St Oliver Plunkett's GAC, Greenlough Club Notes
May 11, 2014Club 75th Anniversary Celebrations Held
To mark the 75th Anniversary of St Oliver Plunkett's GAC, Greenlough and 70th Anniversary of St Columba's Camogie Club, a special celebration weekend was held from the 2nd to 4th May 2014.
Kelly McGoldrick Memorial Cup
After months of planning, the weekend finally began with the Under 18 Kelly McGoldrick Memorial Cup final held at St Oliver Plunkett Park on Friday 2nd, where Ballinascreen were victorious over Newbridge; with Kelly's parents and brothers on hand to present the trophy to the winning team.
Celebration Night
Most of Saturday 3rd April was spent setting up St Oliver Plunkett Hall to transform it into a spectacular array of club colours suitable to mark the celebrations and a fitting venue for the dinner. When guests arrived they were greeted with a champagne reception in the marquee, which had been erected on Friday night especially for the event. Guests then passed the trophy and medal displays before entering the main hall.
The glass cabinet contained medals from both the football and camogie clubs throughout the years, with a few very special medals including, two NFL Division 1 medals, one belong to Thomas Edward McCloskey RIP from the 1947 win, the other, Enda Lynn's 2008 medal; 3 All-Ireland Minor championship medals from James Lynn (1989), Martin Carey and Ciaran McCallion (both 2002), as well as the club's only Ulster Senior Football championship medal which belonged to the late Paul McCann RIP, and a number of other medals from Greenlough players who played on successfull Derry teams. The oldest club medal on display was from the 1953 Junior championship win and belonged to Henry McErlean.
The display also contained a number of All-Ireland winning medals from the camogie club from previous years, while Patsy Downey's All-Ireland final stick with her medals attached was displayed on the stage beside a mannequin wearing Sheila Storey's old Greenlough playing kit. On the opposite side of the stage stood another mannequin with the current Greenlough Senior Football kit, along with a special mirror with the St Oliver Plunkett's GAC crest, which was presented to the club by St Mary's College, Clady. In the centre of the stage a slide show of photos from both clubs was displayed on a large screen.
The main hall itself was bedecked in club colours with white table clothes and red and black balloons, while on the left wall a clothesline of jerseys belonging to both footballers and camogs hung and included Gerard O'Neill's 1969 Ulster Minor Championship winning top, Neil McErlean's 1976 Greenlough Intermediate Championship winning jersey, James Lynn's 1989 All-Ireland minor jersey right up to his brother Enda's 2014 NFL Division 1 Final jersey.
On the walls at either side of the entrance hung a display of photos depicting the timelines of each club, with winning teams and significant events from throughout the clubs' history.
To the night itself, proceedings began when MC for the night, BBC broadcaster Mark Sidebottom, gave a couple of opening remarks before grace was said and the dinner, catered for by Arbutus Outside catering, was served.
Between dinner and dessert St Oliver Plunkett's Chairperson, Sheila Kearney made her speech, in her speech thanked the organising committee and all those who helped prepare for the weekend's celebrations. She then went on to thank all those who have helped the club through the years and continue to do so, and expressed her hope that the club would continue to grow and prosper over the next 75 years. She concluded her speech by congratulating the camogie club on their 70th Anniversary and wishing them continued success in the future.
After dessert the remaining speeches were made. Aileen McGoldrick, as chair of St Columba's Camogie Club then made a speech. She mentioned the Camogie club began with the Primary School with Mrs Margaret Conway a driving force, suggesting St Columba as the club's patron saint, and the first AGM held on 23rd April 1944. She mentioned the great success the club have had, recalling the large number of players who had won All-Ireland medals with their county, including a number on mothers and daughters who had both won All-Irelands, as well as the numerous county titles Greenlough have won. Aileen went onto mention how the Camogie club continues to exist thanks to the hard work of the volunteers who help, and that this year the players aged 8 to 11 were privileged to play at Croke Park as part of the Go Games launch. As with Sheila, Aileen thanked the organising committee and all those who helped organise the weekend, and those who attended the event to help celebrate the anniversary. She concluded by saying that the camogie club provided the girls a chance to achieve the highest levels, work as a team, pride in their place and make lifelong friends.
