The senior team recorded a good win over Mostrim on Wednesday which guarantees a home Leader Cup semi-final.
Best of luck to our Intermediate B panel and management who take on Colmcille in the final on Sunday next in Pearse Park. Please check fixtures for time of game.
Good luck also to our Under 16 team who play Longford Slashers in the Club championship final on Saturday (time to be confirmed). Please come along and support both teams at the weekend.
Lotto Results – Numbers Drawn were 8,26,32,25. € 20 winners were Tommy Reilly, Farragh. Gerry Carberry, Derryharrow. James Reilly, Farragh. Sean Quinn, Ennybegs. Brendan Bracken, Aughaboy. Sellers Prize went to Brendan Bracken. Next week’s Draw takes place in the Olde Forge for a Jackpot of € 9,300.
The club extends its sympathy to the Greene and Fox families on their recent bereavement.
In the GAA world we are the biggest voluntary organisation that brings many people together at weekends, mid week or at functions organised to fund our clubs or county. That somebody or some one that helps out with the duties that help benefit a club or county are ordinary working people who give their time willingly because they are proud of who they are and their club and want others to enjoy the benefits of a committed community spirit in representing club & county.
We as adults on our club committees set the stepping stone for our youth from a very early age and at all times should lead by good example despite being tested many times with behavioural issues. This is why the GAA has a policy on the code of behaviour of which each parent/guardian must sign while registering their child/children to play with their club. The code of behaviour addresses the minimum levels of behaviour, practice and conduct required from our young players, coaches, officials, managers, supporters, parents/guardians and clubs
This is to protect all persons from any misdemeanour while officiating with the GAA.
Each club also has the GAA anti-bullying policy statement which is defined as repeated aggression, be it verbal, psychological. Anti racial or physical abuse conducted by an individual or group against others. The GIVE RESPECT GET RESPECT campaign is aimed at players, coaches, parents, supporters and referees. These initiatives are to ensure that the Gaelic games are promoted and played in a positive fair and enjoyable manner.
At the end of the day it all boils down to basic good manners for which we are all responsible. and in passing on to your younger generation. We are set out guidelines to assist in the best possible way of running our clubs /county by means of mandatary E-vetting of all coaches and committee members and completion of the code of ethics which is also mandatory for anyone involved with underage or involved with their club/county. No person should be involved while dealing with underage if both E-VETTING AND CODE OF ETHICS are not completed. You and your club are breaking the law which is a criminal offence. This is all for the protection of our underage.
In completing the code of ethics all aspects of the code of behaviour are explained in detail for…
Young players,
Coaches, mentors, trainers
Parents/guardians
Supporters
Referees
Give respect Get respect
The club
Dealing with alleged breaches of the of the code of best practice in youth sport
GAA Anti-bullying statement
Juvenile membership application forms
Code-declaration/signatory
Many coaches complete coaching courses to enable them give the best coaching skills. Parents/Guardians please take the time to explain these few guidelines to your children as it will benefit your child /children your club and the people assisting in officiating the running of your club/county. There will be zero tolerance for any bad behaviour; bad language ,bullying or any unacceptable behaviours at trainings or matches from children, coaches, supporters or any person on GAA grounds.
Remember you are representing your club with honour and pride and if a child/person doesn’t abide by the guidelines they are letting down themselves and their club and the people left to deal with such matters are volunteers who’s time is equally as precious as any other persons. We all want the best for our youth in their involvement with the GAA and as endless hour’s of work are given by voluntary people for the maintenance of club and county to make our community’s a better place for all wishing to make use of the park facilities.
It is here the skills of football/hurling/rounders while are passed on to our children through Cul Camps and coaches and the skills of life in dealing with others and situations.The difference in winning and losing and reasons why this came about. Any parent/guardian reading this please help your child understand the need for basic rules and regulations and the need for them to be abided by in order to successfully maintain proper structure in your club. We need the support of all parents/guardians to improve and maintain the discipline required for effective management of our underage while being involved with club and county.help your children understand what is acceptable or not acceptable by your club. Teach them the value of being involved, commitment, fair play and understanding of what a club provides to its community – the honour and pride of their club and wearing that jersey with honour and pride
To everyone out there involved in the GAA through club or county I wish you all fun filled and happy times with the minimum of troubles. Remember it is the biggest organisation that brings families (let it be cousins aunts and uncles neighbours and friend) and parishes together.
Marie Ni Raghallaigh Cianain
Children’s Officer – Longford county board
The GAA National Club Draw has raised over €6 million for clubs over the past three years. The sole purpose of the Draw is to assist clubs in their drive to raise much needed funds to aid in the development and the promotion of our games.
The draw will take place on the 8th March 2017 in Croke Park. Our very own club secretary John Dowd was a big winner in this draw last year. To bring a local element to the fundraiser, we are independently holding a draw and social night in Begleys on Saturday night the 17th December for all tickets sold up to that point. Prizes of €500, €250 and €100 will be on offer in this draw.
GAA NATIONAL CLUB DRAW – BENEFITS:
This is an opportunity for your club to raise up to €20,000.
Your club will retain all the proceeds raised through the sale of tickets.
All prizes are provided by Ard Chomhairle.
CLUB SPECIFIC DRAW
After it’s successful introduction last year, the GAA is continuing a specific draw for all clubs who record, account for and sell a minimum of 200 tickets will continue this year. The prizes will be provided by the Central Council and will not impact on the value of the main Draw prizes which is limited by legislation.
For clubs to qualify for the draw they must have:
Sold a minimum of 200 tickets.
Recorded all sold tickets on the online ticket recording system.
Accounted for all funds raised in their club accounts – i.e. the amount shown in club income should correspond with the total amount of ticket sales recorded.
Adhered to the terms and conditions of the Draw.
This year’s prizes will be confirmed over the coming months.
IMPORTANT DATES
Additional ticket requests can be made up until Monday January 30th 2017.
All tickets should be returned to your NCD County Liaison Officer by Monday February 13th 2017. Contact details for your respective NCD County Liaison Officer(s) are attached. Tickets should not be sent directly to Croke Park.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
All sold tickets must be registered on the online ticket recording system before they are returned to your NCD County Liaison Officer. Please note that tickets not entered on the online system will not be entered in the Draw. You can confirm your club’s login credentials from your County Liaison Officer or by contacting nationalclubdraw@gaa.ie or ncdsupport@gaa.ie.
Full information, terms and conditions, in relation to the Draw including the link to the online ticket recording system and the relevant support contact details can be found at www.gaa.ie/nationalclubdraw.
Please remember that clubs are not permitted to purchase tickets in their own club name or to give away free tickets for any purposes.
Click hereto view the official flyer for this years draw.
The 2015 Longford GAA All Stars award night was held on Saturday 28th November, with Killoe dominating the Team of the Year with 8 awards in total, Abbeylara with 4, Dromard with 2 and Clonguish with 1.
Congratulations to all winners and to all those who were nominated. The full list of awards presented to the respective winners on the night are as follows…
2015 Awards:
Senior Player of Year: Michael Quinn (Killoe Young Emmets)
Intermediate Player of Year: Shane Kenny (Rathcline)
Junior Player of Year: Jack Lynn (Mostrim)
Hurling Player of Year: John Mulhern (Wolfe Tones)
Two great nights of entertainment guaranteed with the excellent Patrick Feeney on Friday night the 4th December followed by Brave Giant and DJ Justiy on Saturday the 5th December. Tickets are on sale from any committee member, in our local shops as well as Coy and Farrell’s in town for Friday night only. Pay on the door Saturday night. Entry is €15 each night.
The entire Killoe team that started in the senior football championship final win against Abbeylara are among the 30 nominations for the 2015 Team of the Championship, a clear reflection of the dominance they have enjoyed in recent years.
Winners of back-to-back county titles for the first time, Emmet Og are attempting to create another piece of GAA history on Sunday next in their bid to become the first team from Longford to reach the Leinster Club Senior Football Championship Final when they take on Portlaoise at O’Moore Park, throw-in 2.30pm.
Also in Leinster club action on Sunday are Killashee, who meet Milltown (Westmeath) in the provincial junior semi-final at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, throw-in 11.30am. A member of the St. Brigid’s team, Johnny Casey, has been nominated for Longford GAA Intermediate Player of the Year along with Rathcline duo James Carroll and Shane Kenny.
The 15 Killoe players nominated for the 2015 Team of the Championship are goalkeeper Cillian Burns; defenders Liam Hughes, Padraig McCormack, Daniel Keogh, Shane Dowd, Michael Quinn and Cian Farrelly; midfielders Paddy Thompson and Simon Kiernan and forwards Denis McGoldrick, Daniel Mimnagh, Ronan McGoldrick, Larry Moran, Sean McCormack and Mark Hughes. Eight more senior clubs feature in the list of nominations for the Team of the Championship as voted for by the readers of the Longford Leader and the other 15 nominees are: Damien O’Connor, Fergal Battrim, Colm P Smyth, Conor Berry and Robbie Smyth (all Abbeylara); Paul McGee, Diarmuid Masterson and Francis McGee (all Dromard); Clonguish players Ronan Sweeney and Joe O’Brien along with Thomas Gallagher (St Mary’s Granard), Peter Foy (Longford Slashers), John Keegan (Mullinalaghta St Columba’s), Colm Flynn (Ballymahon) and Barry McKeon (Colmcille).
The 2015 Team of the Championship and the Players of the Year winners will be announced at the Gala Awards Night in the Longford Arms Hotel on Saturday week, November 28th.
Padraig McCormack (Killoe), Conor Berry (Abbeylara) and Michael Quinn (Killoe) have been nominated for the 2015 Senior Football Championship Player of the Year while selected in the Junior player of the year category are Jack Lynn (Mostrim), David Kiernan (Killoe) and Padraig Jones (Mostrim).
Clonguish, winners of the Longford Ladies football senior championship title for the first time since 2009, dominate the player of the year in this category with three of their team in line for the award – Aoife Darcy, Alice Magan and Mairead Moore.
On the shortlist for the 2015 Senior Hurling championship player of the year are Martin Coyle (Wolfe Tones, Mostrim), Karl Murray (Longford Slashers) and John Mulhern (Wolfe Tones).
On Sunday last we contested the under 21 A championship final in dreary weather conditions in Pearse Park and unfortunately came out on the wrong end of a 1-12 to 2-4 result. Trailing by 4 at half time after an early Jamie King goal, we pulled level after the restart thanks to a Darren Kelly goal. However nothing went right after this and we were eventually well beaten by a much hungrier Colmcille team. Well done to Colmcille who were well worth their victory.
This coming Sunday is a huge occasion for our club when our senior team have the chance of making a Leinster Club final. However standing in our way is the massive challenge of the great Portlaoise team who narrowly defeated us at the same stage in 2012. To make things more difficult, the game is again in Portlaoise. The prize of a spot in the Leinster final against neighbours Saint Loman’s or Ballyboden Saint Endas from Dublin awaits the winners. Throw in is at 2pm. No doubt we will be well supported. Best wises also to Killashee, Saint Bridget’s who also play the Leinster junior championship semi final on Sunday.
Huge congratulations to club captain Michael Quinn and his family on Michael’s selection last week on the Irish team to face Australia in the International rules test next Saturday. Michael’s selection is testament to the fact that he is one of the finest players of Gaelic football anywhere in the country at the moment and has been a joy to watch in recent months. Were Michael from Dublin or Kerry we would be well used to watching him playing on All Ireland Days and he would be a household name. Michael has been instrumental in modernizing our club in recent years and integral to our recent success. We wish Michael and his teammates all the best on Saturday evening, but hopefully he will save sufficient energy for Sundays game.
This Saturday evening Fr Sean will celebrate mass for all deceased club members in St. Marys church, Ennybegs at 8pm. Following the Mass Laura Doherty will launch a commemorative 1916 calendar in the community center. Please support both events.Our ‘Beat in The Barracks’ extravaganza is fast approaching. Remember tickets are on sale at the moment for Friday nights show, the great Patrick Feeney at €15 each. Tickets for Saturday nights show, Brave Giant and DJ Justiy will be available on the door on the night, also priced at €15 each.
LOTTO RESULTS: Our lotto draw took place in The Olde Forge. The numbers drawn were: 1,2,10,12. There was no Jackpot winner. €20 winners were: Ellie Farrell, Carabeg. Maureen Brady, Boher. Francis Brady. Eileen Quinn C/o Frank Toher. Ciaran Kavanagh & Larry McDonald. Sellers Prize: John Fitzsimons. Next week’s draw takes place in Begley’s Pub with a Jackpot of €2,500. Bulk purchases of Lotto are available as follows: 1 Year €100. 6 Months €50 and 3 Months €25. You can also play our lotto on line by loging on to www.killoegaa.ie.
LEINSTER CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP: Our Senior team took another step along the Leinster Club Championship road on Sunday last when at a damp and windy Glennon Bros. Pearse Park we overcame a determined Navan O’Mahony’s (Meath) team to set a up a Semi Final clash with old rivals Portlaoise. Emmet Og took the game to O’Mahony’s in the early stages and established a three point lead after 8 minutes. However the Navan side came back with points and in the 21st minute scored and opportunist goal and despite having the majority of possession Killoe found themselves two points down at the break. Immediately after half time O’Mahony’s tagged on another point to leave them three ahead. It was at this point that Killoe kicked into gear and with a total of six unanswered points took a three point lead after 43 minutes. While the Meath champions came within a point of the Longford kingpins, Emmet Og held firm and closed the game out with a hard earned 2 point win. Final score: Emmet Og 0-11 Navan O’Mahony’s 1-06.
GILMORE CUP: Congratulations to our Division 3 team on winning the Gilmore Cup Final with a 4 point win over Colmcille. This was a keenly contested and high scoring game with the fortunes of both teams changing throughout the encounter. Final Score: Emmet Og 3-10 Colmcille 3-06
This was the second trophy for this team having won the Division 3 League Title earlier in the season. Well done to all the players for their achievements. Well done also to the management team John Reilly, James McGoldrick, Eugene Caherly and Brendan McCormack. Thanks also to Jimmy McCormack for his coaching work with the team.
LOTTO RESULTS: Our lotto draw took place on Sunday in Begley’s Pub. The numbers drawn were: 1,11,22,23. There was no Jackpot winner. €20 winners were: Nellie Gormley, Colmcille. John Clyne, Rathcline. Pat O’Toole, Forgney. Ann McDermott, Trillick-a-curry, Longford. Tracy Nolan, Killoe. Sellers Prize: Brian Finneran. Next week’s draw will be held in The Olde Forge with a Jackpot of €2,400. Bulk purchases of Lotto are available as follows: 1 Year: €100. 6 Months €50 and 3 months €25. You can also play our lotto on line by loging on to www.killoegaa.ie.
INTERNATIONAL RULES: We wish Michael Quinn good luck as a member of Ireland’s International Rules Panel for the forthcoming contest to be played in Croke Park. Well done Michael.
FUNDRAISER: Our ‘Beat in The Barracks’ Fundraiser takes place in the Old Army Barracks Longford on Friday and Saturday 4th and 5th December 2015. This is a major undertaking by the Club and we would ask that as many as possible give their support. Proceedings commence on the Friday night with music by the very popular and brilliant Country Music Star Patrick Feeney. On Saturday night we have the local band Brave Giant who are hitting the heights at national level at the moment. Two nights of great entertainment is guaranteed. Admission to the events is €15 nightly. Tickets are on sale (Friday night only) at €15 each and are available from any Club Member and numerous shops and pubs both locally and in Longford Town. Additionally ticket sellers will be calling to households throughout the parish in the coming weeks.
GET WELL WISHES: The Club send Get Well wishes to Mary Burns, Newtownbond and Mary Dowd Glenoughill who are hospitalised at the moment. Hope to see you at the games soon.
SYMPATHY: The Emmet Og Club extend its sympathies to the following on their recent bereavements:The Lynch Family, Newtownbond, The McManus Family, Corneddan. The Devaney Family Corneddan.
MASS: A special Mass for deceased members of Emmet Og Football Club will be held in Ennybegs Church on Saturday 21st November at 8.00pm.
Six second-half points in a row helped Longford champions Emmet Og advance to the Leinster Club semi-finals with two points to spare over Navan O’Mahony’s.
Despite taking an early lead, the Killoe side found themselves trailing by two points at the break thanks to Ruairi O’Coileain’s 20th-minute goal. O’Mahony’s put three between them at the start of the second half but then Killoe came back with county star Michael Quinn kicking over a fine point in the 35th minute.
Cousins Joe and Sean McCormack (two) both raised white flags while midfielder Simon Kiernan kicked over two excellent points to put his side ahead by three in the 43rd minute.
O’Mahony’s cut the gap to one in the 52nd minute with points from Shane Gillepsie and Ruairi O’Coileain. Both sides then squandered chances. In stoppage time Mark Hughes was fouled and Sean McCormack kicked over the free. O’Mahony’s knew they needed a goal if they were to claim a dramatic win but the Killoe defence were resolute.
O’Mahony’s misery was compounded when goalscorer O’Coileain was sent off for striking Hughes.
Killoe Emmet Og: C Burns; L Hughes, P McCormack, D Keogh; J McCormack (0-1), M Quinn (0-1), C Farrelly; P Thompson, S Kiernan (0-2); D McGoldrick (0-3,3f), D Mimnagh, P Kiernan; L Moran, S McCormack (0-4,2f), M Hughes.
Subs: E Clarke for Moran (34), S Clarke for P McCormack (53), Moran for McGoldrick (60).
Navan O’Mahony’s: M Brennan; J O’Reilly, N McKeigue, D Smyth; B Dillon, D Maguire, G O’Brien; C McGuinness (0-1), K Reilly; Ruairi O’Coileain (1-3,3f), S Bray, Alan Forde; S Gillespie (0-2), D Bray, J Regan.
Subs: S MacGabhann for McKeigue (43), Henry Finnegan for D Bray (45), R Maguire for Regan (49).
Peter Hanley Motors 2015 Senior Football Championship Final
Killoe Emmet Óg 1-14
Abbeylara 1-11
Report by Padraic O’Brien – Longford Leader
Killoe Emmet Óg won back-to-back senior football championship titles for the first time in the proud history of the club when they overcame Abbeylara by the narrow margin of three points in a highly entertaining county final at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park on Sunday, watched by the official attendance of 4,212.
Trailing by 0-7 to 0-4 at one stage of the first half, Declan Rowley’s strong side gradually got their act together and a glorious spell approaching the break yielded five points in a row through Sean McCormack (free), Denis McGoldrick (two frees), Michael Quinn (who was most impressive for the reigning champions) and Mark Hughes.
After playing so well for most of the first half with powerful county minor Conor Berry in brilliant form (and who ended up winning the man-of-the-match award), Abbeylara were now behind (0-9 to 0-7) and suffered a severe setback when they conceded a crucial goal with five minutes gone in the second half.
Daniel Mimnagh planted a cracking shot into the back of the net to leave Killoe in a comfortable five points lead and that same margin separated the sides with seven minutes of normal time remaining as six more scores were shared.
After landing another great point in that period, Conor Berry then created the opening for substitute Sean Murphy to score a badly needed goal for Abbeylara in the 53rd minute and the gap was closed to just a single point when another replacement Eamon Gallagher kicked over a terrific long range strike in the 58th minute.
But Abbeylara’s momentum was halted moments later when late substitute Kevin Smyth was sent-off for a red card offence and Killoe hit back with a point apiece from Denis McGoldrick and Sean McCormack (both from play) in stoppage time to clinch a hard earned victory in capturing the senior football championship crown for the 11th time.
KILLOE EMMET ÓG: Cillian Burns; Liam Hughes, Padraig McCormack, Daniel Keogh; Shane Dowd, Michael Quinn (0-2), Cian Farrelly; Paddy Thompson (0-1), Simon Kiernan; Denis McGoldrick (0-4, three frees), Daniel Mimnagh (1-0), Ronan McGoldrick; Larry Moran (0-1), Sean McCormack (0-4, three frees), Mark Hughes (0-2).
Subs:- Eugene Clarke for L Moran (44 mins); Joe McCormack for R McGoldrick (59 mins).
