- Susan King, Secretary. The highlights of our 125th year 2012 were the U14 team retaining their Championship Division 4 title, the U15 Coolmeen/Kildysart team winning the Tom Conway Memorial Tournament, qualifying for the West Clare Divisional Board U15 B and the A final with Kildysart, the Coolmeen/Kildysart U16 team reaching Division 3 Championship Final and the Coolmeen/Kildysart Minor team winning the Division 3 Championship for the first time in 18yrs.
Under 10 Seven Blitzes were held in 2012. Our boys and girls were trained by Mike Murphy and Sean P McMahon. We hosted two blitzes on 28th April and 9th June. Goody bags were given to all participants.
Under 12 Coolmeen were in Dan O’Halloran group3 with Doonbeg, Lissycasey, Kildysart, Killimer and Shannon Gaels. Four games were played and numbers were good. Mike Murphy and Sean P McMahon looked after this group.
A fun blitz was to be held by Clare GAA but this didn’t happen.
Cul Camps 2012 The camp was held in Kildysart 13th – 17th August. Only six children - four boys and two girls - from Coolmeen attended. The Camp will be held in Coolmeen in 2013 and more children should be encouraged to attend.
Schools 2012 Coolmeen and Cranny National School pupils received approx 8 weeks coaching last autumn from Kieran Brown who is employed through Clare GAA Jobbridge scheme. The National Schools Team reached the Division 4 final which was played in Kilmihil on Monday 18th June. They were defeated by Carron/New Quay.
West Clare Colleges Coolmeen were represented by Anthony King, Gary Meaney, Ben Cleary and Cian Murphy. Congratulations to Anthony King who was a member of St Michaels Community College Kilmihil team who won the Munster Vocational Schools Senior C Championship in 2012, beating Macroom in the final.
Under 14 Our young guns retained the Division 4 Championship title won in 2011. They won all six games played having received a walkover from O’Callaghan’s Mills. This talented group of players are coached by John Murphy and John Wallace ably assisted by Cian Murphy and Gary Meaney. In the semi-final on Tuesday 21st, August in Labasheeda they accounted for Killimer on a score of Coolmeen 3-11 Killimer 0-6 (Referee: Eamon Keane). The final was played against Naomh Eoin in a windswept Doonbeg on Wednesday 26th August. At half time things were not looking good as Coolmeen had failed to register a score to Naomh Eoin’s 1-5. With wind advantage in the second half, they got to within a goal thanks to some excellent free taking by Sean Wallace. There was some confusion at the final whistle but the referee soon confirmed Coolmeen’s one point win. 0-10 to Naomh Eoin 1-6. Niomh Madigan (Runaí, Bord na nÓg Peil presented the trophy to Captain Alan Normoyle.
During their campaign this team scored 33 goals and 79 points.
Under 15 Coolmeen/Kildysart under 15s entered the Tom Conway Memorial Tournament. In the semi-final they had a shock victory over hot favourites and hosts Lissycasey. The final was played on Sat 13th October in wet windy conditions at Frure pitch, against neighbours Shannon Gaels/Killimer. A great game of football was played and with great determination our lads won on a score line of 1-14 to 2-7. The Trophy was presented to Captain Ben Cleary by Sean O’Sullivan. Medals were also presented to the team.
West Clare Divisional Board U15 In the A competition Coolmeen/Kildysart met Kilrush in the quarter final on Sat 20th Oct winning on a score line of 4-12 to 1-9. Cooraclare were the opposition in the Semi Final, played on Fri 26th October in Cooraclare in cold frosty conditions. A great comeback, scoring two late goals to secure a draw, meant these two sides would have to meet again. The replay in Coolmeen on Sat 3rd November was abandoned by referee Gerry Corry early in the second half with the sides level following indiscipline from Cooraclare players and mentors. The County Board has awarded the game to us so we will play Naomh Eoin/O’Curry’s in the final, yet to be fixed.
In the B competition we played our neighbours and friends Kildysart in semi-final winning on a score of 4-8 to 0-5. In the final, on Sat 24th November, we were beaten by Kilmihil.
These teams were managed by John Murphy, John Wallace, Martin Frawley and Michael Crehan.
Estuary Gaels This Divisional Squad is made up from Coolmeen, Kildysart, Lissycasey, Clondegad & Shannon Gaels clubs. This team won the Georgie Fitzpatrick Memorial Trophy in 2012. Coolmeen was represented by Alan Normoyle, Adam Carrig, Mark Meaney and Captain Darragh Cleary.
Under 16 This combination team, managed by John Murphy, John Wallace and Martin Frawley was captained by Gary Meaney. On the way to the Division 3 Championship Final, they won four, lost two and drew one game. In the semi-final, on 30th April in Kilrush, they played Shannon Gaels/Killimer. In a hard fought game they came out on top 2-6 to 1-7.
