Month: September 2021

ROSCOMMON’S 2010 CONNACHT final scoring hero Donie Shine has been forced to retire from Gaelic football due to injury.

Shine kicked the winning point a decade ago as Roscommon defeated Sligo in the provincial senior final, part of a brilliant scoring display from the forward as he hit 0-10.

His club Clann na nGael have this evening revealed that he has brought his playing days to a close ‘due to ongoing injury concerns’.

Clann na nGael would like to advise that our Senior player Donal Shine has decided to bring an end to his playing career due to ongoing injury concerns. #RosGAA (1/4) pic.twitter.com/m3x0NM6K5X

— Clann na nGael (@ClannGAA) January 2, 2021

Shine burst to prominence in 2006 as part of Roscommon’s All-Ireland minor football victory after a final replay against Kerry before winning Connacht U21 and senior medals four years later for the the county. He was involved in the Roscommon senior setup until 2016.

He helped Clann na nGael win two county senior football titles in Roscommon in 2015 and 2018, continued to play club senior football up until last season when they lost out narrowly at the semi-final stage against Padraig Pearses.

Donie Shine in action against Clann na nGael last September.

Source: James Crombie/INPHO

The Clann na nGael club paid tribute to Shine.

“Donie enjoyed a glittering playing career for both club and county. He was instrumental in the Roscommon minors claiming the All-Ireland title in 2006.

Donie Shine (right) in action against Tommy Walsh in the 2006 All-Ireland minor final replay.

Source: Lorraine O’Sullivan/INPHO

“Donie also won two Connacht titles and will always be remembered for his man-of-the-match performance in the 2010 final v Sligo.

“Donie had some memorable performances in the Clann jersey, culminating with captaining the club to our 21st county title in 2018. Donie also won the club’s Player of the Year award a record five times, which speaks volumes of the excellence of his displays during his career.

“Donie was one of the greatest ever players to wear the Clann colours and everyone in Clann GAA wishes him the very best in the future.”

Roscommon GAA have also hailed Shine’s impact with chairman Brian Carroll praising the forward.

We would like to echo all the tributes that have already been paid to one of the most talented footballers to have represented Roscommon. Chairman Brian Carroll pays tribute to Donie. 👇 https://t.co/5I415rTxst pic.twitter.com/gt1NG2sM1Z

— Roscommon GAA (@RoscommonGAA) January 2, 2021

“There’s always a tinge of sadness when you hear one of your sporting heroes has retired and that feeling is very much present this evening when I heard that the mighty Donie Shine is retiring from the game. Donie was a great servant to our county and his club Clann na nGael.

“In 2006 Donie won the hearts of every Roscommon person as he and the mighty minor team brought us all on a journey of joy and celebration that none of us will ever forget.

“Donie made 72 appearances for Roscommon scoring a brilliant 4-243 along the journey and none of us will ever forget the magical 10 points Donie scored against Sligo in the 2010 Connacht Final win in Castlebar.

“Unfortunately all good things must come to an end and that time has come for Donie. On behalf of every Roscommon person everywhere I want to thank Donie for his dedication and commitment and for giving us all so many great memories along the way. I wish Donie and his wife Deirdre and family the very best of luck and good health in the future.”

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A general view of Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

SPORTS DIRECT — THE sportswear company owned by Mike Ashley — is set to become the new sponsor of Cork GAA.

The Sunday Times is reporting that the deal is worth €2 million over five years, with performance bonuses of up to €2 million — including €200,000 for winning an All-Ireland — and a boot deal also included.

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Denis Walsh broke the story of the next Irish sports move for Ashley’s retailer.

Next Irish sports move for Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct is to become new sponsor of Cork GAA. Sunday Times reporting today the deal is worth €2m over five years. pic.twitter.com/OzMJSjmy1v

— Fintan O'Toole (@fotoole13) January 3, 2021

Mike Ashley.

