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It was a pleasure to be on Killyclogher on Friday evening to witness  a great game of underage football in the minor league final between Carrickmore and Dromore, some tremendous displays on show as both teams pushed each other to the limit, great tackling and some unbelievable scores, the way the game should be played.  Credit to killyclogher too for hosting such a big crowd, can't wait for the replay.

I think the named 26 only being able to tog out/play only applies for Championship games and for the league he listed the subs in alphabetical order but anyone could play.

Micky names the sub goalie at 16 and then lists everyone else in alphabetical order up to 34 or however many is there.  Then on the team sheet they hand to the ref he names the additional 10 players who can play, number 28 and 31 can be put on it and 22 and 18 not for example.  As far as the players are concerned they are not told if they are on the 10 or not so they are none the wiser.  Only the management and the county secretary know.  Sometimes they get confused as at a coke park game a few years ago I think Penrose  (I could be wrong!) Was told at half time he was coming on only for Dominic to tell Micky he wasn't on  the 26

I could see your argument if these were official competitions but they are makey upy tournaments organised for selfish financial reasons. If there was merit in them they'd be officially organised through the normal channels but people with the bigger picture in mind understand there is no benefit or place for this.

I could invent a "the real real u19 ulster competition" in 2016 and invite last year's minor winners. Idiot clubs would lock their players away for 6 months for that too and prepare as if it were the all ireland championship. pure nonsense. The ultimate. give me a break.

Excuse me DK if you were a little less lazy and had a look into the history of the Paul McGirr tournament, what and whom it represents and studied some of the wonderful work done by 'The Spirit of Paul McGirr Trust' for the less fortunate in Lusaka then I think you would agree that it is definitely not a 'makey up tournament organised for selfish financial reasons'. All proceeds go to this charity the Dromore club does not benefit in any way, in fact it costs the club to run it, not that that matters in the context of it all. By the way they are all officially recognised competitions and not to belittle anything else, club always comes first and true GAA figures would never think otherwise!

Clann Eireann 2-10 v O'Donovan Rossa 0-04

Clann Eireann became the second Armagh winners in three years of the Paul McGirr Ulster U16 Club Champions Tournament when they comprehensively overcame the challenge of O'Donovan Rossa at a sunny Gardrum Park Dromore on Sunday afternoon.  While their opponents struggled to settle into the occasion, Mairitn McConville's charges put on a display of composed defending, insatiable workrate and ruthless finishing with the majority of the damaged done in the opening thirty minutes.  Rossa dominated the early possession stakes but having scored nine goals in their previous two games they failed to penetrate the Clann Eireann defence where semi final hero Thomas French was doing a great job in curbing the influence of the dangerous Dominic McEnhill, keeping him scoreless throughout.  Ruairi McConville got the first point of the game before the Antrim boys equalised via a free from Connell Devine.  Points from Ryan Lewsley and Tiernan Kelly gave their side a two point advantage before two sublime passes from the superb man of the match Rioghan Meehan changed the course of the game.  The first one resulted in a Kelly goal and the second released full forward Aodhan McConville to put his side five points up.  Manus Smyth replied before three points in a row from the raiding centre back Jack Haddock, Meehan and a wonderful outside of the boot effort from Kelly left the Lurgan boys 1-07 to 0-02 ahead at the break.

Rossa driven on by captain Michael McGreevey and Eoghan McMenamin once again started the half well and a well taken point from the determined McMenamin gave them a good start but it was their failure to capitalise on the possession during this period that was to ultimately cost their team.  Time after time the Clann Eireann defence shut them out with organised defence and disciplined tackling, the Armagh champions with captain Sean McCarthy retreating into defence always had two or three extra men back and the goals that Rossa were seeking never materialised.  Then eight minutes into the second half the game was all but over when Ruairi McConville pounced on the breaking ball after the unlucky Michael Bryne superbly denied Ethan Kearney to bundled the ball over the line for Clann Eireann's second major much to the delight of their large travelling support.  Rossa's Michael Close converted a free but this was to be his sides last score of the game as Clann Eireann tightened their grip on a first ever Ulster title at this level.  A wonder score from a narrow angle from Kelly followed by another from Haddock and the final point from Aodhan McConville sparked jubilous celebrations as McCarthy lifted the wonderful Culchuillan trophy presented by Paul McGirrs parents Francis and Rita.  Understandably winning manager Mairtin McConville and his management team were ecstatic with the result "We are absolutely delighted to win this prestigious tournament and the performance from the boys all around the park was top notch.  We have played this Rossa team on many occasions over the last few years and they have always been tough, well contested battles so we expected no less today, but the boys really rose to the occasion and were superb throughout.  There is some wonderful work going on at youth level in our club and to be crowned Ulster champions is an incredible achievement, one that we will certainly savour for years to come" said McConville.

