13-09-2003

Mountmellick forced to share points

LFL Counties Major Division
Mountmellick Utd 4 .....................................St Peter’s 4

A late equaliser from promising teenager Noel McGee left defending Counties Major champions Mountmellick United with just one point from their first game of the season.

St Peter’s arrived from Athlone in a determined mood and with 16-year-old McGee intent on causing all sorts of problems up the right wing, it wasn’t going to be an easy one for Mountmellick.

Still, the Counties kingpins took the lead with a Niall Lynch goal but saw it pegged back by a Mick Rafferty strike.

Robbie Hibbitts, such an important striker for Mountmellick last season, indicated that he is still in the mood this term by scoring the goal which gave the home side a 2-1 half-time lead.

When Mountmellick’s Oscar Traynor player, John Kerry, put them 3-1 up after the break it was an uphill battle for Peter’s but they continued playing useful football and were rewarded when Brian Cauldwell found the net.

Another goal from Mick Rafferty levelled the match but in the 71st minute, with an end-to-end patter firmly established, Paul Lee swept home what many thought would be the winner for Mountmellick.

But there was still plenty of life left in the game. Dinny Lynch saw a shot blocked on the line and then with nine minutes left Brian Cauldwell released McGee with a great ball and the youngster made it 4-4.

Both sides had chances in the time that remained with Peter’s ‘keeper Ian Bolger making a brilliant stop from Ray Farrell and opposing ‘keeper Martin Forde denying Brian Cauldwell but a draw was a fair result.

Mountmellick Utd: Martin Forde; Mark Parkinson, Alan Reddin, Mark Turner, Kevin Conroy, John Kerry, Ray Farrell, Niall Lynch, Robbie Hibbitts, Paul Lee, Kieran Conroy. Sub: Dinny Lynch for Kieran Conroy (59 mins).

St Peter’s: Ian Bolger; John Murray, Noel Francis, Gerry McHugh, Elton Gordon, Tony O’Sullivan, Noel McGee, Robbie Downey, Brian Cauldwell, Michael Quinn, Michael Rafferty. Subs: Kenny Cauldwell for Gerry McHugh and Michael McLoughlin for Tony O’Sullivan (76 mins).

Referee: Paul Murphy (Midlands Branch).

Annie

The Brian Brady Youth Theatre presents the hit musical Annie in the Mountmellick Macra Hall, Patrick St. for the remainder of this week concluding on Saturday night. Each show begins at 8.15 pm. Tickets at e6 each are available from O'Gorman's Shop, Patrick St. Featuring all local talent this is a show not to be missed.

Laois Writers Group

The Laois Writers Group will resume meetings in County Hall, Portlaoise on Tuesday, September 16 form 7 pm to 9 pm. New members are always welcome. The group meets on the first and third Tuesday of each month.

Old School Whist

Results, September 4: top score, N Thompson; ladies, 1, B Keegan; 2, B O'Brien; gents, 1, F Conroy; 2, B Allen and M Fitzpatrick; halves, 1, V Hutchinson; 2, A Mahon; best of three games, M Buggy; free pass, K Donovan.

The committee appreciate you continued support every Thursday night.

Knock

The Legion of Mary will have a bus travelling to Knock on Sunday, September 14.
Names of those wishing to travel to be given to any Legion of Mary member, all are welcome to come along.

Irish Dancing

Irish dancing classes have restarted on Fridays in the Owenass Hall. Beginners -5 pm to 6 pm; advanced group 1 - 6 pm to 7 pm; advanced group 2-7 pm to 8 pm.
Contact Leona for information.

Grow Group

A Grow Group has begun in Mountmellick. If you are someone who experiences depression, anxiety attacks or who is simply in need of company do come along.
You will have an opportunity to meet others, share your problems in confidence, get support and make new friends. All are welcome.

Meetings will take place in the MDA, lrishtown at 3 pm every Monday. For further information please contact Harriet.

Laois Citizens Information Group

The above is in attendance every Wednesday at MDA lrishtown from 10 am to 12.30 pm or else may be contacted at the Portlaoise office. Anyone who would like help with tax problems, social welfare entitlements, health, housing or any related problem are welcome to attend.

Mother and Toddler Group

The mother and toddler group starts this Thursday, September 11 at 10 am in the Methodist Hall (at rear of Methodist Church). All parents and toddlers welcome.

Mountmellick Macra

All members are asked to attend the club's AGM on Friday, September 19 at 8 pm sharp in the Macra Hall, Patrick St New members are always welcome.

Community Care Whist

Results, September 3; top score, Angela Walsh; ladies, 1, Mary Gowing and Angela Walshe' gents, 1, B O'Brien; 2, Kathleen McHugh; halves, ladies, 1 , Jane Brennan; 2, Breda Cooley; gents, 1, Betty Srahan; 2, Paddy Dolan.

Open Clay Shoot

Mountmellick & District Game Preservation Association & Gun Club are holding an open clay shoot on Sunday, September 14 at Gorman's Bog, Garrymore. Shooting from 12 noon to 5 pm.

50 Birds sporting. Also single 10 bird available. There will be cash prizes.

Blood Donor Awards

The following are donors who have qualified for the silver awards from the Irish Blood Transfusion Service.

They recipients are John McCormack, Mellick. Rosenallis; Mrs Dolores Bennett, The Commons, Mountmellick and Seam us Gorman, 10 Esker Gate, Mountmellick.
Thanks to all those who helped out with the teas on the day.

Set Dancing

Set dancing for the winter months will begin in St. Mary's Hall, Clonaghadoo on Wednesday, September 10 at 8.30 pm. Beginners and experienced dancers welcome. Tutor - Maureen Culliton.

Comhaltas

Congratulations to Niamh Furlong on being chosen to participate in a special recital at An Cultúrlann, Comhaltas Headquarters in Dublin. Niamh is one of a small group of top achievers in the recent music exams at Senior Level, who are being honoured at this event.

Mountmellick Utd AFC

Mountmellick Utd AFC would like to thank all who supported their recent cabaret in the Mellick Inn. The cabaret was in aid of the Conor Davis Park Development at the Bay Road. The club officially named their grounds on Friday evening last. It was a great night for the club and also for Mountmellick. Thanks again to all for your help and co-operation and we look forward to your continued support in the future