The AGM of Collegeland O’Rahillys GAC will be held on Sunday 20 November at 5pm.

You can now Nominate for the positions listed in the attached AGM 2022 Notice and Motions document and submit Motions to be considered.  Before nominating anyone, you should ensure that they agree to let their name go forward for that position.

Nomination and Motions forms will be available, as below, for download from the club website  and should be completed and returned to Rebecca McGeary, Rúnaí by Tuesday 15th November, or you can e-mail secretary.collegelandorahillys.armagh@gaa.ie.

Rebecca McGeary, Rúnaí

Collegeland Big 100 Cycle.  This Sunday 8 March is Registration Evening in Collegeland Clubrooms for this major fund-raiser which we be held on Sunday 30 August, 100 miles around Lough Neagh starting and finishing from Collegeland.  An energetic Sub Committee headed by Colm McGeary is organising this event. There will be a Big 100 Registration Evening on this Sunday 8 March from 5pm to 7pm and a special Draw Prize of a £200 voucher (donated by The Bike Shop, Dungannon ) for all those registering that day. Draw will be held at 7pm so dont delay.

Those registering on Sunday will try on cycle jerseys so we can order the correct size for all cyclists. Cyclists will also get information on training, insurance, etc and there cycle merchandise will also be available. So come along, register, relax and enjoy refreshments and food before you start your training programme. See Facebook www.facebook.com/collegelandbig100 for further details.

If you cannot cycle the whole 100 miles but are still keen to raise money for the Club then please talk to us.

Business Sponsorship names and logos are needed in the coming weeks for the Cycle jersey and a team of people under Shane McGeary and Frank Donnelly are looking for your support.

Dinner Dance.  The Clubs Dinner Dance and Presentation Night was held in Armagh City Hotel on Friday last when we paid tribute to the winning teams of 1988 Junior Championship, and who then went on to win the 1990 Intermediate Championship. It was great to see the two captains, Tony Murphy (1988 ) and Micheal McParland (1990) leading their teams on stage.

Brian Smyth, Vice Chairman of Armagh County Board presented the medals to Collegeland led by captain Stephen Clancy as the 2014 Armagh Junior League Champions. The 2014 Reserves Player of the Year was Bernard Mackle, Young Player of the Year was Oisin Kelly, and Player of the Year was Mickey Cullen.

The six Collegeland minors from the 2014 Naomh Eoin minor Championship winning team were also invited on-stage.

The Intermediate League commences on 12 April with Collegeland at home to Clann Eireann.

Gaelic Start in St Peters School.

It’s the final session at the Collegeland O’Rahillys new Gaelic Start programme for the St Peters Collegeland pupils on Saturday mornings. Its been a great success so far and our new coaches are doing really well – as usual 10.00 am for Gaelic Start for P1 to P3 and then from 11.00 am we have the Gaelic Skills for P4 to P7.

This has been a very successful venture allowing us to identify potential coaches for camogie and football. We have already gained new Club members, children and their parents, and most importantly those essential new coaches.

Our underage football fixtures and training is delivered through the very successful Naomh Eoin arrangements with Collegeland, Annaghmore and Clonmore. The Naomh Eoin AGM was held recently and the three Clubs have agreed arrangements for training venues and days/times. The Naomh Eoin Gaelic Start beings next Saturday in Clonmore. Football training is also starting for some of the age groups. Coaches will be in touch with parents by text.

Membership. Adult members is £30 and in addition we are preparing to relaunch and rebrand what was our Gold Membership at £10 per month or £120 per year. We hope to say more about this at our Presentation Night on 27 Feb. If your child is a member ( Youth £10) then we would hope that at least one adult family member would also join the Club.

Collegeland Big 100 Cycle. This major fund-raiser is being planned for Sunday 30 August 100 miles around Lough Neagh starting and finishing from Collegeland. An energetic Sub Committee headed by Colm McGeary is organising this event. There will be a Big 100 Registration Evening on Sunday 8 March from 5pm to 7pm and a special Draw Prize of a £200 voucher (donated by The Bike Shop, Dungannon ) for all those registering that day. Draw will be held at 7pm. Cyclists will be able to try on samples of other cycle jerseys so we can order the correct size for all cyclists. Cyclists will also get information on training, insurance, etc and there cycle merchandise will also be available. So come along, register , relax and enjoy refreshments and food before you start your training programme.

