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The No Touch Game
...by Geno Mattimoe
Mayo Cup Semi Final (u16 Boys) Boyle V Ballina
"B"
Ballina "B" 20 Boyle
39
The Boyle under 16 boys are through to the
Mayo Cup Final after defeating Ballina B last Thursday night in the Sports
centre in Ballina. A walkover, compliments of Sligo Warriors saw the Boyle lads
through to the semi-finals where they accounted for the Mayo lads with ease and
now face Castlebar in the Final on this Friday night 25th in Boyle at
8pm.
Boyle were slow out of the blocks and had difficulty finishing on
their first few attacks but had stamped their authority on the game by the end
of the first quarter where they lead by 8 points. Cian Griffin and Niall Keville
worked hard for inside scores while Mark Goldrick, Mark O’Connor, Tadgh Lowe and
Mikey Mattimoe added further points from the fast break. Ballina resorted to the
outside game but poor shooting let them down and Boyle maintained their lead and
built on it which allowed the Subs to get a run before fulltime.
Final
Score Ballina "B" 20
Boyle 39
Boyle: Niall Keville (12); Cian Griffin
(9); Mark Goldrick (5); Mikey Mattimoe (7); Tadgh Lowe (4); Mark O’Connor
(2);Robert Kielty; Mark Finn; Rocus Gain; Colin Doherty; David Casey. Geno
Mattimoe (coach); Ollie Keville (Asst coach).
The Cup Final takes
place in Boyle this Friday night at 8pm. All support
welcome.
Mayo
League Semi Final (u 16 Boys) Boyle V Ballina
"A"
Boyle 38
Ballina "A" 32
Boyle Under 16 boys were in action again on
Friday night last against Ballina A in the league semi final in the Sports
complex in Boyle. The Ballina A side lived up to their billing and were a more
robust outfit than the previous nights encounter in Ballina. The Boyle lads to
their credit pulled out all the stops and dug deep to gain and hold an advantage
over a quality side coached by Sean McHale. Boyle pulled ahead early in the game
and only for a short period in the 3rd quarter looked to be in any bother after
Ballina upped the tempo and forced Boyle into 3 successive turnovers which all
yielded scores. D Gorman and B Moylette were exceptional for Ballina and gave
Griffin and Lowe plenty of grief under the boards. Mark O’Connor came on in the
second half for the rested Griffin and was excellent in defence. Mark also
showed his team mates how to take a charge – a defensive move he is determined
to master.
Niall Keville ran into foul trouble in the 3rd quarter but a
disciplined performance allowed him to finish out the game with a contribution
of 13 points. Niall, no doubt felt aggrieved at picking up his 4th foul in what
looked like an excellent block on the much taller Moylette
Boyle again made
use of the fast break where Tadgh Lowe and Mikey Mattimoe picked up scores. Mark
Goldricks outside shooting is a joy to behold and he again played the 4 quarters
with a huge effort in attack and defence.
Ballina outscored Boyle in the 4th
Quarter but a disciplined use of the clock by the home side allowed them to hold
the lead making full use of each offence.
Boyle are now through to the
League Final – opposition as yet unconfirmed.
Boyle: Niall Keville
(13); Cian Griffin (4); Mark Goldrick (8); Mikey Mattimoe (4); Tadgh Lowe (6);
Mark O’Connor (3);Robert Kielty; Mark Finn; Rocus Gain; Colin Doherty; David
Casey. Geno Mattimoe (coach); Ollie Keville (Asst coach).
Best of luck
to the lads on the team who line for Boyle GAA Under 16s this Sunday in their
Championship semi-final clash with Clann N Gael at 6pm in
Kilteevan.
Community Games Update:
The Girls Under 16 team
made their exit in the community games semi final clash with Castlerea in
Strokestown. Castlerea, boosted by the inclusion of 5 of the All Ireland
Castlerea Community school winning team were deserving of their win with slick
passing, numerous steals and excellent finishing. The Boyle girls to their
credit fought back in the second half after a slow start, and came back to
within 10 points but did not have the composure to finish on several fast
breaks. Aideen Kearney for Boyle was excellent with a contribution of 14
points.
