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LOCAL NEWS ARCHIVE - APRIL 2004
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Last Saturday was a historic day for Cornafean as the local GAA club was represented in two competitions at the All Ireland Scór Finals in
the Travellers Friend Theatre in Castlebar. Michael McGibney
represented the locality in the Recitation contest while Brian Doyle,
Michael Dinneny and Tommy McGibney Michael McGibney did likewise in
the Question Time. On the day both acts came very close to winning
All Ireland honours but unfortunately victory went elsewhere in both
competitions. Over seventy supporters from Cornafean made the
200-mile round trip to the Co. Mayo venue for the occasion, a
staggering turnout for such a small community. They were joined by
supporters from several of the Scór clubs in Co. Cavan. By all
accounts everyone enjoyed the occasion, with a fantastic feast of
top-quality entertainment on display for the entire evening.
Michael McGibney’s confident and humorous delivery of his recitation
“Doing the Double” attracted widespread praise on the day. The
capacity audience of some twelve hundred people hung upon his every
word as he recounted the tale of the mischievous narrator who ends up
in jail for “dole dodging”. As always the standard of competition in
the Recitation section was extremely high, with the four provincial
winners all delivering masterful performances. The general consensus
within the hall after the conclusion of the Rectitation category was
that the leading contenders for the All Ireland title were Michael
and the Cork and Munster Champion, Paddy O’Brien himself a former All
Ireland champion. At the end of the show there was disappointment for
Michael and his supporters when the Southerner was adjudged the
winner. Despite his narrow defeat, Michael can reflect very proudly
on his achievements both in reaching the All Ireland final for the
second time in three years and in performing so well in the final
itself. No doubt it will be his turn before too long to sample
success at All Ireland level.
The Question Time competition if anything was even more dramatic than
the Recitation. In the final Cornafean faced previous All Ireland
winners Monaleen of Limerick, the reigning champions St Joseph’s,
Streamstown Co. Westmeath and the highly experienced Roscommon
representatives Clan na Gael, who were appearing in their sixth
final. The Maistir na gCeist was Aidan Dockery, a native of
Edgeworthstown, now living in Bornacoola, Co. Leitrim with his Co.
Leitrim neighbours Liam Rabbitte and Kathleen Moffatt acting as his
timekeeper and scorekeeper respectively.
The quiz started well for Cornafean when Michael, Brian and Tommy
answered their individual history and GAA questions correctly and
even after missing two of their three general knowledge questions,
Cornafean were in the joint lead with Monaleen at the halfway stage
on 28 marks each. Breffni hopes were raised high when Cornafean took
a six point lead early into the rounds of team questions but the
turning point in the quiz came when the locals missed two six-mark
questions in succession to leave the initiative with the Limerick
champions. In a nailbiting finale Cornafean kept up the pressure by
answering their final question correctly but when their Munster
opposition did likewise, the All Ireland title was heading
Shannonside. After the dramatic conclusion to the Quiz the Cornafean
time reflected ruefully on their narrow defeat but as with Michael
McGibney in the Recitation, they will surely look back positively on
a Scór season when they did so well to win an Ulster title after a
gap of five years and to come so close to winning the ultimate
honours in the All Ireland final.
In recounting the story of this year’s Question Time final, it would
be remiss not to give a special mention to the Maistir na gCeist,
Bornacoola’s Aidan Dockery, who presided over one of the most
entertaining and thought-provoking quizzes at this level for many a
year. It cannot be easy for a Maistir na gCeist to devise a set of
questions that suit the requirements of both contestants and audience
at this level yet Aidan did so in style and the combination of his
unique and original questions together with his easygoing and relaxed
conduct of the quiz itself made the contest one to remember.
In the other competitions our neighbours Ballinamore Sean O’Heslins
continued their fine tradition in the Novelty Act with a highly
amusing sketch but the winners of this category were the group from
Killyclogher Co. Tyrone with their vision of the future Croke Park
Towers Hotel. Tyrone’s second title of the night came in the Solo
Singing competition for Omagh St Endas. Our old friends in the
Shamrocks club from Co. Offaly were very deserving winners in the
Instrumental Music, while Kerry’s Spa took the honours in both
dancing competitions.
