Minor Championship Final

Posted by admin on Aug 31st, 2010 home title

Our minor team our back in action on Tuesday 7^th September when they travel to Monaghan to take on Emyvale in the minor championship final at 6.45pm. Best of luck lads.

Lotto Results Monday 30th August

Posted by admin on Aug 31st, 2010 home title

The numbers drawn on Monday night were 2, 11, 16, and 26. There was no jackpot winner of €3,600.00. The following people won €15 each:

John McQuillan, Monaghan

Seamus Kelly, Smithboro

Finbar McCaul, Drum

Anthony Clerkin, Rockcorry

Michael Tynan, Clones

Elaine Tate ,Rockcorry

Darragh Dempsey, Rockcorry

Finbar Reilly, Cootehill

Next week our jackpot will be €3,700.00 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 31st August

Posted by admin on Aug 31st, 2010 home title

McGuigan Builders Intermediate Football Championship

What a difference a week makes! After a disappointing episode last week losing to Doohamlet in the championship and Tyholland in the league we travelled to Monaghan last Saturday evening looking to make a return to winning ways and thankfully after some nervous moments our senior team got our championship campaign back on track with a hard earned but richly deserved victory over a battling Emyvale side. While the quality seldom rose above the mediocre level both teams certainly gave it their all and despite a valiant fightback from Emyvale in the second half we carved out a four point victory Rockcorry 0-14 Emyvale 0-10 to keep our championship hopes alive. We have been drawn against Eire Og in the next round and we will need to up our performance as they will surely present another mighty test for the lads but hopefully we can get the right result. The game takes place this Sunday evening (5^th September) in St. Tiernach’s Park, Clones and has a throw-in time of 7.00pm. Best of luck lads.

Streamline Coaches Intermediate Football League

Our senior team has a home game against Currin on Wednesday 8^th September with a throw-in time of 6.45pm.

Reserve League Division 4

Our reserve team travelled to Currin last Monday evening knowing that it was make or break time as we needed to overcome them in order to secure a semi-final position as they trailed us by a single point in the league table and victory for either team would clinch that qualifying spot. Despite the fact that it took us a while to warm up, little by little, we got into the game and took control as the team produced some delightful football and secured the semi-final spot on a score-line Currin 0-7 Rockcorry 1-15. Well done.

Minor Championship Final

Our minor team our back in action this Tuesday 7^th September when they travel to Monaghan to take on Emyvale in the minor championship final at 6.45pm. Best of luck lads.

All Ireland Hurling Tickets

Any club member that is interested in putting their name into the draw for the All Ireland Hurling tickets should contact cub chairman Jimmy McGeough or club secretary Paul McKeown before Friday evening 7pm.

Congratulations

Belated congratulations to all the students from the Parish who received their leaving certificate results last week. Hopefully you got the points required to follow on to the course of your choice and we wish you well in the future.

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.

Top 4 Lotto Results

The numbers drawn last Monday night were 2, 11, 16, and 26. There was no jackpot winner of €3,600.00. The following people won €15 each: John McQuillan Monaghan, Seamus Kelly Smithboro, Finbar McCaul Drum, Anthony Clerkin Rockcorry, Michael Tynan Clones, Elaine Tate Rockcorry, Darragh Dempsey Rockcorry, Finbar Reilly Cootehill. Next week our jackpot will be €3,700.00 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.

Currin 0-7 Rockcorry 1-15 (Reserve Team)

Posted by admin on Aug 31st, 2010 home title

RESERVE LEAGUE DIVISION 4

Reserve team secure semi-final spot with electrifying display

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

Subs: John Greenan for Pauric Reilly (injured), Josh Butler for Declan McCullagh.

Our reserve team travelled to Currin on Monday 30^th August knowing that it was make or break time as we needed to overcome them in order to secure a semi-final position as they trailed us by a single point in the league table and victory for either team would clinch that qualifying spot. Despite the fact that it took us a while to warm up, little by little, we got into the game and took control as the team produced some delightful football and secured the semi-final spot on a score-line Currin 0-7 Rockcorry 1-15.

