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Og Sport was won last year by St. Eunans as was this years competition.  There is no such thing as an Ulster Feile, but I think Dungiven doen well in the All-Ireland Feile.

This Saturday at 6:00 Dungiven St. Canice's and Monaghan Harps battle it out to become the second team into the semi finals of the 2014 Paul McGirr Ulster U16 Club Champions Tournament.  Dungiven are marked by many as tournament favourites given their unbelievable form in Derry this season, winning both the league and championship double and indeed their  comprehensive  win in the Derry final over Kilrea by a 17 point was their lowest winning margin throughout the Derry championship. Featuring several members of the St. Pats Maghera Macrory Cup panel, they are a formidable side with physical presence but also a prolific forward line who averaged over 34 points per game in the Derry Championship. 

However, they will be coming up against a Monaghan Harps team who have had a great season in Monaghan culminating in their 2 point victory over Truagh in the championship final replay.  According to team manager Michael O'Donoghue the Harps have had a great season so far and don't intend it to end this Saturday "Monaghan Harps U16's are delighted to be taking part in this years Paul Mc Girr Memorial Tournament. This year has seen our 16's complete the double, winning both the  League and Championship titles. It had been 10 years since our U16's last achieved this double and 7 years since we won the Championship. This year has been a great achievement for this young squad of players with thirteen of this panel who also won an U14 double last season still eligible to play U16 Football next season. The lads are looking forward to competing against the best there is in Ulster and are grateful for this opportunity being given to them. We would like to thank Dromore GFC for this invitation and wish them every success with this wonderful tournament both this year and in many years to come".  Backboned in defence by Cathal Power and Jamie Shields, and with midfield partnership of Jack Deery and Remy McKenna providing a strong platform, they will be looking to the accurate Shane McMahon, Dillon Duffy and Nathan O'Donoghue to get the scores needed to progress.  An enthralling game is in store with a battle of contrasting styles and although Dungiven may be tipped as slight favourites, they will have their hands full in dealing with the Monaghan threat.  The game takes place in Gardrum Park Dromore and all proceeds go the 'The Spirit of Paul McGirr Trust' to aid their wonderful work for those in poverty in Lusaka, Zambia.

Crosserlough 5-08 Derrygonnelly 1-04

A ruthless display in front of goal in the early part of this game seen impressive Cavan champions Crosserlough defeat Derrygonnelly in this Paul McGirr Ulster Club Champions Tournament preliminary round game on Saturday afternoon in Gardrum Park, Dromore.  Any pre-match nerves the Cavan boys had were soon banished as they got off to a perfect start with 1-01 in the first five minutes from full forward Darren Galligan, the goal coming after a tremendous catch and run from the dangerous Conor Lee who was proving very influential in the early stages before having to retire with a hamstring injury.  After a Steven Smith pointed free from a narrow angle, both corner forwards Steven Harten and Caoilean Galligan found the Derrygonnelly net, again benefitting from great work from Lee.  A rattled Derrygonnelly side finally starting to find their form and three points from Calum Jones and Shane McGullion (2) gave them a glimmer of hope, however this was short lived as wing forward Shane McVeety punished a poor kick out with Crosserlough's fourth goal. Darren Galligan then lofted over a fine effort from the right wing just before half time to leave the Cavan boys in a commanding position.

Much to their credit Derrygonnelly showed great fighting spirit in the second half, with their captain Connor Cameron putting in a commanding performance at full back repelling numerous Crosserlough attacks.  Three further points from Galligan and Smith (2 frees) were followed by a scrambled goal from  midfielder Tomas Keaney after the Derrygonnelly defence failed to deal with an incoming '45.  However the loss of corner forward Caoileann Galligan to a double yellow signalled a period of Derrygonnelly dominance and but for sterling work in defence from man of the match Patrick O'Reilly the final scoreline would have been much closer.   Derrygonnelly susbtitute Ciaran McGovern gave them a much deserved goal following a fine length of the field move and Nathan Jones added another point, but they were unable to make any further inroads as another pointed free from Smith completed the scoring.  Although pleased with his teams first outing in the Paul McGirr tournament Crosserlough manager Tom Boylan was well aware that tougher tasks lie ahead 'We are delighted to get our first win under our belt, the boys started very well and the early goals gave them confidence to push on but the loss of Connor Lee was a major blow and we hope that Connor will be able to recover in time for our quarter final.  Our second half performance was somewhat disappointing but the defence held out well, however St. Brigids in the next round will prove a much sterner test and we have a lot to work on before then'.  Crosserlough will play newly crowned Antrim champions St. Brigids in the last quarter final which will take place on Sunday 9th November.

