GRASSROOTS

KILCOOLE

Our under-8 hurlers travelled to the Bray Emmets club on Friday night last. While we were down a few players due to mid-term, injury, and being grounded, we still managed to perform remarkably well.

Our two teams showed all the signs that they are training hard and listening to their coaches. One of our teams played St. Pat's and two teams from Bray.

The two Darraghs (Grant and Shannon), Billy and Alex defended great all evening. Cian and Ryan Harrison picked out some great passes. Ryan Doherty was very brave when tackling and Eimer made great runs in attack. Kilcoole Team 2 played two teams from St. Pat's and a team from Kilmacanogue.

Laura was excellent in goals. Ollie's puck outs were excellent. Finian and Gavin cleaned up in defence all night. Regan and Dale were industrious in midfield.

Ben's striking and passing was impeccable. Christopher did a great job as our target man in the forwards and our youngest player on our panel, Lochlainn, showed remarkable composure to score the last goal of the night for Kilcoole Team 2.

Our attention turns to the big ball next, as we travel to the picturesque Barnderrig on May 9.

Kilcoole under-12 footballers continued their winning ways in Kilmacanogue this week, and while the score was very flattering on the night we also have to take a lot of satisfaction from some of the individual performances.

The usual suspects Luke O'Callaghan, Ben O'Neill and Tom Fitzgerald were as solid as ever, but others who really stood out on the night were Cian Hunt and Eoin Byrne who made midfield their own when they moved out there.

Elliot Hatton, Taylor Brandon, Fionn Mansfield, Jordan Gregory,Robyn Evans, Olly Newsome, and Chloe Byrne all got their names on the score sheet while Charlie Traynor, Conor Daye and Aaron Keddy did everything that was asked of them in what was a great team performance.

We now have a couple of weeks before our next game with the hurlers taking the field and we wish them the very best of luck as they start their season.

Football training continues on Wednesday nights at 6.30pm in the field.

Cill Comhaill Gaels suffered a disappointing loss to Arklow Rocks in under-16 hurling on Monday, April 21. We play Glenealy on Monday the 28th, here's hoping for a turnaround in our fortunes!

Kilcoole played host to Laragh last week in the Junior A football league. Before throw in a minute's silence was observed by both teams for the late Mrs. Esther (Essie) Gammell, RIP, who died recently.

Mrs Gammell was a great GAA supporter and her great granson Darren was playing for the home side.

Kilcoole started well and should have being further ahead. However Laragh settled and pushed us all the way.

We lead at half time 5-4 which was a bit disappointing considering our amount of possession.

Again, we started the second half well and when Dara Keddy scored a goal for us it looked like we would push on and win comfortably.

Laragh never gave up though and drew level at one stage. A goal by Vinny Quigley secured the win for us, eventually winning by four points on a score line of 2-9 to 11 points.

It was encouraging for Kilcoole to have seven different scorers in a tight game, who were Dara Keddy 1-0, Vinny Quigley 1-1, Eoin Keddy 0-2, Danny Kavanagh 0-2, Stephen Coughlan 0-2, Darren Gammell 0-1 and Matt Gilbert 0-1. Well done lads.

Our Junior hurlers opened their Junior hurling league with a victory over the mighty men from Western Gaels.

The night was perfect for hurling, with the pitch a credit to 'The curse of God' Quigley. It's only a shame he isn't able to weave the same magic with the 'hot' showers!

Getting back to the game - Kilcoole showed a lot of signs of a team that need more and more games of hurling.

As the clock ticked on our hurling did improve and got a lot sharper with some lovely scores coming from Rambo, Rosco, Chrissy Farrell, and Eoiny Keddy near the end.

Our defence did come under pressure from time to time during the game and the miss-hit puck seem to confuse our six backs at various times throughout the night.

In the end Kilcoole had a comfortable win on the scoreboard but tougher days will cross our paths especially as we travel to the hostile environment of our near neighbours Eire Og Greystones next Wednesday.

