Upgrade works on GAA pitch

Due in a major part to tremendous voluntary effort between the Christmas and New year period, the goalmouths on the pitch are now completed with an upgrade to astro turf on the small parallelograms. This is a fantastic asset to the pitch as the constant wear and tear on the area in the goalmouths has meant that sod replacement work has eroded very quickly in the past. The club are very grateful to all who gave of their time to work on the upgrade tasks.
Activity is still very quiet on the playing front but will kick off for 2012 over the coming months.

Miltown GAA Lotto goes online

As you may have noticed from the new links on the site, you can now sign up to play Miltown Malbay GAA lotto online along with a pain free method of paying your club membership for 2012.

It is hoped that this will appeal to many people living in Miltown and many parishioners all over the country and the world.

The club lotto is the liveblood of the club financially, so please support if you possibly can.

Finally, to all our website followers, Merry Christmas and a prosperous, healthy and happy New Year to all..

Club AGM date & further activities

St. Josephs Miltown Malbay GAA will host their club AGM for 2011 on Sunday December 11th, 5pm at the clubhouse. The meeting is above and beyond your normal AGM in that club structure and development proposals will be presented that will shape the direction and success of the club in the future. Please make and extra effort to attend this year regardless of whether you are currently involved in Miltown GAA currently.

Nominations are strongly encouraged and actively requested for the position of chairperson, secretary and treasurer along with executive members for 2012. All nominations must be with the club secretary by Friday December 9th at 5pm.

Finally, the county board have requested that we alert club members to the following potential job site: http://www.jobbridge.gaa.ie/clare

Team Photos from 2011

Top: u-18 side who reached Division 1 semi final:

Bottom:u-13 side who won section in Garda tournament:

Miltown awarded secondary county ground status

At the October meeting of the Clare county board, St. Josephs Miltown Malbay was confirmed as the secondary county ground for Clare. This should assist in additional funds in any grant awards from the Munster Council along with meaning that the club is next in line to Cusack Park for hosting any county football games.

Senior status secured

St. Josephs Miltown Malbay secured their senior status following a 1-15 to 0-11 victory over Kilmihil today. The team crucially gave their best attacking display of the year to run out seven point winners. Miltown lead by 1-6 to 0-8 at half time following a very open 30 minutes of football. An Eoin Curtin penalty gave Miltown a 1-6 to 0-4 lead but Kilmihil hit a purple patch to draw level on a 1-6 to 0-9 early in the second half. From here on, Miltown gained a foothold on the game and much to the relief of all involved kicked a series of impressive points to pull clear to victory. Many thanks to all players for their commitment and time giving to the team during the year. It is to be hoped that the team can be kept together for 2012 to launch a strong championship challenge. The team lined out as follows: Niall Quinn, Enda Malone, Michael Talty, Brendan O'Brien, Conor McKenna, Gordon Kelly(0-1), Dara McDonagh, Kevin Keavey (0-2), Sean Meade, David Talty (0-1), Dessie Molohan (0-3), Micheal Malone (0-3), Seanie Malone (0-2), Graham Kelly (0-1), Eoin Curtin (1-2). Subs used: Gearoid Curtin for Michael Talty, Enda O'Gorman for Conor McKenna, Gary Egan for David Talty, Michael Hehir for Seanie Malone, Kevin Burke for Kevin Keavey

Minors exit at semi final stage

St. Josephs Miltown exited the minor 'A' championship with a semi final defeat to Ennistymon on a 4-5 to 1-7 scoreline on Saturday. Miltown played against the breeze in the opening half and were level after twenty minutes at 0-2 each. Howeverm, a disastrous next ten minutes in which Ennistymon availed of some sloppy defending to net three times was to prove the winning of the game. Miltown fought valiantly to the end with an Eoin Cleary goal hinting at a comeback. However, a fourth Ennistymon goal combined with a second yellow for Cathal Hogan killed Miltown's challenge. Overall, their is much to build on for next years campaign. Many thanks to all who assisted with the team throughout the year. The team lined out as follows: Ciaran Flanagan, Seamie Parra Haran, Martin Rynne, Ciaran Kennealy, Sean Mahoney, Donal Keane, Anthony O'Brien, Aidan McGuane (0-1), Dara McDonagh, Liam O'Connell, Conor Cleary (0-2), John O'Brien, Luke Reidy, Eoin Cleary (1-2), Cathal Hogan (0-2) Subs used: Jonathan Marrinan for John O'Brien, Eoin MacMathuna for Liam O'Connell, Drew Clancy

