Into The West Magazine - March 2014

Vol 4.
Issue 11 March 2014
Connacht finally do it
Clubs set for All-Ireland glory
OFFICIAL GAA PUBLICATION
2.50
Presidents Note
A CHAIRDE GAEL,
S the current Allianz League progresses the form of inter-county teams is already taking shape and while Mayo may be already installed as firm favourites in Connacht I have no doubt that the other counties will leave no stone unturned to improve on last year and challenge their dominance in the province. Already this season, we have seen plenty of success on the GAA fields of Connacht and it promises to be a bountiful year. Firstly, congratulations to Castlebar Mitchels on their terrific victory over Dr Crokes and we wish them well in the All-Ireland senior club football final against St Vincent's. If they can repeat that performance they have a tremendous chance of bringing the senior club title to Connacht for the second year in a row. Likewise, Portumna's experience on the big day and their strong leadership saw them comfortably defeat Munster champions Na Piarsaigh of Limerick and now they face the Leinster champions Mount Leinster Rangers of Carlow, the surprise team of the season. Im confident Portumna will deliver their fourth All-Ireland club title. I commiserate with both Kiltane and Fuerty who had terrific seasons and brought great excitement and glory to their parishes. They can both be proud of the progress they have made. Similarly, KilnadeemaLeitrim who took Rower/Inistioge to extra-time and with luck they could have taken the title in ordinary time. Ardrahan's record of losing All-Ireland intermediate and senior camogie finals by narrow margins is heartbreaking and shows the progress they have made in recent years. They performed heroically against a strong and experienced team and I have no doubt but they'll be back. The bridging of the 49-year gap in the M. Donnelly interprovincial football championship was a great feat and it is a huge boost for football in the province. I was hugely impressed with the commitment of the players and it was obvious
they really wanted to succeed. I thank the five county team managements for their co-operation and I know that they will be rewarded from the confidence and experience that their players have gained particularly in success. I congratulate John Tobin, Martin Carney and Barney Breen on their excellent management of the side and the tremendous spirit that they created, while Aidan O'Shea also proved an outstanding captain. Our Connacht hurlers were disappointing in the final, having defeated Munster in an impressive semi-final performance. I appreciate that it's difficult for counties having the inter-provincial competitions right in the middle of what are do-or-die leagues. It was a great achievement for Leitrim to put FBD leagues back to back and I congratulate them on their consistency and the progress that they are making. Indeed also, I thank all involved in the FBD League for their support and co-operation with our Third Level Colleges, knowing that the league was always meant to be an off-season developmental games programme. There were no hugely significant changes at Congress as such, but I welcome the changes to minor inter-county eligibility and I was pleased that Connacht gave a lead in bringing the motion prohibiting alcohol sponsorship and related logos for youth teams. Finally, I wish to congratulate the Uachtarn tofa Aogn O Fearghail on his election at congress. Aogn is good friend of Connacht GAA and we look forward to his presidency. Is mise, Frank Burke, President, Connacht Council GAA
T is very heartening to see such a great start to 2014 from our provincial representatives, our clubs and the various county teams from Connacht. Firstly, a big congratulations is due to the Connacht inter-provincial football team that ended the long wait for our tenth M Donnelly title. It was great to see so many of our top Gaelic footballers from all over the province so keen to pull on the white and blue jerseys, and when they did, the enthusiasm they showed to win the competition was heartening. Fair play to them all. Also a big congratulations is due to the management team of John Tobin, Barney Breen and Martin Carney. The lads were very keen to play for them and the simple instruction to play attractive football and enjoy themselves was key to their success. It was a shame that the hurlers could not make it a year to remember by completing the inter-provincial double, but Anthony Cunningham's side were beaten by an excellent Leinster side. But before any Railway Cup was handed out, Leitrim had already picked up their second FBD League title in a row after playing some fine football in January. Well done to Sean Hagan and his squad for taking the honours, it was well deserved. Before too long we'll know if Castlebar Mitchels and Portumna were able to match the 2013 achievements of St Brigid's and St Thomas' by taking the All-Ireland senior club championships. To date we have been superbly represented by Kiltane and Fuerty in the football, Kilnadeema/Leitrim and Calry/St Joseph's in the hurling and Ardrahan and Portumna in Camogie, so hopefully we can add a few more bits of silverware to the cabinet. All of our county teams will be engrossed in their NFL and NHL competitions in the coming weeks and months, but at club level, teams will be ramping up their preparations for their leagues and championships. There is plenty of work to be done in the coming months to get ready for all those competitions, but hopefully everyone takes huge enjoyment from the year ahead. Is mise, le meas JOHN PRENTY Runai, CLG Cuige Connachta
Secretarys Note
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Into the West is produced by the Connacht GAA Council. Editor: John Fallon. Published by: Pdraig Corcoran. News and photographs for inclusion can be emailed to magazine@connachtgaa.ie. To obtain an electronic copy of the magazine each quarter, free of charge, email: magazine@connachtgaa.ie. Next edition: April, 2014. Deadline for advertising and copy will be announced on the Connacht Council website www.connachtgaa.ie.
Cover Photos Castlebar Mitchels' Tom King celebrates. Photo: Paul Mohan / SPORTSFILE. Portumna's Ronan O'Meara scores. Photo: Ray Ryan / SPORTSFILE. Inset photos: Connacht captain Aidan O'Shea lifts the Inter-provincial title. Photo: Ray Ryan / SPORTSFILE. Emlyn Mulligan celebratesLeitrim's FBD League victory. Photo: David Maher / SPORTSFILE
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Connacht win Railway Cup after 45-year drought.
Mulkerrins bags third consecutive US title.
Bitter pill for Adrahan girls in camogie final.
Castlebar Mitchels stun Crokes for place in final.
Connacht win Railway Cup ........................................4 No Double for Connacht Inter-Provincial Hurling.......8 Mulkerrins bags third US Collegiate title ...................9 Ardraham lose by a single point ................................11 Portumna book final spot on St Horan calls for black card consistency ......................11 Patricks Day. Fuerty dream stalls at final hurdle ............................12 Extra time too much for Kilmadeema/Leitrim ...........14 Kiltane lose a shoot-out.............................................16 Castlebar stun Kerry Champions ...............................18 Portumna book spot in final......................................20 FBD League round-up ................................................21 FBD League final back-to-back for Leitrim ..............28 Allianz National Football Leagues round-up ..............30 Goalkeeper problems for Mayo .................................39 Back-to-back FBD titles for Leitrim. Club Profile: St Nathys Ladies...................................40 Allianz National Hurling League round-up .................42 Tesco Home Grown National Football Leagues..........44 A Tribute to Gary Dillon.............................................46 Paddy Sweeney RIP ...................................................47 Galway Football Board awards night .........................48 Focus on Galway .......................................................50 Focus on Mayo ..........................................................52 Mayo Hurlers take Kehoe honours ............................54 Club Profile: St Nathys Ladies getProvincial together afterfrom 21 years. Connacht GAA 2013 Awards, le : Liam Connacht GAA 2013 Awards, from le : Kathleen Mar n; Sen Mar n, Focus onProvincial Sligo............................................................56 Cos gan, President, Connacht Ladies Football, presen ng Frank Burke, President, Connacht GAA Council. Tess Murtagh with her award. Camogie campaign off to a rocky start ......................60 News McKeon delighted with fresh start .................61 Connacht GAA Annual Convention .............................62 NUIG to sponsor Post Primary competitons...............66 Southhall Shamrocks visit Connacht GAA Centre .......69 Connacht GAA promotes Rounders............................69 Wheelchair Hurling Inter-Provincial league ...............70 2013 Connacht GAA Provincial Awards.......................74 Marie OBrien, Chair., Connacht Camogie, Connacht GAA 2013 Provincial Awards, from Liam Cos gan, President, Connacht Ladies le : Liam Cos gan presen ng Kathleen Kane 2013presen Connacht GAA Provincial Football, presen ng, Amy Bell with her trophy pictured ng Tara Kenny with her trophy with her prize. Connacht GAA Fixtures 2014......................................80 Awards.
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Connacht win puts Rail

Connacht ............2-19 Ulster ...................1-7
By DARAGH SMALL Media West Ireland
M. DONNELLY INTER-PROVINCIAL FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL
ONNACHT were cool, calm and calculated as they dispatched of Ulster to claim their first interprovincial football crown in 45 years. Tuam provided the windswept backdrop as a crowd of 300 spectators were once again treated to some of the finest footballing talent the country has to offer. It was a game that was free-flowing from the outset, minus the cynical fouling we have become accustomed to in the crunch of the competitive fixtures. This did offer us the bite however without the tactics and those who were there to witness it will be sure to ally the cries off all involved: 'promote the inter-provincial championship, its imperative for the game'. The game was relatively low scoring in the first-half despite a raft of opportunities for both teams. Connacht were playing against a strong breeze, yet they managed to keep the scoreboard deadlocked until the 27th minute when a point from Monaghans Conor McManus and a goal from Tyrone star Colm Cavanagh five minutes later put daylight between the sides.
Nevertheless, the westerners remained belligerent and two points from Mayo goalkeeper, Robbie Hen-
TOUCH TIGHT: Garreth Bradshaw gets to grips with Ulster's Mark Poland at Tuam Stadium. Bradshaw was one of eight Galway panellists in Connacht's victorious squad. Photo: Ray Ryan / SPORTSFILE
nelly saw Connacht narrowly trail by 1-5 to 0-6 at the break. Niall Morgans point at the start of the second was to be Ulsters last point for 20 minutes as Connacht ran riot. John Tobins charges notched up 1-6 in this period and lead 1-12 to 1-6 before the men from the north could offer anything in return. The Connacht goal had come in the shape of Michael Conroy, the Mayo man showed his pace to sprint through and finish expertly past the hapless 'keeper. From then on it was somewhat of a cakewalk for Connacht. Ulster didnt score after the 55th minute while Connacht added another 1-7 to their total. The final score resembled something more like a hurling fixture but in truth the 15-point margin was nothing more than Connacht deserved.
Page 4
way Cup back on track
The victorious Connacht panel and management team with the cup. Photo: Ray Ryan / SPORTSFILE
SCORERS Connacht: M Conroy & D Kelly 1-1 each; R Hennelly 0-3 (2f, 145), C Cregg & S Armstrong 0-3 each; K McLoughlin 0-2 (1f), K Higgins 0-2; N Daly, A OShea, E Mulligan and P Conroy 0-1 each. Ulster: C Cavanagh 1-0; C McManus 0-3 (3f); N Morgan, S Cavanagh and M Murphy (1f) & M Poland 0-1 each. CONNACHT: R Hennelly (Mayo); S McDermott (Roscommon), J Moore (Galway), K Higgins (Mayo); G Bradshaw (Galway), N Daly (Roscommon), K McLoughlin (Mayo); A OShea (Mayo), J Gibbons (Mayo); S Armstrong (Galway), E Mulligan (Leitrim), C Cregg (Roscommon); M Conroy (Mayo), P Conroy (Galway), D Kelly (Sligo). Subs: T Flynn (Galway) for OShea 8; OShea for Flynn 11; D Cummins (Galway) for Kelly 47, Kelly for Cummins 55; M Brehony (Sligo) for Kelly 65; E Concannon (Galway) for M Conroy 65; G Reynolds (Leitrim) for Bradshaw 65; N Ewing (Sligo) for McDermott 67. ULSTER: N Morgan (Tyrone); E McGee (Donegal), N McGee (Donegal), C Clarke (Tyrone); S L McGoldrick (Derry), R McCluskey (Fermanagh), P Harte (Tyrone); S Cavanagh (Tyrone), E Donnelly (Fermanagh); C Mackey (Cavan), M Poland (Down), C Cavanagh (Tyrone); E Keating (Cavan), M Murphy (Donegal), C McManus (Monaghan). Subs: K Hughes (Monaghan) for Keating 12; M McHugh (Donegal) for MacKey 30; C McKaigue (Derry) for McCluskey (Black) 44; D Gibney (Cavan) for Donnelly 46; K McKernan (Down) for Cavanagh 52. REF: D OMahoney (Tipperary).
Tobin lays huge value on first title in decades

JOHN TOBIN managed Connacht to their first win in the Railway cup in 45 years and was understandably thrilled with the teams success. The Galway man said their triumph was built on a team effort and the squad were thrilled with the victory and to pick up the silverware. Yeah were all delighted, it was a big challenge and it was a long time since we won, said Tobin Theyre delighted, as you know its a player's tournament. The quality of football here today was outstanding again, from both teams. From a players point of view there are three national competitions up for grabs at the beginning of every year: the national league, the championship and you have the Railway Cup and everyone wants to win those, he said. Tobin also rubbished talk of a lack of commitment from players in this competition, and insisted the win means a lot to the players who are proud to wear the blue and white of their province. I had a number of apologies from players who were in rehabilitation in these intervening weeks. They wanted to be here and you can see in the emotion after the game they really wanted to take part in it.
John Tobin, Connacht manager, is congratulated after leafing his side to a first M Donnelly inter-provincial Football Championship title in 45 years. Photo: Ray Ryan / SPORTSFILE
Page 5
O'Shea delighted to lead his province

By DECLAN ROONEY Media West Ireland
IDAN O'Shea said he was delighted to get the chance of winning a first national senior title by helping Connacht to bridge a 45-year gap to their last M Donnelly inter-provincial crown. O'Shea has already experienced defeat in two All-Ireland finals in the last two years, but after he skippered Connacht to victory over Munster in the semi-final, he was delighted to take the final step. We havent won this competition in a long time and it simply isnt good enough from a Connacht stand point, he said O'Shea has lined out in Mayo's two opening national league games of the season as James Horan's side were defeated by Kildare and Derry. And he says the enjoyment of lining out for
his province is always of a nice distraction from the ultra-competitive inter-county scene. Last year I wasnt playing, but I was watching and it was unbelievable game against Leinster as well. And its something I really forward to, playing for Connacht is a huge honour. We have a bit of a break now from the inter-county and its obviously nice playing with different players. There always seem to be good games, but its probably not been seen by as much people as it should be. The crowd probably wasnt big enough because theres some very very good players in Connacht. We are just delighted to come out on top, he said.
Aidan O'Shea, Connacht captain, raises the cup after receiving it from Uachtarn Chumann Lthchleas Gael Liam Nill, President GAA. Photo: Ray Ryan / SPORTSFILE
Keith Higgins, Connacht, is interviewed by Michael Gallagher after the M Donnelly Football Inter-provincial final. Photo: Ray Ryan / SPORTSFILE
Page 6
M. DONNELLY INTER-PROVINCIAL FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL
Tobin's footballers into final

Connacht ............3-19 Munster .............2-16
T'S 45 years since Connacht last won an M Donnelly inter-provincial football title and after this performance at Tuam Stadium their famine might just be about to end. John Tobin's side now go on to face Ulster in the final at Tuam Stadium after the northerners accounted for Leinster in the other semi-final. But it was a huge shame that barely 100 people turned out to see a game graced with All-Ireland winners, All-Stars and a total of 5-30 from play. Munster made entirely of Cork and Kerry players had an excellent first half-hour and at one stage led by 1-8 to 0-4, thanks to Brian Hurley's third-minute goal. But after Sligo's David Kelly hit a bullet to the net in the 30th minute the game turned on it's head, and only Hurley's stunning pile-driver from distance to the top
corner saw Munster lead by 29 to 19 at half-time. A lightening start to the second-half from Connacht saw Aidan O'Shea goal as Connacht took the lead for the first time in the 37th minute, while
Cregg sealed the win when he palmed Kelly's pass past Brendan Kealy in the final quarter. Connacht manager John Tobin was delighted to see his side qualify to face Ulster in next weekend's final, but he lamented the poor support on the day. Its so important to the players, I mean all these young players are very keen to play against these players because Munster had some fantastic players out there today. We saw it last year and we certainly saw it today from both teams, there was lovely free-flowing football from both sides. When you think of the quality of the players, the best players are playing there and its just unfortunate that people dont attach the importance that it deserves to it really, said Tobin. SCORERS Connacht: C Cregg 1-7, P Conroy & E
Mulligan (2f) 0-5 each, A O'Shea & D Kelly 1-0 each, M Conroy & E Concannon 0-1 each. Munster: B Hurley 2-2, D Goulding 0-5 (1f, 1'45), P Kerrigan & D O'Connor (1f), 0-2, J Lyne, M Collins, D Walsh, M Geaney & BJ Keane 0-1 each.
Reynolds, J Moore, N Ewing; G Bradshaw (J DuanE 46), N Daly, K McLoughlin (G Bradshaw 66); A O'Shea, J Gibbons (T Flynn 26-34 blood); C Cregg (D Cummins 63), E Mulligan, S Armstrong (E Concannon 54); M Conroy, P Conroy, D Kelly (M Breheny 66).
CONNACHT: R Hennelly; G
MUNSTER: B Kealy (K O'Hallo-
ran 60); M S (J McLoughlin 63), M Griffin, B McGuire; J Lyne (J O'Rourke 35), A O'Mahony, K O'Driscoll (M Geaney 59); R Deane (BJ Keane 45), D Moran; P Kerrigan, M Collins, D Walsh (B O'Driscoll 53); D Goulding, D O'Connor, B Hurley.
REF: Cathal O'Hagan

(Tyrone).
UP HIGH: Connacht's Emlyn

Mulligan in action against Michael Geaney of Munster. Photo: Ramsey Cardy / SPORTSFILE
Page 7
No double for Connacht Leinster take win

Leinster ..............1-23 Connacht ............0-16
M. DONNELLY INTER-PROVINCIAL HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL
EINSTER had little trouble in taking their fourth M Donnelly hurling interprovincial title in five seasons as Joe Dooley's side looked far sharper than the all-Galway selection at Croke Park. Apart from a 15-minute spell just before half-time, Connacht were dominated thoroughly by Leinster, who pulled clear with a flurry of scores immediately after the restart and sealed victory with Ryan O'Dwyer's 53rd minute goal. With echoes reverberating around Croke Park it was nigh on impossible for either side to feel like they were involved in an inter-provincial championship final and the standard on show reflected that. At times in the early action, the intensity resembled a Tuesday evening training match with the players' cries for possession audible clearly from the stands. Once again Connacht manager Anthony Cunningham chose not to use any of the three non-Galway players in his squad, instead giving game-time to his extended squad ahead of their NHL tie with Kilkenny. Despite getting off the mark through the impressive Jason Flynn, Connacht fell 0-5 to 0-1 behind by the 13th minute as Eoin Larkin landed four points from placed balls and Offaly's Dan Currams also found his range. Conor Cooney scored a couple of frees
David Burke is harried by Lee Chin.
Photo: Ray McManus / SPORTSFILE
to reduce the deficit, but Connacht's best period came just before the break when Cooney (2), Padraig Brehony and Richie Commins all pointed to leave Connacht trailing by 0-11 to 0-9 at the break. But their enterprising play was broken up by the half-time whistle and Colin Fennelly led Leinster into an unassailable lead along with Larkin's continued accuracy from frees. Cooney continued to plug away for Connacht, but after he
Kevin Hynes in action for Connacht against Conal Keaney in the M Donnelly Inter-provincial championship final at Croke Park. Photo: Ray McManus / SPORTSFILE
linked superbly with TJ Reid and Larkin, O'Dwyer's goal buried any hopes of a first title since 2004 for the westerners. Niall Healy and Cooney trimmed Leinster's lead a bit late on, but there was no denying Joe Dooley's side a 29th title. LEINSTER: Gary Maguire (Dublin); P Murphy (Kilkenny), P Kelly (Dublin), A Shore (Wexford); T Walsh (Kilkenny), L Chin (Wexford), L Rushe (Dublin); M Carton (Dublin), R Hogan (Kilkenny) (0-2); C Keaney (Dublin) (0-2), R O'Dwyer (Dublin) (1-0), E Larkin (Kilkenny) (0-11, five frees, four '65); W Walsh
Page 8
as
M. DONNELLY INTER-PROVINCIAL HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL
(Kilkenny) (0-1), D Currams (Offaly) (0-1), C Fennelly (Kilkenny) (0-3). Subs: M Hanlon (Wexford) for Shore (18 mins), TJ Reid (Kilkenny) for Walsh (18-22 mins blood), TJ Reid for Walsh (half-time), L Ryan (Kilkenny) (03) for Carton (half-time), J Guiney (Wexford) for Currams (41-50 mins blood), J Bergin (Offaly) for Currams (50 mins), J McCaffrey (Dublin) for O'Dwyer (68 mins).
Mulkerrins bags third consecutive US Collegiate Open Singles Title
CONNACHT (ALL GALWAY): J Skehill; D Collins, S Kavanagh, F Moore; A Harte, I Tannian, Daithi Burke; David Burke, P Brehony (0-1); J Coen, C Cooney (0-8, three frees), J Flynn (0-2); R Commins (0-2), N Healy (0-2), C Mannion. Subs: K Hynes for Tannian (44 mins), D Dolan for Commins (45 mins), B Flaherty for Harte (56 mins), P Landers (0-1) for Flynn (62 mins), G McInerney for Coen (69 mins). REF: Eamon Hassan (Derry).
Conor Cooney gets past Conal Keaney at Croke Park. Photo: Ray McManus / SPORTSFILE
Moycullen's Martin Mulkerrins created a bit of history recently by claiming his third consecutive US Collegiate Open Singles Title. Representing UCD, Mulkerrins defeated Daniel Cordova for the third final in a row 21-11, 21-10. A native of Moycullen, Co Galway, Mulkerrins is regarded as one of the finest exponents of the game in the world. Martin is pictured in action in the Under 19 Final at the 2012 World Handball Championships. Photo: Matt Browne / SPORTSFILE
Page 9
M. DONNELLY INTER-PROVINCIAL HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP
Cunningham's Connacht reach inter-pro final

Connacht ...1-18 Munster ...0-16

today was
ONNACHT will hope to win a first M Donnelly inter-provincial hurling championship since 2004 when they take on Leinster, but they will need to improve on three successive final defeats to end their drought. After a poor first-half Connacht only Galway hurlers lined out for Anthony Cunningham's side turned the game on its head when they hit Munster for an unanswered 1-7 after the restart. Davy Glennon was the goal hero for Connacht and after Anthony Nash smashed a 20metre from over the bare late on, any chance of two in a row disappeared for Munster.
Despite meeting up collectively for the first time before the game, it
seemed for long periods that Munster would out-class Cunningham's side. Munster led 0-10 to 0-6 at the break, but with Jonathan Glynn and Jason Flynn dominant, Connacht crept back to dominate the second half. Cunningham's Galway now face Dublin at Pearse Stadium next weekend and he was thrilled to get another game in as preparation for that match. It's the first round for the league and they are Leinster champions and we need to be fully focused for that. But
Brendan Maher tries to out-pace Connacht's Cathal Mannion. Photo: Ramsey Cardy/SPORTSFILE
great preparation for that, said Cunningham. SCORERS Connacht: C Cooney 0-11 (7fs, 0-1pen), J Flynn 0-3, D Glennon 1-0, P Brehony 0-2, C Mannion and R Cummins 0-1 each. Munster: P Horgan 0-6 (4f), D Kearney, N McGrath, A Nash (2f) & C Ryan (1f) 0-2 each, P Maher and S Walsh 0-1 each. CONNACHT: J Skehill; F Moore, R Burke, J Coen; D Collins, I Tannian, G McInerney; David Burke, P Brehony; J Flynn, C Cooney, J Glynn; P Landers, C Mannion, D Glennon. Subs: A Harte for McInerney h-t, R Cummins for Landers 43, Daithi Burke for Tannian 54, K Hynes for Mannion 61, D Dolan for Glennon 65.
Padraig Brehony in action against Brendan Bulger of Munster during the recent M Donnelly inter-provincial semi-final at Duggan Aprk. Photo: Ramsey Cardy / SPORTSFILE
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AIB ALL-IRELAND SENIOR CAMOGIE CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL
Ardrahan lose by single point

Milford (Cork) 0-6 Ardrahan ....0-5
By FRANK KEARNEY Media West Ireland
N the end it was sheer heartbreak for Ardrahan after their wonderful effort to bring an All-Ireland senior club title to the parish failed by the narrowest of margins at Croke Park. All-Ireland senior club finals days can be one of jubilation or heartbreak and for Ardrahan the heartbreak came in a woeful manner at the end. Totally outclassed for much of the game the Ardrahan players had given all and trailed by two points as the game went into the second minute of injury time. Rebecca Hennelly stood over a 48-meter free and while many would have opted for dropping the ball into the square in the hope of getting a goal took the point on the chance that another opportunity might arise.
Maria Walsh, Milford, in action against Siobhn Gardiner, right, and Andrea Mullins, Ardrahan. Photo: Barry Cregg / SPORTSFILE
A dejected Katie Quinn-McMahon, Ardrahan, after the game. Photo: Barry Cregg / SPORTSFILE
From the puck out Ardrahan won possess and forced a 45. Nerves of steel were needed to even attempt to take on the challenge but the young Ardrahan player watch agonisingly as her effort drifted just wide of the posts and with it went Ardrahans chance of a replay. Milford might have captured their second title in a row but they were made to dig very deep by a gritty Ardrahan outfit though, in a game where bravery and determination were to the fore rather that a display of skill in very difficult ground conditions. From the outset Milford tore into the Ardrahan side and could have had a goal in the opening minute of the game but the effort drifted wide. Ardrahan were under increasing pressure in defence and by the 12th minute two of the defenders had chalked up yellow cards. Emer Watson with three pointed frees and one from play had Milford four points
clear by the start of the second quarter and Ardrahan were on the rocks. It took until the 20th minute before Rebecca Hennelly had Ardrahans first point from a free and three minutes from the break Hennelly reduced the deficit to two points. Five minutes into the second-half Milford stretched the lead back to three points again after Watson pointed a 45 but an inspirational Keelan OShaughnessy point looked to have Ardrahan back on track. At the three
Walsh, L Healy; E ORiordan, A Geary, A Watson; O OMahony, A Thompson; E Watson (0-4, 2f, 245s), D OReilly, A OFlynn; M ONeill (0-1), M Flanagan, M Watson (0-1). Subs: L OFlynn for Thompson (49), S OFlynn for A OFlynn (61).
quarter stage Marie ONeill broke through for Milford's second score from play and ironically it was to be their last score. Rebecca Hennelly pointed an Ardrahan free and then the Ardrahan supporters raised the roof off GAA headquarters when they introduced Brenda Kerins, their star player who has been battling a life threatening illness for the past two years. Try as they might Ardrahan were unable to break through a resolute Cork defence but as the game went into injury time Hennelly had the gap down to just a point. However the opportunity to level didnt go Ardrahans way and Milford held on to claim the title. Ardrahan gave it all but in the end the experience and craft of the Cork side won out on the day. MILFORD: R Finn; K Galvin, M
ARDRAHAN: R Gardiner: S Keehan, S Healy, A Brennan Dillon; S Gardiner, A Lynskey Keane, S Forde; A Callanan, M Carr; R Hennelly (0-4f), A Mullins, R OToole; D Diviney, C Walsh, K OShaughnessy (0-1). Subs: E Holland for Diviney (47), B Kerins for Flanagan (54), K Quinn McMahon for Forde (58). REF: A Lagrue (Kildare).
SO CLOSE: Dejected Ardrahan players Andrea Mullins and Megan Carr

after defeat in the AIB All-Ireland Senior Camogie Club Championship Final at Croke Park. Photo: Barry Cregg / SPORTSFILE
Page 11
Fuerty dream stalls at final hurdle

By MICHAEL OBRIEN Roscommon Herald
AIB ALL-IRELAND JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL
Two Mile House (Kildare) ..............5-7 Fuerty .................1-11

GOALS win games, reflected Malachy Gately as he neared the dressing room after Sundays loss in Croke Park. That Fuerty conceded five goals and were always in with a fighting chance is remarkable. But that doesnt take away from the fact that this defeat was hard to take. It was etched all over the players faces as they walked across the pitch after the end of the presentation of the cup to Two Mile House. Their manager was hurting deeply too. I just dont know what I feel nowThere was one thing we said and it was no regrets. Well regret the goals but as for attitude and effort, there were no regrets. And even when they went six or seven up again, we came at them again.
Mervyn (Connaughton) had two great chances. If we had got that goal, there were only four points in it with seven or eight minutes to go. Its hard to put your finger on it. You come so far and then its taken away from you. We were playing catch-up all the time. I dont know where the goals came from. They just came from guys switching off every now and again. These things happen on
Philip Neilan of Fuerty tries to get a block in at Chris Healy of Two Mile House during the All-Ireland Junior Club Championship Final at Croke Park. Photo: Paul Mohan / SPORTSFILE
Robbie Fallon, Fuerty, in action against Aidan Dowling of Two Mile House. Photo: Paul Mohan / SPORTSFILE
big days, he summed up. Twice, when they looked dead and buried, Fuerty came back. When the pressure was on against Headford and again against Keel, they produced the goods too. Character was the buzz word associated with the team. Something weve always said is that character is never a problem and its very hard to go back in there now and talk to them. But we just have to be honest. We were beaten and the goals cost us. Its fierce hard. You just dont know how sick we feel. Somebody said why did we come this far but you come to win. It just didnt work out. You cant fault anyone. Theres 32 or 33 guys practically crying but theres more to life at the end of the day than football. Joe Fallon was concussed there and hes after playing the last ten minutes. Football is great but it isnt life. But we will come back, I can guarantee you that, their manager insisted. And Fuerty followers will be delighted to hear that Malachy Gately will be in charge again for the coming season. Im committed to Fuerty for another 12 months. And come the intermediate
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championship, if we win it, there will be a different smile on their faces. A great year didnt end on a high but, perhaps, the experience will be the platform to build again for the coming year. We just said there that its either going to make us or its going to break us and I think its going to make us, stressed Fuertys popular manager.
Sherry 2-0, C Healy 1-1 (pen), A Casey 0-3, C Julian 0-1 (f). Fuerty: R Fallon 1-2, N Kilroy 0-3, P Leahy 0-2, G Ennis 0-2 (1f), D Delaney, G Fallon 0-1 each.
Fuerty through but only just!

