Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Mhaigh Eo Hurling Final Results
Division 4
Fahy (Westport) bt. Cloonlyon
2-2 / 0-5
Division 3
Straide bt. Taugheen
5-5 / 5-4
Division 2
Kilmovee bt. Ballyvary
3-3 / 1-2
Division 1
Tooreen bt. Gaelscoil Na Cruaiche
3-2 / 1-3
Feile na nGael comes West as 40,000 people descend on the Region
Guest post by Adrian Hession
The weekend of 8th/9th/10th June has been a long time in the planning for the hurling and camogie clubs of Mayo and their neighbouring counties. Its the weekend that the John West Feile na nGael U14 competition descends on the region as 6,000 players, 1,000 mentors and a total of 40,000 people will be on the move for the largest underage hurling tournament in Ireland. The finals this year will be held on Sunday 10th June, with the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence in Bekan being the hub of organisation and chief host ground on finals day. Not to be forgotten, local GAA pitches close to the Connacht Centre will host All-Ireland semi finals on that Sunday with Claremorris GAA (both pitches), Kiltimagh GAA, Ballyhaunis GAA, Tooreen GAA and Castlerea GAA all being earmarked to host numerous All-Ireland semi finals in the different grades and categories.
Feile na nGael will take place in all five counties of Connacht while teams from Westmeath and Longford will also host visiting teams. In total their will be nine divisions of hurling fought out, while seven divisions of camogie will be up for grabs. Sixteen teams will be placed in each division of each code, with both Cup and Shield titles within each division available, to cater for the varying standards within the divisions. In total 32 cups/shields across the board will be presented over the weekend.
Within Mayo there will be six hurling boys teams taking part. These six teams will act as host clubs to travelling teams and will commence their group games on Friday 8th June. Tooreen and Westport are graded in Division 6 this year and will host Eire Og (Tyrone) and Cappamore (Limerick) respectively. Castlebar Mitchell’s will solely represent Mayo in Division 7 boys, as they will host Clara (Offaly). In the boys Division 8 competition, Caiseal Gaels will host Monaghan Harps while Ballyvary will host St Malachys of Derry. Finally in Division 9 boys, Claremorris will make their first ever appearance at Feile na nGael as they host South Kerry.
The camogie will see three Mayo sides forming host clubs. In Division 5 camogie, Na Brideoga in East Mayo will host Knockanana from Wicklow. In Division 6 camogie, Westport and Castlebar Mitchels will host Kilworth (Cork) and De La Salle (Waterford) respectively.
Feile na nGael last came to Mayo in 1993, and a tournament of this stature comes around only once in a generation. For more information on Feile na nGael visit www.connachtgaa.ie
Cumann na mBunscol: County Finals
Thursday June 7th, 2018
MacHale Park
1.30 Division 2 Girls: KPS Printing Cup
Newport v Gaelscoil de Búrca
9-a-side 15 minutes per half
Referee: Mel Kenny Line: Michael McHale & Liam Higgins
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2.15 Division 4 Girls Kevin Kennedy Memorial Cup
Ballyheane v Lahardane
6-a-side 12 minutes per half
Referee: Michael McHale Line: Mel Kenny & Liam Higgins
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3.01 Division 2 Boys Baxter Perpetual Cup
Quay, Westport v Crossmolina
11-a-side 20 minutes per half
Referee: Liam Higgins Line: Martin Walshe & Mel Kenny
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4.00 Division 1B Boys: Ballaghderreen v Quay, Ballina
15-a-side. 25 minutes per half
Referee: Martin Walshe Line: Michael McHale & Jimmy Feeney
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5.00 Division 1B Girls: Scoil Raifteirí v Foxford
11-a-side 15 minutes per half
Referee: Shane Corcoran Line: Martin Walshe & John O Boyle
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5.45 Division 1 Girls P. O’Connor & Son Cup
Quay, Ballina v Scoil Phadraig, Westport
11 a side 15 minutes per half
Referee: Mick Kerr Line: Jimmy Feeney & John O Boyle
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6.30 Division 1 Boys: Claremorris BNS v St. Pat’s, Castlebar
15 a side 25 minutes per half
Referee: John O Boyle Line: Mick Herr & Shane Corcoran
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Division 5 Girls: Eachléim bt. Coguala
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Division 5 Boys: Murrisk bt. Facefield
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Division 3 Boys: Parke bt. Aghamore
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Division 4 Boys: Errew bt. Straide
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Division 3 Girls: Aghamore bt. Kilmaine
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Division 2B Girls: Myna(Kilmeena) bt. Currabaggan
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7.00 Division 2B Boys: Balla * Knockrooskey
*Title shared following 4 periods of extra time!
Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Mhaigh Eo Semi Finals Results
Division 1, 1B, 2 & 2B
May 24th
Div 1 Girls
Westport bt. Ballaghaderreen
Div 1B Boys
Ballaghaderreen bt. Westport
Div 2 Boys
Crossmolina bt. Balindine
Quay, Westport bt. Bekan
Div 2B Boys
Knockrooskey bt. Tooreen
Balla bt. Currabaggan (Played May 23)
Div 2 Girls
Gaelscoil de Búrca bt. Crossmolina
Newport bt. Bekan
Div 2B Girls
Kilmeena bt. Tooreen
Currabaggan bt. Knock (Played May 23)
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Last remaining semi finals will take place on Tuesday, May 29 – fixtures here
Round up of May 23 semi finals – (Divisions 3, 4 & 5)
Originally posted on https://meanderingmaud.wordpress.com/
Words by Michael Gallagher
If you carry your childhood with you, you never become older
Tom Stoppard
Those of us who have yet to grow up revel in the dreams, ambitions and possibilities of childhood! On Wednesday, on grassy Castlebar rectangles, hundreds of children went in search of their fondest dreams in the company of even fonder friends.
The sun blazing out of the heavens meant that anyone at a loose end might be summoned to the bog but there were no thoughts of winter fuel resources in Castlebar – all that mattered was the ball, that perfect round, bouncy ball.
A batch of Cuman na mBunscol semi-finals were scheduled for this sun-splashed day – a batch of contests between young footballers dreaming of a place in the final and the chance to strut their stuff on the hallowed turf of MacHale Park.
I love Cuman na mBunscol football for the exciting, joyous, flowing, fabulous football – I hate it because it yields sadness for half the contestants. I wish everyone could experience the happiness of winning, but sadly life isn’t like that.
They came from the edge of the ocean and the butt of the mountains, from towns and villages and everywhere in between. They came with their friends, their coaches, teachers and families with the desire to strut their stuff on the big stage and show how much they’ve learned.
After a winter of chilled fingers and biting winds the young stars were greeted by stunning sunshine in Castlebar.
The first boots to grace Pairc Josie Munnelly on Wednesday morning belonged to the girls of Cogaula and Derrinabroc, both clad in their famed green and white shirts. Cogaula lost the toss and wore bibs but that was all they lost – despite a spirited and determined effort from Derrinabroc, it was the Islandeady students who progressed to the final.
On the adjacent pitch, Errew and Cloonliffen boys were immersed in a match where some of the skills on view took the breath away. The movement of the forwards and the excellence of both goalkeepers was a joy to behold. Errew eventually came out on top as the sun danced in the sky and more buses arrived.
On the top pitch, the scarlet jerseys of Aghamore jousted with the boys in the royal blue of Killala. A big crowd packed the sideline as classy forwards strutted their stuff. Killala were gallant and proud but Aghamore were a little more clinical in attack.
Nearby, the boys of Currbaggan and Balla were warming up. The North-Mayo contingent looked good as they stretched the sinews while the boys in the maroon of PW Nally’s native place went through drills on the opposite side of the pitch.
Back on Pitch 1, there was Gaeilge in the air as the cailíní of Eachleim were taking on Gordjordan and the Erris girls were moving well. They were backed by every child in the school – Eachleim were in Castlebar in force. Learning isn’t confined to the classroom and that thought process was exhibited brilliantly on the green grass of Pairc Josie.
