Shandonagh celebrates 125 years of GAA

Shandonagh GAA celebrated 125 years of the foundation of the GAA on Sunday, May 10. A lone piper escorted the underage groups of Shandonagh GAA from St Kenny"s NS to the club grounds prior to an exciting afternoon.A great occasion as all enjoyed an action packed day for all the family with an underage blitz, BBQ, refreshments, amusements, music, Irish dancing, entertainment and a look at the history of Shandonagh G.A.A as members past and present gathered. The winning medals of the Intermediate Cup 2008 were also presented to the Shandonagh panel on the day. Rev Fr. Gallagher completed a memorable day with a blessing of the club and grounds.FixturesUnder 12 Girls: Tues 12th May at 7pm v Rochfortbridge in Shandonagh (but check with coach)Under 14 Boys: Mon 18th May at 7.30pm v Ballynacargy in ShandonaghUnder 12 Girls LeagueInclement weather conditions framed the background for an enthralling encounter between Loughnavalley and Shandonagh girls on Thursday, May 8 last. An enthusiastic team performance coupled with some outstanding individual displays saw Shandonagh victorious on the evening. Despite ever worsening ground conditions both teams battled hard each receiving impressive scores to leave a final tally of 3-4 to 4-9 in favour of Shandonagh. This is a team that is growing from strength to strength on each outing with young and old members gelling well together. Rebecca Norris, Ruth Kavenagh, Katelyn Mimnagh, Sarah Peppard and Rachael Clarke all defended well with Emily Kiernan and Sarah Morgan ever present at midfield. Probing runs from Siofra Molloy (performance of the game) Jennifer Sheerin, Rebecca Heerey, Laura Cahill and Dyna O Neill with a cracking goal early in the game from Laura Allen sealed the fate of the visitors. It is encouraging to see underage girls" football on such a strong footing once again in Shandonagh.The Shandonagh panel: Sinead Kiernan, Rachael Clarke, Rebecca Norris, Deirdre O Donnell, Katelyn Mimnagh, Ruth Kavenagh, Sarah Peppard, Emily Kiernan, Sarah Morgan, Laura Cahill, Siofra Molloy, Jennifer Sheerin, Dyna O Neill, Rebecca Heerey, Laura Allen, Elizabeth Cunningham, Ciara Gavigan, Orlaith Sheerin, Ailbhe Mulvihill, Ellie Whelan, Aisling Kenny, Aine O" Brien, Edel Connathy, Zoe Collins Deirbhle Conway.Under 12 Boys LeagueShandonagh Under 12 boys had another good win in their fourth league game of the season on Wednesday, May 6 against St Michaels (Ballycomoyle) in Shandonagh. In dreadful conditions both teams provided a wholehearted display in a game where scores were difficult to achieve. Playing against a strong wind in the first half Shandonagh went 0-2 behind early on but settled into the game and battled back to get on terms and eventually lead at half time 0-5 to 0-2.  A torrential downpour at the start of the second half meant it was not a game for the weak hearted! St Michaels again started well and scored first but Shandonagh half back, midfield and half forward lines worked hard together and were rewarded with a goal. St Michael"s piled on the pressure which meant our goalkeeper and full back line had to defend as a tight unit to prevent the visitor poaching a goal. After absorbing the pressure the full forward line provided another point to add to others slotted over in the first half. The game finished with a final score of 1-6 to 0-4 the home team emerging with a hard fought win! Squad: DJ Matthews, B Traynor, E Hayden, D Mimnagh, R Johnson, C Craig, T Molloy, B Kavanagh, J Lenehan, G Carr, S Carr, M Scully, D McKerr, D Gray, L McKeown, D Molloy, D Allen, D McWade, J. Green, J Smith, E. Sheridan, C McBride, E Stuart, R Stuart, A O"Donoghue, C O"Brien.