Saturday 31 May 2014

Second defeat for St. John's in Intermediate Championship

Kennedy’s sponsored Intermediate Championships rd 2
Cloonacool 1-17 St. John’s 1-6

Brennan stars for Cloonacool

Operating at Centre half back Evander Brennan covered every inch of Markievicz Park. With his prodigious work rate he drove Cloonacool on with every opportunity, writes Michael McGee

 Brennan’s extraordinary engine seen the likes of Hughie Marren & James Lawrence benefit greatly  to get the all important scores and scupper any chance of a St. John’s fightback.

Joe Neary opened Cloonacool’s account with their first attack a point from 35 meters out after just 40 seconds.  Five minutes later St. John’s Dylan Healy had the sides level with a well taken score from all of 38 meters. Two converted frees from reliable freetaker Colm Henry and a point from James Lawrence put Cloonacool 4 points to 1 in front after just 13 minutes of play. The St. John’s response was swift and immediate, Fiachra Grennan gathered a ball over on the right wing 24 meters out and raced past 2 Cloonacool defenders before blasting to the roof of James Armstrong’s net to level the match .

The wily Joe Neary was again on the score sheet with a point and Evander Brennan added to it a minute later.  A Cloonacool defender lost possession when coming out with the ball and Geoff Corcoran was gifted an easy score from 13 meters out. James Lawrence & Fiachra Grennan then traded scores.  And two further scores on the stroke of half time from Hughie Marren & Colm Henry put Cloonacool 0-9 to 1-3 ahead at half time.
Jamie Lawrence pointed for Cloonacool just after the break. Noel Hynes in the St. John’s goal made a terrific save from Brennan soon afterwards. Fiachra Grennan was again on target for St. Johns after 6 minutes.    Cloonacool’s full forward Hughie Marren who had an outstanding game throughout took on 3 St. John’s defenders before splitting the posts for a great individual score on 11 minutes.   Further scores from Evander Brennan, Jamie Lawrence, Damien Sweeney (2) in an 8 minute spell had Cloonacool well out in front by 15 points to 1-5. The game was put well and truly beyond St. John’s reach with Brennan’s pin point pass to Marren and he nonchalantly placed the ball low and away from the despairing reach of Noel Hynes in the St.John’s goal.

  Some great interchange play from Brennan to Henry and back to Brennan pointing, added to St. John’s woes.  Marren & Grennan exchanged scores before Michael Gallagher pointed and ended the scoring with Cloonacool comfortably winning out by 1-17 to 1-6. Cloonacool’s win compounded a miserable evening for the footballers of St. John’s in Markievicz Park.

Best for Cloonacool were Niall Walsh, Evander Brennan, Joe Neary, Colm Henry and the entire full forward line of James Lawrence, Hughie Marren & Damien Sweeney.

St. Johns were best served by Robert Fahy, Fiachra Grennan, Mark Cunningham & Kieran Blake.

Cloonacool: James Armstrong, Padraig Murtagh, Niall McCarrick, Niall Walsh, Gerard Mullarkey, Evander Brennan,  Bill Carthy, Joe Neary, Fergus Leonard, Ronan Leonard, Colm Henry, Packie McIntryre,  James Lawrence,  Hughie Marren, Damien Sweeney. Subs Michael Gallagher 55 mins (0-1) Michael Henry & Stephen Gallagher both 57 mins

St John’s: Noel Hynes, Kieran Walsh, Paul McDonnell, Paul McLean, Robert Fahy, Jamie Grehan,  Shane Kilcawley, Mark Cunningham, Kieran Blake, James Noonan, John Reilly, Dylan Healy, Fiachra Grennan,  Dara McGarrity, Geoff Corcoran: Subs: Alex Selby  (20 mins)  Mark Gerrity (35 mins) John Reilly  (46 mins) Andrew Kerr (50 mins)

Scores Cloonacool: Hughie Marren (1-3) James Lawrence (0-4)  Colm Henry (0-3) Evander Brennan (0-3) Joe Neary (0-2)  Damien Sweeney (0-2)  Michael Gallagher (0-1)

St. Johns: Fiachra Grennan  (1-4) Geoff Corcoran (0-1) Dylan Healy (0-1)

Referee: Ciaran O’Donnell.



Tuesday 27 May 2014

St. John's in double header in Markievicz Park on Saturday


Belfry Sponsored Sligo SFC  Group 1 Rd 2
Saturday 31st May at 5.45 p.m. in  Markievicz Park
St. John’s v St. Mary’s


Kennedy’s  Sponsored Intermediate Championship Group 2 Rd 2 at 7.30 p.m.

