All Ireland Junior Sevens

With it being All Ireland weekend Clonmore travelled to Dublin early on Saturday morning to represent Armagh in the All Ireland Junior Sevens competition hosted by Dublin Club St.Judes. With 24 teams from all over the country taking part, this was a chance for The Emmets to measure themselves against some of the very best.

Teams were divided into 4 groups to play on a league basis, winners qualifying for a Cup semi and runners up into a Shield semi. Clonmores first game saw them drawn against a side from formidable Dublin club Na Fianna, home to the likes of Kieran McGeeney & Jason Sherlock. The Clonmore lads however weren’t to be overawed and won on a scoreline of 3.5 to 3.3 with goals from Chris Convie, Stephen Donaghy and Tony McGeown points a piece from Raymond Convie and Donaghy and 3 from James Grimley. Next up was Killmeena from Mayo. As Clonmore tried to adapt to the format the Mayo men came from behind to win by a point. Score Clonmore 1.09 Killmeena 3.04

In the third game Clonmore excelled, using the running sub to great advantage against home side St. Judes winning easily 7.03 to 0.03  James Grimley bagging 4 of the goals. John Grimley, Beezer and Beano also hit goals. Clonmore failed to build on the momentum and struggled against Cavan side Killeshandra, conceding 3 goals early on eventually losing by a single point. Score Clonmore 2.07 Killeshandra 4.02  The Emmets now needed to win their last game to have any chance of going further and faced Dowdallshill of Louth. The boys took an early lead with 3 goals finishing up 5.05 to 1.04. Clonmore still needed Killmeena to win the last game against Na Fianna. With a draw suiting both sides it looked as though Clonmore were heading to the showers but in added time a Jimmy McGuinness lookalike roared on by all Clonmore supporters, ran the length of the field to stick the ball in the net and put Clonmore through on score difference.

In the Shield semi Final the opposition was Round Towers from Clondalkin, Dublin.

Clonmore never looked back after James Grimley scored a goal and 3 points in the opening minutes. Chris Convie added another before Gary Nugent got on the act when he grabbed a goal and a point. Grimley got a second goal to send Clonmore into the final on a score of 4.06 to 2.06.

Aghabullogue from Cork, a huge Club with pedigree stretching to 1884 were our Final opponents. The lads give everything they had left in the tank keeping the game neck and neck the whole way. Dominic McGeown with a point ensured that everyone on the panel scored.  With the game almost over and the scores level a penalty awarded to Cork side gifted them the lead. Clonmore then looked to have a lifeline when a player was fouled inside the area however the referee awarded only a free in. The goal was the difference at the final whistle. Final score; Clonmore 3.07 Aghabullogue 5.04

Disappointed though everyone was, this was a magnificent achievement to reach the shield final by one of the countries smallest teams against some of the largest and well known. An exhausting but thoroughly enjoyable day for everyone who travelled to Dublin in a bus very kindly sponsored by former player Liam Casey, Clonmore Farms. Many thanks to all who made it a weekend to remember.

Clonmore Team; Stephen Donaghy, John Grimley, Gary Nugent, Dominic McGeown Tony McGeown, Brendan Donaghy, James Grimley, Raymond Convie, Ciaran Beagan, and.Chris Convie.

Clonmore are due to face Middletown in Clonmore this weekend however with the County Final fixed for Sunday that may be in question. Confirmation will be posted at the hall and on the website.

Visit the Club website at www.clonmore.com