Fuerty .............0-10 Keel (Kerry) .........0-9
By MICHAEL OBRIEN Roscommon Herald
SCORERS Two Mile House: A Burke 2-2, M
TWO MILE HOUSE: J
Goff; B Byrne, M Kelly, A Dowling; N McLoughlin, W Burke, N Sherry; D Casey, N Browne; C Julian, M Sherry, S Darcy; C Healy, A Burke, A Casey. Subs: D Browne for Dowling (29), T ONeill for Julian (55), P Kelly for D Casey (58), R May for N Sherry (59), G Burke for A Casey (60).
FUERTY: J Fallon; P Neilan, P Kelehan, A Moore;
S Melia, T Bannon, D Delaney; N Keenan, F Hanlon; G Fallon, N Kilroy, E Bannon; G Ennis, R Fallon, P Leahy. Subs: M Connaughton for E Bannon (45), E Whyte for Hanlon (45), M Keaveney for Melia (49), D Heavey for Delaney (60), N Connolly for Ennis (60). REF: Martin McNally (Monaghan)
Eamon Bannon, Fuerty shoots for goal. Photo: Paul Mohan / SPORTSFILE
HE promised land beckons for Fuerty. After a character-laden display that saw the Roscommon and Connacht champions upset the odds against Keel of Kerry at Rathkeale, the final stop on Fuertys famous tour is at Croke Park for the All-Ireland final. This isnt meant to happen to small clubs like Fuerty. Theyre only meant to dream about such opportunities. But backed with an unquenchable determination and a ferocious belief in their ability, Fuerty are deserving of their All-Ireland final place after knocking out red hot favourites Keel in terrible conditions. While the wind, rain and hail threatened to blow away the ball, a few supporters and the constantly swaying goalposts, it was the men of Fuerty who wanted it most when it came to the championship minutes. Leading by 0-7 to 0-1 at half time after playing with a gale force wind, one sensed Fuerty needed a few scores in the second-half to win. And they got them, thanks chiefly to the coolness of Gearoid Ennis who drilled a couple of frees into the wind and over the bar. Though Keel clawed their back as expected in the third quarter, their dependence on Gary Sayers and Liam Sheehan in the half-forward line eventually cost them. Granted the pair were excellent, with Sayers delivering a fine display, but there appeared to be a refusal to release the ball to their full-forward line. Fuerty, on the other hand, played as a team. And as was the case in the Connacht final, the players that came in from the bench Mark Keaveney, David Delaney, Niall Connolly and Cormac Kelly all contributed. In the opening quarter, Fuerty established a five-point lead, Gearoid Ennis landed two frees and the impressive Robbie Fallon and Eamon Bannon also found the target, the latter after a fine run. Niall Kilroy also fired over after a neat turn.
Sayers opened his sides account after 23 minutes before Kilroy responded with a free for Fuerty, with the wind literally moving the ball slightly in the short distance it travelled from his hands to his foot before kicking it. Ennis added another wellstruck free to leave it 0-7 to 0-1 in his sides favour at the break. Within four minutes of the restart, the classy Sayers had landed two points. The first was a beauty from distance after a strong run. Then Kilroy won a free that Ennis converted to make it 0-8 to 0-3 before Sheehan pointed for Keel on 38 minutes. Then Fuerty were dealt a massive blow. Eamon Bannon, who was a real driving force for the team, received a black card. Minutes later, Keel were within two points. But on 53 minutes, Robbie Fallon won a free that Ennis pointed to make it 0-9 to 0-6. But a scything run from Martin Burke made it 0-9 to 0-7 a minute later. Then a ball that should have been cleared found its way to Sheehan in the 56th minute and he lofted it over to leave just a point between the sides. Disaster struck again when Niall Keenan was sent off after picking up his second yellow card. But it didnt deter Fuerty. Kellehan, Kelly, Kilroy and Delaney were involved in a move that saw the whistle blown for a crucial free on 59 minutes. Ennis obliged again to make it 0-10 to 0-8 before Sheehan responded with a free in injury time to make it a one-point game. In Keels final attack, Sayers opted to lay the ball off to Sheehan but his effort sailed right and wide and moments later the final whistle blew. The Fuerty players celebrated and their supporters ran onto the pitch to join them. FUERTY: J. Fallon; D. Flaherty, P. Kellehan, A. Moore; P. Neilan, T. Bannon, S. Melia; E. Bannon (0-1), F. Hanlon; R. Fallon (0-1), N. Kilroy (0-2, 1f), N. Keenan; G. Ennis (0-6, 6f), G. Fallon, P. Leahy. Subs: M. Keaveney for Flaherty (ht), D. Delaney for Melia (37), N. Connolly for E. Bannon (BC, 40), C. Kelly for Leahy (56). KEEL: S. Cahillane; G. Nagle, E. Ashe, B.
Murphy; G. Evans, E. OConnor, J. Nagle; T. Ladden, M. Burke (0-1); G. Sayers (0-4, 1f), L. Sheehan (0-3, 1f), E. ONeill; L. OShea, T. OSullivan (0-1), Aaron Cahillane. Subs: K. Foley for OShea (40), M. OConnor for ONeill (48),
REF: N. Mooney (Cavan).
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Extra-time too much for

Rower Inistioge (Kilkenny) .........1-16 Kilnadeema/ Leitrim .................1-9
AFTER EXTRA-TIME
AIB ALL-IRELAND INTERMEDIATE CLUB HURLING FINAL
By BILL KIELY Media West Ireland
N a weekend where their parish had been struck with tragedy, following the death of their minor player Patrick Halpin in London, Kilnadeema/Leitrim hurlers travelled to Croke Park with huge confidence and hope amid their mixed feelings. Facing a Kilkenny club in an All-Ireland final is never easy, but on the best of days it was never going to be be easy to win the club's first All-Ireland title. Against all the odds with tragedy hanging over them, these players gave a wonderful performance of grit, courage and character. When the Kilkenny side edged three points ahead late in the game, the East Galway side fought back to draw level and with the last puck of the game brought the game to extra-time. Down a point at half-time in extra time, and down three points two minutes from the end of extra-time, Kilnadeema/Leitrim watched as Brian Molloys brilliantly taken 20-metre free was stopped on the line and with that effort the Kilkenny side had denied these brave Galway men of victory. It was a low-scoring first half, with a deluge at the start of the game, following an already wet afternoon, making conditions difficult. Kilnadeema-Leitrim were first off the mark through Tom Tierney, only to take 13 minutes to add to their total, during which time Michael Grace got Rower-Inistioge on the scoreboard from a free. A Brian Molloy free for Kilnadeema was
Tom Tierney of Kilnadeema-Leitrim, in action against Aiden Spaight during the All Ireland Intermediate Club Championship Final at Croke Park. Photo: Ramsey Cardy / SPORTSFILE
quickly cancelled out by Ruair Galavan, but Molloy then found his range from play to keep the Galway side ahead. Both sides went close to hitting the net in quick succession around the 20-minute mark, before Tom Murphy broke the deadlock with a fine point. Grace converted his second free on the half-hour to give Rower a 0-4 to 0-3 advantage. Rower hit the opening goal two minutes into the second half when a Ciarn Ryan shot crept past Kilnadeema-Leitrims keeper and although Molloy responded from a free, a great point by Joe Lyng kept the Kilkenny club on the front foot. It took a surging run by Lawless to get KilnadeemaLeitrim back into it, as he laid it off for Liam Geraghty to find the net and Molloy levelled it up when he blazed another goal chance over the bar. A sweetly-struck sideline cut by Conor Joyce was quickly cancelled out by a Dara Herlihy point, and after another Rower substitute, Paul Sheehan, converted a free Herlihy again levelled it up with a fine score. A great catch by Joyce set up Joe Lyng to again edge Rower-Inistioge ahead, but inside added time, Molloy kept his nerve from a free on the right wing to make it 1-8 apiece at full-time. Geraghty landed the first point of extra-time, but Rower soon regained the lead, with James Cassin becoming their third sub to score and Sheehan pointing a 65. It was 1-10 to 1-9 in favour of Rower-Inistioge at the half-way stage of extra-time and they added six unanswered points from then on.
Sheehan hit a fine point from play, and even though he had a free chalked off by Hawk-Eye, he made no mistake from his next opportunity, while Joe Lyng also split the posts after another superb piece of skill by Conor Joyce. David Lyng added a late brace, either side of a Cassin point, to seal victory for Rower-Inistioge, whose captain Michael Grace lifted the cup to the delight of their fans in the Cusack Stand. SCORERS Rower Inistioge: P Sheehan (0-4,
0-3 frees); J Lyng, D Lyng (0-3 each); C Ryan (1-0); M Grace (0-2, 0-2 frees); J Cassin (0-2); R Galvan, C Joyce (0-1 each).
Kilnadeema/Leitrim: B Molloy (0-5, 0-3 frees);

L Geraghty (1-1); D Herlihy (0-2); T Tierney (0-1).
ROWER INISTIOGE: L Tierney; E Doyle, S Cummins, J Doyle; R Galvan, K Joyce, S Lyster; S Grace, J Lyng; M Grace, D Lyng, P Tierney; C Bolger, T Murphy, C Ryan. Subs: C Joyce for Bolger (34), P Sheehan for M Grace (45), J Casin for S Grace (55).
KILNADEEMA/LEITRIM: K Boyle; P Kelly, D
ODonoghue, M Kelly; G Winters, E Hyland, A Spaight; D Tierney, M Donohue; A Mitchell, D Herlihy, D Donohue; T Tierney, B Molloy, S Lawless. Subs: L Geraghty for D Donohue (34).
REF: F Horgan (Tipperary).
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Kilmadeema/Leitrim
Brian Molloy shows a clean pair of heels to Sen Lyster of Rower Inistioge. Photo: Ramsey Cardy / SPORTSFILE
AIB ALL-IRELAND INTERMEDIATE CLUB HURLING FINAL SEMI-FINAL
Kilnadeema/Leitrim reach All-Ireland final

Kilnadeema/Leitrim .....2-11 Youghal (Cork) .................0-15
By RONAN OBRIEN Media West Ireland
ILLNADEEMA/LEITRIM secured a place in the All-Ireland Intermediate hurling final after they quelled a second-half comeback from Youghall to reach the decider. The Galway champions led by 2-9 to 0-4 at the interval and held on for the win despite having Mark Kelly sent off for a second yellow card in the 48th minute at the Gaelic Grounds in Limerick. First-half goals from Alan Mitchell and Brian Molloy gave Kevin Molloy and Pat Donohue's side a comfortable 11-point cushion at the break, but the Cork champions, fired by Brendan Ring, charged back into contention. All seemed comfortable for Kilnadeema/Leitrim in the third quarter, but after Kelly received his marching orders Youghall accelerated. They went on to hit six of the last seven points in the last 15 minutes, but crucially Molloy tagged on one for the Galway side who qualified to face Kilkenny's Rower-Inistioge in the Croke Park decider. SCORERS Kilnadeema/Leitrim: B Molloy
1-7 (4f), A Mitchell 1-0, S Lawless 0-2, D Tierney (slc) & T Tierney 0-1 each. Youghal: Brendan Ring 0-6 (3f), L Desmond, B Cooper & B Coleman 0-2 each, D Ring, A Frahill-OConnor & C Spillane (f) 0-1 each. KILNADEEMA/LEITRIM: K Boyle; P Deely, D ODonoghue, M Kelly; G Winters, E Hyland, A Spaight; D Tierney, M Donohue; D Donohue, D Herlihy, A Mitchell; T Tierney (captain), B Molloy, S Lawless. Sub: L Geraghty for S Lawless 45.
The Kilnadeema-Leitrim players stand for a minute's silence in memory of Patrick Halpin before their All Ireland Intermediate club final. Photo: Ramsey Cardy / SPORTSFILE
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Kiltane lose a shoot-out

Truagh Gaels (Monaghan) ...........2-21 Kiltane ................2-13
AIB ALL-IRELAND INTERMEDIATE CLUB FOOTBALL FINAL
By MIKE FINNERTY Mayo News
LL that was missing from this epic contest, which turned out to be a scintillating shoot-out, was a Kiltane victory. The Erris club has won plenty of friends and admirers in recent months as they beat all-comers en route to Croke Park, and their heroic performance at headquarters meant they lost nothing in defeat. Heart-breaking and disappointing as finishing as All-Ireland runners-up may be for the Kiltane camp, in time they will acknowledge that there was no shame in finishing second best to an exceptional side like Truagh Gaels. In terms of honesty, effort, character and sheer determination, Kiltane could have done no more. Time and again, when it looked like the Monaghan champions were going to surge ahead and out of sight, Kiltane refused to bend the knee. It was no less than we have come to expect from a side that has managed to fuse substance and style spectacularly and successfully over the last twelve months. Unfortunately, all the honest endeavour and never-say-die spirit in the world couldnt compensate on this occasion for the gulf in class and sheer misfortune that surfaced on Sunday.
Truagh Gaels shot 2-19 of their final tally from play, with their leading lights, Daniel and Paudie McKenna, contributing 1-10 between them. The former, a lightning-fast corner-forward, tormented Kiltane in the first half, shooting 1-6 into the old Canal End. Truaghs ability to move the ball with pace and accuracy, using both the boot and the fist, opened Kiltane up repeatedly. Daniel McKenna took full advantage, while his namesake, Paudie, played a pivotal role in the first half as a sweeper.
Tommy Conroy of Kiltane drives past John McCarron. Photo: Paul Mohan / SPORTSFILE
He also helped to break Kiltanes spirit in the closing stages with a series of linebreaking runs and a string of superb points.
A dejected Jason Healy realises how close his side came to victory after the final whistle. Photo: Paul Mohan / SPORTSFILE
Overall, the winners gave a masterclass in pass-and-move football, their combination play and strike-rate meaning that that there was only ever going to be one outcome. And yet, with 51 minutes played, there was only a single point between the teams; Truagh leading by 2-13 to 2-12. Kiltane had pushed themselves to their limits during the twenty minutes after halftime to haul themselves back into contention. Trailing at the halfway mark by 2-10 to 2-6, after failing to meet the high standards they had set themselves, especially in defence, the Erris lads rolled up their sleeves and went to work. Inspired by men like Tony Gaughan, Jason Healy, Sen Carey, Ultan Corrigan, Mikie Sweeney and Shane Lindsay, the Mayo representatives gave chase. They shot six superb points during this purple patch with the outstanding Healy (two, one 45), Ed Barrett, Lindsay, Sweeney and Corrigan all on target. The only thing missing from their lungbursting comeback was a goal; Tommy Goals Conroy denied by a brilliant save from the Truagh goalkeeper on 36 minutes, and Mikie Sweeney, Sen Carey and Shane Lindsay all thwarted by some lastgasp defending and sheer bad luck. Even still, Kiltane had got themselves right back into the game as the contest swung for home. Or so it seemed. Instead, Truaghs strength-in-depth and stamina reserves kicked in just in time and Kiltane were outscored by 0-8 to 0-1 in the last eleven minutes as they hit the wall all over the field.
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The game was won by inspirational scores from Paudie McKenna (3) and Adam Treanor (2), while the gloss was applied by sub Sen McKenna (2). Game over. Things couldnt have been more different early on. Despite falling two points behind as Paudie and Daniel McKenna both got their eyes in early, Kiltane unleashed a shock and awe opening salvo. After five minutes Tommy Conroy sprinted through on goal and was brought down in the square unceremoniously; Darragh Carey (who was to be stretchered off with a leg injury just 12 minutes later) stepped up to bury the penalty clinically. A minute later and Kiltanes huge band of loud and proud fans were in ecstacy as Mikie Sweeney rifled in a spectacular leftfooted goal to propel his side ahead for the first time. It was a stunning strike that, on another day, could have changed the course of history. However, Truagh Gaels responded ominously. Paudie McKenna was deployed as a sweeper to cut off the supply-line to the dynamic duo of Conroy and Sweeney, and Truaghs flying forwards cut loose at the other end. They blitzed Kiltane over the next twenty-five minutes, racking up 2-8 from play with Daniel McKenna and Mark Counihan hitting the net as Kiltanes overworked full-back line started to take on water. Darragh Carey was conspicuous by his absence, and five sweet points from Daniel McKenna saw Truagh Gaels power into the lead. The Ulster champions were six points up coming up to the break but, crucially, Ed Barrett (free) and John Reilly landed scores to narrow the margin by the short whistle. The second half was a blur of excitement, drama and end-to-end action as Kiltane gave as good as they got for the most part. But, in the end, their best just wasnt good enough. Regardless, history will rightly be kind to them. TRUAGH GAELS: I Treanor; J McCarron, N
Feely, N McQuillan; B Cuddy, R Treanor, P McKenna (0-4, 1f); P Treanor, N McRory; A Treanor (0-4), C McKenna (0-2, 1f), E Kelly; D Finnegan (0-1), M Counihan (1-1), D McKenna (17). Subs: N Coyle for Kelly (49); K Sheerin for McRory (49); J Treanor for R Treanor (54); S McKenna (0-2) for Finnegan (58), D McRory for A Treanor (58); A Coyle for Counihan 62 mins.
Mayo champs reach All-Ireland intermediate final

Kiltane ................. 2-9 Clyda Rovers (Cork)..................... 0-9
HANE Lindsay and Ultan Corrigan goals in six first-half minutes sealed a spot in the All-Ireland intermediate club football final for Kiltane. Playing with the aid of a strong wind, Kiltane bossed the first-half and put in a storming second quarter to break Clyda Rovers' resolve at Duggan Park Ballinasloe. Kiltane had the win all but wrapped up when they led 2-7 to 0-3 at half-time and when Paudi Kissane rattled the crossbar with a 53rd minute penalty, slim chances of a comeback disappeared. It's unbelievable; it's a great feeling, said Kiltane captain Pat Joe Gaughan. You are not just doing this for yourself and your teammates, there is a whole parish there. It makes you feel really proud.
Croke Park like? I'm 30 now and I never thought I'd see it. I've been playing senior football for 12 years now so to be coming near the end of your career and to have Croke Park to look forward to is great. Some lads will never see Croke Park and hopefully we can get the kibosh off the backs of the Mayo lads for this year, he said. In all honesty Clyda never looked like winners and their tendency to build slowly from the back saw them hounded off the ball on numerous occasions by Kiltane's incessant tackling. Yet, despite their superiority and wind advantage the Mayo champions only led by 0-3 to 0-2 by the 18th minute. But when Lindsay kicked a fine point and Corrigan followed it with a 22nd minute goal they had the cushion they deserved. And two minutes from the break Lindsay ran on to a break off Tommy Conroy and goaled splendidly for an unassailable advantage. From there a couple of scores was always going to push Kiltane over the line and frees from Corrigan and Edmund Barrett was easily sufficient to set up a decider with Truagh. SCORERS Kiltane: U Corrigan 1-2 (2f), S
Lindsay 1-1, E Barrett 0-2 (1f), J Reilly (1f), J Healy, D Carey (45) & T Gaughan 0-1 each. Clyda Rovers: P Kissane (0-1pen) & C Flanagan (2f) 0-2 each, Conor O'Sullivan, J Murphy (1f), P O'Mullane, S Roynane & S O'Connell 0-1 each.
KILTANE: MJ Reilly; S Sweeney, R Corrigan, D
Carey; M Gallagher, T Gaughan, S Gaughan; J Reilly, J Healy; U Corrigan, PJ Gaughan, E Barrett; T Conroy, M Sweeney, S Lindsay. Subs: S Carey for S Gallagher (51), D Conroy for Barrett (58), K Ginty for Sweeney (62), B McAndrew for Lindsay (62), P Deane for T Conroy (63), O Munnelly for Carey (65).
KILTANE: MJ Reilly; D Carey (1-0, pen), R Corri-
gan, S Sweeney; PJ Gaughan, T Gaughan (0-1), S Gaughan; J Reilly (0-1), J Healy (0-3, 145); U Corrigan (0-2), S Carey, E Barrett (0-3, 1f); M Sweeney (1-1), S Lindsay (0-2), T Conroy. Sub: M Gallagher for D Carey (18).
REF: A Nolan (Wicklow).
Kiltane supporter John Munnelly out to support his team at the All-Ireland Intermediate Club Championship Final at Croke Park. Photo: Paul Mohan / SPORTSFILE
CLYDA ROVERS: C Conway; N O'Mullane, R Carey, C Kenny; C Buckley, F O'Shea, O O'Hanlon; D O'Callaghan, C Flanagan; G Carey, P Kissane, Cian O'Sullivan; J Murphy, P O'Mullane, Conor O'Sullivan. Subs: S Roynane for Buckley (28), M O'Brien for O'Hanlon (h-t), S O'Connell for P O'Mullane (51), J O'Hanlon for O'Callaghan (57), REF: Damien Brazil (Offaly).
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Castlebar stun Kerry cham reach All-Ireland club final

Castlebar ............3-13 Dr Crokes (Kerry) ....1-11
INCE they regained the Moclair Cup last November, Castlebar Mitchels havent looked back. The team that Pat Holmes has built over the last three years have powered onwards and upwards, answering every question that has been asked of them, and looking more impressive with every outing. Now they are just one hour away from landing the biggest prize in the storied clubs prestigious 129-year history. On the evidence of their latest show of strength, it would be foolish betting against them finishing what they have started. A repeat of this performance on St Patrick's Day, and the Andy Merrigan Cup will surely be crossing the county boundaries
for the third time in 13 years. We expected plenty of perspiration and industry from the Mitchels against Crokes and they didnt disappoint; but it was their direct approach and attacking flair that ultimately bent the game to their will and broke the Kerry lads spirits. Having engineered a one-point lead at halftime (1-7 to 1-6), Mitchels saved their best football for the last quarter. Their tenacious tacklers and tight-marking backs combined to keep Dr Crokes scoreless for the last 15 minutes as the absence of their injured, mercurial forward Colm Cooper weighed heavily on the Munster champions. Castlebar cut loose to rack up 1-4 without reply in the last quarter, man of the match Patrick Durcan firing in his second goal of the game in the dying moments to kickstart the victory celebrations. Mitchels masterplan meant that Crokes were unable to build from the back, couldnt find the space they needed to work, and saw their key men tied down for long spells. Castlebar were in their faces, snapping at their heels, and attacking their goal from all angles. It was a joy to watch. Mitchels started like they meant business with new fullforward Barry Moran and Aidan Walsh both kicking confident points in the opening minutes. Crokes werent long getting into the groove either, and four unanswered scores, including one each from Kieran
Tom King celebrates scoring his side's second goal against Dr. Crokes. Photo: Paul Mohan / SPORTSFILE
Neil Douglas, Castlebar Mitchels, in action against Michael Moloney, Dr. Crokes in the All-Ireland Senior Club Championship semi-final at O'Moore Park. Photo: Paul Mohan / SPORTSFILE
OLeary and Cooper, eased them into the lead after ten minutes. Castlebar duly responsed with big points from Danny Kirby and Barry Moran levelling the game for the second time before the end of the first quarter. The experienced Kerry outfit surged ahead again almost immediately with a couple of quickfire points but, crucially, Gooch Cooper injured his knee after colliding with Ger McDonagh while he slotted over the second of them. His departure on 20 minutes robbed Crokes of their talisman, and added fuel to Mitchels fire. Less than a minute after Cooper limped off, Patrick Durcan galloped upfield to kick a goal, and three inspirational points before half-time from Richie Feeney, Tom King and captain Donie
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pions to
Newcombe sent Castlebar in for jaffa cakes ahead. The second act produced by Mitchels was the result of many nights on the training ground in Castlebar. The Mayo champions dictated the rules of engagement, tearing into the Crokes all over the field, and closing the game out with ruthless efficiency. Mitchels won the second half by 2-6 to 0-5, with quickfire scores after the restart from Tom King (free) and Richie Feeney opening up some daylight at a crucial stage. In truth, the tide looked to have turned once and for all when King picked up Barry Morans knockdown in the 12th minute, and fired the ball to the Crokes net with aplomb. However, to their credit, Crokes came roaring back with three points in four minutes from Ambrose ODonovan, Alan OSullivan and Johnny Buckley to pare the gap back to the minimum on 47 minutes. That was all she wrote though for the challengers; Mitchels were about to seize the moment. The under-rated Ger McDonagh was immense in the last 15 minutes; dishing out hits, kicking a crucial score and raking the skies to grab a Crokes kick-out. Scores from Tom King (free), Aidan Walsh and Niall Lydon propelled Castlebar to victory, but not before Patrick Durcan popped up on the end of a typical swashbuckling attack to smack in his second goal of the day. Another game over, and only one fence left to jump. CASTLEBAR MITCHELS: C Naughton; A Feeney, E O'Reilly, R O'Malley; D Newcombe (01), T Cunniffe, P Durcan (2-0); G McDonagh (0-1), B Moran (0-2); N Lydon (0-1), A Walsh (0-2), R Feeney (0-2); D Kirby (0-1), N Douglas, T King (13, 3fs). Subs: J Durcan for R Feeney (51); D Joyce for A Feeney (52).
Moloney, L Quinn; D O'Leary, E Brosnan, K Ward; A O'Donovan (0-2), J Buckley (0-1); A O'Sullivan (0-3), D Casey (0-1), B Looney; K O'Leary (1-1), C Cooper (0-2), S Doolan. Subs: M Burns for Cooper (22, inj); S Meyers for K Ward (h-t); G O'Shea for A O'Donovan (49, inj); C Brady for B Looney (55).
Moran revels on massive day

S a seven year-old boy, Barry Moran sat in the old Hogan Stand on St Patricks Day in 1994 and watched Castlebar Mitchels crash to a heavy twelve points defeat in their maiden AllIreland club final against Nemo Rangers. The Mayo midfielder will return to Croke Park on March 17 as part of the Mitchels squad that have blazed a trail back to this years club championship showpiece. It is the stuff of which dreams are made. What a day, he beamed, shortly after playing a major part in helping Castlebar to upset the odds and dump Dr Crokes of Kerry out of the competition. Its absolutely massive. Its said a thousand times but its so true these are the fellas you grew up with, went to school with, theyre the fellas who were around you kicking a ball when you first started off up in McHale Park. They were around before there were any county teams. Im delighted for all the people who have worked so hard over the years in the club, added the former Mitchels Treasurer. Its great to wake up tomorrow morning looking forward to an All-Ireland Final on Paddys Day with your club. A few weeks ago Pat Holmes had taken Moran aside and told him he was planning to use him as a target man at full-forward against Crokes. An experiment that seemed to have been shelved by both club and county some time ago was being taken out of retirement. Like most things Holmes has done this season, it turned out to be a masterstroke as Big Barry put himself about on the edge of the square, kept Eoin Brosnan busy, set up a few crucial scores, and shot two points himself for good measure. Not that Moran was getting carried away with his display. Its something Pat just sprung in the last week or two. Id prefer to be playing out around the middle of the field but I go where Im put, he smiled afterwards. Pat and the lads thought we might be able to work something off playing me inside so thats what we went with. Thankfully we got a few scores off it. I wont say it was a massive success because I dont think it was. But it all helps. Under Holmes direction, and with no little help from Shane Conway, Alan Nolan and Jimmy Killeen, Mitchels have im-
proved in leaps and bounds as this run as gone on. Breaffy, Corofin, St Brigids and now the Munster champions have all been powerless to resist Castlebars appetite for hard work, pressing, pressure game, and swashbuckling brand of attacking football. Barry Moran is adamant its not rocket science. Hard work, theres no magic, no secret, he offered. We sat down last January and set out to win the county title. That was based on pure hard work. That showed again today. Everybody worked their asses off and it paid off. Weve great runners, from the fullback line all over the pitch, he conceded. If you look at the goal we got at the end, it came from one of the lads winning a turnover, overlapping, running straight through. . Paddy Durcan got two great goals today, what a fella, but he personified the Mitchels young lads today. No baggage, no nothing, they just wanted to go out and play football. Even at half-time, with the game in the balance, and an All-Ireland Final appearance just thirty minutes away, Castlebar stuck to their tried-and-trusted approach, revealed Moran. We didnt say much, we just sat down. Pat [Holmes] got everyone around in a circle and said what we had to do. Nothing changes, just hard work, look for turnovers, keep pushing on up front, and drive on. Thats exactly what we did. We can expect more of the same on March 17.
DR CROKES: D Moloney; F Fitzgerald (0-1), M
REF: C Reilly (Meath).
Cian Costello (left) and James Durcan celebrate after reaching the All-Ireland Senior Club Championship final with Castlebar Mitchels. Photo: Paul Mohan / SPORTSFILE
Page 19
AIB ALL-IRELAND SENIOR CLUB HURLING SEMI-FINAL
Portumna book spot in final

Portumna . . .1-15 Na Piarsaigh (Limerick) . . . . . 1-11
By JACKIE CAHILL Media South Ireland
S Na Piarsaigh manager Sen Stack noted, it was that little bit of guile that got Portumna over the line in the AIB All-Ireland senior club hurling semi-final. Dreadful weather ensured know-how and experience were key factors in determining who would progress to a final meeting with surprise packets Mount Leinster Rangers on March 17th. And Galways standardbearers had those in spades throughout a war of attrition played out in front of 1,820 spectators. A case in point was captain Ollie Canning winning the late free that allowed brother Joe, fortunate to be on the pitch, to slot over his ninth point and the insurance score. Na Piarsaigh hauled them back into contention when Shane Dowling drilled home a 56th-minute penalty, to bring the Limerick and Munster champions to within
Ronan OMeara, a Galway minor last year, was another to catch the eye at corner-forward. He had 1-2 on the board by half-time, including 1-1 in the opening four minutes. For Na Piarsaigh, Kevin Downes struck the post in the first minute as Na Piarsaigh played with the aid of an icy breeze blowing into the Town End. It was that kind of day for the Limerick city outfit, who suffered a second All-Ireland semi-final defeat in three seasons. SCORERS Portumna: J Canning
0-9 (7fs, 1 sl), R O'Meara 1-2, A Smith, K Hayes, O Canning, D Hayes 0-1 each. Na Piarsaigh: S Dowling 1-4 (1-0 pen, 0-4fs), R Lynch 0-3 (2 sls), K Downes 0-2, K Ryan, P Gleeson 0-1 each.
PORTUMNA: J Keane; C O'Hare, E NUMBER ONE: Portumna's Eugene McEntee celebrates after reaching
the All-Ireland club hurling final. Photo: Ray McManus / SPORTSFILE
three points, at 1-11 to 1-14. But Ollie Cannings cuteness drew the kind of foul that Stack put down to sheer craft, and Joe did the rest. Stack didnt say it straight out but the tone of his voice and his body language suggested he was unhappy with McGraths decision not to dismiss Joe Canning in the firsthalf for a pull across David
Dempsey. McGrath opted for yellow in the 22nd minute. Cannings lucky escape allowed the 25year-old, operating in a midfield role, to stamp his class all over proceedings. He pointed three first half frees and added six points in the second half, including one from play and one trademark sideline cut.
McEntee, G Heagney; P Smith, M Dolphin, E Lynch; L Smith, A Smith; K Hayes, D Hayes, O Canning; R O'Meara, J Canning, N Hayes. Sub: O Treacy for N Hayes (60).
NA PIARSAIGH: P Kennedy; K
Breen, C King, M Casey; N Buckley, D Breen, J O'Brien; A Dempsey, W O'Donoghue; K Kennedy, K Downes, D Dempsey; K Ryan, S Dowling, R Lynch. Subs: P Gleeson for Kennedy (27), D Sheppard for O'Donoghue (37), B Hartnett for Dempsey (53), J Madden for O'Brien (53).
REF: J McGrath (Westmeath).
Portumna's Peter Smith (left) and Leo Smith celebrate with friends and family after they qualified for the All-Ireland Senior Club hurling championship final. Photo: Ray McManus / SPORTSFILE
Portumna manager Frank Canning with two of his sons Sean, age 10, and Eoin, age 7, after the game. Photo: Ray McManus / SPORTSFILE
Page 20
FBD LEAGUE ROUND 1
Easy start for Galway

Galway ...............3-10 Sligo .............0-8
By JOHN FALLON Media West Ireland
HERE was a typical January backdrop to this FBD League encounter heavy rain, strong winds and a very wet pitch but the match produced plenty of talking points for the hardy few hundred who braved the elements at Tuam Stadium. The display of former Kildare player James Kavanagh on his debut for Galway will give the Tribesmen great hope for the year ahead and the former All-Star nominee produced a performance which was full of running and hard work. It remains to be seen just how big an impact Kavanagh has as the year progresses but he laid down a marker on this outing. And Galway manager Alan Mulholland had a lot to be pleased about despite the paucity of the opposition. Gareth Bradshaw is back from his stint in America and looked sharp and hungry while Paul Conroy, who skippered Mulhollands minors to All-Ireland glory in 2007, looks like he will revel in his new role as Galway captain. His St James clubmate Eoin Concannon bagged 2-2 at full-forward and would have a hat-trick was it not for the agility of Sligo goalkeeper Vincent Cadden.
DEBUTANT: Former Kildare star, James Kavanagh, in action for Galway on his first outing for his
new county. Photo: Ray Ryan / SPORTSFILE
Mulholland wont be getting carried away but this wasnt a bad start to the new year. Inevitably, the black card issue was topical with Sligo corner-back Neil Ewing getting his marching orders just before the break, apparently for something he said after Sligo had been awarded a free out. It was a disappointing start to Pat Flanagans reign as Sligo manager but he has had just a few weeks to work with his new charges and while he was not too de-
spondent, His new side were heading for an inevitable defeat when they trailed by 1-2 to 0-4 at the interval having played with the wind and rain at their backs. Concannons first goal after a good passing movement after ten minutes was a big score and the Tribesmen used the elements well after the restart with Michael Martin firing low into the bottom right corner eleven minutes after the restart before Concannon wrapped it up two minutes later. SCORERS FOR GALWAY: E Concannon 2-2; M
Martin 1-2 (0-1f); M Hehir 0-2 (0-2f); A Tierney, E Hoare, J Kavanagh & S Armstrong 0-1 each.
SCORERS FOR SLIGO: A Marren 0-2 (0-2f); C
McGee 0-2 (0-2f); M Breheny (0-1f), B O'Mahony, V Frizzel, (0-1 '45) & J Hynes 0-1 each.
GALWAY: T Healy; J Moore (K McGrath h-t), A Tierney (F Hanley 58), E Murray; T Fahy (D O'Neill 40), G Higgins, E Walsh; P Conroy, D O'Connell; G Bradshaw, M Martin (S Armstrong 45), M Hehir; E Hoare, E Concannon (D Cummins 45), J Kavanagh. SLIGO: V Cadden; G Gilsenan, G Ryan, N Ewing (J Kelly 29); C Harrison, L Bree, R Connolly; J Quinn (M Horkan 45), M Quinn; C Griffin, M Breheny, V Frizzel (C Breheny 43); A Marren (C McGee 43), B O'Mahony (J Hynes 55), N Murphy (K Sweeney 55). REF: P Neilan (Roscommon).
SLASH: Galway's Eddie Hoare and Sligo's Gareth Ryan go aquaplaning at Tuam Stadium. Photo: Ray Ryan / SPORTSFILE
Page 21
FBD LEAGUE ROUND 1
IT Sligo bag another draw

