Football
Lavey lose out on final spot
Lavey V Ballinderry SFC
As the dust settles and all the hype dies down many Lavey supporters are left wondering how it all slipped away so quickly. To say the last five minutes of the Semi Final of the Championship passed in a flash would be a massive understatement. Lavey went into to Sunday’s game as underdogs against a favoured Ballinderry side who on paper looked pretty strong. Enda Muldoon was, according to the media in the best form of his life after coming back from injury and with Colly Devlin and Raymond Wilkinson up front it was hard for many to look past Ballinderry. As Sunday evening beckoned there were not many in the County who believed that it would be as clear cut as this and it was reflected in huge numbers descending to Greenlough from all over Derry and further a field.
It took Lavey a good part of the first half to find their form but fantastic fielding from Gary Doyle in the middle and great defending from Kevin McCloy ensured that Lavey stayed in touch. Cailean O’Boyle contributed to Lavey’s scoreline with Paul Hearty also being on target. At half time the scoreline was Lavey 0-05 Ballinderry 1-6. As the second half unfolded, Lavey stamped their arrival on a Semi Final of the Championship for the first time in over ten years. They fought, hassled and harried every single ball and with a full forward line of Cailean O’Boyle, Paul Hearty and Anthony McGurk in firing form, Ballinderry looked lost as how to deal with these dynamos. Three minutes into the second half and Lavey marked their intentions with a powerful shot to hit the net from Paul Hearty. This Lavey team stepped up to take the game to Ballinderry and Trojan defending from Colm Murphy, Kevin McCloy and Sam Dodds pushed Lavey forward. As Lavey looked to be moving into top gear, a pivotal moment took place when Kevin McCloy was shown a somewhat surprising red card along with Ballinderry’s Enda Muldoon who was shown the line for lashing out at Colm Murphy. Lavey continued to hold strong and looked to be well on their way to a County Final but along with the referee their were a few dubious decisions from an umpire who appeared to flag clear wides as points with spectators looking on in sheer disbelief. As 5 minutes of injury time were announced it just seemed to be over in a flash. To say that fans and players were shell shocked and heartbroken is just putting it mildly. In the same breath however, to say that Lavey supporters were immensely proud of their team on Sunday evening would also be putting it mildly. This bunch of players has given everything to Lavey, not just in this season but in many previous. They, along with management have put Lavey back to the top of the tree in Derry County Football and will be a major force to be reckoned with in the years to come. Every supporter at the game on Sunday witnessed tremendous pride displayed in the Lavey jersey and while next years championship seems a lifetime away we know that their will be many more classic Lavey performances in the years to come.
Lavey are in the Semi Final
Lavey Progress to the Semi Final of the Football Championship after defeating Loup.
Lavey defeated the Loup on a scoreline of 1.15 to 1.8. Lavey will play Ballinderry in the Semi Final of the Championship with dates and times to be confirmed.
Minor Footballers Progress to Semi Final
Lavey Minors Progress to the Semi Final
Lavey Minor Footballers booked their spot in the Semi Final of the Championship with a convincing win over Steelstown. With a home venue Lavey saw off any threat from the North Derry Team with some great scores from Anthony McGurk, Sean Conway and Darren Duggan. Defensively Lavey were solid with Vincent Duggan and Declan Breen holding Steelstown well. Lavey now play Newbridge in the Minor Football Championship Semi Final on Monday 23rd August 2010 @ 6.45pm, venue still to be confirmed.
Lavey Senior Footballers in Quarter Final of the Championship
Lavey Senior Footballers Book their place in the Quarter Finals
Lavey Senior Footballers progressed to the Quarter Finals of the Senior Football Championship with a strong performance over Glen in a replay on Thursday evening in Sean De Brun Park, Bellaghy. Lavey began the game on firing form, slotting over 3 points from the boots of Stephen Henry, Cailean O’Boyle and Captain Gary Cushnahan. As Glen broke in midfield they soon capitalised with a well taken goal from midfielder, John McCamley. Lavey soon closed ranks and continued to build with strong defensive play from Kevin McCloy and Sam Dodds allowing Lavey’s midfield and half forward line to push forward. It wasn’t long before Lavey built their lead with points from Sam Dodds, 2 each from Kevin O’Neill and Cailean O’Boyle and 3 from the boot of Paul Hearty. This was quickly followed by a superb goal from midfielder, Kevin O’Neill who received a well placed pass from corner forward Anthony McGurk. It left the half time score at Lavey 1-13 Glen 1-3.
