OLSS Castleblayney win back to back blitz titles

It was a nail biting day with plenty of drama for OLSS Castleblayney (Monaghan) but they managed to hold onto their 7-a-side blitz trophy coming from behind in the dying minutes of the final to pip Castleknock Community College (Dublin) and winning a dramatic hockey style penalty shootout in semi final against Naas CBS.

The tournament catered for teams from three provinces and from seven different counties. The format of groups of four seen some intriguing matches up from early in the day. The end of the group stages seen the quarter finals of the cup lined out with four cross county fixtures, the pick of the bunch seeing St. Benilidus & St. Mary’s Edenderry facing off, both recent winners of Leinster Senior A titles. The teams then progressed to the semi final stages where an absolute thriller between Naas CBS and OLSS Castleblayney finished level and resulted in three hockey style penalties each, with the Castlblayney keeper playing a starring role and seeing his side to victory. The other semi final seen surprise package of the day Castleknock CC come out on top against Edenderry.

The tournament progressed on the other pitches with the shield tournament with the Marist Athlone playing Scoil Mhuire Clane in the final with the Kildare side landing a victory displaying some fine football.

The final was a close affair with Castleknock CC speeding into an early lead which they held until the dying minutes when two quick fire Blayney goals helped seal back to back titles for the Monaghan men. It was fitting that current Monaghan Senior footballer and DCU Fresher star, Micheal Bannigan was on hand to present to help present the player of the tournament award to David Hanley and the winning team trophy to his former school OLSS Castleblayney.

DCU would like to thank the teachers and coach drivers for their effort in bringing the students to this event. Great credit must go to the successful Fresher A  & B players and Bobbi Uram for their hard work in organising and running a successful day. A speedy recovery to both Christian Walton & Iarlaith O’Kelly-Lynch who sustained injuries on the day.  Thanks also to sponsor Bank of Ireland & Linda McGrath for presenting awards. A further mention then to the schools who participated; OLSS Castleblayney (Monaghan), Castleknock CC (Dublin),  St Peter’s Dunboyne (Meath), Marist Athlone (Westmeath), St. Nathy’s (Roscommon), St Patrick’s Navan (Meath x 2), Naas CBS (Kildare x 2), Scoil Mhuire Clane (Kildare), St. Kevin’s Finglas (Dublin), Mount Temple (Dublin), St. Benilidus (Dublin), St Mary’s Edenderry (Offaly), Colaiste Eoin (Dublin) and Largy College (Monaghan).

Loreto Wexford land Ladies football title

Loreto Wexford showed that Ladies football is alive and well in the South East with some fantastic football over the course of the day in landing the DCU Ladies Football 7-a-side blitz title, taking the title from last years winners St. Peter’s Dunboyne.

It was a fantastic days football with schools from across Leinster & Ulster taking part, as following the group stages we we had four different counties represented in the semi finals of the cup competition. The goals only format for the first time proved a hit with players, mentors and spectators a like as it promoted adventure and skill.

The shield competition seen Castleknock Community college land a victory against Loreto Wexford (2) in a fine game, where some of the individual scores were fantastic.

The semi finals seen Loreto Wexford overcome a Mount Sackville side who showed flashes of beautiful football, while OLSS Castleblayney overcame last years winner St. Peter’s Dunboyne. The final seen the teams travelling furthest on the day in opposition as there was no quarter given for the whole game and one goal was the most that ever separated the sides but it was the girls from the sunny southeast who ended up ahead at the full time whistle.

The player of the tournament came in the guise of Emma Cousins from Wexford, who excelled throughout the day and the awarding of the winners trophy to Sadbh McCarthy & Emma Codd wrapped up proceedings for the day.

DCU would like to thank the teachers and coach drivers for their effort in bringing the students to this event. Great credit must go to the O’Connor, Giles & Moynihan Cup players and Bobbi Uram for their hard work in organising and running a successful day and to the ATT support offered by Shaunagh Brady & Deirdre Geaney. A speedy recovery to Sarah Wall who sustained a knee injury on the day.  Thanks also to sponsor Bank of Ireland & Linda McGrath for presenting awards. A further mention then to the schools who participated; OLSS Castleblayney (Monaghan), Mount Sackville (Dublin), Castleknock CC (Dublin), St. Dominic’s (Dublin), St Peter’s Dunboyne (Meath), Loreto Wexford (2) & Maryfield (Dublin)

Loreto Kilkenny claim DCU 7-a-side Blitz title

It was a local derby on unfamiliar ground as a strong Loreto Kilkenny side overcame near neighbors Presentation Kilkenny in the blitz final. It was a reversal of the result between the two sides in the opening group stages of the day and highlights how little there was between the sides.

