Into The West

Vol 4.
Issue 7 May/June 2013
Exiles reach historic final
OFFICIAL GAA PUBLICATION
2.50
Presidents Note
A CHAIRDE GAEL,
Secretarys Note
HATEVER you say about this year's Connacht championship, it has definitely been the most eventful in its history. For London to beat Sligo in their first provincial win since 1977 was a massive accomplishment for them. Then for them to go to Carrick on Shannon and to draw the FBD League champions was another great achievement, but they went and bettered it again by winning the replay in Dr Hyde Park. Heartiest congratulations to them. They fully deserve their place in this year's Connacht final and it will be a novel decider for sure. Already we have received a lot of communication from various clubs around the country who wish to attend the decider. With players from every corner of Ireland represented, it will be a very special occasion for everyone involved. Mayo look to be in good shape ahead of the game, but they really have not been tested to their maximum just yet. One thing for sure they'll be physically tested by London, who proved a strong but fair opponent for both Sligo and Leitrim. Congratulations to Galway side Claregalway on their great win in division one of the File in Derry. It is a great achievement and hopefully they will be able to defend their title when the competition returns to Connacht next year. We have just recently received notification that the event is coming back to the province in 2014, so the planning will take place in the coming weeks. It is something to look forward to. Enjoy the Connacht final. Is mise, le meas JOHN PRENTY Runai, CLG Cuige Connachta
HAT a special occasion it was to see the London players, management and back room staff celebrate reaching their first ever Connacht final with victory over Leitrim in Dr Hyde Park. Reaching the Connacht final is a huge honour for any county, but for London to finally get there is a massive achievement. The volume of work that has gone on over there in the last few years is amazing, and their wins over Sligo and Leitrim in this years championship goes to show what coaching and development of the game can bring. I was honoured to see all three of their games so far in the provincial championship and they really are a fine side. They physical strength is something to behold, and the preparation that they have obviously put in while travelling across such an expansive city as London is really paying off. Fair play to them. It was a real pleasure to see so many players from Connacht representing London, and watching them meet up with their families and friends on the pitches in Carrick on Shannon and Roscommon was one of the highlights of the summer for me. I'm sure we'll see plenty of their families in attendance at the Connacht final and having other lads from all
four provinces will bring a unique colour to July's final. It should also be recognised the style of game they play: they are playing traditional football, graced with high fielding, long kick passing and strong tackling. Long may it continue. I was very pleased to hear of Claregalway's victory in the football File All-Ireland in Derry recently. To win the division one title is a huge achievement for any club and it shows that all their efforts at underage level and the development of their club facilities is paying off. On the hurling front, it really has been a summer of shocks with defeats for many of the big names, but hopefully like they did last year, we might see Galway carve a long championship summer for themselves after their Leinster final. I was also delighted to see Roscommon pick up the Connacht intermediate title when they defeated Mayo recently. This is a fixture I hope to see built on in the future for the development of the game in the province. But now, as we approach the Connacht final, I wish everyone an enjoyable day, and who knows what result we might see! Is mise, FRANK BURKE, President, Connacht Council GAA
Into the West

Keep yourself in the loop. Sign up today for your free electronic copy of the magazine emailed directly to your Inbox. To sign up, email magazine@connachtgaa.ie Into the West is produced by the Connacht GAA Council. Editor: John Fallon. Published by: Pdraig Corcoran. News and photographs for inclusion can be emailed to magazine@connachtgaa.ie. To obtain an electronic copy of the magazine each quarter, free of charge, email magazine@connachtgaa.ie. Next edition: July/August 2013. Deadline for advertising and copy: Friday, August 9, 2013. www.connachtgaa.ie.
Cover Photos Main Picture: The London team prepare to face Leitrim in their Connacht football championship semi-final in Carrick-on-Shannon. Photo: Matt Browne / SPORTSFILE
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Historic Connacht decider for London........................4 Connacht Minor Semi-Finals......................................8 Connacht GAA Writers Personalities of Month ..........9 Two down, four to go Mayo v Roscommon ..............10 London v Sligo - Connacht Quarter-Final ...................14
Mayo man Sean Kelly celebrates London's win over Leitrim Mortimer still looms large.
Kearins Set to be Honoured.......................................17 A Professional Hit as Mayo Destroy Galway ...............18 Galway Edge Past Laois - Leinster SFC Semi...............20 All-Ireland U-21 Final - Galway Triumph.....................22 Skehill Ready for Action.............................................25 Mortimer Still Looms Large ......................................26 Bradshaw Leaves Galway Panel for US.......................27
Mick Mulderrig - Mayo great passes away.
Leave the daft talk behind says Horan
Vaughan Cognisant of Reputations............................28 Home Comforts for OShea ........................................29 Keeping the Game Alive Down Under ........................30 Focus on Galway........................................................32 Focus on Leitrim........................................................43 Focus on Mayo...........................................................45 Mick Mulderrig - Mayo Great Passes Away .................46 A Historic Day for St Croans......................................54 Foxus on Roscommon ................................................58 Brian McDermott (RIP) - An Appreciation .................61 Foxus on Sligo............................................................62 New Camogie Club in Leitrim.....................................65 Focus on Camogie......................................................66 Focus on Ladies Football ...........................................67 Focus on Handball ....................................................74
Keeping the Game Alive Down Under - Special feature
Galway hurler David Burke recovered from an eye injury to take on Laois in Leinster semi-final
Galway U-21 All-Ireland champions.
Knowledgeable Noel..................................................76
St Crans facilities officially opened.
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CONNACHT SENIOR FOOTBALL SEMI-FINAL REPLAY
The London squad before victory in their Connacht football championship semi-final replay against Leitrim.
Photo: Barry Cregg / SPORTSFILE
Historic London march on

London ...............2-11 Leitrim ................1-13
By JOHN FALLON Media West Ireland
HIS was hardly the first championship game involving London which looked to be done and dusted by the break but the Exiles are not just intent on making history this year, they seem to want to do it with a panache and suspense befitting the West End rather than the west of Ireland. Even if this game was played in the other Hyde Park the big one beside Buck House rather than the Roscommon version London couldnt, in their wildest dreams, have envisaged enjoying a 14 points lead in a Connacht SFC semifinal. Not only that, but they were worth every bit of their remarkable lead. And yet they almost blew it all, hanging on in the end as Leitrim, who reduced the deficit to
Colin Daly shoots for goal with Fabian McMorrow at close quarters. Photo: Barry Cregg / SPORTSFILE
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CONNACHT SENIOR FOOTBALL SEMI-FINAL REPLAY
to first Connacht decider

just a point, wasted two good chances at the death to force extra-time. It was gripping stuff and its a long time since that was said about a Leitrim v London fixture. Londons interval lead of 2-10 to 0-2 might have been more reflective of the contrasting population bases 12 million versus 32,000 but it was simply a case of one side knowing how to use a lead and another whose challenge was weakened by further injuries when midfielder Darren Sweeney and skipper Emlyn Mulligan were forced off through injury. It was mystifying how we were so off the pace in the first-half, said Leitrim joint manager George Dugdale. Its not as if we werent ready for it. I dont know what happened. One thing led to another and it was like a cancer spreading through the team in the first-half. We kept losing all the personal battles. But fair play to London. They have been working hard under Paul Coggins for the past few years. They have beaten Sligo, who are a division three side, and they have now beaten us. They are no longer the whipping boys, thats for sure. Leitrim, Sligo and Mayo have been aware of that in recent years as they escaped from Ruislip with fortuitous victories. Sligo got snared this year and now London have come over and won their first championship match on Irish soil, having being unfortunate to be forced to a replay by Leitrim the first day. The win and a final date with Mayo in Castlebar is a huge boost to the GAA in Britain and manager Paul Coggins, calm as ever despite the magnitude of the win, knows how significant it is. It has taken us three years to build this team but it goes back much longer than that and for us to get to a Connacht final is a reward for all the people who put the work in down through the years in London. Im sure it means the world to all those people. It is all about lads working hard. We put everything into it and it was a tremendous first-half by us. We couldnt have asked for any more in the first-half but we needed every bit of it. Leitrim are a top team. We have now beaten two top teams in Connacht, two counties with a great history and tradition. But what of Mayo? Can they dream the impossible? Surely they wont win that as well? You can do anything, noted Coggins with an assassins smile. But we will enjoy tonight first. Mayo are a fabulous team, lets not go anywhere regards that. But we will work hard for the next few weeks, we are a good team and we will go into the final and do our best and lets see what happens. The former Cavan player Lorcan Mulvey laid the foundation with a string of good frees as the exiles slipped into a 0-7 to 0-1 lead after 19 minutes and then four minutes later it looked like they were out of sight when Greg Crowley fired home their first goal after a great move which opened the Leitrim defence. Any doubt about the outcome seemed to disappear when Ciaran McCallion got their second goal before the break to leave them 14 points to the good at the break. The Leitrim revival got an early boost when Kevin Conlon landed four placed balls inside five minutes of the restart. London faded. Mulveys 43rd-minute free
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CONNACHT SENIOR FOOTBALL SEMI-FINAL

Galway native Paul Geraghty celebrates London historic victory. Photo: Barry Cregg / SPORTSFILE
ended up being their only score of the second-half. In the end it was the winner. Leitrim kept chipping away at the deficit, Robbie Lowe landing some good points and Conlon keeping the frees flowing. The James Glancy got a fist to a delivery from Conlon and it was 2-11 to 1-9. Five points and eight minutes left. It was possible the Leitrim faithful, who made up the bulk of the 5,217 crowd, knew it. Conlon got three more frees and Paul Brennan landed one from distance. Just one more point. But it never came. Conlon saw a free go wide and Glancy, brave enough to have a go, lofted one wide of the target as the tackle came and London survived to chalk up their most famous victory ever. They have written musicals in the West End about less. SCORERS London: L Mulvey 0-5 (5f), C McCallion 1-1, G Crowley 1-0, E ONeill 0-2, T Gaughan 0-2, C Magee 0-1.
Leitrim: K Conlon 0-8 (7f, 1 45), R Lowe 0-3, J Glancy 10, E Mulligan 0-1 (f), P Brennan 0-1 (f). LONDON: D Traynor; P Butler, S Curran, D McGreevy; S Hannon, S Mulligan, T Gaughan; P Geraghty, C Doyle; D Dunleavy, G Crowley, C McCallion; C Magee, L Mulvey, E ONeill. Subs: E McConville for Hannon (35), S Kelly for McCallion (44), C Daly for Geraghty (Blood 47-58), B Mitchell for Dunleavy (54), Daly for Doyle (60), B Collins for Magee (63). LEITRIM: C McCrann; G Reynolds, C Egan, F McMorrow; D Beck, E Williams, B Prior; D Sweeney, B Brennan; P Brennan, K Conlon, P McGowan; J Glancy, E Mulligan, R Lowe. Subs: C Clarke for Sweeney (10), B McDonald for Mulligan (14), S McWeeney for Egan (35), R Cox for McDonald (52). REF: C Reilly (Meath).
Gottsche in a race against time to be fit for Connacht decider

Mayo man Sean Kelly celebrates London's win over Leitrim in the Connacht semi-final. Photo: Barry Cregg / SPORTSFILE
ONDON midfielder Mark Gottsche, who missed his side's dramatic victory over Leitrim int eh Connacht semi-final, is hopeful he can recover from injury in time for the historic Connacht final meeting with champions Mayo. But the Galway native said he knows he could have a battle on his hands to get back into the starting 15 following their remarkable 2-11 to 1-13 win over Leitrim last Sunday. The 25-year old, who works full-time as a GAA development coach in London, said that qualification for a first ever Connacht final was a huge boost to the game in Britain. Its massive for London to get to a Connacht final for the first time. Nobody gave us a chance at the start of the year but we knew we had talented footballers and Paul Coggins came up with a game plan this year to utilise the skills we have and (how to) execute them as best we could on the day. We took it one game at a time, Sligo in Ruislip, the drawn game last week and then the replay, and now we look forward to our next game. Mayo are odds-on favourites and there will be no pressure on us and lets hope we enjoy the day, said Gottsche. He said that one of the main reasons for their success was the way Coggins has built a strong squad, allowing them to overcome injury set-backs. I knew the strength and depth of the squad and the boys certainly stepped up to the mark to deliver the same performance that I or any of the crew could have done. I am really proud of the boys, they battled very hard when their backs were against the wall and we were delighted to hang on for victory. He was disappointed to miss the game with a foot injury but is now hoping to get back in time for the showdown with Mayo. I saw a specialist during the week and (am) waiting for results. Hopefully its good news for me and I can get back onto the training pitch and push for a place in the team. But if the boys can reproduce the sort of performance that they did in the opening half, I wont mind if I cant get my place back. We are all in this together, he added.
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CONNACHT SENIOR FOOTBALL SEMI-FINAL (DRAWN GAME)
Conlon saves Leitrim blushes

Leitrim ...............0-13 London .................2-7
By DECLAN ROONEY Media West Ireland
EITRIM joint-manager Barney Breen was relieved to get another crack at London after his side needed two late points to salvage their Connacht final intentions at Pairc Sean Mac Diarmada. The sides will meet again after Darren Sweeney and Kevin Conlon pointed in the closing stages, but Sean Kelly's goal 11 minutes from time looked to have given London their first Connacht final berth. We felt we didn't play well, admitted Breen, It was ten minutes before we got into it and we played well then. But in fairness to London they had themselves in a position where they weren't out of the game and the two goals got them back in. But today's performance wasn't good enough over the 70 minutes, we were good in patches. We worked very hard, we showed great character and resilience to pull out a draw in the end. London boss Paul Coggins oozed pride after seeing his side push another Connacht county to breaking point, but he still thinks there is more to come from his squad. There is always more in you, you have got to lift it again. We'll talk about that during the week in training. We'll be ready again. We knew we can compete and we have got to just work on some things and try and get all the injured players back and see what decisions we make on the line for the picking of the team. We are a serious team, I have always said that. All we want to do is play football to the best of our ability, knock down the walls, keep going. Leitrim know what we are like, Sligo know what we are like and more importantly we know what we are like. They gave it everything they had, that's the emotion really. We could have done any more than we did. We took our chances well, I felt, we never gave in.
Leitrim fought hard and we fought hard. Probably a draw was a fair result, both teams gave everything they had and we are ready for another day, said Coggins, whose side came agonisingly close to adding to their win over Sligo. The largely Leitrim populated crowd of 7, 698 left relieved to be still in this year's Connacht championship, but they would have sealed a spot in the final against Mayo had fullback Ciaran Egan slotted a 45 with the last kick of the game. Seeing as it was his first shot towards target all game, it was perhaps a challenge too far for him, but the confusion leading up to the kick that saw Kevin Conlon who wanted to take the kick substituted, can't have helped him either. Early on, the physicality of the Exiles around the middle was notable, with Ciaran McCallion at centre-forward and Mark Gottsche looking particularly impressive. Gottsche was forced off before the half-hour mark with a groin injury, but his departure came after Leitrim's star man Emlyn Mulligan limped off with a calf injury in the 15th minute. Mulligan's last action was to kick a simple free to level the game at 0-3 each, but the injury he carried into the game caught up with him, and he must surely be a doubt to start next week. Strangely, losing Mulligan seemed to galvanise Leitrim's efforts as up until that point London had dominated when scrappy ball was up for grabs. Shortly afterwards, Brendan Brennan and Paddy McGowan both pointed for the home side directly from possession gathered off London kick-outs to give them a 0-6 to 0-4 lead, but when Mulvey bundled the ball over the line after a Cathal McCrann error, crucially London took a 1-4 to 0-6 lead at the break. Leitrim started the second-half the sharper with four of the first five points, as Conlon, Paul Brennan, Robbie Lowe and Brendan Brennan all contributed good scores to the Leitrim cause. The introduction of former Galway player Paul Geraghty certainly made a difference for London, but when fellow substitute
Sean Kelly who previously played soccer for Sligo Rovers goaled from an acute angle six minutes after his introduction and added a sublime point four minutes later, the shock looked on. Immediately after Kelly hit the net in the 59th minute, fellow sub Eoin O'Neill had an even better chance to seal a London win, but McCrann made amends for his first-half error and smothered the ball to save Leitrim's blushes. The concession of a third goal would have shattered Leitrim at that stage, but instead they looked powerful as the closing bell approached. And when Conlon pointed in the 70th minute a fair result was returned. Bring on the rematch, said Coggins. I hope theyre not going to take us too seriously. Were okay if they take us the way we are, said Coggins. We just work hard, we do the best we can over there, we train like any other county team. We just got to make sure we bring that to the field and we did today. LEITRIM: C McCrann; A Wynne, C Egan, G Reynolds (A Croal 55); D Beck (S McWeeney 67), E Williams, B Prior; D Sweeney, B Brennan, P McGowan, E Mulligan (C Reynolds 15), P Brennan; R Lowe, J Glancy, K Conlon (R Cox 72). Scorers: K Conlon 0-3 (2f), P McGowan, D Sweeney & B Brennan 0-2 each, P Brennan, J Glancy, R Lowe & E Mulligan 0-1 (1f) each. LONDON: D Traynor; P Butler, S Curran, D McGreevy; S Hannon, S Mulligan, T Gaughan; M Gottsche (P Geraghty 29), C Doyle (S Kelly 53); G Crowley, C McCallion (D O'Neill 69), B Mitchell (D Dunleavy 38); P McGoldrick (E O'Neill 53), L Mulvey, C Magee. Scorers: S Kelly & L Mulvey 1-1 each, S Hannon, M Gottsche (1f), C Magee, P McGoldrick (1f) & D Traynor (45) 0-1 each. REF: Barry Cassidy (Derry).
Lorcan Mulvey drives past Ciaran Egan of Leitrim in their drawn Connacht semi-final at Paric Sean MacDiarmada. Photo: Matt Browne / SPORTSFILE
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CONNACHT MINOR SEMI-FINALS
Young Tribesmen ousted in extra-time

Mayo ....................5-8 Galway ................2-11
(after extra-time)
ALWAY hopes of a first Connacht minor title since 2007 ended in extra-time as Mayo goaled twice to reach the provincial decider. Corner-forward Tommy Conroy scored 2-2 from play as Mayo eventually off the Galway challenge in an entertaining semifinal at Hyde Park. Mayo seemed poised for success when Cian Hanley, younger brother of Aussie Rules star Pearce, finished to the net to put Mayo a goal in front in the dying moments of regular time. But Galway, who had only managed two points with the wind up to then, rallied and points from Eoin McCormack and Michael Daly reduced the deficit before McCormack displayed nerves of steel to land the equaliser in the third and final
minute of stoppage time. Earlier, Galway looked for victory when they finished the opening level at 2-4 each after playing against the wind. Goals from Niall Lee and Peter Cooke rocked Mayo but they hit back with Conroy getting his first goal and then Darragh Doherty found the net after Conroy had cracked a shot off the post. Mayo battled well against the wind and with the sides deadlocked after twice exchanging points, they hit the front when Hanley got a goal two minutes from the end after having an effort taken off the line by Luke Burke, before Galway forced extra-time. Galway again failed to make wind advantage count in extra-time, managing just a point from Niall Lee and they were in serious trouble when impressive sub Conor Byrne sent in a cross which Conor Loftus finished to the net to leave it 4-6 to 2-10 at the interval in extra-time. Galway tried to get back into the game in the second period but a couple of points from Liam Irwin frees increased Mayos lead before Conroy wrapped up the issue with his second goal two minutes from the end to set up a Connacht final date with a
Roscommon side chasing a third successive provincial title. SCORERS Mayo: T Conroy 2-2, L Irwin 0-5 (5f), C Loftus 1-1, C Hanley 10, D Doherty 1-0. Galway: P Cooke 1-2 (0-1f), N Lee 1-1, E McCormack 0-4 (3f, 1 45), R Fahy 0-1, E Tierney 0-1, M Daly 0-1 (f), P Mannion 0-1. MAYO: M Mulligan; D Kenny, S Cunniffe, E Doran; R Finn, S Coen, M Hall; V Roughneen, D OConnor; B Walsh, C Loftus, C Hanley; D Doherty, L Irwin, T Conroy. Subs: S Conlon for Finn (27), C Byrne for Doherty (51), S Burke for Walsh (54), M Plunkett for Hanley (61). GALWAY: J Healy; L Burke, C Reilly, B Shaughnessy; N McDonagh, D Horan, C Brady; R Fahy, E Tierney; J Lyons, M Daly, P Cooke; N Lee, E McCormack, P Mannion. Subs: D Corbett for McDonagh (50), J Donnellan for Lee (53), S Lawless for Cooke (55), C Mannion for Lyons (60), C Raftery for Mannion (80). REF: R McBrien (Leitrim).
McGann shoots Rossies to win

Roscommon ........0-12 Sligo .....................1-5
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OSCOMMON remain on track for a third Connacht minor title in a row thanks to a seven-point haul from Diarmuid McGann against 14-man Sligo in Carrick-on-Shannon. A goal from Kevin McDonnell in the 41st minute helped Sligo close to within two points, but Fergal O'Donnell's men finished powerfully to reach a seventh provincial final in eight years. Forced to line out without their influential midfielder Cian Breheny because of a hamstring injury, Sligo still looked lively in the opening quarter. Diarmuid Murtagh gave Roscommon the lead in the first 30 seconds, but the next two scores arrived from the Yeats men, as Cathal Henry landed two excellent points in the fifth and eighth minutes. But despite their early creativity, Sligo employed quite defensive tactics in the
first-half, with full-forward Darragh Cummins operating as a sweeper in front of his own full-back. And that negativity soon caught up on them as Roscommon full-forward Diarmuid McGann kicked three points in as many minutes to give Fergal O'Donnell's side a 0-4 to 0-2 lead by the 18th minute. With former Sligo star Eamonn O'Hara patrolling the sideline, there was plenty of encouragement for the young Yeats men, but their intentions nosedived just before the break when Stephen Henry was sent off after picking up two bookings for fouls on Roscommon captain Ronan Daly in the 25th and 27th minute. A serious looking injury to the lively Stephen Kerins also hampered Sligo in the second-half and they looked to have little hope of recovery when Ultan Harney, McGann and Diarmuid Murtagh all added quick scores for the Rossies after the restart. Yet despite their numerical disadvantage, Sligo's challenge began to grow and Kenneth Gavigan kicked their only free of the game in the 37th minute, which Cathal Henry soon added to. The unlikely recovery looked on when McDonnell who featured for Kevin
Walsh's seniors in the national football league this year waltzed through the defence and rattled the top corner with an unstoppable drive. Just a point separated the sides with 13 minutes remaining when Cathal Henry kicked his fourth point from play, but it was Roscommon that finished the stronger with three points to take the win. SCORERS Roscommon: D McGann 0-7 (2f), D Murtagh 0-4 (1f), U Earley 0-1. Sligo: C Henry 0-4, K McDonnell 1-0, K Gavigan 0-1 (1f). ROSCOMMON: S Mannion; D Neary, S Mullooly, M Flannery; R Daly, E McGrath, S Pettit; C Compton, U Harney; T O'Rourke, N Connaughton (S Farrell 46), J Early (E Fallon 62); J Gannon (D Carleton 57), D McGann, D Murtagh. SLIGO: E McDonagh; P Gorman, C Gilmartin, S Keenan; L Henry, K McDonnell, J Gillen (K Carty 38); G Brady (S Curley h-t), K Henry; K Gavigan (P Murray 54), C Henry, S Kerins (S Connolly h-t); J Perry (E Kent 54), D Cummins, S Henry. REF: Liam Devenny (Mayo).
CONNACT GAA WRITERS PERSONALITY OF THE MONTH AWARDS
More glory for London as players honoured by GAA Writers A

