Tuesday 30 December 2014

Club's lotto reaches €8,300

St John’s GAA Club

Lotto Draw

JACKPOT €8,300

Last Draw:  No Jackpot winner

No’s Drawn: 13 – 16 – 25 – 28
_______________________________________

Next Draw takes place in The Crozon Inn,  on Saturday 10th Jan 2015 @ 10.30pm
_______________________________________________
Winners from last draw €25 each.

          Marcus Flynn, Cairns Hill.

         Bernie Egan, Knocknaganney.

         George Maguire c/o The Blue Lagoon.

         Niall Walsh, Carraroe
_______________________________________________
Lotto tickets on sale here.

Saturday 27 December 2014

Niall Gordon & Ray Henry Snr Elected Joint Chairman of St. John's

"Changing of the guard" Outgoing Chairman Colm Nevin center congratulates Niall Gordon & Ray Henry Snr Joint Chairman of St. John's for 2015.



St. John's G.A.A. Committee for 2015: Back row left to right: Gerry Flynn Patron, Sharon Smith, Willie O'Grady Ass Treasurer, Colm Nevin Insurance Officer, Sara McNamara Assistant Secretary, Tommy McManus. Front row left to right:  Fergal Kelly Bord na Nog Chairman, Paddy Galvin Patron, Sean Reilly Secretary, Niall Gordon & Ray Henry Assistant Chairman, Seamus Flanagan Treasurer & Padraig Greene Co. Board delegate



Attendance at St. John's G.A.A Club A.G.M.


Already at work:   The new Committee Seamus Flanagan Treasurer, John Reilly Secretary, Niall Gordon & Ray Henry Joint Chairmen, Sarah McNamara Assistant Secretary & Tommy McManus Vice Chairman.




The adjourned A.G.M. of the St. John's  G.A.A. Club took place in the meeting rooms in Stenson Park Cuilbeg today.  Outgoing Chairman Colm Nevin welcomed everyone to the meeting.  In another well attended A.G.M. Colm Nevin began by extending new year greetings and wished everyone associated with the club a good year ahead.  He complimented Niall Gordon & Ray Henry since the last meeting who worked hard in the last 2 weeks getting the various Committees set up Pitch, Finance, Social etc.  The G.A.A National Club Draw tickets were handed out costing €10 each and all the money raised will be going towards the club. 

From the last A.G.M. that took place on Saturday 20th December the vacant roles of Chairman, Secretary & Treasurer were eventually filled.  Sean Reilly  was elected Secretary, Seamus Flanagan come on board as Treasurer and in a long drawn out discussion on who would be the next Chairman.  A number of people were asked to put their names forward but all declined.  It looked like the meeting would have had to be adjourned again but club stalwarts Niall Gordon & Ray Henry put their names forward and were duly elected to take the club forward in 2015. The duo were proposed by Bridie McLean & Seconded by Paddy Galvin.


The full election of Officers took  place
St. John’s GAA Club 2015 appointed officers

PRO: Michael McGee                                             Pro: Paddy Galvin            Sec: Ray Henry
Presidents: Fr. Gilholly, Fr. Walsh, Fr. Murray      Pro: John Leydon             Sec: Willie Grady
Patrons: Gene Kelly, Paddy Galvin                         Pro: Eoin McClean           Sec: Charlie Jordan
Insurance Officer: Colm Nevin                               Pro: Charlie Jordan          Sec: Sean Brown
County Board Delegate: Pauric Greene                  Pro: Gene Flynn               Sec: John Leydon
Assistant Delegate: Christy Murphy

Irish Language: Mick Barrett                                   Pro: Ray Henry                 Sec: Niall Gordon
Assistant PRO: Niall Gordon                                    Pro: Michael McGee       Sec: Sean Brown
Coaching Officer: Charlie Jordan                              Pro Gerry Quinn               Sec: Niall Gordan
Substance Abuse:                                                       
Childrens Officer: Eamon Mullen TBC                      
Treasurer: Seamus Flanagan                                       Pro: Tommy McManus  Sec: Charlie Jordan
Assistance Teasurer: Willie O Grady                         Pro: Charlie Jordan          Sec: Tommy McManus
Secretary: John Reilly                                               Pro: Niall Gordon             Sec: Fergal Kelly
Assistant Secretary: Sarah McNamara                    Pro: Tommy McManus      Sec: Ray Henry
Chairpersons: Niall Gordon, Ray Henry                   Pro: Bridie McClean        Sec: Paddy Galvin
Vice Chairperson: Tommy McManus                      Pro: Fergal Kelly              Sec: Darragh McGarrity
Registrar: Justin McGoldrick TBC                              








