2013 Archive

Harps were visitors to Corballa on Monday evening. A breeze blew towards the village end and we had the benefit of it in the first half.

Paul Flynn opened the scoring in the first few second and possibly could have gone for goal. Seán Carrabine struck the post when going for goal from the kickout. In a game where forwards were on top it looked like each side would score from every attack. We were still in the game at the break but were losing 2-3 v 3-5, the goals coming from Seán Carrabine and Paul Flynn who despite the scoreline had a very good game.

Harps got a few scores early in the second half but our lads started going for goals right from the start and this tactic backfired when only getting a point from the first 5 attacks. In the dying minutes Harps pulled away with Luke Munnelly and Carrabine pointing during the half

Team:Kenneth Flynn, Stephen Durkan, Danny O'Hora, Enda Kilcullen, Benny Foody, James Boland, Jack O'Hora, Cian Barrins, Micheál Cahill, Seán Carrabine, Luke Munnelly, Niall Judge, Paul Flynn.Sub Kevin Howley

This was a very exciting game on Friday evening. We had to line out without the injured Paul Flynn and a number of lads on holidays but their replacements stepped up to the challenge and played very well.

It was a game we had to win 3 times after appearing twice to be in total control. Coming up to the halftime break we lead by two goals from Dáire Barrins after being put through by Odhrán Quinn on both ocassions but we managed to let in 3 goals in the last 2 minutes leaving us at half time 2-2 v 3-3.

In the second half we got off to a good start with goals from Odhran Quinn and Micháel Cahill but the visitors came back again to level . It was tight for a few minutes with points exchanged from Ronan Wilson, Quinn and Barrins but a breaktrough goal from James Boland and another from Quinn put the result beyond doubt but Niall Judge still had to be very good with help fromDanny O'Hora who scored a point, Fergal Boland, Colm Naughton and Brian Durkan. Brian Mahoney had his best game of the year and Owen Gillard made his first start. Kenneth Flynn made a number of very good saves which is becoming a normal game for him

Next game is away to Curry

Team: Kenneth Flynn, Fergal Boland, Niall Judge, Brian Durkan, Danny O'Hora, Colm Naughton, Micheál Cahill, James Boland, Dáire Barrins, Ronan Wilson, Brian Mahoney, Owen Gillard, Odhran Quinn

After receiving two walkovers in the last two games it was good to see this team in action at Corballa on Thursday evening.

We got off to a whirlwind start and lead 2-4 to no score after 9 minutes but from there to the break we played second fiddle to the visitors leading at halftime 2-5 v 0-4.

At the start of the second half we were under the kosh and a number of excellent saves from Stephen Durkan who was the player of the match. We withstood the onslaught and were dominant in the last quarter but shooting 17 wides showed the ring rustiness of the team

Team: Stephen Durkan, Conor Judge, Conor Gallagher, Liam Naughton, Eoin Kent, Keith Foody,Shane Wright, Ciarán Kilcullen, Kevin McDonnell, Jason Earlis, Jack O'Hora, Stevie Curley, Seán Carrabine. Subs: Lewis Beardshall, James Flynn

Not a good evening for the junior footballers who made the midweek journey to Corran Park. Things started badly with the Old Fair Day in Tubbercurry meaning the team were late getting there with a number of routes taken.

On the field of play we got off to a good enough start with a point from Barnes Kelly from a free after he had been fouled and we equalised a few minutes later with another Kelly free after Vinny Howley had been fouled but from there to the break it was one way traffice and at half time we trailed 4-10 v 0-3.

The second half was a bit better and more fight was shown with points from Kelly, Darragh Gilmartin, John O'Regan and Kieran Cawley and a goal from Vinny Howley after an Ultan McGranahan shot came off the post but it just helped the scoreboard a bit.

Next Wednesday the team are at home to Tourlestrane

For the first time in the clubs history we reached the concluding stages of the A competition, however the combined strength of the Easkey amalgamation proved too strong for us.

With 3 minutes to go in the first half we trailed by 3 scores to 1, with Ronan Wilson, Fergal Boland, Ruairí Gallagher, Daíre Barrins, Dylan Crean, performing very well and puckouts from Liam Donnegan very impressive. Our forwards never got into the game as the ball into them was not great and rushed but Colm Naughton came into his own in the second half with Rian Winters, Niall Wilson, Thomas Langan always willing.

At half time the score was 9-0 after the dam burst in the last minutes of the half. The lads kept trying in the second half and were unlucky to not get a few more scores.

The next game will be the finals day in Markievicz Park where our opponents will be Naomh Eoin.

Team: Liam Donnegan, Dylan Crean, Fergal Boland, Ronan Wilson, Dáire Barrins, Ruairí Gallagher, Colm Naughton, Rian Winters, Niall Wilson, Thomas Langan

The first round of the B championship saw our team travel to Ransboro.

Missing a number of players we fought well early on but by halftime there looked like only one winner.

As the second half progressed Coolera moved further ahead to finish well in command. This was a disappointing result for a squad who have put a good effort in their training sessions.

This was a most disappointing performance from the lads especially after the excellent team display the week before. Easkey were first to all breaks and showed a lot more hunger for the game. Before we knew it we were trailing 4-0 but two Eamon Cawley frees out on the wing brought us back into it.

However at this time Easkey were in control and with Martin Foody and Jason Earlis having to leave the field with injury, it was no surprise when they broke through for a goal. Shortly after this we nearly snuck in for a goal of our own but Niall Judges pass to Kevin McDonnell fell short. Just before the half time whistle Eoin Kent was pushed to the ground but as there was no whistle play continued and Easkey had their second goal leading at halftime 2-7 v 0-3.

We started the second half much better but at the end of the first 15 minutes we had exchanged points with out opponents but had kicked 6 wides in that time. Kevin Langan got our first score from play with 10 minutes left.

The team will now be involved in the playoffs for a quarter final place on the weekend of August 24/25

Team: Anthony Kilcullen, Brendan Howley, David Fox, Keith Earlis, John McDonnell, Ronan Keane, Martin Foody, Paul Kilcullen, Kevin McDonnell, Eamon Cawley, Kevin Langan, Eoin Flynn, Niall Judge, Jason Earlis, Stevie Curley: Subs: Patrick McGuinness, Tom Cawley, Stevie Kilgallon, Eoin Kent

We travelled to Keash on Friday evening for a back game in the U12 league. We were physically no match for the home side and for the first two quarters we backed away from the challenge.

In the final two quarters we decided to meet the challenge. During these quarters the lads put in some great tackles and played some smart football getting some good team scores finishing a lot brighter than it looked at half time.

