2008 is Clonmore’s third year in the intermediate championship, and it is proving to be a big step up in difficulty from the junior.

There was a strong breeze favouring Madden in the first half. Madden hit an early wide, Tony McGeown and Gerard Molloy got straight into the game with Gerard winning a free. James Grimley won a free and it was converted, with a good turn of speed, strength and accuracy from both feet James is one of Clonmore’s leading forwards. Gerard Molloy continued to play some of his best football to date, proving he was up for the big match. John Grimley was getting some good possession and was brought down on the 45m line, what happened next I didn’t see but the ref deemed him to have struck out and therefore showed John a red card. This was unfortunate for both Clonmore and John but there can be no arguing with the rules. The only issue anyone can rightly have is the inconsistence which all the powers that be implement them, some days anything goes other days it’s a ton of bricks. With a man down it was going to mean a greater effort was required by the rest of the team. Marty Convie impressed around the half forwards and showed well for every ball. Raymond Convie gave his marker a tough job, running into space to get plenty of useful possession. Brendan Donaghy again was a tower in the middle of the field and won frees as Madden struggled to deal with his solo runs into their danger area. Another converted free saw the score 3 - 0 to Clonmore. Raymond Convie shot from a narrow angle and a fair distance but though on target the wind held it up and it dropped into the keepers’ hands for an easy save. Madden worked the ball down the field and with big men upfront put a raking pass through from the wing. It beat everyone including our keeper for a fluke of a goal. This gave Madden a lift and they held the lead from here on in. D McGeown as always put himself just where he needed to be and cleaned up every ball put into space for the Madden forwards. His man to man marking and distribution of the ball is clinical and really is one of Clonmore’s star men. Madden continued with the long ball backed by the wind and a skittery ball at the feet of the backs led to a nothing ball bouncing into the net. This was not what Clonmore needed as all their hard work was nullified and it really was a kick in the teeth. Clonmore continued to play hard and won a fair amount of frees but couldn’t get another score. With a scoring forward missing and Madden with an extra back Clonmore took some long range shots but with the breeze, accuracy was a problem. Half time score 2-5, 0-3.

 James Fox ably partnered Brendan Donaghy in the middle of the field and used the ball well. Raymond Convie got the ball and made a bee line for goal with his chance seemingly closed down by two backs he found the space to have a shot, illegal use of the foot saw him win a penalty. This was great work to jink into the danger area from outside the 20m line. Brendan Donaghy put it safely home and Clonmore looked to have found a way back into the game. It certainly gave the team a lift. Ruairi Cunningham, Daniel and James Mullen were also to the fore in the match and battled well. If nothing else it will be a learning experience for these young men. James Grimley intercepted a ball and hit a long range point. John Dynes came on as a sub after a long absence due to an injury, while his fitness may not have been back to his old level he put in plenty of effort. Paul Hamill came on for Daniel Mullen with 15 minutes to go. Paul McNamee in full forward made himself available for passes for the whole game and played a supporting roll for the other forwards to feed off. Joe Donaghy marshalled the full back line well and broke up the field on a few occasions. It was more even in the second half with Clonmore scoring 1-4 to 0-4, but the mountain was just too big to climb. Best of luck to Madden for 2008, the final score was 2-9, 1-7.

Clonmore have still it all to do in the league to remain in the third division. Unfortunately we will soon be without another player as D McGeown is off to further his career and will no doubt be a big loss to the team – best of luck. Belated congratulations to Raymond Convie and family on the birth of a new son.

For the past few years the growing community of Clonmore have gathered for a fun weekend at the beginning of September. This year it will take place on the second weekend 12-14th. There will be lots to do for the whole family. Friday will see the return of the monthly quiz. On Saturday there will be a steak bbq and disco. On the Sunday we will hopefully make the most of the back to school weather with a funday. More details to follow next week, and online. On Thursday night’s in the hall all ladies are welcome to boxercise to keep in shape and get rid of some stress. Underage matches are still running and support is always welcome.