Sean Mac Diarmada GFC Online

this Tom Reilly Cup under 12 Division 2 competition played at Killeevan on Saturday last. The efforts and endeavours of both sides are not at all reflected in the low scoring result of this very keenly contested and most enjoyable encounter. Both set of defences were in superb form, Jamie Keenan outstanding in the opening period for Seans and indeed right throughout, not far behind was his partner in the full back line Kyle Treanor. The half back line of Adam O Driscoll and the Mc Nally brothers Arron and Dylan really came into their own in the second half, Dylan putting in a man of the match performance from the centre of the defence and in one of his many forays forward landed the winning score his long range effort bouncing over the bar to swing the result in our boys favour. Niall Kearns and Paul Connolly worked tirelessly in the middle of the field with Kearns the launching pad for many of his team's attacks. Rián Mc Entee on the forty was Seans sole score getter in the first half he opened his team's account with a point from play in the third minute, and was on hand mid way through the half to out jump the opposition on the goal line to force an Aidan Ward lob to the back of the net. Shane Kelly was unfortunate not to get his name on the scoresheet put through as he was on a couple of occasion in that first half by delicate Ward passes only to be thwarted by a very alert Luke Murtagh in the Toome goal. In the second half Kelly combined well firstly to pick out Aidan Ward with a well directed free kick for Ward to land the opening score of the second half and then he worked well with Aaron and Dylan Mc Nally to set up Sean Grant for a nice point, that point proved to be Grant's second of the half having previously found the target in the seventh minute when he converted a close in free.
Niall Murphy was also well to the fore forcing a couple of fine saves and hurried clearance out of Murtagh in Toome goal, he was also in the thick of the action in the second half as Seans threatened to get the upperhand of their opponent. Aidan Ward in his customary role as player maker gained plenty of possession and used it well to set up team mates only to see their efforts stubbornly defended by his immediate marker Daniel Frieskey and Aisling Walsh as well at Toome’s very alert net minder Murtagh. It was intriguing to watch the dual between Ward and the Toome No 3 Frieskey, not only had the full back to cope with the fetching ability and silky skill of the Sean's full forward but he was on hand to make two timely goal line clearance in that second half to keep his side in the match at a time of sustained pressure from our youngsters. At the other end Ashley Corrigan was equally alert gathering well under pressure, but it was his accurate distribution that help considerably in that opening half to help relieve some of the pressure as the St Victor youngsters began to force the pace after Mc Entee’s three pointer. Mark Murphy, Martin Mc Guirk and Luke Perkins were introduced for Seans and this trio such was their effort could feel a wee bit unlucky not to have got the nod for a place on the starting line up. The full panel was Ashley Corrigan, Kyle Treanor, Jamie Keenan, Dylan Mc Nally, Aaron Mc Nally, Adam O' Driscoll, Niall Kearns, Paul Connolly, Sean Grant, Shane Kelly, Niall Murphy, Rián Mc Entee, Aidan Ward, Gareth Mc Guirk, Patrick Mc Phillips, Ryan Connolly, Mark Murphy, Jason Kierans, Martin Mc Guirk, Ryan Hughes, Luke Perkins, Rossa Mc Mahon, Jack Brennan, Thomas Mc Phillips, Damon Hagan, Ryan Lynch, Oisin Mc Entee, Dareren Morgan. Bainisteoir was Enda Murphy ably assisted by James Treanor, Declan Brennan, Noel Rice Fergal Mc Quillan and Aisling Keenan (First aid). Well done to the entire panel and their coaches on this success, not to mention parents and supporters who offered encouragement and support to them since the competition began many delighted to join the youngsters in their celebratory refreshments back at complex on Saturday afternoon.

Seans Record another Home Victory

JFL Seans 2-10 Currin 1-07 (Fri 19th June 2009)