The player insurance scheme was brought up as Mickey O' Hehir is undergoing surgery in the new year costing over €7,000.  The maximum amount the Insurance Company will pay out is €4,000 and the club is contributing €1000 as are the players for the same amount.  A table quiz organised by the players on Saturday evening last was to raise funds for injured players.

The management  team committee will consist of  Ray Henry, Niall Gordan, Shane Stenson & Fergal Kelly.

Outgoing Chairman Colm Nevin asked that who is elected should attend the monthly meetings while the new  joint Chairman Ray Henry encouraged everyone to attend the meetings and for more people to get involved in the club. Niall Gordon stated that work on the drainage of the top pitch will take place in the new year as there is funding for this.

Niall Gordon asked that the Social Committee meet shortly to discuss the organising of the "Boston Tea Party" in Saturday January 31st next.  Tickets will be €20 each  with table of 10.

Charlie Jordan thanked  Ray & Niall for taking on the role of Chairman and wished them every success in their new roles.


St. John's Club Officers 2015:

Presidents:  Fr. Jim Murray, Fr. Gillholly & Fr. Walsh
Patrons: Gene Flynn & Paddy Galvin.
Chairman:  Niall Gordan & Ray Henry Snr
Vice Chairman:  Tommy McManus
Secretary:  Sean Reilly
Assistant Secretary:  Sarah McNamara
Treasurer:  Seamus Flanagan
Assistant Secretary: Willie O’ Grady
P.R.O.: Michael McGee
Assistant P.R.O. Niall Gordon
Delegate to County Board: Padraig Greene
Assistant Delegate:  Christy Murphy
Insurance Officer: Colm Nevin
Register: Justin McGoldrick
Chairman Juvenile Committee:  Fergal Kelly
Coaching Officer:  Charlie Jordan
Irish Language Officer:  Mick Barrett
Children's Officer:  Eamon Mullen




Pitch Committee and Recycling Committee.


1.                  Ray Henry                   Chairman
2.                  Charlie Kelly              
3.                  Joe Grehan                 
4.                  Pat Martin                   
5.                  Pat McCaffrey            
6.                  Owen McLean           
7.                  Terry Mcnulty            
8.                  Michael Barrett          
9.                  Seamus Henry            
10.              Niall Gordon              
11        Paul McLean             

  Finance Committee.

1.                  Niall Gordon                 Chairman
2.                  Seamus Flanagan
3.                  John leyden            
4.                  Christy Murphy      
5.                  Gerry Quinn           
6.                  Declan Rooney
7.                  Colm Nevin            
8.                  Sean Reilly             
9.                  Niall Walsh             
10.              Bridie McLean       
11.              Mark Rooney         

Social Committee
       
1.                  John Greene              Chairman.
2.                  Sharon Smith            
3.                  Sarah McNamara     
4.                  Celine Clerkin          
5.                   Nuala Flanagan       
6.                  Catherine Stenson    
7.                  Ann Kelly                
8.                  Noel O Donnell       
9.                  Catherine Cox         
10.              Kieran Walsh           



Friday 19 December 2014

St. John's G.A.A Club A.G.M. New date Saturday December 27th at 1 p.m.

The A.G.M. of the St.John's G.A.A. Club has been put back to Saturday December 27th at 1 p.m. in the meeting rooms in Stenson Park.

Tuesday 16 December 2014

St. John's G.A.A Club Quiz



 St. John's G.A.A. Club
The St Johns Senior panel are organising a table quiz over Christmas to raise funds for our injured players fund.The quiz will be held in the Ship Inn in Sligo on Saturday the 27th of December at 8pm. Teams will consist of 4 people, €40 per team. It should be a great night for everyone and it will be worth trying to gather a team of eggheads as there will be lots of great prizes on the night.
We ask all players and supporters to encourage all friends and family members to support the event. More details to follow soon in relation to sponsors and prizes on the night but for now if everyone could spread the word and get as many people to attend as possible that would be great.
Thanks
St Johns Senior Team

Wednesday 10 December 2014

St. John's G.A.A. Club A.G.M.

