Adult Football 2019

Adult Football Committee

Our Adult Football Committee oversees all adult football in the club providing support for the four teams. They also provide help on match days with linesmen and umpires, stewarding for match fixtures in Donaghmore Ashbourne GAA and fundraising for the teams. The Chairperson of the committee is Frank Reidy, the Secretary of the Adult Football Committee is Anne O’Connor and Adult Football PRO is Mark Byrne.

Current events

Senior and Junior squad Training has started on Tuesdays and Thursdays in the club. New players very welcome regardless of grade or age.

Gym Sessions for Junior players 7pm Mondays and Wednesdays.

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Division 3 B League played in Ashbourne Monday 20th May 2019 at 19:45 hrs

Donaghmore Ashbourne 5:18 Curragha 1.06

Donaghmore Ashbourne’s third team took on neighbours Curragha on Monday 20th May in the club in this Division 3 B League match. Curragha went into the game top of the table, unbeaten and favourites but in a fast flowing open game of football the home sides pace, fitness and discipline won out.

Curragha started well registering point from a free after 3 minutes before Chris Brady responded with a fine point a minute later. Cian Field quickly scored a brace from play before Curragha replied with a point on 12 minutes. The game flowed well with some fine score taking and as the first half entered the midpoint Donaghmore Ashbourne started to play excellent attacking football. Kevin McInerney pointed on 13 minutes and Faolan Smith made no mistake with a free on the 20 metre line on 14 minutes. Patrick Murtagh continued the scoring on 16 minutes and Faolan Smith followed up with a point from play with 20 minutes gone. Every attack by the home side seemed to expose the Curragha defence but some wayward shooting yielded several wides. Cian Field was denied by the post from close range but in a rapid counter attack Curragha scored their goal on 27 minutes and followed up with a point. Faolan Smith, Patrick Murtagh and Cian Field all pointed from play in the closing minutes to leave the half time score at 0.10 to 1.03 for the hosts. The second half gave no respite to the Curragha team as despite playing up the ‘hill’ and against the slight breeze and into the sun, Donaghmore Ashbourne played some excellent football and it started to return dividends. Faolan Smith scored a brace of points within 3 minutes of the restart and Danny Deery fired home a goal on 36 minutes. Luke Barrett scored an excellent point from a narrow angle on 38 minutes before Curragha managed to work the ball out of their defence and score a point on 39 minutes. Another attack from Curragha resulted in a marvellous save by Matt Davis. Anthony McAlearney got the first of his two goals on 42 minutes and Curragha responded well scoring 2 points in consecutive minutes before Anthony McAlearney got his second goal of the match on 47 minutes. Donaghmore Ashbourne never let up from this point, and another attack from Curragha was thwarted by the resolute defence where the ball was turned over and Cian Field finished the move to the net. Faolan Smith scored another brace of points from play and two frees in the last 10 minutes and a second goal by Danny Deery and a Cian Field point closed out the scoring on 58 minutes before Barry Campbell blew the final whistle.

Overall an excellent game of entertaining football, particularly the attacking style and the smart defending from the Donaghmore Ashbourne back six which resulted in multiple turnovers and interceptions. The smart forward movement and score taking was a joy to watch and in truth Donaghmore Ashbourne outworked and outplayed Curragha in every part of the field on the night.

Final Score:  Donaghmore Ashbourne 5.18 Curragha 1.06

Donaghmore Ashbourne team:     Matt Davis, Chris Twomey, Josh Watters, Oisin Mulhall, Anthony Lynn, Niall Kavanagh, Luke Barrett (0-1), James Flavin, Chris Brady (0-1), Kevin McInerney (0-1), Faolan Smith (0-9, 3f), Patrick Murtagh (0-2), Danny Deery (2-0), Anthony McAlearney (2-0), Cian Field (1-4).

Subs: Danny Clarke for McInerney (HT), Michael McCabe for Watters (45), Matt Crumlish for Flavin (51), James Brady for McAlearney (52)

 

A League Division 1 Sunday 19th May 2019 played in Ashbourne 12:00

Donaghmore Ashbourne 2.15 Skryne 2.15

Both teams earned a point apiece after this entertaining A League Division 1 game played in Ashbourne on Sunday 19th May 2019.

Frees from Stephen Carton and Paul Gilligan got the home side up and running but Skryne hit back with a point and a disputed goal. The home side set in motion attack after attack and scored 5 points in a row, a free from Stephen Carton, a point from Shane Melia, a free from Paul Gilligan and two more from play by Stephen Carton. Skryne responded with their second goal on 18 minutes and Stephen Carton was having a fine afternoon pointing twice more either side of a Skryne point. Skryne scored 3 in a row on 26, 27 and 29 minutes to draw level. Dylan Brady working hard scored a brace of points on 29 and 31 minutes. On the stroke of half time a well worked move put Andrew Tormey in to fire a shot on goal which hit the crossbar and Stephen Carton made no mistake finishing it to the net. Half time score Donaghmore Ashbourne 2.10 Skryne 2.05.

Facing a stiff breeze in the second half Donaghmore Ashbourne attacked on the restart and Simon Wilson pointed immediately. Skryne replied with a point and Stephen Carton pointed again on 35 minutes. A period of domination by Skryne followed where they scored 6 points in a row, mainly frees from Paddy O’Rourke, to draw level again, 2.12 apiece.  Going into the last quarter both teams gave their all. Shaun Byrne pointed on 51 minutes and again Skryne responded with 4 left to play. Paul Gilligan pointed a free on 57 minutes and Stephen Carton finished a patient move to go two in front on 58 minutes. A free on 59 minutes for Skryne was converted quickly and deep into added time another free was awarded and Paul Gilligan was awarded black card. Skryne pointed the free to level the game again. There was still time left for one more attack by Donaghmore Ashbourne who worked the ball up to their forwards but the resultant shot drifted to the left and wide.

Final Score: Donaghmore Ashbourne 2.15 Skryne 2.15

Donaghmore Ashbourne team: Sean Hogan, Alan Murtagh, Colm O’Mealoid, David Carr, Shaun Byrne (0-1), Conor Carton, Paul Gilligan (0-3f), Killian Hogan, Shane Melia (0-1), James Crumlish, Andrew Tormey, Gary Sweeney, Stephen Carton (2-7, 2f), Simon Wilson (0-1), Dylan Brady (0-2).

Subs: Leo Reilly for Sweeney, Declan Healy for Killian Hogan, Jason Boland for Gilligan (BC)

 

B league Division 1 Saturday 18th May 2019 Played in Ashbourne 19.00 hrs

Donaghmore Ashbourne 2.20 Seneschalstown 2.16

Donaghmore Ashbourne and Seneschalstown played out an enthralling non stop league game where the hosts were pushed all the way to the end by a dogged Seneschalstown team. Donagh O’Donnell had the ball in the visitors net within a minute of the start but Seneschalstown replied with a point of their own immediately. Another attack for the visitors yielded a penalty which was well struck but went wide of the target. Luke Wilson who was dangerous throughout the game, pointed on 5 minutes and then a succession of frees for Seneschalstown were easily dispatched on 6th, 9th, 13th and 14th minutes. Luke Wilson pointed a free for the hosts and Seneschalstown responded with a point go ahead in the game again. Faolan Smith who was introduced for Kevin Lanigan pointed a free and it too was cancelled out. Kevin Fenton scored a brace of points either side of another free and a point from play for the visitors. Just on the stroke of half time Seneschalstown got another free which was moved in by the referee again and was easily dispatched. Donaghmore Ashbourne while played fast flowing football were being punished for sloppy tackling and needed to sharpen up in the second half. Half time score 1.05 to 0.10.

