The recent success of Mayo football at u21 level was recognised this week with four Mayo players making the cut and being named among the best 15 players to have played in the u21 championship over the past five years since 2005. Those who made the grade were Keith Higgins, who captained Mayo to their All Ireland u21 championship success in 2006, Pearse Hanley, Aidan O’Shea, and Tom Parsons. In the time period for selection Mayo won four Connacht titles in a row from 2006 to 2009 and an All Ireland title in 2006 all under the guidance of the management team of Pat Holmes, Noel Connelly, and Mícheál Collins. In 2010, Ray Dempsey took over the team and brought them to a Connacht final where they were narrowly beaten by Roscommon in the final.
Of the four players named in the best 15, Aidan O’Shea is still eligible to play for Mayo in next years championship, while Tom Parsons claimed three u21 Connacht titles in the three years he was eligible to play at the grade in 2007, 2008, and 2009, and he captained the side to a Connacht title victory in 2009. Higgins captained the team to All Ireland victory in 2006 while Pearce Hanley only played the one year in the u21 championship in 2007, before he departed Ireland to take up Aussie Rules where he is now part of the Brisbane Lions senior squad.
Carnacon final date set
The Carnacon ladies are deep in preparation for their upcoming All Ireland Senior Club final showdown with Inch Rovers from Cork. Earlier this week the date was set for the final with the Carnacon girls making the familiar trip to Banagher, Co Offaly, for the final which will take place on Sunday December 5 throwing in at 2pm.
Sarah crowned young player of the year
At the Ladies’ Football All Stars last weekend there were no Mayo faces on the senior side selected, but it was a memorable night for one Mayo future star. Sarah Rowe from Kilmoremoy was awarded the young player of the year award for Connacht in recognition for her displays for the Mayo u16 team this year.
Parke gets ready to celebrate fortieth birthday
Parke GAA Club will launch its 40th anniversary commemorative book entitled CLCG Fóchumann An Pháirc - Ceathaireacha Bliain ag Fás or Parke GAA Club – 40 Years Growing in The Welcome Inn Hotel Fáilte Suite on Saturday night November 27 at 9pm. The book is a pictorial rewind over the 40 years of the club’s existence and is peppered with insights into the origins of football in the area as far back as the 1930s and 1940s. Many past and current members of the club have contributed articles and photographs which will make for interesting fireside reading and viewing over the Christmas period. The book will be accompanied by a DVD which has recordings of many of the important finals won and lost over the period of the club’s existence. The club’s new website will also be launched on the night. The evening will be themed Parke GAA Club - A look back on 40 years. A buffet meal will be served and entertainment will be by popular local band Na Ciotógaí and others. Tickets are priced at €25 and a limited amount are still available by contacting Darren Flynn on 087 771 1071.
Transition year camogie coaching course in Castlebar
A TY camogie coaching course took place in Castlebar recently, and 24 transition year students from secondary schools in Mayo took part in the course. Students both male and female attended from Sacred Heart Secondary School in Westport, Davitt College in Castlebar, and Ballyhaunis Secondary School. This course was funded by the Mayo Local Sports Partnership and each participant receives a coaching T-shirt for completing the course. Tutors were provided by the Camogie Association for the course. The students will now return to their schools and practice what they have been taught by taking the first years in their schools for practical camogie training sessions. There will be a first year blitz then organised for schools in Mayo. Local camogie clubs in Westport, Castlebar, and Na Brideoga will also use these students to help coach their underage and develop these players in order to strengthen camogie clubs in Mayo. For more information on this course or about camogie in Mayo contact Caroline Murray, regional development officer, at 087 1251269 or [email protected].