This re scheduled Dr Ward Cup game on Friday night last at Threemilehouse was played at a lively pace, full of incident in the opening quarter; Nigel Mc Quillan opened the scoring for Seans after thirty seconds of play. Dick Clerkin levelled for Currin in the third minute and the same player was instrumental in gaining possession, but Darren Mc Ardle in the Sean goal was out quickly to smother Philip O Callaghan resultant effort. From that let off the ball was move quickly out of the Seans defence and found its way to Damian Larkin the full forwards delicate pass picked out Nigel Mc Quillan splitting the visitors defence and the lightening fast Mc Quillan gave Waylon Mc Eniff in the Currin goal no chance from seven yards. Aaron Jenkins closed the gap converting a twenty metre free in the sixth minute and a similar score from play a minute later. In the 10th minute Stephen Mc Elvaney was adjudged to have fouled full forward Paul Rudden in the small square, Philip O Callaghan made no mistake from the spot kick and referee Damian Helferty dismissed team captain Martin Kieran for over exuberance in protesting his decision.
Wing half forward Damien Connolly was relocated to the middle of the Seans defence to cover for Kieran’s absence; Currin also dropped the spare man in front of the influential Larkin. Patrick Kieran had a good solo point from play in the 14th minute and from the kick out Nigel Mc Quillan incisive pass found Noel Rice and the wing back found the target from out on the right wing to level things on 1 – 3 apiece. In a sustained bout of Seans pressure David Mc Entee in the fifteenth should have put his team back in front with the Currin defence stretched but his angle shot was just inches outside Mc Eniffs upright. Philip Smith under pressure put the visitors in front with a well struck point from play in the 19th minute and Philip O Callaghan extended that lead to two when he converted a close in free five minutes later, A long range effort from Nigel Mc Quillan deep in injury time reduced the deficit to a minimum as the referee blew the half time whistle.
Danny Mc Nally had Seans level after the restart with just two minute on the clock knocking over a close in free; Paddy Kieran had them in front three minute later soloing through the heart of the Currin defence to score from close range after initial good work by Noel Rice and Mark Keogh. Nigel Mc Quillan and Damien Larkin were creating all kind of havoc in the Currin defence and they both combined well in the 7th minute, Mc Quillan’s long diagonal ball finding Larkin who wrong footed his marker before firmly planting the ball in the Currin net. Currin had their fair share of possessing but were off target both from play and placed ball and the final scoreline doesn’t accurately reflect the intensity and closeness of this game. Larkin added another point from play in the 12th minute after Noel Rice had solo out of defence.Fourteen minutes elapsed before Larkin was on the end of another Mc Quillan pass and a minute later the same player split the post this time off his left side after being put through by a Mark Keogh pass. Keogh completed the scoring for his team converting a “45” with time almost up. In injury time Currin were finally rewarded with a well taken point from Owen Morrow now operating in the full forward zone. As already mention this was a much closer game than the scoreline suggests, but the home side will be well please with the outcome given that the played three quarters of the match a man down, indeed the were further reduced when Emmett Mc Elvaney was sent for an early shower with five minutes remaining for a second cautionable offence. Overall this was a much improved performance the Mc Elvaney boys Stephen and Emmett, Damien Connolly.Paraic Coyle, Eamon Mc Quillan, and Noel Rice looked solid in defence. Midfielders Christopher Hughes and Mark Keogh looked the part in the vaunted company of county man Dick Clerkin. Up front Damien Larkin, Nigel Mc Quillan, and Patrick Kieran will be happy with their contribution all showing more than a glimpses of the form we have come to expect of them, the younger duo of David Mc Entee and Danny Mc Nally also working tirelessly If the team can maintain this level of performance they may well qualify for the knock out stages of this competition. They will have the opportunity to prove they can put good back to back performances together on Monday night when they have home advantage against Oram in another re arrange deferred fixture, starting time is 8.00pm.

U14s make the Final after victory against Latton

U14 Div2 SF - Seans 1-13 Latton 1-07 (Tue 16th June 2009)

Seans under 14 squad booked a place in the final of the Under 14 Division 2 competition on Tuesday night last as Pairc Sheáin Mhic Dhiarmada when they dominated the second half and erased a six point half time deficit to run out comfortable winners in the end against a strong Latton team.
The Latton youngsters opted to play with the stiff breeze at their back in the opening period and were three points to the good before Niall Kearns opened Seans account with a point from play in the 13th minute. The visitors were dominating all sectors of the field and extended their lead in the 17th minute with a well taken goal after the Seans defence had failed to clear. Sean Freeman scored a nice point from play for Seans in the 20th minute after good work by Niall Kearns who kept possession despite coming under severe pressure. From the kick out Latton quickly cancelled out Freeman’s effort and in a rare Seans attack Ryan Mc Entee landed a twenty metre free after the same player had been illegally pulled down. Latton continue to dominate and should have increase their lead even further but a combination of poor shooting and last ditch defending restricted the visitors to just two further points to leave the half time score Seans 0 – 3 Latton 1 -6.
Whatever was said at half time it certainly had immediate effect, the home side landing six unanswered points in as many minutes. Colin Mc Elvaney showing the way from the throw in, and two each from Luke Killoran and Aidan Ward, and a quality long rage effort from Sean Freeman after Shane Farrell and Ryan Mc Guinness had halted a dangerous Latton attack. Another attack was snuffed by Conor Freeman who made the best catch of the game in front of his own goal to deny Latton and clear to safety. Latton raised their only flag of the half in the 10th minute a fine individual point from out on the left wing to put them back in front. Seans were beginning to exert even more pressure on the visitors defence and in the 12th minute a goal mouth scramble saw Sean Freeman on hand to force the ball over the goal line to give his side the lead for the first time in the match, a lead they never subsequently relinquished. Aidan Ward converted a 45metre free; Sean Freeman also found the target from a twenty metre free. Niall Kearns showed he had the accuracy and the distance converting another “45” in the 16 minute. With time running out indiscipline was severely punished by referee Donal Connolly banishing two Latton players for early showers on foot of second yellow card offences. Despite their lack of numbers to their credit the Latton lads never threw in the towel. Mathew Mc Guirk and Pearse Murphy in the Seans defence had to be alert to avert danger as the visitors went in search of a goal that would get them back in the match. It was not to be; the final score of the game coming from Ryan Mc Entee a sweet left-footed effort after he had been well placed by the eager Kearns from out on the half way line.
Final score Seans 1 – 13 Latton 1 -7.
Nerves seem to get to the better of the Seans lads in the opening half although they did have to contend with a stiff breeze as well as a physically stronger visiting side. Only Conor and Sean Freeman Nial Kearns and Luke Killoran showed glimpse of their true capability in this opening half. Few could have envisaged the turn around that was about to take place.
The second half the whole team up there performance considerably, James Mc Carron in the gaol was sound and secure under the dropping ball. Pearse Murphy and Conor Freeman used their strength to good effect and as already mention Freeman made a spectacular catch to avert danger mid way through the half. These two got good support from Mathew Mc Guirk, David Mc Kenna, Shane Farrell and Paul Bannon when introduced. Ryan Mc Guinness and Colin Mc Elvaney struggled to contain their opposite numbers in the opening half but did eventually get on top and were the launching pads for many of their teams second half attacks. The most industrious line on the field was the half forward trio of Luke Killoran Niall Kearns and Ryan Mc Entee, Killoran and Kearns working tirelessly throughout and Mc Entee not far behind, all three getting their names on the score sheet. Although starved of possession in the opening half the inside forward duo of Sean Freeman and Aidan Ward showed what they could do when they got the supply notching up 1 -6 of their teams total. The remaining members of the panel were Dillon Keenan Dillon Mc Nally Shay Mc Caffrey, Dara Bell, Nial Murphy, Ronan O Reilly and Gareth Mc Guirk. The now go forward to meet Magheracloone in the final in Drumhowan on Saturday 27th June at 1.30pm.

