rostrevor gaa

Click here to view the full fixture list for the Seniors.

Click here to view the full fixture list for the seconds.

Sun 13/5/12
RESERVES BACK TO WINNING WAYS

ROSTREVOR II'S 4-16  AN RIOCHT 0-08

The reserves got back to winning ways with this big win over An Riocht in Pettit Park.

2 goals from the lightning Brian Keenan added to goals from Tomas Mulholland and Paudi Parr gave the reds a comfortable win in a game that saw the seasonal return of Conor Daly as we approach club championship time.

Tomas Mulholland and Fintan McBreen gave the home side a midfield dominance that saw them pull away in the last 20 minutes after the visitors had briefly threatened a come back early in the second half.

The win leaves the reserves back in the top 4 of the All County Premier Reserve League.

Rostrevor team: T Fearon, P Parr, P Magee, D McIlhinney, G Caulfield, K McGrath, D Mackin, T Mulholland, F McBreen, B Keenan, S Mackin, Jordan Fegan, C Daly, John Fegan, C Doyle. Subs used: L Clerkin, P McMahon, P McAteer, B O'Hare.

Mon 30/4/12
DRAW ENOUGH TO SATISFY TITLE RIVALS

AN RIOCHT 0-07 - 0-07 ROSTREVOR
By Kieran McNally

Much is expected of Rostrevor and An Riocht in this division but spectators were left rather underwhelmed by this dismal draw at Pairc na Riochta on Monday night. Both sides had burst out of the traps this season with three straight wins and seemed content to settle for a point that consolidates their respective positions in the higher reaches of the table. In truth, the Reds are likely to be that bit more satisfied as this was a game that they clawed back with a strong third quarter after their hosts had put themselves in control.



John Clarke's towering point in the 2nd minute put the Kingdom into the lead but the same player was not as successful in extending the advantage when his next effort sailed wide of Jonathan Parr's posts. This allowed Conor Doyle to level the contest from a free on 6 minutes after Conor Fegan had been pulled down after some good work. The clash, as a whole, was quite error-strewn and this seemed to have more of an adverse effect on the visitors in the opening half-hour as a succession of missed passes from the Reds, allied with some reckless challenges, allowed An Riocht to open up a three point lead by the 17th minute. Declan Doyle fired his side in front with a pair of Chris Killen frees bolstering the advantage.

Rostrevor were struggling to create the chances that came so easy against Clann na Banna and their final ball let them down on numerous occasions but Shaun Parr showed some leadership on 18 minutes, racing forward to point from 30 yards. The sides exchanged points in the closing stages with An Riocht keeping their opponents at arms length. Chris Killen added his third point of the night with the help of the upright with John Fegan cancelling that effort out with half-time approaching. Jonathan Parr was called into action on 29 minutes to superbly deny a rising shot from Paddy Gartland but Deaglan O'Reilly's score ensured that the Kingdom would carry their three point lead into the break.

HALF-TIME - AN RIOCHT 0-06 - 0-03 ROSTREVOR

If An Riocht were the superior outfit in the opening half, their good work was undone by a hungrier Reds challenge in the early moments of the second period. Half-time replacement Jordan Fegan got inside to fist over from the end-line four minutes in; John Fegan bringing the deficit back to the minimum a minute later. Rostrevor were sensing the opportunity to benefit from their purple patch but two fine saves from Brendan McVeigh, in quick succession, prevented Brian Keenan or Joseph Fegan from netting what would have been a decisive goal. Conor Fegan levelled on 39 minutes before the Reds took the lead for the first time with a fine run and point from the same man. Paddy Gartland landed An Riocht's only point of the second half in the 43rd minute with a brilliant effort from the sideline to tie the match up; this proving to be the final score as the last quarter peetered out in drab fashion.

It wasn't for the want of trying from either side to secure the points but there seemed to be a lack of incentive on show, suppose the cushion of knowing that a top-six finish will provide the desired return to the top flight had an effect on that. In truth, the final fifteen minutes belonged to the Kingdom and they had the chances to claim the win, but they were left to rue missed chances as Chris Killen, in particular, saw two dead-ball efforts drop wide of the post. The result suits both sides quite well as there has been no harm done to either's title aspirations and the opportunity to test players before the championship could prove this match to be more fruitful than the point it served up. The fact that the sides remained level for so long in the second half meant that the crowd were given a relatively entertaining fare, but there wasn't much to get the pulses racing in this one.

