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Minor Football
St Marys 1-13 Bredagh 3-09
Wednesday 25th June 2008
In a tremendous exhibition of teamwork, effort and skill, Bredagh overcome one of their main challenges in this thriller Dromara.
Playing against a strong wind Bredagh struggled to keep in touch with the host in the first half but with a fine goal by the stand-in captain Conal Devlin and points from Peter Graham, Sean Irwin and Donal Hughes, a seven point deficit at half time gave them considerable optimism given their wind advantage after the break.
Restricting their opponents to 3 points over the half Bredagh kept piling on the pressure with points from Sean Irwin, Peter Graham, Niall Wright, Niall Nolan and Conal Devlin. Cormac Hughes then cut the deficit to 2 with a magnificent goal following a six man move from the Bredagh goal line and with a point from younger brother Donal followed by a dramatic Peter Graham goal deep into injury time, Bredagh pulled off a famous victory to bring their league challenge down to their final game at home to Drumaness.
Bredagh 4-13 Saul 2-8
Wednesday 18th June 2008
A scoreline that really doesn’t tell the true story of this game as for long spells the visitors kept well in touch and proved a real test for unbeaten Bredagh.
Leading by 2 points on a scoreline of 2-6 to 2-4 at half time, Bredagh did move further ahead, thanks in part to a fine taken goal by Niall Nolan, but their opponents kept coming back and it wasn’t until the final quarter that Bredagh managed to pull away with a succession of points from Peter Graham.
Scorers: Paddy Hannitty (2-0), Donal Hughes (1-2), Niall Nolan (1-1), Peter Graham (0-7), Niall Wright (0-2), Sean Irwin (0-1) and Declan O’Hara(0-1)
Ardglass 0-9 Bredagh 1-11
Wednesday 11th June 2008
Bredagh will have been relieved to have come away with this narrow victory following a below par performance against their hosts.
An early goal by Niall Nolan was the only highlight of a first half that saw several scoring chances being wasted in between points from Peter Graham, Donal Hughes (0-2), to leave Bredagh with a slender two point lead at the break.
Some positional switches, in particular the moving of Conal Mahon O’Neill and Declan O’Hara to midfield improved things somewhat but Ardglass were not going to give up easily, and midway through the second half drew level, 0-8 to 1-5, the Bredagh point scored by Niall Wright.
Bredagh upped their performance in the final quarter, however, and despite a missed penalty by Damien Moreland, eventually secured the victory with points by Donal Hughes (0-2), Niall Nolan (0-2) and Peter Graham (0-2).
Much work to be done therefore with Bredagh’s season entering a critical phase over the coming weeks.
Cill Darach 0-2 Bredagh 2-11
Wednesday 28th May 2008
A convincing victory to maintain Bredagh’s unbeaten league run. The home side made a lively start against a Bredagh team struggling with the wet conditions but points by Declan O’Hara and Peter Graham were quickly followed by a goal from the latter and a Paddy Hannity point just before half time left Bredagh ahead 1-3 to 0-1 at the break.
Bredagh turned on the style in the second half, however, the highlight being a clever chip over the goalkeepers head for a goal by Niall Wright. With Declan O’Hara (0-2), Conal Devlin (0-2), Peter Graham (0-2), Sean Irwin and Paddy Hannity (0-1 each), piling on the pressure, Bredagh eventually overwhelmed their opponents who could only manage a point in reply.
Long may the unbeaten run continue!
Kilclief 0-8 Bredagh 2-11
Wednesday 14th May 2008
Short a number of players and playing against a strong breeze Bredagh made their task more difficult in a nervous first half in which they gifted their hosts several chances through frees and stray passes. Points from Declan O’Hara (2), and Peter Graham (3) did however, allow Bredagh to go in at the break with a narrow one point lead.
The second half saw a much improved Bredagh stamp their authority on the game and although Kilclief managed to double their score with four further points during the half, the visitors began to build up their own scoring tally to end up comfortable winners by 9 points.
Star performers for Bredagh were stand in goal keeper Michael Magee, Damien Moreland and Conal Mahon O’Neill in defence, midfielder Michael McAlister who copped a fine performance with a well taken goal, and Peter Graham among the forwards.
Bredagh scorers: Peter Graham (1-5), Michael McAlister (1-0), Declan O’Hara (0-2), Damien O’Hara (0-2), Damien Moreland (0-2), Niall Nolan (0-1) and Sean Irwin (0-1)
Bredagh 1-11 Carryduff 1-08
Wednesday 7th May 2008
In this thrilling first round championship encounter at Cherryvale, Bredagh overcame neighbours Carryduff with a dramatic late goal by Peter Graham.
Although a lack of concentration allowed Carryduff in for a well taken goal, the first half was evenly contested and with points from Mark Kelly, Niall Nolan(0-2), Peter Graham (0-2) and a late Donal Hughes free, Bredagh went into the break just one point behind and with everything to play for.
Following an early equalising point from Cormac Hughes, Carryduff regained the lead with three successive points but Bredagh fought back and reduced the margin to the minimum with further scores from Donal Hughes and substitute Niall Wright.
With what was their last score of the game Carryduff again stretched their lead to two points, but with the true fighting spirit for which the team has become renowned, Bredagh put in a tremendous effort over the final ten minutes to firstly draw level with points from Niall Wright and Donal Hughes and then to snatch victory when Peter Graham picked up a loose ball and found the back of the net to the delight of the large home support. A first round victory only perhaps but a victory that will remain for long in the memories of the management, the supporters and the team in which Michael Magee and match winner Peter Graham were outstanding.
Team: Sean Armstrong, Michael Magee, Donal McKegney, Dermot Colton, Cormac White, Conal Devlin, Ruairi Johnston, Michael McAlister, Cormac Hughes, Niall Nolan, Declan O’Hara, Mark Kelly, Peter Graham, Sean Irwin and Donal Hughes.
