14th April 2013

14th April 2013

Mount Sion Gaa Club Notes

Senior League/Sargent Cup

This year the Senior League and Sargent Cup have been combined into the one competition, and Sion got their campaign started with a trip to Lismore. A great opening four minutes saw us lead by five points. Lismore hit two goals within two minutes from their star forward Dan Shanahan. Sion ran in another four points before Lismore scored their opening point on the seventeenth minute. Sion pushed on with points from Stephen Roche, Martin O’Neill and Ian Galgey. But the home side kept the chase with points from Big Dan and younger brother Maurice. Sion led by 0-13 to 2-5 at half time.

Sion now faced into the stiff breeze after the short break, and Lismore had the game level after fifty seconds from another Maurice Shanahan free. Martin F. O’Neill hit two Sion frees but again Lismore sniffed a goal and took every advantage. Stephen Roche hit the back of the Lismore net but Lismore replied with four unanswered points to run up a bit of a lead. Sion kept in touch with Stephen Roche pointing and Tony Browne also finding his range. Lismore rolled in another six points without reply but Martin O’Neill pointed from the dead ball along with Sean Ryan grabbing a late point, but it was too late. Final score Cnoc Síon 1-20 to Lismore 3-18.

Junior Football Championship

The Junior Footballers got their championship off to a great start with a well deserved six point win over Kill. Kill opened the scoring through Peter Kirwan in the fourth minute. Sion played some nice football and Michael Gaffney provided the finish to level the game up. Richard Roche lobbed the ball in high around the Kill goal, with Noel Flynn causing a distraction, the ball slipped nicely under the cross bar and into the net. Ian Galgey hit Sion’s second point from a free with Noel Flynn finding Sion’s second green flag with a great finish to the net. Kill pointed with Stephen Roche replying in kind. Kill pointed just before the break left Sion leading by two goals.

Two fine strikes by Robert Bresnan in the opening minutes of the second half furthered Sion’s lead by two points. Kill replied with two points with Noel Flynn nearly tapping home from close range but the ball swerved wide. Ian Power collected the ball from a pass from Ian Galgey to kick Sion further into the lead. Richard Roche rattled the net once again. But Kill didn’t give in. Three points without reply reduced the deficit to six points, Sion did get one more score from the boot of Robert Bresnan but Kill managed to kick a final score as the game finished up Cnoc Síon 3-7 to Kill 0-10. Well done lads, great win for our first night out. Next up next week is Erins Own in Poleberry on Friday at 6:45pm.

Congratulations

The ever growing Mount Sion family, just got bigger this week as we welcomed our three youngest supporters into the world. Lisa Dooley, who is a member of our Ladies Football team, and Sam Bachelor welcomed baby Lucy last week, this week Michael and Lorna Frisby welcomed baby Amelie Maria with Jamie and Karen O’Meara welcoming Robyn. Congratulations to all families!

School Under 12’s claim Eastern A Mini 7’s title.

Tuesday last saw the school continue its recent good form when the under 12 Mini 7’s team ground out victory in the Eastern Finals held in our own Páirc Ó Fainín. Having beaten Ferrybank and DLS Stephen Street in the group stages, the boys found themselves facing four other group winners on finals day. The opposition consisted of  Portlaw, Holycross Tramore, Newtown NS Ballydurn and Ballygunner. All teams would play each other and the top team at the end would be crowned champions.

First up Mount Sion faced Newtown/Ballydurn. Luckily, Samuel Mathe at full forward showed super form to plunder a couple of early goals which gave the Monastery boys a cushion against a dogged Newtown outfit. In the end Mount Sion emerged victorious but knowing a huge challenge from old rivals Ballygunner NS was up next!

