Caulry GAA PRO Notes 11th September 2016-

Post date: Sep 12, 2016 6:15:58 AM

Headlines This Week:

Lotto Results, U16 Championship, Senior Championship and Minor A Championship Semi-Final

Club lotto

There was no winner of the jackpot of €5,000 in our draw held on 5^th of September last.

Numbers drawn: 3, 19, 23, 28

Weekly winners of the €30: Niall Collins, Ian Hallisey, Jacqueline Cunningham, Eddie Belton, 6 Ladies

Sellers prize €30: Aidan Dunning

Thank you for your support.

Next Jackpot is €5,200 on 12^th of September 2016.

Under 16 Championship Division 1

Caulry 2-9

The Downs 2-13

Caulry Under 16 team went crashing out of this year’s championship when going under to The Downs on Monday week last. The large home crowd while treated to an absorbing contest were left disappointed as the Caulry boys struggled to find a coherent rhythm and earlier season form against typical doughty opponents. In such hard fought close matches, margins are small and every call and break is vital. Caulry started in the ascendency opening the scoring through a typical gut bursting run from Colin Murphy before the visitors drew level. An Adam Donoghue free and a Darcy Lawless 45 put us back in front, before we were denied a strong penalty claim, when Matthew Nally was taken out by the goalkeeper as he fielded a high ball one on one situation. At the other end, James Clavin had to be at his best to brilliantly defy the opposition on three occasions. However, with Colin Murphy, Neil Clinton, Sean Fox and Thomas Dunning supplying good possession, the pressure eventually paid off. Matthew Nally in customary fashion took on the defenders and sent an unstoppable right footer to the net. With Caulry now five points to the good, they would normally push on. But on this occasion the Black and Ambers replied with three points and then a major hint that it was not going to be our evening as they scored a highly contentious goal as Jack Sheehan, was third man tackled as he attempted to intercept. Nevertheless Caulry recovered well with points from Matthew and Adam to go into the dressing rooms a point to the good, 1-6 to 1-5.

Darcy added another long range point on the resumption, which was soon negated by our opponents. As play became congested with every ball hotly contested, we eventually managed one flowing move as Matthew Nally set up Adam Donoghue to crash the ball high into The Downs net. Once again, however, we failed to kick on and with ten minutes to go the visitors drew level. When they then scored a further goal and a point, the tiredness in our lads was evident. A late point from Dylan Lowry made it a one score game and a last chance beckoned. Instead it was The Downs who seized the kick out and tagged on another free to ensure victory.

Having reached the semi-final of the Leinster League and won the Westmeath Division 1 league earlier, hopes were high for the championship. Despite huge efforts from players and management, we just could not produce our best display on the evening. We suffered only three defeats during the year. Significantly two were in knock-out matches, Leinster semi-final and this latest championship quarter-final. Our only league defeat was coincidently The Downs. While our lads were understandably devastated to lose, they can be justifiably proud of their efforts throughout the year. However, the many demands of the various club, county and other sports eventually caught up with them. In addition the very high standard evident in this grade this year, means you need the breaks and bit of luck to dine at the top table.

Well done to The Downs, they played with an energy and purpose on the evening which our lads could not match and on this display will be difficult to stop on the way to two in a row championship titles.

James Clavin embellished his county claims with a series of top class saves throughout the year. Eoin Shortall grew into a solid full back as the season progressed and got great support from his corner men, Jack Sheehan and the tigerish Adam Mullins. Dylan Lowry proved a very effective number 6 with covering and reading of the game. On the wings Darren Browne gave a masterclass in high fielding and was the launch pad for count attaching, while Zach Nolan’s confidence and timely interceptions proved effective. Daniel Buckley and Glenn Carolan’s ability to play in either defence or attack were vital to the team’s cause in all matches. At midfield, Colin Murphy was true captain and warrior, leader on and off the field. His county midfield colleague Neil Clinton also provided great leadership, together with quality fielding and vital scores. Darcy Lawless‘s long range scoring from play and frees was a big factor in our scoring returns. Thomas Dunning was an excellent fulcrum of the attack with his ability to read play and open up defences. The big man, Liam Doyle showed brilliant skill in handling and scoring. From play and frees, Adam Donoghue showed his undoubted class. Sean Fox, the engine and never say die attitude, truly inspirational in any area of the team. Matthew Nally , a scoring machine now with limitless potential. His latest goal was just one of many spectacular strikes throughout this year which were candidates for ‘goal of the season’. Ciaran Geoghegan, Luke Hamilton, Shane Hynes and Eugene Costello all made important contributions during the year. Finally spare a thought for Shane Cleary and Paddy McHugh whose season were cruelly cut short by injury. Had they been available, the result might have been different