Subs: Damien Moreland, Niall Wright, Paddy Woods, Paddy Hannity Pearse Leitch and Gabriel Doran
Bredagh 6-9 Teconnaught 0-5
Friday 25th April 2008
Bredagh minors cruised to an easy victory over Tecconaught on friday evening. After a tight first half where the defence controlled the game, the forwards eventually got their act together to rack up a big score. Niall Wright banged in 4-3, but the performance of the night came from Michael mc Allister who powered his way to 1-1 from his midfield position. Donal mc kegney was imperious at full back and received great support from his co-defenders, michael magee, dermot colton, conall devlin, cormac white and the pacy ruairi johnston.
Up front donal hughes fired over three impressive frees(two from 45 metres). Paddy hannity, declan o'hara, niall nolan, cormac hughes and peter graham all added scores.There were fine cameo performances from the subs pearce leitch and gabriel doran(thanks lads for making sure we had a full panel). The commitment of this squad was exemplified by the attendance of the injured paddy woods and ryan mcalinden who assisted the coaches with medical assistance and team secretarial duties. Next up St. Joseph's at Cherryvale on wed.30th. Meet at 6.45
Bredagh 1-9 Loughanisland 1-9
Wednesday 16th April 2008
Bredagh opened their 2008 campaign with a share of the spoils in this thrilling encounter at the Dub. Despite dominating the first half, Bredagh were 3 points in arrears at the break, due largely to their opponents more clinical use of the limited chances they gained, to score 6 points, with points in reply from Peter Graham (0-2) and Niall Nolan, amidst a succession of wasted opportunities.
Although Loughanisland extended their lead to 5 points early in the second half, a purple patch followed for Bredagh during which they scored a goal and 6 points without reply, the goal coming from substitute Killian McGrath and points from Ruairi Johnston (0-3) Declan O’Hara, Cormac Hughes and Sean Irwin.
With a 4 point cushion going into the last ten minutes Bredagh might have expected to go on to victory but instead they allowed Loughanisland to get back into the game and in a backs to the wall effort just managed to hold out for a draw in a game that was there for the taking.
Lots of encouragement for the team management in the overall performance but lots to work on too in what is sure to be an exciting season ahead.
Team: Sean Armstrong, Michael Magee, Conal Mahon/O’Neill, Ruairi Johnston (0-3), Declan O’Hara (0-1), Donal McKegney, Conal Devlin, Michael McAllister, Cormac Hughes (0-1), Donal Hughes, Paddy Hannitty, Nial Nolan (0-1), Peter Graham (0-2), Mark Kelly, Niall Wright
Subs: Killian McGrath (1-0), Paddy Woods, Sean Irwin (0-1), Damien Moreland, Dermot Colton
Bredagh v Castlewellan
Sunday 9th March 2008
Bredagh minor footballers put in a gutsy performance away to All-County League side Castlewellan in a challenge match on Sunday.Like last week, there were several key players missing but the 17 on duty stepped up to the mark and with a little luck could have got a result.
Bredagh opened the scoring with a Peter Graham point from a free before the home side used the strong wind to record 3 unanswered points.The visitors fought back with two further Graham points but a couple of lapses in concentration saw Castlewellan score easy frees and then a misplaced short kick-out led to a goal on the stroke of half-time.
Six points down and the Bredagh men took the game to the homesters. They pulverised the town defence with no reward but a breakaway attack led to another Castlewellan goal.This was their only score of the half and points from Niall Nolan (2),Cillian Mc Grath, Peter Graham and Donal Hughes brought the margin to 4. Mark Kelly nearly broke the crossbar,Cormac Hughes hit the post and you could tell it was not to be Bredagh's day.However, excellent performances from Ryan Mc Alinden,Donal Mc Kegney, Michael Mc Allister,Conall Devlin and Niall Wright are grounds for optimism with the league to begin in 3 weeks. Thanks to the parents who provided lifts and training continues at 11am on Sundays.
Team :D.Moreland, D.Colton, R.Mc Alinden,C.White,D.Mc Kegney,D.O'Hara,C.Devlin, M.Mc Allister (capt),C.Hughes, N.Nolan,D.Hughes, P.Graham. M.Young, M.Kelly, N.Wright,S.Irwin, C.Mc Grath.
Minors Finish Runners-up In East Down "A"
The final league tables are out and Bredagh Minors finished as very creditable "runners-up" in the E Down A League.
All the players know what could have been, but for several key long term injuries and the usual unavailability over the holiday period.
The second game against Loughinisland was indicative of how far this team has come on - you all know we were the better team on the night - so we should be happy in the knowledge that we can compete with the best.
The Minor players have made a massive contribution to the Reserves (2 wins away from the E Down League), and latterly to the Seniors push for the play-offs.
The team management of Frank, Jim and Eamon would encourage all the players graduating from juvenile football to "stick at it". Eight or ten years ago Bredagh wasn't able to field at u-16/18 level - now we are a force to be reckoned with - but it's at Senior level that the club is ultimately judged. The Minors now and in years to come, need to be the future players who will build on the success of our current Senior team.
Bredagh 0-12 Loughinisland 2-09
Wednesday 1st August 2007
Bredagh went down fighting on Wednesday night to a team containing at least three Div 1 senior players - O'Reilly, Killen and Gordan - but looked the better team throughout outscoring Loughinisland 12-11(unfortunately Mark Turleys son got the two vital goals).
The home crowd was very appreciative of the Bredagh efforts, heaping praise on them in the after match discussions.
Mark Turley admitted letting Owen Costello (0-3) "through the net" for this years Down Minor team as he made County star Ben O'Reilly look ordinary.
Oisin Quinn and Brian Wright showed great heart covering every blade of grass in the cause. McKenna (0-5) & Kevin McElroy more than broke even in the midfield and Sean Armstrong never put a foot wrong in goals.
Overall the future looks bright for Bredagh's seniors with this crop of players coming through.
Bredagh 0-10 Dromara 2-6
Undefeated in League and championship this season, Bredagh minors finally suffered a narrow away defeat to DromaraLeitrim.