And so it proved. A titanic struggle followed. Jake Maloney and young Peter Nolan had their hands full with a potent Ballygunner forward line but they kept scores at a premium. As half time approached  the teams were locked together and the game was going to be tight to the end. The start of the second half saw the game’s two turning points. Samuel Mathe scored a vital goal to put Mt Sion ahead. Immediately Ballygunner attacked and when their forward got through the defence a goal looked certain but a brilliant save by goalkeeper PJ Fanning saw the sliotar deflected to safety! Captain PJ Murphy and the tireless Timi Sobowale began to get a grip at midfield and the skilful Scott Hoban began to exert his influence. In the end Mt Sion held out for a crucial victory and as other results went they now found themselves in control of the group.

Our third game saw us facing a very good Holycross Tramore side. Intelligent play from PJ Murphy and Timi Sobowale saw them control midfield and once again a brace of goals from the impressive Samuel Mathe put us in the driving seat. Holycross rallied but luckily the Sion defence held out and two insurance points from Scott Hoban saw them seal the win after a dogged battle.

The Holycross result meant that overall victory was within the school’s own hands. If Portlaw could be overcome in the final game then the Monastery would be crowned champions for the first time since 1999! A hugely nervous but determined seven took the field for what was effectively a final. But within minutes all nerves were put to rest when that scourge of defences Samuel Mathe amassed three goals in as many minutes to put victory within the grasp of the Sion boys. A brave Portlaw rally in the second half was met with great resistance from Jack Byrne, Conor Freeman, Conor Tierney and replacement goalkeeper Caelin Wall saw the game out and victory was with the Monastery for the first time in over a decade!

Well done to all! The great work being done by club coaches is being reflected in the school results as the Mini 7’s title now joins the ISU Trophy won earlier this year! The talented young panel consisted of PJ Murphy (captain), PJ Fanning, Peter Nolan, Jake Moloney, Timi Sobowale, Scott Hoban, Samuel Mathe, Ben le Blanc, Conor Freeman, Conor Tierney, Jack Byrne and Caelin Wall. The school will now progress to the County Final v Lismore this coming Friday at time and a western venue to be announced.

School Under 13’s off to great start to campaign

Following on from the brilliant victory in the Mini 7’s under 12 competition, the school hurling focus turned on Thursday to the under 13’s. They were faced with the formidable task of facing the ever strong St Declan’s in the De La Salle college grounds in their opening fixture. Rarely a happy hunting ground for recent school teams, this team knew they were up against it.

However, in dreadful underfoot conditions following heavy downpours just before throw in, the Mount Sion boys took the game to their opponents from the start. A ding dong battle by two evenly matched sides followed and at half time the sides were level, Samuel Mathe with a goal and Scott Hoban with a brilliant point making up the Sion scores.

However, as was the case in the Mini 7’s it was that man again Samuel Mathe who got the vital scores that turned this game on its head! Another goal and an assist for a second goal by the impressive Ben le Blanc gave Mt Sion a lead that proved too much for a gallant Declan’s outfit who piled the pressure on but ultimately ran out of time.

PJ Fanning, regularly an outfield threat adapted to the goals superbly once more as he had done in the 7’s victory. Robert Jacob, unavailable earlier in the week returned to form a solid full back line with Jake Maloney and the ever improving 4th class boy Peter Nolan. Eoghan Power was one of the stand out players at wing back and he repelled attack after attack with his high fielding and long and accurate deliveries.

Oisin Daly was a rock when moved to centre back and his physicality was vital in the conditions as the game wore on. Thomas McLawrence played his most impressive game in many a long day at wing back! Timi Sobowale’s work rate knows no bounds and his partnership with the dogged and skilful PJ Murphy was vital throughout. Bill Wall’s move to wing forward complimented the skill of Scott Hoban who was a constant thorn in the Declan’s defence. Stephen Flynn and newcomer Daniel Santana worked tirelessly up front and the twin threat of le Blanc and Mathe proved vital. When introduced, Odudu Johnson, Conor Tierney, Jack Byrne and Caelin Wall (who had a brilliant effort at goal run narrowly wide) cemented an important win. The final scoreline flattered Sion somewhat and it would not be surprising if these two teams were to meet again before this competition is out.  Butlerstown are up next for the under 13’s on Thursday 25th April.

