Eire Og Na Mullai Notes

30^th August 2012

Alpha Lotto – Winning Letters for last Sunday nights lotto in the Skule Inn was V,A,W,Q. There was no jackpot winner. The winners of the €20 lucky dips were Michelle Toal – Smithboro, Ciaran & Eileen Sheridan – Eldron, Oliver Connolly – Dundalk, Kevin McKenna – Skule Inn, Josh McQuaid – Emyvale, Jonathan McMahon – Smithboro, Canon McAreavy- Magherarney. Next Sunday nights draw will be held in Bens Place.  The Jackpot will be €3,250. Thanks to all for your continued support to what is an essential club income. Team A is on lotto duty on Sunday 2^nd September.

Under 16 Football Final

Eire Óg emerge as victors in a pulsating under 16 final in Currin last Thursday evening. Killeevan were the opponents in this 11-a-side division 4 league final. Both

Teams reached the decider on merit and drew on top of the table with15 points each. Eire Óg took the spoils in their home game with Killeevan avenging that defeat on the return leg. This was billed as the match of the year with only a kick of a ball normally between the sides and also with many of the players in Largy College together, the bragging rights were very important. The game lived up to expectation but unfortunately the playing and pitch conditions were very, very poor.

Eire Óg settled best and won most encounters around the field but were unable to convert this into scores. It was about the eight minute when Conor Leonard opened the scoring when he drew on a ball parried by the goal keeper, putting it over the bar. Michael Tierney and Dermot Gleeson raised a white flag each with two excellent points. Then against the rub of play Killeevan’s Kieran Burns struck the net on one of their first attacks. Within three minutes Killeevan concede a free 40 yards out. Conor Leonard played a quick free to James Leonard who majestically went on a solo run and with a low powerful shot planted the ball in the corner of the net. Minutes later Eire Óg fullback Cathal Sweeney cleared the ball from defence and made himself available for a number of one-two’s and found himself in front of goal. Calmly he slotted home for a second Eire Óg goal. Just before half time Killeevan got their second score, a point. Half time score 2-3 to 1-1 to Eire Óg. On the balance of play Eire Óg should have been much further ahead. Eire Óg defence was very solid with Mathew McElvaney mopping up a lot of ball before he went off injured. Mathew Campbell, Calvin Carisle and Cathal Sweeney were dominant throughout. With the rain still pelting down and under foot condition terrible anything could happen.

At the beginning of the second half James Leonard increased the lead with a long range point for Eire Óg. This six point margin was destroyed within a three minute period. Killeevan had introduced Stefen Maguire, a very tall lad in front of the goals. With the first ball in he made his presents felt by flicking the ball in to the net. Within a minute another high ball in which dropped to Ryan Tierney, whose close range shot gave Corey McAree no chance. The sides were level and game on. Eire Og were under pressure again from the kick out and a long ball in again resulted in a penalty for Killeevan. Dion Conlon took the responsibility and failed to hit the target. A lucky break for Eire Óg as a nine point swing within three minutes could have been devastating. Eire Óg team management reshuffled the defence with Cathal Sweeney moving in front of goal to marshal the tall full forward, which he did to great effect. Francis McMahon was introduced and Mathew McElvaney returned after some intense treatment on the line from Margaret Tierney. The ball moved from end to end over the next fifteen minutes. Michael Tierney came to the fore scoring four terrific points with some good work from Dermot Gleeson, James Leonard and Joe Gavin around the middle of the field. Killeevan nullified each score with four points of their own leaving the sides level with five minutes to go.

Eire Óg cleared the ball from defence with some slick passing through mid field. Dermot Gleeson played a long ball to Kevin Sheridan who hand passed to Michael Tierney on 21 yard line. Michael split the defence and put Conor Leonard through on goal. Conor coolly side stepped the keeper and rattled the net. Killevan pulled a point back on the next move and knew time was running out. They launched high balls on to the square. On one onslaught the Eire Og defence had to block three shot on goal before Cathal Sweeney who had a “man of the match” performance cleared his lines. In the last minute Killeevan got a 21 metre free which they took short and resulted in yet another goal mouth scramble. James Leonard came to the rescue with a goal line clearance. Referee Hugh McKenna blows the final whistle as the Eire Óg team celebrated a historic victory. Joint captains James Leonard and Dermot Gleeson accepted the cup from County Board representative John Connolly.

Great credit must go to team manager Mickey Tierney who has nurtured this team over the past eight years. He always believed there was a title in this team and he got the best out of them this year. Also congrats to his fellow mentors of Donal Tierney and Mark McBride.

This was a great team performance by the Eire Óg squad. Although not used on the night Darren McCaffrey, Shane Monaghan and Regan McAree played important roles throughout the league campaign.

The winning team was: Corey McAree, Cathal Sweeney (1-0),Matthew Campbell,Calvin Carlisle, Matthew McElvaney,Joe Gavin,James Leonard  (1-1),Dermot Gleeson (0-1),Michael Tierney  (0-5)Kevin Sheridan,Conor Leonard  (1-1) Subs:  Francis McMahon, Darren McCaffrey, Shane Monaghan, Regan McAree

Seniors –The seniors play Emyvale in the Semi Final of the Championship this Sunday, 2^nd Sept. Throw in time is 4pm in Scotstown.

Reserves – Despite a spirited 2^nd half display the reserve team went down to Clones by the minimum of margins in the semi final of the league on Friday night last. This game wraps up competitive football for this team for the season and the club would like to take this opportunity to thank the mgt team of Eamon Brady, Eddie Johnston and Patrick Croakin for their time and effort throughout the year and to Margaret Tierney for carrying out first aid.

Under 14 – recorded a 5-12 to 0-9 victory away to Clones on Saturday last

Under 16 – Are away to Oram in the championship quarter final on Monday night next at 7pm. Bus will be leaving the village at 5.45pm.

Under 16 DVD – a DVD of the under 16 final is available to purchase – if interested please get in touch with Mickey Tierney, Jim O Rourke or Joe Leonard.