Special mention must go to our honorary Kilcoole man, Doyler, who missed tonight after a recent knee operation. Get well soon Ciaran.

The team in full was: Jay Walsh, JP, Murray, Mikey O'Brien, Hughesie, Vinny Quigley, Eggy, Eoiny and Darragh Keddy, Paddy O'Brien, Chrissy Farrell, Rosco, John O'Brien, Rambo, Mark Curran. Hero for Eggy, Joe Moorehouse for John O'Brien, Shane Evans for Paddy O'Brien.

Kilcoole GAA club symphatise with the Gammell and Hatton families following the recent death of Mrs. Esther (Essie) Gammell.RIP. Mrs Gammell was one of Kilcoole's oldest residents, a lifelong pioneer and supporter of our native games. The family (sons, grandchildren andgreat grandchildren) of Mrs Gammell have all wore the green and gold of Kilcoole throughout the years and her two brothers, Jimmy and Danny, were on the 1954 team, our last team to win the Senior football championship.

The tradition continues with the great granchildren of Mrs Gammell still representing the club. We extend our sympathy to family and friends of the late Mrs. Gammell, RIP.

Lotto results from Monday, April 22: Winning numbers were 1, 6, 20, and 23. No winner. Three match threes: G Mitchell, R Mitchell, S Compton.

Next week's jackpot is a majestic €2400 in the Molly's.

Best of luck to our local clubman and committee member, Tom Fortune, in the upcoming local elections.

Finally, our club received a bit of good news late last Friday evening when we were informed we were the proud recipient of top prize in the Wicklow County Board Draw. Thank you Wicklow County board.

Our Go Games season continued with a very well hosted blitz last Friday in Bray Emmets. Thanks to Gary and all in Bray for all the hospitality, prompt running, young whistlers etc.

We travelled with two teams again and I know I say it most weeks but sincere thanks from Pappy and myself for the continued loyalty and support from players and parents alike.

Both teams played excellently and our standard of play is visibly improving each week. The players showed an excellent level of willingness to try out our new skills, not worry about mistakes and

listen to the little peices of advice that come their way.

As coaches that's exactly the attitude we want to see so thank you to our great group of players.

Training as always on tuesdays at 6pm. New players very welcome, please contact Karl on 087 2488922.

We are having a scrap metal drive to raise much needed funds for the club without tapping the usual pockets. We would love both domestic and industrial items. For domestic please drop to the clubhouse car park from May 5 to 11. For larger domestic or industrial items please call Karl on 087 2488922 or Owen on 086 6181926 to arrange collection. There are posters in most shops in the village with details of what is collectible.

If in doubt please call Owen or myself. Please encourage any business contacts you have to donate. Every bit will help.

ENNISKERRY

Lotto - Winning numbers were 3, 4, 19, and 27. Bonus number was 38. No jackpot winner, match three numbers receive €48 each. Thanks to all buyers and sellers of club lotto tickets for continued support.

Junior hurling league - Enniskerry/Kilmac 1-7 Kiltegan 3-13.

The hurlers started their league campaign last Wednesday night in Enniskerry with a disappointing home defeat to Kiltegan.

With Senior clubs able to regrade five players to play in this competition, it was always going to be a big ask to gather two points here and the visitors

made the early running to lead by 2-7 to 0-4 at the break.

An early second half goal by George O'Brien gave us hope but the West Wicklow side soaked up what pressure we put on them and kept the scoreboard ticking over at the other end to run out deserving winners.

Best on the night for E'kerry/Kilmac were Christy Fox, Paul Kavanagh, Shane Vickers and Ger Blackbyrne.

Team is away to Shillelagh tonight (April 30) in Round 2. Best of luck to Mick, Jim, and Dave and the panel.

Mens Football - Valleymount 1-9, Enniskerry 28. The footballers gathered their second win on

the bounce in the CFL with a two-point win in Valleymount on Sunday morning.

Playing with a slight breeze in the first period, we put together some good attacking moves to put the locals under severe pressure. Some well taken points by Stephen King and a penalty dispatched by Anto O'Neill saw us lead by 1-5 to 0-4 at the break.