U12s through to Final after early scare

U12 Div2 SF - Seans 6-06 Cremartin 3-09 (Sat 13th June 2009)

Sean Mc Diarmada U12 squad booked their place in the final of the Division 2 Cup competition by virtue of their victory over a very useful Cremartin side at TMH on Saturday last.
After only ten minutes of play this result seem most unlikely as the visitors who opening in tornado fashion rocked the locals with a scintillating display of precision football, racking up an impressive 2 -6 with out reply in those early minutes. Powered by midfielder Barry Kerr and ably assisted by wing half forward and tormentor in chief Mark Brennan who had a personal tally of 1 - 3 in this opening half and Sean Duffy who knocked over a few delightful points, the Cremartin youngsters seemed to have an unassailable lead.
Aidan Ward opening the scoring for the Seans when he raised a white flag converting a close in free in the 11th minute. A few Seans positional switched in an attempt to stem the tide say Adam O Driscoll detailed to curtail the elusive Brennan, Niall Kearns also coming to terms with the influential Kerr in the middle of the field. The home side began to gain a little more possession and full forward Aidan Ward bagged the first of his three first half goals in the 13th minute, to give his side some semblance of hope of turning this game around. Cremartin's goalkeeper Terry Kerr was both brave and alert to deny further breached of his goal as he produced a string of first class saves, but there was little he could do to prevent a well placed Ward left footer squeezed into the corner of his net as it was with 17 minutes on the clock.
At the other end Brennan, Duffy and Kerr continued to torment the Sean's defence landing a couple of good point to keep their team well in front. Niall Murphy netted for Seans from close range after good work by the Mc Nally brothers in the half back line had set midfielder Kearns on his way, Ryan Mc Entee, Shane Kelly and Aidan Ward all combined and contributed well after Kearns initial surge to put goal scorer Murphy in the clear. Ward needed little assistance as he caught cleanly and used his strength well to shake off his marker to plan a scorcher to the back of the net for his hatrick but more importantly to leave just two points between the sides with the interval fast approaching. Cremartin were denied an almost certain goal by the combined efforts of Kyle Treanor and Jamie Keenan in the Seans fullback line and in a sweeping field length move Shane Kelly found the target to leave just one point between the sides. From the kick out Paul Connolly gained possession he found Sean Grant and the eager Kelly was on the end of his accurate pass to complete the scoring and level thing up; Sean's 4 - 2 Cremartin 2 -8 as the teams headed for a well earned interval break.
Seans had several wides before Adam O Driscoll four minutes after the restart was first to the ball and his sweetly struck left footed shot from all of thirty yards out on the left wing sailed high and just inside the upright to give his side the lead for the first time in the match. Niall Kearns made it two points between the sides a couple of minutes later and Aidan Ward extended that lead with a similar score five minutes later. Ashley Corrigan in the Seans goal had to be alert to grab and clear; getting there just ahead of the in rushing Cremartin forward to do so. His clearance found Aaron Mc Nally he passed to big brother Dylan and the elder Mc Nally’s long delivery found Aidan Ward who deftly put Ryan Mc Entee in the clear, a score seemed certain but the agile Kerr got down smartly to parry Mc Entee’s blistering effort out over the end line for a 45.From Niall Kearns delivery into the crowded goalmouth a scramble ensued the ball eventually falling to Aidan Ward and the in form full forward made no mistake from three yards his fourth green flag of the afternoon.
Eanna Malone knocked over a superb point under pressure out on the right wing to keep his side in the match. Seans introduced Luke Perkins and he latched onto a Ward knock down to drive a shot low and hard past the diving Kerr; from the kick out Perkins was again on hand to finish with a nice pointed score after good work by Paul Connolly, Ryan Mc Entee and Shane Kelly. It looked as if the locals had done enough to book a final place but their big band of supporters had to endure anxious final minutes after a Mark Brennan twenty five yard free kick went all the way to the Seans net to leave just five points between the sides. Cremartin tried hard to reduce that deficit in the closing minutes but they found goalkeeper Ashley Corrigan and his five defender Jamie Keenan, Kyle Treanor the Mc Nally boys and Adam O’ Driscoll in uncompromising mood, all defending as if their lives depended on it in those closing minutes. A counter attack on the stroke of full time found its way to Aidan Ward he majestically out jumped his opposite number and posted the best score of the game splitting the posts from twenty yards to leave the final score Seans 6 – 6 Cremartin 3 - 9 and book a place in the final against Toome in a couple of weeks time.

