A reminder that our Darkness Into Light walk is going ahead at 4.15am tomorrow morning, May 10th. It is not an official Darkness Into Light event, however as always every cent raised will be going towards Pieta House. Thank you to all our volunteers who have made it such a success over the last couple of years and who are working hard to ensure the same again tomorrow. We look forward to welcoming a massive crowd at Monaduff in the morning for what is such a worthy cause.
ACFL Division 2
We played Ballymahon on Saturday evening last and held on for a 2-5 to 0-11 draw at the finish. We started brightly with a couple of points from Pauric Gill and a Martin Cassidy free for a foul on Gill, before Cassidy pounced on a breaking ball to first time an excellent strike into the net. Ballymahon came back after this and we led 1-2 to 0-4 at half time. The second half started well when Cassidy converted a penalty after Gill was taken down and we held a five point lead with ten minutes to go, after points from Cian Cassidy and a Martin free for a foul on Gill. Ballymahon brought it back level before another Cassidy free for a foul on Paul McGee nudged us back in front but Ballymahon came back upfield for the equaliser. There was one last chance for a winner but Cian Cassidy’s effort just trailed narrowly wide. The team and scorers were as follows: Podge Gill, Sean McKenna, Cian Murphy, Caelum McGee, Paul McGee, Aaron Quinn, Tom McGee, Mark Breslin, Kaelum Gill, Jamie Nertney, Pauric Gill (0-1), Kevin Whitney, Cian Cassidy (0-1), Kevin Whelan, Martin Cassidy (2-3, 1-0 pen, 3f). Sub: Cian Brady. Short a number of players for various reasons it was great to have Podge Gill and Cian Brady back out and performing so well. The next match is Division 4 this Saturday against Ardagh Moydow. Best of luck to the team and management.
Corn Hill Challenge
The Corn Hill Challenge is back this year after a hiatus of a number of years, this time in conjunction with Fr Manning Gaels, and kindly sponsored by Longford Precast. May 18th at 9am is the date and time for the big event, with the link for registration now on all our social media channels. Chipped time, T-shirt, medal and refreshments (kindly sponsored by ABC Childcare) all included. It is €35 to enter the 10-mile race, €25 for the 10k, €10 for the 5k and €5 for all U-16s.
Darkness Into Light
Fr Manning Gaels and St Helens are again running Darkness Into Light this year at 4.15am on May 10th at Monaduff. There is no registration needed. Donations on the day and there will be light refreshments in the clubhouse after.
Lotto
Our lotto draw took place in Quinn’s Bar, Drumlish on Monday last, May 5th. The Jackpot was €2,000
Thank you to all who support our lotto. The next draw will take place in The Mill Bar, Drumlish on Monday, May 19th. Please play again on Clubspot by selecting the Fr Manning Gaels option or from the usual ticket sellers.
Sympathy
The club extends its deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Mary Kate Lennon (Derryheelan), Anna Mai Fitzsimons (nee Reilly, formerly Townagh), and Cissie Larkin (Aughadowry) who all passed away recently. Solas na bhFlaitheas orthu
ACFL Division 2
We play Ballymahon in the next round of the league this Saturday in Monaduff at 7pm. We were awarded the points for the Killashee match which was due to take place last Sunday. Best of luck to the team and management. We wish Stephen Cosgrave a speedy recovery from the severe injury he sustained in the last Division 4 match against Ballymahon
Corn Hill Challenge
The Corn Hill Challenge is back this year after a hiatus of a number of years, this time in conjunction with Fr Manning Gaels, and kindly sponsored by Longford Precast. May 18th is the date for the big event, with the link for registration coming soon. Chipped time, T-shirt, medal and refreshments (kindly sponsored by ABC Childcare) all included. It is €35 to enter the 10-mile race, €25 for the 10k, €10 for the 5k and €5 for all U-16s.
Darkness Into Light
Fr Manning Gaels and St Helens are again running Darkness Into Light this year at 4.15am on May 10th at Monaduff. There is no registration needed. Donations on the day and there will be light refreshments in the clubhouse after.
Lotto
Our lotto draw took place in The ‘98 Bar, Ballinamuck on Monday last, April 21st. The Jackpot was €4,200. The numbers drawn were as follows:
7, 15, 19, 22
Congratulations to Samantha Tully, Lamagh, Newtownforbes who was our jackpot winner.