ROSTREVOR TEAM; Jonathan Parr, Aidan Cousins, Gary Magee, Jarlath Farrell, Turlach Murphy, Christopher Magee, Gairaid Clarke, Colm Murney, Shaun Parr (0-1), Brian Keenan (0-1), Micheal Mackin, Conor Doyle (0-1 f), John Fegan (0-2), Joseph Fegan, Conor Fegan (0-2). Subs used; Jordan Fegan (0-1)

Fri 27/4/12
RAMPANT REDS MAINTAIN 100% RECORD

ROSTREVOR 1-19 - 0-05 CLANN NA BANNA
By Kieran McNally

The floodgates opened at Pettit Park on Friday evening as Rostrevor eased to a 17 point victory over Clann na Banna. The Reds, playing with their jerseys inside-out, found their rhythm very early in their contest and chalked up an impressive sixteen points from play over the hour to place them at the top of the second division. The architects of much of this dominance were the lively Fegan trio in the inside-forward line as they punished a Clann na Banna rearguard who offered too much respect to their more-illustrious opponents. Indeed, all six members of the Reds' attack landed scores in a one-sided affair that had its ending well before half-time.



There was an evident gulf in quality from the start of this contest, and Rostrevor really took the game to their less illustrious opponents; racing into a four point lead by the 10th minute. The live-wire Conor Fegan fired over from the dead ball inside the opening minute with his brother, John, doubling the advantage moments later. The boys from Banbridge were providing little resistance to a powerful attack and were having no real success in penetrating the miserly Reds defence and that was to be the story of the night as Rostrevor continued to hassle their opponents all over the park. Christopher Magee got forward to score a fine point on 7 minutes before Joseph Fegan notched his first of the evening, meaning that all three of the Fegan-forward-line were on the scoreboard. Paddy Feeney stopped the rot, momentarily, on 11 minutes with a pointed free before the Bann challenge was completely snuffed out. A beautiful pass from John Fegan found Conor Fegan unmarked on the edge of the square, with the latter turning to smash the ball past Michael McAllister to the net; 1-04 to 0-01 after 13 minutes.

The long standing tale that Rostrevor lack ruthlessness appeared dumbfounded as the scores came from all angles in the opening half. Damien Magee extended the lead from range with Conor Doyle, making his first start for the seniors, fisting over as the scores came from all sorts of positions. Joe Fegan landed his second score on 21 minutes and the lead would be pushed out to 10 points moments later after a defence splitting move saw Conor Magee tap over. Feeney was on hand to narrow the deficit again but there was no stopping Rostrevor as Damien Magee, from the placed ball, and Micheal Mackin tagged on further points before half-time. Clann na Banna would get the last score of the half from a Gary Quinn free on the whistle but there was no realistic pathway back into this clash.

HALF-TIME - ROSTREVOR 1-10 - 0-03 CLANN NA BANNA

It's impossible to fault the Reds given the extent to which they subdued their visitors and that pattern remained throughout the second half. Shaun Parr and a brace from Damien Magee increased the lead by the 38th minute with Clann na Banna's Paddy Feeney responding from close range at the other end. However, that Feeney score would only serve to bolster the Rostrevor challenge as they continued to perform an onslaught on the Bann's defence; Joseph Fegan, Anthony Donnan, Conor Magee and Conor Fegan all adding points. It seemed that the visitors could only turn to their centre-half forward for scores, more often than not from frees, and Paddy Feeney did the necessary to leave the scores at 1-17 to 0-05 entering the final five minutes.

The game slept its way to the finish with a pedestrian pace being employed from Rostrevor but there was still room for two very special points to close the scoring. Colm Murney joined the scoresheet with a fine effort of the outside of his right foot before Conor Fegan angled over a brilliant individual score, finishing off the job that he started inside the first 30 seconds. A very professional job it was too, as the Reds pulverised a Banbridge side that have been mainstays of this division for a number of seasons. Next up for Rostrevor is a trip to early title-rivals An Riocht on Monday night (30th April). Last season, there was very little between them with the sides finishing level at Pairc na Riochta and the Reds picking up a narrow win at home in August. There's no question that the score-line on Monday will go some way to separating the sides at the top of division two.

