A new face
November 30, 2009did fare considerably better in Division 5 of the A League. By Paul Clarke.
Mairead Delaney, the County Committee Development Officer, performed the official clubhouse opening ceremony and the occasion was the culmination of a huge amount of planning and hard work by all concerned.
The day attracted a huge turnout and the games which were an added attraction began at 10 am and concluded with the inaugural Kevin O'Connell Memorial match in which Curraha got the better of St Vincent's.
The Curraha juniors, who were again coached by Pat Flynn, were drawn in group A of the Junior Championship which also included last year's two beaten semi-finalists, Longwood and Dunsany, as well as Bective, Meath Hill and the second string teams from Donaghmore/Ashbourne and Summerhill.
Last year Curraha won their opening two championship games, but failed to qualify for the knockout stages, and this time around the opposite happened as they were beaten in the first two matches, by Longwood and Bective.
Curraha started very encouragingly against Longwood at Bective and a goal from a Mark Jackson penalty helped them to lead by four points after 20 minutes, but the 'Wood battled back to be level (1-4 each) at the break. Curraha moved ahead again at the start of the second period, but crucially they then missed chances which proved costly as the more accurate opposition took command to win by 1-13 to 1-6.
It was an encouraging performance from a generally young team and hopes were high that a victory would be achieved against Bective at Dunsany. But this time, 14 wides proved very damaging and Bective led by 0-7 to 0-2 at half-time en route to a 0-8 to 0-6 win. It meant the pressure was on to take maximum points from their third round assignment against Summerhill at Dunshaughlin.
Things weren't looking too good when Summerhill led by 0-8 to 0-2 at the interval, but a strong second half display did the trick, with Noel Keogh coming off the bench to score two goals which boosted Curraha to a 2-7 to 0-11 victory.
It was the concession of goals in each half which proved disastrous next time out against Dunsany at Ratoath where Curraha were bang in contention at the change of ends when the teams were level on 0-6 to 1-3. The team in red netted for a second time six minutes into the second half and that helped them to a minimum margin (2-6 to 0-11) success.
By the time it came to playing Donaghmore/Ashbourne under lights at Ashbourne on the first Saturday of September Curraha fielded a depleted team, but they still made a dream start when Sean Mallon goaled in the first minute. The home team rallied to lead by 0-7 to 1-2 at half-time and battling Curraha were adrift by 1-6 to 1-11 at the final whistle.
That left Curraha with just one remaining group assignment to play and that took place at Slane where they faced a Meath Hill side which failed to reach the business end of the championship, but which fared much better in Division 4 of the A League, finishing on top of the pile by a comfortable margin.
Curraha looked to be heading for a very comprehensive victory when they overpowered the Hill in the opening half and opened up a commanding nine point advantage after 25 minutes, thanks in no small way to goals from Gavin Coyle and Brian Cosgrave. They were still well ahead at the change of ends, though their lead had been cut to seven points at 2-5 to 0-4.
Meath Hill, who were warming up for the league decider at that stage, came storming back in the second period, scored with regularity to catch their opponents and actually pushed two points ahead. But Curraha responded very positively in the closing stages and did enough to secure a well earned 2-10 to 1-12 win.
Coyle was Curraha's top scorer with 1-3 and the victory left them on four points in the group following two wins and four losses from their six outings. The narrow defeats suffered at the hands of both Bective and Dunsany had inflicted serious damage on their prospects of getting through to play knockout football.
Chris Bermingham was the Curraha junior captain this year and the 28 year-old has been playing with the team for 12 years, picking up a Junior Championship medal along the way in 2001 when Wolfe Tones - who were to be senior champions just five years later - were beaten in a replayed final.
"A lot of minors have come through over the last few years, like Felim Dowling, who is only 17, Sean Mallon and David and Gavin Coyle," he said as he looked back on a campaign which brought disappointment in the championship, but promotion and silverware in the league. "There is a good blend of youth and experience in the team which is what you want.
