Search Results

The year started on January 16th with five weekly strength and conditioning sessions in the gym. Thanks to Annette Keane Lonergan for facilitating these sessions Our initial outing of the year was a challenge match against Balla. This match was a historic day for Balla as it was their first-ever game fielding an U-16 girls team. We played seven league games, losing the first four but winning the last three. We finished with a great win against Carnacon. We were knocked out of the Championship by Louisburgh in the first round. Our 2019 U-16 registered players were: Rachel Gibbons, Aoife Gibbons, Megan O’Malley, Megan Mulchrone, Jessica O’Donnell, Laura Kelly, Aibhlin O’Flynn, Ciara Joyce, Keelie Hastings, Áine Regan, Abby McGreal, Aibhilin O’Flynn, Holly Barrett, Emma Murray, Mollie Keane and Sarah Gillespie. A big thanks to the U-14 Girls and management for their support throughout the year. Thanks to all the girls for their effort and commitment during the year. Thanks also to the parents for their support and help throughout the year. Thanks also to the management team of Geraldine Gibbons, Ann Hastings, Ollie Mulchrone, Colm Barrett, Paul Ryan and Pete Mortimer.

For the Kilmeena U-14 Girls panel, 2019 is a year that they will never forget. The season started on January 30th, with a six-week strength and conditioning course under the guidance of Annette Keane Lonergan in the Club gym. This program was a good foundation for the long season, which ran to the end of October. This team played their best in every game and with an average score of 12 points or more per game, not to mention a number of goals. These girls went through the season unbeaten in both league and championship competitions. This group were enthusiastic, dedicated and played as a solid unit from numbers one to 19 throughout the year. Any of our wonderful and dedicated supporters who witnessed their immense sense of team spirit and never-give-up attitude until the final whistle was blown during the season can say these girls are worthy of their championship and league titles. The Division 4 league was our first competition in which we played Islandeady, Hollymount and Westport at home, Kilmoremoy “B”, Moy Davitts and Davitts away. As the weeks rolled on, we topped the table and were delighted to finish our round of games unbeaten. Islandeady were the semi-final challengers, and with a home draw and lots of supporters cheering them on, the girls went looking for a place in the league final. Victory was tasted on the night, and the final was put on hold whilst the Championship started. We were fortunate to get a bye in the first round of the “C” Championship, but we didn’t lack games because the U-13 and U-15 leagues had commenced, so all our girls were busy on those teams. We travelled to Kilmoremoy “B” for the semi-final, which ended in a draw. Kilmeena won the replay and Kilmaine were our final opponents. On Friday, October 6th, in Islandeady, the team won the Club’s first Girls Championship title. With one final out of the way, we had to keep training and focused until the league final was scheduled. On October 20th, we headed for Ballina once more to see how we would fair out against a strong Kilmoremoy “B” team. Victory was ours, and Kilmeena U-14 girls finished the year very happy and deserving of their cups (see match report below). In August, the Madden family kindly sponsored tracksuits for the team in memory of their daughter and sister Vivienne, whose 20th anniversary occurred this year. All the girls are so thankful and appreciative of their generous sponsorship. A photo-book of action shots, captured during their league and Championship matches, sponsored by Pete Feehan and family, for which we are especially grateful, will be presented to the panel of girls to mark this historic double title win. The management – Maura Hastings, Davina Carney and David Ingham – wish to thank the parents, grandparents, other family relatives, friends and Club members and officers who supported us in any way during the year. Thank you to the girls for their commitment and dedication to their team and Club. Well done everyone on a hugely enjoyable and successful year.

