BEAGH G.A.A. ClUB
Est. 1870

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PRESS REPORTS

The unstoppable O'Connor makes history at Dromahane

Huban goes to town in Kinvara’ s victory over hapless Beagh

Loughrea throw themselves title lifeline with deserved victory over 14-man Beagh

Beagh defeated by Athreny

Beagh back in the big time!

Gantley inspires Beagh to victory

Beagh bridge history with inter victory!

Beagh celebrate hurling title win

O'Connor leads Beagh to glory

Gantley saves Beagh bacon!

Gantley points secures draw

Beagh hope that injured Gantley brothers will be fit for Mullagh tie

Mullagh and Beagh set to serve up a cracking intermediate showdown

Gantley's out in force for Eircell awards

CONNACHT TRIBUNE - FRIDAY 30/05/2003

The unstoppable O'Connor makes history at Dromahane

Point-to-Point By Noel McDaid Derek O'Connor is in virtually unstoppable form at present and the Galwegian created his own bit of history at the Duhallow Foxhounds meeting at Dromahane on Sunday as he partnered a two-timer to bring his seasonal tally to 57.
In the process, the Galwegian was surpassing the previous record set of 56 set by joint-champions JT McNamara and Davy Russell in '01/02.
O'Connor completed his treble courtesy of the ten-year-old Wondering Star in the winners' of one. Un-raced until last season, Wondering Star is owned by O'Connor's first-cousin Julie-Anne Moore and he stayed-on dourly to deny the long-time leader Rocja by a half length. Wondering Star incidentally is trained by his owner's Aglish-based partner Toss Byrne.
O'Connor earlier landed the five-year-old and upwards mares maiden with Saor Go Deo, the combination ultimately dispensing with Pasghetti Hoops by two lengths. However, Pasghetti Hoops was disqualified when her rider Johnny Farelly failed to weigh-in. Farrelly was additionally fined€ €127 with Baton Rouge being promoted to second place.
Liam Burke is experiencing a sensational campaign and the Glengoura handler saddled two winners. Burke brought his seasonal tally to 32 courtesy of Shotgun Rider in the closing five-year-old and upwards geldings maiden. Shotgun Rider is owned by John Fraher from Clonmel and the victorious son of Aristocracy was ridden by Colman Sweeney, who now trails Robbie Moran by one (20 -19) in the novice riders championship.
Eoin Gallagher brought his seasonal tally to 11 by returning to the number one spot aboard Burke's remaining winner Robbie Mac, the facile victor of the four-year-old maiden. Robbie Mac sports the colours of his Castleisland breeder Nelius McAuliffe. Brendan O'Sullivan brought the curtain down on his point-to-point career by landing the mares open aboard Jo's Boutique. Liscarroll-born O'Sullivan, who is just 26, commenced his career with Jo's Boutique's handler Eugene O'Sullivan.
BALLINGARRY JT McNamara partnered a solitary winner at the Ormond Foxhounds meeting at Ballingarry on Sunday. However, the Croom amateur still trails Derek O'Connor by some 11 winners ( 57 - 46). McNamara teamed-up with David Finn to take the second division of the five and six-year-old geldings' maiden with Eumenides. A son of Anshan, Eumenides finished fourth at Butlerstown on April 25th and he possesses a pedigree second to none as his winning Le Bavard-sired dam Royal Bavard is a half-sister to both Fortune And Fame and Steel Duke.
Former professional jockey Robert Widger dominated the remainder of the card by piloting a three-timer.
Widger got the ball rolling by triumphing aboard Tin Healy's Pass in the four-year-old maiden. Tin Healy's Pass had previously shown some promise when finishing fifth at Clonmel and he beat Just Like Magic by a neck on this occasion.
Waterford-born Widger then teamed-up with Liz Doyle to collect the winners of one with John Muldoon's homebred Good Old Days, who only forfeited his maiden tag at Wexford nine days previously.
Widger's hat-trick was completed by Lalfinn in the first heat of the five and six-year-old geldings' maiden. Lalfinn is by Right Win, who resides at Kilbarry Lodge Stud near Waterford city. Bennie Walsh continued on his upward curve by landing the first section of the mares' maiden with Raheen Na Hoon whilst Careful Star, who traces back to former top hunter chaser Attitude Adjuster, benefited from Mark O'Hare's assistance in the remaining part of this contest. Andrew McNamara junior meanwhile brought his hunt racing tally for the term to 16 by collecting the seven and eight-year-old geldings' maiden with Uncle Frank, an Aristocracy-sired son of the 1992 Kerry National winner Propunt.

CONNACHT TRIBUNE - FRIDAY 30/05/2003

Huban goes to town in Kinvara’ s victory over hapless Beagh

Kinvara               3-12

Beagh                  1-13

IT TOOK a while for Kinvara to assert their superiority on the scoreboard but, in the end, proved far too strong for a disappointing Beagh side as they claimed their first win of the senior hurling championship in this one-sided contest played at Clarinbridge on Saturday evening.

Both sides had already suffered heavy defeats against Athenry they tagged on a few late scores to give a more respectable look and failed narrowly against Loughrea in their opening two games to the final score line.

in Group A, so this was in effect a relegation decider. This win should ease Kinvara’s relegation worries and for that they can thank a rock solid half-back line that snuffed out any threat from the Beagh attack and a wonderful individual performance by centre forward David Huban who scored 2-7 of his side’s total. For Beagh, last year’s intermediate success and promotion to the senior ranks must seem a long time ago now and they would to have only a mathematical chance of avoiding the relegation dogfight. While Kinvara played with the advantage of a strong breeze in the opening half, it was Beagh who opened the scoring with a Brendan Gantley free after a foul on Shane Diviney. Kinvara replied with two great scores, the first a long distance point from the left wing by midfielder Michael Kilkelly opened his account with a perfectly struck sideline cut from 40 metres out.

