St. Malachys Gaelic Football Club

We went out of the championship at the quarter final stage to St. Marys in this game played in Rochfordbridge. The home side were well in front at half time, leading by 2-6 to 0-4, and went on to record a comfortable victory. This was a game we never got going in and if we had performed as well as we did in earlier matches we would have ran our opponents far closer. Well done to the management team and players on qualifying for the latter stages of the Club 1 Championship which is never an easy thing to do.

Our panel was : Cathal Daly, Andrew Corbett, Alan Kincaid, Liam McNally-Woods, Johnny Birmingham(0-1), Liam Varley, Stephen Fagan, Shane Clavin(0-1), Connor Glennon, Conor Lynch, Michael Heeney, David Pidgeon, Frankie Deegan,David Keegan(0-5,f),Liam Cassidy, Padraic Kincaid, Dan Glennon.

This was our second game in three days and the hard game against Caulry took its toll on our players who still gave one of the competitions favourites plenty to think about. We now go on to play St. Marys in the quarter final in Rochfordbridge on Saturday the 18th of September.

Our panel was : Cathal Daly(0-2), Andrew Corbett, Alan Kincaid, Liam McNally-Woods, Johnny Birmingham, Liam Varley, Kyle Dever,Shane Clavin(0-2), Connor Glennon, Stephen Fagan, Michael Heeney, David Pidgeon, Frankie Deegan,David Keegan(0-3),Paddy Doody, Liam Cassidy, Conor Lynch, Cormac Deegan(1-0), Padraic Kincaid, Dan Glennon, Ryan Wright.

By virtue of this impressive win over a good Caulry side we qualified for the knockout stages of the Club 1 Championship which in itself is a great achievement. Our final match against Ballynacargy will decide fiest and second placings in our group.

Our panel was : Cathal Daly, Andrew Corbett, Alan Kincaid, Liam McNally-Woods, Johnny Birmingham, Liam Varley(0-1), Kyle Dever,Shane Clavin(0-4), Connor Glennon, Stephen Fagan, Michael Heeney(0-1), David Pidgeon(0-1), Frankie Deegan,David Keegan(3-3), Liam Cassidy(1-2), Conor Lynch, Padraic Kincaid, Ryan Wright, Dan Glennon.

We got our Championship campaign off to a great start with this well earned victory in this game played in Drumraney. This squad is steadily improving as the year progresses and should give a good account of themselves in this competition.

Our panel was : Cathal Daly, Andrew Corbett, Alan Kincaid, Liam McNally-Woods,Brandon Carey, Liam Varley, Kyle Dever,Shane Clavin, Michael Heeney, Frankie Deegan, David Pidgeon, Stephen Fagan, Dan Glennon, Liam Cassidy, Conor Lynch,Cormac Deegan, Padraic Kincaid, Bryan Pidgeon.

We travelled to Kinnegad to take on the home side in our last game of the league. Playing against a strong wind in the first half, they had a mountain to climb in the second half and could never get back into the game. The strong home side went on to win a one sided encounter and thus finished the winners of Division 1 while our lads finished in a very respectable mid-table position in this very competitive league.

Our panel was : Cathal Daly, Brandon Carey, Alan Kincaid, Liam McNally-Woods,Conor Lynch,Shane Clavin, Kyle Dever, Conor Glennon, David Pidgeon, Stephen Fagan, Mick Heeney, Ryan Wright, Liam Cassidy, Frankie Deegan, David Keegan, Andrew Corbett, Dan Glennon, Shane Ward.

On Monday last we played Milltownpass in Ballinagore and with Shane Clavin in great form at centreback and David Keegan in fine scoring form we had an easy win over a very young Milltownpass outfit.

Our under 16’s continued their recent run of good form with a comprehensive win over Maryland/Tang in this game played in Drumraney on Monday last.This team are really finding their feet in Division 1 and can look forward to the rest of the year with hopes of doing well in all competitions. The final score was St. Malachys/Ballinagore 6-10, Maryland/Tang 0-07.

Our panel was : Cathal Daly, Brandon Carey, Alan Kincaid, Conor Lynch, Kyle Dever, Shane Clavin, Johnny Birmingham, Conor Glennon, David Pidgeon, Stephen Fagan, Mick Heeney, Ryan Wright, Liam Cassidy, Frankie Deegan, David Keegan, Andrew Corbett, Dan Glennon, Liam McNally-Woods.

Our under 16’s had an impressive win against Athlone in a Division 1 League game played in Ballinagore on Wednesday last. We led by a point at half time but went on to record a six point victory on the scoreline of 3-10 to 2-7.

Our panel was : Cathal Daly, Brandon Carey, Alan Kincaid, Liam McNally-Woods, Kyle Dever, Shane Clavin, Johnny Birmingham, Conor Glennon, David Pidgeon(0-1), Stephen Fagan(0-1), Mick Heeney(0-3), Liam Cassidy(1-3), Frankie Deegan(0-1), David Keegan(2-0), Ryan Wright(0-1), Conor Lynch, Shane Ward, Andrew Corbett, Dan Glennon.