The Seans panel on duty was:-
Ashley Corrigan,Kyle Treanor,Jamie Keenan,Dylan Mc Nally, Aaron Mc Nally,Mark Murphy,Niall Kearns, Martin Mc Guirk, Sean Grant, Niall Murphy,Ryan Mc Entee,Aidan Ward,Adam O’ Driscoll,Shane Kelly,Darren Morgan,Luke Perkins,Paul Connolly,Oisin Mc Entee, Ryan Lynch,Jack brennan,Jason Kierans,Patrick Mc Phillips,Gareth Mc Guirk,Ryan Hughes,Ryan Connolly, Damon Hagan,Thomas Mc Phillips.

Seans get back to winning ways in Toome

JFL - Toome 0-06 Seans 1-09 (Sun 7th June 2009)

Succumbing to a late injury time match winner on Wednesday night as they did after Damien Connolly’s long range effort had looked as if he had salvaged a share of the spoils against Clones; our adult squad were in determined mood to take both points from their visit to Toome on Sunday last.
With a few changes in personnel from Wednesday night’s selection our boys put in a much more work man like performance. The home side were always chasing the game as early as the third minute when Shane O Neill opened the scoring with a well taken point from play. James Treanor jinked his way past several defenders a couple of minutes later to double his teams tally. Noel Rice from his wing back position was well forward to make it three mid way through the half.
Toome got of the mark with a well directed free kick a minute later. Patrick Kieran landed Sean’s 4th point after good work initially by fullback Fintan Mc Kenna and involving Martin Kieran, Noel Rice, Mark Keogh and Damien Larkin, the latter’s final pass putting Kierans in the clear to extend the lead. Gavin Flanagan had accuracy and distance to spare landing a 45metre free, the result of a fine save by Darren Mc Ardle from a Stephen Llambe pile driver after the classy Lambe had for once shown a clean pair of heels to the Seans defence.
Mid fielder Keogh under pressure hit his teams fifth point from play, then a high speculative lob was well collected by the Toome keeper but Patrick Kieran chasing down what appeared a hopeless cause got his hand to the attempted clearance and bundled the ball over the line but not before the referee had adjudged the goalkeepers effort to redeem himself as illegal hauling Kieran to the ground as he did; from the resultant penalty Mark Keogh blasted the ball to the net giving the unfortunate keeper no chance. On the stroke of half time Gavin Wilson had a fine point from play to leave the scoreboard at the interval reading Toome 0 -3 Seans 1 - 5
On resumption from the throw in Patrick Kieran had a point from play and Damien Larkin punished indiscipline in the Toome defence from the kick out with a well directed free kick from thirty metres. Darren Mc Ardle was by far the busiest goalkeeper as Toome upped the tempo and their work rate but both side were guilty of poor shot selection and inaccuracy, Toome relying on converted frees in the 8th 13th and 27th minute from Stephen Quinn, Shane Moen, and Gavin Flanagan respectively to increase their tally. The visitors too failed to raise a flag for all of 25 minutes Damien Larkin finally ending the drought when he found the target from a twenty metre free, and the same player completed the scoring with a monstrous long range effort to leave the final score Toome 0 -6 Seans 1 -9.
The team on duty; Darren Mc Ardle, Paraic Coyle, Fintan Mc Kenna,Emmet Mc elvaney, Noel Rice, Martin Kieran, Philip Farrell, Christopher Hughes, Mark Keogh, Darren Kiely, Patrick Kieran, Damien Larkin, Shane O’ Neill, Danny Mc Nally, James Treanor, subs used Damien Connolly for Christopher Hughes.

Seans Lose to Emyvale in JFC opener

JFC - Emyvale 1-12 Seans 1-10 (Fri 29th May 2009)

Last Friday night leaving the Junior football championship game between Emyvale and Mc Dermots in Scotstown a neutral remarked " the best team was bate". True or not, this statement will be of little consolation to our panel of players who must now regroup and hope they can progress via the back door in this knock out competition. In the opening half they were certainly worthy of the comment going in as they did four point to the good on a scoreline of Seans 1 - 7 Emyvale 0 - 6.
This was a lively affair with both sides producing some good incisive football. Our boys worked tremendously hard in that opening half to curb the aerial threat of Emyvale around the middle of the field and were reward with a plentiful supply of possession. Inside forward men Patrick Kieran and Damien Larkin had the better of the exchanges against their opposite numbers and were always a threat; Larkin was quickest to react to blast the ball to the Emyvale net midway through the half after Kieran's original attempt at goal had come back of the upright. Also well to the fore were Shane O Neill, David Mc Entee and making his championship debut Danny Mc Nally.
For the second half Emyvale made a number of positional changes the most obvious and as it turned out a match winning move to shift Brendan Mc Kenna from midfield to full forward. Starting that second half in whirlwind fashion Emyvale reduced the deficit to a single point after only five minutes of play; our boys rallied, and extended the lead to three again, a lead that should have been more as our tally of second half wides began to mount. Emyvale again pegged the margin between the teams back to a single point and although our defence was constantly under the cosh they held firm and never looked like being breached as the game entered the closing minutes. Then the benefit of route one football was clear for all to see, the high ball into the danger area fell to an Emyvale forward and although goalkeeper Darren Mc Ardle saves the shot comfortably the referee penalised the defenders attempted block and awarded a penalty!
The spot kick was expertly dispatched by Martin Mc Aree out of reach of the diving Mc Ardle to the corner of the net, to give his side a hardly deserved but gratefully accepted two point winning margin and more importantly passage into the first round proper of the junior championship. This turn of events was a bitter pill for our boys to swallow, but in truth they should have been well out of sight long before the penalty conversion.