Team: Liam Donnegan, Fergal Boland, Daniel Ruane, Colm Naughton, Dáire Barrins, Matthew Blakeney, Andrew Blakeney, Ronan Wilson, Patrick Cooney, Oisin Flynn, Owen Gillard, Thomas Langan, Eoin Duffy, Daniel Ruane

This was a very exciting game on Tuesday evening in Corballa. The visitors got off to a great start and lead 2 nil but by the end of the first quarter we were leading 4 - 2

The second quarter was yet again tight but our defence was strong and at the half time break we lead 7 - 3 with James Tully, Ronan Wilson and Oisin Flynn our main score getters.

In the third quarter we were under the kosh and lost Daniel Ruane to an injury where he was replaced by U10 Patrick Cooney. At the end of this quarter we lead 8 - 6.

The final quarter had all sorts of drama especially in the last 4 minutes when the sides were level. Colm Naughton, Dáire Barrins, Matthew Blakeney, Liam Donnegan and Fergal Boland repeatedly broke down the Calry attacks as they searched for the equaliser. Andrew Blakeney won a kickout at midfield and quickly transferred to Eli O'Neill on the week. He played a one two with Thomas Langan and Rian Winters before it came back to Eoin Duffy, releasing Oisin Flynn who put over the winning score. The defence still had to hold out which they did successfully.

Team: Liam Donnegan, Fergal Boland, Matthew Blakeney, Colm Naughton, Dáire Barrins, Patrick Cooney, Andrew Blakeney, Ronan Wilson, Rian Winters, Oisín Flynn, James Tully, Eoin Duffy, Thomas Langan, Daniel Ruane

Sunday evening in Easkey with a slight crossfield breeze in otherwise perfect conditions was the setting for the first round of the 2013 Intermediate championship.

A minutes silence was observed before the game for former underage player Matthew Crawford who was killed in Donegal in a car accident on Friday night.

The team was changed considerably from that which lost out at the semifinal stage in a replay last year with 6 new additions due to emigration and injury including Brian Curley, David Carrabine, Brian Howley, Alan Cawley, Patrick Naughton and Michael Langan.

Jason Earlis was making his first start in the championship at full forward from where he played a roving role. The early exchanges were tight with the lead changing throughout the half. Niall Judge got our first score from an acute angle and this was followed by a Kevin Langan point from a fre after he had been dragged down when bearing down on goal. Eamon Cawley scored 2 monster 45s to keep the scoreboard ticking over. We were under pressure and had Anthony Kilcullen to thank for a superb double save in the 23 minute. After 25 minutes we regained the lead which we never relinquished when Kevin Langan scored from play and a free and at half time we lead 0-7 v 0-6.

From the throw in Pats drove up the field to equalise but from the subsequent kickout Kevin McDonnell drove at the heart of the Pats defence to score the first of his three second half points. His score was quickly followed by scores from Niall Judge after good interplay with Stevie Curley and Kevin Langan before Kevin McDonnell puts us 4 up with 10 minutes to play with 2 more points from play.

At this point Pats took over and put us under the proverbial koshand reduced the lead to 1 with 3 minutes to go in normal time. Eoin Kent who had come on for the injured John McDonnell broke out of defence three times in a 5 minute spell and was fouled on each occassion 50 metres from the Pats goal. Two attempts from Kevin Langan fell either side of the posts but on the third occassion Eamon Cawley drifted it over the crossbar off the post to increase the lead to 2.

Pats equalised in the first minute of injury time and were unlucky not to get the equaliser with the last kick of the game but our young team held out for a deserved victory over our west Sligo rivals.

Next Sunday we take on Easkey in Enniscrone at 7:30pm.

Team: Anthony Kilcullen, Brendan Howley, David Fox, Keith Earlis, Martin Foody, Ronan Keane, John McDonnell, Kevin McDonnell(0-3), Paul Kilcullen, Eamon Cawley(0-4), Kevin Langan(0-4), Eoin Flynn, Stevie Curley, Jason Earlis, Niall Judge(0-3). Subs Eoin Kent, Patrick McGuinness

After the heroics in the hurling the night before the lads were back in action on Wednesday in a back game from the earlier rounds of the league.

Disappointingly we had only the exact number of players but those players put in a great shift over the 4 quarters with some very good teamwork. Eli O'Neill, Thomas Langan and Patrick Cooney were to the fore in the scoring stakes.

The team play twice this week with a home game on Tuesday to Calry and away to Eastern Harps on Friday

The team travelled to Ransboro on Tuesday evening in the quarter finals of the Sligo U12 hurling championship. With a good number of lads on holidays it meant a number of the U10 squad were drafted in to make up the squad and all of them acquitted themselves magnificently.

Throughout the game it was nip and tuck with the lead changing on 7 occassions. In the end the better ground strokes of our younger players saw us qualify for the semifinal next week.

Well done to all

The West Sligo team travelled to Kerry with our club manager Frank Barrett one of the management team.

The team had 7 members of the Castleconnor panel. They were Niall Judge, Odhrán Quinn, Kenneth Flynn, Danny O'Hora, Paul Flynn and Micheál Cahill.

Meeting the legend - Pat Spillane

It was quite noticeable the way the lads improved as the week went on and is perhaps something for the county development group to look at development squads within the divisions.

There was a disappointing end to the Junior league season when Drumcliffe conceded the game late yesteday evening. With St.Farnans winning their last game we missed out on a league final place.

Thanks to the players and management for their efforts in the league which saw the team place better than any year previously.

The team are now preparing for the Junior B championship where they exited at the semi-final stage last year

The team were in Carraroe on Monday evening for the shield semi final.

We got off to a great start with scores from Odhrán Quinn, Paul Flynn and a goal from Danny O'Hora to establish a healthy lead coming up to half time. Johns broke up the field before the break and scored a goal. Brian Mahoney was denied twice by the home keeper but we lead 4-6 v 1-1 at the break.

The second half followed the same pattern and saw James Tully, Oisín Flynn and Micheál Cahill score to finish emphatic winners of 8-13 v 4-2

The team will now meet Curry in the Shield final.

Team: Kenneth Flynn, Niall Judge, Colm Naughton, Ronan Wilson, Danny O'Hora, Fergal Boland, James Boland, Paul Flynn, Dáire Barrins, Micheál Cahill, Oisín Flynn, Brian Mahoney, Odhrán Quinn. Subs: Ruairí Gallagher James Tully

Easkey were visitors to Corballa on Tuesday evening. The game was delayed for 15 minutes whilst the visitors awaited some players and the game started as a 9-a-side and reverted back to the proper 11-a-side from the second quarter on.

We let Easkey control the play in the first quarter but in the second quarter James Tully and Oisín Flynn found their range to narrow the gap to 6-3. In the third quarter there was a sharper edge to proceedings with our lads showed more fight for the battle. Daniel Ruane scored a very good point to leave it at 8 v 4.

The final quarter Easkey got two quick scores but try as our lads might they failed to score. The team are away to Eastern Harps on Tuesday week.

