Junior Football: Wolfe Tones v Aiden McAnespies June 14

McAnespies 1-8 Wolfe Tones 2-9

Wolfe Tones gained some measure of revenge for last week’s defeat of the senior team by beating McAnespies in their Junior A encounter on Sunday morning. Following a close first half, Wolfe Tones stepped up in the second half to separate themselves from a wasteful McAnespies side, and in spite of being a man down for the second 30 minutes, played with great heart in defence and made the most of their chances up front.




















McAnespies' Nigel Regan Lines up a Shot

Following overnight and early morning rain, conditions were greasy underfoot, and the ball at times squirted out of hands like a bar of soap. The Tones got off to a great start with a Danny Munnelly goal in the opening minutes. Nigel Regan responded with a point for McAnespies. The Tones extended their lead with points from Michael O’Brien and Marty McGeough. O’Brien played a stellar 60 minutes for the Tones at wing back, and along with his fellow defenders made life hard for the McAnespies forwards. McAnespies came back with a goal from Steven McGettigan. McGettigan went for the give and go, but dropped the return pass and did well to slide and toe poke the ball past Wayne Murphy in goal for the Tones. McAnespies built on the goal and played their best football of the game for the rest of the half. Eoin McCusker pointed to level matters, and soon afterwards put McAnespies into the lead going into half time with another point. But for a bizarre goalmouth moment, the half-time lead would have belonged to the Tones. Following a great run by Gary Sears the ball ended up in the hands of Sean Brosnan who only had to slot the ball into the empty net from close range. Brosnan did what would have been enough to finish under normal conditions, but as the Tones began to celebrate the goal, the ball stuck in the goalmouth mud and failed to cross the line. McAnepsies cleared the danger. 1-2 to 1-3 at half time in McAnespies favour.




















Wolfe Tones' Denis Newman Contests a Kickout

The Tones started the second half a man down. Danny Munnelly was unable to continue due to a shoulder injury and a replacement was not available. The Tones bore down however, and while McAnespies missed several chances to score, the Tones defended extremely well and played the ball well into the forward line to the point where it seemed the sides were even in terms of personnel. Gary Sears was instrumental in the Tones attack, and O’Brien and James Foley anchored the backs. Alo McGeough came up trumps for the Tones in the middle of the field as they beat the odds to secure the win. Adrian Sheehan set out the stall right after the restart with a point from corner back to get the ball rolling, and Sears goaled soon afterwards to put the Tones a goal to the good. McAnespies were guilty of some slack passing out of defence and turned possession over several times. A goal almost came as a result on one occasion, but Ray Brady saved well in goal to save from Marty McGeough.

Each side generated good chances as the half wore on. McAnespies pointed four times to two for the Tones in the following period and looked like they were getting on top and that the man advantage would eventually count. Points came from Paddy McCusker, and his namesake, Eoin, as well as Nigel Regan and Shane Lynn. Alo McGeough kept the Tones noses in front with two points, and the Tones then switched up a gear and finished the stronger of the two sides. After Shane O’Brien and Cronan Dempsey traded scores, Denis Newman and Marty McGeough restored the Tones advantage to a goal, and McAnespies started dropping balls into the box looking for the equalizing goal. Marty McGeough pointed a free in injury time to put any notions of a draw to bed. A great win for the Tones, while McAnespies will be disappointed with the outcome of the game.

Macs: R. Brady, S. Magill, M. Heffernan, N. Clancy, C. Dempsey (0-1), I. McMahon, S. Lynn (0-1), G. Hennessey, D. Slevin, P. McCusker (0-1), N. Regan (0-2), E. McCusker (0-3), S. McGettigan (1-0). Tones: W. Murphy, A. Skeehan (0-1), P. Curran, M. O’Brien (0-1), D. Newman (0-1), J. Foley, A.McGeough (0-2), M. Carey, D. Munnelly (1-0), G. Sears (1-0), M. McGeough (0-3), S. Brosnan, S. O’Brien (0-1).