Donaghmore Ashbourne came out in the second half and conceded the first point to a quick Seneschalstown move but fired off 4 points in a row between the 32nd and 36th minutes go ahead, 2 from Faolan Smith and one each from Donagh O’Donnell and Kevin Fenton. Seneschalstown pointed to level the game again but 4 more points, a brace each from Faolan Smith and Cathal Field put Donaghmore Ashbourne in control of the game. Then came the move of the night, Gareth Deery started play from corner back and followed the attack to find himself on the end of the through ball where he finished to the net expertly. Seneschalstown didn’t roll over too easily, they pointed immediately and then fired to the net to narrow the gap to 3 points. Luke Wilson pointed and it was immediately cancelled out on 47 minutes. Luke scored another and it was followed by another Faolan Smith point and then Donagh O’Donnell also pointed. Seneschalstown replied with a goal when a high ball was floated in and flicked to the net. Matt Crumlish raced through on 54 minutes and his goal effort was parried over the bar by the keeper. Seneschalstown replied with a point before Faolan Smith and Shane Rea scored points on the 57th and 58th minutes. Seneschalstown launched a final attack and managed to get another point but it was too late to do any more. A feature of the second half for the home side was the fast flowing football and resolute defending while not giving away frees. The score taking from both side was terrific to watch and was an entertaining game for the neutral.

Final Score: Donaghmore Ashbourne 2.20 Seneschalstown 2.16

Donaghmore Ashbourne Team: Sean Hogan, Chris Twomey, Jason Boland, Gareth Deery (1-0), Aaron McLoughlin, Declan Healy, Dylan Cassidy, Chris Brady, Kevin Lanigan, Shane Rea (0-1), Cathal Field (0-2), Kevin Fenton (0-3), James Brady, Luke Wilson (0-4, 1 f), Donagh O’Donnell (1-2).

Subs: Faolan Smith (0-7,1f) for Lanigan, Matt Crumlish (0-1) for James Brady, Oisin Mulhall for Twomey.

 

B league Division 5 Friday 17th May 2019 played in Ashbourne 20:00

Donaghmore Ashbourne 4.07 Moynalty 2.11

Donaghmore Ashbourne played Moynalty is this B League Division 5 game on Friday night and came away with a hard earned win 4.07 to 2.11. The game was played as 13 a side as Moynalty could only field 13 at the start. Donaghmore Ashbourne started better with the ball over the bar by Niall Kavanagh on the 4th minute and he quickly followed up with a well taken goal a minute later. Joe Magee powered through and raised a green flag on 6 minutes and Moynalty responded with a point of their own after intercepting a stray pass. The home team captain Michael McCabe pointed after excellent teamwork on the 10th minute and Eoin Caffrey finished off a patient attack with a point on 14 minutes. David Donnelly also scored a point on 19 minutes to have his team 2-4 to a point up. Cian Field came on for Caffrey after he suffered an injury and Moynalty took advantage of the reshuffle and pointed on a minute later. Niall Kavanagh got his second goal on 24 minutes and Donaghmore Ashbourne were in complete control of the game. Moynalty fought back and taking advantage of some loose fielding from kick outs they started to tag on a few scores in a row. They pointed 2 frees and 2 from play between the 25th and 29th minutes. During this time Donaghmore Ashbourne lost Niall Kavanagh to a harshly awarded black card and he was replaced by Etan Tormey. Moynalty completed their mini comeback with a goal in added time to trail at the break 3.04 to 1.06.

Despite Moynalty only starting the second half with 14 players Donaghmore Ashbourne matched this and proceeded to try and regain control of the game and Cian Field pointed straight from the restart. Moynalty fought back and took their scores, hitting 1-3 in their 15 minute purple patch to go into the lead for the first time in the game. Donaghmore Ashbourne fought back. Joe Magee collected the ball in midfield and raced forward and fired to the net. Cian Field coolly slotted a point before Moynalty scored another to stay in the game. David Donnelly again pointed after excellent interplay before Moynalty fired a point over to finish their scoring. Donaghmore Ashbourne came away with a hard earned win and credit must go to both teams for some excellent football on the night. Final Score 4.07 to 2.11.

Donaghmore Ashbourne team: Matt Davis, Matt Finn, Josh Watters, Luke Barrett, Michael McCabe (0-1), Pat Dennehy, Joe Magee (2-0), Niall Kavanagh (2-1), Joe Merry, Eoin Caffrey (0-1), David Donnelly (0-2), Sam Dobbins, Shane O’Sullivan.

Subs: Cian Field (0-2) for Caffrey, Etan Tormey for Kavanagh (BC), Liam Byrne (14th player), Mark Byrne for Donnelly.

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Donaghmore Ashbourne v Dunboyne

Junior D Championship 2nd Round

23/04/19 at 8.15pm in Ashbourne

 

Donaghmore Ashbourne put in a brave and battling performance to lose by a point to St Peters Dunboyne. Although leading 6 to 2 at half time, Dunboyne managed to get a crucial goal to swing the tie their way and won by the minimum despite Donaghmore Ashbourne pushing them all the way, 1.08 to 0.10.

 

Donaghmore Ashbourne Team:

Matt Davis, Brian Egan, Sam Dobbins, Luke Adams, Dylan Morrissey, Mick McCabe, Pat Dennehy, Josh Waters, Danny Clarke, Cormac McGahan, Joe Merry, Colm O’Toole, Keith McCarthy, Eoin Caffrey, Shane O’Sullivan

Liam Byrne for O’Sullivan, Peadar Farrell for McCarthy

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Match Report Round 2

Jun B FC

Donaghmore Ashbourne 0.10  v St Colmcille’s 1.08

21st April 2019 in Skryne

 

Donaghmore Ashbourne’s 3rd team lost out by a point to St Colmcille’s in a closely fought Junior B Championship game in brilliant sunshine in Skryne on Sunday 21st April. The midday sun was beating down and both teams gave their all in a ding dong battle to get their first win in the group.

After a slow start due to a couple of injuries St Colmcille’s got off the mark first with a point on 9 minutes. Donaghmore Ashbourne had to make changes early on when veteran campaigner Niall Moran had to come off due to injury and was replaced by David Donnelly. A quick reshuffle and they immediately equalised from a free by Anthony McAlearney on 11 minutes. ‘Cilles hit back with an unanswered goal and 2 points to appear to take control of the match but Donaghmore Ashbourne fought back with a point on 23 minutes from McAlearney. St Colmcille’s pointed again and then James McKeown pointed on 28 minutes and Faolan Smith pointed a free at the end of the half.

Half time came and just a goal separated the sides, 1-04 to 0-04 to St Colmcille’s.

Both teams came out and traded points with St Colmcille’s never being headed in the game. Points from Smith and James Brady on the 38th and 39th minutes cancelled out St Colmcille’s 2 scores and ‘Cilles extended their lead to 3 points on 44 minutes 1-07 to 0-07. Faolan Smith scored another free to reduce the deficit and his team seemed to get the upper hand.

