Sport
Senior Girls Football - Jan 2012
On Tuesday last, our senior girls’ team played Mohill Vocational School in what was a well fought game in poor conditions.
The game started off by Lough Allen leading well, but a profound Mohill team came back to a 4 point gap before half time.In the first minute of the second half Mohill scored an easy goal to leave it a one point margin. But Lough Allen fought back with some great support play and skilful scores to win the match by 10 points.
End score: Mohill Vocational School 4:2 Lough Allen College 6:4
Team was as follows:
Kate Byrne, Deirdre Devitt, Natasha McLoughlin, Michelle McNama, Megan Wynne, Shannon O’Grady, Ann-Marie Gallagher, Michaelaigh Nolan, Mary Clancy, Shauna Clancy, Tara Drugan.
Subs Used: Gemma McLoughlin, Martina Gallagher, Mary Louise McCabe, Catherine Gilmartin
Preliminary round will take place on the Tuesday, 7th February against St Tiernan’s.
Connacht Cross Country
There were 15 representatives for Lough Allen College in Galway City on Tuesday 8thof February. This included the Silver Medallists from the North Connacht Division (Senior Boys and Intermediate Boys) and also Briget Gallagher who qualified for the Senior Girls as an individual.
Conditions on the day were near-perfect, as over 700 students from every corner of Connacht gathered to compete. A massive crowd gathered to see the gripping contests ranging from Minor (U-14) to Senior (U-19).
First in action for Lough Allen were the Intermediate Boys. The field was extremely competitive with 12 teams and 24 individuals lining up. This resulted in a race with the top 80 students in Connacht participating. Again strong performances from John Crawford and Jerome Maguire, who finished 28thand 36th, provided Lough Allen with a great team position. Next scorers were Padraig Clarke (48th) and Niall Gallagher (49th) giving the team 7thplace in Connacht. Robert Fee, Stephen McManus Declan Daly and Cathal McCauley made up the rest of the team with very respectable finishes. On the day Declan Daly provided an excellent substitute for Felim McHugh who on the day could not compete due to injury. Well done to all the lads on their great performance.
Intermediate Boys (left-right) Declan Daly, Padraig Clarke, Jerome Maguire, Niall Gallagher, Robert Fee, John Crawford, Stephen McManus and Cathal McCauley
The athletes themselves recognised that they had a chance for 3rdplace, with Lough Allen College, St. Joseph’s and Gort Community School, both of Galway all vying for the coveted position which would qualify them to the All-Irelands. In the end the points tally was enough to secure 4thspot in Connacht. Well done lads!!
In the following race Briget Gallagher took part in the Senior Girls race. Again the standard was very high, and Briget represented her school valiantly, with a very good time and a top 20 finish. Well done Briget!
Briget Gallagher
The concluding race provided the pinnacle to the entire days racing. The Senior Boys race was eagerly anticipated and every year proves to be a fascinating clash. This year was no exception with the entire crowd supporting their friends and classmates over the entire 5500m duration. 8 teams and a plethora of individual athletes participated, adding to the anticipation at the starting line. The race began at a frantic pace, with athletes eager to cement their places early on. 3 Lough Allen students in the shape of Barry Gilmartin, James Gallagher and Ade Jimoh kept up to this rapid pace, and found themselves in a group comfortably in the top 30. Gerard Clarke, Aidan Cullen and Jonathan McGovern were close behind the next chasing pack. The Lough Allen athletes knew that a Gold or Silver medal position was beyond them on the day, but realised that with this strong team performance they were in with a shout for 3rdplace. In the final lap of 1500m the front three Lough Allen competitors pushed on, with each member attempting to climb places where possible. Knowing that the position of the top four team members counted, Gerard Clarke found seemingly impossible reserves of energy in the final lap and overtook at least 10 students, much to the joy of the supporting Lough Allen Crowd. James Gallagher also found a burst of pace in the final straight to finish 27th, Barry Gilmartin behind in 28th, Ade Jimoh 29th and the impressive finish for Gerard Clarke gave him 30th. The overall team performance was brilliantly completed with Aidan Cullen and Jonathan McGovern.
