Astoria Gaels 2003 Gaelic Football Season Roundup

Our thanks to the Irish Rover for sponsoring our new set of Jerseys.

2003 Championship Winning Season

Messages of Congratulations
Team Photo
End of Season Message
Path to the Final
Top Scorers
Manager Profiles
Player Profiles

Messages of Congratulations

Messages of congratulation to Astoria Gaels Junior 'B' Champions

Team Photo

For a look at the victorious Astoria Gaels Team click here

End of Season Message

'I would like to thank my Wife, the New York York GAA President Liam
Birmingham, our sponsors 'Colgate Scaffolding', 'Boom Construction' and 'Quality Building
Contractor', club Chairman John Beirne and the entire panel of Astoria Gaels
football team whom without any of the above, would not have made this the
most successful year in Astoria Gaels history..' .....Mark Bourke

Path to the final

Astoria Gaels Junior ‘B’ Football Championship 2003
Round 1
May 4, 2003	0-16	Astoria Gaels	v	Long Island Gaels	0-06
Round 2
June 16th, 2003	1-03	Astoria Gaels	v	Roscommon	0-08
Round 3
June 30th, 2003	0-09	Astoria Gaels	v	Cavan	1-04
Round 4
July 16th, 2003	1-17	Astoria Gaels	v	St. Barnabas	0-04
Round 5
July 23rd, 2003	1-21	Astoria Gaels	v	Clare/Tipperary	2-03
Round 6
August 7th, 2003	1-10	Astoria Gaels	v	Dublin	0-04
Quarter-Final
Aug 19th, 2003	0-13	Astoria Gaels	v	Galway	0-04
Semi-Final
Aug 31st, 2003	1-08	Astoria Gaels	v	St. Raymond's	0-10
Final
Sept 14th, 2003	0-09	Astoria Gaels	v	Roscommon	0-08

Top Scorers

Astoria Gaels Top Scorers (NB - On the field of play) 2003
Player	L.I.	Ros	Cavan	St Barn	Clare	Dublin	Galway	St. Ray	Final	Total
Nestor Allen	0-07	0-00	0-02	0-04	0-02	0-03	0-04	1-03	0-04	1-29
James Dolan	0-01	0-01	1-02	0-06	0-02	0-01	0-02	0-2	0-00	1-15
Tommy Carey	0-03	0-02	0-02	0-03	0-01	0-03	0-01	0-00	0-01	0-15
Derek Mc Kenna	0-02	0-01	0-02	0-04	0-01	0-02	0-00	0-00	0-00	0-12
Tommy O'Connor	0-00	0-02	0-01	0-00	0-00	0-01	0-00	0-02	0-03	0-09
Sam Yore	0-00	0-00	0-01	0-00	0-01	1-01	0-00	0-01	0-00	1-04
Niall McGuiness	0-01	0-01	0-00	0-00	0-02	0-01	0-01	0-00	0-00	0-06
Dave Doherty	0-00	1-00	0-00	0-02	0-00	0-00	0-00	0-00	0-00	1-02
Seamus Nee	0-00	0-00	0-02	0-03	0-00	0-00	0-00	0-00	0-00	0-05
Micheal Coyle	0-01	0-00	0-01	0-00	0-00	0-02	0-00	0-00	0-01	0-05
Barry Keegan	0-00	0-00	0-00	0-00	1-00	0-00	0-00	0-00	0-00	1-00
Ger O'Brien	0-02	0-00	0-00	0-00	0-00	0-00	0-00	0-00	0-00	0-02
Conor Corbett	0-00	0-00	0-00	0-00	0-00	0-00	0-01	0-00	0-00	0-01
Leo Fellen	0-00	0-00	0-00	0-00	0-00	0-00	0-01	0-00	0-00	0-01

Manager Profiles

1. Mark Bourke – The prodigal son returns to lead the faithful to the Promised Land! On what may have been his farewell to NY football, this Kerryman achieved what many others have attempted but fallen short. His cheerful and sunny demeanor sustained the team through the long months of preparation and belied a canniness and ruthlessness that all successful leaders must have to prosper. As a player he was feared and now as a manager he has taken up where he left off with the boots. Although displaying a scary tendency to 'whoop whoop' like a little girl when training, the players will miss his leadership and his ability to secure loyalty from even the toughest of them. He left only one question unanswered all year: "What are you going to do now??????"

2. Ciaran Cull – Charming and soft spoken Ciaran hides his fiery streak well and has shown his ability to take the next step when he finally decides to stop terrorizing players on the field. Stepping up at the big moments throughout the year Ciaran motivated the players when needed and provided great insight to Mark during the games. A candidate to fill those shoes....?

Player Profiles

1. Eugene Kyne – Longest serving current member of the club and a devoted one at that. This Galway man is a fearsome sight charging out of goal for any forward, his puckout and fiery streak are legendary.

2. John Beirne – Current chairman and resident ‘Memory Man’, Johns tirades are a thing of beauty when the engine gets revved. Known to never leave home without a mirror this Roscommon stalwarts never quit attitude has been inspiring his teammates for over 9 years.

3. Timmy Lynch – Timmys fearsome hands have been kept busy this year as he has patrolled the full back spot with a presence not seen there since the days of Corley. Often begins the night as a quiet man…..

