, but then ended up in a bit of a mis-match against a very good Na Fianna side.

Junior C Portland Hurling Club made the trip to
San Fran for the NACB Finals.

On the Junior hurling front Wexford were the ultimate victors over Fr. Tom Burke’s in the Boston final. It was a long time coming for the Brighton side who had never won the junior title. The final was never in doubt. Peter Nolan, Jamie Keogh, Peter Ryan, and Eoghan Kavanagh were part of a very strong junior side. The slaneysiders made the coast to coast trip to San Francisco and very nearly got booted from the competition for a 20 minutes late arrival at the grounds for an 8:00am throw in against Toronto. Sense prevailed in the end, and the game was played first thing the following morning. Wexford saw off the Canadian challenge and met locals, Na Fianna, in the final. It was a close run affair as a few of the Wexford players limped through the second half. The Boston side prevailed in the end to add a North American trophy to their Boston championship. Boston also saw the first Junior C Championship take place with teams from 3 New England states competing. Concord New Hampshire, Portland Maine, and Worcester Mass. contested the inaugural trophy, and it was the Barley House Wolves of New Hampshire that won the final, defeating Portland. Both teams traveled to San Francisco for the finals. Portland made an exit in the first round but contested the shield final, narrowly losing out in that final. The BHW made the championship final and came oh so close to lifting the trophy. The Concord men led St. Louis for most of the game, but a late goal turned the tide in favour of the mid-western team. Dennis Trainor, Eddie Clements, Dan Hanna, Rory O’Mahoney, and Darragh Madden starred for the Wolves who have a lot to be proud with their performance on the west coast.

The Ladies of Tir na nOg and the Boston Shamrocks battled it out for the rights to represent Boston at the NACB finals in San Francisco. Tir na nOg swept all competitions, winning the Ladies Senior and Junior championships, and also taking the Orla Benson Cup. Unfortunately for Tir na nOg the trip to San Francisco did not result in a fourth trophy for the club. Mairead Farrell’s from Philadelphia had the Boston ladies fighting an uphill battle for most of the game, and a late three goal salvo was not enough to turn things around in favour of Tir na nOg. In Sinead Bannon and Caroline Nee the club have some home grown talent, while Lisa Brick, Natalia Hyland and Mairead Luttrell amongst others, starred for the Brighton based team. The ladies had to show some innovation given the current situation in Boston and during the year held a very successful 7-a-side blitz featuring players from teams in Philadelphia and New York. A new ladies football team is in the works, the Connaught Rangers, which is hopefully a sign that things are back on the upswing for Ladies football in Boston.

Hurling was to the fore at the CYC
and the youngsters displayed a high skill level.

On the juvenile front there was continued growth in the numbers of players and clubs. With the Canton based youth league and St. Brendan’s being the more established clubs, 7 additional fledgling underage clubs were formed in the region thanks to the trojan work of those involved at club and board level. The Irish Cultural Center also hosted the 2011 CYC in August. Thanks to the efforts of the organizers, the help of the adult clubs, and the co-operation of the clubs involved, the event was run without any major hiccups as thousands of kids participated in the largest underage GAA tournament outside of Ireland.

The Connemara Gaels celebrated 50 years with a banquet in Florian Hall. Joe McDonagh and Declan Meehan were guests of honour. Michael O’Muircheartaigh was guest of Honour at the Irish Pastoral Center’s annual banquet.  There were 6 trophies on display at the Wexford HC and Tir na nOg banquet. The Ladies Junior, Senior, and Orla Benson Cup and the Boston and North American junior hurling trophies as well as the Kieran Sheehan Cup. Sam Maguire also spent a couple of days in Boston as several of the Dublin football team brought the storied trophy to the masses.

2012 will present the challenges, many of which can be anticipated and others not. Hopefully the hard work at underage level will continue and the local teams will continue to grow. At adult level the quality of competition in both hurling and football will be hard to repeat, but clubs are already preparing for what will should be be another successful year.

By Rory O'Donnell

Sat Aug 20 - Junior A Football S/F: Wolfe Tones v Aidan McAnespies

Aidan McAnespies 1-11 Wolfe Tones 1-12

Old rivals, Aidan McAnespies and Wolfe Tones met in the first of the Junior A Football semi-finals over the weekend. The Tones looked comfortably in charge for most of the game, especially after Ger Molloy goaled early in the second half. McAnespies launched a late charge to draw level with minutes left and the sides fought for the breakthrough to get the winning score. In the end it was Tones substitute Dara Bonfil who put the final point over the bar in the final minute.

Wolfe Tones Junior A's will face Donegal next week.

