Fergal O’Hanlon’s 2-9 Rockcorry 2-15

Monaghan Electrical Reserve Football League Division 4 , Round 7 – Wednesday 9^th June 2010

Rockcorry overcome late challenge to Earn Points

Team: Jamie Smith, Pauric Reilly, Rory Carroll, Cathal Sheridan, Ryan Sharkey, Colin Reilly, Shane Wynne, Barry Patterson 0-1, Liam Connolly 0-1, Keelan Clerkin 0-2, Colin Quinn 0-2, Declan McCullagh 0-1, Mark McGuirk 1-7, Anthony Tate and John Greenan.

Subs: Andrew Carroll for John Greenan, Gerard O’Brien 1-1 for Mark McGuirk.

We travelled to Monaghan on Wednesday 9^th June to play Fergal O’Hanlon’s in round 7 of the reserve league competition. The match was just twenty seconds old when Barry Patterson went close to registering our first score but his shot at the target hit the cross bar and was eventually cleared by Fergal O’Hanlon’s. A minute later Fergal O’Hanlon’s opened the scoring when they hit a neat point from play. Declan McCullagh shot wide in the 2^nd minute but we got on level terms in the 3^rd  minute when we won the ensuing kick-out and Declan McCullagh fired over a terrific point to get us on the scoreboard.

In the 5^th minute, Fergal O’Hanlon’s regained the lead after we lost possession and they notched over a fine point from play. A couple of minutes later, Anthony Tate was brought down and Mark McGuirk’s attempt at the target landed short but we did get a forty-five that Mark took himself and he glided the ball over the bar to draw the sides level. Barry Patterson was unlucky not to score, in the 7^th minute, this time his effort hitting the upright. Good defending by Cathal Sheridan in the 10^th minute, allowed us to set up another attack and when Mark McGuirk was fouled approximately twenty metres from goal on the left wing he slotted the free-kick over the bar to put us a point up. Fergal O’Hanlon’s kicked wides in the 11^th and 13^th minutes before Mark McGuirk extended our lead when he converted a free-kick after Keelan Clerkin was hauled down approximately twenty-five metres from goals. In the 16^th minute we capitalized, when Fergal O’Hanlon’s were penalized for an illegal hand pass and Mark McGuirk scored the resulting free-kick. Fergal O’Hanlon’s kicked another wide in the 18^th minute but did manage to close the gap when they lobbed a high ball into our square and was punched over the bar.

An attempt at the uprights by John Greenan, in the 21^st minute, lacked power and was easily collected by the Fergal O’Hanlon’s goalie  and they broke at pace and reduced the gap to a single point when they scored a neat point from play. In the 23^rd minute, Rory Carroll fouled his opponent and the Fergal O’Hanlon’s free-taker took it quickly but the referee decided that it was too short and the danger was cleared. Colin Quinn got on the scoreboard in the 24^th minute when he collected a pass from Keelan Clerkin and scored a fabulous point.  We hit two bad wides within a minute, one from Colin Quinn and the other from Mark McGuirk. Somebody once told me to avoid using clichés at all costs, but I think they are a good means to illustrate certain events in just a few words. The old saying “If at first you don’t succeed try, try again” reflects the efforts and energy shown by Barry Patterson who hit the crossbar and the upright with earlier attempts, but in the 26^th minute he eventually managed to get his name on the score sheet when he sailed over a wonderful point from the left wing. He was probably being too hopeful when he collected the ball two minutes later, but on this occasion his shot drifted well wide! Just before the break Colin Quinn was awarded a free-kick which he took himself and he dissected the uprights with aplomb to leave the half time score Fergal O’Hanlon’s 0-4   Rockcorry 0-8.

