Renvyle GAA Club Plays Host To The Cumann na mBunscol Football Finals

Tullycross pitch, the home of Renvyle GAA club, was last week’s picturesque venue for one of the most memorable evenings in the history of Cumann na mBunscol/Church and General football competitions.  A large crowd turned out to greet Joe McDonagh, President of the GAA on his first official visit to Renvyle where he witnessed two exciting finals which were played in glorious sunshine.  The teams were introduced to the President by their captains before the games, which were broadcast live by Connemara community Radio. 

Roinn K (7-a-side)

SN Áird Mhóir 7-2, SN Leitirfraic 2-4  The first of the finals was closer than the scoreline suggests as Áird Mhóir atoned for two previous final defeats to win their first title.  Áird Mhóir:  Sean Breathnach (1-0), Seamus Ó Flatharta (2-3), Brendán Ó Dubháin, Sean Pól ÓDubháin, Máirtín Ó Maoilchiaráin (Captain, 2-0), Stiofán Ó Currín (2-0), Pádraig Ó Dubháin, Micheál Ó Dubhain.  Múinteoir:  Máire Uí Bholghuidhir.   Leitirfraic:  Damien Lyons, Matthew Heanue, Niall Lydon, John James Gannon, Andrew Shanahan (1-1), Mark Gannon, Matthew Naughton, Kieran Folan, Eoin Gannon (0-2), Stephen Prendergast, David Kearney (1-1), Jason Ridge.  Manager:  Leo Hallissey. 

Roinn L (7-a-side)

SN Nead An Iolair, Rinn  Mhaoile 8-12, Scoil Naomh Pádraig, An Tulach 6-4  A unique final pairing between two local schools with Mary Gannon Principal of the Tully school in opposition to her son, Paul, Principal of Eagles Nest who made it four in a row to continue on from where recently retired Principal, Michael O’Neill left off.  Nead An Iolair:  Emmet Walsh, Eoin O’Neill, Bartley Heanue, Conor Conneely (Captain, 3-6), Liam Salmon (0-3), Gerard Flaherty (3-2), Jamie Flaherty.  Subs:  Colm Wallace (2-1), Adam McCarthy, Maria McGrath, Fionnuala Hannigan-Dunkley, Gillian Heanue.  Manager:  Paul Gannon.   An Tulach:  Dermot Coyne, Evan Coyne (1-0), Philip Wallace, Sean Flaherty (1-0), Enda Walsh, John Barry, Tommy Walsh (4-4).  Manager:  Mary Gannon,  Coach:  Gerry Gannon. 

A feature of both games was the excellent refereeing of Tommie Sullivan, Leitir Mór.  After the finals, Joe McDonagh presented plaques and medals to the teams and praised teachers and parents for their support of the young players who had given a wonderful evening’s entertainment.  He complimented Cumann na mBunscol on the organisation of the football competitions and the Renvyle GAA club which was doing trojan work in promoting gaelic games in the area.  Afterwards, the four teams were treated to a meal by the host club, and teachers, club members and guests were invited to a buffet organised jointly by Cumann na mBunscol and the Renvyle GAA club.  The Sam Maguire cup arrived on its first visit to Renvyle where it was enthusiastically greeted by all, but especially by Mrs Mary Salmon, mother of Jackie Salmon, former President of the GAA in New York. 

Anon

Connacht Tribune

June 1999