2010 Feile Results and Reports - St Oliver Plunkett's GAC, Greenlough

2010 Feile Results and Reports
Created on 03/07/10 at 15:32

Sincere commiserations to Greenlough's visiting team, St Eunans Letterkenny who were cruelly defeated by two points in the Division 3 Final; but they should be very proud to have reached an All-Ireland final and played so well throughout the tournament. Congratulations to all involved.

Well done to the Greenlough team and management on participating in their first ever All-Ireland Feile Peil na nOg; a great experience for all those involved.

Even more photos from the weekend have now been added with thanks to St Eunan's Kevin O'Malley click here to view: Photos from St Eunans Kevin O'Malley

All photos from the weekend are available here: 2010 All-Ireland Feile Peil na nOg Doire

After months of preparation, the All-Ireland Feile Peil na nOg Doire finally arrived in Derry and Greenlough on Friday 2nd July 2010.

With the club grounds, pavilion and playing fields in great condition, thanks to the help of club members, players' parents and the committee in the weeks leading up to the big weekend; Greenlough warmly welcomed their visiting team, St Eunans Letterkenny, Co Donegal, on Friday morning ahead of their opening game at 12 noon.

After the match, both teams were treated to a meal in the pavilion before the St Eunans players and mentors were introduced to their host families and shown to where they would stay for the weekend. Both teams then made their way to Derry city to take part in the Feile parade that evening. With over 5000 other players and 160 teams the teams walked from Celtic Park, through the city centre and into the Guildhall square where they were presented with a memento of the Feile from President of the GAA Christy Cooney, as a short history of the club was read out to the thousands of people assembled. After a long day of football and festivities the teams then proceeded to the busses at Magee University before making their home to their host families for the night.

The long day on Friday was only a taster of what was to come on the Saturday. With the first group game starting at 9.30 am, both teams were up by 8am and at the pitch at 9. They were joined for the group stages at St Oliver Plunkett Park by Foreglen and their visiting team St Mogues Fethard, Co Wexford. The large crowds from the four clubs were blessed with a good day with little rain throughout the four games and skills test. With games at 9.30, 10.45, 11.45 and 12.30, as well as the skills test at 11am, there was plenty of activity on and off the field packed into just over 3 and a half hours on a Saturday morning.

In the skills test St Eunan's Letterkenny representative Jordan O'Dowd was beaten into second place by Odhran McFeely of Foreglen; while Greenlough's Matthew Bradley came in third with the fastest time, but lower marks than the two in first and second, ahead of Peter Watters of Fethard in fourth.

Odhran went onto represent Group D in the Division 3 skills test semi-finals in Banagher on Saturday evening; while on the playing field, having both easily beaten Greenlough and Foreglen, St Eunans and Fethard battled it out in a Group decider; with the Letterkenny boys putting in a great second half performance to come from behind secure victory; winning the group the process, and progressing to the semi-finals.

A large contingent of Greenlough players, host families and supporters travelled along with the St Eunans team to Banagher to cheer them on in their semi-final against Bailieboro of Cavan. In a close encounter it took extra time to separate the sides, but a great goal from the St Eunans full-forward with one of the last kicks of the game ensured the Donegal champions progressed to the Division 3 Final the next day.

Both sets of Greenlough and St Eunans fans, players and management then made their way back to the pavilion for a meal and disco, which was briefly enjoyed by the players before they headed for the host families homes to get some well needed rest after a long tiring day ahead of their final in the morning; a 14 hour day for most, beginning at 8 and finishing after 10 for some. Before the players left for their beds, St Eunans manager Paul Carr made a presentation to under 14 Manager Willie Loughlin to show his club's gratitude for Greenlough's hospitality and support over the weekend; thanking all those involved. Willie returned the compliment, thanking the St Eunan's team and players for coming, while wishing them good luck for the final. The Greenlough also presented St Eunans with a club Under 14 Jersey, signed by all the St Oliver Plunkett players as a memento of their visit.

As with the semi-final, Greenlough brought a sizeable support to Foreglen for the Division 3 final against Limerick side Monaleen, to join the visiting St Eunans families who had made their way from Letterkenny for the decider. With a very strong wind against them St Eunans fell behind in the first half, but two goals at the start of the second, and aided by the breeze, soon brought the sides level. In the dying minutes the Donegal boys had a great goal chance, but when it rattled off the cross bar, the Limerick champions cleared their lines and managed two late frees to seal victory and break St Eunans players hearts.