"Our aim this year was to win Division 5 of the league and get to the knockout stages of the Junior Championship. In our first championship game against Longwood we were there or thereabouts for a fair way and were level with them at half-time. But they were strong and pulled away in the end.
"Losing to Bective in the second round was a huge disappointment. We had a lot of wides and felt we should have won that game. We had a very good performance against Summerhill. Noel Keogh came off the bench and scored two goals to turn it around for us.
"We lost to Dunsany by a point in Ratoath. We had already lost narrowly to Bective. If we had managed to win those two games we could have reached the knockout stages. Against Donaghmore/Ashbourne we had a lot of lads missing due to injuries and holidays. They are a good team and had former seniors playing."
By the time it came to playing Meath Hill in their last championship game at Slane, Curraha were looking forward to the A League Division 5 final against Moynalty and gave themselves a timely boost with a victory. That was a good win against a side which was flying high at the summit of Division 4.
"We came out of the blocks very well in that game and were nine points up at one stage in the first half," Chris added. "They came back at us in the second half and there was only a point in it at the end. It was an encouraging performance."
Playing in a higher division of the league in 2010 and coming face to face with somewhat stronger opposition should benefit Curraha's development considerably and, hopefully, this will aid their Junior Championship ambitions as well.
"Next year our aim will be to do well in Division 4 of the league and reach the knockout stages of the championship," Chris concluded.
UNDER-14s ENJOY SUCCESS
The Curraha under-14s enjoyed a particularly successful 2009 and a highlight was their victory over Rathkenny in a replayed final of the Division 2B League in early May. The teams had drawn in the initial encounter at Walterstown, but when it came to the replay the Curraha lads won comfortably by 3-10 to 1-8 at Duleek.
This represented a step up the ladder of progression as they had won the Division 3A title last year, but it took a very good defensive performance to achieve back to back victories. Rathkenny led by 0-4 to 0-2 at the interval and a goal at the three-quarter stage seemed to hand them the initiative.
It had taken some solid defending by brilliant centre-back David Toner, Risteard O'Connor Brennan and Robert Reid, in particular, to keep Curraha in the hunt, but goals often win games and James McEntee scored two and Evan McGovern also netted to point them in the direction of the title.
The Curraha team in the replay was: Brian Joyce; Robert Reid, Risteard O'Connor Brennan, Neil O'Dowd; Craig Doyle, David Toner, Niall Moriarty; James McEntee (2-5), Evan McGovern (1-2); Brian Murphy, Sean O'Hanrahan, Donal McDermott (0-1); Owen McGovern, Andrew Coyle, Conor Moriarty (0-1). Subs - Kevin Laffey (0-1) for O McGovern, Graham McDermott for O'Hanrahan, Ciaran Phelan for Coyle, Donal McLarnon for O'Dowd, Jimmy Kelly, Luke McCarthy, Conor Joyce (injured).
There was also success in mid-August when the under-14s won the seven-a-side '125 Celebration Blitz' in Stamullen. They beat Syddan (0-8 to 0-6) and Rathkenny (0-9 to 0-3) in the early rounds, got the better of St Colmcille's (0-12 to 0-10) at the semi-final hurdle and defeated Rathkenny again in the final, this time by 0-18 to 0-6.
The Curraha panel was: Neil O'Dowd, Niall Moriarty, James McEntee, Luke McCarthy, Robert Reid, Donal McDermott, Evan McGovern, David Toner, Kevin Laffey, Ciaran Phelan, Conor Moriarty, Graham McDermott, Brian Murphy.
A FL: Curraha earn Div. 5
final win
Curraha 0-13
Moynalty 1-04
Curraha finished off their season with a well deserved victory over Moynalty in a game played in perfect conditions in Navan.
The north Meath side started the better and were first on the scoreboard with a pointed free but Curraha soon got into their stride and went in front in the nineteenth minute, a lead they never relinquished. Curraha's younger and fitter players were making better use of the open spaces of the Navan venue and were well worth their four point half time lead.