On Sunday night last the Cornafean GAA club made a special
presentation to the All Ireland Scór finalists at a short function
following the weekly club lotto draw in McSeains. Among the speakers
were County Board Chairman George Cartwright, Club Chairman PJ
McGlade and Cavan Scór Chairman Paddy McDermott, each of whom had
high praise for the Cornafean representatives in Castlebar. On behalf
of the club, Chairman PJ McGlade and Secretary Rita Martin made
presentations to Michael, Brian, Michael and Tommy and also to Paddy
McDermott who had starred for the Question Time team in their recent
Ulster Final victory. In response, Tommy McGibney on behalf of the
four contestants thanked the club for their presentation and also
praised the many loyal Cornafean followers who made the long journey
to Castlebar to support the local acts in the All Ireland finals.
Their presence at the Finals was greatly appreciated by the local
contestants and added greatly to their enjoyment of the occasion.
Next Saturday, 1st May will be a very historic day for Ireland and
for Europe as ten new countries join the European Union. To mark the
occasion, the Cornafean Community Development Association are
organising a special event in Cornafean on next Saturday evening.
Special guests from each of the twenty five member states of the
enlarged Union will represent their respective countries in Cornafean
for the celebrations. A feast of entertainment is lined up for this
very unique occasion and the occasion promises to be a memorable and
enjoyable one for young and old alike. The Development Association
are currently extremely busy finalising the preparations for the
event and hopefully the local community will support their efforts by
joining in the celebrations on the day.
The Drumcor Activty Den group are holding a Sports Day in Cornafean
Park this Monday, 3rd May from 1.30 to 6pm in aid of Telethon People
in Need 2004. The Sports Day will involve plenty of fun for all
including football, a cake sale, jumble sale, races, a wet sponge
competition, face painting and a host of other attractions. All are
welcome, subscriptions are voluntary and everyone is asked to please
give generously towards this worthy cause.
NTDI Training and Educational Services are holding an information
morning on this Friday April 30th for adults out of work thorugh
illness, accident or disability. An overview of programmes will be
presented between 10.30am and 11.30am for those in attendance. All
are welcome to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and discuss your options
and opportunities. For further information please phone 049 433 1544.
This weekend, the Cornafean footballers will play Swanlinbar in the
first round of their Hotel Kilmore Intermediate Championship campaign
in Devlin Park, Killeshandra. Cornafean had a free weekend last
weekend due to the club’s Scór exodus to Castlebar and they will be
keen to make a winning start against the West Cavan opposition.
However following their impressive win over Lavey last weekend,
Swanlinbar will be a very difficult side to beat and with a few
regulars currently sidelined by injury, Cornafean will have to
produce a strong display if they are to start their campaign on a
winning note. We wish the players and mentors every success in this
crucial game.
Last Friday evening Pairc Naoimh Fionnain, Cornafean was the venue
for the meeting of neighbours Ballinagh and Lacken in the
Intermediate Championship. A large attendance flocked to Cornafean
for this much anticipated game and Ballinagh laid down a marker for
their Championship aspirations with a decisive victory over their
local rivals.
Colmcille GAA club are hosting their Annual Par Three Golf Classic,
at McSeain’s Golf Course, Cornafean on this Saturday, 1st May. There
will be a range of very attractive prizes on offer, with a total
prize fund of 1000 euro. A Time Sheet will be in operation and light
refreshments will be provided. Team entries are welcome from
individuals and companies. To enter a team, please contact Andy
McGauran or any other committee member
The AGM of Cornafean Active Age will be held in McSeains on Tuesday
May 6th starting at 9.30 pm. The Active Age club does much good work
in the locality and has been especially busy on a number of fronts in
the past year. New members are always welcome to join and existing
members are all requested to attend.
The 58th Annual Cornafean Drag Hunt will take place next Sunday, May
2nd in Cornafean, starting at 3.00pm This event has been held every
year since its inception in 1946 and it always generates much
enthusiasm among the hunting fraternity both in the locality itself
and throughout a wide hinterland stretching through Cavan and
neighbouring counties. For the first time ever, the Drag Hunt is
being held on a Sunday this year in order to avoid clashing with a
number of other events in the area over the weekend. Further
information on the event can be obtained from Peadar McSeain.
end
This Saturday a large contingent of local supporters will converge on
the Travellers Friend complex for the All Ireland Senior Scór Finals.