St. John’s v Cloonacool

Sunday 25 May 2014

Understrength St. John's ship heavy loss to Castleconnor

St. John's Intermediate team in action in the 1st round of the Championship


Action from today's St. John's v Castleconnor tie


Meath man Terry Farrelly going forward in attack

Kennedy’s sponsored Sligo Intermediate football championship round 1
Castleconnor 3-21  St. John’s 0-6

Castleconnor cruise to  victory.

Castleconnor one of the favourites for this year’s Intermediate title cruised to an comprehensive 24 point victory over a severely depleted and understrength St. John’s side in Enniscrone, writes Michael McGee.

 The match was effectively over at half time with Castleconnor leading by 0-12 to 0-3.

The foundation for Castleconnor’ win came from their lethal full forward line of Mattew Cullen, Stephen Curley  & Eamon Cawley who were  simply scintillating.  The trio contributed handsomely  1-16 of Castleconnor’s overall total.  Both corner forwards Mullen & Curley were on fire and gave an exhibition of point scoring for the entire sixty minutes.  Castleconnor went straight into attack and their midfielder Patrick Naughton found himself with only the goalie to beat but he shot wide of Noel Hynes left upright. Kevin Langan then started the Castleconnor rout scoring a delightful score on the run from 21 meters out after 3 minutes. Mattew Cullen pointed soon after an initial great block by Hynes in the St. Johns goal.  Three minutes later Cullen again scoring off his left foot.  Stephen Curley the other flying corner forward got on the scoresheet a minute later.  St. John’s opened their account with an 43 metre free on 8 minutes from Gerard Fagan and he added another from 24 metres soon after. Further scores from Cullen & Curley put Castleconnor 7 points to 2 up  after 15 minutes. St. John’s Noel Hynes was forced into making another great save from Cullen. St. John’s Geoff Corcoran was forced off with a hamstring injury and he was replaced by Darren McGough. Further scores from Kevin Langan (3) and a point a piece from Stephen Cullen & Mattew Cullen put Castleconnor into already an unassailable 0-12 0-3 lead at half time.

For almost the entire second half the ball was going in only “one direction” towards the St. John’s goal. St. John’s midfielder Mark Cunningham,  Terry Farrelly & Killian Blake did their utmost to stem the incessant Castleconnor attack. Further scores from Stephen Curley Eamon Cawley( 2)  Kevin Langan had Castleconnor in the driving seat and Curley  made sure of a Castleconnor win when he shot low and hard pass Noel Hynes in the St. John’s goal for a great individual goal.  Castleconnor had the luxury of bringing on their 5 subs in the second half.  Stephen Kilgannon a substitute scored Castleconnor’s second goal and Owen Flynn added a third soon after.   All St. John’s had to show for their second half was 3 points from the boot of Kieran Blake.  Castleconnor’s lethal full forward attack of Stephen Curley, Mattew Cullen  and Eamon Cawley together were simply mesmerizing.  Kevin Langan ended the scoring with a goal at his mercy blasted over to seal victory for Castleconnor.

Castleconnor best players were Keith Earlis, Patrick Naughton, Owen Flynn, Kevin Langan and the entire full forward line of Curley, Cawley & Cullen were menacing in attack.  St. John’s had able performances from Terry Farrelly, Mark Cunningham, Killian Black & Gerard Fagan.

Scores St. John’s : Kieran Blake (0-3) Gerard Fagan (0-2) John Reilly (0-1)

Castleconnor:  Stephen Curley (1-8) Kevin Langan (0-5) Mattew Cullen ( 0-5)  Steven Kilgannon (1-0) Owen Flynn (1-0) Eamon Cawley (0-3)

St. John’s: Noel Hynes, John McNulty, Jamie Grehan, Andrew Kerr, Shane Kilcawley, Rory Kerins, Terry Farrelly, Mark Cunningham, Killian Blake, Jamie Grehan, John Reilly, Geoff Corcoran, Andrew Vallely , Fiachra Mooney, Gerard Fagan: Sub Darren McGough

Castleconnor: Anthony Kilcullen, Ronan Keane, Patrick McGuinness, John McDonnell, Eoin Kent, Michael Langan, Keith Earlis, Patrick Naughton, Kevin McDonnell, Owen Flynn, Kevin Langan, Paul Hackett, Stephen Curley, Eamon Cawley, Mattew Cullen. Subs used Brian Howley, Ciaran Kilcullen, Brendan Howley, Tomas Cawley, Stephen Kilgannon.

Referee: Malachy Maher.           


Saturday 24 May 2014

Defeat for St. John's in round 1 of Sligo Senior football championship

The St.John's senior football team that were in action in the first round of the Sligo senior football championship


Belfry Sponsored Sligo Senior Football Championship round 1
 Tubbercurry 0-15 St. John’s 1-08

Winning start for Tubbercurry as St. John’s falter

Tubbercurry are off to a winning start in this year’s Belfry sponsored Sligo senior football championship, writes Michael McGee

St. Johns having failed to score for the first 17 minutes in the first half and with the concession of 5 points without  reply in the first 14 minutes of the second half left the Carraroe side with too much to do despite coming back strongly in the second half.