Roscommon.........1-14 IT Sligo ...............1-14
By IAN COONEY Roscommon Hearld
LEAVING Kiltoom as the wind and rain threatened, it was hard to know what to make of Roscommons entrance to what John Evans hopes will be a much improved season in 2014. The home side had salvaged a draw, showing commendable spirit to erode a two-point deficit deep into injury time. But there was little in this showing to suggest that some of the bad habits that have been around for years are showing any intention of disappearing. Lapses in concentration, poor forward play and terrible shot selection have blighted the Roscommon senior team for too many years now. The home side shot 15 wides, kicked a number of other opportunities into the goalkeepers hands and lacked the speed of thought up front that was very much part of the IT Sligo makeup. On the flip side, it was only early January. Roscommon faced an IT Sligo team that, on this showing, should have been in the shake-up for Sigerson Cup honours. Michael Moyles men were very fit and paraded bundles of creativity, especially in their attack. The challenge posed by the Sligo students pleased the Roscommon manager afterwards. I was delighted to get the game we got. I was thrilled with it really. We certainly knew that Sligo IT would be well prepared. They had some quality players and they were extremely fit, which was a good eye-opener for our lads, acknowledged the former Tipperary boss. A draw was a fair result. The teams couldnt be separated at half time, and the tit-for-tat nature of the contest continued after the break as the sides were level on six occasions. Then, with the game entering injurytime, the visitors made their burst for home. A Roscommon mistake paved the way for Donegal All-Ireland winner Mark McHugh to shoot his side into the lead once more. Then, Mayo U-21 star Evan Regan landed what seemed like an impossible free from an acute angle. The writing was on the wall for Roscommon. But they responded with an effort from corner-back Neil Collins before Cathal Cregg was on hand to fire over the equaliser on the turn in what turned out to be the games last meaningful act. We were two points down going into injury time but we showed great spirit to Cathal Cregg gathered Conor Dalys probing ball out on the left wing. His precise hand pass played in Craig Burns. The Tulsk player showed good awareness to offload possession to Devaney who finished neatly. But Roscommon switched off and IT Sligo dominated the remainder of the half. Efforts from Mark McHugh, playing in a deep role, and his brother Ryan eroded the deficit to four points before poor Roscommon defending gifted IT Sligo a goal. James Shaughnessys cross from the left wasnt attacked by the full-back line or goalkeeper Tadhg Lowe and Regan palmed into the
Cathal Cregg was on hand to fire over the equaliser on the turn in what turned out to be the games last meaningful act.
get a draw out of it. I think thats vital for this team, that were showing battle qualities each time we go out, continued Evans. It was a good day at the office for referee Liam Devenney who endured a bad experience when he officiated at the same venue for the Connacht club final in 2011. His approach to the new rules was sensible and he only dished out one black card to Sligo IT forward Stephen Coen in the 60th minute. Indeed Evans noted that the new rules played their part in his side chiselling out a draw. We had a clear situation where we were the team coming at Sligo IT at the finish and our lads werent pulled down. We were allowed play football and I was delighted with the rules from that perspective, he enthused. Roscommon raced into a 1-6 to 0-3 after 20 minutes. Donal Shines influence on the game was pronounced and he contributed three points, including two from play. Kevin Higgins, Donal Keane and Conor Devaney (from a free) also found the target. The goal arrived in the 18th minute.
net at the back post. There was still time for midfielder Michael Forde to land an excellent effort from 45 metres to tie up the match, 1-6 apiece, at the break. The sides traded scores for the majority of the second period. Roscommon introduced Diarmuid Murtagh and Senan Kilbride and the latters exquisite pass should have yielded a match-winning goal for Mark Nally. But the substitutes effort was blocked, although there was some consolation for the home side when Shines resultant 45 restored parity at 112 apiece. Six minutes into injury-time, Creggs late intervention ensured that a share of the spoils was the fairest result in a match that pleased John Evans. I was delighted to get some of the young lads on. I was very impressed with them and theyre going to get a second and third chance. Overall, I was delighted with the standard of football good venue, good football, two good teams and the referee didnt do a bad job either, he smiled. ROSCOMMON: T. Lowe; R. Stack, N. Daly, N. Collins (0-1); S. McDermott, N. Daly, C. Daly; K. Higgins (0-2), D. Shine (0-4, 1f, 145); D. Keane (01), C. Burns, P. Kelly; C. Murtagh (0-2), C. Devaney (1-1, 1f), C. Cregg (0-2). Subs: M. Nally (0-1) for Kelly, D. Murtagh for Devaney, J. Sharkey for Stack, S. Kilbride for Burns. IT SLIGO: A. McCallig; R. Donovan, B. McQuaid,
E. Flanagan; K. Cawley, M. McHugh (0-2), S. Fee; M. Forde (0-1), D. Geraghty; M. McWeeney, R. McHugh (0-4), C. Mulryan (0-1); S. Coen (0-2), E. Regan (1-3, 3f), J. Shaughnessy (0-1). Subs: S. OGrady for Geraghty, C. Kearins for McWeeney, D. Quinn for Forde, P. Laffey for McQuaid, C. Clinton for Coen (black card).
REF: L. Devenney (Mayo).
Page 22
FBD LEAGUE ROUND 1
Students impress against Mayo

Mayo ..................0-12 NUI Galway ...........1-6
THE autumn afternoons in Croke Park seemed a million miles away, but James Horan's Mayo got their year off to a winning start at a foggy MacHale Park. Mayo who just got back from their team holiday to Dubai were made to work hard for their win by Tommie Joyce's NUI Galway side as a goal from Sean Moran five minutes from time somehow saw the Students pull to within a single point, but a late surge saw Mayo over the line. On his Mayo debut, former Galway United and Mervue United player, Tom King was hauled down for the free that brought the opening score after ten minutes, which Darren Coen converted. Points from Cristoir Davey and Kevin Gibbons turned the game in the Students' favour by the 15th minute, but after ten minutes of dominance that saw Brendan Harrison, King, Keith Rogers and Mikey Sweeney all land good points Mayo led by 0-5 to 0-2. That lead would have been far greater had goalkeeper Donal O'Sullivan and Caolan Crowe not foiled King and Darren Coen in the early stages, while another terrific save before the break denied Diarin bursts ahead of their up coming Sigerson Cup campaign and two great points from Davey and Shane Moran in a five minute spell saw they pull to within two points of the Connacht champions. Darren Coen landed two good scores in a minute to give Mayo a decent cushion, but five minutes from time Sean Moran's goal after Hennelly failed to clear a high ball into the small rectangle left just a point between the two teams. Darren Coen sealed the win for Mayo with his fifth point and third free - in the last minute, and after Sean Kelly was shown a black card for a third man tackle late on, his replacement Michael Conroy slotted the final point to give the green and Red their first win of the season. SCORERS FOR MAYO: D Coen 0-5 (3f), R Hennelly 0-2 (2'45), K Rogers, B Harrison, T King, M Sweeney & M Conroy 0-1 each. SCORERS FOR NUIG: Sean Moran 1-0, C Davey
& Shane Moran 0-2 each, K Gibbons (1f) & J Kelly 0-1 each.
MAYO: R Hennelly; K Rogers, K Keane (C Boyle
Darren Coen sealed a win for Mayo with his five points. Photo: Matt Browne / SPORTSFILE
55), E O'Reilly; B Harrison (S Coen 39), S McHale, D Drake; J Gibbons, J Reilly; A Gallagher (S Kelly 51) (M Conroy 61 BC), C Freeman, D O'Connor (B Gallagher 39); T King, D Coen, M Sweeney (A Moran 48).
NUIG: D O'Sullivan; C O Domhnaill (N Freman
muid O'Connor and saw Mayo lead 0-6 to 0-4 at half-time. But the Students looked pretty decent
57), C Crowe, L Cullen; S Driscoll, J McManus, A Nolan; E O hEochaidh, C Guckian; K Gibbons (D Gavin 43), Sean Moran, J Kelly; I Galvin, Shane Moran, C Davey.
REF: Michael Duffy (Sligo).
GMIT comeback falls just short

Leitrim ...............1-14 GMIT ...................1-11
LAN Meenaghan's goal six minutes from time made defending FBD League champions Leitrim sweat for their win, but victory is the perfect start for new boss Sean Hagan. Paul Brennan hit the net for Leitrim following a slick move a minute from the break, but after a lethargic final quarter, they just about held on to pick up their first win of the season.
We were happy enough with the firsthalf performance but our fitness probably let us down a bit in the second-half. That's something we'll have to work on for the month of January, said Hagan. There is lots of experience in our team there, but even before their goal we had lots of chances to make sure a goal wouldn't have mattered. We have plenty of work to do on the training field, but it's only our first outing so we are fairly happy. Two points from last year's goalkeeper Cathal McCrann and Brennan's goal gave Leitrim a 1-8 to 0-5 advantage at the break and with Emlyn Mulligan in fine form they looked to be cruising to the win. But with Eric Monahan superb for GMIT and Meenaghan's late goal, Leitrim were over run late on and stumbled across the line.
SCORERS FOR LEITRIM: E Mulligan 0-6 (3f), P Brennan 1-1, C McCrann 0-2, W McKeon, G Hickey, R Cox, R Mulvey & R Lowe 0-1 each. SCORERS FOR GMIT: E Monahan 0-4 (3f), A
Meenaghan 1-0, M Lundy 0-3, J Duane 0-2 (1'45), S Hennelly & S Tighe 0-1 each.
LEITRIM: P Farrelly; B Prior (D Beck 45), D
Wrynn, P Maguire; W McKeon, G Reynolds, P Brennan; G Hickey (T Beirne 41), A Hickey (S Foley 61); K Conlon (F Clancy 50), C McCrann (D Moran 54), C Reynolds (R Mulvey 23); R Cox, R Lowe, E Mulligan.
GMIT: G Shiel; A Wynne, C Donoghue (L Mon-
aghan h-t), N Sheridan; C Sweeney, M Farragher, R Shanahan (A Meenaghan 52); A McCormack, J Finan (S Tighe h-t); N Bracken, M Lundy, C Kelly (G Kelly 44); F Durkin (S Hennelly 24), E Monahan, J Duane.
REF: Marty Duffy (Sligo).
Page 23
FBD LEAGUE ROUND 2
Spoils shared in Bekan

Mayo.................... 2-8 IT Sligo ................1-11
By EDWIN McGREAL Mayo News
HE fact that it was only January and his line-up was largely experimental could allow James Horan some latitude in reflecting on this clash in a rainsoaked Bekan, but the Mayo manager was not impressed afterwards. It took a late Alan Freeman penalty for Mayo to snatch a draw they scarcely deserved. That goal, in the 58th minute, was Mayos only score of the second half. It actually ended a scoring drought of 37 minutes since Cathal Carolans 21stminute point, which tells you much of what you need to know and helps explain Horans attitude. IT Sligo struck 1-9 without reply in that period to turn a worrying nine-point deficit into a three-point lead. But Mayo saved themselves when Freeman clinically dispatched the penalty after Darren Coen was fouled. Had IT Sligo won, all the headlines would be of Ballinas Evan Regan. Lining out at corner forward, Regan played with the determination of a man proving a point. He was let go from the Mayo squad last summer and gave those present in Bekan a demonstration of how good he can be. By the games end, Regan had kicked eight points, could have had a hattrick of goals, and was a near-constant threat to the Mayo full-back line.
Yet for much of the first half, it looked like Mayo were closer to their championship peak than an IT Sligo team awaiting Sigerson Cup action. Though still fielding an experimental side, Mayo had a more experienced look than against NUI Galway, with the likes of Ger Cafferkey, Cathal Carolan, Kevin McLoughlin and Andy Moran all starting. After Evan Regan had opened the scoring with a wonderful left-footed free into the wind from the left corner, Mayo went on a scoring spree. Darren Coen, Brian Gallagher and Kevin McLoughlin pointed before Cathal Carolan finished low to the net. Points followed from McLoughlin (two), Coen, Gallagher and Carolan, and with only a point from play by Regan in response, Mayo were 1-8 to 0-2 clear after 21 minutes. They were full value for that with the likes of Gallagher, Jason Gibbons, Carolan, Coen and McLoughlin moving very well. But by half time, IT Sligo had started to turn things their way. They struck their only goal after 22 minutes when Cavan man Niall Walsh converted after taking receipt of a miss-hit goal shot from Regan. The Stephenite had turned brilliantly inside the Mayo cover to create the chance and two points from Regan, one a beauty from the left corner, left IT Sligo 1-8 to 1-4 behind at the break. The students, managed by Crossmolina man Michael Moyles, took off from where they left off in the second half. Donegal brothers Mark and Ryan McHugh pulled the strings in the half-forward line and points from Sligos Stephen Coen
(two), Walsh and Regan had them level by the 41st minute. Three more successfully converted frees from Regan had them three clear ten minutes later. It would have been game over if Regan had found the net after 52 minutes. He beat Brendan Walsh to a through ball but his low shot was superbly, if unorthodoxly, blocked on the line by the knees of Ballaghaderreens Keith Rogers. That would turn out to be crucial when Mayo, who were really struggling to create scoring chances in the second period, were awarded a penalty at the other end five minutes later. Darren Coen was fouled when trying to break through on goal and Alan Freeman confidently struck the penalty into the top right-hand corner of Alvin McCalligs goal. Both teams had chances to win it. IT Sligo wing back Paul Varley shot for a point but it tailed away and was well dealt with by Brendan Walsh, while Enda Varleys shot from the left side went wide at the near post. MAYO: B Walsh; K Rogers, K Keane, G Cafferkey;
B Harrison, S McHale, D Drake; J Gibbons, B Gallagher (0-2); S Kelly, C Freeman, C Carolan (1-1); K McLoughlin (0-3, 2f), D Coen (0-2, 1f), A Moran. Subs: J Doherty for McLoughlin (black card); C Boyle for Cafferkey; M Conroy for Moran; L Keegan for Keane (black card), E Varley for Conroy (inj), A Freeman (1-0) for Kelly.
IT SLIGO: A McCallig; R Donovan, S Fee, E Flanagan; K Cawley, M McWeeney, P Varley; S OGrady, D Geraghty; M McHugh, R McHugh, C Mulryan; E Regan (0-8, 6f), N Walsh (1-1), S Coen (0-2). Sub: B McQuaid for McWeeney.
REF: R McBrien (Leitrim).
GMIT fall short against Yeats men

Sligo ....................1-8 GMIT ...................0-8
SCORERS Sligo: E McHugh 1-0, M Breheny 0-2 (1f), C McGee, D Kelly, C Griffin, K Sweeney (f), A Marren (f) & C Brennan, 0-1 each. GMIT: E Monaghan 0-4 (3fs), M Lundy, J Duane,
A Meenaghan (1f) & Conor Kelly 0-1 each.
OIN McHugh's goal in the first-half proved key as Sligo defeated GMIT by 1-8 to 0-8 as Pat Flanagan picked up his first win as Yeats boss. Eric Monahan and Michael Lundy were in scoring mood early on as GMIT opened up a 0-5 to 0-2 lead, but David Kelly's point and McHugh's goal saw Sligo lead 14 to 0-5 at the break. Sligo dominated the second half, and pulled five clear six minutes from time as subs Adrian Marren and Cathal Brennan both made an impact as both Ronan Steede and Charlie Harrison were black carded into the second period.
SLIGO: A Devaney; B Walsh, M Quinn, G Ryan; C Harrison, S McManus, J Kelly; J Kilcullen, C Griffin; J Hynes, M Breheny, E McHugh; C McGee, K Sweeney, D Kelly. Subs: J Quinn for McHugh (32), N Ewing for Harrison (41, BC), C Burns for Sweeney (47), A Marren for Hynes (49), C Brennan for McGee (49), B O'Mahony for Kilcullen (56).
Wynne; C Donoghue, J Duane, R Shanahan; S Tighe, R Steede; S Hennelly, M Lundy, A Molloy; B Miskell, E Monaghan, C Kelly. Subs: M Farragher for Miskell (40), L Monaghan for Steede (44, BC), A Meenaghan for Molloy (54), S Boyle for Donoghue (59), J Finan for E Monaghan (59).
GMIT: P Mannion; N Sheridan, C Sweeney, A
REF: S Hehir (Galway).
Johnny Duane is tackled by Sligos Mark Breheny in this Section B, Round 2 game in Collooney. Photo: Ray McManus/Sportsfile
Page 24
FBD LEAGUE ROUND 2
Champions claim Galway scalp

Galway .................2-6 Leitrim ...............1-10
EITRIM won the FBD League for the first time last January but their year went downhill after that, so they wont be getting too excited about taking Galways scalp in their own backyard at Duggan Park in Ballinasloe. The fact that both teams were experimenting with players and that the wind and rain often made any sort of constructive football impossible will ensure neither side will be reading too much into the outcome. Yet there was something admirable in the way Leitrim battled back in the second half. They trailed by a point at the break having played with the wind, but got a grip after the restart. Retaining the first bit of silverware they won in over 20 years looked like disappearing when Galway hit them for two goals, but captain Emlyn Mulligan stepped forward and save the day for the holders. He levelled matters three minutes from time with a good point from play and then landed the winner with an awkward free from 30 metres on the right after Gary Reynolds was fouled. Galway made wholesale changes from the side which brushed past Sligo last week and while Alan Mulholland was disappointed that two second-half goals did not carry them home, he was pleased to try out more new players. We got ourselves into a winning position with the goals but we werent able to close it out. But we are using this competition to try out players and we are learning a lot from it.
Our goalkeeper Nathan King, corner back James Shaughnessy and Ian Burke, who got a goal, all made their debut for Galway and I thought they acquitted themselves quite well, so it is good to learn these things from this competition and give guys a chance to stake their claim for places in our panel for the league and championship, said Mulholland. Mulligans later points completed a fine recovery for the holders, who looked to be in trouble when they trailed by 0-5 to 0-4 at the break despite having played with the wind. They could have been further behind as Galways Danny Cummins and Mark Hehir both hit the woodwork in good goal changes. Points from Mulligan and Fergal Clancy
Gerry Hickey shoots for goal under pressure from Aongus Tierney.
Photo: D Greene/Sportsfile
1-1, F Clancy, Gavin Reynolds 0-1 each. Galway: I Burke, M Martin 1-0 each, E Concannon, S Armstrong 0-2 each, M Hehir, D Cummins 0-1 each. LEITRIM: C McCrann; B Prior, P Maguire, G Hickey; P Brennan, Gary Reynolds, S Foley; A Hickey, D Moran; K Conlon, R Lowe, F Clancy; R Cox, R Mulvey, E Mulligan. Subs: Gavin Reynolds for Mulvey (34), D Sweeney for Hickey (44), S McWeeney for Foley (51), A McLoughlin for Cox (53). GALWAY: N King; J Shaughnessy, J Moore, A Tierney; S Denvir, G Bradshaw, T Fahy; P Conroy, D O'Connell; G Sice, S Armstrong, M Hehir; D Cummins, E Concannon, I Burke. Subs: D O'Neill for Denvir (41), M Martin for Hehir (41), J Kavanagh for Sice (44), S Walsh for Cummins (48), E Hoare for O'Connell (53). REF: Jerome Henry (Mayo).
edged the holders in front after the restart as Leitrim thrived on good running ball. Sean Armstrong got Galways only point of the second-half after 42 minutes and Leitrim took a four points lead into the final quarter when Mulligan set Ray Cox up for a fisted goal. The impressive Aongus Tierney and Shane Walsh combined for a swift Galway response to send Ian Burke through and he crowned his debut with a fine finish to the net and reduce the deficit. Gavin Reynolds put Leitrim two points up nine minutes from the end before another good passing movement ended with Michael Martin firing home a Galway goal to edge them in front. Champions should always make a special effort to hold on their title and Mulligan delivered for them with those late points on a day when both sides deserve credit for an entertaining clash in dreadful conditions where the only saving grace was the quality of the pitch surface in Ballinasloe. SCORERS Leitrim: E Mulligan 0-7 (4fs), R Cox
Rossies feast on tired College

Roscommon ........2-13 NUI Galway ...........1-5
WO games in less than 48 hours proved too tricky for NUI Galway as Roscommon tore them asunder at Ballyforan. With Senan Kilbride and Cathal Cregg unstoppable in the inside forward line, Roscommon kicked 2-12 from play, but a sloppy final quarter, which saw NUI Galway kick the last four points annoyed Roscommon manager John Evans.
I wouldn't be jumping around the garden about the game, but at the end of the day I was happy to put up a good score on a bad day on the 12th of January. We put up 15 scores last Sunday and another 15 today. That's consistency I think, said Evans. Roscommon who had Craig Burns black carded in the second-half for a third man tackle looked mighty impressive and only for Adrian Nolan's punched goal six minutes before the break NUIG would have failed to impact the scoreboard. Evans' side hit 0-10 without reply by the 23rd minute and led by 0-11 to 1-0 at half-time, but they drove home their advantage in the 33rd minute when Conor Devaney hit the net. NUIG goalkeeper Donal O'Sullivan put
bride 0-3 (1f), C Devaney 1-0, S McDermott & K Higgins 0-2 each, C Burns & C Murtagh 0-1 each. NUIG: A Nolan 1-0, J Kelly & N Black 0-2 each, Shane Moran 0-1 (1f). ROSCOMMON: R O'Reilly; N Collins (C Daly 52), N Carty, J Sharkey; R Stack (P Kelly 57), D Ward (F Cregg h-t), S McDermott (T Cox h-t); N Daly, K Higgins; C Devaney, C Burns (M Nally 44), D Keane; S Kilbride, C Cregg, C Murtagh. NUIG: D O'Sullivan; D McNicholas, C Crowe, L Cullen; S Driscoll (D Gavin 22), J McManus, A Nolan; E O hEochaidh, C Guckian; J Kelly, Sean Moran, Shane Moran; I Galvin (J Miley 48), K Gibbons (K Reilly 38), C Davey (N Black 38). REF: James Molloy (Galway).
in another heroic performance, but was at fault for Roscommon's second goal in the 46th minute, which gave Cathal Cregg a simple finish. SCORERS Roscommon: C Cregg 1-4, S Kil-
Page 25
FBD LEAGUE ROUND 3
Roscommon show good early form

Roscommon ........1-10 Mayo ....................1-8
OU can rest assured that regardless of where Mayo find themselves at the end of this season, nobody will be pulling this game out of the archives as an example of a watershed moment in the teams development. The bare fact is that we were beaten fair and square by a fast-finishing Roscommon who made their superior fitness and conditioning
count to book their place in the final of this hardy annual tournament. A makeshift Mayo outfit, who were sunning themselves in Dubai less than two weeks earlier, looked to have the measure of their old foes for 40 minutes. However, they hit the wall spectacularly in the last 20 minutes and were outscored by five points to nil as their challenge wilted in the face of a typical Roscommon onslaught. Afterwards, James Horan bemoaned his teams below-par decision-making and lamented their poor second half display. It is highly likely that he will sustain himself this week with the memories of Shane McHales abrasive display, Tom Parsons stylish interven-
tions in the first half, Andy Morans promptings from centre-forward, and another eye-catching audition from the talented Adam Gallagher. After all, talent spotting and getting dirty petrol out of the system are what days like these are all about. From pillar to post it felt like a typical FBD League engagement; plenty of honest effort, lots of unforced errors, and a few moments to warm the cockles and shorten the journey home. Mayo supporters certainly enjoyed Aidan OSheas hefty shoulder that sent Roscommons Kevin Higgins flying in the first half while the locals were singing the praises of Ciaran Murtagh after his match-winning cameo. The corner-forward buried a goal seven minutes into the second half that hauled the Rossies back into the game, and he tacked on two further points to finish with 1-3 to his credit. He also worked well with full-forward Cathal Cregg and the duo caused Mayo plenty of problems in the second half. The opening period was a different story as Tom Parsons and Aidan OShea gave the visitors
Footballers impress but miss out on final berth

Galway ...............0-13 GMIT ...................0-6
N the end, last week's defeat to Leitrim cost Galway a spot in the FBD League final, but manager Alan Mulholland can be quite satisfied with the rewards from competition. Blooding new players was priority number one facing into the pre-season competition and in David O'Connell, Peadair Seoighe, Aongus Tierney and Joss Moore, Mulholland has come potential to work with for the year ahead. O'Connell especially impressed. He has started all three of Galway's FBD games two at midfield and Sunday's at wing-forward and he was the stand-out perfromer in Tuam and kicked the point of the game late on for Galway. The blending of James Kavanagh who was black carded into the squad is another positive for Mulholland, who was pleased with his side's attitude on Sunday. I was happy, we held them to six points so that was good, he said. We've seen a good few of the newer guys in there and we've found one or two that will push into our panel for the national league. I'm disappointed that we didn't make the final. In the game against Leitrim we could have played a little bit better. Having said that, it is all about the first round of the league against Meath, Mulholland said. Galway led 0-7 to 0-3 at half-time, with Sean Armstrong and Michael Martin kicking two points each, but Corofin's Ronan Steede was black carded for GMIT for the second week in a row. Points from Michael Lundy and Eric Monahan kept GMIT in touch, but Galway kicked on with excellent points from O'Connell and Greg Higgins clinching the win. SCORERS Galway: S Armstrong (3f) & M Martin (3f) 0-4 each, S Walsh 0-2, G Sice, D O'Connell & G Higgins 0-1 each. GMIT: E Monahan (1f) 0-2, J Duane (45), M Lundy (1f), J Finan & S Hennelly 0-1 each. GALWAY: M Breathnach; D O'Neill, F Hanley, A Tierney; P Seoighe, J Moore, S Denvir (T Fahy 39); G Higgins, P Conroy ( E Hoare 53); G Sice, J Kavanagh (E Concannon h-t), D O'Connell; M Martin (P g Griofa 46), S Armstrong (M Hehir 57), S Walsh. GMIT: C Nolan; N Sheridan, C Sweeney, A Lawless; A Wynne, P Hollaway, R Shanahan (J Naughton 47); S Tighe, R Steede (J Finan 22); C Donoghue (A Meeneghan 38), M Lundy, A Molloy (S Hennelly 45); J Duane, E Monahan (C Kelly 57), M Farragher. REF: John Gilmartin (Sligo).
Sligo students a class apart

IT Sligo ................1-13 NUI Galway ..........0-8
By RONAN OBRIEN Media West Ireland
T Sligo edged the battle of the students as Stephen Coen and Evan Regan fired them to an eight-point win over NUI Galway at the Connacht GAA cente at Bekan. The Sligo college were on top throughout and led from the first minute to the last in what was ultimately a disappointing encounter.
The win was all but wrapped up by the end of the first quarter as IT Sligo held a 0-5 to 0-0 lead, and despite a handful of positive showings including a four-point haul from Westmeath's David McCormack, NUIG struggled for the most part. Four points ahead at the break, IT Sligo sealed the win when Stephen Coen hit the net from close range in the 51st minute to seal a man-of-the-match display.
4 (1f), C Mulryan 0-2, C Clinton, C Kearins, B Carr J Shaughnessey 0-1 each. NUI Galway: David McCormack 0-4 (2f), C Davey 0-2, K Reilly, J Kelly (f) 0-1 each.
SCORERS IT Sligo: S Coen 1-3 (1f), E Regan 0-
Fee; P Laffey, C Kearins, P Varley; S O'Grady, D Geraghty; M McHugh, M McWeeney, C Mulryan; S Coen, N Walsh, E Regan. Subs: C Clinton for Mulryan (28) , P O'Connor for Walsh (35, BC) , J Shaughnessey for Regan (40), R McHugh for Kearins (49), S Henry for McHugh (53), B Carr for Geraghty (59). NUI GALWAY: P Sweeney; C Brennan, C Crowe, L Cullen; S O'Driscoll, D Gavin, A Nolan; E O hEoachaidh, C Guckian; S Moran, S Moran, D McCormack; J Kelly, C Davey, J McDonald. Subs: S Gaffney for McDonald (33), K Reilly for Guckian (33), K Gibbons for Moran (42), I Galvin for Moran (47). REF: D Corcoran (Mayo).
IT SLIGO: S Keane; R Donovan, B McQuaid, S
Page 26
FBD LEAGUE ROUND 3

a platform at midfield and Mayo deservedly led by 0-6 to 0-3 at the change of ends. Andy Moran (2), Adam Gallagher and Jason Doherty all scored from play while Alan Freeman and Kevin McLoughlin tapped over frees, but a string of other chances got away. It didnt look like it would matter when Mayo eased ahead by 0-8 to 0-4 early in the second half after Gallagher and Doherty hit the target again at their ease. But John Evans has done a lot of work with Roscommon in recent months and that showed in the last 20 minutes. Murtaghs goal kick-started the revival and he tied the game up seconds later. Another twist in the tale then arrived when Roscommon corner-back Ronan Stack spilled the ball into his own net after Adam Gallaghers goal-bound shot had been deflected up into the air by Darren OMalleys save. Mayo led by three points again, and their luck seemed to be in. But they never built on that piece of good fortune, and Roscommon rolled their sleeves up and got stuck in. Points in the 43rd, 45th and 49th minutes from Mark Nally, Cathal Shine and the elusive Ciaran Murtagh hauled them level for a second time. Then Murtaghs young brother, Diarmuid, came off the bench to kick Roscommon ahead for the first time ten minutes from time, and not long after midfielder Cathal Shine drove over what turned out to be the insurance score from distance. Mayo rolled in reinforcements like Keith Higgins, Enda Varley, Jason Gibbons and Cathal Carolan but were unable to find a way back. And so the shadow-boxing is over for another year. ROSCOMMON: D O'Malley; N
Collins, N Carty, R Stack (1-0. OG); S McDermott, N Daly, C Daly; C Shine (0-2, 1f), K Higgins; C Devaney (0-1, 1f), C Burns, D Keane; S Kilbride (01, 1f), C Cregg, C Murtagh (1-4, 1f). Subs: M Nally (0-1) for Collins (BC, 29), M Finneran for Kilbride (36), D Murtagh (0-1, 1f) for Devaney (43), D O'Gara for Burns (54), F Cregg for C Murtagh (59).
MAYO: R Hennelly; K Keane,
Aidan OShea runs out at the start of the match.
G Cafferkey, C Boyle; B Harrison, S McHale, D Drake; T Parsons, A O'Shea; D O'Connor, A Moran (0-2), A Gallagher (02); K McLoughlin (0-1, 1f), A Freeman (0-1, 1f), J Doherty (0-2). Subs: K Higgins for O'Connor (39), E Varley for McLoughlin (44), J Gibbons for Parsons (54), C Carolan for Moran (57).
REF: E OGrady (Leitrim)/
Dramatic draw enough to see Leitrim into final

Leitrim ................1-12 Sligo ....................2-9
By JOHN CONNOLLY Leitrim Observer
EITRIM booked their place in the FBD Connacht League Final for the second year in a row after they fought back from a two goal half-time deficit to grab a share of the spoils against Sligo on Sunday in Ballinamore. Trailing to a clearly superior Sligo in the first-half, Leitrim looked in all sorts of trouble in all sectors of the field but as they did against Galway a week previously, the Green and Gold turned in a fantastic second half to claim a deserved draw. Manager Sean Hagan will be rightly proud of the fantastic effort his team put in over the second half but he will be worried too by the manner in which Sligo cut open the Leitrim rearguard at ease in the first half. The move of Adrian Marren, David Kelly and Conor Griffin caused Leitrims back six a rough afternoon in Ballinamore and midfield suffered also throughout the encounter, with the Yeatsmen generally dominating. Credit to to the great spirit displayed by Leitrim as they took full advantage of Tomas Beirnes goal midway through the second half, a goal that wiped out Sligos three point lead and suddenly brought a subdued Leitrim crowd back to life. Sligo got off to a good start with good points from Adrian Marren and Charlie Harrison in the first three minutes but an Emlyn Mulligan free on six minutes got Leitrim off the mark. Sligo hit back with points from Cathal Brennan and a Marren free while Cathal McCrann was needed to make a good interception under pressure. Aaron Hickey drove a shot over the bar as the goal opened up for him and seconds later, Fergal Clancy scored a great point to reduce the gap to just a point. But Sligo were equally prolific as they hit 1-1 in the space of a minute - Adrian Marrens pass found Niall Murphy charging through unmarked and although he appeared to make a mess of the chance as he bore down on Cathal McCrann, the Sligo man did enough to scuff the ball past the keeper for a goal on 21 minutes. Damien OBoyle scored a huge point to extend the lead but Emlyn Mulligan hit two points, one after a great six or seven man passing move. Damien OBoyle added a second point with a goal on the cards with Mulligan again responding from a free. But as the game entered added time, Sligo took a decisive grip on the game - a high ball saw David Kelly make a great catch but the corner-forward, despite Leitrim howls of protest, was clearly fouled by Cathal McCrann. Adrian Marren drove the penalty to the Leitrim net to leave Sligo 2-7 to 0-7 ahead at the break. Few in the crowd would have given Leitrim any hope in the second half but with sub Darren Sweeney driving a long range shot over the bar just two minutes into the half, the tone was soon set for the second half. With Sligo changing tactics and playing a more cagey game and Leitrim dropping 12 men back in their own half, the Yeatsmen were not creating the chances they had and they lost Pat Hughes to a black card on four minutes. Leitrim brought on James Glancy and Cian Reynolds with Mulligan adding two more frees in the eighth and fourteenth minutes but the visitors were still looking comfortable when Leitrim struck for their goal. Wayne McKeon looked as if he was going for a point but the ball dropped short and despite great pressure from the defender and keeper, Tomas Beirne managed to get his hand to the ball, the ball trickling across the line for a game changing score. Sligo, after hardly threatening, suddenly upped the ante with Conor Griffin making a good catch in midfield, running on to take a return pass to score. Mulligan hit back with a free to tie the scores once more. Leitrim took the lead for the first time with less than four minutes left when Mulligan played a nice ball into Ray Cox and the Annaduff man got a nice reward for another hard working display by scoring smartly on the turn. Sligo immediately hit back with a huge point from sub Cathal Burns to again tie the scores as both sides went looking for a winning score but without ever really threatening a point. Leitrim did lose Damien Moran to a black card, just seconds after James Glancy miraculously somehow avoided a black card for clear pull down, something that would have left Leitrim with 14 players on the field. But despite working a good chance, Sligo were unable to make it count as Leitrim held on for a draw that saw them in the FBD Connacht Final for the second year in a row. LEITRIM: C McCrann, G Reynolds, P Maguire, B
Prior, P Brennan, G Reynolds, S Foley, A Hickey (0-1), D Moran, D Beck, F Clancy (0-2), G Hickey, E Mulligan (0-7), T Beirne (1-0), R Cox (0-1). Subs: D Sweeney (0-1) for Foley (HT), J Glancy & C Reynolds for A. & G. Hickey (37), S McWeeney for Beck (50), E Mahon for Moran (BC 59). SLIGO: A Devaney, B Walsh, M Quinn, G Ryan, C Harrison (0-1), N Ewing, J Kelly, J Kilcullen, D OBoyle (0-2), P Hughes, N Murphy (1-0), C Griffin (0-1), D Kelly, A Marren (1-3), C Brennan (0-1). Subs: C Burns (0-1) for Hughes (BC 34), B OMahony for OBoyle (41), J Quinn for Brennan (43), C McGee for Kelly (51), K Sweeney for Murphy (53), K McDonald for Griffin (54). REF: Paddy Neilan (Roscommon),
Page 27
Back-to-back titles for
FBD LEAGUE FINAL
Leitrim players and management celebrate at the end of the game.
Photo: David Maher / SPORTSFILE
Leitrim .................2-5 Roscommon ..........1-7