ROSTREVOR TEAM; Jonathan Parr, Aidan Cousins, Gary Magee, Jarlath Farrell, Christopher Magee (0-1), Shaun Parr (0-1), Sean Magee, Colm Murney (0-1), Conor Magee (0-2), Conor Doyle (0-1), Micheal Mackin (0-1), Damien Magee (0-4 1f), John Fegan (0-1), Joseph Fegan (0-3), Conor Fegan (1-3 2f). Subs used; Anthony Donnan (0-1), Brian Keenan, Dermot Mackin and Gairaid Clarke.

Fri 20/4/12 - REDS PUNISH POINT PROFLIGACY IN DERBY DOGFIFGHT

WARRENPOINT 0-05 - 0-08 ROSTREVOR
By Kieran McNally

Gerard Colgan's Reds claimed the bragging rights along the South Down coast with a very slim success over their rivals Warrenpoint at a hail-lashed Moygannon on Friday evening. In fact, the 'Point will feel aggrieved not to have taken at least a point from this derby as their accuracy in the final third cost them the opportunity to push on after a promising opening. Rostrevor's experience seemed to carry them over the line against a youthful, yet very determined opponent that refused to give up despite their misfortune in front of the posts. Two away wins for a Rostrevor side that failed to claim any success on the road during last year's league suggests that there is a lot more in this campaign that could be gauged from the supposed divisional drop; the creation of a winning habit, particularly away, could be a springboard for this side.


Warrenpoint started with real intent and, at times, dominated the opening quarter with their tenacity at midfield providing the platform for some decent attacking moves. However, it was Rostrevor who created the first opening of the clash in the 2nd minute; Anthony Grimes' last ditch block preventing a certain goal for Joseph Fegan. This early let-off spurred on a 'Point side led brilliantly by Ryan Mallon at midfield but with the Reds defending in typical fashion, scores were hard to come by for the hosts. Indeed, three early wides provided a taster of what was to be a dismal night in front of the posts for St. Peter's. Warrenpoint eventually took the lead when John Boyle fired over from range in the 11th minute and it was to get better as Ross McGarry capitalised on a handling error to double the lead moments later. It could have been more but for the heroics of Jonathan Parr who was at full stretch to keep out a thunderous effort at the target. Rostrevor were rarely troubling their neighbours who were turning over numerous attacks with rabid tackling in the final third, but this same aggression cost Warrenpoint their lead by the 20th minute; Adrian Mackin converting two frees, one from distance, as the Reds capitalised.

From there on, Warrenpoint lacked the composure required to pressurise their guests on the scoreboard and a staggering eleven first-half wides allowed Rostrevor to dominate that aspect of the game until the interval. Conor Fegan produced a fine score to place the Reds into the lead for the first time on 23 minutes and when Adrian Mackin pushed Rostrevor into 0-04 to 0-02 lead by the 28th minute, there must have been a real sense of frustration amongst 'Point ranks as, despite their endeavour in the middle third and their general dominance of the contest in many respects, they found themselves behind. Much of that frustration would be owed, however, to the outstanding man-marking exploits of Jarlath Farrell on talisman Ross McGarry, who was restricted to one point from play. Indeed, the Rostrevor defence were exemplary for the hour, to a man, ensuring that their side remained in front. Joseph Fegan closed the scoring for the opening half with a fine burst past Christopher Carr to tap over on the half-time whistle.

