Club Is Family » -

Crossmaglen land sixth senior football title

admin — Mon, 02 Apr 2012 14:45:47 +0000

Crossmaglen Rangers celebrate with the cup after the game. AIB GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Club Championship Final, Replay, Crossmaglen Rangers v Garrycastle, Kingspan Breffni Park, Cavan.

After 158 games at senior, intermediate and junior level, stretching back to last September, the curtain has finally come down on the 2011/2012 AIB GAA All-Ireland club championships with Crossmaglen Rangers celebrating their sixth senior football success.

They retained the title in impressive fashion last Saturday, beating Garrycastle (Westmeath) by 2-19 to 1-7 in Kingspan Breffni Park. Captained by Stephen Kernan, Crossmaglen proved far too strong for the gallant Westmeath men on a day when Oisin McConville, who scored 0-6, and Paul Hearty won their sixth All-Ireland medals.

Francis Hanratty scored 2-1 for Crossmaglen while Aaron and Stephen Kernan kicked 0-3 each as the Ulster champions moved within one title of Nemo Rangers (Cork) at the head of the honours’ table.

It’s a fantastic achievement by the Crossmaglen club but Garrycastle can also take much satisfaction from a campaign where they became the first Westmeath club to win the Leinster title.

AIB GAA All-Ireland Club Football Winners: 1971-2012

7: Nemo Rangers (Cork) (1973-79-82-84-89-94-2003)
6: Crossmaglen Rangers (Armagh) (1997-99-2000-2007-2011-2012)
3: St. Finbarr’s (Cork) (1980-81-87)
2: Burren (Down) (1986-88)
2: Kilmacud Crokes (Dublin) (1995-2009)
2: St.Vincent’s (Dublin) (1976-2008)
2: University College Dublin (1974-75)
1: Austin Stacks (Kerry) (1977)
1: Ballina Stephenites (2005)
1: Ballinderry (2002)
1: Baltinglass (Wicklow) (1990)
1: Bellaghy (Derry) (1972)
1: Caltra (Galway) (2004)
1: Castleisland Desmonds (Kerry) (1985)
1: Corofin (Galway) (1988)
1: Crossmolina (Mayo) (2001)
1: Dr. Crokes (Kerry) (1992)
1: East Kerry (1971)
1: Laune Rangers (Kerry) (1996)
1: Lavey (Derry) (1991)
1: O’Donovan Rossa (Cork) (1993)
1: Portlaoise (Laois) (1983)
1: Salthill-Knocknacarra (Galway) (2006)
1: Thomond College (Limerick) (1978)
1: St. Gall’s (Antrim) (2010)
County breakdown: Cork 11; Dublin 6; Armagh 6; Kerry 5; Derry 3, Galway 3; Down 2; Mayo 2; Laois 1; Limerick 1; Wicklow 1, Antrim 1.

AIB GAA All-Ireland Club Hurling Winners: 1971-2012

5: Ballyhale Shamrocks (Kilkenny) (1981-84-90-2007-2010)
4: Birr (Offaly) (1995-1998-2002-2003)
3: Athenry (Galway) (1997-2000-2001)
3: Blackrock (Cork) (1972-74-79)
3: James Stephens (Kilkenny) (1976-82-2005)
3: Portumna (Galway) (2006-2008-2009)
2: Glen Rovers (Cork) (1973-77)
2: Loughgiel Shamrocks (Antrim) (1983-2012)
2: Sarsfields (Galway) (1993-94)
2: St. Finbarr’s (Cork) 1975-78)
1: Borrisoleigh (Tipperary) (1987)
1: Buffer’s Alley (Wexford) (1989)
1: Castlegar (Galway) (1980)
1: Clarinbridge (Galway) (2011)
1: Glenmore (Kilkenny) (1991)
1: Kilruane McDonagh’s (Tipperary) (1986)
1: Kiltormer (Galway) (1992)
1: Midleton (Cork) (1988)
1: Newtownshandrum (Cork) (2004)
1: Roscrea (Tipperary) (1971)
1: Sixmilebridge (Clare) (1996)
1: St.Joseph’s (Clare) (1999)
1: St.Martin’s (Kilkenny) (1985)
County Breakdown: Galway 11, Kilkenny 10, Cork 9, Offaly 4, Tipperary 3, Clare 2, Antrim 2, Wexford 1.

WHERE 2011/2012 HURLING TITLES WENT

Senior

All-Ireland: Loughgiel Shamrocks (Antrim)
Leinster: Coolderry (Offaly)
Munster: Na Piarsaigh (Limerick)
Ulster: Loughgiel Shamrocks (Antrim)
Intermediate
All-Ireland: Mount Leinster Rangers (Carlow)
Connacht: Moycullen (Galway)
Leinster: Mount Leinster Rangers (Carlow)
Munster: Effin (Limerick)
Ulster: Middletown (Armagh)
Junior
All-Ireland: St. Patrick’s (Kilkenny)
Connacht: Ballygar (Galway)
Leinster: St.Patrick’s (Kilkenny)
Munster: Charleville (Cork)
Ulster: Burt (Donegal)

WHERE 2011/2012 FOOTBALL TITLES WENT

Senior

All-Ireland: Crossmaglen Rangers (Armagh)
Connacht: St. Brigid’s (Roscommon)
Leinster: Garrycastle (Westmeath)
Munster: Dr. Crokes (Kerry)
Ulster: Crossmaglen Rangers (Armagh)
Intermediate
All-Ireland: Milltown-Castlemaine (Kerry)
Connacht: Davitts (Mayo)
Leinster: Eire Og (Wicklow)
Munster: Milltown-Castlemaine (Kerry)
Ulster: Craigbane (Derry)
Junior
All-Ireland: Clonbur (Galway)
Connacht: Clonbur (Galway)
Leinster: Ballivor (Meath)
Munster: Dromid Pearses (Kerry)
Ulster: Derrytresk (Tyrone)

AIB GAA Club Football Championships 2011/2012

Senior Football »

Senior Football

Connacht

October 16: Quarter-final: Tourlestrane (Sligo) 1-15 Glencar Manorhamilton (Leitrim) 2-7.
November 6: Semi-finals: Corofin (Galway) 1-11 Ballintubber (Mayo) 2-7; St. Brigid’s (Roscommon) 0-16 Tourlestrane 0-10.
November 20: Final: St. Brigid’s 0-11 Corofin 0-10.

Leinster

November 13: First round: St.Brigid’s (Dublin) 2-15 Summerhill (Meath) 0-11; Portlaoise (Laois) 2-12 St. Patrick’s (Louth) 1-14 (after extra-time);; Athy (Kildare) 1-8 Edenderry (Offaly) 1-5 ;
Quarter-final: Garrycastle (Westmeath) 4-11 Longford Slashers (Longford) 1-6.
November 20: Quarter-finals: St.Brigid’s 1-20 Horeswood (Wexford) 3-8; Portlaoise 1-14 Rathnew (Wicklow) 0-12; Athy 1-13 Old Leighlin (Carlow) 1-3

December 4: Semi-finals: Garrycastle 1-10 Athy 1-6; St.Brigid’s 2-16 Portlaoise 1-15 (after extra-time)

December 18: Garrycastle 1-8 St.Brigid’s 0-10.

Munster

November 6: Quarter-finals: Dr.Crokes (Kerry) 3-13 Ballinacourty (Waterford) 0-7; UCC (Cork) 1-19 Monaleen (Limerick) 2-15 (after extra-time).

November 20: Semi-finals: Dr. Crokes 0-12 Kilmurry-Ibrickane (Clare) 0-9; UCC 5-12 Moyle Rovers (Tipperary) 1-5.

December 4: Final: Dr. Crokes 3-14 UCC 2-10.

Ulster

October 16: First round: Glenswilly (Donegal) 1-8 Cavan Gaels (Cavan) 0-10.
October 30: Quarter-finals: Ballinderry (Derry) 1-11 Dromore (Tyrone) 0-12; Crossmaglen Rangers (Armagh) 3-9 St.Gall’s (Antrim) 2-5.
November 13: Quarter-finals: Burren (Down) 1-15 Roslea (Fermanagh) 2-5; Latton (Monaghan) 0-10 Glenswilly 0-9; Semi-final: Crossmaglen Rangers 0-17 Ballinderry 1-10.
November 20: Semi-final: Burren 1-10 Latton 0-11.
November 27: Final: Crossmaglen Rangers 2-11 Burren 0-10.

Intermediate Football

Connacht

October 16: Quarter-final: Melvin Gaels (Leitrim) 2-21 Coolaney-Mullinabreena (Sligo) 0-7.

October 30: Semi-finals: Padraig Pearses (Roscommon) 1-11 Kilconly (Galway) 1-8; Davitts (Mayo) 1-12 Melvin Gaels 0-12
November 5: Final: Davitts 1-13 Padraig Pearses 0-8.