FTER helping their side to their first ever Connacht final, London footballers Mark Gottsche and Lorcan Mulvey received further glory with news that they have both been named as the Connacht GAA Writers Personality of the Month. Galway native Gottsche picked up the award for the month May after playing a key role in securing his side's first Connacht championship win since 1977 against Sligo in Ruislip. Gottsche, who works as a development officer for London GAA and played at all grades for his native Galway, kicked four points for the Exiles in their famous win over the Yeats County in Ruislip. And after a memorable draw and an historic victory in the replay over Leitrim in the Connacht semi-final, Gottsche's teammate Lorcan Mulvey has been named as the June recipient of the award. Mulvey, who is steeped in the traditions of Leitrim GAA both of his parents are originally from Carrick on Shannon was brought up in Cavan and played three seasons of intercounty for his home county before emigrating. And after two superb displays for Paul Coggins' side to help them into the Connacht final at McHale Park on July 21st, Mulvey was named as the recipient of June's Connacht GAA Writers Personality of the Month. The London duo will be presented with their awards at the Connacht GAA Banquet at the end of the season, along with the January and February winners Wayne McKeon and Darragh McCormack, and the respective winners from March and April Frankie Dolan and Sligo's Michael
A wonderful display against Sligo earned London's Mark Gottsche the Connacht GAA Writers Personality of the Month award for May.
Photo: Brian Lawless / SPORTSFILE
Two outstanding outings for Lorcan Mulvey saw him pick up the June award.
Photo: Matt Browne / SPORTSFILE
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Two down,
Mayo ..................0-21 Roscommon .........0-9
By MIKE FINNERTY Mayo News
CONNACHT SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL
E could get used to this: Mayo having championship matches wrapped up by half-time and treating all and sundry to an exhibition of their skills, set-pieces and scoring capabilities. After the stroll in Salthill last month this was a canter in Castlebar. Different day, same outcome. Thankfully, everyone inside and outside the Mayo camp is fully aware that this is the calm before the storm. The serious business will begin for James Horans charges on the August Bank Holiday weekend but, for now, all they can do is deal with the teams that
are lying down in front of them. Unfortunately, for all concerned, Roscommon failed to raise a gallop and filled the role of cannon-fodder a little too willingly for anyones liking. For the sixth time in a row Mayo extinguished their championship ambitions and, in the process kept their own aim of winning three Nestor Cups in-a-row firmly on track. Mayo also gave us another reminder of their current rude state of health; 12 different players getting on the scoresheet as they clocked up 15 points from play. James Horan also watched his team keep their second consecutive clean sheet of the campaign, although he did claim to be disappointed with the teams efforts late on. In truth, apart from a period during the first quarter when the visitors won more than their fair share of breaking ball around midfield, and managed to
pick off well-worked points from Karol Mannion and Conor Devaney, this was one-way traffic. Man of the match Seamus OShea and his colleagues around the middle overpowered their Roscommon opponents for the majority of the afternoon, and Mayos power, pace and experience was far too hot for John Evans team to handle. Mayo were out of sight at half-time, ahead by by 0-13 to 0-4, and they kept the challengers at arms length throughout an uneventful second half. The only surprise really was that Mayo didnt fill their boots with goals on the day that was in it. Alan Dillons stylish flick was denied by the crossbar in the first half while Roscommon keeper Darren OMalley made an excellent save to deny Richie Feeney near the end. In between, Mayo bossed the match, treating the crowd of 19,867 people to an
Roscommon captain Cathal Cregg leaps into action. Photo: Barry Cregg / SPORTSFILE
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four to go
exhibition of pass-and-move football. Their tackling, which was as disciplined as it was intense and relentless, was also a major feature of this tour de force. Early on it looked like Roscommon might make a game of it as Donie Smith and Karol Mannion kicked points and the visitors loaded the middle of the field with bodies. However, Mayo soon got their second wind and ten points in the twenty minutes before half-time saw the tide turn completely. Their half-back line of Lee Keegan, Donal Vaughan and Colm Boyle, along with captain Keith Higgins, caused most of the problems for Roscommon while Alan Dillon, Kevin McLoughlin and Alan Freeman all had the beating of their men. Mayo outscored Roscommon by 0-7 to 0-2 during the third quarter and by that stage some fans began leaving to try and beat the traffic. A point from impressive substitute Enda Smith and two frees from Senan Kilbride was all Roscommon could manage in the home straight while Mayo added just one score from replacement Darren Coen in the last quarter as the contest petered out. REF: Michael Duffy (Sligo). MAYO: D Clarke; T Cunniffe, G Cafferkey, K Higgins (0-1); L Keegan (0-1), D Vaughan (0-1), C Boyle (0-2); A OShea (0-1), S OShea; K McLoughlin (0-6, 5fs), R Feeney (0-1), C Carolan; E Varley (0-1), A Freeman (0-3, 1f), A Dillon (0-1). Subs: K OMalley for Clarke; A Moran (0-1) for Carolan; S McHale for Cafferkey; D Coen (0-2) for Varley; K Keane for Higgins. ROSCOMMON: D OMalley; N Collins, N Carty, S McDermott; D Keenan, N Daly, C Daly; K Higgins (0-1), M Finneran; C Devaney (0-1), K Mannion
(0-1); C Cregg; D Smith (0-1, 1f), S Kilbride (0-3, 3fs), D OGara. Subs: C Shine for D Smith; E Smith (02) for OGara; D Shine for Cregg; D Ward for Keenan; C Compton for Devaney.
Mayo skipper Andy Moran. Photo: Paul Mohan / SPORTSFILE
Page 11
Leave the daft talk behind,

says Horan
By DECLAN RONEY Media West Ireland
MAYO manager James Horan has urged their fans not to lose the run of themselves with 'daft' and 'crazy' talk after a great start to their championship. While Horan said he has no problem with Mayo being regarded as potential AllIreland winners by the media, he pleaded with the Green and Red support not to pile too much pressure on his side. I suppose (it's) the couple of hundred people who have said to me it'll great to have Cillian and Mickey Conroy back for August...that's crazy. Any of that kind of talk is just daft, it's natural, but it's daft in terms of our preparation. But thankfully we have a lot of smart guys that just can see through that and are really focused on each session we have. The Galway game was a start, it was a good kick off to our championship, but that's all it was. If you want to be successful you have to build on every single training session, every single game that you play and that's what we're trying to do. We're trying to be better in certain areas than we were against Galway and see where that takes us, said Horan. But after pouring cold water on the ambitions of the Mayo following, the two-time All-Star forward lauded his side, saying they are able to handle whatever expectations are thrown at them. We're an ambitious team, we're looking to be as good as we possibly can and we feel that we have a lot of ability. And that's okay, we'll take that. We're making progress and we're going the right way. I just think we're a team with a lot of ability and a lot of ambition...but that was then and this is now.
Mayo manager James Horan urges his troops on.

Photo: Paul Mohan / SPORTSFILE
Page 12
Evans acknowledges gulf in class

By NOEL FALLON Roscommon Herald
OSCOMMON manager John Evans emerged for a crestfallen dressingroom in the bowels of the main stand in McHale Park to face the media and spoke matter-of-factly and honestly of the humiliation his team has just endured. Im absolutely very disappointed. We started off well and took the fight as much as we could to Mayo. We missed a score or two in the first 20 minutes but the difference between the teams was the physically imposing power of Mayo. We were cleaned out of it in tackles, if you want to call it tackled or mauled, the manager commented. The difference between the teams was the physical power of Mayo. Im not laying this defeat at the doorstep of the referee but, at times, every decision seemed to go against us. There were 61 frees in the game. I was really annoyed in the first half
about the frees given against us. Did he think we were making illegal tackles? Mayo used their experience to win frees and they will use that later on in the championship, he maintained. The Kerryman went on to speak about the impressive nature of the home sides performance. Mayo are three years down the road. They have a very strong panel, they worked very hard and were very impressive. They were bringing on guys and it was a case of who was going to have a shot at goal next, Evans acknowledged. I thought Conor Daly and Enda Smith did well. Donie Smith did well and was taken off because, tactically, we had to make a switch. Donie kept showing for the ball but Keith Higgins used his strength and experience to win the ball, the Kerry native remarked. The lads were more disappointed at half time than at the end. They put in such an effort in the first half but there was an
enormous gap between the teams. We hit seven wides and a few of those could have gone over but Im not going to nit-pick. There was such a gulf between the teams, he conceded. With Roscommon due to take their place in the qualifiers on July 6th, Evans explained that his side would have to lift morale for the next test. We have to get back on the horse and make our young lads stronger. You can have height but in modern day football you need strength and mobility. Keith Higgins and Colm Boyle dont have height but they have power, strength, powerful and pace which is beautiful to watch. Mayo need to get a better test but they dispossess well and work hard for each other. None of the teams in Divisions Two, Three and Four have given the big teams a game, which is a bit worrying. Our lads have committed well. Most of them are quite young and theyre enjoying training, Evans concluded.
Freeman makes his mark again

By DANIEL CAREY Mayo News
LAN Freeman takes a few steps forward, then stops, swallowed up by a swarm of young Mayo fans seeking his autograph. He obliges all-comers, then edges a little bit closer to the tunnel before the process is repeated. Its the most contained hes been on McHale Park all day without a foul being committed. There werent many aroo-chachas after Sundays Connacht semi-final; just contentment. But then, Mayo are a heavyweight among western flyweights, and lets face it, the lions never fistbumped each other after devouring the Christians. Pleasing for the most part, Freeman said of the performance. I think we were a bit slow, maybe, for the first ten minutes, and maybe a little sloppy in the last ten. But in between, wed be happy with that ... I think we played some good football. So Roscommon came to dinner and, despite host John Prentys hopes that the pair might arrange a second date, it turns out Roscommon were the dinner. Eaten without salt. And yet, it took a while for the main course to be served. Mayo were slow to start.
A Mayo supporter before their Connacht semi-final win over Roscommon. Photo: Barry Cregg / SPORTSFILE
Im sure the stats will show that we were struggling on breaking ball, and if youre not winning breaking ball, you dont have the possession to do things with it, said Freeman. So Id say well look back at it, well pick out what went wrong, and well rectify it As the half went on, I think we had eight different scorers, someone said, so we were popping up from everywhere. Freeman eager to play, having not featured much in the National League had kicking frees on the back pitch beforehand. He put the practice to good use after being fouled in the 17th minute, and added a great individual
score following a signature catch soon after. He grabbed his third after Enda Varley was fouled to briefly create every cops favourite scoreline 10-4. His best moment came in the second half another super overhead mark from Richie Feeneys delivery. Fouled by Neil Collins, he went down, but like Chumbawamba he got back up again, and a goal beckoned when referee Michael Duffy intervened. Yeah, he smiles, the word a long drawn-out ye-aaaaaa-h. Bit disappointed with that all right, but he had blown it up when I was fouled. I got up fairly quick, and when I picked up the
ball, I was clean through on goal, but he had already gave the free. Mayo seem to be boxing with horseshoes in their gloves in their two outings to date. If Freeman is concerned that the one-sided nature of those games means they wont be battle-hardened, hes not admitting it. I wouldnt say so, he replies when the point is put to him. If you come to our training sessions here, theyd be fairly intense. No, its still a long year, and [weve] the Connacht final now, well have to start building for that. This Mayo seems a world away from the best when least is expected of them sides of history. Are they now comfortable wearing the favourites tag? Well, to be honest, we dont really talk about it, says the Aghamore man. We just look at our own performance after every game and we try to improve on the things we did bad game on game. Regardless of the opposition, Mayo will be odds-on to triumph But well just prepare like we did for every other game, says Freeman, concluding an on-field interview conducted over a sea of small people thrusting programmes and biros in his direction. Then he takes another step forward.
Page 13
CONNACHT SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER-FINAL
Exiles win in
London ...............1-12 Sligo ..................0-14
By BILL KIELY Media West Ireland
Mayo duo star as London shock Sligo

By EDWIN McGREAL Mayo News London players, from left, Lorcan Mulvey, Tony Gaughan and Mark Gottche celebrate their side's victory in Ruislip. Photo: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE
AYO ex-pats Tony Gaughan and Sen Kelly both starred as London recorded a famous 1-12 to 0-14 victory over Sligo in Ruislip. Doohoma native Gaughan started at wing-back and his performance was enough to see the former Kiltane star picked on the GAAs Team of the Week, one of three London players to do so. Crossmolina native Sen Kelly came off the bench with ten minutes to go and made a hugely significant contribution, his point from play proving vital as 14-men London held on grimly. Both players also played for London in Ruislip in 2011 when Mayo nearly came unstuck in the first year of James Horans management. Late points from Trevor Mortimer and Kevin McLoughlin brought the game to extra-time and denied London a famous victory. Mayo eventually proved too strong and won by three points, but Londons season wasnt in vain as they recorded their first victory in 34 years when they beat Fermanagh in the Qualifers. That was nothing to compare to the scenes after victory on Sunday, the Exiles first victory in the Connacht Senior Football Championship since they defeated Leitrim in 1977. Their reward for trumping Sligo is a Connacht semi-final place against Leitrim, in Carrick-on-Shannon, on June 23.
Page 14
ONDON celebrated their first Connacht championship victory in 36 years in style after they claimed the scalp of Kevin Walsh's Sligo at Ruislip. The victory over the Yeats men has given the Exiles a shot at reaching their first ever Connacht final, when they meet Leitrim at Pairc Sean MacDiarmada. After pushing Leitrim and Mayo oh so close in the last two years, Paul Coggins' claimed the much needed victory despite missing a first half penalty and having a man sent off in the second half. Lorcan Mulvey goaled for London in the first-half and it proved to be the difference between the sides at the final whistle as Sligo narrowly failed to complete a bold comeback. Ironically, Sligo native Padraic McGoldrick missed a penalty in the 30th minute and his afternoon took a turn for the worse when he was dismissed midway through the second half but his teammates saved his blushes when holding off a late Sligo rally. The writing was on the wall for Kevin Walsh's Sligo team when they trailed by 01 to 1-3 at the end of the opening 15 minutes after former Cavan player Mulvey netted the game's only goal The sides traded points, with Marren sending over his and the Yeats County's second score, and London were 1-4 to 0-2 to the good after 22 minutes of play. The crossbar then came to London's rescue to deny Pat Hughes a goal but a Mark Breheny free reduced the deficit to four points. There was high drama on the half hour mark when McGoldrick's penalty attempt was well saved by Philip Greene but London were happy to hold a 1-6 to 0-5 interval lead. The teams exchanged scores at the start of the second half before Cathal McGee extended their lead with a point in the 45th minute.
claim biggest years
Sligo ousted from Connacht championship by brave London

London's Lorcan Mulvey in action against Ross Donovan. Photo: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE
Galway native Mark Gottsche made it 1-10 to 0-6 as Sligo continued to struggle but the visitors were given a glimmer of hope when McGoldrick was sent off. Goalkeeper Greene came to his team's rescue once again with another vital save while, at the other end of the field, Hughes raised a white flag to cut London's lead to six points. Despite their numerical disadvantage, the scoreboard read 1-11 to 0-8 in London's favour with 14 minutes to go but a Tony Taylor point narrowed the gap to five entering the closing 10 minutes. Former All Star Charlie Harrison reduced the deficit further with his second point of the day but Sean Kelly calmed
London nerves to restore their five point lead. Just a point separated the sides with just three minutes of additional time after Taylor (2), Niall Murphy and Harrison hit unanswered points and London hearts missed a beat when a strike by Hughes rebounded off the crossbar. But the Gods were with London and time ran out for Sligo and the Exiles advance to a semi-final against Leitrim. LONDON: D Traynor; K Lynam, S Curran, D McGreevy; S Hannon, S Mulligan, T Gaughan; M Gottsche (0-4, 1'45, 1f), C Doyle; G Crowley, C McCallion, B Mitchell (0-1); P McGoldrick (0-1f), L
Mulvey (1-2), C McGee (0-3). Subs: B Collins for Lynam, P Geraghty for Mitchell, S Kelly (0-1) for McCallion, D Dunleavy for Doyle, E McConville for Mulligan. SLIGO: P Greene; K Cawley, R Donovan, N Ewing; C Harrison (0-3), A McIntyre, B Curran; S Gilmartin, T Taylor (0-3); B Egan, P Hughes (0-1), S McManus; M Breheny (0-4, 2f), A Marren (0-2), F Quinn. Subs: J Kilcullen for Gilmartin, N Murphy (0-1) for Egan. REF: P O'Sullivan.
Page 15
Walsh insists Sligo weren't complacent

K
EVIN Walsh has insisted that complacency wasn't a factor in Sligo's shock Connacht SFC defeat to London. The Sligo manager, who came in for criticism for the manner of his side's defeat said: We knew all along
it was going to be tough over here. London have made huge strides over the last number of years and Ruislip is a hard place to travel to. But the game was there for us. The luck of the gods wasn't with us - we hit the woodwork twice from open goal chances and didn't even get a point out of either of them. That came back to haunt us, he said.
Collins sorry for outing native county

RIAN Collins wishes London's Connacht breakthrough didn't come against his native Sligo. Collins came off the bench at Ruislip as the Exiles downed the Yeats County to claim their first provincial championship win in 36 years and he admits it was a day of mixed emotions for him and his family: It was great that we got the breakthrough but I suppose part of me regrets that it was my home county that took the fall, he said. I know that I'll always have the backing of my family but I know that their loyalties would have been a little bit divided. They would have felt a bit torn but, of course, they would be delighted that we got the win and I know that they were behind me. I'd be absolutely kicking myself if I hadn't been a part of this, said Collins.
London manager Paul Coggins watches on as his side upset Sligo. Photo: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE
London players take int he reality of their win over Sligo in the Connacht football championship. Photo: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE
Page 16
AROUND THE PROVINCE AROUND THE PROVINCE AROUND THE PROVINCE
Kearins set to be honoured

statue. A committee has already started fund raising for the project which will see the erection of a sculpture of the legendary Mickey Kearins at a prominent location in the county. Markievicz Park and the St. Pat's GAA club at Dromard are among the locations under consideration for the sculpture. The Dromard man, who recently celebrated his 70th birthday, played for Sligo for 18 years, winning a Connacht Championship medal in 1975 He represented Connacht on many occasions and won two Railway Cup medals. He also had the distinction of being Sligo's first ever All Star. During a brilliant playing ca-
LIGO legend Mickey Kearins is to be immortalised in the form of a
reer, Mickey was consistently one of the top scorers in the country and was regarded as one of the greatest players never to win an All-Ireland medal. At club level, he won seven senior county championships and four county league medals. Now, a special committee has been set up to organise an appropriate honour for the great St. Pat's man. Said a spokesman for the committee: We believe all genuine GAA followers would like to be associated with this project to honour Mickey. The cost of the project will be substantial so we are inviting clubs, businesses and GAA followers from home and abroad to lend their support A Bank account has been set up at AIB Bank, The Square, Tubbercurry (account number 28132043, sort code 93 72 74)
During his refereeing days, Sligo legend Mickey Kearins sends off Dublin's Keith Barr in the 1989 All-Ireland Football semi-final against Cork. Photo: Ray McManus/SPORTSFILE.
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Page 17
CONNACHT FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER-FINAL
A professional hit as Mayo destroy Galway

Mayo .........4-16 Galway ......0-11
N hindsight there had been no shortage of clues from the Mayo manager and some of his senior players in the build up that they felt a big performance was brewing. They told us that the team were wearing the favourites tag comfortably, they made no secret of how well their preparation had gone, and they said they would do the testing against Galway. They were true to their word on all counts. On a warm and muggy day at Pearse Stadium, Mayo put an outclassed Galway to the sword ruthlessly. A margin of victory over our neighbours that hadnt been achieved since 1907, a performance that yielded 4-12 from open play, and allowed ten players to get on the scoresheet. This was a performance, and a scoreline, to make Roscommon, and plenty of other teams, sit up and take notice. A remarkably one-sided match, on a very surreal day by the seaside, was over long before the end as Mayo overpowered and outgunned a Galway side whose limitations were cruelly exposed. First half goals from debutant Cathal Carolan, Enda Varley and
GROUNDED: Galway forward Michael Meehan in action against Colm Boyle during Sunday's Connacht senior football defeat at Pearse Stadium. Photo: Brian Lawless / SPORTSFILE
Donal Vaughan set Mayo up for a half-time lead of 3-9 to 0-6 as their pressing game and high-octane approach paid rich dividends. By that stage six different Mayo players had scored, the defending champions were rampant all over the field, and a combination of midfield supremacy and some outrageous Galway individual errors had contributed to the three decisive goals. An utterly miserable afternoon for the locals went from bad to worse in the early stages of the second half when their captain Gareth Bradshaw and midfielder Niall Coleman were both sent off on straight red cards, in the 37th and 51st minutes respectively, after getting involved in needless
off-the-ball scuffles. There was no shortage of positives, talking points and highlights for Mayo from this exercise but none more-so than the return from long-term injuries of both Alan Dillon and Andy Moran. Dillon started and put in an excellent shift, as always, linking play and clipping two sweet scores to help set the tone early on. Moran, meanwhile, made his eagerly-awaited return to the fray more than nine months after tearing his cruciate knee ligament against Down last August. He came on with ten minutes to go and scored a superb goal to mark his comeback that completed the rout. All but four points of Mayos
total tally came from open play with ten different players getting on the scoresheet. Physically, mentally and tactically there was only one team in it. Galway had no answer to Mayos physical power and pace, their well-rehearsed, relentless and disciplined tackling, and their movement and awareness up front. The defence restricted Galway to three points from play (all in the opening half) and also kept a clean sheet thanks to a fine second half stop from David Clarke to deny the aforementioned Cummins. The entire sextet, plus substitute Shane McHale, worked well as a unit with the indefatigable Colm Boyle the pick of the bunch. Aidan and Seamus OShea fetched and carried all afternoon to totally eclipse Galways Coleman and Curraoin, while Cillian OConnor orchestrated a lot of Mayos best moves. Kevin McLoughlin, Cathal Carolan, Alan Freeman and Enda Varley (who shot 1-3 from play) also played pivotal roles as they hassled, harried, and hunted in equal measure. Three successive Galway frees at the start of the second half from Michael Meehan (2) and Shane Walsh did hint at the prospect of a mini-revival, but the two sending-offs proved to be the final straw. In the final quarter Mayo picked off eye-catching scores from Lee Keegan, Cillian OConnor, Enda Varley and debutant Darren Coen to gloss the final scoreline.
Moran takes a giant leap

HERE were 61 minutes on the clock at Pearse Stadium when the Mayo crowd raised the roof to welcome Andy Moran back to the main stage. He cantered onto the field in that trademark style of his, 41 weeks after leaving Croke Park on a stretcher having torn his cruciate knee ligament. After a long and lonely rehabilitation, these were the first tentative steps of his long-awaited comeback. Five minutes later and the 29 year-old was celebrating his fourth championship goal for Mayo with reckless abandon, la Eugene McHale in 1981. His injured right knee had passed its first test. The likes of Cillian OConnor, Enda Varley and
Donal Vaughan rushed to share in their colleagues moment. It was the perfect end to the perfect day for Mayo. It was a great feeling for me personally, but the team performance is key, explained Moran later. Ed Coughlan [Mayos strength and conditioning coach] and the medical team [Dr Sean Moffatt, Liam Moffatt, Joe Dawson and Martin McIntyre] have worked hard with me behind the scenes. Its been a long nine and a half months and its great to be back. . . Weve a strong panel and Ive a fight on my hands over the next four weeks, he added. I want to make this team for the semi-final. Morans return to action was also singled out for mention by James Horan as he surveyed the
Page 18
CONNACHT FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER-FINAL

However, the last word went to Andy Moran whose subsequent celebration capped a memorable day for Team Mayo and their supporters. Next up is Roscommon, and a whole different ball game. MAYO: D Clarke; K Higgins, T Cunniffe, G Cafferkey; L Keegan (0-1), C Boyle, D Vaughan (1-1); A O'Shea, S O Shea; K McLoughlin, C O'Connor (0-6, 4fs), C Carolan (1-0); E Varley (1-3), A Freeman (0-1), A Dillon (0-2). Subs: S McHale for Cafferkey (19); R Feeney (0-1) for Freeman; D Coen (0-1) for Dillon (57); J Burke for Keegan (59); A Moran (1-0) for Carolan (61). GALWAY: M Breathnach; J Duane, C Forde, G Sweeney; G Bradshaw, K Kelly, G Sice; N Coleman, F O Curraoin; T Flynn, P Conroy (0-1), C Doherty; S Armstrong (0-2, 2fs), M Meehan (0-5, 4fs, 45), D Cummins (0-2). Subs: S Walsh (0-1, 1f) for Doherty (23); J Moore for Sweeney (h-t); G O'Donnell for Armstrong (53); E Concannon for Sice (61); M Martin 5 for Meehan (62). REF: Marty Duffy (Sligo).
Horan: Were a force to be reckoned with

AYO manager James Horan believes his team will be a force to be reckoned with if they can build on their record-breaking Connacht SFC quarter-final victory over Galway. Speaking in the aftermath of the 17-points win at Pearse Stadium, Horan was also keen to pay tribute to the work-rate and tackling ability of his forwards who he said had set up the success with their turnovers in the first half. We were confident coming up, we were favourites, but we knew if we played like we could, wed win, the Mayo
boss told The Mayo News. What set it up for us were the turnovers in the first half. Our forwards pinned them in and broke their spirit a little bit. When Cathal Carolan got the [first] goal we knew we were in the ascendancy, and we drove on. We had to come up here, and we had to prepare well, with a lot of injured players, he added. We did our stuff. If we work like that, and can build on that, well be a force to be reckoned with. Elsewhere, Alan Dillon, a late inclusion in the starting fifteen, said that Mayos players now believed that they can compete with any team in the country.
Its a win, but at the end of the day theres no silverware in there, said the Ballintubber veteran. The last few games in the National League brought us along in leaps and bounds too, but James [Horan] and the lads will have our feet back on the ground by Tuesday night. Meanwhile, Mayos odds on winning three Connacht Senior Football Championships in a row for the first time in more than sixty years have been slashed ahead of their semifinal meeting with Roscommon on Sunday, June 16 in Castlebar. They are now the 2/9 favourites to retain the Nestor Cup.
Mulholland left to pick up the pieces

OFF: Niall Coleman is shown a red card by referee Marty Duffy. Photo: Diarmuid Greene / SPORTSFILE
FTER watching his side's capitulation against a powerful Mayo outfit, Galway manager Alan Mulholland admitted there was a gulf between the sides and that they would now have a difficult task regrouping for the qualifiers. Before hand Mulholland was sure his side were in good fettle for the Connacht championship, but what transpired was a second successive defeat at Pearse Stadium in the championship. We thought we were going to be competitive. We felt we were in good form and we thought we were going to put one over on Mayo. But what we thought and what transpired are two totally different things and there definitely was a gap between us, he said. The former U-21 boss also said that the disfrom, and the border. . Well be taking nothing for granted, said Moran purposefully. Were going to train hard for the next four weeks and were going to try our best to be as ready for that game as we were today. It was a sentiment echoed by James Horan. I can guarantee you that Roscommon will probably be happy with the margin of that victory today because theyll probably use that as cannon-fodder to rev up for us. But well go away, as we always do, and get ready for that game. The Mayo manager had just presided over his ninth victory in eleven championship games in three seasons. Given the performance, and the comprehensive nature of the final scoreline, it was little wonder he was keen to focus on the positive aspects of Mayos display.
missals of Garreth Bradshaw and Niall Coleman could have been avoided, but he still thought they were a little hard don by. I thought they were a little harsh. I think our lads were getting a little frustrated, I think the referee could have been cognisant of that. However, Mayo were physically dominant and intimidating us all over the pitch, so it was ironic that we ended up with the two red cards. However, in saying that I dont think we can be making any excuses really in that regard, he added. Mulholland will now have to try pick up the pieces after this hammering and regroup for the qualifiers at the end of next month. The lads will go back to their clubs now. I think well need six weeks to get over this one. That will be our next goal. Galway havent done well in the qualifiers in the last number of years so this is going to be our goal now to try win one.
We were strong in the first half when we needed to be. Our focus and work-rate and intensity was really top-range which is always what youre trying to do. The turnovers the forwards got in the first half really drove Galway backwards and that was really the building block of our success. Were happy with four goals any day, he continued when asked about Mayo ending their goal drought in style. We created chances today but there was a confidence leading up to some of those goals, we really went for them. If youve a full-forward line thats working hard, offensively and defensively, then things will happen. Anytime we win up in Galway well take it, he said.
landscape afterwards. It was great to see him coming on. Nobody realises the amount of effort that guy put in to get back on the field. Unfortunately, well have to listen to him after scoring the goal, smiled the Mayo manager. Enda Varley, who has soldiered with Moran for the last five seasons, was also keen to pay tribute to the teams spiritual leader. Were delighted for him. You could see how we all wanted to celebrate with him after his goal. Hes going for my position as well but I hope he gets back on the pitch for the next game. Now that Moran is back in harness, and that box has been ticked, the focus turns to Game Two of Mayos summer against Roscommon on June 16. John Evans is a good manager, I know a lot of those [Roscommon] guys, you all know where Im
Page 19
Galway edge past Laois

