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.