Athlone Regain Newsfare Headlines
ATHLONE 4 – 11 ROSCOMMON GAELS 2 - 10
An extremely busy weekend of Gaelic Football in Pairc Chiarain, saw the culmination of the 2003 Newsfare U –16 Football Tournament played out in ideal weather conditions. On Saturday 15th the semi-finals took place with host club Athlone narrowly defeating St. Brigids in a close encounter, on the final scoreline of 1 – 8 to 0 – 07. In the second semi-final Garrycastle met Roscommon Gaels and, with the “Castle” holding a halftime lead of eleven points, the stage seemed set for an all local final. However, Roscommon Gaels had different ideas and, in a marvellous second half rally, they just edged out Garrycastle with the final score reading: Garrycastle 3 – 08 – Roscommon Gaels 4 – 08.
Thus, the scene was set for a cracking St. Patrick’s Day final between Athlone and the Gaels. On a glorious morning, bathed in Spring sunshine, with the pitch in pristine condition and only the slightest of crosswinds, these two young sides went head-to-head for the title. The Roscommon side started the stronger and , with Sean Gilleran and Gerard McDermott dominating midfield, they built up a two point lead. Gradually, Athlone with the deployment of Neil Lynch as a third midfielder, began to gain a fair share of possession and the forward line made maximum use of the ball, registering four unanswered points as the game settled into an entertaining spectacle. In an end to end affair, Athlone made better use of their possession and the scores duly followed. An array of points by Ian Lacey and John Connellan, nicely embellished by a fine Noel McGee goal, saw Athlone going in at the break leading 1 – 09 to 0 – 04. The only downside at this point was the substitution of Cian Murray, due to a facial injury, but his replacement, Joseph Benson acquitted himself more than adequately, particularly in the second half, when he repelled many Roscommon attacks down the left flank. Thankfully, Cian was able to return to the action late in the second half.
The second half saw Athlone away to a dream start with a cracking goal from McGee again, following swift intelligent interplay. The Gaels were not about to roll over and duly took the game to the homeside with four fine points, pinning Athlone in their own half for long periods. However, the siege was lifted and the dynamic home forward line restored normal service with a fine Lacey point and a third net-buster from that man McGee.
At this stage the Gaels could be forgiven for throwing in the towel but, to their credit, they battled on manfully and at last pierced the Athlone rearguard to raise a green flag through full forward Paul Allen. A Lacey point was soon followed by a pointed reply from Roscommon who almost immediately netted their second goal. With only four points separating the sides the closing minutes were quite tense with the Gaels certainly in the ascendancy. A combination of tenacious Athlone defending and some wayward Roscommon shooting saw the hosts break away to culminate with substitute Daniel Cochrane netting Athlone’s fourth goal. The final whistle soon followed amid scenes of jubilation, with Athlone finally regaining the coveted title.
For the homeside Stephen Keegan was very solid between the posts, while the fullback line of Cian Murray(later Andrew Healy), John Dunning and Eanna Mac Chonmhara, despite facing physically bigger opponents, was staunch all through, compensating for size through excellent anticipation, interception and pure heart. In the half-line, Ian Bolger in the centre, grew in stature as the match progressed ably supported by Andrew Healy, Joseph Benson and Kevin Macken. The centrefield pairing of Declan Byrne and Eoin O’Flaherty, aided by Neil Lynch, ensured a steady supply of ball to the forward line, fielding and breaking well,while distributing intelligently.
Up front the entire forward unit excelled. A half forward line that can contribute 10 points in any game has to be admired. Ian Lacey, in the centre, scoring a most impressive tally of 6 points from play (one a superb score from a tight angle which any of the greats in football would be proud of), with great support and link play from John Connellan, scoring 3 points and Alan Gaughan one. The full line with hat trick hero, Noel McGee, who notched a point for good measure, leading the line superbly, was cleverly supported by Daniel Grehan and substitute; Daniel Cochrane sealing the victory for the all important insurance goal.
Roscommon Gaels were best served by their midfield pairing of Gilleran and McDermott, Robert Gaynor, Paul Allen, and David O’Gara in attack, and Kieran McManus and Wesley Burke in defence.
A feature of the final was the exceptional level of preparation and team play exhibited by both sides and the ability to register sores from all situations and angles. The game was played in a fine sporting manner with no quarter given or asked by either side. A slight downer may be the few unnecessary off-the-ball incidents which, I am sure, the respective mentors will address. However, all in all, this was a final to grace any stage, and a most fitting finale to the Newsfare Tournament, once again, sponsored most generously, by Dermot and Mary Fox of Newsfare Ltd., Golden Island Shopping Centre, Athlone.