Galway ...............2-17 Laois ...................1-13
LEINSTER SENIOR HURLING SEMI-FINAL
NCE again, Galway hurlers had Joe Canning to thank as his terrific display kept the Tribesmen on pace with Laois and ultimately edged them clear in a battle at O'Moore Park. The Portumna attacker hit 11 points, but was instrumental in several key Galway's scores, which always seemed to arrive on the back of inspirational action for the home side. But the Galway management will be delighted that Seamus Plunkett's side posed a stiffer test than expected, which gave the Tribesmen a much needed competitive outing ahead of their Leinster final with Kilkenny or Dublin. Lining out without regular defenders David Collins and Niall Donoghue because of injury, Cunningham handed a return to former captain Shane Kavanagh and the Kinvara man logged a solid display. Also back in the fold for the first time since last year's All-Ireland final replay was James Skehill and the Cappy man will be happy with a positive return to action. But perhaps the returnee to catch most eyes was Aonghus Callanan, who hit the crucial goal in the closing stages to finally kill off the Laois challenge. And it was a significant challenge. The home side raced into a 0-4 to 0-0 lead after tearing into the Tribesmen in the opening exchanges. But for Canning's accuracy from play and from dead balls Galway would have faced an even stepper test than their 0-8 to 0-7 half-time deficit. Laois continued to impress in the second-half and after Galway pulled clear with a flurry of points, Laois re-took the lead when Tommy Fitzgerald goaled in the 57th minute. But that score lifted Galway's dander and less than a minute later, after Canning's bullet shot was somehow saved by Eoin Reilly, Davy Glennon was on hand to finish the rebound. But still Laois refused to buckle, and
Tribesmen reach Leinster final after Glennon and Callanan goals
READY FOR BATTLE: Galway hurler David Burke recovered from an eye injury to take on Laois in the Leinster championship semi-final at O'Moore Park. Photo: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE
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LEINSTER SENIOR HURLING SEMI-FINAL
Cunningham happy to see Tribe tested

LEADING FROM THE BACK: Galway captain Fergal Moore prepares to clear under pressure from John Brophy at O'Moore Park. Photo: Ray McManus / SPORTSFILE
ALWAY hurling manager Anthony Cunningham was delighted to see his side put to the pin of their collar against Laois as they qualified for the Leinster hurling final. We were a bit rusty. We would be happy with how we finished, but there is a lot of room for improvement. Laois were very good, very gutsy, they took some great scores. We were expecting that, they've been going very well this year, said Cunningham, who's side moved a step closer to defending their Leinster crown. And after getting their campaign under way with a victory, Cunningham admitted he was thrilled to see the game begin to flourish in the O'Moore county once more. It's great for hurling to see Laois back playing like that. That game will sharpen us up a lot. I'd like to congratulate Laois on the year they are after having. Long may it continue. There's no point being in the Leinster championship unless you have the ambition to go on to win it. That's our aim: one game at a time to try to retain the Leinster title,2 he said.
after Matthew Whelan and Zane Keenan pointed, the tribesmen needed another goal to settle them. And six minutes from time Callanan stepped forward and Reilly was unable to stop his shot's progress and Galway survived. This was far for the cake-walk that many expected, but with victory secured, the Galway management will be happy to see their side severely tested. But they still have much to think about ahead of the Leinster final in three week's time, especially how they can mastermind victory in the
provincial decider for a second year in a row. SCORERS GALWAY: J Canning 011(7fs); D Glennon, A Callanan 1-0 each; D Burke, D Hayes 0-2 each; N Burke, J Regan 0-1. LAOIS: M Whelan 0-5(4fs); Z Keenan 03; T Fitzgerald 1-0; S Maher 0-2(1f); J Fitzpatrick, W Hyland, B Dunne 0-1 each GALWAY: J Skehill; F Moore, K Hynes, S Kavanagh; A Harte, J Coen, J Cooney; I Tannian, A Smith; D Burke, N
Burke, C Donnellan; D Glennon, C Cooney, J Canning. Subs: D Hayes for Donnellan (29); J Regan for Smith (h-t); A Callanan for N Burke (53); J Grealish for D Burke (67). LAOIS: E Reilly; B Stapleton, D Maher, JA Delaney; J Fitzpatrick, M Whelan, G Burke; B Dunne, J Walsh; W Hyland, Z Keenan, S Maher; J Brophy, T Fitzgerald, C Healy. Subs: B Duggan for Whelan (27-29); C Dunne for Burke (46); N Foyle for Brophy (49).
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ALL-IRELAND U-21 FINAL
U-21s triumph
Galway's top scorers

Shane Walsh ..0-28 (15f) Ian Burke ...............0-11 Cathal Mulryan ........1-7 Sean Moran .............2-3 Garry Kelly .............0-6 Damien Comer .........1-3 Adrian Varley ..........0-4 Paul Varley .............0-3 Tom Flynn ...............1-0 David Cunnane ........0-1 Shane Maughan .......0-1 Padraig Cunningham 0-1 Fiontn Curraoin ..0-1 Daith Burke ............0-1 Total: ....................5-70
Galway youngsters crowned All-Ireland champions

Galway ................1-14 Cork .....................1-11
VERY few years an underage Galway team comes along and captures an All-Ireland title with such aplomb that before they have left the field with the cup the argument is raging as to why this success is not translated into senior glory. The frequency of these underage wins is increasing. Galway, having lifted the U21 title just once in the first 38 years of the competition, have now won three of the last nine, including two of the last three. A minor All-Ireland in 2007 further exposes the lack of senior success. But it is the quality of the performance and the strike rate once they escape Connacht which is startling with Galway underage teams. The Tribesmen have only won the Connacht U-21 championship four times in the past 12 years each time they have gone on and won the All-Ireland.
Route to the U-21 title

Galway 1-20 0-7 Sligo, Connacht quarter-final Galway 0-9 0-7 Mayo, Connacht semi-final Galway 1-17 2-11 Roscommon, Connacht final Galway 2-10 2-5 Kildare, All-Ireland semi-final Galway 1-14 1-11 Cork, All-Ireland final
Football is a simple game. Get a goalkeeper or two in Galways case on Saturday night in Limerick who is safe under the high ball and can deliver goods kick-outs, a set of defenders who manmark from the front, tackle well and dont give away frees, a couple of midfielders who can win kick-outs and forwards whose first instinct is to shoot for scores themselves. Galway had that blend in the wind and rain at the Gaelic Grounds on Saturday and the end result was that a fancied Cork team never led once and who only rallied when they fell nine points behind in the secondhalf of an entertaining clash. Cork, the most prolific winners of the competition who were bidding for their 12th title, trailed by four points at the break having played against the wind and two points from their best player Brian Hurley within 90 seconds of the restart gave them great hope. Manager John Cleary, who has tasted All-Ireland success at this grade as a player, selector and manager, said Galways ability to make the most of chances was the primary difference between the sides. We had a lot of opportunities, Galway kicked some very spectacular scores, but looking at the stats at half-time I think we had 14 opportunities around the goal but we only took five. They had 11 and took
nine. We didnt take our scores said Cleary. Galway opened up a 0-5 to 0-1 lead with the wind after 19 minutes with Ian Burke, Cathal Mulryan and Shane Walsh picking off some great scores, while full-forward Adrian Varley was an excellent targetman. Hurley presented the biggest threat to a dominant Galway defence and with Fiontn Curraoin and Tom Flynn on top in the middle, they led by 0-8 to 0-3 four minutes from the break before Dan MacEoin
c w
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ALL-IRELAND U-21 FINAL
picked off a couple of points to leave it 0-9 to 0-5 at the break. Two quickfire points from Hurley halved the lead inside a minute and a half but Galway responded with another point from Burke before they surged ahead with a goal from Damien Comer after taking a pass from Varley to lead by 1-14 to 0-8 after 42 minutes. They did not score again. Cork eventually responded with Hurley firing home an excellent goal after 44 minutes and they got the margin down to a goal but did not score for the remaining 13 minutes as the Galway defence again took control with a masterful display.
SCORERS GALWAY: S Walsh (4f) & I Burke 0-4 each, C Mulryan 0-3, D Comer 1-0, A Varley, P Varley & B Cunnane 0-1 each. CORK: B Hurley 1-4 (1f), D MacEoin 0-4 (3f), D Cahalane (1'45), C Vaughan & A Cadagon 0-1 each. GALWAY: T Healy (J Healy 49); E Walsh, J Shaughnessy, B Cunnane (P Ezergalis 54); M Loughnane, D Burke, P Varley; T Flynn, F Curraoin; C Mulryan, S Moran (C Rabbitte 47), D Comer; S Walsh, A Varley (G Kelly 59), I Burke (S Maughan 59). CORK: D Hanrahan; C Dorman, D Cahalane, A Cronin, B O'Driscoll, T Tansey, J Wall (TJ Brosnan 42); S Kiely (J Burns 36), I Maguire; A Cadagon (K Hallissey 57), M Sugrue (C Vaughan 39), J O'Rourke; D MacEoin, B Hurley, L Connolly. REF: David Gough (Meath).
Flynn happy with style of play

Curraoin over the moon

ALWAY U-21 skipper and man-of-thematch Fiontn Curraoin, one of four who also won medals two years ago, said this squad wanted to make their own mark and he said it was an honour to captain such a group, 19 of whom are underage again
next year. I had a few pictures of the team two years ago and I took it down at the start of this year, just to focus on this year. It was a new team with a completely new identity. I wanted to keep the head down and drive on for the lads, said the man of the match. But Cork's comeback concerned him somewhat, until Damien Comer's splendid goal eased Galway's worries. Yeah it wasnt looking good. We knew that was going to be a key stage in the game and thankfully Damo came up with the goal. That really set the foundation for the second half. We saw Brian Hur-
ley get a fantastic goal for Cork but we keep the head down and drove on to it. All focus now turns to the senior ranks for the Michel Breathnach's man, who is sure to play a key role against Mayo in two weekend's time. It is two weeks now so the heads are going to be down again. We are looking forward to Mayo, hopefully this success can start transferring into senior. It is definitely a boost for the seniors to see the U-21 winning an All-Ireland. But for myself and the rest of the lads that will be involved it is about time now that we started to push on, he said.
ALWAY U-21 manager Alan Flynn, was delighted to lead his side to the AllIreland title, but was especially they did it playing stylish football. I think we played very good attacking, attractive football, moving the ball into the forward line. We werent sure all year what we could offer but we felt if our forward line got enough ball they were going to do damage. With two guys like Fiontn and Tom in the middle of the field it gives you a great platform to get ball in there, he said. Flynn, in charge of the side with former Galway stars Declan Meehan and Paul Clancy with senior boss Alan Mulholland having an overarching role, said they were ready to face a Cork comeback after going nine points up. Obviously that was something we addressed and we spoke about scenarios of falling behind, close to a game or if you took the lead, how would we take advantage and keep driving on. That was the icing on the cake really. The fact that showed character and battled really well near the end and to kick a couple of scores to finish it off, he said.
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The Connacht Inclusion and Integration Committee recently unveiled the 'Give Respect- Get Respect' sign, which will be displayed at all GAA club and county grounds. Pictured at the launch are (L to R): Cyril Feehily (Sligo), Sean Martin (Roscommon, deputising for Roscommon Chairman Michael Fahey), Mattie Kilroy (Connacht GAA Respect Initiative Co-ordinator), Paddy Mc Nicholas (Mayo), Noel Tracey (Galway) and Joe Flynn (Leitrim).
The GAA Give Respect Get Respect campaign in the GAA continues to flourish, particularly at under age level, since its first inception in 2009. The Give Respect Get Respect initiative aims to ensure that Gaelic Games are promoted and played in a positive, fair and enjoyable manner where players, coaches, spectators and referees Give Respect Get Respect from each other.
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Skehill ready for action

OU'D have to wonder what the closing moments of Galway's final training session ahead of the All-Ireland hurling final replay were like. After pushing Kilkenny as close to the edge as they ever had been in the first game, the humour on that Friday night must have been good; the banter was surely flying as the players warmed down and drove a couple of shots James Skehill's way. Less than three weeks previously, the 25-year-old Cappataggle stopper had kept the Tribesmen in the fight for Liam MacCarthy with one of the saves of his career, which denied Colin Fennelly a goal with 11 minutes remaining in the final. But seconds before he was due to gather his hurleys and head for the dressing room he felt that familiar pop. The shoulder he had dislocated earlier in the season had failed him again. Injury is part and parcel of the life of every inter-county hurler, but for it to happen hours before an All-Ireland final was a particularly cruel blow. We're well familiar with what happened subsequently: his shoulder was relocated back into its correct position; Skehill started the replay; he failed to reappear for the second-half and Galway's challenge petered out. What kind of turmoil must Skehill have gone through? He was the centre of attention before the game and plenty of fingers pointed his way afterwards. And he still had to face surgery and seven months recovery. But the recovery from the injury proved a welcome distraction, he says. As soon as the final was over I parked it. That was in the past, I couldnt change it so it is all looking towards the future for me. The first challenge was to
TAKING THE HITS: Galway goalkeeper James Skehill takes a blow from Kilkenny's Walter Walsh during last year's All-Ireland hurling final replay. Photo: Pat Murphy / SPORTSFILE
get the operation out of the way. I came through it successfully, and once that was done it was down to rehab. Once that was cleared I had to get my match fitness and hurling back. Only time will help me along, said Skehill, who returned to the Galway side for the first time since the All-Ireland against Laois. It is basically a confidence thing. I wouldnt say it's a fear, but it's a reluctance to put your body on the line again. Then slowly but surely you get a rattle that you don't expect or you make a dive instinctively and you make it back. You pick yourself up again and go. It is like Brian O'Driscoll said when he had the operation on his neck: he hit the first tackle and made it through okay, then he hit the next one and built it on from there. I am taking full hits from the big guys, the Tannians and the Cannings. Im taking hits from them and coming through okay. It is all about finding your feet at the start, I suppose trying to dip your toe into the cold water again see how it goes, he said. He had to wait five weeks after the replay to have the
surgery on his shoulder so there was plenty of time to mull over his decision and listen to the hurlers on the ditch tell him what they would have done. It was a raw wound at that stage, but at least the man who made his debut as a 20year-old under Ger Loughnane in 2008 had it straight in his own mind. Look, no matter what walk of life you are in or career you are in, you are going to have critics regardless of what you are doing. Obviously after the game I had my critics; I had people that backed me and I had people that went against me. But, do you know, at the end of the day I didn't care. What really mattered to me was what my family thought, what my management thought and what I thought. After that then everything else is just a sideshow. Even now it is very difficult for me to say would I do anything differently. When you are in that situation you'd do anything to play. Obviously there was an injury at the start of the game. I had a couple of clashes, you could say, during
the game that kind of put the final nail in the coffin. It is a hard one. I get it every day, wherever I go, people ask me and I still can't answer that to this day. Because if tomorrow was the final again and I was in the same situation I'd try and play again. I'd do my best to play, just because those opportunities don't come very often. I know some may say it was a selfish thing to do, playing injured. But I thought at the time I could do it. If it worked it would have been great and sadly it didn't. It is the same thing Henry Shefflin did against Tipperary. He thought the same thing. He gave it a go and it didnt work. These things happen, he said. With two games in the Leinster championship already this season, Laois proved difficult opponents for Galway especially on their own patch. But already Skehill's eyes are trying to focus on September. To put it bluntly if we don't win the championship everything else is a failure. There is no beating around the bush. To lift the cup, that's our main aim this year. If we don't do it everything else is irrelevant. We want to start the campaign right and start performing in the Leinster championship. Then hopefully the year will snowball again like it did last year. But it is going to be very difficult. But if you win the Leinster championship you have a shorter route to the final. Effectively this year if we win four games we are the champions. And that's the way we have to look at it. The shortest route is the best route. Regardless of who the opposition are or what their status or where they are from. It is the shortest route and winning Leinster means as much to us as it does to the Leinster people. As far as Im concerned the league is finished and it's the championship now. It's a new dawn and there is a place up for grabs and games to be won. That's how I see it, he said.
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Mortimer still looms large

SK any Galway or Mayo supporter what they remember from the 2009 Connacht final and they are likely to do the sums to see if that was the year that Michael Jackson died. Forget Peadar Gardiner's last minute winner; forget Michael Meehan's late score to draw the Tribesmen level; it was Conor Mortimer's unique way of celebrating the key goal in the provincial decider has turned into one of the iconic GAA images. Like it or not, his 'RIP Micheal Jackson' t-shirt is the lasting memory from an epic final at Pearse Stadium. But it is disingenuous to forget the impact he made after his half-time introduction by letting the jokes mask the talent. The Shrule-Glencorrib man was always a good bet to provide the talking point. The dyed hair and white boots caught the eye, but he was able to back up up the drama with three Connacht titles, two AllIreland final appearances in 2004 and 2006, an All-Star award, and by taking over from Joe Corcoran as the county's all time top scorer. After his half-time introduction in 2009 he finished as Mayo's top scorer and set Gardiner up for the winner with a quickly taken free that caught Galway napping. Last year he again caught the headlines after walking out on the Mayo squad the week of their Connacht final with Sligo. This year he has to be satisfied to shoot the lights out for his adopted club Parnell's in the Dublin championship. The club game continues to put a smile on his face, but reliving Mayo's last trip to Salthill and the attention his tribute to Jackson received, he fears any bit of fun that was there is now gone from the intercounty scene. It was just a bit of craic really, just something for a bit of a laugh. I came on as a sub in that game, I had missed all of the Connacht championship before that after I dislocated my shoulder in the last league game. I was back fit for the semi-final, but we had hammered Roscommon in the first game so I had no chance of starting. So to come on and score a goal was a great feeling, but people looked too much into the celebration. There is not a lot of craic in the GAA any more. Anything different is considered to be a bit mad or stupid. We have to remember this is a game that we play to have some fun. What's the point in playing if the fun is gone our of it, said Mortimer, who has scored a total of 1-27 in his six Connacht final appearances. While Mortimer was never likely to play as deep into his 30s as Eamonn O'Hara or Anthony Rainbow, many feel he should still be filling a role in the Mayo full-forward line.
Conor Mortimer in action for Mayo in the 2012 FBD Insurance League Home Final. Photo: Paul Mohan / SPORTSFILE Conor Mortimer celebrates the second Mayo goal against Galway in 2009 by lifting his jersey to reveal his tribute to Michael Jackson. Photo: Ray McManus / SPORTSFILE
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But the decision to walk away from the county scene was his own, and with the benefit of hindsight and watching Mayo's latest All-Ireland defeat from a distance, he would still do the same. I have no regrets about the way last year panned out. I missed out on playing in another All-Ireland final alright, but you have to get on with things and forget about it. There is no point in crying about it at this stage; it is old news. All you can do is life your life whatever way things fall. It was very simple: the manager didn't fancy me so I wasnt willing to hang around for that. But it is no big thing, it happens in every walk of life and in every sport. It is time to forget about it. I don't think there is any chance I'll play for Mayo again. I am still playing ball and not playing too badly, but James has his 30 or so lads there that he wants to look at. You always think you might have something to offer, but once you get older you lose a bit of pace and your chance is gone. It's not something I'm too worried about, he said. It is debatable if Mortimer could have edged last year's All-Ireland in Mayo's direction. He is far from a mirror image of his manager: it always appeared he liked to play his own game, free of tactical constraints. But you'd still have to imagine he would have managed to kicked a point or two from play, something which four Mayo forwards failed to do in September. With Mortimer it was a case of weighing the good with the bad. But despite watching them fall at the last once again, he thinks the taste of defeat can drive this Mayo team on to greater things. Playing in the 2004 final probably brought me on a good bit for 2005 and 2006, so last year should stand to the younger lads especially. They got a good run through the championship and got well tested along the way. But the only way to see if the whole team has learned from the experience is if they get back to an All-Ireland final in Croke Park again. That's when you'll see if losing to Donegal has done them any good. A week after Mortimer walked out of the Mayo squad, on the back of their Connacht final win, their manager proclaimed: I have never seen the players happier. But the two Mayo players put forward to meet the media ahead of their Connacht championship opener both beamed as they recalled Mortimer's last day in Pearse Stadium. I actually came on with Conor that day, said Donal Vaughan. But I think Conor stole the limelight. We'll have to make sure there is no markers on the bus this time, said Barry Moran who also hit the net for Mayo in 2009. The joker in the pack may be gone, but can Mayo replace him with a trump to drive them to victory? Time will tell.
Former Galway senior panellist Gareth Bradshaw will play club football in New York this summer. Photo: Paul Mohan / SPORTSFILE
Bradshaw leaves Galway panel for USA

hard to pick myself up from that. I said 'it's time to get out of here'. After the game I felt like locking the door, but I actually went home with Niall Coleman. He came back to my house and we went for a few quiet drinks. We stayed well out of the limelight out in Salthill. I wanted to keep the head down. I didnt want to see anyone for that few days, said Bradshaw, who made his Galway debut as a 19-year-old under Peter Forde. After the red card against Mayo, Bradshaw was uncharacteristically sent off again in the closing moments of a club championship game the following weekend. After that he began to think about giving America a try. I'm just not enjoying football at the moment. That Mayo game and the club game it just took a lot out of me, mentally more so than physically. It's tough. You see a lot of crap being written and said...I know you need to be thick skinned, but it can get on top of you. I probably brought a lot of it on myself, but listen, it comes with the territory of inter-county football. Then the story came out that I was leaving the squad and I hadnt even told Alan for definite that I was doing. I still hadnt my mind fully made up. I have a slight inclining how it got out, but it shouldnt have gotten out the way it did. I hadn't told the squad, Alan, my club, or my family that I was going for sure. That's not easy. If I was a professional on a couple of grand a week you could put up with that, but I was disappointed to see that. I have since consulted my family, as well as some of the more senior lads in the Galway squad. I ran it by them and in fairness they were totally understanding. I didn't want to let them down by walking away, but I felt it was good for myself and good for the team. If I was going to stay I wanted to make a positive contribution and I don't think I can. I'll use New York as a way to build myself back up again. You have to be honest and I don't think I am in a position to commit to the team. You have to be enjoying it and I am not, he said.
ARETH Bradshaw has become the latest inter-county star to move to America saying he needs to rediscover his love for the game. Bradshaw (26), has quit his job as a health and safety officer to make the move, and will link up with the Leitrim GAA club in New York after he admitted to being overwhelmed by the reaction to his sending off against Mayo in the Connacht championship. However, the Moycullen club man hopes he is not seen to be walking away from a challenge, and that he 'felt like locking the door' after being sent off while captaining the Tribesmen. It was a real let down to be honest. It was hard to take. Losing like that, you go flat after it and I found it
It is true once people start talking about you, that you're a dirty player, people automatically presume (you are).
Vaughan cognisant of reputations
AYO defender Donal Vaughan says he doesn't want to get an undeserved reputation like Paul Galvin has on the back of unfair analysis of his game. Vaughan's on-field antics were highlighted by Sunday Game panellist Joe Brolly after a clash with Cork's Noel O'Leary in the 2012 NFL final. The former Derry All-Ireland winner labelled Vaughan as shameful and dishonourable after he went to ground following an altercation with the Cork player. Prior to their All-Ireland final against Donegal, Brolly also said that he believed 'tactical fouling' played a large part in Mayo's win over Dublin in the semi-final. And the Ballinrobe centre-back thinks singling him and Mayo out for attention on television and radio did little to help their reputations on the field. They did highlight us. Someone made a comment I don't like mentioning names but someone looked at us collectively and said we fouled this many times in one game. They didnt take the year as a full context and then look at the other team we were playing. When you are arguing something it has to be balanced. If you look in the championship last year I think I got booked in one game. It is true once people start talking about you, that you're a dirty player, people automatically presume (you are). A perfect example of that is Paul Galvin. Galvin knocked the card out of the referee's hand and since then he has been... There was a picture in the paper a few weeks ago. Someone had a hand in his mouth, someone else had an elbow in his face. I was talking to someone and they said 'Jaysus can you see the picture of Galvin. He is some thug'. In fairness there is a fellow with his hand in his mouth and another lads elbowing him. He is doing no wrong, said Vaughan.
Donal Vaughan in full stride at Pearse Stadium. Photo: Diarmuid Greene / SPORTSFILE
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Home comforts for OShea

Aidan O'Shea in action during Mayo's Connacht senior championship semi-final win over Roscommon. Photo: Paul Mohan / SPORTSFILE
ayo midfielder Aidan O'Shea is hoping that a move back home will give him that extra bite required to win a third Connacht final in a row. After four years of traipsing up and down the N5 for training O'Shea (22) was delighted to return to the west, and since Mayo's season started with a win he has completed his studies in DIT and picked up a new job in Westport. While the minibus journey was a good team bonding exercise for the seven or eight Dublin-based squad members, he is happy to see the high mileage replaced with a familiar base. It's great. It's difficult for any inter-county footballers, there is lots of them in Dublin having to travel back. The closer you are to home the easier it is to prepare for playing inter-county football. I'm just delighted to be home now. And I plan to be there for the foreseeable future. I started work today in Allergan back in Westport. Im there until Christmas so it is nice to be home and have a nice routine to my life.
Id say ourselves and Donegal have the biggest number playing away. It's part of the economy the way it is at the moment a lot of players have to play away. It's something we have to factor in, said O'Shea, who recently completed his studies in Logistics and Supply Chain Management. Despite a reluctance to deviate from the provincial championship just yet, familiar foes have caught his eye already. Obviously Donegal's 20 minutes after half-time against Tyrone was very impressive. To be honest I thought Tyrone would push them a bit harder, he said. Donegal and Tyrone was the biggest affair so far and Donegal looked good. They did the same thing. Tyrone dominated possession for long stretches and couldnt score and then then in a quick burst Donegal came out and racked up a few scores then. That's what they have been doing in the last couple of years and they are very good at it. I dont tend to focus on them too much right now, we have got our own problems and that's my main focus to be honest.
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Keeping the game

