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please send an e-mail to: Ciarán
O'Brannagáin
2003 - 2004 Senior table and results
2003 - 2004
Under 14 and Under 16 results
If you want to contribute
to this news section, just send an e-mail to Kai.
19.11.2005 Lughnasa U16 girls v Meath 15 – 13
Lughnasa u 16 v Meath
Sat 19th Nov in Navan. Brilliant match. Despite the fact that the hall in Navan
is tiny and cold and goal posts seem shorter than usual, our girls played a
terrific match. Goals from Kiara Caulfield, Tanya Feighery, Aisling Canny, Coleen
Kenna, Sarah Golding and Alix Maher resulted in a 15 - 13 win for the Lughnasa new
comers. Last week U14 girls played Sligo at home in Colaiste de Hide Tymon Park,
the Lughnasa girls were as strong in defence as they were at goal scoring
resulting in a final score of 35 - 5 for the home team. U 16 performed well on
that day too against Terenure with a win of 20 - 18. Coach Tom O’Brannagáin
has been working the girls hard of late as these results show. U 13's girls now
training from 2:45 - 3:45 on wednesday
and boys U 13 on monday from 3:30 - 4:30. new comers welcome. Venue: Colaiste
de Hide, Tymon park (near cuckoos nest).
Best of luck to
U 14 girls who play North Kildare next Sunday in Leixslip.
25.10.-30.10.2005 EHF
Challenge Trophy
Eleven(!)
members of the Lughnasa Handball team represented the Irish national team at
the EHF Challenge Trophy 2005. James Addie our line player was chosen on the
all-star team. For further information and scores log on to the EHF website. (can’t find it? try this!)
picture
Sun,
28/08/2005. Girls All Ireland
Champions for the second year running
The Community
Games U 13 Olympic Handball finals were held in Mosney on Sunday 28th August. This
year's Leinster Champions, Kilnamanagh earned their place after winning all
seven of their matches in the run up to the semi finals scoring an impressive
67 goals and conceding only 8. The girls, all from Lughnasa Hand ball Club,
Kilnamanagh, trained by Susan Moloney and Pauline Maher under the guidance of
Tom O Brannagain.
The semi final:
Kilnamanagh v Kerry 11 – 9
The semi final
against Kerry was a close fought battle. The Kerry side proved to be tough
opponents with the game becoming quite physical at times. Kilnamanagh's
Danielle Larrigan got the game off to an exciting start scoring within the
first few seconds followed by an impressive hat trick by Vanessa Mc Cabe. The Dublin side held the lead
through out with great defence from Sarah Moloney and Katie Mc Cormack. Goal
keeper Gemma Murphy was kept busy but managed to deflect Kerry's attempt take
the lead. Two goals a piece from Rebecca Doyle and Captain Rebecca Dowling, a
further two from Vanessa Mc Cabe, a jaw dropping goal from left handed winger
Emily Bodkin resulted in a final score of 11 - 9 in favour of the Kilnamanagh
side and securing their place in the final later in the day.
The final :
Sligo (Riverstone) v Dublin
(Kilnamanagh) 11-12
The Sligo side from Riverstown were formidable opponents
boasting the skill of U 15 Irish Squad player, Orlaith Keavney who was
responsible for scoring the majority of the goals against Monaghan in their
semi finals earlier in the day.
Kilnamanagh's captain for this final Danielle Larrigan gave her team a quick
pep talk before leading them on to the court amid cheers from the flag waving Dublin supporters. Rebecca
Dowling was first to score followed by Vanessa Mc Cabe and a truly amazing goal
from line player Sarah Moloney quickly put the Kilnamanagh side in the lead. Defender
Katie Mc Cormack had her work cut out for her in defence of Sligo's
statuesque Orlaith Keavney but was helped in her quest by wingers Niamh Quinn
and Lorna Morris. Worthy captain Danielle Larrigan ( a member of the 04 All
Ireland winning team) notched up 3 goals. Thanks to the amazing goal keeping
skills of Gemma Murphy and an impressive 5 goals from left back Vanessa Mc Cabe
a further goal a piece from Rebecca Dowling and Rebecca Doyle saw this nail
biting final result 12 - 11 ensuring that the All Ireland Cup stays in
Kilnamanagh for a second year. Coach's Susan Moloney and Pauline Maher were
justifiably proud of their team. Having trained through out the summer holidays
the girls deserved their moment of glory.