Business Sponsorship names and logos are needed in the coming weeks for the Cycle jersey and a team of people under Shane McGeary and Frank Donnelly are looking for your support.

Dinner Dance. The Clubs Dinner Dance and Presentation Night will be held in Armagh City Hotel on this Friday 27 February at 8.30pm when we pay tribute to the winning teams of 1988 Junior Championship, and who then went on to win the 1990 Intermediate Championship. We will also be presenting the medals to our Junior League Champions 2014. Tickets (£20) available or contact Frank Donnelly 07751803050 or John McGeary 0791716302 or any Committee member. If you book your ticket by phone you can collect / pay at the door.

Gaelic Start.

The fun continues at the Collegeland O’Rahillys new Gaelic Start programme for the St Peters Collegeland pupils on Saturday mornings. Only a couple of weeks left so make the most of it – 10.00 am for Gaelic Start for P1 to P3 and then from 11.00 am we have the Gaelic Skills for P4 to P7.

Gaelic Start is a programme designed by the Ulster GAA Council with the aim to develop early movement skills vital for all future sports including football, hurling and camogie. After a brief warm up, the children do a series of stations in small groups focussing on AGILITY, BALANCE, CO-ORDINATION, RUNNING and JUMPING.

This has been a very successful venture allowing us to identify potential coaches for camogie and football. We have already gained new Club members, children and their parents, and most importantly those essential new coaches.

Our Child Protection Training, a three hour session by an GAA Ulster Council coach, Kathleen Woods, was well oversubscribed, took place in St Peters Collegeland School premises (kindly granted) with a fantastic attendance of twenty-seven coaches being trained across camogie and underage and senior football.

Our underage football fixtures and training is delivered through the very successful Naomh Eoin arrangements with Collegeland, Annaghmore and Clonmore. The Naomh Eoin AGM was held recently and coaches will be advising parents of the arrangements for training venues and days/times shortly.

Membership. Collegeland O’Rahillys has already had a couple of membership events but you can still join or renew membership ( Youth £10) on Saturday morning at St Peters School or on Sunday after Mass from 12.15 to 1.00pm. If your child is a member then we would like at least one family member to join as a Adult membership (£30) .

All adult members will need to pay £30 membership as we are preparing to relaunch and rebrand what was our Gold Membership at £10 per month or £120 per year. We hope to say more about this at our Presentation Night on 27 Feb.

Collegeland Big 100 Cycle.  This major fund-raiser is being planned for Sunday 30 August 100 miles around Lough Neagh starting and finishing from Collegeland.  An energetic Sub Committee headed by Colm McGeary is organising this event. There will be a Big 100 Registration Evening on Sunday 8 March and a special Draw Prize for all those registering that day. Business Sponsorship names and logos are needed for the Cycle jersey and a team of people under Shane McGeary and Frank Donnelly are looking for your support.

Dinner Dance.  The Clubs Dinner Dance and Presentation Night will be held in Armagh City Hotel on Friday 27 February when we pay tribute to the winning teams of 1988 Junior Championship, and who then went on to win the 1990 Intermediate Championship. We will also be  presenting the medals to our  Junior League Champions 2014. Tickets (£20) available this Sunday at the Clubrooms after Mass or contact Frank Donnelly 07751803050 or John McGeary 0791716302 or any Committee member.

Sympathies   Collegeland O’Rahillys sends its  sympathies to the family of Al Mackle (RIP), former Principal at Aughanlig School in  Collegeland. The book “Once More Returning” tells us that in the mid Fifties  “Master Mackle started a school boys team  and there were some great battles between Collegeland and Maghery School.”
Master Mackle’s initiative with the school boys team  continued with the successful Collegeland  Minor team  winning the Armagh Minor  Championship in 1956.    Mary Queen of the Gael, Pray for him

Collegeland travelled to Lissummon on Friday 26th July to play the home side in a Junior League Div 3A game. The sunny summer weather meant conditions were ideal for football. Lissummon opened the scoring with two points in the 2nd and 3rd minutes with Stephen Clancy scoring a point for Collegeland after six minutes. Lissummon had their third point in the eighth minute which was followed by a Brian McGeary score for Collegeland. The home side made it four after ten minutes. Back came Ryan McParland with a point. Lissummon then had two quick points followed by a goal after 20 minutes. They pushed on and added 3 points to lead 1-9 to 0-3 at half time.

