Senior Football Championship
Neasden sneak it by a point

By Barry Gallagher

St Brendans 0-5
Neasden Gaels 0-6

On a wet and blustery Thursday evening in Ruislip, St. Brendans played Neasden Gaels in the final round of the preseason championship matches.
Neasden put up the first score of the match from a free which was cancelled out by Niall Campbell following a foul on the same player. However, Neasden responded with three more points in a ten minute spell when they were aided by the wind.
Despite the elements being against them, Brendans defended stoutly with a timely interception from Martin O'Neill denying Neasden a certain goal. Against this pressure, Daly supplied Damien Walsh who from wide right on the 21‐yard line drove the ball over the bar. It was Daly's endeavour again, whose pressure forced a Neasden mistake, which in turn allowed Paddy Bowles to release Kevin Mossey to slot over from play.
At this stage, both team had amassed two booking each as the game proved quite entertaining given the conditions.
Neasden did respond before the half time whistle with a free to leave the have time scores Neasden Gaels 0‐4: St Brendans 0‐3.
The second half started brightly for St Brendans when Neasden's keeper made a point blank save. It took another ten minutes before Kevin Mossey scored from play as both teams cancelled each other out.
Entering the last quarter, the score of the match came after a flowing move involving Gavin, Sharkey, Mossey and Daly who fed Walsh to finish with a point. Indeed, the Galway native might look back with a goal chance on the cards.
This score drew the sides level and both had chances to secure victory. It was Neasden who struck from play to inch ahead, and with Bowles kicking short, Mossey narrowly wide from a long range free, Brendans could not clinch an equaliser.
Final score: Neasden Gaels 0-6: St Brendans 0-5
It was another good outing for the Brendans, who will take away some lessons about gamesmanship from this match. The best for Brendans Ryan Jones, Kevin Donnelly, Martin O'Neill, Thady Gavin, Kevin Mossey and John Daly.


Division 2 League
Brendans start on a high-scoring positive
By Barry Gallagher
St Brendans 1-17
St Josephs 1-12
St. Brendans began their league campaign with a division two clash against St. Josephs at Greenford.
Aided by a stiff breeze, the Brendans launched into a commanding five‐point lead after fifteen minutes. It began with a point from Niall Campbell following good work from Thady Gavin and Joe Fadian.
Next up was the ever industrious Martin O'Neill also from play, while a Kevin Mossey free followed a foul on Campbell. Campbell added another point following good play from Mossey who in turn slotted over a free following some tenacious tackling from Brian Gleenon forced a turn‐over which lead to a foul on O'Neill.
However, Brendans dropped the concentration levels, which was compounded by poor passing, while the Joes on the other hand brought their best football to the match.
They responded with five off their own points, three from play and two from frees to eliminate the Brendans' good work.
Indeed it was the Joes that pushed on as the half closed with a further two points. However, Brendans drew inspiration as first a Mossey free followed by a point from play from O'Neill closed out the half.
Half time score: St Brendans 0-9: St Joes 0-8.
Brendans strived for more composure and within four minutes of restart, led by five. Following a foul on Shane O'Hare, O'Neill shipped to Campbell who finish with aplomb to the net.
It got better for Brendans with Liam Sharkey slotting over following a pass from James Grant. Mossey tagged another good point against the breeze after interplay between Colin Towie and Gavin.
However, the Joes hit back with a goal and a point to leave the minimum between the team again.
During a tense five minutes, both teams fought hard for possession but it was Thady Gavin who launched two immense points again the breeze following great play from Mossey to turn the screw on the Joes.
Campbell added another point to leave four points between the teams with ten minutes to go.
The Joes again fought back with two more points but a typical O'Neill drive from midfield allowed Mossey to play in Campbell for another point. Mossey added another score following good play from Brian Tighe and Tighe himself got on the score board following some neat interplay between James Grant and Mossey.
Indeed Kevin Mossey nearly capped a fine individual display as Damien Walsh to Tighe played in Mossey. A devious solo to throw the corner back left only the goal keeper to beat, but a fine save from the Joes' net minder denied the Brendans centre half forward.
Final score St. Brendans 1-17 St. Josephs 1-12.
Best for St Brendans were Colin Towie, Martin O'Neill, Thady Gavin, Kevin Mossey, James Grant and Niall Campbell.
St Brendans ‐ Anthony Reddy; Colin Towie, Shane O'Hare, Joe Fadin; Colm Griffin, Damien Walsh, Liam Sharkey; Thady Gavin, Martin O'Neill; Thomas Kelly, Kevin Mossey, James Grant; Paddy Bowles, Niall Campbell, Brian Glennon. Subs Robert Leonard for Griffin, Shaun McGoldrick for Sharkey, Larry Costello for Kelly.