Leinster

(Senior champions Kilkenny plus intermediate champions 11 counties)
October 23: First round: O Raghallaighs (Louth) 0-14 Moynalvey (Meath) 0-8; St. Brigid’s (Offaly) 1-10 Killeshin (Laois) 0-9; Coralstown/Kinnegad (Westmeath) 0-18 St. Brigid’s (Longford) 0-5.
November 6: Eire Og, Greystones (Wicklow) 1-6 O Raghallaighs v 0-7; Muckalee (Kilkenny) 1-13 St. Andrew’s (Carlow) 1-7; St. Brigid’s (Offaly) 1-10 St. Martin’s (Wexford) 0-7;
November 13: Skerries (Dublin) 1-8 Muckalee 0-7; Confey (Kildare) 3-8; Coralstown/Kinnegad 1-13.

November 20: Semi-finals: Eire Og 2-11 St.Brigid’s 0-12; Confey 2-8 Skerries 0-9.
December 4: Final: Eire Og 0-8 Confey 0-6.

Munster

November 13: Quarter-finals: Mullinahone (Tipperary) 1-9 Mountcollins (Limerick) 0-9; Milltown-Castlemaine (Kerry) 2-5 Clondegad (Clare) 0-10.
November 20:Semi-finals: Mullinahone 0-14 Dungarvan (Waterford) 1-3; Milltown-Castlemaine 1-9 Newmarket (Cork) 1-6.
December 11: Final: Milltown-Castlemaine 1-14 Mullinahone 0-6.

Ulster

October 16: First round: All Saints, Ballymena (Antrim) 2-12 Drumgoon (Cavan) 0-7.
October 30: Quarter-finals: Carrickmacross (Monaghan) 0-11 Kildress (Tyrone) 0-8 Craigbane (Derry) 2-19 Kilclief (Down) 0-8; Culloville (Armagh) 3-6 St. Naul’s (Donegal) 0-9; Ballymena 0-16 Irvinestown (Fermanagh) 1-10.
November 13: Semi-finals: Craigbane 1-14 Carrickmacross 0-9; Culloville 2-11 All Saints, Ballymena 1-12.
November 27: Final: Craigbane 0-6 Culloville 0-5.

Junior Football »

Junior Football

Connacht

October 16: Quarter-final: Creggs (Roscommon) 1-9 Leitrim Gaels (Leitrim) 0-9
October 30: Semi-finals: Clonbur (Galway) 2-11 Creggs 1-4; Islandeady (Mayo) w/o Ballasadare (Sligo)

November 6: Final: Clonbur 0-11 Islandeady 0-9.

Leinster

Intermediate champions Kilkenny; Intermediate runners-up Carlow; Junior champions remaining 10 counties)
October 23: First round: Clonmore (Carlow) 2-4 Robertstown (Kildare) 1-6; St. Fechin’s (Louth) 0-13 Ballymore (Longford) 0-6; Geraldine O’Hanrahan’s (Wexford) 2-12 St. Paul’s (Westmeath) 2-2.
November 6: Quarter-finals: Cappincur (Offaly) 1-11 Clonmore 0-9; St. Fechin’s 3-9 Man O War (Dublin) 1-6; Geraldine O’ Hanrahan’s 4-11 Kilmacanogue (Wicklow) 0-6; Ballivor (Meath) 0-16 Spink (Laois) 1-7.
November 20: Semi-finals: St.Fechin’s 1-7 Cappincur 0-7; Ballivor 1-13 Geraldine O’Hanrahan’s 1-7.
December 4: Final: Ballivor 1-15 St.Fechins 1-8 (after extra time).

Munster

November 4; Quarter-finals: Kildangan (Tipperary) 1-9 Sean Finns (Limerick) 0-10;

November 6: Dromid Pearses (Kerry) 2-12 Meelick (Clare) 1-9
November 13: Semi-finals: Kildangan 1-10 Sliabh gCua (Waterford) 1-6; Dromid Pearses 0-14 Kanturk (Cork) 2-4 (after extra-time).
November 27: Final: Dromid Pearses 0-16 Kildangan1-4.

Ulster

October 30: Quarter-finals: Shercock (Cavan) 1-14 Cremartin (Monaghan) 2-11 after extra-time); Burt (Donegal) 1-7 Bredagh (Down) 1-6; Eire Og (Armagh) 0-6 O’Donnells (Antrim) 0-3; Derrytresk (Tyrone) 2-11Doire Trasna (Derry) 0-6.
November 6: Replay: Cremartin 1-7 Shercock 1-3.
November 13: Semi-finals: Cremartin 1-8 Burt 0-4; Derrytresk 2-12 Eire Og 0-3.
November 27: Final: Derrytresk 2-5 Cremartin 0-10.

AIB GAA All-Ireland Championships

Senior Football

December 4: Quarter-final: St. Brigid’s (Roscommon) 1-12 Fulham Irish (London) 0-7.
February 18: Semi-finals: Crossmaglen Rangers (Armagh) 3-8 Dr. Crokes (Kerry) 2-8; Garrycastle (Westmeath) 1-11 St. Brigid’s (Roscommon) 1-9.
March 17: Final: Crossmaglen Rangers 0-15 Garrycastle 1-12.
March 30: Final (replay): Crossmaglen Rangers 2-19 v Garrycastle 1-7, Kingspan Breffni Park.

Intermediate Football

January 22: Semi-finals: Davitts (Mayo) 2-12 Eire Og (Wicklow) 0-6; Milltown-Castlemaine (Kerry) 1-7 Craigbane (Derry) 1-6.
February 12: Final: Milltown-Craigbane 1-13 Davitts 1-6.

Junior Football

December 11: Dromid Pearses (Kerry) 1-8 Cuchullains 0-5.
January 22: Semi-finals: Derrytresk (Tyrone) 1-10 Dromid Pearses 0-7; Clonbur (Galway) 3-4 Ballivor (Meath) 0-3.
February 12: Final: Clonbur 1-8 Derrytresk 1-7.

Crossmaglen and Garrycastle go head to head again

admin — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 15:13:06 +0000

Enda Mulvihill, Garrycastle. AIB GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Club Championship Final, Crossmaglen Rangers, Armagh v Garrycastle, Westmeath. Croke Park Dublin.

They served up an excellent contest before a crowd of 25,412 in the drawn game in Croke Park on St.Patrick’s Day and now Crossmaglen Rangers (Armagh) and Garrycastle (Westmeath) will do it all over again next Saturday (5.00) when they meet in the AIB GAA football All-Ireland senior club championship final replay in Kingspan Breffni Park.

A first half goal by Patrick Mulvihill helped Garrycastle to an interval lead of 1-8 to 0-7 last Saturday week but Crossmaglen called on their vast reserves of resilience to battle back in the second half and earn a draw.

It was the second time in five years they had drawn an All-Ireland final, having previously finished level with Dr. Crokes (Kerry) in 2007.

The St. Patrick’s Day draw was the fourth time in the history of the senior club championship that the final finished level.

Nemo Rangers (Cork) and St. Vincent’s (Dublin) drew in 1973; UCD and Clan na nGael (Armagh) drew in 1974; Eire Og (Carlow) and O’Donovan Rossa (Cork) drew in 1993 and Crossmaglen were involved in the fourth draw in 2007 when they finished all square with Dr. Crokes (Kerry) before winning the replay by five points.

Next Saturday’s game will be the sixth outing for both sides in the current campaign as Crossmaglen bid to retain the title and take the Andy Merrigan Cup for the sixth time whereas Garrycastle are attempting to win it for the first time. If they succeed, they will be the first Westmeath club to win the title.

