Fall League Finals Day kicked off at noon with a kids coaching session. Led by Adrian O’Sullivan, a dozen boys and girls were instructed in the fundamental skills of hurling culminating in a six-a-side game as their proud parents looked on. Days such as this certainly bode well for the future of Gaelic Games in Atlanta!
Hurling Final – Fado’s 35 Ri Ra 28
After being defeated by one point a few weeks back, Fado’s started this game with great intensity running up an early lead after a succession of points from Brian Boland in midfield while Cormac McCormack, Paddy Lynch and goalkeeper Kieran Cronin marshalled the back line. After a slow start Ri Ra started to make some headway with some excellent midfield play and individual scores from Paul Bradley, a well taken goal from Ashley Harmon and great defensive clearances from Neil Carton and Dan Kuemmerle. The play of the half however came from Ri Ra via a goal scored from goalkeeper Rob Kiely from 80 yards out thanks to a fortunate bounce of the sliotar! A string of points from Brian Boland meant that Fado’s led by 5 points at half time.
Fado’s started the second half brightly with two goals from Ciaran Boland and a goal and a slew of points from brother Brian creating separation between the sides. Ri Ra showed great determination however to mount a come back epitomized by two outstanding blocks by Annie Greenwood as she and Zoe Beato had a great individual contest throughout this game. Points by Ger Doorley and Ashley Harmon (x 2) combined with goals from Paul Bradley (x 2) narrowed the gap between the sides. A couple of late points from Brian Boland closed out the contest as Fado’s won by 7 points.
Ri Ra: Rob Kiely, Annie Greenwood, Dan Kuemmerle, Neil Carton, Paul Bradley, Ger Doorley, Ashley Harmon & Malcolm Harris
Fado’s: Kieran Cronin, Paddy Lynch, Adrian O’Sullivan, Jen Beato, Cormac McCormack, Brian Boland, Ciaran Boland, Zoe Beato, Josh Lyons & Chris Cairney
Hurling Final MVP: Brian Boland
Gaelic Football Final – Mac McGee’s 53 Fado’s 39
Similar to the hurling final, Fado’s had a very strong start to this game led by stellar midfield play by Cormac McCormack. Peter Molloy, who saved his best game of the league for the final, provided some great scores from corner forward while Zoe Beato looked dangerous every time she took possession. Goals from Cormac McCormack and Zoe Beato pushed Fado’s into a commanding lead midway through the half. Mac McGee’s responded with points from Steve Gilley, Karina Clarke and Kyle Hosmer as Alan Corr and Brian Boland began to get the upper hand in midfield. At half time Fado’s led by 2 points.
The impact of many of Fado’s dual players playing two games in one afternoon and the larger squad of Mac McGee’s made the difference in the second half. Fado’s could not cope with the strong running of Alan Corr down the middle who scored a couple of goals including one from the penalty spot. Kyle Hosmer and Matt Beloin won some great possession in the full forward line converting numerous chances. The point of the game however came from Becky Biggs who finished with aplomb after making a great run down the field out of defence. Fado’s tried hard until the end with Kieran Cronin in particular having a big impact in the second half however Mac McGee’s won by 14 points to close out a successful campaign.
Fado’s: Paddy Lynch, Adrian O’Sullivan, Kieran Cronin, Cormac McCormack, Zoe Beato, Peter Molloy, Jen Beato & Chris Cairney
Mac McGee’s: Johnny O’Sullivan, Becky Biggs, David O’Donoghue, Alan Corr, Steve Gilley, Brian Boland, Kyle Hosmer, Ciaran Boland, Matt Beloin, Karina Clarke, Jolene Glenn & Dessie Sullivan
Gaelic Football Final MVP: Alan Corr
A post game party took place in Mac McGee’s Irish Pub in Roswell where complimentary finger food was provided by the club to players and supporters. Entertainment was provided for all in attendance by a traditional Irish music session put on by our friends in Irish Traditions Atlanta.
Club Chairman Ray Tracey next presented commemorative glasses to the respective individual players of the year for each code for outstanding play and dedication during 2013:
- Gaelic Football – Kieran Cronin
- Ladies Gaelic Football – Laoise O’Driscoll
- Hurling – Brian Boland
- Camogie – Ashley Harmon
The Fall League trophies were also presented to David O’Donoghue and Brian Boland the respective captains of Mac McGee’s and Fado’s.
The party marked the passing of a very successful Fall League for the club which has built strong momentum leading into the 2014 season. Thanks to all the volunteers who helped out to make the Fall League as enjoyable as it was for everyone. For more photos from this event please check out our gallery online. Roll on Spring League 2014!