Boyle Under 16 Girls : Rachel Cox (3); Aideen Kearney (14);
Nicole Murphy (2); Ellen Egan (4); Emily McDonagh (2); Aileen Kennedy; Ella
Millett; Mairead Horan; Caroline Clarke; Dayna Doherty; Joe Kennedy (Coach)
Due to a clash with a soccer fixture the Boys Under 16 team had to
withdraw from the Community games semi final against Ballaghaderreen last
Saturday.
The Under 13 Girls were unfortunate in their game (County
Final) with Ballaghaderreen last Sunday in Strokestown. After defeating
Castlerea on a score of 25-12 in the semi-finals the Boyle girls were hopeful of
returning the Under 13 title to Boyle after a break of 2 years. A much taller
Ballaghaderreen side ran out winners on a score of 21 - 15.
Boyle Under
13 Girls : Emma Tiernan; Nicole Kearns; Saoirse Noone; Melissa Mattimoe; Eithne
McNamara; Cassie Tymon; Hannah Clohessy; Natasha Regan. Joe Kennedy
(Coach)
photo courtesy
of Joe Kennedy [here]
Girls basketball in Boyle has made great strides in the last few
years thanks in no small way to the dedication and commitment of Joe Kennedy and
his team of coaches and assistants : Geraldine Goldrick, Martina Clohessy, Fiona
Keenan, Siobhan Conroy; Maeve Moran; Fiona Mattimoe and Jackie Valentine. While
a community games county title eluded them this year there were several wins in
Shannonside blitzs and the game continues to go from strength to strength – keep
up the great work guys ! Enjoy the summer break and we look forward to your
welcome return in September.
Don’t forget !! I have application
forms for the Basketball Ireland summer camp which is being held in Gormanstown
Co Meath this year (formerly Dungarvan camp).
Contact me at
086 8151120 or genomattimoe@eircom.net
Keep Hoopin it Up...
Update 10th April 2008:
Mayo League Quarter Final (under 16 Boys)
Boyle44 - Crossmolina 31
The Boyle
under 16 boys booked a place in the Mayo League semi-final on Thursday night
last with a convincing win over Crossmolina. They now meet Ballina in a
semi-final which may yet be played this week. Strong performances from all
players yielded a 13 point margin in a game which never looked safe until the
last 2 minutes when a time out had to be called to settle the team and secure
the lead. Mark Goldrick showed why he is the squad’s most improved player this
season with a great all round performance including 8 points.
Boyle were
first to score with a score from a strong inside move by Niall Keville. Mikey
Mattimoe and Cian Griffin added further baskets before Keville again scored to
put the home side 8 ahead without reply from Crossmolina. The Mayo lads had a
height advantage and dominated their own boards leaving little for the Boyle
forwards – Griffin and Lowe to pick up. Indeed most of Boyle’s scores came from
inside and were hard earned with some excellent team work from Griffin, Tadgh
Lowe and Keville. With 5 minutes to go to half time Robert Kielty came off the
bench to take the point guard position and was effective in stealing the ball
and forcing several turnovers. Paul McDermott replaced Mark Goldrick and scored
a great basket off a fast break involving Keville and Griffin. Crossmolina
however came back into the game with scores from Loftus and their point guard
Jordan was successful off the drive with 4 points back-to-back.
Photo of the Boyle Boys
Team [here]
Half
time score : Boyle17 Crossmolina14
The physical nature of the game
resulted in Boyle getting into team foul trouble in each quarter. Mattimoe and
Goldrick were re-introduced to steady the ship in the 3rd and were involved in
three successive fast-breaks sending Goldrick to the hoop where he converted
against much taller opposition to yield 6 fantastic points. Hard work from Cian
Griffin under the boards yielded further scores but the opposition were not
giving in easily and Jordan and Rowland were hard to stop adding most of
Crossmolina’s scores between them. Boyle wasted several attacks with forced
shots only to hand the ball to Crossmolina where they out-rebounded the home
side. Mattimoe missed 3 in a row from outside the arc only to make amends with a
great 3 pointer just before the end of the 3rd quarter. Niall Keville added
several more scores before eventually fouling out with 3 minutes to go. Tadgh
Lowe gave his usual steady performance contributing 5 points. Mark Finn and
Rocus Gain came off the bench and played solid defence contributing to a
convincing win for Boyle. Best for Boyle on the night were Keville, Griffin and
Goldrick who has secured a first five place this season with a top class work
rate.
