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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.

Congratulations to both of our magnificent U10 teams on their performances in this year's Paddy Golden Blitz. Our younger lads narrowly missed out on qualifying for the semi-final after their loss/draw/win series of matches. They did their coaches and club proud. It's hard to overestimate the progress these boys have made since training resumed in March. Our older boys performed heroically too, being the only team of three groups in Division B to have won all three of their group matches. Having narrowly lost to a good Tourmakeady side in the semi-final, our boys knew that that result didn't reflect their potential but they bore their loss with great dignity. The coaches would like to congratulate every single player of this fantastic group. We're so proud of the effort and progress they have made this season so far. There's no doubt that silverware isn't too far away! Finally, a huge 'thank you' to all the parents for the food and all of the various jobs you made yourselves available for. We all know what a special event the Paddy Golden Blitz is, but it simply could not take place without your efforts. Mairead, Pat, Kieran and Barry, and our helpers on the day, James Keane, Hugo Feehan and Pat Coughlan.

The untimely passing of Michael ( Mick) Burke, Drumminwonagh, Westport and formerly of Tourmakeady, recalls a glorious era in the history of Kilmeena G.A.A. Club….Mick, the footballer, Mick, the Manager and in the unanimous opinion of those who knew him well…Mick the Gentleman. Mick played with his native Tourmakeady and won an All Ireland Comórtas Peile na Gaeltachta medal in 1973. He donned the Kilmeena black and white jersey in the early 1980’s and completed the full forward lineout with teammates Michael Keane and Dermot Flaherty. They formed a formidable trio and another former teammate, Michael Ryan, compared them to “the front row on the Irish Rugby Team”. As a manager, Mick was exceptionally astute and matched skillsets to perfection. He was a natural motivator and conversationalist which always ensured a positive response from his panel of players. Mick experienced many fine hours on the line as he witnessed his V.E.C. Senior Squad crowned All Ireland Champions in 1982. He had further success in 1985 when his Mayo Minor team beat Cork to lift the Tommy Markham Cup in Croke Park. His managerial hand of victory also reached to Kilmeena G.A.A. in 1986 as the Club and parish celebrated a County Junior Championship title. Mick was also a selector with Mayo senior team and manager of Burrishoole senior team for a number of years. While the annals of Kilmeena G.A.A. Club will record the County Junior Championship title in 1986, only those who knew Mick well can relate the stories of his unique personality. His athletic physique and commanding presence concealed the kind-hearted, sociable, witty, amenable and loyal person that manifested Mick Burke. His social occasions always included his two favourite songs, “Raglan Road” and “Boys of Barr na Sráide” Precious moments in time that have now become treasured memories. Mick, you brought glory, pride and joy to Kilmeena G.A.A. Club. May you now have received the ultimate accolade of Eternal Peace. Slán Abhaile a Mhíchíl agus buíochas leat. Thanks to Clair Ryan with assistance from Michael Ryan and Kevin Barrett for composing this piece.

Kilmeena U-12 boys played their first round of the Summer league at home to Islandeady yesterday evening. It was a great game of football to watch with both teams working very hard. When these lads met earlier in the season there was nothing to separate them with the game ending in a draw. However, this time around Kilmeena outscored Islaneady by 7-06 to 4-06. It was great to see the improvement in the Kilmeena players and only for good defensive work and tidy goal keeping the result could have been much closer. Well done to both teams and management for a good competitive game. Click HERE for images from the game.

Kilmeena U-8 and U-10 boys traveled to Louisburgh this morning with enough numbers for two teams at each age group. The morning was wet, but the Sun came out just in time before the ball was thrown in to leave the spectators in comfort to watch from the side-lines. Each team played two matches where the young lads got to show off their skills as the ball moved from end to end up and down the pitch. Well done to all the lads and their coaches for providing very entertaining competitive football. Also, thanks to Louisburgh for catering so well for everybody after the games. Click HERE for images from the day.