By Rory O'Donnell

Senior Football: Aiden McAnespies v Wolfe Tones - June 7

Aiden McAnespies 4-8 Wolfe Tones 1-6

Just in case anybody was wondering how McAnespies look this year, the answer is that they look very good. Powered by the twin engines of Tyrone men Neil Donaghy and Colm Donnelly in the middle of the field, McAnespies had the Tones beaten in 20 minutes. The scary thing for the rest of the field in the Boston championship is that the Wolfe Tones are not half bad, but conceding 3 goals in the first 20 minutes is enough to knock the stuffing out of any team. The Tones came back a little in the second half, and showed that they can play some football, but the task was well beyond their capabilities by that stage.

Jamie Kelly Introduced Himself to Boston with a Hat Trick.

Colm McCrory opened the scoring, and then won a penalty after being dragged down in the penalty area. McAnespies were going about their business ruthlessly from the get go. Alan Nestor expertly converted the penalty into the top left hand corner and the Tones were behind early. Before the Tones had time to gather themselves Donaghy and Jamie Kelly each pointed, and a second goal followed from Kelly. The St. Annes Bohernabreena man finished from close range. The neutral observers began to shake their heads as the hopes of a close game were fading – fast. Nestor converted McAnespies sixth score with a well-taken point, and the Macs Machine was 10 points ahead before the Tones had a chance to even mount an attack. McAnespies’ back line was more than equal to the task and stifled any attacking attempt from their Southie rivals. Marty Farrell – a star for the Tones from last year – pointed from a free after 18 minutes to get the Tones on the board, but it was a case of whatever you can do I can do better. McAnespies scored their third goal from the ensuing kickout. It was Kelly in the corner who finished – again from close range. Luke Sweetman, of Erin’s Isle fame, followed with a fine point. Farrell got a second point for the Tones, but Kelly’s hat trick came before half time as the Dubliner again converted his third chance well.

Marty Farrell and the Wolfe Tones did not get much Change from the McAnespies Back Line.

The Tones chances of overturning the 15-point deficit could be best described as slim. Some hard work and a Marty McGeough goal put a degree of respectability on the scoreboard. The Tones had to put a lot of effort in to get any return. Farrell scored from a free and after Colm McCrory canceled out the score, Conor Canning pointed for the Tones. The Tones did string a few scores together, two Farrell points and McGeough’s goal brought them within 3 goals, and just when you were thinking that another Tones goal could make it interesting, Colm Donnelly settled things down again with a point for McAnespies. Things had gotten a little ill tempered, and referee John Fitzpatrick eventually saw fit to send Joey Farrell off for a second offence. Donnelly pointed again for McAnespies, and David Wright even got himself in on the act, pulling off a fine save in the dying seconds. A message from the defending champions perhaps?

Macs: D. Wright, C. Moore, M. Kehoe, G. Clark, D. Donegan, K. Hudson, C. Donnelly (0-2), N. Donaghy (0-1), A. Nestor (1-1), L. Sweetman (0-1), C. McCrory (0-2), J. Kelly (3-1), P. Nugnet. Tones: W. O’Dowd, J. Acton, P. Warren, M. Sammon, D. Scullane, B. O’Donnell, G. Brilly, J. Farrell, M. Farrell (0-5), C. Canning (0-1), M. McGeough (1-0), P. Comerford, D. McCabe.

By Rory O'Donnell

Senior Hurling: Tipperary v Fr. Tom Burke's - June 7

Tipperary 2-18 Fr. Tom Burke’s 3-11

Tipperary prevailed in a very entertaining opening game of the senior hurling championship. With scoring aces Pat Howard and Barry McFall in the ranks, Tipp proved to have the edge in a close game where the lead changed hands numerous times. It was a Darragh Kealy goal in the last 5 minutes that sealed the game for Tipp.

Barry McFall Proved a Very Effective Aquisition for Tipp.

Tipp got off to a great start as Pat Howard converted a penalty, and that propelled the Premier County into a 1-2 to 0-4 lead. Barry McFall impressed with his early touches and the Antrim man put a couple of points over early. With Tipp ahead by a goal Frank Keenan put a point over from the wing for Tom’s, which was answered by Cronan Dempsey with as equally an impressive score. As the game flowed up and down the field, James Moore buried the ball for Tom’s just before half time to give the green and black a 2-point lead to protect for the next 30 minutes.