A goal from Neil Donaghy kept McAnespies in touch with their free-flowing opponents in the first half. The Tones tallied nine points, some of them well taken efforts from difficult angles. Joey Farrell and Kevin Gorham got the pick of the scores from the Tones. Declan Kinahan played a lovely ball to Farrell on the run and Farrell curled over from 30 yards. Gorham pointed on the run from a tight angle towards the end of the half – another lovely effort. When in possession the Tones moved the ball well, especially through Kinahan in the middle of the field. McAnespies also notched some great efforts. The first two came as a result of some great interlinking play, Steven Magill getting the first and Steven McAleer the second. With the Tones pulling away McAnespies hit with a goal that might have been a tad fortunate. Magill played a low ball across the box to Neil Donaghy and Donaghy apperared to be making an effort to curl the ball over the bar, but it ended up looping into the corner of the net. The Tones continued to pick off the points and at the break led by a score of 1-5 to 0-9.

McAnespies continued to try hitting Donaghy who was playing at full forward to generate openings while in contast, the Tones running style served them well. After Joey Farrell pointed to get the second period going, Ger Molloy picked up on a loose ball and blasted home from inside the 14. The Tones maintained their advantage over the ensuing period, but would find themselves reined in by their opponents. McAnespies put four points together without reply. It started with Steven McAleer followed by three Steven Magill frees. McAnespies were on top now and were urged on by their supporters to go for the win and join their junior B’s in a final next weekend. However, the Tones gathered themselves to make one last effort. Molloy found Shane O’Brien who in turn passed to subsitiute Dara Bonfil coming down the middle, and Bonfil put a perfect shot over the bar. As McAnespies tried to come back again for the equalizer, the Tones shut up shop and kept them at bay until the final whistle. A narrow win on the scoreboard, but a deserved win for the Tones. Donegal await in next Saturday’s final.

Macs: N. Duffy, J. Harkin, N. Gallen, C. Traynor, C. Dempsey, N. Hassey, S. Lynn, G. Hennessey, S. McAleer, P. Stones, S. Magill, O. McCusker, N. Donaghy. Tones: W. O’Dowd, C. O’Callaghan, A. Rooney, C. Malone, D. Maguire, K. Gorham (0-1), P. Collins, D. Kinahan (0-1), J. Farrell (0-2), G. Molloy (1-2), A. McGeough (0-1), M. Sammon (0-1), M. McGeough (0-3). Sub: D. Bonfil (0-1).


By Rory O'Donnell

Sunday August 15 - Senior Football Q/F: Wolfe Tones v Christopher's

Christopher’s 1-11 Wolfe Tones 1-10


The rain that was forecast for the afternoon began to make an appearance for the Christopher’s versus Wolfe Tones quarter final. Each side was without a key player in their forward lines. Christopher’s were missing Eric Hegarty and for the Tones it was James Doyle. The teams could not be separated until the very end when substitute Dan Kenneally put the winning point over the bar to rousing cheers from the Christopher’s supporters.

The Tones Luke Kavanagh and Christopher's Jerry Kenneally.

Christopher’s got off the mark with an Aidan Walsh point. A goal from Pat Delaney soon followed. Paudie Kenneally’s ’45 came off the upright and Delaney was first to it to bury the ball into the net. The Tones took some time to get into the game. When they finally did Dan McCabe got them off the mark with a well taken point. Sean Kelly followed with a second, and for a period the Tones enjoyed the upper hand. The game settled down into a heavyweight type bout, each team sometimes labored to move the ball with any flow. Points were swapped along the way, the pick of which was a well worked score finished by CJ Power for the Tones. At the break the early Christopher’s goal separated the teams, 1-5 to 0-5.

Christopher's Aidan Walsh and Luke Kavanagh (again).

The second half was highlighted for four sendings off all centered around the same incident. Colm O’Driscoll pointed a beautiful sideline kick and reacted to what must have been some attempts to put his concentration off after the score. Some of the Tones players took offence and a brawl broke out. Two players from each side were sent off, O’Driscoll himself and Pat Delaney on the Christopher’s side, for the Tones it was Gary Brilly and Eoin Murray. The Tones had reduced the deficit to a point before the score and afterwards the sides traded points as it was anybody’s game. The Tones took the lead through a Sean Kelly goal with minutes left on the clock. Kelly had just blazed wide from a similar situation a few minutes earlier, but the second chance was on the money. Christopher’s now had it all to do with minutes left on the clock, Beston and Kevin O’Driscoll pointed. With the sides now level it was anybody’s to win, and it turned out to be Christopher’s who advance to the semi-final next week against McAnespies thanks yto the left boot of Dan Kenneally.

Christopher’s: S. Kelly, N. Ryan, S. McNall, P. Kenneally (0-1), E. O’Neill, R. Holmes, A. Walsh (0-1), P. Delaney (1-0), J. Kenneally, C. O’Driscoll (0-4), K. O’Driscoll (0-1), S. Beston (0-3), F. Usanga. Subs: D. Kenneally (0-1). Tones: B. Murray, K. Regan, E. Naughton, D. Maguire, E. Murray, G. Brilly, C. McCarthy, L. Kavanagh, B. Blanchfield, M. Farrell (0-1), S. Kelly (1-2), D. McCabe (0-3), CJ Power (0-3).