ABBEYLARA: Damien O’Connor; Barry Smyth, Fergal Battrim, Brian Smyth; Colm P Smyth, Michael McHugh, Cormac Smyth; Arthur O’Connor, Conor Berry (0-3); Nigel Rabbitte, Kieran Mulvihill (0-1), Jason Kelly (0-2, one free); William Crawford (0-1), Robbie Smyth (0-3, two frees), Cian Brady.
Subs:- Enda Ledwith for Barry Smyth (half-time); Eamon Gallagher (0-1) for K Mulvihill (half-time); Sean Murphy (1-0) for N Rabbitte (51 mins); Kevin Smyth for J Kelly (55 mins).
The Club Executive has completed a new Code of Conduct document for Killoe GAA which is being circulated to club members and officials. This document has been added to the Resources section of this website in the category of ‘Player Welfare’. Please take time to review and adhere to this new Code of Conduct.
Killoe GAA has signed up to the Topaz cash for clubs loyalty competition which Topaz are now running up to the 15th of May 2015. To support our club in this fundraiser, simply pick up a card at your local topaz service station. Every time you purchase fuel valued at €40 or over, you will receive a stamp on the card and upon completion of the card (5 stamps) simply return it to us.
If we get 300 completed cards we are then entered into their draw for the following prizes.
1 prize of €10,000
10 prizes of €5,000
140 prizes of €1,000
Additionally all clubs entered who do not win will receive €250 from Topaz. This is an opportunity not to be missed. Simply fill up at your local TOPAZ service station, get your card and fill it with stamps (5) and return it to Thomas Quinn or any club member at Killoe GAA. Perhaps if you don’t use that much fuel a few people could pool together to fill a card. Our registration code is 10481.
Gerry Quinn victory songs have been a staple part of Killoe senior championship victories for a generation and no successful season would be complete without one. As our 2014 season draws to a close with 15 titles won across all grades, we are delighted that Gerry and sons have hit the recording studio once again. You can now listen to the new 2014 song and all of our club songs and recordings online – select from the list below.
Thank you to Gerry Quinn and family for providing the songs files above.
The Killoe GAA website received the Leinster GAA Club Website of the Year award for 2014 at the annual Leinster GAA awards night in Portlaoise on Friday 5th December. Leinster Council Chairman John Horan and Leinster Council PRO John Greene presented the award to Jimmy Halpin, John Dowd and Colm Devaney.
The Leinster Council cited the following in awarding this years honour: “We honour Emmet Óg from Longford for their excellent website. They receive the 2014 Comhairle Laighean Club Website Award. New media platforms continues to grow in importance for the GAA. They can be a tremendous tool in terms of communication, information dissemination and promotion. Emmet Óg have grasped the potential here and this is reflected in their hugely informative and innovative website.”
Colm Devaney (Web Admin), Jimmy Halpin (Club Chairman), John Horan, John Dowd (Club Secretary) & John Greene
The Leinster Council chairman said that there were a number of excellent sites up for contention and he highly complimented Killoe GAA on our achievement in coming out on top. He re-affirmed the important role that websites and social media plays in the GAA in terms of keeping patrons up to date.
The Killoe GAA website was launched in June 2012 after the club enlisted the services of Paul Devaney to develop the site. The overall design was updated in September 2014 to a newer architecture. The web administration team of Tom Quinn, Colm Devaney, Robbie Browne and Nicole Rowley manage and update the site content to ensure it remains current.
The design, development and ongoing maintenance of the website is entirely voluntary. As in many other parishes, villages, towns and communities across the country, Killoe people have a very proud sense of place and community. This is something that people carry with them, no matter where they happen to be based across the world. And as with many other places, the GAA sits at the heart of our community. The website aims to capture and add to that sense of pride and place and to weave into the overall design a unique window into our community. The site also includes archive files from the clubs participation in Senior Championship Finals dating back to 1911, which were painstakingly researched by Colm and John Devaney throughout 2014.
Killoe GAA previously received the McNamee Award in 2013 from GAA President Liam O’Neill for ‘Best GAA Website’. Killoe is the fist club in Longford to win either the Leinster GAA Award or the McNamee Award and is one of the few clubs in the country ever to have won both national and provincial web awards.
Our website includes a number of unique features:
Latest news, fixtures and results including links to our facebook & twitter accounts.
125-year history covering our Senior, Minor & Ladies Clubs and Scór successes.
Roll of Honour and records of award winners and club officers from down the years.
Unique record of Killoe Senior Championship results from 1890 to 2014.
Archive featuring match reports and records from 125 years of Killoe GAA.
Profile of our community, townlands and interesting facts on people and events.
Galleries with a wide range of team photographs dating from 1911 to 2014.
Audio player including songs and poems connected to the club.
Videos including specially produced compilation videos to celebrate club successes.
Online Club Lotto links and jackpot updates as well as online Club Membership links.
Dedicated section for GAA Player Welfare and Child Welfare resources.
County champions Killoe nailed down eight positions as the 2014 Longford GAA Team of the Championship, voted for and selected by readers of the ‘Longford Leader’, was unveiled during an entertaining gala awards ceremony at the Rustic Inn, Abbeyshrule last Saturday night.
More than 220 patrons gathered for the glittering function to honour the star performers of a memorable GAA season and among the special guests were Leinster GAA Chairperson John Horan, Kilkenny’s Liam McCarthy Cup winning captain Lester Ryan, former Leinster GAA Chairperson Martin Skelly and Team of the Championship sponsors, County Board Chairperson Brendan Gilmore (Gilmore Security) and Longford Leader Editor Sheila Reilly.
It was not surprising that Connolly Cup winners Killoe, who earlier in the day were crowned U-21 ‘A’ championship kingpins, dominated the Team of the Year and there was further celebration for them as their towering full back Darragh Bennett was presented with the Senior Player of the Year accolade and Anne Marie Bratten was selected as the Ladies Player of the Year.
Visibly surprised by his triumph, Darragh, while interviewed by MC Benny O’Brien, admitted that while Killoe were satisfied with their county final success, they were disappointed they didn’t figure more prominently in the provincial series and they’ll be keen to atone for this in 2015.
Senior championship finalists Mullinalaghta St Columba’s, Dromard and Clonguish, secured three, two and one positions, respectively, on the Team of the Year, with the side being completed by netminder Garret Higgins from the county intermediate champions Carrickedmond.
Kilkenny captain Lester Ryan presented Longford’s Lory Meagher Cup winning panel with their medals and he wished them every success in the Nicky Rackard Cup next year, as did Leinster Council Chairperson John Horan. Longford’s captain Martin Coyle was voted as Hurler of the Year.
Hall of Fame inductee John Fay (Abbeylara) received a rousing standing ovation and his humble acceptance speech struck a chord with all.
The Intermediate Player of the Year was Sean Connolly’s Dessie Reynolds and the Junior award went to Sean Clarke of Longford Slashers.
Team of the Championship
Garret Higgins (Carrickedmond); Cian Farrelly (Killoe), Darragh Bennett (Killoe), Conan Brady (Mullinalaghta St Columba’s); Shane Mulligan (Mullinalaghta St Columba’s), Joe McCormack (Killoe), Michael Quinn (Killoe); Ruairi McElligott (Mullinalaghta St Columba’s), Diarmuid Masterson (Dromard); Denis McGoldrick (Killoe), Paul Barden (Clonguish), Ross McNerney (Dromard); Daniel Mimnagh (Killoe), Sean McCormack (Killoe), Larry Moran (Killoe).
Hall of Fame: John Fay (Abbeylara)
Ladies Player of the Year: Anne Marie Bratten (Killoe)
Hurler of the Year: Martin Coyle (Wolfe Tones Mostrim)
Senior Footballer of the Year: Darragh Bennett (Killoe)
Intermediate Footballer of the Year: Dessie Reynolds (Sean Connolly’s)
Junior Footballer of the Year: Sean Clarke (Longford Slashers)
In recognition of their great achievement in winning back the Connolly Cup this season, Killoe dominates the list of nominations for the 2014 Team of the Championship with 12 members of their triumphant Senior Championship team in contention for the Longford version of the All-Stars Awards.
In an exciting new format, a total of 30 players have been nominated for the 15 positions as voted for by the readers of the Longford Leader with the Intermediate finalists Carrickedmond and Sean Connolly’s also represented on the selection. This year’s Team of the Championship will be announced at the Gala Awards Night in the Rustic Inn, Abbeyshrule on Saturday week, November 29th.
The breakdown of nominations is as follows: Killoe (12), Mullinalaghta (6), Dromard (5), Clonguish (3), Colmcille (1), Longford Slashers (1), Carrickedmond (1) and Sean Connolly’s (1).
Goalkeepers (2): Stephen Watters (Clonguish) and Garret Higgins (Carrickedmond).
Defenders (12): Joe McCormack, Michael Quinn, Shane Dowd, Cian Farrelly, Darragh Bennett and Daniel Keogh (all Killoe); Mullinalaghta trio Shane Mulligan, James McGivney and Conan Brady; Peter Reynolds (Dromard), Enda Williams (Clonguish) and Barry Gilleran (Longford Slashers).
Midfielders (4): Diarmuid Masterson (Dromard), Paddy Thompson (Killoe) and Mullinalaghta duo John Keegan and Ruairi McElligott.
Forwards (12): Daniel Mimnagh, Denis McGoldrick, Sean McCormack, Mark Hughes and Larry Moran (all Killoe); Dromard trio Ronan McEntire, Cian Mimnagh and Ross McNerney; David McGivney (Mullinalaghta), Barry McKeon (Colmcille), Paul Barden (Clonguish) and Dessie Reynolds (Sean Connolly’s).
Daniel Mimnagh (Killoe), Darragh Bennett (Killoe) and Shane Mulligan (Mullinalaghta) are nominated for the coveted 2014 Senior Football Championship Player of the Year while selected in the Intermediate player of the year category are Barry O’Farrell (Carrickedmond), Garret Higgins (Carrickedmond) and Dessie Reynolds (Sean Connolly’s).
In contention for the Junior player of the year are Diarmuid McRory and Sean Clarke from the champions Longford Slashers, along with Ger Carberry (Emmet Og), while the five-in-a-row county title winning Killoe ladies team have Edel Quinn and Ann Marie Bratten nominated for the player of the year award along with Fiona Blessington-Gettings (Ballymore).
Wolfe Tones, Mostrim won the Senior Hurling Championship title yet again this year and two of their players, Paddy Cullen and Martin Coyle, are on the shortlist for the 2014 hurling player of the year award along with Joe O’Brien (Clonguish).
Killoe were ruthless and clinical as they reached the Under 21 ‘A’ Football Championship Final for the fourth year in a row with a comprehensive win over Carrickedmond/Legan at Keenan Park, Ardagh on Sunday last.
This game was all over at half-time with rampant Killoe 18 points ahead thanks to five first half goals. They stunned their opponents but credit to Carrickedmond/Legan they never gave up and after scoring just one point in the first half, they registered 1-7 on the changeover.
It took a while for Killoe to get into their stride in this game despite their dominance from early on and it wasn’t until the quarter hour mark that they started to get scores. Their first goal came in the 17th minute through Seamus McCormack to put them ahead by four points.
That lead was extended further one minute later when Larry Moran scored a fantastic goal and he was instrumental in their third goal; finding Liam Hughes who passed to Paddy Thompson and he made no mistake. Carrickedmond/Legan were struggling badly and in the 25th minute they gave away possession which Killoe got their fourth goal from; a beautiful kick pass from Paddy Kiernan to Larry Moran was finished to the net by the lethal corner-forward.
Killoe didn’t let up and in the 27th minute Darren Kelly got their fifth goal after a lovely ball in by Seamus McCormack. Things got worse for Carrickedmond/Legan in the 28th minute when their goalkeeper Garret Higgins was forced to retire as he had been struggling with an injury from the start. David Shannon moved from full-forward to take over in goals.
Just before the break Killoe added on two points to stretch their advantage to 18 points; 5-4 to 0-1.
It took Emmet Og less than one minute to get their opening score of the second half; Larry Moran fisting the ball over the bar. Then after 27 minutes without a score Carrickedmond/Legan got their second point of the game through Sean Kelly.
Ciaran Donohoe fired over a neat point for Killoe before Carrickedmond/Legan grabbed a goal through substitute Glen Watson. Points were then traded between Ciaran Donohoe and Patrick Farrell before Seamus McCormack got his second point of the game in the 48th minute.
Carrickedmond/Legan were now trailing by 17 points but in the closing stages of the game they won a few battles in getting some consolation scores. Patrick Farrell got his second point in the 54th minute before Dara Flynn landed a fine point. Wing backs Sean Kelly and Sean Doherty then hit over excellent points.
In stoppage time Seamus McCormack added another point to Killoe’s emphatic tally while Ronan Hughes fired over a free right at the end for Carrickemond/Legan who were well beaten by a superior side.
KILLOE EMMET OG: Shane Fitzpatrick; Shane Tully, Cian Farrelly, Fergal O’Donnell; Ryan Moffatt, John Lynch, Shane Clarke; Paddy Thompson (1-0), Paddy Kiernan; Darren Kelly (1-0), Ciaran Donohoe (0-2), Jamie King (0-2); Larry Moran (2-2, 1 free), Liam Hughes, Seamus McCormack (1-3).
Subs:- Darragh Gilna for S Clarke (injured, 42 mins); Paul Conway for L Moran (46 mins); Tommy Griffin for D Kelly (46 mins); Michael Hughes for S Fitzpatrick (52 mins); Shane Conway for F O’Donnell (52 mins).
CARRICKEDMOND/LEGAN: Garret Higgins; Peter Egan, Rioch Farrell, Kevin Moran; Sean Doherty (0-1), Niall O’Farrell, Sean Kelly (0-2); Patrick Farrell (0-2), Barry O’Farrell; Ronan Hughes (0-1, free), Conor Kelly (0-1), Dara Flynn (0-1); Dillon Boylan, David Shannon, Patrick Egan.
Subs:- Glen Watson (1-0) for G Higgins (injured, 28 mins); Mick Dooley for D Boylan (48 mins).
In a highly controversial finish to the Leinster Club Championship quarter-final at Cusack Park, Mullingar on Sunday last, Killoe had a last gasp goal disallowed and thus were denied a famous victory over Garrycastle who were fortunate to survive in dramatic circumstances.
After Michael Quinn failed to convert a difficult free with Garrycastle leading by a point and time running out, there was one last chance for Emmet Og to salvage the situation when the hands of the opposing keeper Cathal Mullin was unable to clear the danger and the ball broke kindly for Darragh Bennett right in front of the posts.
Darragh proceeded to plant a point-blank shot into the back of the net in the third minute of stoppage time and had seemingly won the match for Killoe but their joy quickly turned to despair when Offaly referee Fergal Smyth, after consulting with his umpires, ruled that Bennett was in the square.
Most match officials would have allowed the score to stand but not Smyth who saw things differently in awarding a free out instead before blowing the final whistle. Rough justice, to say the least, as Emmet Og made their exit from Leinster in the opening round – much to the bitter disappointment of their supporters.
The referee was poor as his general handling of the game left a lot to be desired, and particularly so in the first half when Emmet Og were hit by a few harsh decisions. And that included a strong claim for a penalty when Michael Quinn was pulled and dragged in the square in his attempt to engineer a goal before he eventually lost the ball under a lot of pressure approaching the break.
Garrycastle launched an immediate counter-attack which yielded the equalising point from James Dolan for what proved to be a crucial moment in a generally entertaining encounter.
While clearly not the force they used to be, the Athlone outfit have a constant matchwinner in Dessie Dolan and the 35-year-old former Westmeath star fired over a glorious point from near the sideline in the 59th minute. And that proved to be the decisive score in deciding who would earn the daunting task of taking on the reigning All-Ireland champions St. Vincents in the semi-final at Parnell Park on November 23rd.
The Garrycastle dangerman Dolan clocked up a total of five points (two frees) and also set up the all-important goal for defender Mark McCallon midway through the second half which effectively swung the issue in favour of the Westmeath champions.
But the best player on the pitch was unquestionably the outstanding Michael Quinn, starting at centre-half-forward on the Killoe team who were badly hit by the absence of the injured Daniel Mimnagh.
Apart from firing over a couple of wonderful points, the mighty Quinn popped up all over the pitch in doing his very best to get Emmet Og over the line but it was not to be against a Garrycastle side who have been a real bogey team for the Longford champions in the recent past – having also beaten Slashers (twice) and Clonguish in the Leinster club.
Unfortunately, Killoe failed to build on a terrific start when Eugene Clarke and Larry Moran linked up to send Paddy Thompson racing through for a cracking goal with just two minutes gone on the clock.
Four points followed during the remainder of the first half through Denis McGoldrick (two frees), Larry Moran (a delightful catch and kick effort) and Sean McCormack (free) and Emmet Og ended up on level terms at the break when they should have been in front after enjoying the better of the exchanges.
The deadly Dessie Dolan was keeping Garrycastle in contention, shooting four points, while their other scores in the first half came from Conor Cosgrove, James Dolan and substitute Michael Monaghan.
Killoe suffered a setback when defender Cian Farrelly was sent-off for a black card offence after only 12 minutes but his replacement Ronan McGoldrick certainly made his presence felt in a good impact and he scored two points in the early stages of the second half, somewhat against the run of play as Garrycastle were guilty of kicking four wides in gradually stepping up another gear.
They eventually registered their first score on the changeover, courtesy of a free converted by Michael Monaghan in the 42nd minute, and while Michael Quinn replied with a point for Killoe the crucial Garrycastle goal materialised in the 46th minute.
A penetrating run by Dessie Dolan split the opposing defence wide open in leaving Mark McCallon with the simple task of finishing the ball to the net from a few yards out and the lead was extended (1-9 to 1-7) when influential substitute James Duignan shot over the bar soon after.
The ding-dong battle continued from there until the finish with the sides sharing a further five points – a brace from Denis McGoldrick (play and free) with Michael Quinn also on target for Killoe in the 57th minute to leave the sides all square, 1-10 to 1-10, and a draw looking the likely outcome.
Wing back Gary McCallon got his name on the scoresheet for Garrycastle in the 51st minute and it was left to the classy Dessie Dolan to land a magnificent winning point for the Westmeath champions in a real tight contest that could have gone either way.
GARRYCASTLE: Cathal Mullin; Mark McCallon (1-0), Jack Donoghue, Alan Fox; Karl Henson, John Gaffey, Gary McCallon (0-1); Justin Barrett, Aidan Browne; Gary Dolan, Dessie Dolan (0-5, two frees), Matthew Guiheen; Conor Cosgrove (0-1), Alex Gardiner, James Dolan (0-1).
Subs:- Michael Monaghan (0-2, one free) for M Guiheen (18 mins); Damien Rushe for C Cosgrove (half-time); James Duignan (0-1) for A Gardiner (42 mins); Seanie O’Donoghue for D Rushe (black card, 54 mins).
KILLOE EMMET OG: Stephen Coy; Cian Farrelly, Darragh Bennett, Daniel Keogh; Shane Dowd, Joe McCormack, Ronan Keogh; Paddy Thompson (1-0), Simon Kiernan; Denis McGoldrick (0-4, three frees), Michael Quinn (0-2), Eugene Clarke; Larry Moran (0-1), Sean McCormack (0-1, free), Mark Hughes.
Subs:- Ronan McGoldrick (0-2) for C Farrelly (black card, 12 mins); Paddy Kiernan for E Clarke (37 mins); Liam Hughes for L Moran (57 mins).
Killoe GAA are holding our big annual fundraiser entitled ‘Jigs N Reels’ which is taking place in the Longford Arms on Saturday the 6th of December.