The opening skirmishes resulted in St. John’s Mickey O Hehir stopping Tubbercurry’s Cian Gilmartin who let fly a stinging shot from 21 metres. The St. John’s corner back managed to deflect away an almost certain goal right at the very start. Tubbercurry’s Steven Kilcoyne opened the scoring on 4 minutes with a pointed free from 21 metres out straight in front of the posts. On ten minutes  Darragh Kilcoyne increased Tubbers lead with a converted  free.  Tubbercurry sub Barry Brennan was called into the action soon after and he made a telling contribution for the rest of the match.    The athletic Cian Kiloran was fouled when bearing down on goals. Up stepped Dara Kilcoyne again with a 21 metre free on 12 minutes.  The overworked St. John’s defence was forced into conceding another free and Dara Kilcoyne duly obliged to put Tubbercurry  4 points to 1  up with 15 minutes passed.  It took St. John’s all of 17 minutes to get on the scoreboard when David Rooney’s great incisive run from 30 metres split the posts. Within 4 minutes and having being outplayed St. John’s were right back in it. Brian Harris showed a clean pair of heels,  ran 30 metres before unleashing an unstoppable shot into the roof of the  net giving Daniel McDonald in the Tubber goal no chance. The sides were level at 1-1 0-4.   St. John’s Daniel Smyth came in for Brian McGowan on 24 minutes. Two scores from Tubbercurry’s Steven Kilcoyne (1 free)  and a point from St. John’s Mark Rooney ended the scoring in the first half with Tubbercurry leading 0-6 1-2.

It was all Tubbercurry for the first 14 minutes of the second half when they scored 5 points without reply with points from Steven Kilcoyne (2) Brian Curran the substitute, David Kelly &  Cian Kiloran all adding points.  Like a prize fighter clinging to the ropes St. John’s breathed life into their game at last. With a greater sense of urgency that wasn’t seen in the first half the Carraroe side  rallied and hit back magnificently with a 5 point salvo of their own.  John Scanlon replied with a brace his second score from a difficult angle over on the left wing from 14 metres was particularly impressive.  Oisin Cox & 2 points from Mark Rooney in a minute kept St. John’s hopes very much alive. The momentum swung back to St. John’s but alarmingly they failed to press home their advantage. Some wayward passing let them down at a critical juncture in the match.     Brian Morahan kept Tubbercurry out in front with a great score from a difficult angle.  Tubber’s Brian Curran elected to punch the ball over the ball when in a good position close to goal.  Mark Rooney pointed from 30 metres to leave just 2 points in it 1-08 0-13 with 5 minutes left on the clock.   It was Tubbercurry who finished the stronger with Cathal Surlis running 40 metres at pace kicking the ball over the bar for an inspirational score and then Brian Morahan selling a nice dummy before pointing from 14 metres to give Tubbercurry the win by 0-15 1-8.

Best for St. John’s were Steven Kerins, David & Mark Rooney, Brian Harris & John Scanlon while Tubbercurry’s best were Cian Kiloran, Steven & Dara Kilcoyne, David Kelly , Cian Gilmartin, Barry Brennan & Brian Morahan.

Referee: Gus Chapman

Note:  Owenmore GFC have to be complimented on having Connolly Park looking in pristine for Saturday’s double header.  The Sligo G.A.A Board too, produced a very helpful match programme.

Scorers St. John’s  Mark Rooney (0-4) Brian Harris (1-0) David Rooney (0-1)  John Scanlon (0-2) Oisin Cox (0-1)

Tubbercurry: Steven Kilcoyne (0-5)  Dara Kilcoyne (0-4) Brian Morahan (0-2) Cathal Surlis (0-1) Brian Curran (0-1)  David Kelly (0-1) Cian Kilcoyne (0-1)

St. John’s: Philip Greene, Eoin Flanagan,Niall Walsh, Mickey O’Hehir, Phelim Murphy, Steven Kerins,  David Rooney, James Murphy, Oisin Cox, Brian McGowan, Mark Rooney, Tommy Kelly, Brian Harris,John Scanlon, Conor Greene. Sub   Ciaran Walsh (24 mins)


Tubbercurry: Daniel McDonald, David Wynne, Brian Murphy, Daniel Maye, Cathal Surlis, Owen Coleman, James Kelly, Aidan Brennan, Cian Kiloran, Cian Gilmartin, Dara Kilcoyne, Fabio Cretero , Steven Kilcoyne, Dermot Walsh, David Kelly; Subs: Barry Brennan (10 mins) Brian Curran (27 minutes) Brian Morahan (half time)

Sunday 18 May 2014

St John's & Sligo star David Rooney receiving the Man of the Match award from today's Connacht Junior Football final win over Leitrim


Embedded image permalink

David Rooney receiving the Man of the Match Award from today's Connacht Junior Football final win over Leitrim from Frank Burke President Connacht G.A.A.  The Club had 2 more representatives involved in the team Eoin Flanagan at Corner Back and Conor Kearins at right half forward.  Great representation from the Club on the County Junior Team.

