2016 Archive

Happy Birthday

In the celebrations afterwards unbeknownst to team manager Ollie Sexton, wife Taryn and kids had planned a 40th birthday celebration which turned into a great evening. Congrats Ollie. A great evening for all

Club AGM

Held on Friday November 11th, the well attended meeting heard reports from chair Bart Barrins who bowed out after 3 years, secretary Ronan Keane and treasurer Darren Ruane. The following was the election of officers

President: Jim Curran Patron: Fr. Des Kelly Chairperson: Gerry Healy Vice Chairperson/Bord na nÓg Chairperson: Eamon Cawley Secretary: Ronan Keane

Asst. Secretary: Barry Judge Treasurer: Darren Ruane Asst. Treasurer: Shane Feeney

PRO: Bart Barrins Website Administrator: Bart BarrinsLotto Co-ordinator: Geraldine McDonnell Insurance Officer: Michael Langan Co. Board Delegate: Coaching & Development Officer: Philip McAloon Registrars: Sean Gordon, Gerry Curley, Enda Curran, Darren Ruane Oifigeach Cultuir & Teanga: Ciarán Kilcullen

Childrens Officers: David Durkan and Gerry Healy Schools Coordinator: Philip McAloon. Thanks to David Durkan who also bowed out after 5 years as vice chair/bord na nóg chair

Charity Match and Club Social

The charity match and club social will take place on December 27th. The charity will be announced next week. The social will take place in Muddy Burns where the club awards and U21 medals will be handed out. More info to follow

Lotto

The lotto jackpot for €7400 was held in Mahoneys on Saturday night. The numbers drawn were 3 11 12 28. There was no winner. There was 5 match 3 winners though, Nathan Tuffy, Orrie Ruane, John Ruthledge, Nicole Harrison, John+Carmel Judge.

Next draw in Muddys on Saturday Dec 3 where the jackpot will be €7600. Please support

Hurling

After a long but very good year our young hurlers finished their Sunday morning sessions with a bit of a party last Sunday week. Thanks to all the players, coaches, parents. Special thanks to Pat Flynn and David Durkan who lead the way all year.

Sad news

The news came out on Friday that after 131 years the local shop Tuffys will be closing at Christmas. A strong supporter of all parish events the parish now will have no shop. Thanks to Tom, Fidelma, Lauren and all the Tuffy family through the years for their support and service to the parish.

Best Wishes

We woke up to the news on Tuesday that Patrick Cleary had been called in for a kidney transplant. All going well and we wish P, Helena and kids all the best. Patrick organised our "Kicking for Kidneys" charity match 2 years ago. Also on Tuesday another big man Paddy Joe Barrins had his knee replaced. He was feeling sorry for himself at the game on Sunday but I suppose he still got there and he hopes to play in the charity game at Christmas

AGM 2016 held November 11

At a well attended agm held in the Centre on Friday night plans and officers were put in place for 2017.

Reports from chairperson Bart Barrins, secretary Ronan Keane and treasurer Darren Ruane were read out, discussed and accepted by the meeting. The election of officers took place

Officers elected for the coming year are:

President : Jim Curran

Patron: Fr Des Kelly

Chairman: Gerry Healy

Vice Chair: Eamon Cawley

Secretary: Ronan Keane

Asst Sec: Barry Judge

Treasurer: Darren Ruane

Asst Tres: Shane Feeney

Registrars: Gerry Curley, Sean Gordon, Enda Curran & Darren Ruane

PRO: Bart Barrins

Cultural Officer: Ciaran Kilcullen

Coaching Officer: Philip McAloon

Child Protection Officer: David Durkin & Gerry Healy

Schools Co-Ordinator: Philip McAloon

Lotto Co-Ordinator: Geraldine McDonnell

We wish them all the best in the year ahead.

The club would like to thank Bart Barrins for the last 3 years as chairman and David Durkin for the last 5 years as vice chairman.