Thank you to all who support our lotto. Thank you to the ‘98 for the use of the premises and facilitating the draw. The next draw will take place in Quinn’s Bar, Drumlish on Bank Holiday Monday, May 5th. The Jackpot is now €4,200. Please play again on Clubspot by selecting the Fr Manning Gaels option or from the usual ticket sellers.
Scór Sinsir
Hard luck to our Question Time team of Pauric Gill, Joseph Gill, Ciaran Cooney and Gabriel Higgins who were in the All-Ireland final last Saturday in Castlebar and missed out on qualifying to the stage event.
Sympathy
The club extends its deepest sympathy to our senior manager Trevor Clendenning and family on the passing of Trevor’s grandmother, Edith. May she rest in peace.
New Arrivals
Congratulations to Sean Whelan and Rachel on the birth of their son, Tadhg. Congratulations to Padraig O’Neill and Ciara on the birth of their son, Cillian. We wish all a life of health and happiness.
ACFL Division 4
Well done to the reserve team and management who got the defence of their ACFL Division 4 league title off to a winning start after a 6-13 to 0-7 win over Ballymahon last Saturday. The teams were evenly matched early on but a goal on the stroke of half time from the impressive Aiden Gray, after an excellent Mark Hughes pass set the Gaels up for a comprehensive victory. The team and scorers were as follows: Cody Lee, Cian Murphy, Cian Brady, Tom McGee (1-0), Stephen Cosgrave, Caelum McGee (1-0), Kevin Whitney, Kevin Whelan (0-3), Petie Collum (1-0), Mark Hughes (0-2, 2f), Oisin Kane (1-0), Aiden Gray (1-3), Padraig O’Neill. Subs used: Sean Gibbons (0-1) for Petie Collum (inj), Declan Donnelly, Ryan Cowe (1-4), Nathan Maher, Cathal Quinn. We wish both Aiden Gray and Petie Collum speedy recoveries from the injuries they sustained in the match.
Corn Hill Challenge
The Corn Hill Challenge is back this year after a hiatus of a number of years, this time in conjunction with Fr Manning Gaels, and kindly sponsored by Longford Precast. May 18th is the date for the big event, with the link for registration coming soon. Chipped time, T-shirt, medal and refreshments (kindly sponsored by ABC Childcare) all included. It is €35 to enter the 10-mile race, €25 for the 10k, €10 for the 5k and €5 for all U-16s.
Darkness Into Light
Fr Manning Gaels and St Helens are again running Darkness Into Light this year at 4.15am on May 10th at Monaduff. There is no registration needed. Donations on the day and there will be light refreshments in the clubhouse after.
Lotto
Our lotto draw took place in The ‘98 Bar, Ballinamuck on Monday last, April 21st. The Jackpot was €4,200. Results are currently on the club website and social media and will be published in next week’s notes.
Thank you to all who support our lotto. The next draw will take place in Quinn’s Bar, Drumlish on Bank Holiday Monday, May 5th. Please play again on Clubspot by selecting the Fr Manning Gaels option or from the usual ticket sellers.
Scór Sinsir
Best of luck to our Question Time team of Pauric Gill, Joseph Gill, Ciaran Cooney and Gabriel Higgins who are in the All-Ireland final this Saturday in Castlebar
Packie Gorman RIP
Fr Manning Gaels was deeply saddened to learn of the passing of Club President Packie Gorman last week. Packie was a nippy, skilful corner forward who was a vital asset in our club’s 1953 Senior Championship and Senior League double success. He initially began his footballing career in the blue and gold of the Ballinamuck ‘98s, however, when that club dissolved in 1949, he quickly became a key man for the then-named Drumlish Young Irelands (Éire Óg). He was proudly responsible for the decisive goal which saw Young Irelands advance to the 1953 county final. Packie’s excellent performances for our club saw him rewarded with a call up for the county junior selection the following year. Unfortunately, as was all too common at the time, he joined the ranks of the emigrants and moved to England for a number of years. Upon his return he joined the newly-established Ballinamuck GFC and later played a crucial role in reuniting Éire Óg as Fr Manning Gaels, and remained an ardent supporter of his beloved maroon and gold throughout his life. Packie’s vivid memories of matches, club meetings, people and places were invaluable when publishing the recent history of the club. He was truly a well of knowledge and above all else, a thorough gentleman. To his family, neighbours and many friends we extend our deepest sympathy. Solas na bhFlaitheas air.
