St. John's G.A.A. Club P.R.O. Report 2015

St. John’s G.A.A. Club P.R.O. report 2015 by Michael McGee

The year started off not on a great note with the news that Mickey O’Hehir had to have an operation for his shoulder injury and this he got done in Santry Sports Clinic in early January.

On the playing front St. John’s were well represented in the FBD with Conor Kerins, Eoin Flanagan, Charlie Harrison and Shane Stenson all featuring in the Sligo colours.

In the Alliance National Football league Division 3 match verses Limerick Conor Kerins, Eoin Flanagan & Charlie Harrison all made the starting 15 while Shane Stenson was named amongst the substitutes. However it was Limerick that gained 2 home points with an 0-14 to 1-9 win over the Yeats County men.

Boston Tea Party

The Club hosted the Boston Tea Party in the Radisson Hotel on Saturday January 31st last. Over 220 people attended the lavish event. It was sponsored by Charlie Kelly Barbers Teeling Street Sligo. John Greene & his team were the backbone behind it all and did an outstanding job. The energetic Seamus McManus was the D.J. and kept the crowd entertained with Rocking Bingo and a Disco. A number of raffles took place for signed All-Star Football & Hurling Jerseys & 2 premium tickets for the Script concert in Croke Park were also auctioned off. It was a outstanding success.

St. John’s has 8 new Coaches

Apart from the Club’s Boston Tea Party that weekend there was also a number of club coaches getting trained by Sligo G.A.A. Games Promotion Officer Liam Og Gormley. It took place in Summerhill College. The event was sponsored by the Club.

The Coaches who were put through their paces are who are now qualified to Coach are Cameron Keaney, Mark Connolly, Patrick McDonagh, Shane Egean, Daire Fleming, Martin Keaney, Stephen Cronin, Cathal Jordan.

Congratulation to all above on their coaching qualifications and which will be of immense help to all concerned in the club regarding coaching.

St. John’s players star for Summerhill College in Connacht league title success

Summerhill College took home the Connacht Colleges A league title from the Connacht Centre of Excellence with a comprehensive 3-12 0-09 victory over Roscommon CBS on Tuesday 4th February last. Paul McNamara had an outstanding game at Centre half back as did Brian McGowan at corner forward while Alex Selby’s great defending ensured the Sligo schools victory. Other team members included Cathal Jordan, Cian Hough, Conor McGovern, Emmett Flanagan & EvanTuffy.

St. John’s U-10’s displayed their skills during half time of the Sligo v Fermanagh Alliance Division 3 match in Markievicz Park on Sunday 8th February last.

The 1st round of the warm up Kiernan Cup scheduled for Stenson Park on Sunday 15th February last failed to materialise because of an unplayable pitch.

No Joy for St. John’s

St. John’s were defeated by a more slicker Tubbercurry side in the opening round of the Furey’s Coaches Sponsored Division 1 league in Kilcoyne Park on Sunday February 22nd last. In very slippery underfoot conditions St. John’s just managed 4 points over the hour while they opponents Tubbercurry racked up 4-11 for the County Champions.

In the second round of the Kiernan Cup St. John lost out to Eastern Harps in Stenson Park and in the their last match also went down to Buninnadden by 1-9 to 3-12. David Burke, Mark Rooney & Niall Walsh all picked up injury’s in the match.

Former Club Chairman Colm Nevin was promoted to Superintendent in Ballyshannon in early March. Colm was action Super in Ballymote before his appointment to the Donegal town.

Summerhill College suffered an agonizing 1 point defeat at the hands of Roscommon C.B.S in the Connacht Senior Colleges A final in Carrick on Shannon by 0-8 to 0-7.The Club was well represented with Paul McNamara, Alex Selby, Brian McGowan, Cathal Jordan, Conor McGovern, Cian Hough, Emmett Flanagan and Evan Tuffy.

Charlie Harrison’s cruciate injury

News came filtering through that Club and County star Charlie Harrison suffered a Cruciate Knee Ligament injury picked up at County training in March.

Harrison actually made his inter-county debut with London in 2004 but was soon a regular for Sligo, starring as the Yeatsmen won the Connacht championship in 2007 – the county’s first in 32 years.In 2010, he became just the fourth Sligo player to win an All Star, when he was rewarded for a series of outstanding performances at corner-back.
Everybody in the St. John’s club would like to wish Charlie a full and speedy recovery.

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Opening defeat for club’s U-16’s
St. John’s 1-1 Ballymote 4-16
St. John’s U-16 football team suffered a heavy defeat at home to Ballymote/Round Towers . Things didn’t go well from the start with St. John’s only managing 12 players to take to the field. Worse was to follow for Shane Egan & Stephen Cronin’s charges with Daragh Fleming forced off after just 5 minutes with a knee injury. Ballymote’s numerical advantage with two extra players was too much for the St. John’s team to overcome and the Ballymote side ran out comfortable winners in the end by 4-16 to St. John’s 1-1.
Best for St. John’s on the day were Joe Spratt in defence, Adam Grace midfield and Scott McGarry who accounted for St. John’s entire tally of 1-1.

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Spratt outstanding as Calry/St. Joseph’s take the points
U16 B League : St. John’s 3-5 Calry St.Joseph’s 4-15

For the second time in a week the St. John’s U-16’s struggled to field a full team and had just 11 players starting against Calry/St. Joseph’s in Stenson Park. Joe Spratt again gave an outstanding display and was once again the team’s top scorer and finished with a fine personal tally of 3-1.
Shane Egan was a reliable free taker putting over 2 pointed frees over the bar in the first half. Carly went in at half time with a slender 3 point advantage after an exciting 30 minutes of football. Half time score was St.John’s 3-3 Calry/St. Joseph’s 3-6.

As the second half progressed Calry/St. Joseph’s pulled away from a tiring St. John’s who tried to keep in touch. St. John’s goalie Josh McLoughlin made a number of timely saves and was ably assisted by Darragh Flemming at full back. Midfielder Adam Grace also went through great work in the centre of the park.

Final Score: U16 B League : St. John’s 3-5 Calry St.Joseph’s 4-15

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St. John’s second league defeat

St. John’s 0-8 Eastern Harps 1-12

Eastern Harps recorded their second victory over St. John’s in three weeks with an inspirational display from flying full forward Niall McGill The home side with a number of injuries were up against it from the start and by half time were 0-10 to 0-3 in arrears. St. John’s scores were Mark Rooney, Paul McNamara and Shane Stenson on the stroke of half time. The sides could have been closer only for Brian Harris’s goal bound shout not stopped by the Harps goalie.
What ever St.John’s manager Tommy McManus said to his troops at half time it seemed to have the desired effect. Within the first six minutes of the second half a mini St. John’s revival reduced the Harps lead to 4 points with scores coming from Stenson , Robbie Fahy and Brian Harris. St. John’s introduced Ross Gordon son of the joint Club Chairman Niall Gordon on 33 minutes and he was one of the better forwards who was eager to get involved for the remainder of the match. The St. John’s goalie Noel O’Donnell was called into action when saving superbly from Fiachra Gorman who was bearing down on goals. With 8 minutes remaining Eastern Harps got the crucial goal to put them well out in front. St. John’s did reply with two late points from Mark Rooney & Brian Harris.
Best for St. John’s Shane Stenson, Niall Walsh, Alex Selby, Noel O’Donnell, Paul McNamara & Ross Gordon all tried hard

Scorers: St. John’s Mark Rooney 0-2, Shane Stenson 0-2, Brian Harris 0-2, Paul McNamara 0-1, Robbie Fahy 0-1,

St. John’s: Noel O’Donnell, Niall Walsh, Eoin Flanagan, Alex Selby, Conor Kerins, Oisin Cox, Robbie Fahy, Shane Stenson, Paul McNamara, Mark Cunningham, Brian Harris, Conor Greene, Tommy Kelly, Mark Rooney, David Rooney. Sub Ross Gordon (33 mins)

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Hanbury’s wonder saves keeps St. John’s in touch

U16: Fl Group 3 Round 3

St.John’s 2-06 Drumcliffe/Rosses Point 0-15

In inclement weather conditions the Club’s U-16’s lost out narrowly to Drumcliffe/Rosses Point in Stenson Park . In an excellent overall team performance it was goalkeeper Pauric Hanbury’s exploits starting between the sticks that really shone out with some outstanding saves denying the lively and dangerous Drumcliffe forwards several clear cut chances. It was Hanbury’s first competitive game in goals making it all the more remarkable.

Scorers for St.John’s: Adam Grace 1-0, Dylan Lynch McMorrow 1-0, Scott McGarry 0-3, Jake McMahon 0-2, Joe Spratt 0-1,

Final score: St.John’s 2-06 Drumcliffe/Rosses Point 0-15

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Mooney magnificent in goals

SFL Division 3: St. John’s 0-4 Owenmore 1-13

The clocks went forward on Saturday evening and goalkeeper Fiachra Mooney helped St. John’s to spring into summer with an eye catching performance in goals. Although defeated there was much to savour from Fergal Henry’s charges.

St. John’s second team took on near neighbours Owenmore Gaels in Round 2 of the Division 3 league on Saturday last in Stenson Park. The match was played in difficult conditions leaving top class football at a premium. At half time Owenmore Gaels lead 0-5 to 0-1. St. John’s solitary point coming from the boot of Cathal Jordan.

Goalkeeper Fiachra Mooney giving a man of the match performance at no.1 kept out the Gaels with some timely saves. Conor Brennan & Conor Sweeney added second half points for the Saints.

In the closing minutes Owenmore Gaels managed to weather the St. John’s storm to pull clear and win out by 1-13 to 0-4.

The St.John’s team on duty was Fiachra Mooney, Evan Tuffy, Jamie McGovern, Ronan Kelly, Conor Brennan, Andrew Kerr, Conor Sweeney, James Noonan, John Reilly, Keelan Kelly, Cathal Jordan, Cian Haugh, Eamon Dolan, John McNulty and Paul McLean.

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Egan & Spratt star as St. John’s denied victory

Minor League: St. John’s 4-2 St. Patrick’s 2-8

Charlie Jordan’s charges began their minor league campaign against St. Patrick’s in Cuilbeg on Thursday evening last. It looked like the home side were coasting but two late late goals in the last three minutes robbed St.John’s of victory.

It looked all so promising at the start with Shane Egan rattling the back of the St. Patrick’s net twice inside the opening ten minutes. Egan also adding a fine point mid way through the first half.

Conor McGovern in goals pulled of a number of brilliant breathtaking saves diving at the bottom of his left hand post to keep out what looked like certain goals. The full-back line of Mark Connolly & Jack Lynch defended like demons keeping out the full of running St. Patrick’s forwards, while the half back line of Mattie Meekin, Evan Duffy & Daire Fleming were rock solid giving nothing away & starving the St. Patrick’s forwards of any worthwhile possession.

Midfielders Cameron Keany & Cian Clancy got through a colossal amount of work at midfield while up front Shane Egan excelled alongside Cathal Jordan, Paddy McDonagh & Cian Hough all contributing hugely.

At the interval St. John’s lead by 2-1 to 0-4.

An astute substitution by manager Charlie Jordan at half time seen the Club’s U-16 free goal scoring machine Joe Spratt enter the fray. Within the opening ten minutes off the second half Spratt scored two scintillating goals and Shane Egan rowed in with another point putting St. John’s well out in front and looking good for the win.

But two last gasp goals from St. Patrick’s in the last three minutes denied the team of victory.

Final Score: St. John’s 4-2 St. Patrick’s 2-8

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Fureys Coaches Sponsored Sligo SFL Division 1 Round 3:

St. John’s 1-7 Drumcliffe/Rosses Point 1-7

St. John’s battling spirit is back

A dramatic goal from substitute Geoff Corcoran in the second minute of injury time secured St. John’s first point in this year’s Furey’s Sponsored Sligo Senior Football League Division 1 campaign,.

In an overall battling and heartening team display St. John’s came from behind to snatch a deserved draw against Drumcliffe/Rosses Point in a cold and blustery Oxfield Park on Saturday 11th April last.

It was St. John’s who opened the scoring on 2 minutes with hard working midfielder Paul McNamara sending over a great score on the run from 40 metres. Niall Canning brought the sides level five minutes later after St. John’s Brian McGowan lost possession in the half back line and Canning took his opportunity well. St. John’s was forced into the first of their two substitutions with Ross Gordon coming in for the injured Alex Selby after just 8 minutes. Drumcliffe/Rosses Point then went into the lead with Paul Logan’s 35 meter free on ten minutes. Mark Rooney levelled matters for St. John’s on 16 minutes with a close in free. St. John’s towering full forward James Murphy caught a ball from the skies before slotting over an inspirational score. Niall Colleary again had the sides on level terms following good work from Gary Feeney down the right wing. A brace of frees from Paul Logan put Drumcliffe/Rosses Point out in front and it was to get even better for the Oxfield club with Eoin Gaughran’s high delivery was expertly fielded by Brian Og Murphy and he made no mistake firing past Noel O’Donnell in the St. John’s goals. Drumcliffe/Rosses Point went into the interval leading 1-5 to 0-3.