Clann Eireann: Chris McAlinden, Thomas French, Adam O'Connor, Conor McDonald, Jack Conlon, Jack Haddock (0-2), Callum Magee, Conor Turbitt, Sean McCarthy, Rioghan Meehan (0-1), Tiernan Kelly (1-3, 1f), Ethan Kearney, Ruairi McConville (1-1), Aodhan McConville (0-2) and Ryan Lewsley (0-1)  Subs: Sean McKeown for McDonald, Rory Shine for Meehan, Oscar McKeagney for Conlon

O'Donovan Rossa:  Michael Byrne, Conall Shannon, Matthew McIvor, Jack Morris, Manus Smyth (0-1), Michael McGreevey, Tiarnan Murphy, Eoghan McMenamin (0-1), Martin McCashin, Dominic McEnhill, Daire Matthews, Emmet Burns, Connell Devine (0-1,  1f), Lorcan Fitzsimons, Michael Close (0-1, 1f).  Subs: Conor O'Neill for Devine, Cormac McGettigan for Morris, Adam Cunningham for Burns, Sean Wallace for Close, Close for Murphy

The scene is set in Gardrum Park Dromore this Sunday for what promises to be a sparkling tie as Armagh champions Clann Eireann and Antrim's O'Donovan Rossa battle it out for the title of the 2015 Paul McGirr Ulster U16 Club Champions.  Despite some poor weather conditions the tournament this year has been memorable in particular for some wonderful attacking displays and on Sunday we will have probably two of the best young attacking talents in the province on show in  Clann Eireann's Aodhan McConville and Rossa goal scoring sensation Dominic McEnhill.  With plenty of other top talents on show there is no doubt the expected large crowd will be treated to a top class contest with both teams having represented their club and counties with immense pride so far. 

Clann Eireann would appear to have come through the tougher side of the draw having impressively disposed of a highly rated Bredagh in the quarter final and then coming out on top by the minimum margin after a massive battle last Saturday against a very strong Magherafelt team.  The hero of the semi final was corner back Thomas French who popped up with a beautiful winning point from 35 yards in the final minute, however there is no doubt that French and his defensive colleagues will have their hands full at the opposite end of the field on Sunday.  Jack Haddock at centre half back had been a rock for his side and has managed to get forward to devastating effect on several occasions in both matches so far, Conor Turbitt has shown reserves of boundless energy in midfield and the workrate, skill and free taking ability of wing forward Rioghan Meehan are something that Rossa will be determined to counter.  Manager Mairtin McConville is well aware of the task facing his side "'The boys have really enjoyed the competition so far and are looking forward to Sunday's final.  We are under no illusions about the task ahead and have been very impressed with O'Donovan Rossa in their run up to the final.  In that regard the boys know that nothing short of their best will be good enough on the day and hopefully the game will be fitting to the occasion in what is undoubtably one of the leading youth football tournaments in the GAA calendar".

