2025 JUNIOR A NORTH BOARD CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

Glinsk 1.13 , Oranmore 2.12

Understandably this report has taken longer to write as the dissapointment from last Saturdays defeat was hard to come to terms with. Sometimes for what ever reason a team has a bad performance and unfortunately last Saturday Glinsk gave our worst performance of the year in the first half of this contest.

Preparations were very good, Management had the lads in a very good place and our focus was putting on a performance for the very large Glinsk support.

The opening period of the game was not anywhere close to our usual standards, we went away from the basics and allowed Oranmore Maree the freedom of the pitch. Every now and then individuals would spark into life but as a collective it just didn’t happen.

Ross Hegarty who was our stand out performer got that opening score of the game after a driving run. O/M responded with 3 on the bounce and controlled large areas of the field. Morgan Neary was accurate from frees as he has been all year and Jason Fannon added another point from play but that was as good as it got and Glinsk were 6 points behind at the break after series of O/M points and we’ll taken goal .

Half time Glinsk 0.5 O/M 1.8

The half time team talk was a sobering one, the players knew they couldn’t go out without a fight and they came storming back into this game from the restart. Eoin Brennan was introduced at half time and added intensity and determination to his area of the pitch. Neary added a brace of points and the Glinsk support responded. Eoin Morgan burst into proceedings in the half forward position and started to take on and beat his man time and time again which opened up spaces in the O/M defence. Iarlaith o Toole won his team a couple of frees after some really strong tackling and Neary was accurate from the placed ball. Another driving Eoin Morgan run released the on rushing Gavin Hegarty who was fouled for a penalty. Morgan Neary stepped up and despatched to the corner of the net. O/M still held a threat and tacked on points to keep them in front but Glinsk were in the ascendancy now and playing much better. Eamon Trayers started to get on ball and a driving run led to a Gavin Hegarty point . Jason Connelly was introduced and soon added his name to the scoresheet with a fine point. Neary added 2 more frees and suddenly Glinsk were in the lead. From 6 points down to 2 points up and the Glinsk team and supporters started to dream. As the game headed towards the final 5 mins O/M launched an attack and rather than tack on a point they went for the jugular and after a goalmouth scramble managed to bundle the ball over the line and Glinsk found themselves 1 point behind. Glinsk responded with a well taken Eoin Morgan point to draw level and extra time was on the cards, However it was O/M that dealth the decisive blow and scored a fantastic point under real pressure to push them in front, from the resulting kick out O/M gathered possession and sealed the victory with another point with what was the final kick of the game.

Glinsk gave everything in the second half but unfortunately our first half performance hurt us. We had chances and hit the crossbar and the post for a 2 point shot from Neary but we can have no excuses after this one. A very tough defeat to take. But this team and Management deserve credit , a massive effort has gone in since last November, the panel has been strengthened with quality young players with 4 making thier debuts this year. We have another group of young players coming through next year and please god our older players who owe nothing to the club will be back to guide the younger players along. As a group we will give everything to the Red and Black Jersey and hopefully go one step further. A big thanks to all the players for thier efforts all year. David rattigan deserves special mention after bringing serious quality to the group as our trainer. Stephen Brennan, Gordon Sirr and Allan Barlow gave so much of their time and effort to coach the team and we thank them for everything they do for this club . We have a brilliant committee in Glinsk led by chairman Tommy Kenny, the team never wanted for anything. To all our wonderful generous sponsors we offer our heartfelt thanks as we could not operate without your support. And as always the final word goes to our unbelievable supporters , we are small in size but big in heart and as a team it does not go unnoticed just how many people show up to support the Team. 

Thats it on the playing field for 2025 but off the field we continued to work with all the other Glinsk clubs and group to continue to improve the facilities at the community centre complex. And like all other groups we will soon be out and about selling tickets for the Glinsk Community fundraising draw which will be held on the 28th December 2025.

Team

C Dowd

D Mannion, K Gunning, R Coyne

E Kilheeney, P o Boyle, R Hegarty (0,1)

J Connaughton, F Dowd

G Hegarty (0,1) J Fannon (0,1) E Trayers

E Morgan (0,1) M Neary (1, 7) I o Toole.

Subs used

E Brennan, J Connelly (0,1) k Kilcommins.

