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Emmet Aylward, a member of last year's Kilmeena minor team (and hopefully this year's too!) had fantastic success with his rugby team, Glenstal Abbey School, as they lifted their first Clayton Hotels Munster Schools Senior Cup following an 18-17 victory over Christian Brothers College at Irish Independent Park on Sunday evening. Well done Emmett. Emmett Aylward, with parents Pat and Ursula, and the Munster senior cup they won for the first time in schools history.

Kilmeena lined out against Balla in a sunny 18th of March. This was a lively game of football played by two teams that are looking to progress again this year. Kilmeena started well with two points but Balla rallied and tag on 5points before Liam Heanue struck with a goal. It kept with the ebb and flow of the first half and Kilmeena were 1 - 03 to 1 - 06 down at half time. See more photos here. The second half started the same as the first with Kilmeena striking first. Balla were very potent up front and punished us for some sloppy defence scoring 3 second half goals. We did respond with one ourselves by substitute Pat Coughlin. Over all this was a positive display taking into consideration we had 10 changes from the previous game. All in all there are plenty of guys putting their hand up for selection and going to give management a headache going into the first round of the league. Final score: Balla 4 - 9 Kilmeena 2 - 7. Onward and upwards - Kilmeena abú! See more photos Here.

Bord na nOg meeting this Thursday 15th March in the Club house at 8pm. All managers and mentors are asked to attend. Congratulations to our Kilmeena Lads Keith Joyce, Jack Carney, John McGlynn and Robbie Harper who represented Rice College in their historic first ever Connaught title on Saturday last. All in the club wish them well in the All Ireland Final. In the Ladies section of the Club Lily Brady has been selected for the Irish 7's Rugby panel. Congrats Lily and all the best for the future.

A great day was had by all to mark Fr. Jim Walsh’s birthday. Before Sunday mass, Fr. Charlie spoke movingly of Fr. Jim’s contribution to life in the parish before departing for a prior engagement. To celebrate the mass, Fr. Jim was joined by Fr. Anthony King who spoke of his long friendship with, and memories of Fr. Jim. Kilmeena Folk Choir provided the music and were on top form. After mass, the celebrations moved to the Community Centre where a huge gathering devoured the tea, sandwiches and cakes provided by the community. A group of talented local musicians, the Folk Choir and other local entertainers added to the celebratory atmosphere. Thanks to everyone who contributed their services and talents to making the day such a wonderful success. Below is a selection of photos from the day by Ollie Mulchone.

Dean Smyth and Willie Keaveney presenting the Club person of the year award to Padraic Moore. Player of the Year award in Ladies football went to Katie Hogan. Most improved player went to Sarah Mulchrone. Lucy O'Malley accepted the award on her behalf John Ryan Young Player of the Year, Liam Heanue Senior Player of the year, and Ryan McGonagle Minor Player of the Year. Members of the Clew Bay Pipe Band who picked up the Community Award on the night/ Photos by Conor McKeown The Annual Kilmeena GAA Dinner Dance took place in the Westport Woods Hotel on Saturday night 10th February 2018. It was a most enjoyable occasion and a fitting end to what was a very successful and memorable year in the Club. 2017 saw the Club win, and also come runner up in the following competitions: Under 16's won the West Mayo B Championship. The Minor team won the West Mayo Minor B Championship. The Junior team won Division 1D of the Senior League.The under 13 team were runners up in Division 1 of their league, narrowly beaten by Westport. The Under 15 team were runners up in Division 2 of their league, again, narrowly beaten by Mayo Gaels, and of course Myna National School won Division 2 of the Cumann na Mbunscoil competition for the first time in their history. These are huge achievements for a rural club and must be recognised, and celebrated. On the night the club were delighted to have as their guest John Gibbons ,the Chairman of the West Board. We were also delighted to have the company of Councillor Brendan Mulroy and Councillor Christy Hyland. The Club also launched its new web site on the night. It’s an upgrade on the clubs original website, and is more user friendly. The website was designed and built by Barry Murphy a club member, and we are pleased with the outcome, and very thankful to Barry for all his hard work on the site. Presentations were made to the victorious teams on the night and the following awards were made by the Club. Ladies Minor/Junior Player of the Year Award went to Katie Hogan. Most Improved player went to Sarah Mulchrone Unfortunately Sarah was unavailable to collect her award so Lucy O’Malley accepted it on her behalf. In the Men’s section: Player of the year Liam Heanue, Most improved player, was split between Nial Feehan and Andrew Grealis. Young Player of the year John Ryan and Minor Player of the year Ryan McGonagle. The Clubs Community award went to the Clew Bay Pipe Band for their contribution to music and for the involvement of so many of our young members from the Club in the band .John Hogan accepted this award on behalf of the band. The Clubman of the year award went to a wonderful Clubman, Padraic Moore. Padraic has been treasurer of the Club for the past four years and has done a most professional job, he also finds time to coach underage teams ,and was a very worthy recipient. This award was sponsored by Midwest Furniture, and the presentation was made by Dean Smythe. A huge thanks goes to Darren Madden and to his committee, who once again excelled in gathering a large crowd ,and ensured that the evening ran off smoothly. This was an occasion where the people of the parish came out to support the young men and women and to celebrate with them in their achievements, It was also a nice social occasion,and we are looking forward to doing the same next year.