Rossa overcame Cavan's Southern Gaels in the quarter final and were in devastating goal scoring form last Sunday when they surmounted the threat posed by the hosts, Tyrone champions Dromore.  Although forwards McEnhill and Daire Matthews have been grabbing the headlines having amassed 7-03 between them in the two games so far, it is their defensive strength which has been most impressive having only conceded ten scores in two games.  Central to this has been captain Michael McGreevey and Michael McIvor, both strong and tenacious players and both very disciplined in the tackle.  Rossa also boost the most impressive midfielder in the tournament so far in Eoghan McMenamin and his performance will be key to their chances of annexing the Ulster title, a title that they won in 2011.  Under the management of Dominic McEnhill, Hugh McGettigan, Déaglán Ó Murchú and Niall Crossan, the West Belfast boys will be travelling down with great hopes of rounding off what has been a terrific season in both football and hurling for this bunch of players and according to McEnhill their opponents are no strangers to them "The boys will go into this week's Paul McGirr final quietly confident they can cause an upset against Clann Eireann.  After Sundays semi-final win against host club Dromore the Rossa lads trained hard this week in preparation for the biggest day in their young football careers. We have played Clann Eireann over the years since U12 in challenge games but never in competitive competition. Those challenge games were closely contested games and we expect Sundays contest to be equally competitive.  We watched Clann Eireann in the semi-final and were very impressed with their style of play and physical strength. They have some quality defenders and their forwards were very impressive.  They are a well drilled outfit and compliments must be paid to their mentors in producing such a strong cohesive team.  Our boys are up for the task ahead and believe that with a good team performance and a bit of luck can bring the Paul McGirr trophy back to west Belfast again.  Hopefully the weather will be kind to both teams and allow the game to be a fitting finale to this prestigious tournament" 

The winner would be very hard to call with both teams having put in excellent performances so far, the key to the contest will be whether Clann Eireann can quell the prolific goal threat which Rossa possess and the battle between McIvor and McConville at the other end will also be key to the outcome.  Clann Eireann had a great start last week against Magherafelt and if they begin in similar fashion this week then the Rossa boys will have to re-think their defensive strategy, so the initial fifteen minutes could go a long way to dictating the final outcome.  There is huge anticipation for the game which throws in at 2:00 on Sunday and the large crowd expected could really be in for a thrill as both sides battle it out.  All proceeds from the game and the entire tournament go the 'The Spirit Of Paul McGirr Trust' for its work with the poor and needy in Lusaka, Zambia.

O'Donovan Rossa 5-06 v Dromore 0-06

Antrim champions O'Donovan Rossa were in blistering goal scoring form on Sunday as they overcame hosts Dromore to qualify for the 2015 Paul McGirr Ulster U16 Club Champions tournament final.  There is no doubt though that the final scoreline did not reflect the game as Dromore dominated possession for long spells but found the Rossa rearguard very hard to penetrate with Michael McGreevey and  Mattie McIvor in particular playing outstanding roles.  Domonic McEnhill was again the main scorer but he was ably assisted by half forward colleague Daire Matthews and man of the match Eoghan McMenamin who was in commanding form in midfield.  According to Rossa joint manager manager Hugh McGettigan their second goal just before half time was the turning point in the game "We are delighted to have progressed to the final of the Paul McGirr tournament, despite what the final scoreline suggests today was a seriously tough and competitive contest which we knew it would be.  Dromore are a talented and very physical side and had us under pressure for long periods of the game, I certainly think the conditions suited us better as we were the lighter team, the goal just before half time which came against the run of play was the turning point and provided us with a cushion which enabled us to sit back and hit Dromore on the break, the goals at the end put a gloss on the scoreline but we were very pleased with how the boys performed and are really looking forward to Sunday's final".  Points from Matthews and McMenmin gave Rossa an early advantage before Caolan McCarron opened Dromore's account with a free.  Points were then swapped between McEnhill and Dromore's Cahir Goodwin before McEnhill pounced on a ball in behind the Dromore defence and finished emphatically past the hapless Ross Hunter for the opening goal.  Rossa captain McGreevey added to their lead striding forward from defence with McCarron replying with an excellent score from play.  Then the turning point came when Matthews carried the ball forty yards and found the bottom corner just before the half time whistle. 

Dromore needed a strong second half and with Odhran Rafferty who was now playing a deeper role, Caolan Slevin and Caolan McCarron all winning possession and constantly driving forward they again started to dominate but the Rossa defence was not going to be penetrated easily and the hosts failed to turn possession into scores.  After soaking up some early pressure, Rossa finally broke up the field and a converted Michael Close free was followed by a great individual McEnhill goal when he rounded his marker on the sideline fifty yards out and left a trail of defenders in his wake to score his second.  McCarron replied with three Dromore frees as Rossa ensured Dromore were not getting through for the goals they required.  Then in the dying minutes both McEnhill and Matthews took advantage of the wide open spaces left in the Dromore defence as they were chasing the game for the final two goals.  Rossa now progress to face Clann Eireann in what promises to be a cracking final on Sunday at 2:00.