The adjourned meeting of the St. John's G.A.A Club will take place in Stenson Park Cuilbeg meeting rooms on Saturday December 20th at 5 p.m. There is 3 vacancy's that of Chairman, Secretary & Treasurer yet to be filled.

All members, parents, supporters are asked  to attend this important meeting.


Sunday 7 December 2014

St. John's G.A.A Club AGM 2014

St. John’s G.A.A  Club AGM 2014 ( report by Club P.R.O. Michael McGee)
Saturday 6th December 2012  took place in Cuilbeg Stenson Park meeting rooms.

Attendees   were as follows:  Chairman Colm Nevin,  Treasurer Gerry Quinn,  Secretary Sharon Smith, Niall Gordon, Owen McLean, Gene Flynn, Paddy Galvin, Michael McGee P.R.O., John Leyden, Fergal Kelly, Charlie Jordan, Ray Henry, Catherine Stenson, Willie Grady, Christy Murphy, Sean Browne, Bridie McLean, Nuala Flanagan, Tommy McManus, Pat Corcoran, David Rooney & Shane Stenson.

Apologies received from John Greene, Gerard Egan, Fergal Henry, Seamus Flanagan, Charlie Kelly, Anne Kelly and Thomas Kelly.

With an impressive turnout for the 2014 AGM of the St. John’s G.A.A Club Chairman Colm Nevin opened the meeting and welcomed all present.  He asked for more people to attend the monthly meetings.  He thanked his “two wingmen” Gerry Quinn & Sharon Smith for their outstanding work throughout the year.
Club Secretary Sharon Smith read out the minutes from last year’s AGM .

Chairman’s report:
 In his report Chairman Colm Nevin expressed his gratitude to a small number of people who are doing Trojan work in the club.
The pitch maintenance led by Niall Gordon and Charlie Kelly also come in for thanks from the Chairman as did Christy Murphy the Club’s Co. Board delegate.   Nevin was also fulsome in his praise for all the people who raised money for the club by way of lotto and bag packing.   “The accounts will show the big contribution of €13,458 a staggering €7,000 increase on the previous year’s accounts.  This was never done before and I acknowledge it”, commented the Chairman. 

He also thanked the business people who sponsor signs in Stenson Park and their main sponsor Michael Scanlon. Michael has generously sponsored the club for the past number of years. But the Chairman suggested that the club possibly look at getting a new sponsorship deal instead of relying on Michael Scanlon’s generosity each year.  The €1,000 received from Scoda was described by the Chairman as a tremendous team effort.   This initiative was driven by Niall Gordon.  Owen McLean was also commended for his excellent work as Kit man for the Senior teams.

He had words of concern regarding the Juvenile structure which needs to be “revamped” according to the Chairman.  We need underage managers coming in and helping out and we need at least 4 coaches involved.

Adult teams reports

The Senior team of manager Anthony Brennan and the two Sean’s  Browne & Reilly, Niall Gordon, Ray Henry Snr,  Intermediate, Charlie Jordan & Ger Egan U-16, Feral Henry & Joe Grehan were warmly thanked for their efforts.  The Chairman read out the Senior report compiled by Sean Browne. And in it he detailed in 11 league matches they won six and lost five finishing 6th in league table standings.  And in the Championships lost the opening rounds to Tubbercurry the eventual champions and St. Mary’s runners-up and then followed this up with wins over Tourlestrane, Curry & Coolera/Strandhill  respectively.  Training took place in Emmet Og Pitch in Longford 3 times a week and a good turnout of 20-25 players each night.  The Chairman described it as a success but expensive at €100 a night and also some petrol expenses were given to players. There was a commitment there added the Chairman.  

