Garrycastle club notes
September 08, 2014
Best of luck to the 21s
We would like to wish Padraig Cosgrove, the two Keenas ,Niall Ward and all the U21 panel the very best in the County Final v Tubberclair in Athlone next Friday night. We would urge all supporters to come out and get behind this team. Also Congrats to all involved with the senior team in qualifying for the county semi final.
Garrycastle GAA Club Annual Fun Day and Sponsored Fun Walk
The Garrycastle GAA Club annual family fun day and sponsored fun walk was held on Sunday, September 7th. On an absolutely fantastic early autumn day, a huge turnout of the clubs youngest players ensured that a great time was had by all.
The day started with the sponsored walk, which is one of the annual fundraisers for the juvenile teams. This year the walk proceeded from the clubhouse in Garrycastle to Blyry and back, with numerous stops for lollipops and drinks along the way.
A number of famous characters attended this year, among them Super Mario himself, Mickey Mouse and a blue Minion.
These were an abolutely huge hit with the assembled players. On returning to the club-house at the end of the walk, the players, parents and brother and sisters were treated to a barbecue, with music, face painting and other activities.
Prizes were presented for most sponsorship raised, best fancy dress costume, etc.
The day finished with a novelty challenge match between a combined U14/U16 Girls team and their counterparts in the boys teams. Blushes were spared (on both sides) as the match ended in a draw!
Under 8s Report
The Garrycastle Under-8 group travelled to Tang on Saturday, to take part in the final round round of Under-8 county-organised football blitzes for 2014. On a fine morning for football, a great turnout of 28 of the youngest players in the club, ensured that we were able to comfortably field two teams in the blitz, with each team playing two matches.
The Garrycastle teams played their counterparts from Caulry and Maryland/Tang in the first round of matches, and played against Moate All-Whites and Caulry in the second round of matches.
All of the matches were characterised by very high levels of skill, with great fielding,, soloing and tackling on view, and a number of very well executed blocks, of which one in particular by Aaron Keegan, gets a special mention! There were some excellent scores also, in all of the games, taken with no little composure, even for such young players. As the year has progressed, it is evident that all of the effort put in by this group of players in training is paying off, and their ability to play and enjoy their football has increased hugely.
A special welcome back to all the players who were away during the Summer!
Thanks to Danny and the other mentors in Tang for an excellently run blitz., and the gratefully received refreshments at the end.
Many thanks also to all of the parents for supporting the teams in a great sporting manner - it really makes a difference to have the positive envouragement from the sideline. Thanks as always to the mentors and coaches for looking after the teams on the day, and ensuring that all of the playrers present got to play their part in all of the matches.
Garrycastle U14
As their were no championship fixtures last week our U14 squad played 2 challenge games . We played Tubberclair last Monday evening at home and proved much too strong for a young Tubberclair side winning by 7-19 to 2-03. On Thursday we travelled to Caulry for what we expected to be a much sterner test as we had beaten them earlier in the league by only a few points in a competitive game. On this occasion both camps decided to play 3 twenty minute periods to utilise all players on the night. We played excellent football for the first 2 periods and led by 10 points after 40 minutes. We made numerous changes for the final 20 minutes to give all the panel a run out and this obviously disrupted our rhythm which allowed Caulry back into the game to score 4 late goals to win by 4 points and leave the final score Garrycastle 2-14 Caulry 6-06. These were two useful games which will prepare us well for championship games to come.
Senior Championship
GARRYCASTLE 1-17 ST MALACHYS 1-3
Garrycastle seniors put in an impressive display to overwhelm St Malachy's in their play-off game in Tubberclair on Wednesday evening. Garrycastle opened their account in the second minute when Desie Dolan pointed a close range free. Ciaran O'Neill added a second point soon after. St Malachy's got off the mark with a pointed free in the 5th minute but two points in rapid succession, from Alex Gardiner and Conor Cosgrove, increased the Garrycastle advantage. Playing some very impressive football, Garrycastle continued to dominate, thanks to the mid-filed domination of Aidan Browne and David O'Shaughnessy and intricate and penetrating play in attack. Points from James Dolan, John Gaffey and Alex Gardiner stretched the Garrycastle advantage to six points by the 12th minute. Alex Gardiner was then sent clear with a pass from Conor Cosgrove, after very good approach play, and blasted the ball to the net in their next attack. However, a quickly taken free unhinged the Garrycastle defence and St Malachys got through for a goal. Dessie Dolan replied with a fine point for Garrycastle. Garrycastle were reduced to 14 players, when Aidan Browne received a red card from after a melee in mid-field. However, despite the numerical disadvantage Garrycastel continued to play good football and points from Karl Henson, David O'Shaughnessy and a free in added time from Dessie Dolan pushed the lead out to 1-11 to 1-1 at the break.