Beagh started the second-half in determined fashion when an early Rory Gantley free was followed by a Joseph Gantley point set up by some wholehearted blocking and hooking in defense. However with just ten minutes gone in the half, Kinvara wrapped up this game with two goals in the space of three minutes.

Kinvara: C. Callanan; S. Moylan, J. Kavanagh C. Mclnerney; C. Helebert, P. Htiban, C. Burke; S. Kavanagh, M. Kilkelly (0-1); A. Byrne (0-1), David Huban (2-7, 1-3 frees, 1-0 pen, 0-1 sideline cut)

Beagh: P O’Connor; R. McDermott, F Gantley, E. O’Loughlin; K. Diviney, A. Diviney, J. Morris; R. Gantley (0-7, 0-6 frees, 0-1 ‘45) D. McDermott; J. Gantley (1-1), J. Reynolds, P. Diviney; S. Diviney\(0-2), B. Gantley (0-3, 0-1 free), N. Diviney. Subs: P. Brown for

 Referee:        Joe Larkin (St. Thomas)

CONNACHT TRIBUNE - FRIDAY 24/04/2003

Loughrea throw themselves title lifeline with deserved victory over 14-man Beagh

Loughrea 2—12     Beagh . . . . . • . . • . • . . . . 1—11

by Frank Farragher

THE Friday evening selling in Athenry’s Kenny Park might have proven to be a turn-off for the punters with only about 250 of the ‘hard core’ turning out, but they got good value for money in this very competitive Group A clash which eventually yielded Loughrea a championship lifeline.

Loughrea huffed and puffed a lot before eventually blowing down the Beagh house and had the South Galway side not been reduced to 14 men after just 12 minutes of the match, the outcome might have been different.

Beagh paid a high price for that moment of indiscretion when referee Mike Bindon had no hesitation in sidelining David O'Halloran for an off the ball challenge on Tom Regan. To make matters worse for Beagh, from the resultant long range free taken by Nigel Shaughnessy, Johnny Maher set up Johnny Dooley for a neatly taken flicked goal.

A man down and a goal down, Beagh were sorely hit with that double blow but in fairness to the South Galway side they showed commendable resolve and courage to launch a most spirited comeback. Beagh, with Rory Gantley in inspirational form at midfield, hauled themselves back from 1-3 to 0-4 deficit situation to lead at half-time by 1-9 to 1-5 with Joe Gantley delivering the tonic of a well taken goal in the fifth minute of first half injury time.

Six times Rory Gantley found the black spot on the crossbar (five of them from frees) as Loughrea — already under serious pressure from their first game defeat at the hands of Abbey-Duniry realised that they faced a difficult challenge.

Loughrea had wind advantage in the second half and with corner back Brian Mahony reveling in his extra man role sweeping up around midfield, Loughrea clawed their way back into contention and levelled the match eight minutes into the second half when a 20 yard Eddie McMahon strike found the back of the Beagh net.

Two excellent points from the lively Johnny O'Loughlin on the right wing also seemed to instill some zest into the Loughrea play but it wasn’t until the final eight minutes that they edged their way in front thanks to a series of late points, three of them coming from O’Loughlin placed balls.

Loughrea did enjoy a lot of second half possession but they gave their small band of supporters many hard stopping moments when shooting a dozen wides in that period. It was tough hurling though — and fair too for the most part — although things did spill over in one second half incident beside the dugouts with a number of players involved before referee Mike Bindon restored order.

In the end though Loughrea’s numerical advantage and down the middle strength gave them a deserved victory with Nigel Shaughnessy, sub Dermot Melia, Vinny Maher, Gavin Keary, Johnny O’Loughlin and Johnny Maher giving strongest supporter to their most influential player in Brian Mahony.

The early sending off was too much of a burden for Beagh to carry — especially as the second half wore on — but in terms of attitude and courage there was much to admire about their display. Rory Gantley looked a class hurler at midfield while Finbarr Gantley, Adrian Diviney, Joe Gantley, Shone Diviney and Brendan Gantley also played key roles in really ‘putting it up’ to Loughrea in a match not short of championship fervour even if the atmosphere was missing.

Loughrea: N. Murray; B. Mahony 0-1, D. McCleam, C. Bugler, T. Regan, N. Shaughnessy, S. Creaven; V. Maher 0-1, G. Keary (0-1); S. O’Loughlin 0-7 (4 frees, 1 65), J. Maher, 
                    E. McMahon 1- 0, K. Colleran 0-1, K. Daniels 0-1, J. Dooley (1-0). Subs.: P. Connors for Daniels (45), D. Melia for Bugler (49), C. Bugler for Dooley (57).

Beagh:   P O’Connor; P. Browne, F. Gantley, R, McDermott; K. Diviney, A. Diviney, R. Glynn; R. Gantley 0-7 (6 frees), J. Reynolds; J. Gantley 1-1, P. Diviney 0-1, D. Halloran.
 S. Divine y 0-1, B. Gantley 0-1, E. O’Loughlin. Subs.: N. Diviney for Browne (52).

Referee: Mike Bindon (Clarinbridge).

CONNACHT TRIBUNE - FRIDAY 24/04/2003

BEAGH DEFEATED BY ATHENRY

Athenry 2-13 : Beagh 0-6

by Sean Walsh

REIGNING county hurling champions Athenry had a competent, if not spectacular, victory over Beagh in Loughrea on Monday. Indeed, their success, with Donal Moran to the fore, was garnished by two late goals in injury time, which gave Athenry a more flattering victory than their seven-point advantage going into injury time suggested.