How they got here

Crossmaglen Scorers

A Kernan…………….1-16
O McConville………2-13
S Kernan……………..1-5
A Cunningham…….1-4
J Clarke……………….1-7
M McNamee………..1-3
T Kernan……………..0-6
K Carragher………..1-0
D McKenna…………0-4
S Finnegan………….0-1
J Hanratty……………0-1
Garrycastle 4-11 Longford Slashers (Longford) 1-6 (Leinster quarter-final)
Garrycastle 1-10 Athy (Kildare) 1-6 (Leinster semi-final)
Garrycastle 1-8 St.Brigid’s (Dublin) 0-10 (Leinster final)
Garrycastle 1-11 St. Brigid’s (Roscommon) 1-9 (All-Ireland semi-final)
Garrycastle 1-12 Crossmaglen Rangers (Armagh) 0-15 All-Ireland final
Average For: 1-12 Average Against: 1-8

Garrycastle Scorers

D Dolan……..0-23
J Dolan………..3-8
G Dolan………2-2
J Duignan…..1-3
P Mulvihill……1-2
A Daly…….. .1-1
C Cosgrove……0-2
T McHugh….0-2
D O’Shaughnessy….0-2
K Henson……..0-2
D Harte………..0-1
S O’Donohue…0-1
P Dillon…………0-2
A Browne 0-1

Previous All-Ireland final appearances

Crossmaglen Rangers

1997: Crossmaglen Rangers 2-13 Knockmore (Mayo) 0-11
1999: Crossmaglen Rangers 0-9 Ballina Stephenites (Mayo) 0-8
2000: Crossmaglen Rangers 1-14 Na Fianna (Dublin) 0-12
2007: Crossmaglen Rangers 1-9 Dr. Crokes (Kerry) 1-9 (Draw)
2007: Crossmaglen Rangers 0-13 Dr. Crokes 1-5
2009: Kilmacud Crokes (Dublin) 1-9 Crossmaglen Rangers 0-7
2011: Crossmaglen Rangers 2-11 St. Brigid’s (Roscommon) 1-11
2012: Crossmaglen Rangers 0-15 Garrycastle (Westmeath) 1-12
Played 8, Won 5, Drew 2, Lost 1

Garrycastle

2012: Garrycastle 1-12 Crossmaglen Rangers (Armagh) 0-15

Previous AIB GAA All-Ireland Club Football Winners: 1971-2011

Crossmaglen (five titles) are second on the honours table, two behind Nemo Rangers, and now have an opportunity to move three clear of another Cork club, St. Finbarr’s who are in third place with three titles. Garrycastle are bidding for their – and Westmeath’s – first All-Ireland title.

Nemo Rangers won their seven titles in 20 years (1973-2003) while Crossmaglen have accumulated their five titles in 14 years, having won their first in 1997.

7: Nemo Rangers (Cork) (1973-79-82-84-89-94-2003)
5: CROSSMAGLEN RANGERS (Armagh) (1997-99-2000-2007-2011)
3: St. Finbarr’s (Cork) (1980-81-87)
2: Burren (Down) (1986-88)
2: Kilmacud Crokes (Dublin) (1995-2009)
2: St.Vincent’s (Dublin) (1976-2008)
2: University College Dublin (1974-75)
1: Austin Stacks (Kerry) (1977)
1: Ballina Stephenites (2005)
1: Ballinderry (2002)
1: Baltinglass (Wicklow) (1990)
1: Bellaghy (Derry) (1972)
1: Caltra (Galway) (2004)
1: Castleisland Desmonds (Kerry) (1985)
1: Corofin (Galway) (1988)
1: Crossmolina (Mayo) (2001)
1: Dr. Crokes (Kerry) (1992)
1: East Kerry (1971)
1: Laune Rangers (Kerry) (1996)
1: Lavey (Derry) (1991)
1: O’Donovan Rossa (Cork) (1993)
1: Portlaoise (Laois) (1983)
1: Salthill-Knocknacarra (Galway) (2006)
1: Thomond College (Limerick) (1978)
1: St. Gall’s (Antrim) (2010)
County breakdown: Cork 11; Dublin 6; Kerry 5; Armagh 5; Derry 3, Galway 3; Down 2; Mayo 2; Laois 1; Limerick 1; Wicklow 1, Antrim 1.

AIB GAA Club Football Championships 2011/2012

Senior Football »

Senior Football

Connacht

Leinster

December 4: Semi-finals: Garrycastle 1-10 Athy 1-6; St.Brigid’s 2-16 Portlaoise 1-15 (after extra-time)

December 18: Garrycastle 1-8 St.Brigid’s 0-10.

Munster

November 6: Quarter-finals: Dr.Crokes (Kerry) 3-13 Ballinacourty (Waterford) 0-7; UCC (Cork) 1-19 Monaleen (Limerick) 2-15 (after extra-time).

November 20: Semi-finals: Dr. Crokes 0-12 Kilmurry-Ibrickane (Clare) 0-9; UCC 5-12 Moyle Rovers (Tipperary) 1-5.

December 4: Final: Dr. Crokes 3-14 UCC 2-10.

Ulster

Intermediate Football

Connacht

October 16: Quarter-final: Melvin Gaels (Leitrim) 2-21 Coolaney-Mullinabreena (Sligo) 0-7.

October 30: Semi-finals: Padraig Pearses (Roscommon) 1-11 Kilconly (Galway) 1-8; Davitts (Mayo) 1-12 Melvin Gaels 0-12
November 5: Final: Davitts 1-13 Padraig Pearses 0-8.

Leinster

November 20: Semi-finals: Eire Og 2-11 St.Brigid’s 0-12; Confey 2-8 Skerries 0-9.
December 4: Final: Eire Og 0-8 Confey 0-6.

Munster

Ulster

Junior Football »

Junior Football

Connacht

October 16: Quarter-final: Creggs (Roscommon) 1-9 Leitrim Gaels (Leitrim) 0-9
October 30: Semi-finals: Clonbur (Galway) 2-11 Creggs 1-4; Islandeady (Mayo) w/o Ballasadare (Sligo)

November 6: Final: Clonbur 0-11 Islandeady 0-9.

Leinster

Munster

November 4; Quarter-finals: Kildangan (Tipperary) 1-9 Sean Finns (Limerick) 0-10;

Ulster

AIB GAA All-Ireland Championships

Senior Football

Intermediate Football

January 22: Semi-finals: Davitts (Mayo) 2-12 Eire Og (Wicklow) 0-6; Milltown-Castlemaine (Kerry) 1-7 Craigbane (Derry) 1-6.
February 12: Final: Milltown-Craigbane 1-13 Davitts 1-6.

Junior Football

Loughgiel Shamrocks crown great campaign with title win

admin — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 11:08:44 +0000

Liam Watson, Loughgiel Shamrocks, celebrates after the game. AIB GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Club Championship Final, Coolderry, Offaly, v Loughgiel Shamrocks, Antrim, Croke Park, Dublin.

It was fitting that the Shamrock should triumph on St. Patrick’s Day and so it proved as Antrim champions, Loughgiel Shamrocks won the AIB All-Ireland club senior hurling championship final with a 4-13 to 0-17 over Coolderry (Offaly).

Liam Watson was Loughgiel’s scoring hero, landing 3-7 in a personal blitz which stunned Coolderry. It took Watson’s return for the Ulster and All-Ireland series to 4-30, making him the No.1 marksman in the championship.

Damien Murray (Coolderry) finished in second place on the scoring stakes with a total of 1-30.

Watson scored the three goals in the first half in last Saturday’s final, helping Loughgiel to an interval lead of 4-6 to 0-9. Coolderry, for whom Damien Murray scored 0-8, battled back early in the second half but Loughgiel held solid and marched to a famous victory.

Loughgiel’s success means that they join an elite group of clubs who have won the All-Ireland title more than once. The others in that exclusive club are Ballyhale Shamrocks (5), Birr (4), Athenry (3), Blackrock (3), James Stephens (3), Portumna (3), Glen Rovers (2), Sarsfields (2), St. Finbarr’s (2).

AIB GAA All-Ireland Club Hurling Winners: 1971-2012

5: Ballyhale Shamrocks (Kilkenny) (1981-84-90-2007-2010)
4: Birr (Offaly) (1995-1998-2002-2003)
3: Athenry (Galway) (1997-2000-2001)
3: Blackrock (Cork) (1972-74-79)
3: James Stephens (Kilkenny) (1976-82-2005)
3: Portumna (Galway) (2006-2008-2009)
2: Glen Rovers (Cork) (1973-77)
2: Loughgiel Shamrocks (Antrim) (1983-2012)
2: Sarsfields (Galway) (1993-94)
2: St. Finbarr’s (Cork) 1975-78)
1: Borrisoleigh (Tipperary) (1987)
1: Buffer’s Alley (Wexford) (1989)
1: Castlegar (Galway) (1980)
1: Clarinbridge (Galway) (2011)
1: Glenmore (Kilkenny) (1991)
1: Kilruane McDonagh’s (Tipperary) (1986)
1: Kiltormer (Galway) (1992)
1: Midleton (Cork) (1988)
1: Newtownshandrum (Cork) (2004)
1: Roscrea (Tipperary) 1971)
1: Sixmilebridge (Clare) (1996)
1: St.Joseph’s (Clare) (1999)
1: St.Martin’s (Kilkenny) (1985)
County Breakdown: Galway 11, Kilkenny 10, Cork 9, Offaly 4, Tipperary 3, Clare 2, Antrim 2, Wexford 1.

