Senior Championship
The senior footballers got their championship campaign off to a winning start when they defeated St. Molaise Gaels in Markievicz Park on Saturday evening. It was a game that Coolera-Strandhill controlled from the start and were worthy winners in the end. After a low scoring first half, we led 2-02 to 0-03, thanks to 1-02 from Niall Murphy (the goal coming from a penalty), and a goal from Barry O’ Mahony following a fine team move. Three second half points from Barry from placed balls, were added to by Niall with another goal and a point. A super team move involving goalie Kevin Kelly, Peter Laffey and Gary Cawley culminated in a well taken point from Karol O’ Neill. Further goals from Mark McCallion and Colm Parke put the result beyond doubt and sets us up nicely for the next round next month. Team; Kevin Kelly, Enda Mitchell, David McGee, Conor McDonagh, Seán Murphy, Gary Cawley, Ciaran Moloney (Mark Comerford), Peter Laffey, Kevin Banks, Cillian McCahey (Gary Cadden), Keelan Cawley (Declan Cawley), Mark McCallion (1-00), (Barry Doyle), Barry O’ Mahony (1-03), Karol O’ Neill (0-01) (Colm Parke 1-00), Niall Murphy (2-03)
Lotto
The lotto numbers drawn on Monday July 31st were 16, 28,31 and 32. There was no winner of the €2900 jackpot. Lotto tickets are available from Keane’s Supermarket, Bree’s Bar, Margaret’s Café and also from Joe Gildea. The draw takes place every Monday in the clubhouse. The new jackpot is €3000.
Volunteers Wanted
Our friends on the Warriors Committee are looking for volunteers to help out on the 26/08/17. Coolera/Strandhill is very grateful to the Warriors Committee for all their assistance and would like to repay this goodwill. If you are not doing the run but would like to be part of the event this is your chance. If you are available please contact any Club Executive member.
Under 9 & 10 Football.
Our under 9 and under 10 stars play in a Sligo GAA blitz in Scarden tomorrow (Wed). Why not come along to give them your support.
Congratulations to our under 10 girls who took part in the blitz in Tubbercurry on Saturday. A total of 150 girls were involved in a very successful day’s activities.
Minor Girls
The minor girls were in action last Wednesday when they made the trip to Grange to play Molaise Gaels in the second round of the championship. It was to prove to be a frustrating evening, where missed chances would ultimately be costly as the girls conceded two late goals to lose by two points on a score of 2-07 to 1-08, thus making their exit from the competition. Despite the loss there were some positives to be taken from this match, notably the performances of three under 14 girls who were drafted in to boost numbers. Amy Hampson and Cliodhna O’ Sullivan, both of whom have only recently turned thirteen, were superb in defence, while Holly Gilligan, who won’t be fourteen until November, caused the Molaise defence problems when introduced for the second half. In addition to her defensive work, Cliodhna made many attacking runs from half back to get the team moving forward. She was well supported in the half back line by her sister Caoimhe and Gráinne Redmond, both of whom were excellent throughout. In attack, Eva Schoen sored six points and was always a threat going forward, and was very unlucky to be penalised for over-carrying when clean through for a goal in the dying minutes. Others to get on the score-sheet were Attracta Halloran with 1-01 and Eilis Callaghan whose workrate and perseverance was rewarded with a point. Team; Cara Gilligan, Amy Hampson, Kaela Kerrigan, Cliodhna O’ Sullivan, Caoimhe O’ Sullivan, Gráinne Redmond, Aislinn Doggett (Eimear Callaghan), Attracta Halloran (1-01), Éilis Burke (Holly Gilligan), Eva Schoen (0-06), Éilis Callaghan (0-01), Eimear McCallion (Nadine Deering), Ciara Healy (Eimear Joyce).
Under-age Hurling
This evening is a big night for our U-12’s as they play Tubbercurry in the Shield Final at Markievicz Park. Throw in is at 6:45pm with players asked to be at the ground for 6:15pm sharp. All support will be much appreciated.
The club’s U10 hurlers continued their unbeaten run in County Hurling Development Blitzes at the Centre of Excellence on Wednesday last when they played Western Gaels, Castleconnor and Benbulben Gaels. The boys got off to an explosive start in the first match v Western Gaels as Patrick Tuffy got a quick goal and a point and this was followed by a goal from Finn McDaniel which settled the boys nicely. Further scores were added by Cathal Giligan and by Patrick again.
The game of the night was the second match against Castleconnor which was an evenly balanced match with both teams showing some good attacking play, which led to goal line clearances, last ditch tackles and some fine blocking. Goalie Stefan McMahon made a couple of good intercepts when the game was in the balance, while James Lynch, Luke O’Connor, James Sheridan and Luke Giligan all cleared their lines in an economical way . Midfielder Cathal Giligan turned on the afterburners with some great solo runs that led to scores from Patrick Tuffy. Aidan O’ Loughlin and Fionn Beirne constantly put the Castleconner defence under pressure with both scoring well deserved scores. In the end Coolera/Strandhill won by three scores in this tight contest.