This tournament, now in it’s seventh year, has gained in prestige through the years, providing an ideal early season test for all competing teams prior to their own domestic competitions. The 2003 competition featured a total of eight teams, represrenting four counties. The participating clubs were as follows: Athlone, Garrycastle and Mullingar Shamrocks from Westmeath; St. Brigids, Padraig Pearses and Roscommon Gaels flying the Roscommon flag, with Ballymahon and Mountbellew representing Longford and Galway respectively. A large thank you to all competing clubs and the best of luck in your respective County Championships and Leagues to come.
Athlone:
Stephen Keegan, Cian Murray, John Dunning, Eanna Mac Chonmhara, Kevin Macken, Ian Bolger, Andrew Healy, Declan Byrne, Eoin O’Flaherty, Alan Gaughan, Ian Lacey, John Connellan, Daniel Grehan, Noel McGee, Neil Lynch, Joseph Benson, Daniel Cochrane, Simon Mulvihill, Shane O’Neill, John Stapleton and Daniel Kenny.
Roscommon Gaels:
Rory O’Connor, Paul Gleeson, Mark Molloy, Paul Mullen, Kieran McManus, Wesley Burke, Michael Sharkey, Sean Gilleran, Gerard McDermott, Kenny Doolan, Robert Gaynor, Alan Vogh, Ross Oates, Paul Allen, David O’Gara, C.Walshe, T. Murray, C. Costelloe, J. Bourke and F. Lally.
Referee: P. Greene.
John Devins, pictured left, of Permanent TSB, Golden Island Shopping Centre, presenting a set of kitbags to Tommy Lynam, Athlone GAA Minor Board, also pictured is Andrew Lynam.
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Athlone go down to Gaels
On Saturday last Athlone travelled to Roscommon to take on local side Roscommon Gaels in the qualifying stages of the Newsfare Tournament. On a windy afternoon the Gaels, aided by the elements, started strongly and with Athlone taking a long time to settle, the home side raced into a four point lead. Having found their feet Athlone then proceeded to squander some excellent scoring chances and by the time Declan Byrne raised their first white flag, Roscommon had established a nine point lead. Two further Gaels' points left the half-time score: Roscommon Gaels 0 - 11 Athlone 0 - 01 and Athlone with a mountain to climb.
The second half saw a wind assisted Athlone, helped by some positional changes and the introduction of John Connellan, take the game to the hosts and with Connellan scoring a personal tally of six points from play, the gap narrowed relentlessly. However the wasted chances of the first period were to prove costly for Athlone and try as they might, they could not overhaul the Gaels who ran out eventual winners on the final score of 1 - 12 to 0 - 09.
Athlone:
Stephen Keegan, Cian Murray, Eoin O'Flaherty, Andrew Healy, Ian Bolger, Joseph Benson, Kevin Macken, Declan Byrne (capt.), Neil Lynch, Daniel Grehan, Ian Lacey, John Stapleton, Daniel Kenny, Noel McGee, Alan Gaughan, John Connellan (for Stapleton), Simon Mulvihill ( for Kenny) and Aidan O'Dea (for Grehan).
Three Goal Athlone
Athlone got their Newsfare off to a winning start on Sunday morning last when they accounted for Mountbellew on the scoreline of 3-3 to 0-8. Athlone played with the wind in the first half but it was Mountbellew who started the brighter scoring 3 points without reply. Athlone's opening point was closely followed by a Noel McGee goal, the same player tacked on a point to leave the half time score at Athlone 1-2, Mountbellew 0-4.
Both teams exchanged points at the start of the second period before Ian Lacey banged in goal number two for Athlone. Mountbellew were not giving up easily and slowly chipped away at the lead with three unanswered points to leave them trailing by the minimum margin with minutes remaining. In keeping with the trend of the game Athlone added a further goal, excellently finished by substitute Simon Mulvihill to leave them 4 point winners.
Athlone team and panel:
Eoin O'Flaherty, Cian Murray, Ian Bolger, Eanna Mac Conmhara, Joseph Benson, John Dunning, Kevin Macken, Declan Byrne, Ian Lacey, David Grehan, John Connellan, John Stapleton, Daniel Kenny, Noel McGee, Alan Gaughan, Simon Mulvihill, Andrew Healy and Stephen Keegan.
