CUCHULAINNS NEWS & UPCOMING EVENTS

Events:

* Race night Saturday 3rd August

* Membership 2010 * DUE*

* World Cup Draw

* Facebook Fan Page

* Players Facebook Group

News:

* A big congratulations to our former player CHRISTOPHER EASTWOOD
on his point which helped Cookstown continue their winning steak (LITERALLY) and secure an All Ireland Club Championship Final win on Febuary 14th 2010 at Croke Park.

* Inter County Transfer Form

* Within County Transfer Form

* Jimmy Moloney: Letter from Ann Moloney to Cuchulainns

* Teamer - Online Team Management

Match Reports:

* Hurling Victory for Cuchulainns
- Cuchulainn Puirseil vs Thomas McCurtains (Div 2 Hurling Lge)

* Cuchulainns vs Tír Conail Gaels (McArdle Cup Final)

* Cuchulainns vs Garryowen (Junior Championship Final Replay)

* Cuchulainns vs Garryowen (Junior Championship Final)

* Cuchulainns vs St Anthony's (2008 McArdle Cup)

* Cuchulainns vs St Anthony's (2008 League Round 1)

* Cuchulainns vs Tir Connell Gaels (2008 McArdle Cup)

* Cuchulainns vs Garyowen (2008 McArdle Cup)

* Cuchulainns vs Round Towers (2008 McArdle Cup)

Division 2 League - Saturday 30th May

Cúchulainn Puirseil 2.11 Thomas McCurtains 0.06

The sun was splitting the rocks as this evening game got underway, after the Cuchulainns footballers had just lost badly shortly before. As ever the hurlers had that air of confidence that we always do before these affairs begin.

It wasn't long, however, before we went a point behind. There was no one covering the "hole" as da fella says. However, we were soon to get into our stride with strikes from Jack Cott and Mick Gorman. If truth be told, we missed a fair few chances as the first half went on - but we were solid at the back with great showings from the likes of man-of-the-match, Martin Dawson, and cool-as-a-cucumber, Con showing the way.

We went in at half-time two points to the good on a scoreline of 0-05 to 0-03.

The second half was tough early on but another score was soon added to stretch the lead to three points. Then after another Cuchulainns attack a 65 was awarded - it was struck over the bar by Jack Cott to stretch the lead further, and although it was struck from 75 yards out, no bonus point was awarded.

Controversy was to enter the game soon after when Dave Meade collected the ball on the sideline and then struck the ball speculatively forward with the flight deceiving the keeper and straight into the net - but was Dave over the line or not was the cry from the opposition - reminiscent of Offaly cries in the 1982 Leinster Hurling final against Kilkenny, when the silver-haired Matt Ruth pulled the ball back from the endline and across the goal for Liam Fennelly to sink the faithful county.

As it did in '82, the goal stood and Cuchulainns were now in complete command. There were some great performances from the likes of newcomer Vincent Cott, full-forward Mick Gorman (although he'll want to forget that point-blank miss towards the end), and stalwarts Dave Meade, John Byrne, and Martin Dawson.

In the end another goal was added to the tally and the Cuchulainns finished the victors on a scoreline of Dá Cúl is Aon-Déag Cúilín chuig Sé Cúilín don foireann McCurtains.

Team: Micky Biggane, Gerry Commane, Martin Dawson, Dave Meade, AN Other, Con X, John Murray, Vincent Cott, Mike Dennehy, Padraig Harrington, John Byrne, Jack Cott, Mick Gorman, Pauric Biggane. Subs: Eddie Naughton

Man of the Match: Martin Dawson, solid at full back!

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McArdle Cup Final - Sunday 16th November

Cúchulainns 3.12 Tír Conail Gaels 0.04

Alas and the final game of the season finally arrived on Sunday in Greenford. After a long hard year which has seen the boys go to obscure places like Mill Hill they were back in familiar ground for this final. To say that conditions were less than ideal would be an understatement. After adding the Mullarkey cup to the championship cup last week the boys were ready to complete an historic treble by adding a trophy that obviously means a lot to older people in the club.

The reality of this game was that Cuchulainns had far too much talent than their young opponents and with a hard game, in similar conditions, from the week before under their belts it was Cuchulainns who lead from start to end. With a few unfamiliar positional changes it took the men in white (wearing very similar jerseys to that of the current All-Ireland Champions- Tir Eoghain) no time establishing a lead.