Our training season began in late February, and there was a large attendance and great team spirit for all practice sessions throughout the year. The teams in our grading group were very strong. It included Breaffy, Kilmaine, Moy Davitts, Westport “B” and Castlebar Mitchels “B”. Our season didn’t get off to a great start when there was a misunderstanding about our first match against Achill. During the league, we won two and lost three matches. We had some injuries to some of our girls which was a setback. As a result, we introduced three U-10s - Leah Walsh, Amy Gibbons and Phoebe Russell - to our panel. These girls proved to be really strong and were a great asset to our team. A strong Castlebar Mitchels team beat us in the second round of the Championship. It was a competitive match, but the girls gave it their all, even though we were missing some of our core players. I want to thank all involved with the team during the season, including John Gallagher, Luanne O’Donnell, Carragh Ryan. A special thanks to Enda Lonergan for setting out the pitches and acting as a linesman for the games. Thank you to all the parents for their involvement with the Club over the season. Overall, it was a fun season with these great bunch of girls. Wishing them all the very best for the future years with Kilmeena LGFA Our Team: Rachael Needham, Ruby Lane, Ciara Kelly, Sarah Corrigan, Moira Fernandes Walshe, Laura Ingham, Mary Kate Lonergan, Emma Barrett, Laura O’Grady, Amy Carney, Siofra Hughes, Eva Mulchrone, Catherine Lawless, Ruby McDonnell, Áine Gallagher, Amelia Fahy and Kelsey O’Donnell.

The Kilmeena U-10 Girls were small in numbers this year, so Maureen and Richie permitted us to bring three U-8 Girls up to join the squad. We had a panel of 14 girls who showed great commitment to training all through the year, having 12-14 girls for most Wednesday sessions. We commenced training on April 3rd and those initial weeks we concentrated on building up and improving key skills, using drills and the kicking wall. Our first match was against our neighbours, Burrishoole. The girls played very well, with the help of some U-11s to make up numbers against Burrishoole. The win we secured at this home match gave us great confidence heading into the Paddy Golden Blitz. Our annual blitz was held on June 22nd, and we competed in the “B” division. Our first game was against Tourmakeady, which was an evenly matched encounter. In our second and third matches against Burrishoole and Westport, we had some brilliant scores to win both games. So, we marched onwards to the final against our toughest rivals – Tourmakeady. This game was an epic contest from start to finish, both teams not giving an inch. The girls put in a massive performance here, doing everything we asked of them to secure the win, and by doing so wrote themselves into the history books of Kilmeena LGFA. Following the celebrations, joint-captains Leah Gavin Walsh and Amy McIntyre Gibbons lifted the shield. After the summer break, the girls moved up to U-11s and were joined by five of the younger girls from the U-12s – Mary Kate, Catherine, Emelia, Laura and Eva. These girls were a welcome addition to the squad and brought with them a very high skill level and the experience of playing in the U-12 Spring League. On August 28th the U-11 squad were invited to enter the Balla Blitz. The standard here was quite competitive. We played three games and won one. But everyone had a great morning and loads of game time. The following week, on a lovely September evening, we arranged a friendly with the Westport girls in Sacred Heart School pitch. They all played some super football, scoring well and coming away with a win. For our last outing of the season, we entered the U-10 Girls in the county Blitz in Bekan on September 18th. We had three games against Westport, Breaffy and Ballintubber. We won two out of the three. There was a lovely presentation afterwards, and everybody went home with a medal. We wrapped up training on September 25th where we had a lovely parents and players evening in the clubhouse. Players got a team photo and a goodie bag, and we looked over some of the action shots from the Paddy Golden Blitz. It was a pleasure to be involved with this great, energetic bunch of girls this year. Their behaviour, discipline and enthusiasm were exemplary both on and off the field of play. On behalf of Trish, Bernie and myself we wish our older girls the best of luck with U-12s next year and look forward to seeing everybody else back in 2020..

This group consisted of 24 girls between the ages of 5-8. We worked on skills and encouraged friendships amongst the girls in the first few weeks. Training began on April 3rd, and we finished up on September 28th. We hosted Burrishoole at the beginning of July. Both teams showed excellent skills and had lots of fun. We travelled to Westport in August to a blitz where we played four games. The girls had a great day and were presented with certificates. The season finished off with a trip to Burrishoole for another blitz. Our girls emerged unbeaten after playing four games against the hosts Burrishoole, Westport and Ballinrobe “1” and “2.” Well done to Shauna, Cailín and Charley who played most of the season with the U-10s. Best of luck to Emily, Emma, Elsie, Molly, Luna and Aisling who will move up to the U-10s next year. We look forward to seeing everyone back in 2020 and welcoming new players. Thanks to Ritchie and Lesley for their help with coaching all year.