Fr Oliver Crilly, president of the football club and parish priest then spoke, firstly with a few words in Irish. He then mentioned that when he grew up in Lavey he was aware of the football club in Greenlough, and in particular Thomas Edward McCloskey, whose wife Kathleen was in attendance on the night. He mentioned of the vibrancy in the two clubs and in the parish. He mentioned we were celebrating the persistence of the clubs, it was one thing to form the clubs, but to persistence to have it over 75 and 70 years for the two clubs was a great achievement and he congratulated everyone who had made that happen. He went on to mention some of the people who have gone before us, and particularly those who had died in the last couple of weeks, including Mary McPeake, Patsy Darragh and Mickey Cassidy RIP, who tragically died during the previous week and whose funeral and burial was on Saturday morning. Father Crilly told how Mickey had bought a new suit for the celebration dinner, and was looking forward to the event, he said while it was a great sadness during the celebrations, Mickey would have been happy to see the dinner happen. He then prayed for all those who went before us, before mentioning how the Irish people have always had a great sense of community, which was still present today.
Mark Sidebottom then moved across the floor to give the mic to Anne O'Neill who recited "The Greenlough Poem" a poem about our clubs.
Mark then returned to his table, where Cathleen Henry spoke. Cathleen was a former All-Ireland winning captain and manager with Derry, Ulster Colleges president and also managed Greenlough's Senior Camogie team in the pass. She began by thanking the clubs for inviting her to the celebration, and congratulating the founding members of the club including Mrs Brigid Tohill, the only remaining founding member at the age of 92. Cathleen then mentioned some of the families in the club including the Lavertys, McDonnell's and Bradleys who had mothers and daughters who both won All-Irelands, and Catherine O'Donnell who refereed the 1980 All-Ireland Minor final. She also paid tribute to Emily Mullan who was secretary for 25 years. She concluded by congratulating the clubs, and encouraged them to keep it going.
The final speech was from special guest, former Armagh captain, and current TV analyst Jarlath Burns, and was introduced by his former BBC colleague Mark Sidebottom as Suzanne Burns husband Jarlath. He began by thanking the club for having him, but also as chairman of Silverbridge, for postponing the Ulster League game earlier in the year. He thanked Mark for the longest introduction he's ever had, and said it was poignant to get to work with him again since he left the BBC recently and thought he wouldn't get a chance to work with him again. He recounted some of the stories from his days with BBC sport, before taking his own take on GAA president elect Aogan O Fearghail's 'four f words' of Finance, Family, Fixtures and Facilities, instead at grassroots level it's more Fighting, Fouling, Friction and Fiction, and he added a few stories to back up his views. Jarlath then complimented the clubs on their achievements of keeping the clubs going over 70 and 75 years, especially in the modern era when it's so easy to start things up and abandon them, saying it shows the sheer pride and love the people have in their community. He said the club was a testimony to every value that is crucial to the GAA. He said many other countries would love to have the sense of community the GAA creates. Jarlath conclude by saying he could give the same speech in nearly every part of Ireland but believed there was something special within this community, and concluded by saying Suzanne and himself were honoured to be guests at the celebrations.
Following the speeches Sheila then thanked St Mary's College Clady for the crest donated by the school to the football club, before presenting flowers to Suzanne and Cathleen. The club chairpersons exchanged gifts to mark the anniversaries of the respective clubs, before events were concluded with the raffle draw; the prizes and winners were: 4-Ball Kilrea Golf Club (Donated by Bridie McCloskey) - Liam O'Neill; Garth Brooks Tickets - Henry & Tara Lynn; All-Ireland Hurling Tickets - Carl Henry; A Meal for 2 at The Elk (Donated by the Elk) - Aidan McPeake; City of Derry Hotel Voucher - Danny Kearney.