Team & Scorers: James Clavin, Jack Sheehan, Eoin Shortall, Adam Mullins, Darren Browne, Dylan Lowry(0-1), Zach Nolan, Colin Murphy (0-2) (Capt), Neil Clinton, Liam Doyle, Thomas Dunning, Darcy Lawless (0-2), Adam Donoghue (1-3), Sean Fox , Matthew Nally (1-1), Daniel Buckley, Ciarian Geoghegan, Luke Hamilton, Rory Mullins, Eugene Costello, Shane Hynes.

Thanks

The club wish to thank all the parents for their time and support to the management and players. A special word of thanks to Joe Browne for his very generous sponsorship of gear for the Under 16 squad during the year. Finally thanks to this newspaper for the great coverage given to our games.

Senior Championship

Caulry 0-11

St Lomans 2-12

Caulry bowed out of this year’s SFC on Saturday evening last in Tang as they went down to last year’s champions St Lomans on a scoreline of 2-12 to 0-10.

Caulry hit the ground running with a fine point from play from David Brookes inside the opening 60 seconds. St. Lomans soon followed suit to draw level. Points from Damien Dolan and Brookes put our lads in the driving seat. The opposition kicked the next score of the game to leave the narrowest of margins between the sides. Ben Moran defended well as points from Brookes and Sean Clinton kept the scoreboard ticking over. Two quick scores for St Lomans reduced the deficit by the quarter-hour mark. Despite being down to 14 men, our lads worked hard as Gary Flanagan stretched Caulry’s lead with a pointed-free. The teams traded scores with Brookes tapping over some fine scores for the men in red. Our defence held strong when put under pressure, with Kevin Maguire and Eoin Fox valiant in their endeavours. Damien Dolan slotted over a point late in the half to see Caulry lead 0-9 to 0-7 at the halftime whistle.

The all-important score of the game came on the 33^rd minute as St Lomans rattled the back of the Caulry net to take the lead for the first time in the game. Alan Fitzpatrick fielded well. However, the opposition began to push on with two quick points. A pointed-free from Brookes drew one back to leave just two points the margin with 10 minutes remaining. However, the extra Mullingar man proved to be the difference as St Lomans rallied on the score 1-2. Our lads never gave up as Brookes pointed on the 30^th minute. However, St Lomans pointed late in the game to secure their victory on a scoreline of 2-12 to 0-11.

With this defeat, our lads finish 4^th in their group, securing a place in the Senior Championship for the 2017 season.

A huge thanks to all the players for their commitment throughout the year and their management team of Gordon McDonnell, Pat Buckley, Peter Smyth and Jody Malynn.

Team & Scorers: Joe McMahon, Ben Moran, Kevin Maguire, James Pettit, Damien Dolan (0-2), Eoin Fox, Sean Clinton (0-1), John Maguire, Sean Doyle, Harry Hughes, Robbie Kenny, David Brookes (0-7, 4f), Paddy Sleator, Gary Flanagan (0-1, 1f), Alan Fitzpatrick

Subs: Conor McCormack for Paddy Sleator, Eoghan Grennan for John Maguire, Peter Smyth for Robbie Kenny, Ernie Buckley for Harry Hughes, Alan Daly for Sean Doyle.

Minor A Championship Semi-Final

All roads lead to Ballynacargy on Saturday next for the Minor A Championship Semi-Finals. Caulry’s opposition will be provided by Shandonagh. Kick-off is at 5pm. Earlier in the year, our minor lads won the Division 2 League title and with the right attitude and performance, they will be hoping to reach the Minor A Championship Final. All supporters are asked to get behind the lads!