Cornafean will be represented in the Recitation by Michael McGibney
and in the Question Time by Brian Doyle, Michael Dinneny and Tommy
McGibney. This will be a historic occasion for Cornafean as it is the
first time to have two acts in an All Ireland Senior Scór final and
we wish all four contestants every success on Saturday.
Those travelling to Castlebar are asked to arrive early at the event,
which starts at 4.00pm and to allow for plenty of time for delays in
traffic, parking etc outside the venue in the centre of the Co. Mayo
town. In line with the usual stewarding policies in operation at All
Ireland Finals, latecomers may have to wait considerable periods
before gaining admission to the hall. Supporters are also asked to
note that the Question Time will be held in its traditional slot in
the Scór programme, midway through the show directly after the
interval.
The Cornafean footballers were narrowly beaten by Kill last Sunday in
a tight Division 2 game in Tullyvin. Although Cornafean battled to
the end they never really found their rhythm after allowing Kill to
dominate the first half. The locals trailed by only two points at the
break, but fell further behind when Kill Scóred a goal with ten
minutes remaining. This score put five points between the sides. This
was Kill’s last score of the game as Cornafean battled to save the
game but unfortunately they were unable to bridge the gap in a
nerve-racking finish. The final score was Cornafean 0-8 Kill 1-7.
Cornafean’s fixture in this weekend’s Intermediate Championship
programme has been postponed due to the club’s involvement in the
Scór All Ireland Finals.
The Cornafean Community Development Association are organising a
special event in the locality of Saturday May 1st in order to mark
the historic accession of ten new countries into the European Union.
Representatives of the twenty five member states of the enlarged
Union are being invited to Cornafean for the celebrations. This will
be a very unique occasion and promises also to be a very enjoyable
one. The Development Association are currently extremely busy
finalizing the preparations for the event and hopefully the local
community will support their efforts by joining in the celebrations
on the day.
NTDI Training and Educational Services are holding an information
morning on Friday April 30th for adults out of work thorugh illness,
accident or disability. An overview of programmes will be presented
between 10.30am and 11.30am for those in attendance. All are welcome
to enjoy a cup of tea or coffee and discuss your options and
opportunities. For further information please phone 049 433 1544.
Cornafean GFC holding their Annual Par Three Golf Classic, at
McSeain’s Golf Course, Cornafean on Saturday 1st May next (May Bank
Holiday weekend). There will be a range of very attractive prizes on
offer, with a total prize fund of 1000 euro. A Time Sheet will be in
operation and light refreshments will be provided. Team entries are
welcome from individuals and companies. To enter a team please
contact Andy McGauran or any other committee member
The recently-formed Cornafean Macra na Feirme club held a popular
Table Quiz in McSeains last Friday night, with a great attendance of
15 tables enjoying a superbly organised quiz. Ciaran O’Reilly,
Therese McSeain and Brid Anne Moran helped to collect the answer
sheets, mark the sheets and maintain the Scóreboard. Tommy McGibney
acted as quizmaster.
There was widespread sadness in the locality recently on the death of
Mrs Kathleen Cassidy, who died on Holy Thursday at the residence of
her daughter Kathleen McGauran, Drumhilla. Kathleen will be
remembered by many people as a fine traditional singer. She was
predeceased a number of years ago by her husband Jimmy, himself also
a renowned entertainer and fiddle player. Kathleen was held in very
high esteem by the entire community and we pass on our deepest
sympathy to her son Liam, daughters Bridie, Kathleen, Eileen, Peggy,
Christine, Anna and Teresa. There were large attendances at the
Removal of her remains to Potahee Church on Good Friday and at her
Funeral Mass on Easter Sunday.
A Whist Drive in aid of the Lourdes Invalid Fund will be held in
Cornafean on next Monday night, 26th April starting at 8.45pm.
end
Cornafean
Macra na Feirme are holding a Table Quiz in
McSeains on this Friday, 16th April. The quiz starts at 9.30pm
and those taking part are asked to be punctual. Everyone is invited to take part
and the event promises to be a very enjoyable one. All support will be greatly
appreciated.