The final was played on Monday 7th May in a sunny, breezy Cusack Park against Clooney Quin. It was a great occasion, seeing our young players run out in Cusack Park in front of a large crowd of supporters from both Clubs. No doubt some of these young players will be back in the future. At half-time the score was Coolmeen/Kildysart 0-6 Clooney Quin 0-3, thanks to some great saves by goalie Adam Carrig.
At full-time the sides were level 0-8 to 1-5. The replay was set for Sat 19th May in Lissycasey. At half-time in this fixture the score stood at 0-3 to 2-4. The lads didn’t drop the heads and finished strongly with two late goals from Cian Murphy. The final score was Clooney Quin 4-6 Coolmeen/Kildysart 2-6.
Total scored 20 goals and 95 points.
Minors Once again, Coolmeen combined with Kildysart in Division 3. This group of young players were managed by Micheál Brooks, Joe Corry, Noel Mc Mahon and Flan Guinnane.
On the road to the Division 3 Championship final, they won one, lost one, drew one and received two walkovers. So, with a bit of luck, they were in the semi-final. Kilrush was the venue for the game against near neighbours Shannon Gaels/Killimer. This was an exciting, end to end game, played in ideal conditions with the result in doubt almost to the final whistle. Coolmeen/Kildysart emerged winners on a score line of 4-10 to 3-6 (Referee Anthony Culligan).
The final was set for Cooraclare on Saturday 15th Sept. The opposition: a Naomh Eoin/O’Curry’s combination. The game was played in front of a good crowd of supporters, but heavy showers during the game made conditions difficult. The sides were level at half-time 2-3 to 1-6. Rory Mc Mahon was introduced for Stevie Murphy who had the flu. Two early goals from Ian Slobody and Paudie Corry as well as accurate free taking by Aidan Corry sealed the victory on a final score of 4-9 to 1-11. The trophy was presented to joint captains Eoin O’Connor and Brian Maloney by John Smith Chairman (Bord na nÓg Peil).
Total scored in competition 17 goals and 37 points.
A Medal presentation was held in Tir na nÓg, Cranny last Sunday 6th January. Chairman Enda Haugh welcomed everyone and congratulated the teams and their mentors on their successes. Thanks to our hosts Shane and Micheál, to Cathal O’Connor for presenting the Medals, to our DJ Stevie Murphy and Peadar Clancy Festival for use of equipment, Margaret Haugh for the refreshments, and to all the parents, supporters and members of both Coolmeen and Kildysart clubs who attended .
We wish Cathal O’Connor all the best on his return to the Clare Senior panel for 2013. Good luck to Eoin O’Connor who is currently training with the Clare U21 panel and also to Paudie Corry & Cian Murphy who are on the Minor panel this year.
Looking ahead to 2013, our numbers are small. There are approximately sixteen boys under five, eight aged between five and ten, twelve aged between ten and fifteen and eighteen aged between fifteen and eighteen.
I have spoken to Martin Frawley, Chairman of Kildysart Club and hope to meet with him and our underage mentors early next week to plan teams for 2013. We hope to combine again with Kildysart at U15, U16 and Minor levels for 2013. We will not have an under 14 team in 2013 and it is hoped that Kildysart will accommodate these players to ensure they continue to play football and develop their skills.
Dates have not yet been set for structures meetings. I have been asked again this year to be on Bord na nÓg Structures Committee for 2013. Mouthguards are compulsory for all players under 18yrs from 1st January 2013. From 1st January 2014 they will be compulsory for all players. More information can be got from Clare GAA website or GAA website or from myself and underage coaches.
I wish to thank all my fellow officers for all their help, support and encouragement during the year. Thank you to the following for all their time and dedication given to our underage teams. Mike Murphy, Sean P McMahon, John Murphy, John Wallace, Gary Meaney, Cian Murphy, Micheál Brooks and Joe Corry.
From Kildysart Club I wish to thank Martin Frawley, Michael Crehan, Noel Mc Mahon and Flan Guinnane for all their help and co-operation.
To Ollie Keating the Hilltop Bar, Shane and Michael Brooks Tir na nÓg for hosting semi-final and final celebrations and Margaret Haugh for providing refreshments often at short notice.
A big thank you to all the parents who bring players to training and matches. Your efforts are much appreciated.
Thank you to all who attended matches and supported our young players during 2012. I would appeal to senior players to try to attend underage matches in 2013 if they can. A special mention must go to Paul Kenny for his attendance at almost every game and his enthusiasm and putting match reports and interviews on Coolmeen Facebook page.
My apologies for any mistakes in this report or if I have left anyone out.
Finally a special word of thanks and congratulations to all our young players who have gave their best during 2012 and wish them and all who wear the Black and Amber the very best for 2013.
Thank you all.
- Susan King, Secretary. January 11, 2013 |
Club News >