Seniors:

It was a disappointing championship campaign this year for our seniors getting beat against St Brendans in round 1 and then again by St Peters in the back door. The senior team did however make a positive impact throughout the year in the Pennine League Division 2 making the final which was played mid August against Wolfe Tones. Both teams had minimal numbers with the final being played in the peak of the summer holidays and St Lawrences unfortunately lost on the day. St Lawrences will continue to play in division 2 next year and will fight to regain the shield which they last held in 2013. We wish Wolfe Tones all the best in Division 1 next year.

Juniors:

Our junior squad this year has had a good run and has gave many of our youth players a stepping-stone into adult football. Many of our young homegrown players took to the field this year including Eoin Watts, Callum Murphy, Niall Malarkey and Joe Brayne. Many of these young up and coming players made it into the junior championship squad. Playing St Mary's first the junior then went on to face Oisin where they unfortunately got knocked out of the competition.

 

Whats' Next for the Mens teams?

The men's team will continue to rebuild. The senior squad will be focusing on next years Pennine league division 2 and the junior team will continue to strengthen with more players from our underage set to enter into Minor grade and Junior football in January 2015. Furthermore, there will be a Homegrown Championship with in the next month in Lancashire, with the winners playing in the All Britain Homegrown Championship on 26th October. This competition is open to both senior and junior footballers.

Ladies

Ladies have had a busy month of football. Firstly they faced Oisin LGFA where they had a close knit battle and unfortunately lost by 1 point. Saturday they travelled to Leeds to play St Christopher's:

(MR by Lisa Pritchard) After an encouraging performance away at Old Bedians last weekend, St Lawrence's ladies headed over the Pennines to Leeds to take on St Christopher's. With the narrow defeat against Oisíns still fresh in the girls' minds, nothing but a win in Leeds was deemed acceptable.

The Lawrence's ladies hurtled out of the blocks with captain Siobhan Kelly putting in a stellar first half performance scoring a goal and two points to put the team ahead. Lauren Kelly played some equally scintillating football, making attacking runs and adding two points and a thunderous goal into the roof of the net to the tally. The first half was all Lawrence's with Christopher's only managing a goal and two points in the first thirty minutes. Ailish Keeley and Aisling Chainey added two more points from the right hand side. As a Hannah Duignan shot from the left ricocheted off the crossbar, Lisa Pritchard found herself in the right place at the right time, palming the ball into the back of the net.

The blossoming midfield partnership of attacking Doirean Mac Glinchey and defensive Lauren Quigley ensured that the Manchester club maintained their dominance right the way through the first half. Half time St Lawrence's 3-6 St Christopher's 2-3 In a game of the proverbial two halves, a resurgent St Christopher's weren't giving up without a fight. With a more physical and attack minded run to the Leeds club's game, it was the turn of the Lawrence's defence to stand up against some scrappy play in the second half. An outstanding display from Cathy O'Reilly at left half back saw some first-rate defending, running the ball out of the danger areas. Supported by Brenda Rice filling in at left corner back, the Lawrence's girls made it difficult for St Christopher's to break through. Annette Gibbons and Sinead Cleary showed their competence and skill in the centre of defence, combatting two of St Christopher's best players and preventing a number of scores. Despite an injury, Ciara Connolly rallied at corner back buoyed by the talent and leadership of Sarah Cairns playing just in front. Again, Jess Deacy put in a solid performance in net to guarantee an accomplished defensive performance. Substitutions Niamh Maguire and Ellen McGovern also came on to provide some fresh legs in the latter stages.

Whilst Christopher's took more of the scores in the second half, two long distance points from Lisa Pritchard deep into the final thirty confirmed that the Lawrence's ladies had enough of a lead to cement a deserved win and a positive end to the campaign. Though a final place wasn't on the cards for new girls St Lawrence's this season, what is obvious is that the club have hit the ground running and with certain superb performances this season, provided a statement of intent for the future.

With Head Coach Brendan Hargaden channelling his passion into the squad, flanked by Eoin 'Mojo' Linehan and Brian O'Connor, the team exudes positivity, enthusiasm and camaraderie heading into preparations for the next season.

Youths
Our thriving youth squads have been working hard this past month with training being on every Saturday at Turn Moss 3PM to 4.30PM for U8's-U14's and For U16's and U18's training has been with Lancashire GAA Development squad on Wednesday evening at Hough End. Training for all age groups will continue with the U16/U18s training moving to indoors, details will be on the St Lawrence's site once finalized.

The under 14's played in the Lancashire U14 championship this month playing St Marys early September and then travelling to Liverpool to play in a U14 championship blitz with John Mitchells and St Marys. Congratulations to St Mary's who won the Under 14's Championship this year.

Our Under 10's and U12's travelled to Liverpool on Saturday to play at Wavertree. Wolfe Tones GAA have been working hard over the summer to set up their underage squads and a great day was had by all with lots of Go Games being played. Many thanks to Wolfe Tones for hosting the blitz and we wish them all the best in their continuing development.

There will be training this Saturday for all youth teams 3PM at Turn Moss. All welcome.

What's coming up:

There are lots of events to add to your diary:

 

7th-28th September - Dublin 7′s LGFA Competition

Saturday 4th October - Proposed Lancashire GAA Homegrown Championship Blitz

Saturday 25th October - Liverpool Irish Festival Senior Blitz and also St Lawrences Dinner Dance at The Britannia County House Hotel - Tickets £30 - on sale now

Sunday 26th October - All Britain Homegrown Championship QF - (champions of Lancashire will be in this quarter final)

Saturday 1st November - St Lawrences Underage presentation at Chorlton Irish Club

Saturday and Sunday 22nd November - Tesco Stretford Bag Packing Fundraiser

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