Points from the Coyle brothers in the third minute of the second half pushed Curraha further ahead and when Sean Mallon fired over his sixth point on forty five minutes to increase the margin to seven, it was looking good for Curraha. Moynalty came back with a point and were then awarded a penalty which was brilliantly saved by Anthony Dowling.
A mix-up in the Curraha defence allowed Moynalty in for a goal with nine minutes remaining to leave just three points between the sides.
Curraha responded well with a point from Noel Keogh followed by two in injury time from Brian Cosgrave and Gavin Coyle.
A good all round team performance was marked by excellent displays from Stephen Morgan, Sean and Kevin Mallon, Anthony Dowling and David Coyle with Locky Keogh and Seamus Dardis working hard at midfield.
Curraha - A. Dowling, C. Bermingham, R. Hetherton, T. Hetherton, S. Morgan, K. Mallon, B. Doyle, L. Keogh, S. Dardis, G. Coyle [0-02], N. Keogh[0-01], S. McDermott, D. Coyle[0-03], P. Dowling, S. Mallon[0-06]. Subs - M. Jackson for McDermott, G. Dowling for Doyle, B. Cosgrave [0-01] for D. Coyle, C. McManus for Dardis, P. Canning for G. Coyle.
Curraha Juvenile Hurling Report
Three years on and still going. 2009 saw our first ever U13 hurling team at the club. Curraha also fielded U12, U11, U10 and U8 teams during the year.
Winter training starts on Friday 6th November at 6pm in Cushinstown AC and will continue each Friday until the end of February.
North Dublin Indoor Hurling League Report
Looking back over 2009, we must start with our U11 hurlers who won their division, and will ensure they play in the elite section in the January 2010 competition. On the final day, Curraha defeated St Maurs to hold off the challenge of Kiltale and Lucan Sarsfields to win gold.
Earlier in the day, Sun 22nd Feb, Curraha U9s beat Clontarf to clinch 3rd place and the bronze medals. This team will look back to their first day, and the defeat, by the narrowest of margins to Erin go Brath, the eventual winners.
Having been promoted to the elite sections for 2009, our U12s and U13s found the going tough against the best that Dublin had to offer.
The U12s finished a creditable 4th in their 8 team league, with three magnificent wins and a draw.
U12 panel:- Brian Burke, Brian Murphy, Donal McLarnon, Ciaran Phelan, Kevin Laffey, James Gibney, Shane Joyce, Cianan Shortall, Luke McCarthy
The U13s were well beaten in two games and lost two by a single goal and went into the final game, winless, pointless and rock bottom.
The last game was versus Skerries Harps, but this time Curraha had a full team and were able to call on a number of U12s as subs to be introduced. This 5-aside game is a physically relentless game and this time, the lads made sure they didn't come last by beating Skerries on a scoreline of 5-2.
U13:- Craig Doyle, Neil O'Dowd, Sean O'Hanrahan, John Morely, Adam Wade, Cathal Murphy
U11s - Meath County
Underage Hurling Report
Curraha U11 hurler's started their league campaign on Monday March 30th with a good win over Drumree. They followed this victory by beating Dunderry in an exciting match. Their next match ended in a narrow defeat to local rivals Donaghmore/Ashbourne. Further defeats followed to Dunboyne and a strong Ratoath team.
By virtue of their first two victories, Curraha then played in U11 B championship. Kilmessan beat them on a wet evening in their own ground. Kildalkey were their next opponents on Monday the 1st of June. On a lovely summers evening Curraha turned in their best display of the year and gave Kildalkey (who were the eventful winners of the u11 B Championship) one hell of a fright and only lost the game in the final minutes. Curraha U11's also played some challenge matches over the summer with local teams.
The Curraha u11 panel for 2009 were: Seán Keogh, Andrew Battersby, Brandan McMahon, Adam White, Mark Phelan, Niall Murphy, Ciara Keogh, Gillian Murphy, Shane Kelly, Aidan McLarnon, Aaron Kelly, Niall McLarnon, Michael Long, Oisin Fay, Donncha Kelly, Michael Carlon, Jamie Cleary, Gavin McKane, Conor Moriarty, Sam McSweeney, Conor O'Farrell, Mark Nolan, Jack O'Connor, Niamh McLoughlin.