Boyle: Niall Keville (14); Cian Griffin (8); Mark Goldrick (8);
Mikey Mattimoe (7); Tadgh Lowe (5); Paul McDermott (2); Robert Kielty; Mark
Finn; Rocus Gain; Colin Doherty (injured). Geno Mattimoe (coach)
The
lads play Sligo Warriors next Friday night at 7pm in the Sports Complex in Boyle
in a Mayo Cup quarter final. Please come along and support the
lads.
Community Games Update:
Congratulations to the Boyle
Under 13 Girls who defeated Castlerea last Sunday in a County Semi Final to
secure a place in the Final against Ballaghaderreen.
Score :
Castlerea12 - Boyle24
Don’t forget!! I have application forms for
the Basketball Ireland summer camp which is being held in Gormanstown Co Meath
this year (formerly Dungarvan camp).
I can be contacted at 086
8151120 or genomattimoe@eircom.net
Keep Hoopin it Up...
Update 29th March 2008:
Mayo Cup Quarter
Final (Ladies)
Boyle 42 : Crossmolina 47
This
was a game that was there for the taking but the chance was squandered primarily
by poor finishing under the boards. The Boyle Ladies will have their regrets but
in the end, have only themselves to blame for failing to progress to the
semi-finals. This was a close, physical contest, but it was the superior
fitness, and composure of the Mayo side that was the difference at the end of
the 4th Quarter.
Boyle started strong with a brace of scores from
Siobhan Conroy before Crossmolina got on the sheet with 2 points from their
centre Sharon Reidy. But Siobhan Conroy was adamant that this was going to be
Boyle’s day and followed with a fantastic 3-pointer to put the home side 5
points clear. Crossmolina started to find their range and followed with scores
from Grace Howley and Sharon Reidy and were a point ahead at the end of the
first quarter. Boyle came out fighting in the 2nd and Saoirse O’Flaherty’s
return from injury fired up her team mates with several interceptions of the
ball which yielded scores from Ruth Kelly, Nicole McDermott, and Brid Connelly.
O’Flaherty clocked up 6 points in this quarter with some inspirational play
particularly under the boards. Sarah Melvin however was on form for Crossmolina
and hit 8 points in this quarter with some excellent outside
shooting.
Half time score: Boyle 25
Crossmolina 24
Fitness was always going to be a big
factor as the game progressed but what the home side lacked in this department,
they made up for in determination. It was a pleasure to see Conroy and
O’Flaherty scrap for every loose ball and while they succeeded time and again in
forcing the opposition into turnovers, unfortunately they, and their team mates,
failed to convert on too many occasions under the boards. With O’Flaherty in
foul trouble Boyle had to ease up on the physical game and lost this quarter by
2 points.
At the start of the 4th quarter Boyle were just a point down
and their hopes were raised when Siobhan Conroy hit a trade-mark 3-pointer from
“down-town” range. But fatigue was getting the better of them and Crossmolina
added scores from Howley, Melvin and Reidy. Boyle had free throw conversions
from Brid Connelly and Saoirse O’Flaherty but the damage was done at this stage.
Conroy failed, in desperation to convert another 3 point attempt and Crossmolina
had 5 points to spare after 32 minutes of play.
This was a great game to
watch for the neutral observer but Boyle will have to consider if greater use of
the bench would have yielded results in a game where fitness was always going to
be a factor. Crossmolina have a youthful side which has savoured success on many
occasions with Gortnor Abbey. The home side can take some comfort from the
result in that it restored some pride after their last bruising encounter with
the North Mayo Ladies. Along with Conroy and O’Flaherty, Nicole McDermott had an
exceptional game for Boyle contributing 8 points.