Weekly Update

FRANK KELLY 5K RUN/WALK

The committee are working in the background to get everything up and running for the 4th running of the event. It is taking place on Sunday July 24th at 3pm so mark into your diaries

County teams

Well done to Kevin McDonnell who had fine game in the win over Leitrim on Saturday. Hard luck to Seán Carrabine who was in line for man of the match (as was Kevin on Sat) in the Connacht minor champ loss to Roscommon. Seán scored 1-3 from play in the game. It was great to see 7 lads from West Sligo involved.

U6/8/10

The teams continue to meet up and have great fun every Friday evening.

If you are at a loose end on a Friday I would recommend a visit to watch the training, it is great to see so many youngsters really enjoying themselves. Thanks to all the coaches, too many to name (which is very true and great that the club have so many qualified and vetted coaches)

U12

The teams made the journey to Croke Park with a large entourage who all had a great day and competed excellently and did their families and club proud. Well done all

Last Tuesday evening the 2 teams went down to St.Marys at Corballa. Nevertheless there was a lot of skill on show from both teams and there is no doubt these lads will be winning a lot of titles in the future.

Due to Croke Park trip the hurlers were playing on Monday evening in Sligo v Naomh Eoin and fell to a score of 6 v 2. Unfortunately the county coach and county hurling manager were unable to make training on Sunday with the coaches only receiving work at the last minute.

U14

The team finished the league on Thursday evening away in Coola when they were defeated by Shamrock Gaels in the league semifinal. They are now preparing for the championship

U16

The team received a last minute walkover from St.Johns last week and now have received the toughest draw in the league semi final when we travel to table toppers St.Pats next Monday.

Minor

We had Tourlestrane in Corballa for a very exciting game last week that finished on a scoreline of 2-15 v 7-8. The team are now preparing for the league semifinal where they have been drawn at home again to Tourlestrane.

Division 4

The team were very busy in the last week recording wins over Drumcliffe and Tourlestrane in the last few days. They are out again on Sunday afternoon in a big game versus Calry. Currently we are top of the table but may need to win the last game to reach the divison 4 final. Well done to all the squad and management

Intermediate

With the county team in action we have not had much except for the secondary competition where we had Farnans as visitors last Sunday in a game where we played very well against the wind in the second half to pull away and win. Our involvement in this league is now at an end.

We are due to play St.Pats in the last league game but no definite date due to Sligo co team.

This weeks fixtures

June27 U12 teams go to Croke Park

2 busloads of supporters were collected at the community centre at 5:30am for the trip to headquarters. Despite the early all were in great spirits. A brillant day was had by all and thanks to all who organised such a memorable day that will live long. Hopefully we will see some of our future stars there competing for club or county in the coming years

June 26 Benson Cup Castleconnor 0-5 v St.Pats 4-6

The senior lads were in Skreen on Sunday morning. We can not progress further in the competition and after we went behind later in the first half it did look like that. We started well and moved into an early lead but 3 goals in the last 10 minutes made the second half a non event.

Next Sunday we have Farnans at home in the last round of this competition

June 23 U14 QF Castleconnor 3-3 v BallymoteBunninadden 4-16

The quarter final of the league took place in Corballa with league leaders Bally/Bunny our opposition.

At halftime we trailed 0-1 v 2-7 but put in a good show in the second half and deserved to be a lot closer.

We now go into the shield and travel to Shmarock Gaels next Thursday

This weeks PRO notes

Frank Kelly 5k Fun Run/Walk

The Frank Kelly fun run/walk takes place on July 24th at 3pm. Put it into your diary. Always a great day out.

Well done to all involved in the Stokane 6k last weekend.

Good luck

Good luck to Seán Carrabine and the Sligo minors who are in action this Saturday in the Connacht championship v Roscommon.

Well done to Kevin McDonnell who was part of the Sligo senior team last week. They are in action v Leitrim in Markievicz Park on either July 2 or 3.

Lotto

We had no winner on the club lotto with a jackpot of €5200. We had 3 x match 3 with Pakie Kilcullen, Matthew Flannelly and Mary Ruane missing out on the main prize. They share €150 between them.

