Leinster Intermediate Club Championship 

Hard luck to the team and management who want down gallantly to Crettyard of Laois last Saturday in O’Moore Park on a 1-11 to 0-11 scoreline. The Gaels started the better and should have led at half time when instead it was level, 0-7 apiece. Playing some great football, Gaels created trouble with some excellent fast ball inside. It was level 0-3 each midway through the first half with points from Mark Hughes, Martin Cassidy (an excellent drilled score off the outside of the boot) and then Pauric Gill cut in from the wing for a point off his left. Gaels went 0-5 to 0-3 up on the twenty-minute mark when Mark Hughes launched a wonderful point from fifty yards off the outside of the boot, Martin Cassidy notched the previous score when Paddy Collum played a ‘45 short to him. Crettyard responded with a brace before Cian Cassidy was fouled and Martin struck the resulting free over. The first of two Gaels penalty calls were then denied when Pauric Gill took a late head hit when hitting the ball off the crossbar. Crettyard countered up the pitch to take the lead, but it was all square at half time when Cassidy fired over a free when industrious Mark Hughes was fouled. The critical score of the game came on the resumption, when Alex Whelan first timed a half volley to the net giving Paddy no chance. Cassidy responded with a free for a foul on himself from a tight angle. However, Crettyard extended their lead to four points midway through the second half, 1-9 to 0-8. Gaels kept at it and Martin Cassidy converted a free for a foul on Conor Keenan and then the latter curled over a magnificent effort from play with nine minutes to go. With only two in it and four minutes remaining, Darren Reilly stormed through the middle and slipped it to Cathal Quinn who went for goal, but a penalty was not given when his shot was foot blocked. In the ensuing goal mouth scramble Martin Cassidy was most unfortunate not to toe poke it to the net as his effort was somehow cleared off the line. Crettyard went back into a four-point lead as the game entered injury time. Pauric Gill raced through but was fouled and Martin Cassidy drilled the 14-yard free over the bar. There was one last chance to salvage a draw when Cathal Quinn was fouled, and Cassidy’s low drive was blocked on the line. Team and scorers: Paddy Collum, Paul McGee, Darren Reilly, Mark Hughes (0-2), Kaelum Gill, Aaron Quinn, JP Farley, Sean Whelan, Mark Breslin, David Collum, Conor Keenan (0-1), Jamie Nertney, Cian Cassidy, Martin Cassidy (0-7, 5f), Pauric Gill (0-1). Subs: Ryan Crowe for Sean Whelan (inj), Cathal Quinn, Kevin Whelan, Cian Brady. The year has now concluded for the team and the club would like to thank the panel of players and management team of Niall Sheridan, Sean Hynes, Graham Lee and Liam Lynch for their efforts all year. Thanks also to the people behind the scenes, Elaine McKeon (physio), James McCann (video), Declan Donnelly (stats), Ryan Francis (S&C), Sean McGovern (goalkeeping), Lorraine and Von for looking after the jerseys and food, and our kitman Gareth Donnelly who done a terrific job all year at all our training sessions and matches. Thanks to Thomas for looking after the pitches and Mike for co-ordinating the entire club effort. Thank you to all who sponsored the team in any way throughout the year, particularly our main sponsors, the Davis Brothers; Liam, John and Peter at Green Pasture Meats. Thank you to Peter Gill for sponsoring food for the team after the county final. We would also like to thank all our supporters and our loyal mascots, future Gaels stars: Paudie Collum, James Madine and Oisin Tobin! 

Lotto 

The lotto draw took place in Dillon’s of Ballinamuck on Monday last, October 28th. The Jackpot was €2,200. The numbers drawn were as follows: 

4, 9, 10, 11 

We had another jackpot winner. Congratulations to Elizabeth Farrell (Drumbad) whose numbers were drawn! 

Thank you to all who support our lotto. The next draw will take place in The ‘98 Bar, Ballinamuck on Monday, November 11th. The Jackpot is €2,000. Thank you Dillons for doing the draw and for use of the premises. Please play again on Clubspot by selecting the Fr Manning Gaels option or from the usual ticket sellers. 

 

Sympathy 

The club extends its sincere sympathy to the family and friends of Matthew Molloy (Crois Bothar) and Ethna Burbage (in her 104th year) who passed away last week. We also extend our condolences to the family and friends of our former coach PJ Carroll who died last week. PJ coached the team to the unique Leader Cup double in 1987. Solas na bhFlaitheas orthu. 

 

Our Club: The Fr Manning Gaels Story 

The Gaels history book can be purchased in Seamus Kane’s, Whitney’s, Kiernan’s, Drumlish Post Office and the shop in Ballinamuck or by contacting Pauric directly particularly if you want it posted. The book costs €50. 

 

Annual General Meeting 

The AGM takes place in Monaduff clubhouse at 8pm on Friday evening, November 22nd.  

Congratulations 

Congratulations to former player Richard Hannify and his wife on the birth of their son, Finn and to Darren Farley on his engagement to Sarah. Congratulations to player Dean Cosgrave and wife Maria on the birth of their daughter Cara. We wish health and happiness to all. 

Juvenile Final 

Hard luck to our juveniles who just came up short against Killoe in the ‘B’ Championship final on Sunday last, after a gallant comeback effort in the second half. Great credit to the team and management especially on the manner in which they never gave up despite trailing by seven points at one stage. We wish a speedy recovery to Brayden Francis, who had a terrific game, who suffered a nasty arm injury in the closing stages. 

U-21 Championship 

Best of luck to the U-21 team and management who start the ‘B’ Championship this Sunday, November 10th, at 2pm against Longford Slashers in Michael Fay Park.