Collegeland O’Rahillys GAC
Football
A half time lead of two points was not enough for Collegeland O’Rahillys to secure victory at the final whistle as Silverbridge Harps landed a winning point in injury time at Collegeland’s Fr McKnight Park. This was an early re-fixture in the Armagh “Simplyfruit.com” Intermediate Football League as the league officially start on 1 April.
An opening point from Brian McGeary followed by his second on 15 mins with a further point from Stephen Clancy left Collegeland trailing by 1:3 to 0:3 after 19 minutes. But the determination and discipline shown by Collegeland was well rewarded as the next 11 minutes belonged to the O’Rahillys. Following a point from Paul Cullen, Brian McGeary brilliantly hammered a free kick through the wall of defenders into the net to put the home side in front and Gareth McArdle stretched the lead to two points. Half time 1:5 to 1:3.
Mickey Cullen opened the second half with a point but Silverbridge replied with two of their own. Stephen Clancy’s second point was responded to by another three from Silverbridge which left them in front after 12 minutes. But Mickey Cullen soon pointed to level the score again mid way through the second half. The visitors turned on the pressure with two points but Collegeland rallied strongly and the final ten minutes produced points apiece from Gareth McArdle and Stephen Clancy which seemed to have secured a draw. An injury time point left Silverbridge in the lead and despite a couple of late chances Collegeland could not get that elusive last score. Fulltime score Collegeland 1:10 to Silverbridge 1:11
This was highly entertaining and keenly contested match between two teams interested only in playing football and Referee Dessie McDonnell was able to keep the play flowing without incident.
Despite losing six players who have emigrated since last year and a couple of current injuries this was an encouraging start to the season. Eamonn McGeary and Brian Mitchell were the pick of the defence while Tom Murphy, Brian McGeary and Ryan McParland bossed the game in the first half and were the pick of the forwards.
Collegeland team: – Tommy McGeary, Brian Mitchell, Eamonn McGeary, Colm Mitchell, Ruari McGeary, Stephen Clancy, Paul Cullen, Matthew Murphy, Karol McGeary, Sean McNicholl, Ryan McParland, Barry O’Neill, Tom Murphy, Brian McGeary, Gareth McArdle. Subs used:- Mickey Cullen, Macartan McGeary, Barry Colhoun, Cathal McCracken.
Jigs and Reels Cheque Presentations
Jigs and Reels organisers Frank Donnelly and Kathleen Bullock welcomed Club representatives to St Peters PS and Playgroup to take part in the presentation of substantial cheques to Pat Brannigan, St Peter’s Primary School and Playgroup and to Tommy Mitchell, Collegeland O’Rahillys GAC .
Thanks again to Cathy Grew, the dancers and their coaches for their long hours practicing from last September and for their uplifting and entertaining performances;- Colm McGeary & Tina Callaghan, Winners, coached by Siobhan Mackle; Sean Maguire & Cathy Conway coached by Roisin Curran; Peter Donnelly & Kamile Zineviciute coached by Abby Brown; Eamonn McGeary & Rebecca McGeary coached by Lianna McGeary; Jack McGeary & Roisin Mackle coached by Gemma Finn; Gavin Campbell & Roisin Bullock coached by Padraigin McKearney; Barry McCormack & Bronagh McConville coached by Mairéad Mitchell; Luke McCann & Helen Grew coached by Cora Campbell.
Ladies
The very successful Sport NI sponsored Active Ladies has now finished. As well as offering these ladies some useful health and fitness activities it has had other benefits in bringing new groups of ladies into Club activities.
Paula McNicholl’s Box n Tone classes continue on Thursday mornings.
Irish Dancing Classes continues on Tuesday nights with a new adult dancing class after the children’s classes.
Children’s camogie training continues on Wed nights at 6.00pm at the Clubrooms.
CCCDA Computer Classes
Two computer classes are well underway on Mondays and Fridays. A new introductory Beginners Course in Computers will be starting soon. Contact:- Brendan McGeary on 077 4009 9852 or Doreen Lappin, Community Development Officer, Southern Regional College, Armagh. Tel: 028 37512833 Mobile: 07736 336 152; Email, lappind@src.ac.uk or
Newsletter
The free Club Newsletter is now available. More advertisers are needed so we would appeal for any businesses looking for a small £10 per month advert to contact Frank Donnelly, Chairman or any Committee member
Membership
Final call for membership, only a few days left to register – contact Club officials by Friday 30 March. Adult Silver £30 membership or Gold membership at £10 per month or £120 per year. The £100 Draws for Jan, Feb and March are due to be held next week so if you pay your £120 cash or cheque within the next few days then you can be included in these three draws also. Don’t miss out.
Contact Frank Donnelly, Chair; Tommy Mitchell, Secretary; Brian McGeary, Registrar; Kieran Hayes, Treasurer; or Stephen Clancy, Assistant Treasurer or your usual Club contact.