Ulster Senior Football Club Championship 2010

[Applesisapples]

I hope he is told its not all about himself!

[drici]

Novel Final

● ULSTER CLUB FINAL
CROSSMAGLEN RANGERS V NAOMH CONAILL (DONEGAL)
CLONES SUNDAY NOVEMBER 28TH AT 2PM


If ever there was such a thing as a novel final, Sunday is it, as the meeting of Crossmaglen Rangers and Naomh Conaill is a real David v Goliath contest in true fairytale fashion. Rangers, champions of Ulster on 7 previous occassions, four times All-Ireland Club champions, just after completing a national record 38 county titles, take on Glenties who this year added a second county title to the one won in 2005.

As Cross know too well facts, figures and statistics count for nothing when it comes to playing and winning games. Teams reach finals on merit and back in 1996, when this golden era for Crossmaglen Rangers began, their make up of youth and experience is carbon copied by Sunday's opponents Naomh Conaill. A TV Pundit in a different code used a now famous quote "You will win nothing with Kids" he was proved wrong in that code just as Rangers proved the quote wrong back in 1996 leaving no reason why Naomh Conaill cannot overcome the tremendous odds next Sunday.

The final on Sunday will be the third time that Cross have encountered Donegal opposition in Ulster but the first time in a final. In 2006 Rangers beat Gaoth Dobhair 0-12 to 1-04 in Ballybofey and then overcame Naomh Adhamhnáin 0-11 to 0-08 in 2008 in Enniskillen. That same Naomh Adhamhnáin side, who gave Cross a very difficult time, beat Naomh Conaill 0-13 to 0-08 in the 2009 Donegal final.

ABOUT NAOMH CONAILL
New Donegal Senior manager Jimmy McGuinness is one of the clubs most famous sons. It was Jim who brought the club' s Tyrone-based manager Cathal Corey to Glenties last year to co manage the team with him. In a recent interview the Kildress native gave an in-sight into his thinkings and how this dream season has panned out so far. That Glenties have got this far is something that Corey is not inclined to give much thought to, just in case the reality jars the momentum that has taken them to this point. We don't believe where we are at. you can't even stop to think where we have got to or it would scare the life out of you,' he admits. Earlier this summer, we were a dead team walking. We lost their opening three league games and by the time the championship came around, we hardly had a pulse. Corey can see now why his team struggled at the start of the year. Four of the team, Dermot 'Brick' Molloy, Ciaran Boyle, Leo McCloone and Seamus Corcoran were tied up with Donegal this spring, reaching the All-Ireland U21 final, managed by Jim McGuinness.

On top of that, even though they reached a county final last year, they still ended up fighting for their senior status after getting caught up in a relegation battle in the league. They were tired and spent this spring in the doldrums, until they finally saw the light in the wake of that first-leg defeat to Cill Chartha. Last year we would have been set up very defensively, we had a lot of players behind the ball but this year I felt, because we had a lot of good players, that we did not have to be that defensively minded. We were young, talented with great forwards, but they were all behind the ball inside their own 45s so we decided that we would change the game a bit and go more full-out attack,' explains Corey.

This was a team that was built to attack. Five of the starting six forwards — Molloy, McLoone, Leon Thompson, Dara Gallagher and Brendan McDyer have all played ball for the county. John O'Malley is the odd one out but with good reason as he is only 17 — but his form suggests that it is only a matter of time before that honour is bestowed on him. Letting those players off the leash has been Corey's gift to them this season. Their average scoring returns have almost doubled since they shook up their game-plan and went back to the future. 'That was probably the biggest turning point; that we changed our style of football to be more of an attacking team and the boys got more of a buzz out of it. Corey understands the lure of the defensive game-plan, he saw enough of it in Tyrone to know its value.When you are managing a team, it is probably the safest way to go because you are going to grind out results, you are going to keep teams limited to a low score and if you can score a point more, you win the game,' he explains.


'Our fellas just seemed to enjoy it, they just love it. We still defend well but we go man to-man now rather than mark space or drop back sweepers. every man takes responsibility for his own man, it's that simple.' This might disappoint but in Glenties the game comes first, second and third. 'Our players would be very confident in their own ability, Leo and Brick, Anthony Thompson and Leon, they would have great belief in their own ability and it is those boys that are driving the whole thing on. None of them drink and they don't smoke, their life is their football and they are deadly serious about it. 'They are young but this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance. The lads could play out the rest of their career and never get this chance again.'

In his two years in charge Corey has brought the team to back to back county finals and now onto the bigger stage, an Ulster club final.