Teams:  Crosserlough - Anthony Smith, Gavin Brady, Patrick O'Reilly, Conor Boyd, Brogan Kotze, Connor Reihill (capt), Jamie Smith, Owen Smith, Tomas Keaney (1-00), Shane McVeety (1-00), Steven Smith (0-04), Connor Lee, Steven Harten (1-00), Darren Galligan (1-04) & Caoileann Galligan (1-00)
Subs - James Smith for Lee, Michael Smith for McVeety, Edward Deveroux Gilsennon for Kotze & Brandon Doylan for Harten

Derrygonnelly - Osisn Smyth, Adrian Maguire, Connor Cameron (Capt), Stephen Leonard, Connor Maguire, James McGrail, Aaron McGlone, Odhran McBrien, Shane McGullion (0-02), Aidan McKenna, Nathan Jones (0-01), Gavin McGovern, Rian McGovern, Colm Jones (0-01) & Jason McGlone
Subs - Debhon McGovern for  A McGlone, Ciaran McGovern (1-00) for R McGovern, Leigh Green for J McGlone

Burren 2-10 Clann Eireann 1-12

This Paul McGirr Ulster U16 Club Champions tournament quarter final was billed as tie of the round and played before a large crowd both teams did not disappoint as a rip roaring affair ended with a narrow one point victory for the Down champions Burren.  It was a tremendous display by both sides, played in great spirit and there were some great individual performances, none more so than man of the match Liam Kerr from Burren who contributed five wonderful points from play from midfield.   Burren got off to a great start in the game and were three points up following scores from Declan Murdock from a free, Ronan Fegan and Ciaran McAdam.  Clann Eireanns scorer in chief Conor McConville got his sides first scores with two frees, one of which he had won himself.  Murdock converted another free after a powerful run from raiding wing back Darragh Murdock was unceremoniously ended by the Clann Eireann defence.  The Armagh men were now starting to take a grip in the possession stakes with the robust Barry McCambridge foraging tremendously hard in the middle of the field.  Ruairi McConville opened his account with a fine effort before Conor McConville took centre stage with a pointed free and a goal from a move which he started himself.  A snapshot off the ground from Cormac Coleman put the Lurgan boys four ahead but just before half time the powerful Kerr got his first point of the day finishing after a great run through the centre of the Clann Eireann defence to leave three in it at half time.

The half time lead though was short lived as a fired up Burren team came out all guns blazing and full forward Murdock found the back of the Clann Eireann net, setting the scene for a great second half.  Points were exchanged by opposing midfielders Kerr and McCambridge before one of the defining moments of the game came when Burren captain full back Conor Cox came to his teams rescue with a full length diving block denying McCambridge a certain goal. A McConville free put Clann Eireann ahead but this was the last time they were to be in this position as the bustling Kerr levelled and then corner forward Conor McCartan goaled with a neat finish punishing a misplaced kick out much to the delight of the Burren support.  An Aodhan McConville point was cancelled out by a Murdock free before Clann Eireann captain Ryan Owens scored an inspirational point to leave two between the sides.  A fisted effort from Kerr eased Burrens nerves but not for long as Conor O'Carroll now playing in the forward line got in on the scoring act for Clann Eireann.  Burren were coming under immense pressure and Clann Eireann went close several times before once again Kerr took centre stage pointing after a lung bursting ninety yard run.  Two late points from McConville and Owens brought the gap to the minimum to set up a grandstand finish but the Burren defence with 14 men behind the ball held out to become the first team into the semi final draw.