Lavey, anxious not to let Glen pull off the same comeback as the previous week, broke the ball in midfield and some great play from the combination of Ben Dodds and Cailean O’Boyle meant that Paul Hearty delivered a crucial blow after a deflected shot from Stephen Henry to leave the score line 2-13 to 1-3, 20 seconds into the second half. This proved to be key to Lavey’s victory and they continued to push forward with Shane Devlin and Anthony McGurk causing serious headaches for their opposite numbers. Goal Keeper, Ciaran O’Boyle pulled off a fine save in the second half which summed up Lavey’s attitude to win the game. Points followed from Kevin O’Neill and Paul McVeigh, who had replaced Gary Doyle, to ensure that Lavey win. Paul Hearty continued his fine form to add 3 more points to his total and one more each from Damien Shivers and Cailean O’Boyle meant that the final scoreline read Lavey 2-22 Glen 1-7.
Lavey Team: C O’Boyle, M Scullion, K McCloy, P Dillon, M Drumm, G Cushnahan, S Dodds, G Doyle, K O’Neill, S Devlin, C O’Boyle, B Dodds, A McGurk, P Hearty, S Henry. Subs Used: C Murphy, P McVeigh, D Shivers, J Duggan.
Senior
Double win for Lavey Senior and Reserve Footballers against Newbridge.
Lavey Reserve Footballers were the first team up against Newbridge at 3pm on Sunday 11th April in Lavey. They showed the senior team the way by blitzing Newbridge from early on with scores from the boots of Chrissy Henry, Matthew Henry, Tieran O’Boyle, Ciaran Higgins and Hugh McNally. In a game that never looked like going against Lavey it was Peter Scullion who hit the net to claim the only goal of the game.
Final Score Lavey 1-20 Newbridge 0-03
The senior game which began at 4.30pm also proved to be a very one sided affair with Lavey dominating both half’s. It was Lavey who got off to the immediate start with the first score coming from the boot of Paul Hearty and this was quickly followed by another point from centre half forward Ben Dodds. Newbridge registered their first score of the game at this stage but ultimately failed to get to grips with Lavey’s attacking play. Trojan performances at midfield from both Kevin O’Neill and Gary Doyle proved to be too much for Newbridge as this allowed Lavey to continue attacking. Great running from the half forward line of Damien Shivers, Ben Dodds and Stephen Henry meant that corner forward Caolien O’Boyle claimed the first goal of the day by hitting the net. Again, great running from Damien Shivers set up Paul Hearty who just chipped the ball over the goalies head into the top left hand corner to register Lavey’s second goal of the day. As Lavey just kept on pushing forward on every opportunity, their defence refused to give any room on the Newbridge attack. Solid displays from Paddy Dillon in full back with Shane Lagan and Martin Scullion meant that Lavey continued to dominate without conceding scores. With Shane Devlin picking up any breaking ball around the middle it meant that it fed any of the half backs coming forward and this resulted in scores from Mickey Drumm and Colm Murphy. Lavey continued to go on the attack with Damien Shivers who set up another goal from the eventual boot of midfielder Kevin O’Neill. Points were also added in this half by Stephen Henry and again Paul Hearty. Anthony McGurk replaced Gary Doyle and Gavin Scullion came in for Michael Drumm.