Those two goals also served to undermine the efforts of a game Beagh side, who were returning to senior hurling for the first time since 1988.  And, while they lacked the guile, physical power and scoring ability to seriously threaten their opponents, the concession of the two late majors piled on some late agony.
    It was a new look Athenry side - Gerry Keane, Paul Hardiman, Brendan Keogh, Pat Higgins, Eugene Cloonan and David Donoghue were all absent, and so the mantle was passed on to the younger brigade. And while lacking the invincibility of yore, when some of the afore mentioned men come back, the evidence indicates that Athenry will again challenge strongly for ultimate honors.
    Incredibly, the shape of the game could have been dramatically altered in the opening three minutes, when Beagh, who opened well, could have struck for two goals. Within 30 seconds, Joe Gantley and Shane Diviney combined to set up a real goal chance for Pat Diviney, but he blasted wide, while within two minutes, Rory Gantley got a touch to a lineball from brother
    Brendan, that forced a smart save from Mickey Crimmins. Beagh were to rue those missed chances. Donal Moran opened the game’s scoring on six minutes, and within a further six minutes, the champions had built a 0-5 to 0-0 lead, thanks to an exquisite Brian Henley lineball, two further Donal Moran efforts, and an Alden Poniard point. Thus the difference between the sides was already apparent after that opening phase as Athenry’s scoring capacity appeared superior to Beagh’s.
    That said, Beagh were to enjoy a much more productive second quarter, with Brendan Gantley moving a good deal from ball from midfield. Roy Gantley, got Beagh’s first score (a free) on 13 minutes, and by the 24th minute, the margin was down to 0-5 to 0-3, as a further long range free and a 65 from Roy Gantley had Beagh very much back in contention.
    Michael John Quinn, now at full forward, with Joe Rabbitte moved to the forty, ended a 16 minute Athenry scoreless spell with a neat point, before Joe Gantley got Beaghs first score from play on 27 minutes to leave Athenry holding onto a not entirely commanding 0-6 to 0-4 half time lead.
    Within five minutes of the re­start Athenry had doubled their lead with Donal Moran and Michael John Quinn, who was making light of his move to the forwards, shooting points. Indeed, Moran was becoming the bane of the Beagh defence, and with a deft side step he shot his fifth point of the day to leave Athenry 0-9 to 0-4 ahead on 48 minutes.
    And while their lead was never of large proportions, Athenry looked well in command, as Beagh found it hard to penetrate a physically imposing Athenry rearguard, where Brian Feaney, and especially centre back Diarmuid Cloonan ruled the roost, while midfielders Shane Donoghue and Brian Henley ensured that Beagh found it hard to win possession.
    Rory Gantley pointed a 41st minute free to account for Beagh’s first score of the second half, but Donal Moran (2), Michael John Quinn and the point of the day from the stylish Moran had Athenry 0-13 to 0-5 ahead on 52 minutes, in a contest that never rose to any great heights. Mickey Crimmins did stop a Roy Gantley goal effort, before Brendan Gantley, now at centre forward, pointed to leave it at 0-13 to 0-6 six minutes from time.
    With the game petering out, and Beagh failing to up the tempo, Alden Poniard should have goaled for Athenry, but after Beagh’s Padraig O’Connor saved, he embarked on a stirring run which brought him all the way to midfield, and earned him the cheer of the day! The goals did come for Athenry though in injury time.
    Firstly, Brian Hanley, Shane Donoghue, and Donal Moran worked the opening for Michael John Quinn to finish to the net and then on 62 minutes, Quinn turned provider to set up Emmet Caulfield for Athenry’s second goal and a 2-13 to 0-6 final scoreline. Beagh’s paltry scoring return tells it’s own story, and two’ points in the second half and only two points from play over the hour are statistics that need to be worked on.
    Beagh know now what the step-up to senior hurling entails, and how they respond will make or break their season. Finbar Gantley, centre back Adrian Diviney, Brendan Gantley particularly in the first half, Joe Gantley who looked dangerous on the ball, and Shane Diviney were to the fore, on a day that Rory Gantley saw action in a number of different positions.
    Athenry will be happy to have this opener out of the way, but will realise that stiffer tests are ahead. Brian and John Feeney, the stylish Brian Higgins, the impressive Diarmuid Cloonan, Brian Hanley and Shane Donoghue who won the midfield battle, Michael John Quinn, Joe Rabbitte who got more involved in the second half and the star man Donal Moran all did well.

Athenry: M. Crimmins; I. Kelly; B. Feeney; J. Feeney; B. Higgins; D. Cloonan; D. Carroll; S. Donoghue; B. Hanley (0-1, sideline); A. Poniard (0-1); M.J. Quinn (1-3); D. Moran (0-8, 2 frees); J. Conway; J. Rabbitte; E. Caulfield (1-0).

Beagh: P 0’ Connor; P Brown; F Gantley; E O’Loughlin; D. OHalloran; A. Diviney; R. McDermott; R. Glynn; B. Gantley (0-1); P. Diviney; J. Reynolds; K. Diviney; S. Diviney; J. Gantley (0-1); R. Gantley (0-4, 3 frees, 1 65).

Referee: J.J. Larkin (St. Thomas).

CONNACHT TRIBUNE - FRIDAY 13/12/2002

Beagh back in the big time!

Sixty-two minutes had elapsed in Sundays county intermediate hurling final in Loughrea, and incredibly the teams were deadlocked at 1-10 apiece. It was the sixth time that they were level, and it appeared that these sides were not going to be separated. Certainly extra time looked on the cards, and given the enthralling second half, a neutral observer would have been delighted with the prospect of more of the same.

Yet small things turns matches. Michael Garvey, who had a fine game between the Mullagh posts, delayed a quick puck-out to the unmarked Eamon Donohue, and that allowed Joe Gantley to intercept. Rory Gantley gained possession and showed nerves of steel to fire over the lead point.