YEAR ago Leitrim celebrated like there was no tomorrow when they won the FBD League for the first time and while there were joyous scenes when they retained the crown, you suspect they will make a better fist of handling success this time round. That win last year against Sligo was their first bit of silverware since John OMahony led them to the promised land in Connacht in 1994, but Leitrim never followed up that victory. Their league campaign never got off the ground and their championship was a disaster, losing a Connacht semi-final to
London before eight Armagh goals sent them packing from the qualifiers. Along the way four players were cut loose from the squad for disciplinary reasons. One of them, wing-back Wayne McKeon, was man of the match after new manager Sean Hagan wisely wiped the slate clean when he took over. It was understandable at a freezing Pairc Sean MacDiarmada in Carrick-onShannon that Leitrim would quickly deflect to their NFL opener against Antrim than get caught up in too many celebrations. Captain Emlyn Mulligan, now the only man dead or alive to skipper two Leitrim teams to silverware, said that all winter their focus was on trying to get out of Division 4 and that the FBD League campaign was being used to prime them. We approached every game with the right mentality and that the boys worked hard all winter but it's another competitive game on our route to get promoted out of Division 4. Both teams missed a lot of easy
chances. In the first half I think Roscommon missed a few that they should have got but we battled hard and got the goals that won us the game. They got a goal late on which put us under pressure but thankfully before that Johnny Mulligan finished the other one well. It means a lot for the supporters, we know what's down the line but it's great for the fans, a win over Roscommon means the world to them." It will, of course, mean a whole lot more to them if they can repeat it when the sides meet in the Connacht championship in a few months. John Evans has a lot of work to do with his men, especially up front. They were not able to get good ball into Cathal Cregg and all three of their first-half points came from defenders. "Well we said our goal is the Allianz League and if you don't get an eye opener today you never will, said Evans. "We went for options in the first half that just weren't on and there was a diffi-
Page 28
Green and Gold

cult wind and breeze there but all credit to the 35 or 36 players that went out there today. It was a great occasion and fair play to them for playing it in such bad conditions. "I think the first goal was a big lift for Leitrim. The second goal put them five points up. The scoreline doesn't do justice to Leitrim for the work they put in. We hit them for a goal and a point towards the end but all credit to Roscommon they stayed battling but we started the fight too late, we started the battle too late. We just weren't in the game and Leitrim bossed us, added Evans. Aaron Hickey gave Leitrim a huge boost with a goal after six minutes when he finished a rebound to the net after Roscommon goalkeeper Darren OMalley did superbly to deny Ray Cox after Emlyn Mulligan had sent him through with a sublime pass. Leitrim led by 13 to 0-3 at the break having played against the wind but freezing rain made the going tough. Two points from the Murtagh brothers Diarmuid and Ciaran who have been blooded well in this FBD League campaign, gave hope to a Roscommon side looking for their first title in the grade since 1999, but they were losing too many of the 50-50 challenges to a more determined Leitrim side. Fergal Clancy and Ray Cox cancelled those scores for a side who lost wing-back Paul Brennan to a first-half black card, but on a difficult day most of Michael Duffys decisions were spot on. Emlyn Mulligan was also involved in Leitrims second goal, threading another excellent pass through to the unrelated John Mulligan and he crowned his debut with a goal after a one-two with Tomas Beirne to put five points between them four minutes from time. Roscommon finally rallied and a goal from a tight angle by Niall Daly set up an exciting finish for the 3,000 crowd but Leitrim closed out the deal and deservedly held on to their cup. Whether they can learn from last year and now use this to fuel their promotion drive from the bottom division remains to be seen. But they have made a good start.
FBD LEAGUE FINAL
Leitrim captain Emlyn Mulligan lifts the FBD League Cup. Photo: David Maher / SPORTSFILE
SCORERS Leitrim: A Hickey & J Mulligan 1-0
each, W McKeon 0-2, E Mulligan (f), F Clancy & R Cox 0-1 each. Roscommon: N Daly 1-1, D Murtagh 0-2, N Carty, C Daly, C Cregg (f) & C Murtagh 0-1 each.
John Mulligan, Leitrim, celebrates after scoring his side's second goal in the FBD League final. Photo: David Maher / SPORTSFILE
LEITRIM: C McCrann; B Prior, P Maguire, D Wrynn; W McKeon, P Brennan (D Beck 23), G Reynolds; A Hickey (E Mahon 59), D Moran (G Hickey 44); K Conlan, R Lowe (J Glancy 36), F Clancy; E Mulligan, T Beirne, R Cox (J Mulligan 51). ROSCOMMON: D OMalley; N Collins, N Carty, R Stack; S McDermott, N Daly, C Daly; C Shine, K Higgins (E Smith 57); C Devaney (D Keane 30), C Burns (M Finneran 23), M Nally (D OGara 46); S Kilbride (D Murtagh 30), C Cregg, C Murtagh. REF: Michael Duffy (Sligo).
The Roscommon squad that competed in the 2014 FBD League Final.
Photo: David Maher / SPORTSFILE
Page 29
ALLIANZ NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUES
Mayo come up just short

Division 1 round 1:
Kildare ...............2-19 Mayo ..................2-18

RECENT, painful history has taught the Mayo GAA fraternity that few results are as hard to reconcile as a one-point defeat. They leave countless questions to be answered. Thankfully, perspective to this last-gasp loss in Newbridge is in plentiful supply; the absence of more than a dozen members of the squad, and the lack of meaningful training and preparation time being the most noteworthy and obvious. What is certain though is that this freeflowing, free-styling affair captured the imagination of the 6,015 patrons who turned out on a crisp, clear day at the compact St Conleths Park. The irony wont be lost on Mayo fans that they were ultimately left disappointed by a son of a Mayo mother; Kildares Paddy Brophy had the game of his young life, shooting six points from play and tormenting both Ger Cafferkey and Colm Boyle, before he landed a spectacular winner two minutes into injury-time. A wonderful game had been level on seven occasions and looked set to end in a draw, but the rangy number thirteen popped up on the right wing to steal the headlines. Mayo had spent every last drop of energy in an effort to take something from their day-trip, so were understandably disappointed to leave empty-handed, but
there were plenty of positives for them to take from the rigorous exercise. Lining out with only eight of the side that started against Dublin last September, James Horans charges gave as good as they got for long spells. The new-look visitors also hauled themselves back into the match impressively after falling six points behind early in the second half. Two stunning goals from Darren Coen and Jason Gibbons levelled the match after 42 minutes, and the last half-an-hour was helter-skelter as both sides threw caution to the wind. Kildares greater fitness and conditioning looked set to be decisive after Eoghan OFlaherty hit the net and late scores from the marauding Tomas OConnor, OFlaherty and sub Hugh McGrillen left the Lilywhites ahead by 2-18 to 2-16 five minutes from time. However, Mayo refused to throw in the towel and with subs Diarmuid OConnor and David Drake shaking things up, two frees from Kevin McLoughlin tied the game up with the finish line in sight. There was still time though for one last attack and Kildare showed great composure to work the ball to their in-form striker, and Brophy lofted over a magnificent winner. For the record, referee Rory Hickey brandished two black cards in the first half here, dismissing Kildares Paul Cribbin for a deliberate hand trip while Mayo midfielder Aidan OShea was also sent for an early shower just before half-time. His departure compounded the loss of Tom Parsons to a freak injury after a heavy fall inside the first ten minutes. It became obvious from an early stage that this was no ordinary, run-of-the-mill league match.
It started at a blistering pace that never relented, and the sides were level by the end of the first quarter, 0-6 apiece. Mayo threw down the gauntlet early on and went ahead on three occasions with some eye-catching scores from impressive debutant Adam Gallagher, Aidan OShea and three precision 45m strikes from goalkeeper Robbie Hennelly. However, they were reeled back in each time by Kildares lively attack as they picked off some inspirational scores. After thirty minutes Mayo were still setting the pace, leading by 0-10 to 0-7, but Kildare finished the half with a flourish. The Lilywhites rattled off 1-4 without reply before the break, Toms OConnors goal helping them to lead by 1-11 to 0-10 at the short whistle. Mayo were left with a mountain to climb when Paddy Brophy and Cathal McNally edged the homeside further ahead after the restart, but they rolled their sleeves up and very nearly got what they deserved. KILDARE: S Connolly; M OGrady, M Foley, O
Lyons; K Murnaghan, E Bolton, P Cribbin (0-1); T Moolick, G White; C McNally (0-3), E OFlaherty (12), S Hurley (0-1); P Brophy (0-6), D Mulhall (0-3, 2fs), T OConnor (1-2). Subs: D Hyland for Cribbin (black card); F Conway for Lyons (inj); H McGrillen (0-1) for Bolton; D Flynn for Moolick; J Gately for McNally; M Conway for White.
MAYO: R Hennelly (0-3, 345s); K Keane, G Cafferkey, C Boyle; L Keegan (0-1), S McHale (0-1), B Harrison; T Parsons, A OShea (0-1); C Carolan, K Higgins, A Gallagher (0-3, 1f); K McLoughlin (0-7, 6fs), A Moran, D Coen (1-0). Subs: J Gibbons (0-1) for Parsons (inj); B Gallagher for A OShea (black card); D Drake for Harrison; D OConnor (0-1) for Coen; A Freeman for Higgins; E Varley for Gallagher; M Conroy for Carolan.
REF: R Hickey (Clare). While the mistakes were plentiful, no one could quibble with Roscommons workrate over the 70 minutes. Roscommon won the toss and opted to play against the wind. A free from McGee got Longford up and running in the third minute but the visitors levelled proceedings when Senan Kilbride teed up Dnall Keane for a terrific score. Some good work by Shane Doyle down the right wing allowed Paul McKeon find the range for the home side before Kilbride beat Barry Gilleran and played in Daly for a fisted point. Roscommon nudged themselves in front in the 14th minute when Donal Ward pointed, but McKeon restored parity from a free before two frees from McGee catapulted Jack Sheedys charged 0-5 to 0-3 in front. Roscommon responded with a point from Sen McDermott after patient build-up play but it didnt get any better for the visitors. McKeon landed a fine free from 45 metres before Shane
Great start for Rossies

Division 3 round 1:
Roscommon ........0-13 Longford ............0-10
By IAN COONEY Roscommon Herald
RAP match, great result. The precious two league points that Roscommon craved were anything but certain until the visi-
tors outscored the home side by 0-5 to 0-1 in the final 15 minutes at a bitterly cold Glennon Brothers Pearse Park. John Evans men produced a patchy performance laden with unforced errors, but, crucially, they still managed to carve out the scores when they were required. Longford were more than a match for their opponents for three-quarters of the contest and were 0-9 to 0-7 ahead after 51 minutes. But Roscommon, thankfully, upped the ante and three scores in as many minutes from Senan Kilbride allowed his side unearth the winning formula.
Page 30
Rampant Meath tear Tribe apart

Division 2 round 1:
Meath .................3-19 Galway ...............4-11

T'S hard to believe that Galway footballers scored 4-11 against Meath in Navan and still ended up losing by five points. But such was Meath's potency in attack and Galway's slackness at the back, the Tribesmen were unable to turn a four-point second-half lead into a win. The game turned in the 45th minute when Sean Armstrong was black carded while Galway led by 3-7 to 2-6. Afterwards Meath cut loose up front and despite a fourth Galway goal from Gary Sice, they trailed in a distant second. But despite defeat in their opening game, Galway manager Alan Mulholland will be able to glean some positives from the tie. The Tribesmen recovered well from Mickey Newman's second-minute goal for Meath with Armstrong also hitting the net before the ten-minute mark, but when Stephen Bray blasted past Manus Breathnach Meath led by 2-3 to 1-3 in the 22nd minute. Three minutes from the break Micheal Martin hit Galway second goal, but he should have increased their two-point lead at the break, only a sharp Paddy O'Rourke stop denied him from the penalty spot. Sub Tom Flynn did stretch that advantage moments after his introduction though with a fine finish to the net.
SHOOT: Galway forward Michael Martin gets his shot away despite the attention of Meath's Kevin Reilly at the weekend in Pirc Tilteann. Photo: Ray Ryan / SPORTSFILE
But without Armstrong to steer the ship Galway fell away, and a Cillian O'Sullivan goal and a raft of points from play all Meath's scores arrived from open play saw the home side to the win. SCORERS Meath: M Newman 1-2, C O'Sullivan
1-1, S Bray 1-0, G Reilly 0-3, A Tormey, D Bray, E Wallace 0-2 each, S O'Rourke, B Menton, D Keogan, M Burke, D Carroll, D Larkin, P Gilsenan 0-1 each. Galway: S Armstrong, G Sice 1-2 each, M Martin 1-1, P Conroy 0-4, T Flynn 1-0, J Kavanagh, A Varley 0-1 each.
MEATH: P O'Rourke; D Keogan, K Reilly, M
Burke; P Harnan, B Menton, D Dalton; A Tormey, S O'Rourke; C O'Sullivan, D Carroll, G Reilly; E Wallace, S Bray, M Newman. Subs: D Bray for Bray (51), D Larkin for Wallace (63), P Gilsenan for Reilly (65).
GALWAY: M Breathnach; D O'Neill, F Hanley, J Duane; S Denvir, J Moore, P Varley; G Higgins, F O Curraoin; G Sice, S Armstrong, P Conroy; S Walsh, M Martin, J Kavanagh. Subs: T Flynn for O Curraoin, E Concannon for Armstrong (45, BC), C Mulryan for Denvir (48), D Comer for Walsh (50), A Varley for Martin (56). REF: M Higgins (Fermanagh). ROSCOMMON: D. OMalley; N. Collins, N. Carty, S.
McDermott (0-1); D. Ward (0-1), N. Daly, C. Cafferky; M. Finneran, C. Shine; D. Keane (0-1), D. Shine (0-2, one free), C. Daly (0-1); S. Kilbride (0-4, 3 frees), C. Cregg (0-2), M. Nally. Subs: K. Higgins (0-1) for Finneran (ht), D. Murtagh for Nally (42), D. Donnelly for Daly (52), D. OGara for C. Shine (58), C. Burns for Keane (62), C. Murtagh for Kilbride (69).
Doyle robbed Ward and pointed to give the home side a 0-7 to 0-4 advantage at the interval. Despite the deficit, it seemed that Longford were there for the taking if Roscommon were good enough. Roscommons intent on the resumption was obvious. Donal Shine pointed a free after Cregg was fouled. The same two players combined again and Shine was content to take his point. Then a push on McDermott resulted in the equaliser for Kilbride in the 42nd minute. But Roscommon couldnt hit the front and Longford came again. McKeon found the range from a free before another mistake by Ward was punished by a score from Cian Mimnagh. Roscommon were swaying but the introduction of Darragh Donnelly, who did the simple things well, ended the panic. A foul on Keane resulted in a pointed free for Kilbride. Then the St. Brigids player showed real class to bisect
the posts from distance out on the right wing. Kilbride duly completed his hat-trick of scores in the space of three minutes when he was fouled in front of the posts. More importantly however, Roscommon had now hit the front, 010 to 0-9. Roscommon went for the jugular but a bad wide from Conor Daly was followed by substitute Diarmuid Murtagh hitting the post. However, Cregg eased nerves with a sublime score. But the visitors endured a lucky escape in the 61st minute when substitute David OGara lost possession. Longford counter-attacked quickly and Mark Hughes saw his shot fly over the crossbar when it could just as easily have ended up in the back of the net. Roscommon paid attention to the timely reminder that they still had more to do, and late points from Kevin Higgins and Cregg confirmed the victory. A solid start, but it was no more than that.
LONGFORD: P. Collum; D. Brady, B. Gilleran, F. Battrim; P. Brady, E. Williams, A. Rowan; J. Keegan, M. Brady; S. Doyle (0-1), R. McEntire, P. McKeon (0-4, three frees); F. McGee (0-3, all frees), P. Foy, C. Mimnagh (0-1). Subs: S. McCormack for McEntire (42), M. Hughes (0-1) for Doyle (50, blood ), S. Mulligan for Williams (56), B. Farrell for McKeon (62), C. P. Smyth for Mimnagh (68), K. Diffley for Brady (60). REF: M. Duffy (Sligo).
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Marren the marksman

Division 3 round 1:
Sligo ...................0-15 Limerick .............0-13

By LEO GRAY Sligo Champion
MASTERCLASS in the art of scoring by Adrian Marren propelled Sligo to a priceless win over Limerick in the opening round of the Allianz Football League at Markievicz Park. The Curry forward marked his debut as captain of Sligo with an outstanding individual performance, handsomely decorated with a personal tally of eight points, six of them from clinically-taken frees. It was just as well that Marren was in top form as Sligo were pushed all the way by an energetic Limerick side. Indeed, the Munster outfit might well have snatched the spoils if they had a greater cutting edge in attack. They registered 14 wides during the course of a keenly-contested encounter and were denied a dramatic late goal by the intervention of Sligo goalkeeper, Aidan Devaney, and cornerback, Ross Donavan, who combined to keep out Ger Collins' injury-time effort. It was that sort of day frantic and unpredictable with fortunes fluctuating from one side to the other. Limerick had the elements behind them in the first half and led 0-8 to 0-5 at half-time. In truth, they should have been further ahead as they shot eight wides in the opening period. However, their failure to punish Sligo came back to haunt them as the home side stepped up a gear after the break. The Yeats County registered ten points in the second period a healthy return given the difficult conditions and it was just about enough to get them over the line.
Sligo wiped out the three point interval deficit to move two points clear on two occasions in the second period but each time Limerick hauled themselves back to equality. With eight minutes to go, it was all square at 12 points each. With the game there to be won by either side, it was Marren who pulled it out of the fire for Sligo. He kicked two massive points from frees in quick succession and then, after Limerick had narrowed the gap to the minimum again, he came up with the clincher in injury time. Taking David Kelly's neat pass in his stride, he cleverly turned away from his marker and kicked a delightful point with his left foot. There was still time for goalmouth drama at the other end but the combined efforts of Devaney and the lion-hearted Ross Donavan, who was superb throughout, ensured that Sligo hung on for the victory. There was little between the sides in a brisk opening. Michael Brosnan opened the scoring for Limerick and this was quickly cancelled out by Mark Breheny who slotted over a 30m free. By the 21st minute, the sides were level at three points each but then unanswered points by Ian Ryan and two from the impressive Eoin Hanrahan gave the visitors some breathing space. During this period, Limerick ran up a succession of wides, allowing Sligo to stay in contention. Two points in a row from Marren cut the deficit to one score but Limerick pulled away again with points from Seamus O'Carroll and Ryan to lead 0-8 to 0-5 at the break. Sligo looked to be in trouble when O'Carroll extended the visitors' lead within a minute of the restart but they gradually began to find their rhythm. Some excellent defending by Charlie Harrison and Donavan provided the inspiration and Conor Griffin became increasingly influential in midfield. It meant that Sligo at last began to provide a good supply to Stephen Coen, Kelly and Marren. Suddenly, the pattern of the game was transformed.
Four points in a row from Marren (2), Coen and the hard working Eoin McHugh had the sides level and then a pointed free by Marren edged Sligo in front for the first time in the 49th minute. Marren's hard work created an opening for Breheny to curl over an excellent point minutes later and Sligo were very much in the driving seat. O'Carroll kept Limerick in touch with a great score from a '45' but a lovely point by Kelly following good work by Breheny restored Sligo's two point lead. As play swung from end to end, Limerick levelled things up again with points from Michael Fitzgibbon and O'Carroll. The momentum was with the Munster side now but Sligo, to their credit, refused to panic. Two terrific frees by Marren restored their authority but they could never rest easy as Collins sent over from play to keep Limerick's hopes alive. Then, in the last minute, Sligo were lucky to escape unpunished when Ryan missed a glorious chance of an equaliser, firing wide from a 25m free. Making the most of the reprieve, they launched one last attack with Kelly's incisive pass giving Marren the chance to kick the insurance point in great style. SLIGO: A Devaney, R Donavan, M Quinn, K Cawley; C Harrison, N Ewing, J Kelly; J Kilcullen, C Griffin; P Hughes (0-1), M Breheny (0-2,1f), E McHugh (0-2); A Marren (0-8,6f), D Kelly (0-1), S Coen (0-1). Subs: D Rooney for Hughes (56), D O'Boyle for McHugh (64), N Murphy for Breheny (64), J Hynes for Coen (66). LIMERICK: D O'Sullivan, L O'Dwyer, P Browne, J McCarthy; I Corbett, M Sheahan, P Ranahan; T Lee, D Treacy; M Brosnan (0-1), E Hanrahan (03,1f), S Buckley; S O'Carroll (0-5, 2 45s), G Collins (0-1), I Ryan (0-2,1f). Subs: M O'Riordan for O'Dwyer (42), J Riordan for Sheahan (48), M Fitzgibbon (0-1) for Brosnan (56), J Mullane for Hanrahan (64). REF: B Cassidy, Derry.
Hagans men off to a winning start

Division 4 round 1:
Leitrim ................1-11 Antrim .................1-6

EITRIM backed up their FBD League triumph with a convincing win over 13-man Antrim in their NFL Division 4 opener at Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada. Antrim manager Liam Bradley described his side's first-half display as 'pathetic' but an improved second-half was blighted when both Martin Johnson and Conor Murray were sent off late on.
Toms Beirne flicked the ball into the net four minutes from the break to give Leitrim a 1-8 to 0-3 lead at half-time, but ten wides in the second period meant Antrim clung on to their coat-tails. We are delighted. The first-half performance laid down the marker. Our ambition is to get the team playing like that for the full hour, said Leitrim boss Sean Hagan. With substitute Tomas McCann driving the Ulster men forward, Antrim began to get a foothold in the game, and when skipper Niall McKeever palmed to the net in the 43rd minute Leitrim led by just five points and began to rock. But after a harsh second yellow for Johnson five minutes from time and a straight red for striking an opponent for Murray in the 71st minute, Leitrim easily finished out the game
with points from Emlyn Mulligan and the superb Paul Brennan. SCORERS Leitrim: E Mulligan 0-5 (4f), T Beirne
1-1, K Conlan (1'45) & P Brennan 0-2 each, R Cox 0-1 (1'45). Antrim: N McKeever 1-0, T McCann (2f) & P Cunningham (2f) 0-2 each, P Kelly (1f) & P Maguire 0-1 each. LEITRIM: C McCrann; P Maguire, D Wrynn, B Prior; P Brennan (D Beck 71), G Reynolds, W McKeon; A Hickey (J Glancy 68), D Moran; F Clancy (D Sweeney 53), R Lowe (G Hickey 51), K Conlan; R Cox (J Mulligan 51), T Beirne, E Mullgian. ANTRIM: C Kerr; J Crozier, M Johnson, K O'Boyle; T Scullion, M Sweeney, J Laverty; N McKeever, M McCann; C Murray, M Pollock (T McCann 34), P Kelly (C Duffin 41); P Cunningham (R Murray 53), B Hasson (B Neeson 47), R McGrady (P Maguire 24). REF: Ciaran Brannigan (Down).
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Goals see Mayo crash to second defeat

Division 1 round 2:
Tyrone ................2-15 Mayo ..................0-16

By SEN RICE Mayo News
T'S too early for gloomy forecasts about the health of Mayo football after losing their opening two games of the league. But their five-point loss to Tyrone at Omagh on Sunday did little to inspire confidence that they have found the key to unlock the door to holy grail. Having squandered enough chances in the opening quarter to build a comfortable lead, their depleted side fell victim to the greater all-round agility and scoring power of Tyrone. And although they fought back bravely in the second half to wipe away most of their six-point deficit, their inability to keep pace with the swift-moving home side was staggeringly evident. Tyrone were faster, built moves methodically from defence and had up front what Mayo continue to lack forwards with a keen sense of direction. No one fitting the standard of accuracy from play that Mattie Donnelly and Darren McCurry brought to their game. Mayo started as they had done against Kildare, sweeping through the Tyrone defence with more ease that one expected. But their finishing left a lot to be desired. Cathal Carolan had their opening point in less than a minute after good work by Shane McHale and Kevin McLoughlin ... but Tyrone were let off lightly with a point. A similar chance of a goal fell to David Drake (who started instead of the selected Brendan Harrison), and there were other missed opportunities in the opening 15 minutes during which Keith Higgins had Mayos second point. But the danger which McCurry and Donnelly posed were evident in their equalising points. And before long the tormented Mayo defence had yielded 1-4 without reply. The goal in the 22nd minute could have come from any one of three forwards, but it was corner forward McCurry who finished the ball to the net after the way was cleared by their excellent centre back Peter Harte. Aidan OShea and Jason Gibbons won some good ball at midfield and Gibbons in particular delivered well. And when Adam Gallagher worked hard for Mayos third point, McLoughlin scored with his right foot from an angle, and the hard-working Lee Keegan drilled over another, all from distance, you began to feel that the game was turning back in Mayos direction.
Adam Gallagher picks out a teammate during Mayo's Allianz Football League Division 1 defeat to Tyrone at Healy Park, Omagh. Photo: Oliver McVeigh /SPORTSFILE
But they had no answer to the elaborate build-up of the home side out of defence, or to their fleetness, their swarming tactics, or the demoralising precision of Donnelly. So by half time they found themselves trailing by 1-9 to 0-6 and a desperate situation called for desperate measures. James Horan brought Michael Conroy in for Diarmuid OConnor (who had started instead of the selected Darren Coen) and Brian Gallagher for Carolan. Before long Stephen Coen replaced Kevin Keane and Harrison the injured Boyle. Nothing changed much for a while except that Tyrone went seven points ahead. And then, prompted by Adam Gallagher, Mayos most impressive forward, they rallied. The Mayo Gaels youngster with heart to burn fired over three points, two from frees, McLoughlin one more and Gallagher a further two. It was a brave rally, but unsustained. They didnt have the stamina to keep up with Tyrone. By comparison, they were slow and uninspired. Keegan was the best of the backs and Shane McHale and David Drake worked hard to bat off the surges from Tyrone.
Subs Stephen Coen and Brendan Harrison offered some stability to the defence. They managed to keep Donnelly quiet. But no sooner was one tap turned off than another gushed out with Ciaran McGinley, goalkeeper Niall Morgan and Ronan ONeill rattling off a succession of points. And then McCurry capped it off with his second goal that had its origins in Mayos reluctance to pounce on a loose ball at midfield when they had Tyrone outnumbered. TYRONE: N Morgan (0-1, 1f); A McCrory, C Clarke, B Tierney; C McGinley (0-2), P Harte (0-1), T McCann; C Cavanagh, C Grugan; E McKenna, S McGuigan, P Hughes; D McCurry (2-4, 0-1f), M Donnelly (0-6), R ONeill (0-1). Subs: C McAliskey (0-1) for Hughes; S Cavanagh for McGuigan; M Donnelly for McKenna; D Carlin for Tierney; P McNeice for McCurry. MAYO: R Hennelly; K Keane, G Cafferkey, C Boyle; L Keegan (0-1), S McHale, D Drake; A OShea, J Gibbons; C Carolan (0-1), K Higgins (01), A Gallagher (0-9, 6f); K McLoughlin (0-2), A Moran (0-1), D OConnor. Subs: B Gallagher (0-1) for Carolan; M Conroy for OConnor; B Harrison for Boyle; S Coen for Keane; J Doherty for Cafferkey; A Freeman for Keegan. REF: P Hughes (Armagh).
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Jimmys boys too strong for Galway

Division 2 round 2:
Galway ...............0-12 Donegal ..............1-16
dium. Alan Mulhollands forces lacked the quality to remain competitive into the final quarter as their northern opponents closed out the game with ease. Colm McFadden and Michael Murphy notched 1-8 between them, while McFadden bagged the crucial goal in the first-half after good work from Dermot Molloy. Rory Kavanagh was the star in the opening half as Donegal rushed into a 1-6 to 0-4 lead at the break despite playing against a stiff breeze. His substitution at half-time allowed Galway to gain somewhat of a foothold, but in the end, Donegals superior fitness told late on. After he helped his side to a roaring start from full-forward, Murphy began to play a deeper role, but still managed to illuminate the encounter with an audacious effort from wide out on the right. At times, Galway seemed bereft of ideas upfront as they dropped deep even with the wind and at times only had one man stationed inside the Donegal 45. Despite trailing at the break by five points, Galway started the second-half well as they took control around the middle. Eoin Concannon landed two impressive scores from the right and the home side pulled to within three points when Gary Sice pointed in the 40th minute. Paddy McBreartys introduction for the closing quarter breathed new life into the Donegal side. He went on to score three points as he linked up impressively with Murphy and McFadden. Its now back to the drawing board for Mulholland with the league campaign looking in danger of becoming a relegation battle already. SCORERS Galway: P Conroy & E Concannon 03 each; G Sice 0-2; S Armstrong (f), M Martin, P Varley & D Cummins 0-1 each Donegal: C McFadden 1-4 (3fs); M Murphy 0-4 (2fs); P McBrearty 0-3; D Molloy 0-2; O Mac Niallais, R McHugh & D Walsh 0-1 each. GALWAY: M Breathnach, D ONeill, F Hanley, J Moore, S Denvir, J Duane, P Varley, P Conroy, T Flynn, G Sice, S Armstrong, G Bradshaw, M Martin, E Concannon, J Kavanagh. Subs: A Tierney for Hanley 12, G ODonnell for Denvir 33, D Comer
ALWAY failed to impress as they lost out to Jim McGuinness' polished Donegal outfit at Pearse Sta-
TIGHT: Sean Denvir gets a hand in to upset Donegal's Odhran MacNiallais at Pearse Stadium.
Photo: Ray Ryan / SPORTSFILE for Sice 63, D OConnell for Bradshaw 50, D Cummins for Martin 55. Mac Niallais, C McFadden, M Murphy, D Molloy.
Subs: D Walsh for Lacey 68, N Gallagher for Kavanagh h-t, P McBrearty for Toye 43, A. McFadden for Molloy 48.
DONEGAL: P Durcan, K Lacey, N McGee, R
McHugh, F McGlynn, L McLoone, A Thompson, R Kavanagh, M McElhinney, M McHugh, C Toye, O
REF: F Kelly (Longford).
Mulholland refuses to panic after defeat

ALAN Mulholland was left frustrated, but at the same time remained objective following his team's defeat to Donegal. Galway never looked like upsetting the 2012 All-Ireland champions, and with two defeats to their name, victory against Laois is crucial for Mulholland's side. We always knew the first two games would be difficult, away to Meath in Navan and at home to Donegal but we still hoped to get something out of them, said Mulholland, whose side are the only team without a point and now sit on the bottom of the division two table. I admit it does put us under pressure ahead of the Laois game and we will need to get a good start there. The two-week gap will come at a good time for us now in terms of injury and we will have to prepare for that. The good news with Finian Hanley is that even though he had to come off it looks like it might just be a two- or three-week injury, but we didnt need to lose him at that stage of the game, he said
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Rossies continue to impress