HALF-TIME - WARRENPOINT 0-02 - 0-05 ROSTREVOR

Treacherous conditions during the half-time period, and the second-half itself, meant that the players needed to battle underfoot difficulties and horrendous hail stones during the second period but it was the Reds who started brighter with Shaun Parr splitting the posts after 33 minutes. Despite this, Warrenpoint battled back once more in a similar manner to the opening half-hour but, with a more incisive approach, they attempted to create more realistic opportunities. There were chances to be had for the sides as the slippery conditions resulted in an increase in accidental fouls from both sets of players; Con Reynolds producing numerous yellow cards, and two frees from Ross McGarry allowed Warrenpoint to benefit more from their panic-inducing runs into the Reds' territory. With the scores back at 0-06 to 0-04, there seemed to be a belief in the 'Point side that there was a result in this for them and they continued to attack in droves with Jonathan Parr needing to parry another goal-bound effort, this time from Ryan Mallon on 40 minutes. Gary Morgan narrowed the gap to the minimum though on 44 minutes, when his piercing run allowed him to fist over the crossbar.

With the Reds rearguard in their best form, however, Warrenpoint didn't register another score in the clash. Instead, it was a relieved Rostrevor that reeled off the final two points of the match from the dead-ball; Adrian Mackin's hawk-eye accuracy keeping the visitors ahead enough to ensure that the Blues were seeking goals that weren't forthcoming in the closing stages. It is without doubt that the Point's goal chances had come and gone, along with their belief, and Rostrevor saw off their near-neighbours with three points to spare. In truth, this game probably represents an opportunity lost for Warrenpoint as the conditions, along with that incentive of producing a victory against their traditionally top-flight rivals, meant that they were in a position to strike. Their inability to convert their chances was abysmal in the first half, particularly. Rostrevor's six defenders deserve great credit for how they quelled a youthful attacking outfit, keeping the scores down for yet another contest, however conditions allowing for a low scoring return, the conversion rate of Adrian Mackin, especially from the dead ball, earned the Reds two points from a game in which they may have come unstuck.

ROSTREVOR TEAM; Jonathan Parr, Aidan Cousins, Gary Magee, Jarlath Farrell, Christopher Magee, Shaun Parr (0-1), Declan Magee, Colm Murney, Fintan McBreen, Conor Fegan (0-1), Conor Magee, Sean Magee, Anthony Donnan, Joseph Fegan (0-1), Adrian Mackin (0-5 5f). Subs used; Micheal Mackin, Michael Boyle and Damien Magee.

Fri 13/4/12 - LIATROIM FONT'ANNOYED' BY REDS' TERRITORY SUCCESS

LIATROIM FONTENOYS 0-07 - 0-09 ROSTREVOR
By Kieran McNally


Rostrevor's return to division two football began with a hard-earned victory at Fontenoy Park in Leitrim on Friday night. In a contest between two of the main pre-season contenders for the title, the action failed to rise above the mundane as a late attempted comeback flattered the hosts. In actual fact, the scoreline fails to reflect the Reds' dominance for 50 minutes of this clash, whilst maybe highlighting the requirement to become that bit more deadly in the final third. Regardless of the performance of either side, the most important thing was the win and Rostrevor will be pleased to start the season with a victory over tough competition.

The opening exchanges were cagey, as expected, and neither side could play their game but it was Liatroim who got off the mark with their first foray into the Reds' territory; Kieran Doyle splitting the posts after a minute. However, this would be their only score in the opening half as their tactic of dropping men back limited their attacking options so much that they just couldn't mount a serious threat. Adrian Mackin's free levelled proceedings in the 3rd minute, as the match took on a defensive outlook with both sides finding scores very difficult to come by. In that respect, Rostrevor's defence deserve a lot of credit for the manner in which they crowded out the Liatroim attack so easily in the opening half; Gary Magee and Jarlath Farrell both impressive for the Reds. This provided the platform to dominate possession as the Fontenoys stood off and allowed Rostrevor to approach them, however, some wayward shooting meant that the scores remained level until the 15th minute; Adrian Mackin landing a fine point from the right side to give the visitors the lead.

Rostrevor continued to push high up the field but they weren't firing on all cylinders and, as a result, Liatroim could remain in the game despite, arguably, being out of the game. The main worry for the Reds was that they only managed two more points in a first half that they controlled from early on, these coming from Shaun Parr's surge through the middle and Declan Magee's effort on the turn. Having said that though, the ease with which Rostrevor contained their hosts provided enough evidence to suggest that this campaign can be very successful if there is a more ruthless intent in front of the posts. For Liatroim, there was distinct lack of creativity going forward and they almost invited Rostrevor to take possession from them with no-one willing to have a shot at the target. The fight and determination were both there from the Fontenoys, as always, but without stars such as Liam Doyle and Aidan O'Prey in their ranks, they lacked direction in the opening half.

