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The Irish Gaelic Masters played the Australian AFL Masters on Saturday the 20th July 2019 in the Denn Gaelic Grounds, Cross Keys, County Cavan. The Irish squad consisted of two players from each of the sixteen Counties that play Gaelic Masters football. Kilmeena clubman Pat Mulchrone had the honour of representing Mayo along with Michael Moyles from the Crossmolina club. The two teams competed for the “Paddy Gaffney Memorial Cup”. This trophy is named after a Denn Clubman who represented Ireland with distinction at Master’s level football and sadly was taken from us too soon. The international rules are a mixture of Gaelic and AFL combined with the following key points; A goal is worth 6 points, an over (a point in GAA terms) is worth 3 points and a behind (a close wide in GAA terms) is worth one point. The game begins with a throw-in between a player from each side. Only one other player from each team is allowed inside the 45 meter lines for the throw -in. The game consists of four 15-minute quarters. Two quarters are played with the Australian oval shaped ball and two with the round O Neill's GAA ball. All kick outs are taken from the 20 meter line. The ball must travel over the 45 meter line or a free kick will be awarded to the opposing team from the 45 meter line. A clean catch from a 15 meter kick or more results in a mark. No mark is awarded for a backward kick. A defending player can stand where the mark was made so the player taking the mark must retreat to kick over them. The player making the mark can also chose to play on. Tackle between the shoulder and thighs. Must initially be tackled by both hands and can be from the front, side or back provided that a player held from behind is not pushed in the back. Pick up from the ground as long as the player is not in a kneeling position or lying on the ground. The ball must be bounced or soloed every 10 meter or 6 steps. Maximum of two bounces per possession but unlimited solos. Restart the game in the middle of the pitch with a throw-in after each goal is scored. 6 consecutive hand passes are allowed after which the ball must be kicked or a free will result to the opposing team. Shepherding is not allowed. Shepherding, from the Australian game, is the act of pushing, bumping or blocking an opposing player from gaining possession of the ball or reaching the contest. Shoulder to shoulder is allowed if the ball is within 5 meter. The game on Saturday was officiated by one of the best Gaelic Football referees of all time “Pat McEnaney” from County Monaghan. The Irish side set out their stall in the first quarter taken early scores with the unfamiliar oval ball to go into a 12 – 0 lead. The Australians came back with 4 points to finish the first quarter 12 – 4. Surprisingly the AFL Masters managed to compete well with the round ball in the second quarter and were unlucky that a few one pointer’s didn’t count as overs. Half time score Ireland 32 Australia 10. The third quarter was the most competitive with every ball contested. Australia outscored the Irish by 16 point to 9 leaving the score going into the final quarter at 41 – 26 in favour of the home side. With a larger panel of players, the Irish team pushed on to finish the final quarter in style racking up an additional 46 points. Australia faded in the final quarter. Their reduced panel of players through injury and some fatigue setting in after a tour which seen them play international test matches in England and France. The Australian captain “Mark Cornish” mentioned in his post-match speech, that the generous Irish hospitality over the past few nights may have taken its toll in the final quarter! The final score line read, Irish Gaelic Masters 87 - Australia AFL Masters 29. The Paddy Gaffney memorial Cup was presented to fellow Denn clubman “Jerome Kireran” captain of the Irish team. The Irish “player of the test” award was presented to “Con O Meara” who plays for Coolera / Strandhill club in Co Sligo. The Australian award went to “Gleen Mangan” who plays with the Woodend Hesket club. As the Masters moto says “We don’t stop playing because we grow old, we grow old because we stop playing”. Click HERE to see a large selection of photos capturing the wonderful skills on display in this unique encounter.

The Kilmeena U-16 boys had home advantage when they played Kilmovee on Tuesday evening the 16th July in round 3 of the C Championship. Kilmeena, playing with a slight wind advantage dominated from the start. With efficient use and quick movement of the ball Kilmeena had racked up 1-12 before Kilmovee registered their first point. Finley Gibbons scored Kilmeena’s goal in the first half. The half time score was 1-14 to 0-01. The Kilmeena lads commenced the second half with the same attitude they displayed in the first half adding on several points and goals from Adam O Grady and Colin Hastings. However, the Kilmovee lads never gave up and penetrated through the Kilmeena defence to score 1-07 in the second half. Well done to both teams and management and congratulations to Kilmeena with 3 wins from 3. Final score, Kilmeena 3-18 to Kilmovee 1-08. Click HERE for more images from the match.

