GRASSROOTS
ARKLOW ROCK PARNELLS
Congratulations to the Rocks for getting through to the quarter-finals in the Leinster League against Mountmellick of Laois. All players to be at the pitch for noon. Coach leaving at 12.30pm. Membership is also due now, so all player need to be paid up. Finally, under-16s training on Saturday mornings at 11am at the pitch. Thanks to all the supporters who supported us against Kiltegan!
BALTINGLASS
Lotto jackpot is €9,400, no winner, numbers were 4, 8, 10, and 19. Match three winners were Kevin Moran, Clonegal, Breda Kearney, Rathdangan, Louise Jackman, Philip Deering, Sile Connelly, Pat Farrell, Pat Fleming, Louise Byrne, Liz and Peter and Wayne Burke.
Division 1were away to Rathnew and lost on a score of 1-12 to 1-6.
Minors were out to Blessington and were defeated. Wicklow under-16 girls lost to a strong Meath team while the under-14s. No referee turned up.
On a winning note, congratulations to Scoil Naomh Iosaf who won Cumann na mBunscoil Division 1 title last week in Ballinakill.
The panel of players were Alan Barrett, Jordan Brophy, Aaron Corcoran, Arun Daly-Danne, Sean Doody (capt), Christopher Grimes, Charlie Harte, Max Harte, Jason Kenny, Tom Keogh, Jack Kirwan, KB Matomni, Adam O'Brien, Jason Steed, Darren Walsh, Shane Whelan and their teachers, Mr. Quinn and Mr Hannafin and a special word of thanks to the two coaches who have been in the school coaching these young lads, Sean O'Brien and Brendan Kelly.
Well done also to our under-10 lads who played in the community games on Saturday last and won the final by beating Lakeside and Donard-Dunlavin and go on now to the Lenister competition.
Full committee meeting Thursday, April 3 at 8.30pm in the clubhouse, please all attend.
Congratulations to Brian (Red-Jack) and Catherine Fleming on the birth of their little girl. Well done to the Wicklow lads on their win over Waterford.
CARNEW EMMETS
Leinster League - A large crowd braved the elements in Bunclody last Monday night to see a keenly contested local derby between ourselves and Askamore/Kilrush.
The weather didn't suit a good spectacle but what it lacked in quality it made up for in excitement. It was point for point all through until the last minute when Kilrush struck for a goal.
There was one final twist as Carnew had a free which was blocked out, then it was returned back in where the 'Fox in the Box', Timmy Collins, rifled to the net to earn a well deserved draw.
Stand out performances by Padraig Doran and Andrew Hughes in a battling overall display. The draw means we go through to the semi-final on score difference to take on Bray on April 9.
Football - The Senior footballers hosted bray on Saturday evening last. We were a goal down at half time and pressed forward in the second half and left ourselves open at the back. Bray finished out the game winning by eight points.
Hurling blitz - There is a hurling blitz taking place in the field this Friday between 6.30pm and 8pm for under-8s and under-10s. Both pitches will be used for this.
If anyone wants to use the pitches for matches or training, could they please contact Michael Collins on 087 9127368 to check availability.
ASHFORD
This year's poker night will be held this Saturday in the Bel Air Hotel. Registration begins at 7.30pm and the poker kicks off at 8pm sharp. Buy in is €20 and rebuys are €10. Last year's event proved to be hugely successful and we hope that this year is as enjoyable.
This year's membership fees are now due. They are as follows: adults €50, juveniles €20, family €75 and if you have three or more juvenile members in one family the fee is only €50. These fees include a €10 levy for the development fund which will be used in improving facilities at the club.
Advertisement is now available for the scoreboard. The fee is €100 and you receive a free county draw ticket. Please contact any member of the management committee for more details.
The monthly meeting takes place this Thursday at 9pm, venue to be confirmed.
Our Intermediates are away to Eire Og this Saturday at 5pm. They will be looking to bounce back from their narrow defeat to St Pat's last time out. Training this week is on Tuesday night (on the pitch at 7.30pm) and Thursday night (8pm in the gym).
The Ashford GAA nursery is now open for children aged up to 12 years on Friday nights at 6.15pm. This is an enjoyable and educational approach to GAA and has been hugely successful in recent years. A great opportunity for the future stars of Ashford GAA. If you should have any queries, please do not hesitate to contact club coaching co-ordinator Stephen Behan on 086 6018781.