When play resumed Fergal O’Hanlon’s converted a free-kick after Colin Reilly fouled his opponent twenty-five seconds after the throw-in. Keelan Clerkin kicked wide moments later but he did make amends when he sailed over a great point from the right wing following a good move including a number of players. Shortly afterwards, the lively Mark McGuirk strengthened our position when he nipped in behind the Fergal O’Hanlon’s defence and blasted home our first goal to leave the score FOH 0-5 Rockcorry 1-9. Mark McGuirk was fouled, in the 5^th minute, approximately thirty metres out but for dissent if was brought up and he tapped the ball over the bar. A minute later Fergal O’Hanlon’s delivered a long pass into their full forward line but Jamie Smith showed his alertness and was quick off his line to gather possession and clear the danger. Fergal O’Hanlon’s converted a free-kick, in the 9^th minute, and when Pauric Reilly was adjudged to over carry the ball they closed the gap further when they notched the free over to leave the score Fergal O’Hanlon’s 0-7 Rockcorry 1-10.

At this stage of the game we stamped our authority on proceedings as we scored five points without reply in a fruitful seven minute spell. The first score came from the boot off Mark McGuirk, in the 12^th minute, when he slotted over a terrific long range free-kick. Liam Connolly got the second when he finished in style a good move that involved Colin Reilly and Ryan Sharkey. In the 17^th minute, Ryan Sharkey was brought down and Mark McGuirk once again showed his accuracy to grab the third. Barry Patterson produced a wonderful catch from the kick-out and he off-loaded to Keelan Clerkin who raced through unopposed and scored a fabulous point. Ryan Sharkey was fouled again, in the 19^th minute, and once again indiscipline let Fergal O’Hanlon’s down as the ball was brought up for a much easier free-kick and Gerard O’Brien, who was introduced for Mark McGuirk, took over the free taking duties and fired the ball right between the posts to open up a commanding eleven point lead on a score-line Fergal O’Hanlon’s 0-7 Rockcorry 1-15.

However, Fergal O’Hanlon’s got a major boost when they blasted home their first goal in the 20^th minute and it got even better for Fergal O’Hanlon’s as immediately afterwards they had the ball in the back of the net again. A long delivery found their full forward and when he turned inside Rory Carroll he sent a powerful shot past our keeper Jamie Smith to close the deficit back to five points. Fergal O’Hanlon’s were now growing in confidence and a comeback was on the cards and additional points in the 26^th and 28^th minutes just left three points separating the sides. While Fergal O’Hanlon’s desperately tried for a late equalizing goal, we remained strong in defence to deny them certain scores and we had the last say when the ball was fed through to Lionel Messi, apologies, it was Gerard O’Brien as he turned back the clock to show that he can still keep up with the younger players as he weaved his way through the Fergal O’Hanlon’s defence turning defenders inside and out before he wrong-footed the goalie to tap the ball into an empty net to put the tie out of reach and leave the final score Fergal O’Hanlon’s 2-9 Rockcorry 2-15.

While we won by six points we could off and should off won by a much greater margin as at one stage we had a comfortable eleven point lead but we gave away two easy goals that allowed Fergal O’Hanlon’s back into the game. It must be said that we will face stiffer tests as the league progress and it is vital that we eliminate mistakes and play as a team. If we can do this and build on our performance we could well be competing at the business end of the league something we are well capable of achieving. Keep up the good work lads.

Lotto Results Monday 7th June

The numbers drawn on Monday night were 1, 5, 12 and 25. There was no jackpot winner of €2,400.00.

The following people won €15 each:

Noel Carroll, Rockcorry

Tony McGorman, Aghabog

Pat Brannigan, Rockcorry

Frances O’Reilly, c/o Tony Hannawin

Magie & Mickey, Rockcorry

Margaret Reilly, Rockcorry

Lila Sheridan, c/o Noreen Calvert

James Connolly, Newbliss

Next week our jackpot will be €2,500.00 and the draw will take place in the Maple Bar at 10.30pm sharp. Thank you for supporting our Top 4 lotto draw.

Club Notes 8th June

Championship “Buzz”

The summer is truly here as the race for the McGuigan Builders intermediate football championship commences this weekend. Just in case you have been living on mars for the past couple of months we play Currin in the preliminary round of the championship which takes place this Saturday 12^th June in Pairc Emmet, Aghabog. The game has a 7.30pm throw-in and all players are requested to be there in plenty of time. During the week I caught up with one of our team selectors Cormac McFadden and he informed me that while a number of players our carrying niggling injuries, training was going well and he is confident that the team can produce the goods and get the necessary result. He remarked that “Currin will be up for this one as we beat them earlier in the league competition by a couple of points and they have a few dangerous players up front but we have good players as well and we will do our best to make it as awkward as possible for them…” he continued by saying that “if we play to our full potential and can reproduce our league performances then we are in with a very good chance”. He finished by saying “this tie will be cracking encounter and hopefully their will be good crowd to get behind the team.” I just want to echo Cormac’s comments and urge all our supporters to go and cheer on our senior team and hopefully we can look forward to a sporting game of football and the right result. Best of luck lads.