The Cusack cup was on the line when Kilmeena took on their neighbours Westport just down the road at Burrishoole's home ground.It was an 8 o clock through in on the 12th of July on a wonderful evening for football. There was no wind and it was pretty warm. A large crowd had come along anticipating a good game with plenty of young talent on show in both sides. You felt there was more than the Cusack cup on the line as this cup traditionally brought together great rivalries of the past. When the ball was thrown in Westport started the stronger, running hard at kilmeena's defence and drawing frees for Westport. Westport were also kicking scores from play with ease and ran into an early 4 point lead. Kilmeena were struggling to get a foot hold in the game and finding it difficult to score, taking the wrong options on many occasions. When the game settled down kilmeena taged on a few scores and looked to be in control for a period at 0.03 to 0.05. Westport showed a great display of free taking and finished the first half strongly. When Westport score a goal at the end of the first half putting them 7 points clear at the break you could not but think this was going to be Westport 's day. Kilmeena looked shell shocked as this was not the plan. We had not performed in the first half. Half time score 1.08 to 0.04. This was going to be an uphill battle for our lads as Westport had a spring their step going into the dressing room.There was a lot of soul searching at half time and kilmeena were either going to come out fighting or crawl into their shell. They were in a dark place but had a wonderful opportunity to come out and show all what they were made of.As the second half started and Westport started as they finished the first half with a monster free from away out the park. Eight points down kilmeena started a come back and within an 10 minute spell were level. 2.07 to 1 .10. Game on!! Westport scored the next two point and had a great goal opportunity blocked on the line. The game was in the melting pot and kilmeena push on. All the hard work from the previous months paid off. We hit 1.06 in the last 10 minutes to seal the victory by 7. This was a hard fought win and both teams deserve great credit for serving up a very entertaining game. Kilmeena lads will enjoy this one but know they will have to improve if they have any chance of challenging for county honors.Final score 3.13 to 1.12 KILMEENA ABU Click HERE to see additional images.

Well done to all our U10s today in their GoGames away to Burrishoole this morning. Our younger boys had a tough encounter in four eight-minute quarters against a strong Burrishoole side. Plenty to work on but lots of positives to take from the game too. Our older boys, on the other hand, were much too strong for their opposition and displayed some really amazing and entertaining football. Each performed his task superbly, snuffing out any threat that came their way and scoring at will. It was a fine performance to cap this seasons’ GoGames fixtures. In a couple of weeks, the older boys will be moving up to U11s and we wish them well. Thanks to the parents who transported the boys to the venue and for their continued support on the sideline. Finally, a big ‘thank you’ to Kevin Lawless for helping out with the coaching.

Well done to our U6 & U8 girls and management who were in action against Burrishoole this evening. For most, it was their first ever match and was great to see their newly acquired skills on display. Our girls were wearing new jerseys donated by Pete Feehan in honour of his wife Noreen.

The West Mayo Junior B Championship Final was played in Kilmeena on Wednesday evening the 3rd July 2019. Unfortunately for the home side and large numbers of supporters present, this match ended up a one-sided affair after Parke got off to a blazing start firing in 4 goals in the first quarter. Parke looked the hungrier side throughout picking up breaking ball with fast direct supply into their attacking forwards. Some loose marking and lack of pace from the Kilmeena defence contributed to Parke’s early goal scoring tally. As the game developed Kilmeena did get ample possession of the ball but at times, indecision and slow movement resulted in too many turnovers or unsuccessful attempts at taking scores. Kilmeena also missed a penalty late in the game that would have somewhat improved the look of the scoreboard. Final score Kilmeena 0-05 to Parke 4-13 The chairman of the West Mayo GAA Board, Mr. John Gibbons spoke after the game thanking both teams, their management and supporters for a sporting game. John congratulated Parke on their victory and commiserated with Kilmeena saying better days lay ahead. John also thanked the Kilmeena GAA club for the use of their facilities to host the match. John then invited Mr Jim Keane to present the “Paddy Keane Memorial Cup” to the Captain of the Parke team Shane Duffy. Click HERE for more images from the game.