The game was played in excellent weather conditions and Mark McGuirk opened the scoring on the 1^st minute with a fine score after collecting a pass from Anthony Tate. Currin kicked wide a minute later but they registered their first score on the 4^th minute to level proceedings. Seven minutes elapsed before the next score which arrived when Currin converted a free-kick in the 11^th minute to take the lead. A minute later Keelan Clerkin made a penetrating solo run towards goals and he off-loaded to Mark McGuirk who was through on goals and should have put us back in front but surprisingly he miss hit his shot and it went wide. We drew level midway through the first half when Martin Carroll scored an excellent point after he collected a pass from Colin Quinn, inside his own half, and soloed through the heart of the Currin defence before slotting over from thirty metres. This kick started us into action and shortly afterwards Keelan Clerkin fired over a lovely point to take the lead.

Cathal Sheridan is on hand to halt a Currin attack.

Currin were guilty of squandering a couple of chances on the 18^th and 19^th minutes and when they launched another attack shortly afterwards good defending by the tigerish Cathal Sheridan broke down their attack and as we raced down field at pace it appeared that Barry Patterson turned into trouble but he withheld a couple of solid tackles before setting up Liam Connolly for a goal opportunity but he scuffed his shot into the ground and the ball was easily gathered by the goal keeper.

Barry Patterson sets up Liam Connolly for a goal opportunity

A well engineered move on the 23^rd minute saw Ryan Sharkey, Liam Connolly and Keelan Clerkin exchange swift passes to tee up Barry Patterson who notched over a wonderful score. Mark McGuirk added a point on the 25^th minute after a fine flowing move involving Ryan Sharkey and Martin Carroll to open up a 0-5 to 0-2 advantage. Two minutes later Barry Patterson delivered a lovely pass into Anthony Tate and he showed great perseverance after having his initial route to goal blocked and he laid the ball back to Martin Carroll who sailed over a sweet point. Mark McGuirk extended our lead on the 29^th minute when he collected a pass from Liam Connolly and when Currin converted a free-kick on the 31^st minute this was the last action of the first half and the score at the break was Currin 0-3 Rockcorry 0-7.

Martin Carroll gets the better of his opponent in this action shot.

We began the second half just as we did the first with Mark McGuirk, who was deadly accurate all throughout the game, notching over points on the 1^st and 3^rd minutes to stretch our lead to six points. For some reason the game turned scrappy with plenty of attacks being broken down, shots dropping shot into goal-keepers hands by both sides as things became rather ragged however, this period of indecisiveness was halted when Currin converted a free-kick on the 10^th minute. Currin narrowed the gap further when they added points in the 12^th and 15^th minutes to leave the score 0-6 to 0-9.

Pauric Reilly on the ball as he attempts to clear his defence.

However, we produced an immediate response when Mark McGuirk managed to get on the end of a lovely move downfield that involved Liam Connolly, Keelan Clerkin and Anthony Tate to blast home from close range as he hit the back of the net. At this stage we were relentless and a couple of minutes later Keelan Clerkin increased our lead when he added a great point and when substitute John Greenan delivered a measured pass into Mark McGuirk, on the 19^th minute, he threaded a lovely pass through to Anthony Tate who rounded his opponent and tapped over a superb score.

Conor McGeough makes a determined run to win possession.

Currin stayed in touch when they converted a free-kick in the 20^th minute but when Martin Carroll was dragged down around the midfield area he delivered a pass to Liam Connolly who quickly shifted the ball across field to Mark McGuirk who stepped up and calmly slotted over a great point to make it 0-7 to 1-12. Anthony Tate kicked wide shortly afterwards but Liam Connolly raised the white flag moments later with a terrific score. Mark McGuirk added another point to his tally on the 25^th minute to put ten between the sides and Currin’s misery was complete on the 28^th minute when Mark McGuirk turned provider as he played in Anthony Tate who atoned for his earlier miss to coolly fire over to leave the final score Currin 0-7 Rockcorry 1-15.

Colin Quinn gets away from the challenge of his marker.

At times during this game the lads were very impressive in every line on the field and simply had too much fire power for Currin in the end. Having said that, Currin made it difficult for us especially in an extremely scrappy third quarter and we would need to work on this as we now progress to a semi-final clash. Well done lads and the best of luck to you in the semi-final.

Rory Carroll moves in to make a challenge

Declan McCullagh does not let his opponent out easy.