Preview of St. John's opening ties in the Senior & Intermediate championships

Club  P.R.O. Michael McGee previews the opening matches in this year’s Senior & Intermediate ties involving St. John’s.

St. John’s Senior’s up against it while an understrength Intermediate team face a difficult assignment in Enniscrone.

St. John’s take on Tubbercurry in the first round of the Belfry sponsored Sligo Senior football championship in Connolly Park Collooney on Saturday evening. Tubbercurry have the “Indian sign” over St. Johns. In last year’s championship St. John’s were beaten twice by Tubbercurry in the group rounds and in the knockout stage. And more recently Tubbercurry also got the better of the “Saints” in a low scoring league match in Stenson Park last March by 8 pts to 5 in Tubbers favour. Training started in early January for St. Johns and has been going well under the watchful eye of Manager Anthony Brennan

St. John’s are expected to have a near full strength panel to pick from.  Club & County star Charlie Harrison is still unavailable after picking up a shoulder injury in Sligo’s victory over Offaly in early March. Harrison is making good progress and it is hoped that he will be involved in forthcoming championships matches for St. Johns

After an initial early set back in the league the Senior’s are right back in contention with 4 wins on the trot following recent wins over Drumcliff/Rosses Point & Geevagh respectively.  

Tubbercurry last year’s runners up will start as warm favourites however with the Management pedigree of Anthony Brennan in the St. John’s set up this year and ably assisted by selectors Sean Brown & Sean Reilly. The trio have put in countless hours and graft with the team getting them primed for Saturday’s opening blast.

Tubbercurry will be expected once again to prevail over St. John’s. But expect Brennan, Brown & Reilly to orchestrate an ambush in Collooney. A close contest is expected.

Intermediate team to face Castleconnor challenge head on

Meanwhile the Intermediate side face a daunting a trip to Enniscrone to take on what many people consider will be the favourites for this year’s Intermediate title in Castleconnor. A number of key players are unavailable while injury’s have hampered the teams preparations.   Brian McCaffrey is away on honeymoon while David Burke is in China. Robbie Galvin has returned to training but Killian Harris & Brian Keaney are abroad.  Joe Mitchell, Jamie McGovern and Mark Gerrity are expected to return to training this week to bolster an understrength team. Joint Manager Niall Gordon (along with Ray Henry) despite the unavailability of a number of key personnel stated “there is no doubt we can be competitive in Intermediate football but this game may come a few weeks too soon.” “It will be a tough task but we are looking forward to the challenge”, acknowledged Gordon.

(With thanks to contributions from Sean Brown & Niall Gordon)

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Friday 16 May 2014

An underage league double thwarted by Castleconnor


St. John’s were aiming for an underage league double success over Castleconnor in a week. The Minor B title was safely tucked away last week but the U-16 B title ambitions were dented by an inform Castleconnor team.

In ideal conditions in St. Brendan’s Park on Thursday evening last hopes were high of securing another underage title.

It took Saint John's about ten minutes to settle into the game and get a grip at midfield through Cameron Keaney who had a great hour. All the forwards Evan Davy, Paddy McDonagh, Shane Egan Jordan Gorman, Dillon Lynch McMorrow were getting plenty of possession but the shooting was letting them down.

The backs of Padraig Hansbury, Oscar Schmydt, Jack Lynch, Mattie McAleenan Caolin Hession, Mark Connolly and our superb goalkeeper Conor McGovern played out of their skins for the full hour. The full back line were very busy for the first half but to their credit they drove back every attack. At half time St John's were seven points in arrears. A great goal from Paddy Mc Donagh and a very good long range point from Cathal Jordan and a point from Dillon Lynch McMorrow completed our scoring in the first half.

Jordan’s magic touch  

The second half started as the first one with Castleconnor running at the St. John’s defence in waves. St. John’s  dealt with all the pressure driving back each attack and forcing the opposition to shoot quickly and miss the target. The scoreboard ticking over during this half with points from Shane Egan, Paddy McDonagh, Cathal Jordan and Jordan Gorman. Jordan Gorman finished with a goal that would grace any occasion.  A long ball kicked in from midfield was finished to the net. A piece of magic by Jordan seen his over head fisted attempt finished to the net for an outstanding piece of pure individual brilliance.

