U-13 Girls heading for Shield final
After a hard-won match against a determined Ballyboden St Endas, the U-13 girls have qualified for their third Shield final in a row, with the Division 2 competition to be decided on Saturday 2nd November at 15.00hrs.
The Clanns scoring was opened by Niamh Shaw with a strong right-foot kick over the bar. Shortly after the Ballyboden kick-out was picked up by Orla Flanagan who hand-passed to Sally Vaughan who in turn hand-passed to Maria O’Dea who finished with a fine fisted point. Solid defensive play by Mary Vaughan, Emily McCarthy and Grace Tiernan in the backs, with Kate Benson, Bathsheba Tobin and Leah-Rose McDonough in the half-back line, provided the platform for further scoring opportunities – one of which saw the visiting goalkeeper save a great shot from Clodagh Ferry from ten yards. A high and dangerous Ballyboden shot was skillfully deflected over the bar by goalkeeper, Ella Walsh, to concede just one point. Another point by Maria and one by Anne-Marie Crowe, which started with a hand pass from Niamh to Orla Flanagan to Anne-Marie, brought the half-time score to four points to one in favour of Clanns.
The Clanns play was even more determined in the second half and it required a particularly good Ballyboden defense to cope with the threat posed continuously by Emma O’Leary, Aoife McLoughlin and Maeve Bruen in the full forward line. This pattern of play, reinforced by the fresh legs of Laura Ferry and Aoibhe Walsh, led to three more points for the home side from Sally, Anne-Marie and Maria. But the visitors responded with two of their own in quick succession. Undaunted, Clanns replied in true style when Mary side stepped her player and passed the ball out wide to the right to find Emma who took a very unlikely shot from a 25/30 degree angle and popped it over the bar. Not content with one point, however, Emma proceeded to pop another two points over from an even tighter angle out on the right. The final whistle saw Clanns deserving winners by a solid eight points and awaiting yet another Shield final. So, win or lose, it’s “Pizza in Clanna Gael” in a few weeks time as this particular squad of ladies has done the club proud.
Clanna Gael Fontenoy 0-11 Ballyboden St Endas 0-3
In preparation for the Shield final the U-13s since took on Erins Isle in a friendly. Over many previous encounters Clanns had never managed a victory; and with the opposition in the Division 2 cup final in a couple of weeks, victory once again appeared to be elusive. The first half proved to be very close, with scoring very evenly matched. However, after some inspiring words from coach, Donough McDonough, a different team started the second half, with Clanns keeping play mostly in the opposition half and notching up a number of impressive scores – Anne Marie Condon in particular. The match ended with a well-earned 4-3 to 1-6 victory for Clanns – memorable in itself but also a good morale boosting exercise for the Shield final ahead.
No shortage of skill and passion from U-10 girls
Three wins and a draw against a very strong Ballyboden St Endas side was a considerable achievement for this squad of U-10 girls. It came as no surprise that this game was very competitive but, once again, the Clanns girls produced their best performance to date.
Playing 12-a-side in both games from a panel of 27, the girls showed some fine team work, skill and passion. Their three victories were well deserved, but particular credit goes to the players’ ability to take scores. The drawn game was full of drama, skill and passion, with those on the sideline gripped by the intense, end-to-end contest. A draw in the end was a fair result despite Clanns’ best efforts for a clean sweep. The coaching staff would like to thank the girls and parents for a great team effort.
U-10 football blitz
The U-10s were back on very familiar territory last weekend with yet another visit to Liffey Park and the host club Liffey Gaels. The boys have played this team so many times it nearly feels like a second home venue! Clanns were up against Lucan Sarsfield and Liffey Gaels, with A and B teams represented.
The A team had their first game against Liffey Gaels and were unlucky to lose by just one skill point. In what was a very good game Luke Keelan stood out. Their second game saw them triumph over a Lucan team who had just seven players. The B team started off with a match up against a
very strong Lucan team, playing a mix of As and Bs and the boys were unlucky not to win. A bit more speed in getting to the ball first and passing earlier would have helped! After a break they came back to play Liffey Gaels in a very close game: having lost the first half, they came back strongly and really played well to win the second half and the game overall. A brace of points by Garvan Twomey made all the difference, as did a terrific point from Evan Power.
U-13 hurlers take second position in league
In what has been a good season for our U-13 hurlers they finished their latest campaign with an away game against Crumlin in Pearse Park. While this turned out to be a top-of the-table clash, the result was not going to have a direct bearing on the league standing as both teams had already secured their table positions in Division 4 with Crumlin on top followed by Clanns.
