AGM 2019
The AGM of Pádraig Pearses GAA Club took place last Friday evening in Ballymacward Hall. Chairman Adrian Queeney reflected on a busy year for the Club. He commended the Club’s Senior hurlers on defeating Cappataggle to win the delayed 2018 Senior Hurling League Final. He also commented on the great work is being done at underage level, with several Pearses teams reaching the latter stages of their championship.
There was a special mention for Pearses U14 hurlers, who won the A1 championship. The Chairman thanked the players, coaches, parents of juvenile players, his fellow officers and the various volunteers who give their time to ensure the smooth running of the Club.
Pádraig Pearses GAA ran two main fundraisers this year. The Golf Classic at Mountbellew Golf Club was sponsored by Oliver Laheen Plant Sales and Monaghan & Sons, Galway. Strictly Come Dancing in November was held at the Shearwater Hotel and sponsored by Mountbellew Fitness Centre. Both events were a great success and the club is grateful for the fantastic support from sponsors, ‘Strictly' dancers, sub-committees and the local community.
Also in November, the Club was delighted to receive the news about the success of its recent Sports Capital application where it received a grant of €69,759 towards Phases 2 and 3 of the Club Development Plan. The Sports Capital announcement was preceded with an award of a €10,000 Connacht Council Grant towards Phase 1 of the club development that took place at Ballymacward pitch in 2019.
Following the Treasurer’s report the election of officers took place, with Adrian Queeney stepping down as Chairman. The Club thanks him for his leadership and dedication in the role since 2016. Congratulations to Martin Barry who was named as the new Chairman for 2020. Shane Ruane will continue as Club Treasurer and Dorothy Scarry continues as Club Secretary. A full list of officers can be viewed on the Club website.
Sports Capital Grant Approved
We, at Pádraig Pearses GAA Club are delighted to announce the success of our recent Sports Capital Application where we have received €69,759 towards Phases 2 and 3 of our Club Development Plan. This development will take place in 2020. A special word of thanks to our local County Councillor Timmy Broderick, Denis Naughten TD and Minister Sean Canney TD for their representations on behalf of our club in relation to our Sports Capital Grant Application.
The Sports Capital announcement today was preceded yesterday evening with an award of a €10,000 Connaught Council Grant towards the Phases 1 club development that took place at Ballymacward pitch in 2019. It has been overall a very successful 13 months for the club with Leader, Sports Capital Funding and Connacht Council grant awards. Thank you to Frank Keane and GRD for assisting with our LEADER application towards Phase 1 and thanks to County Development Officer Tommy Kelly and Galway County Board for their support in our Connacht Council Application.
On a club level, thank you to our Club Development Sub-Committee of Chairperson Adrian Queeney, Secretary Dorothy Scarry, Treasurer Shane Ruane, Development Officer Maeve Parker, Assistant Chairperson Niall Barrett, Martin Barry, James Clancy and Noel Treacy for their work over the past 2 years to get this across the line. In addition, thank you to our Chairperson, Secretary, Treasurer and Development Officer for the time and dedication given towards the completion of all three very detailed grant application forms.
Finally, thank you to our Pádraig Pearses GAA family and the wider Ballymacward and Gurteen communities who recently participated in, organised and supported our Strictly Dancing Fundraiser last weekend. These funds raised are also going towards Phases 2-3 of our Club Development. Ní neart go cur le chéile.
U16s Go Down After 2nd Replay
Mullagh/Kiltormer 2-15 Pearses 2-11: Report by Martina Donnellan. In the third match of the U16 County Final hurling rivalry between Mullagh/Kiltormer and Pearses, it was a story of agony and ecstasy. Agony for the Pearses outfit and pure ecstasy for the Mullagh/Kiltomer lads. It took 200mins of hurling to separate both Pearses and Mullagh/Kiltormer in the U16 B1 hurling Final as Mullagh/ Kiltormer edged out Pearses in the last 10mins to win by 4 points. In fairness, no one deserved to lose and it wasn’t until the 51st minute when Mullagh/Kiltormer went ahead for the first time last night under lights in Killimor.
The result looked sealed with Pearses well in charge by half time as Luke Mitchell’s goal in first half stoppage time made it 2-8 to 1-6 at half time but Mullagh/Kiltormer came storming back to make a real fight of it in the 2nd half, particularly in the last 10mins. Luke Mitchell got Pearses off the mark with a trademark point within seconds of the throw-in and with 1:34 on the clock Cian Murphy had spilt the posts from play after Ethan Lally dispossessed his player and Ciano latched onto the loose ball. Dean Finnerty converted a free while Ethan Lally pointed after good work from Oisin Donohue and Paddy Kenny respectively. Finnerty converted another placed ball after a frontal charge by Brian Kelly on Callum Finnerty. Then Ciano landed a whopper of a sideline cut, Canning-like, from out near Ballymac to leave Pearses ahead 0-4 to 0-2 midway through the first half.
Pearses looked to be well in charge as Finnerty’s free was caught by Orin Burke playing in the unusual full back position, his clearance found Ciano who landed a whopper from midfield. Conor Dolphin had the legs on Oisin Donohue to fire over from out near the stand while Ciano converted his first free after the industrious Luke Mitchell was fouled. Mullagh/Kiltormer got 2 back after Cialan Tully fed Dolphin who pointed with ease and Dean Finnerty fired over his first from play to leave the minimum between the sides. The rest of the half belonged to the lads in black. Darragh Roche’s superb work won him a 65’ which Cian Murphy converted and Conor Kelly pointed from a good distance out after good work from Oisin Donohue and Darragh Roche across the field. Then came the first goal in a three goal feast before the break as Cian Murphy’s long clearance found Luke Mitchell in the corner and he threw across to Darragh Roche and BANG – the back of the net.
The joy was short lived though as Mullagh/Kiltormer responded immediately as Callum Kennedy fed Dolphin who fired past Harry Mitchell with 29mins on the clock. There was still time for another green flag before half time as Darragh Roche again was instrumental in the move and given Luke Mitchell was the last Pearses lad to get a touch on the ball, it was half stopped by Fionn Coen who fumbled the ball and it deflected off himself and into the net. It didn’t matter once the green flag was raised as Luke Mitchell gets the credit as the goalscorer to leave 5 points between the sides. Half time: Pearses 2-8; Mullagh/ Kiltormer 1-6.
Straight from the restart Luke Mitchell’s pointed effort went wide while the resultant puck out fell to Ciano who was floored and the loose ball was picked up by his marker Oisin Coen who pointed a whopper from a good distance. Darragh Roche responded with a lovely point after a good run down the stand side of the field. The match reached a climax as Pearses defence failed to clear and Dean Finnerty scored an explosive goal from a long distance out to fire them back into contention on 35mins. Conor Kelly scored his 2nd from play after Niall McDonagh passed to Ethan Lally who scooped the ball up nicely for Kelly to fire over and put 3points between them once again. Then Mullagh/Kiltormer enjoyed a purple patch as Dean Finnerty, Callum Kennedy and Finnerty again from play drew the game at 2-10 apiece on 50mins.
Oisin Coen’s 65’ put Mullagh/Kiltormer ahead for the first time on 51mins. Finnerty made no mistake with 2 frees to nudge Mullagh/Kiltormer 3 points ahead before Ciano clawed one back from a free after Orin Burke was dragged down. Cialan Tully from play and a Finnerty free towards the end was the insurance score for Mullagh/Kiltormer in this ding dong battle. Darragh Roche had a chance right at the death but was dispossessed after he found an opening in Mullagh/Kiltormer’s defence. In the end, time ran out as Pearses had tried their best, but just came up a tad bit short in the last 10mins. Final score: Pearses 2-11; Mullagh/Kiltormer 2-15.
In truth the three instalments between these 2 teams almost moved mountains. The Pearses historians will tell you how many County Finals involving Pearses at any level went to three instalments. I’d imagine there weren’t too many. This was like one of the soaps one didn’t want to miss. It attracted a massive crowd who were served up another feast of economical hurling – very few wides, massive sideline cuts from both teams, great block-downs, monster scores, plenty of timber and hunger and fight. It was just a pity there had to be a loser and it was a bigger pity that loser was Pearses. It was a lovely and fitting tribute as the Mullagh/ Kiltormer lads lined both sides of the exit to commend the Pearses lads as they left the field of play; they knew they had hard earned this one.
Well done to these Pearses lads for the commitment shown over a long season and the sacrifices made. There might be no silverware but it was just a pleasure to watch ye. Massive thanks to manager Tony Walsh for his lovely manner in dealing with these lads and to the management team of Eddie Mitchell, Declan Lawless, even if he was put outside the wire! and to Niall Skehill for their full scale commitment to this team. Thanks also to physio Alan Kelly who always makes himself available to give a helping hand.
Scorers: Cian Murphy 0-6 (2F; 65’; S); Luke Mitchell 1-1; Darragh Roche 1-1; Conor Kelly 0-2; Ethan Lally 0-1.
Panel: Harry Mitchell, Robert Hynes, Orin Burke, Niall McDonagh, Mark Donnellan, Brian Kelly, Oisin Donohue, Jack Reilly, Luke Mitchell, Ethan Lally, Cian Murphy, David Hillary, Darragh Roche, Conor Kelly, Paddy Kenny, Robert Fahy, Conor Moran, Eanna Cunniffe, Peter O’Neill, Oliver Laheen, Ronan Hynes, Anthony Feeney.
U16 Final Replay Level Again
Pádraig Pearses 2-9 Mullagh/Kiltormer 1-12: Report by Martina Donnellan. It was a bit like ‘Taken’ or ‘Double Jeopardy’ or one of those edge of the seat movies where the unexpected happens! Duggan Park, Ballinasloe was simply heaving last night. This U16 B1 replay was an almighty game of hurling that had a bit of everything served up in one dish - a No. 14 & No. 11 on fire, some splendid free taking, some great sideline cuts, guts, raw passion, mighty block-downs, fist pumps, full value for a fiver and even fired up managers which kept the average hurling fan on the edge of their seat for almost all the game. A draw match between both sides last Thursday, a minor match in between, a draw after full-time last night and a draw again after extra time in what was an exhibition in sheer intensity. Nothing could separate Pearses and Mullagh-Kiltormer U16’s for the 2nd time and what’s more, if either team had sneaked a win; it simply wouldn’t have been fair.
Needless to say, Tony Walsh and his management team knew they would need to tighten up their defence if they were to win the U16 B1 title. To help out the defence, the work-rate would also have to improve in the forward line. And so it did. From the off, the rise in intensity was clear. A young Pearses outfit showed great hunger and hooked & blocked anything that moved. The defence lorded by Brian Kelly, Oisin Donohue, Mark Donnellan, Jack Reilly, Robert Hynes & Paddy Kenny (1st half) ensured only a sole player scored for Mullagh – Kiltormer in the first half – Dean Finnerty while the workrate of Luke Mitchell, Orin Burke, David Hillary, Conor Kelly, Ethan Lally, Niall Mac & Darragh Roche was phenomenal.
The game was only 18 seconds old when Cian Murphy got ahead of his man to meet Orin Burke’s delivery and tap over. Immediately Mullagh –Kiltormer’s talisman Dean Finnerty equalised from play. Ciano put Pearses ahead again on 7mins through a free after he was fouled himself. This was quickly cancelled out by Dean Finnerty’s point from play. Finnerty’s free pushed Mull-Kill a point ahead through a free and Pearses received a let-off when Cillian Finnerty slipped the ball under Oisin Donohue; it found its way to the unmarked Ben Bleahen but luckily he failed to connect and his fresh air pull failed to trouble Harry Mitchell. Ciano’s free spilt the posts on 16mins after Darragh Roche was fouled. Then a whopper of a sideline from Cian Murphy was batted down by Paddy Kenny to himself and his ground strike whizzed right across the mouth of the goal. An exact replica followed moments later when Ciano’s sideline cut found Paddy and as he struck the ball on the bounce, this time it sailed over the crossbar.
Immediately down the other end, Niall MacDonagh made a vital blockdown at the opportune time and the danger was cleared by Oisin Donohue. Mark Donnellan conceded a 65’ when a high ball slipped through his fingers and Finnerty converted the 65’ to level matters on 22mins. Finnerty added two more before the interval; his first from play as he weaved through a number of Pearses backs and converted a free just before the break to leave the half time score: Pearses 0-4; Mullagh-Kiltormer 0-6 in a closely fought first half.
he 2nd half was only 30seconds old when a quickly taken free from Luke Mitchell was met by Ciano who turned his man and spilt the posts. Conor Dolphin responded with an effort from play and Finnerty landed three frees and a 65’ by 42mins to open up a 6 point lead, by far the widest margin of the game; 0-11 to 0-5 Mull-Kill in charge as things were looking despairing for the Pearses lads. Then Ciano came of age as Orin Burke and Conor Kelly did the grappling in the ruck and the loose ball was picked up by Ciano underneath the stand and his high lobbing ball provided the game’s first goal as he lobbed the goalie to an emphatic roar. This urged on the Pearses lads and renewed hope & vigour. Suddenly Pearses were back in it. Conor Kelly’s hard work won him the ball which he ran in towards the endline, crossed to Paddy Kenny whose sweet lift and strike and bang… the back of the net. Draw match 2-5 to 0-11.
Conor Moran had half a chance after Paddy Kenny did the donkey work but his effort went harmlessly wide while Finnerty’s pop from play also tailed wide. ??Cian Murphy pushed Pearses a point ahead from a free after the workhorse Luke Mitchell was fouled. Paddy Kenny had another goal chance on 50mins after Cian Murphy floated in another superb sideline which was batted out by a combination of Ciaran Craughwell in the Mull-Kill goals and a defender and fell nicely for Paddy whose ground stroke went the wrong side of the post. Finnerty had another effort for the lads in blue which hit the post with the rebound cleared by Niall Mac but only as far as their forward who struck over to level the game. With 60mins on the clock Conor Dolphin’s free tailed wide and it was like an apparition to see the man in white wave his arms to flag the wide. Conor Moran had an effort with the clock ticking down which dropped short while Finnerty’s effort from play was wide with 63mins on the clock. All eyes were on Gerry Hurley as the game entered its final plays and eventually he blew up with 64’ on the clock and so to extra time.
A quick re-group by both sides hardly left the faithful diehards time for a cuppa to warm one up before throw in once again. Pearses were quickest out of the blocks in extra time as Orin Burke fired over after Darragh Roche was involved in the build-up while David Hillary found Ethan Lally who was fouled & Ciano dispatched the free relatively easy. Ciano converted his 5th free 8mins into the first period of extra time after Robert Hynes scooped the ball up nicely for him to latch on to and his almighty whopper of an effort was batted out by the goalie but as Darragh Roche followed up the resultant play he was fouled in the process. Ciano took his time to take the free as he had to nurse a bit of cramp in the meantime such was the intensity of this game. A minute later, Mull-Kill eased through the centre of Pearses defence and handpassed to the unmarked Finnerty who scored a whopper past Harry Mitchell, his fists pumping as he ran back to his position. Then Rory Lyons had a go just before half time but thankfully again the ball sailed wide to leave the score at 2-9 to 1-12.
A short interlude and quick restart saw Finnerty shoot wide with another free while Cillian Finnerty’s effort landed in the safe hands of Harry Mitchell. Right at the end, Luke Mitchell ran through the heart of Mull-Kill and although he took a belt on the way, it looked like his effort sailed over but the umpire flagged wide. With Luke stranded on the ground, the ref went in to consult his umpires but upheld their ruling. With time up the ref blew for full time and so, yet another day out to see which team will prevail as U16B1 County final winners for 2019.
This was a classic and there’s no doubting that. If the next day serves up a similar feast, we could be set for another Meath-Dublin clash similar to 1991.
??Scorers: Cian Murphy 1-7 (0-5F); Paddy Kenny 1-1; Orin Burke 0-1. ??Panel: Harry Mitchell, Robert Fahy, Mark Donnellan, Oisin Donohue, Paddy Kenny, Robert Hynes, Jack Reilly, Orin Burke, Brian Kelly, Ethan Lally, Cian Murphy, David Hillary, Niall McDonagh, Luke Mitchell, Conor Kelly, Conor Moran, Eanna Cunniffe, Darragh Roche, Peter O’Neill, Oliver Laheen, Ronan Hynes, Anthony Feeney (extracted from programme) although the team lined out differently on the night.
Minors Exit at Semi-Final Stage
Tommy Larkins 5-13 Pearses 0-14. Tommy Larkins were deserving winners in today's Minor 'B' Hurling final, played in Loughrea. Their better ability on the day to put away goal chances was the difference. Whenever Pearses seemed like playing their way back into the game, Larkins undid that good work with goals at the other end.
Pearses without the services of Dean Reilly, took the lead from an early Oisin Flannery free, but two goals from Larkins in the 4th and 5th minute gave our lads hill to climb. Pearses responded well hitting three of the next four points of the game. Flannery on target from two frees and Luke Mitchell from play, 2-1 to 0-4 after 10 minutes.
The remainder of the half Larkins took control and scored 9 of the 10 points in this twenty minute spell. Cian Murphy landed Pearses' only point. The game could have been closer at half-time, but some scoring chances did go astray for our lads and Cian Murphy was denied by a fine save from the Larkins keeper. Half-time: Larkins 2-10 Pearses 0-6.
Pearses had a good start to the second half with five points in-a-row. Oisin Flannery showed great leadership from centre-forward, with all five points, three from play. Pearses were back in the game, with 40 minutes gone, 2-10 to 0-11. Flannery again, went low from a 21 yard free into the town end, but it was well saved on the line.
A goal at the other end after 42 minutes undid Pearses good work previous to that and even though Flannery hit back with a free, Larkins had the ball in the net again after 44 minutes, 4-10 to 0-12. The teams shared the next six points evenly, but Pearses needed goals. Despite their best efforts, they couldn't break down a solid Larkins backline. The final nine minutes of the game seen just one score, the fifth Larkins goal.
Pearses: Cathal Kitt; Eoin Lally, Niall Moran, Robert Hynes; Mark Hennelly, Jack Barrett, Brian Kelly; Geordan Kenny, Diarmuid Fahey; Luke Mitchell (0-1), Oisin Flannery (0-11), C Murphy (0-2); Ethan Lally, Shane Hynes, James Mitchell. Subs: Conor Moran.
All Square in U16 Final
Pádraig Pearses 1-16 Mullagh/Kiltormer 3-10 Report by Martina Donnellan. Pearses U16’s were the bridesmaids for the entire first half in Thursday evenings U16B1 County Final but overturned a 6point deficit at half time and deep into additional time it was the Mullagh/Kiltormer side who had to convert a late free to draw the game. It has been a remarkable journey for Tony Walsh’s youthful squad who on their way lost their first 3 games of the Championship and lost heavily to the aristocratic power of Mullagh/Kiltormer in the group game earlier in the year. In the end, nobody could question the merit of this draw. It was as exciting as you would get.
Both sides exchanged early frees, Cian Murphy scored the first of his 10 frees after Niall McDonagh was fouled and the lethal Dean Finnerty converted for Mullagh/Kiltormer. Ethan Lally then went on a blazing run on the right flank but hit the side net. Orin Burke’s delivery into the corner was picked up by Ciano but he struck wide from play. Conor Kelly supplied the tonic as Luke Mitchell got on the end of a nice sideline cut floated into the danger area by Cian Murphy and although his goal attempt was blocked, Conor Kelly whipped on the loose ball to find the net. Immediately Mullagh/Kiltormer responded with a Conor Dolphin effort from play to leave Pearses in front 1-1 to 0-2 after 8 mins.
For the remainder of the half, Mullagh/Kiltormer were in commanding form. A long delivery from Cillian Finnerty hopped nicely for Dean Finnerty who whipped on the bouncing ball to drive past Harry Mitchell in goals. Both teams traded frees again; first Cialan Tully for Mullagh/Kiltormer and Cian Murphy for Pearses after he was fouled himself. Tully & Dean Finnerty added further frees while Ciano landed a whopper of a point from out near the stand side of the field. Mullagh/Kiltormer went 5 points ahead as Robert Hynes’ clearance was blocked down and while the ball was sent into the danger area Dean Finnerty again latched onto a delivery sent in and he beat a combination of defending from Brian Kelly & Mark Donnellan to lash home his 2nd goal and put them well in charge 2-5 to 1-3 on 17 mins.
Cian Murphy added his 3rd free after Ethan Lally was fouled and although Conor Dolphin who had been given the advantage by the ref put wide from play with three Pearses lads hanging off him, the ref awarded the free which was duly tapped over from an easy position by Finnerty. Luke Mitchell who worked tirelessly all through, flicked the ball nicely to Paddy Kenny who scored a lovely effort on the run with 27mins played. Luke Mitchell again in the thick of the action, passed to Paddy who in turn found Ethan and as Lally accelerated with space opening up for him, he was dragged back and Ciano converted his 4th free from close range to bring it back to a 3 point ball game.
It looked like Pearses were slowly clawing back the lead when another massive blow came just before half time. The ball broke in midfield and the delivery found Mullagh’s talisman Dean Finnerty who still had a lot of work to do to beat his marker Brian Kelly but he shook off the tackle and blasted confidently to the roof of the net to leave Pearses with an uphill climb in the second half. Half time: Mullagh/Kiltormer 3-6; Pearses 1-6. ??
Dean Finnerty pointed another free straight from the restart and suddenly a 7 point gap opened up. Then a long delivery was half won by Ciano, spilled to Orin Burke who found Paddy Kenny and he turned over a lovely point. Finnerty missed two points, one from play & uncharacteristically missed a free to give Pearses some hope. Orin Burke’s long delivery into the square found Murf who went for the jugular but saw his effort saved and as Darragh Roche latched onto the loose ball, he appeared to have won a 65’ but the ref awarded a free out instead. In the next 6mins Ciano converted 4 frees as Orin Burke & Luke Mitchell respectively were both fouled twice.
Suddenly, it was a 2 point ball game with 41 mins gone. Pearses seemed to have weathered the storm when Conor Kelly pulled it back to 1 point as Orin Burke won the ball in a shemozzle and found Kelly with the pass. Cian Murphy seemed to have levelled matters with a long distance effort from midfield but the ball tailed wide. With an incredible Pearses finish, Ciano drew the game with his 9th free after Luke Mitchell was fouled in a run through the centre and Ciano made no mistake with the resultant free on 47mins. A Dean Finnerty free pushed Mullagh/Kiltormer ahead by one and then Pearses received a let-off as Cian Daly throttled up the stand side of the field but his effort from an acute angle whizzed right across the face of goal. Finnerty converted another free to push Mullagh/Kiltormer 2points ahead while Ciano was wide with a free up the other end.
Great work from Conor Kelly underneath the stand saw his delivery cleanly fetched by Orin Burke whose over the shoulder effort sailed neatly over to set up a marathon finish with 53 mins played. ??Orin Burke then with two lads on him did well to win the ball, run towards the end line drawing 3 players on him and somehow managed to get the pass out to Paddy Kenny who went for goal but was fouled in the process and Cian Murphy converted the free to draw up the game 3-9 to 1-15. Pearses took the lead for the first time since the early exchanges of the game as Darragh Roche accepted Orin Burke’s pass and worked his way into a scoreable position on 57mins.
Paddy Kenny had a pop from a difficult angle but his effort went wide, just as good as a score if they could keep the Mullagh/ Kiltormer lads from getting on the ball. Ciano who was now deployed in the half back line sent in a long clearance which was well fetched by Luke Mitchell who found David Hillary who in fact did a lot of donkey work around midfield/ half forward line throughout the game with some great blocks, hassles and harries. David went for goal when the point might have been the easier option. With 61.22 on the clock Mark Donnellan fouled and Finnerty made no mistake with the resultant free to tie the game up at 1-16 to 3-9. With 63 mins gone Finnerty had a pop at goal but his effort was well blocked down by Luke Mitchell and so the incredible contest finished level: Pearses 1-16; Mullagh/ Kiltormer 3-9. ??
In the end it was great for both teams to snatch a draw in what was an almighty Pearses comeback spearheaded by some perfect free taking by Cian Murphy. It was really in the 2nd half that Pearses hit form and well eclipsed their first half display. Both teams meet for the replay fixed for Monday night under lights in Duggan Park, 8pm throw in.
Scorers: Cian Murphy 0-11 (0-10f); Conor Kelly 1-1; Paddy Kenny 0-2; Orin Burke 0-1; Darragh Roche 0-1.
Team: Harry Mitchell, Robert Fahy, Mark Donnellan, Oisin Donohue, Paddy Kenny, Robert Hynes, Jack Reilly, Orin Burke, Brian Kelly, Ethan Lally, Cian Murphy, David Hillary, Niall McDonagh, Luke Mitchell, Conor Kelly, Darragh Roche, Conor Moran, Eanna Cunniffe, Peter O’Neill, Ollie Laheen, Ronan Hynes, Anthony Feeney. (Taken from the match programme although the team did not line out as such)
Minors into Semi-Finals
Padraig Pearses 1-14 Moycullen 0-15. Our Minor hurlers are through to the Championship Semi-Finals after a hard fought and narrow win over Moycullen this afternoon played in the sunshine in Carnmore. Moycullen dominated the early exchanges, but a Cian Murphy goal brought Pearses back into the game midway through the first half. Scores in the first half from Mark Hennelly, Dean Reilly and Oisin Flannery (frees) along with the goal, took Pearses to half time with a narrow lead 1-6 to 0-8.
Moycullen scores all coming from their full forward line, 5 from play and 3 from frees. In the second half the sides were level on five occasions. Two points from Flannery from placed balls, were cancelled out by three points from the impressive Moycullen corner-forward. Further scores from Hennelly, Murphy and Reilly saw Pearses over the line 1-14 to 0-15.
Pearses: C Kitt, E Lally, N Moran, R Hynes, B Kelly, J Barrett, M Hennelly (0-3), D Fahy, C Murphy (1-2), G Kenny, O Flannery (0-7), D Reilly (0-2), L Mitchell, S Hynes, J Mitchell, E Lally, C Moran.
Senior C'ship Round 5
Pádraig Pearses 0-13 Oranmore-Maree 0-13: This was a good performance from our Seniors in their final game of the season played at Duggan Park yesterday afternoon. Pearses led 0-13 to 0-9 with 43 minutes played, but Oranmore-Maree hit the final four points of the game to sneak the draw. Pearses were unlucky not to hold on for the win, considering several questionable decisions were called against them.
The equaliser came in the second minute of injury time from Sean McInerney to earn the draw for Oranmore-Maree. As a result, they are promoted to Senior ‘A’ for 2020. Craughwell, who defeated Athenry in their final group game, also finished on 8 points in the group, but miss out on top spot on the head-to-head rule. Oranmore-Maree defeated them in their earlier meeting in the group.
Pearses had the better start in this game and left by 0-5 to 0-3 after 15 minutes. Their well organised and hard-working defensive formation was working to good effect and they had the edge on their opponents. Oisin Flannery (2 frees), Tomas Flannery, Enda Cunniffe and Ronan Bellew were the Pearses scorers. Niall Burke (2) and Gearoid McInerney for Oranmore.
There were goal chances too, Pádraic Keane had the ball in the net for Oranmore-Maree, but it was disallowed for over-carrying. Dean Reilly had an early chance, when he pulled first time on a breaking ball from a long delivery by Fearghal Flannery, but his shot flew wide. Ronan Bellew had his goal-bound shot blocked out for a 65', which Oisin Flannery pointed.
The second quarter produced the same amount of scores for each team, Pearses added 0-5 and Oranmore-Maree 0-3 to their tallies. Kerrill Hardiman, Fearghal Flannery (2 frees), Conor Fahey and Tomas Flannery. Two Niall Burke frees and a point from Ross Malone were the Oranmore-Maree responses. Pearses went in at the break 0-10 to 0-6 and were full value for that lead.
Oranmore-Maree were slow to return to the field for the second half, but started well when they did. Niall Burke was the scorer of their first two points. The next four points of the game were shared between Burke and Oisin Flannery (3), all frees. Pearses took a 0-4 lead into the last quarter of the game, but Oranmore-Maree hit the final four points of the game.
Pádraig Pearses: F. Flannery (0-2 frees); D. Wynne, T. Kenny, R. Lally; E. Cunniffe (0-1), R. O’Neill, K. Donnellan; K. Hardiman (0-1), C. Fahey (0-1); S. Hardiman, T. Flannery (0-2), G. Lally; O. Flannery (0-5), R. Bellew (0-1), D. Reilly. Subs used: J. Gelston, E. Ward, R. Flannery. Oranmore-Maree Scorers: N Burke (0-10), S McInerney (0-1). G McInerney (0-1), R Malone (0-1).
U12 Hurling Final 2019
Report by Martina Donnellan. Ballygar proved too strong for Pearses in Saturday morning's U12 hurling final played in Mountbellew. Ballygar seemed physically dominant over Pearses and opened strongly registering two goals in the first 10 minutes from which Pearses never bounced back. In truth, Pearses never really got going. It was probably one of their most lethargic performances all year but that said, they were closed down very quickly by a rampant Ballygar side.
Ballygar goaled straight from the throw-in and although Darren Moran made a good double save in goals, somehow Ballygar poked the ball over the line. David Walsh was wide from play but converted when asked moments later. James Queeney had a good run down the sideline but as he cut in across the end-line, his effort hit the side net. It was tit for tat for a short while until Ballygar completely took over. Their second goal arrived on 10minutes following a sideline cut and although the first attempt from Dan Kelly was blocked by Darren Moran, Eoin Naughton goaled the rebound. A long free from the back from Padraic Kelly into the square, was whipped on by Ross Lally but his effort went across the face of goal.
Eoin Naughton converted a free for Ballygar while David Walsh pointed after he ran on to a Cian Burke free from defence. With 15mins gone the smallest man on the field Joe Mullin for Ballygar passed to Luke Lohan who hammered home his 2nd goal and Ballygar’s 3rd to make it 3-1 to 0-2. Diarmuid Ryan was wide from play while Jonah Donnellan converted a free after Ballygar over-carried. Harry Holmes tapped over a point from play to extend Ballygar’s advantage. As the teams broke for half time Ballygar enjoyed a comfortable lead on a score line of 3-2 to 0-3.
On the resumption of play you could sense that Pearses knew that it was now or never for them as they threw everything into hauling back the lead, but Ballygar boxed clever. Pearses had a few goalmouth shemozzles but nothing prevailed while up the other end, Eoin Naughton pointed from play. Patrick O’Neill was fouled and his free was mis-hit and fell to Jonah Donnellan who was also fouled in the process while his effort was converted to make it 3-3 to 0-4. Joe Mullin, the smallest lad on the field & Coltan Rabbitte converted a free apiece to extend Ballygar’s advantage to 3-5 to 0-4. Darren Moran’s clearance from the goal line then appeared to be controlled nicely by Jonah Donnellan, only for his man to rob the ball and hit it straight over as Ballygar were certainly enjoying the last quarter while Pearses were struggling to make an impression with the game running wildly away from them. ??
Ballygar’s dominance prompted further pressure which manifested itself in two successive points from their star player No. 9 Eoin Naughton, one from play & a 65’ which he converted after James Queeney had no choice but to concede the 65’. Padraic Kelly picked up a loose ball and fired over from a good distance out but it was immaterial at this stage. Ballygar converted a 65’ in the last puck of the game as Pearses could get no closer. In the end the whistle was sweet music to both sides as it stopped the rot for the Pearses lads as the Ballygar lads deservedly celebrated their County Final success. Final score: Pearses 0-5; Ballygar 3-9.
Panel: Darren Moran, Conor Hillary, Dillon Roche, Kyle McDonagh, Padraic Kelly, Cian Burke, Jonah Donnellan, James Queeney, Conor Walsh, David Walsh, Ross Lally, Diarmuid Ryan, Cathal Hynes, Patrick O’Neill, Jamie Nutley, Brián Thompson, Ciarán Hogan, Fionn Donohue, Daniel Lydon, Niall Grady, Ross Laheen, Tommy Nutley, Sean Kelly, Eoghan Ryan, Alan Burke, James Feeney, Dylan King.
Thanks to this group of lads for their efforts all year and their mentors: Michael Kelly, Adrian Queeney, Paul Hogan, Larry Hillary & Kevin Ryan for the hours of hurling undertaken. It might not have ended as one would have liked, but there’s much more learning in losing than winning and there’s always next year.
U16s Qualify for Final
Pearses 1-14 Annaghdown 1-7: Report by Martina Donnellan. Pearses U16’s were on a high after beating Annaghdown in the U16 B1 semi-final in Ballinasloe under lights yesterday evening in a tough, physical battle and now turn their attentions on the winners of Mullagh/ Kiltomer vs Sylane which is to be played next week. This game had a bit of everything: red cards, yellow cards, some woeful shoulders, disallowed goals, some atrocious wides, some splendid scores, some great blockdowns..… everything that keeps a game alive.
In the end Pearses put the Annaghdown side to the sword but not as the final scoreline suggests and by God did they pay for it as there was no timber spared throughout by either side. Pearses 1-14; Annaghdown 1-7. Annaghdown were off the mark early with three points; two from play; the pick of them from near the sideline on the stand side of the field and a free to put them 0-3 to 0-0 ahead on 6mins. Luke Mitchell opened Pearses account on 11mins with a hard earned point which he threw over his left shoulder and helped to kickstart the Pearses lads into action. Niall Mac scooped the ball nicely into Orin Burke and as he throttled forward, space opened up for him and he passed to the unmarked Conor Kelly who threw over a lovely point. Annaghdown missed four scoreable frees in this spell to keep Pearses well in touch while Cian Murphy was wide from play after he gathered a pass from Robert Fahy.
The breakthrough came on 22mins when Cian Murphy’s long delivery was sent into the danger area where Luke Mitchell went to contest the ball, only to be dragged back by his man and following consultation with his umpires, the ref awarded a penalty which Ciano dispatched with ease. Immediately up the other end, No. 15 for Annaghdown went on the rampage down the stand side of the field, cut in across the goals and with Jack Reilly, Robert Hynes and Oisin Donohue on his tail, he had little room to swing the hurl and kicked over the crossbar instead. It could easily have dipped under. Cian Murphy converted a free after Niall McDonagh was fouled while up the other end a sloppy clearance fell to an Annaghdown player who added another point.
Before Annaghdown had time to regroup, Ethan Lally scored a splendid point from a good distance out as he showed great side steps in the process. In the closing stages of the first half, Pearses’ hit a 4 point blitz to Annaghdown’s solitary point. Ciano converted a free after Luke Mitchell was fouled while Murphy scored three beauties on the trot after Ethan Lally, Paddy Kenny and Conor Kelly respectively set him up while No. 15 pointed from play for Annaghdown to leave the score at half time: Pearses 1-8; Annaghdown 0-6.
The second half was only seconds old when Luke Mitchell pointed his 2nd of the night, taking a slap in the process but the ref waved play on allowing him the advantage. Annaghdown lifted the siege with a great goal kicked to the net after a defensive slip up to give them some hope. Then Harry Mitchell made a splendid save from No. 9 who sent in a high lobbing ball which seemed to tail over the bar but Harry appeared out of nowhere to make a splendid save and keep the ball from crossing the end line in the process. The reprieve was brief for Annaghdown as they failed to convert a 65’ and Pearses added two further points through Luke Mitchell and Cian Murphy who received the applause of the night which his effort deserved. Niall Mac flicked the ball to him and with explosive speed he burst through 5 players before firing over a sublime effort. Then came the best passage of play from the Pearses lads as Brian Kelly, Ethan Lally and Luke Mitchell combined for Cian Murphy to send in the final delivery and while Conor Kelly’s whipped effort on the edge of the square was drowned out; Niall McDonagh stole in on the
corner back with a courageous blockdown, picked up the loose ball and as he went for the jugular the Annaghdown goalie turned the ball out for a 65’ which Ciano converted to make it 1-12 to 1-6. With 5mins to play there was a ‘big call’ by the ref. Annaghdown were awarded a close range free which resulted in a goal but Harry wasn’t long bringing to the attention of the ref that the free taker fouled the ball as he mishit on the first take. After due consideration with the umpires the goal was disallowed which eased any Pearses nerves.
Annaghdown converted a free to reduce the margin to 5 points but then late in the game as Annaghdown’s frustrations were apparent, their No. 5 saw red for a pull straight across Cian Murphy. Pearses pulled away in the final few minutes. Niall Mac fed Oisin Donohue who started at corner back and got forward for a rare point while Cian Murphy finished the rout when he capitalised on a short puck and hit the range with his 5th point from play to wrap up the game on a scoreline: Pearses 1-14; Annaghdown 1-7. So a County Final awaits these boys against the winners of Mullagh/ Kiltomer vs Sylane.
Scorers: Cian Murphy 1-8 (1-0 Pen; 0-2F; 0-1 65’); Luke Mitchell 0-3; Oisin Donohue 0-1; Ethan Lally 0-1; Conor Kelly 0-1.
Panel: Harry Mitchell; Oisin Donohue, Mark Donnellan, Jack Reilly, Paddy Kenny, Robert Hynes, Robert Fahy, Brian Kelly, Cian Murphy, Niall McDonagh, Orin Burke, David Hillary, Conor Kelly, Luke Mitchell, Ethan Lally, Oliver Laheen, Peter O’Neill, Conor Moran, Eanna Cunniffe, Darragh Roche, Ronan Hynes, Anthony Feeney.
Senior C'ship Round 3
Pearses 0-14 Beagh 2-5: Our senior hurlers recorded their second Championship win of the season as the Senior ‘B’ Championship returned after the summer break today in Kenny Park. Heavy showers before the game and at half-time, along with the strong wind, made conditions difficult for both teams. Pearses played with the wind in the first half and made the advantage count, taking an eight point lead into the break. Beagh battled hard to reduce the deficit and two late goals reduced the gap to three points, but Pearses’ had the overall edge on their opponents and they came away with this Round 3 win.
Kevin Keehan gave Beagh the lead from a pointed free in the first minute, before Tomas Flannery levelled two minutes later. There was a half chance of goal for Pearses as Flannery soloed through the middle of the Beagh defence, but good defending cut off his options. Jimmy Gelston and Padraic Landers added a point apiece from play for each side as the game entered the 11th minute, 0-2 each.
In the remaining 20 minutes of the first half Pearses dominated the game, outscoring Beagh by 0-9 to 0-1. This spell was put Pearses in the driving seat and would leave Beagh chasing the game in the second half. Ronan Bellew (3), Flannery (2), Cyril Donnellan (2), Sean Hardiman and Dean Reilly were the Pearses scorers. The pick of the points from a tight angle in the scoreboard corner by Tomas Flannery. A Kevin Keehan free was Beagh’s only response, as they struggled to get any shots on target against the wind, blowing diagonally downfield. Pearses threatened a goal late in the first half, as Flannery again cut through the Beagh defence, his offload to Gary Lally didn’t go to hand and allowed Beagh to close the angles. Half-time: Pearses 0-11 Beagh 0-3.
The second half was a low-scoring affair, Pearses like Beagh stuggled against the wind, also hitting just 0-3 points into the town end. Beagh were wasteful at the other side, as they made little headway against a compact Pearses defensive unit. The scoreboard seen Pearses lead 0-14 to 0-5 as the game entered the last five minutes. Flannery and Bellew had added to their personal tallies for Pearses, Bellew finishing the game with an impressive 0-5 from play.
A high ball into the Beagh full-forward line was won by Joe Gantley and he bore down on Fearghal Flannery’s goal before blazing the sliotar to the net. Six points between the teams, 0-14 to 1-5. Three minutes later and Beagh’s county man Adrian Touhey hit a low shot from 25 yards, through a forest of legs, to the back of the Pearses net with just a minute left. Referee Ogie Moran played 4+ minutes of injury time, but the scoreboard keeper was not called into action. Pearses were over the line by three points.
There are two rounds of group games remaining, next up for Pearses is Craughwell and then Oranmore-Maree. Athenry currently top the table with 5 points, while Oranmore-Maree, Craughwell and Pearses are all on 4 points. The top team advances to preliminary quarter-finals, with second and third placed teams going into the Senior ‘B’ play-offs.
Pearses: F Flannery; K Donnellan, T Kenny, R Lally; E Cunniffe, C Donnellan (0-2), D Wynne; R O’Neill, C Fahey; S Hardiman (0-1), T Flannery (0-4), G Lally; D Reilly (0-1), J Gelston (0-1), R Bellew (0-5). Subs used: O Flannery, C Ward.
Beagh Scorers: K Keehan (0-3), A Touhey (1-0), J Gantley (1-0), P Landers (0-1), A Diviney (0-1).
Referee: Ogie Moran.
U13s Exit in Semi-Final
Kilconieron stormed into the U13B County final yesterday evening with a superb second half demolition of Pearses as both teams pretty much cancelled each other out in the first half as both sets of supporters warmed to the hurling show on display. It was a superb first half by both teams with some fine running, turnovers from Anthony Feeney, Cian Burke, Padraig Kelly, Dylan Roche & James Queeney & some great scores. However, Pearses were unable to maintain the momentum and Kilconieron kept them scoreless in the 2nd half. The match-ups were always going to be interesting in this one as Conor Hillary at midfield marked his first cousin Eoghan Mulleady on the Kilconieron side while the relationship was forgotten about for a while as timber was let fly.
Jonah Donnellan got Pearses off the mark on 4mins with a perfectly executed free as Donnellan, Cilly Fahey & the tanned David Walsh were all involved in play resulting in a foul on Fahey which was duly tapped over. Kilconieron levelled matters with a superb point from play out near the trees on the sideline. Kilconieron shot into a 3 point lead on 7mins with a smashing goal from Stevie Keane, nephew of the legendary Johnny, Vinnie & Therese Maher as he wiggled loose from a goalmouth scramble with the ball tightly clutched and smacked home a great goal. Pearses responded well as Diarmuid Ryan pointed from play.
Then Dara Scarry goaled a whopper for Pearses as Donnellan originated the move involving Fahey & Conor Hillary whose crossfield pass found Dara Scarry who took a step or two before steadying himself as he lashed to the net on 8mins. Kilconieron restored parity almost immediately as their striker ran up the flank and hit from a good distance out as the ball landed on the roof of the net on its way over the crossbar.
Stevie Keane then scooped over a lovely effort from play as he got ahead of his man and made little of the effort. Then the hosts goaled again from which they never looked back as young Darren Moran made a great save in the big goals but the loose ball fell to Kilconieron’s lurking forward whose ground stroke found the net to put them in the driving seat 2-3 to 1-2 in charge. Cilly Fahey’s effort just had the legs to carry over as he got on the end of Harry’s Mitchell’s free from his own half and throttled forward before finding the net.
Darren Moran made another good save for Pearses but as the backs conceded a 65’ it was quickly taken, found a man unmarked and he scooped over another point. The last point of the half came Jonah Donnellan’s way and although he had fallen to the ground managed to scoop the ball on his knees, lift himself up and throw over from a long way out to leave the score at half time: Pearses 1-4; Kilconieron 2-4.
Immediately on the resumption, Kilconieron added to their tally with another point from play. Then Cilly Fahey went on a mesmerising run, pure Kevin Broderick style, as he flicked the ball on two occasions over the heads of oncoming defenders but worked himself into an acute angle - it was a big ask to go over but surely would have been the underage hurling point of the year, had it found the range. Kilconieron added a third goal and although it didn’t appear likely at the time but that score started a sequence which ultimately put the game well past Pearses reach as Kilconieron added a further 1-3 (0-2 frees) in devastating fashion without reply from Pearses. – the goal again coming from the stick of Stevie Keane as Pearses quietly finished the game. Final Score: Pearses 1-4; Kilconieron 4-8.
Although Pearses only trailed by three points at half-time and gave as good as they got in the first half, Kilconieron obliterated them in a superb 2nd half during which they hit 2-4 to 0-0 to flip the contest completely on its head. Nevertheless it has been a super campaign to compete at this level and certainly a good learning curve for Larry Hillary & Kevin Ryan and their charges. So that’s the end of U13 hurling for this year although the U12’s are through to a County semi-final at the end of the month while the U16’s are also through to a Co. semi-final
Scorers: Dara Scarry 1-0; Jonah Donnellan 0-2 (0-1F); Diarmuid Ryan 0-1; Cilly Fahey 0-1.
Panel: Darren Moran, Dylan Roche, Harry Mitchell, James Queeney, Padraig Kelly, Jonah Donnellan, Cian Burke, Anthony Feeney, Conor Hillary, Cilly Fahey, Ross Lally, David Walsh, Dara Scarry, Diarmuid Ryan, Cathal Hynes, Conor Walsh, Fionn Donohue, Eoghan Ryan, Jamie Nutley, Tommy Nutley, Alan Burke, Patrick O’Neill, Ciarán Hogan, Brián Thompson, Keith Kitt.
U15s Bow Out in Semi-Final
Pearses U15’s bowed out of the B1 hurling championship at the semi-final stage to a superior Abbeyknockmoy outfit yesterday evening. Pearses were starved of players through injury with Conor Kelly and Daragh Roche unable to tog and Paddy Kenny, unable to start through illness while Cilly Fahey also carried a niggling injury. This was no excuse though as the difference between the teams was swift and stark: The Abbey boys hit the ground running, scoring 3 goals within 18 minutes, although it was the Pearses lads who were first on the scoreboard with a good point from play from 50 yards from Niall McDonagh who took a hefty shoulder before he let fly.
Niall Mannion, son of legendary footballer Tomas Mannion had a good goal chance for Abbeyknockmoy but his effort went straight across the face of the goal. On 5mins though, Mannion made amends as he gathered Kevin Maher’s clearance from defence and fed Shane Forde who opened their account with a whopper of a goal. By the 8th minute Forde added his 2nd goal – a belter against the breeze.
Pearses squandered four good point chances as Conor Moran, Paddy Kenny following his introduction and Jack Reilly were all off target. Niall Mannion scored Abbey’s 3rd goal, a low hard effort which Harry got his hurl to but the power of the shot carried it well over the line on the 18th minute. Conor Moran converted a free after Ollie Laheen was fouled on a probing run. Harry Mitchell made a smashing save for Pearses to turn the ball around the post while Oisin Donohue tapped the resultant 65’ away from danger but the loose ball fell to Abbey’s unmarked corner forward who scored their first point from play on 21mins. Niall Mannion struck with another goal as he got ahead of his man in a 50/50 ball, turned and ran towards the left corner finishing aplomb into the bottom right corner of the net.
An uphill battle for the Pearses lads against a devastating Abbeyknockmoy team as Pearses found themselves well adrift 4-1 to 0-2 on 23mins. ??Conor Moran was off target with a 65’ & Niall McDonagh from play. Scoring mojo Niall Mannion added to his tally with a good point from play after he gathered a long clearance from the back. ?Paddy Kenny then pointed from play before Niall McDonagh offered a mini resurrection with a deftly finished goal after Cormac Hillary, Orin Burke, Cilly Fahey & Oliver Laheen were involved in the move. Both sides traded frees just before the break with Conor Moran converting for Pearses after Orin Burke was fouled. Half time: Pearses 1-4; Abbeyknockmoy 4-3.
Immediately after the restart Moran added another free after the Abbey defender picked the ball off the ground. Abbeyknockmoy responded with Shane Forde from play from the left flank. Conor Moran goaled to offer Pearses some slender hope when he left three players in his wake and finished low and hard under the goalie’s body. Kevin Maher pointed from play for the hosts to bring the score to: Pearses 2-5; Abbeyknockmoy 4-5. ??Oliver Laheen pointed from play on the right flank after Orin & Paddy were instrumental in play. A great blockdown from Anthony Feeney put Maher off as he was well wide with his pointed effort on his 2nd attempt. Orin converted a 65’ and suddenly the 8point half time deficit was clawed back to 4 points.
Harry Mitchell made a smashing save from Niall Mannion from 21yards to concede a 65’ which they put wide at a critical time. Momentarily, one had the feeling Pearses might stage one of the best comebacks of all time but it was false hope for the Pearses faithfuls as that was as near as they would get. Niall Mannion added another goal which finished the game as a contest midway through the 2nd half as Oisin Donohue received a yellow card in the process. Orin Burke drew a good save from a close range free and as the rebound fell to him, he manoeuvred his way nearer to goal and in a crowded area still managed to get his shot in which was saved again.
Harry Mitchell made another good save to deny Mannion yet another goal as he got his body nicely behind the ball to push it out for a 65’. The resultant 65’ evaded backs and forwards and bounced all the way to the net to ensure no way back for the hard working Pearses lads and somewhat just sucked the life out of them. Shane Forde tapped over a free for Abbey to bring their tally to 6-6 to Pearses 2-7. Conor Moran pointed as he shook off three defenders as Dara Scarry and Dylan Roche were introduced & Eanna Cunniffe was re-introduced. The Abbey lads scored a deadly 7th goal as Harry made an initial smashing save, the rebound hit the crossbar twice before they finished with a ground stroke which found the net. Kevin Maher pointed from play for Abbey while Niall McDonagh who opened the evening’s scoring also closed it with a splendid point off his hurl after a run almost the full length of the field.
There was no doubt but Pearses were well outshone in this one but in truth injuries & illness didn’t help matters. It might be the end of the hurling season for Niall Skehill and his U15 charges but there’s an U16 semi-final awaited for the older half of this team and an U13 semi-final this Thursday against Kilconieron awaited for the younger half!. Final score: Pearses 2-9; Abbeyknockmoy 7-7 as we wish Abbeyknockmoy all the best in the final.??
Scorers: Conor Moran 1-4 (0-3F); Niall McDonagh 1-2; Orin Burke 0-1 (65’); Paddy Kenny 0-1; Oliver Laheen 0-1.
Panel: Harry Mitchell, Jonah Donnellan, Oisin Donohue, Cormac Hillary, Mark Donnellan, Orin Burke, Peter O’Neill, Jack Reilly, Anthony Feeney, Cillian Fahey, Niall McDonagh, Ronan Hynes, Conor Moran, Oliver Laheen, Eanna Cunniffe, Paddy Kenny, Dara Scarry, Dylan Roche.
U13 Hurlers' Winning Start
Pearses 4-8; Ballinderren 4-7. Report by Martina Donnellan. Diarmuid Ryan was the hero with a late late winner as Pearses just about shaded it in the first round U13 championship thriller against Ballinderreen in Ballymac yesterday evening. The visitors must have been heartbroken as this wasn’t the first time that an underage Pearses outfit got the better of a Ballinderreen side in the last few years. Ryan proved the hero for the Pearses boys as his personal tally of 2-1 helped Pearses to dispatch Ballinderreen by the bare minimum after 3mins additional time.
Although Jonah Donnellan opened the games scoring from play, Ballinderreen’s first half scoring was dominated by their free-taker, No. 10 who had a fine match as he landed his first two attempts; the pick of them a massive effort assisted by the breeze from right under the stand.
Dara Scarry responded with a real goal poachers goal after a lovely pick up from Donnellan under the stand, stick passed to Harry Mitchell whose high lobbing ball found the poacher himself who still had some work to do as he rounded the goalie and netted well. The visitors landed another free from midfield, before landing two beauties from play from both the right wing & left wing respectively. Their free taker, No. 10 was in the finest form landing another to bring their account to 0-6 to Pearses 1-1 as Pearses were to a certain degree a bit jittery at stages. Pearses then had an impeccable rally between the 14th and 18th minute.
Diarmuid Ryan pointed from play after Cilly Fahey & Scar set him up. Then Ryan’s wonderful effort thundered off the woodwork before David Walsh opened his account after Ross Lally was fouled; Harry quickly took the free to Walsh on the left wing and he planted over the crossbar. Fahey pointed after Jonah Donnellan fetched a Ballinderreen puckout in midfield. Ballinderreen equalised just before the break when it looked like Jonah Donnellan legitimately dispossessed their forward as he surged through the middle but the ref heard a little tingle of the helmet and awarded a free in instead which they duly converted to level matters before the break: Pearses 1-4; Ballinderreen 0-7.
With the wind at their backs in the 2nd half, the sizeable Pearses crowd felt that their young guns would come out far more assured. However, it was Ballinderreen who got off to the best possible start with two quickfire goals sandwiched between a Cilly Fahey point from play. Fahey & Walsh linked up well as Davy pointed his 2nd of the evening from the left wing. Then Diarmuid Ryan showed great power and strength as he powered through on goal and smack… to the net. Fahey added another point from play to draw the game 2-7 apiece.
Then it looked like Pearses would take hold. Dara Scarry was fouled inside the large rectangle and the ref indicated a penalty. Up stepped Harry Mitchell who made no mistake as he walloped to the net with great confidence. Harry added a free after he was fouled himself. Then it was Ballinderreen’s turn as Pearses’ confidence was dealt a hefty blow when the visitors fired home two superb goals although Darren Moran did get his hurl to one of them. At this stage, Pearses backs: Dillon Roche, Conor Hillary, James Queeney, Padraig Kelly, Patrick O’Neill & Fionn Donohue had a lot of work to do. Suddenly with 40mins up the scoreboard read: Pearses 3-8; Ballinderreen 4-7 – 2 points adrift.
With the clock ticking down, Davy Walsh had a great chance to put Pearses back in front in additional time after good work from Harry & Cilly but his shot from the left wing went across the face of the goal and out wide. With 3 minutes of additional time played, the metronomic Diarmuid Ryan landed the decisive score in the last puck of the game when he gathered a cross from Conor Walsh and with plenty of time to turn on his good side, he let swing and rattled the net. He has been in great goal scoring form of late, but none were as important as this goal as Pearses emerged victorious……. just about……. on a score line: Pearses 4-8; Ballinderren 4-7. Credit to Ballinderreen; there was very little between the sides in an exhilarating thriller.
Scorers: Diarmuid Ryan 2-1; Harry Mitchell 1-1 (1-0 Pen; 0-1F); Cilly Fahey 0-3; Dara Scarry 1-0; Davy Walsh 0-2; Jonah Donnellan 0-1.
Panel: Darren Moran; Dillon Roche, Conor Hillary, Cathal Hynes, Padraig Kelly, Harry Mitchell, Patrick O’Neill, Anthony Feeney, Jonah Donnellan, Ross Lally, Cilly Fahey, Dave Walsh, Jamie Nutley, Diarmuid Ryan, Dara Scarry, James Queeney, Fionn Donohue, Conor Walsh, Keith Kitt, Eoghan Ryan.
Next up is Michael Cusacks in Kilbeacanty next week, date and time yet to be confirmed.
U13 Football Turn the Tide
Pearses 6-5; Ballygar 0-13. Report by Martina Donnellan. It’s looking very much like Pearses youngsters will make it two Shield final appearances in a row (depending on other results) with an accomplished second-half performance turning around a seemingly lost situation against St. Brendan’s, Ballygar in Ballymacward yesterday eve. Following a limp enough first half performance by the U13 side, they trailed by 3 points at half time but the introduction of Cilly Fahey steadied the ship and turned the tide completely in Pearses direction in the 2nd half.
The Ballygar boys got off the mark good and early and showed their intent from the word go with two quick points. Pearses responded with a goal on 8mins after combined efforts from James Queeney, David Walsh, Harry Mitchell and Anthony Feeney with the latter’s last effort deflecting off a Ballygar defender and young Fionn Donohue was on hand to tap the rebounded effort to the net. Ballygar tacked on four more points; 3 from play after some great passing movements and a free. At this stage, Ballygar were much more patient and they waited until the right option presented itself to take their scores on each occasion.
Harry Mitchell added Pearses solitary first half point when he got ahead of his man, gathered a quickly taken Anthony Feeney free and pointed with relative ease to keep Pearses in the game with two points adrift. Ballygar closed out the first half scoring as their No. 10 scored a beauty to leave Pearses chasing the game by half time. Pearses 1-1; Ballygar 0-7.
In the 2nd half the Pearses boys brought an intensity that they had lacked in the early exchanges and the visitors simply wilted as they were unable to deal with the pace of Cilly Fahey as he powered everyone else around him into scoring mojos. Fahey originated the move which saw him link up nicely with Harry and Davy Walsh finished aplomb into the back of the net 4mins into the half. Pearses took the lead for the first time 3mins later as Ross Lally’s clearance in defence, found Harry who in turn found speedy and Cilly tapped over the crossbar to turn the game on its head. Pearses were right back in this contest. Ballygar replied with a point from No. 10 to level matters at 2-2 to 0-8. Then Harry finished well as Anthony Feeney turned over a Ballygar attack, his long clearance found Davy Walsh whose perfect delivery found Harry who rounded the goalie to tap into an empty net for a vital goal. From there on, Pearses never looked back. A great combined save in defence from the 2 Conor’s: Hillary & Walsh kept out a certain goal while the clearance fell to a Ballygar lad who pointed from close range. In the next passage of play, Pearses moved the ball with great menace up the field where David Walsh goaled with that sweet left peg to make it 4-2 to 0-9 midway through the 2nd half. Jonah Donnellan was on hand to whip the ball off the Pearses goal line as Dara Scarry ensured the clearance. Harry added another point from play after great work from Anthony & Davy Walsh. Then Fionn Donohue was taken down and Anthony tapped over the resultant free. Cilly Fahey then did brilliantly to drive into space and hold on to possession until just the right time to release the killer kickpass to David who struck over a lovely point.
Diarmuid Ryan made a good save down under the trees while Kyle McDonagh added to the clearance injuring himself in the process. Ross Lally put his body on the line as the ball ricocheted off him to save another certain goal bound effort. Ballygar tacked on another point from play. Anthony Feeney scored a classic goal as Cathal Hynes’ clearance was added to by Jonah Donnellan & Cilly Fahey and Feeney weaved his way around a crowded area before bulleting to the net. David Walsh’s left peg added another goal as the ball went through the hole in the side net and all eyes were on the ref to see if he would mark it on his book. Diarmuid Ryan made 2 good saves to deflect the ball over the crossbar while young James
Feeney did his utmost to connect in a sliding manner to poke the ball over the goal line but it went out wide. Ballygar’s No. 7 failed to keep down a powering effort as the ball just carried over the crossbar to bring their tally to 0-13. Ballygar made one last effort to salvage a goal but the line of black jerseys on the goal line kept the ball out as Pearses kept their goal intact to finish a splendid 2nd half display.
This was certainly a game of two halves that confirms the old adage that goals win games.
Panel: Diarmuid Ryan, Dara Scarry, Conor Walsh, Kyle McDonagh, Jonah Donnellan, Padraig Kelly, Anthony Feeney, Conor Hillary, James Feeney, Harry Mitchell, Ross Lally, David Walsh, Fionn Donohue, Cilly Fahey, Cathal Hynes, Daniel Lydon, James Feeney
U13s Test Mighty Milltown
Pearses U13 footballers were rank outsiders to beat Milltown on their home turf this evening. They were in fact a bit of a ‘David’ in the David vs Goliath traditional sense of the story, except they didn’t manage to topple the giant. Only for Milltown’s 1-2 in the last 3 minutes of the 6mins additional time played the score line would have been much more different. And then in another sense, it could have been a much different ending only for the superb performance of the towering Diarmuid Ryan in goals. Milltown had their eyes opened and certainly weren’t expecting the gallant performance put in by this all round exceptionally talented team, no matter what sporting code they play.
Ryan made two great saves within the first 2mins as Milltown went for the jugular straight from the off. Davy Walsh got Pearses off the mark first after a good passage of play from Harry Mitchell and Cilly Fahey. Milltown had the goal at their mercy moments later with just Diarmuid to beat but their forward drilled his effort well wide. Fionn Donohue finished a smashing Pearses move which originated from a quickly taken free from Jonah Donnellan to Harry, with Fahey & Davy Walsh also involved in the build-up. Walsh sent in a lovely ball into the square where young Fionn was lurking and he palmed to the net with lovely style on 9mins. Milltown replied with 3 points from play in as many minutes. Milltown were then awarded a dubious penalty when it looked like Diarmuid Ryan legitimately dispossessed the inrushing diminutive forward but the ref adjudged Diarmuid to have fouled and despite protestations from both camps that penalties are not permitted at this age group, all pleas fell on deaf ears and the penalty taker dispatched it into the far corner on 13mins.
The traditional football side added a free and then their No. 11 got ahead of Jonah Donnellan in a 50/50 ball and powered through on goal to fire home a bullet of an effort. Their No. 11 again burst through on goal but Diarmuid got his paw to it to deflect it over his crossbar. Just on the stroke of half time, Harry Mitchell and David Walsh linked up well as Anthony Feeney got on the end of the move, twisted and turned dazzling the Milltown defenders before powering an unstoppable effort to the net to put Pearses 4 points adrift at half time. Pearses 2-1; Milltown 2-5.
With the wind at their backs Pearses restarted strong. Cilly Fahey found Harry who tapped over from play. Milltown however responded in true fashion when their speedy forward stretched their lead with a goal which Diarmuid saved but the umpire was quick to raise his hand to signal that the ball had crossed the goal line. The Pearses boys upped their game again to bring it back to a 3 point ball game. Anthony Feeney dispossessed his man in the middle of the park, sent a lovely ball for Cilly Fahey to run on to and with Harry Mitchell’s kick-pass across the field to the far corner, David Walsh gathered well, rounded the keeper to tap into an empty net and give Pearses great hope in this feisty battle with 3mins gone in the 2nd half.
Milltown again responded with another goal in a feast of goals, exceptionally well taken leaving Diarmuid Ryan with little chance. James Queeney’s delivery was then fetched by the tormenting Cilly Fahey who pointed well from a good distance out. A lovely passage of play from Pearses involving Cilly Fahey, Kyle McDonagh & Conor Hillary saw Hillary draw a smashing one handed save by Milltown’s custodian to concede a 45; which was converted by Anthony Feeney to make it 4-5 to 3-4 – Pearses 4 points adrift. Harry Mitchell was then fouled, quickly took the free himself which he tried to squeeze into the top left corner but it went agonisingly wide. Another quickly taken close range Pearses free fell to Davy Walsh who rounded his opponent and his low hard effort was saved by the feet of the goalie. At this stage, one would have to admire the fight and battling qualities of the Pearses lads given the tired bodies from the cul camp all week.
An extremely high and dangerous tackle on Harry Mitchell saw his opponent receive a yellow card but Anthony put the resultant free wide. Fionn Donohue put the slenderest of margins between the sides with another tonic goal. Cilly Fahey set him up and his high lobbing ball dipped at the opportune time to find the top corner of the net to bring the scoreline: Pearses 4-4; Miltown 4-5 with 5mins to play.
Miltown were awarded a free which bounced over Diarmuid Ryan’s crossbar to stretch the lead again to 2 points. The traditional footballers rallied again and were awarded another free with 2mins left to play which they converted and followed up with another point from play to stretch the margin to 4 points. Another dangerous tackle this time on Anthony Feeney saw Feeney grounded for a while and the offender received his marching orders for a 2nd yellow. Diarmuid made another point blank save to give Pearses a bit of hope. In the last 3mins of the 6mins additional time played, Milltown added another 1-2 and at this stage were uncatchable.
Milltown were without doubt the better footballers but credit to John & Gareth Lally’s little black army who really put it up to them and only for the rub of the green it may have been a different story. At least they proved they are not the whipping boys of this U13 football championship as they can play the big ball as well as the small ball. In fairness, sport gives us such joy, particularly when you're up against Goliaths you never really expect to beat. Final score: Pearses 4-4; Milltown 5-10 – a score which in fairness didn’t really reflect the closeness of the game. Well done lads, a fierce and feisty contest. A win against St Brendan's in their final group game on Tuesday next will see them through to a Shield Final.
Scorers: Fionn Donohue 2-0; David Walsh 1-1; Anthony Feeney 1-1 (0-1 45’); Cillian Fahey 0-1; Harry Mitchell 0-1.
Panel: Diarmuid Ryan, Cathal Hynes, Dara Scarry, Kyle McDonagh, Jonah Donnellan, Padraig Kelly, Cilly Fahey, Anthony Feeney, James Queeney, Harry Mitchell, Conor Hillary, Davy Walsh, Fionn Donohue, James Feeney, Ross Lally, Daniel Lydon.
U12 Hurlers on a Roll
Pearses 4-9 Ballygar 2-6. Report by Martina Donellan. This latest U12 hurling game played in Ballymacward this morning was eagerly anticipated as both Ballygar and Pearses both topped the group, but Pearses certainly delivered in this one! After a tumultuous week of sport for these lads between hurling and football, the game began in thundering fashion and within the first 2 mins Jonah Donnellan had 2 points on the board, both exact replicas and assists from David Walsh. No. 7 responded for the visitors from close range after some sloppy defending from Pearses. Ross Lally nabbed himself a goal after Diarmuid Ryan had to work hard to win the ball and then get the cross in to Ross. Ballygar were awarded a close range free in, went for goal, was half blocked but with too many bodies in the area, the cagey clearance fell to Ballygar who somehow poked the ball over the line although Dillon Roche & Patrick O’Neill did try to get their hurls to it.
Jonah Donnellan converted a 65’ on his 2nd attempt; his first effort drilled low and tipped around the upright by the keeper. Seconds later after a thunderous run down the line, he cut in across the goal but his low hard shot found the side net. Donnellan tapped over an easy free after Conor Hillary was fouled to push Pearses ahead by 3points. Ballygar, who were still up for it responded in true style as they mounted a brief comeback.
Padraig Kelly was upended in the middle of the field and although he was harshly done not to be awarded a free, he got the pass away whilst on the ground but was intercepted by a Ballygar player who lobbed a high ball into the square which bounced well for their goalscorer who whipped past Darren Moran in goals to draw the match: Pearses 1-4; Ballygar 2-1.
As both teams continued to play at a furious pace, the Pearses lads were certainly not phased by the physicality of the game. Diarmuid Ryan put in a considerable effort to pick up a loose ball in a crowded area and made space to get enough room to swing the hurl and when he did, he belted a powerful effort past the keeper to put Pearses in the driving seat again. From there on, Pearses never looked back. Davy Walsh was wide from play but the industrious Donnellan got on the end of the resultant puck out to keep the scoreboard ticking. Ballygar scored a lovely effort from play to claw back the lead to 3 points.
Donnellan then sent in a lovely ball for Diarmuid Ryan who stole a yard on his man to get out ahead, snatched the ball with the left handed glove and sent over the black spot. With 2 mins to go as Pearses failed to clear from their own goalmouth, the half clearance fell to a Ballygar lad who sent it over. Pearses finished the first half with a lovely passage of play: Donnellan fetched the ball from the sky, played Diarmuid Ryan in space who found Ross Lally and as Ross left a few players in his wake, he let fly but unfortunately the ball hit the post and out wide. Half Time: Pearses 2-6; Ballygar 2-3.?
Pearses restarted economically and continued to knock over points showing experience beyond their years with impeccable shooting. Davy Walsh & Jonah Donnellan combined well as Donnellan’s backhand pass, emulating Cannings pass to David Burke against Cork, to Davy Walsh who blossomed with his first point of the morning. Pearses went on the rampage with Donnellan adding another point as David Walsh batted down the puck out nicely on to his path.
James Queeney, who started the 2nd half at wing forward, and Davy Walsh linked up nicely as Walsh gathered Queeney’s quick flick and again the ball sailed sweetly over. Ballygar pointed from a difficult angle and a goal looked on the cards for them, only for the timely interception by Conor Hillary as the ball looked poised for one of their forwards to latch on to but Hillarys flick away was vital. Diarmuid Ryan then found Donnellan who ran at pace at goal and let fly from 14yards to find the net. Conor Walsh drew a good save in the ensuing play.
Goal no. 4 arrived after great work from Cian Burke under the stand, fed Ross Lally down the line who got the cross into the danger area and although Queeney could have pulled first time, he had time to lift and strike for a clinical goal. At this stage, Fionn Donohue, Brián Thompson, Kyle McDonagh, Ciarán Hogan, Daniel Lydon, Dylan King & Niall Grady were introduced. Ballygar finished with a late flurry scoring 2 points from play to finish on a scoreline: Pearses 4-9; Ballygar 2-6.
Scorers: Jonah Donnellan 1-6 (0-1F; 0-1 65’); Diarmuid Ryan 1-1; Ross Lally 1-0; James Queeney 1-0; David Walsh 0-2.
Panel: Darren Moran, Patrick O’Neill, Dillon Roche, Cian Burke, Padraig Kelly, James Queeney, David Walsh, Conor Hillary, Ross Lally, Jonah Donnellan, Cathal Hynes, Diarmuid Ryan, Conor Walsh, Fionn Donohue, Brián Thompson, Ciarán Hogan, Daniel Lydon, Kyle McDonagh, Niall Grady, Dylan King.
U13 Football, Round 5
Pearses 4-12; Kilkerrin-Clonberne 1-8. Report by Martina Donnellan. After losing on Monday evening to neighbours Menlough, Pearses U13’s had a quick turnaround as they took on Kilkerrin-Clonberne yesterday evening in sunny Clonberne. Pearses clocked their 3rd win out of 5 games in the U13 football campaign with a convincing win and with 2 games left to play against Ballygar and Miltown, two powerful football strongholds; a win in both games will see them make the latter stages in the Cup/ shield competition.
Pearses missed some early chances as Conor Walsh was wide with a goal effort and Conor Hillary’s effort also swung right of the upright. The hosts then notched two points from play before tenacious battler young Fionn Donohue opened Pearses account on 6mins when he neatly tapped over after James Queeney set up the move in midfield with Conor Walsh also involved in the play. David Walsh levelled matters with his left footer after Cathal Hynes, Anthony Feeney and Cilly Fahey were instrumental in the build-up.
David added his 2nd from play from a difficult angle and then the little battler Fionn Donohue capitalised on a short kick out as he gathered the ball, made space for himself, held his composure well before slotting under the goalies legs to put Pearses in the driving seat by the 11th minute 1-3 to 0-2 in charge. ??Cilly Fahey added to the scoring with a good effort on the run, again originated by Feeney with David Walsh involved and finished exquisitely by the versatile Fahey.
Davy Walsh added a bullet of a goal which was set up by Kyle McDonagh which put the game well past the hosts reach by the quarter hour mark. Conor Walsh turned the screw before the break as he fetched David Walsh’s high lobbing ball, showed superb economic touch and finished sublimely to the net to put Pearses well in command by half time. Pearses 3-4; Kilkerrin-Clonberne 0-2.
Immediately following the restart Pearses received a let-off as the hosts goal chance went right across the face of the goal. Conor Hillary got Pearses off the mark early in the 2nd half as he went for a gap and tapped over after Jonah Donnellan, Cilly Fahey & Conor Walsh linked up well. Diarmuid Ryan made a good aerial fetch between the posts while up the other end, Fahey drew a good save from the goalie after Dara Scarry in the backs and Queeney led the attack from midfield.
Anthony Feeney then converted a free after Conor Hillary was fouled and Conor Walsh picked up a loose ball to tap over after Fionn Donohue and Conor Hillary did their utmost first to shove the ball over the goal line. This pushed Pearses 3-7 to 1-3 ahead. At this stage it was a near vintage Pearses performance as Anthony Feeney took off like a bat out of hell right through the middle and hit a belter of a goal in devastating stuff.
Clonberne pointed in a good passage of play from midfield but the Pearses boys took off again as Conor Walsh drew another good save from the goalie. Padraig Kelly then fed Davy Walsh in space and he easily spilt the posts. Davy gathered the resultant kick out with ultimate ease to fire over again while Anthony Feeney battled hard to earn himself another point. Conor Walsh tapped over a free after he was fouled himself while the old football empire struck back with 3 consecutive points from play to bring their tally to 1-7.
Young Daniel Lydon pointed from close range in the last kick of the game to ensure Pearses finished emphatic winners on a scoreline: Pearses 4-12; Kilkerrin-Clonberne 1-7. ?More importantly everyone got a taste of the action with Ross Lally having little to do in corner back in the 2nd half while young James Feeney and Daniel Lydon certainly got to strut their stuff to the management duo of Johnny Lally and Gareth Lally.
Panel: Diarmuid Ryan, Dara Scarry, Cathal Hynes, Padraig Kelly, Jonah Donnellan, Kyle McDonagh, Cillian Fahey, Anthony Feeney, James Queeney, Conor Walsh, Conor Hillary, David Walsh, Fionn Donohue, Ross Lally, Daniel Lydon, James Feeney.
U15's Winning Start
Pearses 4-9 Meelick-Eyrecourt 3-5. Report by Martina Donnellan. Fresh from their championship win in U14A1, the same team togged out for the U15s first round group game against Meelick-Eyrecourt bar 5 players, namely: Oisin Donoghue, Mark Donnellan, Peter O’Neill, Conor Moran & Niall McDonagh. Fielding with a depleted side through holidays and injuries, the young Pearses lads knew they were up against it. Harry Mitchell, Cormac Hillary, Ollie Laheen, Ronan Hynes & Darragh Roche were all missing through injury & holidays while young Patrick O’Neill, Cathal Hynes & Jonah Donnellan had to step into the fray. In the end Pearses had too much for their visitors with a 4-9 to 3-5 win in Ballymacward yesterday evening.
Pearses started out powerfully and were 2-1 in front by 4mins with Paddy Kenny opening Pearses’ account with a point from play and a ground stroke from Niall Mac & a whopper from Orin Burke supplied a goal apiece. Meelick-Eyrecourt hit back with 1-1, their strong and towering No. 11 doing most of the damage. Conor Moran pointed from play after Orin Burke’s pointed effort dropped short and Paddy Kenny landed a spectacular point from midfield. Conor Moran pushed Pearses to 2-4 after Paddy Kenny switched play to his corner and he tapped over from a difficult angle. Meelick Eyrecourt then had a goal disallowed for a square ball but made certain minutes later when their driving forward left two defenders in his wake, throttled through on goal and blasted a difficult bouncing ball past stand-in keeper Dara Scarry.