St.John’s were lucky not to fall further behind immediately after the break with Jamie Grehan pushing away a Neil Ewing goal bound shot with his feet. Tommy McManus’s charges got the next two scores with Mark Rooney landing over a monster free from 48 metres off the ground with the ball just managing to sneak over the crossbar. Ross Gordan then pointed for the Saints in a crowded goal mouth following great build up play from Ian Rossitor and Shane Stenson. Eoin Gaughran placed a perfect ball to the totally unmarked Brian og Murphy on the opposite wing to put Drumcliffe out in front by 1-6 0-5 with just 11 minutes remaining. James Murphy lifted the siege with another great score from 35 meters out. St. John’s sencing they could get something out of the tie were rewarded after Ian Rossitor was fouled and Shane Stenson slotting over the 14 meter free. A great movement involving Gary Feeney & Jude McGarry who fed the bustling Alan O’Dowd pointed with Drumcliffe/Rosses leading by 1-7 0-7 with 3 minutes left on the clock. The Oxfield men looked fitter in the closing stages but St. John’s great battling spirit and never say die attitude now came to the fore. Running on almost empty tanks they launched one last assault on the Drumcliffe/Rosses point goals. In the second minute of injury time Shane Stenson dropped in a high ball causing havoc with the ball dropping amongst a mass of players. Just when St. John’s needed a lifeline up stood one Geoff Corcoran. The ball dropped kindly to the super sub and he somehow managed to drill the ball passed what looked like the entire Drumcliffe’s/Rosses defence for a dramatic goal deep into injury time. The scores were level at 1-7 each but there was still time for Drumcliffe to win it. Working the ball out of defence in the 3rd minute of injury time Paul Logan had the chance to steal victory but his free from 45 metres just sailed inches wide of the left hand post. It was a great team display with the St. John’s defence working particularly hard especially in the second half only allowing Drumcliffe/Rosses point one point from play. Best for St. John’s were Paul McNamara, Shane Stenson, Eoin Flanagan, Tommy Kelly, Conor Greene ,Ian Rossitor & Brian McGowan while Drumcliffe’s Rosses Point best players were Brian Og Murphy, John Harvey, Neil Ewing, & Paul Logan

Scorers St. John’s: Geoff Corcoran 1-0, Paul McNamara 0-1, James Murphy 0-2, Mark Rooney 0-2, (1 free) Ross Gordan 0-1, Shane Stenson 0-1 (1 free),

Scorers Drumcliffe/Rosses Point: Brian Og Murphy 1-1, Niall Canning 0-1, Paul Logan 0-3, 2 frees, Niall Colleary 0-1, Alan O’Dowd 0-1

St. John’s: Noel O’ Donnell, Brian McGowan, Jamie Grehan, Alex Selby, Robbie Fahy, Eoin Flanagan, Thomas Kelly, Shane Stenson, Paul McNamara, Mark Rooney, Mark Cunningham, Conor Greene, Brian Harris, James Murphy, Ian Rossitor. Subs used: Ross Gordon (8 mins) Geoff Corcoran (38 mins)

Drumcliffe/Rosses Point: Justin Lyons, Stephen Regan, John McGowan, Darragh Long, Jude McGarry, Noel Ewing, Gary Feeney, Brian Og Murphy, John Harvey, Eoin Gaughran, Paul Logan, Kevin Davey, Niall Canning, Alan O’Dowd, Niall Colleary. Subs used: Cian McLoughlin (19 mins), Sean Peyton (48 mins)

Referee: Niall Smith St. Mary’s

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Encouraging display from Juniors

Fureys Coaches Sponsored SFL Division 3: St. John’s 0-9 Eastern Harps 3-11 (Sunday 12th April in Stenson Park at 2.00 p.m.)

On Sunday the Junior team played Eastern Harps at home in Stenson Park in Round 3 of the Division 3 league.

In an even contest Eastern Harps got two quick goals just before half time that changed the complexion of the game. St. John’s scorers in the first half were Keelan Kelly, Fiachra Mooney & Ian Rossitor.

Harps went into the interval leading 2-4 to St. John’s 0-3

Early in the second half St. John’s laid siege to the Eastern Harps goals and a brace of points from Ian Rossitor & Fiachra Mooney reduced the Eastern Harps advantage. However, in the end Harps pulled away to record a 3-11 to 0-9 win.

The St.John’s team on duty was Noel Hynes, Cian Haugh, Jamie McGovern, Andrew Mitchell, Terry Farrelly, Tommy Kelly, Lee Cawley, Conor Sweeney, Conor Greene, Kieran Clancy, Jamie Grehan, Keelan Kelly, Cathal Jordan, Fiachra Mooney and Ian Rossiter.

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St.John’s hit for six.
U-16 B Group 1 Round 4: St. John’s 2-6 Coolera/Strandhill 6-9.

Goals win games and unfortunately for St. John’s despite a promising start the Club’s U-16’s succumbed to three second half goals which proved the difference in the end.

St. John’s U-16 squad started well against Coolera/Strandhill in Ransboro and was 1-3 to the good after just 10 minutes. Joe Spratt again was the main striking threat for St. John’s scoring 1-1 while Ronan McGoldrick & Cathal Byrne also adding points.
Coolera struck back with a penalty on 17 minute and added two more goals to go into the interval with a four point advantage leading by 3-5 to 2-4.

In the centre of the park Adam Grace & Cathal Byrne carried knocks and this severely hampered the Carraroe’s sides chances.
Coolera stretched their lead adding 3-4 after half time while St. John’s could only manage to raise the white flag twice after the break.
Best for St. John’s was Padraic Hanabury in goals who pulled off a number of great saves and was ably assisted by Daire Fleming. Joe Spratt continues to shine in the forward line but he was starved of good possession in order to test the Coolera/Strandhill defence.

Final score: U-16 B Group 1 Round 4: St. John’s 2-6 Coolera/Strandhill 6-9.

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St. John’s U-12’s winning boost (Tuesday April 14th last)

St. John’s U-12 B team began their Division 4 league campaign with a morale boosting start against great rivals St. Mary’s in Kent Park last evening winning by 0-16 to 0-10.

St.Mary’s took an early lead but scores from Liam Lee & Ciaran Quinn kept St. John’s within reach. The team was bolstered by great defensive work by Sean Moore & James Darwin.

In the third quarter the team took control with the quartet of Marc Lyttle, Aine, Gorman, Cormac Roddy & Corey O’Dowd all contributing hugely in the forward line to put the team well out in front. While the defence also stood firm limiting St. Mary’s to few shots on goal.

Best for St John’s on the night were Sean Moore, Ronan Hegarty, Liam Lee, Marc Lyttle and Brendan Kovnecheuk.

Both teams have to be commended for a great display of football.

St John’s have worked hard in the last number of years at underage level in putting a lot of resources into coaching at underage level and this is beginning to bear fruit with some fine performances by boys and girls aged only ten and eleven.

Joint Managers Gerry Quinn & Michael Hegarty

Final score: St. John’s 0-16 St. Mary’s 0-12

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On Wednesday 15th April last the Go Go Games for Boys & Girls U7- to U-10 took place in Cleveragh. The pitch was divided into 4 and 4 games could take place at the one time. There was a great turn out. The teams played Coolera/Strandhill in a fun and enjoyable games. Much praise must go to Fergal Kelly, Gerry Quinn and the Juvenile Committee who have worked so hard and diligently on it since the beginning of the year.

St. John’s GAA Academy 7’s squad: Jack Kelly, Danny Feeney, Kevin Patton, Fionn McMorrow, Conor O’Gara, Kian Roddy, Ryan Regan, Rion Monaghan, Cameron Rooney and Aiden Moore.

St. John’s GAA Academy 8’s squad: Donal Flynn, James Dylan Barnicle, Adam Feeney, Rachel McGoldrick, Emma Egan, Jack Davey, Aaron Langan, Jude O'Connor, Ceola McLoughlin. Managers: James Barnicle and Brian O’Connor.

St. John’s GAA Academy 9’s squad: Heather Egan, Mark Waldron, Barry McNamara, Daire Patton, Seamus Casey, Conor Flynn, Calum Mulligan, Lee Curran, Lucasz Kromer, Reece Armstrong, Grace McMorrow, Luke Lyttle, Shannon Cronin. Managers: Sarah McNamara and Gavin Patton.

St. John’s GAA Academy 10’s squad: Eoin Conway, Chloe Clerkin, Feelan McLoughlin, Brendan Kovencheuk, Emmanuel Nwani, Dylan Kearns, Daire Walsh, Adam Kenny, Corey O Dowd, Eoin Mulligan. Manager: Darren O’Connor

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Furey Coaches Sponsored SFL Division 1 Round 4 St. John’s 0-13 Calry /St. Joseph’s 1-14 (Sunday 19th April)

St.John’s enterprising effort just falls short.

Calry St. Joseph’s defeated an ever improving St. John’s in an entertaining game of football in sunny Stenson Park on Sunday. Had Tommy’s Kelly’s goal being allowed to stand and the St. John’s forward’s a little more clinical in front of goals the end result could have been altogether different.

Calry St.Joseph’s opening the scoring on their first attack with Eoin Doherty converting a free from a difficult angle on the 20 metre line. A Shane Stenson free from the half way line was gathered by James Murphy who was then fouled and up came Paul McNamara to fire over the free after 3 minutes. Paul McNamara fed Ian Rossitor for a point to edge St. John’s in front after 5 minutes. The St.John’s defence were then unhinged after Eoin Doherty found Patrick Heraghty . Alex Selby came in to challenge but slipped allowing Heraghty a free run in and he made no mistake from 14 metres out for the only goal of the match. Brian Harris closed the gap with a point following good work from Robbie Fahy who intercepted the ball being played out of the Calry defence. Calry’s Eoin Dohety did well to score despite good defending from Alex Selby. St.John’s Tommy Kelly was put through on goal and he made no mistake on 13 minutes but referee Joe Hynes disallowed what looked like a perfect good goal. The fleet footed Brian McGowan was fouled when bearing down on goals and Mark Rooney put the resulting free over the bar soon after. Tommy Kelly is showing signs of his explosive speed up front with a great pointed run slotting over expertly 30 metres out to level the match at 0-5 to Calry’s 1-2. Darragh McConnon was given a black card following a heavy tackle on St. John’s Conor Greene. A great passing movement involving Paul McNamara, Tommy Kelly who laid the ball off to Brian Harris who made no mistake with a good score. With the last kick of the first half Calry’s Patrick Heraghty pointed to send both teams in level at half time St. John’s 0-6 Calry/St.Joseph’s 1-3.

St.John’s Noel O’Donnell was called into action right at the start of the second half when saving from Calry’s Eoin Doherty but the Calry man got a second bite at the cherry when slotting over. St. John’s Brian Harris excellent and well struck free off the ground from 45 metres out was an inspirational score to level the match at 0-7 to 1-4. Calry’s Ciaran Stenson edged his side in front but Brian Harris had his shooting boots on as he delivered another breathtaking score again 45 meters out and this was quickly added to by James Murphy. Shane Stenson got in on the scoring spree when landing over another good score after good work from Tommy Kelly with St. John’s leading by 0-10 to 1-5 after 43 minutes of play. Damien O’Boyle reduced the saints lead but St. John’s kept working hard and James Murphy burst past 3 tackles for a great individual score. Calry’s Eoin Doherty 13 metre free kept last year’s Intermediate champions within arms reach. Shane Stenson’s expertly struck side line ball 40 metres out was brilliantly caught by James Murphy to turned quickly firing over giving St. John’s a two point advantage with 11 minutes left. Calry/ St. Joseph’s hit a purple patch when landing over 4 unanswered points in a seven minute spell. Eoin Doherty (2) Brian McGovern & Pat Heraghty to leave it 1-12 to 0-12 in Calry’s favour. Great work form the roving Brian McGowan ended with another Tommy Kelly point. But two late scores from Eoin Doherty free and Patrick Heraghty on 30 minutes sealed the win for Calry/St.Joseph’s. The St.John’s strikeforce of Harris, Kelly & Murphy are beginning to take shape and the trio look set to terrorise defences later in the campaign. St.John’s tally of 10 wides over the course of the game didn’t help their cause and a number of good opportunities for scores dropped short into the welcome hands of Calry goalie Aidan Devanney. Next up for St.John’s is an away tie against Bunninadden next Sunday.

Best for St.John’s was the industrious Paul McNamara, Alex Selby, Brian McGowan,Shane Stenson, Tommy Kelly, Brian Harris & James Murphy while Calry’s Damien O’Boyle, Vincent Nally, Eoin Doherty, Patrick Heraghty & Jack Ballantyne all contributed to Calry’s win.

Scorers: St.John’s Brian Harris 0-4, James Murphy 0-3, Tommy Kelly 0-2, Ian Rossitor 0-1,Paul McNamara 0-1 (1 free) , Mark Rooney 1 (1free), Shane Stenson 0-1

Calry/St. Joseph’s: Eoin Doherty 0-7 (4 frees), Patrick Heraghty 1-4, Ciaran Stenson 0-1, Damien O’ Boyle 0-1, Brian McGowan 0-1

Noel O’Donnell, Enda Roche, Jamie Grehan, Alex Selby, Brian McGowan, Neil Hayes, Robbie Fahy, Paul McNamara, Shane Stenson, Tommy Kelly, Mark Rooney, Conor Greene, Brian Harris, James Murphy , Ian Rossitor.

Subs: Oisin Cox for Mark Rooney 36 mins, Ross Gordon for Ian Rossitor 39 min, Geoff Corcoran for Alex Selby 46 minutes

Calry/St.Joseph’s: Aidan Devanney, Donal Keown, Darragh McConnon, Fiachra Coyne, Andrew Dodd, Vincent Nally, Jonathon McGoldrick, Damien O’Boyle, Jack Ballantyne, Ciaran Stenson, Aaron Flynn, Eoin Nicholson, Eoin Doherty, Patrick Heraghty Bryan McGovern.

Subs: Joseph Farrell for Eoin Nicholson (20 minutes), Adrian Cummins for Darragh Mc Connon (BC) (24 minutes),Brian Shannon for Jonathon McGoldrick (36 minutes)


Referee Joe Hynes St. Michael’s

Furey Coaches sponsored SFL Div 1 Round 5: St.John’s 0-10 Bunninadden 0-9

St.John’s back to winning ways

(played Sunday 26th April in Bunninadden Community Park)

St John’s senior team got their first win of the season when they overcame the challenge of a gallant Bunninadden side by the narrowest of margins in Sundays Division 1 league encounter played on the splendid Bunninadden pitch. This was a ding-dong battle from the first whistle as both sides fought for the vital league points which were at stake. Showing great heart and determination the visitors came out on top with a point from an Ian Rossiter 45 in the dying moments proving to be the decisive score.

The home side were first on the scoreboard with points from Kieran Gilligan and Shane Kerins before Brian Harris opened the Saints account with a point. Vincent Frizzel had the home side two up again within a minute before St John’s seized the initiative with points from Rossiter , James Murphy and Harris put the visitors ahead. St Johns goalkeeper Noel O’Donnell brilliantly saved a Frizzel penalty before Fiachra Grennan, on his comeback game from injury, pointed to extend the Saints lead. A pointed 45 from Frizzel left the half time score 0- 4 to 0-5 in favour of St Johns.