On the restart Collegeland dominated the first twenty minutes but for all their effort they scored 3 pointed frees by Tom Murphy 2 and Brian McGeary to a Lissummon point. The home side then had a goal and point to Collegeland’s 3 points by Mickey Cullen, Paul Cullen and another Mickey Cullen point to leave the final score Lissummon 2-11 Collegeland 0-9.

Sunday saw Collegeland travelling again in a refixed away match at Crossmaglen when the goals made the difference. With twenty-five minutes played in the first half Collegeland led 0-4 to 0-1 with points from Ryan McParland (2), Paul Cullen and Brian McGeary. Cross then had a goal and a point to lead at HT 1-2 to 0-4. The second half started with a point from Paul Cullen but Cross replied with a second goal and a point. A great point from sub Chris McCann but then another two points and a goal from Cross left the score at 3-7 to 0-6 with ten minutes remaining. Collegeland pushed hard and had a number of frees leading to points from Brian McGeary and Paul Cullen. When Collegeland went for goal Cross broke away for their eight point. After Collegeland’s Mickey Cullen was brought down yet again, Paul Cullen stroked the free kick over the bar leaving final score 3-8 to 0-8.

Collegeland will take the positives from these two competitive games and with a larger panel now available managers can build on this for our Junior Championship game at Abbey park on Saturday night against Corrinshego.

NAOMH EOIN GFC

The U14S Played two games over the holiday’s defeated by Derrynoose on the 23rd July and Beating Belleeks on Thursday 25th July.

The U16s also Played two games defeating Wolfe Tones on Sunday 21st July and lost to Madden on Thursday 23rd of July.

U14 league Clann Eireann v Naomh Eoin in Clann Eireann Park at 7 30

CAMOGIE U8 and U10 attended a Go Games tournament on Saturday 27th July in Derrytresk, both teams represented the club well and are showing improvement game on game. Thanks to Derrytresk for the invitation to a very well organised and enjoyable tournament. Training continues on Wednesday night at 6.30pm for all age groups up to U14.

Collegeland had Belleeks as visitors to Fr McKnight Park in Collegeland on Sunday 23rd June in this Junior league Div 3A game. The weather was dry but with a strong wind. Collegeland decided to play with wind on their backs in the opening half.

It was the Belleeks men who hit the ground running with 3 points after eight minutes.

However after the shaky start by the end of the first quarter Collegeland had drawn level with points by a Mickey Cullen free,  Ryan Mc Parland, and  Paul Cullen.

Tom Murphy then  sent Collegeland in front with a point.  But Belleeks levelled themselves after 25 minutes. Collegeland finished the first half scoring with 2 points the second from Tom Murphy.  Half time Collegeland 0-6 Belleeks 0-4.

On the restart  Tom Murphy  pointed first for the home side. Belleeks replied wit a point of their own. Two Collegeland points by Barry Colhoun, and  Paul Cullen saw the home side lead by four  entering the final quarter. The visitors then cut the deficit to 3.  Another Paul Cullen free stretched the lead again. Belleeks then went for broke and added a point with five minutes left.  Belleeks then pushed hard and  squared the game with three minutes left with a goal leaving it  1-7 each. With time nearly up Collegeland then needed a score to win the game. A long ball in by Paul Cullen into the square was deflected to the net by Ruari  McGeary to leave Collegeland winners on a score of 1-10 to 1-7.

This was an important win for Collegeland considering that we have only one more match at home and four away. We have played 11 won 6 lost 5  and now on a Total of 12 points.

Away to Forkhill

To facilitate the Armagh v Wicklow match in Armagh on Sunday Club matches are all brought forward from to Fri night meaning we now have to meet  table toppers  Forkhill away on Friday night.