'A's back on song with victory over Emyvale

JFL - Seans 1-11 Emyvale 1-09 (Wed 6th May 2009)

In a dress rehearsal of their Junior Football Championship first round draw schedule for weekend 29-31 May, at TMH on Wednesday night the home side held on to record a two point victory over visitors Emyvale in this Dr Ward cup junior league game. Just the tonic the panel and indeed the supporters needed after their reversal suffered at the hands of Killeevan five days earlier.
Played in a gale the slippery underfoot conditions did little to contribute to the quality football. Handling errors misdirected passes were far to much in evidence both sides pleased and frustrated their followers in equal measure throughout the course of this evenly matched encounter. Both set of supporter have to be complimented for turning out in strength on such a wintry evening
Wind assisted in the open half Emyvale landed a couple of early points but were hauled back to parity by points from James Treanor and "wee" Patrick Kieran. The visitors landed a couple more minors before breaching the home defence for the only goal of the half with a clinically executed passing movement, sloppy defending well and truly punished. Seans to their credit stuck manfully to their task and were rewarded with points from Shane O Neill (2) James Treanor and a fisted effort from "big" Paddy Kieran to leave the half time score Seans 0 - 6 Emyvale 1 - 6.
On resumption Seans with the elements now at their backs beginning to get a foothold around the middle of the field where Mark Keogh and Derek Mc Mahon were foraging well, despite this increase in possession it was Emyvale who extended there lead with a point in the 5th minute. Goalkeeper Darren Mc Ardle was quickly off his line to avert further danger a few minutes later, arriving first to boot the ball to safety. Seans tagged on two points, converted frees from James Treanor and Shane O Neill. That frustration mention earlier was then experiences by the home support as their team shot a succession of wides, six in total.
But things did take a turn for the better midway through the half, the forwards combined well to hold possession before releasing David Mc Entee, despite the close attention of his opposite number Mc Entee somehow manage to tuck the ball pass the diving keeper to the corner of the Emyvale net to give his side a lead for the first time in the match.
More important than the lead, this score was a major confidence boost to the whole team and generated a belief that the two points were homeward bound. From there to the finish scores continued to be hard to come by, and despite near missed on both side and last ditch defending particularly by Stephen Mc Elvaney at full back to keep Emyvale at bay as they upped the ante in search of that match winning score, our boy managed to hold out for a hard earned victory. Final score Seans 1 - 11 Emyvale 1 - 9.
Before that championship outing at the end of the month they have one more league outing away Killanny on Saturday 16th May at 7.00pm, hopefully by then James Treanor forced to retire with a leg injury will have recovered and absentee from Wednesday's night fare Damien Larkin will also be off the injured list.

Another Impressive Win for Minors V Carrickmacross

MFL - Seans 0 - 13 Cuchullains 0 - 08 (Tue 21st Apr 2009)

Seans and Carrick served up an enthralling game of entertaining football in their minor league Division 2 meeting on Tuesday evening at TMH. It was only in the closing minutes of the game that the home side managed to put breathing space between themselves and their visitors. Up to then there was little to separate the sides, with the destiny of the league points still very much in doubt. But for the brilliance of Gavin Baxter in the Seans goal he made a succession of top-drawer saves to deny the Carricks lads repeatedly and keep his side in the game, had it not been for Baxter's alertness these league points would certainly have gone south…
Seans opened the scoring with a Danny Mc Nally free in the 3rd minute, and Brian Mc Quaid doubled that tally a minute later. Carrick, with full forward Peter O Hanlon causing all sort of mayhem in the Seans defence had restored parity by the 7th minute, thanks to two expertly convert free kicks from their centre three quarters. O Hanlon got on the score sheet himself two minutes later to put his side in front with a well struck point from play. Seans mentors took immediate remedial action to curb the big full forwards early dominance and aerial threat, Jonathan Kavanagh was called ashore; sacrificed for the team cause, centre three quarters Rory Lyden matching O Hanlon in height was relocated on the edge of the square and young Shane Larkin introduced in a forward role. This switch had the desire effect, O Hanlon's 9th minute point proving to be his side last of the half and Lyden going on to give a masterful display on the edge of the square.
Gavin Baxter in goal fielded well under some pressure in the 12th minute his clearance eventually found its way to Padraig Mc Guirk, off on one of his trademark solo runs he found the Carrick keeper equal to the shot diving full length to deflect the ball off the upright for a 45, the resultant free yielded nothing. Mc Guirk was also involved three minutes later releasing Shane Larkin for Danny Mc Nally to land the equalising point. Baxter was at his agile best again to deny Carrick as another attack scissors its way through the home defence. Danny Mc Nally eased Seans into a two point lead from a thirty metre free in the 22nd minute after a bout of sustained pressure, and Shane Larkin made it three a couple of minutes later with a nice point from play following good work from Jamie Mc Elvaney Padraig Mc Guirk and Conor Hagan. With time almost up a super forty metre pass from Mark Mc Guigan found Brian Mc Quaid in the clear behind the Carrick defence, a goal seem on but Mc Quaid's hurried effort as defenders close in was just inches off target.
Half time score Seans 0 - 5 Carrick 0 - 3.
From the throw in Carrick gained possession the home defence failed to clear and Carrick capitalised with a well struck point from play. Jamie Mc Elvaney foraging well forward down the right flank set up Brian Mc Quaid for the simplest of points. Gavin Baxter was called into action again in the 4th minute and a minute later Mc Quaid turned provider for Conor Hagan to raise another Sean's white flag. Carrick had a chance to reduce the deficit in the 8th minute but spurned the opportunity the 20 metre free narrowly off target. The visitors pulled one back in the 14th minute a well struck free from their No 11 from all of forty metres, and from the kick out O' Hanlon for once slipping his marker brought another reflect save from the Seans net minder. The home side lifted the siege and were rewarded with points from play in the 16th, 17th and18th minute Mc Quaid (2) Mc Guirk (1). Carrick could have changed the complexion of the game but found Baxter in unbeatable form he produced two superb save in the 19th and 20th minutes to keep his team in front, Carrick added three point of their own from play in the 22nd, 23rd and 24th minute as they reduced the deficit to just two. Conor Mc Elroy set Brian Mc Quaid up to restore the home side three point cushion in the 27th minute after Ashley Maguire, Donal and Mark Mc Guigan had done well halting another Carrick attack. A minute late Shane Larkin struck the insurance point after Adrian Prunty and Jamie Mc Elvaney had combined to win possession in the halfback line. On the stroke of full time Padraig Mc Guirk put his midfielder partner Danny Mc Nally through for the final score of the game a lovely angled point out on the right to give the home side a hard earned if flattering five point winning margin at the finish; final score Seans 0 - 13 Carrick 0- 8.
I doubt if there will be many better games in this Division 2 competition and on the evidence of this performance we haven't seen the last of these Carrick lads, there again we all hope that our boys will be in the mix too come the knock out stages. In a nine game series they certainly have started well, with three wins out of three, nobody can ask for better than that. This week they travel to Emyvale on Tuesday night for the usual starting time of 7.15pm.

