Club Newsletter – Review of 2019

The start of 2019 saw some changes on the Club Executive Committee. At the club AGM in December, after completing almost five years as Chairman, Tim Mc Sweeney stepped down and John Connolly was elected incoming chairman. Eddie Walsh also took over the role as Secretary with Damien Kelly remaining on as Treasurer. Tim gave tremendous leadership during his term as Chairman, duly acknowledged at the club’s annual social in December by being awarded ‘Club Person of the Year’. Betty Hernon also took over as Chairperson of County Ladies Football Board with Colette Butler the incoming Chairperson of Ladies.

In some team management changes, Cossie Gilmore was appointed Senior Team Manager for the coming year and put together a large backroom team to also lead out management of the Junior and U20 teams. Gay O’Brien returned to the club as Intermediate Ladies Manager and under Colette Butler, the club fielded a ladies minor team for the first time in some years. Seán Gormley took over the reins as Minor Boys Manager. All the teams went about their preseason preparation with great enthusiasm, looking forward to the competitive year ahead.

In some early season club activities, the annual jersey draw was a great success again with over 175 companies/individuals purchasing tickets at €100. Whiriskey Refrigeration were drawn out as the Senior Men’s jersey sponsor with their name and logo to appear on the team jerseys. This year it was agreed that a second name would be drawn to be sponsor of the ladies jerseys and Avanti Architects were the winner. The club thanks all businesses and individuals who purchased tickets in this draw which is an important source of funds for the ongoing running of the club.

The competitive season kicked off in March and a summary for all the teams during the year is as follows:

Senior:

Early league matches resulted in an away defeat to Kilconly ,home win against Cortoon Shamrocks and an excellent away win vs St James GAA. There was an early exit at the hands of Leitir Mór in Comórtas Peile na however. Overall the team had a competitive campaign in Division 2 of the league with further wins over Oileáin Árann, and in addition to disappointing losses to and Maree. A controversial result recorded as a one point defeat at home to proved very costly in the end as while Barna ended up in 3rd place with 10 points along with two other clubs, they missed out on promotion to Division 1 on scoring difference. In the Senior Championship, Barna were in a group with Salthill Knocknacarra, St Michaels, Milltown, Killererin and An Spidéal. In the first round, Barna had plenty of chances to defeat Salthill Knocknacarra but a late SK point meant the game ended in a draw. There was a similar story in the next game against St Michaels with Barna three points up deep into injury time but again conceded a late goal to leave honours even. Next up was Milltown in Stadium and a narrow defeat by 2 points. In a somewhat bizarre game against Killererin, Barna had two goals disallowed and conceded two penalties resulting in a disappointing five point defeat. The final group match was against near neighbours An Spideál and while a blistering opening 20 minutes saw An Spideál go 8 points clear, Barna battled back bravely and an excellent second half saw them 1 point up with a couple of minutes to go. Late scores however saw An Spideál secure a 2 point win and Barna once again faced a relegation battle. In the first relegation game against St James GAA, there was a disappointing 6 point defeat after extra time. However the team responded with well-deserved wins over Leitir Mór and Killererin to retain their senior status for 2020. A number of promising young players made their senior debuts during the year and while it was disappointing to have been in relegation territory once again, many of the games turned on fine margins and we hope 2020 will bring better fortunes.

Junior A:

The Junior A team were defending their Galway Comórtas Peile na Gaeltacht title this year and started well with a narrow win away to Na Piarsaigh. The semi-finals/finals were played in over the May Bank Holiday weekend in excellent weather conditions. Barna defeated a strong Carraroe side in the semi-final with some excellent football played. However in the final, despite a good start, they came out second best to Clonbur on a score line 1-15 to 2-9. In a strong Division 5 League Campaign, there were wins over Killanin, Moycullen, Salthill Knocknacarra and a walkover from St James GAA. There were however costly one point defeats away to Na Piarsaigh and Carraroe where we fielded under strength sides and a last round defeat to Claregalway. The team finished in 3rd place in the league and were unlucky not to reach the final. Later in the year in the championship, hopes were high after good wins away to Na Piarsaigh and at home to Leitir Mor with a walkover given by Carraroe. However there was a disappointing defeat in the West Board Semi Final by 2 points to Micheál Breathnach which ended championship ambitions for the year.

Junior C:

The management here was headed up by Seán Dockery and Enda Conneely. The league proved to be challenging in terms of getting numbers out but we fulfilled all scheduled matches and thank all the players who made themselves available. However in the championship, the team was strengthened by the return of a number of players in addition to some minors and there were some good competitive performances in particular against Gael Na Gaillimhe, Clonbur and Oileán Árann. While we did not qualify for the knockout stages, the team made good progress over the year and given the club size, it is important that we continue to field a third adult team. Our ambition must be to put greater emphasis and resources on developing this panel further in 2020.

