Seniors – The seniors warmed up for next weekend’s championship game with a low-key draw with Latton on Sunday morning. Early morning showers had made the pitch greasy and both teams struggled to play good football in the opening half which Blayney edged 4 points to 3. The second half was much better fare and Blayney looked on course for victory, thanks mainly to Ciaran Hanratty who accounted for the bulk of Blayneys scores, but 2 frees from Latton in the closing minutes meant that the teams had to settle for a point each.
Senior Championship – the seniors have been paired with Truagh in a do or die championship clash this Sunday in Clontibret with a 5.15PM throw-in.
Junior C –The Cs have two matches over the next week, first up they face Toome in a “home” league match in Toome this Friday evening at 7.30PM and next Wednesday night they are away to Fergal O’Hanlons at 7.00PM.
Minor – The minors recorded a comprehensive 3-17 to 0-08 win over Clontibret last Tusday night. Although Clontibret were short several regulars it was a good performance from Blayney and the only negative was a nasty hand injury picked up by David McMahon. They travelled to Monaghan Harps on Tuesday night, result and report next week. Next Tuesday night they are in championship action as they face Traugh in Tyholland at 7.15PM; please make the effort to come along on the night to give your support.
Operation TransFAUGHSmation – Castleblayney Faughs GFC are launching an exciting 12 week lifestyle programme designed by local sports people with health and fitness expertise. Launch Night is Monday 29th August, where registration will begin and registration forms will be available locally from next week. The programme will officially start on Tuesday 13th September. Full details will follow next week.
Faughs Summer Camp – The revival of the Faughs Summer camp last week was a huge success, not even some inclement weather could spoil the occasion. Every day over 100 kids showed up to be put through their paces by our huge team of coaches/volunteers. Highlights of the week included the street league final on Friday and the trip away followed by a huge BBQ on Saturday afternoon. Thanks to Pauric Duffy for coming down to make the presentations, to all our sponsors, to the coaches/helpers who gave of their time so freely but most importantly thanks to all the children for coming along everyday and taking part so willingly. A more detailed report of the week will appear on the website along with hundreds of photographs taken over the week.
Muckno League Final – The finals of the Muckno League took place on Friday 12th of August and marked the end of the Faughs Summer camp in great style. All four teams were in action and despite the gloomy conditions, a great crowd turned out to support the teams. Contesting the shield final were Cork and Monaghan. These teams had met twice in the league phase and both teams had won 1 game apiece, so a close encounter was always on the cards. The game started at a blistering pace with referee Padraig McBennett struggling to keep up with the play. Both teams hit 3 goals in the first half each with excellent play by Robbie Hanratty and Conall McHugh for Cork and superb interchange between Cian O Connor and Joshua Mone for Dublin. At half time only 1 point separated the sides with Dublin leading 3-7 to 3-6. As the second half begun, the work-rate really increased with sum brilliant tackling and ferocious hits going in. James Mc Adam had a fine game in goals for Dublin and was assisted greatly by the defending of Colm Bishop and Jake McManus while Cillian Hanratty and Oran McArdle covered every blade of grass on the pitch. For Cork, Colin Merrick and Rory McGlynn showed tremendous leadership while the skill of Anthony McBennett, Senan O’Brien and Josh Denny was evident throughout. At the final whistle, only a goal separated the teams and it was Dublin who came out on the right side of the result thanks to their more clinical finishing.
The Cup final saw Kerry and Monaghan do battle, with nobody present able to confidently predict what the outcome would be. The teams had finished first and second in the league and had produced a couple of memorable matches, and the final would be no different. As Amhran na bhFiann played before the match, the nerves could be felt around the ground. The game had an edgy start, with both sides exchanging points from play. The first goal came after 6 minutes when Ryan McKernon fielded a Ciaran Duffy kick-out and burst through the Kerry defence before finishing cooly. This kickstarted the game as the goals began to flow after that. Caleb McArdle netted next for Kerry despite some great defending by John Ward. Monaghan retook the lead as David Irwin rose highest to box the ball into the goals despite the strong presence of goalkeeper Jason Cawley. A superb individual goal by Francis Mc Geough levelled the game again just a minute before the break but again Monaghan pressed on and led at the break by 3-3 to 2-4.
The second half showed no let up as both teams showed terrific hunger and a will to win. Ciaran Duffy was under severe pressure and really kept Monaghan in the game with sum reflex saves and high catches as Kerry pressed the Monaghan goal. Kerry started to get a grip at midfield due to Declan Hughes and Stephen Beattie and managed to create an overlap but Joey Hughes popped up to pull off 2 unbelievable blocks to keep Monaghan in front. Shane Mc Geough and Shane Ward began to drive forward and really take the game to Monaghan. However, 2 goals on the counter-attack proved decisive. First, Conor Mulligan spotted the keeper off his line and lobbed him from 20 yards. Next, Leo Maloney was found by a brilliant pass from Gavin Kelly to slot calmly past Cawley to give Monaghan a comfortable advantage. To Kerry’s credit, they fought hard until the end but could not find a way past a tough Monaghan defence with Gavin Kerry playing a captains role. When the final whistle went, 5 points were between the teams. A great final was a fitting end to a great league, and Monaghan were deserving winners in the end.
Bog Snorkelling –The national championships are being run again this year at Alices Loft, Doohamlet and they hope to run a “county club championship” and we are looking for a representative. All money raised goes to St Marys Hospital so if you think you have got what it takes ring Declan on 0868182482 or check http://www.irishbogsnorkelling.com/.
U10/U8/U6 – Training continues on Thursday evenings at usual times and venues.
Circuit Training – Marc Loughman is running a sculpt class on Saturday mornings in the Scout Hall (8.30-9.15AM). The class is open to men and women; cost is €5. Marc can be contacted at 0879489207.
Lotto – Lotto numbers for the week ending 01st August 2011 were 05, 08, 11 and 16. There was no Jackpot winner; one person matched 3 numbers to win €150; Patrick Woods, 30 The Crescent Next week’s jackpot is €11,000.
Lotto – Lotto numbers for the week ending 08th August 2011 were 09, 11, 22 and 25. There was no Jackpot winner; one person matched 3 numbers to win €150; Olga McHugh, Tullynacrunatt. Next week’s jackpot is €11,000.
Notes – Anyone wishing to be added to the club email list or have something included in the notes drop a line to info@castleblayneyfaughs.com or contact Club
By michael Tue 16th Aug