Division 3 round 2:
Roscommon ........1-16 Wexford ...............1-9

IF this is a sign of things to come, bring it on. Roscommon were excellent for large chunks and thoroughly deserved a sevenpoint victory against Wexford at Kiltoom. Take nothing away from the home sides performance. They wanted this victory more than their opponents and the end product was very pleasing on the eye. The difficult start that John Evans talked about a few weeks ago has yielded four points. The foundations are now in place for a realistic shot at securing what this team so badly need Division 2 league football next season. Roscommon are still missing some players but, crucially, the key ones are injury-free and stepping up to the plate. Cathal Cregg and Senan Kilbride toyed with the Wexford full-back line on Sunday. Captain Niall Carty was rock solid once more at full-back. After a disappointing first half display, Donal Shine revelled in his role at midfield during the second 35 minutes. There were mistakes but the error count was reduced in comparison to recent games. The attitude of the Roscom-
mon players was spot on for such a key game, a defining match that should allow this team explore the potential they have. Understandably John Evans was quick to tone down the hoopla afterwards. Beating Limerick in Dr. Hyde Park on March 2nd represents a fresh focus, and he promised that his players would work hard between now and then. The last thing he wants is supporters losing the run of themselves and talking up promotion chances. This league will still contain many more twists and turns. Roscommon were explosive in the opening quarter. The home side enjoyed wind advantage and Ciaran Cafferky clipped over a neat score after Cregg and Kilbride were heavily involved in the buildup. Ben Brosnan replied immediately for Wexford but the next 11 minutes saw Roscommon play some scintillating football. Two sublime points from play arrived via Cregg and Kilbride before a quick free resulted in Cregg pointing on the turn. Roscommons chances received s further boost in the ninth minute when Donie Shines audacious effort for a point from the right wing came back off the post. Senan Kilbride reacted quickest and fired home the rebound to the net. When Ciaran Murtagh set up Kevin Higgins for a score in the 15th minute, Roscommon were 1-6 to 0-1 ahead and cruising. But they switched off and Wexford, mainly through the promptings of midfielder Paddy Byrne, got a foothold in the game.
Wexfords hopes received a further boost when Tiernan Rossitor found the net in the 23rd minute as Roscommon held a 1-8 to 1-3 interval lead. The expected Wexford backlash never materialised. Instead Roscommon took the game to the Slaneysiders but they missed a few chances. Conor Daly did flick Cathal Creggs free over the bar but Brosnan replied from a free for Wexford. As the game progressed, Roscommon simply looked hungrier and sharper and they upped the ante in the final ten minutes. Cregg got the ball rolling from a free before Smith added his second point of the game. Brosnan responded with a 45 from the right wing but a point from Kevin Higgins was sandwiched between frees from Cregg and Kilbride. Another step in the right direction, the key now is to keep churning out performances of this stature. ROSCOMMON: D. OMalley; N. Collins, N. Carty,
S. McDermott; P. Brogan, N. Daly, C. Cafferky (01); K. Higgins (0-3), C. Shine; C. Burns, D. Shine, C. Daly (0-1); S. Kilbride (1-4, 3f), C. Cregg (0-5, 2f), C. Murtagh. Subs: E. Smith (0-2) for Burns (27), I. Kilbride for C Daly (48), D. Murtagh for C Murtagh (68), D. OGara for Cregg (68).
WEXFORD: S. Roche; P. Kelly, G. Molloy, C. Carty; B. Malone, J. Breen, T. Rossitor (1-1); D. Waters, P. Byrne (0-1); B. OGorman (0-1); M. Furlong, Colm Kehoe (0-1); K. OGrady, J. Holmes, B. Brosnan (04, 2f, 1 45). Subs: PJ Banville for OGorman (ht), R. Tierney for Kelly (ht), M. ORegan for Waters (45), Cillian Kehoe (0-1) for Colm Kehoe (48), R. Dempsey for Holmes (48), G. Cullen for Breen (62).
Setback for Yeats men

Division 3 round 2:
Fermanagh .........2-13 Sligo ...................1-10
ITH two points on the table, Sligo travelled to Enniskillen in high spirits but came away with nothing after a substandard second half performance. At half time Sligo were in a good position when leading by a James Kilcullen point after the big midfielder side stepped a couple of defenders to fire over. Sligo started the game well, pinning Fermanagh back in their own half but found it difficult to open up the Fermanagh defence. Fermanagh tactically set up well obviously aware of the threat of the Sligo full forward line by dropping a player back
as an extra defender when not in possession. They also filtered back the majority of their players behind the ball to frustrate Sligo which made it difficult to find the threat inside. While Fermanagh defended deep they attacked at pace making good ground when in possession causing the Sligo defence a lot of problems with their directness and it soon became clear that Fermanagh full forward Sean Quigley was going to be a serious obstacle to a Sligo win. When Quigley punched to the net to put his side up by four Sligo looked in trouble, however that score ignited a Sligo response with a Mark Breheny goal after a strong run by Charlie Harrison and great interlink play between a numbers of Sligo players. Sligo finished the half strongly and went in at the break leading by one. Things went downhill from here however as Kilcullen was red carded after picking
up a yellow and then a black card. Sligo also lost Keelan Cawley for a second yellow which left Sligo with an uphill battle with thirteen players. If there is any upside it is probably that Fermanagh didn't capitalise on their numbers advantage to put up a bigger score as scoring differences could be vital at the end of the league campaign. FERMANAGH: C Snow; J Woods, T Daly, M O'Brien; D McCusker, R McCluskey, B Mulrone; R O'Callaghan (0-1), E Donnelly; C Cullen, R Jones (1-0), L Cullen (0-1); E Maguire (0-1), Sean Quigley (1-8, 0-6f), T Corrigan (0-2). Subs: T McElroy for Mulrone, A Breen for O'Brien, E Courtney for Maguire. SLIGO: A Devaney (0-2, 1f, '45); R Donavan, M Quinn, K Cawley; C Harrison, N Ewing, G Ryan; J Kilcullen (0-1), C Griffin; P Hughes, M Breheny (12, 0-2f), J Quinn; A Marren (0-5, 3f), D Kelly, S Coen. Subs: D O'Boyle for J Quinn, K McDonald for Coen, N Murphy for D Kelly. REF: N Mooney.
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Mulligan rescues a point for Leitrim

Division 4 round 2:
Clare ..................0-11 Leitrim .................1-8
EITRIM maintained their unbeaten record in 2014 in Milltown Malby but not without a gritty and defiant display against Clare in the second round of the Allianz League Division 4. Emlyn Mulligans successful free nearly eight minutes into added time snatched a draw for a Leitrim team that hung onto the home team by their skin of their teeth, displaying a resilience and doggedness that will stand them in good stead for the remainder of the League. Emlyn Mulligans goal in the first half, brilliantly set up by a great catch and powerful run from Tomas Beirne, kept Leitrim in a game where the home side were controlling the tempo and using the wind to eke out a three point lead as half-time approached. Sean Hagans men enjoyed a real golden spell in the second half when three unanswered points put them two clear but Clare came roaring back before a dramatic, thrilling and nerve-racking finale. Leitrim open the scoring when Aaron Hickey takes a quick free to point in the first minute. With Emlyn Mulligan hitting a wide and Clares Shane Hickey twice off target, it took a lovely point from the corner from Martin OLeary to tie the scores on eight minutes. The home side went in front with two points in the space of a minute, Gary Brennan converting a free and Sean Collins spinning well to score on 15 minutes. Danny Beck was yellow carded for barging and a brilliant Shane Brennan score from the corner put a Clare side playing with the wind three points clear midway through the half. Mulligan and OLeary swapped frees before another placed ball, a great score into the wind, left two between the teams. Sean Hagan made an unusually early change as Danny Beck was replaced by St. Marys Michael McWeeney as Clare missed two good chances and Leitrim made them pay when a long ball found Tomas Beirne out in front his man. The Eslin man showed good strength to hold off his man and set up Emlyn Mulligan for an emphatic finish from ten yards on 30 minutes. Clare still had time to level the scores before the break, OLeary
Ray Cox scored a crucial point off the bench as Leitrim shared the spoils with Clare. Photo: Ray McManus / SPORTSFILE
Page 36
pointing to leave the sides tied at 0-6 to 13 at the break. Clare obviously got a good talking to at halftime as they came out with far more intent, Gary Brennan finishing off a great move after just 22 seconds with a fine point but they followed up with a wide. Cathal McCrann made a good catch under pressure from a Clare attacker and Donal Wrynn showed his versatility when good work from Mulligan and Beirne set up the Fenagh man for a point on 13 minutes. Leitrim then enjoyed a purple patch with the Clare keeper doing well to divert a high ball out for a fifty, converted by Kevin Conlan while Mulligan put over yet another free. Both teams had wides but Clare kept the gap at manageable level with Gary Brennan finishing a fine individual run with a fine point midway through the half. Clare levelled again when Michael OShea drove a good shot over the bar on 27 minutes but with Clare driving forward time and again, Leitrim did well to hold out. With the game now in the second of eight minutes of added time, Martin OLeary finished off a good move to leave Leitrim two behind but sub Ray Cox
Wynne, D Beck, G Reynolds, W McKeon, A Hickey (0-1), D Moran, K Conlan (0-1), R Lowe, F Clancy, E Mulligan (1-4), T Beirne, D Wrynn (0-1). Subs: M McWeeney for Beck (23), Shane Moran for D. Moran (45), D Sweeney for Hickey (56), J Glancy for Lowe (58), R Cox (0-1) for S. Moran (61). CLARE: P De Loughrey, D Ryan, G Kelly, M McMahon, M Murphy, E Coughlan, S Hickey, G Brennan (0-4), C OConnor, S McGrath, P Collins, S Collins (0-1), M OLeary (0-4), S Brennan (0-1), M OShea (0-1). Subs: P McMahon for McGrath (54), J Malone for S Brennan (71), L Healy for Hickey (72), K OConnor for C OConnor (41 BC). REF: Damien Brazil (Offaly).
scored a magnificent free from the 13 yard line in the right hand corner with more than five minutes left to play. Mulligan put a long range effort short but the saving of the game came via an unusual source as Paddy Maguire was the man bursting through the cover, only to be brought down by Cathal OConnor who was lucky just to receive a black card. Emlyn Mulligan put over the free to secure a draw in the last 30 seconds of the eight minutes of added time. There was still time for Leitrim to try and snatch a win but a lost ball meant that both sides had to be happy with a share of the spoils. LEITRIM: C McCrann, B Prior, P Maguire, A
Mayo get campaign up and running

Division 1 round 3:
Mayo ..................2-15 Kerry ..................1-13
HERE'S nothing quite like a victory to rally the troops and galvanise the whole Mayo GAA operation as the National League pace starts to quicken. The natives may not have been getting restless just yet, but the 8,693 patrons that turned up (99.9% of them shouting for Mayo) certainly left MacHale Park feeling a little better about the teams short-term prospects after this first win at the third time of asking. It was just about getting two points today, I didnt care how we did it to be honest, admitted James Horan afterwards. In truth, it was how most Mayo followers would have felt as well, the need to get this campaign up and running far outweighing the quest for artistic endeavour at this stage. Fortunately, there was some style mixed in with the Mayo substance that was required to break down Kerrys stubborn resistance. The fact that the sides were level on eight occasions underlines how closely contested things were for long spells; Mayo finished like a train though, shooting the last six points of the game and holding Kerry scoreless for the final twenty minutes to freewheel across the line in the end.
Mayo supporter Enda Coyne, from Lahardaun, Co. Mayo, gets in the humour before Mayo entertain Kerry. Photo: Pat Murphy / SPORTSFILE
Mayos bench made a big impact down the home stretch with fit-again duo Donie Vaughan and Seamie OShea appearing for the first time since the All-Ireland Final to help close the game out. Enda Varley also caught the eye after his cameo appearance, one audacious long-range point proving a big hit with the crowd. However, it was the man of the match display from Alan Freeman that garnered most attention. His goal after 30 seconds got the Mayo show on the road and he went on to lead the inside line impressively, shooting five points, showing well, and making the most of his first NFL start. Hes in good shape, playing well, it was no surprise, remarked Horan. Jason Doherty also marked his recall with a well-taken goal on 36 minutes, and he nailed a point from distance to supplement an energetic days work. Both of Mayos goals came at the end of slick passing moves and underlined the improvement in their off loading game since the defeats to Kildare and Tyrone. Sure, they left plenty of room for improvement with Horan bemoaning the rust and dirty petrol that saw his team concede 0-11 in the opening half with some untypical flat-footed and sluggish defending. However, the redeployment of All Star Keith Higgins to the backline brought some badly-needed experience to the sector while his surging line-breaking runs proved invaluable when Mayo were on the front foot. Despite Freemans early strike, the score was tied six times during the opening half with Kerrys movement and skill causing Mayo plenty of problems. James ODonoghue and Barry John Keane clipped two points from play each, while the lively Conor Cox (free) and Stephen OBrien nudged the visitors deservedly ahead by 0-11 to 1-6 on the cusp of half-time. Mayos running game came to the rescue though, as they came thundering down the middle, exchanging handpasses, before Lee Keegan and Shane McHale linked up to place Jason Doherty for a daisy-cutter finish to the net. Mayo led by 2-7 to 0-11 at the break. Kerry duly came roaring back after the resumption, with Stephen OBrien firing in a spectacular goal on 38 minutes when his audacious shot dipped wickedly and de-
Enda Varley, Mayo, in action against Paul Murphy of Kerry. Photo: Pat Murphy / SPORTSFILE
ceived Robbie Hennelly in the Mayo goal. Remarkably, rather than kick on, Kerry were outscored by 0-8 to 0-1 in the last thirty minutes as Mayos strength-in-depth told decisively. Brendan Harrison and Ger Cafferkey locked down Kerrys inside forwards, while Robbie Hennelly also produced a smart save to deny Barry John Keane a goal. Elsewhere, Lee Keegan and Keith Higgins continued to drive on and the scores flowed with Alan Freeman (4, three frees, including a long-range effort after he took over from the luckless Robbie Hennelly), Kevin McLoughlin and Enda Varley all hitting the target down the home stretch. We kept at it, kept plugging away, and we finished very strong which was very encouraging, said James Horan in summary. That was more than enough on the day that was in it. MAYO: R Hennelly; B Harrison, G Cafferkey, K Higgins; L Keegan (0-1), S McHale, C Boyle; A OShea, J Gibbons; K McLoughlin (0-4, 3fs), A Moran, J Doherty (1-1); A Gallagher (0-2, 2fs), A Freeman (1-5, 3fs), M Conroy (0-1). Subs: E Varley (0-1) for Gallagher (41); D Vaughan for McHale; S OShea for Gibbons (59); C Carolan for Conroy (65); D OConnor for Moran (70). KERRY: B Kealy; P Murphy, M Griffin, S Enright;
P Crowley, A OMahony, M O Se; A Maher, D Moran (0-1); D Walsh (0-1), J ODonoghue (0-3, 1f), D Casey; BJ Keane (0-2), S OBrien (1-2), C Cox (0-4, 3fs). Subs: F Fitzgerald for OMahony (ht); P Kilkenny for Enright (41) black card; M Geaney for Casey (55); J Sherwood for O Se (57); J Buckley for Walsh (58); B McGuire for Crowley (63).
REF: C Brannigan (Down).
Page 37
Woe for footballers in OMoore Park

Division 2 round 3:
Laois .............1-20 Kerry ...........0-8
ALWAY footballers face a massive battle to retain their Division 2 status next year after a third defeat of the campaign against Laois on Saturday last. A third hefty defeat leaves the Tribesmen without a point at the foot of the table, desperately in need of a win when Down come to Tuam Stadium this Sunday. Kevin Meaney's goal just before the break meant Galway trailed by 1-7 to 0-5 at the break, but they failed to make any impact after the restart and were outscored by 0-13 to 0-3 in that period. With the wind advantage in the first-half
Gary Sice forces his way past Padraig McMahon of Laois. Photo: Barry Cregg / SPORTSFILE
Gary O'Donnell had gotten Galway off to a great start with an early sore, but the home side took over from there. It was a similar story in the secondhalf, and although Sean Armstrong landed a free early in the half, Galway failed to hit the target again for 25 minutes until substitute Eddie Hoare landed a point. But by then Laois manager by former Galway boss Toms Flatharta had pulled well clear and easily inflicted defeat on Alan Mulholland's poor side. After the heavy defeat the Galway manager said that everyone involved in the countys football set-up including players, management and officials were only too keenly aware that the level of performance last was not good enough and unacceptable. Our performance, especially over the last 40 minutes, was just not acceptable. I can understand the frustration that supporters felt who had travelled to Portlaoise last Saturday they deserved better than what they got, Mulholland said. All of us (panel and management) had a meeting on Sunday which was honest and open. Like the supporters, we too feel very frustrated a huge effort is being put in. I cannot complain about that, but were just not delivering the results or perform-
Fiontn Curraoin shoots for goal. Photo: Barry Cregg / SPORTSFILE
ance levels that we require. The lads themselves are very disappointed, especially in the context of the effort that they have put in. Over recent weeks, weve travelled to Ballyhaunis (the Connacht centre of excellence) to get a better pitch after all the bad weather anything Ive asked these lads to do, theyve done it, he said. SCORERS - Laois: D Kingston 0-5 (3f), R Munnelly 0-4 (2f), K Meaney 1-1, G Walsh 0-3, D Strong 0-2, J O'Loughlin, J Finn, B Sheehan, D Conway (f), A Ryan 0-1 each. Galway: S Armstrong (1f), P Conroy 0-2 each, G O'Donnell, E Concannon, A Varley, E Hoare 0-1 each. GALWAY: M Breathnach; D O'Neill, J Moore, J
Duane; G O'Donnell, G Bradshaw, P Varley; F O Curraoin, T Flynn; G Sice, S Armstrong, J Kavanagh; E Concannon, P Conroy, A Varley. Subs: K Kelly for Duane (20), D O'Connell for Kavanagh (40), D Cummins for Concannon (45), G Higgins for Flynn (55), C Mulryan for Bradshaw (55), E Hoare for O Curraoin (60).
Page 38
NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS NEWS
Goalkeeper problems prove annoying for Horan

AYO'S goalkeeping woes have continued into 2014 as both David Clarke and Kenneth O'Malley face a race against time play some part in the national league. Last year's first and second choice keepers missed long periods of the championship because of injury, forcing manager James Horan to call up Robert Hennelly from his inter-county exile. Clarke suffered a badly torn hamstring against Roscommon in last year's Connacht championship semi-final and missed the rest of the Green and Red's run to Croke Park. He did make a brief return for his club Ballina Stephenites for their Mayo club championship quarter-final against eventual winners Castlebar Mitchels, but since October the experienced stopper has re-
turned to the treatment table after aggravating the injury. O'Malley fractured his ankle in a challenge match ahead of the Connacht final, but returned in time to serve as understudy to Hennelly in the All-Ireland final, but in recent weeks the Ballinrobe man picked up another foot injury in training. And speaking before the start of their NFL division one opener against Kildare, Horan was resigned to being without the duo once again as he confirmed they are both still on the injured list. Dave is still out as is Ken. They are working very hard with the medical team to try and get them back. But they are still injured so that's not ideal. We are still working on them, but we are not sure (if they'll be available). They are both on pre-hab and it is pretty much a week by week to see when we can get them to return to play. We've had Brendan Walsh in with us. Brendan was in with us last year too, so he is well up to speed, said Horan.
Walsh made his first start for Mayo between the posts against IT Sligo int he recent FBD League and with a real hunger to succeed, the Mayo boss is confident his squad have the ability to bounce back from a second straight All-Ireland final defeat. The players and myself are both keen to move on. And I think everyone else has moved on from it. We want to do as well as we can for as long as we can. And I'm confident if we do that we'll do well. We've had guys back ahead of schedule, ahead of time. They are mad to get going. I've had guys not involved in the match day 26 asking if they can get involved and do warm-ups with us. They are just mad to get back and playing football. It's every team's target to get back (to Croke Park in September) at the beginning of the year, but we just want to do well. Right now we are looking at Kildare away in the first round of the national league. It's going to be a fairly tough encounter, he said
Hennelly ready for pressure of expectation

AYO goalkeeper Robert Hennelly expects to be under more pressure this season as the expectation for him to perform is far greater now that he is first choice keeper. Hennelly (23) was recalled to the squad and directly into the team for last year's Connacht final after injuries to David Clarke and Kenneth O'Malley threatened to derail Mayo's campaign. The Breaffy stopper said he was at ease in his surrounding last year because 'nobody expected anything' from him. All that has changed now he is number one, he says. My form was good enough last year I suppose, but it will be better this year because Ill have more training behind me. The more training you get the better, and I look forward to that. It's grand when you are parachuted in because little is expected of you, but when
a lot is expected of you it's a lot harder. This will be a harder season for me and everyone involved. But at the same time that's good, that's what we expect from ourselves. I didn't play in the league at all last year, the first game I got was the Connacht final. It's a long time since I played in the league, I think Down in 2012 was my last game. That's a good while a go now so it's nice to be back in the fold and to be involved with the squad again at this time of the year, said Hennelly. Hennelly left James Horan's Mayo squad in 2012 due to work commitments, but he was delighted to return last summer when Clarke and O'Malley hit the rocks. Despite returning for his club for one championship game last October, Clarke is still receiving treatment for a hamstring injury, while O'Malley is returning from a foot injury. And when all three are fit, Hennelly sees a huge battle for the starter's shirt. There is no doubt, there is real competition there. We are three very different
type of keepers but the competition will keep us on our toes and makes us sharper and better. You need that there in a squad and goalkeeper is no exception. But right through the squad there is so much ability. Even the lads who were there in the past showed a lot (in the FBD League), we have such competition now, it's unreal. It's great to have players coming through like that. A couple of early defeats saw Mayo's campaign off to a tough start, but despite the setbacks Hennelly thinks they have to target good league form straight away. It's great to be back in the thick of it. There is nothing like playing football and we are looking forward to the league this year. You go out to win and we always go out to win. The league is becoming more and more important so we are going out to win it. Of course that's the target. The memory of September is still there but it's a motivation for us, it's not a hindrance at all. It is lovely to be able to look forward to getting back to that stage again this year and hopefully we could go one step further. It's a motivation but it's not something that will hold us back. It will drive us on if anything, he said.
Page 39
CLUB PROFILE ST. NATHYS LADIES
St Nathy's player wins TESCO Home Grown Club Person of the Year
St Nathys Ladies come
The St Nathy's Ladies GAA team that competed in 1993.
OUISE O'Donnell from the St Nathy's Ladies GAA club in Co Sligo was named the TESCO Home Grown Club Person of the Year, which was announced at Croke Park. Each province was represented by their TESCO Home Grown Provincial Club Person of the Year with the winner of the National Award chosen from the 4 provincial winners. The four provincial Club Persons of the Year were Baltinglass Ladies GFC member Breeda Kealy from Wicklow representing Leinster, John OMalley of Fergus Rovers in Clare representing Munster, Claire Doherty from CLG Bun Cranncha in Donegal representing Ulster and St Nathys LGFC stalwart, Louise ODonnell from Sligo who represented Connacht. Each of the 4 provincial winners were nominated for the overall TESCO Home Grown Club Person of the Year Award and although all four nominees would have made more than worthy recipients, only one could be chosen and that was Louise ODonnell from St Nathys Ladies Gaelic Football Club in Sligo. Louise has been with St. Nathys for all of their 21 years in existence. In 1993 she was a member of the U14 team and went on to be a player of note winning the OConnor Cup with IT Sligo in 2000. Louise has been involved at every level within the club, starting as a player, becoming a team mentor and coach and going on to hold various positions within the club. She revolutionised the clubs communications and has ensured that every person in the club and county is aware of what is happening in St Nathys.
EMBERS, past and present, of St Nathy's Ladies GAA club in Co Sligo came out in force to celebrate at their 21st anniversary dinner recently. Formed in 1993 by Fr Paddy Kilcoyne, the club based in the parishes of Mullinabreena, Coolaney and Bunninadden has gone from strength to strength claiming a staggering 60 tittles across all grades since its inception. An original membership of 57 people signed up for the club in 1993 and St
Nathy's took to the field to compete at both senior and U-14 grades that first season. Three years after their formation the club's first senior county championship title was claimed, but by that stage silverware had already been gathered at U-14, U-16 and minor levels. St Nathy's Ladies has since dominated the club scene in Co Sligo and last summer added a tenth senior championship crown to the trophy cabinet. Scores of family members, well wishers and former players packed into the Radisson Blu Hotel for the anniversary celebrations recently.
St Nathy's Roll of Honour

Under 12 A League: 2003 Under 12 B League: 2009 Under 12 A Championship: 2000, 2001, 2003, Under 12 C Championship: 2012 Under 14 Feile: 2005, 2010, 2011 Under 14 A League: 2002, 2003, 2005, 2011 Under 14 A Championship: 1993, 1994, 1996, 2003, 2011 Under 14 B Championship: 2009 Under 16 A League: 2013 Under 16 C League: 2009, 2010 Under 16 A Championship: 1995, 1996, 1997, 2012, 2013 Under 16 B Championship: 2003 Under 18 A Championship: 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2013 Under 18 B Championship: 2003, 2005, Under 18 C Championship: 2012 Senior Shield: 1994 Senior League: 1998, 1999, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2006, 2007, 2013 Senior Championship: 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007, 2010, 2013, Connacht Junior Club: 1999 Connacht Intermediate Club: 2007 Connacht Senior 7s Shield: 2010
Page 40
CLUB PROFILE ST. NATHYS LADIES
together to celebrate 21 years
The St Nathy's Ladies GAA U-14 team that took to the field in the club's first year in 1993.
Special guests on the night were: founding member, Fr Kilcoyne; Marty Duffy (Enniscrone) who was the first Sligo Ladies GAA Chairperson in 1993; Kathleen Kane (Coolaney), who is a long-serving member of the club and is currently Sligo County Chairperson in 2014; and Galway Ladies star, Annette Clarke. There was also plenty of medals and awards handed out at the celebration: the senior and U-14 teams of 1993 were honoured on the night, while medals were presented to the
Louise Gormley, Nuala Rooney (referee) and Frank Gilmartin get ready to toss the coin before the start of the annual St Stephen's Day charity game between St Nathy's Ladies and Coolaney/Mullinabreena GAA clubs.
2013 champions from the club at U-14, U-16, minor and senior levels.
Prestigious awards were also presented to some of the club's finest servants. Current
player Angela Doohan was honoured for 21 years service as a player and member of St Nathy's she is the only player to be still playing and to have never missed a season. Dedicated coaches Liam McDonagh and Tom Keane were also honoured for 21 years of service given to the club without a break. The club has won 60 titles in 21 years and both men can account for at least 50 percent of them. Here's to another 21 successful years.
Ciara's outstanding accomplishment honoured

IARA Gorman has always been heavily interested in football having played with the club, her school St Attracta's Tubbercurry, and for Sligo at County Level she is one of the finest footballers in the club. 2013 was supposed to be a typical season for her but in early summer she was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. As a result of this diagnosis she has been undergoing treatment through the 2013 football season. But Ciaras determination has ensured that nothing stopped her playing the game she loves. Through her illness, Ciara lined out this season for the U-16, minor and senior teams at St Nathy's. However brief her time on the pitch was, she always made an impact. Ciara is always eager to play whether its a game or training. Ciara played a major part in achieving each of the five winning titles St Nathy's were awarded in 2013, which has helped make history for both the club and the county. She is the only player ever to play with three teams and at the highest division in the one year and be victorious with all three levels claiming five trophies. Well done Ciara.
Ciara Gorman pictured with the five trophies she helped win in 2013: the U-16 League and A Championship; the Minor A Championship; and the Senior League and A Championship
Page 41
ALLIANZ NATIONAL HURLING LEAGUES
Galway impress in opener

Division 1 round 1:
Galway .....0-28 Dublin .......1-12
T will probably take a couple of more games before we will grasp the significance of this surprisingly one-sided encounter at Pearse Stadium. Surely Galway, missing a string of key players, are not this good and surely Dublin, with 12 of the side which started the All-Ireland semifinal to Cork in August, have not gone back that much? The early exchanges would have fallen within the expectations of the 4,411 crowd as they swapped points at a nifty pace and at 0-3 each after eight minutes a right good tussle looked like ensuing in this Leinster final repeat. But in the next 25 minutes, with only a swirling wind having any interference, Galway outscored Dublin by 0-13 to 01. All six forwards found the range by the 17th minute and two debutants, Cathal Mannion and Jason Flynn, cut holes through the visitors defence, while Jonathan Glynn was also dominant. David Burke, showing the form which made him an AllStar two years ago, dominated midfield with another newcomer Padraig Brehony, and Dublin just had no fire in their bellies to respond. All-Star Peter Kelly was switched off debutant Mannion by the interval but by then the Ahascragh-Fohenagh clubman had picked off four points and Anthony Daly had lost patience and called his captain John McCaffrey and his freetaker Paul Ryan ashore. This was a huge win for Galway. Defeat here, even without Joe Canning and the other Portumna players, would have heaped pressure on Anthony Cunningham following the disappointments of last year.
PRESSURE: Galway's Conor Cooney is harried by Michael Carton during

Galway's NHL win against Dublin at Pearse Stadium. Photo: Ray Ryan / SPORTSFILE
He hardly anticipated that his biggest task after the opening joust would be trying to keep a lid on expectations. Two years ago Galway also dispatched Dublin on the opening day of the league at Pearse Stadium and went within a whisker of winning the All-Ireland that September.
Galway led by 0-16 to 0-6 at the break and any hope of a Dublin revival went by the wayside when Conal Keaney, lucky to escape without a card moments earlier for a challenge on impressive debutant full-back Ronan Burke, picked up a second yellow for a pull on Iarla Tannian, who thrived
& N Healy (1f) 0-6 each; C Mannion & J Flynn 0-4 each; J Glynn 0-3; P Brehony 0-2; D Collins, A Harte and D Glennon 0-1 each. Dublin: S McGrath 1-1 (1f); A McCrabbe 0-4 (4f); D O'Callaghan 0-3; P Ryan 0-2 (2f); M Schutte and Ryan O'Dwyer 0-1 each. GALWAY: C Callanan; F Moore, R Burke, J Coen; A Harte, I Tannian (Daith Burke 58), D Collins; David Burke (K Hynes 64), P Brehony; C Cooney (P Landers 11-14 blood), J Glynn (D Dolan 66), J Flynn; N Healy, C Mannion (P Landers 58), D Glennon (R Cummins 49). DUBLIN: G Maguire; C O'Callaghan, P Kelly, S Timlin; S Hiney (C McCormack 49), L Rushe, M Carton; R O'Dwyer (S McGrath 58), J McCaffrey (C Cronin 31); C Keaney, D Treacy (E Dillon h-t), D Sutcliffe; D O'Callaghan, P Ryan (A McCrabbe 31), M Schutte. REF: Johnny Ryan (Dublin).
in his new role at the heart of a strong half-back line. Sean McGrath got the game only goal with a low strike seconds after coming on, while Flynn was unlucky to be whistled back for an earlier as he blasted to the net. Galway didnt score in the final ten minutes and rarely looked like getting goals despite their dominance, but this was an impressive start. SCORERS Galway: C Cooney (5f)
Cunningham surprised by poor Dublin test

ALWAY manager Anthony Cunningham said he was expecting a much tougher challenge from Dublin but believes they will improve dramatically as the year progresses. But the St Thomas' man was delighted with his side's display, especially his young band of debutants, who looked mighty impressive. I saw them playing against Kilkenny in the Walsh Cup final and I thought they played quite well. But you just get days like that in the league, its happened to us before over the past few years. It was a day that everything we struck went over the bar and Dublin were perhaps a bit off colour in parts and that definitely won't be the way next July or August when you meet them.
It's great for us but it's only a platform, we're building and that's the main thing and our next focus is Waterford next Sunday, he said. Galway have a lot of injuries but several newcomers caught the eye in an accomplished performance. We had a lot of new players playing today and it's great to see Jason Flynn, Padraig Brehony and Cathal Mannion play so well. They're very young and it was their debuts, said Cunningham, who said they would not be getting carried away with the margin of victory against an out of sorts Dublin side. We around longer than that to get carried away with that but it's good for confidence, added Cunningham, who is now in his third year in charge of the Tribesmen.
Page 42
ALLIANZ NATIONAL HURLING LEAGUES
Galway blasted by Deise

Division 1 round 2:
Waterford ..........0-22 Galway ................1-13
HE boot was on the other foot as Galway hurlers tasted a heavy defeat on the back of the trouncing they dispatched to Dublin the previous week. After getting their campaign off to such a great start, it's a pity that the Tribesmen's bogey team had their number once again. Right now all six teams are level on two points each in the Division 1A standings with three games remaining, but Galway still sit on top of the pile by virtue of a better scoring difference, which could yet prove critical. After a bright start with Conor Cooney central, Galway would have been disappointed to have trailed by 0-9 to 0-8 at the break, but eight wides before the interval did their chances of a second win in the competition no good. Cooney landed three points in the first five minutes, but at the other end Waterford were also well served by the sublime Pauric Mahony and Seamus Prendergast, who both found their target with ease before half-time.
Mahony and Ray Barry joined forces to see Waterford stretch their advantage out of four points shortly after the restart, but it looked as if Galway were primed for another storming final quarter when Jason Flynn rattled the net in the 48th minute to level matters. However, Anthony Cunningham's side only registered one more points form there as the Deise men cut loose up front and powered to an eight point win. Next up for Galway is a daunting trip to the goal-hungry Kilkenny, before Tipperary arrive at Pearse Stadium. It doesn't get any easier. SCORERS Waterford: P Mahony 0-11 (6f), R
STOPPER: Galway keeper Colm Callanan kept a clean sheet but was unable to stop Waterford picking up the points at Walsh Park. Photo: David Maher / SPORTSFILE
Barry 0-4, S Prendergast 0-2, K Moran, S Molumphy, J Dillon, R Donnelly and S Roche 0-1 each. Galway: C Cooney 0-6 (2f), J Flynn 1-0, C Mannion 0-3, P Brehony 0-2, D Burke and N Healy 0-1 each. WATERFORD: I O'Regan; T Burke, S Fives, N Connors; J Nagle, M Walsh, P Mahony; K Moran, S O'Sullivan; R Barry, Pauric Mahony, S Molumphy; R Donnelly, S Prendergast, B O'Sullivan. Subs: J Dillon for B O'Sullivan 45, J Barron for Molumphy 50, E Barrett for S O'Sullivan 59, S Roche for Prendergast 63, G O'Brien for Barry 66. GALWAY: C Callanan; F Moore, R Burke, J Coen; D Collins, I Tannian, A Harte; D Burke, P Brehony; K Hynes, C Cooney, J Flynn; D Glennon, N Healy, C Mannion. Subs: P Landers for Hynes 28, Daithi Burke for Glennon 43, D Dolan for Landers 62, R Cummins for Mannion 65. REF: J Sexton (Cork).
Flying start for Roscommon

