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AIB GAA Club football semi-finals promise high quality fare
Coolderry (Offaly) and Loughgiel Shamrocks (Antrim) are through to the AIB GAA Hurling All-Ireland Senior Club Championship Final on St. Patrick’s Day and now it’s the turn of the footballers to set up the final pairings when they clash in the semi-finals next Saturday.
The pairings are as follows:
Crossmaglen Rangers (Armagh) v Dr. Crokes (Kerry), Portlaoise, (2.00)
Garrycastle (Westmeath) v St. Brigid’s (Roscommon), Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, Longford (2.00).
Both semi-finals promise to be intriguing affairs, involving the reigning All-Ireland champions (Crossmaglen), a Kerry club (Dr.Crokes) chasing a second All-Ireland title and a first for 20 years, All-Ireland semi-final newcomers (Garrycastle) and a Roscommon side (St.Brigid’s) hoping to reach the final for a second successive year.
CROSSMAGLEN RANGERS v DR.CROKES
Crossmaglen Rangers, the defending All-Ireland champions, are bidding to reach the AIB GAA Football All-Ireland Senior Club Championship Final for the seventh time, a truly remarkable record, given that their first appearance in the final was in 1997. They also qualified in 1999-2000-2007-2009 and last year. They won five All-Ireland titles in 1997-1999-2000-2007-2011.
Dr. Crokes will be attempting to reach the All-Ireland final for the third time, having previously been in there in 1992, when they won their only title to date, and in 2007 when they lost a replay to Crossmaglen.
The sides drew 1-9 each in Croke Park on St.Patrick’s Day before Crossmaglen won the replay (0-13 to 1-5) in Portlaoise two weeks later.
Crossmaglen retained the Ulster title most impressively last autumn, comfortably beating St.Gall’s of Antrim, the 2010 All-Ireland winners, Ballinderry (Derry) and Burren (Down).
Dr. Crokes were equally impressive in their three wins in Munster against Ballinacourty (Waterford), Kilmurry-Ibrickane(Clare) and UCC.
One interesting similarity in both Dr.Crokes’ and Crossmaglen’s advance to the semi-final has been their high scoring returns. They have averaged 2 goals 12.5 points, which suggests that Saturday’s clash will provide lots of scoring opportunities.
That’s hardly surprising, given the producing nature of the respective strike forces. Oisin McConville (2-5), Aaron Kernan (0-11), Jamie Clarke (1-3), Aaron Cunningham (1-3), Stephen Kernan (0-5), Tony Kernan (0-4) have been in fine finishing form for Crossmaglen while Colm Cooper (2-11), Daithi Casey (2-10) and Kieran O’Leary (1-4) have been Dr. Crokes’ top marksmen.
How they reached the semi-final
Dr.Crokes 3-13 Ballinacourty (Waterford) 0-7 (Munster quarter-final)
Dr. Crokes 0-12 Kilmurry-Ibrickane (Clare) 0-9 (Munster semi-final)
Dr. Crokes 3-14 UCC 2-10 (Munster final)
Average For: 2-13 Average Against: 0-11
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)
Average For: 2-12 Average Against 1-9
Previous All-Ireland semi-final appearances
1997: Crossmaglen 1-8 Laune Rangers (Kerry) 1-7
1999: Crossmaglen 1-10 Eire Og (Carlow) 1-5
2000: Crossmaglen 2-16 UCC 3-6
2005: Portlaoise (Laois) 0-8 Crossmaglen 0-7
2007: Crossmaglen 1-11 St.Brigid’s (Roscommon) 0-11
2008: St. Vincent’s (Dublin) 2-9 Crossmaglen 0-11
2009: Crossmaglen Rangers 4-11 Dromcollogher-Broadford (Limerick) 0-6
2011: Crossmaglen 2-11 Kilmacud Crokes (Dublin 1-12)
Played 8, Won 6, Lost 2.
Dr. Crokes
1991: Salthill (Galway) 3-9 Dr. Crokes 2-6
1992: Dr. Crokes 3-4 Corofin (Galway) 1-5
2007: Dr. Crokes 1-9 Moorefield (Kildare) 0-12 (Draw)
2007: Dr. Crokes 2-9 Moorefield 0-8 (Replay)
Played 4, Won 2, Drew 1, Lost 1.