The dance partners for the event are as follows:
Couple 1: Annette Drake-Kiernan (Abbeylara) and James Edgeworth (Killashee)
Couple 2: Kathleen Maher and Stephen Phillips (Longford Town)
Couple 3: Orla Noonan (Drumlish) and Cathal Twaddle (Stonepark)
Couple 4: Gráinne Fox (Killoe) and Mickey Joe Keogh (Killoe/Enfield)
Couple 5: Bridie Fitzpatrick (Killoe) and Frank Reynolds (Ballinalee)
Couple 6: Caitriona Reynolds (Ballinalee) and James Hynes (Granard)
Couple 7: Anne McCabe (Mullinalaghta) and Aiden Gray (Drumlish)
Couple 8: Mandy Stewart (Killashee) and Eddie Clabby (Longford Town)
Couple 9: Carmel Kennedy and Paul McCarthy (Killoe)
Couple 10: Patricia Hourican (Colmcille) and Paul Belton (Bunlahy)
Couple 11: Niamh Begley and Terry McCormack (Killoe)
Couple 12: Nikki Tully (Kilglass) and Daniel Mimnagh (Killoe)
Couple 13: *wildcard* Eugene Murphy and Catherine Gray (Killoe)
Ticket sellers will be calling to all homes in the parish with the offer of tickets for this fun event. Tickets are priced at €10 per person. The winners will be decided by votes cast on the night by those in attendance.
Please spread the word and looking forward to a great night of fun and dancing.
After running Portlaoise close in the semi-final of the club championship a couple of years ago, Killoe Emmet Óg embark on another Leinster adventure and the Killoe footballers will be hoping to make a big impact in the current campaign.
Killoe v Garrycastle in AIB Leinster Club Championship, 9th November @2pm
Receiving a bye through to the quarter-final, the Longford champions are unfortunately pitted in the difficult side of the draw and even if they can conquer Garrycastle at Cusack Park in Mullingar on Sunday next (throw-in 2pm), Killoe will then be away against the reigning Dublin, Leinster and All-Ireland champions St. Vincent’s or last year’s beaten provincial finalists Portlaoise in the last four.
But Killoe team manager Tommy McCormack is a very shrewd operator who will be looking no further than the clash against Garrycastle, the recent winners of a seventh Westmeath senior county title (beating Mullingar Shamrocks 1-11 to 0-8 in the final) and who were crowned Leinster club champions for a historic first time in December 2011.
In that same season, Garrycastle went on to reach the All-Ireland final and after drawing with Armagh kingpins Crossmaglen Rangers at Croke Park on St. Patrick’s Day 2012 the Athlone club eventually lost out in the replay.
While Garrycastle are a vastly experienced outfit who will be hard beaten on Sunday next, particularly with the class act that is Dessie Dolan the playmaker in attack, it is interesting to note that they were almost dumped out in the group stages of this year’s Westmeath Championship.
After failing to capture the county title in 2012 and 2013, the critics suggested that Garrycastle were gone too old and two slow and were bascially finished as a force to be reckoned with but are now enjoying a new lease of life under the driving force of their current supremo Dessie Dolan senior.
Dolan deserves a lot of credit for guiding Garrycastle back to pole position in Westmeath club football, with his 35-year-old son Dessie playing a leading role in the revival of the Athlone outfit.
Other key figures on the team include influential midfielder Aidan Browne, defenders John Gaffey, Karl Henson and Mark McCallon and forwards James Dolan, Alex Gardiner and Gary Dolan. But ruled out due to injury is the versatile Doran Harte (who was a Westmeath regular) while Paddy Mulvihill (the former Longford Town soccer player) has transferred from Garrycastle to continue his GAA career with neighbouring rivals St. Brigid’s Kiltoom.
Garrycastle have enjoyed a perfect record in recent years whenever they came across the Longford champions in the Leinster Club. Having said that, they were lucky to beat Clonguish 1-14 to 0-15 after extra-time in the 2009 quarter-final at Pearse Park and then had just a single point to spare over Slashers (0-13 to 1-9) in the 2010 first round tie at Cusack Park.
Longford Slashers and Garrycastle met again in Mullingar in the 2011 quarter-final, with the Westmeath champions cruising to a very easy 4-11 to 1-6 success on their way to winning the Leinster title, and home advantage is again in their favour for the latest showdown against Longford opponents.
While Killoe will welcome back their big midfielder Simon Kiernan, who missed the recent Leader Cup Final win over Dromard due to suspension, both Daniel Mimnagh and Ronan McGoldrick are apparently struggling to recover from their respective injuries and are considered extremely doubtful to feature at any stage of the game against Garrycastle.
But Killoe have a strong squad with a lot of belief and while their talented young team might be lacking in experience at Leinster level, they proved against Portlaoise back in November 2012 that they can compete with the best and their superior pace might turn out to be a decisive factor in the clash against Garrycastle.
It will probably develop into a tactical affair and former Longford senior manager Dessie Dolan is a master in that department. Dessie senior, of course, was once in charge of Killoe (guiding Emmet Óg to the county senior title in 1988)and also coached Ardagh and Ballymahon during his long and illustrious coaching career.
In the final analysis, the simple fact of the matter is that big games will be needed from their county players Michael Quinn, Sean McCormack and Mark Hughes if Killoe are to overcome Garrycastle in their quest to earn a crack at St. Vincent’s or Portlaoise in the Leinster Club semi-final on November 23rd.
Inspired by the outstanding Michael Quinn at centrefield, county champions Killoe eventually got the better of Dromard in the floodlit Leader Cup Final at the Monaduff grounds, Drumlish on Saturday evening last.
And the undisputed kings of Longford football can now concentrate on the Leinster Club quarter-final clash away to the Westmeath winners (Garrycastle or Mullingar Shamrocks) on November 9th but injuries to Daniel Mimnagh and Ronan McGoldrick are certainly a cause for concern.
Both Mimnagh and McGoldrick were ruled out of the senior league title decider, along with the suspended Simon Kiernan, but Emmet Og were still too strong for Dromard who suffered a significant setback with injured key forward Cian Mimnagh unable to feature.
Thus it was always going to be a tough task for the north Longford side against a slick Killoe outfit, who had a clear edge in fitness, but Tommy McCormack’s charges were hard pressed to complete the double despite having the advantage of an extra man for the final quarter of the contest.
Dromard’s Peter Masterson was sent-off (second yellow card) in the 46th minute, at a stage when the sides were deadlocked at 1-6 apiece, and Emmet Og then regained the lead with a point apiece from Sean McCormack (free) and Paddy Kiernan in quick succession.
But they lacked the killer instinct to put the issue beyond all doubt as Michael Quinn blasted the ball wide with the goals at his mercy and a few other decent chances were squandered by Killoe which gave Dromard a glimmer of hope.
Ross McNerney converted a couple of frees (54th and 57th minutes) to leave the sides all square and a draw was looking the likely outcome before the ball broke kindly for the generally influential Eugene Clarke right in front of the posts and he kept his composure to slot over the lead point in the 59th minute.
And the killer blow was struck in stoppage time when Paddy Thompson got the vital touch to find the back of the net from close range to make absolutely certain of another Emmet Og success – repeating their excellent achievement of the Connolly Cup and Leader Cup triumphs in 2012.
The Division 1 League champions Dromard played with the advantage of the strong wind in the first half but ended up trailing by 1-4 to 0-5 at the break after rising young star Larry Moran raced through to fire home a cracking goal for Killoe in the 18th minute.
It was a wonderful finish by Moran, who also had the chance to find the back of the net in the 12th minute but shot over the bar at the second attempt. The other Emmet Og points came from Mark Hughes along with a brace from Sean McCormack in the closing stages of the first half, both excellent efforts.
Jamsie Martin, Declan Mimnagh and three from Francis McGee (two frees) was the Dromard response but they were facing a real uphill battle against the wind in the second half and suffered another blow when defender Paul McGee was forced to retire injured just before the break.
Killoe looked like they would emerge victorious in comfortable fashion and
it certainly appeared that way when they extended the advantage with further points from Sean McCormack (free) and the always prominent Paddy Kiernan on the changeover but Dromard were thrown a lifeline when Ronan McEntire grabbed a goal in the 43rd minute.
A Ross McNerney free was converted soon after to level matters and the Leader Cup Final remained tight thereafter until that late surge by Killoe got them over the line in a hard earned win.
It was a brave bid by Dromard to capture the prestigious old trophy they last won back in 2006 and Diarmuid Masterson certainly done his best to deny Killoe the double but it was not to be for Enda Macken’s side.
KILLOE EMMET OG: Stephen Coy; Cian Farrelly, Darragh Bennett, Daniel Keogh; Shane Dowd, Joe McCormack, Ronan Keogh; Paddy Thompson (1-0), Michael Quinn; Denis McGoldrick, Eugene Clarke (0-1), Paddy Kiernan (0-2); Larry Moran (1-1), Sean McCormack (0-4, two frees), Mark Hughes (0-1).
DROMARD: Damien Sheridan; Kevin Donohoe, Niall Vance, David Pettit; Peter Masterson, Paul McGee, Emmet Masterson; Diarmuid Masterson, Ronan McEntire (1-0); Jamsie Martin (0-1), Francis McGee (0-3, two frees), Ross McNerney (0-3, all frees); Declan Mimnagh (0-1), Bernard Sheridan, Padraig Martin.
Subs:- James Mimnagh for P McGee (injured, 28 mins); John Sheridan for E Masterson (half-time); Noel Reynolds for B Sheridan (45 mins); Peter Reynolds for D Masterson (57 mins); D Masterson for K Donohoe (59 mins).
Killoe Emmet Og 2-11, Mullinalaghta St. Columba’s 0-10
Padraic O’Brien – Longford Leader
All the damage was done in the first half as Killoe built up a commanding ten points lead. mainly due to a couple of decisive goals in quick succession, and there was no way back for Mullinalaghta in the Senior Football Championship Final at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park on Sunday last.
Watched by a very big attendance in the region of 4,500 aided by a dry day, the nervous tension of the major occasion got to St. Columba’s who were guilty of making a lot of mistakes in the first half and there was just no stopping the rampant Emmet Og side who made very good use of the stiff wind advantage to lead by 2-8 to 0-4 at the break.
The Mullinalaghta club were appearing in the county senior final for the first time in 62 years and while there were high hopes for the current squad, the chances of a shock win were shattered with those two goals – cracking strikes from Denis McGoldrick and ‘impact’ substitute Larry Moran in the 23rd and 25th minutes.
McGoldrick planted an unstoppable shot into the roof of the net, at a stage when St. Columba’s were already trailing by 0-8 to 0-3, and things got even worse soon after when Larry Moran cut in from the left to blast the ball past the opposing keeper Patrick Rogers when the angle appeared to be too tight.
Game, set and match to Killoe who sat back on the cushion of their big advantage for most of the second half and succeeded in operating a most effective defensive gameplan in preventing Mullinalaghta from getting the goal they so badly needed.
While wind assisted St. Columba’s enjoyed the greater share of the possession on the changeover in their determined efforts to make some sort of impact, they were unable to put Emmet Og under any serious pressure and their cause was severely hampered by some poor finishing.
The gallant losers were guilty of kicking a total of 12 wides – seven in the second half – whereas Killoe clocked up eight wides during the course of a disappointing county final that lacked a real competitive edge.
Having said that, Emmet Og played some excellent football in the first half to put the issue beyond all doubt on their way to regaining the Connolly Cup they last won two years ago. And particularly impressive during the dominant period that decided the destination of the 2014 county title was Daniel Mimnagh.
Apart from firing over a couple of points, Mimnagh was a constant threat whenever he received the ball and ended up winning the man of the match award. But others to figure most prominently for the worthy winners over the hour were resolute defender Darragh Bennett and flying forward Larry Moran, the latter scoring 1-2 from play
Michael Quinn was also much to the fore in the heart of the defence, particularly so when he dropped deep into the full-back-line for the second half, and there was a lot to like about this slick Emmet Og team when they clicked into top gear.
Back as the kings of Longford football in winning the senior title for a 10th time, Killoe will now embark on another Leinster adventure away to the eventual Westmeath winners in the quarter-final on Sunday November 9th and who knows where it will take them.
Mullinalaghta, on the other hand, will feel that they did not do themselves justice but reaching the county final was a tremendous achievement in itself.
Resolute defender Conan Brady produced a braveheart performance throughout the game while the introduction of JJ Matthews (brought on in the 25th minute) certainly injected considerable more danger into the starting attack that struggled to trouble a very solid Killoe defence with corner-back Cian Farrelly playing particularly well.
JJ Matthews scored three points for St. Columba’s and there was also a greater threat about Kevin Mulligan (back briefly from his travels abroad) after he came on in the 46th minute.
James McGivney made a better impact in the second half, as did a few other Mullinalaghta players, but they were always fighting a losing battle once they fell ten points behind.
Denis McGoldrick (who played a notable part in the latest Killoe triumph with 1-2 to his credit) got his points in the first half with the other scores coming from Sean McCormack, Daniel Mimnagh (2), Paddy Thompson (when a goal was on), Simon Kiernan and wing back Shane Dowd.
The four St. Columba’s points in the first half were fired over by David McGivney (two frees), Donal McElligott (on target from a tight angle) and JJ Matthews and the underdogs were in a very bad place at the break.
But at least they battled back in a brave bid to close the wide gap with James McGivney shooting over the bar immediately on the changeover and his younger brother David then converted a free in the 36th minute.
18 minutes were gone in the second half before Killoe registered their next score through the lively Larry Moran who shot over the bar after receiving the ball from Daniel Mimnagh. And before that Simon Kiernan was denied a goal when his point-blank shot was well saved by the Mullinalaghta keeper Patrick Rogers.
St. Columba’s also had their goal chances with Jayson Matthews (45 mins) losing the ball in front of the posts while the always alert Killoe defender Daniel Keogh came to the rescue when blocking a shot from Kevin Mulligan (51 mins) in his attempt to find the back of the net.
Mulligan also hit the upright, as did David McGivney from a free, but at least the Mullinalaghta perseverance was rewarded with three points in a row through JJ Matthews (2) and McGivney (free) between the 49th and 52nd minutes.
Now trailing by the two goals (2-9 to 0-9), St. Columba’s went on to squander a few more chances before Killoe eventually scored again in the 58th minute – Larry Moran racing through to fist the ball over the bar.
Sean McCormack then fired over another free and Mullinalaghta almost snatched a consolation goal in stoppage time when Kevin Mulligan’s close range effort was parried over the bar by Darragh Bennett before competent referee Michael O’Brien blew the final whistle.
KILLOE EMMET OG: Stephen Coy; Cian Farrelly, Darragh Bennett, Daniel Keogh; Shane Dowd (0-1), Joe McCormack, Michael Quinn; Paddy Thompson (0-1), Simon Kiernan (0-1); Eugene Clarke, Daniel Mimnagh (0-2), Ronan McGoldrick; Mark Hughes, Sean McCormack (0-2, one free), Denis McGoldrick (1-2, one point from free).
Subs:- Larry Moran (1-2) for R McGoldrick (22 mins); Paddy Kiernan for D McGoldrick (54 mins); Liam Hughes for E Clarke (54 mins); Ronan Keogh for C Farrelly (57 mins).
MULLINALAGHTA ST. COLUMBA’S: Patrick Rogers; Conan Brady, Patrick Fox, Simon Cadam; James McGivney (0-1), Shane Mulligan, Francis Mulligan; Ruairi McElligott, John Keegan; Donal McElligott (0-1), Gary Rogers, Conor McElligott; David McGivney (0-4, all frees), Jayson Matthews, Aidan McElligott.
Subs:- JJ Matthews (0-3) for C McElligott (25 mins); Rian Brady for A McElligott (44 mins); Kevin Mulligan (0-1) for Jayson Matthews (46 mins).
Killoe ladies produced an explosive performance in their 1st round Leinster Club Championship match win away to Newtown Blues, Louth in Drogheda on Saturday last. The Longford champions displayed great determination and impressive teamwork to win by the landslide margin of 28 points.
Beany Hackett wasted no time putting Killoe on the scoreboard, scoring her first goal of the game. The Newtown Blues defence were no match for the strong Killoe side. Edel Quinn and Fiona Fox proved an excellent pairing centerfield and provided their forward line with many opportunities.
Shayleen McDonagh responded to the endless Killoe attack with a goal, however this wasn’t enough to keep Killoe at bay. Goals from Beany Hackett, Anne Marie Bratten, and Sharon Tracey left the Louth team lagging substantially behind.
Before the end of the first half, Newtown Blues made attempts to close the gap. Sarah Dyas scored three points from frees but Killoe ended the first half with an impressive lead of 5-9 to 1-3.
Killoe went on to seal their victory when Alison Kenny opened the second half account with two consecutive, fast-paced goals. Niamh Devaney played an excellent game throughout, particularly in the closing half of the game where she continuously blocked the attempts of Maura Sullivan, giving Beany Hackett the chance to plant two soccer style goals into the back of the Newtown Blues net.
The Louth ladies managed to respond with a fantastic goal from Ciara Campbell, but sadly they lacked the pace and skill that Killoe displayed and for the first time, have succeeded in winning the first round of the Leinster Senior Club Championship. The semi-final fixture is set for Saturday 18th of October, venue to be confirmed.
Subs:- Orla Toher, Ciara Keogh, Brona Fox, Laura Smith, Amanda Lennon, Ciara Linnane, Niamh Whelan, Megan Hughes, Mary Reynolds, Emma Kiernan, Amy Creighton, Jade Gill, Shona Rowley, Sharon Brady, Emma Dorris.
Management: Paul Maguire, Eugene Quaine, Enya Mulcahy.
NEWTOWN BLUES: Elaine Flood, Emma Thompson, Lisa Finglas, Hannah O’Neill, Orlaith Nugent, Laura O’Shaughnessy, Áine McCormack, Maura Sullivan, Ciara Campbell, Shayleen McDonagh, Lisa Kelly, Rebecca McAllister, Sarah Dyas, Kate Gerrard (C), Laura Collins.
The Killoe GAA webite has undergone an upgrade and facelift in September 2014. The upgrade sees a new design and layout, giving the viewer an enhanced experience with fixtures and results to the fore. The new design includes over 300 team images and 45 news items from mid 2012 to the present. The Archive section includes statistics, rolls of honour and match reports from the past 125 years of Killoe GAA.
Our upgraded website including all graphics was designed and developed by Paul Devaney on behalf of Killoe GAA.
Three late points without reply clinched the win for the Killoe juniors who overcame the challenge of the Carrickedmond second string in the ‘A’ Championship semi-final at Pearse Park on Sunday last.
Killoe had been in front throughout the game but Carrickedmond fought back to level matters in the 55th minute and indeed they had wasted a few chances before that to get the vital scores on the board.
The momentum seemed to be with Carrick but they couldn’t get the score that put them ahead. Four minutes from time a good point from Sean Maguire edged Killoe back in front. Maguire added another one two minutes later before substitute Colm Devaney got the final score in the 60th minute.
Killoe made a bright start to the game and hit over the opening three points; in the second minute Ger Carberry passed to John Conlon but his shot was tipped over the crossbar by Carrick full-back Shane Mulvey.
David Mimnagh hit over a free two minutes later before Sean Maguire landed his first point in the seventh minute.
Carrick cut the gap to two by the 12th minute with a well-taken free from Keith McGuire and a good point from Robbie Harrison but points from Sean Maguire and Frank Kiernan restored Killoe’s three point advantage by the 16th minute.
In the 18th minute John Lenehan had a goal chance for Carrickedmond in but Killoe keeper Thomas Quinn pushed the effort out for a ’45. In the 24th minute Ger Carberry’s hit the crossbar and then a shot from Carrick player Ronan Hughes came off the butt of the post.
Carberry put four between the sides in the 25th minute and Carrick wasted a lot of chances before John Lenehan fired the ball over the bar in the 29th minute. There was two between them at the break, 0-6 to 0-4, when Keith McGuire converted another free.
Both sides were guilty of kicking poor wides in the opening stages of the second half and the next score did not materialise until the 43rd minute when Carrickedmond keeper David Shannon pointed a ’45. Sean Maguire replied for Killoe before Carrick enjoyed a good spell and levelled the game with points from John Lenehan and Keith McGuire.
But Killoe finished the game strongly with three points in a row to clinch their place in the county junior final against neighbouring rivals Longford Slashers.
KILLOE EMMET OG: Thomas Quinn; James Hughes, Shane Doherty, Franklin O’Reilly; Thomas Brady, Ciaran Keogh, Padraig O’Reilly; Rory Cullen, Frank Kiernan (0-1); Ger Carberry (0-1), Gary Connell, Darren Kelly; David Mimnagh (0-1, free), Sean Maguire (0-5), John Conlon (0-1).