ACFL Division 2
We fell to a disappointing 3-16 to 3-9 defeat at the hands of Cashel on Saturday evening last in Monaduff. Gaels started brightly and led 1-3 to nil after 15 minutes with the points coming from Martin Cassidy frees for fouls on himself and Kaelum Gill, and the goal came from Pauric Gill. Misfortune then struck three times in as many minutes as we lost the influential pairing of JP Farley and Mark Breslin to injury and then Jamie Nertney was somehow sent to the line for an apparent second bookable offence. The sides were level 1-4 apiece at the break and on the resumption Pauric Gill put us one clear before a Martin Cassidy black card saw the Gaels temporarily reduced to 13. Cashel struck for two more goals during this period and led by seven, but Gaels battled back and came back to within one point with five minutes remaining. The scores in this period were thanks to Pauric Gill, Martin Cassidy frees for fouls on Gill, and two goals from powerful bursts upfield from Aaron Quinn, one of which went directly in and Kevin Whelan got a terrific flick to the other. However after this Cashel retained their composure and struck a couple of two-pointers and ran out comfortable winners in the finish. The team and scorers were as follows: Paddy Collum, Paul McGee, JP Farley, Sean McKenna, Caelum McGee, Aaron Quinn (1-0), Mark Hughes, Mark Breslin, Kaelum Gill, Oisin Kane, Pauric Gill (1-2), Jamie Nertney, Cian Cassidy (0-1), Kevin Whelan (1-0), Martin Cassidy (0-6, 6f). Subs: Leon McKeon, Kevin Whitney, Nathan Maher. Best of luck to the ACFL Division 4 team and management who start the league against Ballymahon this Saturday at 7pm in Monaduff.
Corn Hill Challenge
The Corn Hill Challenge is back this year after a hiatus of a number of years, this time in conjunction with Fr Manning Gaels, and kindly sponsored by Longford Precast. May 18th is the date for the big event, with the link for registration coming soon. Chipped time, T-shirt, medal and refreshments (kindly sponsored by ABC Childcare) all included. It is €35 to enter the 10-mile race, €25 for the 10k, €10 for the 5k and €5 for all U-16s.
Darkness Into Light
Fr Manning Gaels and St Helens are again running Darkness Into Light this year at 4.15am on May 10th at Monaduff. There is no registration needed. Donations on the day and there will be light refreshments in the clubhouse after.
Lotto
Our lotto draw took place in Dillon’s of Ballinamuck on Monday last, April 7th. The Jackpot was €4,000. The numbers drawn were as follows:
6, 14, 26, 30
There was no winner. The Jackpot is now €4,200!
The three €50 winners were:
Colin Hannify
Karen Townsend
James McQuade
Thank you to all who support our lotto. Thank you to Dillon’s for use of the premises, providing refreshments and facilitating the draw. The next draw will take place in The ‘98 Bar, Ballinamuck on Bank Holiday Easter Monday, April 21st. Please play again on Clubspot by selecting the Fr Manning Gaels option or from the usual ticket sellers.