By Rory O'Donnell

Sunday July 24 - Junior A Football: Wolfe Tones v Aidan McAnespies

Aidan McAnespies 0-10 Wolfe Tones 3-10

Wolfe Tones proved too much for McAnespies in a scrappy junior A football championship encounter on Sunday. There was plenty to talk about, three goals and three sendings off. The Tones led comfortably early in the second half, and at one point McAnespies looked like making a possible comeback, but a third Tones goal from the boot of Mick Sammon put an end to any hopes of getting it close. In spite of playing a man down for much of the second period, the Tones never let McAnespies back into it,

Mick Sammon breaks away from his marker.

The Tones had the upper hand for much for the first period and at the break held a seven point lead. With McAnespies leading by two points to one thanks to two good scores from Niall Hassey, the Tones hit with a goal from the ever dangerous Marty McGeough. The Tones then took the initiative and outplayed their opponents for the next 20 minutes. The Tones defended well and with lots of running from midfielder, John O’Keefe, opened a sizeable lead. After Mick Sammon and O’Keefe pointed, a second goal came from Joey Farrell. O’Keefe had hit the crossbar and Farrell was on hand to put the rebound in the net. More points came from Sammon and O’Keefe as the lead grew. Then we had a sending off for some boxing off the ball. Alo McGeough and Raymond Brady were both shown the line. McAnespies then came back into the game, Steven Magill pointed followed by Joe Callan and Niall Hassey. Callan ended the scoring for the half to leave it at 2-8 to 0-7 in favour of the Tones.

Cliff Malone and Neil Donaghy jump for the ball.

McAnespies improved their performance in the second half and enjoyed more possession than in the first. Magill and Hughes hit the mark for McAnespies, while Shane O’Brien pointed once for the Tones. The difference was two goals, and McAnespies sensed that a comeback could be on the cards. The more McAnespies pressed the more open they were at the back and the Tones took full advantage. Declan Kenihan ran the length of the field and with defenders in pursuit passed to Sammon who slid the ball beneath the keeper. Sammon himself saw red for his reaction following an incident where he protested once to often that he should have been awarded a free. McAnespies managed two points from Sean Mallon frees. The Tones worked hard in defence to keep their opponents at bay, Alan Higgins made some timely interceptions as McAnespies pushed for a much needed goal. The Tones capped of a very good performance with points from John O’Keefe and Alan Higgins to take the first of the two encounters of the day between the clubs.

Macs: N. Duffy, J. Harkin, C. Treanor, A. McDonal, S. Magill (0-2), N. Hassey (0-3), E. Hughes (0-1), S. Lynn, R. Brady, N. Donaghy, S. Mallon (0-2), J. Callan (0-2), E. McCusker. Tones: K. McPartland, A. Higgins (0-1), C. O’Callaghan, A. Rooney, P. Collins, C. Malone, D. Kenihan (0-1), J. O’Keefe (1-2), A. McGeough (1-0), G. Molloy, M. McGeough, J. Farrell (1-0), M. Sammon (1-4). Sub: S. O’Brien (0-1).


By Rory O'Donnell

Sunday July 24 - Senior Football: Wolfe Tones v Aidan McAnespies

Aidan McAnespies 3-14 Wolfe Tones 0-14


Wolfe Tones provided Aidan McAnespies with a stern challenge in the second encounter of the day between the teams. The game was closer than the nine points that separated the teams might indicate. The Tones hit the post, missed a penalty, and forced a couple of very good saves from McAnespies keeper, Ciaran Kendrick. McAnespies played some lovely running football at times and threatened to run away with the game in the early going, but the Tones stuck to the task and made a game of it. The Blue team from Southie will consider themselves a little unlucky not to have got something from the game.

Aidan McAnespies maintained their 100% record this season.

Aidan McAnespies got their running game going early in the first half. Mid-way through the game McAnespies netted a well worked goal in a move involving Mark Little and Plunkett Kane. McAnespies held the edge for most of the half and at times opened the Tones defence wide open with their incisive passing and running in supprt. Paul O”Donoghue followed the goal with another well worked score, this time a point. Plunkett Kane and O’Donoghue pointed to put McAnespies ahead by a goal and five to two points with about 15 minutes gone. With the Tones unable to effectively move the ball one began to wonder if we had a whitewash on our hands. The Tones worked their way back into the game however. Marty Farrell’s free taking was on the mark and kept the Tones in touch, while Sean Dalton and Darren Maguire also added to the Tones tally. With the Tones back in the game having pulled within four points, McAnespies hit with a second goal. Another great passing move involving Kane, Colm McCrory and finished by Sean Cournane. Each keeper was called on to earn his salt. Cathal Hynes saved well from Colm McCrory early in the first half, while close to half time it was Ciaran Kendrick who did well to stop Gary Brilly’s shot. The Tones finished the first period well, scoring three times on the trot. McAnespies led by five points at the half.

