The Game 30th August 2016

U18's - Hard luck to the Western Gaels Minors who started their Minor Cup campaign with a defeat to Granard Ballymore in Dunbeggan Park on Tuesday 9th August.  The visitors were by far the stronger in the first half and went in with a lead of 1-7 to 2 points at half time.  But for some resolute defending and a couple of great saves by Conor Gallagher, the game could have been put beyond reach.  However, in the second part of the second half the Gaels began to get back into the game and after two goals it a nervy end, however, two late points in the meant that Granard Ballymore were the victors on this occasion. 
Western Gaels team then fought out a hard draw on Tuesday 23rd August in Balinalee V Clonbroney/W Tones. The visitors led by 5 at half time and shared the better possession and play in that half but credit to the home side, they never gave up and kept trying and got just rewards with the draw!
U16's - Hard luck to W. Gaels who lost out to a very strong Killoe side in Dunbeggan on Thurs last . The home side never got going and the visitors ran out very easy winners! The lads have one last game in the A championship on Friday and then revert to the B cup in the coming weeks where we hope to have a better impact.

U12's - Grattan’s U12s played their second game in the Longford league on Thursday last 11th at home in Dunbeggan Park to Southern Gaels. This game was played in very good spirit with both teams giving it their all, Daniel Gallagher once again in goals was in great form , our full back line of Ryan Casey and Keelan Ruske had fine games with some great defending, our half back line of Stephen Oates, Matthew Hawes and Beau O’Connor were in great form also with each making great runs from defence out and setting up some vital scores at different stages throughout, our midfield pairing of Eoin Kinlan and Rasheed Yeobah had fine games both combining well together, Rasheed chipping in with a well taken goal in the first half, our half forward line of Gavin Nulty, Harry Mulvihill and Dan Devlin played very well all through, Dan getting on the scoresheet with two well taken points in the second half and Harry  with a great point also after a super run , our full forward line of Darragh Campbell and Gary Hand had super games, Darragh in a new position for this game scoring a goal and a point and Gary who continually works his socks off in every game scoring two goals and two points, We went in at the break 3-4 to 0-1 , having made a couple of substitutions at the start of the second half Niall Hawes was now on and he too was in great form with his speedy running and showing for the ball well he would go onto score a fine point, Jack Tiernan and John McHugh also played their parts in a fine victory, we eventually ran out  winners on a scoreline 4-9 to 2-6 ,thanks to Southern Gaels for a fine sporting game and also to the home support.

U10 -  On Wednesday last the Grattan Gaels U10s played explosive and effective games against Kengh/Moydow, Ballymahon/Forgney and Shannon Gaels. The event was hosted in Ballymahon, and the team of nine played extremely well. From the start the defenders of Niall Hawes, Conor Mc Hugh and Tadhg Tiernan created a wall across the back, fielding high balls and then making strong determined runs. The midfield trio of John McHugh , Stephen Oates and Jack Tiernan provided great link play between the defence and attack. Up front Graham Mc Donagh-Reilly, Willie Stokes and the young Troy Tiernan were full of speed and agility tapping over some fine scores.
Each of three games were very enjoyable and close contests. it was very noticeable how each team had grown through the season, and they all look forward to playing the final set of blitzes in two weeks time. Well done to all the players.

U8 - A very successful final home blitz on Wednesday last, thanks to Southern Gaels and Kenagh for attending. Our last Blitz of the season was at Lanesborough on the 24th August. Lots of fun and a great season for everybody.
On Tuesday the Under 8s had a great trip to Croke Park, teams. Teams from all over Leinster walked through the dressing rooms and played on the hallowed turf at Croke Park. A wonderful day for the kids and families, some very proud Mums and Dad can now claim their youngsters have played at Croke Park. Thank you to Mick Hand for organising the day along with Alan Mulhall (Provincial Games Manager) and thanks to all the staff at Croke Park. The day finished with a trip to “The Base” in Celbridge, and thanks to all the staff there who helped host a tournament for the kids.



Our last training session this season will have been in Pearse Park Monday 29th August. On behalf of the committee and the management we would like to thank everyone for all for their support and effort during the year and hope all the children really enjoyed it. Thank You.



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