Senior Football League Final 27/09/08

St Colmcille's 1-14 St Dympna's 1-18

A last second strike from an almost impossible angle allowed St Dympna's to bring this game into extra time. Three points, without reply, in the first half of extra time set St Dympna's up for the win. Up until this point it was blow for blow with nothing to separate the sides and it wasn't until the last minute of extra time's second half that St Dympna's were assured of the win.

St Colmcille's wish St Dympna's well in Birmingham next week when they play the Yorkshire champions in the All-Britain finals.

Senior Football Championship B-Final 14/09/08

St Colmcille's 1-11 St Vincent's 2-04.

Senior Football League 6th September 2008

St Colmcille's 2-10 Cambridge Parnell's 2-09

A last minute goal from another star rising through the youth ranks saw St Colmcille's through to the league final on 28/09/08. Match report to follow.       

Senior Football League 10th August 2008              

 Eire Og, Oxford 3-05 St Colmcille’s 1-17

St Colmcille’s went clear at the top of the league with this deserved victory over Oxford. Co-leaders Watford lost at Cambridge and so a win in their next match will see St Colmcille’s qualify for their third successive league final.

 A resurgent Oxford were being tipped to maybe pinch this game but St Colmcille’s welcomed back Paul Dolan from suspension, Aaron O’Byrne from injury and Garvan O’Callaghan. The trio made the difference up front and were the cause of Colmcille’s high points score. Playing against a strong wind in the first half St Colmcille’s used short hand passes and supportive running to get within range of the Oxford goal. Chris Lee and Paddy White continuously combined to get the ball out to Chris Marley and Adrian O’Rourke who pointed at every opportunity.

Despite the advantage of the wind, Oxford kept their long range efforts to a minimum and chose to point from close range. As St Colmcille’s pulled away, Oxford started to go for the goals and were rewarded with a penalty. An attempt at goal rebounded off the bar and when an Oxford player fell to the floor in the resulting melee, a foul was called and the penalty was converted.

Some astute tactical changes in defence in the first half by Adrian Slavin had kept Oxford’s points tally to a minimum. They failed to use the wind to build a lead and ended the first half two points down.

 St Colmcille’s continued to successfully go for the points in the second half. This allowed them to maintain a clear lead despite Oxford’s two second half goals. Paul Dolan soloed from midfield and scored a goal himself to ensure that Oxford’s hopes of a comeback were squashed. Stubborn defending from Neil Whitworth, Plunkett McGreavey and Jason Lohan also drew out frustrations from the Oxford forwards which allowed St Colmcille’s to pull away and win the game convincingly.

 St Colmcille’s next match is against Cambridge at Cotlandswick on 6^th September after which the league finalists shall be known. 

St Colmcille’s Gaelic Football Club Exhibition Match

Team 2008 3-07-2-07 Team1998

 A decade and a goal separated both teams in this exhibition match organised as part of a reunion to celebrate the achievements of St Colmcille’s 1998 team. Up until 1998 St Colmcille’s Gaelic football team’s trophy cabinet had lain bare for 12 years. However an influx of new players and a dedicated management team laid the ground work for St Colmcille’s to capture four trophies that season. This included the coveted Hertfordshire Championship which St Colmcille’s have won five times since.

The match itself was to be an exhibition and friendly in nature but with bragging rights at stake, the game was played at the intensity of any Championship match. Although the teams were separated by a decade the average age of each team was largely similar, so fitness levels were on a par.

The scoring was opened when Paul Armstrong pointed for Team 2008 but Team 1998 countered by exposing the gaps left by the attacking ’08 Team. This led to Team ’98 scoring their two goals and pointing four times. An initially confident ’08 Team regrouped and held their positions in the midfield and half back positions to stop the runs of Adrian Maher. The 2008 Team, however, went for the goals when the points were available. Pat Walsh saved these shots with ease leaving the ’08 Team trailing at half time.

The second half saw the 2008 Team take control of the match. Most of the half was payed in the 1998 team’s half but skilful defending and an inability to take a quick point left the 2008 Teams points tally lower than it should have been. However the lead was eventually recaptured when a foul on Paul Dolan allowed Patrick White to convert the penalty. Points followed and as the 1998 Team’s legs tired, their attacks lessened.