The 2019 season began in early January. The management team of John Reilly, Darren Madden and David Feehan remained in place to continue with the team’s progression from 2018. This season Pat Grady was added to the management. In his role as a member of the sideline support team, the ever-present James Keane – as “maor uisce” – ensured the team always performed at their best. Sean Ryder continued his duties as captain for the Kilmeena team for 2019. Division 3 League The league got off to a rocky start for the Kilmeena lads. First losing badly at home to Lahardane. Whereas a group we did not play anywhere near our potential. The next game away to Davitts was a heartbreak to come away empty-handed. This game highlighted how this player group has improved, showcasing their ability to play expansive but attrition football. Eventually losing out by a point to a team that would eventually make the senior championship quarter-finals. Kilmeena won their next three games. The first win came against Swinford away. Kilmeena controlled this game from start to finished and continued with their expansive brand of football. The second win was a comprehensive destruction of Achill in St. Brendan’s Park. Kilmeena were ruthless and hit Achill for six goals. The third win away to Castlebar Mitchells was in contrast to the previous two games. Kilmeena had to grind this one out as Mitchells attempted to snuff out Kilmeena’s attacking play. Kilmeena then hit a mixed patch of form when losing to Ballyhaunis at home by four points; getting a last-gasp leveller to draw with Bonniconlon; beating Parke by four points by controlling the football in the second half; and coming back from an eight-point deficit in Shrule to leave with a one-point win. Our final two games did not go well for us, losing out to The Neale, the eventual league and intermediate champions by four points and getting well beaten by Mayo Gaels in Mayo Abbey to round off the league. Kilmeena finished fifth overall in the league and look to developing year on year in this league. Division 6 League A second-place finish in the league and a semi-final spot is what awaits this group of players at the season’s end. The first outing of the year was an away draw with Knockmore, an excellent game of football demonstrating the talent that is developing within the Club. Kilmeena went on to beat Ballaghaderreen and Westport, but then losing out to Islandeady at home. The next two games will stand out for this playing group; an away win in Moygownagh will go down as a great day for the Club because earlier in the day the junior championship team had to run out against Kilmovee, meaning 41 men togged out for the Club that day. The win against Bonnicolon was a real Friday night-lights affair with the win going down to the last play. Kilmeena played Breaffy in the league semi-final of Division 6; anyone who witnessed that game would agree that the standard of football was far beyond the level of Division 6. Sadly Kilmeena lost out in the end by four points to the team who would eventually win it out, The Neale. Cusack Cup Kilmeena received a bye into the final to play Westport’s junior team. Westport hit the ground running and controlled the game from the off. Kilmeena were down six points at half time; a further two points by Westport put Kilmeena eight points in arrears. That’s when the show came to town! Kilmeena ramped through the gears and put three goals and seven points on Westport in a 20-minute scoring spell. With that, Kilmeena retained the Cusack Cup for the second year in succession. Michael Walsh League Kilmeena made the Michael Walsh league final, having easily topped their league and dealt with Ardagh in the semi-final. The final was played on a Baltic cold Sunday afternoon in Knockmore. Little could separate the sides, and after extra time, penalties decided the result. Cill Chomáin were the victors of the shoot-out, with Kilmeena left to rue the many missed scoring chances in normal and extra time. Junior B Kilmeena made it to the West Mayo Junior B semi-final after beating a fancied Breaffy team on their home patch. Facing Parke in the final, however, did not go our way. Parke eventually won out as comfortable winners to lift the Keane Cup for the first time in their history. Junior Championship Kilmeena topped their group of Ballycroy, Ballina “B” and KIlmovee having dispatched all three by an average score of 22 points. Those victories put Kilmeena in a confident mood going into the quarter-final. Cill Chomáin were our next opponents. The game played in Knockmore and was a well-attended affair by both travelling supporters. Cill Chomáin lead by two points at the interval, but in the second half Kilmeena yet again showed there attacking endeavour and hit them for two goals and six points to run out comfortable winners by five points in the end. Next up was a showdown against Kilmaine in the County semi-final. This game has gone down as one of the games of the 2019 championship at all levels. Kilmeena really showed their attacking game, hitting Kilmaine for 17 points and were within touching distance of a County Final. Sadly, Kilmaine found the know-how from somewhere and managed to take the game by two points in the end. A massive disappointment for Kilmeena. Under 21 Championship Kilmeena won the U-21 “D” County Championship of 2019. En route to the final, Kilmeena dispatched three senior clubs in the process – Hollymount/Carramore, Moy Davitts, Erris Saint Patricks (Kiltane and Ballycroy). In the final, Kilmeena faced of against Ardmoy, an amalgamation of three parishes (Lahardane, Ardagh and Moygownagh). Kilmeena started the game by hitting four unanswered points. Ardmoy pulled themselves back into the match, but Kilmeena led by two points at the break. The start of the second half Kilmeena controlled and went ahead by five points. Ardmoy got back into the game and levelled it. Kilmeena had the final say however and hit the final score of the game to take the win. 2019 was an eventful season for this group of players. In total, 41 players lined out for the senior squad and a further 25 for the U-21 team. The future is bright for this squad of players. Training will begin again in early January 2020.

