Moy Tir na nOg G.F.C. Notes (week comm 22/02/04)

Challenge Match Action

Moy v Eglish (Senior)

Moy seniors played host to near neighbours and Division 1A side Eglish in a worthwhile friendly game, last Sunday. This was the Tir na nOgs first real taste of footballing action in 2004 and, despite being short several regulars and with only a small number of training sessions under their belt, performed quite well against Mattie McGleenan’s well-prepared Eglish outfit.

On a cold, crisp and dry afternoon for football, both teams used the game to shake off those winter cobwebs. Naturally enough, there was a degree of rustiness among the two sets of players but it was to their credit that they still managed to produce some fine passages of football. Eglish’s more advanced preparations helped them secure a three point win, but Moy will be more than satisfied at having made such a purposeful start to the season.

The two respective managements had of course to do without their county representatives - Sean Cavanagh and for Moy and Cormac McAnallen and Brendan Donnelly for Eglish - who were on Dr McKenna Cup duty in Ballybofey. However, this gave some of the lesser lights from both clubs the chance to shine and stake an early claim for inclusion in the team. Moy were forced to field a fairly experimental side, especially in attack where young Matt Murren made his senior debut and minor star Colm Cavanagh was selected to lead the forward division.

The game itself began in slow fashion and, understandably, it took some time for both teams to find their feet. In fact, the opening score came midway through the first half when Kris Kavanagh fired over from play for the home team. This would prove to be Moy’s only score of the opening half hour as they faced into what was a fairly stiff breeze. Eglish, in the meantime, eventually settled into the game and dominated the second quarter with six unanswered points.

Behind 0-1 to 0-6 at the interval, the Moy men were determined to make a match of it in the second half with the wind now on their backs. The homesters started well enough, scoring the first three points after the break through the boot of Colm Cavanagh (2) and midfielder Gary Jordan. Eglish replied with a score of their own soon after but Moy were enjoying their best spell of the match and actually got back on level terms thanks to some excellent free-taking from Colm Cavanagh.

Eglish then struck for the only goal of the game, which proved to be the decisive score, and the match ended with both sides trading further points to leave the visitors ahead 1-8 to 0-8 at the final whistle. This was a good opening test for Moy who were very much understrength but coped well against a side in a higher division.

Moy’s starting fifteen and scorers were: Barry Gribbin; Mark Donnelly, Mark Jordan, Brendan Kelly; Declan Cavanagh, Francie McQuade, Colm Jordan; Gary Jordan (0- 1) and Neil Donaghy; Kris Kavanagh (0-1), Colm Cavanagh (0-6, 5 frees), Niall Conlon; Matt Murren, Paul Mellon, Damien Lavery.

Moy v Eglish (Reserve)

Moy reserves were also in action at Tir na nOg Park last Sunday when they faced Eglish’s second string as part of a friendly double-header. Like their senior counterparts, Moy’s reserve outfit will have benefited greatly from this early run-out even if the result did not quite go their way.

Eglish’s greater number of training sessions going into this game was to stand them in good stead. They were just that bit sharper and more fitter, especially in the second half as Moy showed signs of tiring. The sky blues were still very much in contention at half-time, trailing by just a point (0-3 to 0-4), but found it hard to keep the momentum going throughout the final half hour.

Moy’s John Harvey, Turlough McKearney and Adrian Jordan all hit the target in those opening thirty minutes, but it was Eglish who grabbed the all important scores after the break to emerge victorious by four points.

Moy started with the following line-out: Ryan Kelly; Philip McQuade, Niall Kelly, Tommy Conlon; Enda Lavery, Niall Conlon, Brendan Farmer; John Harvey and Martin Kernan; Ciaran Campbell, Adrian Jordan, Brendan O’Neill; Peter McKearney, Turlough McKearney, Niall McCrilly.

Substitute Stephen Millar also proved his worth with a fine second half point.

Training Details

Training for all Moy senior and reserve playing members will continue on Wednesday nights at Gortgonis, Coalisland between 7-8pm and Friday nights at Ardmore, between 7-8pm. All players must be togged out and ready for training on each of these selected evenings by 6.45pm.

Closing Date for Membership

Anyone still wishing to become a fully paid-up member of Moy Tir na nOg G.F.C. for 2004 have one final opportunity to do so. The official closing date for membership to the club is Monday 1 March, and the advice to those who have still not joined is to contact a member of the committee before it is too late.

Membership Application Forms have been sent out to all of last year’s club members. For those who have still not renewed their membership, it is important that these forms are completed in full and returned along with the £20 fee (per adult) on or before this coming Monday.

New members are also still welcome but must obtain a membership form from the club to become fully registered. All prospective members should note that the club will not be accepting any offer of payment for membership after the closing date. Club Merchandise

With more and more people now wearing their club colours with pride, Moy G.F.C. has successfully obtained some of the very latest and most fashionable club merchandise for its members and friends.

Currently on offer to Moy of all ages are new stock of Tir na nOg G.A.A. monkey hats, wet jackets, fleeces and polo-shirts. There are also brand new club shorts (in white and navy), socks, and jerseys of all sizes. New club tracksuits have been designed and will soon be available to buy. All club members are encouraged to make the most of this additional merchandise which can be bought at very reasonable prices. Anyone interested in purchasing the new club tracksuit, and availing of any of the other merchandise, should contact Frankie Duffy.

Publicity Drive

There will soon be no excuses whatsoever for not knowing what is taking place in the world of Moy G.F.C. As well as the weekly notes in the newspaper and the regular updating of the club’s impressive website www.moy-gfc.com , there are now plans to produce a monthly newsletter covering all club events - both on and off the field. Watch this space for further details.

Club Lotto

The winning numbers in the club’s weekly lotto, drawn last Sunday night (22 February), were: 5, 6, 9 and 16. There were no winners of the jackpot but Pat Donnelly matched three numbers to claim the £50 consolation prize.

Tickets for the weekly club lotto are priced at £1 and are available from any committee member.

Moy pair achieve Clean Sweep with County

Congratulations to Moy’s All-Star pairing of Sean Cavanagh and Philip Jordan who, last weekend, added to their long list of achievements by picking up a first Dr. McKenna Cup medal. Both of the Tir na nOg representatives were once again on top form as Tyrone recorded a facile victory over Donegal at Ballybofey.

Before a crowd of some 10-12,000 people, including a healthy representation from Moy, the reigning All-Ireland champions gave an exhibition of all that is good about . As always, big Sean covered every blade of grass in a typically tireless and exuberant display at midfield while Philly had another stormer at half back and even managed to get his name on the score-sheet with a neat point at the start of the second half.

Tyrone’s capture of the McKenna Cup last Sunday (their first success in this competition since 1984) means the clean sweep has been achieved by ’s men. This is without doubt the most successful Tyrone senior team ever and Moy Tir na nOg can feel proud to be so well represented. Well done to all concerned.

Colin Mackle (P.R.O.)

Ceann Ban, Kilmore, Moy

028 38 891691