It was the crucial score. Within a minute, the buoyed up Beagh men saw sub Shane Diviney point to send the Beagh followers into ecstasy, and when the long whistle sounded, the more economical Beagh side had returned to senior hurling for the first time since 1988 on a 1-12 to 1-10 score line.

It was a cruel ending for Mullagh, in what was a traumatic year for the club, given the tragic loss of Brian Donohue. Yet in the final analysis, Mullagh came up short, mainly because of a match total of 11 wides, which incorporated a lack of accuracy from placed balls. Throw in the fact that Donal Reilly and Cathal Dervan saw real goal chances go a begging, and Mullagh will wonder long and hard about this replay. However, Beagh displayed wonderful desire and heart, as well as playing a crisp brand of hurling.

Indeed, Beagh could have been further ahead at half time as an amount of first quarter possession was dropped short into Mullagh's competent custodian Michael Garvey, while every time Mullagh threatened to up the tempo over the hour, Beagh responded in style.

Mullagh only led twice in the game, and in sharpshooters Rory and Joe Gantley, Beagh had the cutting edge in attack, as those two men again worked the oracle, as they did so often throughout the championship.

The good size crowd were treated to a disappointed first half. Scores were scarce, and the pitch held up well, but the importance of what was at stake seemed to inhibit both sides. Declan Hardiman shot the games opener for Mullagh on six minutes, but by the 12th minute Beagh had gone 0-3 to 0-1 ahead thanks to points from Joe Gantley and two from Rory Gantley, the first of which was a delightful effort.

Donal Reilly availed of a Beagh defensive slip to gain possession on the 16th minute and from 11 meters out a goal looked inevitable before a partial hook allowed Beagh keeper Padraig O'Connor save at the expense of a fruitless 65. It was a let-off for Beagh. The final six minutes of the half improved, and a superb 35 meter side line cut from Conor Dervan was Mullagh's first score in 18 minutes to leave Mullagh just 0-3 to 0-2 behind - interestingly all the Mullagh forwards, bar Declan Hardiman had now been switched.

Rory Gantley shot two frees by the 29th minute to leave Beagh 0-5 to 0-2 ahead  - a lead they were worth - but Mullagh struck for two important scores in injury time. Firstly, Padraig O' Connor saved a Cathal Dervan 20 metre free at the expense of a point, and then Conor Dervan, who had moved to midfield, shot a good point to leave the game in the melting pot at 0-4 to 0-4 in Beagh's favor at the break. However Mullagh's placed ball difficulties were apparent, with Cathal Dervan been off target on three occasions.

The second half proved to be a trilling affair and within two minutes, Mullagh struck for goal, Colm Fahy's long solo run ended with a hand pass across the square and Donal Reilly availed of a Eoin O'Loughlin slip to rattle the ball to the net. Significantly though Mullagh never got a chance to settle on the goal, as from the puck out Beagh responded in impressive fashion. Rory Gantley's angled cross from the right corner found Pat Diviney and his shot from twenty meters went low to the net, to leave Beagh 1-5 to 1-4 ahead. Game on.

Four quality points followed - two from Beagh's Joe Gantley and one a piece from Mullagh's Declan Hardiman and Colm Fahy and thus by the 41st minute Beagh led by 1-7 to 1-6. That score line should have changed in Mullagh's favour one minute later when Cathal Dervan caught a high ball over Pat Reynolds, turned but blazed the goal chance wide.

It was to prove decisive, Niall Cahalan had taken over the free taking duties and his free allied to Declan Hardiman's third point meant that Mullagh had gone 1-8 to 1-7 ahead by the 45th minute as both sides served up a splendidly committed contest.

Again, Beagh answered the call. Shane Diviney found himself inside the Mullagh defense on three occasions in quick succession, and while goals looked possible, a point was the net result. When the classy Rory Gantley shot a fine free and Brendan Gantley cleverly fed Joe Gantley for a 54th minute point, Beagh had gone 1-10 to 1-8 ahead, as every ball was contended with tigerish fervour.

Then a slick Mullagh attack found Donal Reilly in on goal, but Pat Reynolds stopped that attack in robust style - Reynolds receiving just a yellow card (the games fifth) - and Niall Cahalan pointed the free to leave just the minimum between them.

Mullagh pushed forward and on the 59th minute, Niall Cahalan showed commendable courage amid the tension to point the equalising free to leave the sides level for the sixth time as injury time approached. Then, in additional time, came the two winning points from Rory Gantley and Shane Diviney, and thus it was Beagh's Eoin O'Loughlin that accepted the Mick Silver cup.

This was a magnificent achievement for a Beagh side whose direct hurling worked well in opening the Mullagh defense. They also hurled with wonderful spirit. On the day their major players produced the goods, as the inspirational Rory Gantley, along with brother Joe, who displayed maturity beyond his years, both starred. Pat Reynolds, Finbarr Gantley, Dermot McDermott, despite been on Mullagh's best forward, the hard working Richie Glynn, the under-rated Brendan Gantley, and the Divineys Pat and Adrian and impressive sub Shane also did well for the winners.

This was a cruel defeat for Mullagh, but they had their chances. It is so difficult to come up from intermediate, but the day will surely come for this young side. Michael Garvey, Eamon Donohue, who was a driving force throughout (a move outfield from his full back line base could have been beneficial to Mullagh), the impressive Derrick Hardiman, Kevin Briscoe, Declan Hardiman who shot three good points, and Niall Cahalan who did well when switched onto the frees, did most, while Colm Fahy's runs threatened at times.