Pat Howard also.

Tipp took control of the game in the second half. Pat Howard moved into corner forward and he and McFall accounted for eight of Tipp’s scores between them. After Darryl Daly extended Tom’s lead to three points, Howard and McFall (2) brought the sides to parity. Again Tom’s got their noses ahead through Frank Keenan points, but Mark Jordan and McFall pointed three times between them to put Tipp one to the good. As the sides vied for the advantage, Michael Moore pulled on a loose ball to send Tom’s ahead once again with 15minutes to go as the game ebbed and flowed. Again Tipp came back, this time the scores came from Pat Howard (2) and Andrew McRedmond. Frank Keenan brought Tom’s level again, but in the final 10 minutes Tipp would not be denied. Howard pointed twice, and the second would have been a goal had it not been for a fine save from David Hession who tipped the rasping shot over the bar. With Tipp three points to the good, and the way the game was going one almost expected a Tom’s goal to level matters. A goal came alright, but it was in the Tipp column. Darragh Kealy finished well from 14 yards to seal the deal. Trevor Kelly goaled late for Tom’s to narrow the gap, but time was called almost immediately afterwards. A good win for Tipp, but with a little help Tom’s could be a force this year.

Tipp: M. Daly, M. Heffernan, N. Ryan, E. Ryan, J. Heffernan, C. Dempsey, M. Jordan, N. O’Grady, A. McRedmond, D. Kealy, P. Howard, B. McFall, B. Lonergan. Tom’s: D. Hession, N. Callnan, S. Staunton, J. Lyons, D. Moore, J. Dowling, T. Kelly, D. Daly, J. Cuddy, M. Moore, F. Keenan, J. Moore, C. Moore.

By Rory O'Donnell

Junior Football: Connemara Gaels v Cork - June 7

Cork 1-10 Connemara Gaels 2-3

The juniors of Cork and the Connemara Gaels got their seasons off to a start Sunday. The Gaels side featured 6 American Born players, while Cork had very much a new look team from last season. The teams went in at half time on level terms, but in spite of firing double digit wides over the 60 minutes, Cork had a little more firepower in the second half to run out comfortable winners as their superior fitness told.




















Joey Geoghan Runs Through for the Gaels.

Cork opened the scoring with 2 well- worked points, Mark Cahalane and Brian Rooney were the scorers. Kieran Lowe and Pat McDonnell worked hard in the Gaels back line to absorb the pressure as Cork looked to make their early advantage count. After several Cork wides, the Gaels hit back with three scores on the trot. A Joe Burke point was followed by a goal from Brian Joyce. The 17-year old got the final touch after some pinball in the goalmouth. Michael Kelly added a fine point from long range and after 18 minutes the Gaels led by three points. The rebels found their scoring touch towards the end of the half with three points on the trot to level matters for the interval.

Mike Moynihan Entered the Fray in the Second Half.

Cork introduced Mike Moynihan for the second half, and Moynihan instantly put Cork a point ahead with a good score. This was followed by a fantastic long range score from Joe Regan, and Brian O’Loughlin made it a 3-point game in Cork’s favour after 10 minutes. Moynihan, however, showed some waywardness with his free-taking, and also missed a good opportunity at a goal. The Gaels tried to fight their way back into the game but were stymied by the Cork back line that held firm. Moynihan eventually pointed a free, and the result of the game was decided from the kickout. Mark Cahalane won the ball and put it right back over the keeper’s head into the back of the net. Cork now led by seven points.

The Gaels made a late run at Cork in the final 10 minutes and battled to the end. John O’Toole was called upon to make some point-blank saves for Cork, and eventually Brian Joyce netted for his second goal– it was the Gaels first score of the second half. Cahalane pointed to extend Cork’s lead to five points as time ran out on the Gaels.









Tussle for the Ball.