A great fight back from the home side just fell short but they can take great heart from their performance. Ciaran Glennon scored four outstanding goals in this contest.

Panel: Liam Cassidy, Conor Lynch, David Pidgeon, Alan Kincaid, Kyle Dever, Enda Claffey, Conor Glennon, Eoin Quinn (0-1), Ciaran Glennon (4-1), Michael Heeney, Alan Clarke (0-1), Johnny Birmingham, Frankie Deegan (0-2), David Keegan, Sean Mullarkey (0-1), Ed Birmingham, Shane Ward, Stephen Fagan, Andrew Corbett, Brian Pidgeon.

St. Malachys/Ballinagore Under 16 footballers played The Downs in a fixture played in The Downs on Monday last August 16^th. The game ended in a draw 2-06 to 1-09 and Malachys/Ballinagore played very well and deserved to get something from this entertaining game.

Panel: Liam Cassidy, Frankie Deegan, Enda Claffey, Alan Kincaid, Kyle Dever, Niall O’Brien, Michael Heeney, Liam Varley, Ciaran Glennon, Alan Clarke, Eoin Quinn, Sean Mullarkey, Shane Clavin, Conor Glennon, David Keegan, Ed Birmingham, Stephen Fagan, Andrew Corbett, Johnny Birmingham

Our Under 16s had their best performance of the year in this high scoring encounter played in Ballinagore. This was a very exciting end-to-end game of football with quality scores from both teams.

In this league fixture played in Athlone we went in at half time behind 0-3 to 2-5 and things didn't get any better in the second half as Athlone secured an easy win.

Our Under 16 team suffered a very heavy defeat in Springfield hwen they were totally outplayed by Mullingar Shamrocks. We failed to score in the first half while Shamrocks scored 3-9. We are finding it difficult in the top division but the team always give 100%.

Our Under 16s travelled to Tubberclair on Wednesday last and were defeated by the home team on a score line of 5-10 to 2-04. THis game was a lot closer than the score line would suggest as our lads missed at least three great goal scoring opportunities in the second half.

Our Under 16s got back to winning ways with a narrow win in their second game in this year's league. We were down two points at half time and looked in trouble when the opposition won a penalty with five minutes left but a great save from Liam Cassidy inspired the team to go on and win the match.

The final score reflects the dominance of St Lomans in this match although they only led 2-04 to 1-04 at half time.

Panel: Liam Cassidy, Conor Lynch, Liam Varley, Alan Kincaid, Enda Claffey, Ciaran Glennon, Kyle Dever, Eoin Quinn, Michael Heeney, David Pidgeon, Alan Clarke, Sean Mullarkey, Frankie Deegan, Niall O'Brien, Shane Clavin, Shane Ward, Conor Glennon, Shane Cunningham, Ed Bermingham.

The dream became a reality for this team when they made a clean sweep of the Under 16 competitions this year when we added the Div 1 Club Championship to the Div 1 League and Premier Championship titles already captured.

Played in Lakepoint Park in wintry and windy conditions we found ourselves 1-4 to a goal down at half time having played against a strong breeze. This could have been a far greater difference but for some great defending and lucky escapes. On the resumption it took us five minutes to claw back the difference when we scored 1-2 without reply. We enjoyed the lion's share of posession in the second half but it was only in the last few minutes that we managed to pull four points clear of a very dogged Coralstown/Kinnegad team.

Many thanks to Dean McDermott who played despite being sick all week with a bad flu and to Niall Gunning who cancelled travelling to a family celebration in Mayo to play a huge part in the victory. Also to the loyal band of supporters who have turned out in such numbers to support the team this year.

After the match a very proud captain Michael Dever and vice-captain Ed Bermingham accepted the cup from Minor County Board Chairman, John Weir.

Our Under 16s qualified for the Club 1 Final with a hard-earned one point win over a very fancied Shamrocks side. A great goal from Neal Kirby rocked our opponents and we went into at half-time leading 1-5 to 0-4. Mullingar piled on the pressure in the second half and the sides were level as we entered injury time. Aonghus Clarke had only one thing on his mind as he carried yet another ball from our defence into our opponents half and he swung over a brilliant point to take this tremendous team to the final where we face Coralstown/Kinnegad in our bid to bring off an unprecedented treble after annexing the Division 1 League and the Premier Final already this year.

