U16 three-in-a-row bids falls just short
B A Mullan and Son Derry U16 Championship Final: Lavey 1-11 Magherafelt 4-05
Time simply ran out on Lavey’s bid to win three-in-a-row U16 championship titles on a wet and windy Wednesday night at Owenbeg.
The pattern of this final – the third in three years between the clubs – was set early on, as with the aid of a strong breeze, Magherafelt capitalised on possession errors to step into a two-point lead after ten minutes.
Lavey’s first score came from the boot of impressive full forward Rory McGill four minutes later and indeed could have been a score that put Lavey into a commanding lead against the breeze.
Minutes earlier, standing over a free kick forty metres from goal, Matthew Downey picked out McGill with a sublime defence splitting pass, sending him through on goal. With the Rossa goalkeeper advancing McGill’s shot trickled agonisingly wide of the left hand post.
The near miss was further compounded with Magherafelt awarded and converting a free kick of their own minutes later. Winning possession from the restart, a point effort was spilled to the Lavey net for the game’s opening goal.
Matthew Downey responded with a Lavey free as the Erin’s Own lads continued to dominate the majority of possession.
Facing what seemed like a manageable four-point deficit with the aid of the breeze to come, Magherafelt struck for a vital goal on the stroke of half time, half back Ronan Walls finding himself free in the Lavey defence following a defensive turnover and firing high into the net.
Half time: Lavey 0-02 Magherafelt 2-03
The expected Lavey fightback in the second half did not disappoint.
With Calum and Matthew Downey punching holes in the Magherafelt rearguard, Darragh Young’s goalbound effort was tipped just around the post as Lavey turned up the heat. A cleverly worked ’45 resulted in a Shea O’Neill point from which Matthew Downey won the resultant kickout. Two passes later the ball was superbly speared into the top corner of the Magherafelt net by corner forward Dara McGurk.
Matthew Downey added his third free as a seven point half time lead became two.
Lavey looked to have taken the lead minutes later as Rory McGill punched a Matthew Downey free to the net. Following extensive discussions between the officials, the score was adjudged to have been a square ball and was disallowed.
It was to prove a turning point as Magherafelt registered the next 1-02 with strong running from midfield, all but wiping out the first Lavey revival.
But again they came with the game’s next four scores. Lavey midfielder Segdae Melaugh looked to have scored a goal but for a fine save by the Rossa goalkeeper. Matthew Downey clipped over a free which was added to by Conlan O’Kane, and again minutes later by Niall Duggan with his first of three excellent points from play.
Having reeled in the Rossas for the second time, Lavey were once again caught on the counter when midfielder Dan Higgins hit the net for the second time.
With a never say die spirit to the very end O’Kane and Duggan added points before Matthew Downey brought just one score between the teams in injury time. However, Magherafelt held on to overturn last year’s final result and run out three point winners.
Lavey: Louis Regan; Adam Maher, Niall Rafferty, Eoin Scullion; Patrick McGurk, Shea O’Neill 0-01, Niall Duggan 0-03; Segdae Melaugh, Matthew Downey 0-04f; Darragh Young, Calum Downey, Conlan O’Kane 0-02; Conor Downey, Rory McGill 0-01, Dara McGurk 1-00.
Lavey’s ladies secure maiden silverware
Two years ago they picked up their first O’Neills football as a club team. Tonight after a serious effort on the training field the Lavey girls footballers have reached the top of Division B at U14 level and set the foundations for every underage group coming after them in Lavey.
The challenge now is to push on and achieve even more success. Admire the climb as much as the top. Congratulations to the girls and their coaches Louis O’Connor and Paul Sargent.
Our St Brigids Mayogall girls football school team also got that winning feeling today as both girls teams played their hearts out in the St Canice’s Dungiven tournament. The A team produced a massive second half in the final against the hosts to win it.
Shortly after the St Brigids boys team sealed the “double” beating the hosts in the final too. Some achievement for the school and our club. The effort being put in by the teachers, at after schools and by all the underage coaching teams in Lavey is producing some richly deserved success. Well done all.