This was a great effort by the St. John's who now turn their attention to the championship.


The Team on duty was  Conor McGovern, Padraig Hansbury, Oscar Schmtdt, Mark Connolly, Jack Lynch, Mattie McAleenan, Cathal Jordan, Cameron Keaney, Evan Davy, Paddy McDonagh, Shane Egan, Jordan Gorman, Dillon Lynch McMorrow, Caolin Hession.


Monday 12 May 2014

On Yer Bike - Flanagan Cycles sponsor St. John's G.A.A Club Nursery Programme



Gerry Quinn  St. John's G.A.A Club on right receiving sponsorship from Seamus Flanagan of Flanagan Cyles for the Club's Nursery Programme that will run for six weeks.
Also in the picture is Ciaran Quinn, Sean Mone and Daire Patton

Seamus Flanagan of Flanagan Cycles with a happy group of St. John's young Nursery stars


Flanagan Cycles Cleveragh have announced their sponsorship with the St. John's G.A.A Club nursery programme for 2014.  

This year's nursery is kindly sponsored by Seamus & Nuala Flanagan of Flanagan Cycles Cleveragh.

The Nursery is designed for children born in 2008 and 2009 and to introduce the children to the skills  of Gaelic Games in a fun and enjoyable environment. Club Coaches will be on hand along with Sligo G.A.A Officer Liam Og Gormley

The Camp will run for six weeks starting on Wednesday 21st May at 6 p m. and will run each Wednesday until Wednesday 25st June with a final fun evening will be held just before the summer holidays.

Application forms can be had from the local schools.

For further details contact Charlie Jordan on 087 8177925, Niall Gordon on 087 6787803 and Gerry Quinn on 087 2636914

Sunday 11 May 2014

The St. John’s Flanagan Cycles sponsored G.A.A Nursery dates announced

The St. John’s Flanagan Cycles sponsored G.A.A Nursery dates announced



Flanagan Cycles Cleveragh have teamed up with St. John’s G.A.A Club to sponsor  this year’s G.A.A Nursery at the Cleveragh grass Pitch opposite the Sligo Sports Complex beginning on Wednesday 21st May 2014 at  6 p.m.

This year’s G.A.A Nursery is kindly sponsored by Nuala & Seamus Flanagan of Flanagan Cycles  Cleveragh. We at the club appreciate and Thank Nuala & Seamus for their very valuable and continued support to the club.

The Nursery is designed to cater for Children born in 2008 and 2009 and will introduce children to the skills of Gaelic Games in a fun and enjoyable way by trained coaches from our club and from the County Board under the guidance of Liam Og Gormley Sligo G.A.A Games Promotion Officer. The Camp will run from Wednesday 21st May at 6 p.m. and every Wednesday evening for a six week period with a fun final evening on June 25th 2014 just before t he summer holidays.

Application forms will be distributed through your local school and if parents just fill in the form and return it to the school via your child. Looking forward to seeing you and your future footballer on the 21st May.

For any queries Ring Charlie Jordan on 087-8177915, Niall Gordon  on 087-6787803 and Gerry Quinn on  087-2636914 

Saturday 10 May 2014

No Joy for St. John's

Furey Coaches SFL Division 2:  St. Farnan’s 1-16 St John’s 2-7

St. Farnan’s Fenney & Ryan put St. John’s to the sword, writes Michael McGee

Razor sharp Shane Fenney &  Liam Ryan were the match winners  for  St. Farnan’s as the duo sliced through a porous looking St. John’s  rearguard to claim both points in a blustery St. Farnan’s Community Park on Saturday evening last.

