We played 2 games . the first against our hosts. Clara , followed on by a game with Clonmore from Carlow.  very competitive games with stiff opposition and all 20 plus players on the day got plenty of game time. an enjoyable outing and it is our intention to invite Clara up for a challenge in the next couple of weeks.

 We have a few big weeks coming up for Grattans
 
Friday 1st July we have “A night at the Dogs” and evening out for friends and families in support of Grattan OG and Grattan Gaels .There will be prizes and fun for all, and we would be delighted to see as many friends there as possible. 
 
Tuesday 19th July the U8's will have a Trip to Croke Park - details being finalized, but so far a great day planned!!
 
On the Pitch:
 
U18:- Div 2 League semi-final takes place this Thursday after the break for the State Exams. Throw in in Clonbony at 7.30 V Carrick Sarsfields so please support the lads to hopefully cheer them on to their second final of the year!
 
U12:- Grattan’s U12s: We played our second round match in the Longford/Leitrim on Thursday last 16th June at home in Dunbeggan Park to Carrigallen of Leitrim, this game was played in great spirit with some great football been played by both teams, we were slow to find our feet earlier on in the game but once we did we never looked like losing this game. Daniel Gallagher once again was in great form. Our full back line of Darragh Campbell and Dan Devlin had fine games along with our half backs Ryan Casey and Rasheed Yeobah,  Ryan was excellent once again from the 45. Our midfield pairing of Beau O’ Connor and Harry Mulvihill were in great form, both making great runs and working hard to gain possession at every moment. Our half forward line of Matthew Hawes and Gary Hand once again worked extremely hard and both chipping in with good scores. Our full forward line of Gavin Nulty and Eoin Kinlan tormented the Carrigallen defence at every opportunity Eoin getting some crucial scores from the great work by Gavin. We went in at the break 2-5 to 1-3, Stephen Oates, Niall Hawes and Keelan Ruske were now introduced and all had fine games with their great work ethic and their willingness to show for the ball at every opportunity, well done to all on another great win.
Our next game the third and final group game in the Longford/Leitrim league on Thursday23rd June  away to Shannon Gael. Although played in cold and windy weather the game turned out to be a super contest, played with great intensity with a great array of skills
Our goalkeeper Daniel Gallagher was once again is fine form and was ably assisted by our full back line of Darragh Campbell and Keelan Ruske. Our half back line of Ryan Casey and Beau O' Connor had fine games both working hard to keep the Gaels forwards at bay. Our midfield pairing of Eoin Kinlan and Rasheed Yeobah worked tirelessly all through the game, Eoin in particular getting on the score-sheet with some well taken scores. Our half forward line of Matthew Hawes and Gary Hand once again worked extremely hard even if tiredness set in with them both near the end due in no small part to their excursions at the hurling feile last weekend, they both were in fine form also from the frees they took. Our full forward line of Harry Mulvihill and Dan Devlin both had solid games constantly putting the Gaels defence under pressure at any opportunity and where the majority of our scores came from. We went in at half time 1-4 to 0-5, our goal coming from the boot of Beau O'Connor. On resumption of the second half Stephen Oates, Niall Hawes and Gavin Nulty were all introduced and would all play their part in a great victory. Niall chipping in with a second half goal, Shannon Gaels seemed to be more up for it in the second half and we conceded a few soft goals early in the second to let them back into the game. Slight panic looked to be setting in but fair to everyone on the field of play they composed themselves and we eventually did get over the line winning by four points 4-9 to 3-8 thank to two more goals coming in the second half from Gary Hand and Harry Mulvihill, Well done to all the team on another great win.
We are now through to the semi-final of this competition, a special mention to two other members of our panel who haven’t been with us for any of our three games due to their commitments with the Ladies club, Sarah Farrell and Tessa Tiernan who won the U14 girls final on Saturday last, congrats to them and all involved in that great victory.
 
Next up for our U12s is their semi-final in the Longford/Leitrim league  this coming Thursday 30th  at home in Dunbeggan Park at 8pm where we play Aughnasheelin from Leitrim , so any support is welcome on the evening.
 
U8:- On Monday 27th June we have training in Pearse Park – details to follow next week!
This week’s blitz takes place in Kilashee on Wednesday evening, 29th June, when we travel over to Southern Gaels along with Granard and  Clonguish and we look forward to the games!

big thanks to John Twaddle for the training. Not sure who to thank for the picture.....