ACFL Division 2
We followed up our win over Ballymore last week with a good 4-10 to 1-10 win over Sean Connollys in Ballinalee last Saturday. The sides were level coming up to half time, with the Gaels squandering a number of goal chances, but two majors from Pauric Gill and Jamie Nertney gave our side a commanding lead at the break. On the resumption Nertney ran through for another goal, and this was a lead the Gaels maintained until the finish. The team and scorers were as follows: Cody Lee, Paul McGee, JP Farley, Sean McKenna, Caelum McGee, Aaron Quinn, Tom McGee, Mark Breslin (0-1), Kaelum Gill (0-1), Oisin Kane, Pauric Gill (1-1), Jamie Nertney (2-0), Cian Cassidy (1-2), Kevin Whelan (0-1), Martin Cassidy (0-4, 1f). Subs: Sean Gibbons, Leon McKeon, Mark Hughes, Sean Hourican, Padraig O’Neill. Best of luck to the team and management as the play Cashel in Monaduff, this Saturday at 7pm. The club would like to wish a speedy recovery to Orrin Greene who sustained a bad injury recently
Scór Sinsir
Well done to our Quiz Team of Joseph Gill, Ciaran Cooney, Pauric Gill and Gabriel Higgins who came third in the Leinster final last Sunday in The Downs and now go forward as Longford’s sole representatives at the All-Ireland finals in Castlebar on April 26th. Hard luck to our Figure Dancers and Novelty Act who bth narrowly missed out
St Vincents Annual Monster Bingo
The Annual monster Bingo takes place on Sunday, April 13th in the ‘98 Hall in Ballinamuck at 3pm. There is €2,500 in prize money to be won as well as a monster raffle. Please support
Corn Hill Challenge
The Corn Hill Challenge is back this year after a hiatus of a number of years, this time in conjunction with Fr Manning Gaels, and kindly sponsored by Longford Precast. May 18th is the date for the big event, with the link for registration coming soon. Chipped time, T-shirt, medal and refreshments (kindly sponsored by ABC Childcare) all included. It is €35 to enter the 10-mile race, €25 for the 10k, €10 for the 5k and €5 for all U-16s.
Lotto
Our lotto draw took place in Dillon’s of Ballinamuck on Monday last, April 7th. The Jackpot was €4,000. Results are currently on the club website and social media and will be published in next week’s notes. Thank you to all who support our lotto. Thank you to Cathal for use of the premises, providing refreshments and facilitating the draw. The next draw will take place in The ‘98 Bar, Ballinamuck on Bank Holiday Easter Monday, April 21st. Please play again on Clubspot by selecting the Fr Manning Gaels option or from the usual ticket sellers.
Longford
Hard luck to Paddy Collum, Enda McGahern and the rest of the Longford team and management last Sunday on their extra-time defeat by Wicklow. Paddy had a terrific match with a number of goal-line clearances and excellent kick-outs. Best of luck to the squad as the now prepare for the Tailteann Cup.
Sympathy
The club extends its deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Agnes McNamara (nee Collum), who passed away recently. Solas na bhFlaitheas uirthi.
ACFL Division 2
We collected our first points of the new league campaign when registering a good 2-19 to 2-13 win over Ballymore in glorious conditions in Monaduff on Sunday last. Gaels started very well and raced to a 1-2 to nil lead early on, thanks to Martin and Cian Cassidy. We stayed in front until half time, with Mark Breslin and Kevin Whelan winning the battle for possession around midfield, and led 1-11 to 0-11. The scores came from Martin Cassidy frees for fouls on Cian Cassidy and Pauric Gill, Gill, Oisin Kane, Dean Cosgrave and five from the ever-dangerous Cian Cassidy. Great work from Paul McGee found Jamie Nertney on the edge of the square on the resumption and he made no mistake in planting the ball in the net. That, along with a neat Kane point saw the Gaels hold a commanding seven-point lead that was almost extended when Martin Cassidy just shot wide when going for goal. Ballymore came storming back and soon went into a one-point lead with two goals in rapid succession. However, the Gaels immediately restored their lead with two frees from Cassidy, both for fouls on Gill and they did not lose the lead again, as more points came from Nertney, Martin Cassidy and finally Cian Cassidy rounded off an excellent performance with the club’s first two-point score. The team and scorers were as follows: Cody Lee, Paul McGee, JP Farley, Sean McKenna, Dean Cosgrave (0-1), Aaron Quinn, Tom McGee, Mark Breslin, Kaelum Gill, Oisin Kane (0-2), Pauric Gill (0-2), Jamie Nertney (1-1), Cian Cassidy (0-7, 1tp), Kevin Whelan, Martin Cassidy (1-6, 5f). Subs: Sean Gibbons, Caelum McGee, Kevin Whitney. Best of luck to the team and management as the play Sean Connollys in Maguire Park, this Saturday at 7pm.
Scór Sinsir
Well done to our Quiz Team of Joseph Gill, Ciaran Cooney, Pauric Gill and Gabriel Higgins who won the Senior Scor Question Time on Thursday evening last in Pearse Park. We wish them, along with our Figure Dancers and Novelty Act, the best of luck in the Leinster Final this Sunday.