Rockcorry 0-14 Emyvale 0-10 (Championship)

Posted by admin on Aug 31st, 2010 home title

McGuigan Builders Intermediate Football Championship

Rock edge out Emyvale to progress through back door

Team: Jamie Smith, Colin Reilly, Niall McKeown, Garry Calvert, Keith Daly, Johnny Reilly, Stephen McGuirk 0-2, Barry Patterson 0-2, Mark Daly 0-3, Noel Carroll 0-1, Martin Carroll 0-1, Keelan Clerkin 0-1, Mark McGuirk 0-1, Damien Matthews 0-3, and Paul McKeown.

Subs: Liam Connolly for Keelan Clerkin

Having lost against Doohamlet after a replay and a recent league game against Tyholland we travelled to Monaghan on Saturday 28^th August to take on Emyvale in the ‘back door’ championship very much on the back foot but we were looking to make a return to winning ways. Despite winning the two league encounters against Emyvale we knew it was going to be another tough contest and we needed to get off to a bright start and that’s exactly what we did. Stephen McGuirk opened the scoring in the 2^nd minute when he tapped over a free-kick. Barry Patterson kicked wide moments later and when our forwards put the Emyvale defenders under pressure we were awarded a sideline ball and Mark Daly (had a Maurice Fitzgerald moment) split the posts with a fantastic score to double our lead.

Martin Carroll puts his opponent under pressure. Don't let them out easy!

Emyvale responded on the 6^th minute when they scored a fine point from play and when Martin Carroll was dragged down on the 8^th minute the normally reliable Mark Daly kicked the resulting free-kick wide. Moments later an attempt by Paul McKeown was off target but when Damien Matthews, who put in a fine performance at full forward, collected a pass from Keelan Clerkin on the 10^th minute he scored a sweet point. A couple of minutes later a Mark Daly effort fell short into the goalie hands and Emyvale counter-attacked with a good move up field and after their initial shot hit the crossbar the rebound was collected by the Emyvale corner forward and he slotted over to close the gap 0-3 to 0-2.

Keelan Clerkin delivers a pass into Damien Matthews

Niall McKeown made a tremendous and courageous block in the 14^th minute that prevented Emyvale from scoring but when Johnny Reilly was penalised for a lift ball Emyvale kicked the resulting free-kick wide. Shortly afterwards Mark McGuirk delivered a pass into Martin Carroll but it was just too strong as the Emyvale goal-keeper gathered and cleared his lines but Keith Daly made a swift interception and off-loaded the ball to his brother Mark who glided over a superb point to make it 0-4 to 0-2.

Noel Carroll makes a surging solo run goalbound

A promising attack on the 17^th minute resulted in a Martin Carroll effort hitting the upright and arguably the best score of the game came moments later when Noel Carroll made an eye-catching solo run through the heart of the Emyvale defence leaving a couple of defenders in his wake and he finished in style to stretch our lead. Keelan Clerkin got his name on the score-sheet a minute later with a great point following good work by Noel Carroll and Barry Patterson. An Emyvale attempt moments later lacked power and Jamie Smith collected with ease and he cleared his lines to Mark Daly who delivered a long pass into Mark McGuirk who was brought down on the forty-five metre line but Mark Daly’s free-kick effort drifted narrowly wide.

Damien Matthews goes to ground following a heavy challenge from his opponent.

When Damien Matthews was fouled on the 22^nd minute Mark Daly got another chance to further extend our advantage and he duly obliged when he tapped over from twenty-five metres to make it 0-7 to 0-2. Emyvale closed the gap on the 24^th minute with a fine point but this was quickly cancelled out when Martin Carroll landed a well earned score from play. Both teams missed scoring opportunities over the next few minutes but when Barry Patterson burst through the Emyvale defence on the 28^th minute he fisted over the bar to make 0-9 to 0-3. Noel Carroll was fouled off the ball on the 29^th minute and Mark Daly’s stepped up to take the free-kick but his effort drifted to the right and wide. Good defending by Colin Reilly on the 30^th minute halted an Emyvale attack and with half time looming we raced down the field and when Mark Daly was fouled on the 32^nd minute he delivered a quick free into Mark McGuirk who managed to round his opponent and hit a great point under pressure leaving the scoreboard at the interval reading Rockcorry 0-10 Emyvale 0-3.