STABLISHED in 2009, Brisbane Hurling and Camogie Club has grown rapidly from a committed band of 20 hurlers to a successful club with three hurling and three camogie teams and successful league and championship competitions. The model of the club is based so that the club and its committee have an overarching view of hurling and its development in the State of Queensland. This means that while there are completely separate and autonomous teams within the club, who train separately, they all come together for meetings and organisation of the game within the State. Hurling began in Queensland with an inaugural group of players back in July of 2009 who represented Queensland in the national Australasian Games three months later, reaching the final. The following year a competition began with two new teams, Na Fianna and Cuchulainns. The teams were picked simply by dividing the existing group evenly by ability. This meant that friends and brothers were on separate teams in some cases, which added to the novelty and intrigue of the new competition. Both teams were established by Kieran Long, originally from Inagh in Clare. Long recruited several men from the 2009 squad to represent Queensland to manage Na Fianna while he took on and played for Cuchulainns. Due to a major increase in new players, Long started a new team Emeralds a year later in 2011 and continues to play for them. The competition remains strong with three teams and caters for a wide variety of players from former inter county stars to Australians playing the game for the first time. The club committee allocates new players to the clubs ensuring that the competition remains very even and competitive. Every year a Queensland team is picked from the best club players to represent the State in the Australasian Games. Queensland hurling have only competed in the competition since 2009 but have reached two finals, winning the 2011 crown. Likewise the
SPECIAL FEATURE SPECIAL FEATURE SPECIAL FEATURE
In the first feature of our Diaspora we travel across the globe on to the State of Queensland, Australia, and focus on a Brisbane Hurling and Camogie Club
Na Fianna
Emeralds
camogie team won the 2011 title in the first ever year of competition for camogie held in Australia. Currently the club is experiencing new challenges which include an increasing number of players on Fly In Fly Out jobs in the mining and oil and gas industries in the State. These players are in remote locations on rosters of three weeks on, one week off which means that teams rarely have their full squads available to them for matches and training and that they only see some players once a month. The amount of work in Brisbane city has decreased in recent
years and at least 50% of players now work remotely. To counteract this in a small way, the club has appointed a club employment officer who searches for work in the Brisbane area for club members. The email is HYPERLINK "mailto:employmentofficer@brisbanehurling.co m.au"employmentofficer@brisbanehurling.com.au and this service is also available for new members who have just arrived in Brisbane. The club is also a major social outlet for many players, reflected by the number of fund-raising events and outings, which include the St. Patricks Day pa-
rade, traditional music events, race nights and the Camogie Fashion Show. The increasing number of young families relocating to Brisbane and also new children being born to members here has seen the beginnings of an underage programme, although it is very much in its infancy. This allows families to meet other Irish people and for their children to experience some aspects of an Irish childhood away from home. All of the games and events are held at the Queensland GAA Grounds and clubhouse in the suburb of Willawong in Brisbane. Leased from Brisbane City Coun-
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alive Down Under

club is founder and club secretary, Kieran Long, from Inagh in Clare; President, David McDonagh from Turloughmore, Galway, and Treasurer, Marie OHalloran from Kilnamona, Clare. David McDonagh is heavily involved across the club and also fixes the club hurleys with his Turloch Mor hurl repairs logo. Any small amount of money he makes from the repairs is put back into the club in sponsorship. There are a lot of Connacht connections playing for the teams in the club, all from Galway. In Na Fianna there is Declan Ruane (Abbeyknockmoy), Shane Glynn and Mick Leonard (both Sylane). Playing for Emeralds are David McDonagh, Barry McDonagh, Alan Goggins and Sen Greaney (all Turloughmore), Alan Fahy (Athenry), Eanna Mannion (Liam Mellows), Keith Donnellan (Padraig Pearses), Keith Callinan (Craughwell) and Darren Broderick (Killimor). A major sponsor of the club and a company that employs 25 club members is Silverstrand Developments. Named after the beach in Galway and founded by Athenry native, Kevin Glynn, the company has become a major part in the club, providing great employment and vital sponsorship funds every year. seen a major increase in Australian girls playing the sport and is a major success story for the club. Different employment factors ensue for the ladies as they are unable to find as much high paying mining work as men and they are often left in Brisbane while husbands and boyfriends spend weeks at a time in the bush. Many Irish girls who have not played in years or ever before are going to camogie, not just to play and get fit but also to interact with other Irish girls in a similar situation to themselves and to provide a major social outlet. The current make-up of the
SPECIAL FEATURE SPECIAL FEATURE SPECIAL FEATURE
Cuchulainns
Parade
cil, it is a meeting point for families and the community every Sunday for football and hurling. It also hosts some of the social events and is used by other groups such as the Brisbane Irish Mothers Group to interact with fellow Irish people on a weekly basis. A wide variety of people can be found here every week, including Irish people living in Brisbane since the 1970s, new immigrants and Australians who also play and love our sports. The camogie side of the club is based on a similar pattern to the hurling set-up with three teams since 2010 Tara Gaels, Naomh Padraig and Eire Og. Camogie has
Willawong grounds.
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Connacht Hurling Blitz and coaching information

Rest of Connacht U16 Hurling 2013 Mayo/Roscommon/Sligo/Leitrim. DAY 1: Date: July 15th Monday Venue: Connacht Centre Time: 7 9pm Skill Dev. first touch drills/catching: (Adrian Hession, 0872450566) . Trial Game: Prionsias Killion, 0868603816. Benny Kenny, 0860774908. Steve Feeney, 0879306675. DAY 2: Date: July 22th Monday Venue: Connacht Centre Time: 7 9pm 7.00 7.15 Warm Up 7.15 7.45 Defensive play 7.45 8.15 Attacking play 8.15 9pm Match/Conditioned/ Small sides. DAY 3: Date: July 29th Monday Venue: Connacht Centre Time: 7 - 9pm Coaching / Games based session Panel Match Match V Ulster A + B Aug. 9th / Cavan Galway U15 v Ulster A , Rest of Connacht v Ulster B. Players on last year from Connacht counties. Panel 21.
Connacht club hurling File U-14

THE aim of our Connacht Interclub U-14 File is to create an underage event which will incorporate juvenile hurling clubs of all five Connacht counties into the one File Day. The event is scheduled for Saturday 6th July, and will not include any clubs going to the National File na nGael in Limerick. The event will be held in Padraig Pearses GAA Grounds in Woodmount, Co. Roscommon. Connacht U13 Club Feile Sat 6th July 2013 Group 1 (Pitch 1) Group 2 (Pitch2) A. Gortletteragh Tuam Naomh Eoin Tourlastrane B. C. Caiseal Gaels Tooreen D. Padraig Pearses Roscommon Gaels Group 3 (Pitch 3) Manorhamilton Athleague/Tremane Castlebar Mitcheals Drum/Rosses Point Group 4 (Pitch 4) Ballinamore St. Dominic Ballyvary M/Breathnachs
Group Scheduling: Coordinator Adrian Hession Prionsias Killion Steve Feeney Benny Kenny Referee 1 Tom Connors Mike Carroll / Tom Killion/ Declan McGeeney John Connors Tom Connors
Aaron Clogher
Format: Games commence at 11.00am and are run on a round robin format. Each group will be appointed their own pitch, pitch coordinator and referees. Teams 13-a-side with unlimited subs. Games 15 minutes per half Portable goals on 13 metre line (if played on a full size pitch) Clubs are asked to make a special effort to have a team prepared for this day, to make the event successful. Round Team Team Time Team Team Time Round 1 A B 11:00 C D 11:40 Round 2 A C 12:20 B D 1:00 Round 3 A D 1:40 B C 2:00
Connacht Hurling U-16 Academy

Niall McInerney Cup/Shield
Co-Ordinator: Damien Coleman 087-2661695 Date: Saturday July 13th Venue Cup: Kenny Park Athenry. Venue Shield: Ballyloughane Liam Mellows. Group 1: Ballyloughane - Liam Mellows Gaa, Niall McInerney Shield Pitch 1 + 2: 1. Liam Mellows U-18 2. Roscommon 3. Mayo 4. Sligo 5. Leitrim Referee: John Connors / Paul Fahy Pitch 1 Co-ordinator: Adrian Hession 11.00am Liam Mellows v Roscommon 11.45am Sligo v Roscommon 12.30pm Liam Mellows v Sligo 2.00pm Liam Mellows v Mayo 2.45pm Mayo v Roscommon Pitch 2 Co-ordinator: Prionsias Killeen 11.00am Sligo v Mayo 11.45am Leitrim v Mayo 12.30pm Leitrim v Roscommon 2.00pm Sligo v Leitrim 2.45pm Liam Mellows v Leitrim Group 2: Kenny Park Athenry, Niall McInerney Cup Referee: Toby Connors / Alan Kelly Pitch Coordinator: Damien Curley 9.00am Galway1 v Galway 2 9.45am Galway3 v Ulster A 10.30am Galway1 v Galway3 11.15am Galway2 v Ulster A 12.00pm Galway1 v Ulster A 12.45pm Galway2 v Galway3
COMPETITION ARRANGEMENTS
Each Pitch is allocated a Referee for duration of Group stage. There will be a liaison person with each group. We ask all teams to provide us with two officials to help with officiating at matches All players are asked to be togged out for the opening address. Dont forget to bring a large county flag for the opening address. On arrival teams will be allocated a tog out area. We request that when you have togged out you bring your gear to the team bus immediately. Do not leave gear in the Dressing room area. Teams should bring a packed lunch for our 1.15pm break. Water/Fruit provided. Counties make own arrangements with Food. All managers/coaches are encouraged to ensure that everyone participates.
Connacht Minor Hurling Academy Blitz

Co-Ordinator: Damien Coleman 087-2661695 Date: Saturday July 20th Venue: Connacht GAA Centre Bekan Teams: 1. Galway 1 (U17) 2. Roscommon 3. Mayo 4. Sligo 5. Leitrim 6. Galway 2 (U17) Referees: John Connors / Paul Fahy / Toby Connors / Alan Kelly. Pitch 1: Co-ordinator - Adrian Hession 11.00am Galway 1 v Roscommon 11.45am Sligo v Leitrim 12.30pm Leitrim v Galway 1 1.15pm Sligo v Galway 2 2.00pm Galway 1 v Mayo 2.45pm Mayo v Roscommon Pitch 2: Co-ordinator - Prionsias Killeen 11.00am Galway 2 v Mayo 11.45am Galway 1 v Galway 2 12.30pm Sligo v Mayo 1.15pm Leitrim v Roscommon 2.00pm Roscommon v Sligo 2.45pm Galway 2 v Leitrim
PLAYING RULES ON THE DAY

Teams will be 15-a-side, with 5 interchange players. Games will be 15 mins a side, with immediate changeover at half-time. Normal rules apply for the day. Deliberate kicking of the sliothar will be penalised, as we want to encourage striking. Interchange unlimited and at any time, however all interchange must go through the GPO official at the centre, sideline area of the pitch.
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FOCUS ON GALWAY FOCUS ON GALWAY FOCUS ON GALWAY
NUI Galway GAA Connacht Post-Primary Man of the Match Award Winners
Winners pictured at the NUI Galway GAA Connacht Post-Primary man of the match award winners ceremony were Back row (L to R): Brian Burke, Shane Caulfield, Hugh Rodden, Beartla O' Conghaile, Ronan Bellew, Tom Fox. Front Row (L to R); Kathy Hynes, Darragh Dolan, Jason Perry, Thomas Monaghan, Gearoid Loughnane, Michael O' Connor.
Gearoid Loughnane, St Raphaels, College.
Eoghain Delaney, St Cuans.
Jason Perry, St Attracta's, Tubbercurry.
Sean Mulloly, Roscommon CBS.
Thomas Monaghan, Athenry Vocational School, Athenry.
Shane Caulfield, St Raphaels College, who has the unrivalled record of having won five Regan cup titles with his college.
Brian Burke, Presentation Athenry.
Ronan Bellew, Holy Rosary College, Mountbellow.
Brian Burke, Presentation, Athenry.
Darragh Dolan, St Brigids Vocational School, Loughrea.
Brian Burke, Presentation Athenry.
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Claregalway U-14s with their management team: Front row (L to R): Mark King, Sen Lyons, Sen Coakley, Sen Kilmartin, Padraic Commins (capt.), Dylan Walsh, Aaron Molloy, Thomas Cogly, Daniel Loftus, Shane OGorman, Darren OConnor, Iarla Keating, Keith Field, Ruairi Gallagher, Ronan Manning, Dylan Buckley. Back row (L to R): Ciarn Hynes, Kevin Daly, Keelan Granger, Mikey Cullina, Conor Harte, Eoghan Gallagher, Barry Callanan, Tiernan Collins, Conor Walshe, Daniel Grealish, Oisin Connolly, Luke Roche, Ronan McDonagh, Colm Kelly, Matthew Kilgannon, Aaron Connolly, Conor Campbell.
Claregalway U-14s win Galway Feile

LAREGALWAY U-14s are heading for Derry as Galway representatives to compete in the All-Ireland Feile Peil na nOg Finals on June 28th to 30th after they lifted the 2013 Coiste Peile na nOg na Gaillimhe Feile title. So, once again our U-14s have brought pride and joy to our club and can now look forward to a great weekend competing with the best in Derry. This is the seventh occasion on which Claregalway have been privileged to participate in the All-Ireland Feile, previously in Galway 1989, 1990 and 2003, in Kerry 2003, in Kildare 2009 and in Derry 2010. In this years final against a very strong and experienced Salthill/Knocknacarra team, Claregalway led from start to finish and put together many fine passages of play despite the damp blustery conditions. Playing with the wind in the first half, Claregalway were quickly into their stride with three points inside five minutes. A fine goal by Oisin Connolly on ten minutes, a point by Keelan Grainger and Salthill/Knocknacarras first point before the interval left the half-time score at 1-4 to 0-1. In the second half and aided by the wind, it was Salthill/Knocknacarras turn to pile on the pressure and their goal ten minutes into the half gave them a great lift. But their best efforts yielded only two points due to the splendid display of the Claregalway backs, notably Barry Callinan, Colm Kelly and Conor Campbell, in cutting off Salthills fast moving attacks upfield. Claregalway held on to their two-point lead to clinch the result and afterwards, the Cup was presented to team captain Padraic Commins by P.J. Rabbitte, Chairman of Coiste Peil na nOg na Gaillimhe to the celebratory cheers all around.
WINNERS: The Rahoon/Newcastle U-14s who recently clinched the U-14 hurling shield with victory over Ballindereen at Clarinbridge. Back row (L to R): Brian Ndego, James Kerr. Middle row (L to r): David Hurley, Leo Gibbons, Daniel Gallagher, Oisin Morrison, Eoin Kerrin, Josh Curtin, Ian Ruffley, Tom Mahon, Conor Walsh, Stephen Kerr, Etienne Morrison. Front row (L to R): Nathan Ruffley, Dara Concannon, Matthew Fiorentini, Colm Tarpey (captain), Liam Brannigan, Ted Brosnan, Cathal Keane and Robert Shannon (lying).
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Joyce sees red for Killererin

I
T was a red-letter day for former Galway star Padraic Joyce who was sent off when he picked up two yellow cards as Killererin were surprisingly defeated 2-10 to 0-8 by city side St Michaels. Joyces Killererin will now go into the losers group in Galway where they will be joined by the reigning champions Salthill/Knocknacarra. The holders were shocked by last years intermediate champions Carna/Cashel on 2-6 to 0-11 scoreline. A Seosamh O Casaghaigh goal in the opening half paved the way for last years Intermediate champions, but Galway star Sean Armstrong was left to carry Salthill/Knocknacarras hopes. He scored all but one of the Salthill scores with Gary Cox getting the other one. Seosamh O Cathasaigh second goal for the Connemara side put them in the driving seat for a sensational win with Armstrong off target with a late chance to snatch a draw from distance. Galway defender Gareth Bradshaw was sent off for the second week in a row when he received a second yellow card as his club Moycullen were defeated by Kilconly in the first round of the Galway SFC. Bradshaw, who captained the Tribesmen in their 17-point mauling by Mayo last week but who was sent off in the secondhalf, saw his club stunned by a late Kil-
IN FORM: Padraic Joyce was sent off for Killererin in the Galway SFC clash with St Michael's at Corofin. Pictured here in action against Milltown's Proinsias Glynn. Photo: Ray Ryan / SPORTSFILE
conly goal to win by 2-12 to 2-9. Elsewhere, a Michael Meehan goal helped former All-Ireland champions Caltra defeat St James by 2-11 to 2-9, while former Kildare star James Kavanagh aided his new club Milltown pip Caherlistrane by 1-10 to 1-9. Corofin sent out a title warning with a
facile win over Micheal Breathnach's. Second half goals from Alan ODonovan and Galway Under 21 star Ian Burke set up an easy victory over the Connemara side winning by 3-17 to 1-7. The game was as good as over at half time when Corofin led by 1-11 to 0-3. A late goal from Michael Daly wasnt enough to save Mountbellew/Moylough who lost out to Naomh Anna/ Leitir Mir on a scoreline of 2-14 to 2-11. Padraic Mark O Flaherta second half goal put the Connemara side well in control and injury to Joe Bergin added to Mountbellew/Moyloughs woes as Dalys goal was tool little to late. An Cheathr Rua cruised to victory over Barna winning on a scoreline of 0-13 to 0-7. Barna failed to score from play as Sean McGabhain, Cillian and Ciaran de Paor were on song for An Cheathr Rua. Tuam Stars coasted to a 1-13 to 1-2 victory over neighbours Cortoon Shamrocks after a comprehensive opening half set them up for victory. The Stars led by 08 to 0-2 at half time and simply added to the scoreboard in the second half. Cortoons only score in the second half was a goal from a penalty by Derek Savage, but Tuams Conor ODohertys late strike ended Cortoons challenge. Kilkerrin/Clonberne edged out Annaghown by 2-16 to 1-17 after extra-time after finishing 1-13 apiece at the end of normal time.
Hanley back to boost champions

ALWAY manager Alan Mulholland received a timely boost with his captain Finian Hanley returning to competitive action when he helped county champions Salthill-Knocknacarra get their title bid back on track. The full-back missed the 17-point drubbing against Mayo with a shoulder injury but came through a clash against Micheal Breathnach's without incurring any difficulty. The reigning Galway champions were stunned by Carna-Cashel in the opening round but came through their back-door clash against another Connemara club with ease when they triumphed by 1-16 to 0-10. Seamie Crowe led the way for the holders with 1-5 from play while Sean Armstrong kicked 0-6. Salthill-Knocknacarra led by 1-8 to 0-5 and continued to remain on top in the second-half. Another city side, St James, also got their title ambitions back on track having been beaten by Caltra in the opening round when
they edged out Caherlistrane by 0-11 to 0-9 at Tuam Stadium. Caherlistrane, who trailed by two points at the interval, lost Brendan Murphy to two yellow cards after the break and with Paul Conroy in good form for St James, kicking 0-8 points from play and frees, they held on for victory despite the best efforts of Cormac Bane for Caherlistrane. Padraic Joyce twice rescued Killererin, forcing extra-time with a late point against Cortoon Shamrocks before then kicking two efforts in the dying moments of extra-time to force a replay on a scoreline of 0-18 to 2-12 for Cortoon. A Cathal Mulryan goal helped Cortoon Shamrocks lead by 1-6 to 0-7 at the interval but former Galway star only managed a point from a penalty and had Matthew Concannon sent off for two yellow cards. Joyce landed a late equaliser to force extratime on a 0-14 to 1-11 score but a goal from Galway U-21 Adrian Varley after a pass from his brother Paul, who was also on that victorious Tribesmen team, edged Cortoon 2-12 to 0-16 advantage at half-time in extra-time.
But Cortoon failed to score in the final period and it was left to veteran Joyce to keep his sides interest in the championship alive with two late scores. Gareth Bradshaw scored two goals for Moycullen but they still went down by 1-15 to 2-7 against Annaghdown, Bradshaw, who left the Galway squad following the Connacht championship loss to Mayo, found the net before the break to keep his side in touch when they turned around trailing by 0-8 to 1-2. But Annaghdown continued to remain on top after the restart as they bounced back from their extra-time loss to Kilkerrin-Clonberne in the opening round. Joe Bergin missed a penalty for Mountbellew-Moylough but the former Galway star saw his side advance when they edged out Bearna by 0-13 to 1-7 at Tuam Stadium. Bearna, with DD Flaherty again in top form, led by 0-5 to 0-4 at the interval and continued to lead going into the concluding stages but two points from Barry McHugh and one apiece from Cathal Kenny and John Kelly saw Mountbellew-Moylough advance.
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Canning downs Thomas

By FRANK KEARNEY Media West Ireland
OE Canning hit the winning points as Portumna dealt a severe blow to AllIreland club hurling champions St Thomas' and to the defence of their Galway title. Canning twice hit the target late on including one from a sideline cut to clinch the 1-16 to 2-11 win for the three times All-Ireland champions as 1-4 from Conor Cooney was not enough to rescue the 2012 champions. Damien Hayes set the tone for the Portumna victory when he goaled after just 90 seconds and helped his side into a 1-8 to 0-3 lead. However goals from Conor Cooney and Gerald Murray brought the holders back into contention by the break as they only trailed by 1-10 to 2-4 Cooney continued to shine in the second half and aided by county colleague David Burke, the hauled the champions back into contention, however Canning twice split the posts for Portumna in the closing stages leaving the champions faced with an uphill task to reach the quarter-finals. Galway county skipper Fergal Moore made his first return to action for Turloughmore since being knocked out in the league semi-final, but he was unable to
VINTAGE: Joe Canning was in fine form for Portumna as they downed the defending champions St Thomas' in the Galway SHC. Photo: Brian Lawless / SPORTSFILE
help them to the win as they ended all square with Gort at 1-16 each. It was Conor OShaughnessy that saved Turloughmore's blushes with a last second equalising point after Gort looked to have clinched the win thanks to Keith Killilea's late goal. Also in Group B action, Maurice Callanan hit 0-13 points for Ardrahan as they picked up a huge victory over Mullagh by 0-23 to 0-19. The win sees Ardrahan surprisingly sit on top of the standings after the first round of games. Johnny Coen and Johnny Maher both hit late points for last year's runners-up Loughrea as they took a good first day win over Kinvara by 0-17 to 0-13. Meanwhile in other Group C action, Castlegar managed by former Galway boss John McInytre edged an epic encounter against Craughwell. Dean Higgins hit the net for Cashel in the closing stages to clinch the win for Castlegar as the returning Niall Healy's personal haul of eight points proved fruitless as they lost out by 1-17 to 1-14. Meanwhile, Eanna Ryan top scored for last year's intermediate champions Killimordaly, but they needed a late Keith Kennedy free to seal a share of the spoils against Clarinbridge, while Padraig Pearses also got their campaign off to a flyer with a 0-16 to 0-13 win over Kiltormer.
St Thomas back on track

ONOR Cooney got defending All-Ireland champions St Thomas' Galway SHC campaign back on track with their first win of the group stages over Killimordaly. Cooney hit the net in the first-half to settle the champions after an unconvincing start and he finished strongly for a tally of 1-7 as John Burke's side showed brief glimpses of the form that led them to a first ever Galway senior crown last year. Despite all their promise, the victory was not secured until the closing moments when the youngest of the six Burke brothers, Eanna poked to the net to crown an impressive performance. St Thomas' chances of making the quarterfinal were slightly hampered by results elsewhere as title favourites Portumna were defeated by 2010 All-Ireland champions Clarinbridge. Paul Coen hit 1-11for Clarinbridge, with the decisive score arriving eight minutes from time
from a penalty after Galway senior Barry Daly was fouled. Portumna had a super chance in the closing staged to seal a draw, but Galway veteran Ollie Canning saw his point blank effort sail wide, as Clarinbridge took a 1-14 to 0-14 victory, that sees them on top of A. Ardrahan and Padraig Pearses became the first two sides to reach the quarter-finals after both sides picked up convincing victories. Goals in each half from Gary Lally and a Fergal Flannery penalty gave Pearses a 2-11 to 014 victory over Beagh. And added to their first round win over Tommy Larkins, the East Galway side cannot now be caught at the top of group D. In Group B, Ardrahan were made to sweat a little more for the win, but they too eventually clinched their spot in the last eight with a 2-9 to 2-8 win over Gort. Turloughmore will now be favourites to join Ardrahan in the quarter-finals from group B after they took a 2-18 to 0-17 victory over Mullagh. The Turlough challenge got off to a great start when debutant Sean Linnane pointed
after barely 20 seconds, and it got much better for Fergal Moore's side when Ronan Badger hit the net in the third minute. Mullagh, for whom Davy Gelnnon hit two first-half points, had little answer to Turlough's combative display and when Gary Burke hit the net for their second goal five minutes form the break the result was all but secured. In Group C Craughwell must be satisfied with a run in the shield competition after they suffered a 1-18 to 2-12 defeat to Kinvara. Two goals in the first-half gave Stephen Glennon's side a one point lead at the break, but after Steve Moylan was sent off 15 minutes from time for Kinvara, the seasiders hit four points without reply late on to take the win, with Alan Leech's late score helping Kinvara on their way. Two goals from Enda Concannon was not enough for Castlegar as a late Neil Keary goal and a Johnny Maher free sealed a share of the spoils fro Loughrea. The sides now site level at the top of group C, and both look poised for a spot in the knock out stages.
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Alan Flynn being presented with the trophy by Mayor of Tuam Eamonn Kitt at a civic reception for the Galway U-21s. Also pictured are Cathal Mulryan, Paul Varley, Adrian Varley, Adrian Nolan, Martin Shaughnessy, Gary Kelly, Edwin Murray, Einne O hEochaidh, Eoin Walsh.
Emma, Fiona, Alan, TJ and Sally Flynn with Mayor of Tuam Eamonn Kitt.
Skipper Fiontn Curraoin and defender Dathi Burke after the win.
Pictured after Galway's historic All-Ireland U-21 victory over Cork are Alan Mulholland and Donal O Fatharta.
Galway goalkeeper, James Healy, with his father, Martin, after their wonderful win over Cork at the Gaelic Grounds.
Galway U-21 captain Fiontn Curraoin and team manager Alan Flynn.
Seamus O'Grady, Tagdh O'Conghaile, Milo Costello, Alan Flynn, Eamonn Kitt, John Joe Halloran, Larry Lohan, Seamus Connolly, Seamus Finnerty and Padraig Kelly.
Celebrating with the U-21 Cup are Tadhg O'Connaighle Chairman, Milo Costello Treasuer, Seamus O'Grady Secretary of the Football Committee.
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GALWAY U-21A HURLING FINAL
Thomas crown wonderful year
The St Thomas team that won the Galway U-21 A Championship defeating Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry in the final. Back Row ( L to R): John Massey, Eoin Daly, Ross Caswell, Michael Fallon, Gerald Kelly, Thomas Mitchell, Brendan Farrell, Eanna Burke, David Sherry, Ronan Devine, Joseph Caulifield and Stephen Murray. Front Row ( L to R): Conor Cooney, Gary Moylan, Colin Fallon, Conor Fahy, Anthony Kelly, Darragh Burke, Sean Skehill, Shane Cooney, Paul Brady and Eoin Kelly.
St. Thomas' ....................1-10 Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry ....0-11