Team:Liam Donnegan, Eli O'Neill, Dáire Barrins, Ruairí Gallagher, Colm Naughton, Oisín Flynn, Andrew Blakeney, Matthew Blakeney, James Tully, Daniel Ruane, Rian Winters

The lads travelled to Ballintogher on Monday night to take on St.Michaels.

In the end it was a comfortable victory with the result never in doubt

The team are off for a number of weeks due to the county U16 team fixtures

Pride of place this week goes to the handballers who won the Connacht JuniorB handball title on Sunday.

The club are through to the All-Ireland Interclub 60 x 30 championships semi-finals following victory over Roscommon’s Mount Talbot in the Connacht final played in Williamstown Galway on Sunday.

Castleconnor defeated the Roscommon Club champions 113-89 in a well contested final. In their semi-final contest Castleconnor scored a comfortable 83-39 win over Galway’s Loughrea Club the previous day. Earlier Castleconnor outscored Collooney 120-94 in the Sligo final.

The winning team members were Jason Earlis, Mark Murphy, Tom Foody & Martin Cooney. Castleconnor face Kells for a place in the All-Ireland club final on the weekend of July 13/14 in Kells Co.Meath

The team had their first game in the championship group stages on Friday evening at home to Coolaney/Mullinabreena.

We got off to a superb start and at the half time break lead 4-6 v 0-4. We remained in control at the start of the second half and looked to be cruising to a win when the visitors came back into the game.

Mullinabreena scored two goals in the last five minutes to make for an uncomfortable last few minutes but we held out to win by a single point 4-8 v 3-10

As in 2012 we finish in third but with 2 pts less. However this year we did not have any of our three county minors(Kevin McDonnell, Stevie Curley, Eoin Kent) until the last game of the league

The team played their last game of the league on Saturday evening in Bonniconlon with Coolaney/Mullinabreena as the opposition. With both teams missing out on promotion this game would decide who finished third.

We got off to a strong start which proved to be the way for the rest of the game. Goals in the first half from Stevie Curley and Niall Judge put us in control and at halftime we lead 2-8 v 0-3. Two scores from Jason Earlis in his first start for the team meant our inside forward line were on top in all positions

The second half continued in the same vein with Kevin McDonnell controlling the game in the middle and Kevin Langan scoring from all angles including a goal. Mullinabreena scored two goals in the last moments but we won 3-18 v 2-4. The team finish third in the league and now prepare for the championship.

Team: Anthony Kilcullen, Brendan Howley, David Fox, Keith Earlis, Martin Foody, Ronan Keane(0-1), John McDonnell(0-1), Kevin McDonnell, Paul Kilcullen, Eamon Cawley(0-4), Kevin Langan(1-4), Eoin Flynn, Stevie Curley(1-3), Jason Earlis(0-3), Niall Judge(1-2). Subs: Stevie Kilgallon, Conor Judge, Ciarán Kilcullen

The club u12 football team travelled to Templeboy on Thursday evening.

We got off to a slow start and with 3 of the squad missing it took us a while to get our bearings. After the first quarter we started to get better involved in the game and had scores from Eoin Duffy, Matthew Blakeney and Oisín Flynn.

We scored a number of good scores but lost on a scoreline of 19 v 4, which did not reflect the effort the lads put in.

Team:Eli O'Neill, Fergal Boland, Daniel Ruane, Ruarí Gallagher, Colm Naughton, Dáire Barrins, Andrew Blakeney, Matthew Blakeney, Eoin Duffy, Rian Winters, James Tully, Liam Donnegan

New York are in the area being hosted by Enniscrone club, preparing for the U14 Feile this weekend in Derry. As part of the trip they are playing a West Sligo team comprising of players from Castleconnor, Enniscrone, Easkey and St.Farnans,

6 lads from the club have been selected to play. Well done to James Boland, Micheál Cahill, Paul Flynn, Odhran Quinn, Niall Judge and Kenneth Flynn

This should be an interesting match and it is great for our lads to get recognised withing the divison

The Sligo minor team played in Carrick-on-Shannon on Sunday. Kevin McDonnell lined out again this year at centre back but was moved to midfield early on.

The game was ruined as a spectacle when a Sligo forward was sent off (how one man in a two man schmozzle was picked out !!!)

For the second half Sligo were a man short but were lifted by a brillant individual goal by McDonnell who drove from midfield past 5 Roscommon defender and buried the ball into the roof of the net. Stevie Curley came on at halftime at wing forward and was denied right after Kevins goal by a breath taking save from the Roscommon keeper. That was good as it got for Sligo who faded in the dying minutes. Eoin Kent was away and missed out on the championship game after playing all league games.

This was a ding-dong affair with the scores changing throughout in damp Templeboy on Wednesday evening.

Both teams had scored two points a piece in the first 10 minutes of the half when Farnans started to dominate around the middle and they forged out a two point lead. With 10 minutes to go in the half we managed to break up field and a long ball into Vinny Howley which he won and turned and released Niall Judge who went around the home keeper to put us two up, a lead we held to the break 1-4 v 0-5.

We missed three good chances after the break but the first score of the half went to Farnans who then quickly followed it up with a goal after a long free was palmed down in the square. The lead was increased and looked insurmountable when again a ball broke to Niall Judge who travelled 40metres before putting Darragh Gilmartin through to score low to the net. This was quickly followed by a point from play.

In the last 4 minutes of the game and injury time we took the lead only for Farnans to storm back and equalise and then take the lead heading into injury time. In the last attack of the game Keith Earlis and Frank Barrett combined before Niall Judge put over with the last kick of the game.

Team: Anthony Kilcullen, Conor Judge, David Fox, Daragh Gilmartin, Keith Earlis, Ronan Keane, John Cullen, Stephen Kilgallon, Barnes Kelly, Brian Lynn, Frank Barrett, Niall Judge, Vinny Howley, Eoin Flynn. Subs: Ultan McGranahan, Brendan Howley, Mark Carr, Shane Feeney Vinny Igoe

On Tuesday evening in sunny Corballa we hosted the Naomh Eoin hurling club. This was the first evening all year where the ground was hard and no fear of the sliotar getting lost in the mud.

We started very well and got the first score when Oisin Flynn broke through midfield and slotted the ball over the bar after good work from Colm Naughton. Fergal Boland and Ronan Wilson manning the central defensive positions were very strong at this time aided by Dylan Crane and Daniel Ruane. The visitors equalised when they scored despite keeper Liam Donnegan making a great attempt to save a one on one effort. Liam had a great game in goals for the team on the evening. We got our second score of the half when Matthew Blakeney, Dáire Barrins and the young lads of Cian Flynn and Thomas Langan combined to finish to the net. At this time we were in control of the game with Ruairí Gallagher striking well off both left and right. However we failed to add to the score and this proved costly.