Garrycastle continued to play the better and more penetrating football and added points from Gary McCallon and Conor Cosgrove in the opening minutes after the break. Dessie Dolan added a point from a free and another wonderful point from far out on the right wing to augment their lead. St Malachys pointed a close range free mid-way through the half and then brought a fine save from Cathal Mullin to deny a goal, with the resultant 45 being cleared to safety. A point from a long distance free by Alex Gardiner was added to by substitute, James Duignan, when he converted a free on the left. St Malachys did get a consolation point with the very last kick to leave it 1-17 to 1-3.
This was an excellent team performance from Garrycastle, easily their best display in championship football this year, and it would be unfair to single out any individual as the whole team deserves great credit. They were on top in all areas of the field and if they can put up a similar display on Sunday next hey will pose a serious challenge to Killucan in the quarter final. Garrycastle had scores from ten players during the hour, an impressive spread of scores by any standard.
GARRYCASTLE: Cathal Mullin, Mark McCallon, Jack O'Donoghue, Alan Fox, Karl Henson (0-1), John Gaffey (0-1), Gary McCallon (0-1), Aidan Browne, David O'Shaughnessy (0-1), Ciaran O'Neill (0-1), Dessie Dolan (0-5, 3f), Matthew Guiheen, Conor Cosgrove (0-2), Alex Gardiner (1-3, 0-1f) and James Dolan (0-1).
SUBs: Justin Barrett for C Cosgrove (40 min); Michael Monaghan for D Dolan (45 min); James Duignan (0-1, 1f) for C O'Neill (45 min); Damian Rushe for M Guiheen (53 min); Enda Mulvihill for K Henson (53 min); Seanie O'Donoghue for D O'Shaughnessy (58 min).
Senior Championship Quarter Final
GARRYCASTLE 0-11, KILLUCAN 0-5 . Match report else where in paper.
Craic on the Track
Garrycastle GAA will be hosting a fun and muddy day for the family in Athlone Equestrain Centre on Sunday Sptember 28th . This challenge is over bog, farm, forest, slides and water feature obstacles and is suitable for people of all abilities. This can be a great team building exercise and we're inviting groups and clubs to take part to win plenty of prizes. The course was really well received last year as many families took part and had a great day out. The course is been changed to include even more fun challenges. Tickets are €20 on the day but pre entry tickets are on sale for €15 from Dan's Tavern, The Bounty, Java Jo's, Coosan Cottages and Athlone Equestrian Centre and club members. Children under 18 years of age must have permission froma guardian. Children cost €5 and a family tricket is €40. Big shout out to those who have been working tirlessly on the course and particularly those taking parts in the trial runs. Why not compete for Westmeaths fittest family and take on the challenge.!!
Junior Championship
ST PAULS 3-19 GARRYCASTLE 1-6
Garrycastle Junior side exited the championship as they were comprehensively beaten by Sty Pauls in sunny Rochfordbridge on Saturday evening. The opening exchanges were even with both sides creating some presentable scoring opportunities but failing to raise e a flag. Garrycastle had a good opportunity to goal, but Robbie Shine's effort was well saved by the St Paul's goalkeeper. St Pauls broke up field and a plundered a goal in the next attack in the 9th minute. The increased their lead immediate with a well taken point. St Pauls were 5 point up soon after with another well taken point. Garrycastle got off the mark in the 11th minute when Alan Daly pointed from a free on the right. The side's exchanged points, the Garrycastle score coming from the boot of Peadar Mulkvihill in the 16rth minute. However, from there to end of the first period St Pauls were dominant and struck over four unanswered points, all of which came from play. They also added a second goal in the 27th minute to take a 2-7 to 0-2 lead. In their next attack St Pauls added a point but Garrycastle replied with a point from Robbie Shine in added time. The half time score was 2-8 to 0-3 in favour of St Pauls.
St Pauls added two points on the resumption but Peadar Mulvihill pointed for Garrycastle in response. St Pauls continued to press forward and hit over a succession of points, many of which were from distance, and lead by 2-12 to 0-4 after 40 minutes. The result was surely confirmed with a thirds goal for St Pauls in the 41st minute. They also added seven points, six of which were from play, to increase their lead even further. To their credit the Garrycastle lads did not throw in the towel and two points from Alan Daly and a goal from John O'Shaughnessy took some of the edge off the final score of 3-19 to 1-6.
Garrycastel can have no complaints, as they were comprehensively beaten by the better side and we wish St Pauls well in their upcoming semi-final. Despite the winning margin, there were good performances from Gary Mullery, Terry Rushe, Noel Galvin, Padraig Cosgrove and Peadar Mulvihill. Some of the younger players introduced as substitutes, will have gained useful experience from their introduction to adult championship football.
