2021 Drumgoon Éire Óg coaching officer report
Drumgoon enjoyed another successful year on the playing fields in 2021. A total of nine
teams from U7 to senior represented the club with distinction this year. We have been in a
lucky position in Drumgoon to have such dedicated coaches and parents who give freely of
their time to encourage and facilitate the playing and enjoyment of games for so many
young people. In 2021 we had a total of 20 coaches working with our various juvenile teams
from nursery to u17. This is a massive boost for a small area to have so many quality
coaches willing to give their time and efforts with our teams. I would also encourage anyone
else who wishes to become involved in our player development to contact me and come on
board with our coaching team.0
U7
Thank you to John McDonald and his coaching team for their excellent guidance and
coaching of our youngest players this year. This age group is where children experience their
first taste of GAA with Drumgoon and it is essential that we have well educated, efficient
and caring coaches to facilitate their introduction to our games. Saturday mornings have
been a hive of activity on Boyle Park and the level of detail and care taken by the coaches at
this level has been of the highest standard. We thank them all sincerely for their efforts with
this group as they begin their journey with Drumgoon Éire Óg.
U9
This year saw the largest number of players ever at one age group in Drumgoon. A total of
32 U9 players registered at the start of the year and their enthusiasm and enjoyment of
Saturday mornings on Boyle Park was infectious to anyone who saw it. A very big thank you
to Martin Morris and his fellow coaches for their efforts and time given to such a large
number. They continuously implemented a high standard of coaching and facilitated and
attended numerous Go Games blitzes throughout the year. We hope to see all these young
players again progressing their skills on Boyle Park in the new year.
U11
Our U11s also developed excellently throughout 2021 and through may blitzes and training
sessions their progress was clear to see. Their skill set has improved greatly again and they
will in no doubt be ready for competitive competition from 2022 onwards when they join
the U13 squad. Thank you to Martin Clerkin and his coaching team for their time, efforts
and hard work with our U11s this year.
Cúl Camp
We were delighted to host the GAA Cúl camp again this year. Having not hosted last year
due to Covid 19 it was important for us to once again provide this wonderful week of skills
and fun for all our primary school children. A total of 110 children took part in games and
fun throughout the week and brought great colour and fun to Boyle Park during the
summer. Thank you to Aidan McCabe who was the camp facilitator and we wish him well as
he moves on from Cavan GAA coaching and games.
U13
The Drumgoon nursery and Go Games coaching over the past ten years has undoubtedly
been a massive success as the dam burst for our U13s in 2021. This fantastic group of
players won the county league and championship double. They performed heroically in both
competitions and thrilled us all with scintillating football week in and week out. They were
very deserving winners of Mountnugent in the league final and Naomh Bríd in the
championship final. While our main goal is the progression to the senior ranks of as many
players as possible, such wonderful achievements cannot be underestimated. This has given
a tremendous lift to all our underage players and to the club as a whole. We are very
thankful to Barry Crosson and his fellow coaches for the care, attention to detail and
commitment to this team in 2021. Congratulations to our double county champions.
U15
Our U15 squad had the most competitive league and championship of the year and they
stood up tall and were competitive to the end of the knock out stages of both league and
championship. Following a gruelling league campaign the boys were pipped in the semi final
by a very strong Lacken team who won the final handsomely. The strong performances of
this team continued into the championship were they progressed all the way to the final
and again were very unlucky to be just outdone by a very strong Cuchullains team. This
young Drumgoon team grew as a team this year and showed that they have the resilience
and determination to compete and give their all for the club. Thank you to Seamus Morris
and team for their guidance and progress of our U15 squad.
U17
Many years of coaching through our nursery and Go Games system culminated with our first
minor title in 18 years. A momentous night in Breifne Park for Drumgoon that will live long
in the memory. Our dedicated, determined and very skilful U17 team stormed all the way
to the final in the summer and after a tense game, they came out on top against a good
Castlerahan team. For Drumgoon to compete and beat big Cavan clubs like Castlerahan is a
testament to the attitude of our young players and the coaching and effort that as gone into
them from all the coaches from nursery to U17. The retention of players and putting the
development of the skills over winning at a young age is clear to be seen in this age group.
Prioritising team work ethic and progressing the fundamental skills of gaelic football has
allowed these young men to develop and perform to a very high standard. Thank you to
Philip McDermott and all the coaching team this year.
U20
It was very pleasing to see a Drumgoon team compete on our own in the U20 chanpionship
this year. Great victories over Ballinagh and Belturbet were followed by a very narrow loss ij
the championship final to Cornafean. A gallant last quarter come back just fell short. It was
uplifting to see some players return to play for the club who had missed a number of years
for various reasons. Thank you to all the players for their dedication in the cold winter
months and to Paddy McCabe and all the coaching team for preparing the team so well and
for giving us an exciting few weeks to end the year.