WHERE 2011/2012 HURLING TITLES WENT

Senior

All-Ireland: Loughgiel Shamrocks (Antrim)
Leinster: Coolderry (Offaly)
Munster: Na Piarsaigh (Limerick)
Ulster: Loughgiel Shamrocks (Antrim)
Connacht: No championship (Galway champions, Gort represented Connacht in the All-Ireland semi-final)

Intermediate

All-Ireland: Mount Leinster Rangers (Carlow)
Connacht: Moycullen (Galway)
Leinster: Mount Leinster Rangers (Carlow)
Munster: Effin (Limerick)
Ulster: Middletown (Armagh)

Junior

All-Ireland: St. Patrick’s (Kilkenny)
Connacht: Ballygar (Galway)
Leinster: St.Patrick’s (Kilkenny)
Munster: Charleville (Cork)
Ulster: Burt (Donegal)

AIB GAA HURLING ALL-IRELAND SENIOR CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS 2011/2012

Senior Hurling »

Senior Hurling

Leinster

November 6: Quarter-finals: Oulart-The Ballagh (Wexford) 2-12 James Stephens (Kilkenny) 0-15; Ballyboden St.Enda’s (Dublin) 2-12 Clonkill (Westmeath) 1-13.
November 13: Semi-finals: Oulart The-Ballagh 3-12 Clough-Ballacolla (Laois) 2-11; Coolderry (Offaly) 1-18 Ballyboden St.Enda’s 0-15.
November 27: Final: Coolderry 1-15 Oulart-The Ballagh 1-11.

Munster

October 30: Quarter-final: Ballygunner (Waterford) 2-15 Drom & Inch (Tipperary) 1-13.
November 13: Semi-finals: Na Piarsaigh (Limerick) 3-9 Ballygunner 0-12; Crusheen (Clare) 0-19; Carrigtwohill (Cork) 1-10.
November 27: Final: Crusheen 0-14 Na Piarsaigh 1-11.
December 4: Final (replay): Na Piarsaigh 1-13 Crusheen 0-9.

Ulster

October 9: Semi-final: Loughgiel (Antrim) 2-18 Kevin Lynch’s (Derry) 1-5.
October 23: Final: Loughgiel 2-18 Ballycran (Down) 0-8.

Connacht

Galway champions crowned champions

Intermediate Hurling »

Intermediate Hurling

Leinster

(Intermediate champions in Wexford, Kilkenny; senior champions in Wicklow, Kildare, Meath, Carlow)
October 23: Quarter-finals: Celbridge (Kildare) 1-12 Glenealy (Wicklow) 1-8; Danesfort (Kilkenny) 0-18 Kildalkey (Meath) 1-7
November 6: Semi-finals: Celbridge 0-17 Adamstown (Wexford) 1-7; Mount Leinster Rangers (Carlow) 1-10 Danesfort 1-8.
November 19: Final: Mount Leinster Rangers 1-13 Celbridge 0-13.

Munster

October 30: Quarter-finals: Effin (Limerick) 0-13 Dunhill (Waterford) 1-4; Ballyduff (Kerry) 1-14Courcey Rovers (Cork) 0-15.

November 6: Semi-finals: Effin 2-15 Aherlow (Tipperary) 1-17; Ballyduff 3-8 Eire Og (Clare) 2-10.
November 20: Final: Effin 0-14 Ballyduff 0-11.

Connacht

October 31: Semi-final: Four Roads (Roscommon) 2-11 Ballyhaunis (Mayo) 1-13.
November 13: Final: Moycullen (Galway) 3-14 Four Roads 0-16.

Ulster

October 2: Quarter-finals: Castleblayney (Monaghan) 2-25 Kilclief (Down) 4-8; Middletown (Armagh) 2-21 Eire Og Carrickmore (Tyrone) 1-11.
October 9: Semi-finals: Castleblayney 5-11 Lisbellaw (Fermanagh) 5-8; Middletown 3-11 v Lamh Dhearg (Antrim) 2-9
October 23: Final: Middletown 5-17 Castleblayney 0-5.

Junior Hurling »

Junior Hurling

Leinster

(Intermediate champions Laois, Offaly, Dublin, Wicklow, Westmeath, Kildare, Meath, Carlow; senior champions, Longford, Louth; Junior champions, Wexford, Kilkenny)

October 15: First Round: Knockbridge (Louth) 1-11 Boardsmill (Meath) 0-13; Carlow Town (Carlow) 0-13 v Maynooth (Kildare) 1-7; St. Patrick’s (Wicklow) 2-15 Naomh Barrog (Dublin) 0-10;
October 29: Quarter-final: St. Patrick’s (Kilkenny) 2-17 Carlow Town 0-6; October 30: Quarter-finals: Ballyfin (Laois) 1-14 Knockbridge 0-15; Horeswood (Wexford) 1-13 St. Brigid’s (Westmeath) 0-12; Brosna Gaels (Offaly) 4-14 St.Patrick’s 1-12.
November 13: Semi-finals: Ballyfin 1-12 Horeswood 1-10; St. Patrick’s 2-18 Brosna Gaels 1-4.
November 27: Final: St.Patrick’s (Kilkenny) 0-21 Ballyfin 1-7.

Munster

November 20: Quarter-final: Charleville (Cork) 1-13.Kenmare (Kerry) 0-5.
November 27: Semi-finals: Charleville 2-14 Rockwell Rovers (Tipperary) 0-8; Cappamore (Limerick) 3-10v Ballinameela (Waterford) 2-6.

December 11: Final: Charleville 3-15 Cappamore 2-8.

Connacht

October 31: Semi-final: Calry-St.Joseph’s (Sligo) 0-15 Gortlettragh (Leitrim) 0-6.
November 6: Final: Ballygar (Galway) 2-13 Calry St.Joseph’s 1-5.

Ulster

September 25: First Round: Na Magha (Derry) 1-13 Lisnaskea (Fermanagh) 2-4

October 2: Quarter-finals: Kickhams Creggan (Antrim) 5-19 Carryduff (Down) Strabane Shamrocks (Tyrone) v Burt (Donegal) Na Magha 2-12 Monaghan Harps 1-12.
October 9: Semi-final: Kickhams Creggan 1-15 Ballymachugh (Cavan) 0-7.
October 23: Semi-final: Burt (Donegal) 1-12 Na Magha 1-9.
November 6: Final: Kickhams Creggan 0-10 Burt 0-10.
November 20: Final (replay): Burt 2-10 Kickhams Creggan 0-13.

AIB GAA All-Ireland Championships

Senior Hurling

February 11: Semi-finals: Coolderry (Offaly) 3-16 Gort (Galway) 0-17; Loughgiel Shamrocks (Antrim) 0-27 Na Piarsaigh (Limerick) 2-13 (after extra-time).
March 17: Final: Loughgiel Shamrocks 4-13 Coolderry 0-17.

Intermediate Hurling

November 27: Quarter-final: Robert Emmets (London) 1-12 Moycullen (Galway) 2-7.
January 22: Semi-finals: Mount Leinster Rangers (Carlow) 0-13 Robert Emmets 0-11; Middletown (Armagh) 3-14 Effin (Limerick) 2-10.
February 11: Final: Mount Leinster Rangers 1-13 Middletown 1-11.

Junior Hurling

November 27: Quarter-final: Fullen Gaels (Warwickshire) 4-8 Burt (Donegal) 1-7.
January 22: Semi-finals: Charleville (Cork) 1-17 Fullen Gaels 0-6; St.Patrick’s (Kilkenny) 0-17 Ballygar (Galway) 1-10.
February 11: Final: St.Patrick’s 1-13 Charleville 1-12.

Crossmaglen and Garrycastle to do it all over again.

admin — Fri, 23 Mar 2012 10:37:00 +0000

Enda Mulvihill, Garrycastle. AIB GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Club Championship Final, Crossmaglen Rangers, Armagh v Garrycastle, Westmeath. Croke Park Dublin.

They served up a great contest in Croke Park on St.Patrick’s Day and must meet again to decide the destination of the AIB GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Club Championship for 2012. Garrycastle led by four points at half-time but Crossmaglen Rangers battled back in the second half to earn a draw. It was the fourth time in the 42 year history of the championship that the final finished level. Nemo Rangers (Cork) and St. Vincent’s (Dublin) drew in 1973; UCD and Clan na nGael (Armagh) drew in 1974; Eire Og (Carlow) and O’Donovan Rossa (Cork) drew in 1993 and Crossmaglen were involved in the fourth draw in 2007 when they finished all square with Dr. Crokes (Kerry) before winning the replay by five points.

Crossmaglen will be encouraged by that result as several of the squad which drew with Garrycastle last Saturday were also aboard in 2007.

However, Garrycastle will also be quite confident as they were in the All-Ireland final for the first time and will feel that they can take a lot of positives from the experience.
Dessie Dolan’s six points last Saturday took him to the top of the 2011/12 club championship scoring charts on 0-25.

The AIB GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Club Championship final replay between Crossmaglen Rangers and Garrycastle has been fixed for Saturday, March 31 at 5.00pm in Kingspan Breffni Park, Cavan.

