Monaleen Juvenile GAA Club

Monaleen GAA Notes

U16 Monaleen Footballers Crowned County Champions

Monaleen U16 secured their first county championship at this level last Sunday in Kilmallock since 2001. They overcame a strong Fr Casey's side with a final score of 2:08 to 0:10. Harry McGrath opened the scoring with a great point from play within a few minutes of the kick off followed by an excellent point by Paul Crosse. Fr Casey's responded with two points of their won to level the game at two points each. Some excellent play from Monaleen saw them add on four more points before the break with a point from Patrick Birmigham, two from Michael McCarthy and a free from Evan Quinlan. Monaleen went in at the break ahead by 0:6 to 0:4. Monaleen faced a stiff wind in the second half and Fr Casey's levelled the match after ten minutes. A long delivery from Conor Bonfil into the danger zone was broken down by Brian Kelleher into the on rushing Liam Danaher, who was fouled and a penalty awarded to Monaleen. Evan Quinlan duly dispatched the penalty in style and sent the goalie the wrong way.
Monaleen added on an additional two points both from play by Brian Birmingham and Liam Danaher. Shortly after a long ball from the right was collected by Brian Kelleher and a great move involving Paul Crosse and Liam Danaher finished with Danaher crashing the ball to the net for a great goal and putting Monaleen eight points ahead and firmly in the driving seat. Fr Casey's made a great fight back in the last quarter and added on four points but were not able to claw back the Monaleen lead. Some fantastic defending by Monaleen all though and particularly in the last quarter by Cian O'Dwyer, John Sheahan, Simon Giffin, JJ McDonagh, Pat O'Kane and Ben Burns not to mention Eoin Clancy who was brilliant at full back. Great credit also to Conor Bonfil and Patrick Birmingham at midfield who worked like trojans all day. And the forwards who time an again showed great pace and teamwork throughout, including Mark McCarthy, Evan Quinlan, Harry McGrath, Brian Kelleher, Paul Crosse and the diminutive Liam Danaher. Credit due also to the subs who played on the day Paul Butler, Micheal Morrissey and David Grant and the remaining panel who contributed significantly throughout the championship Mike Hoare, Cian Malone, Ryse Joyce, Sean Power and Mark Dillon. A great day for Monaleen and a great year all round with the U14 Football all Ireland Feile, the under 14 Hurling County and Feile titles and recently the Senior Football title. Great credit and congratulations to the team management and coaches of Tom Bonfil and Mick Kelleher who have developed this team over t he last few years. Looking forward to a great game in Killarney next Sunday when Monaleen take on Dr Croakes in the Munster club championship.

U13 Girls Football
We had a very successful under-13 ladies football blitz on Saturday with over 120 players from Limerick, Cork and Clare participating. We would like to thank Adare, Ahane, Clare County and St Michaels from Cork for participating. .Play started at 10.30 and was non stop until the finish at 4:30 in the afternoon. Monaleen competed well against Clare Development Squad and finished the highest club team in the Blitz beating Adare, St Michaels and Ahane. The football played by each competing team was at a very high standard. Our inter-county star Leah Kidney and our chairperson Mary Smith presented the medals and trophy. We would like to thank Claire, Kathleen, Valarie and all the parents who supplied refreshments for players and supporters throughout the day, making it a special event. Thank you to Kieran O'Flaherty and Tom Tarpey who refereed the 10 matches throughout the day. Also thanks to Phil O'Dell chief photographer for the day.

Club Lotto
The Monaleen GAA Club Lotto had no winner of the Jackpot prize with 17, 21, 24 and 31 the numbers drawn. Likewise the Lotto bonus of €1000 wasn't won with 5, 12, 21 and 23 being selected. The Lucky Dip winners this week were: Peter Russell, Annacotty; Ken Ryan c/o Monaleen Stores; Mike Ryan, Beechfield and Joe Power, Newtown Park the lucky winners. Next week's Jackpot is €3,600.