The teams swopped points with Frizzel and Kerins for the home side and Rossiter and Mark Rooney replying for St Johns. With the scores at 0-6 to 0-7 Bunninadden suffered a major blow when they had a player sent off but they rallied to level and then regained the lead with two pointed frees from Joseph Rogers before Grennan and Brian Mc Gowan pointed for the visitors to put them back in front briefly before Niall O Donnell levelled matters again. As the play ebbed and flowed and with the referee playing injury time Rossiter took the responsibility to slot over a 45 and give St Johns the win which gets them off the bottom rung of the league table.

This was a great all round team performance from the Carraroe boys in which they showed a much improved work rate and determination which bodes well for the future if it is maintained. Every line on the team did well and fought for every ball. A special word of thanks to the loyal band of supporters who travelled out to the game and hopefully went home happy.

St Johns: Noel O’Donnell, Brian Mc Gowan, Jamie Grehan, Conor Greene, Eoin Flanagan, Neil Hayes, Conor Kerins, Shane Stenson, Paul Mc Namara, Mark Rooney, Brian Harris, Tommy Kelly, Fiachra Grennan, James Murphy, Ian Rossiter Sub: Geoff Corcoran.

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Division 1 Senior League Round 6
St John’s 0 – 7 Coolaney / Mullinabreena 2 – 12 (played Saturday 2nd May)

Missed chances prove costly


On a winter-like evening in Stenson Park Cuilbeg, St John’s senior team suffered a heavy defeat to a much fitter, faster slicker moving Coolaney / Mullinabreena side.
The visitors got off to a dream start with a scrambled goal within the first minute and during the remainder of the half added a further goal and four points with St John’s reply being two points from James Murphy leaving the half time score at 0 - 2 to 2 - 4 in favour of Coolaney / Mullinabreena.

In the second half matters improved slightly for the home team as they added points from Brian Mc Gowan, Conor Green, Shane Stenson and a further brace from Murphy. The visitors replied with 8 points of their own leaving them with a comfortable 11 points margin of victory.

While St John’s worked hard throughout the field, they could not match the fitness and accuracy of the visitors as once again the home side failed to convert chances into scores and hopefully this will be rectified in future fixtures.
The one bright light on a miserable evening however was the welcome return of Mickey O’Hehir who made a remarkable recovery from serious shoulder surgery back in January. O’Hehir’s quicker than expected return will give the St. John’s side a major boost as the team ramp up the intensity for what it is hoped will be a successful Championship campaign starting at the end of June.

St John’s team: Noel O’Donnell, Daniel Smith, Eoin Flanagan, Alex Selby; Brian Mc Gowan, Tommy Kelly, Conor Green; Shane Stenson, Paul Mc Namara,Mark Rooney,Mark Cunningham, Michael O’Hehir, Fiacra Grennan, James Murphy, Ian Rossiter. Subs; Ross Gordon, Geoff Corcoran, James Noonan, Andrew Kerr.

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St John’s U-12’s return to winning ways

U-12 Fl Div 2 Rd 3: St. John’s 0-19 Tubbercurry/Cloonacool 0-9 (played Monday 5th May)

Following last week’s disappointing result to Eastern Harps St.John’s U-12 side hit back with a vengeance returning to winning ways with a comprehensive O-19 to O-9 victory over the visitors Tubbercurry/Cloonacool in Cleveragh .

The seeds for this victory was set in the first two quarters with excellent link up play between the midfields and forwards. Cormac Roddy & Brendan Korniychuk great attacking running displays from midfield meant that the likes of Liam Lee & Ciaran Quinn’s impeccable finishing helped to put St.John’s on the road to a fully deserved win.

Tubbercurry came back strongly in third quarter and closed the gap to within three points at one stage. However St.John’s managed to weather the storm and pulled away for a deserved victory in the end adding a number of well executed scores. Both sides played attractive football and great skills were on show. A result that will have pleased managers Gerry Quinn & Michael Hegarty


Best for St Johns on the night were Cormac Roddy, James Darwin, Ciaran Quinn and Ray Mc Carney

Furey Coaches Sponsored SFL Division 1 League Rd 8:

St. John’s 1-4 St. Molaise Gaels 3-13

St. John’s slump to 5th league defeat

St.John’s slumped to their 5th league defeat in this years campaign against a well drilled and fitter Molaise Gaels in Monsignor Hynes Park on Friday 16th May last.

St. John’s were forced to line out nine players first team players and with injury’s to key personnel it was a evening to forget. With the fading light and dark storm clouds gathering overhead at the end of the game the same could be said in the St. John’s dressing room following a below par performance.

Molaise Gaels Keelan Watters opened his sides account with a pointed free after just 2 minutes. The full forward line of Keelan Watters, Gerard Brady & Niall Hoey contributed 3-8 of the Molaise Gaels entire tally of 3-13 and it was Watters & Brady that tormented & toiled an overstretched St. John’s defence throughout. Watters doubled his sides lead 2 minutes later. Niall McLoughlin’s slotted over the bar from 30 metres out for a well taken point. St. John’s got on the scoreboard after 9 minutes following a great burst of speed from midfielder Tommy Kelly through the Molaise Gaels centre given a neat lay off to James Murphy who finished well. Molaise Gaels then got the first of their 3 goals a minute later with a 3 man move involving Niall McLoughlin on the left wing expertly kicking the ball into the hands of the totally unmarked Centre half back Darragh Fallon 30 metres out and he in turn passed it to full forward Gerard Brady who fired the ball past the St. John’s goalie Noel O’Donnell from 14 metres out. St. John’s full back Jamie Grehan excelled in the close exchanges and was like a man mountain breaking up a number of dangerous Molaise Gaels attacks. Molaise Gaels midfielder Cathal Burns fired over a great score from all of 45 metres that sailed between the posts to put Molaise Gaels 1-4 to 0-1 up after 13 minutes of play. Noel O’Donnell in the St. John’s goals pulled of the first of a number of great saves this time from Gerard Brady who burst past the St. John’s rearguard but O’Donnell was equal to it pushing a way a goal bound shot from the flying full forward. St.John’s got their 2nd score of the game from a Ian Rossitor free after Paul McNamara was fouled. Rossitor’s booming free off the ground from 25 metres after 18 minutes of play gave St.John‘s hope. Molaise Gaels for the remaining 12 minutes pulled well clear with Keelan Watters 3 points, Niall McLoughlin, Niall Hoey, Jamie McLoughlin and a 28 minute goal from Gerard Brady his second for Molaise Gaels had them firmly in the driving seat and putting the game effectively out of St. John’s reach by half time. Molaise Gaels went into the interval 2-10 up with St. John’s just 2 points to show for their efforts.

Brian Harris gave the Carraroe men some hope after the interval when he was fed a high dropping ball and drilled home for a goal on 33 minutes. An Ian Rossitor free two mintues later and this was added to with another point from Fiachra Grennan from 25 metres but they failed to score for the remaining 24 minutes. Noel O’Donnell pulled off another outstanding save denying Keelan Water what looked like a certain goal. Oisin Cox had a chance to reduce the lead but his strongly fisted shot went wide of Conor Loughlin’s goal. Niall McLoughlin got Molaise Gaels first score in the second half which took all of 18 minutes to come with a free. St. John’s began to tire in the last 10 minutes and Molaise upped the pace again. St. Molaise got their third goal following good work from Jamie McLoughlin who fed Noel Hoey and his high dropping ball onto the edge of square was held up in the breeze long enough for Keelan Watters to rise highest over the St. John’s goalie and fist it into the empty net. Watters added 2 further points for the Grange men in the remaining minutes with the result leaving St. John’s reeling.

Best for St. John’s were Noel O’Donnell, Tommy Kelly, Shane Stenson, Jamie Grehan & Paul McNamara. While St. Molaise Gaels were best served by Darragh Fallon, Cathal Burns, Niall McLoughlin, Keelan Watters, Gerard Brady & Jamie McLoughlin.

Scorers St.John’s: Brian Harris 1-0, Ian Rossitor 0-2 (2 frees) Fiachra Grennan 0-1, James Murphy 0-1.

St.Maloise Gaels.Keelan Watters 1-6 (2 frees) Gerard Brady 2-1, Niall McLoughlin 0-3 (1 free), Cathal Burns 0-1, Niall Hoey 0-1, James McLoughlin 0-1.

St.John’s: Noel O’Donnell, Daniel Smith, Jamie Grehan, Alex Selby, Enda Roche, Shane Stenson, Brian McGowan, Tommy Kelly, Paul McNamara, Mark Rooney, Brian Harris, Oisin Cox, Fiachra Grennan, James Murphy, Ian Rossitor.

Subs used: Killan Sweeney for Enda Roche (34 mins)

Molaise Gaels: Conor Loughlin, Tommy Kennedy, Gavin Gilsenan, Tadgh Kelly, Brian O’Connor, Jason Brennan, Darragh Fallon, Peter Wilson, Cathal Burns, Jamie McLoughlin, Niall McLoughlin, Conor Watters, Kellan Watters, Gerard Brady, Niall Hoey.

Subs used: Paddy Watters for Brian O’Connor (51 minutes)

Referee: John Doyle Naomh Eoin

Manager Tommy McManus stepped down following this defeat.

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SFL Div 3 Rd 6: St.John’s 5-12 Shamrock Gaels 3-6 (Sunday May 17th last)

Storming comeback blows Gaels away

St.John’s second team recorded their first league success of this year’s campaign with a well deserved victory over Shamrock Gaels in Stenson Park. The first half was a close encounter with St.John’s edging ahead at the start with points from Conor McGowan, Mark Rooney & Brian Harris. Shamrock Gaels came more into the contest and were on parity before Conor McGowan put St. John’s into the lead with a well taken goal. Shamrock Gaels struck back before the interval with 2 goals of their own despite Noel Hynes in the St. John’s goal pulling of 3 wonder saves. St John’s trailed at half time by 4 points by 2-4 to 1-4.

St. John’s began to assert control in the middle of the field and gradually pulled clear by 2 points and a goal coming from Brian Harris. John Reilly, Conor McGowern, Cathal Jordan, Mark Rooney all added on points. Running half backs Oisin Cox & Conor led to further goals from Conor McGovern & Cathal Jordan. Final score from Stenson Park was St.John’s 5-12 Shamrock Gaels 3-6

St.John’s team was: Noel Hynes, Paul McDonnell, Ronan Kelly, Enda Roche, Oisin Cox, Conor Greene, Brian Harris, Mark Rooney, Cian Haugh, John Reilly, Cathal Jordan, Paul McLean, Conor McGowan.

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St. John’s G.A.A Club united in grief Mick Galvin. (Tribute by St. John’s G.A.A. Club)

It was a sense of great sadness when news came filtering through last Friday of the unexpected and untimely death of Michael “Mick” Galvin Thursday May 28th 2015 son of our club President Paddy and founder of St. John’s G.A.A. Club in 1987. Michael packed more into his short 46 years of life than most of us would in two lifetimes. His family and G.A.A were his life and where he was happiest. Michael’s early playing days was spent with St. John’s before becoming a member of the St. Mary’s club winning a number of underage titles and a County Senior Football Championship in 1996.

The following year he was appointed Sligo senior football captain by Mickey Moran but missed out leading the County out in the Provincial final against Mayo later that year due to injury.

Later in 2008 he led the Sligo hurlers to their first ever Nicky Rackard title in Croke Park.

He also played and acted as mentor to the Calraigh Naomh Iosef hurling teams and in more recent times managed Glencar-Manor to win their first ever Leitrim hurling titles.

The St. John’s G.A.A. club members travelled en masse with heavy hearts to the removal on that faithful Saturday evening to Manorhamilton. Despite the monsoon like conditions members provided a guard of honour bravely fighting the elements heads bowed, shoulders slumped against the driving sheet like rain standing together silently, wearing black armbands as the cortege inched its way slowly from his home and up the steep entrance to St. Clare’s Church. Following the cortege family, relatives friends, sympathisers all huddled closely under a myriad of umbrellas providing protection from a dark unremarkable & miserable winters like evening in Manorhamilton. His coffin gently carried by members of the Glencar Hurling G.A.A. Club.

Inside Fr Oliver Kelly P.P. glowingly praised Mick for his involvement in the G.A.A and his devotion to his family and work as Sergeant in Ballyshannon Garda Station. The following day hundreds more thronged the church on the hill united in grief for the funeral mass and burial in St.Clare’s Churchyard.

Today, the clouds over Carraroe are not the same not the bright sky blue colours of the Parish Club that his father Paddy proudly founded but a more misty grey monochrome texture.

We extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Colette and his children, Conor, Kate and Emma. Also in our thoughts at this sad time are his father Paddy; his sisters Helen, Patricia and Geraldine and his brothers Peter and John.
May the Leitrim sod rest lay lightly over him.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilis


(Bring him home Les Miserables)


God on high, hear my prayer.

In my need you have always been there.

He is young, he's afraid.

Let him rest, Heaven blessed.

Bring him home.

Bring him home.

Bring him home.

He's like the son I might have known

If God had granted me a son.

The summers die, one by one,

How soon they fly on their own.

And I am old and will be gone.

Bring him peace, bring him joy.

He is young. He is only a boy.

You can take. You can give.

Let him be. Let him live.

If I die, let me die.

Let him live.

Bring him home.

Bring him home.

Bring him home.

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Club’s U-12 stars stay in contention for league honours (Tuesday June 2nd)

St. John’s pass Tourlestrane test

The St. John’s U-12 B team are the clubs success story of their year following their fourth victory defeat of a much touted Tourlestrane side by 0-19 to 0-15.

The game was in doubt with torrential rain over the previous days but the evening itself brightened up and it proved good omens for Joint Managers Gerry Quinn & Michael Hegarty’s charges.

Right from the start St. John’s controlled the game with directattacking play. Sparkling performances from the forwards most notably the scoring prowess of Liam Lee, Aine Gorman & Cormac Roddy kept the scores rising and with a water tight defence of Sean Moore, Emmanuel Nwani giving little away and the assured Marc Lyttle starring in goals the Carraroe starlets ended the second quarter in a commanding 0-12 to 0-4 lead.

With the strength in depth the team has its disposal the management had the luxury of bringing on subs of the calibre of Corey O’Dowd, Ryan McLoughlin,David Elliott, Jade Gray & Tyler Haxell all making telling contributions.

Overall it was another very encouraging & heartening team display by St. John’s who were able to withstand a tenacious late fightback from Tourlestrane in the final quarter. St. John’s dogged determination in defence and greater support up front managed to stem the tide and run out deserving winners in the end by 0-19 0-15.