The visitors pointed again from play while Paddy Kenny was uncharacteristically wide with a free. No 11 converted a free and a goal moments later which arrived after a high lobbing ball was half cleared but fell to their No. 11 who bulleted a rasper. They clawed back the lead through another pointed effort from play. Cilly Fahey won a 65’ as Anthony Feeney did well to get the cross in but again Paddy was off the mark with the 65’. Meelick Eyrecourt had another goal ruled out due to a square ball while Conor Kelly pointed just before half time with a great effort taken on the run to leave the score at the break; Pearses 2-5; Meelick Eyrecourt 3-4.
Pearses maintained the momentum of the game in the 2nd half as Dara Scarry got a hurl to an early goal chance to concede a 65’ but the resultant 65’ was cleanly fetched by Niall Mac and cleared. The best point of the day was finished by Conor Moran who scored after 3 plays of the ball. Full back Jack Reilly fetched in the air, found Cilly Fahey who played Conor Moran and Moran put it straight over to make it a one point ball game.
Paddy Kenny’s goal chance went wide after good work from Orin Burke & Fahey. 9mins into the 2nd half, Conor Kelly supplied the tonic required. Jonah Donnellan originated the move at the back as Paddy Kenny linked up nicely with Orin Burke whose wonder overhead flick into the path of Conor Kelly who made no mistake stepping up a gear and found the net with a powerful drive.
Pearses never looked like losing after that. Cilly Fahey then was fouled but Paddy was off target with the free. Conor Moran stood over the next free, again Fahey was the one who was fouled; Moran spilt the posts to push Pearses 3-7 to 3-4 ahead. No. 11 converted another free for the visitors but it proved to be their last and solitary score of the 2nd half. Moran was on target again with another free and then goaled after a monstrous line cut, his gait low to the ground, almost Canning like, from Orin Burke into the path of Moran and he finished perfectly past an almost hapless goalie.
At this stage Pearses were wearing down their visitors although they did have a close shave on 20mins when Jonah Donnellan saved a goalbound effort & Dara Scarry came away with the clearance which fell to one of the Meelick Eyrecourt lads who pulled first time on the ball and as the net shook, everyone was certain it was gone in but it was the ball stop net behind that shook instead as Dara Scarry’s goal was thankfully still fully intact.
There were a few goal chances in the final quarter for both sides but neither could manage to find the net. No. 11 went for goal for Meelick with a close range free but drilled wide while immediately up the other end Conor Kelly’s goal effort was deflected out for a 65’. Conor Moran nailed the final score from play when he got on the end of Jack Reilly’s clearance and made light work of the finish to close out the game on a scoreline: Pearses 4-9; Meelick Eyrecourt 3-5.
It was a game in which the full squad did their job as Cathal Hynes and Patrick O’Neill who had a quick trip home to collect his gear at short notice, did not look out of place playing at this level. It’s great to be off on a winning start. Next up is Liam Mellows on Monday next by the sea in Ballyloughane.
Scorers: Conor Moran 1-6 (0-2F); Conor Kelly 1-1; Orin Burke 1-0; Niall McDonagh 1-0; Paddy Kenny 0-2.
Panel: Dara Scarry, Jonah Donnellan, Jack Reilly, Oisin Donoghue, Mark Donnellan, Conor Kelly, Peter O’Neull, Orin Burke, Paddy Kenny, Conor Moran, Niall McDonagh, Anthony Feeney, Conor Hillary, Cilly Fahey, Cathal Hynes, Patrick O’Neill.
U12 Shield Football Final
Pearses 0-3; Caltra 1-7: Report by Martina Donnellan. Gaelic Football has probably struggled for prominence in the shadow of hurling in Pearses for many years but things are now looking up with the adult footballers working their way up the ranks from Junior C to Junior A in 2 years, last year’s U12s winning the shield final and this evening our U12’s lost to a stronger Caltra side in the U12 Group 8 Shield Final in Barnaderg.
Pearses started off on good footing as Diarmuid Ryan made two good saves within the first 4mins while a high lobbing free from Jonah Donnellan was fetched by Conor Hillary who worked the ball out to Darren Moran whose effort deflected off the crossbar and out wide. The opening score came on 7mins when Caltra found the net from an acute angle as their forward ran in along the end line and palmed the ball to the net. Then Pearses goalie Diarmuid Ryan after fetching a high lobbing ball was deemed to have over carried and they duly tapped over the resultant free. Sean Butler tapped over a lovely point from play to extend Caltra’s lead as he got on the end of Daniel Keating’s sideline.
Pearses put wide after a great passage of flowing football when Ross Lally’s clearance was knocked down by James Feeney into the path of Fionn Donoghue who fed Jonah Donnellan in the corner but his effort swept across the face of goal and out wide. Further tenacious battling by Pearses star man Fionn Donoghue found Conor Hillary and his effort also deflected off the crossbar, was kept in play by Darren Moran who won a 45’. The 45’ was taken quickly by Jonah Donnellan to Ross Lally and back to Donnellan and his effort sailed over from a good distance out to leave the score at half time: Pearses 0-1; Caltra 1-2.
Caltra got off to the best possible start to the 2nd half with 4 points within 6mins. No. 7 pointed from play within a minute; the towering height of Diarmuid Ryan assisted in deflecting a Caltra free over the crossbar; Sean Butler scored a lovely point on the run while Diarmuid Ryan deflected another effort from No. 7 over. Sandwiched in between; Conor Walsh and David Walsh scooped the ball off the goal line on two separate occasions. Caltra pointed again in a well worked move from the back with 2 mins to go. Pearses responded with a close range free kicked off the ground and bulleted over by Jonah Donnellan to finish: Pearses 0-3; Caltra 1-7.
The 4 points in quick succession after the restart gave way to a much more leisurely second half performance but Pearses deserve credit for hanging in there against a strong traditional football side with superb displays from young James Feeney, Kyle McDonagh & Fionn Donohue.
Panel: Diarmuid Ryan, James Queeney, Cathal Hynes, Fionn Donohue, Conor Walsh, Kyle McDonagh, Conor Hillary, Padraig Kelly, James Feeney, Ross Lally, Darren Moran, Jonah Donnellan, David Walsh, Dylan Roche, Daniel Lydon, Eoghan Ryan, Patrick O’Neill, John Parker, Oisin McDonagh, Jamie Nutley, Ciarán Hogan, Niall Grady, Dylan King, Matthew Finnerty, Joe Carroll, Rian Donohue, Tadhg Hart, Tommy Nutley, Stephen Murphy, Luke Mitchell, Robbie Lydon, Mark Kilkenny.
U12 Hurlers, 5 from 5
Match Report by Martina Donnellan. It’s easy write this report as Pearses U12’s were awesome this evening against Ballinderreen and had five different players on the scoresheet by the break. Diarmuid Ryan fired the crucial goal in the first half as Pearses made a statement when they went in at the break 1-12 to 0-0 in front, albeit a strong breeze at their backs. Jonah Donnellan opened the scoring with a point from midfield followed by Ryan’s goal, his first attempt hit the butt of the post but somehow he got on the end of the half clearance to smack to the net. He’s been in great goal scoring form these days.
Pearses ran away with the first half after that with points from Diarmuid Ryan (4); David Walsh (2)- one a 65’; Jonah Donnellan (2); Ross Lally (2) – who also missed a goal chance when his ground stroke went wide & Conor Walsh to leave Pearses well in front at the break with our back line of Jamie Nutley, Dylan Roche, James Queeney, Cian Burke & Patrick O’Neill with little to do.
In the 2nd half Pearses kept tagging on the scores with a further 4-6 to their credit. Ross Lally scored the first of their goals in a move originated on the stand side of the field by James Queeney, involving David Walsh, Conor Walsh, Diarmuid Ryan and finished by Ross whose ground pull found the net. Immediately from the puck out the assassin Ryan added 1-1 in quick succession; his goal delivered after great battling from Cian Burke out the field. Conor Walsh scored his 2nd from play as Donnellan, on his knees, released to Conor Hillary who spotted Conor Walsh unmarked and he made light work of his effort. Some slopping defending allowed Ballinderreen through as the ball found its way to the net; the puck out a first touch for Darren Moran in the Pearses goal.
Donnellan, David Walsh & Ryan added to the points tally as they cut loose while Briain Thompson scored a whopper of a goal as young Daniel Lydon spotted him lurking on the edge of the square. David Walsh showed some lovely wrist work to split the posts from way out the field. The best goal was reserved til the end when Daniel Lydon connected, Joe Canning like, to a long Donnellan delivery to flick the ball to the net for a wonder goal. Just at the end, Ballinderreen kicked to the net past Tommy Nutley as Darren Moran moved out the field. Nutley had to make two good saves after that to keep his goal intact as Pearses ran out easy winners racking up a final score of 5-18 which equates to a score less than every 2 mins.
This win sees Pearses top the table with 5 wins out of 5 with unbeaten Ballygar next on their agenda on home turf.
Scorers: Diarmuid Ryan 2-6; Ross Lally 1-2; David Walsh 0-4 (0-1 65’); Jonah Donnellan 0-4; Conor Walsh 0-2; Brían Thompson 1-0; Daniel Lydon 1-0.
Panel: Darren Moran, Jamie Nutley, Dylan Roche, James Queeney, Cian Burke, Patrick O’Neill, Jonah Donnellan, Conor Hillary, Conor Walsh, David Walsh, Cathal Hynes, Diarmuid Ryan, Ross Lally, Ciarán Hogan, Brían Thompson; Tommy Nutley, Fionn Donohue, Daniel Lydon, Kyle McDonagh, Niall Grady, Dylan King, Ross Laheen, Sean Kelly, Eoghan Ryan, Jack Kenny & Padraic Kelly (injured).
U13 Football, Round 3
Claregalway 2-11 Pearses 1-6. Report by Martian Donnellan. The weather in Ballymacward couldn't have been better for yesterday evening’s U13 showdown between Pearses and Claregalway. Unbeaten in their first 2 games, Pearses were hoping to maintain the momentum with another win. They got off to the best possible start as Harry Mitchell had them on the scoreboard within seconds with a point from play followed by a free but Claregalway quickly responded with a point of their own.
Harry replied with another pointed free after Cilly Fahey was fouled as Claregalway began to settle with many early chances but couldn't convert. After numerous wasted chances they eventually pointed from play with a high lobbing ball which could easily have dipped under Diarmuid Ryan’s crossbar.
Diarmuid Ryan then made a great save for Pearses while the rebound fell to one of the Claregalway strike force but he blasted wide. Harry Mitchell then went on a great solo down the stand side of the field and foot passed into Cilly Fahey and he slotted over from 20yards to make it Pearses 0-4; Claregalway 0-2.
Although in charge, Pearses couldn't seem to stop the Claregalway runs and passing movement in the next few minutes and the visitors were rewarded with a well worked goal which was hand passed to the net (I think!). They found the net again within minutes but the ref ruled out the goal for overcarrying and a free out was awarded instead. Claregalway worked the ball well up the field which resulted in another point. James Queeney changed the scoreline again as he got on the end of a long delivery from Jonah Donnellan, which flew over the head of Fionn Donohue and Queeney gathered the loose ball, worked himself into a scoreable position and tapped over.
Harry Mitchell made a real impact with a cracker of a goal before half time to keep the pressure on the Claregalway side. With the sun beaming down, the game started to get heated as the Claregalway mentors judged Harry to have failed to abide by the U13 rules – only 2 plays and release the ball. However, the ref was having none of it and the goal stood so that Pearses were in the driving seat by half time: Pearses 1-5; Claregalway 1-3.
Claregalway were quickest to settle after the restart as they worked the ball down the field, broke down the Pearses defence and their No. 8 rounded Diarmuid Ryan in goal to tap into an empty net. Claregalway added another point from play as Pearses defence failed to clear. Diarmuid Ryan was called into action again as he made a great save with his feet while the rebound failed to find the target. Diarmuid was quick off his line once more when a long delivery from Claregalway’s midfielder favoured Ryan to make it first to the ball and he blasted the clearance off the ground which rebounded off the inrushing forward. The ref called play back for a throw-in which resulted in another point from play for the visitors.
No. 7 added to Claregalway’s tally as he showed they brought their shooting boots with them whilst the Pearses lads showed the effects of the U14 Co. Hurling Final the day before as they were sluggish and tiring as the game wore on. It was a 4 point ball game at this stage. Pearses 1-5; Claregalway 2-6. Both sides exchanged scores: Claregalway with a point from play taken on the run while Harry converted a free after Conor Hillary was fouled.
Pearses did their best to come back into the game but it wasn't going their way and with time running out things looked bleak for the tiring boys in black on a warm sunny Summer’s evening. Claregalway converted a controversial point which hit the post and the ref adjudged it to have gone over, even though everyone else seen the ball deflect out wide. Claregalway tapped over three close range frees in the closing stages to see them out comfortable winners as Pearses struggled to get scores on the scoreboard in the 2nd half.
Panel: Diarmuid Ryan, Dara Scarry, Ross Lally, David Walsh, Conor Walsh, Kyle McDonagh, Jonah Donnellan, Anthony Feeney, James Queeney, Harry Mitchell, Conor Hillary, Fionn Donohue, Cillian Fahey, Cathal Hynes, Patrick O’Neill, Ciarán Hogan, Padraic Kelly, James Feeney.
U14A1 Champions 2019
Pearses 1-13 Ballinderreen 1-7: Report by Martina Donnellan. A hue of black and white hung over Duggan Park this evening as Pearses U14’s celebrated their U14 A1 County Final win over Ballindereen and have rightfully earned their way to play top flight ‘A’ hurling next year. It might not have been the prettiest of hurling but Pearses got over the finish line to secure the county title. It has been a remarkable journey for Eddie Mitchell’s youthful squad winning one of the lowest grades in U12 in 2017, U13A in 2018 and U14 A1 in 2019 and this group of lads will now play U15A hurling next year. A great resume for any manager to have but nobody could question the merit of their triumph, the attitude, commitment and superiority of this cohort of players.
Pearses had to make a few positional switches before throw-in due to the injured Cormac Hillary who sustained a dislocated thumb in training and was gutted to miss this game. This allowed young Diarmuid Ryan the start at corner forward as Ollie Laheen took up Cormac Hillary’s position at wing back & Conor Kelly started at centre back instead of his usual centre forward position.
From the early exchanges Pearses raced into a 0-3 to 0-1 lead after 7mins and looked the better side and helped by an 18th-minute goal from Cilly Fahey, they fully deserved their 3 point interval advantage. Paddy Kenny was the star man and converted a 65’ within seconds of the throw-in as Cilly Fahey found Ronan Hynes whose pointed effort was half blocked down and Kenny converted the 65’ with ease. Ballinderreen responded with a point from play through Niall Delaney as they worked the ball nicely down the field.
Cilly Fahey had an effort which was saved by the keeper as he showed great style and panache flicking the ball on the ground to himself before his effort fell short and into the safety of the goalie. However the goalie’s misplaced puck out was picked up again by the hard working Fahey who throttled forward and was dragged down in the process. Paddy made no mistake with the free. Paddy Kenny’s effort from play tailed wide as Fahey’s low pass along the ground was picked up nicely by him. It was frees which kept Pearses in the driving seat as our forwards were closed down quickly whenever they found the ball in space.
Paddy Kenny converted another free from almost the 65’ line, this time Laheen was fouled. Ballinderreen’s speedy full forward Stephen Mannion was first to a 50/50 ball and as he turned and ran towards goal he was pulled down in the process and the resultant free was whipped over by Donnacha Ganly. Ballinderreen had a half goal chance but the ball was ushered wide under the supervision of Harry Mitchell. Ganly added another free in a game riddled with frees and tested the accuracy of the freetakers on both sides. On 12 mins the first point from play arrived as Stephen Mannion got in behind Pearses defence line and he smacked over from close range to go ahead for the first time in the game. Paddy restored parity again with another trademark free, this time Darragh Roche the victim of the foul.
A goal looked on the cards for Ballinderreen only for a great intervention by young corner back David Walsh but in the resultant play, the ref awarded a free in which Niall Delaney converted to make it a one-point game again to Ballinderreen. Pearses were given the tonic they so eagerly yearned for when Laheen burst in along the endline, passed to Darragh Roche and as the ball fell nicely for Cillian Fahey, he slipped inside his marker and bulleted to the net. Inspired by the goal and straight from the puck out, Orin Burke went on a solo run through the heart of the defence and passed to his right to Ronan Hynes who was calling for the ball and he neatly struck over his right shoulder to spilt the posts and swing the pendulum in Pearses favour 1-5 to 0-5. Jonah Donnellan fetched a free on the goal line which fell short for Ballinderreen and cleared the danger and then Orin Burke ended first half play as he went on the rampage with one of his trademark runs but was deemed to have over-carried the ball. Half time: Pearses 1-5; Ballinderreen 0-5.
Within seconds of the restart Darragh Roche’s effort dropped short after a lovely pick-up and as the goalie batted out the ball, Dara Scarry lost sight of the flight of the rebound and was a little off the mark to punish the goalie. Paddy Kenny added 2 more frees after Cilly Fahey was fouled on both occasions. At this stage Pearses had really settled down and their dominance continued owed much to the accuracy of Paddy Kenny’s frees. Some good pressure from a combination of Diarmuid Ryan and Darragh Roche and Ballinderren’s forward was deemed to have over carried and up stepped Paddy to take the free. With the sun in the eyes of the goalie and the defenders lining the goal line, Paddy belted it low and hard as the goalie got his stick to it to turn it out for a 65’ which Paddy duly converted. Paddy Kenny, who covered every blade of grass on the pitch got on the end of the puck out, passed to Cilly Fahey whose effort sailed beautifully over. Jack Reilly then received a yellow card for fouling his man but the resultant free tailed off target. Ollie Laheen’s effort went harmlessly wide after good battling from Anthony Feeney while Jonah Donnellan also steered his effort wide. Paddy Kenny then received a Christy Browne yellow for a high foul on his opponent as the incident was more an accident than malicious while play continued hard and tough but spirited. Jonah Donnellan extended the margin with a good effort from out the field to move the lead to 8points.
Ballinderreen’s midfielder Donnacha Ganly then ran through the heart of Pearses defence and belted over as they complained that the ball had gone through a hole in the net but as Christy Brown consulted his umpires, the white flag was raised midway through the 2nd half. Paddy Kenny tapped over a free after he was fouled himself. In the final 7 mins Perases had to weather a mini Ballinderreen onslaught as they breached Harry Mitchell’s goal to offer them a life line. Sean Kelliher sent in a high lobbing ball which was cleanly fetched by Stephen Mannion and he made no mistake in rattling the net from close range. Mannion had another goal effort as Paddy Kenny was beaten for the first time on the night, he cut in across the goal and walloped his goal chance right across the face of the goal with 17mins on the clock. Niall Delaney clawed it back to 4 points with a good effort from play. That man Paddy Kenny extended the margin to 5 points again immediately as he gathered the resultant puck out and split the posts for an inspirational point.
The industrious Cilly Fahey then was fouled but play was halted due to an injury to Conor Kelly. Following the resumption Kenny tapped the free over to bring Pearses tally to 1-13 and add to Ballinderreen’s woes. As the clock ticked into additional time, Ballinderreen had a close-in free which their taker hit low and hard but out emerged the white helmet of Ollie Laheen with the ball. Right at the death as Ballinderren searched for another goal, who but Paddy Kenny emerged with the ball in his hand as he picked up a loose ball in the ruck. Christy Browne blew the final whistle and suddenly all the agonies of past teams who had come this far but not quite made it over the line had disappeared. The win also helps to lift the gloom of the Galway hurlers exit from senior championship hurling at the weekend.
Pearses were full value for their money as it was only in the early stages and closing stages that Ballinderreen hit form but in fairness, they couldn’t complain about the outcome. Overall though the game didn't really catch fire but this matters little in Co Finals. Whether you win a classic or not, it fails to matter. A win is a win. Paddy Kenny put in a tour de force performance, hitting 7 frees, 2 65’s and a point from play and deservedly won the Man of the Match award. Both teams fought tooth and nail to win this U14 A1 County final as Pearses emerged victorious on a comfortable scoreline: Pearses 1-13; Ballinderren 1-7, although both finalists play top flight U15 A hurling next year.
There was nothing quite as pleasant as a sea of black and white descended on the pitch as Conor Kelly was presented with the coveted cup. He thanked the management team of Eddie Mitchell, Tony Walsh, Martin Scarry, Sean O’Neill and physio Alan Kelly. He also thanked his mother Rose Kelly for the excellent job she does as juvenile secretary and thanked Bobby Hynes Agri Contractors who come up trumps year after year with regard to sponsoring juvenile teams at every age group.
The last big applause was kept for Mr. Paddy Kenny who was not alone Pauric Lohan’s selection of the Man of the Match award but everyone elses as well. Well done to the team and their mentors on a great success story to date. Thanks also to the large number of supporters who came out in support of the team. Finally we wish Cormac Hillary a speedy recovery with his thumb injury.
Scorers: Paddy Kenny 0-10 (7F; 2 65’); Cilly Fahey 1-1; Ronan Hynes 0-1; Jonah Donnellan 0-1.
Panel: Harry Mitchell, Conor Hillary, Jack Reilly, David Walsh, Oliver Laheen, Conor Kelly, Jonah Donnellan, Paddy Kenny, Orin Burke, Cillian Fahey, Anthony Feeney, Ronan Hynes, Dara Scarry, Darragh Roche, Diarmuid Ryan, Cormac Hillary, Cathal Hynes, Cian Burke, Patrick O’Neill, Dylan Roche, Conor Walsh, James Queeney, Padraic Kelly (also injured).
U12s Remain Unbeaten
Report by Martina Donnellan. Pearses U12s showed the bulk of excellence yesterday morning when they beat Bearna-Na-Forbacha in Furbo on a scoreline 6-5 to 2-3 in Round 4 of the U12 Championship. It was a tough physical game which seen injuries to Dylan Roche & Padraic Kelly as we wish them well in their recoveries. From the early stages, Pearses raced into a hefty lead with 3 goals on the scoreboard by 10mins; a brace from Conor Walsh, almost exact replicas of each other as he drove the sliotar low and hard to find the net from nearly the same position. Diarmuid Ryan continued his goal scoring form from the mid-week schools final after Cathal Hynes & Conor Walsh were battling in the ruck and the loose ball spilled to Ryan who didn’t hesitate before shooting. There was a fairly certain goal down the other end which Conor Hillary extinguished when he pulled first time on the ball to clear the imminent danger.
Cathal Hynes & James Queeney teamed up well as Queeney’s effort deflected off the post and the danger was cleared by the hosts defence. However, immediately at the opposite end of the field, some sloppy defending allowed their forward through and he made no mistake as he nipped in behind Pearses defence to put the ball past Darren Moran in goal. At this stage, Pearses led 3-0 to 1-0. James Queeney, Jamie Nutley and Conor Walsh did the hard work which led to Jonah Donnellan’s effort being deflected over the crossbar to take the soccer look off the scoreboard with 17mins gone. Straight from the puck out David Walsh gathered the ball and his effort from 35 yards out dipped to the net to extend Pearses lead 4-1 to 1-0. Donnellan and David Walsh added two quick fire points just before half time to part at the break on a scoreline: Pearses 4-3; Bearna-na-Forbacha 1-0.
Well in charge by half time Pearses made a few substitutions to ensure everyone received playing time. Ross Lally scored immediately as Conor Walsh sprayed the ball out to him and he tapped over from a difficult angle. David Walsh added another goal in the exact same style as his first as his high lobbing ball sent into the danger area evaded a leaky defence and found its way to the net.Then Jonah Donnellan emulated Walsh with a high lobbing ball from a good distance out which creeped to the net.
As Pearses kept their foot on the gas Fionn Donoghue batted out a free and the clearance was added to by young Queeney. Then came a mini revival from the West Galway side as they scored 1-3 in quick succession. No. 13 tapped over a free, then goaled from a ground stroke and straight from the puck out he pointed from play. Ciarán Hogan made a good stop from the same player as the ball was destined for goal while Conor Hillary saved the resultant 65’ on the line. No. 13 added another from play as Darren Moran tipped his goalbound effort over the crossbar.
Just on the stroke of full time Kyle McDonagh won the ball and passed to Davy Walsh who scored a mighty point from way out the field to close out Pearses scoring on a final tally of 6-5 to Bearna-Na-Forbacha 2-3. These lads are in action again on Wednesday when they take on Ballinderreen in Round 5 in Ballymacward at 6.30pm. In the interim all roads lead to Duggan Park tomorrow eve, Monday, to see our U14’s play Ballinderreen in the U14A1 County final. Throw in 7.30pm. We urge everyone to bring out their black and white in support of these lads who have provided us with great entertainment to date and thank Bobby Hynes & Sons for their most generous sponsorship of socks and gear bags for the entire squad.
Scorers: Davy Walsh 2-2; Conor Walsh 2-0; Jonah Donnellan 1-2; Diarmuid Ryan 1-0; Ross Lally 0-1. Panel: Darren Moran, Fionn Donohue, Dylan Roche, Jamie Nutley, Conor Hillary, Cian Burke, Jonah Donnellan, Padraic Kelly, James Queeney, David Walsh, Cathal Hynes, Conor Walsh, Diarmuid Ryan, Ross Lally, Kyle McDonagh, Patrick O’Neill, Ciarán Hogan, Ross Laheen, Dylan King, Daniel Lydon.
Gurteen NS Hurling Champions
St. Kerrill’s N.S.: 4-20; Tullykyne N.S.: 4-6: Report by Martina Donnellan. St. Kerrills N.S. Gurteen must surely have joined an elite group today as they evened up the school’s honours in both hurling & football codes when they won the Cumann na mBunscol 9-a-side hurling title in Claregalway this morning. This latest win makes it 4 of each in both football & hurling school titles since 2014, winning the double in 2015 & 2017 and possibly entered the history books in the process, most definitely history in Gurteen NS’s archives. Having lost to Tullykyne NS after extra time in the final last year, the Gurteen boys were out for revenge and they put on an exhibition particularly with an impressive 2nd half showing to win by 14 points on a final tally: St. Kerrill’s N.S.: 4-20; Tullykyne N.S.: 4-6
The Moycullen side had the backing of the breeze in the first half and opening their account almost straight from the throw-in. Diarmuid Ryan responded immediately with a goal after Jonah Donnellan & Sean Kelly were involved in the move. It was ping-pong with scores after that. Tullykyne struck immediately with another quick fire goal from their towering No.6. as Jonah Donnellan pointed from play at the other end. Both sides added a goal apiece; No. 6 for Tullykne and 9 year old Sean Kelly for Gurteen after a big bear paw grab in defence from Dean Connaire. Moycullen pointed from play as Darren Moran made an exceptional save and Conor Walsh’s goal opportunity went wide. Tullykyne extended their lead with a pointed free to put them in charge 2-3 to 2-1. Both sides exchanged scores twice; Jonah Donnellan twice from play for Gurteen and No. 8 from play and a massive long range point from Moycullen’s No. 6 from his own half back line. That saw the end of the Moycullen’s scoring as we saw the Gurteen lads break from here on for the winning line.
Darren Moran made another tremendous save as No. 6 put the resultant 65’ wide of the post. Gurteen rattled off the next 6 scores without reply; 2-4 before half time - Donnellan with 2 points from play; David Walsh helped himself to 2 from play and Diarmuid Ryan provided the all-important two goals; his first coming from a goalmouth ruck that sucked in a few lads and with Conor Walsh’s first attempt half blocked; Ryan was on hand to rattle the net when he latched onto a spilled ball. His 2nd arrived not long before half time when David Walsh’s high lobbing ball thundered off the post and Ryan lashed the rebound to the net. Gurteen never looked back after that as their defence line Cathal Hynes, Dean Connaire & Ross Lally were unyielding from there until the end. Gurteen NS went in at the break 8 points to the good on a scoreline: Gurteen NS 4-7; Tullykyne NS 2-5 and with the strong breeze at their backs for the 2nd half.
Tullykyne hit back immediately on the resumption with 1-1; the goal unstoppable supplied by their No.8. Gurteen weathered the short onslaught and hit a purple patch with seven excellent points from play – Donnellan (2); Walsh (2), Diarmuid Ryan (2) – the pick of his a lovely sweet effort from way out the field and Conor Walsh after the ball was worked up the wing from Cathal Hynes in defence and added to by Davy Walsh in the middle of the park. Tullykyne’s only real chance during this spell was bulleted wide by their No. 6 after some great combined battling and workrate from Ross Lally & Dean Connaire while a close range free was walloped low and hard and stopped on the goal line by Jonah Donnellan. They were rewarded for their brief period of pressure when No. 6 smacked another close range free low and hard and under the legs of everyone in a crowded goalmouth to give them a sliver of hope and claw the lead back to 8 points. 4-14 to 4-6.
The rest of this final totally belonged to the Gurteen boys. Six more points from play totally ended the game as a contest with Donnellan (2); young Sean Kelly (2); Walsh & Ryan all chipping in. In the end absolutely no one could question the merit of their 8th Cuman na mBunscol triumph. It has been a remarkable journey for Mr. Seamus Walsh and this cohort of players since his instatement in the school. He has contributed so much time and hard work on a voluntary basis since the school were lucky enough to ‘find’ him and in this regard we thank him sincerely.
Afterwards, Mr. Pat Moore presented the cup to a delighted captain Jonah Donnellan, who thanked Mr. Walsh for all his efforts and commended the huge crowd of supporters who turned out in support, many of whom had no connection with the school. On the teams homecoming, there was a crowd of pilgrims who had as usual for the feast day of St. Kerrill, made their way from 12 noon mass to St. Kerrill’s well and lined the roadside to greet and welcome back this mighty group of youngsters. Well done boys & Mr. Walsh. Yet another final to remember. Final score: Gurteen N.S. 4-20; Tullykyne N.S. 4-6.
Scorers: Diarmuid Ryan 3-3; Jonah Donnellan 0-9; David Walsh 0-5; Sean Kelly 1-2; Conor Walsh 0-1. Panel: Darren Moran, Cathal Hynes, Dean Connaire, Ross Lally, Jonah Donnellan, David Walsh, Conor Walsh, Diarmuid Ryan, Sean Kelly, Eoghan Ryan, Tadhg Hart, Tadhg Bardell, Ciarán Hogan, Patrick O’Neill, James Somers, Keith Kitt, Jack Kenny, Niall Grady, Dylan King, James Somers.
U14s into County A1 Final
Pearses 1-10 Ahascragh-Fohenagh 1-9: Report by Martina Donnellan. Pearses brave young U14’s prevailed in a tit for tat clash with Ahascragh-Fohenagh as they earned their way to the U14 A1 final with a fantastic 1 point victory in an absorbing contest in Ballinasloe yesterday evening. Pearses came away with the win thanks to Paddy Kenny’s late winner, a converted 65’ which was won by Oliver Laheen. It sent Nollaig & Andrea and the Pearses contingent in the stand doolally, capping off a great Pearses comeback in which they made up a 2 point deficit in the closing 6 minutes and overturned the 5 point loss at the group stages. The 4 minutes of additional time played were tense, tight and full of passion from both teams; comrades at school but yet club rivals on the pitch.
Both teams exchanged frees within the first 3 minutes; Paddy Kenny for Pearses after Darragh Roche’s tenacious battling won him the free and Andrew Fitzgerald for our neighbours. Fitzgerald added another from play. Orin Burke pointed from play after a smashing overhead pass from Ronan Hynes to Anthony Feeney who sent the ball into the forward line but as the supply was cut off by Ahascragh’s defending it fell nicely for Orin to level matters on 5mins. Ahascragh opened up a 3 point lead following Mickey Mulryan’s probing run through the centre of the field and he lashed the ball low and hard as the bounce evaded Harry Mitchell in goal.
Orin was wide with a free after Cilly Fahey was fouled while Burke fetched the resultant puck out and sent it into space for Darragh Roche who struck off his left for a sweet point. Orin Burke then sprayed in a lovely 50/50 ball between Cilly Fahey and his man and as Fahey was clearly pushed Seamus Goldrick signalled a free which Paddy Kenny converted. Ahascragh replied with 2 points; Andrew Fitzgerald from play and a Mickey Mulryan free from almost midfield to open up a 3 point lead once more over half way through the first half.
Pearses responded well as Cilly Fahey pointed after Paddy Kenny did well to spot him unmarked 35 yards out. Pearses were offered a lifeline when Cailum Finnerty’s goal chance went wide after a great passage of play from Ahascragh-Fohenagh. Then Pearses scored a tonic goal as too many players got sucked towards a throw-in and Orin somehow gathered the ball in the ruck and laid off a killer pass to Paddy Kenny who rattled the roof of the net and put Pearses 1 point up to seize the upper hand, if only momentarily. Cailum Finnerty immediately replied with a good point from play as the ball was worked up the field and he levelled matters for the 2nd time on 17mins. Andrew Fitzgerald converted a placed ball before Orin Burke drew an almighty diving save from Nathan Dolan in the Ahascragh goals after Cillian Fahey was instrumental in the move. The last 3 minutes saw nothing more in terms of scores as the half ended with Ahascragh 1 point up. Pearses 1-5; Ahascragh-Fohenagh 1-6.
Within the first minute of the restart Andrew Fitzgerald added another free to push Ahascragh’s lead to 2points. Dara Scarry put wide at the other end after a quickly taken free from Paddy Kenny; the ref having initially waved the advantage but Cilly Fahey had put his effort wide. Anthony Feeney who was busily effective all day was fouled and Paddy put over the resultant free. Harry Mitchell then had to be alert to a high lobbing ball from Ahascragh and as Jack Reilly’s long clearance from defence found its way to Feeney and although bottled up, he somehow got the pass away to Ollie Laheen whose ground stroke went harmlessly wide. Darragh Roche did the donkey work for Orin to tap over and tie the game for the third time at 1-7 apiece.
Andrew Fitzgerald’s free followed by a stroke from Mickey Mulryan on the run put Ahascragh two points in front again. Pearses turned the game once more with two great efforts from play; Ronan Hynes found Ollie Laheen and Orin Burke hand passed to Paddy Kenny who both found the range after some lovely movement. The game was tied for the 4th time at 1-9 apiece. Then Oliver Laheen put Orin straight through on goal but the goalie saved well from point blank range and while Laheen followed up the play he whipped on the ground to see his effort deflect off one of the defenders, out for a 65’. With 21’32 on the clock in Duggan Park, Paddy Kenny’s 65’ sailed beautifully over the crossbar.
Pearses held out as Jack Reilly came out the field and Conor Kelly held the line in defense for the latter stages as Pearses seen out the victory on the slenderest of margins as the gallant Ahascragh- Fohenagh lads fell to their knees in total dejection. The Pearses lads also on their knees with immense joy so much so that when they looked towards heaven, there was an inflated effigy of 5 heads over Duggan Park – that of Eddie Mitchell, Martin Scarry, Sean O’Neill, Tony Walsh and of course physio Alan.
In many ways, it was a typical derby fare - some quality moments and splendid viewing - not least the 1-5 scored by Paddy Kenny and his winner deep into stoppage time. The close man marking from the entire defence lines and the tenacious battling from every player in a black jersey won this game in the finest style this evening.
Scorers: Paddy Kenny 1-5 (0-3F; 0-1 65’); Orin Burke 0-2; Darragh Roche 0-1; Oliver Laheen 0-1; Cillian Fahey 0-1.
Panel: Harry Mitchell, Cormac Hillary, Jack Reilly, Conor Hillary, David Walsh, Conor Kelly, Jonah Donnellan, Orin Burke, Paddy Kenny, Oliver Laheen, Anthony Feeney, Ronan Hynes, Darragh Roche, Cilly Fahey, Dara Scarry, Dillon Roche, Padraic Kelly, Conor Walsh, Patrick O’Neill, Cathal Hynes, James Queeney, Cian Burke, Diarmuid Ryan.
U13 footballers earn impressive win over Caltra
Pearses 5-8 Caltra 2-10. Report by Martina Donnellan. Fresh from their 1 point win over Tuam Stars last weekend, Pearses U13 footballers were magnificent yesterday evening throughout the entire game and were full value for their 7 point win over Caltra; two wins over two big football stongholds now earns them huge respect. It was Caltra who opened the scoring with a point from No. 12 but Pearses responded immediately with a bullet of a goal from Anthony Feeney after the ball was worked from defence in a move involving James Queeney, David Walsh, Harry Mitchell, Cilly Fahey, Conor Hillary and perfectly executed by Feeney. Cilly Fahey tagged on a point as the ball took a deflection off the crossbar on its way. Diarmuid Ryan was quick to advance off his line to avert a certain goal which was helped on by Cathal Hynes & Kyle McDonagh and at this early stage one could have been forgiven for thinking this was going to be a one sided affair.
Caltra replied with 1-2 before Cilly Fahey’s hard work earned the next score as he blocked down a Caltra clearance in defence, sprayed the loose ball across to Conor Hillary and he tapped over. Harry then kick passed a ball into space for the pacey Fahey to run on to and he lashed to the net on 11mins. Within 2 mins Caltra replied as a dropping free was parried out by Diarmuid Ryan in goal but the squirming ball appeared to take a touch on the way as it was sent back in for a soft sloppy goal to concede. Pearses levelled matters with a diagonal kick pass from Jonah Donnellan to Hillary who in turn fed Fahey and he squared the game with a fantastic goal to make it 2-3 apiece. Two Caltra points from play in quick succession put them back in the driving seat by 17mins but this was the last time they were to hit the front.
Pearses knuckled down and stopped the rot. Harry Mitchell blasted to the net as Donnellan sent a ball into space in the corner for Ross Lally to latch on to and while Conor Hillary & Cilly Fahey were effective in the move, the ball was buried to the net by Harry to make it: Pearses 3-3; Caltra 2-5 by 22mins. Caltra levelled matters again as a free dropped short, was cleared by a combination of Diarmuid Ryan & Conor Walsh and the loose ball was sent over on the second attempt. David Walsh had a vital rob as Caltra were on the attack and then Pearses youngsters reeled off 1-1 in the space of 2mins. Cilly Fahey dispossessed his player and passed to Harry who throttled in on goal and buried his effort past the hapless goalie. The aforementioned combined again as the assured Harry tapped over on 25mins to give Pearses a 4point margin at the break. 4-4 to 2-6.
Both sides traded points on the resumption; Harry from play and Caltra with a free. Two successive Pearses scores helped Pearses pull away. Harry with another glorious goal after Feeney, Conor Walsh, Donnellan & Cilly all had a hand in the move. Cilly added another point from play after young Fionn Donohue set him up and the momentum was firmly with Pearses with 8mins gone in the 2nd half. There were 9mins of a barren spell before Caltra tapped over two close range frees in quick succession. Harry made simple work of a free after he himself was fouled to make it 5-7 to 2-9. Both sides exchanged scores in the last 3 mins; Caltra with a free and Harry with his 3rd point from play after lovely interaction from Ross Lally, Feeney & Donnellan before Mitch squeezed it inches over the crossbar.
All across the field, Pearses exerted huge pressure on Caltra which paid dividends with a well-earned 7 point win on a scoreline: Pearses 5-8; Caltra 2-10. ?U12’s play Northern Gaels in Williamstown this Sunday at 11am while the U13s next outing is Friday evening next.
Scorers: Harry Mitchell 3-4 (0-1F); Cilly Fahey 1-3, Anthony Feeney 1-0; Conor Hillary 0-1.
Panel: Diarmuid Ryan, James Queeney, Cathal Hynes, David Walsh, Conor Walsh, Kyle McDonagh, Anthony Feeney, Jonah Donnellan, Fionn Donohue, Harry Mitchell, Conor Hillary, Cilly Fahey, Ross Lally, James Feeney, Ciarán Hogan, Daniel Lydon.
U12s Remain Unbeaten
Pearses 7-8 Skehana/Mountbellew/Moylough 3-7: Report by Martina Donnellan. Pearses U12’s handed out a 4 goal drubbing to neighbours Skehana/Mountbellew/Moylough played in Skehana this evening. Far superior in their skills and pace of the game, Pearses led from the throw-in when James Queeney opened their account with a point, and, hurling with mighty confidence throughout the field, had the win well and truly secured long before the final whistle. Pearses had a number of outstanding players and 7 scorers in total with some great first touches and some splendid goalkeeping from Darren Moran in goals.
Conor Walsh scored the first of his 2 goal tally when he got on the end of a long Jonah Donnellan delivery and his low hard drive went under the goalies legs. Diarmuid Ryan added a free while Cathal Hynes scored the first of his 4 goals when he accepted a pass from Diarmuid Ryan to leave it 2-2 before Killian Hughes opened Ske-Bellew’s account with a point from play in their first attack. Conor Walsh added another point after a poor defensive clearance while David Walsh converted a 65’ won after Conor Hillary drew a smashing save from the goalie. Diarmuid Ryan intercepted a short puck out and bulleted to the net on 6mins and the game was as good as over as a contest by the opening 6mins.
Every Ske-Bellew attack was launched at their talisman Cillian Roche and he notched his first goal after he picked up a loose ball and left Darren Moran with no chance with his powerful effort. Jonah Donnellan & David Walsh responded with points from play while down at the other end Darren Moran made a spectacular save to deny Cillian Roche and concede a 65’ which was poorly defended and the clearance fell to No. 11 who tapped over to make it 3-6 to 1-2 on 11 mins. Cillian Roche who was on fire saw his bulleted effort thunder off the crossbar and out wide. Pearses settled again and a great combined blockdown of Cillian Roche’s attempted shot by Padraic Kelly and Jonah Donnellan saw the ball delivered into the forward line where the 2 Shanballymore lads, Hynes and Ryan linked up well for Hynes to hammer home his 2nd goal of the night with only the goalie to beat.
The ShanBhaile lads combined yet again as Ryan pointed from play. Conor Walsh knocked in another goal after Donnellan spotted him unmarked and his mighty drive from an acute enough angle and a good distance out found the net as it took a deflection off the post on its way. The lively Cathal Hynes who was in splendid goal scoring form claimed his hat-trick when he found himself on the end of Conor Hillary’s delivery to give Pearses a more than comfortable advantage. Just before half time Killy Hughes goaled for the hosts when his long range effort took a deflection off a Pearses hurl before crawling in by the butt of the post. Half time: Pearses 6-7; Skehana/Mountbellew/Moylough 2-2.
??Ske-Bellews mini recovery on the resumption saw them grab 3 quick points. The first a free from Cillian Roche who blasted low and hard but was tipped over the crossbar by Jonah Donnellan who was deployed at full back in an effort to contain the lively Roche. No. 8 tapped over another free while Roche converted a 65’. However, Pearses put up the shutters and the hosts were in serious trouble again when Shan Bhaile made another goal between them; Diarmuid Ryan saw his glorious effort saved but Hynes who was clearly on his game nipped in to smack home the rebound; his 4th goal of the night. Cillan Roche added another goal for Ske-Bellew in a goal feast as Darren Moran got a hurl to it but the power of the shot carried it over. Moran was called into action again with a smashing diving save to deny the on-fire Roche as he converted the resultant 65’. Killian Hughes & No. 8 added two more points from play as Padraic Kelly closed out the scoring feast with a 65’ which was earned by Conor Walsh.
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Ciarán Hogan & Dillon Roche were rock solid in the full-back line and Patrick O’Neill, Padraic Kelly & Cian Burke did well in the half back line. The entire forward lines sparked and gave their markers a torrid time with some lovely passages of play while youngsters Fionn Donoghue, Kyle McDonagh, Dylan King & Daniel Lydon also got a good taste of top class action.
Scorers: Cathal Hynes 4-0; Conor Walsh 2-1; Diarmuid Ryan 1-2 (0-1F); David Walsh 0-2 (0-1 65’); James Queeney 0-1; Jonah Donnellan 0-1, Padraic Kelly 0-1 (65’). Given the large squad, both sides agreed to play a subs game afterwards so that everyone got a taste of the promised land. Pearses youngsters featured well with a hard earned 1 point win.
Squad: Darren Moran, Ciarán Hogan, Dillon Roche, Patrick O’Neill, Padraic Kelly, Cian Burke, Jonah Donnellan, Conor Hillary, James Queeney, David Walsh, Cathal Hynes, Diarmuid Ryan, Conor Walsh, Tommy Nutley, Jamie Nutley, Kyle McDonagh, Fionn Donoghue, Daniel Lydon, Brián Thompson, Dylan King, Ross Laheen, Niall Grady, Sean Kelly, Jack Kenny, Eoghan Ryan.
U14 Hurling Round 7
Pearses 4-8 Ballinderreen 1-4: Report by Martina Donnellan. Pearses U14s dream of advancing in the U14A1 championship was very much alive yesterday evening with a well earned 4-8 to 1-4 win over Ballinderreen on Ballinderreen’s home sod. Although Eddie Mitchell’s side never came close to reaching a level previously seen in the Championship, the entire squad did enough to ground out the win.
Ballinderreen started the game well with three points in the first six minutes, two from play and a free. Pearses soon found their feet in front of goal to score the opening goal. Orin Burke’s line ball was jab lifted by Darragh Roche who sent in a ball across the face of the goal where Ronan Hynes was on hand to tap home from the edge of the square on 9mins. Conor Kelly cleanly fetched the resultant puck out, raced forward and hit off the hurl and over as Pearses never looked behind thereafter. Ollie Laheen raised a white flag after good work from Orin Burke & Ronan Hynes. Darragh Roche then drew a great save from the Ballinderreen man between the posts and while the half clearance fell as far as Cilly Fahey, his dipping shot found the top left corner of the net for a tonic goal on 14mins. Fahey & Kelly combined well to extend the lead as Conor Kelly’s fine effort split the posts. Half time: Pearses 2-3; Ballinderreen 0-3.
On the restart, Roche, Fahey, Burke & Kelly caused plenty of problems for the Ballinderreen defence. Conor Kelly went on one of his trademark runs through the centre, found Anthony Feeney who spotted Roche unmarked. As he bore down on goal he was dragged down and the ref immediately signalled for a penalty. Up stepped Orin who gave the goalie no chance as he blasted to the net for an electric restart. Paddy Kenny then saw his goal bound effort saved as Ballinderreen squandered a great goal scoring opportunity down the other end.
Pearses hit a purple patch with 1-4 in succession, two on the bounce from Cilly Fahey, the pick of them came from a ball he won in the ruck, throttled forward and threw over with the simplest of ease. Harry Mitchell showed great bravery 6mins into the 2nd half as he threw his body on the line to make a smashing save as the goalmouth dust gave rise to an air of smog to half distort the view on a sunny evening. Dara Scarry tagged on another point after Feeney & Roche were involved in the move. Ballinderreen were awarded a 21’ free as Jack Reilly did it Conor Gleeson style but Harry Mitchell was quick off his line to save the shot and Paddy Kenny was well positioned to keep out the rebound. One got the feeling at this stage, it would be Pearses evening.
Ollie Laheen effectively put an end to the game as he got on the end of a move involving Orin Burke & Cilly Fahey and his goal bound effort took a deflection off the goalie’s hurl on its way. The ever willing Ronan Hynes chipped over a fantastic point as Pearses emptied the bench with the introduction of Cathal Hynes, Diarmuid Ryan, Conor Walsh, Padraig Kelly & James Queeney as Jack Reilly roamed out the field away from his full back position. Then a momentary lapse in concentration at the back from Pearses seen Ballinderreen’s substitute find space and time to do what he wanted in front of goal but Conor Kelly appeared out of nowhere to scuff his chance.
With 2 minutes on the clock, Harry Mitchell’s goal was finally breached as Ballinderreen’s No 11 scored after a high lobbing ball was sent into the danger area. Ballinderreen converted a free late on while Diarmuid Ryan pointed in the last puck of the game from close range after Cilly Fahey gathered the ball amid a gang of bodies and spotted him unmarked and calling for the ball in front of goal. This win makes it 4 wins out of 7 and enough to make it to the next stage.
Scorers: Cillian Fahey 1-2; Ollie Laheen 1-1; Ronan Hynes 1-1; Orin Burke 1-0 (Pen); Conor Kelly 0-2; Dara Scarry 0-1; Diarmuid Ryan 0-1.
Panel: Harry Mitchell, Cormac Hillary, Jack Reilly, Dillon Roche, Jonah Donnellan, Conor Kelly, David Walsh, Paddy Kenny, Ronan Hynes, Cillian Fahey, Anthony Feeney, Ollie Laheen, Darragh Roche, Orin Burke, Dara Scarry, Diarmuid Ryan, Cathal Hynes, Conor Walsh, Padraig Kelly, James Queeney.
U12 Hurling Round 2
Pearses 6-8 Annaghdown 0-0: Report by Martina Donnellan. Pearses U12’s took a while to settle but in the end ran out convincing winners in an assured performance against Annaghdown in Ballymacward yesterday morning. It took 7 mins for Pearses to open their account through Conor Walsh but never looked back thereafter. In their settling period Pearses showed great bravery as James Queeney had to run off a belt in the ankle, Darren Moran was called upon twice to make 2 good saves while Pearses squandered a few early chances. Once they settled, they were in a powerful position and saw out the business of the day in true style.
Conor Hillary, who had a superb game set up Conor Walsh for the opener which just skinned the crossbar. The 2 Conors, Hillary & Walsh set up David Walsh for his first point of the day as he just looked at the target before tapping over with ease. Young Kyle McDonagh provided the delivery across the field for Conor Walsh to latch on to and he makes no mistakes when granted such goal scoring opportunities. Good combined work from Conor Walsh & Diarmuid Ryan resulted in Annaghdown conceding a 65’ which was duly converted by David Walsh. Darren Moran made a great save between the posts for Pearses as Annaghdown worked the ball up the field. Straight from the puck out came the score of the day, involving no fewer than 4 players.
A splendid blockdown by Padraic Kelly in defence who then gathered the loose ball, tapped it out for James Queeney to run on to; he delivered to the danger area where the ball bounced nicely for Cathal Hynes who sprayed it across to Diarmuid Ryan and he knocked over a beauty - made that bit nicer given the splendid movement shown and willingness to network as a team and find better positioned players. Ryan raised Pearses second green flag on 16 mins as the resultant puck out was batted down by Padraic Kelly into Diarmuid Ryan whose ground stoke found the net. With our five backs Ciarán Hogan, James Queeney, Cian Burke, Dillon Roche & Patrick O’Neill having busier days to come I’m sure, Conor Walsh & Padraic Kelly set up the next move which finished with a whopper of a goal by David Walsh to make it 3-4 to 0-0 with 18mins gone. Diarmuid added another point in limited space just before the break to put Pearses in a commanding lead at half time: Pearses 3-5; Annaghdown 0-0.
On the resumption, Pearses kicked on again as Diarmuid Ryan raised another green flag after Kyle McDonagh kicked the ball across to him; he picked, turned and clinically finished. He could have added another but his ground stroke ran wide. Next up was Ross Lally for another major as he picked the ball, took the allowed one touch and let fly for Goal No. 5. With little fightback forthcoming from the Annaghdown lads who would more than likely have racked up the same score on Pearses, had it been football – nevertheless Pearses continued the job of racking up the score. Padraic Kelly was rewarded for his hard work and untiring efforts and the 5th Pearses scorer to get on the scoresheet as he fetched a monster line cut from David Walsh to rack up another point. At this stage it was like a stroll in the park for the Pearses lads. Conor Walsh drew a great save from the Annaghdown goalie as they made a rare trip up the field while David Walsh was wide with a 65’, won by Diarmuid Ryan & Conor Hillary was wide from play.
Jamie Nutley originated the move which led to Goal No. 6 as his long clearance down the line found David Walsh who sent in a dangerous ball which was a small bit under-cooked, was batted out by the goalie but the lurking Ross Lally found the net from close range to bring Pearses tally to 6-6. David Walsh then added another point after he gathered a crossfield pass from Conor Hillary who was far from daydreaming. At this stage, Ross Laheen, Sean Kelly, Jack Kenny, Fionn Donohue, Brián Thompson, Niall Grady & Daniel Lydon were all introduced as Tommy Nutley brought his bag of hurls to the goals as Darren Moran had a rare spell outfield. Fionn Donohue showed great vision and composure to avert a goal which looked ominous for the visitors. Jack Kenny capitalised on a poor Annaghdown clearance and he finished clinically with the last point of the day as Pearses didn’t take their foot off the pedal at any stage to finish off an impressive performance as they racked up a scoring tally of 6-8.
Scorers: Diarmuid Ryan 2-2; David Walsh 1-3 (0-1 65’); Ross Lally 2-0; Conor Walsh 1-1; Padraic Kelly 0-1; Jack Kenny 0-1.
Panel: Darren Moran, Ciarán Hogan, James Queeney, Cian Burke, Dillon Roche, Patrick O’Neill, Conor Hilary, Padraic Kelly, Conor Walsh, David Walsh, Kyle McDonagh, Diarmuid Ryan, Cathal Hynes, Tommy Nutley, Ross Lally, Brián Thompson, Fionn Donohue, Niall Grady, Ross Laheen, Daniel Lydon, Jamie Nutley, Sean Kelly, Jack Kenny, Jonah Donnellan.
U14 Hurling Round 6
Pearses 3-13 Ardrahan 0-6: Report by Martina Donnellan. A strong opening half laid the groundwork for Pearses U14’s for a facile victory over Ardrahan in Round 6 of the hurling championship played in Ardrahan yesterday evening. Led all through by the dominant Orin Burke who gave an absolutely outstanding exhibition of everything good in hurling, Pearses were 2-7 to 0-3 up at the break. Orin had Pearses off the mark with a point from play within 2 mins after Jack Reilly originated the move in defence, involved Ollie Laheen & Darragh Roche who had just returned from injury.
Ardrahan’s No. 11 equalised from play on 5mins after a blazing run through the middle but that was as near as they were to get. Orin Burke raised the first of his 3 green flags when Paddy Kenny sent in a high lobbing free after Cilly Fahey was fouled, the ball was flicked into the path of the inrushing Burke who goaled with ease. Orin Burke pointed again after weaving his way across the goal into a more scoreable position after good work from David Walsh, Conor Kelly & Ronnie Hynes. Orin Burke made another goal chance which was saved and the rebound was picked up by Darragh Roche who fired over from close range. Another clearance by Jack Reilly was added to by Laheen, fed to Burkie who snatched his 3rd point from play by the 12th minute. Ollie Laheen then had a great goal chance as he throttled in on goal, took a hefty shoulder on route, his walloping goal bound effort was saved but a free resulted after Anthony Feeney was fouled in a goalmouth shemozzle which was duly tapped over by Orin to make it 1-5 to 0-1. Anthony Feeney then pointed after a good solo from Darragh Roche.
Ardrahan converted a 65’ after Harry Mitchell saved a dangerous ball and immediately added a free from close range. Pearses replied emphatically though as an Ardrahan puck out was batted down by Paddy Kenny straight into the path of Orin Burke who showed some brilliant side steps before lashing to the net to raise his 2nd green flag of the half. Ollie Laheen drew another save from the Ardrahan goalie and the resultant half clearance fell to Darragh Roche who put over from an acute angle; his 2nd of the day. It’s great to see this lad back! Ardrahan then had a chance destined for the net but Harry Mitchell was alert to the bouncing ball to turn it around the post for a 65’ which failed to find the target. The hosts also failed to score another 65’ just before the break to keep the deficit between the teams to 10 points. Pearses 2-7; Ardrahan 0-3.
Immediately on the resumption, Pearses maintained their momentum. A fabulous line cut from Paddy Kenny was fetched by Orin Burke in front of his man and his whopper of a shot deflected off an Ardrahan defender, who was felled to the ground immediately, such was the powerful force of the shot. It had to be most painful. As play continued, Darragh Roche pulled on the rebound which went right across the face of the goal, not too far off the mark. Orin made certain 5mins into the half and even though there was quite a lot of hurling still to be played, his 3rd goal strike gave an air of finality to the match. It was a ‘perfect’ goal, fit for any occasion – Cilly Fahey’s delivery was fetched cleanly after a huge Burke acrobatic leap, his effort was saved and while a combination of Dara Scarry, Darragh Roche & Anthony Feeney tried their best to poke it home, the loose clearance was picked up by Burke who fired to the net on the 2nd attempt to claim his hat trick of goals.
If it was soccer he would get to keep the ball, but in truth he earned a bag of them. No 10 scored for Ardrahan from quite an acute angle. Orin, who was on fire, pointed again, as he fetched a Fahey delivery from the sky, rounded his man but the ball could have easily dipped under the crossbar but just carried over. Darragh Roche found himself on the end of Conor Kelly’s probing run as he snatched his 3rd point of the day. Cilly Fahey was then fouled, his man receiving a yellow card in the process and Orin tapped over the resultant free to make it 3-10 to 0-4. No. 10 for Ardrahan tried his luck with a close range free which he blasted low and hard but there was no passing the vigilant Mitchell in goals. At this stage Cian Burke, Cathal Hynes & Diarmuid Ryan were introduced. Orin Burke then went on a probing run, flicked to Fahey on his left but was fouled after the pass and again he made no mistake with the close range free to bring his personal tally to 3-7, 3-4 from play on an exhibition day for him as James Queeney was introduced for him.
Paddy Kenny’s blockdown led to a Cormac Hillary clearance and after good work from Feeney in the ruck, the ball broke to Cilly Fahey who tapped it neatly over. Ardrahan put over a close range free with 2 mins to go while Ollie Laheen’s ground stroke took a deflection off an Ardrahan hurl and almost squeezed in at the butt of the post. Right at the death as Ardrahan tried to salvage some glory, Harry Mitchell made certain that no chances of eating into the lead materialised as he saved a close range free and then scooped the ball up for Jack Reilly’s long clearance from danger. Cilly Fahey had a great blockdown in the middle of the field, picked up the loose ball and with that familiar gait of his throttled forward with goal on his mind but was put out for a 65’ which was put straight over the black spot by Jack Reilly to finish on a plausible note: Pearses 3-13; Ardrahan 0-6.
Scorers: Orin Burke 3-7 (0-3F); Darragh Roche 0-3; Anthony Feeney 0-1; Cilly Fahey 0-1; Jack Reilly 0-1 (65’)
Panel; Harry Mitchell, Conor Hillary, Jack Reilly, Cormac Hillary, Jonah Donnellan, Conor Kelly, David Walsh, Ronan Hynes, Paddy Kenny, Cilly Fahey, Anthony Feeney, Oliver Laheen, Darragh Roche, Orin Burke, Dara Scarry, Cian Burke, Diarmuid Ryan, Cathal Hynes & James Queeney.
U16s into Semi-Finals
Pearses 2-15; St. Thomas 3-10. Report by Martina Donnellan. Our U16 Pearses team qualified for the U16 B1 hurling semi-final with a hard earned win: Pearses 2-15 to St. Thomas 3-10 yesterday evening in Ballymacward. This Pearses team had to simply show a bit of everything yesterday evening – physicality, power, pace, energy, effort and some lovely slick touches and movement - to get over the line against a team led by No. 8, their leader Conor Headd, son of Maurice Headd, Galway hurling star from the early 90’s. It was a big challenge and they embraced it with great confidence given that a win was a ‘must’ if they were to advance to the semi-finals and there’s no doubting that both teams were in this to win it with the result in doubt right up until the bitter end.
Pearses opened the scoring in their first attack, David Hillary from play after good work from Orin Burke and a diagonal cross field pass from Ethan Lally to Hillary. St. Thomas’ got off the mark with two frees while Harry Mitchell made a good save at the other end. Good play from Pearses resulted in the first goal in a 5 goal feast. Ethan Lally, Orin Burke & Luke Mitchell sucked in their opponents leaving Mark Donnellan unmarked and he crashed to the net to make it 1-1 to 0-2 on 6mins. St. Thomas’ scored two quickfire points from play and Conor Headd converted two frees to put 2 points between the sides.
Both teams traded scores, Luke Mitchell converted a free after he was fouled himself while Headd pointed from play for the visitors. Orin Burke’s effort sailed sweetly over the black spot after a good diagonal cross from Ethan Lally and Conor Kelly equalised with a slick point taken on the run to leave the score 1-4 to 0-7 with 27mins gone. St. Thomas’ made up a 3 point deficit again before the 1st half closed with a well taken goal from Conor Headd after the Pearses rearguard failed to clear. Luke Mitchell won a close-in free just before the half time whistle and Cian Murphy drove it low and hard but his effort was saved and eventually cleared. Half time: Pearses 1-4; St. Thomas 1-7.
The 2nd half saw a cracker! Pearses first attack again led to a splendid point. A long delivery from Orin Burke found Conor Kelly who flicked the ball up for Luke Mitchell to gather on the run and he made no mistake in front of the posts. Thomas’ responded with a long distance effort which sailed over the bar. Paddy Kenny scored a tonic goal as St. Thomas appeared to be gaining the upper hand and while it took a deflection on the way, it mattered little as it found the net with Orin Burke, Ethan Lally & David Hillary instrumental in the build-up. The joy was short lived though as St. Thomas’ worked the ball up the field from the ensuing puck-out and scrambled another goal as again the defence failed to clear the loose ball from the danger area. The goal stood much to the protest of Harry Mitchell as he tried his best to reason with the ref. Pearses 2-5; St. Thomas 2-8.
Cian Murphy pointed from play to reduce the deficit to 2 points while another sucker blow came 10mins into the 2nd half as St. Thomas’ goaled again in a goalmouth shemozzle and one felt it would be like climbing Everest to pull this one out of the fire. But these lads showed great character and fearlessness and certainly didn’t panic. They knuckled down and got 3 points in quick succession; Ethan Lally & Ciano with 2 points from play, both set up by Orin Burke while Ciano converted a free after Orin was fouled. Conor Headd replied with a free before Pearses hit the front with four points in succession. Cian Murphy with 3, a 65’ and two monster points from midfield and the stand sideline respectively to draw up the match with 23mins gone.
Ethan Lally ensured Pearses hit the front 2-13 to 3-9 as he batted the ball down to himself and neatly slotted over to put Pearses in the driving seat although St. Thomas always looked dangerous on the break. One felt at this stage that this match would be decided by a puck of a ball, and you’d need that bit of luck as well. St. Thomas converted another free to restore parity as Brian Kelly went down with cramp and Dr Luke did his best to relieve him. At this stage the game was far from gentle excitement as both teams looked like they were hurling for their lives!
Then Pearses opened up a 2 point lead. Cian Murphy’s free went over after he was fouled himself as he got on the end of Luke Mitchell’s whopping sideline cut and Ciano scored again from play with 2mins to go after Conor Moran was involved in the move. As the ref shouted a minute to play, Cian Murphy stood over a sideline 35 yards out and his monster cut smacked off the crossbar and as Brian Kelly latched onto the rebound, his ground pull agonisingly hit the side net. David Hillary put his effort wide straight from the puck-out but it was as good as a score just to keep the pressure on. Pearses held out in the end for a gallant 2 point win over an eager St. Thomas’ side and earned their place in the semi-final, date TBC.
Well done lads, a gallant effort and all round team performance with special mention to the full back line Robert Fahy, Robert Hynes & Oisin Donoughue who did well under pressure while Paddy Kenny, Niall Mac who had some mighty blockdowns, Jack Reilly & Conor Kelly (2nd half) showed great timely clearances when the pressure was on.
Scorers: Cian Murphy 0-8 (0-2F; 0-1 65’); Paddy Kenny 1-0; Mark Donnellan 1-0; Ethan Lally 0-2; Luke Mitchell 0-2 (0-1F); Conor Kelly 0-1; Orin Burke 0-1; David Hillary 0-1.
Panel: Harry Mitchell, Robert Fahy, Oisin Donoghue, Paddy Kenny, Niall McDonagh, Jack Reilly, Orin Burke, Brian Kelly, Ethan Lally, Cian Murphy, David Hillary, Conor Kelly, Luke Mitchell, Mark Donnellan, Conor Moran, Ronan Hynes & Eanna Cunniffe.
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U14 Hurling, Round 5
Pearses 2-8 Gort 1-8: Report by Martina Donnellan. Having cruised to victory against Gort by 11 points in the Feile just a little over a week ago, maybe a somewhat complacent Pearses turned up for Round 5 of the U14 A1 championship in Ballymacward on Monday evening. Gort produced a remarkable response and put in a massive performance in the final quarter as the temperature rose a few degrees and Pearses just about edged out their opponents 2-8 to 1-8 in a nerve racking finale.
Trailing by 2 points Gort had all the momentum heading into the last minute and it took a great pointed effort from Paddy Kenny in the last puck of the game to extend the lead to 3 points and seal the win. Pearses were wasteful in the first few minutes with a few wides while Gort hit the post in an eventful opening for both teams. Pearses were first to settle as Paddy Kenny’s quickly taken free found Orin Burke and Cilly Fahey accepted his delivery and flashed over a point taken on the run.
Oliver Laheen was a central figure in this win and he showed his strength as he burst through the defence when he gathered a Davey Walsh cross into the large parallelogram and finished an unstoppable shot to the net for a wonderful individual goal originated by Burke at midfield. Gort signalled their intent though as they came back with three quick points, 2 from play and a free. Conor Kelly squandered a chance from play while with four minutes to go to the break, Dara Scarry won back a short Gort puck out, hand passed for the menacing Laheen to run on to and he gathered well, took a few shoulders on the way as he burst forward and finished to the net in similar fashion to his first goal. Orin Burke converted two frees as half time approached; his first he won himself and the 2nd one came from a foul on the ball by Gort. Half time Pearses 2-3; Gort 0-3 and it looked like Pearses may coast again to victory.
After the restart both sides exchanged scores; No 6 for Gort from play & Orin Burke from a free after Anthony Feeney was fouled. Harry Mitchell had to be alert to make a great save which was cleared by full back Jack Reilly. No. 8 converted a free which could easily have dipped into the top of the net. Orin Burke who shone brighter than the North star had yet another smashing aerial fetch, played Ollie Laheen in space who found Cilley Fahey but the goalie saved his goal bound effort as David Walsh whipped on the rebound only to see his effort flash right across the goalmouth. Paddy Kenny took over the free taking duties and converted to make it 2-5 to 0-5 midway through the 2nd half. Both teams exchanged scores again, Gort from play and Cilley Fahey from play after a smart pick up.
Then came the turnaround from Gort as they played far more dynamic thereby hampering Pearses dominance. Confusion mounted as the ref had to consult his umpires on whether a Gort goal would stand but awarded a close in free instead which was duly converted to make it 2-6 to 0-7. The resultant puck out was won back by Gort and put straight over to claw the lead back to 4 points. With 4 mins left Gort were awarded a penalty after an inrushing player was fouled and the penalty was executed perfectly to slash the arrears to the bare minimum and turn the game on its head with 4mins to go. Ollie Laheen relieved the pressure with a great point taken on the run from a difficult enough angle as Pearses had to live through a nervy late Gort rally.
David Walsh had the ball in the net with a near perfect ground stroke but following consultation with his umpires the ref adjudged Davey to be in the square and a free out was awarded instead. In the last puck of the game Paddy Kenny fired over from play to extend the lead to a more comfortable 3 points as the Gort youngsters ran out of road in the end.
It was a game in which Pearses took their foot off the gas in the last quarter and allowed Gort back into the game. However, it was a great team performance when it mattered most led by Orin Burke’s tremendous catches and superb workrate and Oliver Laheen proved pivotal with 2-1 from play; the goals absolutely vital. Thanks to the Mammies who provided some welcome refreshments & hospitality for both teams after the game. Next up in the group is Ardrahan on Monday next.
Scorers: Oliver Laheen 2-1; Orin Burke 0-3 (0-3F); Cillian Fahey 0-2; Paddy Kenny 0-2 (0-1F)
Panel: Harry Mitchell, Cormac Hillary, Jack Reilly, Conor Hillary, Dillon Roche, Paddy Kenny, Jonah Donnellan, Orin Burke, Anthony Feeney, Oliver Laheen, Conor Kelly, Ronan Hynes, David Walsh, Cilly Fahey, Dara Scarry, Padraic Kelly, Patrick O’Neill, Cathal Hynes, James Queeney, Diarmuid Ryan.
U12 Hurling Round 1
Pearses 6-9; St. Thomas 2-4: Report by Martina Donnellan. Our U12s got off to a flying start as the sun shone brightly this morning to see Pearses record a comprehensive win in their opening round of the U12 championship. They strung together a great team performance to beat St. Thomas’ 6-9 to 2-4 considering that this was their first official outing of the year with other sports interfering with challenge matches so no one knew exactly what would lie in store. But this bunch of lads are absolute stone mad sports fanatics and they gelled together as if they were a seasoned team.
Both sides started well and went at it hammer and tongs for the first 5mins. St. Thomas’ started strongly with two early points, their first a long distance free and No. 13 tapped over a lovely point from play. Pearses battled back with 2 points from play from David Walsh; the pick of them his 2nd which he lofted into the clouds with Padraic Kelly & Conor Walsh involved in the build-up which saw the contest evenly poised up to this point. Padraic Kelly put Pearses in front from which they never looked back when he pointed a beauty from a fair distance. Cathal Hynes had a chance to find the net but the goalie saved well while the rebound fell to Diarmuid Ryan who spotted the inrushing Davy Walsh on the far side and he drew a smashing save from the keeper. James Queeney put Pearses in the driving seat when he found the top left corner of the net after Diarmuid Ryan was instrumental in the move. The Pearses lads gave away a few frees, forgetting the U12 rules …. No soloing, just 1 touch and let go…. but fortunately they were only punished for one of them by their No. 9.
Diarmuid Ryan goaled just before the break after Cian Burke won the ball in defence, fed Jonah Donnellan who delivered into space for Queeney to run on to. Queeney fired into the danger area for Cathal Hynes & Diarmuid Ryan to battle it out. Diarmuid Ryan, the bigger lad lifted, turned and fired to the net which ultimately swung the encounter so that Pearses deservedly led at half time 2-3 to 0-3.
The 2nd half saw a Pearses blitz assisted by the stiff breeze with Jamie Nutley & Dillon Roche having little to do. Conor Walsh continued the scoring spree within a minute of the restart with a great point as he worked hard to first win the ball in a ruck and then fire it over. Padraig Kelly then found Davy Walsh who split the posts with his 3rd from play. A poor clearance from the host’s goalie fell nicely into the hand of Jonah Donnellan and he made light work of his pointed effort with 5mins played in the 2nd half. At this stage the Pearses lads were queuing up for scores as Conor Walsh hit the butt of the post, the rebound fell to Cathal Hynes and somehow Conor Walsh got on the end of it to finish to the net. St Thomas’ quenched their barren spell as they responded with 2 quick fire goals; the first from a free which Darren Moran did well to get a hurl to but the rebound was flicked to the net from close range. Their 2nd goal was a well worked effort which brought them right back into it to reduce the deficit to 3 points almost at the midway point of the 2nd half. 3-6 to 3-3.
But Pearses found another gear as they responded in true style. Darren Moran made a superb save and straight from the puck out the ball was worked up the field with Cian Burke, Donnellan & Hynes having a hand in play before Diarmuid Ryan’s effort just had the legs to carry over. Davy Walsh scored his 4th from play after Cian Burke did the donkey work. Conor Walsh then drew a good save from the Thomas’ keeper resulting in a 65’ which Donnellan stood over and it dipped at the opportune time to find the top corner of the net. Cian Burke who was revelling in the half back line, passed to scoring mojo Davy Walsh who rattled the net to bring his personal tally from play to 1-4. Davy added a free after young Kyle McDonagh was fouled. Conor Walsh certainly finished the game as a contest with a whopping goal almost at the death while Thomas’ pointed from play in the last puck of the ball to put a better gloss on the scoreline. Final score: Pearses 6-9; St. Thomas 2-4. It was a game in which the entire team’s energy and drive was complemented by Davy Walsh with 1-4 from play and Conor Walsh with 2-1.
Panel: Darren Moran, Jamie Nutley, Dillon Roche, Patrick O’Neill, Padraic Kelly, Cian Burke, Jonah Donnellan, Conor Hillary, Conor Walsh, David Walsh, James Queeney, Diarmuid Ryan, Cathal Hynes, Fionn Donoghue, Kyle McDonagh, Daniel Lydon, Brian Thompson, Dylan King, Niall Grady, Ciarán Hogan.
Scorers: David Walsh 1-5 (0-1F); Conor Walsh 2-1; Padraig Kelly 0-1; Diarmuid Ryan 1-1; Jonah Donnellan 1-1; James Queeney 1-0.
U14 Hurling Round 4
Pearses 2-8; Ahascragh-Fohenagh 4-7. Report by Martina Donnellan. A championship win for Pearses U14’s was left in ruins after neighbours Ahascragh-Fohenagh mounted a sensational comeback from 0-2 down midway through the 2nd half to win by 5points in Ballymac yesterday evening.
For almost the entire 1st half, the game was catch up; Ahascragh scored, then Pearses scored twice; Ahascragh scored, then Pearses scored; Ahascragh scored twice, then Pearses scored twice; Ahascragh scored twice, then Pearses scored to ensure the game was a ding dong game of tit for tat hurling in the first half which saw Pearses break at half time 2 points down. Pearses: 2-4; Ahascragh-Fohenagh: 3-3.
The neighbours were first to score after their towering centre forward Cailum Finnerty cut through Pearses defence, only to be upended by Jack Reilly and their free taker converted. Conor Kelly was wide from play after he latched on to a free from Orin Burke from a good distance out and drew another blank after the ball deflected off the post. Pearses responded through Cilly Fahey who scored a great goal when he cut inside the full back line after some initial tormenting and hammered home the opening goal. Immediately, Cailum Finnerty had a good goal chance when he whipped first time on the ball after losing it initially, but Harry Mitchell spread himself well and was fouled in the process for a free out. On 6mins, Orin Burke tapped over his first free and then Ahascragh’s goalie had to be alert to stop Fahey’s goalbound effort from finding the net. Ahascragh added to their tally from play but Orin Burke restored the goal advantage when he went on a great run, passed to Conor Kelly who had the ball nicked away from him but Orin was on hand to clutch the clearance and tap it straight over on 12mins.