U16 footballers progress to Championship last four
U16A Football Championship quarter final: Lavey 3-14 Ballinascreen 1-5
Lavey started the defence of their u-16 Championship title in style with a comprehensive performance away to Ballinascreen.
As the score line suggests Lavey ran out easy winners with the damage being done in the first half with some superb attacking football from our lads.
First half goals from Enda, Matthew and Calum Downey saw Lavey lead 3-9 to 1-2 at half time. Points from James McGurk(2) Shea O Neill (1) Matthew Downey (2) Enda Downey (5) were the result of great team play.
Lavey’s defence was superbly marshalled by the excellent Jamie Duggan, ably assisted by the strong Niall Rafferty and the impressive Ryan Farrell.
Young goalkeeper Eoin Scullion, deputising for the injured Jack Scullion, had a very sound game, with his kickouts finding the intended targets and thus allowing Lavey to build their attacks. Joseph McGurk and Niall Duggan were two great half backs, reading the game superbly and had the solid Seadghe Meelaugh covering behind them.
The second half was played at a much slower pace and a more even affair as Lavey saw the game out with points from Conlan O Kane, Patrick McGurk, Ruairi McGill and Enda Downey(2).
A great team performance from the holders who now face Glen in the semi final on Thursday 27th.
Lavey produce blistering second half to claim points at Glenullin
Lavey produced a blistering second half performance to come from a five point half time deficit (1-10 to 1-05) to claim victory at Glenullin.
Nine unanswered points, four of which came from the boot of substitute Thomas Donnelly, saw this game turned on its head as Lavey got to grips with a Glenullin side that had threatened to claim both points first half.
The opening stages of the game saw an even contest develop. Points from Declan Hughes and an Anthony McGurk free came after Kevin O’Neill hit the Glenullin net after good work by Hughes.
The goal proved somewhat of a lifeline for Lavey as Glenullin scored heavily at other end, amassing a seven point lead after 25mins. Lavey rallied briefly before half time with the raiding Hugh McGurk and Liam Murphy grabbing points to keep the away team within touching distance.
Substitutes Brendan Laverty and Thomas Donnelly had an immediate impact second half as Lavey dominated the Glenullin kickout to register a succession of scores. Kevin O’Neill added to his goal with two well taken points before Declan Hughes and Hugh McGurk added further scores from play. With Glenullin reduced to 14 men following two yellow cards for centre half back John O’Kane, Lavey were able to dominate possession, with Glenullin getting their only score of the second half with five mins remaining. However, Lavey never looked like conceding a goal and maintained their four point cushion to collect the two points with scores from play and frees by Thomas Donnelly.
Lavey: 1. Ciaron O’Boyle 2. Aidan Toner 3. Conor Mulholland 4. Shane Lagan 5. Hugh McGurk 0-02 6. Michael Drumm 7. Eamon McGill 8. Kevin O’Neill 1-02 9. Damian Chivers 10. Declan Hughes 0-03 11. Caolan McGurk 12. Anthony McGurk 0-01f 13. Liam Murphy 0-02 14. Shea Downey 15. Colm Murphy.
Subs used: Brendan Laverty 0-01 for Conor Mullholland
Thomas Donnelly 0-04 (2f) for Caolan McGurk
Shane McGill for Declan Hughes (blood sub, later reversed)
Off target Lavey fall to narrow first defeat at Kilrea
Wayward second half shooting saw a heavily depleted Lavey fall to their first defeat of the season in a keenly contested game at Kilrea.
Playing with five enforced changes due to injury following last week’s win over Swatragh, and a brisk breeze in the first half, the away team gradually got on top following an even opening quarter. Points from Liam Murphy, Declan Hughes and the accuracy of Thomas Donnelly from placed balls saw the sides level midway through the first half.
Lavey then enjoyed their best spell of the game registering 1-02 without reply, the goal coming thanks to a deft finish by Liam Murphy, clipping the ball ‘soccer style’ over the advancing Kilrea goalkeeper.