AIB GAA Club Football Championships 2011/2012

Senior Football »

Senior Football

Connacht

Leinster

December 4: Semi-finals: Garrycastle 1-10 Athy 1-6; St.Brigid’s 2-16 Portlaoise 1-15 (after extra-time)

December 18: Garrycastle 1-8 St.Brigid’s 0-10.

Munster

November 6: Quarter-finals: Dr.Crokes (Kerry) 3-13 Ballinacourty (Waterford) 0-7; UCC (Cork) 1-19 Monaleen (Limerick) 2-15 (after extra-time).

November 20: Semi-finals: Dr. Crokes 0-12 Kilmurry-Ibrickane (Clare) 0-9; UCC 5-12 Moyle Rovers (Tipperary) 1-5.

December 4: Final: Dr. Crokes 3-14 UCC 2-10.

Ulster

Intermediate Football

Connacht

October 16: Quarter-final: Melvin Gaels (Leitrim) 2-21 Coolaney-Mullinabreena (Sligo) 0-7.

October 30: Semi-finals: Padraig Pearses (Roscommon) 1-11 Kilconly (Galway) 1-8; Davitts (Mayo) 1-12 Melvin Gaels 0-12
November 5: Final: Davitts 1-13 Padraig Pearses 0-8.

Leinster

November 20: Semi-finals: Eire Og 2-11 St.Brigid’s 0-12; Confey 2-8 Skerries 0-9.
December 4: Final: Eire Og 0-8 Confey 0-6.

Munster

Ulster

Junior Football »

Junior Football

Connacht

October 16: Quarter-final: Creggs (Roscommon) 1-9 Leitrim Gaels (Leitrim) 0-9
October 30: Semi-finals: Clonbur (Galway) 2-11 Creggs 1-4; Islandeady (Mayo) w/o Ballasadare (Sligo)

November 6: Final: Clonbur 0-11 Islandeady 0-9.

Leinster

Munster

November 4; Quarter-finals: Kildangan (Tipperary) 1-9 Sean Finns (Limerick) 0-10;

Ulster

AIB GAA All-Ireland Championships

Senior Football

December 4: Quarter-final: St. Brigid’s (Roscommon) 1-12 Fulham Irish (London) 0-7.
February 18: Semi-finals: Crossmaglen Rangers (Armagh) 3-8 Dr. Crokes (Kerry) 2-8; Garrycastle (Westmeath) 1-11 St. Brigid’s (Roscommon) 1-9.
March 17: Final: Crossmaglen Rangers 0-15 Garrycastle 1-12.
March??: Final (Replay): Crossmaglen Rangers v Garrycastle.

Intermediate Football

January 22: Semi-finals: Davitts (Mayo) 2-12 Eire Og (Wicklow) 0-6; Milltown-Castlemaine (Kerry) 1-7 Craigbane (Derry) 1-6.
February 12: Final: Milltown-Craigbane 1-13 Davitts 1-6.

Junior Football

And then there were four…

admin — Fri, 16 Mar 2012 11:39:34 +0000

THERE are 2,600 GAA clubs across the 32 counties of Ireland. Some of them are as small as just one team, some have as many as 100 teams across every grade and code. But all of them are united by the same common goal – to be one of the lucky ones involved at Croke Park on St Patrick’s Day in the AIB GAA All-Ireland club championship final.

Since 1971 this competition has gone from strength to strength.

Histories have been written and heroes have been made and the class of 2012 this Saturday are no different.

Oisin McConville is already a modern day Gaelic football superstar. But he is on the cusp of a sort of sporting immortality as he looks to become the holder of six full AIB All-Ireland club championship winners’ medals.

His career with Crossmaglen has already landed 15 Armagh county and five All-Irelands but this would move him into a whole different level of exclusivity.

Cross’ goalie Paul Hearty also has five it should be said having started as a sub, but forward genius Oisin was there as a starter right from the very beginning.

It’s be said so often before, but no one does triumph in the face of adversity better than the South Armagh club.

When they first appeared on the club championship landscape in the late 90s it was seen as a novel success story.

Little did we know then that it was actually the start of a dynasty with Crossmaglen now regarded as a by word for sporting excellence.

Their opponents on Saturday are a Garrycastle side who have chased their own history this season.

Winning a first Leinster and now in their first All-Ireland, they make for dangerous opponents because they have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Of course, they also have their own star quality in the likes of the ever green and ever dependable Dessie Dolan who knows Croke Park as well as any of the Cross boys and will relish the chance to claim an All-Ireland gold medal in the autumn of his fine career.

But the romance is not confined to the football.

The hurling clash sees the colourful and passionate people of Loughgiel in North Antrim look to win what would be the club’s and also Ulster’s second ever AIB All-Ireland club crown.

The team of 1983 left a legacy that the current team have fought through thick and thin to honour.

They lost six county finals in a row and then a semi-final before winning a county again in 2010. They defended it in 2011 and were magnificent against Na Piarsaigh of Limerick in the semi-final.

Liam Watson is as good a forward as hurls anywhere but gets precious little spotlight because of Antrim’s short season at the top flight.

Watson, DD Quinn, Joey Scullion and their colleagues get a chance to prove themsleves on a big stage this weekend and rest assured they will be hell bent on making this chance count.

Their opponents Coolderry are also breaking new ground but have risen to all of the big tests thrown in front of them on this journey.

Cathal Parlon has grown in stature with every test and the Offaly men will be ready for the 60 minutes of hurling frenzy that awaits.

AIB reckon ‘club is family’ and it’s easy to see why when we look at the Kernans and the Dolans in action this weekend.

It’s also about pride of parish and it’s worth noting that at a time when people worry abiut the future of the rural club that the AIB Ireland club finals see a small parish in north Antrim, a rural club in Offaly and a Shannonside side club in Westmeath take to the biggest GAA club stage of all.

Crossmaglen have a litany of success but they,too, are from a rural setting in South Armagh.

We should also point out that Armagh, Antrim, Westmeath and Offaly are not consider powerhouses when it comes to All-Ireland glory in September. But the beauty of the club championship is that that fact doesn’t matter here. These clubs fly their own flag.

In short, the four finalists in action this Saturday provide no shortage of inspiration to any of the 2,596 other clubs who will look on enviously this weekend.

We should expect something special from Saturday, because the AIB GAA All-Ireland club finals never disappoint.

AIB Provincial Player Awards 2011

admin — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 16:55:39 +0000

[See post to watch Flash video]

First for Coolderry or Loughgiel’s second

admin — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 16:40:53 +0000

AIB Provincial Player Awards 2011

One of the enduring appeals of the AIB GAA All-Ireland senior clubs championships is the novelty value of so many of the final pairings, a description which aptly fits the 2012 version as Offaly and Leinster champions, Coolderry bid to take the hurling title for the first time while Garrycastle (Westmeath) are in a similar position is football.

Coolderry’s opponents in Croke Park on St.Patrick’s Day (2.00) are Loughgiel Shamrocks of Antrim, the only Ulster club to land the crown so far. Captained by goalkeeper, Neilly Patterson, they were successful in 1983 when, ironically, they beat Offaly opposition (St.Rynagh’s).

Coolderry are attempting to become the second Offaly club to win the All-Ireland title (Birr won in 1995-98-2002-2003). Coached by former Tipperary star, Ken Hogan, Coolderry made an impressive advance through Leinster, beating highly-rated Ballyboden St.Enda’s (Dublin) and Oulart-The-Ballagh (Wexford) before having eight points to spare over Gort (Galway) in the AIB GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Club Championship Semi-Final.

The Galway champions were hoping to follow last year’s champions, Clarinbridge into the All-Ireland final but Coolderry turned in a superb performance, winning by 3-16 to 0-17 in a game where Damien Murray scored 1-8 and Cathal Parlon 0-2 for the Offaly men. Murray is Coolderry’s top scorer overall, landing a total of 1-22 against Ballyboden, Oulart-The Ballagh and Gort. Cathal Parlon has scored 2-11.

Coolderry beat Ballyboden by 1-18 to 0-15, with Damien Murray scoring 0-8, Cathal Parlon 0-6 and Eoin Ryan 0-4 while the goal came from Barry Teehan.

Parlon (1-3) and Murray (0-6) were again hugely prominent in the Leinster final, as was Brian Carroll who scored 0-3. It was an excellent all-round performance by Coolderry, for whom Joe Brady was outstanding at centre-back as Coolderry won by four points.

Loughgiel beat Na Piarsaigh (Limerick) in a thrilling All-Ireland semi-final where it took extra-time to separate the sides. Na Piarsaigh earned a reprieve when scoring 1-1 late in normal time to draw level and send the game into extra-time. However, Loughgiel were by far the stronger side in extra-time, during which they out-scored Loughgiel by 0-9 to 0-1.

