Silverbridge Harps GAC

Silverbridge Harps GAC Notes

Seniors

The seniors were busy this weekend.  On Friday night they travelled to Portadown to play Tír na n–Óg and after a good game earned a draw.  The game could have gone either way and after the night’s endeavour a draw was probably a fair result. The home team held the advantage in the first half but a Bridge goal before half time kept them in contention.  The second half was tightly contested and our men slowly edged ahead and held a lead of three points about fifteen minutes from the end. Tír na n-Óg came back with six points to claim the lead but our lads refused to give in and won three scores and the equaliser. This was a good team effort and Niall Reel, Liam Campbell, Ryan Hamill and Peter Burns gave of their best. The game ended 1-13 each.

On Sunday neighbouring rivals St Pats provided the opposition. and a good match ensued. The Bridge opened the scoring with two great points from Liam Campbell and the game continued with tight marking and good competitive play. By the break the Bridge had built up a two point lead, although this would have been greater had there not been so many wides.  Cullyhanna had the better start in the second half but our men kept piling on the pressure and got a goal but it was deemed a square ball. The Bridge held the lead until the twenty fifth minute and lost it a few minutes later. It seemed as if all was lost but a high ball into the forwards ended in the back of the net and a point right after sealed it for us. Final score was 1-9 to 0-9. Liam Campbell, Bernard Connolly and Colm Traynor were in good scoring form, Cormac McAvoy had an excellent game in midfield and Rory Murchan showed well in defence.  All in all a good weekend’s football. This week’s match against Clans is scheduled for Friday night.

B Team

The B team were unlucky to lose by the narrowest of margins in their encounter with Dromintee on Wednesday evening. Both teams played enthusiastically, tackling and defending and laying the ball on, as Gaelic football should be played.  The teams had equal scoring opportunities in the first half but Dromintee’s goal gave them the edge and they led by two points at the break. The Bridge came back on to the pitch in determined mode and had the best of the action in this half.  They scored some nice points and almost got a goal but the final whistle denied them the chance to equalise. The final result was 1-9 to 0-11.

On Wednesday night they play St Pats in the Championship in the Bridge and that has the makings of a great match.

Minors

The minors’ match with Culloville last Monday was a close and exciting game. Our lads had a great game with plenty of scores but Culloville made them work for every ball, and the teams were even at the break even though Culloville had scored a goal. The second half was just as good with scores coming tit for tat. Vince Mackin made a great save denying the visitors a second goal and our lads held on to their lead. Stefan Murphy and Paudie Cummisky had an excellent game and the team gelled well around them. The score at the end was 0-14 to 1-8.

U 16

Last week’s game was cancelled. This Thursday the team is away to Whitecross for their championship encounter.

U 14

The U14 team had a convincing win over Newtown last Tuesday night.  The Bridge boys started the game very well with the forwards taking their chances and building up a god lead. It was a lead which Silverbridge increased in the second half as the boys produced some excellent football.  There were good individual performances from Harry Thornton and Ciarán Maguire.  This was a good preparation for the boys for some tough matches in the weeks ahead.  Tonight, Tuesday, they play away to Whitecross.

U 10

This group of lads took on a very strong Killeavy side on Sunday morning and although the boys gave of their best they were comprehensively beaten. Pádraig Moley in defence gave a noteworthy performance.  This is a team of very young players who are doing their best against boys at the upper age limits of the group. Training as usual during the week and next Saturday they take part in the U10 Blitz in Cross.

Ladies Football

The U14 girls drew with Dromintee on Monday night.  Following a somewhat low-key first half the girls really stepped up the pace in the second half with three fabulous points from midfielder Paula Reel.  Dromintee seemed to put the game beyond Silverbridge with a goal with only ten minutes to go, but once again our girls responded with a goal from Paula Reel and the equalising point from Niamh Gernon.

Congratulations to Niamh Gernon who captained the Armagh Primary Schools team to victory over Tyrone during the week.

The senior girls continued their good form with a 4-2 to 2-4 win over Clady on Saturday. Scores were level at half time with 0-3 each and level again ten minutes into the second half when substitute Siobhan Moley fired the Bridge ahead with the first goal of the game.  A goal and a point from Dara Collins seemed to ensure a win but Clady hit back with two quick goals to leave just a point between the sides.  A point from Shauna O’Neill eased the pressure before Dara Collins hit the net twice to give the scoreline a somewhat flattering look at the end of a tough match.  This victory was built on a solid display all round but the work rate of the quartet of Roisin Murphy, Teresa Loye, Suzanne Meegan and Kevina Reel drove the team forward.

For the record the team was: -C Murphy, L Murphy, A Hoey, L Watters, P Murphy, R Murphy, C Byrne, T Loye (0-2), S Meegan, S O’Neill (0-1), K Reel, P Reel, N Fegan (0-3), D Collins (3-2), L Reel.  Sub: S Moley 1-0). Other subs: C O’Callaghan, Emma Goodfellow, Caillin Faughey, Emma McGahon and Megan Burns.

Lotto

Last week’s numbers were 8, 11, 22 and 31. There wasn’t a jackpot winner but four people matched three numbers and won £50 each.  The prize this week is £5,400 or €8,100.

Tickets

Anyone wishing to obtain a ticket for next Sunday’s game in Clones should come to the clubrooms on Wednesday night for the distribution of tickets after the B match.  Tickets are to be paid for on the night.

Events

On Friday night 11th June the Raymond Loye Memorial Committee are having a get together to present a cheque to Newry Hospice. Music will be provided by the Sandmen and all are welcome.  The committee are very pleased with the response to their fund-raising and would like to thank everyone for their wonderful generosity.