Kilmeena minors played in Division 3A league this season. It was a tough league with Eastern Gaels, Burrishoole, Swinford, Aghamore, Balla and Ballinrobe competing in it. We had to deal with several injuries to the players for the season. At times during the Summer, it was difficult to field a team as a number of lads had given up playing football or took time out. We had some very tight games with us being victorious against our neighbours Burrishoole. We had no games from April to August as the season was interrupted due to the success of our county minors in the All-Ireland Championship. August took us to the County Championship with Ballinrobe and Aghamore in our group. Our first match saw us take on Aghamore with our full team at home. We lost out narrowly to them by one point and were well beaten by Ballinrobe as we could only field 13 players due to injuries. In the West Mayo Championship, we were drawn away to Islandeady beating them well in the quarter-final which was played in Parke. The game was played in great spirit, but unfortunately, we came out the wrong side, losing by three points. The lads put in an excellent effort for the season despite several injuries. It was a tough season for them. These lads are fantastic to work with and a credit to their parents. They have a bright future with our senior and U21 teams. Kilmenna abú! Management: Declan Ryan, Mark Ryan,Liam Heanue, Niall Ryan.

The U-16 Boys commenced training in late January for the season ahead. The first six weeks were mainly strength and conditioning work in our new gym. In early March we played two challenge games against Burishoole and Islandeady in preparation for the league ahead. We were placed in Division 2 of the league, but due to several long-term injuries, we knew that being competitive in this division would be our target. Up against Ballinrobe, Ballintubber and eventual winners Belmullet, we were well beaten in all three games. A decent performance against Breaffy convinced us that with everybody back on board we would be competitive in all other competitions for the summer ahead. Placed with Burishoole, Parke and Kilmovee in the group stages of the Championship, nothing was taken for granted. The first game was a typical local derby played in Newport with a lot of hard tackling and no place for the faint-hearted. We came away with a 4-9 to 2-8 victory, which set us up nicely for a home game with favourites Parke. On an ideal July evening, both teams served up a highly entertaining game of football which we came out on the right side by the bare minimum. We were six points up with five minutes to go but conceded 1-2 to set up a frantic finish. We held out to the end to put one foot in the semi-final. The final score was 2-14 to 3-10. The last group game was home to Kilmovee, and a win here would seal a home semi-final. With a dominating first-half display and some great shooting in front of goal, we were 1-16 to 0-2 up at half-time, going on to win the game comfortably. As a result, a home semi-final was secured. Eastern Gaels were our semi-final opponents. Both teams went at it hammer-and-tongs in a highly entertaining game full of free-flowing football, near misses, excellent scoring and a few mistakes, in a game that was level at the end of normal time. The entertainment and intensity went up another level in extra time, with Kilmeena coming out winning by the narrowest of margins, 4-19 to 4-18. This was the game where the lads really stood up with their never-say-die attitude that brought us back several times into the match when the game seemed otherwise lost. A three week lead into the final against Achill gave us a great chance to get all injuries sorted, with the full panel available and with fierce competition for places, we were in a good place. Achill had beaten a fancied Parke side in the other semi-final. So, on August 11th, the scene was set for the County Final. From the off, it was clear that Achill were a much more physical side and dominated Kilmeena in the early exchanges to lead 2-3 to 0 -1 after 10 minutes, which forced Kilmeena into making an early tactical switch. This change saw the introduction of Chris McGlynn for his first game back after a year out with a serious knee injury, and by the 20th minute, the score was level. Kilmeena were now playing with real belief and played the better football for the rest of the half to lead 3-5 to 3-4 at the break. The second half turned into an epic as both sides sensed victory, Kilmeena scoring freely but goals keeping Achill in the contest. We were two points up going into injury time when an Achill ‘45 somehow landed in the Kilmeena net. A frantic four minutes of injury time ended with a Kilmeena point – more extra time! After a pulsating 20 minutes of extra time, Kilmeena outscored Achill by 0-5 points to 1-0, sending the large Kilmeena contingent wild - a County Final secured. The West Mayo was the final U-16 competition for this group. In the quarter-final, a 1-12 to 1-6 win over a highly-fancied Balla side was one of our best performances of the season. Ballintubber, in a home semi-final, on paper was a bridge too far, but on a wet and windy evening, our lads delivered a fantastic display of work rate and controlled football to win by 0-8 to 0- 4. Parke were our opponents in the final, but we struggled for form all over the pitch, and they ran out winners by 1-10 to 1-7. All said, it was a very enjoyable and successful season with a bunch of players who got better and better as the season progressed.

