A Lot Happened in a Fortnight

Post date: Apr 29, 2014 8:49:12 PM

While various sections have been updated around the site, it has actually been a fortnight since the last review of all the action.

First into action on Easter Thursday were the U16s at home to Cois Fharraige, where they recovered from a sluugish start to record their first win of 2014 (see match report). With no game last week in consideration of the heavy weekend for Féile just completed, the U16 are in action again on Thursday against Kiltormer in another home fixture.

Earlier in the day the U12s had a better outing in their championship, when Salthill Knocknacarra came to Baile Doite on Easter Saturday putting up an impressive score.

The U14s struggled with injuries and absentees on their away trip to Ahascragh on Easter Monday but last weekend came so so close to earning a unique trip to the National Feile na nGael in Antrim. There was definitely a sense of "Who fears to speak of 1998" with once again Tommie Larkins, once again in Craughwell denying our u14s a Feile final spot only this time by a single point after extra time. See the full story

Also on Easter Monday the Minors had their first championship encounter against Pearses in Baile Doite. As is a poor habit, the home team was slow to assemble with some players from the previous week AWOL altogether. With Pearses assured of their team from two hours earlier, they had plenty of time to consider their options. And so it proved, as despite a brief bright opening from Mágh Cuilinn, Pearses took control of the game, dominating midfield and running at the Mágh Cuilinn rearguard buoyed up by a early gift of a goal. At halftime they led 4-06 to six points with the home total mostly from frees through Ryan Fox and Ronan Higgins. Caleb McGuinness did add another from play.

In the second half Anraoi Whyte moved to full back and Lairgnean McDermott to full forward and both moves had a major effect on the game. Although Pearses added a point, McDermott's strength delivered a goal immediately and a follow up point from Ryan Fox suggested a miracle recovery could be on the cards. When McDermott goaled again it looked possible. When the Pearses full centre back saw a second yellow, both cards for wild pulls on Ronan Higgins it looked possible. A slight advantage in points exchanged meant the margin was down to five points. But with Ronan Bellew sweeping across the Pearses defence, they were more economic in scoretaking and another unfortunate goal gave breathing space. A episode of ping pong in the Pearse goal did produce another goal but as time ebbed away and Mágh Cuilinn looked for more goals, Pearses tacked on just enough points to be out of danger.

Unfortunately, Higgins had swapped with McDermott as punishment took its toll on him and both were better suited to their previous roles. Pearses 14 men held out by 5-12 to 3-11 and Mágh Cuilinn will rue at least five other goal chances they did not convert in the second half as well as the three they did.

The big gain in the last fortnight was our Intermediate team doing the business in a tricky fixture (see match report) against Kilbeacanty. On paper given our recent status and Kilbeacanty form in recent years, it might have looked a comfortable fixture. But the management have been struck with some retirements and a lot of injuries, John Faherty worst of all, Niall Mannion, Conor Noone, Dan Kelly making a slow recovery, and Pat Lydon and Tomas Higgins struggling with full fitness. Add to that, Eanna Noone, Kevin O'Donovan, Conor Bohan and Ronan Higgins were doubtful at times during the week, the strength of the panel was going to be tested. The win means that the team are not pressed into action straight away again and avoid a possible further two rounds before the group phase begins, when hopefully at least some of the injury list will be back on duty. Check out lots of game action on Facebook

Some other things added are lots of photos from the U11 trip to Limerick

The CLG Mágh Cuilinn Lotto will be 20 years old in June. The first draw was held over the June Bank Holiday weekend in 1994. Check out some history on the Lotto Online site.

Finally, there will be a special group of people walking around with a quiet glow of satisfaction this week as the completion of the tarmacadam around the clubhouse added a final flourish to the project they have lived and breathed for the last eighteen months. The group has probably too many members to start naming names or singling any individuals, but on behalf of this club, our members, participants, earnest and casual, visitors, regular and occasional,

míle, míle buíochas, laochanna na h-oibre go léir.