Playing Attire

All players are reminded that it is compulsory to wear the proper club colours during any game but particularly during championship matches. Can all players please make sure they have green and white socks and white togs with green strips or with the club crest. Remember lads you are representing you team and your club when you walk on to the pitch.

Streamline Coaches Intermediate Football League

Our next outing in the league is on Saturday 19^th June when we travel to play Donaghmoyne at 8.00pm.

Under 21 Team

The under 21 competition commences on Monday 28^th June and our first game is away to Doohamlet with a throw-in time of 8.00pm.

Closed Season

Just a reminder to all players that if your planning to book a holiday the closed season is from Monday 2^nd August to Thursday 12^th August.

Well Done

Congratulations to the Monaghan senior team who produced a wonderful performance last Sunday to defeat Armagh in the Ulster championship. Keep up the good work lads.

Monster Auction

Come on folks admit it, we all do it, obviously some of us do it more than others but we still do it, that’s hoarding stuff of some kind! Let’s be honest, if like me, you have a stash of ‘stuff’ that you thought may “come in handy sometime”, the chances are it will never be used, you may think so, but trust me, it’s really just taking up valuable cupboard space or piling up under your bed or in your attic!  If you had a recent spring clean and discovered OMG why did I keep this stuff? Well now you have the perfect opportunity to get rid of it and help the club raise funds. We are holding a Monster Auction on Saturday 26^th June in St. Mary’s Hall and if you wish to donate any items or goods to the auction members of the committee will be calling to houses week commencing Monday 14^th June. Alternatively you can contact any of the following people and they will be delighted to arrange collection. Cormac McFadden 087-2217666, Sean Rooney 086-8035062, Michael Carroll 086-1041165, Seamus Tate 086-3047004, Tony Hannawin 087-9394966 , Paul McKeown 086-3469632. Your support of this event would be gratefully appreciated as the old saying goes “one man’s rubbish, is another man’s treasure”.

Vintage Hay Making Day

The committee is making plans to hold a vintage hay making day in Dartrey sports field on Sunday 25^th July. In addition, we hope to have a night out on the Saturday or Friday so watch this space for details. This promises to be a great weekend’s entertainment and will be a great opportunity for families to come together and see how things were done years ago. Let’s hope the sun will be shining brightly!

Under 8 Coaching

Coaching sessions for all under 8’s continues on Wednesday night’s from 6.0 – 7.30pm in St. Mary’s Hall or weather permitting on Pairc Naomh Mhuire. All five, six, seven and eight year olds are welcome to attend.

Monaghan VHI GAA Cul Camps 2010

A list of the forthcoming VHI GAA Cul camps can be viewed on our website www.rockcorrygaa.ie. If parents need further information or require any clarification please contact our Youth Officer Martina McKeown for details.

Under 12 Team

The next outing for the under 12 team is a home game this Saturday 12^th June against Truagh at 12 noon.

Under 14 Team

The next game for the under 14 team is on Tuesday 15^th June when they travel to play Emyvale at 7.00pm.

Under 16 & 18 Fixtures

The next game for the under 16 team is on Thursday 24^th June when they travel to play Clones at 7.00pm. The next outing for our minor team is on Tuesday 29^th June when they travel to play Tyholland at 8.00pm.

Top 4 Lotto Results

The numbers drawn last Monday night were 1, 5, 12 and 25. There was no jackpot winner of €2,400.00. The following people won €15 each: Noel Carroll Rockcorry, Tony McGorman Aghabog, Pat Brannigan Rockcorry, Frances O’Reilly c/o Tony Hannawin, Magie & Mickey Rockcorry, Margaret Reilly Rockcorry, Lila Sheridan c/o Noreen Calvert, James Connolly Newbliss. Next week our jackpot will be €2,500.00 and the draw will take place in the Maple Bar at 10.30pm sharp. Thank you for supporting our Top 4 lotto draw.