Barry Patterson braces for impact with the incoming challenge

On the restart, just twenty-five seconds had elapsed when Emyvale broke through our defence and when Stephen McGuirk brought down his opponent they duly converted the free-kick to close the deficit. Mark Daly kicked into the goal-keepers hands in the 3^rd minute and a minute later an effort from Keith Daly was off target before Emyvale kicked wide on the 5^th minute but shortly afterwards they capitalised on some bad passing and scored a neat point to close the gap 0-10 to 0-5.

Colin Reilly on the ball as his opponent closes in to mount a challenge

When Damien Matthews was fouled on the 8^th minute, Mark Daly got another chance to increase our lead but his effort drifted to the right and Mark McGuirk was able to keep the ball in play and he slipped a lovely pass back to the onrushing Barry Patterson who tapped over the bar. We added another point a couple of minutes later when Damien Matthews fended off two challenges and drove towards goals and fisted over the bar after good approach play by Noel Carroll and Mark McGuirk.

Garry Calvert takes on his opponent in a sideline battle

Emyvale responded at the other end and could’ve grabbed a goal on the 11^th minute, after they launched a long probing ball towards our danger area that deceived our defenders, but their low drive just went wide of the upright. This kick started a dominant five minute spell for Emyvale as they scored three unanswered points on the 12^th, 15^th and 16^th minutes to leave the score 0-12 to 0-8 and it took a brave save from Jamie Smith to deny Emyvale a goal in the 18^th minute after they launched another long ball into our danger area and it broke favourably for the Emyvale corner forward but Jamie Smith showed quick reactions to make a terrific save and in doing so the ball was diverted for a forty-five which was duly converted. Emyvale added a further point in the 20^th minute, to close the gap to two points and at this stage there were definitely some tense and nervous moments.

Keith Daly keeps tags on his opponent.

With these scores the Emyvale players were growing in confidence and had a real belief that they could actually go on and win the game. During that period we were definitely on the back foot but this is when we dug deep, and quite frankly we had too, and when Damien Matthews found his way through the crowded Emyvale defence, on the 24^th minute, he slotted over his third point to regain a three point advantage. An effort by Paul McKeown a minute later was blocked for a forty-five and Mark Daly’s attempt was well fielded by the Emyvale goal-keeper. With time running out Emyvale needed a goal but as they attacked on the 27^th minute they came up against a stern defence and their effort at the uprights drifted wide. Clearly boosted by this we attacked again and when Stephen McGuirk fired over the insurance point on the 31^st minute following good approach play by Keith Daly and Martin Carroll the outcome was beyond doubt as we knew we had secured our place in the next round of the championship and when the final whistle sounded the score-board read Rockcorry 0-14 Emyvale 0-10.

Rockcorry Team v Emyvale

This win will be a big psychological boost for the lads after the setback against Doohamlet and Tyholland last week and we have pulled ourselves right back into the battle for the McGuigan Builders intermediate football championship title and while everyone is pleased with the win if we are to advance in this competition we need to sharpen up for our next encounter which is against Eire Og this Sunday (5^th September) in Clones at 7.00pm.

BEST OF LUCK LADS.

Upcoming Fixtures

Posted by admin on Aug 24th, 2010 home title

Our senior team will play Emyvale in the ‘back door’ championship on Saturday 28th August in Monaghan Harps at 6.00pm.

Our reserve team are back in action on Monday 30th August when they travel to play Currin and the game has a 7.00pm throw-in.

Lotto Results Monday 23rd August

Posted by admin on Aug 24th, 2010 home title

The numbers drawn on Monday night were 4, 9, 17, and 20. There was no jackpot winner of €3,500.00. The following people won €15 each:

Peter McKenna, Castleshane

Melissa McGorman, Newbliss

Jim McCabe, Latton

Cian Hughes, Latton

Teresa Morrissey, c/o. Ann Lynch

Mary & Girls, Dartrey PO

Liz Carroll, Rockcorry

Lauren & Conor, c/o. Joe Rooney

Next week our jackpot will be €3,600.00 and the draw will take place in the Stag Inn, Newbliss at 10.30pm sharp. Thank you for supporting our Top 4 lotto draw.