Dromore - Ross Hunter, Caolan Slevin, Ruairi Teague, Padraig Quinn, Oisin Gallogly, Mark McGrade, Cathal Colton, Cahir Goodwin (0-1), Nathan McCarron, Odhran Rafferty, Caolan McCarron (0-5, 4f), Pearse McNabb, Ruairi Gallagher, Oran Sludden, John MacRory. Sub – Ross Slevin for Gallagher, Oisin McConnell for Colton

O'Donovan Rossa - Michael Byrne, Conall Shannon, Matthew McIvor, Lorcan Fitzsimons, Manus Smith, Michael McGreevey (0-1), Tiarnan Murphy, Eoghan McMenamin (0-1), Martin McCashin, Dominic McEnhill (3-01), Daire Matthews (2-1), Emmet Burns, Connell Devine, Conor O'Neill, Michael Close (0-2, 2f).  Subs: Cormac McGettigan for Matthews

Clann Eireann 1-08 v Magherafelt O'Donovan Rossa 1-07

Corner back Thomas French was the hero for Clann Eireann when he strode forward to covert a last minute point to earn his team a place in the 2015 Paul McGirr Ulster U16 Final, securing a one point win over a gallant Magherafelt O'Donovan Rossa in a superb game played in atrocious weather conditions on Saturday afternoon.  All the damage was done for the winners in a blistering start that left them 1-03 to no score ahead after fifteen minutes.  The introduction of Caolan Coyle and Giuseppe Lupari at this stage by the Magherafelt management made a huge difference but with difficult underground conditions and constant torrential rain it was always going to be difficult to make up the deficit.  Two early converted frees from Tiernan Kelly and Rioghan Meehan and a superb score from raiding centre back Jack Haddock put the Lurgan boys in control before hesitancy in the Magherafelt defence was punished in emphatic fashion with Ruairi McConville finishing superbly to the bottom corner at the end of a swift move started be Meehan.  The towering Odhran Lynch finally got the Derry champions off the mark converting a free after tenacious work by Cormac Murphy.  Lynch who had switched to midfield and Murphy fought valiantly to turn the tide and as the half progressed they started to boss the midfield proceedings. Callum Magee charged forward for another Clann Eireann point before Lynch responded again with a magnificent fifty yard free.  Meehan and Ben McErlain swapped converted frees with the introduced Caolan Coyle rounding off the scoring to leave it 1-05 to 0-04 at half time.

Magherafelt needed a good start to the second half and their wishes were answered when man of the match Cormac Murphy rounded a few Clann Eireann defenders and caught everyone by surprise with a blistering twenty one yard drive to the bottom corner of the net.  This was the boost that his side needed and immediately afterwards Simon McErlain equalised and the Magherafelt support were suddenly believing a win was possible.  However, despite their great efforts they could never manage to get in front with the levels of effort and commitment of both teams a joy to behold for the large crown in attendance.  Clann Eireann wing forward Meehan was displaying tremendous energy levels, constantly foraging in his own defence for the ball and setting up attacks for his colleagues and it was he who put his side back in front from the right wing.  Another two well placed frees from Lynch and one in response from Meehan levelled things up again and everything was set up for a tense finale with both sides giving their all in search of the winner.  However, when the winner came, it came from the most unlikely of sources when French foraging into the opposition half for the first time in the game found himself in space in the final minute and showed great composure to hit the winning point from thirty five yards, much to the delight of the travelling Clann Eireann support.  Magherafelt had one final chance in the dying seconds but desperate last ditch defending from the Clann Eireann rearguard kept them at bay to see their side progress to the Ulster U16 final for the first time.  Understandably Clann Eireann manager Mairitin McConville was delighted with the outcome "we got off to a wonderful start in the game but we knew that Magherafelt were a tremendous team and that it was going to go right down to the wire.  The standard of football was an absolute credit to both teams given the conditions and our boys showed tremendous character right to the end, Thomas being a corner back is not a prolific scorer so we were absolutely delighted to see him pop up with the winning score".