St Vincents Annual Monster Bingo
The Annual monster Bingo takes place on Sunday, April 13th in the ‘98 Hall in Ballinamuck at 3pm. There is €2,500 in prize money to be won as well as a monster raffle. Please support
Corn Hill Challenge
The Corn Hill Challenge is back this year after a hiatus of a number of years, this time in conjunction with Fr Manning Gaels, and kindly sponsored by Longford Precast. May 18th is the date for the big event, with the link for registration coming soon. Chipped time, T-shirt, medal and refreshments (kindly sponsored by ABC Childcare) all included. It is €35 to enter the 10-mile race, €25 for the 10k, €10 for the 5k and €5 for all U-16s.
Lotto
Our lotto draw took place in O’Reilly’s Bar, Drumlish on Monday last, March 24th. The Jackpot was €3,800. The numbers drawn were as follows:
4, 11, 12, 25
There was no winner. The Jackpot is now €4,000!
The three €50 winners were:
Gerard Canning
Paddy Maxwell
Brenda Rogers
Thank you to all who support our lotto. Thank you to Cathal for use of the premises, providing refreshments and facilitating the draw. The next draw will take place in Dillon’s of Ballinamuck on Monday, April 7th. Please play again on Clubspot by selecting the Fr Manning Gaels option or from the usual ticket sellers.
Longford
Best of luck to Paddy Collum, Enda McGahern and the rest of the Longford team and management this weekend in the Leinster championship against Wicklow. Well done to the Longford minors on their draw with Kildare at the weekend. It was great to see Alex Karytinos play a key role at corner back and well done also to Finbar Thomas who is on th panel.
Sympathy
The club extends its deepest sympathy to the family and friends of Kathleen Conroy (nee Gray, formerly Currabawn) who died in New York recently. Solas na bhFlaitheas uirthi
Scór Sinsir
Congratulations our Novelty Act and Figure Dancers who made it through to the Leinster final last Sunday. Hard luck to our Instrumental Musicians and Recitation who narrowly missed out. Best of luck to our Question Time team in the county final this Thursday.
Corn Hill Challenge
The Corn Hill Challenge is back this year after a hiatus of a number ofyears, this time in conjunction with Fr Manning Gaels, and kindly sponsored by Longford Precast. May 18th is the date for the big event, with the link for registration coming soon. Chipped time, T-shirt, medal and refreshments (kindly sponsored by ABC Childcare) all included. It is €35 to enter the 10-mile race, €25 for the 10k, €10 for the 5k and €5 for all U-16s.
Lotto
Our lotto draw took place in O’Reilly’s Bar on Monday last, March 24th. Results are currently on the club website and social media and will be published in next week’s notes.
Club Membership
Club Membership for the forthcoming year is now available. The cost is €50 for adults and €40 for students/OAPs. Membership is required for all playing members. Membership entitles you to attend monthly club meetings and if received before March 31st, entitles you to a vote at next year’s AGM, entry into the draw for All Ireland tickets and the chance to win a night away for 2 in Kilronan Castle. To pay please contact Registrar, Graham Lee or through the Clubspot app.
ACFL Division 2
The league got off to a disappointing start last Saturday when we were defeated 2-14 to 2-9 by Grattans. The team and scorers were as follows: Cody Lee, Paul McGee, Aaron Quinn, Seán Gibbons, Tom McGee, Kaelum Gill, JP Farley, Mark Breslin, Jamie Nertney(0-1), Dean Cosgrave(0-1), Cian Cassidy(1-0), Clayton Finn, Oisín Kane(0-1), Kevin Whelan (0-1), Martin Cassidy (1-5, 4f). Subs: Mark Hughes, Caelum McGee. The next round is this Sunday in Monaduff against Ballymore. Best of luck to the team and management.