Lavey’s five point lead at the interval could, and should have been greater, but was gradually reduced with a series of scores from the boot of James Kielt and substitute Benny Quigg. A series of missed opportunities, eight in all, against the breeze meant Kilrea would eventually take the lead as the game entered the final quarter. A second yellow card for midfielder Damian Chivers had left Lavey down to 14 men for the final 20 mins, as the home took a three point lead. A terrific point by raiding corner back Colm Murphy threatened a resurgence. However, one more solitary long range free from goalkeeper Ciaron O’Boyle was all Lavey could register as Kilrea held out for a one point win.
Lavey: 1. Ciaron O’Boyle 0-01f 2. Aidan Toner 3. Conor Mulholland 4. Colm Murphy 0-01 5. Sam Dodds 0-01 6. Brendan Laverty 7. Colm Dillon 8. Kevin O’Neill 9. Damian Chivers 10. Declan Hughes 0-02 11. Hugh McGurk 12. Thomas Donnelly 0-02f 13. Liam Murphy 1-01 14. Shea Downey 15. Shane McGill.
Subs: Caolan McGurk for Brendan Laverty, Anthony McGurk for Colm Dillon, Dara McPeake for Kevin O’Neill.
Double Féile Delight caps off One Big Weekend
Monday 4 May, Féile Peile na nÓg Final: Lavey 5-05 Magherafelt 1-05
Sunday 10 May, Féile na nGael Shield Final: Lavey 4-02 Na Magha 1-04
The year is little over five months old but already the May bank holiday weekend, and the days that followed, will be topics of conversation when the dark evenings return this winter. That’s not for a while yet though, thankfully.
No sooner had Derek Ryan’s crew shipped up and sailed out – marking the end of a phenomenal voluntary effort over three days and nights by the Lavey community – than the focus returned to matters on the pitch.
Bank Holiday Monday brought the re-transformation of the 3G hall and also an emphatic twelve-point win for the under-14 footballers over Magherafelt in the Féile final at Owenbeg, bringing to an end a nine-game campaign which saw Lavey overcome every other team in the ‘A’ section to secure the title – a first in the club’s history. That over a dozen of that squad of players returned to the same venue claim the hurling shield six days later makes the feat all the more remarkable.
Six days, two games and nine goals, two thirds of which were scored by Callum Murray with both boot and hurl. Murray’s performances were outstanding and matched only by the composure, discipline and hard work of the entire team.
Playing in his second football Féile final in two years, the big full-forward got his team off to the perfect start collecting a high ball before leaving a trio of Magherafelt markers in his wake and firing to the net seconds after the throw-in. Playing with a first half breeze, Lavey played direct football with Murray repeating the trick midway through the second half with another scintillating fetch, run and finish. With James McGurk proving accurate from free kicks from both short and long distances, Lavey built up a six point lead before the Rossas hit their only goal of the game through Thomas Shea Maynes, reducing the lead to three points. However, as if to lay down a marker for the second half, fine combination play resulted in McGurk’s point effort dropping into the roof of the net to rubber stamp Lavey’s first half dominance going into the break.
Six days later, there was a similar end to the first twenty minutes of the hurling final when stubborn Na Magha resistance was finally broken when Enda Downey crossed the sliothar from the left wing, Callum Murray latching onto the loose ball, and dispatching it to the net.
Na Magha would draw level again at the start of the second half but it proved to be a false dawn. Following a point from a free from Jamie Duggan, two goals in as many minutes from Callum Murray and Enda Downey ended the game as a contest. The result was then sealed with the completion of a hat-trick of goals by Murray one minute from full time, after which team captain, Ryan McGill received the Féile shield on behalf of the club.
The emphatic second half display of the hurlers was matched only by the performance of the footballers in their final twenty minutes of action. Leading by six at the break, but facing into a stiff breeze for the remainder of the game, the Owenbeg crowd anticipated a close fought second half which never materialised. The fact that the young players went on to double their lead by the full time whistle deserves some consideration.
Playing with a maturity well beyond their years, the defensive display to contain inevitable early Magherafelt pressure was almost as impressive as the counter-attacking possession football used to devastating effect at the other end. Time after time, Magherafelt attacks were halted by crowds of orange jerseys providing a platform from which Murray netted for the third time at the other end before turning provider for Jack Scullion to finish in style.