Club Notes 24th August

Posted by admin on Aug 24th, 2010 home title

Heartbreak for Minor Team

Oh dear, oh dear oh dear it has not been a very enjoyable week on the football field so please brace yourself folks because I’m not in a very good mood. The major talking point this week was obviously the outcome of the minor final that was held on Tuesday 17^th August. We should off left Pairc Emmett, proud of the fact that our minor team was bringing home the silverware. Instead, we departed fuming and bewildered as to why we did not emerge winners! Believe me, I have tried to remain calm, I have tried to compose myself but every time I think about the injustice that occurred it makes me cringe in disbelief, and wonder why? Seriously, why is this happening? Players, mentors, GAA supporters deserve better! I am a passionate GAA supporter and after playing GAA for the majority of my life, you would think that I would have come to terms with the fact that officials miss the odd free here and there, and I might be able to understand if it was just a single incident but it wasn’t just one bad call, it was a sequence of errors that changed the outcome of the game and as a result our minor team suffered the agony of a slender one point defeat against Emyvale on a score-line 2-14 to 2-15. Like many people in attendance, I was utterly disgusted with the standard of referring during the second half that ultimately crushed the dreams of our young players in the most heartbreaking fashion possible. Unfortunately, these incidents overshadowed a thrilling encounter where both teams displayed some fine passages of football and on behalf of the club I extend our congratulations to the Emyvale team on the victory. However, in anyone’s book these were game changing decisions that left our young lads devastated, they were inconsolable afterwards in the dressing-rooms and were left broken hearted through no fault of their own. Anyone who was at the game, anyone that knows right from wrong, anyone that has the slightest bit of integrity knew instantly that it was daylight robbery and in anyone’s book that’s not fair-play, that’s not sport. We have always tried to do our best to promote the objectives of the GAA but if we are to encourage players to continue to train hard, put in an honest effort and play this great game then we must look at the performance of our officials. It’s time for people to stand up and be counted as we have a real problem that needs to be addressed urgently and it must start at the top. On a final note, I know its little consolation lads but you were the better team on the day and you have done yourselves and your club extremely proud throughout the competition and while you may not have brought home the silverware you are the true winners in our minds and all I can say to you now is keep your heads held high and be ready for the next one.

McGuigan Builders Intermediate Football Championship

Our quest to progress to the next round of the McGuigan Builders intermediate football championship smashed into a wall of blue as our senior team hit the self-destruct button against Doohamlet as we contributed considerably to our own downfall and lost on a score-line Rockcorry 0-5 Doohamlet 0-7. The after match discussions deemed the weather conditions to have been a paramount reason for the defeat but in my book it is not the only factor and is an easy excuse! The wet conditions certainly placed extra demands on players, on the evening, but both sides had to contend with wet and slippery conditions and the game was there for the taking and at the end of the day it was a cuter Doohamlet side that emerged with a crucial two point victory to progress to the next round of the championship. Unfortunately, the game will be remembered for the high percentage of mistakes, and ball handling errors but strange as it may seem the match actually remained interesting not for the quality of football on display but because of the closeness of the score! If it was not for the efforts of our full back line of Colin Reilly, Damien Matthews and Garry Calvert who worked tirelessly and restricted Doohamlet from running away with the game the result may have been a lot worst. However, despite our poor performance we are still in the championship as we now progress through the ‘back door’ but moving forward we must ensure that more of our football is reflected on the scoreboard and we will have to up our performance against Emyvale which takes place this Saturday evening (28^th August) in Monaghan Harps and the game has a throw-in time of 6pm. Best of luck lads.

Streamline Coaches Intermediate Football League

A famous American coach was once questioned after losing a game and he said something to the effect like “in my entire career, I never lost a single game….I just ran out of time”. It struck me that this quotation was very adequate to describe our encounter last Sunday when we played Tyholland in the Streamline Coaches intermediate football league campaign. In what was a most entertaining encounter in which both sides were intent on playing a fast free-flowing style of football it was a dubious goal in the 7^th minute of the second half that ultimately proved the difference between the sides and while we battled hard to get back into contention the goal that we badly needed never materialized as time ran out and Tyholland emerged winners on a score-line Tyholland 1-14 Rockcorry 0-15. Please log onto www.rockcorrygaa.ie for a full match report and action photos.