Boyle:
Saoirse
O’Flaherty (14); Siobhan Conroy (10) ;Nicole McDermott (8); Brid Connelly (4);
Ruth Kelly (6) ;Caoilfhionn Dodd ;Caroline McLoughlin; Tracey Mulrennan; Coach –
Eamon Downes assisted by Darren O’Flaherty.
Under 16
Boys
The Under 16 Boys take on Crossmolina in a Mayo League quarter
final game in the Sports complex next Thursday 3rd April. Crossmolina are in the
opposite pool to Boyle so the sides have not met this so far season and so the
Mayo Lads are an unknown quantity. It goes without saying that the standard from
Crossmolina is always good however the Boyle lads have improved this season with
League wins over Kiltimagh (2) and Charlestown (1) along with winning the recent
Shannonside U16 blitz in Boyle.
Tip off is at 7:30pm and supporters are
very welcome.
Yours truly will be coaching the Boyle lads and, as always,
ensuring that the Boyle bench is a “sea of tranquillity”.
Community
games
The Boyle U13 boys bowed out of the community games last Monday
against a superior Castlerea team.
Score: Castlerea 37
Boyle 16.
This is a young Boyle team and many of them are
underage for this category again next year. Keep up the training lads and
hopefully you’ll do better next year.
Boyle : Ryan Finneran; Dylan
Mattimoe; Conor McKenna ; Cole Gunning; Michael Lavin; Aaron O’Brien; Gareth
Gilmartin; Patrick McDonnell; Coach – Terry Mattimoe
The U13 girls
are in action today Sunday 30th also against Castlerea at 1:30 pm in
Castlerea.
We wish them well.
Don’t forget!! I have
application forms for the Basketball Ireland summer camp which is being held in
Gormanstown, Co. Meath this year (formerly Dungarvan camp) ...I can be
contacted at 086 8151120 or genomattimoe@eircom.net
Keep
Hoopin it Up
Update 25th March 2008:
I once witnessed a
debate between 2 locals, a GAA stalwart and a soccer supporter arguing the
merits of one code over the other. The GAA Club official referred to soccer as "that oul' one touch game". Some time later Frankie Feighan attempted to
resurrect the debate in my company by pitting soccer against Basketball. This
time the quip came from the late great John "Rosco" Quinn who referred to
Basketball as "That oul' no touch game". One of John's many great quips..no
doubt.
After almost a week of pestering by Sean O'Dowd I finally
succumbed and agreed to write a few words for RealBoyle which I'll call "A sort
of basketball column….".
I'm not sure if it was the smooth negotiating skills
of Dessie McLoughlin or the fact that I'd probably had one too many Smirnoff Ice
but the deal was done late on Saturday night in Daly's. Dessie agreed to broker
the deal provided Sean continued to keep Des's face off
RealBoyle. ("for the moment ..." - Admin)
Anyway, trying to attain the standard set by Tony Conboy's
GAA section and Eddie Conroy's Boyle Celtic spot on RealBoyle is going to be
difficult but what a wonderful medium to get Basketball news out and about, not
just locally but to the wider Global village (Francis Tarpey …hope you are
reading this….where ever you are !!). After Gaelic football and Soccer,
Basketball is the most popular team sport in Boyle. There is a great tradition
of basketball in Boyle and many will remember when Boyle hosted the West of
Ireland Ladies tournament each March when the cream of ladies basketball battled
it out in 3 venues locally. Will we ever see its likes again…who knows!! Last
Monday 17th March, St Patrick's day, Boyle Basketball Club hosted the
Shannonside League finals in the local Sports complex. The games were an ideal
event to showcase the wonderful facility that is the Sports complex and many of
those who travelled to support their local teams commented on the facility and
its wonderful potential.
Results of the games were as follows:
Under
14 Boys Final : Mohill 67 – Ardcarne 18
Under 14 Girls Final : Boyle 23 –
Mohill 25
Under 16 Girls Final : Ballinamore 9 – Douglas Hyde 59
This
is the first season that Shannonside basketball has organised leagues and Boyle
Basketball Club was proud to host the games. Our U14 Girls were unfortunate to
lose their final by 2 points against a great Mohill side who had won the
Basketball Ireland (Northwest) U14 girls league the previous weekend. The Boyle
team were :
Aideen Kearney; Devin Finneran, Nicole Murphy, Olivia Hunt, Ellen
Egan, Sarah Keville; Emily McDonagh; Ciara Clohessy. Nicole Murphy won the MVP
award.