Club Notes

You are reminded to log on to the website www.rockcorrygaa.ie for regular updates in respect of all activities. If you want an item included in the notes please email me at rockcorrygaa@live.ie or send me a text on 086-1041165.

Monster Auction

The club is holding a monster auction on Saturday 26^th June in St. Mary’s Hall at 2.00pm. If you wish to donate any items or goods to the auction members of the committee will be calling to you week commencing Monday 14^th June.  Alternatively you can contact any of the following people and they will be delighted to arrange collection.

 Michael Carroll 086-1041165

Seamus Tate 086-3047004

Tony Hannawin 087-9394966

Paul McKeown 086-3469632

Cormac McFadden 087-2217666

 Your support of this event would be gratefully appreciated and we would ask that all items be in a good condition and in a good working order. 

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT.

Lotto Results Monday 31st May 2010

The numbers drawn on Monday night were 4, 16, 21 and 25. There was no jackpot winner of €2,300.00.

The following people won €15 each:

Joey & Phyllis,  Rockcorry

Gabriel Greenan, Rockcorry

Pauric Reilly, Dartrey

Eileen Calvert, Rockcorry

Margaret Fitzpatrick, Rockcorry

Enda Sheridan, Rockcorry

Frances O’Reilly, c/o. Tony Hannawin

Kieran MacGiolla Phadraig, Rockcorry

Next week our jackpot will be €2,400.00 and the draw will take place in the Aghabog GAA complex at 10.30pm SHARP. Thank you for supporting our Top 4 lotto draw.

Club Notes 1st June 2010

Streamline Coaches Intermediate Football League  

You wouldn’t want to have a weak heart when supporting our senior team! After our last grasp winner against Inniskeen a week ago we used another ‘get out of jail’ card when we travelled to Sarsfield Park on Sunday 30^th May to play Aughnamullen in the Streamline Coaches intermediate football league. The team produced a very lackluster and unimpressive performance, particularly during the first half and Aughnamullem were deservedly ahead by 1-4 to 0-3 at the break. Thankfully, we were able to get into the game in the second half and managed to find some sort of rhythm and outscored Aughnamullen by 0-2 to 0-6 to emerge with a share of the spoils, which was probably a fair outcome. The final score Aughnamullen 1-6 Rockcorry 0-9. Check out www.rockcorrygaa.ie for a full match report and action shots of the Aughnamullen v Rockcorry game. The next game in the league is on Saturday 19^th June when we travel to play Donaghmoyne.

Intermediate Football Championship

Our preliminary round championship game against Currin has been fixed for Saturday 12^th June at 7.30pm and will take place in Pairc Emmet, Aghabog. The first round of the championship is always a defining moment and we hope a large crowd of supporters will get behind the team for this occasion. If recent league form was any criteria then we would be regarded as favorites, but as we all know the championship, as often happens, can turn out to be an entirely different proposition and the lads will need to be focused and be in the right frame of mind for this encounter as the game against Currin will be a tough task.

Crawley Cup – Reserve Championship

On Wednesday 26^th May we travelled to Pearse Park to contest the first round of the Crawley Cup (Reserve Championship) against Ballybay.  On a lovely evening for football Ballybay gradually broke down our resistance and they won on a score-line Ballybay 1-11 Rockcorry 0-9 and they now progress to the next round of the competition and we wish them the best luck. This was always going to be an uphill battle as Ballybay are currently sitting top of the division 3 reserve league however, while we lost the game it was a very encouraging outing as we certainly put it up to a more vastly experienced and stronger side.  The work-rate from the players was impressive throughout and the dismissal of Cathal Sheridan to a second yellow card early in the second half was a severe blow and off course the absence of Martin Carroll with a hand injury was also a major factor. If we can maintain that level of performance for the league campaign we have every reason to be confident and push for a top four position. Well done lads and keep up the good work. Please check out our website www.rockcorrygaa.ie for a full match report and actions shots of the Ballybay v Rockcorry game. The next game for the reserve team is on Wednesday 9^th June when we travel to play Fergal O’Hanlon’s at 8.00pm.