Then Cailun Finnerty’s influence emerged as he went on the rampage through the middle skipping by 4 backs, fired the ball over the head of one of Pearses backs and whipped on the bouncing ball to fire to the net to level the game 1-2 apiece. No. 9 scored direct from a free from the middle of Pairc na Gael which found its way to the net with the assistance of the stiff breeze. Conor Kelly originated the move with a great solo run down the sideline which led to Fahey’s 2nd goal; passed to Dara Scarry who flicked back to Fahey; he showed some lovely side steps before his rasper found the net. A minute later Dara Scarry passed into space for Cilly to run on to and his swift strike over his right shoulder in limited space sailed over. Minutes later, Pearses were nailed again when the ball fumbled around in the large parallelogram, was flicked on overhead, rebounded off the upright and the bouncing ball was whipped to the net to put Ahascragh- Fohenagh back in the driving seat. They followed up with a point from play from No. 8. Orin Burke pointed a placed ball just before the break after Cilly Fahey was floored flat on the ground. Half time: Pearses 2-4; Ahascragh-Fohenagh 3-3.
Orin Burke restored the deficit with a free after he was fouled himself and then uncharacteristically missed a free after a chop down on the industrious Cilly Fahey. Cilly Fahey pointed to draw the game 5 mins after the restart after Conor Hillary flicked the ball up nicely for Orin whose long delivery found Fahey in space. 2-6 to 3-3. Orin missed another free but Conor Kelly put Pearses back in front after good work from Anthony Feeney & Cillian Fahey. Kelly quickly added his 2nd from play after he capitalised on a poor defensive clearance. That was to be the last Pearses score as our neighbours added another 1-4 without reply. No. 10 tapped over 3 frees in a row while Ronan Hynes had a good chance of a goal but his ground pull went across the face of the goal. No. 10 pointed on the run to make it 2-8 to 3-7, a 2 point ball game. Paddy Kenny missed a free and in the dying seconds Cailum Finnerty was unstoppable as he burst through the heart of Pearses and scored a tonic goal for them to ensure no miracle comeback at that stage and rip the heart out of Pearses challenge.
Pearses had the lead at the three quarters stage and the smell of victory was there. The match was theirs and then it wasn’t. It took an almost absurd finish to snatch the win as Ahascragh came strong when it mattered most. Pearses will rue the number of wides both from play and placed balls and the frees conceded late in the game. They now effectively need to win their remaining games to be in with any chance of a playoff.
Scorers: Cilly Fahey 2-2; Orin Burke 0-4 (0-3F); Conor Kelly 0-2.
Panel: Harry Mitchell, Cormac Hillary, Jack Reilly, David Walsh, Jonah Donnellan, Paddy Kenny, Conor Hillary, Orin Burke, Anthony Feeney, Ronan Hynes, Conor Kelly, Oliver Laheen, Diarmuid Ryan, Cillian Fahey, Dara Scarry, Padraig Kelly, Conor Walsh, James Queeney, Patrick O’Neill, Cian Burke, Cathal Hynes, Dillon Roche.
2018 Senior League Champions
Pádraig Pearses 1-14 Cappataggle 0-14 (AET): Our Senior hurlers captured the Club’s first ever Senior Hurling League title yesterday evening in Duggan Park in the delayed 2018 Final. It took extra-time to separate the sides in a fiercely contested game, which seen the sides level seven times in normal time. With the floodlights called into action for extra-time Pearses hit the front and outscored Cappy 0-4 to 0-1 in two ten minute periods. A late chance for Cappy from a James Skehill 21-yard free was kept out to secure a hard fought and deserved win for the men in black and white!
Cappataggle lead 0-3 to 0-0 after six minutes of the play. The Mannions, Jarlath and Donal (from a sideline-cut), were the scorers and Cappy were motoring well. Emmet Ward got Pearses off the mark from a placed ball after eight minutes, he followed it up two minutes later with another. Jarlath Mannion had a chance for goal the other end, but his close range shot was well smothered by Fearghal Flannery. The game was level after 11 minutes when Emmet Ward pointed another placed ball into the town end, 0-3 each.
The teams shared the next four points evenly. Jimmy Gelston hit two Pearses scores from play, while lively corner-forward Oran Finn and Alan Dolan (free) also got their names on the scoresheet to bring the game to the 24th minute of play. Like all local derby games there was little or nothing between the sides. Then after 28th minutes a pivotal moment in the game. Fearghal Flannery sent a long puckout accurately on top of wing-forward Conor O’Neill who won it and hit straight for goal, before being bought to ground in the Cappy square. Penalty! Emmet Ward calmly slotted the ball past James Skehill. Pearses hit in front for the first time.
Daniel Nevin responded a minute later with a long-range point for Cappataggle and tempers flared between the teams around the middle of the field. After Referee Ger O’Connor and his officials restored order, the game stepped up another notch. Oran Finn pointed for Cappy, before Conor Fahey responded. A good tackle by Sean Hardiman in the middle of the field dispossessed Cappy danger man Jarlath Mannion, who was having less success now also in his battle with man-marker Richie Lally. Pearses were on top and went in at the break, 1-6 to 0-7 in front.
Cappy again started quickly in the second half and outscored Pearses 0-3 to 0-1 in the opening ten minutes, Emmet Ward the Pearses scorer. The teams were deadlocked again, 1-7 to 0-10. Pearses pulled two clear, Gelston with his third from play and a Ward free. In keeping with the pattern of the game Cappataggle brought the game level again, substitute Damien Joyce first and then Kevin Kelly came forward to point from wing-back, 1-9 to 0-12. The game entered its final minutes and not for the first time Cyril Donnellan displayed his leadership qualities, with the lead point and Pearses looked to have done enough. However, Jarlath Mannion levelled the game for a final time to force extra-time.
After slow starts in both halves of normal time, Pearses did not allow this to happen a third time and after five minutes of extra-time three Emmet Ward frees had forged a three-point lead, 1-13 to 0-13. This is how it remained until half-time. Both teams were tiring now and the second period of extra-time produced just two points. Cappy reduced the gap to two before Fearghal Flannery played a captain’s part and pointed a long range free to make it 1-14 to 0-14. The drama was not over yet and with time running out Cappy won a 21-yard free. James Skehill ventured forward for one last attempt to salvage a result. The Pearses defence held out Skehill’s drive to secure the title! Fearghal Flannery was presented with the Cahalan Cup by Stevie Cahalan.
Pearses: F Flannery (0-1); D Wynne, T Kenny, R Lally; K Donnellan, R O’Neill, E Cunniffe; C Fahey (0-1), C Donnellan (0-1); S Hardiman, G Lally, C O’Neill; E Ward (1-8), C Ward, J Gelston (0-3). Subs used: T Flannery, R Bellew, R Flannery.
Cappataggle Scorers: J Mannion (0-4), A Dolan (0-3), O Finn (0-2), D Mannion (0-1), D Dolan (0-1), D Nevin (0-1), K Kelly (0-1), D Joyce (0-1).
Referee: G O’Connor (Kinvara).
Report by David Cunniffe.
Toddie Byrne Cup Round 3
Pearses 1-15 Gort 1-4. Report by Martina Donnellan. Bouyed up by their performance yesterday evening against Turloughmore; Pearses youngsters were queuing for the Gort pitch entrance gates to open this morning at 10.10am, such was their eagerness to continue on from where they left off the evening before and the opening double header certainly didn’t disappoint. (Clarinbridge and Turloughmore – the other feast). Orin Burke, Paddy Kenny & Conor Kelly were the main instigators of an 11 point demolition of Gort in Round 3 of the Toddie Byrne Cup. In the 2nd game of the morning; Turloughmore beat Clarinbridge to top our group and went on to beat Loughrea in the afternoon’s semi-finals of the Feile competition and are now through to the final tomorrow in Kenny Park, Athenry as they bid to defend their title.
Gort got off to the best possible start and made it 1-1 to 0-0 on 4mins with a well taken goal followed by a pointed effort from play. Conor Kelly, Dara Scarry & Cilly Fahey linked up well as the latter was fouled and Orin tapped it over from close range. Kelly originated the move with that trademark solo of his as he found Oliver Laheen and the ball broke to Cilly who found the range with a well taken point. Conor Kelly again cut through the heart of Gort’s defence, found Cilly Fahey and as the ball broke, it was collected nicely by Dara Scarry who tapped over on 8mins. Paddy Kenny & Anthony Feeney worked the ball nicely from defence and as the hard working Ronan Hynes was fouled, Orin tapped the free over to bring them back into contention and level matters midway through the 1st half.
Orin showed great accuracy on the frees as he tapped over his 3rd of the match after the tenacious Cilly Fahey who showed a ‘never say die attitude’ was fouled. No. 8 missed a scoreable free for Gort as the ball curled away from the posts at the last minute while Cian Naughton pointed from play for Gort to draw the game for the 2nd time. Pearses then had a great goal chance after Orin Burke was again instrumental in the move, found Conor Kelly who tapped the ball across the goal to Dara Scarry who was lurking in the area, pulled on the ball but the goalie saved well. As the ball fell back into play, it was gathered by Pearses key man Orin Burke who showed great athleticism as he tapped over and quickly continued his accuracy from placed balls with his 4th converted free of the day.
Gort pointed from play on 19mins while straight from the puck out, Anthony Feeney found Conor Kelly who went on the rampage, cut in across the goal before walloping to the net for a tonic goal to put Pearses firmly in the driving seat against the wind, putting significant early daylight between the sides 1-7 to 1-3 in charge. Harry Mitchell made a great save but in the resultant shemozzle, the ref called the play back for a free for Gort which Cian Naughton converted just before half time and so the sides separated at the break with Pearses 1-7 to 1-4 in command.
Straight from the 2nd half, Pearses, assisted by the strong breeze, sapped any momentum Gort may have had of a recovery. Paddy Kenny penalised a short Gort puck out with a good point from play. At this stage Orin Burke was in paradise, playing out of his skin. He went on a run down the stand side of the field, dummied 2 players before passing to Cilly Fahey who was deemed to be fouled. Orin delivered the free which the forwards failed to control and the ball went harmlessly wide. At this point Pearses backs Cormac Hillary, Jack Reilly & David Walsh had little or nothing to do. Another short puck out was capitalised on by Pearses as the ball broke in the ruck to Ronnie Hynes who tapped over his 2nd of the day. Orin Burke then ran almost the entire length of the field but as he hit off the hurl, his effort was blocked down but after re-picking and shooting his attempt sailed wide; it would have been the point of the day, had it found the target. 8mins into the 2nd half, Cilly Fahey sprayed the ball into the danger area, was added to by Diarmuid Ryan and Dara Scarry finished to the net but the ref blew for a square ball. Orin tapped over a brace of quick frees to stretch the margin to 7points. Then Conor Kelly got on the end of a short puck out and split the posts.
Midway through the half, Orin Burke reeled over his 7th free which was brought into a more scoreable position for some Gort mouthing as Harry Mitchell was doing some practice of his own down the roadside goals as the free was being taken. It was an Orin day as he squeezed over his 2nd from play when he gathered a pass from Oliver Laheen and made light work of his effort with 4mins to go. A Gort free tailed wide with 2 mins to play and a Paddy Kenny effort from play also failed to find the target. Right on the stroke of full time Jack Reilly scored a superb effort after a probing run down the line, tapped over the heads of 2 opponents, Kevin Broderick style, worked himself into a scoreable position and scored a beauty from a good distance out – possibly the point of the day as Pearses finished very strong after falling 1-1 to 0-0 behind after 4mins. Final Score: Pearses 1-15; Gort 1-4.
Although Pearses had a good spread of scorers on the day, the day finished well for Orin Burke who reeled in 0-9, 0-7 from placed balls and as the Carlsberg advert says: If Carlsberg could do midfielders, and centre backs and centre forwards.
The sun shone brightly after the game to finish out a glorious weekend of top flight hurling for this young Pearses team, and it proved the perfect backdrop for an extremely successful few days of hurling, particularly in our group. That’s what every young lad wants… to be playing at the top level. The players loved it, the mentors loved it, the parents loved it, in fact every single second of it was loved, even the lesson learned from the Clarinbridge demolition. So that’s Feile na nGael over for Pearses for another year as we wish Turloughmore who advanced from our group and beat Loughrea in the play off all the best in Kenny Park tomorrow. Thanks too, to Gort Hurling Club who put on a good spread for all the teams today. You can’t beat the bit of hospitality after a game.
Thanks also to U14 manager Eddie Mitchell and his assistants Sean O’Neill, Martin Scarry & Tony Walsh who never seem to leave the pitch. Finally, we wish Darragh Roche all the best in his ankle injury recovery for the 2nd time in the last few weeks.
Scorers: Orin Burke 0-9 (0-7F); Conor Kelly 1-1; Ronan Hynes 0-2; Dara Scarry 0-1; Cillian Fahey 0-1; Jack Reilly 0-1. Panel: Harry Mitchell, Cormac Hillary, Jack Reilly, David Walsh, Jonah Donnellan, Paddy Kenny, Conor Hillary, Orin Burke, Anthony Feeney, Cillian Fahey, Conor Kelly, Ronan Hynes, Dara Scarry, Oliver Laheen, Diarmuid Ryan, Cian Burke, James Queeney, Padraig Kelly, Dillon Roche, Cathal Hynes, Conor Walsh, Patrick O’Neill, Darragh Roche (Injured)
Toddie Byrne Cup Round 2
Turloughmore 2-7; Pearses 2-1: Report by Martina Donnellan. Gallant, valiant, lion-hearted, courageous, brave are all words that spring to mind in Pearses gutsy and dogged performance against All-Ireland Feile Champions Turloughmore in Round 2 of the Toddie Byrne Cup played in Turloughmore this evening.
Eddie Mitchell’s charges produced an impressive display before losing to Turloughmore in dreadful weather conditions as Storm Hannah was starting to brew up for its siege on the southern part of the country at the time, but the Pearses lads were not blown away by either the storm or the might of Turloughmore as they battled bravely and brilliantly right through to the end, making life tough for their opponents. They hurled with full commitment and matched the gusto of the home side while the final scoreline may not fully reflect their performance. Turloughmore set the tempo from the word go with a great goal within seconds from their driving centre forward Eanna Monaghan. No. 12 added a point from play followed by 2 points from play from Eanna Monaghan to go 1-3 in front on 14mins. Although Turloughmore were in command, Pearses backs were playing out of their skin as 11 year old Padraig Kelly and Cormac Hillary were revelling in the corners, Conor Hillary stuck to his man like a diúilicín and Paddy Kenny man marked the impressive Eanna Monaghan with some tenacious tackling and blockdowns and at one stage even made a clearance whilst felled to the ground. Jack Reilly & Jonah Donnellan completed an impressive Pearses defence.
Pearses goaled just before half time as Cilly Fahey twisted and turned in a bid to get his shot in; his effort was blocked down, fell to Oliver Laheen who fed Dara Scarry and as Scar sent in a high lobbing ball, it was kicked to the net for a tonic goal by the towering 11year old Diarmuid Ryan to pull Pearses right back into the game before the break. Half time: Pearses 1-0; Turloughmore 1-3. A very welcome cuppa helped to thaw the spectators at half time and make 2nd half viewing a bit more comfortable for the die-hards given the cold, wet, stormy conditions. Pearses started strong and goaled after 3 mins when the ball broke from an endline ruck, was picked up by Ronan Hynes who found Conor Kelly and his ground pull took a deflection off the boot of Anthony Feeney to find the net and level matters for the first time. Straight from the puck out Turloughmore restored their 1 point advantage.
Immediately, Pearses responded as a good run from Orin Burke who played out of his skin and certainly revelled in this battle, found Oliver Laheen who in turn found the in-form Conor Kelly who hit the ball off the hurl and over after a great solo through the middle. Eanna Monaghan responded with 2 points for the All Ireland Champions, one from play and a free. The turning point came midway through the 2nd half when another great run from Conor Kelly drew 3 players on him and as he passed to Anthony Feeney, he walloped on the ground but his effort was inches wide. Eanna Monaghan put the home side back in the driving seat as they won the resultant puck out which was picked up by Monaghan and he weaved across the goal and let fly from a difficult angle to fire to the roof of the net and put 5 points between the sides. With a minute left Turloughmore pointed again from play while the resultant puck out was whipped on the ground by Oliver Laheen and as Dara Scarry was goalward bound, appeared to be dragged down but the ref abruptly blew for full time as the Pearses contingent were shouting for a penalty which fell on deaf ears. Final score: Turloughmore 2-7; Pearses 2-1.
There’s no doubt though that the Pearses boys headed home much happier than they did on Wednesday night as they made the home side earn their win. From 1-15, they were tenacious and dogged and although playing conditions were tough it was obvious these boys enjoyed this game. Thanks to Turloughmore for the welcome hospitality provided in the Baltic weather conditions which helped to warm up both sets of players a few degrees. Round 3 for Pearses will see an early morning start against Gort tomorrow, Saturday at 11am while everyone will be anxious to see who comes out trumps in the Clarinbridge vs Turloughmore battle if Hannah doesn’t knock proceedings in the meantime.
Pearses: Diarmuid Ryan 1-0; Anthony Feeney 1-0; Conor Kelly 0-1 Panel: Harry Mitchell, Padraig Kelly, Jack Reilly, Cormac Hillary, Jonah Donnellan, Paddy Kenny, Conor Hillary, Orin Burke, Anthony Feeney, Ronan hynes, Conor Kelly, Cilly Fahey, Dara Scarry, Oliver Laheen, Diarmuid Ryan, Cian Burke, James Queeney, Cathal Hynes, Patrick O’Neill, Conor Walsh.
Toddie Byrne Cup Round 1
Report by Martina Donnellan. Probably, one of the youngest teams fielding for the Galway Feile endured a tough baptism before a small crowd of die-hards in a wet Ballymacward pitch this evening. Pearses young charges fell to a 15-point loss to a slicker-moving Clarinbridge unit in their opening game of Feile’s Toddie Byrne Cup. Pearses were blown away by the concession of four goals in the space of seven first-half minutes which emphatically ended the game as a contest. It's unlikely to get any easier with a tough test with Turloughmore on Friday evening, given that the boys in black and white hoops were National Feile champions in 2018.
Just 20 seconds had elapsed when Aaron Niland, brother of hurling star Evan, had Clarinbridge off the mark with a good point from play. Darragh Roche, just returned from a broken ankle, tapped over a free following a good solo run from Conor Kelly while straight from the puck out Clarinbridge hammered home their first goal. Aaron Niland scored 3 more goals in a 5 minute flurry, the 2nd one Harry Mitchell saved but was deemed behind the line and then he walloped a penalty to the net to make it 4-1 to 0-1. Shane Kennedy scored from play for Clarinbridge although Conor Hillary had made life difficult for him. Cilly Fahey squeezed the ball inside the butt of the post to pull back a goal after Conor Kelly did the hard work as he burst through the middle before spraying the pass to Fahey who collected the off-load in full stride, throttled forward and lashed low to the net. Half time: Pearses 1-1; Clarinbridge 4-2.
Niland continued his form straight from the restart with another great point from play. Niland goaled again as he weaved in front of goal after collecting a hand pass from No. 9. Darragh Kearney added another point for Clarinbridge from play added to by two Niland frees and a free from No. 9 making sure Pearses went through a steep learning curve. In the dying seconds Ronan Hynes latched onto a free from Orin Burke to draw a good save from the goalie. The resultant 65’ was taken by Orin Burke, won by Oliver Laheen who earned a free which Orin lashed to the net from a good distance out to finish on a positive note. Niland chipped in with an impressive tally of about 4-4, he may even have scored the first goal as well. It was a tough baptism for Pearses young guns while the outcome was never in doubt one way or the other. Final score: Pearses 2-1; Clarinbridge 5-7.
Pearses play Turloughmore on Friday evening at 6.30 in Turloughmore and Gort on Saturday morning at 11am in Gort in their remaining Feile games.
Pearses: Harry Mitchell, Conor Hillary, Jack Reilly, Cormac Hillary, David Walsh, Paddy Kenny, Jonah Donnellan, Orin Burke, Anthony Feeney, Ronan Hynes, Conor Kelly, Oliver Laheen, Cillian Fahey, Darragh Roche, Dara Scarry, Padraig Kelly, Dillon Roche, Diarmuid Ryan, Patrick O’Neill, James Queeney, Conor Walsh.
Senior C'ship, Round 2
Athenry 2-14 Pearses 1-13: Two first half goals in this game, played in Duggan Park, were key to giving Athenry a nine-point lead going into the half-time break. With six minutes gone in the second-half the lead was out to eleven points and it wasn’t looking good for Pearses. Six points in-a-row reduced the gap to five with two minutes of normal time to play.
A goal at any stage in that Pearses revival would have made for a very interesting finish. However, Cian Burke, who had been excellent for Athenry throughout the game, tagged on a couple of pointed frees for Athenry. There was one late surge on the Athenry goal, when influential substitute Oisin Flannery bore down on goal, but he was taken out by Athenry keeper John Grealish. Referee Christy Brown had no hesitation in issuing a red card to the Athenry man. Emmet Ward buried the resulting penalty past replacement keeper Patrick Rabbitte, but time had run out to rescue a result.
Pearses lead briefly early on from an Emmet Ward free. The first Athenry goal arrived after just four minutes to put them in front. Eoin Caulfield reacted quickest when the ball came back off the post. Athenry were more clinical with their chances as the game progressed. Pearses were guilty of missed scoring opportunities.
After 24 minutes Athenry, led by Cian Burke, were ahead 1-5 to 0-4. Then two big scores arrived in the space of a minute for Athenry. An inspirational long range point from centre-back Conor Burke and a second goal, finished to the town-end net by Noel Keogh, making it 2-6 to 0-4. Athenry added three more points to Pearses’ two before the half-time whistle.
Emmet Ward opened the second half scoring but Athenry reeled off the next three points to make it 2-12 to 0-7. What followed was Pearses' best spell of the game as they hit six points in-a-row, Ward with four of these, while Cyril Donnellan and Enda Cunniffe added their names to the scoresheet, 2-12 to 0-13. Two Cian Burke frees stemmed the Pearses tide before Emmet Ward's late penalty.
The championship now enters its customary summer break with Round 3 to take place in the Autumn. Games against Beagh, Craughwell and Oranmore-Maree await for Pearses and it will be all to play for to see who will progress to the knockout stages.
Pearses: F Flannery; D Wynne, T Kenny, R Lally; K Donnellan, C Donnellan (0-1), E Cunniffe (0-1); C Fahey, R O’Neill; S Hardiman, E Ward (1-9), C Ward; G Lally, J Gelston (0-1), D Reilly (0-1). Subs used: O Flannery, R Flannery. Athenry scorers: Cian Burke (0-10), N Keogh (1-0), E Caulfield (1-0), R Hardiman (0-1), Conor Burke (0-1), C Lawless (0-1). Referee: Christy Browne.
U12 Football Round 1
Menlough 0-10 Pearses 0-3: Report by Martina Donnellan. Well the first weekend of the U12 gaelic football arrived this morning, Easter Sunday and no better opposition than neighbours Menlough. There was always going to be a bit of a bite to this game given that so many opposing players know each other so well being comrades with the local soccer team. The Easter Sunday morning sun was out in Ballymac along with many of the parents. Excitement was high and positions picked by manager Gareth Lally, who had to rush off after the game to tog out for Pearses in their 2nd round hurling championship tie against Athenry – they knew the shape and the plan all they had to do was execute it. But when you’re up against a football stronghold like Menlough, plans go out the window.
David Walsh had Pearses off the mark with a good point from play within a minute after good work at the back from Conor Walsh, involving Jonah Donnellan, Conor Hillary & Ross Lally where Walsh made the hard work look easy. The next 7 mins saw a barren spell with both teams registering wides. Diarmuid Ryan made a super save to concede a 45’ which was taken by Paddy Flynn, fell back to Shane Quirke, but he also drove his effort wide. The ensuing kick out was won by Paddy Flynn who kicked over from close range on 11mins to level matters.
Menlough added a free moments later and from there, they never looked back. Pearses won 2 consecutive 45’s after good work from Darren Moran as Fionn Flattery saved well for Menlough but the Menlough backs did their job as they defended resolutely. After a pause in play due to an ankle injury to the young but wirey Kyle McDonagh, Menlough tapped over another free following the resumption of play to make it 0-3 to 0-1. David Walsh whipped the ball off his own goal line just before half time to keep 2 points between the sides at the break as one felt the comeback was doable.
Pearses restarted the 2nd half positively but knew they had an uphill battle ahead. It was Menlough who added to the scoreline with another effort from play while Shane Quirke added a Menlough point on the run before Fionn Donohue latched onto a long delivery from Jonah Donnellan to score a nice point. Eoghan Ryan had a good chance as he got on the end of David Walsh’s delivery but he shot across the face of goal where Darren Moran had to work hard to keep the ball in play but he kicked wide from an acute angle.
The resultant kick out was won by Conor Hillary who was fouled and David Walsh tapped over the free as he clawed the lead back to 2points and added a sliver of hope. 0-5 to 0-3. Then as Jonah Donnellan went off injured in the last 10mins, Menlough took over as the Pearses boys were made sweat. Killian Hughes added 2 points and a free after Shane Kenny was fouled. Patrick Flynn pointed after he latched onto a free from Shane Quirke & Hughes tapped over a free late in the game after Quirke was fouled to finish easy victors on a tough first day out for Gary Lally’s lads and his sidekick for the day James Clancy as joint manager Johnny Lally was off on his travels. Final scoreline: Pearses 0-3; Menlough 0-10.
Panel: Diarmuid Ryan, Cathal Hynes, James Queeney, David Walsh, Conor Walsh, Kyle McDonagh, Conor Hillary, Jonah Donnellan, James Feeney, Patrick O’Neill, Dillon Roche, Ross Lally, Darren Moran, Fionn Donohue, Rian Donohue, Sean Kelly, Jack Kenny, Jamie Nutley, Dylan King, Tadhg Hart, Tommy Nutley, Eoghan Ryan,
U14 Hurling, Round 3
Pearses 3-12 Castlegar 3-3: Report by Martina Donnellan. An assured performance this evening from Pearses U14's saw them convincingly beat Castlegar in their home patch and pick up their first points of the U14 A1` hurling championship. Apart from the first 10mins, there was never any great doubt about the outcome of this game as Castlegar failed to hit the front following the opening score of the game. Castlegar hung in for much of the first half targeting their talisman Jack Wall and had 1-1 scored at half time to Pearses 1-6 which just about kept them in touch. Castlegar registered their first point on 4mins but some early wides from Conor Kelly, Jonah Donnellan (ground pull) & Orin Burke from a free showed that it took the boys in black a while to settle. By 14mins Pearses raced into a 0-4 to 0-1 lead, led by the razor sharp Conor Kelly with 2 points in quick succession, the pick of them his 2nd which originated from a Cormac Hillary blockdown in defense, delivered to Orin Burke, involving Ronan Hynes who set the in-form Kelly on the run and he tapped over his right shoulder from a difficult angle. Orin Burke converted a free while Paddy Kenny snatched Ronan Hynes' jab lift to throw over. With the stiff wind at their backs, Paddy Kenny made it 1-4 to 0-1 when he capitalised on a short puck out to drill home Goal No.1. Ronnie Hynes finished a sweet move involving Oliver Laheen, Orin Burke & Conor Kelly with his well taken point. Conor Kelly inflicted more damage with another point forcing the Castlegar management to shift his marker. Castlegar responded just before half time as they goaled direct from a free to close out the opening half on a scoreline: Pearses 1-6; Castlegar 1-1. After their half time pep talk and with the wind at their backs, Castlegar were quickest out of the blocks. Jack Wall gathered a ball and bearing down on goal he pulled the trigger and scored a whopper from a good distance out. Suddenly there was only 2 points between them. Pearses immediately responded well. Orin Burke picked up the ball in a ruck, found Kelly who went on the rampage, passed to Jonah Donnellan whose first time ground pull found the net to put a bit of comfort between the sides once again. Orin Burke added another free after he himself was fouled. Donnellan addded his 2nd goal 4 mins into the half after Ronan Hynes' effort dropped short and in the ensuing goalmouth schmozzle, Dara Scarry found Donnellan who scooped it under his legs to the net. Just before the half way point of the 2nd half, Castlegar applied some pressure but a great double blockdown from Conor Hillary followed by great hassling and harrying from Anthony Feeney & Jack Reilly deemed the Castlegar player to have over-carried and a free out was awarded to relieve the pressure. This was a big moment in the game given that one is always afraid of any team fielded by such strong great hurling clubs like Castlegar. Harry Mitchell then made a great diving save as the resultant play saw Castlegar tap over from play. Orin Burke converted another super effort from a free after a chop down on Oliver Laheen.The teams then exchanged scores; Ronan Hynes pointed from play after Cilly Fahey's initial effort was batted down by the keeper and Castlegar pointed from play. Anthony Feeney had a few great block-downs, Davy Walsh saw his clearances down his wing while Cormac Hillary had a vital interception to keep Castlegar at bay. Cilly Fahey saw out the game with three quick points from play sandwiched with a Castlegar goal unleashed from a good distance out to finish on a scoreline: Pearses 3-12; Castlegar 3-3. It was a dominant & assured team display from Pearses as Castlegar had to endure a difficult test. More importantly, these boys are back on track with their first points of the championship campaign. Scorers: Jonah Donnellan 2-0; Paddy Kenny 1-1; Conor Kelly 0-3; Cillian Fahey 0-3; Orin Burke 0-3 (0-3F); Ronan Hynes 0-2. Panel: Harry Mitchell, Cormac Hillary, Jack Reilly, Conor Hillary, Dillon Roche, Paddy Kenny, David Walsh, Anthony Feeney, Orin Burke, Cilly Fahey, Conor Kelly, Ronan Hynes, Dara Scarry, Oliver Laheen, Jonah Donnellan, Cian Burke, Conor Walsh, James Queeney.
U14 Hurling Round 2
Meelick-Eyrecourt 2-8 Pearses 1-8: Report by Martina Donnellan. Meelick-Eyrecourt earned valuable points in the 2nd round U14 championship tie after getting the better of Pearses by three points in Ballymacward this evening. With a strong wind at their backs in the first half the visitors found themselves 1-4 to 1-3 in front after Pearses shot seven poor first half wides. Cillian Fahey had Pearses off the mark within a minute after he accepted a pass from Jonah Donnellan but Fahey was a well marked man after that. Meelick Eyrecourt responded through a free and a point from play before Dara Scarry levelled matters on 9mins after he picked up a spilled ball from Orin Burke’s free into the danger area. Despite the visitors doubling their lead with a quick brace, through a free and one from play, full forward Ronan Hynes had to work hard to score from play. The dominance of Meelick-Eyrecourt's No. 14 was rewarded as he weaved in around Pearses defence before unleashing an unstoppable shot past Harry Mitchell. Donnellan and Burke linked up well together culminating in a low hard effort from Orin which was well stopped by the goalie, fell back into play where Dara Scarry found Ronnie Hynes and eventually Cilly Fahey’s effort sailed wide. Just before half time, Pearses scored a tonic goal; a free won by the hard working Burkie was pumped into the square by Paddy Kenny, batted down by Ronan Hynes to the inrushing Burke who made no mistake in finding the net to leave Pearses trailing 1-3 to 1-4 at half time.
While Orin Burke’s goal raised great hopes before the break, they suffered a massive blow 2mins after the restart when a long delivery rebounded off the crossbar and their No. 14 sneaked the rebound to the net. Despite the best efforts of the umpire to flag a square ball, his pleas fell on deaf ears. The visitors tacked on another free from out near the dugouts as they continued to show a greater degree of cohesion. The sides then exchanged points. Paddy Kenny converted a free after Jonah Donnellan was fouled and Meelick-Eyrecourt scored a lovely point on the run to make it 2-6 to 1-4. A trio of scores from play through Ronan Hynes, Orin Burke & a lovely long range effort from Paddy Kenny renewed hope for Pearses as they clawed the lead back to 2 points midway through the 2nd half. The visitors responded with a free after Conor Kelly pulled back his man and the game seemed to be running away from Pearses but Kenny put two between them again almost straight from the puck out with a lovely effort from play. In the final 4mins, Pearses tried hard to salvage their chances of avenging their defeat to the same opponents at U10 level in Cappataggle four years ago but the visitors dominance in the latter stages earned them a late free which they duly converted and was enough to see them win on a scoreline: Pearses 1-8; Meelick-Eyrecourt 2-8.
?Meelick-Eyrecourt's superior finishing from close range and the square ball ‘goal’ just after the resumption were the decisive factors and a big talking point in Ballymacward this evening. However, these boys will dust themselves down for the next game against Castlegar on Monday evening next.
Scorers: Orin Burke 1-1; Paddy Kenny 0-3 (0-1F); Ronan Hynes 0-2; Dara Scarry 0-1; Cillian Fahey 0-1
Panel: Harry Mitchell, Padraig Kelly, Conor Kelly, Conor Hillary, Cormac Hillary, Paddy Kenny, David Walsh, Jack Reilly, Anthony Feeney, Cillian Fahey, Orin Burke, Jonah Donnellan, Dara Scarry, Ronan Hynes, Dillon Roche, Diarmuid Ryan, Cathal Hynes, Cian Burke, Conor Walsh, James Queeney, Patrick O’Neill. Oliver Laheen & Darragh Roche – both injured.
Senior C'ship, Round 1
Padraig Pearses 0-18 Ahascragh-Fohenagh 0-11: Our Senior hurlers got their 2019 Championship season off to a winning start against Ahascragh-Fohenagh today in Kenny Park, Athenry. This game was nip and tuck until the final ten minutes, when Pearses found an extra gear to pull away.
Ahascragh-Fohenagh, with the wind and led by Cathal Mannion, raced into a 0-3 to 0-0 lead after three minutes. Two Emmet Ward points and a super long-range effort from Ronan O'Neill got Pearses back into it. The teams were level (0-4 each) after 17 minutes, when corner-back Damien Wynne pointed from play. Two more Ward frees made it 0-6 to 0-4, before Pádraic Mannion got on the scoresheet for Ahascragh-Fohenagh. With 26 minutes gone Cathal Mannion levelled it again, 0-6 each – Mannion and Cyril Donnellan had an ding-dong battle throughout the game around the forty. Emmet Ward struck his fifth of the first half soon afterwards, leaving it 0-7 to 0-6 at the break.
Scores from Conor Fahey and Ward opened a three point lead for Pearses shortly after half-time. Cathal Mannion and Ward exchanged pointed frees to leave it 0-10 to 0-7 after 41 minutes. Two substitutions made at the three-quarter mark were significant for Pearses, as Jimmy Gelston and Ronan Bellew went on to hit 0-5 between them, from play, in the final quarter. Pearses outscored Ahascragh-Fohenagh 0-8 to 0-4 in this spell. Five of these points came without reply from the 52nd minute to the finish, as the Pearses backline shut-out the opposition attack.
It was a good win in this local derby without the injured Tomas Flannery, Kerrill Hardiman and Colm Raftery. Great also to see last year's Galway Minors Oisin Flannery and Dean Reilly doing well on their Senior Championship debuts. Next up is Athenry, who also got off to a winning start against Beagh, in another local derby, fixture details TBC.
Pádraig Pearses: F Flannery; D Wynne (0-1), T Kenny, R Lally; K Donnellan, C Donnellan (0-1), E Cunniffe; C Fahey (0-1), R O'Neill (0-1); S Hardiman, E Ward (0-9, 8f), C Ward; O Flannery, G Lally, D Reilly. Subs used: J Gelston (0-3), R Bellew (0-2).
Ahascragh-Fohenagh Scorers: C Mannion (0-9, 6f), P Mannion 0-1, M Kelly (0-1).
U14 Hurling Round 1
Loughrea 2-11 Pearses 1-9. Report by Martina Donnellan. Loughrea proved a bit too strong for Pearses in yesterday’s opening U14A1 championship game played in Loughrea yesterday evening. Loughrea seemed more physically dominant over Pearses although both sides hit the ground running with 0-6 (0-3 apiece) on the scoreboard within 6mins. Loughrea opened strongly registering two points from play in the first 2 minutes from their towering centre forward. Pearses responded well though to go a point ahead with 3 points from play through Conor Kelly, Ollie Laheen & Cilly Fahey. Loughrea converted a free to level matters by the 6th minute. Orin Burke was wide with a 65 after Cilly Fahey drew a great save from the Loughrea goalie following a probing run at the goal. Loughrea went 2points clear through a free and Vince Morgan scored his 3rd point from play. Cilly Fahey showed why we all just simply love this guy as it took three to drag him down to win a free after Darragh Roche sent in a lovely delivery. Paddy Kenny made light work of the resultant free with a simple tap over to put the minimum between the sides on 14mins 0-5 to 0-4.
Loughrea added another from play after a poor defensive clearance was punished. David Walsh won a 65 which Pearses failed to convert but then Cilly Fahey scored his 2nd from play after a lovely flick pass from Paddy Kenny. With 2 mins to the interval the old empire dealt Pearses a hefty blow with 2 goals in quick succession and one felt the game was finished as a contest as Pearses were on the back foot. Loughrea added another point on the stroke of half time as a line ball was whipped straight into the hand of the forward who struck a sweet strike over the bar to leave Pearses trailing 2-7 to 0-5 at half time.
Straight from the off in the 2nd half, Paddy Kenny converted a long range free which just had the legs to carry over. Then Pearses showed great hunger in their mini resurrection attempt. Conor Kelly & Darragh Roche ensured the goalie was kept warm as he showed great reflexes to make two good stops. Darragh put another effort wide after a sweet jab pick up. Then Conor Kelly whipped on the ball, John Fenton like, from midfield but the fast pace of it carried it harmlessly over the line as Dara Scarry did his utmost to get on the end of it. Paddy Kenny converted a free from out near the dugouts after a chop down on the hard-working Anthony Feeney to leave the score 2-7 to 0-7. Both sides exchanged the next 2 scores, Loughrea from play after some good movement and Cillian Fahey a great individual effort from out near the sideline midway through the 2nd half. Loughrea struck again as their forward saw an opening, cut through the gap and tapped over from close range. Paddy Kenny converted another free when the dominant Darragh Roche was taken down to put 2 goals between the sides. Loughrea responded with a great point after a threatening run which could easily have dipped to the net. Pearses worked hard to claw back the lead and were rewarded when Conor Kelly struck a belter of a goal to bring Pearses right back into it, as he cut the gap to 4 points 2-10 to 1-9 12mins into the half. The next 6mins saw a barren spell as both sides were kept scoreless with Pearses backs doing well led at the back by full back Jack Reilly & centre back Orin Burke who kept their scoring mojo Vince Morgan scoreless in the 2nd half. With 2mins left, Loughrea continued to retain their 5 point advantage as they lifted the siege with another from play to see Loughrea out as winners on a scoreline of 2-11 to 1-9.
It was a good baptism for this young U14 team who weren’t too far off the mark but the going is certainly that bit tougher in the fast lane.
Scorers: Conor Kelly 1-1; Paddy Kenny 0-4 (0-4F); Cillian Fahey 0-3; Ollie Laheen 0-1.
Panel: Harry Mitchell, Conor Hillary, Jack Reilly, Ronan Hynes, Cormac Hillary, Paddy Kenny, Jonah Donnellan, Orin Burke, Anthony Feeney, Cillian Fahey, Conor Kelly, Darragh Roche, David Walsh, Oliver Laheen, Dara Scarry, Padraig Kelly, Dillon Roche, Diarmuid Ryan, Cathal Hynes, James Queeney, Conor Walsh, Patrick O’Neill.
U21 Quarter-Final
Tommy Larkins 2-14 Padraig Pearses 0-15: Pearses U21 hurlers exited the championship earlier this afternoon at the hands of Tommy Larkins, in this U21B quarter-final played in Ballymacward. There was not much between the teams overall, but two first half Larkins goals gave them the upper hand going into the second half. The nearest Pearses could get was three points in the second half, as Larkins held out for the win and qualify for the semi-finals.
Larkins led 0-4 to 0-3 when the first goal arrived after twelve minutes. A short puck-out by Keith Connell was intercepted and finished to the net by the Larkins full-forward. After the goal, the game continued in a similar close contested fashion. Oisin Flannery was Pearses main scorer, while Ronan Murphy was moving well at midfield for Larkins. The gap was back to two points when disaster struck again for Pearses, a second Larkins goal after 25 minutes. There were goal opportunities for Pearses, when first Flannery and then Ronan O’Neill went low from 21-yard frees, but Eanna Murphy and his defence held them out. Oisin Flannery pointed a Pearses free to leave the half-time score, 2-6 to 0-8.
Paul Lally was designated man-marking duties on Ronan Murphy for the second half and did well to restrict his influence on the game. Tomas Gardiner however became more prominent in the Larkins attack, hitting some fine points from play. After 25 minutes of the second half Pearses had outscored Larkins 0-5 to 0-4, all Pearses scores from Oisin Flannery. At his point there were just three points in the game, 2-10 to 0-13 – with five minutes to play. There was a goal chances at both ends with Dean Reilly going closest for Pearses. Larkins however had the stronger finish, and outscored Pearses 0-4 to 0-2 in the closing stages to advance.
Pearses: K Connell; C Kitt, R Flannery, S Murray; S Hynes, R O’Neill, R Carr; C Fahey, C O”Neill (0-1); O Flannery (0-12), C Lawless, J Barrett (0-1); P Lally, B Sweeney, D Reilly (0-1). Subs: G Kenny, D Byrnes.
AGM Report 2018
Our Club AGM took place yesterday evening in Ballymacward Hall. Chairman Adrian Queeney opened the meeting by requesting a minute’s silence for all deceased members of the Club, with special mention for a past officer of the club, Pete Hillary who passed away during 2018.
The Secretary’s report was circulated earlier last week and was discussed. Dorothy's comprehensive report is a recap on the various activities of the club throughout 2018 and expresses gratitude to everyone who helped in any way throughout the year.
Treasurer Shane Ruane then presented the club’s finance report. Shane thanked the various other officers for their co-operation during 2018. The thoroughness and professionalism of the finance report led Tim Byrnes to comment that Shane would be the right man for the Minister for Finance role!
Adrian Queeney then delivered his Chairman’s address. Thanks was expressed to the Executive Committee, Delegates and Sponsors: Finnerty Sports Care, Bobby Hynes & Sons Agri, Ballymacward Hall Committee, Oliver Laheen Plant Sales, James Clancy and Martina Donnellan. He went on to commend the good coaching work being done in the local schools, the excellent commitment of our players, coaches and parents for their co-operation.
Our club hosted Féile games this year and Adrian spoke of the huge effort put in by Juvenile Secretary, Rose Kelly; Juvenile Chairman, Martin Scarry; Féile Co-ordinator, Martin Barry and Children’s Officer, Maura Carr-O’Dea and everyone who provided accommodation for our visitors from Patrick Sarsfields, Belfast. When bad weather led to a power cut in the Hall during the first evening of Féile, the Club was also grateful that Eddie and Helena Mitchell could come to the rescue and provide the pub as a venue at short notice.
The great work done by our club’s Development Committee in securing Galway Rural Development, Leader funding was another highlight of 2018 and plans are in progress for phases 2 to 4. Several of our players went on to represent Galway at inter-county this year, with Oisin Flannery, Dean Reilly, Jack Barrett and Cathal Kitt on the All-Ireland winning Galway Minor and Celtic Challenge panels. Fearghal Flannery of course played for Galway in the All-Ireland Senior final.
The Club Lotto is a vital source of income to the Club and a dedicated group collect tickets each weekend and deliver to the Lotto draw. Thanks was also conveyed to the Lotto draw venues.
Adrian completed his address, by congratulating all parents in the parish who welcomed new babies this year, new engagements and wished luck to the couples planning for upcoming weddings.
John Raftery noted a unique double completed by brothers Kevin Lally and Tomas Lally this year. Kevin managed St Thomas’s to the Galway title and Tomas was manager of St Gabriels who captured the London title.
The meeting completed with the election of officers for 2019. A full list of officers is available here.
Junior 'A' Football Final
Fr Griffins/Éire Óg 3-8 Pearses 1-8: Pearses Junior footballers suffered their first championship defeat since 2015 to Fr Griffins/Éire Óg in this Junior ‘A’ County final played under lights on Friday night in Duggan Park. The city team started well and lead 0-4 to 0-0 after 10 minutes. Despite going down to fourteen men Pearses had managed to get back on level terms at half time. Fr Griffins/Éire Óg’s had a strong final quarter and both their second half goals came in this period and were the difference in the end.
Fr Griffins/Éire Óg were first to score, a point from play. Richie Lally came close to finding the net at the other end for Pearses. The next eight minutes belonged to the city men as they added three more points. Their forwards looked sharp when scoring chances arrived. Tomas Flannery got Pearses off the mark from a free after 13 minutes. Kerrill Hardiman added another from play two minutes after, 0-4 to 0-2.
The game continued without scores as the clock ticked past twenty minutes. Pearses had now come to terms with FGEO’s early burst, but needed to make it count on the scoreboard. Tomas Flannery reduced the margin to one with a point from play on 22 minutes. Pearses had won a free along the left touchline soon after, as recently introduced Cyril Donnellan prepared to take, the FGEO corner-back was preventing the free being taken and hit the deck when pushed by Donnellan. The ref produced a red card and Pearses were down to fourteen.
Two minutes later in the 24th minute FGEO had the first goal of the game, finished to the net at the town end by Conor Flynn, 1-4 to 0-3. Tom Flannery pointed from a placed ball for Pearses with 27 minutes gone. In injury time a good Pearses team move finished with Kerrill Hardiman squaring the ball across to Enda Cunniffe, who finished to the net. 1-4 apiece as the teams retired for the half-time break.
The opening minutes of the second half were evenly balanced. Livewire midfielder Sean Connolly pointed for FGEO. Two pointed frees from Enda Cunniffe had Pearses in front for the first and only time in the game after 38 minutes. The teams were level again with 40 minutes played. FGEO then kicked 1-2 in the first five minutes of the final quarter to take a commanding lead. There was still time left on the clock to rescue the game and Pearses missed some scoring chances that could’ve narrowed the gap.
Enda Cunniffe pointed a free to put four between the sides, but any hope of a Pearses comeback were gone when FGEO had the ball in the net for the third time with just two minutes of normal time left to play. Pearses pushed for goals in the dying minutes, but a point from Keith Donnellan was the final score of the game.
Pearses were promoted to Junior level (along with Fr Griffins/Éire Og) for the 2019 season regardless of this result. This brings an end to the season for 2018, with promotions in both the League and Championship. Thanks to the management team of James Clancy, Noel Burke, Paidi Hillary, to sponsors Ruane’s Glentane and to sports therapist Aoife Lally.
Pearses: J Flannery; A Naughton, S Hardiman, J Lally; R Carr, F Flannery, G Lally; T McDonagh, L Morrissey; R Lally, E Cunniffe (1-3), T Flannery (0-3); D Wynne, S Raftery, K Hardiman (0-1). Subs used: C Donnellan, K Donnellan (0-1), A Bellew, R Flannery, J Gelston. Subs: E Flannery, R Skehill, T Broderick, A Finn, D Skehill, K Clancy, D Byrnes, R Bellew, P Lally, C Queeney.
Senior C'ship Playoff
Clarinbridge 1-20 Pearses 1-14. Shortly after half-time in this senior championship playoff in Kenny Park, Pearses trailed by seven points. They battled back to force extra-time, but will regret the missed chances throughout the second half and could’ve won it in the closing minutes of normal time. Clarinbridge were the better team in extra-time and scoring burst at the start of this period gave them a five point lead, which they protected until the finish.
Clarinbridge started with a strong wind at their backs, blowing into the scoreboard end. Both teams hit some early wides, before Tomas Flannery opened the scoring for Pearses from a free in the sixth minute. Michael Daly had a chance for goal at the other end while advantage was being played, Fearghal Flannery saved well in the Pearses goal. Evan Niland pointed the free and gave Clarinbridge the lead two minutes later, from play, finishing off a good team move. Sean Hardiman levelled for Pearses, to leave it 0-2 each after 10 minutes.
Clarinbridge had the better of the play for the remaining 20 minutes of the half, outscoring Pearses 0-7 to 0-2. They were using the big wind to good effect, testing the Pearses backline with route one deliveries into big full-forward Cian Salmon, who Keith Donnellan marshalled well. Evan Niland was Clarinbridge’s scorer in chief, while midfielder Barry Daly was involved in much of their best play. Gary Lally and Sean Hardiman were the Pearses scorers in this spell. Half-time: Clarinbridge 0-9 Pearses 0-4.
Two Evan Niland points on the restart opened a seven point gap. Pearses hit the next three points of the game, from Flannery, Colm Raftery and the pick of them a score from the right touchline by Gary Lally, 0-11 to 0-7. Niland pointed from a 65, in what was originally flagged as a point by the umpire. This didn’t stall the Pearses momentum, as first Conor Fahey, Flannery and Lally again pointed to make it 0-12 to 0-10.
A point from play by Sean Kilduff reopened a three point lead for the Bridge. Then followed a five minute scoreless spell. A cross-field ball to Sean Hardiman, broke to Conor Fahey along the endline. He blazed a rasping shot from a tight angle into the Clarinbridge net, level. Niland would give the Bridge a one point lead with 53 minutes played. Ronan Bellew levelled it again after 55. Pearses had the momentum at this point, but shot several wides. Full-time, 1-11 to 0-14.
Clarinbridge had a blistering start to extra-time. Now with the wind advantage again, they hit 1-3 in the first four minutes. The goal from Mark Kennedy, a ground shot which was clipped past Fearghal Flannery and slipped its way over the Pearses line despite the back’s attempts to keep it out, 1-17 to 1-11. Clarinbridge led by five at the change of ends. There was just three additional points in the second half, as Clarinbridge shut up shop. They advance to play Gort in the Preliminary Quarter-Final.
Pearses: F Flannery; R Lally, K Donnellan, D Wynne; S Raftery, C Raftery (0-1), K Hardiman; C Fahey (1-1), C Donnellan; J Gelston, R Bellew (0-1), E Ward; G Lally (0-3), T Flannery (0-6), S Hardiman (0-2). Subs used: R O’Neill, R Flannery, T Kenny, E Cunniffe.
Senior C'ship, Round 5
Tynagh-Abbey-Duniry 0-15 Pearses 0-11: This game was tight up until the final minutes, with TAD extending their lead above two points for the first time with 50 minutes on the clock. The teams were level six times throughout the course of the game, with Pearses holding the lead once and TAD leading by one or two mostly, particularly in the second half. They stretched their lead to four at the end of the game.
In the first minute of the game there was a half-chance of a goal for Ronan Bellew, his flick however going wide of the Tynagh-Abbey-Duniry posts. The teams were level 0-4 after 17 minutes, with all but one (John Conroy) of these scores coming from placed balls – Shane Maloney, Tomas Flannery and Emmet Ward on target. Pearses’ first point from play arrived after 20 minutes from midfielder Ronan O’Neill. This gave Pearses the lead for the only time in the game.
Colm Larkin levelled from play for TAD, before a goalmouth scramble resulted in Shane Maloney tapping over the resulting 21 yard free. He added another free moments later, 0-7 to 0-5. Sean Hardiman hit a point from the right wing for Pearses following some good teamwork forcing a TAD turnover.
Tynagh-Abbey-Duniry were reduced to 14 men with 30 minutes gone, when centre-forward John Conroy received his marching orders for a second yellow card offence. The score remained at 0-7 to 0-6 at half-time, TAD with the narrowest of advantages.
The teams were level again soon after the break, through a Tomas Flannery free. This would be the last time the teams were deadlocked, as Shane Maloney pushed TAD ahead by two with two points in the two minutes that followed. Emmet Ward hit back from play for Pearses, but Maloney again responded, 0-10 to 0-8.
Pearses were then reduced to 14 men when half-time sub Cormac Ward was red carded. Colm Raftery pointed for Pearses, but Maloney and Thomas Gordon opened a three point gap for TAD. This the first time in the game that the gap between the teams went above two points. Two points from Tomas Flannery reduced the margin to the minimum again, with six minutes remaining, 0-12 to 0-11.
Tynagh-Abbey-Duniry had the stronger finish, hitting the last three points of the game, Maloney, Colm Larkin and Gordon the scorers. They are promoted to the Senior ‘A’ ranks for 2019. Next up for Pearses is Clarinbridge in a knockout qualifier game, with the winner of that advancing to the Preliminary Quarter-Finals.
Pearses: F Flannery; R Lally, K Donnellan, D Wynne; C Raftery (0-1), C Donnellan, K Hardiman; C Fahey, R O’Neill (0-1); J Gelston, E Ward (0-2), S Hardiman (0-1); G Lally, T Flannery (0-6), R Bellew. Subs used: C Ward, E Cunniffe.
U15’s bow out of Shield
Pearses U15’s had most of the bumper 11,434 crowd behind them this evening, seeking a first U15 championship win this year, only soon to find themselves surrendering to Michael Cussack’s absolute superiority. The Beagh/Kilbeacanty combination were far too physical for a young Pearses outfit, many of whom are U13 years of age.
This U15 Shield game was scheduled to throw in at 7.45pm in Ardrahan but instead didn’t start until 8.30 given that extra time was called for in the Kilconieron vs Ardrahan game prior to it. Then just as the ref was about to throw in the ball, believe it or not, the lights went and the game was played in almost dark conditions as there wasn’t a sparky to be seen anywhere in the vicinity.
A phone call to Aidan Kilkenny was nearly required! In fairness to both sides, they did well to get the match played with reduced artificial lighting although both sides agreed to reduce the playing time. At the end of the day there was still school homework to be done!!
Within minutes Michael Cussacks were off the mark with 1-2; a 65’ from their centre back, with the goal originating from midfield, worked through the heart of Pearses defence before finishing well from the edge of the square followed by another free. Conor Moran converted a free in front of the posts after he was fouled to make it 1-2 to 0-1 and that was as near as Pearses would get. No. 9 scored from play for Michael Cussacks as he burst through the centre while Robert Hynes did well to avert another certain goal but in the process conceded a 65’ which was duly converted by their No. 6.
Luke Mitchell converted a free to claw back the lead to 1-3 to 0-2. Cussacks converted another free while straight from the puck out Harry Mitchell showed great bravery between the posts with a smashing save as the rebound was whipped wide. Just before half time Cussacks scored from play to leave the half time score: Pearses 0-2; Michael Cussacks 1-5.
Pearses had a mini revival at the start of the 2nd half as Orin Burke was pulled back and David Hillary’s free tailed just inside the right upright. The sliver of hope was short lived though as straight up the other end Cussacks left Mitchell with no chance with a bullet of a goal. The 2nd half however, totally belonged to Cussacks as they were in devastating form and went on the rampage with a return of 2-3 to finish out emphatic winners.
Robert Hynes was exceptional at full back as he thwarted plenty of attacks while Brian Kelly was redeployed to the forwards in the 2nd half as Pearses sought to change the scoreboard. The young Pearses lads however, failed to get a grip on the game in the absence of their leader Cian Murphy as a Lazarus-like recovery never really looked likely. Final score: Pearses 0-3; Michael Cussacks 4-8.
This game ends underage championship hurling for 2018 as we look forward to 2019 hurling already and its only late September.
Scorers: Conor Moran 0-1(F); Luke Mitchell 0-1 (F); David Hillary 0-1 (F)
Panel: Harry Mitchell, Oisin Donoghue, Robert Hynes, Conor Kelly, Mark Donnellan, Brian Kelly, Paddy Kenny, Ethan Lally, Orin Burke, Luke Mitchell, David Hillary, Conor Moran, Ronan Hynes, Niall McDonagh, Darragh Roche, Robert Fahy, Eanna Cunniffe, Cormac Hillary, Jack Reilly, Oliver Laheen.
Report by Martina Donnellan
Junior 'A' North Board Champions
Pearses 3-19 Corofin 2-16: It wasn’t until the final minute of extra-time that the result of this game looked certain. It was close all through and even when Pearses went four clear in extra-time, Corofin brought it back to two. With 28 minutes gone in normal time, Pearses were two points down. Points from Enda Cunniffe and the equaliser from Tomás Flannery forced extra-time. It was a ‘sweet’ win, which sees Pearses promoted to Junior for 2019.
Pearses had the best possible start when Ronan Skehill had the ball in the net in the first minute. His shot half stopped by the keeper, but slipped over the line. The next twenty minutes were a sign of what was to come, as the momentum swung back and forth. Corofin drew level on the twentieth minute with a Conor Creaven goal, and took the lead for the first time as their star man Alan O’Donovan pointed from play, 1-4 to 1-3.
Two Tomás Flannery points gave Pearses back the lead, but then two in a row from Corofin seen them take it back. A long range point on the run by Damien Wynne levelled the game just before half-time, 1-6 apiece. There was still time for another Corofin attack and Edmund Flannery made a good save to keep the game level going into the break.
11 minutes into the second half Corofin led 2-9 to 1-9. Alan O’Donovan their goalscorer. Cunniffe, Flannery and Wynne adding to the Pearses tally. Ten minutes later, Corofin still led, by two. A high ball into the square was knocked down by sub Cyril Donnellan and Damien Wynne finished to the net, 2-11 to 2-10.
Corofin drew level with a David Morris point. Cyril Donnellan cut in from the left at the opposite end to rattle the post soon after. Points from Morris and O’Donovan seemed to seal it for Corofin, but Man of the Match Enda Cunniffe cut the margin back to one as the clock ticked into injury time. A well worked move seen Tomas Flannery level the game from the right wing. 2-13 each, extra time to come.
Pearses were well on top in the first half of extra-time, outscoring Corofin 0-5 to 0-2 in this spell. Enda Cunniffe with four and Richie Lally also pointed, as Pearses seemed to have the superior fitness at this point. 2-18 to 2-14 at half-time. O’Donovan had two points on the board for Corofin in the second half of extra-time to cut the gap to two. A floated ball by O’Donovan to the back post soon after was just too high for two Corofin players. It could well have ended up in the net if either got a touch. A shot from sub Ronan Bellew ended up in the net and Kerrill Hardiman kicked the insurance point.
As captain Gary Lally mentioned in his speech, no Corofin team is easily beaten, given their standing in Galway football and yesterday was no different. It was a great panel effort, with each of the subs playing important parts in securing the win. Of course some credit must also be given to the fruit pastilles sent in for extra-time by Eddie Mitchell! It’s on to a County Final now, with the West Board Champions still to be decided.
Pearses: E Flannery; A Naughton, S Hardiman, J Lally; R Carr, F Flannery, G Lally; T McDonagh, L Morrissey; R Lally (0-1), E Cunniffe (0-9), D Wynne (1-2); T Flannery (0-6), S Raftery, R Skehill (1-0). Subs: K Hardiman (0-1), C Donnellan, R Flannery, J Flannery, A Finn, R Bellew (1-0), D Skehill, K Clancy, P Lally.
Senior C'ship, Round 4
Pearses 2-16 Moycullen 1-8: It took a while for Pearses to get going in this Senior ‘B’ Hurling Championship Round 4 game played in Pearse Stadium yesterday evening. Moycullen used their physicality to good effect in the early stages and the game was low scoring but close for most of the opening half. However, a Tomás Flannery goal in the 27th minute was the turning point, as Pearses controlled the game from then on.
Points from Shane Raftery and Jimmy Gelston gave Pearses an early advantage, but Moycullen grew into the game and were level by the 14th minute. Eanna Noone first from a free and then an excellent long range point from the right touchline to level it, 0-2 each. A Colm Raftery burst forward yielded Pearses’ third point. The game would then go scoreless for the following 9 minutes, with missed scoring chances, particularly for Moycullen.
Pearses were beginning to unlock the tight Moycullen backline, and two attacks drew frees, which Tomas Flannery converted to make it 0-5 to 0-2. Flannery again was the scorer for the crucial goal in the 27th minute. Despite Moycullen’s good work, they now found themselves down by six. There were a point apiece for the teams in the remainder of the first half. The Pearses point coming from an Emmet Ward ’65 which came about when Ronan Bellew’s goal bound shot was blocked by the Moycullen keeper. Half-time: 1-6 to 0-3.
The first five minutes of the second half were close, with the sides sharing four points evenly, Emmet Ward and Eanna Noone the scorers. Noone’s second point was a sideline cut, awarded though Keith Donnellan seemed to have been put over the line unfairly. Emmet Ward’s responded from play at the other end.
The game’s second goal had the same effect as the first, pushing Pearses further head when Moycullen were coming back into the game. In the 6th minute, a Conor Fahey burst through the heart of the Moycullen defence, ended with him unselfishly slipping the ball to Sean Hardiman who finished to the net, 2-8 to 0-5.
In the next ten minutes Pearses outscored Moycullen 0-5 to 0-1, just one from a free, as Gary Lally, Ward, Gelston and Conor Fahey picked off scores from play. Emmet Ward’s point a fine catch and score on the run, while Conor Fahey survived a hard Moycullen tackle to point, off balance, from the left corner. 2-13 to 0-6.
Moycullen hit their seventh point before Gary Lally had the white flag flying for Pearses two minutes later. Eanna Noone goaled from a 21 yard free at the other end after 22 minutes. There just three more points in the remainder of the game, the best of them a long range effort from Gary Lally on the right wing.
Pearses have one more game remaining in the Group, against table toppers Tynagh-Abbey-Duniry. The winner of that game will finish top of the group, be promoted to Senior 'A' for 2019 and go straight to a preliminary quarter-final against Senior ‘A’ opposition. The second placed team enters a play-off against the third placed team in the other Senior ‘B’ group.
Pearses: F Flannery; R Lally, K Donnellan, D Wynne; S Raftery (0-1), C Donnellan, K Hardiman; C Fahey (0-1), C Raftery (0-1); J Gelston (0-2), E Ward (0-6), S Hardiman (1-0); G Lally (0-3), R Bellew, T Flannery (1-2). Subs used: E Cunniffe, R O'Neill, T Kenny, C O'Neill.
U12 Champions 2018
Pearses 4-6 Ballinderreen 2-2: Behold Pearses U12’s – County Champions! The young black and white army defeated Ballinderreen by 10 points in a well contested game played in Carnmore yesterday, in what was their second time to beat Ballinderreen this year. Plenty of hard work has been put into the underage structure in the club by a large number of volunteers over the last few years and now, Pearses are reaping the rewards of it by adding the U12 title to the U13 title won earlier in the year.
These lads are a united bunch and have been racking up decent scores during the championship. ?Jason Rabbitte was the star of the day, scoring a whopping 4-2 from midfield and covered every blade of grass on the park. There was ample support all around him, as everyone chipped in and played their part. Ballinderreen had a bumper crowd behind them and played with great confidence for most of the game led by their No. 7 but had to surrender to Pearses’ absolute superiority early into the 2nd half as the assassin Rabbitte was on fire.
Pearses got off to a lively start with points from Diarmuid Ryan & David Walsh within 2 mins. David Walsh set up Ryan for the first while Anthony Feeney won a throw in which spilled to Jonah Donnellan who sent in a lovely cross for Walsh to score the second, taken on the run. Jason Rabbitte who was a real talisman scored the first of his 4 goals following a goalmouth scramble which Cillian Fahey picked up and fired across to Rabbitte who finished aplomb on 8mins. Dara Scarry worked hard to earn a 65’ which was taken by Rabbitte and as the ball spilled in the danger area, Cilly Fahey wily sneaked in in to throw it over from close range. Ballinderreen’s No. 7 then had a good run through the middle of the field winning a 65’ which went wide on the 2nd re-take.
Ballinderreen then had a long range free which was turned around the post by full back Harry Mitchell while Pearses’ backs hesitated in defending the resultant 65’ which was whipped to the net to bring them right back into the game. Ballindereen cut the deficit to 2 points moments later with a good point from play. Just on the stroke of half time Cilly Fahey & Jayo Rabbitte linked up superbly, while Jayo spotted a gap through the middle and struck a superb goal to put Pearses in the driving seat at half time. Pearses 2-3; Ballinderreen 1-1.
Right at the start of the 2nd half Rabbitte drew a smashing save from Ballinderreen’s goalie while the resultant 65’ was driven wide by Jonah Donnellan. Rabbitte tapped over a close- in free to bring Pearses tally to 2-4. Ballinderreen performed a minor resurrection 6mins into the second half with another goal as Pearses defence failed to clear to claw it back to three points. A quickly taken free from Cillian Fahey spotted the run of Rabbitte into space and as he turned he fired over a beauty to widen the margin to 4 points. Ballinderreen converted a free while Rabbitte scored what looked like a legitimate point only for the ref to flag it wide after consulting with his umpires.
Fahey & Rabbitte linked up well again for Jayo’s 3rd goal and as he got out in front of his man, his first attempt ricocheted off the woodwork but he made no mistake on the 2nd attempt. With minutes remaining Harry Mitchell’s long range free bounced nicely for Jason who gave a true lesson in economy as he deftly finished an unbelievable 4th goal to the roof of the net. Right on the stroke of half time Dara Scarry tapped over Pearses final score with a great point after good work from Diarmuid Ryan & Ross Lally and as he ran back into position that mighty sense of satisfaction was conspicuously visible through the faceguard.
The ref blew the final whistle to great applause as PEarses were victorious on a 4-6 to 2-2 scoreline. This was a sweet victory in many respects for the management duo of Larry Hillary & Kevin Ryan in their first year in a managerial capacity. Each player was drowned in adoration afterwards such was the effort put in by every lad that graced the pitch during this U12 campaign and even for challenge matches. Afterwards, Pauric Lohan Chairman Coiste Iomana na nGaillimhe presented the cup to captain Dara Scarry who thanked the management duo, Bobby Hynes & Sons as sponsors and thanked Ballinderreen for a sporting game while the Man of the Match award was presented to Jonah Donnellan.
Scorers: Jason Rabbitte 4-2 (0-1F); Diarmuid Ryan 0-1; David Walsh 0-1; Cillian Fahy 0-1; Dara Scarry 0-1.
Panel: Cathal Hynes, Dillon Roche, Harry Mitchell, Jonah Donnellan, Conor Hillary, Anthony Feeney, Jason Rabbitte, Cillian Fahy, David Walsh, Diarmuid Ryan, Dara Scarry, Cian Burke, Ross Lally, Jamie Nutley, Patrick O’Neill, Padraig Kelly, James Queeney, Darren Moran, Conor Walsh, Ciárán Hogan, Brian Thompson, Keith Kitt while Tommy Nutley & Eoghan Ryan were team mascots.
Report by Martina Donnellan.
U15 C'ship, Round 3
Having lost their two opening games to Ardrahan and Abbeyknockmoy, this was always going to be an uphill battle for the young Pearses army who had to field without stalwarts Brian Kelly & Cian Murphy as Kilconieron hit the ground running and were devastating in front of their home support. The game was only minutes old by the time the life was sucked out of the Pearses lads as No. 11 for Kilconieron ran riot.
The home side had 1-3 clocked before David Hillary got Pearses off the mark with a great effort from distance from adjacent to the sideline. No. 11 scored 3 more points from play before Luke Mitchell converted a free after he himself was dragged to the ground by two Kilconieron players. No. 11 converted a free and another from play to have them in the driving seat by 19mins as they were 1-7 to 0-2 in charge.
The hosts scored another 1-2, their goal coming from No.11 who was left unmarked on the edge of the square while No. 10 tapped over the 2 points. Ethan Lally tapped over Pearses 3rd point after a David Hillary long range free was delivered into the square which Darragh Roche worked hard to keep before spraying out to Ethan Lally as he scored the first of his 2-1 tally. No.11 tapped over another point for the green shirts from out near the sideline just on the stroke of half time to leave Pearses trailing 2-11 to 0-3 at the break.
Ethan Lally offered Pearses a mini lifeline 3mins into the 2nd half after good work from David Hillary in midfield who found Luke Mitchell and as Mitchell was dragged to the ground, Ethan Lally cracked the resultant close-in free to the net. Kilconieron responded with 5 points, 4 from play, before Ethan Lally goaled again after he latched onto a ball broke by Mark Donnellan.
It was false hope for the visiting supporters though as straight up the other end Kilconieron responded with their 3rd goal. Orin Burke replied with a point for Pearses after Ethan Lally found him unmarked. Kilconieron scored another 5 successive points before the final point of the game came from a long range effort from Conor Moran. It was an evening the young Pearses lads would rather forget as Kilconieron were in superb form with their scoring mojo in fantastic form.
Pearses scorers: Ethan Lally 2-1 (1-0F); David Hillary 0-1; Orin Burke 0-1; Conor Moran 0-1; Luke Mitchell 0-1F
Panel: Harry Mitchell, Conor Kelly, Niall McDonagh, Robert Fahy, Oisin Donoghue, Robert Hynes, Paddy Kenny, Orin Burke, Luke Mitchell, Conor Moran, Ethan Lally, Peter O’Neill, Darragh Roche, David Hillary, Jack Reilly, Oliver Laheen, Mark Donnellan, Cormac Hillary, Eanna Cunniffe, Ronan Hynes.
Report by Martina Donnellan
U15 C'ship, Round 2
Abbeyknockmoy 3-15 Pearses 3-10: Abbeyknockmoy proved too strong for Pearses in Round 2 of the U15 Championship this evening in Ballymacward. The Abbey lads were more physically dominant and although Cian Murphy had Pearses off the mark with a 65’ within 2 minutes, it was Abbeyknockmoy who opened strongly registering the next three points; a free from Thady Moran and two points from play. Ethan Lally’s pointed effort then deflected off the post before Cian Murphy converted a free in front of the posts after a foul was committed on himself. Thady Moran kept the Abbey lads in front with another trademark free. Ethan Lally reduced the deficit on 13mins after Orin Burke from the sideline found Luke Mitchell and he in turn fed Lally who had to shake off a few tackles before firing over. Niall Mannion stretched Abbeyknockmoy’s margin with a lovely point from a difficult angle.
Pearses responded with 1-2 and at this stage in the game were battling gamely. David Hillary’s high lobbing ball into the danger area found Cian Murphy whose pointed effort took a deflection off the crossbar but Ronnie Hynes was well positioned to tap home the rebound to the goalies left on 18mins. A joint combination of Cian Murphy & Orin Burke won a free, duly converted by Ciano while Murphy put over a classic from play when he was first to a long delivery from David Hillary in midfield to put Pearses ahead 1-5 to 0-5. The sides then exchanged points Niall Mannion from play and Cian Murphy with a difficult enough free after Mark Donnellan was fouled. Abbey’s No. 13 then scored a good point from play just on the stroke of half time to leave Pearses ahead by 2points at the break. Pearses 1-6; Abbeyknockmoy 0-7.
Abbeyknockmoy got the best possible start to the 2nd half scoring 1-4 to put early significant daylight between the sides which they retained right to the end. Niall Mannion batted a dangerous bouncing ball to the net while the pick of the points came from a probing run from Thady Moran. Cian Murphy responded with a free after Ethan Lally was fouled but Abbey scored another 1-3; two points from Thady Moran and the goal, which the best goalie in the country wouldn’t have stopped, coming from corner forward Niall Mannion to stretch their lead to 10points. Suddenly Pearses had an uphill task. Harry Mitchell made a mighty save and then Ethan Lally clawed back a precious goal which took a huge chunk out of the deficit. Ciano converted a free from out near the dugouts after a foul on young Darragh Roche. Thady Moran however, maintained Abbeyknockmoy’s advantage with another free. Murphy scored the point of the day after Robert Hynes who was horizontal on the ground, flicked the ball over his head to Ethan Lally who spotted Ciano unmarked in a scoreable position. Murphy added another point from play to make it a 5point ball game with 5mins to go.
Cian Forde ensured Pearses could not get back in contention with a whopping goal to the roof of the net which left Harry Mitchell with absolutely no chance of reaching. David Hillary had an effort which thundered off the crossbar while Cian Murphy scored a well taken injury-time goal from a 21’ free to cut the gap to five but time ran out as Pearses could get no closer as Abbeyknockmoy grabbed full points on a scoreline: Pearses 3-10; Abbeyknockmoy 3-15
Scorers: Cian Murphy 1-9 ( 1-5 F; 65’); Ethan Lally 1-1; Ronan Hynes 1-0.
Panel: Harry Mitchell, Oisin Donoghue, Brian Kelly, Conor Kelly, Paddy Kenny, Niall McDonagh, Robert Hynes, Luke Mitchell, David Hillary, Orin Burke, Cian Murphy, Peter O’ Neill, Ronan Hynes, Ethan Lally, Conor Moran, Mark Donnellan, Darragh Roche, Oliver Laheen, Jack Reilly, Cormac Hillary, Eanna Cunniffe, Robert Fahy.
Report by Martina Donnellan
Senior C'ship, Round 3
Pearses 2-19 Abbeyknockmoy 0-11: Pearses had the best possible start in this Senior ‘B’ Championship Round three game played in Duggan Park earlier this afternoon. Sean Hardiman had the ball in the Abbey net after just three minutes. By the 18th minute Pearses led by six. The margin between the teams would not be less than that until the finish, as Pearses picked up a second Championship win of 2018.
The game opened at a frantic pace, with the action moving quickly from end-to-end. A high ball into the Abbey square broke to the ground, where Sean Hardiman finished to the the town end net. Paul Flaherty got Abbey off the mark in the 7th minute with a good point, 65 yards out on the left wing. A minute later Conor Fahey pointed from play for Pearses, after a good break-out from the back by Richie Lally. Tomas Flannery and Flaherty exchanged frees to leave the score 1-2 to 0-2 after 11 minutes.
Six points followed in the next nine minutes, five of them from Pearses, as they opened a seven point lead. Tom Flannery with three of these, Conor Fahy with two. Colm Raftery broke forward to good effect from midfield on two occasions to win the converted frees, while Emmet Ward and Gary Lally were involved in the making of the others, 1-7 to 0-3 after 20 minutes. Paul Flaherty pointed a placed ball for Abbey, but Pearses finished out the half strongly, with three more points. The best of these, from Emmet Ward, pointing from in front of the stand after forcing a turnover. Half-time, Pearses 1-10 Abbey 0-4.
