MENS FOOTBALL NOTES

The Footballers played St Clarets in the final group game of the championship with a depleted squad due to injuries and holidays. Despite the enforced changes to the team McCurtain's started very bright in the opening exchanges with points from Martin Keyes, Gavin O'Flaherty and Barry McCugh. A couple of minutes to the half Clarets led by 3 before Gavin Gallagher pulled a point back for McCurtain's with a well taken effort. The second half started in the same manner of the first with both teams exchanging points early on with a sublime score from wing forward Tom Keane to bring McCurtain's to within a point with 7 minutes to play. A quick goal from Clarets wing back ended McCurtain's chances and a couple of late points but the game beyond reach and ended a very disappointing championship campaign. Final Score Thomas McCurtain's 0-07 St Clarets 1-10.

Training continues on Thursday in Goodmayes as attention is turned to the final two games of the league. McCurtain's will be required to win both to reach the semi-final.

MENS HURLING NOTES

On Saturday the McCurtain's men took centre stage in the fourth round of the London Intermediate Championship.

The venue was Greenford and the opponents on this occasion were Kilburn Gales B.

The starting team was as follows; D. Enright (C), G. Clarke, M. O' Leary, E. Breen, T. Mckassy, K. Dowling, D. Corrigan, C. Hogan, C. Doyle, E. Caldwell, E. McAllister, A. Higgins, K. Collins-Driscoll, J. Keegan, M. Russell.

Management and players alike couldn't have hoped for better playing conditions, with the sun's rays being hindered by cloud and a gentle breeze keeping the bubbling perspiration at bay.

McCurtain's started strong, with the brawny figures of Hogan, McAllister and Dowling providing a vertebrate-like structure and rigour down the middle of the field. The midfield and back-lines alike set up their stall and began to dish out tasty passes to hungry forwards such as Keegan, Collins-Driscoll, Higgins and Russell. The notable hunger and almost telepathic understanding resulted in some sublime scores from the aforementioned forwards.

The Kilburn backlines struggled and as a result resorted to venomous, snake like tactics. Keegan was flattened in the six yard box subsequent to catching a high ball over the hefty full backs head, however the sun-blinded referee was evasive when it came to making a decision. This resulted in Keegan sustaining a knee injury and brought a close to his days contribution. McCurtain's went into half time with a 8 point lead and in a comfortable position.

 

The training ground founded fitness levels played their part in the second half and saw McCurtain's steaming ahead. The backlines in particular stood strong, with Enright stepping up to the task of captaincy and dictating the actions of his protective lines. Clarke, O'Leary and McKassy all wining their battles and distributing meaningful passes. The inclusion of J. Winters, M. Keane and S. Moroney only strengthened the side when the feet of players like Doyle and Higgins began to blister.

Russell combined well with the new inclusions, which resulted in the onion bag rattle; while an inspired Collins-Driscoll bisected the posts on a number of occasions.

The absence of C. Curtain, S. Murphy, B. Ryan, R. Carson and J. Searson due to injury will mean that both the physio; Aine Rooney and management team lead by the insightful Liam griffin will have a lot of work on their hands over the forthcoming weeks.

To synopsise - McCurtain's ran to a 1.23 to 1.8 victory. A lot done but all will be in vein unless silverware results this year. Training continues Tuesday and Thursday in Goodmayes at 7.30pm.

LADIES NOTES

Ladies training takes place in Goodmayes pitch this week for both training sessions on Tuesday and Thursday at 7pm.

The ladies are back in action this coming Saturday 29th August in Greenford, competing in the annual Mary Friday 7's Tournament.

MINOR NOTES

Juvenile is now finished for the summer months and will recommence in September. Firm dates will follow in due course.

OFFICIAL CLUB MERCHANDISE
Our official club merchandise is available to purchase on the O'Neill's website at http://www.oneills.com/shop-by-team/gaa/gaa-clubs/united-kingdom/thomas-mccurtains.htm

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