Kilmeena U16 ladies played Castlebar B on very sunny Wednesday evening 3rd July. Rachel Gibbons captained the Kilmeena team for this encounter. The game started off with Castlebar taking a 2 point lead with the sea breeze at their back. Kilmeena were slow to respond and found it hard to penetrate a strong Castlebar defence. The lead changed hands several times throughout the half but by half time Castlebar had a 2 point lead. With the wind at their backs and some half time encouragement from the management, Kilmeena started the second half with a renewed determination to win the game. This started to pay off and Kilmeena eventually took the lead and would not relinquish it again. Castlebar never gave up and were always within touching distance of Kilmeena. The Kilmeena defence were put under a lot of pressure but managed to hold off to win the game. A big thanks to the U14 ladies who stepped up again to help out the U16 ladies. Final score Kilmeena 5-08 to Castlebar Mitchels 4-07. Our next league match is away to Carnancon next Wednesday evening. Match report by Pete Mortimer Click HERE for more images from the game.

The Kilmeena U-12 boys had an away league fixture and travelled the scenic journey to Achill yesterday evening, Monday the 1st July. The U-12 game consisted of four, ten-minute quarters. Kilmeena started strongly and registered some high-quality scores after fluid movement of the ball around the field. In defence their tackling was clinical with some fearless block downs and dispossessions from the attacking Achill team. Kilmeena held a comfortable lead throughout with little wastage of the ball. Their accurate kicking was rewarded where they scored 4-16 before the final whistle. Achill did manage to penetrate through the defence a number of times scoring 3-03 over the course of the game. Well done to both teams and management. The Kilmeena lads that played were; Cormac Slattery, Adam Moran, Cormac O Malley, Alan Gannon, Alex Coyne, Sean Keane, Alan Mortimor, Kyle Mulchrone, Darragh O Grady, Rory Kilcoyne, Dean Staunton, Odhran Grimley, Jake Staunton and Aaron Murray. Click HERE for more images

On Saturday morning we played our final group game at home against our guest club, St Ergnats of Moneyglass ,Co Antrim. Kilmeena made excellent use of the ideal conditions, producing an expansive brand of football which included some fine scores and some diligent defending. We were delighted that all members of the team got minutes on the pitch in this game to showcase their skills. Kilmeena advanced comfortable winners and topped their group with three wins from three. Due to these results Kilmeena advanced to play in the Cup competition, while St Ergnats Moneyglass qualified for the shield competition. Immediately after the game, refreshments were served in the clubhouse, this was a great to opportunity to meet and greet the families from St.Ergnats. https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipMdpbAc8sbdpGwkRXo3DteR-FFZ-_n-eJKBY9jRJ7QFRwdgfeAixCReUYZmHB3c6A?key=UXJtN202a29PS1BQY0hTR0NZcUhXY3JMOHdfc0VB In the afternoon, our lads then departed for Castlebar, for our quarter final against Glenuilin of Co. Derry. This game was played at an intense pace with Kilmeena starting the brightest with an early goal. Kilmeena were then struck a blow when influential midfielder Daniel Kelly had to leave the field of play with an injury. The Ulster then side got a foothold on the game and went into the half-time break with a slender advantage on the scoreboard. Our lads gave it everything in the second half but Glenuilin deservedly emerged victorious on a score line of Kilmeena 3-07 Glenuilin 4-07. There were some unsavory scenes and behavior on the pitch at the end of the game and during the game in the stands, which left a degree of shock and disappointment with the Kilmeena supporters, management and players. https://photos.google.com/share/AF1QipPOYowhM3gJeG4mpWYThvwQEznPuNuzNsHDmbB9BnNLjJKTOaza7XzskWiGS5-88g?key=cWRGZE1LNXhRYk4xc01CQmRpdUtOV2d6UlRkalF3 Later that evening the club held our Féile social evening at Gracy's bar, at Westport House. This event gave us a nice opportunity to again mix and chat with our visiting club members. After witnessing another stressful Mayo victory on the TV screens there, a short presentation ceremony was held. Mementos of the weekend were exchanged to commemorate a successful weekend both on and off the pitch. Thanks were given all who made this great weekend possible (hopefully nobody left out !). Both sets of players also received Féile commemorative T-shirts which were generously sponsored by David O'Grady. On Sunday morning, the Kilmeena Host Families returned the St Engrats players to the parents in Westport, before they headed off to Islandeady to play in their semifinal and later the Final in Westport. Before they headed back we received the great news that St Ergnats had won the Division 5 Shield final. Special mention for Ollie for taking the pictures over the weekend !