The last quarter was end to end football with both sides creating chances. Donaghmore Ashbourne broke and as they beared down and goal the ball was flicked across the square with the keeper stranded and the incoming player failed to finish a certain goal. With that chance gone Colmcille’s scored another point on 56 minutes and as time ticked by the Moores pressed hard to create their chance. A free on 57 minutes was converted by Smith and another free with time almost up was fired over by James Brady to leave the minimum between the sides.

Despite their best efforts Donaghmore Ashbourne could not break down the St Colmcille’s resolute and at times last ditch defence and narrowly lost by the point.

Donaghmore Ashbourne team:

Darragh Morrissey, Aaron McLoughlin, Niall Moran, Luke Barrett, Matt Crumlish, Anthony Lynn, Niall Kavanagh, Joe Magee, James Flavin, Kevin McInerney, Faolan Smith (0-5,3f), James Brady (0-2,1f), Danny Deery, Anthony McAlearney (0-2,1f), James McKeown (0-1).

Subs Used: David Donnelly for Niall Moran

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SFC round 2

Donaghmore Ashbourne v Ratoath

20th April 2019 in Pairc Tailteann.

 

Donaghmore Ashbourne and Ratoath went at each other in this second round championship game but it never sparked throughout the hour. After a cagey 10 mins where both teams seemed to be wary of each other, Stephen Carton pointed a free. Andy Colgan pointed a free off the ground on 14 mins but that is where Ratoath pressed the go button. They scored 6 unanswered points in the next 10 minutes as Donaghmore Ashbourne struggled to get any rhythm as 4 attempts fell short and were easily dealt with by the Ratoath defence. Stephen Carton pointed from play before Ratoath replied with another point from play.

Half time score 7 points to 3 for Ratoath.

Everyone expected a reaction in the second half and Andrew Tormey replaced James Crumlish. Stephen Carton scored another from play 3 mins into the half and Darragh McGovern added another 2 minutes later before Stephen Carton grabbed his 4th point in the game. Ratoath responded and scored 2 points from frees on 37 and 43 minutes. Sean Curran came on for Conor Carton for the last quarter. Ratoath worked another free and pointed. As Donaghmore Ashbourne chased the game Ratoath hit on the counter and maintained their lead. Leo Reilly came on for Stephen Carton on 24 minutes. Andy Tormey pointed from a free 2 minutes from the end and as the clock ticked on Ratoath were content to keep the ball, which they did effectively. They bided their time and earned another free which was moved up to the 20-metre line and duly pointed to put them 4 points up. Andy Tormey pointed his 2nd free to complete the scoring for his team.

Full time result Donaghmore Ashbourne 0-08 Ratoath 0-11.

Donaghmore Ashbourne Team

Andy Colgan (0-1f), Jack Giles, Iarlaith O’Donnell, Alan Murtagh, Conor Carton, Colm O’Mealoid, Shaun Byrne, Shane Melia, Bryan Menton, James Crumlish, Gary Sweeney, Darragh McGovern (0-1), Dylan Brady, Thomas McGovern, Stephen Carton (0-4, 1f).

Subs: Andrew Tormey (0-2f) for Crumlish, Sean Curran for Conor Carton, Leo Reilly for Stephen Carton, Declan Healy for Murtagh.

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Junior D Championship Round 1

Drumbaragh v Donaghmore Ashbourne

14th April 2019 in Drumbaragh

Donaghmore Ashbourne’s 4th team made the trip to Drumbaragh for their first-round match on a cold, blustery but dry day. Drumbaragh scored 1-5 in the first half which was wind assisted and credit should go to the Donaghmore Ashbourne back six in containing the score line against the wind. Unfortunately, their own scoring chances were few and far between and were disappointed to go in at half time 1-5 to no score.

The second half was a bit better as Donaghmore Ashbourne attempted to reel in the score line. Stephen Breslin pointed a 45 and Eoin Caffrey converted two frees but play was slowed down and as time ticked by chance after chance got away. Cormac McGahan finished a point from play after good work from Eoin Caffrey to set him up. As the visitors pressed the home team all the way to the end Drumbaragh broke away and finished a move pointing their only score of the second half to finish the game off 1-06 to 0-4.

Donaghmore Ashbourne controlled a lot of the play for the game but failed to make their chances count but were encouraged by the discipline shown and the overall work rate.

Donaghmore Ashbourne Team: Mark Byrne, Brian Egan, Josh Watters, Luke Adams, Conor Heffernan, Michael McCabe, Dylan Morrissey, Stephen Breslin (0-1), Niall Kavanagh, Cormac McGahan (0-1), Joe Merry, Colm O’Toole, Shane O’Sullivan, Sam Dobbins, Eoin Caffrey(0-2f).

Subs: Liam Byrne for O’Sullivan

 

Junior B Championship Round 1
Donaghmore Ashbourne v Simonstown Gaels
13th April 2019 in Slane

Donaghmore Ashbourne were slow to start this first round championship match against Simonstown Gaels and paid the price in the first half, conceding 5 goals over the half, 3 of them in a devastating 5-minute spell.
Simonstown took the lead with a point in the first minute but Donaghmore Ashbourne hit back straightaway with Faolan Smith finishing to the net a minute later. Simonstown turned over ball and raced down the field and scored their first goal with 3 minutes on the clock. They subsequently scored their second and third with barely 5 minutes gone. Faolan Smith again responded with a point for his team but for the next 10 minutes it was all Simonstown, scoring 1-3 without reply. Liam Finn was black carded on 19 minutes and replaced by Simon Purcell making his championship debut. Simonstown scored again on 23 minutes with a ’45 and added another point on 26 minutes. Smith scored a brace of frees for the Moores and Simonstown finished off the half with and other goal and a point in added time. Half time score 5-07 to 1-03 to Simonstown Gaels.
A different Donaghmore Ashbourne came out in the second half with Danny Deery getting a goal on 32 minutes. Simonstown replied with a point on 37 minutes. Anthony McAlearney took his point on 38 minutes and then with 42 minutes gone Faolan Smith pointed another free. Donaghmore Ashbourne took the game to Simonstown but found it hard to break down a resolute defence and when Simonstown broke they pointed again on 51 minutes. A minute later Darragh Morrissey made a brilliant save from a Simonstown penalty. With time running out Donaghmore lost possession and Simonstown capitalised again scoring another point. James McKeown came on as sub for injured Danny Deery and made an immediate impact, racing through to score a goal on 57 minutes. Donaghmore Ashbourne had chances to eat into the deficit but a couple of missed chances for goals left them with too much to do in the end. A Fergal Heffernan effort just went over the bar for a point which concluded the scoring.
Donaghmore Ashbourne handed championship debuts to Luke Barrett, James Brady, Matt Crumlish and Simon Purcell all of which did themselves and their club proud.
Final Score: Donaghmore Ashbourne 3-06 Simonstown Gaels 5-10


 

Donaghmore Ashbourne team: Darragh Morrissey, Karl Cassidy, Niall Moran, Liam Finn, Luke Barrett, Anthony Lynn, Oisin Mulhall, Matthew Crumlish, Joseph Magee, Kevin McInerney, Anthony McAlearney (0-1), Fergal Heffernan (0-1), Faolan Smith (1-4, 3f), Danny Deery (1-0), James Brady.
Subs: Simon Purcell for Finn (BC), James McKeown (1-0) for Deery.

