Clann na nGael Under 12 Blitz
This Sunday, 11th September, Clann na nGael Under 12s are hosting an 11-a-side blitz, to follow on from last year’s successful event. This year, the blitz will be larger, with 12 teams (from 8 counties) taking part. As a result, all pitches in Johnstown, and also the lower pitch in Cushla will be in operation throughout the day.
With a blitz of this size, a lot of help will be needed. We’ll need help with refereeing, carparking, catering, pitch set up, and a variety of other tasks. Given the variety of clubs attending, this should be of benefit to Clann’s profile, so let’s ensure we make the day at least as successful as last year. Thanks in advance for your help.
Senior Update
The Matrix Bathrooms & Supermacs sponsored Clann Senior team played Pearses in the final Div.1 League game in a well presented Woodmount.
Clann na nGael had to win this game to keep their chances of reaching the knockout stages of the league alive, with Pearses into the semi final of the championship this was going to be a big task for Clann.
Donie Shine operating at full forward started brightly winning possession and getting the first score of the match. The first half was nip and tuck with nothing between the sides with Clann probably having enough possession to be few points up but it ended 7pts each.
Clann started the second half with Jamie Fahy scoring within two minutes and again Pearses responded keeping it a hard fought battle with nothing between the sides. Donie moved to midfield switching with Cathal and Donie was keeping the score board ticking over between frees and from play. Ultan Harney was working hard around the field making himself available to link between the defence and attack.
The towering Cathal Shine was causing problems on the edge of the square which resulted in him finishing a goal at the second time of asking. This goal on twenty six minutes left the score 1-11 to 0-11 with Clann in control. Pearses had introduced Niall Daly and Hugh Darcy at this stage but Clann were in control and pushed on to win on a score line of 1-14. to 0-11.
Clann na nGael now play St Brigids in the League semi-final tomorrow (Friday) at 8:30pm in Kiltoom and we’re still in with a chance of silverware.
Team: R. O’Reilly, D. Pettit, S. Flynn, S. Pettit, J. Connaughton, D. Flynn, E. Kenny, G. Pettit, D. Shine, D. Connaughton, U. Harney, C. McManus, J. Fahy, D. Shine, C. Callinan.
Subs: S. Mc Manus, G. Nicholson, C. Connaughton.
Minor update
Clann na nGael secured a semi-final spot with a generally solid performance away to Tulsk in the last group game of the Championship, but there were momentary lapses of focus in the latter stages of each half. Clann held the lead throughout the game after Conor Farrell crashed the ball to the net in the first minute of the game.
A goal each from Ian Naughton and Calum O’Brien in the first half, supplemented by points from play from Ciarán Lennon, Paul McManus, Conor Farrell (x2), Michael Hanley and Ian Naughton, created a 10 point cushion. However, the good work was somewhat undone by two late goals from Tulsk in the first half, which saw the lead cut to 4 points at the break.
A good start to the second half allowed Clann to push on with 2 points from play and 1 from a 45 from Séa Henry and further points from Ian Naughton, Calum O’Brien and Ciarán Lennon again created a big gap of 9 points, only for Clann to let Tulsk back in and give the opposition some hope of securing a result. Tulsk rattled off an unanswered 1-2 in the final few minutes to make it a nervy finish for Clann.
Clann progress to the semi-final and will be acutely aware that there is some hard work ahead in advance of the knock out stages. No details are available for the semi-final as yet.
Clann squad: David Finneran, Conor Costello, Sean Fallon, Oisín Lennon, Adam Harney, Damien Duff, Darragh Kildea, Séa Henry 0-3, Ciarán Lennon 0-2, Michael Hanley 0-1, Paul McManus 0-1, Eoin O’Neill, Calum O’Brien 1-1, Conor Farrell 1-2, Ian Naughton 1-2, Thomas Bannon, David McManus, Jack McManus, Andrew Kelly, Reece Moran, Anthony Kelly, Patrick O’Brien, Oisín Rock, Liam Donnelly, Michael McManus.
The Minor Board, management and minor squad would like to wish Niall Connaughton all the best and a speedy recovery from the injury sustained in the previous win over St Dominics. Best wishes too to panel members Cian Mulvey and Peter Foley on their recovery from injuries.
U.12 Updates
Div.1 Semi-final – Boyle 3-6 Clann na nGael 1-10
A battle from start to finish. To get to Boyle in the first place was a challenge with the County Council in their wisdom seeking to cut the poor folk of Boyle off from the rest of the County. Two roads closed on the way to Boyle meant a massive detour trip for us. The rain didn’t help the pitch and the conditions were hard for both teams, but that did not stop Boyle and Clann from producing an epic contest. As is our way, for the third game against Boyle, we let them get an instant lead in the first few minutes, but Clann battled their way into the game and were two points down at half time.
A great start to the second half saw Clann take the lead, but a quick free kick, which caught Clann by surprise, led to a Boyle goal midway through the second half which ultimately made the difference as Boyle held on for a two point win. Clann pushed for the scores towards the end, but just came up short. It is always hard to lose a semi final, but these boys gave it everything, both in the group stages and the knock out games. Some of these players will be big characters for the club for many years.
