Buncrana development footballers have kept their winning form two games into the new season of the Marley Travel Division two B. Shane McClean and Sean Daly got points in the first five minutes before Termon halved the Buncrana advantage in the sixth minute. An eighth-minute Shane MCClean point was quickly cancelled out in the ninth minute. However, Liam Jordan came and got a Buncrana goal in the 12th minute but Termon clocked another point at the quarter mark.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t plain sailing as Terom capitalised from an own goal in the 17th minute with another Termon point following as they got 1-2 in five minutes. Two more Buncrana points and a Termon point closed the first half. Both teams were level at halftime on a scoreline of 1-5 to 1-5. Buncrana may have had the first half wind but having clinched a win against Saint Nauls the previous week by a point, things were bound to get intense. Termon took the lead as the second half began but Liam Jordan, Shane McClean and Adrian Doherty all had their shooting boots on as Buncrana pulled ahead by two points.
Termon and Buncrana traded a score each before the 50th minute. A late consolation Termon point came with four minutes. The final score read Buncrana 1-9 Termon 1-8. Buncrana host Fanad Gaels next time round as both sides hope to capitalise from wins,.
Buncrana: Rory Scott Jamie Friel, Eugene Allen, Sean Daly (0-1), John Ram (0-1), Cathal McNutt, Liam Jordan (1-1), Kevin McClean, David Galbraith, Shane McClean (0-3), Adrian Doherty (0-1), Adrian McColgan (0-1), Joesph Sharkey, Diarmuid Walsh (0-1), Daire McColgan
In a bold move aimed at tackling climate change head-on, the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) has announced that all Gaelic grounds across the nation will exclusively serve vegan options, effective immediately. This groundbreaking decision marks a significant step towards reducing the environmental footprint of sporting events and promoting sustainable living within the GAA.
The programme unveiled on the eve of April Fools’ Day, is far from a mere prank. In its place, it underscores the GAA’s commitment to environmental stewardship and aligns with global efforts to combat the climate crisis. By shifting away from traditional meat-centric menus, GAA aims to slash greenhouse gas emissions associated with livestock farming while championing healthier, plant-based lifestyles. GAA president Jarlath Burns has backed it by saying: “We don’t want to be responsible for actions that could increase carbon emissions so we are trying to do everything whenever it comes to alternatives.”
“This is not a joke; it’s a statement of intent,” professed GAA spokesperson Aoife O’Brien. “As stewards of both Gaelic games and the environment, we recognise the urgent need for action.”
In the new policy, spectators and players alike can expect a diverse array of plant-based delicacies.
“This initiative isn’t about deprivation; it’s about innovation,” remarked Chef Liam Ó Riain, who spearheaded the menu overhaul. “We’re showcasing the versatility and deliciousness of plant-based cuisine, proving that you don’t need meat to enjoy a satisfying meal. Plus, by ditching animal products, we’re significantly reducing our carbon footprint—a win-win for both people and the planet.” However, it hasn’t gone without eyebrows raised and Roscommon footballer Conor Daly from a beef farming background has lashed out at it saying:” I don’t judge people by their choices with food but to go against the grassroots Gaels is disheartening.”
Although some traditionalists may raise an eyebrow at the notion of vegan sausage rolls or dairy-free ice cream at Gaelic matches, the GAA remains steadfast in its commitment to sustainability. Through climate change posing an ever-pressing threat to future generations, the association believes that every small step towards environmental responsibility counts. RTÉ hurling pundit Dónal Óg Cusack has backed it to the hilt saying: “I started playing hurling in an organisation that was backwards thinking but this can be a positive change going forward.”
“The GAA has always been about more than just sports; it’s about community, tradition, and progress,” emphasised O’Brien. “By embracing veganism in our Gaelic grounds, we’re not only safeguarding the planet for future generations but also leading by example, inspiring positive change beyond the realm of sports.” However former Kerry footballer Dara Ó Sé of a sheep farming background believes it is a backwards step saying: “Meat is an excellent source of high-quality protein, which is essential for building and repairing tissues, including muscles, bones, skin, and blood. Now the suits at Croke Park are encouraging a move that shames a healthy environment.”
Because Gaelic enthusiasts gear up for another thrilling season of matches, they can take solace in knowing that every bite of vegan cuisine enjoyed at Gaelic grounds is a step towards a greener, more sustainable future. So, whether you’re cheering from the stands or battling it out on the pitch, one thing is certain change is on the menu, and it’s deliciously green. This was well promoted in circles.
Sean Cassidy got the first shot of the game for Fermanagh but unfortunately, it wasn’t enough for the erne men to take an early lead. Sean Cassidy then managed to get ahead with Fermanagh taking the lead seven minutes in. Sean Cassidy then added another point to minutes later. Donegal then got a wide as the frustrations grew for the green and gold. It took 13 minutes for Donegal to get into the game with Dáire Ó Baoil and Oisin Gallen hitting the ball over the bar.