Match Report IFC Round 1

Donaghmore / Ashbourne v Blackhall Gaels

Venue: Dunshaughlin

Sunday, 7th April 2019, 6.00pm

Donaghmore Ashbourne intermediate team took on Blackhall Gaels in this first round IFC match in Dunshaughlin.
Blackhall scored first landing a ’45’ within a minute. Donaghmore Ashbourne got going with a goal after 5 minutes. A good team effort allowed Killian Hogan to drift in and catching a pinpoint pass on the edge of the square made no mistake. Scores were hard to come by as both teams battled hard for possession. Cathal Field pointed on 14 minutes but then Blackhall broke downfield and were awarded a penalty. The well struck penalty gave Jack Hannigan no chance in goal. Leo Reilly pointed on 20 minutes and Luke Wilson pointed from a narrow angle a minutes later. Cathal Field landed a point a minute before the break for Donaghmore Ashbourne to go in at half time 3 points up, 1-4 to 1-1.
Luke Wilson pointed a free within a minute of the restart and it looked like Donaghmore Ashbourne were ready to press on but Blackhall Gaels roared back and started to dominate the game, using their experience, their strong running created scoring chances. Unlike the first half where they were wasteful of some opportunities, they made no mistake, landing a free on 36 minutes. They followed up with a point and then another free on 42 minutes narrowed the gap to one. Luke Wilson pointed another free midway through the half but Blackhall Gaels responded with a free of their own. They started to dominate and scored another from play on 51 minutes. This was followed by a close in free which lifted their team and as time was running out a Donaghmore Ashbourne attack broke down and from that Blackhall pointed to seal the game.
Donaghmore Ashbourne will look back on the game as an opportunity missed as they played well for a lot of the game but Blackhall had a bit more in the tank to finish out the game.
Final score Blackhall Gaels 1-08 Donaghmore Ashbourne 1-06

Donaghmore Ashbourne Team:
Jack Hannigan, Gareth Deery, Jason Boland, Chris Twomey, Dylan Cassidy, Tadg Kelly, David Carr, Killian Hogan (1-0), Chris Brady, Cathal Field (0-2), Leo Reilly (0-1), Kevin Fenton, Shane Rea, Kevin Lanigan, Luke Wilson (0-3, 2f).
Subs used: Simon Wilson for Lanigan, Donagh O’Donnell for Field, Stephen Fenton for Cassidy


Match Report SFC Round 1

Donaghmore / Ashbourne v Summerhill

Venue: Dunshaughlin

Sunday, 7th April 2019, 4.30pm

Donaghmore Ashbourne won out by 5 points in this pulsating first round SFC match versus Summerhill. Last year’s beaten finalists were off the mark quickly scoring 3 points in the first 4 minutes before the men in green struck a goal after a good team move giving Dylan Brady an easy tap in. Both teams were impressive in attack moving at pace and setting up scoring chances. Stephen Carton, Shaun Byrne and a marvellous effort from Meath captain Bryan Menton kept Summerhill chasing the game.

They responded well with scores from some tenacious turnovers but Menton and Darragh McGovern kept their teams lead, 1-6 to 0-5 after 17 minutes. Summerhill hit a purple patch and scored 2 more points and a goal to go ahead but a Stephen Carton free levelled the game. Summerhill finished the half with a point to lead at half time 1-08 to 1-07.
As the sun came out in the second half Summerhill pointed again to double their lead but a super brace of points from Dylan Brady settled his team. On the attack Donaghmore Ashbourne looked sharp as a Paul Gilligan point from play and then a free started to turn the game. Summerhill scored on 44 minutes but that was to be their last score of the game as Donaghmore Ashbourne piled on the pressure. An immediate response of a point from Darragh McGovern and a salvo of points in the last 4 minutes from substitute Andrew Tormey, Dylan Brady and Paul Gilligan saw out the game for their team.
Fulltime score: Donaghmore Ashbourne 1-15 Summerhill 1-10
2 points in the opening round are always welcome and Donaghmore Ashbourne were full value for their win with solid displays from every department.
Donaghmore Ashbourne Team:
Andrew Colgan, Jack Giles, Iarlaith O’Donnell, Alan Murtagh, Shaun Byrne (0-1), Conor Carton, Paul Gilligan (0-3, 1f), Shane Melia, Bryan Menton (0-2), James Crumlish, Gary Sweeney, Darragh McGovern (0-2), Dylan Brady (1-3), Thomas McGovern, Stephen Carton (0-3, 2f).
Subs Used. Colm O Mealoid for James Crumlish, Declan Healy for Conor Carton, Andrew Tormey (0-1) for Stephen Carton.





Match Report B League Division 5, Round 3

Gaeil Colmcille v Donaghmore / Ashbourne

Venue: Grangegodden

Saturday 23/3/19, 3.30pm

Gaeil Colmcille 3.09
Donaghmore Ashbourne 2.08

Donaghmore Ashbourne’s 4th team travelled to Kells to take on Gaeil Colmcille in this Division 5 B League match. Gaeil Colmcille notched the first point but good follow up work from Joe Merry earned his team a goal when he chased in after a high ball eluded the keeper and was duly bundled into the net. Gaeil Colmcille hit back scoring a point from a free then James McKeown added a point after 8 mins. Donaghmore Ashbourne had plenty of possession but hit several wides and dropped short ball before Gaeil Colmcille scored an easy point and David Donnely responded with a fine score. Gaeil Colmcille hit back immediately with a well worked goal on 22 minutes. Stephen Breslin narrowed the gap with a free but Gaeil Colmcille responded with a point and then hit the back of the net after a mix up in the visitors defence. At half time Gaeil Colmcille led by 4, 2.04 to 1.03.
Donaghmore Ashbourne came out in the second half and narrowed the gap with a well taken point by James McKeown. Gaeil Colmcille responded with 2 points inside 3 minutes and then Donaghmore Ashbourne got the next 4 scores, 3 points from McKeown, Matt Crumlish and Stephen Breslin on 46th , 48th and 49th minutes. David Donnelly persevered and was rewarded with a goal at the end of sustained pressure on the home defence on 55 minutes gone, putting the visitors a point up. Gaeil Colmcille again responded with a well taken goal and then 2 more points on the break. Matt Crumlish brought the difference back to 3 points with a minute remaining but Kells finished out the game with a breakaway point to take the game by 4 points.
An entertaining game but Donaghmore Ashbourne will rue missed chances in the first half.

Donaghmore Ashbourne Team:
Terry Bruton, Brian Egan, Niall Moran, Cormac McGahan, Oisin Mulhall, Jason Boland, Matt Crumlish(0-2), Anthony McAlearney, Joseph Magee, Joseph Merry(1-0), James McKeown(0-3), Kevin McInerney, Colm O’Toole, Stephen Breslin(0-2,1f), David Donnelly (1-1).
Subs: Fergal Heffernan for O’Toole, Shane O’Sullivan for Merry, Martin Quinn for Boland, Adam Fitzgerald, Keith McCarthy.


