LUACH €10 BLIAIN-IRIS OIFIGIÚIL COISTE CHONTAE NA GAILLIMHE C.L.G. GALWAYGAA ANNUAL 2012
ALL STARS NICOLA WARD Killkerrin/Clonberne was selected Connacht Ladies Football Young Player of the Year, and she was honoured at the All-Star Awards presentation banquet in Dublin. Two Galway players were honoured by the Camogie All-Stars selectors in the 2012 team. Niamh McGrath (on left) and Niamh Kilkenny (3rd left) are pictured with Sarah Noone who received an individual award from the All-Ireland Intermediate Championship, and Galway’s All-Star nominees Lorraine Ryan, Therése Donohue (formerly Maher), Martina Conroy, Veronica Curtin and Anne-Marie Hayes. Ladies Football All-Star Nominees Edel Concannon (Tuam Cortoon), Sinead Burke (Killannin) and Ger Conneally (Dunmore Mc Hales) World Medalists Eimear Ni Bhiadha, Ciana Ní Churraoin and Sinead Ni hAinli of Micheal Breathnach
CONTENTS EDITORIAL The Galway G. A. A Year Book committee is pleased to publish the 2012 edition. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all our contributors, the club officers and the professional journalists whose combined efforts ensure plenty of interesting and varied reading. Special thanks to Jim Carney, Mártan Ó Ciardha, Seamus O’Grady, Tadhg Ó Conghaile, Sean Walsh, Mick Curley and Gerry Larkin. Photos courtesy of the Tuam Herald, Connacht Tribune, Enda Noone, Tony O’Hehir, Johnny Ryan, Sportsfile and Seamus Finnerty. Our gratitude to all who helped with the proof reading and to Jacqueline in Castle Print for all the support over the last few weeks. Seamus Finnerty - Editor ConnachtFixtures2013...........................................2 CountyChairman’sAddress........................................3 Cunninghamlooksforwardto2013 .................................4 MacCarthyCupheartbreakforGalway ...............................5 SixHurlingAll-StarsforGalway....................................6 CancerCareWalk...............................................7 All-Ireland Intermediate Title and Senior Status for Moycullen Ace . . . . . . . . . . 8 SuccessfulyearforGalwayhandballers...............................9 GloryDayforClonbur...........................................10 LadiesFootball ................................................11 Presentations..................................................13 FootballBoardAwards ..........................................14 GalwayFootballFéile ...........................................15 Connacht Ladies Junior Champions, Annaghdown . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18 All-IrelandJuniorChampions .....................................18 Salthill-KnocknacarraGAA .......................................19 TedWebbTournament...........................................20 NorthGPCWinners.............................................21 CountyJuniorCWinnersandPresentations ..........................22 Minors’successboostsDunmoreMacHales ...........................23 CupPresentationtoGalwayFootballBoard ..........................23 Connacht Collegess Senior Football Champions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24 CountyHurlingChampions.......................................25 CoisteIomanananÓgnaGaillimhe ................................26 GalwayUnderageHurling........................................27 FéileHurlingFinal..............................................32 GalwayHurlingAcademies .......................................33 BallinasloeFootball ............................................34 Claregalway Juvenile Footballers Played with Distinction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 35 St.GabrielsGAA Club...........................................36 Galway Vocational School’s Hurling Champions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 37 St.Brigid’sVocationalSchool,Loughrea.............................38 CamogieDavittsFéileChampionship................................40 Galway All Ireland Minor Camogie Champions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 41 Camogie .....................................................42 CountyCamogieWinners ........................................43 Camogie.....................................................44 CraughwellCamogie............................................48 GalwayCamogieSeniorandIntermediate............................49 Galway Camogie Fundraising Night at Galway Greyhound Stadium. . . . . . . . . 50 Camogie .....................................................51 Galway-LeinsterChampions .....................................52 St.Thomas’sSeniorChampions....................................52 KillimordalyIntermediateChampions...............................53 TommyLarkinsMinor‘A’Champions................................53 CarnaCaisealSeaimpiníIdirmhéanach..............................54 LadiesUnder16All-IrelandChampions..............................54 SalthillKnocknacarraSeniorChampion..............................55 CorofinMinor‘A’Champions .....................................55 Ballinasloe Countyand Connacht Junior Champions. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 56 DunmoreMcHalesMinor‘B’winners................................56 St.JamesU-21‘A’Champions.....................................57 Naomh Pádraig, An Fhairche All-Ireland Junior Club Champions. . . . . . . . . . . 57 GalwayU16...................................................58 GaiscíghCharna-anChaisil.......................................59 HurlingSemi-FinalsinTuamand‘TheSwamp’........................60 Obituaries....................................................61 CumannnamBunscol...........................................62 Obituaries....................................................63 Success for Clarinbridge Juveniles and Camogie . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 65 Scór-FourConnachtScórTitlesforGalway..........................66 CoistePeilnanÓg..............................................67 Presentations .................................................74 NaomhMhuireOranmore/Maree...................................75 ClifdenJunior'A'CountyFinalists..................................76 Kilkerrin-Clonberne County U-21 'B' County Champions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 76 JackManganhonoured..........................................77 HurlingWinners...............................................78 CountyFinalists ...............................................79 CarnmoreGAA ................................................80 Galway Senior Football Championship Review . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 81 GiveRespect,ShowRespect.......................................82 Coaching and Games Development ‘Quality activity in 2012’ . . . . . . . . . . . . . 83 DevelopmentAcademies.........................................84 GalwaySeniorFootball2012Stats .................................86 Presentations .................................................87 100YearsofGAA HistoryinWest.................................88 TributetoKayWilliams .........................................90 Glinskcelebrates100years.......................................90 TommyLarkinscelebrate.........................................91 All Ireland Senior Football Champions – Galway Gardaí . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 91 Kilnadeema/Leitrim-Apromisingyear..............................92 GalwayLadiesFootball..........................................93 GalwayInterfirmsGAA..........................................94 DaraghSmalltalkstoNiamhDuggan...............................95 HurlingLeagueandChampionshipStats.............................96 FootballLeagueWinners.........................................97 Presentations .................................................98 GalwaySeniorTeam ............................................99 TheGathering................................................100 SeniorHurlingFinalists.........................................101 HurlingPresentations ..........................................101 GlinskLadiesFootballClub......................................102 PearsesCamogieWinners .......................................102 CumannPeileMaighCuilinn .....................................103 TuamHurlingClub ............................................104 Athenrycelebrate25years ......................................105 Turloughmore50yearsago......................................105 Tribute to legendary sportsman Máirtín Kelly, Williamstown . . . . . . . . . . . . . 106 OpendayasAnnaghdownGAAcelebrate125 ........................107 Aroundthegrounds ...........................................108 1
2 CONNACHT FIXTURES 2013 CONNACHT SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP 2013 PRELIM. Sunday 5th May NewYork Leitrim Gaelic Park Sunday 19th May - Replay 25th May Galway Mayo Pearse Stadium Sunday 26th May - Replay 1st June London Sligo Ruislip SEMI-FINALS Sunday 16th June - Replay 22nd June Galway/Mayo Roscommon Pearse Stadium/McHale Park Sunday 23rd June - Replay 29th June Leitrim/New York Sligo/London Carrick/Sligo FINAL Sunday 21st July - Replay Saturday 27th July CADBURYS CONNACHT U-21 FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP Extra Time in all games PRE LIM. Monday 18th March A: Galway v Sligo Galway Venue SEMI-FINALS Sat 23rd March Roscommon v Leitrim Roscommon Venue Mayo vA Mayo/Galway venue FINAL Saturday 6th April AISF 20th April (C v L). AIF 4th May CONNACHT MINOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP Extra Time in all games PRE LIM Saturday 22nd June ExtraTime A: Mayo v Leitrim MayoVenue SEMI-FINALS Sunday 23rd June ExtraTime Sligo v Roscommon Saturday 30th June ExtraTime Galway vA Galway/Leitrim Venue FINAL 21st July Replay Saturday 27th July JUNIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIPExtra Time in all games PRE LIM: Friday 3rd May A: Sligo v Mayo Sligo Venue SEMI-FINALS Thursday 9th May A v Leitrim Leitrim/Sligo Galway v Roscommon Galway Venue FINAL:19th May AISF 10th August ( C v L) AIF 23rd Aug U- 21 B HURLING CHAMPIONSHIPExtra Time in all games QR FINAL Wednesday 31st July A:Leitrim v Sligo Sligo Venue SEMI FINAL Wednesday 7th August B:Mayo v A Sligo/Mayo FINAL: Wednesday 14th August. B v Roscommon AISF 23rd August Final; 14th Sept AIB CLUB SENIOR FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP Extra Time in all games PRE LIM: 27th October A: Sligo v Roscommon SEMI-FINALS 10th November Galway v Mayo A vLeitrim FINAL: 24th November AIB CLUB INTERMEDIATE FOOTBALLCHAMPIONSHIP Extra Time in all games PRE LIM: 20th October A: Mayo v Galway SEMI-FINALS 3rd November Leitrim v Roscommon Av Sligo FINAL: 17th November. AIB CLUB JUNIOR FOOTBALLCHAMPIONSHIP Extra Time in all games PRELIM 20th October A: Sligo v Roscommon SEMI-FINALS 3rd November A v Leitrim Galway v Mayo FINAL: 16th November AIB CLUB INTERMEDIATE HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP Extra Time in all games SEMI-FINALS Monday 28th October A: Mayo v Roscommon Athleague FINAL: 17th November A: v Galway AIB CLUB JUNIOR HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP Extra Time in all games SEMI-FINALS Monday 28th October A: Sligo v Leitrim FINAL: 3rd November AvGalway FBD INSURANCE LEAGUE 2013 SECTIONA Top Team in each section qualifies for Final Round 1 6th January Venue Time NUIG Galway Pearse Stadium 2pm Sligo Sligo IT Kent Park 2pm Round 2 13th January Sligo NUIG Tourlestrane 2pm Galway Sligo IT Tuam 2pm Round 3 20th January Sligo Galway Enniscrone 2pm NUIG Sligo IT COE,Ballyhaunis 2pm Home Final 27th January 2pm Final 6th October NewYork SECTIONB Round 1 6th January Venue Time Roscommon Leitrim Elphin 2pm Round 2 13th January Roscommon GMIT Strokestown 7pm Round 1 16th Jan (Wed) Mayo GMIT Ballinrobe 2pm Round 3 20th January Leitrim GMIT Cloone 2pm Home Final 27th January Final 6th October New York CONNACHT MINOR LEAGUE 2013 Round 1. Mar. 15th Friday Venue Time Galway Longford 5. 00pm Round 2 Mar 23rd Saturday Sligo Galway 5. 00pm Round 3 Mar 30th Saturday Galway Mayo 5. 00pm Round 4. Apr 6th Saturday Galway Roscommon 5. 30pm Round 5 Apr. 13th Saturday Leitrim Galway 5. 30pm 2013 ALLIANZ FOOTBALL & HURLING LEAGUE FIXTURES February Sunday 3rd F Galway v Derry Pearse Stadium Sunday 10th F Louth v Galway Away Sunday 24th H Galway v Kilkenny Pearse Stadium March Sunday 3rd F Galway v Westmeath Tuam Stadium Sunday 10th F Longford v Galway Away Sunday 10th H Clare v Galway Away Saturday 16th F Laois v Galway Away Monday 18th H Galway v Tipperary Pearse Stadium Sunday 24th F Galway v Wexford Pearse Stadium Sunday 24th H Galway v Cork Pearse Stadium Sunday 31st H Waterford v Galway Away April Sunday 7th F Armagh v Galway Away
3 A Chairde Uilig, Onór mór dom’sa mar Cathaoirleach ar Coiste Conndae na Gaillimhe, Cumann Lúth-cleas Gael do’n chéad bliain, an reamhrá seo a cur ós comhair ár leitheoirí uilig. Táim ag súil go mbainfidh síbh go léir an táitneamh as na h-altanna agus na griangrafana ins an Iris Bliaintúil agus gabhaim buíochas an Coiste do gach éinne a cuidigh leis an Foilseachán seo a chur le chéile. In this, my first year as County Chairman, I warmly welcome all of our readers to the County G. A. A. Annual for 2012. I hope that you all enjoy reading the various articles and perusing the many photographs, in another excellent publication. The past year was an exciting one even though we failed to win an All Ireland Title in either code, at Inter County Level. Our Senior Hurling Team have done us all proud, by winning the Leinster Senior Hurling Final for the very first time. They brought us great enjoyment in all of their Championship games and it took a great Kilkenny team three games, before they beat us in a replayed All Ireland Final in a packed Croke Park on September the 30th. . The efforts and exploits of our young emerging Senior Team were handsomely rewarded when seven of the Team were honoured at the All Stars Banquet on October 26th. . Six of our Players were selected as All Star Hurlers and Johnny Coen was selected as Young Hurler of the Year. We warmly congratulate all of them including all of their colleagues who were nominated for consideration and we wish them every success in the exciting years ahead. Our Senior Footballers opened their Championship Campaign in great style with a classic performance in Hyde Park against Roscommon, on May 