Still, as far as both teams were concerned, it was a game to be won and both sides displayed that ambition. Although Clanns were short a number of key players, they acquitted themselves very well, particularly in the second half, when they carried the game to their hosts. The Clanns scores came from Cian O’Regan (1-4, 4f), Scott Collopy (1-0) and Connor Hennessy (0-1). As has been the pattern throughout the season, the squad has fortunately been able to draw on a number of the U-12 squad and it is hoped that this arrangement can be formalised going forward. Overall, the squad produced a very creditable performance in finishing second in their league with the prospect of promotion to Division 3 next year. Team: Kevin McGrath, Ruairi Corrigan, Darragh Byrne, Cian O’Regan, Paddy McNamara, Colm O’Keeffe, Connor Rimmer, Karl Morgan, Connor Hennessy, Cian Morgan, Scott Collopy, Paddy Whelan, Ciaran Hendrick.
Crumlin 5-6 Clanna Gael Fontenoy 2-5
Hectic pace set by the U-10 hurlers
The lengths to which the U-10 hurlers will go to promote their skill levels was further reflected in their third long-distance journey this year – this time to Galway to play in a special tournament held by the Liam Mellows club in Galway city. On a lovely crisp autumn day and after a fairly long drive, in a coach that seemed to contain a lot more than just 19 boys, the lads arrived in Galway, in a lovely location on the bay. They played three games to decide the finalists, all in quick succession.
First the host club, Liam Mellows, fell to the Clanns boys, with a close but decisive victory. The next to fall were Ardrahan, but then the final game was lost to Leitrim Kilnameda. In what was a great day, with some great skills on display, the boys certainly gave a good account of themselves. And the hope is to keep contact going with this great club in Galway.
To help maintain the improvement in standards, Nicky English, he of Premier county fame, will be coaching the squad for a few sessions between now and Christmas (at least!). The first session was really well attended with almost the full panel there, and excellently delivered as you’d imagine. These extra sessions will definitely help improve a team that’s showing some good promise for the future.
And that was put into practice last weekend when they met St Judes, with two great games, lots of good effort by all the players, and some really strong performances. Alex English had some great scores for the A team, where Killian Pugh was the man of the match; and over on the B team Aaron van den Acker did really well, as did everyone on the pitch, with Luke Keelan the man of that match. As usual, training is every Friday at 18.30hrs and extra hurling on Wednesday at 19.30.
U-14 ladies lose narrowly in semi final
In a gripping championship semi final that went to extra time the U-14 ladies lost out on Sunday by just two points to Na Fianna. From start to finish the pace was intense and both sides gave it their all. The sunshine and the great home support added to the atmosphere and Clanns reached half time with a goal to spare. The second half saw the same ebb and flow for both sides. Even after the home side went behind they battled back to level pegging, only to see a super penalty attempt saved at the end of normal time. Extra time saw Clanns goal keeper, Claire, injured in a typically brave attempted save, which was to leave the side six points adrift. However, Clodagh McDonnell showed great courage in stepping in to cover between the posts – even producing a fingertip save of which Claire would have been proud. Clanns once again battled back to level terms and even had chances to win, but it wasn’t to be. The players were hugely disappointed but luck wasn’t with them. Great credit is due to every member of this squad for effort, skill and team spirit. Each of them played some good football to make the semi final and they can get even better, as they have great character and ability.
Clanna Gael Fontenoy 5-8 Na Fianna 5-10
More than a minor matter as Clanns ladies reach final
After struggling with numbers for league fixtures early on in the year, it’s great to see a massive improvement in the turnout and commitment from the ladies minor (U-18) squad for the championship. All the hard work has now paid off in the form of a fine semi-final win over Skerries and they now have a county final to which they can look forward.
Dublin goalkeeper, Stephen Cluxton, would be proud of the manner in which Clare – with the help of her defence – kept the opposition scoreless on the goals front. Helen Barron took ownership in the back line and was committed in every tackle. It was great to see Sophie Byrne getting stuck into tackles – it was like she never left; while Ella has produced some fine performances throughout the year which have not gone unnoticed. Newcomers to the club, Amy Rintoul and Jess McDonnell, are holding down their place in the team and showing constant improvement
Eimear Divney produced some fine scores, Shannon Fulham netted a goal on her return from a broken arm (Conor stay away until the final is over) and Chelsea Spain and her partner in crime, Niamh Flood, ran the Skerries defence ragged. The midfield duo, Daire Power and Ruth Shaw – and at times Eimear Lenihan – all worked tirelessly up and down the field creating and stopping scores.
The player of the match award is a toss-up between Rebecca Byrne, who has regained her place in the team after her absence for the league, and the influential Stacey Flood, who has been in flying form over last couple of games and has been leading the team by example. Special mention must also go to all of the U-14s who have togged out all season with the minors – without them at times the team would have struggled. All in all, the minors have shown a super spirit and no shortage of skill to work their way to the county final – the date and location for which has yet to be confirmed.