Seniors enter last chance saloon

St. Josephs Miltown senior side will now meet Kilmihil in the senior relegation final following a 0-10 to 1-5 defeat to Liscannor on Saturday evening. This was a much improved performance from Miltown but Liscannors greater experience proved crucial on the evening. Miltown trailed 0-8 to 1-1 at half time having played against the strong breeze. Eoin Curtin got the goal following a superb run from Graham Kelly, Joe Curtin got the point before being forced off with an ankle injury. A missed goal chance before half time was to prove crucial as it allowed Lisannor adopt a more defensive approach in the second half. Miltown had lots of possession in the second half but failed to make it count on the scoreboard. The team lined out as follows: Niall Quinn, Enda Malone, Gordon Kelly, Gearoid Curtin, Seanie Malone, Michael Talty, Conor McKenna, Sean Meade, Kevin Keavey, Dessie Molohan(0-3), Gary Egan, Micheal Malone, Joe Curtin(0-1), Eoin Curtin (1-1), Graham Kelly. Subs used: Enda O'Gorman for Joe Curtin inj, John Meade for Gary Egan, Kevin Burke

In other news, the minors will play competition favourites Ennistymon in the semi final next Saturday. The senior ladies won the senior B county final defeating Newmarket on a 6-4 to 3-7 scoreline

Minors reach 'A' semi final

St. Josephs Miltown u-18 side produced a battling display to defeat last years champions Doora Barefield on a 0-9 to 1-5 scoreline. They now have qualified for a semi final spot with a draw to take place to determine the pairings. All the four quarter finalists from Miltown's group are through with Ennistymon, Kilmihil and Kilmurry Ibrickane also winning their quarter final games. Miltown lead by 0-6 to 0-1 at half time on Saturday having played with the breeze. Doora Barefield dominated the opening twenty minutes of the second half and looked to be in the driving seat when they struck for a goal to lead by 1-5 to 0-7 with ten minutes left. Cathal Hogan equalised for Miltown but was dismissed shortly after on a second yellow. In the closing minutes, Conor Cleary struck over a superb free from 50 metres out for the winner. The scorers on the day were: Cathal Hogan 0-5, Eoin Cleary 0-2 & Conor Cleary 0-2.

Disastrous evening for seniors

An unlikely sequence of results this evening has plunged St. Josephsd Miltown senior side into a relegation semi final playoff against Liscannor. Miltowns 1-10 to 0-6 defeat to Cratloe combined with a seven point win for Doora Barefield over Shannon Gaels moved Miltown to bottom position in the group on scoring averages. Miltown finished on two points with a -7 scoring average which meant they finished fractionally below the Gales who ended on -6. This will be of little consolation as a major battle is now ahead to preserve senior status. Miltown again played well in the first half today and were levl at 0-4 each at half time. Nine first half wides for Miltown were to prove costly as Cratloe assumed control in the second half. The team lined out as follows: Niall Quinn, Enda O'Gorman, Kevin Burke, Enda Malone, Gearoid Curtin, Sean Meade, Seanie Malone, Gordon Kelly, John Meade, Eoin Curtin (0-1), Micheal Malone, Graham Kelly, Kevin Keavey (0-1), Dessie Molohan (0-3), Gary Egan (0-1). Subs used: Michael Barry for Kevin Burke, Dara McDonagh for Gary Egan, David Talty for Kevin Keavey

21's bow out at semi final stage

St. Josephs Miltown bowed out of the u-21 'A' championship following a 2-9 to 0-9 defeat to holders Ennistymon on Sunday evening. Miltown were chasing the game from the outset against an Ennistymon side who were more economical with their scoring chances on the evening. Miltown trailed by 0-7 to 0-3 at half time with a number of missed frees costing Miltown dearly. The loss of senior player Joe Curtin to a hamstring injury also being a major blow. Miltown rallied strongly in the thirq qaurter and cut the gap to 0-8 to 0-6. However, two rapid fire goals killed the game as a contest while Miltown battled to the end with the hardworking Eoin Cleary causing problems for a number of Ennistymon defenders on the evening. The team lined out as follows: Padraig Queally, Colin McGuane, David Cleary, Eoin O'Brien, Tiernan O'Friel, Gearoid Curtin (0-1), Donal Keane, Peter Cleary, Dara McDonagh, David Talty, Micheal Malone (0-1), Conor Cleary (0-1), Seanie Malone (0-1), Joe Curtin, Eoin Cleary(0-5). Subs used: Tommy Flynn for Joe Curtin, Aidan McGuane for Tiernan O'Friel

u-14's reach semi final

St. Josephs Miltown u-14 side have continued their successful season by qualifying for the u-14 division 1 semi final. They defeated Ennistymon in a high scoring playoff last evening on a 7-14 to 4-13 scoreline. They now meet hot favourites Wolftones in the semi final in what is a repeat of this years Feile final. The team and management are wished the very best of luck to continue their encouraging recent displays.

