Silverbridge Harps GAC

Silverbridge Harps GAC Notes 

Seniors

The seniors put in a mighty effort on Sunday in their encounter with Pearse Ógs and just failed to clinch the match.  The lads tackled well, contesting every ball throughout the field right from the throw-in. Their first shot went wide, the next into the goalkeeper’s hands, then they won a high ball and Bernard Connolly found the back of the net eight minutes into the game. The backs faced down Pearse Ógs and forced them to shoot wide, Frank Smyth fielded well and scored and Dee McCann, Colm Traynor, Barry Campbell and Brendan Bellew got the scores which left them one point in arrears at the break.

The visitors gained the upper hand as the game recommenced and quickly got a point from a free and then a goal. The Bridge did not give in, however, and were soon awarded a penalty. The shot went straight at the keeper who tried to clear it and in the scramble in the square Dee managed to get the ball in the net, but it was judged to be a foul and not awarded. Rory Murchan and Brendan Bellew succeeded again and again in getting the ball forward but try as they might the forwards could not convert.  The whole team played well but it wasn’t their day. The game was a lot closer than the final score of 1-10 to 2-12 suggests. Next Friday night Tír na nÓg come to the Bridge.

B Team

The Bs went to Culloville last Wednesday night and after a hard, tense game won well. The Bridge marked tight and intercepted well from the start forcing Culloville to shoot wide or into the goalie’s hands. Frank Smyth contested well and got the ball into Aidan McGarvey, Brendan Crummy and Barry Campbell for their scores. A good goal from Paul Murphy ensured the Bridge went in ahead at half time, although the home team had more of the play towards the end of this period.  Culloville won the throw-in but shot wide, the Bridge won the ball from the kick-out and Paul Murphy got another goal. The Bridge were on top in this half, Joe Campbell made a great run forward to find the back of the net and Paddy Hughes and Kevin Burns added to the final tally. Goalie Brendan Cumisky played his part and denied the opposition a certain goal. Final score was 3-7 to 1-7.

Minors

The minors bowed out of this year’s championship last Monday night in Crossmaglen.  In a game when only backs Tomas Mallie and Colm Hughes played to their potential the team allowed Cross dominate the match in the first half and gain a lead which our lads just couldn’t bite into.  Cross opened the scoring with a point but the Bridge got their act together and worked the ball well into the forwards, got a point from a free and then a nice goal. They then lost their way and gave away possession or took too much out of a move. Young Colnell Quinn who had been playing well was injured and had to be substituted. Cross won most of the ball in midfield and got two goals one from a long ball kicked in over the backs and the other came when the ball wasn’t cleared from the goalmouth and danger.

In the second half our lads contested hard but they were not able to hold on to the ball or get it in to the forwards. This was a better half for them although they did not find the form we know they are capable of. When Ciarán Conlon was red carded in the last quarter the team played with more determination but still couldn’t get the scores even though they created plenty of chances. And so Cross move into the next round.

This week they play away to Oliver Plunketts.

U 16

The U16s had a good win over Shane O’Neills on Wednesday night last. They built up a good lead in the first half and added to it in the second, Gerard McGarvey getting one goal and Eugene Burns scoring the other two. Liam Finnegan and Paul Hughes had a great game in defence and curtailed the home team well.

U 14

The U14 match was postponed last Tuesday night because of the death of Kevin O’Neill’s granny. Mrs O’Neill was also lady footballers Seana and Carol O’Neill’s granny and we send our sympathy to the whole family, and also to Thomas Walsh on his uncle’s death.

The match was reset for Saturday but was not played then either. Tonight (Tuesday) they are away to Corrinshigo.

U 10

The lads had hard luck in their match with Carrickcruppen last Tuesday. It was a game that neither team deserved to lose. The Bridge missed the chance to equalise right at the end when a free sailed wide. The entire team, from keeper to full- forward, played out of their skins in torrential rain that could not dampen their determination. On the night Paddy Reel, Sean McLoughlin and Paul Hearty had a brilliant game, and the two girls Gráinne Garvey and Laura McShane would show any boy how to play Gaelic football.

On Sunday the Bridge were very much under-strength for their game with Mullaghbawn.  Some were on holidays and others did not turn up. This was the last league game and Mullaghbawn were victorious. The team plays in a blitz in Monaghan next Saturday. All players are requested to be at the clubrooms on Saturday morning at 9 15am and have a packed lunch with them.

Lotto

Last week’s combination was 2, 4, 7 and 8.  There were thirteen match 3 winners who received £15 each. The jackpot has risen to £6,800 or €10,200.

Clubrooms

Don’t forget this Friday night and the launching of Séamus Delaney’s new CD “Dreams of a Dreamer”. This promises to be a good night’s craic with special guests country star Eileen King and comedian Big O.  Music for dancing will be provided by Limelite. Doors are open from 8 30pm so come early.