Clann Eireann: Chris McAlinden, Thomas French, Adam O'Connor, Thomas French (0-1), Jack Conlon, Jack Haddock (0-1), Callum Magee (0-1), Conor Turbitt, Sean McCarthy, Rioghan Meehan (0-4, 3f), Tiernan Kelly (0-1, 1f), Ethan Kearney, Ruairi McConville (1-0), Aodhan McConville and Ryan Lewsley. 
Magherafelt – Patrick McLarnon, Liam Og McElhone, Conor McCluskey, Ciaran Shields, Declan Martin,  Aaron McKee, Cianan McCann, Cormac Murphy (1-0), Peter Tohill, Cathal Martin, Odhran Lynch (0-4, 4f), Simon McErlain (0-1), Ben McErlain (0-1, 1f), James Beggan and Shea Donnely.  Subs: Caolan Coyle (0-1) for Beggan, Ryan Kearns for Martin, Giuseppe Lupari for McCann, Johnny McAleer for McElhone

Superb game today played in torrential rain, Clann Eireann winning with an injury time point 1-08 to 1-07, serious commitment shown in the conditions by both teams, Magherafelt very unlucky to lose out, full report to follow.

Dromore v O'Donovan Rossa Preview

Dromore U16's will this weekend be looking to make history for their club when they compete in the semi-final of the Paul McGirr Ulster U16 Club Champions Tournament against Antrim champions O'Donovan Rossa.  It has already been a memorable season for the Dromore boys with two victories already to their name in the tournament over strong Enniskillen Gaels and St. Eunan's Letterkenny teams, but a victory this Sunday would mean a first ever Ulster Final appearance for the club.  However, the Falls Road boys will prove a major obstacle to overcome after they emphatically accounted for Cavan champions Southern Gaels on a 4-09 to 1-03 margin last Saturday, out-scoring their opponents 2-07 to 0-01 in the second half.  Rossa have a very strong backbone with captain Michael McGreevey at full back and the tenacious Michael McIvor at centre half, both players playing a major role in keeping Southern Gaels to just four scores over the hour.  In midfield Eoghan McMenamin is a dominant figure and with forwards of the calibre of Dominic McEnhill and Michael Close the Dromore rearguard will have to be on toes at all times.  Accordingly to Rossa manager Dominic McEnhill they are expecting things a bit tougher this week than last "We believe this is step up in level, with no disrespect to last weekend's opposition who provided a tough task for the our boys. It's the semi final against the host club who progressed from a highly competitive Tyrone championship and who have two tough games under their belt in this competition.  Our boys are eagerly awaiting this game and hope that the expected large crowd will see and enjoy a high quality game of football played in the right spirit and a fitting tribute to the memory of Paul Mc Girr".

Dromore though will be going into the game in confident fashion and according to joint manager Joe Rafferty they are not going along to make up the numbers "Having struggled to get out of Tyrone this year there was no doubt our boys were under-performing as we knew they were capable of much more.  However with the pressure off after winning the county title, it has been great to see them throw off the shackles and their performances so far in the Paul McGirr have been of the highest order, there is much more cohesion in their play and every player has been upping their game with each hurdle they have met.  Against St. Eunan's our defence was superb and it was the lesser known players on the team like Jamie Louis Law, Mark McGrade, Ruairi Teague, Cathal Colton, Padraig Quinn, John MacRory, Ruairi Gallagher and Nathan McCarron who really impressed.  The workrate, running off the ball and tenacity in the tackle were all first class.  We have a lot of scoring options in the team and against St. Eunan's we had eight different players on the scoresheet, this has been a feature of our play all year.  Rossa will be another step up in class but I don't think the challenge will phase the boys and hopefully come Sunday evening we will be looking forward to a first ever Ulster final for Dromore which would be a massive occasion for the club". 

Caolan Slevin has been a constant driving force in the Dromore defence and the Gardum Park boys will certainly look to his leadership on Sunday afternoon.  The midfield duo of Cahir Goodwin and Caolan McCarron have been dominant in their games so far while up front the pace of Odhran Rafferty and Pearse McNabb will prove a handful for the Rossa defence.  However it could be the battle between the prolific Dromore captain Oran Sludden and McGreevey which could decide the outcome of the game.