In a very windswept and wet Cusack Park on Saturday last, our Under 16s were crowned Premier Champions for 2009. Having lost the toss we were forced to play with the strong swirling breeze in the first half and we retired at half time with a 0-09 to 0-01 lead which looked anything but enough as Shannon Gaels looked very dangerous when they got the ball forward and with eight county pannellists in their ranks the game was far from over at half time. Amazingly for the first ten minutes of the second half we took the game to our opponents and led by 0-12 to 0-04 with about 20 minutes left. The expected backlash from Shannon Gaels began in earnest then and we were forced into a rearguard action for most of the remaining 20 minutes. However some great moves from defence and vital scores when needed brought us over the line with four points to spare.

Congratulations to all invoved with the team on this great achievement which completed a double for many of the panel who had secured the Under 16 Hurling Premier title two week's early. A special word of thanks to Luke Peppard who lined out having just returned from Wexford after the sad passing of his grandmother during the week.

Team: Michael Dever, Ciaran Glennon (0-1), Dean McDermott, Conal Ennis (Kilbeggan), Niall Gunning, David Lynch, Luke Peppard, Aonghus Clarke (0-2), David Fennell (Kilbeggan), Damien McCormack (St. Josephs), Paul Fennell (Kilbeggan 0-3, 0-1f), Alan Clarke, Eoin Quinn, Neal Kirby (0-07, 0-3f, 0-1s-line), Niall O'Brien (0-2f) Subs: Diarmuid Raleigh for Luke Peppard, Enda Claffey for Eoin Quinn, Sean Mullarkey, Ed Bermingham, Cathal Tynan, Kyle Dever, Shane Clavin, Michael Heeney, David Pidgeon, Frankie Deegan, Niall O'Connor, Liam Varley (inj)

Mentors: Ciaran Kirby, Donal Fox (Kilbeggan/St. Josephs) and Eugene Nannery (Kilbeggan/St. Josephs)

Paul Fennell (Kilbeggan / St. Joseph’s) Age 16, Attends Kilbeggan Secondary School.
The team Captain will be hoping to lead his team to victory. Plays hurling with Castletown and was a duel county player this year.

Shane Clavin (St. Malachy’s / Ballinagore) Age 13, Attends Kilbeggan Secondary School.
Can play in goals or as a forward and turned in a great display between the posts in our first round win over St. Pats.

Dean McDermott (St. Malachy’s / Ballinagore) Age 16, Attends Kilbeggan Secondary School.
Has made the full back position his own on this team, for his club and also captains Castletown under 16 hurlers from this position. The quietest member of the panel.

Damien McCormack (Kilbeggan / St. Joseph’s) Age 16, Attends Kilbeggan Secondary School.
A very speedy wing forward who had a great game against Mullingar Shamrock’s in the quarter final but probably found the starting time of the semi final a bit too early for his liking.

Niall Gunning (St. Malachy’s / Ballinagore) Age 16, Attends St. Mary’s, Mullingar.
A tenacious tackling wing back who loves to get forward. Was a unanimous choice as man of the match in the semi final.

Neal Kirby (St. Malachy’s / Ballinagore) Age 16, Attends St. Mary’s, Mullingar.
The leading scorer on our march to the final but don’t ask him to take a close in free. Also a duel county player this year.

Ed Bermingham (St. Malachy’s / Ballinagore) Age 15, Attends St. Mary’s, Mullingar.
Vice captain of his club team who tells us he never looses a toss. The joker of the panel, Ed always ensures there’s a great atmosphere in the squad.

David Lynch (St. Malachy’s / Ballinagore) Age 16, Attends St. Mary’s, Mullingar.
“Lynchey” might wear the number 6 jersey but covers every inch of the pitch. Another duel county player in 2009.

Alan Clarke (St. Malachy’s / Ballinagore) Age 15, Attends St. Finian’s, Mullingar.
Definitely the most improved player on the panel this year, Alan would love to win a premier football medal to add to his numerous hurling medals.

Michael Heeney (St. Malachy’s / Ballinagore) Age 14, Attends Kilbeggan Secondary School.
A very nippy forward who always gives 100%. Another quiet player who comes into his own when he represents his club in the novelty act in Scor.

Diarmuid Raleigh (St. Malachy’s / Ballinagore) Age 16, Attends St. Finian’s, Mullingar.
Was very unlucky to break his arm during the summer but has proved in the last few games that he’s coming back to his best.

Enda Claffey (St. Malachy’s / Ballinagore) Age 15, Attends Kilbeggan Secondary School.
A very tight marking defender who has had some great games for his club this year helping them to annex the under 16 Division 1 League.

Ciaran Glennon (St. Malachy’s / Ballinagore) Age 14, Attends Kilbeggan Secondary School.
The paciest member of our full back line. Was on this year’s under 15 county development squads in both hurling and football.

Mike Dever (St. Malachy’s / Ballinagore) Age 16, Attends Kilbeggan Secondary School.
Captained his club to their league success from midfield but plays in goals for Ennell Shamrocks which shows this players adaptability.

Cathal Tynan (St. Malachy’s / Ballinagore) Age 15, Attends Kilbeggan Secondary School.
Has always played in the forwards and even togged out for our minors this year to ensure we had a team. Plays hurling with Castletown also.