The day seen schools from Kilkenny and Dublin taking part with some of the Kilkenny schools showing a serious drive and no little skill and a gap appeared throughout the group stages as the Kilkenny schools gravitated towards the top of the table. It ended up that the Cup competition was an all Kilkenny affair, while the Shield competition became Dublin schools only.

The final of the shield competition seen Mount Sackville face off against St. Mac Dara’s (Templeogue), following the Northside school winning their own local derby beating Castleknock CC in the semi final in what was a tight tussle. The final got off to a rip roaring start with some excellent performances on both sides. However, it was school based in Dublin 6 which proved to be too strong, winning out in the end.

The semi finals of the shield competition were both games played at high tempo, as Presentation Kilkenny (1) beat a resilient Castlecomer CS, while Loreto beat Presentation (2). This set up the final between the two teams who had performed most consistently throughout the day. The game was a cagey affair to start off with as girls who play with each other in club & county faced off but a purple patch for three minutes seen Loreto take a lead which was never relinquished. It was fitting that the player of the tournament also came from the Loreto side, as Nicola Carter (daughter of Kilkenny stalwart Charlie) got rewarded for her exceptional displays.

DCU would like to thank the teachers and coach drivers for their effort in bringing the students to this event. Great credit must go to the Ashbourne players and Bobbi Uram for their hard work in organising and running a successful day and to the ATT support offered by Stephen Carrass. A further mention then to the schools who participated; Loreto Kilkenny, Presentation Kilkenny, Castlecomer CS (Kilkenny), Castleknock CC (Dublin), Mount Sackville (Dublin) & St. Mac Dara’s (Dublin).

 

 

DCU Handball in Pheonix, Arizona

This year’s trip to the United States brought DCU handball club to Phoenix, Arizona. DCU was represented in both the doubles and the singles. This competition saw five of the seven competitors from DCU come from first year, a sign of a promising future for the club.

In the men’s Singles competitions DCU were represented in the Open Plate, A1, A2, C1 and C2 divisions by Kevin Diggins, Niall Joyce, Ben Devlin, Alan Hevehan and Neil Hannigan respectively. Kevin had lost his first game in the open to be dropped in the Open plate where he won against MNSU’s Matt Job. Unfortunately Kevin’s singles tournament ended here as he had to pull out of the semi-final due to an injury to his shoulder early in the first game. Niall Joyce also won his first game with relative ease against David Schiller from HU. Niall made it as far as the quarter final against eventual winner Ricardo Palma of LFC who defeated him 21-17, 21-10 in the Men’s A1. Ben Devlin won both his preliminary games, promoting him to the next grade. With a comprehensive win in his first game against SBU’s Jimmy Ji, Ben was faced with UCD’s Emmet Landy in the Men’s A1 quarter final. A very close game between the two brought them to a tie-breaker where Landy managed to take the win 21-14, 16-21, and 8-11. In the Men’s A2 Cian Ó Dálaigh started off winning in a tie-breaker against Alex Birge of MOST. Cian was then matched against UL’s Liam Bradshaw who managed to beat Cian in yet another quarter final defeat for DCU. Alan Hevehan who was representing in the Men’s C1 lost in very a close game versus MSU’s Zack Timmerman 21-17, 16-21 and 8-11. Neil Hannigan, a new-comer to the world of handball, won three successive seeding games moving him up two grades. He was faced with a tough opponent in C2 where he lost to John Conte of ASU, who went on to win the division.

Meadhbh Ni Dhálaigh was the only representative in the Women’s divisions from DCU. Starting off in the Open, she defeated Gretchen Gregory of MOST. The next game was the quarter final. Meadhbh lost against MUN’s Leslie Amminson, which ended her competition short.

DCU had more luck in the Men’s doubles with Cian Ó Dálaigh and Ben Devlin in the Men’s A shrugging off doubles pairs from ASU, UCIN and a strong pair from UL in the shape of Hurley and Bradshaw. They met BC’s doubles team Woo and Lau in the final. They won the first game with ease 21-4, then BC came close in the second game with 21-17, which wasn’t enough to overcome DCU’s Ó Dálaigh and Devlin, winning them the gold medal. DCU was represented in the Men’s Open by Niall Joyce and Kevin Diggins who got a bye in the first round, but came against a strong team with Esser and Langmack from MOST who ended DCU’s run in the Open. DCU’s final doubles team, Neil Hannigan and Alan Hevehan were unlucky to lose to Mogavero and Van Swol from UI. The pair showed great chemistry with it being their first time playing together. They put on a good show for the spectators with it ending 21-18 and 21-17 against them.