Source: PA

It’s reported that the deal with the Cork county board, to become the new sponsor of its hurling and football teams, has been agreed, and will be formally announced in early February — following the conclusion of their eight-year association with Chill Insurance at the end of last season.

This will be Sports Direct’s first involvement with an inter-county GAA team, though they have been a sponsor of Rebel club outfit Glen Rovers of late.

• FAI paying Mike Ashley’s Sports Direct €100,000 a month until October 2025

The news comes just days after the company was in the Irish sports headlines following the FAI’s AGM, where it was revealed that the Association will be paying Sports Direct €100,000 per month in loan repayments until October 2025.

Ashley, also the owner of Premier League club Newcastle United and department stores House of Fraser, has been doing business in Ireland for the past 18 years.

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ARMAGH STAR ROSS McQuillan has called time on his AFL stint after just one year.

The 21-year-old follows in the footsteps of Tyrone’s Conor McKenna in departing Essendon and relocating permanently to home soil.

McQuillan, son of former Orchard player Martin, signed an international rookie deal with the Melbourne outfit in September 2019 but did not play in the AFL Premiership.

The St Patrick’s Cullyhana clubman has opted against involvement in the 2021 season and is now expected to link up with Kieran McGeeney’s Armagh.

An impressive athlete, McQuillan has also represented Northern Ireland in basketball and was named as a forward on the 2018 EirGrid U20 Team of the Year.

“On behalf of everyone at Essendon, we thank Ross for his services to the red and black since he arrived at the club in 2019,” the Bombers’ general manager of football Josh Mahoney said.

“We understand the considerable time and deliberation that went into Ross’s decision to move back home to be with his family in Ireland, and he has our full support in doing so.

“Clearly the 2020 season was unlike any other, and without a second tier competition, opportunity for game exposure was limited. Not only was it was a difficult year for Ross to learn the game and hone his craft, geographically being so far away from home added to the trying nature of the year.

McQuillan in training with Essendon.

Source: AAP/PA Images

“Ross will always remain part of the Essendon family and we wish him well for the new year and beyond.

“As a list management team, we will now look at the possibility of making a further addition to our playing list for the 2021 season.

“Cian McBride will return from Ireland and is expected to join the playing group in Victoria in mid to late January after completing the relevant quarantine requirements.”

McQuillan’s former team-mate McKenna returned home in September and lined out for the Red Hand in the league and Ulster championship.

Derry native Conor Glass is another Irishman to have recently left the AFL after his spell at Hawthorn wasn’t extended.

Meath’s McBride will fly the Irish flag at Essendon in 2021.

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MAYO’S DONAL VAUGHAN has called time on his 12-year inter-county football career.

“It is with a heavy heart that I have come to the decision that the time is now right to hang up my boots,” the 32-year-old wrote in a heartfelt statement issued to The Irish Examiner this afternoon.

Vaughan, now of the Castlebar Mitchels club having transferred from his native Ballinrobe, started in five All-Ireland senior finals through a colourful career but missed out on a sixth in 2020 after an injury-hampered season. 

The veteran centre-half back has been ever-present for Mayo since making his debut against New York in 2009; and has been central to the Green and Red establishing themselves as a consistent championship force over the last decade or so.

Vaughan came close to All-Star awards in 2011 and 2013 after several memorable displays. Alongside Lee Keegan and Colm Boyle in the half-back line, he was always a reliable servant for the Westerners, who were so close yet so far time and time again.

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An energetic defender, fond of bombing forward and chipping in with a score or two, he was man-of-the-match in the 2016 drawn All-Ireland final — but a knock to the head forced him off at half-time in the replay. Infamously, he also didn’t finish the 2017 final after being shown a red card.

In 2019, he won a Division 1 national league medal to go along with the six Connacht championship titles he had previously earned. 

The statement from Vaughan, who runs a shoe retail business and whose wife recently gave birth to a baby boy, continues: “I would like to take this opportunity to thank the army of Mayo fans for all of their support over the years, especially to those who took the time to send me cards, letters and messages.