Minors continue winning ways V Cuchullains

MFL - Seans 3 - 11 Cuchullains 0 - 08 (Tue 14th Apr 2009)

Seans proved to strong for the Toome/Dohamlet combination in their second round Minor Division 2 clash on Tuesday night. The visitors to a heavy and slippery St Victor's Park dominated in too many areas of the field and never allow the Cuchulain lads settle into any pattern of team play. Restricted as they were to individual effort the writing was on the wall as early as the fifth minute, Rory Lyden's twenty five metre pile driver well parried by the Cuchulain keeper but he could only watch in disbelief as the ball ended up in the net.
In the preceding minutes Seans attacks had yielded little and it was Cuchulains who raised the first white flag after three minutes of play. From the kick out centre halfback Mark Mc Guigan fielded well his telling pass found full forward Brian Mc Quaid and he levelled things from ten metres out. Cuchulains reduced the deficit with a good point from play in the eight minute.
Midfielder Danny Mc Nally in the tenth minute landed a 35 metre free after Emmett Connolly had been fouled, and two minutes later corner forward Conor Mc Elroy struck with unerring accuracy from twenty yard after big midfielder Padraig Mc Guirk had used his strength to good effect before deftly picking the ball up on the run to put Mc Elroy in the clear. Brian Mc Quaid converted a free in the 15th minute after Mc Elroy was up ended. Two minutes later in the best move of the match Adrian Prunty gathered well in his half back position, found midfielder Mc Guirk available, his well direct pass was latched on to by Brian Mc Quaid who carried in from the corner and from an acute angle blasted a left foot shot to the net leaving Cuchulains with a mountain to climb. Mc Quaid convert a free in the 18th minute, but it took some resolute defending by Donal Mc Guigan and Jonathan Kavanagh and Ashley Maguire in the full back line to restrict Cuchullains scoring opportunities, but the locals were reward for persistence and raised their third white flag in the 21st minute when the in rushing forward was adjudged by a very alert referee Patrick Caulfield to have been stopped illegally. Rory Lyden complete his sides tally for this first period soloing through from midfield to split the post from 20metre out having been sent on his way by lovely weighted Mark Mc Guigan pass after Jamie Mc Elvaney had done the spadework to break up another Cuchullain attack. Before the half time whistle Cuchullians added two further points from play in the 28th minute and in added on time to leave the half time score Seans 2 -6 Cuchulains 0 - 5.
After the restart Seans increased their lead with points from Brian Mc Quaid after the referee in the 3rd minute had penalised an indiscretion moving the ball forward for a simple tap over for the No.14. Five minutes later Danny Mc Nally replicate Mc Quaids effort after similar action by the referee following a foul on Jamie Mc Elvaney. Donal Mc Guigan and Jonathan Kavanagh were now mopping up anything that came their way but there was little the pair could do to prevent Cuchulains open their second half account after 11 minutes, a good point from midfielder Jason Mc Elroy. Mc Nally converted a thirty metre free after another foul on flying wingback Mc Elvaney, and substitute Jonathan Bannon got his name on the score sheet with a fine solo effort in the 18th minute having been introduced to the fray three minutes earlier. Cuchullains successfully converted a free in the 21st minute to lift the siege somewhat from their beleaguered defence, but full forward Mc Quaid put the game well and truly out of reach in the 24th minute, finishing in style a move begun by Donal Mc Guigan from his full back berth and involving namesake Mark, Ashley Maguire, Mc Elvaney and Mc Guirk and Shane Hagan before Mc Quaid's close range effort had the umpire waiving his second green flag. Cuchulains had another point from play in the 25th minute but it was left to Sean's No 14 Mc Quaid to have the final say a minute late converting a close in free to leave the final score Cuchulains 0 - 8 Seans 3 - 11.
This was a good team performance with everyone acquitting themselves excellently in trying underfoot conditions, next week they face a sterner test with the visit of Carrickmacross to TMH. Good to see plenty of travelling support at this game, hopefully with home advantage next week we will see even more of our supporters out giving them encouragement. For the record the team on duty was Gavin Baxter, Ashley Maguire, Donal Mc Guigan, Jonathan Kavanagh, Adrian Prunty, Mark Mc Guigan, Jamie Mc Elvaney, Danny Mc Nally, Padraig Mc Guirk, Emmett Connolly, Rory Lyden, Shane Hagan, Conor Hagan Brian Mc Guirk, Conor Mc Elroy, Jonathan Bannon, Mark Bell.