Half Time Score: Lavey 3-08 Newbridge 0-02
The second half began much as the last one ended with Lavey continuing to pull away from Newbridge and the first score was a point from Shane Devlin who continued to play the sweeping role. Great attacking play again from Lavey’s two half backs meant that Sam Dodds claimed his first score of the game with great support play from brother Ben. Both Damien Shivers and Stephen Henry increased the lead by registering points a piece and C O’Boyle quickly capitalised by claiming his second goal of the day. This brought the scoreline to 4-12 to 0-03. Attacking half back Sam Dodds added another two points while Damien Shivers claimed another point for his personal tally. C O’Boyle converted yet again for Lavey’s second free of the game while Lavey continued with fantastic support play from Ben Dodds, Anthony McGurk and Shane Devlin. An outstanding midfield display was given from Kevin O’Neill and not to be outdone, goalie Michael Hasson pulled off a great save in the last few minutes of the game. Joe Duggan replaced Colm Murphy, Christopher Henry replaced Stephen Henry and Paul Doherty replaced C O’Boyle. Lavey’s last score of the game came from a Paul Hearty free which brought the final score to: Lavey 4-18 Newbridge 0-5.
Minor Match
Erin’s Own, Lavey minor footballers got their 2010 league campaign off to a winning start with a win over St Mary’s, Banagher at Gulladuff on Monday evening (12/04/2010). The first half was a close affair with Banagher’s star man Shane Farren proving a handful at centre field. The Lavey forwards spurned a couple of goal chances early on and it looked as if these might prove costly when Farren converted a penalty mid way through the half to give the visitors a 1-03 to 0-03 lead which was extended by a point shortly afterwards. The Lavey players stuck to their task, however, and were rewarded with a Jarlath Shaw goal six minutes later. Points from the boot Anthony McGurk put Lavey in to the lead by 1-06 to 1-05 at the halfway mark.
The Lavey team got in to their stride better under the lights in the second half and produced some fine team work which kept the visitors scoreless for the rest of the match. Banagher tried positional changes around the field but the Lavey team delivered an impressive team performance which yielded two goals and nine points without reply. Anthony McGurk – fresh from his senior debut the previous day – produced some fine fielding and kicking, while Ryan Farren was a constant scoring threat from the half back line. Paul McGill produced perhaps the score of the match from 30 yards out with four minutes to go.
The team’s next match is away with Craigbane next Monday (19/04/2010) throw in at 7.00pm
Lavey team: Dermot O’Boyle; Karl Scullion, Vincent Duggan, Sean Toner, Caolan McGurk, Michael O’Neill, Ryan Farren; Darren Duggan, Conor O’Kane; Declan Breen, Liam Murphy, Paul McGill, Jarlath Shaw, Anthony McGurk, Shane McGill. Subs used: Tommy McErlean, Peter O’Kane.
Senior Football League
As the senior game began it was Lavey who appeared to get out of the starting gate quickest and playing with the wind proved to be an advantage in the first half. Lavey pushed forward on every breaking ball with the midfield pairing of Kevin O’Neill and Kevin McCloy providing great fielding for the first half of this game. As ever the pacy full forward line of Caolian O’Boyle, Paul Hearty and Shane Devlin continued to cause problems for Bellaghy’s defence as Hearty and O’Boyle claimed a few scores a piece to bolster Lavey’s lead. This was added to by scores from Stephen Henry, Kevin O’Neill and Gary Cushnahan. Bellaghy began to fight back and after a scuffle in the Lavey goal mouth Bellaghy claimed the only goal of the game. Lavey reacted quickly and efficiently with great spells of defending from Shane Lagan, Paddy Dillon and Martin Scullion. This was quickly followed by points from centre half back Gary Cushnahan and two more from the boot of Caolian O’Boyle. At this stage Lavey suffered the loss of Kevin O’Neill at midfield due to an injury and Bellaghy seemed to gain momentum after this with kicking 4 unanswered points. At half time this left the score 10 points to 1-07.