Niall O Brien (St. Malachy’s / Ballinagore) Age 15, Attends St. Mary’s, Mullingar.
Had his best game of the year at full forward in the semi final where he was very accurate with his frees. Hoping to complete an under 16 double with Castletown hurlers.

Luke Peppard (St .Malachy’s / Ballinagore) Age 16, Attends St. Mary’s, Mullingar.
A tigerish tackler who can be relied upon to get a score. Would love to win a premier medal before he turns his hands to rugby for the winter months.

Eoin Quinn (St. Malachy’s / Ballinagore) Age 15, Attends Kilbeggan Secondary School.
Was injured earlier in the year and played in goals for his club during their league campaign before rejoining the forwards.

Liam Varley (St. Malachy’s / Ballinagore) Age 14, Attends Kilbeggan Secondary School.
A duel county under 14 player this year who despite his age will always be assigned to mark the oppositions danger man and always to great effect. Misses the final due to hand injury picked up in under 16 hurling final win.

David Fennell (Kilbeggan / St. Joseph’s ) Age 16, Attends Kilbeggan Secondary School.
Twin brother of our captain and plays midfield for us. Played county hurling and football this year and never plays a bad game.

David Pidgeon (St. Malachy’s / Ballinagore) Age 14, Attends Kilbeggan Secondary School.
This young player had a great game in the half back line in our first round win and can also play in the forwards. Plays hurling with Castletown.

Aonghus Clarke (St. Malachy’s / Ballinagore) Age 16, Attends St. Mary’s, Mullingar.
A powerful midfielder who keeps up a relentless work rate from start to finish of a game. The fifth member of the panel who played duel county this year.

Conal Ennis (Kilbeggan / St. Joseph’s) Age 16, Attends Kilbeggan Secondary School.
A very strong and imposing defender who’s really looking forward to his first premier final. Has a great interest in local politics and a popular member of the panel.

Frankie Deegan (St. Malachy’s / Ballinagore) Age 14, Attends St. Mary’s, Mullingar.
Usually plays in the forwards and often pops up with a vital score. Played on the Castletown hurling team that won the All- Ireland Feile in 2007.

Sean Mullarkey (St. Malachy’s / Ballinagore) Age 15, Attends St. Mary’s, Mullingar.
Played in numerous positions on his clubs march to Division 1 glory during the year. Scored a great point when introduced in the semi final.

Kyle Dever (St. Malachy’s / Ballinagore) Age 14, Attends Kilbeggan Secondary School.
Younger brother of Mike’s, this pocket dynamo never shirks from a tackle despite giving many of his opponents a height advantage.

Ennell Shamrocks qualified for their first premiership final in twelve years with a resounding victory over the combination team of Coralstown/Kinnegad and The Downs. As St. Finians had disposed of a good Athlone team in the quarter-final we knew we would have to be on top of our game from start to finish to come away with a victory. Every player turned in a great performance but special mention must go to Niall Gunning who had his best ever game.

This was an excellent game of football from start to finish with some outstanding displays by both teams.

Unlike our previous meeting just five days earlier in the Premier Club Championship where our forwards amassed a big score, this time it was the turn of our back line to win the game for us. Our half back line of Niall Gunning, David Lynch and Liam Varley were colossal but man of the match on the night was full back Dean McDermott. Many thanks and well done to all our players who turned up on the night, many having received their Junior Cert results that day.

Our Under 16 combination team reached the last four of the Premier Championship with a breathtaking display of football in this match played in Ballinagore on Saturday last. This team gave an exhibition of all that is good in the game with brilliant defending, passing and score taking, in fact all but one point of our scores came from play. Thanks to Mullingar for their usual sporting game.

We took on St. Pats (Shandonagh, Milltown, Ballynacargy, Ballymore) in the first round of the Premier Championship in Shandonagh on Sunday last. We had our opponents under constant pressure in the first half but could not put away our numerous scoring changes and led 1-6 to 0-1 at half time. A combination of a spirited fight back from our opponents and the fact that this was the third game in three days for many of our panel, meant that our lead was wittled down to three points with ten minutes remaining but a few late oints secured a vital win for us.

Under 16’s are Division 1 League Champions

Monday 29^th of June was D day for our under 16 footballers as the division 1 league would be decided with the last round of games taking place. Going into the last round St. Malachy’s/Ballinagore and Mullingar Shamrocks were tied on ten points each but the town side had a five point better score difference than us. Mullingar had to play Tubberclair, who were only one point behind the joint leaders and still in with a chance to top the league going into this final game. So with the league to be decided on score difference if sides finished level on points it certainly left it a very interesting scenario.