Our U14 boys kicked off their season today Sunday (11/2/'18) with a trip to Galway to play Salthill/Knocknacarra in a challenge game. The bus departed in snowy conditions that felt more like we were heading to Pyeongchang to compete in the Winter Olympics! We played at Salthill/Knocknacarra in Cappagh Park on the Barna road, an impressive facility! We had a comprehensive win against it must be admitted a below full strength side. That said, we were missing a good number of players too. Given the early stage of year and conditions some great football was played. After our game we headed to Salthill stadium clubhouse and well earned refreshments! From there we headed into the stadium to watch the Galway v. Mayo game. The only low spot of the day was enduring the Mayo performance! A slow struggle through Salthill traffic and stop-off at Supermacs capped a great day! Thanks to Michael Gavin for coming up with a great idea for a day out and using his contacts to get it organised! Finally, great credit is due to our hosts for facilitating everything including after-match refreshments . We hope to reciprocate a visit to Mayo before too long! (Missing from picture but played match, Tom Hastings)

Having narrowly missed out on promotion in 2016, the clear aim for 2017 was to get promotion to Div 1C. It was always going to be a challenge given any number of issues that can come to light in a six month campaign. There wasn’t much time to ease our way into the campaign, when faced with a home fixture against promotion contenders Killala. In an evenly matched contest the lads from Kilmeena ran out winners and we were up and running. Then it was off to Tourmakeady a week later and in a tough uncompromising encounter, we salvaged a draw. Two games in and a steady start against tough opponents. Garrymore conceded the points in our next fixture, and then a visit to Ballintubber resulted in a comprehensive victory leaving us top of the table after the first set of league fixtures. Championship then started at the end of May and first up was Crossmolina. In the recent past, having suffered to these opponents, nothing was left to chance and a 9 point victory was a good return for a very focussed performance. Ballina was up next in the Championship campaign and they met the same fate in the face of an excellent Kilmeena performance. Back to the bread and butter of the League, we hosted Ballycastle in a game we knew was going to be critical to our promotion hopes. We struggled for long periods, but we managed to ease out the visitors, and after we followed up with a big win in Kilfian, promotion was on the horizon at the halfway point of the campaign. Next in line was Charlestown in the Championship, and again a good solid victory was registered and top of the championship group was secured. A few weeks later we hosted Crossmolina this time in the league, and in a stunning performance the boys in black and white ran out easy winners. This was followed up with a tough bruising encounter at Davitts, and after an excellent victory, we were on the cusp of promotion. Going into September, and we were all set for a Championship quarter final against Ballycastle. The scene was set in Ballina and on a stormy day in a low scoring encounter we managed to rescue a draw at the death. The replay two weeks later was to prove to be the most frustrating day of the year. We were well beaten on a day when we Senior Review 2017 League Division 1D/Junior Championship (By John Doherty) seriously under performed. However, there was no time to wallow in self pity. Knockmore were coming to town in a huge promotion clash a week later, and in a sense we held our breath to see how this young team would respond. In the end there should have been no need to worry. This squad did what they always do in adversity – the response was as incisive as a surgeon’s knife, and Knockmore were put to the sword in a display full of vigour and sheer bloody mindedness. The points were secured and we stood on the brink of promotion. A week later we were off to Ballina in our season defining game and the home lot were in no mood to facilitate our path to glory. In a game which swung back and forth, again perseverance won through and an outstanding year was capped with promotion. Now the focus was on becoming league champions and one victory in the last two games would secure the league. Kilcommin came to Kilmeena, but were no answer to the firepower of the Kilmeena men as we ran out comprehensive winners, and the league was secured. In the final game we travelled to play Charlestown, who in a senior studded lineout really gave us a game of it, which we edged through by the minimum margin. This was a serious achievement for this committed squad of players. The Championship ended in a very disappointing manner especially when the run was looking promising. However, the league campaign was exceptional in how we maintained our consistency We went through unbeaten and in the end were four league points ahead of our nearest opponents. Moving to a higher level and engaging with tougher opponents will not be beyond this squad and will be a challenge that this team will relish and enjoy in 2018. Junior League Champions Back Row L-R: Mickey Feeney, Jason Barry, Joey Smyth, Ross Mullin, Niall Feehan, Sean Ryder, Andrew Grealis, Stephen Staunton, Alan Ryan, Niall Ryan, Neil Duffy, John Reilly, Sean Barrett, Ronan Keane, Kevin Ryder, Patrick Golden, John Doherty and John McGlynn. Front Row L-R: Paul Groden, Declan Ryan, John Ryan, Darragh Keaveney, David Stenson, Liam Heanue, Chris Heanue, Kieran Hastings, James Keane, Jack Staunton, Pat Mulchrone, Paul Moran, Joe Ryan and Keith Joyce.

