Féile Peil na nÓg (FÉ 14) at Claregalway
Six Group 1 games with Milltown, Mervue, Tuam Stars, Claregalway participating, the Shield semi-final Caltra V Lettermore and the ‘A’ semi-final Caherlistrane V Tuam Stars. This was the day’s programme at the Leisure Centre on Sat. May 3rd, followed by the Shield final Caltra V Glenamaddy and the ‘A’ final Caherlistrane V Salthill on Sun. May 4th. Claregalway was selected as the venue for this year’s finals.
Undefeated in their 3 Group 1 games, Claregalway were unlucky to be pipped by Tuam Stars for a place in the semi-final. The first game against Milltown was a draw, 1–2 each. Milltown scored a penalty early on and with only 15 minutes-a-half, we did well to recover from this set-back. Scorers: S.Cunniffe 1–0, C.Deeny, A.Watson, 0–1 each.
In the second round we beat Mervue by 2–4 to 1–1, all our scores coming from A.Watson. This set up an exciting situation for our Round 3 game against Tuam Stars. A win was essential for Claregalway, a draw would do Tuam Stars to get to the semi-final. Claregalway showed a return to their old form and took the game to Tuam from the start. We were 1–2 up after 5 minutes, the goal coming from A.Watson after a great run by T.Moran. We led 1–3 to 0–1 at the break. Claregalway continued to hold their own in the second half but Tuam began to press forward, scored a point and K. Moran was forced to bring off a fine save. Tuam were not to be denied; they broke through for a goal and followed up with a point to tie the match. All our team can feel proud of this display; Tomas Moran’s display deserves special mention. Scorers: A Watson 1–2, A.Greaney 0–1.
The excellent condition of the pitch, the new club centre, the Leisure Centre facilities and the work of the Committee were the main reasons for another fine success in the progress of Claregalway GAA club. Full credit is due to all concerned.
Sóisear: Junior A’s lost to Renvyle in the league 3–10 to 1–7. A first half goal was disallowed but a fine second half goal by Kevin McNamara put us back in the game with a chance. On the day, however, Renvyle were the better side. Junior 2’s drew with Clonbur in Clonbur, 0–6 each.
Mionúir
Claregalway 1–8
Oranmore/Maree 0–6
Claregalway 4–15
Carraroe 1–11
Following the first round draw with Salthill, our minors chalked up two emphatic wins as above. They dominated Carraroe from start to finish. Adrian Moran showed a good return to form and a brilliant second half goal by Jude Ainsworth was started by Derek Murphy in the full back line. County panelists P.Stephens, K.Watson, N.McGovern, A.Monaghan, D.Murray were always prominent.
FÉ 16
Claregalway 2–12
Carraroe 1–9
Oranmore/Maree 0–9
Claregalway 1–5
Claregalway 3–12
Salthill 2–4
After 3 straight wins in the league over Killanin, Spiddal and Carraroe, we lost to Oranmore/Maree by the narrowest of margins. Scores were level with 10 minutes to go. D.Noonan, J.P.O’Connell and F.Moore shone in the backs while up front our scorers were E.O’Connell (1–4) and J.Keogh (0–1).
Against Salthill it was a game of ‘two halves’. Salthill dominated the first half and led to 2–4 to 0–4. After retiring to the dressing room at half-time, Claregalway re-emerged in more determined mood and held Salthill scoreless for the second half.
To come: Claregalway V St.Michael’s at Westside, May 13th.
FÉ 14
We would have preferred an easier start to the league than to run up against Salthill in the first round played at The Prairie. Salthill dominated from the start, used the open spaces well and won easily.
We beat Moycullen at the Leisure Centre by 4–12 to 4–6. Missing several regulars, this was a good result and the replacements Damien Foy, Niall O’Shea and Alan Greaney fitted in well.
Bus transport for Galway v Mayo in Tuam, May 25th. The build-up to the big match has started. Mayo are 1996 All-Ireland finalists but they haven’t beaten Galway in the C.ship at Tuam for 46 years. We are arranging a bus for U14 and U12s (U10s if with parents).
Remember: For insurance, all players must be registered club members to comply with instructions from Croke Park. The fee is £1; contact Tony Stephens on Sunday mornings at the Leisure Centre.
S.Ó Flannagáin P.R.O.