Then excellent "Juice" then provided the music for the rest of the night, which was thoroughly enjoyed by all those who attended.
Thanks to the following who sponsored different items for the celebration night: Our Official Sponsors - O'Neill's Costcutter, Portglenone; PRH Construction - Wine for tables, All Occasions, Portglenone - Balloons/decorations for tables; Bannside Pharmacy - Toiletries; Souvenir Pens - Joe McCloskey; Glasses - Sainsbury's/Tescos; Raffle Envelopes - Bethlehem Abbey Press; O'Kane eggs, Castledawson; and to those who provided the flowers for the tables and the stage; a huge thank you to all those mentioned, and all the local businesses who sponsored and supported the celebration night, apologies if we've left anyone out, all support was so very greatly appreciated. Thanks to Arbutus Outside Catering for the meal, and to Juice for the music, and Eventco for the Marquee hire.
Thanks also to all those who worked so hard voluntarily preparing the hall for the night, to those who loaned their medals, trophies and jerseys for the night and to Joe Clarke, Emily Mullan and Adrian McErlean for co-ordinating the collection of the memorabilia. Thanks to the Bannvalley Community Group for the use of the hall and projector and to Brian Boyle for the use of the projector screen.
A big thanks to those club members who helped at the bar on the night and the players who performed their duties as waiters and glass collectors.
Finally a big thanks to all those who bought a ticket and attended the night, supporting the club and joining in the celebrations and making it such a great success.
Our volunteers and sponsors are priceless to us. We really appreciate everyone's help with the event, so if I've left anyone out please let us know and I will add thanks.
Celebration Mass
After the night before, as part of the celebrations a special mass to mark the anniversarie was held in St Oliver Plunkett's Church, Clady the following day at 12noon. All players from Under 6 to Senior wore club jerseys to make a great sea of red, black and white in the chapel. The club provided readers for both the readings and the prayers of the faithful, as well as members bringing up the offertory gifts, including a football, camogie stick, club jerseys and vice-chair Paul Henry who carried up the crested mirror donated to the football club from St Mary's College, Clady. The youngest members of the club also formed part of the choir with Monica Maguire guiding the primary school pupils in the hymns during the mass.
A big thank you to Father Oliver Crilly for changing the mass from 11 to 12 to accommodate the clubs and for allowing the mass in the chapel. Thanks also to all those who read, brought up gifts, performed the Eucharistic minister duties, organised the choir, sang, and played instruments during the mass; and a special thanks to everyone who attended the mass in their club colours, and to the underage players' parents for ensuring they all were kitted out, adding to a great scene in the chapel.
Fun Day
Following the mass, attention switched to across the road to St Oliver Plunkett Park where the Fun Day was being held. Bouncy castles and a whole range of inflatables were available for the young and not so young to try and enjoy, with a BBQ, and tuck shop available for those who required something to eat. A Pig-Spit was also available, but it took 12 hours to cook so was only available later in the evening. There were also face painters and plenty of other activities for the large crowd who attended to enjoy; with the occasional shower not able to put a dampener on the celebrations.
A big thank you to Gerard McAleese of Clady Quality Meats who donated the pig, to Costcutter's, Portglenone who sponsored the salad, to Fullan's Eurospar, Portglenone who donated the baps and rolls for the BBQ, to Fry Days for providing the sauces for the BBQ/Pig-Spit; and again thanks to anyone else who donated and are not listed. Thanks to Ruairi McGlinchey, Thomas McCann and John Og McPeake who manned the BBQ for 6 hours or more along with Jean Connolly, to those who manned the tuck shop and made tea, and to all those who helped out in any small way on the day or in the preparation for the event.
Go Games Blitz
As part of the fun day the club also hosted a Go Games Blitz in both football and camogie at Under 8 and Under 10; with Kilrea, Portglenone, Rasharkin, and Greenlough taking part in the football; and Newbridge, Glenullin, Rasharkin, and Greenlough participating in the camogie. With the emphasis on fun the players on all teams got as much football and camogie in their 9-a-side games as possible. A big thanks to all those who helped organise the blitz; arranging the games, setting up the fields and co-ordinating on the day. Thanks also to the visiting teams, their managers and supporters for joining in the club's celebrations by participating in the blitz, and to those who refereed the games.