Thanks to all who have renewed their yearly tickets.

Div2 Castleconnor 0-16 v Owenmore Gaels 2-10

This game was played on Saturday evening in Corballa with us leading for most of the game. At halftime we lead 0-9 v 1-4 but midway through the second half we went behind by 1 but responded well and retook the lead and it required 2 injury time points from the visitors to draw level.

Next weekend we are away to St.Pats in the Benson Cup

U16

The team minus the exam students traveled to Scarden for the county 7 a side tournament. We were placed in a tough group with Eastern Harps, Tourlesetrane and Calry. Despite failing to come out of the group it was a good run out for the lads

U14

The A team are at home in the league playoffs against the divisions runaway leaders Ballymote/Bunninnadden on Thursday evening. Good luck to all

U12

The teams travel to Oxfield on Tuesday evening to take on Drumcliffe/Rosses Point in the div 1 and 3 leagues. The 2 teams had useful workouts with games versus Bonniconlon and Easkey.

The teams are also traveling to Croke Park next Monday June 27th where they will play 3 teams each and then get a tour of the stadium. Thanks to the organisers of this which is a great experience for kids and families

U6/8/10

This group had 2 outings last week with training Fri and games versus Farnans during the week.

A reminder to all parents/guardians that the Cúl camps take place in Corballa on the week of July 11th. A great week is assured.

Minor

The minor team are back in action on Friday evening with a home game v Tourlestrane. This young team are doing very well in B but will not be able to use county players on Friday evening.

Euro 16 update

Thanks to all that entered the competition. Currently one of our youngest members is leading the competition Fionn Gordon with grandad Seán in third. A long way to go yet though

Sympathy

The club were shocked and saddened when news filtered through on Thursday evening at the sudden death of Fintan Tuohy Bonniconlon. Condolences to the family and GAA club.

June11 Benson Cup Castleconnor 0-13 v St.Johns 2-19

We traveled to Johns for the second time in 2 weeks with a very depleted squad. However we fulfilled the fixture unlike 6 other games which resulted in walkovers.

We got off to a good start and lead 10 v 8 at halftime but once we conceded the first goal in the second half we were always in trouble.

June10 Minor co 7 a side

The team played St.Johns and eventual winners TubbercurryCloonacool on Friday evening. With lads doing exams unavailable and a number of others not traveling the team put up a great show against the champions but were well over run by Johns. Thanks to all involved

June 9 U14A Castleconnor 6-7 v Shamrock Gaels 5-15

The team traveled to Riverstown to take on Shamrock Gaels in the A league. This was a ding dong affair with the result in doubt till the very end. Goals from Thomas Langan (3) Eli O'Neill, Oisín Flynn and Owen Gillard were not enough as we went down 6-7 v 5-15

June 8 Enniscrone visit

Enniscrone were visitors to Corballa on Wednesday evening and it was great to see almost 60 children get to play and display their skills on a great evening. Well done to all involved

June 7 U12F Castleconnor 28 v St.Johns 2

The result was never in doubt after the first few minutes when we changed at the end of the first quarter when leading 7 v 1 which just kept getting bigger and bigger as the game wore on.

The U11 team had no fixture as St.Johns were unable to field for this game

June 5 Benson Cup Castleconnor 2-10 v Easkey 4-9

In a sweltering Corballa where ice baths would have been welcomed we went down to Easkey. All through this was a close game but our inability to hold out the visitors forward line proved costly. Goals by Kevin Langan and Jason Earlis meant this game was there in the melting pot till the end but we could not find a way through.

June 3 Div 4 Castleconnor 1-19 v St.Farnans 0-12

The junior team moved to joint top of the division 4 league with a comprehensive win over local rivals Farnans. At half time we lead 12- 6 with points from John Cullen (2), P. Naughton(2), R.Martin(4), Jason Earlis, Mattie Cullen and Vinny Howley

The second half was back and forth but Jack O'Hora came on and scored a screamer into the corner the game was over.

