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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...

...and FINALLY! Kilmeena land the silverware, by the skin of their of teeth, in the U21 County D Final, against Ardmoy in Knockmore yesterday. Kilmeena 0 - 11 1 - 7 Ardmoy more...

Kilmeena laid a solid first half foundation in their win over Erris St. Pats in the U21 County Seni-Final yesterday in Ballyheane. They now play Ardmoys MacHales in the County D Final next Sunday December 1st in Knockmore at 12 noon. Kilmeena 5 - 10 1 - 06 Erris St Pats more...

We are saddened to record the untimely death of Eamonn Geraghty formerly of Rosduane. Brother of John (Rosduane) and Mary (Islandeady). Eamonn was a regular member of the Kilmeena Junior team in the '60s and early '70s winning a West Mayo medal with the Club in 1968. His funeral mass takes place tomorrow in St.Brendan's Church at 12 noon with burial afterwards in Myna cemetery. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. Team photo taken in the grounds of Gaelic Park New York, June 1970, following the victory over a New York Mayo selection. Eamonn pictured center front row. Question is; can you name the rest of the team? Front row L-R: Back row L-R:

Kilmeena will rue their missed goal chance as Kilcommon lift the Michael Cup following an entertaining game, with penalties deciding the eventual outcome. Half-time score: Kilmeena 0 - 6 0 - 4 Kilcommon Full-time score: Kilmeena 0 - 11 0 - 11 Kilcommon Final score extra-time Kilmeena 0 - 13 0 - 13 Kilcommon Penalties Kilmeena 2 4 Kilcommon more...

In the most demanding of weather conditions, Kilmeena nudged past Bohola Moy Davitts in a keenly contested U21 Championship quarter-final in Kilmeena yesterday. Kilmeena 1 - 10 0 - 11 Bohola Moy Davitts more...

Parke/Keelogues Crimlin advance to the final of the West Mayo Minor B Championship at the expense of Kilmeena played in Parke yesterday. Kilmeena 2 - 10 3 - 10 Parke/Keelogues Crimlin more...