St Marys Ladies got their senior championship campaign off to the perfect start with a hard-earned win over Eastern Harps in Kent Park last Sunday morning.   The manner of the victory was as important as the win itself and the large support present was treated to a fantastic match from both sides.  Fielding a side with many younger players, and down Aileen Ruane due to a late injury withdrawal, our girls had to work their hardest and concentrate to the fullest throughout.   There was never much between the sides and at half time we were 6 points to 5 to the better.   A run of points put Harps into the lead, then a goal by Ruth Monaghan proved a turning point in Marys favour.   Still Eastern Harps persisted and grabbed the initiative with a goal of their own.   Our girls were not about to give up and strong running created a number of opportunities.   The critical one fell to Kayleigh Cawley when she regathered her rebounded point attempt and coolly netted.   Eastern Harps besieged the Marys goal for what seemed like an eternity to the end, but our girls held firm to record an important victory.   The team has a bye in the next round, so will not be seeing championship action again until the end of June.

At the other end of the age Groups, our U10 girls participated in a Connaught Blitz held at the GAA Centre of Excellance in Ballyhaunis, and represented St Marys with distinction.   The girls played CL Rovers cats, Castlebar Mitchells Cubs and Westport Cubs.   For most girls it was their first match at this level and thanks to them for their hard work.   A word also for the travelling support.   Again this week, over 100 kids attended our Saturday morning coaching and tremendous to see the levels of participation by both the players and coaches.   Well done to everyone, particularly Harry and Seoidin who won this week’s recognition awards.

The U8 boys and girls squads saw action on Wednesday evening at Shamrock Gaels.  Lovely evening had by all and thanks to the strong family support in attendance.   Our U12 boys had contrasting fortunes when they played their latest league ties against Eastern Harps.   The Division 1 side were second best to an impressive Harps side, who dominated the game.   However, it was smiles all round for the Division 3 side who continued their unbeaten season with another classy display. The U14 girls latest outing was against St Farnons.  Despite strong performances throughout the side, the girls were unable to match a well drilled St Farnons team.  The U16 boys found St Molaise too hot to handle on Monday evening when they met in the A league semi-final, and the visiting team booked their place in the league final on a scoreline of 5-09 to 2-06.  This Wednesday night St Marys U14 squad take on Coolera in the league (throw-in 7.00pm).

The annual running of the Clifford Cup will take place on the June bank holiday weekend.   We intend using the newly developed pitch for some of the matches and the Clifford Cup will be an ideal showcase for this area.   As with previous years, the profile of the competition has attracted some of the best clubs in Connaught and surrounding counties.  It takes a lot of volunteers to run the event and club members are requested to make themselves available for a couple of hours.

Hard luck to the County Senior and Junior mens teams.   It was always going to be a tough ask to play Galway in the first Championship match but we acquitted ourselves well and can take confidence to the play-offs.