However the attacks that did enter the present day teams’ half did bear fruit with Team ’98 taking their points and keeping in touch. The match could have ended in a draw when in the final minutes Adrian Maher hit at goal, from his hands. Whilst he was no more than 8 yards from the goal, William Dunston was able to make an effective reflex save. Had the ball netted the scores would have been even and it was suspected that the referee might have blown the final whistle to leave the outcome as a draw. He didn’t and this allowed Adrian O’Rourke to score one final point from 30 yards out to leave the 2008 Team victorious by three points.

As the present team is itself largely made up of 30 year olds, St Colmcille’s has seen the need to develop an underage structure. Training is held on Wednesday evenings for u-12’s, u-14’s and u-16’s. The kids are rewarded with juice and a snack for attending and while they train their mums are able to attend a free fitness class held in the Irish Centre.

Many thanks go to Aaron O’Byrne for organising such a successful event which included an award ceremony that evening.

St Dympna's, Luton 5-11: St Colmcille's 1-6 (21/07/08)

After a narrow loss to Glen Rovers in the preceding round of the Herts Senior Football Championship, this was very much a season defining and ‘must win’ game against St Dympna’s – a team St Colmcille's had comprehensively beaten at the same venue on 29 June in a pulsating Senior Football League encounter.

For this outing, St Colmcille’s were without the talents of Neil Gallagher, Paul Dolan, Nigel Loughrane and Garvan O’Callaghan, each of whom was a pivotal figure in the preceding match-up between the teams.  Influential Aaron O’Byrne made a welcome return at centre half forward and, as a result of enforced personnel changes, decommissioned goalkeeper Pat Walsh joined the action in the plum position of corner forward and Bainnestoir Adrian Slavin lined out in the half forward line.

St Colmcille's, aided by a slight breeze in the first half, started brightly with some well worked scores from the boot of midfielder Paul Armstrong.  Midway through the first half, Armstrong found the back of the net from a close range free kick which dipped wickedly into the top corner of the net – giving St Colmcille’s a healthy cushion against the pre-match and tournament favourites.  However, a number of well worked scores from the boot of Luke Maloney kept St Dympna’s within touching distance and, as the half-time whistle sounded, St Colmcille’s took a well deserved one point lead into the break.  The St Colmcille’s tactic of quickly released ball into full forward James Lane proved to be very effective in the first half, with the Tasmanian displaying some very good awareness and distribution to oncoming forwards.

St Colmcilles were first off the mark in the second half, with Paul Armstrong adding a couple of scores to put three points between the teams and give the depleted St Albans outfit a very good chance of pulling-off a huge upset victory.  However, after some pressure, St Dympna’s pegged the game back with a rather fortuitous goal arising from a mix-up in the small parallelogram.  The St Dympna’s tactic of swarming midfield and mopping-up loose ball proved frustrating in the second half and prevented the St Colmcille’s midfielders from bring the ball up the field and providing the forwards with ammunition – a notable feature of the effective and dynamic display of St Colmcille's in their previous meeting with St Dympna’s.

Despite a triple point blank save, goalkeeper William Dunston and fullback Neil Whitworth could not prevent St Dympna’s from registering their second and contest-ending goal. From this point, in the middle of the second half, St Colmcille’s spirits dropped somewhat and, despite some good defending from the half back line, St Dympna’s moved the ball at elevated speed adding three more goals and a handful of points.  Whilst St Colmcille's made some further attaching forays, they failed to register a score for the remainder of the second half and, aided by their superior fitness, St Dympna’s significantly upped their tempo, sensing the finish line and a place in the knock out stages of the Senior Football Championship in sight. 

 In midfield, Paul Armstrong and Adrian O’Rourke worked tirelessly.  In the forwards, Aaron O’Byrne showed well until forced to leave the field with injury and the veteran/youth combination of James Lane and Chris Lee displayed some good movement, particularly in the first half.

Although credit must go to St Dympna’s for their second half performance, an objective observer might feel that the final score did not reflect the overall balance of the game and the fact that, until the last quarter of the game, the contest was finely balanced, with St Colmcille’s having a slight advantage on the scoreboard.  However, in the end superior fitness, player resources and the adage ‘goals win games’ proved decisive. 

With the Senior Football Championship no longer a focus, attention now turns to the Team of ’98 v Team of ’08 commemorative match, taking place at the Irish Centre on Saturday, 26 July.  Throw-in follows a junior exhibition game, with a free BBQ taking place immediately afterwards and entertainment guaranteed throughout the evening.  Players are encouraged to bring along their wives and/or girlfriends (or indeed both) to this worthy and no doubt memorable event.

