Paul McGirr u16 Championship

[stiffler]

When is the final fixed for ?

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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

[PMG1]

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

[PMG1]

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.

[general_lee]

Clann Éireann thumped Rossa 2-10 to 0-4

[armaghniac]

Congrats to Clann Eireann, they are doing great work at underage.

[imtommygunn]

Are clan eireann a lurgan club?

[Throw ball]

Yes

[brokencrossbar1]

Well done Clann Eireann. Hopefully Paul McGrane will have a good bunch of lads to work with next year for the county minors.

[PMG1]

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

[general_lee]

Open to correction but think they contested finals at every age group this year including senior as well as ladies minor and senior!

[illdecide]

Open to correction but think they contested finals at every age group this year including senior as well as ladies minor and senior!

Wouldn't doubt that...it pains me to say it but the hard work they've put in is paying off, u should see the coaches/trainers and helpers they have at every level and age group...Unreal.

[nrico2006]

Open to correction but think they contested finals at every age group this year including senior as well as ladies minor and senior!

Wouldn't doubt that...it pains me to say it but the hard work they've put in is paying off, u should see the coaches/trainers and helpers they have at every level and age group...Unreal.

Most nights at training they have 5 or 6 adults helping out all the underage teams.  They were unfortunate in the minor final but should make amends next year.

[befair]

Even the UFC are iintimidated by the Ulster u16 champioship http://www.sportsjoe.ie/gaa/video-the-irish-are-crazy-ufc-star-mark-hunt-discovers-infamous-gaa-brawl/58041

[befair]

Its going viral on facebook