Reserves
There was no reserve match due to Fulham being unable to field. Thanks to all those players who made themselves available and keep an eye out for upcoming fixtures.

Fixtures
The adult teams have a double header of league games next Sunday, May 19th in Mitcham against round Towers. Throw in for the senior match is 2pm and for the reserves at 3.30pm.

Underage
Congratulations to St. Brendans under 13s on winning the Plate at Peter McGlynn's Memorial Tournament in Tir Chonaill Gaels Grounds on Bank Holiday Monday.
After struggling somewhat in the qualifiers group, they exceeded expectations in reaching the final of the Plate, beating North London Shamrocks in a closely contested game by a score of 1-7 to 0-5.
The St Brendans squad was as follows: Liam Tannan, Jude Moore, Daniel Hughes, Collum Ryan, Tommie Moses, Niall Ryan, Sean Killgallon, Frankie Harper, Daniel O'Connell and Charlie O'Donald. There were solid performances by Daniel O'Connell, Liam Tannan, Daniel Hughes and the youngest squad member Niall Ryan, but on the day it was team effort that won the laurels.
We'd like to thank Tir Chonaill Gaels for putting on such an enjoyable day for everyone.

Medals
The remaining Intermediate Championship medals for 2012 are with Barry Gallagher and are available for collection.

Senior training
Training continues for the seniors at Isleworth and Syon School on Tuesday and Thursday.

Youth training
Youth training continues on Wednesday evenings at Perivale Park Greenford (off Cowgate Rd.)

Race night
The club held a successful night of the races in Richmond on Sunday 5th May. The winner of the auction race was Paddy Cush who in turn bought those there to support the race night a drink. He was quoted "Sure, this way, everyone is a winner". You'll find a full list of winning jockeys below. Please contact the card seller for your £20 and thanks again to all who supported.

JOCKEY ‐ CARD SELLER
Colleen Holland ‐ Joe Fadian
Tom Wingens ‐ Adrian Pierce
Albert Allen ‐ Shane O Donovan
Sinead Carolan ‐ Fergal Greenan
Paul Comer‐ John Malone
D Redican‐ John Malone
Marie Cullen ‐ Paddy Cush
Declan Hall ‐ Paddy Cush
S Smith ‐ Tony Fagan
Eileen McAlinden ‐ Sean McAlinden
Daniel Hughes ‐ Paul Hughes
Burton Strackbein ‐ Berni McManamon
Millie Donnelly ‐ Iggy Donnelly
Hanbar O Neill ‐ Finbar O Neill
Michael McDonnagh ‐ Paddy Cush
Brendan Coulter ‐ Joe Coulter
John Ramsey ‐ Paddy Cush
Jayne Stack ‐ Paddy Cush
Tom King ‐ John Malone
PJ O Connor ‐ John Malone
Mary Pryle ‐ Colin Griffin
Sarah Kelly ‐ St John Fisher School
Jarlath Harte ‐ Niall Campbell
H McManamon ‐ Larry Costello
Kenneth Morelli ‐ Berni McManamon
Jack Doyle ‐ John Malone
Janice O Neill ‐ Barry Gallagher
Eddie McLoughe ‐ Paddy Cush
Sarah Humphries ‐ Paul Moyne
Mary Loughlin ‐ Sean McGoldrick
Seanie Houlhan ‐ Paddy Cush
Don Lucas ‐ Paddy Cush
Dom ‐ Paddy Cush
Lloyd Christmas ‐ Damian Walsh
Stephen Hennigan ‐ Damian Walsh
Chris James ‐ Anthony Reddy
Kevin Donnelly ‐ Kevin Donnelly
Declan Trooper ‐ Brian Glennon
Dave O Hare ‐ Shane O Hare
Carmel Walsh ‐ Joe Cush
G Chimgee ‐ Joe Cush
I Popa ‐ Joe Cush


Best wishes
Wishing a speedy recovery to Liam Sharkey and Arthur Dunne who were injured in recent matches.

To find out more about St Brendans contact Paddy Corscadden on 07974581144. For matters regarding youth football contact Paul Hughes on 07815873202. Tweet

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