Best for St John’s on the night were Josh Davey, Emmanuel Nwani, David Elliott and Aine Gorman.

An encouraging statistic the team are averaging 0-15 per game.

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Spirited performance from St. John’s in Abbott Cup (Sunday 7th June)

Abbott Cup: St. Johns 0-8 St Mary’s 3-9

St. John’s had the brighter opening in this Abbott Cup tie against near neighbours St. Mary’s in sunny Stenson Park. St. John’s were on top at midfield with Killian Sweeney & Mark Rooney stamping their authority in the middle of the park. Upfront Brian Harris & Ian Rossitor threatened at almost every opportunity while in defence Paul McDonnell & Paul McLean snuffed out a dangerous and ever threatening St. Mary’s forward line. In what was the best 30 minutes of play seen from the seniors this season the team tore into an St. Mary’s team that appeared shell shocked from the onslaught from St. John’s in the opening half. St. John’s were full value for their 0-6 to 0-1 interval lead.

Early in the second half and playing into a stiff breeze St. John’s were dealt with a double hammer blow the first when Killian Sweeney who was having an exceptional at midfield was sent off. With the extra man St. Mary’s opened up the play and gradually reduced the lead. St. Mary’s used the extra man smartly in defence thus starving the St. John’s forwards of any worthwhile possession.

St. John’s suffered the second hammer blow soon after when Paul McLean was forced off with an injury. St. Mary’s rallied and quickly struck for two decisive goals to finally break the spirited resistance by St. John’s. Best for St. John’s were Paul McDonnell, Fiachra Grennan & Ian Rossitor.

New manager of St. John’s seniors

St. John’s welcomed Mohill man Sean Kennedy as the new Senior Manager. At the June monthly meeting he was ratified ironically and proposed by the previous manager Tommy McManus. Tommy was warmly thanked at the meeting for the tremendous work he has done with the Senior side for the first five months of the year. Sean Kennedy had his first training session with the lads on a sunny Tuesday 9th June last.

Eoin Flanagan

Eoin Flanagan made his championships debut for the Sligo seniors in their fantastic 1-14 0-13 victory over Roscommon in the Connacht SFC semi-final in Markievicz Park on Saturday June 20th last. Another St. John’s player Conor Kerins was named among the substitutes

Rory Martyn

Rory Martyn a member of our under 14 squad and pupil at Carraroe NS represented Sligo in the Cumann NA mbunscol exhibition game at Markievicz Park v Roscommon in the Connacht SFC semi-final .

U-12 Fl Div 4 Rd 6: St. John's 0-14 St.Molaise Gaels 0-16

Agonizing defeat for St. John’s against St. Molaise Gales (Played Tuesday 23rd June) in Grange

Five points down in the last quarter St. John’s U-12 B team put in a storming finish to draw level with time almost up. The team looked to have done enough to secure at least a point but two late late scores from Molaise Gaels scuppered the St. John’s revival.

The team deserved at least a draw . It was a very close contest throughout with both teams exchanging the lead. St.John’s defence held firm with the trio of Sean Moore, Benedict Nwani & Mark Lyttle in goals all playing solidly.

At midfield Cormac Roddy kept driving forward while upfront Aine Gorman & Ciaran Quinn landed great scores over the bar.

In the third quarter St. John’s brought on a number of substitutes but it was St. Molaise Gaels that finished strongly taking a commanding 0-14 to 0-9 lead going into the final quarter.

The final quarter belonged St. John’s who bravely battled back in contention reeling off 5 points without reply. But two late scores in the last minute dashed the St. John’s comeback.

Overall it was another excellent team display with the forwards taking their scores and more encouragingly amassing 0-14 for the match.

Best for St. John’s were Sean Moore, Aine Gorman & Cormac Ruddy


Joint Managers: Gerry Quinn & Michael Hegarty.
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Brennan’s goal breaks St. John’s comeback

Furey Coaches Sponsored Sligo SFC Rd 1: St. John’s 1-9 Curry 2-9

St. John’s rank outsiders for this year’s Sligo Senior Championship just came up short against a Curry side who battled back from a two point deficit at half time to win by three in the end.

The crucial goal coming from Curry’s Fergal Brennan in the 15th minute of the second half proved decisive against a much more rejuvenated, energized and spirited St. John’s who bravely fought to the end of an exciting match in Markievicz Park on Saturday June 27th last.

The maturing Brian McGowan opened St. John’s account with the first attack slotting over after just 30 seconds of play. Within a minute later Curry were on front with a 3 man movement involving Brian McDonagh breaking past a couple of weak challenges he then fed Kenneth Morley who in turn saw Denis Coffey free and the midfielder made no mistake from 14 metres out firing a low shot past the St. John’s net minder Noel O Donnell. O’Donnell was quickly in action soon after when he stopped what looked like a certain second goal from Curry’s Kevin Giblin. Curry’s Cathal Brennan’s well struck 45 sailed between the posts to put Adrian Donohue’s charges 1-2 to 0-1 up in the eight minute. St. John’s defence in particular Robbie Galvin & Robert Fahy managed to break down a number of threatening Curry attacks while Kevin Giblin was playing well in the Curry half forward line. In the ninth minute St. John’s David Rooney who was making a welcome return following injury blazed a screaming shot narrowly over the crossbar following a good pass from his brother Mark over on the stand side from 24 metres out. Curry sliced through the St. John’s centre, again a 3 man movement involving Sean Davey, Keith Davey who passed to Cathal Brennan and he duly fisted over the bar close to goal. St. John’s Shane Stenson who was a doubt before the game came more into the game and following good interpassing between himself and Conor Brennan. Stenson took on the responsibility and put over a wonder point from a very difficult angle on the right side for St. John’s third point after twelve minutes of play. It was to get even better for the Carraroe side with Sligo star Eoin Flanagan’s blistering 30 metre run right at the heart of the Curry defence and he laid off a perfect pass to David Rooney who drilled a low ball pass the despairing dive of James Walsh in the Curry goal. St. John’s had their tails up at this stage with David Rooney again landing a skyscraper of a point from 25 metres out. Great work from Shane Stenson seen Conor Brennan bearing down on goal but a brilliant save from Curry’s goalkeeper James Walsh averted the danger. While at the other end Conor Greene managed to block down a goal bound shot from the dangerous Curry attacker Conor Brennan. St. John’s great team play was evident again with some intricate passing seen David Rooney slotting over his third point of the half from 20 metres. Another Stenson special from the right corner had St. John’s three points to the good but on the stroke of half time a Jason Marren free from 13 metres left the half time score reading St.John’s 1-6 to Curry 1-4.

Just after half time St. John’s received a setback when forced to bring in Jamie Grehan for Mark Cunningham who received a black card for looked like a very innocuous challenge on a Curry defender. Brian McDonagh with his second point of the match and Jason Marren’s attacking instinct seen him race ahead of his marker and floating over a point over his right shoulder tied the game up at 1-6 each in the 36th minute. Ian Rossitor’s magnificently judged free off the ground from all of 45 metres was beautifully curled in over the bar against a strengthening breeze in the dressing room end of the grounds to put St. John’s into a narrow lead

St. John’s Conor Greene powerful shot cannoned back off a Curry defender when in a good goal scoring position. Quick movement down field immediately afterwards seen Curry turn defence into attack with Keith Davey passing the ball to the inrushing Fergal Brennan and he fired low past Noel O’Donnell in the St. Johns goal in what was the turning point in the match. Two more quick scores from Jason Marren & Cathal Brennan put Curry well out in front by 2-9 to 1-7 with ten minutes left. St. John’s to their credit never gave up hope but a number of bad wides (10 in total) didn’t help their cause. They kept plugging away with David Rooney pointing his fourth of the match while Conor Kerins stole a yard on his opposite number and blasted a point narrowly over the bar to reduce the lead. Curry’s Robert Wynne received his second yellow card in the dying minutes but had no effect on the outcome of the match. St. John’s couldn’t find a way through a resolute Curry defence and ran time out on the Sky blues.

Curry will be pleased to have got over the first hurdle in this year’s Championship format while St. John’s in defeat can still be justifiably pleased with their efforts which belied their lowly league position. Their performance was full of earnest hard work and their conviction restored much needed pride back into the side.

A little more accuracy in front of goal and taking the right options could have meant an altogether different result.

Best for St. John’s were Robbie Galvin, Robert Fahy, Shane Stenson, Eoin Flanagan, David & Mark Rooney. While Curry’s top performers were Jason Marren, Cathal Brennan, Kevin Giblin , Kenneth Morley, Denis Coffey & Sean Davey.

St. John’s: Noel O’Donnell, Robert Galvin, Robert Fahy, Eoin Flanagan, Conor Greene, Paul McNamara, Michael O’Hehir, Mark Rooney, Mark Mark Cunningham, Conor Brennan, Ian Rossitor, Brian McGowan, Fiachra Grennan, Shane Stenson, David Rooney,

Subs: Conor Kerins for Connor Brennan (half time) Jamie Grehan for Mark Cunningham BC (32 mins)

Curry: James Walsh, Enda Walsh, David Wrynne, Stephen Marren, Robert Wrynne, James Connolly, Kenneth Morley, Niall McDonagh, Denis Coffey, Keith Davey, Kevin Giblin, Brian McDonagh, Jason Marren, Sean Davey, Cathal Brennan

Subs: Fergal Brennan for Kevin Giblin (45 mins) Richard Wrynne for Dennis Coffey (50 mins) Conor Mahon for Keith Davey (58 mins)

St. John’s scorers: David Rooney 1-4 , Shane Stenson 0-2, Brian McGowan 0-1, Conor Kerins 0-1, Ian Rossitor 0-1 (1 free)

Scorers Curry: Jason Marren 0-4, Cathal Brennan 0-3 (1 free), Denis Coffey 1-0, Fergal Brennan 1-0,Brian McDonagh 0-2,

Referee John Doyle

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St. John’s U-12 section received sponsorship from Christine Dolan Marketing Manager Quayside Shopping Centre on 30th June last before the U-12 Fl Rd 7 match in sunny Cleveragh.

St. John’s U-12 B team through to league semi-finals

U12 FL Div 4 Rd 7: St. John’s 0-13 Drumcliffe 0-7 (played in Cleveragh June 30th)

St John’s U-12 B team finished off their league campaign with a hard earned victory on Tuesday evening against Drumcliffe/ Rosses Point in sunny Cleveragh.

Marc Lyttle again starred in goals and was ably supported by Ronan Hegarty, Sean Moore and Bendict Nwani forcing Drumcliffe/Rosses Point forwards to live of crumbs of possession.

Tireless running from the midfield pairing of Emmanuel Nwani & Cormac Roddy meant the forwards of the calibre of Ciaran Quinn, Aine Gorman & John Hanbury got a steady supply of ball to convert into scores.

Again the management team of Michael Hegarty & Gerry Quinn wisely used the full panel and had the luxury of bringing on talented players of Tyler Haxwell, Liam Lee, Corey O’Dowd, James Derwin & Ray McCarney all adding energy to the team.

An astute change from the team management seen Ciaran Quinn take over in goals and he kept a clean sheet while Marc Lyttle moved into attack and added extra drive to the forward line. He was ably assisted by the impeccable finishing of Liam Lee in the last quarter keeping St. John’s well out in front. Ciaran Quinn let nothing past him in goals and the defence defended with dogged determination.

The team held on for an excellent win over a battling Drumcliffe/Rosses Point by 0-13 to 0-7.

Best for St Johns on the night were Ronan Hegarty, Sean Moore, and Benedict Nwani.

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St. John’s and CADRA held a monster auction sale in Carraroe Community centre on Sunday July 5th last. And Cystic Fibrosis Ireland also benefitted greatly from the money.

All-Ireland hurling U-21 C championships Quarter final

Sligo 2-15 Cavan 2-14

Sligo hurlers edge past Cavan in a cliffhanger

With all the attention drawn to the County’s Minor & Senior footballers contesting Connacht finals on Sunday 19th July last the County’s U-21 hurlers have reached the All-Ireland Championships semi-finals all under the radar. Unknown to many of us the team are backboned by a number of talented club players most notably Darren McNeilis at full-back, Eoin Davey, Cathal Jordan Fr. Manning Cup medial winner in 2014 and current County senior player Mattew Davey who also captained the team.

The match was played on Saturday’s July 5th before the All-Ireland football qualifier with Roscommon & Cavan in Breffni Kingspan Park. Trailing by seven points at half time the Sligo lads displayed great courage to come back from that deficit and forced the game into extra time. At the end of a nail biting contest Sligo did just enough to win by a point and earned their semi-final placing in a hard fought but enjoyable contest.

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St. John’s just come up short in semi-final

U-12 Fl Div 4 League Cup semi-final: St. John’s 0-15 St Molaise Gaels 0-32

St. John's ambitions of an underage title were dashed by a St. Molaise Gaels team that finished strongly in the U-12 league cup semi-final played in a sunny Monsignor Hynes Park on Tuesday 14th July last.

St John’s under 12B team’s league position meant they qualified for the league semi-final against St Molaise Gaels.

A badly depleted St John’s team started the game strongly with good running from midfield from Liam lee and Cormac Roddy coupled with sterling defending of Ronan Hegarty and Mark Mc Donagh meant they went in at the end of the first quarter trailing by a point on a scoreline of 0.06 to 0.05.

The good work continued in the second quarter with good distribution by Goalkeeper Ciaran Quinn and great finishing by Mark Flohr ensured the team were still well in contention just trailing by 0.13 to 0.11.

The game changed in the third quarter with the team tiring and some strong running by St Molaise Gaels left St Johns on the back foot and they never really recovered from this spell of play and St Molaise Gaels went on to win by 0.32 to 0.15.

Best for St Johns on the night were Ciaran Quinn, Mark Flohr, John Hanbury and Ray Mc Carney.

Great credit is due to the team in their first year of structured leagues. They finished in the top three in the county at their age group and of the top four sides they were only defeated by St Molaise Gaels.

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A cheque for €1,000 was presented to Cystic Fibrosis Ireland in Cuilbeg on Wednesday 15th July last proceeds from the club’s monster auction sale in the Carraroe Community centre.

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St John's & Coolaney/Mullinabreena can’t be separated in Cleveragh (Friday July 18th)

U-14 Div 3 Championship: St. John’s 3-9 Coolaney/Mullinabreena 4-6

Our U-14 team played Cooolaney/ Mullinabreena on Friday night last in the First Round of the Championship and served up a thrilling display of football to earn a well deserved draw on scoreline of 3-9 to 4-6.