For the first 10 minutes of the second half the scores remained the same but the pressure was building. Eventually the visitors scored a point from a free and this was quickly followed by a point from play. Yet again we rose to the challenge but in the last 5 minutes, 3 frees which were scored was the difference between the teams.

This was a good performance from the whole team who look forward to Glencar/Manorhamilton arriving on July 2

Team: Liam Donnegan, Daniel Ruane, Fergal Boland, Dylan Crane, Ronan Wilson, Ruairí Gallagher, Colm Naughton, Dáire Barrins, Oisín Flynn, Matthew Blakeney, Thomas Langan, Cian Flynn

On Friday evening the team travelled to Carraroe to take on St.Johns. A greasy pitch made controlled football awkard but we adapted quicker to the conditions and with scores from Kevin Langan, Eamon Cawley, Niall Judge we were in control at halftime leading 0-8 v 0-1.

The second half was a different stroy however with the home team picking up the pace of the game and a number of our lads switching far too early going down to the last few mins we only lead by two. In the last attack of the game Johns attacked and struck the upright and the rebound was struck off the crossbar and over the bar. The final whistle sounded after to much relief to the visiting squad.

The one team in the club that has not played on any dry day had the same fate on Tuesday night when the game was played in a downpour.

We got off to a strong start and scored 3 quick scores but the visitors then struck 4 bad wides including one from a diving header! At the end of the second quarter we lead 10-2 with scores from Oisín Flynn, Dáire Barrins, Ronan Wilson, Colm Naughton and the Blakeney brothers Andrew and Matthew with Eli O'Neill, Ruairí Gallagher and Daniel Ruane providing the assists. Full back Fergal Boland made the long trek up the field also when breaking out of defence regularly.

The third quarter was an even affair with the score 13-5 at the end of it with David Coggins showing up well in defence and Liam Donnegan marshalling the goals. In the final quarter the boys in the full forward line got in on the scoring act with scores from Owen Gillard and Eoin Duffy easing us to a 17 v 7 win.

Team:Liam Donnegan, David Coggins, Fergal Boland, Ruairí Gallagher, Colm Naughton, Andrew Blakeney, Ronan Wilson, Dáire Barrins, Oisín Flynn, Matthew Blakeney, Eoin Duffy, Daniel Ruane, Eli O'Neill, Owen Gillard

The team played Calry on Sunday in sunny Quigabar in the ninth round of the league.

The game was played at championship pace throughout and both sides got some good scores. At halftime we lead 0-6 v 0-4 with Niall Judge, Stevie Kilgallon, Kevin Langan and Eamon Cawley scoring.

At the start of the second half Kevin Langan was unlucky to see his pile driver go wide of the post. Eamon Cawley and Matthew Cullen scored points at this time. It continued up and down the field but a good move all the way from defence that saw Matt Cullen and Brian Lynn exchange a number of passes put Eon Flynn through to drive to the roof of the net. Calry responded directly from the kickout with a goal of their own.

A couple of minutes later Brian Lynn struck the upright which lifted the visitors who took the lead with 3 minutes to go but we drove upfield and Paul Kilcullen scored from out on the wing to equalise and leave the scores 1-9 v 1-9.

Team: Anthony Kilcullen, Brendan Howley, David Fox, Keith Earlis, Martin Foody, Ronan Keane, John McDonnell, Michael Langan, Kevin Langan, Stevie Kilgallon, Eamon Cawley, Eoin Flynn, Matt Cullen, Paul Kilcullen, Niall Judge. Subs Brian Lynn, Jason Earlis.

The u14 lads had their first game of the year at home to Drumcliffe.

We let the visitors off to a 2-2 start before we got going and at half time the lead was cut to 2-2 v 1-3. Micheál Cahill with the goal and Odhran Quinn, Oisin Flynn and Colm Naughton with the points.

Two goals midway through the second half by Odhran Quinn put us in front. Shortly after this an overhead pull by Barry Mulderrig was unlucky not to score.

Drumcliffe finished with 3 goals of their own in the last attacks of the game to win 6-2 v 3-3.

Considering this was the lads first game of the year and we were missing a few of the older lads this was a good performance.

The U12 hurlers travelled to Easkey on Tuesday.

A first quarter disaster meant we turned over with no score and trailed by 9.

The lads battled back in the final 3 quarters and showed some good touches but were unable to break down the large deficit. Colm Naughton was our top marksman on the night.

Somehow we managed to lose a game we lead thoughout in the dying minutes at Corballa last Sunday. Playing with the breeze in the first half we lead at half time 1-8 v 1-1 with Vinny Howley goaling from a good movement.

15 minutes into the second half our lead was cut to 5 when we got through for our second goal which was followed by a quick point to lead by 9 but we failed to score from there to the end. A flukey goal for the visitors where the forward went to punch a ball over the bar, came back off the crossbar and post to finish with a touch to the net.

The lads were very disappointed at the end having let this chance pass

Played in sunny Colloney with absolutely perfect conditions we took a while to get going in this game.

Niall Judge was a thorn for the home side defence and scored the first point and was fouled for the next two scores. He was then bundled over for a penalty which Eamon Cawley dispatched with ease. Gaels came more into it and scored a penalty of their ownand two frees. Niall Judge got throught for our second goal at which time the visitors were down to 14 men and trailed at halftime 2-6 v 1-2.

Kevin Langan scored a quick goal after the break with Eoin Flynn adding our fourth. We were dominant in the midfield area throughout and Langan and Kilcullen kept things ticking over nicely. In the dying minutes Gaels got their second penalty which they scored and also put over 2 frees (all their scores came from placed balls). This was a good performance from the team.

The game was played in Templeboy, at St.Farnans new and impressive grounds. We had to play without our captain Jack O'Hora but we held our own early on and were left to rue missing an open goal and two frees early on. In the last minutes of the half the Coolera team got a goal to leave the score at the break 1-4 v 0-1.

Like the first half we started the half well and got two quick points from Seán Carrabine after good work from Paul Flynn. 15 minutes into the half the defining point came when Seán was put through on goal by a good Benny Foody interception but he struck the bottom of the post and out wide. From the kickout Coolera broke up the field to score a goal and put the contest beyond us.

The heads dropped and Coolera tacked on a number of points before the end.

Hard luck to the team and management.

The lads had their first outing at Corballa on Tuesday night. The weather was good for a change but the pitch was sticky.

We dominated the early proceedings but could not score as we either failed to hit the target or the Drumcliffe keeper who was having an inspired evening cleared his lines regularly.

Eventually captain for the evening Colm Naughton scored a good long range score and followed this up minutes later with another effort that finished in the net to leave the score at the halfway point 2 scores to nil.

Like the first half we were strong after the break and Dáire Barrins scored from long range and this was followed by another from Oisin Flynn. The visitors took over in the last few minutes and scored 2 good points.

