Clonmore seniors got back to league action on Sunday away to neighbours Annaghmore needing 2 points to lift them of the bottom of the league.

Clonmore lined out without county players Daniel Mullen and Brendan Donaghy but playing with a very strong wind blowing down the pitch Clonmore quickly got of the mark through the lively James Grimley. Clonmore built up a three point lead with the best score coming from Ryan Donnelly but Annaghmore were able to keeping touch with good scores against the wind. However just on the stroke of half time Annaghmore scored a goal to leave the half time score 0:8 to  1: 4.

At this stage you would have bet that the one point difference would not have been enough facing the wind. Clonmore started the second half in determined fashion however the first two attacks came to nothing before James Fox got a point. Annaghmore kept in touch with frees and by the mid way through the half got on level terms. The Clonmore defence and midfield were working hard and chances for Annaghmore were limited. Annaghmore edged in front for the first time and with Shane Smith on the field Annaghmore still looked to be in the driving seat. A great last 5 minutes where Dee McGeown and John Grimley were on top in defence this laid the foundation for Clonmore score 3 points through Cathal Cunningham Raymond Convie and Raymond McBennett without reply and ensured Clonmore ran out  winners. This was not a classic performance but with a great battling second half display Clonmore were deserving winners. Final score Clonmore 0:13 Annaghmore 1:8. Tony Skeffington  Raymond Convie and Tony McGeown have all joined the panel making the panel stronger which in the early part of the season was sadly lacking.

Clonmore 2:8 - An Port Mor 1:6

Clonmore played Port Mor on Wednesday night in Clonmore hoping to continue their good form from the start it was Port Mor who looked the hungrier team. They laid siege to Clonmore’s goal but sqandered server chances. Clonmore on the break hit points from Raymond Convie and James Grimley by half time Clonmore were playing better and went in 5 to 3 up.

From the restart Clonmore got a goal through Raymond Convie. Points were then exchanged next before Port Mor edged closer with a point and narrowly missed a goal from a high ball. Port Mor missed several frees and were starting to get on top but excellent work by Dee McGeown kept them at bay. Port Mor did manage a goal which put them right back in the game before Daniel Mullen then went on a run and hit the crossbar from the 21 yard line the ball bounced straight down and out to the alert Cathal Cunningham who palmed to the net to give Clonmore the points.

If this standard of performance can be maintained then 3rd Division football will be guaranteed.

Congratulations to Daniel Mullen and Armagh Minors on reaching the Ulster final and best wishes to Brendan Donaghy and Armagh who play Fermanagh in the qualifiers this Saturday in Enniskillen.

St John’s U16’s were narrowly defeated by Cullaville in the championship shield on Thursday night, Clonmore were represented by Cathal Cunningham Philip Mullen and Caolin Donaghy.

Lotto Numbers 6,22,23,24 £10 winners C Donaghy and Paul Grimley.

Best wishes to Paul Grimley and to Eileen O’Neill who are both recovering from operations. Congratulations to Gerard Molloy on making a miraculous recovery from his holiday injury. Congratulations to James Fox and his wife on the birth of their son.

Clonmore Golf Open – Saturday saw the third running of the annual golf open at Brackaville. JG was ruled out through back injury and had to settle for refereeing duty.

Brendan Donaghy was the club house leader until a rejuvenated Paul Grimley just back from a weeks golf in Spain edged him by two shots. Thanks to Damien Morgan of Brackaville for his assistance in running the outing.