Great performances from Luke Rogers in goal, Saul Molloy, Zaak Mahon, JJ McGowan and Ethan Scully in defence, Ryan Gorman and Marc McGowan were tireless at midfield, while forwards of Keelan Davey, Ben Miller, Dean Osbourne, Rory Martin and Jamie Kelly kept the game on a knife edge to the very end.

Well done on a great team performance.

Club win €1,000 sponsorship in Burns Car Sales Promotion

The start of August began with the news that the Club gained 2nd place & €1,000 sponsorship in the Burns Car Sales “Drive for Sponsorship” promotion. Last year the club won a set of playing gear and also Club won the Supervalu Kits for Kids Promotion organised by Whiteside’s Ballisodare.

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High fives for St. John's U-14's

U-14 Championship Div 3 Rd 4: St. John's 5-10 Coolaney/Mullinabreena 3-12 (played Friday 7th August)

The club's U-14 side overcame a confident Coolaney/ Mullinabreena team in a high scoring & thrilling game on Friday evening last. At half time St. John's held a narrow 2-6 to 1-6 lead.

Coolaney/Mullinabreena raced into an 6 point lead early in the second half. However the team displayed great courage to claw themselves back into contention. At the end of a terrific contest St. John's outscored their opponents by 5-10 to 3-12.

St. John's team and scores: Keelan Davey 2-0, Ryan Gorman 1-3, J'J McGowan 1-1, Mark McGowan 1-1, Luke Rogers 0-2, Ronan Flynn, Ethan Scully, Zaak Mahon, Jamie Kelly, Saul Molloy, Rory Martin (0-1)each.

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U-16 Championship Div 3: St. John’s 4-11 St. Patrick’s 2-3 (played in Stenson Park Monday 10th August)

Impressive win for St. John’s U-16's:

All the hard work on the training ground is now paying off for the St. John’s U-16 side following an impressive display to defeat St. Patrick’s in Stenson Park last evening.

After a shaky start it was Jake McMahon in the half back line who ventured up the field taking a quick 45’ pass from Shane Egan before slotting over. St. Patrick’s equalized soon after but further scores from Ronan McGoldrick & Jack Walsh put the sky blues in front. It was to get ever better for the sky blues when Cathal Byrne playing at midfield rose highest to collect a high dropping ball and fed the inrushing Joe Spratt and he made no mistake from close range with an expertly taken goal. St. John’s pulled well clear and at half time lead by 1-8 to 0-2 with further points coming from Joe Spratt (2) Ronan McCormack & Dillon Lynch McMorrow

St. John’s added to their tally with the inspiring Joe Spratt again on target with a free off the ground and this was followed shortly afterwards with the games second goal coming from Dylan Lynch McMorrow. Not to be outdone the attacking minded Darragh Flemming in the full back line raced up the field before popping over another inspirational score.

St. Pat’s did stage a mini revival and converted a penalty and added a second goal but it was to be their last score as St. John's took over. At this stage St. John’s still had a comfortable 2-10 to 2-3 lead. Two further goals from Ronan McGoldrick and another point from Dillon Lynch McMorrow put the issue well beyond doubt in an overall magnificent team display.

Best for St. John’s on the evening were Darragh Fleming, Jack Sayers, Shane Egan & Jake McMahon who nullified the St. Patricks attack for long periods while Ronan McGoldrick & Cathal Byrne both excelled at midfield with great drive and energy. Jack Walsh & Dillon Lynch McMorrow gave masterful displays in the high scoring St. John’s forward line.

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U-16 Championship Div 3 Rd 3:

St. John’s 4-12 Geevagh 2-3 (played Monday evening August 17th in Stenson Park)

Second half blitz sees off Geevagh.

A number of enforced changes to the St. John’s starting line up with key players Cathal Byrne & Darragh Fleming out through injury. Manager Stephen Cronin re gigged the team with Shane Egan moving to midfield and the flying full forward Joe Spratt in an unfamiliar role in the half back line.

Dilllon Lynch McMorrrow opened the St. John’s account on 4 minutes and this was quickly added to with a goal of individual quality coming from Ronan McGoldrick who ghosted pasted the Geevagh defence but rifling an unstoppable shot into the Geevagh net. Shane Egan pointed for St. John’s shortly after. Geevagh replied with two quick fire goals of their own to stay in contention. Towards the end of the half McGoldrick with a great point from a difficult angle and two points from Adam Grace and a free from Jack Walsh tied the contest at half time by 1-6 2-3.

It was a classic case of a game of two halves. In the second period St. John’s went on the offensive and attacked at will. An early expertly McGoldrick point was the sign of things to come with the tide now turning totally in St. John’s favour. That man McGoldrick gave a nice accurate kick pass into the welcome arms of Adam Grace and he made no mistake with a well taken goal.

Geevagh were shell shocked and didn’t know what hit them as the St. John’s forwards took over and ran riot. Another McGoldrick point was quickly added to by half time substitute Ryan Gorman. Senan Kelly made his presence felt when he came on with 12 minutes remaining and immediately went into the full forward line. Within two minutes he scored 1-1 to his credit. Dillon Lynch McMorrow & Adam Grace increased the lead with further points while Senan Kelly added another goal after a rebound shot from McGoldrick.

The entire St. John’s defence were on top in the second half keeping Geevagh scoreless with tireless defending coming in particular from Mark McGowan & Jack Sayers. It was another solid showing from Stephen Cronin’s charges adding 3-6 in the second half without reply.

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St. John’s U-12 B team brave fight back just falls short (played in Kent Park on Monday 17th August

U-12 Div 4 3rd place play off: St. John’s 0-16 St. Mary’s 0-24 ( A.E.T)

St. John’s U-12 B team ended their season with a narrow 0-24 0-16 defeat to town rivals St. Mary’s in the 3rd-4th place play off in Kent Park on Monday evening.

It took a period of extra time to separate the teams with the game changing hands on several occasions such was the closeness of the contest.

The teams were level at the end of the second quarter with Cormac Roddy & Mark Flohr to the fore with some excellent individual scores.

The team lost their way in the third quarter and as a result went in behind by four points. With great encouragement from managers Gerry Quinn & Michael Hegarty the St. John’s young stars battled back with gusto and great heart and attitude and refused to give in. The sky blues brought the game to their great town rivals dominating in the final quarter drawing level with a minute remaining. They had St. Mary’s on the ropes and only for the intervention of the referee who blew the full time whistle could have ended the drought.

The game was delicately poised going into extra time. However St .Mary’s greater fitness told in the remaining minutes and they ran out winners. It was a great season still for the St. John’s U-12 B’s who showed immense character in all their games and putting up on average 15 points per game. The team finished fourth overall and this will be a great foundation to build upon in next year’s campaign. The team were expertly managed by Gerry Quinn & Michael Hegarty

TEAM

Marc Lyttle, Ronan Hegarty, Sean Moore, Graham Kennedy, Cormac Roddy, Liam Lee, Mark Mc Donagh, Marc Flohr, Ciaran Quinn, Aine Gorman, John Hanbury, Tyler Haxell, Josh Davey.

Successful 5 day Academy Camp

St. John’s held a 5 day Academy camp (August 17-21 last) with over 70 kids taking part in Stenson Park. Sligo G.A.A. Board’s Liam Og Gormley, Pat Kilcoyne, Benny Kenny, Ross Donovan and our own County Star Eoin Flanagan all put the young players through Coaching. The event was sponsored by Seamus & Nuala Flanagan and were thanked for this generous sponsorship. John Reilly also came in for praise from the Juvenile Club Chairman Fergal Kelly for his great organisational skills making sure the weeks activities ran smoothly.

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Missed chances prove costly for St. John's against Calry/St.Joseph's

Belfry Sponsored Sligo SFC Rd 3: Calry St. Joseph’s 1-11 St. John’s 0-10.

McGovern's goal proves decisive as St. John’s left to rue costly mistakes

Bryan McGovern's goal just after half time turned out to be the turning point in a damp and wet Markievicz Park on Sunday 23rd August last

This group one match was moved from Hazelwood to Markievicz Park on Sunday owing to Calry’s ground deemed unplayable. It was Calry who opened the scoring in the very first minute with Darragh Cummins on the right wing finding Barry O’Boyle totally unmarked in the centre pointing an easy score from 21 metres out. Play was then held out for a couple of minutes following an injury to Calry’s Brian Shannon in the centre of the field. Shannon was unable to continue with what looked like an ankle injury and was replaced by Conor Hegarty. Conor Greene was having one of his best games in the St. John’s colours before retiring injured was fouled when heading for goal. Ian Rossitor the St. John’s ace freetaker pointed opening the Carraroe’s side account after 6 minutes. Rossitor who gave a man of the match performance would finish on a magnificent personal tally of (0-8). St. John’s had spells of dominance but failed to make it count. They had a number of chances to go out in front but two bad wides from Shane Stenson and a Conor Greene attempted point dropped short into the welcome hands of Calry’s goalkeeper Aidan Devanney. Rossitor put St. John’s in front with a beautifully curled point from 30 metres out. St. John’s again had a glorious chance to build on their lead this time when Paul McNamara let fly with a thunderous shot from 20 metres but Aidan Devanney was equal to it with an outstanding flying save managing to block out McNamara’s goal bound shot. Calry were then awarded a 45 metre free and up came the Calry goal stopper and he made no mistake with a sweetly struck strike that sailed over the bar to draw the sides level. St. John’s managed to break down a number of dangerous Calry attacks with Neil Hayes in particular doing well in the full back line. Rossitor again with an accurate free off the ground nosed St. John’s in front. Calry went straight up the field after that St. John’s score & the lively Conor Griffin who seen plenty of play throughout found Damien O’Boyle who duly pointed. Bryan McGovern slotted over a well struck point following a good pass from Fintan Keown to edge Calry out in front. And in the last passage of play a slick passing four man movement began in midfield with Damien O’Boyle’s excellent catch ended with his brother Barry O’Boyle firing over an excellent worked point to put Calry in front by 0-6 to 0-4 at half time.

St. John’s made a substitution at half time bringing on Ger Fagan for Alex Selby. Calry were quick into attack at the start of the second half with Eoin Doherty who placed the inrushing Damien O’Boyle and he pointed from 21 meters. St. John’s had a great chance for a goal when Brian McGowan was put through by Ger Fagan but McGowan’s shot from a difficult angle went harmlessly wide of Aidan Devanney right hand post. Ian Rossitor kept St. John’s in it with an another pointed free of the ground his accurate place kicking a joy to watch illuminating a dark Markievicz Park. There was controversy when an umpire waved a St. John’s attack wide but the referee John Doyle allowed the game to continue. Up came Calry and they were given a sideline ball on the standside 35 meters out from the St. John’s goal. Just like in their previous match with Curry they were caught out cold on 34 minutes with a long high delivery and the ball bounced over the St. John’s defenders and Calry’s Bryan McGovern gathered and turned quickest to fire the ball past Noel O’Donnell in the St. John’s goal from close range with Calry 1-7 to 0-5 up after 34 minutes. Shane Stenson managed to steady the St. John’s ship with an excellent score from 30 metres out on the stand side of goals. St. John’s were then awarded a free 20 meters out. All were expecting free taker Ian Rossitor to tap over but instead he went for a quick pass to Brian McGowan however Calry’s defenders reacted quickly to block down McGowan’s goal attempt. Calry’s Darragh Cummins fired over a high ball to put Calry out in front and this was added to by Paddy Hegarty who burst past Conor Greene before firing over from an a narrow angle in the dressing room corner of the ground. Greene was forced off with what appeared a shoulder injury being replaced by Ronan McGarrigle. Three points from the accurate boot of Ian Rossitor reduced the lead to a mere goal 1-10 to 0-10 with 6 minutes remaining. There was more urgency from St. John’s and they piled forward in numbers to rescue the tie. The energetic and speedy Eoin Flanagan did his upmost to rally the team. Staunch defending from the Calry backs managed to stem the flow towards their goals and the issue was put beyond St. John’s reach with the insurance breakaway score coming from Fintan Keown in injury time.

Calry who looked the more consistent team throughout were best served by the O’Boyle brothers Damien & Barry, Eoin Doherty, Vincent Nally , Darragh Cummins & Conor Griffin all playing their part, while St. John’s best were Ian Rossitor with an exemplary and flawless performance, Mark Cunningham, Shane Stenson, Eoin Flanagan, Conor Greene & Neil Hayes all putting in big performances.

Scores St. John’s: Ian Rossitor 0-8, (7 frees), Brian McGowan 0-1, Shane Stenson 0-1,

Scores Calry/St. Joseph’s: Bryan McGovern 1-1 Darragh Cummins 0-2 Barry O’ Boyle 0-2, Damien O'Boyle 0-2 Aidan Devanney 0-1 – (1 free), Paddy Hegarty 0-1 Vincent Nally 0-1 Fintan Keown 0-1

St. John’s: Noel O’Donnell, Neil Hayes, Robert Fahy, Robbie Galvin, Alex Selby, Eoin Flanagan, David Rooney, Mark Cunningham, Paul McNamara, Conor Greene, Shane Stenson, Jamie Grehan, Fiachra Grennan, Ian Rossitor, Brian McGowan

Subs: Ger Fagan for Alex Selby (HT) Enda Roche for David Rooney (50 mins) Ronan McGarrigle for Conor Greene (51 mins)

Calry/St. Joseph’s: Aidan Devanney, Eoin Nicholson, Adrian Cummins, Mark Fowley, Brian Shannon, Darragh McConnan, Jonathan McGoldrick, Damien O’ Boyle, Barry O’Boyle, Ciaran Stenson, Darragh Cummins, Bryan McGovern, Paddy Hegarty, Conor Griffin, Fintan Keown.