Declan McCusker then came to Fermanagh’s rescue, hitting it over for the break. Ryan McHugh then was unfortunate to miss a chance to score with his club man Patck McBrearty following suit. Sean Cassidy hit the point over the free kick to put Fermanagh two points ahead. Patrick McBrearty then converted a free as Donegal kept their cool. With 22 minutes gone, Oisisin Gallen couldn’t get the point to level it as he missed a shot. Sean Cassidy then missed a chance to bring it back. However, with 28 minutes gone, Dáire Ó Baoil found the urge to score a long-range point to put Donegal level. Oisin Gllen then converted his free.
Paddy McBrearty then missed his chance to put Donegal two ahead as Fermanagh looked to close in before the half came to an end. Conor McGee then got the point to put Fermanagh level. Sean Cassidy however was unable to get a point in the slippery conditions to put Fermanagh ahead coming into the second half. Dáire Ó Baoil then got the point to put Donegal in front with the first half imminent. The halftime score was Donegal 0-6 Fermanagh 0-5. It was a strong performance but Donegal could pull well away in the second half if they polish the wides in the first half. Fermanagh looked strong enough.
Brandon Horan opened the second half by getting a point for Fermanagh but it was quickly cancelled out with Curran getting a Donegal point with Jack McKelvey doing likewise. Daire Ó Baoil however then got the much-needed goal to put Donegal in their stride. Micheal Langan then got his much-desired point. Daire Ó Baoil then got another goal as Donegal looked to run away with it. Peadar Mogan then got his first Doengal point in the 53rd minute.
Point number two for Jack McKelvey then came in the 59th minute as Donegal had the game wrapped up by then. Jack McKelvey then got another followed by an Aaron Doherty point.
Diarmuid King got a Fermanagh point but Aaron Doherty quickly cancelled it out. Tiarnan Bouge put his hand up to be in the Fermanagh starting lineup against Cork then with a consolation point but McBrearty cancelled it out. However, Oisin Gallen quickly came out and got a Donegal point with a minute left. The final score read Donegal 2-16 Fermanagh 0-8. It was a strong second-half performance from Donegal as they now have six points.
Donegal Scorers: Dáire Ó Baoil (2-3), Oisin Gllen (0-2), Patrick McBrearty (0-1f, 0-1), Mark Curran (0-1), Jack McKelvey (0-3), Micheal Langan (0-1), Pedar Mogan (0-1) Aaron Doherty (0-2)
A quick-fire goal by Langan thanks to a Finbar Roarty pass set Donegal on the front foot early. Jeaic MacCeallbhui got a rebounded shot with nine minutes over the bar. However, Armagh still showed ambition but their defensive powers couldn’t stop Aaron Doherty from scoring with 10 minutes gone. John Sherdin however got the first point for Armagh and Joe McClelland quickly followed with the second one in the 17th minute.
The 22nd minute saw Kevin McGettigan get a goal to put Donegal six points ahead with 35 minutes to go. The 24th minute saw Paddy Carr fist the ball he got past Shaun Patton.
Micheal Langan however put out the fire in the 25th minute with a point to put Donegal four points ahead. McBrearty hit one over in the 27th minute. Callum O’Neill then got a point that was cancelled by Langan in the 32nd minute. Micheal Langan then another one to settle it before the break. The halftime score read Donegal 2-6 Armagh 1-3. It was a good first-half performance for the hills but Armagh held their own for a youthful side.
Oisín Gallen came out of the blocks in the second half and got a Donegal goal. However, Langan then failed to convert his shot two minutes into the second half. Caoaln McGonagle came to the fore in the 39th minute as the sub got a point. Brendan O Hagan then got a 41st-minute point as the dual star kept Armagh in it but Oisin Gallen then got three points to his name in a row. Micheal Lanagan however got a point with 20 minutes on the clock remaining before Gallen got another. Odhran Doherty then made himself known with a point 18 minutes of the second half gone. Brendan O Hagan then scored from his second free kick.
Brendan O’Hagan then managed to get an Armagh point on the 65th-minute mark. Peadar Mogan then however got his first point of the night. With one minute left of ordinary time, Oisin Gallen then got another two points. The full-time score was Donegal 3-16 Armagh 1-6.
Donegal: Shaun Patton, Finbarr Roarty, Brendan McCole, Kevin McGettigan, Ryan McHugh, Jeaic MacCeallbhui, Ciáran Moore, Jason McGee, Michael Langan, Oisín Caulfield, Ciarán Thompson, Dáire O Baoill, Aaron Doherty, Patrick McBrearty, Senan Carr
Armagh: Rhys Stephens, Cathal Agnew, Sam McClarnon, Connor Magennis, Emmet Magee, Sean McCarthy, Joe Sheridan, Tadhg Grimely, Paddy Carr, Sean Conlon, Brendan O’Hagan, Callum O’Neill, Cianan Campbell, Daniel Magee, Michael McConville
The Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA) in Warwickshire, in collaboration with the Provincial Council of Britain, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Seánie Boyle as the Community Development Administrator (CDA). Boyle remains set to spearhead the growth and advancement of Gaelic Games.