Well done to the Kilmeena under 16 girls and management who had a comprehensive win over Claremorris on Thursday evening the 27th June. This game was played in Kilmeena. Due to low numbers available to Claremorris the game was restricted to 13 a-side. Thanks to the Kilmeena under 14 girls who togged out and stepped up to the mark and play with the under 16's. The girls that played this evening were Evie Flynn (captain), Aoife Gibbons, Holly Barrett, Abby McGreal, Rachel Gibbbons, Megan O Malley, Eabha Carney, Laura Kelly, Ciara Joyce, Aine Regan, Aibhlin O Flynn, Megan Mulchrone, Emma Murray, Lisa Hastings, Hattie Cox, Aoife Gannon, Katie Moran and Ellen O Toole.

Huge Congratulations to the Kilmeena U-12 boys who won the Eoin McGroddy Memorial Blitz in Louisburgh yesterday, Saturday the 29th June. The Kilmeena lads played games against Burrishoole and two Louisburgh teams to claim a place in the Final against Burrishoole. Thanks to Louisburgh GAA Club and the McGroddy family. Well done to the Kilmeena management team of John O Grady, Mickey Murray and Carmel Higgins and the twelve Kilmeena lads who played all four matches and came out on top. The lads that played were, Darragh O Grady (Captain), Rory Kilcoyne, Adam Moran, Alan Gannon, Alex Coyne, Odhran Grimley, Aaron Murray, Dean Staunton, Cormac O Malley, Cormac Slattery, Sean Keane and Kyle Mulchrone.

Kilmeena's Feile weekend kicked off this evening in Swinford! Our first game was against St Colums of Cork . We had a disastrous start to the game and were 2-1 to no score down after 3 minutes! Our boys dug in from there and fought back to lead 2-6 to 2-1 at half time. After the break we added extra points to gain what looked like a comfortable lead. In the last quarter we started to tire and St Column’s fought back to give an exciting final 5 minutes . In the end we held out to win 2-11 to 2-6. In our second game against Swinford we started strong and pushed on all the way to a comprehensive win. In fairness, Swinford suffered four injuries in their first game and seemed to feel the effects of back to back games ! On the other side we played nearly our full panel over the course of the game, and all the lads played brilliantly leaving lots of headaches for the selectors tomorrow!! Report by Mike Slattery. Click HERE for album of images from the matches.

Kilmeena U16 boys got their Summer championship off to a great start with a win against neighbours Burrishoole on Tuesday evening last. The game which was played in Burrishoole was full of attacking and free flowing football. Burrishoole was first to sore with a point, Kilmeena replied but Burrishoole then got the first goal of the evening but the men wearing the black and white were not down for long and responded with some good scores including a goal from centre forward Darragh Slattery. Next to raise the green flag was Liam Moore who finished an excellent move to leave Kilmeena leading at half time by 2-05 to 1- 4 . Burrishoole started the second half with great intensity and scored a goal from a penalty and 2 points to lead by a point. Once again Kilmeena, driven on by Oisin Grimley who was excellent throughout, came back and goals from Darragh Slattery and Cillian O Grady pushed Kilmeena ahead again. Both sides traded points as referee Mel Kenny was kept busy trying to control the neighbourly tussles all over the pitch but it was Kilmeena who finished strongest winning out with a final score of Kilmeena 4-9 to Burrishoole 2-8. Kilmeena: Evan O Donnell, Rian Kilcoyne, Harry Sheridan, Colin Hastings, Oisin Grimley, Ben Lennon, Liam Moore, Ciaran Kilcoyne, Brian Durcan, Darragh Slattery, Jack Mulchrone, Daniel O Malley, Cillian O’Grady Subs: Gavin Mulchrone, Sean Gallagher, Adam O Grady, Cormac Feehan, Conor Feehan, Conall Gill. Report by Neil O Donnell