First half points from Chris Eastwood, DJ Bradley, Jack Cott and Daire Gilmore gave them a 0.08 to 0.01 half time lead. The second half should have been a lot harder as the boys were playing into a stiff breeze but that didn’t turn out to be the case. Goals from Chris Eastwood, Daire Gilmore and Cathal (the machine) Murtagh made sure that the game ended as a contest long before the final whistle.

Points were added in the second half from Iomar Barratt, Bradley, Eastwood and Byrne but without a shadow of doubt the best score of the half was a point by corner back Eddie McGuigan- many people present said that it reminded them of his fellow county man Ryan McMenemen’s famous point against Armagh in the All-Ireland semi-final of 2005!!!!!

And so the game ended with the massive win 3.12 to 0.04 in favour of the men from the South East. Mrs. McArdle was on hand to pass over the trophy to captain Daire Gilmore on the 30th anniversary of her husband’s death. An emotional end to an emotional yet hugely triumphant year. Many congratulations to all those involved in an epic journey that will be remembered by all in the club and beyond for years to come.

Team and Scorers: Brian Lavell, Eddie McGuigan (0.01), Steven Jordan, Paul Cahill, Kieran Wynee, Padraig Harrington, Ollie Neary, Daire Gilmore (1.01), Fiachra McLoughlin, John Byrne (0.02), Iomar Barratt (0.01), Jack Cott (0.01), Chris Eastwood (1.01), DJ Bradley (0.05) and Pauric Biggane. Subs: Cathal Murtagh (1.00) for John Byrne, Gerry Commane for Ollie Neary, Dave Meade for Paul Cahill, Pat O Connor for DJ Bradley.

Man of the Match: Let's give it to our brave band of supporters who once again showed up in big numbers (about 13) to cheer us on in terrible conditions.

(I wonder who wrote this one?)

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Junior Championship Final Replay - Sunday 26th October

Cúchulainns 2.08 Garryowen 2.06

One week on agus táimid anseo arís isteach i bPáirc Na Emerald, Contae Londain. Which team could get themselves up again for the challenge ahead was the question being asked as the teams took to the pitch for part two of this saga.

The same ref as last week calls the players together and the game is on. Unlike last week the Cuchulainns get the better start and within a couple of minutes put the first score on the board courtesy of one of our tyrone contingent Chris Eastwood, followed 5 minutes later by a free from 'veteran' kerryman DJ Bradley.

A good start from the red and whites was soon to get much better when a high, lobbing, dropping ball from Chris Eastwood deceived the cúil báire of the Garryowen and went straight into the top corner. 1-02 to no score!

As the first half continued the Cuchulainns continued to dominate, there was be no let up in the chase for the championship! Great play from the every man from one to fifteen meant that possession was nigh on impossible for the Garryowen to obtain in the first 30 minutes, and soon the Cuchulainns were to make things worse for the Garryowen as further points from the cork dynamo Jack Cott, and tir eoghan's Eddie McGuigan and Chris Eastwood made the score 1-06 to no score.

A point just before the break was to be Garryowen's only score of the first half to leave the half time score: Cuchulainns 1-06 Garryowen 0-01. Surely it would be an easy walk to the title from here?

Confidence was high as the throw-in went up for an dara leath. However, the Garryowen aided by a stiff breeze in their favour in this half were to finally get into their stride and early on narrowed the gap with a nice point from play from their centre forward.

Now the tables were beginning to turn, gaining possession suddenly became difficult for the men in red to acquire and some good play from the Garryowen got the ball out to their wing forward who struck a high ball forward towards goal - and just as it seemed the keeper had it covered the swirling breeze and the oncoming full forward got a hand to it and the ball somehow bounced tamely into the net - Cúl for Garryowen!

This seemed to change the entire complexion of the game with Garryowen now controlling play and panic setting into the Cuchulainns game. The combination of missed chances from Cuchulainns and good finishing from Garryowen narrowed the gap even further. Cuchulainns did manage to put two further points onto our tally from Chris Eastwood & DJ Bradley. However, disaster struck as a second goal for Garryowen cut the gap to just one point leaving the score at 1-08 to 2-04 with just 10 minutes remaining.