“I would like to thank all of my current and previous management teams, medical, county board officers and support teams who have helped me over the years. I would also like to thank all of the people who helped to develop me as a footballer from an early age.

“To my parents John and Tricia, my sisters Ailish, Laura and Mary, all close and extended family and friends who have followed me to every corner of the country, I will never forget your love and support.

“My wife Mairéad has been a pillar of support to me and I would like to take this opportunity to thank her. I’m looking forward to going to games in the future with her and our new-born son Eddie and cheering Mayo on.

“To my fellow teammates who I have soldiered with over the last twelve years: it has been an honour and a privilege to wear the green and red alongside you with pride. You are men of outstanding character and relentless drive.

“Finally, I would like to acknowledge how tough a year this has been for everybody. Stay strong and stay safe.

“Maigh Eo Abú – Donie.”

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RECENT MAYO CLUB kingpins Ballintubber have appointed Enda Gilvarry, the county’s 2013 All-Ireland winning minor manager, as their new boss.

Enda Gilvarry celebrates Mayo’s 2013 All-Ireland minor success.

Source: Lorraine O’Sullivan/INPHO

Hi all, hope you are all keeping safe & well. Ballintubber GAA Club would like to announce the appointment of Enda Gilvarry as the new senior manager, Enda comes on board with a wealth of experience at the highest level. We wish Enda & team all the best, stay safe. @MayoGAA

— Ballintubber GAA (@BallintubberCLG) January 3, 2021

Gilvarry fills the vacancy created by the departure of Kevin Johnson as manager last October.

Ballintubber’s three-in-a-row title hopes in Mayo were ended at the quarter-final stage last year when they lost out to eventual champions Knockmore. Prior to that Johnson had overseen Ballintubber win the Mayo senior football finals in 2018 and 2019.

1/2 We would like to inform you that after 3 very successful years with Ballintubber GAA Club, Kevin Johnson has stepped down from his role as manager off our Senior team. In those 3 years Kevin & his management team have guided our seniors to-back to-back senior county titles.

— Ballintubber GAA (@BallintubberCLG) October 9, 2020

2/2 a great achievement in any sport. On behalf of Ballintubber GAA Club we wish Kevin & his family the very best in the future and wish him well in whatever path he takes.

— Ballintubber GAA (@BallintubberCLG) October 9, 2020

Those wins brought to five the number of county titles won by Ballintubber over the past decade since their senior breakthrough in 2010. They also reached the Connacht club final twice (2014 and 2018) but lost out to Corofin on each occasion.

Ballintubber players and supporters celebrate their 2019 Mayo senior final victory.

Source: Bryan Keane/INPHO

Four members of the Ballintubber club were involved with Mayo in last month’s All-Ireland senior final in Cillian and Diarmuid O’Connor, Michael Plunkett and Bryan Walsh.

Cilian O’Connor in action for Ballintubber in 2019.

Source: Evan Logan/INPHO

Both Diarmuid O’Connor and Plunkett worked under Gilvarry in 2013 when he guided Mayo to All-Ireland minor final success over Tyrone. After stepping down from that Mayo role, Gilvarry later took charge of the Ballina Stephenites senior side and went up against Ballintubber at the county semi-final stage in 2019 when they lost out by seven points.

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LONG-SERVING MAYO goalkeeper David Clarke has announced his inter-county retirement after 20 years involvement with the senior squad.

Clarke revealed today he was bringing his career to a close with his last appearance occuring in December’s All-Ireland final loss against Dublin.

The Ballina Stephenites club man won eight Connacht titles, two National Leagues and two All-Star awards during his senior career. He joined the senior squad in 2001, made his league debut in 2002 and his championship bow arrived in 2005.

The 37-year-old also claimed underage honours in Connacht with Mayo at minor level (2000 & 2001) and U21 (2001, 2003 and 2004) while he won an All-Ireland medal with his club on St Patrick’s Day in 2005.