Boyle, hailing from Donegal, returns to Warwickshire with an impressive history in Gaelic Games.
In an exclusive interview, Seánie Boyle discussed his motivations for taking on the CDA role and his vision for the future of Gaelic Games in Warwickshire on their website. Mr Boyle said:” Having taken a year away from the UK in 2023, I kept busy, spending the time with my home club Kilcar and continued playing and coaching. Unfortunately, the playing side didn’t go as planned, as we bowed out at the county quarter-final stage beaten by a well-drilled Naomh Conaill side. I had continued coaching by managing the Kilcar Minors, a year which had no silverware but where we could still view the season as a success. A team, that in our first training session had just 12 players, we thankfully managed to get three more to join the panel and caught good momentum which made the year extremely enjoyable for the squad, playing 15 games and getting 10 results, falling narrowly short in the county semi-final. I hope to see them continue their development and go further”.
Boyle vented his enthusiasm for returning to Warwickshire and shared the factors that drew him to the CDA role. Boyle explains: “While both playing and coaching at home was extremely enjoyable, it was also incredibly taxing mentally and physically, as I tried to balance a developing career and social life on top of the playing and coaching commitments. So, when a full-time position within the GAA becomes available and you feel you have the credentials to apply, it was a no-brainer for me to look at a return to Warwickshire. I was delighted to secure the job and the various roles”.
As the newly appointed CDA, Seánie Boyle outlined his primary goal: to inspire and engage young players in the county, fostering their love for the game and motivating them to represent their clubs.
Boyle also stressed the remarkable work done by his predecessor, Dermot Thornton, in primary schools and at the underage level. Seánie explained his appreciation for those around him saying: “To make it even more appealing, the role is for a county I owe a lot to, both Warwickshire and Roger Casement’s were very welcoming to me in my two seasons here previously and so I hope to repay everyone with a successful tenure in the role. The Juvenile section of Warwickshire GAA has also started the decade with fantastic levels of success across various age grades and with the new, state-of-the-art facilities in Páirc na hÉireann well underway, it has all the ingredients for continued progression and achievement – the sky is the limit for our county-wide development. I am delighted and very much look forward to being a key part of that.” He plans to build on this foundation and continue improving the GAA landscape in the county, particularly at the grassroots level. It was a mixed year for Gaelic football in Warwickshire as Brian Coughlan’s stunning solo goal separated the sides as New York returned to the All-Ireland junior football championship final. They had to come from behind to secure that golden ticket, trailing by three points approaching half-time.
Moreover, Boyle aims to closely collaborate with county underage squads to identify and nurture future talent. The Kilcar knows the highs and lows of it all saying: “The comprehensive defeat Casement’s took in ‘21 had given me and the rest of the squad an eye opener. We had to step up as players and it was an unbelievable feeling to finally get over the line for the club and its supporters”.
The CDA intends to address the issue of dropouts within the 17–21 age group and plans to work.
Furthermore, Boyle aims to assist Intermediate clubs in building sustainable underage structures.
Seánie Boyle encouraged clubs, parents, and mentors to reach out to him. The Casements club man highlighted his good relations with his fellow midlands Gaels saying: “In 2021 I was part of the Warwickshire side that won its first All-Britain title in 16 years. has been a fantastic start to the decade too for the county at the senior level and it was brilliant to be a part of it, beating London in Ruislip in the replay was the icing on the cake. It was great to work under fellow Donegal man Charlie O’Donnell and his management team who adopted a very different approach and methodical style of football to what I was used to in Kilcar. Still, I loved every minute of it.” He can be found at Páirc na hÉireann throughout the season, and he is accessible through various social media platforms. For express communication, individuals can contact him via mobile at 00353 874638571 or email at Seaniefboyle@hotmail.com. Their hurling campaign was also hit-and-miss as Niall Arthur led Monaghan to their first win in their Lory Meagher Cup campaign shooting 11 points. Having opened a lead of 2-13 to 0-3 points the home side had this fixture well wrapped up by half time. Warwickshire offered little resistance with the sides trading points in the opening five minutes before Thomas Hughes was found out wide with a great diagonal ball in the sixth minute and used his pace and skill.
With Seánie Boyle by the side of the helm, the Warwickshire GAA community can look forward to an era of increased development, collaboration, and success in the Gaelic Games. Seánie Boyle wants to get work done saying: “I look to significantly improve our county underage squads and have a link”
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