Suck Valley League

The league has now concluded its seven rounds and the details for the semi-finals will be posted shortly. It has been a really successful winter league and the club would like to thank Padraig Gavin of Ballinasloe for all his organising.

Athleague/Tremane 4-2

Athleague/Tremane got off to a good start in this game with a couple of early goals. Mitchels fought back and were well in the game but just weren’t putting the scores on the board. An early goal in the second half did give them a lift but two more goals from Athleague/Tremane settled the issue. Despite their low score the Mitchels lads were very competitive and their hurling continues to improve. Brian O’Malley and Jamie Lydon led them from the front and they now prepare for their semi-final.

As the scoreline suggests both sets of defences dominated this game. Athleague/Tremane had more of the play overall, but the Mitchels defence were uncompromising all through. Colm Morris, Richard O’Dea, Rory Byrne and Keith Fehilly were in outstanding form and Barry Lane in goals brought off a couple of wonderful saves. Nathan O’Malley scored Mitchels first goal half way through the first half and Athleague/Tremane equalised just before half time. Things were tight in the second half with Fergal Durkan, Alan Gavin and Gerard Duffy working hard but with little results. Then with six minutes to go Darragh O’Malley stood over a free and blasted it to the net. Mitchels have topped the under 14 league and now await the draw for the semi-finals.

Athleague/Tremane 4-7

Athleague/Tremane had an easy win in this under 16 game played on Saturday. From the off they put pressure on the Mitchels lads and by half time had gone into an eleven point lead. The Mitchels lads never gave up and rallied at the start of the second half but were just not able to match up with their opponents.

The Mitchels minors put in a much better display this week, but still lack that scoring power up front. Athleague/Tremane went ahead by two points in the first half before a wonderful goal from Gary Hayes put Mitchels a point up at half time. Athleague/Tremane came out strongly in the second half but some great defensive work led by Danny Collins at centre back and John Cotter in goal kept them in the game. Unfortunately though they were unable to add to their score and Athleague/Tremane ran out winners by a goal.

Under 14s Wednesday evening @ 7pm in An Sportlann

Under 16s Wednesday evening @ 6pm in An Sportlann

Under 18s Outdoor training on Wednesday @ 5pm at An Sportlann

There will be a club executive meeting on Wednesday March 1^st in the Welcome Inn at 9pm.

Thanks to all who supported our lotto this week and thanks also to all our club members who sold tickets.

This weeks draw was held in the Bungalow.

Jenifer Hiney and Pauline Moran both spun the wheel and each won €100

Cheques were also presented to Toby McWalter, Kevin Ruane and Michael Murphy, winners of the subscribers draw.

To our club mate Eoin Shaughnessy and his fiancé Siobhan McHugh on their recent engagement.

Our club members would like to offer their sympathy to Conall O’Domhnaill on the recent death of his mother Bríd and to Donal Horan and Annette Tiernan on the death of their sister Mary Nestor. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h-Anamneacha dílís.

If you are interested in hurling or camogie and would like to get involved in our club as a player, coach, administrator, helper, or supporter please contact somebody on the committee.

Chairperson Tony Stakelum 086 8586842

Juvenile Chairperson Gerry Lane 087 8278705

Senior Manager Ray Coy 087 2021677

P.R.O. Fr. Michael Murphy 094 9043150

Did you know that in the 19^th century hurling had many different varieties. Rules were very different from one end of the country to the next. In 1879, in an attempt to standardise the rules, the Irish Hurling Union was formed at Trinity College Dublin, the rules of which were based on those drafted by the Dublin University Hurley Club in 1870.

However it wasn't until in 1884 and the formation of the Gaelic Athletic Association that the rules of hurling were standardised and hurling rightfully took its place as the Official Sport of Ireland. The first game played under GAA rules was in February 1885 in Kilkenny. The first All Ireland Hurling Final was played in 1887.