Reserve League Division 4

Our reserve team our back in action this Monday night when they travel to play Currin and the game has a 7pm throw-in.

“Hunt for the Hunk”

The committee has decided to host a “Hunt for the Rock Hunk” competition at a date to be confirmed in October. While many men within the parish and surrounding areas would consider themselves worthy of this title, we require a minimum of ten men to put themselves forward for selection and it will be up to the audience on the night to vote for the person who they think is the best “Rock Hunk”. The winner will then go on and represent the club in the county final at the end of October. So come on ladies put forward your man and see if they got what it takes to be the “Rock Hunk”. This promises to be a very entertaining night and for more details about becoming a possible hunk please contact our club chairman Jimmy McGeough.

Under 8 Coaching

Under 12 Shield Semi Final

Our under 12 team played their Shield semi-final against Scotstown last Saturday morning and while the team displayed some fine passages of football particularly in the first half it was Scotstowns ability to convert possession onto the scoreboard that proved the crucial difference and after playing their hearts out they eventually lost to a stronger side.

Top 4 Lotto Results

The numbers drawn last Monday night were 4, 9, 17, and 20. There was no jackpot winner of €3,500.00. The following people won €15 each: Peter McKenna Castleshane, Melissa McGorman Newbliss, Jim McCabe Latton, Cian Hughes Latton, Teresa Morrissey c/o. Ann Lynch, Mary & Girls Dartrey PO, Liz Carroll Rockcorry, Lauren & Conor c/o. Joe Rooney. Next week our jackpot will be €3,600.00 and the draw will take place in the Stag Inn, Newbliss at 10.30pm sharp. Thank you for supporting our Top 4 lotto draw.

Club Notes

Tyholland 1-14 Rockcorry 0-15

Posted by admin on Aug 24th, 2010 home title

Streamline Coaches Intermediate Football League, Round 14 – Sunday 22nd August

Too little, too late!

Team: Jamie Smith, Colin Reilly, Damien Matthews, Garry Calvert, Keith Daly, Johnny Reilly, Stephen McGuirk 0-7, Barry Patterson 0-2, Mark Daly 0-2, Noel Carroll 0-1, Niall McKeown, Martin Carroll, Mark McGuirk 0-1, Paul McKeown 0-2 and Keelan Clerkin.

Subs: Liam Connolly for Damien Matthews, Dwayne Rooney for Paul McKeown.

Paul McKeown tries to skip away from his opponent.

Within forty seconds of the throw-in Tyholland kicked wide but a minute later they registered the first score of the game with a fine point. Noel Carroll kicked wide in the 3^rd minute, but we opened our account shortly afterwards when Paul McKeown slotted over having linked up well with Mark Daly and Keelan Clerkin. Good defending by Garry Calvert and Damien Matthews in the 5^th minute prevented a possible Tyholland score and when we launched a counter-attack Martin Carroll’s effort at the uprights drifted narrowly wide. In the 6^th minute Noel Carroll collected a pass from Paul McKeown but his effort was blocked and Tyholland broke down the field at pace and fisted the ball over the bar to take the lead.

Garry Calvert puts pressure on his opponent

A minute later Stephen McGuirk intercepted a pass and he surged forward with a determined solo run and finished in style when he rifled over a lovely point to draw the sides level on 0-2 apiece. Tyholland regained the lead immediately as our defence appeared very charitable and allowed them to walk through to hit over. We equalised in the 9^th minute when Johnny Reilly made a well timed tackle and he found Noel Carroll who made a trademark solo run through the heart of the Tyholland defence and he teed up Mark McGuirk who showed good composure and slotted over a great point.

Noel Carroll in full flight as he makes a determined solo run.

Tyholland kicked wide in the 11^th minute but they did manage to drop one over in the 12^th minute and things could off got a lot worst for us when they broke through our defence a minute later but luckily they fired over the bar when perhaps a goal was on the cards and they extended their lead to three points when they placed the ball over the bar in the 13^th minute to open up a three point gap 0-6 to 0-3. We replied instantly as Niall McKeown collected the breaking ball and delivered a lovely pass to Barry Patterson who curled over a sweet point from the left wing but Tyholland restored their three point advantage moments later when they scored a fine point.

Niall McKeown is taken off his feet by the challenge from his opponent.