4. Micheal Conroy – Don’t be fooled by the ‘pretty boy’ looks. This silent assassin has been locking down every danger man the opposition has thrown at the Gaels this year. Last years Player of the Year and still only 21 he should be doing the same for a long time to come.

5. Ger O’Brien – The resounding call of ‘Gers ball’ only highlights an incredible determination by this Offaly man to win at all costs – to both himself and his marker. Ger can always be counted on for 110% every time with no exceptions.

6. Niall Sugrue – The brains of the backline, Sugrue has performed for Cavan until this year. While walking an injury tightrope this Kerry man oozes pure class and steel on and off the ball.

7. Conor Corbett – ‘The Rock’ as he is known at home. Conor's comeback 2 years ago was welcomed and feared depending on which shirt you wear. Always sure to deliver at least one earth shattering shoulder per game Conor is every bit as reliable and unshakable as his nickname declares.

8. Sam Yore – Smiling Sam off the field, Sam becomes a beast on it. Amazing physical presence coupled with natural leadership and skill has made him a leader for this team and a marked man for all opposition. Strangely enough it doesn’t make much of a difference!

9. Tommy Carey – New to the club this year, Tommy looks sure to be enjoying his role beside Sam. Perhaps the most skillful ball player on the team his ability to tie his markers in knots leaves those around him speechless – known to love a good mosh after a game!

10. Tommy O’Connor – Tommy's cream has risen to the top many times this year. He seems to get better every game and the higher the stakes the more effort and energy he plays with. Sublime grace and fluid in full flight Tommy would be a welcome addition to any team. He returns to college this year and will no doubt add to his famous magazine collection when he returns home.

11. Derek McKenna – One of the elder statesmen on the team. Derek's fire and intensity on the field are renowned in New York football. His generosity off the field to the club is well known here too. A legendary warrior in a Gaels shirt Derek refuses to quit and never stops fighting!

12. Micheal Coyle – Captain Fantastic is feared in the dressing room and on the field. A tireless worker who sacrifices his own game for the good of the team, leading by example. At only 26 has been captain of two teams for the Gaels already showing his worth to his peers

13. Nestor Allen – This Westmeath man is rapidly making a fearful reputation in all New York football as a scoring machine and has led the Gaels in scoring the past 2 years. Known for his tireless training regime he is a nightmare for all who are put on him.

14. James Dolan – Jimmy D is currently enjoying his best year in quite some time. Using his natural abilities to prevent his marker getting around him, James is one of those few players who makes everyone around him a better player. Proficient with both feet, he is an example of how to play the game.

15. Niall McGuinness – Red is coming into his own this year and is poised for a huge final. After terrorizing the Dublin defense he is ready to do the same in the final – as long as he gets to the Park on time!

16. David Browne – Although sometimes a little forgetful David is a more than dependable backup for goalkeeper. A big heart in a big body, David has played his part in getting the team this far..

17. Kevin Nee – Another Galwagian Kevin has performed superbly during the campaign this year to push the Gaels to a final spot. Although a fearsome competitor on the field, this belies his quiet nature off it.

18. Seamus Nee – the second part of the family affair, Seamus has developed his game to a new level this year and has added some sharp shooting skills to his fierce strength and determination - Proof of his scoring ability has been evident recently

19. Barry Cavanagh – Another of the classiest players in New York, Barry has added some veteran savvy when playing this year. Equally adept with both feet, Barry brings great strength and calm to a back line when introduced and was very instrumental in getting the Gaels over the semi. Life and soul of the Party.

20.Stephan Mullins – The Galway contingent is rounded out with Stephen. Strong and graceful, he can patrol either the midfield or forward line with authority and a great body.

21. Barry Keegan – Another natural athlete with unnatural hair, Barry can slot into any position on the field and provide speed and an enviable scoring touch. The new wave of players, Barry’s full potential is surely coming.

22. Brendan Sweeney – A big man who has been unfortunate this year with injuries Brendan can slot into the forward line with ease and rack up scores given the opportunity

23. Leo Fallon – Westmeath man with two cannons capable of picking off points from as far out as midfield. Hugely strong and a great fielder. Returning to Ireland for his studies soon.

24. Paul Kyle – President of the Lonely Hearts Club and regular dry wit and humor belie the fact that Paul is a starter on most teams but has been unfortunate to have been stuck behind talent on this team.

25. Dara Haune – Big guy with a rocket kick. Daras first year at the club.

26. Joe Butler – Playing Champagne football since returning from injury. Joe is easily recognizable when he steps on the field.

27. Paul Houlihan – Always there on the big day. Pauls fitness and strength make him a contender.

28.Dan Harrington – Captain last year, Dan is an experienced and accomplished defender who is a nightmare for any forward. Can also speak Spanish.

29. PJ Burke – Another elder statesman PJ’s heart of a champion terrorizes any man he marks. One of the fittest on the team and a vital contributor.

30. Tom Foy – Tom was unfortunately injured early in the year and never got a true chance to display his talents. What we saw early on bodes well for our next challenge

31. Gareth Hamilton – Gareths physique may be intimidating to those who don’t know him, but inside he’s one of the nicest guys on the squad and may yet have apart to play in this years run.

32. Dave Doherty – Double D played a large part in getting the Gaels this far after bursting onto the scene last year. Should anyone go down his is the first name to be called on.

33. Dave Flattery - A super fit athlete who came out of retirement this year to help the younger players on the team get used to the furious pace of Junior football. Dave has been indispensable to the team.