BEAGH: Padraig O'Connor, Reggie McDermott, Pat Reynolds, Eoin O'Loughlin, Adrian Diviney, Finbarr Gantley, Dermott McDermott, Richie Glynn, Brendan Gantley, Stephen Killeen, Pat Diviney (1-0), John Reynolds, Rory Gantley (0-6, 4 frees), Joe Gantley (0-4), Kieran Diviney. Subs: Paul Browne for Finbarr Gantley (Temporary blood 4 minutes), Shane Diviney (0-2) for Stephen Killeen (41 minutes).

MULLAGH: M. Garvey, A. Larkin, E. Donohue, J. Mullins, R. Keane, Derek Hardiman, P. Finnerty, K. Briscoe, R. Larkin, Declan Hardiman (0-3), Conor Dervan (0-2, 1 sideline), C. Fahy (0-1), D. Reilly (0-1), Cathal Dervan (0-1, free), N. Cahalan (0-3, 3 frees).  Subs: R. Duane for A. Larkin (44mins), K. Coen for Fahy (57 mins), M. Coen for Declan Hardiman (inj. 61 minutes).

REFEREE: S Moran (AbbeyKnockmoy)

FOOTNOTE: Interestingly Tubber man Pay O'Connor has trained both Leitrim-Kilnadeema and now Beagh to the senior ranks in the last 4 years. O'Connor the former Clare player and once described as the best player ever to come out of Our Lady's College, Gort, also guided Crusheen to a similar feat in his native county during the eighties.

WWW.HOGANSTAND.COM

Gantley inspires Beagh to victory

Beagh............1-12
Mullagh..........1-10

A Rory Gantley inspired Beagh made the long awaited return to senior ranks at the expense of a battling Mullagh side in the replay of the intermediate hurling final at Loughrea last weekend.

Mullagh’s failure to convert their chances was to contribute to their downfall as Beagh were not so shy on front of the goals. Gantley and Shane Diviney were the heroes as a point apiece near the end was enough to secure their return to senior status for the first time since 1988.

Gantley was ably assisted by his brother Joe in the scoring stakes as they scored ten points between them.

Beagh’s ability to convert their chances seen them lead the first half 0-5 to 0-4 in a mediocre 30 minutes. In the second half the game upped a level as Mullagh’s Donal Reilly fired home from close range just after the break but straight from the puck out Rory Gantley laid off a pass to Pat Diviney who fired home from 20 yards.

Mullagh kept pushing hard and they sides were level 1-10 apiece when Gantley and Diviney preformed their heroics to end an enthralling contest.

CONNACHT TRIBUNE - GORT AND S. GALWAY NOTES - FRIDAY 13/12/2002

Beagh bridge history with inter victory!

South Galway's hurling fans gave a rousing reception to the Beagh hurlers on Saturday after they were presented by County Hurling Chairman Miko Ryan with the Michael Silver cup for winning the County Intermediate Hurling Championship in the replay against Mullagh at St. Brendan's Park, Loughrea.

This was a n occasion to savour for the locals as the "Young Loughinars" of South Galway gave a display worthy of the best of the County's senior teams. The previous Sunday week in the drawn game South Galway was represented by these youngsters who had rarely during the year shown their true mettle. On Saturday the whole team played top capacity and emerged victorious at the end of a marvelous hurling match.

One must look to last January to see the origins of last Saturdays win, because it was at that stage that the team took up the challenge of winning the County Championship, the gateway to the County Senior Grade. Since then the players trained and practiced methodically and extensively. On the last day of training they had undergone133 training sessions.

It there was ever an example of perseverance, Beagh's young men surely provided it. The cavalcade of cars accompanying this team got a rousing reception on the way home from Loughrea, but thus was tame by comparison with the reception of the people of the parish. There were scenes of great excitement as the cavalcade went round the parish.

At the platform besides Whelan's pub there was a formal 'welcome home', and it was there that the crowd connected the present with the past...the present heroes with the men of the 1920s and 1980s who had played senior hurling for Beagh.

Josie Keehan (the club's Juvenile Secretary) was M.C., John Moylan (the clubs secretary, club delegate and team manager) introduced the team and panel to the ecstatic crowd. Ten years ago John Moylan was captain of the Beagh intermediate team that reached the county championship final. He was a member of the Galway Senior Hurling panel in 1984 and what was captain of the Beagh Intermediate team that defeated Mullagh in the County Intermediate Championship final of 1980.

John Moylan paid tribute to the players and supporters who had made this memorable occasion and recalled that in 1980, when Beagh last won the County Intermediate Championship, the club had neither field nor facilities. The club has now a playing field which is been extended, dressing room and lights. Pat O'Connor the trainer spoke of the commitment of the players and the great working relationship he had with all connected with the team.

Present at the reception among the great hurlers of past generations was Club President, Joe Gantley, grandfather of team members Finbar, Brendan, Rory and Joe Gantley and Finbar Gantley himself, their father, the most distinguished of Beagh's hurlers.

The team and panel presented to the crowd at the reception were: Padraig O'Connor, Reggie McDermott, Pat Reynolds, Eoin O'Loughlin, Adrian Diviney, Finbarr Gantley, Dermott McDermott, Richie Glynn, Brendan Gantley, Stephen Killeen, Pat Diviney (1-0), John Reynolds, Rory Gantley, Joe Gantley, Kieran Diviney, Shane Diviney, Paul Browne, Martin Killeen, Niall Diviney, David O'Halloran, PJ McAllen, Brian Diviney, Nigel Harrington, Eddie Skehill, John Loughnane, Donal Walsh, Noel McNevin, Kevin O'Grady, Colin Whelan and Paul Hanrahan.

Paddy Noone was selector.

The medical team were Nigel Harrington, Nollaig McDermott and John Loughnane.