Townlands It's a Knockout
To add a bit of competition to the day and local rivalry to the fun day a Townland's 'Its-a-Knockout' was held, and ran by the BM Promotions company who provided the inflatables and attractions for the day. There were eight teams; Clady, Lower Glenone, Upper Glenone, Tyanee, Moneystaghan, Ballymacpeake, Lynn's Brae and Moneystaghan. Teams took part in various events scoring points for their teams at each. The first event saw all teams compete against each other in the fancy dress sack race. After the race the teams split off to try their luck at the other events which included Rodeo Bull, Sumo Wrestling, Inflatable bungy basketball, Gladiator Duel, inflatable obstacle course, penalty kick and oversized board games. By the end of the day Tyanee gathered the most points to be named winners, but only just as they beat Clady, the runners-up by just a point. As well as the winners medals and trophy, there were a number of other prizes handed out; Brian Heaney most sporting male, Imelda Marron most sporting female, Anthony Letters biggest whinger and Stephen McPeake biggest poser.
A big thanks to all those who took part in the competition which was played in the best of spirits and got everyone involved, and was enjoyed by all; with even a mother-in-law being knocked down in the duel by her daughter-in-law all in the name of entertainment and enjoyment!
Niamh McGlinchey Music in Club
To round off the weekend Niamh McGlinchey played in the club function room from 9pm til late, with Sean Hutchinson also taking the mic for a couple of songs. Thanks to Niamh for performing and to all those who attended the enjoyable conclusion of the weekend. Thanks also to the bar staff, and to all those who helped tidy up the pavilion and hall after all the events were over.
Thanks
So many events over the one weekend, enjoyed by so many. It was great to be part of it at all and feel a real sense of community and pride in our clubs and parish. Thank you to all again and especially to the weekend's organising committee of Noel Henry, Brigid Laverty, Carl Henry, Nuala Tohill, Carl Henry, Paul Henry, Sean Mullan and Neil McErlean, who had worked tirelessly for a number of months making sure all came together so well over the weekend. Thanks.
ACFL Div 2: Craigbane 2-09 Greenlough 1-06 (30/04/14) - Seniors suffer first league defeat of 2014
Greenlough made a thirty plus mile mid week trip into North Derry, their second in the opening three games, when they travelled to Craigbane on Wednesday night, 30th April.
With wins over Faughanvale and Ogra in the first two matches, Greenlough hoped to continue their winning start to the league campaign, but knew they faced a tougher opponent in Craigbane, who had been relegated from Division 1 in 2013.
Indeed it was the hosts who started the quickest with the aid of the strong wind in the first half when they pointed after just 31 seconds. Cormac O'Neill responded with a pointed free in the third minute after a foul on Niall Bradley.
For the next ten minutes however, it was all Craigbane. They hit three wides in the next three minutes but also registered a point. They then hit a point and then a goal in the tenth minute as Greenlough struggled against the wind.
Thomas McCann did respond almost immediately when he made a great bursting run through the middle and fired over from distance while under pressure to bring the gap back to four. But Greenlough just couldn't get the ball into scoring positions and when they did they were closed down. For the next 10 minutes both defences were on top as Greenlough defended well, but the pressure eventually yielded scores for the hosts when the pointed from play in the 21st minute and then from a free in the 26th.
The visitors then had a goal chance when Enda Lynn's precise pass found Niall Loughlin, but his shot rose over the bar for a point. That would was only Greenlough's third, and prove to be final score, of the half, while Craigbane stretched the lead from five to seven with two points in injury time.
Half-Time: Craigbane 1-07 Greenlough 0-03
If Craigbane had dominated the opening exchanges in the first half, Greenlough certainly dominated at the start of the second. With the wind on their backs it took Stefan Lynn just twenty seconds to pull one back for Greenlough, before a quick free from Enda Lynn saw John Og McPeake point a minute later and close the gap to five.