Speedy Recovery

A speedy recovery is extended to Martin Carroll who sustained an injury to his hand at a recent league game. We hope to see you back in the green jersey very soon.

Under 21 Team

The under 21 competition commences on Monday 28^th June and our first game is away to Doohamlet with a throw-in time of 8.00pm.

Fund Raising Event – Monster Auction

The club will be holding a monster auction on Saturday 26th June in St. Mary’s Hall. If you wish to donate any items or goods to the auction please contact any member on the committee and they will be delighted to arrange collection. We will be calling on all club members and others to donate items / goods for the auction so please be generous. We would ask that all items should be in a good condition and in a good working order.

Table Quiz

Many thanks to everyone who supported and attended the table quiz in the Resource Centre last Friday night. An enjoyable evening was had by all and a big thank you to all who assisted in staging and organizing the event especially Colm McCormick the quiz master. It was a pity that it wasn’t better supported. Lets hope people will support the “Guess the Score” fund raiser so we can gather funds to buy a set of jerseys for the under 8 and 10 youngsters.

Guess the Score

Monaghan play Armagh this Sunday in the senior Ulster championship and our juvenile committee have decided to run a “Guess the Score” competition. This is your opportunity to test your knowledge and predict the score of the game. Once again all proceeds go towards buying a set of jersey’s for the under 8’s and 10’s.

Date for Your Diary

The committee is making plans to hold a vintage hay making day in Dartrey sports field on Sunday 25^th July. This promises to be a great day’s entertainment and will be a great opportunity for families to come together and see how things were done years ago. Let’s hope the sun will still be shining brightly!

Under 8 Coaching

Coaching sessions for all under 8’s continues on Wednesday night’s from 6.30 – 7.30pm in St. Mary’s Hall or weather permitting on Pairc Naomh Mhuire. All five, six, seven and eight year olds are welcome to attend.

Monaghan VHI GAA Cul Camps 2010

A list of the forthcoming VHI GAA Cul camps can be viewed on our website www.rockcorrygaa.ie. If parents need further information or require any clarification please contact our Youth Officer Martina McKeown for details.

Under 12 Team

Our under team suffered a very heavy defeat when they were totally outplayed by strong and determined Emyvale side last Thursday evening. Last Saturday they played Scotstown and the youngsters more than held their own but unfortunately they were outplayed towards the end of the game and lost on a score-line Rockcorry 5-7 Scotstown 6-9. Despite the two defeats all kids turned in a very good performance and certainly preformed their best. Their next outing is tonight (Thursday 3^rd June) when they travel to play Carrickmacross Emmets at 7.00pm.

Under 14 Team

Our under 14 team have a bye this Saturday 5th June so their next game is on Tuesday 8^th June when we play Oram at Pairc Naomh Mhuire at 7.00pm.

Under 16 & 18 Fixtures

The next game for the under 16 team is on Thursday 24^th June when they travel to play Clones at 7.00pm. The next outing for our minor team is on Tuesday 29^th June when they travel to play Tyholland at 8.00pm.

Exams

Good luck to all players that are currently studying or sitting exams at this time. I hope you get the questions you are hoping for and get the opportunities you deserve for all your hard work.

Hard Luck

Hard luck to the Monaghan minor team who were defeated by Armagh last Saturday in Newry.

Best Wishes

Good luck to the Monaghan senior team who play Armagh in the Ulster senior championship this Sunday. Hopefully a good crowd will travel to Casement Park, Belfast to cheer them on.

Women’s Mini Marathon

The club extends their best wishes to all the ladies taking part in the Women’s Mini Marathon in Dublin this Bank Holiday Monday. Keep those boots running girls!

Top 4 Lotto Results

The numbers drawn last Monday night were 4, 16, 21 and 25. There was no jackpot winner of €2,300.00. The following people won €15 each: Joey & Phyllis Rockcorry, Gabriel Greenan Rockcorry, Pauric Reilly Dartrey, Eileen Calvert Rockcorry, Margaret Fitzpatrick Rockcorry, Enda Sheridan Rockcorry, Frances O’Reilly c/o. Tony Hannawin, Kieran MacGiolla Phadraig Rockcorry. Next week our jackpot will be €2,400.00 and the draw will take place in the Aghabog GAA complex at 10.30pm SHARP. Thank you for supporting our Top 4 lotto draw.

