Strictly Come Dancing, hair is in place, six packs ready, legs stretched out. The competitors for this wonderful fundraiser have been announced. No doubts this will be a night that lives up to expectations and with this list of dancers, excitement will be at fever pitch. A quick run-down of participants: Alan Fayne, Lee Cullen, John Coffey, Brendan O Sullivan, Colette Wyse, Claire Egan, Michelle Killian, Aaron Madden, Daithi Mulvihill, Patrice Nolan, Geraldine Hanley, Susan Linane, Caroline O Reilly, Michael Carroll and Brendan Ward. From the red and white, Helen O Donnell, Ollie Trimble, Stephen Ormsby, Padhraig Murray, Darragh Hussey, Caoilfinn Thompson, Gerry Nerney, Kenneth Madden, James Quigley, Jodi Horohoe, Rita McCormack, Fidelma Brennan, Rachel Collins, Ursula Kilcoyne and Martina Healy. What a line up, an eclectic mix of brains, brawn, and beauty. But who will win? who has the hip movement to impress the judges?? These questions will be answered in 6 weeks time. It truly promises to be a great night out, tickets available for the night are on sale at €20 in local shops and business's. The dancers cards are whatever you would like to donate for their cause, and to be fair each dancer has put in a lot of work...the BBC programme has nothing on this lot, people will be amazed at the outfits and the moves that will be shown on the 29th of November, in the Raddison Hotel in Athlone. Lets get behind this ladies and gentlemen, a huge effort has been put in by the committee from both sides of the bridge, a very professional approach has been taken from the start, and it's just a one off occasion that really live up to the hype. I would urge you to take a look at the long list of names, legends in their own rights, heroes by the time they take to the dance floor. Strictly Come Dancing 2014, things are hotting up, stay tuned!!
Our 50/50 draw continues, a wonderful start last week, tickets available throughout the parish. It's simple, buy a €2 envelope, if your envelope is picked you win half the jackpot. Please support if you can!
There was no outright winner of the Rathcline Lotto jackpot this week. The numbers drawn were, 2,8,18,25,30 and 31. The lucky €25 winners were Vincent Connolly Ballymahon Mart, Carmel O Donoghue Lanesboro, Sean Farrell Lisduff, and Carolyn Cooney Llehery. Next week's jackpot is €2500.
Our Minor Club had a very busy weekend, with teams at U 12, U14 and Minor taking part in finals. First to the Minors, it was always going to be a tricky game and to be fair the wind didn't help proceedings, but Colmcille beat Western Gaels in the Minor B championship final. Two great teams that went toe to toe, but alas it was not to be our lads day. Colmcille with the aid of a strong wind started quickly and kept the pressure on the Gaels for the whole first half. Western Gaels just couldn't live with Colmcille, they had racked up a fair score by the time the whistle went for half time. The score was 4-7 to 3 points. Western Gaels above all wouldn't give up, they fought extremely hard in the second half and testament to their work rate, Colmcile never scored in the second half, a brilliant display but the damage was done already and although Western Gaels tried valiantly to reduce the deficit, they ultimately fell short. Scores came from Oisin O Sullivan and Andrew Ward with goals, Johnny Hand, Clayton Finn and Kevin Sorohan chipped in with points. The final score was 4-7 to 2-8. A great season for the lads and a tough way to lose two finals, but there is another final for the lads against Slashers. This team has battled hard all season and again well done to team and management, finals are one off games, and it's tough on everyone that we fell short on this occasion. We all look forward to the league final against Slashers.
Our U 14 team played a thrilling final against Carrick Sarsfileds in Pearse Park on Sunday evening. A very tight match throughout, Carrick pulled 3 points clear in the last 10 minutes of play and that proved crucial. This was a tough and tense battle throughout with each team trading scores in the first half. Cian Gilmore and Cronn Flood both found the net in the first half with points also from Oran Kenny, but Carrickedmond always kept the game close with identical scores themselves, the score at half time was Carrick 2-3 Western Gaels 2-2. The second half was tough open football with both teams going for the win which left space at both ends, Carrick got the goal that changed the game and although the Gaels never stopped they found it more difficult to find the back of the net. They scored four points in the second half, and were brilliant in their never say die attitude but alas they could never recover from the goal. A great effort from the team and management, and our lads will learn a lot from this defeat as they look forward to another championship year next year. Final score Carrick 3-6 Western Gaels 2-6.
Pride of place must go to the Shannon Gaels U 12 team who defeated Northern Gaels in Pearse Park on Saturday evening. What a match this was, and what a great memory for all who took part and the supporters that were there. Having only scored a point in the first half, Shannon Gaels looked dead and buried, losing by 8 points at half time. However this team for such a young team found reserves and belief right from the beginning of the second half. It would be unfair to name individual players but great credit must go to all the players and subs that turned this game around in the space of half an hour. Every ball was fought for, every point taken, and man for man they hammered Northern Gaels. A complete turn around, they scored 1-11 in the second half to rout the opponents. From goalkeeper to corner forward, every player done what had to be done and it was a real plaesure looking at these stars of the future, the perfect balance of guts and hard work with wonderful technical ability ensured this will be a game to be remembered. Well done to all the team and management of Padhraig Farrell, Ciaran Prior and Seadna Ryan. Thanks to everyone that came back to the clubhouse where everyone was looked after. It was great to hear the procession around the town. Check facebook for a more comprehensive match report.
Patrons of the club are asked to take part in the quirky quiz on behalf of the G2 committee. The quiz takes place in Adies, Joes and Clarkes at 9 pm on Friday night. An unusual quiz and one that will test the fibre of anyone that takes part!