The Kilmeena U-14 Boys team commenced indoor training in December in preparation for the season ahead. A total of 28 boys were registered with an average of 20 players attending each training session. After two successful challenge games in March, our lads participated in Division 1 of the league grouping against Westport, Castlebar, Ballina, Claremorris, Parke and Moy Davitts. Despite performing well in all six games, our lads were unfortunate only to pick up a single win against Parke. Following another block of well-attended training sessions, in mid-June, we were drawn to play Kiltimagh at home in the opening round of the championship. Here, our lads left everything out on the pitch and deservedly came away with a win by the smallest of margins. Seven days later, we came out on the wrong side in a hard-fought battle against Castlebar Mitchels. This game signalled the end of the road for our lads in the County Championship. However, we still had Féile Peil na nGael to look forward to in the last week in June. We were privileged to host St. Ergnats of Moneyglass from Co. Antrim for the tournament. The opening game was in Swinford, and Kilmeena showed their class and recorded two impressive victories at this venue. The following morning on our home turf we came up against our hosts, St. Ergnat’s, where we retained our one 100 per cent start to the tournament. That same afternoon in our quarter-final we lost in controversial circumstances to a Glenullin from Derry. That evening we held a social event at Gracy’s Bar, Westport, where families from Kilmeena and our guest club could interact. A great night was had by all. Three weeks after our somewhat successful Féile campaign, we faced Breaffy away in the West Mayo “A” quarter-final. Despite being quite depleted with injuries, we ran out comprehensive winners after a dominant second-half display. In the semi-final, these injuries finally caught up with us, and we were well defeated. This game marked the conclusion of the U-14 Boys’ season. The loss of three players to injury, undoubtedly restricted our success this year. We wish a speedy and full recovery to Daniel Kelly, Donal Hastings and Rian Kilcoyne. Special thanks to Teddy McDonnell (Teddy’s Fashions) for the sponsorship of a set hoodies for the boys at the end of the season. Overall, 2019 was a hugely enjoyable year. From a management’s point of view, all the players have had considerable game time during a most satisfying year and improvements in fitness and skill levels noted. We hope to see all the lads donning the Black and White again in 2020!

The U-13 Boys competed in Division 2B of the league that commenced on August 26th, with games involving Carras, Eastern Gaels, The Neale and Balla. They competed well in all games and management were happy with what they witnessed. It augurs well for the U-14 campaign for 2020. The panel has an excellent skill range, and with some physical development over the winter, management believes that they will be an inspiring team to watch going forward. Management: Michael Gavin, Dave O’Grady, Tomas Gill, John Doherty. Player of the Year: Declan Moore

With a panel of 21 players, we commenced training on the April 5th and played five games in the Spring League against Islandeady, Burishoole, Westport, Ballintubber and Balla. We had mixed fortunes on the field with everything covered - wins, draws, losses and no referees! Some great football was played in the Summer League which comprised of four games against Achill, Louisburgh, Westport and Tourmakeady. The lads took part in the Eoin McGroddy Blitz in Louisbough on June 29th where they won the cup. They also took part in a blitz in Tourmakeady and competed well against the hosts and others. A big “thank you” to “Tile Warehouse”, who sponsored new training t-shirts for the U-12 lads. As always, we value the support from local businesses. A big “thanks” to the parents and guardians for bringing the lads to training and matches and the management team for their time and effort throughout the year: John O’Grady, Mickey Murray, Jim Cannon, Sean Kenning and Carmel Higgins.