Liam Watson was the Loughgiel hero, scoring a total of 0-16 (0-6 from open play, 0-10 from placed balls) while Joey Scullion and Eddie McCloskey hit 0-3 each. It was a super exhibition of point-scoring by the Antrim champions, who had earlier beaten Kevin Lynch’s (Derry) and Ballycran (Down) to retain the Ulster title. They were easy winners on both occasions, enjoying 16 point advantages. Interestingly, they scored 2-18 in both games.

Liam Watson scored 1-7, Bennie McCarry 1-3 and Declan Laverty 0-3 against Kevin’s Lynch’s while Eddie McCloskey (1-2) and Brendan McCarry (1-1) were top scorers in the final against Ballycran.

How they reached the AIB GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Club Championship Final.

Coolderry 1-18 Ballyboden-St.Enda’s (Dublin 0-15) (Leinster semi-final)
Coolderry 1-15 Oulart-The Ballagh (Wexford) 1-11 (Leinster final)
Coolderry 3-16 Gort (Galway) 0-17 (All-Ireland semi-final)

Average For: 2-16; Average Against: 0-16

Coolderry Scorers
D Murray…….1-22
C Parlon………2-11
E Ryan…………1-5
B Teehan……..1-3
B Carroll……..0-5
K Connolly….0-1
K Teehan…….0-1
M Corcoran….0-1

Loughgiel 2-18 Kevin Lynch’s (Derry) 1-5 (Ulster semi-final)
Loughgiel 2-18 Ballycran 0-8 (Down) (Ulster final)
Loughgiel Shamrocks 0-27 Na Piarsaigh (Limerick) 2-13 (All-Ireland semi-final) (After extra-time).

Average For: 2-18; Average Against: 1-9

Loughgiel Scorers
L Watson…………1-23
B McCarry……….2-6
Declan Laverty..0-8
E McCloskey…..1-5
J Scullion…………0-7
D McCloskey…..0-5
Damien Laverty 0-2
B McAuley………0-3
J Campbell……….0-2
M McFadden……0-2

Offaly clubs in AIB GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior finals

1971: Roscrea (Tipperary) St. Rynagh’s 2-5
1973: Glen Rovers (Cork) 2-18 St.Rynagh’s 2-8
1983: Loughgiel Shamrocks (Antrim) 1-8 St. Rynagh’s 2-5 (Draw)
1983: Loughgiel Shamrocks 2-12 (Antrim) St. Rynagh’s 1-12
1992: Kiltormer (Galway) Birr 1-8
1995: Birr 0-9 Dunloy (Antrim) 0-9 (Draw)
1995: Birr 3-13 Dunloy 2-3 (Replay)
1998: Birr 1-13 Sarsfields (Galway) 0-9
2002: Birr 2-10 Clarinbridge (Galway) 1-5
2003: Birr 1-19 Dunloy (Antrim) 0-11
2008: Portumna (Galway) 3-19 Birr 3-9
P11, W 4, D 2, L 5.

Antrim clubs in AIB GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior finals

1980: Castlegar (Galway) 1-11 Ballycastle 1-8
1983: Loughgiel Shamrocks 1-8 St. Rynagh’s (Offaly) 2-5 (Draw)
1983: Loughgiel Shamrocks 2-12 St. Rynagh’s 1-12
1989: Buffers Alley (Wexford) 2-12 O’Donovan Rossa 0-12
1995: Birr 0-9 (Offaly) Dunloy 0-9 (Draw)
1995: Birr 3-13 Dunloy 2-3 (Replay)
1996: Sixmilebridge 5-10 Dunloy 2-6
2003: Birr (Offaly) 1-19 Dunloy 0-11
2004: Newtownshandrum (Cork) 0-17 Dunloy 1-6
P 8, W1, D2, L5

Previous AIB GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Club Championship Winners: 1971-2011.

Galway lead the way on the honours table with six clubs, Portumna (3), Athenry (3), Sarsfields (2), Castlegar (1), Kiltormer (1), Clarinbridge (1) having brought the Tommy Moore Cup west on eleven occasions, one more than Kilkenny for whom Ballyhale Shamrocks( 5), James Stephens (3), St.Martin’s (1), Glenmore (1) have brought it Noreside ten times.

5: Ballyhale Shamrocks (Kilkenny) (1981-84-90-2007-2010)
4: Birr (Offaly) (1995-1998-2002-2003)
3: Athenry (Galway) (1997-2000-2001)
3: Blackrock (Cork) (1972-74-79)
3: James Stephens (Kilkenny) (1976-82-2005)
3: Portumna (Galway) (2006-2008-2009)
2: Glen Rovers (Cork) (1973-77)
2: Sarsfields (Galway) (1993-94)
2: St. Finbarr’s (Cork) 1975-78)
1: Borrisoleigh (Tipperary) (1987)
1: Buffer’s Alley (Wexford) (1989)
1: Castlegar (Galway) (1980)
1: Clarinbridge (Galway) (2011)
1: Glenmore (Kilkenny) (1991)
1: Kilruane McDonagh’s (Tipperary) (1986)
1: Kiltormer (Galway) 1992
1: LOUGHGIEL SHAMROCKS (Antrim) (1983)
1: Midleton (Cork) (1988)
1: Newtownshandrum (Cork) (2004)
1: Roscrea (Tipperary) 1971)
1: Sixmilebridge (Clare) (1996)
1: St.Joseph’s (Clare) 1999)
1: St.Martin’s (Kilkenny) (1985)
County Breakdown: Galway 11, Kilkenny 10, Cork 9, Offaly 4, Tipperary 3, Clare 2, Antrim 1, Wexford 1.

AIB GAA HURLING ALL-IRELAND SENIOR CLUB CHAMPIONSHIPS 2011/2012

Senior Hurling »

Senior Hurling

Leinster

Munster

Ulster

October 9: Semi-final: Loughgiel (Antrim) 2-18 Kevin Lynch’s (Derry) 1-5.
October 23: Final: Loughgiel 2-18 Ballycran (Down) 0-8.

Connacht

Galway champions crowned champions

Intermediate Hurling »

Intermediate Hurling

Leinster

Munster

October 30: Quarter-finals: Effin (Limerick) 0-13 Dunhill (Waterford) 1-4; Ballyduff (Kerry) 1-14Courcey Rovers (Cork) 0-15.

November 6: Semi-finals: Effin 2-15 Aherlow (Tipperary) 1-17; Ballyduff 3-8 Eire Og (Clare) 2-10.
November 20: Final: Effin 0-14 Ballyduff 0-11.

Connacht

October 31: Semi-final: Four Roads (Roscommon) 2-11 Ballyhaunis (Mayo) 1-13.
November 13: Final: Moycullen (Galway) 3-14 Four Roads 0-16.

Ulster

Junior Hurling »

Junior Hurling

Leinster

(Intermediate champions Laois, Offaly, Dublin, Wicklow, Westmeath, Kildare, Meath, Carlow; senior champions, Longford, Louth; Junior champions, Wexford, Kilkenny)

Munster

December 11: Final: Charleville 3-15 Cappamore 2-8.

Connacht

October 31: Semi-final: Calry-St.Joseph’s (Sligo) 0-15 Gortlettragh (Leitrim) 0-6.
November 6: Final: Ballygar (Galway) 2-13 Calry St.Joseph’s 1-5.

Ulster

September 25: First Round: Na Magha (Derry) 1-13 Lisnaskea (Fermanagh) 2-4

AIB GAA All-Ireland Championships

Senior Hurling

February 11: Semi-finals: Coolderry (Offaly) 3-16 Gort (Galway) 0-17; Loughgiel Shamrocks (Antrim) 0-27 Na Piarsaigh (Limerick) 2-13 (after extra-time).
March 17: Final: Coolderry v Loughgiel Shamrocks, Croke Park, 2.0.

Intermediate Hurling

Junior Hurling

Crossmaglen’s sixth or Garrycastle’s first?

admin — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 16:00:38 +0000

AIB Provincial Player Awards 2011

The contrast in the pairing for the AIB GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Club Championship Final in Croke Park on St.Patrick’s Day (3.45) could scarcely be more pronounced as Crossmaglen Rangers (Armagh), the defending champions, go in pursuit of their sixth title while Garrycastle (Westmeath) are bidding for their first.

Indeed, Garrycastle are the first Westmeath club to reach the final, making it a special occasion for the entire county but, in particular, for the progressive club on the eastern banks of the River Shannon. Founded in 1981, Garrycastle are one of the younger clubs in the country but have made a huge impact in Westmeath football. They won their first of their six county titles in 2001, added two more in 2002 and 2004 before completing a treble in 2009-10-11.

They reached the Leinster final in 2009 but lost to Portlaoise and lost at the semi-final stage in 2010, going down to eventual champions, Kilmacud Crokes (Dublin).

