Harps set sights on more silverware

IT HAS been a busy and successful period for Tír Conaill Harps, with the club’s senior teams in Championship action while four youth sides made the early journey south to compete at the Yorkshire Games in Leeds.

The Harps Ladies began their Junior Championship campaign with a closely fought encounter against Stirling Carrigans. Ciara Byrne was instrumental as Harps recovered from an early deficit to lead 1-03 to 1-02 at half-time.

The contest remained tight throughout the second half, with Harps continuing to trade scores with Carrigans before two late goals ultimately swung the game in the visitors’ favour, Carrigans winning 3-05 to 1-07.

The ladies were subsequently awarded their fixture against Dalriada after their opponents were unable to field, while Harps themselves had to concede against Dunedin Connollys. They now have the Championship Shield Final against Dalriada to look forward to.

The men, meanwhile, enjoyed a superb Intermediate Championship campaign, recording three victories from three games.

First came a dominant 1-16 to 0-02 victory over Stirling Carrigans. Ethan Friel opened the scoring with a two-pointer from beyond the arc, while Dylan Bradley grabbed the game’s only goal as a strong defensive display restricted Carrigans to just two points.

A much sterner test followed against Glasgow Gaels in a thrilling Glasgow derby.

The sides were level at half-time before Gaels began to take control after the restart. Harps refused to fold, however, with goalkeeper Kieran Gildea producing a number of outstanding saves to keep his side in contention.

Phil Lambert’s goal reignited the Harps challenge before the game exploded into life during the closing stages. Gaels found the net to move back in front, only for Danny McGeever to respond with a goal a minute later. Darren Collins then struck another in the 65th minute as Harps completed a memorable 4-10 to 1-16 victory.

With two wins secured, Harps knew victory over Dalriada would guarantee another Intermediate Championship Final appearance. They achieved it emphatically.

Harps produced a devastating attacking display, scoring six first-half goals on their way to a 6-11 to 0-03 interval lead. Aaron Conlan, Dylan Bradley, Darren Collins and Phil Lambert were among the goalscorers as Harps took complete control.

The scoring continued after the break, with Andrew Shanahan finding the net before Matthew Maginn capped a superb run from defence with another goal. Ethan Friel completed the nine-goal haul as Harps ran out 9-19 to 0-04 winners and booked their place in the Intermediate Championship Final.

Across their three Championship victories, the Harps men amassed an impressive 14 goals and 45 points while conceding just one goal and 22 points.

There was also plenty to celebrate in the club’s youth section as four Harps teams travelled from Glasgow to Leeds for the Yorkshire Games.

Setting off at 4.30am, the U9s, U11s, U13 Boys and U14 Girls made the four-hour journey to the John Charles Centre for Sport, where they joined clubs from across Yorkshire and Northern England.

The U9s and U11s enjoyed the opportunity to test themselves against unfamiliar opposition, including teams from Newcastle and Sheffield, while the U13 Boys produced a series of determined performances which culminated in a fantastic Shield Final victory (above).

The U14 Girls went one better by lifting the LGFA Cup. After impressing throughout the tournament, Paddy Howard’s side faced St Lawrence’s in the final and saved one of their finest performances for the biggest occasion. A superb defensive display combined with clinical attacking football saw Harps secure an emphatic 2-07 to 0-01 victory and return to Glasgow as champions.

The weekend was about much more than results. The travelling Harps contingent stayed overnight in Leeds and were warmly welcomed at the Leeds Irish Centre for an evening hosted by the JFK Club.

After an early start and a long day of football, players, coaches and families were able to enjoy the hospitality, music and friendship that remain such an important part of the GAA community.

When the bus eventually headed north again, it carried two trophies, plenty of medals and memories from a hugely successful weekend.

From Championship victories in Glasgow to trophies in Yorkshire, it has been a period that showcased the senior strength, growing youth section and community spirit at the heart of Tír Conaill Harps.