May31 Div4 Castleconnor 1-16 v Owenmore Gaels 1-8

Despite neither team scoring for the first 10 minutes we went in at the break well in command with a 1-11 v 0-2 lead. The goal a good effort from Jason Earlis with points coming from P. Naughton, Vinny Howley, Paul Kilcullen, John Cullen and Paul Sweeny.

The second half was a much tighter affair with Brian Feeney a lot more busy than Anto Kilcullen in the first half and when he was eventually beaten it was too late for any panic.

The team travel to Farnans on Friday evening.

May31 U12HL Castleconnor 11 v Coolera/Strandhill 2

The lads had a handy enough win on Tuesday evening. They were in control from early on and got back to their winning ways with ease

May30 Div2 Castleconnor 1-13 v St.Johns 1-5

This was an unexpected victory with so many lads away on holidays or J1 visas but the young lads stepped up to produce our best performance of the year. Things did not look good when we trailed 1-4 v 0-2 after 18 minutes but an excellent goal from Cian Barrins followed by points from Tom Cawley, Mattie Cullen, P.Naughton and Kevin Langan had us go in at half time leading 1-6 v 1-4

The Carraroe boys struck 4 bad wides early in the half and then we took over scoring 6 unanswered points from Paul Kilcullen, Cullen, Langan and Paul Sweeney to win in the end comfortably.

Team: C.Gordon, C.Gallagher, B.Howley, S.Durkan, C.Barrins, J.O'Hora, P.Kilcullen, K.Langan, P.Sweeney, M.Cullen, B.Kelly, J.Earlis, P.Naughton, T.Cawley

May28 Minor 7 a side tournament

We were the hosts of the West Sligo portion of the county championship. As Easkey did not show up there were 2 places to fight for between 3 teams. We faced St.Farnans in the first game and lost 4-4 v 0-7.

The following game saw Enniscrone go down heavily to Farnans which meant the final game between ourselves and Enniscrone was a winner takes all game. We lead at halftime 2-1 v 0-1 and extended that out further but 3 late goals from the visitors was not enough and we went through on a scoreline of 4-3 v 3-3.

Thanks to the volunteers on the evening who helped out and the pitch committee had everything looking very well

May 25 U12 Castleconnor v Shamrock Gaels

The 2 teams travelled to Riverstown on Tuesday to take on Gaels. The division 1 team were defeated by 4 scores where the div 3 team had a large margin win.

U16 Castleconnor 1-1 v St.Pats 2-21

The weakened team played in Dromard and despite some good performances we were outclassed throughtout the field. The lads kept going to the end but had no answer to the league winners in waiting. Team: L.Donnegan, D.Barrins, R.Winters, D.Boland, F.Boland, A.Blakeney, O.Flynn, J.Tully, O.Gillard, P.Cooney, M.Blakeney

Barry refs Connacht Junior Final

Congrats to Barry Judge who did an excellent job in reffing the Connacht JFC final at Carrick-on-Shannon Sunday before the Leitrim v Roscommon senior game.

May 23 Div 2 Castleconnor 4-16 v Ballymote 1-11

The lads were at home on Sunday in this vital clash in division 2. As has been the case all year both teams were weakened but we got off to a good start and had rushed to a lead of 1-9 v 0-2 before halftime with Stevie Curley and Matthew Cullen causing most of the trouble

At halftime the score had been narrowed to 1-9 v 0-5. Things got worse at the start of the second half and the lead was down to 2 but 3 goals in a 5 minute spell from Curley, Paul Sweeney and Jack O'Hora eased us home.

An excellent performance from Matthew Cullen and Stevie Curley who is off to the US this week gave us the points.