Match Report B League Division 3, Round 2

Walterstown v Donaghmore / Ashbourne

Venue: Walterstown

Saturday 9/3/19, 4.30pm

Donaghmore Ashbourne traveled to Walterstown on Saturday 9th March 2019 to play this Division 3 B League fixture against a good Walterstown 2nd team. On a heavy pitch, both teams learned quickly that bouncing the ball was not an option which made for a highly competitive game. Each team got used to the conditions but Walterstown started the better with a point in the first minute followed by a free on 2 minutes. Foalan Smith popped over a free after 5 minutes for the visitors who started to compete well all over the pitch. The backs competed well with Mattie Finn producing a super block stopping a certain point. Walterstown scored again on the 8th and 10th minutes before Donaghmore Ashbourne hit a purple patch after tha scoring 3 points in the next 3 minutes to inject life in their challenge. Kevin McInerney fired one just over the bar before Faolan Smith pointed from a free and Anthony Lynn ventured forward to hit a great point to level things up. Walterstown scored 2 more frees before Fergal Heffernan pointed after a 45 attempt broke to him. Walterstown got their range and made no mistake with the next 5 points one of which was a free between the 26th and the 35 minutes (5 mins of stoppage time at the end of the half). Patrick Dennehy pulled off an incredible full length diving block to prevent a score at the end of the half. Walterstown led 11 points to 5 at half time.

The second half didn’t start well for Donaghmore Ashbourne as Walterstown broke quickly and the resultant goal allowed Walterstown to play controlled football and picked off 5 more points to add to their tally. Fergal Heffernan hit back with a point for the visitors but it was canceled out a minute later. Kevin McInerney pointed on 48 minutes but Walterstown hit back with a point immediately. McInerney again pointed after sustained pressure only to see Walterstown score at the other end. Faolan Smith closed out the scoring for the away team as the Walterstown defence kept Donaghmore Ashbourne at bay.
Final Score Walterstown 1-19 Donaghmore Ashbourne 0-09.

Donaghmore Ashbourne Team:
T. Bruton, M. Finn, A. Lynn (0-1), P. Dennehy, C. McGahan, N. Moran, C Heffernan, J. Flavin, C. Brady, K. McInerney (0-3), O. Mulhall, F. Heffernan ((0-2), D. Donnelly, F. Smith (0-3, 2f), C. O’Toole.
Subs: D. Morrissey for Donnelly, M. Davis for Bruton, S. O’Sullivan for O’Toole, J. Magee for Lynn, E.Caffrey for Mulhall.


Match Report B League Division 5, Round 2

Donaghmore / Ashbourne v Navan O’Mahonys

Venue: Ashbourne

Friday 8/3/19, 20:00pm

Donaghmore Ashbourne’s 4th team lost out to a slick O’Mahonys team in the B League Division 5 clash in Ashbourne on Friday 8th March 2019. The home team were hoping to build on their first round win over Clonard last week but were undone when 2 quick goals in the first half by O’Mahonys put them on the back foot. They went in at the break 7 points to 2 goals up but with a fierce wind to play against it was never enough of a cushion. O’Mahonys picked off their points throughout the second half as Donaghmore Ashbourne were turned over too many times in the second half to make any inroads on the score.

Final Score: Donaghmore Ashbourne 0.07 Navan O’Mahonys 2.12.
Donaghmore Ashbourne team.
M. Davis, S. Purcell, A Lynn, M. Finn, O. Mulhall, L. Finn, F. Heffernan, J. Magee, A. McAlearney (0-1), T. Bruton (0-1), S. O’Sullivan (0-1), K. McInerney, D. Donnelly (0-1), J. Merry, J. McKeown (0-3f).
Subs: O. Grayson for Lynn, N. Moran for M. Finn, C. Brady for Bruton, E. Caffrey for McKeown, D. Morrissey for O’Sullivan, L. Adams for Purcell.


Match Report B League Division 5, Round 1

Clonard v Donaghmore / Ashbourne

Venue: Clonard

Saturday 2/3/19, 4.15pm

Donaghmore Ashbourne’s 4th team travelled over to Clonard on Saturday evening to their excellent pitch in this B League Division 5 fixture. Disappointingly Clonard only managed to get 13 players out so the game started at 13 a side. Playing with the substantial wind in the first half, Donaghmore Ashbourne started well bagging an early goal by Joe Magee within a minute. Anthony McAlearney floated a point over after 3 minutes and Eoin Caffrey made it 1-2 to no score after 5 minutes. Clonard did not give up too easy and managed the next 4 scores between the 7th and 18th minutes. Stephen Breslin and Anthony McAlearney both scored points on the 21st and 23rd minutes to regain control but let slip again when Clonard hit back with a pointed free and an easy point. Donaghmore Ashbourne went in at the break a point up, 1-04 to 0-06 but knew they were in for a tough second half. The opening half was a decent game of football and the small but dedicated support for both teams would have been pleased with the fare on offer.
With the wind a challenge, Donaghmore Ashbourne were sent back in with new instructions and struck the first blow with a well taken point from Joe Magee. Clonard responded immediately with point but the away side stepped up a gear and worked the ball well against the wind and started to get the scores. A free kick for Clonard came off the post and was cleared by the hard working defence but unfortunately an injury to one of the Clonard players forced them down to 12 players. A free pointed by Stephen Breslin on 43 minutes and a another point a minute later put 3 points betweeen the sides. Clonard put over a free on 51 minutes but Donaghmore Ashbourne’s David Donnelly after some fine support work in the corner freed up Joe Magee who sent over a point with 5 minutes remaining. Mattie Davis in goal made a point blank save after Clonard broke through after which Donaghmore Ashbourne quickly moved the ball up the field with good inter play between Simon Purcell, Cormac McGahan, Luke Barrett and Fergal Heffernan to allow David Donnelly to score another point on 58 minutes. With time almost up Clonard worked the ball to the edge of the square and somehow managed to hit the back of the net after the second attempt. With one point between the teams Donaghmore Ashbourne retained possession from the kickout and finished the stronger with Fergal Heffernan pointing with time up to seal the result 1-10 to 1-8.
Donaghmore Ashbourne Team:
Matt Davis, Simon Purcell, James Flavin, Brian Egan, Cormac McGahan, Liam Finn, Joe Magee (1-2), Anthony McAlearney (0-2), Joe Merry, Stephen Breslin (0-3, 1f), Keith McCarthy, Eoin Caffey (0-1), Shane O’Sullivan.

Substitutes: David Donnelly (0-1) for McCarthy, Luke Barrett for O’Sullivan, Colm O’Toole for Merry, Fergal Heffernan (0-1) for Caffrey, Conor Heffernan for Egan.


Match Report A League Division 1, Round 4

Donaghmore / Ashbourne v Ratoath

Venue: Ashbourne

Sunday 24/2/19, 3.00pm

Donaghmore Ashbourne’s senior side completed a treble of wins this weekend for the club’s footballers with this Division 1 A League victory against local neighbours Ratoath. In a reversal of last year’s league result Donaghmore Ashbourne showed more attacking flair than Ratoath today and had 8 different scorers contributing. Shane Melia from midfield drove his team on and from the outset they laid a marker down. Gary Sweeney opened the scoring with a point inside 2 minutes and Paul Gilligan followed up with another on 7 minutes. Ratoath hit back with a point before Dylan Brady at full forward fired over on 16 minutes gone. Ratoath responded with a score but would not score again until the 24th minute by which time went on a scoring spree. Dylan Brady scored a well worked goal on 17 minutes and Stephen Carton slotted a free over a minute later. Points from play on the 20th, 21st, 22nd and 23rd from Gary Sweeney, Stephen Carton, Shaun Byrne and Paul Gilligan kept Ratoath on the back foot. A pointed free and two points from play from Ratoath kept the Donaghmore Ashbourne team on their toes. Gary Sweeney raced through to point again for the home side on 29 minutes and Ratoath responded in kind a minute later. Just when all thought the half time whistle would blow, Shane Melia sliced through the Ratoath defence line to hit the back of the net.

