U16 GAELIC FOOTBALL
Our U16 boys played their County B1 final in Markievicz Park on Monday,19th September against Owenmore Gaels. This was a thrilling game with both teams having periods of domination. Coolera/Strandhill started well with an early goal from Sean Coggins and points from Calym Malone and Keelan Harte, however Owenmore took over and led at halftime by 1.05 to 1.03. We started the second half well with points from Adam Higgins and Keelan Harte and another goal from Sean Coggins. Despite leading by four points going into the final ten minutes, Owenmore Gaels rallied and drew level before the final whistle. We started extra time poorly but a goal each by Donagh Flynn and Sean Kennedy had the team a point up going into the final minute.However Owenmore Gaels got a deserved equaliser from a free with the last kick of the game. Final score Coolera/Strandhill 4-12 Owenmore Gaels 2-18. We had other fine performances in defence from goalkeeper Fiachra Staunton, Paddy McDermott, Tristan Gilligan, Jack Molloy, Jack Cawley, Eoin Mc Cormack, Kevin Harte and Rory McVeigh, midfielders Lee Wilson and Leo Doherty and forwards Ciaran Flynn and Oran McDonagh. Other invaluable squad members are Jack Luke Kenny, Stephen Lynch, Ben Loftus and Jack Murphy. The replay is scheduled for next Thursday, 29th September in Scarden at 6 pm.We hope to see our supporters out in force again.
U16 GIRLS FOOTBALL
Our U16 girls got back on track with a 4-10 to 1-07 win over Curry in Ransboro Pk on Tuesday, 13th September. Attracta Halloran set the tone with an early goal, the first of three for her on the night. She would also add four points before full time. On the attack from the start our girls also had points from Eilis Burke, who was making the move up from under 14 for the first time, and Lauren Donaghy before Caoimhe O’ Sullivan brought the first half to a close with her first championship score ever to see the home side lead 2-05 to 0-01.The second half began with Coolera/Strandhill picking up where they left off with a second point from Eilis Burke and a further two from Attracta. Hal loran The visitors, however began to put some attacks together too, and but for some missed chances may have given their hosts some anxious moments as the second half progressed. They managed to add 1-06 to their first half tally, but a third goal from Attracta Halloran and 1-01 from Eimear McCallion settled the match before Beibhinn Harte finished the scoring with a well taken point.
In a game that our team needed to win, there were many fine performances, especially from Nadine Deering and Aislinn Doggett who controlled matters in the backs with the assistance of Kaela Kerrigan, Eva Schoen and Gráinne Redmond. The midfield pairing of Caoimhe O’ Sullivan and Beibhinn Harte ran tirelessly throughout, and also contributed two points. The forward unit of Attracta Halloran, EIlis Burke, Lauren Donaghy, Roisin Heneghan, Eimear Joyce and Eimear McCallion were in control from start to finish.
Their final group game took place in Ransboro on Wednesday, 21st September when Molaise Gaels provided the opposition. The team made it two wins in a row with a hard fought victory 3-10 to 3-06. A point by Ellen Prior opened the scoring, but Molaise Gaels quickly responded with a goal and for a time looked likely to push on and cause problems for the home side. To their credit the Coolera/Strandhill team worked their way into the game and some good play was rewarded with points from Attracta Halloran (0-03), Gráinne Redmond, Beibhinn Harte, and a second from Ellen Prior. Eimear McCallion finished off a fine move to score Coolera/Strandhill's first goal of the evening and by half time they led 1-07 to 1-01. The second half was a very close affair in which the visitors out-scored the hosts by 2-05 to 2-03, but ultimately came up just short of final victory. They attacked from the start and had an early goal with two points, but points fro Gráinne Redmond and Beibhinn Harte kept the scoreboard ticking over. When Lauren Donaghy shot to the net after some good work from Attracta Halloran and Roisin Heneghan the lead was once again extended, but the Grange girls refused to give in. They were rewarded with their third goal and three futher points and it needed a goal from Attracta Halloran to settle the nerves. The introduction of Ellen Given brought fresh impetus and her direct running and good use of the ball around the middle of the field, in addition to some very astute passing from Eva Schoen regained control for the home side. Despite this it took a late penalty save from Sarah Lindsay in goals to finally seal the victory.
It was a great team effort led by Nadine Deering, Aislinn Doggett and Kaela Kerrigan in defence. They were well supported by Leyla McGlynn, Eimear Joyce and Eva Schoen the latter of whom had a big influence in the closing stages. Ellen Given was also dominant when introduced into the half back line. The midfield pairing of Caoimhe O’ Sullivan and Beibhinn Harte worked tirelessly and deprived the Grange midfield of possession, setting up many Coolera/Strandhill attacks in the process. The attack was led by Attracta Halloran and Ellen Prior, with the industrious Roisin Heneghan and Lauren Donaghy causing constant problems for the visitor’s defence. Their efforts were added to by Gráinne Redmond and Eimear McCallion who were once again amongst the scores.Having completed their group matches the girls now await confirmation of a semi-final clash with Curry.
CLUB MEETING
The next club meeting will be held at 9pm on Monday, 3rd October in Coolera/Strandhill club house, Ransboro Park. New members are very welcome to attend.
LOTTO
There were two match 3 winners of the weekly lotto draw held on Monday, 19th September 2016. Congratulations to Breege Gaughan and Bridie Harte. Numbers drawn were 11,17,21 and 31.Current Jackpot totals E11,700.
Weekly lotto draw takes place at 9pm every Monday night in Coolera/Strandhill GAA Club House, Ransboro Park. Individual Lotto tickets may be purchased at Brees Bar, Strandhill, Keanes Centra, Strandhill, Coolera House and Margarets Cafe, Finisklin.
NATIONAL CLUB DRAW
Tickets are available for the National Club Draw. We encourage members to support this draw as it is one of our most important funding events of the year.
HEALTH AND WELLBEING
Safe Talk (Suicide Awareness) Training will be held at 7pm on Tuesday, 4th October in the Club House. Certificates of attendance will be provided at completion of training. There is no fee for this course. If you wish to book a place then please contact Club P.R.O. at the below email address.
If you wish to contact Coolera/Strandhill P.R.O. then please do so at coolerastrandhillpro@gmail.com