RANGERS ANSWER CRITICS

Crossmaglen Rangers stranglehold on the Armagh championship had been broken by a 0-07 to 0-04 defeat at the hands of Pearse Og in their 2009 quarter final meeting. The quest for a record 14 titles in a row had been lost but what if any would be the psychological or collatoral damage inflicted by this defeat. In the league Cross continued their winning ways suffering only one defeat at the hands of Culloville. The opening championship match with Carrickcruppen was no examination of the former champions as they ran out very easy 4-14 to 0-09 winners. Last years beaten County finalists, Armagh Harps, were flattered to only lose 3-04 to 1-12 with two of their goals coming too late to make a difference. Near neighbours St Patrick's barred Rangers way to the county final. A brace of second half Robbie Tasker goals prior to his dismissal helped overturn a 5 point half time deficit as Cross, who lost Jamie Clarke to a red card, escaped with a share of the spoils 1-14 to 2-11. The replay was every bit as close a contest with Cross striking late for a 1-09 to 0-11 win. Many of the big crowd at the County final came to see Dromintee exact revenge for several final defeats as Rangers looked there for the taking following two very inept performances in the semis.

But on home territory Cross were never going to be easily beaten and were always in control of proceedings as they won a national record thirty eighth Armagh championship 1-11 to 1-08. New managers Tony McEntee and Gareth O Neill had deliverd the goods at the first time of asking and with a new style of play on board. All-Ireland winning minor James Morgan at corner back, Danny O'Callaghan at centre back, Stephen Finnegan half-back, Johnny Hanratty midfield, Francis Hanratty half-forward and Aaron Cunningham full forward had all established places in those positions in the starting 15 along with the four Kernan brothers,  Stephen Aaron, Tony and Paul team captain Paul McKeown, midfielder David McKenna, forward Mickey McNamee joined 2 of the old brigade, goalkeeper Paul Hearty and chief marksman Oisin McConville, on a starting 15 at times which played some sparkling football as well as displaying a lot of nievity. Another veteran Francie Bellew was sprung to telling effect from the bench as were Martin Aherne, Kyle Carragher, Brendan McKeown and now, since the Ulster campaign began, the out of retirement John McEntee.

With the concern off their back by having regained their Armagh crown Cross looked forward to clashing swords with reigning All-Ireland and Ulster champions St Gall's. Rangers continued the progress shown in the win over Dromintee by accounting for the champions with a bit to spare 1-12 to 0-9 with a vintage display from Oisin McConville who contributed 1-5. A sparkling opening 20 minutes had Down champions Burren all over the place in the semi-final as Cross led by 8 points. With 12 minutes left in the match a second Burren goal levelled matters but Mickey McNamee (1-2) scored the only point in the last 16 minutes to give Cross a 1-11 to 2-7 victory.

[drici]

No such thing as nothing to lose

Crossmaglen Rangers will be all the rage ahead of Sunday's showdown seeing that they have been installed as All-Ireland favourites. Everyone will see the contest in the light of a nothing to lose senario for the outsiders . But for me there is no such thing as nothing to lose especially when there is an Ulster title on the line. It is 19 years since a Donegal team has reached this stage of the competition and the pressure of becoming only the second club from the county to win the title (St Joseph's 1975 beat Catleblayney Faughs) will weigh very heavy on their minds.

Naomh Conaill goalkeeper Stephen McGrath and 17 year old forward John O'Malley are the only two of the team that has not represented their county at either minor, U-21 or Senior level. Team captain Anthony Thompson is at centre half back and along with midfielder Johnny McLoone provide the most experience for the Glenties outfit.

The full back line of Tommy Donoghue, John Bonner and Ciaran Boyle will have further worries now on their plate with the news that hitherto suspended Jamie Clarke is back available for inclusion on Sunday. It will be a major surprise if the goal getting Clarke is not on the starting 15 to allieviate the scoring burden on veteran Oisin who has been in super form since his return from a stint on the sidelines due to suspension. Equally though the Rangers last line of defence will have to be on the ball to keep messers O'Malley, Molloy and Thompson under wraps. The space in front of full forward Molloy will have to be occupied to deny him clear accees to the ball.

Naomh Conaill marquee players are all in attack with as already stated five of the starting six forwards — Molloy, McLoone, Leon Thompson, Dara Gallagher and Brendan McDyer having all played ball for the county. But you cannot score without the ball and getting their hands on it will be the biggest task that these young Donegal men will have faced. Rangers rearguard defensive duties are renowed with their harrying chasing and cutting down of space twarting many attacking teams. Rangers stood firm in the last 16 minutes against Burren without conceading a score but they have leaked a few more goals out of the blue which has made winning a bit more difficult than it should be.

With David McKenna and Johnny Hanratty getting more than their fair share of ball at midfield as well as adding to the scoreboard the Cross duo can be the springboard to success by claiming dominance over Martin Regan and Johnny McLoone.

Aaron Kernan is back to his telling best at half-back with brother Tony finding the spaces and passes to open defences. Rangers forte has been their ability to produce an array of different scorers when needed but if this has been their forte their strength is on the bench. Rangers management duo have loads of options to spring from the dugout and by in large save for what I though were a few questionable ones against Burren they have made the right calls.

Cross have stormed out of the blocks in the opening 20 minutes of their last two outings and have allowed the opposition back into those matches. Management will be looking for a more sustained measured approach and above all will be looking for their players to elect for the right option when the play develops for them. No matter what way you look at it Cross look to be a better all round team and unless they fail to show up on the day should ultimately prove too strong.