Halftime: Donaghmore Ashbourne 2-09 Ratoath 0-6

The second half started and on their first attack Donaghmore Ashbourne’s James Crumlish fired over. Ratoath immediately responded with a goal on the 33rd minute before Gary Sweeney scored his second point of the game. Ratoath came back again and having scored 2 points on the 10th and 11th minutes, they were dealt a hammer blow midway through the half when James Crumlish got on the end of well worked move to score the third goal. Shane Melia followed up with a point within a minute to leave the home side 10 points in front. Donaghmore Ashbourne introduced their substitutes in the final quarter. Ratoath gamely fought on scoring 2 points on 50 mins before Dylan Brady calmly slotted another over from play. Again, Ratoath hit back and scored 3 without reply in the last 2 minutes of the game before Darragh O’Sullivan pointed deep into added time. The game carried on and under more Ratoath pressure Jack Hannigan was called into action to make a last ditch stop with his feet to deny Ratoath another goal. The final whistle went to the delight of the home support who were very appreciative of the effort on the field. Another 2 league points secured and a clean sweep of wins for the club’s footballers over the weekend.

Fulltime: Donaghmore Ashbourne 3-14 Ratoath 1-13

A solid team performance from Donaghmore Ashbourne and hard to single out any individual as each contributed to a healthy score line in which all but one score was from play.

Donaghmore Ashbourne Team:
Jack Hannigan, Jack Giles, Alan Murtagh, Sean Curran, Conor Carton, Thomas McGovern, Paul Gilligan (0-2), Shane Melia (1-1), Killian Hogan, Shaun Byrne (0-1), Gary Sweeney (0-4), Darragh McGovern, James Crumlish (1-1), Dylan Brady (1-2), Stephen Carton (0-2, 1f).

Subs: Andrew Tormey for Byrne (45), Leo Reilly for Hogan (45), Colm O’Mealoid for Crumlish (53), Darragh O’Sullivan (0-1) for S. Carton (53), Iarlaith O’Donnell for Rea (55)


Match Report B League Division 1, Round 1

Donaghmore / Ashbourne v Skryne

Venue: Ashbourne

Saturday 23/2/19, 7.00pm

Halftime: Donaghmore Ashbourne 0-5 Skryne 0-2
Fulltime: Donaghmore Ashbourne 0-7 Skryne 0-6

Donaghmore Ashbourne GAA’s 2nd team commenced their defence of the B1 League with a hard-fought win against a spirited Skryne side. Donaghmore Ashbourne GAA struck first in the 4th minute as Darragh O’Sullivan fired over after good sustained pressure on the away team. Thereafter came ten minutes of scrappy play until Skryne got a free and converted it into the top end. Donaghmore Ashbourne GAA hit back immediately and fired a succession of points over into the town end. Darragh O’Sullivan with a free on 15 minutes, and one each from Shane Rea and O’Sullivan within a minute. O’Sullivan struck again on 25 minutes before a soft free against stand-in keeper Tadg Kelly allowed Skryne to close out the scoring on half time.

The second half saw Skryne draw level before 40 minutes with a free and two from play. Donaghmore Ashbourne GAA had a penalty on 44 minutes which was saved by the Skryne netminder. Donaghmore Ashbourne GAA were undeterred and continued to put pressure on Skryne defence before Dylan Cassidy made a good run and raised another white flag from play on 46 minutes. Skryne threatened the Donaghmore Ashbourne GAA goal on a couple of occasions and the home side were indebted to ‘keeper Kelly as he pulled off a great save when it looked a certain goal for the Tara men. Skryne didn’t give up and equalised on 54 minutes. Both sides had chances to score and finish out the game but Donaghmore Ashbourne GAA showing silky interplay worked the ball up to the danger area where Skryne, with some last-ditch defending, conceded a scorable free. Darragh O’Sullivan took on the responsibility and duly obliged.
Overall there were some very good passages of play and although some mistakes were made Donaghmore Ashbourne GAA battled through and earned the valuable 2 league points.

Donaghmore Ashbourne Team:
Tadg Kelly, Karl Cassidy, Martin Lynch, Gareth Deery, Shane Rae (0-1), Ryan Bannon, Dylan Cassidy (0-1), Chris Brady, Declan Healy, Matt Crumlish, Patrick Murtagh, Stephen Fenton, Darragh O’Sullivan (0-5, (2f)), Luke Wilson, James Brady.
Subs: Chris Twomey for Rea, Kevin Fenton for J. Brady, Stephen Breslin for Crumlish, Shane O’Sullivan.


Match Report B League Division 3, Round 1

Donaghmore / Ashbourne v Bective

Venue: Ashbourne

Friday 22/2/19, 8.00pm

Halftime: Donaghmore Ashbourne 1-7 Bective 1-2
Fulltime: Donaghmore Ashbourne 2-15 Bective 1-5

Donaghmore Ashbourne GAA’s 3rd team started this B League 3 fixture with a superbly taken goal from adult football debutant Luke Barrett in the first minute to set Donaghmore Ashbourne GAA up for a period of dominance in the first 10 minutes. A well-taken point from Fergal Heffernan after 3 minutes seemed to settle them down but a battling Bective 2nd team managed to steady the ship with a point after 8 mins and then raised a green flag when Donaghmore Ashbourne GAA defence was exposed after 13 mins. Both sides exchanged points before the home team strung 5 points in the last 10 minutes of the half to lead 1-7 to 1-2 at half time. Well worked moves produced some excellent scoring opportunities which Faolan Smith, James Flavin and the Heffernan brothers took full advantage of.
The second half continued the trend and 2 minutes into the 2nd half, a flowing move put newly introduced substitute James McKeown in on goal and as he was about to fire off his shot he was fouled in the box. The resultant penalty was duly dispatched to the net by Smith. The gusting wind forced the Bective keeper to vary his kickouts as Donaghmore Ashbourne GAA were dominating the middle but 2 points from Joe Magee, another from Fergal Heffernan in the first 5 minutes of the second half stretched their lead. Bective tried to get out of their half but the determined Donaghmore Ashbourne side continued to put pressure on and it yielded 2 more points from McKeown and Smith. Another flowing move let the hard working Oisin Mulhall in to fire over a point on 39 minutes and Donaghmore Ashbourne GAA then used their subs bench to good effect. Fergal Heffernan struck again to notch up another point on 42 mins to bring his tally to 4 points. As the subs got into the game Bective to their credit never gave up and pointed on 53, 56 and 59 minutes before Conor Hayes pointed on 60 mins to see out the game for Donaghmore Ashbourne GAA.
The game was played in good spirit and both teams put in a marvelous effort. Several players caught the eye for the home side including Luke Barrett, David Donnelly, the Heffernan brothers, Liam Finn and Faolan Smith. A hardworking team performance on the night ensured the 2 league points were secured for Donaghmore Ashbourne GAA.
Donaghmore Ashbourne Team:
Matt Davis, Matt Finn, Niall Moran, Liam Finn, Luke Barrett (1-0), Anthony Lynn, Conor Heffernan (0-1), Joe Magee (0-2), James Flavin (0-2), Anthony McAlearney, Oisin Mulhall (0-1), Fergal Heffernan (0-4), Colm O’Toole, Faolan Smith (1-3, 1p 1f), Danny Deery.
Subs: James McKeown (0-1) for Deery, David Donnelly for McAlearney, Conor Hayes (0-1) for F. Heffernan, Dylan Morrissey for Mulhall, Oisin Gryson for M. Finn, Pat Dennehy for Lynn.


