GRASSROOTS

AUGHRIM

Congratulations to referee John Keenan on a magnificent job in the Minor All-Ireland final in Croke Park on Sunday last and also to his umpires Liam, Tom, Eddie and Tommy.

It was a great honour for the Aughrim club and the whole county for one of our own to be involved on All-Ireland day we’ll done again John.

On the adult side we were narrowly beaten in Ballinacor last week after a good performance all round, we play Kiltegan next in the Keating Cup please come along to support the lads. We had no game in the Junior championship due to a death in Donard so we are awaiting a fixture, see paper for details.

Luke O’Toole’s Minor match Wednesday in Annacurra v St. Kevin’s.

LUKE O’TOOLE’S

Under-14 hurling ‘A’ championship – Carnew 2-11, Luke O’Toole’s 3-11 - Luke O’Toole’s under-14 hurlers played their first game in almost two months in the ‘A’ championsip against Carnew in Carnew on Friday last.

Carnew were Divisional All-Ireland Féile winners and were fresh from a good win over Bray Emmets already in the championship so were going to be on top of their game.

Lukes were down two players but still had a panel of 19 to pick from.

The game started and with less than a minute gone John Toomey, who had broken his wrist just three weeks ago, had notched his first point. This was quickly followed in the third and fifth minutes with points from Adam Keegan and Matthew Ging for Lukes to go in to an early lead.

There was no panic in the Carnew side, they slowly got in to their stride and replied with four points of their own before a James McGing long range effort dropped under the crossbar for the first goal of the game. Carnew 1-04, Luke O’Tooles 0-03 after 16 minutes. Adam Keegan and Eoin Kavanagh traded points before Diarmuid Lambert scrambled over his first goal after Dara O’Shea’s ground strike was well stopped by the Carnew goalie.

Adam Keegan hit a further point from a free to leave it all square after 23 minutes. Carnew finished out the half stronger, Rory O’Dare made some great saves in the goals, to keep the goal safe but Carnew took some fine long range points to lead at the break at 1-08 to 1-05. Lukes came out in the second half with a different attitude, Adam Keegan with two points and Philip Toomey with one point, with Carnew’s only reply a point left only one point in it. However, Carnew were not finished just yet, James McGing scored a fantastic individual goal which was quickly followed up with a point to leave it 2-10 to 1-08 after 10 minutes and it looked like Carnew were going to push on and win this one. Diarmuid Lambert struck for his second goal with another ground strike, but again Carnew came back with a point.

On the 16th minute Adam Keegan struck for goal, his shout rebounded off the crossbar, but Philip Toomey was on hand and finished to the net for Lukes third goal. The sides were level at 3-08 to 2-11. Lukes made some vital changes at this stage and it seemed to stifle Carnew. Matthew Ging, Jake O’Kelly and John Toomey hit three unanswered points in the 19th, 23rd and 27th minute and the team saw out a nervous last few minutes with some great defending to come away with a very good win.

Oisin Dunne as always played a massive role in defence, where Shane Arthur, Dylan Byrne and Dan Hedderman also played magnificent. Jake O’Kelly, Jake Murphy, Bradley Hickey and Matthew Ging all did their part around the middle of the field while Adam Keegan, Philip Toomey and Diarmuid Lambert were the pick of the forwards. Rory O’Dare was thrown in at the deep end when asked to mind the goals and it was his magnificent saves that kept Lukes in the game when it looked like Carnew were going to take complete control. All in all a great team performance.

The under-12s play Avondale in the Mini Festival, while the under-16s play Michael Dwyers in the ‘B’ championship this week. The club is moving in to the business end of the season now and all support would be greatly appreciated.

DERRY GAELS

The Derry Gaels club would like to extend our sympathies to the Harpur family on the death of Breda. Breda had been ill for some time but it never stopped her coming to watch her son Euan playing with the under-14 team. She will be sadly missed on the sidelines. Ar dheis de go raibh a n-anam.

The under-14 team will play Eire Og ‘B’, Bray Emmets and Rathnew in their section of the ‘B’ championship in the coming weeks, They play Eire Og ‘B’ in Greystones this Wednesday.

AUGHRIM JUVENILES

The under-12 footballers lost out to a very strong St Kevin’s team last week on a score of 2-04 to 0-04. The boys gave as good as they got, they fought hard, but came up short in the end where defences dominated for the most part of the game. It is games like this that will stand to the players in the future.

The under-8 and under-10 monster football blitz was cancelled due to the poor weather last weekend, hopefully it will be re-scheduled.

This weekend it is the turn of the under-8 and under-10 hurlers to play in their monster blitz in Ballinakill, This is our last blitz of the year so we hope we will have a full turn out of players.