20th. . We had high hopes for the year, but Sligo slipped quietly into Galway City and terminated our Championship hopes with a strong performance in Pearse Stadium on June 9th. . Our Under Age Inter County Teams didn’t reach the heights of previous years, but that does not mean that as maturing adults, they cannot achieve success at higher levels, when opportunity presents itself in the years ahead. I sincerely thank all or our Inter County Management Teams for all of their efforts over the past year and I wish themselves and their respective Playing Panels every success in their endeavours in 2013. At Club Level, Cumann Naomh Pádraig, An Fhairce (St. Patrick’s G. A. A. Club, Clonbur) performed exceptionally well when they won the All Ireland Club Junior Football Championship Final with a narrow victory over Derrytresk, on February 12th. . This was a proud day for the people of Clonbur and particularly for John Joe Halloran, our Football Board Chairman, in his final year of Chairmanship. On the domestic scene, St. Thomas’ made history by beating Loughrea in the County Senior Hurling Final when they annexed the Tom Callanan Cup for the very first time, at their first attempt. We wish them well in the All Ireland series, along with Killiomardaly who won both the County and Connacht Intermediate Club Hurling Championships, in this their Centenary Year. Salthill-Knocknacarra won the County Senior Football Championship for the third time, beating Tuam Stars in the Final. Carna-Cashel are back in the big time, with a comprehensive win over Athenry in the Intermediate Football Final. Ballinasloe have made a great breakthrough, by winning both the County and Connacht Club Junior Football Finals. They have also reached a Junior Hurling Final, which confirms the efforts of many people in Ballinasloe over recent years, in this dual Club with a proud history. We wish both Carna-Cashel and Ballinasloe every success in their games in the All Ireland series also. Our congratulations to Corofin, Dunmore McHales, St. James’, Kilkerrin/Clonberne and Oughterard in their Football Final victories, in the various grades; along with Tommy Larkins, Portumna, Moycullen, Ahascragh/Fohenagh, Athenry and Skehana, who won their various Hurling Finals, in the different grades. We wish them all every success and express our gratitude to their Officers and Mentors, including the Officers and Mentors of all Club Teams in the County, who participated in over a thousand games in the different Competitions. We had a wonderful function in Tuam on August 4th. when the Jack Mangan Roundabout, linking the Sean Purcell and Frank Stockwell Roads was officially named and unveiled. Our gratitude to Mayor Eamon Kitt and his fellow Town Councillors, along with their Management and Staff for their professional execution of the occasion. Our thanks also to Jack and Evelyn Mangan and their Family for returning home, to fulfil a commitment which he made to Councillor Tom Reilly, whose idea the Project was initially. The occasion was marred by the unexpected death of the late Gerry Daly of Ballinasloe, the great 1956 full back, who died on his way to the function, while travelling with his fellow Clubman and 1956 Team mate, Gerry Kirwan. Galway Hurling lost one of its greatest stalwarts during the year in the passing of the late Ted Murphy of Castlegar, at a relatively young age. His ability and commitment showed him to be a man apart on many occasions for Club and County. We express our deepest condolences to the Daly and Murphy Families and to all of our families who suffered bereavements during the past year. The past year has been a challenging one for our Association in the County, from a financial perspective. We have concluded the restructuring of our financial indebtedness and now we must restructure and modernise our Committees and Systems, in order to fulfil our obligatory requirements. This month of December is a very busy one for all County and Club Officers and Delegates with six different Conventions and Annual General Meetings being held. Those will shape our future and consolidate our structures and ensure that each affiliated Club has a key role to play in all aspects of our Association, at both Club and County Levels. I wish to express my personal gratitude to our Chief Executive and County Secretary John Hynes for his commitment, leadership and professionalism in managing the affairs of our Association, at a vital time for our County. I also wish to thank our Administration Staff and all of our Officers at County Committee, Football and Hurling Committee and Juvenile Levels, for their collective efforts on behalf of the Association over the past year. Our Annual Year Book is being published and circulated once again in early December. This could not have happened without the dedicated efforts of our Editor, Seamus Finnerty from Annaghdown. He symbolises everything that is good in a G. A. A. Officer and we are very grateful to him once again. Beir Bua agus Beannacht, Nollaig Ó Treasaigh, Cathaoirleach. COUNTY CHAIRMAN’S ADDRESS Noel Treacy, Chairman
4 Galway Senior hurlers enjoyed a hugely entertaining and interesting 2012. With Anthony Cunningham’s management team settling in since their appointment in late 2011, there was a new look to the squad for 2012. The team reached the Walsh Cup Final and the Inter Provincial Final (in the guise of Connacht); while it took a replay win over Dublin to maintain Division 1 National Hurling League status. In the Championship though, Galway took off and the epic win over Kilkenny in the Leinster final paved the way for a first AllIreland Final appearance since 2005 where ultimately Galway came up short after a replay. Sean Walsh spoke to Galway manger Anthony Cunningham about the season gone by and what lies ahead. SW: The League was a mixed bag. How important was the relegation final replay win over Dublin? AC: In hindsight the replay performance was a very strong indication of the level we could get up to performance wise. Players were certainly coming back to form and the players individual games were gelling together so all in all it was an excellent confidence booster for the Leinster Championship. SW: How difficult was it to marry the young players you brought in into the squad? AC: Players playing in their first season like Niall Burke, Conor Cooney and Niall Donoghue were adapting very well in the league games and early season games. Overall all the new young players were training very well and they were learning from the very professional attitude and the extent of extra conditioning work the more established players were continually executing outside of scheduled training days. SW: The early championship games were negotiated with a degree of comfort, before the performance in the Leinster Final really grabbed the attention of the hurling world. Your thoughts? AC: The Galway Management would have been happy with the progress in training in the run up to the Leinster Final and with a strong emphasis on coaching and a lot of hurling game time we were confident that we could step up to a higher level and challenge Kilkenny. It was satisfying to all