With injury’s mounting up for the Carraroe side and their lack of forward penetration it proved a mountain to high to scale. The Dromore West/Templeboy combination were full value for their victory.   St. Farnans were the first to opening the scoring when Shane Fenney pointed from 28 metres on 3 minutes. Liam Ryan doubled it with great movement from the inside forwards causing the St. John’s rearguard plenty of problems right from the get go. Brian McGowan put St. John’s on the scoreboard when running through  the St. Farnan’s defence and pointing from 21 meters on six minutes. A free from Liam Ryan put St. Farnan’s 3 points to 1 up after just 9 minutes.   St. John’s John Reilly had them right back in it when he lobbed the St. Farnan’s goalie Padraic Harte. Reilly’s attempted point dropped under the cross bar and deceived Harte in the St. Farnan’s goal. Three minutes later the sides were level  for the first and only time in the match when St. Farnan’s dangerous Corner Forward  Shane Feeney gathered a weak kick out and slotted over. The tactic of St. Farnan’s using the right wing caused most damage for the St. John’s rearguard.   In a nine minute spell St. Farnans blitzed St. Johns  1-6 without reply.  Liam Ryan again on target for St. Farnan’s with a well worked goal. Indeed the entire St. Farnan’s defence played well as a unit closing down the Sky blues at every opportunity and moving the ball fast up to their forwards most notably Shane Feeney and Liam Ryan who gave the St. John’s rearguard a torrid evening overall.   Indeed these two lethal full forwards accounted for 1-12 of the St. Farnan’s entire total of 1-16. With Liam Ryan accounting for a personal tally of 1-5 and Fenney with 0-7 to his credit.  Both forwards scoring almost at will and looked very dangerous almost every time when in possession. The two inside forwards was ably assisted by David Culkin.  Points from Dylan Healy St. John’s and Eoghan Coggins St. Farnan’s ended the scoring in the first half with St. Farnan’s leading by 1-10  to 1-3.   At half time St. John’s management of Ray Henry & Niall Gordon rallied the troops with some straight talking and this seemed to have given the Carraroe side new impetus.
 
 Within a minute of the restart John Reilly struck for his second goal .  Fiachra Grennan’s  shot was initially blocked by Padraic Harte in the St. Farnan’s goal but Reilly was following up quickly and made no mistake from 14 metres out.  St. Farnan’s Shane Fenney put his side 5 point in front with a long range score.   David Culkin from St. Farnan’s pointed twice within a minute.  Alex Selby & Terry Farrelly  in the St. John’s full back line stood up to the almost incessant St. Farnan’s onslaught .Rory Kearins & James Noonan also played well against the St. Farnan’s barrage.  St. John’s midfield pairing of Mark Rooney & Mark Cunningham tried hard in the centre of the park. Rooney pointed a free from 24 metres half way through the second half.  With the rain  now sweeping in from the sea across the picturesque ground making attractive football difficult.  Both sides battled the elements.  But with five points in it and ten minutes left St. John’s were left with an almost impossible task as full-forward Killian Harris more out of frustration than anything else was shown a straight red card for a knee tackle on a St. Farnan’s  player.  Soon after Liam Ryan put further daylight between the teams.   St. John’s made a substitution bringing on Andrew Kerr for Geoffrey Corcoran.  Dylan Healy brilliant score on the right wing from 26 metres giving St. John’s a glimmer of hope and this was followed up minutes later by Mark Rooney’s free straight over the bar.   It was to the Carraroe’s side’s  last score however as St. Farnans finished strongly with points from Shane Fenney and a expertly well judged score from substitute  Brian McCombe  His shot  looked to be going wide but  curled in beautifully  in the wind to end the scoring with St. Farnan’s  winning by 1-16 to 2-7.   Best for St. John’s were Brian McGowan, Alex Selby, Rory Kearins, Mark Rooney, Terry Farrelly & John Reilly while St. Farnans best were Liam Ryan, Shane Fenney, Thomas Ryan & David Culkin.

St. John’s:  Brian McGowan 0-1, John Reilly 2-0. Dylan Healy 0-2, Fiachra Grennan 0-2, Mark Rooney 0-2.
St. Farnan’s Shane Fenney 0-7, Liam Ryan 1-5, Eoghan Coggins 0-1, David Culkin 0-2, Brian McCombe 0-1.

St. John’s:  Noel Hynes, Alex Selby, Adam Donnellan, Terry Farrelly, Enda Roche, Rory Kearins, James Noonan, Mark Rooney, Mark Cunningham, Brian McGowan, John Reilly, Dylan Healy, Fiachra Grennan, Killian Harris, Geoffrey Corcoran. Sub:  Andrew Kerr  for Corcoran (46 mins)


St. Farnan’s: Padraic Harte, John Quinn, Declan Taylor, James Flynn, Gregory Fenney, Cormac Hallinan, Stephen Gallagher, Thomas Ryan, Kieran Killgallon, Eoghan Coggins, Niall Hynes, David Culkin, Shane Fenney, Liam Ryan, Shane Neary: Subs:  Brian McCombe for Killgallon (32 mins) Niall Culkin for Neary 56 mins

Friday 9 May 2014

Silverware for St. John's as Minors win U-18 League Cup

St. John's Minor B league Champions 2014 celebrate 




St.John’s captain Paul McNamara  presented with the Expert Electrial  U-18 B League Cup by Bart Barrins of Coiste na nOg. 

(Photos with thanks to Hugh Clancy)



The winning St. John's U-18 B league winners 2014


A smiling St.John’s captain Paul McNamara  presented with the Expert Electrial  U-18 B League Cup by Bart Barrins of Coiste na nOg. 


