FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA
CAVAN GAELS GAA
NEWSLETTER ISSUE 28 OCTOBER 2017
Photo: Adrian Donohoe
Deireadh Fómhair anseo linn, agus an 28ú eagráin. Am spreagúil í seo ar fud an Chumainn, leis an Oscailt Oifigiúil le déanaí, agus an Cluiche Mór le teacht. Ádh mor ar Jason agus na leaids agus ná laga Día íad.
october 2017 GAELS AROUND THE WORLD Johnathon “Misey” Crowe who recently made it to the top of Kilimanjaro.
TORNADOES Every Saturday at 11am. Terry Coyle Park.
GAELS AROUND THE WORLD Hannah and John McHugh enjoying some sightseeing in London recently.
ISSUE 28 OCTOBER 017 2
senior men Our Senior Men’s team will contest the County Final this Sunday, 8th October against Castlerahan, in Kingspan Breifne. Throw-in is at 3:30pm. We look forward to seeing a sea of blue and white in the stands. “C’mon the Gaels!”
Vinny Coyle on the attack during our championship win over Arva. (Photo: Adrian Donohoe)
3 OCTOBER 2017 ISSUE 28
“when i was fourteen” by tommy monaghan When I was fourteen and scarcely a nipper We had a pub on Main Street that now is a chipper. Cavan Gaels was a club in the early stages of teething, There was no building like this where they could hold a meeting. At 35 Main Street that first committee sat No drinks were served – Eugene saw to that. Agendas and Minutes have been lost so instead Whatever remains is what I’ve kept in my head. Because when I was fourteen I sat on the stairs In hiding and listening to the affairs Of a committee sitting down in our kitchen Sometimes friendly – sometimes bitchin’. Of course I should have been above in my bed But silently eavesdropped on those men instead, From my perch overhead I would be the first to know The team selection where each player would go. When I was fourteen this town had great need Of a decent Gaelic football club but who would give lead? Paddy Conaty stepped forth with words so heartfelt The first seeds were planted with his plea to “the Celt”. I was still fourteen when more seeds were scattered A process began where it really mattered. But was the climate right for those seeds to grow? Would “the Harps” and “The Slashers” go with the flow? When I was fourteen there were meetings and meetings Defeats and victories and tantrums and teethings, The “Good Friday Agreement” took some time to be laid But the birth of Cavan Gaels would leave that in the shade. When I was fourteen I saw that great new dawn When months of labour would give birth to Gael an Chabháin. Some predicted failure and gave it no chance Despite faltering footsteps the new-born would dance. When I was fourteen it was all a bit raw No underage structure from which to draw, Players joined up from all places and stations The town team became known as “The League of Nations”.
Our first big names at under age level Were Hugo and “Lightning” the little red-haired devil, And proud was the club when these two made their mark For Cavan Minors against Dublin in Croke Park. Of the success of the seventies my knowledge is thin Exiled and married above in Dublin, But I never lost touch and was aware of the glory Of that great purple patch in our clubs’ story. “The League of Nations” syndrome gradually reducedThe Reilly brothers and PJ were all home produced. Brother Cyril and De La Salle that home farm of renown Unleashed a host of young talent for our club and our town. Then the Gaels came dashing ‘round the bend, As the twentieth century came to an end Minors, under 21’s at last came of age A new generation had arrived on the stage. What a privilege it was for me to write Of McGalde, Graham, Duffy and to delight In the feats of Cathal and Eamon and Anthony Forde, Lyngs’ magic, Robert’s fielding, and how Seanie scored. Our club has gained now a coach supreme So Jason please help me achieve my dream, You have fashioned a squad of talented men Let’s bring back the cup so I can write poem number ten! When I was fourteen there was born in this town The one who would be the jewel in the crown, The greatest Gael of all - on and off the field of play Mr Cavan Gaels himself the gallant JJ. Every club has it’s heroes but let me now say No club has a legend like our own JJ, Through the good times and bad he gave his very all JJ Reilly you made sure our club would walk tall As you gaze down in awe from up there in heaven To see what has blossomed since 1957, Rest in Peace Tommy, Paddy, Maurice, Eugene Your acorn has oaked since I was fourteen.