Player Injury’s

However there were injury’s most notably to Mickey O’Hehir shoulder injury against St. Mary’s, Aaron Clerkin , David Rooney.  Niall Hayes is going through the insurance and may need surgery according to the Chairman. One man who does require surgery is Mickey O’Hehir.  He faces a €7,100 medical bill with an estimate for €6,025 for surgery alone in the Santry Sports Clinic.  Colm proposed the Club come up with €1000 and another €1000 from the players and €600 from the player himself.  Paddy Galvin asked was the player “capable coming up with €600 euros.” The Chairman said he was. 
Treasurer Gerry Quinn has two trains of thought on it. First, he felt “the injury was compounded.  Something has to click in that guys are not playing with injury’s and this needs to be looked out. Secondly with the Insurance Scheme should we be looking for better cover!” 
 The Chairman explained that Mickey came back training and his shoulder went again. Colm would like to see a proper Insurance Officer in place and to do it efficiently.  He felt if Mickey O’Hehir’s injury “was dealt with it wouldn’t have cost as much”.
The Chairman congratulated Aaron Clerkin U-21 & Shane Stenson who are called into the County U-21 & Senior  team respectively.
The Chairman stated that since last October there was no player’s meeting. He went back to Anthony Brennan to say “they were not renewing his services.”     Senior players Shane Stenson, David Rooney and selector Sean Browne were in attendance and Colm congratulated Shane Stenson on his recent Sligo G.A.A Club All-Star Award and to the legendary Paddy Galvin on his Hall of Fame Award both richly deserved.

Underage reports

Reports by Fergal Henry Minor, Charlie Jordan U-16’s, Niall Gordon Intermediate, Kevin Patton U-8’s were read out.

Minor’s league success

Fergal Henry expressed his concern “that a number of players went to Connacht rugby and others were called into the senior team and county set up and training was almost impossible to organise. With a better organisation he felt the team was good enough to at least qualify for the Championship semi-finals (15 a side) which they were well capable off”.  Fergal Henry & Joe Grehan were the Minor managers and brought great success with the capture of the minor league title this year.

Charlie’s angel’s star

Charlie Jordan report he said the team won 5 out of 6 championship matches just losing out in the final to Calry.  The Club also had 3 members starring  on the Sligo development squad and on the winning U-16 Inter county Webb Cup tournament and that’s positive commented the U-16 manager.  He also thanked the committee, fellow mentors and players and the players especially for their commitment. He ended his report by congratulating Shane Stenson & Paddy Galvin on their recent awards. Colm Nevin wanted to be associated with Charlie Jordan’s remarks.
 Colm Nevin along with Kevin Reilly organised the U-14’s but alarmingly claimed “they seemingly were leaderless that team”. “Something needs to be looked at with just 6 players turning up for training.  Yet the team only forfeited one game and that was the last one against Geevagh. “We lost all our games”.    “The underage structure needs a radical shakeup and is probably deep rooted which started 5-6 years ago.” But it can be improved stated the Chairman.

Treasurer’s report

Gerry Quinn delivered a comprehensive Treasurers report which showed a surplus of €1679.  Quinn is “delighted with the fortnightly lotto draw which brings in €250-300 euro’s every two weeks and is being run by a small group of very dedicated people. From April- November €4,500 was raised by lotto sales. This is a fantastic success,” acknowledged the Treasurer. 
The scrap was also a success with thanks to Niall Gordon bringing in over €6,000. “We can’t depend on it though with fluctuating prices.”
A number of other queries were competently answered by the club Treasurer.
  Following the Treasurers report the Chairman thanked Gerry Quinn for an excellent report.
 “The lotto is going very well but with Carraroe Stores closing down we will need to find another couple of premises to get the lotto into.” said the Chairman.

Boston Tea Party Fundraiser
It was announced that the Club’s Boston Tea Party will go ahead on January 31st next.  Tables of 10-12 will be €20 a head. It’s a great fundraiser for the club and proposed to get a committee in place to organise it.