While some of the players may have been disappointed with their performances in the tournament, this was still a positive outcome for the Handball club. Given that five of the seven DCU representatives have three further years of eligibility this competition has laid down a good marker for success in years to come.

DCU Dóchas Éireann side land Junior Football title

 

It was an intense, tight affair in Belfield with DCU eventually coming out victorious. The game began with both defences on top. UCD managed to break the deadlock first with a free about 10 mins in. DCU shortly replied with a free of their own. Possession of ball was largely controlled by UCD in the early exchanges however the organisation, intensity and quality of the tackling meant they got very little reward. A few points each were exchanged before a slick counter attack set Rory Upton through on goal and he blasted the ball into the top right hand corner of the goal.

Half- time: 1-4 – 0-4

The second half began with the same ferocity as the first. UCD again opened the scoring with a free early on. The pace of the game didn’t drop for a second with both teams giving everything they had. Scores were exchanged by both sides for the majority of the half with the DCU front men being particularly clinical. With the DCU defence constantly retrieving the ball, they were able to extend their lead in the later stages. A fantastic game to watch for the neutrals. The DCU manager described the performance of his players as “one of the best overall team performances he’s seen”.

DCU Dóchas Éireann power past NUIG

Full time: DCU: 9.15, NUI Galway: 0.06

It was a cold day on the DCU Sports Grounds for the first round of the O’Connor Cup championship against NUI Galway. The match got off to a flying start as both teams were geared up and out to get their first championship win.

A quick ball won from the throw in launched into DCU’s forwards was nicely struck by Sarah (14) which gave DCU the first point of the match.

 

Galway were quick to react to this and fought back, gaining one point from play and two more from frees. DCUs defensive strategy in the first half created many opportunities for them to turn-over the ball and drive forward, getting those all-important scores, with points from Muireann, Sarah R, Siobhan W, and Niamh R.

It is fair to say that NUIG struggled to stay in touch, but with DCU’s shooting on form they lead at the break, 3.06 to 0.03. It was in the second half when DCU started to pull away, creating a wider gap in the scoreboard including a hat-trick from Sarah R, and more points from Aisling Mc,

DCU’s Aisling got taken down in the box, ultimately leading to a penalty, which was taken superbly by Sarah R adding another goal to the scoreboard.

Aisling T (goalie) was very quick on the home teams kick outs, carefully choosing and executing her kickouts. After Galway’s quick over the top kick, beating Aisling, Laura Mc’s quick thinking saved DCU from conceding a goal.

Even though DCU were leading by a mile, the girls showed no mercy, continuously adding to the scoreboard with goals from DCU’s Captain; Siobhan W, Niamh R and Sarah R.

The backs determination to not concede scores was notable. They assisted the Midfielders Rachel and Karen in the centre of the pitch, constantly driving forward and popping the quick balls into DCU’s skilled forwards. There is no doubt that DCU dominated the game from right until the final whistle, with their quick hand passes and well-executed ball work.

The girls now are preparing for round two, where they will be taking on reigning champions UCD, with home advantage, where a win will guarantee them a semi-final spot in the O’Connor Cup Championship.

DCU Vs UCD 22^nd February, DCU Sports Grounds.

Giles team roll onto Round Two

DCU 3.12 UL 2.07

The DCU Giles team commenced their championship campaign with a comprehensive victory on Thursday evening in DCU Sportsground over the University of Limerick.

After the disappointment of the league final in November, DCU got off to a flying start with Nicky Feery registering a point with 30 seconds on the timer. Shortly after, Marion Farrelly produced the first of three DCU goals, with Nicky Feery again hitting the target a mere five minutes later.

UL were kept in the game with a flurry of frees registered within a scoreable distance which reduced the margin. It wasn’t until the 33rd minute when they were awarded a penalty which was slotted marginally past the DCU netminder Emer Ní Éafa.

Despite this, DCU kept the scoreboard ticking over and remained ahead to see out the game. A late goal for UL in the 60th minute could not provide any consolation and in the end, it was DCU who held tight for their first championship victory of the season.

Moynihan Cup open their season with hard fought win over UCD

The first round fixture for the Moynihan Cup was a repeat of last year ‘s semi-final. The difference this time, the result.

 

UCD were hot favourites going into the game after having won the league title pre-Christmas and it was them who started the stronger hitting 1.1 without reply, DCU got on the scoreboard with points from Keely Doonan, Roisin McHugh, captain Leanne Duncan, and a well worked goal from Wexford’s Mairead Moran.

