Scor All Ireland Final is taking place in Derry on the 23rd we are represented by Colm Kirke and his recitation piece “The Cross Eyed Monaghan Hurler”. Colm performed his rendition on Saturday night to a standing ovation and rapturous applause at the Dinner Dance. For those of us that hadn’t seen it before it was both highly entertaining and masterfully delivered, it’ll take a good one to beat him. It’s not every year that our club is represented in an All Ireland final indeed it’s been 33 years since we last contested a final. The Bus is leaving the Diamond at 10am on Saturday morning your support would be greatly appreciated; bring your flags, banners and most importantly vocal support for Colm. Go n’eiri go gall leat. Good luck also to Drumhowan who are in the final of the instrumental section.
Dinner Dance, the most eagerly anticipated night of the year went of exceptionally well on Saturday last. In what was a wonderful occasion it was great to see such a big turnout and the Creighton looking so well, the presence of Dr. Ward added great mirth to the evening. Opening speech from Chairman Mr. Tom Kelly got proceedings underway, Tom thanking all players, coaches, managers, mentors, sponsors, executive members and anyone who gave of their free time to the benefit of the club for what had been both a challenging and successful year. He introduced our Guest of honour Sean Mc Kenna who spoke in high regard of Tom pronouncing that Tom could’ve won the Club Official of the year award in any of the last seven years and was more than a deserving recipient. Tom represents everything that is excellent in Cumman Luthchleas Gael. Tom works tirelessly for the club on a volunteer basis, his enthusiasm is only matched by his dedication and hard work in ensuring the club is as good as it can be. Sean also congratulated the successful senior team wishing them well in Intermediate and encouraging the lads that they had nothing to fear and hopefully there’d be more silverware here next year. Sean also gave out medals to the victorious Junior team in recognition of their league win. There are no fears of any player getting too carried away with lofty expectations as compere for the evening Fintan Cunningham quickly brought them down to size with a witty quip. We should congratulate all the players on every team within the club. The payers that stood out the most in 2012 are as follows:
2012 Players of the year;
Under 12; Conor Smyth, in a year where our under 12’s struggled against some impressive teams Conor stood out. Although small in stature his grit and determination were always evident, leading by example he was an inspiration to his team-mates even in the face of adversity.
Under 14 A; Caoilin McDonald played at midfield or centre back for the under 14’s he’s an extremely committed and gifted footballer who gives his all in training and in matches. He’s a good leader and on the pitch and was a key driving force throughout the year, he has the ability and potential to do great things within the club.
Under 14 B; Ryan Mc Govern, again is a very committed footballer, he is typical of the traditional full back, robust and strong in the tackle, he has a no nonsense style with letting the ball do the work by letting it in long out of the danger area. He’s a wonderful attitude and a pleasure to coach.
Under 16; Ben Daly, is a very talented hard working player, he had a great year playing equally as well in either the full back or half back line. He has a great outlook and never misses training, a fantastic reader of the game, leading from the front and leaving nothing behind on the football field.
Minor; Aidan O’Neill, an all round player, strong in the tackle and great passer of the ball alert to both danger and opportunity. His tall physique makes him suitable to any position on the field a superb ball winner his best days are ahead of him in the blue and white jersey.
Under 21; Ethan Audley, Ethan had a great year, breaking onto the senior team and proved a very strong player at midfield, he showed that he can take a score. He’s an all round athlete and talented boxer, handy to have in a tight corner.
Reserves; Eugene Holland, Eugene had a great year with on the Reserve team, very solid in the full back position, he played on the senior team and only for an untimely injury missed the conclusion of the season. Regardless Eugene played some of his best football last season and we hope there’s more in the tank for the coming season.
Senior Player of the year Daragh Graham, time may not be on this player’s side but he had his best year ever in a Clones jersey this year nailing the wing back position at the start of the year and never looked back. This was a year that this man won’t forget he has a new baby girl and Tanya has finally agreed to marry him.
The player of the year prizes were kindly sponsored by; The Creighton Hotel, Dutchy’s Fitness, Eugene McCaughey Spar, SuperValu, The Tower Bar, The Paragon, Conlon Travel and Adamsons.
Hall of Fame recipient Mr. Ben Quinn, The Hall of Fame award is a longstanding tradition within our club St Tiarnach’s. It is our way of saying “Gur a Maith Agat” to those that have shown outstanding and dedicated service to our club and Community. It was a unanimous decision of our Executive that this year – this award would be presented to our previous secretary Ben Quinn. It was more than just for his role as secretary that we make this award. For Ben as our chairman Tom Kelly put it – “was our unpaid ultimate professional, he was – for our club, a man of wise council, often the voice of reason when heads were hot, a role model, motivator, mentor and representative for the club through thick and thin”. It was appropriate therefore that when a new dawn beckons (having at last broken the shackles of the junior ranks) that Ben and his family would be there to let us show our appreciation. Ben has achieved numerous accolades previously both on and off the field, but on the night it was Master Quinn’s humility that struck a chord with us all, rather than take the plaudits he directed his speech to the players of the next generation to Play fair, hard and honest, Don’t cut corners, don’t expect anything you don’t earn, Prepare properly and respect all – fellow players, opposition and match officials. This club was made the richer for that very type of message. Comhghairdeas Ben an award richly deserved.
Dan’s Tournament; Took place last Sunday, the first game at 2pm between Aghabog and Clones. The second game was between Currin and Killeevan. Clones beat Aghabog and Currin beat Killevan in the first two games. It was nip and tuck for most of the game with the sides level with three minutes to go, in what was a very sporting and entertaining final played in glorious spring conditions. Currin got the final three scores and sealed the victory. The winter cobwebs are starting to come off now and the lads played well considering the dinner dance the night before, indeed Joe Mallon could even consider lifting the Alcohol ban come championship.
Minor Training commences again next week, get your boots ready and contact your coaches for more details.
Strength and conditioning for under 16’s continues every Wednesday evening at 7 o’clock. If you haven’t been attending ‘tighten up’ as you’re gonna be left behind by your peers.
Juveniles; your Training schedule is set to commence in the couple of weeks, as always help is needed in coaching and managing our juveniles, this is appreciated and needed, volunteers are asked to contact Joanne. A note to all players and parents that mouthguards are now compulsory for all matches and training, they’re as important as the boots so na dearna sibh dearmad (Don’t Forget).
Membership: Note to all that membership is now due. Players membership is €20, Ordinary membership €10, Juvenile €5 and Family Membership €25. This is payable to the registrar Karen McKenna.
Lotto Results: St. Tiarnach’s G.F.C. Lotto 18/02/2013, Jackpot €6,700. Numbers drawn 3,10,17,19. No Winner. Lucky Dip Winners; Eddie O’Neill, C/O Paragon, Maria Donoghue Ballyhaise, Terry Brady C/O Roost , Kathleen Hannon Carn Heights, Hlen Clerkin, NTB Rd. Sellers prize The Paragon Bar, Next weeks Jackpot €6,800. Next draw take place in Tower Bar, Thankyou to all Ticket Buyers and Sellers your support is appreciated.
By michael Wed 20th Feb