Under-14 and 16s coaching times are Tuesday nights at 7pm.
Gumshields must now be worn by all players so please ensure that everyone has one for both training and matches as you cannot play without it.
Please check out our social media sites for up to date information and news about the club and events:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ashford.gaaclub
Twitter: @AshfordGAA1884 (https://twitter.com/AshfordGAA1884)
Latest club news and information will be available through these mediums.
The county draw tickets are now on sale. We need to ensure that we make every effort to sell the tickets so if anyone would like to purchase one then please do not hesitate to contact any member of the Executive committee.
AN TOCHAR
A date for your diaries - Friday April 4, a club meeting will be held in Aras an Tochar to discuss our draft five-year plan.
All members will receive a copy before hand and will have an opportunity on the night to air their views on the content.
Thanks in advance to Fergal Mulligan and Maureen who have put a lot of work into getting this document together. Refreshments will be served afterwards.
The club would like to extend our sympathy to Dan Sheahan and all his family on the recent passing of his father Michael in Tipperary. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
The Garden County Development Draw tickets are still on sale and we would encourage all members to buy and sell as many as possible, this is one of our main sources of income for the year.
The County Board have appealed for people to put themselves forward to help with Stewarding in Aughrim at County games please contact Nick Nolan 086- 8516254 if you are interested.
GLENEALY
The A and B teams were in action at the weekend in the Leinster Hurling League and both record good victories.
The A team played in Bray on Friday in a re-fixed game against Delvin from Westmeath and after a good display came away with a 10 point win 2-13 to 1-6.
They now play Ballyskenagh from Offaly for a place in the Division 2 semi-final.
The B team took on Shanahoe from Laois in the Park on Saturday afternoon and after a good competitive game they edged in front in the last quarter to win 2-14 to 2-10.
There was no winner of the jackpot in last week's lotto. The numbers drawn were 12, 21, 27, and 28.The jackpot this week stands at €2,600.
The best of luck to the county hurlers who play Down in Navan next Saturday, with promotion to Division 2A the prize for the victors.
AVONDALE
Our Senior footballers were back in action in the Division 2 league on Tuesday last against Blessington. At the end of a tight affair, Blessington came out on top by a score of 2-12 to 1-9. We will now play Arklow Geraldines Ballymoney next Saturday evening at 5pm in Pearse Park.
There are still a number of people who have yet to pay their membership fee. Everyone whose membership is unpaid should pay as soon as possible.
County draw tickets are now on sale from the club. Anyone who wishes to purchase a ticket should contact a member of the committee.
RATHNEW
Lotto numbers drawn were 8, 10, 12, and 22. there were five match three winners to share €200, Liz Dunne c/o L.Kavanagh, Manleys c/o Nigel Manley, Jack n' Jill c/o Etna, Ken c/o Phil Connolly ans Ross c/o E. Franey. Jackpot now €2,700.
Senior Team - Good win against Baltinglass, 112 to 1-06, last Saturday in Division 1.
Great to see the pitch and grounds looking so well. Work has started on fencing in of new pitch again this is looking well. A lot of hard work and guidance here by our Development Officer, Cllr John Snell.
Well done to Wicklow on a fine win, still in with a good chance of promotion.
Saturday coaching back up and running 12.15pm each and every Saturday please come along and check it out. New players always welcome. This is for all girls and boys.
Minor training and under-16 training on Monday nights.
The ladies team is back in full swing so again check Facebook for times.
County draw tickets at €50 for sale now from all committee members. There are fantastic prizes available.
Wicklow Senior hurling champions, Glenealy, have challenged Wicklow Senior football champions, Rathnew, to a dance off to see who will be crowned champions of the dance floor.
This spectacular event will take place in the Grand Hotel on Sunday, May 4. So keep that one for the diary. Tickets now available at €15. Be sure to get yours now as there is a limit of 150 tickets.
Gym membership available now, contact Anto Doyle on 085 7252430.
To get in contact: Vincent at 086 8430446 and Facebook at Rathnew GAA Club.
AUGHRIM
The club would like to congratulate club men Conor Lambert and Roan Lynch on winning the Senior Wicklow Schools final last week with Coláiste Bhride Carnew.
Well done to Robert Lambert on another great performance on Sunday as Wicklow defeated Waterford in the second last round of the National Football League. We wish him and the Wicklow team the best as they search for promotion next weekend.