Kilmeena Minor campaign started well with an unbeaten run in division 2B. We played open and expansive football and thrilled the crowds that came out to support us. Th e teams that we played in our group were Ballintubber, Hollymount/Carramore, Ballaghaderreen, Ballinrobe and Carras. We topped the group and set up a date with our nearest rivals Burrishoole. We lost this game and were disappointed as we played very well but lost by a point in a thriller to a well drilled Burrishoole team. This set us up for another date with Burrishoole in the West Mayo Championship. Again we went down with an under strength side. We knew that if we could defeat Ballintubber in the West semi-fi nal we would again meet Burrishoole in the fi nal. We just about managed to get over Ballintubber in a tight encounter in Clogher. At this stage we were very eager not to come out the wrong end of the result against our neighbour and we turned the tide in the West final. I have to say we enjoyed this performance as everyone played so well. As it happened this was the end of our year. The Minor Championship came at a time when our under 16’s were playing Championship and our Junior team was preparing for Junior Quarter-fi nal and trying to win their league. Injury was also a problem and all this meant we had to concede our games. Th is is one of the problems of having success at every level and having quite a bit of cross-over in age groups. All in all we had a successful year and we eventually defeated the one team that was able to beat us during the season in the most important game for us this year. I would like to thank all the players that gave everything and were a pleasure to manage. I also had the pleasure of working with John Reilly and Brian Lennon. I would like to thank them for all their efforts. West Mayo Minor Champions Back row L-R: Brian Lennon, Kevin Ryder, Jack Staunton, Ryan McGonagle, Alex O’Riain, Bailey Nevin, Ciaran Costello, Jack Carney, Sean McGreal, Sean Moore, Emmet Aylward, Josh Mulchrone, Darren Madden, Manager; Billy McGonagle. Front row L-R: John Reilly, John McGlynn, Kian Moore, Ronan O’Donnell, Keith Joyce, John Ryan, Robbie Harper, John Keane, Simon Duffy, Jason McGlynn

