Last weekend provided another memorable Clifford Cup with
high quality football from the first to the last game played. The weather was very kind to the participating
teams who were Elphin of Roscommon, Corofin from Galway, Glencar/Manorhamilton
and St Marys Carrick-on-Shannon from Leitrim, Castlebar Mitchels of Mayo, Four
Masters from Donegal and along with our own lads from St Marys were fellow
Sligo side St Molaise Gaels. Each club
brought 2 squads for the Cup and Plate competitions. After an exciting group stage in the main
competition, the stand out team was Glencar Manorhamilton who after defeating
Elphin in the semis, met St Molaise Gaels in the final, eventually taking the
cup back to Leitrim on a scoreline of 10 scores to 6. The Plate competition was even more
exciting, as our younger U12’s played Castlebar Mitchels in a final which went
down to the wire until Castlebar ran out winners by a single score (5 to
4). Congratulations to all participants
who again showed the quality of the football needed to prevail in the Clifford
Cup. Our thanks to all the people
helping on the day, without whom things would not be possible. The spotlight will now turn to team
preparation for the Feile at the end of June, so no rest for a while!
On the Club playing front, our Mens sides had good
outings, with the Junior side having a comprehensive win over Drumcliffe Rosses
Point on Friday night. Great to see the
level of participation in the Junior squad and the lads were well worth their
4-13 to 1-12 victory in Oxfield. Was
not as easy for our senior team against Coolaney Mullinabreena, when they
turned into the second half facing a double scores deficit at 4 points to
1-05. Clearly Aidian Rooney’s half time
teamtalk spurred the team and they kept chipping away with points to reel in
our opponents. In the tightest of
finishes, we needed and got a point in the last minute of play to earn a draw,
so well done to all and looking forward to the next match.
Matches this coming week include the U14 boys on
Thursday away to Owenmore Gaels and the Mens Junior side at home on Friday
evening to Calry. Training continues
for each of the other teams, and a special message for our youngest members
that Saturday morning coaching recommences this Saturday (June 8th)
at the usual time. We also acknowledge
the great performances and success in the Community Games last weekend.
Everyone in the Club sends best wishes to those
commencing the Leaving or Junior Certificate this week.