Congratulations to our Under 13 team and management on winning the Final of the Charley Grant Tournament in Mullaghbawn on Sunday evening against a gallant Dromintee side. Cross took the lead early on and had worked up a comfortable lead by half time, but Dromintee never gave up the fight and in a second half purple patch hit 5 unanswered points and a converted penalty.  Rangers however responded well to the pressure finishing strongly to run out deserving winners on the night on a scoreline of 1 – 15 to 1 – 09. The Charley Grant Cup was presented to joint captains Ruairi O Neill and Rian O Neill.

Rangers U14 have just missed out on a semi final place by the narrowest of margins after the second day of games at Feile Corcaigh. Facing a very strong New York team in the first game of the day at 10am this morning the game was an exhibition of the highest standards of football with a goal all that separated the teams at the end of an enthrawling match.  In our final group game against the home team Fr ONeills Cross played exceptionally well and claimed the points with an impressive victory, but New York progressed to the semis with full points from all 4 of their games. Our lads played some magnificent football and have been a real credit to the club and their families over the past few days.  Our host club Erins Own have been magnificent hosts and a function is being held tonight for the team who will travel home tomorrow.

Rangers have got off to a flying start in their Feile Group in Cork with 2 comprehensive wins over our host club Erin’s Own and local club Midleton.  From number 1 to number 15 all the lads were on top of their game and well prepared for the competition. Our backs defended stoutly throughout both games, midfielders were in control of the centre and our forwards were clinical in their scoretaking.  Another 2 matches await tomorrow against New York and home side Fr O Neills both of whom are also unbeaten but have played fewer games.  There is tremendous support for the boys here with many familes making the long trip down to support the boys efforts.  The opening parade this evening was a memorable event with 168 boys and girls teams parading through Cork City Centre which was thronged with spectators. We are looking forward to another successful days football tomorrow.

Below are details of our group and match times in the upcoming Feile which is being held in Cork from 30 June to 02 July.  Our team is being hosted by the families of the Erins Own club in Little Island on the eastern side of Cork city. Further details on hotel and B&B accommodation in the area will follow soon for any supporters who will be travelling to support the team. Further details can be found on the Feile website at http://www.feilecorcaigh2011.gaa.ie/

Rangers U14 Captain Miceal McCabe accepts the Armagh County Feile Cup from former Crossmaglen curate and Armagh Minor Board Secretary Fr Rory Coyle.  Rangers overcame a very strong killeavey team in the Feile County Final in the Athletic Grounds in Armagh on Saturday afternoon.  Killeavey started the stronger and opened up a 3 point lead with a quick goal with their first attack and they stayed in front for most of the first half, however, the Rangers lads showed tremendous battling qualities and they managed to level the match at 1 – 02 to 0 – 05 at half time.  Killeavey again took the lead in the opening stages of the second half going 4 points up at one stage, but Cross began to get to grips with the game and 2 second half goals from Stephen Morris put Cross in the driving seat as they entered the final stages of the game.  Killeavey never gave up but the Rangers had their tails up at this point and added a few insurance points to seal victory running out deserving winners on a scoreline of 2 – 12 to 1 – 07. While everyone played their part in the securing the title the outstanding performance of Daniel Cunningham, who put in a man of the match performance at full back, deserves special recognition. The boys will now represent Armagh in the All Ireland Feile which is being held this year in Cork from Thursday 30 June to Saturday 02 July. Some photos in the Gallery section courtesy of John Merry.

Our U14 Feile team progressed to the Armagh County Final after a 1 – 14 to 1 – 06 win over St Pat’s on Saturday afternoon.  Cross built up a 5 point lead at half time aided by a stiff breeze and put in a great second half performance against the wind to secure victory. There were some great individual performances throughout the team with Daniel Cunningham and Fergal Burns excelling at the back while Miceal McCabe, Rian O Neill and Johnny McKeever caused trouble for the St Pats defence up front.  The boys face Killeavey in the Final after they overcame Armagh Harps on a scoreline of 3 – 13 to 0 – 02.