Panel

D Swift, M Connelly, D Hegarty, A Coyne T Dowd, D Morgan , A Brennan, C Trayers, A Connelly.

The final note of this post is a happy one and we Congratulate one of our best ever Jason Fannon and his Wife Denise on the birth of thier baby boy Conor Fannon yesterday, congratulations to you both and welcome baby Conor

2023 NORTH BOARD JUNIOR A CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

St.Michael’s 1—12 Glinsk 0—11

St.Michael’s secured a hard earned victory over a gallant Glinsk team in the Junior A Football Championship final played  in Tuam Stadium. It took extra time to separate the sides after a rip roaring contest watch by an enthusiastic crowd the vast majorty from Glinsk. Glinsk had kicked the opening three points by the 14^th minute through Morgan Neary (2 ) and Jason Connelly. St.Michael’s battled back and landed the next seven points either side of half time.  Morgan Neary replied early in the second half and Glinsk then went on a scoring spree and scored some magnificent points from Neary, Eamon Trayers, Fergal Dowd and Cathal Dowd to leave Glinsk with a 0—9 to 0—7 advantage and ten minues left to play. However St. Michael’s weren’t done yet and forced extra time with two late scores. Brain Donohue and Fergal Dowd kept Glinsk in touch but St.Michael’s carried the extra momentum and score 1—3 to deny Glinsk for the second year in succession.  

Glinsk; Aiden Brennan, Damien Mannion, Kevin Morgan, Cormac Trayers, Kevin Kilcommons, Paul O’Boyle, Ronan Coyne, Brian Donohue ,( 0—1) Fergal Dowd ,(0—2)  Gavin Hegarty, Jason Fannon, Eamon Trayers, ( 0—2)  Jason Connelly,( 0—1) Morgan Neary ( 0—4 ) James Connaughton.

Subs used; Cathal Dowd ( 0—1 ) Peter Lohan, Dermot Morgan. Panel; Aidan Scanlon David Rattigan, Keelan Gunning, Alan Coyne, Shane Giblin, Edward Kilheeney, Aidan Connelly, Michael Connelly, Lee Reddin, John Feeney.

2022 NORTH BOARD JUNIOR A CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

Tuam Stars 0—20   Glinsk  2—11                   

A 12 point haul from Jack Davin inspired Tuam Stars to a narrow victory over Glinsk in a fascinating Junior A  Football championship final in Clonberne. After a nervy start Gerard Cunniffe opened  the  scoring for Tuam, but Glinsk took control thereafter kicking  five of the next six scores.  Eamonn Trayers,(2) Jason Fannon, Fergal Dowd and Kevin Kilcommons all found the target but Tuam replied with a string of points before Eamonn Trayers replied for Glinsk to leave the half time score 0—8 to  0—6 in favour of  the Stars. In the third quarter Tuam full forward Jack Davin kicked 5 points in a row to open up a 0—13 to 0—7 advantage. Then James Connaughton netted a penalty for Glinsk after a foul on Ronan Coyne. Tuam then shot 4 points but Glinsk soon replied with a second goal from the quick thinking Jason Fannon. Moments later there was a crescendo of noise from the massive Glinsk support as Jason Fannon curled over a glorious point to level the contest at 2—10 to 0—16.

Tuam replied with 3 points in quick succession to restore their advantage.  Late points from Eamonn Trayers and Davin closed the scoring as Tuam sealed the honours by a 3 point margin after a thrilling contest. It was a case of so near and yet so far for Glinsk but every member of the team and the management can be proud of their efforts.                                        

Team; Aiden Brennan, Damien Mannion, Jamie Gunning, Cormac Trayers, James Connaughton  1—0, Kevin Morgan, Kevin Kilcommons 0—1, Fergal Dowd 0—1,Paul O’Boyle, David Rattigan 0—1, Jason Fannon 1—3, Morgan Neary 0—1, Eamonn Trayers  0—4, Colm Killackey, Jason Connelly.

Subs used ; Daragh Gunning, Ronan Coyne, Aidan Scanlon. Other panel members; Peter Lohan, John Feeney, Keelan Gunning, Tomas Dowd, John Donlon, Aidan Connelly,Alan Coyne,Lee Reddin,Dermot Morgan,Cathal Dowd,Edward Kilheeney, John Barlow, Michael Connelly,Gavin Hegarty,Justin Farrell, Donal Coriam, Alan Kelly, Mervyn Feeney.                                     