A Sincere thanks to the wonderful membership in the club who
prepared the complex for the games, assisted with table officiating and stayed
for the clean-up afterwards. Thanks also to MC for the day – Greg Smyth
Ballinamore, referees Ciaran Moran from Mohill and our own Saoirse Flaherty, and
Kevin Mullen who provided a shop. Give it up also for DJ Richie who reminded all
those present who overindulged on Sunday that R'n'B music does little for a
severe hangover (pump up the volume Richie…)
Boyle Basketball Club
now has in excess of 100 underage players registered . The senior Ladies team
participate in the Mayo League as do the under 16 boys squad. The under 12's,
14's and 16's boys and girls compete in the Shannonside League
(Roscommon/Leitrim). The senior mens team unfortunately did not have any
competition this year but showed some promise in a couple of recent friendlies
against Longford Torpedoes who have a number of National League players.
Hopefully the lads will have regular competitive games next season.
The
ladies have a cup quarter final against Crossmolina in the next week or so. The
girls will be seeking retribution for a heavy loss against the Mayo side earlier
in the season. This time round Boyle will have Saoirse O'Flaherty back from
injury which should give them a reasonable shot at a semi-final slot. The U16
Boys also have a league playoff game against Crossmolina and a quarter final cup
game against Sligo warriors in the next few weeks. The under 18 boys have a
forthcoming friendly against Mohill and I'm reliably informed by Frank McGowan
(Mohill coach) that he has "Nivea for men" gift packs for all participants in
this game.(no naked lights in the Mohill disco for the next few weeks please…and
remember lads you have to shower before you apply the
Nivea..)
Community Games
The Community games commence tomorrow
Monday 24th March when the U13 lads play Castlerea in Castlerea at 1pm. The U13
girls are out on Sunday next 30th March also against Castlerea in Castlerea at
2:30pm.
The U16 boys play Ballaghaderreen at 11am on Saturday 12 April in
Strokestown.
The U16 Girls play Castlerea at 12 noon on Sunday 13th April in
Strokestown.
We wish all the teams well as they prepare to represent
Boyle.
Old Boys
Boyle Celtic have their Masters or Legends or
whatever they are called this week.
Not to be outdone Boyle Basketball Club
has an old boys section also and arrangements are at advanced stage for the
second annual clash with Mohill. Last year the Boyle lads travelled to the
Leitrim heartland for a gruelling battle with the Mohill lads (??) which lasted
about 20 minutes. With some of the most biased reffing ever seen in a basketball
game (compliments of Terry Mattimoe) Boyle were thrashed though there were
doubts as to whether some of the Mohill lads "had 2 permanent teeth or not".
The return game will be held in Boyle this year. Another 20 minutes of "that
auld no touch game" followed by a visit to the local Chinese and then
…..straight home….. !.
The Boyle lads are really up for it this year with
many of them comforted in the knowledge that there are now defibrillators
available locally for resuscitation should the need arise.
Dungarvan Camp
After a run of 35 years the famous Dungarvan
Basketball camp moves to Gormanstown Co Meath this year. This is a residential
camp and players attend for 1 week. This year the camp will operate during the
following weeks:-
Week 1 – Sunday 22nd June to Friday 27th June
Week 2 –
Sunday 29th June to Friday 4th July
Week 3 – Sunday 13th July to Friday 18th
July
The cost of the camp is €375.
A Number of players from
Boyle basketball Club attended the camp last year and all improved their game
immensely. I had the privilege of attending the camp as an assistant coach last
year and was highly impressed by the professionalism of the coaching staff, many
of whom are from the US College scene and attend the camp every year. The camp
is very much for the serious basketballer and is certainly not a holiday camp
but I would recommend it to any young basketballer who wants to improve their
game. I have application forms for anyone interested in attending the camp this
year. I can be contacted at 086 8151120.
Keep Hoopin' it Up
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