A bitterly cold Athletic grounds on Wednesday night was the setting for the U16.5 Division 1 Championship final. A beautiful rendition of Amhrán na bhFiann was sang by our very own Grace Fitzpatrick. Well done Grace!  Leon Reynolds was the man in charge of the final.

The opening minutes provided plenty of drama and excitement, the Lurgan boys registered the opening scores, two points. A super strike from Bernard Cassidy into the roof of the oppositions net give us our opening score and an early lead. Clans levelled matters in the eleventh minute seconds before a high range shot from Ronan Fitzpatrick landed in the Clan na Gael net to register our second goal of the night and to edge us in front once more.

Clan na Gael responded immediately, three points one after the other and once again it was all square.

Both sides scored two points a piece in the final minutes of the half, Dara O’Neill & James Teelan the scorers and as the game entered injury time, Clan na Gael slotted over a point to leave the score at the break;

The second half was only seconds old when Pearse Blessing added a point to our tally to leave it even stevens once again.

Both sides had missed opportunities before Leon Reynolds awarded Clans a penalty which they scored to put them three ahead.

A terrific long range point from Ronan Fitzpatrick was followed by points from Caolan Finnegan (2) and Pearse Blessing, Clan na Gael scored a point and as the game entered the last quarter the sides couldn’t be separated.

Each team scored two points each, our scores both coming from the boot of James Teelan. Clan na Gael added a point seconds before they scored their second goal followed quickly by a point to put them in a commanding position with less than ten to go. Points from James Teelan, Dara O’Neill and Ronan Fitzpatrick reduced the deficit to two. A Clan na Gael point brought the scoring of the night to a close and they ran out winners on a score line  of

Hard luck to the entire squad and management.

Congratulations to Clan na Gael team and management.

 

 

Armagh IFC Playoff

Saturday evening our seconds were in action against An Port Mór in the Intermediate Championship. A lot was at stake, the winners would progress to the quarter final.

Patrick O’Neill was the referee and the game was played in Granemore.

We had a number of missed opportunities in the opening minutes but it was Cormac Kierans, An Port Mór who opened the scoring of the contest in the fifth minute with a goal to put them in front. Both sides scored two points a piece, Callum Kieran the scorer of both our scores. As the game entered the second quarter, An Port Mór stepped up a gear, three points without reply to extend their lead. A Patsy Finnegan point was followed by a Ryan Conlon point to reduce the lead. With minutes to go until the break, the opposition added another point to the scoreboard before Callum Kieran registered his third point of the half and Patsy Finnegan his second to leave the score at half time;

With the second half less than two minutes old, An Port Mór had scored two points and now had a comfortable lead. Our boys responded, scoring an impressive seven points before An Port Mór scored again Callum Kieran(F), Shane McConville, John Murtagh(0-3, 1F) and Patsy Finnegan(2) the scorers. An Port Mór brought it back to a one point game and ensured that the last quarter was going be an exciting finale to a thrilling match. Stephen Ogle in goals remained cool and composed helping to keep the opposition at bay. Both sides traded points, (Patsy Finnegan) before the equaliser came with eight to go. It was nail biting stuff, each team missing opportunities before the break came that we needed, Ryan Conlon landed the ball into the Port Mór net to give us the lead at a vital stage of the match.

A free converted by An Port Mór at the end of normal time meant two separated the sides.

As the game entered injury time, we were back to a one point game when the opposition side slotted over a point. Seconds later the opposite end of the field we were awarded a free which John Murtagh scored to put two between the teams and to being the scoring of the night to a close.

It was a fantastic all round team performance. Well done to the entire squad and to Miceal, Joe and Gerard.

Congratulations to Elaine Hughes who won the half time draw.

On Saturday, U14.5 squad travelled to Cullyhanna to compete in a blitz.

It was proud day for Captain Odhran Caraher as the blitz was in memory of his late Grandfather, Peter John Caraher. The boys played brilliantly, beating Brian Boru, Silverbridge, Mullaghbawn in the groups and Cullyhanna in the semi final. The final against Killeavy went to extra time but unfortunately it was not to be our day. Congratulations to killeavy.

We send our thanks to Cullyhanna for the invite, hospitality and a super mornings football and thanks also to the Caraher family.

Well done lads and management.

 

 

Ladies Football Info: 

 

Team & Tournament Sponsors Event

A very special and important event took place on Sunday. Team and tournament sponsors and their families were welcomed to St Oliver Plunkett Park. Tea on arrival, seats reserved for the big game against Ballymacnab and following the match they joined the senior team for a delicious buffet in the Rangers Hall.

Our sponsors are the very heartbeat of our club, their support and sponsorship ensures the smooth and effective running of the club but above all their contribution help all our teams flourish and grow on the playing fields.

The entire Crossmaglen Rangers club send our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to each sponsor.

Following on from the success of Rangers Sizzling Steak Night last October in the Old Coach Inn, Castleblayney we are proud to announce this years theme will be a ‘Rangers Retro Diner Night’.

Delicious food, spot prizes on the night and plenty of craic are guaranteed, so keep the 18th October free. More details in the coming weeks