Both teams play an attacking style of football so weather permitting a high scoring affair is in store and no doubt the home team will have a huge Dromore and Tyrone backing cheering them on.  The game takes place at 2:00 on Sunday afternoon in Gardrum Park.  The first semi final takes place on Saturday afternoon at 2:00 between Armagh champions Clann Eireann and Derry's Magherafelt and this looks set to be an enticing affair with both teams having been highly impressive in their quarter finals.  As usual all proceeds from the tournament go the 'The Spirit Of Paul McGirr Trust' for its continuing work for the poor in Lusaka, Gambia.

Clann Eireann v Magherafelt O'Donovan Rossa Preview

The first semi final of the Paul McGirr Ulster U16 Club Champions Tournament takes place this Saturday at 2:00 in Gardrum Park and it is an enticing tie between Derry Champions Magherafelt O'Donovan Rossa and Armagh's Clann Eireann.  Magherafelt had a nine point victory over Inniskeen in their opening game and some of their attacking play was of a very high standard with their main scoring threat coming from their central diamond of Caolan Coyle, Peter Tohill, Odhran Lynch and Cormac Murphy.  Coyle and Murphy were particularly impressive as they continually drove forward and Clann Eireann will have to work hard to curb their threatening runs.  Lynch is a towering figure at centre half forward and Magherafelt will be looking for him to dominate the aerial exchanges with his physical presence.  However the Derry boys will certainly have to improve on their defensive performance from the quarter final as only the poor finishing of Inniskeen and the brilliance of goalkeeper Patrick McLarnon prevented them from conceding goals on four or five separate occasions, this is one aspect of the game which Clann Eireann will be looking to exploit.  Manager Oliver Monaghan though is looking forward to the occasion "O'Donovan Rossa Magherafelt are looking forward to the game on Saturday against Clann Eireann in the Paul Mc Girr Tournament. Clann Eireann look to be a very strong opposition which is what you would expect at this stage of an Ulster Semi Final. We have been unlucky losing a couple of players due to injuries which have come on the back of a long hard season. Hopefully the conditions won't prevent an enjoyable game of football for both teams and supporters on Saturday afternoon".  Magherafelt play a patient short passing style of football and like to build from defence, but the high press employed by Clann Eireann in the quarter final could cause trouble for them. 

Clann Eireann, managed by Mairtin McConville and Gary McCleary  put in perhaps the performance of the tournament so far when they comprehensively defeated highly fancied Down champions Bredagh 2-14 to 0-08 in the opening round in a display that left many of the neutral specatators marking them as tournament favourites.  It was an impressive showing from the Lurgan boys particularly in the second half facing a strong wind and in man of the match Aodhan McConville they have a star in the making.  McConville was in imperious form and his pace and accuracy will provide a huge task for Magherafelt full back Conor McCluskey.  Rioghan Meehan, scorer of 1-03 against Bredagh, is another man that the Magherafelt boys will have to pay particular attention to as the flame haired wing forward was a constant threat with his tireless workrate.  Centre back Jack Conlon and midfielder Conor Turbitt were the catalyst for many of the Clann Eireann attacks and their team will be hoping they can gain a foothold in the middle in what promises to be a fascinating contest.  Manager Mairtin McConville although confident was in no doubt as to the challenge facing his team "Our boys are delighted to be competing at this level and in particular to have overcome down champions Bredagh in the quarter final.  At the same time we are under no illusions about the difficulty in facing Magherafelt.  Everyone is well aware of the competitiveness of the Derry championship and any team which comes out of Derry will be formidable.  Having said that there is great belief within this squad of players and they will be up for the challenge ahead on Saturday".  This is a game which would be very hard to call, if Magherafelt can tighten their defence then they will be in with a serious chance of progressing to next Sunday's final, however the betting man would tip the odds slightly in favour of Clann Eireann with their overall strength and workrate.