Disappointing result for seniors

St. Josephs Miltown senior side went down to a 0-9 to 0-6 defeat to Shannon Gaels in round 2 of the Senior Championship football on Sunday in Kilmihil. This result means that Miltown must now beat unbeaten Cratloe by a minimum of fiove points in their final game to keep the qualification hopes entirely in their own hands. Miltown played reasonably well in the opening half and were level at four eacgh having played against the breeze. A point each from Joe and Eoin Curtin from play along with two Eoin Curtin frees being the scorers. Some needless fouling had handed Shannon Gaels the four points. Miltown inexplicably failed to perform in the second half despite having a man advantage for the last 20 minutes. Dessie Molohan and Seanie Malone notched two late points. The team lined out as follows: Niall Quinn, Enda Malone, Graham Kelly, David Cleary, Enda O'Gorman, Sean Meade, Dara McDonagh, Micheal Malone, Michael Barry, Seanie Malone(0-1), John Meade, Kevin Keavey, Joe Curtin(0-1), Dessie Molohan(0-1), Eoin Curtin (0-3). Subs used: Gary Egan for Joe Curtin, Michael Hehir for Kevin Keavey, Joe Curtin for Michael Barry, Gerard Malone for Dessie Molohan

Minors win opening game

Miltown 4-12 Cooraclare 0-9

Miltown opened their Minor A campaign with a comfortable win over Cooraclare following a blistering second half display. The sides were level at the break 1-4 to 7 points, Miltown's goal coming from a Eoin Cleary penalty after Luke Reidy had been fouled. However the home side stuttered through the first half and were fortunate to be level. A well taken Liam O'Connell goal following the restart settled St.Joseph's nerves and they pulled clear with further goals from Jonathon Marrinan and Cathal Hogan. Miltown travel to Kilmhil in the next round.

Miltown Team: C.Flanagan (C), C.Kenneally, M.Rynne, S.Parra, C.Talty, D.Keane, A.McGuane, D.McDonagh, C.Cleary, L.Reidy, E.Cleary, L.O'Connell, J.Marrinan, C.Hogan, C.MacMathuna. Subs: S.Mahoney, B.Talty, D.Clancy & E.Deveraux.

The Callan Challenge 2011

St. Josephs Miltown GAA are happy to support the Callan Challenge 2011 and encourage all club members and followers to support the event. Please see below for press release for the event which will take place on Sunday August 7th:

The Callan Challenge
Sunday, 7 August, 2011 – 11am

The Callan Challenge is a unique adventure, taking place for the first time on Sunday, 7 August, at 11.00 a.m. At 390 metres, Mount Callan is the major inland landmark in west Clare and all runners, joggers and walkers are invited to join in the journey to the summit, enjoying breath-taking views of the Atlantic coastline, including the Cliffs of Moher and the Aran Islands, while helping to raise much-needed funds for two worthy local causes.
All participants will be taken by bus from the registration point in Miltown Malbay to the start of the event on the south-west slopes of the mountain. The route will be clearly waymarked and stewarded, with regular water stations and all finishers will be given an official time and memento of the occasion. Buses will bring runners and walkers back to Miltown from the finish point on the north-west side of Callan.
While most of the 7km route is on fairly easy gravel roads, there is some challenging terrain near the summit, with about 1km of soft boggy ground with rough undergrowth. Appropriate footwear and clothing is essential and the event is not suitable for children under 10 years.
The race is open to participants at all levels of fitness and the course will remain open for two and a half hours to allow people to go at their own pace and enjoy the experience.

Entry fee is €20 (children between 10 and 16 years go free but must be accompanied by an adult) and all profit from the event will go to the West Clare Mini-Marathon Cancer Fund and Spraoi Family Resource Centre, Miltown Malbay.

Entry is now open on www.runireland.com, you can visit our website at www.callanchallenge.com or see us on Facebook.