Sun,
10/07/2005. Girls Leinster Finals
Our girls (U13)
competed in the Leinster finals. First match
versus Carlow was an impressive victory with final score 15 – 0. In the
final match the our girls won 12-5 again Meath and are now in the All Ireland
Finals in Mosney on last weekend in August. See the
pictures here.
Sat,
21/05/2005. Lughnasa
Lads take the trophy
Tallaght Sports
Complex was the scene of overwhelming joy as Lughnasa’s U 16 boys beat
worthy opponents Coolmine in the U 16 Olympic Handball League Final on
Saturday. Having been left with the task of completing the treble after
Lughnasa’s Senior Mens team took home gold against U.C.D. the previous
week and the U 18 team winning the Division Two decider against D.C.U. the boys
had a hard act to follow.
The game got off
to an exciting start with goals from both sides being scored in quick succession.
Half time saw the score rise to 10 - 8 in favour of Lughnasa 6 of these being
scored by centre player Alan O Brien.
Despite a head
injury O’ Brien continued to score in the second half, with help from
line player Paul Mc. Mahon, Paul O Gorman and Brian Kearney.
The many fans
were not disappointed, this final had everything; wonderful defence, amazing
goal scoring, players being sent off for two minutes at a time and a total of 9
yellow cards being issued between the two teams. Despite the teams being well
matched, Lughnasa’s strong defence gave them the edge over the Coolmine
side.
The final
whistle saw the score at 21-21. Despite the referee calling for 10 minutes
extra time the score reached a frustrating 24 -24. The spectators could hardly
contain themselves as a penalty shoot out was announced. Two nail biting
penalties for the exhausted Lughnasa lads to Coolmine’s one saw the
Tallaght boys dream of gold become a reality to the delight of their coach Jimmy
Hanlon and under the guidance of senior coach Tom O Brannagain. See the pictures here.
Sun, 08/05/2005. UCD v
Lughnasa (Men’s Senior Final) 27-29
What a game and
this coach for one is happy it's over. Let me first say a big thank you to all
the teams that made this the most fiercly-contested league in years. Lughnasa
boasted the meanest defense and a win over DCU whereas UCD boasted a never say
die attitude that comes from overhauling a 7-goal deficit to win a semi final.
The game was a cagey opener and UCD tactics were spot on they broke up the
Lughnasa attack by playing a man marker on any given back court player.
However we had
worked on such an eventuality thinking instead it would be 5+1 defense at the
centre. Not to worry the Lughnasa team pressed onwards never playing prettily
but always making its mark.
There were many
tactics we employed in this game including what would we do in case of two
minutes suspensions, these worked very well considering the referees gave us
7x2mins during the game. Watching the game back on video it was clear that some
of these for both sides were unwarranted.
Let me digress
for the moment from the game to say that although we thank both refs for
participating they were not in tune with each other, i think particularly Mark
Whelan misjudged the level at which the game is played now in this country and
needs to find a different level of acceptance. Peter on the other hand had
reffed the semi-final and had a clearer idea. This is not meant as a criticism
but neither team wants to blame refs for a win or loss as happened in the
semis.
The teams were
evenly matched heading into the second half as Oisin O brannagain and his
brother Tom had their own personal duel both in attack and defense although tom
was lucky to have a keeper in form behind him who performed miracles to keep
out Oisin's shots but the keeper was woeful from the right wing shots. He needs
a bigger arse! Andrea Ongaro will never forget Marco Volt the two of them
having a huge battle on the line. Emiliano was impressive as was Thor that boy
has a great eye for goal and his passing is sweet just ask me and Alar Poder we
had to defend him. Their center player whether Robert Hamm or the other other
one whose name escapes me played magnificently. The teams were evenly matched
throughout the game but with ten minutes left Lughnasa pulled away from UCD.