Teams:  Burren - Jack Brady, Shea Fitzpatrick, Conor Cox (capt), Shane O'Hare, Ardan McAvoy, Peter Fegan, Darragh Murdock, Liam Kerr (0-05), Aidan fitzpatrick, Ronan Fegan (0-01), Shea Murdock, Ciaran McAdam (0-01) , Sean O'Connor, Declan Murdock (1-03) & Conor McCartan (1-00)
Subs - Thomas Travers for McAdam, Ryan McAteer for O'Connor

Clann Eireann - Calum Magee, Conan O'Carroll (0-01), Adam O'Connor, Colm Holbrook, Sean McCarthy, Ryan Owens (capt) (0-02), Jack Haddock, Barry McCambridge (0-01), Niall McCarron, Cormac Coleman (0-01), Conor McCarville (1-05), Aoghan McConville (0-01), Ruairi McConville (0-01), Sean Keenan, Conor Turbitt
 

With St. Michaels defeating favourites St. Eunan's in the Donegal final we now have 8 of the 9 participants for this years tournament with the winners of the Tyrone final between Errigal Ciaran and Carrickmore this weekend completing the jigsaw.

The tournament kicks off this Saturday with a Double Bill.  First up is the preliminary round tie between Cavan champions Crosserlough and Fermanagh champions Derrygonnelly Harps at 2:30 in Gardrum Park Dromore, this will be followed at 4:30 with what appears to be the tie of the round between Burren and Clann Eireann.  More details later in the week, but a great day ahead this Saturday to start everything off.

Great turn out for the Paul McGirr launch in Garvaghy tonight, all the teams already through were in attendance and Oisin McConville gave a great speech on his experiences of the tournament last year and how much winning the tournament last year had meant to the Crossmaglen club, all in attendance were given an insight into the wonderful work being done in Zambia by the Spirit of Paul McGirr Trust. 

The draw threw up some interesting derbies:

Preliminary Round:  Crosserlough (Cavan) v Derrygonnelly (Fermanagh)
Quarter Finals:       Burren (Down) v Clann Eireann (Armagh)
                            Dungiven (Derry) v Monaghan Harps / Truagh (Monaghan)
                            Tyrone Champs v Donegal Champs
                            St. Brigids (Antrim) v Preliminary Round Winners

The Crosserlough v Derrygonnelly will kick the tournament off next Saturday in Gardrum Park, Dromore

Big upset in Fermanagh today with Derrygonnelly defeating a fancied Enniskillen Gaels in the Fermanagh final.  Any result from the Antrim final today between Creggan and O'Donovan Rossa?

The tournament launch is to take place in Tyrone GAA centre in Garvaghy this Friday at 8:00 and the draw will take place then.

Donegal only at the semi stage with St. Eunan's playing St. Michaels and Glenties playing Ardara I think.  The launch night for the Paul Mcgirr this year will be in the Garvaghy centre on the weekend of 11th October, the draw will be made on the night.

I see Creggan and O'Donovan Rossa are in the Antrim U16 final, who would be the favourites to come out of this, Rossa have been at the Paul McGirr tournament a few times in recent years.

I know Fermanagh is at the semi final stage and the Derry final is between a fancied Dungiven side and Kilrea, anyone know how Cavan, Donegal and Monaghan are going or who has won in these counties?

Cheers Badoney, Burren had a very strong U14 team last year, no surprise to see them win Down.  Any worn on the other counties?

Hi Fuzzman, the Paul McGirr Tournament was won in 2012 by St. Enda's, Belfast.  The tournament now has the backing of the Ulster Council and has gained official status which is great for the profile of the tournament.  I will be posting regularly about upcoming fixtures, results match reports etc...   The launch and draw will be made in early / mid October with the competition starting shortly after.  It is now possible to play floodlit evening games with the wonderful new pitch that Dromore have opened, so we are looking forward to a great tournament this year.

Who are the contenders in each county this year?