Under 20:

The U20 championship commenced late in the year with an opening fixture against St Michaels in Westside. Barna had a good win by 9 points which set up a West Board Semi Final at home to Salthill Knocknacarra. This proved to be a cracking game with Barna five points up 15 minutes to go. A goal and late points however saw SK draw level and the game went to extra time. An early Barna goal gave us hope but injuries to some key players cost us and Salthill went on to win by 3 points. While everyone was disappointed with the result, it was a battling competitive performance against the eventual West Board U20 champions with most of the team eligible again for next year

Minor:

Barna competed in Minor ‘A’ again this year which proved very competitive given a number of very strong clubs involved. The team performed well in both league and championship reaching the West Board semi-final. Despite a very strong performance in the semi where they put it up to Salthill Knocknacarra (eventual County and Champions) for much of the game, Barna lost by six points in the end. It is fitting to acknowledge the hard work put in by Seán Gormley and his management in preparing the team (in addition, Seán was also U16 and 15 manager during the year)

Barna Ladies:

In the intermediate championship, Barna had an opening round defeat to Williamstown followed by an excellent win over St James GAA. In their last group game, short a number of players, Barna suffered a narrow defeat away to which cost them a place in the County Semi Final. Intermediate status was however maintained for the coming year. They had an excellent run in Div 3 of the league with victories over , Leitir Mór, Kilkerrin Clonberne, Gráinne Mhaols, Menlough Skehana and St James GAA. The year ended with a top class performance in the League Final where they defeated St Mary’s 3-14 to 0-5 in Furbo. Earlier in the year, the ladies also won silverware in the League. Well done to the ladies and team management on a very strong year.

Barna Ladies team and management pictured after League Final win

The club entered a minor ladies team into competition for the first time in a number of years. While the number of games for the girls were limited with no league played, they reached the championship semi-final where they lost out to a strong St Gabriels side. It is a really positive sign however to be entering a minor team again and reflects on all the excellent work going on at underage level in the club.

The club was delighted to have Aoife Lynagh selected on the Claregalway Hotel Intermediate Team of the year and congrats are extended in this regard to Aoife & her family

County Team representatives:

In 2019, the club continued it’s very good record in recent years of having players on various Galway Teams. In ladies football, Eabha Baird & Rachel Kelly were on the Galway U14 panel that reached the All Ireland Final, only to lose out to Cork. Colette Butler was a member of the Galway management. Caoimhe Cleary played an outstanding part in Galway’s U16 campaign resulting in an All-Ireland final victory over Meath. The club were very proud to welcome Caoimhe, her teammates and Galway management with the All Ireland cup to Barna on their victory tour of the county. Shauna Butler & Aoife Lynagh won Connacht Minor medals with Galway with Aoife’s dad Johnny a member of the Galway management. The girls lost unfortunately to a strong Cork team in the All Ireland Semi Final.

In boy’s football, we had representatives on the Galway City & West U14 and 15 Development Squads. Alex Naughton, Cathal Gormley, Aaron Kavanagh & Patrick Dillon played for Galway City & West in the U16 Ted Webb with Galway C/W winning the Shield Final. Seán Fitzgerald and Conor Keenan were on the extended Galway U20 panel that won the Connacht Final over Mayo. In minor football, Cian Hernon put in some impressive performances for Galway and played in the All Ireland Final in Croke Park – in a thrilling match, there was unfortunately an agonising loss after extra time to Cork but it was a really proud day for Cian, his family and CLG Bhearna.

Congratulations to all our young players who represented Galway on various teams during 2019. The future is bright for the club with some excellent young talent coming through. In addition we acknowledge the roles Colette and Johnny played on their respective management teams. We also wish to thank Seán Conlon who concluded five years as part of the Galway Senior Football Management Team. The club is really proud of all your contribution to Galway football.

Barna Juvenile Update:

Declan Mahon took over as both Juvenile Chairman & Coaching Officer at the start of 2019. A new committee was put in place and the juvenile section was re- branded ‘Bearna Og’. In addition, new Facebook , Instagram and Twitter pages were set up putting a very modern and fresh look to reporting on all juvenile activities. 32 people completed the GAA Foundation Course specifically organised by CLG Bhearna last March. An Easter Camp was arranged with several of the Galway Senior team helping out. A concussion seminar facilitated by Dr Enda Devitt was organised in May attended by over 50 people from CLG Bhearna and surrounding area. As part of the overall fundraising drive in advance of the National Féile, Tommy Tiernan kindly put on a comedy event in Connemara Coast Hotel with all proceeds going towards the club. Míle buíochas Tommy.

Later in the year, a very successful Coaching Workshop was organised which was facilitated by outgoing Galway Senior Football Management Kevin Walsh, Seán Conlon and Brian Silke. Over 45 coaches attended covering all age groups in the club and this was followed by a most enjoyable social get together in Munroes Bar. On the field of play, Barna competed in all competitions from U12 to U16. Trophies were won in the following age groups:

• U14 girls Div 2 Championship Cup win • U16 boys Shield Championship win • U15 boys Shield Championship win • U13 boys League Shield win.