However, it all came right for them in November-December last as they powered their way to a first Leinster title, beating Longford Slashers, Athy (Kildare) and St.Brigid’s (Dublin) before edging out St.Brigid’s (Roscommon), their close neighbours from just across the Shannon in the AIB GAA football senior club championship semi-final.

Coached by Galway hurling manager, Anthony Cunningham, Garrycastle are worthy finalists. Their defence has been especially effective in all four games, conceding an average of just 1-7 per outing. All Star forward and Westmeath star, Dessie Dolan has been a huge presence in attack, scoring a total of 0-17 while his brother, Gary has landed 2-2. Their cousin, James has also been in opportunist mode, scoring 3-6.

Crossmaglen are bidding to retain the title for a second time, having previously succeeded in 1999-2000. They beat St. Brigid’s (Roscommon) in last year’s final.

They scored a total of eight goals in four games in the current campaign (three Ulster and an All-Ireland semi-final) from Oisin McConville (2), Aaron Kernan, Stephen Kernan, Kyle Carragher, Jamie Clarke, Aaron Cunningham and Michael McNamee. Aaron Kernan is their top marksman on 1-14 while Oisin McConville, who is seeking his 6th All-Ireland medal has returned 2-7. Stephen Kernan (1-5), Aaron Cunningham, Jamie Clarke (1-4) each and Michael McNamee have also made valuable contributions to the scoring stakes.

Their resilience was tested to the limit against Dr. Crokes (Kerry) in the All-Ireland semi-final when they found themselves trailing by seven points after 20 minutes but, in typically defiant style, they battled back and eventually won by 3-8 to 2-8.

Managed by former club and county star, Tony McEntee, Crossmaglen are maintaining a great tradition which they began back in 1997 when they won the All-Ireland title for the first time.

They added four others in 1999-2000-2007 and last year, a remarkable sequence for one of the most famous clubs in the country. The Kernan brothers, Oisin McConville, Paul Hearty and Jamie Clarke are household names but it’s the overall unity and solidity which has underpinned Crossmaglen’s excellence over the years.

How they reached the AIB GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Club Championship Final

Crossmaglen Rangers 3-9 St.Gall’s (Antrim) 2-5 (Ulster quarter-final)
Crossmaglen Rangers 0-17 Ballinderry (Derry) 1-10 (Ulster semi-final)
Crossmaglen Rangers 2-11 Burren (Down) 0-10 (Ulster final)
Crossmaglen Rangers 3-8 Dr. Crokes (Kerry) 2-8 (All-Ireland semi-final)
Average For: 2-12; Average Against: 1-9
Crossmaglen Scorers
A Kernan…………….1-14
O McConville………2-7
S Kernan……………..1-5
A Cunningham…….1-4
J Clarke……………….1-4
M McNamee………..1-2
T Kernan……………..0-4
K Carragher………..1-0
D McKenna…………0-3
S Finnegan………….0-1
J Hanratty……………0-1

Garrycastle 4-11 Longford Slashers (Longford) 1-6 (Leinster quarter-final)
Garrycastle 1-10 Athy (Kildare) 1-6 (Leinster semi-final)

Garrycastle 1-8 St.Brigid’s (Dublin) 0-10 (Leinster final)
Garrycastle 1-11 St. Brigid’s (Roscommon) 1-9 (All-Ireland semi-final)
Average For: 2-9 Average Against: 1-7
Garrycastle Scorers
D Dolan……..0-17
J Dolan………..3-6
G Dolan………2-2
J Duignan…..1-2
A Daly…….. .1-1
C Cosgrove……0-2
T McHugh….0-2
D O’Shaughnessy….0-2
K Henson……..0-2
D Harte………..0-1
P Mulvihill……0-1
S O’Donohue…0-1
P Dillon…………0-1

Previous All-Ireland final appearances

Crossmaglen Rangers
1997: Crossmaglen Rangers 2-13 Knockmore (Mayo) 0-11
1999: Crossmaglen Rangers 0-9 Ballina Stephenites (Mayo) 0-8
2000: Crossmaglen Rangers 1-14 Na Fianna (Dublin) 0-12
2007: Crossmaglen Rangers 1-9 Dr. Crokes (Kerry) 1-9 (Draw)
2007: Crossmaglen Rangers 0-13 Dr. Crokes 1-5
2009: Kilmacud Crokes (Dublin) 1-9 Crossmaglen Rangers 0-7
2011: Crossmaglen Rangers 2-11 St. Brigid’s (Roscommon) 1-11
Played 7, Won 5, Drew 1, Lost 1
This is Garrycastle’s first final

Previous AIB GAA Football All-Ireland Club Winners: 1971-2011

Nemo Rangers won their seven titles in 20 years (1973-2003) while Crossmaglen have accumulated their five titles in 14 years, having won their first in 1997.
7: Nemo Rangers (Cork) (1973-79-82-84-89-94-2003)
5: CROSSMAGLEN RANGERS (Armagh) (1997-99-2000-2007-2011)
3: St. Finbarr’s (Cork) (1980-81-87)
2: Burren (Down) (1986-88)
2: Kilmacud Crokes (Dublin) (1995-2009)
2: St.Vincent’s (Dublin) (1976-2008)
2: University College Dublin (1974-75)
1: Austin Stacks (Kerry) (1977)
1: Ballina Stephenites (2005)
1: Ballinderry (2002)
1: Baltinglass (Wicklow) (1990)
1: Bellaghy (Derry) (1972)
1: Caltra (Galway) (2004)
1: Castleisland Desmonds (Kerry) (1985)
1: Corofin (Galway) (1988)
1: Crossmolina (Mayo) (2001)
1: Dr. Crokes (Kerry) (1992)
1: East Kerry (1971)
1: Laune Rangers (Kerry) (1996)
1: Lavey (Derry) (1991)
1: O’Donovan Rossa (Cork) (1993)
1: Portlaoise (Laois) (1983)
1: Salthill-Knocknacarra (Galway) (2006)
1: Thomond College (Limerick) (1978)
1: St. Gall’s (Antrim) (2010)
County breakdown: Cork 11; Dublin 6; Kerry 5; Armagh 5; Derry 3, Galway 3; Down 2; Mayo 2; Laois 1; Limerick 1; Wicklow 1, Antrim 1.

AIB GAA Provincial Championships 2011/2012

Senior Football »

Senior Football

Connacht

Leinster

December 4: Semi-finals: Garrycastle 1-10 Athy 1-6; St.Brigid’s 2-16 Portlaoise 1-15 (after extra-time)

December 18: Garrycastle 1-8 St.Brigid’s 0-10.

Munster

November 6: Quarter-finals: Dr.Crokes (Kerry) 3-13 Ballinacourty (Waterford) 0-7; UCC (Cork) 1-19 Monaleen (Limerick) 2-15 (after extra-time).

November 20: Semi-finals: Dr. Crokes 0-12 Kilmurry-Ibrickane (Clare) 0-9; UCC 5-12 Moyle Rovers (Tipperary) 1-5.

December 4: Final: Dr. Crokes 3-14 UCC 2-10.

Ulster

Intermediate Football

Connacht

October 16: Quarter-final: Melvin Gaels (Leitrim) 2-21 Coolaney-Mullinabreena (Sligo) 0-7.

October 30: Semi-finals: Padraig Pearses (Roscommon) 1-11 Kilconly (Galway) 1-8; Davitts (Mayo) 1-12 Melvin Gaels 0-12
November 5: Final: Davitts 1-13 Padraig Pearses 0-8.

Leinster

November 20: Semi-finals: Eire Og 2-11 St.Brigid’s 0-12; Confey 2-8 Skerries 0-9.
December 4: Final: Eire Og 0-8 Confey 0-6.

Munster

Ulster

Junior Football »

Junior Football

Connacht

October 16: Quarter-final: Creggs (Roscommon) 1-9 Leitrim Gaels (Leitrim) 0-9
October 30: Semi-finals: Clonbur (Galway) 2-11 Creggs 1-4; Islandeady (Mayo) w/o Ballasadare (Sligo)

November 6: Final: Clonbur 0-11 Islandeady 0-9.

Leinster

Munster

November 4; Quarter-finals: Kildangan (Tipperary) 1-9 Sean Finns (Limerick) 0-10;

Ulster

AIB GAA All-Ireland Championships

Senior Football

Intermediate Football

January 22: Semi-finals: Davitts (Mayo) 2-12 Eire Og (Wicklow) 0-6; Milltown-Castlemaine (Kerry) 1-7 Craigbane (Derry) 1-6.
February 12: Final: Milltown-Craigbane 1-13 Davitts 1-6.