Club Notes

You are reminded to log on to the website www.rockcorrygaa.ie for regular updates in respect of all activities. If you want an item included in the notes please email me at rockcorrygaa@live.ie or send me a text on 086-1041165.

Aughnamullen 1-6 Rockcorry 0-9

Streamline Coaches Intermediate Football League, Round 9 – Sunday 30th May

Improved second half display sees Rock earn a share of the spoils

Team: Jamie Smith, Colin Reilly, Damien Matthews, Garry Calvert, Keith Daly, Johnny Reilly 0-1, Stephen McGuirk 0-1, Mark Daly 0-6, Niall McKeown, Keelan Clerkin, Liam Connolly, Noel Carroll, Mark McGuirk 0-1, Paul McKeown, Dwayne Rooney.

Subs: Barry Patterson for Garry Calvert.

You wouldn’t want to have a weak heart when supporting our senior team! After our last grasp winner against Inniskeen a week ago we used another ‘get out of jail’ card when we travelled to Sarsfield Park on Sunday 30^th May to play Aughnamullen in the Streamline Coaches intermediate football league. The team produced a very lacklustre and unimpressive performance, particularly during the first half, but we did manage to find some sort of rhythm in the second half to emerge with a share of the spoils, which was probably a fair outcome.

On a perfect surface on a fine sunny day for football, Aughnamullen had the advantage of a tricky cross field wind in the first half, that was quite deceptive and possibly it contributed to some of the mediocre football that was on display. We opened the scoring in the first minute when Mark Daly converted a twenty metre free kick after Liam Connolly was brought down. Aughnamullen levelled the contest from a twenty–five metre free, in the 4^th minute, after Colin Reilly fouled his opponent. Keelan Clerkin kicked wide in the 5^th minute after good work from Paul McKeown and Noel Carroll and Aughnamullen missed chances in the 6^th and 7^th minute kicking wide on both occasions. A minute later, we were awarded a free-out when, an Aughnamullen forward was penalised for an illegal hand pass.

We wasted two good chances through hasty shooting between the 9^th and 11^th minutes, one from Keelan Clerkin and other one from Niall McKeown. Aughnamullen went ahead in the 12^th minute when they converted a free kick after Damien Matthews fouled his opponent. However, we responded swiftly when Keith Daly won the kick out and delivered a measured pass to Johnny Reilly who fired the ball over the bar for a fine score.

Aughnamullen quickly restored their advantage when they broke down field, aided by some sloppy defending (as the Aughnamullen forward was completely unmarked) and he blasted an unstoppable shot past our goalie Jamie Smith to hit the top corner of the net to open up a three point lead 1-2 to 0-2. In the 16^th minute, Noel Carroll, from a difficult angle, kicked wide while under pressure and four minutes later we had a very lucky escape when an Aughnamullen forward weaved his way past our defence and he was clean through for a certain goal but he somehow managed to hit his shot wide.

Moments later Aughnamullen were on the attack again when they lobbed a ball into our square and miscommunication between Jamie Smith and Damien Mathews could off cost us dearly but thankfully we were able to regroup and clear our lines. In the 22^nd minute, Keith Daly surged forward from right half back position but his attempt at the uprights drifted wide. Aughnamullen had certainly done their homework by crowding out the defence and making sure our danger men were starved of good possession and this worked as they often broke down our attacks. This certainly was the case in the 23^rd minute, when Johnny Reilly was fouled but our inability to move the ball quickly and our over elaboration eventually led to nothing. Aughnamullen increased their lead a minute later when they converted a free-kick from thirty metres out and when Jamie Smith decided to take a short kick-out, it backfired as, Garry Calvert collided with an Aughnamullen player and gave away a needless free-kick which they took quickly and they curled over a neat point to open up a five point gap 1-4 to 0-2.

