CLONTARF GAA CLUB

The 2004 season concluded with our Junior A squad achieving a very similar record to that of 2003. On the positive side the team secured sufficient points to maintain their divisional status. Our league campaign started on track, as we secured 2 away draws and a win in our first four outings. Yet the goal of a top-5 league finish set out last February was one which had unfortunately diminished by mid-season.

In the Championship we were drawn against intermediate side Parnells, a team competing 2 league divisions above us. We produced a very spirited display on the day but a failure to convert scoring opportunities and the concession of a goal in the closing stages swung the game in Parnells favour.

A special word of thanks to Johnny Giles and Matt Whelan who both stepped down from the management setup at the end of 2004.

Junior A Record 2004, Played 23, Won 7, Drawn 3, Lost 13

Wanderers 3-8, Clontarf 1-7
Junior A's paid a heavy price for the concession of 3 goals. Trailing by 6pts at half time, Clontarf rallied well to within 1 pt with great scores from John Devine (0-2) and minors Steve McGinn (0-2) and Shane McIntyre (1-2). Despite midfield supremacy throughout, Clontarf lacked the ability to convert possession to scores.
Best for Clontarf were Mark Lally, Collie O’Connor and John Devine

St. Oliver Plunketts ER 0-7, Clontarf 0-7
As they did last year, our Junior A's opened their league campaign with an away draw. In a very close encounter, in which both defences gave little away, Clontarf lead at half time by 0-4 to 0-2. Plunketts started the 2nd half the better and thankfully for Clontarf, the home team had some wayward shooting. 2 good scores from Vinny Whelan kept Clontarf in touch and a great fisted point in the last minute from Eoghan O’Grady was almost the winning score. Best for Clontarf were Donal Redmond, Alan Lynch, Eoghan O’Grady and Vinny Whelan. Both teams meet again in the Cup next week.

As they did last week, Clontarf and Plunketts produced the same low scoring result to share the spoils in the Stacey Cup at St. Annes. Aided by a stiff breeze, Plunketts led by 0-6 to 0-1 at the interval. Clontarf started the 2nd half much improved and a goal from Mickey McGlinchey inside 2 mins got Clontarf back on track. This week it was Clontarf who had the chances to win, but a draw was a fair result given the lacklustre 1st half performance. Best for Clontarf were Mark Lally and Darren Ryan.

Stacy Cup - St. Peregrines 0-9, Clontarf 0-6
Lack of scoring power up front continues to pose a problem for the A’s. On a bad day for football, Clontarf played well for only brief periods and have Dan Darcy in goals to thank for keeping them in this game. Clontarf playing with the wind in the 1st half led (0-3,0-2) at the interval. Peregrines dominated the 1st 20mins of the 2nd half, before Clontarf came alive and had several chances to take the game in the final 10 mins. Best for Clontarf were Dan Darcy, Mickey McGlinchey and Mark Lally.

St. Sylvesters 0-11, Clontarf 1-8
For the 3rd time in their 5 games this year, the Junior A’s managed a draw. Clontarf will take encouragement from securing a point on the road and the manner in which they fought back into this game. Clontarf led at half time (0-3, 0-5), thanks to excellent free taking from Shane McIntyre and 1 pt from play. Sylvesters dominated much of the 2nd half and led by 3pts in the closing 5 mins. A Steve McGinn goal brought Clontarf back into the game and the backs held firm to prevent Sylvesters regaining the lead. Best for Clontarf were Paul Moore, Brian Keenan and Shane McIntyre.

Clontarf 0-6, Ballyfermot DLS 0-9
Like the Seniors, our 2nd team still await their 1st win of the season. The game started in whirwind fashion for Ballyfermot, who were up 0-4,0-0 inside 10mins. As the Clontarf backs settled it was the forwards that struggled to convert their chances in a difficult cross-wind, shooting 4 first half wides to Ballyfermots 1. Ballyfermot led at half time by 2pts. Clontarf started the 2nd half the better and an inspirational score from centre-back and captain Paul Moore seemed like the perfect score to rally the team. Instead it was Ballyfermot that secured some vital scores in the next 10 mins. Clontarf were much the dominant team in the closing stages of this game, but failed to find the winning scores. Best for Clontarf were Mark Lally, Dan Darcy and Paul Moore.