U8 Challenge: June 26 v Roscommon Gaels, Páirc Chiaráin
Our Under 8s played Roscommon Gaels in their return leg in Pairc Ciaran on Friday 26th. Following on from their great performance in Mullingar the previous week, they continued where they left off with another great performance with 19 players togging out: Ethan Buckley, Stephen O Connor, Alex Bolger, Aaron Hardiman, Rory Dolan, Oisin O Donoghue, Daithí O Leochain, Ryan O Suilleabhain, Donnacha Lee, Ciaran Morgan, Diarmuid Morgan, TJ Turley, Sean O Neill, Kyle Mahon, Seanie Johnston, Keelan Joyce, Alex O Donovan, Liam OFlaherty, Darragh Bradley.
U10 Westmeath Blitz, Cullion, June 27
Southern Gaels U10s travelled to Cullion GAA last Saturday to take part in a blitz and put in their best performance all year recording a three out of three victory over some reputable opposition. In what was a comprehensive team performance from back line through midfield and on to the forwards, the effort put in in training over the past months, stretching right back to the mid-winter work, done in the Marist Hall, has started to pay dividends. Six teams showed up on what was a perfect morning weather-wise for hurling and the Gaels were scheduled to play Cullion, Castlepollard and Turin, three teams the club haven't played so far this year and who would prove to be worthy opponents. The players settled in quickly and had their first opponents Cullion on the run with scores emanating from the mid-field partnership of Luke Farrell, Johnny Martin and Dano McMonagle who put in solid performance in all three matches moving the ball quickly between each other creating space on the wings from where they were picking up impressive scores. Any balls falling short were picked up by score-hungry forwards such as Zach Meegan, Cormac Bradley, Ruairí Ó Duibhir and Cillian Geary who all got on the score-sheets during the tournament.
The two remaining matches proved no less challenging and no less fruitful as the team got into a good rhythm of building from the back where Calum Devaney, Seán O Donoghue and Oisín Dolan cleared an amount of challenging ball to record solid victories. Emerging players Leon Macken and Lee Turley were notable by their ability to play in a variety of positions on the park throughout the morning and this versatility will stand them in good stead as they develop in both skill and confidence during the summer. This was a great start to the summer for the U10s and it is expected that this will continue as we progress through the summer and the busy schedule of fixtures that await the squad. Well done to all who performed so well and thanks to all the parents who travelled to support the team.
PICTURE ATTACHED
U12 Westmeath League: June 24: Southern Gaels 4-2 v 1-2 Ballymore, Páirc Chiaráin
To ensure everyone got as much game time as possible with 17 players, we had Evan Farrell and Eoin Hardiman volunteer to play with Ballymore in the first half and Chulainn Dowd and Peter Mulvihill in the Second. Chulainn and Evan had the pleasure then of scoring against us. It was a great evening for Hurling and it was evident the striking skills, passing and tackling are improving all the time. Ballymore were under-strength and missing a few on the night and Southern Gaels won the match. Team for the night was: Michael Dolan, Evan Farrell, Seán Murphy, Aaron Lynch, Cian O Suilleabhain, Oisín Egan, Chulainn Dowd (0-2F), Peter Mulvihill (1-0), Rory Kilgarriff (2-0), Cian Geary, Paidí O Leochain, Eoin Hardiman, Kallum McKnight, Oisín O Flaherty (1-0), Ryan Fallon, Odhran Dolan and Liam O Gallagher.
U12 Challenge: June 26: Southern Gaels 1-5 v 3-2 Roscommon Gaels, Páirc Chiaráin
For this away encounter, Southern Gaels got a lesson in precision passing, fielding and tackling, but the shoe was on the other foot for this game and our Gaels played some fabulous hurling. The young Gaels were up for the challenge and from the get-go came out of the blocks tackling as if their lives depended on it. Roscommon Gaels had a goalie in super form saving some fine shots from Oisín O' Flaherty and Cian Geary, but Dano McMonagle managed to get off a super strike and beat the keeper with a bullet to open the scoring. Chulainn followed up with a Free to give us an early lead. We defended well with the full-back line of Aaron, Evan and Kallum full of confidence and clearing everything. We were unlucky not to score another few, with Odhran, Ryan and Oisín Egan tackling so well in the forward line, clearing some ball for Cian Geary and Dano to strike over some beautiful points. We were winning at half time 1-3 to 1-1, and it was always going to be tougher playing against the breeze in the second half. However Callum's puck-outs were great and Paidí O Leochain gave a wondrous display of high catching and managed to convert one catch over the bar for a super point. Roscommon came more into the match with better support play and cross field passing, to convert another few, before Chulainn's determination saw him strike another point from play. Roscommon's puck outs put our Half backline under pressure but Cian O Suilleabhain excelled and Michael Dolan was super breaking up the line and passing well. Peter Mulvihill battled well at midfield, with Ryan and Oisín Flynn working their socks off. Roscommon managed to draw level and the intensity of the game was evident for the many supporters. Both teams were evenly poised on this night, but a great passing move down the wing, saw Roscommon break in for a fine shot on goal to put them a goal ahead. Southern Gaels stood up and did their utmost to try and equalise with all players not willing to lose this one, but unfortunately it was not to be. Southern Gaels lost by a goal but on a super hurling performance that they can be proud off. Team for the night was: Michael Dolan, Evan Farrell, Aaron Lynch, Kallum McKnight, Cian O Suilleabhain, Paidí O Leochain (0-1), Chulainn Dowd (0-2 (1f)), Peter Mulvihill, Oisín Egan, Cian Geary (0-1), Ryan Fallon, Oisín O Flaherty, Odhran Dolan and 3 Under 10's: Dano McMonagle (1-1), Callum Devaney and Oisín Flynn.
Intermediate Championship.
Southern Gaels v Castletowngeoghan scheduled for Wednesday July 8.
Juvenile Training: U14 down to U6
Training continues every week in Páirc Chiaráin on Tuesdays 6.30-7.30 and Fridays 6.00-7.00. New Members always welcome.
Ball Wall
The club has now completed the building of a top class Ball Wall in Pairc Chiaráin at a cost of €25,000. Anyone interested in supporting the venture by "buying a brick in the Wall" at €50 - please contact a committee member or Tel. 0872253350.
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