Well done Westmeath:

Congratulations to Westmeath senior footballers on their memorable win over old rivals Meath in the Leinster semi-final in Croke Park last Sunday.

ACL Division 1:  Mullingar Shamrocks 0-12; Garrycastle 1-6

Garrycastle failed to resurrect their Division 1 League campaign when they were beaten by Mullingar Shamrocks in Springfield on Sunday week last. Missing six of their regular starting line-up, it took Garrycastle over 20 minutes to register their first score by which time  the home team were already three points up. Garrycastle's early scores came from frees from Alex Gardiner and by the 25th minute were trailing by 4 points to 3. A great break from defence from Mark McCallon ended with Sean Brennan finding the back of the net to put the visitors ahead. This was the point in the game that Garrycastle should have kicked on but when reduced to 14 men they failed to build on the lead and the first half ended with Shamrocks adding two more points to put them ahead by 0-6 to 1-2 at the interval.

Garrycastle needed to up their game in the second half but it was the home team who were first off the mark. Garrycastle rallied and two points from Conor Cosgrove, one from a free the other a spectacular score from distance, gave the visitors some hope.  Shamrocks lifted their game and hit three further unanswered points to put them ahead midway through the second half. Two more converted frees from Alex Gardiner put Garrycastle within a point of Shamrocks. However it was Shamrocks who finished the stronger and saw out the game with a winning margin of three points. This was a mixed performance from Garrycastle who but from some poor finishing could have come away with a least a draw and they now need to win their remaining games to retain their Division 1 status.

Garrycastle: Cathal Mullin, Gary Mullery, Mark McCallon, Alan Fox, Neal Rattigan, Doran Harte, Gary McCallon, Gary Dolan, Mark Curley, Sean Brennan (1-0), Ciaran O'Neill, Matthew Guiheen, Conor Cosgrove (0-2, 1f), Alex Gardiner (0-3, 3f), Damien Rushe

Subs: Gavin Ward for Gary Mullery (inj.) (21 mins), Cian Hayden for Sean Brennan (50 mins), Cathal Mannion for Neal Rattigan (52 mins)

ACL Div 1: Garrycastle 1-12; Maryland 0-4

The seniors collected two valuable points with a comfortable win over the home team in Drumraney last Saturday. Garrycastle started brightly with the McCallon brothers giving them a three point lead within five minutes, with Mark's point sandwiched between two fine efforts from younger brother Gary. Garrycastle continued to pick off points before Maryland opened their account with two pointed frees, but James Duignan ended the first half scoring to give his team a 0-9 to 0-2 lead at the break. The home side enjoyed a good spell after half time but missed two close-in frees that might have kick-started a revival. Garrycastle's play became a bit disjointed and they were relieved when Matthew Guiheen's goal put some daylight between the teams. Two good points from play by Conor Cosgrove and Sean Brennan put the gloss on Garrycastle's win in the closing minutes.

TEAM: Cathal Mullin, Alan Fox, Mark McCallon (0-1), Tom McHugh, Karl Henson, John Gaffey (0-1), Gary McCallon (0-3), Justin Barrett (0-1), Neill Rattigan, Doran Harte, James Duignan (0-1), Matthew Guiheen (1-0), Conor Cosgrove (0-4, 3 frees), Ciaran O'Neill, Damien Rushe.

Subs: Cathal Mannion for O'Neill (half time); Gavin Ward for Guiheen (49 mins); Sean O'Donoghue for Duignan (52 mins); Cian Hayden for McHugh (56 mins); Sean Brennan (0-1) for Cosgrove (56 mins) and Mark Keenan for Mullin (58 mins).

ACL Division 2:  Tang 0-20;  Garrycastle 2-8

Garrycastle's second team moved closer to the relegation trapdoor as a result of this latest defeat at the hands of the home team in Tang last Tuesday. After a hesitant opening, Garrycastle hit the front with a point from Conor Cosgrove followed by a goal from the same player after good work by Sean Brennan. Tang kept sniping over points from play but Sean Brennan kept Garrycastle in the game, kicking two points and setting up Ciaran O'Neill and Cathal Mannion for two more as Garrycastle enjoyed their best spell. However, two good goal chances went a-begging, leaving them just a point in front at half time - 1-6 to 0-8.