Race Night for 2014 has been set for Saturday, May 3. Horses are €10 and sponsors for each card is €50. Please support one of the main fund raising events for the club for the year.
LARAGH
Our next league game is at home against St. Pat's on Saturday at 5pm, hopefully we can get another win in this game. All support welcome.
Training continues every Monday and Wednesdays at 7.30pm, everyone needs to start attending all these sessions. The management and players would like to thank Gary Duffy for all his hard work over the last couple of months.
Anyone who hasn't yet paid there membership please do so ASAP we've extended it until the end of March to accommodate everyone, this can be given to Christopher Merrigan or any committee member.
Our juvenile training will commence Wednesday (tonight) evening in the field. Anyone available to help out please do so. Any one involved training our juveniles must be Garda vetted if you need a form contacted Fergal Olohan.
It's getting close to the first County Development Draw so anyone that has tickets please return them along with the money this weekend to John Merrigan.
Also any one looking to purchase a ticket contact any committee member.
Hard luck to Avondale Community College first year's who got bet by a strong Baltinglass team in the A semi-final last week.
Well done to the county footballers on there win over Waterford and the best of luck to the hurlers next week,
NEWTOWN
The Senior team battled to a hard earned draw against Annacurra on Saturday in the league. Despite being down to 14 men for most of the game and five points down at half time they drew on a score line of 1-7.
Under-12s training for 2014 season starts on Wednesday, April 2, 6.30pm up on the pitch.
Despite the rain on the Saturday almost 30 jun- ior Magpies turned up to join in the fun in the nursery. It was brilliant to see some new faces among the group, the nursery runs on Saturday mornings at 10-11am on the pitch, €20 membership.
There was no match four winner of the lotto on Monday, March 24 numbers drawn were 3, 20, 23, and 24 so next week the jackpot goes up to €3,200. If you're not already signed up please do so as not only are you in with a chance to win a the jackpot but you are also helping support your local club. It is €2 per week but goes a long way towards running all the facilities that we have.
COOLKENNO
Coolkenno ladies club table quiz was held in Byrne's Crablane on Friday night. The event was huge success.
Many thanks to those who helped organise the quiz. Thanks to the Byrne family for hosting the quiz.
Special thanks to Alan O'Callaghan, Ann and Mairin O'Rourke for setting the questions. Many thanks to all those who supported the event and helped to make it such a good night.
Coolkenno Ladies had a good win in the Combined Cup on Sunday, defeating Arklow on a score line of 5-17 to 3-06.
Coolkenno Seniors picked up two points on Saturday by beating Kilmacanogue in Division 1A of the league. The match was tight with only a goal separating the teams at full time. Final score: Coolkenno 3-10, Kilmacanogue 1-13.
This week's lotto numbers were 3, 12, 14, and 30, bonus number was 33. The jackpot is now €10,500. Tickets available from any club member. Training for Seniors, Juniors and Minors is Tuesday and Friday at 8pm.. Ladies training on Friday at 7pm. We are planning on launching Strictly Come Dancing in the next few weeks. Any budding dancers please contact any committee or club member.
Keep up to date on all events. - Like us on Facebook, Coolkenno GAA.
KNOCKANANNA
Lotto - No winner of the lotto jackpot this week Numbers drawn were 5, 9, 18, and 28. There was one match three winner, Sharon O'Keeffe for €100. Sellers prize winner was Edward Carroll. Next week's jackpot stands at €15,700. Tickets on sale in the Wagons, Jacob's, Byrne's shop, The corner House, Boland's, and Sean Murphy's Butchers.
Membership - Membership is now due and can be paid to any of the committee member. Players €25, families and non playing adults €10, students €10.
Knockananna and Ballymanus under-10s boy and girls were invited to play at half time in the game between Wicklow and Waterford last Sunday in Aughrim.
The game ended in a draw and apart from some outrageous refereeing decisions it was a very enjoyable game. Knockananna: Cathal Sheehan, Niall O'Keeffe, Alanah Coogan, Eoin Canna, Eoin Kehoe, Caoimhe Coogan, Aoibhe Lancaster, Mark Kinsella, Adam Kinsella, Donnacha Coogan, Rebecca Tracey, Megan Whelan and Rachel Tracey.
We were happy to except the invitation from the County Board and the kids really enjoyed the experience.
