Eire Og Na Mullai Notes

31^st  October 2013

Success for Gransha NS – Scoil Mhuire Gransha ended a 26 year wait on Wednesday last by winning the Cumann na mBunscoil Monaghan County schools title when they defeated Threemilehouse in the final played in Cloghan. Not since 1987 had silverware come to the school, with their lone final appearance in that time ending in a narrow defeat in 1998. This year’s competition began a number of weeks ago with a victory over Glaslough, followed by a hard earned win over Latnamard. A place in the final was secured with a win over Killeevan. Backboned by a number of the all-conquering Eire Og Under 12 team of this year and with a few Clones and Killeevan boys on board there was a feeling of confidence among the lads as final day approached. This confidence was well placed as the team mentored by school Principal Ms Catriona Leddy from the Lacken club in Co Cavan started the final in whirlwind fashion with an early goal followed by a few points building an early lead that a gallant Threemilehouse team would find very difficult to claw back. With half time approaching Gransha found themselves in a very comfortable position, only to be rocked by a well taken Threemilehouse goal leaving the half time score 2-6 to 1-2. Following some encouraging words  at the break from Ms Leddy,Gransha began the second half in the same spirited fashion as the first and kept the scoreboard ticking with a couple of points. Threemilehouse however were not going to go down without a fight and showed signs of a recovery when they finished another good move to the Gransha net. To the Gransha boys credit they held firm as the opposition threw everything at them in the next few minutes. The result was then put out of all doubt when the winners scored their third goal. Shortly after the final whistle sounded with Gransha the winners on the slightly flattering scoreline of 3-9 to 2-4. Although it was an eight point win at the end, the truth is that the game was a keenly contested affair between two well drilled outfits. The cup was presented to the Gransha captain amid scenes of jubilation among players, teachers and especially the proud parents present. A word of thanks to referee Martin McMahon from the Aughnamullen club who officiated and kept the game flowing, while explaining to the young lads what the infringement was, each time he had to whistle. So well done to the Gransha boys and hopefully we will see them all in the future moving up through the ranks in our club. Members of the winning team were Michael Cadden,Caolan Gavan,Nathan McCabe,Stephen McCluskey,Ben Monahan,Brendan Reilly(all Eire Og),Rigan Graham,Conor McElwain(Clones)and Calum McGinn(Killeevan)

Minor Double – In last week’s report on the all-conquering St Tiernachs team, the name of our team medic, Margaret Tierney was inadvertently omitted. Apologies to Margaret who is a very dedicated member of the support team for the players and mgt alike.

Operation Transformation – Okay the time has arrived! No more excuses… Join Smithboro’s OPERATION TRANSFORMATION walking group starting this Saturday 2nd of November at 9am, but also after that on a Monday and Thursday at 7pm. Meeting point is Smithboro Community Hall. Admission: FREE!

Congratulations – to Jimmy & Tes Leonard, Stranagarvagh, who celebrated their 50^th (Golden) wedding anniversary at the weekend amongst family & friends.

Alpha Lotto – Results of last Sunday night’s lotto will appear in next week’s club notes.