Damien Matthews fouled his opponent in the 15^th minute and Tyholland duly converted the free-kick to open up a four point gap. Johnny Reilly had an opportunity to reduce the gap but his effort drifted wide following good work by Keelan Clerkin. Martin Carroll thwarted a Tyholland attack, in the 20^th minute, he off-loaded to Mark Daly who made a surging solo run goal bound and he slipped through a pass to Mark McGuirk but he was quickly surrounded by Tyholland defenders and the attack came to nothing and as they broke down field they stretched their lead to five points when they scored a neat point.

Mark McGuirk in a tussle to win possession.

The ensuing kick-out was broken down by Martin Carroll and Keith Daly won the breaking ball and he delivered a measured pass into Paul McKeown who was hauled down and the free-kick was brought up for dissent and Stephen McGuirk coolly sailed over a wonderful kick. Tyholland missed opportunities in the 26^th and 27^th minutes and when Keelan Clerkin was brought down in the 28^th minute Mark Daly stepped up and glided over the free-kick. A minute later Tyholland regained their four point advantage and in additional time at the end of the first half Paul McKeown fired over to leave the score at the interval Tyholland 0-10 Rockcorry 0-7.

Mark Daly goes airbourne to win the high ball

When play resumed Tyholland opened the scoring in the 3^rd minute and a minute later Mark McGuirk was fouled but Mark Daly’s free-kick attempt fell short and the Tyholland goal-keeper easily collected and cleared his lines. In the 5^th minute, Stephen McGuirk bisected the uprights following good work by Paul McKeown and when Noel Carroll collected a pass from Niall McKeown he scored a superb point to narrow the gap to two points 0-11 to 0-9.

Damien Matthews moves in to mount a challenge.

A promising Tyholland attack was snuffed out by Garry Calvert in the 6^th minute and his pass to Keith Daly cleared the danger but unfortunately we lost possession as it resulted in a sideline ball for Tyholland. The resulting sideline ball was delivered down the right wing and when they launched a long ball across our goal mouth it deceived our defenders, as they thought it was going wide, but it was kept in play by the Tyholland corner forward who turned and shot for goals but it appeared that Jamie Smith saved the day when he made a terrific diving save but the umpire maintained the ball crossed the line and the referee awarded the goal! This goal lifted the home side and they pushed their advantage home when they notched over another point to give them a comfortable 1-12 to 0-9 lead.

Stephen McGuirk tries to escape two Tyholland players

We responded instantly when Stephen McGuirk converted a free-kick after his younger brother Mark was fouled but this was cancelled out shortly afterwards when Tyholland clinched a point from play after capitalising on more careless passing. Stephen McGuirk converted another free-kick, in the 14^th minute, after Paul McKeown was dragged down but when Damien Matthews was deemed to foul his opponent a minute later the resulting free-kick was off-target but they made amends shortly afterwards when they fired over from play to open up a six point gap 1-14 to 0-11.

Liam Connolly stands firm against a strong challenge.

Barry Patterson got his second when he slotted over from the left flank in the 18^th minute and Stephen McGuirk showed his accuracy once again in the 19^th minute when he split the uprights after Mark McGuirk was fouled. At this stage of the game Liam Connolly and Dwayne Rooney were introduced into the game for Damien Matthews and Paul McKeown respectively and Dwayne soon got into the action but his attempt at the uprights, in the 21^st minute was off target.

A minute or so later, we surged forward and when Johnny Reilly was put through on goals his shot went wide via the woodwork. Keith Daly kicked wide in the 24^th minute, following good approach play by Garry Calvert, Stephen McGuirk and Keelan Clerkin. Gary McQuaid was dismissed in the 25^th minute when he picked up his second yellow for a tackle on Noel Carroll and Stephen McGuirk gave us a glimmer of hope when he taped over the free-kick to leave just a kick of the ball separating the teams. In the closing stages we launched frantic attacks but were denied any real goal chances and while we battled hard the goal that we badly needed never materialised and all we could manage was a point from Mark Daly in the 28^th minute to leave the final score Tyholland 1-14 Rockcorry 0-15.