Unfortunately, that was as good as it got for Garrycastle. Tang took over completely after the break, kicking points almost at will. A well-taken point from the industrious Paul Gunning was Garrycastle's only response in the third quarter, and when two more goal chances were squandered Garrycastle's challenge evaporated. Cian Hayden and Gavin Ward , when introduced, injected some urgency into Garrycastle's play and Conor Cosgrove set up Anthony Larkin for a goal. But Tang were not to be denied and ran out comfortable winners by six points. Indeed their winning margin would have been greater but for some excellent goalkeeping by Mark Keenan.

TEAM: Mark Keenan, Gary Mullery, Tom McHugh, Alan Fox, Neill Rattigan, Mark Curley, Anthony Larkin (1-0), Seanie O'Donoghue, Noel Galvin, Damien Rushe, Ciaran O'Neill (0-1), Sean Brennan (0-2, 1 free), Paul Gunning (0-1), Conor Cosgrove (1-3, 1 free), Cathal Mannion (0-1).

Subs: Cian Hayden for Galvin (42 mins); Gavin Ward for Mullery (47 mins); Enda Keena for O'Neill (49 mins); Ben Kennedy for Larkin (BC, 55mins) and Paul Mulvihill for Mannion (56 mins).

Under 10 County League:

The Garrycastle Under-10 team welcomed St. Marys Rochfortbridge in to Garrycastle for round 5 of the county under-10 league on Tuesday evening, (June 23rd). On a great evening for football, with nice sunshine, and no wind to speak of, Garrycastle fielded two teams to take on the visitors.

The Garrycastle "Red" team started slowly, taking a while to find their range, and even though had more of the possession, simply could not score, racking up a large number of wides. St. Marys, by contrast, were far more clinical with their chances, and deservedly led at the half-time break by two points, the Garrycastle scores coming from Brian Mulvihill and David Carter. The second half started for Garrycastle as the first half finished, with three wides in succession, before finally the scoring boots came out, and courtesy of a brace of points from Conor Sheehan and an excellent score from Thanh McCay, Garrycastle took the lead, which they built on and held to the finish, to take a hard-earned win on the evening. Some excellent defensive work from Jack Mulvihill and Killian Keegan set the team up for their second half performance.

The Garrycastle "Green" team started strongly in their game, and took an early lead with some fine scores from Diarmaid Murtagh and Jamie Carroll, and building on a solid defensive and midfield showing, led by 4 points at half-time. St. Marys fought back strongly in the second half, but great defence by Anthony Mannion, Sean Doyle and keeper for the evening, Matthew Conner, kept them at bay. The second half was a very even affair, with both teams trading scores equally, but the "Green" team never relinquished the lead they built up in the first half to take the win.

Overall this was a very good performance from the under-10 squad. The St. Marys teams certainly gave nothing away cheaply, and it took real effort right across the field to get the results. This squad continues to develop, and are building nicely on the skills being learned in training. 

"Green" Team: Matthew Conner, Sean Doyle, Anthony Mannion, Conn O'Hara, Cian McCormack, Diarmaid Murtagh, Tom Sheehan, Jamie Carroll, Kealan Ryan-McIntyre, Jazmen Rafiz, Oisin Nugent, Nathan Kelly.

Red" Team: Conor McCarthy, Jack Mulvihill, Killian Keegan, Conor Sheehan, Tom Daly, Nathan McKeon, Brian Mulvihill, Sean O'Donoghue, Thanh McCay, Dervla Turley, Brandon Devaney, Killian Redmond, David Carter.

 

Minor League:

The Garrycastle minors finally got their league campaign underway, following the end of the Leaving Certificate examinations with two games, beginning with a home fixture on Monday 22 June against Tyrrellspass, followed on Wednesday with an away fixture against Kilbeggan/St Josephs. With several minors missing because of holidays, a number of under 16s stepped up to the plate and can be proud of their contributions in both games.

Tyrrellspass 5-11; Garrycastle 3-7

The early exchanges were close but it was Tyrrellspass who registered the first score, a point from play in the 5th minute. Garrycastle hit back straight away with a fine point from play from the boot of Jack Brody. The game's first goal arrived soon after, following a penetrating run from Ronan Mulvihill and a shot from Oisin Langan, which saw the Tyrrellspass goalie make a good save. However, the rebound was snapped up by Ross Mulvihill who finished to the net from close range. Garrycastle further increased their lead with two excellent points from Cathal Mannion. Tyrrellspas hit back with two points of their own as the mid-point of the half approached. Soon after the visitors had a goal from a penalty to level matters at 1-3. Jack O'Connor was on hand to restore the advantage to Garrycastle with a good point in the 18th minute. Tyrrellspass responded with appoint from a free to level it again. However, in the final minutes of the half, Cathal Mannion pointed again and Garrycastle lead by 1-5 to 1-4 at the break.