Subs:- David Kiernan for P O’Reilly (injured, 5 mins); Thomas Donohoe for F Kiernan (half-time); Colm Devaney (0-1) for D Kelly (44mins)
CARRICKEDMOND: David Shannon (0-1,’45); Paul McDonnell, Shane Mulvey, Peter Egan; Sean Doherty, Kevin Moran, Sean Kelly; Padraig Conway, Tommy Cummins; Ronan Hughes, Robbie Harrison (0-1), John Lenehan (0-2); Keith McGuire (0-3, 3 frees), John O’Rourke, Paul McGuire.
Subs:- Dermot McCormack for J O’Rourke (23 mins); Tommy Martin for P Egan (35 mins); Ollie Rogers for R Hughes (48 mins); Mel Yorke for R Harrison (54 mins).
On a sunny Saturday afternoon last in Pearse Park our senior ladies wrote a new chapter in the history of our club and Longford ladies football when they were crowned county senior champions for an historic fifth year in a row. Final score Killoe 3.10 Ballymore 1.11. After a lightning start which saw Killoe lead by 1.03 to no score, Ballymore fought back to level the game mid way through the first half. However Killoe regained the lead and went into the half time break with a two goal lead, 3.06 to 1.06. Ballymore pressured Killoe in the second half, trying to reduce the deficit, and Killoe depended on their goal keeper Dervla Murphy to pull of two great saves in quick succession to retain her teams lead. At the final whistle Killoe had held out to win by five points. We thank Ballymore for a hard and honest game. Our captain Edel Quinn accepted the Allison Smyth cup on behalf her team.
Following the presentation of medals to our 36 strong panel, Beany Hackett was awarded the player of the match award. We congratulate the girls and their manager Paul McGuire and his assistant Eugene Quaine for the work they have done throughout the year to retain this teams position at the top of Longford ladies football. The next competitive game for our senior girls will be on October 4th versus the Louth champions Newtown Blues in Dundalk.
Church Gate Collection
Our church gate collection takes place next weekend, Saturday 20th Ballinalee. Your support would be greatly appreciated.
Spot The Ball Results:
This weeks’ spot the ball winners are Mary Donohue, Mostrim, €25 and Gerry Rowley, €100
Mens Junior Team Reach County Final.
Congratulations to the mens junior team who have reached the junior championship county final following a 3 point win over Carrickedmond last Sunday. We wish all the best to our mens senior and junior teams in their respective finals.
Condolences
The club extends its condolences to Michelle Tully, as well as the Dowd family Glenoughill on their bereavement last week.
Annual fundraiser draw was held in Begley’s on Sat night with a great crowd present. Many thanks to all who helped out and donated spot prizes and to the Begley family for their hospitality. Winners on the night were 1st prize 200 Euro – Noeleen Brady, Soran Cross, 2 nd 150 Euro – Mary Gearty, Crann Iur, 3rd 100 Euro – Patricia Brady, Esker, 4th 50 Euro – Gary Fenlon, Clontumpher. Sellers prize – 50 Euro Durkins Voucher – Oisin Bennett.
Busy week ahead with important games coming up. Juveniles meet Granard/Ballymore in round 2 of the Championship on Wednesday 17th inEmmetPark at 6.45pm.
U12s are also at home to Granard on Thursday 18th in the shield at 7.00pm.
U14 Championship final is Friday19th v Longford Slashers inPearsePark at 6.15pm.
Minors also meet Longford Slashers on Saturday 20th in Fay Park at 6.00pm.
Best of luck to all involved during the week and we ask everyone to please support.
Congrats to the Ladies Club on winning the Senior championship for the fifth time in a row.
Our U10’s were successful in the St Lomans Tournament in Mullingar defeating Celbridge in the Trophy final. Well done to the entire panel and to mentors Tom Walsh and David Donnelly.
Finally the Club offers its sympathy to McCarthy family, Farragh and Dowd family Glenoughill on their recent bereavements.
Another fantastic weekend on the playing fields for our great club with our ladies team taking pride of place, creating history by becoming the first club in county Longford to capture the senior championship trophy for 5 years in a row. In a tight game played on Saturday In Pearse Park they showed great character to emerge on the right side of a 3-10 to 1-11 score line. Well done to captain Edel Quinn, the entire team and management and the ladies executive on achieving this great result.
Next up were our mighty junior team who took on Carrickedmond in the junior A championship semi final on Sunday in Pearse Park also. Having played with the slight advantage of a blustery wind in the first half we found ourselves leading 6 points to 4 at half time. However an excellent start by Carrickedmond to the second half saw them draw level with 10 minutes remaining. However our lads dug deep in the final 10 minutes to muster 3 points without reply which saw us finally edge the game on a score line of 10 points to 7. Well done to all involved with the junior team on what has been a magnificent effort to reach the county final. Here’s hoping we can push on and win this competitions.
Our senior team took on Fr. Manning Gaels in Emmet Park on Friday evening and unfortunately after a very tight game came out on the wrong side of a 2-13 to 1-13 result. This was also the replay of the Michael Kiernan memorial cup and we congratulate Fr. Manning Gaels on capturing the cup this year. We look forward to battling it out to reclaim the cup next year.
As both county final approach we have a full range of flags, bunting, etc on offer for our supporters. Items will be available to purchase in Emmet Park this coming Wednesday and Friday evenings between 7pm and 8pm. Additionally all these items are available to purchase in our 3 local shops.
This coming Saturday evening our senior team face Abbeylara in round 11 of the league. This is a crucial game for our lads and is in Emmet Park at 8pm.
This weeks lotto draw was held in Begley’s on Sunday night last for a jackpot of €3,700. The numbers drawn were 1,4,29 and 30. There was no jackpot winner. €20 winners were Kathleen Fitzpatrick, Cornafunshion, Tom Mahon, Aughaboy, Eugene Devaney, Esker, Kevin McDermott, Soran and G McDermot, C/O Milos. This weeks sellers prize went to Brian Donohoe. Next weeks jackpot stands at €3,800 with the draw in the Olde Forge on Sunday night.
Finally we offer our sympathies to the Twaddle family, Trillick as well as the Dowd family Glenoughill on their bereavement last week.
On Saturday September 13th our Ladies Senior team took to the field in Pearse Park to compete in the clubs 14th county final since the competition first started in 1982 and have not only claimed another championship title with victory over Ballymore, but have also completed the first ever 5-in-a-row of Senior Championship titles in the history of Longford Ladies GAA.
Killoe Ladies contested their first county final in 1997 and despite losses in the 1999, 2000, 2002 & 2004 county finals, they finally won their first championship title in 2006 against Clonguish. The clubs second title came in 2008 against the same opponents and Killoe Ladies have reigned supreme in the championship since 2010, with this historic win in 2014 making them the first ladies club in Longford to achieve five in a row titles. Well done to players and management, an amazing achievement by any measure.
Killoe Ladies Senior Football Championships in numbers…
Contested 14 county finals.
Won 7 finals. Lost 7 finals.
First team to win 4 in a row and 5 in a row titles.
All time record winners with 7 titles to date.
Longford Ladies Football Championship – Roll Of Honour
This Saturday our senior team compete in their 14th county final in the history of the club, their ninth in a row, and are hoping to extend their reign to five championships in a row. Killoe qualified for the final with wins over Colmcille, Clonguish and Saturdays opponents Ballymore. We wish manager Paul McGuire, his assistant Eugene Quaine, and all the girls in our panel the very best of luck in the final. Throw in on Saturday in Pearse Park is at 4pm. We hope that as many people as possible will come out to support the girls as they attempt to write a new chapter in the history of the Killoe Ladies club and Longford ladies football.
Under 14 Summer League Champions
Congratulation to our under 14s who defeated Longford Slashers to claim the under 14 summer league B title in Emmet Park on August 21st last. Well done to their management team of Carol Lennon, Beany Hackett and Kathyrn Lynch. Team captain Hannah Maloney accepted the shield on behalf of her team. Presentation of medals will take place in the coming weeks.
Spot The Ball
The spot the ball winners from Friday September 5th were Wally Sullivan for the €100 prize and Maggie Smith for the €25. We thank everyone for supporting the spot the ball which is the main source of income for our club.
U14s defeated Granard/Ballymore 3-11 to 0-05 in the Championship semi final last week.
U12’s meet Clonguish in Allen Park on Thursday 11th at 7.00pm in league quarter final.
Next round of Minor Championship is Sunday 14th v Longford Slashers in Fay Park 2pm.
Well done to U10’s who performed very well in reaching the semi final of the Cup in the Gowna Tournament. Group victories against Arva, Cootehill, Castleblayney and Mullingar Shamrocks were achieved before losing to the Host Club and eventual winners Gowna in a close affair. Well done to all involved and mentors Tom Walsh and David Donnelly.
Minor Club meeting on Wednesday 10th at 9.30pm in Clonee.
Minor Club Annual Fundraising Draw is next Saturday Sept 13th in Begley. Tickets have been distributed to all ages and are 2 Euro each. First prize is 200Euro, 2nd prize 150 Euro, 3rd Prize 100Euro, 4thPrize 50Euro. Sellers Prize 50 Euro Durkins Voucher. Everyone please support.
Finally well done to the seniors on a thrilling victory v Dromard in the semi final last Sunday.
Last week was a fantastic week on the pitch for Killoe with both our junior and senior teams progressing in the Championship. First up were our juniors who welcomed Sean Connolly’s to Emmet Park in the quarter final on Wednesday evening last, and after a sturdy test from our neighbours, we eventually shone through to record victory on a score of 2-12 to 8 points.
On Sunday evening our seniors faced Dromard in Pearse Park in the semi final, and after a fantastic game of football played in great spirit by both sides, we eventually came through to reach the county final on a score of 2-18 to 2-15. Great credit is due to both teams on the quality of the football and the intensity shown all over the pitch, with some of the score taking of the highest quality. Well done to Tommy McCormack and all the team on reaching the county final again and hopefully we can push on and win it now. Commiserations to Dromard, but I have no doubt we will renew rivalries in the years to come.
In the build up to the county final we will be supplying a full range of flags and bunting from the Club house. Further details in next weeks notes.
This coming Sunday our juniors play Carrickedmond in the championship semi final. The game is in Pearse Park at 3p.m.and is preceded by the other junior semi between Longford Slashers and Drumlish. On Friday evening our seniors are in league action when we welcome Fr. Manning Gaels to Emmet Park at 8.15pm. This is another must win game as we are sitting in 3rd place in the league with only a few rounds remaining. Additionally this game will also be the replay of the Michael Kiernan tournament which ended in a draw on Sunday last. On Sunday next our minors are in action in the championship, away to Longford Slashers at 2pm.
However this week is all about our ladies team who go for 5 championships in a row on Saturday when they meet Ballymore in Pearse park at 4pm. We wish the team and management all the best for the game and hopefully our ladies can get the County finals off to a winning start.
Commiserations to the Longford team in New York on Sunday including Val Delaney and Paul O Hara who came up just short in the county final.
Well done to our Neighbours Sean Connolly’s on reaching the Intermediate County final and all the best for the game itself.
Our lotto draw took place in The Olde Forge on Sunday night for a jackpot of €3,600. The numbers drawn were 8,9,15 and 19. Unfortunately there was no jackpot winner. € 20 winners were Terry McCormack, senior, Francis Courtney, Kilnashee, Darragh Fitzsimons, Kilnatruhan, Sandra Ryan, Lanesboro and Callie Lennon, Ennybegs. This weeks sellers prize went to Brendan McCormack. Next weeks loot draw for €3,700 will take place in Begley’s on Sunday night. As our lotto is our main source of funding we urge you to continue to support it at this great time for our club, either locally in our shops and pubs or on line at www.killoegaa.ie.
Finally, our minor clubs annual fundraising draw takes place this Saturday night in Begley’s bar with great prizes on offer. Tickets are widely available throughout the Parish or on the night itself.
In one of the best club games witnessed at Pearse Park in many years, Killoe are back in the county final after defeating Dromard in a classic clash that thrilled the big attendance in the region of 1,500 and it must be said that Emmet Og showed a lot of spirit and character to survive this stern test.
From start to finish this fascinating senior championship semi-final was a terrific thriller that was littered with some superb scores. And despite grabbing two goals in the hectic early stages of the game to open up a commanding 2-1 to 0-0 lead after only four minutes, Killoe somehow ended up trailing by three points at half-time.
Dromard produced some excellent football in the process of wiping out the Emmet Og advantage and after leading by 2-10 to 2-7 at the break following a breathtaking and brilliant first half, Enda Macken’s side got the first score on the changeover when Cian Mimnagh shot over the bar.
That was really putting it up to Emmet Og but they refused to panic and using their superior pace to excellent effect they gradually broke Dromard down. The introduction of influential substitutes Shane Dowd (28 mins) and Daniel Mimnagh (half-time) made a major impact as Killoe outscored the opposition 0-11 to 0-5 in the second half to clinch a place in the Connolly Cup decider against Clonguish or Mullinalaghta on Sunday October 5th.
Sean McCormack is such a key figure and he did the business on this occasion, firing over a total of seven points (four cracking efforts from play). And on the evidence of this impressive Emmet Og performance, the 2012 county champions are going to be extremely hard beaten in their fierce desire to regain the title.
Manager Tommy McCormack has the squad in great shape but they had a lucky escape in the opening minute when Dromard forward Ross McNerney had a point-blank shot well saved by opposing keeper Stephen Coy.
Killoe then struck back with goals from Ronan McGoldrick and Larry Moran, the latter planting a cracking shot in the back of the net after Sean McCormack capitalised on a poor kick-out by Damien Sheridan.
Having said that, the former county keeper did make a great save a couple of minutes earlier to keep out a close range flick from Moran – only for Ronan McGoldrick to finish the breaking ball to the net.
With Mark Hughes kicking a fine point in between the goals, Dromard looked in big trouble but they gradually recovered from this shocking start – remarkably outscoring Emmet Og 2-10 to 0-6 for the remainder of a roller coaster first half.
After Francis McGee fired over their opening score, Cian Mimnagh got a great goal in the 8th minute and the same player found the back of the Killoe net again in the 20th minute when he converted a penalty that went in off the post.
The other nine Dromard points in the first half came from Declan Mimnagh (2), Cian Mimnagh, another brace apiece from Francis McGee (1 free) and Ross McNerney (2 frees) with Bernard Sheridan and Diarmuid Masterson also on target for the underdogs.
Sean McCormack fired over four points (three frees) while the other Emmet Og scores in the amazing first half were registered by Ronan McGoldrick and Paddy Thompson.
Whatever harsh words were said in the Killoe dressingroom during the half-time break certainly worked and the going got really tough for Dromard who were minus the services of defender Paul McGee – ruled out due to a chest infection.
Emmet Og were four points down before they eventually clicked into top gear, firing over three points in a row through Mark Hughes, Sean McCormack and Denis McGoldrick to close the gap to just the minimum of margins, 2-11 to 2-10.
Back came Dromard with a fine long range point (free) from Francis McGee in the 35th minute and they then failed to convert a couple of crucial frees before gradually running out of steam in the face of fierce pressure from the younger Killoe side.
Four great points from Sean McCormack (2), Paddy Thompson and Mark Hughes in the space of seven minutes left Emmet Og leading by 2-14 to 2-12. And they had a glorious opportunity to put the issue beyond all doubt in the 47th minute when Daniel Mimnagh flicked the ball against the post in a slick attack created by the penetrating run of defender Darragh Bennett with Sean McCormack also involved.
The lively Mimnagh was popping up all over the place but Dromard hit back briefly with a point from a Jamsie Martin free in the 50th minute and missed the chance to level matters when Ross McNerney was off target from a free.
Killoe then pulled right away to fire over four more points in a decisive dominant spell with the vital scores coming from Michael Quinn and substitutes Daniel Mimnagh, Shane Dowd and Eugene Clarke – reflecting on the greater strength of the Emmet Og squad.
With time running out, Dromard were now behind by five points (2-18 to 2-13) and while they battled it out to the bitter end with late scores from Francis McGee (free) and Ronan McEntire (stoppage time), they were unable to engineer a dramatic last gasp equalising goal in a truly memorable game.
KILLOE EMMET OG: Stephen Coy; Cian Farrelly, Darragh Bennett, Daniel Keogh; Paddy Hughes, Joe McCormack, Michael Quinn (0-1); Paddy Thompson (0-2), Simon Kiernan; Denis McGoldrick (0-1), Paddy Kiernan, Ronan McGoldrick (1-1); Mark Hughes (0-3), Sean McCormack (0-7, three frees), Larry Moran (1-0).
Subs:- Shane Dowd (0-1) for P Hughes (28 mins); Daniel Mimnagh (0-1) for P Kiernan (half-time); Eugene Clarke (0-1) for R McGoldrick (46 mins); Terry McCormack for L Moran (61 mins).
DROMARD: Damien Sheridan; David Pettit, Niall Vance, Padraig McNerney; Kevin Donohoe, Peter Reynolds, Peter Masterson; Diarmuid Masterson (0-1), Ronan McEntire (0-1); Bernard Sheridan (0-1), Jamsie Martin (0-1, free), Ross McNerney (0-2, frees); Francis McGee (0-5, three frees), Cian Mimnagh (2-2, one goal from penalty), Declan Mimnagh (0-2).
Subs:- Emmet Masterson for P McNerney (50 mins); John Sheridan for P Reynolds (injured, 56 mins); Padraig Martin for K Donohoe (58 mins).
Our 125th anniversary celebrations took place last weekend and judging by the feedback were extremely successful with events over the two days enjoyed by all in attendance. Saturdays events in Emmet Park were primarily aimed at our underage stars with leagues for all age groups from 8 to 18 taking place. Our senior stars were on hand to manage each team and their experience and tactical awareness brought a great sense of competition to each game.
On Saturday evening we had mass in Ennybegs which was a celebration of club life and dedicated to all deceased members of the club. We wish to thank Fr. Sean Casey and Fr. Colman Carrigy who concelebrated mass and who certainly made it relevant to the occasion.
This was followed by an event in the community centre which was packed to capacity. The large crowd enjoyed hearing many club members reminiscing on their memories of club life over the years and their hopes for the future. The night culminated in Begley’s where Connie and Paddy were on hand to sing the night away.
On Sunday we kicked things off in Emmet Park at 1p.m. with the Cornhill set dancers led by Mickey Joe Keogh arriving in style on high Nellie bikes before entertaining us with several traditional dances. We then had an exhibition game on the main pitch with our stars from the 1988 to 1995 era facing off. The teams were led out by captains for the day Declan Rowley and Denis O’ Boyle after some much needed limbering up in the dressing rooms. We once again got the opportunity to marvel at the silky skills of such fine footballers as Declan Rowley, John and Andy Hughes, Mickey and Kevin Bracken not forgetting the tenacious defending skills of Brendan Bracken senior and Eugene Murphy. However the stand out performance went to Sean Clarke in goals who made several miraculous saves from all angles to remind us of his heroics in 1995.
This game was followed by a very interesting tug of war competition between teams from Begley’s and the Olde Forge as well as team of heavy hitters from the club. After several tit for tat battles and some fine pulling by all teams, Begley’s crew faced up to the Olde Forge in the final. In what was a tense battle Begley’s eventually managed to haul the Olde Forge over the line and claim victory. We then had an under 8 blitz with teams from Shroid and Clonguish taking part.
This was followed by the highlight of the weekend, The Michael Kiernan Cup which was contested by Killoe and Fr. Manning Gaels senior teams. In what was a very even battle throughout, played in worsening weather, the teams finished all square after 60 minutes. As both teams face each other in the league in two weeks time it was decided not to play extra time but to contest the league game for the cup in memory of Michael. Refreshments were enjoyed in the Olde Forge after the game.
Throughout the weekend we ran a barbecue with all money raised going to Motor Neuron Disease research. This is a cause close to the clubs heart and the donation will be made in the coming days. Our chairman Jimmy Halpin bravely took part in the ice bucket challenge on Sunday evening in front of a large crowd to finalise the fundraising effort.