They came from Leitrim, Longford, Wexford, Sligo, Mayo, No Cavan player was yet on show, That would all change in a very short time When “Inky” and “Jim Meehan” came into their prime. When I passed fourteen and became an underage player Under sixteens and minors were blossoming with flair. In ’58 a League trophy and the club came alive Then we hit the jackpot in 1965. I was well past fourteen on that day of renown And part of that squad that brought the cup to our town, There were so many heroes the names just won’t fit Like McDonnell, Young, Maguire and Smith.
ISSUE 28 OCTOBER 017 4
official opening of new clubrooms GAA President Aogán Ó Fearghaíl was our guest as we officially opened our new clubrooms in Terry Coyle Park last week. Presentations were made to Cavan Gaels teams which won the County Minor Football League and Championship in 1967, the Minor Football Championship in 1968 and the U10 All Ireland Football Community Games title in 1992. Thank you to everyone who helped organise a brilliant evening in Terry Coyle Park. To all our members and friends, we hope you had a great night - and here’s to many more in our new clubrooms!
5 OCTOBER 2017 ISSUE 28
player Profile BARRY FORTUNE WHAT IS YOUR OUTSTANDING GAA MEMORY TO DATE? Ulster U21 championship win. IF YOU COULD REVISIT ONE MOMENT FROM YOUR GAA CAREER AND CHANGE IT, WHAT WOULD IT BE? AND WHY? U10 Community Games Ulster Final. I double hopped the ball and they went up the other side of the pitch and got a goal. TOUGHEST OPPONENT? Donal Reilly. One of the sweetest left foots in Cavan. MOST SCORED IN A GAME? 3-3 against Ramor in an U16 championship game. WHAT 3 PEOPLE DEAD OR ALIVE WOULD YOU INVITE TO A DINNER PARTY? Tomás Cooney, Wayne Rooney and Amber from Love Island. WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO IMPROVE ABOUT YOUR GAME? Increase my fitness and speed. HOBBIES/INTERESTS OUTSIDE GAA? Soccer. BEST ADVICE EVER RECEIVED? Keep it simple. FAVORITE GAELS MEMORY? Captaining U21’s to division 2 championship win. BEST HURLER AND FOOTBALLER YOU HAVE EVER SEEN? Henry Shefflin and Michael Murphy.
john fee day Our annual John Fee Day in Terry Coyle Park was a great success once again. Thanks to everyone who helped organise a special day!
ISSUE 28 OCTOBER 017 6
TERRY COYLE PARK - SMOKE FREE Terry Coyle Park is now a smoke free environment. Cavan Gaels leads the way with this Healthy Club initiative, being the first Club in the County Cavan to implement this policy. We request the co-operation of our members to ensure that our sports ground remains smoke free.
club merchandise Our club merchandise is available to buy in The Sports Shop, Main St. Cavan.
Official club merchandise is also available for purchase online at: www.oneills.com/shop-by-team/gaa/ireland/cavan-gaels-gaeil-an-chabhain.html
7  OCTOBER 2017 ISSUE 28
••••• CLUB BINGO ••••• EVERY FRIDAY NIGHT @ THE OZANAM CENTRE, RIVER ST. CAVAN
Childrens Officer: Michael Mooney 087-643-5901 Designated Liaison Person: Mary McCarthy 087-233-6925 --Thank you to all our readers and contributors. Please continue to give us constructive feedback, it is much appreciated. From the Newsletter Team Rebecca, John, Ann Marie & Greg.
ISSUE 28 OCTOBER 017 8
club lotto results
9  OCTOBER 2017 ISSUE 28
my gaels xv laura lynch A mixture of Cavan Gaels friends, family, coaches, characters, and myself.
Johnny Farrely
Mark Leddy Sr.
Spud Maguire
Cormac Neligan
Laura Lynch
Amy Johnston
Sophie Graham
Darragh Galligan
Anne O’Neill
Hannah McHugh
Greg Meehan
Rebecca Tully
Lauren Brady
Karen Galligan
Lisa Lynch ISSUE 28 OCTOBER 017 10