This was a fine performance from the lads and the next game is away to Easkey.

Team: Rian Winters, Liam Donnegan, Fergal Boland, Ruairí Gallagher, Ronan Wilson, Colm Naughton, Dáire Barrins, Oisin Flynn, Matthew Blakeney, Owen Gillard, Daniel Ruane

For the first time this year the pitch was dry and the sun was out and the young lads put in a very determined and cohesive team performance.

The teams were fairly even in the first half but a goal from Odhrán Quinn made us relax and was followed by another from Micheal Cahill. Paul Flynn became dominant at midfield during the half and scored a few points but we were still thankful to Kenneth Flynn in the goals for two excellent saves and Niall Judge making two great last ditch tackles.

At halftime we lead 2-3 v 2-2.

We hit a purple patch early in the second half with a goal from Ronan Wilson and was quickly followed by an Odhran Quinn second. Ronan followed with a quick point and Paul Flynn sent over a number of points with James Boland also scoring. We built up a big lead but Curry got 3 goals later in the half to make our lads worry but our midfield and Danny O'Hora kept the pressure away from goal.

Team: Kenneth Flynn, Niall Judge, Fergal Boland, Colm Naughton, Danny O'Hora, Ronan Wilson, Paul Flynn, James Boland, Dáire Barrins, Micháel Cahill, Oisín Flynn, Brian Mahoney, Odhrán Quinn. Subs: Brian Durkan, Owen Gillard, David Coggins

The team performed brillantly for all but 4 minutes of the game in the final quarter which cost us the game.

The first quarter was very tight but we lead at the end of it 4 v 3 with scores from Oisin Flynn, Dáire Barrins and Ronan Wilson.

The second quarter saw us play some lovely foot passing football and we lead 6 v 4 at the end of it with Andrew Blakeney and Oisin scoring again. Fergal Boland, Daniel Ruane, Colm Naughton and Ruairí Gallagher were dominant at the back and Liam Donnegan playing great in goal.

The third quarter was our strongest but we wasted too many opportunities in front of goal with our sole score coming from Rian Winters after good play by Eoin Duffy and James Tully.

Going into the last quarter we lead 7 v 6 but despite winning the throw in we lost the ball in a good position and Gaels broke down the field to score. Eli O'Neill in his first game made a good save but it ended with the rebound going over the bar. Three kickouts later and three more scores put paid to our chances but fair dues to the lads they played on and were unlucky not to score near the end.

Team: Liam Donnegan, Eli O'Neill, Fergal Boland, Ruairí Gallagher, David Coggins, Colm Naughton, Daniel Ruane, Andrew Blakeney, Ronan Wilson, Matthew Blakeney, Dáire Barrins, Oisín Flynn, James Tully, Owen Gillard, Rian Winters, Eoin Duffy

We gained a manner of revenge when beating Mullinabreena for the previous nights minor loss in a tense and topsy turvy game.

We had the wind and slope in the first half and were playing well but not putting the the scores on the board. The visitors were putting together some good moves and lead at the break 1-3 v 0-2.

The second half was a real ding dong affair and we scored two quick points. Midway through the half we conceded a goal but replied from the kickout with Niall Judge scoring. A few minutes later we scored a second goal to take the lead for the first time with 10 minutes to go. Niall Judge was then taken down for a penalty but it was missed leading to a frantic last few minutes.

A great save by Kenneth Flynn which he held onto proved decisive. From the final attack Mullinabreena scored a point but that was one short of what was needed.

The team are now through to the final where they will meet Coolera.

Played in Achonry with wild weather throughout we were against the breeze in the first half.

We played well for 30 minutes of the half with two points from Stevie Curley and Seán Carrabine and only trailed by 5, however an intercepted pass out of defence was finished to the net and from the resulting kickout scored a point to lead 1-8 v 0-2.

We started the second half well with points from Curley, Carrabine and Shane Wright to trail by 5 with only 6 minutes of the half gone. A long disruption after 10 minutes for an injury changed the momentum of the game and the home team attacked for a point. We had serious bother getting the ball from the kickout and this proved our undoing.

The lads performed admirably considering we had to field yet again without Kevin McDonnell.

We made the long journey to Oxfield to play the top of the league. We were minus a number of senior players for the fixture but were still hopeful.

The home side dominated from the throw in but did not convert the chances. We managed to finally get up the field and score after Niall Judge was felled. As we approached half time Drumcliffe broke for a goal to lead 1-5 v 0-4.

We competed for the first 10 minutes of the second half but the pressure on midfield meant we were caught for another goal. In the last 10 minutes we made a number of attacks with Eamon Cawley scoring well from play.

Martin Foody suffered a serious knee injury in the last few minutes to make the evening worse for us.

Jackpot €7,400. No Winner & No Match 3 Winners.

Numbers Drawn: 16, 20, 25 and 32.

Consolation winners were Elaine O'Boyle, Bert Barrins, Mark and Mary Flannelly, Patrick Cleary, Brian Curley.

Next Draw in Muddy Burns 25th May for €7,600

Castleconnor GAA Notes 13/05/2013

Lotto: The Lotto jackpot stands at €7600 as there was no winner of the draw on Saturday night. Results will be posted next week and the website will be fully updated with previous results this week.

Meeting: Club Monthly meeting takes place in the Community Centre Wednesday @ 9.00pm. All members please attend.

Membership: Youth registration Friday @ 7.00pm in the Community Centre, membership is overdue. Contact Ultan McGranaghan or Shane Feeney.

Division 2: An understrength team were visitors to Oxfield Park on Saturday and lost out 2-12 to 0-7 table toppers Drumcliffe/Rosses Point. Next up is Owenmore Gaels at Connolly Park, details TBC.

Division 4: The team are top of the table after 3 rounds of the league and are away to Eastern Harps in round 4 on 25th May @ 7.30pm.

Minor: The Minor team were defeated by Coolaney/Mullinabreena on Sunday evening last in the semi final of the league. Best of luck to all sitting exams in a few weeks.

U-14: The team take on Curry this Friday in Corballa @ 7.00pm

Cul Camps: The GAA summer camps are running again this year with three venues in the West - Enniscrone, St. Farnans and St. Pat's. Contact Coaching officer Paul Kilcullen or book online at www.gaa.ie/kelloggsculcamps

Good Luck to the Sligo Junior team versus Mayo in the Connacht Final on Sunday.

Fixtures/Results: For all the latest on our club games checkout our club website fixtures section or the wonderful Sligo GAA website with a page of fixtures for each club.