GARRYCASTLE v ST.BRIGID’S
A fascinating clash between neighbouring clubs, separated by the river Shannon, as St. Brigid’s fly the Roscommon and Connacht flags while Garrycastle carry the Westmeath and Leinster banners.
It’s a real family affair as brothers, Frankie, Darren and Garvan Dolan (St.Brigid’s) will be in opposition to their cousins, Dessie and Gary Dolan (who are brothers), James Dolan and Alan Fox.
Adding to the intrigue is the presence of Anthony Cunningham as Garrycastle manager. The current Galway senior hurling boss managed St.Brigid’s for a few years, including when they made their first appearance in the All-Ireland semi-final in 2007 (they lost to Crossmaglen Rangers).
St.Brigid’s are attempting to reach the final for a second successive year (they lost to Crossmaglen last spring) after retaining the Connacht title with a dramatic one point win over Corofin of Galway in the final. They had earlier beaten Tourlestrane (Sligo) by six points in the semi-final.
St.Brigid’s went on to beat London champions Fulham Irish by eight points in the All-Ireland quarter-final. With Roscommon star, Peter Domican a key figure in defence and Karol Mannion anchoring midfield, St. Brigid’s are well set up to provide a lively attack with lots of opportunities. Frankie Dolan (0-14) and Senan Kilbride (0-12) have been their main finishers.
The strength of the defence is underlined by their low giveaway rate as they have yet to concede a goal in this campaign.
Garrycastle, who will be appearing the All-Ireland semi-final for the first time, have a secure defence too, having conceded 1-6, 1-6, 0-10 against Longford Slashers, Athy and St. Brigid’s (Dublin) respectively. Dessie Dolan has scored a total of 0-12, his brother, Gary has scored 2-1 while their cousin, James has landed 2-3.
How they reached the semi-final
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)
Average For: 2-10; Average Against: 0-10
St. Brigid’s 0-16 Tourlestrane (Sligo) 0-10 (Connacht semi-final)
St. Brigid’s 0-11 Corofin (Galway) 0-10 (Connacht final)
St. Brigid’s (Roscommon) 1-12 Fulham Irish (London) 0-7
Average For: 0-14 Average Against: 0-9
Previous All-Ireland semi-finals
St. Brigid’s
2007: Crossmaglen Rangers (Armagh) 1-11 St. Brigid’s 0-11
2011: St. Brigid’s 0-13 Nemo Rangers (Cork) 0-8
Garrycastle are in their first All-Ireland semi-final.
COOLDERRY CLINCH FIRST ALL-IRELAND FINAL TILT
Offaly champions, Coolderry are through to the AIB GAA All-Ireland club senior hurling final for the first time after beating Gort (Galway) by 3-16 to 0-17 in the semi-final and will meet Loughgiel Shamrocks, who are back in the final for the first time since 1983 when they became the first and – so far – only Ulster side to win the title.
Loughgiel beat Na Piarsaigh (Limerick) by 0-27 to 2-13 (after extra-time) in the other semi-final in a game where Liam Watson scored 0-16 for the winners. Damien Murray scored 1-8 for Coolderry who will be attempting to become the second Offaly club to win the All-Ireland title on St.Patrick’s Day.
Birr won four titles in 1995-98-2002-2003.
MOUNT LEINSTER MAKE CARLOW HISTORY
Mount Leinster Rangers created history by becoming the first Carlow club to win an All-Ireland title when they beat Middletown Na Fianna (Armagh) by two points in the intermediate hurling final in Croke Park last Saturday. There was glory too for St. Patrick’s (Kilkenny), who won the junior hurling decider, Clonbur of Galway (junior football) and Milltown-Castlemaine of Kerry (intermediate football).
AIB GAA Provincial Championships 2011/2012
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.
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 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.
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 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.
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 Football
December 4: Quarter-final: St. Brigid’s (Roscommon) 1-12 Fulham Irish (London) 0-7.
February 18: Semi-finals: Crossmaglen Rangers (Armagh) v Dr. Crokes (Kerry), Portlaoise; St. Brigid’s (Roscommon) v Garrycastle (Westmeath), Glennon Brothers Pearse Park, Longford.
March 17: Final, Croke 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.
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.
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.