Division 3A round 1:
Roscommon ........2-16 Louth ..................1-15
HE Roscommon senior hurlers got their Allianz Division 3A League campaign off to a flying start with a hard-earned win against Louth at Darver. The possibility of a win seemed remote at the interval when they trailed by six points (1-10 to 0-7). However, the visitors were a transformed side in the second half. They found another gear and were full value for a very welcome win in the end. They were certainly playing second fiddle to the home team in that first period and didnt manage a score from play. All seven points came from Gerry Fallons placed balls (one 65). Diarmuid Murphy
was also in great form from frees for Louth, scoring five as well as two from play. Andrew Mackin scored the Louth goal. Roscommon set about reducing Louths lead in the third quarter. They scored 2-3 in 15 minutes. The first goal came after 42 minutes when a long delivery from Cathal Kelly was broken down by Cillian Egan to Niall Kilroy and the Fuerty footballer finished to the net. The second goal came after good work by Gerry Fallon set up by Cillian Egan, who took his goal well. The points came from two Gerry Fallon frees and a fine effort from play from Toms Seale. The half was 17 minutes old before Louth got their first score, a Diarmuid Murphy free. This was followed by another point to reduce the margin to the minimum. However, Roscommon werent about to surrender their lead and five great longrange frees by Fallon (one from his own 65) confirmed their superiority. Louth
scored three further points from Diarmuid Murphy (free), Ronan Byrne and Gary Rellis. The last score of the game came from Roscommon corner-forward Cillian Egan. Roscommon now have their first home game at Athleague on Sunday next when they entertain Monaghan. A victory here would put them in contention for a serious challenge for promotion. Justin Campbell and his management team will be quite satisfied with this win, especially the second half display, and will look to the future with hope and confidence. ROSCOMMON: P. Dolan; S. Curley, R. OMeara, I. Delaney; J. Rogerson, M. Kelly, C. Dolan; J. Moran, S. Melia; T. Seale (0-1), G. Fallon (0-14), D. Dolan; N. Kilroy (1-0), Cillian Egan (1-1), Cathal Kelly. Sub: N. Connaughton for Dolan. LOUTH: J. Connolly; P. McCormack, J. Carter, A.
McCrave; C. Kerrigan, C. Hayes, C. Ryan; J. Condon, S. Callan (0-2); A. Mackin (1-0), G. Rellis (01), D. OHanrahan; D. Kettle, D. Murphy (0-10), G. Smith (0-1). Subs: R. Byrne (0-1) for OHanrahan; D. Mahoney for Smith; S. Maguire for Condon.
REF: F. Smith (Meath).
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TESCO HOME GROWN NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUES
The Galway Ladies team who defeated Down in their NFL Division 2 clash last weekend.
Winning start for Galway Ladies

Division 2 round 1:
Galway ................1-12 Down ...................0-6
ALWAY Ladies finally got their Tesco Home Grown NFL campaign up and running with a good win against Down in Tuam Stadium. They went in the game not knowing what to expect from last year's division
three champions who had won their first game against Meath, but once Barbara Hannon got Galway off the mark in the third minute there was no stopping the Tribesgirls Galway held a 0-2 to 0-1 lead early on, but hit a bump in the road and were reduced to 14 players when Nicola Burke was sin-binned in the 12th minute. Down had pulled level by the 18th minute, but that was as good as it got for the as Galway began to come to terms with the pace of the game. And after Deirdre Brennan was hauled to the ground, Annette Clarke hit the net with a
penalty to give Galway a 1-3 to 0-3 lead at the break. Caitriona Cormican increased Galway's lead shortly after the restart and Down briefly raised their efforts, but points from Cormican, Hannon and substitute Roisin Leonard meant Galway closed out the game for the win. GALWAY: J Connolly; N Warde, M Coyne, O Dixon;
R McPhilbin, E Flaherty, S Burke; A Clarke(1-0 pen), G Conneally (0-2); A Daly, C Cormican(0-3), N Burke; B Hannon (0-4), D Brennan, L Joyce. Subs: R Leonard (0-3, 1f) for Joyce, O Divilly for Brennan, C Hehir for N Burke, C Cooney for Clarke, S Egan for Cormican.
Leitrim Ladies dominate 15-goal thriller

Division 3 round 1:
Leitrim ................9-9 Sligo ....................6-6
ARTIN Dolan had the perfect start to his tenure as Leitrim Ladies manager as Leitrim hit nine goals to defeat Sligo in the first round of the Ladies NFL Division 3. New manager Dolan handed debuts to Fenaghs Amy McLoughlin goal, senior club player of the year Marina Gray and Mohills Claire Beirne. Leitrims cause was also helped by the return of former All-Star Sarah McLoughlin and St Josephs Catherine Dolan, while Aine Tighe was also back in the forward line.
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Sligo actually defeated Leitrim in last years Connacht Championship in Croghan and the home team started very well with the backing of a very strong wind, going 2-3 ahead before Leitrim got off the mark as Elise Codd, Grainne Carty, and Stephanie OReilly and Noelle Gormley all found the target. Aine Tighe put Leitrim on the scoreboard with a goal and Aine Heslin followed quickly with a point. Leitrims defence tightened up with Sharon Kerrigan and Mary Farrell commanding the back line Amy McLoughlin made some fine saves while Lorraine Brennan dropped deeper to support midfield and defence. Leitrims fight-back continued with a Roisin Fowley goal and Aine Tighe and Aine Heslin points but Sligo took control again with goals from Noelle Gormley and Grainne Carty. Crucially, Clare Owens gave Leitrim a vital lifeline with a goal before the break and the second half started in fantastic
fashion when Aine Tighes long range effort hit the back of the net. Leitrim started to roll and Roisin Fowley set up Aine Tighe for a goal before the lethal pair reversed roles for a close range goal. An Aine Heslin point left the score at 7-7 to 4-6 in Leitrims favour. Sligo hadnt gone away and Noelle Gormley kept Sligo in the game scoring her second goal of the game but Leitrim hit back with a Lorraine Brennan point from play, an Aine Tighe goal and a Michelle Heslin chipped point. In the dying seconds of the game Leitrim finished strong with Aine Tighes final goal of the afternoon and the final score was Sligo 6-6 to Leitrims 9-9. Leitrim Ladies play Offaly next away in Offaly next Sunday at 2pm, venue to be confirmed. The midlanders suffered a heavy defeat last Sunday to Waterford, losing 3-14 to 1-5 with the Munster side tipped to be among the teams chasing hard for promotion.
TESCO HOME GROWN NATIONAL FOOTBALL LEAGUES
Easy victory for Galway Ladies in NFL

Division 2 round 2:
Galway ...............6-22 Fermanagh ..........0-5
ERMANAGH were no opposition for the Supermacs-sponsored Galway Ladies footballers in the Tesco Home Grown NFL as the Tribesgirls romped to a second win of the campaign. St Gabriel's Caitriona Cormican scored 1-2 inside the first seven minutes to give Galway an early 1-2 to 0-2 lead. But an unanswered 3-4 from Galway between the
ninth and 27th minutes left the northern girls chasing the game. Roisin Leonard scored 1-1, Barbara Hannon landed two points, while goals from Lorna Joyce and Annette Clarke and a point from Aoibheann Daly put Galway firmly in command with a 4-10 to 0-3 lead at half-time. Galway started the second-half like they finished the first and a brilliant move in the third minute saw Roisin Leonard's low shot come back of the post, but Lorna Joyce was on hand to put the ball over the bar. The Galway management started to make changes at this stage of the game
and Corofin's Una Carroll stroked the ball over the bar for their next impressive score. Two frees from Roisin Leonard and further points from Clarke, Hannon and Joyce kept the scoreboard ticking over, while goals from Una Carroll and Charlotte Cooney gave Galway the easy win. GALWAY: J Connolly; N Warde, M Coyne, O Dixon;
R McPhilbin, S Conneally, S Burke; A Clarke (1-3), G Conneally; A Daly (0-2), C Cormican (1-2), C Hehir; B Hannon (0-5), R Leonard (1-5, 3f), Lorna Joyce (1-2). Subs: T Hughes, M Maloney, U Carroll (1-1), A Connaghton, O Divilly (0-2), C Cooney (10), S Egan, E Gannon, N Connolly, S Lynch, G O'Connor, N Burke, E Flaherty.
Leitrim Ladies continue to hit the right notes

Division 3 round 2:
Leitrim ...............2-12 Longford ..............0-7
AVING already defeated Sligo, Leitrim proved too strong for Longford when the sides met in Pairc Naomh Mhuire in the second round of the Tesco Homegrown Ladies NFL Division 3. A nine-point lead at the interval was a reflection of the home sides dominance during the opening half as Longford struggled to cope with the work rate of the Leitrim players who hassled and harried for possession before applying clinical finishes in front of goal. While they had little to be excited about in the opening half, Longford should have taken an early lead but saw two frees in the opening minutes from Claire Greene miss the target. Those misses were punished by the ever-reliable Aine Tighe who converted two frees and it got better for Leitrim when they struck in the eight minute for the games opening goal. Michelle Heslin appeared to be fouled by the Longford goalkeeper but Roisin Fowley showed good awareness and composure to secure the loose ball and found the net from close range. Further points from Aine Heslin and Deirdre Ward extended the Leitrim lead as the hosts dominated matters. Sarah McLoughlin and Deirdre Ward were winning possession in midfield and the likes of Anna Conlan and Enya McWeeney always seemed to be on hand either to make a challenge or to make themselves available for a pass.
A further Aine Tighe free extended the deficit further and she was desperately unlucky not to score Leitrims second goal when she unleashed a powerful shot. However, Longford goalkeeper Michelle Kilkenny did well to turn the ball over the bar. That proved to be the final score of the half with Leitrim leading 1-6 to no score as the break. Points from Anna Conlan and Deirdre Ward further extended Leitrims lead before Longford began to threaten. Five frees, all converted by Claire Greene brought Longford back into contention but the Leitrim full-back line was proving to be resolute and nothing easy was being offered up. Victory was secured with 12 minutes remaining when Clare Owens found Aine Heslin with a superb pass and she struck for Leitrims second goal. Longford replied with another Claire Greene free but there was no sign of Leitrim easing up in the closing stages and Aine Tighe registered a further two points (one free) before she turned provider for Aileen Maguire who pointed. With just two minutes remaining Sarah Tierney registered her sides first point from play but it was Leitrim who would have the final say as substitute Aileen Maguire completed an impressive cameo with her second point. SCORERS Leitrim: Aine Tighe (0-6), Aine Heslin (1-1), Roisin Fowley (1-0), Deirdre Ward (0-2), Aileen Maguire (0-2), Anna Conlan (0-1) Longford: Claire Greene (0-6), Sarah Tierney (0-1)
Ladies retain unbeaten league record

Division 2 round 3:
Galway ...............2-15 Kildare ................0-5

ALWAY Ladies continue to impress in their Tesco Home Grown NFL division two campaign after they registered a third convincing win of the competition against Kildare. Last year saw little between both teams with the corresponding game ending in a draw, while just a point separated them in the league semi-final but in Hawkfield Galway ran riot to register a big win. A powerful start from the Tribesgirls saw them race into an early lead thanks to points from Lorna Joyce, Annette Clarke, Aoibheann Daly and Roisin Leonard before Kildare managed to register a score. Another Leonard point for Galway and one for Kildare by Elaine Dillion kept the scoreboard ticking over, but Galway Ladies soon turned up the pressure and 2 Clarke points and a goal by Barbara Hannon gave them a half-time advantage of 1-08 to 0-3. Leonard fired two more points over for Galway at the start of the second-half but the difficult conditions made scores hard to come by. The home side tried to keep in touch with their free-scoring visitors, but five minutes from time Galway hit their second goal. A free for Kildare was intercepted by Aoibheann Daly who picked out Leonard in space and sent Una Carroll in on goal for the crowning score. GALWAY: J Connolly; O Dixon, M Coyne, N Ward;
R McPhilbin, E Flaherty, M Maloney; A Clarke 0-5 (1f), G Coneally; A Daly 0-2, C Cormican, O Divilly; B Hannon 1-0, Lorna Joyce 0-1, Roisin Leonard 0-05 (2f). SUBS: A Connaughton for Dixon, U Carroll 1-1 for Cormican, E Gannon for Leonard, N Burke for Hannon.
LEITRIM: A McLoughlin, M Farrell, S Kerrigan, M
Stenson, C Beirne, E McWeeney, L Brennan, D Ward, S McLoughlin, A Heslin, A Conlan, C Owens, R Fowley, A Tighe, M Heslin. Subs: N Tighe for M. Heslin (39), F Bohan for Brennan (40), A Maguire for Fowley (55), A Bohan for Ward (59), M Gray for McWeeney (60).
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IN REMEMBRANCE
A tribute to you Gary

Chairman of Carly/ St Joseph's GAA club
By Eamonn Mac El
am writing this with a heavy heart. At 8.30 pm on the 14th of February 2014, St Valentines Day, I got the sad news I was expecting. Our great friend Gary Dillon had left us and gone to meet the great man above. Even though the news was expected Calry/St Josephs GAA Club are greatly shocked at his passing at the age of just 31. Not alone have we lost one of the greatest officers in the Clubs history we have all lost a great, great friend. Gary was probably the most lovable young fellow I ever had the pleasure of meeting. Everybody loved Gary, young and old. Gary was a Cystic Fibrosis sufferer but even in his darkest days it never got him down. He was always positive and always felt that other people were far worse off than himself.
Gary Dillon who passed away in February
not just to Calry/St Josephs but throughout the County and beyond. One of Garys PRO duties was only a few short months ago when he expertly designed the cover of the programmes for the Senior and Intermediate County Championship finals. His loss to his mother Mary, sister Laura, and brother Mark is something I can well imagine. His Dad Gerry, also a great Calry/St Josephs GAA supporter, left this world six years ago. Garys sad passing at such a young age has left a massive void in our GAA Club and to our lives. He made a massive contribution to our GAA Club at all levels. Gary your life was short but your memories will live on with us forever. r dheis de go raibh a anam Gary Dillon died on February 14th 2014, aged 31. He was buried at Scarden Cemetry after his funeral Mass at St Joseph's Church Ballytivnan.
I could write a book on Gary Dillon, he was an inspiration to everyone in our Club. He was a brilliant PRO, never missed his
weekly notes, never missed a Club meeting, never complained, ready to answer the call at anytime. His PRO skills were well known
Gary Dillon pictured with his friend Keith Raymond who played a leading role in Calry/St Joseph's latest Sligo and Connacht hurling titles.
Gary wearing his 'Opt for Life' t-shirt
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IN REMEMBRANCE
Paddy Sweeney RIP

By Ceit Seoighe
Killanin GAA Club Secretary
HE term larger than life does not quite sum up Paddy Sweeney. The shock that the people of Killannin and Galway felt on his untimely death on October 3rd 2013 was evident in the huge crowds which gathered to lay Paddy to rest. Such a guard of honour was never seen before in our parish and it was a fitting send off to our much loved hero. Hundreds of people from Killannin, Oughterard and Moycullen along with members of the county team and administration board walked along with the hearse to Paddys final resting place at Killannin graveyard. During the course of the evening his wife Kathleen remarked to her daughters Rachel and Louise, I had no idea I was married to such a famous man. It was a light-hearted moment in a time of deep sorrow but the word famous was not an understatement. Paddy was known far and wide. He referred matches, he attended marts, he was on the West Board and the County Board, he dealt in machinery and of course if you needed a tyre in Killannin, he was the man to go and see. Paddys everlasting effect that he had on people was that he was instantly likeable. He spoke with a smile on his face and a great dancing glint in his eye. You relaxed in his company and you could chat away to him about anything. Paddy has long being associated with the Killannin club. His life time friend Tom Rosie O Connor started dragging him along to training and he was instantly hooked on all things GAA. He was a proud club member and took a keen interest in all matters of the club. Paddy was the original multitasker and this was evident when watching him training teams in Killannin. Hed arrive with a gang of young lads, set up training, sort out bibs and fill water bottles whilst all the time remaining on the phone sorting out county board or work related business. Paddy had a huge amount of success both as a selector and manager with Killannin. He was a selector when the first of Killannins U-21 sides broke through with an A county title in '96. The picture of that team shows his two young sons, Cathal and Patrick, as the
Paddy Sweeney who passed away in October last
mascots that day. Paddy had many great days when managing teams that featured his sons including a 2006, U16 A title win over Corofin, and a 2008 Minor West Board win over neighbouring Oughterard. It was fitting that this team led the Guard of Honour to Killannin church. His proudest GAA moment occurred in 2011 when Patrick was fullforward on the Galway U-21 team that beat Cavan in All-Ireland final, Cathal was a sub on that day. It was not just with the county board and the Killannin club that Paddy featured. Paddy was a great friend to Fr Martin Moran and could be seen many mornings and evenings helping as a steward in the grounds of the church car park before Mass. He was also Chairman of the Killannin Pitch Committee. The previous Saturday before his death, Paddy had spent the morning sorting out the pitch for a league match. Cutting grass, lining pitches, putting out flags, He did it all in his own stride with a smile on his face a bit of craic with the lads that he roped into helping him with it. The annual Cancer Care Walk was another of Paddys events that he helped organise and he would bring a large crowd with him for the walk from Killannin to Moycullen.
As a young lad growing up in Killannin you can never remember meeting Paddy or seeing Paddy for the first time. He was always just there. An ever present member of your club from the first time you become involved. Outside the dressing room door on the day of a match or over near the gate where the teams walk onto the pitch, you were sure to look and see Paddy at some stage of the game. You avoided eye contact at all costs in case you got the dreaded Here, youll do umpire, good lad. I think it is that continued presence that he had, that sense of him always being there that is now what makes his loss so hard to for us all to take now. On October 25th of this year with our hearts still heavy we played the Cahill Cup final vs. Monivea Abbey. Superb displays from his twin sons Cathal and Patrick helped ease our pain slightly and it was a night we all noticeably missed his presence for the first time. Paddy was a great GAA man, a great parishioner of Killannin and a hard working man. He loved his family and they loved him. There wasnt a thing in the world he wouldnt do for them and our hearts are with them ever since we got the terrible news. I will finish with a story of a current Killannin selector Dave Melia who decided at 20 that studies, work etc. had made football a time consuming hobby and he decided to pack it in. Not long after his decision Paddy arrived at the door and told him he would personally call for him every night and make sure he got to training and home again. David agreed and duly went on to win a county U-21 A medal in 1996, Paddy was selector. Paddy understood the necessity of the little things that make our GAA culture so unique. The lifts, the jersey washing, lining of pitches, the need for inclusion of youth, he aided and abetted in all of these tasks. Paddys spirit lives on in his family, in his town-land and in Killannin and it will do eternally. Thank you Paddy for all you have done for our club we will be forever grateful. The parish and county is a sadder place without your presence this year. At the time of his death he was Vice Chairman of the Galway football Committee and had also served as Assistant Treasurer, and he was also West Board Vice Chairman for nine years and Chairman for 13 years. Rest in Peace Paddy.
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FOCUS ON GALWAY FOCUS ON GALWAY FOCUS ON GALWAY
Galway Football Board Awards Night
Attending the Galway Football Board Awards Night and Presentation of Connacht U-21 and All-Ireland U-21 Football Championship Medals, at the Claregalway Hotel, (L to R), Robert Hughes, (Menlough, Intermediate Player of Year Award Recipient), Milo Costello, (Galway Football Board Treasurer), Kevin O'Donovan, (Moycullen, Minor Player of Year Award Recipient).
Attending the Galway Football Board Awards Night and Presentation of Connacht U21 and All-Ireland U-21 Football Championship Medals, at the Claregalway Hotel, Standing (from left), Robert Hughes, (Menlough, Intermediate Player Award), Kevin O'Donovan, (Moycullen, Minor Player Award), Niall Meenaghan, (Headford, Junior Player Award). Seated: Ian Burke, (Corofin, U-21 Player Award), Liam O'Neill, GAA President, Emma Sice, (Corofin, with the Senior Player Award for her brother Gary Sice, Corofin). Attending the Galway Football Board Awards Night and Presentation of Connacht U-21 and All-Ireland U-21 Football Championship Medals, at the Claregalway Hotel, (L to R), Ian Burke, (Corofin, U-21 Player Award Recipient), Milo Costello, (Galway Football Board Treasurer), Emma Sice, (who collected the Senior Player Award for Gary Sice, Corofin).
County Final Referee's who received presentations at the Galway Football Board Awards Night and Presentation of Connacht U-21 and All-Ireland U-21 Football Championship Medals, at the Claregalway Hotel, Standing (L to R): Martin Flaherty, (Referee of Year Award), Shane Hehir, Richard McNicholas, P.J. Rabbitte, Tomas O Flatharta. Seated (L to R): Noel Dempsey, James Molloy, Pat Ferriter, Liam O'Neill, GAA President, Tom Nally.
Tadhg O Conghaile, (Galway Football Board Chairman), presenting the Pa Burke Award to Alan Flynn, (Tuam Stars), at the Galway Football Board Awards Night and Presentation of Connacht U-21 and All-Ireland U-21 Football Championship Medals, at the Claregalway Hotel.
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Galway County Board Officials and Guests at the Galway Football Board Awards Night and Presentation of Connacht U-21 and All-Ireland U-21 Football Championship Medals, at the Claregalway Hotel. Standing (L to R): Joe McDonagh, (former GAA President), Gerry Larkin, Seamus O'Grady, Bernie O'Connor, Mairtin O Curraoin, Seamus Finnerty, Tadhg O Conghaile, Larry Lohan. Seated (L to R): Michael Monaghan, Seamus Connolly, John Hynes, Liam O"Neill,(GAA President), Noel Treacy, Milo Costello, P.J. Rabbitte.
Attending the Galway Football Board Awards Night and Presentation of Connacht U-21 and All-Ireland U-21 Football Championship Medals, at the Claregalway Hotel, (L to R): Declan Meehan, (U-21 team Selector), Tomas Healy, (U-21 team vice-captain), Fiontan O Curraoin, (U-21 team captain), Alan Flynn, (U-21 team Manager).
Attending the Galway Football Board Awards Night and Presentation of Connacht U-21 and All-Ireland U-21 Football Championship Medals, at the Claregalway Hotel, (L to R): T.J. Flynn, Sally Flynn, Fiona Flynn, Alan Flynn, (Pa Burke Award Recipient), and Rachel Flynn, all from Tuam.
Presentation of the Pa Grealish Award at the Galway Football Board Awards Night and Presentation of Connacht U-21 and All-Ireland U-21 Football Championship Medals, at the Claregalway Hotel, (L to R): Mairtin O Curraoin, (West Football Chairman), Fiona Conneely, Phil Grealish, John Connolly, (West Football Secretary), Pat Ferriter, (Pa Grealish Award Recipient), Fergal Ferriter.
Liam O'Neill, GAA President, presenting the Cadbury GAA 2013 Football Hero of the Future Award, to Ian Burke, (Corofin), at the Galway Football Board Awards Night and Presentation of Connacht U-21 and All-Ireland U-21 Football Championship Medals, at the Claregalway Hotel.
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Hurling All-Star Brendan Bugler from Clare was the guest of honour in Ballymacward Community Centre recently as he presented Galway County U13 winners medals to Pdraig Pearses U-13 hurlers. Back Row (L to R): Dessie McCabe (Selector), Gabriel Flannery (Selector), Darragh McCabe, Jack Barrett, Geordan Kenny, Mossy Carr, Marc Hennelly, isin Flannery, Eoghan McCabe, Niall Moran, Eoin Lally, Conor Burke, James Friel, Ronan Flannery, Mick Carr (Manager). Front Row (L to R): Dean Reilly, Dylan Grady, Cathal Kitt, Stephen Doran, Shane Hynes, Brendan Bugler (Clare, Hurling All-Star), Cian Murphy, Ethan Lally, Luke Mitchell, Robert Hynes, Eoghan Barrett (Selector).
Rahoon underage hurling returns

THE Rahoon/Newcastle Hurling Club under age hurling for U-8s to U-14s will take place at the Astro Turf pitches in Corrib Village. Every Friday, the clubs U-8s will hurl from 6pm to 7pm, with the U-10s and U-11s hurling from 7pm to 8pm. The clubs U-13s and U-14s continue to train on Tuesdays at 7:15pm to 8:15pm and on Fridays from 8:15pm to 9:15pm. All new members welcome. For more information log onto their website, www.rahoonnewcastle.com.
SPORTSWOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS: Galway Camogie's Therese Maher picking up her Sportswoman of the Month award for September. Pictured left to right is Michael Ring, Minister of State for Tourism and Sport, Therese Maher, Kieran Mulvey, chairperson of the Irish Sports Council and Kevin O Sullivan, editor of The Irish Times.
Coggins still hopes to sign up Forde
ONDON manager Paul Coggins is still hopeful that Galway defender Colin Forde will link up with his squad at some stage this season after he emigrated to the city. Coggins has already made an unsuccessful attempt to lure Galway's All-Ireland U-21 captain into the Exiles' squad, but says he will speak to him again in a few weeks to see if he has had a change of mind.
Forde has already joined the Kingdom Kerry Gaels club in the city, but is residing two hours away from Ruislip in Canterbury, which could scupper any move to the inter-county scene in the English capital. But Coggins admits to being an admirer of Forde's ability and will sound him out once more. I spoke to Colin just before Christmas when I heard he was on his way out to London, but he is not part of the squad just yet, said Coggins. He is a fantastic player and would be a great addition to our squad, but it does
take lads a while to get settled over here, with work, accommodation and a new club. We said we'd speak again in a few weeks time to see if he had a change of mind. It would be great to get him involved if it was possible we already have a few Galway lads involved here like Damien Dunleavy, Paul Geraghty and Mark Gottsche. He is certainly a lad we'd look to get in if possible, he said. Forde would have to play a club championship match with Kingdom Kerry Gaels before any possible link-up with Coggins, although the London County Board could grant permission to play in 'special cases.
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Padraic McDonnacha, An Cheathru Rua, Michael Lee, Maigh Cuillin and Frank Walsh, Killannin pictured at the Galway West GPC AGM.
Tadgh O'Conghaile, Football committee Chairman, Mary Conneely, Barna, Seamus O'Grady, Football committee Secretary, pictured at the Galway West GPC AGM.
West GPC officers Frank Walsh Vice Chairman, Mairtn O Curraoin Chairman, John Connolly Secretary pictured at the Galway West GPC AGM.
Brendan McBrien, Salthill-Knocknacarra, Tom Nally, St Michael's and Alfie Howley, St James at the Galway West GPC AGM.
Christy Lydon, Killannin, Matt Healy Oughterard, Michael Folan, An Spideal at the Galway West GPC AGM
John Connolly, Secretary West GPC, Gerry Starken, Southern Gaels, Tom Cox, Fr Griffins-Eire Og at the Galway West GPC AGM
Galway West GPC AGM

Johnny Flaherty, Barna, Tommy Finnerty, Oughterard, Matt Healy, Oughterard, and Ann Mitchell, Clifden, at the Galway West GPC AGM
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FOCUS ON MAYO FOCUS ON MAYO FOCUS ON MAYO
The Rest Mayo (White) U13 Hurling side who were in action at the Connacht Centre of Excellence recently as part of their winter program of coaching. Back (LtoR): Matthew Walsh (Ballina), Cormac Joyce (Ballyvary), Dara Fehilly (Castlebar), Tom Mulhair (Ballina), William Stevens (Ballina), Liam Kelly (Ballina), Jack Carney (Westport), Conor Gilmartin (Ballina), Finnian Burke (Ballyvary), Danny Plaster (Castlebar). Front (LtoR): Bryan Kelly (Westport), Mark Walsh (Westport), Rory Gallagher (Ballina), Aodan Harrington (Ballina), Dylan Kelly (Ballina), Billy McVann (Ballina), John Heraty (Moytura), Ethan McEvilly (Westport), James Walsh (Westport), Liam Horgan (Westport).
The Mayo GAA U13 Hurling Development Panel held a development blitz in the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence in Bekan recently with 40 players taking part in the program of coaching and games over the last few weeks.
The East Mayo (Green & Red) U13 Hurling side who were in action at the Connacht Centre of Excellence recently as part of their winter program of coaching. Back (LtoR): Paddy Ward (Caiseal Gaels), Shane Morrisroe (Caiseal Gaels), David Cafferkey (Caiseal Gaels), Kevin Kenneally (Tooreen), Paddy Lyons (Tooreen), Cormac Phillips (Ballyhaunis), James Freyne (Tooreen), David Hession (Tooreen), Luke Connor (Caiseal Gaels), Ml Raleigh (Caiseal Gaels), Oisin Greally (Tooreen). Front (LtoR): Conal Hession (Tooreen), Eoin Delaney (Tooreen), Ciaran Doherty (Tooreen), Jack Coyne (Ballyhaunis), Ryan Kedian (Ballyhaunis), Jack Craughwell (Caiseal Gaels), Josh Howard (Tooreen), Ronan Swanwick (Ballyhaunis), Liam Lavin (Tooreen).
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Pictured are the Mayo GAA U-17 Hurling Development Panel who took part in a Winter Program of coaching workshops along with Mayo GAA Hurling Mentor Jeff Lynskey (Galway) at the Connacht GAA Centre and Ballyvary Hurling Wall. The panel of players are in preparation for the All-Ireland MinorB Hurling Championship for 2014. Back (L to R): Adrian Hession (Mayo GAA Hurling Development Officer), James Gallagher (Castlebar), James Lyons (Ballyhaunis), Daniel Cusack (Ballyvary), Domnic Flannery (Tooreen), Sam Forde (Moytura), Davog Freyne (Tooreen), Mark Phillips (Ballyhaunis), Shane Geraghty (Westport), Conor Murray (Castlebar), Jeff Lynskey (Mayo GAA Hurling Mentor). Front (L to R): Eoghan McGrath (Belmullet), Sean Mulroy (Ballyvary), Eamon Foy (Castlebar), Anthony OBoyle (Castlebar), Bryan Moloney (James Stephens), Alan Ferguson (James Stephens), Conor Ludden (Castlebar), Shane Fleming (Caiseal Gaels), Michael Waldron (Ballyhaunis).
25 YEARS ON AUGHAMORE 1988
Aughamore Senior League Division 1 Champions, 1988 - back row Damian Regan, Liam Walsh, Jimmy Burke, Liam Lyons, Jimmy Lyons, Ciaran Duffy, Tom Flatley, Tommy Lyons, Seamus Durkin, Tom Leydon, Tom Jannings, Michael Burke. Front row: Stephen Groarke, Michael Hunt, Sean Byrne, Paul Jordan, Ollie Bolton, Brian Duffy, Dom Greally, John Cunnane, Eamon Waldron, Tommy Regan.
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Mayo hurlers take Kehoe honours

BORD NA MONA KEHOE SHIELD FINAL
Mayo ...................1-17 Queens University Belfast ..............0-15