A wave of sadness and nostalgia engulfed the Kilmeena G.A.A. Club and the parish with the announcement of the death, in Chicago, of Mr. Joe Higgins, who was originally from Cushalogurt, Kilmeena. Joe was the oldest of three boys and was predeceased by his brothers Eamon and Paddy who died on 19th May 2019. Joe’s passing ends the final chapter in the life of the Higgins’ family in Cushalogurt and many memories of gold were evoked for those who can recall Joe’s years of friendship and camaraderie. Joe emigrated to Chicago in 1955 and the U.S.A. became his home. He worked in construction, in Alaska, for a number of years before settling in San Francisco. However, he returned annually to visit family and friends and his love for his native shores never diminished. Joe had a quiet, unassuming personality which was enhanced with unwavering qualities of sincerity, loyalty, generosity and kindness. He was reared by Patrick and Bridget Lynn, Cushalogurt, and a tangible bond of affection was created which remained a cherished memory for all three persons throughout their lifetime. Joe played a pivotal role in the revival of Kilmeena G.A.A. Club following the aftermath of World War Two. The inaugural General Meeting was held on Sunday 11th April 1951 and Joe was elected Chairman. Joe’s leadership was inspirational and with a dedicated, determined committee and panel of players, the bedrock for today’s successful football Club was established. He also served as Vice Chairman in 1952, 1954 and 1955. On the football pitch he was a solid and uncompromising centre half back and his dogged persistence doused the scoring aspirations of the opposition on numerous occasions. The “Mayo News” recorded Joe’s departure to Chicago in 1955 with a very descriptive sentence of his football prowess: “He was the rock on which many an opposition’s attack floundered”. Despite emigrating to Chicago Joe never relinquished his affinity with Kilmeena G.A.A. Club. The magnitude of his loyalty to the Club was aptly displayed with the donation of his field adjacent to the football pitch in 1997. His only stipulation was that the field would be utilised to train under-age teams and that it would be dedicated to the memory of Patrick Lynn. Joe certainly possessed a noble heart full of dreams that would enhance and expand his beloved football Club. He sought no reward but had the priceless satisfaction of providing a space which would encourage Gaelic football and secure the future of Kilmeena G.A.A. Club. It is truly befitting that the memory of Joe Higgins will be honoured with the presentation of the Kilmeena G.A.A. flag to his family members in Chicago before he is laid to rest. This unassuming man who bequeathed the Club his blueprint of generosity, loyalty, dedication and friendship. Joe, may you have a pleasant crossing and a safe landing to your new-found land beyond all distant stars and may it be filled with all the happiness, love and joy that you so freely imparted to all who had the privilege of knowing you in Kilmeena. Many thanks to Claire Ryan for compiling this piece with assistance from Paddy O Grady and John Moran. Thanks also to Bernie O Donnell (Carrowbeg) now living in Sydney for supplying photographs. Paddy, Eamon and Joe Higgins. Declan & Dylan Duffy, Joe & Paddy Higgins with Katelin Higgins (granddaughter of Paddy in front). Hugh & Anne O Donnell with Paddy and Joe Higgins. Joe Higgins photoed playing a match in Newport in 1955.

