Donnelly Cup 2009

Donnelly Cup 2009
After the celebrations from the previous night’s championship victory over Aghyaran it was the turn of the future generation of Cappagh footballers to take centre stage with the hosting of the Donnelly Cup. The inclement weather did not dampen the enthusiasm of the young boys and girls that took part as they all thoroughly enjoyed
the competition. The teachers had put away the textbooks and protractors for the day and put on their managerial hats so to instigate a successful campaign for their respective teams.
There were 10 teams involved in the competition with Killyclogher providing 2 boys’ teams and a girls team, Recarson and Christ the King both had 2 teams and Mountfield, GaelScoil na gCrann and Tircur/Gortnagarn fielded one team each. They were divided into 2 sections with 5 teams in each section. The top team in each section played for the Donnelly Cup, the second team in each section played for the Centenary Cup, the third team in each section played for the Cappagh Shield, the fourth team in each section played for the Centenary Shield and finally the fifth team in each section played for medals.
After each had played 4 games the sections turned out as follows:
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Final Results:
Donnelly Cup: Recarson A beat Killyclogher A
This was the closest Donnelly Cup Final for many years as both teams were evenly matched throughout. Killyclogher played with the breeze in the first half and led by 2 points at half time. The second half proved to be very exciting as Recarson dominated the early stages and quickly established a 5 point lead but Killyclogher showed great determination and character to narrow the deficit to 2 points with 2 minutes remaining. The game moved from end to end and some great defending from the Recarson backline ensured that they retained the prestigious Donnelly Cup. Both sets of players should be commended on the standard of play and sportsmanship that prevailed throughout the final. Congrats to Mrs Fox on retaining the cup… the old adage applies ‘It doesn’t rain but it pours’… and that was certainly the case on Friday for Recarson and the weather!!
Centenary Cup: Recarson B beat Christ the King A
This was a keenly contested final with only 4 points separating the teams at the end. Both teams showed great skill and determination in very tricky conditions for which they both most be commended. It was Recarson’s ability to convert there scoring opportunities into points which was the main factor in them winning and ensuring that a second piece of silverware was going to rest in Arvalee for the forthcoming year. Well done to both teams on a great final.
Cappagh Shield: Tircur/Gortnagarn beat Mountfield
This was an absorbing game with both teams evenly matched throughout. Tircur/Gortnagarn won out on the day by a 2 point margin which was well received by there large band of supporters. Mountfield should not be disheartened as they contributed greatly to a fine game of football.
Centenary Shield: Killyclogher B beat Killyclogher Girls
This was one of the most anticipated games of the day… would the girls beat the boys and have bragging rights in the school for the rest of the year. Unfortunately for the girls they were beaten by a slightly stronger boys team but they most be commended as they were the only girl’s team in the competition and they did themselves proud. Congrats to Killyclogher B and boys I hope you don’t be bragging too much about beating the girls.
Medals: GaelScoil na gCrann beat Christ the King B
This was the first of the finals played on Friday afternoon and it proved to be a very close game between two evenly matched teams. It was GaelScoil na gCrann that won by 2 points under the stewardship of an Armagh man which ensured that the long trek back to school was a happy one. Christ the King should be proud of their performance and the part they played in a great game.
Everyone that participated went home with a medal so everyone was a winner on the day. Each school was presented with 4 footballs by Peter O’Kane on behalf of Killyclogher\Cappagh GAA club which was very much appreciated by all the teachers.
Donnelly Cup winners for 2009 – Recarson PS.

Recarson PS - Donnelly Cup Winners 2009