David Clarke has today confirmed his retirement after 20 years service with Mayo. Everyone within Mayo GAA thanks David for all his efforts and wishes him all the best in the future.https://t.co/DFgETdkrLf #mayogaa pic.twitter.com/NQsCLcTa0E

— Mayo GAA (@MayoGAA) January 4, 2021

Clarke released to Mayo GAA to announce his decision.

Today I have decided it is the right time for me to step away from Mayo senior football team. I have lived my dream and taken so much from the experience. 

“I want to thank all of my past managers, coaches, medical staff and county board officials, from when I was U16, minor, U21 and senior. I’d like to give a special mention to my goalkeeper coaches Eugene Lavin, Peter Burke and Tom Higgins who helped bring out the best in me.”

Clarke also paid tribute to his family, his club Ballina Stephenites and his work colleagues in An Garda Síochána while hailing the Mayo fans and his team-mates.

To the Mayo supporters, thank you for the support, it does make a difference. Finally, to all the players I have played with, it was an honour to wear the jersey with you. I now look forward to giving more time to my club and returning to being a Mayo fan again.”

Mayo chairman Liam Moffatt praised Clarke ‘for his outstanding dedication and performances with Mayo GAA over the last 20 years’.

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GALWAY LADIES FOOTBALL manager Tim Rabbitt is stepping down after two years at the helm.

In a statement issued to Galway Bay FM this afternoon, Rabbitt confirmed that he would not be putting his name forward again in 2021, saying that he feels “now is the time for a change” — before confirming the news to The42.

Rabbitt worked as a coach in the set-up under Stephen Glennon in 2018 before taking over as manager the following year. In 2019, he led the Tribe to a Connacht title, the Division 1 National League final and to their first All-Ireland decider appearance in 14 years. They were beaten by Cork and Dublin respectively.

In the Covid-19-impacted 2020 season, Galway were joint-top of Division 1 with Cork before the competition was cancelled, while they enjoyed one-point championship wins over Tipperary and Monaghan before bowing out to the Rebels in the All-Ireland semi-final.

Controversy reigned after that last four battle following a late venue change, with Rabbitt was prominent in the media. While referring to it in his lengthy parting statement, he referred to it as “disappointing” and a “dark cloud.”

The beginning of the statement, in which he thanks everyone involved in great detail, reads:

“I wish to confirm to the players and the Galway LGFA county board that I will not be putting my name forward for the position of manager of the Galway Senior Ladies football for the coming season.

Having completed three years with this squad, one as coach and two as manager, I feel now is the time for a change. Although my time as manager ends on a disappointing note with this year’s semi-final defeat and the events that preceded it, I will not let the dark cloud that hangs over that day, to take away from the many enjoyable days we experienced together over the past three years.

“I want to say that I felt honoured and privileged to be involved with this group of players, management and county board officials.

“I feel that we are very fortunate in Galway to have the high quality of people and players currently representing our county at senior inter-county level and I can testify to the commitment and dedication that this group of players have shown over the last number of years to ensuring that Galway are competing for All-Ireland honours.

The Galway team before the 2019 final.

Source: Bryan Keane/INPHO

“The next step for this group of players is an important one. I dearly hope if the will is there, from the players, to come together again, with a renewed drive to reaffirm their commitment to bringing this group to the next level, then I have no doubt it can be achieved. It is clear there is still much work to do and I am sorry I will not be part of the next step on the journey but unfortunately I feel I have done all I can and believe a change of vision and voice is required to assist the players achieve their goals.”

Galway ladies football also released a statement via Galway Bay FM. It reads:

“Galway Ladies County Board wish to acknowledge Tim Rabitt’s decision not to put his name forward as Manager for another term with the Galway Senior ladies.

Tim has given three years to Galway ladies the latter two as manager. This role comes with huge personal demands and sacrifices. Tim has served Galway Ladies Football with the utmost of commitment, dedication and integrity. At all times his players and their welfare were his priority.