Reduced to 14 men after 5 minutes following a red card offence by Kevin McElroy, the Bredagh men led by Holywood, Quinn, Costello, Colton and Mckenna, dug deep to claw back from an early DromaraLeitrim goal. Points from Hughes, Nolan,Graham and McKenna plus a superb free taking display from man-of-the-match, Sean Irwin (who scored a total of 6 points, 5 from frees and one from open play) saw Bredagh lead by 0-8 to 1-1 at half time. Turning to play into a stong wind with 14 men, the Bredagh lads defended in numbers. Two points ahead with 10 minutes to go, Dromara's O'Hare struck to the net to leave Bredagh one down. Never beaten, Bredagh fought back to earn a free which was converted by the accurate Irwin. Two late points were a bitter pill for a gallant 14 man effort, Dromara running out winners by 2-6 to 0-10. Despite this setback the squad are still top of the league and it's all still to play for.
Bredagh 4-08 Teconnaught 1-06
The Minors continued their winning run with a 4-08 to 1-06 victory away at Teconnaught.
It was good to see some of the boys back after exams and injuries - although the team was a little ring rusty.
Despite this there were good performances from Niall Nolan (0-03), Sean Armstrong (MoM), Mark McElroy, Donal Hughes (1-02), Donal McKegney and Brian Wright. Niall Colton, Cormac Hughes and John McKenna all scored 1-01.
Drumgath 1-04 Bredagh 2-11
All County Minor A Championship
Bredagh travelled to Drumgath with only 10 regulars due to injuries and exam committments, but the six u16s who made up the numbers performed superbly to ensure progress to the next round. Donal McKegney (MoM), Micheal Magee, Donal Hughes, Conal Devlin, Emmet Costello and Paddy Hannity were applauded at the end of the game by their senior teammates for their massive contribution.
The match started well with Donal Murphy lording it at midfield - but with 10 minutes gone he was off after sustaining a bad foot injury. Bredagh led 1-04 to 0-00 when disaster struck again as Conal Devlin made the trip to Daisy Hill with a dislocated finger. Then Donal Hughes was upended for a penalty which Owen Costello dispatched to the net. Donal's "dead leg" stiffened up a half-time and spent the last 25 standing in goals - Bredagh now had only 13 fit men.
Drumgath fought back, netted, and then stuck over a couple of points. At last though, Bredagh got going again - "old hands" Quinn (midfield), McKenna and Costello took control in the middle of the park and Sean Irwin and John McKenna each tagged over 2 points a piece to steady the ship. Bredagh eventaully ran out comfortable winners - Sean Armstrong even made a pitch for the full-forward berth with a cameo (and very entertaining) perfomance up front.
Team Sean Armstrong (0-00), Donal McKegney, Niall Colton, Diddles Magee, Deo Colton, Owen Costello (1-00), Cormac White, John McKenna (0-03), Donal Murphy, Oisin Quinn (0-01), Rowen Smart, Sean Irwin (0-05), Donal Hughes (1-01), Emmet Costello (0-01), Conal Devlin, Paddy Hannity
Bredagh 0-07 Carryduff 0-02
Bredagh won a tense encounter at Carryduff on Wednesday evening to record their first victory at this venue for the Minors in many years.
On a wet and greasy pitch both defences were on top for much of the 60 minutes. The score was two points each after ten minutes - the fact that Carryduff weren't to score again says much for the perforamce of the Bredagh back division of Sean Armstrong, Dermot Colton (MOTM), Mark McElroy, and Cormac White - they were magnificent!
Cormac Hughes opened the scoring and he, Oisin Quinn and John McKenna added scores to leave it at 0-05 to 0-02 at half-time.
The second half was a scrappy affair. John McKenna added to the Bredagh tally, but each Carryduff attack was repulsed - in particular Sean Armstrong, Dermot Colton and Kevin McElroy put in saving blocks at critical times. Eventually Bredagh added the insurance point through Sean Irwin and were happy to come away from Carryduff still unbeaten in the league.
Bredagh 0-10 Loughinisland 2-04
Cormac Hughes rescued a point for Bredagh with a last minute free, at a windswept and wet Cherryvale on Wednesday evening.
Bredagh dominated the play for long periods during the game, but a first minute Loughinisland goal and one ten minutes from the end almost scuppered their league hopes. Scoring was difficult in the strong wind and slippery conditions and Bredagh found it hard to get far enough ahead to kill off the game. This team has shown its grit and determination before though and dug deep to score the last two points of the game to force a draw.
Best for Bredagh on the night were Cormac Hughes (Man of the Match), Oisin Quinn, Peter Graham and captain Niall Colton.
Bredagh 2-10 Drumaness 1-10
Bredagh snatched a victory from the jaws of defeat in a magnificent last 5 minutes at Drumaness on Wednesday night.
Travelling with a very depleted squad (due to injury and "other committments") Bredagh looked out of sorts for much of the match. The scores were level no fewer than 8 times until the 50th minute when Drumaness scored 1-02 without reply to leave it at 0-08 to 1-10 in favour of the home side. Things looked "all up" when with 5 minutes left midfielder Kevin McElroy was forced to retire with a bad ankle injury.
Then the fight back began - Conal Devlin and Cormac Hughes pointed, and the deficit was a goal. The same two players combined a minute later to put John McKenna through on goal - he stuck it away and the mentors celebrated an "away point".
But the boys weren't finished yet and when Drumaness won the next kickout the Bredagh half back line forced a free for over carrying. The free was played into Matthew Hollywood who buried it into the top corner!
This win showed the character of the team, although not playing well, they stuck at it and fully deserved the victory.
Scorers: Matthew Hollywood 1-03, Conal Devlin 0-05, John McKenna 1-00, Cormac Hughes 0-02
Bredagh 2-14 Liatroim/Dromara 2-05
Liatroim/Dromara scored 6-14 in their first game of the season, and with a couple of County men in the squad Bredagh knew they were in for a battle - so it proved.A couple of early points were exchanged before Bredagh got into gear. Inspired by Matthew (MoM) Hollywoods high fielding, Mark McElroy's tenatious tackling and the lunge bursting runs of Rowen Smart they started to ease into the lead. Oisin Quinn goaled, then Deo Colton scored the point of the game (his words) and Bredagh seemed to be cruising. But L/D were made of sterner stuff and a goal on the stroke of half-time brought them back into it.
