St Pauls

CUMANN NAOMH PÓL, B�AL FEIRSTE

www.stpaulsgac.com

Cumann na Óg

The juvenile committee has been busy all year successfully organising events such as the juvenile presentation evening, cul camps, schools' coaching programmes, family fun days and tournaments. The outcome of this dedicated work is reflected in the growing numbers at our popular FUNdamentals group for boys and girls aged from 4 years. Saturday morning is jam packed with lively and enthusiastic young Gaels keenly mentored by lead coaches Paul Donnelly, Donna Coyle, Brian Coyle, Kevin Gamble and Ronan Mc Kenna as well as several willing parents and senior players.

On the field of play the under 10 boys in particular have shown great promise in both football and hurling as they are hungry for competition and battle to be in contention for titles and awards. Numbers are high and attendance regular. Numerous challenge games outside of the county have been organised for the players and Sunday morning regularly witnessed small sided contests, where St Paul's field more than enough players for two teams. A lot of effort is being dedicated to the young St Paul's players and over the coming season St Paul's will definitely emerge as a strong force in Antrim juvenile competitions once again.

The juvenile ladies football teams have reaped all awards in Antrim. They have achieved accolades beyond belief at national level lifting the All Ireland Féile Peil na nÓg title and being runners up at prestigious All Ireland u14 Kilmacud Crokes 7s. They retained the u14 and u16 league and championship titles in Antrim. These girls are an extremely talented group of athletes who are justly rewarded for the commitment that they show to their sport. Maith sibh!

Individual players worthy of a mention are Niall Peoples who made the u16 county hurling squad and who was also selected for the international competition between Ireland and Scotland. Naoise Ó Caireallain and Stephen Rooney also made debut county performances this year. So many of our ladies footballers graced county teams and lifted the Ulster U16 Championship title. Three girls in particular were selected for the Ulster elite camp Kirsty Mc Guinness, Aine Tubridy and Lauren Gray. Well done to all St Paul's players who represent us at county level for Antrim.

Thanks to all our juvenile mentors for the time and commitment you have volunteered this year and we hope to see everyone back next season.

Peil Gaelach

A new management team of Cathal Murray and Joe Kennedy combined to progress senior football in the club. Whilst the fresh training approach gave players opportunities to develop their football skills and a first round victory in championship gave hope of a footballing future this was astonishingly dashed by a championship exit at the hands of Rasharkin. New faces emerged onto the football squad and hopefully these will remain as we see out the remainder of league fixtures.

Joe Quinn and Sean Mc Greevy the veterans of St Paul's and Antrim football teams were again privileged to play at Croke Park. This time the came up trumps bringing back the Tommy Murphy Cup for Antrim. Well played lads.

Peil Gael na mBan

St Paul's ladies footballers continue to astound many with their success. The ladies graced Casement Park in September and pulled off an amazing feat in capturing both of the county senior championship titles in the junior, intermediate grades on the same night. The minor title is yet to be decided. There are high hopes from the intermediate team as they embark on their Ulster quest in October. Lifting a provincial title would make it a perfect ending to the season for the ladies.

Iomairt

The hurlers returned to the intermediate hurling final this year where this time they faced West Belfast neighbours Gort Na Mona for the honours. Windy conditions meant it was going to be a game of two halves and despite great efforts by St Paul's they were unfortunately unable to bring back the title.

Camogaíocht

A tough draw in the Championship as the two favourites met each other in the quarter finals. The winners of this game predicted as lifting the title. Unfortunately the Shaw's Road Camogs having dominated the first half met with a defeat. Determined to be rewarded for their yearly effort the girls went on to lift the junior shield.

Liathroid Laimhe

Aisling Reilly, Sibeal and Fiona Mc Kenna again dominate ladies handball lifting All Ireland Singles and Doubles titles with Aisling retaining her Junior USHA title and lifting the senior national title.

In the men's events St Paul's Joe Mc Allister and Paddy Duffy lifted the Ulster Golden Masters 'A' Doubles whilst Fionntan Gamble and Paddy Nicholl won the Antrim Junior Doubles title.

St Paul's Golden Gloves competition gets underway in October. And like last year a record number of entries are expected.

Cumann na sóisialta

Another fundraising success as the club went 'back to the dogs', an event organised by Billy Mc Larnon and Kevin Murray. The hurlers also ran a successful Fight Night whilst the young ladies footballers brought in sponsorship. Thanks and well done to everyone who helped to fundraise this year.

Ulster Club Minor Football

Activity in the club never ceases and another year has come about which sees the provinces best minors compete for the Ulster Club title. The first round aims to commence at the end of November with matches being played weekly until the final on the traditional New Years Day.