On Saturday evening we will host a social event at Gracy's Bar and Restaurant in Westport House for the Children and families of both Kilmeena & St Ergnats teams. This promises to be a great night and we would encourage all to attend. We plan to watch the Mayo Match from 7pm on the TV's at Gracy's and then there will be a BBQ served followed by short presentations. All club members are welcome to attend.

The Annual Kilmeena GAA Club Under-10 Paddy Golden Memorial Blitz was held on Saturday the 22nd June 2019. The freshly painted grounds and manicured pitches looked immaculate as the Sun shone down on the large crowd of players, supporters and volunteers who participated in this festival of football for all the GAA clubs in West Mayo. Thirty six teams with approximately 400 boys and girls took part. Six teams took part in the A competition with Ballintubber and Parke topping the initial round in their respective groups. Closely fought Semi Finals saw 13 goals and 18 points scored between Ballintubber v Balla, and Castlebar v Parke. Castlebar and Ballintubber qualified for the A Final. The A Final was a repeat of the opening game in Group 1 but this time the result was reversed with Castlebar emerging victorious on a score line of 5-05 to 1-07. 12 teams contested the B section which was divided into 3 equal groups of 4 teams. After the initial rounds Kilmeena, Ballintubber and Tourmakeady topped their respective groups. Due to scoring aggregate Ballintubber got a bye to the final. Kilmeena and Tourmakeady battled out a defensively strong, low scoring game which Tourmakeady won by 2-02 to 1-02. The B final again, was a close game with Tourmakeady getting the better of Ballintubber by 2-02 to 0-03. Section C was made up of 8 teams with 2 groups of 4. Ballintubber and Burrishoole contested the C final. This again was a tight competitive game with Burrishoole winning by 2-02 to 4-06. As the number of girls playing football continues to grow in the West Mayo clubs we had a record number of teams register this year. The girls competition was divided into an A and B section both consisting of 2 groups of 5 teams. Westport and Islandeady qualified for the A final with Westport winning by 3-05 to 1-01. Kilmeena and Tourmakeady qualified for the B final. This was close game with the host Club outscoring Tourmakeady by 3-04 to 2-04. Over 50 games were played with presentations completed before 3:00pm. Well done to all the boys and girls that participated in the Blitz and congratulations to the winning teams. Prior to the final presentation our club Chairman, Mr Willie Keaveney held a very respectable minutes silence as a mark or respect to our former Clubman Mick Burke who sadly passed away last Thursday the 20th June. May Micks gentle soul Rest in Peace. Kilmeena GAA club would like to acknowledge the Golden family, Carrowholly, for their continued sponsorship of this event. A huge community effort is put in to making the U-10 Paddy Golden Memorial Blitz successful. It takes a massive effort to plan and run this event. To all the club volunteers (Parking Stewarts, Referees, Umpires, Pitch Coordinators, First Aiders, Photographers, Score takers, MC’s, Shop assistants, Kitchen helpers, those who brought food.) a BIG THANK YOU. Hugh Golden presenting the Cup to the Castlebar team Captain. Castlebar winners of the Boys A section. Padraic Golden presenting the Sheild to the Captain of the Tourmakeady Team. Tourmakeady winners of the Boys B section. Mary Golden presenting the Sheild to the captain of the Burrishoole Team. Burrishoole winners of the Boys C section. The A Sheild being presented to the captain of the Westport Team Westport winners of the Girls A section. Siobhan Golden presenting the Sheild to the joint captain's of the Kilmeena Team. Kilmeena winners of the Girls B section. Click HERE for images from the day. The images attributed to the above link were taken randomly, and in no particular order, during the various matches on the day. It is up to the viewer to scroll through the tranche of images to find the photos that apply to you. View Colm Barrett's two albums of images of the day here and here.