The final whistle was met with joy from supporters, coaches and players alike but it is the performance that will live long in the memory.
The club would like to congratulate all those that played their part including all the coaching and management teams and both groups of players who have displayed willingness to work hard and to learn throughout the year to date. They have been terrific ambassadors for their families and the club.
Like the big weekend that was, the curtain has now fallen on both Féile finals, but the hard work on and off the field goes on.
N.B. Lavey U-14 footballers will take part in the All-Ireland division one Féile competition on Saturday 27 June at Hawkfield, Co. Kildare.
U-14 Football Squad: Jack Mc Kendry, Cormac Collins, Jake O Connell, Niall Duggan, Jack Scullion, Ryan McGill, Jamie Duggan, Enda Downey, James McGurk, Matthew Downey, Joe Duggan, Calum Downey, Ryan Farrell, Calum Murray, Patrick Mc Gurk, Shea O’Neill, Max Kazogi, Leon Duggan, Joseph McGurk, Ruairi Magill, Louis Regan, Oisin Madden, Oisin Mc Corry, Niall Rafferty.
Management: Seamus Downey, Henry Downey, John McGurk, Seamus Scullion.
U-14 Hurling Squad: Oisin McCorry, Leon Duggan, Cormac Collins, Joseph McGurk, Jack Scullion, P J McAleese, Joe Duggan, Ryan McGill, Odhran Melaugh, Sean McMullan, Jamie Duggan, Niall Duggan, Enda Downey, Callum Murray, Ryan Farrell, Darragh Young, Matthew Downey, Shea Melaugh, Oisin Madden, Jarlath Young, Padar O’Neill, Shea O’Neill, Shea Scullion, Ben O’Connell
Management: Joe Young, Oliver Collins, PJ Ward, Allex Murray
Féile na nGael shield winners 2015
Féile Peile na nÓg winners 2015
Lavey u14s show true character in entertaining clash
The Old Thatch Inn ACFL U14A: Lavey 3-04 Magherafelt 2-10
“Players with fight never lose a game, they just run out of time” John Wooden
Having led by two points with ten minutes remaining in this top of the table clash, a young Lavey side simply ran out of time as they attempted to recover from the concession of a late Magherafelt goal.
The visitors got a dream start after a defensive mistake resulted in a fortunate goal – a score which was soon wiped out after Calum Murray pounced on a high ball to fire to the net at the other end.
The pattern was repeated during the second quarter with Lavey failing to turn possession, won through touch-tight defending with some excellent approach play, into scores. That was to prove costly, allowing the Rossas to build up a five point lead as half time approached.
However, just before the break persistence from full forward, Paudie Duggan, was deservedly rewarded as he made and converted his team’s second goal, poking the ball low to the corner past the on-rushing goalkeeper. Half time: Lavey 2-00 Magherafelt 0-08.
The focus, fight and discipline shown in the first half from this young Lavey side came to the fore again at the start of the second as James Crawford burst through to fire an unstoppable effort past the outstretched keepers’ right hand – the best score of the game and the lead for the first time.
The midfielder converted a free minutes later for a two point lead after which the teams traded points.
Calum Murray broke his own ball to point from play before a second Crawford free and a Matthew Downey point brought the large crowd alive during the final stages in which Lavey keeper Eoin Mulholland displayed superb reactions.
Hit with a sucker-punch goal which was followed by two quick points, Lavey were unable to respond before Barry Cassidy’s final whistle ended a hugely entertaining game from which both sides will take positives.
Finally, best of luck to the Magherafelt squad who will represent Derry in the upcoming national Feile finals.
Lavey scorers: James Crawford 1-02 (0-02f), Calum Murray 1-01, Paudie Duggan 1-00, Matthew Downey 0-01.
Second half blitz blows away the ‘Bridge
The Old Thatch Inn U18A ACFL: Lavey 4-14 Newbridge 1-10
Whatever Shorty said at half time, it worked.
A devastating nine minute spell at the start of the second half saw Lavey register 1-04 without reply, and get the weekend off to a bright start with a comfortable victory over Newbridge.
