Setanta Senior Team – July 2019

Oisin Marley – Poc Fada Ulster Champion 2019

Ainm an Chlub: Setanta Hurling Club
Dathanna an Chlub/Club Colours: Black and Green
Alternative Colours:
Club Ground: Donaghmore Park

The Club Year 2019

2019 will not only be long remembered for the Championships that we won and the games that we played, but also for individual awards. It started in November with Declan Coulter collecting the Nicky Rackard Hurler of the year for 2018. Oisin Marley did something that has never been done by a Donegal hurler by winning the Ulster u-16 Poc Fada for the second year. He went on to compete in the All-Ireland’s and came in an admirable 2^nd place. Colm Coyle and Seaghan McCormick represented the club in Croke Park with the Donegal u12s. Danny Cullen was once again selected for the Irish Shinty team, and was named captain of the team. A first for any Donegal hurler. His year was rounded off with a Championship 15 nomination for his performances in the Christy Ring.

The senior team can be very proud of their efforts throughout 2019, a year capped by bringing the Munster Cup back to the Cross for the winter. They went through the championship unbeaten and overcame a strong St Eunans side in the final by 6 points. Our year came to an end in the Ulster Intermediate quarter final against Keady. We have a lot of lessons to be learned from that game, hopefully the boys will be able to push on again next year and keep improving the standard.

Other achievements of note included winning the Donegal League again, while also competing admirably in the Derry league. It was great experience for all the boys to compete at this level. Finally, we also made it back to the Kilmacud Crokes final, losing out to a strong Crotta side from Kerry that boasted four Kerry senior hurlers. Big thanks must go to Paul and his backroom team of Martin, David, Eamon, Shane and trainer Chris for all their efforts with the team. At the time of print our u21s are out against St Eunans in the quarter-final. Thanks to Bernard Lafferty for his efforts with this team. On an individual front Danny Cullen captained the Irish Shinty Team and Declan Coulter travelled to Abu Dhabi with the hurling All Stars.

Minor – The team is a prime example of what can be achieved with a bit of hard work and persistence. The progress made by this group from u12 up to minor has been fantastic. After a decent league campaign, the boys really found their feet in the championship. Beating Buncrana in the semi-final, followed by Dungloe in the final. What made it more special is how deep the boys had to dig for the win, as they were missing two key players through injury, Ruairi McLaughlin and Oisin Marley. An Ulster campaign soon followed with a semi-final against Lisbellaw. The boys came through that at their ease. Next up was a decider against a fancied Dungannon side. They were beaten on a scoreline of 5.17 to 0.11 but credit to the lads, they produced a second half in which they outscored their opponents. Dungannon went on to the Ulster A Final where they were beaten by Loughgile of Antrim. A big thank you must go to Mark Marley along with his backroom team of Brian Harvey and Ciaren O Neill.

U16s – After winning the u14A two years ago, expectations for this group were high. But the season did not start to plan as injuries took their toll during the league campaign. Finishing 4^th from bottom meant that we would have to enter the B league en route in the A championship. After victory over Carndonagh set up a semi-final clash with Burt. A strong second half got the boys though and set up a final against Aodh Ruadh. A team that beat us by 40 points in the league. But with injuries clearing up, we entered with a full selection. In a real titanic battle, the boys won by a single point to secure a u16, minor and senior A Championship sweep. Credit again to Mark and Ciaren for their efforts with the boys.

U14s – This was one of our real success stories of the year. The season started off slow as interest in this group was low. But a management team of Aine McHugh and Josh Cronnolly got involved and the boys went from strength to strength. Competing well against the best in the County. With their season concluding with the u14B title won in the Cross. Another excellent achievement by this group. Thanks to Aine and Josh.

U12s – Our u12s also had a mixed season. Starting off very slow with a lot of players occupied with other commitments. But as soon as they were freed up, the team really showed great progress. And when they had their full complement of players, they could compete with the best in the County. With all bar one overage for next year, this is a very promising team. Big thank you to Danny, Bernard and Anita for their work with this team.

U6s/u8s/u10s – Our hurling academy continued its excellent work throughout the year with training every Wednesday. Always a great set up for our young hurlers to begin their journey. Big thank you to Eileen and Aine McHugh for their work with this age group.

Finally the club celebrates its 40th year anniversary this year. And to round off what has been a special year we are holding an anniversary dance. One to look back on what has been a magnificent journey. Hearing stories from old, young and the new. Rembering all those who went before and did so much for the club. A special presentation will be made to remember founding member Danny Cullen Sr. Special thanks to Patricia McGovern for organing the Dinner Dance.

Let’s hope 2020 is half as enjoyable as 2019 for all involved in Setanta Hurling Club.

2019 Roll of Honour:

U14 – B League Champions

U16 – County A Champions

Donegal Poc Fada Champion – Oisin Marley

Ulster Poc Fada Champion – Oisin Marley

Minor – County A Champions

Senior – County Champions, League Champions