Junior Football

Leinster v Ulster on the double in AIB senior club finals

admin — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 17:28:43 +0000

Eoin Brosnan, Dr. Crokes, in action against James Morhan and Aaron Kernan, Crossmaglen Rangers. AIB GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Club Championship Semi-Final, Dr. Crokes, Kerry v Crossmaglen Rangers, Armagh, O’Moore Park, Portlaoise, Co. Laois.

The AIB GAA All-Ireland senior club championship finals will bring a novel atmosphere to Croke Park on St.Patrick’s Day as two newcomers will be bidding to win the titles for the first time.

Garrycastle not only reached the football final for the first time when beating St.Brigid’s (Roscommon) in the semi-final last Saturday, they are also the first Westmeath club to qualify for the final.

Meanwhile, Coolderry (Offaly) have qualified for the hurling final for the first time, completing a marvellous achievement for Leinster clubs.

The finals will be a Leinster v Ulster double as reigning champions, Crossmaglen Rangers (Armagh) are back in the football final while Loughgiel Shamrocks (Antrim) are back in the hurling final for the first time since 1983.

Crossmaglen reached the football final for the 7th time when beating Dr.Crokes (Kerry) by three points (3-8 to 2-8) after staging a memorable comeback in last Saturday’s semi-final in Portlaoise. Dr. Crokes led by 1-5 to 0-1 after 21 minutes but lost the remainder of the game by 3-7 to 1-3 as Crossmaglen called on their vast reserves of experience.

Goals by Michael McNamee, Stephen and Aaron Kernan proved crucial for Crossmaglen who powered into yet another final.

Garrycastle also had to come from behind to beat St.Brigid’s, last year’s beaten finalists. Dessie Dolan scored 0-7 for Garrycastle as they built on an excellent Leinster campaign to crown a remarkable day for the Westmeath club.

Dr. Crokes’ defeat means that for the second successive year, Munster will not be represented in the All-Ireland final while Connacht will be absent from the finals for the first time since 2003.

Crossmaglen will be bidding for their 5th All-Ireland football crown and, if successful, will move within two of leaders Nemo Rangers (Cork) who have seven titles.

AIB GAA Provincial Championships 2011/2012

Senior Football »

Senior Football

Connacht

Leinster

December 4: Semi-finals: Garrycastle 1-10 Athy 1-6; St.Brigid’s 2-16 Portlaoise 1-15 (after extra-time)

December 18: Garrycastle 1-8 St.Brigid’s 0-10.

Munster

November 6: Quarter-finals: Dr.Crokes (Kerry) 3-13 Ballinacourty (Waterford) 0-7; UCC (Cork) 1-19 Monaleen (Limerick) 2-15 (after extra-time).

November 20: Semi-finals: Dr. Crokes 0-12 Kilmurry-Ibrickane (Clare) 0-9; UCC 5-12 Moyle Rovers (Tipperary) 1-5.

December 4: Final: Dr. Crokes 3-14 UCC 2-10.

Ulster

Senior Hurling »

Senior Hurling

Leinster

Munster

Ulster

October 9: Semi-final: Loughgiel (Antrim) 2-18 Kevin Lynch’s (Derry) 1-5.
October 23: Final: Loughgiel 2-18 Ballycran (Down) 0-8.

Connacht

Galway champions crowned champions

Intermediate Football »

Intermediate Football

Connacht

October 16: Quarter-final: Melvin Gaels (Leitrim) 2-21 Coolaney-Mullinabreena (Sligo) 0-7.

October 30: Semi-finals: Padraig Pearses (Roscommon) 1-11 Kilconly (Galway) 1-8; Davitts (Mayo) 1-12 Melvin Gaels 0-12
November 5: Final: Davitts 1-13 Padraig Pearses 0-8.

Leinster

November 20: Semi-finals: Eire Og 2-11 St.Brigid’s 0-12; Confey 2-8 Skerries 0-9.
December 4: Final: Eire Og 0-8 Confey 0-6.

Munster

Ulster

Intermediate Hurling »

Intermediate Hurling

Leinster

Munster

October 30: Quarter-finals: Effin (Limerick) 0-13 Dunhill (Waterford) 1-4; Ballyduff (Kerry) 1-14Courcey Rovers (Cork) 0-15.

November 6: Semi-finals: Effin 2-15 Aherlow (Tipperary) 1-17; Ballyduff 3-8 Eire Og (Clare) 2-10.
November 20: Final: Effin 0-14 Ballyduff 0-11.

Connacht

October 31: Semi-final: Four Roads (Roscommon) 2-11 Ballyhaunis (Mayo) 1-13.
November 13: Final: Moycullen (Galway) 3-14 Four Roads 0-16.

Ulster

Junior Football »

Junior Football

Connacht

October 16: Quarter-final: Creggs (Roscommon) 1-9 Leitrim Gaels (Leitrim) 0-9
October 30: Semi-finals: Clonbur (Galway) 2-11 Creggs 1-4; Islandeady (Mayo) w/o Ballasadare (Sligo)

November 6: Final: Clonbur 0-11 Islandeady 0-9.

Leinster

Munster

November 4; Quarter-finals: Kildangan (Tipperary) 1-9 Sean Finns (Limerick) 0-10;

Ulster

Junior Hurling »

Junior Hurling

Leinster

(Intermediate champions Laois, Offaly, Dublin, Wicklow, Westmeath, Kildare, Meath, Carlow; senior champions, Longford, Louth; Junior champions, Wexford, Kilkenny)

Munster

December 11: Final: Charleville 3-15 Cappamore 2-8.

Connacht

October 31: Semi-final: Calry-St.Joseph’s (Sligo) 0-15 Gortlettragh (Leitrim) 0-6.
November 6: Final: Ballygar (Galway) 2-13 Calry St.Joseph’s 1-5.

Ulster

September 25: First Round: Na Magha (Derry) 1-13 Lisnaskea (Fermanagh) 2-4

AIB GAA All-Ireland Championships

Senior Football

Intermediate Football

January 22: Semi-finals: Davitts (Mayo) 2-12 Eire Og (Wicklow) 0-6; Milltown-Castlemaine (Kerry) 1-7 Craigbane (Derry) 1-6.
February 12: Final: Milltown-Craigbane 1-13 Davitts 1-6.

Junior Football

Senior Hurling

Intermediate Hurling

Junior Hurling

No better place to be on March 17th

admin — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 11:18:24 +0000

Loughgiel is a good hour’s drive north of Belfast city centre and hugs the north east corner of Ireland.

Nestled amid beautiful rolling scenery is a tiny village whose heart beat is drummed to the sound of sliotars being pucked back and forth.

Tipperary lays claim to being the ‘home of hurling’ – but Loughgiel can proudly lay claim to be ‘hurling country’ as devote and passionate as anything you’ll find anywhere else in Ireland.

On St Patrick’s Day this tiny corner of the north east of Ireland will stand proudly on the greatest club stage of all when Loughgiel will absolutely empty itself for the 250km journey to Croke Park.

They’ve had to wait since 1983 to get there, but no one will be complaining about that any more as PJ O’Mullan and Jim Nelson’s men look to follow in the footsteps of that distinguished Loughgiel team who were the first ever winners of the AIB All-Ireland club senior hurling title.

Their opponents will know exactly what the build-up has been like because Coolderry too, are on their way to Croke Park striking a blow for rural GAA clubs everywhere.

At a time when countless rural GAA clubs look at dwindling player numbers through emigration, and the spectre of amalgamation or worse rears its head, Coolderry and Loughgiel will be a massive source of inspiration.

In football, Crossmaglen Rangers will attempt to write yet another incredible chapter to their success story.

When the rain started to fall and the going got tough in Portlaoise last weekend, you just sensed there would only be one winner in that gripping Cross v Dr Crokes tie. It sounds like a cliché, but no club has mastered the art of triumphing in the face of adversity quite like the South Armagh men.

They were magnificent last weekend, they have been an inspiration ever since they overcame all manner of obstacles to be crowned All-Ireland champs in the 90s and are still doing that to this day.

And what of their opponents?

Garrycastle ghosted their way through much of their campaign as big names and big reputations hogged the headlines.

But at all times they have done the simple things well and the Athlone club have been rewarded with a place at Croker on St Patrick’s Day and stand 60 minutes from sporting immortality.

We often hear about the ‘magic’ of the FA Cup and the ‘romance’ of a club like Stevenage progressing through the competition. But in truth it’s always only a matter of time before they succumb to their inevitable fate and bow out.

The telling difference is that in the AIB GAA All-Ireland club championships reputations and rolls of honour mean nothing.

The minnows have come and conquered at Croke park and will do so again and again because the history of the GAA is built on the simple truth that teams of ordinary people are capable of extraordinary things when their work rate and honesty matches their belief.

That’s why there will be no better place to be than Croke Park on St Patrick’s Day for two magnificent senior finals in the AIB GAA Club championship.