As the second half began it looked like it was Bellaghy who began the strongest with them kicking two points from the throw in. Lavey also lost Paul Hearty at half time and he was replaced by Paul Doherty. At this stage Lavey got to grips with the second half and there were great displays from Ben and Sam Dodds, Damien Shivers and Shane Devlin. Points from C O’Boyle and Shane Devlin meant that Lavey were always point for point with Bellaghy. It remained neck and neck with points added from Kevin McCloy and the ever present C O’Boyle. In the end Bellaghy pulled away in the last 5 minutes to notch up a lead of 3 points to bring the final score to Lavey 0-17 Bellaghy 1-17. Lavey seniors and reserves both put in hard working performances despite the injuries to players throughout the games.
Lavey Team: C O’Boyle, S Lagan, K McCloy, M Scullion, S Dodds, G Cushnahan, C Murphy, K O’Neill, C O’Boyle, D Shivers, B Dodds, S Henry, P Hearty, S Devlin, P Dillon. Subs Used: Paul Doherty, Gavin Scullion, Michael Drum, Anthony McGurk.
Reserve Football League
Lavey played Bellaghy in Bellaghy in the reserve league to start proceedings at 2pm on Sunday. Lavey began strong with great scores from Johnny McGarvey, Paul Doherty and Gavin Scullion to put them 6 points to 4 in the lead at half time and having lost Conall Halferty this was a strong half for Lavey. In the second half it was Bellaghy who began to dominate the game but Lavey kept in touch with points from the boot of Matthew Henry, Patrick McCann, Ciaran Higgins ad Anthony McGurk. As the final whistle drew closer Lavey continued to push forward and keep the pressure on however it was Bellaghy who edged it with a scoreline of 13points to 11.
Lavey Team: M Hasson, M Dillon, D O’Neill, E Carmichael, J Duggan, G Scullion, P McCann, H McNally, Ciaran Higgins, J McGarvey, P Doherty, M Henry, A McGurk, T O’Boyle, P Scullion.
Lavey Senior Footballers claim another 2 Points in Swatragh
Senior Footballers claim another 2 points in the League.
*Lavey Senior Footballers secured another 2 points in the league against Swatragh on Sunday 23rd May. *
In this scorching hot day it was Lavey who came out victors by having a fantastic second half display. Scores from Paul Hearty, Shane Devlin and Gavin Scullion saw Lavey claim victory but in was the hard working performances from full back Kevin McCloy and Centre Half back Gary Cushnahan that highlighted Lavey’s will to win. Great attacking play from the midfield pairing of Kevin O’Neill and Gary Doyle meant that Lavey always had tight control of the game.
Final Score Lavey 0-15 Swatragh 1-5.
Lavey Team: M Hasson, S Lagan, K McCloy, M Scullion, M Drum, G Cushnahan, P Dillon, G Doyle, K O’Neill, B Dodds, S Devlin, D Shivers, C Murphy, P Hearty, C O’Boyle. Subs Used: G Scullion, Sam Dodds, P Doherty.
Lavey Reserves Lose out in Extra Time
*Lavey Reserve Footballers lose out in Extra Time *
On Wednesday evening, Lavey Reserve Championship came to an end after extra time against Kilrea. Lavey put up a gallant performance but it was unable to stop Kilrea in extra time. Both teams fought hard but it was Lavey who went in at half time 8-3 up. Great free taking from Matthew Henry and Paul Doherty kept it neck and neck in the second half and there were great performances from Peter Scullion, Dermot O’Neill, Joe Duggan and Johnny McGarvey to push the game into extra time. Kilrea got the much needed goal in extra time and this drew the game to a close. Lavey fought hard and gave it everything in the last ten but still were unable to close the gap.
Final Score Lavey 0-13 Kilrea 1-14
Senior Footballers and Reserves Claim another 2 points
Lavey Reserve Footballers and Senior Footballers had convincing wins over Slaughtmanus on Sunday 30th May in Lavey. The reserves left no doubt who would be victors when they ran up a scoreline of 4-14 to Slaughtmanus 0-08. The seniors also claimed victory in another hard working performance and scores from C O’Boyle, P Hearty, Shane Devlin, Anthony McGurk and Colm Murphy to secure a win. Final Score was Lavey 0-14 Slaughtmanus 0-07.
