Senior Football: Aidan McAnespies v Donegal

Aidan McAnespies 2-10 Donegal 1-16

A good crowd was at the Irish Cultural Center in Canton to witness Donegal and McAnespies play a blistering game of championship football, one in which Donegal came through in the crucial last 10 minutes.  The sides were all square coming into the final stretch, and two great scores gave Donegal an edge that they carried to the final whistle.  Oisin O’Neill was key in the Donegal forward line, not only for his accuracy from frees but availability and support play when Donegal were on the attack.  McAnespies had several chances to get something out of the game in the final minutes, but could not capitalize.  Donegal very much back in the senior championship picture.

Jake Foster setting up a McAnespies attack.

The first half was played at a blistering pace with Donegal enjoying the balance of play.  McAnespies created plenty of chances with their running from the back, and with the forwards all keyed in, openings were plentiful.  The finished article was not always the desired outcome, however there were some lovely finishes from Jake Foster, Che O’Donnell, and Nathan O’Brien.  A goal came from Phil McCusker after Eamon Fyfe made the assist.  Donegal had plenty of answers themselves.  The Donegal defence turned over plenty of ball, and Oisin O’Neill at corner forward was on song.  The South Armagh native popped 3 over the bar, and about mid-way through the half rattled the net with a great solo effort.  McAnespies answered right away with a Fyfe goal to restore their one point lead as the game flowed in both directions.  Donegal kept clipping the points over, Michael Carroll, O’Neill and Ciaran McFaul all hit the target, while Anto Kidney put two long range efforts over from dead balls to make it all square at the half, 1-9 for Donegal to 2-6 for McAnespies.

Robbie Croft and Sean Donnelly tangle.

It was nip and tuck throughout the second half.  Donegal inched into the lead with Conor Small, Sean Donnelly, and O’Neill points.  The northerners looked fluid going forward and the McAnespies back line had to work hard to keep the threat at bay.  With the game entering the final 10 McAnespies had leveled the scores.  Fyfe pointed, and was followed by Declan Hughes as the hard work was rewarded.  A lovely left footed effort from the Ballymena man made it all square and now every ball was of utmost importance.  Donegal put back to back points two over the bar, a great Ciaran McFaul effort from distance followed by a well taken O’Neill free.  With the clock running down McAnespies had 4 chances at points, but each time the ball drifted wide of the mark.  O’Neill made it a three point gap with virtually the final kick of the game, and it is a much needed win for Donegal to settle the boat heading into the teeth of what looks like will be an exciting championship.

Macs:  Declan Kidney, Caolan Harvey, Eoin Delmer, Lorcan Mallon, Robert Pigott, Jake Foster, Albert Martin, Declan Hughes, Robert Croft, Che O’Donnell, Nathan O’Brien, Eamon Fyfe, Philip McCusker.

Donegal:  Hugh Boyle, Neil McEnaeney, Niall Keenan, Sean Doherty, Dylan Wall, Liam Silke, Michael Carroll, Brian Donnelly, Eoin McHugh, Ciaran McFaul, Sean Donnelly, Lee Carr, Oisin O’Neill.

By Rory O'Donnell

Seán Óg’s - Boston Northeast division's Newest Club.

This Saturday, June 16th, will see the newest GAA club in the Northeast Division take to the field at the Irish Cultural Centre in Canton as the - Seán Óg’s line out for their first ever game in the Men’s Junior B Football Competition against Hartford. Comprised entirely of American-born players in the Boston-area who have come through the underage ranks, the team will serve as a pipeline development squad to prepare young players for continuing their playing days with one of the nine Men’s Football Clubs in the area.

The team has been named in memory of six-year old Sean Farrell, who passed away tragically on July 12th, 2005 while on vacation with his family in Ireland. Sean was the youngest in a family with close connections to the GAA here in the Northeast Division, with his father, John, serving as the current Chairman of the Northeast Board. He had begun to play Gaelic football with the Irish Sports Youth League and undoubtedly would have come through the underage program alongside many of the young men who will now play in his memory.

For Sean’s family, his father, John, his mother, Bridget, and sisters, Aishling and Catherine, the team serves as a celebration of Sean’s life. The aptly named Seán Óg’s brings together a group of young Irish-Americans who represent the future of the GAA in the Northeast Division, and across the US as a whole.

“We are grateful to see the GAA here in Boston take initiative with a club that not only prepares young players to continue on in Men’s GAA, but also keeps Sean’s memory alive in the process. We wish the Seán Óg’s all the best for success this season and in years to come.”

                        -The Farrell Family

Bridget Farrell presents Seán Óg’s jersey to

Ciaran McDevitt and Jonathan O'Doherty.