U12s
U12 League Played 22/6/09, Drumree 2-2 Curraha 2-6
In a game that helped put some of the disappointment of the U12 football final into the past, Curraha put of a barnstorming second half performance to come from behind to take the points in the first U12 league match.
After a shaky start, the Curraha defense came to terms with the size of the opposition, rolled up their sleeves and got stuck in, once that happened the superior skills came out on top.
HT Drumree 1-2 Curraha 1-1
Almost impossible to single anyone out as the whole squad played so well, but it would be unfair not to mention the contribution of Brian Murphy whose skill and will to win lifted all his teammates.
Curraha - Andrew Battersby; Mark Phelan, Kevin Laffey; Mark Nolan, Sean Keogh, Gavin McKane; Niall Murphy, Brian Murphy; Ciaran Phelan, James Gibney, Donal McLarnon; Brian Burke, Niamh McLaughlin. Subs - Shane Kelly, Sam McSweeney, Michael Carolan, Niall McLarnon, Aidan McLarnon
Apart from an absolute tanking that Navan O'Mahonys's dished out to us in Navan one fine evening in July, this team competed very well ending up with three victories and two defeats. The U12 final was between Navan and Wolfe Tones, the only two teams to defeat us, and we had a cracking game against Wolfe Tones in Curraha losing narrowly in the last few minutes.
U13s
Curraha got off to a flyer in this competition, beating Donaghmore/Ashbourne by 6-8 to 0-0.
The next game was at home to Rathmoylon, the first visit by this club to Curraha, and what a fine game it was. Hurling of the highest order, matched by commitment and sportsmanship, unfortunately Curraha went down on a scoreline of 4-4 to 3-5.
The following match was away to Longwood, and is only notable for the lacking of all three of the attributes of the preceding match.
Narrow defeats followed, to Kilmessan and eventual League winners, Drumree, but again, both were close competitive games, proving that the lads are a tough proposition for any opposition.
Overall a great year, and rounded off nicely by the exhibition match, held at our clubhouse opening in August. Thanks to TJ Reilly and Paul Fagan (Dunboyne & Meath) for bringing the Nicky Rackard Cup.
Congratulations also to the Curraha lads and the Ratoath lads on the minor team which also claimed the Division 2 league title in October.
They were Padraic O'Hanrahan, Vincent Collins, Stephen Cooper, Sean Laffey, Aaron McDonnell, Ciaran O'Hanrahan, Liam Hogan and Conleth McLarnon.
St Vincents/Curraha Win
U16 Division 2A final
St Vincents/Curraha won an absorbing contest under heavy underfoot conditions in Navan when beating Trim on the scoreline 4.07 to1.13.
Trim dominated the first half and led 1.07 to 1.01 at the interval and only for a marvelous fingertip saves by the St Vincent's/Curraha goalkeeper Peter Fogarty it would have been much worse!
Defenders James McEntee, Donal McDermott and Martin Fox were also to the fore during this period.
After the interval the midfield partnership of Neil Shortall and Shane Ryan (who deputised for the absent Jack Hogan) took control and this led to some excellent scores including goals from Martin Fox, Eoin Hand and a screamer from Aaron McDonnell.
St Vincents/Curraha eventually ran out winners.
After the game the Trophy was presented by Minor Chairman Ultan Fitzpatrick to a delighted captain, Neil Shortall.
Best for St Vincents/Curraha were Peter Fogarty, Daniel Doran, Martin Fox , James McEntee, Neil Shortall, Shane Ryan, Ciaran O'Hanrahan and Eoin Hand.
A special mention to the Coach John Hogan who had the team peaking at the right time after they had struggled in the early stages of the League and he was capably assisted by Thomas Hand.