Cork: John O’Toole, Eoin Barry, Joe White, Joe Regan (0-1), James Corry, Finbar Bourke, John Gaffney, Alex Hamilton, M. Cahalane (1-4), B. Rooney (0-3), B. O’Loughlin (0-1), A. Kelly, D. Sheehan. Sub: Mike Moynihan (0-2). Gaels: P. Lee, C. Lohan, P. McDonnell, M. Mullins, K. Lowe (0-1), M. McDonagh, Michael Kelly (0-1), M. Conroy, B. Joyce (2-0), B. O’Halloran, Stephen Murray, J. Burke (0-1), J. Geoghan.

By Rory O'Donnell

Boston Northeast GAA 2009 - Let the Games Begin

While I was away in the balmy climes of the Emerald Isle, the first weekend of championship football in Canton came to a premature halt due to thunderstorms. Severe thunderstorms seem to have become a regular feature of Sundays in late May and early June. It makes you wonder if somebody "up there" enjoys seeing the board officers and clubs having deal with rescheduling the senior fixtures since Junior games cannot start until the club has fulfilled a senior game. 6:00 during the week certainly does not suit everybody but what can you do?

The Sheehan Cup was won by Wexford, and Tir na nOg won the club's first Orla Benson Cup. A championship would be a nice addition for the Brighton ladies this year....

Also, last Sunday was the first day of Championship football in Boston. Wins for Mayo, Shannon Blues, Donegal, Christopher's, and Wolfe Tones. Pat O'Brien Cup winners, Aiden McAnespies headline next Sunday, June 7, as they play Wolfe Tones. Also, at 3:30 Fr. Tom's and Tipp open the hurling season. Come back on Monday for reports on both games.

Elections, Weddings, Football, and Signs

Back from Ireland now. The weather was unreal (or unusually unreal). Bright, warm, and sunny. I felt bad for the students preparing for exams who could not fully enjoy the rare experience of sustained good weather in Ireland, since the leaving cert is only a week or two away. The roads from Dublin to the southeastern coastal resorts of Wicklow and Wexford would make Route 3 South on a Friday night in the summer look like child’s play. I witnessed the gridlock firsthand as I was heading in the other direction from my brother’s wedding, which was at the Woodenbridge Hotel in Wicklow, on Saturday last. The occupants of the vehicles must have felt trapped with no escape.

The hotel and the surrounding scenery were beautiful – and the good weather certainly accentuated the experience. Wicklow roads this time of year are also beautiful, with the overhanging trees giving the feeling of driving through natural tunnels. The downside to this is that these same roads are extremely narrow and winding and the posted speed limits of 80kmh makes one wonder whether the local council is trying to increase the accident rate, or assumes that all drivers will get the joke.















The 400-year old Woodenbridge Hotel


A few things struck me on the visit. Like the trees in full foliage, lampposts and telegraph poles have sprouted an abundance of election posters. For anybody who has not been in Ireland during an election season recently, there is a certain Darwinian quality to the posters. They are no longer heavy cardboard types with a picture and two or three colours from years ago. The posters have evolved into larger, more durable, and more noticeable creatures. Election posters have adapted to the weather. They have managed to form a plastic type coating so as to endure the usual damp weather conditions and, in adherence to the notion of the survival of the fittest, are trying to outdo each other in size. These things have expanded by at least 10 inches in width and 15 in height. I even saw one blowing across rows of cars stopped at the lights at the junction of the airport road and Collins Avenue, as if to announce itself to the motorists who may not have noticed it on it’s lamppost perch. Are they also coming to life?


















The Garden of Ireland - County Wicklow lives up the name.


The other noticeable thing, since we did a lot of driving on unfamiliar roads, was the dearth of traffic signs. Several times we relied on “following the signs” to get to our destination, a grave error. Many times we came to junctions where there were no signs in existence, so we followed our instincts. Sometimes our instincts served us well, other times they let us down. These were not minor roads either – they linked fairly large towns. On our return from Wicklow, we were heading back the way we came, up the N11 and over the Eastlink Bridge to our final destination in Marino – that was our intention. We then got to the stage where the road we were heading back on no longer resembled the one we went down on…we realized that we were on the M50. I inquired of my father what could have happened and he told me that you have to know where to get off to stay on the road you were originally on. That said, the highways around Massachusetts can be confusing, but at least there are several signs to warn you of the impending directional illogicality before you realize that by behaving logically in your choice of route you will end up on the wrong one.