By Brendan Geraghty
AYO hurlers made the long journey to Darver in Co. Louth to play Queens University in the Kehoe Shield Final. With recent victories over DIT and DCU Mayo manager Christy Phillips was hopeful of getting over the line in this game but he was also mindful that the Red and Green were short five regular starters due to injuries and other commitments. Mayo, with the aid of a slight breeze, were first off the mark through two well taken Kenny Feeney points, one from a free. Queens responded with points from
Brendan Rodgers and their star performer Conor Corvan but for the reminder of the half Mayo dominated with four points from centre forward Stephen Hoban, ably assisted by Feeney, Derek McDonnell and Cathal Freeman. Mayo led 0-11 to 0-5 at half-time but should have been further ahead with poor shot selection resulting in eight wides over the half. The game really got going in the second half with Queens first off the mark through Donal Hughes before Mayo forward Fergal Boland goaled after a good build up by the half-forward line. Feeney and Hoban followed up with points to leave it 1-13 to 0-6 in favour of Mayo with only five minutes of the second-half on the clock. However Queens did not roll over and responded with five points from Corvan, with Thomas Morgan and Donal Hughes also chipping in. The Mayo backs were under continuous pressure but strong performances from captain Aiden Connolly, Paddy Barrett and Padraig OFlynn meant that the goal that the students required never materialised. Mayo forward Hoban put in a defiant
display getting an additional three points to occasionally break the Queens scoring run and with Feeney also getting on the scoreboard Mayo eventually ran out winners on a score line of Mayo 1-17, Queens 0-15. After the match Mayos Captain Aiden Connolly received the Kehoe Shield on behalf of the victorious Red and Green. MAYO: D OBrien (Ballyhanis); A Brennan (Ballyhanis), A Connolly (Westport), D Kenny (Tooreen); K Kiely (Ballyhaunis), P OFlynn (Castlegar), P Barrett (Belmullet); G Nolan (Tooreen), B Higgins (Westport); C Freeman (Tooreen) (0-1), S Hoban (Ballyhaunis) (0-7), B Hunt (Ballyhaunis); K Feeney (Tooreen) (0-8, 6f), D McDonnell (Belmullet) (0-1), F Boland (Tooreen) (1-0). Subs: K McDermott (Ballyhaunis) for Boland (55), C Scahill for Hunt (65).
QUEENS UNIVERSITY: M. McKeon, A. Carey, J.
Merron, C. McAnallen, C. Flynn, C. McClelland, M. Rafferty, D. Begley, D. Hughes (0-2), C. Mageean, C. Madden (0-1), C. Corvan (0-7, 3f), T. Morgan (02), B. Rodgers (0-2), M. Conway. Subs: D. McGarry for M. McKeon (h/t), C. Magennis for M. Rafterry (46m) J. Lavery (0-1) for Conway (50m).
REF: Killian Jones (Cill Dara).
Teachers and pupils from Bangor Erris NS decked out in their Kiltane colours ahead of their appearance in the All-Ireland intermediate club final recently.
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Padraic Prendergast, Mayo Minor All-Ireland winners from Louisburgh, receiving hi award at the Louisburgh U-21 Team presentation night
Kevin Gibbons address the crowd with Manager Ronan O'Grady at the Louisburgh U-21 Team presentation night
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FOCUS ON SLIGO FOCUS ON SLIGO FOCUS ON SLIGO
St John's GAA club officials celebrate at their annual dinner dance. (L to R): Christy Murphy, Colm Nevin Chairman, Sharon Smith, Gerry Quinn, Niall Gordon, Joe Taaffe Co. Chairman & Paddy Galvin. Photo: Michael McGee
St. Johns GAA Club celebrate

By MICHAEL McGEE St. Johns GAA Club PRO
N outstanding year for the St Johns G.A.A Club was recalled at the Annual Dinner Dance on Saturday last 1st February. Saturday was the feast day of St Brigid but Saturday night belonged to St. Johns GAA Club who celebrated an outstanding 2013 with their Minor teams winning the Shield and the Junior A & B teams also capturing County titles. In a packed Sligo Park Hotel the three teams were feted and presented with their County medals. In attendance were Chairman of the Sligo G.A.A Board Joe Taaffe, Charlie Harrison St Johns and Sligo G.A.A Star, Gene and Mary Flynn Hall of Fame Award winners, Colm Nevin Club Chairman and Officials. County Board Chairman Joe Taaffe congratulated the club on its extraordinary success and also thanked club man Paddy Galvin for his incomparable work in Markievicz Park on a daily basis. He complimented the club on their excellent facili-
ties in Cuilbeg and for the prudent way they handled their finances. He appealed to club members to support the Club Sligo initiative. He wished the club every success in the year ahead. Club Chairman Colm Nevin Congratulated the Junior A & B teams and the Minors on their success. It was brilliant for St. Johns and the most successful year for the club. He thanked everyone for their contribution to the club and for the team managers. A few people are putting in exceptional special efforts for the club and asked for more people to get involved in the club especially in the underage structure. He wished Anthony Brennan the manager of the senior team every success and asked the team to put the shoulder to the wheel in order to bring the Owen B Hunt back to St. Johns. He praised Gene and Mary Flynn who have been with the club from the start and thanked them on behalf of the club for their extraordinary work for the club. John Greene spoke eloquently what Gene and Mary Flynn have done for the club. Gene won a county minor title with Clonguish in 1951 at just 14 years of age. He won his second minor title with Stroke-
stown in 1955 and followed this up the following year a junior league title with St Barrys Rooskey. In 1959 he won the Junior league and championship double. The following year he was a member of the Erins Hope Luton team that won the league. He will always be remembered when he won the famous four in a row of senior Longford titles with the great Clonguish team in 1962,63,64,65 and again in 1969. Mary Flynn is also heavily involved with the Club and in Markievicz Park and served as 11 years as Club P.R.O. Paddy Galvin made the presentation of a replica piece of Crystal of the Sam Maugire Cup to Gene while Siobhan Smith Club Secretary presented Mary Flynn with a bouquet of flowers. Gene was asked for a few words and reminiscence on his playing career and recalled a number of humorous anecdotes. At the end of the presentations a standing ovation was given to the Flynns. The player of the year awards were presented to Senior player Tom Kelly, Junior A to Noel ODowd, Junior B to Fiachra Mooney and Brian McGowan received the Young Player of the Year Award.
Breheny back in management with St Mary's

ORMER Sligo boss, Tommy Breheny, has been appointed manager of St. Mary's senior team. He has a long association with the club, having won several honours as player and manager.
He guided the club to success at all the under-age levels, from under 14 to under 21 and was also manager of the senior team when they last won the County Championship in 2001. He is also an experienced intercounty manager, having guided Sligo to the Connacht Senior Championship back in 2007. Now the challenge will be to translate the under-age success at St.
Mary's into silverware at senior level. "The club has a great record at under-age level but it's a big step up to the senior grade," said Breheny. "The goal will be to try to build on what we've achieved with our young teams and develop a successful senior squad. "It will require a lot of hard work but I'm looking forward to the challenge."
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Another positive for Sligo GAA as Club Sligo is launched
OLLOWING the announcement of their new team sponsors and kit supplier, Sligo GAA took another positive step forward last night when they launched their new 'Club Sligo' campaign. The fund raising campaign is aimed at completing the new 22 acre Centre of Excellence at Scarden on the Strandhill Road, where the County Board have invested 1.2m to date. County Chairman Joe Taaffee welcomed over 100 people to the launch, many of whom will be involved selling tickets for Club Sligo over the coming weeks. The Centre of Excellence was a key element of the countys strategic plan for the future of GAA in Sligo, said the chairman. Sligo GAA need such a facility to help develop their youth teams, provide a permanent training base for all our county teams and to create a meeting place for the administration of GAA in Sligo. A presentation to those attending was delivered by Peter Greene, Chairman Co. Board Commercial team, John Murphy and John Clifford who developed the new Club Sligo model. An update on the development revealed that work has been ongoing on the site at Scarden over the past few weeks with Phase 1 to be completed by the end of March. To date the three playing pitches are in place with walkways and floodlighting bases in place. Weather permitting it is hoped that the county teams will be able to train on the facility in late Spring.
Lauri Quinn, Eamonn McMunn, John Clifford, John Prenty and John Murphy at the launch of Club Sligo recently.
The first Draw will take place at the National Football League match against Offaly on 2nd March in fact there will be two Draws on that occasion January and February draws. Phase 2 will commence later in the year with the creation of the Centre of Excellence Complex comprising of dressing rooms a gym and an administrative centre.
The fund-raising draw has many interesting aspects, the key points being; A Monthly Draw for all participants with 1,850 prize money each month Entitlement to purchase All-Ireland football and hurling tickets for Gold and Platinum members Ability to purchase tickets on line through the County Board website at www.sligogaa.ie Payment on a monthly basis for Silver and Bronze members Limited edition CLUB SLIGO jackets Designated Sales teams are in place and will be in contact with all GAA supporters in the County over the next few weeks.
The newly elected Sligo County Board Executive 2014. Back Row (L to R); John McPartland (Development Officer), Eddie MacHale (Asst. Treasurer), Padraig Clancy (Coaching Officer), Padraig Duffy (Connacht Council Delegate), Tommy Kilcoyne (Central Council Delegate), Brendan Leonard (Coiste na ng Chairman), Joe Queenan (Treasurer), Eamonn McMunn (Administrator), Richard Brennan (Vice-Chairman). Front row (L to R): Cyril Feehily (Children's Officer), Bernardine McGauran (Asst. Secretary), Joe Taaffe (Chairman), Gerry O'Connor (Secretary), Keith Henry (Irish & Cultural Officer), Gavin Cawley (PRO).
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Sligo renew sponsorship and supplier deal
Sligo's Neil Ewing, Joe Taaffe, County Board Chairman, Seamus Preston, General Manager Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa and Sligo player Mark Quinn unveil the new Sligo jersey.
LIGO GAA recently held a reception in the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa in to announce their kit sponsor and supplier for 2013. Joe Taaffe, County Board Chairman was joined by members of his executive team, his Finance Committee and senior players to reveal plans for the 2014 season. Mr Taaffe thanked Peter Greene, Chairman of the Commercial team and Eamonn McMunn, County Board Administrator for their exceptional work in ensuring Sligo secured premium Sponsors in challenging times. A renewal of the sponsorship contract for the senior and junior football teams with the Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Sligo was welcomed by all concerned as this relationship has grown from strength to strength over the past three years. Seamus Preston, General Manager, Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Sligo said: The Radisson Blu Hotel & Spa, Sligo is thrilled to be entering our third year sponsoring the Sligo senior and junior football teams. Over the years a strong and successful partnership has been developed between the Hotel, Sligo GAA and its members, and this is something that we certainly would like to build on. We are committed to assisting Sligo GAA to promote and develop Gaelic games in Sligo and to contribute to the future success of GAA in the county." Sligo also took full advantage of the recent change in GAA sponsorship regulations allowing an additional sponsors name to appear on the jersey for the first time. In that context Sligo GAA are delighted to announce a new sponsorship agreement with IT Sligo.
Gordon Ryan, Head of Development and Business Operations at IT Sligo, said: Sport is very much at the heart of life at IT Sligo. Now, following our long association with Sligo GAA, we are delighted to be able to increase that co-operation, with our name and logo appearing on all Sligo GAA team jerseys, increased use of our Knocknarea Arena training facilities by Sligo players, and hoardings and match programme promotion for IT Sligo at Markievicz Park. It was a momentous occasion for GAA in the county with the announcement of a new three-year deal with Kit supplier KUKRI Sports Ireland and unique in the context that Sligo are the first County team to adopt the KUKRI brand. The launch of the new Jersey for 2014 attracted a lot of interest given the new Kit
supplier KUKRI Sports Ireland and the new jersey design. A number of the senior football team players were on hand to model the new jersey which will be launched for the National League Campaign in February. Terry Jackson, General Manager & Director, Kukri Sports Ireland said: Were delighted to welcome Sligo GAA to the Kukri family. Its a historic time for us as weve received the GAA license and now welcome our first official GAA County. Were really looking forward to working with Sligo over the coming seasons. In closing proceedings Joe Taaffe, County Board Chairman thanked each one of the Sponsors announced tonight for their investment in Sligo GAA and asked all GAA patrons in the County to support each of them, where possible.
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John Kelly Sales Rep CPL Fuels Ireland presenting St Patrick's GAA Club Skreen / Dromard Sligo with their new kit for 2014. Also pictured, (L-R) are Padraig Clarke, John Kelly, Club Chairman Gerard Clarke, Secretary Michele Haugh and Darragh Clarke
Roscommon announce sponsorship for 2014

generous supporters of Gaelic Games in Roscommon in the past and their support for the Hospice movement is also very much appreciated throughout the county and beyond and we will do our best to promote and raise awareness of the great work done by the foundation, Fahey said. The Roscommon GAA man went on to say, The addition of BNP Paribas as Associate Sponsor marks the beginning of a new chapter. As the county that brought a motion to Annual Congress in 2012 seeking permission to allow increased sponsorship space on shirts we are delighted to receive the opportunity to put the rule into practice and we look forward to working with BNP Paribas Real Estate to achieve their aims. The main sponsor John Murphy proclaimed, a little over two years ago, my wife Lily and I discussed the possibility of sponsoring the team as a way of giving back to a community that was very good to me during my time in business. Sponsoring the Roscommon senior football team has given us an opportunity to do this and in doing so we were also able to support and promote the Mayo Roscommon Hospice Foundation, of which I am chairperson. We are very happy with what we have achieved so far and we wish both organisations every success in reaching their goals for 2014. Executive Director of the new Associate Sponsors said, BNP Paribas Real Estate Ireland are delighted and proud to be associated with the Sponsorship of the Roscommon GAA Senior Football Team in 2014. We are aware of some exciting and innovative plans under consideration by the Roscommon County Board to further enhance Gaelic Games within the County and are very pleased to be part of the Team.
OSCOMMON GAA have announced the renewal of their sponsorship deal with John and Lily Murphy as well as the unveiling of BNP Paribas as Associate Sponsor the team. Its the third year in a row that the senior footballers in the county will wear a logo promoting Hospice Foundations on the front of their jersey, while this year BNP, one of the largest Financial and Real Estate Institutions will feature on the back. Meanwhile, Mayo Roscommon Hospice are the chosen charity of the year for the Rossies. Since the sponsorship with John and Lily Murphy began in 2012, Roscommon GAA have in one instance contributed 11,000 to this charity in 2013. Chairman of the County Board, Michael Fahey was excited by the news: We are delighted with John and Lily Murphys continuation as our main sponsor. The Murphy family have been
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FOCUS ON CAMOGIE FOCUS ON CAMOGIE
Camogie campaign off to rocky start

Irish Daily Star Camogie League Division 1
Kilkenny .............2-11 Galway ................0-8
By Daragh Conchir
LL-IRELAND champions Galway got their Irish Daily Star Camogie League Division 1 campaign off to the worst possible start, as they fell to a voraciously hungry Kilkenny outfit in Ballinasloe. Of course, the Noresiders had the memory of their All-Ireland final loss to the westerners to motivate them and they flew out of the traps, doing most of the damage in the first half before easing to a 2-11 to 0-8 success. They looked very sharp from the outset and after the teams traded points through Michelle Quilty and Niamh Kilkenny, the opening goal came in eighth minute. Shelley Farrell was always a threat and when her shot was saved by Susan Earner, Aoife Neary finished it to the net. Maria Cooney got Galways first point from play but Kilkenny had a second goal after 19 minutes. Once more, Farrell was involved, combining well with Marie Dargan. Earner actually gathered possession but was blocked down by Quilty, who did the needful from close range. Denise Gaule, Dargan and Farrell all added points to leave it 2-6 to 0-4 at the interval. Any hopes of a second-half surge from Galway were extinguished fairly quickly as Quilty and Gaule (two frees) stretched the margin to 11 points. Had their shooting been better, the advantage would have been even greater. They were able to empty the bench
ON FORM: Niamh Kilkenny hit seven points, but it wasn't enough for Galway to get their NHL Camogie season off to a winning start against Kilkenny. Photo: Paul Mohan / SPORTSFILE early and with Mairead Power, Edwina Keane and Elaine Aylward forming a brilliant half-back division, and Aisling Dunphy on top at midfield, Galway were always struggling. The switch of Heather Cooney to fullback did have a positive effect for the hosts, who were missing seven of their AllIreland winning team. They were too reliant on Niamh Kilkenny for scores though and she added four second-half points to bring her tally to seven. SCORERS Kilkenny: M Quilty 1-3, D Gaule 0-5 (3f), A Neary 1-0, M Dargan, S Farrell & C Dormer 0-1 each. Galway: N Kilkenny 0-7 (5f, 145), M Cooney 0-1. GALWAY: S Earner; T Kenny, S Dervan, H Cooney;
P Kenny, L Ryan (c), T Manton; N Kilkenny, D Burke; E Haverty, C McGrath, E Kilkelly; O McGrath, M Cooney, A Donohue.
Roscommon girls begin quest for promotion

By MICHAEL OBRIEN
Roscommon Herald
MAY 4th is the date of the camogie league final, and its the date Roscommon manager Darren Owens has pencilled in for his side as they get their camogie league campaign underway. After their opener against Armagh, Roscommons other opponents in Division Three include Carlow (home), Westmeath (away) and Dublin (home). And Owens expects to have a full panel to pick from. We have a very committed bunch of players and the numbers have increased with players returning. Some of them had exams recently, Darren Owens said. Were working off a panel of around 20 players and with the commitment from everyone, we hope to compete strongly in the league, added Darren, who wished to thank Ciara Moran and Peter Mullen from Roscommon Camogie Board for all their support. Darren Owens is joined in the management set-up by Johnny Benton. Roscommon senior player Ian Delaney will also be helping out with the team. Living in Kiltoom, Tipperary native Owens managed the St. Dominics intermediate football team for three years. With a lot of experienced players to call on, hes understandably confident about his sides chances in Division Three. As always, Annette McGeeney will be expected to play a leading role, as will Niamh Coyle and Kelley Hopkins. Caitriona Morris and Aisling Fallon are solid defenders and theyll need to be on their game to drive the team tot he league final.
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McKeon delighted with fresh start
EITRIM defender Wayne McKeon says he is ready to draw a line under his exclusion from the squad last year for disciplinary issues. McKeon, Conor and Toms Beirne and Shane Moran were all dropped from the Leitrim squad by former managers Barney Breen and George Dugdale after their win over New York in the Connacht championship. And after the torture of watching from the sidelines, McKeon is delighted to be given a fresh chance by new boss Sean Hagan. Absolutely it's great to be back. Last
year is done and dusted. The slate is wiped clean. What I want to do this year is push forward and win games, said McKeon. Of course it is tough to look on once you are kicked off. You wouldnt be doing it otherwise. You obviously want everything to go well for Leitrim, but there is no better feeling that putting on that Leitrim jersey at the end of the day. It was very tough to look on, and unfortunately they didn't go any further at the end of it. Hopefully we can go on another step this year. McKeon was one of the stars of Leitrim's FBD League win last year their first silverware since the 1994 Connacht championship win under John O'Mahony but retaining their crown comes second to
gaining promotion, he says. Our main target is to get out of division four this year. Big time. We don't want any slip ups this year. We slipped up two or three times last year with simple errors that cost us games. That was our own fault. If we didn't have that we might have been in Croke Park playing a league final. But we have to learn to not let teams back into games. We'll just keep trying to win games and see where it gets us. But it's very good so far, Sean is very good. Everything is looked after for the players, but he wants perfection and we want perfection as a team. Hopefully against Galway we can pick up another win and give ourselves a chance of retaining the title, said McKeon.
Mulligan delighted to be named captain again

AFTER being named as Leitrim captain for the year, Emlyn Mulligan, says he is proud to lead the county and has targeted promotion to division three as his main aim. Mulligan also skippered the Ridge County last season and led the side to FBD League success, but after being asked to fill the role again by his fellow squad members, he is deeply honoured. Obviously it is great to be named captain again. Any time you are named captain of your county you take it with both hands. This year it was put to a players' vote as well. All the lads had their say and that makes it that big nicer too, knowing that your teammates want you to lead them. I am always honoured to captain my county and every time I step out in that jersey I am proud to wear it, said Mulligan, whose championship campaign was hampered by injury last year. But it's all a stepping stone. I look forward to the year ahead under Sean and the new management. Everything looks positive so far so hopefully we have a successful 2014, he said.
Michael Martin, Chairperson, National GAA Coaching and Games Committee, Des Sheeran, Connacht GAA Tutor Trainer and Michael McGeehan, Director, Coaching Ireland, at a graduation ceremony of new GAA Tutor Trainers, held in Croke Park.
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CONNACHT GAA ANNUAL CONVENTION
President praises counties, clubs and schools for splendid 2013 A

S part of his address to the Connacht GAA Annual Convention, Connacht GAA President, Frank Burke insisted that Mayo footballers had raised the bar for the other counties in the province and that he was certain the Green and Red would be back to challenge for All-Ireland glory in 2014. Mr Burke also praised London for their historic path to a first Connacht football final and praised the province's successful clubs, minor and U-21 teams who guaranteed such a bountiful year for GAA in Connacht. He said: A Iar Uachtarin, oifigigh an Chomhairle, oifigigh eile agus a dhaoine uaisle. Is bre liom forchaoin filte a fhearradh romhaibh uilig go Comhdhil Chonnacht 2013. Seo an chad uair at r gComhdhil reachtil anseo sa Cheannrus galnta seo: Ionad Cumann Lthchleas Gael Chonnacht. Go deimhin is fidir linn a bheith anbhrdil as na hiseanna agsla at curtha I lthair agus tar is imeachta na bliana at thart sna pirceanna agus san Ionad, nl aon dabht ach go gcuirfidh said go mr le forbairt an Chumainn sna blianta at romhainn. Iarraim ar na condaethe, na clubanna agus ar na scoileanna teagmhil lenr noifigigh agus sid a ghnoth dibh fin. Ag breath siar ar an bhliain at thart, is for go raibh sr sasr ag firne Chonnacht. In the club championships we had St. Thomas', St. Brigids and Ballinasloe capturing All-Ireland Club titles; we had Galway and Mayo capturing the All-Ireland U-21 and Minor Football titles respectively;
WELCOME ON BOARD . . . Proinsias de Burca,

Uachtarn, welcomes Padraic Duffy as the new PRO for Connacht GAA.
Galway camogie took the Senior and Intermediate titles on the same day; St Brigid's Loughrea and St Attracta's Tubbercurry captured their respective All-Irelands; Carnacon Ladies took the senior club title and Galway Minor Ladies Football had their great success. I heartily congratulate all involved in these great success stories and I salute them on the great honours which they have brought to our province. A comprehensive record of all the achievements of clubs, counties and col-
leges in the province is provided in Tuarascil an Rna and I thank our Rna Cige John Prenty for another excellent summary and thought provoking commentary on our affairs. We are indeed indebted to John, Adrian and all the Council staff for their hard work, dedication and efficiency at all times. At this point, I wish to congratulate our Provincial representatives Castlebar Mitchels, Kiltane and Fuerty in football; Portumna, Kilnadeema-Leitrim and Calry/St. Joseph's in hurling and on behalf of the Council I pledge them our full support and assistance in their upcoming challenges in the All-Ireland series. It is heartening to see the teams from the province so successful and consistently competitive in the various grades and this of course reflects appropriately on the high levels of competition and organisation in the five counties. Any reflection on the 2013 Connacht Senior Football championship will focus on Mayo's emphatic victories and London's march to their first ever Connacht Final. I want on behalf of the Council to congratulate London on the progress they have achieved and to say it is a just reward for the hard work and perseverance in promoting Gaelic games, overcoming much adversity in terms of travel, lack of resources and competition. Again I wish to acknowledge the very significant social comforts and supports which our overseas GAA clubs continue to provide so effectively for our young and sometimes vulnerable emigrants. Many are from our own GAA clubs and their continued involvement in our games is a huge positive on many fronts. London foot-
At the Connacht GAA Chomhdil Bliantil, 2013 were, from left: Michael McHugh, Dr Mickey Loftus, and Michael Rock.
Handball Executive Officers, from left: John McLoughlin, Peter Heaney, Chairman, and John Kennedy, Treasurer at the Connacht GAA Chomhdil Bliantil.
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An An Chomhdil Bliantil, 2013, were from (L to R): Hugh Lynn, Dev. Officer; John Prenty, Connacht GAA Secretary; Brian Stenson, Delegate; Michael Fahey, Chairman, Roscommon GAA; Brian Carroll, Secretary.
ballers under our own Paul Coggins ought to be very proud of the 2013 championship performances and I wish them well in the future. Futhermore, the decision of Central Council during the year to support the redevelopment of the Emerald Grounds in Ruislip with a grant assistance of over 2m is a huge boost to London GAA. Obviously the new facility will be of significant benefit to Connacht when hosting the annual championship fixture there. Mayo were worthily crowned Connacht Senior football champions for the third season in a row and were All-Ireland finalists for the second consecutive year. All of Connacht fully supported your AllIreland games and we are very proud of you as ambassadors of Connacht football. The County Board, team management and players are deserving of great credit for bringing your game to such high levels. You have raised the bar for the other counties and I know that they are working hard on responding with much more competitive challenges in the 2014 championship. The council is indebted to our County Boards and Grounds Committees in the major stadia for their assistance and cooperation particularly in hosting our championship games. The new requirements for Health and Safety posed challenges for all our grounds and I commend the committees in Pirc Sen Mac Diarmada, Hyde Park, MacHale Park, Markievicz Park, Pearse Stadium and Tuam Stadium on the priority projects completed. The 60% funding available from Central Council is a good incentive and I know that further advances in this area will be achieved in the coming year as we strive towards meeting the highest standards in player and patron comfort and safety. My predecessor Paddy Naughton is chairman of the National Infrastructure Committee
and I commend him highly for his leadership and professional support to the major projects around the country and in Britain. Finally, in relation to physical development I wish to publicly affirm that Connacht Council will welcome and enthusiastically support an application from Roscommon for the appropriate developments and remedial work at Hyde Park. Hopefully, such an application can be processed in 2014 so that all reasonable requirements can be met particularly given the strategic importance of the venue within the province. The problems facing our many small rural community clubs are very challenging and in some instances overwhelming. Many have the best of facilities, excellent coaching structures and proud histories. However, due to declining population and particularly the emigration of many of their young players, the capacity to field teams is threatened. This process is robbing communities that were hitherto vibrant of a vital spirit
Roscommon's County Board Chairman, Michael Fahey, pictured at the recent Connacht GAA Chomhdil Bliantil
that adorned a high quality of life. I fully realise that the GAA cannot fully redeem this situation on its own but I welcome the initiative being progressed under the leadership of Seosamh MacDonncha where the GAA will become a leader in the promotion and expansion of entrepreneurship in rural Ireland. If it helps to sustain the population in one rural community alone, it will be a success. I am delighted that his committee in conjunction with the Innovation Academy UCD have organised a Rural Entrepreneurship Certificate programme to be facilitated here in Ionad Chonnacht for 30 participants over a period of 18 weeks in early 2014. I wish the project well and I know that over time it will impact very positively on treasured community clubs. Arising from motion passed at Congress 2013 a new subcommittee is to be established in each county namely the Health and Wellbeing Committee. The purpose of these committees is to provide for the health needs of our members across a whole range from Mental Health to substance abuse and health promotion. It is important that through these new structures we redouble our efforts and focus on issues such as alcohol/drug abuse, mental health and suicide. Given the GAA structures that are in place we have the capacity to reach out far and wide communicating with the vulnerable and implementing an intervention and support programme to good effect. Already under Colin Regan's leadership, commendable advances have been achieved in developing and rolling out programmes. I also wish to acknowledge the excellent psychological services available to our players through the G.P.A. and particularly so in response to the trauma experienced by Galway hurlers recently. During 2013 the GAA sponsored an
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At Chomhdil Bliantil, 2013, were from (L to R): John Fallon, Editor, Into the West; Joe Taffe and Tmas Connors.
At An Chomhdil Bliantil, 2013, were from (L to R): John Prenty, Connacht GAA Secretary; Tommy Morahan, Connacht PRO, who retires this year, and Sen Martin.
exciting initiative which was piloted in Counties Roscommon, Galway and Kildare. The Dermot Early Leadership Programme provided for the training of leaders to Certificate Level in conjunction with Forige and NUIG and they in turn are now training/introducing youth participants in Club officership roles and administration. Again I thank the County Boards, Colin Regan and Michael Maguire for their efforts in a project with long term benefits for our clubs. I welcome the considerable progress being achieved under Connacht Coiste Iomna during the year. The introduction of the Tin League for clubs was very successful and hopefully in 2014 all of the clubs invited will participate. This competition has the potential to drive hurling forward in the four counties. I was also very pleased with the Intermediate Final between Roscommom and Mayo and it certainly contributed to the championship occasion. There is significant expenditure in Connacht hurling via the counties, coaching and projects and it is vitally important that we are getting the best possible return. Accordingly, the Council and Coiste Iomna officers will meet with clubs to reflect with clubs on our activities, progress and possibilities. I thank the Coiste Iomna officers for their earnest commitment and to Damien Coleman for his leadership and good coordination of activities. Toms O'Connor has completed his three year term as Cathaoirleach. I thank him for his valued contribution and I look forward to Stephen Cahalan leading Connacht hurling with similar commitment. A highlight in 2013 was the staging of a first ever International Hurling Festival in Galway. It proved an outstanding success with teams converging on Gort, Loughrea, Ballinasloe and Galway from all over the world competing in a well organised tournament. I thank Aer Lingus and particularly Mike Greally Deputy CEO for their generous sponsorship. This was the GAA's biggest Gathering project and I ap-
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plaud Galway County Board, the Hurling Committee, and all involved for an initiative that meant so much to so many. The area of Coaching and Games Development is very well provided for in the province. I thank Brendan Colleran, John Tobin and colleagues for their leadership management and for overseeing a wide ranging coaching programme. The Cul Camps have been very successful again and the coaches going into schools in conjunction with the counties is a strategic support that will pay dividends. In this regard I appeal to every club to ensure that their coaching officer liaises with the local schools and respond in so far as is possible to the schools needs for the promotion of our games. A good supporting relationship with their schools is fundamental for each of our community clubs. The requirement to have a qualified coach in every management team is an overdue development. From the beginning of 2016 each county and club team management must contain an Award 2 and Award 1 coach respectively. Progressing from this by the beginning of the 2018 season all inter county head coaches will be Award 2 level and all club head coaches will be Award 1 level. This should ensure an adherence to the implementation of proper coaching and training programmes and working to the highest standards across the board. In addition I trust it will lead to many more home grown coaches taking charge of teams. Denis O'Boyle chairman, Mattie Kilroy secretary and all their colleagues on the Inclusion and Integration Committee are overseeing an excellent programme of initiatives. This should in the long term enhance the GAA environment and have a positive impact on the membership experience for all. Well done to John Hopkins for his work promoting Wheelchair Hurling in Connacht. Cumann na mBunscol are performing very successfully in Connacht. There are
up to 500 primary schools participating in competitions and activities across the five counties. I thank the officers in each county and in the province for their co-operation and commitment to advancing Gaelic games. I am very pleased with the degree of positive engagement with our games and introduction of new families through the well organised Cumann na mBunscol activities and I call on all our members to show appreciation for the important contribution of primary schools to our games development programmes. The amalgamation of colleges and vocational schools competitions will lead to more local and more competitive games, new rivalries and hopefully it will be easier to streamline a fixtures programme. I warmly welcome the sponsorship of the Connacht Post Primary competitions by NUIG and I know that this is a partnership that is strategic and beneficial to both the colleges and NUIG. For the Connacht hurling competitions new perpetual trophies are being dedicated to John Ryan, Keith Hayes, Barry Burke and Paul Flynn; four outstanding young hurling men whom we fondly remember. I thank Paddy Naughton chairman and all his colleagues in the schools for their outstanding commitment progressing the games programme often in challenging circumstances. Connacht Council greatly appreciates the excellent work for the promotion of Gaelic games in NUIG, GMIT, GMIT Castlebar, IT Sligo and Letterfrack. These colleges are home to many players and it is important that they have a proper games programme. I thank our college personnel, Damien Curley GMIT, Michael O' Connor NUIG, Michael Harte IT Sligo and I emphasise we are very pleased to have NUIG, GMIT and IT Sligo participate in the F.B.D. League. The competition was always meant to be a January pre-season programme for all and I thank the Connacht counties for their cooperation on the matter.