Reserve
2021 was a very disappointing year on the reserve front. We were only able to field a team
in one league game and missed out on the semi finals of the championship. The main reason
for the non fulfilment of league fixtures was due to an unprecedented amount of injuries on
the senior team, meaning many junior players were playing regularly with the seniors. With
3 new players coming up from the minor ranks, and many players returning to pay for the
u20s, it is hoped that our reserves will make a resurgence in 2022. Thank you to all the
players and to Damien Clarke for managing the team.
Seniors
This year saw a big restoration of pride back in the Drumgoon jersey. After a poor showing
last year, the squad put in some huge performances throughout the league and
championship and gave everyone hope that once again Drumgoon can compete with the
best. Under the guidance of Stephen McGovern , Paddy Sheanon and Aiden Brail it was clear
to see from the outset that 2021 was going to be a lot different to the previous year. The
team were organised, accountable and motivated. A large injury list did not dampen the
enthusiasm or effort throughout the league, where Drumgoon competed ferociously in
every game. Work rate and heart were there to be seen for all throughout the
championship. Luck deserted Drumgoon at crucial times in games that we should have won.
Many young players experienced the cut and thrust of championship football for the first
time and it is clear that under Stephen McGovern, this team is going to keep improving with
every game. We look forward to seeing them take the field again in 2022.
Thank you
To Jimmy, Margaret, Patricia & all the committee we thank you for your guidance,
encouragement and support throughout 2021. We have a small pool of coaches and players
but with the excellent support of our executive committee we have been able to provide
top level coaching and fun for all of our juvenile players.
Thank you to all the parent of our players who have been very supportive of our teams. Car
journey to and from games and countless trips to Boyle park have allowed your sons and
daughters to develop and become better every time they take the field.
Congratulation to Drumgoon Éire Óg LGFA and camogie sections on their outstanding
achievements in 2021.
Finally, thank you most sincerely to all my fellow coaches. Many sacrafices are made
throughout the year that go unsaid. We give up trips, family time and leisure time to
facilitate the growth of our club and those who represent us. You have all given tremendous
service to Drumgoon Éire Óg and we I am very grateful for your knowledge, understanding
and skills that you pass on to our young members.
Thank you
Aogán Óg Farrell
| Under 12 Roinn “B” Final 2004 Drumgoon 2 – 07 Ballyhaise 3 – 02 |
| The sun shone on Kingspan Breifne Park on Thursday last for the Roinn B U12 football final between Castlertara/Ballyhaise and Drumgoon. The Castletara team came into the final as slight favourites having defeated Drumgoon by the narrowest of margins in the early rounds of the competition. Castletara were however taking nothing for granted against a fast paced Drumgoon team who had won the Roinn C title in 2003 with a victory over Shercock, and now contested the Roinn B final at the first attempt. At the throw in, it was Castletara who were first to show, with a short period of sustained pressure on the Drumgoon goal, led by the midfield pairing of Francis McConnell and Francis Moore. The Drumgoon defence, led by Tommy McKitterick at full back and Martin Fitzpatrick at centre-half were resolute, and it was Drumgoon who struck the first blow after 4 minutes when interplay between Conor Moynagh at midfield and Martin Fitzpatrick saw the centre-half convert the first point. Goal Chances Drumgoon continued to convert possession into scores with a well taken point from play by Jason Taylor and a converted free from Peter McGorry. However, on the fourteenth minute, a breakaway movement from the Castletara defence isolated corner forward Aoghan Moran, who struck a well executed goal past Declan Smith in the Drumgoon goal to level the scores. A further Castletara point was cancelled out when Fitzpatrick struck again for Drumgoon but it was Castletara who concluded the first half scoring with a point in the final moments from Ryan Brennan to leave the half time score Castletara 1:02, Drumgoon 0:04. Midfield Strength The second half opened with the same fast pace that featured in the first. The Drumgoon midfield were now gaining the upper hand, with Conor Moynagh fielding posession, and Elaine Clerkin controlling the influential Francis McConnell. Moynagh fed through to Martin Fitzpatrick who converted the opening score of the second half for Drumgoon, to bring the sides level. Moynagh then scored another point from play, taking a pass from Peter McGorry, to give Drumgoon the lead again at 0:06 to 1:02. Undaunted, it was Castletara who then rallied to once