GAA in Britain

[BennyHarp]

Scottish final was the best in my time here anyway. Dundee could have won it and missed some good chances early in the second half but Connolly's grew into the game as it went on and were deserving winners, it finished 1-13 to 1-11 I think. A couple of things went Connollys way but they undoubtedly deserved it too and Dundee lacked a bit of composure and quality to get over the line.

Connollys hammered c* Cuchullainns in a recent challenge match so unless CuC were missing a good few then you'd have to fancy the Scottish champions. Connollys are a good side though probably lack the firepower of some of their better recent sides.

Cuchullainns hammered Benedicts three weeks ago - it meant nothing!

Ah yeah that's true of course but this is a better Connollys team than the last two years and I'm not sure CuC are as strong as they were 2 years ago when the beat Connollys in Edinburgh. Never can tell over here though.

To be fair Cuchullainns arent as good as they have been and they definitely arent as well organised or disciplined as they have in the past. But they are big, strong and physical and in the wind, rain and heavy conditions of this time of year, this can be a major asset. I dont know much about Connollys but I do know that they will need to be prepared for a right battle if they are to get through.

[Zulu]

They're strong but not brilliant. I think they have a good chance of winning Britain but lack a bit of firepower to be favourites IMO. Should be a good game anyway and I'll wander down for a look Sunday week.

[theticklemister]

British Junior Hurling Championship

Emerald Gaels, Leeds 3-15 v 1-11 Wolfe Tones, Liverpool

An unbelievable performance from Emerald Gael's Brian Lane was the difference as the Leeds side progressed to the next round of championship to face Fullen Gaels. The burly full forward combined long range scores, deft flicks, great pulls and ferocious shots to bring his tally to 2-10 and deservedly collect the man of the match award at Hough End, Manchester on Sunday.

The scoreline was harsh on Wolfe Tones as a late flurry of scores pulled Emerald Gaels clear to win by 10 points, but the Liverpool lads can hold their head high as this was the first time they have competed in championship hurling. This was a keenly contested game of hurling from the off, and it is a credit to both sides that they put on such a high-quality game.

The game opened up with a free from Niall McNabb for the Wolfe Tones but this was quickly cancelled out by Lane. Indeed while Lane was the most important player on the pitch for Emeralds the same can be said of McNabb for the Wolfe Tones. The right-half forward played a pivotal role for the Tones and was a constant thorn in the Emeralds' defence throughout the game. The latter doubled his tally when he fired over a great score from the right shortly after, which was created by Westmeath midfield man Paul Carey who burst through two tackles to create the opportunity. The Wolfe Tones would then have their biggest lead at any stage of the game when Beragh native Niall McNamee fired over from long range in the sixth minute to lead by 2 points. The crowd then got to witness the first glimpse of Lane in action from play as he got out in front of Finnian O'Callaghan, turned him at pace, soloed for 10 metres and nonchalantly placed the sliothar between the sticks. It was a class effort from the former Cork u-21 player and one which was to be repeated many times throughout the game. None more so than 5 minutes later when with a deft flick he managed to scoop the sliothar over the onrushing Darren Guilfoyle to score the first goal of the game. McNabb quickly replied for the Tones as he put on the afterburners to race clear of the opposing defenders and score a fantastic point. The game at this stage was ebbing and flowing, with some fantastic scores on offer from both sides and this was added by the instrumental Colm McArdle in the middle for Emeralds as he struck a mighty score from open play to put them 2 points ahead. Two frees were then swapped by Lane and McNabb and then an effort which looked like it was flying into the back of the net by McNabb, was somehow turned over the bar to leave it just 1 point in it with 20 minutes of the first half gone. Henry Foster who with McArdle played pivotal roles for the Emeralds, got his name on the teamsheet with a mighty long-range free to put them back up by 2 and then Darragh Kavanagh for the Tones and Foster for the Emeralds swapped points with 5 minutes of the half remaining. The Tones then hit a decisive score when McAuley drove the ball into the back of the net to leave them a point ahead with a minute remaining however this was short lived when Foster hit another free to leave the game level at the end of the half. This score-line at half-time reflects what an evenly contested game it was as both teams cancelled each other out. However a telling difference was the respective full-forward lines. While the majority of the times the sliothar went into the Emeralds' full forward line there was something that came of it, in contrast the danger was far too easily cleared when there was potential scores for the Wolfe Tones' forward line.