With a 6 goal lead with 7 minutes left the result was never really in doubt and
although UCD scored some quick goals towards the end you felt Lughnasa always
had something in reserve and were never really tested in the dying moments. A
two-goal win doesn’t show their dominance as they took their foot off the
pedal. For Lughnasa Marcus Niermeyer had a quiet game but probably scored the
best goal from a quickly taken free, Volt was outstanding, Poder took one for
the gipper as he was marked the entire game, Grey and Bister were consistent in
their passing and scoring from the wing and a special mention has to go out to
grey for being outstanding all season having changed his game to suit the team.
On the right wing once again Moloney was a gift in the first half defending
valiantly 1st time ever and playing sensibly most of the time taking his goals
when he could. Senad Kurjak, yes he's Irish, played out of his skin blocking on
the line and in defence. T O Brannagain uninjured for the first time this
season was not going to let another medal get way and fat and bald as he is he
gave the UCD defenders a torrid time. A special mention goes to Paul Rueter and
Dave Ball who even though they didn't play in the final they have been
instrument all season during the league getting us to today. Addie for spending
more time sent off than on, great to have him back after a serious accident,
but two players stood out today for Lughnasa, big Tim aus Deutschland who we
have trained for 6 months to play in the Lughnasa style and today it worked 8
goals, congrats to him and lastly our captain who has made so many strides as a
centre player. The most difficult postion for a player on the team is steadily
becoming his. We started his training in the center two years ago and now he is
beginning to look like a leader and a playmaker. Some change in his attitude to
training and some change in the players around him. Future captain of the Irish
team. And behind us all a guy who is rapidly becoming the envy of every club
Robbie Vaughan what a keeper.
To UCD we say
what we've been saying for years there's always next year, you gave us the
hardest match and made handball a great spectator sport. Congratulations to a
club that started so few years ago to become one of the strongest clubs in the
country.
To the refs we
say thanks for giving your time and thanks for letting the odd old fart speak
their mind without getting a 2-mins
To the IOHA we
say and to Colin Brosnan in particular thank you for organising, for listening
and may our sport go on for many years because we have so many young teams
coming through, let's nurture them.
To all the
people reading this, thank you for supporting your team and all the players.
handball is the greatest sport and the greatest gift. We have all so many
friends, memories and laughs. the sacrifice is always worth it.
We wish you well
yours in
handball
Tom O Brannagain
See
the pictures here.
Sun, 08/05/2005. UCD2 v
Dagda (Division 2 Final) 41-34
This was a
serious grudge match for the boys of lughnasa's under 18 squad. These boys had
trained all year only to lose one match in the league against DCU2. However
they had made their way to the finals having won their last two matches by
resounding scorelines against UCD and Coolmine. Their other advantage was that
they had played numerous friendlies against their older club mates and
therefore felt that they stood a chance.
The opening
exchanges were quite dour with the strength and wit of the DCU players showing
through, but youth and tenacity is a potent combination. Dagda were missing
their first choice goalkeeper but the young 15 year old in goal grew in stature
throughout the game. However their six-nil defence was no match for the brains
of Mehner and Murray on the DCU team. Changes were made to go to 5-1 and this
was countered by the center of DCU going to the line. However the boys pressed
high rather than falling back to the line and many fast breaks later they
started to pull away.
Into the second
half they grew in confidence, Alan O Brien, James O Hnalon Gary Lawlor and
Darragh Staunton are ones for the future. Yannick Niermeyer forget the name
he's Irish too put in an incredible defensive performance as the boys
intercepted ball after ball pulling into a 15 goal lead. The team missed some
of its natural starters, O Shaughnessy and Mc Auley injured for the game and under
16 boys got their chance, however the nouse of the DCU players started to tell
and they broke through again and again.
