Southern Gaels 0-15 Lough Lene Gaels 1-12
Southern Gael earned a deserved draw in their first league encounter of the year, a fixture which was played in difficult conditions in Pairc Chiaráin Athlone recently.
The hosts were behind 1-6 to 0-5 at half-time but put in a much improved second half to gain a draw. Lough Lene Gaels were reduced to 14 players in the second half which did not help their cause. Top scorer for the Athlone side was Sean Dowd who hit nine points with the youthful Johnny Martin chipping in with two.
The home team led by a point with time almost up but a late pointed free for the north Westmeath side gave them a share of the points.
Team - Conn O’Hara, Jonathan Keogh, Shane Galvin, Evan Farrell, Dermot Treacy (0-1 ), Cian McCarthy (0-1 ), Kevin Dolan, Diarmuid Martin, Luke Whelan (0-1 ), Frank Kelly, Sean Dowd (0-9 ), Maurice Fitzgerald (0-1 ), Eoin Hardiman, Sean Murphy and Johnny Martin (0-2 ). Sub - Brian Bermingham for Kelly.
Comhaltas Presentation
During a great night of music and dancing in Pairc Chiaráin, Southern Gaels were presented with an award by Comhaltas Éireann in recognition of their contribution to Feile na Sionainne last year.
The club will once again take part in Feile na Sionnaine 2024 and also plan to participate in the GAA Scór music and dancing events in the coming year.
Healthy Club Initiative
Southern Gaels launched their Healthy Club initiative in recent times. This is an initiative that will sees the club more involved in all aspects of the community with all ages involved in various activities, not just games.
Activities for retired people and those not so sporty will be hosted and organised by the club in the coming year. Thanks to Irene O’Neill who is the club officer organising this new venture.