Election of Officers:
The Chairman stated that due to work commitments was stepping down.  He said he was also involved in training the U-14’s & Insurance Officer. 
 Sharon Smith Secretary & Gerry Quinn Treasurer also confirmed they were stepping down due to work commitments.
Paddy Galvin proposed Christy Murphy but he declined . Ray Henry was asked but also declined. 
Fergal Kelly without hesitation offered his services to help out at Juvenile level whatever way he could.
 Former Chairman John Leyden gave an impromptu and passionate speech when he said “This is one of the most important meetings in the history of the club. I haven’t still got over the embarrassment of the semi-final defeat. We need to try and rectify things for 2015. I have huge concerns going forward. The code of ethics is not there he claimed.  Quite a few players gave great commitment while others are not senior standard. Tubbercurry were defeated in last year’s final and within weeks were planning for this year bid. Many players make huge sacrifices while others go missing according to the former Chairman.  The Club won 2 adult championships in 2013 but where are all those players” he asked.  He described “Shane Stenson as the most improved player and with the minor’s success.  We want a 5 year plan and proposed Fergal Kelly to Chair Bord na Nog. With his leadership skills to put plans together.”

 Fergal couldn’t gave a firm commitment at this stage but it seems likely to will take up the position
Senior Selection Sean Browne asked that the management committee do all they can in order to try to get jobs for players as a number of them will be going to the States for work in the new year. They are looking for full time jobs he added. The Senior selector announced that he is 95% sure of what players that are going and who are staying.

As no candidates for the main positions was not forthcoming the Chairman asked that the former Chairmen of Christy Murphy, Charlie Jordan, John Leyden & Ray Henry to come up with names for the positions.
The meeting will reconvene in 2 weeks time on Saturday 20th December at 5 p.m. in the Cuilbeg meeting rooms in Stenson Park.

The election of officers that did take place are as follows:

Presidents:  Fr. Jim Murray, Fr. Gillolly & Fr. Walsh
Proposed: John Leydon & Seconded by Willie Grady/
Patrons: Gene Flynn & Paddy Galvin
Proposed:  Owen McLean & Seconded  by Charlie Jordan
P.R.O.: Michael McGee
Proposed: Paddy Galvin & Seconded by Ray Henry
Assistant P.R.O.: Niall Gordon
Proposed:  Michael McGee & seconded by Sean Browne
Insurance Officer: Colm Nevin
Proposed: Charlie Jordan & Seconded by Sean Browne
County Board Delegate: Christy Murphy
Proposed: Gene Flynn and Seconded by John Leyden
Irish Language Officer: Mick Barrett
Proposed: Ray Henry and seconded by Niall Gordon
Coaching Officer: Charlie Jordan
Proposed: Gerry Quinn and seconded by Niall Gordon

The meeting was then adjourned:

Sunday 23 November 2014

Sligo G.A.A Club All-Star Award for Shane Stenson - Paddy Galvin Hall of Fame Award

Congratulations to Shane Stenson Sligo G.A.A. Club All-Star Midfielder for 2014. And also to Paddy Galvin Hall of Fame.
Sligo had 4 nominees for the All-Stars which included Eoin Flanagan & Charlie Harrison. Well done to Shane a deserving winner.

Friday 21 November 2014

St. John's G.A.A Club AGM


The A.G.M. of the St. John's G.A.A Club will take place in the Club House in Cuilbeg on Saturday 6th December at 5 p.m.

We invite all our present members and anyone in the area who wish to get involved in the club at any level to attend. Now more than ever we need volunteers to assist in the various areas of club activities.

Tuesday 18 November 2014

Hall of Fame Award for the great Paddy Galvin.

Hall of Fame Award for the great Paddy Galvin.

St. John’s Paddy Galvin will receive the “Hall of Fame” accolade at the Sligo Champion Sligo G.A.A All-Stars function in the Radisson Hotel on Saturday evening, writes Michael McGee.

 No stranger to awards Paddy also received the G.A.A President’s Award from then G.A.A President Christy Cooney in March 2012.

Paddy Galvin has been a lifetime associated with the GAA as well as his involvement in many aspects of local community life.  Paddy was born in Faheeran in the Parish of Tubber, Co. Offaly in 1936 and has lived in Carraroe, Co. Sligo for the past 45 years.  At Club level Paddy has played with the Tubber Club (Offaly), Oliver Plunkett’s (Drogheda), Wolfe Tones (Drogheda), Dowdalls Hill (Dundalk), Cloich Cheann Fhaola (Cloughaneely, Co. Donegal) and Craobh Rua (Sligo).  At County level, he has played minor football with Louth and hurling with Louth, Donegal and Sligo.  He has won Championship medals in three Provinces – with Cloich Cheann Fhaola in Donegal, North Division football medals in Sligo, as well as Hurling Championship medals in both Louth and Sligo.  He also has an All-Ireland Vocational School’s Football medal.