The game was won and lost in the opening minutes of the second half, as Tyrrellspass broke forward in attack after attack. Shane McEnery made an excellent save in the very first minute of the second half to avert a certain goal for the visitors. However, there was nothing he could do about a succession of points, five in all, that put Tyrrellspass into a decisive lead. A second Tyrrellspass goal in the 37th minute emphasised their dominance of possession at that stage and Shane McEnery had to be alert to prevent a number of other goal bound efforts in the subsequent attacks.  Ross Mulvihill got Garrycastle's first score of the second half in the 43rd minute, when he converted a free after he was fouled about 30 meters from goal. The play was more even from there to the end, but the visitors had two more goals and a point as the game entered its final moments. Cathal Mannion scored a goal in injury time but there was just enough time for the visitors to score their fifth goal with their final attack.

The Garrycastle lads were a match for their opponents in the opening 30 minutes but flagged after the break. Given that this was their first outing, it was not surprising. They can take some encouragement from the first period and build on it going forward. Best for Garrycastle were Shane McEnery, who made a string of fine saves, Brian Leahy, Jack Brody and Ross Mulvihill in defence. Colm Lynch and Ronan Mulvihill were most prominent in attack.

TEAM: Shane McEnery, Brian Leahy, Caolan Jameson, Jack Brody (0-1), Sean Mulvihill, Ross Mulvihill (1-1, 0-1f), Oisin Langan, Cathal Mannion (1-3), Brian Ruane, Colm Lynch, Ronan Mulvihill, Jack O'Connor (0-1), Conor Mulvihill.

SUBS: Conor Macken for J O'Connor; Ian Carroll for B Ruane; Cillian Lyons for Ronan Mulvihill.

Kilbeggan/St Josephs 5-15    Garrycastle 0-5

With a number of absentees and injuries from Monday's game, Garrycastle travelled to Kilbeggan with only 13 players. Against a physically stronger and more skilful side it proved to be a difficult evening for the side. Much like Monday's game, Garrycastle were competitive in the first half, but faded in the second and were comprehensively beaten. All of the Garrycastle scores came from centre forward, Cathal Mannion, with four of these in the first half, which ended on a score line of 3-6 to 0-4 in favour of Kilbeggan/St Josephs. The home side pressed on in the second period and hit over some fine points, and a couple of goals. Garrycastle's only score of the second period came from a free by Cathal Mannion.

Best for Garrycastle on the night were, Shane McEnery, Brian Leahy, Loic Gately, Jack Brody and Brian Ruane. With players returning from holidays and much needed match practice, this side cam look forward to improved performances for the remainder of the league and championship campaigns.

TEAM: Shane McEnery, Brian Leahy, Caolan Jameson, Sean Mulvihill, Loic Gatley, Ross Mulvihill, Ross Mulvihill, Conor Mulvihill, Brian Ruane, Cathal Mannion (0-5, 3f), Ronan Mulvihill, Conor Macken, Ian Carroll.

Under 8:

Garrycastle U-8's played Clann na nGael on Wednesday night (June 24th) in Johnstown for the first time this year. Both clubs had great numbers which resulted in the creation of three concurrent matches.

 

The Garrycastle "Red" team played against Clann na nGael's strongest team which gave the mentors a chance to compare the skills and abilities between the two clubs. When the ball was thrown in the Garrycastle boys tried to keep their positions, but a mix up between players gave Clann the opportunity to kick a fast ball in and post the first score. However, the Garrycastle team were not fazed and had an immediate response, kicking the next 11 points without response. There were some fine scores from all our forwards and midfielders with some fantastic movement and passing from Kealan McNamara, Andrew Henson and James McHugh. Daniel Stankard in goals made some vital saves and his accurate kicking was fantastic. Our three backs Oisin Mulvihill, Rian Gaynor and Niadh Shine were cleaning up all 50/50 balls and stopped all clan attacks. We expected a strong response from Clann in the second half and they started much sharper with a fine score from long range. However, following some positional changes Oisin Mulvihill started to dominate midfield - laying off the ball into Aaron Keegan, Oisin O'Donoghue and Darragh Glennon where they started scoring from all angles. An absolutely excellent display of football from every player. 