The athletes themselves recognised that they had a chance for 3rdplace, with Lough Allen College, St. Joseph’s and Gort Community School, both of Galway all vying for the coveted position which would qualify them to the All-Irelands.
In the end the points tally was enough to secure 4thspot in Connacht.
Well done lads!!
Senior Boys team: (left to right) Ade Jimoh, Aidan Cullen, James Gallagher, Jonathan McGovern, Barry Gilmartin and Gerard Clarke.
Lough Allen College results
Intermediate Boys – 7thposition (161 points)
John Crawford – 28th
Jerome Maguire – 36th
Padraig Clarke – 48th
Niall Gallagher – 49th
Senior Boys – 4thposition (114 points)
James Gallagher – 27th
Barry Gilmartin – 28th
Ade Jimoh – 29th
Gerard Clarke – 30th
Senior Girls
Briget Gallagher (top 20 position )
John Williams Memorial Blitz
On the 14th of October, Lough Allen College hosted its annual football tournament in memory of the deceased John Williams, a former student and dedicated sports personality within the school and the community. This prestigious tournament was established in 2009 and invites school teams from Drumshanbo, Mohill and Carrigallen to participate with Lough Allen College in a number of games to contest for the trophy. Each game is 20 minutes with a half-time break after 10 minutes. It is an enjoyable day, and games are played in a healthy, competitive spirit. This year, the trophy was to return to Lough Allen College after a competitive and truly thrilling battle with a talented Mohill outfit. It was a memorable occasion and one that was all about pride after just falling short in a dramatic final with rivals Drumshanbo last year. Congratulations to all involved!
Game 1:
In their first game, LAC was matched with the team from Carrigallen while Drumshanbo and Mohil met in the other fixture. After a scrappy opening, with both sides exchanging wides, LAC registered their first score through an individual effort from James Gallagher. Gallagher ran through the Carrigallen defence and struck a low shot to the right corner but the keeper got a hand to it, and so the ball fell into Gallagher’s path once more. With the goal at his mercy, a composed Gallagher dispatched the ball to the net. With Carrigallen’s full forward line causing lots of problems, the next score was vital. After a superb Thomas Mc Partlan save, LAC launched a counter-attack with Rory Kelly at the front line. Kelly lobbed a well timed ball into space for Gallagher and he was dragged down by his marker in desperation. Kelly tapped over the resulting free with ease as the half drew to a close. However, with a quick kick-out, Carrigallen began an attack and after good running from their midfielder Tiernan O’ Rourke they recorded their first score. Referee Jimmy Holohan blew the half-time whistle and Gallagher’s strike proved significant on the score line.
The first five minutes of the second half proved decisive as LAC got on top, registering 1-2 in quick succession. The introduction of Glen Kavanagh proved beneficial as he had a role in each score. Kavanagh scored two long range points himself after playing a one-two with Jamie Langan before Langan shook the net with a powerful shot. In what seemed like a forfeit, a shell-shocked Carrigallen were helpless in mounting a comeback and it was to get worse. Points from Felim Mc Hugh, Jamie Langan and Rory Kelly meant that the team finished out strong although Carrigallen did manage two points from frees. When the full time whistle sounded, the score line read 3-08 to 0-03 in favour of LAC. In the other game, Drumshanbo enjoyed a victory over Mohill on a score line of 4-04 to 2-05.
Game 2:
In the second game, LAC faced a Mohill team who faced an early exit from the competition with another loss. Perhaps this was the motivation behind their early brightness as they started the stronger side, creating chance after chance. It was a Felim Mc Hugh long range point that broke the deadlock half-way through the opening half but with the LAC forwards struggling to win any ball, Mohil hit back with three unanswered points from Shane Quinn and Alan Mc Loughlin to finish out the half with a two point lead.