that we could get to that level – the challenge now is to get back up there, improve beyond the 2012 level and repeatedly produce such displays, which is a must in achieving success in 2013. SW: How big a factor is the hype surrounding the All-Ireland Final build up? Is it difficult to insulate players fromit? AC: To be honest concentration on proper preparation in training and improving our game in all aspects was taken on board by everyone; the players, the management and management support staff. This insulated us from all the external activities that go with finals and I think our performance in the final proved that we arrived with a very focussed mindset. SW: The All-Ireland Final drawn game saw Joe Canning equalise in the dying moments. It was the real game of two halves. What did you take from that drawn game? AC: Again for a young developing team we must learn to close out games that we are well in control of if we are to go on and beat Kilkenny and others in 2013. We certainly know we have the capability but we must realise we have to improve in all aspects of our game to advance!! SW: The replay was a game Galway seemed to be always chasing. What disappointed you most in that game? AC: The ten minute spell after half time was a period of dominance for us and we didn’t get the luck we deserved at that time. For instance a snippet of play initially waved on for an advantage to be then unusually stopped up for a free when in for a certain goal; and the goal effort the came back off the post were setbacks which all in all made it that bit easier for them to pull away. Had we got the goal chances (as we did in the Leinster final) I would be very confident we would have really excelled in the final twenty minutes. SW: After your first season, a standard has now been set. How do you bring that to the next level, and are there likely to be additions to your panel? AC: We will certainly look at all panellists in the early Walsh Cup matches and preparation games for the league and will also highlight the need to develop our pre-season conditioning work and increase our overall fitness and skill levels that will form a solid platform that allows us enhance our game during the Spring and early Summer. This will be required to give us a chance to get to the next level – but only if all panellists realise they must improve their own preparation and their own game. Our overall game needs to improve and provide a strong continuous improvement during the year to challenge for the ultimate honour. SW: After a busy year where you led Garrycastle to the All-Ireland Club final and a season where pride was restored in Galway hurling, what aspects of the year gave you the most satisfaction? Working with players that want to succeed and seeing their efforts coming together and producing excellent displays when it matters. The satisfaction that all Galway supporters enjoyed the season and their renewed pride in Galway Hurling was most enjoying – but all of us realise doing the same in 2013 will not be enough in this high stakes game – as winning really in the only game in town!!! BY SEAN WALSH Anthony Cunningham CUNNINGHAM LOOKS FORWARD TO2013
5 MacCARTHY CUP HEARTBREAK FOR GALWAY SCENES from the All-Ireland S. H. C. final replay, including Cyril Donnellan's characteristic determination and drive, bursting past one of Kilkenny’s new men, Cillian Buckley … before Cyril’s luck turned cruelly against him on the biggest day of the hurling year. Fergal Moore was an inspirational captain of Galway hurlers this year; he proudly led his team to the All-Ireland final but victory went to Kilkenny. RESPECT … from Kilkenny manager Brian Cody to Joe Canning.
6 HURLING ALL-STARS At back, from left: Brendan Bugler (Clare), David Burke (Galway), T. J. Reid (Kilkenny), Iarla Tannian (Galway), Brian Hogan (Kilkenny), Kevin Moran (Waterford), Joe Canning (Galway), J. J. Delaney (Kilkenny) and the Young Hurler of the Year, Johnny Coen (Galway). In front, from left: David Collins, Fergal Moore and Damien Hayes (all Galway), Henry Shefflin, Hurler of the Year (Kilkenny), John Mullane (Waterford), Anthony Nash (Cork), Paul Murphy (Kilkenny). SIX HURLING ALL-STARS FOR GALWAY Compiled by Sean Walsh Galway’s exploits in winning the Leinster Championship and reaching the All Ireland Hurling final were recognised at the All-Star awards ceremony in Dublin in October with Galway winning 6 All-stars in total – 1 more than All Ireland Champions Kilkenny. There were first time awards for Fergal Moore, David Collins, Iarla Tannian and David Burke, while Joe Canning and Damien Hayes each picked up their third awards. Galway's haul sees them represented in every line of the field bar goalkeeper, a slot occupied by Cork's Anthony Nash. Captain Fergal Moore won his first All-Star at left corner back - the Turloughmore man winning the fourth award for his club. David Collins was selected at No 7, receiving the third award in Liam Mellows’ history. Iarla Tannian capped a fine year by being selected at midfield becoming the second Ardrahan man – Bernie Forde being the first – to be honoured. In attack Damien Hayes won his 3rd award, this time at No. 12, while Joe Canning also received his 3rd All-Star, being named at full forward. David Burke created history by becoming the first St Thomas clubman to be honoured - he was selected at left corner forward. David follows in the footsteps of the Portumna duo Joe Canning and Damien Hayes who were Galway’s previous other award winners in the number 15 jersey. Joe Canning’s award sees the Canning brothers now join the Cooney brothers of Sarsfields on 7 All-Stars per each of the famous Galway hurling families. Fergal Moore’s award means that Galway have received more All-Stars – now a total of 10 – in the number 4 position than any other position on the field. The six awards won in 2012 bring Galway’s overall total to 79 AllStars, with Pete Finnerty and Joe Cooney leading the way with five awards each. Fittingly, Loughrea’s Johnny Coen, who was unlucky not to make the All-Star team, received the Young Hurler of the Year accolade. This is the third time that accolade has come to Galway, with David Collins (2005) and Joe Canning (2008) being the previous winners. Henry Shefflin was named the Hurler of the year for the third time. 2012 GAA GPA HURLING ALL-STARS SPONSORED BY OPEL Anthony Nash (Cork) Paul Murphy (Kilkenny), JJ Delaney (Kilkenny), Fergal Moore (Galway) Brendan Bugler (Clare), Brian Hogan (Kilkenny), David Collins (Galway), Iarla Tannian (Galway), Kevin Moran (Waterford), TJ Reid (Kilkenny), Henry Shefflin (Kilkenny), Damien Hayes (Galway) John Mullane (Waterford), Joe Canning (Galway), David Burke (Galway) YOUNG HURLER OF THE YEAR Johnny Coen (Galway) Galway support at the All-Stars banquet in Dublin came from Hurling Board officers Joe Byrne and Malachy Hanley, James 'Tex' Callaghan of the county senior team management, Stephen Nohilly of Muintir na Gaillimhe, Dublin; Galway Hurling Board treasurer John McGann, Adrian Sylver; Mattie Kenny and Tom Helebert of the county senior team management, and County Board chairman Noel Treacy. Photo: Sportsfile, Dublin.