The Physio was Grainne O'Hanlon

At the end of the reception in Beagh the team were brought to O'Grady's in Gort for a meal. Many well wishers in Gort arrived there to congratulate the team. After that the players went across the road to be greeted by Declan and Michelle, two of the teams great supporters. 
They filled the cup.

CLARE CHAMPION - FRIDAY 13/12/2002

Beagh celebrate hurling title win

There were scenes of great jubilation in St. Brendan's Park, Loughrea, last

There was much to celebrate for a club and parish that has a proud history in its participation in the ancient game. This was the second intermediate title (the first was in 1980) for the club which has now achieved senior status for the first time since 1988.

So Beagh has reemerged as a senior hurling force and hopefully, it will be one to be reckoned with in the coming years.

Bonfires blazed as the team and a cavalcade of supporters made a tour of the parish on Saturday evening. They were joined by many from the surrounding areas who were happy to meet and congratulate their near neighbors.

Beagh had to fight hard with a  combination of skill, stamina and a never-say-die spirit to win the Saturday's very close encounter. They showed great pride and passion throughout and along with their supporters, they will savour the title win for the coming weeks and months.

It was a pulsating second half struggle and as the game slipped into injury time, the teams were level at 1-10 apiece. Rory Gantley and Shane Diviney in two of the best moves of the game hit a point apiece to win the day for Beagh.

Team manager John Moylan, said that the players showed great commitment throughout the year and put in a huge effort. "They showed heart and courage and their attitude during the long training season was fantastic. I am delighted for them and the Beagh parish and it is a huge boost to win this second Intermediate title. We will take the next step in the senior grade and I have no fear at all for the future because we have a lot of quality players who have proven their ability", he said.

Galway Hurling Board chairman, Miko Ryan, presented the Mick Sylver cup to Beagh captain, Eoin O'Loughlin.

CLARE CHAMPION - FRIDAY 13/12/2002

O'Connor leads Beagh to glory

Pat O'Connor's reputation as a hurling coach was further enhanced on Saturday last when Beagh captured the Galway Intermediate hurling title. Ina replayed final, they scored a two point victory over Mullagh to end the wait of over twenty years for the crown.

Two weeks earlier, they came from behind to score two points in 'injury time' and force last Saturdays replay in Loughrea.

O'Connor from nearby Tubber was charged with the task of coaching the side. two years ago he filled a similar role with another Galway club Leitrim-Kilnadeema who also won the Galway intermediate title.

His successes haven't been confined to Galway as he helped neighbours on the Clare side, Crusheen to an intermediate title some years ago.

Four Gantley brothers lined out in the Beagh side last week. They are well known to Clare followers having played for St. Flannans college in the Dr. Harty cup. Another club member, Shane Diviney, has worn the St. Flannans colours in recent years.

Galway senior panelist, Rory, is a member of the teaching staff  at Scariff community college where he coaches the club's senior side.

Pat O'Connor was a leading member of Clare's national league winning sides in the late seventies. He is currently chairman of the Tubber club and coaches some of the underage sides at the North Clare club.

CONNACHT TRIBUNE - FRIDAY 20/11/2002

Gantley saves Beagh bacon

Beagh............1-13
Mullagh..........2-10

Two evenly matched teams, some superb individual displays and breathtaking finish made for an exciting Galway Intermediate hurling Championship showdown at St. Brendan's Park, Loughrea on Sunday.

While the first-half of this county final - fought out before a big crowd - was a scrappy affair with too many missed chances, particularly from Beagh, the second-half saw some quality hurling played a frantic pace and in a very sporting manner. 

It was a close, tight contest from start to finish with never more than a goal between the sides and there was some memorable scores and some crisp ground scores to enjoy. A late goal by Mullagh's Donal Reilly, his second chance of the game, looked to have clinched the victory but Beagh displayed tremendous character and snatched a draw with two excellently struck points from placed balls by Rory Gantley.

It was no more than Beagh deserved as recovered from a nervy opening 25 minutes to come very close to claiming only their second intermediate title. Beagh had the advantage of a strong wind in the opening half but some bad wides from placed balls by Finbar, Rory and Brendan Gantley saw them trail Mullagh by 1-3 to 0-4 with just a couple of minutes to half time.

Mullagh got off to the perfect start when some sloppy defending in the Beagh full-back line gave County panelist, Donal Reilly acres of space to rifle his shot to the roof of the net. Rory Gantley got Beagh off the mark when he fired over a free after a foul on Joe Gantley. Straight from the puck-out Kevin Briscoe picked up the breaking ball and he stroked over a good point on the run. Brendan Gantley cut a sideline ball from almost 45 metres out on the stand side of the pitch all the way over the bar but Cathal Dervan hit back with a  point from play to restore Mullagh's one goal lead with six minutes gone. 

The next twenty minutes of the game saw a lot of good defending by the Beagh backs but time and again possession was wasted with careless overhit deliveries going harmlessly wide. Rory Gantley did convert two long range frees from near his own '65 to keep Beagh in touch. Mullagh could have had a second goal but Cathal Dervan's close range free was well saved although the clearance did come back out to him and he knocked over a point.

With time running out in the first-half Joe Gantley, played at full-forward, struck for a vital goal for Beagh when he picked up possession and rounded his marker before confidently finishing to the back of the net. He almost had a second in the very next attack but his shot was half blocked down and the danger was cleared. He did add a point from play after good work in defense from Reggie McDermott but Kevin Briscoe reduced Mullagh's deficit to just a point when he struck another great point on the run. Brendan Gantley completed the scoring in the first-half to leave Beagh two points up at the break.

Beagh's John Reynolds and young Donal Reilly from Mullagh pointed in the opening two minutes while Rory Gantley converted another free before Beagh's Pat Diviney almost scored a spectacular goal only to see his overhead pull from 20 metres out bounce inches wide.