2015 NORTH BOARD JUNIOR B LEAGUE FINAL

In 2015, Glinsk won the North Board Junior league final after defeating Dunmore McHales in decisive fashion in Tuam Stadium. There was an out poring of excitement and jubilation at the final whistle which reached a crescendo as Glinsk captain Brian Curley was presented with the league trophy. Glinsk started the game with great flair and stretched into a 4 point lead after 12 minutes. Jason Fannon got the first score of the game and this was supplemente by scores from Colm Killackey, Tomas Dowd and Fannon again. Further points from Eamon Hegarty, and Jason Fannon left the half time score Glinsk 0—7 Dunmore 0—2. In the arly stages of the second half Aiden Brennan increased the lead. In the 20^th minute Glinsk wqere awarded a disputed 45 but but thid did not deter Fergal Dowd from planting the ball between the posts.  The crucal score of the game then came from Aiden Brennan when he forced the ball over the line following a goal mouth melee. This left the final score Glinsk 1—11 Dunmore 0—7.                                                    

Glinsk ; Simon Mills, Peter Lohan, Brian Curley, ( Capt ) Shane Curley,David Rattigan, Dermot Morgan, Kevin Morgan, Paul O’Boyle, Fergal Dowd 0—1, Colm Killackey 0—2, Eamon Hegarty 0—1, Thomas Killackey, Jason Fannon 0—5, Aiden Brennan 1—1, Tomas Dowd 0—1.  Subs: Jonathan Collins, Brian Donohue, Gerard Neary, Liam Kenny, Gerard Costello, Thomas Tighe, John Feeney Tommy Curley Christopher Collins, Aidan Scanlon, Stephen Neary, John Donlon, Matthew Curley, Aidan Farragher, Daragh McDonagh. Management ; Martin Hurley, Mervyn Feeney, Stephen Brennan.

2015 NORTH BOARD JUNIOR A CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL.

Mountbellew/ Moylough 3—8   Glinsk 0—9   

2015 was a year to remember for Glinsk football as the club claimed the North Board Junior League title and just came up short from winning the league and championship double. Again Tuam Stadium was the venue for the championship final against Mountbellew/ Moylough with Gerry Guinan, the referee. Glinsk started brightly with points from Jason Fannon and Colm Killackey. However the Glinsk challenge soon faded as Mountbellew playing with a strong breeze and with a good sprinkling of their successful under 21 team on board rolled off 6 points in a row to lead by 6 points to 3 at half time. Glinsk commenced the second half with a Colm Killackey point but Mountbellew replied with 1-1. Jason Fannon, David Rattigan, Tomas Dowd and Colm Killackey replied with good scores for Glinsk but Mountbellew had the last word with a goal in the closing minutes to give them a rather flattering 8 point win. 

Scorers for Glinsk ; Jason Fannon 0—4, Colm Killackey 0—3, David Rattigan, Tomas Dowd 0—1 each.

GLINSK WIN NORTH BOARD FINAL

North Board Championship final

Glinsk 1.11 , Loughrea 0.12

Glinsk are North Board Champions after an enthralling game of football on Friday night under lights in Milltown. After losing the last two finals in a row the outpouring of emotion was clear to see when the final whistle blew. Players, management, family members and supporters all gathered on the pitch to share this special moment, this one was a win for the entire community.

The game itself was as tense as it was exciting with both teams giving their all to try to win the trophy. The pace of the game was frantic with good open football on show. Loughrea started the game at a much better level and caused Glinsk big problems with their direct running and pace. Loughrea scored 1st with a fine long-range point from their midfielder. Glinsk struck back from a free from Cathal Dowd after The flying Gavin Hegarty had been hauled down. Loughrea then scored the next two points again from very accurate long-range kicks from the ground. Soon after Glinsk needed their goalkeeper Aiden Brennan to produce a point blank save as the Loughrea corner forward raced through on goal. This would prove to be the warning shot we needed as our players upped their levels from that point on. We blocked up space and started playing our own game. Damien Mannion, Kevin Kilcommins and Kaelan Gunning became more prominent in defence with James Connaughton and Fergal Dowd getting to grips with the midfield area. Up front Jason Fannon, and Eamon Trayers caused plenty of problems with Cathal Dowd accurate when the ball came to him. The remainder of the 1st half was score for score. Jason Connelly scored a nice point after trojan work by James Connaughton in midfield, Fergal Dowd added another soon after. Loughrea still held a big scoring threat and Cormac Trayers and David Swift had their work cut out but both men stood up to their task with tigerish tight marking. Half time score Glinsk 0.6 Loughrea 0.6.

