Division 3 v The Downs

We completed our All-County League Division 3 campaign with a battling 2-11 to 0-17 draw against The Downs at a rain-soaked MJS Builds St James’ Park last Tuesday evening, May 27.

Trailing for most of the game, we dug deep in the closing stages to earn an unlikely share of the spoils. With the threat of relegation hanging over them, The Downs’ need was greater and it showed in the first half when they took a 0-12 to 1-3 lead into the break. The visitors were 0-10 to 0-2 up and cruising before we were thrown a lifeline when Nigel Scally got the last touch to Darragh Coffey’s low shot for the opening goal.

The Downs, however, remained in the driving seat until the closing stages when Kilbeggan suddenly came to life. A palmed goal by Scally narrowed the gap before a huge injury-time two-pointer from Darragh Coffey in the worsening conditions meant the points were shared.

We finished the Division 3 campaign in fourth place with 10 points from nine games, two points behind Multyfarnham, three behind Coralstown/Kinnegad and four behind table-toppers Castledaly (the latter two are promoted to Division 2 for next season). In hindsight, the one-point defeats to Multy and Castledaly probably cost us promotion, but it was still a campaign laden with positives as we switch our focus to the Intermediate Championship and a first round meeting with newly-promoted Castletown-Finea/Coole/Whitehall in July when we will hopefully have a fully-fit squad to pick from.

Team: Conor Mullins; Martin Ward, James Fox, Mark Wrafter; Danny Scully, Colin Draper, Joey O’Neill; Ray Kennedy, Dean Fitzgerald; Cillian Rochford, Micheál Coffey, Paul Fennell; Colm Heffernan, Nigel Scally, Darragh Coffey.

Lotto

Last week’s lucky numbers were 6, 7, 13 and 20. The jackpot wasn’t won. The Match 3 winners were Damian McLoughlin, Bernie McCarthy and Seamus Guilfoyle.

The jackpot has been capped at €15,000 until it is won again. Make sure to buy your tickets online or at Centra, Mace and Whelan’s. Thank you for your continued support.

Sympathy

Sincere sympathy is extended to the McNamara and Mealiffe families, especially our committee member Kelly-Ann, on Virginia's passing. Last week’s monthly meeting was postponed as a mark of respect.

We also extend our sympathy to our former player and ladies football manager Mick Murphy on his father Francie’s passing in Donegal, and the Cunningham family, Tullamore Road on Vincent Jnr’s death after an illness bravely borne. May they rest in peace.

Lory Meagher Cup

Congratulations to Mick Stones and his son Adam on the New York hurlers’ Lory Meagher Cup success last Saturday at Croke Park. Dual star Adam will be in action again for the New York footballers in their Tailteann Cup preliminary quarter-final this coming weekend.