HALF-TIME - LIATROIM FONTENOYS 0-01 - 0-04 ROSTREVOR

The second half began in a similar fashion with Rostrevor pushing forward and they were to be rewarded four minutes inth the half when Anthony Donnan converted a free to extend the lead. With the game slowly getting away from Liatroim, they did make an attempt to get back within touching distance and they did with two pints in quick succession. PD Savage looped a hig effort over the crossbar on 35 minutes with Liam Morgan adding a free moments later to leave the scores at 0-05 to 0-03 in favour of the Reds; therefore, despite the ease with which Rostrevor contained Liatroim, they were only two points clear at that stage. However, this short burst was a false dawn for the hosts as the Reds found a bit of form to race clear. The move of the match brought about a fine score from Conor Magee on 39 minutes with Adrian Mackin extending the lead back out to four with a free in the 42nd minute. Shaun Parr landed his second point of the evening a minute later to further boost the advantage before an outstanding effort from Damien Magee pushed Rostrevor into a 0-09 to 0-03 lead with 15 minutes remaining. Liatroim were a beaten side.

It is fair to say that Rostrevor took their foot of the gas and Liatroim became a bit more urgent withir approach play; ensuring that the Fontenoys were able to close the gap in the closing stages. Perhaps this urgency, compounded with a bit of fatigue, resulted in a number of frees being awarded to the hosts. Liam Morgan closed the gap back to five points on 48 minutes with a point from play before the same man added a free to narrow the deficit further. Liatroim continued to press for a late reprieve and when Morgan made it a three point game on 57 minutes, you would have been forgiven for thinking that the Fontenoys were about to sneak a result. However, Rostrevor defended in packs and maintained that high quality from the beginning of the match to ensure that the Reds' lead was never really in doubt. Liam Morgan's injury time free proved to be the last score of the match as Rostrevor held out for a victory more comfortable than a two point win suggests. Success against a Liatroim side that agonisingly missed out on promotion against Downpatrick last October will provide optimism for the long season ahead, one that should result, one way or the other in a return to division one in 2013.

ROSTREVOR TEAM; Jonathan Parr, Michael Boyle, Gary Magee, Jarlath Farrell, Christopher Magee, Shaun Parr (0-2), Declan Magee (0-1), Colm Murney, Fintan McBreen, Conor Fegan, Conor Magee (0-1), Damien Magee (0-1), Anthony Donnan (0-1f), Brian Cole, Adrian Mackin (0-3 2f). Subs used; Conor Doyle, Kevin McGrath, Micheal Mackin and Jordan Fegan.


Sun 8/4/12 - Rostrevor II's 2-10, Bryansford II's 0-09

The reserves continued their unbeaten run with an away win at Bryansford.  Leading 2-07 to no score at the break, the home side provided some resistance in the second period but Rostrevor had the hard work done and held on for a 7 point win.  Good performances from Michael Boyle in full back and Anthony Donnan in full forward who hit 2-03 in all but also saw penalty saved.
Next up is Kilcoo at home on Saturday evening in a repeat of last years reserve championship and league finals. 

Thu 29/3/12 - Rostrevor II's 3-13, Mayobridge II's 0-12

The reserves maintained their good start to the season with a powerful performance away to a strong and experienced Mayobridge team.  An early wonder goal from Fintan McBreen set them on their way and a second goal from Anthony Donnan not long after left the home side chasing the game from the outset.

Both teams played some lovely football and went point for point for the remainder of the half but those 2 goals left the reds leading 2-05 to 0-06 at half time as Rostevor were led by their own experienced players Gary Magee, Kevin McGrath, Fintan McBreen, John Fegan and Dermot Mackin against Mayobridges Gavin Barry, Adrian Barry, Eoghan Woods and Noel Sexton among others.