Rockcorry 0-5 Doohamlet 0-7

Posted by admin on Aug 20th, 2010 home title

McGuigan Builders Intermediate Football Championship Replay

Senior team to progress through the back door

Team: Jamie Smith, Colin Reilly, Damien Matthews, Garry Calvert, Keith Daly, Johnny Reilly, Stephen McGuirk 0-2, Barry Patterson, Niall McKeown, Noel Carroll 0-2, Liam Connolly, Martin Carroll, Mark McGuirk, Paul McKeown 0-1, Dwayne Rooney.

Subs: Keelan Clerkin for Martin Carroll, Anthony Tate for Liam Connolly, Colin Quinn for Paul McKeown.

The game was played at St. Mary’s Park, Castleblayney on Thursday 19^th August and we lined out without the services of Mark Daly which saw a midfield pairing of Niall McKeown and Barry Patterson with Paul McKeown returning at full forward. While Doohamlet had the advantage of the elements in the first half, Noel Carroll got the ball rolling with a well taken point from the right wing after barely two minutes of play. Doohamlet equalised in the 5^th minute after we carelessly gave away possession and the corner forward raced through and his fisted effort split the posts. Doohamlet took the lead, a couple of minutes later, when they converted a free-kick after Damien Matthews fouled his opponent. A minute later Mark McGuirk was brought down and his older brother Stephen stepped up and curled over the free-kick to draw the sides level again. Doohamlet enjoyed a good spell but were guilty of kicking a series of wides in the 9^th 10^th and 11^th minutes and when Johnny Reilly was brought down around the midfield area Stephen McGuirk delivered a lovely pass into Paul McKeown who made a surging solo run down the left wing, cut inside his marker and fired over a lovely point to put us ahead 0-3 to 0-2. In the 13^th minute Doohamlet were awarded a penalty when Jamie Smith fouled his opponent and the resulting spot kick was put over the bar. We were awarded a forty-five in the 14^th minute but Noel Carroll’s effort drifted to the right but Mark McGuirk was able to kept the ball in play and after a goal mouth scramble we got another forty-five which Dwayne Rooney played a one-two with Noel Carroll but his attempt at the uprights was off target.

Powerful defending by Garry Calvert broke down a Doohamlet attack in the 17^th minute but we were guilty of losing possession in our forward line and Doohamlet launched a counter-attack that yielded a score to stretch their lead to two points 0-3 to 0-5. Doohamlet kicked wide in the 20^th minute before Noel Carroll got his second of the evening when he scored a sweet point following good approach play that included Stephen McGuirk, Martin Carroll and Paul McKoewn. Paul McKeown was fouled in the 24^th minute but Dwayne Rooney’s free-kick effort drifted wide. Doohamlet kicked another wide in the 26^th minute and when Johnny Reilly fouled Colin Walshe they extended their lead to two points to leave the score at the break Rockcorry 0-4 Doohamlet 0-6.

Regarding the second half I just don’t know where you would begin with this!!! With the wind advantage now on our backs one would off thought that we would take control of the game but nothing could be further from the truth, as our second half performance was extremely disappointing with just a single point from a Stephen McGuirk free-kick in the 5^th minute being our only return. Without being too harsh on anybody, this was a dire and sluggish thirty minutes display from the team. While we had ample opportunities to get something from the game we were unable to convert possession into scores. We were over-reliant on passing by hand and time and time again we either gave possession away through bad passing or our passes were intercepted. The creativity and inventiveness or should I say, the lack of creativity and inventiveness was most disappointing from both on and off the field. We simply malfunctioned in a similar way the Monaghan team did against Tyrone! When we reached the final third we looked disjointed, we looked very predictable and at times we looked liked a rabbit caught in the head lights, not knowing what to do!

Unfortunately, the game will be remembered for the high percentage of mistakes, careless passing, indecision and ball handling errors but strange as it may seem the match remained interesting not for the quality of football on display but because of the closeness of the score! If it was not for the efforts of our full back line of Colin Reilly, Damien Matthews and Garry Calvert who worked tirelessly and restricted Doohamlet from running away with the game the result may have been a lot worst. However, despite our poor performance we are still in the championship as we now progress through the ‘back door’ but I imagine that moving forward we will be eager to ensure that more of our quality football is reflected on the scoreboard and we will have to up our performance if we are to progress in the championship campaign. Scoring a mere point from a free-kick during the second half is a worrying statistic for the team and much improvement is needed from everyone involved.

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