By JOE KEANE Media West Ireland
T THOMAS' added their second U21 A hurling title in three years when they proved too strong, in a closely fought final, played a blustery Loughrea. The winners, who lined out with six of their starting All-Ireland senior final winning team had the opening score of the game inside a minute through Eanna Burke. Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry, who had to over depend on Galway senior Shane Maloney throughout the game, were level shortly after when he pointed a free. Like his county collegue, Conor Cooney was equally accurate for the South Galway side and he had added two two points by the tenth minute, one from play to put two between the sides. St Thomas' continued to dominate the early exchanges and were to add further scores through Eanna Burke, Colin Fallon and Conor Cooney, with a brilliant point, all from play to lead by 0-6 to 0-1 after 16 minutes. The real turning point in this game arrived a minute later when Shane Cooney reacted first to a loose ball in the Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry square to crash home an unstoppable shot past Mike Fahy. Two Shane Maloney points, one from play, reduced to lead again before Eanna Burke added his second point for St Thomas' after a brilliant run through the defence. Shane Maloney again responded
for Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry just before the break with a pair of points to leave the half time score reading 1-7 to 0-5. With the breeze increasing even more there was still hope for Tynagh/AbbeyDuniry of making a comeback but Conor Cooney soon increased St Thomas' lead with a point from play in the opening minutes. Padraig Brehony was now beginning to storm into the game at midfield and he soon pointed from play and this was followed by a brilliant point from Shane Maloney to reduce the lead even further. Conor Cooney responded with a pointed free, only for Padraig Brehony to add another good score from play as the game really heated up. Shane Maloney
continued to probe for scores for his side and added three more pointed frees in a row to leave just one point between the sides. It looked at that stage that the game was there for the East Galway side but St Thomas' dug in and as Conor Cooney pointed free to extend their lead further after 26 minutes. Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry piled on the pressure even more and came very close to a crucial goal but it was not to be. Michael Haverty sounded the final whistle with St. Thomas' victorious on a final score line of 1-10 to 0-11. In their fifth final in a row, this was their second win and well deserved for a great bunch of players. For Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry next year they will be very hard to stop with almost the same team to choose from. SCORERS - St Thomas': Conor Cooney 0-6, Shane Cooney 1-0, Eanna Burke 03 and Colin Fallon 0-1. Tynagh/AbbeyDuniry: Shane Maloney 0-9, Padraig Brehony 0-02. ST. THOMAS': Conor Fahy, Eoin Daly, Sean Skehill, David Sherry, Thomas Mitchell, Darragh Burke, Paul Brady, Gerard Kelly, Eanna Burke, Brendan Farrell, Conor Cooney, Colin Fallon, Gary Moylan, Shane Cooney, Anthony Kelly. TYNAGH/ABBEY-DUNIRY: Mike Fahy, Shane Farrell, Paul Killeen, Garry McHugo, Ethan Thorton, Kevin Maloney, John Whelan, Shane Flynn, Padraig Brehony, Brian Conroy, Shane Maloney, Jamie Blake, Kevin Farragher, Niall Maloney, Johnny Conroy. REF: Michael Haverty
Conor Cooney captain of St Thomas receiving the cup from Joe Byrne, Chairman Galway Hurling Committee.
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GALWAY U-21B AND C HURLING FINALS
Rahoon/Salthill edge all west final
Rahoon/Salthill .............0-16 Cois Fharraige ................1-12
IGHT unanswered points four from centre-half forward Conor O'Shea in the closing 20 minutes proved the difference as the city combination of Rahoon and Salthill just managed to cross the line in front. Facing the Connamara four-parish combination of Cois Fharraige made up of Bearna/Na Forbacha, An Spiddal and Inverian in the final played in Athenry, it was the city side that claimed the win thanks to their impressive finish.
Rahoon/Salthill team which defeated Cois Fhairraige in the Galway U-21 B final, Back Row ( L to R): Kevin Derrane, Enda Gavin, Andy Dunne, Kenneth King, John Hansbury, William Mackey, Brian Madden, Michael Collins, Joe Curtin, Enda Rice, Conor O'Shea and Gavin Hayes. Front Row ( L to R): James Hurley, James Brannigan, David Derrane, Eoin Kennedy, Darragh Joyce, Darragh Sweeney, Joseph McNamara, Colin Hanbury, Rory Coyle, Jack Walsh, Brian Hyland and Eamon Branigan.
Rahoon/Salthill captain Kenneth King receivers the U-21 B cup from Joe Byrne, Chairman Galway hurling committee.
It was a very close nail biting finale to an exciting final that for long stages looked like the title was heading to Connamara as Cois Fharraige lead 1-12 to 0-08 with time running out for Rahoon/Salthill. The man of the match for Cois Fharraige Cilin O Heochaidh had the chance to level up the game near the end but his free just pulled wide. O Heochaidh was the goal scorer for his side in the opening half, but for Rahoon/Salthill their were many stars with Conor O'Shea son of Tipperary manager
Eamon and Andy Dunne who shot over five points. Another notable name in defence for Rahoon/Salthill was Gavin Hayes former son of Galway star and Manager Conor Hayes. SCORERS: Rahoon/Salthill: Conor O'Shea 0-5, Andy Dunne 0-5,Michael Collins 0-2, John Hansbury 0-2, Eoin Kennedy 0-1, Eamon Brannigan 0-1. Cois Fharraige: Cilin O Heochaidh 1-8, Padraig Eoin O Curraoin 0-1, Cathal O Cualain 0-1, Maidhc O Coghaile 0-1.
Killimor goals seal the win
Killimor .........................4-11 Sylane ...........................0-11

OALS from Joe Starr and Garry Keane late in the second-half proved the difference as Killimor won the Galway U-21 B1 hurling title in
The Killimor Under 21 team which won the B1 championship defeating Sylane in the final.
Killimor captain Dermot Duffy receives the U21 B1 cup from Joe Byrne, Chairman Galway Hurling committee.
Athenry against a very game north Galway side Sylane. Although four goals separated the sides at the finish this was anybody's game with 20 minutes to play as Killimor held a narrow one point lead and had a goal from Conor Creaven not been disallowed for Sylane the result might have been different. Sylane were storming back into the contest even after the setback of a Johnny Callanan goal. Goals in the end from Joe
Starr and two from substitute Garry Keane what a change that proved made the difference as the east Galway side stormed to victory. SCORERS Killimor: Garry Keane 2-00, Johnny Callanan 1-03, Joe Starr 1-01, david daly 0-03, Ryan Hanrahan 0-02, Alan Madden 0-02. Sylane: Conor Carty 0-04, Ryan Keane 0-04, Cathal Burke 0-02, Stephen Burke 0-01.
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Naomh Feichn An Clochan made a presentation of a painting by Yvonne King Roundstone (Sheep glazing in Ardbear) to the Clifden Community School Principal Dr Liam Bolger. Congratulations to Dr Liam Bolger on his up and coming retirement and a big thanks from the club for the work Dr Bolger has done to promote Gaelic Football in the school. Fron (L to R): Tony Coyne, Paul Fitzerpatrick, Dr Liam Bolger Principal, JJ Mannion Chairperson, Jimmy O Toole Vice Principal.
Moore delighted to be back

ALWAY captain Fergal Moore was delighted to full training as he recovers from a head injury sustained against Kilkenny in the league semi-final. Moore (30) admits that he was initially shook by the knock sustained while battling with Walter Walsh for possession early in the Semple Stadium clash, but he can still remember every detail of the incident despite receiving treatment of 13 minutes on the field. He went on to miss the first round of
the Galway championship for his club Turloughmore, but the All-Star was delighted to return to training after shipping the hefty blow. I remember everything. I remember lining him up for a hit and then I remember being carried off after it all. It was just one of those things. I went into shoulder the man in the wrong way and ended up getting myself a few weeks holiday out of it, he said. Moore almost capped the perfect first season as Galway skipper by leading them to their first Leinster title ever, but they fell agonisingly short of a first All-Ireland title in 24 years losing to Kilkenny after a replay.
Their latest defeat to the Cats hurt in more ways than one, but Moore admits that he was delighted with the messages of good will he received, especially those send on from Brian Cody's side. Any time you get a head to head contact it dangerous, no matter how big or small the man is you are going to be in trouble. But it was just mistimed, it's a contact sport and these things happen. But it's in the past now, I've put it behind me. The good wishes came in from everywhere, even from the Kilkenny team as well and their management team. It's championship time now and all you want to be is involved, he said.
Dual players to be protected at underage

GALWAY County Board committee has taken steps to encourage the development of dual players within the county by encouraging underage players to take part in development academies for both codes. Players that are part of both hurling and football academies at U-14, U-15 and U-16 grades are been urged to take part in each code on alternative weekends, while academy directors have been asked to respect their decisions by County Games Manager, Tom McManus. Both the hurling and football academies are scheduled to run on Saturdays
during the summer and instead of forcing young GAA stars to choose their favourite code, they are been given the chance to carry on playing both games. In Galway these academies are taking place to prepare for provincial and national Blitzes in both codes during the months of July and August. Consequently this presents a choice for some young players who play both codes. To overcome this dilemma, the Galway Coaching and Games Committee has agreed and adopted a policy that those players who wish to try both codes may go to alternative academies on alternative Saturdays. All Academy coaches have been made aware of this arrangement and have been requested to cooperate accordingly
and to comply with this policy, said Tom McManus. With many players competing across a number of sports and age groups for the clubs and schools, McManus thinks player welfare should always be the primary thought during their development. We have a responsibility not to cause burnout among our elite young players. This is why we have agreed to allow these dual players to alternate between Football and Hurling Academies on alternative sessions without fear of being excluded from either. We expect all of our coaches to accept and work within this framework and to support any player who wishes to avail of the opportunity to excel in both codes, he said.
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Mullagh GAA club clinch three year sponsorship deal
At the presentation of sponsorship from Keith Spain Enterprises to Mullagh GAA Club are (L to R): Back row: Johnny Rafferty, senior club hurler, Keith Spain, Eamon Donoghue, Chairperson Mullagh GAA, Davy Glennon, Mullagh Club and Galway County Hurler, David Reilly, Treasurer, Mullagh GAA. Front Row: representing the juveniles of the club, Sean Callanan U.13's and Cormac Callanan's U.10's.
ULLAGH GAA Club is delighted to announce Keith Spain Enterprises as their new club main sponsor. Keith Spain recently agreed to sponsor Mullagh Club for the next three years, including a set of Jerseys for the senior team and juvenile team. The set of jerseys were presented to the club in April, just before the start of the 2013 championship.
Commenting on the sponsorship announcement, Eamon Donohue, Chairman of Mullagh GAA Club said We are absolutely delighted to have secured Keith Spain Enterprises as our main club sponsor for the next three years. Mullagh GAA Club depends solely on voluntary fundraising and to secure a main sponsor for three years means that we can plan the clubs future development in confidence.
Mullagh GAA Club was recently awarded Connacht Club of the year 2012. The award recognised the extensive work that took place in the past few years including state of the art lighting system, new clubhouse and dressing rooms and the new training pitch also. They have also co-opted a new committee and look forward to the next few years with renewed vigour.
GHSC calls for more members T

HE fifth AGM of the Galway Hurling Supporters Club was held on Wednesday 24 April in the Clayton Hotel, with the GHSC calling on the hurling public to join them and support the development of Galway Hurling. On a busy night, Eamon Bradshaw was re-elected as chairman, with Peter Murphy as vice-chairman, after three years as secretary Deirdre Costello stepped down, with Sherice Verdon elected to fill the role of secretary, Michael Turley will resume his role as assistant treasurer and Lisa Regan was elected PRO for the year. In his summary of 2012, Mr Bradshaw noted the achievements of the Galway senior hurling team on the field and commended the team and the back room staff for their efforts. He also noted the work by the GHSC committee in raising the profile of the team and engaging the wider public through structured offline and online campaigns. The development of the GHSC supporters bus in 2012 under the guidance of Tom Connell and Joe Sherry, has resulted in at least one bus of support at every Galway game.
The GHSC has a number of scheduled events planned for the coming months, these events are hoped to raise money and also to raise the profile of hurling in Galway. We are delighted again to be supported by Aer Lingus and through this backing we are able to give another level of support to our hurling team. We are asking everyone to become a member of the GHSC and to get behind the Galway hurling team, said Mr Bradshaw. For more information on GHSC or to become a member visit www.ghsc.ie
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CONNACHT POST-PRIMARY JUNIOR A HURLING FINAL
Burke points Pres Athenry to Connacht title

Presentation Athenry .....2-16 Gort Community School ...2-9
By MICHAEL OCONNOR
BETTER-balanced Presentation Athenry side deservedly captured the Post Primary Connacht Junior A hurling title with a seven-point success over a game Gort Community side in windswept Ballindeereen recently. In the league series earlier in the season Gort defeated Presentation thus granting them the favourites tag in their eagerly awaited final. With a number of players on both side expected to represent Galway at U-16 and minor level later in the season there was much interest in the outcome of this championship. Gort played the opening half with a strong wind at their back realising that nothing less than a six point plus advantage would suffice at the break. With Cathal Noonan and Aidan Helebert in the full-forward line their ambition to score goals was evident but went unfulfilled. Athenrys Brian Burke, who finished as top scorer, opened his account from a free after only a minute. Gorts Aidan Helebert and Presentations Shane Bannon exchanged scores in the sixth minute before a well worked goal by Conor Whelan sent Gort into the lead soon after.
The stylish Evan Niland who is one to note for the future and Andrew Greaney responded with minors for Presentation before Brian Burke levelled the game at the end of the opening quarter as it was apparent that Gort were struggling to assert themselves rarely causing issues for Dylan Moloney in the Presentation goal. The second quarter saw both sides on the scoreboard with Gort hitting a moderate three points with the elements from Declan Fahy and a brace from Aidan Helebert as Presentation Athenry effectively laid the foundations for the win with (1-3) against the wind. Brian Burke broke three tackles before striking from close range for Athenrys goal as Cian Burke, Evan Niland and Brian Burke also hit points to leave Presentation (1-8) to (1-5) ahead at the break. Against the wind in the second-half Gort had the perfect start as Declan Fahy doubled on a Kieran Murphy delivery to the net after great approach work by Cathal Noonan to race a point clear. Brian Burke, Conor Whelan and the ever dominant Richie Doyle with a long range free struck points in a three minutes spell as the tempo of the game and intensity increased markedly. A hat trick of scores from Brian Burke, Andrew Greaney and Sean Loftus who finished the game well stretched Athenrys lead to four points after 42 minutes. Aidan Helebert hit a free as Conor Whelan was
now at full-forward for Gort but gaining little freedom. A quick break upfield saw Brian Burke finish to the net for Athenrys second goal and when Loftus and Burke added points the game was now over as an event as Gort were eight points in arrears. Burke and Helebert (2) rounded off the scoring as the title was winging its way to Athenry as Gort suffered defeat at the stage for the second year running. PRESENTATION ATHENRY: Dylan Moloney, Jack Fitzpatrick, Edward Martyn, Colm Flynn, Pierce McGrann, Richard Doyle (0-1), Niall Burke, Sean Loftus (0-2), Brian Concannon, Shane Bannon (0-1), Brian Burke (2-7), Andrew Greaney (0-2), Cian Burke (0-1), Cian Sammon, Evan Niland (0-2). Subs: Mossy Forde for Sammon, Ronan Hardiman for Bannon, Ryan OShaughnessy for Niland GORT CS: Owen Bermingham, Simon ODonoghue, Conor Cosgrove, Mark Buckley, Ronan Monahan, Donal McMahon, James Cronan Rodgers, Jack Grealish, Declan Fahy (1-1), Jack Cummins, Conor Whelan (1-1), Kieran Murphy, Sean Glynn, Cathal Noonan, Aidan Helebert (0-7). Subs: Jason Keehan for Glynn. REF: Peter Murphy (Loughrea).
AN GUTH AN tSAMHRAIDH: RT Raidi na Gaeltachta recently launched its 2013 Championship coverage in Croke Park. The station enjoys full broadcast rights for all the matches in both football and hurling championships, an unrivalled position in the Irish media. Pictured are match commentators Gearoidin Nic an Iomaire and Sean Ban Breathnach.
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FOCUS ON LEITRIM FOCUS ON LEITRIM FOCUS ON LEITRIM
Champions begin defence with hard fought win

Melvin Gaels ................2-5 Carrigallen ..................0-8
By JOHN CONNOLLY Leitrim Observer
EFENDING senior county champions Melvin Gaels began the defence of the Fenagh Cup and did just enough to merit a hard earned win over a Carrigallen team who appear to be considerably better than they were in last years championship. The game began with Melvin Gaels starting the better but as the half progressed Carrigallen grew in confidence and with Gary Reynolds having a big impact in midfield the defending champions were tested thoroughly. The loss of Emlyn Mulligan since last year's win was felt in the opening stages by the Kinlough men when a Conor Sheridan free flew harmlessly wide but that was soon forgotten as the same player made amends from another free to open the scoring in the seventh minute. That lead wasnt to last long as Carrigallen hit back immediately with Benny ORourke pointing after good play from Andrew McManus. Having survived a let off when Ger Percivals goal chance went wide, Melvin Gaels regained the lead with a fine Conor Sheridan point and moments later the Gaels were awarded a penalty after Paul Brennan was fouled. Showing great composure Sheridan placed the ball low into the bottom corner of the Carrigallen goal, just beyond the reach of Carrigallen goalkeeper Enda Lyons. That goal seemed to have a greater effect on Carrigallen than it did their oppo-
nents and for the remainder of the half Carrigallen were unquestionably the better team. The strong tackling, sharp passing and clever movement of the Carrigallen players was not matched by their shooting. What would have been frustrating for the Carrigallen supporters was that they were unable to fully utilise the full-forward line as the delivery was regularly too slow, allowing Melvin Gaels defenders to clear the danger. Two points from Benny ORourke (one free) meant there was just two points separating the sides approaching the interval and in the closing stages Liam ORourke and Ger Percival both pointed meaning the sides were level at 1-2 to 0-5 as the whistle sounded to end the first half. Half-time would have been welcomed more by the Melvin Gaels players who looked much stronger when the second half got underway and points from Paul Brennan and Peter McGowan, within five minutes of the restart, gave Melvin Gaels a little breathing room before it got significantly better for the defending champions. Blaine Mulligan and Peter McGowan combined well to create a goal scoring opportunity for Stephen McGurrin who was denied by an excellent save from Enda Lyons. Unfortunately for Carrigallen the rebound couldnt have fallen kinder for McGurrin who made no mistake at the second time of asking. Although the lead was now more comfortable for Melvin Gaels there was no suggestion of Carrigallen throwing in the towel and they replied with two excellent pointed frees from Gary Reynolds, both of which were more than 45 metres from goal. A third such effort from Reynolds appeared as though it would go over the bar
and reduce Melvin Gaels lead to two points but it crashed off the bar before being cleared. Defences dominated the final quarter of the game with Melvin Gaels Fabian McMorrow looking particularly sharp as the Gaels always appeared to be able to keep their opponents at arms length and but for wayward shooting would have in fact extended that lead. With four minutes of the game remaining Carrigallen reduced the deficit to two points with an Eamonn OMalley point and the Melvin Gaels players may have been regretting some of their missed opportunities during the second half. Ultimately those misses were not to prove costly as Damian Sheridan scored the final point of the evening to ensure a three point win for Melvin Gaels and a winning start to their defence of the Fenagh Cup. MELVIN GAELS: Peter OReilly, Shane Ryan, Fabian McMorrow, Donal Clancy, Keith McGloin, Blaine Mulligan, Stephen McGurrin (1-0), Brendan Brennan, Conor Sheridan (1-2), Paul Brennan (0-1), Jonathan Connolly, Peter McGowan (0-1), Colm McGowan. Subs: James Bredin for McGuinness (40 mins), Damian Sheridan (0-1) for B.B Brennan (53 mins). CARRIGALLEN: Enda Lyons, Daniel Lyons, Derek Reilly, Karl Ward, Darren Reilly, Barry Reilly, Eamonn OMalley, Gary Reynolds, Kevin Davey, Liam ORourke, Conor Doonan, Andrew McManus, Benny ORourke, Noel Doonan, Ger Percival. Subs: Sean McCabe for C. Doonan (40 mins), Killian Ward for Percival (53 mins). REF: Frank Flynn.
Mulligan disappointed at breach in discipline

Connacht semi-final against London. On a personal level it's just extremely disappointing. It's the opportunity we have to reach a Connacht final for the first time in 13 years, and they don't come around too often. As a group of players and management, we're just really disappointed with the behaviour of the lads. Action had to be taken. No more than any other county, we have rules and regulations, and one of the punishments was automatically being put off the panel. We had the same situation last year with a player but it's disappointing because four is a large number and it's the quality of the players who have been got rid of too, he said.
MLYN Mulligan is disappointed by the behaviour of the four players axed from the Leitrim panel. Wayne McKeon, Shane Moran, Tomas Beirne and Conor Beirne have all been dropped from the Ridge County panel for a breach of discipline and captain Mulligan said that he finds their behaviour 'extremely disappointing' ahead of their
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FOCUS ON LEITRIM FOCUS ON LEITRIM FOCUS ON LEITRIM
Breen happy with his lot

REEN is comfortable with Leitrim's decision to axe four players from their SF panel. Leitrim faced London in their Connacht SFC semi-final and it seemed that the whole build-up to the match was dominated by the management's decision to give Wayne McKeon, Shane Moran, Tomas Beirne and Conor Beirne the chop for disciplinary reasons. There is no denying we lost the week really to deal with the issue that was before us," co-manager Breen said in The Leitrim Observer. The only thing we want to say on it is that it came to us and we had to deal with it. People have their opinions on whether it was right or wrong and I'm hearing all this stuff and then you have the social media playing games with the whole thing. We felt we made the right decision, we felt it had to be done, we felt the guys by their actions led to their own exclusion. The rules were quite clear, we can ill afford to lose four players at any stage but we're trying to bring a quality set-up to the situation where this doesn't happen. To be fair it's probably going on year in, year out and been left drift. We felt it had to be done but we've moved on, he said.
Leitrim opt out of trip to face Warwickshire

hand of Fermanagh and Longford the decision was taken that there was nothing to be gained from making the expensive trip to England for match which would be of no relevance. Explaining Leitrims decision not to travel Martin Cunniffe said, The game is of no benefit to us, we are already out of the running. It was going to cost the guts of 15,000 for us to travel over. We all felt that money would be much better spent developing hurling here locally.
HE decision by the Leitrim hurlers not to travel to Birmingham recently to fulfil the Lory Meagher Cup fixture with Warwickshire was explained by team manager Martin Cunniffe. Having suffered heavy defeats at the
Melvin Gaels U-14 tournament a success

THE sun was out for a successful Melvin Gaels U14 tournament recently. The inaugural Liam McGowan Memorial Tournament took place in Kinlough and teams which took part included eventual winners Tomas MacCurtain's from Essex, Glencar/Manorhamilton, Bundoran, Aodh Ruadh, Ballyshannon, Four Masters, Donegal town and the host club Melvin Gaels. Glencar / Manorhamilton and Tomas MacCurtains who were being hosted by Melvin Gaels - topped their groups to advance to the final. And in the decider, the Essex club prevailed by 2-8 to 2-2 to take home the silverware. Overall, the tournament was a big success.
Maguire suffers serious ankle injury

CORNER back Paddy Maguire was ruled out of Leitrim's recent Connacht semi-final against London after picking up a serious ankle injury. The Glencar/Manorhamilton clubman is delieved to have dislocated his ankle in the freak incident during a kick-around with friends. The loss of Maguire was the latest body blow to hit the Ridge County as they continue preparations for their provincial semi-final meeting with the Exiles at Carrick-on-Shannon. They were already without Wayne McKeon, Tomas Beirne, Shane Moran and Conor Beirne, all of whom have been axed from the panel for disciplinary reasons. Managers Barney Breen and George Dugdale were forced to take on London without three of the side that started the quarter-final victory over New York, with Maguire, McKeon and Tomas Beirne all now unavailable.
INTO THE WEST To obtain an electronic copy of the

magazine@connachtgaa.ie.
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magazine each quarter, FREE OF CHARGE, email
FOCUS ON MAYO FOCUS ON MAYO FOCUS ON MAYO
Super skills on display for Cumann na mBunscol Exhibition Game
HE second of this year's exhibition matches took place in front of the Connacht semi-final crowd in Elverys McHale Park. The football teams of Mayo and Roscommon contested the senior match, which was preceded by the Cumann na mBunscol Exhibition Game. Players began to gather from 1:30pm before being presented with their full Mayo kit and taking their seats in the stand where they enjoyed the second-half of the Connacht Intermediate Hurling Final, which was also contested by Mayo and Roscommon Following the launch of the Pc Fada competition, the Cumann na mBunscol exhibition commenced. The children had 20 minutes to display their skills in front of the gathering crowd. What followed was a fantastic display of shooting, passing, blocking, tackling, and all in the spirit of the 'Give Respect, Get Respect' initiative. Both the boys and girls games were officiated by our Young Whistlers from Craggagh National School. The children then formed the traditional Guard of Honour to welcome the competing teams of Mayo and Roscommon onto the field of play. As always, this was a fantastic experience for the children. The Cumann na mBunscol are very grateful to Connacht GAA, especially Adrian Hassett for making this occasion possible. Also, the Mayo
MAYO GIRLS Caitriona Mallon, Ballyvary Central School; Michaela McEntire, St Attractass N.S.
Charlestown; Taylor Keady, St. Patricks NS, Kilmaine; Kate Leneghan, Geesala NS, Geesala, Ballina; Joanie Brady Scoil Phadraig, Westport; Lisa Davitt Ballyvary Central School; Niamh Foody, Logboy NS,; Lauren Smyth, Currabaggan NS, Knockmore; Alannah Flynn, Currabaggan NS, Knockmore; Saoirse Melvin, Irishtown NS, Irishtown.
County Board, in particular PRO Aiden McLoughlin, for providing the playing gear for the children. A very special thank you to Mayo Games Manager, Billy McNicholas who is always on hand to help us get set up on
these days. There is just one exhibition game left for us this year, the Connacht Final, which will feature children from all five Connacht counties. The venue is yet to be confirmed, but will take place on Sunday, July 21st.
Young Whistlers Lorcan Conroy & Katie McNicholas both Craggagh NS, Kiltimagh
MAYO BOYS Killian Chambers, Holy Family NS, Newport; Paraic McDonagh, Geesala NS; Shane
Morrisroe, Carracastle NS; Riain OConnor, Balla NS; Sen Tiernan, SN Tuar Mhic adaigh; Mairtn Carr, SN Tuar Mhic adaigh; Matthew Fox, Ballintubber NS; Josh Carney, Derrinabroc NS P.J. Gilmartin, Breaffy NS, Ballina; Brian Timoney, Breaffy NS, Ballina.
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Mayo great passes away