The second half began positively for LAC, as they began to produce some brilliant moves, passing the ball and moving at speed. Alas as football goes, the scoreboard is what matters and when it came to kicking a point LAC gave a poor exhibition of shooting. Wide after wide signalled the introduction of Cathal Mc Cauley and he scored two quick points upon arrival bringing the game level for the first time. At this point LAC looked the dominant side as Felim Mc Hugh fielded almost every kick out but the wides continued and Kevin Shanley popped over two frees for Mohil with only a few minutes remaining on the clock. Immediately, LAC’s James Gallagher dispossessed his marker and swung his shot over the cross bar. Glen Kavanagh had a chance to make the teams even but his effort dropped short and the next move proved decisive. The Mohil defence launched high ball towards the LAC full-back line. The high ball deflected off a post and fell kindly to an-unmarked Anthony Mulligan who blasted a shot to the net. The kick out was taken and the referee Thomas Keenan blew the final whistle. The final score read 1-05 to 0-04 in favour of Mohil. On the other pitch, Drumshanbo had victory over Carrigallen on a score line of 2-06 to 0-03.
Game 3:
Needing a win to survive, LAC encountered a strong, unbeaten Drumshanbo outfit in their final group game. The game commenced with an, “end to end”, battle. Both teams had numerous chances and it was a Nicholas Moore forty-five that opened the scoring for Drumshanbo. Two Cathal Mc Cauley points gave LAC a slender lead but it was short lived. The ever dangerous Moore powered through the middle unleashing a shot that Thomas Mc Partlan could only watch. The shot rebounded off the cross-bar and Shane Beirne tapped the ball beyond Mc Partlan. With the game in the melting pot, LAC defender Barry Gilmartin kicked a point after a long solo run leaving a solitary point between the teams. Felim Mc Hugh fisted a point in the opening minute of the second half as the games intensity picked up. In the fourth minute, Drumshanbo’s Johnny Mc Gourty found himself one on one after poor LAC marking and he flicked the ball past Mc Partlan. Drumshanbo were on top and the persistent, hard running from Thomas Mulvey caused problems for LAC. Trailing by eight points, LAC produced an inspirational comeback firing 2-03 in the final three minutes. The partnership of Cathal Mc Cauley and Jamie Langan up front bagged the necessary scores. With a point between them, Jimmy Holahan blew the whistle. The final score read 2-07 to 2-06 in favour of LAC. In the other game, Mohil had a hard fought win over Carrigallen on a score line of 2-04 to 0-08. With LAC, Drumshanbo and Mohil all tied on two wins each, there would have to be a draw for the play-off. This draw resulted in LAC receiving a straight passage to the final while Mohil and Drumshanbo battled it out for the other vacant place. Semi-final: There was a mutual decision between the two teams that five minutes a half would be sufficient playing time for a winner to be decided. After a close encounter, Mohil grinded out a well deserved win on a score line of 2-05 to 2-03.
Final:
The final was a true representation of both teams abilities as they both fought hard and fair and are a tribute to their respective schools. LAC were clearly motivated as they opened in extraordinary fashion, each player working extremely hard for his team mate, hassling the opposition and tracking back when needed. James Gallagher kicked a pointed free and played a one two with Felim Mc Hugh before Mc Hugh scored a point himself. However, Mohil remained calm and a Kevin Shanley free kept them within touching distance. A Barry Gilmartin fisted point extended the lead for LAC but it was a James Gallagher goal that proved to be vital as the game played out. Gallagher won a ball in the full-forward line and demonstrating experience and excellent awareness he turned one way and then the other, turning quick, leaving his marker behind. With the goalkeeper at the last line of defence, Gallagher placed his shot low in the right corner and it nestled in the back of the net, initiating cheers from the LAC students who had arrived from the school for the final. Mohil responded well, slotting the next three scores, all frees from Kevin Shanley and working their way into the contest they began to get a handle on midfield with John Connefrey in particular winning some valued, and much needed ball. Glen Kavanagh managed a point but long range points from Allan Mc Loughlin, Anthony Muligan and Shane Quinn meant that the scores were tied at half time. The second half continued in the same manner as both teams fought for every ball tirelessly. Mid way through the half, LAC regained command of the midfield tussle and they kept their grip on it for the remainder of the half. Captain Rory Kelly partnered with Felim Mc Hugh caught every ball between them in the last five minutes giving LAC a massive boost and a significant platform to launch attack after attack. LAC utilised this luxury with Glen Kavanagh kicking three, massive consecutive points. Realising that time was against them, Mohil began employing short kick outs and this new tactic earned them two points, in fact the only two they scored in the second half. With two points between them and time just about up, Mohil made one last move in attempt to snatch a victory but Shane Quinn’s rocket like shot was saved by the LAC keeper Thomas Mc Partlan and the full back Steven Mc Manus hoofed the ball out of defence to the un-marked Rory Kelly who realising time was up, tapped over a neat point. The whistle sounded, with Gallagher’s goal the difference, the score reading 1-09 to 0-09 in favour of LAC.
