Magheracloone G.A.A.

Lotto Results.  The numbers drawn in the Lotto for the week ending October 18th were as follows… 2, 4, 16 and 21. The Jackpot was not won. The following four players won fifty euro in the Lucky Dip…….Peter Hickey, Magheracloone, Gabriel Roe, Shercock, M. Crosby, Meath Hill and Cathal Dodd, Carrickmacross.  The Jackpot for the draw on Monday 25^th October 2010 will be 3,900 euro.

Fixtures.  The senior championship final replay took centre stage on Sunday afternoon last when Magheracloone and Clontibret served up an exciting game in the grounds of the Inniskeen club. After the close and exciting finish of the previous week, nobody foresaw that another close finish would happen in the replay. Yet that is exactly what happened as both teams battled mightily for the honour of bringing home the Mick Duffy Cup. On this occasion Clontibret managed to keep their noses in front but Magheracloone did not go down without a fight and the game could have swung either way right to the last whistle. The congratulations must go to Clontibret on claiming victory.  The Magheracloone team can take pride in the fact that it made a major contribution over two games to making this championship decider a close and exciting one.

The margin of the loss will make this team more determined than ever to bounce back and seek a championship win in 2011. The margin between victory and defeat is tiny and the team will set out to bridge that gap in the new season.

Staying with 2010, the league winners have still to be decided and the team are on the road again with a trip to near neighbours, Carrickmacross, on Saturday evening. The locals sit on top of the league at present and will be determined to maintain that position and thus claim a home semi final draw. The throw-in on Saturday is at four o’clock.

Greetings to our Exiles.  Once again a number of our exiles made the trip to the county final from far flung places and some changed their travel arrangements to take in the replay. Sean McConnon made the trip from New York to support the club and to represent the large number of Magheracloone people in that great city. Be assured that your ambassador served you well and Sean brought the best wishes of all the people from the East Coast to the Magheracloone team.  The West Coast was represented by another staunch fan in Fr. Michael Gilsenan who travelled from L.A. to be present at both games. While Fr. Michael served in Clontibret for a number of years, I’m sure that his support for Magheracloone on Sunday was 100%.

Best Wishes and Bon Voyage to Fr. Michael and Sean as they return to the States along with all the other exiles who travelled to support the club. Greetings to all our exiles that could not make it home on this occasion.

Support All associated with the team were overwhelmed by the level of support shown over the two weekends. A huge number of flags and buntings were sold and many supporters turned up wearing their club colours. The tradition and ceremonial that is such a part of final’s day, whether in Croke Park or Inniskeen, was upheld on Sunday and will hopefully be continued by the players of the future. The juvenile section of the club is to be congratulated on providing tracksuits for its members and these were worn with pride on final day. As the Magheracloone team paraded around behind the band before throw-in, I’m sure that these young players were dreaming of their turn in future years.

Inniskeen Arrangements. Once again the Inniskeen club provided top class facilities for the playing of this year’s senior replay.  The members of the club were as generous as ever in sharing their excellent facilities with their guests on Sunday. In the course of his address after the game the chairman of the County Board congratulated the Inniskeen club on their facilities and their organisation for all games since last February’s league encounter with Tyrone. I am sure that this ground is earmarked for other big occasions in the years to come and the Magheracloone members are looking forward to many visits to our neighbouring club…hopefully more winning visits. Congratulations once again to all involved.

Final Day Programme.  A number of final day programmes are available for those who may wish to acquire a souvenir of the big day. Maybe there is an exile in your family who would like a keepsake of the 2010 final. Contact the club PRO if you want a copy.

Gaelic4Mothers/Women.  This is a new initiative to help promote the involvement of ladies in sport/football in a fun, non-competitive, social environment. It is suitable for all those who wish to play, including those who might be recently retired but still have the boots at the back of the cupboard. The venue is the Toome Astro Turf from 8.30 to 9.30.  The sessions take place every Monday evening. The cost is five euro per session. If you are interested you can contact Paul O Connor at 0868374827.