JAMES LAFFEY reflects on the career of the late Mayo footballer Mick Mulderrig, who won All-Ireland senior medals in 1950 and 1951.
HE death of Michael (Mick) Mulderrig in Dublin on Tuesday, June 4, 2013, at the age of 82, marks the end of a Mayo football tradition that extended as far back as the early 1920s. Mick and his brother, Sen, were members of the All-Ireland winning teams of 1950 and 1951, while their father Michael was a fixture on the Mayo senior team in the 1920s and early 1930s, competing in two finals. In fact, the Mulderrig name appeared on the Mayo teamsheet in five of the countys first seven All-Ireland senior football finals 1921, 1932, 1948, 1950 and 1951 (the two exceptions being 1916 and 1936). Mick Mulderrig was only a toddler when his father captained the Mayo senior footballers on their first tour of America in 1932. By then, Mulderrig was the senior man in the Mayo team, having first contested an All-Ireland Final against Dublin in the championship of 1921, a game that was not played until 1923 because of the War of Independence and Civil War. A rangy, no-nonsense midfielder and a first cousin of Sean Baller Lavan, Michael Mulderrig Senior was to lose two All-Ireland senior finals and five semi-finals in a career spanning a decade. These defeats were mainly at the hands of the great Kerry four-in-a-row team, who beat Mayo in three semi-finals in 29, 30 and 31 and in the final of 32. Mulderrig Snr was also a member of the Mayo team that was awarded the All-Ireland senior title in 1925, only to have it taken from them in controversial circumstances after a Connacht Final defeat to Galway. The unfortunate defeats of his fathers football career infused the young Mick Mulderrig with a burning desire to bring an AllIreland winners medal into the family home. He and his brothers Sen and Ciaran and sister Emer grew up in Mountjubilee, Bangor Erris, where the family took up residence after Michael Senior commenced teaching at Eskeragh National School. The family later moved to Ballina and the boys attended secondary school at St Muredachs College. The Mulderrig boys were members of a generation of students at St Muredachs who were denied colleges football after the then presionly to lose to Tyrone after leading at halftime by 11 points. Sen Mulderrig emigrated to London later that year but returned in early 1948 and became a key member of the Mayo senior team that reached the All-Ireland final. En route, they defeated Kerry in the semi-final, holding the Kingdom scoreless for the entire secondhalf. The Mulderrigs cousin Peter Solan scored four of Mayos 13 points that day. A few weeks later, the teenage Mick Mulderrig was watching from the stands in a wind-swept Croke Park as Mayo lost out by a point to the reigning All-Ireland champions Cavan. Sen Mulderrig kicked two points in an incredible second-half comeback after Mayo had trailed at half-time by 3-2 to 0-0. But victory or, at the very least, a draw was denied after referee Jim Flaherty blew up the game early with Cavan leading by a point. It was a bitterly disappointing blow for the Mulderrig boys who had hoped that Sen would finally win the coveted All-Ireland medal that had eluded their father for so long. More frustration was to be felt a year later when poor tactical decisions caused Mayo to lose to eventual champions Meath in the AllIreland semi-final. Sen, who was a wonderfully skilful forward, was told to play in the half-back line, a position for which he was illsuited, and Mayo conceded three soft goals to an ordinary Meath side. But redemption was just around the corner. In the spring of 1950, the 19-year-old Mick Mulderrig was selected on the Mayo senior team for exhibition matches against Armagh and Roscommon. Reporting on the latter game for the Western People, the legendary Charlestown-born journalist John Healy made the following observation: Of the six forwards Mickey Mulderrig was the most impressive he has speed, a catch, and he can take a lot of gruelling punishment. Mayo received a bye into the Connacht Final in 1950 and Mulderrigs impressive displays in those two challenge games guaranteed his inclusion in the starting fifteen. The opposition was Roscommon and the young forward enjoyed a competitive debut that was the stuff of boyhood dreams. He scored 1-3 of his teams total of 1-7 as Mayo won the Connacht senior title for the third successive year. The last time a three-in-a-row had been achieved was in 1931 when Mulderrigs father was ruling the roost at midfield. Ironically, Micks inclusion in the team was at the expense of his brother Sen who struggled to regain his place during the 1950 campaign. But the two brothers shared the hallowed sod of Croke Park in the latter stages of the All-Ireland final against Louth on September 24, 1950, when Sen came on as a late substitute. Mick scored two points in that game, including the final score of the game
MICK MULDERRIG
1931-2013
dent, Fr Patrick OBoyle later the Bishop of Killala withdrew the college from all competitions having taken umbrage at a controversial defeat to St Jarlaths in the 1930s. The ban lasted for two decades and some of the finest footballers of their generation including the Mulderrigs, Peter Quinn, Pat and John McAndrew, Mick Loftus, Paddy Jordan and John Nallen were deprived the chance of competitive action in their teenage years. Instead the Mulderrigs and their peers honed their skills in the Ballina Street Leagues in the late 1940s. Mayo football was experiencing something of a drought. He recalled cycling from Bangor Erris to his fathers hometown of Kiltimagh in June 1943 to see Mayo lose to Galway in the Connacht senior football semi-final in front of a crowd of little more than 3,000. It was a far cry from the halcyon days of the 1930s when 30,000 fans packed the sidelines of pitches in Tuam and Castlebar to watch the great Mayo and Galway teams of that era. The members of the All-Ireland winning team of 36 were Mick Mulderrigs boyhood heroes. He worshiped at the feet of men like Danno Regan, Henry Kenny and Paddy Moclair, and regularly sought them out for advice and encouragement. In 1947, Mick and his brother Sen were involved with a Mayo minor team that reached the All-Ireland Final,
***** MICK Mulderrig came of age at a time when
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Connacht captured the Railway Cup in 1951 with a team drawn primarily from All-Ireland champions Mayo and captained by Sen Flanagan. Back row, from left: Eamonn Boland (Ros), Tim Lynch (Ros), Ned Keogh (Gal), Henry Dixon, Joe Gilvarry, Tom Langan, Sen Purcell (Gal), Jack Mangan (Gal), Dick Hearns (Mayo, trainer). Front row: Gerry OMalley (Ros), Eamonn Mongey, Peter Solan, Sen Flanagan, Padraig Carney, Paddy Prendergast and Mick Mulderrig.
after receiving a pass from his older brother. It must have been a fairytale moment for their father who had spent so many years in pursuit of an All-Ireland winners medal. When the young Mick was presented with his precious Celtic Cross medal a few months later, he knew exactly what he wanted to do with it. I gave it to my father and told him Thats yours, youve earned it, he later recalled. All I could think of was how undeserving I was to be holding an All-Ireland medal at 19 when that man had shed blood, sweat and tears for Mayo football. ensured his inclusion on the Connacht Railway Cup team in 1951. He was one of nine Mayo players on the Connacht team that beat Munster in Croke Park on St Patricks Day, 1951, before a crowd of 30,000. It was the first Railway Cup won by a Connacht team since 1938. Mick won his second Connacht senior medal on July 15, 1951, when he was part of arguably the greatest Mayo display of those years a 16-point thrashing of Galway in Tuam. He started against Kerry in the drawn All-Ireland semi-final but lost his place for the replay, making a late appearance as a substitute for his brother Sen who had been restored to the first fifteen. Mick didnt get to play in the 1951 final against Meath but was a listed substitute and picked up his second winners medal. He had just turned 21. The career of Mick Mulderrig in the years after 1951 mirrored the fate of that great
***** MICKS exploits in the championship of 1950
Mayo team. He went into exile for a period in early 1952 in protest at the County Boards decision to send the Mayo players their All-Ireland medals by registered post to avoid paying for a presentation function. He missed the National League winning campaign of 1954 but returned for the 55 championship when Mayo regained the Connacht title only to lose narrowly to Dublin in a replayed All-Ireland semi-final. He also played some football in London, alongside his brothers Sen and Ciaran. The latter won a Connacht junior medal for Mayo in 1951 but missed the final defeat to Cork due to the ban on clerical students. Mick spent his entire adult life away from his native Mayo but remained steeped in the countys football tradition. He was in Croke Park for the various All-Ireland final appearances of recent years and wanted nothing more in life than to see his beloved Green and Red regain the Sam Maguire Cup. Mayos 17point demolition of the old enemy Galway in last months Connacht championship encounter would have given Mick no shortage of satisfaction in the final weeks of his life. He grew up in an era when Mayomen knew they had had a good summer if Galway were beaten and the hay was saved by the first weekend in August. Mick Mulderrig was a passionate, proud Mayoman with a sharp intellect and a brilliant wit. He was a born talker and was possessed of a wonderfully evocative style of storytelling that was redolent of the great Micheal Muircheartaigh. Nothing infuriated him more
than mention of the notorious Mayo football curse, which he dismissed, in his inimitable style, as a load of crap. Micks loss is immense because he was the last of a family dynasty that spanned the formative years of Mayo GAA, and the wealth of knowledge he possessed about football in Co Mayo during that period was truly phenomenal. The Mulderrig family also had an association with football in Co Sligo and, in particular, the Castleconnor Club, which they helped to establish. In fact, Mick played minor football for Sligo in the late 1940s. The death of Mick Mulderrig means that only three Mayo players remain from those that started the All-Ireland finals of 1950 and 1951 Paddy Prendergast, Peter Quinn and Padraig Carney in addition to substitutes Dr Mick Loftus and Willie Casey. Mick Mulderrig was predeceased in February by his wife Jo, a Cork woman who also came from good football stock (she was an aunt of Niall Cahalane and the Davis brothers). He is survived by his children Madeleine, John, Gerard and Mary; sister Emer (Enniscrone); daughters-in-law, grandchildren, brother-in-law, sister-in-law, nieces, nephews and a large circle of friends, including many neighbours in his adopted home of Rathfarnham, Dublin. Micks Funeral Mass took place in the Church of the Divine Word, Marley Grange, Rathfarnham with burial afterwards in Mt Venus Cemetery, Rathfarnham. May the Dublin sod rest lightly on this proud and noble son of Mayo.
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Skill the order of the day in Claremorris
The U-16 Puc Fada competitors at the Mayo GAA Hurling Skills Competition in Claremorris recently. (LtoR): Conor Murray (Castlebar), Shane Geraghty (Westport - Runner Up), Noel Regan (Ballyvary), Sam Forde (Moytura - Winner).
The U-14 Feile na nGael Skillstar competitors at the Mayo GAA Hurling Skills Competition in Claremorris recently. Back (LtoR): Jack Doocey (Ballyvary), Cormac Phillips (Ballyhaunis - Winner), Shane Hegarty (Castlebar). Front (LtoR): Tomas Dillon (Caiseal Gaels), John Heraty (Moytura - Runner Up), Patrick Lyons (Claremorris).
Pictured are the U-10 competitors at the Mayo GAA Hurling Skills Competition in Claremorris recently. Back (LtoR): Padraig Mooney (Tooreen - Runner Up), Alex Cameron (Ballyvary), John Kennedy (Castlebar). Front (LtoR): Conor Roddy (Caiseal Gaels - Winner), Aoife Heraty (Moytura), Tomas Buckley (Westport).
Pictured are the U-12 competitors at the recent Mayo GAA Hurling Skills Competition in Claremorris recently. Back (LtoR): Shane OConnor (Caiseal Gaels), Cathal McHale (Castlebar), Josh Howard (Claremorris), Conor Ferguson (Ballyvary - Runner Up). Front (L to R): Oisin Greally (Tooreen), Conor Keane (Ballyhaunis), Evan Heraty (Moytura - Winner), Conor Galvin (Westport).
HE Mayo GAA Hurling Skills Competitions were held in Claremorris GAA Grounds recently with skills testing at U-16, U-14, U-12 and U-10 grades. In the U-16 Poc fada competition, Sam Forde (Moytura) finished first with Shane Geraghty (Westport) finishing runner-up. Both Sam and Shane now go forward to represent Mayo at the Connacht GAA U-16 Poc Fada which will be held on Monday 1st July at the Connacht Centre
of Excellence in Bekan. In the U-14 Hurling Feile na nGael Skillstar challenge, honours went to Cormac Phillips (Ballyhaunis) with John Heraty (Moytura) finishing as runner-up. Cormac now goes forward to represent Mayo at the National Feile na nGael U-14 Skillstar competition, which will be held on Saturday 6th July in Mick Neville Park in Rathkeale in County Limerick as part of the National U-14 Feile na nGael weekend festival.
The U-12 skills competition was a very close affair with Evan Heraty (Moytura) pipping Conor Ferguson (Ballyvary) at the post, while the U-10 competition saw Conor Roddy (Caiseal Gaels) lead the field with Padriag Mooney (Tooreen) in second spot. The skills competition is promoted by the Mayo GAA Coiste Iomana na nOg with special thanks also to the skills officers and Claremorris GAA Club for providing the facilities.
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Pictured are the Castlebar Mitchels U-18 hurling side who recently won the Mayo GAA minor B Hurling League (Connor Shield). The Mitchels beat Moytura by 2-11 to 2-4 at the Connacht Centre of Excellence 3G Astroturf in Bekan. Back (L to R): Anthony OBoyle, Jason Hennigan, Brian Flannery, Abbi Abbassi, Martin Parsons, James Gallagher, Callum Gallagher, David Conlon, Ciaran McManamon. Front (L to R): Paul Howley, Eamon Foy, Brian Murphy, Conor Murray, Eoin Mulkerrin, Ronan Byrne, Corey Scahill, Shane Nugent, Naoise Kenny and Conor Ludden.
Pictured (above) is the James Stephens-Ballina U-16 hurling team that claimed the Eugene O'Shea Memorial Shield recently in Munnelly Park in Castlebar. The Moysiders defeated Belmullet on a scoreline of 4-11 to 3-9 in a tense and close affair. Back (L to R): Patrick Rutledge, Bryan Maloney, James Kilkenny, Alan Ferguson, Tom Ryder, Ronan Molloy (capt), Brian Peoples, Tristan Graham, John Luskin, Shane Kennedy, Luke Doherty. Front (L to R): Fergal Gill, Patrick Gallagher, Tom Mulhaire, Billy McVann, Luke Hurley, Chris Walsh, Daniel Zagata and Hugh O'Sullivan.
Action during the Mayo GAA U16 Hurling Eugene O'Shea Shield final between Ballina-James Stephens and Belmullet in Munnelly Park in Castlebar. Pictured (right) is Belmullet hurler Eoghan McGrath taking on a long range shot - under pressure from James Stephens Luke Hurley.
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The Barnancarroll NS mini 7s hurling team who were in action in Ballyvary recently in Cuman na mBunscoil competition.
The Carracastle/Derrinabrock NS Mini 7s hurling team who won their section of Cuman na mBunscoil and now go forward to the county blitz in MacHale Park. Many of the players are members of the Caiseal Gaels Hurling Club.
The Tooreen NS Hurling side who claimed the mini 7s title recently.
The Claremorris BNS side making their first appearance at this stage of the mini 7s hurling in Castlebar recently.
The Carracastle/Derrinabroc NS hurling side who were runners-up in the mini 7s hurling in Castlebar recently.
Ciaran Doherty (Tooreen Captain) receives the Mayo Cuman na mBunscoil Mini 7s hurling Shield from Sean Mulchrone.
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Westport GAA do U-14 Feile double I

T'S not often that the same U-14 club side represents Mayo at the National U14 Feile competitions, but the Westport GAA club made history at the weekend as their hurlers qualified to represent Mayo at the National Feile na nGael in Limerick in July with a thrilling win over Caiseal Gaels in Tooreen. With 11 dual players involved who had defeated Balla in the football equivalent a fortnight ago to qualify for the Feile Peil na nOg in Derry in June. Westport left it late to seal victory and have captain Stephen Walsh to thank for booking their place to Limerick. The Westport regular fullback switched to the full-forward line for the closing stages of the game where he bagged a brace of goals to send the title West. Earlier in the day, Westport and Caiseal Gaels had both defeated a young Tooreen side to advance to this final. The competition was hosted by the
The victorious Westport U14 Hurling team along with the Adrian Freeman Memorial Cup after their U14A Feile na nGael success over Caiseal Gaels in Tooreen recently. Back (LtoR): James Gallagher, John Geraghty, Ray Walsh, Michael Brady, Eric O'Toole, Kaylem Connolly, Daniel Moran, Gearoid Jordan, James Treacy, Kevin Grogan, Liam Doheny. Front (LtoR): Brian O'Malley, Stephen Loftus, Keelin Gallagher, Darra Ludden, Jack Carney, Stephen Walsh, Kevin Geraghty, Alan McHale, Pat Lambert, Sean Moore and Donal O Buachalla.
Tooreen Hurling Club, forming a remembrance day for the late, great Adrian Freeman in the process. After the final, Cathal Freeman on behalf of the Freeman family fittingly presented the inaugural Adrian Freeman Memorial Cup to Westport captain Stephen Walsh.
Westport GAA will be hosted by DromcollogherBroadford of Limerick in Division 4 of Feile na nGael on the weekend of 5th to 7th July. For more information visit www.feilelimerick2013.com After the event Tooreen Hurling Club Chairman John Cunnane addressed the large
crowd which had gathered for the presentation. He thanked all involved in the club for making the Adrian Freeman Memorial Tournament such a special event, and congratulated all three teams who took part in the games. Special thanks was also expressed to the coaches, referees and parents on the day, as well as all who helped with the catering, and to the pitch committee for the preparation of the fine playing surface for the young payers to enjoy their games. RESULTS ROUND 1: Caiseal Gaels 2-8 Tooreen 2-3 SEMI: Westport 3-4 Tooreen 2-2 FINAL: Westport 2-5 Caiseal Gaels 1-1
The Tooreen U14 Hurling team.
The Caiseal Gaels U14 hurling team.
Cathal Freeman - on behalf of the Freeman family - presents the inaugural Adrian Freeman Memorial Cup to Stephen Walsh captain of the succesful Westport U14 hurlers, after their win over Caiseal Gaels in the Feile na nGael final in Tooreen.
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Pictured are the Tooreen U-16 hurlers at the Ballyshannon Tournament in Donegal recently. The Liam MacCarthy Cup was also present at the competition on the day. The Tooreen side had a great day's hurling playing five games in total, claiming the Seamus Grimes Memorial Shield on the day. Round 1: Tooreen bt Tuam (Galway). Round 2: Easkey (Sligo) bt Tooreen. Round 3: Ballinascreen (Derry) bt Tooreen. Shield Semi: Tooreen bt Na Magha (Derry). Shield Final: Tooreen bt Aobh Ruadh (Donegal). Back (L to R): Christopher Murphy, Adrian Boyle, Aiden Henry, Nathan Boles, Bobby Douglas, Shane Crinnegan, Brian Morley. Front (L to R): John Cassidy, David Gannon, Sean Kenny, Ross Egan, Cillian English, Daniel Huane, Eoghan Delaney, Ciaran Doherty.
OBrein takes Mayo Puc Fada honours T
he Mayo GAA Poc Fada may have taken place on the Summer Solstace in Ballinrobe Racecourse but the weather conditions were more akin to December as six hurlers took on the challenge of the one kilometre circuit of the South Mayo race track. In the end it was the experience of Mayo senior goalkeeper Donal O'Brien (Ballyhaunis) who took the title - circumnavigating the course in just 12 shots. Second was John Duffy (James Stephens) on 14 shots with Sean Regan (James Stephens) and Joe Kelly (Ballyhaunis) tied in 3rd position on 15 shots. Pat Mortimer (Westport) completed the course in the tough conditions on 16 shots while Mayo senior footballer Donal Vaughan showed his flair for the small ball game by completing the course in a very respectable 17 shots. Winner Donal O'Brien and runner-up John Duffy then went forward to represent Mayo at the Connacht GAA Poc Fada on Monday 1st July in the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence in Ballyhaunis, with the provincial champion winning a ski holiday to the Alps to take part in the first ever Poc Fada on snow. For more information visit www.pocfada.gaa.ie
Mayo goalkepper Donal O'Brien, who claimed the Mayo Puc Fada title recently at Ballinrobe race course. Photo: Stephen McCarthy / SPORTSFILE
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FOCUS ON ROSCOMMON FOCUS ON ROSCOMMON FOCUS ON ROSCOMMON
Kilmore-Shannon Gaels Minors: This year the clubs of Shannon Gaels and Kilmore have amalgamated at minor, U-16 and U-14 levels in Roscommon for this year. These are exciting times for the two clubs as they compete at Division 1 level. Previously the two clubs would have played at Division 3. This is the photo of the Kilmore/Shannon Gaels minors with new jerseys for the amalgamation which have been kindly sponsored by Glancys Super Valu, Carrick-on-Shannon at all three levels.
St Joseph's GAA Club, Roscommon were selected as one of three clubs representing Connacht as part of the GAA Social Initiative. Three delegates from St Joseph's represented the club and county on a visit to Aras an Uachtarain, where they were given a guided tour of the historic house and were welcomed by the President of Ireland. The delegates pictured (L to R) Eileen Fahey (Social Initiative Co-ordinator, St. Joseph's), Liam O'Neill (Uachtarn CLG), President Michael D. Higgins, Jimmy Reynolds (Club Secretary, St. Joseph's) and John Greene (Club Chairperson, St. Joseph's).
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A historic day in St
By KATHRINA GROGAN St Croans PRO
UNE Bank Holiday Weekend, 2013, was a milestone in the history of St Croans GAA Club, when Connacht Secretary, John Prenty, officially opened their magnificent new grounds at the halfparishes of Ballintubber and Ballymoe, to a vibrant and enthusiastic gathering of young and old. The founding members of St Croans GAA Club Martin Morgan, Tommy Egan, George Quinn and Pat OGara established the football club in 1942 to cater for the football needs of the parishioners from the half-parishes of Ballintubber and Ballymoe. Straddling the Galway-Roscommon border St Croans GAA has continued to
The St. Croan's G.A.A. pitch development is officially opened by John Prenty on Sunday 2nd of June 2013.
thrive and develop over the years and has had much success at both underage and adult level. The football grounds are located in Enfield, Ballintubber. Over the summer of 2009 a momen-
tous decision was made by the St Croans club executive to purchase eight acres of land adjacent to the pitch in Enfield. Plans were developed for an all-weather pitch facility. A huge fund-raising drive began in
St. Croan's G.A.A. Club weather pitch development at Enfield, Ballintubber.
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Croans history
2010 and has been more than generously supported by the communities of Ballintubber, Ballymoe and beyond over the last number of years. Without the support of club members, supporters, local businesses and interested parties the development could not have been possible. Construction began in earnest in 2011, under the guidance of Joe Prunty from Prunty Pitches. The foundations of the pitch were laid in early 2011, seeded over the summer and nursed during 2012. The first official game was played on the new grounds on the 16th of December, 2012, when our Ur-21 team welcomed and defeated St Dominics to earn a place in the 2012 Division II Championship final. The culmination of this Trojan work by the committee, club members and supporters was celebrated in a fantastic weekend of festivities over the June Bank Holiday Weekend when the clubs new deClub members celebrate the official opening of the pitch in Enfield .
velopment was officially opened. The Opening Weekend Gathering kicked off on Friday night 31st of May when Mike Denver and his band, preceded by local group Celtic Cru, entertained the large crowd in
attendance at the marquee in Enfield. Early Saturday morning the football programme for the day commenced with our youngest charges. Our U-8, U-10 and U-12 sides hosted Tulsk for the occasion,
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Progressive club op
Some of the visiting 1980s minor and intermediate stars who returned to Enfield for the official opening.
while the U-14, U-16 and minor teams all played neighbours Castlerea St Kevins. The U-12 and U-14/16 ladies invited Oran to Enfield for their exhibition games. The club was honoured to have the Sam McGuire Cup visit Enfield over the weekend and when it arrived on Saturday afternoon many Roscommon and Galway supporters were thrilled to get their hands on the prestigious silverware.
The football highlight of the day took place on Saturday afternoon when the first round of the Junior A championship took place between St Croans and John Murrays Underdogs St Josephs. Having met often at this grade in recent years, a competitive game was expected. However, after a low scoring encounter St Croans were lucky to grasp a draw, the game finishing 0-7 apiece.
The final game of the day was an encounter between Roscommon Ladies and their Galway counterparts in the third round of the Aisling McGing competition Galway emerged victorious after a strong Roscommon challenge. Strictly Come Dancing was the entertainment highlight on Saturday night. The 12 couples, following weeks of practice under the watchful eye of teacher Colin
Members of the club's minor and intermediate 84-89 teams who returned to Enfield to celebrate the official opening gathering with the club.
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ens new facilities
St. Croan's panel who won the Ger Michael Grogan Memorial Cup, with members of the Grogan family on the occasion of the pitch opening.
Butler, put on a fine show waltzing and jiving to impress the voting public. Ursula Cunnane and Shane Smyth were the popular winners following a vote by the judges and public. The 2nd of June: a historic day in St. Croans club history - dawned bright and early and the Rounders team were first on the field of play on Sunday morning. They were followed by the ladies Junior Team, both of whom entertained the crowd with fine displays. The official opening of the pitch took place by Connacht Council Secretary, John Prenty, on Sunday afternoon. All present made their way onto the pitch to have a group photo taken to mark the occasion while our guest of honour cut the ribbon. The club was honoured to have GAA president Liam ONeill in attendance also, as well as Roscommon County Board and Connacht Council officials. A huge crowd was present for the opening, with many of our great 80s players returning to participate in the mementos weekend. There was a flash back to the eighties when some of the visiting minor and intermediate championship winning players (1984-89) returned to field of play in Enfield to battle it out among one another. This Sunday Game clash was followed by the Ger Michael Grogan Memorial Cup between St. Croans and Roscommon Gaels. The annual competition, played between the two clubs honours the late Ger Michael Grogan and the club were delighted to welcome the Gro-
gan family to Enfield as part of our celebration. A highlight of the weekend no doubt was the visit of All Ireland Club Champions St Brigids and their clash with Roscommon. The weekend will be remembered in
the annals of St. Croans history as a superb event. Club members young, old, past and present celebrated the official opening of the new facilities with pride and it is hoped they will be enable the St. Croans club to continue to prosper long into the future.
Some young Croan's men get their hands on Sam McGuire.
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Dr Hyde Park shown Red Card