Notes: If any team managers or club members have any news or match reports they want included in our notes please contact Barry Judge or Bart Barrins. pro.castleconnor.sligo@gaa.ie

Castleconnor keep churning out handball champions, writes Michael McGee

The Castleconnor club hosted the County Juvenile One-Wall championships on Saturday. Thirty players from Ballymote, Castleconnor & Collooney took part

Following on from Aoife Quinn’s historic Girls victory in the GAA Handball 40 x 20 Nationals Castleconnor’s young emerging stars continue to shine claiming four out of the seven County handball titles on offer.

In the Boys U-11 section six players took part. Castleconnor’s Seamus Foody had a narrow 15-13 win over Oisin Harte from Collooney. It was the same score with Ballymote’s Conor Finn defeating his brother Cormac. In the final it was the “flying Cormac Finn” who came out on top over Seamus Foody claiming his first County One Wall title by 15-4. The U-11 girls final was won by Castleconnor’s Laura Foody who defeated club mate Elaine Naughton in 2 games. In the Boys U-12 semi-finals narrow victories were recorded by Jack Branley & Fergal Boland over Darragh Barrins & Ronan Wilson respectively. In the final Castleconnor’s Fergal Boland defeated Branley 15-8. It was an all Collooney final in the Boys U-13 singles with Diarmuid Harte defeating his cousin Vincent Harte 21-11.The Girls U-14 singles round robin competition was won by Castleconnor’s Rachel Foody who emerged the winner on thirty points. Runners-up were Laura Finn & Lily Foody

Seven players entered in the U-17 singles. Newly crowned Girls 15 & Under National 40 x 20 champion Aoife Quinn caused a huge shock when defeating a fancied Stanley Harte in the opening game by 18-17. In the semi-finals Castleconnor’s talented handball teenager Jason Earlis had a good 21-11 win over Odhran Quinn. Collooney’s Ross Taheny finally ending Aoife Quinn’s great run winning by 21-14. Taheny got a scare but managed to weather the Quinn storm to reach the final over the Girls National champion. There was no stopping Earlis in the final taking the title by 21-9 over the hard working Ross Taheny.

Sligo Juvenile Handball 2013 One-Wall championships results:

Girls U-11 singles: Laura Foody (Castleconnor)dft Elaine Naughton (Castleconnor) 15-5, 15-5

Girls u-14 singles: Rachel Foody (Castleconnor) dft Laura Finn (Ballymote)

Boys U-11 singles: Conor Finn (Ballymote) dft Seamus Foody (Castleconnor)15-4

Boys U-12 singles: Fergal Boland (Castleconnor) dft Jack Branley (Collooney) 15-8

Boys U-13 singles: Diarmuid Harte (Collooney) dft Vincent Harte (Collooney) 21-11

Boys U-17 singles: Jason Earlis (Castleconnor) dft Ross Taheny (Collooney)21-9

This game was played bank holiday Monday evening in Tubbercurry. The muggy evening seemed to affect our lads as none of them could be happy with the opening 15 minutes when we trailed 1-3 v 0-0

We eventually got into the game and by half time we were behind 1-7 v 0-6. Points coming from Kevin Langan, Eamon Cawley and Paul Kilcullen.

The second half was a more competitive game with both sides gaining superiority at different times during the half. Good scores from Eamon Cawley and Naill Judge form play at this time were the highlights. Patrick Naughton had to go off at this point with an injury as did goalkeeper Richie McLoughlin who had made a few very good saves. Martin Foody along with Anthony Kilcullen stopped a certain goal but a few minutes later Tubber made the breakthrough that finished off the game.

Team: Richard McLouglin, Brendan Howley, David Fox, Ronan Keane, Martin Foody, Patrick Anughton, Keith Earlis, Michael Langan, Paul Kilcullen, John McDonnell, Kevin Langan, Eamon Cawley, Niall Judge, Brian Lynn, Patrick McGuinness Subs: Anthony Kilcullen, Eoin Flynn, Stevie Kilgallon

Played at Corballa on a windswept Sunday we had the elements in the first half.

We dominated the early stages but failed to make it count. We hit a purple patch midway through the half with Frank Barrett scoring 1-3 and Barry Judge scoring another. Geevagh broke up the field late in the half to score a goal. The score at halftime was 2-6 v 1-0.

Geevagh went on the attack early in the half and had the lead down to 4 points when we managed to break upfield through Jason Earlis and we managed to score 3 goals in a five minute spell from Keith Foody, Jason Earlis and debutant Conor Gallagher.

The team won deservedly and now top the division after 3 games

This was a home game for us but as our pitch and Bonniconlon were unavailable we conceeded home advantage to Enniscrone. A strong breeze blew towards the Easkey and we had the elements in the first half. As Enniscrone only had 13 players we had to play 13-a-side.

We got off to a flying start and had the ball in the net in the first minute when a long ball into Niall Judge was passed off to the in running Patrick McGuinness who finished to the top of the net and scored a quick point soon after. We dominated the half but never showed it on the scoreboard and at halftime lead by 1-6 v 0-1 with points from Brian Lynn, Niall Judge, Kevin Langan and Eamon Cawley.

Against the wind in the second half we played better football and controlled the middle third. Early scores from John McDonnell, Cawley, Langan and Judge meant we lead 1-12 v 0-2 with 10 minutes to go. A number of goal chances were spurned. Niall Judge finished the scoring after getting up after an off the ball incident.

The team are out again on Monday away to Tubbercurry

Team: Anthony Kilcullen, Ronan Keane, David Fox, Keith Earlis, Patrick Naughton, Martin Foody, Kevin Langan, Paul Kilcullen, John McDonnell, Eamon Cawley, Patrick McGuinness, Brian Lynn, Niall Judge. Subs: Brendan Howley, Keith Foody, Keith Foody

Aoife got a bye to the quarter finals where she played Leah Dunphy from Laois, winning that game 15-4 15-2

In the semi final she played a Dublin girl Meadhbh Ní Dhalaigh who gave her a harder game which in the first game could have gone either way but Aoife pulled through winning 15-8 and in the second game 15-10

In the final she played another Laois girl Averil Deegan who did not have any answers to Aoifes' serve in the first game which was won by Aoife 15-6. The second game was not as easy and Aoife had to pull out all the stops to win 15-12 which was greeted with great joy by all from Castleconnor and especially her family.

It is nearly 20 years since a juvenile title for girls was won by the county of Sligo so well done to Aoife and all the help and coaching she got from Castleconnor handball club

Our very young team had their first game on Wednesday evening at home. Without star forward Ronán Murphy our full forward line was light.

In the first half we had the wind but missed a number of early chances with Paul Flynn particularly unlucky hitting the posts three times in the half and we turned over trailing 4-5 v 0-1

The second half we showed more appetite and Micheál Cahill from centre back started to dominate and broke through to score 1-1 which was quickly followed by a point from Paul Flynn. James Boland and Odhrán Quinn scored points and before the end we scored another well worked goal.