As expected the homesters rallied on the resumption, picking off a few good scores to narrow the margin but when Alex O'Sullivan raised a green flag and Anto O'Neill and Alan King knocked over two super points, we were on our way.

A late rally by the locals scoring 1-2 left it tight but the lads dug deep, showing great spirit to hang on and record a rare victory on the lakeside.

Certainly a super all round team effort from 1 to 18, with resolute disciplined defending and great link up attacking play all round.

Our next CFL game is a local derby at home to Bray Emmetts on Saturday, May 10 at 6pm.

Thanks to loyal band of supporters who made the long trek to the lakeside last Sunday, your support is much appreciated by the panel and management.

Ladies football - The ladies have a busy two weeks coming up with a practice match against Stars of Eirn on Thursday the first and a league match away to Barindarrig on Tuesday the 8th.

Support of the team has been great all year, may it continue.

Youths - Kilmacanogue Enniskerry under-16s played St. Kevin's in Hollywood on Tuesday night 22nd.

St Kevin's started strong and were up by seven points at half time.

St Kevin's did not account for the strong team spirit of the away side and with a strong passing game the lead was cut to two points with 15 minutes remaining.

The turning point of the game was a penalty save by Ian Kirwin and with momentum now firmly with Kilmacanogue Enniskerry they drew level with five minutes remaining. With the sides exchanging points right up to the final minute up stepped Rhys Cope to drive over the winning point. This was an outstanding second half performance by everyone on the night.

Scorers on the night were: Sam O'Callaghan, Alan Acres, William Coogan and Rhys Cope.

With two games remaining against Carnew and Barndarrig a league semi-final spot now looks possible.

NEWTOWN

Great fun was had by all at the nursery last weekend where the Easter Bunny made a special appearance, the sun was shining and there was a great crowd. Many thanks to the Easter Bunny and all his helpers

Newtown GAA under-14 girls train on a Friday evening at 6.30pm up on the Newtown GAA pitch. Any girls between 10-14 interested in playing GAA come along and join us we already have a great bunch of girls with a bright future ahead of them and would love for this team to grow

Congratulations to the Doyle family who all at Newtown GAA know well on the marriage of Brian to Niamh Sherlock this weekend with a wonderful reception at Trudder lodge. Congratulations also to our under-16 mentor Stephen Kelly and his wife Amy on the birth of their daughter. Best wishes from all at Newtown GAA

The lotto jackpot of €4,000 rolls over again next as it was not won this week. If you're not already signed up please do so as not only are you in with a chance to win a serious 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.

KILCOOLE CAMOGIE

The Camogie playing season is in full swing at the moment and the Kilcoole girls are busy!

The adults have completed 4 rounds on the Dublin Div League and have 3 more before the exam break. Our thanks to Fergal Og and Newcastle GAA Clubs for the use of their pitches for home games.

This week's fixture takes us to Castleknock to take on Naomh Brid. This match is on Thursday.

We would like to welcome all the new players who joined this group for 2014. A number of former players left the area to further their education and work careers. We wish them well wherever they go.

Our under-15s have played most of their Dublin League games with one game in hand.

The under-13s are halfway through their Dublin League with lots of games to be played before the end of June and their Summer break.

The Wicklow playing season is in its early stages - our Seniors have played two games in the league while under-14s and under-16s spring into action this week.

The under-14s welcome Donard-Glen to CCA for their first game while our under-16s travel to Donard to play Donard-Glen/Kiltegan.

Our under-12s have their second Blitz on Friday in Annacurra and we wish them well.

The best of Luck to Kilcoole Primary School in the Cumann na mBunscol Blitz this week and the same to CCA in their County Junior 'A' final coming up soon.

Camogie Coaching gets underway in KPS shortly.

It's never too late to get involved and new players are always welcome.

Contact: Tracy 0877518680/ Breda 0876998536

BRAY EMMETS

Lotto - There was no match 4 winner of the club lotto on Friday, April 25 when the numbers drawn were 6, 10, 18 and 20 so next week, the jackpot goes up to €7,600. Further details are available at www.brayemmets.com.