Kilmeena GAA are taking part in the Féile football competition(u14 boys) on the weekend of Friday 28th to Sunday 30th June. Kilmeena will be participating in Division 5. We will be hosting the club St Ergnats from Moneyglass, Co Antrim. The other teams in our four team group (group C) will be Swinford, Co Mayo and St Colums from Kealkil, Co Cork. In the group stage of the competition in Swinford on Friday, we play St Colums at 4:45pm and Swinford at 6:15pm. On Saturday morning we play St Ergnats at home at 10:45am. We will then have a quarter Final on Saturday afternoon. Depending on winning our games, we could then have a Semifinal on Sunday morning and a Final on Sunday afternoon. The times and venues for these games will only be known a few hours before the games. Fortunately, in any event we will not have to travel too far for these games as they will be held in either Westport, Islandeady or Castlebar. The children from Moneyglass will be staying on the Friday & Saturday nights with some Kilmeena families. A special thanks to the families of the u14's who volunteered to provide accommodation. Some of the Moneyglass families will also be travelling down and staying locally in Hotels, B&B's etc. On the Saturday evening we will host a social event at Gracy's Bar and Restaurant in Westport House for the Children and families of both 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 TV at Gracy's and then there will be a BBQ served followed by short presentations. All club members are welcome to attend. Just a bit of background for those unfamiliar with the competition. (from the Féile Website!) The John West Féile na nÓg is a Club festival for Gaelic football and Ladies Gaelic football at Under 14 level, involving teams from across the Association. The John West Féile na nÓg National tournaments will be held across Connacht on the weekend of 28th - 30th June 2019. Féile provides an opportunity for: Under 14 players to participate in an annual Festival of Hurling/Camogie, Handball and Gaelic Football/Ladies Gaelic football Clubs to experience playing against teams from other Counties/Provinces Clubs to foster links with other Clubs in other Counties/Provinces Counties to celebrate Gaelic games by acting as hosts A core aim of Féile tournaments is to promote a philosophy whereby every player has the opportunity to participate and play in their respective Féile tournament at a level commensurate to their age, skills and strengths. 1. Participating Teams John West Féile na nÓg competitions are composed of host and visiting teams. Host teams are drawn from the host region (Counties). Visiting teams participating at the National Finals of Féile na nÓg will be nominated by their County Bord na nÓg to represent their respective Counties. Both host clubs and visiting Counties are graded into their respective divisions. Normally the identity of the visiting teams is determined by the results of internal Féile na nGael competitions, however, due to the level of interest from host clubs, each visiting County is usually asked to nominate 2 – 3 representatives. All overseas units are also asked to nominate representatives to take part at Féile na nÓg. In the 2019 John West Féile na nÓg boys football tournament, there are 104 host teams. These 104 host teams, will host visiting teams from across the 27 non-hosting Counties, plus Britain, Europe, North America, and Australia. In total, 13 overseas teams will travel to take part this year. In the girls football event, there are 64 host teams, with 64 visitors travelling from across Ireland, Britain and North America. 2. Competition Format In 2019, the Divisions are composed of 16 teams – 8 host clubs, and their 8 visiting teams. In the boys competition, there will be 11 divisions. Depending on local requirements, deviation from the 16 team division is possible in co-operation with the national Féile committee. Thus, in the girls competition, there are 7 divisions of 16 teams. Since 2014, Féile na nÓg has introduced both Cup and Shield competitions in each Division. To facilitate this each division of 16 teams is divided into four groups (Groups A – D) of four teams (two host clubs and their visiting clubs). Each team plays each other team on a round robin basis. Upon completion of the three group games teams are ranked 1 – 4. Teams ranked 1st and 2nd proceed to the Cup quarter finals, while teams ranked 3rd and 4th proceed to the Shield quarter finals. Therefore, each participating team is guaranteed a minimum of four games – three group games, and either a Cup or Shield quarter final. Thereafter, knockout quarter finals, semi-finals and finals take place in each of the Cup and Shield competitions. 3. Playing Numbers Participating teams shall be 15-a-side, comprising of players who are over 10 and under 14 years of age on 1st January in the year of Féile. Panels in a 15-a-side division are limited to 24 players. Similarly, amalgamated teams are permitted to participate in Féile na nÓg, though again this is limited to those clubs that field as an amalgamated unit in their local Under 14 competitions in that year. It is not possible for either host or visiting clubs to request to amalgamate for the purposes of participation at Féile only. Each team shall be accompanied by a maximum of 4 team mentors. 4. Competition Schedule The final competition schedule is to be confirmed, however usually the schedule is as follows: Friday 28th June: Each team plays their first two group games Saturday 29th June: Each team plays their final group game Each team plays their Cup or Shield quarter final Sunday 30th June Cup and Shield semi finals Cup and Shield finals

A terrific display of football skills from both teams in the Cumann na mBunscol Boys County Final between St Brendan's N.S. V Crossmolina with the Northerners taking the honours for the second year in a row with some classy football. more match images HERE... and further more HERE

Resounding performance from the girls of St Brendan's N.S. Myna on winning the Cumann na mBunscol County Final in McHale Park yesterday. St Brendan's 1 - 13 1 - 3 Charlestown. more images HERE...

In a lacklustre affair, Kilmeena dominate in their clash with Holymount/Carramore in the Michael Walsh Junior Cup in Carromore yesterday. Kilmeena 6 - 15 Holymount/Carramore Match Images HERE...

Kilmeena u14 boys commenced their championship campaign at home to Kiltimagh. The game was played on a wet evening which led to many handling errors. Despite the away side dominating possession in the first half, Kilmeena managed to go in-front at the sound of the halftime whistle thanks to some well worked team scores. The scoreboard at half time read Kilmeena 1-07 Kiltimagh 1-06 The first few minutes were nip and tuck with both teams exchanging scores. Eventually Kilmeena stretched their lead to 3 points but credit to Kiltimagh who leveled proceedings with a goal against the run of play. A pointed Kilmeena free put us back ahead by the minimum and through some excellent defensive work we managed to hang on for the win. Thanks to the strong local support who enjoyed an very exciting game on the evening. Next up on Thursday 13th June at 7pm we play Castlebar at home ! Kilmeena 1 - 14 2 - 10 Kiltimagh Match images here...

Kilmeena U12 girls gave a sterling performance against a strong Kilmaine side in their U12 Girls grading League game in Kilmeena yesterday evening. Kilmeena 5 - 1 6 - 12 Kilmaine more...

Kilmeena were happy to have a home game to start their 2019 season in the U14 Girls League. Islandeady put up a tough challenge, but the Kilmeena Girls kept their half time lead of 7 points to finish as winners on a score of: Kilmeena 7 - 5 4 - 3 Islandeady more...