We would like to thank all who helped out in anyway over the course of the weekend, particularly referees Jimmy, Padraig and Frank Toher who were on hand both days, our stewards who helped with the car parking, the ladies who operated the shop and served the tea, etc. and especially our neighbours who facilitated the weekend, as well as the visiting teams from Drumlish, Shroid and Clonguish. Here’s to another 125 years.
This week ahead is a massive week for our teams in the championship. On Wednesday evening our junior team welcome Sean Connolly’s to Emmet Park in the quarter final while on Sunday evening next we travel to Pearse Park to face last years beaten finalists Dromard in the Senior Championship semi final. This is sure to be a titanic struggle with our lads certainly going into the game as underdogs. We wish Tommy and the lads every success and hopefully we can push on in both competitions.
Our lotto draw took place in Begley’s on Sunday night for a jackpot of €3,500. The numbers drawn were 5, 10, 18 and 25. Unfortunately there was no jackpot winner. €20 winners were S. Ryan, Lanesboro, Gerry Shanley, Lanesboro, Oonagh Corrigan, C/O Doyles bar, Aidan McDermott, Moydow and Francis Courtney, Kilnashee, Drumlish. The sellers prize went to Berney Brady. Next weeks draw for a €3,600 will take place in the Olde Forge. Thanks again to all who support our lotto.
Longford Slashers reign as the county senior football champions is over as the stronger Killoe side gained sweet revenge for their disappointing defeat at this same stage last year and were worthy winners of the quarter-final clash at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park on Sunday evening last.
Showing the significant greater pace throughout a generally poor game, the much younger Emmet Og outfit were superior in most positions on the pitch and could afford the luxury of kicking a total of 15 wides (11 in the first half) in advancing to meet Dromard in the semi-final on Sunday September 7th.
The return of Michael Quinn from his summer stint in New York proved to be a big boost for Killoe and while the wing back was an influential figure in the eventual four points win over the title holders, it must be said that the entire Emmet Og defence worked well as a solid unit.
While Slashers were also guilty of some very poor finishing during the course of the game, shooting a total of nine wides, their forwards found it extremely difficult to find a way through the resolute opposing defence.
That was clearly reflected in the fact that the losers only managed a solitary score from play, a gift goal that was credited to Martin Nevin whose speculative dipping shot ended up in the back of the net with four minutes gone on the changeover.
Nevin’s shot deceived the Killoe keeper Stephen Coy, who was put under pressure by the presence of Mark Smith, and that badly needed score gave Slashers a glimmer of hope as they battled back from being 0-7 to 0-1 behind at the break after looking in serious trouble.
Killoe enjoyed the far greater share of the possession in the first half and while Slashers registered the opening score when Colin Smith converted a free in the 3rd minute, they struggled thereafter.
Wasteful Emmet Og kicked six wides in a row before they finally got their first score in the 12th minute when Mark Hughes shot over the bar but six more points gradually followed as they opened up a comfortable lead with the aid of the wind.
Excellent efforts from play were fired over by Sean McCormack (3), Larry Moran and Michael Quinn (a glorious strike in first half stoppage time), along with a free converted by Denis McGoldrick, whereas Slashers were unable to add to their tally with the best chance falling to Peter Foy but he shot badly wide in the 24th minute.
But at least Denis Connerton’s side showed some courage in their bid to salvage the situation in the second half and after Colin Smith converted a free, the fortunate Martin Nevin goal gave the Slashers supporters something to shout about.
When Smith fired over another free in the 37th minute, the gap was suddenly closed to just a single point (0-7 to 1-3) but Killoe refused to panic and regained their composure with a couple of crucial scores from Denis McGoldrick (free) and Simon Kiernan in quick succession.
Prominent midfielder Kiernan blasted the ball over the bar in the 40th minute and while Colin Smith, with his fourth free, replied moments later that was as good as it got for Slashers who failed to register another score for the remainder of this scrappy encounter.
Killoe were holding a dangerous 0-9 to 1-4 lead before Michael Quinn set up Larry Moran for a cracking point from a tight angle in the 51st minute and the promising young player capped a fine performance when shooting over the bar again in the 57th minute to make the victory safe for Emmet Og.
Make no mistake about it, Tommy McCormack’s side should really have won by a much wider margin but beating Slashers will release a lot of pressure in their quest to regain the coveted Connolly Cup they last won in 2012. Even without Padraig McCormack, Killoe will be extremely hard beaten in the knowledge that they can play a lot better.
After contesting the county final for the past four years, winning the title in 2010, 2011 and 2013, Slashers looked a tired team on Sunday last. While the injury to powerful midfielder Michael Brady was a big blow, the majority of the current squad have a lot of miles on the clock and would appear to have reached the end of the road after all their great achievements in doing the club so proud.
KILLOE EMMET OG: Stephen Coy; Cian Farrelly, Darragh Bennett, Paddy Hughes; Michael Quinn (0-1), Joe McCormack, Denis McGoldrick (0-2, frees); Paddy Thompson, Simon Kiernan (0-1); Ronan McGoldrick, Paddy Kiernan, Larry Moran (0-3); Daniel Mimnagh, Sean McCormack (0-3), Mark Hughes (0-1).
Sub:- Terry McCormack for P Kiernan (57 mins).
LONGFORD SLASHERS: Colm Farrell; Ruairi Barrins, Barry Gilleran, Gareth Ghee; Peter Brady, Dermot Brady, Marc Diffley; Andrew Dalton, David Sheridan; Trevor Clendenning, Niall Mulligan, Martin Nevin (1-0); Mark Smith, Peter Foy, Colin Smith (0-4, all frees).
Subs:- Sean Flynn for T Clendenning (half-time); T Clendenning for M Smith (47 mins); Michael Brady for D Sheridan (57 mins).
2014 marks the 125th anniversary of the founding of the first GAA club in Killoe. The first GAA club in the parish was named Killoe Erins Hopes, and quickly renamed Killoe Erins Pride. By the start of the 20th century a single unified team emerged in the parish called Killoe Emmets, soon to be renamed Killoe Young Emmets. A weekend of celebration was held to mark our 125th year milestone on 30th & 31st August.
Saturday 30th August
Parish Blitz (U10 & U12) – Main Pitch at 11am
Parish Blitz (U14 & U16) – Main Pitch following above
Skills Competition (U18 & U21) – Back Pitch in conjunction with above
BBQ between 2pm and 4pm
Ladies Senior Team challenge match – Main Pitch
Evening Mass in St. Mary’s Ennybegs
Ennybegs Community Centre – Slideshows, music, song, chat (finger food, tea/coffee served)
Music & song in Begleys Bar
Sunday 31st August
Fun Games (soft ball rounders, obstacle course, skills tyre competition) – Back Pitch at 12.30pm
BBQ food throughout the day
Set Dancing master class – In front of clubhouse at 1.30pm
1988 Team v 1993/5 Team – Main Pitch at 2pm
Tug of War Competition – 3pm
Donegal v Dublin match showing in Club House at 3.30pm
U8 Blitz – Main Pitch (Killoe, Sean Connollys, Drumlish) at 3.30pm
Kids Disco with DJ Mickey – Small Pitch at same time as Blitz
Michael Kiernan Cup (Killoe v Fr. Manning Gaels) – Main Pitch at 5pm
Music & song in Olde Forge (8pm)
Saturday 30th August:
Events will kick off in Emmet Park on Saturday 30th August at 11am on the main pitch with a parish blitz between a combination of our under 10 and 12 teams followed by a parish blitz between our under 14’s and 16’s combined. This is sure to generate great interest with lots of bragging rites up for grabs.
Running in conjunction with this will be a set of skills competitions on our back pitch aimed at our minor and under 21 players.
Activity at Emmet Park will conclude with a challenge match involving our Ladies Senior Team ahead of their upcoming County Final.
Following this we have mass in Saint Marys church, Ennybegs celebrated by Fr. Sean Casey in honour of the club and all deceased club members. The mass will be a celebration of club life with several current and former players involved in various aspects of the mass.
Mass will be followed in the community centre by a social evening consisting of slideshows and video, chat, music, song and memories of life within the club over the last 125 years. Finger food, tea and coffee will also be served.
Following this we intend retiring to Begley’s bar.
Sunday 31st August:
On Sunday we kick off proceeding in Emmet Park at 12.30p.m. with a day of fun filled family events with something on offer to tickle everyone’s fancy.
Events commence at 12.30pm with fun games such as soft ball rounders, obstacle courses and skills type competition for children of all ages on the back pitch.
At 1.30pm we will have a set dancing master class from some local riverdance masters in front of the club house with dancers dressing and arriving in traditional Irish dress.
At 2pm we have the showdown between our championship winning teams of 1988 and 1993/1995. This game will take place at 5pm and is sure to generate lots of interest, and a final chance to marvel at the sublime and silky skills as such greats as Eugene Murphy, Brendan Bracken, Frank Kennedy, Matt Duggan, The McCormack brothers, Speedy McCormack, the Fitzpatrick brothers, Declan Rowley and Kevin Dooner to name but a few.
At 3pm we are hosting a tug of war competition between some local heavy weight teams.
At 3.30pm we will be screening the Donegal V Dublin all Ireland semi final on big screens within the club house with tea and coffee served to guests. Guests will be entertained at half time when club chairman Jimmy Halpin will take part in the ice bucket challenge in front of the club house to raise money for motor neuron disease.During this game we will be running an under 8 blitz on the main pitch featuring our under 8 team, fresh from their games in Croke Park, as well as under 8 teams from Drumlish, Shroid Slashers and Sean Connolly’s, while local DJ Mickey will entertain the children with a kids disco on the small pitch.
At 5pm we will host the highlight of the weekend when our senior team will take part in the Michael Kiernan memorial tournament against Fr. Manning Gaels. Michael was an integral member of our championship winning 1993 and 1995 teams and one of the driving forces behind our fantastic developments at Emmet Park. It is fitting that our stand is named in his honour. The Michael Kiernan cup has been played every year since Michaels death in his honour and as his 18th anniversary approaches, it is fitting that events on the pitch this weekend end with him in mind.We will then round the weekend off with music and fingerfood in the Olde Forge at 8pm.
Commemorative booklets will be on sale over the course of the weekend and a shop will be in operation within the park on both Saturday and Sunday. BBQ food will be served throughout the day (€2 burgers). Tea and coffee will be served all weekend.
We hope there is something here to interest everyone and hope to see you all in attendance over the course of the two days.
2012 county champions Killoe Emmet Og made light work of a poor Mostrim outfit as they ran out convincing winners in the Senior Football Championship Round 1 game in Granard on Sunday evening last.
It was all too easy for the Killoe side who dominated from start to finish. Nothing went right for Mostrim and trailing by 12 points at the break, 1-12 to 0-3, the signs were ominous. They did try to put up a fight in the latter stages of the second half and had a few goal chances but at that stage it was all over.
Killoe looked good despite missing a number of players; they have a potent forward line with all six of their forwards that started scoring. Their defence though were very rarely tested.
It was Mostrim who got the opening score when Cillian Lynn pointed a free after he was fouled in the 2nd minute. One minute later Larry Moran pointed for Emmet Og. Sean McCormack, Daniel Mimnagh, Paddy Kiernan and Mark Hughes all added points as Killoe got into their stride.
Two points from Denis McGoldrick (one free) and a neat Sean McCormack point put them ahead by seven by the 25th minute before Mark Hughes set up Daniel Mimnagh for the first goal of the game.
Cillian Lynn got Mostrim’s second point from a free in the 27th minute but Emmet Og replied with points from Ronan McGoldrick and Aidan Brady.
Luke Kelly got Mostrim’s first point from play in the 30th minute. In stoppage time Sean McCormack and Ronan McGoldrick hit over points to extend their side’s lead to 12 points at the break.
Another Cillian Lynn free opened the scoring in the second half before Killoe took control of proceedings again. Denis McGoldrick fired over a free before his brother Ronan got a fine point. One minute later a lovely move between Mark Hughes and Larry Moran saw Ronan McGoldrick palm the ball to the net to stretch the lead to 16 points.
Paddy Kiernan and Denis McGoldrick (free) gave them a massive 18 point lead by the 44th minute but that was to be Emmet Og’s last scores of the game. Despite having chances they failed to add to their tally in the final quarter of the contest.
Mostrim tried hard to get scores to put some respectability on the scoreboard. A Michael Hussey free in the 48th minute was followed up by another free, this time conveerted by Brian Farrell. Fintan Coyle had a goal chance in the 50th minute but he blasted his effort wide.
Mostrim substitute Alan O’Hara got the final score in the 57th minute. One minute later Emmet Og could have got their third goal; Larry Moran did well to cut inside and got to the endline but his shot was saved by opposing keeper Ciaran Garvey.
KILLOE EMMET OG: Stephen Coy; Cian Farrelly, Darragh Bennett, Aidan Brady (0-1); Shane Dowd, Joe McCormack, Paddy Hughes; Paddy Thompson, Ronan McGoldrick (1-3); Denis McGoldrick (0-4, 3f), Paddy Kiernan (0-2), Larry Moran (0-1); Daniel Mimnagh (1-1), Sean McCormack (0-3), Mark Hughes (0-1).
Subs:- Damien Bratten for J McCormack (46 mins); Terry McCormack for M Hughes (53 mins); Liam Hughes for S McCormack (55 mins).
MOSTRIM: Ciaran Garvey; Damien Moran, Michael Kenny, Aaron Gallagher; Sean Monaghan, Martin Coyle, Gerard Smith; Fintan Coyle, Shane Kiernan; Ciaran Gallagher, Johnny Murphy, Luke Kelly (0-1); Cillian Lynn (0-3, 3f), Michael Hussey (0-1, f), Brian Farrell (0-1, f).
Subs:- Cathal Smith for S Monaghan (18 mins); Niall Quinn for L Kelly (half-time); Joe Dempsey for J Murphy (half-time); Darren Bloomer for C Gallagher (40 mins); Alan O’Hara (0-1) for C Lynn (injured, 45 mins).
Congratulations to our Schoolboys (Championship winners), Schoolgirls (Championship winners), U-16 lads (League winners) and Ladies Senior teams (League winners) all of whom captured county titles in one week to end the month of May 2014 on a very positive note.
Our Schoolgirls team made history by capturing their first ever Championship title by beating Dromard convincingly on a final score of 3-11 to 3-04.
Not to be outdone, the Schoolboys team made it 3-in-a-row of Championship titles with victory over Ardagh on scoreline of 2-12 to 1-05, thus capturing the 10th Championship title by Killoe schools and doing so exactly 80 years since our first school Championship title win back in 1934.
Our U16 lads team won their first Division 1 league title since 2010 with victory over Colmcille in a high scoring game 4-12 to 3-10.
Finally, our Ladies Senior team rounded off a fantatic week for Killoe GAA by winning the Division 1 League Cup title with victory over Clonguish on a scoreline of 3-11 to 2-07.
Killoe GAA is running Mini Fantasy League for the 2014 All-Ireland Football Championship on the ‘Face the ball’ website.
This league runs from week to week and is based on predicting the scores in all games throughout the All Ireland Gaelic Football Championship. To participate please follow the instructions below…
Create your own personal account (or reactivate last years account) at www.facetheball.com.
Click to join our GAA Football Championship mini league which is titled ‘Killoe Stars’.
Enter the code for Killoe Young Emmets Mini League: i7i1eakuidQt.
Contact Thomas Quinn on 087 9248311 or Jimmy Halpin on 086 4107389 to pay the €10 fee.
This year to give it a competitive edge we are charging a €10 entry fee but we are offering prizes to the top 3 finishers of €100 for first place and two prizes of €50 for 2nd and 3rd place.
Please invite friends and family to join as this should generate a bit of craic and healthy competition between now and September.
The 2014 Dinner Dance took place on Saturday 18th January 2014 in Longford Arms Hotel. Congratulations to all our award winners and well done to those who helped to make the night a success.
Award winners on the night included…
Senior Clubperson of the Year = Danny Keogh
Senior Player of the Year = Shane Dowd
Junior Player of the Year = John Conlon
Hall of Fame = Brendan Bracken
Our winning teams from 2013 were presented with their medals, namely our Senior B team who won the championship and our junior team who captured the Gilmore Cup. Our victorious ladies also collected their Championship and league medals as well as the Leinster League and Gold cup honours. Music was provided on the night by the excellent Pascal, Liz and Dave with dancing into the small hours. Club Secretary John Dowd acted as MC on the night and moved events along swiftly.
Several individual honours were presented on the night starting with Junior Player of the year. This year John Conlon captured this award and was a worthy winner of the Andy Byrne memorial cup. John has represented our Junior team for almost 15 years and had one of his finer seasons in 2013, scoring highly in several games and staring in the Gilmore Cup final win over Moydow. John is like a good wine, improving with age and was certainly in the form of his life in 2013.
Our senior player of the year award was recaptured by Shane Dowd following his previous success in 2011. Shane really had a fantastic year again in 2013 and was to the fore in all games from early in the season right up to our final games in November. Shane epitomises everything that is good about our club and is one of the most dedicated members of our panel
Our club man of the year award this year went to Danny Keogh. The recipient of this award was selected by secret ballot by all club members in attendance at our recent agm, and to say that Danny was surprised to hear his name read out on the night was an understatement. Danny has been a tireless worker within the club over several years. He is currently our treasurer where he is keeping a very tight rein on the finances. Danny was a worthy winner of this award and was delighted to accept it.
Finally Brendan Bracken senior was our hall of fame award winner this year and again this award for Brendan was well merited. Brendan was a tenacious player for many years with Killoe senior and junior teams representing Killoe for almost 30 years on the playing field. Brendan was instrumental in several senior and Junior championship wins throughout the 80’s and 90’s before eventually hanging up his boots at the tender age of 49. Brendan continues to work away in the background of our club, constantly selling lotto tickets and performing any other role that is asked of him. We thank you Brendan for all your efforts and the entertainment you provided over the years and wish you and your family many healthy and happy years ahead. Well done to all our award winners.
We wish to thank all who assisted in putting the event together, especially Orla Reynolds and her staff at The Longford Arms Hotel, Pascal Flaherty and his band, John Regan our photographer on the night not forgetting our guests on the night, county board members Brid McGolderick and Gerard Hagan who made the various presentations.
All photographs taken on the night are available to purchase direct from John Regan and can be viewed and ordered through his website.
Check out the latest information from GAA headquarters regarding the new carding rules. The Gaelic Football Rule Changes which became operative on 1 January 2014 are as follows:
Overview of new rules
Introduction of a Black Card for Cynical Behaviour Fouls.
Change in the number of substitutes allowed.
Distinction between Deliberate and Accidental Fouls.
Definition of the Tackle.
Introduction of a clearer Advantage Rule.
A player in possession may score a point with an open-handed hand-pass.
Cynical Behaviour Fouls
Deliberately pull down an opponent.
Deliberately trip an opponent with the hand(s), arm, leg or foot.
Deliberately body collide with an opponent after he has played the ball away or for the purpose of taking him out of a movement of play.
Threaten or to use abusive or provocative language or gestures to an opponent or a teammate.
Remonstrate in an aggressive manner with a Match Official.
The penalty for the above fouls are:
Free Kick from where the foul occurred.
Order Off offender by showing him a Black Card*.
Allow a replacement from within the substitutions permitted*.
Note*: Substitutes Increased to SIX per team. Maximum of THREE permitted for Black Card Offenders.
Cautionable Infractions (Yellow Cards)
To block or attempt to block with the boot when an opponent is kicking the ball from the hand(s).
To prevent or attempt to prevent an opponent from lifting or kicking the ball off the ground by striking an opponent’s hand, arm, foot or leg with the boot.
To engage in any other form of rough play.
To attempt to achieve an advantage by feigning a foul or injury.
The above are all currently existing Yellow Card Infractions.
Noting Infractions
To hold an opponent with the hand(s).
To use the fist on or around the body of an opponent for the purpose of dispossessing him of the ball.
To charge an opponent in the back or to the front.
To charge an opponent:i. Who is not in possession of the ball, orii. Is in the act of kicking the ball, oriii. If both players are not moving in the direction of the ball to play it.
To charge an opponent for the purpose of giving an advantage to a team-mate.
