Junior Championship

It was a cauldron of heat under the floodlights in Emyvale last Wednesday night as we stood toe to toe with Clones in the semi-final. On paper, this would be a titanic struggle for superiority and it didn’t disappoint. Although Clones took the lead we steadied the ship and went ahead by three with a Marty McGuirk goal after eight minutes. However points were exchanged through the half and all at lighting pace. Clones were awarded a penalty but only managed a score over the bar to leave the Seans ahead at the break by one. Once again Clones started the stronger in the second period and the Seans were under siege as they hit the front with a two point advantage. Clearly the lads were not perturbed by this as there were no signs of panic in the ranks. They dug deep and their relentless work rate and confidence in their own capabilities brought them into the lead by one as the clock ebbed closer to the finish. The sound of Xavier’s whistle indicating full time was like hearing the sweet sound of the birds on the first day of spring. We had arrived at another Junior Championship final. Relief , excitement , and sheer joy lay scattered over the field as the team gathered themselves and took stock of their achievement. Well done to all , and the win has paved the way to Scotstown on Saturday afternoon and another encounter with Aughnamullen. With rumors of restrictions being relaxed , we await confirmation on spectators being allowed to attend.

Juveniles

Last Saturday at 11am in Drumhowan , our U13 squad and management, banished all the disappointments of previous finals and got down to the job in hand. Inniskeen stood between them and the Div 3 Championship cup and come hell or high water that piece of silverware was bound for Paric Sheain Mhic Diarmada on Saturday afternoon. This was a tight struggle from the off and Inniskeen , unbeaten all season, were raging favorites for the crown. However our lads chose to ignore the pundits , and took the game by the scruff of the neck and started to shake it. We started with a fortuitus looping ball from Sean Ward which caught the keeper off guard and dropped in for a goal. This did not deter the opposition and they were right back in it with points from all directions. The game ebbed and flowed with neither side taking control until the second half. Inniskeen stepped up a gear and moved five points clear. This, I believe, is when our young lads came of age as they took stock of what they had to do. A quick response with points from Conor Kearns and Oisin Treanor was topped off with a goal from Ben Forde. They were right back in the game and Inniskeen were on the wane. Natural instinct took over and closure was insight as Conor Kearns clipped another point on the outside of his boot to go one up. It was all hands to the pump as the clock ran down and Captain Patrick Keenan was carried off with a leg injury. The Seans were now baying for blood, when up stepped Odhran Connolly to hit a monumental point from the sideline which truly would not have been out of place had we have seen in it Croke Park. The whistle sounded shortly afterwards and victory was ours. The unbridled joy on management and players alike was a sight to behold. Their hard work and energy in the short season had finally paid off . To the players Kieran, Daniel B, Patrick, Jack, Aaron B , Odhran, James, Ben Aaron S, Eoin, Conor, Sean, Shea, Seamus, Conal, Daniel, Oisin and Joe we salute you. To the management of Adrian Larkin, Fergal Ward, Sean Grant and Shane Larkin we compliment you on your training, preparation, and dedication in getting the lads to the final and winning. The cup is now safely in the hands of our captain, Patrick Keenan , and the Club will now make a small note in their history of juvenile victories of the Division 3 Championship winners 2020.

The Big Drive Thru Breakfast.

A huge thanks to all who came and had their breakfast with us last Sunday morning. The new normal had us operating a drive through set up which worked very well. Compliments to all the chefs , waiters, and waitresses on the smooth running of the show. A big thanks to local bread agent and firm supporter of the Club, Mr Brendan McMahon, who once again sponsored all the bread rolls for event and Alan Treanor for the dainty wee eggs. The event was a great success and testimony to the organisation of it and the support from the community.

Totto

Why not play our totto at www.seanmcdermotts.net, via our club app and at McEntees or Lynchs shops in the village.

This weeks jackpot was €6200, and we had no correct predictions of the number sequence. The numbers drawn were : 2,1,7,6,4,8,3,5, Our lucky dip winners were: Michael Murphy, Tattenclave, Peggy Brady, Recane, Malcolm Treanor, Drumaconor, Mary & Caoimhe Larkin, Blackrock, Patrick & James Kearns , Annaglough,

Next weeks jackpot will be €6300.