It was a hectic week of action for both the hurlers and footballers, with brave performances ensuring both sides maintained their interest in this years county championships. The Junior D hurlers earned their passage to the district final after a coming out on top against neighbours Faythe Harriers a week last Tuesday in Taghmon. The combination of a heavy pitch and playing under lights produced a scrappy and tense affair, with both teams absolutely giving it their all. The Johns' led at the break by 0-8 to 1-02, having done most of the hurling but failing to break down a resolute Harriers defence. The sides traded scores during a frenetic second half, before a PJ Mooney sideline found it's way to the Harrier's net to give the John a 7 point lead with about 8 minutes to go. The Harriers chipped this back to 5 points, but a staunch rearguard action saw the Johns' hang until referee Sean Whelan sounded the final whistle. The final score was 1-14 to 1-09. They then created their own bit of history when they clinched their first ever District title, overcoming a gallant St. Annes sides 2-11 to 1-10 in Holymount last Sunday. There have been some great clashed between these sides in recent times and this proved no different. The Johns' made the early running, with an Aidan Roche goal propelling them to 1-03 to 0-03 lead on 15th minutes. The Annes, playing with a strong breeze, came forcefully back into the game, and it was the Rathangan men who lead at the break, 1-06 to 1-05. With underfoot conditions deteriorating rapidly, neither side seemed capable of fashioning decisive advantage until Jeff Nolan rammed home the John's second goal mid way through a tense second half. The Anne's dominated possession thereafter but were unable to breakdown a determined John's defence, with the townies hanging on for a famous victory. 24 hours early the Junior footballers were somewhat fortunate to reach the JFC county final, pipping a slick Blackwater side with a late flurry of points. Played in dreadful conditions, Blackwater opted to play with a fierce wind in the first half, and looked to be vindicated when they scored a point with less than a minute played. However, a determined rearguard action restricted the Blackwater to just four first half points, with the Vols trailing at the interval 0-4 to 0-1. Things didn't go to plan on the resumption. Blackwater upped their intensity and controlled the game and were unlucky not to extend their advantage. Trailing 0-5 to 0-2 with less than ten minutes remaining the writing was on the wall, but a number astute substitutions changed the tide in the Vols favour, with Paul Cullen and Donal O'Connor finding the score sheet upon their introduction. These scores were complimented by two monstrous Danny O' Sullivan points and when referee Sean Whelan sounded the final whistle, somehow the Vols had secured a 0-07 to 0-05 victory. They will now face fierce local rivals the Shelmaliers in the decider. Special credit must go to Danny and Seamus O'Sullivan, Aidan Roche, Jeff Nolan and Anthony Walsh who, in just 6 days, played in all 3 games. The Club's Social Night takes place on November 28th in the Riverbank Hotel. Tickets are .25 and are available from any club official. Special guest on the night will the 1983 Intermediate Football team who are celebrating the 25th anniversary of their championship success. The U-8 footballers train every Friday night at St. Peters and from 6 to 7 and all are welcome. For further information about this, the club and our underage schedules please visit, www.volunteersgaa.com. Tweet

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