Bredagh looked nervous on the restart and missed a couple of easy chances. L/D broke down field and added 1-1 to leave just 3 points in it. Back though came Bredagh, John McKenna was switched to FF (hamstring injury and too much Sainsbury's tagliatelle) and when Hollywood picked him out with a superb pass he turned and netted,2 points quickly followed. Peter Graham scored the insurance point and young Conal Devlin put the final nail in the coffin with an excellent free from a seemingly impossible angle.
On the down side Donal Murphy and Ryan McAlinden reported in with long term injuries (bringing the total to 5).All in all though a very satisfactory night's work. East Down 7s on Sunday (no training), away to Drumaness next Wednesday - meet 5.45 sharp.
Scorers: John McKenna 1-02, Oisin Quinn 1-01, Cormac Hughes, Conal Devlin & Peter Graham - all 0-03, Deo Colton & Kevin McElroy 0-01
Bredagh 4-11 Ballymartin 2-09
Bredagh secured a morale boosting victory on Sunday away to Ballymartin ahead of the commencement of their League campaign.Bredagh knew they were in for a tough game at Pat's Road, as this Ballymartin team contained most of their South Down League and B Championship team from '06 - many of whom had just lifted an All-Ireland Vocational with St Columbanus - and so it proved. Bredagh had the best of the first half playing with a stiff breeze and goals from Cormac Hughes and Brian Wright helped settle the nerves.Ballymartin came out all guns blazing on the turn-around and scored a quick 1-1 with Down Minor Mickey Higgins instrumental. But Bredagh knuckled down and showed great resolve to strike back with a Brian Wright point and two more from John McKenna. McKenna and McElroy took over at midfield and when u-16 star Conal Devlin was introduced he immediately crashed his first two chances to the net!
There were excellent performances from Owen Costello, Niall Colton, Rowen Smart, Mark McElroy and Oisin Quinn - there will be healthy competition for places on Wednesday night against Teconnaught.
Scorers: C Hughes 1-03, C Devlin 2-00, B Wright 1-01, John McKenna 0-03, Matthew Hollywood 0-02, O Costello 0-01, S Irwin 0-01
Bredagh 1-07 Lamh Dearg 0-08
Challenge game-The Minors secured a well deserved (if a little scrappy) victory over a very useful Lamh Dearg side at a sunny Hannahstown on Sunday. For the second game in a row Bredagh were without four regulars – due to injury and other commitments - but the rest of the squad stepped up to the mark and secured the all important result.
The foundation for this victory was built on a very solid defensive performance. Sean Armstrong showed faultless handling in goals, Mark McElroy was back to his best at full back and Oisin Quinn gave a Man of the Match performance in the half back line. John McKenna and Kevin McElroy held their own in midfield, whilst “youngsters” Niall Nolan and Cormac Hughes chipped in with a total of 0-5 up front.
Despite all this there was a lack of sharpness, fitness and clean handling on Sunday – we need to get a session in Easter week and a match the following Sunday. Full attendance is critical – the League starts 18th April! Everyone needs to put the effort in now! Keep an eye on the website for further details.
Bredagh 1-7 St John's 2-6
B Championship, Wednesday, August 2nd - two goals midway through the second-half snatched victory from the Bredagh boys. This was a game the Minors could have won but for a number of unfortunate events - mistakes made on the night both on and off the field by players, officials and management as well as the usual unavailability of key players at this time of year. All this though, is not to take away from a very creditable season and some excellent performances from this group of players. Runners-up in the League (the best finish in a long time) and some brilliant wins against Loughinisland, Ardglass and Dundrum/Ballykinlar, which should encourage all involved with the team to stick at it. Next season's Minor team should be an even bigger force to be reckoned with, maybe in Section A? For those players graduating from juvenile football, the club is now at Senior level in better shape than for a decade and they should all ensure they work hard and progress to play Senior Football.
THANKS - from the management team of Frank McKenna, Jim McElroy and Eamon Gray. 'It has been a pleasure and a privilege to work with this years Minors - good luck for the future!'
Bredagh 3-7 B'kinlar/Dundrum 2-9
B Championship, Wednesday July 26th - with their backs to the wall and their season about to end, the Belfast lads showed commendable spirit to turn round a three-point deficit in the last five minutes and win by just one point. Played in front of a large night in ideal, if draining conditions, Dundrum started the game the stronger team with the influence of Down star Paul McComiskey and Down U-17 Declan Kavanagh very apparent. But goals from Matthew Hollywood and Paul Doole kept Bredagh in touch and as the game progressed there was never more than a point in it. Midway through the second half a McComiskey shot hit the post and the lucky ricochet fell to the Dundrum full forward who buried it to leave Bredagh three behind. Bredagh then dug in! Brian Wright and Niall Boyle forced McComiskey into a number of errors and Kevin McElroy began to dominate Kavanagh. John McKenna began to forge forward and won a free, which Michael Diffin cooly slotted over. John then kicked the score of the game from '40'. This was followed by a Matthew Hollywood effort. The boys weren't going to lose now! With a minute to go Niall Devlin took on the captain's role and pointed from a 35 metre free on the left (bringing his tally on the night to 1-3).
Bredagh 1-4 Warrenpoint 2-5
'A' Championship, June 21 - Bredagh gave a very good account of themselves against the South Down Premiership supremos and indeed they had every chance to win this fixture. In a low-scoring first half Bredagh went in 1-1 to 0-2 down. Both Bredagh points coming from frees by Niall Devlin. The
second half started with a well-taken free by Niall Devlin before Warrenpoint produced another gear that saw them score 1-2 without reply. Bredagh immediately struck back with a well-worked Paul Doole move that saw John McKenna take on his marker before hitting the back of the net. The score with ten minutes remaining was 2-3 to 1-3 and the Bredagh lads gave everything. However two points from the visitors and another point from Niall Devlin saw time out and the Ormeau Road outfit move into the ‘B’ Championship, the one they lost in the final two years ago against St Pauls. Man of the match was Niall Boyle for a brilliant performance at his stand-in position of full back. However, all the lads can take pride in their performance.