The Seán Óg’s will face some tough competition in their first year, with Men’s Junior B Football providing the Northeast division’s largest competition this season. The boys are looking forward to getting valuable experience and developing as players and a team through competitive games.

The Northeast Divisional Minor Board is at its largest ever - with more players, clubs, and games than ever before. 2018 will see a third consecutive U14 Boys Football team traveling from the division to compete in the Feile Peile na nOg. With the formation of the Seán Óg’s, there is now a clear channel for American-born players coming through the youth system and progressing on to the adult ranks.

“This is a great opportunity for our young players and we are very excited,” said Northeast Divisional Youth Officer, Martin Kerr, who will be co-managing the Seán Óg’s alongside Seamus O’Doherty. “We’ll do our best this year and hopefully lay the groundwork for this team well into the future. Our hope is that every young lad coming through the underage ranks here in Boston will have a chance to play in Sean Farrell’s memory with the Seán Óg’s.”

Submitted by Aisling Kerr, GDA

Senior Football: Shannon Blues v Donegal

Shannon Blues 1-15 Donegal 0-16

Shannon Blues pulled out a win in a tremendous display against Donegal.  For much of the game it looked as though the northerners held the cards and the advantage, and with Crossmaglen’s Oisin O’Neill in the side, as well as a half back line anchored by Corofin duo Liam Silke and Dylan Wall Donegal looked to have an edge over their opponents.  A goal in the second half proved to be the difference in the end as the Blues held on in injury time to win both points, and see Donegal looking at two losses to start the season.

Michael Carroll challenged by Mike Cottrill of the Blues.

It was a fast paced opening the game with each side giving as good as they got in the early going.  The Blues opened the scoring with a Darragh Roche point – the Glenflesk native was buzzing for the Blues early.  Donegal settled into the game and the scores started to flow.  O’Neill, at center forward, Michael Carroll and Sean Donnelly started to combine well for the northerners, and Donegal moved the ball at pace from the back.  The forwards all contributed to the scoreboard as the men from Tir Chonaill were rolling.  The Blues came back into the game towards the end of the half.  David Mannix converted a handful of frees, and Paul O’Donoghue scored a beauty from play and followed with a fine dead ball effort from distance.  The St. Mary’s Caherciveen man was last seen at corner forward in the red and white of Aidan McAnespies in 2011, but this year lined out in midfield for the Blues.  At the half it was a one point Donegal advantage as the Blues narrowed a 4 point deficit in the last few minutes.

Paul O'Donoghue in motion for the Blues.

The second half saw Donegal add to their lead with points from Brian Donnelly and O’Neill, but it was a Blues goal in the final quarter that decided it in the end.  The Blues were relying on the trusty boot of David Mannix from frees to keep in touch, but as the Blues forced Donegal into fouling in their own back line they took a two point lead.  The came the goal.  A sweeping move down the right wing was started by Denis McElligott in the half back line.  McElligott played a couple of one-two’s and finished the ball into the net to give his side a five point advantage, but there was plenty of time to play.  With the clock ticking Donegal increased their level of urgency and pulled themselves back within a goal.  O’Neill was the man on target.  The Blues were defending now and playing on the counter attack. Another goal chance presented itself for the Blues and this time Hugh Boyle made a great save from Darren Wallace.  Donegal still had a chance, and pointed from a high ball into the box, but needed a goal with the game into injury time.  The Blues wall held out though, and earn their first win of the season.   

Blues:  Mike Moriarty, Brian Fanning, Derek O’Brien, Pat Crowley, Mike Cottrill, Denis McElligott, Maurice Young, Paul O’Donoghue, Dara Roche, Darren Wallace, PJ Hand, Mike O’Neill, David Mannix.

Donegal:  Hugh Boyle, Neil McEneaney, Niall Keenan, Liam Silke, Jason Noctor, Dylan Wall, Brian Donnelly, Kieran McDevitt, Michael Carroll, Oisin O’Neill, Conor Small, Lee Carr, Sean Donnelly.

By Rory O'Donnell

Senior Hurling: Fr. Tom Burke's v Offaly

Fr. Tom Burke’s 4-21 Offaly 4-9

It was another one-sided affair in the senior hurling encounter between Offaly and Fr. Tom Burke’s.  Tom’s were too strong in all facets of the game, and the scoring prowess of Naomh Barrog man, Dean Flood, Stiofan McMahon, and Jason Costello was something that Offaly could not match.  Flood proved to be a key factor in Tom’s efforts as they cruised to the win.

From the North side of Dublin to Canton, Dean Flood

put in a good first performance with Tom's. 