Noting Infractions remain unchanged – Two Notings result in a Caution (Yellow Card) with a third resulting in an Order Off (second Yellow, followed by Red).
Colm Harte – Principal of St. Teresas N.S. in Killoe – has won the GAAs “Pat Trainor” Award for 2013.
This lifetime achievement award is a National award presented by GAA President Liam O Neill, in recognition of the contribution made to the development of the underage game at schools level. Colm who is Principal of St. Teresas National School Killoe was presented with the award at Croke Park. He is the first Longford person to receive the award.
Colm Harte’s involvement with school’s football in Longford pre-dates the formation of Cumann na mBunscol. His contribution has it’s origins in the rural school of Fermoyle. At this time schools fixtures were co-ordinated by Bord na n-Óg on behalf of the county board. Football was played in regional format, and this tended to be dominated by the larger town teams. Colm undertook the responsibility of the school football team, where his enthusiastic coaching and positive approach to the game instilled a great interest among the pupils. This resulted in a great increase in participation levels, and the emergence of a clear passion for the game which is still evident in that school to this day. The competitive format within Longford then changed to an Urban and a Rural based championship, and shortly after this was introduced Colm guided the school to their first official title in Longford schools football. It was at this time that Colm also pioneered the involvement of girls in schools football, indeed he sought special dispensation for a girl to play on the school team. Permission was granted for this, thus opening the way for other girls in other schools to follow suit which is still the case today in the county.
Colm was also involved in the formation of the first Cumann na mBunscol committee in the county in 1985. Indeed, Colm served as assistant treasurer on that first executive and has been ever-present on our county committee ever since!!! His extensive knowledge of the game and his calm presence has been a great asset to committees past and present, and his primary concern at all times has been to assist in encouraging maximum participation and enjoyment in all schools around the county.
In 1991, Colm moved to Killoe as principal. It is here that his legacy is most evident. His arrival sparked a revival in the fortunes of the school as huge amounts of children have been exposed to opportunities to learn, improve and most importantly participate in Gaelic games of all kinds. While Gaelic football may be to the fore, hurling, rounders and athletics were all promoted and coached to every child who passed through the school over the last few decades. Colm has always believed that skill development and playing for enjoyment lie at the heart of the GAA, and that success in competitions will only come as a consequence of these fundamental principles. Every child was given an opportunity to participate regardless of their ability level, constant praise, encouragement and gentle guidance being used all the time to aid improvement from a very young age. As a result of this positive atmosphere, and with assistance from the local community, Killoe has developed into one of the most successful schools in the county, with multiple successes such as school leagues and championships for both the boys and girls teams as well as annual participation in the hurling and athletics competitions within the county.
However, the real contribution that Colm has made cannot be measured in trophies or titles. The real success has to be the love of sport and the sense of dedication and fair play which is modelled by Colm on the sideline and the training fields of Longford. Equal grace and composure is shown in both victory and defeat, and respect is shown to both children and opponents alike at all times. In 2012, Killoe senior men’s team won their first county title since 1995, and almost all of the young men involved had gone through the ‘academy’ of St. Therese’s N.S. Killoe during Colm’s tenure as principal. The style of football that they played, and the class with which they conducted themselves on the football field, was a product of their time under Colm’s tutelage. This team serves as a fitting example of the legacy which Colm Harte has left on Longford GAA, and one that all of us are truly grateful for.
Killoe Ladies further cemented their position as kingpins of Longford Ladies Football when they overcame Clonguish on Saturday last to clinch their fourth senior ‘A’ championship title in a row and retain the much-coveted Alison Smyth memorial trophy in its second Championship season.
This was a fast paced physical encounter played on a damp and wet day in Leo Casey Park, Ballymahon. Killoe had to wait until the 55th minute to make sure of their latest success when Alison Kenny got a goal to put a cushion of 6 points between the sides. After a shot from Clonguish defender Marie Brady hit the Killoe crossbar, hardworking player of the match Sharon Treacy cleverly delivered a long ball inside to the isolated corner forward Kenny who finished the ball to the back of the net again much to the delight of the Killoe support.
The titleholders recorded the first three scores with points from play from Anne Marie Bratten, Jacinta Brady and Sabrina Hackett. Clonguish hit back in the 6th minute when full-forward Aoife Nolan got on the end of a high ball on the edge of the square and flicked it to the back of the net.
A second Clonguish goal from Cliodhna McGowan in the 20th minute kept it tight going in at half time with Sharon Treacy’s excellent effort sailing over the bar to leave Killoe leading by 0-9 to 2-2 at the break. As the second half progressed Clonguish’s Yvonne Barden after an altercation with Sharon Treacy was shown yellow and sent to the sinbin. Clonguish threw everything at Killoe in the closing stages but the champions remained composed to clinch the title with two goals from Alison Kenny, the second coming with time almost up.
The all conquering Killoe ladies don’t have much time to celebrate as they meet the Meath senior champions Seneschalstown in their first round Leinster club championship encounter on Saturday next and will enjoy home advantage as the game is fixed for Emmet Park, throw-in 2pm.
KILLOE: Louise Clarke; Orlaith Doherty, Fiona Byrne, Kathryn Lynch; Niamh Devaney, Sharon Treacy (0-2), Muireann Mulcahy (0-1); Elizabeth Brady (0-2), Jacinta Brady (0-1); Edel Quinn (0-1), Anne Marie Bratten (0-1), Fiona Fox (0-1); Anna McDonnell (0-1), Sabrian Hackett(0-4, 1 free), Alison Kenny (2-0).
CLONGUISH: Jessica Stewart; Catriona Moore, Therese Corcoran, Sinead Macken; Grainne O’Reilly, Marie Brady (0-1), Mairead Moore; Cliodhna McGowan (1-0), Yvonne Barden (0-1); Aoife Darcy (0-1, free), Siobhan McGowan (0-1), Anne Burke; Una Flynn (0-1, free), Aoife Nolan (1-0), Aisling Greene. Sub used: Ailbhe McGowan for A Nolan (48 mins).
Group games will be played on a league basis. The winner of each group will qualify for the knock-out stage of the competition. The first games take place at 11.00am on Saturday 21st September 2013.
The Killoe GAA website has won the McNamee Award for “Best Website” for 2012. The McNamee Awards recognise excellence in various areas of GAA media & communication each year. The website is the first Longford winners since 1990, and the first to win in the ‘Best Website’ category.
Speaking at the ceremony, Alan Milton (GAA Communications Manager) said… “For such a small provincial club, there was an enormous amount of work put into the Killoe GAA site and it gave the impression that the website, as representation of the club, is very much part of their community and important hub for their fans. An example of their innovation involved was an assigned section for seniors, ladies and youth, ensuring the site was all-encompassing. The site encourages interaction and included a great mix of useful info, images and video. They have utilised social media to their advantage ensuring their fans have the latest team information at all times.”
Paul Devaney receives McNamee Award from Liam O’Neill (GAA President)
Paul Devaney was asked to develop the club website in January 2012. His aim was to assemble a team to produce a user-friendly, colourful, informative and regularly updated portal for all our members (Senior, Underage & Ladies), for our community and for our diaspora. It allowed an opportunity to present ourselves to the world as an active, successful and modern sports club that can also boast a rich heritage and history within a vibrant rural community in North Longford.
The work that has gone into the development of the site as well as ongoing maintenance is entirely voluntary. This project became a labour of love and like so many other aspects of the GAA, it was brought about through the voluntary efforts of many, including in-house graphics and video production, learning web coding from scratch, community-wide compilation of photographs and the spectacular effort of trawling through archives for weeks and weeks to compile the history of each club along with statistics and match reports including a unique record of every Senior Championship game played by Killoe since its foundation in 1889.
As in many other parishes, villages, towns and communities across the country, Killoe people have a very proud sense of place and community. This is something that people carry with them, no matter where they happen to be based across the world. And as with many other places, the GAA sits at the heart of our community. The team set out to develop something that could capture and add to that sense of pride and place and to weave into the final design a unique taste of our parish.
The project also included modernising the club crest. Killoe derives its name from the Irish Cill Eo, Church of the Yew Tree and so the modernised crest includes the yew tree in abstract form in the centre of the design, set in front of the cross, which reflects the Christian heritage of our community. The modernised crest made its debut on all new Killoe Young Emmets jerseys in August 2012.
Little did we think as the site was being developed, that our season would blossom into the most successful in the 124 years of our club. In 2012 Killoe clubs managed to claim 18 different Longford football titles, including the Senior Championship and League, Ladies Championship and League and Minor and U-21 Championships along with a host of underage successes, including an U14 All-Ireland Féile title.
We do not yet have a written club history, so most of the records and histories within the site were developed from scratch from a range of sources including local and national archives. Through the work of a core team we now have a complete body of work that can now be built upon.
The website went live in June 2012 and includes a number of unique features:
Updated Crest – designed and developed to coincide with the launch of the site.
New graphics and designs that are unique to this site, including signature branding.
A history of all sections of the club – Senior, Youth, Ladies and Scór.
Detailed records of rolls of honour, award winners and club officers down the years.
One-of-a-kind record of our Senior team results in championship from 1889 onwards.
Unique footage from the 1960 Longford County Final, discovered last year.
Downloads section featuring match reports and newly researched Longford records.
Profile of our community, townlands and some interesting facts on people and events.
Galleries with a wide range of team photographs dating from 1912 to the present day.
Songs and poems connected to the club and teams.
Videos – including specially produced compilation videos to celebrate recent success.
Latest news, fixtures and results including automatic facebook & twitter updates.
Information on our GAA facilities at Emmet Park & Cullyfad.
The final design brings both club and community alive through photography, recordings, song and the written word. Paul also developed a video to highlight features of the parish for the year of The Gathering. To celebrate the bond for people who are living away from home, he also included a ‘We Are Killoe’ image feature, which includes photographs from Killoe people who are now based across Ireland and the world.
This national award is a great honour for the web team and the club. In fact of the 19 McNamee awards presented on the night for 2011 & 2012, Killoe was the only club in the country to receive an award.
The award itself is set in bronze and designed by renowned sculptor Jarlath Daly. The event included dinner at Croke Park followed by a preview video including all winners and a speech by Liam O’Neill in which he spoke about the importance of communications and the media in the development and promotion of our Gaelic Games.
The site would not have been successful without voluntary contributions from dedicated individuals within our Senior, Minor & Ladies clubs, so we would like to take this opportunity to thank the many for their cooperation as well as those who contributed photographs, records, narratives etc. during the development of our website. The club histories were written by John Devaney and Colm Devaney, and most of the statistics and records on the website were researched by Colm Devaney using historic information from the Longford Leader, National archives and local input. We would also like to thank Ed Benn in Germany for his work on the unique website design – which is specific to our club.
This list represents our best effort to reflect final times as accurately as possible within the spirit of a Fun Run. Any errors that may exist within this data set are completely unintentional. Thank you to all of the 260+ runners who took part. We hope to see you all again next year.
The splash of Green and White in and around the Irish House Party pub in Dublin’s Francis street on a recent Friday evening quickly gave the game away: Killoe GAA club members were in town, primarily to announce the local Gathering they’ve planned, and of course they were also welcomed on the back their great success last year.
They were hosted by new proprietors, Declan Quinn and Gerry Nolan, of the newly decorated establishment, situated opposite the old Tivoli theatre in the heart of the old Liberties. Tasty, hot food was laid on and the real pint drinkers gave the pint of Guinness served up by the chatty bar staff high praise indeed.
After everyone had settled, the Irish House Party band – made up of Declan Quinn (flute), Eugene Quinn (banjo), Gerry Nolan (guitar and vocals), Fergus Chambers (uileann pipes) and Aideen Martin (harp) – took to the stage and put on a show which would hardly be equalled on any international stage; the audience was well and truly responded accordingly.
Gerry Quinn brought the house down with a great version of his own song “Come On Killoe”, specially written by Gerry to mark its 2012 success.
The new Killoe chairman, Jimmy Halpin, in the course of the evening promised, to an enthusiastic round of applause that they’d do their utmost to hang on to the Connolly Cup in 2013!
Jimmy was accompanied by his wife Geraldine and also present were Longford Rose Emily Hughes, Councillor Victor Kiernan, the Brady and Glennon families, outgoing Killoe chairman Frank Kiernan and his wife Dolores, Dan Keogh, Tom Quinn, James Mc Goldrick, Jimmy and Patricia Hannify, John Gillan, John & Gillian Devaney and other members of the Devaney family including Frances, aul (who flew in from Germany), Colm and Liam Devaney, Paul Gray, Padraic Connolly, Mel Farrell (son of former Longford Association chairman, the late Mel) and many other friends of both Killoe and the Longford Association.
Click Here for details and photographs from the night on the Killoe Gathering facebook page.
Our annual dinner dance took place last Saturday night at the Longford arms hotel. This was a very well attended event with close on 400 people present. The club would like to extend a big thank you to all who attended and supported this event. The event commenced at 8p.m. and thank you to all in attendance for being seated on time to allow this to happen. An excellent meal was provided by the Longford Arms Hotel followed by music by Pascal, Liz and Dave. The club wish to thank the hotel staff and management for their hospitality as well as the band for making this event such a success. A great nights crack was had by all in attendance with dancing continuing until the small hours of the morning.
Several awards were presented on the night including medals to our Victorious Under 21, Senior Championship and Leader cup winning teams. These medals were presented by County Chairman Brendan Gilmore and County manager Glen Ryan both of whom paid glowing tributes to our club and Parish. Medals were also presented to Our victorious ladies teams by Longford ladies Chairman Delores Kiernan.
As well as these medals several other awards were presented on the night.
A very deserving winner of the hall of fame award was Mr John Reilly. John Reillys name is synonymous with Killoe football since his playing days in the nineteen sixties particularly at all under age levels. Every young lad in the Parish was at some stage transported to or from games in every corner of the county by John in the back of what ever mode of transport he was then driving, on occasion the bulk of the team arriving with John. John continues to be involved with our Junior team as well as the under 21 team. The club owes a great debt of gratitude to John for all his involvement over the years with everyone in agreement that John was a most deserving winner of this award. The club wishes good health and fortune to John in the future and hope that he will continue to be involved with the mentoring and management of teams for years to come.
The club man of the year award was presented to our senior team manager Tommy McCormack. Again this was well deserved following Tommy taking our young senior team to the verge of a Leinster final and finishing the season with the Championship and leader cup trophies in the bag. Indeed but for a bit of luck on that wet miserable Sunday in Portlaoise Tommy and his team could have been competing in the Leinster final.
Our Senior player of the year award went to Padraig McCormack, This was well deserved also as Padraig made the full back slot his own as the Championship progressed. Our Junior player of the year award went to Thomas Quinn and ladies player of the year going to Sharon Tracey.
In addition awards were presented to 3 members of our outgoing executive, Frank Kiernan, Gerry Rowley and Karl Nolan to mark their contribution to the club over the past number of years and thank them for their hard work. Upon stepping down as Chairman, Treasurer and Secretary these 3 men certainly left the club in a very healthy position. No doubt all 3 will continue to be involved in various roles in the future.
Finally a big thank you to our ticket sellers who did a great job in managing the distribution of the tickets in a short peiod of time. Also a big thank you to our M C on the night Mr John Dowd who ensured that the event progressed promptly. Anyone with outstanding ticket money is asked to have same paid to Danny Keogh by this Friday
Photographer Mr John Regan was in attendance on the night and all pictures taken are available to order directly from John Regan.
Killoe end wonderful year with the winning of the Leader Cup
Source: Longford Leader – Wednesday 19 Dec 2012
It took Killoe quite some time to assert their superiority over Longford Slashers in the Leader Cup Final at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park on Sunday last but when they eventually turned on the power in the second half there was just no stopping the confident county champions who ended up winning the league title by the wide margin of ten points to complete the senior double in some style.
Young Emmets ended a wonderful year in producing their usual immense workrate in a real team effort when it mattered most to pull right away from a Slashers side who competed particularly well in the first half and appeared to be very much in contention when Michael Brady scored a goal with three minutes gone on the changeover.
Brady rose high right in front of the posts to direct a Mark Smith centre into the back of the net to leave the championship runners-up leading by 1-5 to 1-3 but Killoe recovered quickly and their superior fitness proved decisive as they stepped up another couple of gears to clock up 2-5 without reply in a glorious spell between the 34th and 48th minutes.
Understrength Slashers, who sorely missed the services of experienced trio Paul Kelly, David Sheridan and Stephen Phillips (all out injured), had their lead wiped out in a short space of time as Killoe got back on level terms with a brace of fine points from Ronan McGoldrick and hit the front in the 38th minute when Mark Hughes shot over the bar.
Wing back Shane Dowd then fired over a point after capitalising on a bad mistake in the Slashers defence as a pass went badly astray and after Sean McCormack converted a free, the killer blow was eventually struck in the 46th minute when Killoe grabbed a second goal.
Sean McCormack cut in from the right to pick out Daniel Mimnagh whose initial attempt for a goal was saved brilliantly by Slashers keeper Colm Farrell who parried the ball against the post but the alert Mimnagh got a vital touch to the rebound in finding the back of the net.
And things went from bad to worse for Slashers a couple of minutes later when Mimnagh raced through to create the opening for Mark Hughes to round the opposing keeper before shooting into the empty net and rampant Young Emmets now held a commanding 3-8 to 1-5 advantage.
The county champions played some excellent football during this dominant period to put the issue beyond all doubt and particularly prominent in a slick attack were Ronan McGoldrick, Daniel Mimnagh and Mark Hughes who scored 2-5 between them in the second half.
And thus Killoe did not have to depend on Sean McCormack to get them across the finishing line on this occasion (as was the case in the county final replay) and who is going to stop this talented young team at senior level in the years to come.
Slashers managed to close the gap with a couple of consolation points from frees converted by the Smith brothers Mark and Colin in the 50th and 51st minutes but Killoe were not finished yet and just for good measure they added another three points to their most emphatic tally through Mark Hughes, Denis McGoldrick and Daniel Mimnagh to run out easy winners in the finish.
That scenario seemed highly unlikely after witnessing a close encounter in the first half, although Killoe were guilty of kicking seven wides as compared to four for Slashers who had got off to a good start with a brace of points from Colin Smith, the first from a free in the 3rd minute while he landed a fine effort from play in the 9th minute.
But Killoe hit the front in the 10th minute with a well struck goal from Paddy Thompson after receiving the ball from Eugene Clarke and moments later Sean McCormack shot over the bar to leave Slashers trailing by 1-1 to 0-2.
Cracking points were then exchanged between Clarke and Slashers midfielder Niall Mulligan before Mark Smith fired over a well struck free in the 18th minute to close the gap to the minimum of margins.
There was no further score until the 30th minute when Sean McCormack fired over a free and Slashers replied in the fifth minute of first half stoppage time with Colin Smith (free) on target.
Thus Killoe held a slender 1-3 to 0-5 lead at the break and showed a lot of character in refusing to get rattled when Michael Brady got the vital touch to flick home the Slashers goal in the early stages of the second half.
To the sheer delight of their vociferous supporters who comprised the vast majority of the small attendance in the region of 400, Killoe went on to completely dominate the remainder of the game in outscoring Slashers 2-8 to 0-2 and are the undisputed kings of Longford football.
KILLOE YOUNG EMMETS: Cillian Burns; Darragh Bennett, Padraig McCormack, Daniel Keogh; Shane Dowd (0-1), Joe McCormack, Michael Quinn; Paddy Thompson (1-0), Simon Kiernan; Daniel Mimnagh (1-1), Ronan McGoldrick (0-2), Eugene Clarke (0-1); Denis McGoldrick (0-1), Mark Hughes (1-2), Sean McCormack (0-3, two frees).
Subs:- Paddy Kiernan for R McGoldrick (54 mins); Ronan Keogh for E Clarke (57 mins); Cian Farrelly for D Bennett (57 mins); John Kiernan for S McCormack (60 mins); Stephen Coy for C Burns (60 mins).