Squad: Jonathan Arthurs, Brian Wright, Ruairi O’Kane, Mark McElroy, Niall Boyle, Owen Costello, Niall Colton, Kevin McElroy, Kevin Briggs, Niall
Devlin, Matthew Holywood, Joe Steele, John McKenna, Paul Doole, Oisin Quinn,
Michael Diffin, Donal Murphy, Rowan Smart.
Training resumes after popular request this Sunday at 10.00am.
Pictures from L'island
Pictures courtesy of Jim Miskimmin, Down Recorder.
Loughinisland 1-11 Bredagh 0-4
League, Sunday May 21st - the wheels came off the Minors steamroller as they ended their league campaign in runners-up spot after failing to win at Loughinisland. Nevertheless, after losing the first half by 0-7 to 0-1, they showed great determination and gave as good as they got in the second half, but alas it was too late. Points from Paul Doole, Paul Boyd and a brace from Kevin Briggs were not enough to bring the title to the Ormeau Road.
TRIBUTES
Sean McCashin, the East Down Chairman, awarded the team with their medals and paid tribute to them in taking this year's League title race to the final game. He also predicted that in the future both teams would have players wearing the red and black of Down. Tributes followed from the Loughinisland management and from Mark Turley, the Down Minor Manager, who said that with the young players Bredagh have, the future looked bright for Gaelic football in South Belfast. The spirit of this team is so great that they immediately set their sights on the visit of Warrenpoint, a team studded with St Marks MacRory Cup players, to fortress Cherryvale in the Championship next month, a place where Bredagh Minors remain undefeated in 2006. This team could have a sting in their tail for the South Down supremos and if their attitude and determination is maintained we could be in for a long summer. Training continues next Sunday at 10 O'Clock.
Squad: Jonathan Arthurs, Brian Wright, Ruairi O’Kane, Mark McElroy, Niall Boyle, Owen Costello, Niall Colton, Kevin McElroy, Kevin Briggs, Niall Devlin, Matthew Hollywood, Joe Steele, John McKenna, Paul Doole, Paul Boyd, Oisin Quinn, Michael Diffin, Sean Armstrong, Dermot Coffey, Conal Short, Stephen Gray, Rowen Smart.
Pictures
The Bredagh minor panel for 2006 were visited by Down All Ireland winning minor manager Mark Turley and trainer John Morgan at Cherryvale in December. Mark and John Morgan were accompanied by the Liam Harvey cup and three of their minor squad - Jamie O'Reilly, Paul McComiskey and Ciaran Brannigan.
They took an excellent training session and later enjoyed a cup of tea with Bredagh club members in the Hall.
The Minors began their preparations as far back as November.
Starting off with a light jog... from left: Mark McElroy, Rowan Smart, Ruairi O’Kane, Chris Kelly, Donal Murphy and Niall Boyle
Then the ladders come out... Ruairi O'Kane had to be on his toes...
Let the action begin... Rowan Smart gets to the ball ahead of Niall Colton
Niall Colton comes under pressure from Donal Murphy and Paul Boyd
Twin peaks! Kevin and Mark McElroy contest a high ball
Conal Short soloes out of defence with close attention from Joe Steel and Kevin McElroy
Kevin McElroy shields the ball from Ruairi O’Kane
Stevie Gray gets in a kick ahead of James McAllister
List of Players
Oisin Quinn, Niall Colton, Brian Wright, John McKenna, Jonathan Arthurs, Kevin McElroy, Mark McElroy, Conal Short, Matthew Hollywood, Joseph Steele, Rowen Smart, Donal Murphy, Matthew Quinn, Owen Costello, Niall Devlin, Dermot Coffey, James McAlister, Ruairi O'Kane, Paul Boyd, Stephen Gray, Kevin Briggs, Paul Doole, Eoghan Donnelly, Michael Murphy, Mark Devlin, Niall Boyle – 26
Bredagh 2-14 Loughinisland 1-8
Wednesday, May 3rd - What a game!!! The Bredagh Minors won this top of the table clash in style and are now locked in pole position with Loughinisland. Very few words could describe the effort and commitment the Bredagh team put into this game. They knew it was a 'must-win' game from the start and win they did. Loughinisland were first to draw a score but Bredagh replied with two scores of their own from Niall Devlin and Paul Boyd. Another Loughinisland score was replied to with a brilliant point from Matthew Hollywood. Then came the pivotal moment of the first half when Loughinisland
were awarded and converted a dubious penalty. With the score at 1-2 to
0-3 for the visitors the lads knew they had to dig deep and this they did
as Bredagh went on a scoring spree that totalled 1-5 without reply. Kevin
Briggs (1-1), Joe Steele, John McKenna, Paul Boyd and Niall Devlin were
the scorers. With the half-time score at 1-8 to 1-2, Loughinisland
knew they had the advantage of the wind and they started the second half
the stronger with two unanswered points. But again Bredagh pushed forward
and scored with a brilliant individual goal from Niall Devlin and a
point from Matthew Hollywood. To their credit, Loughinisland pressed
forward to score two points and but for the heroics of defenders Rowen
Smart, Ruairi O’Kane, Mark McElroy, Niall Boyle, Niall Colton, Brian Wright
and Owen Costello, as well as goalkeeper Jonathan Arthurs, the visitors could have scored much more. The defending was simply amazing. It was then that the Bredagh lads mustered their energies for a final push on the Loughinisland goal and they scored 0-5 without reply from Kevin McElroy, John McKenna, Niall Colton and Niall Devlin (0-2).
One must remember that we have to play Loughinisland again before the climax of the season and, at the moment, only two teams are in contention for the title. It's still ‘Game on’.
