An Mhaigh Tir na nÓg G.A.C. Notes (week comm 23/10/06) Senior - A.C.L. Division 1B Baile na Móna 1-10 An Mhaigh 2-7 Moy seniors completed their 22-match programme in Division 1B with a hard-earned draw away to Moortown, last Sunday afternoon. The result not only kept the Tir na nOgs clear of the relegation zone, it ensured a place in the promotion play-offs for the second consecutive season. A top six finish in the league seemed most unlikely just a few weeks ago as Moy were languishing in the bottom four and in serious relegation trouble. However, an unbeaten run of six games, combined with other results going our way, have seen the men in blue secure the last of the promotion play-off spots. Now, the challenge for Moy is to win three more matches in a knock-out series to qualify for Division 1A football next year. Moy went into last weekend's final round fixture in Division 1B as firm favourites against a Moortown side that was already consigned to the relegation play-offs. Achieving a sixth straight victory was never going to be easy, though, as the visitors went into this game without a number of key players who included top defender Tommy McNicholl (holiday), and brothers Colm (suspended) and Sean Cavanagh. In fact, Moy were relieved to come away with a point from Sunday's incident-packed encounter with a determined Moortown team after trailing by five points and playing with a man less midway through the second half. In the end, it took a late goal from Padraig Laverty to earn his side a share of the spoils. Played in difficult underfoot conditions, the game began with Moy's Ryan Mellon running through on goal only to see his shot go narrowly wide. Moortown, playing downhill in the first half, then went on a scoring spree which saw them kick five points from play in as many minutes to open up a healthy early lead. Moy's only score in that opening quarter came from a lucky ricochet off the boot of Karol McQuade after eleven minutes, which ended with the ball dribbling past the Moortown keeper and into the corner of the net. It was a fortunate goal but one that helped keep Moy in contention during a troublesome period. A sixth Moortown point saw them lead by three midway through the half, but the Moy players eventually found their feet and came more into the game early in the second quarter. Dee Lavery and Gerry Mallon's men were soon on level terms as Ryan Mellon converted a free-kick and both he and Mark Jordan fired over from play following some good approach work by Philip Jordan, Kris Kavanagh and Karol McQuade. At the other end, Moy custodian Barry Gribbin was called on twice to make important saves while Philip Jordan made a timely interception in his own defence. Moortown continued to pose a threat up front. However, on the two occasions late in the half that they went in front, Moy were able to strike back each time with points from midfield pair Philip Jordan and Ryan Mellon (free). Half-Time Score: Moortown 0-8 Moy 1-5. The Tir na nOgs suffered a major setback just one minute into the second half when Ryan Mellon was sent-off for retaliating. Much to the dismay of the travelling support, the Moortown player's part in the altercation went unpunished and Moy were forced to play the remainder of the match with a player less. Things went from bad to worse for the visitors in the third quarter as Moortown stretched their advantage to five points with two shots that sailed over the bar and one that rebounded off the upright and into the grateful arms of a home player who had the simple task of finishing to the net. During that period, Moy failed to score and were having little luck in front of goal as Brendan O'Neill had a shot saved by the Moortown number one while Philip Jordan struck the crossbar with a speculative effort. Five points down and one man down entering the final quarter, Moy appeared to be heading for a surprise defeat. However, to its credit, the team rallied well and was helped by a number of inspired substitutions. The first of those, Ciaran Conroy, kicked a point after 47 minutes to open Moy's account in this half. He would also be involved in two goal scoring opportunities, one of which was saved and the other which just flashed wide. Another of the substitutes, Francie McQuade, had a steadying influence on the Moy defence and, with Mark Donnelly outstanding in this department, the Tir na nOg rearguard succeeded in keeping Moortown scoreless for the remainder of the game. Wing backs Ryan O'Neill and Mark Jordan were now pushing forward at every opportunity and, in the 50th minute, it was the latter who shot superbly between the sticks to leave just three between the sides. Then, with six minutes of normal time left to play, came the equalising score. Karol McQuade and Moy's third substitute, John Harvey, were involved in the build up as Padraig Laverty was on hand to palm the ball to the net for a very crucial goal. Both teams had chances to grab a winning point in those final few tense minutes, but it never came. Instead, there were two more dismissals as Moy's Mark Currie and his opposite number on the Moortown team saw red following a silly tangle. Final Score: Moortown 1-10 Moy 2-7. Team & Scorers: Barry Gribbin; Declan Cavanagh, Brendan Kelly, Mark Donnelly; Mark Jordan (0-2), Mark Currie, Ryan O'Neill; Ryan Mellon (0-3, 2 frees) and Philip Jordan (capt, 0-1); Martin Conroy, Kris Kavanagh, Colm Jordan; Karol McQuade (1-0), Brendan O'Neill, Padraig Laverty (1-0). Subs used: Ciaran Conroy (38 mins, 0-1), Francie McQuade (41 mins) and John Harvey (50 mins). League Record: Played 22, Won 10, Drawn 3, Lost 9, Points 23. After a stuttering season for the most part, Moy seniors certainly deserve credit for finishing the campaign on such a high note, unbeaten in their last six outings. The team will now play Trillick away in the first of the promotion play-offs this Sunday (29 October) at 2.30pm. Meanwhile, there will be senior training this Friday evening at 7.00pm. Reserve - A.C.L. Division 1B Baile na Móna 0-4 An Mhaigh 0-6 Moy reserves may well have earned themselves a top four finish in the league after coming up trumps once again in the Division 1B curtain-raiser