LONGFORD SLASHERS: Colm Farrell; Dermot Brady, Gareth Ghee, Darren Flaherty; Conor Clarke, Barry Gilleran, Peter Brady; Niall Mulligan (0-1), Michael Brady (1-0); Brian Farrell, Colin Smith (0-4, three frees), Trevor Clendenning; Martin Nevin, Mark Smith (0-2, frees), Andrew Dalton.
Subs:- Ruairi Barrins for D Flaherty (38 mins); Martin Tarmey for B Farrell (44 mins); Brian Walsh for M Nevin (54 mins); Shane Dann for M Smith (59 mins).
Killoe produce a powerful performance to retain the U-21 ‘A’ title
Source: Longford Leader,15 December 2012
Killoe are enjoying the most successful season in their proud history and it got even better at Emmet Park on Friday night last as their exceptionally strong U-21 team (backboned by several members of their senior squad) crushed the challenge of neighbouring rivals Fr. Manning Gaels in a completely one-sided ‘A’ Championship decider.
Having won the toss for home advantage for the floodlit final, Young Emmets wasted little time in asserting their superiority and from the moment Daniel Mimnagh fired home the first goal with just six minutes gone on the clock the writing was on the wall for the Drumlish/Ballinamuck outfit who proved no match for their powerful opponents.
Further goals followed from Shane Clarke (20 mins) and Mark Quinn (27 mins) as rampant Killoe built up a staggering 3-9 to 0-2 lead at the break after producing an awesome first half performance and particularly impressive in the demolition job was full-forward Mark Hughes who set up most of the scores with his clever distribution of the ball.
While Hughes (with 1-4 to his credit) was a deserving winner of the man-of-the-match award (collecting the prestigious trophy in memory of the late Fr. Manning Gaels footballer Jimmy Tully), resolute defenders Darragh Bennett and Cian Farrelly, towering midfielder Simon Kiernan and lively wing forward Shane Clarke (clocking up 1-4 from play) also figured most prominently for Killoe who were winning the U-21 ‘A’ Championship title for the second year in a row.
Spare a thought for the gallant Gaels who crashed to a third successive final defeat in this grade but there was nothing they could do to stop a club with a very bright future who are rapidly developing into a dominant force and will obviously take some stopping at senior level in the years to come.
County senior Padraig McCormack was influential at centre-half-forward in producing his usual hard working display as Killoe (managed by PJ Gilna) retained the U-21 title with considerable ease and most of the damage was inflicted in the first half.
As already mentioned the goals were scored by Daniel Mimnagh, Shane Clarke and Mark Quinn with the playmaker Mark Hughes involved in all three crucial scores while the nine points were fired over by Darragh Bennett, Daniel Mimnagh, Clarke (3), Hughes (3 frees) and wing back Ronan Keogh, the latter shooting over the bar when a goal was on.
Fr. Manning Gaels were completely shattered and had to wait until the 14th minute for their opening score when midfielder Sean Whelan landed a long range effort and moments later James Noonan converted a free.
Killoe extended their advantage with a point apiece from Darragh Bennett and Shane Clarke in the early stages of the second half and then sat back on the cushion of their massive 3-11 to 0-2 lead.
Thus the Gaels proceeded to enjoy their best spell of the game which yielded five points through James Noonan (two frees), Martin Cassidy (2) and defender Pete Columb between the 35th and 46th minutes with Cassidy in a good position to score a consolation goal when he shot his second point from play.
Killoe’s solitary reply during this period was a point from Mark Quinn but the reigning champions gradually awoke from their brief slumber and fired home a fourth goal in the 48th minute when Mark Hughes made no mistake in finding the back of the net from close range after receiving the ball from Padraig McCormack.
And just for good measure Young Emmets added another four points to their most emphatic tally during the remainder of the game – a brace of scores in quick succession from David Mimnagh while Mark Hughes (free) and Mark Quinn were also on target to complete the rout.
KILLOE YOUNG EMMETS: Michael Brady; Franklin O’Reilly, Daniel Keogh, Cian Farrelly; Padraig O’Reilly, Darragh Bennett (0-2), Ronan Keogh (0-1); Paddy Thompson, Simon Kiernan; Shane Clarke (1-4), Padraig McCormack, Mark Quinn (1-2); Daniel Mimnagh (1-1), Mark Hughes (1-4, all points from frees), David Mimnagh (0-2).
Subs:- Paddy Kiernan for F O’Reilly (injured, 21 mins); Gary Connell for S Kiernan (51 mins).
FR. MANNING GAELS: Paddy Columb; James O’Neill, Dylan Quinn, Pete Columb (0-1); Emmet Noonan, Brian Columb, Darren Quinn; Diarmuid Cooney, Sean Whelan (0-1); Gary Connell, Mark Prunty, Darren Farrelly; Podge Gill, James Noonan (0-3, all frees), Martin Cassidy (0-2).
Subs:- Dean Cosgrave for G Connell (first half); Robbie Reehill for M Prunty (first half); Conor Heslin for S Whelan (36 mins); Derek McCormack for Darren Quinn (44 mins).
Killoe Young Emmets dominates the 2012 Team of the Championship with seven of our players selected for the Longford version of the All-Stars Awards.
Nominated by the readers of the Longford Leader, our Team of the Year players are… Sean McCormack, Michael Quinn, Padraig McCormack, Shane Dowd, Joe McCormack, Daniel Keogh and Daniel Mimnagh – and all will be honoured at the annual Gala Awards Night in the Rustic Inn, Abbeyshrule on Saturday night, December 8th. This is the seventh year of awards since the scheme was first introduced in 2006.
In recognition of his commanding performances in the heart of the Killoe defence in this year’s championship, the inspirational Padraig McCormack has been nominated for the Senior player of the year award, along with his older brother Sean who received the man-of-the-match award for his scoring exploits (0-9) in the county final replay, while Longford Slashers midfielder Michael Brady produced some fine displays (particularly in the final replay) to earn a place in the prestigious top three for the main award.
The Killoe ladies are currently the dominant force in the senior club championship and they beat Clonguish in this year’s final to complete a three-in-a-row of county titles. Their players completely dominated the voting for the 2012 Ladies player of the year award and nominated for this particular honour are Sharon Treacy, Elizabeth Brady and Anne Marie Bratten.
Special quests at the Gala Awards Dinner Dance in the Rustic Inn on Saturday December 8th is Kilkenny hurler Richie Power and the GAA President Liam O’Neill who will present the Longford All-Stars Award along with the 2012 National Football League Division 3 medals to the members of the successful county squad.
Tickets for the Longford GAA function are priced at 40 euro with proceeds to local charity St. Christopher’s and the National Children’s Hospital in Tallaght. Music is by Breege and Startrack and tickets can be obtained by contacting the chief organiser Michael Carrigy on 087-2915072.
Longford Leader readers are invited to text vote their preferred player for the coveted ‘Players of the Championships’ titles. Revenues from the text lines will go to the fundraising appeal – St. Christopher’s and the National Children’s Hospital in Tallaght – and the five winners will be announced at the Gala Awards Night on Saturday December 8th.
Terms & Conditions
Texts cost 1 euro plus standard network charges. SP Sremium 0818220818. Lines close at 12 noon on Friday December 7th. Entries made after the close date will not count and you may be charged.
GAA club life at its best on a rainy day in Portlaoise
Irish Independent, Monday November 26 2012
It has been a long year of football, but I haven’t seen a better contest than the Leinster club semi-final, which I watched in terrible conditions in Portlaoise. This game really had it all except for one thing – a fairy-tale ending.
We nearly got one, too, but for a brilliant save by Portlaoise goalkeeper Mike Nolan in the final quarter. But this really was a marvellous exhibition of club championship football of which both teams should be proud.
This applies particularly to the Killoe players, who had come from nowhere after a gap of 17 years to win the Longford championship with a very young team and were 5/1 against winning this game with the bookies.
As they and their manager Tommy McCormack have done all year, Killoe went out with a spirit of adventure. they had survived two championship draws in Longford and then beat the champions of Wexford and Meath before this match and raised their game to exceptional heights against a vastly more experienced club side who have won the past six Laois titles.
This was a game of exceptional quality as well as competitiveness, with the more direct style of the visitors really causing problems for a more methodical and highly organised Portlaoise.
It was the home team who were that bit cleverer in the tackling of opponents and, time after time, they stole the ball from Killoe. Indeed, that was a significant source of supply for the victors because in open play – particularly in the middle third of the field – Killoe held the advantage, with wing half-back Michael Quinn having a massive game to back up midfielders Simon Kiernan and Paddy Thompson.
Portlaoise deserved to win because they enjoyed more possession, particularly in the opening 20 minutes, when they seemed to be shocked that an unheard-of Longford club could be putting them under so much pressure. But, in the end, experience eventually tells – and also the reserves of stamina that a club with Portlaoise’s record have accumulated in the past seven years, with a few Killoe players out on their feet in the final 10 minutes of the game.
Midfielder Adrian Kelly had a fine game and scored a couple of good points, while Paul Cahillane’s class shone all over the field at times. But, Portlaoise still have some wrinkles to iron out before thinking of winning the All-Ireland title, not least in regard to their free-taking.
Killoe, after their initial disappointment, will be very pleased with their season, and this performance in particular. Their defenders – apart from one lapse which brought Portlaoise’s goal – were excellent against vaunted opposition, with the McCormacks in the middle outstanding.
The supply of ball to their forwards was patchy at times and cost them dearly, but the goal attempt by Mark Hughes in the 44th minute, which was saved by Nolan, was the ultimate turning point in this fabulous game of football.
The Killoe fans, who outweighed the home crowd by about four to one, deserve great praise for their enthusiastic support of their heroes – club life in the GAA at its best.
Portlaoise bite back in ‘dogfight’
Cliona Foley, Irish Independent, 26-11-2012
A fairytale season finally ended for Longford’s giant-killers in Portlaoise, but Emmet Og, Killoe certainly went down fighting.
Everything that is so magical about the GAA’s equivalent of the FA Cup was to be enjoyed in this absorbing clash. Both teams bravely defied the conditions to serve up a classic David and Goliath struggle, between the local heavyweights and record seven-time provincial champions against the champions of a county that has never had a single finalist.
The gritty underdogs, replete with megaphone-wielding cheerleaders, inspirational banners and what appeared to be half of Longford in the stand, actually led twice in the third quarter and repeatedly refused to let go of Portlaoise’s ankles.
But the local side’s vast experience finally helped shake them off, rattling over three points to one in the final eight minutes to reach their third final in nine years – where they will face Ballymun Kickhams.
Even at the death Killoe refused to quit, with Sean McCormack lofting a free into the crowded goalmouth in stoppage time to see what it might conjure. But, as Portlaoise manager Mick Lillis noted, Portlaoise survived “the dogfight of all dogfights” and goalkeeper Michael Nolan made one vital intervention to inspire their narrow escape.
After 44 minutes, with the sides level for the fourth time, Longford county star Mickey Quinn made a marvellous run that split their defence apart and his clever pass, off the outside of his boot, put Mark Hughes through on goal. But Nolan anticipated the move and got out brilliantly to block the shot.
Three minutes earlier, Killoe had dramatically seized the momentum at the expense of Portlaoise corner-back Cahir Healy. The Laois dual star was left holding his head in his hands when he mis-hit a line-ball deep in his own half, which Hughes gratefully intercepted and laid on for beanpole midfielder Simon Kiernan to palm to the net.
That made up for Portlaoise’s 37th-minute goal, when a more accidental defensive deflection saw Barry Fitzgerald find Brian Smith with just the ‘keeper at his mercy. After ceding midfield earlier on, Emmet Og started to dominate in the third quarter and had they gone three points clear at that stage might have pulled off the shock of the club season. But the experience garnered by Portlaoise really stood to them in the final quarter.
After Killoe’s second goal midfielder Adrian Kelly equalised and a Fitzgerald free quickly put them in front again. Healy then redeemed himself by extending their lead to two and, in the last five minutes, veterans like Brian McCormack and Tipperary senior Hugh Coghlan won some pivotal frees and ‘Bruno’ also contributed a marvellous late insurance point
Portlaoise had totally dominated the first 20 minutes but Emmet Og, profiting from a dropped retrieve by Brian Mulligan, got a Denis McGoldrick goal in the 17th minute that finally kick-started them. Portlaoise responded impressively by pulling three clear again but Killoe centre-forward Ronan McGoldrick, in particular, took the fight to them and helped keep the gap to the minimum at half-time.
The conditions certainly weren’t conducive to Portlaoise’s usual fast, counter-attacking game but they totally overplayed the short game at times which often broke down against Killoe’s admirably crowded defence.
“We had to totally try and change the way we play because of the conditions,” admitted Portlaoise boss Lillis. “They were coming down here on the back of two hard games whereas we had an easier game in Wicklow so they were more battle-ready than we were. “In the end, it was going to be the team that made the fewest mistakes that would win it and we probably did that.”
Emmet Og fans gave their heroes a standing ovation off the field and the McCormack cousins, Padraig and Joe, Quinn, Hughes and Ronan McGoldrick certainly warranted one.
They also booed referee Cormac Reilly off, which seemed harsh as he, like the players, did a good job in dreadful conditions.
But losing manager Tommy McCormack had no quibbles… “There are nine U-21s on our team, they’re very young and to win the county championship (their first in 17 years) was a big ask,” he reflected. “But these guys came with a winning mentality, they’ve won since they were U-16s, and irrespective of how tight the situation they are in, they always find a way through it. “Even at the end, I felt that if we could get the ball in there was another goal in us. If it was any other team bar Portlaoise we might just have stolen it but they’re very experienced at this level. “We were certainly an unknown quantity in Leinster but, having got so far, people will hopefully sit up and take a look at us now and say they’re not a bad outfit at all.”
Scorers – Portlaoise: B Smith 1-0, B Fitzgerald 0-3f, B McCormack, A Kelly 0-2 each, C Healy, C Boyle, B Glynn, P Cahillane (f) 0-1 each. Emmet Og: D McGoldrick, S Kiernan 1-0 each, R McGoldrick 0-2, D Mimnagh, M Hughes, S McCormack (f) 0-1 each.
Portlaoise – M Nolan; T Fitzgerald, B Mulligan, C Healy; K Fitzpatrick, K Lillis, C Boyle; A Kelly, H Coghlan; C Rogers, B Fitzgerald, B Glynn; P Cahillane, B McCormack, B Smith.
Sub: S Nerney for Boyle (57).
Emmet Og – C Burns; D Bennett, P McCormack, D Keogh; S Dowd, J McCormack, M Quinn; P Thompson, S Kiernan; D Mimnagh, R McGoldrick, E Clarke; D McGoldrick, M Hughes, S McCormack. Subs: R Keogh for Thompson (55), P Hughes for D McGoldrick (57).
Leinster club SFC Quarter Final: Killoe demolish O’Mahonys
Killoe (Longford) 2-13
O”Mahonys (Meath) 0-8
Report from Irish Independent
Longford champions Killoe Emmet Óg scored an emphatic and deserved win over fancied Meath kingpins Navan O’Mahonys in this AIB Leinster Club SFC quarter-final at Pearse Park on Sunday. Tommy McCormack’s charges have a semi-final trip to Portlaoise on Sunday week to anticipate after the defying the odds with a display of admirable intensity.
It was something O’Mahonys failed to match. Davy Nelson’s men led only briefly in the first-half when it was apparent they were having difficulty in staying with the team in white and green. Goals from Simon Kiernan and All-Star nominee Michael Quinn in quick succession with minutes of the resumption settled the issue and the left the board reading 2-7 to 0-4 with 33 minutes gone. Eight different players got off the mark, from play, for Killoe including centre-half-back and team captain Joe McCormack. O’Mahonys only managed one point from play after the break with Shane Gillespie registering. Stephen Bray and Jake Regan were the Navan men’s other second-half scorers.
The closest O’Mahonys came to goaling was when substitute David Bray’s attempt was blocked by Padraig McCormack. Due credit goes to the vigilant Killoe rearguard who gave the Meath men few chances to raise the green flag. Good approach play ended with an early O’Mahonys wide. Killoe hit back with a pointed 45 from All-Star nominee Michael Quinn.
Killoe doubled their advantage through Sean McCormack (free) before Jake Regan opened the O’Mahonys account in the sixth minute. Killoe’s Sean McCormack was wide with two scoreable frees before O’Mahonys hit the front through Jake Regan, 0-3 to 0-2, with barely 12 minutes gone. A Eugene Clarke effort from play left it 0-3 each by the end of the third quarter. Mark Hughes had the ‘home’ side back in front in the 17th minute. Sean McCormack found the range found the range to double Killoe’s advantage. Stephen Bray opened his account with O’Mahonys fourth score from play. By the 27th minute Killoe were three points, 0-7 to 0-4, to the good when Denis McGoldrick registered.
It could have been better seconds later for the Longford-men but Eugene Clarke was badly wide. Killoe’s intensity was rewarded with a 0-7 to 0-4 interval advantage and the prospect of maintaining that after the change of ends. Within two minutes of the restart, Killoe doubled their advantage when Simon Kiernan fisted Sean McCormack’s delivery to the net.
Killoe might light of their outsider tag when wing-back Michael Quinn pounced on Gary O’Brien’s misplaced pass and left it 2-7 to 0-4. Ten points were between the sides when Ronan McGoldrick sent over. Killoe outscored O’Mahonys by 0-5 to 0-4 in the time remaining and registered the last three scores of the game.
Killoe – C. Burns; D. Bennett, P. McCormack, D. Keogh; S. Dowd, J. McCormack, M. Quinn (1-1, 0-1 45); P. Thompson, S. Kiernan (1-0); D. McGoldrick (0-2), R. McGoldrick (0-3), D. Mimnagh; E. Clarke (0-1), M. Hughes (0-1), S. McCormack (0-4, 2f). Subs – R. Keogh for Dowd (39).\
O’Mahonys – M. Brennan; S. O’Toole, N. McKeigue, I. Matthews; B. Dillon, S. Crosby, G. O’Brien; D. Moran, C. McGuinness; P. Smyth (0-1), H. Finnegan, S. MacGabhann; J. Regan (0-3, 1f), S. Bray (0-3, 2fs)), S. Gillespie (0-1). Subs – D. Bray for Finnegan, S. Keating for Dillon (both ht), B. Regan for Moran (38), C. Reilly for MacGabhann (44), D. Smyth for J. Regan (51).
In the month of October
We were perfectly sober
As the light slowly gave way to the dark
Now it’s November
And still I remember
That fine Autumn day in Pearse Park
Ah yes I recall
Every kick of the ball
And how it all came to be
That the Connolly Cup
Was lifted up
By the men in the white and the green
With my brothers beside me
And a passion inside me
There’s something I need to declare
The depth of the pride
In a victorious side
Is a feeling one cannot compare
In the replayed game
The result was the same
Two teams bordering on the sublime
What was so nearly grief
Became ultimate relief
As we headed for extra time
Another slow start
Was bad for the heart
Everyone on the edge of their seat
Watching your dreams
Come apart at the seams
I’ll tell you is no easy feat
But Killoe dug their feet in
Refused to be beaten
Excelled in defence and attack
With score after score
We came to the fore
For Slashers there was no coming back
When the referee blew
That was the cue
For the celebrations to begin
The crowd they roared out
With a deafening shout
Pride bursting out from within
And then he stood up
And lifted the cup
The inspirational captain Joe Mc
It’s all about the crest
Displayed on your chest
And not the number on your back
The bridge they did pass
When they reached Carriglass
Bringing home the Sean Connolly Cup
Amongst the songs and the cheers
People raised whiskeys and beers
To the team that never gave up
It seems the Killoe man
Is a passionate fan
Wearing his heart on his sleeve
We’re the pride of the land
And as it says in the stand
All you’ve got to do is ‘BELIEVE’
As the records keep breaking
Other teams will be shaking
At the thoughts of facing our team
The boys from Killoe
The ultimate foe
The men in the white and the green
Just A week after winning the Longford title following a replay win after extra-time against Slashers, Killoe Young Emmets showed some great fighting spirit to get the better of Wexford opponents St Anne’s in the Leinster club first round clash at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park on Sunday.
Seán McCormack fired home a cracking match-winning goal midway through the second half.
Killoe had the advantage of the elements in the first half and thanks to a well-taken goal from midfielder Paddy Thompson in the 26th minute they led 1-4 to 0-3 at the break.