The opening exchanges saw Donal O’Dwyer and Jack Dunphy point for Offaly, with Flood and Costello getting on the board for Tom’s.  Shane Howley gave Tom’s a slight edge just before the game was blown open in the middle third.  Tom’s went on a 2-5 to 0-1 scoring advantage.  After a goal from McMahon, points came from Costello, Flood, Conor Freeman, and McMahon.  A Costello goal book-ended the phase and with the best part of 10 minutes to go in the opening half, Tom’s sat on a nine point lead.  Sharper to the ball in defence and up-front, Tom’s had a decided advantage.  Offaly managed to drop it in to the Tom’s box on a number of occasions having moved Thomas Jackman to a more firward position, however, could not capitalize.  The teams traded points heading in to the break to make it a 2-12 to 0-6 Tom’s lead at the short whistle.

Donal O'Dwyer on the ball for Offaly.

Offaly had a glimmer of hope shortly after the restart after Jack Dunphy ushered the ball into the back of the net, but Tom’s erased the score in short order with points from Freeman, Craig Taylor and a third goal, this one coming from Flood.   Tom’s continued to dial up the points, however, Offaly battled away and were rewarded with a second goal, this one from Thomas Jackman.  Before the end of it all the Faithful county boys had added two more in the final minutes to put an air of respectability on the scoreboard.  Tom’s looking bright, Offaly with a bit of work to do.

Tom’s:  Kevin Flynn, Dean Earls, Dylan Costello, Craig Taylor, Vincent Doyle, Danny Burke, Aaron Moore, Seamus Higgins, Jason Costello, Dean Flood, Shane Howley, Stiofan McMahon, Conor Freeman.

Offaly:  Gary Sherlock, Oisin McCormack, Seamus Loftus, Emmett Moran, Jimmy Rigney, Jack Murray, Donal O’Dwyer, Tomas Quirk, Jack Dunphy, Tomas Jackman, Killian Campbell, Cian Clifford, Conor Grimes.

By Rory O'Donnell

Senior Football: Connemara Gaels v Aidan McAnespies

Aidan McAnespies 1-12 Connemara Gaels 0-15

The Gaels and McAnespies played out a very exciting game, at the end of which a draw was a fair result.  McAnespies will be the happier team with the outcome given that they played almost all 60 minutes a man down thanks to an early red card to Eric Finn for a high challenge on Ryan Caffrey.  Coming into the final 10 minutes the Gaels looked to have the momentum and would make the extra man pay off, however, a late push from the Macs, combined with a fine late save from Anthony Kidney, saw the points split evenly between the teams.

Ballymena to the fore - Eamon Fyffe was on

for in his McAnespies debut.

The first half ended with the Gaels holding a 2 point lead.  McAnespies lost Eric Finn to a red card within the first 5 minutes of the game for a high challenge on Ryan Caffrey, one in which Caffrey lost a tooth which was later retrieved from the field.   The Gaels played some nice football with the extra man and there were some well worked scores.  Tyler Flaherty at corner forward proved to be a productive outlet for the Gaels.  The man from the Aran Islands pointed 4 times in the opening half, while his fellow Islander, Colm Brennan picked up from where he left off last week with a solid display in the middle.  It was Kerryman, Matt Sullivan, who found the mark from midfield for the Gaels with 2, while Coleman Mulkerrins also got in on the act with 3 from play.  McAnespies made the most of their possession to stay well in the game, despite having to make up for the loss in personnel.  Corner forward Eamonn Fyffe was busy and when in possession usually took not just one, but two Gaels defenders out of the game.  A Fyffe goal kept McAnespies in the game, and the Ballymena man chipped in with 3 additional points.  Anthony Kidney pointed two from frees, and Nathan O’Brien added another before the break, it was a 0-11 to 1-6 Gaels lead when the whistle sounded with McAnespies making the extra effort to stay in the game.

Rory O'Connor entered and took over the frees for the Gaels.

The second half saw McAnespies draw level as a combination of effort and smartness on the line and on the field saw McAnespies playing their cards well.  McAnespies were patient on the ball and did not waste precious possession, while Kidney came out of his goal to create an outfield player when the situation suited.  A Croft free was followed by a well worked Che O’Donnell point from play, and a Kidney free leveled the scores.  With Kidney roaming far out his goal at times to try and aid the efforts going forward, and the subs came in off the line early to try and keep things fresh on the field.  The Gaels, however, started to make their numerical advantage pay off.  Fyffe was double marked to neutralize the danger and going forward the Gaels started to support the man in possession to better effect.  Two Rory O’Conner frees were followed by a Pat O’Donnell point, and things looked to be headed in favour of the westerners.  McAnespies had a late rally in them however.  Jimmy Rigney pointed after entering from the line, and was the score followed by another O’Donnell point, and a Jake Foster free (another who joined play in the second half) made it all square.  The last chances to win the game fell to the Gaels.  On the attack with a three on one advantage, Colm Brennan’s shot was well saved by Kidney, and the rebound was sent wide of the posts – a point would have been all that was required to claim both points.  No last minute win for the Gaels this week, and a point that McAnespies will be well satisfied with given the circumstances.