Our boys took on Tyrrellspass in our last game and we knew we were up against it as Tyrrellspass had defeated the then league leaders Tubberclair in the previous round. After a tentative opening ten minutes we trailed our opponents by two points to one, having missed several scoring opportunities. It took a great goal from team captain, Michael Dever, to settle the team and we went in at half time leading by 2-3 to 0-2. News filtered back to Ballinagore that Mullingar were leading Tubberclair by four points at half time and were well on top. This left us still trailing Mullingar by two points on score difference and things were not looking too good for us.

As this panel proved throughout their opening six games in this very competitive division, where they recorded wins over Mullingar Shamrocks, Maryland/Tang, St. Lomans, The Downs and Coralstown/Kinnegad and just went down by a point to Tubberclair, they always rise to whatever challenge is placed before them.

Spurned on by a very tight marking defence in the second half and with our midfield dominating, our forwards were provided with a constant supply of possession which they used to great effect to record a 5-9 to 1-3 victory. Frantic phonecalls were made to find out the outcome of the Mullingar/Tubberclair game and when word eventually arrived that Tubberclair had beaten Mullingar by a goal the celebrations began in our dressing-room.

This league win completes the set for our club as we won the minor division 1 league in 2003 and 2004 and the under 14 division 1 league in 2006 and proves that we can hold our own with the top teams in the county. Well done to this very dedicated panel, especially Aonghus Clarke who travelled up from the Gaeltacht for the game and Niall O’ Brien who left his sick bed to play a stormer. Get well wishes to Diarmuid Raleigh who broke his wrist in a recent challenge match.

Panel: Shane Clavin, Enda Claffey, Dean McDermott, Ciaran Glennon, Niall Gunning, David Lynch (1-2), Liam Varley, Aonghus Clarke (0-1,free), Michael Dever (Captain, 1-0), Eoin Quinn, Niall O’ Brien (1-2), Alan Clarke, Cathal Tynan, Neal Kirby (2-3,1-0 pen.), Luke Peppard (0-1,free), David Pidgeon, Michael Heeney, Sean Mullarkey, Frankie Deegan, Ed Birmingham (Vice Captain), Kyle Dever and Diarmuid Raleigh (injured).

A great first half performance against the breeze in which we scored five goals set us up for this important win against Coralstown/Kinnegad. From the above league table we can see what we have to do in our last game against Tyrrellspass to overtake Mullingar Shamrocks who are currently on top due to a better score difference. A speedy recovery is wished to Coralstown/Kinnegad player, Fergus Murtagh, who received a nasty knee injury during the match. Hopefully he will be back playing football and hurling shortly.

Bank Holiday Monday was the start of a very busy week for football in the area with the St. Malachys/Ballinagore Under 16 team entertaining The Downs in Ballinagore on a wet evening. St. Malachys/Ballinagore played great football and with full-forward Neal Kirby in great form they had a clear-cut victory over a plucky outfit from The Downs on a 5-13 to 1-6 scoreline.

A seriously depleted Ennell Shamrocks side turned up to play Championship favourites St Lomans in Lakepoint Park on Monday last, but the handicap of having to field without six first team players due to injuries and holidays proved a bridge too far for this team. Having said that, the team that lined out gave a great display and but for the concession of very soft goals could have caused the upset of the year.

Team: Chris Guilfoyle, Conol Ennis, Niall O'Brien, Brian Killian, Luke Cassidy, Jordan Cassidy, Stephan Reid, Diarmuid Garvin, David Lynch (0-2), Adam Duffy, David Fennell, Damien McCormack (0-1), Paul Fennell (1-1), Darren Ruane (0-4, 0-3 frees), Luke Peppard: Subs: Niall Gunning, Jonathon Cuskelly, Cathal Tynan, Eoin Quinn, Enda Claffey

St. Malachys/Ballinagore 2 - 6

St. Lomans 5 - 9

Our Under 16s great run in the Club Championship came to an end in St. Lomans on Thursday 25th September. Missing Aonghus Clarke through injury and with Darren Ruane, Dean McDermott, Neal Kirby and Luke Peppard carrying injuries into the game this semi-final against the championship favourites was always going to be a struggle. Despite all their handicaps, this team showed us that they are made of stern stuff and we went in at half time down by 0-5 to 0-4. To add to our problems we lost Diarmuid Garvin and Michael Dever to injury in the second half but even after the concession of two early goals we kep taking the game to our opponents right to the end.

We still have the Division 1 League Final and the Premier Semi-Final to look forward to, so all is not lost for our Under 16s.

Panel: David Healion, Ciaran Glennon, Niall Kelly, Brian Killian, Niall O'Brien, Jordan Cassidy (1-1), Luke Cassidy, Diarmuid Garvin (0-2 f), David Lynch, Niall Gunning, Dean McDermott, Michael Dever, Neal Kirby (1-0, pen), Darren Ruane (0-3, 0-2f), Luke Peppard, Enda Claffey, Cathal Tynan, Alan Clarke Jonathon Cuskelly. Eoin Quinn.