A disappointing finish to such a memorable weekend, which was enjoyed by all those involved around the club, especially both teams, management as well as players. Many friendships were made over the three days, which will surely last for some time to come; with St Eunans offering Greenlough the chance to visit them some time in the near future.

Well done to all those involved; be it preparing the teams, helping clean the pavilion, preparing the playing fields, providing the food, organising entertainment or helping in anyway; all assistance was greatly appreciated in making it such a successful event and such a memorable experience for all the players involved.

A special word of thanks to all the host families (Carl and Eilish Henry, Mark and Mrs Henry, Willie and Angela Loughlin, Paul and Charlene Downey, Anne and Eamon Downey, Sheila and Kevin Kearney, Noel Henry, Seamus and Nuala Tohill, Jean and John Connolly, Damian and Mrs McGarry, Fiona and Mr McPeake, Chris and Eileen McGurk, Patsy and Bernie McPeake, and Harry and Mrs Tohill) who opened their homes and accommodated the visiting players and management.

One of the best weekends in the club's history will be remembered by all those involved for a long time to come.

Greenlough Feile Panel and Scorers
Cahal McErlean, Cahal McPeake, Caolan Diamond 0-2 (1f), Carl McErlean, Christopher Lynn, Cormac Mackle, Darren Brown, David McLaughlin, Dylan Kerr, James Mackle, Jonathan McAteer, Matthew Bradley 4-1, Odhran O'Neill, Paul Lynn, Paul Tohill 0-1 (1f), Phelim McNally, Ryan Carey, Ryan Henry, Stephen Bradley 4-1, Tarlagh McPeake, Thomas McFall, Turlough O'Hagan.

Match Reports
(Including St Eunans Semi-Final and Final)

AI Feile - Group Game 1: Greenlough 1-02 St Eunans 8-15 (02/07/10)
St Eunans overpower Greenlough in opening game
Greenlough's first game of the Feile saw them pitted against the club they were hosting for the weekend, St Eunan's Letterkenny. The Donegal boys quickly showed they would be contenders not only for their group but for the entire division, with a goal in the opening minute, while their organised play soon eased them comfortably in front. Greenlough however didn't give up and despite putting two scoreable frees wide, at the third attempt pointed in the sixth minute when Caolan Diamond found the range, for his side's only point of the opening half.
Half-Time: Greenlough 0-01 St Eunans 5-09

Caolan did add another point for the home team with the first kick of the second half, but despite a raft of changes by St Eunans the Letterkenny boys continued to dominate. Indeed the visitors hit 3 goals and 6 points for the second half alone, before Matthew Bradley found the net for a consolation goal with just under a minute remaining.
Full-Time: Greenlough 1-02 St Eunans 8-15
Greenlough Scorers: Caolan Diamond 0-2 (1f), Matthew Bradley 1-0.

AI Feile - Group Game 2: Greenlough 0-01 Fethard 3-08 (03/07/10)
Another mismatch sees Greenlough defeated for a second time
Against the breeze, it only took Greenlough 30 seconds to realise they were up against another strong side, when Fethard found the back of the net. The Wexford side almost found the net again a minute later, but Darren Brown pulled off a great save. It didn't take long for that second goal to come however, the visitors netting within sixty seconds. Fethard continued to dominate, and were well ahead at the break as Greenlough failed to score in the opening period despite their best efforts.
Half-Time: Greenlough 0-00 Fethard 3-05

The Wexford boys continued to dominate even with the breeze against them; however buoyed on by the large home support which had turned out to cheer them on, Greenlough limited their opposition to just three points in the second period; thanks partially to two further great saves from Darren Brown. The hard work and perseverance finally paid off for Greenlough, when Paul Tohill pointed a free in the final minute following a foul on Caolan Diamond as he bore down on goal.
Full-Time: Greenlough 0-01 Fethard 3-08
Greenlough Scorer: Paul Tohill 0-1 (1f).

AI Feile - Group Game 3: Greenlough 7-02 Foreglen 4-08 (03/07/10)
Greenlough secure victory in final game with goal fest from Bradley brothers
With St Eunans overcoming a slow start and defeating Fethard in the group decider, it was left to the two Derry sides to see who would finish third in the group, as both Greenlough and Foreglen had suffered heavy defeats in their games against the other two.

