Emyvale GAA Club Notes for Thursday 19th December:

All Ireland Quarter Final: Emyvale 2-9 John Mitchels 0-12

We survived a second-half fightback by Liverpool’s John Mitchels in Birmingham to book a semi-final date with Kildare’s Two Mile House.

Before proceedings got underway a minutes silence was observed in memory of former Emyvale Player Sean Ford who severed the club with such distinction.

Emyvale got off to a dream start as Daniel Mc Mahon found the back of the opposition’s net in the first minute. The move started with Karl Mc Quaid kicking a long ball out of defence to Ryan Mc Anespie who passed to Daithi Colton & he set up a great pass to Daniel who fisted it to the back of the net. Daniel was then the provider picking out David Bellew who had made a great run & he fisted over the bar. Martin Mc Aree added three points, all from frees. Daithi Colton added another after a good passing move involving Ryan Mc Anespie, Daniel Mc Mahon & Daithi. Martin Mc Aree was again on target with a point after Ryan Mc Anespie had been fouled. The opposition reduced the deficit by a point before Daniel Mc Mahon once again found the back of the net. David Bellew passed the ball to him & he hit low & hard giving the goalie no chance.  John Mitchells then hit a purple patch when they scored three unanswered points, two from play & one from a free. Emyvale added two more points by Daniel Mc Mahon & Martin Mc Aree, both from frees to leave us nine points clear by the interval. Half time score Emyvale 2:08 – 0:05.

However, Emyvale managed only one additional score in the second half as they played into a stiffening breeze. John Mitchel’s charged back, dominant in midfield in the closing half-hour and added six points without reply to haul themselves into contention in the closing stages. Our lads stood firm however and held on to win on a score line of 2:09 – 0:12 and book their All Ireland Semi-final against  the Kildare & Leinster Champions Two Mile House which will be played on the weekend of 26th of January.

Emyvale – G McCaffery; C Connelly, J Flannery, S McMeel; K McQuaid, J Bellew, M Brown; C Hughes, G McQuaid; D McAllister, R McAnespie, D Bellew; D McMahon, M McAree, D Colton. Subs: M Flannery for Hughes (56), P McCarron for Brown (59), B Askin for McMeel (66).          Scorers – Emyvale: D McMahon 1-03 (2fs), M McAree 0-05 (5fs), D Colton 1-00, D Bellew 0-01.

There was great support for Emyvale on Sunday. Apart from the large contingent that travelled from Emyvale, supporters travelled from London, Liverpool, Northampton, Cardiff & other parts of the UK. Well done to the team & managements on a great victory & to all involved in organizing the trip.

Congratulations: To Ryan Mc Anespie who became the clubs first ever Ulster College Football All Star after he successfully completed two trial matches in the past two weeks. Ryan attends St Ciaran’s High School Ballygawley where he has brought great honour and pride to both his school and club.

Bingo: Christmas Bingo Tonight (Thursday) in the Emyvale Leisure Centre at 9.00pm. €1000 jackpot to be won, €2680 guaranteed plus Christmas hampers and wine. Wishing all our bingo players a happy Christmas. Next Bingo will be on Thursday January 2nd.

Emylott: Nos. drawn 15th Dec.:- 14, 18, 21, 25.  One ‘Match 3’ winner (€150):- Christy McKenna, Letgonnelly (yearly).  Promoter’s Prize:- Enda McQuillan & Mickey McAree.    Yearly Promoter’s prize:- Padraig Treanor & Enda Clerkin.    Next week’s Jackpot:- €4,400.