When Cormac O'Neill's strong run was abruptly halted in the large rectangle in the 39th minute, Enda Lynn made no mistake from the penalty spot when he coolly slotted the ball into the corner of the net, bringing his side back to within two of the hosts. In the frantic start to the second half Greenlough had played well to close the gap, but while they managed 1-2 in those nine minutes, they should have had a lot more, with three wides, a goal chance saved and a ball dropped short all in that short period.
Having weathered the storm Craigbane struck back, after a wide in the 41st minute, they pointed their first of the half a minute later. A pointed free in the 45th minute had the gap up to four as Greenlough could only respond with a wide.
Then the vital score of the game. As Greenlough chased more scores, Craigbane broke and found the back of the Greenlough net to restore the half time lead of seven.
That would prove to be their final score of the half and game, and like Greenlough in the first half only manage three scores in the second half, but crucially one of those scores was a goal.
Rocked by that score Greenlough battled on, but took another four minutes for a response on the scoreboard when John Og McPeake pointed his second of the game following a good pass from Niall Loughlin. Unfortunately for the visitors that would prove to be their last score, as despite having chances as the game drew to a close they could only manage three consecutive wides as time ran out, leaving six between the sides at the final whistle.
Full-Time: Craigbane 2-09 Greenlough 1-06
Team and Scorers: Gerard Kearney, Gary Loughlin, Joseph Kearney, Connor Madden, Christopher Kearney, Thomas McCann 0-1, James McCallion, Brian McCallion, Niall Bradley, Stefan Lynn 0-1, John Og McPeake 0-2, Enda Lynn 1-0 (1 pen), Cormac O'Neill 0-1 (1f), Niall Loughlin 0-1. Subs: Liam Quinn for T McCann (49 min), Kevin McNally for G Kearney (49 min), Christopher Maguire, Paul Quinn, Niall Kearney.
ACFL Div 2: Desertmartin 2-08 Greenlough 3-11 (09/05/14) -Injury time goals give Greenlough away win
In their third week-night away game out of their opening four league games so far, Greenlough travelled to Desertmartin on Friday 9th May, to take on the hosts.
Having had their game against Claudy last week postponed due to the club celebrations, Greenlough hoped to get back to winning ways after defeat to Craigbane the previous Wednesday.
The game started off in blistering form with both sides having chances, but only recording three wides between them in each of the first three minutes, Greenlough with the first followed by two from the hosts.
Having missed from their first two frees it was third time lucky as Desertmartin opened the scoring from the placed ball in the fourth minute; and when a Greenlough attack broke down moments later, a quick move up the field saw the hosts move further in front when they blasted to the net.
Two further wides from the 'Martins could have opened the gap further, but it was Greenlough who responded in the 8th minute, when Niall Bradley whose wife Kerri gave birth to their second child on Wednesday, gathered a lay off from Seamus Graham and rifled over.
Greenlough began to build the pressure over the next five minutes, but could only manage a wide, a ball into the keeper's hands, and two close range saves from the home goalie. The pressure did eventually tell when Niall Loughlin was hauled down and 13 meter free was awarded; when the Desertmartin players failed to retreat to the line a penalty was awarded. The Desertmartin 'keeper had absolutely no chance of making another save this time, as Enda Lynn rifled the ball straight into the top corner with an unstoppable shot to bring the sides level.
Almost directly from the kick-out Greenlough moved in front for the first time in the game as Niall Loughlin pointed. Desertmartin responded with a point from a free with ten minutes of the half remaining to level things for a second time, but from the kick out the ball was played short and moved the full length of the field, before being tapped over by the impressive Brian McCallion.
As the half was drawing to a close all the pressure was now coming from the visitors. While they hit three wides in the final seven minutes of the half, Greenlough also hit three points. The first from a very tight angle by Niall Loughlin, before Brian McCallion with the outside of the boot got his second of the game, and while under pressure, Ryan Tohill blasted over from 30 meters with the last kick of the half, to leave Greenlough four points ahead at the break.