Subs: Conor Hegarty for Brian Shannon ( 5 mins) Conor McGovern for Conor Hegarty (16 mins) Vincent Nally for Mark Fowley (35 mins) Eoin Doherty for Ciaran Stenson ( 56 mins)

Referee: John Doyle Naomh Eoin


U-16 Championship Div 3 Rd 4: St. John's 3-6 Enniscrone 5-8

Two late goals from Enniscrone dents St. John’s but still reach semi-finals (played in Enniscrone on Monday 24th August last

Playing with the aid of the wind in the first half St. John’s took an early lead through Shane Egan. Enniscrone hit back with a goal of their own with eight minutes gone. Points from Ronan McGoldrick & Dillon Lynch McMorrow brought the sides level but four points from Enniscrone without reply seen the seasiders out in front. The St. John’s Management made an astute substitution bringing on Senan Kelly for Jordan Gorman. Kelly wasn’t on the field long when he rattled the back of the Enniscrone goal with a rasping shot. And with half time fast approaching Jack Walsh scored St. John’s second goal with the sky blues ahead at half time by 2-4 to 1-5

St. John’s further extended their lead early in the second half with the Carraroe’s side third goal coming from Adam Grace’s penalty strike. Rather than pressing home their advantage it was Enniscrone who battled back into contention. A quick fire salvo from the seasiders seen them regain the lead. St. John’s looked to have weathered the Enniscrone storm with further points from Adam Grace & Dillon Lynch McMorrow. However in the last ten minutes St. John’s lost their shape and Enniscrone got in for two late goals to win the contest.

With three wins out of four St. John’s still have reached the semi-finals

Managers: Stephen Cronin & Ger Egan

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Belfry Sponsored SFC Gp 1 Rd 4: Curry 1-12 St. John’s 0-10

Marren & McDonagh impress as 14 man Curry defeat St. John’s (played in Curry Saturday 29th August)

Curry secured their quarter final place in this year’s Belfry Sponsored Sligo Senior Football Championship with three wins out of three in ideal conditions in Curry.

Saint John’s were dealt blows before the game with injuries to Alex Selby & Conor Greene. In came Ronan McGarrigle & Enda Roche to the starting line-up. County star Adrian Marren got the first of his 8 points after just two minutes with an expertly strike from the left wing. David Rooney had a chance to open St. John’s account but agonizingly his fisted attempt of a point came off the upright. Brendan McDonagh doubled Curry’s lead when put through by Keith Davey for a good score on six minutes. It was to get even better for Adrian Donohue’s charges with a well worked move involving Jason Marren who fed Brendan Brogan on the 21 metre line, Noel O’Donnell pulled off a great save from Brogan but the ball broke out kindly to the waiting Brian McDonagh and he drilled home a low shot past St. John’s goalkeeper Noel O’Donnell to put Curry into an 1-2 lead after 8 minutes of play. St. John’s replied straight away with Shane Stenson pointing from 22 meters out. Curry’s talisman Adrian Marren pulled the strings and in the next 7 minutes fired over 3 points without reply while Keith Davey added another score to put Curry into a very commanding position leading by 1-7 to 0-1 after 20 minutes. It could have been worse for St. John’s but for Noel O’Donnell in goals pulled of a great save to deny Keith Davey from adding a second Curry goal on 23 minutes. St. John’s finished the first half strongly with Ian Rossitor’s two frees and another Shane Stenson score left Curry going in at half time by 1-7 to 0-4 ahead.

Curry had another goal attempt just after the interval with Sean Davey feeding Keith Davey who pumped in a high ball with Jason Marren challenging Noel O’Donnell in goals the ball broke loose and Marren on the ground failed to direct the ball into the St. John’s goal and the danger was cleared. St. John’s showed a lot more urgency in the second half to get back into contention. St. John’s Fiachra Grennan was fouled when heading for goal and Ian Rossitor duly pointed. Curry’s midfielder Niall McDonagh who had an excellent game got on the score board with a neat pass coming from Aaron Kearins. Two more frees from the boot of Ian Rossitor reduced Curry’s lead to 1-9 0-7 with ten minutes of the second half gone. Curry were then reduced to 14 players with Jason Marren shown a straight red card by referee Ciaran McGovern for what looked like words to an umpire. St. John’s were cautious and deployed the extra man back in defence but failed to make their numeric advantage count for the remaining 18 minutes (just adding three further points as did Curry). Curry always looked the more threatening with ball in hand while St. John’s didn’t make the best use of chances that came their way while shooting 10 wides over the hour. Curry using all their experience played possession football not giving the ball away cheaply and it was that man again Adrian Marren who scored from 14 meters out following a needless push to Keith Davey by a St. John’s defender. Ian Rossitor received a great pass from Fiachra Grennan and he turned quickly before slotting over for a good score. St. John’s Neil Hayes was given a black card and was replaced by the tanned looking Tommy Kelly just back from America. St. John’s Manager Sean Kennedy also threw on another American returnee Oisin Cox to rescue the tie soon afterwards. Kelly looked to have scored after shortly coming on but his shot just tailed narrowly wide of the left hand upright. Curry’s Brendan Brogan & Adrian Marren added to further scores to put Curry well out in front 1-12 to 0-8 lead with 5 minutes remaining. David Rooney added to late scores for St. John’s but it was a case of too little too late as time ran out on the sky blues.

Best for Curry were the impressive Niall McDonagh, Sean Davey, Brian McDonagh, Brendan Brogan, Sean Colleary, & Adrian Marren while St. John’s were best served by Ian Rossitor, Shane Stenson, Eoin Flanagan, David Rooney, Fiachra Grennan, Brian McGowan & Paul McNamara.

Scores St. John’s: Ian Rossitor (0-6, 6 frees) Shane Stenson (0-2) David Rooney (0-2)

Scorers Curry: Adrian Marren (0-8, 1 free) Brian McDonagh (1-2) Niall McDonagh (0-1) Keith Davey (0-1)

Curry: James Walsh, Conor Maher, David Wynne, Michael Gordon, Aaron Kearins, Kenneth Morley, Stephen Marren, Niall McDonagh, Sean Collery, Brendan Brogan, Keith Davey, Brian McDonagh, Sean Davey, Jason Marren, Adrian Marren.

Subs: Denis Coffey for Sean Collery (40 mins) James Connolly for Kenneth Morley (50 mins) Danny O’Hara for Brendan Brogan (59 mins)

St. John’s: Noel O’Donnell, Neil Hayes, Robert Fahy, Robert Galvin, Ronan McGarrigle, Eoin Flanagan, David Rooney, Mark Cunningham, Paul McNamara, Enda Roche, Shane Stenson, Jamie Grehan, Fiachra Grennan, Ian Rossitor, Brian McGowan

Subs: Tommy Kelly for Neil Hayes (52 mins), Oisin Cox for Mark Cunningham (54 mins) Cathal Jordan for Enda Roche (56 mins)


Referee Ciaran McGovern

Opening round defeat for St. John’s U-13’s

St. John’s slip up against a stronger Easkey/St. Farnan’s (played in Easkey on Friday 4th September last)

On a cold blustery and autumnal evening in Easkey St. Johns U-13’s began their opening championship game against a strong Easkey/St. Farnan’s combination. Conditions were to play a major part in this game with the wind favouring the home team in the first half. Easkey/St. Farnans were quick off the mark with an opening point but there was a prompt response from St Johns scoring a point to open their account. Ronan Kelly’s accurate pass to Luke Rogers and his defence splitting pass to Darragh McGoldrick who finished expertly.

Easkey/St. Farnan’s were stronger in midfield and won a number of kick outs and their forwards scored two goals without reply despite great defending from Ben Miller, Zach Mahon, Rory Martin & Ronan Flynn. St. John’s attempt to get back into the game was dealt a hammer blow to the influential Mark McGowan who picked up an injury with just ten minutes gone.

The home team stretched their advantage with another goal and two more points. St Johns were struggling to gain possession from their kick outs. St. John’s goalkeeper Mark Kovnecheuk pulled off a numbers of breath taking saves to keep Justin McGoldrick’s young cubs in contention.

In a well worked move involving 6 players that started with Ethan Scully in the half back line who passed to Kenneth Ogun in Midfield who in turn found Ronan Richie in the half forward line. Some intricate passing between Conor Leonard & Dean Osborne who found the unmarked and hardworking Luke Rogers who finished for an outstanding goal and the score of the match. Despite Rogers inspirational goal St. John’s found themselves under severe pressure and conceded 3-4 to Easkey going into half time.

St. John’s opened brightly in the second half with points coming from the boot of Dean Osborne & Keelan Davey. However, Easkey pulled away again with another 3-4 to be out of sight. St. John’s used their subs bench to good effect giving games to Nathan McLoughlin, Mark McDonagh, Mark Flohr & Peter Meehan who all did very well when coming on. St. John’s did finish strongly with Ethan Scully directing home a cracking goal putting the gloss on what was a frustrating evening for the St. John’s U-13 squad.

Feile A&B Gr 3: St. John’s 2-3 Easkey/St. Farnan’s 10-12.

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City Leagues U-9’s
St John’s 1-0 Coolera 8-0

Rachel’s “gold trick” highlight in Club’s U-9’s opening city league match

Some people reading the final result might have thought St. John’s G.A.A. had taken up another code of football. However Brian O’Connor’s young cubs making their first appearance in the St. John’s colours played admirably well against a competent Coolera Side in this match played in Scarden (Monday 8th September)

Despite the final result the squad equipped themselves well and can’t be faulted for their efforts or endeavours and can only improve in future outings. The only goal coming from Rachel McGoldrick.

St. John’s: Donal in goals , Zack McLoughliln, Keelan Mulligan, Jack Davey, Kian Roddy, James Barnicle, Rachel McGoldrick, Adam Fenney, Jack Kelly.

Subs: Aidan Moore, Mimi Lee, Rian Keaney, Emma Egan, Kiara Basquille & Clodagh McLoughlin.

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St.John’s reach U-16 Championship final

A morale boosting result from the Club U-16s sees them into the championship final following an exciting victory over a gallant Geevagh side in a high scoring semi-final encounter in a sunny Stenson Park last evening. (Monday 8th September)

It was Geevagh who started off brightly with an early lead of 1-1 after 6 mintues. A close range free from Adam Grace and captain Ronan McGoldrick settled the side.

Geevagh stole in for another goal soon after but Senan Kelly who started at full forward brought St. John’s right back into it with a cracking goal following an accurate pass from Dillon Lynch McMorrow. It was to get even better for Stephen Cronin & Ger Egan’s young charges with captain fantastic Ronan McGoldrick’s thunderbolt that nearly lifted the netting off the goal for a fantastic strike. In a purple patch St. John’s added further points from Adam Grace & Shane Egan and a goal from Dillon Lynch McMorrow seen St. John’s leading 3-4 2-2 at half time.

The hard working Shane Egan extended St. John’s lead to 5 points. Geevagh came back into it with 2 points of their own to close the gap to 3 points. Another point from Dillon Lynch McMorrow who gave an eye catching performance at full forward put St. John’s clear with 1-1 to his credit. Substitute Ryan Gorman who replaced Joe Spratt was next to raise the green flag with St. John’s well in control leading by 5-6 to 2-5

In a dramatic turn of events Geevagh scored two goals one from a penalty after Ronan McGoldrick hauled down a Geevagh player in the penalty area. Points from Shane Egan, Ronan McGoldrick & Jack Walsh seemed to have broken Geevagh’s great resolve.

Geevagh’s great spirit seen them score a further two goals in the last five minutes of the game and St. John’s were on hanging by their fingertips by a mere point at this stage. It’s a stature of a good team when facing an onslaught they managed to dig in and drive on.

In an nail biting finish when leadership was required Adam Grace fired over the winning point warming the hearts of the St. John’s faithful on the sidelines. A great team effort with good individual performances from Jordan Gorman in the full back line . Shane Egan and Ronan Mc Goldrick in midfield . Adam Grace in the half forwards and both Dillon Lynch McMorrow and Sennan Kelly in full forward line .

U-16 Div 3 Championship semi-final: St. John’s 5-10 Geevagh 6-5

Unfortunately the U-16’s couldn’t finish the job as the team lost out to a more potent Enniscrone side in the final in Markievicz Park.

_________________________________________________________________________________St. John’s U-11’s win exciting encounter

St Johns under 11’s commenced their city league campaign with a narrow but deserved victory over a very good and skilful Coolera/Strandhill team at Scarden on Tuesday evening 8th September last by a scoreline of 0-13 to 0-12.

It was the proverbial game of two halves with Coolera/Strandhill having the better of the opening period. St Johns defence kept the team in the game in the first half with assured performances from Ciaran Quinn in goals and Ronan Hegarty, Sean Moore, Ray Mc Carney and Graham Kennedy . The team went in at the break down by 0-6 to 0-4.

The team management made a switch at half time bringing Ciaran Quinn to midfield and switching Marc Lyttle into goals. The switch had the desired effect. Marc Lyttle is a young player with great potential as a goalkeeper and he showed this by keeping the Coolera defence under great pressure with his long kick outs. St Johns also competed much better in the second half in midfield with good performances from Aine Gorman, John Hanbury and Ciaran Quinn.

The forward line also started to take their chances with an assured performance by Cormac Roddy ably assisted by Josh Davey, Tyler Haxell, David Elliott and Reece Wallace.

The game became a real sizzler with each team taking the lead. The match looked to be heading to a stalemate as the teams were tied at 0-12 to 0-12 when Coolera broke free but just pulled a shot wide of the post. Marc Lyttle sent a long kick out to midfield which was excellently fielded by Ciaran Quinn who quickly moved it on to Cormac Roddy and ran off his shoulder. Roddy spotted the run and returned the pass to Ciaran Quinn who sent the ball over the bar for a point from a difficult angle for what proved to be the winning point.

Best for St Johns on the night were Graham Kennedy, Cormac Roddy, Aine Gorman and Marc Lyttle

TEAM

Marc Lyttle, Ronan Hegarty, Sean Moore, Graham Kennedy, Cormac Roddy, Ciaran Quinn, Aine Gorman, John Hanbury, Tyler Haxell, Josh Davey, Ray Mc Carney, Reece Wallace, David Elliott.

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St. John’s U-10’S began their City League Campaign against a Coolera/Strandhill side in sunny Scarden last Tuesday 8th September

Making his debut in goals was Darren Mills a young player with a bright future ahead of him in the St. John's colours. His huge kickouts for a 10 year old beyond the halfway line was quite simply outstanding giving the St. John’s forwards a steady supply of great ball in to get scores from.

In the full back line was the ever dependent Feelan Flannery, Faith Collom, Conor McGowan & Julia Cybula whose heroic display stood out and was recognised as the player of the night.