A few minutes later and a jubilant Garryowen bench jumped to their feet to celebrate the equalising point. Were we about the blow the title? Was the belief still there? We were now in the last 5 minutes and Cuchulainns were securing some good possession but the final strike at goal was lacking and the sides remained level.

Then with just one minute on the clock, a pass goes astray in the Cuchulainns full back line and ends up in the hands of the Garryowen corner forward whose subsequent strike seemed to have sunk the red & white - Garryowen were now celebrating a famous comeback victory, but was there to be a final twist.

Well, as Mícháel would say, it aint over till daniel o'donnell sings! Both benches were on their feet now shouting words of encouragement (and the odd choice word here and there) as we entered the final few seconds of the match - but surely time was up now?

Then suddenly the effervescent Jack Cott gathers the ball on the half back line, he bursts forward, leaving their big No. 14 trailing in his wake, he's on the seventy, still going, he's on the fifty, still going, and then it happens as Jack pumps the ball high into the full forward line, she hung in the air, but the big man was there, the Bomber Bradley climbs into the parallelogram and gets his fist to the ball before both full back and keeper and the liathroid swells the back of the Garryowen net - Cúl do Cúchulainns, Cúl ana mhaith ar fad! The subs and management are all on the pitch, they think it's all over, well it wasn't, there was still a couple of nervous injury time minutes to survive but finally the ref blows the final whistle and the wait was over. Cuchulainns are the London Junior Football Champions and the celebrations begin! Congratulations one and all!

Bhí an áthas ag an captaen Daire an corann a glacagh don foireann Cúchulainn!

Team and Scorers: Brian Lavell, Paul Cahill, Steven Jordan, Kieran Wyne, Padraig Harrington, Jack Cott (0-1), Niall Fallon, Fiachra McLoughlin, Daire Gilmore, Mike Dennehy, Aimar Barrett, Chris Eastwood (1-3), Eddie McGuigan (0-1), DJ Bradley (1-3), Ollie Neary.
Subs: Cathal Murtagh, John Byrne, Gerry Commane, Mike Harrington, Pauric Biggane, Gerard McClinton, Eddie Naughton, Pat O'Connor, John Murray, James Stones.

Man of the Match: Jack Cott

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Junior Championship Final - Sunday 19th October

Cúchulainns 0.09 Garryowen 2.03

The big day had come at last, and spirits were high as the Cuchulainns squad and supporters arrived by coach at Ruislip headquarters - the day of reckoning was here and all that had gone before, whether they be highs or lows, would be irrelevant at the end of final day - it was a case of Winner Takes All (.... or so we thought ...)

There was added spice in the pre-match dressing room where copies of an article from a wellknown GAA website had written us off as a one man team. This had incensed Eddie McGuigan into a rousing speech of friendship, togetherness and team spirit, followed by inspiring words from the three wise men; Messers Smyth, Fallon & Bradley - it was a mighty beginning to the exciting day's proceedings that lay ahead.

The time had come as the players took to the stage of the Emerald grounds, the warmups were done, the photos taken, the scene was set - the final team huddle on the pitch brought the team together for one last spirit rousing moment, the blood was well and truly pumped, the ref called the teams in, players took positions and the battle began.

It wasn't the best of starts for the Cuchulainns as Garryowen gathered possession at the breakdown, and some decent movement and pressure from their forward line bore fruit early on to give them a one point lead. However, we were not down for long as the team fought hard for possession around the midde of the park with some great fielding from Fiachra McLoughlin setting us on our way to the equaliser from the left foot of Chris Eastwood.

Cuchulainns were now gaining the upper hand and began applying the pressure on Garryowen. It was hard work at times with both teams fighting hard for the ball making it difficult for scores to come by. However, after some battling play the ball broke for Jack Cott down the left wing and turning inside made great headway towards goal before neatly putting Cuchulainns ahead for the first time.

We were then to stretch our lead when under great pressure from the Cuchulainn full forward line of Cripy, DJ, & Mike, the Garryowen defence were forced into giving away a free on the left wing. Up steps stalwart DJ Bradley who calmly and cooly swings the liathróid thar an trasnán agus trí cuilín ansin ag foireann Cuchulainn.