St Vincent's/Curraha - Peter Fogarty, Barry Sullivan, Daniel Doran, Donal McDermott, Danny Battersby, Martin Fox (1.00), Roy Moore, Shane Ryan (1.01) , Neil Shortall (0.01), Shane O'Brien, Ciaran O'Hanrahan (0.02), James McEntee (0.01), Eoin Hand (1.02), Seamus Hogan, Aaron McDonnell (1.00). Subs - David Toner for Roy Moore, Eoin Andrews, Billy O'Connor and Conor Joyce.
St Vincent's / Curraha
Under 15 Football
St Vincents / Curraha had a very successful campaign, reaching the Division 3 Final.
In what was a very competitive division, they had narrow wins over Skyrne, Wolfe Tones, Rathkenny, St. Patrick's, Trim, St Colmcille's and a draw with Dunderry.
These results brought them to the final where they were beaten by Trim.
Under 15 Panel: John Mangan, Seamus Hogan, Conleth McLarnon, Danny Battersby, Billy O'Connor, Eoin Hand, Owen Andrews, James McEntee, David Toner, Conor Joyce, Donal McDermott, Evan McGovern, Colin Andrews, Roy Moore, Graham Connor, Shane O'Brien, Jamie Harford, Conor White, Niall Moriarty, Ciaran Brangan.
Under 14 Division 2B League Final Replay
Curraha 3 - 10 Rathkenny 1 - 8
Having won the Division 3A league in 2008 and stepping up a grade Curraha made it two in a row by claiming the Division 2B league cup at Duleek.
As was expected this replay was going to be hard fought and fiercely competitive game of football. Rathkenny had the bragging rights won at home to Curraha in the early stages of the league but Curraha knew from the drawn game, they had the measure of their fierce rivals having played them without three key players.
Anyway, Curraha won the toss and opted to play against the breeze in the first half and despite the wind they got the first opportunity when Conor Moriarty's goal bound shot was scrambled off the line. Rathkenny dominated the next 20 minute spell and hit the first score, a massive side-line kick from the 45m line. They followed up with three unanswered points. Indeed, they should have extended this lead but could not find a way past Curraha's rock solid centre back David Toner who stemmed many of the Rathkenny's attacks. Evan McGovern and James McEntee work tirelessly for Curraha and were eventually rewarded when McEntee found the range 20 minutes in with a long range point. He added another some five minutes later to leave the half time score 0 -2 to 0 - 4 in favour of Rathkenny.
The second half saw Curraha cut the lead to a minimum. They then squandered many chances to cut the deficit but kicked several poor wides and even a goal chance went a begging. In the meantime, Rathkenny restored their half time advantage. Things looked ominous for Curraha when Rathkenny then crashed the leather to the net midway through the half. However, Curraha rose to the occasion with the fitness of McGovern and McEntee beginning to tell. Up front Brian Murphy was a constant threat while Conor Moriarty began to make the telling passes, first finding Donal McDermott and then Kevin Laffey, both of them firing over from close range. In an 8 minute spell McGovern hit 1-1, McEntee 2- 1 to secure the title for Curraha.
Overall, it was a great team performance but great credit must go to Curraha's defence who restricted Rathkenny to 4 points in the first half. This was a prerequisite for the victory. In the full back line Risteard O Connor Brennan and Robert Reid were on top while David Toner was outstanding at centre-back. Credit also to the losers Rathkenny, who made it such a great sporting and exciting game of football.
Team - Brian Joyce, Robert Reid, Risteard O Connor Brennan, Neil O Dowd, Craig Doyle, David Toner, Niall Moriarty, James McEntee, Evan McGovern, Brian Murphy, Sean O Hanrahan, Donal McDermott, Eoin McGovern, Andrew Coyle, Conor Moriarty Subs Kevin Laffey for Owen McGovern, Graham McDermott,for Sean O Hanrahan, Ciaran Phelan for Andrew Coyle, Donal McLarnon for Neil O Dowd. Jimmy Kelly, Luke McCarthy (Conor Joyce injured). Scorers:, James McEntee 2 - 5, Evan McGovern 1- 2 Conor Moriarty 0 - 1, K Laffey 0 -1, D McDermott 0- 1.