Paddy was a founder member of a Juvenile GAA Club in Carraroe which was the forerunner to the now successful St. John’s Club .Paddy has served as St. John’s Club Secretary and Chairman over the years and is currently its Club President.

Paddy is Secretary of the Markievicz Park Committee having held this position for over 20 years.  He is also Markievicz Park’s Event Controller.  His loyalty to both club and county is evident by his presence at fixtures throughout the year in all weathers.  His presence particularly at all levels of competition in various grades at Markievicz Park is an example to all GAA members countrywide, where he tends to the needs of the players, mentors and supporters and contributes in a huge way together with the other members of the Park Committee in having the “Park” in pristine condition for the big days.



Sunday 28 September 2014

Disappointment for St. John’s as Mark Breheny fires St. Mary’s into final

Belfry Sponsored Sligo SFC semi-final:
St. Mary’s 2-15 St. John’s 1-5

Disappointment for St. John’s as Mark Breheny fires St. Mary’s into final

St.John’s season has finally ended at the semi-final stage following defeat to great rivals St. Mary’s in Markievicz Park writes Michael McGee.

 The Carraroe side had to make a change right before the start with influential defender Mark Rooney forced off with a calf injury.  

The old adage; forwards wins games and St. Mary’s had the dangerous attacking force of Mark Breheny,  Stephen Coen, Colm Egan who were more potent in attack while St. John’s were relying heavily on the overworked Charlie Harrison for scores.

 Rooney was replaced by Ronan McGarrigle in full back line. St. Mary’s also made a change from the starting line with Johnny Martyn making a surprise and welcome return to the St. Mary’s half back line at the expense of Stephen Keenan.  Cian Breheny got St. Mary’s on the scoreboard within the first minute pointing from 25 meters out.  St. Mary’s doubled their lead on 2 minutes after Mark Breheny sold a dummy and laid off the pass to Stephen Coen who slotted over. Breheny provider turned poacher then opened his account with a left footed pointed free on the right wing 21 meters out from goal on 7 minutes. Breheny would finish with a personal tally of 1-8 to his credit and was a constant thorn for the St. John’s rearguard. St. Mary’s tactic of crowding midfield worked as it didn’t give St. John’s midfielder Shane Stenson much opportunity of high fielding. Breheny punished any mistakes with St. John’ s forced to foul the lively St. Mary’s  forwards most notably Mark McGoldrick & Stephen Coen. Almost at the same spot Breheny again pointed on the right wing to put St.Mary’s 4 points up after 14 minutes. St. John’s Manager  Anthony Brennan rung the first of his 5 substitutions with Conor Greene replacing Feidhlim Murphy who had earlier been booked.  Further scores from Colm Egan, Mark Breheny (2), & Johnny Martyn put St. Mary’s almost out of sight. It took St. John’s all off 29 minutes to open their account with James Murphy pointing who had just been introduced a minute earlier.  St. Mary’s dominated the first half and were full value for their 0-8 to 0-1 half time lead . 