Macs:  Anthony Kidney, Eoin Delmer, Caolan Harvey, Lorcan Mallon, Robert Piggott, Paul Clifford, Robbie Croft, Declan Hughes, Nathan O’Brien, Che O’Donnell, Eric Finn, Philip McCusker, Eamon Fyfe.

Gaels:  Eoin Connolly, Joe O’Shea, David Black, Kieran Killeen, Ryan Caffrey, Christy Cunningham, Matt Sullivan, Colm Brennan, Pat O’Donnell, Kenny Gavigan, Dave Lynch, Tyler Flaherty, Coleman Mulkerrin.

By Rory O'Donnell

Senior Hurling: Tipperary v Wexford

Tipperary 6-23 Wexford -1-4

The senior hurling championship got off to a start with a fairly one sided game between Wexford and Tipperary.  Wexford, who fielded more or less a home based team, did well to hold off Tipp in the first quarter, but a couple of Tipp goals mid-way through the opening half and the sending off of Tom Davey, led to the floodgates opening and a Tipp wave engulfing the Wexford boys.  Tipperary’s forward line looks to be a formidable force this season.  With Joe Coleman at center forward and Russell Quirke and Dean Coleman at corner forwards, Tipp looked like a well-oiled machine at times.  The St. Martin’s clubman led the forward line well.   In the middle of the field Tipp stalwart Cronan Dempsey, looks as fit as he has in recent years, and this early indication point to Tipp being there come August.

Tipperary hurlers looking strong on their first outing.

Wexford had Paddy Naughton doing well at corner forward and ticking over some early frees, while for Tipp all 5 forwards had scored in the first 15 minutes.  The aforementioned three, along with wing forwards Stephen Lambert and Jerry O’Neill, had found the mark in the early going.  Wexford back line were under a lot of pressure and worked hard, but once the goals came the ice would be broken.  A goal came from a well worked interaction between Quirke and Coleman and that was followed by an unfortunate one from a Wexford standpoint.  A high ball that looked to be harmlessly dropping on the edge of the large box was tipped into the goal by Quirke.  Wexford answered with a goal from Jon Joe O’Neill following some hard work by Paddy Naughton, but that was the highlight of the game from a Wexford perspective.  It did not help that Tom Davey got sent off following a challenge on Coleman late in the half, and now a man down the situation looked bad from a Wexford standpoint.

Wexford hurlers will be hoping for better against Galway in 2 weeks time.

The second half saw a continuation of the first.  Goals were banged in by Quirke and Coleman as the teams played out time.   A few minor scuffles broke out with yellows issues to each side.  Tipperary looking strong in the early going.

Tipp:  Evan Condon, Daragh Fanning, Sean McGarr, Paul Morris, Kieran Bennett, John Kindregan, Joe O’Connor, Cronan Dempsey, Jerry O’Neill, Joe Coleman, Stephen Lambert, Dean Coleman, Russell Quirke.

Wexford:  Eoghan Kavanagh, Tom Davey, Mark Bermingham, Liam Og Magill, Denis Breenan, Tom Maloney, JJ O’Neill, Greg Lundy, Lyndon Kiley, Jason Foley, Jamie Kehoe, Peter Codd, Paddy Naughton.

By Rory O'Donnell

Junior A Football: Cork v Christopher's

Cork 2-19 Christopher’s 0-7

Cork had it easy against Christopher’s in the opening match of the junior A football championship.  The game was as good as over at half time with Cork holding a 15 point lead.  Christopher’s made a mini comeback after half time and rattled over a brace of points, and also missed a couple of chances to make a dent in the gap.  Cork, however, regained the momentum to see out the game.

Michael Moynihan points for Cork.

The first half saw the Cork half forward line get out of the traps quickly.  Emmet Smyth, Ian O’Callaghan, and Adam Ryan all got on the scoreboard and had the Christopher’s defenders at sixes and sevens.  Dorchester and youth league product, Emmet Smyth netted following a great pass from Ryan, and Ryan also had found the net to put Cork in the driver’s seat.  O’Callaghan pointed and the St. Finbarr’s clubman proved to a force in the Cork vanguard.  For Christopher’s Conal Dooley and Paul Kerrigan found the mark as they struggled to remain in the game.