GARRYCASTLE: Shane O'Connell, Gary Mullery, John O'Shaughnessy (1-0), Ben Kennedy, Stephen McGuire, Terry Rushe, Sean Carey, Noel Galvin, Mark Curley, Padraig Cosgrove, Alan Daly (0-3, 2f), Peadar Mulvihill (0-2), Paul Gunning, Robbie Shine (0-1) and Enda Keena.
SUBs: Colman Gantley for B Kennedy (Half time); Paul Mulvihill for R Shine (Half time); Sean Gunning for S McGuire (33 min); Kenny Dolan for E Keena (42 min); Paul O' Donovan for P Gunning (542 min) and Emmet Keena for P Cosgrove (inj, 47 min).
Lotto Sept 1st
Numbers drawn : 3,11,12 and 21. There was No Jackpot winner. Match 3 was won by Paddy Cosgrove, Anthony Kerry,Matt Keegan, Lucky 4 c/o K.Kearney and Spar Shop. Each winner receives €20. The jackpot is €1,800.
ST PAULS 3-19 GARRYCASTLE 1-6
Garrycastle Junior side exited the championship as they were comprehensively beaten by Sty Pauls in sunny Rochfordbridge on Saturday evening. The opening exchanges were even with both sides creating some presentable scoring opportunities but failing to raise e a flag. Garrycastle had a good opportunity to goal, but Robbie Shine's effort was well saved by the St Paul's goalkeeper. St Pauls broke up field and a plundered a goal in the next attack in the 9th minute. The increased their lead immediate with a well taken point. St Pauls were 5 point up soon after with another well taken point. Garrycastle got off the mark in the 11th minute when Alan Daly pointed from a free on the right. The side's exchanged points, the Garrycastle score coming from the boot of Peadar Mulkvihill in the 16rth minute. However, from there to end of the first period St Pauls were dominant and struck over four unanswered points, all of which came from play. They also added a second goal in the 27th minute to take a 2-7 to 0-2 lead. In their next attack St Pauls added a point but Garrycastle replied with a point from Robbie Shine in added time. The half time score was 2-8 to 0-3 in favour of St Pauls.
St Pauls added two points on the resumption but Peadar Mulvihill pointed for Garrycastle in response. St Pauls continued to press forward and hit over a succession of points, many of which were from distance, and lead by 2-12 to 0-4 after 40 minutes. The result was surely confirmed with a thirds goal for St Pauls in the 41st minute. They also added seven points, six of which were from play, to increase their lead even further. To their credit the Garrycastle lads did not throw in the towel and two points from Alan Daly and a goal from John O'Shaughnessy took some of the edge off the final score of 3-19 to 1-6.
Garrycastel can have no complaints, as they were comprehensively beaten by the better side and we wish St Pauls well in their upcoming semi-final. Despite the winning margin, there were good performances from Gary Mullery, Terry Rushe, Noel Galvin, Padraig Cosgrove and Peadar Mulvihill. Some of the younger players introduced as substitutes, will have gained useful experience from their introduction to adult championship football.
GARRYCASTLE: Shane O'Connell, Gary Mullery, John O'Shaughnessy (1-0), Ben Kennedy, Stephen McGuire, Terry Rushe, Sean Carey, Noel Galvin, Mark Curley, Padraig Cosgrove, Alan Daly (0-3, 2f), Peadar Mulvihill (0-2), Paul Gunning, Robbie Shine (0-1) and Enda Keena.
SUBs: Colman Gantley for B Kennedy (Half time); Paul Mulvihill for R Shine (Half time); Sean Gunning for S McGuire (33 min); Kenny Dolan for E Keena (42 min); Paul O' Donovan for P Gunning (542 min) and Emmet Keena for P Cosgrove (inj, 47 min).
Report by Matt Ryan
ST PAULS 3-19 GARRYCASTLE 1-6
Garrycastle Junior side exited the championship as they were comprehensively beaten by Sty Pauls in sunny Rochfordbridge on Saturday evening. The opening exchanges were even with both sides creating some presentable scoring opportunities but failing to raise e a flag. Garrycastle had a good opportunity to goal, but Robbie Shine's effort was well saved by the St Paul's goalkeeper. St Pauls broke up field and a plundered a goal in the next attack in the 9th minute. The increased their lead immediate with a well taken point. St Pauls were 5 point up soon after with another well taken point. Garrycastle got off the mark in the 11th minute when Alan Daly pointed from a free on the right. The side's exchanged points, the Garrycastle score coming from the boot of Peadar Mulkvihill in the 16rth minute. However, from there to end of the first period St Pauls were dominant and struck over four unanswered points, all of which came from play. They also added a second goal in the 27th minute to take a 2-7 to 0-2 lead. In their next attack St Pauls added a point but Garrycastle replied with a point from Robbie Shine in added time. The half time score was 2-8 to 0-3 in favour of St Pauls.