St.John’s Triumph in exciting Minor B League Final

The Minor B League Final took place between St.John’s and Castleconnor on Thursday evening last in St.Farnan’s. Despite St.John’s having wind assistance in the first half, Castleconnor started the better team, with an excellent point from play by Matthew Cullen in the opening minute. Following this, St.John’s were unfortunate to lose centre forward Stephen Kerins for a black card. He was replaced by Cameron Keaney and St.John’s went on to dominate the remainder of the first quarter with goals from Gavin Sweeney and Paul McNamara.

Castleconnor responded well with a well worked goal by Jack O’Hora to reduce the deficit. In the second quarter Cillian Gallagher found the net for St.John’s and Gavin Sweeney settled the ship with three points from play. However Castleconnor finished the first half strongly with four points without reply. This left St.John’s leading on a half time score line of 3-4 to 1-5.

St.John’s started much more brightly in the second half with Paul McNamara converting a long range free. This was followed by a crucial goal by inspirational substitute Cathal Jordan who managed to score despite being under extreme pressure. In the third quarter Castleconnor worked some clever 45’s and punished St.John’s with a brace of well taken points. Referee Michael Duffy advanced frees forward on a number of occasions whenever any indiscipline was shown. Alex Selby burst forward to score a much needed point for St.John’s with the outside of his boot. The game was turned on its head at the end of the third quarter when Castleconnor intercepted a pass in midfield, which ended up with a goal by Matthew Cullen. However the St.John’s lead was restored to eight points with five minutes remaining after two converted frees by Paul McNamara.

Castleconnor set up a grandstand finish with two superb goals by Matthew Cullen to reduce the deficit to two points. In injury time Castleconnor were awarded a close in free after goalkeeper Ryan Blake was harshly adjudged to have picked the ball off the ground outside the square. St.John’s lined the goals and the ensuing free went narrowly over the crossbar. St.John’s held on to win by the minimum margin on a final score line of 4-9 to 4-8.

Following the full time whistle, the cup was presented to the St.John’s captain Paul McNamara by Bart Barrins of Coiste na nOg.

St.John’s: R.Blake, E.Tuffy, C.Clancy, A.Selby, B.McGowan, C.King, C.Sweeney, P.McNamara, K.Kelly, S.Kerins, G.Sweeney, C.Gallagher, M.Spratt, C.Keaney, C.Jordan, C.Haugh, C.McGovern, A.Clerkin, E.Flannagan.

Castleconnor: K.Flynn, C.Gallagher, S.Durkan, J.Boland, C.Barrins, B.Foody, K.Foody, J.Earlis, S.Carrabine, J.O’Hora, M.Cahill, D.O’Hora, M.Cullen, P.Flynn, L.Bearbshsall, E.Kilcullen, O.Quinn.


(Report and photos with thanks to Fergal Henry Minor team Manager)

Tuesday 6 May 2014

League Minor Title beckons for St. John's

Minors advance to Final

St. John's Minor team defeated Drumcliffe/Rosses Points in Cuilbeg Thursday 24th April last by 4-08  to 1-07. This left the team on top of group 2 ( 4 wins out of 4) with 8 points. On Thursday last the team played Curry runners up in group 1.

It proved an epic encounter. With 5 minutes remaining Curry were ahead by 2 points. However the lads dug deep and brought the game to extra time.  A goal in the final period secured their final place by 2-16 1-17.
 The panel on duty was Ryan Blake, Evan Tuffy, Cian Clancy, Alex Selby, Aaron Clerkin, Conor King, Paul McNamara, Conor Sweeney, Cillian Gallagher, Malachy Spratt, Cathal Jordan, Cameron Keaney & Conor McGovern.
(Report with Thanks to Fergal Henry)


St.John's in U-18 League Final

There is plenty of football action this weekend involving our club teams. High on the list of  these are our underage stars at U-18 level, who contest the Sligo U-18 B league final against Castleconnor on Thursday evening in Castleconnor with a throw in time of 7 pm.  Following their epic encounter with Curry last Thursday the team will be hoping to finish the league on a high. It will be great if  we can give as much support to the team management and panel on Thursday evening. We wish Manager Fergal Henry and all the team the very best of luck in Thursday's final

At the weekend our two Senior teams are in action both away. On Saturday our Division 2 team take on St. Farnan's. The team disappointed from last weekend's display will be eager to put last weekend's match behind them and will be hoping to give St. Farnan's a backlash as a result.

On Sunday the Division 1 team travel to Geevagh. Geevagh suffered a 1-4 to 0-16 loss to Curry while ours seniors got the better of a dogged Bunninadden team in Stenson Park last Saturday.  With the championship only a matter of weeks away players will be eager to impress Manager Anthony Brennan.  The team are grinding out results in recent weeks and hopefully will successfully navigate the Geevagh hurdle on Sunday.  The match gets underway at 2 p.m.