Donal Reilly had another goal chance but had to settle for a point which was the first of four Mullagh points without reply which levelled things up at 1-9- apiece with ten minutes to go. Cathal Dervan got two of the scores from placed balls while substitute Niall Cahalan got a very good score over his right shoulder.

The last ten minutes saw both sides get into winning positions but fail to hold onto them. Beagh switched Rory Gantley into full-forward and the move paid rich dividends with two breathtaking points in the space of 5 minutes from the county senior player.

The first saw Gantley picked up possession on the dugout side of St. Brendan's Park to float over a great point from a difficult angle while the second was on the same side of the pitch and from an even more difficult angle. Joe Gantley added another point while Cathal Dervan wasted a glorious goal chance when he blazed his shot over the bar after he was well found by his brother Conor.

Donal Reilly made no such mistake when he picked up a delivery from Eamon Larkin and buried the ball low to the left hand corner of the net to leave Mullagh 2 points up with time almost up.

Beagh was not finished though and Rory Gantley was held back as he threatened to get a clear run on goal. Gantley took the free himself and decided to go for the goal but it was deflected behind foe a '65. He converted the '65 and in injury time he earned another free 40 meters out on the stand side of the pitch which he fired over the bar to level things up and give both sides a deserved second chance.

Beagh had some whole hearted displays particularly in defense where Reggie McDermott, Eoin O'Loughlin, Adrian Diviney and Finbar Gantley were immense. Richie Glynn got through a lot of work at midfield while Joe Gantley, Pat Diviney, Rory Gantley and Stephen Killeen were most effective up front.

Mullagh had too many players who didn't perform to their ability but in Paul Finnerty, Eamon Donohue, Derek Hardiman (who had a terrific first half but was hampered by a leg injury in the second), Kevin Briscoe, Cathal Dervan and the lively Donal Reilly they had enough quality to force a draw.

BEAGH: Padraig O'Connor, Reggie McDermott, Pat Reynolds, Eoin O'Loughlin, Adrian Diviney, Finbarr Gantley, Dermott McDermott, Richie Glynn, Brendan Gantley (0-2, 0-1 sideline cut), Stephen Killeen, Pat Diviney (1-0), John Reynolds (0-1), Rory Gantley (0-8, 0-5 frees, 0-1 '65), Joe Gantley (1-2), Kieran Diviney. Subs: Shane Diviney for Kieran Diviney (41 minutes).

MULLAGH: M. Garvey, A. Larkin, P. Finnerty, A. Gaynor, E. Donohue, Derek Hardiman,  R. Keane,  K. Briscoe (0-2), E. Larkin, Declan Hardiman , Conor Dervan R. Duane, D. Reilly (2-2)), Cathal Dervan (0-5, 0-1 free, 0-1 '65), N. Cahalan (0-1).  Subs: N. Cahalan (0-1) for R. Duane for A. Larkin (31mins), J. Mullins for R. Keane (35 mins), A, Keane for Declan Hardiman (43 mins), E. Glennon for N. Cahalan 53 mins.

REFEREE: Pat Greene (Craughwell)

CONNACHT TRIBUNE - FRIDAY 6/12/2002

Beagh hope that injured Gantley brothers will be fit for Mullagh tie

The eagerly awaited Intermediate Hurling Final replay between south Galway rivals, Beagh and Mullagh goes ahead this Saturday in Loughrea at 1.30pm.

These two sides played out a trilling drew two weeks ago, when two late Rory Gantley points deservedly earned Beagh another shot at the title. Both sides were happy to see the game called off last weekend because of the atrocious weather conditions and will be hoping for a reasonably good day next Saturday.

The sides were very evenly matched the last day and produced a very lively contest full of good striking, some great individual points and physical but sporting challenges. The only injury worries for either teams are slight concerns about Rory and Finbar Gantley from Beagh. Rory's ankle is still causing him problems while Finbar suffered a nasty hand injury during the last game but both sides will more than likely remain unchanged from the last game.

John Moylan, the Beagh said there was a lot of interest in the area in the replay particularly, after the great heart his side had showed to force a replay. "It didn't surprise me that they came back to draw the game because that resolve has been there all year. It doesn't happen out of the blue, you can only instill it by hard work," said Moylan.

Its been a long year for both sides but it should not be difficult to motivate them to one last big effort on Saturday.

Beagh started nervously in the drawn game but they produced a tremendous team effort in the second-half, particularly in defense where Reggie McDermott, Finbar Gantley, Adrian Diviney and Eoin O'Loughlin were immense. RICHIE Glynn got through a lot of work at midfield while Joe Gantley, Pat Diviney, Rory Gantley and Stephen Killeen were most effective up front and they will look to these players to drive them forward again on Saturday. 

Mullagh will possibly feel that a lot of players didn't perform up to expectations two weeks ago but in Paul Finnerty, Eamon Donohue, Derek Hardiman, Kevin Briscoe, Cathal Dervan and the lively Donal Reilly they had enough quality to force a draw.

The feeling is that Mullagh can improve more on the first game but Beagh have defied the odds on a number of occasions this year and the only safe prediction is for another compelling contest.

WWW.HOGANSTAND.COM

Gantley points secure draw

CONNACHT TRIBUNE - TRIBUNE SPORT - FRIDAY 10/11/2002

Mullagh and Beagh set to serve up a cracking intermediate showdown

In an attractive double header in Loughrea this Sunday, Beagh face Mullagh in the intermediate hurling championship final at 2.30 - a showdown which will be preceded by the Minor B hurling between St. Thomas and Killimor (1 pm)

Sunday is a big day for the Beagh club who are looking to win only their second Intermediate title. Coincidently, the last time they won in 1980 they beat Mullagh in the final. The current manager, John Moylan played in that game and realises for the club of making the breakthrough to the senior ranks. "There are six or seven intermediate teams who are every bit as good as some of the senior teams so its a very difficult grade to get up from. But its time for us to make the breakthrough and if we do I think senior hurling will suit some of our players better," said Moylan.