U13 boys pictured after their League Shield Final win over Salthill Knocknacarra.

U14 girls after their Div 2 Championship win

U15 boys pictured after their Shield Championship win

U16 boys Championship Shield winners

A numbers of our U13 and 14 footballers were also on the very successful U14 panel that won the Galway County Div 2 Féile and also County Championship during 2019

Well done to all teams and their respective management. Success however also needs to be measured on how as a club we are improving overall player skills, maintaining participation at juvenile level and leading to greater player retention through to adult level. With growing playing numbers and a focus on improving overall coaching standards in the club, we are on the right track here.

Two of our local National Schools won cups in the Cumann na mBunscol finals during the year including:

• Girls from Scoil Sheamais Naofa Bearna • Boys from Boley Beg • Boys from Scoil Sheamais Naofa Bhearna.

National Féile:

This year’s Féile was held in clubs across Connacht. Barna hosted a boys’ team from Michael Davitts in Carlow in addition to a girls’ team from St Ergnats Antrim. A fantastic weekend was enjoyed by all players, management, visiting supporters and the wider Barna/Furbo community. Both Barna teams played very well over the weekend and were a credit to the club. The girls reached the All Ireland Shield Quarter Final while the boys went all the way to the All-Ireland Shield Final losing out narrowly to Kildimo Pallaskenry.

This was a massive community event with outstanding work put in by the Féile committee both in terms of fundraising but also in hosting visiting teams, preparing the grounds in Furbo to host games, entertaining the visiting teams and supporters and pulling out all the stops to ensure all players and families had a truly memorable weekend in our community. Well done to all.

Boys U14 team pictured in National Féile Shield Final

Barna U14 girls team in Féile 2019 and also Div 2 Championship winners!

Peilathon 2019

The annual Peilathon took place on 21st Sept in Furbo pitch organised by members of the Bearna Óg committee. This involved a series of matches for all juvenile age groups (U6 to 16) including a few Parish League finals. In the ‘Legends’ match, approx. 50 coaches/parents togged out for a Galway v International Selection match which ended in a (controversial) draw! The main winners however on the day were the chosen charities with over €2,500 raised and presented to ‘Hand in Hand’, ‘Neonatal Clinic in the Coombe Women & Infant Hospital’ and ‘Rosabels Rooms’. This was another fantastic community and club day raising funds for three most deserving charities.

Clochscoilte Pitch Development:

Significant progress was made on our new pitches in Clochscoilte during 2019. While there was some remedial works required on the main pitch due to some ground settling issues, it was really wonderful to see the floodlights on again on the training pitch in September/October where our senior and U20 teams trained. The club development committee are working hard to ensure that the playing pitch will open mid-2020 and the necessary works are completed in the carpark, dressing rooms and surrounding grounds.

The Final Whistle!

In conclusion, the club especially thanks all the team managers and coaches who give up so much of their time to train and prepare all our teams from Under 6 through to all the adult men’s and ladies teams. We are very fortunate as a club to have such a committed and enthusiastic number of coaches backed by a significant group of parents who provide great support. In keeping with the overall ethos of volunteerism, we must also express our thanks to everyone who has contributed in every way towards the running of the club during 2019 from:

• Members of the Club Executive & Bearna Óg Committees. • Team managers and coaches. • People who helped in all the fundraising events during the year. • All our Club Lotto Sellers and Lotto committee and everyone who purchased tickets during the year. • The many businesses and individuals who supported all the various fundraising events during the year and sponsored jerseys etc – without your ongoing financial assistance, this club would not be able to run and we ask everyone to support local business who are at the heart of our community. • Anyone who did umpire, lineman, car park steward, lined pitches, cleaned dressing rooms – please know that all this work very often goes unnoticed but is the cornerstone of ensuring our club is run in an efficient manner – mile buíochas go léir.

Agus muid ag druidim i dtreo dheireadh 2019, cuimhníonn muid ar bhaill an chumainn atá imithe ar shlí na fírinne agus ach go háirithe orthu siúd a cailleadh le linn na bliana.

Is é an imeacht dheireanach don bhliain ná “Corn Gannon” a bheidh ar siúl Lá ‘le Stiofáin ar pháirceanna imeartha na bhForbacha. Tá muid ag súil le slua breá ar an lá sin, chun ceiliúradh a dhéanamh ar an traidisiún speisialta seo.

Guíonn gach duine ó CLG Bhearna Nollaig shona agus athbhliain faoi mhaise & faoi shéan daoibh ar fad.

As we approach the end of 2019, we remember all our deceased club members and their families and in particular those who have lost close family members during the year. Please remember all those who have gone to their eternal reward in your prayers over this Christmas season.

The final club event is the annual ‘Gannon Cup’ on St Stephen’s Day in Furbo – we look forward to seeing you all there to honour this longstanding tradition.

We wish everyone a very Happy Christmas and we look forward to a successful 2020 both on and off the pitch