Half-time score : Emerald Gaels 1-7 v 1-7 Wolfe Tones

The second-half started with a BANG when a goal was scored from the opening attack by Emeralds as Lane pulled on the sliothar single-handily to rifle the ball into the Tones' net and for the remainder of the game the Liverpool side were playing catch up.  OhUaine struck over a long range-free for the Tones to narrow the gap to 2 points, however a flurry of points with a brace from Lane and one from Foster extended the gap to 5 points. In the opening 10 minutes of the half the class of McArdle and Foster were coming to the fore. Their strong physical presence and surging runs were causing havoc for Carey and McNamee and they were supplying the ammunition for one-man demolition machine Lane up front. Kavanagh managed to narrow the gap to 4 points after a strong run and finish, however a scramble on the Wolfe Tones' 21m line resulted in Emeralds' Brian McAlinden pulling on the sliothar and finishing the ball to the net. There was a crux of players in the mix and the Tones defence would be disappointed not to rid the sliothar up the field, and with this goal; left the dreams of a first ever championship win for the Tones in tatters. The score with 10 minutes to go was 3-10 v 1-09. McAuley managed to hit a free for the Tones and cut the gap to 6 points and a few goal efforts by the Tones in the remaining 10 minutes were repelled by the Emeralds' defence. Four late scores from the ever impressive Lane, one in which he ran past 3 defenders and hooked the ball over the bar; was sandwiched by a late free from McNabb to leave the final score 3-15 to 1-11.

Emerald Gaels were impressive winners in the end up with Lane, McArdle and Foster to the fore. As the game wore on, the above players shone brightest while McNabb who played so well in the first half; began to tire. They now go on to face British champions Fullen Gaels. Although defeated, the Liverpool Wolfe Tones who played their first ever championship game can look to the future with great hope. They had a squad of 23 men out on Sunday with a few more missing, so coach Richie Barry (Cork) will have plenty to work with for next year.

Emeralds Gaels, Leeds: Willie Ryan; Pa Potter, Ray O'Driscoll, Seamus Duignan; John McGovern, David O'Mahony, Eamon Kelleher (0-01); Colm McArdle (0-2), Henry Foster (0-2f); Anton Patterson, James O'Connor, Brian McAlinden (1-00); Sammy Wilson, Brian Lane (2-10, 0-7f), John Aherne

Wolfe Tones, Liverpool: Darren Guilfoyle; Padraig McAuley, Finnian O'Callaghan, Stephen Hennessey; Adam O'Hare, Paddy McHugh, Marcus O hUaine (0-01, 1f); Paul Carey, Niall McNamee (0-01); Niall McNabb (0-6,2f), Darragh Kavanagh (0-02), John Cleary; Gareth Coughlan, Brendan McAuley (1-01, 1f), Francis Hayes

Subs used: C Gallen for Coughlan, M Doherty for McNamee, M Wilson for Hayes, JJ Lombard for McAuley, S McGrath for Cleary

[carnaross]

The last game of Yorkshire's season took place yesterday at Scott Hall Road for the Chris Noonan cup in the Junior League final between John F. Kennedy's and St. Benedicts Harps.

Games between these two usually produce fireworks and, especially with the Chris Noonan cup at stake, this game would be no different. Chris was a former JFK player who tragically lost his life at a young age. His family graciously presented a cup in his memory to be played for each year. Both teams lined out with 13 players as the rules allow and it was St. Benedicts who started more brightly playing up the infamous hill with the first three points from Gareth Morgan, captain Henry Foster and Domnick Thompson before JFK's replied with a point of their own. Play was even with JFK's posting three wides during this opening period as they struggled to cope with the swirling wind. Dom Thompson added two more points before JFK's repled with their second point to leave the half-time score 5pts to 2 to St. Benedicts. St. Benedicts felt their first half performance showed signs of great promise and manager, Gerard Rodgers, demanded greater effort in the quest for three-in-a-row.

Rory Scullion opened the second half scoring to leave four points between the teams and things were looking good for the boys in green and red. However, JFK's had other ideas and roared back with a rasper of a goal from Pa Scully and the game was in the melting pot. Substitute Peter Mulgrew popped over a point for St. Benedicts to stem the JFK momentum but this was cancelled by another JFK point to leave the minimum in it. The game was end to end stuff by this stage and Henry Foster came up with a point to double the lead. In fairness to JFK's - they wouldn't give up and kept coming back by taking their fourth point. Peter Mulgrew then hit the back of the net to ease the Benedicts nerves and leave four in it. Still JFK's would keep fighting and took the next two points before Henry Foster and Dom Thompson replied for St. Benedicts to restore their four point lead. With the game entering the final stages, Paddy Howard scored a brilliant goal from out the right wing to give Danny Miller in the Benedicts goal no chance. JFK's followed this with the equalising point and it looked like extra time would have to be played. However, St. Benedicts had other ideas as Gareth Morgan pointed, Dom Thompson made up for his penalty miss earlier by finding the net and Andy Mullan scoring the final point of the match to leave the final sore: John F. Kennedy's 2-07 St. Benedicts Harps 2-12. The game marked the end of an era for St. Benedicts as Steve Gaughan had announced his retirement from playing. Steve has been a stalwart since St. Benedicts started their open-age structure and will be missed. The Chris Noonan cup was presented to Henry Foster by Yorkshire CCC chairman, Mick Conrecode, on behalf of the Noonan family. Thanks to the Noonan's for their continuing sponsorship of this competition and long may it continue.

This game rounded off a good year for St. Benedicts as they completed the three-in-a-row in the Junior League to add to the already secured Junior Championship and Senior League.