St. John’s brought on Philip Greene in goals for Noel O’Donnell at half time.  Within a minute of the resumption Fiachra Greenan reacted quickest after the ball came off the crossbar and Grennan turned quickly to slot over.  Two minutes later Stephen Coen pointed for St. Mary’s and it got even better for Tommy Breheny’s side after Brian Smith’s defence splitting pass to the unmarked Mark Breheny and he made no mistake from 14 metres out. St. Mary’s went into a big 1-9  0-2 lead after 36 minutes. Another Breheny point soon after forced St. John’s into another substitution and in came Mark Rooney for Ian Rossitor . Time and time again promising moves by St. John’s were either broken down or cut out by a well disciplined St. Mary’s back line while on other occasions St. John’s forwards ran into a cul de sac and caught out in possession.  With play opening up the full of running Breheny was given the freedom of the park and he utilised it fully. He was again on hand to put St. Mary’s further ahead by 1-11 to 0-3 after 43 minutes. St. John’s Shane Stenson finally broke free from the St. Mary’s stranglehold at midfield to lay off the pass to his midfield colleague Oisin Cox who pointed.  Dermot O’Connor kept St. Mary’s well out on front with his first point.  Mark Breheny landed over another free over the bar from 23 metres out .  The game was quickly drifting away from St. John’ s and when the Carraroe men needed a bit of inspiration up stepped Charlie Harrison who crashed an unstoppable shot to the roof of the net past Mark Rooney in the St. Mary’s goal with 7 minutes remaining. St. Mary’s introduced the towering Niall McManus for Christopher Kelly while St. John’s were forced to bring on a sub after Brian Harris was black carded and in came David Burke. Johnny Davey & Oisin Cox traded scores before Brian Smith found himself totally unmarked close to the St. John’s and shot pass the diving Philip Greene in the St. John’s to seal St. Mary’s safe passage into this year’s final.  Best for a St. John’s  side that failed to reach the heights of their quarter final win over Coolera/Strandhill were Charlie Harrison, James Murphy, Oisin Cox and Tommy Kelly  while the St.Mary’s had Mark Breheny, Stephn Coen, Colm Egan, Brian Smith and the “3 J’s in the half back line”  of Johnny Martyn, Johnny Davey & Jonathan Lynch all snuffing out a St. John’s forward line that failed to ignite.

Scorers St. John’s: Charlie Harrison 1-0, Oisin Cox 0-2,Fiachra Grennan 0-1, James Murphy 0-1, Mark Rooney 0-1.

St. Mary’s: Mark Breheny 1-8, Brian Smith 1-0 Stephen Coen 0-2,  Colm Egan 0-1, Dermot O’Connor 0-1, Johnny Martyn 0-1 Cian Breheny  0-1, Johnny Davey 0-1.

St. John’s:
Noel O’Donnell, Aaron Clerkin, Ronan McGarrigle, Eoin Flanagan, Feidhlim Murphy, Niall Walsh, Paul McNamara, Oisin Cox, Shane Stenson, Charlie Harrison, Philip Greene, Tommy Kelly, Ian Rossitor, Killian Sweeney, Fiachra Grennan;

Subs: Conor Greene for Murphy  19 mins, James Murphy for Greene 28 mins,  Philip Greene for O’Donnell Half time,  Brian Harris for Greene 33 mins   Mark Rooney for Rossitor 38 mins. David Burke for Harris (black card) 54 mins

St.Mary’s :
Mark Rooney, Kevin Coen, Ben McGarry, Caolan O’Grady, Johnny Martyn, Johnny Davey, Jonathon Lynch, Dermot O’Connor, Brian Smith, Colm Egan, Mark Breheny, Cian Breheny, Christopher Kelly, Stephen Coen, Mark McGoldrick.

Subs used: Dylan Kilgallon for Cian Breheny 50 mins, Stephen Keenan for Martyn  55 mins,  David Martyn for Lynch 57 mins



Tuesday 23 September 2014

St. John's v St. Mary Sligo SFC semi-finals




Belfry Sponsored Sligo SFC semi-finals:

Sunday 28th September at 2.30 p.m in Markievicz Park
St. John's v St. Mary's

Saturday 6 September 2014

St. John’s march into semi-finals

St. John’s march into semi-finals


Following a dismal qualifying campaign which seen the Carraroe side just win two of their qualifying group games there is optimism at last that Anthony Brennan’s side could yet still have a major say on where the Owen B Hunt Cup will reside this year, writes Michael McGee.

In a low scoring first half both teams just managed 3 points each.

St. John’s Philip Greene opened the scoring for St. John’s after just 2 minutes following a pass from the athletic Charlie Harrison. A minute later Shane Stenson doubled St. John’s lead when tapping over a 13 meter free. The Coolera/Strandhill goalie Kevin Kelly then made a terrific save to deny Killian Sweeney from close range. The Coolera forwards were guilty of some poor shooting in good positions when shooting 6 first half wides.  It took Coolera/Strandhill  all of 12 minutes to get on the score board.   Barry O’Mahony’s point from all of 45 meters sailed between the posts. Oisin Cox following a great cross field pass from his midfield partner Shane Stenson ran 45 metres and pointed from 21 metres out.  Coolera’s Vinny Cadden moved out to midfield from the half forward line and did a lot of good work in the early exchanges.  Philip Greene was blacked carded and was replaced by Ronan McGarrigle.  Another 12 minutes elapsed before Coolera Strandhill managed to raise the white flag again this time from Chris McGlynn and this was quickly added to by Karol O’Neill a minute later.  Both sides went in at half time level at 0-3 each.