Kilmeena U16 Boys commenced training on the last day of February to set out their stall for the 2017 season. We were pitched in Division 3 of the league (a 9 team group), Aughamore, Hollymount/ Carramore, Swinford, Ardnaree, Burrishoole, Naomh Padraig, Parke and Balla. With the age profile of our squad and the calibre of teams in the group a top four (semi final) spot looked beyond us on paper. However, a convincing home round 1 win against Hollymount/Carramore followed by away wins over Burrishoole and Parke meant the season was off to a great start. Now a top four finish was a realist target, the team improved with each game and carried on the great form to finish the group in top spot and secure a home semi final. Round 9 a home game against Ardnaree (a top of the table clash) was the stand out game of the group which was won by 3 - 12 to 3 - 08. Hollymount/Carramore were defeated in a home semi final to set up a much anticipated final against Ardnaree who had disposed of Naomh Padraig in the other semi. On a sunny evening at the end of May Kilmeena took to the field in Parke for the final but it was all a bit of an anti-climax when Ardnaree failed to show up. We were presented with the cup but as we had finished top of the table we felt it was well justified. As a result of winning the league we were drawn in the B section of the Summer Championship against Ballina, Ballaghaderreen and Ballintubber. We were well beaten away to Ballaghaderreen, a home win against Ballintubber, an away defeat to Ballina but an impressive performance. Aside from the away defeat to Ballaghaderreen we competed very well at this level and were generally happy with where we were at. The West Mayo B Championship was the final competition for this group. Our first game was a home semi-final against Breaffy who had operated above us in the league. We knew it would take a massive performance to win this one and a hugely impressive display was delivered to secure a final position by the minimum of margins. Ballintubber were our opposition in the final and on a fine August evening in Islandeady probably our most impressive display of the season was delivered to secure the West crown on a score line of 3 -11 to 1-06. The league and championship double was won and great credit must go to this talented group of young men, who were captained by the excellent Jack Carney (who also represented Mayo at U16 level this year.) U15 Boys We were drawn in division 2 of the under 15 league, 5 straight wins over Crossmolina, Ardnaree, Burrishoole, Achill and Naomh Padraig secured a home semi final against a well drilled physical Ballinrobe side. The “cliché” the game of two halves was very apt for this one as we were 15 points down at half time but went on to win the game by a point with one of the great come backs. We faced a highly fancied Mayo Gaels side in the final and came up short losing 5 - 12 to 3 - 10 in the end. A great year all round for the U15 and U16 lads. Panel: Cathal Cawley, Brian Mortimer, Chris McGlynn, Tom Smyth, Simon Duffy, Jack Carney, Niall Mullin, Ronan O’Donnell (Fahy), Mikey Hastings, Iain Murphy, Jason McGlynn, Mark Hastings, Chris McNally, Kian Moore, Ronan O’Donnell (Kilmeena), Robbie Staunton, Sean Costello, Adam Sheridan, Conor Kerins, Nathan Heanue, Luke Garavan, Gerard Gibbons, Cillian O’Grady, Sean Prenty, Oisìn Grimley, Ben Lennon, Daniel O’Malley, Jamie Staunton, Rory Nolan, Jack Walsh, Tighe Costello. Management: Padraic Moore, Neil O’Donnell and Declan Ryan. Back row L-R: Padraic Moore (Manager), Conor Kerins, Iain Murphy, Niall Mullin, Simon Duffy, Brian Mortimer, Ronan O’Donnell (Fahy), Chris McGlynn, Adam Sheridan, Kian Moore, Robbie Staunton, Luke Garavan, Ronan O’Donnell (Kilmeena), Nathan Heanue, Neil O’Donnell (Manager). Front Row L-R: Declan Ryan (Manager), Sean Prenty, Ben Lennon, Cillian O’Grady, Cathal Cawley, Chris McNally, Jason McGlynn, Jack Carney (capt), Sean Costello, Mikey Hastings, Tom Smythe, Oisin Grimley, Mark Hastings.

We were drawn in division 2 of the under 15 league, 5 straight wins over Crossmolina, Ardnaree, Burrishoole, Achill and Naomh Padraig secured a home semi final against a well drilled physical Ballinrobe side. The “cliché” the game of two halves was very apt for this one as we were 15 points down at half time but went on to win the game by a point with one of the great come backs. We faced a highly fancied Mayo Gaels side in the final and came up short losing 5 - 12 to 3 - 10 in the end. A great year all round for the U15 and U16 lads. Panel: Cathal Cawley, Brian Mortimer, Chris McGlynn, Tom Smyth, Simon Duffy, Jack Carney, Niall Mullin, Ronan O’Donnell (Fahy), Mikey Hastings, Iain Murphy, Jason McGlynn, Mark Hastings, Chris McNally, Kian Moore, Ronan O’Donnell (Kilmeena), Robbie Staunton, Sean Costello, Adam Sheridan, Conor Kerins, Nathan Heanue, Luke Garavan, Gerard Gibbons, Cillian O’Grady, Sean Prenty, Oisìn Grimley, Ben Lennon, Daniel O’Malley, Jamie Staunton, Rory Nolan, Jack Walsh, Tighe Costello. Management: Padraic Moore, Neil O’Donnell and Declan Ryan. Back row L-R: Padraic Moore (Manager), Conor Kerins, Iain Murphy, Niall Mullin, Simon Duffy, Brian Mortimer, Ronan O’Donnell (Fahy), Chris McGlynn, Adam Sheridan, Kian Moore, Robbie Staunton, Luke Garavan, Ronan O’Donnell (Kilmeena), Nathan Heanue, Neil O’Donnell (Manager). Front Row L-R: Declan Ryan (Manager), Sean Prenty, Ben Lennon, Cillian O’Grady, Cathal Cawley, Chris McNally, Jason McGlynn, Jack Carney (capt), Sean Costello, Mikey Hastings, Tom Smythe, Oisin Grimley, Mark Hastings.