Match Report A League Division 1, Round 3

Simonstown v Donaghmore / Ashbourne

Venue: Simonstown

Saturday 9/2/19, 6.00pm

Donaghmore / Ashbourne GAA senior footballers traveled to Simonstown for the Division 1 A League Round 3 fixture on Saturday 9th February and despite scoring 16 points they lost out to a couple of soft goals in a 4.09 to 0.16 loss.

Donaghmore /Ashbourne Team and scorers

Jack Hannigan, Jack Giles, Sean Curran, Iarlaith O’Donnell, Conor Carton, Thomas McGovern, Alan Murtagh, Shane Melia, Killian Hogan, James Crumlish, Gary Sweeney, Darragh Mc Govern (0-1), Dylan Brady (0-5, 1f), Andy Tormey (0-3f), Leo Reilly.

Subs: Stephen Carton (0-5) for Reilly (30), Shaun Byrne (0-2) for Hogan (35), Darragh O’Sullivan for Murtagh (40)

 


Match Report A League Division 1, Round 2

Donaghmore / Ashbourne v Summerhill

Venue: Ashbourne

 Sunday 3/2/19, 11.00am

Donaghmore / Ashbourne started well but fell behind to a Summerhill point before responding well, as after a good initial save by Summerhill’s netminder Tony Mc Donnell, it rebounded and was dispatched to the net by Dylan Brady. This was followed smartly by a point from Darragh McGovern, which was almost immediately canceled out by a Summerhill point. The action moved to the Donaghmore / Ashbourne half, with first a wide and then, with confusion in the Donaghmore / Ashbourne defence, Summerhill scored their only goal of the encounter. Summerhill enjoyed a good period of play, converting a free, following up with a brace from play. Don/Ash got their second point on the board, and shortly afterwards Summerhill’s Michael Byrne was shown a second yellow and sent off, with Donaghmore / Ashbourne converting the resultant free. Summerhill rallied after their reduction to 14 men with some pressure which yielded a point. The score at the break was Donaghmore / Ashbourne 1-3, Summerhill 1-7.

Donaghmore /Ashbourne went on the offensive right from the restart, with runs from Sean Curran and Paul Gilligan getting the ball into the forwards, with Dylan Brady converting. Another good passage of play saw a goal from Gary Sweeney with an assist from Andy Tormey, the sides level from the first time since throw –in.  Summerhill then upped the ante, camping in the Donaghmore / Ashbourne half but the only serious goal scoring attempt went straight into Andy Colgan’s hands.   A tussle involving Paul Gilligan and Summerhill’s Kevin Ryan saw both players yellow carded, with Donaghmore / Ashbourne deemed to be at fault and Summerhill converting the resultant free, their only score of the second period. A very good ball in from Summerhill resulting in a great Andy Colgan save, the rebound adding to the visitors’ tally of wides. The action switched to the Summerhill half, the Donaghmore / Ashbourne lads starting to use their numerical advantage, with a point from Darragh McGovern and then a lovely point from distance from David Carr. Possession was won from a kickout and an off-balance Dylan Brady scored another point, but with the net at his mercy could have notched up another goal. Donaghmore / Ashbourne kept up the pressure, with Andy Tormey converting the next Donaghmore / Ashbourne free. James Crumlish added a point quickly followed by his second point.  Stephen Carton came on in place of James Crumlish, and was immediately involved in an exchange with Sean Curran and Andy Tormey, with a great pass by Andy to Darragh McGovern leading to the home side’s third goal.  Dylan Brady’s point was the last score of the match, with a clash between Andy Tormey and the Summerhill goalkeeper Tony Mc Donnell resulting in a straight red for the Summerhill man.  The final score was Donaghmore / Ashbourne 3-13 to Summerhill’s 1-8. Both sides having had a number of wides, goal chances and shots taken from too great a distance straight into the arms of the grateful keepers.

Donaghmore /Ashbourne Team and scorers

Andy Colgan, Jack Giles, Sean Curran, David Carr (0-1), Chris Twomey, Thomas McGovern, Paul Gilligan (0-1), Shane Melia, Killian Hogan, James Crumlish (0-2), Gary Sweeney (1-1), Darragh Mc Govern (1-3), Dylan Brady (1-3), Andy Tormey(0-2f), Leo Reilly.

Subs: Shaun Byrne for T. McGovern (30), Alan Murtagh for Twomey (30), Darragh O’Sullivan for Reilly (42), Stephen Carton for Crumlish (58), Declan Healy for Hogan (58).


Match Report A League Division 1, Round 1

Dunshaughlin v Donaghmore Ashbourne

Venue: Simonstown

Sunday 27/1/19, 11.00am

Halftime: Dunshaughlin 0-3          Donaghmore Ashbourne 1-3
Fulltime: Dunshaughlin 1-6          Donaghmore Ashbourne 1-4

A cold and windy start to the A League in this robustly contested match where Dunshaughlin came away with 2 points after winning an event filled opening match. Donaghmore Ashbourne started the better with a well-taken point against the wind by Leo Reilly in the first 2 minutes. Dunshaughlin piled on the pressure but Donaghmore Ashbourne seemed to have things under control until in the 8th minute Gary Sweeney got a black card. Immediately after that, Colm O’Mealoid received a red card for an off the ball incident. This derailed the Donaghmore Ashbourne effort but they managed to overcome that to respond positively with a goal on 13 minutes. Dylan Brady quickest and pouncing on a loose ball around the square. Paul Gilligan pointed two frees and then came a period of hard graft keeping out the Dunshaughlin attack until possession given away resulted in a free in stoppage time which was duly pointed. Dunshaughlin won the kickout and it too was fired over the bar to leave them 3 points behind at half time and facing the wind in the second half.

Dunshaughlin used their extra man wisely and managed to put more pressure on Donaghmore Ashbourne and score a point from play 5 minutes into the second half. Dylan Brady pointed to cancel that out after 39 minutes for the away side. Donaghmore Ashbourne dug in but an unfortunate mix up in defence left Jack Hannigan stranded when a ball wasn’t cleared and it was flicked over the keeper to give hope to Dunshaughlin on 46 minutes. They scored a point from play within a minute and started to gain the upper hand.  Second half substitutions for Donaghmore Ashbourne for tired legs kept the game alive but with Dunshaughlin leading by a point, they managed the game well, using the extra pair of legs to good effect. Donaghmore Ashbourne were reduced to thirteen on 57 minutes when Jack Hannigan received a black card after his earlier yellow and had to go off.

Dunshaughlin fired over another point from play to go two in front with a couple of minutes left to play and held out to win the contest.

Donaghmore Ashbourne Team:

Jack Hannigan, Jack Giles, Iarlaith O’Donnell, David Carr, Chris Twomey, Colm O’Mealoid, Paul Gilligan (0-2f), Shane Melia, Killian Hogan, James Crumlish, Gary Sweeney (bc), Darragh McGovern, Dylan Brady (1-1) , Andrew Tormey, Leo Reilly (0-1).