[Zulu]

Easy win for Dunedin against a poor Newcastle side in todays British QF, I think it finished 2-11 to 0-8. The first 10 minutes were very even with Newcastle shading the exchanges but as the game wore Dunedin took complete control and never looked like losing against a side who lacked the quality, imagination and fitness for this level. I didn't think Dunedin played particularly well but they'll take a bit of stopping all the same. Don't know how the other games went.

[BennyHarp]

Easy win for Dunedin against a poor Newcastle side in todays British QF, I think it finished 2-11 to 0-8. The first 10 minutes were very even with Newcastle shading the exchanges but as the game wore Dunedin took complete control and never looked like losing against a side who lacked the quality, imagination and fitness for this level. I didn't think Dunedin played particularly well but they'll take a bit of stopping all the same. Don't know how the other games went.

Well done Dunedin. I think Cuchullainns have been on the wain for a few years, losing a number of key players. Benedicts really should have stopped them from getting out of Yorkshire this year, but to be fair to them, they get very little football all year and Yorkshire is not in good shape at the minute and no preparation for an All Britain. With only two realistic teams and the rest either in major rebuilding (like Bros Pearse, who are doing a great job with their youth) or just interested in picking and choosing which games to turn up for, some rethinking needs to be done to breath some life back into the clubs. Hopefully an extended pennine league next year might offer the extra games that will make it more attractive for players to commit and make the championship a bit more competitive again.

[theticklemister]

Easy win for Dunedin against a poor Newcastle side in todays British QF, I think it finished 2-11 to 0-8. The first 10 minutes were very even with Newcastle shading the exchanges but as the game wore Dunedin took complete control and never looked like losing against a side who lacked the quality, imagination and fitness for this level. I didn't think Dunedin played particularly well but they'll take a bit of stopping all the same. Don't know how the other games went.

Well done Dunedin. I think Cuchullainns have been on the wain for a few years, losing a number of key players. Benedicts really should have stopped them from getting out of Yorkshire this year, but to be fair to them, they get very little football all year and Yorkshire is not in good shape at the minute and no preparation for an All Britain. With only two realistic teams and the rest either in major rebuilding (like Bros Pearse, who are doing a great job with their youth) or just interested in picking and choosing which games to turn up for, some rethinking needs to be done to breath some life back into the clubs. Hopefully an extended pennine league next year might offer the extra games that will make it more attractive for players to commit and make the championship a bit more competitive again.

There is talk of a Yorkshire/Lancashire league for next year with 2 divisions and promotion/relegation. Would be more competitive games for all teams.

[carnaross]

Rumours abound about next year's Pennine League.

There seems to be two ideas floating around: One league of 11 teams playing home and away, or, if the three other clubs enter, one division of 8 and one of 6, also playing home and away. Either has to better than current arrangements with better quality games for all clubs more often. My own club played 12 senior and 5 junior games between early March and the end of October. Too few over such a long period. However, June is normally left out of the fixtures due to the county games and August slows down due to the holiday effect.

Far better to improve the Pennine League as proposed.

[Maroon Manc]

Rumours abound about next year's Pennine League.

There seems to be two ideas floating around: One league of 11 teams playing home and away, or, if the three other clubs enter, one division of 8 and one of 6, also playing home and away. Either has to better than current arrangements with better quality games for all clubs more often. My own club played 12 senior and 5 junior games between early March and the end of October. Too few over such a long period. However, June is normally left out of the fixtures due to the county games and August slows down due to the holiday effect.

Far better to improve the Pennine League as proposed.

11 teams in one league playing home and away would mean 20 games unless I've read it wrong?

[carnaross]

Correct.

[theticklemister]

The second option would be more preferred. The gulf in class with a 11 teams would mean loads of dead rubbers. If there were two leagues then yer playing against teams yer level. We got a few tankings this year as did Lawerences . Would not like to see that again next year

[Maroon Manc]

Can't see many clubs that would agree to a 11 team league. Don't think there's enough room in the calendar for that many games either.

[theticklemister]

I PMed the GAA moderator but got no reply. Just thinking could we get this Britain in GAA thread onto the main home page to attract more talk on British GAA matters. What ye think? I see Maroon Manc is a newbie so to encourage more people to like him to join the board and chat about British GAA the better.

[Zulu]

Can't see many clubs that would agree to a 11 team league. Don't think there's enough room in the calendar for that many games either.

There'd be an issue with clubs not always fielding too I'd imagine and this would ruin a league. If Yorkshire/Lancashire can deliver 20 games for every club then football must be in a strong position across all clubs.

[theticklemister]

Can't see many clubs that would agree to a 11 team league. Don't think there's enough room in the calendar for that many games either.

There'd be an issue with clubs not always fielding too I'd imagine and this would ruin a league. If Yorkshire/Lancashire can deliver 20 games for every club then football must be in a strong position across all clubs.

only sensible option is 2 leagues, 1 and 2 with Yorkshire and Lancashire and have promotion and relegation. Each team play each other twice. Then you could keep the respective county championships, senior and junior. realistically Mitchels, Oisins, Brendans and Peters were operating a far higher level than the Wolfe Tones and Lawerences in the senior grade this year. Maybe Bendedicts and another from Yorkshire could compete in a new division 1 with the aforementioned 4 teams. While the rest could go into division 2