Team: Kenneth Flynn, Niall Judge, Danny O'Hora, Fergal Boland, Colm Naughton, Micheál Cahill, Brian Durkan, Paul Flynn, James Boland, Dáire Barrins, Oisín Flynn, Ronan Wilson, James Tully, Odhran Quinn, Brian Mahoney, Subs: Owen Gillard, David Coggins

Played in wet and windy Corballa the team were without county player Kevin McDonnell but a very good team performance meant we were over the winning well before the finish.

The high fielding of Jason Earlis, Matt Cullen and James Flynn was a feature in the first half with Flynn setting up goals for Stevie Curley and Jason Earlis. At half time we lead 2-7 v 0-4.

In the second half we continued to extend the lead with points from Cullen, Shane Wright and Flynn and another goal from Curley. Eoin Kent and Conor Judge were dominant at the back but in the last few minutes Curry got in for a goal but we had the game won at this stage.

Team: Stephen Durkan, Conor Judge, Eoin Kent, Liam Naughton, Keith Foody, Conor Gallagher, Jason Earlis, Ciarán Kilcullen, James Flynn, Matt Cullen, Shane Wright, Stevie Curley, Sub Arthur Beardshall

The team travelled to Oxfield to play the top of the table team minus our midfield pairing of Cian Barrins and Jack O'Hora who were injured.

The home team got off to a brillant start and had the game well in hand after 10 minutes.

In the second half we showed more bite scoring 4 goals.

The team play Ballymote next week

The team travelled to Ballymote on Sunday evening for the second round of the league. This was a high scoring contest with the lead changing throughout the game. The team was much changed from during the week but the effort and skill was still in abundance

We got off to a good start with a number of early points from Niall Judge and Matt Cullen but were hit by 2 goals in the space of a minute. Barry Judge responded with 2 points followed by a Ciaran Kilcullen lead point and we had recovered from that to equalise but another goal at the break meant we were behind 0-9 v 3-2.

We worked very hard in the second half against the breeze and went into the lead with a goal from Barry Judge and this was followed by another from Vinny Howley. Mark Carr scored a monster of a point from out on the wing against the breeze. We were under a lot of pressure in the last few minutes with keeper Bart Barrins saving one effort and Conor Judge and Jason Earlis stopping a lot of attacks holding out to win 2-12 v 3-4.

Team: Bart Barrins, Conor Judge, Jason Earlis, Ronan Barrett, Frank Barrett, Eoin Flynn, John Cullen, Brian Lynn, Ciaran Kilcullen, Matt Cullen, Niall Judge, Barry Judge, Shane Feeney. Subs: Mark Carr, Michael Jones, Vinny Igoe.

The fourth round of the league division 2 took place on Saturday evening when we faced west Sligo neighbours Easkey in Bonniconlon. The ground was in excellent condition considering the rain during the week which allowed for fast free flowing football.

We went into the lead from the throw in after a string of quick passes ended with Brian Lynn pointing and never relinquished it for the hour. We squandered a number of goal chances but at the halftime break we lead 0-8 v 0-2 with points from Kevin Langan, Eamon Cawley, Niall Judge and John McDonnell.

Early in the second half Easkey put on serious pressure but our defence was holding out. Eamon Cawley put over two long range frees to keep the gap at 7. With 10 minutes to play we lead by 7 but a long range free went straight to the net to cut the lead to 4. However our lads upped their game and we finished the scoring with two goals from Eoin Flynn after the visitors keeper had saved a Brian Lynn effort and Niall Judge palmed the ball over the keeper to win 2-12 v 1-5.

Team:Richie McLoughlin, Ronan Keane, David Fox, Tom Cawley, Pat McGuinness, Pat Naughton, Keith Earlis, Michael Langan, Paul Kilcullen, John McDonnell, Kevin Langan, Eamon Cawley, Niall Judge, Brian Lynn, Eoin Flynn. Sub Ciaran Kilcullen.

The match went ahead after a pitch inspection by the referee. Both teams had large squads available, on an evening that the weather was atrocious.

The visitors had the elements in the first half and got off to a good start. We managed to keep them close and after 20mins we had taken the lead through a Niall Judge goal and points from Stevie Curley and Eamon Cawley. At half time we lead 1-5 v 1-3.

We got through for two goals early in the second half when Vinny Howley was at the end of some good team moves. Buninnadden fought back from that setback and had our defence on the rack for a good length of the second half when we broke for our final goal from Brendan Howley who was making his first appearance in a year after a bad injury, to end the visitors comeback.

The team travel to Ballymote on Sunday

Team: Richard McLoughlin, Conor Judge, David Fox, Ronan Keane, Eoin Kent, Keith Earlis, Keith Foody, Stevie Kilgannon, John Cullen, Brian Lynn, Eamon Cawley, Barnes Kelly, Niall Judge, Ciaran Kilcullen, Stevie Curley. Subs: Shane Feeney, Tom Cawley, Pat McGuinness, Brendan Howley, Vinny Igoe, Michael Jones

At wet and wild Corballa on Monday evening the U16 team took on Mullinabreena. A strong breeze blew into the village end and a constant downpour made ball handling a nightmare.

From the throw in Jack O'Hora broke from midfield and was taken down for a penalty. Unfortunately Sean Carrabine drilled it over the bar. We dominated the half with points from Sean, Jack, Luke Munnelly and Micheal Cahill. However one attack in the half ended with the visitors scoring a goal to leave the half time score 0-9 v 1-0

Mullinbreena got in for a few quick points but were off target for goal chances initially, but eventually after 11 minutes found the net. They had the lead narrowed to a point when we drove upfield and scored a goal from Michael Cahill. Both sides traded points but with 3 minutes to go the visitors scored their 3rd goal off the inside of the post to draw level.

We tried to get the winner but missed out in the end.

Well done to all concerned players and supporters as it was an awful evening.

Team: Kenneth Flynn, Enda Kilcullen, Stephen Durkan, James Boland, Benny Foody, Paul Flynn, Jack O'Hora, Cian Barrins, Sean Carrabine, Micheal Cahill, Luke Munnelly, Ronan Murphy, Subs: Danny O'Hora.

This was a real ding-dong affair on Friday evening at Corballa, with the lead changing regularly. The visitors were physically a much stronger outfit throughout the park but our skillful lads kept with them all the way.

We got the first score of the game from Jack O'Hora but the visitors scored a goal to take the lead, a lead they would hold throughout the half despite a driving shot to the roof of the net from Jack O'Hora. At half time we were behind 1-6 v 1-1.

We were a different proposition in the second half playing against the wind and the hill with Sean Carrabine added a number of points and Jack O'Hora and Lewis Beardshall scoring goals. With 7 minutes remaining we lead by 5 points but let in Harps for a goal. The lads showed great resilience and kept working hard to win their second game of the league 3-9 v 3-7

Team: Kenneth Flynn, Enda Kilcullen, Stephen Durkan, James Boland, Benny Foody, Paul Flynn, Jack O'Hora, Cian Barrins, Sean Carrabine, Micheal Cahill, Luke Munnelly, Ronan Murphy, Subs: Danny O'Hora.

