NO FORWARD PLANING
There was a “sense of occasion “ in Markievicz Park on Sunday with the Ballinacarrow school band proudly leading the representatives of Clubs past and present with their banners around the park. This was part of Sligo’s 125 celebrations and the banners of Clubs that have disappeared due to amalgamation will be a reminder to each parish of where there teams had their origins. Bernadine McGauran the Board’s Irish and Cultural Officer was responsible for the pageant along with Cumann na mBunscoil. The research of the older Club names and Colours was made easy with Christina Murphy being an invaluable source of knowledge. Clubs like Derron(Ballymote),Skreen Emeralds,Gurteen, Keash and Knocknarae Faughs among others were remembered for the part they played in the Association in Sligo over the last 125 years.
Whatever about past glories the 2009 County Final will be remembered as a drab affair. A score of 0-3 to 0-2 at half time would indicate that both teams have vacancies for marksmen. Eastern Harps weakness in depending too much on Paul Taylor to get them on the scoreboard was very evident. Tourlestrane had a policy of marking the marksman tightly and Brian Kennedy made it difficult for the County Selector to shine on the day. Taylor wasn’t his usual accurate self with the longer range frees not working for him. On a number of occasions balls dropped short only to be collected and cleared. Tourlestrane had three wasteful attempts in the first five minutes and it was a day for the defenders from then on. The only action of note in the first half was a foul on Eamon O’Hara that might have justified a penalty. Des Henry who had a good game himself saw it differently and awarded a free out instead which further endeared him to the County player.
It was Shaun Dunne who scored the only goal of the match, a goal that proved to be the highlight of this dull encounter. With perfect timing he lobed the ball over the Harp’s keeper, who may have left his line too far behind him, to produce a score that was opportunistic and skilful. Dunne scored a fine point to open Tourlestrane’s account and his contribution to their win cannot be underestimated. Harps reacted quickly to the goal and notched up two points in succession. A magnificent long distance Ross Donavan pass came to nought when the resultant Harps effort was easily dealt with. Harps had a real chance to make a game of it after this but their attempt came off the cross bar and it was to be Tourlestrane’s day.
The brand new Owen B.Hunt Trophy was presented to a battle weary Gerry McGowan by the Chairman of An Coiste Chontae John Murphy. The all new podium for the occasion was courtesy of John Griffen Scaffolding Hire Sligo.
HANDS ACROSS THE MOUNTAIN
The curtain raiser for the County Final was to have been the Minor B.final between St. Patrick’s and Coolaney Mullinabreena. However instead of travelling to Markievicz Park the Coolaney Mullinabreena minors made the sad journey to Skreen to form a Guard of Honour with their fellow St.Patrick’s Gaels for the late Tom Kearins father of Pat’s player James.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a Anam dilís.
PAINT THE TOWN RED
The recent success of the Ballisodare Club will not go unnoticed to anyone passing through the village lately. Flags and banners are the order of the day to announce to those, to whom it may concern, that this Club has moved up a rank and are now in the Intermediate grade after a narrow Junior A. victory over Shamrock Gaels. Ballisodare is thought to be the oldest Club in the County which makes their victory all the sweeter in this the 125 year.
HURLING FINAL
Calry St.Joseph’s are 2009 County Hurling Champions after their defeat of Western Gaels in the final on Saturday. The hurling Board in recent year’s have ensured that the code has spread across the County and there is nothing predictable about the names of County finalists at present.
Markievicz Medal
Featured in Sunday’s programme was a photo of a very rare medal. In 1954 the official opening of Markievicz park featured a challenge match between Mayo and Sligo. Despite the celebrations Mayo showed no mercy and went on to win the game. They were awarded the Commemorative NEW IRELAD ASSURANCE MEDALS and when this presentation was over it was found that there was a medal to spare. This was duly presented to Francis White the Sligo Captain who has placed it in the safe hands of PJ Quigley. Francis a Garda played senior inter county football with Donegal and has been picked on the team of the century for both Donegal and Ulster. He is now enjoying an active retirement and keeps fit by playing golf.
John Lee was drafted in at short notice for the position of goal keeper for the same match. A minor player at the time he was rushed home to collect his gear and left with the encouraging remark from his house “Is that what Sligo football has come to?!”. John remembers the torch lit procession down Mail Coach Rd. to welcome the Cork hurlers who also played at the official opening.
The Minor B. Final will now be played on Saturday in Markievicz Park at 3.