Half-Time: Desertmartin 1-02 Greenlough 1-06
The second half began like the first at a frantic pace, but unlike the first half, the sides proved more accurate, with six points shared evenly between them in the opening five minutes.
A point after just thirty seconds for Desertmartin and a second a minute later had the gap cut to two, only for Greenlough to respond with two in a minute themselves; Thomas McCann's hard work resulting in Enda Lynn setting up Niall Loughlin to fire over, before Brian McCallion found time and space to register a good point.
When Brian was then fouled, Ryan Tohill stepped up and pointed the free to extend the lead to five for 40 seconds, before Desertmartin responded again with a point of their own.
A wide two minutes later was then followed by a great long distance point from Seamus Graham after he won the ball and turned his man. But Greenlough were unable to pull away from the hosts and two pointed frees in a minute had the gap back to three with just over a quarter of the game remaining.
A couple of injuries saw the game delayed for a while, but on the resumption Niall Loughlin was on hand again to push Greenlough further ahead with his fourth point of the day.
Again Desertmartin didn't give up, and pulled one back four minutes later two leave just a goal in it once more. Both sides then pushed for more scores over the next six minutes, Joseph Kearney doing well breaking up one of Desertmartin's attacks, but with three minutes of injury time remaining, a high ball into the Greenlough goal mouth wasn't cleared and Desertmartin scrambled the ball over the line to bring the sides level.
Both sides then registered a wide each as they went in search of a winner as the game entered injury time. Then in the first minute of injury time, a Ryan Tohill free dropped short, and when Niall Bradley palmed the ball down to Stefan Lynn, Stefan made no mistake blasting the ball past the home defence and 'keeper into the corner of the net.
Desertmartin hadn't given up, and mounted another attack. However, when that attack broke down and Greenlough moved up the field Enda Lynn was awarded a free about thirty meters out. He took the free quickly to Niall Loughlin, and when Enda received the return pass he found the goal with a great shot from a tight angle to move Greenlough six up and guarantee Greenlough the win with time up to conclude a dramatic finish.
Full-Time: Desertmartin 2-08 Greenlough 3-11
Team and Scorers: Kevin McNally, Connor Madden, Joseph Kearney, Liam Quinn, Christopher Kearney, Thomas McCann, James McCallion, Brian McCallion 0-3, Niall Bradley 0-1, Enda Lynn 2-0 (1 pen), John Og McPeake, Stefan Lynn 1-0, Niall Loughlin 0-4, Seamus Graham 0-1, Ryan Tohill 0-2. Subs: Niall Kearney for J McCallion (46 min inj), Gary Loughlin for T McCann (52 min inj), Ciaran Cassidy, Christopher Maguire, Gerard Kearney, Matthew Bradley, Michael Clarke.
ACFL Div 2 Reserves: Desertmartin 0-07 Greenlough 1-17 (11/05/14) - Reserves get back to winning ways at Desertmartin
After defeat at Faughanvale and a draw at Craigbane, Greenlough's Reserves travelled to Desertmartin on Sunday afternoon, 11th May, hoping to return to winning ways.
The game started off evenly enough, with Leo Madden opening the scoring for Greenlough before Desertmartin replied. The sides exchanged points with Ryan Tohill getting two for the visitors, as well as a second for Leo.
As the half progressed Greenlough came more and more into the game with Robert Kelly winning a lot of ball at midfield, and shortly after his first pointed free of the day, Christopher Maguire finished off one of a number of good moves in the opening 30 minutes when he fired to the net.
Desertmartin responded with a point but there was still time for Niall Kearney to come out of defence and fire over to give Greenlough a four point lead at the break.
Half-Time: Desertmartin 0-05 Greenlough 1-06
The second half saw Ryan and Leo continue their scoring exploits of the first half with Leo scoring twice while Ryan got one.