Under 16 Championship

Our Under 16s had two championship games this week, both games in our home venue, at the top of the town. On Monday they faced Clonea and after the hours hurling and light fading, we fought back from after falling behind before the break, to lead by one point. But a silly foul, gave the country boys a chance to tie up the game and share the spoils. They duly accepted and converted the free to end the game all square. Final score Cnoc Síon 2-9 to Clonea 1-13. On Wednesday we faced St. Saviours. Again this was a tight affair with Sion marginally losing out by one point. Final score Cnoc Síon 0-6 to 1-4. Hard luck lads.

Waterford Minors

Best of luck to the Waterford Minor team on Wednesday when they take on Clare in the Munster Championship in Fraher Field at 7pm. Also best of luck to our own Austin Gleeson and Sean Power who manages the young Deise side.

Under 12

Our Under 12 boys started their City League at home against Roanmore. Our lads put in a better second half performance with goals from Jamie Gleeson and Ben Frisby. Hard luck lads. Next Friday night the Under 11s are back in action for their second round of the City League against Glenmore in Glenmore at 6:30pm. Best of luck lads.

Deise Draw

The next Deise Draw will take place on Friday night, 26th April in Mount Sion. Tickets will be available from Josie Evans or from the bar. Please contact Josie Evans (087-0686700) to join and more importantly to make sure you are in with a chance to scoop the top prize of €10,000!!! The top prize for July is a Nissan Micra, with many other cash and special prizes every month. Tickets are €10 per month for nine months. You can either pay up front or per month by leaving the money behind the bar. 70% of the money raised will go directly back to Mount Sion. Best of luck to all our ticketholders!

Fixtures

Under 16 Championship on Thursday 18th April v Brickey Rangers in Bushy Park at 7:00pm.

Under 11 City League v Glenmore in Glenmore at 6:00pm on Friday 19th April.

Junior Football Championship v Erins Own in Poleberry at 6:45pm on Friday 19th April.

All fixtures are available on the club website calendar.

Last Man Standing

Anyone who is remaining please have your team to Tina by Thursday. Best of luck to everyone! Please see our website page for more information. http://mountsiongaa.ie/news/last-man-standing/

Juvenile Training

The following are the times for our Juvenile team’s training on Saturday morning in the club. New comers are always welcome and hurley’s and helmets can be supplied. Ages and times below Age 5 & 6 – Boys (Born in 2008 and 2007) – 11 am to 12 noon Age 7 &  8 – Boys (Born in 2006 and 2005) – 12 noon to 1pm Age 9 & 10 – Boys (Born in 2004 and 2003) – 1pm to 2pm (note change of time for this group )

Membership

Membership for 2013 season is now due and the deadline of 31st March has passed. The rates for 2013 are as follows: Hurling & Football Club: €50; Family €50; OAPs: €10. Please pay your membership at the bar or by seeing our Registrar Paul Fanning. http://mountsiongaa.ie/news/membership/

Get the latest Fixtures/Events

Looking to keep up to date with fixtures and events? Join the FREE club text list by texting your name and number to 087-9706387! It’s completely free!! Its as easy as texting your name and number if you don’t want to miss out on a game Juvenile-Senior or know when there’s a change of venue, or events happening in the club etc.

Need a venue for your party??

Looking to find that ideal venue for your party? We have a spacious function room with private bar available for hire for all occasions including Birthdays, Christenings, Weddings, Confirmations, Communions, etc. We can also cater for smaller parties in our lounge. Please contact our Bar Manager Michael Ryan for more information on 051-372648 or call up and see him. See the Function Room page on the website for pictures!! http://mountsiongaa.ie/club-complex/function-room/

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. You can also follow us on Twitter @MountSionGAA or on Facebook MountSion GAA. The website has loads of great features including a calendar so you can keep up to date with all the latest fixtures and events.
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