Clontibret Camogie News.
This week the focus is primarily on our U-14 panel who are preparing for the Louth League Final which, we were told on July 4th, was scheduled to take place this Sunday, but somewhat disappointingly, now appears to be ‘shelved’ due to officers of the Board and the manager of the opposition being on holidays!!
On Tuesday evening last our U-14s played Clan na nGael of Lurgan in the Armagh League, in torrential rain, and emerged victorious despite missing a few regulars. However, it was a good opportunity to let some of the younger players in on the action especially with a final selection for the Louth Final still to be made. Many thanks to Michael, Patricia and Christina Duffy who made the long journey to assist and support the players.
In the Louth league final the opposition will once again be St. Kevin’s – defeated finalists from last year. They will undoubtedly be out to avenge last year’s defeat when Clontibret ended their 11 year reign as U-14 League champions in a somewhat dramatic fashion. It is unlikely there will be as much drama when the final eventually takes place as both sides are evenly matched and indeed Clontibret’s only defeat this year at U-14 level has been to St. Kevin’s, in April. Clontibret know this is going to be a case of ‘hard graft’ all the way if they want to lay their hands on a second successive title.
The team will be picked from the following panel: Hannah McSkeane, Sorcha McDonald, Mary and Jennifer Duffy, Chloe McGuigan, Niamh Hughes, Niamh Kieran, Emily Madden, Ríoghnach Duffy, Sioneen Morgan, Emma Deery, Amy Gorman, Neasa Boyle, Claudia Power, Eimear McKenna, Lisa McEneaney, Catherine Mohan, Katie Leonard, Clíodhna Moran, Tara McNally, Melinda McCague and Abbie McArdle,
On Saturday Inniskeen host the inter-club U-12 Blitz at 11.00am. Cars will depart the Community Centre at 10.00am. This will be good preparation for their next U-12 match in the Armagh League on July 23rd when Clontibret play Cullyhanna. On July 30th our U-12s make the long journey to Aghagallon on the borders of Antrim for their final match in this competition.
Our senior panel play Castleblayney in Concra on Tuesday evening in the Fitzpatrick Coaches League. A full turn-out of players is important in order to maintain our unbeaten run.
Also on Tuesday evening the U-14’s play Middletown in Middletown. As with the seniors, a full panel of players will be necessary as Middletown are a tough, physical team.
Congratulations to Marie Greenan and Michelle Morgan who lined out for Monaghan against Westmeath on Saturday last and gave a good account of themselves in what was a very tough encounter. Monaghan are definitely finding the step up to the ranks of Junior ’A’ very challenging but the lack of depth in the panel is certainly not helping their cause. Again I appeal to available players in the club to actively support the county team as they take on Tyrone in an away match this Saturday. This match is at 6pm in Derrytresk so hopefully we will have a few additional players available due to the later starting time.
Congratulations to the McElvaney family who celebrated a double graduation during the past week. On Friday last Aisling graduated from the University of Ulster, Jordanstown, with an Honours BSc in Business Studies. The family then flew to Liverpool at the weekend where Tara graduated from John Moore University on Tuesday with a Post Graduate Diploma in legal studies, to add to her law degree acquired last year. Congratulations to both girls and we wish them continued success.
Finally best wishes to Shauna McKeever who is recovering from an injury which necessitated stitches to her hand following an accident at home. Hope you are soon back on the playing fields, Shauna.
By michael Wed 11th Jul