UCD missed a number of chances in front of goal, but with DCU’s shooting on form they lead at the break, 1.8 to 2.2.
DCU were against the wind in the second half and it took them time to settle back into the game, the south-siders started stronger, but attacking half back Jen O’Dell got DCU back on the scoreboard and with DCU’s forwards winning valuable possession from the UCD kick outs the match was in the balance. With 5 minutes to go,  a McHugh free and a point from Eimear Byrne in the last 3 minutes meant this Championship match was going to extra time, so that a winner could be found.

 

DCU showed passion, heart and character, knowing it would take everything to get passed the Division 4 league Champions. Keely Doonan was substituted after a head injury and Vicky Prendergast made her present notice with an excellent point. DCU got 2 points to UCD’s 1 in extra time, meaning they start their journey #IntotheWest with a 1.16 to 3.8 win in Belfield.

 

After the game, DCU coach Eanna O’Conchuir spoke very highly of his team and paid tribute to the UCD side, after the game he said, ‘ I am very proud of the teams’ effort, the girls never dropped the head, they showed how much they wanted the win. Fair play to UCD, they put up a tough battle, it could have gone either way in the end.’

 

The team now turn their focus now turn to Letterkenny IT, when they travel next week, a win guaranteeing them a semi-final spot in the Moynihan Cup on March 10th in the Connacht Centre of Excellence.

Fresher Hurlers win out following strong second half in Dangan

 

DCU Dóchas Éireann produced a strong second half display to march on to a semi final next week in the Fresher A hurling Championship. Due to strong winds it appeared that a game of two halves was to be played out and when NUIG were only a point a drift at half time 0-10 to 2-3, it looked like the Galway outfit would push on.

DCU struggled in the first half to take full advantage of the wind as they struck a number of wides from play, but the free taking of Edmund Delaney and some fine scores from John Donnelly kept the contest tights. DCU responded well to both Galway goals and the game appeared in the melting pot as DCU faced the wind.

DCU opened the second half well with scores coming from Colin Currie, Ciaran Dowling and John Donnelly all registering. DCU managed to open up a gap with a Colin Currie goal and it proved difficult for NUIG to close. They relied heavily on Shane Fletcher for scores but DCU managed to shut up shop and a late Edmund Delaney goal put gloss on the sideline, as it finished 2-20 to 2-9.

 

DCU Handball Changing of the Guard

This year’s 40×20 Singles Intervarsity in Kingscourt represented in many ways a changing of the DCU handballing guard. Three of the four DCU finalists managed to reach this stage in their maiden 40×20 singles Intervarsity, a sign of many good things in the coming four years for these new players.

In the men’s competitions DCU were represented in the A, B, C & Challenger Finals by Kevin Diggins, Ben Devlin, Ryan Treanor & Aaron Kinsella respectively. Kevin saw off ICHA veterans Ciarán Buckley from UCC, Conor Noone & Darren Carter of NUIG and UCD’s Brian Mahon to reach the final where Keith Armstrong from NUIM awaited him. In a fine display of passing shots and corner kills Kevin took the title on a score-line of 21-20 21-14. Ben Devlin was dominant in the men’s B singles overcoming all competition without dropping a single game, Devlin’s well deserved gold medal came at the expense of ITT’s Cian Counihan who had no answer for Devlin’s consistency. Club secretary Ryan Treanor found himself in a familiar position on Sunday morning, that being the men’s C singles final. Ryan, having won the same competition in his first year representing the college, unfortunately came up just short on the day losing out narrowly to Michael Dunne of CIT. Aaron Kinsella, returning to the courts from a hurling inspired hiatus, showed that he had retained much of the skill of his youth in claiming the men’s challenger crown. He narrowly overcame fellow DCU student Alan Hevehan in what was otherwise a dominant performance from the Wicklow man. One final mention must be made for Niall Joyce, DCU’s representation in the Open Singles, Niall found himself pitted against UL’s Colin Crehan, this year’s beaten finalist, in the Quarter final. In Niall’s first year in the competition he pushed Crehan to the brink losing the first game by the narrowest of margins 21-20.

We had slightly less luck in the women’s competitions where the semi-finals proved to be a universal stumbling block. Aishling O’Keeffe lost out to eventual winner of the women’s open Cianna Ni Churraoin in her semi-final, Meadhbh Ni Dhalaigh lost out narrowly to UCD’s Clodagh Nash in the women’s A semi-final and both beaten finalists in the women’s B competition were DCU students, Eimear Ni Dhubhlaine and Niamh Farrell.

This weekend’s results are, in particular for our contingent bound for Phoenix Arizona to participate in the USHA Collegiate Nationals, very promising. With all of our freshers reaching the advanced stages of competition and in most cases bringing home medals there can only be more to come over the next few years. Congratulations to all players involved in what was the strongest DCU display at the 40×20 intervarsity singles for the past several years.