Minors start with a win V Patrick Emmets

MFL - Seans 3 - 14 Patrick Emmets 3 - 06 (Tue 7th Apr 2009)

In the division 2 minor competition on Tuesday evening played at TMH our squad ran up an impressive tally of 3 - 14 in their opening round game against Patrick Emmetts. Full forward Brian Mc Quaid was in superb form weighing in with an individual contribution of 1- 9 all from play, but this was far from a one man show, all 18 player used on this occasion contributing to an excellent team performance. While Mc Quaid's accuracy impressed, the foundation for this victory was laid further out the field. Half backs Jamie Mc Elvaney and Mark Mc Guigan's stranglehold in that area especially in the second half a major factor in the outcome, as was the strength and aerial ability of the midfield pair Danny Mc Nally and Padraig Mc Guirk. Both midfielders finding the net, Mc Guirk expertly placing his spot kick low and to the corner out of reach of the diving net minder. Mc Nally's green flag a real gem, on hand about twenty metres out to take a nicely weighted pass from Jonathan Bannon after the impressive substitute had soloed through the visitors defence before releasing the big midfielder his dipping shot rocketing to the roof of the net.
Although running out comfortable winners in the end, this game was far from a one sided affair, the teams level on no fewer than five occasions. The visitors banged in two first half goals the first coming as the home defence failed to clear a 45metre free and in the resultant goalmouth scrambles the ball was stroked past a hapless Gavan Baxter in the Seans goal. There was little goalkeeper Baxter could do for the second other than to remonstrate with his defensive cover as Jack Mc Carron demonstrated his silky ball carrying skill. Leaving the half time score Seans 1 - 7 Patrick Emmetts 2- 3.
Mentors Emmett Mc Elvaney, Gary Larkin, and Colm Mc Mahon, I'm sure called for greater effort and higher levels of concentration for the second half, but they must have thought that call went unheeded, as the visitors corner forward in the 2nd minute found himself alone behind the Seans rearguard, and as a defensive surge upfield was halted he was well found with an inch perfect pass and made no mistake from close range to put his side back in front.
Our boys started to get to grips around the middle of the field, Mc Quaid opened his second half account in the 6th minute and young half forward Conor Mc Elroy levelled things a minute later. Then in the best move of the match goalkeeper Baxter saved, his clearance found Emmett Connolly he fisted to Mc Guirk, who carried before delivering a forty metre past to Mc Quaid and the on song full forward did the rest to raise another white flag.
Midfielder Mc Guirk converted his penalty in the 16th minute to give his side some breathing space in between two further Mc Quaid points Jonathan Bannon combined well with Rory Lyden for the No11 to land a glorious point. Donal Mc Guigan, Ashley Maguire, Jonathan Kavanagh were beginning to dominate in the full back line as our boys force the pace. In the half back line Adrian Prunty made some telling interception as Jamie Mc Elvaney and Mark Mc Guigan continued to grab everything that came their way. The half forward line of Conor Mc Elroy Rory Lyden and Emmett Connolly were never given much latitude by there opposite numbers but as the game entered the final quarter they did manage to shake off the defenders shackles. Flanking Brian Mc Quaid in the inside forward line the Hagan boys Shane and Conor were always full of running, Shane always comfortable on the ball kept possession well, while Conor was unfortunate not to get on the score sheet. Substituted used Francis Mc Elvaney, Stephen Mc Carron, and Jonathan Bannon. This was a good all round team performance in extreme weather conditions, but what will cause some concern is leaking those three goals, all members are reminded to attend their regular early Sunday morning coaching sessions, where no doubt the management triumvirate will be working on eliminate this. Next week they travel to Toome to take on Cuchullians.

Winning start to JFL campaign

JFL - Blackhill 1 - 9 Seans 2 - 12

After a nervous first half performance in the opening Dr Ward Cup game of the season on Sunday last; Blackhill held all the advantages and a well deserved interval lead 1 - 4 to 0 - 4. Our boys eventually getting to grip with the opposition but not before they had extended that interval lead to six with the second half only four minutes old. The revival started in the eight minute James Treanor and

Action from Blackhill V Seans on Sun 5th Apr

Damien Larkin combining well to force the Emeralds net minder into a fantastic save, the inside duo were quickest to react and had the umpire reaching for the green flag as they jointly scrambled the breaking ball across the goal line. Blackhill showed their intent with two well taken points from play in the 12th and 14th minutes but Larkin tied things up at 1 -8 apiece with a well taken point in the 20th minute; the same player had been on hand a couple of minutes earlier to finish in style a sweeping move started by corner back Emmett Mc Elvaney. Seans were on a roll and wing back Noel Rice was well forward and put his side in front for the first time in the match in 21st minute. The decisive score of the game came a minute later Patrick Kieran the sole survivor of the last junior campaign used his strength well to fend of some hefty but fair challenges to carry thirty metres to the edge of the square before unleashing an unstoppable shot to the roof of the net. David Mc Entee raised a white flag with a great long range effort out on the wing, but it was left to veteran Kieran to complete the scoring with point from play and a free in injury time to leave the final score Blackhill 1 - 9 Seans 2 - 12.