The U-8 Boys started back training in early April with a great turnout of players wanting to play for Kilmeena. There were 27 players involved in the U-8 team for 2019. The aim for the year was to introduce the team to the basic skills of football: to focus on their development, while making it entertaining for the team to enjoy playing football, and to encourage them to return and represent the Club. The lads played numerous matches throughout the season against Tourmakeady, Islandeady, Louisburgh and Burrishoole. Great excitement and fun was had by all the players with everyone getting game time in all the matches. It’s just the start for these young lads’ journey playing for Kilmeena, and the future looks bright for the club. To all parents, we would encourage you to help develop the boys’ skills by practising with them when possible over the long winter months. These exercise sessions will help develop their skills further and into quality footballers in time to come. I would also encourage parents to help out more and to get involved in coaching. Having more help will develop the lads into better players. A special thanks to Pat Ryan for all his help throughout the year. Thank you to all the coaches involved: Kevin, James, Eamon, Leonie, Joey and Ollie.

The 2019 training for Kilmeena U-6 Boys commenced on April 4th when we welcomed new members to the group, and the younger boys from 2018 returned for more action. We had lots of fun, and once we mastered some of the basic skills, we enjoyed a few mini-matches only when everyone had their gum shields with them. Many from the group took part in their first Cúl Camp in July and enjoyed it. The coaches were very impressed by th e improvement in the boys’ skills levels and their commitment to training over the season. Our season concluded with a short match followed by some treats and a medal presentation in the Clubhouse. Coaches Maura Hastings, Mel King, Sean Kelly and Pete Lane, would like to thank the boys and their parents for their continued support. We wish the best of luck to the older boys moving on to the U8 team, and we look forward to the return of our younger boys and any new boys who wish to join Kilmeena GAA club in 2020.

Tile Warehouse Westport sponsored a training top for the U-12 boys in 2019. We sincerely thank Tile warehouse for their continued support to Kilmeena GAA Club. Back Row -Willie Keaveney, Sean Kenning, Peter Duffy (Tile Warehouse Westport,Sponsor) John O Grady, Jim Cannon. Front Row - Alex Kenning, Darragh O Grady, Eoghan Cannon, Rory Kilcoyne. Back Row: John O Grady, Dean Staunton, Alex Kenning, Patrick Feehan, Eoghan Cannon,Tiernan Aherne, Odhran Grimley, Rory Kilcoyne, Alan Gannon, Cormac O Malley, Aaron Murray, Mickey Murray, Carmel Higgins. Front Row: Alan Mortimer,Sean Kilcoyne,Shane Durkan, Sean Keane, Alex Coyne, Kyle Mulchrone, Cormac Slattery, Darragh O Grady, Adam Moran. Absent from the photo are Jake Staunton & John Paul Ryan.

The Bord na nÓg presentation event took place on Sunday, 1st December in the Mill Times Hotel. The event was well attended by all teams and parents. Guests for the event were Mayo senior footballer, Robbie Hennelly and Emma Needham, Mayo senior ladies footballer. I want to thank all the executive and team managers who worked so hard to help the event run smoothly on the day. Photos were taken for each of the teams and a presentation of participation awards for the U6 to U10 teams for both girls and boys. County medal presentations were made to the girls U14 team and boys U16 teams along with the following Player of the Year awards: Boys Players of the year: U12 Oran Grimley U13 Declan Moore U14 Connor Kelly U15 Kieran Kilcoyne U16 Ben Lennon Girls Players of the year: U12 Marie Fernandes Walsh U13 Eabha Carney U14 Lisa Hastings U16 Evie Flynn Sponsors on the evening were: Joe Joyce Electrical (who sponsored a set of jerseys for the under 16 boys’ team) Kitty and Ann-Marie Mulloy (Connemara Seafoods - who sponsored all the girls' trophies and medals Pete Feehan and family (who sponsored a photo book of league and championship memories for the U14 girls’ team) A special thanks also to all our other sponsors for their generous support and sponsorship throughout the year. more...