The second half began in the same vain as the first with Loughrea starting the brighter, Glinsk needed the hardworking Eoin Brennan and the excellent Eddie Kilheeney to do the dirty work they have been doing all year , tracking runs and breaking up play. The Game continued in a similar pattern to the first… you score,,, we score and the very large crowd responded to the action on the field to add to the atmosphere. Glinsk sprung the bench early with Morgan Neary making an immediate impact after he was introduced. The Morgan brothers Dermot and Kevin added valuable experience to the defence and Mikey Connelly added his strong running to the team. They say goals win games and this was very much the case on Friday night. Cormac Trayers threw off the shackles of defence and raced up the pitch , received a pass on the halfway line and stuck on the after burners, his powerful run was only stopped when his goal bound effort was blocked by the leg of the Loughrea defender. Penalty to Glinsk……up steps Cathal Dowd…… Goal . Glinsk then gathered the next Loughrea kickout and Jason Connelly scored a fantastic point from a very tight angle to send the Glinsk support into a frenzy. Back came Loughrea who worked a free but as they were two points down, they needed to work a goal, the entire Glinsk team lined the goal and when Damien Mannion came away with the ball the game was done and Glinsk had won. Cue….. wild celebrations. The lads had finally done it and won the trophy they craved. Final score Glinsk 1.11 Loughrea 0.12

Loughrea put up a fantastic fight and on another occasion could have won the game themselves , they have a fantastic team and no shortage of quality, they will be back

After the game, the Glinsk Community spilled out onto the pitch to join in the celebrations. Eamon Trayers won a deserved man of the match and captain Jason Fannon gave an eloquent speech before hoisting the trophy aloft. Photos were taken and memories were made, Glinsk 2024 Junior A North Board Champions.

Team

A Brennan

D Swift, C Trayers, D Mannion

K Kilcommins, k Gunning, G Hegarty

J Connaughton, F Dowd (0.2)

E Brennan, J Fannon, E Kilheeney

C Dowd (1.4) E Trayers (0.2) J Connelly (0.2)

Subs used – K Morgan, M Neary (0.1) , D Morgan, M Connelly.

Squad – A Connelly, P Lohan, A Coyne, L Reddin, S Giblin, J Collins

Injured , R Coyne , P o Boyle.

A massive thanks to our management team of Stephen Brennan, Tom Dowd, and Gordon Sirr

Logistics Alan Barlow

Physio Colin Whelan

And to the fantastic committee in Glinsk Gaa that go beyond and above to help us achieve our goals. A massive thank you.

To our wonderful sponsors, Mervyn Feeney Plant Hire , Central Switchgear , ECC Timber, Stephen Brennan electrical. Thanks for the continued and valued support.

A final word as always to the supporters, the family’s, wives, and partners. Thank you , this one was for you all.

COUNTY JUNIOR A CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

We fell at the final hurdle in Milltown last Saturday night. The scoreline suggests a very one-sided contest but that wasn’t the case for much of this game. Having gone into half time level at 3 points apiece the game was in the balance. In truth we should have been ahead having created a couple of very good goal chances and kicking numerous wides and short. The second half started well for Glinsk, with a period of possession, but the same issues as in the first half persisted. We kicked another four balls wide or short before St James grabbed a very scrappy goal. That goal gave St James the fuel the needed and the really kicked on for the remainder of the half to run out comfortable winner. In front of a massive Glinsk support the lads tried their hardest but in truth ran out of steam. The final whistle blew and the elation for last week was replaced with despair.

Team

A Brennan

K Morgan, C Trayers, D Mannion

K Kilcommins, k Gunning, G Hegarty

J Connaughton, F Dowd (0.1)

E Brennan, J Fannon, E Kilheeney

C Dowd (0,1) E Trayers (0.1) J Connelly (0.1)

Subs used – D Swift, M Neary , D Morgan, M Connelly, S Giblin.

Squad – A Connelly, P lohan, A Coyne, L Reddin, J Collins

Injured , R Coyne , P o Boyle.