The Junior team had two highly competitive games this week in the Junior Championship. They faced St Anthony’s in difficult conditions in McGovern Park, Ruislip. The first half saw St Anthony’s steadily adding scores with the wind in their favour but with Parnells keeping pace and reducing the point deficit especially with two goals and a point from Luke Horgan in the latter stages of the first half. However St Anthony’s kept a one point lead: 2-03 to 0-10. The second half was a battle in all senses of the word with Parnells losing Jack Woulfe to a shoulder injury and then Sean O’Sullivan to two yellow cards early on. However this added impetus to the Parnells players who reached deep into their reserves to keep converting their scores. There were further sending’s off in the game for both teams with Parnells losing Connor Spinks and Josh Obahor. Parnells did not fold and outscored St Anthony’s with a crucial goal from Jason Maguire sealing victory. Final Score- 3-11 to 0-16.
Team: Fraser Beckles, James Donnellan, Neil McNamara, Harry Logan, Jack Flanagan, Daniel Bracken, Jason Maguire (1-0), Sean O’Sullivan, Josh Obahor (0-1), Alan Callanan (0-2,1f), Jack Woulfe, Connor Spinks (0-3,1f, 1’45), Keiran O’Connor (0-2), Luke Horgan (2-1), Ciaran Griffin (0-1).
Subs: Ruairi O’Connor, Michael Walsh (for Harry Logan), Lewis Dickinson (0-1f) for Ciaran Griffin, Calum Diggins for Jack Woulfe (inj), Jack Diggins on for ?, Keiran McCarthy.
The game two days later against Tara’s was a difficult one from the outset with key players missing through injury and suspensions. The start of the first half for Parnells was disappointing with no response to Tara’s possession and point scoring, taking a five point lead before Aidan Callanan converted a free and the first score for us almost 18 minutes in to the game. That galvanised the team and further scores were added with a lovely goal from Aidan Callanan. Both teams were level at half time: 1 – 04 to 0-8. It was Parnells that were quick off the mark from the throw in with an excellent point from full back Neil McNamara, followed by two goals in four minutes. Tara’s were rattled but didn’t let Parnells six point lead deter them. They re-organised and had substitutions and clawed their way back in to the game, overturning the Parnells lead into a lead of their own. Parnells had let the game slip from their grasp but still battled on but the clock was not on their side and with only a point needed to make it level the whistle was blown. Final score 3-10 to 1-17. The focus is now on the next game against Naomh Padraig and the club wishes the team all the best; a win will keep our championship hopes alive.
Team: Fraser Beckles, Michael Walsh, Neil McNamara (0-1), Harry Logan (0-1), Sean O’Sullivan, Jason Maguire, Jack Flanagan, Gerry Gallen (0-1), Daniel Bracken, Lewis Dickinson, Luke Horgan, David Callanan (2-0), Keiran O’Connor (0-1), Aidan Callanan (1-6,5f) and Ciaran Griffin.
Subs: Ruairi O’Connor, Jack Ryan for Ciaran Griffin, Jack Diggins for Lewis Dickinson, JP Roache for Michael Walsh and Keiran McCarthy.
Good luck to all our players and families who are expecting their ‘A’ Level results this week, both daunting and exciting as they take their next steps on towards further education and employment.
A congratulatory note to the Cork Minor team on qualifying for the Minor All Ireland Final. We are delighted for Bobby O’Dwyer (Coach) who played with Parnells ‘many’ years ago and was part of the Senior London and Provincial Championship winning side. Good luck to Bobby and his team in the final.
Booby O’Dwyer-Cork Minor Coach and ex Parnells Senior Player
Great news for the London Ladies football team who beat Carlow to secure their place in the All Ireland Ladies JFC semi-final. Well done to all involved and particularly to the Parnells players who played and were involved in the panel on the day.
Events to look forward to after the summer are the Youth Golf Day taking place on Friday 13th September at Stanmore Golf Club. Information is in circulation and more details to be on the website soon. Also on Saturday 14th September we will be hosting our U12 Commemorative Games for the Ryan, Togher and Somers trophies. This year we will be introducing a new trophy competition for an U13 girl’s competition in honour and in memory of Brendan Lynch (RIP). We will be welcoming visiting teams including Sean McDermotts from Birmingham and Ballyporeen from Tipperary. The club will celebrate with football and family fun and hope that it will be a great success and look forward to everyone joining us.
The season continues and Parnells are always happy to welcome at our bases, Harrow Rugby Club and Northwick Park, new players across all age groups and ability. For U6-17 please contact Colin McGuinness (07779 340398) or Veronica Bailey (07768 635534) and for the Senior/Junior teams, please contact Tony Griffin (07966 160999) or Dennis Diggins (07768 352680). Training for the Youth section will resume w/c 2/9/19. Junior and Senior training on Tuesday and Thursday 7.15pm (NWP).