CANCER CARE WALK 7 Claregalway Group Greg Higgins, Gerry Moore, Tommy Coleman, Michael Ruane, Kieran McGrath and Adrian Faherty Ballinasloe Walk Clifden Walk Inis Aoibhinn Cancer Care West, Galway Football Walk Launch. Noel Treacy, Alan Mulholland, Jim Fahy and Finian Hanley Ml Breathnach Walk
8 On Sunday, 25th March in Tulla, Co. Clare, Martin Mulkerrins continued to show his class as one of the country’s finest young handballers by winning the All-Ireland Intermediate Singles Championship and by so doing the Moycullen handball ace has now been promoted to the senior ranks. It is indeed an incredible achievement which is all the more remarkable when one considers that Martin won a minor title only 6 months ago and is now one of the youngest players ever to reach senior status. Mulkerrins’ opponent on the day was the experienced Tipperary man, Ger Coonan from the Ballina club. Conan won the first on a 21-5 score line and the packed gallery in Tulla, including a large Moycullen contingent, felt it was a bridge too far for the young Tribesman and that Coonan, a beaten finalist at this grade 2 years ago, was on his way to an easy victory. But Mulkerrins was to come into his own in the second and with some exquisite serving and kill shots he levelled matters at a game each, winning 2111 to force the final to a tie breaker. Coonan made the first 4 points in the third and both players were displaying speed, power and amazing athleticism in their dual to get the upper hand. Mulkerrins levelled matters at 4 all. A variety of reverse spin and natural spin serves to the right corner were reaping good dividends for the young Moycullen man bringing him to a 15-6 lead and he looked to be all but over the line. However, the premier county don’t lie down and Coonan was to make one last effort, he picked some wonderful ball and narrowed the margin to 16-11 to heighten the already palpable tension. The players exchanged aces to 19-14 before Mulkerrins finished out 21-14 bringing to an end a 2 hour test of skill, stamina and endurance which had the crowd on their feet for a prolonged applause. The young Moycullen ace, at 19 years of age, has now earned the right to play senior handball, bridging a 29 year gap in Galway handball since fellow clubman, Eamon Conneely, was promoted to senior in 1983. It is noteworthy that Moycullen have senior status in hurling, football, super league basketball and now senior handball. HANDBALL : 1-WALL AND BIG ALLEY SEASON Traditionally, summer time heralds the onset of big alley and, in recent years, 1-Wall playing season. Players desert the 40x20 court and participate in the other two handball codes. In the lead-up to the 1-Wall Nationals, several 1-Wall tournaments are organised nationwide – in Galway, the Williamstown and Inis Mór competitions attract a lot of players. At the beginning of July the Nationals were played in The Citywest complex, Dublin, where 8 1-Wall courts and 4 Small Alley courts were constructed in the conference centre. Morgan Darcy brought home the NATIONALS Ruby Masters crown. Mulkerrins claims 60th USHA Collegiate Championship Martin Mulkerrins won the United States Collegiate Handball Open title in Springfield, Missouri, becoming the first Irish champion in over seven years. Mulkerrins, a first year Agricultural science student at UCD, overcame a number of top American and Irish players throughout the tournament. In the final the Galway native, showed experience beyond his years in dispatching University of Texas at El Paso’s Daniel Cordova in a thrilling 11-10 tiebreaker victory to secure the title and the number one spot in collegiate handball in the world. During the tiebreaker Cordova controlled large periods, eventually finding himself one point from victory at 10-6. Mulkerrins at this vital stage showed phenomenal cool, firstly regaining serve and rattling off five quick points to win the title. To put this victory in context, Mulkerrins has become the youngest winner of the event since Arizona’s Luis Moreno won the collegiate title in 2007. Since then Moreno has cemented his place as the United States number one pro player, so who knows what Mulkerrins’ future will hold if his current potential is realised. Martin Mulkerrins of UCD won the Men's Singles Open title over Daniel Cordova of UTEP, 21-8, (12-21), 1110. The American Handball Association has uploaded the game on You-Tube. 3 Gold and 3 Silver for Moycullen Players at the World Championships In total 23 Moycullen players participated in the World handball Championships held in the Citywest complex, Dublin. It was yet another great week for Moycullen handball at the Worlds Handball championships at City west, Dublin, 3 GOLD and 3 Silver Medals were bagged by Moycullen Handballers. In the Women's 'B' grade Róisín Ní Chonghaile, Moycullen, and her Michael Breathnach's partner Sinéad Ní hAinlí took Gold. A little later Morgan Darcy and his partner Jim Ryan from Tipperary claimed a well earned Gold in the Ruby Masters Doubles. Martin Mulkerrins and Kildare's Niall O Connor, who were defending the doubles crown they won in Portland in 2009, added a third GOLD to the Moycullen haul. Nicky-John Clancy won the silver in the veteran grade and Martin Mulkerrins picked up 2 silvers to add to his Gold, one in the One-Wall U19 doubles final and the other in the final of the 40x20 singles. ALL-IRELAND INTERMEDIATE TITLE AND SENIOR STATUS FOR MOYCULLEN ACE Martin, Morgan Darcy, Róisín and Nicky-John BY BRIAN MULKERRINS