May 21 Minor league Castleconnor 0-9 v Coolaney/Mullinabreena 3-17

Played in Bunninnadden on Friday evening we arrived with a depleted squad with a large number of u16 players we kept ourselves in the game with Sean Carrabine, Odhran Quinn and Micháel Cahill scoring but at halftime we trailed 0-5 v 2-9. The power of the home team showed in the second half and they continued to score with ease. Next outing for the team is the West Sligo 7-a-side which will be held at Corballa on Friday May 27

May17 U12 hurling Castleconnor 0-4 v Benbulben Gaels 0-13

The team made the long journey to North Sligo on Tuesday evening but came away with nothing. This was a good workout for the team and showed where they need to improve

May12 U14 A Castleconnor 1-8 v St.Marys 3-15

In balmy Corballa on Thursday evening we were treated to a good game of football. It took us a long time to get moving and trailed by 2-3 v 0-0 after 20 minutes but at the break we were losing 3-4 v 0-4.

It was topsy turvy for the first 15 minutes and we had brought the lead down to 6 points but the strength of Marys was shown in the last 10 minutes and they pulled away.

Team: L.Donnegan, D.Ruane, G.McHale, J.Rafter, C.Flynn, L.Gilmartin, E.O'Neill, R.Winters, O.Gillard, O.Flynn, D.Flynn, P.Cooney, T.Langan, M.Blakeney,

May10 U12A Castleconnor bt St.Molaise Gaels

U12c Castleconnor 0-10 v Molaise Gaels 0-18

Another busy evening at Corballa with both U12 teams being well tested in 2 competitive games which were entertaining and in the balance to the last few minutes.

Well done to all involved

May9 U16 Castleconnor 4-10 v St.Michaels 2-5

The team enjoyed their first win of the season with a well deserved victory at home on Monday. With a tightened pitch for the 11 a side we got off to a good start with goals from James Tully and Ronan Wilson but before half time we were pegged back and only lead 2-4 v 1-5.

We got into our groove early in the second half with points from Tully, Oisin Flynn, Wilson after good approach work from Owen Gillard, Patrick Cooney and Rian Winters. At this time the lads in the back had tightened up considerably with Colm Naughton, Fergal and David Boland having their best games of the year. Andrew Blakeney covered in front of the defence with a good range of passing.

Goals in the second half from Oisin Flynn, and Ronan Wilson finished off the game but Liam donnegan, Daniel Ruane and Dáire Barrins were not letting anything in the other side. A very good result for the lads

Team. L.Donnegan, D.Ruane, D.Barrins, C.Naughton, D.Boland, F.Boland, A.Blakeney, R.Wilson, O.Flynn, R.Winters, J.Tully, M.Blakeney, O.Gillard, P.Cooney

Busy week ahead

This week we host 4 games in 5 days at home starting this evening Monday

U14 football v St.Michaels at 7

Tue

U12 football, v St.Molaise Gaels in A and C grade

Thur

U14 A football v St.Marys

Fri

Minor football v Curry

Hope the weather stays good for pitch committee :)

May 3 U12 HL Rd3 Castleconnor 3 v Tubbercurry/Cloonacool 6

Our young team played at home to a physically stronger Tubber team but were always on the back foot. Despite the disadvantage the lads worked their socks off and were in the game till the final minutes.

May 1 Div 4 Castleconnor received a walkover from St.Michaels

Apr30 Div2 Castleconnor 1-9 v St.Farnans 1-10

Played in Templeboy on Saturday evening we were slow out of the traps when playing against the breeze and trailed 4 nil after 15 minutes. But a strong end to the half saw us lead 1-5 v 0-5 with the goal coming from Paul Sweeney after Brian Howley was taken down.

We kept the lead but lost Stevie Curley, Brian Howley to injury which disjointed our forward division and the teams were level with 10 to go. We pulled out to a 3 point lead again which we held in injury time but Farnans got a goal in the 3rd minute of injury time and got a free the last kick of the game in the 4th minute of injury to lose by the minimum

Apr 26 U12 Div1 Castleconnor 17 v Tourlestrane 4

Div 3 Castleconnor 18 v Tourlestrance 14

The teams travelled out the gap to Tourlestrane on Tuesday evening and put on a great show in the two games.