With the wind at their backs Greenlough began to dominate, as Desertmartin could only register two points in the second half. Subs Stefan Lynn and Liam Quinn pointed before Christopher Maguire from a free, was followed by a point each from Ryan Tohill and Connor Madden.
As the game drew to a close Greenlough continued to put pressure on the Desertmartin defence as they dominated at midfield and further out the field. A point each from Christopher Maguire, Ryan Tohill and the last from Matthew Bradley ensured Greenlough's victory with 13 to spare.
Full-Time: Desertmartin 0-07 Greenlough 1-17
Team and Scorers: Gerard Kearney, Kevin McDonnell, Ciaran Cassidy, Eoin Connolly, Connor Madden 0-1, Niall Kearney 0-1, Ryan Tohill 0-5, Robert Kelly, Christopher Maguire 1-3 (2f), Matthew Bradley 0-1, Michael Clarke, Diarmuid Clarke, Leo Madden 0-4, Christopher Bradley, Ruairi McGlinchey. Subs: Stefan Lynn 0-1 for C Bradley, Vincent McDonnell for G Kearney, Liam Quinn 0-1 for D Clarke, Darren Brown for L Madden, Christopher Bradley for M Clarke.
U14B League: Doire Trasna 2-01 Greenlough 14-06 (29/04/14) - Under 14s have big win in first away game of league
Ahead of their Feile na nOg final on Monday, Greenlough's Under 14s travelled to Derry City to take on Doire Trasna on Tuesday evening, 29th April. In a complete miss-match, Greenlough dominated throughout and ended up easy winners.
Half-Time: Doire Trasna 1-01 Greenlough 10-04. Full-Time: Doire Trasna 2-01 Greenlough 14-06. Team and Scorers: Brian Henry, Paul McErlain, Zac Lynn, Peter McDonnell, Ronan Lynn, Michael McDonnell 2-01, Caolan Tohill 2-00, Kevin Mullan 1-02, Donal Lynn, Cathaoir Heaney 1-00, Joe McErlean 0-01, Ruairi Henry 2-00, Connor Mullan 6-01. Subs: Oisin McNally for R Henry (HT), Caolan McCann 0-01 for Joe McErlean (HT), Lorcan Convery for Paul McErlain, Joel Lynn for Michael McDonnell, Jude Moore for Connor Mullan
Feile na nOg C Final: Greenlough 1-02 Limavady 5-09 (05/05/14) - Under 14s suffer defeat in Feile Final
Having won all their games, Greenlough topped their group and qualified for the Feile Peil na nOg C Final, where they played Limavady on May Day, Monday 5th May 2014, at Owenbeg.
When the sides met earlier in the year, Greenlough had just a point to spare over their North Derry rivals when they played at St Oliver Plunkett Park.
That game ended with Limavady scoring a goal to close the gap to the minimum, and it too them just 40 seconds to resume where they left off as the fired to back of the Greenlough net.
With the aid of a strong breeze Greenlough took two minutes to respond when Kevin Mullan's quick free allowed Connor Mullan room to fire over.
Connor then had a goal chance saved at one end of the field in the fifth minute, before Limavady pointed at the other within seconds.
Greenlough kept creating chances, but again in the seventh minute they saw another goal bound effort saved.
Eventually the pressure paid off as in the ninth minute a strong run from Connor Mullan ended with the ball in the back of the Limavady net after he passed the ball and Ruairi Henry's shot squirmed into the back of the net passed a number of Limavady defenders.
Some good defending from Greenlough including a good Caolan Tohill block kept Limavady out, but they eventually got back on the scoresheet in the 12th minute with a point kicked from the ground, and then added another from a free soon afterwards.
Another Greenlough chance dropped short into the keeper's hands in the 18th minute, before Limavady laid siege on the Greenlough goal. Brian Henry tried his best and made three saves in a minute, the final one from close range, but he could nothing about the goal that eventually came at the fourth attempt soon afterwards.
Within Limavady five up, Connor Mullan pulled one back for Greenlough with the last kick of the half.