Foreglen started brightest in the game with a point in the first minute, before Darren Brown, as he had been in numerous occasions throughout the competition, was called on to pull off a great save a minute later; that save beginning a move that would see Matthew Bradley hit the back of the Foreglen net moments later at the other end of the field. Foreglen hit back almost immediately with a pointed free, only for Matthew to set up his brother Stephen for a well taken goal in the seventh minute.

That would prove to be Greenlough's last score of the half as Foreglen then took control; hitting three goals in four minutes, the first from a penalty; before adding a point with the last kick of the opening period to stretch their lead to six at the break.
Half-Time: Greenlough 2-00 Foreglen 3-03

A point 25 seconds after the restart saw Foreglen go further ahead, but Greenlough soon got back into the game, hitting 2 goals and a point within two minutes. The first goal came when Matthew Bradley set up Stephen Bradley who in turn played the ball along the ground into the net, before Stephen pointed a well taken point after a Caolan Diamond run. Matthew then got his second goal of the game within a minute, drawing the sides level in the process.

After missing a good chance to take the lead for the first time, Greenlough then fell behind again when Foreglen pointed four unanswered points in just under three minutes. The lead could have been higher had it not been for Darren Brown and another point blank save.

Having looked like the game was going away from them, the contest then swung in Greenlough's favour, with three great goals in as many minutes. Matthew Bradley took two attempts to find the net for the first goal in the 11th minute, his first effort coming off the post, before Caolan Diamond came from defence to set up Stephen Bradley for his hat-trick in the 13th. A minute later Stephen hit his fourth goal, before brother Matthew added his side's final score of the game with a point in the final minute.

There was still time for Foreglen to find the net, but it was too little, too late as Greenlough held on for a hard fought win. Amazingly Greenlough's total of 7 goals and two points was shared between two players, who just happen to be Bradley brothers, Matthew and Stephen.
Full-Time: Greenlough 7-02 Foreglen 4-08
Greenlough Scorers: Stephen Bradley 4-1, Matthew Bradley 3-1.

AI Feile - Div 3 Semi-Final : St Eunans 3-05 Bailieboro (Cavan) 1-09 (03/07/10)
Dramatic last minute goal puts St Eunans through to final
After topping their group St Eunans Letterkenny took on Bailieboro of Cavan in the Division 3 semi-finals at Banagher on Saturday evening. In the first half St Eunans looked the better side, with Christopher Flanagan finding the net in the third minute, before Sean Hume pointed to extend their lead in the fifth. Bailieboro hit back with a goal two minutes later, before Kieran McPherson replied with a point for the Donegal boys in the 13th. With less than a minute of the first half remaining the Cavan champions pointed to leave the minimum between the sides at the break.
Half-Time: St Eunans 1-02 Bailieboro 1-01

Bailieboro started strongly at the beginning of the second half with two quick points, before Sean Hume pointed from a free to level yet again. However the Cavan champions pushed ahead with 3 unanswered points before Sean managed to point a second free a minute later. As time ran out St Eunans were desperate to find a score, and in the final minute of normal time it looked as though they had snatched victory when Christopher Flanagan played in Kieran McPherson who blasted to the net. However there was still injury time left and Bailieboro dramatically pointed a free with the final kick of normal time to bring the sides level.
Full-Time: St Eunans 2-04 Bailieboro 1-07

With the sides level at the end of full time, extra time was required, with each half lasting only five minutes. A pointed free in the first minute saw Bailieboro go ahead, but Sean Hume responded with a pointed free of his own two minutes later to tie the game before the break.
Extra Time Half-Time: St Eunans 2-05 Bailieboro 1-08

Again Bailieboro started brightly at the beginning of the second half, and looked as though their point after two minutes may have been enough to seal the win, but in the final minute of extra time, as in the final minute of normal time, St Eunans found the back of the net. Christopher Flanagan's pass found Sean Hume at the 21 meter line, who then powered through four heavy challenges to blast high into the net. Unlike the end of normal time, there was no time left for a Bailieboro response, and St Eunans emerged victorious; progressing to the Division 3 final.
Extra Time Full-Time: St Eunans 3-05 Bailieboro 1-09
St Eunans Scorers: Sean Hume 1-4 (3f), Christopher Flanagan 1-0, Kieran McPherson 1-1.

AI Feile - Div 3 Final : St Eunans 2-04 Monaleen (Limerick) 1-09 (04/07/10)
Heartache for St Eunans as late frees give victory to Monaleen
After the semi-finals the previous day in Banagher, St Eunans and Monaleen had a night's rest before they travelled to Foreglen for the Division 3 final. Despite the heavy rain clearing for most of the game, the severe wind remained, and for the first half it favoured the Limerick champions.

