GAA

Madden GFC Weekly Notes - 06/08/18

Madden GFC Weekly Notes

Date; Monday 6th August 2018

Already assured of Senior League football next season, Madden Seniors travelled to Derrytrasna on Friday night to take on High Moss Sarsfields. An underwhelming first half performance left them trailing 2-08 v 0-04 going in at the break. Thankfully though, a much improved second half was delivered as Madden found their range, playing more expansive and open football. This included a couple of unsuccessful goal chances with the crossbar and post both hit. The uplifting turnaround left the team spirited as they approach Championship season, but yet in all, a 2-12 v 0-13 defeat was the final result. Best for Madden on the evening were Niall Grimley, Donal Rafferty, Niall Smith and Peter Lappin. A special mention goes to 18 year old Ronan Grimley who made his Senior debut, for what supporters hope will amount to a bright future in the Red and Black for years to come.

Next Monday will bring us the Draw for the Armagh Club Championship. As you may know for the first time this year, teams get the opportunity to take part in a Round-Robin series which guarantees three matches per team. Two seeded teams from Division 1A, and two from Division 1B, will square off in four different groups, with the top finishing team going straight through to the Quarter finals, and the second and third placed teams then playing off to see who joins them. An intriguing few weeks Championship football awaits us.

Under the watchful eye of their pragmatic Management team of Mickey Grimley, Tony McElvanna and Barry Mallon, Madden U16’s welcomed Clann Eireann to Raparee Park last Thursday. In the first half though, the home side just never got going properly falling behind to a 2-06 to 0-04 deficit as the Lurgan side looked classy. Not dissimilar to their Senior teams’ second half exploits, the Madden lads came out all guns blazing after the break, as a goal from the excellent Eoin Donnelly, and strong fielding from both Shea Vallely and Eoin Grimley led the fight back, although it turned out to be just too little too late, as they succumbed to a 3 point defeat. Final Scoreline, Madden 1-11, Clann Eireann 2-11. All-in-all though, an encouraging second half gives them great hope as they look towards their Division 1 Championship Semi-Final in the next couple of weeks.

Our U12.5’s hosted the newly formed Championship Group of local teams on Saturday. Despite beating Ballymacnab, Madden’s day ended slightly disappointing after a few unlucky defeats. But generally speaking, the kids tried very hard and have every right to hold their heads up high and will learn plenty from their overall performance.

Both our U10’s & U8’s visited Blitz’ on Saturday morning in Blackwatertown and Middletown respectively. As always, our youngsters displayed great endeavour and pride in their jerseys as they develop their ball handling, passing, tackling and scoring skills. A special mention goes out to the parents and grandparents who always travel in large numbers to encourage and support our kids. Keep up the good work folks.

Madden Raparees are delighted to announce an upcoming fundraiser for our Club which we hope anyone involved with the club in any capacity, whether it be Manager, Player, Parent, Spectator or you just like to see them doing well will show their support for. On Saturday 22nd September, the Club are running a “Night at the races” in the Social Club and would love to see you there. You can purchase a runner for £10 now, or for any business owners, sponsor a race for £100. Just see any Committee member. One very special prize presented on the night will be a signed and framed Ireland International Rules Jersey from their Australian exploits down under last November. To find out how to win it, just turn up on the night.

Massive congratulations go out to Madden’s newest All-Ireland Road Bowls Champions Kelly Mallon and Sinead Kiernan. Both ladies threw tremendous scores to triumph on the Tullysaran road at the weekend. Also, even though he didn’t cross the line in first place, young Niall Stevenson should be very proud of his runner-up place in the U14 boys section. Well done all.

Madden Raparees GFC would like to extend their sympathy to Mairead Moore and family on the death of her mother Patsy in Granemore last week. Mairead was one of our dancers a number of years ago in our Strictly fundraiser and her mum and family were all there to support her. Both Shea and Tony are underage players with the club and Jim has been playing and managing at many levels over the years. To Mairead, Jim and family, and to the entire O’Neill family circle, we assure them that they are in our thoughts and prayers at this difficult time. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam.

Upcoming Fixtures