Clanna Gael Fontenoy 7-8 Skerries 0-6
U-9 footballers come up short
A strong second half performance saw the U-9 footballers come up just short against a good Thomas Davis team. With Clanns starting slowly the opposition raced into an early lead with three good points. Despite good efforts from Alec in goal, and Luke passing the ball well up front, the boys struggled to stay in touch.
However, some good team work from Adam, Ethan and Senan H led to two fine points from Ethan and a goal from Senan H to bring us back into the match – only for Thomas Davis to finish the half strongly and build a big lead at half time.
The second half was a different matter and Clanns began to win the 50:50 balls. Adam and Tomas defended brilliantly for the whole half and never gave the opposition time on the ball, while Jack did great work in midfield. Senan T had a great half in goal and distributed the ball accurately from his kick outs, consistently finding the always moving Tomas. More points from Ethan, Tomas and Senan H got them to within one score but Thomas Davis held out for the win.
In the other game Thomas Davis showed some slick passing moves to take an early four-point lead, but an over from Francis, a goal from Mark and a block from Matthew helped Clanns to keep in touch. At half time the score was 10 points to 5. The second half saw a great improvement in the team’s blocking, led by our midfield marshal Emmet. Jonathan took advantage of a move that started in our own half to put the ball over the bar. In the end Thomas Davis were more accurate with their long- range efforts and the game finished 19-15 to the visitors. On another positive note, the debut performance by one our new boys, Rían, showed plenty of potential.
Footballers still in contention in U-13 league
The U-13 footballers are still in the running for a top table finish as the final round of matches in Division 5 approach. This is despite losing away to table toppers St. Margarets in a game of two halves. Clanns pretty well dominated the first half and combined some really attractive play with well-taken scores. However, they also missed quite a number of good scoring opportunities and should have been in a stronger position than their four-point half-time lead. The hosts proved to be a very different team in the second half and, as their confidence grew, they eventually gained control in many parts of the field and registered some fine scores including a number of killer goals. Though deserving winners in the end, Margarets’ winning margin courtesy of a couple of late goals was not a true reflection of the game. Still, the Clanns team did themselves proud with a stand-out performance from Rohan van den Akker playing in a number of different positions. The outcome of the final round of games will determine whether Clanns can still force a play-off for top spot.
St Margarets 4-7 Clanna Gael Fontenoy 1-7
Club Manager, Shay Connolly, then decided to take on one of Cork’s greatest, Sean Óg Ó Halpín
Now that’s Confidence!
Having excelled in showing some of the visiting ‘Aussie rules’ footballers a thing or two about hurling.
Club News
Well done to our senior hurlers for a tremendous three-point win away from home over St Marks in their championship play-off match last Sunday afternoon.
In what’s been a helter skelter type of season for them this is a welcome and well-deserved victory to savour and one on which they can hope to build.
Club News
Lotto Results
The following numbers drawn on the
21st October did not produce a winner:
Jackpot A – 7, 8, 20, 21
Jackpot B – 2, 4, 12, 30
The lucky winners of €25 were:
Valerie Bolger, Austin O’Reilly, Des Mooney, Colleen + Stephen .
Next week’s jackpot is €10,000 (A) and €3,600 (B).
Playing the Club Lotto is one sure way of helping the club’s finances.
Pick any five numbers and these are then eligible for all jackpot draws. Plus there are 5 x €25.00 winners drawn weekly. It costs just €2.00 per ticket weekly. Or you can play by standing order through your bank if you so wish – contact Jay Byrne at 086-8870376 for details.
Club News
Player registration – online
Online registration and membership payment using a debit or credit card is now possible with the juvenile section. You also have the option of paying by instalments and spreading the cost over three equal payments.
Two membership options exist for the juvenile section:
(a) Family membership (immediate family)
€240 for 2013/14 season
(b) Junior membership
(individual boy or girl)
€100 for 2013/14 season
Note: €10 discount for second child.
To access the system go to…………. https://clannagaelfontenoy.ie
and select the registration link which will then take you to………………….
https://pay.easypaymentsplus.ie/login.aspx?id=426
The first time you use the system you will be prompted to register with your email address and password. After that you will be able to log on using this information. Simply follow the instructions on screen to select the appropriate item(s) to pay and enter your card details when prompted. A receipt will be emailed for every payment you make.
All enquiries can be directed to clannagaelreg@gmail.com
Saturday 7th December is a must for your diary, when the Club Christmas Gala takes place in the Clyde Court Hotel in Ballsbridge. Here’s what’s in store……….
- Champagne reception
- 4-course dinner with wine
- Spot prizes
- DJ until late
- Player of the Year Awards
……………..all of this for just €60.
Tickets will be on sale in the clubhouse between 8-9pm on each of the following Mondays – 28th Oct, 4th and 7th Nov.
Enquiries: Maeve O’Neill,
086 3417863, maeve.on@gmail.com
Week’s featured ‘clubber’: Rohan who has played really well for the U-13s, including most recently against St Margarets