Under 16 Club Championship Quarter-Final
(10th September, 2008)

St. Malachys/Ballinagore 4 - 5

Maryland/Tang 1 - 0

Our Under 16s qualified for the semi-final with a comprehensive win over Maryland/Tang played in attrocious conditions in Tang. Well done to all the panel for turning out on a horrible night for football especially as many had received their Junior Cert results that day.

Panel: Michael Dever, Ciaran Glennon, Niall Kelly, Brian Killian, Niall O'Brien, Jordan Cassidy, Luke Cassidy, Diarmuid Garvin, David Lynch, Niall Gunning (0-1), Aonghus Clarke (0-1), David Healion (1-0), Jonathon Cuskelly, Darren Ruane (3-3, 0-2f), Dean McDermott, Cathal Tynan, Alan Clarke, Luke Peppard, Enda Claffey, Eoin Quinn.

Under 16 Premier Championship
(7th September, 2008)

Ennell Shamrocks 3 - 12

St. Pats 3 - 07

Our Under 16 team qualifed for the semi-final of the Championship with this impressive win against a fancied St. Pats side which comprised of Ballymore, Milltown, Shandonagh and Ballynacargy This team play a very fast and skillful brand of football and combined to pick off some magnificant scores to build up a half-time lead of 2-9 to 0-4. It was only after Aonghus Clarke left the field after 15 minutes of the second half to go to the All-Ireland Hurling Final that the opposition came into the game and scored 3 late goals. Next up are Championship favourites St. Lomans in the sem-final.

Panel: Chris Guilfoyle, Niall O'Brien , Niall Kelly, Conal Ennis, Jordan Cassidy, Diarmuid Garvin, Brian Killian, Adam Duffy, Aonghus Clarke (0-3), David Lynch, Dean McDermott, Luke Cassidy, Paul Fennell (1-4, 0-1 f), Darren Ruane (2-4), David Fennell (0-1), Glen Parnell, Pietro Scarnicchio, Cathal Tynan, Eoin Quinn, Enda Claffey, Niall Gunning, David Healion, Mike Dever, Jonathon Cuskelly, Luke Peppard, Damien McCormack, Stephen Reid.

Under 16 Division 1 Championship

Quarter Final
(14th August, 2008)

St. Malachy's/Ballinagore 2 - 06

Mullingar Shamrocks 1 - 09

On Thursday last in Ballinagore these two teams served up a brilliant game of football with the outcome in the balance up to the final whistle. A draw was probably a fair result as neither game deserved to lose. We led at half time 2-4 to 1-4 but were put under a lot of pressure by Mullingar for the first 15 minutes of the second half. Our opponents led by a point with 5 minutes remaining and just when it looked like we would never get the equaliser, after landing 5 shots in the Mullingar goalkeeper's hands, up popped Niall O'Brien to slot over the equaliser. Well done to all involved in serving up a thrilling encounter with all the best aspects on show.

Team: Mike Dever, Brian Killian, Niall Kelly, Kieran Glennon, Niall O'Brien (0-1), Jordan Cassidy, Luke Cassidy, Diarmuid Garvin, David Healion (1-1), David Lynch (0-1 free), Aonghus Clarke (0-1), Luke Peppard, Jonathon Cuskelly, Darren Ruane (0-1 free), Dean McDermott (1-1). Subs: Cathal Tynan, Enda Claffey.

Under 16 Premier Championship
(27th July, 2008)

Ennell Shamrocks 4 - 13

St. Bridgets 1 - 3

This was a good win for this amalgamation team with Kilbeggan/St. Josephs played in ideal conditions in Moate. Improvement will be needed as the team will face a sterner test in the next round but the team showed real promise and gelled well together as the game went on.

Panel: Chris Guilfoyle, Niall O'Brien (0-1), Diarmuid Garvin, Brian Killian, Pietro Scarnicchio, Jordan Cassidy, Conal Ennis, Adam Duffy, David Lynch (0-1), Mike Dever (0-2), David Fennell (1-2), Glen Parnell, Paul Fennell (1-1), Darren Ruane (2-5, 0-1 free), Dean McDermott (0-1), Richard Coffey, Cathal Tynan, Eoin Quinn, Enda Claffey, Niall Gunning.

Under 16 Division 1 Championship
(13th July, 2008)

St. Malachy's/Ballinagore 3 - 15

Maryland/Tang 3 - 02

On Sunday last in perfect conditions for football in Castletown-Geoghegan, we repeated our win over Maryland/Tang in the League despite being short five players. A goal from the lively Maryland/Tang attack after three minutes had us on the back foot but by half time we were in front 1-8 to 2-1. We kept our noses in front with an early goal in the second half and from then on our numerical advantage, due to the opposition's goalkeeper being sent off, began to tell. This was our best team performance of the year with everyone excelling in their positions. Perhaps man of the match on this occasion was Neal Kirby who gave a great display of score taking, ably assisted by David Healion who was playing his first game following a long injury lay-off. Many thanks to Niall O'Brien, fresh from Player of the Tournament at the DJ Carey School of Excellence who postponed his holidays in order to fulfill this fixture and an Under 14 fixture on Monday night.

