Glenswilly GAA notes by Seamus Callaghan
Three events that occurred involving our beloved club this week past should leave us all with a great sense of pride and honour.
The first thing was the Glenswilly Gaa Club 5k held on Tuesday 25th of June, and what an overwhelming success. Again, record numbers of participants,650 plus, made up of some serious big hitters along with novice runners and walkers enjoyed the competitive course around the Glen on a beautiful sunny evening. All participants were treated to refreshments afterwards and showers if required at the club house. A huge thank you to all who contributed in any way to making this event so successful,especially the members of the Letterkenny Athletic club for providing the time clock,numbers,and recording all the details at the finishing line to make this a successful round of the 5k grand prix series.To all who provided food and helped in the kitchen,we are forever grateful.Thanks to the main sponsor,the Sandwich Company and all others who provided prizes for the event.
The second event at the Club was playing host to St Brigids feile na nog team from Rosscommon over the weekend. Glenswilly came to the rescue at short notice when the originally designated Donegal club were unable to accommodate the visitors. A match was played on Friday evening at the Glen before both clubs travelled to Derry for the parade of all participating Clubs in the Feile. From early Saturday morning the Glen and Rosscommon teams were joined by teams from Monaghan and Naomh Colmcille Newton for a series of matches over the day. This was another successful event for our club and the expression of delight from the visitors at the hospitality and warmth shown to them by all in the club and host families will be remembered for a long time to come. From a club perspective, we are eternally grateful to the women who worked tiredlessly and at short notice in feeding hundreds of people proving sandwiches,buns and hot food at no cost to the club all day. The sense of communitty and generousity shown by all the volunteers on the day left us on the officer board feeling humbled,but with a great sense of pride at the feeling of goodwill towards the Club. Congratulations to our U-14 team and their mentors on how they conducted themselves and particapated with pride for the club. Although unsuccessful on the field of play, the experience of playing such competition will pay dividends in the long term.Well done to Shane McDevitt on qualifying through to the Feile skills competition.
Rounding off this trio of events was the Senior and Reserve meetings with St.Michaels in the final round of games in the appropriately labelled ‘Group of Death’.
With a relentless gale force wind ripping through the centre of The Bridge, Dunfanaghy on Saturday evening, both teams knew only hard work and determination would seal the deal.
The reserves were first up and needed at least a two point victory to secure a quarter final berth. It was a gallant effort from the lads, however, when one point down and with the game in the final minutes Glenswilly threw everything at the hosts and were unfortunate to be caught by a swift counter attack which ended up in a goal for St.Michaels, all but ending Glenswilly’s chances of progression. Final score- 1-8 to 1-4 in favour of the home side. Commiserations to all the management team and players who have provided us with some very entertaining reserve championship football this year.
Then it was the turn of the seniors. Tension was sky high with both teams knowing that really only a win would do. Playing with the wind in the first half, our boys went in at the break with a 0-6 0-3 lead. Without Neil Gallagher from the start, and after losing Ciaran Bonner and Leon Kelly through injury early on, many were left wondering whether this three point lead would be enough for Gary McDaid’s side. However, an awe inspiring backs-to-the-wall performance from the Glen limited St.Michaels to just four points in the second half whilst adding three of our own. Aidan McDevitt’s fisted point in the last minute of normal time secured the result at 0-9 to 0-7, and ensured Glenswilly’s name was in the hat for the quarter final draw. Joyous scenes at the final whistle capped off what had been an unbelievable week of action for the ‘Wee Club’. Congratulations to all involved in the senior setup on the victory.
The busy u14’s are back in action this week as they play Burt in the Convoy Centre of Excellence this Wednesday at 7.30pm.
The u16 league also commences this week with Glenswilly in action at home to Muff on Sunday morning at 12am.
The Kellogs Cúl Camp takes place in Glenswilly this year between 8-12 July inclusive. For more details contact Paddy McGinty on 087 9210846.
Anyone in search of Ulster Final tickets please send requests in wrinting by letter or by e-mail to Sharon McGinty at mcgintysharon@eircom.net.
The monthly meeting will now take place on Monday15th July at 9pm due to the meeting re church roof on Monday 8th July.
Lotto winning numbers 5,16,17,19. Match 2 winnerLorraine McDaid, Churchill. Next weeks sellers are Eamonn Doherty and John Doherty. Next weeks jacpot stands at €2620.
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