Supported by a large number of U16 players, the minor panel competed well in all their matches against strong opposition, best shown in their 2-5 score against a very experienced and organised Breaffy team in the league. The championship saw the team facing a strong St. Brigid’s team away who were deserved winners on the day. Strong second half displays in many matches shows the spirit in the team for which they deserve great credit. With numbers growing and many of the panel still eligible next year, the minor team will hopefully go from strength to strength in 2018.

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The U16 girls competed very well and represented the Club with pride during 2017. A total of 24 ladies played at U16 level throughout the year. Training commenced on the 24th Feb with over 40 outings in total for the group. The U16, minors and Juniors trained together which made training more enjoyable for all. Th e team competed well in the league with notable performances against The Neale and Westport. The Championship ended with defeat to St Bridget’s in a tight game. A number of the ladies were invited into the Mayo development squad which is important for the development of players in the Club. The future is bright for this group as they develop their skills and enjoy the social side of ladies football. Thanks to Colm Barrett and Trish Hogan for their help with training and match preparations during the year. Thanks to Pakie Keane and Pat Mulchrone who did several strength and conditioning sessions early in the season. Thanks to all parents for their assistance during the year. 2017 panel: Susannah Horgan, Nina Mathestein, Dearbhla Grealis, Laura Moore, Holly Barrett, Ava Ryder, Chloe McGing, Molly Moore, Katie Hogan, Lisa Rose, Jamie Geraghty, Ciara Joyce, Laura Kelly, Dearbhla Feehan, Shannon Burke, Sarah McDonald, Abby McGreal, Áine Regan, Tina Browne, Aoife Gibbons, Rachel Gibbons, Kelly Murray and Cliodhna O Connell and Megan O’Malley. Kilmeena L.G.F.A. continues to grow. The improved facilities made a big diff erence with the kicking wall, indoor room and sanded areas being very useful when the pitch was not available. The opening of the additional playing pitch in 2018 will facilitate even more football for the ladies of the parish. Thanks to everyone for an enjoyable year.

The U-8 girls group started training in April and continued to the end of September. Th ere were 16 girls registered in this group. Th is year the focus was on fun, fi tness and skills development. All players received their own football from the club and it was decided to use the L.G.F.A. Football Skills Programme for 8 weeks. Th is involved daily practice of a set of skills and the girls worked hard. Th e improvement in their skills was obvious, especially kicking points with both feet at such a young age. We travelled to Westport for an end of year game, splitting into U-6 and U-8 teams. Th e girls were proud to wear the Kilmeena jersey and played their best. We fi nished the year with a session in the clubhouse. We played some indoor games and had a small presentation for completing the skills programme. Míle buíochás to the coaches; Sandra McDonald, Nicola McIntyre, Maura Hastings and also, to the parents who helped during the season. We look forward to returning next season and wish those moving on to U-10’s all the best.

The U8’s concluded a very successful season with a training session on the last Thursday of September. Despite the inclement weather for the last six weeks of training, a full turnout of all 17 players was typical from this great bunch of lads. There were matches galore this year starting with a visit from Tourmakeady, and following blitzes in Islandeady and Achill, and numerous matches against Louisburgh, Islandeady, Achill and others. Our boys emerged unbeaten for the entire season - testament to all their hard work at training. The coaches - Mairead Durkan, Barry Murphy, Ollie Collins and Eamonn Daly - would like to extend their sincere thanks to all the boys’ parents for their efforts in getting the boys to all of the training sessions and matches. Here’s to another successful season in 2018!