tation of teams and grounds, refereeing and general organisation through the Feile experience has served the association well. The bonding of families and communities across the island has been unrivalled. However I believe there is need for some change retracing the original focus of Seamus O' Riain's original concept and rigorously enforcing the appropriate disciplines to eliminate extravagant costs and elements of elitism. Feile has been a young lifetime highlight for thousands of young boys and girls. Let's broaden its scope and enhance the experience for future generations. I warmly welcome the hosting of Feile Peil na nOg in Connacht in 2014 and I strongly encourage the cooperation of all in ensuring that it be enjoyable and successful. I thank our Leas Uachtarin Michael Rock for his efficient stewardship of the CCC and Scor Committees. Similarly I thank all of the Council Members for their courtesy, dedication and genuine support. Sincere appreciation to our hardworking Treasurer John Hopkins for his excellent organisation and management of the Council's finances. I wish to congratulate all our winners at Scor particularly Aghamore Ballad group Scor na nOg, Clanna Gael Question Time Scor Sinsear and St Dominics Bailead Grupa on their All-Ireland titles. Iarraim ar gach einne agus ar na clubanna a bheith dilis dr gcultur agus pirt a glacadh i Scor sa bhliain at romhainn. Tonight Tommy Moran(Liatroim) steps down as Oifigeach Chaidreamh Poibli for the Council. He has given years of unstinting and loyal service to the Council in various capacities. I salute a true legend, a man of great humour and wit, a great contributor to debate and always loyal to the Council. He enhanced our Awards Scheme, the promotion of the Championships, was a terrific MC and together with Media West (Ireland) he has ensured 'Into the West' continues to be a successful promotional publication. I very much regret to be losing Sean Martin from the Council also. Sean made a huge contribution both at meetings and in activities. He was most obliging, has a huge interest in refereeing and will be missed. I wish both well in the future and I welcome Padraig Duffy as our new PRO and Brian Stenson as the new delegate from Roscommon. Ag breathnu siar aris ar imeachtai 2013 let's be proud of the array of successes achieved by our clubs, schools and counties. Let's continue to build on the progress achieved on many fronts, let there be unity of purpose across all our committees, let's continue to develop systems, facilities and resources and with this new Centre of Excellence as our hub for Connacht GAA, all our representative teams can be even more successful in 2014.
Pictured at An Chomhdil Bliantil, 2013, were from (L to R): John Prenty, Secretary, Connacht GAA; Paddy Naughton, President Emeritus, Connacht GAA; Tommy Moran, who has concluded his term as Connacht PRO; and Lauri Quinn, President Emeritus, Connacht GAA.
The adoption of most of the Football Review Committee recommendation at last Congress was progressive and should enhance the spectacle and appeal of the game into the future. In particular the introduction of the black card should eliminate much of the cynical fouling which has become blight on the game. The application of the cards and implementation of the new rules have gone well in the January leagues and I thank all involved in refereeing for preparing so well for the challenge. Part 2 of the Football Review Committee Report was published pre-Christmas and I broadly welcome the proposal to create four eights in the Provincial Championships. It should prove a palatable proposal and if implemented should bring a better balance and frequency of games in the Championship. I am very pleased that the Council has again this year provided bursaries for students from the province in Third Level education. Thirty-nine awardees are receiving 750 each in support of their studies. These students have been selected based on their prowess and potential in Gaelic football, camogie, hurling, ladies Gaelic football and administration. I know their families greatly appreciate this support and I wish them well in both their studies and in sport. I thank John Prenty, Adrian Hassett, John Tobin and Seamus O' Grady for their very fair and efficient management of the Bursary Scheme. Referee development has been identified as a priority target for progress and I am pleased to inform Convention that an excellent programme of referee education and training has been overseen by Michael Monaghan the Connacht Referees Co-ordinator, Sean Martin, Francie Finan and their colleagues on the Referee Committee. I thank them for their consistency and commitment to the programme on an ongoing basis and I am satisfied that a number of our younger referees are performing well and hopefully they will progress to the front line of referees in the seasons ahead.
I am delighted that both the Connacht Centre facilities and the services of strength and conditioning coach, Cathal Cregg are being used in furthering our referee development programme. The whole area of financial discipline allied to fundraising, preparing and keeping to budgets and at the same time resourcing our activities properly is now a huge responsibility on our officers at every level. I acknowledge the huge commitment of County Committee officers towards prudent management and the guidance and support of the Financial Management Committee in Croke Park is now widely availed of and much appreciated. The novel National Club Draw now in progress was an excellent initiative. I thank the Ard Stiurthoir Paraic Duffy for his huge input in getting the draw to become possible and to the National Finance Committee for organising and promoting it. I encourage all clubs to avail of a terrific opportunity to raise funds at no expense. Feile na Gael and Feile Peil na nOg are now the subject of a review. The Feile concept has been a highly successful vehicle for the promotion of our games for over four decades now. The pursuit of excellence in the areas of coaching, presen-
Gerry O'Connor, Sligo Secretary, pictured at the Connacht GAA Chomhdil Bliantil.
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AROUND THE PROVINCE AROUND THE PROVINCE AROUND THE PROVINCE
NUI Galway sponsor provincial N

UI Galway recently announced their sponsorship of the Connacht GAA Post Primary Schools Championship Competitions. The three-year sponsorship of the competitions will also include NUI, Galway sponsoring the Man of the Match awards for the Post Primary Championship finals. Speaking at the event, Kathy Hynes, Development Officer for Clubs and Participation in NUI, Galway, said that the sponsorship was an important element in their promotion of sport and especially Gaelic games. She said that a strong unit such as the GAA can influence healthy living within a community and as we in NUI, Galway consider ourselves a community we would like to align ourselves with any organisation that can lead to a better university and society, said Ms Hynes. A sizeable percentage of teachers in schools throughout the province attended NUI, Galway at some stage of their third level education. Many are actively involved in coaching in the schools, for their counties and indeed in the clubs. We, in NUI, Galway would like to continually develop links with teachers, their schools and communities. It is hoped that in some small way that this association with Connacht post primary schools and their famed competitions in hurling and football can lead to deeper links in coaching, sharing of idea's, facilities as they are developed and a broadening of the ideal that a healthy young adult can be a leader in their community through sport, whatever level they are involved in. NUI, Galway as a university and the university sports unit are delighted to be associated with the promotion of healthy
Pictured at the NUI Galway Connacht GAA post primary competition launch recently where a cup was presented by Galway GAA in memory of the late Paul Flynn were Back row (L to R): Jason Flynn, Lizzie Flynn, Gerry Flynn, Rose Anne Flynn and Michael Flynn.
living, strong educational units, confident young adults entering third level education and leaders of their respective communities in the years to come, she said. President of Comhairle Connacht, Frank Burke, thanked the University for their sponsorship of the competitions and that it was a welcome development in the promotion of Gaelic Games in the province to have a third level University so intrinsically linked with competitions that were important in development of students both as players and young adults. Mr Burke also thanked the teachers that so freely offered their time in the promotion of Gaelic Games in their respective schools. He acknowledged the great work
carried out by the provincial post primary schools committee and the county post primary schools committees in providing games to the thousands of young people that wish to participate in Gaelic games throughout the province. The Connacht GAA President said that having a balance between academic achievement and sport was important in the development of any young person and the benefits of which were both and advantage to the student and society overall. On the night the families of John Ryan, Keith Hayes, Barry Burke and Paul Flynn were thanked in donating cups to the Senior A, Senior B, Senior C and the Junior A Hurling Championship competitions.
Pictured at the launch of the NUI Galway Connacht GAA post primary competitions in NUI Galway recently where a cup was presented by Galway GAA in memory of the late Keith Hayes were Noel Treacy, Chairman Galway county board, Noreen Hayes, Al Hayes and Frank Burke, President Connacht GAA.
Three generations of footballers who represent the history of football over the last 60 years in Galway pictured at the launch of the NUIG Connacht GAA postprimary schools championship were L to R: Christy Tyrrell (president of Galway GAA), Mairtin McDermott (St Mary's College), grandson of Galway legend Bosco McDermott and John Tobin (Connacht GAA games manager) and former Galway footballer.
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Post Primary competitions
The Burke family pictured at the NUI Galway Connacht GAA post primary championship launch recently as a cup to the memory of the late Barry Burke was presented by Galway GAA. Front row (L to R): Paula Burke, Susan Burke, Colm Burke, Maresa Burke, Lorraine Burke. Back row: John Burke, Patrick Burke, Adrian Burke, Colin Burke.
Pictured at the NUI Galway Connacht GAA post primary schools championship launch in NUI Galway recently where a Cup was presented in memory of the late John Ryan by Galway GAA. Back row (L to R): Pat Forde, Anne Forde, Dolores Geaney, Anne Ryan, Pascal Ryan, Lorraine Ryan. Front row: Sinead Ryan, Siobhan Ryan, Darina Ryan, Eanna Ryan.
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Southall Shamrock players with their Team Manager, Brendan Doherty, their teachers, and Connacht GAA coaches, at the end of their training session at the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence in Bekan.
Southall Shamrocks visit Connacht GAA Centre

By DENIS O'BOYLE Inclusion and Integration Officer
LONDON-BASED Underage GAA team, Southall Shamrocks, made up of descendants of African, Asian and Indian families, who are now living in London, attended a training session recently at the Connacht GAA Centre under the guidance of coaches Eanna Casey (Mayo) and Liam Og Gormley (Sligo). They trained from 9am to 10.30am before flying back to London from Knock Airport. Their Geography teacher and Team Manager, Brendan Doherty, is a native of Curry, Co. Sligo, and is the main driving
force behind this Southall Shamrocks team. He deserves tremendous credit for promoting Gaelic Football in his school. Because of Brendans enthusiasm and initiative, Gaelic Football is now part of the PE Curriculum in Featherstone High School, London. He said: The team are all students attending West Londons Featherstone High School which has 1500 students, 99 percent of whom are of an ethnic minority. The school make up is quite diverse. The largest three groups are as follows: 40% Asian, 22% Somali and 17% Pakistani. The school is located in a quite disadvantaged area, free school meals in the UK on average are 28% in each school, where Featherstone High School is 52%. Some of the students playing were
born in Germany and Holland. Some had never left England before this trip to Ireland and others have parents from Afghanistan, Somali and Nigeria, said Brendan Doherty. Southall Shamrocks visited Croke Park on Monday 17th February, as well as playing teams at Pearse Stadium, Galway, the next day on Tuesday, as part of their short three day trip to Ireland which ended at 10.30am on Wednesday morning, 19th February, with their coaching session in the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence in Bekan. Brendan Doherty contacted his former NUIG GAA coach, Adrian Hassett, who helped him arrange this three-day visit which he hopes will become an annual event.
Coaches Eanna Casey (Mayo) and Liam Og Gormley (Sligo) offer some advice on Gaelic Football skills to Southall Shamrocks players.
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Connacht GAA promotes GAA Rounders during 2014
President of GAA Rounders, Joe Donoghue, presenting a Rounders Bat, together with the Rules of GAA Rounders and the GAA Rounders Strategic Plan 2013-2016, to representatives of each of the five counties in Connacht. Front (L to R) John Prenty, Secretary of the Connacht Council, Denis OBoyle, Chairperson Connacht GAA Inclusion and Integration Committee, Joe Donoghue, President of GAA Rounders, Michael Rock, VicePresident, Connacht GAA Council, Tommy Moran, PRO Connacht GAA Council and Tony Watene, National Inclusion Officer. Back (L to R) Cyril Feehily, (Sligo and a Member of the National Inclusion and Integration Committee), Barry Lowe, (Roscommon), Mattie Kilroy, (Galway and Chairperson Connacht Social Initiative) Tim Hynes, (Sligo), Gerry Mc Govern, (Leitrim) Padraig Staunton, (Mayo) and Luke Fitzmaurice (Mayo).
NE of the key targets set by the Connacht GAA Inclusion and Integration Committee for 2014, is to promote the development of GAA Rounders in Connacht. As part of this promotion, Joe Donoghue, President of GAA Rounders, attended a recent meeting of the Connacht Inclusion and Integration Committee. He presented a Rounders Bat, together with the Rules of GAA Rounders and the GAA Rounders Strategic Plan 2013-2016, to all the five County Inclusion
and Integration Officers in Connacht, in order to help promote GAA Rounders in each of the five counties in Connacht. Mr Donoghue informed the meeting that Rounders was included in the GAA charter back in 1884. He said that GAA Rounders is played by all age groups from Primary School children all the way up to and including senior level. There are mixed teams where boys and girls, men and women can play on the one team. As GAA Rounders is a limited contact sport it is perfect for both recreational and competitive play and it also develops good hand eye coordination. However, Mr Donoghue stated that out of the 21 GAA Rounders Clubs that cur-
rently exits in Ireland, there are just two official GAA Rounders Clubs in Connacht, i.e., Athenry, Co. Galway and Ballintubber in Co. Roscommon. According to the GAA Rounders Strategic Plan 2013-2016, it is hoped that more GAA Rounders Clubs will be established in Connacht in the near future. If you are interested in setting up a GAA Rounders Club or finding out more about GAA Rounders, you can visit their website at HYPERLINK "http://www.gaarounders.ie/"www.gaaroun ders.ie or you can contact Joe Donoghue, President of GAA Rounders at 0877523003 or Shirley Roche 087-2021749, Secretary of GAA Rounders.
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M. DONNELLY GAA WHEELCHAIR HURLING LEAGUE
Connacht GAA host first M Donnelly Wheelchair hurling inter-provincial league
Frank Burke, President of the Connacht GAA Council, Tony Watene, National GAA Inclusion Officer, together with members of the Connacht GAA Inclusion and Integration Committee, supporting the Connacht GAA Wheelchair Hurling team, which took part in Round I of the M.Donnelly GAA Wheelchair Hurling Inter-Provincial League, held in Presentation College, Athenry, Co. Galway.
ISTORY was made in Athenry on Saturday 8th February 2014, when the first ever M Donnelly GAA Wheelchair Hurling Inter-Provincial League took place in the Sportshall of Presentation College, Athenry. This event was hosted by Connacht GAA and Munster took top honours, with Connacht in second place, in this Round One of the M Donnelly GAA Wheelchair Hurling InterProvincial League. The Wheelchair Hurling Inter-Provincial League is sponsored by myclubshop.ie and saw Munster come away with two
comfortable wins first up, culminating in a battle royale with Connacht in the last game of the day to see who would take the spoils. The result was a 1-1 draw and this was indeed the match of the day. Connacht had a last minute goal scored against them by Leinster to end in a two all draw in their first game. However they made amends in their second game with a five goal defeat of Ulster. Unfortunately, it was a day to forget for the Ulster team who were on the wrong side of two heavy defeats. Maybe it was the travel, but you can be sure of one thing, scores posted like those against them at the weekend won't happen in Belfast, the venue for Round Two on Saturday 26th April.
The Sportshall in Presentation College, Athenry proved a wonderful success as a venue for this event. On behalf of the Connacht GAA Inclusion and Integration Committee, it is important to thank Deputy Principal, Cathal Moore most sincerely for all his kind help and support in making last Saturdays M Donnelly GAA Wheelchair Hurling Inter- Provincial Wheelchair Hurling League: Round 1, a tremendous success. As this was the first ever such event to be organised by Connacht GAA, we are most grateful to Gerry Doherty, Principal, and the Board of Management, for allowing the use of Presentation College as the venue for this event. Eight Transition Year Students, volunteered to help on the day and were indeed
The Connacht GAA Wheelchair Hurling squad after a recent training session in Barnacarroll Hall. The panel are currently in preparation for their upcoming interprovincial league which will be held in Athenry on Saturday 8th Febuary in the Presentation College Sports Gymnasium. Back (LtoR): Mark Mahon, Shane Curran, Tim Hynes, Cathal Cregg, Peter Egan, Liam Moffett, Adrian Hession. Front (LtoR): Fergal Mahon, Pat Carty, Aidan Hynes, Steven Melvin, Shane Curran, Sara Cregg, Tom Fleming.
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M. DONNELLY GAA WHEELCHAIR HURLING LEAGUE

a credit to Presentation College, Athenry, for their remarkable good cheer and cooperation throughout the day. They really made a difference in making it a very well organised event. Adrian Hession, Connacht GAA Wheelchair Hurling Coach, was unable to attend on this occasion as he was playing in Oran, Co. Roscommon for his home club, Tooreen. Adrians able deputies on the day were Ray McNamara and Cathal Gregg, who coached the team. Ray also ensured, once again, that all the Connacht players had the use of the Mayo Sports Partnership Sports Wheelchairs. The members of the Connacht Team are as follows: Aiden Hynes (Calry-Sligo), Tommy Flemin (Charlestown-Mayo), Stephen Melvin (Sligo Town), Shane Curran (Moycullen-Galway), Fergal Mohan (Frenchpark-Roscommon), David Tarpey (Ardrahan-Galway), Pat Carty (Tourlestrane-Sligo), Peter Egan (Kilmovee-Mayo), and Sarah Cregg (Frenchpark-Roscommon) Frank Burke, President of the Connacht GAA Council, welcomed all in attendance from the four provinces. He complimented all the members of the Connacht Inclusion and Integration Committee who were responsible for organising this historic event and who were present to offer their continued support to the Connacht GAA Wheelchair Hurling Team. Round 2 of the M Donnelly GAA Wheelchair Hurling Inter-Provincial League will take place on Saturday 26th April in Belfast. However, for those interested in becoming involved in Wheelchair Hurling in Connacht, John Hopkins, is the Connacht GAA Wheelchair Hurling Co-ordinator and together with Adrian Hession Connacht GAA Wheelchair Hurling Coach, have organised the next coaching sessions as follows: Saturday 8th March at 11.30am til 1.00pm in Barnacarroll Hall. Saturday 29th March at 11.30am til 1.00pm in Barnacarroll Hall. Saturday 19th April at 11.30am til 1.00pm in Barnacarroll Hall. Round 2: Saturday 26th April in Belfast For further information you can contact Adrian at adrian.hession.gpo. mayo@gaa.ie
The recent Connacht GAA Wheelchair Hurling session was a special event for young Shane Curran (Moycllen) who got to meet and play with his hero and namesake Shane Curran (St Brigid's). Young Shane is seen here giving the thumbs up to his namesake and to Connacht GAA Wheelchair Hurling who made the meeting possible.
RESULTS
Match 1 Match 2 Match 3 Match 4
W D
Pts
Munster Connacht Leinster Ulster
3 3 3 3
2 1 1 2 1 1 0 0
0 0 1 3
11 1 8 4 0 3 7
10 5 3
7 5 4 0
Leinster 2 : Connacht 2 Ulster 0 : Munster 5
12 12
Munster 5 : Leinster 0 Connacht 5 : Ulster 0 Leinster 2 : Ulster 0
LEADING GOAL SCORERS J.McCarthy 4 Munster M. Noonan 4 Munster S. Melvin 3 Connacht A. Hynes 2 Connacht
Match 5 Match 6
Connacht 1 : Munster 1
A. Hennebry 2 Leinster P. J Noonan 2 Munster
Vol 4. Issue 11 March 2014
Connacht fin ally do it

Clubs set for AllIreland glory
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President of GAA Rounders, Joe Donoghue, presenting a Rounders Bat, together with the Rules of GAA Rounders and the GAA Rounders Strategic Plan 2013-2016, to Connacht GAA Council. Front (L to R) Tony Watene, National Inclusion Officer, John Prenty, Secretary of the Connacht GAA Council, Joe Donoghue, President of GAA Rounders, Denis OBoyle Connacht GAA Inclusion and Integration Officer, Cyril Feehily, Member of the National Inclusion and Integration Committee.
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Page 72
Leitrim hit by McCrann blow
EITRIM football has been handed another injury hammer blow with the news that keeper Cathal McCrann could miss the entire Allianz League Division Four campaign through injury. A spokesman for the Leitrim GAA County Board confirmed that McCrann has suffered a hairline fracture to his collar bone and has been ruled out of action for at least a month, a time span that could see him miss the remainder of the Allianz League campaign. McCrann sat out the recent clash with Carlow in Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada and
Cathal McCrann in ction for Leitrim during last year's Connacht championship. Photo: Matt Browne / SPORTSFILE
the trips to Wicklow and Waterford and faces a race against time to be fit for the games against Tipperary (March 30) and London (April 6). The Leitrim net-minder suffered the injury in a club game against Mohill, almost a year on from a broken arm he suffered against Clare in the 2013 League. It is is expected that Ballinamore Sean OHeslins Philip Farrelly will take over from the Gortletteragh man but McCranns absence is a major blow to Leitrims League hopes. McCranns injury will compound the absence of full-forward Tomas Beirne who is recovering after an operation following injuries received in a traffic accident last weekend.
Horan calls for black card consistency

By EDWIN McGREAL Mayo News
AYO manager James Horan fears anarchy following the introduction of the black card in Gaelic football. Two Mayo players Kevin McLoughlin and Kevin Keane were ejected from Mayo's final FBD Connacht League game against IT Sligo for what referee Ray McBrien deemed cynical play. But Horan labelled some of the decisions made by the Leitrim official crazy. The Mayo boss says he supports the black card, which aims to pun-
ish players engaging in deliberate body collisions, trips or pull-downs and verbal abuse. But the Ballintubber man warns that differing interpretations of what constitutes a deliberate foul could lead to anarchy. I agree with the black card system overall, he said after the game in Bekan. I think it is good but the problem with it is, and we discussed this before it was implemented, the interpretation by referees. The two cards that we got today I thought ... it was incidental contact, certainly the first one with Kevin McLoughlin. There was, I thought, three or
four occasions that [IT] Sligo did exactly the same and it wasnt a black card, so youve no idea whats a black card now and whats not. Its based on a referees interpretation and when thats the case, anarchy follows. We dont want to be talking about, in the summer, black cards as opposed to football. We just need to be very, very careful. You prepare as best you can for the rules that are written down and hope that refs will apply it logically, but I thought todays were crazy, he added. Were in danger ... the black card is a good system but if it is reffed like that it is going to lead to bother.
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Connacht GAA 2013 Provincial Awards, from le : Kathleen Mar n; Sen Mar n, Frank Burke, President, Connacht GAA Council.
Connacht GAA 2013 Provincial Awards, from le : Liam Cos gan, President, Connacht Ladies Football, presen ng Tess Murtagh with her award.
Liam Cos gan, President, Connacht Ladies Football, presen ng, Amy Bell with her trophy
Connacht GAA 2013 Provincial Awards, from le : Liam Cos gan presen ng Kathleen Kane with her prize.
Marie OBrien, Chair., Connacht Camogie, pictured presen ng Tara Kenny with her trophy
Marie OBrien, Chairperson, Connacht Camogie, pictured presen ng, Lorraine Ryan with her trophy, and Frank Burke.
Connacht GAA 2013 Provincial Award Winners, from le : Lorraine Ryan, Therese Maher, Tony Ward, Catriona Morris, Tara Kenny.
Page 74
Marie OBrien, Chairperson, Connacht Camogie, pictured presen ng, Catriona Morris with her trophy, and Frank Burke.
Marie OBrien, Chairperson, Connacht Camogie, pictured presen ng, Tony Ward, with his trophy, and Frank Burke, President, Connacht GAA Council.
Peter Heaney, President, Connacht Handball: pictured presen ng, Niall Joyce, Claremorris, with his trophy, and Frank Burke, President, Connacht GAA Council.
Peter Heaney, President, Connacht Handball: pictured presen ng, Anne e Corrigan, mother of Amy Corrigan, Ballaghaderreen, Female Player of the Year, and Frank Burke, President, Connacht GAA Council.
Peter Heaney, President, Connacht Handball: pictured presen ng, Dessie Keegan, with his trophy, and Frank Burke, President, Connacht GAA Council.
Mary Mulryan and Breda McDonnell with Michael McDonnell Memorial trophy
Page 75
Peter Heaney, President, Connacht Handball: pictured presen ng, Ciana N Churraoin, Galway, with her trophy, and Frank Burke, President, Connacht GAA Council.
Peter Heaney, President, Connacht Handball: pictured presen ng, Tim Hughes with his trophy, and Frank Burke, President, Connacht GAA Council.
Mountbellew Moylough Galway Club Of the Year Award winners receive presenta on from Frank Burke, President, Connacht GAA Council.
Joe Flynn, Leitrim Chairman, receives trophy on behalf of Fenagh, St Caillins, from Frank Burke, Chairman, Connacht GAA Council.
Page 76
Members of St Molaise Gaels and Sligo County Board pictured at Connacht GAA 2013 Provincial Awards
Connacht GAA 2013 Provincial Awards: Frank Burke, President, Connacht GAA Council, pictured presen ng a plaque to Gary Dunleavy, Moy Davi s
Connacht GAA 2013 Provincial Awards: Frank Burke, President, Connacht GAA Council, pictured presen ng a plaque to members of St Faithleachs GAA Club.
Connacht GAA 2013 Provincial Awards: Frank Burke, President, Connacht GAA Council, pictured presen ng a plaque to Hugh Gallagher
Frank Burke, President, Connacht GAA Council, and Marie OBrien, Chair., Connacht Camogie, pictured presen ng Therese Maher with her trophy.
Connacht GAA 2013 Provincial Awards: Sen Mar n, Michael Monaghan, Willie Kelly, John Prenty, John Glavey, Declan Corcoran, Jerome Henry, Conor Lane Connacht Senior Football Referee, Marie Lane
Connacht GAA 2013 Provincial Awards: Dairmauid Sweeney (Wayne McKeon), pictured receiving award from Frank Burke.
Page 77
Connacht GAA 2013 Provincial Awards: Sean Mar n, Conor Lane pictured receiving an award from Frank Burke, Connacht GAA Council President, and Michael Monaghan
Connacht GAA 2013 Provincial Awards: Sen Mar n, Jerome Henry, pictured receiving an award from Frank Burke, Connacht GAA Council President, and Michael Monaghan
Connacht GAA 2013 Provincial Awards: Sean Mar n, James Molloy, pictured receiving an award from Frank Burke, Connacht GAA Council President, and Michael Monaghan
Connacht GAA 2013 Provincial Awards: Sean Mar n, Eamonn OGrady, pictured receiving an award from Frank Burke, Connacht GAA Council President, and Michael Monaghan
Page 78
Camogie group pictured at the Connacht GAA 2013 Provincial Awards
Connacht GAA 2013 Provincial Awards: Tom Guckian, Mr Mulvey pictured receiving an award from Frank Burke, Connacht GAA Council President
Connacht GAA 2013 Provincial Awards: Liam Cos gan, Pres., Connacht Ladies Football; Cora Staunton pictured receiving her trophy from Frank Burke, Connacht GAA Council President
Connacht GAA 2013 Provincial Awards: John Corcoran accep ng an award on behalf of Frankie Dolan from Frank Burke, Connacht GAA Council President
Connacht GAA 2013 Provincial Awards: Michael Gordan, pictured receiving his award from Frank Burke, Connacht GAA Council President
Connacht GAA 2013 Provincial Awards: Diarmuid Sweeney pictured receiving his award from Frank Burke, Connacht GAA Council President
Connacht GAA 2013 Provincial Awards: Ma e Kilroy on behalf of Darragh McCormack, pictured receiving his award from Frank Burke, Connacht GAA Council President
Connacht GAA 2013 Provincial Awards: Charlie Candon, pictured receiving his award from Frank Burke, Connacht GAA Council President
Connacht GAA 2013 Provincial Awards: Cillian OConnor pictured receiving his award from Frank Burke, Connacht GAA Council President
Page 79
Connacht GAA Fixtures 2014

Connacht Senior Football Championship, 2014
Pre Lim., Sunday 4th May, extra me if necessary 8 p.m.(3 p.m. NY)
Final: Wednesday 13th August.
B V ROSCOMMON Athleague
AISF 23rd August, nal; 13th Sept
NEW YORK V. MAYO

Gaelic Park
Quarter nal, 18th May: replay, 24th May Hyde Park 25th May, Replay 31st May
AIB Club Senior Football Championship

Extra me in all games. Pre Lim: 26th October A: SLIGO V LEITRIM Semi-nals, 9th November:
ROSCOMMON V. LEITRIM LONDON V. GALWAY Ruislip
MAYO V ROSCOMMON
A: v Galway, nal: 23rd November All Ireland quarterr nal:
Britain v Connacht 13/14 December

AIB Club Intermediate Football Championship
Extra me in all games. Pre Lim: 19th October A: LEITRIM V MAYO Semi-nals, 2nd November: Final: 16th November
RO S CO M M O N /L E IT R I M V. M AYO
SLIGO V. GALWAY/LONDON
Marlievicz Park Final: Sunday 13th July, replay Saturday 19th July Hyde Park/Carrick-on-Shannon 21st June (Saturday), Replay 28th June
Semi-Finals, 8th June, Replay 14th June
GALWAY V SLIGO A V ROSCOMMON

AIB Club Junior Football Championship
Extra me in all games. Pre Lim: 19th October A: SLIGO V GALWAY Semi-nals, 2nd November Final: 16th November
Extra me in all games, Pre Lim: Wednesday 12th March A:
Cadburys Connacht U-21 Football Championship 2014
A V LEITRIM MAYO V ROSCOMMON BRITAIN V CONNACHT 29/30 November

Extra me in all games, semi-nals, Monday 27th October A: MAYO V ROSCOMMON Athleague Final: Sunday 9th NovemberA: V GALWAY Extra me in all games. Semi-nals, Monday 27th October A: Sligo v Leitrim Final: Saturday 8th NovemberA v Galway All-Ireland quarter nal:
MAYO V ROSCOMMON SLIGO V WINNERS A

MacHale Park/Kiltoom Saturday 22nd March MacHale Park Semi-nals, Wednesday, 19th March
AIB Club Intermediate Hurling Championship
Carrick-on-Shannon. Final, Saturday 5th April AISF: Saturday, 19th April: C v M: L v U. AIF: Saturday 3rd May
LEITRIM V GALWAY
Extra me in all games. Pre Lim, Saturday 21st June, extra me
Connacht Minor Football Championship 2014

A
AIB Club Junior Hurling Championship
SLIGO V GALWAY Markievicz Park

Semi-nals, Saturday 29th: extra me
MAYO V A GALWAY/SLIGO LEITRIM V ROSCOMMON

Hyde Park Final, 13th July, replay Saturday, 19th July Extra me in all Games. Semi-nals Wednesday 7th May:
Connacht Minor League, 2014

Sligo v Leitrim Mayo v Roscommon Longford v Galway Galway v Sligo Leitrim v Roscommon Longford v Mayo
Round 3, March 29th, Saturday 5 p.m.: Round 2, March 22nd, Saturday 5 p.m. Round 1, March 14th, Friday, 5 p.m.
Junior Football Championship
SLIGO V MAYO Sligo venue GALWAY V LEITRIM

Galway venue. Final:18th May
Mayo v Galway Roscommon v Sligo Longford v. Leitrim

Round 4, April 5th, Saturday
Extra me in all games, Quarter nal Wednesday 30th July A: LEITRIM V SLIGO Sligo Venue Semi nal, Wednesday 6th August
Page 80
U-21 B Hurling Championship
Galway v Roscommon Leitrim v Mayo Longford v Sligo

Round 5, April 12th, Saturday 5 p.m.
B: MAYO
V A Mayo Venue
Format for deciding League & Round Robin Format As per Rial 6.20 T.O 2013
Galway v Leitrim Mayo v Sligo Longford v Roscommon

Into The West Magazine - March 2014

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Into The West Magazine - March 2014

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Vol 4.

Issue 11 March 2014

OFFICIAL GAA PUBLICATION

Into the West

Connacht win Railway Cup after 45-year drought.

Mulkerrins bags third consecutive US title.

Bitter pill for Adrahan girls in camogie final.

Castlebar Mitchels stun Crokes for place in final.

Connacht win puts Rail

M. DONNELLY INTER-PROVINCIAL FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

way Cup back on track

M. DONNELLY INTER-PROVINCIAL FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

Tobin lays huge value on first title in decades

M. DONNELLY INTER-PROVINCIAL FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

O'Shea delighted to lead his province

M. DONNELLY INTER-PROVINCIAL FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL

Tobin's footballers into final

By DECLAN ROONEY Media West Ireland

MUNSTER: B Kealy (K O'Hallo-

REF: Cathal O'Hagan

UP HIGH: Connacht's Emlyn

No double for Connacht Leinster take win

M. DONNELLY INTER-PROVINCIAL HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

By DECLAN ROONEY Media West Ireland

David Burke is harried by Lee Chin.

Photo: Ray McManus / SPORTSFILE

M. DONNELLY INTER-PROVINCIAL HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

Mulkerrins bags third consecutive US Collegiate Open Singles Title

M. DONNELLY INTER-PROVINCIAL HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP

Cunningham's Connacht reach inter-pro final

By DECLAN ROONEY Media West Ireland

AIB ALL-IRELAND SENIOR CAMOGIE CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

Ardrahan lose by single point

By FRANK KEARNEY Media West Ireland

SO CLOSE: Dejected Ardrahan players Andrea Mullins and Megan Carr

Fuerty dream stalls at final hurdle

AIB ALL-IRELAND JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

Two Mile House (Kildare) ..............5-7 Fuerty .................1-11

AIB ALL-IRELAND JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL SEMI-FINAL

Fuerty through but only just!

SCORERS Two Mile House: A Burke 2-2, M

TWO MILE HOUSE: J

FUERTY: J Fallon; P Neilan, P Kelehan, A Moore;

REF: N. Mooney (Cavan).

Extra-time too much for

AIB ALL-IRELAND INTERMEDIATE CLUB HURLING FINAL

By BILL KIELY Media West Ireland

Kilnadeema/Leitrim: B Molloy (0-5, 0-3 frees);

KILNADEEMA/LEITRIM: K Boyle; P Kelly, D

REF: F Horgan (Tipperary).

AIB ALL-IRELAND INTERMEDIATE CLUB HURLING FINAL SEMI-FINAL

Kilnadeema/Leitrim reach All-Ireland final

Kiltane lose a shoot-out

AIB ALL-IRELAND INTERMEDIATE CLUB FOOTBALL FINAL

By MIKE FINNERTY Mayo News

AIB ALL-IRELAND INTERMEDIATE CLUB FOOTBALL FINAL SEMI-FINAL

Mayo champs reach All-Ireland intermediate final

By DECLAN ROONEY Media West Ireland

KILTANE: MJ Reilly; S Sweeney, R Corrigan, D

KILTANE: MJ Reilly; D Carey (1-0, pen), R Corri-

REF: A Nolan (Wicklow).

AIB ALL-IRELAND SENIOR CLUB FOOTBALL SEMI-FINAL

Castlebar stun Kerry cham reach All-Ireland club final