Dulwich Harps GFC Club Notes

unday saw our men's team take on Thomas McCurtains in their second round league game of the season in Peckham Rye.  

McCurtains came out of the starting blocks early and from the throw up they raced down the field for a goal chance which rattled the Harps post. This was an early wake up call for the Blues and they tagged over three points in quick succession from Mickey Clarke, Mick Malone and Ciarán Stone.

McCurtains responded to this with a brace of their own but pressure from the Harps inside forward line forced a turnover in the McCurtain's defense and Mick Malone duly slotted the ball into the net from close range. Further points from Gerry McNamee and James McDermott helped keep the Blues on the front foot and when Niall Russell lofted a '45 into the box, Gerry McNamee rose highest to flick the ball into the McCurtain's net.

However McCurtains were thrown a lifeline back into the game after a brief period of resurgence resulted in a turn over of possession and their centre half forward raced in on goal and slotted it past Niall Russell to leave the score at 2.05 1.05 at half time.

The blues started the second half with a strong wind at their backs, but the effort and intensity they exerted in the first half was beginning show.

In what was a very low scoring half, the back line of Arkins, Lynch and Fitzpatrick fought ferociously to repel the McCurtains attack and wing backs Adam Clarke and John McCabe were crucial in carrying the ball out of the defence.

Wing half forwards of John O'Sullivan and Dylan O'Donoghue were scrapping for every break ball around the middle and a further Mick Malone point kept McCurtains at bay.

Dave Draper added to his tally for the season with what is becoming one of his trademark points with outside of his right boot.

This however was to be the last point of the game for the blues and a McCurtain's free brought the deficit down to a minimum of just one point between the teams.

But to their credit the Harps managed to withstand the late onslaught to keep their unbeaten start to the season intact with a final scoreline of 2.07 to 1.09.

Once again the management attributed the victory to the strength and depth of the panel and in particular those lads who stepped up to the mark in the absence of some of the more established players within team. Every player to a man put in a sterling performance and it's certainly a nice headache for the management to have picking a starting team for the next game.  

Starting XV;

Niall Russell, Damien Fitzpatrick, Dan Lynch, Andrew Arkins, Adam Clarke, James McDermott (0-1), John McCabe, Mickey Clarke (0-2), Dave Draper (0-1), Ryan McAnearney, Gerry McNamee (1-01) John O'Sullivan, Ciaran Stone (0-1), Mick Malone (1-01), Dylan O'Donoghue.

Subs used; Ryan Morgan

Remaining subs;Raymond Molly, Declan Smith, Juan Porto, Mark Devlin, Rian Kiely

The next game for the men’s team is a round 3 league which is scheduled for Tuesday 30th of May as they take on Naomh Padraig. The game is in Peckham Rye Common and is scheduled for a 7:30pm throw in time.

Training continues for the men’s team on Tuesday and Thursday evenings @ 19:15 on Peckham Rye Common. For more information contact Alan (07472 211445) or Enda (07522 723765).

The ladies had no game this weekend however their next fixture is against Kingdom Kerry Gaels on Saturday 27th of May in Peckham Rye Common. Throw in time is to be confirmed.

Training continues for the Ladies at Peckham Rye Common on Monday and Wednesday evenings at 7:00pm.

For more information please contact Aisling on 07961 577433 or email us at dulwichharpsladies@gmail.com

The club will be running a ‘Family and Friends 7 aside Tournament’ on the 17th of June on Peckham Rye Common. This event will be aimed at giving ex-players and non-players the opportunity to dawn the boots and head out for a kick about with our current crop of men’s and ladies in a what is shaping up to be a great days craic! The format of the tournament will involve mixed teams with a minimum of TWO girls be required on the field of play at any given time and a maximum of THREE current men’s players being permitted at any given time.

There will be a number of other games and activities taking place on the day including; a puc fada, free taking competition, tug o’war etc.

To enter a team or to simply sign up as an individual, please email dulwichharpspro@gmail.com or contact Ronan on 07523 724877 or James on 07713831446.

The entry fee is £10 per head and each participant will receive a memento T-Shirt for entering the event. Please have all registration entries in by the 5th of June to avoid disappointment!

St Paul’s Academy in conjunction with Dulwich Harps GFC recently hosted a fantastic Gaelic Football Festival at the Academy, with Cavan Gaels, Killeavy GFC from Co.Armagh and The Downs GFC from Co. Westmeath, Thomas McCurtains GFC from London and Dulwich Harps in attendance. With thirty games of football played in the group stages and four exciting finals it was a pleasure to see so many entertaining matches played with great sportsmanship and competitiveness.

Dulwich Harps 1 girls’ made the Plate final and came out victorious over Cavan Gaels 2. Killeavy 1 narrowly missed out on the cup final with Cavan Gaels 1 taking the trophy with a one point lead as the final whistle blew. The boys’ plate final saw Thomas Mc Curtains take on the Downs and after a thrilling game, Thomas Mc Curtains, the visiting London team came out the winners! The eagerly anticipated cup final between Dulwich Harps and Killeavy 1 was a real delight for spectators with an excellent display of football from both teams.

 After full time the scores were level and unfortunately for one team the winner would be decided from a golden score. Both teams worked tremendously hard and fought for every ball, however, Dulwich finished lucky winners with Leslie Ariku scoring the final goal to them the lead and the winners’ trophy!

After plate, cup and medal presentations were made, all players, coaches and managers enjoyed a two-course sit down meal thanks to the magnificent restaurant staff at St Paul’s Academy.

Teams travelled back to Our Lady of the Annunciation Church, Addiscombe to celebrate Mass before an evening of entertainment, fun and laughter in the adjoining church hall. Food and refreshments were served throughout the evening, and thanks must go to our table quiz host, Niall McCann, Dulwich Harps.

All in all, it was a most enjoyable weekend of Gaelic Football, with 140+ players, managers, coaches and supporters travelling from Ireland and London to take part in this fantastic event.

Many visiting teams commented on the fantastic behaviour of all players’ involved showing great sportsmanship and fair play throughout the day. Congratulations to all players, coaches and managers who competed. Many thanks to everyone who supported the event and for those who assisted in any way, referees (Eddie Naughton & Catherine Burke), coaches, managers, hospitality team and our restaurant staff.

We are very grateful for the individuals who helped facilitate the event, for giving up your time and for the preparation in the run up to ensure the weekend was a success.

Special thanks to Tom Denning, Chairman of Dulwich Harps GFC, for his support of the Festival and to Michael Maher for the fantastic organisation behind the scenes of the 2017 International Festival. A wonderful weekend, superb tournament and a perfect opportunity to catch up with familiar faces and new friends from our visiting teams.

Math thú go léir!!

For more regular updates on training and matches please check out our website at http://dulwichharps.com or follow us on Facebook or twitter.