Buncrana GAA Notes for Week Ending Sunday 13th July 2014
Senior Hurling
” Mighty oaks from little acorns grow” is an apt statement. When the Monaghan ref blew the final whistle in the splendid surroundings of Garvaghy sports facility in Co.Tyrone, Buncrana Senior hurlers had lifted the Ulster Tain League Div 5 title.As you may (or may not know!) Buncrana have had unrivalled success for the last 5 years at underage, and these first steps back into the unknown territory of Senior hurling level are tentative but necessary, the team barring 4 players had an average age of 18.5 years, unprecedented at senior level in any club, Monaghan side Truagh Gaels started the game as red hot favourites as they had completed their league unbeaten. From the throw in it was clear that this was going to be a tight affair, scores were hard earned with some of the more senior Buncrana hurlers a little ring rusty. Both sides went in at half-time level. From the throw in for the second half it was clear that there was only going to be one winner. Goalkeeper Tom Clare’s (jnr) goal was only breached once and his long-range puc-outs were the launch pad for many of our attacks. In front of him stood possibly man of the match Donal Og Mac Lochlainn, standing 6ft 4″. It was a legendary performance from the 19 year old, ably assisted by Mitchel and Stokes. The halfback line of Daniel Wilson, Jack O Loughlin and Sam Doherty, the youngest line in the team, were relentless and quickly snuffed out any Farney side attacks. In midfileld Conor and Steven worked tirelessly, the forwards really coming into their own in the second half with the half forwards of Gerald Boyle, David Guilfoyle and Adam Duffy sharing 2:12 between them.The full forward line of Ronan Walsh, Philip Harkin and Darren Roe got more into the match as the game went on. Subs Paul Nelson, Fergal Doherty and Dermot Doherty all chipped in to what was a great night in the relatively short 12 years of Buncrana hurling.Final score was 3:18 to 1:15.Team: Tom Clare, Aedan Stokes, Donal Og Mac Lochlainn, Tomas Mitichel, Daniel Wilson (0:1), Jack O Lochlainn (0:2), Sam Doherty, Conor Grant (0:1), Steven Nelson, Adam Duffy (1:4), David Guilfoyle (Capt) (0:4), Gerard Boyle (1:4), Philip Harkin, Ronan Walsh (1:0), and Darren Doherty. Subs used were Paul Nelson (0:1), Fergal Doherty, Dermot Doherty, Cathal Wilson and Darren Robinson.To sum up, this was a small step forward but it was great to see the loyal band of supporters travel up and support and have been with this squad since they were U12. Around the field we had 7 or 8 lads who will come of age next year and add greatly to the future of Buncrana hurling but most importantly, it was great to see men who have been there since the start, Donal Mac Lochalinn and Chris Walsh, both with sons playing, and both will have been proud of the young charges. Team management of Tom Clare, Seamus Grant and Denis Harkin would like to thank all the squad for their efforts and now it’s onwards and upwards for the Donegal Junior Championship.
Congratulations to the Buncrana Minors who won their semi-final clash against St Eunan’s in Letterkenny 1-22 to 1-07. Next up will be the County championship final against Ballyshannon.
Hurling Survey
Please complete this survey as it is not too often we get a chance to give our opinions and views on the game.
http://gaahurling.surveyanalytics.com/
GAA President, Liam O’Neill established the Hurling 2020 Committee to look at the game of hurling and to submit proposals for change as appropriate to ensure the improvement of the game over the next 20 years.
The committee, under the Chairmanship of former All-Ireland Senior Hurling winning manager Liam Sheedy (Tipperary) has begun the process of consulting widely within the Association at all levels and with GAA supporters to ascertain the areas which require the most immediate attention. With this in mind, Hurling 2020 has launched a survey which will allow all participants to be entered in to a draw for 2 tickets to the 2014 All-Ireland Senior Hurling Final.
This survey is a key part of the consultation process and its aim is to collate the feedback from the hurling community about the game as it stands and what you would like to see in its future.
Your submission to this survey will form the basis of the committee’s report in the autumn of 2014 with a view to tabling motions as required to the 2015 GAA Annual Congress.
Senior Football
There was no Senior game this week but it was another high-scoring outing for the Reserves who drew 4-11 with Naomh Colmcille.
All roads lead to Clones next Sunday as Donegal take on Armagh in the Ulster Minor Final and seek to avenge last year’s Senior Final result against a lively Monaghan team.
Our club is well represented in both teams by players and backroom staff and we wish our lads all the best on the day and know that they will leave nothing behind them on the pitch.
Hon the Town and Dun na nGall Abu!
Senior Training
Seniors & Minors Hurling training is on Wednesdays at 7.00pm. All players are urged to make every effort to attend.