'C' team notch up another victory

RFL Div 4 Seans 1 - 11 Killanny 1 -7 (5th April 2009)

On Sunday evening the "C" squad proved too strong for visitors Killanny and ran out winners at the finish on a scoreline of Seans 1 - 11 Killanny 1 -7. A Paul Durnan rocket from close range helping our boy into a lead they never subsequently lost, and two long distant efforts from John Paul Mc Entee consolidating that advantage. Paul Mc Phillips revelled in his new full back role, Eamonn Mc Quillan and Darren Kiely showed up well in the

The Seam McDermotts 'C' team which lined out V Killanny

half back line with some telling interceptions, and veteran stalwart Gary Lakin superb catch in the middle of the field alone was worth the admission charge; all in all a good team performance. This squad have another tough assignment on Easter Monday at 7.00pm when they have home advantage for the visit of Emyvale to TMH.

Boxing Tournament spectacular in Complex

Smithboro ABC Boxing Tournament Sat 28th March

On Saturday night the 28th March, we put football to one side and instead turned our attention to the Queensbury Rules as Smithboro Amateur Boxing Club hosted a spectacular Boxing Tournament in our complex. Our own Christopher Hughes, Shane & Declan Murphy lined up alongside 9 other Smithboro ABC contenders in a 18 bout extravaganza. It was a fantastic occasion although Chris and Shane lost narrowly to their opponents, Declan came through in his bout in a very impressive fashion. We would like to thank Smithboro ABC and Joe Murphy & Fergal McKenna in particular for giving us the opportunity to host this event.

The Club mourns the passing of Eddie Murphy

Former Club Chairman Eddie Murphy passes away

It was with great sadness that we learned of the passing of Eddie Murphy on St Patrick's Day. Eddie was the second Chairman of our club, a position he held from 1963 until 1974. The esteem in which Eddie was held was evidenced by the huge turnout of friends and fellow club members, young and old at both his removal to St Mary's and at his funeral on Thursday. Guards of honour from the Club and Fine Gael flanked the coffin for Eddie's final Journey. The Club Chairman Danny Clerkin gave a graveside oration which captured the essence of the man who was a friend to all.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam

Edward James Murphy R.I.P.

Chairman's Graveside Oration

Tribute to former Club Chairman Eddie Murphy R.I.P.

I feel honoured , privileged and very humbled to be speaking on behalf of Sean Mac Diarmada Gaelic Athletic Club and on our behalf to pay tribute to Eddie Murphy ,a former Chairman of our Club. We have come here today to pay our final respects to a true friend and a very special person. With Eddies failing health over the past few weeks, I like many of you I’m sure have been thinking about Eddie . This is not surprising for Eddie or as he was more fondly known as ‘ Ballagh Ned’ had a special quality in that we all felt Eddie belonged to us. Many tributes have been paid to Eddie over the last few days and I have no doubt many more will be paid over the coming days. That is as it should be because Eddie was a gentleman, his affability and friendly disposition made him a friend to all. Eddie became Chairman of Sean Mc Dermotts in 1963 and remained at the helm for a long number of years. It was very much a fledgling Club having been set up just two years previous in 1961. During Eddies stewardship it developed and became an integral unit of the Association. It was a time of limited facilities and limited resources but that did not deter the progression and further development of our Club. Under Eddie,s tenure we experienced a fruitful period on the field of play capturing three consecutive Dr Ward Cups in 1967, 1968 and 1969. The Junior double was achieved in the latter year. 1970 saw us win the Father Hackett Cup. Eddies Chairmanship was one of quiet presence, one of service and attending to the daily tasks of running a club. He had a really keen interest in gaelic football and had a very astute brain when it came to his knowledge of the game. Indeed when Sean Mc Elvaney and myself visited him in hospital a few weeks ago that football brain was as shrewd and as wise as ever. Eddie knew his football. Eddie officiated as umpire for many years with different referees from our Club. He represented our Club at county board level as Club delegate for a period of time and in latter years officiated as steward at many intercounty games throughout Ulster. It was always a labour of love for him. We have our own special memories personal experiences and humourous stories about Eddie. I have my own story. I remember a day when I as team manager saw our team defeated in a league game here at home . After the game , as can be the case, a few wise experts in the complex could tell me what mistakes I had made and many different changes in personnel that should have taken place during the game. Eddie had been listening and saying nothing. I met him later and he advised me not to be heeding to all that had been said earlier and inquired, had any of them looked under the galvanise to see what had been available on the day. We all will miss Eddie. hIs relatives and friends have lost a true friend, our community has lost a faithful, true member and our Club has lost one of its own. Eddies life spanned half the life of our Association and he lived to see it reach its 125th year . Eddies other life interests incorporated community and that sense of voluntary effort that really makes a community. Not for Eddie the materialism that at the end of the day counts for little if anything. Eddie,s removal last night and funeral mass today, the support and help from his great neighbours and friends speaks volumes about the man that was Eddie Murphy. It is fitting that Eddie is laid to rest on the crest of the hill here over looking our grounds. He will forever be keeping a watchful eye on proceedings there. May the stony grey soil of St Marys graveyard lay lightly on him. Ar dheis de go raibh a anam

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