again breach the Drumgoon defences. A long ball out of defence from Sean McCabe found Dara Prior in the clear, and interplay between Shane Tiernan and Aogan Moran resulted in a second goal for Castletara. Now two points down, the Drumgoon team responded accordingly. Direct from the kick-out, Mark Murray delivered the ball through midfield to an increasingly influential Sean Meehan. Seans pass found Gary Lavery who struck the ball past James Rooney on the Castletara goal line to restore the Drumgoon advantage to a single point. From the kick-out, Moynagh collected at midfield and running at the Castletara lines, struck the ball over the bar to increase the gap to two points. Thrilling Finish In a thrilling climax, Castletara again rallied. Playing out of defence, Eoin Summers found Stephen Brown whose speculative shot deceived the Drumgoon defence and fell to the net. Castletara now led by one point with four minutes remaining. The Drumgoon team now rallied, and working the ball out of the back line, Ronan McDonald delivered to Deirdre Mahon on the halfback line. Ryan Harkin collected the clearance and found Sean Meehan in the large square who finished to the net. With the clock ticking down, Drumgoon now led by two points, 2:07 to Castletara’s 3:02. This was to be the final score, and amid inevitable scenes of celebration, team Captain Ryan Harkin collected the Roinn B League Cup for Drumgoon for the first time, in this the clubs centenary year. For Drumgoon, this was a fine team performance. Declan Smith consolidated a fine season in goal with another good performance. The full back line was solid, led by an impressive Tommy McKitterick, and ably assisted by Barry Cooney and Ronan McDonald. At centre half, Martin Fitzpatrick, who scored three points, showed his now typical determination, while Mark Murray, Deirdre Mahon and Ciaran Pierson all illustrated creative defensive abilities. At midfield, both Conor Moynagh and Sean Meehan never stopped running, creating chances and closing down a talented Castletara pairing. Ryan Harkin led the Drumgoon attack, with Gary Lavery and Peter McGorry always menacing. On the full forward line, Jason Taylor and Elaine Clerkin took scores well and always threatened the Castletara defence, ably supported by Francis McCabe and Aaron McArdle. For a ‘never-say-die’ Castltara team, Goalkeeper Paul Stallus, defenders Darrenn Rahill, Sean McCabe and Lauren Carville impressed. At Midfield, Francis McConnell and Francis Moore made life difficult for Drumgoon, while a potent attack saw inspiring play from Aogan Moran, Dara Prior, Shane Tiernan, Ryan Brennan, Niall Conaty and Stephen Brown. Teams: Drumgoon: D. Smith, B. Cooney, T. McKitterick, R. McDonald, C. Pierson, M. Fitzpatrick (0:03), M. Murray, C. Moynagh (0:02), S. Meehan (1:0), P. McGorry (0:01), R. Harkin, G. Lavery (1:0), E. Clerkin, F. McCabe, J. Taylor (0:01) Subs: D. Mahon, A. McArdle Castletara: P. Stallus, J. Rooney, E. Carville, D Rahill, E. Summers, J McCabe, L Culleton, F. McConnell, F. Moore, S. Brown, R. Brennan, N. Connaughton, D Prior, S. Tiernan, A. Moran Referee: Tony McDonald |
| Under 14 League Drumgoon 6 – 12 Lacken 2 – 02 |
| Drumgoon under 14 boys had a good win over Lacken on Boyle Park on Thursday last. Drumgoon got off to a good start with points from a fast running Tommy O’ Brien and an opportunistic goal from the elusive Aogan Farrell. Pauric Mc Gorry was in great form at midfiled and he piled on the scores for Drumgoon with several well taken points from a long distance out that the seniors would be proud of. Lacken opened their account through Fergal Brady and Drumgoon responded with a well taken goal by Dylan Bates. With Eamon Mc Cluskey and Daniel Byrne well on top in defence, Lacken found it hard to make the break through and the break Drumgoon led on a scoreline of 2 – 6 to 0 – 2. In the second half Drumgoon took up where they had earlier left off. Good inter play between Mark Harnett and Shane Smith set up Jamie Smith for a goal. Lacken fought back with a goal from Thomas Brady. Conor Moynagh cleared his lines, found Francis Mahon who fed Michael O’ Brien the perfect pass and Michael shot to the net. Drumgoon now had their tails up and two brilliant goals from Tommy O’ Brien seen them run out easy winners Paul Daly, Damien Mc Gorry, Eamon Mc Cluskey, Daniel Byrne, Conor Moynagh, Brendan Mc Cabe, Luke O’ Brien, Tommy O’ Brien, Pauric Mc Gorry, Shane Smith, Francis Mahon, Jamie Smith, Aogan Farrell, Michael O’Brien, Dylan Bates, subs used, Ashleigh Boylan, Martin Fitzpatrick, Garry Lavery, Tommy Mc Kitterick |
| Under 14 League |
| Drumgoon 7 – 13 Killeshandra 2 – 10 |
| Brendan McCabe, Conor Moynagh, Eamon McCluskey,Daniel Byrne, Luke O’Brien, Mark Harnett, Francis Mahon 1-0, Tommie O’Brien 1 – 1, Padraig McGorry 0 – 3, Shane Smith 0 – 2 Michael O’Brien, Jamie Smith 1 – 0, Aogan Farrell 1 – 1, Paul Smith 1 – 2, Ashleigh Boylan 0 – 2, Dylan Bates 2-2, Daniel Boylan, Ryan Harkin |