Glen Rovers, Watford 1-10; St Colmcille’s 1-09  SFC 13/07/08

St Colmcille’s made the perfect start to this match with a goal by Chris Lee. James Lane had received a long ball in and turned but saw his shot saved by the Rovers keeper. However the young Chris Lee was first to react and beat the Rover’s defence to the ball, hitting a low shot into the corner.

Glen Rovers came back and went for the points, making good use of the wind at their backs. They were soon level on points and then stole the lead with a well worked goal from their midfield.  Colmcille’s also went for the points but the wind was preventing them from shooting at range and so their keeper found himself collecting and clearing balls that should have been putting points on the board for Colmcille’s.

Colmcille’s started the second half four points down but a change of positions, forced by the injury of John Redmond, saw them dominate the midfield. Patrick White led the siege of Rover’s goal and the points started to come. With ten minutes remaining Colmcille’s scored three points with no reply to draw level. Rovers regrouped and responded in similar fashion, scoring three points to no reply. Not disheartened, Colmcille’s contained Rover’s in the last third of the pitch and continued to push for parity and then the lead.

 A long effort by Aaron O’Byrne and a free from Damien Jennings got Colmcille’s within a point of Rovers. With seconds remaining the ball broke loose just left of the Rover’s goal. Rover’s charged the Colmcille’s forwards sensing that this would be the last attack they faced. With no time to angle a shot the ball was hit just wide leaving Glen Rover’s victorious.

 Colmcille’s face St Dympna’s of Luton next week in a game they must win to progress to the semi-finals of The Championship.

Team 2008 vs Team 1998 (26/07/08)

St. Colmcille's will be hosting a night of entertainment and presentation to celebrate a championship (and other) winning team of 10 years past. It was the “Team of 98” that broke a 12 year deadlock of no silverware being brought into the club which we feel marks a significant occasion in our clubs long and proud history.

We hope that players, committee and members of past and present will come out to make this event a most enjoyable and momentous occasion. On the day, an underage challenge game will take place to showcase the club's remarkable youth development structure. An exhibition match will then take place between Team '98 and the current 2008 squad, with a major emphasis being on fun and a bit of craic. The no cover charge evening will consist of a limited (7-9pm) BBQ buffet, followed by a presentation ceremony and superb entertainment into the wee small hours. It is a time to catch up with old faces, fellow Gaels as well as the introduction of new members and friends into our fine club. This is to be held on Saturday the 26^th July.

St Dympna's, Luton 1-04: St Colmcille's 4-11 (29/06/08)

St Colmcille's had to win this match to stop the league becoming a two horse race between Dympna's and Glen Rovers. However the form book suggested that the best Colmcille's could hope for was to nick a one or two point win but Dympna's were the favourites. The formbook was not aware that Colmcille's had regrouped and was to now benefit from the talents of players who had come through the youth ranks under the stewardship of Brendan Brennan.

Jason Lohan had another flawless game in defence and Chris Lee marked his inaugural senior game with a few points that he made from nothing. In the second half when Dympna's were rallying Chris soloed down the right wing, beating three players, and hit goal ward against a swirling wind and from a tight angle to claim his last point. Another forward giving master classes in soloing was Garvan O'Callaghan who tormented his marker by running as if he had the ball on a string. The Dympna's defence was left flapping in his wake and they were helpless as he scored points and goals with ease. The St Colmcille's defence watched in admiration from a distance, thankful that they were on the same team as Garvan and not having to struggle like their counterparts further up the field.

Former forwards Plunkett McGreavey and Connor Taggart must surely have seen the last of their days in the opposition's half as they showed a natural flair for the demands of corner backs, allowing nothing or no one to pass them by. Chris from Co. Down might have been disheartened when he learned of his teams score against Armagh, after coming off the pitch, but the Colmcille's defence was glad to see a new recruit who can not only win balls but beat players himself, pass with accuracy and so set up swift counter attacks with passes to players such as Nigel Loughrane and Adrian O'Rourke who, along with every other Colmcille's player, played as if it was a final.