In the second half, the younger players came more to the fore as the reds took control after some early pressure from the Bridge. Tomas Mulholland came to the fore around the middle, while half time sub Johnny Connolly and Liam Fegan were superb in defence. Up front, Brian Keenan, Joe Fegan and Jordan Fegan revelled in the early ball from the likes of Declan Magee and Jordan Fegan soon added to the reds' goal tally after Dermot Mackins effort was saved.  The points were scored by a range of players to extend the lead and although Mayobridge pressed hard for a goal, a couple of saves from Tony Fearon and Aidan Clarke kept them at bay.

Rostrevor team:  T Fearon, L O'Boyle, G Magee, L Fegan, A Clarke, K McGrath, D Magee, F McBreen, T Mulholland, B Keenan, John Fegan, D Mackin, A Donnan, Joe Fegan, Jordan Fegan. Subs used: J Connolly, L Clerkin, P Parr, G Magee, P McAteer.

Sun 18/3/12 - Rostrevor II's 1-16, Loughinisland II's 2-13

Rostrevor produced a scintillating comeback to come from 8 points down at the break, 2-07 to 0-05 to claim a draw away to Loughinisland. Some great performances in the second half and only for a poor start no doubt they could have claimed a win.

Sun 11/3/12 - Rostrevor II's 3-19, Carryduff II's 1-05

Another comfortable win for the seconds at the weekend with this victory in Pettit Park being rounded off in style with two late goals from Dermot and Sean Mackin.

The reds dominated throughout despite a number of changes from the first match out with Conor Doyle once again in superb form up front, and being helped on this occassion by Dermot Morgan, John Fegan and Sean Mackin.

Out the field, Fintan McBreen and Kevin McGrath added strength to this young side with Michael Boyle in Full Back a in imperious form.

The reds got off to a great start with a Dermot Morgan goal and some fine points from Doyle, Fegan and Dermot Mackin gave the reds a comfortable half time lead 1-08 t 0-02. The second half briefly saw a Carryduff comeback before some changes for the reds gave them the impetus again and they took over for the last 15 minutes and scored 2 goals and could have had many more as chances were created at will.

A comfortable win once again for the seconds which has given them a great start to the new season.

Rostrevor team:  B O'Hare, L O'Boyle, M Boyle, E Connolly, A Clarke, K McGrath, T Murphy, D Magee, F McBreen, J Connolly, J Fegan, S Mackin, C Doyle, D Morgan, D Mackin.

Sun 4/3/12 - An Riocht II's 0-07, Rostrevor II's 2-15

The seconds got their 2012 campaign off in style with a big win away to An Riocht. A fine mix of youth and experience took to the field for the reds with experienced heads such as Kevin McGrath, Fintan McBreen, Turlach Murphy and John Fegan being joined by young players Tomas Mulholland, Jonathan Connolly and Conor Doyle.

The mix worked well with Rostrevor totally dominating and with Joe Fegan in devestating form up front they won this game with something to spare.  Conor Doyle got the first goal for the reds in the first half with numerous other chances being spurned. Still the reds defence was well on top with Liam O'Boyle, Gary Magee and Darren McElhinney forming a solid full back line and An Riocht could not penetrate meaning the missed chances didnt hurt the reds.

The team began to find its feet as the game wore on and after Doyle's goal, they began to rack up the points with Dermot Mackin, Joe Fegan, Johnny Connolly, Turlach Murphy and Richie Reynolds all on target. The reds pulled away in the second half and finished the game off lovely with a neat goal from Richie Reynolds as he netted to the bottom corner.

A fine display from Rostrevor and good to see a few new faces appearing on the team sheet. 

Rostrevor team:  B O'Hare, L O'Boyle, G Magee, D McElhinney, G Clarke, K McGrath, T Murphy, T Mulholland, F McBreen, J Connolly, J Fegan, R Reynolds, C Doyle, Joe Fegan, D Mackin. Subs used: C Matthews, E Connolly, P Magee, A Clarke, L Clerkin.

View the match reports for Senior, Seconds and Thirds games in PDF format by clicking here.

View the match reports for Senior, Seconds and Thirds games in PDF format by clicking here.

The match reports for 2009 have been moved to the Archives.

Click here to view the match reports in a PDF format.