Townland Challenge

The 2nd annual Townland Challenge took place recently, and a strong crowd braved the sub-zero conditions to see the battle for local pride take place. Despite the cold, conditions were otherwise perfect, with the new field in superb condition and floodlighting ensuring no break in the action. Six teams in all took to the field putting reputation both past and present on the line. Players from Drumbane/Laragh, Moneysharvin/Macknagh/Ringsend, Keady, The Townies, Craigavole/Garvagh and Killygullib set out with big ambitions, with early favourites Laragh sporting new gloves and giving plenty of banter.

 Holders Garvagh were keen to retain their title, but they struggled early on and only managed a victory by a ’45, over whipping boys Keady. For the second year running the bookies tip, Laragh, looked like exiting at the first hurdle (despite the new gloves) as they went down to defeat against a strong town team, boosted by the absence of Seanie.

The second round of Matches began in earnest with Keady falling to their second straight defeat at the hands of a Kirk inspired Macknagh/Moneysharvin, who defied his appearance with some darting runs. Keady will be disappointed with their performance, and manager John Benaad was said to be none too pleased with his brothers on the day. “Get him aff!” was uttered on more than one occasion.

Meanwhile in Section 2 it was crunch time for the boys from Laragh. One more defeat would spell elimination. As they lined up to face the Killygullib challenge the pressure was evident in their faces and it appeared as though the stress was turning McWilliam’s hair grey! Alas for the 2nd year running the pre tournament favourites were dumped out in the first round by Killygullib who were boosted by an in-form Eamonn Turner.

With two teams knocked out after two games the semi-finalists were known, but with top spot up for grabs the fixtures were by no means meaningless. For the second game running Craigavole emerged victorious by a 45, and with the aid of some dubious refereeing decisions. The Moneysharvin challenge was rocked by the loss of Big Mal who suffered an innocuous injury but it was enough to keep him out of action and in the bar. In the other group Killygullib recorded their second straight victory against the townies despite, some fine scores from Big Ruairi.

With the semi final draw complete Moneysharvin had the unenviable task of trying to halt the march of the undefeated Killygullib. The ensuing match was a close affair, but the Tirgarvil boys were ultimately undone when keeper “wee John” was surprisingly lobbed twice. The goal scoring exploits of Mickey Bradley were ultimately in vain.

The other semi was an equally close game with the McKeefry, McPeake, Kearney combinations proving just too much for the townies to overcome, despite the best efforts of the impressive D. Friel.

The final then was a repeat of the previous year, Garvagh v Killygullib. The match started at a frantic pace with Eamonn Turner and Ray Bell swapping scores, but as the half wore on, the extra pace in the Killygullib ranks started to tell with the nippy Conor Quinn playing his usual box to box game. The half time team talk proved fruitless for Craigavole and the second half followed much the same pattern as the first with the two Marty Quinns stemming any promising attacks started by the Craigavole men.

At the final whistle the Killygullib men emerged victorious and no one could deny that they were the best team on display the day. Congratulations to the players and everyone looks forward to them defending their title next year.

Congratulations to everyone involved in organising this very worthwhile event and the occasion gave the club the opportunity to acknowledge the achievements of the 1961 Junior Championship winning team. A special presentation was made to the members of that team and it was a great opportunity for today’s players to meet the men who paved the way for the current crop. Congratulations to all involved.