Abbey got a good start to the second half, with a point from play by Paul Flaherty. Pearses outscored Abbey four to one in the next eight minutes. Emmet Ward continuing where he left off in the first half, scoring one point himself and winning the free for another. Kerrill Hardiman came forward from wing-back also, to land a long range score. Jason Joyce pointed in response for Abbey. Ronan Bellew, returning from his travels, had been introduced off the bench for Pearses and his delivery was flicked to the net by Gary Lally on the edge of the square. Pearses 2-14 to 0-7 after 41 minutes. There was a goal chance for Abbey after 44 minutes, Fearghal Flannery saving well from Paul Flaherty. The final quarter of the game seen the teams share nine points, five for Pearses. Ronan Bellew moving well, with two of those.
Games remaining in the Group for Pearses are Moycullen and Tynagh-Abbey-Duniry.
Pearses: F Flannery; D Wynne, K Donnellan, R Lally; S Raftery, C Donnellan, K Hardiman (0-1); C Fahey (0-3), C Raftery; J Gelston (0-2), E Ward (0-2), S Hardiman (1-1); G Lally (1-1), C Ward, T Flannery (0-7). Subs used: R O’Neill, R Bellew (0-2), E Cunniffe, R Flannery, T Kenny.
Abbeyknockmoy scorers: P Flaherty (0-9), B Flaherty (0-1), J Joyce (0-1). Referee: Christy Browne.
U15 Hurling Rd1
Ardrahan 5-14 Pearses 5-13: An epic encounter was played last night by both Pearses and Ardrahan and in the end Pearses must feel hard done by as Ardrahan displayed a late late show to grab the points 6 minutes into injury time. This was a memorable game with an almost record breaking scoreline, some simply outrageous scores, some of the finest goal keeping by a 12 year old and players leaping out of their skin in pure edge of the seat stuff. The old adage springs to mind: ‘It aint over til its over’ as we saw goals sprung out of nothing, momentum swings over and back in an instant and hefty leads reigned in by both teams in the blink of an eye.
Pearses were quickest out of the blocks as the pacey Ethan Lally opened the scoring straight from the throw-in with a neat point. Cian Murphy converted two quick frees to put Pearses 3 points ahead in as many minutes. Ardrahan responded with two frees from their full forward. Murphy then goaled for Pearses with a free from the middle of the park after the industrious Luke Mitchell was fouled but the Ardrahan goalie mis-judged the flight of the bouncing ball. Orin Burke extended Pearses early lead with a lovely effort over his left shoulder. At this stage with 9 mins gone, there were three Pearses hurls broke such was the effort with timely block-downs. Young Ronan Hynes effort from the left corner crept into the far corner of the goal and with a piece of the net missing, the ref had to consult the umpires before awarding the goal as Pearses leaped ahead 2-4 to 0-2 with their dream start.
However, Ardrahan’s response was strong as they scored 1-4 without reply in the next 10mins. It could have been more only for a spectacular double save from Harry Mitchell. Another Ardrahan goal looked ominous only for an excellent block-down from Niall McDonagh. Ardrahans goal came from a surging run as their No. 10 let fly to leave Harry with no chance. Cian Murphy relieved Pearses’ barren spell as he neatly robbed his player in midfield, throttled forward before his powerful goal-bound effort was deflected over the bar in a mighty piece of goal keeping. Ethan Lally pointed in a quality moment as he tapped the ball over two oncoming players before weaving himself in front of the posts where he made no mistake with the point of the day. Both sides traded scores: Ardrahan from a free and Conor Moran who spilt the posts with a point taken on the run. Ardrahan converted another free and scored another whopper of a goal before half time while straight up the other end Murphy was narrowly wide with another goal effort. Half time: Pearses 2-7; Ardrahan 2-8.
Pearses were offered an early let-off immediately after the restart as Robert Hynes received a yellow card for a foul on an inrushing player and the ref immediately signalled a penalty. Up stepped No. 14 who blasted wide. However, the game turned around in seconds as Ardrahan scored two quick goals in exact replicas of each other as their two goal scorers, No. 11 & No. 14 were left unmarked on the edge of the square. Ardrahan extended their lead with a massive long range free to make it 4-9 to 2-7 and it looked like Ardrahan would sail home. However, Pearses showed their fighting spirit led at the back by Brian Kelly who had a whopping 2nd half displaying a ‘Thou shall not pass’ mantra. Thanks to Ethan Lally, Cian Murphy, Luke Mitchell, Orin Burke and Niall McDonagh; Pearses began to seize the upper hand once again. Ethan Lally’s almighty effort almost smashed the crossbar and in the ensuing play, Luke Mitchell was dragged down and the ref stretched out his arms for a penalty. Up stepped Ciano who made no mistake in raising a green flag. David Hillary, Orin Burke & Luke Mitchell were involved in the hard build-up which found Niall Mac and as he weaved across the goal he unleashed an unstoppable shot to raise another green coloured flag and claw the deficit back to 2 points.
Ardrahan responded through a free from an acute angle. Pearses scored the next 4 points: Luke Mitchell (free) and another effort of his from play after great work from Darragh Roche in the corner. Cian Murphy converted two frees, after Orin Burke and Daragh Roche respectively were fouled. Ardrahan restored parity when their No. 10 pointed from play after a run across the face of goal. The resultant puck-out was fetched by Cian Murphy; found Ethan Lally who watched his effort sail between the posts to nudge Pearses 1 point up 23mins into the 2nd half. A long clearance from defence from Brian Kelly was added to by Luke Mitchell and a foul on Robert Fahy allowed Ciano to tap over the free to make it a 2 point ball game with 26mins gone. In typical fashion, Ardrahan responded yet again with another whopper of a goal. Harry Mitchell came to the rescue with another top class save. At this late stage, the game was set like a pendulum, with the momentum swinging over and back.
Niall McDonagh looked to be the hero with 28mins gone when he scrambled his effort to the net in a goalmouth schmozzle, only he knows if he used the hurl or the boot to finish it. Mac had another goal chance, this time a kicked piledriver but the goalie made a splendid save with 29mins gone. However, there was late drama as Ardrahans No. 10 couldn’t keep his effort down and it sailed over the crossbar – 1 point ball game. Harry made another smashing save at the butt of the post to keep Pearses in the driving seat but the ball was sent out for a 65’ which was converted to draw the game. All eyes were on the ref as the game was deep into injury time. A draw was surely the fairest result. Ardrahan refused to wilt and a winning point 6mins into injury time from their No. 8 proved sufficient for them to finally pull clear and grab 2 points and set them in pole position on the group table.
It was an evening of mixed emotion but in fairness it was an exceptional game with hurling the real winner. Next group game is Thursday next as Pearses play neighbours Abbeyknockmoy in Ballymacward.
Scorers: Cian Murphy 2-6 (1-5F; 1-0 Pen); Niall McDonagh 2-0; Ronan Hynes 1-0; Ethan Lally 0-3; Luke Mitchell 0-2 (0-1F); Orin Burke 0-1; Conor Moran 0-1.
Panel: Harry Mitchell, Conor Kelly, Niall McDonagh, Oisin Donoghue, Robert Hynes, Brian Kelly, Paddy Kenny, Luke Mitchell, David Hillary, Conor Moran, Cian Murphy, Orin Burke, Peter O’Neill, Ethan Lally, Ronan Hynes, Darragh Roche, Mark Donnellan, Robert Fahy, Cormac Hillary, Jack Reilly, Oliver Laheen.
Report by Martina Donnellan
Senior League Semi-Final
Pearses 2-21 Clarinbridge 2-21: This was an entertaining Senior League Semi-Final played in Carnmore this earlier this evening. Both teams opened leads several times during the game, and it appeared in each case that they might push on. However, any time either side surged ahead, they were quickly reeled in. As the cliche goes, the draw was a fair result in the end. Extra-time was set to be played, but Referee Alan Kelly wisely chose to call it a day with darkness closing in.
Pearses raced into a 0-4 to 0-1 lead after four minutes. The two number thirteens (Tomás Flannery and Evan Niland) starting they meant to go on, with all bar one of those points. For the first time the momentum swung and in the next 9 minutes Clarinbridge hit a purple patch, hitting 2-4. Evan Niland with 2-3 of that tally. 13 minutes played, 2-5 to 0-4.
Pearses recovered well from those Clarinbridge punches and in the following 5 minutes outscored Clarinbridge by 0-6 to 0-1. Flannery, Jimmy Gelston and Ronan Bellew with some good scores. 19 minutes played, 0-9 to 2-6.
The last 10 minutes of the half were more even, neither team were commanding for any spell. Niland continued to lead the way for the Bridge, while Flannery, Gelston and Bellew added further points. A Pearses goal arrived in the 28th minute, with Gary Lally whipped the ball to the net after play came to ground around the square. Half-time: Pearses 1-13 Clarinbridge 2-10.
Similar to the first half, Pearses started well after the break. After eight minutes, they had added 0-4 to Clarinbridge's 0-2. The following eight minutes seen Clarinbridge assume control, landing five points in-a-row. 46 minutes played, Pearses 1-17 Clarinbridge 2-17.
Again it was Pearses' turn for a spell of dominance. From the 47th to the 56th minute of play Pearses added 1-4 to Clarinbridge's 0-1. The goal blasted to the net by Tomás Flannery from a twenty-one yard free in the 52nd minute. This score put Pearses three in front and in the driving seat for the win. However a strong finish by Clarinbridge seen them hit the last three points of the game to level it and bring it to a replay.
Tomás Flannery (1-12) and Evan Niland (2-13) with 2-25 between them, were the star performers for their teams this evening. If the replay can match this evening's clash, it's definitely one to look forward to.
Pearses: C Lawless; D Wynne, K Donnellan, R Lally; R Flannery, C Donnellan, K Hardiman; C Fahey, S Hardiman; C O'Neill, J Gelston (0-4), E Cunniffe; T Flannery (1-12), G Lally (1-1), R Bellew (0-4). Subs used: T McDonagh, R O'Neill.
U13B Champions
Pearses 2-11 Ballinderreen 1-2: Good things come to those who wait and for Pearses U13’s that was pretty apt this morning as the fairly long long lay-off since beating the Moycullen juggernauts at the semi-final stage on the 2nd attempt was well worth the wait. It may not have been the prettiest of hurling but that matters little as the important thing in any County Final is to win it and that they did with ruthless efficiency. They were particularly electric in the second half with the strong breeze at their back, keeping Ballinderreen scoreless in a 2-11 to 1-2 resounding victory.
On a day when Mr. Walsh and Ms. Ward were getting ready to say ‘I do’ the Pearses mentors were preparing the lads for their first ‘B’ County Final. Ronan Hynes got Pearses off the mark on 3mins with a good point when Orin Burke fed Cillian Fahy with a cross-field pass who in turn picked out Ronnie. 2minutes later Ballinderreen’s full forward, Stephen Mannion cut through the heart of the Pearses defence and unleashed a bullet leaving Harry Mitchell with no chance in goal. Mitchell wasn’t to be beaten again as he put in an exhibition of goalkeeping particularly with his shot stopping and showed the purest of audacity and true bravery.
Ballinderreen’s wing back Donnacha Ganly then took a long range free which was somehow kept off the goal-line as it took a deflection off one of the Pearses defenders and out for a 65’. The 65’ was taken short, with Niall Delaney fouled and he tapped over the free himself. Cillian Fahy worked hard to win a free in the corner and from a difficult enough angle Jason Rabbitte tapped it over on 8mins. Straight from the puck out Ballinderreen had a goal chance which was swept off the line by Jack Reilly but in the ensuing play their forward whipped on the ground, found the net but with a player in the square the ref deemed a free-out to Pearses to huge relief.
Both teams then traded frees: Jonah Donnellan for Pearses after Jason Rabbitte was upended and Niall Delaney for Ballinderreen. The tide turned for Pearses on 14mins when Orin Burke, Donnellan and Anthony Feeney were involved in a ruck; Feeney won the ball but as his strike was half blocked, it fell to Ronnie Hynes who released Rabbitte. The Rabi marched straight through on goal after a probing run and made no mistake in finding the net to put Pearses 1point up: 1-3 to 1-2.
Pearses best point of the day was finished by Ronnie Hynes after Orin Burke and Cillian Fahy were instrumental in the move. At this stage the momentum was all Pearses; Dara Scarry whipped on the ball in search of the net; the ball was poorly defended, fell to Rabbitte who notched his first point from play. Then Cilian Fahy split the Ballinderreen defence but drew a smashing save from their custodian to leave the score at half time: Pearses 1-5; Ballinderren 1-2.
2 mins after the restart Harry Mitchell was called into action; one-on-one with a superb diving save which was eventually cleared by a combined effort of Conor Hillary, Conor Kelly & Oliver Laheen. Moments later Ballinderren’s first half goal scorer Stephen Mannion rounded his man and as he bore down on goal his driving effort was brilliantly saved again by Mitchell who laid his body on the line to also save the rebounded effort with danger eventually cleared by Orin Burke as Mitchell picked himself up, dusted himself down and limped back into position between the posts. It was a crucial moment as straight up the other end in the ensuing play Dara Scarry crossed to Ronan Hynes for a cracker of a goal taken on his left side which found the right corner of the net to an absolute rapturous applause and from there, there was no turning back for the Pearses boys.
Cillian Fahy was then fouled and a simple tap over from Orin Burke put Pearses 7 points in front. Cillian Fahy scored two quick points from play; his first came as Orin Burke drew a great save from Darragh Lyons in the Ballinderren goal; the rebound fell to Rabbitte who did well to get in a successful hand pass as he was being bundled to the ground. The resultant puck-out was easily gathered by Fahy who made no mistake with his 2nd point from play to fire Pearses 9pts in front. Midway through the 2nd half a foul on Darragh Roche was converted by Orin Burke to lay down the siege on Ballinderreen. They were offered a lifeline 13 mins into the 2nd half with a 21’ free which was saved by a combination of Harry Mitchell and Jayo Rabbitte as Ballinderreen failed to register a second half score.
With 2mins left on the clock, Cillian Fahy was thrown on the ground, only for Burke to convert the resultant free. At this stage, David Walsh had been introduced and he was so fired up that his clearance from defence ricocheted off the sideline advertisement hoarding and almost left mentor Martin Scarry with a black eye. It took him awhile to regain his composure such was the force of the shot as David was making his way down in apology. The black ‘Jockey’ brand didn’t cure the eye. Sorry Dorothy…. Right on the stroke of full time, Jack Reilly won the ball, found Rabbitte who inflicted further damage on Ballinderren with another splendid point to finish an emphatic win for Pearses on a scoreline: Pearses 2-11; Ballinderren 1-2.
It was a splendid U13 run for Pearses who remained unbeaten throughout the campaign and once again an overall team performance. Post-match, Tom Monaghan of Ocean Hygiene who have sponsored underage hurling for many years in the county presented the Man of the Match award to an over awed Harry Mitchell who was simply delighted and equally matched by birthday boy, Eddie Mitchell, his father, the team manager. Juvenile chairman, Padraig Lohan cited Harry as the difference between the 2 sides. Captain Conor Kelly accepted the cup on behalf of his team mates and thanked the parents for their efforts during the campaign, thanked Bobby Hynes & Sons for their continued sponsorship and thanked the management team of Eddie Mitchell, Declan Lawless, Sean O’Neill, Tony Walsh, Martin Scarry and his own mum Rose for all her hard work as juvenile secretary of the club.
After the match young Oliver Laheen skipped off to his aunts wedding while Martin Scarry had to go home first to change the ‘jockeys’ and spruce himself up to meet the new Mr. & Mrs. Walsh.
Well done lads and mentors on capturing the U13B title with an impressive hurling campaign with an unbeaten run.?
Scorers: Jason Rabbitte 1-3 (0-1F); Ronan Hynes 1-2; Orin Burke 0-3 (0-3F); Cillian Fahy 0-2; Jonah Donnellan 0-1 (0-1F)
Panel: Harry Mitchell, Conor Hillary, Conor Kelly, Oliver Laheen. Cormac Hillary, Paddy Kenny, Jack Reilly, Jonah Donnellan, Orin Burke, Ronan Hynes, Anthony Feeney, Jason Rabbitte, Dara Scarry, Cillian Fahy, Darragh Roche, David Walsh, Padraig Kelly, Cathal Hynes, Jamie Nutley, Diarmuid Ryan, Patrick O’Neill, Dillon Roche, Cian Burke, James Queeney, Conor Walsh and Ross Lally who gets his medal couriered to Sligo.
Match Report by Martina Donnellan
U13 Semi-Final Replay
Pearses 3-16; Moycullen 4-11: What a magnificent match in Moycullen yesterday evening in the U13B semi-final replay against Moycullen. It took 120minutes of hurling to separate these two sides following a draw after extra time on Monday evening and extra time required again yesterday evening. One woke up this morning expecting a report on this match to be the first news item on Radio One’s National Sports headlines.
It was an absolute titanic battle by both sides which will certainly go down as one of the underage hurling games of the year. Both sidelines were filled with supporters and there was much relief and huge cheers from the Pearses contingent when the ref blew the final whistle as Pearses emerged victorious by 2 points having fought hammer and tongs on a 3-16 to 4-11 final score.
From the word go Pearses had to earn this win. Moycullen started strongly, led 0-2 to no score after 6mins and were in control early on. Jonah Donnellan opened Pearses account from play after a good move involving Cormac Hillary, Paddy Kenny, Anthony Feeney, Jason Rabbitte and finished by Donnellan. Then Orin Burke, who played the entire game carrying a niggling injury, goaled after Rabbitte sent in a long delivery which bobbled around in the square a bit before Burke kicked to the net to turn the tide in Pearses direction. Burke added a point from the resultant puck out after Cillian Fahy’s initial effort was batted out by the goalie. Moycullen goaled on 12mins when their wing forward pulled on a long delivery to raise a green flag.
Pearses then squandered some good chances with 4 wides both from frees and from play. Keeper Mitchell denied Moycullen with a point blank save which was defended well by a combined effort of Oliver Laheen, Conor Hillary and Conor Kelly to relieve any impending danger. For the next 6 mins both sides were wasteful which brought the game to half time on a score line: Pearses 1-2; Moycullen 1-2.
Following the resumption, Moycullen hit a purple patch scoring 4 points in rapid succession, 3 from play and one from a placed ball. Cillian Fahy kick-started the Pearses revival with a point which took a deflection off the goalies hurl on its way. Rabbitte converted a free which he earned himself. Cillian Fahy maintained Pearses momentum as he sent in a long range delivery; Moycullen's full back and one-legged Burke who was now playing in the No. 14 position both rose to meet it; Burke broke it nicely to Darragh Roche who was dragged down while the ref immediately indicated a penalty which was buried by Orin Burke to put Pearses 1 point up. Moycullen levelled matters with a free with 7 mins to go.
Cillian Fahy & Rabbitte did the hard work to set up Burke with a point to edge Pearses in front. Anthony Feeney won a vital free to keep the momentum with Pearses as the clock was ticking down. With 2 mins to go, there came a sucker blow for Pearses when Moycullen goaled again as Harry Mitchell first made a superb save but the Moycullen scorer was well positioned to smack the rebound to the net and immediately Pearses were up against it. Jonah Donnellan then found Orin Burke who reduced the deficit to one with a minute and a half to play. Cormac Hillary won a vital free out near the dugout which was taken by Jason Rabbitte, won well by Cillian Fahy who turned saviour as he sent over an astonishing point to tie up the game for the third time on a scoreline: Pearses 2-7; Moycullen 2-7 and so bring the game to extra time yet again.
Similar to Monday evening, Moycullen got a tonic start to extra time. Mitchell made another great save but the rebound was whipped to the net. Jason Rabbitte responded through two frees and an effort from play to tie up the game for the 4th time. Ronan Hynes put Pearses 1 point up after he gathered a Cillian Fahy pass who did well to get his pass in given he was smothered by 3 green jerseys. Harry Mitchell kept us in the game with yet another point blank save with 8mins played in the first period of extra time. Right on the stroke of half time Moycullen converted a free to level matters once more: Pearses 2-11; Moycullen 3-8.
Both teams traded scores following the resumption; Jonah Donnellan on target for Pearses and Moycullen from play down the other end. However, from here on Pearses came into their own. With Jack Reilly, Paddy Kenny who made the long trek back from Waterford, & Cormac Hillary dominating the half-back line, Conor Hillary, Dara Scarry and David Walsh roaming around the forward line and everyone simply hurling superbly, Pearses drove forward in search of scores which came rapidly.
Jason Rabbitte got one of the best cheers of the day when he grabbed a long Fahy delivery and at full throttle he smashed home a superb goal to put Pearses in a more comfortable position. Darragh Roche kept Pearses in the comfort zone as he pointed a brace; his first after great work from Rabbitte and his second after Orin Burke fed him the pass to make it a 5 point ball game.
Warrior Orin Burke then was dragged down in the square for the ref to award a penalty. Rabbitte tapped it over to extend the lead to 6 points with 5 mins remaining. Roche hit the target with his third point from play and by now Moycullen were under the cosh trailing by 7 points, by far the widest margin of the evening as the home side looked done and dusted. However, Moycullen showed great character as they rallied to get back into the game.
They got the break they required as they breached Pearses defence to smash home a goal quickly followed by a point from play to put 3 points between the sides and set up the nerviest of finishes for the Pearses spectators. Moycullen went on the run again and were awarded a close in free. In a crowded area it was difficult to know who got their hurl to it to deflect the goal-bound effort over. In the end, time ran out on a spirited Moycullen fight back as Pearses U13 boys had just won a classic on a whopping scoreline: Pearses 3-16; Moycullen 4-11.
The sides were level 6 times in a cracking match and it has to be said, this was an overall team performance as each lad gave his very best to ensure Pearses passage to the final against Ballinderreen was secured. Their ability to pick off points and goals when they were most needed is what really saw them home. Well done to all the players, to mentors Eddie Mitchell who almost needed a bit of his own ‘stuff’ he markets during and after the game, to Tony Walsh and Sean O’Neill and to the absent Martin Scarry who spent the match hour in the prayer room in Portiuncla Hospital. At least we now know his prayers were answered.
County Final date and venue versus Ballinderreen has yet to be agreed. The team wish Orin Burke the best in his mini sevens appearance in Croke Park on Saturday during the All-Ireland hurling semi-final while everyone also sends best wishes to Jack Reilly’s brother Dean in the All Ireland minor semi-final and indeed to Oisin Flannery and to Jack Barrett.
Scorers: Orin Burke 2-3 (1Pen); Jason Rabbitte 1-5 (0-3F; 0-1Pen); Darragh Roche 0-3; Cillian Fahy 0-2; Jonah Donnellan 0-2; Ronan Hynes 0-1. Panel: Harry Mitchell, Conor Hillary, Conor Kelly, Oliver Laheen, Jack Reilly, Paddy Kenny, Cormac Hillary, Jonah Donnellan, Orin Burke, Jason Rabbitte, Anthony Feeney, Cillian Fahy, Dara Scarry, Darragh Roche, Ronan Hynes, David Walsh, Ross Lally, Cathal Hynes, Jamie Nutley, Cian Burke, James Queeney, Patrick O’Neill, Diarmuid Ryan, Padraig Kelly.
Report by Martina Donnellan.
Junior Football League Final
Pearses 3-10 Menlough 1-10: Pearses Junior footballers added another trophy to their collection (six since 2016) earlier this evening in Menlough, as they defeated the home team in the Division 7 League Final. Two Pearses goals in the first half had them well in control at the break. Added to that a Menlough red card and it looked like Pearses could well extend that lead after the break. However, Menlough battled back to level terms in the third quarter. A Tomás Flannery goal gave Pearses breathing space again and they went on to finish out the game strongly.
Menlough opened the scoring with a pointed Brian Monaghan free, but would not score again for ten minutes as Pearses opened a seven point lead. Tommy McDonagh got Pearses off the mark, before Damien Wynne put Pearses in front. Wynne moving well at wing-forward was on target again soon after, when his looping shot dipped under John Gormally's crossbar and into the net. Kerrill Hardiman added a second Pearses goal in the ninth minute. Menlough hit back with two pointed Monaghan frees, 2-2 to 0-3 after 15 minutes.
Tomás Flannery pointed a free, before Menlough full-forward Robert Lally kicked a fine point on the run, their first from play. On the twentieth minute Flannery landed a 'Ja-Fallon-esque' point, from close to the right touchline. Captain Gary Lally pushed forward from his wing-back berth to get his name on the scoresheet, with five minutes left to play in the half. Their would be one more Menlough score in the first half, from Gary Collins. Menlough suffered a blow as they were reduced to fourteen men, leaving Ronan Carr as the spare man. Half-time Score, 2-5 to 0-5.
The third quarter belonged to Menlough as they defied their numerical disadvantage and outscored Pearses 1-4 to 0-1 in this spell. Derwin Costello particularly effective with three of these points, young Gary Collins with the goal. Emmet Ward the lone Pearses scorer, 1-9 to 2-6 after 45 minutes. With the game in the melting pot, Tomas Flannery struck for Pearses' third goal just one minute later. It turned out to be the game-breaking score. The final quarter was all Pearses as they reopened a six point cushion with points from Flannery, Dermot Skehill and Alan Naughton.
Pearses: E Flannery; R Carr, K Donnellan, J Lally; S Hardiman, R Flannery, G Lally (0-1); T McDonagh (0-1), L Morrissey; T Flannery (1-4), R Lally, D Wynne (1-1); S Raftery, E Ward (0-1), K Hardiman (1-0). Subs used: C Donnellan, D Skehill (0-1), A Naughton (0-1), K Clancy.
Menlough Scorers: G Collins (1-2), B Monaghan (0-4), D Costello (0-3), R Lally (0-1).
Man of the Match: Tomas Flannery.
Epic U13 Semi-Final Draw
Pearses 1-14 Moycullen 4-5: An epic in every possible sense of the word was played this evening as 60 minutes of hurling couldn’t separate Moycullen and Pearses in the U13B semi-final played in Ballymacward this evening. It was almost dark by the time the game finished as supporters teeth chattered, hands trembled, knees buckled and finger nails were eaten half way down with the pure tension such was the raw passion and pure dogged determination showed by both teams who lived to fight another day, which will be this Thursday evening in Moycullen.
A draw was probably the fairest result as neither team’s hearts deserved to be broken as the momentum swung over and back throughout the game. It finished Pearses 1-8; Moycullen 3-2 after full time and after a long delay and contact with the County Board extra time was deemed necessary. The game finished level; Pearses 1-14; Moycullen 4-5 after extra time.
Both sides wasted some early chances as it took Pearses awhile to settle. Pearses were first to get on the scoreboard as Orin Burke sent in a free which Cillian Fahy was on the end of and as his pointed effort rebounded off the upright, Ronan Hynes swept home a smashing goal for a dream start after 5 minutes. Immediately down the other end Harry Mitchell had to stretch well to deny Moycullen from striking back. Ronnie Hynes picked up a loose Moycullen clearance to fire over on 12mins.
Then as Pearses had a barren spell Moycullen clocked 2-1 within 4minutes. Their first goal from a 21’ free rattled the roof of the net while immediately from the puck out they rattled Pearses with another goal. Moycullen tapped over a point from play to push them 3 points ahead. Just before half time as Pearses defence was breached Orin Burke was on hand to sweep the ball off the goal line. Half time score: Pearses 1-1; Moycullen 2-1.
The visitors could not have asked for a more positive resumption to the 2nd half as they struck another blow to raise another green flag with an immediate impact. However, with the wind at their back, Pearses failed to panic. Jason Rabbitte tapped over a free after he was fouled himself. Ronan Hynes set up Rabbitte who pointed from play. Jonah Donnellan converted a free after Cillian Fahy was fouled and Anthony Feeney nailed a great score to bring Pearses right back into it. Donnellan converted another free after the flyer Rabbitte was taken down. The momentum was firmly with Pearses as Rabbitte levelled matters with an exquisite point. Jonah Donnellan’s clearance from defence found Rabbitte’s glove and as he shook off three players he fired over his left shoulder and it looked as if Pearses had absorbed the first half blows.
Moycullen advanced to the front again with a pointed free to make it Pearses 1-7; Moycullen 3-2. Then Moycullen’s inrushing pacey forward was dragged down and the ref awarded a penalty. Brave Harry Mitchell stood his ground well to make a fine stop. Rabbitte scored a tonic goal but for some strange reason the ref adjudged a square ball and a free out was awarded instead. Darragh Roche proved his profitability with the equaliser after a timely interception from Cormac Hillary in defence which Ronan Hynes latched onto, to feed Roche who dragged the game to extra time.
After a half hours confusion on whether extra time would be played or not and delays through phone calls, trawling through fixtures booklets etc. extra time commenced. Orin Burke was redeployed in defence midway through the 2nd half and for the entire extra time to help thwart Moycullen’s pacey attackers. Pearses clocked 4 points in the 1st period of extra time, through Jonah Donnellan (free), Jason Rabbitte, Ronnie Hynes and David Walsh whose fine effort from the right corner took a deflection off the goalie and over. Half time in extra time Pearses 1-12; Moycullen 3-2.
Another tonic goal from Moycullen immediately after the restart kept them ticking over and Pearses knew they would have to withstand a late surge. Cillian Fahy provided a brace of points from play in quick succession to put Pearses three points in front but two frees sandwiched by a point from play from Moycullen ensured a share of the spoils and another evening of nervous tension before the winner awaits Ballinderreen in the final. Well done to both teams on a superb display of hurling.
Scorers: Ronan Hynes 1-2; Jason Rabbitte 0-4 (0-1f); Jonah Donnellan 0-3 (0-3f); Cillian Fahy 0-2; David Walsh 0-1; Darragh Roche 0-1. Panel: Harry Mitchell, David Walsh, Conor Kelly, Conor Hillary, Cormac Hillary, Anthony Feeney, Jack Reilly, Jonah Donnellan, Orin Burke, Ronan Hynes, Jason Rabbitte, Darragh Roche, Dara Scarry, Cillian Fahy, Oliver Laheen, Padraig Kelly, Patrick O’Neill, Ross Lally, Jamie Nutley, Cathal Hynes, Cian Burke, Diarmuid Ryan, James Queeney.
Match Report by Martina Donnellan
U12 Hurling, Round 4
Pearses 6-19 An Spideál 0-0: From the word go Pearses rolled up their sleeves in a comprehensive and well deserved 6-19 to 0-0 win over An Spidéil in Round 4 of the U12 hurling in Ballymacward this morning. If only for their goalie, the score could have been much more. Pearses fielded two different teams, one in each half and had 10 different scorers.
By half time alone they were almost out of sight as their 9 point lead was hardly going to be bridged. David Walsh had Pearses off the mark early on with a well taken goal and added another 2 points after that, one from a free and his effort from play originated from a splendid clearance at the back from Jamie Nutley added to by Conor Hillary in midfield. Cathal Hynes batted out a good goal chance from An Spidéil, one of their few goal chances of the day. Darren Moran added a good point from a fine distance after Patrick O’Neill in defence and Cian Burke’s harrying in midfield led to the score. Jonah Donnellan landed 2 points, one from a free after Darren Moran was fouled and Harry Mitchell landed the other to put Pearses well in command on a 1-6 to 0-0 score at half time.
In the 2nd half Pearses controlled the entire 20minutes and turned the screw particularly with the introduction of Jason Rabbitte, Cillian Fahy & Harry Mitchell who between them scored 3-10. Harry had the ball in the net within seconds after the restart after Rabbitte fed him nicely. Dara Scarry goaled immediately from the resultant puck out as Jason Rabbitte fielded in midfield, passed to Cillian Fahy and in turn the goal was well executed by Scarry who promptly added a free after he was fouled himself.
Cillian Fahy added five points, 1 from a free, and a point each from Ross Lally, Jason Rabbitte & James Queeney who blocked down his opponent on the first attempt and gathered the loose ball to sail it over the bar. The 4th goal arrived from the stick of Jason Rabbitte whose low hard effort from a long distance out took a deflection off the goalie. Harry Mitchell finished the next passage of play when he raised another green flag after Conor Walsh and Padraig Kelly at the back, young Queeney & Cillian Fahy were involved in the move.
Fahy added 2 more points, the pick of them a great effort from out near the dugouts on the stand side of the field. Queeney & Dara Scarry were involved in the build-up which led to Dylan Roche’s well taken goal and Pearses 6th of the day. Roche tapped over a 65’ won by Dara Scarry while Jason Rabbitte and Cillian Fahy combined for the 19th point of the day for a Pearses team that bossed this game from start to finish. More importantly all 21 players got a run to finish off a great week of hurling after 5 days of Cúl Camp.
Scorers: Cillian Fahy 0-8 (1F); Harry Mitchell 2-1; David Walsh 1-2 (1F); Dara Scarry 1-1; Jason Rabbitte 1-1; Dylan Roche 1-1 (1 65’); Jonah Donnellan 0-2 (1F); Ross Lally 0-1; James Queeney 0-1; Darren Moran 0-1. Panel: Cathal Hynes, Patrick O’Neill, Jamie Nutley, Cian Burke, Jonah Donnellan, Dylan Roche, Conor Hillary, Ross Lally, Darren Moran, David Walsh, Diarmuid Ryan, Brián Thompson, Keith Kitt, Tommy Nutley, Harry Mitchell, James Queeney, Conor Walsh, Padraig Kelly, Jason Rabbitte, Cillian Fahy, Ciárán Hogan.
Report by Martina Donnellan
U12 Football Champs!
Pearses 4-7; Craughwell 1-5: Pearses U12 footballers captured the U12 Group 10 Shield Final on a glorious sunny Tuesday evening when they renewed acquaintances with Craughwell having beaten them in the group stages a few weeks ago. This match was fairly well-balanced throughout and it was only in the final 5 minutes that Pearses made the victory certain as they pulled away with some well-taken goals and points to run out easy winners in the end.
Hurlers to the core and not noted so much for their football ability, these youngsters under the leadership of Gareth and Johnny Lally captured the crown in true style. They continued the chapter left off after three successful years of football when the U’12s last won in 2013, captured the U13 championship in 2014 and went on to win the U14 league in 2015 under the management of Dessie McCabe, Mick Carr & Declan Moran. Hope the next chapter is as successful for Gary and Johnny’s crew.
Both sides were wasteful early on as it took awhile for both teams to settle into the game with the Cúl camp also possibly taking its toll for both Pearses and Craughwell. Diarmuid Ryan was called into action early on but was quite comfortable under a high lobbing ball. Conor Hillary had a good effort on 7 mins but it took a deflection while Cillian Fahy’s effort went right across the face of goal. It took 13mins for the first score; a good effort from play from Tom Malone which he tapped over to get Craughwell off the mark.
A combined effort from Diarmuid Ryan, Dara Scarry & James Queeney helped maintain a clean sheet for the Pearses youngsters before Paddy Malone & Ciárán Leen linked up well for Leen to split the posts and put Craughwell 2points up. It took 17 mins for Pearses to open their account as corner forward Cillian Fahy teamed up well with Harry Mitchell and he registered the first point of his 2-3 scoring tally. Craughwell registered a 3rd point as the upright was knocked in the process. Then came the turnaround as Pearses never looked back afterwards.
Harry Mitchell was rewarded for his harrying and hard work, drawing 4 players on him and released to Fionn Donohue who made no mistake in finding the net to put Pearses in charge before half time. Harry was unlucky not to extend the lead with an overhead kick which was marginally wide after Jonah Donnellan sent in a 45’ and Padraig Kelly added to it in the danger area. Half time score: Pearses 1-1; Craughwell 0-3.
A combination of Martin Scarry, Tony Walsh, Sean O’Neill and Micháel Kelly reinstated the dislodged upright at half time so that hawkeye wouldn’t be required in the 2nd half. Any fears of fatigue from both teams were put to bed early in the 2nd half as the game sparked to life. Jonah Donnellan’s long delivery from midfield found Cillian Fahy in the corner who in turn found Harry Mitchell lurking in space. Mitch’s low hard drill was saved but the rebound fell nicely for the hard working Anthony Feeney who cracked his goal chance well.
A quickly taken 45’ from Jonah Donnellan to Harry who tapped over his second from play after a good burst forward to extend the margin to 5 points. Craughwell came right back into it as a high lobbing ball was sent into the square and a bit of hesitancy from the Pearses defence saw Dara Zimmerer goal from the edge of the area to reduce the deficit. Cillian Fahy tapped over a free before Harry Mitchell’s gilt edged chance went right across the face of goal as Ross Lally & David Walsh were involved in the build-up.
Jonah Donnellan then burst through the middle of the park before finding Fahy in space and he tapped over his first effort from play to extend the margin back to 3 points. Tom Malone tapped over a free from close range for Craughwell to make it 2-4 to 1-4 with 8 mins left to play. Anthony Feeney then won a 45’ which was duly converted by Jonah Donnellan. Straight from the kick-out Donnellan fielded in the middle of the park and steam rolled forward and scored a lovely point on the run. Harry Mitchell though had plenty kept in reserve as he scored 2 cracking goals in quick succession followed by a point from play as Pearses finished much the stronger side.
Diarmuid Ryan was called into action again late in the game with a good save which was subsequently cleared by James Queeney. At this stage Patrick O’Neill, Cathal Hynes, Ciárán Hogan & Jamie Nutley all got a run. Ryan made another good save as the bounce of the ball on the hard surface almost eluded him, but he recovered well not alone with a fine stop but cleared the ball from the end line in the process. Right at the stroke of full time Craughwell scored their 5th point but at this stage the Pearses fans on the side line were in jubilant mood as the game finished: Pearses 4-7; Craughwell 1-5.
Prior to presenting the shield trophy Larry Lohan from the County Board paid tribute to both teams and both sets of supporters and cited that the game brought in the ‘biggest gate’ of the U12 group finals such was the support from both teams. Joint captains Anthony Feeney & Cillian Fahy raised the trophy to much jubilation as Anthony Feeney in his captains speech was short and sweet thanking the parents, the supporters and thanked Craughwell for a sporting game.
Manager Gary Lally was given a quick shower by the team afterwards in appreciation for his work with this team before he joined the Senior hurling squad for a training session while Johnny escaped light enough. Congrats boys and mentors, the first piece of silverware for the trophy cabinet this year.
Scorers: Harry Mitchell 2-3; Anthony Feeney 1-0; Fionn Donohue 1-0; Cillian Fahy 0-2 (1F); Jonah Donnellan 0-2 (1 45’). Panel: Diarmuid Ryan, James Queeney, Dara Scarry, Jonah Donnellan, Conor Walsh, David Walsh, Padraig Kelly, Anthony Feeney, Ross Lally, Conor Hillary, Fionn Donohue, Harry Mitchell, Cillian Fahy, Patrick O’Neill, James Feeney, Tommy Nutley, Ciárán Hogan, Daniel Melia, Daniel Lydon, Dylan Roche, Dylan King, Cathal Hynes, Eoghan Ryan, Jamie Nutley, Tadhg Harte, Joe Carroll, Matthew Finnerty.
Match Report Martina Donnellan
U13 Hurling, Round 3
Pearses 6-5; Michéal Breathnach 0-8: Pearses U12s relied on raw goal power against Michéal Breathnachs in the U12 championship this morning in Inverin to see them emphatic winners with goals from Anthony Feeney, Dara Scarry with 2 goals & talented centre forward Cilian Fahy who raised three green flags to help Pearses on their way.
Anthony Feeney had Pearses off the mark within the first 2mins when he goaled from a ground stroke. The hosts responded with a free before Dara Scarry set up Cillian Fahy for his first goal on 7mins but he had to shake off a few tackles in the process. The Connemara side responded with a point from play before Cillian Fahy completely took over with a well taken point after he found himself in space and subsequently found the net after some good harrying by Anthony Feeney in the build-up.
Dara Scarry extended the daylight between the teams when he got on the end of a well worked goal involving Anthony Feeney, Cillian Fahy & Ross Lally while Cillian Fahy followed up with a point from play after a good run down the sideline from Feeney. Michéal Breathnachs tapped over a free but it was Pearses who were in cruise control by half time on a scoreline: Pearses 4-2; Michéal Breathnachs 0-3.
Right from the off of the 2nd half, Cillian Fahy crossed into Dara Scarry who still had a bit of work to do before finding the net. Michéal Breathnachs responded through a free and then with a well executed point from play. Anthony Feeneys hard grafting earned him a free which he duly tapped over himself while Jonah Donnellan latched onto a loose ball in midfield for a lovely long range point.
The hard working Feeney then found Fahy in space and he throttled through on goal to claim his 3rd goal of the day. The Connemara boys converted three frees late in the 2nd half to bring their tally to 8 points while Pearses kept their best move until the end when Harry Mitchell & Jonah Donnellan teamed up well for Harry to accept an over the shoulder pass on the run and split the posts for the point of the day to finish on a scoreline: Pearses 6-5; Michéal Breathnachs 0-8.
There was no disputing the superiority of an impressive Pearses outfit this morning as they set their stamp on the game from the word go.
Scorers: Cillian Fahy 3-2; Dara Scarry 2-0; Anthony Feeney 1-1 (1F); Jonah Donnellan 0-1; Harry Mitchell 0-1. Panel: Cathal Hynes, Harry Mitchell, Diarmuid Ryan, Jonah Donnellan, Dylan Roche, Patrick O’Neill, Conor Hillary, Anthony Feeney, Ross Lally, David Walsh, Cillian Fahy, Jamie Nutley, Dara Scarry, Padraig Kelly, Conor Walsh, Tommy Nutley, Darren Moran, Cian Burke, James Queeney, Keith Kitt.
Report by Martina Donnellan.
U16 Hurling Shield Final
Portumna 3-11 Pearses 2-8: A big physical Portumna side proved far too strong for a young Pearses side in Duggan Park this evening in the U16 B1 Hurling Shield Final. The hard ground made for some tough conditions as the bounce of the ball was difficult to gauge with many efforts sent into the danger area bouncing out of play. Portumna were first off the mark through Adam Fogarty with a point from play within 1½ mins. Immediately from the puck out, Cian Murphy was denied by the goalie who deflected the ball out for a 65’ which was duly converted by Mark Hennelly.
Both sides proved wasteful in the first few minutes: Diarmuid Fahy was wide from play after a good build up involving Hennelly & Darragh McCabe; Hennelly was wide with a 65’ & David Hillary was off target after Hennelly’s cross found him in space. Niall Moran then grounded John Claffey while Declan McLaughlin converted the free for Portumna. John Claffey scored a bullet of a goal as the ball was fed into him on the edge of the square leaving Conor Moran with little chance in goal after a defensive slip up from Pearses.
Adam Fogarty tapped over from play to put Portumna firmly in the driving seat 1-3 to 0-1. Cian Murphy pointed a whopper from a long distance out to help revitalise Pearses. Young Orin Burke fed Pearses the tonic required as he batted a Darragh McCabe cross to the net to bring Pearses right back into it mid-way through the first half. Ciano Murphy was dragged down rugby style and up stepped Darragh McCabe to convert the placed ball to tie up the game 1-3 apiece.
Pearses suffered another sucker blow as a high lobbing ball was caught by Conor Moran who was half blinded by the strong sun and as he dropped the ball the lurking forward snuck in to poach a goal. Murphy and young Burke combined well for Orin to tap over to reduce the deficit to 2points. Declan McLaughlin eked out another Portumna goal following a breakaway move which left Conor Moran with no chance while in the subsequent play a driving effort from the full forward deflected off the crossbar to give Pearses a lifeline.
Straight from the resultant puck out the ball was worked up the field, originated by a combination of centre back Brian Kelly & Ethan Lally and delivered by Hennelly to Cian Murphy who swept in across the goal to finish inside the right post and raise a green flag. Adam Fogarty kept Portumna’s momentum alive with a brace of points from play while Declan McLaughlin added another from play. Just before half time, Orin Burke won a free taken by Cian Murphy who went to claw back the deficit with goal on his mind, but the 5 men on the goal-line did their job well. Half time score: Pearses 2-4; Portumna 3-6.
Immediately after the resumption Mark Hennelly was wide with a free while David Hillary also failed to find the target. Orin Burke played Cian Murphy but as he ran in on goal he was swung round full circle and the resultant free was taken by Mark Hennelly who went for the jugular but again was saved by a combined defensive effort. Straight up the other end Conor Moran made a point blank save and in the ensuing play Jamie Hogan saw red for a wild off-the-ball pull on Darragh McCabe who suffered a nasty ankle injury which ruled him out of action for a large part of the 2nd half while young Conor Kelly was blooded in.
Both teams exchanged scores: Adam Fogarty with a free for Portumna and Mark Hennelly from play from the embankment side of Duggan Park. Sandwiched between both scores saw Conor Moran make a good double save. Fogarty converted a 65’ followed by a free from a difficult angle to put Portumna in cruise control. Hennelly hit the side net as he latched on to a line ball from Murphy. Fogarty tapped over a 21’ free to extend Portumna’s lead while Robert Hynes’ great block down (not his first of the evening) eventually ended with a Hennelly wide. Orin Burke’s goal effort was also blocked down but the ball fell to Luke Mitchell who fed Cian Murphy & Murf took his point well as the clock was ticking down.
Murphy scored another from play from midfield as Robert Hynes & Diarmuid Fahy were involved in the move. A quickly taken line ball from Portumna to their unmarked full back who had roamed up the field and he slotted over to ensure no way back for the Pearses lads as Portumna were in full command. Deep into injury time, Mark Hennelly was fouled; Cian Murphy stepped over the free, went for goal but was deflected out for a 65’. Diarmuid Fahy sent the 65’ into the danger area which was defended well but fell to wing back Robert Hynes who doesn’t pop up in the point scorers section too often but took his effort well to finish Pearses scoring account for the day. Full time: Pearses 2-8; Portumna 3-11.
With a big height advantage, Portumna dominated large patches of the game and as time ticked out they got the scores that brought them this victory by 6 points but that said Pearses rallied until the end. However, it was not to be for Tony Walsh’s charges as it was a step too far against a more physical outfit. But credit to the manager and mentors as they could barely field a team at the outset of the u16 championship and yet end up losing an U16 B1 shield final. Not bad considering the circumstances. Also the squad, mentors and club sympathise with Orin Burke and his family on the recent death of his grandmother.
Scorers: Cian Murphy 1-3; Orin Burke 1-1; Mark Hennelly 0-2 (1 65’); Robert Hynes 0-1’ Darragh McCabe 0-1 (F). Panel: Conor Moran, Oisin Donoghue, Niall Moran, Niall McDonagh, Robert Hynes, Brian Kelly, Luke Mitchell, Mark Hennelly, David Hillary, Ethan Lally, Diarmuid Fahy, Darragh McCabe, Eoin Lally, Cian Murphy, Orin Burke, Robert Fahy, Darragh Roche, Conor Kelly.
Report by Martina Donnellan.
U13 Hurling, Round 3
Pearses 4-11; Sylane 3-2: Forget about the World Cup and Belgium vs Japan last night. Every element and aspect of the game of hurling was seen in Ballymac yesterday evening in Round 3 of the U13B hurling. Orin Burke, Paddy Kenny & Jason Rabbitte lifted themselves into the beautiful blue sky on numerous occasions and plucked the sliotar clean out; some excellent block downs from Cillian Fahy and Cormac Hillary; the superb work rate of Anthony Feeney; some lovely over the shoulder passes; some top class scores (4-10 from play) and five different scorers. Ultimately a happy bunch of 'pure' sports fans strolled to victory over a strong and more physical Sylane outfit and so top the group to earn a place in the U13B Semi-final possibly against Moycullen TBC.
Dara Scarry had Pearses off the mark within a minute with a wonderfully taken point as he clinched the air with pure delight as he ran back into position. Sylane put their noses in front a minute later with a well taken goal as they ran through the heart of Pearses defence leaving Harry Mitchell with no chance. The gloveless Jason Rabbitte almost ran from Newcastle as he gathered an over the shoulder pass from Anthony Feeney and throttled through a gap in the middle before sweetly striking over the bar. At this stage Harry Mitchell made two saves in quick succession as Pearses were still finding their feet.
Pearses gradually got to grips with the game on 9mins after Cillian Fahy spotted Jason Rabbitte unmarked but still with great work to do, he finished low and hard to put the home side in command. Ronan Hynes opened his account with a well taken point as Rabbitte & Cillian Fahy were both involved in the build-up. At this stage, Emmet Kelly was in danger of getting sun stoke as there was an urgent request for a sun cap from the umpire who couldn’t do his job very well with the strong Summer sunshine. We didn’t want another Waterford vs Tipperary story!!!Orin Burke’s free from midfield was swung into the square, added to by Anthony Feeney, Scarry & Darragh Roche and eventually batted to the net by Ronan Hynes who took his opportunity well to help Pearses to an interval lead of 3-3 to 1-0.
Jason Rabbitte tapped over a free 4 mins after the restart after Darragh Roche was fouled. Cillian Fahy opened his account with a lovely point on the run after first blocking down his marker who was almost twice his height. Orin Burke’s free found Ronan Hynes who sprayed the ball into the square and after some hesitation in the Sylane defence, Dara Scarry whipped first time to find the net and penalise Sylane for their scrappy defending.
Straight from the resultant puck out, Orin Burke fetched from the sky, drove forward and after a smart side step, composed himself before adding to Pearses tally with a long range point. Sylane goaled with a good effort 8mins into the 2nd half and immediately added a free from about 45’ out to offer them a lifeline. But Pearses failed to panic as Ronan Hynes added his 2nd point after Orin Burke and Cillian Fahy were involved in the move.
Another beautiful piece of play from Rabbitte led to his 2nd point from play as he stole a march on his player, got in ahead of the defender in a 50/50 ball, robbed the ball and struck over for a sweet point taken on the run. Cillian Fahy added a brace of points from play; his first after he rounded two defenders and then split the posts after Ronan Hynes crossed in from the corner.
Sylane added their first point from play from a difficult angle and then added a bullet of a goal in a late scoring flurry. Rabbitte finished straight in front of the posts after Anthony Feeney and Ronan Hynes’ vertical passes straight across the field. Ronan Hynes put the perfect gloss on the game for Pearses with a late goal from a ground pull to find the net deep into injury time. And so it finished Pearses 4-11; Sylane 3-2 as Pearses delivered a superb performance to earn a place in the U13B semi-final.
Scorers: Ronan Hynes 2-2; Jason Rabbitte 1-4 (0-1F); Dara Scarry 1-1; Cillian Fahy 0-3; Orin Burke 0-1.
Panel: Harry Mitchell, Conor Hillary, Conor Kelly, David Walsh, Cormac Hillary, Paddy Kenny, Jack Reilly, Jonah Donnellan, Orin Burke, Ronan Hynes, Anthony Feeney, Jason Rabbitte, Dara Scarry, Darragh Roche, Cillian Fahy, Ross Lally, Dylan Roche, Padraig Kelly, James Queeney, Patrick O’Neill, Jamie Nutley, Diarmuid Ryan.
Report by Martina Donnellan.
U13 Hurling, Round 2
Pearses 1-10; Craughwell 1-3: The sun shone like never before yesterday evening, and it proved the perfect backdrop for an extremely successful Monday evening of hurling. The players loved it, the mentors loved it, the parents loved it ... and to crown it all a 7 point victory over Craughwell in Round 2 of the U13B Championship in Ballymacward yesterday evening started the week off well. Pearses were made work for their victory and emerged 1-10 to 1-3 victors in a tough, hard fought game.
Jason Rabbitte had Pearses off the mark with 3 points in quick succession. His first after David Walsh’s good clearance down the sideline found Orin Burke who fed Rabbitte and although his marker got the first touch, he stole the ball as good as any robber, throttled forward and through over with relative ease. Rabbitte added another point after Ronan Hynes & Burkie were involved in the move and his 3rd came after Dara Scarry in the corner crossed to him and his smashing effort looked to be tailing wide but with not the slightest breeze in the world to help it, it curled inside the right upright for a splendid score.
Craughwell pointed a free to get them off the mark. The ref called a water break midway through the half given the intense heat which gave a slight reprieve to the players. Orin Burke was just wide with a free after Ronan Hynes was fouled but made amends shortly afterwards as he duly tapped over after he himself was fouled. Craughwell responded with a point from play after a good run through the middle of the field.
Cillian Fahy had Pearses firmly in the driving seat as he raised a green flag towards the end of the opening half when he whipped on a high ball sent into the danger area by Rabbitte. Rabbitte had the final say before the interval as Jonah Donnellan’s line ball found Rabbitte who took his score splendidly from a long distance out to leave the half time score: Pearses 1-5; Craughwell 0-2.
Jason Rabbitte continued his scoring form as Donnellan & Fahy linked up to set up Rabbitte for his 5th point from play. Craughwell dragged themselves back into the game as the Pearses defence were a little hesitant in clearing the ball and as it bobbled around in front of goal, it was whipped to the net and took Pearses off cruise control, but only momentarily. Cillian Fahy put Pearses back in gear as he added a point which involved a litany of players, Dara Scarry, Rabbitte & Anthony Feeney and finished by Fahy.
Anthony Feeney’s courageous blockdown led to a foul on Jason Rabbitte and he made no mistake in tapping over the free himself. It was 1-8 to 1-2 with Pearses in charge when the ref called another much needed water break. One would be forgiven for thinking this game was in the Canaries such was the intense heat.
Following the resumption, Cillian Fahy added a brace of points; his first came from a line ball from Donnellan to Fahy who played David Walsh in the corner. As Walsh drew 3 players on him, it freed up Fahy who received the return pass from Walsh and he made no mistake right in front of the posts. Fahy caught the resultant puck out to put it straight over to keep the Craughwell custodian busy. Craughwell got their 3rd point, their 2nd from play in a good effort from close range. The last few minutes saw trojan pressure from Craughwell as they sought hard to reduce the deficit.
Cormac Hillary deflected a bullet of an effort out wide, Conor Hillary who had replaced Ronan Hynes at half time due to a knee injury, averted another goal attempt while Paddy Kenny got his hurl to a 21’ free in the closing stages to also deflect it out wide. However Pearses defence stood firm as the game petered out to finish with an emphatic Pearses win on a scoreline: Pearses 1-10; Craughwell 1-3. So 2 wins out of 2 as Pearses U13’s were the hungrier side all through and put some flowing moves together. Next up is Sylane next week who beat Skehana/Mountbellew/Moylough also by 7 points yesterday eve.
Scorers: Jason Rabbitte 0-6 (0-1F); Orin Burke 0-1 (F); Cillian Fahy 1-3.
Panel: Harry Mitchell, Oliver Laheen, Conor Kelly, David Walsh, Jack Reilly, Paddy Kenny, Cormac Hillary, Jonah Donnellan, Orin Burke, Jason Rabbitte, Anthony Feeney, Ronan Hynes, Cillian Fahy, Darragh Roche, Dara Scarry, Conor Hillary, Padraig Kelly, Cathal Hynes, Dillon Roche, Diarmuid Ryan, Jamie Nutley, Ross Lally & James Queeney.
Report by Martina Donnellan
U13 Hurling, Round 1
Pearses 5-8; Skehana-Mountbellew-Moylough 2-4: A spirited Pearses performance was enough to deny the newly formed Skehana-Mountbellew-Moylough side a win in the opening round of the U13B championship in Skehana this evening. A more classy and clinical Pearses outfit led from the starting gun to the finish-line tape to end emphatic winners.
Played in perfect conditions both sides knew each other fairly well and shared seven goals in a clash that produced some brilliant individual performances, some great block-downs and superb aerial ability.
Pearses raised the first white flag within seconds of the throw-in as Darragh Roche fired over after a long delivery involving Jonah Donnellan, Cillian Fahy and Anthony Feeney who released to Roche who made the score look easy. Fahy was on target with his first point of the evening after Jonah Donnellan burst through the middle and hand passed to him.
Cillian Fahy’s first cousin, Micháel Ryan, togged for the black and amber lads tapped over a lovely point in Ske-Bellew’s first scoring chance. Cilian Fahy raised the first green flag in a whopper of a goal originated from an Orin Burke free played into Ronnie Hynes in the corner and his hand pass found Fahy who made no mistake on his first time of asking as Aidan Hansberry had no chance in goal. Donnellan set up Fahy for his second point from play.
As Ske-Bellew applied some pressure towards the latter stages of the first half, Jack Reilly was on hand to whip a dangerous high lobbing ball from the danger area. Micháel Ryan scored his 2nd point for the hosts to help claw back the lead. Then Jason Rabbitte helped Pearses find their rhythm as he whipped to the net with a first time ground stroke after good work from Anthony Feeney & Fahy to propel Pearses well in front by half time on a scoreline: Pearses 2-3; Skehana/Mountbellew 0-2.
Both teams traded scores early in the 2nd half. Jason Rabbitte with an exceptional long range point after a clean fetch from Orin Burke in midfield and cross-field pass to Rabbitte and Skehana/Mounbellew from a free. Rabbitte converted a free after a chop down on himself. It got even worse for the hosts as Jason Rabbitte scored a tonic goal with a high lobbing ball which evaded the goalie while Micháel Ryan was marginally wide at the opposite end with goal on his mind.
Conor Hillary’s lovely pick up was laid off to Orin Burke who sent in a long delivery over the defence for Rabbitte to run on to and as he left the defence for dead he made light work of his point when he could have easily raised a green flag instead. In the next run of play though, Rabbitte raised the green flag as he goaled direct from a placed ball after the hard working Anthony Feeney was fouled while mid-way through the half Micháel Ryan offered the hosts a life-line when he kicked to the net in a real poachers type goal to peg the score back: 4-6 to 1-3.
Darragh Roche restored the scoreline soon after when he connected beautifully to a massive Paddy Kenny clearance and finished emphatically to the net to end the match as a contest. Orin Burke was rewarded for his top-class performance of the evening with a lovely point as he latched on to a loose ball and weaved himself into a scoring position to extend the daylight.
Finian Murray capitalised on a failed Pearses clearance in defence and bulleted to the net to put a bit more gloss on the host’s scoreline. Orin Burke then caught a line ball from Skehana-Mounbellew and his long delivery found Darragh Roche who tapped over easily. A combined effort of David Walsh, Conor Kelly & Anthony Feeney stopped Micháel Ryan in his tracks as he was powering through on goal. The hosts had the final say as they tapped over a free on the stroke of full time.
So in all, a great evening’s work in their first U13 outing as Craughwell await next Monday evening in Ballymacward.
Scorers: Jason Rabbitte 3-3 (1-1f); Darragh Roche 1-2; Cillian Fahy 1-2; Orin Burke 0-1.
Panel: Harry Mitchell, Conor Hillary, Conor Kelly, Oliver Laheen, Cormac Hillary, Paddy Kenny, Jack Reilly, Orin Burke, Jonah Donnellan, Ronan Hynes, Anthony Feeney, Darragh Roche, Dara Scarry, Jason Rabbitte, Cillian Fahy, David Walsh, Diarmuid Ryan, Cathal Hynes, Ross Lally, Jamie Nutley, James Queeney, Dillon Roche, Patrick O’Neill.
Report by Martina Donnellan
U12 Hurling, Round 2
Pearses 3-13; Meelick –Eyrecourt 1-1: Pearses simply outshone the opposition in every position in Clonfert yesterday morning as it took Pearses barely 30 seconds to open their scoring tally through an effort from David Walsh which found the net. The game was completely one-way traffic as talented wing forward Cillian Fahy almost single handedly destroyed the opposition’s hopes with a stunning 2-7 all from play over the 40mins while he could have scored more only for the vigilance of the Meelick-Eyrecourt keeper.
Pearses were 2-3 ahead at half time. David Walsh (goal); Cillian Fahy 1-1; his point was beautifully tapped down by Dara Scarry for Fahy to pick up the loose ball; Harry Mitchell and Jason Rabbitte all added to Pearses half time 2-3 to 0-0 scoreline. The pick of the first half scores was Rabbitte’s inspirational long range effort over the bar. Half time score: Pearses 2-3; Meelick-Eyrecourt 0-0.
Pearses ensured the hosts never got into gear as the onslaught continued right from the off of the 2nd half. By the half way mark, a range of Pearses scores had come courtesy of Dara Scarry, Harry Mitchell who pulled on the ball from an Anthony Feeney cross for a great point and three from play from Cillian Fahy, his best was well put over after Jason Rabbitte fetched an Eyrecourt puck-out in midfield before crossing to Fahy.
Meelick-Ryrecourt scored their first score; a goal after Pearses defence failed to clear. But Pearses pulled all the strings and continued the rampage with five unanswered scores. Ross Lally fed Cillian Fahy but the keeper was well alert to deflect his goal bound effort over. Cillian Fahy scored his 2nd goal in a move involving Diarmuid Ryan, Dara Scarry & Ross Lally.
Anthony Feeney was rewarded for his hard work with a point from play. Cillian added a brace of points; one of which was presented to him from a Dara Scarry scoop straight into his hand for him to easily tap over and his second taken on the run. Eyrecourt scored their 1st point from play while at the opposite end the Eyrecourt custodian made a super save to deny Cillan Fahy from adding to his already superb tally. Harry Mitchell tapped over a free for Pearses to finish: Pearses 3-13; Meelick-Eyrecourt 1-1.
Overall this group of U12 lads under the management of Larry Hillary & Kevin Ryan have proven to have great talent with a huge desire for the game. Their hard running combined with excellent distribution of the ball earned them a facile victory in this case. The games are coming hot and heavy these days between U12 hurling, U12 football and the U13 hurling due to start with a local derby against Skehana-Mountbellew (known to us a Ske-bellew) on Monday evening in Skehana pitch.
Scorers: Cillian Fahy 2-7; Harry Mitchell 0-3 (1F); David Walsh 1-0; Jason Rabbitte 0-1; Dara Scarry 0-1; Anthony Feeney 0-1.
Panel: Cathal Hynes, Dillon Roche, Conor Hillary, Jonah Donnellan, Harry Mitchell, Anthony Feeney, Jason Rabbitte, Cillian Fahy, David Walsh, Diarmuid Ryan, Dara Scarry, Ross Lally, Ciárán Hogan, Conor Walsh, Tommy & Jamie Nutley, Patrick O’Neill.
Report by Martina Donnellan
U12 Football, Round 6
Pearses 6-10; St Michaels 0-1: There was no disputing the superiority of an impressive Pearses U12 football outfit who set their stamp on the game this evening in Ballymacward from the word go. Pearses began with a starburst of scores laying down the marker early on as Harry Mitchell alone had 3-2 clocked up within 8 minutes with plenty of block downs, interceptions and over the shoulder passes also of notable quality from the Pearses lads.
The pick of the scores was Mitchell’s second point which originated from Jonah Donnellan in defence and involved David Walsh, Conor Hillary & Anthony Feeney in between prior to the final execution by Harry. Cillian Fahy added another goal and David Walsh kicked over a point to put Pearses in the driving seat 4-3 ahead by the 10minute mark. Anthony Feeney added another before the break while the visitors scored their solitary score on the stroke of half time to leave Pearses well in command 4-4 to 0-1 by the half way mark.
Pearses restarted the second half in the same vein as Anthony Feeney continued the rout with another goal as he ran almost from midfield before finishing to the net immediately after the restart. Jonah Donnellan, David Walsh, Anthony Feeney & Cillian Fahy (2) added further points from play for Gary & Johnny Lally’s young charges. David Walsh took his goal opportunity presented to him in a move originated from the back involving Mitchell, Donnellan, Fahy & finished by Walsh.
Not only was wing back Ross Lally’s joy unconfined but his mother’s as well as ‘Rossy’ tapped over a lovely score from play for Pearses last score to finish emphatic winners on a 6-10 to 0-1 drubbing. It was an evening when everyone got game time and in truth they enjoyed every second of it as they powered through to the next and final group game which is scheduled for Tuesday evening next against Headford in Balllymacward.
Scorers: Harry Mitchell 3-2; David Walsh 1-2; Anthony Feeney 1-2; Cillian Fahy 1-2; Ross Lally 0-1; Jonah Donnellan 0-1.
Panel: Diarmuid Ryan, Fionn Donoghue, Dara Scarry, Conor Walsh, Jonah Donnellan, David Walsh, Ross Lally, Conor Hillary, Anthony Feeney, James Feeney, Ciárán Hogan, Patrick O’Neill, Harry Mitchell, Cillian Fahy, Cathal Hynes, the Nutley brothers Jamie & Tommy, Tadhg Harte, Joe Carroll, Eoghan Ryan, Dillon Roche, Daniel Lydon.
Report by Martina Donnellan
9-a-side Schools Final
Gurteen N.S. 4-11; Tullykyne N.S. 6-11: St. Kerrills N.S. relinquish Cumann na mBuncsol after 32 score epic ??The large crowd of supporters from both Gurteen and Tullykyne (Moycullen) National Schools were enrapt by a cracking game of school hurling in the 9 a-side Cumann na mBunscol hurling final played in the Centre of Excellence in Claregalway today. St. Kerrills N.S. relinquished their Cumann na mBuncsol crown in a 32 score epic which equated to on average a score just over every 90seconds in 50 minutes of hurling. (40 mins of normal play and 10 mins of extra time). Tullykne’s two goals in the 2nd period of extra time proved decisive on a day which tested the mettle of both hurlers and scorekeepers alike. The game finished 6-11 to 4-11 to Tullykyne N.S.
?There was fantastic drama, right to the end with only the puck of a ball in it. The game could have gone either way but in truth the hurling Feile over the weekend, football and club hurling may have taken its toll on this group of players. It was extremely tough going with the opposition a big physical side to contend with while the game was lightening fast. Tullykyne had 1-3 on the board within 6mins with the aid of a strong breeze; 1-2 from play and a converted free. Paddy Kenny got a smashing goal to get Gurteen off the mark, with a low hard effort. Gurteen replied with 2 points from play; the first supplied by Jonah Donnellan after Conor Walsh & Ronan Hynes were involved in the move. Paddy Kenny put over from a long distance as the resultant puck out broke to him.
Both teams traded scores, Tullykyne from a free and Jonah Donnellan from play after 9 year old Sean Kelly’s inch perfect pass found him. Harry Mitchell who had the game of his life, was called upon to make his first point blank save. At the opposite end, Paddy Kenny drew a great save from the goalie as he blasted low and hard in a lovely build up involving Conor Walsh, Ronan Hynes & Jonah Donnellan. Mitchell entertained the supporters with another classic save, this time by diving to his right to turn the ball around the post.
The resultant 65’ was converted by Tullykyne’s No. 8 to put two points between them. Gurteen’s next point was their best move of the half involving almost every player on the field. Ross Lally found Conor Kelly who unleashed a massive clearance to the forwards where Jonah Donnellan, Ronan Hynes & Sean Kelly had a hand in play before Paddy Kenny scored a beauty straight over the black spot. Kenny caught the resultant puck out to level matters 1-5 apiece at half time.
In the 2nd half Donnellan converted an early free which he won himself. Harry Mitchell had parents, grandparents, siblings and teachers punching the air in delight with another top drawer save. The resultant clearance from Gurteen’s defence however, fell to Tullykyne who pointed from play. At this stage it was tit for tat, Donnellan with a free after Ronan Hynes was fouled and Tullykyne from play to keep the game tied at 1-7 apiece as young Darren Moran was introduced for the injured Conor Walsh.
Mitchell made yet another superb save and followed up with a long clearance but then came a sucker blow as Tullykyne goaled which Harry got the hurl to but deflected in off the post. Paddy Kenny had another goal effort saved on the line as both goalies were in top form. Then Gurteen hit a purple patch and scored 2-2 in quick succession. David Walsh scored a long range point as the breeze picked up in Gurteen’s favour. Young Sean Kelly’s ground stroke found the net after Paddy Kenny’s initial effort was saved and Gurteen looked to be in a good position when Paddy Kenny goaled after a quick one-two with young Seaneen.
Paddy Kenny fetched the resultant puck out to put it straight over the bar as Gurteen looked to have all the hard work done, 3-9 to 2-7 in charge with 4 mins to go. But the Moycullen side came back again in true style as they goaled again when a long range effort bounced to evade Harry. As they pressed for another goal Harry had to dive full stretch to deny them. Tullykyne scored two more points from play right at the death as neither players, supporters or team mentors could have kept the score totted up. The ref adjudged the game to be level 3-9 apiece and signalled for 5 mins a half extra time.
On the resumption, Tullykyne quickly scored 1-1 to put Gurteen on the back foot chasing the game. Ronan Hynes put Gurteen right back in it as he scored a tonic goal in a move involving Paddy Kenny which Hynes finished perfectly. Jonah Donnellan finished another superb point in a move involving Conor Kelly, David Walsh, Jonah Donnellan, Paddy Kenny, Ronan Hynes & finished by Donnellan to tie the game up at 4-10 apiece. Justice was speaking aloud: was it fair for anyone to lose this game. Moycullen scored a free before half time of extra time to put them 1 point to the good.
Straight from the restart and Moycullen scored a sucker goal; a severe blow to the Gurteen boys. They bounced straight back with a point from Ronan Hynes to put just a goal between them. However, the nail was drove deeper well into the 2nd period of extra time when Tullykyne scored another goal and there was no way back for an extremely gallant Gurteen side who finished unrewarded after an absolute classic.
There were some great performances and none more so than Harry Mitchell who delivered an absolute masterclass performance in goals while Paddy Kenny has an engine like no other. After the game, Tullykynes manager commended both teams on a classic game as there was simply no other way to describe it. Just a pity about the result but hurling was the real winner in the end.
Scorers: Paddy Kenny 2-4; Jonah Donnellan 0-5 (2F); Ronan Hynes 1-1; Sean Kelly 1-0; David Walsh 0-1.
Panel: Harry Mitchell, Ross Lally, Conor Kelly, Conor Walsh, Jonah Donnellan, Paddy Kenny, David Walsh, Ronan Hynes, Sean Kelly, Darren Moran, Ciárán Hogan, Cathal Hynes, Diarmuid Ryan, Eoghan Ryan, Jack Kenny, Keith Kitt.
Report by Martina Donnellan
U12 Football, Round 5
Pearses 3-5; Craughwell 1-5: Pearses U12 footballers played their fifth game of the league against a strong Craughwell side yesterday evening, clocking their third win in 5 games. Although both teams showed signs of Feile weariness, it was Craughwell who started the better and Alan Zimmerer had 1-1 on the scoreboard for Craughwell within 3 minutes. Then Harry Mitchell goaled from close range following a goalmouth scramble and was uncharacteristically wide with a subsequent free and another from play.
Cillian Fahy drew a point blank save from Craughwell’s custodian who saved well from the inrushing Fahy. 10mins in and Harry Mitchell found the range with a pointed free to tie up the scores at 1-1 apiece. Harry Mitchell nudged Pearses ahead with a free after Cillian Fahy was fouled while Alan Zimmerer levelled matters with a lovely point on the run just on the stroke of half time as neither tired side could break the deadlock: 1-2 apiece at half time.
Pearses restarted the second half well and had two points on the board within as many minutes through Cillian Fahy after a good penetrating run from Anthony Feeney and then Harry Mitchell weaved himself into a scoring position after Jonah Donnellan played the ball into the corner. Rian Comer scored for Craughwell to put the minimum between the sides. Midway through the second half, the hard working Cillian Fahy was fouled again and this time David Walsh converted the free to widen the margin to two points 1-5 to 1-3.
The game changed in the space of the next few minutes as a lovely link-up between Jonah Donnellan & Harry Mitchell found Cillian Fahy and his unstoppable effort left the keeper with no chance as Pearses regained the upper hand. 2-5 to 1-3. Craughwell’s scoring power Alan Zimmerer set up a nervy finish as he converted two frees to leave just a goal between the sides. At this stage, Pearses backs stood up to the task with Dara Scarry & Fionn Donoghue particularly to the fore. With a minute to play a quickly taken free from Jonah Donnellan to Harry and as Donnellan regained possession and throttled towards goal he blasted to the net to ensure the game was unreachable for Craughwell to claw back a 6 point lead.
Diarmuid Ryan made some top class saves while Conor Walsh was superb until he had to retire early due to injury. Pearses midfield duo of Conor Hillary and the tenacious Anthony Feeney were a revelation while Cathal Hynes, Patrick O’Neill & James Feeney showed a great workrate. Ross Lally, Dylan King, Joe Carroll, Tadhg Harte, Ciárán Hogan, Eoghan Ryan, Daniel Melia, Robbie Lydon & the Nutley brothers Tommy & Jamie all played their part in a victory which did not come too easily against a Craughwell side that failed to give up. They play St. Michaels this Friday in Ballymacward at 7.30pm.
Scorers: Pearses: Harry Mitchell 1-3 (2F); Cillian Fahy 1-1; Jonah Donnellan 1-0; David Walsh 0-1. Craughwell: Alan Zimmerer 1-4 (2F); Rian Comer 0-1.
Panel: Diarmuid Ryan, Dara Scarry, Conor Walsh, Fionn Donoghue, Jonah Donnellan, David Walsh, Anthony Feeney, Conor Hillary, Cathal Hynes, Patrick O’Neill, James Feeney, Harry Mitchell, Cillian Fahy, Ross Lally, Dylan King, Joe Carroll, Tadhg Harte, Ciárán Hogan, Eoghan Ryan, Naniel Melia, Daniel Lydon, Tommy & Jamie Nutley.
Report by Martina Donnellan.
National Féile, Semi-Final
Roscommon Gaels 1-10 Pearses 1-5. I’m sure it’s the place where many great players both past and present would have made a name for themselves: The National Feile Competition. The semi-final against Roscommon Gaels played in Kiltormer today was dream stuff for our lads, the majority of which are underage for this competition again next year. Both teams put on a wonderful display of hurling as they battled it out for a place in a National Feile final. Even the local spectators swelled on the terrace as many came to see a Pearses side vie for a place in the Final but alas for Pearses they came up a tad bit short.