Under-14 Hurling Feile - The under-14 Wicklow hurling Féile took place on Saturday in Ballinakill. Bray Emmets were looking forward and preparing eagerly for these games. A 20 man panel lined out across the three victorious games, and the efforts of all 20 were what pleased the mentors most.

The final will be played against Carnew this Wednesday, April 30.

Under-8 and under-10 Go Games - Bray Emmets hosted the under-8 and 10 Go Games hurling where over 150 kids turned up.

It was an excellent evening of entertainment where some of the skill shown by all teams would not be out place in similar events in Kilkenny or Clare. There were teams from St. Pats, Kilmacanogue, St Feargals and Kilcoole along with teams from the host club taking part in closely contested and sporting games.

Under-12 Football - Over the last three weeks the under-12 footballers have had three teams playing in Wicklow.

As you can appreciate it is great to be in a position to enter two separate teams equating to up to 40 boys playing football at under 12 in Wicklow and can only happen with the continued goodwill of the players and parents in going to games, long may it continue

Boy's under-16 Football - Our under-16 boy's football team lost away to Rathnew in their first game in section B of the League on Monday, April 14 on a score line of 3-09 to 1-05.

Under-16 Hurling - Bray played their first game last Monday away v Glenealy. It was their first time together as a group and there were very encouraging signs of the potential of the group. Glenealy won the game but were made to work for it particularly in the second half of the match.

EIRE OG GREYSTONES

CAILÍNÍ FAOI-14 Wednesday night our u-14 girls travelled to Blessington to play the locals in the league. Éire Óg lost, 4-8 to3-2, (we were three points behind at the break).

A hugely encouraging result when one considers that in the corresponding encounter last year our girls failed to score.

The under-12s, who have had a run of three victories in the B-League, travel to play An Tóchar on Wednesday evening at 7pm.

Go-Games - Éire Óg, Bray Emmetts and Ashford got together for the under-8 Go-Games blitz which was run off in Ashford recently. On this occasion the Éire Óg management were in the happy position of having an embarrassment of riches.

A not-unwelcome problem that had its solution, thanks to the flexibility of the Go-Games system, in the fielding of three teams. Mentors Kevin Healy, Peter O'Neill, Angela O'Leary, Cáitríóna Shanahan, Paddy Meyler, John Caffrey, Phelim O'Connell and Austin Baines were very pleased with the way the totality of the players got involved on the field and they took great satisfaction from the standard of football displayed by their charges -a huge improvement over last year.

Cathal Kirby, Holly Sheehy and Alec Bartek proved to be excellent choices for goal-keeping duties.

The constructive passing of Hugh O'Carroll (set up a goal), Piaras Healy, (some excellent free-taking), Maeve Gurrin (won great ball), Charlie Grogan and Thomas O'Connell showed a maturing understanding of team play.

The kick pass, a difficult skill and unfortunately underutilised in the modern game, was shown to good effect by Joshua Barry, Seán Lehane, Robert Moore, Liam Leonard, Jack Flynn, Orla Donnelly, Tom and Seán Meyler, Daniel Connerty and Jack Caffrey. The Meyler twins and Jack Caffrey also contributed on the score-board.

Colm O'Neill and Adam Travers delighted with their fielding as did Sam Travers with his long, relieving kicks.

Dearbhla Browne, Tara Casey, Max Moody, Isabella O'Farrell, Charlie Keogh, Jack Ferns and Cathal Byrne were staunch in their defending and demonstrated a good understanding of their role.

The modified pitches proved to be too short to contain the powerful kick-outs of Alex Baines and Darragh Shanahan showed himself an effective attacker.

DEVELOPMENT DRAW - Congrats to the Kilcoole club on winning the top prize (10K) in Friday night's draw. The other important prizes went to subscribers from Rathnew (5K), AGB (2.5K), Tinahely (1.5K) and An Tóchar (1K).