Squad: David Campion, Ollie Hynes, Eoghan Connaughton, Ethan Hunter, Éanna Henry, Eoghan Galvin, John Shine, Oisín O’Flaherty, Liam Ward, Diarmuid O’Brien, Shane Gavin, Tomás O’Neill, Charlie Kelly, Conor McManus, Rory Colgen, Cormac Westman. Missing Páidí O’Leochain and Darren Quinn.
Div.4 Semi-final – Kilmore 3-5 Clann na nGael 2-11
Later in the day the luck changed and a monumental effort from our division 4 team, secured a final spot against Shannon Gaels with a hard fought win in Kilmore. This was another tight affair and whilst Clann held the lead throughout the game, they were never certain of victory until Marty Parker blew the final whistle.
Clann held a one point lead at half time and again started brightly in the second half, but Kilmore kept coming back and were heartbroken when they couldn’t find the breakthrough. As for the Clann boys, it was a powerful display that was rewarded with a deserved victory. The way in which the lads coped with the Kilmore onslaught was so commendable and Clann took their scores with a tremendous sense of style. Clann had a the biggest turnout of players yet for a game which gave the management team a huge headache. The final date is to be confirmed. Fantastic achievement to reach a County final.
Squad: Sean Kelly, Darragh O’Neill, Dylan Brady, Rory Colgen, Cormac Westman, Eoghan Galvin, Mark Fallon, Kenae Fallon, Jack Macken, Ethan Hunter, Ryan Moran, Eoghan McManus, Evan Quinn, Kyle Moroney, Temitope Idowu, Aaron Mullen, Cody Moran, Mark Lennon, Cathal Roche.
Clann host an u12 tournament/blitz next Sunday in Johnstown and Cushla. This provides an opportunity for the lads to play teams from all over the Country and we will do our utmost to make all our visitors feel as welcome as possible for this event. All offers to volunteer will be warmly accepted.
U.10/U.9 UPDATES
Clann na nGael U10/U9 boys travelled to Kiltoom on Wednesday evening to play St Brigids in two games in the Tormeys League. To have any hope of getting into the A league final Clann needed to win both games. The U10 boys started of slow in this tough encounter and found themselves 4 points down in the first 10mins, but they dug deep and turned the game around winning by a comfortable score at the final whistle. The U9 boys had a tough first half and played excellent football with some great scores to lead by 4 points at half time. In the second half they put in an excellent performance and won the game in style. Well done lads.
Clann U10/U9 boys travelled to St Lomans blitz in Mullingar on Sunday and had a great day out. Both teams played excellent football and managed to play their way into their respective semi finals Unfortunately both teams lost out in the end to stronger opposition. All the boys were rewarded with medals for their achievement. Well done lads.
Ladies Update
U.14 Girls
On Friday 2nd September our U14 girls had a hard fought win over Boyle. The game was played in great conditions. Both teams fought tooth and nail with fine performances from both sides. Well done to the girls and best of luck in the quarter final against St Ciarans, away on Friday 9th September at 7pm.
Gaelic 4 Mothers & Others
Our Gaelic 4 mother’s & other’s are always looking for new members to join. We have a very talented member on our panel who is not only aiming for player of the year but might also twist your arm to come to Johnstown on a Thursday night at 8.30pm:
“Thursdays in Johnstown”
By Avril West.
The Clann na nGael women gather together, on a Thursday night in all kinds of weather.
Young and old, all shapes and sizes, as for our Gaelic – we won’t win no prizes.
But on the pitch we have such fun, and half of us can’t even run.
Hand pass, kick pass, solo’s galore, until we can’t do anymore.
So if you like the craic, want to learn a new skill, come up to Johnstown – you’re not over the hill.
It’s never too late to give sport a go, join the Mother’s & Other’s and just go with the flow.
U.6 girls
Athlone GAA hosted our U6 girls & boys on Sunday morning for a game of football. Thanks to all involved.
Upcoming games
The Minor Ladies semi final game is changed to Saturday 10th September against Boyle in Johnstown at 6pm.
U14’s play away to St Ciaran’s on Friday 9th September at 7pm.
Cake Sale
Our annual cake sale has been postponed to Sunday 18th September due to the boys U12 blitz that takes place on 11th September.
Clann na nGael Lotto
The draw took place in Shines on Sunday 4th of September with a jackpot of €6,800.
The numbers drawn were 14, 19, 24, 25. No winner, Match 3 Winners win €70:
Winner (Seller)
Val Beaumont (Ollie Colgan)
James Lennon (Padraig O’Reilly)
James Curley (James Curley)
Next week’s jackpot is €7,000 and the draw will be in the Mill. Thanks to everyone who supports Clann’s Lotto every week.
Clann na nGael Shop now online
Our Shop is now online with a wide range of O’Neills gear to purchase. The shop can be accessed via ClannGAA.ie or directly by visiting tiny.cc/ClannShop
Clann na nGael Online
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