Naomh Eoin

Thurs 27^th June U16 championship Div 2 Semi-final  Naomh Eoin v St Brigids in Pearse Og Park Armagh at 7.15pm.

Tues 1st July U14 Div3 League  KILLEAVY SECS V NAOMH EOIN in  KILLEAVY at 7.15pm

Camogie

Under 12 girls travelled to Derrytresk last week for a friendly. Although defeated on this occasion it was a very encouraging display from the Collegeland girls who really  are showing good potential for the future.  The Under 8 girls attended Aghagallon on Saturday past for a blitz and they  also represented Collegeland very well.   Training continues on Wednesday night at 6.30pm.  

 Summer Art Club

Something new for the Summer An Art Class in Collegeland!  Aideen’s Summer Art Club with a variety of arts and crafts offered to young people in Collegeland GAC Clubrooms from Monday 5^th August –Friday 9^th August from 10.00am –2.30pm. One child £25, two siblings £40, family £50. All materials are included. Numbers are limited, so to get more information or book a place on this fun course phone or text Aideen at 07749101979.  Aideen  is a qualified and experienced Art and Design teacher.

Extra Space at Clubrooms

The Club facilities are undergoing some improvements with additional accommodation being added later  this week so if you see people working at the weekend then please lend a hand for an hour or two.

Collegeland Travelled to Newtownhamilton to play St Michaels in the Junior league Div3A Fixture on Friday 14^th June.

Newtownhamilton playing with a strong wind took the lead with a goal in the opening minutes of the match. Stephen Clancy opened Collegeland’s account after eight minutes with a point. Newtown then added a goal and a point  before  Karol McGeary had Collegeland’s second point after twenty minutes.  Newtown then took control and added seven points and a late goal in the closing minutes of the half leading 3-9 to 0-2 at the interval.

The home side scored the opening point of the second half. Collegeland then had a brighter spell with the wind adding points by Paul Cullen, Patrick Campbell, and Brian Mc Geary.

Newtownhamilton then had another point. Brian Mc Geary had a point for Collegeland midway through the half.  Both sides had a point each in the final quarter Collegeland’s score from Stephen Clancy to leave the final score St Michaels Newtownhamilton 3-12 Collegeland 0-7.

On a night that was wet and windy Collegeland will hope that the storm has passed and we will be able to put in a much better performance against Belleeks on Sunday in Collegeland.

Next Div 3A fixture is at home on Sunday to Belleeks at 2pm.  Your support is needed so please  come along on Sunday.  No Reserve match this week.

CAMOGIE

Camogie training on Wed as usual.

NAOMH EOIN fixtures.

Thurs 20^th June U16 league Div 2A  O’Doirnin Blues v Naomh Eoin venue tbc at 7-15        Then on Tues  25^th June  there is the U14 league  Div 3B   Naomh Eoin v Forkhill in Collegeland at 7-15pm.

Works Days.

The Club facilities are undergoing some improvements with additional accommodation being added  in the coming weeks but preparation work is needed in advance particularly  around the Clubrooms.

Field drainage and fencing are also being improved but it takes people to do these wee jobs.  If everybody did a little then we could do a lot.  Works Days are normally on a Saturday but work will be underway some evenings also as and when people are available.  Give Frank a ring or just drop in for an hour on Saturday.

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Collegeland lose at Tullysaran

Collegeland travelled the few miles to Tullysaran on Friday 7^th June to play the home side in a Junior League Div 3A game. The weather was warm and sunny.

Tullysaran started in a whirlwind fashion scoring two goals in the first three minutes,  the opening goal from a penalty. Collegeland then settled down and posted two points by Ryan McParland and Brian Mc Geary. Tullysaran came back and added two points. Collegeland despite having the majority of possession in the remainder of the half could only muster a Tom Murphy point.   HT Collegeland 0-3 Tullysaran 2-2..

Tullysaran stretched their lead in the second half  with four points. Tom Murphy and Brian McGeary had points for Collegeland. Tullysaran came back with two points and added a third goal five minutes from time.  Collegeland replied with a point by Tom Murphy and a consolation goal from Brian Mc Geary on the stroke of full time Collegeland 1-6 Tullysaran 3-8.