9 SUCCESSFUL YEAR FOR GALWAY HANDBALLERS 2012 has proved to be a very successful year for Galway Handballers. With Ireland hosting the World Handball Championships minds were focused at an early stage and the training definitely paid off with Galway well represented in 40x20, 60x30 and One Wall competitions throughout the year. We would like to thank the Galway County Board for their generous support during our preparations for the World Handball Championships and indeed their support throughout the year. World Championships The Citywest Arena in Dublin hosted the 2012 World Handball Championships in what proved to be a monumental event in World Handball. The purpose built 21 court arena attracted unprecedented crowds to a handball event and the glass showcourt proved to be the main attraction hosting some spectacular games over the ten days. Galway Handball was well represented with 120 entrants from 9 different clubs ranging in age from Under 10s to Over 75s. After 10 days of intensive battle on the courts a number of Galway players emerged with Gold and Silver Medals. Pride of place goes to Ciana Ni Churraoin of Micheal Breathnach Handball Club who emerged with 3 gold medals, winning the U17 40x20 Girls singles, the U17 One Wall Girls singles and the U19 One Wall Girls doubles. This was a fantastic achievement from the golden girl of Galway Handball. Martin Mulkerrins of Moycullen Handball Club also had a very successful campaign winning gold in the U19 40x20 Boys doubles where he was partnered by Niall O’Connor of Kildare. Martin also won silver medals in the U19 40x20 Boys singles and the U19 One Wall Boys doubles again partnered by O’Connor. More Galway success came when Roisin Ni Chonghaile of Moycullen Handball Club teamed up with Sinead Ni hAinli of Micheal Breathnach Handball Club to win the gold in the 40x20 Women’s B doubles. The evergreen Morgan Darcy of Moycullen Handball Club won gold in the 40x20 Mens Ruby Masters doubles where he teamed up with Jim Ryan from Tipperary. Morgan Duggan of Annaghdown Handball Club came close but had to settle for a silver medal in the 40x20 Masters B singles. Heather Spellman of Williamstown Handball Club teamed up with Eimear Ni Bhiadha of Micheal Breathnachs Handball Club to win a silver medal in both the U13 Girls One Wall doubles and U13 Girls 40x20 doubles. In the Veterans One Wall singles the evergreen Nicky John Clancy of Moycullen Handball Club won a silver medal. Many other Galway entrants progressed through to quarter final and semi final stages and it is a credit to the preparation and training undertaken in the build up to the worlds. In all it was a tremendous 10 days of handball with 2000 players from 15 countries taking part in a showcase of world handball. Congratulations to all the medal winners and indeed all who participated and we now look forward to the 2015 World Handball Championships in Calgary, Canada. All Ireland 40 x 20 Championships In the All-Ireland 40x20 championship Galway players contested a number of adult and juvenile finals. Moycullen’s Martin Mulkerrins won the Intermediate singles final while brothers Eamonn & Martin Conneely of the same club won the Golden Masters A doubles title. Gerry ‘Springer’ O’Fatharta of Micheal Breathnachs completed a notable double when winning the Diamond Masters B singles title and then teaming up with Meaiti O’Fatharta to win the doubles title. Elsewhere Galway players to lose out in All Ireland finals included Pat & Ollie Conway in the Intermediate doubles, William Corcoran & Mike Shaughnessy in the Golden Masters B doubles, Denis Phelan & Brendan McNeela in the Silver Masters B doubles, Morgan Duggan in the Masters B singles, Denis Phelan in the Golden Masters B singles, Trevor Hannon in the Over 35 B singles and Morgan Darcy in the Ruby Masters singles. At juvenile level Ciana Ni Churraoin of Micheal Breathnach won the U16 singles title while Heather Spelman and Elaine Mitchell of Williamstown won the U15 doubles title. Irish 40 x 20 Nationals Kingscourt hosted the annual Irish 40x20 Handball Nationals where the cream of Irish handall talent came together to showcase their talent. While Robbie McCarthy (Westmeath) and Aisling Reilly (Antrim) won the respective Mens and Ladies Open finals, Galways main focus of interest lay elsewhere with a number of players reaching the final stages. Pride of place goes to Martin Mulkerrins (Moycullen) on winning the Boys 19 and under singles final defeating Niall O’Connor (Kildare) in an enthralling final 21-19, 21-18. Ciana Ni Churraoin (Michael Breathnach) was dominant in her victory in the Girls 17 and under singles displaying a maturity beyond her years. Ciana last years U16 All-Ireland champion brushed aside the challenge of Lauren O’Riordan (Roscommon) last years minor all-ireland champion on a scoreline of 21-14, 21-10. Both Martin & Ciana went on to represent Ireland in the World Handball Championship being held in Citywest in October. In other finals Morgan Duggan (Annaghdown) secured his first nationals title in the Masters B singles with a hard fought victory over Jason Judge (Mayo) on a scoreline 21-12, 21-19. Denis Phelan (Moycullen) was defeated in the Golden Masters B singles final by Conor McDonnell (Monaghan) 21-12, 21-16. Morgan Darcy was defeated in the Ruby Masters singles final by Seamus Graham (Antrim) 21-19, 2111. Collette Connaughton (Williamstown) was defeated in the Ladies Challenger singles final by Christina Donoghue (Offaly). All Ireland 60 x 30 Championships In the 60x30 championships all of our success came at juvenile level. Heather Spelman and Elaine Mitchell of Williamstown won the U14 doubles title while Eimear Ni Bhiadha & Anna Ní Odhrain Ní Mhurchú of Micheal Breathnachs won the U15 doubles title. Ciana Ní Churraoin followed up on her 40x20 title win by winning the Girls U16 singles title. There were final defeats for Martin