Gortjordan mounted a superb second half fightback but the Gaeltacht girls were too far ahead at that stage.
Back on Pitch 2, the boys of Glencastle and Straide were showing what they could do. Glencastle had the best of the early running but Straide were conceding little and slowly worked their way into the game.
On the top pitch it seemed as if Mayo were taking on Kilkenny but it was actually the boys of Parke and Kilmaine. The Black and Amber were making the most of their good start and their phalanx of fans were enjoying their day in the sun.
At this stage Currabaggan and Balla were immersed in their battle. The Knockmore side were enjoying a large percentage of possession but found the Balla backline very hard to break down and the boys in maroon were growing in confidence.
Nearby, Kilmaine were launching a fightback but Parke refused to panic as shrieks and screams rang around the famous patches of grass.
The girls from Aghamore had gathered in a circle for last-minute instructions as the final moments of a thriller between Glencastle and Straide were being played out.
“Kick it in lads” – “One last push” echoed from the sideline but when the final whistle sounded the referee said the scores were tied and extra time was on the cards.
Straide began the added period impressively. They had the ball in the net in the opening seconds, but the umpire called in the referee and nobody was quite sure whether the score stood or not as a group of Eachleim girls passed by “looking for Casey’s tooth.”
Reality wasn’t as dramatic as their commentary had suggested. Casey was a very young supporter and the tooth was one designed to be collected by the Tooth Fairy – it hadn’t suddenly vacated her gum in the midst of a feisty football match.
On Pitch 1, the boys of Derrinabroc and Murrisk were immersed in an almighty contest. The fervour and passion on view was eye-watering and those on the sideline were enthralled.
Nearby an Ardagh mother was imparting very wise words – “Ye’ve done brilliantly to get this far, so go out and enjoy it.” The receptors of the advice were getting ready for their meeting with the Aghamore girls while Glencastle and Straide still battled through extra-time.
Glencastle were powering forward as their traveling army urged them on and when the final whistle sounded the Erris contingent readied themselves for another bout of added time but it wasn’t to be.
The goal early in extra time had not been disallowed and Straide were in the final with three points to spare. The fine Straide team celebrated while Glencastle were dumbstruck.
Meanwhile on the back pitch a Currabaggan goal unleashed scenes of wild delight but few had any notion of the scoreline. “There’s three points in it, but I’m not sure whether we’re winning or losing,” a Knockmore father exclaimed, while one of the substitutes remarked that the parents from both sides were getting very excited – “You can’t bring them anywhere,” he explained wistfully.
A big cheer from Pitch 1 hailed victory for Murrisk as former Mayo attacker Michael Conroy arrived to cast an eye over the future stars and the girls of Knock and Currabaggan came out to play.
Both sides have strong history in the competition and three goals in quick succession had Knock in an early lead.
Up on the top pitch, the Aghamore girls were two points clear of Ardagh at half time and an exciting second half was anticipated as the girls from Carrowholly arrived.
Down on Pitch 2, a stormer was taking place between the girls from Cloonliffen and Ballyheane. Some of the skills on view were absolutely top-class and it was hard to separate them early on.
A big crowd had gathered at Pitch 1 as Bangor and Facefield prepared for their semi-final. The same two schools had met 12 months previously at the same stage with Bangor emerging victorious but there was nothing between them as they prepared for the 2018 episode.
On the top pitch two goals in quick succession had given Aghamore a decided advantage as one of their nerve-jangled fathers urged the ref to ‘blow it up.’
Meanhwhile on the back pitch, current Mayo star Sarah Mulvihill’s words had encouraged Currabaggan girls to roar back into contention and lead by seven points at half time.
The noise coming from Pitch 1 was drawing observers towards the action between Bangor and Facefield. The Erris champions led by four at half time but nobody was counting chickens or any other feathered friends at that stage.