Three wides in quick succession by Roscommon Gaels was followed up by a Niall McDonagh opening score from play on 4mins. Right from Harry Mitchell’s puck out and Gael’s No. 10 fetched the ball in midfield, ran through the heart of our defence before passing to No. 12 who equalised from play. The Roscommon side then scored 1-2, one from a placed ball while their goal was perfectly executed by their big full forward. Niall McDonagh scored a tonic goal on 10mins to bring Pearses right back into it. Ronan Hynes soloed through the heart of the defence, released to Anthony Feeney who drew three players on him and he found McDonagh who blasted to the net; his sixth goal in this knock-out competition.
McDonagh added to his tally when a loose ball fell to him from a throw-in and he duly tapped over to reduce the deficit. Harry Mitchell was called into action as he batted out a certain goal but the Pearses defence were deemed to have fouled and the resultant free was tapped over by Gael’s No. 8. Conor Moran struck over a free on the stroke of half time after he himself was fouled to leave the half time score: Pearses 1-3; Roscommon Gaels 1-4.
In the second half Gaels changed gears. They scored three points in quick succession as they took command; a free and two from play; the pick being a point from No. 8 from an acute angle a good distance out. Conor Moran reduced the daylight with a pointed free after a foul on the hard working Niall McDonagh who played with a niggling injury. A goal was badly needed by Pearses to bring them back into the game but it was Gaels who added to their points tally. Conor Moran scored from play after Jason Rabbitte scooped the ball to him to reduce the deficit to 4points with 4 mins to play.
As Pearses tried desperately to get back into the game, a good passage of play involving Orin Burke & Niall McDonagh seen Ronan Hynes pull on the ball in the danger area only to see it go agonisingly right across the face of goal and wide. Had it gone in, it might have been one of the finest late comebacks ever seen. Pearses knew that it was now or never for them as they threw everything into hauling back the lead, but Gaels boxed clever as they threw the ball about to good effect. The Roscommon boys added to their tally with the last puck of the game with a point from play to see them victors with 5 points to spare.
It was disappointment all round for the young Pearses lads but in fairness everyone put in a good shift. The defence of Jack Reilly, Paddy Kenny, Conor Kelly, Peter O’Neill, Oisin Donoghue & Cormac Hillary did well against big physical forwards. The self-less work rate of Anthony Feeney & Orin Burke was conspicuous while our forward line of Darragh Roche, Conor Moran, Ronan Hynes, David Walsh, Niall McDonagh & Oliver Laheen did their best against a massive outfit. Cillian Fahy & Jonah Donnellan marshalled their men effectively while Jason Rabbitte tidied up things at wing back. Dara Scarry almost caused late drama with an over the shoulder effort which unfortunately was half blocked down while David Egan did his job well on his introduction.
The entire weekend brought out the best in everyone involved from the players, mentors, the host parents, the bakers, the supporters, the photographer, Pearses own Feile organising committee and everyone else who took part in organising this fantastic festival of hurling this weekend. The sun shone like never before this year over a glorious weekend weather wise, and it proved the perfect backdrop for an extremely successful weekend of hurling all round: Success or no success – everyone enjoyed it. This sees the close out of U14 hurling for this year as we thank mentors Martin Scarry, Eddie Mitchell, Sean O’Neill & Declan Lawless for their trojan efforts with this U14 squad this year. Also wishing Mark Donnellan a speedy recovery in the shoulder injury sustained over the weekend.
Scorers: Niall McDonagh 1-2; Conor Moran 0-3 (2f)
Panel: Harry Mitchell, Jack Reilly, Paddy Kenny, Conor Kelly, Peter O’Neill, Oisin Donoghue, Cormac Hillary, Anthony Feeney, Orin Burke, Darragh Roche, Conor Moran, Ronan Hynes, David Walsh, Niall McDonagh, Oliver Laheen, Cillian Fahy, Jonah Donnellan, Jason Rabbitte, Dara Scarry, David Egan, Eanna Cunniffe, Dillon Roche, Diarmuid Ryan, Ross Lally, Cathal Hynes, Jamie Nutley.
Report by Martina Donnellan
National Féile, Quarter-Final
Our U14s advanced to the Semi Final of the National Feile with a stroll in the park against
Naomh Moninne of Louth in the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence, Bekan this afternoon. From the word go, Pearses were the dominant force and were somewhat unlucky not to be more ahead at half time. We got off to a great start as the diminutive Cillian Fahy was dragged down and immediately the ref signalled a penalty. Although Conor Moran took his time placing the ball, he uncharacteristically struck low and hard to the left of the post. This didn't detract from his or Pearses play though as Pearses stepped it up a notch or two.
Harry Mitchell made a great triple save and a foul on the hard working Anthony Feeney resulted in Paddy Kennys long clearance from the danger area. It took 9mins for Pearses first score - a great goal from the in-form Niall McDonagh who batted to the net after a Ronan Hynes delivery. Conor Moran's goal bound effort took a deflection off the keeper while the resultant 65' was quickly taken by Paddy Kenny who spotted the unmarked Moran and he tapped over Pearses first point.
Naomh Moninne clawed back a goal on 12mins when it looked like a combination of Jonah Donnellan and goalkeeper Harry Mitchell had done the necessary work but somehow the ball was bundled over the line. A minute later Darragh Roche's crossfield pass to Conor Moran put Pearses in the driving seat with a fine point after which they never looked back. Moran converted a free after he himself was fouled and just before half time Jonah Donnellan and Orin Burke linked up as Burke's high lobbing ball found Niall McDonagh who weaved himself into a more scoreable position but he blazed his effort wide and not very handsome! Half time score: Pearses 1-3; Naomh Moninne 1-0.
Straight from the restart Orin Burke sent a ball into space for Cillian Fahy to run on to; Fahy subsequently fed Ronan Hynes who drew a great save from the keeper. The resultant 65' was a replica of the 1st half as Paddy Kenny spotted Moran unmarked and pointed his 3rd from play after he worked himself into a more scoreable position. 4mins into the 2nd half Niall McDonagh gathered a high lobbing ball but while his goal effort was batted out by the defense, it fell to Moran who whipped on the ground for a tonic goal to put Pearses 1-4 in front. The subsequent puck out was gathered by Paddy Kenny which found Ronan Hynes who made light work of his point from play.
It was 10mins into the 2nd half before the Louth side registered their first point from a free but there seemed to be no way back for them at this stage with a solid Pearses defence in command. Pearses last score was probably their best passage of play as Conor Moran played Ollie Laheen in the corner and with good link up play with Darragh Roche, the ball fell nicely for Niall McDonagh who finished superbly to the net with 3mins left on the clock. Final score: Pearses: 3-5; Naomh Moninne (Louth)1-1.
This was probably the easiest of Pearses Feile victories thus far as they never looked to be in danger. However a tougher day lies in store tomorrow as they play Roscommon Gaels in Mullagh at 1.45pm in the National Feile semi final. Onwards and Upwards lads as we all look forward to another hurling feast tomorrow
Scorers: Conor Moran 1-4 (1F); Niall McDonagh 2-0; Ronan Hynes 0-1.
Report by Martina Donnellan
National Féile, Day 1
Our Feile feast of hurling began this evening in Ballymacward and even with no electricity, rain for the first time in a while and the thunder and lightening failed to dampen the spirits of three evenly matched teams. Being pitted against Patrick Sarsfields (Belfast) whom Pearses are hosting this weekend and Na Fianna, Co Laois, it was disappointing to see that Tuam pulled out at late notice to leave all 3 games played this evening and a welcome free Saturday morning unlike the Feile plans put in place in advance. Both Pearses games against the Antrim & Laois champions were closely contested with the issue in doubt right to the end.
The visitors, Patrick Sarsfields held the upper hand in the first game for most of the first half and they led by 1-1 to 0-0 at half time, the goal coming from Patrick Sarsfields Caolem Donnelly on 3mins with a kicked effort. Both teams found it difficult enough to cope with the greasy ball and slippery underfoot conditions. Anthony McGarrigle scored from play just before half time as scores were hard to come by. Pearses turned the game around in the second half although they received a real let-off early in the game as a goal looked certain only for the vital interception of Paddy Kenny but as the ball was whipped across the square it was pulled on first time but fortuitously for Pearses and agonisingly for our visitors the blasted effort went wide. 3mins after the restart Conor Moran got Pearses off the mark with a pointed free after Cillian Fahy was fouled. Another Pearses let-off 4mins into the second half as Harry Mitchell batted the ball away from danger but Daniel Smith almost smashed the crossbar in two with goal on his mind.
Conor Moran tapped over two consecutive frees to peg the game back within a point after Cillian Fahy & Orin Burke were fouled respectively. Moran levelled matters through another free after the hard working Ronan Hynes was fouled. Pearses: Scoreless at half time but now back in the game. Could they maintain their momentum and push on? Pearses took the lead with their first point from play with a well worked score – a long range free from Oisin Donoghue played into Cillian Fahy in the corner and as he linked up nicely with a quick one-two with Niall McDonagh who tapped over a sweet score to a great applause with a minute left to play. Deep into injury time, Moran tapped over his 5th free after Ronan Hynes was fouled and so it finished nicely for Pearses with a 2 point win after a poor start against good opposition. Final score: Pearses 0-6; Patrick Sarsfields 1-1.
Scorers: Conor Moran 0-5 (all frees); Niall McDonagh 0-1.
There was only a slight reprieve for Pearses as they had to face the Laois County Champs with little recuperation. This was a hugely competitive game with little or nothing between the sides. The Laois boys got off to a great start with a great goal in their first attack to put Pearses on the back foot early on. Straight from the ensuing puck out and Cillian Fahy saw his goal bound effort deflected out for a 65’. Na Fianna’s No. 12 scored from play to add to their tally and although Pearses were trying, but with 3 consecutive wides in a row, had failed to open their scoring. David Walsh had a great effort blocked after a good Jonah Donnellan run on the flank. Conor Moran tapped over a free on the stroke of half time as Cillan Fahy charged in along the end line drawing a foul on himself which Moran obliged with the placed ball to leave Pearses trailing 1-1 to 0-1 at half time.
Within a minute of the restart Paddy Kenny’s long ball found goal supremo Niall McDonagh who scored the first of his hat-trick with a high lobbing ball. Na Fianna’s No. 11 edged them ahead again with a point from play. They extended their lead shortly afterwards when their first effort deflected off the crossbar but somehow the rebound was shuffled over the line. Niall McDonagh who was in his natural full forward berth for the second half somehow scrambled a long delivery from Oisin Donoghue over the line to put the minimum between the sides. Moran obliged again with another placed ball from a difficult angle to tie the game at 2-2 apiece.
Then came a killer blow from the visitors as their forward throttled in on goal leaving Pearses defence at his mercy and his unstoppable effort left Harry Mitchell with absolutely no chance. But Pearses changed gear. Conor Moran whilst slipping still manged to get his shot in, found McDonagh and as he weaved himself into a scoring position his bullet found the net to yet another rapturous applause to tie the game up at 3-2 apiece. Conor Moran had the chance to steal a march on the Laois boys with a late 65’, won by Orin Burke but his effort went wide. In the end both teams were happy to come away with a point apiece. Final score: Pearses 3-2; Na Fianna 3-2. Scorers: Niall McDonagh 3-0; Conor Moran 0-2 (Frees). So another day out tomorrow; this time in the Centre of Excellence, Bekan for a quarter final; opposition yet unknown.
Pearses Panel: Harry Mitchell, Eanna Cunniffe, Jack Reilly, Cormac Hillary, Peter O’Neill, Oisin Donoghue, Mark Donnellan, Anthony Feeney, Niall McDonagh, Ronan Hynes, Orin Burke, Conor Moran, Paddy Kenny, Conor Kelly, Oliver Laheen, David Egan, Cillian Fahy, Peter O’Neill, Jonah Donnellan, Jason Rabbitte, Dara Scarry, Diarmuid Ryan, Ross Lally, David Walsh, Cathal Hynes, Jamie Nutley.
As always, thanks to the parents for the fine spread of both savoury and confectionery food served up while the ladies committee dealt with things aptly in the circumstances without electricity. In his Chairmans welcome address in Mitchell’s Gurteen: Adrian Queeney thanked Eddie & Helena Mitchell for the use of their premises at such short notice. Compliments were also expressed to Pearses camogie club for the complimentary hot food served by them and supplied by Jimmy Screene, Becky & Co.
The chairman also commended the hard working Feile Committee headed by returned Canadian emigrant Martin Barry and his co-workers, Martin & Dorothy Scarry, Maura Carr, John Raftery, Shane Ruane & Rose Kelly for their tireless efforts in ensuring a smooth running of such an important aspect of the hurling calendar. He also thanked all three Pearses sponsors of club gear. Patrick Sarsfield’s Juvenile Chairman, Michael Coleman paid tribute to the warm welcome received all round from Padraig Pearses club while both Juvenile visiting and host chairmen exchanged tokens of appreciation.
A long day of hurling is expected tomorrow, hopefully with positive results. I remember an acronym on a course one time: TEAM – Together Everyone Achieves More. We look forward to a good team effort from the Pearses boys tomorrow.
Report by Martina Donnellan
Thanks also to our sponsors of Féile playing gear for the panel: Bobby Hynes and Sons; James Clancy Plastering and Martina Donnellan.
U12 Football, Round 3
Pearses 4-6; Corofin 2-11: A Pearses win is sweet any day of the week but in football, it makes it that bit sweeter especially over the mighty football stronghold Corofin. Our U12 footballers came of age this evening with a Lazarus-like recovery to come from 8 points down at half time to win by a solitary point to scenes of almost disbelief and absolute jubilation by both players and mentors at the end as the ref totted up the scores. There appeared to be some confusion as the ref thought it was a draw match but as he almost required a calculator to do the sums, he announced Pearses victors by 1 point on a scoreline.
Although Pearses were first to score through Harry Mitchell’s pointed free it was Corofin who surged into a whopping lead as they scored 2-6 without reply. Given the sweltering conditions for a game, the ref allowed a water stop which gave Pearses the reprieve they required from the intense Corofin pressure. After the restart Harry Mitchell goaled after a move involving David Walsh, Jonah Donnellan, Cillian Fahy & finished by Harry. Then Jonah Donnellan added another point as he surged forward and struck his effort on the run over the bar. Corofin scored again from play just before half time to leave the score: Pearses 1-2; Corofin 2-7.
Whatever tonic Gary Lally gave to the boys at half time, it did the trick. From the off Pearses were no longer second best. They had more belief in themselves and refused to wilt. Straight from the throw-in Jonah Donnellan sent in a high speculative shot which evaded forwards and backs and fortuitously found the net. Immediately Harry Mitchell added another goal with a bullet of an effort to put Pearses back in contention after Cillian Fahy did the hard work. Suddenly there was only 2 points between the sides and the game was truly alive. Cillian Fahy who chased every lost cause and came out with the ball every time won a free which Harry easily tapped over to put the minimum between the sides with 6 mins gone in the 2nd half.
Diarmuid Ryan made a mammoth save to keep the game alive for Pearses but as the play continued Corofin tapped over from play and their pacey forward burst through Pearses defence to score another and stretch their lead to 3 points. Anthony Feeney levelled matters with a tonic goal from close range after Eoghan Ryan & Cillian Fahy had a hand in the build-up. Pearses showed real character to go a point up through Cillian Fahy as the spirited comeback was evident in abundance. Both teams then traded scores; Corofin from play and Harry Mitchell from a free after Cillian Fahy again was fouled with 4 mins left ticking on the clock.
Could Pearses hang on against the might of Corofin. Corofin dragged themselves level again from play and a draw match looked certain. However, Harry Mitchell who continued his form from the schools football final the previous day, had the final say as he coolly tapped over the winner from play to give Pearses a famous victory on Corofin turf. The effort and commitment shown in the 2nd half was totally commendable.
You could call it ‘Lazarus-like’ or by the ‘skin of their teeth’ or ‘pot luck’ but it matters little as a win is a win and one thing for sure, it meant something to these youngsters as the ref totted up his figures afterwards and their delight was unconfined when the ref cleared up the confusion. These lads are certainly growing in football confidence with every game.
Scorers: Harry Mitchell 2-4 (3F); Jonah Donnellan 1-1; Anthony Feeney 1-0; Cillian Fahy 0-1.
Panel: Diarmuid Ryan, James Queeney, Dara Scarry, Fionn Donoghue, Padraig Kelly, Jonah Donnellan, David Walsh, Conor Hillary, Anthony Feeney, Patrick O’Neill, Dillon Roche, James Feeney, Harry Mitchell, Cillian Fahy, Ciárán Hogan, Eoghan Ryan, Cathal Hynes.
Report by Martina Donnellan
St Kerrill's NS 4-in-a-row Football
St. Kerrill’s N.S., Gurteen 6-7; St. Catherine’s N.S., Aughrim 0-5: St. Kerrill’s N.S. claimed their 4th success in a row and for the 2nd successive year over St. Catherine’s N.S. Aughrim in the Cumann na mBunscol 7-a-side football which the Gurteen boys won in true style in Claregalway this morning. Winning county titles at any level, in any age group, is always an achievement to be celebrated. Back to back titles call for double celebrations as they can be the most difficult ones to win. However, Gurteen relied on raw goal power to put them in cruise control.
Talented full-forward Harry Mitchell almost single handedly destroyed Aughrim's hopes with a stunning hat-trick of first half goals and four in total. The Pearses clubman’s heroics helped propel Gurteen into a 10 point interval lead and there looked to be no way back for the opposition.
Harry had Gurteen off the mark within a minute with a pointed effort which took a deflection off the post and over. Ronan Hynes tagged on a point as he fetched the resultant kick out and burst forward before easily finding the target. Aughrim scored their first point when a goal looked ominous only for the vigilance and timely intervention of Ronan Hynes.
Aughrim levelled matters from play 5mins into the game and that was as tight as the game would get. Harry scored the first of his 4 goals with a bulleted effort; the move instigated by Jonah Donnellan & Ronan Hynes. Mitchell tagged on a free and then his goal bound effort was well stopped by the Aughrim goalie and the ball was deflected over the crossbar to put Gurteen 1-4 to 0-2 in charge.
Aughrim pointed a free which was short lived as the resultant play saw Paddy Kenny’s goal effort saved but Mitch was well positioned to make no mistake as the rebound fell nicely for him. Gurteen received a let-off on 14mins as a dangerous ball went right across the face of goal much to the relief of the sizeable Gurteen supporters. Harry scored his hat-trick right on the stroke of half time after the hard working Conor Walsh spotted Mitchell lurking on the edge of the square.
The 2nd half continued in the same vein. Jonah Donnellan got on the end of a loose ball at midfield and kick passed to Harry who scored his 4th goal before 10.30am and steer Gurteen into a 4-4 to 0-3 lead. Young Conor Walsh was rewarded for his industrious work as he volleyed a long clearance from Conor Kelly over the bar. Harry tapped over his 2nd point from play 6mins into the 2nd half after a move involving Paddy Kenny & Jonah Donnellan.
Aughrim pointed a free but Gurteen took charge again as Harry Mitchell’s quickly taken free found the inrushing Paddy Kenny whose unstoppable effort was drilled past the hapless goalie. The teams traded scores as Harry pointed from play and Aughrim converted their 2nd point of the half from play as Ross Lally was introduced for Paddy Kenny. A quickly taken sideline from Jonah Donnellan to Ronan Hynes and back to Donnellan led to the next score as Jonah was rewarded for his morning’s efforts with a neat point.
Jonah Donnellan then had a thunderous burst through the middle of the field before hand passing to Ronan Hynes and he showed no signs of the hayfever he complained about before the game as his piledriver rattled the net. At this stage Cathal Hynes, Ciárán Hogan, Diarmuid Ryan & Keith Kitt all got a taste of the action as Gurteen saw out the game in the sweltering heat on a scoreline: St. Kerrill’s N.S., Gurteen 6-7; St. Catherine’s N.S., Aughrim 0-5. The entire team played as a unit and put in a solid performance from the outset as David Walsh in goal was rarely troubled.
Captain Conor Kelly accepted the cup from Mr. Noel Treacy who complimented both teams on the standard of football served up. Conor was sweet and to the point in his concise few words as he thanked Mr. Seamus Walsh for training the team all year and thanked the parents for bringing the players to all the matches.
So onwards goes Gurteen’s dream campaign as they bid to add the hurling title to the football on June 14th when they will strive to claim a 4th hurling title in 5 years.
Panel: David Walsh, Conor Kelly, Ronan Hynes, Jonah Donnellan, Paddy Kenny, Harry Mitchell, Conor Walsh, Ross Lally, Cathal Hynes, Ciárán Hogan, Diarmuid Ryan & Keith Kitt.
Report by Martina Donnellan
U12 Football, Round 3
Pearses 4-15 Claregalway 0-6: Pearses U12 footballers ended their losing streak in the championship against Claregalway on a scoreline of Pearses 4-15; Claregalway 0-6. Played in Gurteen pitch yesterday evening, there is exciting times ahead now that they have their first taste of victory. A clinical display saw them take full points in the blazing sunshine having lost their opening 2 games to Oranmore/Maree & Salthill/Knocknacarra. Within a minute Harry Mitchell volleyed the ball over the bar after Anthony Feeney & Cillian Fahy were involved in the build-up. After a series of 45’s Cillian Fahy goaled from close range to open his scoring account.
Jamie Nutley set up David Walsh for his opening point while Conor Hillary sent over after Jonah Donnellan & David Walsh instigated the move. Harry Mitchell converted a free after the industrious Anthony Feeney was fouled while Harry goaled on the 2nd attempt after Feeney’s initial attempt was well saved to help Pearses build up some momentum and leave Claregalway struggling to gain primary possession. That score completely settled Pearses and for the remainder of the half they were rampant.
Harry Mitchell tapped over a close range free before Cillian Fahy scored his 2nd goal in the sunshine on 17mins after a good run down the side-line from Jonah Donnellan who linked up with Harry Mitchell and Fahy finished well. Patrick O’Neill made no mistake in front of the posts after he accepted a Harry Mitchell foot pass. The visitors claimed their first score of the game with a point from play and just before half time they dispatched a free to leave the score 3-6 to 0-2 at half time as James Queeney, Dara Scarry, David Walsh & Daniel Melia kept Claregalway’s scoring chances to a minimum.
Immediately after the restart Claregalway scored three close in frees and a point from play. Harry Mitchell got Pearses going again with the opening score of the 2nd half from a free after young James Feeney was fouled. Patrick O’Neill first set up Cillian Fahy who tapped over to add to his goal tally and then set up Harry Mitchell who easily scored to bring Pearses tally to 3-9. Conor Walsh, Anthony Feeney & Patrick O’Neill were all involved in Cillian Fahy’s third majestic goal of the evening as Pearses enjoyed a more than comfortable lead. At this stage Conor Hillary, Anthony Feeney & Conor Walsh had a strong foothold in midfield.
Jonah Donnellan tapped over a free which he won himself while subsequently he fed Harry who scored his 3rd point from play. The next Pearses score was well worked as Anthony Feeney imposed his physical presence when he ran down the road side of the field, found Cillian Fahy who in turn fed Harry and his bullet ricocheted off the crossbar and over. Cillian Fahy, David Walsh & Harry Mitchell scored neat points towards the end to stretch the lead and help Pearses to their first football win of the U12 Football League on an emphatic scoreline: Pearses 4-15; Claregalway 0-6.
Dillon Roche, Dylan King, Eoghan Ryan, Tommy Nutley, Fionn Donoghue, Joe Carroll, Matthew Finnerty & Ciárán Hogan also stormed into the game while the 2 net minders Diarmuid Ryan in the first half and Cathal Hynes in the 2nd half maintained a clean sheet.
Scorers: Cillian Fahy 3-2; Harry Mitchell 1-8 (0-3f); David Walsh 0-2; Conor Hillary 0-1; Patrick O’Neill 0-1; Jonah Donnellan 0-1 (F)
Panel: Diarmuid Ryan, James Queeney, Dara Scarry, David Walsh, Jonah Donnellan, Daniel Melia, Anthony Feeney, Conor Hillary, Jamie Nutley, Dillon Roche, Dylan King, Harry Mitchell, Cillian Fahy, Eoghan Ryan, Tommy Nutley, Fionn Donoghue, Cathal Hynes, Joe Carroll, Patrick O’Neill, Matthew Finnerty, Conor Walsh, James Feeney, Ciárán Hogan.
Report by Martina Donnellan.
Tears in Duggan Park
Abbeyknockmoy 5-5 Pearses 2-6: Abbeyknockmoy’s more physical outfit got the better of a young Pearses U14 team in the U14C final played in Duggan Park this evening. The Abbey lads held the upper hand for the entire first half and they led by 2-2 to 0-2 at half time. The pulsating Niall Mannion scored the first point of the evening for Abbeyknockmoy after he showed a great burst of pace while Conor Moran had levelled matters by the 3rd minute after he himself was fouled.
Pearses however, conceded the next couple of scores, in the form of goals; a first from Kevin Maher which Harry Mitchell initially saved but Maher was on hand to finish and a second bullet from Niall Mannion which Harry could simply do nothing about. Abbeyknockmoy never looked back after hitting the front as they were led by the towering Mannion, Maher and Cian Quirke.
Niall Mannion added another after he fetched a high lobbing ball, weaved himself into a scoring position to tap over and put Abbeyknockmoy in the driving seat. Pearses received a let-off after a humdinger rebounded off the crossbar and Harry Mitchell made an exceptional diving save to save Abbey nudging further ahead. Conor Moran tapped over another free just before half time to leave Abbeyknockmoy firmly in front 2-2 to 0-2.
Pearses were playing into the scoring goal in the 2nd half and badly needed to get some scores on the board. However, it was Abbey who scored first, a free from Cian Quirke and a point from Niall Mannion from a difficult angle. Conor Moran responded with a Pearses free after Anthony Feeney was fouled. Niall McDonagh scored from play after Jonah Donnellan kicked the ball into his path and he hit a lovely point on the run.
Cian Quirke kept Abbey in front with another pointed free and Abbeyknockmoy scored another unstoppable bullet which found the net and stretch Abbey further in front. Then Pearses were thrown a lifeline when Darragh Roche found the net after Ronan Hynes sprayed the ball across the field to him. Roche still had some work to do to shake off some tackles but finished well. Straight from the resultant puck out Ronan Hynes fed Niall McDonagh who at this stage was playing in a centre field role and he reduced the deficit to 2 goals with a point over his right shoulder.
Conor Moran pointed from play after Paddy Kenny’s quickly taken 65’ found the unmarked Moran. At this stage the momentum was with the Pearses lads as Darragh Roche narrowly missed when another inch of a stretch from him might have seen him finish to the net. Abbey broke Pearses flow with another goal this time from Maher. Conor Moran was wide with a free when it looked like he was going for the top corner. However, Darragh Roche who never gave up and fought for every ball, even those which looked a lost cause was rewarded when he was upended and the ref signalled for a penalty.
Up stepped Moran, the gait of him told us he’d go for it and his low hard effort rattled the net to put 5points between the sides, 4-5 to 2-6. Pearses tried hard in the closing stages to push on but were stopped in their tracks due predominantly to the strength of the opposition. Abbeyknockmoy got another goal right at the end to put a better gloss on the scoreline for them while Harry Mitchell made a point blank save almost as the final whistle was blown. Final Score: Abbeyknockmoy 5-5; Pearses 2-6.
Pearses tried hard but were unsuccessful in gaining a real foothold in the game as they were thwarted by a strong more physical Abbey side. The concession of two goals were a hard blow to take so early in the game and Pearses were left chasing the game to the end. That said, most of Pearses lads are U14 again next year. The effort and commitment shown by all was commendable and they never let the jersey down. Jack Reilly got in plenty of tackles in the backs while Paddy Kenny was a revelation with clearance after clearance and put in a titanic tussle with Abbey’s strike force.
Mark Donnellan won plenty of ball in the rucks and went on some thwarting runs while Oisin Donoghue and Niall McDonagh worked hard in the half back line although Niall settled into his more natural midfield berth more in the 2nd half. Midfielders, Anthony Feeney & Orin Burke put in a good grind while Conor Moran did his job on the placed balls, Ronan Hynes did a lot of donkey work & Darragh Roche never gave up. The forward duo of Conor Kelly and Cillian Fahy showed great heart. There may have been tears afterwards but we all learn more in defeat than we do in victory. So lads take a bow.
Well done to Abbeyknockmoy on their reward this evening as Pearses now look forward to the upcoming Feile in 2 weeks time. Thanks to mentors, manager Martin Scarry assisted by Eddie Mitchell, Sean O’Neill & Declan Lawless for their efforts and commitment shown to this squad this year.
Scorers: Conor Moran 1-4 (1 pen; 0-3f); Darragh Roche 1-0; Niall McDonagh 0-2.
Panel: Harry Mitchell, Jack Reilly, Paddy Kenny, Mark Donnellan, Oisin Donoghue, Niall McDonagh, Anthony Feeney, Orin Burke, Conor Moran, Ronan Hynes, Darragh Roche, Cillian Fahy, Conor Kelly, Cormac Hillary, Eanna Cunniffe, Oliver Laheen, Peter O’Neill, Dara Scarry, Jonah Donnellan, David Walsh, David Egan, Ross Lally, Diarmuid Ryan, Jason Rabbitte, Conor Hillary, Dillon Roche, Jamie Nutley, Cathal Hynes, Stephen Grady.
Report by Martina Donnellan
U12 Football, Round 1
Pearses 2-4; Oranmore-Maree 5-6: Gareth and Johnny Lally's young U12 footballers were no match at all for a strong Oranmore-Maree team in the first round of the U12 football championship played in Ballymacward this morning.
This is the first time in quite a while that Pearses have fielded a football team at underage level. Pearses were trailing from within minutes of the throw-in and it was 4-1 to the visitors before David Walsh got Pearses off the mark with a point from play from the left side of the field.
Oranmore scored another 1-3 without reply; their first point took a deflection off a Pearses hand, then converted a free and another from play before scoring yet another goal which also took a deflection on the way in. This effectively put the game to bed before the break. The score could have been exacerbated even more only for the vigilance of Diarmuid Ryan who cleared the ball off the Pearses goal line with a point blank save on the stroke of half-time.
In the 2nd half a quickly taken free from Harry Mitchell resulted in David Walsh pointing from play. As the game wore on the Pearses lads got more into it. Harry Mitchells free lobbed about 5 players on the Oranmore-Maree goal line to find the net. Oranmore-Maree added 2 more points to their tally in quick succession and in the process snuffed out any hint of a Pearses recovery before David Walsh’s effort on the run bounced over the crossbar.
Pearses best move of the game resulted in their 2nd goal when Jonah Donnellan fed Harry Mitchell, who turned his man and his low hard drill found the net. David Walsh converted a 21’ free taken off the ground when the mentors on the sideline were laying claims for a penalty which fell on deaf ears. In the end as the young Pearses lads shipped a heavy beating, it still wasn’t a bad result for their first day out in competitive football against a strong Oranmore-Maree football side.
Scorers: Harry Mitchell 2-0; David Walsh 0-4.
Panel: James Queeney, Daniel Melia, Dara Scarry, Diarmuid Ryan. Padraic Kelly, Conor Walsh, David Walsh, Conor Hillary, Dillon Roche, Ross Lally, Harry Mitchell, Ross Laheen, Patrick O’Neill, Jonah Donnellan, Ciárán Hogan, Anthony Feeney, Dylan King, Matthew Finnerty, Tommy Nutley, Jamie Nutley, Keith Kitt, Cathal Hynes. Everyone got a taste of football on the day.
Report by Martina Donnellan
U12 Hurling, Round 1
Pearses 3-9; Ballindereen 2-2: Pearses U12’s made up of a combined rich mixture of U10’s, U11’s & U12’s interlaced with some brilliant hurling skills was enough to see off Ballinderreen’s challenge in the first round of the U12 Championship played in perfect conditions in Ballymacward this morning.
Cillian Fahy went some way to settle any early nerves with a well finished point from play within a minute. Ballinderreen responded with a goal through a ground stroke after a goalmouth scramble. Jason Rabbitte scored a good goal as he cut open the oppositions defence and his low hard shot found the net. Ballindereen clawed back a point from out near the dugouts to restore parity and scored another from play to put them one up.
Pearses didn’t panic though and that was to be Ballindereens last score before the break as Pearses opened the floodgates in terms of scores. Rabbitte scored a beauty from way out the field as he latched onto a loose ball at midfield. Anthony Feeney propelled Pearses in front with a fortuitous goal which just went over the goalies head to leave the score at the break: Pearses 2-2; Ballindereen 1-2.
The 2nd half was 3 minutes old when Harry Mitchell’s free in his own half found Cillian Fahy and he stretched the lead to 4 points. Jason Rabbitte & Jonah Donnellan linked up well which culminated in Dara Scarry tapping over his first point from play and punched the air in delight as he ran back into position. David Walsh’s long range free into the danger area midway through the half resulted in a goalmouth shemozzle and young Cilly somehow picked it out of the ruck and a sweet strike over his shoulder earned him his 3rd point of the morning. A minute later he did the same again, as he picked the ball from the ruck and tapped over comfortably.
At this stage the game was opening up for Pearses as Harry Mitchell’s 65’ was taken quickly to Jonah Donnellan while Harry accepted the return pass to put Pearses well in charge with a well worked point from out the field. Pearses however, received a let-off as Ballindereen drove their goal attempt wide of an empty net. Dara Scarry scored his second from play as a Padraic Kelly free from the full back line found Cilly Fahy who passed to Scarry and he made no mistake in front of the posts.
Ballindereen scored a goal from a goalmouth scramble but the bridge was too far for them to get back into the game as the clock was ticking down. Immediately from the puck out Donnellan spotted the unmarked Fahy who rarely wastes a ball and scored his 5th point from play. Dara Scarry found a gaping hole in Ballinderren’s defence as he kicked Pearses third goal and final score to the net to stretch further daylight between the sides as a combination of Donnellan, Feeney and Fahy originated the move. Pearses dominated the game, restricting Ballindereen to just one score in the second half as the game finished with Pearses emphatic winners.
Pearses were first to the ball everywhere and lorded it in mid-field where Anthony Feeney and Jason Rabbitte were driving forward at every opportunity. Dillon Roche, Patrick O’Neill, Conor Hillary & Padraic Kelly dominated the middle third of the field. Harry Mitchell in particular linked up well and cleared a lot of good ball into the attack where David Walsh, Diarmuid Ryan, Jamie Nutley, Dara Scarry, Ross Lally & Cillian Fahy passed the ball about to great effect. Cathal Hynes had little to do in goal. A good Pearses result for the first championship day out.
Scorers: Cillian Fahy 0-5; Dara Scarry 1-2; Jason Rabbitte 1-1; Anthony Feeney 1-0; Harry Mitchell 0-1.
Panel: Cathal Hynes, Dillon Roche, Patrick O’Neill, Jonah Donnellan, Harry Mitchell, Conor Hillary, Jason Rabbitte, Anthony Feeney, David Walsh, Cillian Fahy, Dara Scarry, Diarmuid Ryan, Jamie Nutley, Ross Lally, Padraic Kelly, Conor Walsh, Keith Kitt, Ciárán Hogan, Darren Moran, James Queeney, Brían Thompson.
Report by Martina Donnellan
U14 Hurlers into the Final
Pearses 1-9; Four Roads 0-3: Pearses U14’s produced a stirring comeback this evening following their last meeting with Four Roads (Roscommon) who had inflicted a heavy defeat on them in the U14 Championship opener back in March. However, they got one back on them in this evenings semi-final to reach the final of the U14C Championship, to be played before the feast of Féile hurling.
Pearses held the edge for all of the game and were never behind. They started in the style of champions as Cillian Fahy had found his shooting range within a minute but was cancelled a minute later when Four Roads levelled matters through a free. Pearses then went on a mini scoring surge: Orin Burke made things look easy when he sweetly struck over the black spot while Cillian Fahy struck his 2nd point from play on 7mins when he gathered a pass from Darragh Roche as the ball just had the legs to carry over the crossbar.
Conor Kelly throttled through on goal and gently tapped over after he plucked a Niall McDonagh clearance from the sky. Four Roads started to apply some pressure mid-way through the half and one felt a revival was on the cards but Pearses defence had some great block-downs from Cormac Hillary, Ronan Hynes & Jack Reilly. Pearses almost found the net on 16 mins through Orin Burke but his effort was well saved while the clearance only fell to Burkie who tapped over his 2nd point of the evening.
As Four Roads were trying desperately to get back into the game, Pearses made a whopping double save at a crunch time just before half-time; the first from Paddy Kenny followed by Harry Mitchell in goals with the ball kicked away from danger by Mark Donnellan only to the waiting Four Roads forward who struck their 2nd score of the evening when a goal initially looked ominous. Half time score: Pearses 0-5; Four Roads 0-2.
The second half was only a minute old when Cillian Fahy put the black & whites into top gear with an unstoppable shot propelling Pearses into a 6 point lead. Conor Moran extended the lead with a pointed free and was uncharacteristically wide moments later after a foul on Ronan Hynes. Conor Kelly scored another point when he latched on to a long ball before driving an inspirational effort over the bar. Kelly brought his personal tally to 0-3 when he gathered a long range Cillian Fahy pass before tapping over.
Subsequently Conor Moran, Ronan Hynes & Orin Burke linked up well which culminated in Burke gathering his 3rd point of the evening. Four Roads scored a free after Peter O’Neill was deemed to have fouled his man as Pearses introduced fresh legs in the form of Oliver Laheen & Dara Scarry. In the closing stages Four Roads were desperately trying to find the net but fortunately for Pearses found the post instead and then another goal effort swept right across the face of goal.
It was an evening when Four Roads probably felt mortally wounded especially having beaten Pearses emphatically only a few weeks ago but there was no disputing the superiority of an impressive Pearses outfit who this time round set their stamp on the game from the word go. Final score: Pearses 1-9; Four Roads 0-3. Well done lads and mentors as we look forward to the winners of Skehana vs Abbeyknockmoy semi-final to be played on Monday evening.
Scorers: Cillian Fahy 1-2; Conor Kelly 0-3; Orin Burke 0-3; Conor Moran 0-1 (F).
Panel: Harry Mitchell, Paddy Kenny, Jack Reilly, Mark Donnellan, Oisin Donoghue, Cormac Hillary, Ronan Hynes, Niall McDonagh, Conor Moran, Orin Burke, Darragh Roche, Conor Kelly, Cillian Fahy, Anthony Feeney, Peter O’Neill, Dara Scarry, Oliver Laheen, Eanna Cunniffe, Jonah Donnellan, Dillon Roche, Conor Hillary, Diarmuid Ryan, Ross Lally, Cathal Hynes, Jason Rabbitte, Jamie Nutley, David Walsh, David Egan.
Report by Martina Donnellan.
U14 Hurling, Round 6
Padraig Pearses 5-17; Padraig Pearses (Roscommon) 4-2: Anyone that came to Ballymacward this morning to see Pearses take on their name sakes Padraig Pearses (Roscommon) saw a hurling feast from our U14’s and by far the highest scoring game these lads have had in a long time. The Roscommon lads were gallant and fought until the end with 2 late goals but were outclassed in every single department as Pearses finished whopping winners.
Pearses had seven different scorers this morning kickstarted by a cracking Niall McDonagh goal within a minute of the throw-in. Immediately came a host of scores and scorers as Oisin Donoghue’s sweet stick pass to Orin Burke got him off the mark with a simple tap over right in front of the posts. Conor Kelly pointed from Conor Moran’s quickly taken 65’. Niall McDonagh scored a nice point from play after good fielding in the air followed by a Conor Moran point after he weaved his way into a good scoring position before simply throwing over. Moran’s high lobbing ball from an acute angle then found the net although the goalie did get a hurl to it, the umpire adjudged the goal to stand to put Pearses firmly in the driving seat within 10mins 2-4 to 0-0.
Conor Moran added to his tally with another point from play and then tapped over his first free after he himself was fouled. Harry Mitchell was called upon to make his first save and in the ensuing play, the Roscommon lads got off the mark with a whopping goal as their scorer burst through the heart of Pearses defence to finish a bullet. Conor Moran scored two frees in quick succession after Darragh Roche & Orin Burke respectively were fouled. Moran added another from play over his left shoulder. Cillian Fahy had the final say before half time as he scored his first point from play off his right after Oisin Donoghue found him with his pass. Half time: Pearses 2-10; Padraig Pearses (Roscommon) 1-0.
There were plenty of changes at half time to make sure everyone got playing time as Pearses continued the momentum again from the off. Within a minute Conor Kelly broke loose from a schmozzle and tapped straight over. Cillian Fahy maintained his goal scoring form when he added a goal but had a bit of work to do as he was quickly closed down but struck his effort sweetly given two defenders were hanging off him. Niall McDonagh earned a free which was converted by Moran.
Pearses scored their 4th goal courtesy of Orin Burke as Cillian Fahy blocked the goalies clearance and found Burkie who was calling for the pass and his bullet was unstoppable. Peter O’Neill set up the next score with a long drive from defence, cleanly caught in the air by Conor Kelly who notched his 3rd point from play. The opposition registered their first point from a free but it did little to halt the Pearses onslaught. Jonah Donnellan tapped over after his introduction to hurling for a while and then his neat over the shoulder pass to Jason Rabbitte set Rabbitte up for his first score. Dara Scarry’s sweet scoop into the hand of Orin Burke set him up for his 2nd point from play.
Orin Burke then took over the free taking duty and his effort was saved by the goalie but fell to Jason Rabbitte whose goal bound effort was saved but he lashed home on his second attempt. Jonah Donnellan pointed the resultant puck out for Pearses last score and the visitors got their 2nd goal which just evaded Harry Mitchell and scored their first from play soon afterwards to bring their tally to 2-2. With 2 mins left on the clock Padraig Pearses scored 2 goals in quick succession, their first hit straight off the hurl.
It was a tour de force display from the Pearses lads in all sectors of the field today and more importantly everyone got game time. So mission accomplished for Pearses today. It was a bittersweet group stage in many respects with the opening defeat to Four Roads and the stumble against Abbeyknockmoy through their last gasp goal. The effort and commitment shown by everyone today was commendable and they delivered superbly and now see themselves into a semi-final, quite likely against neighbours Skehana AGAIN... more rivalry for the 3rd time this year.
Scorers: Conor Moran 1-7 (4F); Orin Burke 1-2; Niall McDonagh 1-1; Cillian Fahy 1-1; Jason Rabbitte 1-1; Conor Kelly 0-3; Jonah Donnellan 0-2.
Squad: Harry Mitchell, Paddy Kenny, Jack Reilly, Mark Donnellan, Oisin Donoghue, Cormac Hillary, Ronan Hynes, Niall McDonagh, Darragh Roche, Orin Burke, Conor Moran, Cillian Fahy, Conor Kelly, Dara Scarry, Peter O’Neill, Oliver Laheen, Eanna Cunniffe, Jonah Donnellan, Anthony Feeney, Jason Rabbitte, Diarmuid Ryan, Jamie Nutley, Conor Hillary, Dylan Roche, Ross Lally, Cathal Hynes.
Report by Martina Donnellan.
U14 Hurling, Round 5
Abbeyknockmoy 4-3 (15) Pearses 2-8 (14): There was fire and brimstone in Abbeyknockmoy this evening in Round 5 of the U14 championship. Some spectators thought Pearses had won it by 2 points, others thought it was a draw but yet the ref deemed Abbeyknockmoy to have won it by 1 point in the end on a final score line of Pearses 2-8; Abbeyknockmoy 4-3. Conor Kelly got Pearses off to the perfect start on 6mins with an exceptional goal which was made by Darragh Roche who cut in a across the end line before passing to the unmarked Kelly. Niall Mannion, son of Galway legendary footballer who won an All-Ireland medal in 1998 & 2001, released their full forward to score a cracker of a goal from a good distance out. Anthony Feeney had to be substituted early on for a crack on his hand and newcomer Orin Burke made his debut.
Cillian Fahy had alot to do to shake off the Abbey shackles before scoring a great point from play and he notched his 2nd from play a minute later after Conor Moran sent in a long ball from midfield. Harry Mitchell made a great save from Abbey’s No. 5 as he batted the ball away from danger. A goal looked on the cards for the Abbeyknockmoy lads only for a vital interception from Paddy Kenny but the loose ball broke to an Abbey lad who struck it over to put the slenderest of margins between the sides. Conor Moran tapped over a free after the hard working and tenacious Cillian Fahy was fouled. Conor Kelly pointed the next two from play. His first came from a combination of Darragh Roche & Peter O’Neill who set him up to coolly slot over while his 2nd was courtesy of a pass from Orin Burke. Niall Mannion, a thorn in the Pearses side, ran up the stand side of the field before cutting in across goal to point from an acute angle to leave the score at the break: Pearses 1-5; Abbeyknockmoy 1-2.
The 2nd half continued in the same vein, a tough, hard, tenacious battle with no mercy shown by either side. Within a minute of the restart, Niall Mannion drew the sides level with a great goal after a good run through the centre of the field. Conor Moran edged Pearses in front again with 2 quick frees; after Peter O’Neill & Orin Burke were fouled respectively. Niall McDonagh was superb in the centre of the Pearses rearguard as he cleared his lines time and time again. Abbeyknockmoy clawed one back as the ball rebounded off the crossbar and over. Conor Moran scored a goal with a ground stroke in a goalmouth scramble to put a bit of daylight between the sides but controversy erupted down the far goal as the ref adjudged the goal to stand. He scored his 4th free of the day minutes later as Pearses seemed to steal a march on the hosts. 2-8 to 2-3.
With 4 mins to go Harry Mitchell made a vital save and then controversy erupted again as Niall Mannion scored his 2nd goal but the umpire adjudged the ball not to have crossed the line but was over-ruled by the ref who allowed the goal to stand. Abbey refused to wilt as they gradually ate into Pearses lead. In the closing stages, Mitch made another vital save as the pressure was intense but he batted down to Niall McDonagh who cleared the danger. With full time on the clock, Niall Mannion scored a late late winner with a bullet of a goal to leave Abbey winners by a solitary point on a score line: Pearses 2-8; Abbeyknockmoy 4-3. Another crack between these 2 teams at the latter stages of this competition would be nice!
Scorers: Conor Moran 1-4 (4F); Conor Kelly 1-2; Cillian Fahy 0-2.
Panel: Harry Mitchell, Mark Donnellan, Niall McDonagh, Cormac Hillary, Oisin Donoghue, Anthony Feeney, Conor Moran, Conor Kelly, Darragh Roche, Cillian Fahy, Peter O’Neill, Orin Burke, Dara Scarry, Eanna Cunniffe, Cathal Hynes, Conor Hillary, David Walsh, Dillon Roche, Diarmuid Ryan.
Report by Martina Donnellan.
U14 Hurling, Round 4
Pearses 2-4 Annaghdown 1-5: An epic in every sense was played tonight in Ballymacward as the driving rain and gale force breeze howled through the stand while the ever reliable supporters tried in every sense to wrap up and keep warm. It was a night for the fireside chair but instead both Pearses and Annaghdown went at it hammer and tongs and supplied the best entertainment in a hurling match in terms of pressure, tension, great blockdowns and hooks from Niall McDonagh, Conor Moran & Cormac Hillary and the closest possible thing to perfection from young Harry Mitchell in the Pearses goal. He showed superb reflexes as he made some extraordinary, game-saving saves in the driving rain as the pressure was intense in the last few minutes. Eventually after the ref added some extra minutes of added time, which exacerbated the tension, the Pearses lads reigned supreme by 2 points.
He might be low to the ground but Harry Mitchell showed tonight that he's a solid shot-stopper from any angle and he copes well under a high ball. There’s no doubt but the smiles were a foot wide in the Pearses dressing room after the game as they knew they had earned this one. Pearses were quickest out of the blocks going 1-1 up within 2 mins. Cillian Fahy linked up with centre forward Conor Kelly who bulleted to the net. Conor Moran added a point from play within a minute assisted by the breeze although the goalie did get a hurl to it to help it over. Conor Moran added a free after Cillian Fahy was fouled while at the other end Annaghdown converted two frees. 15mins in Cillian Fahy had a lot of work to do to shake off a few tackles before striking a beauty over the crossbar. Conor Kelly then had a goal bound effort saved by Eoin Concannon in the Annaghdown goal but the rebound fell nicely for him and he neatly struck it over to put Pearses ahead 1-4 to 0-2. Annaghdown clawed the lead back to 4pts at half time with another free. Half time: Pearses 1-4; Annaghdown 0-3.
In the 2nd half, Pearses had the strong gale to contend with which assisted the Annaghdown onslaught on the Pearses goal. Within a minute of the restart Annaghdown had a big chunk taken out of their deficit as their big No. 5 scored a cracking goal on the second time of asking to put the minimum between the sides. Harry Mitchell certainly wasn’t going to be beaten again! He made a point blank save as the Annaghdown comeback was imminent and with only the goalie to beat, Mitch stood his ground showing absolute bravery. He gave true meaning to the old saying ‘It's not the size of the dog in the fight, it's the size of the fight in the dog’. Immediately from the puck out Mitchell was called upon again but was equal to the task with another fine stop. Conor Moran relieved some of the pressure as Mark Donnellan sent in a high ball which was held up by the breeze, half defended by Annaghdown and Moran finished a low hard bullet to the top corner from a long way out to put a bit of daylight between the sides again. 2-4 to 1-3.
Annaghdown led by their dominant No. 5 & No. 8 instigated another Annaghdown revival as a ball was sent in across the face of the goal mouth but luckily their full forward lurking on the edge of the square failed to connect for what was certain to be a goal. In the ensuing play Harry Mitchell gathered the ball and in his attempt to clear his line, his hurl was whipped off him but he stayed on his horse kicking the ball and harrying until he drew a shoulder on the Annaghdown player on the 21’ line and received a yellow card for his sins – it wasn’t even a blemish in a man of the match performance as he did his job; the danger of another certain goal was averted.
Annaghdown tapped over two subsequent frees with 4 mins left to play to put 2 points between the sides. The last few minutes Pearses had to withstand the toughest of pressure. Cormac Hillary won a vital free out at an opportune time, Annaghdown’s free tailed wide at the last minute thanks to the breeze , Mitchell saved a 21 yard free, Annaghdown hit the butt of the post, Mitchell kicked a ball away from the goal line, and another powerful save by Mitch from a certain piledriver as the game went into 3 mins of additional time. At last the ref blew the final whistle and one would think that an All –Ireland was won. It felt like every bit of it. One can only say well done to both teams who served up such a superb performance on a horrible night. It was nothing short on ‘Superb’.
Scorers: Conor Moran 1-2 (1F); Conor Kelly 1-1; Cillian Fahy 0-1.
Team: Harry Mitchell, Eanna Cunniffe, Oliver Laheen, Jack Reilly, Oisin Donoghue, Cormac Hillary, Mark Donnellan, Niall McDonagh, Conor Moran, Conor Kelly, Darragh Roche, Cillian Fahy, David Egan, David Walsh, Dara Scarry, Conor Hillary, Jamie Nutley, Dillon Roche, Ross Lally.
Report by Martina Donnellan
Féile Wrap-up
Pearses matches today saw them pitted against neighbours Skehana first, followed by Killimor and then Ballygar in Group A of the Toddie Byrne Shield.
The Skehana match was a pure hurling epic in every sense of the word as a battling and sporting performance by both teams seen hurling as the real winner. These sides have been terribly close in the past and today was no different. Team mates, comrades and school mates on Friday, rivals on Saturday. This is what a Skehana / Pearses clash at this age group always brings. Cillian Fahy scored the opener on 3mins with a goal which just drifted over the head of Jason Connolly in the Skehana goal. Skehana responded through a Donal Loftus point from play and Sean Hansberry over his right shoulder after throttling through the middle. Pearses were applying some great pressure in the forwards just before half time but Micháel Ryan for Skehana won a vital free out as his cousin Cillian Fahy matched him for tenacity in the Pearses outfit. Half time: Pearses 1-0; Skehana 0-2
Pearses had a pure let-off within the first minute of the restart as Sean Hansberry plucked the ball from the sky, found Donal Loftus who weaved across the face of goal before shooting marginally wide. Conor Moran tapped over a free after Peter O’Neill was fouled. Loftus was wide with another goal chance but made amends soon afterwards with a good point over his left shoulder from the left side of the field. Liam Gormally limped off through injury before Loftus found the equaliser and then having swapped the free taking duties from Sean Hansberry converted a free to put them in the driving seat. The tension was palpable as a goal looked ominous for Skehana but Jack Reilly got the block in. Harry Mitchell made a great save for Pearses and Conor Moran restored parity through a free after young Cillian Fahy was fouled. With seconds left on the clock Conor Laffey turned the game around when he got on the end of a high lobbing ball from Sean Hansberry to score an epic goal when a share of the spoils may have been the fairer result. Final score: Pearses 1-2; Skehana 1-5. Scorers: Cillian Fahy 1-0; Conor Moran 0-2 (2F)
In the second game against Killimor, Pearses got off to the worst possible start conceding 2 goals within 2mins. Niall McDonagh responded for Pearses from play on 3mins. Conor Moran scored a beauty from the 45’ line but straight up the other end Killimor pointed from play to keep them in 6th gear. Conor Moran converted a placed ball after Darragh Roche was fouled & Niall McDonagh scored his second from play when he got on the end of a spilled ball. Killimor kept plucking away and scored another point from out near the stand and a goal in quick succession which ricocheted off the post but fell nicely for their forward to tap the rebound to the net keeping their challenge well alive. Conor Moran’s effort, with goal on his mind, took a deflection to fly over the crossbar. Darragh Roche scorer a whopper of a goal before half time to give Pearses great hope as he weaved across the goal and finished his piledriver well. Half time: Pearses 1-5; Killimor 3-2.
In the 2nd half Killimor tapped over an early free while Conor Moran’s long outfield delivery fortuitously found the net to build up a bit of Pearses momentum. Killimor pointed a free followed by a Moran free and with minutes remaining Cillan Fahy’s effort went right across the face of goal after good work from Darragh Roche and Conor Moran. Killimor were awarded a penalty with seconds on the clock as the taker tapped it over the bar. Conor Moran tried hard for a goal from a free after a chop down on Cillian Fahy in the late stages but his valiant effort was defended gallantly by Killimor to leave them winners by a 2 point margin. Final score: Pearses 2-6; Killimor 3-5. Unfortunately for our lads the battles of the 1st game had taken its toll and Pearses never got into gear in the 2nd game but went down fighting to the bitter end.
Scorers: Conor Moran 1-4 (2F); Niall McDonagh 0-2; Darragh Roche 1-0;
In the third game against Ballygar, the mentors tried out some new players to ensure all players had adequate playing time. Ballygar were 2-2 up, therefore killing the game for Pearses before they registered their first point. A quickly taken free from Harry Mitchell, playing outfield for this game, to David Walsh who tapped over neatly on 12mins. Ballygar added another point from play before half time to leave the half time score: Pearses 0-1; Ballygar 2-3.
The second half was only 3mins old when Ballygar added another goal although Niall McDonagh who played in goal for this game, did get a stick to it. Ballygar added another point from play before Harry Mitchell tapped over a free and then Jack Reilly scored from a placed ball after Ross Lally was fouled. Ballygar showed great goal scoring prowess when they scored another and subsequently tacked on a point. Harry Mitchell’s free went all the way to the net after he himself was fouled to give Pearses a consolation goal. The remainder of the game belonged to Ballygar as they added another 2 points to finish emphatic winners: Pearses 1-3; Ballygar 5-7. Scorers: Harry Mitchell 1-1 (Fs); Jack Reilly 0-1 (F); David Walsh 0-1.
Although things didn’t work out for the Pearses boys today, there was a lot of nearlys and maybes and with injuries and other things not going their way, Pearses can only look forward to the National Feile coming up in June. Thanks to the Mammys who put on a whopping spread and ensured that players, parents & supporters didn’t go home hungry. The hospitality was second to none as it well surpassed everyones expectations as there was no stone left unturned by Rose & Company, both young and old!
Squad: Harry Mitchell, Cormac Hillary, Oliver Laheen, Jack Reilly, Oisin Donoghue, Mark Donnellan, Paddy Kenny, Niall McDonagh, Conor Moran, Conor Kelly, Darragh Roche, Peter O’Neill, Cillian Fahy, Eanna Cunniffe, David Egan, Dara Scarry, Dillon Roche, Diarmuid Ryan, Ross Lally, Jamie Nutley, Cathal Hynes, David Walsh, Ross Lally.
Report by Martina Donnellan
U14 Féile, Round 1
Pearses 6-6 Portumna 1-5: Pearses got off to a flying start in their Feile campaign in Portumna this evening with a comprehensive 6-6 to 1-5 victory. Within 6 mins newcomer Cillian Fahy had 2-1 registered; his first a point from play after good work from Niall McDonagh. His first goal came as he quickly picked a loose ball in a goalmouth shemozzle and his effort took a deflection before it found the net.
A minute later he drifted to the right of the goal before unleashing an unstoppable shot past the hapless goalie. Portumna registered a good point from play while Mark Donnellan caught the resultant puck out to feed Conor Kelly who lashed it over the crossbar. Kelly uncharacteristically started in the forward line relative to his normal defensive position. Darragh Roche made it 2-3 to 0-1 from close range after Cillian Fahy did the donkey work to pass to Roche.
The towering No. 6 for Portumna scored a 65’ as the ball skinned the crossbar as it dipped over. Cillan Fahy registered his 2nd point as he was quickest to run onto a crossfield pass from Conor Moran. A sweet lift and strike over his right sailed nicely over the bar. Pearses got 2 more goals before half time. The first was kicked cleverly by Dara Scarry with space limited to swing the hurl when he got on the end of a high lobbing ball and Conor Kelly steadied the ship further with a tonic goal after Darragh Roche released him following his run in across the end line. Portumna scored from play to leave the half-time score Pearses 4-3; Portumna 0-3.
Portumna got a great start to the 2nd half with a whopping goal from a 21’ free 2mins in. The gait of the free taker told us he’d go for it and left Harry Mitchell with no chance. Mitchell made a good save from the ensuing puck out to ensure Portumna wouldn’t claw back the margin. As Portumna were battling gamely to get back into the game, Peter O’Neill, Oliver Laheen, Cormac Hillary, Mark Donnellan, Oisin Donoghue & Jack Reilly made sure there was no other chunk taken out of their winning margin.
Cillian Fahy’s great run towards goal resulted in Pearses 5th goal of the night as his first effort was well saved but the rebound fell nicely for Anthony Feeney who connected well and punched the air such was his delight with his mid-air flick to the net. Paddy Kenny was next to goal as he burst through the middle of the field, drawing 4 players around him and eventually his ground stroke found the net to make it 6-4 to 1-3 in favour of Pearses.
Portumna responded with a point from play and their big No. 12 converted a free which was to be their final score and bring their tally to 1-5. The dominant Cillian Fahy was hauled down after a probing run through the centre which saw Conor Moran convert the resultant free. David Egan had the final say with a point from an acute angle after Niall McDonagh & Conor Kelly were involved in the build-up.
Final score: Pearses 6-6; Portumna 1-5. So a great start to the Feile competition without the influential Ronan Hynes who will now miss the remaining games tomorrow through injury. An early start sees the boys take on rival neighbours Skehana in their first game tomorrow in Ballymacward.
Panel: Harry Mitchell, Peter O’Neill, Oliver Laheen, Cormac Hillary, Mark Donnellan, Oisin Donoghue, Jack Reilly, Niall McDonagh, Anthony Feeney, Paddy Kenny, Conor Moran, Darragh Roche, Dara Scarry, Conor Kelly, Cillian Fahy, David Egan, Diarmuid Ryan, David Walsh, Dillon Roche, Jamie Nutley, Ross Lally, Cathal Hynes.
Scorers: Cillian Fahy 2-2; Conor Kelly 1-1; Dara Scarry 1-0; Anthony Feeney 1-0; Paddy Kenny 1-0; David Egan 0-1; Darragh Roche 0-1; Conor Moran 0-1 (F)
Senior C'ship, Round 1
Pearses 0-20 Ardrahan 0-16: Our Senior hurlers got their Championship off to a winning start this afternoon in Kenny Park, Athenry. Pearses had the better of the first half and lead 0-12 to 0-7 at the break. That lead stretched to seven points shortly after the break, but Ardrahan battled back to within one point with ten to go. Our men responded well with three vital points to keep some breathing space between the sides.
The teams were level (0-3 each) after ten minutes of play. Ronan Bellew and Emmet Ward the Pearses scorers. Cianan Fahy, Ger Forde and Maurice Callanan on target for Ardrahan, who had the returning Jonathan Glynn in the number 14 shirt. Pearses reeled off the next four points in a dominant spell. The fourth of these was a well worked team move culminating in Tomás Flannery pointing from play, 0-7 to 0-4.
Jason Kennedy ended the scoreless spell for Ardrahan, before Kerrill Hardiman, from long range, and Cyril Donnellan added to the Pearses tally. Kennedy and Maurice Callanan (free) pointed at the other end, 22 minutes: 0-9 to 0-6. In the remainder of the first half Pearses outscored Ardrahan three-one. Ronan Bellew and Enda Cunniffe from play, Emmet Ward accurate again from a placed ball. Half time, 0-12 to 0-7.
Three quick-fire points in the first five minutes of of the second half (Flannery, Ward and Sean Hardiman) seen Pearses pull eight ahead. However, the following fifteen minute spell seen an Ardrahan purple patch. They landed eight points to Pearses' one. Kennedy, Forde, Cian Fahy and Callanan keeping the umpires busy. Midfielder Cian Fahy's point cut the gap to one (0-16 to 0-15) with ten minutes left.
The Pearses reaction was excellent. Cyril Donnellan hit an important point from a tight angle, before substitute Jimmy Gelston did likewise from the same left corner at the town end. Tomas Flannery added another from play, 0-19 to 0-15. The teams added a point apiece before an Ardrahan attack, with one minute of normal time remaining, yielded a penalty. The penalty was sent blazing wide of Fearghal Flannery's right hand post and Pearses recorded a deserved victory.
Pearses: F Flannery; R Lally, T Kenny, K Donnellan; D Wynne, R O'Neill, K Hardiman (0-1); S Hardiman (0-1), C Fahey; E Cunniffe (0-1), E Ward (0-7), R Bellew (0-3); G Lally, T Flannery (0-4), C Donnellan (0-2). Subs used: J Gelston (0-1), C Ward. Referee: Derek Kelly.
U14 Hurling, Round 3
Pearses 2-1 Skehana 1-3: This game played in Ballymacward this morning had all the atmosphere of an U14 final. You simply can’t beat a bit of rivalry between neighbours. There’s been very little between these two teams on the last few occasions the sides met and it was similar today with just a mere point separating the sides in the end, although Skehana had a few chances in the end to peg back for a share of the spoils.
Pearses weren’t to be denied today though as both teams battled hard in cold tough conditions while this pulsating local derby finished with Pearses impressive 1point winners. Both sides knew each other so well through other sports and as school mates which added that extra dimension to the tension. What more could one want from a game of hurling.
The game started at a frenetic pace with a wide a piece, first from Sean Hansberry and then Conor Moran. 7mins in and Harry Mitchell made a great save from a high dropping ball sent in from Sean Hansberry. It wasn’t until the 10th minute when the first score came – Moran converted a free after Ronan Hynes was fouled. In the ensuing play Hansberry again sent in a dangerous ball which was batted out by Harry Mitchell but fell to Liam Gormally whose ground stoke found the net to put Skehana in the driving seat. Sean Hansberry added a free moments later and just before half time Ronan Hynes ensured Pearses bounced back with a whopping goal after a lovely cross-field pass from Paddy Kenny. 1-1 a-piece at half time.
The 2nd half continued in the same vein as both sides stood toe-to-toe with little or nothing between them. A goalmouth scramble ensued in front of Pearses goal but Conor Kelly showed great bottle eventually clearing a difficult ball. A similar passage of play ensued moments later as the Pearses backs were under severe pressure but this time the clearance fell to Sean Hansberry who tapped over from play. 5 minutes into the second half as a Skehana player was floored through injury; the ref signalled play to continue, Conor Moran weaved across the field and shot a tonic goal from about 25 yards out past his soccer comrade Jason Connolly.
It was no more than Pearses deserved for their tackling, hassling, harrying and down right will and eagerness to win. 2-1 to 1-2 in favour of Pearses. With 6 mins left on the clock, the towering Hansberry had a lovely pick-up in the middle of the park, burst through the centre and shot a beauty on the run which went straight over the black spot to put the minimum between the sides. With just a minute left to play Skehana pushed hard in search of scores, led by Hansberry.
On 2 occasions as he throttled through the middle he was blocked superbly by Ronan Hynes and was floored with a Mark Donnellan shoulder when a score looked ominous. Sean Hansberry was uncharacteristically wide with a free and Liam Gormally from play 8mins into additional time which drew a superb sigh of relief from the Pearses supporters. That makes it 2 wins out of 3 for both sides who could very well meet again in the latter stages of this U14 competition judging by todays display.
Panel: Harry Mitchell, Conor Kelly, Oliver Laheen, Cormac Hillary, Oisin Donoghue, Mark Donnellan, Anthony Feeney, Paddy Kenny, Conor Moran, Niall McDonagh, David Egan, Ronan Hynes, Darragh Roche, Dara Scarry, Cillian Fahy, Dillion Roche, Ross Lally, Cathal Hynes, David Walsh, Diarmuid Ryan, Jamie Nutley
U14 Hurling, Round 2
Pearses 3-10 Tuam 0-2: Pearses were on the better end of the scoreline this evening in Round 2 (second game played) of the U14 championship in a wet and dreary Tuam Stadium relative to their first round result yesterday. Pearses work rate won on the evening while they sustained a stirring performance in a tour de force display from start to finish. They brought serious momentum in a stunning 3-10 to 0-2 victory over Tuam with Conor Moran notching 1-8 in total, 1-4 from play.
Conor Moran opened Pearses account with a sweet point from 35yards on 3mins after a good build up involving Ronan Hynes & Niall McDonagh. He added another on 7mins from a long distance out after Conor Kelly’s ground stroke found him unmarked and he shot over his right shoulder from almost the midfield line to split the posts.
He added another point from play straight from the puck out and then sent over his first free after a foul on the industrious Darragh Roche who was showing signs of an ankle injury sustained some months ago. Ronan Hynes fed Anthony Feeney who burst forward and tapped over from an acute angle to put Pearses in the driving seat 0-5 to 0-0 after 9mins. Moran tapped over his 2nd free after Hynes was fouled and then the aforementioned combined again when Ronan Hynes did the hard work as he throttled through the middle of Tuam Stadium and Moran picked up a spilled ball to put it straight over the black spot for his fourth point from play.
16mins into the half, Moran who was on fire at this stage accepted a pass from Paddy Kenny and subsequently sent in a long ball into the square. The bounce eluded the Tuam goalie to find the net and put Pearses well on their way to a facile victory. Just before half time newcomer Niall McDonagh who covered every inch of the pitch, scored a whopper of a goal as he burst through the middle with goal on his mind, got dispossessed but pulled on the loose ball to rattle the net and propel Pearses into a 2-7 to 0-0 interval lead.
The second half continued much the same with Pearses in cruise control. Ronan Hynes was fouled in a drive through the middle and Moran tapped over the resultant free. Moran was unlucky not to claim his second goal as he rattled the side net after Niall McDonagh’s first goal effort rebounded off the butt of the post. Tuam’s goalie made a great save from Anthony Feeney as he batted the ball away from danger.
Conor Moran tapped over his fourth free of the evening while Dara Scarry capitalised in a goalmouth scramble which originated from Dillon Roche to bring Pearses tally to 3-9. Harry Mitchell made a fantastic save as he tapped the ball out for a 65’ to ensure he maintained a clean sheet for the night. Tuam scored their first score from a free and their 2nd from a placed ball again soon afterwards. Dara Scarry had the final say as he converted a free after he was fouled himself to finish with a personal tally of 1-1 much to the delight of the manager.
Squad: Harry Mitchell, Conor Kelly, Oliver Laheen, David Egan, Oisin Donoghue, Jack Reilly, Niall Donoghue, Anthony Feeney, Ronan Hynes, Conor Moran, Paddy Kenny, Mark Donnellan, Darragh Roche, Dara Scarry, Dillon Roche, Diarmuid Ryan.
Scorers: Conor Moran 1-8 (4f); Dara Scarry 1-1; Niall McDonagh 1-0; Anthony Feeney 0-1;
U14 Hurling, Round 1
Pearses 0-2; Four Roads 2-09: After two false starts, Pearses U14s had their first outing of this year’s campaign against a strong Four Roads outfit played in Ballymacward this beautiful crisp Sunday morning. Four Roads (Roscommon) were the hungrier side all through in this game and put some flowing moves together led by their big No. 7 who anchored the midfield area and helped them to a halftime lead on a 1-06 to 0-00 scoreline.
Their upper hand continued right through to the 2nd half as they added on another 1-03 to Pearses 0-02 points which came from the stick of Ronan Hynes and Daragh Roche. While disappointed to lose out on their first outing, the Pearses boys fought until the end with newcomer Niall McDonagh particularly impressive. Pearses must pick themselves up again fairly sprightly for tomorrow evening when they play Tuam in Tuam Stadium in Round 2, 6.45pm throw-in.
Panel: Harry Mitchell, Oisin Donoghue, Eanna Cunniffe, Conor Kelly, Jack Reilly, Cormac Hillary, Niall McDonagh, Conor Moran, Paddy Kenny, Daragh Roche, Ronan Hynes, Mark Donnellan, Dara Scarry, Anthony Feeney, David Egan, Oliver Laheen, Diarmuid Ryan, Ross Lally, Dillon Roche.
U21 Quarter-Final (2017)
Killimor 2-12 Pearses 1-12: Our U21 hurlers were unlucky today in the 2017 Championship Quarter-Final played in Duggan Park, Ballinasloe. Pearses came from behind to hit the front with five minutes to play. However, a penalty at the other end sealed the win for Killimor.
Pearses led 0-3 to 0-2 after seven minutes, with Ronan Bellew on target from placed balls. The game continued in this evenly balanced fashion and after the first quarter Killimor were ahead by the minimum, 0-6 to 0-5. There were just three more scores in the first-half, but significantly one was a Killimor goal. They led 1-7 to 0-6 at the break. Ronan Bellew with all six Pearses points.
Soon after the restart sub Kevin Clancy had the ball in the Killimor net, after trojan work by Brian Sweeney. Just one between the sides again. At the end of the third quarter a Ronan Bellew white flag drew the teams level, 1-9 apiece. Bellew (who would finish with 0-11) pointed again and then Dermot Byrnes put Pearses two up, with seven minutes left. Byrnes’ point was one of the scores of the day, after a great team move involving Lee Murphy and Brian Sweeney, 1-12 to 1-11.
With five minutes to go Killimor managed to pull it out of the fire and Referee Christy Browne awarded a penalty at the town end. Cian Lawless in the Pearses goal did superbly to get a stick to it, but the ball crept in, 2-11 to 1-12. Killimor added another point in injury time to secure the win. Our men were massively unlucky to lose this game by all accounts. Good luck to Killimor in the semi-final.
Pearses: C Lawless; P Lally, R Flannery, R Carr; D Grady, R O’Neill, L Murphy; C Fahy, E Lawless; M Walsh, R Bellew (0-11), C O’Neill; B Sweeney, K Connell, D Byrnes (0-1). Sub used: K Clancy (1-0).
2018 C'ship Draws
The draws for the 2018 Hurling Championships were made live on Galway Bay FM last night in the Maldron Hotel, Oranmore. Our teams will compete in the Senior 'B', Junior 'B', U21 'B' and Minor 'B' Championships for the coming year.
In the Senior 'B' draw Pearses and Turloughmore were the seeded teams having come down from Senior 'A' in 2017. Ardrahan were drawn first in Group 2, then Pearses, Athenry, Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry, Abbeyknockmoy and Moycullen. The teams will play each other in order of how they have been drawn, which means Pearses will play Ardrahan in Round 1 of the Group. On the other side of the draw, Group 1 is Turloughmore, Ballinderreen, Clarinbridge, Killimordaly, Ahascragh-Fohenagh and Beagh.
The Club's Junior 'B' hurlers have lost out in the last two Championship Finals so will aim to go one better, under the guidance of new Manager Paul Scarry in 2018. They have been drawn with Portumna, Kiltormer, Ahascragh-Fohenagh and Annaghdown. Four teams advance from this Group.
For the 2018 U21 'B' Hurling Championship Pearses have been drawn in a Group with Gort, Meelick-Eyrecourt, Tommy Larkins, Michael Cusacks and Mullagh-Kiltormer. In Minor 'B' the Group is Pearses, Moycullen, Ardrahan, Mullagh-Kiltormer, Kilconieron and Michael Cusacks.
AGM Report 2017
The rescheduled AGM of Pádraig Pearses GAA Club took place last Sunday evening in Ballymacward Hall. Outgoing Secretary Martin Bellew and subsequently Chairman Adrian Queeney reflected on a busy year and both thanked club sponsors, players, committee members, coaches and volunteers for their support and dedication throughout 2018. There was special mention too for Cyril Donnellan, for picking up that All-Ireland Senior medal and also Conor Fahy who was a member of Galway’s All-Ireland winning Minor team.
The following Officers were elected for 2018 – Chairman Adrian Queeney; Secretary Dorothy Scarry; Treasurer Shane Ruane: Vice-Chairman Niall Barrett; Asst. Secretary Leo Morrissey; Asst. Treasurer Paul Bellew; Coaching Officer Martin Scarry; PRO David Cunniffe. The complete list is available HERE.