Subs: Declan Healy for Sweeney (Black Card), Jack McCarney for Healy, Darragh O’Sullivan for Tormey, Shaun Byrne for Reilly, Padraig Durkan for Crumlish.

 


Team Details

Donaghmore Ashbourne GAA have four Adult Football teams at present within the club.
Our teams are expected to play at the following grades in 2019:

1st Team: Senior Championship Grade & A League Division 1

2nd Team: Intermediate Championship Grade & B League Division 1

3rd Team: Junior B Championship Grade & B League Division 3

4th Team: Junior D Championship Grade & B League Division 5

Adult Football Year 2018 – Mixed year for footballers

It was a strange year for the adult footballers. Despite reaching the semi final of the SFC, in contention for the A League, winning the B League in a dramatic match and winning the Division 1 Minor Championship, it was contrasted by the Junior footballers not reaching their potential. It was a tough league for our third team, playing against mainly second teams in the Division 3 B League and the Junior B Championship. The fourth team introduced many young players to adult football and there were many fine performances on the field both in the Junior D championship and the Division 5 of the B League.

Senior Football
The seniors commenced the league in early February but due to the ‘inclimate’ weather in March it was to be a stop start campaign. 3 wins and a draw in the first four games allowed Gabriel Bannigan’s new management team see a lot of players in good competitive games but a 1 goal loss to eventual league winners Skryne in their fifth game made a nervy prelude to the Championship. The Championship first round one point win versus Seneschalstown, 1.12 to 1.11 in early April gave them the start they needed and they took that momentum to the second round versus Blackhall Gaels, shooting 1.16 and conceding 11 points.
Momentum was the key and over the next 8 league games in May, June and July they recorded 5 wins and 3 losses. These games led to the third round of the championship where Dunboyne lay in wait. A one point loss 0.13 to 1.09 put pressure on the squad to perform better and in the fourth round they produced a fine display against a gritty Dunshaughlin team to win 1.15 to 1.09.
The last round saw a draw match against the holders Simonstown to determine placing in the group. A quarter final beckoned versus neighbours Ratoath. Despite all the signs of it being a rip roaring derby, both teams were cautious and played the percentage game, both teams wary of each others strengths and capabilities. The end result was a nervy 1.09 to 1.08 win for the lads who controlled the game better. A semi-final against the impressive Summerhill who had already beaten St. Colmcille’s was the reward.
The lads started well in the semi final but without good ball into the forwards they began to concede ground to an impressive Summerhill team who led 6 points to 3 at half time. The second half didn’t start so good with Summerhill scoring the first of 3 goals to consolidate their position and from them on it was a game of catch up where Summerhill only had to maintain their lead to finish as winners. The scoreline of 3.12 to 2.06 didn’t do the lads justice and they would rightly feel they let the game slip away.

Intermediate Football
The Intermediate team blasted their way to the B League final and competed well in the Intermediate championship but a drain on players to the Senior team due to several players travelling over the summer weakened their core and ultimately was their down fall. The Intermediate Championship started well with a win in a rain soaked St Ultans versus Ballinlough winning 1.09 to 0.11. They held out to a late challenge to finish out the game in control. The lack of games before this match was evident with only one league game played in February.
The second round versus Castletown ended in a good win 4.10 to 1.12 but sterner teats were to come. As the league progressed the team performed well winning 7 games in a row. Duleek Bellewstown were the opposition in the third round of the Championship and they produced a masterclass in attacking football posting 1.21 to our 10 points, revenge indeed for a 31 point loss to our senior team last year.
The fourth round make or break match was against a seasoned Bective team who looked every bit a first team when winning out 1.11 to 1.08. Indiscipline in a frantic finish to the game was to cost them dearly. The last group game was against Oldcastle and again the first team won through, progressing at our expense. A B League final was to be our only consolation.
Skryne was the venue on a cold night in October and Simonstown were the opposition once again. It proved to be a great game of football with plenty of well taken scores and a very late bit of drama. With minutes remaining on the clock and 3 points down a brilliant penalty save by Dan Shanahan turned their fortunes around. Even though Simonstown tagged on another point to go four in front the lads were not finished yet. Pressure on the Simonstown defence allowed substitute Luke Wilson to gather and attack with menace. As soon as he started his run, panic alarms sounded in the Simonstown defence and when he received his return pass there was only one outcome, goal and
game on. With two minutes left on the clock Donaghmore Ashbourne supporters couldn’t believe their luck when possession was surrendered from the kick out and was duly pointed to level the game. The twist in the tale was to come when the ball was again overturned in midfield and Andrew Tormey coolly fired it over the bar with time just up, finishing with a 2.14 to 2.13 win.

Junior Football
Both Junior teams were hampered by the bad weather at the start of the year and lack of games was an all to familiar complaint. One game in February against Curragha, losing by one point, and playing our next game in Championship in April. St Colmcilles were the fancied team and despite the scoreline the lads played very well. The score of 5.13 to 1.12 doesn’t reflect how tight the game was until the concession of a couple of soft goals. Winning only two of their next 7 league games put them in a perilous position. The only high points were the performances and wins away to Ballinlough and the home game v Duleek Bellewstown. Still with championship to look forward to there was a chance of progressing. Although a 6 points loss to favourites St Peter’s Dunboyne left us at the bottom of the group the team believed in themselves and turned it around in the 3rd round versus Duleek Bellewstown running out 7.22 to 0.04 winners. Trim were next and a better performance won the day with a 4.16 to 0.11 win. The preliminary quarter final was played in Ardcath against St Patricks and despite starting badly the team put in a decent effort only to succumb to a breakaway goal to swing the tie towards the ‘Pats’ 3.07 to 2.07.
A final league game away to St Michaels gave the management a chance to test a few Under 21s for the upcoming Championship. An end to end game ensued but St Michaels experience won the day and qualified them for the league final against Duleek Bellewstown.

The fourth team gave some of our younger lads (and more seasoned campaigners) plenty of games in the Division 5 of the B league, when it eventually started in May. The championship started first with a one point loss to Drumbaragh and the team featured no less than 7 adult football debutants.
Narrow losses seemed to follow this team around and by the time the second round of the championship came around we had won only one game in three. We lost by 2 points to Trim 2.13 to 2.11 in Drumree in a hard fought game. A draw against Gaeil Colmcille and another one point loss to O’Mahonys was not great preparation for the third round of the Junior D. Again a one point loss to a good Kilmainham team 1.13 to 0.15. The fourth round against Longwood was a chance for some of the veterans of the club to play and each put on a good display. None more so than Michael Doherty and Timmy O’Regan who along with Mark Byrne brought the average age up by a fair bit. Indeed Mark was joined on the field by his son Liam during the game to join the few father and son combinations who have played championship football at the same time.
The fifth-round game was played in Donaghmore Ashbourne grounds but Ratoath prevailed that night, posting 1.17 to 0.04 against the severely weakened team. Such was the end of the championship for the year but the future looks bright with a lot of young players getting a taste of adult football for the first time and performing well.
The Under 21’s commenced their championship against a strong O’Mahonys team and felt they could have won the game in the end but for some wayward shooting in front of goal. O’Mahonys progressed on a score-line of 1.12 to 1.11 in Dunganny.

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