A terrific start to the second half yielded a point apiece from Seán McCormack (free) and Daniel Mimnagh to leave Young Emmets in a strong position but St Anne’s were thrown a lifeline in the 40th minute with a goal from substitute Francis Simpson who got a vital touch to a centre from Redmond Barry to find the net.
While Killoe defender Shane Dowd lifted the pressure in landing a fine point, the Longford champions suffered what appeared to be a severe setback in the 44th minute when St Anne’s were gifted a second goal in getting back on level terms.
After a shot from substitute Simpson was well saved by the Young Emmets keeper Cillian Burns, the breaking ball rebounded off the unfortunate Killoe defender Pádraig McCormack into the back of the net.
But Killoe hit back immediately with a classy goal from Seán McCormack, the end result of a wonderful move and that proved to be the last score of the game as Young Emmets held on to earn another home tie against the Meath champions in two weeks’ time.
KILLOE YOUNG EMMETS: C Burns; D Bennett, P McCormack, R Keogh; S Dowd (0-1), J McCormack, M Quinn; P Thompson (1-0), S Kiernan; D McGoldrick (0-1), R McGoldrick, E Clarke; D Mimnagh (0-1), M Hughes (0-1), S McCormack (1-3, two frees). Sub: P Hughes for D McGoldrick (50).
ST ANNE’S: S Mythen; S Gaule, T Cullen, P OKeeffe; J Fogarty, C McGovern, K Cloney; D Fogarty, D OConnor; F Whelan, P White, D O’Keeffe; L McGovern, R Barry (0-4, three frees), M Furlong. Subs: F Simpson (1-0) for M Furlong (ht); N Gilbane for F Whelan (40).
What developed into an epic battle for the county title was eventually decided after extra-time in a highly entertaining Senior Football Championship Final replay at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park on Sunday last and Killoe are back as the kings of Longford football as they finished the stronger to capture the coveted Connolly Cup for the first time in 17 years.
Reigning champions Slashers were on the brink of completing the three-in-a-row when Mark Smith somehow managed to squeeze the ball over the bar from an extremely tight angle in stoppage time but the so spirited Young Emmets side just refused to accept defeat and proceeded to launch an immediate counter-attack which yielded a terrific equalising point from Daniel Mimnagh with time almost up.
Mimnagh kept his composure to hit the target with a real pressure kick to leave the sides deadlocked at 0-10 apiece at the end of normal time as the remarkable sequence of draws in the 2012 Senior Championship continued. Although badly hampered by injuries with both Peter Brady and Paul Kelly forced to retire with Kelly a serious loss with seven minutes gone in the second half, Slashers dug deep and made a great start to the extra-time period with points from Niall Mulligan and Colin Smith (free).
Mulligan broke from midfield to fire over a glorious strike with just 20 seconds gone but the younger Killoe side eventually got on top to fire over five points without reply – three from frees converted in succession by Sean McCormack while late fisted scores from Daniel Mimnagh and Simon Kiernan clinched a famous win for Killoe as they claimed the county senior title for the 10th time in their proud history.
Young Emmets are back in action on Sunday next when they meet the Wexford champions St. Anne’s in the first round of the Leinster Club Championship at Pearse Park and who knows what this talented young team can achieve with a very bright future ahead.
For the moment Killoe will savour this sweet success and while their chief marksman Sean McCormack made a huge contribution to the title triumph with the impressive total of nine points (five frees) to his credit and won the man-of-the-match award as a result, two other members of the McCormack clan also figured most prominently in the exciting final replay watched by an attendance in the region of 3,000.
Sean’s younger brother Padraig was a source of real inspiration in producing a rock solid display at full-back and their cousin Joe played a real captain’s part in a commanding role at centre-half-back. And to make it a memorable family affair the manager of the Killoe squad is Tommy McCormack (father of Joe) who also guided Young Emmets to senior championship glory in 1993 and 1995 and his brother Terry (father of Sean and Padraig) is a current selector along with John Bracken.
Lively forward Daniel Mimnagh was also very much to the fore for Killoe on Sunday last, scoring three vital points, while their All-Star nominee Michael Quinn was involved in a lot of the action in making his presence felt as his side produced a high level of intensity.
On the basis that they kicked a total of 11 wides in normal time, as compared to six for Slashers, few can argue with the fact that Young Emmets deserved to emerge victorious and have developed into a major force who will prove extremely difficult to beat in the years ahead.
The gallant Slashers side (forced to start without the injured David Sheridan but who was brought on midway through the second half) did not relinquish the title without a fierce fight and were inspired throughout this pulsating game by the powerful presence of the impressive Michael Brady at centrefield, And even when they lost the services of Paul Kelly the sky-blues somehow managed to find a new lease of life in battling their way back into contention after Killoe had established what appeared to be a comfortable 0-9 to 0-6 lead with ten minutes of normal time remaining.
And they should have been even further ahead as Michael Quinn kicked a very bad wide during this dominant spell while Eugene Clarke was poised to score a goal but was fouled in the process of pulling the trigger from close range.
The sides ended up all square at the break, 0-4 to 0-4, and while Slashers made the better start to the second half with a point apiece from Colin Smith (free) and the generally prominent Stephen Phillips the injury to Paul Kelly proved to be a major blow.
Kelly was making his usual big impact when he raced through the Killoe defence, only to be stopped in his tracks, but referee Patrick Maguire surprisingly refused to award Slashers a free when Kelly was impeded and he got injured in this penetrating run.
With Kelly gone with a torn hamstring, Killoe seized the opportunity to consolidate a grip on the game, scoring five points in a row between the 41st and 50th minutes and Slashers looked in deep trouble. Four scores from Sean McCormack, a brace of frees along with a couple of cracking efforts from play, gave Young Emmets the edge and Daniel Mimnagh also fired over a real gem.
But Slashers managed to stay in contention with a point apiece from frees converted by brothers Mark Smith and Colin Smith in the space of a minute and Mark was on target again from another free in the 57th minute to leave the sides on level terms. And a tremendous comeback looked set to be complete when Mark cut in from the right to fire over a terrific point from play in stoppage time.
However, the drama was not over yet as Daniel Mimnagh came to Killoe’s rescue with a wonderful score to snatch a last gasp draw (just as the Young Emmets had done in the drawn encounter the previous week) and they gradually got on top in extra-time and might have won with some more comfort had substitute Ronan Keogh not squandered a clear-cut chance of a goal while they also kicked five more wides.
And thus the courageous efforts of Slashers captain Dermot Brady, in particular, were all to no avail as Denis Connerton’s side had to settle for second best but the warning signs were flashing in the first half as Killoe had the better of the exchanges but were not making it count on the scoreboard.
With 22 minutes gone on the clock, the sides were level at 0-2 apiece with Michael Quinn (’45) and Sean McCormack (a great score from near the sideline) on target for Killoe while Colin Smith (free) and Stephen Phillips got the scores for Slashers.
Young Emmets went desperately close to grabbing a goal in the 16th minute when Eugene Clarke flicked a centre from Ronan McGoldrick narrowly wide after the advancing Slashers keeper Colm Farrell had done well to close down the inrushing Clarke.
Slashers regained the lead in the 25th minute when Colin Smith fisted the ball over the bar with the chance of going for a goal and then his brother Mark landed a point before a Sean McCormack fisted effort from play narrowed the gap to the minimum of margins. After a Ronan McGoldrick point from a tight angle left the sides all square in the third minute of stoppage time, Sean McCormack struck a shot against the upright before the half-time whistle was eventually blown.
The ding-dong battle continued throughout an excellent second half as the final replay ended in a draw but the destination of the Connolly Cup for 2012 was at long last eventually decided after extra-time when Slashers were unfortunate to be hit by further injuries to David Sheridan and Niall Mulligan.
But Killoe Young Emmets were without doubt the better team in a thrilling encounter blessed by the perfect weather conditions on a fine day nearing the end of October and are worthy county senior champions.
KILLOE YOUNG EMMETS: Cillian Burns; Daniel Keogh, Padraig McCormack, Darragh Bennett; Shane Dowd, Joe McCormack, Michael Quinn (0-1, ’45); Paddy Thompson, Simon Kiernan (0-1); Denis McGoldrick, Eugene Clarke, Ronan McGoldrick (0-1); Daniel Mimnagh (0-3), Mark Hughes, Sean McCormack (0-9, five frees).
Subs:- Ronan Keogh for R McGoldrick (59 mins). Extra-Time: Paddy Hughes for D Keogh; Paddy Kiernan for P Thompson.
LONGFORD SLASHERS: Colm Farrell; Gareth Ghee, Barry Gilleran, Peter Brady; Conor Clarke, Dermot Brady, Paul Kelly; Michael Brady, Niall Mulligan (0-1); Trevor Clendenning, Mark Smith (0-4, two frees), Sean Flynn; Colin Smith (0-5, four frees), Stephen Phillips (0-2), Martin Nevin.
Subs:- Ruairi Barrins for P Brady (injured, half-time); Brian Farrell for P Kelly (injured, 37 mins); David Sheridan for S Flynn (47 mins); Martin Tarmey for M Nevin (50 mins).
Extra-Time: S Flynn for B Farrell; Paul Devine for D Sheridan (injured); M Nevin for N Mulligan (injured).
Killoe Erin’s Pride played in the 1905 final but lost to Longford Leo Casey’s.
Killoe won the football and hurling double in 1907
Near neighbours Clonbroney won their first and only title in 1919 with a final win over Killoe.
Davy Sheeran featured against Longford Slashers in the finals of 1959 and 1960, a few years after helping Slashers to their first title in 1954.
The Killoe team of 1960 trained at Devine’s field in Esker, and would retire to team talk and tactics from Seamus McGuire and Davy Sheeran on a blackboard in Esker Hall.
The Sean Connolly Cup was first presented in 1960. Billy Morgan accepted from a gracious Slashers clubman and county board chairman Liam Ó hÓisín (a Mayo man).
Killoe played in 5 finals between 1983 and 1995 with 5 different goalkeepers – Mick McKeon, Kevin Bracken, Seamus Finnan, Pat Masterson and Sean Clarke.
Brendan Lennon was captain in 1987 and received the Fr Phil McGee Award for man of the match. In 35 years, he is still the only player from a losing side to receive this award.
Declan Rowley kicked the all important 50 to overcome Slashers in the 1988 semi final. The Esker man then captained his side to a final victory over Mostrim, bringing an end to a 28 year wait.
Jimmy, Terry and Tommy McCormack were central to that 1988 breakthrough success. All three had joined their native Killoe from Clonguish that year, having won a number of titles with the Newtownforbes side in the seventies and early eighties (Jimmy was man-of-the-match in 1981).
Killoe won the semi finals of 1987, 88, 93 and 95 by a single point.
Killoe and Granard played in the final of 1993. Only one player from either side (Brendan Lennon) featured on the entire Longford senior football squad that year.
Killoe men have won the Man of the Match Award on 4 final occasions – Brendan Lennon (87), Frank Kennedy (88), John McCormack (93) and John Toher (95). While there was no official award in 1960, Mickey Bracken was adjudged by most to be the man of the match on that occasion.
Tommy McCormack has returned as manager to the club he led to county titles in 1993 and 1995. Athlone native Dessie Dolan was the first outside manger in 1988, while John Doherty and John Reilly managed the runners-up of 1983.
This Sunday’s final will be the eighth county senior championship game this year for Killoe Young Emmets – more games than they have featured in during any previous championship campaign.
September 2012: Killoe Ladies team made history on 8th September 2012 by capturing their third Senior Title in a row following victory over Clonguish in the Longford Ladies Senior Championship Final. Congratulations to the players and management on an amazing achievement and to Lizzy Brady on winning the coveted Player of Match award.
Killoe ladies made it three-in-a row when they defeated Clonguish in the Senior Football Championship Final at Glennon Brothers Pearse Park on Saturday 8th September 2012.
The game appeared to be over as a contest at the break as Killoe went in seven points in front; 1-9 to 1-2. They looked very comfortable at that stage but credit to Clonguish they made a game of it in the second half and at one stage cut the gap to four points and could have made it a one point game eight minutes from time. Led by player of the match Elizabeth Brady Killoe pulled away in the final few minutes to regain the county title.
Killoe started the game very well and had opened up a three point advantage inside the opening seven minutes. Sabrina Hackett got their first point in the 4th minute and that was followed up by further scores from Anna McDonnell and Elizabeth Brady.
Clonguish had a chance to register their first point in the 9th minute but Alice Magan hit a bad wide after receiving the ball from Una Flynn.
A bad clearance from the Clonguish defence in the 15th minute saw Killoe grab their first goal. Sabrina Hackett picked up the ball and rifled a stunning shot past the helpless Clonguish keeper Shannon Woods. Minutes later Killoe put seven between the sides when Anne Marie Bratten pointed a free after Anna McDonnell was fouled.
Clonguish were very poor in the opening 20 minutes; making a number of mistakes and giving the ball away too cheaply. They couldn’t contain Killoe but they were handed a chance to open their scoring in the 21st minute. Aoife Darcy played the ball into Una Flynn but she was fouled by Killoe keeper Louise Clarke when going for a goal and a penalty was awarded. Up stepped Darcy and she tucked the spot-kick away with some power.
Throughout the game the talented Darcy was a real menace for the Killoe defence but she didn’t receive enough support on a number of occasions. Anne Marie Bratten was on the mark again for Killoe in the 24th minute, landing a nice point, before Clonguish created another goal chance one minute later but Louise Clarke pulled off a good save to deny Laura Healy after she was played in by Aoife Darcy.
Killoe then tagged on four more points to their tally; two from Anne Marie Bratten (one free) with Jacinta Brady and Cora Kiernan also on target as they stretched their advantage to nine points in first half additional time. But right before the break Clonguish got two points through Oonagh Shanley and Aoife Darcy.
Clonguish started the second half with a real purpose and really should have cut the gap by more but they hit a number of wides during a dominant spell. Una Flynn got their first score of the half in the 31st minute from a free but down the other end Edel Quinn got a point for Killoe to restore their seven point advantage.
There was just four between the sides in the 43rd minute when the nifty Aoife Darcy scored a great goal. It gave Clonguish a lift and made a real game of it although Killoe responded with a point from Jacinta Brady.
Clonguish continued to press forward and in the 49th minute Darcy was on the scoresheet again. The corner-forward twisted and turned before slotting over a lovely point and then three minutes later it could have been a one point game when Marie Brady burst through but her shot just went wide of the post. It was unfortunate for Clonguish and a real let-off for Killoe.
Clonguish had other chances after that but just couldn’t put any more scores on the board. Killoe were also guilty of missing scoring chances but in a great spell right before the end they showed just why they have dominated ladies football in the county for the past few years.
Two points from Anne Marie Bratten (one free) put six between the sides in the 60th minute and then Elizabeth Brady capped off a terrific performance in the 62nd minute when she found the back of the net for Killoe’s second goal and she followed that up with a point to give her side a comprehensive 10 point advantage at the final whistle.
KILLOE: Louise Clarke; Fiona Toher, Kathryn Lynch, Martha O’Reilly; Sharon Treacy, Niamh Devaney, Orlaith Doherty; Elizabeth Brady (1-2), Jacinta Brady (0-2); Fiona Fox, Edel Quinn (0-1), Cora Kiernan (0-1); Sabrina Hackett (1-1), Anna McDonnell (0-1), Anne Marie Bratten (0-6, three frees).
CLONGUISH: Shannon Woods; Oonagh McGowan, Mairead Moore, Caitriona Moore; Sinead Macken, Marie Brady, Yvonne Barden; Cliona McGowan, Ailbhe McGowan; Alice Magan, Anne Burke, Laura Healy; Aoife Darcy (2-2, one goal from penalty), Una Flynn (0-1, free), Oonagh Shanley (0-1).
Rare footage of the 1960 County Final between Killoe Young Emmets and Longford Slashers has been found and digitised.
The 17 seconds of footage was taken by Joe Kelly in September 1960 and is a unique snapshot of this historic win. The video shows Vincent Duignan converting a second half penalty secured after Seamus McGuire was fowled in the square. We then see captain Billy Morgan with the brand new Sean Connolly cup which was presented for the very first time at that final. The footage closes with the captain and cup being carried off by jubilant supports.
The Parish of Killoe is celebrating as All-Ireland Champions this week. Our Under 14 team captured the Feile All-Ireland title when winning a hard fought final against Netwown Blues (Louth) on Sunday last in Portlaoise. The team put in some brilliant performances in the early rounds of the competition and were up against it in the final. However their skill, strength and resolve carried them through to a historic win.
The Feile competition was based in The Heath Club outside Portlaoise, they defeated their hosts comfortably on Friday. First match on Sat, they defeated Kildare’s Castledermot 5-06 to one point. The group decider was against Waterford champions Dungarvan with Killoe winning 3-05 to 0.02. Excitement was building as semi final was in Portarlington that evening against Tullamore from Offaly and in a great performance they won 3-07 to 0.00
With the final on the Sunday a large contingent travelled to Portlaoise GAA grounds to support the lads against Louth champions Newtown Blues. Captain Oisin Bennett opened the scoring with a great point before a direct pass to full forward Shane Thompson was sent to the net in style. Newtown Blues scored 3 points to leave Killoe ahead by one at half time. Killoes defence battled hard with Brian Harte and Phillip Kiernan outstanding. A great run by Oisin Bennett was rewarded with a penalty when he was upended in the square. Davis McCarthy dispatched it in style and further points from Oisin and David left Killoe in control to finish winners.
This is a special group of players and great credit is due to mentors Kevin Prunty, Damien Bennett, Colm Hughes, Paul McCarthy and Damien Bratten. The Panel is Oisin Bennett, David McCarthy, Gavin Hughes, Ciaran Brady, Shane McManus, Eamon Keogh, Niall Finneran, Niall Farrelly, Liam Harte, Ronan Moffett, Patrick Collum, Padraig Walsh, Shane Morrissey, Calvin Duke, James Bracken, Ronan Hughes, Shane Thompson, Daniel Craig, Darragh Mulligan, Brian Carr, Philip Kiernan, Jack Sorohan, Conor Moran, Brian Harte.
A large crowd welcomed a tired but proud panel in Emmet Park in Clonee that evening where the celebrations continued. Well done, All Ireland Champions.
Note: The Panel will be presented to the crowd at half time in Longford/Derry match on Sat next in Pearse Park.
The modern Killoe GAA crest was introduced in August 2012 replacing the previous crest which first appeared in the early 1990s.
The yew tree in abstract form is central to the new design, set in front of the cross, reflecting the church and the spiritual heritage of the community. The name of the parish in Irish (Killoe derives from the Irish Cill Eo, Church of the Yew Tree) is set above the Irish form of the county, An Longfort. The establishment of the GAA in Killoe can be traced back to 1889.
The official GAA insignia, which was introduced in 2009, is at the base of the design. The colours of white and green that dominate the crest are those worn by the teams of the Killoe Young Emmets Club (Emmet Óg), Killoe Minor Club (Killoe Óg) and Killoe Ladies Club.
We are delighted to introduce the new Killoe GAA website promoting GAA activity in the Longford parish of Killoe. This new site brings together all three GAA clubs… Killoe Young Emmets, Killoe Ladies Club and Killoe Minor Club.
With over 500 photographs dating from 1912 to 2012, this site offers a unique visual & written history of Gaelic Games in Killoe since the first club was founded in 1889. The web team compiled historic records of silverware, award winners, club officials and a unique record of over 50 years of Senior Championship games including scorelines.
Our ‘Archive’ section is home to a growing database of match reports from significant victories, while the ‘Parish’ page offers a glimpse into life in the parish of Killoe. Whilst the website offers a rich historical record, it is also a live source for upcoming fixtures and events via the interactive fixtures calendar. The multimedia elements of the site include an integrated player for club songs as well as a number of embedded videos.
The centre-piece of the launch homepage is 17 seconds of rare video footage from the 1960 Senior Championship Final between Killoe Young Emmets and Longford Slashers.
We hope the Killoe GAA website will provide an invaluable combination of information and inspiration for players and supporters at home and around the world.