By IAN COONEY Roscommon Herald
HE Dr. Hyde Park saga took another twist when doors and windows at the back of the main stand were permanently taken out of commission. Concrete blocks were used to seal off 19 doors and windows after pressure from Roscommon County Council, following complaints from local residents, on Roscommon County Board in recent weeks. It remains unclear whether the plans for the doors and windows at the back of the new stand were part of the original plans submitted to Roscommon County Council. The new stand was opened in 2002 but, in recent months, the county board was informed that its trustees may be open to court proceedings if action wasnt taken. It is also understood that there are also outstanding issues relating to masts erected on top of the stand. The news completed a miserable 24 hours for Roscommons county ground after it was confirmed by Roscommon County Board on Thursday that Dr. Hyde Park would not be considered for future
Connacht finals in the foreseeable future. The news came as a major blow to businesses in Roscommon town who benefitted greatly from the last two Connacht finals being hosted in Dr. Hyde Park. The ground would have been in the running to host this years provincial showpiece considering Mayo will face London/Leitrim in the final Following the Slattery Report in 2012, which reduced the capacity of the stadium, Roscommon County Board spent nearly 100,000 getting the facilities ready for last years final between Mayo and Sligo. However, an audit conducted afterwards concluded that serious health and safety issues remained surrounding toilet facilities and turnstiles. It had been anticipated that funding for the renovation of the stadium would be made available from Croke Park. However, an ownership dispute between Roscommon County Board and Roscommon Gaels GAA Club has led to an impasse. It is believed that funding will not be made available until the county board owns the ground outright. We were disappointed to receive the news but can accept the reasoning due a number of the concerns contained in the
Slattery Report, which was published last year. Although a number of issues were addressed in the lead-up to last years Connacht final some of the facilities are not considered suitable and there are a number of health and safety issues outstanding. At present the venue cannot accommodate crowds in excess of 18,750 but can host other Connacht championship games, All-Ireland qualifiers and other games with smaller attendances, read the statement on the county board website. We are aware of the financial benefits that hosting the past two Connacht finals has brought to Roscommon town and the impact on our own finances, and we are doing our utmost to resolve the situation. We are currently finalising negotiations with Roscommon Gaels to transfer control of the stadium to Roscommon County Board. Once this process has reached a conclusion, we will forward a plan to the Connacht Council and Central Council to seek funding for the redevelopment of the stadium in order to bring the facilities to a standard required for hosting major games and to give the people of Roscommon a stadium to be proud of, the statement concluded.
Electric Ireland - Powering the Minors: Minor GAA star, Sean Farrell, from Roscommon, linked up with former Connacht minor medal winner and current senior inter-county star Kevin Keane from Mayo, at the launch of the All-Ireland minor championship. Picture: Barry Cregg / SPORTSFILE
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NICKY RACKARD CUP FINAL
Hannigan double sinks Rossies

Donegal ............3-20 Roscommon ......3-16
DONEGAL won a pulsating Rackard Cup final against Roscommon at Croke Park, 3-20 to 3-16. In a thrilling encounter played in suitably scorching conditions, the 14-men of Donegal finished with a flourish to claim All-Ireland glory, with full forward Paddy Hannigan striking a brace of secondhalf goals. The winners were also served well on the day by Lee Henderson (0-10) and midfielder Danny Cullen, while Roscommon's Gerry Fallon finished the 70 minutes with 2-9 to his credit. The Rossies led by 2-10 to 110 at the interval, with goals from Cathal Kelly and midfield wonder Fallon, Sean McVeigh finding the net in between for the Tir Chonail men. Hannigan netted immediately upon the resumption to tie the scores up and Donegal suffered a major blow when they had Ronan McDermott sent to the line. But Hannigan's second threepointer and a series of superb Henderson points propelled Donegal across the winning line. There was a tight finish to the game as Fallon went for his third goal from a close-range free before the victors slotted two late insurance points. DONEGAL: P Burns; M McGrath, J McGee, B Harrigan; C McDermott, J Donnelly, J Boyle (0-1); R McDermott, D Cullen (03); L Henderson (0-10), S McVeigh (1-1), E McDermott; C Matthewson (0-2), P Hannigan (2-1), S Boyle (0-2). Subs: P Sheridan for C Matthewson (42), J Browne for J McGee (60), K Campbell for E McDermott (63).
Qualter reflects on painful defeat

By IAN COONEY Roscommon Herald
ROSCOMMON: P Dolan (captain); S Curley, R O'Meara, I Delaney; S Melia, M Kelly, N Keenan; A Murphy, J Lawlor (01); Cormac Kelly, Gerry Fallon (2-9), Cathal Kelly (1-1); R Fallon (0-2), Gary Fallon (0-1), C Egan. Subs: N Kilroy (0-1) for C Egan (28), D Nolan for A Murphy (41), C Dolan for N Keenan (48), E Kenny (0-1) for Cormac Kelly (53) REF: P Murphy (Carlow).
N the bowels of the Cuscak Stand, Robert McConn is asked to fetch Seamus Qualter to speak to the waiting media. When the door opens, one can see that Qualter is hurting, really hurting. Last year he celebrated a famous one-point win against Kildare in one of the games of the season as Roscommon were crowned All-Ireland U-21 hurling champions. Now, after another thrilling contest, this was how being on the side of the divide felt following his sides 3-20 to 3-16 defeat against Donegal in the Nicky Rackard Cup final We wanted to win. We came here to win. It was a see-saw sort of game. When we got a goal, they got a goal. They scored 1-3 just before half time and then we scored 1-2 to come right back into it. On days like this, its meant to be or its not meant to be, and it wasnt meant to be for us today, he summarised. Little things can sometimes decide matches and Qualter felt that Donegals third goal shouldnt have been allowed. It was a stone-wall free out. Their man just ploughed into Pdraig Dolan. But we had a couple of chances ourselves. They finished with a bit of hunger at the end, he lamented. Ronan McDermotts dismissal early in the second half seemed to galvanise Donegal but Qualter pointed out that its the norm in games nowadays. That always happens. Any good team will leave the extra man at the back and push up. We swept a lot of ball but there was a lot of crowding around the middle of the field. But we dominated the middle of the field for about 20 minutes. Its just that the quality of the ball going in wasnt there. But look, we were well in it right up to the end, he acknowledged. Despite the heart-breaking nature of the defeat, Qualter hoped that the Roscommon players, especially the younger ones, would stick together and come back to finish the job next year. Youve got Robbie Fallon, Niall Keenan and all those lads who played U-21 last year. We got the rub of the green in Thurles last year but we didnt get it today. Youll have days like that. Donegal seemed to be a bigger, stronger, physical team against our younger lads. But we tried to win it playing hurling and there wasnt a dirty stroke in the game, he concluded.
Roscommon manager Seamus Qualter after his side lost the Nicky Rackard Cup Final to Donegal at Croke Park. Picture: Oliver McVeigh / SPORTSFILE
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Connacht Coaching Academy and File days

FOOTBALL U16 Ted Webb Cup Friday 19th July, 7pm, Connacht GAA Centre Rd one Saturday July 27th, 11am, Connacht GAA Centre Rd two Monday August 5th, 4pm, Connacht GAA Centre Shield/Cup final National football blitz day Saturday August 17th,U15 and U16 Development County squads U14 Football development squad Saturday 24th August, 11am, Connacht GAA Centre Saturday October 5th, 11am, Connacht GAA Centre U15 Football Development squad Saturday 7th September, 11am, Connacht GAA Centre U17 Football Development Squad Thursday 31st October, 7pm, Connacht GAA Centre Friday, 8th November, 7pm, Connacht GAA Centre HURLING U13 Connacht Club Feile Saturday June 29th, 11am, Connacht GAA Centre U14 Hurling development squad Saturday June 22 Academy day Saturday September 21st, 11am, Mickey Cunniffe, Veronica Connolly blitz U15 Hurling blitz day Thursday August 8th, 11am, Pearse Stadium, Connacht blitz U16 Hurling blitz Saturday July 13th, 11am, Niall McInerney blitz day, Galway venue U18 Hurling blitz day Saturday July 20th, 11am, Connacht GAA Centre, Connacht blitz National blitz day Saturday August 31st, U14 and U16 squads, Portlaoise and Mulingar.
GAA Coaching Corner

Willie Hegarty- GAA Games Manager Roscommon Roscommon Secondary Schools Senior championship draws. The draws for the Roscommon Secondary Schools Snr football championship for 2013 took place at their AGM recently and will be played on Wednesday, September 11th. QUARTER-FINAL Castlerea CS Abbey CC Boyle St Aloysuis Garbally (bye) (4)
V V V
SEMI-FINAL Roscommon CBS (1) Scoil Mhuire Strokestown (2) St Marys Ballygar (3) 1 V 3 2 V 4
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FOCUS ON SLIGO FOCUS ON SLIGO FOCUS ON SLIGO BY GERRY OCONNOR
AN APPRECIATION:
Brian McDermott RIP
The 1963 Craobh Rua team on which the late Brian McDermott played. Back row (L to R): Eamonn McGauran, Kenneth Lamb, Gerry Burke, BRIAN McDERMOTT, Andy O'Brien, Phil Roddy, Joey Murphy, Georgie Chatten, Brother Agnelis, Jim Bowe. Front row (L to R): K McIntyre, Brian McGauran, Joe Moss, PJ Lenehan, Frankie Murphy, Georgie Hatton, Tony Hayden, Anthony Lang, John Lee. By BRIAN McGAURAN
IT was with deep sadness that we learned of the passing of Brian McDermott. Brian was a great friend to everybody and was most helpful in every way. I first got to know Brian way back in the early sixties when he left Vet-
erinary College and joined Sligo GAA Club Craobh Rua (now known as St Marys GAA Club). I also played with this club. Brian played full-back beside me. He was a strong and dependable footballer and anyone who tried to pass him on the field of play felt the strength of this well built frame of a man. Later in his veterinary career he was to become my Veterinary Sur-
geon, I found him to be very caring and professional in his approach to his work, the first thing he would ask when he would arrive at my farm was how were the people of the house? Brian was always concerned about others. We will dearly miss him may his gentle soul Rest in Peace. To his wife Miriam and all his family we extend our deepest sympathy.
Frank Kelly Milk Run Castleconnor

THE inaugural Frank Kelly Milk Run takes place on Sunday 28th July. Frank was a prominent member of the community in Castleconnor and local GAA Circles and was well known for his jolly outlook on life. Frank was also a milkman for many years and established himself well within the milk community. This is a unique event held in memory of Frank Kelly. The 5K race is mainly on local roads with a small stretch on regional and national roads. Entry fee is 10. The run will take place at 2pm on Sunday July 28th 2013 from Castleconnor Community Centre. There are showers and changing facilities available and there will be refreshments served afterwards. For more information, to see the route and to view photographs of the event post race follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/FrankKelly5kMilkRun Register at www.activeglobal.com or on the day from 12-1.30pm. It will be a great day for all the family come along!
Taylor heads Stateside

SLIGO will be without Tony Taylor for the Qualifiers as he's off to America. The midfielder, who scored three points in the Yeats County's defeat to London at Ruislip in the first round of the Connacht SFC, has decided to spend the summer overseas. Squad member Brian Egan is also planning to head across the Atlantic. And there's more bad news for manager Kevin Walsh as James Kilcullen, who came on as a substitute against the Exiles and subsequently sustained a jaw injury, is also expected to miss out on the Yeats County's first-round Qualifier.
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FOCUS ON SLIGO FOCUS ON SLIGO FOCUS ON SLIGO
Rounders gets a leg up in Sligo Primary Schools

THIS year the Allianz Cumann na mBunscol committee in county Sligo decided to set about promoting Rounders in the primary schools. The committee contacted all of the schools in the county and from this a list was drawn up of the schools interested in taking part. The Development Officer of the committee made contact with the GAA Rounders Association and a training day was organised for teachers. This proved to be a great success as it gave teachers an opportunity to familiarise themselves with the rules associated with the game. All of the teachers involved showed great enthusiasm for the promotion of Rounders and following on from this training day the teachers provided training for the children in their school. A Rounders Blitz was then organised and 36 schools took part over the two days with 12 children on each team. Four representatives from the GAA Rounders Association were present on both days and they kindly co-ordinated the event. The children and teachers involved thoroughly enjoyed the event and it is hoped that the committee will run a Rounders competition next year. The committee would like to thank both Owenmore Gaels and Tubbercurry GAA clubs for the use of their pitches and also to everyone that helped on the day making the Rounders Blitz a huge success.
Monastraden N.S.
Rockfield N.S.
Representatives from the GAA Rounders Association and organising committee members.
Keash N.S.
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FOCUS ON SLIGO FOCUS ON SLIGO FOCUS ON SLIGO
Ballinacrrow N.S.
Carn N.S.
Cloghogue N.S.
Culfadda N.S.
Ransboro N.S.
Scoil Mhuire gan Smal Ballymote.
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CONNACHT COLLEGES JUVENILE CHAMPIONSIP FINAL
Jarlaths rule at juvenile

St Jarlath's College ........1-9 St Attractas, Tubbercurry .............0-7
By
Shane McGagh, Stephen Daly and Richard McWalter
Transition Year Student St Jarlaths
HE St Jarlaths College Juvenile Football team have marched on to victory in emphatic style in the Connacht Juvenile Championship Final. This was a hotly contested game with the Sligo men starting on top, two fine points in the opening two minutes by St Attractas saw them race into an early lead. It seemed ominous for the boys in blue, however the Tuam side were not going to give in that easily and within five minutes had pulled back on level terms with St. Attractas thanks to frees from the outstanding Darren Quinn and the influential Joe Lowry. By the 15th minute St Jarlaths had taken a stranglehold on the game and they took the lead through Martin Boyle after some great pressure and possession from the Jarlaths forwards. Shortly
after, they doubled their when Conor Marsden, on as an early sub for the injured Ciaran Brady, calmly tapped over a fine free. At this point the Jarlaths team were really in control and St Attractas struggled to keep hold of the ball, everything the Sligo men sent into their forwards was sent straight back out by the phenomenal Jarlaths defence. Caoilainn Lowry added his name to the scoresheet with a superb point to extend the Galway mens lead to three points. Shortly afterwards a goal chance went narrowly wide after Martin Boyles fantastic turn, the Attractas keeper could only parry the shot into the onrushing Conor Marsdens path who shaved the outside of the post with his effort. The last action of the first-half was a fine score from Cullen Devane, who was brilliant throughout, as Jarlaths went in ahead at half-time by 0-6 to 0-2. The second-half began with a sweeping Attractas attack which caught the Jarlaths men off-guard and resulted in a point only 30 seconds into the half. Over the next ten minutes the Jarlaths defence was under a constant barrage of attacks from the Sligo team which saw them rack up three unanswered points to level the score at six points each.
A swift counter attack from Jarlaths ended in a joy for the Tuam men after Darren Quinn smashed home a fine goal, beating the keeper at his near post with a sumptuous strike to put Jarlaths ahead by three points with ten minutes left on the clock. Darragh Silke then replaced the lively Joe Lowry who didnt stop running and got a fine point early on. Darren Quinn put Jarlaths in an even more comfortable position with a curling free from the right hand side. Ten minutes of intense pressure from Attractas was met with ten minutes of defiant defending from the Galway side with Coady Fahy marshalling the defence as he so often has done throughout this championship campaign. Two points late on from Darren Quinn and Darragh Silke all but ended this game as a contest with St. Attractas grabbing a consolation point in added time. ST JARLATH'S: D Stenzel, M Daly, D McHugh, P Neenan, C Devane (0-1), C Fahy, S Mannion, C Mannion, K Mannion, E Wilson, J Lowry (0-1), C Brady, C Lowry (0-1), D Quinn (1-3), M Boyle (0-1). Subs: C Marsden (0-1) for Brady 10, D Silke (0-1) for Lowry 44, D Shaughnessy for Boyle 57, S Feerick and E Finn for Quinn and Lowry 67.
Summerhill impressive
S
Summerhill ....................3-5 St Jarlaths ......................1-6
UMMERHILL College put in a superb overall performance to beat St Jarlath's of Tuam in the Connacht A league final in the Connacht GAA Centre. In what was an extremely workman like display from Summerhill who hit the front early through their midfielder Daragh Cummins who burst through the middle of the Jarlath's defence and fired over the first score with great ferocity and this set the tone for the rest of his teammates. With Cummins and his midfield partner Kevin Banks commanding, Summerhill heaped on the pressure on the Jarlath's defence and but for some wayward shooting could have been further ahead. Points from Darren O'Hara and Haidi Mousa kept Summerhill ahead before an excellent move ended with Davoren Fallon flicking the ball over a Jarlath's defender to team captain Banks and he slotted a low shot to the net. St Jarlath's fought back from that deficit though, with two excellent points to leave the score at half time 1-4 to 0-4. Summerhill got the best possible start to the second-half when Daren O'Hara sent in a high ball which deceived the keeper and ended up in the net. This gave Summerhill some breathing space and the started to play some excellent football with young players Adrian Cummins, Davoren Fallon and Sean Bruen growing in confidence on the support of the older players. Another excellent score from O'Hara extended the lead further before St Jarlath's responded by having a period of pressure of their own. During this period Summerhill's defence was staunch. Conor Mc Govern, Conor Sweeney and Robert Allen put in some superb tackles to prevent the Galway College from hitting the back of the net. Jarlath's did however manage to slot over two long range points. As the pressure intensified Summerhill counter attacked and got their third goal to seal the result this coming from a superbly worked piece of individual skill from Diarmaid Mulcahy. St Jarlath's still kept fighting though to their massive credit and were rewarded with a goal on the stroke of full time, once again a high ball into the area which Summerhill failed to cope with. Summerhill will be delighted with this result after losing to Jarlath's in the Championship and fully deserved their win. SUMMERHILL COLLEGE: Niall Crawley; Robert Allen, Conor Mc Govern, Adrian Cummins; Sean Power, Conor Sweeney, Aaron McCormack; Darragh Cummins (0-2), Kevin Banks(C)(1-0); Darren O'Hara (1-2), Haidi Mousa (0-1), Diarmaid Mulcahy (1-0); Sean Bruen, Cian Lally, Davoren Fallon. Subs: Shane O'Hehir (for Sean Bruen), Colin Feeney (for Haidi Mousa).
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FOCUS ON CAMOGIE FOCUS ON CAMOGIE FOCUS ON CAMOGIE
New Camogie club in Leitrim certain for a bright future
Members of Camogaocht na nGleannta Camogie club with mentors.
REAT news for the North West region of Leitrim as new Camogie club Camogaocht na nGleannta has been formed. The girls started to get a taste for the game due to the massive interest of hurling in the community and so Camogaocht na nGleannta Camogie club was formed to give these girls the opportunity to participate in the sport. At present the club caters for U-10, U-12 and U-14 age groups and they hope to expand this in the coming years as the interest in the game is
Practicing their skills
constantly growing. Huge credit must be given to Steve Feeney as he has been the driving force behind the creation of this club. Steve is passionate about
the game of hurling and Camogie and is looking forward to the challenge ahead As a new club in the north west of Ireland it is difficult with very few teams around us for
competition, but with perseverance and with the great group of girls we have, I have no doubt we will strive for success. Training takes place every Tuesday evening in St Clares N.S. Astroturf, Manorhamilton from 6pm-7pm. New members always welcome. If you would like to get involved in the club as a player, coach or administrator the club would be delighted for you to get in touch. Contact Steve on 087-9306675. Camogaiocht na nGleannta Abu!
The U-14 team from Camogaocht na nGleannta Camogie club.
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FOCUS ON CAMOGIE FOCUS ON CAMOGIE FOCUS ON CAMOGIE
Wonderful skills on display for Camogie finals

IXTY girls from all over Mayo took part in the Mayo Cumann na mBunscoil Camogie finals which were held in McHale Park, Castlebar. The schools that took part were: Ballyvary, Kilmovee, St Angelas (Castlebar), Straide, Sungboro and Tooreen. All schools played three games over the course of the day with Tooreen NS running out eventual winners after beating Kilmovee NS in an exciting final. Congratulations to all schools who participated. After the blitz, thanks were expressed to the Mayo Cumann na mBunscoil committee, McHale Park and Castlebar Mitchells for their facilities, the teachers who travelled with the schools, the referees on the day, Mayo Camogie Board for their support and Adrian Hession for organising the blitz. For more information on Camogie in your area or to get involved with Camogie contact Caroline Murray 087-1251269 / cmurray@camogie.ie.
St Angela's National School Camogie Team that competed in the recent Mayo Cumann na mBunscoil Camogie finals which were held in McHale Park.
The Kilmovee NS Camogie team that finished runners-up to Tooreen in the recent Mayo Cumann na mBunscoil Camogie finals which were held in McHale Park.
The Tooreen NS Camogie team that claimed outright victory in the Mayo Cumann na mBunscoil Camogie finals which were held in McHale Park
Straide National School Camogie Team that competed in the recent Mayo Cumann na mBunscoil Camogie finals which were held in McHale Park.
The Snugboro National School Camogie Team that competed in the recent Mayo Cumann na mBunscoil Camogie finals which were held in McHale Park.
Ballyvary National School Camogie Team that competed in the recent Mayo Cumann na mBunscoil Camogie finals which were held in McHale Park.
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FOCUS ON LADIES FOOTBALL FOCUS ON LADIES FOOTBALL
Curry girl gets Bursary award

Connacht Ladies Council offer a Higher Education Bursary Scholarship Award to 1 successful applicant from each county in Connacht. A prize of 1,000 is awarded to the lucky winner. Sligo County Player Roisin Collery from Curry GAA Club was one of many entrants from Sligo and fortunate to be selected and was presented with a contribution to her studies from Connacht Council in the McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris. Back Row (L to R): Aidan Collery, Noreen Collery, Patrick Collery. Front Row (L to R) Ita Hannon (Connacht Sec) Roisin Collery, Kathleen Kane (Connacht President)
St Nathys win Connacht Club Award for Sligo

FOR the past four years the Connacht Council have run a Club Recognition Award competition and the 2012 winners for Sligo was St Nathy's Ladies GAA club. The competition is open to all clubs in Connacht and the winning club receives 500 is cash and an O'Neills voucher for 500. There is also a prize awarded for the best club in each County and an overall award for the best club in Connacht. St Nathy's Ladies GAA Club, which is represents the parishes of Coolaney, Mullinabreena and Bunninadden in the south of Sligo, submitted an entry for 2012 and was successful. Member of the club greatfully accepted their prize from the Connacht Council at the awards ceremony held recently at the McWilliam Park Hotel, Claremorris. The award recognises the good structure, administration, achievements and pride there is in St. Nathys club. A great deal of work went into this project and the club would like to thank everyone involved and Connacht for their worthy contribution to the development of football.
Pictured at the awarding of the Club Recognition Award to St Nathy's Ladies Gaelic Football Club, Co Sligo are: Back row (L to R): Kathleen Kane, Liam McDonagh, Colette Coleman, Paddy Coleman. Front (L to R): Laoise McDonagh, Karena Quinn, Katrina Connolly, Louise O'Donnell.
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LADIES FOOTBALL DIVISION 2 FINAL
Tribesgirls denied promotion again