The
Cornafean senior and junior footballers had Cootehill as visitors to Pairc
Naoimh Fionnain on Easter Sunday and both teams did well in their respective
matches, the senior side winning their game and the junior team drawing theirs.
The senior team bounced back well from their recent defeat to Drumalee to beat
their Cootehill counterparts on a scoreline of 1-7 to 0-7. The locals had the
better of the exchanges for most of the first half and they went into the half
time break leading by 0-3 to 0-1. Cootehill rallied strongly in the second half
and a succession of scores helped them to draw level. The decisive score of the
game came midway through the second half when Gary Sheridan scored Cornafean’s
goal. Cootehill battled bravely to the end but the locals’ defence held firm
and after an exciting game Cornafean were relieved to hear the final whistle.
The
result in the junior game was Cornafean 1-7 Cootehill 0-10, Cornafean’s goal
coming from Rory Geoghegan.
The
local Vintage Tractor Club are holding a meeting on this Friday night, in
McSeains Cornafean, at 9.30pm All members are asked to attend.
end
Last Saturday night, Cornafean enjoyed one of its most successful
nights ever in Scór when the club recorded two mighty victories in
the Ulster Scór Final in Galbally, Co. Tyrone. Cornafean’s victories
came in the Recitation and Question Time competitions.
In the Recitation, Michael McGibney faced very strong competition
from his Tyrone and Down opponents but his masterful and hilarious
performance of “Doing the Double” won the hearts of the capacity
audience from all nine Ulster counties and he was a very popular
winner when the results were announced at the end of the night. This
was his second victory at this level, having previously won the
provincial title two years ago in 2002.
The Question Time was one of the most dramatic Scór quizzes of recent
years with Cornafean in action against experienced opposition from
Trillick, Co. Tyrone and Silverbridge, Co. Armagh. The Cornafean team
of Paddy McDermott, Tommy McGibney and Michael Dinneny went into a
narrow lead early in the quiz but by the halfway mark, Trillick had
battled their way back to level terms with Cornafean, with
Silverbridge only narrowly behind. The tension was palpable in the
final rounds of team questions with all three teams still in
contention. The pendulum swung towards Cornafean when Trillick failed
to correctly answer their general knowledge question, but the Reds
were temporarily denied victory when they narrowly missed their final
question, after Trillick had once again drawn level.
The scene was set for a “sudden death” playoff and Cornafean
eventually emerged victorious when they answered all three of their
playoff questions, one more than their Co. Tyrone rivals. This was
Cornafean’s first Question Time win at this level since 1999.
Special mention is due to the role played in Cornafean’s quiz win by
Paddy McDermott. A long-serving Scór administrator and campaigner,
Paddy bravely stepped into the quiz team at short notice a few weeks
ago as Brian Doyle was unavailable for the Ulster Final due to a
prior commitment. Paddy played a vital contribution to Cornafean’s
quiz success on this occasion, adding yet another highlight to his
tremendous record of achievement in Scór down through the years.
The many local supporters in the packed hall in Galbally rejoiced
heartily when the local victories were announced. This was only the
second time ever for Cornafean to win two Ulster titles on the same
night, the previous occasion being in the 1990 Scór na nÓg provincial
decider when the local teams won the Novelty Act and Quiz categories.
There was some disappointment for the many Cavan supporters in
Galbally when the Ramor United Ballad Group and the Killeshandra
musicians and dancers failed to take the honours in their respective
competitions despite each producing fine performances. However all
the Cavan representatives did themselves proud on the night and the
quality of their performances reflects well on the strength of Scór
within the county at present.
The victorious Cornafean acts now go forward to the All Ireland
Final, which takes place in the Traveller’s Friend complex in
Castlebar on Saturday April 24th next. A huge contingent from
Cornafean made the long trip to Killarney when Michael McGibney last
represented the club in an All Ireland Final and if this year’s final
matches the magic of that occasion, it will surely be an event to
remember. Supporters who wish to purchase tickets for the finals
should contact Paddy McDermott, at 049 4334552 as soon as possible.