Wolfe Tones worked hard but could not overcome McAnespies.

The Tones pushed hard to break down McAnespies in the second half and noticeably upped their workrate. Charles McCarthy was lost to a shoulder injury and gary Brilly came into the middle of the field and made a significant contribution in his new berth. After Paul O’Donoghue restored the McAnespies lead to six points, James Doyle got his first score of the game. It was up and down the field stuff as the Tones tried to dent that lead, but McAnespies were able to keep their edge. O’Donoghue and McCrory pointed for Macs, then Farrell and Cournane swapped scores. The Tones almost had a goal but Doyle’s shot from 14 yards hit the post. The Tones managed to string three points together and get the lead down to four points but Macs did not buckle. After the lead was restored to six points, the Tones had another golden chance to cut down the deficit after a penalty was awarded when Darren Maguire was bundled down in the box. Doyle was the taker, and his shot went just wide of the post. Kendrick saved well again to deny the Tones their goal. The game was put away for good after Cournane completed his hat trick and netted a third for his team in the final minute of the game. McAnespies are a lock for the semi-final and top seed and will face the Blues in their final game of the season. The Tones meet Kerry and will need to win to ensure third place.

Macs: C. Kendrick, R. McCloskey, N. Gallen, H. Gill, N. Kerr (0-1), S. Hughes, G. O’Neill, P. Kane (0-3), C. McCrory (0-2), P. Toner, M. Little, P. O’Donoghue (0-5), S. Cournane (3-1). Tones: C. Hynes, K. Regan, E. Naughton, D. Maguire (0-1), B. Kinahan, G. Brilly, C. McCarthy, L. Kavanagh, S. Dalton (0-3), J. Doyle (0-1), B. Blanchfield, D. McCabe (0-1), M. Farrell (0-6).  Sub:  CJ Power (0-2).
 
By Rory O'Donnell

Sunday July 3 - Senior Football: Wolfe Tones v Shannon Blues

Shannon Blues 0-5 Wolfe Tones 1-15


The Wolfe Tones and the Blues produced somewhat of a surprise, the margin of victory being the surprise. The Tones fielded a team with former Meath star, Charles McCarthy, in the middle of the field, while Gary Brilly dropped into the half back line. The Tones got a grip on the game early on and kept a tight hold on for the 60 minutes, stifling the Blues for the duration of the game. The Blues did not get any chance of staging a comeback of any sort and will be hoping to put the performance behind them as quickly as possible

Dan McCabe tries to stop Denis McElligott.

Wolfe Tones put on a blistering first half performance to take the break 8 points ahead of the their opponents. The Southie side were on top in all facets of the game, from the full back line of Ken Regan and Eoin Naughton to Dan McCabe and James Doyle in the forward line. With the Tones picking off points and the Blues struggling to gain momentum, a goal was almost inevitable. It came with about 10 minutes to go in the first half. Brilly won the ball on his own endline, and after Brian Kinaton ran the ball the length of the field, Marty Farrell found the unmarked James Doyle who finished with a cool head. The goal put the Tones 1-7 to 0-2 ahead. After Farrell and Shane Carroll exchanged points it was 1-8 to 0-3 at the break.

Luke Kavanagh and the Tones kept a lid on the Blues challenge.

The second half continued on the same vein as the first. The Tones moved the ball well and worked well in support of each other. The Blues made changes early in an effort to get something going their way, but not much changed in that respect. With the Tones closing the spaces down in their own back line the South Boston side suffocated the Blues forwards. More points soared over the bar for the Tones from Sean Dalton, BlachField and Farrell. Things got a little bit testy in the latter stages of the game as the result became foregone conclusion. The Blues endeavored to get a consolation goal, but even that eluded them as the Tones kept the door firmly shut. A great win for the Tones, while the Blues will be looking for much better things from their next outing.

Blues:  G. Kissane, S. Kelly, S. Mann, P. Magee, D. McElligott, C. Mullen, P. Murray, B. Shanahan, S. Carroll (0-1), S. Cahill, K. O’Shea, K. Hurley (0-4), M. Lyons.  Tones:  C. Hynes, K. Regan, E. Naughton, D. Maguire, B. Kinaton, G. Brilly (0-1), L. Kavanagh, C. McCarthy, S. Dalton (0-2), M. Farrell (0-1), B. Blanchfield (0-3), D. McCabe, J. Doyle (1-2).

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.

The Tones defence was up for anything the Blues threw at them.

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