Squad & Scorers: Jonathan Arthurs, Rowen Smart, Rauiri O’Kane,
Mark McElroy, Niall Boyle, Niall Colton 0-1, Owen Costello, Kevin Briggs
1-1, Paul Boyd 0-2, Kevin McElroy 0-1, Matthew Hollywood 0-2, Niall Devlin 1-4, Joe Steele 0-1, Oisin Quinn, John McKenna 0-2, Brian Wright, Dermot Coffey, Michael Diffin, Paul Doole, Stephen Gray.
Fixtures & Results
Challenge Games
Sunday, January 15 - Ardglass 2-4 Bredagh 0-4
Sunday, January 30 - Bredagh 2-5 St Brigid’s 3-8
Sunday, March 26th - Bredagh 1-6 Bredagh Reserves 2-12
League
Sunday 5 February - B'kinlar/Dundrum 0-8 Bredagh 4-7
Sunday 12 February - Bredagh 2-11 Dromara 0-7
Sunday 19 February - St Johns 1-5 Bredagh 2-7
Sunday 26 February - Bredagh 4-13 Drumaness 1-3
Sunday 5 March - Teconnaught 4-2 Bredagh 4-8
Sunday 12 March - Bredagh P Ardglass P
Sunday 19 March - Bredagh P Loughinisland P
Sunday 26 March - Bredagh P B'kinlar/Dundrum P
Sunday 2 April - Dromara P Bredagh P
Wednesday 5 April - Bredagh 2-8 St John's 1-5
Sunday 9 April - Ardglass 3-6 Bredagh 1-7
Wednesday 12 April - Drumaness 2-7 Bredagh 1-8
Wednesday 19 April - Bredagh w/o Teconnaught
Wednesday 26 April - Bredagh 1-18 Ardglass 1-9
Wednesday May 3 - Bredagh 2-14 Loughinisland 1-8
Sunday May 21 - Loughinisland 1-11 Bredagh 0-4
Wednesday May 31 - Dromara P Bredagh P
Wednesday June 7 - Bredagh P B'kinlar/Dundrum P
Feis Sevens
Sunday April 23 - Bredagh beat Dundrum and Dromara, lost the final to ST John's by 1-6 to 0-8
Championship
June 21 - Bredagh 1-4 Warrenpoint 2-5
Bredagh 1-18 Ardglass 1-9
Bredagh won this crunch top of the table clash with Ardglass in style. The lads knew they had to win this home game to stay in contention for the League title and win they did. It wasn’t the tense game anticipated as so much was at stake, it was open flowing football that really suited the Bredagh lads, who played as a team unit and put it up to the Ardglass men from the start. After Ardglass scored the opening point the Bredagh Minors ran riot for the next ten minutes scoring six points without reply. All of the six points came from different forwards and midfielders. Many said that this was the best phase of play they have seen from this group of players. Another breakaway Ardglass point was followed by two from Bredagh. But again to the credit of Ardglass they failed to give up and scored the final score of the half. Half time 0-8 to 0-3. The second half seen a reshuffle in the Ardglass team and it was tit-for-tat, with three Ardglass points being replied with by two Bredagh points, but again the Bredagh lads went on a scoring spree which totalled 1-5 without
reply. With the score at 1-15 to 0-6 it looked over but again Ardglass came
back and scored 1-2 without reply. The points weren’t safe yet and again
Bredagh dug deep scoring three points to a solitary Ardglass effort. A
terrific game to watch and a brilliant one to win! Every player in this squad deserved the praise given to them by their mentors. It was ‘Team Bredagh’ from the start.
Squad: Jonathan Arthurs, Rowen Smart, Ruairi O’Kane, Mark McElroy, Niall Boyle, Niall Colton 0-1, Owen Costello, Kevin Briggs 0-1, Paul Boyd 0-2, Kevin McElroy, Matthew Holywood 0-4, Niall Devlin 0-2, Joe Steele 0-4, Oisin Quinn 1-3, John McKenna 0-1, Dermot Coffey, Chris Kelly, Michael Diffin, Paul Doole, Stephen Gray, Brian Wright.
Drumaness 2-7 Bredagh 1-8
Wednesday April 12th - this was a disappointing second defeat for the Minors in just four days. A late penalty from Drumaness did the trick against a seriously depleted Bredagh team. They managed to win the first-half by 1-6 to 0-4 but only scored two points during the second-half.
Scorers: Michael Diffin 1-1, Paul Boyd 0-4, Oisin Quinn 0-1, Kevin McElroy 0-1, Joe Steele 0-1.
Ardglass 3-6 Bredagh 1-7
Sunday April 9th - Bredagh surrendered their unbeaten record at Ardtole but they didn’t give it up easily and fought to the very end. Bredagh started slowly and gave away a penalty in the opening minutes, which was converted. Another point meant four in it, which is something new to this squad but they responded in style with a goal from Paul Boyd and an excellent point from Matthew Hollywood. With the score even, Ardglass found their touch and scored another 1-2 before Niall Devlin replied with the closing score of the half. With the score at 2-3 to 1-2, the Bredagh lads knew they had to dig deep but again a slow second-half start saw Ardglass score another two points without reply. It was then that the lads in maroon found their touch and encamped themselves in the Ardglass half. Bredagh points followed from Joe Steele, Niall Devlin and Paul Boyd. With the score at 2-5 to 1-5, it was game on but a fortunate break from the home side left Bredagh hearts reeling as the ball hit the back of the net. Again Bredagh responded with points from Paul Boyd and Niall Devlin, but alas time was running out and the home side finished the scoring with a well-taken point.
Bredagh 2-8 St John's 1-5
Wednesday April 5th - the Minors returned to action at last after an enforced lay-off but kept up their winning run by beating St John's by almost exactly the same scoreline as earlier in the campaign. St John's made the going very tough for Bredagh but to their credit the Ormeau outfit knuckled down and produced a fine team performance. This was the Minors first game in a month but it didn’t show as the lads in maroon raced into a 0-5 to 0-1 lead. The Bredagh points came from Niall Devlin, Paul Boyd, Joe Steele, Oisin Quinn and Paul Doole, but at every stage the Bredagh forwards looked menacing and had every chance to extend their lead. Instead, St John's pressed forward and scored a few points before half-time. Paul Boyd added one more for the home side to make it 0-6 to 0-3 at the break.