The Cornafean Community Development Association hosted a successful
Table Quiz in McSeains on last Friday night and everyone taking part
enjoyed an entertaining quiz with a good mix of questions. The
proceeds of the quiz were in aid of the Development Association and
the winners were Jim Hannon’s team with Bernard Martin’s team coming
second. Both teams generously donated their prizes to the proceeds of
the event. The Quizmaster was Tommy McGibney while Donna Harwood and
Caroline King did a great job in marking the answer sheets and
maintaining the scoreboard. Thanks to everyone who helped make the
event a success.
Next Sunday, Cornafean play Cootehill in Pairc Naoimh Fionnain in
round 2 of the Division 2 and 2A football leagues. Cornafean will be
hoping to bounce back in the senior fixture after their disappointing
performance in their league opener against Drumalee two weeks ago but
they face a mammoth task against a strong Cootehill side that is
among the strongest in Intermediate ranks. For their part, Cootehill
will be anxious to make amends for their Round 1 defeat to Ballinagh.
Cootehill have had the edge in most of the previous meetings of the
sides in recent years, most notably in the 2002 Championship season
when the teams met three times with Cootehill recording two
convincing wins, and the third game finishing level. Cornafean will
go into this game as underdogs but hopefully they can rise to the
occasion on Sunday.
An Easter Cake Sale will be held on Good Friday, 9th April in Drumcor
Community Centre after the 5.00pm ceremonies in Drumcor Church. The
proceeds are in aid of the Community Centre fund and all support is
greatly appreciated.
The recently-formed Cornafean Macra na Feirme club are holding a
Table Quiz in McSeains on next Friday week, 16th April. Everyone is
invited to take part and the event promises to be a very enjoyable
one.
Best wishes to the Cornafean Under 12 and Under 14 footballers who
open their 2003 league campaigns next week. On Tuesday night next,
the Under 12’s play a home fixture against Templeport in Roinn D,
Section 1. Last weekend they took on Arva in a challenge game,
emerging victorious after a good game. The Under 14s take the field
on Thursday night with an away game against Templeport. Both games
start at 6.45pm and it is hoped that as many parents and follower as
possible support our young players in these games.
The next Whist Drive in Cornafean will be held on next Monday night,
12th April starting at 8.45pm.
Congratulations to the following winners of the local Community Games
Art & Model Making competitions which were held recently. Girls under
8 - 1st Aoibheann Tighe, Scoil Bhride, 2nd Hannah McEntee, St Mary’s
Arva, 3rd Caoimhe McDermott Corlis N.S. Girls Under 10 1st Isobelle
Gorman, Arva No. 2, 2nd Aine Donohoe, Scoil Bhride, 3rd Sorcha
McConnell, St Mary’s Arva; Girls Under 12 - 1st Sarah Ellis, St
Mary’s Arva 2nd Aine O’Dowd, Scoil Bhride 3rd Bronagh Fleming, Scoil
Bhride Girls Under-14 1st Orla Ward, Arva 2nd Natasha Brady, Scoil
Bhride 3rd Connie Comery, Scoil Bhride Model Making Under 10 Girls
1st Catherine Braiden Scoil Bhride, Under 14 Girls Ailish King, Scoil
Bhride
Boys Under 8 - 1st Enda Gormley , St Mary’s Arva,2nd James Gorman,
Arva No. 2, 3rd Stephen Cullen Coronea NS. Boys Under 10 1st Cein
O’Hanlon, Scoil Bhride, 2nd Gareth Lynch, St Mary’s Arva, 3rd Graham
Bowles, Killeshandra No. 2. Boys Under 12 1st Kevin Bouchier, St
Mary’s Arva, 2nd Alan Brady, Scoil Bhride, 3rd Joe Masterson, Scoil
Bhride. Boys Under 14 1st Darragh Brady, Scoil Bhride, 2nd Finbar
Rudden, Scoil Bhride, 3rd Thomas Kenny, Scoil Bhride.
The County Final Competition will be held on 8th May 2004 at
Bailieborough School between 12 noon and 6pm.
end