“The county board wish to sincerely thank Tim for his professionalism in managing this team. He brought players to a new level and has assisted them in progressing and performing at this higher level.

“Most importantly, he at all times encouraged players to believe in their ability and talents and to always strive to be the best they can be. He has passed on not just football skills but life lessons in leadership, teamwork and accountability. We are indebted to Tim and indeed to all his mentors who have vested so much of themselves in our senior team.”

At tonight’s AGM the ratifications of a number of County Managers positions were appointed.

Maxi Curran will be back as County Senior Ladies Manager for the 2021 season.

Liam Skelly has been appointed as the County U16 Manager on two year term. @LadiesFootball @UlsterLadies pic.twitter.com/aiSpo3EAaU

— Donegal LGFA (@DonegalLGFA) December 29, 2020

In other ladies football managerial news, Donegal boss Maxi Curran is staying at the helm after his reappointment was confirmed at last week’s AGM. This comes as the former Donegal football coach’s — he worked under Jim McGuinness — fourth year in charge, having led the county to three Ulster crowns in-a-row.

Last night, Sligo LGFA confirmed that renowned Yeats coach and 2012 U21-winning Connacht manager Anthony Brennan will take charge of the intermediate side for 2021.

All-Ireland winning Tyrone ladies boss Gerry Moane has taken the reins in Cavan after James Daly’s recent departure, with Kevin Mc Crystal returning for a second term as Red Hand boss.

A reduced league competition is expected in a revamped 2020 inter-county season. It’s understood that the four divisions will all be geographically split in two with round one to be played the weekend of 20/21 February, with provincial championships being played across April and May.

The rest of May until mid-July is expected to be strictly for club games.

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FORMER DONEGAL STAR Kevin Cassidy opens up about his father’s battle with alcoholism and death in the new series of TG4′s GAA documentary ‘Laochra Gael.’

Now in it’s 19th season, Cassidy is the first GAA icon to feature in the famous GAA TV series. Viewers are in for a compelling watch as the Gaoth Dobhair man speaks candidly about several aspects of his sporting and personal life.

He talks about his upbringing in Glasgow before moving to Gaoth Dobhair and going on to become a key figure in Donegal football.

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One particular scene shows Cassidy driving to a local graveyard to visit the graves of his grandmother and father, Tommy who died when he was just 58 years old.

“Things didn’t work out too good in the end,” Cassidy begins before discussing his father’s alcohol addiction and how it impacted the family.

We were very close growing up. Alcohol got a grip on him, and we just lost him to be honest. When he died, we were glad he was buried here and that we’re able to come here and talk to him or say a prayer or whatever. Even the children, they know where grandad is now.

“My father was a clever man. When we came here, he started a few different businesses. He had a restaurant, a sports shop and then he bought a pub. So things were going well and we had a good life.

“But in a pub, you’ve obviously got alcohol and he just gradually started drinking too much. He became addicted to alcohol and it was a slippery slope. One day he just left and he didn’t come back, so it was hard at that time.”

Cassidy also discusses the infamous fallout with former Donegal manager Jim McGuinness on the back of his part in the GAA book ‘This Is Our Year’ by Declan Bogue.

The incident in 2011 led to his removal from the Donegal panel and effectively ended his inter-county career.

“Maybe I should have gone to Jim and said, ‘Hey listen, I’m doing this book. What do you want me to say, what do you not want me to say?’ I didn’t give it much thought to be honest.”

Cassidy adds that he first discovered there was a backlash to the book after receiving a text message from his Donegal and clubmate, Eamonn McGee:

“This is serious trouble here, Kevin. Jim rang me and said he wanted a meeting with me. I went out the Clanree in Leterkenny and Maxi Curran and Rory Gallagher were there, they were helping Jim.

“They were sitting there and Jim threw the book down on the table and said: ‘Is there anything you want to tell me, Kevin?’ I said, ‘No, Jim, anything that’s in there is in there. I didn’t see the point telling you because we were just focusing on the football. 

