Mount Sion Gaa Club Notes
Under 16
Our under 16 hurlers travelled to Clonea to play a fast improving Clonea side in the quarter final of the Eastern under 16 championship. This being this team’s first competitive outing and the fact that it was a very young side with only five players up to the age, this was bound to prove a serious test.
And so it did, when, after an hour of competitive and uncompromising hurling the Monastery outfit held out for deserved but extremely hard fought three point victory. The home side set the early pace and with a new look and relatively inexperienced defence, the Mount Sion lads were under real pressure. However the outstanding Stephen Power in goal and the powerful Aidan Power at full back soon steadied the ship and with Austin Gleeson beginning to dominate the home defence, our lads began to take control of the game. William Ormond grew into the game at centre back and Lee Halligan and Conor Butler’s tireless work rate in their unaccustomed positions in the middle of the field ensured that every Clonea score would be hard earned.
Scores were exchanged throughout the first half and there was little to separate these teams, as has been the case over the past few years when they have met. However the prowess of Austin Gleeson was to prove the chief difference in a tense and exciting opening half when fifteen minutes in he turned his marker and rifled to the roof of the Clonea net. Eoin Daniels, in his unfamiliar position of centre forward proved another thorn in the home defence and his unselfish work rate created numerous opportunities for his forwards. The teams went in at half time all square and despite playing well, things could have been a lot worse for the Sion lads but for a brilliant save by Stephen Power five minutes before the break.
The second half would follow the same pattern as the first with scores being exchanged at both ends of the field. Cian O’ Regan now started to influence proceedings and when young Ben Flanagan put him through for a well taken point which was followed by scores from the accuracy of Lee Halligan’s long range frees, it seemed that the tide was beginning to turn in our favour. However Clonea rallied once again and with Austin Gleeson moving back out the field to help stem the Clonea pressure the game again was there for either side. The crucial score came once midway through the half when a foul on the foraging Eoin Daniels saw Gleeson rattle the Clonea net from 21 yards. As the game entered it’s closing stages Clonea heaped the pressure on the Mount Sion rear guard. But the work rate of this team was superb and with Craig Moran, Alan O’ Brien and Mikey Daykin keeping cool heads scores were rarely conceded. 
Well done to all involved and it’s now all systems go for this group as the games come thick and fast in the county championship and of course in the semi final of the Eastern Championship. The semi final fixture is down for Monday night at 7pm in Ballygunner where the opposition is Ballygunner. The next fixture after that is against Lismore on Monday the 11th of April in Mount Sion and not next Monday the 4th as previously thought. Keep an eye on website for details.
Under 12
Ladies Football
Saturday evening our ladies travelled to Stradbally where they took on the home side in their third game of the championship. This game was scheduled for Sunday week but both teams agreed to play the game a week ahead of their fixture date. It was tough encounter from start to finish but our girls proved to be the better side on the day and ran out easy winners. Final score 10-9 to 0-5. Well done to all involved. As for training please contact Ian Galgey for more information.
Ladies Night
It’s Ladies Night in the club on Tuesday 5th April. Chicken & Chips and music by Seattle. Tickets cost €5. If anyone wants tickets please contact Tina Gleeson or the bar staff in the club. It promises to be a great night of entertainment!
Wedding Bells
Best of luck to De La Salle’s county star John Mullane who is to marry Stephanie Power this coming Friday. On behalf of Mount Sion, I would like to wish the both of ye the best of luck on the day and many happy years together.
Training Times
Here are the training times for next Saturday. New players are always welcome and hurleys and helmets can be supplied to those who don’t have any. Also please note training is free of charge and parents are more than welcome to come along and watch.
9 & 10 year olds (born in 2001 & 2002). – 10.30am to 12 noon. Coached by Damien Frisby, Roy McGrath Seamus Nolan, Shane O Grady and George O Grady.
5 & 6 year old (born in 2005 & 2006) – 12 noon to 1pm. Coached by Peter Walsh, Lindsay Grace, James Dunphy and Martin Walsh.
7 & 8 year olds (born in 2003 & 2004) – 1pm to 2pm. Coached by Nicky Mackey, John O Keeffe, Michael Frisby and Eric Curran.
If you have any queries just telephone Peter Walsh on 087-1355359.
Fixtures
Under 16 Eastern Quarter Final v Ballygunner in Ballygunner at 6:30pm on Monday 4th April.
Minor Football Championship v Kilrossanty in Sion at 7pm on Wednesday 6th April.
Under 11 City League v Roanmore in Roanmore at 6:30pm on Friday 8th April.
Under 21 Hurling Quarter Final v Dunhill/Fenor on Friday 8th April at 6:30pm in Walsh Park.
Senior League v Ballygunner in Mount Sion at 7pm on Sunday 10th April.
Under 16 v Lismore in Mount Sion on Monday 11th April at 7pm.
More fixtures are available on our calendar on the website via the news tab.
Membership
The deadline for this year’s membership is fast approaching, so if any members have not paid their membership can they please contact our Registrar Paul Fanning on 086-1724807 or membership monies can be left behind the bar. Everyone is asked to make a special effort to pay as soon as possible. Membership rates are as follows: Hurling & Football – €50; Family – €50; Student – €20 and Social €15.
Darts & Cards
Darts and Cards for club members. Come along and join in the fun. Darts takes place every Thursday night with Cards on Friday nights, both starting around 10pm. Great prizes on offer!! All Club Members are welcome.
Notes for Paper & Website
If you have any Cnoc Sion notes or announcements for the paper or website please contact Owen Sauvage by email owen@mountsiongaa.ie or text your notes to 087-9706387 before 8pm Sunday night. You can also submit your notes through the website on the news tab. The website features a calendar so you can keep up to date with all the latest fixtures and events.