However, special mention must go to the performance between the sticks of another St. Alban's youth, William Dunston. Dympna's started the second half with the wind at their backs and looking to score goals to reel in the Colmcille's lead. An early goal would have lifted their spirits and one was on the cards as the ball hurtled towards the top corner. William, as if aided by a trampoline, threw himself to the top corner and guided the ball out for a 45. At this point, Dympna's heads started to drop and frustration started to set in with tempers no longer containable. Half back Paul Dolan took the brunt of these frustrations as he was manhandled by several Dympna's players. As a result, Paul and his Dympna's counterpart were sent off as Reiteoir Paul Connolly produced the red card.  This sending off prevents Paul from playing against Glen Rovers and St Dympna's  in the Championship.

Nevertheless the strength in depth that has made Colmcille's the most successful club in Hertfordshire appears to have returned and today's performance, if repeated, on a weekly basis should ensure that they are in the frame for silverware come the close of the season.

            St Colmcilles 2-09: St Vincent's, Luton 1-03 SFL

St Colmcille's had a flurry of players returning to ensure that the St Albans side's interest in  the league remained. Pat Walsh, the last minute hero of the 2006 SFC final, returned to stand between the sticks and despite being unable to keep a clean sheet fended off many attacks on his goal. He made good use of the bar, punching several balls onto it, to ensure that goalward bound balls did not hit the back of the net.

Jason Lohan, a product of the St Alban's youth side, showed what a natural talent he has for Gaelic football. He won every ball that came within his grasp and ran effortlessly, dispensing the ball to the midfield and beyond, which often led to St Colmcille's getting more points on the board.

Plunkett McGreevy also starred for St Colmcille's in his new defensive position and with James Lane moving back to full forward, the St Colmcille's balance was restored.

St Vincents, like Glen Rovers two years ago, are showing signs of a team gelling and ready to challenge for silverware in the near future. The challenge for St Colmcille's is to add new blood and fresh legs to the experience of the present team.

Glen Rovers, Watford 5-09: St Colmcille's 2-03 SFL

An under strength St Colmcille's were unable to deal with or match the goal scoring abilities of this developing Watford side. Two years ago St Colmcille's comfortably defeated this team but saw the signs that a formidable force was only a matter of seasons away. However the St Albans side is bedding down new recruits itself and while it may not have the strength in depth of previous seasons it still has the ability to bounce back when it is at full strength. Adrian Slavin should be able to rest next week after scoring St Colmcille's two goals and leave it to younger legs to put the points on the board.

John Wallace Cup: Blitz 27/04/08

Four teams gathered to contest this year’s John Wallace Cup. St Dympna’s and St Vincent’s of Luton met with Cambridge and the St Alban’s side to complete the second leg of this blitz format. Having played just one game this season, Colmcilles were expected to be a bit rusty in their opener against a resurgent St Dympna’s.

St Dympna’s managed to take advantage of their recent match practice and scored a goal in the opening five minutes, but, from then on this was a very even match. Both teams scored a point apiece for the remainder of the half but each side had a number of opportunities to add to this tally. The second half was played mainly in midfield with the half forwards being restricted to kicks from outside the 21. The swirling wind did little to assist the forwards points tally as each attempt fell wide. St Dympna’s did manage to surge forward and create goal scoring opportunities but the Colmcille’s defence had upped their game from the first half and made some goal line saves which were promptly cleared to safety. St Dympna’s scored one more point from a free to leave the final score 1-02 to 0-01. St Colmcilles took on the Championship holders Cambridge next.

Having built up their confidence from the previous match, Colmcilles dominated this game. Pat Leydon scored a last minute point, from the tightest of angles, to edge this game 0-03 to 0-02. This win will not consolate for losing the Championship and League finals to Cambridge in 2007 but it will build the momentum Colmcilles needs to take back these titles when the league and Championship start over the next few weeks.

Colmcilles won comfortably against St Vincents 4-05 to 0-00. Having recruited many new players from their local rugby club, Vincent have filled their team with players who can catch and kick the ball effectively. No doubt, as these new recruits of this discipline add to their skill base over the coming weeks they will pose more of a challenge to St Colmcilles and other teams in the league.

Starring in this tournament for St Colmcilles were local lads Jason Lohan and William Dunston, who had his debut in goals. Jason is a product of Colmcilles youth team and has the ability to become a future captain if he continues to show the leadership that he showed for the entirety of the tournament. Congratulations go to St Dympna’s for capturing their second trophy of the season.