In the last match, the coaches mixed the team selection around by playing the backs as forwards and the boys’ versatility was shown as Luke Giligan led the forward line by scoring a hat trick of scores, James Lynch laid on some fine passes and was well supported by Fionn Beirne in midfield while the McDaniel brothers and Cathal Giligan kept the Benbulben forwards at bay. Special mention must be given to the youngest player Luke O’Connor who played in both defence and forwards, and capped off three fine displays by scoring his first goal for Coolera/ Strandhill v Benbulben Gaels. Team: Stefan McMahon, Luke Giligan, Patrick Tuffy, Jack McDaniel, Luke O’Connor, Aidan O’Loughlin, James Sheridan, Finn McDaniel, James Lynch, Fionn Beirne and Cathal Giligan.
There was great excitement on Sunday morning when our under-age hurlers met at 9.00 to set off for Croke Park to watch the All-Ireland semi-final between Cork and Waterford. It was a particularly special day for Conor Beirne as he was going to watch his cousin line out for the Dublin minors in the curtain raiser. On route they stopped off in Carrick-on-Shannon for a friendly game, before heading to GAA Headquarters for the big game. It was a fantastic experience and great credit goes to the coaches/mentors for organising this trip.
Training continues on Saturday at 10.45 to 12 at Ransboro pitch for underage hurlers. The excitement is building for the young hurlers as they will be heading to Croke Park on Sunday to take in the Cork v Waterford All Ireland Semi Final.
Under 12 Boys
Our U 12 Division 1 team played Drumcliffe/Rosses Point in the Shield semi- final in Oxfield last Tuesday. Both sides played some excellent football throughout. Coolera/Strandhill were well in the game going into the last quarter but Drumcliffe/Rosses Point finished stronger winning on a scoreline of 0-20 to 0-12.Team ;Zack Giligan, Aidan Moran, Ben Lawlor-Kerr, Oran Harte, Alan Lawlor-Kerr, Oisin O’ Neill, Tadhg Doggett, Kevin Davitt, Oisin Hennessy, Cormac Mullins, Keelan Boyle, Ciallan O’Neill and Mark Keane.
Our Division 3 team played Shamrock Gaels, also in the Shield Semi-Final, in Ransboro Park last Tuesday evening. Coolera /Strandhill led from start to finish and ran out winners on a scoreline of 0-16 to 0-7.They now go on to play Tubbercurry/Cloonacool in the final in Markievicz Park on Tuesday 22nd at 6.30 pm. Team; Ronan Adams, Oisin Whelan, Shane O’Loughlin, Darragh Ballatyne, Hughie Doherty, Aidan Moran, Ben Lawlor-Kerr, Oran Harte, Alan Lawlor-Kerr, Cormac Mullins, Ciallan O’Neill, Mark Keane, Brian Healy, Thomas Kinane, Eoghan Healy, Hubert Healy, Andrew Connell, David Kennedy, Jack McDaniel.
Under 12 Girls
The under 12 girls lost out on a possible semi-final place when they were beaten by Drumcliffe/Rosses Point in Oxfield last Friday. If, as they say, goals win matches, then this game proved that as the home side managed to score 7-06 to our 2-09. As in previous matches it was a slow start that was to ultimately prove costly. Trailing by twelve points at half time, the girls battled through the final two quarters, taking the game to their opponents. They scored four unanswered points, and were unfortunate not to raise a couple of green flags, before Drumcliffe/Rosses Point responded with a goal, which was to be the sucker punch that decided the tie. Try as they might the girls couldn’t cope with the speed and accuracy of the home attack, though Ava Griffin (and later Áine Morahan) made a number of crucial saves in goals. Nessa O’ Sullivan worked endlessly in defence, constantly clearing her lines, while Mary-Kate McPartland, Lisa Kilfeather, Susannah Gilligan and Aoife Gormley battled throughout, Lisa even managing to pop up in the forwards to score a point. Orna Murphy was a constant threat in attack, scoring 1-06 of the team’s total. She was well supported by Eva White who had two points and Ellen Walsh who scored a goal. It was a disappointing end to the campaign, but these girls have performed at the highest level of under 12 football in the county and can be proud of their achievements. The future looks bright. Team; Ava Griffin, Laoise McKenna, Nessa O’ Sullivan, Anna McDaniel, Mary-Kate McPartland, Lisa Kilfeather, Eva White, Aoife Gormley, Orlaith Beirne, Clodagh Martyn, Luisa Mooney, Orna Murphy, Ellen Walsh, Luna Simeoni, Susannah Gilligan, Úna Griffin, Grace Bailey, Hannah Bohan, Lauren Healy, Lauren Dalton, Áine Harte, Áine Morahan.