But when all seemed well and going our way, disaster struck! And perhaps only ourselves to blame, some feet were taken off peddles and that allowed the Garryowen to string some nice but far too easy passes together which ended up with an unmarked corner forward hitting the net for Garryowen - a hard fought lead gone in seconds.

But as the first half continued things got no better as the Cuchulainns struggled to deal with the strong wind and movement of the Garryowen team - after taking their second point soon after they were to stride through the Cuchulainns defense and despite the great efforts of keeper Brian from Mayo, we found ourselves five points down after being two in front early on. Garryowen stretched their lead to six before Cuchulainns finally got back to the pace of the game with our fourth point just before the break courtesy of Aimar Barrett who had a great game at centre forward.

The scores at half-time: Cuchulainns 0-4 Garryowen 2-3 (much work to be done).

Much would depend on how we would come out for the second half - did we have the determination, the belief, the desire, the wherewithall to dig ourselves out of this perilous situation we found ourselves in - did we ever!

Right from the throw-in and more great fielding from Fiachra McLoughlin, every man from one to fifteen was to answer that question resoundingly. Every man stood up and was counted in the second half including the subs on the line who were screaming their lungs out from start to finish.

The breaking ball in midfield broke towards the Garryowen man but Aimar Barrett dives in bravely to snaffle the ball and after some scuffling wins himself a free to set up an attack for the Cuchulainns. The ball is spread to the wing where John Byrne gathers it in and moves inside - he plays the simple handpass forward towards Mike Dennehy who under pressure still gets his pass away which ends up in the hands of Chris Eastwood who powers forward and for a second or two looked like he had goal on his mind, but took the right option and drove it over to narrow the gap to four points.

Garryowen were still causing a little trouble going forward but the Cuchulainns defense in the second half were immense and blocked their way time and time again with great blocks and interceptions from the likes of Niall Fallon and Stevie Jordan, who literally threw himself in front of the ball on a number of occasions - thou shalt not pass, thou shalt not score, thou shalt not win!

Slowly but surely, things were happening, the excitement was building, the blood was flowing - did we have enough time to hall ourselves back? The efforts in the first part of the second half were beginning to take their toll so manager Matty Smyth made some key substitutions at this critical time of the match. On came Padraig Harrington for Niall Fallon, and Paul Cahill for Cathal Murtagh who had given their all.

Then came another Cuchulainns point to bring the margin down to just three and soon after it narrowed further when Chris Eastwood took his individual tally to three for the day. The arms and fists were being raised on the touchline, we were still there, we could still do it. One final substitution with 10 minutes remaining saw the introduction of Ollie Neary for John Byrne with Ollie taking up station at right half back.

It was all Cuchulainns now as we continued to apply the pressure and although Garryowen chased us down, the determination and skill of the red & white shone through as Cuchulainns, after another great block from Stevie Jordan, gathered the ball with Padraig Harrington laying it off to Jack Cott and on to Fiachra who plays the direct ball forward which breaks off DJ and onto Chris Eastwood who again moves forward with pace and strokes over a fantastic team point to put just the minimum between the teams with 5 minutes remaining.

We could see the whites of their eyes now as panic seemed to set in on the Garryowen bench, they had no answers, the only question left was would there be enough time for us to get an equaliser or even win it. It seemed like it was not to be our day when a great strike under pressure from Padraig Harrington curled at the last second and hit the post, then across the Garryowen goal and away to safety.

But this is a team of fighters and within a minute and just seconds remaining in normal time we had our answer - a difficult free from a good 40 yards out and a stiff swirling breeze to deal with, nerves of steel would be required to complete the comeback - up steps DJ once more - the crowd go silent, pins were heard dropping, he drives it high into the air, it seems to hang there for an age, breaths were held, but fear ye not as she was straight and true - the sides were level at the Emerald Grounds.

But the drama was far from over as a number of injuries during the game meant added minutes were a certainty. It seemed the momentum was now ours to go on and win it - however, Garryowen had other ideas, they stepped up the action and burst forward with intent - a dangerous free was conceded by the rugby tackle of Padraig Harrington on the half back line.