At midfield were the trio of Brendan Kochivect, Adam Kenny & Corey O’Dowd who pressed forward at every available opportunity giving their counterparts much to think about.

In the forwards was Eoin Mulligan, Dara Walsh, Chloe Clerkin & Shay McGowan. It was the McGowan’s brothers who carved through the Coolera defence with Shay giving a defence splitting hand pass to his older brother Conor who made no mistake with a stunning strike.

The entire St. John’s team made telling contributions and with great determination and spirit the team brought the fight to their opponents. Coolera won a close contest but even in defeat there was much to savour from the St. John’s young starlets.


The St. John’s team that played on Tuesday were Darren Mills, Faith Collom, Julia Cybula, Feelan Flannery, Conor Mc Gowan, Brendan Kochivech, Corey O Dowd, Adam Kenny, Eoin Mulligan, Dara Walsh, Chloe Clerkin & Shay Mc Gowan.

The St. John's G.A.A Club were presented with playing gear as part of Supervalu's Kits for Kids Promotion ran in store during the summer on Saturday 12th September last in Whiteside’s Ballisodare

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City Leagues U-9’s Rd 2

St. John’s 0-2 Drumcliffe O-1
Feeney’s brace seals win for St. John’s

St.John’s U-9’s gained their first win in the U-9 leagues in Scarden on Tuesday September 15th last

Brian O’Connor’s young cubs showed a remarkable improvement on their opening match with Coolera/Strandhill last week. In a low scoring match which was level at one point each at half time the St. John’s score coming from the boot of Adam Feeney. In the second half it took some last ditch & heroic defending to keep out Drumcliffe. And in a break away move it was again Adam Feeney who doubled St. John’s lead with another well struck point which turned out to be the winning score for the sky blues.

Overall it was a great display all round which will give the team great confidence in their next outing.

St. John’s team: Jack Kelly, Jack Davey, Cian Roddy, Mimi Lee, James Barnicle, Rachel McGoldrick, Adam Feeney (2 points), Clodagh McLoughlin, Aidan Moore, Donal Flynn, Emma Egan,

Subs: Fionn, Kira Baskett, Saoire Foley

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Feile Div 1 Group 3 Rd 3: St. John’s 2-5 Tubbercurry/Cloonacool 9-4

St. John’s defeated by Tubbercurry/Cloonacool (played in Tubbercurry on Sunday 27th September)

On Sunday morning last St. Johns U-13’s concluded the group stages with defeat against Tubbercurry. Tubber had a whirlwind start with their two opening attacks giving goals

St. John’s regrouped and clawed their way back into the game with some fine points from Mark McGowan and Zach Mahon. Both players then added goals to leave the Carraroe men trailing by a single point.

The second half started well with Scully and Osbourne linking well and creating some great chances. Tubber had the wind advantage and found the net again on successive attacks with some fine finishing. Flynn and Mahon tagged back some points for St. John’s. Fitness played its part and Tubber dominated the last 10 minutes.

Despite conceding some goals, Peter Meehan made some fine saves and even one shot from close range. The defence was very solid throughout the game with the two McGoldricks (Darragh and Donal) and Rory Martin taking the lead. Ethan Scully was solid in centre back and controlled his area with some stout defending and was ably flanked by Conor Leonard.

Mark McGowan and Dean Osbourne were dangerous each time they went on solo runs and set up some great attacks. Zack Mahon ended as top scorer and he was ably supported by his fellow forwards, Ronan Richie, Ronan Flynn, Ben Millar and Keelan

Team: Peter Meehan, Darragh McGoldrick, Rory Martin, Donal McGoldrick, Conor Leonard, Ethan Scully (0-01), Mark McGowan (1-01), Dean Osbourne (0-01), Zack Mahon (2-2), Ronan Richie, Ronan Flynn (0-01), Ben Millar, Keelan Davey, Keelan Roddy.

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U-9 City Leagues Rd 3

St John’s 0-4 Ballisodare 0-12

A storming finish from Ballisodare ensured the points would go the neighbours in the final group game of the City Leagues U-9’s section played in Scarden on Monday 27th September

St. John’s did have periods of dominance but were unable to convert chances into scores. The entire team gave their all on the evening but Ballisodare’s overall strength in depth was the overall difference in an entertaining match

St. John’s team: Aidan Moore, Jack Davey, Cian Roody, Conor O’Gara, James Dylan Barnicle, Donal Flynn, Emma Egan, Adam Feeney, Rachel McCormack, Ceoladh McLoughlin, Kira Baskett, Fionn McMorrow, Jack Kelly, Rion Monaghan & Tibo Gerrard.

Management: James Barnicle, Ciaran Feeney & Brian O’Connor

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Senior Football Relegation play off: St. John’s 0-13 Drumcliffe/Rosses Point 0-13 (Update)

Greene’s last gasp point saves St. John’s. (played in Grange on Saturday 3rd October)

St. John’s live to fight another day following an equalizing point in the third minute of injury time from the boot of Conor Greene.

After a battling performance from both teams the sides could not be separated. Same as their league meeting last April which also ended level.

With twelve minutes remaining St. John’s looked to be in control when leading by 0-11 to 0-8. But they had to hang on at the final whistle following a strong last ten minutes showing from Drumcliffe thanks to that late late equalizing Greene score with the last kick of the game.

St John's appeared to be the better team for long stretches but couldn't deliver the knock-out blow when required while Drumcliffe will be thankful for Paul Logan's accuracy from dead balls.

Drumcliffe’s Paul Logan opened the scoring in the first minute. St. John’s took the lead with 2 points in a row on five minutes from the versatile Brian McGowan and a great strike from Tommy Kelly. Fiachra Grennan should have goaled when on a one on one with Drumcliffe’s goalkeeper Justin Lyons. Lyons smartly smothered Grennan’s shot. While David Rooney’s shot from 21 metres was brilliantly blocked down by Niall Colleary. St. John’s Brian McGowan was ever dangerous with ball in hand and his searing pace seen him ghost past two defenders before slotting over a great score to push Sean Kennedy charges 3 point to 1 ahead after 11 minutes of play. Drumcliffe were awarded a free 43 meters out from the St. John’s goal and up came Paul Logan who calmly struck the ball straight over the bar. Logan was lethal with his free taking and would end up with a personal tally of 9 points all from frees. Ian Rossitor pointed a free flowing a foul on Conor Greene from 14 metres out with twenty minutes gone and this was quickly added to by the impressive David Rooney with another point on the run. A brace from Paul Logan at almost the identical place within a minute levelled up the match at 5 points each. Great team play from St. John’s midfield duo of Shane Stenson & Paul McNamara who fed Brian McGowan and he duly pointed to put St. John’s one up, (0-6 to 0-5) going into the interval.

With the fading light both teams came out for the second half and Paul Logan tied up the match with another free following a push on Neil Ewing right after the interval. Ian Rossitor edged St. John’s in front with another free. Niall Walsh the converted corner forward was the St. John’s playmaker and his long delivery from 40 metres was expertly fisted over the bar by Fiachra Grennan on the edge of the square. While Oisin Cox pushed St. John’s 3 clear after 43 minutes. Drumcliffe’s Alan O Dowd kept his side in it with a good score while David Rooney again put St. John’s 3 clear with his second point of the match half way through the second half. Drumcliffe’s ace free taker Paul Logan punished any mistakes in the St. John’s rearguard and his accurate free taking kept them within touching distance. Things didn’t look good for Drumcliffe after Neil Ewing received his second yellow card following a foul on his county team mate Eoin Flanagan. St. John’s substitute Robbie Fahy pointed within minutes of entering the fray while Drumcliffe’s substitute Sean Power did the same at the other end. Despite a man down Drumcliffe surged forward with points from John Henry and Paul Logan tied the match at 0-11 each with 8 minutes remaining. Fiachra Grennan with a brilliant catch over his opposite number following a high delivery in from Shane Stenson and turned swiftly pointing with a forwards instinct. Logan’s accurate boot drew the side’s level again with another pointed free from 20 minutes. Their cause didn’t look good after being reduced to 13 players following the dismissal of John Harvey for a second yellow on 58 minutes. However Drumcliffe seemed to have stolen the show from St. John’s grasp with Logan’s ninth pointed free on 61 minutes. Yet there was still time for more drama. Drumcliffe packed their defence and St. John’s were forced out wide with Drumcliffe throwing everything into defence yet in the 3rd minute of injury time up popped Conor Greene and he somehow found an opening slotting over the equalizing point with the last kick of the game much to the relief of the St. John’s faithful in attendance.

Best for St. Johns were: Eoin Flanagan, Brian McGowan, Niall Walsh, Paul McNamara, Shane Stenson, David Rooney, Ronan McGarrigle & Fiachra Greenan while Drumcliffe’s/Rosses Point were best served by Paul Logan, Kevin Davey, Niall Canning, Neil Ewing, John Harvey & Niall Colleary.

St. John’s: Noel O’Donnell, Eoin Flanagan, Neil Hayes, Conor Greene, Cathal Jordan, Oisin Cox, Ronan McGarrigle, Shane Stenson, Paul McNamara, Brian McGowan, David Rooney, Tommy Kelly, Fiachra Grennan, Ian Rossitor, Niall Walsh.

Subs used Robbie Fahy, Robert Galvin.

Scorers St. Johns: Brian McGown (0-3) Ian Rossitor 0-2 -2f’s), David Rooney (0-2) Fiachra Grennan (0-2) Tommy Kelly (0-1), Oisin Cox (0-1) Conor Greene (0-1) Robbie Fahy (0-1)

Drumcliffe/Rosses Point:

Justin Lyons, Jude McGarry, Darragh Long, Ciaran McLoughlin, John Harvey, Gary Feeney, Niall Colleary, Conor Davey, Brian Og Murpy, Kevin Davey, Niall Canning, Eoin Gaughran, Alan O’Dowd, Paul Logan, Neil Ewing.

Subs used: Sean Peyton, Sean Power, Cian Lally, John McGowan & Jamie Gillen.

Scorers Drumcliffe/Rosses Point: Paul Logan (0-9 – 9 f’s), Eoin Gaughran (0-1), Alan O’Dowd, Sean Power (0-1), John Harvey (0-1.

Referee: Gus Chapman

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In the replay on the following Saturday in Connolly Park Colloney (October 10th) the seniors again had battle royale with the Drumcliffe men but lost out by the minimum 0-13 to 0-12. With this result seen the club drop down to the Intermediate grade in 2016

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St. John’s secures Government lottery funding

There was great news in the club when it was announced that St. John’s would receive €30,000 in lottery funding.

The club was formed in 1987 and community pitches were developed along with the local soccer club. The club relocated to Cuilbeg from Albert Higgins field, now the site of Carraroe Retail Park, around 2000. The club developed the main pitch, added 2 small stands and carried out other works to make it fit for purpose.

In 2008 the club realised that it needed a training area or juvenile pitch to cater for a growing population. Our main pitch was being over used for training. Our then chairman PJ McGarrigle and club member John Leyden organised the purchase of a field adjacent to our main pitch. The field was purchased by the trustees Pat Corcoran, Michael Barrett, Christy Murphy, John Leyden, and Ray Henry on behalf of the club. A loan was obtained from Bank of Ireland which has been paid off in the recent past. We also got some assistance from the Connaught Council towards the purchase of the pitch. In all over €80,000 has been spent and it was with great delight that we learned that we are to receive €30,000 in lottery funding that will complete the project.

A team made up of Niall Gordon, Ray Henry and Terry McNulty put an application together which plans for drainage system for the pitch, ball stop netting and fencing. Special thanks goes to former club Chairman Christy Murphy for his support with the project.

When this work is completed it will leave St Johns with a main pitch, juvenile pitch and training area of the highest standard possible. We are deeply grateful to all club members, the people of Carraroe and the club area for their support over the past few years. Without them this project would not have come to fruition.

The project has to be part funded by the club, our club lotto is the main source of revenue and we thank everyone who supports the lotto which is held every fortnight.

It is hoped to begin work shortly and have the facility ready for Jan/Feb 2016.

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In one of the last fixtures on the club scene involving St. John’s was the U-21 Championship semi-final match with Tourlestrane in Stenson Park. However the lads lost out 1-5 to 6-5 to a more stronger side on the day on Saturday November 7th last. The following day the club held a Mass for deceased members celebrated by P.P. Fr. Jim Murry with light refreshments afterwards in the Community Centre.

On Friday November 13th last in the Riverside Hotel the Club were presented with a set of jersey by Burns Car Sales Main Skoda dealer in Sligo. Charlie & Ann Kelly, Kelly Barbers Teeling St presented jackets while Berni Chambers representing the Sligo Radisson Blu presented tops to the club.

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St. John’s G.A.A. Club Year in results:

Furey Coaches League Division 1 Rd 1

St. John’s 0-4 Tubbercurry 4-11

Kiernan Cup Group B
Round 2: St John's 0-3 Eastern Harps 1-15

Round 3: St. John’s 1-09 Bunninadden 3-12

Sunday 15th March in Stenson Park at 11.30 a.m.

U-16 Fl Group 2: St. Johns 1-1 Ballymote Round Towers 4-16

Sunday 22nd March in Hazlewood New Pitch at 11.30 a.m.

U-16 Fl Group 2 St. John’s 3-5 Calry/St. Joseph’s 4-15

Furey’s Coaches SFL Div 1 Rd 2 Sunday 22nd March in Stenson Park at 2 p.m.

St. John’s 0-8 Eastern Harps 1-12

Saturday 28th March at 5 p.m. in Stenson Park SFL Div 3 Round 2

St. John’s 0-4 Owenmore Gaels 1-13

Sunday 29th March at 11.30 a.m. in Stenson Park U-16 B League Group 2 Round 3

St. John’s 2-06 Drumcliffe/Rosses Point 0-15

Thursday 2nd April in Stenson Park at 6.30 p.m.
U-18 Fl Division 3: St. John’s 4-2 St. Patrick’s.2-8

Tuesday 7th April in Bunninadden Community Park at 6.30 p.m.
U-18 Fl Division 3: St. John’s v Bunninadden OFF due to Sligo v Mayo Connacht Minor League final

Saturday 11th April in Oxfield Park at 6.30 p.m.

SFL Div 1 Round 3: St. John’s 1-7 Drumcliffe/Rosses Point 1-7

Sunday 12th April in Stenson Park at 2.00 p.m.