Second-half: the ball was in the Bredagh net from a swift St John's counter-attack and all of a sudden there was all to play for. The unbeaten run and top spot in the League was under serious threat. Bredagh responded... in style. They produced some wonderful football with a point from Paul Doole and goals from Kevin Briggs and John McKenna. With the score at 2-7 to 1-3, the game looked safe but again St John's bounced back with two points and only for two brilliant point-blank saves by Jonathan ‘Pup’ Arthurs, the result could have been different. The final minutes brought another point from corner-forward dynamo Paul Doole.
Summary: this was a deserved and hard-fought victory that complimented the team spirit the lads have. Keeper Jonathan Arthurs was in a league of his own. Defenders Rowan Smart, Mark McElroy and Brian Wright had excellent games. The half-back line of Dermot Coffey, Niall Colton and Man of the Match Niall Boyle produced sterling performances. Midfielders Kevin Briggs and Niall Devlin gave their all, and half-forwards Joe Steele, Matthew Hollywood and John McKenna battled for every breaking ball. The forwards of Oisin Quinn, Paul Boyd and Paul Doole were in fine form and super sub Michael Diffin proved his quality with a significant contribution.
Teconnaught 4-2 Bredagh 4-8
Sunday March 5th - Bredagh maintained their one hundred per cent record but they had to overcome some strong resistance from Teconnaught, last years Minor B Champions. Again the team had to be reshuffled due to injury and illness to no less than seven regular players but the lads got off to a positive start with Bredagh scoring 1-3 without reply. Points from Oisin Quinn, Joe Steele and Matthew Hollywood were accompanied by an own goal. However, a fortunate Teconnaught goal woke the Bredagh lads up and they scored three excellent points on the trot from Oisin Quinn and a brace from Matthew Hollywood. Again Teconnaught fought back and scored another goal before Bredagh finished the half with a goal from Matthew Hollywood and a point from John McKenna. Half time score 2-7 to 2-0. The second half started with a lot of pressure and possession from Bredagh in which Joe Steele got another point and goals from McKenna and Hollywood put the Ormeau outfit in pole position. With the score at 4-8 to 2-0 it looked over but to the credit of the home side they bounced back and scored 2-2 before the referees final whistle. The highlight of the game was the form of Man of the Match Matthew Holywood who had a brilliant game at centre half forward and accumulated a personal tally of 2-3.
Bredagh 4-13 Drumaness 1-3
Sunday, February 26th - An excellent first-half display keeps the minors unbeaten and top of the League. Playing with a strong wind behind them, Bredagh raced into a 2-6 to 0-0 lead before Drumaness registered their only point of the entire half. The home side again pressed home their advantage to lead at the break by 3-9 to 0-1, mainly thanks to wonderful goals from Kevin Briggs and Paul Doole (2). Things evened up after the interval as Drumaness, to their credit, never gave up and scored 1-2 before the Bredagh lads found another gear. Another brilliant goal, this time from Kevin McElroy, wrapped up the match points. Oisin Quinn was Man of the Match after an excellent performance in both attack and defence, though there were also some excellent rearguard tackles by Owen Costello and Niall Colton.
Squad & Scorers: Jonathan Arthurs, Brian Wright, Mark McElroy, Rowan Smart, Owen Costello 0-1, Niall Boyle, Niall Colton 0-1, Matthew Hollywood, Kevin Briggs 1-1, John McKenna 0-1, Kevin McElroy 1-0, Niall Devlin 0-3, Paul Doole 2-1, Paul Boyd 0-2, Oisin Quinn 0-2, James McAllister, Michael Diffin 0-1, Donal Murphy.
St John's 1-5 Bredagh 2-7
The strength and depth in the Bredagh squad was strongly tested as no less than eight first-team players were unavailable because of injury or illness. St Johns raced into a 1-5 to 0-2 lead with Bredagh only having brilliant individual scores from John McKenna and Michael Diffin to show for their efforts. It was then that Niall Boyle was put on their midfield playmaker and as you can see from the final score Niall marked him out of the game completely. In the final ten minutes of the half, Bredagh bounced back with points from Oisin Quinn and Niall Colton and a well-taken penalty by captain Niall Devlin. Half-time - 1-5 to 1-4. Bredagh picked up where they left off and Paul Doole scored a goal at the end of a move that started inthe full-back line. Further points from Matthew Hollywood, Joe Steele and Man of the Match Paul Boyd were enough to see off the valiant home side. Jonathan Arthurs was steady again, while Conal Short, Owen Costello and Rowen Smart never gave their forwards an inch. Half-backs Aidan O' Neill and Niall Colton had to be replaced through injury but Oisin Quinn, Brian Wright and Niall Boyle gave everything and prevented St Johns from scoring in the second-half. The new midfield partnership of Holywood and Devlin fought for every breaking ball against bigger opposition.
Bredagh 2-11 Dromara 0-7
Bredagh Minors made it two wins out of two by beating Dromara. They now stand proudly at the top of the Minor B League after a convincing win which showed that last week's equally convincing win over Dundrum was no fluke! Bredagh opened the livelier and within seconds of the start Niall Colton put the home side in front. Nevertheless Dromara, who themselves had a good win over Teconnaught last week, hit back with a well-taken point. It was then disaster struck with a leg injury to influential captain Stevie Gray who had to be carried from the pitch. Dromara took advantage of this and took an early lead with another point before Bredagh sprung into action. A goal and point from Paul Boyd followed two points from Matthew Holywood and a point from Man of the Match Kevin Briggs brought the Ormeau Road lads into a half-time lead of 1-5 to 0-2.
Second-half - The second half started as the first half ended with Bredagh in full control. Joe Steele scored a tremendous goal followed by points from Matthew Holywood, Niall Colton and Kevin Briggs. With the score at 2-8 to 0-2 it looked over, but fair play to Dromara who fought back and scored four points without reply. Again Bredagh changed gear and scored from two well-taken frees by Niall Devlin and a further point from Paul Boyd. Dromara, to their credit, tried to press forward again but their efforts were rewarded with just a solitary point. This was truly a tremendous team performance. Another clean sheet from Sean Armstrong was supported by some wonderful defending from Brian Wright, Dermot Coffey, Owen Costello, Niall Boyle, Ruairi O’Kane and Kevin and Mark McElroy. With John McKenna buzzing around as corner forward this is, without question, a team working as a complete unit with strength in depth on the bench.