With the game postponed earlier in the week due to exam pressures, the first question asked of the Lavey lads in the opening 30 mins arose from the visitors decision to place their corner forward back in front of their own full back line. Defensively, it didn’t work out for Newbridge. It seldom does at this level.
Eamon McGill kick-started Lavey’s challenge drawing a foul – the resultant free converted by Dominic Duggan – before firing over brilliantly from thirty metres minutes later.
However, even in the face of a barrage of brilliant points from Mattie Bradley, Newbridge were able to maintain a foothold in the game, capitalising on defensive mistakes, drawing fouls and hitting the game’s opening goal after 18 mins.
That scrambled strike brought the game level, and with their tails now up, Newbridge took the lead one minute later.
Lavey’s response came within two minutes. Eamon McGill again attacked at pace before a scuffed shot spilled lose to his midfielder partner Dara McPeake who tested the Quarry Road end rigging from close range. Bradley once again landed a beauty, before Newbridge’s continued accuracy from placed balls brought the sides level at half time, 1-06 each.
Intensity is a buzz word used often to describe games. In the second half, Lavey brought it. In spades. With Aidan Toner pushing a high line, Newbridge were penned back and powerless to prevent the onslaught to come. Danny Shaw signalled intent with the opening score of the second half after only 35 seconds.
Paul Tohill got on the end of a move which saw his scoring attempt fall short and into the waiting arms of Mattie Bradley who netted in style. Toner then slipped in McGill to commence a rapid point scoring spree – Duggan and McPeake adding to their tallies within a further ninety seconds.
By the time the visitors registered their first score of the second half on 40 mins, Lavey had already amassed what looking like a 2-point securing tally.
Substitute Hugh McGurk kept the scoreboard ticking over before Danny Shaw pounced on a blocked effort from Mattie Bradley to drill to the net. Double scores and game over.
Shaw scored his second and Lavey’s fourth goal with five minutes remaining, and after Lavey ran their bench, Conor Mulholland stepped up from full back for the last kick of the game, sending a 45m free handsomely between the posts.
Lavey scorers: Danny Shaw 2-02, Matthew Bradley 1-04, Dara McPeake 1-01, Dominic Duggan 0-03 (2f), Eamon McGill 0-02, Hugh McGurk 0-01, Conor Mulholland 0-01 (1 45f)
Under 14 footballers impress to claim first league points
The Old Thatch Inn ACFL Under 14A: Lavey 3-07 Dungiven 0-04.
Lavey U14 footballers bounced back from Féile final disappointment with an emphatic league win over Dungiven.
Following a keenly contested U13 final between the teams last autumn, acquaintances were renewed in near-perfect conditions, resulting in an opening half with scores at a premium.
The visitors registered the first point after seven minutes of the game which saw both sides waste several scoring chances. It would be the first and only time they would lead, as points from James Crawford either side of an Enda Downey free gave Lavey a 0-03 to 0-01 half time lead.
Lavey’s domination of possession and territory during the opening twenty-five minutes wasn’t reflected on the scoreboard, giving a battling Dungiven side much encouragement.
However, the opening stages of the second half saw daylight introduced between the teams as Oran Downey pounced to poke to the net from close range following a goalmouth scramble.
With Dungiven tiring, Lavey began to put scores on the board to emphasis their dominance.
Calum Murray latched onto a high ball from midfielder Crawford, flicking to the net before Fintan Bradley – whose influence grew steadily as the game progressed – raced through to finish low past the St Canice’s goalkeeper, effectively ending the game as a contest midway through the second half.
A series of points from full forward Duggan (3) and full back Mulholland (1) brought the game to an inevitable conclusion, JJ Cleary’s final whistle signalling Lavey’s first league win of the new season.
Lavey scorers: Paudie Duggan 0-03 (1f), Oran Downey 1-00, Calum Murray 1-00, Fintan Bradley 1-00, James Crawford 0-02, Ryan Mulholland 0-01, Enda Downey 0-01 (1f).
Underage Presentation
Underage Presentation
Will take place on Sunday 8th December for all the
U12, 10, 8 and 6’s in Lavey Club from 2pm to 4pm.