Cyril's County Retirement
Our own Cyril Donnellan has confirmed he will retire from inter county hurling. Now 32, he has been involved with the Tribesmen since 2008 and was part of this year’s All Ireland winning squad. Donnellan made 36 championship appearances for Galway, scoring 6-33 in 10 seasons. He finishes with one All-Ireland, two Leinster titles, two National League titles and a Fitzgibbon Cup to his name.
Cyril made his debut for Galway and score 0-3 in the first round qualifier against Antrim in Belfast in July 2008. He played at centre forward in a game Ger Loughnane’s side won by 6-21 to 1-10. Another easy win over Laois in Pearse Stadium followed, before Galway were knocked out of the championship in the next round when they lost out to Cork 0-23 to 2-15 in Thurles. It was also the year Joe Canning made his debut and ended up Young Hurler of the Year. The following year Galway were admitted to the Leinster Championship where Cyril opened his scoring account for Galway with 0-3 in the quarter final win over Laois. Now under John McIntyre, Galway lost out to Kilkenny 2-20 to 3-13 in the Leinster semi final and despite qualifier wins over Clare in Ennis, where Cyril scored his first senior championship goal, and Cork in Thurles, they eventually lost out by a point to Waterford in the All Ireland quarter final.
2010 saw Galway again fall to Kilkenny in the Leinster final, before a heart breaking 1 point defeat to Tipperary in the All Ireland quarter final. Cyril started the first two championship games that year but struggled to hold on to a starting berth after drawing with Offaly in the Leinster semi final. In 2011, Cyril began the year with a bang as he scored a hat-trick against Westmeath in the Leinster quarter final, but a six point defeat to Dublin in the semi final was a huge set back and despite qualifier wins over Clare and Cork, against whom he scored his 5th championship goal, another crushing All Ireland quarter final defeat to Waterford spelt the end for the John McIntyre era.
2012 saw the appointment of Anthony Cunningham and it would prove to be a great year for Galway as they won their first Leinster Championship title with a morale boosting win over Kilkenny in the final. Cyril scored 0-5 in a tour de force in the Leinster final and scored 1-9 in total in the provincial championship that year. He started the drawn All Ireland final against Kilkenny but was sent off in the replay in a match Galway eventually lost by 11 points. The following year was a real hangover as despite reaching the provincial final again, a heavy defeat to Dublin was followed by a 6 point reversal against eventual champions Clare in the All Ireland quarter final.
Article first published on Galway Bay FM website.
CYRIL’S WITH GALWAY 2008-2017
Played 36, Scored 6-33
2008:
Galway 6-21 Antrim 1-10 (scored 0-3)
Galway 1-20 Laois 0-9
Cork 0-23 Galway 2-15
2009
Galway 5-29 Laois 0-17 (scored 0-3)
Kilkenny 2-20 Galway 3-13 (scored 0-1)
Galway 2-18 Clare 1-11 (scored 1-2)
Galway 1-19 Cork 0-15
Waterford 1-16 Galway 0-18
2010
Galway 2-22 Wexford 1-14
Galway 2-19 Offaly 3-16
Replay: Galway 3-16 Offaly 2-18
Kilkenny 1-19 Galway 1-12 (scored 0-1 sub)
Tipperary 3-17 Galway 3-16
2011
Galway 4-17 Westmeath 2-14 (scored 3-1)
Dublin 0-19 Galway 2-7
Galway 4-25 Clare 0-20 (sub)
Galway 2-23 Cork 1-14 (scored 1-0)
Waterford 2-23 Galway 2-13 (sub)
2012
Galway 5-19 Westmeath 4-12 (scored 1-1)
Galway 5-23 Offaly 3-15 (scored 0-3)
Galway 2-21 Kilkenny 2-11 (scored 0-5)
Galway 0-22 Cork 0-17 (sub)
Galway 2-13 Kilkenny 0-19
Replay: Kilkenny 3-22 Galway 3-11
2013
Galway 2-17 Laois 1-13
Dublin 2-25 Galway 2-13
Clare 1-23 Galway 2-14 (scored 0-1)
2014
Galway 1-22 Laois 0-23
Galway 5-16 Kilkenny 3-22; Kilkenny 3-19 Galway 1-17 replay
Tipperary 3-25 Galway 4-13
2015
Galway 1-17 Dublin 0-20 (scored 0-3)
Galway 5-19 Dublin 1-18 (scored 0-1)
Galway 3-28 Laois 1-14
Kilkenny 1-25 Galway 2-15 (scored 0-3)
Galway 2-28 Cork 0-22 (scored 0-2)
Galway 0-26 Tipperary 3-16
Kilkenny 1-22 Galway 1-18 (scored 0-1)
2016
Galway 3-27 Westmeath 0-19
Galway 2-19 Offaly 2-9 (scored 0-1 sub)
Kilkenny 1-26 Galway 0-22 (sub)
Galway 2-17 Clare 0-17 (scored 0-1 sub)
Tipperary 2-19 Galway 2-18 (sub)
2017
Galway 2-28 Dublin 1-17
Galway 0-33 Offaly 1-11
Galway 0-29 Wexford 1-17
Galway 0-22 Tipperary 1-18
Galway 0-26 Waterford 2-17
Senior 'A' Relegation Playoff
Mullagh 1-17 Pearses 0-8: It was a bad day at the office for Pearses in this Senior ‘A’ Relegation playoff played this evening in Duggan Park, Ballinasloe. Mullagh had the upper hand from the start against an out-of-sorts and understrength Pearses.
Mullagh opened an early three point lead, with Davy Glennon at full-forward, among the scorers. Pearses, minus the services of the injured Tomás and Fearghal Flannery, got off the mark on the 10th minute as Ronan Bellew pointed from play. By 20 minutes Mullagh had extended their lead, 0-7 to 0-3. Both sides were off target too in this period, with the wide count mounting. Mullagh had added another point by the 28th minute, when errors in the Pearses defence opened up a goal-scoring chance which Glennon finished into the roof of the net, 1-8 to 0-3. There were three more points to finish the half, two from Pearses. Half-time 1-9 to 0-5.
The rain arrived at half-time, not making the task of a recovery any easier. The first score of the second half didn’t arrive until eight minutes in, from Cyril Donnellan. The gap was down to six, but this was as close as Pearses would get. Mullagh outscored Pearses 0-8 to 0-2 in the remainder of the game, with Justin Gaynor at centre-forward finishing with 0-5 from play.
Pearses will compete in Senior ‘B’ for 2018, with the opportunity there to qualify for the preliminary quarter-finals against Senior ‘A’ opposition. At the start of this year the ‘Group of Death’ seemed a serious proposition. However, Pearses competed well and could easily have came out on top in three of the five games and advanced. It’s a game of small margins.
Pearses: C Lawless; K Donnellan, T Kenny, R Lally; R O’Neill, C Raftery (0-1), K Hardiman; C Donnellan (0-3), C Fahey; R Bellew (0-2), C Ward (0-1), J Gelston; L Murphy, S Hardiman, E Ward (0-1). Subs used: S Raftery, E Cunniffe, N Skehill.
Mullagh Scorers: D Glennon (1-3), P Kennedy (0-6), J Gaynor (0-5), S Cahalan (0-1), F Coone (0-1), A Whyte (0-1). Ref: Christy Browne.
Junior 'B' Hurling Final
Kilnadeema-Leitrim 3-13 Pearses 1-14: Kilnadeema-Leitrim held the lead for most of this Junior 'B' Hurling Final played yesterday afternoon in Duggan Park, Ballinasloe. Pearses hit the front for a spell midway through the first half, before the game's third goal. The result was not decided however until the fourth and final goal of the game, with just three minutes of normal time remaining.
The teams exchanged a free apiece at the start before Kilnadeema-Leitrim added two points from play to lead 0-3 to 0-1 after eight minutes of action. Niall Skehill hit back from play for Pearses, but then the game's first goal when big centre-forward Cathal Nevin burst through the Pearses defence to finish into the town end net. The two sharpshooters Niall Skehill and Liam Kelly exchanged pointed frees to leave the score 1-4 to 0-4 at the end of the first quarter.
Good work by Conor O'Grady in the left corner sent Ronan Skehill through on goal after 16 minutes. Skehill was fouled to win a penalty and a chance for Pearses to hit the front for the first time. Pearses keeper Paul O'Brien came forward to test his opposite number Paul Howard. O'Brien put everything behind a powerful drive, but the sliotar lifted over the crossbar, 1-4 to 0-5.
Pearses continued to press and were rewarded when Damien Wynne goaled on the twentieth minute for the lead, 1-5 to 1-4. Pearses held that lead for five minutes as the game went though a mini-scoreless spell. Disaster however again for Pearses with five minutes left on the clock when a well worked move seen Kilnadeema-Leitrim strike for their second goal, going back in front. Skehill and Kelly again landed scores for their sides in the remaining minutes of the half, which ran into four minutes of injury time. Half-time score, KL 2-6 Pearses 1-7.
Pearses introduced two experienced attackers, Aidan Kilkenny and Robbie Donnellan after half-time. Yet again Skehill and Kelly shared the opening two points of the second half. Conor O'Grady then chipped in with his second point of the game, a fine effort from the left, off the back foot, Pearses 1-9 Kilnadeema-Leitrim 2-7. Kilkenny levelled the game soon after with a point from his right-corner forward position. He continued to bring the fight to the Kilnadeema-Leitrim backline and added his second in the middle of two from Kilnadeema-Leitrim. After 45 minutes, KL 2-10 Pearses 1-12.
In the remaining fifteen minutes, plus four of injury time the teams would add seven more scores between them, four for Kilnadeema-Leitrim and three for Pearses. The decisive score was the odd one out, a Kilnadeema-Leitrim goal on the 27th minute. Pearses pressed hard but could not mine a goal back, as the Kilnadeema-Leitrim defence held tight. The final killer blow was a sideline pointed from the right side by Man of the Match Liam Kelly, an outstanding performer over the hour. Niall Skehill conclused the scoring on the stroke of full-time, from a free.
Congrats to Kilnadeema-Leitrim who now advance to the All-Ireland Club Junior 'B' Series. Hard luck to our men, who battled gamely throughout this entertaining contest. For long periods the game seemed as if it may be heading for a draw, but it wasn't to be in the end. Thanks to the players and management team of Anthony Kenny, Martin Bellew and Adrian Queeney for their efforts throughout the year. Thanks also to Parker Agri Supplies for their continued sponsorship.
Pearses: P O'Brien (0-2, 1p, 1f); R Carr, J Jenkins, P Raftery; L Morrissey, T McDonagh, T Broderick; E Lawless, C O'Neill; K Beckett, D Wynne (1-0), N Skehill (0-8, 5f); P Lally, C O'Grady (0-2), R Skehill. Subs used: A Kilkenny (0-2), R Donnellan, K Connell, S Murray; Subs: A Burke, D Burke, S Walsh, P Mahon, D Lawless, D Skehill; E Burke, M Barry.
Referee: Ogie Moran.
U15 Hurling Champs!
Pearses 5-10 Salthill-Knocknacarra 3-13: What a game this was! These two teams played out a thrilling battle in this U15C final played in Duggan Park yesterday evening. Pearses led by 2-3 to 0-0 after only five minutes of the game and looked as if they would stroll to victory. However, the city team fought back superbly with the next seven points of the game. Pearses led at half time, but SK turned it around to lead by four points with seven minutes of normal time remaining.
Pearses got the best possible start, with two points and then a long range free from midfielder Mark Hennelly went all the way to the net at the town end, before he followed it up with a point a minute later. Cian Murphy raided for the game's second goal at the town end. Some supporters had hardly settled in their seats and the game looked to be over!
Salthill-Knocknacarra displayed huge character to battle their way back into this game. They chipped away at the Pearses lead. After 22 minutes there was just two between the sides, 2-3 to 0-7. Pearses had gone without a score for 17 minutes and looked in some bother. The outstanding Mark Hennelly ended the drought with a brace of points. The city side then bagged their first goal to leave just one point in the game, before Murphy completed the scoring for the first half. Half-time, 2-6 to 1-7.
The intensity went to another level in the second half and after eleven minutes there were two more goals on the board. Salthill-Knocknacarra struck first to take the lead for the first time, before Murphy bagged his second. Pearses led 3-8 to 2-8 at this stage, but again Salthill-Knocknacarra dug in. By the twenty first minute they had battled their way level, 3-9 to 2-12. They had the momentum now and took the lead again with a quickfire 1-1. Pearses trailed by four with seven minutes left!
Eoin Lally goaled for Pearses with four minutes of normal time remaining, just one between the sides again. With time now running out Pearses pushed desperately for an equaliser. It was dangerman Murphy again, somehow making space to shoot over from the left side under pressure. Nobody would have complained if Ref Ronan Stankard had ended the game for a draw. Both teams had surrendered winning positions.
Then on the stroke of normal time Murphy completed his hat-trick, with a goal from tight angle and again under pressure from the keeper and the full-back. It would turn out to be the game's winning score, but not before four agonising minutes of injury time! Pearses however held on for a memorable win.
Captain Niall Moran picked up the cup from the Juvenile Hurling Chairman Pádraic Lohan, before Cian Murphy was presented Man of the Match by Tom Monaghan of Sponsors Ocean Hygiene. Indeed there was no shortage of candidates for Man of the Match, from both sides. Well done to all the lads and their dedicated coaches: Martin Scarry, Niall Skehill, Eddie Mitchell and Sean O'Neill.
Pearses: C Moran; L Mitchell, A Delaney, O Donoghue; B Kelly, N Moran, R Hynes; M Hennelly (1-4), D Hillary; Ethan Lally, D McCabe, Eoin Lally (1-1); Peter O'Neill, C Murphy (3-5), R Hynes. Subs: R Fahy, P Kenny, D Roche, C Kelly.
School's Hurling Mini 7s
Ballymacward NS and Gurteen NS took part in the group games of the Mini Sevens Finals on Friday last in The Galway Centre of Excellence, Claregalway. This is an elite competition, in fact the one to win at NS level but was a big step for both Ballymacward NS and Gurteen N.S. It must be said though it was a bit of a David vs Goliath kind of contest given the size of the opposition schools relative to ours.
St. Kerrills N.S., Gurteen faced a more superior Craughwell side Killeenen N.S. in their first group game; although it took Killeenen until the 2nd half to really pull away. It was 0-4 to Killeenen before Gurteen got on a scoreboard, a free from Jonah Donnellan after the aforementioned himself was fouled. This was the half time score after 10mins of play. Killeenen tacked on another point from play early in the 2nd half before Jonah Donnellan converted a long range free after Ronan Hynes was fouled.
Killeenen tacked on another 2-1, the killer blows coming 6 & 7 mins respectively into the 2nd half leaving the Gurteen boys with no way back. Killeenen scored another goal and tacked on a point which was whipped on the ground for a smashing point while Jonah Donnellan finished Gurteen’s account with a point from play but in the end it was a step too far for the Gurteen boys.
In their second game, Gurteen took on neighbours Newcastle; while many of these boys knew each other well having played as comrades on the U12 soccer team. This game was also a bridge too far as Newcastle advanced on a wet and extremely cold day with Jason Rabbitte, Orin Burke, Aodain Hickey & Ruairi Keogh to the fore. Newcastle sprang into an early lead 0-4 to 0-0 midway through the first half and tacked on another 1-2 by half time to leave Newcastle in a superior position. 1-6 to 0-0 at half time.
In the 2nd half Newcastle piled on the misery scoring 2 more goals – two coming late on just to underline their total dominance while Gurteen’s response was 2 points; a long range free from defence and a point from play from Jonah Donnellan. Newcastle won all the breaks and went on to win the semi-final. The final was abandoned after that due to the extremely wet and cold weather.
Gurteen NS Panel: Harry Mitchell, Conor Kelly. Ross Lally, Jonah Donnellan, Ronan Hynes, David Walsh, Diarmuid Ryan, Cathal Hynes, Keith Kitt, Ciaran Hogan.
Ballymacward N.S. took on a physically stronger Ardrahan, Oranmore and Cappataggle N.S. in their side of the group. Having lost Pádraig Kelly on the morning due to illness, Ballymacward put in a tough performance against Ardrahan who were the superior team on the day. Oranmore, who were a much bigger N.S. than Ballymacward won a lot of the breaks in the 2nd game putting the Ballymac lads on the back foot. In their 3rd game, they acquitted themselves very well losing by 3 points to Cappataggle N.S.
Ballymacward N.S: Fionn Donoghue, Daniel Lydon, Dylan Roche, Anthony Feeney, Dara Scarry, Jack Reilly, Daragh Roche, James Queeney & Jamie Nutley.
Thanks to Martina Donnellan
St Kerrill's NS Football Mini 7s
St. Kerrill’s N.S. qualified for the Cumann na mBunscol I.N.T.O/ GAA Mini Sevens finals last Thursday in Loughgeorge having won all their games in the group competition played last month. Playing two matches per group today, only the top team qualified for the semi final. It was a bitter sweet tournament in many respects with an opening defeat to a much stronger and larger school Moylough, a stumble which probably cost them a shot at the semi-final.
In the first game, Moylough who were quite a formidable outfit were convincing winners on a scoreline of Gurteen: 1-05; Moylough 2-09. Jonah Donnellan opened Gurteen’s account with a point after a minute when he gathered a pass from Harry Mitchell. Conor Kelly was the provider for Harry to score our second point on 3mins while Mitchell added a goal to his tally after good work involving goalkeeper David Walsh & Jonah Donnellan.
In the 2nd half, Donnellan was quick off the mark with another point from play while Ronan Hynes opened his account with another fine pointed effort 3mins after the restart. Harry Mitchell scored Gurteen’s final score from a placed ball after Conor Kelly was fouled. So while we saw plenty of heart from the Gurteen lads, it was a lofty ask against such a big school and in the end Moylough ran out worthy winners.
In the 2nd game against Garrafrauns N.S. the Gurteen boys delivered as they ran amok with a feast of goals and breezed past the Tuam side with relative ease. Harry Mitchell was first on the scoresheet within 2mins with an exceptionally well taken goal after he collected a Conor Kelly pass. Immediately Ronan Hynes added another goal to keep the Gurteen boys firmly in the driving seat. Full back Conor Kelly got himself on the scoreboard with a fine point after Ronan Hynes & Jonah Donnellan linked up.
Donnellan & Mitchell provided the assist for David Walsh, who played outfield for the 2nd game, to snatch Gurteen’s 3rd goal of the half. Ronan Hynes & Harry Mitchell both found the net again before half time for a whopping half time Gurteen score of 5-1. The 2nd half was only 13 seconds old when David Walsh found the net for his 2nd goal and quickly added his 3rd within another 50 seconds.
As Gurteen monopolised possession at this stage, Harry Mitchell scored our 8th goal and young Ciaran Hogan scored the final goal to help St. Kerrill’s N.S. finish out the game with a stellar performance. Final score: St. Kerrills N.S. Gurteen 9-01; Garrafrauns 6-01.
However, it was Moylough who topped the group with 2 wins and so advanced to the semi-finals. However, there’s another day out on Friday as this same team also qualified for the finals of the hurling competition. Squad: David Walsh, Conor Kelly, Ross Lally, Ronan Hynes, Jonah Donnellan, Harry Mitchell, Diarmuid Ryan, Cathal Hynes, Fergus Roberts, Ciaran Hogan, Keith Kitt.
Thanks to Rose Kelly and Martina Donnellan
Junior 'B' Hurling Semi-Final
Pearses 1-17 Ballinderreen 1-15: This Junior ‘B’ Hurling Semi-Final was switched to Carnmore today, with the original venue Loughrea being deemed unplayable. Eleven of the Pearses panel were in action less than 24 hours earlier, as the footballers captured the Co. Junior ‘B’ title in Pearse Stadium. These two teams who could not be separated last weekend looked to be heading for another stalemate as the game entered it’s final stages. Two late points from Conor O’Neill and a monster free from Paul O’Brien seen Pearses through to their second successive Junior ‘B’ Hurling Final.
There was nothing between the sides at the end of the first-quarter, deadlocked 0-4 each. Ronan Skehill opened the scoring, with Kealan Beckett and Niall Skehill (2) getting on the scoresheet among opposition scores. Niall Skehill and Paul Lally also came close with goal chances, bringing two fine stops from the Ballinderreen keeper. The South Galway men, with the breeze, goaled on the 18th minute to open a three point lead. Conor O’Grady responded from play for Pearses. Two from Ballinderreen seen them move four clear before frees were exchanged between sharpshooting Niall Skehill and long striking Ballinderreen centre-back Michael Kelly, 1-8 to 0-7. With just a minute of normal time remaining Ronan Skehill gathered possession in the left corner and supplied Conor O’Grady across the goalmouth, who blasted to the net. Niall Skehill followed up with an equaliser from a free. There was still time for more action in injury time as a Ballinderreen free was blocked on the Pearses line right on the stroke of half-time, 1-8 each.
Ten minutes into the second half and the teams had been level on three occasions, now 1-11 each. Ballinderreen moved two clear, but Niall Skehill again levelled the game with two points. The South Galway team regained the lead, 1-14 to 1-13. Conor O’Grady squared it once more, with a super score from the right corner. 55 minutes on the clock and Aidan Kilkenny pushed Pearses in front. Young Conor O’Neill made the lead to two. They pulled one back, but the final say was left to Paul O’Brien, who having survived a stinging late blow to the leg moments earlier drove a free over from well inside his own half to secure the win.
It rounded off a fine weekend for the Club’s Junior teams, a storm of GAA action before the arrival of Hurricane Ophelia on our shores tomorrow. Pearses now advance to the County Final, where they will take on Kilnadeema-Leitrim. They will hope to atone for last year’s defeat at the same stage.
Pearses: P O’Brien (0-1); P Raftery, J Jenkins, R Carr; L Morrissey, T McDonagh, T Broderick; E Lawless, C O’Neill (0-1); K Beckett (0-2), D Wynne, C O’Grady (1-3); P Lally, N Skehill (0-8), R Skehill (0-1). Subs used: A Kilkenny (0-1), R Donnellan, D Lawless.
Junior 'B' Football Champs!
Pearses 2-8 Oughterard 2-5: Pearses captured a fifth Football title in twelve months, as they defeated Oughterard in the Junior ‘B’ Championship final played yesterday in Pearse Stadium. After a slow start, Pearses 'stormed' into the game but still trailed by three at half-time. A big second-half seen them overturn the deficit to emerge as Champions at the final whistle.
Oughterard flew out of the starting blocks and led 1-2 to 0-1 after seven minutes. There were two goal chances for Pearses as they settled into the game. The keeper saved well on both occasions from Damien Wynne and Enda Cunniffe. Six minutes then elapsed before the next score, a point from Cunniffe. Pearses had stemmed the early onslaught and were beginning shape the game to their terms. Gary Lally, Tom Flannery and Sean Hardiman working hard in the middle third. The hard work payed off as Kerrill Hardiman goaled on the 16th minute to level the game, 1-2 apiece. On the 28th minute Oughterard goaled again and two minutes later followed it up with a pointed free. The final score of the half was a pointed free from Cunniffe. The score 2-3 to 1-3 at half-time.
Pearses, with the wind, controlled the second half and outscored their opponents 1-5 to 0-2. Nineteen minutes passed before Oughterard’s first point, with Pearses having added four by that stage. Cunniffe with three and Damien Wynne, who was a constant threat to the Oughterard defence with the other. Captain and eventual Man of the match Gary Lally was a driving force from half-back, bursting forward to assist the attack with telling effect. The game was poised for a big finish at 2-4 to 1-7. Then the decisive score of the game, as 'Wynner' slipped the cover at the back and buried a beauty of a goal, in off the right post. There was still plenty of time left for Oughterard to recover, but in the final 10 minutes the teams shared just a point apiece as Pearses 'battoned down the hatches' and retained possession impressively.
Gary Lally collected the Canon Oliver Hughes cup to round off another fine year for the Club’s footballers. They will now progress as Champions to Junior ‘A’ level next year and will hope to build on their rapid progress. Eleven of the panel were also part of the Junior Hurling panel which defeated Ballinderreen in the Championship Semi-Final today (Sunday), less than 24 hours after their Football success! Congrats to the panel and their dedicated management team of James Clancy, Noel Burke, Adrian Queeney and John Lally.
Pearses: J Flannery; T Broderick, K Donnellan, P Lally; T McDonagh, L Murphy, G Lally; T Flannery, L Morrissey; S Hardiman, E Cunniffe (0-6), R Lally; D Wynne (1-1), D Skehill, K Hardiman (1-0). Subs used: A Finn, R Bellew (0-1), R Carr, E Ward.
Junior Hurling Semi-Final
Pearses 2-13 Ballinderreen 2-13: Pearses looked to have won this Junior ‘B’ Semi-Final twice. In Kenny Park, Athenry they led by seven points at half-time and after surviving a Ballinderreen fightback after half-time they led by six with four minutes remaining. The South Galway men hit the final 1-3 of the game, with the equalising point coming in the fifth minute of injury time.
Damien Wynne opened the scoring and Pearses led by 0-3 to 0-1 after six minutes. Ten minutes later the teams were level 0-4 each as Ballinderreen found their range. Pearses controlled the second quarter adding four points from play – Niall Skehill, Aidan Kilkenny from the left touchline and Wynne again. With two minutes remaining a long range free by Paul O’Brien found its way to the net at the scoreboard end. Half-time 1-8 to 0-4.
Ballinderreen had a strong start to the second-half. They hit a quick fire 1-2 to make it a two point game. Aidan Kilkenny pointed for Pearses, before a Ballinderreen response. Tom Broderick picked half-time substitute Robbie Donnellan out with a cross field pass for another Pearses point. Again Ballinderreen hit back, 1-10 to 1-9.
Aidan Kilkenny continued to shine for Pearses and some fine work in along the left touchline seen him square the ball across to Robbie who finished to the net. Soon after Kilkenny split the posts from the left sideline and Niall Skehill added another. 2-12 to 1-9 with eight minutes remaining.
Pearses looked to have landed the killer blows, but there was more to come. Ballinderreen were awarded a penalty and a super reflex save by Paul O’Brien kept them at bay. They pointed the resulting 65. Niall Skehill who had an uncharacteristic off-day from frees, continued with his fourth point from play to leave Pearses six up with 4 minutes of normal time remaining.
Ballinderreen pointed from a free on the 30-minute mark and time looked to be running out. They were thrown a lifeline with a goal in the second minute of injury time to cut the margin to just two and another pointed free left just one in it. They worked a sideline on the left side and all angles looked to be covered, but the ball was played back to a loose man who slotted over the equaliser.
These teams will have to go at it again, as Kilnadeema-Leitrim await the winners in the final.
Pearses: P O’Brien (1-0); P Raftery, J Jenkins, T Broderick; L Morrissey, T McDonagh, R Carr; E Lawless, N Skehill (0-7); K Beckett, D Wynne (0-2), A Kilkenny (0-3); P Lally, K Connell, C O’Neill. Subs used: R Donnellan (1-1), C O’Grady, S Walsh, R Skehill. Referee: James A Lundon.
North Board Football Champs
Pearses 2-10 Headford 0-13: Pearses secured Junior ‘A’ status for 2018 when they defeated Headford in the Junior ‘B’ North Board football final played yesterday in Menlough. A strong wind blew into the road end and Pearses played against it for the first half. Headford looked set to win the game when they led by one point with one minute of normal time remaining. A Damien Wynne goal gave Pearses the lead and Tomás Flannery then rounded off his Man of the Match performance with the final insurance point.
The teams were level, 0-1 apiece after two minutes, Enda Cunniffe equalised from play for Pearses. Headford landed the next three points from play, using the strong wind to land the scores from distance. They went on to lead 0-4 to 0-2 after 15 minutes. The North Galway team outscored Pearses 0-6 to 0-1 in the second quarter of the game, as Pearses legs tired from their running game against the gale. Half-time, Headford 0-10 Pearses 0-3.
Now with the elements at their back Pearses dominated the second half. Kerrill Hardiman fired in the game’s first goal not long after the restart. Enda Cunniffe landed a long range point from play to cut the margin to three. Headford hit back, but Pearses had the next five points of the game, Tomas Flannery with four of these, mostly spectacular, from play and placed balls. Pearses now led by one with eight minutes of normal time remaining.
There were more twists to come. A Headford shot spun off Joe Flannery’s crossbar and looked to have went wide, but was adjudged by the officials to have gone over the bar to level the game. With just two minutes remaining Headford pointed again to retake the lead. All looked lost, until Pearses manufactured a line ball in the left corner, in injury time. Flannery played a dangerous ball across the square and it went all the way over to Damien Wynne who fisted to the net. Flannery made sure of the victory a minute later with another brilliant point from distance.
Captain Gary Lally accepted the cup from Football Board Chairman Pádraig Coyne. Pearses now advance to the County Final, where they will take on West Board Champions, Ougtherard.
Pearses: J Flannery; D Skehill, K Donnellan, T Broderick; P Lally, T McDonagh, G Lally; L Murphy, L Morrissey; D Wynne (1-0), E Cunniffe (0-4), K Hardiman (1-1); T Flannery (0-5), C Hogan, R Lally. Subs used: A Finn, R Carr, N Skehill, S Hardiman, R Skehill.
U12 Hurling Champions
Pearses 3-5 Mountbellew-Moylough 3-4: A most rewarding year for Pearses U12’s was captured this evening in the U12 County Final played against neighbours Mountbellew-Moylough under lights in Duggan Park, Ballinasloe. By the skin of their teeth springs to mind, it might not have been the best standard of hurling but passion, determination, doggedness and spirit in galore were evident from both sides in abundance. To get to a final is a great achievement but to win it is even better.
Pearses started in the style of champions with a brace of early points. Jonah Donnellan was on the mark within 2mins after Darragh Roche did the grafting to release Donnellan who tapped over in front of goal. Paddy Kenny pointed from the most difficult of angles as he scored from almost the end line following good passing from Donnellan and Paddy Kenny. Mountbellew-Moylough tapped over a free from close range before Pearses suffered a sucker-blow as Kilian Fahy’s long dropping ball evaded young Padraig Kelly to find the Pearses net. This put Mountbellew firmly in the driving seat as they scored a further 1-2 without reply.
Midway through the first half Dean Cunningham pointed from play after the Pearses rearguard failed to clear. Mountbellew-Moylough on the attack again sent in another high lobbing dangerous ball which Padraig Kelly did well to handle but as the Mountbellew-Moylough forwards crowded him out, Conor Kelly and Jack Reilly’s combined efforts were enough to avert danger. Mountbellew-Moylough surged into a 2 goal lead as yet another high ball sent into the square was whipped on first time to rattle the net and landed another point from play to open up a 7point advantage after some good passing play across the 45’ line.
Ronan Hynes did the hard work for Anthony Feeney as he scored the point which lifted the Hurling Mammy’s spirits in the stand. Paddy Kenny took over the free taking duties from Jonah Donnellan and duly tapped over his first effort to reduce the daylight between the teams. Then just before half time, the tide was to turn for the first time in the evening.
Paddy Kenny sent in a long ball which hopped in the kindest of fashion for Darragh Roche to latch on to and his powerful effort rattled the net while helping to steady a few nerves. Would a Lazarus-like recovery be on the cards for Pearses given the tonic provided by the fiercely determined Roche. Mountbellew-Moylough held a 2 point interval lead; Mountbellew-Moylough 2-3; Pearses 1-4
Soon after the restart a double point blank save from Padraig Kelly kept Pearses in the game while Mountbellew-Moylough were off the mark with a 65’. Pearses suffered a set-back 7 mins into the 2nd half when Jonah Donnellan who was exerting some influence on the game had to retire early due to a knee injury. This spurred on the Pearses boys even more and then the script was written as the tide was to change once again. Paddy Kenny found the net from the embankment side of the field as his long range free rattled the net for Pearses to hit the front for the first time since the 7th minute of the game.
The tide turned again as a long range effort from Mountbellew-Moylough took a deflection to find Pearses net. Their joy was short-lived however as Cormac Hillary and Conor Hillary worked hard in clearing the ball out of Pearses defence, which found Paddy Kenny and such a bullet – a simply amazing goal finished with aplomb past the Mountbellew-Moylough goalie to edge Pearses in front again. At this stage, fire, passion and intensity were at their highest as there was almost skin and hair flying when Darragh Roche’s hurl was flung into the air and hurleyless he kicked the ball towards his forward line.
Pearses had a let off as yet another dangerous ball from Mountbellew-Moylough went right across the face of goal & Padraig Kelly made another marvellous save but the rebound fell to Mountbellew-Moylough's forward who tapped over from close range to tie the game up at 3-3 a-piece with 2 mins left to play. Dara Scarry had a half chance late in the game but then as David Walsh won a free out towards the far side of the field, Paddy Kenny held his nerve and showed great steel, similar to Dean Rock for the Dubs yesterday and the sweetest of strikes sailed the sliothar straight between the posts.
The pressure on Pearses backs was intense in the closing stages as Harry Mitchell, Conor Hillary, Cormac Hillary, Jack Reilly & Conor Kelly all stood their ground while Mountbellew-Moylough couldn't find the all-important equaliser. The final whistle was a sweet as the early morning tunes from the birds while the defibrillator almost required replacement batteries. The efforts of these young lads and their mentors must be applauded following a run of no defeat in nine competitive games and one felt like carrying them shoulder high around the pitch. This victory was as sweet as you’d get; almost as exciting as the All Ireland Football Final yesterday!.
Well done to the mentors Martin Scarry, Eddie Mitchell, Niall Skehill, Michael Kelly and Sean O’Neill. In his acceptance speech Ronan Hynes thanked the mentors for their true commitment and dedication, the parents for all their efforts all year and was a bit shy in thanking his own family, Bobby Hynes & Sons who have given so much in terms of underage sponsorship to the club over the last large number of years. Paddy Kenny with a personal tally of 2-2 deservingly accepted the Man of the match trophy. Well done lads, ye certainly provided plenty of entertainment all year.
Scorers: Paddy Kenny 2-3 (2f); Darragh Roche 1-0; Anthony Feeney 0-1; Jonah Donnellan 0-1.
Pearses: Padraig Kelly, Harry Mitchell, Conor Hillary, Cormac Hillary, Jack Reilly, Conor Kelly, Jonah Donnellan, Ronan Hynes, David Walsh, Darragh Roche, Paddy Kenny, Dara Scarry, Anthony Feeney, Dylan Roche, Cathal Hynes, Patrick O’Neill, Darren Moran, Jamie Nutley, Diarmuid Ryan, James Queeney, Ross Lally, Conor Walsh, Brían Thompson.
Report by Martina Donnellan
Junior Hurling Qtr-Final
Pearses 1-14 Killimordaly 0-15: Like last year's meeting of these two teams, which went to a replay, this Junior 'B' Quarter-Final played this evening in Duggan Park looked to be heading for the same outcome. A late Niall Skehill free seen Pearses edge through to the semi-finals by the minimum margin.
Pearses were slow to get going in this game and were behind 0-5 to 0-1 after ten minutes. Niall Skehill opened the scoring, but Killimordaly reeled off the next five points. Then arrived the game's only goal on the 11th minute. Paul Lally breaking through the Killimordaly cover to finish to the town-end net. This seemed to spark Pearses to life and Skehill and Kealan Beckett points seen them hit the front, 1-3 to 0-5. There was little between the sides for remainder of the half as they exchanged five points. Highlights were a long range free by Pearses goalkeeper Paul O'Brien and a super point on the run, along the left sideline, by Paul Lally. Half-time 1-5 to 0-8.
The momentum shifted back and forth in the second half, with the sides level on five occasions. Three Niall Skehill points either side of two for Killimordaly had Pearses ahead by one, six minutes into the half, 1-8 to 0-10. Killimordaly then hit a purple patch to score four of the next five points and take a two point lead, heading into the final quarter. Aidan Kilkenny, Ronan Skehill and Robbie Donnellan came off the bench for Pearses and would all make important contributions in the closing stages.
Niall Skehill continued his accuracy, with a pointed free and then Damien Wynne landed a long range point from play. Killimordaly hit back, 0-15 to 1-11. A point from Ronan Skehill levelled the game again, before a scuffle on the Killimordaly '45 led to Pearses being reduced to 14 men, with five minutes of normal time remaining. Advantage now seemed to be with Killimordaly. It would come down to a shootout between the freetakers in the dying minutes. Killimordaly missed a couple of scoreable chances, while Niall Skehill made no mistake with his two efforts. The second one would be the winning score, after Aidan Kilkenny had earned the free 45 yards from goal. It was not over yet and the Pearses defence came under some late pressure. Thomas Broderick however had to make a super catch on the edge of the square at the end to stop Killimordaly's last attack.
Pearses: P O’Brien (0-1); P Raftery, J Jenkins, R Carr; L Morrissey, T McDonagh, T Broderick; K Beckett (0-1), E Lawless; N Skehill (0-8), D Wynne (0-1), C O’Neill; P Lally (1-1), K Connell, C O’Grady (0-1). Subs used: A Kilkenny, R Skehill (0-1), R Donnellan. Referee: Seán Moran.
Senior Hurling C'ship Rd5
Turloughmore 0-16 Pearses 0-13: A proverbial game of two halves in a rain soaked Duggan Park, Ballinasloe earlier this evening. Pearses dominated the first half and led by five points at half-time. A previously influential Cyril Donnellan did not return for the second half due to injury and Turlough turned the tables. Seán Linnane was key to the turnaround, hitting three points off the bench.
Pearses flew out of the blocks and landed the first three points of the game. Lee Murphy opened the scoring, before two Cyril Donnellan points, one from a free after good work to win it, by Colm Raftery. Matthew Keating pointed for Turlough, but Gary Lally and two more by Donnellan seen Pearses lead by 0-6 to 0-1 after 12 minutes.
Two Turlough white flags, one from a Ronan Badger free, narrowed the gap. Cian Lawless in the Pearses goal pulled off a fine stop to keep his goal intact. Pearses went on to hit the next four points (from play) to open a commanding seven point lead after 29 minutes, 0-11 to 0-4. Two important points before half-time for Turloughmore narrowed the gap to a more manageable five, before Referee Christy Browne called a halt to proceedings, 0-11 to 0-6.
The second half was Turlough’s and they opened the scoring, before Tomás Flannery landed a good point on the run from 45 yards for Pearses. Three in-a-row for Turlough — in their changed blue strip — before Flannery landed a free, 0-13 to 0-10. Turlough led by the recently introduced Seán Linnane, as well as Seán Loftus, Dáithí Burke and Fergal Moore hit the last six points of the game. There were goal chances for both teams in the second half. Lawless again pulled off a fine stop at the town end, while Tomás Flannery flashed a shot across the goal at the other end as Pearses pushed for an equaliser towards the end.
Pearses: C Lawless; K Donnellan, T Kenny, R Lally; R O’Neill, C Raftery (0-1), K Hardiman (0-1); C Donnellan (0-5), C Fahey; R Bellew (0-1), C Ward (0-1), T Flannery (0-1); G Lally (0-1), S Hardiman, L Murphy (0-1). Subs used: S Raftery, E Cunniffe, B Egan, J Gelston.
U12 Hurling Semi-Final
Pearses 5-6; Four Roads 1-4: Pearses U12’s secured themselves another day out with a 5-06 to 1-04 victory over Four Roads on Monday evening in Ballymacward with a 100% record to date, 8 wins out of 8. In fairness, the strength of U12 hurling was showcased with some great spells of hurling from both sides. Scores were few in the first period of the first half but Pearses were never behind and held the edge for most of the game. Ronan Hynes opened Pearses account with a well taken point on 3mins; David Walsh was just wide as he whipped first time on a Jonah Donnellan delivery while Donnellan was wide with a 65’ earned by David Walsh.
Meanwhile up the other end, the visitors registered a wide from a 65’ while it took mid-way through the half for them to draw level with a point from a free. Pearses edged in front again as Ronan Hynes sent in a cross field pass for Donnellan to collect and he sweetly hit off his left over the crossbar. Hynes then scored a tonic goal with a long range shot which the goalie got his hurl to but the ball leaked over the line.
Four Roads registered another free but then Pearses opened the floodgates before half time with 2 goals in quick succession. The first came from a Hynes cross from out near the end line into the danger area and finished to the net by Dara Scarry who like any good forward, was lurking in front of goal. Immediately from the puck out and Pearses attacked again as Jonah Donnellan’s long delivery found the net to give the momentum to the Pearses lads at the interval. Half time score: Pearses 3-2; Four Roads 0-2.
Donnellan pushed Pearses further in front with 2 frees after the restart when David Walsh & Anthony Feeney were upended with Paddy Kenny also involved. Four Roads then went on a scoring spree without reply as they shot 1-02 in a 4 minute spell. Their gallant No.3 converted a free and then added a bullet of a goal from a close range free leaving young Padraig Kelly, who by the way is also U10 next year, with absolutely no chance.
The visitors converted another free from the dugout on the stand side of the field which proved to be their last score while young Kelly had to be vigilant to make a great save for Pearses. For the remainder of the game Pearses were firmly in the driving seat as Anthony Feeney goaled mid way through the 2nd half to help steady a few nerves after good work from David Walsh. Four Roads tried desperately to get back into the game but a combined defensive effort in 3 consecutive waves of attack from Four Roads meant Padraig Kelly, Harry Mitchell, the 2 Hillarys Cormac & Conor, Jack Reilly and Conor Kelly had to be at their best to relieve the pressure in the form of a 65’ which was subsequently sent wide.
Ronan Hynes steadied the ship again with a smartly finished goal as he whipped on a cross from David Walsh for a smashing goal. Padraig Kelly’s bravery denied Four Roads a further goal while Darragh Roche scored a beauty after a great passage of outfield play from Feeney and Donnellan. Jonah Donnellan scored the last point when he capitalised on a poor clearance to finish emphatic winners on a scoreline: Pearses 5-06; Four Roads 1-04 but despite the final result, this game was far from one-way traffic. Pearses now qualify for the final against neighbours Mountbellew.
Pearses: Padraig Kelly, Harry Mitchell, Conor Hillary, Cormac Hillary, Conor Kelly, Jack Reilly, Jonah Donnellan, Ronan Hynes, David Walsh, Darragh Roche, Paddy Kenny, Dara Scarry, Anthony Feeney, Dylan Roche, Diarmuid Ryan, Cathal Hynes, Conor Walsh, Brian Thompson, Jamie Nutley, James Queeney, Patrick O’Neill, Darren Moran.
Match Report by Martina Donnellan
Junior Pre Q-Final Replay
Pearses 1-14 Beagh 1-11: The Club’s Junior ‘B’ hurlers advanced to the Quarter-Finals after they defeated Beagh in the Preliminary Quarter-Final Replay played earlier in Clarinbridge. Pearses had a good first half and led 0-12 to 0-5 at half-time. Keith Connell goaled for Pearses ten minutes after the restart and shortly after a Beagh penalty was saved. Beagh hit the net themselves four minutes later, 1-12 to 1-8 after 45 minutes. The margin was three when Niall Skehill pointed from a Pearses penalty on the 30th minute. Beagh struck back with two points before Skehill sealed the win with a point in injury time. Pearses will play Killimordaly in the Quarter-Final.
Pearses: P O’Brien; P Raftery, J Jenkins, R Carr; L Morrissey, T McDonagh, T Broderick; E Lawless, P Lally (0-1); D Wynne (0-1), K Beckett, C O’Neill; N Skehill (0-6), K Connell (1-2), C O’Grady (0-4). Subs used: R Skehill, R Donnellan, D Burke.
Minor Quarter-Final
Killimordaly 1-15 Pearses 2-7: A mostly very young Pearses Minor panel exited the Championship at the Quarter-Final stage when they went down by five points to Killimordaly yesterday in Kenny Park, Athenry yesterday. Pearses had a flying start with an Oisin Flannery goal in the first minute. Killimordaly made better use of their scoring chances in the first-half to lead 0-9 to 1-5 at the break. Killimordaly hit 1-2 early in the second half to open a six point lead and Pearses had to chase the game from there until the finish.
Killimordaly had edged ahead 0-6 to 1-2 after 15 minutes, Dean Reilly with the Pearses points. Pearses had some wides which could’ve seen them ahead at this point. The second quarter was even with the teams sharing 0-6 evenly. Reilly took his total to 0-3, while All-Ireland Minor winner with Galway Conor Fahey, landed two frees.
The decisive spell of the game was the ten minutes after half-time, as Killimordaly hit 1-4 to Pearses’ 0-1, to lead 1-13 to 1-6. The remaining 20 minutes were more even and a long range Ronan Flannery free ended up in the Killimordaly net on 52 minutes to give Pearses some hope, but Killimordaly closed out the game to advance.
Pearses: J Barrett; S Doran, E McCabe, N Moran; S Hynes, R Flannery (1-0), C Kitt; D Grady, C Fahy (0-4); M Hennelly, C O’Neill, D Reilly (0-3); G Kenny, O Flannery (1-0), J Mitchell.
Junior Hurling Prelim Q-Final
Pearses 0-22 Beagh 3-13: These two teams will have to do it all over again after this Junior ‘B’ Hurling Quarter-final finished in a draw earlier today in Loughrea. Pearses seemed to have the upper hand at various stages of the game, but Beagh’s goals brought them back into it each time. With 15 minutes left Pearses led by six points, but Beagh had to draw level twice in injury time before the game finished all square.
Pearses led 0-3 to 0-0 after three minutes, Aidan Kilkenny and Niall Skehill (2). Then 1-1 from Beagh seen them get their nose in front after 6 minutes. Pearses hit four of the next seven points, Conor O’Neill from wing-forward, Kilkenny and Skehill again picking off the chances, with a few also going astray in a dominant spell. The teams were level 1-4 to 0-7 after seventeen minutes. A long range point from Kealan Beckett, after good work by Leo Morrissey put Pearses in the lead again, Beagh levelled from a placed ball immediately.
Niall Skehill was in fine scoring form all day and hit the next three points of the game to open a three point lead for Pearses after 25 minutes. Skehill would add two more points before the break, but Beagh had the game’s second goal at the other end, when a mishit free was batted out to the left side before being returned to the net. The teams went in level at half-time, 0-13 to 2-7.
Pearses had a great start to the second half and hit the first six points to take a commanding lead. Tommy McDonagh and Pádraic Raftery anchored the defence well, while Paul Lally was moving well in midfield. However the final quarter belonged to Beagh, as they outscored Pearses by 1-6 to 0-3 in this spell. All but two of those scores from placed balls.
Pearses still lead by five in the 57th minute, but a 21 yard free was blasted to the net to make it a two point game as the clock ticked into injury time. Two Beagh points again drew the game level, before outstanding Skehill for the fourteenth time had the umpire reaching for the white flag. The final score of the game went to Beagh before the final whistle.
Pearses: P O’Brien; P Raftery, J Jenkins, T Broderick; L Morrissey, T McDonagh, R Carr; P Lally, E Lawless; D Wynne, K Beckett (0-2), C O’Neill (0-2); N Skehill (0-14, 8f), A Kilkenny (0-2), K Connell. Subs used: R Skehill, D Skehill (0-1), C O’Grady (0-1).
Junior Football C'ship Rd1
Pearses 3-9 Menlough 1-13: Pearses Junior footballers got off to a winning start today in the Junior 'B' North Football Championship. They defeated neighbours Menlough in Caltra, but not after a strong second half recovery from our near neighbours.
Pearses led 2-6 to 0-3 at half-time, having dominated the first quarter of the game. The first point of the game arrived from Enda Cunniffe, before Cathal Hogan slipped the ball neatly under Menlough keeper John Gormally for the game's first goal after just three minutes. By the 15th minute it was 1-4 to 0-0.
Pearses had the Menlough defence under pressure and Enda Cunniffe converted the chances from placed balls. Then the game's second goal arrived on the 17th minute. A through ball from Damien Wynne found Hogan again. Hogan offloaded to Tomás Flannery who supplied the finish, 2-4 to 0-0.
This goal seemed to spark Menlough to life and they were an improved side for the remainder of the half, outscoring Pearses by 0-3 to 0-2 in this spell. Inside the first three minutes of the second half Menlough continued their fight-back, with three points in-a-row. A point from play by Adrian Bellew broke the sequence. However, it took another six minutes for the next score, a Pearses point, 2-8 to 0-6.
Another three points in-a-row from Menlough took the margin down to five. But then a decisive moment in the game as a flowing move by Pearses ended in Tomás Flannery bagging Pearses' third goal, 3-8 to 0-9. Menlough did not give up and in the final 10 minutes of the game outscored Pearses 1-4 to 0-1. Pádraig Quirke the goalscorer for Menlough in injury time. A good win for Pearses, proving that a good start is half the battle.
Pearses: J Flannery; P Lally, L Murphy, A Finn; R Carr, F Flannery, G Lally; A Bellew (0-1), L Morrissey; T Flannery (2-1), E Cunniffe (0-7), E Ward; R Lally, C Hogan (1-0), D Wynne. Subs: N Skehill, D Skehill, J Lally.
U13 Hurling Semi-Final
Skehan 2-7 Pearses 2-6: There's been plenty of local derbys down through the years: St Thomas’ and Gort, Portumna and Loughrea to name but two but Skehana and Pearses U13’s was equally as hotly contested as any other Senior Championship derby game yesterday evening in Duggan Park, Ballinasloe.
This game had everything one would expect to see in a local derby: team mates and friends one day – rivals the next, palpable tension, some great flashes of individual brilliance, plenty of excitement and some great scores and in the end it took a pressure free from Sean Hansberry who held his nerve to score the winning point in a tight encounter 5mins into stoppage time to push Skehana over the line.
No one present would have denied that extra time would have been the fairest outcome for both teams but instead 5 mins of stoppage time was played and so the wheels came off the wagon for our U13’s. We wish Skehana all the best in the County Final against Kilconieron. The purest of hurling passion was shown by both teams from the very outset. Pearses got off to the quickest start as young Jonah Donnellan tapped over from his left side after Conor Moran’s free found him out. Moran converted 2 more frees on 4 and 10mins after fouls on Ronan Hynes and Darragh Roche respectively.
It took 12mins for Skehana to open their account, a humdinger of a shot from the powering Sean Hansberry which was tipped over the bar by the ever vigilant Harry Mitchell. Hansberry followed up with a free to claw the lead back to 1point. Skehana reigned supreme then thanks to a well taken bullet of a goal from Conor Laffey which left young Mitchell with little chance. Skehana’s lead though was short lived as Conor Moran’s long range free found the net to give the impetus back to the Pearses lads. Both free takers swapped points before the break, Moran for Pearses after Peter O’Neill was fouled followed by Hansberry for Skehana to leave the minimum between the sides at half time in favour of Pearses 1-4 to 1-3.
Skehana got a tonic start to the 2nd half with a goal within a minute as Sean Hansberry sent in a high lobbing ball which was well read by Harry Mitchell, tapped away from danger but fell to Conor Laffey who made no mistake as he batted the rebound to the net. Conor Moran responded with a free and then Sean Hansberry from play as he cut across the middle of the field and hit a sweet point over the bar and put Skehana 2 points up on 28mins. Then, it was Pearses turn to get their grip again as a poor clearance from the Skehana defence fell to Conor Moran and his cracker goal almost dislodged the weld between the stanch and the post to put a solitary point between the sides once again. 2-5 to 2-4.
With 6mins left Cormac Hillary won a vital free in defence to relieve some pressure as Eanna Cunniffe, Mark Donnellan, Conor Kelly, Oisin Donoghue and Jack Reilly were standing their ground. A Conor Moran free relieved a bit more pressure to push Pearses 2points ahead after a foul on Peter O’Neill. With 3 mins to play, it looked like Pearses might hold out but Skehana got themselves back on level terms with a Finian Murray point from play and Donal Loftus lofted his effort from play neatly over the bar to draw level after a great solo to rapturous applause from the Skehana contingent in the stand.
And so with 40mins on the clock and time ticking down, the pressure was intense in the closing stages but it was Skehana who just about got over the line with that pressure Hansberry free for a remarkable victory for them and utter disappointment for Pearses. We wish our neighbours the very best in their County Final outing.
Scorers: Pearses: Conor Moran 2-5 (1-5f); Jonah Donnellan 0-1; Skehana: Sean Hansberry 0-5 (0-3 Frees); Conor Laffey 2-0; Finian Murray 0-1; Donal Loftus 0-1.
Pearses: Harry Mitchell; Cormac Hillary, Mark Donnellan, Eanna Cunniffe, Conor Kelly, Oisin Donoghue, Jack Reilly, Conor Moran, Paddy Kenny, Peter O’Neill, Darragh Roche, Anthony Feeney, Jonah Donnellan, Ronan Hynes, David Egan, Dara Scarry, Dylan Roche, Cathal Hynes, Conor Hillary, Patrick O’Neill.
Report by Martina Donnellan
U13 Quarter-Final
Pearses 7-4; Annaghdown 1-4: Our U13’s put in a tour de force 2nd half performance against Annaghdown to secure a place in the U13 semi-final this evening in Ballymacward. Although the game was tit for tat in the first half, Annaghdown surged into a half time lead of 1-2 to 0-3. It was the visitors who took the early initiative with a goal from a ground pull but birthday boy Ronan Hynes’ quickly taken free set up Paddy Kenny who opened Pearses account with a great point from play after a good run down the side line.
Then Annaghdown tapped over from play while Conor Moran converted 2 frees before Annaghdown were back in the driving seat just before half time with another point from play. Half time score: Annaghdown 1-2; Pearses 0-3. The 2nd half totally belonged to the Pearses lads who hit a feast of goals; their first two in quick succession of the restart to take charge. Ronan Hynes finished a cross from Jonah Donnellan while Conall Flynn’s ground stroke also found the net. Conor Moran added another free after a foul on the hard working Anthony Feeney.
It took 8 mins into the 2nd half for Annaghdown to register their first point of the half but it was worth the wait given the strike from a difficult angle near the side line on the stand side of the field. The industrious Ronan Hynes set up Darragh Roche for goal No.3 as he displayed great gaelic skills, first shaking off a mount of tackles before he kicked to the net; a goal the Galway Senior footballers would have been proud of on Saturday.
Annaghdown responded through a crisp lift and strike over the bar after a clearance from Pearses defence went askew to leave the score at 3-4 to 1-4 mid-way through the 2nd half. Pearses held the edge until the finish with 4 more goals; Ronan Hynes finished well after he connected to a high ball sent into the danger area from Paddy Kenny. Immediately from the resultant puck out and Conor Moran who covered every inch of the pitch, found Anthony Feeney whose unstoppable rasper found the net.
Peter O’Neill turned the screw when his free lobbed the keeper after he himself was initially fouled. It was fitting that the last goal belonged to the birthday boy, Ronan Hynes who was set up by Conor Moran, but still with some work to do, he drove his effort to the right of the goalie to claim his hat-trick, the day after his 12th birthday and help finish a scoreline of Pearses 7-4; Annaghdown 1-4. A semi- final outing scheduled for this Friday was the prize for this evenings winners; opposition yet to be decided.
Scorers: Ronan Hynes 3-0; Conor Moran 0-3 (3f); Peter O’Neill 1-0; Darragh Roche 1-0; Anthony Feeney 1-0; Conall Flynn 1-0; Paddy Kenny 0-1.
Pearses: Harry Mitchell, Cormac Hillary, Mark Donnellan, Eanna Cunniffe, Conor Kelly, Oisin Donoghue, Jack Reilly, Conor Moran, Ronan Hynes, Paddy Kenny, Peter O’Neill, Darragh Roche, David Egan, Conal Flynn, Anthony Feeney, Jonah Donnellan, Dara Scarry, Dylan Roche, Patrick O’Neill, Conor Hillary.
Report: Martina Donnellan
U16A1 Final 2017
Castlegar 4-18 Pearses 1-13: After conceding an early goal in this U16A1 final played Friday evening in Loughrea, Pearses had to chase the game for the first quarter. However, with the wind, they battled gamely and by the 28th minute the game was level. A Cathal Kitt goal in first half injury time seen Pearses lead by two at the break. The second half followed a very different pattern, with Castlegar in control throughout as they ran out comfortable winners.
In a lively opening to the game the teams traded points before Cashel struck for the game’s first goal, Ethan Connolly finding the net at the town end, 1-3 to 0-3. After the goal the game followed the previous point-for-point routine. Dean Reilly and Oisin Flannery the Pearses’ scorers, with Mark Hennelly and Austin Delaney also grafting hard. Man of the Match Sean Neary was uneering from the placed ball for Castlegar.
After 23 minutes it was 1-9 to 0-9. From here until half-time was Pearses’ best spell of the game as they first pulled the game level, before the injury time goal sent them in leading by two at the break. Reilly from midfield finished with five points from play in the first half, while Oisin Flannery hit seven, two from play. Kitt’s goal was a well taken effort as he gained possession 30 yards from goal ran at the defence and finished low past the keeper from the right hand side. Half-time 1-12 to 1-10.
Drizzle arrived during half-time and fell throughout the second half, Castlegar also now with the wind advantage. Reilly landed his sixth point of the game just two minutes into the second period, but Pearses would not score again as Castlegar assumed control. They had drawn level after seven minutes, 1-13 apiece and lead by two at the end of the third quarter when Cashel struck for their second goal. This further reduced Pearses hopes of a revival and Castlegar went on to add 2-4 in the final quarter to take the title.
Pearses: D McCabe; B Kelly, E McCabe, N Moran; A Lally, S Hynes, C Kitt (1-0); J Barrett, D Reilly (0-6); M Hennelly, A Delaney, O Flannery (0-7, 5f); C Murphy, G Kenny, D Connolly. Subs: Ethan Lally, J Mitchell, R Hynes, E Lally, D Moran, L Mitchell, D Hillary.
Castlegar: L O’Reilly; J Keane, S Murphy, D O’Connell; K O’Boyle, P Coyne, L Fahy (1-0); H Kilgannon (0-1), D McNulty (0-1); E Connolly (2-0), A Walsh (1-3), J Kilgannon; S Neary (0-13, 8f, 2 65’), D Neary, C O’Callaghan. Subs: M Feeney, J Sweeney, C Gillespie, J Gorham, D Hynes, MJ Fahey, P Ryan, PJ Feeney, R Cullinane, F Conway, R Hickey, L Smith, K Grennan, P Fahy, J O’Dea.
Man of the Match: S Neary. Referee: N Quinn
Senior Cship Rd4
Gort 2-11 Pearses 2-10: This game at Duggan Park was a closely fought contest throughout, with the sides going blow-for-blow, Pearses going in 3 up at half time. After 14 minutes of the second half Gort had wrestled back a one point lead, with 1-1. The teams exchanged the lead twice more before the 30th minute, when Pearses led by 2. However a killer injury time goal gave Gort the victory.
Both teams were missing regular starters – Richie Cummins, Aidan Helebert, the Mullins Brothers and Cyril Donnellan among the list of absents from the lineups. Gort made a strong start and led by 0-3 to 0-0 after just 4 minutes. County player Aidan Harte with two of the scores. By the tenth minute Pearses were back on level terms, Ronan Bellew and Ronan O’Neill and Sean Hardiman with the points.
Gort pulled two clear again, before Jimmy Gelston drew Pearses level, 0-5 each after 18 minutes. Gort led 0-7 to 0-6 after 24 minutes, when a long range Shane Raftery free went all the way to the Gort net at the town end and Pearses led for the first time. A minute later and Ronan Bellew found a gap in the Gort backline to break through and expertly bat the ball to the Gort net, 2-6 to 0-7. Gort had the final two points of the half to see Pearses lead by 3 at the break.
Gort registered 1-1 in the third quarter to go back in front. Paul Killilea the goalscorer, as Pearses’ wide count was now building. 7 minutes passed without a score from either side before Cyril Donnellan entered the action as a substitute. Shortly afterwards, Tomas Flannery had drawn Pearses level with a pointed free. Cormac Ward earned another free which Flannery converted for Pearses to take the lead again on the 24th minute.
Gort levelled into the town end with a superbly struck sideline-cut. Soon after Cyril Donnellan picked up possession from a sideline ball and shot over to give Pearses a two point lead, 2-10 to 1-11 as the clock ticked into injury time. Disaster struck two minutes into the six additional minutes as Jack Grealish netted a second Gort goal. There was still time to salvage a draw, but try as they may Pearses could add to their tally.
Pearses: F Flannery; T Kenny, K Donnellan, R Lally; J Gelston (0-1), S Raftery (1-1), L Murphy; T Flannery (0-3), C Raftery; R O’Neill (0-1), K Hardiman, S Hardiman (0-1); E Cunniffe, C Ward, R Bellew (1-2). Subs used: C Fahey, C Donnellan (0-1), B Egan.
U13s in Knockout Stages
Pearses 1-11 Athenry 2-2: Pearses U13’s bounced back from their set back earlier in the week and set their stamp on their last group game against Athenry from the word go while there was no disputing who was the more superior team last Saturday morning in Athenry. Fielding a reshuffled team due to illness and holidays Conor Kelly with his new white helmet and non-strapped knee started in his new role of wing-back while his mother Rose was like a chick home to roost for a while in her native Carnaun/Castlelambert area.
Young Conor Hillary started in goal, David Egan at corner back with Cormac Hillary in the opposite corner while Eanna Cunniffe had a rare start at wing-forward from his usual corner back position. It took Pearses barely 30 seconds to open their account through Darragh Roche as Paddy Kenny & Jonah Donnellan tacked on points from play in quick succession for Pearses to take charge. Full back Oisin Donoghue then was called into action with a great block when a goal looked at his mercy for Athenry while soon afterwards Conor Hillary made a top class save to keep Athenry at bay.
Anthony Feeney originated the move on 2 occasions in which Paddy Kenny registered his 2nd & 3rd point of the morning to give Pearses a 5point cushion. Athenry were trying desperately to get back into the game but it was Pearses who were rewarded further when a 65’ from Conor Moran found the net and Pearses were firmly in the driving seat midway through the 1st half. Athenry responded with a free and a point from play and 3 mins before the break they clawed their way back into the game with a whopper of a goal as their striker ran through the heart of Pearses defence before unleashing an unstoppable shot.
However, this ignited the Pearses youngsters who scored two more points before the break courtesy of a Moran free when Dara Scarry & Eanna Cunniffe did the hard work and Jonah Donnellan again from play after Conor Moran fed him a stick pass into space to maintain the 5 point advantage at half time. Half time score: Pearses 1-07; Athenry 1-02.
It took 8mins after the restart for Pearses to register their first score of the 2nd half; a beauty from Conor Moran as he ran down the far side of the field. Oisin Donoghue made another vital interception when a goal looked ominous as the resultant play was cleared thanks to the combined efforts of David Egan, Conor Kelly, Cormac Hillary & Conal Flynn. Then the hosts were right back in the game as they scored another whopper of a goal leaving even the best U13 goalkeeper in the County with absolutely no chance.
Suddenly there was only a goal between the sides and Pearses had to show real character and they duly responded with Conor Moran to the fore as he hit 3 unanswered points; his first from a free after Peter O’Neill was fouled. Moran again caught the resultant puck out to put it straight over the crossbar from a good distance out and scored Pearses last point from out near the dugouts as he spilt the posts for a personal return of 1-05.
There looked to be no way back for Athenry as the clock ticked down. However, Conor Hillary showed great alertness as the Athenry striker found himself one-on-one with only the goalie to beat late in the game but Hillary was quick to advance off his line and save well. Athenry drove forward in search of goals but Mark Donnellan necessitated a vital block down & then they had one last chance to find the net with a close-in free which ricocheted off the crossbar and up into the air but Moran was on hand to clear the ball from danger.
It was a good game and certainly not completely one-way traffic and more importantly these lads are back on winning ways with an U13 quarter final looming. At least we hope by now Martin Scarry had a good days sleep as we all bid him ‘good night’ at 12.30pm on Saturday!
Scorers: Conor Moran 1-5; Paddy Kenny 0-3; Jonah Donnellan 0-2; Darragh Roche 0-1.
Panel: Conor Hillary, David Egan, Oisin Donoghue, Cormac Hillary, Conor Kelly, Mark Donnellan, Conal Flynn, Anthony Feeney, Conor Moran, Darragh Roche, Peter O’Neill, Eanna Cunniffe, Dara Scarry, Paddy Kenny, Jonah Donnellan, Dylan Roche, Patrick O’Neill.
U16s into County Final
Pearses 2-16 Turloughmore 1-12: Both teams played in alternative colours for this U16A1 Semi-Final played this evening in Loughrea. Pearses in white and Turloughmore switching from the hoops to maroon. Twice in the game it looked like Turlough could pull away, but both times Pearses got back on level terms. When Geordan Kenny goaled 18 minutes into the second half, Pearses never looked back and indeed outscored their opponents, 2-8 to 1-4 in the second half.
Turloughmore led 0-3 to 0-2 after 15 minutes. Oisin Flannery was the scorer for Pearses and was also unlucky when a goalbound shot from a 21 yard free was cleared off the line. Turloughmore controlled the next 10 minutes of the game and had pulled 0-8 to 0-3 clear by the 25th minute, with some good points from play as well as frees. However the final 10 minutes belonged to Pearses and particularly Dean Reilly with three points from play in this spell. The teams went in deadlocked at 0-8 each at the half time break.
Turloughmore again started well and pulled three clear after ten minutes, Pearses yet to score. First a Dean Reilly point and then Oisin Flannery repeated Reilly’s trick from the first half, with three points in-a-row to give Pearses the lead in the 47th minute, 0-12 to 0-11. A minute later and a good move down the right-hand side culminated with substitute Ethan Lally forcing a good save from the keeper. Geordan Kenny was on hand to finish the rebound to the net.
From this point on Pearses were always on top and a second goal arrived in the 56th minute, when a long delivery from the left wing by Mark Hennelly, who had been excellent all evening, ended up with Ethan Lally finishing to the net. Turloughmore did net a consolation goal in injury time, but too little too late. Pearses advance to a County Final, where they will meet the winners of Killimordaly and Castlegar in the other semi-final to be played on Monday July 10th in Loughrea (6.15pm).
Pearses: D McCabe; B Kelly, E McCabe, N Moran; A Lally, S Hynes, C Kitt; J Barrett, D Reilly (0-6); M Hennelly, A Delaney, G Kenny (1-0); J Mitchell, O Flannery (0-10), C Murphy. Subs used: Ethan Lally (1-0), R Hynes, E Lally. Ref: James A Lundon.
U13 Hurling Rd3
Pearses U13’s suffered their first set-back of the championship to a much stronger and physical Kilconieron outfit in rain-sodden Gurteen yesterday evening. Kilconieron were firmly in the driving seat by the end of the opening quarter and were 2-04 up before Conor Moran opened Pearses account with a brace of frees; his first almost from the side-line.
He tacked on another from play soon afterwards after Paddy Kenny spotted him unmarked and then scored a whopper of a goal; a dipping effort from a free after the hard working Darragh Roche was fouled. At this stage a Lazarus-like comeback looked promising as this young U13 team had clawed back the lead to 4 points.
But this was as near as Pearses would get as Kilconieron pushed on straight from the puck-out and registered 5 more points before Ronan Hynes scored Pearses 4th point, a lovely effort taken on the run. Kilconieron turned the screw just before half time with another goal to give them a comfortable half time lead.
The 2nd half was a complete roller-coaster for the visitors as they tacked on another 1-3 but despite the spirited 2nd half performance from Pearses, they could not drag themselves back into the game. I’m sure these youngsters felt the backlash on this occasion but they will dust themselves off and get back to winning ways. Remember: Stars can’t shine without darkness!
Panel: Jonah Donnellan, Eanna Cunniffe, Oisin Donoghue, Conor Kelly, Cormac Hillary, Mark Donnellan, Jack Reilly, Anthony Feeney, Conor Moran, Darragh Roche, Peter O’Neill, Paddy Kenny, Dara Scarry, Ronan Hynes, David Egan, Dylan Roche, Cathal Hynes.
Report: Martina Donnellan
U12 Pearses v Skehana
Pearses 3-7 Skehana 2-2: Local derbies always have a bit of a bite to them and this wasn't going to be any different as Skehana made the short trip to Ballymacward this morning to take on local rivals Pearses in the U12 championship. Pearses knew they had to up their performance from last years outing if they were to grind out a result today. There was a healthy rivalry between the two teams in a passionate game with some great block-downs from both teams.
Finian Murray kicked the ball to the net on 2 mins for a tonic Skehana start to put Pearses on the back foot. Paddy Kenny’s free then was batted out by the goalie which fell to Dylan Roche and his first touch was bulleted to the net to even up matters. Skehana went a point up 5 mins later from close range before Dara Scarry gave Pearses the advantage again with a great goal when Ronan Hynes found the unmarked Scarry who bulleted to the net.
Ronan Hynes then registered Pearses first score from play followed by Darragh Roche who scored a lovely effort over his shoulder. Skehana got back in the game through a goal from Liam Gormally – a difficult high lobbing ball which young Padraig Kelly, also playing U10, could do nothing about. Finian Murray restored parity for Skehana 2 mins before the break with a lovely pointed effort on the run. Half time: Pearses 2-2 Skehana 2-2.
Pearses held the edge for almost all the 2nd half assisted by a strong breeze as they scored 1-5 without reply to keep them in the driving seat. Paddy Kenny first converted a 65’ with plenty to spare and then his low hard drive was tipped over the crossbar after Ronan Hynes’ free found him out. Midway through the 2nd half Paddy Kenny put some daylight between the sides with a great goal from distance after Cormac Hillary and Ronan Hynes combined well in the build-up.
Young Padraig Kelly then made a massive point blank save for Pearses as Harry Mitchell required some ‘gas’ such was the intensity of the game. Pearses kicked on for the last few mins with 3 more points through Darragh Roche who tapped over after great hassling from Cormac Hillary, Anthony Feeney & Paddy Kenny in the middle of the park.
Roche, who was on fire at this stage scored another after Harry Mitchell from the sideline crossed in to open space for Roche to run on to & then scored his 3rd successive point from a good distance out to register his 4th point of the day. 3mins into injury time Harry Mitchell extended Pearses tally with a point from an acute angle to finish 3-7 to 2-2 winners.
Scorers: Daragh Roche 0-4; Paddy Kenny 1-2 (1 65’); Dylan Roche 1-0; Dara Scarry 1-0; Ronan Hynes 0-1. Panel: Padraig Hillary, Conor Kelly, Conor Hillary, Cormac Hillary, Jonah Donnellan, Jack Reilly, Ronan Hynes, Anthony Feeney, Paddy Kenny, Dara Scarry, Dylan Roche, Harry Mitchell, Cathal Hynes, Diarmuid Ryan, Darren Moran, Jamie Nutley, James Queeney.
Report Martina Donnellan
U13 Hurling C'ship Rd2
Pearses 3-5 Oranmore-Maree 0-5: On an evening when one would be hard pressed to put the dog out, in fact he’d stall at the door; our U13’s braved the elements and put in a great evenings shift to emerge victorious in the U13 championship on a 3-05 to 0-5 scoreline over Oranmore-Maree. An evenly contested first half saw Oranmore-Maree trail by a goal at the break, 1-04 to 0-04, with Ronan Hynes netting the crucial goal for the Pearses lads. Conor Moran opened Pearses account on 2 mins with a free after a foul on Jonah Donnellan while Moran was the provider for Donnellan who scored his first point from play from an acute angle.
Oranmore-Maree squandered a few early frees to keep Pearses in front but had levelled matters midway through the half with 2 good points taken on the run and nudged themselves in front on 12mins when they pointed their first free. Paddy Kenny restored parity soon afterwards when he caught a 65’ from Conor Moran and without looking at the posts, struck it neatly over the crossbar. Jonah Donnellan scored a lovely daisy-cutter from just outside the square when he pulled first time and the ball flew over the bar to put the minimum between the sides. Then came Ronan Hynes’ goal; a supreme goal poachers effort as he snuck in from a goalmouth schemozzle to tap the ball over the line and extend Pearses lead. Oranmore-Maree scored their 3rd from play to leave the interval score at 1-4 to 0-4.
It was Pearses who got the significant scores in the 2nd half and got off to a flying start when Paddy Kenny netted after Ronan Hynes’ initial goal effort was saved but Hynes worked hard to win the ball back and passed to the unmarked Kenny who made easy work of the goal. The hard working Darragh Roche notched another point, this time when Conor Moran’s long range free was batted out by the keeper but fell fortuitously for Roche to tap over.
Midway through the 2nd half Conor Moran sealed the win with a goal; an attempted point which dropped short and the dribbling ball evaded the goalie. Dara Scarry was unlucky not to find the net as Pearses were in commanding form. The moment of the game came before Oranmore-Maree scored their 5th point from a free as Darragh Roche’s Canning-like pass and link up with Conor Moran would have been a beauty had it worked out. Harry Mitchell made 2 late saves to keep the score line a comfortable win in the end for these Pearses youngsters who went home ‘singing in the rain’ guaranteed a quarter-final place at least.
Scorers: Conor Moran 1-1 (1f) Ronan Hynes 1-0; Paddy Kenny 1-1; Jonah Donnellan 0-2; Darragh Roche 0-1. Panel: Harry Mitchell, Eanna Cunniffe, Oisin Donoghue, Conor Kelly, Cormac Hillary, Mark Donnellan, Jack Reilly, Anthony Feeney, Paddy Kenny, Darragh Roche, Peter O’Neill, Conor Moran, Dara Scarry, Ronan Hynes, Jonah Donnellan, Conall Flynn, Dylan Roche, Cathal Hynes, Conor Hillary.
Report Martina Donnellan
U12s Win Again!
Pearses 3-07 Ballygar 1-04: A sizeable Pearses crowd made their way to Ballymacward this morning in anticipation of another great U12 game and they weren’t disappointed. Pearses U12’s and mentors will be satisfied with their days work which ultimately saw them notch their fifth win on the trot against a strong Ballygar outfit. Pearses started in great style with a brace of early scores from Paddy Kenny who tapped over from play after a series of 65’s by Jonah Donnnellan.