Rooney points the way

St.John’s were quickly into their stride at the start of the second half.   Great movement by Charlie Harrison on the left wing  who cut inside his marker fed the ball to Ronan McGarrigle who in turn seen the unmarked Shane Stenson free in the centre and he duly pointed from 22 metres out in front of the posts to edge the Carraroe men in front. Coolera brought on Garry Cadden after just 5 minutes of the second half but  it was St. John’s who moved through the gears.  Coolera/Strandhill goalie Kevin Kelly was again called into action after Killian Sweeney waltzed passed 2 defenders and Kelly again made a magnificent save to foil the inrushing full forward. It was to get even better for St. John’s as their super sub Mark Rooney’s 3 points in a five minute spell and Killian Sweeney who elected to kick the ball over the bar with a goal chance on with St. John’s leading 0-8 to 0-3 after 45 minutes.

Grennan’s goal stirs St. John’s

It took Coolera/Strandhill all of twenty minutes to register their first score in the second half with Ciaran Brennan pointing following good work from Niall Murphy. Murphy was again on hand to point soon after.  St. John’s stamped their authority on the game when their star forward Fiachra Greenan gathered a ball in the left corner. There didn’t seem to be any danger yet within a flash Grennan rounded Conor McDonagh and let fly from 14 meters shooting to the roof of the net giving Kelly no chance.  Niall Murphy then pointed for Coolera/Strandhill.  From the resulting kick out the ball broke kindly at midfield into the hands of the inrushing Tommy Kelly. Kelly ran at pace from the half way line at full throttle to put the ball between the posts for an excellent score. With time almost up Coolera finally found a way through the St. John’s well managed rearguard. Keelan Cawley who had a quiet game by his standards finally came to life when bursting past two defenders before placing the ball low past O’Donnell’s despairing dive. It was a case of too little too late for Coolera/Standhill as referee John Gilmartin blew the final whistle soon after.

Best for St. John’s were Killian Sweeney, Mark Rooney, Shane Stenson, Niall Walsh,  Charlie Harrison, Tommy Kelly & Oisin Cox while Coolera/Strandhill’s  Gary & Vinny Cadden, Karol O’Neill, Kevin Kelly & Niall Murphy all putting in notable performances.

Scorers St. John’s Fiachra Grennan 1-0, Mark Rooney 0-3,Shane Stenson 0-2, Tommy Kelly 0-1, Oisin Cox 0-1, Philip Greene 0-1.

Coolera/Strandhill: Keelan Cawley 1-0, Niall Murphy 0-2, Ciaran Brennan 0-1,  Chris McGlynn 0-1,  Karol O’Neill 0-1,  Barry O’Mahony.

St. John's: Noel O’ Donnell, Aaron Clerkin, Niall Walsh, Eoin Flanagan, Feidhlim Murphy, David Rooney, Paul  McNamara,  Oisin Cox, Shane Stenson, Charlie Harrison, Philip Greene, Tommy Kelly, Ian Rossitor, Killian Sweeney, Fiachra Grennan.

Subs: Ronan McGarrigle for Greene black card 20 mins,  Mark Rooney for Rossitor 23 mins, Conor Green for McGarrigle 56 mins.

Coolera/Strandhill:
Kevin Kelly, Conor McDonagh, David McGee, Keelan Cawley, Gary Cawley, Karol O’Neill, Enada Mitchell, Ciaran Maloney, Adrian McPartland, Vinny Cadden, Barry Doyle, Niall Murphy, Chris McGlynn, John McPartland, Barry O’Mahony,
Subs: Gary Cadden for O’Mahony 35 mins, Tony Watters for McPartland 44 mins,


Referee John Gilmartin