Pictures v St Brigid's
These pictures are from a pre-season challenge on Sunday January 30th against St Brigids. The game was a constructive run-out apart from an unfortunate injury to star goalkeeper Jonathan Pup Arthurs. Bredagh started well and when Oisin Quinn and Joe Steele netted in the first period, things were looking rosy. A Paul Doole point brought the score to 2-2 to 1-2 at the first break. From the restart Michael Diffin hit the crossbar and St Brigids scrambled two chances off the line, but St Brigids pulled away and led by three going into the last twenty. Niall Boyle and Kevin Briggs scored good points top reduce the deficit to one, but again the more powerful St Brigids midfield unit took charge and the visitors finished the stronger. They scored their third goal with the last kick of the game; Bredagh were contention right to the end. A lot of positives can be taken from this game.
B'kinlar/Dundrum 0-8 Bredagh 4-8
The minors opened their East Down League campaign with a great away win on Sunday, February 5th, 4-8 to 0-8 over Ballykinlar/Dundrum. Right from the start Bredagh put in a tremendous amount of effort and within ten minutes they had a seven-point lead with goals from Paul Doole and John McKenna, and a wonderful point from Matthew Holywood. Dundrum replied with a point but a point from John McKenna was followed with the move of the match. Owen Costello picked the ball up in the corner-back position and carried it to the half-way line. Paul Doole brought the ball wide via Kevin Briggs and when the ball was launched into the box full-forward Stephen Gray was there to fist the ball into the back of the net. With the score at 3-2 to 0-1 the Bredagh lads seemed to take a breather before half-time and allowed the home side to score three points without reply. Half-time: Dundrum/Ballykinler 0-4 Bredagh 3-2. Second-half - coaches McKenna and McElroy emphasised the importance of a good strong display in the second half but it seemed to start in the same way the first-half ended with a Dundrum point but Joe Steele, who gave a sterling performance throughout the game, had other ideas and scored a brilliant goal. Dundrum again replied with a point but then gave away four frees due to the pressure and persistence of the Bredagh pack, all converted by Niall Devlin. The home side did try to revive themselves but Paul Doole scored a further point to seal a very decisive and impressive win. It was noted at the end of the game that all the players played their part. U-16 goalkeeper Sean Armstrong, playing his first competitive game at minor level, didn’t put a foot wrong but Man of the Match was Stephen Gray who played the captain's role throughout this game. 23 players travelled to this away game which shows the commitment of the squad.
Feis Sevens
Bredagh Minors lost to St John's in the Section Final of the Feis Sevens on Sunday, April 23rd in controversial fashion.
The team started the day on form with a brilliant 7-1 to 3-5 win over Dundrum. However a high price was paid for this victory with injuries to Kevin McElroy and Paul Doole. Left with just eight fit players, Bredagh had to play Dromara but still managed to win, by 3-3 to 1-2. St John's waited in the Section Final after beating Loughinisland and Bryansford, which indicated that they were a good team. Bredagh played some amazing football in the first half and with the score at 0-4 points each, the second-half promised to be a cracker. However another injury, this time to Paul Boyd, meant the Ormeau outfit had to dig deep and that they did. With the seven and a half minutes up, Bredagh led by 0-8 to 0-6 but the referee played an extra 65 seconds and with the last kick of the game St John's got the winning goal. The lads were gutted but they take credit as they were the better team and played the better football against a very defensive St John's squad. The lads did themselves and the club proud and indeed they live to fight another day.
Squad: Jonathan Arthurs (who pulled off at least two fantastic saves), Kevin Briggs and Niall Devlin (who never put a foot wrong in the heart of defence), Matthew Hollywood, Paul Boyd and Kevin McElroy (who gave everything in midfield), Paul Doole, Joe Steele, John McKenna and Oisin Quinn (who all tormented each defence they met).
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St Marys 1-13 Bredagh 3-09
Bredagh 4-13 Saul 2-8
Ardglass 0-9 Bredagh 1-11
Cill Darach 0-2 Bredagh 2-11
Kilclief 0-8 Bredagh 2-11
Bredagh 1-11 Carryduff 1-08
Bredagh 6-9 Teconnaught 0-5
Bredagh 1-9 Loughanisland 1-9
Bredagh v Castlewellan
Minors Finish Runners-up In East Down "A"
Bredagh 0-12 Loughinisland 2-09
Bredagh 0-10 Dromara 2-6
Bredagh 4-08 Teconnaught 1-06
Drumgath 1-04 Bredagh 2-11
Bredagh 0-07 Carryduff 0-02
Bredagh 0-10 Loughinisland 2-04
Bredagh 2-10 Drumaness 1-10
Bredagh 2-14 Liatroim/Dromara 2-05
Bredagh 4-11 Ballymartin 2-09
Bredagh 1-07 Lamh Dearg 0-08
Bredagh 1-7 St John's 2-6
Bredagh 3-7 B'kinlar/Dundrum 2-9
Bredagh 1-4 Warrenpoint 2-5
Pictures from L'island
Loughinisland 1-11 Bredagh 0-4
Pictures
List of Players
Bredagh 2-14 Loughinisland 1-8
Fixtures & Results
Bredagh 1-18 Ardglass 1-9
Drumaness 2-7 Bredagh 1-8
Ardglass 3-6 Bredagh 1-7
Bredagh 2-8 St John's 1-5
Teconnaught 4-2 Bredagh 4-8
Bredagh 4-13 Drumaness 1-3
St John's 1-5 Bredagh 2-7
Bredagh 2-11 Dromara 0-7
Pictures v St Brigid's
B'kinlar/Dundrum 0-8 Bredagh 4-8
Feis Sevens
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