Curraha U12 Football
Curraha u12 Football had a very busy year on the football field. They started the year with some challenge matches against Skryne and Ratoath.
They were in Division 3A of the league. Curraha started off on the 8th of April with an exciting match against Na Fianna which ended in draw. This was followed up with wins over Dunsany, Longwood, Clann Na Gael and Blackhall Gaels. They also drew with Moynalvey and St Michaels. They reached the knock out stages where they came up against Blackhall Gaels again in the semi final and defeated them by five points.
The final was on Saturday June 20th in Bective against St Michaels. Curraha had the breeze in the first half and led by 1-06 to 0-01 at the break. St Michaels staged a comeback in the second half and drew level. Curraha almost scored but St Michaels broke away and scored a winning point to leave the final score 2-07 to 2-06. In an exciting game of football both sides deserved great credit. Indeed Curraha and St Michaels played three times over the course of the year and two games ended in a draw. Both teams were very well matched.
Curraha also played in the fair play league during July and August and also played more friendly matches with Skryne, St Vincents, Donaghmore/Ashbourne and a game against Slane on August 29th the day of the opening of our new clubhouse.
Curraha u12 panel for 2009 - Brian Joyce, Sean Keogh, Mark Phealan, Luke McCarthy, Graham McDermott, Andrew Battersby, Alannah Webb, Ciara Keogh, Owen McGovern, Conor Moriarty, Brian Murphy, Niall Murphy, Ciaran Phealan, Stephen Mooney, James Gibney, Kevin Laffey, Donal McLarnon, Mark Nolan, Adam White, Brandon McMahon, Gavin McKane, Sam McSweeney.
Curraha Under 13
Curraha reached the semi final of the U13 division 2B league in 2009. They recovered sufficiently after a first round defeat to a strong Seneschalstown side to beat Na Fianna at home in the second round. Even thought the Curraha lads score 2-10 against Clan Na Gael in the third match the concession of five goals cost them this game. To make the semi-final a win was required in the last two rounds and the lads duly obliged. The best match of this league was played against Rathkenny, the result being in doubt until the final whistle.
The semi final saw Curraha pitted against Clan Na Gael. Clan Na Gael having home advantage proved too strong and ran out easy winners progressing to the league final.
Curraha U8 and U10 Football Report
This section of our club, is the most important, in terms of our future. I'm glad to report that this small bit of our club is thriving.
U8 and U10 training ran from early March through to November, every Saturday morning, without a break, although our seasonal summer rain did get the better of us, once or twice.
The training schedule has been mixed with u8 and u10 Go Games Blitzes and recently we have dabbled in a couple of u11 and u10 full size games to give the children a taste of the real deal.
There were many highlights during the year, including the u8 Go Games Blitzes in St Margarets and Dunboyne, the u10 Games against Ratoath and Garristown, but the pick has to be the appearance of an u8 squad in Croke Park on July 1st.
Probably our first ever appearance at Headquarters, and you never know what might happen in the future!
The children played a 10-a-side match against St Maurs from Dublin and enjoyed the whole Croke Park experience, togging out under the Hogan Stand, coming out onto the pitch, playing the match, and getting up into the Hogan Stand to lift the cup. I'm not sure who was the more thrilled, the players or the parents and mentors!
The u8s and u10s traveled to exotic locations like Nobber, Donore, St Margarets, Dunboyne, Ashbourne, Ratoath, Skryne, Duleek and Ardcath and all of these clubs returned the favour by coming to Joe McDermott Park.
As a result, there were loads of games and a special thanks to our young whistlers, who refereed many of these games, both home and away. They were: Conleth McLarnon, Seamus Hogan, Neil O'Dowd, and Conor Joyce.
Thanks also, to Denis, Joe, Cecil, and anyone else who helped out, especially the jersey washers and all the parents, whose support throughout the year has been exceptional. Tweet