Expert Electrical Sligo U-12 C
Thursday 8th May in Kent Park at 7 p.m.
St. John's v St. Mary's

U-18 B League Final
In Castleconnor at 7 p.m
St. Johns v Castleconnor

Sligo U-14 B League
Friday 9th May in Nace O'Dowd Park at  7p.m.
St. John's  v Coolaney/Mullinabreena

Furey Coaches Sligo Football League Division 2
Saturday 10th May at 7.30 in St. Farnan's Community Park
St. John's v St. Farnan's

Senior Football League Division 1
Sunday 11th May at 2 p.m. in Geevagh
St. John's v Geevagh.


Sunday 4 May 2014

St. John's hold out for win

Furey Coaches Sponsored Sligo SFL Division 1
St. John’s 1-10 Bunninadden 1-8

St.John’s hold on for win

St. John’s Division held out for a narrow victory over a determined Bunninadden in Stenson Park on Saturday evening, writes Michael McGee.

It could have been a different result had St. John’s goalkeeper Philip Greene not stopped a goal bound shot from Joe Rogers with 2 minutes remaining.

St. John’s were first on the scoreboard after just 30 seconds with Oisin Cox pointing following a swift movement right from the throw in.  Bunninadden drew level on 3 minutes from the boot of  Darren McManus.  St. John’s corner forward Brian Harris then pointed a free over on the left wing.  St.John’s John Scanlon got the saints next 3 scores in a ten minute spell. Bunninadden’s Mark Gormley   reduced the lead with a well struck point. The Carraroe side were the first to raise a green flag   when Thomas Kelly was put clean through by Conor Kierans accurate hand pass. Kelly with a forward’s instinct gave David Flannery in the Bunninadden goal no chance with a low powerful shot after 19 minutes.   Ross McManus came in for the injured Glen Clafferty for Bunninadden a minute later and had a solid game throughout.  Bunninadden moved up an extra gear and points from Joe Rogers (2) and Vinnie Frizzell ended the scoring in the first half with St. John’s leading by 1-5  0-5.

Greene saves the day for St. John’s

Frizzell started the Bunninadden fightback with a point from 21 meters within a minute of the restart. And two minutes later Frizzell had Bunninadden in front for the first time in the match after the St. John’s full back dropped the ball at his feet and Frizzell reacted quickest to kick the ball into the net for an opportunist goal.   Brian Harris had the sides level at 1-6 each with a good exchange of passes from the hardworking Brian McGown. Bunninadden’s James McLoughlin got a great score on the right wing from 30 meters.  Mark Rooney drew the sides level yet again at 1-7 each.  The next three scores came from St. John’s. David Rooney scored twice within a minute and another one from Brian Harris had St. John’s 1-10 to 1-07 up with 3 minutes left. In a frenetic finish  Bunninadden threw everything at it to rescue the tie. Vinnie Frizzell reduced the lead with a free from 24 meters out after Joe Rogers was hauled down when bearing down on goals. Frizzell elected to put the ball over the bar with the entire St. John’s backline manning the goal line. With 2 minutes to go Philip Greene made a great save from Bunninadden’s Joe Rogers when diving low to his right to push the goal bound shot around the post for a 45. More sustained pressure and other 45 but nothing came of it as a relieved St. John’s side held out for a narrow win in the end.  It was a workman like performance from the Cuilbeg side but the tally of 11 wides over the course of the match will be a worry for manager Anthony Brennan. Best for St John’s were David Rooney, Thomas Kelly, Mark Rooney, Brian Harris, Brian McGowan and John Scanlon while Bunninadden had notable performers in Vinnie Frizzell, Darren McManus, Ross McManus & Joe Rogers.

St. John’s
Philip Greene, Eoin Flannigan, Neil Hayes, Daniel Smith, Feidlinn Murphy, David Rooney (0-2), Thomas Kelly (1-0), Oisin Cox (0-1), James Murphy, Conor Kierans, Mark Rooney (0-1), Brian McGowan, Brian Harris (0-3), John Scanlon (0-3), Conor Greene. Subs: Killian Sweeney (half time),Ross Gordon 48 minutes, Ian Rossiter  50 minutes, Fiachra Grennan 62 minutes

Bunninadden
David Flanagan, Carl Brennan, Seamy Leamy, Peadar McManus, Cian McManus, Mark Gormley (0-1), James McLoughlin (0-1), Vinnie Frizzell (1-3), Pauric Mitchell, Darren McManus (0-1), Glen Clafferty, Shane Kerins, Shane Doherty, Joe Rogers (0-2), Ciaran Gilligan. Subs:  Ross McManus (20 minutes), John McLoughlin (45 minutes)

Referee: Tom Gilmartin