However, we have a bone to pick with the County Board regarding match passes. Every club is allocated 10 passes for the parents of the kids taken part so unfortunately this meant 10 parents had to pay €10 each to watch their own child playing.
We could understand if it was Kerry playing in Aughrim and an expected crowd of 6,000 but not Waterford and certainly not on Mothers Day.
If we're trying to promote the games, 10 more passes wouldn't have broke the bank.
Knockananna's next match is away to Shillelagh at 5pm on Saturday.
EIRE OG GREYSTONES
The garrulousness of the Irish is attributed by many to our climate; our constantly changing weather, they say, leaves us with a convenient default option in conversation. As a topic it has also proven, as you may have noticed, a very useful point of departure in the Notes' account of many recent matches. This week is no different.
Friday was definitely a night when the fireside was a far more attractive place to be than a cold damp and windswept Emmet Park. The unkindness of the weather did not, however, deter our Junior Bs from travelling to play the locals in the league. Unfortunately the lads returned to Na Clocha Liatha empty handed having suffered a frustrating one point defeat.
Frustrating is really no word to describe our loss when one considers we were 11pts to 1-1 up 10 minutes into the second half and that we were still 3 points to the fore with a couple of minutes left.
Then the gods frowned on us. A misunderstanding between two of our backs saw the ball bounce off one of them into the hands of one of the Bré forwards in a one on one with Eoin English. An act of desperation by a back. A penalty. Equality. Another Éire Óg indiscretion in added time set Bré up for a one-point win.
From the Éire Óg point of view there was a watershed in the game at about the 40 minute mark. Up to that point the team had played with style and verve. Then, inexplicably, energy seemed to seep from their play and they became vulnerable.
Paul Doherty gave some substance to his claim after the An Tóchar game with a sterling display at centre-back and Conor Monaghan proved a lively and effective corner-forward. James Smullen was particularly prominent in the 1st half while Daniel Woods worked hard in the centre. Mattie Maguire threw himself wholeheartedly into the fray.
Peil na gCailíní - Football for girls in the 9-14 age group has resumed and takes place on Thursdays at 6:30pm. Thursday night last the U-14 girls played their first league game. The weather was intent on doing them and their opponents, Fergal Óg, no favours. The discomfort of the low ambient temp was accentuated by a biting wind; one pitied the girls and admired the hardy few who braved it out on the sideline.
In the event the girls served up a pleasantly entertaining game which Éire Óg won with a little bit to spare. Eva Roche, at full-back, anchored a parsimonious defence and was ably assisted by Ashley Lawrence at corner back. Rachel Purcell was imperious in the centre of the field and crowned an excellent performance with a magnificent 3-03. Katie Lawless was her busy self in the forwards and contributed 1-02.
Ellie O'Neill, in the tradition of her brother, had an excellent game in goals in the first half. As an act of philanthropy - there was a danger of her freezing to death - the management moved her to fullforward for the 2nd period. It turned out to be a worthwhile move, she scored a goal. Aoife McTeague (0-01) was a very effective partner to Rachel Purcell in the centre. Niamh Hanrahan (10) and Olivia Strong (0-01) were others to catch the eye. The U-12 league starts in just under a week’s time.
GARDEN COUNTY ACADEMY
The U13’s were not training last weekend and will have a training session in Ballinakill on Saturday 5th April at 11 am.
Any player born who was born in the year 2001 is welcome and encouraged to come along. Please note that all players are to be there by 10:50am.
The U13 squad will be using dressing rooms 5&6 in Ballinakill for the remainder of the year unless otherwise informed. These are the dressing rooms at the front of the building. The U13 pitch will be the pitch on the right hand side as you drive into the facility.
The U14s were back together after last weeks’ Feile with an encouraging attendance of 48. The session was supplemented by a coaching workshop held by former Laois Manager Sean Dempsey which utilised 16 of their players.
The next session for the U14’s will be this Saturday 5th April with a slightly later start time of 11.30am in Ballinakill.
With the first competitive games coming up on the 19th of April the next two sessions will continue with the building process.
Finally, Team Wicklow ambassadors have begun recruiting members with a great response to date.
If you would like to support the Garden County Academy initiative please call Joe O’Brien 087 2577680 or visit www.TeamWicklow.com. All funds raised go towards preparing our juvenile football players to challenge for Leinster and AllIreland success in years to come.