They went for the score but it drifted wide in the wind and the Cuchulainns defense held firm to clear the ball away down field. However, the opposition gathered the ball again and broke down the right hand side, the ball went into the corner but great defense again by Stevie Jordan got the ball away to Fiachra McLoughlin - but then controversy struck as Fiachra was adjudged to have picked off the ground and a dangerous free from close in was awarded to Garryowen.

The free is struck but not well, but lands dangerously in the square and an almighty pileup of bodies ensues, with shots blocked more than once, hearts were in mouths but the red jersies prevailed and were to clear the ball to saftey by Ollie Neary - the ball went forward and now all of a sudden Cuchulainns were on the attack, was there a winner to be had after all, the ball finds its way into Chris once more who strikes a great shot from a difficult angle but the gasps go up again as she drifts agonisingly wide.

And that, as they say, was that - the ref calls for the liathróid and the final whistle was blown. Victory was not ours, not yet at least! We live to do it all again next Sunday 26th October, and if this game is anything to go by, we'll be ready - Well played lads, Cuchulainn Abú!

Team and Scorers: Brian Lavell, Cathal Murtagh, Steven Jordan, Joe Shiels, Kieran Wyne, Niall Fallon, Eddie McGuigan, Fiachra McLoughlin, Daire Gilmore, Jack Cott (0-1), Aimar Barrett (0-1), John Byrne, Chris Eastwood (0-4), DJ Bradley (0-3), Mike Dennehy.
Subs: Padraig Harrington, Ollie Neary, Paul Cahill, Gerry Commane, Mike Harrington, Pauric Biggane, Gerard McClinton, James Stones, Eddie Naughton, Pat O'Connor, JMurray

Man of the Match: Steven Jordan

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McArdle Cup - Wed 19th June

Cuchulainns 5.10 St. Anthony's 1.02

For the first time in almost a year we travelled to Greenford with a full squad to play the Anthony's on Wednesday night. As the score line suggest it was a very one sided game in which we had a greater level of fitness and skill than our opponents. We played the first half with a very strong breeze at our back and needed a good start with the advantage we had.

Despite missing three goal chances in the first ten minutes the forwards settled down and started to pick off the scores that was needed. Among the scorers were Chris Eastwood, John Byrne and Fiachra McLoughlin. By the end of the half we had a comfortable lead-2.06 to 1.01 but with the wind against us in the second there was still work to be done.

The second half saw a fine defensive display and our superior fitness showed as we were able to hit the opponents on the counter and picked off further gaols from Chris Eastwood and Fiachra along with points for James Stones, Brian Glackin and Eddie McGuigan. Overall this was a good performace and added to the friendly win over Robert Emmetts things are looking healthy for the championship.

Team and Scorers: Mayo Brian, Cathal Murtagh, Steven Jordan, Joe Shiels, Kieran Wyne, Padraig Harrington, Ollie Neary, Fiachra Mc Loughlin (1.01), Daire Gilmore, Jack Cott (0.01), James Stones (0.02), John Byrne (2.00), Eddie McGuigan (0.01), Brian Glackin (0.01) and Chris Eastwood (2.06) Subs: Mike Harrington, Ronan Breen and Gerry Commane. Man of the Match: Chris Eastwood (scorer of 2.06)

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Football League Round 1 - 01/06/08

Cuchulainns 1.09 v. St. Anthonys 1.04

We finally began our league campaign with a game against St. Anthony's in Greenford on Sunday. Despite starting with 5 regulars missing we dug deep to gain a valuable win. The first half was close throughout and after 15mins St. Anthony's scored from the penalty spot with what looked like a very dubious decision by an otherwise very good referee.

This gave them a 1.02 to 0.01 lead but within five minutes the game was level after an Eddie McGuigan point and a good goal from Pauric Biggane. We then scored points from Brain Glackin and Kieran Wyne to go in leading by two at the break.

The second half was one-way traffic after the sending off of the St. Anthony's full back and only way ward shooting kept the scorleine down- we must have hit at least 10 poor second half wides. Points in the second half came from James Stones, Chris Eastwood, John Byrne and Ollie Neary.

Overall this was a very good performance as we were missing five regulars including our two first choice mid-fielders.