O'Donovan Rossa 4-09 v Southern Gaels 1-03

A power-packed second half display saw impressive Antrim champions O'Donovan Rossa convincingly defeat Cavan's Southern Gaels in the last of the quarter finals of the Paul McGirr Ulster U16 Club Champions Tournament on Saturday afternoon.  Southern Gaels played a very defensive style of football with thirteen men behind the ball and it took the Rossa boys some time to break the system down but with man of the match Dominic McEnhill and Michael Close in excellent form the result was never in doubt.  Scores were hard to come by early on, but when they did come it was in the form of two goals for the winners.  The first came from full forward Conor O'Neill who reacted sharply to palm the ball to the net when a Michael Close free rebounded off the crossbar.  This was immediately followed by another from Close when his attempt at a point from narrow angle deceived Southern Gaels keeper Macken.  Tiarnan Murphy was next on the scoresheet coming raiding from half back to score a point.  Southern Gaels were in trouble and it was at this stage their talented midfielder and captain Peter Galligan came to the fore with some fine fielding and attacking play.  He got his team off the mark with a fine point and then following a driving run from his midfield partner Eoin O'Reilly Southern Gaels got their only goal of the game with Galligan expertly converting to the bottom corner.  Galligan converted a free he had won himself to put just two between the sides and his side were well on top with only the woodwork on two occasions preventing the Cavan boys from taking the lead.  Firstly a rasping twenty yard shot from  Galligan came off the crossbar with keeper Byrne well beaten and then in their next attack wing back Sean Martin seen his effort rebound off the base of the post.  A Rossa free from Connell Devine ended the first half scoring to leave the half time score 2-02 to 1-02.
The game was evenly poised with spectators expecting a tight second half but whatever Rossa manager Dominic McEnhill said at half time certainly had the desired effect as his troops emerged a re-invigoured team and immediately set about extending their lead.  Eoghan McMenamin got the scoring underway with a point before the impressive McEnhill rose high to field a Macken kickout, carried the ball forty yards and finished superbly to the net for his sides third goal.  Frees from Close and Devine extended the lead as Rossa really started to boss the proceedings.  Southern Gaels top marksman Oisin Pierson scored his only and his sides final score midway through the second half, but Pierson who was superbly marshalled throughout by Rossa captain Michael McGreevey could not make any further impact as the game progressed.  Points from Close and three from Devine sandwiched another goal from McEnhill as Rossa ran out convincing winners, qualifying for the semi finals where they will face Tyrone champions Dromore on Sunday afternoon.
Teams:

O'Donovan Rossa:  Michael Byrne, Conall Shannon, Matthew McIvor, Lorcan Fitzsimons, Manus Smith, Michael McGreevey, Tiarnan Murphy, Eoghan McMenamin, Martin McCashin, Dominic McEnhill, Daire Matthews, Emmet Burns, Connell Devine, Conor O'Neill, Michael Close.  Subs: Cormac McGettigan for Matthews
Southern Gaels:  Aaron Macken, Paul Brady, Ryan Coye, Paul Langtry, Sean Martin, Ryan Madden, Aaron Brady, Peter Galligan, Eoin O'Reilly, Donal Finnegan, Cian Madden, Rhys Hudson, Tristan Lynch, Oisin Pierson and Aodghan Halton 

Impressive performance from Rossa today, full time score O'Donovan Rossa 4-09 v Southern Gaels 1-03, full report to follow.  The draw for the semi finals was made with Magherafelt O'Donovan Rossa v Clann Eireann next Saturday and O'Donovan Rossa Belfast v Dromore next Sunday.  See some of the goals today on the following likc:
https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=10153651074296113&pnref=story

Paul McGirr Ulster U16 Club Champions Tournament

Dromore 0-13 St.Eunan's 1-7

Dromore are into the semi-finals of the prestigious Paul McGirr Ulster U16 Club Champions Tournament after they had three points to spare over a battling St.Eunan's of Letterkenny side at Gardrum Park on Saturday afternoon.

Both sides deserve immense credit for the football that they produced in trying weather conditions with the St.Dympnas full value for their victory. After leading 0-7 to 0-5 at the break they hit a purple patch in the second half which yielded them five unanswered scores to build up a matching winning lead. To their credit the Donegal champions battled back to set up a tense finish when Louis Hasson scored a goal but Dromore didn't panic as they held out for a narrow victory.