On Pitch 2, the girls of Ballyheane needed extra time to squeeze by the wonderful footballers from Cloonliffen. If ever a game exhibited the horror of losing this was it. My heart went out to them.
Nearby, the goalkeepers of Lahardane and Midfield were excelling as half time arrived with the Nephin girls just one point ahead.
Nearby, a star-studded attacking display was edging the Kilmaine girls into their final despite the very best efforts of Carrowholly.
Back on Pitch 1, a big cheer signalled a late goal for Bangor but when the final whistle sounded Facefield were a point in front and were on their way to the final.
The final game of the day between Lahardane and Midfield continued and the momentum was beginning to swing towards the girls from the Titanic Village. Lahardane’s powerful defensive department and classy forward play was hard to beat despite the gallant efforts of the girls in Black and Red and the Nephin girls booked a place in the final.
Soon, the buses were headed for home, ferrying tired footballers back to their kingdoms. It had been a very special day in Castlebar.
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A full round up of the day’s results is here
Finals for these teams take place next Monday – Fixtures here
Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Mhaigh Eo Football Finals | May 28th, 2018
MacHale Park, Castlebar
Divisions 2B, 3, 4 & 5 | Boys & Girls
2.30 Division 5 Girls: Eachléim v Coguala
5 a side. 10 minutes per half
Referee: John O Boyle Line: Liam Higgins & Pat Dowling
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3.15 Division 5 Boys: Murrisk v Facefield
7 a side. 12 minutes per half
Referee: Liam Higgins Line: John O Boyle & Pat Dowling
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4.00 Division 3 Boys: Aghamore v Parke
9 a side. 15 minutes per half
Referee: Pat Dowling Line: Martin Walshe & Liam Higgins
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4.45 Division 4 Boys: Errew v Straide
7 a side. 15 minutes per half
Referee: Martin Walshe Line: Shane Corcoran & Jimmy Feeney
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5.30 Division 3 Girls: Aghamore v Kilmaine
7 a side. 15 minutes per half
Referee: Jimmy Feeney Line: Martin Walshe & Mick Herr
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6.15 Division 2B Girls: Currabaggan v Myna(Kilmeena)
9 a side. 15 minutes per half
Referee: Shane Corcoran Line: Mel Kenny & Mick Herr
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7.00 Division 2B Boys: Balla v Knockrooskey
11 a side 20 minutes per half
Referee: Mick Herr Line: Shane Corcoran & Mel Kenny
Results from today’s Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Mhaigh Eo Football Semi Finals
(More finals being played tomorrow – May 24th).
Finals for divisions 3, 4 and 5 to be played on May 28th. Divisions 1 & 2 will be played on May 7th. Fixtures will issue over the coming days.
D5 Girls
Coguala bt. Dernabroc
Eachléim bt. Gortjordan
D5 Boys
Murrisk bt. Dernabroc
Facefield bt. Bangor
D4 Boys
Errew bt. Cloonliffen
Straide bt. Glencastle
D4 Girls
Ballyheane bt. Cloonliffen
Lahardaune bt. Midfield
D3 Boys
Aghamore bt. Killala
Parke bt. Kilmaine
D3 Girls
Aghamore bt. Ardagh
Kilmaine bt. Carrowholly
D2(B) Boys
Balla bt. Currabaggan
D2(B) Girls
Currabaggan bt. Knock
Well done to all who participated in our pre-game exhibition during the Mayo/Galway Connacht Championship quarter final. 20 young footballers (and 2 “Young Whistlers”) from schools all over Mayo had the wonderful opportunity to display their skills in front of nearly 30,000 spectators.
Thanks to Mayo GAA for sponsoring gear, Connacht GAA for facilitating our games and to the Mayo GAA Games Development Officers for helping with the running of our games. Thanks to all the Cumann na mBunscol Mhaigh Eo teachers (and our colleagues across the boarder in Gaillimh) who made this day so successful!
Mayo Girls:
Mayo Boys:
Young whistlers: Fahy NS
Cumann na mBunscol Mhaigh Eo 