There were joyous scenes of celebrations between pupils and players and team captain Rory Kelly accepted the trophy on behalf of his team mates.
Girls BasketBall
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First Year Gaelic Football Blitz
Congratulations to the First Year Girls who, accompanied by their teacher, Miss McPartlan, won all three of their games in the 7-a-side Football Blitz. The blitz took place on the 14th of October in Ballymote. Well done Girls!!
Kick-boxing
Girls Active is up and running for another year! This involves students participating in a variety of sports and activities outside the school. For the past few weeks, Girls Active have attended kick-boxing classes from 4-5pm on Tuesdays. Aerobics and Step-Aerobics are planned for the students for 5 weeks, beginning after the Mid-Term break.
1st Year Girls win F.A.I 5-a-side Soccer Tournament
LAC to Represent Leitrim in Connaught Finals in NUI Galway Thursday 18th Nov. 2010.
Lough Allen come out on top in Leitrim Post Primary Schools Football Finals
GIRLS EVENT
The Leitrim Post Primary Schools Girls First Year Futsal blitz took place in Aura Leisure Centre, Carrick-on-Shannon on Monday 15 November. There were six teams participating representing five schools. Those involved in proceedings included Lough Allen College, Drumshanbo Vocational School, Mohill Community College, St. Claire’s and Carrigallen Vocational School.
Lough Allen College girls ran riot in the first game, beating Carrigallen 5-1 with a hatrick from striker Linda McCabe. Substitutes Bronagh Doherthy, Ciara O’Dolan and Sandra McGovern help maintain Lough Allen College’s dominance with an injection of pace late on.
In the second game Lough Allen College again won convincingly against a ‘Mohill A’ side, with Gemma McLoughlin running the show with a commanding performance in midfield. The final score of 3-1 did not flatter the winning team.
In the semi-final Lough Allen College were paired with the stronger of the two Mohill sides ‘Mohill B’, who drew with pre-tournament favourites St. Claire’s of Manorhamilton in the group stage. Defences were on top in this even match, with defender Edwina McTernan proving a formidable presence in the centre of defence. Lough Allen College took a 2-0 lead into the second half, with Mohill replying with a goal to leave the narrowest of margins. Time ran out for Mohill leaving Lough Allen College looking forward to the final.
The Final
Lough Allen College came out winners in a closely fought local derby against St. Claire’s of Manorhamilton 2-1. In the first half Lough Allen College took the lead before St. Claire’s equalised just before half time. Early in the 2nd half tournament top-scorer Linda McCabe scored once again, giving Lough Allen College the upper hand with only minutes to play. Goalkeeper Catherine Gilmartin proved unbeatable in the final stages, capping a fantastic run of performances between the sticks. This was an end to end contest as both teams played some nice football as they tried to gain the upper hand before Lough Allen came up with the winner to send them through as County Champions.
Lough Allen College girls will now represent Leitrim in the Connaught finals on Thursday the 18th of November. Good luck Girls!!