 

The Garrycastle "Green" team weren't to be outdone by the "Red" team with some fantastic displays throughout the field. This game was a lot more closely contested with both teams picking off some fine scores. However, it was the quality of the tackling, blocking and defending that caught the eye in this game. Dylan Summers and Keelan Ward made a countless number of fantastic blocks both while in goals, and when they were out the field. Fionn McMahon and Dylan Frawley were excellent in defence, winning 50/50 balls and taking the ball out of the danger areas. Calum Hudson dominated the midfield area and won every ball that game his way. Louie Shine and Conor McCormack covered the whole pitch putting in some brilliant tackles and carrying the ball forward with super pace and skill. Upfront Hazel Donegan and Van McCay showed lightening pace and skill and kicked some wonderful scores. Another excellent display.

 

The Garrycastle "White" team decided from the start that they weren't going to be outshone either, and got stuck in right from the throw in. This game was also very closely contested and the Garrycastle defence worked hard to keep Clann out. Dylan Moloney, Adam Kearney and Christian Turean led from the defence with a brilliant display of tackling and blocking. Mairead McBride, Luke Quilty and Senan Nugent policed the mid area with great effect with Luke putting in a man of the match performance and picking up three fine scores along the way.

Ronan Croughan, Tadgh Mulvihill, Amelie Henson and Katelin Devlin-Parker put in great work all over the field and came out on top in a number of crucial challenges. Rhys Larkin, Oskar Pieskorski and Alex Connor were a constant threat to the Clann defence and picked off a number of fine scores. The "White" team had the largest number of players, and each player showed excellent maturity and comradery when asked to give their teammates a run.

 

Overall the team performances from all three teams was excellent and to see all the skills of the game being performed, and the improvement being made, by everyone was encouraging. A big thanks to Trevor from Clann and we hope to return the favour later on in the summer. A huge thanks also to all of the coaches and parents who help out, your support in invaluable and greatly appreciated.

 

New York Féile team visit Garrycastle:

Garrycastle GAA Club were proud to host the New York 2015 Féile Peil na nÓg team on Thursday evening, for a practice match vs. the Garrycastle under-14 squad, followed by a BBQ and entertainment in the clubhouse. A very entertaining match, in four quarters, was served up by both teams, played in a great spirit. The BBQ was greatly enjoyed by all present, and entertainment in the form of Irish music played by Brian Leahy, and Irish dancing from the McGovern sisters was greeted with great applause from the assembled crowd.

Club president Jack Veale made a short speech and presentation to the New York Team manager, wishing them the best of luck in the upcoming Féile in Wexford and Carlow. New York Team Manager Mike Healy reciprocated with a well-received speech thanking the Garrycastle club for their hospitality, and especially John Henson, for all the work done in welcoming them to the club, and presented the club with a memento of their visit. The Garrycastle club would also like to express their gratitude to the 12 host families who looked after the 24 New York players during Wednesday and Thursday.

The New York team went on to perform very well in Division 1 of Féile and reached the semi-final where they unfortunately lost to Austin Stacks of Tralee.

Bereavements:

On Friday last, everyone in the Altown-Garrycastle area was saddened by news of the death of Eileen Molloy. Eileen had been a consistent seller of club lotto tickets for the past 21 years, and we extend heartfelt sympathy to her husband Matt and to all the Molloy family at this very sad time. As a mark of respect, this week's lotto draw scheduled for Monday was deferred to Tuesday night.

We also extend our condolences to Bridie Nugent of Clonbrock Court on the death of her brother Tommy Dolan of Birchgrove, Ballinasloe.

Our thoughts and prayers are also with the family, relatives and friends of Larry and Martina Hayes who were so tragically killed in Tunisia last Friday, and with the family of Lorna Carty of Robinstown, Co. Meath who lost her life in the same atrocity.

 

Lotto news:

Last week's numbers were 4,7,13 and 17. The jackpot again survived, while there were five match-3 winners, as follows: Bear Martin, Baylin; Alan Veale, Moydrum; Michael Flanagan, c/o Oliver Flanagan; Marie Murphy, 11 Auburn Villas and Vera Fox, c/o Anthony Lennon. The jackpot for this week was €6,900.

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