Seán Donnelly RIP
Fr Manning Gaels was deeply saddened to learn of Seán Donnelly’s sudden passing at the weekend. Seán was a former player and served the senior club as Registrar between 2007 and 2010. He managed and was a selector for many teams and one notable success came as manager of the Division 3B team which won the league in 2009. Seán was manager of the side and it featured sons Declan and Seán junior in the half-back line as they defeated Colmcille, 1-5 to 0-6. Seán was also heavily involved with training teams at underage level, coaching at each age group from U-10 all the way up to Minor with St Vincents. He will perhaps be most fondly remembered in football terms as the coach of St Patrick’s NS Ballinamuck for many years, leading the school to a number of notable league and championship successes. Seán and his wife Phyllis were also very much involved in the formative years of the local lotto and were always on hand to assist the club in any way. Son Declan is a current member of the senior panel while also being responsible for doing statistics for team the past number of years. Seán junior is heavily involved with underage coaching with St Vincents. Seán was above all a gentleman and a community man who was deeply proud of the local area and we extend our deepest sympathies to his wife Phyllis, children Mark, Michael, Seán, Gerard, Declan and Martina, brothers Brian, sisters Annette and Chrissie, grandchildren, extended family and many friends.
Solas na bhFlaitheas air.
Scór Sinsir
Best of luck to our Novelty Act, Figure Dancing, Instrumental Music and Recitation Scór Sinsir competitors in the Leinster semi-finals this Sunday at 2pm in Wilkinstown, Co Meath.
St Vincents Annual Quiz
Thank you to all who supported the Table Quiz last Tuesday night in Cassidy’s. Thank you to Tom for his hospitality and use of the venue.
Get Well Soon
The club extends its best wishes to club great James Breslin who is recovering from illness at present. We look forward to seeing James out and about again soon.
Corn Hill Challenge
The Corn Hill Challenge is back this year after a hiatus of a number of years, this time in conjunction with Fr Manning Gaels, and kindly sponsored by Longford Precast. May 18th is the date for the big event, with the link for registration coming soon. Chipped time, T-shirt, medal and refreshments (kindly sponsored by ABC Childcare) all included. It is €35 to enter the 10-mile race, €25 for the 10k, €10 for the 5k and €5 for all U-16s.
Lotto
Our lotto draw which was due to take place on St Patrick’s Day was called off as a mark of respect to the late Seán Donnelly. Seán and Phyllis were very much involved with the lotto in its formative years. It will now take place in O’Reilly’s Bar on Monday, March 24th.
Club Membership
Club Membership for the forthcoming year is now available. The cost is €50 for adults and
€40 for students/OAPs. Membership is required for all playing members. Membership entitles you to attend monthly club meetings and if received before March 31st, entitles you to a vote at next year’s AGM, entry into the draw for All Ireland tickets and the chance to win a night away for 2 in Kilronan Castle. To pay please contact Registrar, Graham Lee or through the Clubspot app.
Longford
Best of luck to Paddy Collum, Enda McGahern and the rest of the Longford team and management this weekend against Wexford.
ACFL Division 2
The football season officially starts this weekend as we face Grattans in Dunbeggan in the first round of the league at 5.30pm on Saturday. Best of luck to the team and management.
Sympathy
The club extends its deepest sympathy to player Clayton Finn on the passing of his grandfather Seamus Finn recently. The club also extends its condolences to the McGoldrick family and our neighbours in Killoe GAA on the untimely passing of their stalwart clubman and former Chairman Jim McGoldrick. Solas na bhFlaitheas orthu.
Shane Lawlor RIP
Fr Manning Gaels was deeply saddened to learn of Shane Lawlor’s passing on February 15th. Shane helped coach with St Vincents and was always on hand to help fundraise for the Gaels. He was a community man through and through and our deepest sympathy is extended to his wife Orla, daughter Niamh, son Cian, parents Pat and Mary, sisters Louise, Nikki and Clodagh, brothers Cathal and Conor, extended family and many friends.
The club met with the Lawlor family last week to discuss the most regrettable circumstances of Shane’s untimely passing and how we as a club can work to ensure that such a tragic situation will never happen again.
We welcomed the arrival of a new AED for within the grounds of Monaduff Park last week and are forming a dedicated committee with the sole objective of maintaining the defibrillator every fortnight with a report to be submitted and discussed at every monthly executive meeting going forward. Thank you to those who have already volunteered to be part of this working group and if anyone else would like to be part of it, please contact any member of the executive.