The second half saw

Conal Dooley in possession for Christopher's

Christopher’s get off to a good start following the throw-in.  Two points from Kerrigan and Dooley seemed to set the stage for a possible run.  For the first 10 minutes it looked as though Christopher’s might make the game interesting, however, a number of chances at points, and one for a goal, were frittered away.  Christopher’s ran out of the proverbial steam and tired legs began to show.  Cork took control again and eventually restored their advantage with points from Mike Molynihan (sub), Ryan, and O’Callaghan to see out the result.  A good start for Cork as they seek to defend the title won last year.  For Christopher’s it is back to the training ground to figure out how to tally a first win following the step down to junior.

Cork:  Mark Farrelly, Mike Carolan, Darren O’Donovan, Conor Jenkins, Stephen Lambert, Brendan Turley, Cormac Clarke, Jack Lynch, Adam Kenny, Ian O’Callaghan, Emmett Smyth, Colm Caffrey, Adam Ryan.

Christopher’s:  Conor Allen, Mark Russell, Murt Hunt, Cian Ryan, Chris Moynihan, John Cronin, Dan Kenneally, Jerry Kenneally, Paudie Kenneally, Conal Dooley, James Horgan, Ronan Gerrity, Paul Kerrigan.

By Rory O'Donnell

Senior Football Championship - Shannon Blues v Connemara Gaels

Connemara Gaels 2-12 Shannon Blues 2-10

A dramatic finish marked the tie between the Gaels and Blues, which for the most part had the air of a routine Blues win.  The Blues started with American born midfield pairing of Pat Murray and Maurice Young, and built a 5 point lead and were looking fairly comfortable holding on until the final 5 minutes when the Gaels pulled within a point and took advantage of a last minute penalty to grab the spoils.  The Gaels also had Eoin Connolly to thank for some point blank saves that prevented the game from getting beyond the Connemara men and will be working on their shooting for their next outing.

Referee David Hickey with captains Colman Mulkerrin

and Denis McElligott

After a first half that saw 3 goals the Blues held a decided advantage.  At the beginning of the half a Pat Crowley goal finished a sweeping move, the Blarney followed the first shot from Brian Egan to put the rebound into the net.   Brian Egan added a point himself shortly afterwards.  The man from Tourlestrane looked dangerous at corner forward and added 3 more well taken points before the break, as well as slotting home a penalty after being dragged down in the box.  The Blues were rampant and the Penalty gave them a 7 point cushion, but the Gaels pulled themselves back into the game.  Matt Sullivan, who featured last season for the Gaels, started to win ball in the middle of the field and runners and options began to appear for the Gaels.  Tyler Flaherty pulled back a goal, putting a nice finish to a well worked  move.  The Blues, however, finished the half strong.  Three quick points erased the Gaels goal, and at the break it was a five point Blues lead.

Colm Mannion hangs on to the ball under the challenge

of Pat Murray.

The Gaels had the upper hand in the exchanges following the restart, but could not convert possession into points, hitting several wides.  The Blues added to their lead with another from Egan, and the teams traded scores with the Gaels unable to make a dent in the Blues lead and the result looked like it was headed in the Blues favour. With the game entering the final quarter three points unanswered brought the Gaels within a score.  A lovely effort from Kenny Gavigan was followed by a free from Colman Mulkerrin and a Cullen McDonagh score.  The Gaels had the momentum, but the shooting woes reappeared and chances were missed.  It was looking like a game that the Gaels would say they kicked away, however there was a twist in the tale.  Points from David Black, who made a foray forward from corner back, and Joe O’Shea pulled the Gaels within one, and the grandstand finish came when former Galway Under-21, Colm Mannion, intercepted a pass and hurtled toward goal to be pulled down from behind by Egan.  Mulkerrin put the spot kick away and it was cheers from the Gaels side of the field as the final whistle blew as there would be time for no more.  

Blues:  Dara O’Brien, Shane Kelly, Derek O’Brien, Brian Fanning, Dennis McElligott, Mike Cottrill, Pat Murray, Maurice Young, Conor Fitzgerald, Darren Wallace, Pat Crowley, Michael O’Neill, Brian Egan.

Gaels:  Eoin Connolly, Michael Coyne, David Black, Christy Cunningham, Ryan Caffrey, Joe O’Shea, Matt Sullivan, Colm Mannion, Kieran Killeen, Colman Mulkerrin, Kenny Gavigan, Tyler Flaherty, Ryan Galvin.

By Rory O'Donnell