Kenny then scored a great goal from distance which lobbed the keeper as he called for a quickly taken side line from Donnellan. Anthony Feeney extended Pearses lead with a finely executed point after he caught a ball batted out by the Ballygar goalie. Ballygar responded with 2 frees while Paddy Kenny fired over a free before the interval after a foul on Harry Mitchell to leave Pearses in front 1-03 to Ballygar’s 0-2.
Within 2 mins of the restart David Walsh extended the lead with a great point after some good Pearses pressure and an excellent counter attacking move involving Ronan Hynes, Harry Mitchell & Darragh Roche. Immediately from the puck out Ballygar clawed their way back into the game with a smashing goal as their midfielder burst through the centre and finished well for an unstoppable goal leaving Padraig Kelly with absolutely no chance and just 2 points between the sides. But Pearses rallied and soon afterwards were rewarded when Darragh Roche’s ground stroke found the net to put some daylight between the sides again.
At this stage it was end to end stuff and Padraig Kelly was called upon to make a great save with a high lobbing dangerous ball. Both sides then tapped over a free apiece; Paddy Kenny for Pearses and Ballygar a massive long range effort in front of the stand. Ballygar then added another point from play taken on the run while straight up the other end Darragh Roche drew a great save from the Ballygar goalie as the resultant play was scooped wide.
Pearses controlled the tempo of the game thereafter as Paddy Kenny tapped over another free to keep the pressure off while Ronan Hynes brilliantly dispatched his effort from play to put 6 points between them. Harry Mitchell nailed it with a splendid ground stroke in front of goal in injury time after Dylan Roche & Ronan Hynes did the donkey work. Ballygar pointed through a free right at the end as Pearses finished a great days work. Next up is a local derby against Skehana on Saturday next.
Scorers: Paddy Kenny 1-04 (3f); Darragh Roche 1-0; Harry Mitchell 1-0; David Walsh 0-1; Anthony Feeney 0-1; Ronan Hynes 0-1. Panel:Padraig Kelly, Darren Moran, Conor Kelly, Conor Hillary, Jack Reilly, Jonah Donnellan, Cormac Hillary, Anthony Feeney, Paddy Kenny, Darragh Roche, Ronan Hynes, Dara Scarry, David Walsh, Harry Mitchell, Cathal Hynes, Dylan Roche, Ross Lally, Patrick O'Neill, Conor Walsh, Jamie Nutley.
Report Martina Donnellan
U13 Hurling Rd1 Win
Pearses 2-09; Loughrea 0-3: Pearses U13’s had their first outing in the Championship this evening when they took on Loughrea in St. Kerrill’s Park, Gurteen. Basking in the glow of both the sun and a super win, Pearses were by far the stronger side and relied on raw goal and points power to see them through with goals in each half from Darragh Roche and Peter O’Neill which put them in cruise control to finish on a 2-09 to 0-3 scoreline.
Pearses got off to a blistering start and had 1-3 on the scoreboard before Loughrea registered their first point. Conor Moran pointed within a minute while Darragh Roche scored a bullet of a goal which the keeper got a touch to but the power of the shot carried the sliotar over the line. Ronan Hynes scored the first of his 3 points when he gathered a lovely cross field pass from Conor Moran; Peter O’Neill who was on fire for the evening registered Pearses next point when he collected a spilled ball in a goal mouth shemozzle to fire over from close range.
Loughrea responded with a lovely point from play from an awkward angle almost on the sideline. Pearses scored the next 3 points of the first half without reply. Ronan Hynes with much work to do pointed from play; Peter O’Neill tapped over from close range and Ronan Hynes again, this time weaved through the Loughrea defence before splitting the posts to leave the score 1-6 to 0-1 at half time. Early in the 2nd half Pearses stole the march on Loughrea as they tacked on another 3 points from Darragh Roche, Anthony Feeney through a free and Jonah Donnellan before Loughrea scored their 2nd point when they landed a free.
Peter O’Neill helped propel Pearses further in front when his high lobbing ball evaded the keeper to find the net and then right at the death Loughrea were awarded a penalty and although the penalty taker tried to find the top of the net, he drove just over the crossbar but Pearses were well on their way to victory by then.
Scorers: Peter O’Neill 1-2; Ronan Hynes 0-3; Darragh Roche 1-1; Conor Moran 0-1; Jonah Donnellan 0-1; Anthony Feeney 0-1 (free). Panel: Harry Mitchell, Eanna Cunniffe, Oisin Donohue, Conor Kelly, Jack Reilly, Mark Donnellan, Cormac Hillary, Anthony Feeney, Conor Moran, Darragh Roche, Peter O’Neill, Paddy Kenny, David Egan, Ronan Hynes, Dara Scarry, Jonah Donnellan, Dylan Roche, Conor Hillary, Conall Flynn.
Gurteen NS Double
St. Kerrill's NS Gurteen 4-8; St. Joseph’s NS Woodford 0-3: Completing a marvellous school year of sport, St. Kerrill's N.S. Gurteen today claimed the 9-a-side schools hurling title to add to the football they won 12 days ago. In doing so, both their teacher Mr. Walsh and the panel of players committed huge time, effort and dedication in their pursuit of the double. And these lads certainly represented their school with honour today.
Excitement built up in advance following the football success over Aughrim so much so that Fr. Raymond Sweeney accommodated the rescheduling of the annual 12 noon St. Kerrills Day Mass to 8pm instead. A large crowd made their way to The Centre of Excellence in Claregalway in anticipation of another great game and they weren't disappointed.
Gurteen outshone the opposition, Woodford N.S., in every position. They started in the style of champions with a brace of early scores, a point from David Walsh within a minute and a goal from Conor Moran which evaded the goalie. Woodford then tapped over a free and a point from play and it looked like Woodford may be getting to grips with Gurteen but Stephen Grady put an end to that when he whipped on a ball batted out by the Woodford goalie for a smashing goal.
Ronan Hynes with a point from play, a 65’ tapped over by Conor Moran and David Walsh who lobbed the keeper for another tonic goal helped Gurteen to an interval lead of 3-03 to 0-2. Harry Mitchell made a splendid double save just before half time to avert the ball from danger. The 2nd half restarted in the same vein for the Gurteen boys as they tacked on another 1-5 on the scoreboard to Woodford’s solitary point from a free.
David Walsh scored a beauty when he caught a cross field pass from Conor Moran in his paw and straight over the black spot. Conor Moran added another from play from almost the side line. Jonah Donnellan was next to register a long range beauty from play after a great catch from Paddy Kenny in defence. The next point saw a great flowing move; originated at the back from Harry Mitchell, involving Jonah Donnellan, Stephen Grady and finished by Conor Moran.
David Walsh scored another point on the run to bring his personal tally for the day to 1-03. There was still a late surge in the Gurteen boys as Conor Moran rattled the net when he capitalised on a poor Woodford clearance.
Panel: Harry Mitchell, Conor Kelly, Paddy Kenny, Eanna Cunniffe, Ronan Hynes, Jonah Donnellan, Stephen Grady, Conor Moran, David Walsh, Conor Walsh, Ross Lally, Diarmuid Ryan, Cathal Hynes, Ciarán Hogan, Keith Kitt.
Ultimately a happy bunch of absolute 'pure' sports fanatics made their way to the winners 'podium' and captain Paddy Kenny proudly accepted the cup on behalf of his colleagues. It felt like these lads should be paraded through the village by pipers to an open air reception, such was the magic of their double success. Winning county titles at any level, in any age group, is always an achievement to be celebrated. But of course we must pay homage to one man, Mr. Walsh and to borrow a line from ex county board chairman Noel Treacy ‘he has transformed the success of this team’ while Mr. Treacy also paid tribute to Mrs Ann Ward, Principal who was present to observe this success before her upcoming retirement.
Report: Martina Donnellan
Fifth Win for U12s
Pearses 5-13; Clifden/An Spideil 1-4: Clifden/An Spideil were economical with their day trip today as they made the long trek out to North East Galway to play Skehana before they travelled 5 miles up the road to take on Pearses in Gurteen for 1.30pm throw in. This game was a bridge too far for the Connemara side as Pearses sailed to a facile 5-13 to 1-04 Victory over the Connemara side to register their 5th win of the U12 campaign.
It was evident from the early stages that Pearses had little to fear as Ronan Hynes opened the scoring within a minute with a point from play. The Connemara side equalised immediately. Pearses responded however with 2-1 from play before Clifden registered their next score; Harry Mitchell and Dara Scarry the goal scorers with David Walsh chipping in with the point.
Clifden hit back with 2 points, one from a free before Pearses went on the rampage before half time clocking 1-03 without reply; Ronan Hynes accounting for 1-02 and Darragh Roche from play. Half time: Pearses 3-05; Clifden/An Spideil 0-3. Pearses further enhanced their lead in the 2nd half with a further 1-05; Ronan Hynes the goal scorer bringing his personal tally to 2-03 for the day with Paddy Kenny, Dylan Roche, Anthony Feeney & Jonah Donnellan (0-2) tapping over.
Although a lapse of concentration at the back allowed Clifden in for a bullet of a goal, Pearses finished strong with another 1-03 through Anthony Feeney (0-2), Dylan Roche and Jonah Donnellan compounded the misery with a late goal for an overwhelming win.
Panel: Cathal Hynes, Conor Kelly, Conor Hillary, Jack Reilly, Jonah Donnellan, Cormac Hillary, Ronan Hynes, Anthony Feeney, Paddy Kenny, Harry Mitchell, David Walsh, Dara Scarry, Darragh Roche, Ross Lally, Padraig Kelly, Diarmuid Ryan, Patrick O’Neill, Brían Thompson, Dylan Roche, Jamie Nutley, Darren Moran.
Report: Martina Donnellan
SHC Round 3
Sarsfields 0-17 Pearses 0-15: Two late Niall Morrissey frees seen Sarsfields pull through in this game played at Duggan Park, Ballinasloe yesterday. Sarsfields controlled the first half and led 0-10 to 0-6 at the break, but despite the loss of Cyril Donnellan to injury not long after half-time Pearses pulled themselves back into the game and had drawn level with five minutes to go. Sarsfields managed to break that momentum and land the crucial late scores.
Morrissey, who would finish with 0-13, missed just one placed ball in the course of the game and it was he who had the first three points on the board. After a couple of wides, Pearses got off the mark with a Tomás Flannery point from play in the sixth minute. Ronan Bellew pointed from a free shortly afterwards. At the end of the first quarter Sarsfields led 0-5 to 0-3, Morrissey with all of the Sarsfields scores.
The score of the first half arrived on the 19th minute when Joseph Cooney superbly fielded a puckout before sending it over Fearghal Flannery's crossbar at the scoreboard end. Bellew struck back with a free and with the score at 0-8 to 0-4 in the 23rd minute Cyril Donnellan cut in from the right wing going close for goal, the ball flying just wide of Kieran Dolan's net. Morrissey kept Pearses at arms length, hitting a couple of long range frees either side of Bellew and Flannery points. Half-time: 0-10 to 0-6.
Kerrill Hardiman opened the scoring in the second half with a point from a tight angle, cutting the gap to three. Pearses were dealt a blow when Donnellan had to retire with a leg injury, replaced by Cormac Ward. To Pearses credit they did not wilt and took the fight to Sarsfields. In the next five minutes Pearses outscored the New Inn/Bullaun men 0-3 to 0-1 – Bellew (free), Colm Raftery and Cormac Ward with points. Morrissey continued his accuracy with two more frees to make it 0-13 to 0-11 at the three-quarter mark.
Flannery exchanged points from play with Joseph Cooney and Kerrill Wade, before Pearses hit a purple patch. Ronan Bellew and Emmet Ward points put just one between the sides with eight minutes left. Ward shot narrowly wide before Bellew levelled the game, with five minutes to go. The game was poised for a big finish, but Sarsfields managed to break the Pearses momentum.
Joseph Cooney broke through for a goal chance at the town end, but was well bottled up by the Pearses defence. From the follow up play Sarsfields won a close-in free which Morrissey converted. The game ticked into injury time and Sarsfields slowed the game down. Morrissey would complete his haul for the day, with his final free to leave the final score 0-17 to 0-15.
Next up for Pearses is Gort, before the final Group game against Turloughmore. Gort and Turloughmore currently top the table after three rounds and wins are needed against both to allow any chance for progression to the knockout stages.
Pearses: F Flannery; B Egan, K Donnellan, R O'Neill; J Gelston, S Raftery, K Hardiman (0-1); C Fahy, S Hardiman; E Ward (0-1), C Raftery (0-1), C Donnellan; T Flannery (0-3), R Bellew (0-8), L Murphy. Subs used: C Ward (0-1), G Lally.
Sarsfields Scorers: N Morrissey (0-13), J Cooney (0-2), K Wade (0-1), K Cooney (0-1).
Referee: Peter Murphy (Loughrea).
Report: David Cunniffe
U12s Remain Unbeaten
This was a closely contested game played in Mountbellew this morning between two eager sides with the issue in doubt right up to the end. Neither side really bossed the game as it was end to end stuff and in fact neither side earned enough breathing space to feel comfortable. Mountbellew were 2 points up after 7 mins until Pearses got 3 quick goals before the 13th minute.
Their first came from Harry Mitchell who continued his goal scoring form after the school’s football final as he somehow got his stick to a long Jonah Donnellan free. Then Paddy Kenny nudged us further in front with a long delivery which deflected off the goalies hurl and into the net. Harry Mitchell again in similar style to his first goal; scored again after he got on the end of another long Jonah Donnellan delivery from the back. Half time: Pearses 3-0 Mountbellew 0-2.
Padraig Kelly was called into action almost straight from the throw-in as Mountbellew worked the ball up the field but Kelly was not found wanting with a brave save and some subsequent brilliant defending from Conor Kelly. Mountbellew blasted to the net and Padraig Kelly again made another brilliant save to tip the ball over the bar.
Mountbellew then levelled matters with another goal which took a deflection after Padraig Kelly saved the initial goal bound effort. Ronan Hynes edged Pearses in front with a point from play. Then as Pearses sustained some pressure, Anthony Feeney sent in a lovely delivery from near the end line to the unmarked Ronan Hynes who whipped first time in front of goal to put Pearses 4 points to the good midway through the 2nd half.
Mountbellew were right back in the game when a Pearses clearance fell to their striker who blasted to the net when it looked like we had defended well enough to avert the ball from danger. Pearses pushed on though and were rewarded with a couple of minutes to go when Ronan Hynes found Harry Mitchell who plucked from the sky but still thought he was playing in the schools football as he kicked left footed to the net. This sealed a hard but well-earned Pearses victory as they now have 3 wins out of 3.
Panel: Pádraig Kelly, Conor Hillary, Conor Kelly, Jack Reilly, Jonah Donnellan, Cormac Hillary, Ronan Hynes, Anthony Feeney, Patrick O’Neill, Paddy Kenny, Harry Mitchell, David Walsh, Daragh Roche, Dara Scarry, Dylan Roche, Cathal Hynes, Diarmuid Ryan, Ross Lally, Brian Thompson, Darren Moran, Conor Walsh, Jamie Nutley.
Match Report: Martina Donnellan
U14 Hurling Semi-Final
Castlegar 3-8 Pearses 0-6: The questions on the players and mentors minds this evening in Duggan Park for the U14 semi final against table toppers Castlegar was: Could Pearses emulate Tommy Larkins toppling of Ardrahan in the other semi-final? Well the score may suggest otherwise, but this was a closely contested and a thoroughly enjoyable game right up until the last 3 minutes. Pearses held the upper hand for most of the first half and were 0-3 up after 5 mins with good scores from play from Cian Murphy, Ethan Lally and Murphy again after a lovely line ball from Conor Moran found him out.
We had 3 more scoring chances but some wayward shooting let us down. Castlegar hit back with 1-02; their first point from play tipped over the crossbar by the ever vigilant Harry Mitchell, followed by a free and then on 14 mins came the decisive blow – a goal which Harry first saved but the rebound was whipped on to find the net. Immediately from the puck out Cian Murphy saw his goal effort go right across the face of goal after a good run through the centre from Ethan Lally with Paddy Kenny involved in the build-up & Murphy was ever so close with his effort. Castlegar tacked on another point from play and Cian Murphy converted a free after he was fouled himself and just before half time Castlegar threw over a free from the stand side of the field to leave the half time score: Pearses 0-4; Castlegar 1-04.
The 2nd half was only 20seconds old when Harry Mitchell made a point blank save to avert the ball from danger. Then Cian Murphy burst through the middle only to be taken down; the resultant free taken by himself was shot low and hard and turned around the post by the Castlegar goalie but unfortunately the resultant 65’ went agonisingly to the right of the upright. The sides then traded points. Castlegar scored from play from near the sideline and Cian Murphy with a free after some great foraging from Luke Mitchell & David Hillary with Ethan Lally earning the free which was duly tapped over by Murphy.
Murphy again scored a whopper from midfield after good work from Ethan Lally but this turned out to be our last score of the game. Then midway through the 2nd half we had our best goal chance of the game with a triple effort. A goal bound free from Murphy was saved on the line, the clearance fell kindly to David Hillary whose rasper was saved and as the clearance was picked up again by Murphy he blasted to the side net. Castlegar tapped over another point to make it Pearses 0-6; Castlegar 1-06.
With 2 mins to go Castlegar scored 2-02 without reply and put the game well past our reach. Pearses 0-6; Castlegar 3-08 but in fairness the scoreboard was not a fair reflection of the game. Pearses showed plenty of heart and determination. Castlegar were just that bit sharper. But there’s no doubt that these young bunch will learn from this experience. Sometimes you’d learn much more in defeat than you would in victory.
Panel: Harry Mitchell, Mark Donnellan, Brian Kelly, Rovert Fahy, Oisin Donoghue, Robert Hynes, Conor Moran, Ethan Lally, David Hillary, Luke Mitchell, Cian Murphy, Paddy Kenny, Conor Kelly, Ronan Hynes, Daragh Roche, Dara Scarry, Jack Reilly, Cormac Hillary.
Club Notes
Following a draw in Round 1 against Cappataggle our Junior B hurlers remained unbeaten as they defeated Beagh away yesterday evening on a scoreline of 1-12 to 1-11. Beagh led 0-8 to 1-3 at half-time, Keith Connell the Pearses goalscorer. A strong second half by Pearses culminated with young Conor O’Neill landing the winning point at the end.
Despite missing some regulars Pearses were driven on by a ‘Maheresque’ half-back performance from Leo Morrissey. Conor O’Grady and Aidan Kilkenny were in good shooting form in the half-forward line, while Niall Skehill top scored with 0-5. Next up is Abbeyknockmoy in Round 3. Pearses: P O’Brien; J Jenkins, P Raftery, A Burke; L Morrissey (0-1), D Wynne, T Broderick; C O’Neill (0-1), P Lally; D Burke, C O’Grady (0-3), A Kilkenny (0-2); R Skehill, K Connell (1-0), N Skehill (0-5, 4f). Sub used: S Walsh. Subs: C Queeney, P Mahon.
The Club’s U16 hurlers suffered their only defeat in the group as they went down 0-22 to 0-10 away to Castlegar. Both teams had already qualified for the Semi-Final stage. Pearses finish top of the group and will now play Turloughmore in the Semi-Final. Castlegar meet Killimordaly in the other Semi-Final.
Despite also going down to Castlegar in the last group game the Club’s U14 hurlers are through to the Semi-Finals based on a top four finish. The other Semi-Finalists are Ardrahan, Castlegar and Tommie Larkins.
There were two rounds of U12 hurling played last week in Gurteen, with wins for Pearses over Abbeyknockmoy on Wednesday and Four Roads (Roscommon) and Saturday.
Well done to Claregalway College who picked up a Junior hurling title last week with Cyril Donnellan on coaching duty. Congratulations to Kevin Hynes and Tara Dempsey who were married last weekend.
No winner in the Club Lotto Draw on May 8th. Numbers drawn 2, 8, 20 and 25. Jackpot was €7,700 this week in Burke’s Colemanstown.
U12 Hurling Rd2
Pearses 5-5 Four Roads 1-3: Pearses U12’s made it 2 wins out of 2 with a very hard-earned win over Four Roads, Roscommon in the latest group game played in Gurteen this morning. It was a tough encounter in breezy conditions and although Pearses were 2 points down at half time, they rocketed out of the traps in the 2nd half to win 5-5 to 1-3.
Pearses were never in cruise control until the last quarter as Four Roads played a tight game leaving Pearses with little space to fire the ball around. Their big No.13 was a constant threat in the opening half. It took 7mins for the first score; a goal from Conor Kelly which he blasted to the net after Ronan Hynes found him out with a free.
6 mins later and Four Roads levelled matters as their scorer burst through the middle and scored a great goal leaving Cathal Hynes between the posts with little chance. The visitors tacked on 2 more points from play before half time as they appeared to be on top in the form of possession throughout the field. Half time: Pearses 1-0 Four Roads 1-2.
In the 2nd half, Pearses produced a performance of real graft and character to swing the game in their favour. Dylan Roche reduced the deficit 2mins after the restart with a point from play after a good pass from Paddy Kenny. Kenny himself scored a tonic goal when he gathered a loose ball which broke from a goalmouth shemozzle and rattled the net. Ronan Hynes then took a free from midfield which found the net while it took a deflection on its way. Such was his joy that he punched the air with delight as they moved 5 points clear.
This ignited Pearses as they dominated the remainder of the game. Conor Kelly made it 4-01 to 1-02 as the ball ricocheted off the ground and into the net; Dara Scarry scored a great point as the keeper got his hurl to it to tip it over the crossbar & Conor Kelly scored from play after good foraging. Four Roads scored their only point of the 2nd half before Ronan Hynes converted a free after he himself was fouled.
Then as Harry Mitchell’s clearance found the height of Jimmy Kelly’s field, one of the mentors had to take the scenic route down by the clubhouse in case he’d burst his trousers with the wire! But Niall’s caution paid off and the trousers was fully intact! The last few minutes belonged to livewire Darragh Roche as he tacked on 1-01; his goal made by Dara Scarry and immediately tacked on a point taken on the run from a tight enough angle.
Scorers: Conor Kelly 2-1; Ronan Hynes 1-1; Darragh Roche 1-1; Paddy Kenny 1-0; Dara Scarry 0-1; Dylan Roche 0-1.
Panel: Cathal Hynes, Harry Mitchell, Conor Hillary, Cormac Hillary, Paddy Kenny, Jonah Donnellan, Ronan Hynes, Anthony Feeney, Darragh Roche, David Walsh, Dylan Roche, Conor Kelly, Dara Scarry, Ross Lally, Brian Thompson, Jamie Nutley, Conor Walsh.
By Martina Donnellan
U12 Hurling Rd1
Pearses 7-9 Abbeyknockmoy 3-2: Pearses U12s opened their campaign with an impressive win over neighbours Abbeyknockmoy in Gurteen this evening. Pearses were 1-4 to 0-2 to the good after 12 mins as they had the upper hand right from the throw-in, dominating possession and played a lovely passing game as they sprayed the ball around to great effect.
Ronan Hynes opened the scoring with a point from play and Dara Scarry sent Pearses on their way as he took his goal exceptionally well from point blank range. Paddy Kenny, Ronan Hynes and Darragh Roche chipped in with the points; the latter from an acute angle. Conor Kelly scored our 2nd goal after he caught a clearance from Jonah Donnellan in the paw and unleashed a powerful effort which found the net with the aid of a deflection.
Ronan Hynes scored goal 3 with a high lobbing ball from distance which eluded the keeper and found the net. Dara Scarry scored our fourth goal just before the break after Paddy Kenny, Ronan Hynes and Darragh Roche were involved in a lovely build –up. Pearses 4-4 Abbeyknockmoy 0-2 at half time.
A reshuffled Pearses team emerged for the second half as Harry Mitchell restarted in the forwards, David Walsh came out field and Conor Hillary stood between the posts. Paddy Kenny scored a point from play within 4 mins of the restart after he collected a lovely crossfield pass from Ronan Hynes. Dara Scarry completed his hat-trick as he pulled first time on a rebound when the goalie saved an initial shot from Harry Mitchell.
Ronan Hynes tapped over another point and then Harry Mitchell scored a bullet after he caught a free taken by Anthony Feeney 6-6 to 0-2. Harry Mitchell threw over the crossbar for Pearses 7th point from play after Jonah Donnellan and Paddy Kenny did the donkey work. David Walsh added 2 points in quick succession after he capitalised on poor defensive play from the Abbey lads. Abbeyknockmoy scored 3 late goals in quick succession to put some respect on the scoreline while young Dillon Roche finished Pearses tally with a great goal which almost burst the net. So happy days for Pearses U12s in their first outing of the year with a plethora of scorers.
Scorers: Dara Scarry 3-0; Ronan Hynes 1-03; Harry Mitchell 1-01; Conor Kelly 1-0; Paddy Kenny 0-2; David Walsh 0-2; Dillon Roche 1-0; Darragh Roche 0-1.
Panel: David Walsh, Harry Mitchell, Conor Hillary, Jonah Donnellan, Jack Reilly, Anthony Feeney, Ronan Hynes, Darragh Roche, Paddy Kenny, Cormac Hillary, Conor Kelly, Dara Scarry, Padraig Kelly, Jamie Nutley, Conor Walsh, Diarmuid Ryan, Dillon Roche, Ross Lally, Brían Thompson, Patrick O’Neill, Darren Moran.
By Martina Donnellan
U14 Hurling C'ship Rd7
Castlegar 4-7 Pearses 3-5: Although our U14’s suffered their third loss of the U14 campaign to Castlegar in Ballymacward this evening, they put in a tremendous second half performance to come near enough to turning the game around.
Castlegar were the superior and hungrier side and dominated the opening half as they put some flowing moves together to lead 2-5 before Pearses registered their first score on 14 mins; a goal which originated from an Oisin Donoghue line ball to Conor Moran whose long distance point effort dropped at the last second to find the net. Castlegar responded immediately with a goal of their own.
Cian Murphy then scored 0-2; his first well taken after he gathered the ball well and burst through the middle, shaking off a few tackles before unleashing a mighty effort over the bar. Paddy Kenny and Ethan Lally were involved in the build up to his 2nd from play taken on the run. Castlegar 3-6 Pearses 1-2 at half time.
Cian Murphy pointed from a free straight in front of the posts after the restart after he himself was fouled. Castlegar found their scores more freely and raised a green flag for the fourth time when they scored from an acute angle into the top corner. 4 mins into the second half and Ciano netted a spectacular goal with an unstoppable shot after a great run down the left side of the field, 4-6 to 2-3.
Murphy added another goal this time from a free to further reduce the deficit while a mini revival seemed to be turning things in Pearses favour. Both teams then exchanged points, Cian Murphy the provider for Pearses from play after the ref played advantage. Murphy kept plugging away and scored again after a neat pick up; burst through the centre but just couldn’t keep his shot down as it just swooshed over the crossbar.
The momentum was with Pearses for the final exchanges as Cian Murphy stood between the posts for a penalty making a spectacular save and clearing from the goal line. In the end, time ran out as the best efforts of Brian Kelly, Robert Hynes, Luke Mitchell, Ethan Lally, David Hillary and of course Cian Murphy who scored 2-5, could not further progress the great second half comeback.
Despite this result Pearses still finish fourth in the group and qualify for the semi-finals. Other teams progressing to the last four are Ardrahan, Castlegar and Tommy Larkins.
By Martina Donnellan
SHC Round 2
St Thomas’s 0-19 Pearses 1-11: Despite never performing to the same level as Round 1 against Portumna, some missed scoring chances meant Pearses could have been closer to St. Thomas’s at the finish here. After a slow start, Pearses recovered to lead at half-time, but it was a strong third quarter by the 2016 County Champions that was the difference after half-time. They outscored Pearses 0-9 to 0-3 in this spell.
Both teams were guilty of wides in the opening quarter, with placed balls not going well for Pearses. Darragh Burke got St Thomas’s off the mark with a free and they led by 0-3 to 0-0 after 18 minutes. The lead could’ve been more but for two saves in the Pearses goal by Fearghal Flannery. Ronan Bellew got Pearses’ first point and it was Bellew again three minutes later who levelled the game, 0-3 apiece.
Thomas’s quickly reopened that three point lead in the space of four minutes, 0-6 to 0-3, with half-time approaching. The end of the first-half belonged to Pearses as they bagged 1-2 in the last seven minutes. Seán Hardiman pointed from play, before Cyril Donnellan broke in from the left wing and when the ball didn’t come to hand, he whipped it first time past Patrick Skehill in the St Thomas’s goal. He added a point from a tight angle soon after. Half-time: Pearses 1-5 St Thomas’s 0-7.
St Thomas’s levelled shortly after the restart and then took the lead from a Darragh Burke free. Tomas Flannery hit back with a Pearses one to level it again. Then six points in-a-row from the Kilchreest/Peterswell men opened a six point lead. James Regan (2), David Burke and Patrick Skehill (long range free) were among the scorers. 0-15 to 1-6 after 15 minutes of the second-half.
Flannery and Donnellan points either side of a Thomas’s one made it a five point game. Donnellan and Flannery would also go close with goal chances, Flannery’s effort flashing wide before Donnellan drew a save from Skehill. The final six points of the game would be shared evenly between the sides, with Colm Raftery going for goal but seeing his effort rise above the bar.
There were wins in the Group this weekend for Portumna and Gort. Portumna now top the table on 3 points after two games. Sarsfields, Turloughmore, St Thomas and Gort are all tied on two points, while Pearses are on 1. With three games left it’s still very much all to play for. Sarsfields are up next for Pearses, then Gort and Turloughmore.
Pearses: F Flannery; R O’Neill, K Donnellan, R Lally; L Murphy, S Raftery, B Egan; K Hardiman, S Hardiman (0-1); R Bellew (0-2), C Raftery (0-2), C Donnellan (1-2); C Fahy, T Flannery (0-4), J Gelston. Subs used: C Ward, E Cunniffe, G Lally.
U10s Win Ballinasloe Blitz
There was great excitement not just for the kids but the adults as well this morning in the Ballinasloe U10 and U9 blitz. The morning saw our youngsters play their first official games of the hurling calendar at these age groups. Our U10’s emerged victorious topping their group with the top 2 teams playing in the final. We were pitted against Portumna, Killimor and Ballinasloe in the group games.
In the first game we played a strong Portumna side who fielded with many household names: Kellys, Hayes & Cannings to the fore. Although losing 1-3 to 0-0 at half time, we turned it around with a strong breeze in the 2nd half to win 3-3 to 1-3 with Jonah Donnellan 2-2 and David Walsh 1-1 with the crucial scores.
In the 2nd game against Killimor, David Walsh gave an exhibition scoring 2-2 and a Jonah Donnellan free made it 2-3 to 0-0 at half time. Jonah added another point from play in the 2nd half and Brían Thompson’s ground pull found the net as Pearses finishing emphatic winners 3-4 to 1-2.
With very little recovery time between games, next up were Ballinasloe who had also won their 2 games the winners of this game would top the group. David Walsh again made a name for himself scoring 1-3 in the 1st half to Ballinasloe’s 1-1; Ballinasloe’s point coming from a goal bound free which was tipped over the crossbar by Cathal Hynes. Pearses rallied in the 2nd half and a '65 from Jonah Donnellan and another point from play by David Walsh helped extend the lead. Then a great ground stroke from young Darren Moran saw him find the net for Pearses to emerge victorious and top the group on a scoreline of Pearses 2-5; Ballinasloe 1-4
A little recovery time and some sustenance offered by Ballinasloe GAA club helped our lads to be ready, willing and able to take on 2nd placed Ballinasloe again, this time in the final. It was a close contest from the outset as both teams hit the side net in the early exchanges. Jonah Donnellan opened the scoring with a great point from play after winning a Ballinasloe puck out. Donnellan then added a 65 to put us 2 points up. Just before the break, Ballinasloe pointed from play as the ball swooshed over the crossbar when a goal looked ominous with just Cathal Hynes to beat. Half time: Pearses 0-2; Ballinasloe 0-1.
2mins into the 2nd half a long range free from Jonah Donnellan in the full back line found the net to nudge Pearses further in front. Jonah Donnellan converted a 65 to widen the gap as Pearses were building up a bit of momentum but Ballinasloe hit straight back with 2 pointed frees. David Walsh pointed a free after Ross Lally was fouled to top off his scoring for the day at 4-8. Final score: Pearses 1-4; Ballinasloe 0-3. It was a great feeling for these lads with their first taste of success as the effort and commitment shown by players and mentors was both commendable and rewarding.
Our U9’s played Ahascragh-Fohenagh and Ballinasloe in their group games in what were two extremely competitive games as they battled hard, fighting until the end and never letting the jersey down. Pearses put some flowing moves together as the future looks very bright indeed. There will surely be great days ahead for these U9’s and U10’s – enjoy the journey!
Huge thanks to the mentors of both teams: Sean O’Neill, Sean Moran, Adrian Queeney, Larry Hillary, Paul Hogan and Birthday Boy Michéal Kelly. Panel: Cathal Hynes, James Queeney, Ciaran Hogan, Jamie Nutley, Tommy Nutley, Conor Hillary, Padraig Kelly, Patrick O’Neill, Josh Buckley, Eoghan Ryan, Diarmuid Ryan, Sean Kelly, Tadhg Harte, Daniel Keating, David Walsh, Ross Lally, Brían Thompson, Darren Moran, Jonah Donnellan, Dylan King, Fionn Donohue, Daniel Lydon, Joe Carroll, Keith Kitt, Niall Grady.
Report by Martina Donnellan
Club Notes
The Club’s U16 hurlers had a fourth win from four last week, defeating Killimordaly away. They now top their Group, with three games left to play. Our U14s also top their group with two to play, following a win over Meelick-Eyrecourt.
The Club’s Junior hurlers had their first game of the season, finishing level (2-14 to 0-20) at home with Cappataggle. Our U10s won their first game of the season, defeating Skehana in Gurteen. The Minors were defeated away to Loughrea.
It was a busy week for U14 football. The team played Menlough in the Championship losing out in a very high-scoring game, 14-6 to 8-6! Kinvara and Craughwell were visitors as the Club hosted the Féile group on Saturday. Both visiting teams were much stronger, with Kinvara going on to win the competition outright.
Congrats to Cyril Donnellan who picked up his second National League title with Galway and also to Niamh Jenkins and Amy Kenny of Pearses Camogie Club who were part of the All-Ireland winning Galway Minor panel.
There was no winner last night's Club Lotto. Numbers drawn were 12, 21, 22 and 27. Lucky Dip winners were Kieran Hillary, Stephen Thompson, Patsy Ruane, Micheal and Angela Finnerty and Gary Lally. Spot Prizes were won by Martin Bellew and Sean Grady. Winners in the April '250 Club' Draw were €100 Tomas Flannery; €75 Eamon Burke, €50 Frank Kitt. Well done to all winners. Next week’s jackpot is €7,500 in McGann's Attymon.
NHL Final Ticket Info
Galway will play Tipperary in the National Hurling League Final this Sunday, 23rd April in The Gaelic Grounds, Limerick at 3.30pm. It will be preceded at 1.30pm by the Camogie League Final between Cork and Kilkenny. Below are ticketing details.
Adult Pre-Purchase €25
Adult Match Day €30
Student/OAP €25
Juvenile €5
Seating is unreserved but stand specific, both stands are on sale.
Early purchase is recommended.
Tickets are not available from the Club but are now on sale via gaa.ie and usual Centra/Supervalu retail outlets. Season Ticket holders will be seated in the Mackey Stand and all they need is their season ticket card, an email will be sent outlining this.
U14 Hurling Rd5
Pearses 6-7 Meelick Eyrecourt 1-3. Having topped their group in the recent Feile campaign, Meelick Eyrecourt were always going to be a formidable side & the players and management felt this one would be an onerous task. However, it was the Pearses lads who took all the plaudits for the manner in which they defeated the visitors at home in Ballymacward today.
Pearses opened the scoring within seconds of the throw-in with a point from play from Cian Murphy and added a 2nd from a 65 moments later. Pearses struck for the their first goal early on after a good build up from the back involving Oisin Donoughue as Luke Mitchell sent in a dangerous ball into the square which was well finished by Ethan Lally who was deployed in a new full forward role. It took 13 mins for Meelick-Eyrecourt to open their account; a goal which Harry Mitchell got his stick to but was unable to keep out.
This buoyed up the Pearses boys and almost straight from the puck out young Conor Kelly scored a marvellous goal after collecting a cross-field pass from Paddy Kenny. Cian Murphy kept the points tally going with a good individual point from play, his 3rd of the half. The visitors responded with a pointed free to make it 2-3 to 1-01. Paddy Kenny then scored a tonic goal after a long ball from Cian Murphy was batted out by the goalie but every vigilant forward will be in the right place to pounce on a rebound.
Ethan Lally scored his first point after good outfield work from Murphy and almost straight from the restart Conor Moran won the puck out near the stand and his massive long range effort went over the black spot to make it 3-05 to 1-01 at half time. Soon after the restart Eyrecourt scored a lovely point on the run to claw their way back into the game as an onslaught looked imminent from the visitors for the first 10mins of the 2nd half. During this period our backs did well as Brian Kelly, Robert Hynes & Oisin Donoghue battled it out.
Then Cian Murphy put a bit of breathing space between the sides again after a lovely solo run through the middle of the field and hit the ball off the hurl and over for his 4th point of the day. Eyrecourt got another point back from play to leave the sides 3-06 to 1-03. From here to the end belonged totally to Pearses as they racked up another 3 goals, the first from Conor Kelly who latched onto a long delivery from Luke Mitchell. Ronan Hynes got his name on the scoreboard seconds later with a blazing shot which rattled the net after good work from Ethan Lally & Darragh Roche.
Conor Kelly claimed his 3rd goal with a one-handed pull after he latched onto another floating ball sent in from Luke Mitchell. Harry Mitchell showed his alertness at the other end with a great diving save to concede a 65 which was missed by Eyrecourt. In injury time, David Hillary finished the scoring with a great point from play to finish off on an impressive 6-07 to 1-03 scoreline. And so Pearses U14’s make it 4 wins out of 5 in their group games with Ardrahan & Castlegar yet to play. Manager Niall Skehill should be a happy camper.
U12 Trip to Croker!
Thursday 13th April: The Club's U12 hurlers will travel to Croke Park next Thursday 13th April. We will meet at Ballymacward Hall at at 7.15am and travel by bus to Croker. Other Galway Clubs who will also attend on the day are Loughrea, Portumna, Cappataggle, Michael Cusacks and Tommy Larkins. Each Club listed above, including ourselves will field two teams and play off a series of games against each other in the Stadium.
There is free admission on the day and FREE parking in the David Stand Car Park. Littlewoods Ireland have also sponsored a fun pack which will include a Jersey for all kids involved and there is tea and coffee for all on arrival. The restaurant will be open on the day also. Any parents, grandparents etc who wish to attend are free to do so. Please note that no parents/spectators are permitted to gain entry to the pitch. Team photos can be taken at pitch side, but must be organised to be taken in between playing times. The Connacht GAA website will post team photos and loads of action shots after the event, which is free to use by all.
We ask all parents to pack a big lunch with lots of drinks for their children as it won't be until the way home that we stop to eat. I'm sure all our Players, Coaches (Martin Scarry, Eddie Mitchell, Michéal Kelly, Seán O'Neill, Niall Skehill and Paul Hogan) and any parents, relatives or supporters who travel will have a super day in the greatest Stadium of them all!
Museum Visit
A FREE museum visit is on offer to all PLAYERS participating in the Connacht Play and Stay days in Croke Park:
- The museum visit & stand tour would take one hour in total
- Each team will be allocated 18 passes for the Museum Tour
- Mentors will be expected to act in a supervisory capacity and assist the tour guide with the group
- Groups must arrive to the museum at the appointed time
- On arrival at the museum 6 teams will be divided into two groups of 3 teams
- Any additional adults/fans/family members accompanying clubs may pay to visit the museum separately but NOT WITH PLAYERS
- Full stadium tours are on offer throughout the day on a first come first served basis
Download Printable PDF with Information on the Trip HERE
U14 Feile Round 3
Pearses 1-4; Mullagh-Kiltormer 5-3: Next up were Mullagh-Kiltormer whom the management knew were quite a formidable side and were hot favourites to top the group having won their 2 previous games. Cian Murphy opened the scoring almost immediately after the throw-in with a superb long range effort from play, straight over the black spot. Kiltormer equalised 2 mins later with a free as both sides were still settling into it and finding their feet.
Kiltormer scored a fortuitous goal following a goalmouth shemozzle which ended up in chaos as somehow the ball found its way past Harry Mitchell in the Pearses goal. Pearses replied immediately through a Cian Murphy pointed free after a foul on young Conor Kelly. Ethan Lally showed that a ground pull is far from extinct in hurling as he pulled first time in another goalmouth shemozzle and rattled the net to put Pearses 1 point ahead.
Straight from the Kiltormer puck out Cian Murphy won possession, bulleted forward before throwing over his 3rd point of the game and 2nd from play to leave the score 1-03 to 1-01 at half time. Kiltormer put the minimum between the sides after the restart with a pointed free from the stand side of the field. 4mins into the 2nd half Kiltormer stepped it up a gear scoring a classic goal leaving Harry Mitchell with no real chance and straight from a short puck out Kiltormer capitalised again with another goal to go 3-2 to 1-3 ahead.
From here the game slowly slipped away from Pearses grasp as Kiltormer’s scores came more easily but the Pearses lads kept plugging away. Kiltormer added another point from a placed ball and then lobbed Harry Mitchell for their 4th goal to make it 4-3 to 1-3 with 15 mins gone in the 2nd half. Cian Murphy then scored his 2nd pointed free after he himself was fouled. Just before the end Kiltormer turned the screw with another goal, which resulted from a long ball sent into the square from near the dugouts; although it looked like Harry had saved it, the ball was deemed to have crossed the line.
So Mullagh-Kiltormer topped the group and went on to the semi-final stages of the Justin Cheevers Cup. Some huge highs and some hard hitting lows made for a great days hurling and the management team have no doubt that these lads, many of whom will be underage again not alone next year but also the year after, will be back and will have their day, some day!
A word of thanks to the ladies/mammies for the copious cups of tea and mouth-watering sweet & savoury goodies provided to help keep players and supporters well nourished. Thanks also owed to Niall Skehill, manager who looked like one of the players himself in the squad photo taken afterwards (sorry Niall) and to the mentors Eddie Mitchell, Sean O’Neill and Martin Scarry for their trojan efforts.
Pearses: Harry Mitchell, Oisin Donoghue, Brian Kelly, Robert Fahy, Peter O’Neill, Robert Hynes. Luke Mitchell, David Hillary, Ethan Lally (Captain); Darragh Roche, Cian Murphy, Conor Moran, Paddy Kenny, Ronan Hynes, Conor Kelly, Dara Scarry, Jack Reilly, Mark Donnellan, Eanna Cunniffe, Cormac Hillary, Stephen Grady.
Report by Martina Donnellan
U14 Feile Round 2
Pearses 0-5; St. Thomas 1-4: We didn’t get the sunshine that was promised for today as Pearses hurlers took to the field for Round 2 of the U14 Feile na Gael. It was a 10.30 start against St. Thomas. Both teams were well up for this game as Pearses edged it in the 1st half with 4 points coming from the stick of Cian Murphy as St. Thomas's landed 0-2. It was fast and furious with the sliotar moving up and down Pairc na Gael. Then just before half time St. Thomas goaled and so Pearses had to play ‘catch-up’. The sides went in at the break St. Thomas 1-2; Pearses 0-4. After the restart Ronan Hynes had a great goal chance as he whipped first time on the ball only to see his effort go marginally to the left of the post. Cian Murphy levelled matters soon after with a great effort from play out near the sideline on the stand side of the field. This turned out to be Pearses last score. Thomas’s took the advantage again when they converted a free right in front of goals and tapped over another just before the end to finish out 2 point winners.
Report by Martina Donnellan
U14 Feile Round 1
Pearses 4-3 Kilconieron 2-9: Pearses U14’s commenced the weekends Feile na Gael campaign with a hard earned draw against Kilconieron in difficult enough conditions in Kilconieron this evening. Not for the first time this year, they turned around a 5 point half time deficit to go 4 points up with just minutes to go and yet conceded a late goal and a point and had to settle in the end for a share of the spoils.
It was a tense finale as the ball was up and down the field but it was Kilconieron who could have snatched a late winner but much to the palpable relief of the sizeable Pearses contingent and mentors their free went to the right of the upright. Pearses dominated the early exchanges as Cian Murphy put 2 good chances wide, while Conor Moran opened the scoring within 2 mins as he tapped over the bar off his right shoulder while subsequently Darragh Roche’s ground pull drew a great save from the Kilconieron goalie. Kilconieron got off the mark with a point from a free but Moran put Pearses ahead again with a lovely stroke this time from his left.
Kilconieron converted their 2nd placed ball from a 65 to level matters at 0-2 apiece. Harry Mitchell then made a splendid save conceding a 65’ which was taken by Kilconieron’s big No. 3 who played more in a roaming position. His well taken 65 found its way to the back of the net for a tonic goal for Kilconieron with 10 mins gone. Kilconieron then scored their first from play and converted another 65’ minutes later, followed by another 2 points from play to go 1-6 to 0-2 up, one a beauty right on the sideline. Pearses immediately responded with a good goal involving Cian Murphy who tapped the ball neatly to Ethan Lally and as Lally throttled goalwards with nothing on his mind only GOAL he was justly rewarded for his effort.
Kilconieron closed out the first half with another free to leave the score 1-07 to 1-02 at half time. Kilconieron restarted where they left off as the big No. 3 scored from play over his right shoulder to widen the gap to 6points. Straight from the puck out Ethan Lally won the ball at midfield and fed Cian Murphy who ran right through the heart of the defence to smash the ball to the net and bring Pearses right back into the game. Cian Murphy delivered again, scoring almost an exact replica of his earlier goal after a smashing pick-up by David Hillary in the middle of the field which set Murphy on his way and he made no mistake with his bullet to tie the game up at 1-08 to 3-02.
Cian Murphy converted a free right in front of the posts after he was fouled himself and young Conor Kelly scored a ‘smash and grab’ minutes later after Darragh Roche sent in a dangerous ball which was batted out by the goalie only for young Kelly to whip first time and find the net. Suddenly Pearses were in the driving seat with 4 points to the good. Kilconieron were awarded a free with 5 mins left to play and the big No. 3 went for goal only for Luke Mitchell to make a splendid block and clear the ball from danger.
With 2 mins left a Kilconieron 65’ was sent right into the square and somehow bundled over the line to put the minimum between the sides and set up a nervy finale. Kilconieron converted a free with seconds left to draw the match but the big free taker thankfully was unable to convert another free. And so the first group game ended with a point a piece.
Scorers: Cian Murphy 2-01; Ethan Lally 1-0; Conor Kelly 1-0; Conor Moran 0-2
Report by Martina Donnellan
U14 Championship Rd. 2
Tommie Larkins 1-10 Pearses 2-6: A big physical Tommie Larkins team travelled to Ballymacward this morning to take on Pearses in Round 2 of the U14B group stages. Conor Moran got our youngsters off to a flying start with a point from play originating from a Cian Murphy free which was played in to corner forward Paddy Kenny who found Moran lurking unmarked to tap over in front of the posts. Paddy Kenny put us 2 points to the good a minute later after a hand pass from Luke Mitchell. Just before that, full back Brian Kelly made a vital interception and Harry Mitchell a great save from a ground pull.
Larkins got on the scoreboard with a point from the stand side of the field assisted with the breeze and levelled matters from a 65 after Brian Kelly initially did well to turn the ball around the post. The game was tied at 0-2 a piece on the quarter hour mark. Then Conor Moran got his 2nd point after Paddy Kenny did the donkey work rolling the ball nicely onto his stick and a lovely stick pass across to Moran to put us a point in front. Minutes later Larkins levelled matters and then Harry Mitchell made a splendid save when a goal looked ominous with a great first time pull but his long clearance fell to Larkins No. 11 who threw it over the bar to go ahead for the first time on 18 mins.
A free from Larkins No. 6 from the stand side of the field put them 0-5 to 0-3 ahead. Then Larkins scored a point from play from around the 45’ line to fire themselves 0-3 in front. Then just before half time we were dealt a blow as Larkins scored a fortuitous goal when Harry Mitchell gathered the ball in goals but was adjudged to have been behind the goal line and the Larkins umpire was quick to raise his hand to flag the goal. Cian Murphy converted a free after a chop down on Luke Mitchell but Larkins responded immediately up the other end with a point from play after a good solo down the stand side of the field. 1-07 to 0-4 at half time and an uphill 2nd half battle was required to bring us back into this game.
Pearses needed to score immediately after the restart to get back into the game but it was Larkins who capitalised on their possession as their No. 11 again ran right through the centre and tapped over the bar. Cian Murphy then scored from play after good work from young Conor Kelly and Conor Moran. Cian Murphy missed a golden opportunity to raise a green flag as he ran through the heart of the defence and tapped the ball inches to the left of the post but the ref awarded a 21 yard free for an earlier foul which was taken by Murphy but somehow scrambled away from danger by Larkins.
Tommie Larkins danger man then ran almost half the length of the field before firing over from the left side and followed up with a free to put Larkins 1-10 to 0-05 in front. The rest of the game belonged totally to Pearses. Conor Moran gave us the tonic required as he scored a great goal from 30 yards to kickstart the fightback. Although missing a scorable free Cian Murphy was coming more and more into the game winning a 65 which was delivered into the danger area by Luke Mitchell and whipped on first time by Paddy Kenny and into the back of the net. 2 points in it but the clock was against us.
Then Conor Moran took a great line ball into our tallysman Cian Murphy who drew 5 players on him before passing to the unmarked David Hillary who fired over to put the minimum between the sides. Then the fearless Harry Mitchell made a point blank save as Larkins fired in a long ball which was caught by the Larkins forward who lashed first time only for brave young Mitchell to pounce off his line in a bid to close down the forward as the ball ricocheted off his back to deny a certain goal. All eyes were on the ref as the clock was counting down and so it finished with a great Pearses comeback showing true courage, grit & bravery with only a point between the sides in the end. Full time: Pearses 2-06; Tommy Larkins 1-10.
Pearses: Harry Mitchell, Oisin Donoghue, Brian Kelly, Robert Fahy, Peter O’Neill, Robert Hynes, Luke Mitchell, David Hillary, Ethan Lally, Daragh Roche, Cian Murphy, Conor Moran, Paddy Kenny, Ronan Hynes, Conor Kelly, Mark Donnellan, Stephen Grady, Jack Reilly, Eanna Cunniffe, Daragh Scarry.
Report by Martina Donnellan.
Senior League Rd. 2
Athenry 0-13 Pearses 0-12: With a strong wind and persistent drizzle in Raheen yesterday, the conditions were not ideal for hurling. As a result, it was very much a game of two halves. Pearses wind assisted in the first half led by six at the break, but Athenry with the gale in the second half overturned that margin to win by the narrowest margin.
After 15 minutes Pearses led 0-4 to 0-1. Tomás Flannery was on target with three frees while Emmet Ward pointed from play, the Athenry score sandwiched in between. Athenry had pulled two back by 18th minute, before possibly Pearses’ best spell of the game. Seán Hardiman and Emmet Ward landed two points apiece from play before a Flannery free left Pearses 0-9 to 0-3 ahead at the break. The teams taking shelter in the dressing rooms at half-time.
The third quarter was close, with Athenry adding three to Pearses’ two points (Flannery). Then similar to the first half the second part of the half was when the wind aided team kicked into gear. Athenry hit six points in-a-row to move ahead on 24 minutes. Following good work by Colm Raftery, Flannery drilled the resulting free into the wind to level the game. However in the final minute a debatable Athenry score from play seen them take the points.
Pearses have won one from the three League games played to date. Remaining matches to come against Ahascragh-Fohenagh, Kilnadeema-Leitrim and Abbeyknockmoy.
Pearses: C Lawless; K Donnellan, T Kenny, R Lally; R Carr, K Hardiman, B Egan; S Hardiman (0-2), L Murphy; E Cunniffe, C Raftery, E Ward (0-3); J Gelston, T Flannery (0-7, 6f), G Lally. Subs: R O’Neill, P Lally, C O’Neill, E Lawless. Referee: Seán Moran.
Senior League Rd. 3
Killimordaly 0-21 Pearses 0-16: With Round 2 (Athenry) and last week's fixture for this game having fell foul of the weather conditions, this was a case of third time lucky today as improved weather allowed the game to go ahead in Ballymacward. Killimordaly were better in the first half and lead 0-13 to 0-8 at the break. Brian Concannon at centre-forward was the main scorer for the men in green and white. Tomas Flannery as ever was reliable from placed balls for Pearses, with full-back Shane Raftery (long range free), Ronan Bellew and Brendan Egan also chipping in with points.
Three half-time substitutes and a series of positional switches gave Pearses a boost they needed and the second half was a much more even contest, 0-8 each. Flannery continued his accuracy from the placed ball, with Shane and Colm Raftery also getting in on the scoring act. Pearses never really got going in this game, but were still within three entering the final minutes. Remaining League games to come against Athenry (refixture), Abbeyknockmoy, Ahascragh-Fohenagh and Kilnadeema-Leitrim.
Pearses: C Lawless; R Lally, S Raftery (0-2), K Donnellan; K Hardiman, C Donnellan, L Murphy; B Egan (0-1), A Bellew; S Hardiman, R O'Neill, B Sweeney; R Bellew (0-1), T Flannery (0-10), G Lally. Subs used: E Ward, J Gelston, C Raftery (0-2), T Kenny, C O'Neill. Referee: James A Lundon.
League & C'ship Groups
The Club’s Senior hurlers were due to play Athenry in League Round 2 last weekend, however that game and the Junior Hurling League game against Sarsfields were both cancelled due to waterlogged pitches. Having defeated Moycullen in Round 1, the remaining Senior League Group games to come are Athenry (refixture), Ahascragh-Fohenagh, Killimordaly, Kilnadeema-Leitrim and Abbeyknockmoy.
The Junior 'B' Hurling Championship Group is Pearses, Kiltormer, Cappataggle, Beagh, Ballinasloe, Abbeyknockmoy, Clarinbridge and Mullagh. In the League the Group is Pearses, Sarsfields, Killimordaly and Cappataggle.
In Minor 'B' Hurling Championship Pearses have been drawn with Cappataggle, Loughrea, Portumna, Killimor and Moycullen.
In Junior ‘B' Football League Pearses have been drawn with Meelick-Eyrecourt, Killererin, Monivea-Abbey, Menlough, Caherlistrane, Tuam Stars and St Brendan’s. In the Championship (which is knockout) Pearses will play Menlough in the first round.
Club Notes 12/02/20
The draw for the 2017 Senior ‘A’ Hurling Championship was made last week. Pearses have been drawn in Group 2 with Portumna, Sarsfields, Gort, Turloughmore and St Thomas’s. The first round game will be against Portumna.
Holy Rosary College, Mountbellew defeated Ballyhaunis in the Connacht Senior ‘C’ Hurling Final recently. Well done to Pearses' Conor Fahey (Captain), Matt Walsh, Cathal Kitt, Mossy Carr, Geordan Kenny, Niall Moran and Cian Murphy who were all involved.
Good luck to our neighbours Ahascragh-Fohenagh this weekend in the All-Ireland Intermediate Club Final against Carrickshock (Kilkenny). Pearses men Willie Dilleen and Cyril Donnellan are part of their management team.
Michael J Kilgannon RIP
Michael John Kilgannon was born in Liscune, Ballymacward in 1940. He was educated at Liscune National School and later at St. Cuan’s College, where his Classmates included long serving Pearses stalwart Tim Byrnes and Pearses Scór Producer, John Corbett. All three graduated from St. Cuan’s with high grade Leaving Certs. Michael John got a call to Primary Teaching at St. Patrick’s College of Education in Drumcondra, Dublin; where he graduated and his two colleagues Tim and John later went to University and qualified as Secondary Teachers, both returning to their Alma Mater in St. Cuan’s, where they both taught for many years.
Michael John Kilgannon’s first appointment was to a rural school in Co. Cavan, back in 1961. He was anxious to return home and was appointed as Principal Teacher in Cloonkeenkerrill N.S. (Colemanstown/Gurteen) in 1962, moving to Esker N.S. (Ballymacward), becoming Principal there in 1966. Five years later, he became Principal in Liscune N.S., where he originally attended Primary School. In 1974, he became Principal of the new Ballymacward Central National School, which was an amalgamation of the old Esker, Garafine and Liscune National Schools. He held this position until his retirement in 2005.
After the formation of Padraig Pearses G.A.A. Club in 1966, he became a Member of the Club and a promoter of Gaelic Games in Ballymacward School, which has since produced many quality School Teams in Hurling, Camogie and Gaelic Football. Indeed in 1966 Michael John donated 'The Kilgannon Cup' which was played for by the various National Schools in the parish at the time, Garafine were the first winners. He immersed himself in Club Affairs, becoming a Member of the Club’s Management Committee and was appointed a Trustee of the Club’s Grounds – “Páirc na nGael” in Ballymacward, back in 1976.
Michael John was always involved in many Community activities and joined the Local Branch of Macra na Feirme. He became a valued Member of the Ballymacward Macra Debating team alongwith his former Classmate Tim Byrnes, Nicholas Byrnes and Gerry Murray. This team, who were coached by Michael John’s predecessor, former School Principal, Mr. Seamus Duffy, went on to win the County Macra Debating Final in 1960. Born to be a Community Activist, Michael John led and became involved in many Community Campaigns, both locally and throughout the wider Western Region.
Pearses G.A.A. Club this week, express their deepest sympathy to Mrs. Maureen Kilgannon and her six Children, on the death of Michael J. Kilgannon. May his noble soul rest in peace. Ar Dheis Lámh Dé go raibh sé.
Funeral Arrangements: Reposing at St. Peter & Paul's Mortuary Chapel, Ballymacward on Saturday, January 21st, from 2-6pm. Funeral Mass Sunday, January 22nd at 1pm. Burial afterwards to Ballymacward New Cemetery. House private.
Text by Noel Treacy.
2016 Adult Teams Review
Once again the Senior Team was managed by Martin Tierney and his selectors Tom Kenny, Martin Campbell and Anthony Kenny with Kevin Molloy the Trainer. Group training began early in January with players anxious to improve on last year’s performance.
In the league group games we played three games losing to Castlegar and beating Kiltormer and Carnmore all of which were played off in one week from the 12th to the 17th March! We narrowly missed out in going through to the knockout stages on scoring difference.
In the Championship we were grouped with Portumna, Craughwell, Cappataggle, Ardrahan and Liam Mellows. We got off to a good start beating Ardrahan in the first round but defeats to Craughwell and Liam Mellows and Portumna followed. We defeated Cappataggle in the last match to qualify for the Preliminary Quarter-Final where we were beaten by Tommy Larkins.
Thanks to Management for their professional approach all year and to all the players who made the commitment in their efforts towards achieving the panels’ potential.
In Junior 'B' Hurling we were grouped with Ballinderreen, Craughwell, Oranmore-Maree, Menlo Emmetts, and Moycullen, losing only one group game. We beat Mountbellew/Moylough in the Quarter-Final and Killimordaly in the semi-final after a replay. We were beaten by Kinvara in the final. Thanks again to Senior Management and Johnny Mullins who also helped with this panel.
In U21 Hurling We were grouped with Kinvara, Abbeyknockmoy, Ballindereen, and Kiltormer. We beat Kiltormer in the first game and were beaten by Kinvara, who topped the group. Thanks to Senior Management who also managed this panel.
The Minor hurlers were grouped with Cappataggle, Portumna, St. Thomas’ and Carnmore, qualifying for the semi-final where they were narrowly beaten by Craughwell. Thanks to Manager Cormac Ward and selectors John Raftery and Ronan Bellew.
Our Junior footballers had a memorable year. They beat Claregalway in the North Board Championship Quarter-Final, defeated Glenamaddy after a replay in the North Semi-Final and beat Oranmore-Maree in North Board Final. They went on to beat Naomh Anna Leitir Móir in the County Final. This was the first title for the Football section of the Club since it's formation in 2013. They also captured the Division 8 League title. They were in a group of ten, which they topped beating Claregalway in the Final. Well done to Manager Adrian Queeney, and his selectors James Clancy and Noel Burke. Thanks also to Leo Morrissey who looked after the administrative side of all things football throughout the year.
Juvenile Review 2016
Hurling: A total of 12 U6’s and 23 U8’s this year came to training on Sunday mornings from February to October. Several games were played against local teams throughout the summer ending with a 5 game blitz for the U8’s at the Connacht Centre of Excellence in Bekan. The lads played excellently in all games winning the majority of them.
Our U10s played 10 games throughout the year starting with a trip away to Na Piarsaigh in Limerick and also ending their playing year with a tournament in Bekan Mayo. They had an excellent year remaining unbeaten throughout.
Our U12s won six games and drew one out of eight group matches to reach the semi-final against Abbeyknockmoy who won the match in extra time. This was an excellent run by a very young but determined team.
The U13s played in a number of highly entertaining and closely fought matches in Gurteen where they qualified for the semi-final playing Meelick-Eyrecourt and were victorious. The U13s went on win the B1 final against Cois Fharraige. This team played excellent hurling throughout the year and were deserving champions, in Duggan Park. Captain Cian Murphy collected the cup, while Luke Mitchell was named Man of the Match.
The U14s won three and drew one out of their 5 group games and reached the U14C Quarter-Final where they defeated Annaghdown. The U14s were defeated by Sylane in the semi-final. The Féile competition was held in Tuam Stadium this year. The U14s played excellent hurling and were victorious against St. Thomas’s, Tuam and Abbeyknockmoy and only losing out to Portumna by a point. Portumna went on to win the group.
The U15s Championship ran in September/October. They won their group which included Kilconieron, Cappataggle and Tynagh Abbey-Duniry and followed this by a big Semi-Final win over Ballygar before losing to Loughrea in the County final, in Duggan Park, Ballinasloe.
The U16s played and were successful against Ballinasloe, Oranmore-Maree, Tommy Larkins, Rahoon- Newcastle and Kilconieron in their group games. They beat Michael Cusacks in the semi–final and lost the County final to Ardrahan, played at Duggan Park.
Football: A very young U12s team took their first foray in competitive football playing Oranmore-Maree, Kinvara and Headford. They showed great skill and enthusiasm losing narrowly in their games. The U16s were successful against Clarinbridge, St James and Loughrea and losing to Headford and Oranmore-Maree in the Division 2C league.
Thanks to a committed and dedicated club executive for their help throughout the year. Thanks to all parents for their continued support. A special thanks also to the juvenile mentors who give so much of their time coaching our youth: Michael Carr, Des McCabe, Declan Moran, Tomás Kenny, Tomás Flannery, Johnny Mullins, Michael Kelly, Paul Hogan, Adrian Queeney, Paul Feeney, Dermot Lydon, Niall Barrett, Martin Scarry, Eddie Mitchell, Niall Skehill, Larry Hillary, Sean O’Neill and Sean Moran for their efforts and dedication throughout the year. Thanks also to the parents who have helped out on many mornings. A special note of thanks to Noel Burke for keeping Gurteen pitch in such good condition.
(Text by Dorothy Scarry, from 2016 AGM Report)
2016 AGM Report
The Club's Annual General Meeting took place earlier this evening in Ballymacward Hall. Chairman Tom O’Grady opened the meeting by requesting a minute’s silence for deceased members of the Club during 2016, including Club Vice-Presidents Brendan Hynes and Fr. Vincent Lawless and also recently deceased Hurling Referee Michael Dolan RIP. Our Sympathies to Michael Dolan’s family, friends and to Kilconieron and Sarsfields G.A.A. Clubs.
Secretary Martin Bellew recounted a memorable 50th year for the Club and thanked all Volunteers for their hard work in making it such a great success. He also noted the success of the Club’s Junior footballers completing the treble earlier in the week. He referenced the full run-down of all the year's activities, available in the AGM booklet.
Next the Club Treasurer Shane Ruane gave a his report, thanking in particular all Club Sponsors for their generous support, the '250 Club' and also the outlets for Club Lotto ticket sales. County Board Chairman Noel Treacy moved quickly to prevent any confusion, by noting that the Rubberbandits had not performed at our 50th Celebrations, in reference to a 'Rubber Training Bands' entry on an Expense sheet. Club Patron Tim Byrnes as ever was in attendance and was an vocal contributor throughout.
in Chairman Tom O’Grady's address he stepped down after four years in the position. Thanks to Tom for his service in the role and he will no doubt continue, as always, being an integral part of the Club on the Executive Committee.
Paul Ryan was elected as a new Club Vice-President. Adrian Queeney became the new Club Chairman and will be joined at the top table by Secretary Martin Bellew and Treasurer Shane Ruane, both continuing in their roles. 2016 Senior hurling manager Martin Tierney spoke, stating that he will not continue as Manager for 2016. Most Manager positions are TBC at later dates. A full list of Officers is available over on this page.
Following motions and election of officers, Co. Board Chairman and Club Vice-President Noel Treacy spoke to the AGM. He was also complementary of the success that was the Club’s 50th year and noting the recent successes of the Club's Junior footballers, suggested that the benefits of football can also improve the Club's players as hurlers. Outgoing Chairman Tom O'Grady and Secretary Martin Bellew concluded the meeting. Well done to new Chairman Adrian Queeney and welcome to the new members of the Executive Committee.
Junior Football Treble
Pearses 4-7 Claregalway 0-9: The Club's Junior footballers completed a unique treble last Thursday evening when they defeated Claregalway to win the Division 8 Football League in Newbridge. Having previously taken North and County Junior 'C' Championship titles, this win capped a great year for football in the Club. Pearses dominated the game from the start and 4 first half goals practically decided the game.
The first goal arrived when Kerrill Hardiman gathered an Enda Cunniffe delivery and was fouled in the square. Cunniffe sent the penalty to the back of the net. Hardiman himself had the ball in the net soon after to leave the score 2-1 to 0-0 after 10 minutes. Claregalway, with former Mayo players James Nallen and David Heaney in their ranks, scored 3 of the game's next 5 points. However two more killer blows from Pearses before half-time, Kerrill Hardiman and Niall Skehill adding a third and fourth goal. 4-3 to 0-3 at the break.
Claregalway outscored Pearses, 0-6 to 0-4 in the scond half but the damage had been done. Pearses kept the scoreboard ticking mainly through Man of the Match, Tomás Flannery. Noel Treacy was on hand again to present the cup to Pearses Captain Gary Lally. Well done to all involved on a great year!
Pearses: J Flannery; L Murphy, S Hardiman, T Broderick; J Lally, D Wynne, G Lally (0-1); A Bellew, L Morrissey; E Cunniffe (1-2), R Lally, A Finn; T Flannery (0-3), K Hardiman (2-1), N Skehill (1-0). Subs: K Connell, C Hogan, R Carr.
GAA Membership Cards
The online registration site for the new GAA Membership Card and GRMA rewards programme is now live. GAA Club Members are asked to register for the programme at gaa.ie/grma. Registered Members will receive their official GAA Membership Card personalised with their name, club and GAA membership number from January.
The GRMA rewards programme will also be available from January providing registered GAA Members with access to exclusive discounts, special offers and the opportunity to earn points for going to games. Points can be redeemed by individual members or pooled for redemption by GAA clubs. Members need their GAA membership number to register on gaa.ie/grma. Posters and membership number leaflets have been delivered to all county board office for distribution to clubs. The leaflets should be used to provide members with their membership number when renewing their subscription for 2017. Membership Cards will only be distributed to members who have signed up to GRMA online.
A national media launch will take place at Croke Park with Uachtarán Aogan Ó Fearghail on Tuesday 22nd November. In the New Year, phase two of the programme will be launched. This will enable GAA supporters and match-goers to register and earn points through the grma programme.
Membership Cards are only issued to GAA Club Members who have renewed their subscriptions. The programme is available to GAA members who are over 18. For further details, visit gaa.ie/grma, or contact the grma team at grma@gaa.ie.
Co. Junior Football Final
Pearses 2-11 Naomh Anna, Leitir Móir 1-5. Pearses Junior footballers followed on from their recent Junior 'C' North Championship win, when they defeated Naomh Anna, Leitir Móir to claim the County title last Saturday in Pearse Stadium, Salthill. It was a first football County cup for the Club since resuming dual status in 2013. The first half was a low scoring affair, with Pearses going in 0-4 to 0-3 in front. The third quarter of the game was when Pearses took control and opened a six point lead, thanks mainly to 1-1 from Damien Wynne. Pearses held the lead until the finish.
It took a while for the first score of the game which arrived on the eighth minute from the boot of Sean Hardiman. The same player was unlucky to pick up a second yellow card three minutes later. Leitir Móir initially used their extra man to good effect and picked off the next three points of the game to lead 0-3 to 0-1 after 21 minutes. The pick of the scores a sideline kick angled over brilliantly by Pádraic Mac Eochagáin. The final 10 minutes of the first half belonged to Pearses with points from Enda Cunniffe, Kerrill Hardiman and Richie Lally giving Pearses that narrow half-time lead.
14-man Pearses stormed into the second half and bagged 1-1 in the first five minutes. Substitute Emmet Ward opened the scoring before Damien Wynne burst through the Naomh Anna defence to bury the ball in the net, 1-5 to 0-3. There could well have been another Pearses goal as a surge upfield by Gary Lally created a goal chance for Ward, which was well saved by the keeper, Micheál Ó Curraoin. Leitir Móir hit back with a pointed free on the 41st minute, but three more Pearses points (Wynne, Ward and Hardiman) by the 50th minute left Naomh Anna seven behind, 1-8 to 0-4.
As you would expect Naomh Anna came looking for goals and Lee Murphy cleared off the Pearses line on the 21st minute. Two minutes later Emmet Ward extended Pearses' lead to nine with the game's second goal. Centre-back Ronan Bellew extended the lead with a point from play. Credit to Naomh Anna they never gave in, finding the net with 4 minutes left.
Super-sub Ward landed Pearses' 10th point before Enda Cunniffe found himself through one-on-one with the keeper on the 58th minute. Not for the first time Ó Curraoin saved expertly to deny a third goal. From the resulting sequence of play Ward knocked over the game's final point.
Captain Gary Lally collected the Club's second piece of Silverware in seven days from County Board Chairman Noel Treacy. Damien Wynne was named Man of the Match. Indeed the season is not yet over for this group of players as they are set to meet Milltown in the League Semi-Final (fixture TBC). Any mention of trebles banned for now, by the team's spiritual leader Leo Morrissey.
Pearses: J Flannery; L Murphy, K Donnellan, T Broderick; J Lally, R Bellew (0-1), G Lally; A Bellew, L Morrissey; D Wynne (1-1), E Cunniffe (0-1), S Hardiman (0-1); R Skehill, K Hardiman (0-2), R Lally (0-1). Subs used: E Ward (1-4), B Egan, A Finn, N Skehill.
North Junior Football Final
Pearses 4-8 Oranmore-Maree 0-7: The Club’s Junior footballers defeated Oranmore-Maree last Saturday in the North Board Junior 'C' Final at Tuam Stadium. They have gained promotion to Junior ‘B’ for 2017 and a place in the County Junior ‘C’ Football Final against Connemara club Naomh Anna, Leitir Móir. Two goals in the first five minutes set the tone for the rest of the game as Pearses ran out comfortable winners.
Both teams observed a minute's silence for Sheila Bellew RIP before the throw-in. When the action got under way, the first goal wasn't long arriving. Damien Wynne latched on to the break and finished to the net after an Enda Cunniffe free had dropped short in the square. Just two minutes later Tómas Flannery had the ball in the net for Pearses. By the 15th minutes Pearses led 2-2 to 0-1, with Flannery and Cunniffe points coming either side of Oranmore-Maree's first. Oranmore-Maree had some chances from placed balls, but just didn't have the range. In the second quarter the men in blue came more into the game and added three points to Pearses' two, leaving the half-time score 2-4 to 0-3.
Kerrill Hardiman had the ball in the net four minutes into the second half and by the end of the third quarter Pearses had added three more points, with Oranmore-Maree's first score of the second half not coming until the 51st minute, 3-7 to 0-4. Oranmore-Maree added three points in the last ten minutes and rattled the crossbar, but 1-1 from Pearses held off any slim hope of a comeback. Emmet Ward with the final goal of the game in injury time.
Captain Gary Lally accepted the cup from Galway County Board Chairman and Club Vice-President Noel Treacy. He praised the Management team of Adrian Queeney, James Clancy and Noel Burke and noted that the win was just reward for their commitment too. Best of luck to the team and management in the County Final.
Pearses: J Flannery; L Murphy, K Donnellan, T Broderick; J Lally, R Bellew, G Lally; A Bellew, L Morrissey; T Flannery (1-1), E Cunniffe (0-5), D Wynne (1-0); R Skehill, K Hardiman (1-2), R Lally. Subs used: B Egan, A Finn, E Ward (1-0).
U15B Hurling Final
Loughrea 1-17 Pearses 1-15. Despite going down by two points in the end Pearses U15 hurlers displayed good character on Friday evening in Duggan Park, Ballinasloe. They trailed by six points at half time and Loughrea looked in control of the game, but they fought back to hit the front with 15 minutes left. The teams were level twice in the final quarter before Loughrea edged it.
An Oisin Flannery free opened the scoring and Pearses lead 0-2 to 0-0 after five minutes. Loughrea were back level on nine minutes and the teams were deadlocked again on 13 minutes, 0-3 apiece. Dean Reilly’s using his pace to good effect up front with two points for Pearses. Loughrea hit a purple patch yielding 1-6 and had opened a seven point lead by the 20th minute. Dean Reilly ended an eight minute scoreless spell for Pearses on 25 minutes and the teams shared six points evenly before the half-time whistle: Loughrea 1-12 Pearses 0-9.