We urge our fellow GAA clubs and all community groups who have AEDs to ensure this life saving equipment is regularly maintained in order to help prevent any similar tragedy from impacting your area.
We also look forward in time to erecting an appropriate memorial to Shane at Monaduff.
Go ndéana Dia trócaire ar anam Shane.
Scór Sinsir
Massive congratulations to our Scór Sinsir competitors who had a great night last Saturday in a packed Abbeylara. It was the most successful night the club ever had at Senior Scór with four titles won as well as the coveted Club of the Year for the sixth time, the first time in ten years. We progressed through to the Leinster semi-finals in the Novelty Act, Figure Dancing, Instrumental Music and Recitation and were unlucky in the Solo Singing and Ballad Group.
Our Novelty Act performing “The Nursing Home” was: Séamus Gallagher, Owen Brady, Anthony McKeon, Georgina Courtney, Brean Kane, Graham Lee, Mark Mulvaney and Michelle McNally.
The Figure Dancers who danced a High Cauled Cap were: Mairéad O’Reilly, Siobhán Gearty, Ciara Donnelly, Laura Murtagh, Amanda Duffy, Linda Ondze, Brooke Molloy and Breda Lynch.
The Instrumental Musicians were the Culliney brothers; Darren, Cathal and Liam and they played a jig and a selection of reels.
Siobhán O’Neill Donohue recited “At The State’s Expense”.
Antoinette McCormack sang “Grace” with music by Tom Cassidy.
and the Ballad Group was Tom Cassidy with his nephews Cathal and Liam Culliney and they sang “The Ferryman” and “Spancil Hill”.
Thank you to Lorraine Corrigan who organised it all on the club’s behalf and she was ably assisted by Von. Thanks also to Mary Gillooley who helped with the sketch and Mary Leonard who helped with the Figure Dancing. Best of luck to our Tráth na gCeist team of Joseph Gill, Gabriel Higgins, Pauric Gill and Ciarán Cooney who are in the quiz at the end of the month.
St Vincents Annual Quiz
The annual table quiz for St Vincents, which normally takes place around Christmast (postponed due to the Oskars) is this Friday, March 14th at 9pm in Cassidy’s Olde Village Inn, Drumlish. A table of four costs €40, and there are prizes for 1st, 2nd, 3rd as well as a raffle with loads of great prizes. Please come out and support, a great night’s craic is ensured as always.
Corn Hill Challenge
The Corn Hill Challenge is back this year after a hiatus of a number of years, this time in conjunction with Fr Manning Gaels, and kindly sponsored by Longford Precast. May 18th is the date for the big event, with the link for registration coming soon. Chipped time, T-shirt, medal and refreshments (kindly sponsored by ABC Childcare) all included. It is €35 to enter the 10-mile race, €25 for the 10k, €10 for the 5k and €5 for all U-16s.
Lotto
Our lotto draw took place in The Mill Bar, Drumlish on Monday last, March 3rd. The Jackpot was €3,600. The numbers drawn were as follows:
7, 22, 24, 25
There was no winner. The Jackpot is now €3,800!
The three €50 winners were:
Angela Leneghan
Beatrice Gill
Mickey Quinn
Thank you to all who support our lotto. Thank you Owen and Caroline for use of the premises, providing refreshments and facilitating the draw. The next draw will take place in O’Reilly’s Bar, Drumlish on St Patrick’s Day. Please play again on Clubspot by selecting the Fr Manning Gaels option or from the usual ticket sellers.
Club Membership
Club Membership for the forthcoming year is now available. The cost is €50 for adults and
€40 for students/OAPs. Membership is required for all playing members. Membership entitles you to attend monthly club meetings and if received before March 31st, entitles you to a vote at next year’s AGM, entry into the draw for All Ireland tickets and the chance to win a night away for 2 in Kilronan Castle. To pay please contact Registrar, Graham Lee or through the Clubspot app.
Night at the Oskars
Copies of the Oskar films are available for sale at €20. Please contact any member of the executive if you wish to purchase one.
Longford
Best of luck to Paddy Collum, Enda McGahern and the rest of the Longford team and management this weekend against Carlow.
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. There are also a limited number of special hardback copies of the book available. Please contact Pauric directly if you would like one. These books cost €60.