Division 6A League Final
St Joseph’s 0-12 Ballymore 1-12
Rosemount was the venue for the Division 6A league final for 2018 and while we ended up losing out on the Divisional title following a narrow loss to Ballymore, the objective of promotion to Division 5 was already achieved. Saying that, this was a game that we looked the more likely winners for long stages but a strong finish for our opponents decided the issue in what was a very entertaining match. St Josephs fielded with a number of young players making their debut and they along with everyone else gave their all in what was a heartening display. We didn’t have the best of starts shipping a goal in the second minute but successive points in the 6th, 9th, 12th and 15th minutes all from the boot of Jordan Mc Donnell put us ahead by 0-4 to 1-0. Ballymore responded with the next four points to regain the lead and went 1-4 to 0-4 ahead by the 21st minute however, two points in response left St Joseph’s just behind at the break by 0-6 to 1-4. Ballymore scored the opening point of the second half to move two ahead but three points in a two-minute spell from the 6th to the 8th minute saw us move ahead once more by 0-9 to 1-5. The lead switched twice over the next ten minutes with Ballymore leading by 1-8 to 0-10 as the game headed into the final ten minutes. Hugh Boyle who came on in the second half scored two fine points in the 20th and 22nd minutes which put us 0-12 to 1-8 in front but again Ballymore regained parity with a point two minutes later. The game was up for grabs and perhaps the turning point came when we missed two difficult frees in the space of a minute with three minutes remaining. Ballymore scored the last three points to close out the game with the final two scores deep in added time sealing a three-point win for them. St Josephs had many good performances with lively forwards Jordan Mc Donnell, Dean Slevin and Niall Moran causing problems throughout with Eoin Kelly, Mick Larrigy & Daire Lynam all making good contributions. Brian Keegan and Ross Elliffe tried hard at midfield while our half back line of Tommy Moran, Aaron Mc Donnell and Andy Conway all had good games. Brian Killian and Jerry Gleeson were effective in both corner back positions and Brian Fitzgerald gave good cover for Niall Rabbitte in goal. Substitute Hugh Boyle kicked two good points when introduced and both Andy Scally and Martin Coughlan had their moments when introduced.
Team & Subs: Niall Rabbitte, Brian Killian, Brian Fitzgerald, Jerry Gleeson, Tommy Moran, Aaron Mc Donnell, Andy Conway, Ross Elliffe, Brian Keegan, Mick Larrigy, Niall Moran (0-1), Eoin Kelly, Daire Lynam, Jordan Mc Donnell (0-8), Dean Slevin(0-1). Substitutes: Hugh Boyle (0-2), Andy Scally, Martin Coughlan, James Kenny, Eoin Mc Cormack, Euan Mc Donnell, Daniel Daly
Operation Transformation
Between the Men’s and Ladies Clubs, St Josephs are hosting a weekly Community Walk in conjunction with RTE’s hit TV show ‘Operation Transformation’. The entire community are invited to use the walking track around the Streamstown/Horseleap Community Centre every Wednesday evening from 7.00PM until 8.00PM.
Club Gear
If you fancy getting some St Joseph’s Club Gear you can purchase 24 hours a day, 7 days a week on the O’Neill’s Website www.oneills.com, Just Search for St Joseph’s Gaa, Westmeath and you can choose from a range of Club Gear including Tops, Jackets, Tracksuits, Skinny’s, Shorts etc.
Underage
We will be holding an Open Registration Evening on Saturday the 26th January, in the Streamstown-Horseleap community centre from 6.30PM – 8.00PM for all our underage children. We will also have a football boot swap table on the evening, if you have old boots that are no longer required, why not bring them with you on the evening and swap them for another pair. Please do not bring down a pair that you wouldn’t bring home. All are welcome on the evening so please spread the word and come along.
St Joseph’s Ladies
St Joseph’s Ladies Annual General Meeting takes place on Sunday the 27th January at 8.00pm in the Horseleap/Streamstown Community Centre. Please come along and make a difference as they plan for 2019. Everyone Welcome.
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To keep in touch and receive updates of last minute fixture changes, match results and live match updates, follow us on Twitter at @THEJOESGAA. It’s all about keeping in touch and getting live updates!