Reserve Footballers lose out to Banagher
On Sunday 6th June 2010 Lavey Senior Footballers and Reserves took on Banagher at Lavey. The reserves had a great first half but failed to capitalise in the second. Banagher continued to keep the pressure on and despite scores from Chrissy Convery and Gavin Boyle Lavey lost out on a final scoreline of Lavey 1-08 Banagher 2-07.
Senior Footballers defeat Banagher
The seniors took on Banagher in a hotly contested game with Lavey’s opponents appearing to get out the starting gate quickest. Banagher hit 4 points without replay and it was left to C O’Boyle to claim Lavey’s first to scores of the game. Paul Hearty slotted over 2 more points to bring the score to 6-4 in Banagher’s favour. Lavey continued to hassle before the end of the half with great defensive play from Michael Drum and Kevin McCloy. Ben Dodd’s along with Gary Doyle had great fielding throughout the game and a point from the boot of Shane Devlin levelled the match at 7 points each to close the half. If the first half belonged to Banagher then the second belonged to Lavey. The turning point of the game came when C O’Boyle produced a well worked move to set up corner back, Paddy Dillon for a great goal. Scores quickly followed from Shane Devlin, Colm Murphy and C O’Boyle to put Lavey well ahead going into the last ten minutes. The strength of Lavey’s character was displayed when full back Kevin McCloy kicked an inspirational point close to the finish. Final Score was Lavey 1-14 Banagher 0-12.
Lavey lose out to Kilrea in Reserves and Seniors
Senior and Reserve Footballers both lose out to Kilrea.
Lavey Senior Footballers lost out on the narrowest of margins on Sunday 13th June to Kilrea. It was Lavey who was the slowest to start with Kilrea notching up 2-1 to 0 score lead before Lavey registered their first point from the boot of Paul Hearty. Lavey built on this and kicked two more points without reply from C O’Boyle and Kevin O’Neill. Lavey worked hard in defence to stem Kilrea’s attacks and points from Paul Hearty, Shane Devlin and Gary Cushnahan before the half brought the scoreline to Lavey 0-07 Kilrea 2-4.
After a shaky start in the first half Lavey looked to be gaining momentum in the second and it was them that claimed the first score of the half from the boot of C O’Boyle. A great attacking run from half back Sam Dodds set C O’Boyle up for goal and he made no mistake as he hit the net. Lavey quickly capitalised on this and through great work from midfield and the half forward line meant that Lavey soon hit the net again with another goal from C O’Boyle. This left the score Lavey 2-9 Kilrea 3-5. It proved a nail biting finish with both teams working hard for every ball, but it was Kilrea who claimed victory in the end on a scoreline of Lavey 2-12 Kilrea 3-10.
The reserves also lost out in a very one sided match against Kilrea on a scoreline of Kilrea 1-12 Lavey 0-05.
Lavey defeat Glenullin in the League
Senior Football League
Lavey Senior Footballers claimed another league victory on Saturday 19th June against Glenullin. It was Lavey who started the quickest with the breeze at their back in the first half and quickly stamped their authority on the game my notching up 2 points from the boot of Cailean O’Boyle. With Damien Chivers and Gary Doyle in midfield, Lavey dominated for long periods and Lavey extended their lead with another point from Cailean O’Boyle and captain Gary Cushnahan. Paul McVeigh added his name to the score sheet by converting a well worked point and just before the half Cailean O’Boyle hit the net to claim the only goal of the game. Half Time score 1-7 Glenullin 0-03. Lavey began the second half well despite playing against the breeze and registered two more points, one from Cailean O’Boyle and the other from midfielder Damien Chivers. At this stage of the game Glenullin began to attack and put the pressure on but Lavey’s defence held them well with solid performances from Kevin McCloy, Paddy Dillon and Shane Lagan. Lavey continued to attack and two more points from the boot of Cailean O’Boyle sealed Lavey’s victory. Final Score Lavey 1-11 Glenullin 0-10.
