A Presentation night for both Ladies and Mens clubs will take place on Saturday 25^th Feb in Mulligans! Tickets are available this week from committee members!

Thanks also to out-going Chairman Finbarr O’Keefe who steps aside after 5 years at the helm. Finbarr worked tirelessly for the club over the past number of years and remains on the executive committee in the role of Registrar.

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New Year’s Eve 2011 was the date set for a repeat of last year’s battle between the Santas and Elves, this year due to popularity there were two more teams added, Snowmen and Grinch’s, all four teams featured an eclectic mix of young players, old players, retired players and never played before players.  The Snowmen emerged as early favourites and after just two days of teams being announced local bookmaker Ladbrokes suspended betting on the game with a spokesman’s stating “Almost every bet we have taken in today suggests the Snowmen as winners and as a result we have decided that the market is no longer viable’’.

Santas team captain Vinny Connolly suggested however that it’s all about taking part and charity is the real winner, Snowmen team captain Liam Leonard hit back quickly by issuing a short statement saying ‘’If winning isn’t everything then why do they keep the score’’.

Again this year, despite the strong rivalry and determination to take home the Christmas trophy, it would be all about charity, with Horizon West, Killadeas the very worthy charity chosen by the club.

The first semi-final was a repeat of last year’s final, the Santas led by Vinny Connolly against the Elves who had Brian O’Harte as their inspirational leader. On paper the Elves were looking hot favourites and they carried the tag well, racing into a strong lead with points from Shane Leonard and Sean McDonald. The Santas replied with points from Brendy McBrien and the flamboyant Crally West.  The Santas became dominant as the first half progressed with Aaron McDermott pulling the strings around midfield, however a missed penalty from James Melarkey for the Santas and then a quick point from Elf Shane Leonard swung the game in the Elves favour and allowed them to push on to reach the final.

In the next semi-final the Snowmen and Grinch’s took to the field, the snowmen, as mentioned, were pre-tournament favourites and had a lot to prove. Things didn’t go to plan early on as the Grinch’s first score was a goal, the snowmen pressed hard and before the half ended had reduced the deficit to a single point. The Grinch’s once again started the half well with Garvan Chapman finding the net; a quick reply from the snowmen was not enough to stop the Grinch’s from advancing. Most neutrals did however point out that this defeat saw the only real footballing team exit the competition, with one observer stating ‘Watching the snowmen was like watching Kerry at their best’

The final was now set with the Elves and Grinch’s the only remaining teams to battle it out for the Christmas trophy. The game was closely fought throughout. A first half goal from Grinch Gary O’Neill saw them open up a lead. Referee James Lewis then found himself in the thick of the action issuing a yellow card to Frank Mulligan for a heavy tackle, much to the dismay of the Elves’ who felt it was clearly a red card offence.

As the game advanced some excellent play in the elf forward line resulted in a Shane Leonard goal and a flurry of points from Eugene Maguire and Brian O’Harte. With only a point between the sides entering the final few minutes the Grinch’s just could not find another score and so the Elves crossed the line as 2011 Christmas Trophy winners. Afterwards a despondent Grinch’s captain Conor Maguire looked back on the final as Brian O’Harte was presented with the trophy and surmised by saying ‘ We didn’t lose the game, we just ran out of time’ .

Thanks to all the organisers most notably Karol Mulligan, Frank Mulligan, Aaron McDermott, James Connolly, Annette Leonard and to everyone who helped out on the day. Thanks once again to Mulligans Bar and Vine to Wine who both donated drinks and also to Mulligans Bar for the food afterwards with all proceeds from everything sold donated to the chosen charity.

More photos to follow!

On behalf of Newtownbutler First Fermanaghs GAA club, Iwould like to wish all our members, supporters and the community a very happy Christmas and good health and success in 2012. I also wish to take this opportunity to thank our club members and sponsors for their commitment and support of the club during the year.

Best wishes to you all and your families this Christmas

Finbarr O’Keefe

Chairman

Jonathan takes over from Derrylins Deirdre Donnelly, who steps aside after 5 years in the position. He will now strive to make progress and build on the hard work of Deirdre in the past number of years. This also comes in a mile stone year for our club as we celebrate 125 years in existence so it can be only beneficial that we have a presence on the Fermanagh GAA Executive committee.

“Off the booze and On the Ball” is an exciting new GAA health initiative. A fun challenge with a healthy twist inviting participants to abstain from alcohol for the month of January and in doing so seek sponsorship to go towards their local GAA club. Participants are also encouraged to engage in some new exercises that help them reach their recommended weekly activity levels during the month, and hopefully throughout 2012

Individuals and panel members can sign up at www.gaa.ie/asap where they will receive a sponsorship card and an information pack containing details on health, exercise and diet. Further information is also available from respective County ASAP Officers.