Mulkerrins in the Intermediate Singles and Doubles where he teamed up with Ollie Conway of Williamstown in the latter. Moycullen’s Seamus O’Conghaile also lost out on the double when he was defeated in the U21 singles and doubles finals. Seamus teamed up with Alan Kelly in the doubles final. Diarmuid Mulkerrins & Cian O’Conghaile lost out in the boys U14 doubles while Conor Noone from Moycullen lost out in the boys U16 singles. One Wall Nationals The One Wall Nationals were hosted by Citywest Arena in Dublin and again Galway Handballers were well represented throughout the grades. Ciana Ni Churraoin of Micheal Breathnach continued her fine form by winning the Girls U17 singles and then teaming up with Lauren O’Riordan to win the Girls U19 doubles title. Elsewhere Morgan Darcy of Moycullen and Colm O’Cualain of Micheal Breathnach competed in an all Galway Ruby Masters Singles final where the Moycullen man won out. On the topic of One Wall Handball we congratulate Williamstown Handball Club and Inis Mor Handball Club on once again running very successful competitions this year. One Wall handball continues to grow in the county with many schools now erecting one wall courts. New One Wall courts have also been erected in Aras Bothair na Tra Salthill and Leitir Mór. We would like to thank all the clubs, schools, teachers, coaches, players and parents for their continued efforts which have evidently paid off in 2012. World Medalist – Morgan Duggan Annaghdown Handball Club Ciana Ni Churraoin Triple World Gold Medalist World Medalist Heather Spelman of Williamstown Handball Club
2012 will long be remembered as the glory year for Cumann Naomh Padraig, An Fhairche on achieving All Ireland honours for the first time in the history of our club. The story began in 2010, as our club had been relegated to Junior status from Intermediate grade. Following a think-in at club level the team mgt of Stephen Joyce, Patsy Carney, and Michael Philbin agreed to focus their full attention on regaining Intermediate status in 2010. The year proved to be satisfactory, but we fell short in the West Board final with a disappointing performance against Salthill/ Knocknacarra. After a few meetings with the players, it was agreed by all that winning the Junior title was our target for 2011. The year began with a very encouraging performance in Comortas Peile na Gaeltachta. We represented Galway in the finals in Donegal where we were narrowly beaten the eventual winners. This competition gave us great encouragement and determination. The seeds were laid for the forthcoming Championship. After a few encouraging wins in the League and Championship we were now convinced that this could be our year, which proved to be justified. We met Headford in the County Final in Pearse Stadium where we had a comfortable victory. After a few days celebration in the parish, where the cup was displayed in each of the schools ie Clonbur, Cloughbrack, Corr na Mona, Tirnakill it was down to training once again for the Connacht club championship. Confidence was high, as the lads felt that there was much more in this team. Our first outing in the competition was against the Roscommon champions Creggs in Tuam. We had an easy victory which spurred us on for our next encounter against Islandeady in the Connacht club final in Mc Hale Park. After a very close encounter we emerged victorious, thus winning our first Connacht title in the clubs history. This competition continued into 2012. Our opponents for the Semi Final was Ballivor the Meath and Leinster champions, in Carrick on Shannon. After a great performance we again emerged victorious. We were now in the coveted All Ireland Final. Our opponents were Derrytresk,the Tyrone and Ulster champions who came with a very high reputation. The lead up to the match was memorable. The villages were draped in blue and white and every house in the parish displayed bunting and flags showing their pride for our team prior to the big day. The club opened a shop in our local community centre where jerseys, hats, scarves, flags were for sale. The interest in the shop was so great that we ran out of goods on two occasions. The organisation prior to the trip to Dublin was immence. Tickets had to be secured, accommodation for the team and supporters had to be sourced in Dublin,transport arrangements were organised. The club executive were working day and night to organise events in order to finance the whole venture. The whole parish got behind the many fund raising events which proved to be a wonderful success. 22nd Feb was D. Day in Croke Park. The team travelled to Dublin by luxury coach. We left Clonbur on Sat 21st amidst a rousing send off by all of the parish, from babies in cradles to old men on the sidewalks, some of whom were noticed to drop a tear with pride of our parish team. We even had the distinction of having a Garda escort out of the county. On arrival at our hotel in Dublin (Regency Hotel) and a cup of tea, the team paid a familiarisation trip to Croke Park and dressing rooms. This was an excellent idea, as it gave some of the younger members of the team an early insight into this vast arena. Sunday morning soon became a reality. After a beautiful mass which was celebrated by our P. P Fr Peter Connolly in the hotel and attended by hundreds of our loyal supporters who had travelled to Dublin to be with the team at this historic time. The game started at 2. 