Dromore centre half back Mark McGrade was awarded the man of the match award but special mention must also go to fellow defenders Ruairi Teague and Paudie Quinn, the latter holding dangerman Oisin Purdy scoreless. Caolan McCarron, Odhran Rafferty and team captain Oran Sludden were other players to the fore in what was in essence a good team performance from Dromore on a day when eight different players featured on the scoresheet for them. Aaron Deeney, Louis Hasson, Niall Hannigan and Michael McGroary all played well for St.Eunan's. Dromore joint manager Joe Rafferty was delighted with the win.

"Both sides deserve great credit for the football that they produced in difficult weather conditions," said Joe.

"It was our best display of the season to date and I was particularly pleased with the way that the lads dealt with the defensive system which St.Eunans deployed."

It was Dromore who looked the livelier side early on but they missed a few chances and it was centre half forward Hannigan who opened the scoring for St.Eunan's with a well taken sixth minute point. John MacRory and McGroary then exchanged points before a forty metre free from the boot of Caolan McCarron levelled matters at the end of the opening quarter. A Hannigan free was followed by a fine point from play from the impressive Hasson but St.Eunan's were to score just once more in the first half as Dromore assumed control.

Pearse McNabb, McGrade, Sludden, MacRory and Rafferty were all on target for the winners with the latter's the score of the game after going past three challenges to score with his weaker left foot. McNabb was then denied a goal after Ronan McGeehin made a good save before Eoin McGeehin had the final say of the half to leave it 0-7 to 0-5.

Dromore picked up where they had left off on the restart with Caolan McCarron knocking over another placed ball before a superb move the length of the field resulted in Nathan McCarron splitting the posts. In the 38th minute Hannigan charged through on goal before being fouled by Cahir Goodwin who was black carded, Hannigan converting the resulting free himself.

It was at this stage that Dromore really came of age as they lifted their game after losing the influential Goodwin. Sludden fired over a brace of points with McCarron on target from another free to leave them ahead by double scores going into the final ten minutes, 0-12 to 0-6. Any thoughts that they had the game won though were quickly dispelled when first of all Hasson pointed before the same player pulled on a loose ball to send to the net to cut the gap to two. Dromore though retained possession well as they waited for an opening and it came in the form of a superb point from Ruairi Gallagher. St.Eunan's now needed a goal to force extra time but Dromore held on to reach the last four.


Match stats....

The scorers....

Dromore –Caolan McCarron 0-3, Oran Sludden 0-3, John MacRory 0-2, Pearse McNabb 0-1, Mark McGrade 0-1, Odhran Rafferty 0-1, Nathan McCarron 0-1, Ruairi Gallagher 0-1

St.Eunans – Louis Hasson 1-2, Niall Hannigan 0-3, Michael McGroary 0-1, Eoin McGeehin 0-1

The teams....

Dromore - Ross Hunter, Caolan Slevin, Ruairi Teague, Padraig Quinn, Jamie Louis Law, Mark McGrade, Cathal Colton, Cahir Goodwin, Nathan McCarron, Odhran Rafferty, Caolan McCarron, Pearse McNabb, Ruairi Gallagher, Oran Sludden, John MacRory. Sub – Ross Slevin for Goodwin (black card), Oisin Gallogly for Colton

St.Eunans – Ronan McGeehin, Ciaran McCloskey, Conor McWalters, Ryan Hillferty, Aaron Deeney, Jerome Angel Atuahgne, Donal Farren, Patrick McColgan, Michael McGroary, Shane Maguire, Niall Hannigan, Eoin McGeehin, Louis Hasson, Matthew McGovern, Oisin Purdy. Sub – James Kelly for Maguire

Referee – Martin Higgins, Fermanagh

Great win by Dromore U16's to defeat St. Eunan's Letterkenny 0-13 to 1-07 today in the Paul McGirr, wonderful game in dreadful conditions.

Tremendous game in atrocious conditions today in the Paul McGirr Tournament, Dromore winning 0-13 to 1-07 with Letterkenny pushing them right to the final kick, full report to follow