Team: Mike Dever, Brian Killian, Niall Kelly (0-1), Kieran Glennon, Enda Claffey, Jordan Cassidy, Niall O'Brien, Luke Cassidy, Diarmuid Garvin (0-1 free), Jonathon Cuskelly, Aonghus Clarke (1-4, 0-1 free), Luke Peppard, Neal Kirby (1-6), David Healion (1-2), Dean McDermott (0-1). Subs: Cathal Tynan, Alan Clarke.

Under 16 League Division 1
(7th July, 2008)

St. Malachy's/Ballinagore 1 - 11

Coralstown/Kinnegad 2 - 03

Our Under 16s got back to winning ways on Monday evening last in Kinnegad when despite having only 15 players to call on due to holidays etc, they overcame the home side in a hugely entertaining game.

Having played against the slight breeze we went in at half time level 1-2 to 0-5. Within 5 minutes of the restart we scored 1-3, the goal a magnificent effort from Aonghus Clarke. Kinnegad never let up and hit back with a goal and a point to narrow our lead to 2 points and looked as if they would go on and win the match. At this stage great defending from Man of the Match Niall Kelly and Jordan Cassidy kept us in the game and Dean McDermott, when moved in full-forward, then won three frees in a row which were expertly pointed by Darren Ruane. Full marks to team captain, Brian Killian, for playing despite a recent head injury and our under 14s Kieran Glennon, Enda Claffey and Eoin Quinn without whom we would have been unable to field.

Team: Mike Dever, Brian Killian, Niall Kelly, Kieran Glennon, Enda Claffey, Jordan Cassidy, Luke Cassidy, Diarmuid Garvin (0-1 from free), Dean McDermott (0-1), Jonathon Cuskelly, Aonghus Clarke (1-0), Eoin Quinn, Neal Kirby (0-3) Darren Ruane (0-6, 4 from frees), Cathal Tynan.

Under 16 League Division 1
(15th May, 2008)

St. Malachy's/Ballinagore 3 - 04

St. Lomans 1 - 19

St. Lomans came out on top in this meeting of the two unbeaten teams in Division 1, but not before they got a fright from a lively St. Malachys/Ballinagore outfit. We got off to a great start with a goal in the opening minute and the team were well worth a one-point lead at half time. St. Loman's superior strength showed in the second half, however our team never gave up and gave the odds-on favourites for the championship their toughest test to date.

Panel: Mike Dever, Niall Gunning, Brian Killian, Enda Claffey, Diarmuid Raleigh, Diarmuid Garvin, Jordan Cassidy, Aonghus Clarke, Luke Cassidy, Niall O'Brien, Niall Kelly, Luke Peppard (0-1), Neal Kirby (1-3), David Lynch (1-0), Jonathon Cuskelly (1-0), Cathal Tynan, Alan Clarke, Kieran Glennon, Darren Ruane (inj), David Healion (inj)

Under 16 League Division 1

(8th May, 2008)

St. Malachy's/Ballinagore 4 - 12

Mullingar Shamrocks 1 - 10

Our Under 16s faced their toughest test so far against a strong Mullingar side in the fourth round of the League but retained their unbeaten status after an hour's entertaining football. Lining out without the services of Jordan Cassidy, Dean McDermott and David Healion the rest of the panel had to step up their game in order to compensate. Special mention goes to Niall Kelly and Diarmuid Garvin who played despite carrying injuries and Neal Kirby who played despite illness. Man of the match on the night was our goalkeeper Mike Dever who brought off some great saves and was always steady under the high ball. Our two 14 year olds, Niall O'Brien and Kieran Glennon were not far behind him on the night.

A speedy recovery is wished to Darren Ruane, Dean McDermott and David Healion who are currently on the injured list.

Panel: Mike Dever, Niall Kelly, Niall O'Brien, Kieran Glennon, Niall Gunning, Brian Killian, Luke Cassidy, Diarmuid Garvin, David Lynch (1-1), Luke Peppard, Aonghus Clarke, Cathal Tynan, Neal Kirby (2-5), Darren Ruane (1-6), Jonathon Cuskelly Subs: Enda Claffey, Eoin Quinn, Alan Clarke, Diarmuid Raleigh.

Under 16 League Division 1
(1st May, 2008)

St. Malachy's/Ballinagore 3 - 15

Maryland/Tang 1 - 03

Its now three wins out of three for this talented side after a comprehensive win over Maryland/Tang in this Divsion 1 game played in Ballinagore. A heavy shower just before the game caused underfoot conditions to the treacherous but this did not deter either team serving up a very enjoyable first half after which we led 1-8 to 1-3. The second half proved one-way traffic with the home team scoring 2-7 without reply to win the game far more easily than expected.