Pearses came flying into the game in the third quarter and hit an unanswered 1-4 in this period to take the lead. Oisin Flannery (3) and Reilly were the point scorers. Flannery was also the goalscorer when his dropping shot ended up in the net from 45 yards, Luke Mitchell’s leap across the keeper’s line of vision leaving the netminder unsighted for that split second. With 15 minutes left Pearses led 1-13 to 1-12.
Two Loughrea points pushed them ahead with ten minutes remaining. Flannery levelled again from a placed ball on 52 minutes. Loughrea outscored Pearses 0-3 to 0-1 in the final minutes to take the title. Well done to the lads for the way they came back after half-time. It’s admirable to see such a quality in young players.
Pearses (panel): D McCabe; B Kelly, E McCabe, N Moran; M Hennelly, S Hynes, R Hynes; J Barrett (0-1), G Kenny; C Kitt (0-1), O Flannery (1-9), C Murphy, Eoin Lally, D Reilly (0-4), J Mitchell. Subs: Ethan Lally, L Mitchell, R Fahy, C Moran.
Junior 'B' Final
Kinvara 1-12 Pearses 0-8. Pearses had a good start to this Junior ‘B’ County Final played yesterday in Loughrea, leading 0-5 to 0-2 after 13 minutes. The game was level 0-5 apiece by the 21st minute before a Gerry Huban goal for Kinvara gave them the lead which they would hold until the final whistle as nothing seemed to go right for Pearses after that good opening spell.
Robbie Donnellan opened the scoring for Pearses from a tight angle inside the first minute. Kinvara landed two points to go in front before Seán Murray, continuing his scoring from wing-back in the Semi-final, levelled the game for Pearses. The next three points of the game came from Pearses, with scores from Niall Skehill (2) and Kealan Beckett making it 0-5 to 0-2. Pearses would not score for 12 minutes, as Kinvara reeled off 1-5. The Huban’s Gerry and David leading the Kinvara charge. The teams exchanged two pointed frees before half time to leave it Kinvara 1-8 Pearses 0-6 at the break.
The second half was low scoring, with just three points from both teams in the third quarter, two from Kinvara. Both sets of forwards were finding it hard to make progress against tight backlines. A Niall Skehill free on the 48th minute would be Pearses’ final score of the game. Pearses pushed hard for a goals and did come close, but just could not find the net. Two more pointed frees from Kinvara sealed their win.
Kinvara had the disappointment of losing the 2014 Junior ‘B’ Final to Clarinbridge. Hopefully, like Kinvara, we can come back from the disappointment of losing this Final to take the title next year.
Pearses: P O’Brien; J Jenkins, P Raftery, A Burke; S Murray (0-1), B Egan, R Carr; K Donnellan, E Lawless; L Morrissey, K Beckett (0-1), N Skehill (0-4); D Burke, A Kilkenny, R Donnellan (0-1). Subs used: C O’Grady (0-1), S Walsh, J Lally, R Skehill. Subs: E Burke, M Walsh, C Lawless, D Lawless.
James Kyne R.I.P.
James Kyne R.I.P. was a founder Member of Pádraig Pearses GAA Club and was one of our most enthusiastic and loyal Supporters. He was also a Founder Member of Pearses Handball Club and its first Treasurer. James was a noted Handballer himself and travelled the Country with the late Paddy Flynn, for various Competitions.
James' late father came from Clonbur and bought the Pub in Ballymacward in 1901, with an uncle of James buying the Pub in Gurteen. Football was strong in the Kyne genes and James played Football for Ballymacward and later for Tullawickey (an amalgamation of Ballymacward, Gurteen and Woodlawn). His first cousins, the late Joe in Gurteen and the late Seamus in Clonbur both played Football for Galway with distinction. James was also a cousin of the late martyred Priest, Fr. Michael Griffin of Gurteen and later Galway City. James carried on the Family's business tradition of General Merchants and Publicans in Ballymacward. The late James Kyne was a decent, generous and quiet man. Ar dheis lamh dé go raibh se.
Reposing today, Friday, at St Peter and Paul's Mortuary Chapel adjoining Church at Ballymacward from 4.30pm to 6.30pm. Removal from his residence on Saturday 15th to St Peter and Paul's Church for Mass at 2pm with burial afterwards at the new Cemetery, Ballymacward. Family flowers only. Donations, if desired, to Irish Kidney Association.
Text by Noel Treacy.
Minor 'B' Semi-Final
Craughwell 2-16 Pearses 1-17: When Pearses drew level in injury time in this Minor ‘B’ Semi-Final played Saturday in Loughrea, it looked like the game was heading for a replay. However Craughwell landed two points at the opposite end to secure the win.
Pearses started well with two Oisin Flannery frees, but Craughwell hit 1-3 to go four in front by the 10th minute. Points from Matt Walsh and Conor O’Neill either side of a Craughwell free left it 1-4 to 0-4 after 15 minutes. Pearses outscored Craughwell 0-7 to 0-2 in the second quarter of the game. Mainly through the free-taking of Oisin Flannery, with Matt Walsh and Dean Reilly chipping in. Pearses were unlucky not to find the net too, when the Craughwell keeper brought off a super save with his hand. Pearses let 0-11 to 1-6 at half-time.
10 minutes into the second half Pearses had extended the lead to three, but Craughwell hit 1-2 to take back the lead. In the remaining 10 minutes the scores came thick and fast. The result seemed to be decided as Craughwell lead 2-14 to 0-16 heading into injury time, but there was more drama to follow.
Oisin Flannery stepped up to send a 21-yard-free to the back of the net and leave just one point in the game. Dean Reilly followed soon after with an equalising point and a draw looked the most likely outcome. However there was still more injury time remaining and Craughwell got the two killer points to see them through to the Final against Meelick-Eyrecourt.
Hard luck to the lads. They were desperately unlucky in the end. The loss of Cian Lawless, who had been solid at full-back throughout the season was a blow for this game, but the team battled gamely. With many of these lads underage again next year they can hope to build on this year’s progress.
Pearses (panel): J Barrett; E Burke, R Flannery, S Murray; S Hynes, R O’Neill, S Doran; C O’Neill (0-2), D Grady; C Kitt, C Fahey (0-1), D Reilly (0-2); M Ruane, M Walsh (0-2), O Flannery (1-10). G Kenny, M Carr, C Burke, C Lawless.
4 wins from 4 for U10s
Our U8 and U10 hurlers travelled to the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence in Bekan, Ballyhaunis on Saturday morning. The U8s played Loughrea, Salthill, Moycullen, Athenry and Skehana. The U10s had 4 wins from four defeating St. Thomas's, Turloughmore, Ardrahan and Clarinbridge.
U10 Game 1: Pearses 2-3. St. Thomas 2-0. This game took a while to get going. Goals from Anthony Feeney and Dara Scarry, a long range point from Jonah Donnellan and 2 late points from 7 year old match winner Sean Kelly helped Pearses squeeze through a close game.
U10 Game 2: Pearses 2-1; Turloughmore 0-3. Two exceptionally well taken goals from Dara Scarry and a point from Harry Mitchell was enough to see Pearses close out a tight game.
U10 Game 3: Pearses 3-2; Clarinbridge. 2-0. Two goals from 8 year old Darren Moran and another from top scorer for Pearses U10's on the day Dara Scarry and 2 points taken on the run from Harry Mitchell did the trick against a strong Clarinbridge team.
U10 Game 4: Pearses 3-6; Ardrahan 0-2; Harry Mitchell ran riot with 2 goals and another from Anthony Feeney as well as 4 exceptional points from play from David Walsh and 2 from Jonah Donnellan finished the day with a great spread of scores in Pearses most convincing win of the day.
This closes the U10 hurling season for the year. The parents wish to thank the entire underage management team for their trojan voluntary efforts put in and commitment and dedication shown since the underage campaign began last February. Their efforts have not gone unnoticed and are greatly appreciated by children and parents alike.
U10 Panel: Dara Scarry, Harry Mitchell, Anthony Feeney, Brian Thompson, Jamie Nutley, Jonah Donnellan, Sean Kelly, Darren Moran, Diarmuid Ryan, Dylan Roche, David Walsh, Conor Hillary, Cathal Hynes, Ross Lally.
U8 Panel: Fionn Donoghue, James Queeney, Darren Moran, Conor Walsh, Padraic Kelly, Daniel Keating, Luke Mitchell, James Feeney, Eoin Ryan, Joe Carroll, Tommy Nutley, James Somers, Dylan King, Daniel Lydon, Niall Grady, Ciaran Hogan, Sean Kelly, Tadgh Harte, Robbie Lydon.
Thanks to Martina Donnellan for the report.
Junior B Semi-Final Replay
Pearses 2-13 Killimordaly 2-11: Apart from a shower before the delayed throw-in to this game, playing conditions were much improved for this Derby Semi-Final Replay played yesterday in Turloughmore. Pearses led by five at half time, but Killimordaly stormed back at the start of the second half to make it a one point game. 1-4 from Pearses put them eight clear, before the green and white brought it back to one again. Late scores from Niall Skehill and Kealan Beckett seen Pearses through to a first Junior ‘B’ Final since 2009.
Pearses led 0-4 to 0-2 after 11 minutes, with Niall Skehill (3) continuing where he left off last week and Robbie Donnellan the scorers. Two minutes later Aidan Kilkenny had the ball in the Killimordaly net, when he somehow managed to squeeze the ball past the keeper from a tight angle, while falling under the challenge of two defenders. On the 18th minute Killimordaly were awarded a penalty and made the most of the chance to cut the gap back to two points, 1-4 to 1-2. Killimordaly wouldn’t score for the remainder of the half, as Aidan Kilkenny (2) and Niall Skehill would extend Pearses lead to five, 1-7 to 1-2.
Killimordaly hit four points in-a-row in the first eight minutes of the second half, to make it 1-7 to 1-6 and it was all to play for. On the 40th minute Aidan Kilkenny struck for his and Pearses’ second goal and put breathing space between the sides again. The introduction of Sean Walsh in the Pearses half-forward line was making an impact and Pearses reeled off the next four points, 2-11 to 1-6. Again, credit to Killimordaly’s fighting spirit they did not give up. They themselves responded with 1-4 and with five minutes to play the minimum separated the side again.
Niall Skehill was on target from a free to make it 2-12 to 2-10 and shortly afterwards Kealan Becket landed a great long range point from the right to put three between the teams. Killimordaly forced a 21 yard free at the other end in the closing stages, but Niall Earls blazed over and soon after the final whistle sounded, Pearses were back in the Final.
Pearses: P O’Brien; A Burke, P Raftery, J Jenkins; S Murray, B Egan, R Carr; E Lawless (0-1), K Donnellan; L Morrissey, K Beckett (0-1), N Skehill (0-5); D Burke, A Kilkenny (2-3), R Donnellan (0-3). Subs used: S Walsh, R Skehill, J Lally. Man of the Match: Aidan Kilkenny.
Junior B Semi-Final
Pearses 0-11 Killimordaly 0-11: Conditions for this game played in Ahascragh yesterday were not suitable for good hurling, with showers and heavy underfoot conditions. Pearses led by one point at half-time and were ahead 11-8 entering the final 10 minutes. Killimordaly had the better finish drawing level at the end to earn another day out.
Pearses led 0-5 to 0-4 after seventeen minutes of play. Aidan Kilkenny, Niall Skehill (3) and Sean Murray the scorers. Killimordaly getting themselves back into the game after falling three behind early on. Leo Morrissey then got his name on the scoresheet from play, followed by another Skehill free, 0-7 to 0-4. Killimordaly finished the half better with two points leaving just one point between the teams at half time, 0-7 to 0-6. The players were lucky to get off the field at that point, as a heavy downpour had the spectators running for cover.
Two Niall Skehill frees after half time made it 0-9 to 0-6, before a Killimordaly response. Skehill again made it 0-10 to 0-7 after 43 minutes. Like the first half Killimordaly would have the better of the remainder of the half and outscored Pearses 0-4 to 0-1 in this period. There was some uncertainty about the scoreline on the final whistle, but a draw was probably the fairest result, given the terrible conditions. Both teams will hope to produce a better performance in the replay.
Pearses: P O’Brien; A Burke, P Raftery, J Jenkins; S Murray (0-1), B Egan, R Carr; E Lawless, K Donnellan; C Lawless, K Beckett, N Skehill (0-7); L Morrissey (0-1), A Kilkenny (0-1), R. Donnellan (0-1). Subs used: R Skehill, D Burke, D Lawless.
Junior B Qtr-Final
Pearses 4-16 Mountbellew-Moylough 0-13: Our Junior B hurlers are through to the Championship Semi-Finals after a convincing win over Mountbellew-Moylough yesterday in Ahascragh. Pearses led from start to finish in this game and three first half goals were blows that Mountbellew-Moylough never recovered from.
Pearses had hit four points in the first ten minutes, before Mountbellew-Moylough opened their account. Mountbellew-Moylough also guilty of four wides in this spell. Cian Lawless netted the first Pearses goal on the 12th minute to stretch the lead. By the 20 minute mark it was 1-6 to 0-2. A burst upfield by Brendan Egan before hitting a long range point on the run was a highlight. Mountbellew-Moylough then hit a purple patch scoring four points in-a-row, to make it a three point game. However that comeback was halted by two Pearses goals in three minutes, Lawless again and Robbie Donnellan poaching another, 3-7 to 0-7 at half-time.
In the first ten minutes of the second half Mountbellew-Moylough outscored Pearses by 0-5 to 0-4. The pick of the nine was a first time pull from Robbie Donnellan, flying over from 45 yards. Noel McDonagh, son of a former Pearses stalwart, accurate from frees for the men in black and amber. There was a nine minute scoreless spell for both teams before a point apiece, 3-11 to 0-13. In the final ten minutes Pearses hit 1-4 without reply, Aidan Kilkenny with the Pearses goal.
Pearses now advance to play Killimordaly in the Semi-Finals, while Castlegar take on Kinvara in the other side of the draw.
Pearses: P O’Brien; J Jenkins, P Raftery, S Murray; A Naughton, B Egan (0-2), R Carr; K Donnellan (0-1), E Lawless; N Skehill (0-6), K Beckett, C Lawless (2-0); L Morrissey, A Kilkenny (1-2), R Donnellan (1-3). Subs used: A Burke, C O’Grady, R Skehill (0-1), D Lawless (0-1), E Burke.
Brendan Hynes R.I.P
There was widespread shock across the Galway & Irish Communities in New York City and here in the West, throughout Counties Galway and Mayo and further afield; on the sudden and unexpected death of Brendan Hynes in New York, on Sunday last, September 4th.
Brendan Hynes was born in Gurteen, Ballinasloe, in 1934 and was educated at the local National School and later at Ballinafad College.
He was an outstanding young Sportsman and played Hurling and Football with Gurteen & Ballymacward – later with St. Kerrill’s, an amalgamation of both; graduating onto the Galway Minor Hurling Team in 1952. Like many of his fellow Irishmen, he emigrated to the U.K. in 1955 and joined Manchester Shamrocks G.A.A. Club, winning a Lancashire County Senior Hurling Championship Medal in 1956 and was later selected and played for Lancashire in the U.K. G.A.A. Championships. He left the U.K. and went on to the U.S.A. arriving in New York in 1961, where he lived for the past fifty five years. His first job was as a Bus Driver and after that he fulfilled his mandatory enlistment in the U.S. Military Services, serving in Germany for two years.
On his return to New York, he re-joined his G.A.A. Colleagues in the Galway Hurling Club of New York, captaining them to win the North American/New York Senior Hurling Championship in 1964; a feat which this star studded Team repeated in 1965 & 1966; thus mirroring the Galway Football “Three-in-a-Row” success here at home, in the same years. He played for New York against Ireland in the Cardinal Cushing Games in Boston in 1964, ’65 & ’66, with New York winning the first two and Ireland, Captained by the legendary Christy Ring, narrowly winning in 1966. Later he would become the Galway/New York Team Manager in 1968 and subsequently became a Galway & New York G.A.A. Officer.
He married the love of his life, a great Mayo woman, Ann McDonnell, from Glenamoy in October 1966. They have four Children and twelve Grandchildren. Brendan Hynes was a distinguished Public Servant in New York, becoming Transport Commissioner in the State of Queens, responsible for Highway supervision, along with Road development and maintenance, Lighting, etc.
After that, he developed the famous “Green Leaf” Public House on 242nd. Street in Broadway. The Green Leaf became a home from home for Emigrants from Ireland and especially for Galway G.A.A. People. Later he would develop the Hynes Plaza, a commercial and residential complex in Upstate, New York.
In a statement this week, the County G.A.A. Chairman, Noel Treacy stated “Brendan Hynes was an outstanding Galwayman and was so proud of his Country. He loved Galway and flew home for our Games annually, including the Game with Cork in April last. He also attended Pearses’ Games, irrespective of Grade or Code, when he was home.
An outstanding Sportsman, he was a person of decency and generosity and was extremely good to Galway Emigrants, arriving in New York over the years. A man of pleasant disposition, he endeared himself to many, at home and abroad.
We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Ann and their four Adult Children – Kerrill, Cathy, Deirdre and Kenneth; along with their Spouses and Children; to his brother John in Ballymacward; cousins, in-laws and many friends. Ní bheidh a leitheád arís ann”.
Brendan Hynes Funeral Mass will take place in St. Denis R.C. Church, Hopewell Junction, New York; on this Friday, September 9th at 12 Noon. A Memorial Mass in his honour will be held in Ballymacward R.C.C. on Monday next, September 12th at 8pm. May he Rest in Peace.
U13B1 Champions 2016
Pearses 4-9 Cois Fharriage 2-5: A storming second half by Pearses secured a third U13 title in four years for the Club in this game played in Duggan Park, Ballinasloe. Pearses trailed 2-4 to 1-4 at half time, but outscored the Gaeltacht team 3-5 to 0-1 in the second half for a memorable win.
Cois Fharriage went two points up early on before two Cian Murphy frees levelled the game. Pearses hit the front again before Cois Fharraige goaled at the other end. In this end to end contest two raspers by Cian Murphy was well blocked by the opposition keeper, before a Conor Moran delivery from the right wing went all the way to the net, Pearses back in front by 1. The teams shared the next two points before Cois Fharraige found the net again at the town end. Pearses keeper Harry Mitchell making an excellent save only to see the rebound fly past him. The Gaeltacht men added a point to lead by three at half time.
In the opening five minutes of the second half Pearses had hit 1-3 without reply to reverse the half time deficit. Cian Murphy with the goal, Luke Mitchell, Ronan Hynes and Conor Moran the points. Cois Fharraige hit back with what was to be their last score of the game. Pearses dominated the rest of the game, Luke and Cian adding 1-1 apiece. The defence were impressive also tightening their marking on the big Cois Fharraige centre-forward, who had caused problems in the first half.
It was an super turnaround in the second half and despite many of the team being underage again next year, they were not phased by their bigger opponents. Cian Murphy accepted the cup from Pádraic Lohan (Coiste Iomana na nÓg) and Luke Mitchell was named Man of the Match, accepting his award from Tom Monaghan (Ocean Hygiene Supplies). Well done to all and a big Thanks to the Mentors for their hard work with the panel during the year. Thanks also to all who lit fires and turned out for the home-coming!
Pearses (panel): Harry Mitchell, Robert Fahey, Brian Kelly, Oisin Donoghue, Peter O’Neill, Robert Hynes, Luke Mitchell (1-2), Ethan Lally, David Hillary, Conor Moran (1-1), Cian Murphy (2-4), Paddy Kenny (0-1), Darragh Roche, Ronan Hynes (0-1), Mark Donnellan, Dara Scarry, Conor Kelly, Anthony Feeney, Eanna Cunniffe, Jack Reilly, Stephen Grady.
Senior Prelim Qtr-Final
Tommie Larkins 0-21 Pearses 1-14: Larkins led by Jason Flynn were more economical with their chances in the first half of this game played in Duggan Park, Ballinasloe. That gave them a lead which they held until the final whistle. Pearses never gave up and cut the margin to three in injury time, but time ran out and Larkins progressed to the Quarter-Final.
The teams were level 0-3 each after six minutes. Tom Flannery (2) and Adrian Bellew the scorers. Flynn and Kevin McHugo on target for Larkins. In the next 15 minutes Larkins added six points in-a-row to take a commanding lead. There was a Pearses goal chance for Lee Murphy and Pearses hit some wides, before Emmett Ward broke the scoreless spell with a point from the left wing. The remaining 10 minutes seen a more even scoring spread as the teams shared 0-3 each. Half-time score: Larkins 0-12 to 0-7.
Larkins had pushed into a nine point lead after 11 minutes of the second half, Flynn with all bar one of their 0-5 in this spell. The final quarter was Pearses’ best spell as they tried to rescue the result, outscoring the Ballinakill-Woodford side 1-6 to 0-5. A Cyril Donnellan 21’ was stopped on the line in the 24th minute. He picked up a second yellow card in injury time but despite being reduced to 14 Pearses manufactured a penalty. Flannery sent it to the net and the margin was suddenly down to 3, however Larkins responded at the other end with an insurance score to seal the win.
Pearses: F Flannery; S Raftery, T Kenny, R Lally; A Bellew (0-1), R Bellew, K Hardiman; J Gelston, R O’Neill; C Donnellan (0-1), E Ward (0-2), S Hardiman (0-1); G Lally, T Flannery (1-8), L Murphy. Subs used: C Ward (0-1), D Wynne, E Cunniffe, B Sweeney. Ref: C Browne.
AI Semi-Final Tickets
Please see below the event and ticketing details for the GAA Hurling All-Ireland Semi Finals, on 14th August in Croke Park. Tickets for this game are not be available through the Club.
GAA Hurling Semi-Final
Minor: 1.30pm, Galway v Tipperary
Senior: 3.30pm, Galway v Tipperary
Prices as follows
Hogan Stand (No Concession) €40
Cusack Stand €40
Terrace €25
Family Tickets
Family Tickets (Cusack and Davin Stands Only)
Adults €40 & Juveniles €5
Students & Senior Citizens (Cusack & Davin Stand Only)
Purchase full price tickets and get rebate of €10 with valid I.D. at Block D, Stiles 1 to 5 in the Cusack Stand (Rebate can only be claimed on entry into the stadium via BLOCK D)
Wheelchair Tickets
The Wheelchair Ticket and Assistant's ticket is €40
Tickets are now on also on general sale online and via the SuperValu/Centra stores. Tickets available also, for Clubs, Season Ticket Holders, Members of Supporters Club in Pearse Stadium between 10.30am and 4.30pm, Monday to Friday, from 10am Wednesday 3 August to 4pm on Friday 12 August.
U16B Hurling Final
Ardrahan 1-10 Ardrahan 2-9: Our U16 hurlers came up just short against a strong Ardrahan side this evening in the U16B Final played in Duggan Park, Ballinasloe. In wet and windy conditions Pearses trailed 1-7 to 0-5 at half time having played against the wind. The lads showed great spirit to turn things around in the third quarter and went one up with 47 minutes gone. Ardrahan hit back with a goal of their own just three minutes later to retake the lead. They added two more points to Pearses’ one and survived a late goal chance to claim the title.
Ardrahan landed the first three points of the game, before Oisin Flannery opened the Pearses scoring with a pointed free on nine minutes, 0-3 to 0-1. Pearses stepped it up in the next 10 minutes, outscoring the South Galway team 0-3 to 0-2. Oisin Flannery with all scores, two of them frees earned by Cian Murphy and Geordan Kenny, 0-5 to 0-4. Ardrahan went three clear and goaled in first half stoppage time to give themselves a 1-7 to 0-5 lead at the change of ends.
The third quarter was Pearses’ best spell. Ardrahan extended their lead to six points just after the restart, but in the next fifteen minutes Pearses scored 1-4 to go in front for the only time in the game. Flannery was on target from frees and play, while Dean Reilly at full-forward bagged 1-1. Ardrahan swung the game back in their favour with 1-1 of their own and led by three with nine minutes left. They did not score again, as Pearses battled to close the gap. Darragh Healy pointed for Pearses with six minutes left. Ronan Flannery did well at the other end to cut out an Ardrahan goal chance. Dean Reilly used his pace to create a goal chance in the closing stages. The Ardrahan keeper made a brave stop to keep it out.
Hard luck to the lads. They put in a battling performance, showing great heart and never gave up. It just wasn’t to be in the end. Well done to Ardrahan.
Pearses: D McCabe; E McCabe, R Flannery, N Moran; M Hennelly, S Hynes, S Doran; J Barrett, D Grady; G Kenny, D Healy (0-1), D Reilly (1-1), J Mitchell, O Flannery (0-8), C Murphy. Subs: L Mitchell, M Carr, J Friel, C Burke, R Hynes, Ethan Lally, Eoin Lally, B Kelly, C Kitt.
Senior Prelim Qtr-Finals
Following this evening's Senior 'B' playoffs, the lineup for the Senior Hurling Preliminary Quarter-Finals is now complete. The Senior 'A' Prelim Quarter-Finalists are: Pearses, Sarsfields, St Thomas's and Cappataggle. The Senior 'B' Prelim Quarter-Finalists are: Tommy Larkins, Mullagh. Kilnadeema-Leitrim and Beagh. The draw will pair off the Senior 'A' teams against the Senior 'B' teams.
The four winners of the preliminary Quarter-Finals will then proceed to the Quarter-Finals proper, where Loughrea, Gort, Portumna and Craughwell have qualified directly. The four preliminary winners will each play one of the direct qualified teams (Loughrea, Gort, Portumna and Craughwell).
Senior C'ship Rd. 5
Pearses 1-21 Cappataggle 0-11: The Club’s senior hurlers advanced to the Preliminary Quarter-Finals yesterday in Duggan Park. This was a must win game to give us a chance of making it through. A strong second quarter seen Pearses open a three point gap with the wind. The lead had stretched to seven by the break. The result was put out of doubt in the 23rd minute of the second half when substitute Jimmy Gelston scored the game’s only goal.
Pearses led by one point (0-4 to 0-3) after 10 minutes of play. Kerrill Hardiman opened the scoring, followed by points from Tomás Flannery and Cyril Donnellan, while Daniel Nevin was on target for Cappataggle. After 20 minutes the lead had extended to three and could have been more, but for a good save by James Skehill to deny Lee Murphy. With the score at 0-10 to 0-4, Cyril Donnellan (now at full-forward) collected a cross field ball and his low shot was again kept out by Skehill. One of the highlights of the closing stages of the first half was a super high catch by Tommy Mac, while Ronan O’Neill and Flannery added two more Pearses points to leave the half-time score, 0-12 to 0-5.
The third quarter seen the teams share eight points evenly, as Cappy came looking to fight their way back. Seán Hardiman and Flannery (2 each), while Nevin and Mannion were among the Cappy scorers. Flannery also went close for a goal, but the shot was stopped by Skehill. With Pearses leading 0-17 to 0-9 a long delivery into the square was broken down by Cormac Ward. Another sub Jimmy Gelston was on hand to finish past Skehill. Pearses added 0-5 to Cappy’s 0-2 in the closing stages to run out convincing winners.
In the other fixtures played in the Group Craughwell had defeated Liam Mellows and Portumna had seen off Ardrahan, meaning Pearses finished in fourth place and qualified for the knockout stages. Loughrea, Gort, Portumna and Craughwell go direct to the Quarter-Finals. The preliminary Quarter-Finals will include Pearses, Sarsfields, St Thomas’s, Cappataggle, Tommy Larkins, Mullagh, the winners of Abbeyknockmoy v Kilnadeema-Leitrim and the winners of Tynagh/Abbey-Duniry v Beagh.
Pearses: F Flannery; T McDonagh, T Kenny, R Lally; A Bellew, R Bellew, K Hardiman (0-1); C Donnellan (0-2), R O’Neill (0-1); S Hardiman (0-3), E Ward (0-1), E Cunniffe; G Lally (0-1), T Flannery (0-11), L Murphy. Subs used: C Ward (0-1), J Gelston (1-0), D Wynne.
U16 Through To Co. Final
Pearses 3-13 Michael Cusacks 1-17: The Club’s U16 hurlers qualified for the U16B final today with an extra-time win over Michael Cusacks in Kenny Park, Athenry. Pearses fell behind by six points in the first half and four in the second half of normal time, but both times fought their way back into the game and finally come out on top.
The Beagh-Kilbeacanty team, with the breeze, led by 0-7 to 0-1 after 15 minutes of the game. Pearses had shot some wides and also been reduced to 14 men, losing Dylan Grady to a red card. Fortunes changed when Oisin Flannery and then Dean Reilly both found the net for Pearses to level the game and Cusacks were also reduced to 14. A Flannery free seen Pearses go in at half-time one in front, 2-2 to 0-7.
Despite Flannery and Reilly frees, Cusacks had taken a one point lead back by the 10th minute of the second half. It could have been more, but for a shot which came off Darragh McCabe’s goalpost. There were further goal chances at both ends, Dean Reilly’s shot well saved and Cusacks this time rattling the crossbar. The South Galway team hit the next three points to lead 1-11 to 2-4. A long range Ronan Flannery free got Pearses moving again and brother Oisin had the ball in the net two minutes later, level again. There was one further point each from both sides as the game finished level.
There were just three scores in the first half of extra time. Pearses one in front at the switch of ends. Cusacks struck three of the first five points of the second half to tie the game yet again, going into the final five minutes. Cian Murphy from play and Oisin Flannery converted a placed ball to make it 3-12 to 1-16. Cusacks replied, closing the gap to one and earned a 21 yard free which was blocked on the Pearses goal-line. Another Oisin Flannery free at the other end was the insurance score which seen Pearses over the line, after an epic struggle between two evenly matched sides.
Pearses now await the winners of the Ardrahan v Kilconieron Semi-Final to be played next week.
Pearses (Panel): D McCabe, E McCabe, R Flannery (0-1), N Moran, M Hennelly, S Hynes, S Doran, J Barrett, D Grady, G Kenny, O Flannery (2-10), D Healy, T Carr, D Reilly (1-1), J Mitchell. Subs: C Burke, C Kitt, R Hynes, C Murphy (0-1), B Kelly, L Mitchell, Ethan Lally, Eoin Lally.
Cardiac Screening Day
The Club will host a Cardiac Screening Day on Saturday, July 16th at the Clubhouse in Ballymacward. The clinic will be open from 9.30am-5pm and each screening will take 15-20 minutes. Bookings can be made online: (1) Go to www.ameds.ie, (2) Click on the ‘Online Booking', (3) Enter the clinic code PPGAA or please click the following:https://bookings.ameds.ie
Credit or Debit cards can be used to book an appointment. Anyone with LAYA is FREE but must make a booking too. Everyone else must pay the €65 fee which is tax deductible. Anyone with other health insurance may be able to claim a % back at the end of the year. Alternatively, individuals with difficulty online can call our helpline 1890 300 333 or email screening@ameds.ie. We hope people will avail of the next available time slot.
Why undergo a Cardiac Screening?
- Up to 100 young people die each year in Ireland from Sudden Adult Death Syndrome (SADS)
- 1 in 300 people may have a cardiac abnormality
- The national register recently reported that the incidents of SADS are higher in Ireland than many other European countries.
- In Italy cardiac screening is mandatory for anyone aged 12 to 35 years involved in competitive sport for the past 25 years. They have reduced the incidents of SADS by 89%.
- The GAA’s Medical Scientific and Welfare Committee and the International Rugby Board recommend cardiac screening for all players over the age of 14 years
- The European Society of Cardiology & the International Olympic Committee recommends cardiac screening.
- AMS’s service is based on the recommendations of the above named organisations.
Senior C'ship Rd. 4
Portumna 0-19 Pearses 2-10: Damien Hayes and Joe Canning were the difference as they got the vital scores at the end of this game, in Duggan Park, to get Portumna over the line. Pearses trailed at half time, but 1-2 after the break had put them back in the lead. However, Portumna made better use of their scoring opportunities in the final-quarter.
After an evenly contested opening, Portumna hit four points in a row to go three up. Then arrived the first goal of the game, as Lee Murphy got a deft touch to a dropping Tomás Flannery free, deflecting it past Joe Keane in the Portumna goal, 1-2 to 0-5. Further points from Murphy and Flannery put Pearses in front, but a strong finish to the half, in torrential rain, by Portumna seen them go in 0-10 to 1-5 up at the break.
After an initial trading of points on the resumption, Lee Murphy was played in by Gary Lally for Pearses second goal. A couple of minutes later a poor clearance by Portumna fell to Damien Wynne and he sent it back over the bar. Canning hit the next three Portumna scores to draw them level, before sub Cormac Ward was close to finding the net for Pearses after fetching a high delivery to the edge of the square. His shot going just wide.
With seven minutes remaining Portumna lead by one, 0-16 to 2-9. A schmozzle on the stand side touchline halted proceedings momentarily, but Portumna emerged from the resulting throw-in with a free which Canning put over from 65 metres. Ronan O’Meara and Kerrill Hardiman exchanged points, before Hayes sealed the Portumna win with another point.
PEARSES: F. Flannery; A. Bellew, T. Kenny, R. Lally; R. O’Neill, R. Bellew, K. Hardiman (0-1f); S. Hardiman, C. Raftery; T. Flannery (0-7f); D. Wynne (0-1), J. Gelston; L. Murphy (2-1), E. Ward, G. Lally. Subs used: C. Ward, B. Sweeney.
PORTUMNA: J Keane; G. Heagney, E. Lynch, L. Smith; P. Smith, M. Dolphin, O. Canning; J. Canning (0-12, 9f), A. Smith (0-1); I. Canning (0-1), D. Hayes (0-4), K. Hayes; O. Royston, R. O’Meara (0-1), P. Dolphin. Sub: C. Comerford
Junior B C'ship, Rd 1
Pearses 6-19 Oranmore-Maree 4-11: The Club's Junior 'B' hurlers got their Championship off to a winning start on Sunday in Carnmore. The first half was close, with Pearses one up at the break, 2-7 to 2-6. Robbie Donnellan and Aidan Kilkenny the Pearses goalscorers, while a super save by Paul O'Brien at the other end kept out a third Oranmore-Maree goal. The second half was high-scoring, with Donnellan and Kilkenny again and Kealan Beckett (2) netting four more Pearses goals. Niall Skehill finished with a big personal tally of 0-12, from placed balls and open play. Moycullen are Pearses' opponents for Round 2.
Pearses: P O'Brien; J Jenkins, P Raftery, R Carr; A Naughton, K Donnellan, C Lawless; N Skehill (0-12), L Morrissey; R Skehill, K Beckett (2-0), M Walsh (0-1); R Donnellan (2-2), A Kilkenny (2-0), D Burke. Subs used: C O'Grady (0-4), A Burke, S Walsh, E Burke, G Dwyer.
Minor C'ship Rd. 3
Pearses 1-24 Portumna 3-13. The Club's Minors recorded a second group win in Ballymacward yesterday evening. Pearses are now in second place in the table with one game to play (against Carnmore). The top two teams from the group qualify for the group stages.
Pearses led most of the opening quarter through an Oisin Flannery goal and points from Conor Fahey and Matt Walsh. A Portumna goal on the 16th minute gave them the lead for the first time. Pearses drew level, but another Portumna goal two minutes later put them three up, 2-5 to 1-5. The home team scored four of the remaining five points of the half to lead by one at the break.
Pearses outscored Portumna 0-10 to 0-1 in the third quarter, to lead 1-20 to 2-7. The pick of the scores a long range point from Ronan O'Neill. Portumna had the better of the final quarter as they hit 1-6 to Pearses 0-4, but Pearses had done enough in their purple patch to secure the result.
Pearses: S Murray; E Burke, C Lawless, E Costello; S Hynes, R O'Neill (0-3, 2f), R Flannery; C O'Neill (0-3), D Grady; C Kitt, C Fahey (0-8, 4f), M Ruane; O Flannery (1-7, 3f), M Walsh (0-3), M Carr. Sub: S Doran.
Senior C'ship Rd. 3
Liam Mellows 4-20 Pearses 2-14: Two early Liam Mellows goals were blows that Pearses never recovered from. Tadhg Haran doing the damage on both occasions. The city team led 2-10 to 0-9 at half-time. Pearses best spell came just after half-time, when the margin was pulled back to three points, 2-11 to 1-11. The Pearses goal a Tomas Flannery free which was taken over the line by the keeper. However the Pearses revival ended when Haran completed his hat-trick from the penalty spot. Mellows hit six of the next eight points in the final quarter, to restore their lead. Sub Brian Sweeney rattled the net for Pearses, but Aonghus Callanan responded at the other end as Mellows ran out convincing winners.
Pearses: F Flannery; A Bellew, T Kenny, R Lally; D Wynne, K Hardiman, R O'Neill; J Gelston, L Murphy; R Bellew (0-1), C Ward (0-2), C Raftery (0-2); G Lally (0-2), E Ward, T Flannery (1-6, 1-6 frees). Subs: B Sweeney (1-0), S Hardiman, S Raftery (0-1), E Cunniffe.
Fr Murray Cup & Thanks
Pádraig Pearses GAA Club would like to thank all who attended our 50th Anniversary Celebration events over the May Bank Holiday weekend. Also a big thank you to our various Sponsors and the many Volunteers, without whom the different events over this memorable weekend would not have been possible. Well done to the organising Committee, led by Dorothy Scarry and Anthony Kenny, on the excellent job they did in organising these events.
Thanks to the Galway and Wexford panels and the Murray family for their participation on the Monday for the inaugural Fr Nicholas Murray Memorial Cup. Galway emerged as winners, 2-13 to 0-15, following an entertaining tussle with Wexford. Five Pearses men turned out in the maroon and white for this special occasion: Tomás Flannery, Ronan Bellew, Colm Raftery, Adrian Bellew and Tomás Kenny. The cup was presented to Galway captain Colm Callanan, by Gerry and Pat Joe Murray, brothers of the late Fr Nick. We hope to make the Fr Murray Cup an annual event.
Senior C'ship Rd. 2
CRAUGHWELL 1-21 PEARSES 0-15: Craughwell were in control for long spells of this game, but Pearses without Cyril Donnellan, were still in with a shout with five minutes of normal time to go. The influence of Niall Healy for Craughwell and a powerful finish by last year's County Finalists, yielding 1-4, seen them run out nine-point winners.
Both teams employed sweepers from the off, making it more difficult for both sets of forwards. Kerrill Hardiman sweeping for Pearses and Fergal Healy for Craughwell. Despite 7 wides, Craughwell led 0-7 to 0-3 after 24 minutes, Niall Healy and Keelan Cullinane leading the way. A strong finish to the half seen Pearses draw level, but a Healy free left the minimum between the sides at half-time, 0-8 to 0-7.
With the wind in the second half Pearses were well positioned. However the switch of Mark Horan to midfield for Craughwell was important and Niall Healy again was key, hitting 4 points from play in the second half. Mainly through the accuracy of Tomas Flannery, Pearses had kept in touch and there was just two between the sides (0-17 to 0-15) with five minutes to go. The Craughwell scoring burst in the closing stages, capped by a Michael Farrell goal in the fifth minute of injury time, made sure of the result.
Pearses: F Flannery; A Bellew, T Kenny, R Lally; D Wynne, K Hardiman (0-1), C Raftery; J Gelston (0-1), L Murphy (0-1); R Bellew (0-1), E Ward (0-2), T Flannery (0-9, 8f); G Lally, C Ward, B Sweeney. Subs used: E. Cunniffe, R O’Neill, S Raftery
Senior C'ship Rd. 1
Pearses 2-12 Ardrahan 0-16: Pearses got their 2016 Championship campaign off to a winning start in Kenny Park on Saturday. After a tight opening half Pearses held a one-point lead at half-time. Ardrahan went two points up 10 minutes into the second half. The teams were level again after 49 minutes, before an Emmet Ward goal on 55 minutes put Pearses back in front. Although Ardrahan hit two of the last three points, Pearses prevailed.
The teams shared five points in the opening 10 minutes. Ardrahan led by the minimum, when Tom Flannery was through on goal with just the keeper to beat. He was fouled and Cyril Donnellan stepped up to send the 21 yard free to the net, putting Pearses in front for the first time, 1-2 to 0-3. After 23 minutes the teams were level, 1-4 to 0-7. Ger Hennelly accurate from frees for the South Galway men, while Donnellan and Flannery added to Pearses tally.
There was a stoppage in play following a collision in which Sean Hardiman came out the worse for wear, having to be replaced by Colm Raftery. On the resumption Pearses had two of the remaining three scores of the half to lead by one at the break. One of them another 21 yard free, which Donnellan blasted just over.
A Ronan Bellew point from play put Pearses two up just after the break, but Ardrahan fought back to go two in front on 43 minutes, 0-12 to 1-7. In the next ten minutes Pearses outscored Ardrahan 0-4 to 0-2. Cormac Ward’s introduction from the bench causing the Ardrahan defence problems. The teams were now level heading into the final eight minutes.
The decisive score arrived on 55 minutes, a good run and pass by Gary Lally, created the chance for Emmet Ward, who finished to the net from 21 yards. A three point lead for Pearses, 2-11 to 0-14. In the closing stages Ardrahan pushed hard for scores, but managed only points, sandwiched either side of a long range Ronan Bellew free. Pearses play last year’s County Finalists Craughwell in Round 2 next Saturday 30th at 7pm in Kenny Park.
Pearses: F Flannery; A Bellew, T Kenny, R Lally; D Wynne, K Hardiman (0-1), L Murphy; C Donnellan (1-3), J Gelston (0-1); R Bellew (0-2), E Ward (1-1), S Hardiman; G Lally, T Flannery (0-3), B Sweeney. Subs used: C Raftery (0-1), C Ward, R O’Neill.
Féile Weekend 2016
Our U14 hurlers this year contested the Toddie Byrne Shield (C) Féile Competition. Féile weekend began on Friday evening, with a trip to Portumna to take on the home team. Portumna edged an evenly contested game, 2-5 to 1-6. With five teams in the group all was still to play for and Tuam Stadium was the venue for all remaining Group games on Saturday.
Portumna defeated Tuam in Saturday’s opening game. Then it was the turn of Pearses and St Thomas’s. Pearses had the upper hand of the first half leading 0-4 to 0-1 at half-time and continued to lead the second half, running out 2-7 to 1-2 winners. Portumna defeated Abbeyknockmoy in the next game.
Next up for Pearses was Tuam, and Pearses led 1-7 to 0-1 at half-time, Cian Murphy and Mark Hennelly leading the Pearses. A much better second half from Tuam seen them cut the margin back to 1, but Pearses had done enough in the first half to hold out for a second win.
Pearses were straight back into action directly after this game, against Abbeyknockmoy. Niall Moran unable to continue with a hand injury. With the breeze in the first half, Abbey looked to be well on top and led 3-2 to 1-0 at half time. Pearses goal coming from Mark Hennelly. The turnaround in the second half was remarkable. Can Murphy led the attack and it was his hat trick of goals that seen Pearses taking the lead 4-1 to 3-3 with only 3 minutes left. He went on to add two insurance points and a third win.
Despite the 100% record on Saturday, it wasn’t enough as Portumna went on to win all four of their games and qualify from the group. Most of this year’s panel are U14 again next year, so great credit must be given to them for coming so close to qualifying for the final.
Pearses: C Moran, B Kelly, N Moran, C Kelly, D Hillary, D McCabe, Robert Hynes, L Mitchell, M Hennelly, Ronan Hynes, C Murphy, Eoin Lally, P Kenny, Ethan Lally, M Donnellan, S Grady, E Cunniffe, D Roche, O Donoghue, R Fahey, P O’Neill.
U21 Hurling C'ship Rd. 1
Pearses 2-19 Kiltormer 0-7: Pearses opened an early four point lead in this game, before Kiltormer got on the scoresheet, but after Brian Sweeney goaled on 12 minutes Pearses were in control until the end. Pearses led 1-9 to 0-3 at half time, Sweeney 1-4 of that total. Ronan Bellew, Conor Fahy, Noel McDonagh and Conor O’Neill also chipping in with points. The second half continued in the same vein, with Sweeney adding his second goal in the 11th minute. Pearses kept the scoreboard ticking until the end, to run out comfortable winners. They play Kinvara away in Round 2 on Sunday evening.
Pearses: C Lawless; R Carr, T Broderick, S Murray; A Naughton, R Bellew (0-2), R O’Neill; L Murphy, B Higgins; C Fahy (0-2), N McDonagh (0-2), E Lawless (0-1); C O’Neill (0-3), B Sweeney (2-6), G Flahive (0-1). Subs used: F Healy, M Walsh (0-1), E Burke, K Connell (0-1), M Ruane.
Feile and Other News
Last year was a memorable Feile year for the Club with our U14s capturing the Justin Cheevers Cup and going on to represent Galway at the All-Ireland Feile. The draws for the 2016 Feile Hurling competitions were made Wednesday night in Cheevers, Craughwell. Pearses will compete in the Feile Shield competition this year. The other teams in our Group are Tuam (Hosts), Portumna, Abbeyknockmoy and St Thomas’s. The games will be played on the weekend of Friday 15th – Sunday 17th April. Pearses are away to Portumna on the Friday evening, with the other games being played in Tuam the following day.
With three Senior League games played, underage competitions are now also under way. The U14 hurlers defeated Tuam in their Round 1 game. The U16s have had good wins over Ballinasloe and Oranmore-Maree, while losing out narrowly to Headford in the Football League. The Minor hurlers also got off to a good start away from home, defeating St Thomas’s in Castledaly.
Volunteers are needed for any part of our three day 50th Anniversary "Big Weekend" on May Bank Holiday. People are needed for teams of stewarding, first aid, clean-up, set-up, bar-work, electrics, administration, maintenance. Please contact any club officer if you can give any of your time.
1916 Re-enactment
Pádraig Pearses GAA Club will hold a "Mór mo Ghlóir” Re-enactment of the final days of the seven signatories of 1916 Proclamation through story, poetry, music and song this Friday March 25th at 9pm in Ballymacward Hall. The performance is written, acted and produced by local enthusiasts. Comhalthas Castleblakeney will provide supporting music, prop and stage help from St. Kerrill’s Festival Committee, amateur acting provided by a variety of coaches, officers and players from the Club. Admission: Adults €10 Children / Students €5.
Senior League Rd. 3
Pearses 1-18 Kiltormer 1-14: This game, played in Kiltormer yesterday, was a close contest for long spells and a draw looked a possibility until the closing stages. A strong final quarter by an inexperienced Pearses lineup seen them grind out a four point win.
Kiltormer were first to score, netting a goal to open an early lead. Pearses levelled with the next three scores (Sweeney, Murphy and Gelston), but Diarmuid Claffey pushed Kiltormer ahead again. By the 20th minute Kiltormer had opened a four point lead, 1-5 to 0-4. Pearses however had he better of the remaining ten minutes, taking four of the five scores in this spell. Brian Sweeney and Gary Lally were making inroads in the Kiltormer defence. Sweeney was pulled down for a penalty, which was saved. Half-time: Kiltormer 1-6 Pearses 0-8.
Pearses hit the the first points of the second half and it was one of the best of the day, with Kerrill Hardiman the finisher at the end of a good team move. The teams shared the next six points evenly, Brian Sweeney and a long range Enda Cunniffe point for Pearses, while Claffey and Hopkins were on target for the home team. The sides were now locked 1-9 to 0-12, with 15 minutes to play.
Four more points seen the teams level again, 1-11 to 0-14. Then Gelston and Sweeney scores pushed Pearses two ahead for the first time. Following a Kiltormer response, substitute Ronan Skehill was on hand to finish to the Kiltormer net at the second attempt and open a four point Pearses lead 1-16 to 1-12. The final four points were shared between the sides, with a Kiltormer blazing over from a penalty.
Pearses: P O’Brien; R Carr, T Kenny, S Murray; A Bellew, K Hardiman (0-1), A Naughton; J Gelston (0-3), E Cunniffe (0-1); L Murphy (0-1), C Raftery, E Ward; G Lally, N Skehill (0-1), B Sweeney (0-11, 9f). Sub used: R Skehill (1-0). Ref: C Browne.
Senior League Rd. 2
Pearses 2-15 Carnmore 1-16: Pearses took the lead after three minutes and led for the remainder of the game, in this game played yesterday in Ballymacward. A goal from Carnmore on the 52nd minute brought the gap back to one, but Pearses protected the lead to register a first League win of the new season.
Despite Carnmore opening the scoring, Pearses led 1-3 to 0-1 by the 10th minute. Niall Skehill with the goal and Brian Sweeney hitting the points (two frees). By the 23rd minute Carnmore had added four more points, to Pearses two, 1-5 to 0-5. Another scoring burst by Pearses yielded 1-2 in a two minute spell, Sweeney with 1-1 and Skehill to open a seven point lead 2-7 to 0-6. Carnmore fought back, led by the Hanley brothers George and Barry, to narrow the Pearses lead in the remaining five minutes of the half. The half-time score, 2-8 to 0-9.
The teams shared ten points evenly in the third quarter. Again the Hanleys among the scorers, Barry with three frees and also Kevin Killilea. There were five different scorers for Pearses in this spell (Lally, Sweeney, R Skehill, Gelston and Cunniffe), 2-13 to 0-14. The teams swapped two more points, before 1-1 from Carnmore left just one in it with eight minutes to play. A Brian Sweeney free with five minutes left put two between the sides and Carnmore attacked twice more in the closing stages, but to no avail. Next up for Pearses is Kiltormer in the final League group game this Saturday (19th) in Kiltormer.
Pearses: P O’Brien; R Carr, T Kenny, B Egan; A Bellew, T McDonagh, K Hardiman; J Gelston (0-1), K Donnellan; E Cunniffe (0-2), C Raftery (0-1), L Murphy (0-1); G Lally (0-1), N Skehill (1-2), B Sweeney (1-6, 5f). Subs used: S Murray, R Skehill (0-1), D Burke.
Senior League Rd. 1
Castlegar 3-16 Pearses 3-13: This game played yesterday in Castlegar looked over at half-time, as Pearses were trailing by 9 points and could have been further behind but for a missed Ger Farragher penalty. A much improved second half for Pearses had the margin back to one point on two occasions, but Cashel kept the scoreboard ticking to pull through.
Pearses led 0-2 to 0-1 after 4 minutes with points by Ronan Bellew and Enda Cunniffe. Then Castlegar took over and while Pearses didn’t score again until the 23rd minute, the city team added 2-5. Farragher’s penalty miss a let off in the 19th minute. Two Emmet Ward frees in the 23rd and 24th minutes briefly stopped that dominance, but Castlegar went on to add two more points, leaving the half-time score 2-7 to 0-4. Ronan Bellew unfortunately had to be replaced towards the end of the first half with a nasty hand injury.
Pearses had an excellent start to the second half hitting 1-3 in four minutes. The goal finished to the net by Brian Sweeney, latching on to a breaking ball. Cashel stretched the lead back to six again with another goal, before Pearses struck for another quickfire 1-2. Niall Skehill the goalscorer. The forwards were moving well, led by Gary Lally and Colm Raftery. The gap was down to one (3-7 to 2-9) and momentum looked to be swinging in Pearses’ favour with 10 minutes played in the second half.
Castlegar responded well and hit the next four points and for a second time looked to have stopped the Pearses revival. Farragher pulling the strings roaming away from full-forward. The final quarter seen the teams go score for score, with Brian Sweeney netting a third Pearses goal beating three defenders as he cut along the touchline. The gap was down to one again with six minutes left, but Cashel had two of the final three scores. Next up for Pearses is Carnmore on St. Patrick’s Day at 11.30pm in Ballymacward (TBC).
Pearses: P O’Brien; S Raftery, T Kenny, B Egan; A Bellew, R Bellew (0-1f), K Hardiman; J Gelston (0-1), E Cunniffe (0-1); L Murphy, C Raftery (0-2), E Ward (0-7, 6f); G Lally, N Skehill (1-1), B Sweeney (2-0). Subs used: T McDonagh, R Carr, J Lally, S Murray. Referee: L Fay.
Art & Poetry Results
Thanks to all who entered our 50 Year Celebration Art and Poetry competitions. The standard was excellent across the board. Junior and Senior Infants Art Winner: Louise Byrnes, Runner Up: David Barrett. 1st and 2nd Classes Art Winner: Lily Mannion, Runner Up: Jamie Nutley. 3rd and 4th Classes Art Winner: Harry Mitchell, Runner Up: Patrick Kenny. 5th & 6th Classes Art Winner: Kayla Murphy, Runner Up: Mark Donnellan. Art Group Entry: Kayla Murphy, Ava Connell, Rachel Roche, Emma Queeney, Claire Murray.
Junior & Senior Infants Poetry Winner: Peter Tuohy, Runner Up: Seán Kelly. 1st and 2nd Classes Poetry Winner: Cathal Hynes, Runner Up: Joe Carroll. 3rd and 4th Classes Poetry Winner: Emma Ruane, Runner Up: Shauna Hynes. 5th & 6th Classes Poetry Winner: Emer Costello, Joint Runners Up: Emma Queeney & Clare Murray. Filíocht Duais Teangan: Luke and Harry Mitchell.
Our 50th Birthday
The first event of our 50th Anniversary celebrations is the Club’s 50th Birthday February 23rd. To begin the evening there will be mass for deceased Club Members in Ballymacward Hall at 8pm. That will be followed by an exhibition of Club photos/memorabilia and refreshments. All welcome!
We would like any old club photos and memorabilia that you may have to display on the night of birthday celebrations. Great care will be taken with anything loaned for the night. Please contact Martin Kilkenny on 087-1210290 before February 20th if you have any photos/memorabilia to loan.
Junior Football League Final
Pearses 2-8 Meelick-Eyrecourt 2-8: The Club’s Junior footballers and Meelick-Eyrecourt could not be separated after extra-time in this Division 8 League Final played in Kilconnell yesterday. Meelick-Eyrecourt had a super start and led 1-3 to 0-0 after 15 minutes, with the wind at their backs. Pearses had a better second quarter and added 0-3 before half-time. Kerrill Hardiman, Enda Cunniffe (free) and Gary Lally the scorers.
A Kerrill Hardiman goal just after half-time levelled the game. Hardiman fisted the ball to the net when a long delivery from a Cunniffe free, was parried by the keeper. Meelick-Eyrecourt however pulled clear again when they goaled at the opposite end and added a pointed free, 2-4 to 1-3. Both teams were reduced to 14 men, following sending offs by referee Lloyd Kelly.
The sending offs seemed to help create space in the packed Meelick-Eyrecourt defence and Pearses were soon back on level terms. Substitute Seán Hardiman hitting 1-1. The goal again fisted to the net. The teams were then reduced to 13 men when two more players seen red. A burst through the Meelick-Eyrecourt defence by Gary Lally resulted in a great individual point and the lead for Pearses on 27 minutes. Meelick-Eyrecourt levelled with 1 minute left and extra-time was required.
Both teams were returned to 15 men for extra-time. In the first period Pearses outscored Meelick-Eyrecourt 0-2 to 0-1. Kerrill Hardiman and Enda Cunniffe the scorers. That scoring sequence was reversed in the second period, with a Seán Hardiman point looking to have won it for Pearses before Meelick-Eyrecourt equalised. Details of the replay TBC.
Pearses: J Flannery; A Naughton, J Lally, S Murray; G Lally (0-2), K Donnellan, L Murphy; E Ward, P Moore; S Walsh, E Cunniffe (0-2), R Carr; K Hardiman (1-2), L Morrissey, R Skehill. Subs used: S Hardiman (1-2), R Finn, A Murray, A O’Reilly, M Walsh.
Art Competition
There are two categories in the Pádraig Pearses GAA Club Art Competition – Primary and Post- Primary. It is a Competition open to all hurlers, camogie players and footballers registered with Pádraig Pearses GAA Club and Pádraig Pearses Camogie Club.
All entries will be displayed on the evening of the 50th birthday celebrations of Pádraig Pearses GAA Club on February 23rd at Ballymacward Hall. The winning entries will be photographed and displayed digitally on the club website.
Theme of Competition “My Club, My Community and Me”
The Primary School Category will have the following age groups:
• Junior Infants & Senior Infants
• 1st &2nd Classes
• 3rd &4th Classes
• 5th & 6th Classes
There will be a 1st prize and runner up place for each age group.
The Post-Primary Category will be open to all club pupils attending a secondary school.
There will be a 1st prize and runner up place.
COMPETITION RULES
1. It is a Competition open to all hurlers, camogie players and footballers registered with Pádraig Pearses GAA Club and Pádraig Pearses Camogie Club.
2. The text of the theme does not have to be illustrated on your artwork. We are looking for your interpretation of the theme through your art.
3. Name, address, age, date of birth and school/other details must be clearly printed on the entry form and then attached to the back of the poster.
4. All entry forms and posters must be certified by teacher/facilitator/parent/guardian (under 18), as being an unaided and original work of the competitor.
5. All entries must be submitted on A3 (420 x 297mm) or A2 (594 x 420mm) in landscape with the exception of sculptures, models and wood carvings.
6. The entry can be drawn or painted in pencil, charcoal, pen or ink, felt-tip markers, crayon, pastel, water colours, gouache, acrylics, oils, poster colour or collage. Prints done from a lino block, wood block or any other method may also be submitted.
7. Group entries are also welcome.
Poetry Competition
There are two categories in the Pádraig Pearses GAA Club Poetry Competition – Primary and Post- Primary. It is a Competition open to all hurlers, camogie players and footballers registered with Pádraig Pearses GAA Club and Pádraig Pearses Camogie Club.
All entries will be displayed on the evening of the 50th birthday celebrations of Pádraig Pearses GAA Club on February 23rd at Ballymacward Hall. The winning entries will be photographed and displayed digitally on the club website.
Theme of Competition “My Club, My Community and Me”
The Primary School Category will have the following age groups:
• Junior Infants & Senior Infants
• 1st &2nd Classes
• 3rd &4th Classes
• 5th & 6th Classes
There will be a 1st prize and runner up place for each age group.
The Post-Primary Category will be open to all club pupils attending a secondary school.
There will be a 1st prize and runner up place.
Competition Rules
1. It is a Competition open to all hurlers, camogie players and footballers registered with Pádraig Pearses GAA Club and Pádraig Pearses Camogie Club.
2. We are looking for your interpretation of the theme through your poetry.
3. Name, address, age, date of birth and school/other details must be clearly printed on the entry form and then attached to the back of your poem.
4. All entry forms and posters must be certified by teacher/facilitator/parent/guardian (under 18), as being an unaided and original work of the competitor.
5. All entries must be submitted on A4.
6. Group entries are also welcome.
AGM Report 2015
The Club’s AGM was held last Sunday evening in Ballymacward Hall. Secretary Martin Bellew opened the meeting by welcoming all in attendance. A minute’s silence was observed for Club Vice-President Johnny Byrnes R.I.P., who passed away at the start of the year.
Treasurer Shane Ruane gave an extensive report on the Club’s finances for the year, noting the importance of contributions from the Club’s Sponsors, ’250 Club’, Club Lotto (driven by the Lotto Committee), the recent Race Night fundraiser and his fellow Club Officers. One Club stalwart in attendance harked back to a time when Physios were going through a leaner spell!
Next was the Chairman Tom O’Grady’s report. He praised the Senior’s on their qualification for the Senior ‘A' Championship for 2016 and our U14’s who represented Galway at All-Ireland Féile na nGael in Antrim. He went on to commend the excellent work of the Juvenile Secretary Dorothy Scarry and Chairman Anthony Kenny and also the time invested by management and coaches at all levels. He reiterated thanks to Sponsors, Secretary, PRO and Treasurer, recalling when the Treasurer’s report could be jotted on the back of a cigarette box! There was a special mention for those who represented the Club with County teams in 2015 and a look forward to 2016, when the Club will celebrate it’s 50th Anniversary. The Chairman received praise from the floor for his commitment to the Club, but I'm sure Tom will claim to be just a link in the chain that keeps the Club tightknit!
Next was the election of Club Officers for 2016. Paddy Hillary was added as a Club Vice-President, before Tom O’Grady (Chairman), Martin Bellew (Secretary) and Shane Ruane (Treasurer) were returned to their roles for 2016. Adrian Queeney replaced the outgoing Tomás Kenny as Vice-Chairman and Paul Bellew replaced Oliver Laheen as Assistant Treasurer. Martin Tierney will continue his role as Senior team manager for 2016. A full list of Officers is available here.
Following the Election of Officers, Dorothy Scarry outlined the events planned for the Club’s 50th Anniversary Celebrations in 2016, the highlight of which is the May Bank Holiday weekend. Among the lineup are Mike Denver and his Band in the Marquee at the Club Grounds on Friday, April 29th and the Kilfenora Céilí band on Sunday, May 1st. County Board Chairman Noel Treacy addressed the AGM and he too looked forward to 2016 and the 50th Anniversary celebrations, before the meeting was brought to a close by Chairman Tom O’Grady.
Football Semi-Final
Pearses 2-6 Milltown 1-5: Our footballers took on Milltown on Saturday afternoon in Ballymacward in the league Semi-Final. Played in ideal conditions and a perfect surface for the time of year, Milltown playing with a slight breeze, opened the scoring to lead by 2 points early on.
Pearses then settled into the game with the opening score coming from a point from Kerrill Hardiman. The home side pressed on with a fortuitous goal taken by Richie Lally, along with a well taken free by same player. Enda Cunniffe and Emmet Ward added further points to leave the home side in control.
However a lapse in concentration towards the end of the first half allowed Milltown back into the game, and despite the best efforts of Joe Flannery making a super double save, the half time whistle seen Pearses leading 1-4 to 1-3.
The second half was a tense affair with scores hard come by with both sides resorting to a defensive game. Milltown levelled the game mid way into the half but Pearses pushed on in the final minutes with points from Richie Lally, Cunniffe and following a scramble in the square in the final minute substitute Dan Masterson claimed the goal to leave a final scoreline 2-6 to 1-5.
Meelick-Eyrecourt await Pearses in the league final which may possibly be played next weekend.
Pearses: J Flannery; A Naughton, S Hardiman, S Murray; J Lally, L Murphy, G Lally; K Donnellan, E Ward (0-1); R Skehill, E Cunniffe(0-2), K Hardiman(0-1); Richie Lally (1-2), L Morrissey, R Carr. Subs: A Murray, S Walsh, D Masterson (1-0), P Mahon, A Reilly, E Barrett, G Dwyer, N Skehill.
U15B1 Champions 2015
Pearses 1-14 Ballinasloe 1-10: Following an even first-half in Duggan Park yesterday evening, Pearses opened a seven point lead with 10 minutes to go and looked good for the win. Ballinasloe cut the gap to just three with two minutes remaining. A 21 yard free in injury time finished in the Pearses net and looked to have levelled the game, before being disallowed.
Pearses started well, but were not converting their scoring chances, hitting three early wides. The first score of the game was a Pearses goal from Dylan Grady, taking on his marker after a good catch. Oisín Flannery opened his account for Pearses in reply to Ballinasloe’s first point.
By the 17th minute Ballinasloe had drawn level, 0-4 to 1-1. Cian Murphy pushed Pearses back in front with a great point on the run from the left corner. The teams went point for point in the remaining minutes of the opening half and Pearses led 1-5 to 0-6 at the break.
Oisín Flannery’s class shone through in the third quarter. He landed five points in-a-row, four frees, to put Pearses seven to the good. Ballinasloe’s best period of the game yielded 1-3 and got them right back in contention, before that disallowed goal.
Following the let off Pearses added further points from Man of the Match Flannery and Dean Reilly, in the nine minutes of injury time. Another super win for this panel, to add to U13 and U14 titles. Captain Shane Hynes accepted the cup from County Juvenile Chairman Mike Hehir (Tuam). Well done to the panel and management team of Mick Carr, Anthony Kenny, Dessie McCabe and Declan Moran.
Pearses: D McCabe; E McCabe, R Flannery, N Moran; S Doran, S Hynes, M Hennelly; J Barrett, D Grady (1-1); G Kenny, O Flannery (0-10, 8f), C Murphy (0-1); D Healy, D Reilly (0-2), T Carr. Subs: C Burke, J Mitchell, J Friel, L Mitchell, R Hynes, B Kelly, E Lally.
Senior C'ship Qtr-Final
Sarsfields 2-14 Pearses 0-12: The teams were level after five minutes in this Senior Hurling Quarter-Final played in Kenny Park, Athenry, last Sunday. However, a scoring burst from Sarsfields seen them add 2-5 to their tally by the 20th minute. This was the deciding period of the game. From there until the end Sarsfields did enough to keep an out of sorts Pearses at arms length.
Pearses took an early two point lead, but 0-4 in-a-row from the New Inn/Bullaun men put them two up after 10 minutes. Kerrill Wade with 0-2, one an excellent long range score from in front of the dugouts. Soon after Galway Minor Ian Fox was on hand to finish Sarsfields' first goal and open a five point lead, 1-4 to 0-2.
The next 0-6 were shared equally, as Gareth Lally dropped back to help the Pearses defence stem the tide. However, Alan Ward struck for another Sarsfields goal at the second attempt, following the initial save by Paul O’Brien. Tom Flannery added a Pearses point from play just before half-time, as Sarsfields took a seven point lead into the break, 2-7 to 0-6.
Cyril Donnellan was switched to centre-forward for the second half and Pearses had two of the first three second half points, both from Flannery frees. Then a succession of five wides, shared between the sides. Sean Hardiman went close to finding the net with one. Half-time substitute Ronan O’Neill landed a long range point, his first in Senior Championship. The margin was down to five, 2-8 to 0-9.
Unfortunately, this was a close as Pearses would get, as Sarsfields closed out the game with six of the remaining nine points. The second half was littered with stoppages and prevented any sort of momentum. Tommy McDonagh was red carded towards the end of the game, but the result had been decided before then.
Pearses: P O’Brien; T McDonagh, T Kenny, R Lally; A Bellew, C Donnellan (0-2), K Hardiman; D Wynne, C Raftery (0-1); S Hardiman, J Gelston (0-1), E Ward; R Bellew (0-1), T Flannery (0-6, 5f), G Lally. Subs: R O’Neill (0-1), S Raftery, A Kilkenny.
Underage Update
The Club’s U15 hurlers defeated Carnmore 1-6 to 0-6 in the Championship Semi-Final at the weekend. They now advance to play Ballinasloe in the Final on Thursday 15th October in Duggan Park, Ballinasloe at 6.30pm. Pearses U15: Darragh McCabe; Eoghan McCabe (1-0), Ronan Flannery (0-1), Niall Moran; Stephen Doran, Shane Hynes, Mark Hennelly; Jack Barrett, Dylan Grady (0-1); Geordan Kenny, Oisin Flannery (0-3), Cathal Kitt; Darragh Healy (0-1), Dean Reilly, Tomas Carr. Subs used: Cian Murphy, James Mitchell.
Our U12 hurlers lost out to a strong Ballygar team in the Cup Final last week under lights in Duggan Park. A strong second quarter by Ballygar seen them lead 0-9 to 0-2 at half time. A much bigger Ballygar side pulled away in teh second half to win 2-15 to 1-4. Many of the Pearses panel are underage again next year. Pearses U12 (in no particular order): Anthony Feeney, Conor Moran, Brian Kelly, Luke Mitchell, Cian Mrphy, Robert Hynes, Peter O'Neill, Ethan Lally, David Hillary, Robert Fahy, Oisin Donoghue, Mark Donnellan, Eanna Cunniffe, Stephen Grady, Harry Mitchell, Ronan Hynes, Patrick Kenny, Conor Kelly, Darragh Roche Dara Scarry.
The Club will be holding a Race Night in Ruane’s, Glentane on Saturday 7th November. Horses are €20 each. Contact Players or Club Officers to get your horse in the stalls! No winner of the Club Lotto on September 28th. Numbers 5, 3, 10, 18. Next week’s jackpot was €6,800 in Broderick's Kilconnell.
Senior C'ship Round 5
Pearses 0-23 Kiltormer 1-5: Pearses led this game from the seventh minute and never looked like losing, despite a Kiltormer goal after 27 minutes. The team now advance to another Championship Quarter-Final, this time with our neighbours Sarsfields.
The teams exchanged early wides, before Kerrill Hardiman landed a point from long range to give Pearses the lead. Keith Kilkenny levelled from a free, but Jimmy Gelston put Pearses back in front. Kiltormer had a chance to level again, but missed a scoreable free.
The result was all but decided in the following 10 minutes, as Pearses landed 0-7 in-a-row, 0-6 from play. Tomas Flannery (2), Kerrill Hardiman (2), Gary Lally (2) and Shane Raftery the scorers. Kiltormer ended a 16 minute scoreless spell. Flannery and Ronan Bellew replied for Pearses, 0-11 to 0-2 after 25 minutes. Keith Kilkenny and Colm Raftery exchanged points, before Patrick Cormican goaled for Kiltormer, against the run of play. Flannery and Gelston quickly added points to leave the half-time score 0-14 to 1-3.
Like the first half the second took a few minutes for a score. By the 19th minute Pearses had added 0-5 to their tally. Gelston, Flannery and Gary Lally on target. Kiltormer scored their first point of the second half after 25 minutes, but Pearses had the next 0-4. Kiltormer had the final point of the game, but it didn’t matter as Pearses ran out convincing winners.
Kerrill Hardiman, Gary Lally, Tomas Flannery and Jimmy Gelston, all struck 0-4 each from play. Indeed 0-20 of Pearses’ 0-23 came from play. Tomás Flannery and Damien Wynne both left the game with injuries in the second half. Hopefully they will be back in the starting line-up for the Quarter-Final.
Pearses: P O’Brien; T McDonagh, T Kenny, R Lally; A Bellew, C Donnellan, K Hardiman (0-4); D Wynne, C Raftery (0-1); S Raftery (0-1), J Gelston (0-4), E Ward; G Lally (0-4), T Flannery (0-6), R Bellew (0-3). Subs used: S Hardiman, R O’Neill, A Kilkenny, L Murphy, E Cunniffe.
Senior C'ship, Round 4
Pearses 1-19 Athenry 0-13. The Club’s Senior hurlers returned to second place in the Group with a good win in Duggan Park yesterday evening. 7 of the 8 Quarter-Final spots have already been filled, leaving this Group the last to be decided. Pearses are now in pole position to join Gort in the knockout stages, with Clarinbridge and Athenry also in still in contention.
This game looked as if it was heading for a close finish with the teams tied on 0-12 each 10 minutes into the second half. Pearses had just pulled back a two point lead. However a powerful finish by the men in black and white, outscoring Athenry by 1-7 to 0-1 in the remaining time seen them home.
Athenry had the better start and led 0-4 to 0-2 (Kerrill Hardiman and Ronan Bellew) after 6 minutes. Cathal Keane and County football star, Tom Flynn, among the scorers for Athenry. The next nine minutes seen Pearses on top and the scores were level 0-6 each at the end of the first quarter. Bellew (2), Tomás Flannery and Damien Wynne on the mark.
Pearses then hit the front thanks to another Bellew free. Up front Flannery was causing problems for the Athenry, Cyril Donnellan was anchoring the defence well and with Gary Lally working hard in his roving role Pearses added two more points (Bellew and Flannery), 0-9 to 0-6. Athenry fought their way back and Cathal Keane drew it level in first-half injury time, 0-9 each.
Tom Flannery, now at wing-forward, and Cathal Keane exchanged points just after the break. Then long-serving Athenry forward, David Donoghue pointed from play and a sideline to put Athenry two up 5 minutes after the restart. Pearses landed the next 3 points to regain the lead, 0-13 to 0-12. The pick of them a Flannery score from the left touchline following good work by Colm Raftery, 0-17 to 0-12 after 26 minutes. Athenry’s chances took a further blow when they were reduced to 14 men, Mark Hannon seeing red. Jimmy Gelston struck his second point before Athenry ended a 28 minute scoreless spell with a free.
Another Flannery placed ball in injury time looked to have sealed the deal, but there was still time for more. Sub Aidan Kilkenny was fouled by Athenry keeper John Grealish. Referee Christy Browne allowed the advantage but Kilkenny's one-handed strike came off the crossbar. Browne awarded the penalty and Tom Flannery buried it to the net. The icing on the cake.
Pearses will play Kiltomer in the Final group game, a win would guarantee passage to the Quarter-Finals. Athenry (v Gort) and Clarinbridge (v Ardrahan) both need to win and hope for Pearses to slip-up to have a chance of qualification.
Pearses: P O’Brien; T McDonagh, T Kenny, R Lally; A Bellew, C Donnellan, K Hardiman (0-1); D Wynne (0-1), C Raftery; E Ward, J Gelston (0-2), S Hardiman (0-1); G Lally, T Flannery (1-8), R Bellew (0-6). Subs used: L Murphy, A Kilkenny, R O’Neill, E Cunniffe.
Club Notes 21-09-2015
Well done to our U12 hurlers who qualified for the Final (v Ballygar) following a good win over Annaghdown in the Semi-Final last week. The Final is scheduled to be played on Thursday, October 1st at 7.30pm in Duggan Park, Ballinasloe.
The Club’s U10 hurlers enjoyed an excellent morning of hurling at the Mountbellew Blitz on Saturday. They played Tuam, Mountbellew-Moylough and Ballinasloe, winning all three games. Pearses U10 (No particular order): Artur Nilkins, Anthony Feeney, Conor Kelly, Patrick Kenny, Ronan Hynes, Pádraig Kelly, Conor Hillary, Darragh Roche, Dara Scarry, Cormac Hillary, Tommy Nutley, Cathal Hynes, Dylan Roche, Daniel Lydon, Jamie Nutley, Ross Lally, Harry Mitchell, Jonah Donnellan, David Walsh, Jack Reilly.
The U15 hurlers went down by a point to Ballinasloe in their final Group game. They had qualified for the Semi-Finals following two previous wins. The Club’s Junior 'B' hurlers missed out on the knockout stages when they lost out to Tynagh-Abbey-Duniry in the last group fixture.
Our sympathies to the Lally family on the passing of Mrs. Lucy Lally R.I.P. last week.
Latest Lotto Results