SFL Div 3 Round 3: St. John’s 0-9 Eastern Harps 3-11

Monday 13th April in Ransboro at 6.00 p.m.

U-16 B Group 1 Round 4: St. John’s 2-6 Coolera/Strandhill 6-9

Tuesday 14th April in Cleveragh Pitch at 7.00 p.m.

U-14 FL Division 2 Group 2: St. John’s 1-0 Eastern Harps 4-22

Tuesday 14th April in Kent Park at 7 p.m.

U-12 FL Div 4 Round 1: St. John’s 0-16 St. Mary’s 0-10

U-12 Fl Div 1 Round 1: St. John’s 0-8 St. Mary’s 0-20



Thursday 16th April in Geevagh at 7.00 p.m.

U18 Fl Div 3 Round 3: St. John’s 2-4 Geevagh 2-14

Sunday 19th April in Stenson Park at 2.00 p.m.

SFL Division 1 Rd 4: St. John's 0-13 Calry/St. Joseph's 1-14

Thursday 23rd April in Seamie Donegan Park at 7.00 p.m.

U-18 Fl Division 3 Round 4: St. John’s 0-2 St. Patrick’s 1-16

Friday 24th April in Kent Park at 7.30 p.m.

U-14 Fl Div 2 Grp 2 Round 3: St. John's 0-3 St. Mary's 6-17

Saturday 25th April in Kent Park at 7.00 p.m.

SFL Div 3 Rd 4: St John’s 1-7 St.Mary’s 4-11

Sunday 26th April in Bunninadden Community Park at 2.00 p.m.

SFL Div 1 Round 5: St. John’s 0-10 Bunninadden 0-9

Tuesday 28TH April in Cleveragh Pitch at 7.00 p.m.

U-12 FL Division 1 Round 2: St. John’s 0-9 Eastern Harps 0-26

U-12 FL Division 4 Round 2: St. John's 0-4 Eastern Harps 0-18

Wednesday 29th April in Corran Park Ballymote at 7.00 p.m.
U-14 Fl Div 2 Group 2 Round 4: St. John's v Ballymote Round Towers

Thursday 30th April in Stenson Park at 7.00 p.m.
U18 Fl Div 3 Round 5: St.John’s 5-4 Bunninadden 3-12 (a draw)

Saturday 2nd May in Stenson Park at 7.30 p.m

SFL Rd 6: St. John’s 0-7 Coolaney /Mullinabreena 2-12 (This game marked the welcome return of Mickey O’Hehir who made his first appearance in the St. John’s colours since his surgery on his injured shoulder last January. Mickey has made a remarkable recovery back to fitness within 12 weeks of his surgery)

Tuesday 5th May in Cleveragh at 7 p.m.

U-12 Fl Div 2 Rd 3: St. John’s 0-10 Tubbercurry/Cloonacool 0-9

U-12 Fl Div 4 Rd 3: St. John’s 0-19 Tubbercurry/Cloonacool 0-9

Saturday 9th May in Stenson Park at 7.00 p.m.
SFL Div 3 Rd 5: St.John’s 1-13 St.Patrick’s 3-9

Friday 15th May in Monsignor Hynes Park at 8.15 p.m.
SFL Div 1 Rd 8: St John’s 1-4 St. Molaise Gaels 3

Monday 19th h May in Cleveragh at 7.00 p.m.
U-14 Fl Div 2 Group 2 Rd 5: St. John’s 2-1 Molaise Gaels 5-15



Sunday 17th May in Stenson Park at 2.00 p.m.
SFL Div 3 Rd 6: St.John’s 5-12 Shamrock Gaels 3-6

Saturday 23rd in Connolly Park at 7.00 p.m.

SFL Div 3 Rd 7: St. John’s w/o to Owenmore Gaels



Sunday 24th May in Stenson Park at 2.00 p.m.

SFL Div 1 Rd 9: St. John’s 2-5 Coolera/Strandhill 2-15



Monday 25th May in Connolly Park at 7.00 p.m.

U-14 Fl D2 Grp 2 Rd 6: St. John’s 0-3 Owenmore Gaels 4-15



Tuesday 26th May in Shamrock Gaels Park at 7.00 p.m.

U-12 Fl Div 4 Rd 4: St. John’s 0-17 Shamrock Gaels 0-6

U-12 Fl Div 1 Rd 4: St. John’s 0-6 Shamrock Gaels 0-16



Saturday 30th May in Fr. Kevin Brehony Park at 7.00 p.m.

SFL Div 3 Rd 8: St. John’s v Eastern Harps.

Tuesday 2nd June in Cleveragh at 7 p.m.

U-12 Fl Div 4 Rd 5: St. John’s 0-19 Tourlestrane 0-15

U-12 Fl Div 1 Rd 5: St. John’s 2-6 Tourlestrane 5-16

Friday 5th June in Cleveragh at 7.00 p.m.

U-14 Fl Lg D2 Grp 2 Rd 7: St. John’s 1-6 Calry St. Joseph’s 6-14

Sunday 7th in Stenson Park at 2 .00 p.m.

Abbott Cup: St. John’s 0-8 St. Mary’s 3-9

Tuesday 23rd June in Monsignor Hynes Park at 7.00 p.m.

U12 Fl Div 1 Rd 6: St. John’s 0-9 St. Molaise Gaels 0-20

U-12 Fl Div 4 Rd 6: St. John’s 0-14 St. Molaise Gaels 0-16

Saturday 27th June in Stenson Park at 7.30 p.m.

SFC Gp 1 Rd 1 St. John’s 1-9 Curry 2-9

Tuesday 30th June in Seamie Donegan Park at 2.00 p.m.

A C Gr B: St. John’s 8-19 St. Patricks 2-7

Tuesday 30th June in Cleveragh at 7 p.m.

U-12 Fl Div 1 Rd 7 St. John’s 0-10 Drumcliffe/Rosses Point 0-17

U-12 Fl Div 4 Rd 7 St John’s 0-13 Drumcliffe/Rosses Point 0-7

Saturday July 11th in Stenson Park at 7.00 p.m.

SFL Div 1 Rd 7: St. John’s 1-12 Curry 3-8

Monday 13th July in Shamrock Gaels Park at 7.00 p.m.

U-12 FL Div 1 Shield Semi-final: St. John’s 0-10 Shamrock Gaels 0-20

Tuesday 14th July in Monsignor Hynes Park at 7.00 p.m.

U-12 FL Div 4 League Cup semi-final: St. John’s 0-15 St. Molaise Gaels 0-32.

Friday 17th July in Cleveragh at 7.00 p.m.

U-14 Div 3 Championship St. John’s 3-9 Coolaney/Mullinabreena 4-6 ( a draw)

Friday 31st July in St. Michael's at 7.00 p.m.

U-14 Division 3 Championship Rd 3: St. John's 3-4 St.Michael's 6-13

Wed 5th August in Sligo G.A.A Centre of Excellence 12 noon.

U-12 FL Div 1:7th place play off: St. John's v Tubbercurry/ Cloonacool w/o

U-12 Fl Div 4 Fl: 3rd place play off St. John’s v St Mary’s

Friday 7th August in Cleveragh at 7 p.m.

U-14 Championship Div 3 Rd 4: St. John's 5-10 Coolaney/Mullinabreena 3-12

Monday 10th August in Stenson Park at 7 p.m.

U-16 Div 3 Championship: St. John’s 4-11 St. Patrick’s 2-3

Thursday 13th August in Stenson Park at 7 p.m.

U-18 Div 3 Championship Rd 1: St. John's 3-7 Coolaney/Mullinabreena 4-14

Sunday 16th August in Tourlestrane at 12 noon

SFL Div 1 Rd 10 St. John’s v Tourlestrane (w/o to Tourlestrane)

Monday 17th August in Stenson Park at 7.00 p.m.

U-16 Championship Div 3 Rd 3: St. John’s 4-12 Geevagh 2-3

Monday 17th August in Kent Park at 7.00 p.m.

U-12 Div 4 3rd place play off: St. John’s 0-16 St. Mary’s 0-24

Thursday 20th August in Seamie Donegan Memorial Park at 7.00 p.m

U-18 Div 3 Championship Rd 2: St. John’s 4-7 St. Patrick’s 2-13

Sunday 23rd August in Hazelwood Main Pitch at 1.00 p.m. (switched to Markievicz Park

SFC Gp 1 Rd 3: St. John’s 0-10 Calry/St.Joseph’s 1-11

Monday 24th August in Enniscrone/Kilglass grounds at 7.00 p.m.

U-16 Championship Div 3 Rd 4: St. John's 3-6 Enniscrone 5-8

Friday 28th August in Stenson Park at 7 p.m.

U-14 Div 3 Championship Rd 6: St. John’s 7-6 St.Michael’s 13-3

Saturday 29th August in Curry at 6.30 p.m

SFC Gp 1 Rd 4: St. John’s 0-10 Curry 1-12

Wed 2ND September in Easkey/St. Farnan’s at 6.45 p.m.

Feile A&B Gr 3: St. John’s 2-3 Easkey/St. Farnan’s 10-12

Monday 8th September in Stenson Park at 6.30 p.m.

U-16 Championship semi-final: St. John’s 5-10 Geevagh 6-5

Monday 8th September in Cleveragh at 6.30 p.m.

U-11 City Leagues: St. John’s 0-13 Coolera/Strandhill 0-12

Thursday 3rd September in Stenson Park at 6.45p.m.

U-18 Championship Div 3 Rd 3: St. John’s 2-8 Geevagh 2-9

Friday 4th September in Stenson Park at 6.45

U-14 Div 3 Final playoff: St. John’s 2-3 Coolaney/Mullinabreena 9-11

Monday 8th September in Stenson Park at 6.30 p.m.

U-16 Championship semi-final: St. John’s 5-10 Geevagh 6-5

U-11 City Leagues: St. John’s 0-13 Coolera/Strandhill 0-12

U-9: St.John’s 1-0 Coolera/ Strandhill 8-0

Tuesday 15th Sept in Markievicz Park at 6.15 p.m.

U-16 F Championship Div 3 Shield Final: St. John’s 1-7 Enniscrone 3-12

Tuesday 15th September in Scarden at 6.30 p.m.

U-9 City League Rd 2: St. John’s 0-2 Drumcliffe 0-1

Wednesday 16th September in Stenson Park at 6.30 p.m.

U-13 Feile Div 1 Group 3 Rd 2: St. John’s v Curry.

Saturday 26th September in Stenson Park at 5.30 p.m.

SFC Grp 1 Rd 6: St. John's 3-7 Calry/St.Josephs 1-11

Sunday 27th September in Tubbercurry/Cloonacool at 11 a.m.

Feile Div 1 Group 3 Rd 3: St. John’s 2-5 Tubbercurry/Cloonacool 9-4

Monday 28th September in Scarden at 6.30 p.m.

U-9’s City Leagues Round 3: St John’s 0-4 Ballisodare 0-12

Saturday 3rd October in Monsignor Hynes Park at 5.45 p.m.

Senior Relegation play off: St. John’s 0-13 Drumcliffe/Rosses Point 0-13

Sunday 4th October at 11 a.m. in Fr. Brehony Park

Feile K.O. A Quarter Final: St. John’s 5-5 Eastern Harps 5-6

Saturday 10th October in Monsignor Hynes Park at 4.30 p.m.

Senior Relegation semi-final replay: St. John’s 0-12 Drumcliffe/Rosses Point 0-13.

Saturday 7th November in Stenson Park at3 p.m. U-21 A FC semi-final

St. John’s 1-5 Tourlestrane 6-5





I would thank the real P.R.O.’s Charlie Jordan, Fergal Kelly, Fergal Henry, Tommy McManus, John Reilly, Stephen Cronin, Ger Egan, Gerry Quinn, John Reilly, Maurice Galvin, Brian O’Connor for their outstanding inputs. Without them I would have not been able to compile a comprehensive club 2015 report.

Two men I would like to single out especially Niall Gordan & Tommy McManus who placed their confidence in me this year and who were always supportive and gave encouragement at times when I needed it. Go raibh mile maith agaibh



Obituaries Friends we lost in 2015

Michael 'Mick' Galvin R.I.P.

Late Sgt, An Garda Síochana, Ballyshannon, Park Road, Manorhamilton and formerly Carraroe, Sligo) (unexpectedly) on Thursday May 28th last, dearest son of the late Maura; sadly missed by his beloved wife Collette and adoring children Conor, Kate and Emma, father Paddy (Pat), brothers Peter and John, sisters Helen (Rutledge), Patricia and Geraldine (Gill), brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law, his many nephews and nieces, uncles and aunts, cousins, extended family, work colleagues and large circle of friends.



Yvonne Parkinson (née Hunt ) R.I.P.

(Sligo) - June 2, 2015 (peacefully), at her home, (Hillcrest, Old Cartron Sligo), beloved wife of Leo and dear mother of Alan, Leona and Tony; sadly missed by her husband, sons, daughter, brother Tom, sisters Ursula and Anne, daughters-in-law, son-in-law, 7 grandchildren, in-laws, nephews, nieces, relatives and friends. Rest in peace.

O’Flynn, Daniel – July 28, 2015 ( “Helvick”Cuilbeg, Carraroe, Co. Sligo) (peacefully) at North West Hospice, Sligo. Reposed at his home on Thursday, from 12 noon to 9pm. Removal on Friday to St John's Church, Carraroe to arrive for Requiem Mass at 11am. Burial followed afterwards in Sligo Cemetery. The late Danno was a proud Waterford hurling fan and also followed the fortunes of St. John’s G.A.A. Club with great interest.

Joe Callaghan – July 30th 2015

(Drumiskabole, Carraroe, Co. Sligo) (peacefully), at the Galway Clinic; deeply regretted by his loving wife Eileen, sons Daragh and Fergal, daughter Aoife, sisters Sabina (USA) and Cathy (Carraroe), daughters-in-law Mairead and Marie, grandson Ben, mother-in-law Bridget, brothers-in-law Michael and Tommy, sister-in-law Lily, nephews, nieces, relatives, friends and neighbours. R.I.P. Reposing at his late residence. Removal to St. John's Church, Carraroe Saturday 1st August for Mass of the Resurrection at 11 o'c. Interment afterwards in Sligo Cemetery. The late Joe Callaghan was a club player for St. John’s G.A.A. Club and a noted handballer in his youth with Collooney handball club.



Michael McGee
(2014-2015)