Collegeland win at Belleeks

Collegeland travelled to south Armagh on Sunday to play Belleeks in a Junior League Div 3A Fixture. The weather conditions were like the Mediterranean very hot and sunny with the water carriers very busy on the day. Belleeks playing with a strong breeze opening the scoring with two points. Eamonn Mc Geary turned over a Belleek attack passed the ball to Stephen Clancy who in turn found Karol Mc Geary who gave a pass to Patrick Campbell who shot low to the net. Belleeks drew level after nine minutes. Collegeland then led with points by Ryan Mc Parland and  a Brian Mc Geary goal. A Belleeks points cut the deficit to one with ten minutes left in the half . Scores were hard to come by but Collegeland four man move resulted in a Brian Mc Geary goal for Collegeland to lead at the break 2-2 to 0-4.

Collegeland stretched their lead with a Karol McGeary point after two minutes. Belleeks replied with two points. A Gareth Mc Ardle point six minutes later should have driven Collegeland on but back came Belleeks with two points. Tom Murphy got Collegelands final score in the 26^th minute of the second half and again the home side replied with a couple of points but could well have drawn the match on the final whistle.  Both teams must be commended for their efforts in the searing heat as the two sides just had sixteen players each on duty. Indeed Collegeland  were down to fifteen when  Gary McCann sustained a collar bone injury and had to be taken to Daisy Hill  hospital.  Collegeland GAC would like to wish  Gary well in his recovery at home and look forward to his return to the Collegeland jersey in a few weeks.

CAMOGIE

Training moves to this Thursday night at 6.30 for this week only.

Sympathy

At its recent Committee meeting Collegeland O’Rahillys GAC recorded its expression of sympathy to our Club Member Brendan McCormack  on the death of his wife Veronica and tendered condolences to the entire family circle including playing member Fintan and former players Plunkett and Shane. Mary Queen of the Gael Pray for her.

Works Days.

The Club facilities are undergoing some improvements with additional accommodation being added  in the coming weeks but preparation work is needed in advance particularly  around the Clubrooms.

Field drainage and fencing are also being improved but it takes people to do these wee jobs.  If everybody did a little then we could do a lot.  Works Days are normally on a Saturday but work will be underway some evenings also as and when people are available.  Give Frank a ring or just drop in for an hour on Saturday.

Collegeland had Lissummon as visitors to the Fr Mc Knight Park on Friday 24^th of May for this Junior League Div 3A Fixture. The weather was dry and conditions were good for football. Lissummon opened the scoring with a point in the opening minute of the game and added three points in the following ten minutes. Collegeland then had their fair share of possession but could only muster a Brian McGeary pointed free for their efforts. A Collegeland attack which broke down in the forward line saw Lissummon quickly move the ball downfield which saw their forward send to the net.  Half time Collegeland 0-1, Lissummon  1-4.

Lissummon were first to score in the second half, Collegeland then had a Brian Mc Geary point. The visitors then scored another goal after thirteen minutes. Ryan Mc Parland had a point for Collegeland which was poor reward for the chances the home side had including a goal chance cleared of the line. Lissummon tagged on three more points before Brian Mc Geary had the final score of the match, a point in the closing minutes. Collegeland 0-4 Lissummon 2-8

Collegeland went in to this game with five players missing from their previous game due to injury and exams.

Collegeland GAC would like to wish Gary McCann and  Cathal McCracken a speedy recovery as both sustained an injury during the game, Cathal’s was a serious knee injury which will see him out of action for a while.

Fixtures

Next Junior League Div 3A match is on Friday night at 8pm  against St Patricks IIs in Cullyhanna.

Wed night at 8 pm sees the Reserves away to Ballyhegan.

Camogie

Training continues on Wed at 6-30 and Thurs  at 6 pm.

Naomh Eoin

Well done to the Naomh Eoin U14 team who defeated Tir Na N’Og Seconds.

U16s defeated Clan Na Gael in the Championship and are now through to the semi-finals.

Lost Property

A Gum shield was lost at the Club Grounds during the last week anyone finding it please contact Frank Donnelly thank you.    Two small pups went missing from neighbouring property at the weekend, unfortunately one was subsequently found dead but the other is still missing, again  any information to Frank Donnelly, Chairman.