Half-Time: Greenlough 1-02 Limavady 2-03
The second half will be one Greenlough will want to forget. Playing into a strong wind, they struggled to get the ball out of their own half for long periods, and when they did were unable to find the target only managing three wides in the second twenty minute period.
In the meantime Limavady started the half with a point after 25 seconds and added a point a minute later. They then hit seven consecutive wides before finding the net.
Two points and two wides were followed by a goal in the 14th minute as Greenlough's chances faded. In the final five minutes the eventual winners went on to hit a further goal and two points to secure the Feile C crown.
Full-Time: Greenlough 1-02 Limavady 5-09
Hard luck to the team on the defeat, but well done to the players and management of Sean Mullan, Brian Heaney and Michael Shaw on their hard work and performances that had got them to the final, and we wish them well for the rest of the season in league and championship. They done their club proud.
Team and Scorers: Brian Henry, Cathaoir Heaney, Zak Lynn, Paul McErlain, Caolan Tohill, Michael McDonnell (capt), Jack McCann, Donal Lynn, Joe McErlean, Kevin Mullan, Caolan McCann, Ruairi Henry 1-0, Connor Mullan 0-2. Subs: Peter McDonnell for P McErlain (HT), Ronan Lynn for C McCann, Lorcan Convery, Oisin McNally, Jude Moore, Patrick McPeake, Ryan McPeake, Eugene Bradley
U14B League: Greenlough 2-04 Ballinderry 1-07 (06/05/14) - Game abandoned because of weather
The Under 14 game against Ballinderry had to be abandoned at half time on Tuesday night, 6th May, due to the heavy rain and thunder and lightninig.
Team and scorers: Brian Henry, Paul McErlain, Cathaoir Heaney, Peter McDonnell, Ronan Lynn, Michael McDonnell, Caolan McCann, Jack McCann, Donal Lynn, Oisin McNally, Kevin Mullan 0-3, Ruairi Henry, Connor Mullan 2-01, Caolan Tohill. Subs: Patrick McPeake, Lorcan Convery, Jude Moore, Zac Lynn.
U16 B1 League: Greenlough 2-02 Loup 4-24 (01/05/14) - Greenlough beaten at home by Loup
Our Under 16s hosted Loup in their second home game of the league on Thursday 1st May, unfortunately the visitors proved too strong for the Greenlough boys.
Team: Christopher Lynn, Martin McPeake, Shea McDonnell, James Mackle, Shane O'Neill, James McPeake, Ryan Carey, Cormac Mackle, Paul Madden, Stephen Bradley, Turlough McPeake, James Henry, Sean Kinoulty, Sammy Marron. Scorers: Stephen Bradley 1-1, James Henry 1-0, Paul madden 0-1.
U16 B1 League: Ballerin 4-16 Greenlough 3-04 (08/05/14) - Ballerin defeat Under 16s
Greenlough's Under 16s travelled to Ballerin on Thursday night, 8th May to take on the hosts in round 5 of the league. Unfortnately the hosts ran out comfortable winners.
Under 6 game against Portglenone - There will be an Under 6 game on Sunday 18th May at 12 noon in Portglenone. P1 and P2 players to attend
Return Club Jerseys - Could anyone who borrowed a club jersey for the celebration Mass on Sunday past, please return it to Sheila ASAP; number 23 Senior Jersey, and 2,8,10,11,13,16,19,20,20 Reserve jerseys.
Lotto: 28/04/14 results - Letters: F H L Q. Jackpot £2100 - not won. £25 Winners - Jerome Madden, Kilrea Line & Patsy McCann, Glenone. 05/05/14 results - Letters: A D S X. Jackpot £2150 - not won. £25 Winners - Brigid O'Neill, Clady & Mary Kate McGlinchey, Glenone. Jackpot for 12/05/14: £2200. NB: Please buy a ticket from any of the sellers or local outlets, or return your lotto envelopes to the box provided or sellers. Thank you for your support.
More club details: www.greenloughgac.com or GreenloughGAC on Facebook, or @GreenloughGAC on Twitter. Tweet