There is no doubt but Naomh Conaill will give it a right ould lash but Crossmaglen will do what they have done for the last 15 years use all their experience and guile to launch a new era for the club with an eighth Ulster title but without as usual not leaving it easy on their supporters

[drici]

Naomh Conaill Club Notes
Tues 23rd November

All roads lead to Clones this Sunday as we wish our senior team and management the best of luck in their quest to make history and won the Ulster Club Championship for the first time.They face Crossmaglen the most sucesssful team in Ulster club football.This is the biggest day in the clubs history and we are expecting a big crowd of supporters to travel to the game and to maxamize our support and to create a better atmosphere for the team we would recommend all Naomh Conaill supporters go to the main stand and sit together between the halfway line and the town end goals.Throw in time is 2pm.
The club held a very sucessful Tea Party in the Highlands Hotel last Saturday night and we would like to thank everyone who put in so much hard work to make it such a great night and all the people that supported on the night.
There was no winner of last weeks lotto.The numbers drawn were 1,11,21,26.Two prizes of 50 Euro went to Hazel Staunton,Portnoo and Gracey Trimble,Leitir.The jackpot now stands at 4,400 Euro.
The club are holding a Night at the Races in the Noble Bar,Fintown at 8.30pm on Friday 3rd December.

So don't be sitting there unless you're supporting Naomh Conaill.

[illdecide]

Naomh Conaill Club Notes
Tues 23rd November

All roads lead to Clones this Sunday as we wish our senior team and management the best of luck in their quest to make history and won the Ulster Club Championship for the first time.They face Crossmaglen the most sucesssful team in Ulster club football.This is the biggest day in the clubs history and we are expecting a big crowd of supporters to travel to the game and to maxamize our support and to create a better atmosphere for the team we would recommend all Naomh Conaill supporters go to the main stand and sit together between the halfway line and the town end goals.Throw in time is 2pm.
The club held a very sucessful Tea Party in the Highlands Hotel last Saturday night and we would like to thank everyone who put in so much hard work to make it such a great night and all the people that supported on the night.
There was no winner of last weeks lotto.The numbers drawn were 1,11,21,26.Two prizes of 50 Euro went to Hazel Staunton,Portnoo and Gracey Trimble,Leitir.The jackpot now stands at 4,400 Euro.
The club are holding a Night at the Races in the Noble Bar,Fintown at 8.30pm on Friday 3rd December.

So don't be sitting there unless you're supporting Naomh Conaill.

Or what?

[HiMucker]

You will have to listen to that bloody accent the whole game  "Ahhh jasus ref hi, thats savage terrible hi"

[haranguerer]

Novel Final

● ULSTER CLUB FINAL
CROSSMAGLEN RANGERS V NAOMH CONAILL (DONEGAL)
CLONES SUNDAY NOVEMBER 28TH AT 2PM


If ever there was such a thing as a novel final, Sunday is it,

I'd have to disagree.

[armaghniac]

All roads lead to Clones this Sunday

[giveherlong]

any word if the club final has been called off? much snow in clones, any possibility it could be switched? the intermediate final must also be in doubt which is due to go ahead in Breffini tonight. Latest update from the Met Office:

"Snow showers will become heavier and more frequent through this afternoon. Accumulations of 5 cm possible, particularly away from the North Coast."

[Any craic]

all three Ulster Club Football Finals scheduled for this weekend have been postponed due to the weather conditions.

All finals are refixed for next weekend as scheduled for today and tomorrow.

[drici]

The Ulster Senior Football Club Championship Final Replay between Ballinderry Shamrocks and Crossmaglen Rangers has fallen victim to the bad weather.

The eagerly-awaited clash, coming seven days after the sides' 1-10 to 1-10 draw, has been postponed due to a frozen pitch at Brewster Park in Enniskillen.

It had been due to throw in at 3.45pm.

The game has been re-fixed for the same venue next Sunday, 14 December, but the time of the rearranged match has not yet been confirmed.

Armagh champions Crossmaglen are bidding to win the provincial title for the third year in a row, while Derry winners Ballinderry last lifted the Seamus McFerran Cup in 2001.

[Orior]

The Ulster Senior Football Club Championship Final Replay between Ballinderry Shamrocks and Crossmaglen Rangers has fallen victim to the bad weather.

The eagerly-awaited clash, coming seven days after the sides' 1-10 to 1-10 draw, has been postponed due to a frozen pitch at Brewster Park in Enniskillen.

It had been due to throw in at 3.45pm.

The game has been re-fixed for the same venue next Sunday, 14 December, but the time of the rearranged match has not yet been confirmed.

Armagh champions Crossmaglen are bidding to win the provincial title for the third year in a row, while Derry winners Ballinderry last lifted the Seamus McFerran Cup in 2001.

Drici, can you post a picture of what I got for Christmas that year?

[drici]

Drici, can you post a picture of what I got for Christmas that year?

[Orior]

Very good.

[crossfire]

What was the weather like in Clones today.