Some of these players would include the Gantley brothers, Joseph, a county minor this year, Rory and Finbar, both county senior players and Brendan who has been inspirational for them at midfield this year.

PJ McAllen had been a powerhouse at midfield all year but he suffered a dreadful in the quarter final clash against Padraig Pearses last month and he spent three weeks in hospital recovering from a broken kneecap. He is on the road to recovery now and Moylan realises that it would be a huge tonic for him if Beagh could win promotion to senior.

Moylan is quick to point out that they have a very young side with couple of minors and a lot of the players still in college and he is delighted with the progress they have made this year. One of the reasons for their progress is the influence of Pat O'Connor from Tubber who joined Moylan this year as a coach.

O'Connor won two national league titles with Clare in the late '70's and also played with Beagh during their time at senior from 1980 to 1988. They were relegated in 1988 and since then they have won very few honours apart from a couple of under-21 B titles.

They have had a reasonably easy route to the final which began with a win in their first group game against Castlegar. The other teams in their group were Tynagh, Ahascragh-Fohenagh, Kilbeacanty and Ballinsloe and they qualified for the quarter-final with some ease. They came out on top in a tough battle with Padraig Pearses and in the semen-final against Killimordaly, Beagh overcame a poor start to finish strongly and win by 1-10 to 0-11 to qualify for their first intermediate final since 1993 when they were beaten by Kilconieron.

Rory Gantley - who has been troubled with an ankle injury for the last few months - is Moylan's major fitness concern but it would  be a major surprise if he didn't start. Pat Reynolds should be fit after picking up a hand injury and apart from the absence of PJ McAllen, Moylan will have a full squad to pick from. Beagh will be looking for the Gantley's, the Divineys, Eoin O'Loughlin and Pat and John Reynolds to provide the leadership for his side.

It has been a very testing year for the team and the people of Mullagh but the tragic death of Brian Donohue during the summer will undoubtedly give them an added incentive to win. Brian played at corner forward in their first game of the season and his brother Eamonn will line out in the half back line on Sunday, with his father Padraic a selector.

They had a dreadful start to the season, losing their opening two group games which meant they had to win their remaining matches to have any chance of reaching the knockout stages. They managed to qualify for a playoff against Castlegar and they subsequently proved too strong for Tommie

Then came the semi-final against St. Thomas's a fortnight ago when two late points gave them the narrowest of victories. Selector Francis Keane said, "we were very lucky, we got goals at the right time and we robbed them really."

Mullagh showed tremendous courage to hang on in that game and that game and their years of experience at senior grade will stand to them if Sunday's final comes down to the wire. They won the intermediate final in 1982 and stayed senior up to two years ago when they were relegated and they will be anxious to make a quick return.

They can call on a number of county players including county senior, Derek Hardiman, Conor Dervan who featured in the under-21 and Intermediate sides and four county minors Alan Gaynor, Donal Reilly, Kevin Briscoe and Cathal Dervan.

Francis Keane has seen Beagh play twice this year against Pearses and Killimordaly and knows they will provide a stern challenge. "It will be tough but hopefully our lads will perform to their best and after that you cant ask for any more.

Mullagh's greater experience and the momentum from their semi-final win makes them slight favorites but they can expect nothing easy from Beagh who will be keen to grab their rare opportunity for glory.

IRISH EXAMINER.COM

Gantley's

THE presentation of the Eircell GAA All-stars ’player of the month’ award yesterday, to Galway hurler Rory Gantley, proved to be a real family affair.
Honoured after his excellent performance in the League game against Clare in Milltown Malbay, he was joined by his brother Finbarr, a current team member, his father Finbarr - a sub on the All Ireland winning team of 1980 - and his granduncle Fr. Paddy, a member of the Railway Cup winning side of 1947 and holder of two Cork county championship medals won with St Finbarr's.

It was also a nostalgic occasion for Joe McDonagh, in his last month as President of the GAA, whose continuing school visitation in Galway has seen him meet over 15,000 pupils over the last eight days. It was also his last Eircell lunch in his present capacity, having been the recipient of the previous award in recognition of his huge contribution to GAA affairs over the last three years.

The award was presented at a lunch at the Lady Gregory Hotel in Gort by Niall O’Sullivan, Eircell’s Director of Finance and Corporate Service. He pointed out that it represented the fifth award to a Galway star, the first being Gerry Burke, honoured two years ago after his outstanding contribution to Corofin’s All Ireland club final win.

Joe McDonagh, recalling his own playing days with Finbarr Gantley senior, paid a special tribute to Eircell for their role as ‘marketing partners’ with the GAA and for the manner in which the award scheme had heightened the profile of their players at all levels.

Rory Gantley won two All Ireland medals in 1994, with the county Vocational Schools team and the minors and two years later - still a minor - he was on the losing team against Tipperary in the All Ireland final replay. Further disappointments were to follow, in the shape of three defeats in the Under 21 final - to Cork in 1997 and ’98 and Kilkenny the following year.

Early this year, he was on the Connacht team which won the Railway Cup. A member of the Beagh club, he scored 1 8 in the win over Clare, 10 points against Dublin and also starred in the weekend win over Kerry.

* By curious coincidence, Fergal Healy’s total of 5 2 against Kerry represents the best return from a Galway hurler in the National League since Finbarr Gantley (senior) scored 4 2 against Waterford 16 years ago.

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