St Pauls added two points on the resumption but Peadar Mulvihill pointed for Garrycastle in response. St Pauls continued to press forward and hit over a succession of points, many of which were from distance, and lead by 2-12 to 0-4 after 40 minutes. The result was surely confirmed with a thirds goal for St Pauls in the 41st minute. They also added seven points, six of which were from play, to increase their lead even further. To their credit the Garrycastle lads did not throw in the towel and two points from Alan Daly and a goal from John O'Shaughnessy took some of the edge off the final score of 3-19 to 1-6.
Garrycastel can have no complaints, as they were comprehensively beaten by the better side and we wish St Pauls well in their upcoming semi-final. Despite the winning margin, there were good performances from Gary Mullery, Terry Rushe, Noel Galvin, Padraig Cosgrove and Peadar Mulvihill. Some of the younger players introduced as substitutes, will have gained useful experience from their introduction to adult championship football.
GARRYCASTLE: Shane O'Connell, Gary Mullery, John O'Shaughnessy (1-0), Ben Kennedy, Stephen McGuire, Terry Rushe, Sean Carey, Noel Galvin, Mark Curley, Padraig Cosgrove, Alan Daly (0-3, 2f), Peadar Mulvihill (0-2), Paul Gunning, Robbie Shine (0-1) and Enda Keena.
SUBs: Colman Gantley for B Kennedy (Half time); Paul Mulvihill for R Shine (Half time); Sean Gunning for S McGuire (33 min); Kenny Dolan for E Keena (42 min); Paul O' Donovan for P Gunning (542 min) and Emmet Keena for P Cosgrove (inj, 47 min).
Report by Matt Ryan
ST PAULS 3-19 GARRYCASTLE 1-6
Garrycastle Junior side exited the championship as they were comprehensively beaten by Sty Pauls in sunny Rochfordbridge on Saturday evening. The opening exchanges were even with both sides creating some presentable scoring opportunities but failing to raise e a flag. Garrycastle had a good opportunity to goal, but Robbie Shine's effort was well saved by the St Paul's goalkeeper. St Pauls broke up field and a plundered a goal in the next attack in the 9th minute. The increased their lead immediate with a well taken point. St Pauls were 5 point up soon after with another well taken point. Garrycastle got off the mark in the 11th minute when Alan Daly pointed from a free on the right. The side's exchanged points, the Garrycastle score coming from the boot of Peadar Mulkvihill in the 16rth minute. However, from there to end of the first period St Pauls were dominant and struck over four unanswered points, all of which came from play. They also added a second goal in the 27th minute to take a 2-7 to 0-2 lead. In their next attack St Pauls added a point but Garrycastle replied with a point from Robbie Shine in added time. The half time score was 2-8 to 0-3 in favour of St Pauls.
St Pauls added two points on the resumption but Peadar Mulvihill pointed for Garrycastle in response. St Pauls continued to press forward and hit over a succession of points, many of which were from distance, and lead by 2-12 to 0-4 after 40 minutes. The result was surely confirmed with a thirds goal for St Pauls in the 41st minute. They also added seven points, six of which were from play, to increase their lead even further. To their credit the Garrycastle lads did not throw in the towel and two points from Alan Daly and a goal from John O'Shaughnessy took some of the edge off the final score of 3-19 to 1-6.
Garrycastel can have no complaints, as they were comprehensively beaten by the better side and we wish St Pauls well in their upcoming semi-final. Despite the winning margin, there were good performances from Gary Mullery, Terry Rushe, Noel Galvin, Padraig Cosgrove and Peadar Mulvihill. Some of the younger players introduced as substitutes, will have gained useful experience from their introduction to adult championship football.
GARRYCASTLE: Shane O'Connell, Gary Mullery, John O'Shaughnessy (1-0), Ben Kennedy, Stephen McGuire, Terry Rushe, Sean Carey, Noel Galvin, Mark Curley, Padraig Cosgrove, Alan Daly (0-3, 2f), Peadar Mulvihill (0-2), Paul Gunning, Robbie Shine (0-1) and Enda Keena.
SUBs: Colman Gantley for B Kennedy (Half time); Paul Mulvihill for R Shine (Half time); Sean Gunning for S McGuire (33 min); Kenny Dolan for E Keena (42 min); Paul O' Donovan for P Gunning (542 min) and Emmet Keena for P Cosgrove (inj, 47 min).
Report by Matt Ryan