last Sunday. Moortown had only suffered one previous defeat at home this season but a strongly motivated Moy side maintained its rich vein of form with a narrow victory at the loughshore. With the Moortown pitch affected by recent heavy rainfall, it was agreed to play just twenty minutes each half. The home side started best but were denied in the opening exchanges by a fine double save from Moy goalkeeper Ryan Kelly. It took that brief scare to kickstart Moy's challenge and, by the tenth minute, the Sky Blues had raced into a 0-3 to 0-0 lead. Matt Murren, Ciaran Conroy and free-taker Brendan O'Neill were the Moy men on target during that opening quarter, but it was Moortown who would dominate the remainder of this half. The team in red and white hoops finally opened their account with a point from play after twelve minutes and added another a short time later to trail by just one at the break. Half-Time Score: Moortown 0-2 Moy 0-3. Some inspiring words were uttered in the Moy camp during the interval and they seemed to have the desired effect as both Turlough McKearney and Stephen Hetherington registered excellent points within five minutes of the restart. Moortown hit back with a pointed free midway through the half but the visitors were determined to hold onto their lead and went three in front again when Turlough displayed his accuracy from a placed kick. The Moy defence had to survive one or two scary moments in front of goal and did concede one last pointed free to Moortown three minutes from time, but held out in the end to secure for the Tir na nOgs a glorious twelfth league win in 2006. Team & Scorers: Ryan Kelly; Gary Jordan, Niall Kelly, Colm Quinn; Emmett Rafferty, Dirar Jomar, Brian Kelly; John Harvey and Ciaran Conroy (0-1); Anthony Rafferty, Ciaran Campbell, Stephen Hetherington (0-1); Adrian Jordan, Matthew Murren (0-1), Brendan O'Neill (0-1, 1 free). Subs used: Peter McKearney (half-time) and Turlough McKearney (half-time). League Record: Played 21, Won 12, Drawn 1, Lost 8, Points 25. Remaining Fixture: v Gortin (away). Under 12s Triumph in Armagh Moy Under 12s caused something of a minor sensation in the Cathedral City last Saturday morning when winning the Kathleen McCabe Memorial Shield competition, hosted by Tullysaran G.A.C. The Moy boys lost their opening group match at Sherry's Field in Armagh by a point but, much to the surprise of most people in attendance, won all five of their remaining matches to become outright champions of this prestigious tournament. Team mentors Raymond Kelly and Sean Cartmill were among those who took great pride in this achievement. Sean stated: "Excellent defensive displays by Jack McDonald and Connor McCourt ensured Moy progressed through the group stages. An outstanding team performance saw Moy beat the Grange by eight points to five in the semi-final with Jack Kelly, Liam Kelly and Mark McConville on top form. "Our team played a very strong Emyvale side in the final but led two points to one at half-time with scores from Ryan Dynes and Niall McConville. Despite coming under severe pressure in the second half, two points from Michael Cartmill gave Moy a four points to three victory. Player of the Match and Player of the Tournament Daniel Beaddie received the trophy on behalf of the Moy team." Ladies Fundraiser Style and fashion will be the name of the game as Moy ladies present their eagerly awaited "Catwalk Glamour" show in The Ryandale, Moy this Thursday night (26 October). Doors open at 7.30pm. There will be a wine reception on arrival before the show itself gets underway at 8.00pm. Those in attendance can expect a night of glitz, glamour and good entertainment. Tickets, priced £10 each, have been selling well for the big event and are still available from any of the Moy ladies G.F.C. players or committee members. Scor na nOg The Scor na nOg first round will take place on the weekend of November 3rd - 5th. The competition is open to all those aged under 17, and the club would ask that any member with a grasp of the Irish language who would like to participate in the quiz team to get in touch with Kevin Mallon as soon as possible. The following is the list and order of competitions for 2005/2006 and 2006/2007: 1. Rince Foirne Céilí (Figure Dancing); 2. Amhránaíocht Aonaoir (Solo Singing); 3. Ceol Uirlise (Instrumental Group); 4. Aithriseoireacht/Scéalaíocht (Recitation/Storytelling); 5. Bailéad Ghrúpa (Ballad Group); 6. Tráth na gCeisteanna (Question Time); 7. Nuachleas (Novelty Act); 8. Rince Seit (Set Dancing). Members who would like to get involved in Scor and/or require further information about any of the competitions should contact club officer Kevin Mallon. Club History An Mhaigh Tir na nOg G.A.C. will be 100 years old in 2008 and, to mark the occasion of our Centenary Year, there are plans to publish a full club history in book form. A meeting was held in the clubrooms on Monday night past to begin preparations for such an historic publication. Among those in attendance was local GAA historian Donal McAnallen who offered invaluable advice and guidance on how to get started and what form of research should be done. The club would appeal to all members, past and present, to offer assistance in whatever way they can to this important venture. We would like to hear from anyone with information relating to the club and those in possession of photographs or other material that might be of interest. Snippets Anyone interested in purchasing a new Moy Tir na nOg G.A.C. raincoat should contact Philip McQuade. This latest piece of club clothing and fashionwear, priced at £30, is available in all sizes. Congratulations to our own Sean Cavanagh who has once again been selected for his country in the forthcoming International Rules Series. Sean will be a member of the Ireland squad which takes on Australia in the first test at Salthill this Saturday evening and in the second test at Croke Park on Sunday 5 November. Those interested in taking part in indoor circuit training after Halloween should contact Moy senior footballer Karol McQuade. Please note that places will be limited. ********* Colin Mackle (P.R.O.) Tweet

Most Read Stories