Hertfordshire - Cahill & Hurley Cup

St Dympnas are leaders at end of 1st Round

The season began in Hertfordshire at Oxhey Park, Watford with the Cahill & Hurley Cup being played for as a Blitz.

The competition commemorates two great Herts’ stalwarts and four clubs had teams lining out, Cambridge Parnells along with SS Vincents, Colmcilles and Dympnas.

The small attendance contrasted sharply with the numbers up the road at a rugby game. But no one at Oxhey Park was going anywhere such was the effort and determination of the players who gave their all whilst aching bones and muscles crying out for relief.

Some Vincents’ players would be more familiar with the oval ball but are willing students of football. With Noel McNamara and Diarmuid McCabe at the helm their rawness will soon begin to evaporate.

Vincents didn’t win any game going down in their opening game to fellow Lutonians, Dympnas. They upped their performance when pitted against the Light Blues from Cambridge and finished their afternoon with a one point defeat to St Colmcilles. There were fine displays from Stephen Flood, McCabe and Mick McCarey for Vincents and from Aaron O Byrne, Nigel Loughran, James Lane and Adrian O Rourke for Colmcilles.

The Parnells and Dympnas tie decided leadership going into the 2nd lag. Dympnas won 2.04 to Cambridge’s solitary point. Crunch goals from Kevin Killeen and Steve Byrne at critical junctures ensured the Leagrave side won the opening tussle of the season between the leading sides in the county.
Along with Byrne and Killeen, James McKenzie and Shane Gallagher shone brightest for Dympnas. The day proved a good test for Parnells and Greg Treanor, Karl Weber, Australian, Neil Sporton and Fintan McMorrow proved able leaders.

The superior fitness and teamwork of the Dympnas was evident throughout and they go into this coming Sunday’s 2nd leg favourites to capture the laurels.
Whatever the outcome, spectators will hope for entertainment to match that of last Sunday.

The 2nd leg will take place at the same venue at the same venue commencing 1pm.

Training on Thursdays with karate expert started at the beginning of March 2008

Build up your strength and balance

Ian from Belfast is a black belt in karate. He has kindly given up his free time to show our players some of the secrets of his fitness regime. Players will slowly build up muscle strength which will help deal with the demands of the game. This is aimed at all levels of fitness and players are encouraged to take advantage of Ian's expertise, which is at no cost to themselves. To get similar fitness instruction at your local gym would cost upwards of £30 per month. The feedback from this new fitness regime is tremendous and those who have not got back into the routine of training yet are encouraged to come back down to the pitch and join in.

CBBC visits St Colmcilles Gaelic Athletic club

On Wednesday 15th August, the CBBC traveled to Cotlandswick, St Albans to witness how children in the local area are adapting to the fascinating world of Gaelic football. The indifferent weather did not spoil the occasion for the thirty-seven children, six coaches and the BBC camera crew who attended.

The CBBC are currently filming a series entitled ’Do Something Different’ focusing on different sports within UK society and how the youth adapt to these sports. This publicity gave local children who had not yet experienced Gaelic games the opportunity to try a completely new sport. Looking on from the sidelines it was obvious that those involved, including coaches, thoroughly enjoyed the experience. For many kids it was not their first time to give a ’punt’ or a ’fist’ pass as Cotlandswick is the home site of St Colmcilles Gaelic Football Club where training takes place every Wednesday night for the youth in the area, ranging between ages 7 to 14.

During the training session, youth players Daniel Roche and Niall Lysaght were interviewed and asked to produce some Gaelic football skills. The camera crew also caught some under 14 training action under the tuition of coach Kevin Armstrong while coach Sean Carney and experienced Gaelic Football stalwart Bob Canty gave an insight into the rules of Gaelic football.

There are many in the county of Hertfordshire who doubt the future for Gaelic football in the UK but judging by this occasion there is no need to worry. Also, the under 10, 12 and 14 leagues within Hertfordshire are currently thriving and excellent training sessions are organised every week around the county focusing on the skills needed to become proficient at Gaelic football.

This indeed was a proud occasion for the trainers and those involved with St Colmcilles GFC as it is not often that Gaelic games receives the limelight outside the Emerald Isle. Those who attended will be hoping it is a taste of things to come. The series ’Do Something Different’ is shown on BBC 2 on Saturday mornings at 11am so keep your eyes peeled for the future of Gaelic football in the UK.