Kerry ..........................1-13 Galway .......................1-10
By JACKIE CAHILL
ALWAY hearts were broken once again as Kerry star Sarah Houlihan kicked them to promotion back to Division 1 at Parnell Park. With 13 minutes remaining, the Kingdom led by eight points but with Aoife Lyons sin-binned, Galway took advantage to cut the deficit to just two points with time running out. But sub Lorraine Scanlon settled Kerry's nerves with a point and William O'Sullivan's side held out to claim a first league title for the county since the 1991 Division 1 showpiece. It was Galway's second successive Division 2 final defeat. With the aid of the strong wind in the first half, Kerry took advantage to open up a 1-8 to 0-5 half-time lead. Galway's leading scorer Edel Concannon opened her side's account, while Kerry's Louise Ni Mhuircheartaigh blasted home a penalty after Rebecca McPhilbin fouled Margaret Fitzgerald. Concannon and player of the match Sarah Houlihan traded frees after the restart as Kerry held onto an eight-point advantage. Galway responded strongly and were right back in the hunt when Annette Clarke buried a 47th minute penalty. The award was probably the correct call by referee Maggie Farrelly, who whistled for over 60 frees during a stop-start encounter, but the decision to yellow-card
DENIED AGAIN: Galway Ladies defender Emer Flaherty in action against Kerry's Megan O'Connell during the NFL Division 2 Final. Photo: Brendan Moran / SPORTSFILE
Lyons was harsh. Galway kicked on and were breathing down Kerry's necks approaching the finish. But it was final heartbreak for the Westerners again as Kerry, with three current All Stars in their starting line-up, returned to Division 1 after a three-year absence. SCORERS Kerry: L N Mhuircheartaigh 1-3 (1-0 p, 2fs), S Houlihan 06 (4fs), B Breen, P Dennehy, L Scanlon, L Rogers 0-1 each.
Galway: E Concannon 0-6fs, A Clarke 10p, B Hannon, D Brennan, A Daly, L Hannon 0-1 each. GALWAY: J Connolly; A Rohan, R McPhilibin, N Ward; B Hannon, E Flaherty, S Burke; A Clarke, E Curley; G Conneally, D Brennan, A Daly; T Leonard, R Leonard, E Concannon. Subs: L Joyce for T Leonard (h-t), L Hannon for Conneally (45), C Cormican for Curley (45), C Hehir for Brennan (48), G O'Connor for R Leonard (54).
Tribesgirls reach league final
Galway ............................2-9 Kildare ............................2-8
ALWAY and Kerry will meet in the Ladies Football Division 2 final after a late free from Edel Concannon earned the Tribesgirls a narrow one point win over Kildare at Banagher. Roisin Leonard kicked Galway into a second minute lead and ten minutes had passed before the next score, an equaliser for Kildare. However two goals from Aoibheann Daly and Edel Concannon and a point by Dierdre Brennan saw Galway take control again by the 15th minute. Kildare soon settled though and in the 26th minute Gillian Behan hit the net from
close range, before Maria Moolick fired Kildare's second goal in as many minutes to leave Galway with a narrow 2-3 to 2-2 lead at the break. Galway made one change at half time with Marion Hernon replacing Amy Rohan but it was Kildare that started the better by landing two points in the first two minutes. But Galway always looked the classier outfit and retook control with four points in a row to give them a three-point lead after by the 40th minute. Kildare's Stacy Cannon kept the Lilywhites in touch with a couple of good points, and after Roisin Leonard gave Galway some breathing space with a point ten minutes from time, two frees in reply from Aine Gately levelled matters again with eight minutes left on the clock.
Both sides had chances to win the game in the closing stages but it was Galway who took their opportunity. An attack by Galway resulted in a free and displaying admirable nerve, Tuam/Cortoon's Edel Concannon kicked her second free to send Galway into the final against Kerry on May 11th. GALWAY: J Connolly; A Rohan, R McPhilbin, N Ward; B Hannon, E Flaherty, S Burke; A Clarke, E Curley; G Conneally, D Brennan(0-1), A Daly(1-1); L Joyce(0-1), R Leonard(0-3), E Concannon(1-2, 2 f). Subs: M Hernon for Rohan, L Hannon(01) for Joyce, G O'Connor for Conneally, C Heiher for Curley, M Brennan for D Brennan.
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TEAM OF THE YEAR: Galway Ladies footballer Emer Flaherty is presented her team of the year certificate by Lynn Moynihan, TESCO Ireland, and Pat Quill, President of the Ladies Football Association, after being selected on the NFL Division 2 team of the year. Her teammates Edel Concannon, Annette Clarke and Sinead Burke were also named on the team. Photo: Barry Cregg / SPORTSFILE
Stenson and Tighe honoured

LADIES stalwarts Mairead Stenson and Aine Tigher were honoured last week with places on the Tesco Home Grown Ladies Division Three Team of the League. Stenson was named on the team at right corner-back with Tighe, who leaves this week to spend the Summer in America, getting the nod for the left-corner forward position on the team of the League. League finalists Down and Armagh have three players each on the 15 with semi-finalists Longford and Tipperary featuring two each and Leitrim, who were defeated by the Munster women in a playoff, also with two. Wexford, Wicklow and Sligo all have one player each on the squad. The Teams of the League were selected for each of the 4 Divisions with the best XV players chosen in their positions. Nominations were received from managers after each round of the league with the best 3 players from the oppositions team receiving a vote. Those players with the most votes in their position were then selected in the TESCO Homegrown Team of the League for their Division.
Aine Tighe and Mairead Stenson were both named on the Tesco Home Grown Ladies Division Three Team of the League. Photo: Barry Cregg / Sportsfile
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CONNACHT LADIES FOOTBALL MINOR B FINAL
Roscommon ladies reach All-Ireland semi-final
The Roscommon Ladies Football minor team and management, who were crowned Connacht minor B champions
Roscommon ...................4-13 Sligo ................................3-2
OSCOMMON Minor ladies strolled into the All Ireland semi-final with an emphatic win over Sligo in Charlestown recently. The Roscommon ladies dominated this game from the off taking full advantage of the strong breeze. With just three points to spare over the same opposition a week earlier, the set about their business in a menacing fashion this time out and the game was over as a contest at half time with the Roscommon ladies held a 2-09 to 0-01 lead. Roscommon hit the front after two minutes with a point from play from Lisa Flynn this was follow a pointed free from Kayleigh Dunning.
Safron Cull put three between the sides after seven minutes and she doubled the lead in the 13 minute with her first goal of the half. Wing back Aishling Hanley, who had a super game, got a fine point on the run one minute later. From the resulting kick out Roscommon were awarded a free in after Sligo keeper Cathy Newton failed to get the ball beyond the 21 metre line Aine Ryan lofted the ball in towards the Sligo goal mouth which was collected by Saffron Cull and the Ballinameen player blasted to the net. Roscommon were first on the score sheet after the break, with a Kayleigh Dunning point from play. Sligo were awarded a penalty in the 35th minute which they failed to convert. Sligo upped the ante and Ciara Gorman goaled from close range despite the best efforts of Rachel Timothy in the Roscommon goals. But Roscommons response was instant when Aishling Hanley fired past Newton in the Sligo goal. But Sligo to their credit kept at it and was rewarded with two goals in quick succession from midfielder Lauren Boles. Roscommon substitutes Nicole Nestor and Saoirse McManus pointed for Roscommon in the fifty sixth and fifty ninth minutes before Lea Lavin got in for Roscommons fourth goal of the evening after some good build up play. ROSCOMMON: Rachel Timothy, Aoife Jones, Lorna Flanagan, Honor Ennis, SorchaBruen(0-1), Orla ONeill, Aishling McAuliffe(1-1) Emer Wallace, Aishling Hanley, Aine Ryan(0-1), Orla Nicholson, Kayleigh Dunning(0-3), Lisa Flynn(0-3),
Saffron Cull(2-1), Joan Geoghegan(0-1). Subs: Karen OBoyle, Nicole Nestor(01), Lea Lavin(1-0), Rachel Harte, Natasha Regan, Aishling McNally, Saoirse McManus(0-1), Ciara Quinn, Megan Kelly, Aishling R Coyle, Judy McDermott. SLIGO: Cathy Newton, Eilish Sweeney, Grainne McDonagh, Eleanor Kennedy, Aoife Connelly, Tara Doddy, Sadbh Brennan, Grainne OLoughlin, Lauren Boles(2-0), Una Higgins(0-1), Lorraine OReilly, Niamh Mohan, Aishling Molloy, Denise McGrath, Sarah Curley. Subs: Jacqueline Barrett, Lisa Martin, Laura Murphy, Nicole Martin, Shaunagh Brady, Geraldine Ruane, Ciara Gorman (1-1) Emma Keavney, Karen Jacobs, Ciara Avery, Hannah Sweeney, Elisha Queenan, Rebecca Phelan, Laura Durkin, Niamh Gorman.
Roscommon forward Saffron Cull receives her Player Of The Match award from Connacht Ladies GAA President Kathleen Keane
Connacht Ladies GAA President, Kathleen Keane, presents Sorcha Bruen with the Connacht minor Shield
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Roscommon U-14 girls put it up to Galway
The Roscommon U-14 panel that was defeated by Galway in Menlough
Roscommon .................0-9 Galway ........................3-9

ROSCOMMON U-14 girls played Galway in a very blustery Menlough recently in what proved to be an epic battle. Roscommon were the better team in the first 20 minutes, where the dominated possession, but were unable to put their dominance on the scoreboard. Roscommon lead by four points to no score after 20 minutes, but Galway dominated the final ten minutes of the half and scored 2-6 to Roscommons single point, with points coming from Louise Brady, Julie Healy, while Heather Payne landed three good points. Roscommon went on to score four further points in the second-half from Louise Brady, Heather Payne and Sinead Farrell (2), but they had no answer to Galway's first-half goal rush. ROSCOMMON: Rebecca Cox (St. Barrys), Caoimhe ODowd (Shannon Gaels), Ellie Coen (St. Croans), Eimear McNally (St. Dominics), Amy Curley (St. Faithleachs) Elaine McDermott (Shannon Gaels), Aoife Gavin (St. Dominics), Julie Healey (St. Dominics), Mikaela McHugh (Kilglass Gaels), Niamh Shanagher (Kilbride), Louise Brady (St. Marys), Aine Galvin (0-2) (Padraig Pearses), Niamh, Sinead Farrell (Clann na nGeal), Heather Payne (Padraig Pearses), Casey Keane (Kilbride).
Subs: Shannon Dowd (Shannon Gaels), Arlene Feely (St. Croans), Fleming (Michael Glaveys) Amy Quinn (Clann na nGeal), Claire Brogan (Strokestown), Aoife McLoughlin (St. Barrys), Sorcha Casey (St. Do-
minics), Shauna Fleming (Michael Glaveys), Lisa Dolan (Four Roads), Marie Kelly (St Faithleachs), Ciara Corcoran (St. Dominics), Sylvia Regan (Elphin), Blaithin OBeirne (Kilbride).
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ROSCOMMON LADIES U-16 DIVISION 1 FINAL
Gaels breeze to first title
Shannon Gaels U-6 Ladies County division one champions.
Shannon Gaels .............2-8 Clann na nGael .............2-6
HANNON Gaels U-16 girls secured their first ever county title with a narrow win over Clann na nGael in Hyde Park. Clann playing with the aid of strong breeze started well and a well taken point by Claire Flannery opened their account. A goal from Rachel McDermott gave a major boost to the Croghan girls but this was wiped out within a few minutes with a goal from Amy Quinn. In the 22nd minutes a long ball from Shauna Connell ended up in the Shannon
Gaels' net, but this was cancelled out by a goal from Emer Matthews, which helped Clan to a half-time lead of 2-3 to 2-0. Shannon Gaels dominated the early stages of the second half and Rachel McDermott had Shannon Gaels level by the 34 minute with three excellently taken points from play. Clann dug deep and a foul on Caoimhe Lennon lead to a point from the resultant free from the same player in the 38th minute. In the 42nd minute Katie Daly got two points in 30 seconds to put Shannon Gaels into the lead, a lead that they would hold until Seamus Regan's last whistle of the game. SHANNON GAELS: Aisling Egan (capt), Sarah Surlis, Connie Doyle, Caoimhe O'-
Dowd, Elaine McDermott, Christina Beirne, Rachel McDermott (1-3) , Tess Murtagh (0-1), Emma O'Beirne, Catherine Flynn, Katie Daly (0-3) , Emer Matthews (1-0) , Eimear Gallagher, Ruth Flynn, Aine O'Dowd (0-1); Subs: Chloe McCabe, Michaela Deane, Viola Boe, Megan Carty, Lara Bruen CLANN NA nGAEL: Ethel McManus, Laoise Henry, Renee Naughton, Grainne O'Neill, Lauren McDonnell, Leanne Ward, Kayleigh Allen, Christine Conway, Shauna Connell (1-0), Claire Flannery (01), Caoimhe Lennon ( 0-3) Therese Lennon (0-2), Shauna Bannon, Amy Quinn (1-0), Sinead Farrell; Subs : Katie Costello, Yvonne Harney, Meghan Farrell, Carol Griffen, Aislinn Carpenter
INTO THE WEST To obtain an electronic copy of the

magazine@connachtgaa.ie.
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magazine each quarter, FREE OF CHARGE, email
ROSCOMMON U-16 GIRLS DIVISION 2 FINAL
Faithleach's too powerful for St Dominic's

St Faithleachs .................5-8 St Dominic's .....................1-7
HE often over used adage of goals wins games applied to this final, played at a windy Hyde Park. St Dominic's had the elements in their favour in the first half and they were the better team in the first-half for 28 of the 30 minutes. But the two minutes of St Faithleach's dominance in this opening half resulted in goals in the first and 30th minutes by Rachel Costello. In the 28 intervening minutes there were well taken points by St Dominic's from Rachel Corcoran and Aoife Gavin and the St Dominic's goal came in the 13th minute from a penalty converted by Ann Marie Murray as St Dominics lead by three points at half time by 1-6 to 2-0. But the lead was wiped out within two minutes of the resumption with a goal by Marie Kelly. St Faithleach's were making excellence use of the wind with long range points, but St Dominics responded in the 47th minute with an excellent individual effort by Julie Healy. And the game was put beyond any doubt in
St Faithleachs U-16 division two champions.
the 52nd minute when Marie Kelly converted to the net with an excellent dispatched shot. St Faithleach added a further point on the 58th minute when after an excellent save by the Dominics defence, the ball was recovered by Faithleachs. The final goal of the game came in the closing minutes when Sarah Scally found the net from a free kick. ST FAITHLEACH'S: Denise McCaffrey, Leona Hoare, Megan Banahan, Katie Browne, Catherine Brennan, Amy Curley, Sarah Hoare, Niamh Scally, Ellen Hegarty, Tara Nerney, Rachel Costello, Lauren Cox, Laura
Farrell, Rachel Banahan, Caoimhe Glennon; Subs: Natasha Hegarty, Keeley Byrne, Jillian Banahan, Niamh Parker, Sarah Scally, Marie Kelly ST DOMINICS: Nicole Craven, Samantha Coyle, Eimear McNally, Enya Reilly, Megan Kenny, Nicole Dolan, Ciara McCarthy, Rachel Corcoran, Julie Healy, Tara Kenny, Aoife Gavin, Roisin Roddy, Rachel Dolan, Ann Marie Murray, Ciara Corcoran: Subs: Rachel Conroy, Rachel Connaughton, Lauren Conroy, Susan Coyle, Katie Lyons, Cerys Bryer, Ciara McIntyre.
ROSCOMMON LADIES U-16 DIVISION 3 FINAL
Four-goal Caulfield clinches title for Croan's

St Croans .......................4-9 Western Gaels ..................3-5
T CROANS were crowned Division 3 U-16 champions in Ballintubber thanks largely to their sharpness in front of goal. Shannon Caulfield took up where she left off in the semi-final against St Barrys with another four goal haul but the truth was this was another great team performance from St Croans as every player worked tirelessly to create to make the chances. Caulfield got the ball rolling by notching her first goal inside a minute as she struck a good shot inside the left-hand upright. Three minutes later the same player raised the green flag from a 20 metre free but with a little bit of good fortune as the ball appeared to be heading wide but for the wind to catch it and take it down and into the top corner. Caoimhe Hanley replied with a free and a point from play for Western Gaels before Caulfield kicked her first point after Christina McDermott in the Western Gaels produced an excellent save defecting her shot onto the upright and over the crossbar. Then against the run of play Western Gaels scored their first goal with full forward Emma Kilkenny getting the credit for a speculative shot finishing in the back of the net. It was now the Frenchpark girls turn to dominate play and they quickly followed with a second goal, this time Emma Kilkenny scoring direct from a free into the top corner in the 23rd minute. The same player pointed a close in free to give Western Gaels a lead for the first time in the match. However, two Caulfield points saw St Croans lead at the break 2-4 to 2-3.
St Croans U-16 division three champions. Caulfield again pointed from play early in the second-half and in the 36th minute the same player scored another goal. And four minutes later she fastened on to a great through ball from Leah Malone to finish brilliantly to the net for her fourth green flag to put the match seemingly beyond Western Gaels. However a Laura Flynn goal from 10 metres out breathed some life into the contest for Western Gaels and Emma Kilkenny added a pointed free to further help their cause. Midfielder Olga Kenny settled St Croans nerves with two points from play and corner-forward Megan Ryan scored another for St Croans to leave them seven points to the good. And by the 27th minute Caoimhe Hanley and Olga Kenny had traded points to leave St Croans as deserved champions. `
ST CROANS: Arlene Feeley, Taylor Hogan,
Ellie-May Coen, Natasha Ryan, Amy Malone, Amy Keegan, Saoirse Flanagan, Olga Kenny, NeasaHanly, Leah Malone, Ruth Finan, Claire Keegan, Megan Ryan, Shannon Caulfield, Ava Glancy. Subs: Claire Quinn, Emma Glancy, Niamh Cooke. WESTERN GAELS: Christina McDermott, AislingBruen, Caoillfhoinn McDermott, Katie Monaghan, Sarah Scott, Fiona Nolan, Laura McHugh, Caoimhe Hanley, Lisa Flanagan, Chloe Dwyer, Claire Sampey, Sinead Conry, Anna Scott, Emma Kilkenny, Laurna Flynn. Subs: Maeve McLoughlin, Emma OConnor, Eva Lavin, Jessica Timon, Rachel Flanagan, Shannon Dowd, Jane Devine, Theresa Devine, Zoe Kerrane, Niamh McCann. REF: Paul Fahy.
Page 73
HANDBALL
HANDBALL
HANDBALL
HANDBALL
Team A capture Collooney handball 60 x 30 tournament title
Team A, who emerged victorious from the Collooney handball 60 x 30 tournament. Back row (L to R): Seamus Duffy, Aoife McDonagh, Ross Taheny & Martin Golden. Front row (L to R): Jason Earlis, Gerry Coleman, Joe McCann & Padraig Maye. By MICHAEL McGEE
FTER three weeks of competitive and sparkling handball the final the title went to Team A after the competition played in Collooney. After an initial onslaught in the form of Jason Earlis a Seamus Duffy who opened proceedings Team A had to come from behind to take the title in a nail biting comeback. It looked very comfortable for Team A in the opening skirmishes with Duffy and Earlis blitzing the hapless Peter Davey and Micheal Jones only allowing the Team B players two points in the en-
tire match. Jason Earlis was in sublime form and with the experienced Seamus Duffy Team A went into a huge lead. In the second match Team A combination of Joe McCann a senior star with Mayo along with Ballymotes Martin Golden had a battle royal with Team B of Martin Cooney and Peter Chambers. It was a very close and exciting contest throughout with Team A taking game one by 21-17. Cooney and Chambers hit back immediately in game two winning it by 21-12 thus forcing the deciding tie break game to decide the winning team. In the tie breaker McCann and Golden did just enough to get over the line by 11-8.
In match 3 Team A pairing of Padraig Maye and Gerry Colman faced the inform Tom Foody and Joe Gorman both from the Castleconnor Club. The Castleconnor men combined well on the way to a comfortable victory in the end by 21-10, 21-5. It was down to the final match and Team A Aoife McDonagh and Ross Taheny went into battle to wrestle the title back against Emmett and Martin Branning Team B. McDonagh and Taheny set out their stall out straight away and with a determined and gritty displayed put their team back into contention with drive and intent. McDonagh and Taheny were resolute against the Brannings who
took an early lead. McDonagh and Taheny rallied strongly taking the first game by 21-10. After 3 weeks of action it was all down to the final game to decide the winners. A battling performance from The Brannings opened brightly for Team C early in the final game. However McDonagh and Taheny replied brilliantly. In a frenetic finale McDonagh and Taheny drove on and with a greater desire to win went into the lead. Both teams displayed moments of magic but it was McDonagh and Taheny that had the slicker moves. With the large crowd urging both teams on for a final push it was Teams A star players
Page 74
HANDBALL
HANDBALL
HANDBALL
HANDBALL
Team C runners up back row (L to R): Tom Foody, Joe Gorman, Micheal Jones, Peter Chambers. Front row: Martin Branning & Martin Cooney.
McDonagh and Taheny displaying the more methodical efficiency that went on to take the second game and the tournament by 21-8. The final score in favour of Team A was 138-108. Chairman of the Sligo Handball Board Shane Bruen congratulated both teams on an exciting final. Bruen also thanked Connell Cannon the Co.Secretary who organised the tournament. COLLOONEY HANDBALL 60 X 30 TEAM TOURNAMENT FINAL RESULT: Team A - Seamus Duffy, Jason Earlis, Joe McCann, Martin Golden, Padraig Maye, Gerry Coleman, Aoife McDonagh & Ross Taheny dft Team C- Micheal Jones, Peter Davey, Martin Cooney, Peter Chambers, Larry Jones, Tom Foody, Michael & Emmett Brannigan & John Colleran 138-108.
Paddy Walsh (centre) presenting the two winners from Team A Aoife McDonagh and Ross Taheny with their trophies.
Page 75
KNOWLEDGEABLE NOEL
The past has its place in future-focused Ballybore

T
HERE is a noble tradition in the GAA of the worst player on the team organising the reunion many years later. Thus a fringe man can garner some belated credibility among the group. Benign, understanding souls like myself would always allow the poor unfortunate his night in the sun. We had our victories where and when it mattered. The reunions are the shakings of the bag, and every dog must have its day. However, in Ballybore, there is also, an impressive counter-tradition of breaking with tradition, and, as so often on the field of play, the team of 59 turned to me to make it happen one more time, Noel to quote their very words. Our prospects werent great in 59. I was deep in my studies at the time, and in Nancy, too, I was beginning to see a possible soulmate. Despite her best efforts and a natural, precocious reticence that has always informed her every move she was unable to conceal her enthusiasm for the fray, so to speak. I picked up on the vibes, and, with a level of calculation that has always served me well, I declined to respond in any way for quite some time. Blanking her entirely for those three years was one of the hardest tasks I have ever accomplished, and, without wishing to sounding boastful, I have been in some tight corners. My rationale soundlyfounded as events would later prove was that by shutting her out in this way, I would ascertain if her intentions and desires were well-rooted, or if she were just one more female temporarily smitten by what people often called my easy, natural, self-effacing charm. But that was by the by. When I eventually relented, and began to put some talk upon her, Nancy got what she wanted and the rest, as she often says, is history. But in the spring of 59, things didnt look great. It was my first year managing the team, and it remains a mystery to many people how I managed to keep all the balls in the air I am proud to say I didnt miss a single county board meeting all year, and still did more than enough to get a call to teacher training. We lost all our early games that year, and a lesser man would have baulked. But I saw something in them and, I suppose it is fair to say, in myself too and, through judicious deployment of those twin interlopers, carrot and stick, I hauled, pushed, and hooshed them over the winning line. Last Sunday nights reunion was a huge success. The old boys look great. Some of them are well over 80 now, but I can still see the spark in their eyes. Next year will be a special year for us too the 50th anniversary of the first reunion in 1960. The bonds remain strong, though I have always noticed a certain latent competitiveness among some parties. It falls on me, of course, to ensure that no ego is allowed to go un-nurtured. Invariably, they turn to me to adjudicate. Noel, they say, youre the man who will know this the point Tony got against the Bealachs, and against the wind, in the county semi-final was he 30 yards out, or 60? I would never come down on one side or the other. Lads, I reply, what matters is how we remember it. Lets not get bogged down in trivialities. We needed that point, and, as I recall it, it was Tony who gave me the final pass for the goal just before half-time the one I got from 21 yards. I could see Tony swell with what looked like pride, but might also have been an untimely manifestation of the nervous twitch that has insinuated itself into his being these past few years. Great diplomacy is required the night of a reunion. Those were historic days in all our lives. They must be allowed to continue to nurse those warm memories, even Tony who, as I recall it, barely got a kick in that famous game against our nearest and dearest. Are the young men of today enjoying the game as much as we did? I certainly hope so. This year, while carefully plotting a path to the county championship, I remained ever mindful of the need to inject humour and excitement into our gatherings. Young people today are different to our generation. You have to show respect, particularly if you dont mean it. They are very astute at picking up on what you say and dont say. Praise is an extremely powerful weapon, it seems. The team of 59 wouldnt have heard a single word of commendation escape my lips during the whole year, and, frankly, would have been mildly embarrassed if I started to tell them they were making a contribution. Irish men were more awkward, interior types back then. If I had walked up to Jem or James from the 59 side, and said something like you played well, how did I play, they wouldnt know which way to turn. But thats by the by, too. The main news is that the reunion was a success. I know many of you were enquiring. Of course, next year we will also have the first reunion of the 09 team. Never a dull moment around Ballybore.
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Into The West - May/June 2013-Digital

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Vol 4.

Issue 7 May/June 2013

Exiles reach historic final

OFFICIAL GAA PUBLICATION

Leave the daft talk behind says Horan

Galway U-21 All-Ireland champions.

St Crans facilities officially opened.

CONNACHT SENIOR FOOTBALL SEMI-FINAL REPLAY

Photo: Barry Cregg / SPORTSFILE

Historic London march on

CONNACHT SENIOR FOOTBALL SEMI-FINAL REPLAY

to first Connacht decider

CONNACHT SENIOR FOOTBALL SEMI-FINAL

Gottsche in a race against time to be fit for Connacht decider

CONNACHT SENIOR FOOTBALL SEMI-FINAL (DRAWN GAME)

Conlon saves Leitrim blushes

CONNACHT MINOR SEMI-FINALS

Young Tribesmen ousted in extra-time

McGann shoots Rossies to win

CONNACT GAA WRITERS PERSONALITY OF THE MONTH AWARDS

More glory for London as players honoured by GAA Writers A

CONNACHT SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL

CONNACHT SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL

Mayo skipper Andy Moran. Photo: Paul Mohan / SPORTSFILE

CONNACHT SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL

Leave the daft talk behind,

By DECLAN RONEY Media West Ireland

Mayo manager James Horan urges his troops on.

CONNACHT SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL

Evans acknowledges gulf in class

Freeman makes his mark again

CONNACHT SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER-FINAL

Mayo duo star as London shock Sligo

claim biggest years

CONNACHT SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER-FINAL

Sligo ousted from Connacht championship by brave London

CONNACHT SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER-FINAL

Walsh insists Sligo weren't complacent

Collins sorry for outing native county

AROUND THE PROVINCE AROUND THE PROVINCE AROUND THE PROVINCE

Kearins set to be honoured

LIGO legend Mickey Kearins is to be immortalised in the form of a

Into the West

delivered through your own letter box, every time

CONNACHT FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER-FINAL

A professional hit as Mayo destroy Galway

Moran takes a giant leap

CONNACHT FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP QUARTER-FINAL

Horan: Were a force to be reckoned with

Mulholland left to pick up the pieces

Galway edge past Laois

LEINSTER SENIOR HURLING SEMI-FINAL

Tribesmen reach Leinster final after Glennon and Callanan goals

LEINSTER SENIOR HURLING SEMI-FINAL

Cunningham happy to see Tribe tested

ALL-IRELAND U-21 FINAL

Galway's top scorers

Galway youngsters crowned All-Ireland champions

Route to the U-21 title

ALL-IRELAND U-21 FINAL

Flynn happy with style of play

Curraoin over the moon