He said, ‘Listen, we’ve no choice, we have to let you go.’ I stood up and shook hands with him.

“In April,  Jim and I had a meeting. He said, ‘Listen, you’re welcome to come back to the panel. I didn’t think it would benefit Donegal if I was on the panel. I knew they were close to winning the big one, but at the same time, it just wasn’t right for me, and that’s the decision I made.”

Kevin Cassidy’s Laochra Gael will be aired this Thursday, 7 January on TG4 at 9.30pm.

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Updated Jan 4th 2021, 5:24 PM

Graham Reilly captained Meath in 2017.

Source: Ryan Byrne/INPHO

GRAHAM REILLY HAS played his last game for Meath.

The 32-year-old forward announced his retirement from inter-county football this afternoon.

In a social media statement, Reilly said it had been “a dream come true” to play for the Royals.

The St Colmcille’s player, who didn’t feature for Meath in 2020, had his final outing in the Super 8s defeat to Donegal in July 2019.

“As a young lad I always wanted to represent my county and for 12 years at senior level I got to do that,” he said. “It has been an honour and privilege to put on the green and gold jersey on so many occasions.”

Reilly was a key member of the last Meath panel to taste provincial success, having kicked 0-4 from play in the 2010 Leinster final win over Louth. He went on to receive an All-Star nomination that year.

Kerry goalkeeper Brian Kelly, who started in the 2014 All-Ireland final win against Donegal, has also announced his retirement from inter-county football.

Brian Kelly celebrates after the 2014 All-Ireland final.

Source: Cathal Noonan/INPHO

The 30-year-old Killarney Legion player also won two National Leagues and seven Munster Championships after making his debut for the Kingdom in 2012.

“As a teenager growing up in Killarney I sold match programmes on Munster final days and dreamed of one day climbing the steps of the Hogan Stand to lift Sam Maguire,” he said.

“Thankfully I have lived out my dream and I am proud to have played my small part in the Kerry GAA history books.” 

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A GROUP OF GAA members led by former Westmeath footballer John Connellan are hoping to bring a motion to the Association’s Annual Congress in 2022 that would see the Dublin funding imbalance addressed.

Connellan, who has been vocal on the issue in recent months, has written to every club and county board outside Dublin in an effort to gain support for a motion that calls for games development funding to be provided to counties on an “equal basis per registered GAA member.”

It is hoped the motion will progress from club AGMs and county board conventions this year to Congress in 2022.

“The approval of this motion would bring about an immediate end to the disproportionate level of funding that many counties and players outside of Dublin are aggrieved with and feel has led to the complete dominance of the Dublin senior football team in both mens and ladies football in recent years,” said Connellan in a press release.

The Athlone clubman said a detailed analysis was provided to clubs and county boards that shows how “Dublin have received €14.16 per person with only €5 allocated per head of population outside of Dublin, nearly three times higher.”

He continued: “Furthermore, it highlights the disparity in funding between this year’s two All Ireland finalists. Mayo during 2010-2014, received €22.30 per registered club player in the county while Dublin by stark contrast, received over ten times this amount in the same period, at €270.70 per club registered players.

“There were calls at the Mayo GAA Convention in 2019 that a motion be placed at Annual Congress to address this unfairness. In addition, following this year’s All Ireland final, current Offaly County Board Chairman and media pundit, Michael Duignan made similar calls.

“The document has outlined in its analysis how most Dublin GAA clubs have seen a doubling of its membership income, with some clubs now taking in excess of €500,000 per annum, it cites the sizeable sponsorship deals that Dublin clubs are now achieving, with one Dublin club not even at Senior A level, securing a five year deal totalling €175,000 or €35,000 per annum that many counties outside of Dublin would find hard to achieve.

“The document outlines how Dublin GAA is now self-sustainable with no need for a continuance of the coaching and development funding from Croke Park with Dublin County Board itself achieving a €2.7 million surplus on its operations in its last published accounts.”

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