GRANAGH NOTES - 19/ 20th JUNE

GRANAGH UTD. F.C:
Lotto Results: -    Friday 8th June:    Jackpot: -   €12,000.    Winning Nos. 5. 21. 23. 26.  No Winner.                                   
Lucky Dips: -         Sean Long, Granagh.   Tom O'Gorman, Shop.   Mike & Mary O'Regan, Granagh.

Lotto Results: -     Friday 15th June:   Jackpot: -    €12,050.   Winning Nos.  1. 5. 9. 14.   No Winner.

Lucky dips: -         Katherine Maguire, Kingsland.   Daniel Herlihy, Kingsland.   Gerry Mulcahy, Kingsland.                                   

Next Week's Jackpot is €12,100.00 with the draw to be held in Hickey's Bar.

To make sure you are included in the draw every week, you might consider buying a yearly ticket for fifty euro, four of the above winners have yearly tickets.   Tickets available at O' Gorman's Foodstore Granagh, Hickeys Bar Croom, The Rock Bar, Granagh, & Bennis' Bar Ballyagran.

 

Match Reports: -

U10 Div 3. Shield Final:    Granagh Utd 3 -  Mountcollins 1.   Scorers:- Shane Collins 1, Sean Murphy 1 & Jack O`Connor 1.

On Sunday 3rd June, our U10A team contested the Div 3 shield final against Mountcollins in Clounreask.   Having lost out narrowly to Kilcornan in the league final our boys had a point to prove and got at the opposition right from the start but to be fair to Mountcollins they were well up for the game too and attacked well from the start,   This paid off seven minutes into the game when there midfielder struck a long range effort which dipped under the cross bar to give Conor little chance of stopping it despite his full stretch attempt.   From the tip Granagh kept there heads and never panicked and started to pass the ball around nicely with Sean, Josh and James solid in defense giving Conor very little to do in goals for most of the remainder of the half.   Our midfield were beginning to get on top now with Eoin starting to win the dual in the middle of the park and Tom & Shane making great runs down the flanks delivering quality balls into Ryan and Darragh and it was from Shane's pressure late in the first half that led to a corner for Granagh which Shane delivered into the box only for full back Sean Murphy to finish neatly to make it 1-1 at the break.

Second half and Eoin Enright was drafted back into goals for Conor Clifford and Shane Scully was introduced into midfield with Jack O`Connor replacing Tom Curtin on the left flank, also the management of Seamus and Joe opted to drop Darragh Clifford into midfield with Shane Scully and leave Ryan Fitzgibbon up front on his own. The tactical move of packing the midfield worked well as Mountcollins found it hard to get ball through the middle for the second half and were forced to defend for long periods. This pressure was soon to pay off when Shane Scully played a smart ball into the box for Ryan to set up the incoming Shane Collins who made no mistake from eight yards to give Granagh the lead they now deserved.   Darragh Clifford was unlucky not to make it three when Shane Collins picked him out on the edge of the box from a corner kick only for his shot to rise slightly high of the cross bar,   With five minutes remaining Jack O`Connor put the game out of reach with a well placed shot to seal a great victory for Granagh Utd on a score line of 3-1.   We would like to thank Mountcollins for a very sporting game and wish them well for next season.

 

U8 Div 3. League Final:   Granagh Utd 4 -  Feenagh 2.   Scorers - Paudie Murphy 2, Cian Scully 1 & Darragh McDonagh 1. 

On Monday 4th June,  in a sun drenched Clounreask we were treated to a fine game off football between two very even teams.   Granagh went an entire season without losing a game and Feenagh finished second to them in the league which always suggested this would be a tight affair.   We weren't`t disappointed.!    The game started with both teams attacking well and it was end to end action with both defenses busy but it was Feenagh that struck first with a fine strike,  which gave James no chance.   However within two minutes the hard working Paudie Murphy had us level with a shot you would only see in the premiership,  which rattled the Feenagh net.   This settled our boys and they began to get a real hold on the game putting Feenagh under immense pressure but failed to make it count in the way of goals and two many times we have seen what happened next !   Feenagh catch us on the break and make it 2-1,  advantage Feenagh, but again it was that man to the rescue Paudie Murphy with an equaliser just before half time to make it 2-2 at the break.