Apr 26 Minor Castleconnor 1-11 v St.Molaise Gaels 3-10

On a busy Tuesday evening this back game that was changed due to the Strictly come dancing was a close run thing throughout but despite the lads putting in a good performance throughout we could not break through for the all important goal.

Apr25 U16C Rd3 Castleconnor 0-1 v St.Johns 7-14

Before a ball was thrown in at Carraroe it was very obvious that there was a huge physical difference between the teams. This was more apparent when the tackles went in and our lads simply were not big enough. Liam Donnegan played excellently in goals till picking up an injury just before half time when our only score from Ronan Wilson was scored. We improved further in the second half however there was no hope of a victory

Apr 24 Div4 Castleconnor 4-18 v St. Molaise Gaels 0-7

Both sides had the bare minimum of players for this re-fixture but the class of our lads with some good long range points from John Cullen and Vinny Howley at the nd of the goal chances meant we had a good bit to spare long before the whistle to end was blown

Apr 23 Div2 Castleconnor 0-9 v Bunninnadden 1-9

We wasted a good chance to get 2 points when we only played for the second half. In the first we played with the wind but trailed at ht 1-5 v 0-2. we upped our play in the second half and reduced the deficit to 1 point with 5 minutes to go but 2 late attacks from the visitors secured victory.

Next weekend the team is away to St.Farnans

Apr 22 U14A Rd3 Castleconnor 6-14 v TubbercurryCloonacool 6-4

An excellent performance from this young team throughout the game. Against the breeze in the first half the lads took a good hold on the game and with Liam Donnegan acting as a one man defence (saving 5 one on one)we turned over at half time leading by 5.

TubberCloon started brighter in the second half and with 12 minutes to go had equalised. A strong finish from our lads saw us put over a string of points and 2 goals made us safe in the final minutes.

Well done to all

Apr 19 U12 Hurling Castleconnor 0-26 v Easkey/St.Farnan 0-0

The U12 team continued their impressive run with a big win over local West division outfit away in Easkey on Tuesday evening.

The lads were in control from the first whistle and all got a good run out.

Apr18 ~Minor B Rd2 Castleconnor 3-11 v Balymote 0-14

This was a very entertaining game played in Ballymote on Monday evening. We lost Elliot Beardshall early to an injury. The play was frantic from both sides with some great scores and some bad misses. Both defences in the first half turned over a lot of possession but the difference between the teams was 2 goals scored by us, the first a mistake from the keeper and the second a cheeky chip from Luke Munnelly leaving the half time score as 2-4 v 0-9

After the first score of the half we hit a purple patch with our scoring 1-2 in aminute, the goal from Danny O'Hora. However the game was never in the bag until Ronan Wilson followed by a quick 2 from Sean Carrabine settled the nerves. The team are out again on Friday evening at home.

Team: K.Healy, F.Boland, J.Boland, N.Judge, M.Cahill, B.Foody, P.Flynn, O.Quinn, D.O'Hora, S.Carrabine, E.Beardshall, B.Mahoney, L.Munnelly, R.Wilson, D.Barrins

Apr 17 D2 Rd4 Castleconnor 1-4 v Geevagh 0-12

The longest trip of the year took place on Sunday and after the extended celebrations the nights before after the successful Strictly come Dancing it could not have been tougher.

The backs put in a good hours work and the Geevagh scoreline is a testament to them playing very well. However too many lads did not get the ball to stick, at halftime we only trailed by 0-5 v 0-2 both points from Stevie Curley.

The first 5 minutes of the second half was were the damage was done with 5 points scored by the home team to set the platform for their victory. We did manage to pull ourselves somewhat back into the game but our shooting boots were not with us. A last minute penalty dispatched by Paul Sweeney brought the game to an end.