Panel: Mike Dever, Niall Gunning, Brian Killian, Niall Kelly, Luke Cassidy, Jordan Cassidy, Niall O'Brien, Diarmuid Garvin, David Lynch (2-2), Dean McDermott (0-1), Aonghus Clarke (0-2), Luke Peppard, Neal Kirby (1-2), Darren Ruane (0-8), Jonathon Cuskelly Subs: Cathal Tynan, Enda Claffey, Kieran Glennon, Diarmuid Raleigh.

Under 16 League Division 1
(17th April, 2008)

In our second game in Division 1, our Under 16s enjoyed a very easy victory over an understrength Ballynacargy team in Ballinagore. We started slowly which was probably due to not having had a game in almost two months but we improved considerably in the second half and combined very well in both defence and attack.

Panel: Dean McDermott, Brian Killian, Niall Kelly, Mike Dever, Jonathon Cuskelly, Jordan Cassidy, Diarmuid Garvin, Niall O'Brien, Darren Ruane, Luke Peppard, Neal Kirby, Aonghus Clarke, Diarmuid Raleigh, Alan Clarke, Cathal Tynan, Enda Claffey, Kieran Glennon, Niall Gunning, Luke Cassidy, Eoin Quinn.

Under 16 League Division 1
(22nd February, 2008)

St. Malachy's/Ballinagore 5 - 17

Garrycastle 0 - 05

Our Under 16s got the year off to a great start with a comprehensive victory over Garrycastle in a game played under lights on Friday 22nd February. As expected, in our first game of the year, it took us a while to settle and following a close first half we led 1-6 to 0-2 at half-time. Some positional switches at the break worked in our favour in the second half and the team really clicked into gear scoring some very well engineered points. A special word of thanks to all who drove to Garrycastle - it was great to see such support.

Team and scorers: Dean McDermott, Brian Killian, Niall Kelly, Mike Dever, Jonathon Cuskelly, Jordan Cassidy, David Lynch (2-0), David Healion, Diarmuid Garvin(0-2), Niall O'Brien, Darren Ruane(0-8), Luke Peppard (0-1), Neal Kirby(1-2), Aonghus Clarke(2-3), Diarmuid Raleigh. Subs: Alan Clarke, Cathal Tynan, Enda Claffey, Kieran Glennon, Niall Gunning (0-1), Luke Cassidy

Trip to New Ross

Last years sucessful under 14 team joined their hurling counterparts last weekend on a trip to New Ross. The group left Castletown on Saturday morning at 10 am and arrived at Good Counsel College in New Ross around 1 pm. Following a packed afternoon which included a soccer blitz, swimming, squash and a trip to the gym, dinner was served at 6 o'clock.

After dinner the McCarthy Cup made an appearance accompanied by Kilkenny star Willie O'Dwyer, a former pupil of the Good Counsel College, and the footballers and hurlers received their medals from last year. Willie O'Dwyer presented the hurling medals, while former Malachys and Westmeath star Aidan O'Brien presented the football medals.

A table quiz followed the presentation and the lure of the cash prize on offer for winners and runners up made this a competitive affair. At the end of the quiz three teams finished all square and it would take two tie-break rounds before an eventual winner was decided. Congratulations to Aonghus Clarke, Alan Clarke and Kieran Glennon who walked away with first prize, ahead of Neal Kirby, Conor Lynch and Niall Gunning.

After a 'sound' night's sleep by all, and breakfast in the college, the group headed to Kilkenny stopping off in Inistioge for mass. There was time for a brief visit to the new shopping centre in Kilkenny before heading to Nowlan Park to watch the Kilkenny/Dublin match. A stop off in Supermacs in Portlaoise rounded off the trip before arriving back in Castletown at 7:00 pm.

Many thanks to Pat & Aidan O'Brien for organising the accommodation and travel arrangements. Aidan is a PE teacher in Good Counsel college and ensured all facilities were made available to the teams for the weekend, including meals which were provided by the two very helpful ladies of the canteen staff of the college. Thanks to the mentors who travelled with the team - Ciaran Kirby, Pat Clavin, Matt Dever and Ray Gavin. Thanks also to Tommy Lynch for driving David down on Saturday, having just returned from holidays abroad. A speical word of thanks to bus driver Donie Scally who entered fully into the spirit of the weekend. see below for photos...

Circuit Training Commences

Circuit Training has been changed to 6 - 7 pm for 9th and 16th February.

12th February, 2008

Circuit training commences this Saturday, 2nd February, in St. Michael's Hall from 5 - 6 pm for the Under 16 and Minor panels. All players are asked to attend, wearing sports gear and runners.

29th January, 2008