We managed to close the deficit in the 28^th minute, when Mark Daly converted a free-kick, after Johnny Reilly made a solo run goal-bound and was hauled down approximately twenty-five metres from goals. Paul McKeown kicked wide in the 29^th minute before Damien Matthews thwarted an Aughnamullen attack which was the last action of the first half and at the interval the score was  Aughnamullen 1-4 Rockcorry 0-3.

During the interval team management switched Liam Connolly to midfield with Niall McKeown moving to the forty, a move that paid dividends. When play resumed Aughnamullen got off to a dream start as they extended their advantage with a fine point from play after only thirty seconds. In the 2^nd minute, Keith Daly made another surging run up-field and was fouled approximately thirty metres from goals and his older brother Mark stepped up and sailed over the free kick. A couple of minutes later Aughnamullen were awarded a free and for dissent the referee brought it up and they converted a much easier free-kick to leave the score 1-6 to 0-4. At this stage of the game Barry Patterson was introduced for Garry Calvert and he soon made an impact around the midfield area, as he broke down the ensuing kick-out that Niall McKeown collected and he went on a solo run towards goals and directed a lovely pass to Noel Carroll who side-stepped his marker and rifled a shot towards the goals but the Aughnamullen goalie made a terrific save to deny us a goal.

Paul McKeown obviously left his shooting boots at home as he kicked another wide in the 8^th minute, however, we did manage to close the gap in the 12^th minute when we capitalised on a mistake by an Aughnamullen player when he was penalised for an illegal hand pass and Stephen McGuirk notched the free-kick over the bar. Now trailing by four points we gradually upped our game and reeled off four unanswered points on the trot. The first coming from the boot off Mark McGuirk, as he finished off a rare flowing move that involved a number of players to score an inspirational point to reduce the deficit to three points. Shortly afterwards, Mark Daly showed his accuracy from a free-kick to glide the ball right between the uprights, after Johnny Reilly was brought down, approximately thirty metres out. The gap was reduced to the bare minimum within a couple of minutes when Mark Daly scored a fabulous point after collecting a pass from Paul McKeown, to leave the score 1-6 to 0-8.

In the 17^th minute, Mark McGuirk was hauled down along the sideline and Stephen McGuirk elected to take the free-kick quickly to Niall McKeown but on this occasion, his hand pass was deemed illegal and Aughnamullen were awarded a free out. A couple minutes later, Noel Carroll was denied a goal (when perhaps he should off tapped it over the bar) when his shot to the low corner was again well saved by the Aughnamullen goalie. However, one minute later we were gifted another free when an Aughnamullen player was penalised for lifting the ball off the ground and Mark Daly showed great composure to convert the free-kick and draw the side’s level 1-6 to 0-9.

It took good defending, in the 23^rd minute, to keep out an Aughnamullen attack and for the remaining part of the game our defence got on top to things. We squandered a couple of good chances, to take the lead, towards the end of the game. The first, in the 24^th minute, when a Mark Daly free-kick, from a long distance out, went narrowly wide and Paul McKeown shooting a very poor wide in the 27^th minute. The remaining minutes was tit-for-tat with no team creating any significant opportunity and the game ended on score-line Aughnamullen 1-6 Rockcorry 0-9.

Looking back at the game, which had a little bit of everything in it, we were treated to the best and worst of what we can do. It’s not my intention to criticise, but to use a title from one of the best Clint Eastwood movies “The Good, The Bad and The Ugly” I will give my assessment of the game. Firstly, I will start off with the good points and its fair to say that the level of performance was well below par, (when compared to previous games in the league campaign) particularly in the first half, however, the spirit and the battling qualities that the lads showed in the second half was very encouraging as they dug deep to earn themselves a draw. They say “no rose is without its thorn” and unfortunately our poor passing or should I say lack of passing and wayward shooting remains our bad points. Finally our consistent over elaboration with the ball, continually running into cul-de-sacs, and our inability to create space for ourselves is a worrying trend and remains the ugly side of our game and one that requires improvements. At one stage, during the game our play was compared to our under 10 team where all kids tend to run after the ball trying to get a touch of it! With the preliminary round of the Intermediate championship just around the corner major improvements will be needed in our performance if we are to get over the first hurdle, named Currin.