15 and after a slow start we found ourselves 4 points down at half time. The second half proved to be memorable for the team and supporters and we ran out eventual winners by one point. Cumann Naomh Padraig were All Ireland Junior champions for the first time in the clubs history. This was also the first time that a Galway team were crowned All Ireland Junior champions. The celebrations began at the Regancy Hotel with a banquet for the team. Approx 400 people attended the celebrations and a wonderful night was enjoyed by all which went on until the early hours of Monday morning. The trip home to Joyce Country was unforgetable, with bonefires and banners waving in all of the villages from Galway to Joyce Country. On entering Mayo one of our stops was nearby Cong village where a huge crowd greeted the team. On entering Clonbur a crowd of up to 800 people greeted the team which lasted for up to 2 hours. After a wonderful meal hosted by the Burke family the team retired to their homes for a well earned rest. Tuesday would prove to be another memorable day for both the team and all of our schoolchildren in the four schools ie. Clonbur, Cloughbrack, Corr na Mona, Tirnakill (Maam). Each school was visited and photos of the All Ireland Champions, with trophy were taken. Hopefully these pictures of our historic team will prove to be a stimulus to all of our youth to follow in the footsteps of this team in the future. GLORY DAY FOR CLONBUR BY PAT LAMBE HISTORY-MAKER: Liam Carney's winning point for Clonbur at Croke Park. Victorious Naomh Pádraig, An Fhairche captain Eoin Seoige and his father Steven (bainisteoir). 10
11 CALTRA LADIES FOOTBALL CALTRA LADY U16 CO CHAMPIONS Back Row left to right: Lisa Naughton, Rachel Hurley, Rhianne Kelly, Niamh Nolan, Ciara Naughton, Megan Kelly, Emma Burke, Katie Pender, Ciara Leonard, Aishling Gavin, Emer Hughes, Martin Noone Front Row left to right: Teresa Loughnane, Ryanagh Mannion, Aoife Mulry, Naimh Mannion, Caoimhe Ní Cheallaigh, Emma Reaney, Katie Kindregan, Niamh Geraghty, Aishling Hynes, Ciara Mannion, Aidan Burke Megan Kelly Captain and Con Moynihan Chairperson CLAREGALWAY FÉILE LADIES Back Row left to right: Sky Nash, Ellie Glynn, Emma Connelly, Emma Finneran, Shauna Flaherty, Lorna Mulally, Grace Cahill, Rebecca Hansberry, Niamh Frances, Laurie Moran, Joan Gavin (mentor), Rachel O'Brien, Chloe Donnelan, Rebecca Downes, Clodagh Murphy, Christiana Hanley, Laura Field, Eva Gilmore, Front Row left to right: Rachel Kililea, Aoife Philips, Aisling Murphy, Megan Shaugnessy, Aoife Gavin, Andrea Glynn, Stephanie O Connell, Orla O'Gorman, Ava Fitzmaurice, Keeva Gallagher, Gwen Horkan, Leah Flemming, Deirdre Keane, Catriona Moran. Mike Downes and Jimmy Gavin with Sky Nash after Claregalway won the Div. 4 U14 ladies league football final 2012 COROFIN LADIES FOOTBALL COROFIN SENIOR COUNTY CHAMPIONS 2012 Back Row left to right: Emer Leonard, Ciara Ryan, Roisin Leonard, Tracey Leonard, Cliodhna Moloney, Leonie Higgins, Nicola Costello, Lisa Leonard, Roisin Hession, Michelle Glynn, Patricia Gleeson, Sheila Fitzgerald Front Row left to right: Fiona Cooley, Dearbhla Gower, Iona Burke, Eve Higgins, Chloe Roache, Aoife Creaven, Meabhdh Maloney (Captain), Emma Quigley (Mascot), Orla Newell, Aoife Newell, Chelsey Blade, Leanne Coen. Also Dervla Higgins, Tara Creaven and Aine Seoighe missing from photograph. Con Moynihan Chairperson presents the trophy to Meabhadh Maloney
12 LADIES FOOTBALL ST. BRENDAN'S LGFC JUNIOR TEAM 2012 ST. BRENDANS LGFC U14 TEAM 2012 GLENAMADDY-WILLIAMSTOWN WERE ALSO CROWNED 2012 U-16 B COUNTY CHAMPIONS Back Row left to right: Martina Ruane (team management), Megan Heneghan, Sinéad Ryan, Symone Murphy, Niamh Carroll, Leanne Davis, Elaine Mitchell, Hazel Brogan, Sara Louise Lambe, Mairéad Kenny, Elaine Nee, Keith Davis (team management). Front Row left to right: Kathlynn Davis, Caoimhe Keaveney, Rebecca Kelly, Heather Spellman, Roisín Morgan, Mary Fahy (captain); Eimear McHugh, Marie Hegarty, Maeve Keaveney. Not in picture: Aoife Geraghty, Fia Molloy. GLENAMADDY-WILLIAMSTOWN TEAM WERE PROMOTED TO THE SENIOR GRADE FOR THE FIRST TIME Back Row left to right: Michael Gannon (team management), Megan Heneghan, Leanne Davis, Kelly Divilly, Rebecca Kelly, Symone Murphy, Michelle Conneally, Lorna Fallon, Hazel Deane, Johanna Connolly, Hannah Dolan, Claire Gibbons, Noelle Connolly, Nicola Conneally (team management), Patrica Keady (team management). Front Row left to right: Danielle Tully, Tara Tully, Emer McHugh, Mary Fahy, Ashling Hegarty, Heather Joyce, Cliona Gannon, captain; Ciara Clarke, Eilis Gannon, Niamh Fahy, Ann-Marie Flanagan, Marian Giblin. The St. Brendan’s U14 team won the Under 14B championship final and the division 3 league this year while the Junior team won the Junior D Championship. LADIES FOOTBALL INTERMEDIATE LEAGUE SHIELD WINNERS GLINSK Back Row left to right: Shane Curley, team manager; Clodagh Brennan, Roisín O'Brien, Naomi Scanlon, Alicia Collins, Lorraine Curley, Hannah Hannant, Bríd Cuddy, Christine Mannion, Rebecca Ward, Claire O'Toole, Ann Marie Cunniffe, Mary T Kelly, Caroline Barlow, Brianna Whyte Front Row left to right: Dervela Hurley, Lisa Nolan, Brigid Barlow, Laura Scanlon, Emma Curley, captain; Lisa Ward, Linda Kilheeney, Tanya Curley, Denise Ward, Caoimhe Hurley
13 PRESENTATIONS Finian Hanley Salthill-Knocknacarra with the Frank Fox Cup Corofin’s Jason Leonard Minor 'Man of the Match' Salthill-Knocknacarra’s Sean Armstrong in the Senior Final 'Man of theMatch' Carna Caiseal Captaen Seosamh Seoige J J Holloran presents the Man of the Match award to Paul Whelehan Ballinasloe in the Junior Final J J Holloran presents the Junior Cup to Ballinasloe captain Keith Kelly St James 'Man of the Match' Ronan O'Connell St James's Captain Johnny Duane with the County U-21 'A' Cup Dunmore McHales Michael Glynn presented with the Man of the Match award by Padraic Kelly
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