Team and Scorers: Eddie N, Gerry C, Ken C, Mike H, Joe S, Padraig H, Ollie N, Brian G, Eddie Mc, Pauric B, John B, Kieran W, David O, James S and Kevin G. Subs- Ralph B for Padraig H and Cripy E for David O. Man of the Match- Kieran Wyne- great display from half-forward!

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Sunday 18th May - McArdle Cup Round 3

Cuchulainns 4.05 Tir Connell Gaels 2.11

We played our third game of the season in Greenford against Tir Connell Gaels English born players. The game was played in near ideal conditions. We fielded a fairly strong team but were hit once again with a few late withdrawals so had to make several changes just before throw in. On the positive side we had a debut from Ken Canney at half back.

The first half saw us go behind and that was how the half finished with the Gaels six up at half time. Fortunately a couple of goals from Jack Cott and Padraig Harrington kept us in touch.

The second half was a different affair and when we got the upper hand around the middle we started to pile on the pressure and eventually drew level thanks to goals from Padraig H again and David O'Sullivan. The game ended in a draw, which is probably a fair result given the effort that both teams put in.

Team and Scorers Eddie N, Gerry C, John M, Ronan G, Joe S, Ken C, Ollie N (0.01), Jack C (1.03), Daire G, Ralph B, Eddie Mc, John B(0.01), Pauric B, Padraig H (2.00), David O'Sullivan (1.00). Man of the Match- Jack Cott!

(Match Report by Chief Sports Waffler, Eddie McGuigan)

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Saturday 19th April- McArdle Cup Round 2

Cuchulainns 0.10 v. Garyowen 3.10

The second game of the season ended with another defeat. Despite the score line we once again should have got more from this game as we played some nice open football in patches but basic mistakes cost us dearly.

The first half started well with a couple of Jack Cott points but once again we were hit by a sucker punch with Garyowen scoring a simple goal just before the whistle which meant we went in at half time a point behind- 1.02 to 0.04.

The second half was similar to the first as we had a lot of possession and had scores from Leonard Jones and John Byrne but once again we conceded two very poor goals while missing two great chances of our own- only Leonard knows how his chance didn't nestle in the onion bag!

Despite this defeat there were many positives to take from a game in which we were missing several regulars again and in the coming weeks the squad will get better and results should improve. This result means it will be difficult for us to progress in the McArdle cup but these are still very useful games before we begin our Division 3 league campaign.

Team and Scorers: Billy Hanna, Gerry Commane, Stephen Jordan, Mike Harrington, Ralph Brogan, Ollie Neary, Arthur Daly, Eddie McGuigan, Fiachra McLoughlin (0.01), John Byrne (0.03), Leonard Jones (0.02), Jack Cott (0.04), Pauric Biggane, Tomas Mannion, Brian Glackin. Sub: Kieran Wynne for Tomas. Man of the Match: Mike Harrington- sound performance in corner back!

(Match Report by Chief Sports Waffler, Eddie McGuigan)

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Sun 13th April- McArdle Cup Round 1

Cuchulainns 0.06 v Round Towers 0.10

The season got under way in less than ideal conditions on Sunday in Mitcham. Though we were meant to play Clann na Gael we ended up playing the towers after Clann na Gael couldn't field- which doesn't bode well for the rest of the season for them.

It was a game in which we had a lot of new faces playing and six or seven regulars missing and the performance reflected that. In the end we should have and could have won this game but due to for some erratic finishing (the author of this report being the biggest culprit!) we never got close enough to our opponents.

At the end of the first have we found ourselves five points behind but with the breeze in the second half we were confident of overturning the deficit. The second half seen a much improved performance and the deficit was reduced to three pints after about 20mins but we then kicked some poor wides which ultimately cost us the game. There were good debuts for Stephen Jordan at full back and Joe Shiels in the half forward line.

Team and scorers: Eddie Naughton, Gerry Mc Clinton, Stephen Jordan, Mike Harrington, Paul Cahill, Padraig Harrington, Ralph Brogan, Fiachra Mc Loughlin (0.01), Daire Gilmore (0.01), Joe Shiels, Leonard Jones(0.01), Ollie Neary (0.01), Eddie Mc Guigan (0.01), Tomas Mannion, John Byrne (0.01)

(Match Report by Chief Sports Waffler, Eddie McGuigan)

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