Seniors, Reserves, U-18, & U21 Football training is on Tuesdays & Thursdays at 7.30 in the Scarvey. New players always welcome!
Senior Ladies
It was another successful outing for the Ladies who maintain their remarkable unbeaten record this season as they beat St Nauls 3-10 to 2-11. It was a very different game to last weeks, with County player Elish Ward by far the best for the opposition and took every scoring opportunity. The game was nip and tuck throughout but if Buncrana had scored all of their chances they would have closed down the game in the first half.
It would be hard to pick one best player for Buncrana as it was a genuine team effort and sheer determination that won out in the end. More precision upfront and clearing up the loose passing will help the Ladies improve their game and step up a level. The second leg will be played in St Nauls on a date that will be agreed at the next County Board meeting.
Training every Wednesday at 7.30 in the Scarvey. New members always welcome.
Club Jerseys
Elizabeth Anne is now taking orders for the new Buncrana club jersey. Keep in mind lads that they are player fit/tight fit. If you want to order one let her know the size and number on back you require, price €50. EA also has club shorts and white shorts are in stock.
Underage Reports
U14 County Semi-Final ResultBuncrana 3-11 Glenties 3-13Hard luck to the Buncrana team who lost out by 2 points in a highly competitive game that was played in a great sporting manner. This performance was a tremendous improvement from our last outing and, although very disappointed by the result, our kids left the field with their reputation enhanced. Well done to the management and all those who travelled in support.
Well done to the U12s who had a great win over Setanta this week again. The final score was 5-9 to 0-3. Well done lads and keep up the great work.
There was another great turnout at the U8 & U10 hurling on Sunday Morning from 11am -12pm. Thanks to Seamus Grant, Aidan Mulholland, David Guilfoyle, Francis Craig and all their coaches for all their hard work. Hope to see you all again next Sunday.
Under Age Training
U6 Football 6.30-7.30pm Friday Scarvey
U8 Football Tuesday 7-8pm and Friday 6.30-7.30pm Scarvey
U8 Hurling 11-12 Sunday Scarvey
U10 Football returns to normal time Scarvey
U10 Hurling 11-12 Sunday Scarvey
U12 Football 7-8pm Monday & Friday Scarvey
U12 Hurling 7-8pm Tuesday Scarvey
U14 Football Monday 12-1, Wednesday 12-1, Friday 7-8.30 Scarvey
U12/U14 Girls Football 7-8pm Mondays Scarvey
U16 Girls Football 5-6.30pm Tuesdays Scarvey
County U15 & U16 hurling training:Tuesday 15th July in Convoy Centre of Excellence, 1 – 3p.m.Bus times: Carndonagh 11.10, Buncrana 11.40, Burt 12.05, Dry Arch 12.30Ballyshannon 11.50, Ballybofey 12.30Players are asked to be early or at least on time for bus.U16s will have light training session with meeting to review the weekend’s challenge match and prepare for the upcoming Peter O’ Keefe Tournament in Ballyshannon next Saturday 19th July.All players are asked to attend even those with injuries or in need of some rest time. Anyone unable to attend must contact their respective management. Players are also reminded that this is the deadline for returning fundraising draw cards.All players to bring a second hurl, their own water and clothing for all weather conditions.U15s to bring a healthy snack.
All County General Knowledge Quiz
Now that the Buncrana Music Festival is over and the heads have cleared here’s a chance for you to get your brain working again and do your bit for your county teams at the same time! The club will be hosting a General Knowledge Table Quiz in the Clubhouse this Friday night, starting 8pm sharp. This is at the request of the County Board and is to help raise much needed funds for all our county squads.
“Clubs are being asked to support this initiative as our current success unfortunately means that we incur additional expense in relation to the preparation of our teams”.
The winning team from each club will go forward to the All County Quiz Final to be held later on. Teams of four (Please note that this will be strictly enforced by the Quiz Police who already have their eyes on certain suspects!!) and entry is €5 per player. There will be a raffle for a Donegal jersey and other prizes on the night. Refreshments will be available. Anyone who wants to help out in any way contact me on 086 8156289 or buncrana.pro@gmail.com.
Club Notes: Anyone who would like to receive a copy of the weekly club notes should email Jim at buncrana.pro@gmail.com to be included on the mailing list. If you have any items which you think should be included in the club’s weekly notes, please email Jim at buncrana.pro@gmail.com by 6pm on each Sunday for consideration. To keep up to date with all the latest goings-on, please join us on www.facebook.com/buncranagaa or www.twitter.com/buncranagaa @buncranagaa, or visit our website www.buncranagaa.com.
By Sinéad Breen Donegal PRO Mon 14th Jul