As the boys
tired it was going to take something special to stop the DCU onslaught they
closed the gap to a point where spectators were biting their nails but youthful
enthusiasm and fitness overcame the tiredness of DCU and the boys found some
reserves of energy to score the odd goal and finished 41-34 winners!
Sun, 01/05/2005. Saison
round-up
2005 has been a
great year for Lughnasa handball club. Seniors have qualified for the
semi-finals of the league finishing the league stages in second place. Having
made two teams for the cup competition the squad won the plate. Our under 16
boys lost the final of the cup by one goal but have qualified for the final of
the under 16 league having defeated the Na Fianna Rua for a place in the final
(The same team that defeated them in the cup final). The boys won it with the
final shot 22-21!
Our under 14
girls were runners up in the cup competition and are favourites to make the
finals this year having beaten their semi opponents by 15 goals in the league.
Our under 18
boys playing in the senior league destroyed all competition in div 2 topping
their group and favourites to make the final having beaten their semi-final
opponents by 44-11 in the league.
Sat,
26/02/2005 Lughnasa U14 girls win in
Maynooth
The Lughnasa U 14 girls team from Kilnamanagh
played a league match against swords U14 team in NUI Maynooth. The match got
off to a great start with Lughnasa's Kiara Caulfield scoring in the first few
seconds quickly followed by goals from Alix Maher and Sarah Golding. The Swords
players couldn’t get past Lughnasa's strong defence. 7 goals from Coleen
Kenna, 4 goals from Alix Maher and one goal each from Tanya Feighery, Kiara
Caulfield, Sarah Golding and and amazing final goal from 11year old Rebecca
Dowling ensured an incredible win for the Kilnamanagh girls
. As usual, the Kilnamanagh goalie Elaine O’Carroll refused to let
the Swords balls into the net but Claire Lacey did manage to get
one impressive goal past Elaine resulting in the final
score; Lughnasa 15 Swords 1. The Kilnamanagh girls winner of
all Ireland Trophy 2004 have been training twice weekly with coach Tom O’Brannagain
since September and techniques taught by Tom were very much in evidence in
Maynooth. Kilnamanagh's Lughnasa's team have proved themselves to be
a very strong side, indeed Coleen Kenna, Alix Maher and goalie Elaine
O’Carroll have recently been selected to play for the national U15
Olympic Handball squad. As a result of their great win
against Swords the girls are due to play the semi finals later
this month. See
the pictures here.
Saison 2003/2004
Sat, 24/04/2004. Pelekas v DIT
Pelekas won
against DIT by 12 goals. So it’s official now, we lost the second place
against Pelekas. Congratulations to Pelekas, who showed a great form and did a
impressive chase in the last matches. Eventually we gave it away last Saturday
when we lost against DIT. However, we can’t deny that the overwhelming
victory over - until then undefeated - DCU leaves a bitter taste in our mouth.
We wish both teams best of luck for the final!
Thu, 23/04/2004. Pelekas v
DCU 47 - 25
Pretty bad news
for us! Pelekas overrun DCU who rested a number of players for the final. If
Pelekas wins against DIT by more than four goals on Saturday, they’ll
take the second place in the final. If Pelekas can preserve their form,
it’s definitely not looking good for us.
Read the IOHA-report here.
Sat, 17/04/2004. Lughnasa v
DIT 15 – 29 (6-16)
This defeat
could prove costly. Since it’s not in our hands anymore to reach the
final. All we can do is hope that DIT can perform well in their last match
against Pelekas.
Read the IOHA-report here.
Sun, 04/04/2004. DIT v
Lughnasa 17 – 23 (-)
This win was a
great step towards the final. If my calculations are correct, we will stay
ahead of UCD even if we loose our last match against DIT, and Pelekas have 7Pts
with one match to play (DIT). But their goal difference (-1 and the defeat
against DCU not counted yet) is not as good as ours. The bad news is that we
will miss Marco in our last match since he got a match-ban after getting
another 2’’ send-off yesterday (thanks to Kai ;-)). But the good news is that we won’t miss
him in the final… if we make it, because before, we still have to do some
hard work to win against DIT again – this time without our top-scorer.