Five points in the first five minutes saw Monaleen take full advantage of the conditions, before Sean Hume pointed from a free following a foul on Christopher Flanagan in the 7th minute for St Eunans first and only score of the half. Monaleen continued to pile of the pressure for the Donegal boys as they added two further points with only a minute of normal time remaining.

St Eunans were then hit with a double blow in the last 45 seconds of the half, when first they missed a chance of a goal at one end as Sean Hume's rasping goal bound effort ricocheted off the post, and then straight away the ball was moved the length of the field and Monaleen hit the back of the net, leaving nine between the sides at the break.
Half-Time: St Eunans 0-01 Monaleen 1-07

As they began the second half, St Eunans now had the advantage of the strong wind, and soon benefited from it, with a point in under 20 seconds from wing half forward Michael Miller. Daniel Gillespie found Sean Hume in space seconds later with a great pass, and Sean made no mistake, blasting to the net. With their advantage almost halved in just over a minute, it was Monaleen's turn to struggle with the elements. Indeed within another three minutes the gap was done to just two, as Christopher Flanagan hit the back of the net after making a great run through the heart of the Limerick side's defence.

When Christopher was fouled in the 9th minute, Sean Hume stepped up to point and close the gap to the minimum; before Sean pointed from play seconds later to bring the sides level for the first time in the game since the start.

Monaleen continued to struggle against the wind as St Eunans pushed to take the lead. The Donegal champions had a great opportunity to take a commanding lead in the 12th minute when a goal chance was missed and the ball blasted off the underside of the crossbar and back into play, before being cleared. Seemingly spurred on by the let off, Monaleen worked the ball up the field, and in the last two minutes pointed twice from frees to retake the lead.

Unfortunately for St Eunans, there was no time left, and despite their best efforts they couldn't find an equaliser; meaning Monaleen secured the All-Ireland Feile Peil na nOg Division 3 title for 2010; leaving the Letterkenny boys disconsolate.

The players were presented with their runner-up medals by GAA President Christy Cooney, but that was little consolation to the St Eunans boys who had battled bravely to the end.
Full-Time: St Eunans 2-04 Monaleen 1-09
St Eunans Team and Scorers: Sean Dafan, Ronan Dorrian, Darragh McWalters, Peter O'Malley, Rory Carr, David Tyrell, Peter Gibbons, Conal O'Boyle, Tadhg Hickey, Michael Miller 0-1, Christopher Flanagan 1-0, Cian Hickey, Daniel Gillespie, Sean Hume 1-3 (2f), Kieran McPherson. Subs: Emmet Lynch, Odhran McGinley, Conor Morrison, Jordon O'Dowd, John Russell, Matthew Deeney, Peadar Cunningham, Glen McNulty, Dylan Sweeney.

Greenlough and St Eunan's Feile Results

Division 3 Group D (at St Oliver Plunkett Park)
Teams: St Oliver Plunkett's Greenlough; St Eunan's Letterkenny (Donegal); O'Briens Foreglen; St Mogues Fethard (Wexford)
Greenlough 1-02 St Eunans 8-15 (02/07/10)
Foreglen 0-03 Fethard 7-05 (02/07/10)
Greenlough 0-01 Fethard 3-08 (03/07/10)
Foreglen 0-01 St Eunans 7-15 (03/07/10)
St Eunans 2-08 Fethard 0-05 (03/07/10)
Greenlough 7-02 Foreglen 4-08 (03/07/10)

Division 3 Semi-Finals (at Banagher)
St Eunans 3-05 Bailieboro (Cavan) 1-09 (03/07/10)
Monaleen (Limerick) 4-06 North London 1-05 (03/07/10)

Division 3 Final (at Foreglen)
St Eunans 2-4 Monaleen 1-09 (04/07/10)

Full Feile Results available here: 2010 All-Ireland Feile Peil na nOg Division 3

Division 3 Group D Skills Test
1st: Odhran McFeely (Foreglen) Time: 1 min 4.8 sec; Score:
2nd: Jordan O'Dowd (St Eunans) Time: 1 min 25.8 sec; Score:
3rd: Matthew Bradley (Greenlough) Time: 1 min 0.5 sec; Score: 63
4th: Peter Waters (Fethard) Time: 1 min 22.6 sec; Score: 40

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