Second half Paddy Lynch came on in goals for James Dollery and Mark O`Shea replaced Cillian Cotter at centre back and Luke Hayes was the ten minute sub for Darragh McDonagh.   All these fresh legs seemed to work in the heat as Granagh pinned Feenagh into there own half for much of the second half but still no goals to show for all the pressure.   Ten minutes remaining and as the rule states the ten minute sub comes back on, so when Darragh got his second chance he created all sorts of problems for Feenagh with his ball skill and quick movement up front.   This paid off with a fine finish from Darragh McDonagh six minutes from time to make it 3-2 advantage Granagh.   From the tip Feenagh tried hard to break the Granagh defense but William Dore, T.J Tierney and Mark O`Shea were having none of it and cleared everything that was asked of them.   Cian Scully dropped off to provide the release valve for the backs and indeed Cian's passing from the middle was very good over the course of the game finding Paudie, Luke and Darragh on many occasions,  with clever passes.  Two minutes remaining and it was Cian Scully that put the game out of reach for Feenagh with a fine strike to wrap things up and give Granagh a 4-2 victory.   We would like to thank Feenagh for a very sporting game and wish them well for next season. 

 

AWARDS  NIGHT:

A big crowd attended the annual awards night held in the community centre, on Friday 15th June.   There was a very impressive display of beautifully designed trophies and medals to be distributed to all ages from U8s to U16s.

To begin, Kevin Clifford, Secretary, made a presentation to Pat Fitzgibbon who just retired as Junior manager .    He thanked him for all the work done and all the silverware brought to the Club over the years.

 

Under 8s:   This year our under eights were unbeatable.!  They won the double - The League and the Cup Finals and scored approx ninety nine goals in total.  They were captained by by Cian Scully in the League Final and T.J. Tierney in the Cup Final .   Both managers were on hand to present all thirty eight medals.

Additional presentations:  Most Improved Player - Dara McDonagh.   Top Goal Scorer: - Cian Scully.   Player of the year: - T.J. Tierney.

Man of the Match in the League Final:- Paudie Murphy.    

U8:  Panel: - James Dollery, Paddy Lynch, T.J. Tierney, Mark O'Shea, Eamon Noonan, Daniel Scully, Cian Scully, Ryan Murphy, Cillian Cotter, Paudie Murphy, Jack Lynch, Conor Frawley, Luke Hayes, Zac Hayes, Thomas Delahunty, William Dore, Jordan Madden, Brian Curtin &  Dara McDonagh. 

Managers: -  Jim Dore, Donal Scully and assistant Seamus Murphy.

 

Under 10 A's:   Because we had so many under ten players, this year, they were divided into two teams, to give everyone a chance to play.

The older under tens were in two finals - they lost the Cup but bounced back to win the Division 3 Shield Final.

Additional presentations: Most Improved Player - James Stapleton.    Top Goal Scorer: - Ryan Fitzgibbon.   Player of the year: - Josh Lynch Raftery.

Man of the Match in the Shield Final:-  Shane Collins.

U10 A:  Panel: -  Conor Clifford, Shane Scully, James Stapleton, Rory Condon, Darragh Clifford, Eoin Enright, Shane Collins, Tom Curtin, Ryan Fitzgibbon, Sean Murphy, Josh Lynch Raftery, Jack O'Connor.   Also included were three from the U8 panel - Paudie Murphy, T.J. Tierney &   Cian Scully.   Most unusually,  we have three sets of brothers on this panel, the Cliffords, Murphys and Scullys.

Managers: - Joe Condon & Seamus Murphy.

 

Under 10 B's:    Award for Most Improved Player: - Eoin Herlihy.   Top Goal Scorer:- Daniel Herlihy.   Player of the Year:-  David Bennett.

U10 B: Panel: -  Liam Bennis, Charlie & Ben McCartan, Daniel Herlihy, William Sexton, David Bennett, Evan Byrnes, Pierce Gavin, Rory O'Gorman, Kevin Lawlor, James Sheehan, Niall O'Donoghue, Darragh Sexton, Gavin Cotter, Fionán O'Driscoll & Eoin Herlihy.

Managers: - William Bennis & Liam Herlihy.

 

Under 12's:   Winners of the League in a play-off against Glin.

Most Improved Player: - Damien Madigan.   Top Goal Scorer: - Gearóid Lynch.   Player of the Year: -  Conor Lynch.

Man of the Match in the League Final:- Liam McDermott.

U12: Panel: -  Aaron Noonan , Aidan Donegan, Conor Lynch, Damien Madigan, David Lynch, Denis Sheehy, Eoin Clifford, Eoghan O` Driscoll, M.J. Purtill, Gearoid Lynch, Killian Lynch Raftery, Liam McDermot, Sean English, Santiago Junquera, Sam O Sullivan, Roy Moloney,         William O` Regan, Jason Kenny, Micheál Fitzgibbon, Fearghal Cotter, Christopher Kelleher and Rossa Slapka.
Managers: -  Kevin Clifford & Rafa Junquera.