Next Saturday evening we have Bunninnadden as visitors in this league

Apr 14 U14H Castleconnor 1-0 v Tourlestrane 11-5

The U14 hurlers backboned by the U12s endured a tough evening when Torulestrane visited. The opposite was the case the previous week at u12 but there was no mistake who were stronger. With a number of lads unavailable the team valiantly kept going till the end

Apr 12 U12A Rd2 Castleconnor 11 v Coolera 17

U12C Rd2 Castleconnor 22 v Coolera 10

Thanks to the excellent work of Sean Gordon and his team our pitches were playable on Tuesday evening for these 2 games. In the A game our physically smaller side let the visitors into a commanding lead but came back well in the last 2 quarters and with a bit more care in shooting could have been a lot closer at the end.

In the C game our U11s were always in control and lead throughout the game.

Well done to all involved with great skill being shown by all.

Apr 11 U16 Rd 2 Castleconnor 0-6 v St.Pats 6-12

Played in a constant downpour we started very well and lead by 2pts. On St.Pats first attack they scored a scrappy goal and followed this up with a goal from a shot out near the sideline. We were still in the game at half time trailing 4-3 v 0-3 but the physical disparity between the sides became more apparent as the game and the rain continued and in the end we were out on our feet.

Still the team are all available for this grade next year and will have learned a lot from the game

Team: L.Donnegan, D.Ruane, D.Barrins, D.Boland, F.Boland, C.Naughton, R.Wilson, A.Blakeney, M.Blakeney, O.Flynn, J.Tully, O.Gillard, R.Winters, P.Cooney

Apr10 Div 2 Rd 3 Castleconnor 2-7 v Enniscrone 0-11

In this game played in Corballa on Sunday the wind was a gale blowing into the community centre end unusually. The advantage of the wind was that help make the pitch playable after a week of constant rain.

Enniscrone had the elements in the first half and went into a 0-6 v 0-1 lead early in the half. At this time it looked bad for the red and white. However our full forward line were sparkling when the ball made it into them. Eventually we took 2 goal chances after great interpassing Stevie Curley rounded the keeper on both occasions to put us in front and at half time we were level with the score 2-2 v 0-8.

The expected points rush did not materialise in the second half with a few tentative shots not hitting the target. Enniscrone kept their noses in front but in the final few minutes Eoin Kent with a monster point and Stevie Curley after great work by Cian Barrins ensured the vistory which was well deserved.

Apr 5 U12H Rd1 Castleconnor 13 v Tourlestrane 0

We were in total control from the first whistle as our stronger team worked well trhoughout the field. The lads put on a great display of their skills and it is hoped they go far in this competition

Apr 4 Minor B Rd1 Castleconnor 3-6 v Calry 3-11

Played at home on Monday the team got off to a good start and had built up a 4 point lead when Calry broke for a goal. This was to be repeated regularly on an evening when our shooting boots were not on. At the halftime whistle we trailed by a point.

Early in the second half we were down by 6 but brought it back to 1 but breakaway goals again proved costly.

Team: K.Healy, F.Boland, J.Boland, N.Judge, M.Cahill, B.Foody, D.O'Hora, O.Quinn, P.Flynn, R.Wilson, S.Carrabine, E.Beardshall, L.Munnelly, B.Mahoney, D.Barrins

Mar31 U14A Rd2 Castleconnor 3-3 v Ballymote/Bunninnadden 8-22

The team travelled to Ballymote on Thursday evening in good spirits after their excellent performance last week, however it was obvious from early on that this was not going to be like this.

After letting the lead go out to 12 points the lads managed to pull it back to 5, but that was as good as it got. Halftime the score was 2-3 v 4-18 with Eli O'Neill getting the 2 goals.

It did not change in the second half with Liam Donnegan pulling off a number of excellent saves but all we had to show was a brillant goal from Thomas Langan

Mar29 U12 Div1 Castleconnor 0-24 v Eastern Harps 0-5

Div3 Castleconnor 0-25 v Eastern Harps 0-8

For the first time in the clubs history we have two U12 teams competing in the league. The long trek was made to Keash on Tuesday evening and was a great occasion for the red and white with comprehensive victories in both encounters.