Read the IOHA-report here.
Sun, 28/03/2004. UCD v
Lughnasa 22 – 25 (9-11)
After two
consecutive defeats this victory was vital for two reasons: firstly, to regain
confidence and secondly puts us in a very good position to get into the final.
This match was much tighter than our last encounter when we were able to win by
15 goals. This time both teams were strong in the defence. In the second half
we managed to pull away by five goals, which should have easily secured the
match. But some hasty attacking on our side and clever fast-breaking of UCD got
them back to one goal. Fortunately, we managed not to fall apart (keeping a
cool head would be exaggerated) and brought home the victory.
Read the IOHA-report here.
Sun, 14/03/2004. Pelekas v
Lughnasa 29 – 28 (10-13)
This one was as
annoying as unnecessary!…. Pelekas got a much stronger side since a
number of players joined them recently. So it was clear that we wouldn’t
get such an easy run as last time. After the first half it didn’t look
too bad, even though we made already some bad mistakes caused by lack
concentration and a pretty pressing Pelekas defence. In the second half the
match got rougher and more terrible unforced mistakes and hectic playing on our
side, helped Pelekas turning the match. In a turbulent final stage we
didn’t manage to regain the lead. Pelekas deserved the victory today,
while we played far below our potential. We will have to improve a lot if we
want to survive in a league where the differences get tighter.
Read the IOHA-report here.
Sun, 07/03/2004. Lughnasa v
DCU 28 – 32 (-)
Our first defeat
this season! It better is the last one, if we want to make the final this year!
Luckily, UCD couldn’t get more than a draw against newly lined-up Pelekas
(26-26). Which leaves DIT as our strongest competitor for the second place in
the final (…for now).
Read the IOHA-report here.
Sun, 07/03/2004. Dagda v
Astra – (-)
Dagda wins, but
I don’t know the score. Can anybody let me know the
details? Thanks.
Sat, 28/02/2004. Double victory
for our boys
At the last
tournament of the season our U16 boys brought two victories home from Maynooth.
Especially the 21-20 win over Na Fianna Rua gives confidence for the
semi-finals!
Read the IOHA-report here.
Sun, 29/02/2004. Lughnasa v
UCD 42 – 27 (20-15)
Read the
IOHA-report here.
Sun, 29/02/2004. Dagda v St.
Pat’s 35 – 23
Congratulations
to Dagda’s first victory in 2004 and a convincing revenge after a
unfortunate defeat of last week!!!
Sun, 22/02/2004. Lughnasa v
Pelekas 39 – 24 (19-9)
Read the
IOHA-report here.
Sun, 22/02/2004. St.
Pat’s v Dagda 31 – 27
(9-14)
Read the
IOHA-report here.
Wed, 18/02/2004. DCU v
Lughnasa 29-29 (11-14)
Read the
IOHA-report here.
Sun, 25/01/2004. Dagda v DIT
It was a case of
men against boys literally for the young Dagda boys. Every member of DIT was
above 1m85 and our young boys aged from 14-16 are well still growing. But they
fought hard making DIT fight for every goal. They played some great handball
and defended really well. Many times they broke through the giant defence and
bad finishing and an international goalkeeper at his best on the day kept their
scoring to a minimum. They missed three players on the day, which meant that
they had no substitutes. This played a major role as they tired very quickly
due to the strength of the opposition. Special mention must be given to Yannic
Niermeyer who played another storming game. Oisin Slator in goal made some
fantastic saves. And a young Alan O Brien (14) and Brian Kearney (14) both made
their senior debut and didn't disappoint. Congratulations to the boys who are
learning all the time and will really show their mettle in the coming years.
October
2003. Junior Newsletter 2002/2003