On the GAA front the counties of both parents bowed out of their respective provincial championships. Roscommon put paid to the hopes of Leitrim, my father’s county. Leitrim scored two of the best goals that you will ever see, while Roscommon put away a penalty and got the good fortune of a rebound of the post to net their second. They all count however. Roscommon captain Gary Cox performed well by all accounts. Cox spent a summer here 10 years ago with St. Columbkilles – the year I was chairman of the club - (not one to remember). My mother’s county, Longford, were put to the sword by Wicklow – Wicklow featured Thomas Walsh in the middle of the field. Walsh is another veteran of Boston football. The former Carlow footballer, who now lines out in midfield for Wicklow, won an intermediate title with the Galway football club several years ago. Playing at center forward for Galway, Walsh saw the Brighton club over the line that year. I’m not sure if it is coincidental that the wedding we went to was in Wicklow or not. I was also home for a wedding in the Dolmen hotel in Carlow town a few years ago. I enjoyed both weddings tremendously. It seems Tommy prefers Wicklow to Carlow for the football, but I’m finding it hard to pick which is better for weddings.

Championship begins

The championship starts this Sunday, May 24.

The first game of the day (1:15) features The Boston Shamrocks and Tir na nOg in the Orla Benson Cup Final, and at 2:30 the hurlers of Tipperary and Wexford contest the Kieran Sheehan Cup Final.

Christopher's and Armagh-Notre Dame open the senior football championship at 3:45 and Kerry and the Wolfe Tones play at 5:00.

Unfortunately I cannot post reports for the next 2 weeks. However, I will be back on track 2 weeks from now.

McAnespies Too Good For Galway

Aiden McAnespies 0-18 Galway 2-8

McAnespies picked up the first silverware on offer this year by winning the Pat O'Brien Cup with a rousing second half performance. Trailing by five points at half time, McAnespies outscored Galway by 10 points to one in the second half to run out 4-point winners.
















Neil Donaghy is back in action for McAnespies in 2009.

It was an open, entertaining game despite the soft conditions in Canton. Galway surprised some with a first half performance that more than matched the current Boston and North American champions. Finian Everard’s first half efforts yielded a goal and 2 points for Galway, however, Galway’s forward line could have made even more of the chances created. Galway dominated in the first two thirds of the field, and moved the ball well, but converting let the Westerners down. McAnespies kept in touch with frees and points from play thanks in large part to the industry of Colm McCrory. At the half Galway led by a score of 2-7 to 0-8.

McAnespies awakened in the second half. Midfielders Gary Clarke and Neil Donaghy lifted their game to help turn the tide. Returning to McAnespies this year, Moy clubman Donaghy, who was part of McAnespies’ 2007 team, could be an important asset in the defence of the championship. Eugene McKenna moved out from his corner back position, and after McAnespies got within a point, the Clones man leveled the scores. Three magnificent points followed from Colm Donnelly, Neil Donaghy, and Keith Hudson. McCrory capped an impressive display of scoring by McAnespies with a pointed free. Galway got some great performances from Paul Cummins, Conor Sobelowski, and Finian Everard, but McAnespies superior finishing proved to be the difference in the end.
Galway: Brian Calvey, Paul Cummins, Dave Molloy, JJ O’Neill, Peter Ryan, Sean Gallagher, Tom Walsh, Conor Sobelowski, Edmund Spruhan, Finian Everard, Peter Nolan, Jamie Kehoe, Donal Redmond. Macs: D. Wright, Steven McGill, Eugene McKenna, Eugene Daly, Alan Nestor, Keith Hudson, Gary Clarke, Neil Donaghy, Jamie Kelly, Colm McCrory, Colm Donnelly, Peadar Nugent, Steven McGettigan.

By Rory O'Donnell