Well done to all the teams and management

Mar 29 Well done and good luck Aoibhe

This evening Aoibhe Barrins took to the pitch in Templeboy to referee the St.Farnans v Enniscrone U12 game. We believe Aoibhe may be the first girl to referee a full mens game (excluding blitzes)

By all accounts she did a good job

Waiting now for Mícheal Cahill and Shane "stork" Feeney to get out with their whistle soon

Mar 28 U16C Rd1 Castleconnor 0-8 v St.Michaels 3-6

We travelled to Ballintogher on Monday evening for our first game of the year. Due to numbers at this age group we had the bare 11 players but they battled well right to the end.

The winning/losing of the game was in the 3 minutes before halftime when the scores were level. The home team made the most of 2 upfield breaks but in that time they scored 3-1 to turnover leading 3-4 v 0-3.

In fairness our lads played very well considering the underfoot condition but despite that we just could not make the breakthrough for goal despite many attempts.

The lads have St.Pats as visitors next Monday

Team: L,Donnegan, D.Ruane, D.Barrins, C.Naughton, R.Winters, R.Wilson, F.Boland, O.Flynn, A.Blakeney, O.Gillard, J.Tully

Mar27 Div 2 Rd 2 Castleconnor 0-5 v Drumcliffe/Rosses Pt 1-12

This was a very disappointing performance on our second visit to Oxfield in 2 weekends.

We stayed in the game early on and put some good movements together however they normally fell at the last pass or a good save from the home keeper. At halftime we turned over 8 v 2 down

The second half saw an improvement and the lead was cut but a goal with 5 minutes to go after we had struck the post and crossbar on goal attempts killed the game off for the final minutes.

Mar 25 U14A Round 1 Castleconnor 2-1 v Drumcliffe/Rosses Pt 5-5

The U14s competing in the A league for the first time in 7 years had a tough opening assignment made even harder for both teams with a hurricane wind into Cullens goal.

We were a goal down despite playing with the breeze however we overturned it and lead at the break 2-1 v 1-1 with the goals coming from Thomas Langan and Oisin Flynn.

In the second half our smaller team found it tough but battled onto the end and were unfortunate not to get a couple of scores. Liam Donnegan was the player of the match for the home team with a number of outstanding saves including a penalty.

Next week the team travel to Ballymote/Bunninnadden

Team: L.Donnegan, C.Feeney, D.Ruane, R.Winters, M.Blakeney, C.Flynn, O.Flynn, E.O.Neill, D.Flynn, E.Duffy, T.Langan, N.Wilson, G.McHale, P.Cooney, J.Rafter, L.Gilmartin,

Mar 20 Div 2 Round 1 Castleconnor 2-8 v Easkey 1-14

The first round of the league was a replay of last years Intermediate final with the final result the same with Easkey winning due to an excellent first half. Both sides traded points early on however Easkey went into a 7 v 1 pt lead when Brian Howley pounced to score a lucky point. Easkey responded well and at halftime lead 0-11 v 1-1

We got off to a bright start at the start of the second half with points from Stephen Curley and a good team goal from Eoin Kent. With the scores standing at 2-3 v 0-11 Easkey broke down field and scored a fortunate goal. We continued to press and indiscipline from Easkey and the accuracy of Stevie Curley brought us back to 2 points but we never closed the gap despite a number of sendings off for the visitors.

The team travel to Oxfield (again!) for round 2 of the league.

Team: C.Gordon, B.Howley, D.Fox, R.Keane, C.Barrins, M.Foody, J.O'Hora, P.Naughton, P.Kilcullen, J.Earlis, E.Kent, S.Curley, B.Howley,P.Sweeney Subs: T.Cawley, S.Durkan, C.Kilcullen

Mar 12 Benson Cup Rd 1, Castleconnor 0-10 v Drumcliffe 0-10

First outing for the year and despite both team missing a large number of regulars the teams put in a good hours work. At halftime Castleconnor lead 6-5 and were trailing in the second half 7 v 6 in Oxfield but a strong finish saw us retake the lead twice in the last 5 minutes.