 

Under 14s:   This team were unlucky not to be in the final and were placed third overall.

Most Improved Player: - Jason Leahy.    Top Goal Scorer: - Richie Walsh.    Player of the Year: - James McDermott.

Managers:-  Joe Scanlon and Richard O'Donoghue.  Apologies from Joe who could not attend due to prior engagement in Liverpool, is he changing shirts ??

 

Under 16s:    Awards were presented to Bradley Daly - Most Improved/Consistent Player.    Steven Hickey was Top Goal Scorer.           Player of the Year - Damien O'Donovan.

Managers: - Timmy Cotter & Jimmy Sheehy.

 

Divisional  Awards 2011/12:  

U8.   Cup Final.   Player of the Match: - Cian Scully.

U10.   Div 3.   Player of the Year: -  Sean Murphy.

U12.   Div 2.   Player of the Year: -  Eoin Clifford.

U14.   Div 2.   Player of the year: -   John Geary.

U15.  Inter League, Player of the Year: -  Edward Sheehy.  

 

After the presentations were made, Kevin finished off by paying tribute to all the team managers for giving so generously of their valuable time, during the season.   Because these parents volunteer, they ensure the club is active, which enables the children to make friends and learn important life skills in a fun way.   Sincere thanks is due to each and every one of them.

Another club lifeline is the weekly Lotto.   It covers the regular expenses and allows for treats every so often.   More volunteers are needed to help out with the teams.   At the moment, the rota is, a team on every six weeks.   They call to  Hickeys, The Rock and Bennis's every Friday night, sell the tickets and run the draw.   They would really appreciate the extra help, contact Seamus or Kevin.

Kevin also thanked the parents for bringing their children to training and travelling to matches, which may not always be convenient to arrange.     Sincere thanks to all for supporting the Club throughout the season.   Thank you to Emer Power , who was our photographer on the night and more of her photos can be viewed on www.mylocalnews.ie 

The night concluded with complimentary teas and snacks for everyone. 

 

GARDEN  EVENING:

Limerick Show Society are holding an evening event in MINT Garden Centre (formerly Van Veens) on Thursday 21st June, 7pm to 9pm.

Speakers:  Steve Redden - Eric Davis - Helen Carroll - Pam Baker.      Talks & Demos held in the tunnels on the subjects of Colour in the Garden, Produce, Container planting etc.   Expert garden advice, a 10% discount on all purchases followed by complimentary teas.   

 

 

COMMUNITY  GAMES:

Athletics Finals:   There will be a good representation of children from Balingarry/Granagh heading to  Mungret on Saturday and Sunday next to compete in the Athletics County Finals.    We wish them all the very best of luck.   Many thanks to their parents and coaches who have prepared them so well.
Also on Thursday evening 21st, the Long Puck competition will be held in Mungret  at 7pm.
Finally congratulations to Eve Higgins who came second in the Girls U/12 two length breaststroke on Sunday last when competing in the Swim A Gala in Askeaton.

 

GARDEN  WALK:

In our uncertain weather conditions, it is hard to believe that the Sundays' chosen for the garden walk, this year and last year, were both

clear, sunny and dry days.!   Of course, those living in the Glen are not surprised by this at all, they were always well in, with the Faeries of Knockfierna !!     Lady Harrington had her gardens in top condition and loads of flowers in bloom.   It was beautiful just to stroll around at ease, admire and inhale the scents.   In the courtyard Theresa Storey Cosgrave set up ' The Green Apron '  stand which included tastings of  delicious homemade jams, chutneys and jelly's.   Amanda and Dianne had their plant stall, with cuttings of every kind of plant.  Mint Garden Centre (formerly Van Veens) had a another beautiful  and colourful selection of plants again this year.   The members of the Development Association and the Kilpeacon ladies were looking after the teas and were kept very busy all day.   After we had tidied up and dropped everything back to the Hall again, the rain began to fall.!!    Thanks to everyone ( incl faeries )  who helped out and made it such a successful and enjoyable  day. 

 

FATHER'S  DAY:

 

As I arrived at O'Gorman's shop last Saturday night, I was unable to get in - I had to join a queue !!  Never before had this happened .?   I discovered, Tom's long awaited Lotto machine had arrived, was installed and was churning out Quick Picks.    All the Daddies were being treated and  as I happened to miss all the advertising on TV/Radio and Papers, I bought a ticket as well.    Didn't hear of any winner locally yet, although Tom is very lucky himself.   I'm sure we will have to try a number of times, but if nothing is happening, we may have to get the faeries working on it........