The Minor Board committee under the chairmanship of David Durkan have held a

number of meetings. Coaching and management teams for all the underage

groups were put in place and parents were informed of the new GAA

guidelines on mouthguards for the coming year plus the club policies

on respect and bullying. The Bord is organising fun evenings for 5-10

year olds in the Community centre with county coaches Pat Kilcoyne,

Ross Donovan and Charlie Harrison expected to be in attendance on

Thursday Feb 21st from 7-8pm. Check the website for further details

Membership:

Membership for the coming year is now due. We are asking all players

to pay soon as they are not insured to play otherwise. Club Registrars

are Ultan McGranaghan and Shane Feeney. Membership fees are €60 per

adult and €40 U-18. You can also give your membership to any other

committee member. The Club would like to wish all its teams and

management a successful new year. All non players are also asked to

pay their membership in the coming weeks.

Lotto

The club lotto draw will take place this weekend for €6200. There was

no winner last week with 4 match 3 number winners. Results on website.

Team news

The seniors have begun to prepare for the coming year having their

first training session of 2013 at the weekend. A great turnout on

Friday night under lights. The team will be in action in the next few

weeks in the Benson cup. The club minor team will be the first

underage team in action in the coming weeks and are currently training

with the seniors

Bord na nÓg

The committee under the chairmanship of David Durkan have held a

number of meetings. Coaching and management teams for all the underage

groups were put in place and parents were informed of the new GAA

guidelines on mouthguards for the coming year plus the club policies

on respect and bullying. The Bord is organising fun evenings for 5-10

year olds in the Community centre with county coaches Pat Kilcoyne,

Ross Donovan and Charlie Harrison expected to be in attendance on

Thursday Feb 21st from 7-8pm. Check the website for further details.

Hurling

Indoor hurling will resume in the next 2 weeks for the 5-9 year old

groups and the 10-13 years of age groups.

Website

Have you any old photos or paper cuttings? Are you based overseas?

What would you like to see on our website? It is that time of year

where you review the past and prepare for the future so we are asking

for your views, memorabilia and possible contact details. The club

have a presence on facebook, twitter, instagram and of course the

website. If you would like to get a weekly update or have a piece of

history from the club you can contact Barry or Bart at

pro.castleconnor.sligo@gaa.ie

Membership:

Membership for the coming year is now due. We are asking all players

to pay soon as they are not insured to play otherwise. Club Registrars

are Ultan McGranaghan and Shane Feeney. You can also give your

membership to any other committee member. The Club would like to wish

all its teams and management a successful new year. All non players

are also asked to pay their membership in the coming weeks.

Team news

The seniors have begun to prepare for the coming year having their

first training session of 2013 at the weekend. A great turnout on

Friday night under lights. The team will be in action in the next few

weeks in the Benson cup. The club minor team will be the first

underage team in action in the coming weeks and are currently training

with the seniors

Bord na nÓg

A meeting of this committee took place last night under the

chairmanship of David Durkan. Coaching and management teams for all

the underage groups were put in place and parents were informed of the

new GAA guidelines on mouthguards for the coming year plus the club

policies on respect and bullying. A list of the management teams will

be available on the website during the week.

Website

Have you any old photos or paper cuttings? Are you based overseas?

What would you like to see on our website? It is that time of year

where you review the past and prepare for the future so we are asking

for your views, memorabilia and possible contact details. The club

have a presence on facebook, twitter, instagram and of course the

website. If you would like to get a weekly update or have a piece of

history from the club you can contact Barry or Bart at

pro.castleconnor.sligo@gaa.ie

Castleconnor's Martin Cooney has been nominated by the Connacht handball council for the "Special Achievement Award. The Provincial Council at its monthly meeting last evening in the Connacht G.A.A Offices in Ballyhaunis announced its 14 Provincial Winners. Cooney who just last week captained his team of 6 to win the Sligo handball 40 x 20 team title with a win over Shane Bruen's side.

Cooney reached last year's All-Ireland Silver Masters B singles 60 X 30 final is coming back to his best form following an injury that kept him out of the game for 12 months. Cooney will receive his award at the G.A.A Handball All-Star Awards which will be held in Croke Park on Saturday 9th February next.

CONNACHT AWARD WINNERS

1) Male Player of the Year

Joe McCann (Mayo)

2) Female Player of the Year

Pauline Gallagher (Mayo)

3) Masters Player of the Year

James Coughlan (Roscommon)

4) Young Male Player of the Year

Martin Mulkerrins (Galway)

5) Young Female Player of the Year

Amy Corrigan (Mayo)

6) Youth Male Player of the Year

Niall Joyce (Galway)

7) Youth Female Player of the Year

Cianna Ní Churrain (Will give correct spelling later)

8) Official of the Year

John Kennedy (Roscommon)

9) Club Person of the Year

Liam O’Ceallaigh (Roscommon)

10) Coach of the Year

Pierce Lalor (Galway)

11) Special Achievement Award

Martin Cooney (Sligo)

12) Hall of Fame

Ray Doherty (Roscommon)

13) Team of the Year

Williamstown Intermediate Team

Pat & Ollie Conway, Noel Mchugh, Declan connaughton

14) Club of the Year

Inis Mor

Club social and awards night.

Over 200 patrons attended the awards night in the Community centre on Saturday night. The evening started off with an address from our President Jim Curranand our outgoing chair Darren Ruane. The U12 hurlers and the U14 football teams were then presented with their county medals for 2012. The senior panel who won the Benson cup in dramatic fashion earlier in the year received their medals also.

Then it was over to the individual awards with a special merit award to Frank Mullen. Minor player of the year went to Keith Earlis, young player of the year was awarded to Martin Foody with Michael Langan winning the senior player of the year award for the second year in a row. The clubman of the year was presented to Darren Ruane. There was two Hall of Fame awards as 2011 recipient Paul Healy who was unable to attend last year received his award to great applause, a man who has given great service to the club on and off the field. This years award was then presented to Tommy Holmes, a very worthy winner, who was a manager when the club won county titles in the 80s and had the distinction of playing with his sons Kieran and Gerry in the late 80s. Chariman Mark Carr thanked all who had assisted the club in any way during the year and wished all success in 2013. newly re-elected county board Chairman Cyril Feehily presented the football awards whilst Nicky Rackard all-star Tomás Cawley presented the hurling awards. Local band Gorilla Radio then took to the stage followed by local dj Marky Mark.

Three lotto draws took place on the night with the regular weekly lotto followed by the yearly draw for the yearly ticket holders. The results of this will be printed next week and will be available on the club website.