The under-8 and under-10 hurlers had a very enjoyable blitz in Carnew recently, where they played Carnew, Glenealy and Tinahely in some very competitive games. Thanks to Carnew for hosting. It would seem the old format for blitzes, where a number of teams play each other, works better for hurling.

BALLYMANUS

The inaugural, but definitely to be repeated, Coole run was a huge success last weekend with more than 100 brave souls taking to the roads for the 5/10km trek in less than ideal weather conditions. Brainchild of Joanne Stapleton, and made a reality by her trusted committee - Tara Kenny, Aine, Sean, Billy Mary and Orla Byrne, Dawn Lynch, Paul Flynn, John Doyle and Pat Carthy, it was testament to hard work and ingenuity, with great support from the community as stewards or by donating refreshments for after the run.

Thanks also to our generous sponsors: The Meath Arms, O’Toole’s Lounge, Londis Aughrim, Macreddin Rock B& B, Gerry Keogh, Roadstone, DAR Golf, Darcy Sands, Billy Porter, Avondale Sports, Lawless’s Hotel. Ambulance cover was kindly provided by Redcross Baltinglass with Timing and chipping by Tim Grummell. Winners on the day were as follows:

1st 10k: M Derek Crammond, 2nd 10k: M Pat Foley, 3rd 10k: M Mick Hannay.

1st 10k: F Aisling Kirwan, 2nd 10k: F Aine Byrne, 3rd 10k: Tara Kenny.

1st 5k: M Billy Porter, 2nd 5k: M PJ Doyle, 3rd 5k: M Paul Kenny.

1st 5k: F Lauren O’Byrne, 2nd 5k: F Paula O’ Byrne, 3rd 5k: F Catherine Stapleton.

1st Junior 5k: Niamh Byrne; 1st Junior 10k: Caolin Geotelan.

There was no lotto jackpot winner last weekend. The numbers drawn were 1, 3, 18, and 19 with Agnes Keogh the lucky quick pick winner after no-one managed to get three numbers.

NEWTOWN

Our senior team take on St Pat’s in the quarter-final of the championship this coming Sunday in Aughrim, please check fixtures for throw in time. The lads will give it their all despite being down a number of key players due to some unfortunate injuries incurred during a league match last week in Donard. Best wishes a speedy recovery to Dean Odlum and Darren Walsh. Good luck to Johnny and the lads, please come along and cheer the lads on.

Our junior magpie’s nursery was called off last week due to the weather but continues every Saturday at 10am on the pitch. We are now entering the final few weeks outdoors, an hour’s fun and excitement are guaranteed every week and it’s never too late to join us.

The under-8s and under-10s are training on Tuesdays and Fridays at 6.30pm and the all-county blitz last Saturday was also cancelled.

Coaching for the hurling will not take place next weekend because we are taking part in an all-county hurling blitz in Ballinakill on Saturday.

The under-12s are training on Mondays at 6.30pm and travelled away to play Michael Dwyers last Monday in a mini league game which they narrowly lost.

Best of luck to Marty, the boxer and the under-16s who are playing their final championship match in the group next Monday.

The under-8 and under-10 girls who are improving with every game have a match at home to Roundwood tonight and are training on Wednesdays at 6.30pm.. They have a busy week as they also have a blitz in Bray on Saturday starting at 10.30am.

The under-12 girls are training on Wednesdays at 7pm and Saturdays at 12pm. The under-14 girls are playing Bray Emmets away on Friday in the semi-final of the ‘A’ shield. If you need any info regarding any of our juvenile teams please give Shay a ring on 087 2699620.

We have a good stock of club gear now available to buy and it can be viewed or ordered in the clubhouse on Wednesdays at 6.30pm or Saturday 10am, for any enquiries regarding club gear please contact Ruth on 087 7472682.

A great night was had by all who attended our fundraiser last weekend.

Winners in our raffle were: Overnight stay in the Westbury: Jim O’Riordan; Croke Park tour: onan Keddy; Tablet: Ellie McCabe; Afternoon tea in Westbury: Guy Garrett; Studio Lr voucher: Mags Synnott; Coal and Briquettes: Irene Smith; driving lessons: Barry McGuirl; Ultima oil voucher: Karl Scott; Andrea Bradley and Tracey Wallis both won vouchers for Eugene’s.

Thanks to all who sponsored prizes on the night and also to Gerry and Fiona of the Druids Well pub and Snap Printing of Dun Laoghaire.

Deepest sympathies to the extended family and friends of the late John Meuer, of Church road.

The lotto rolled over again this week to an even €5k on numbers 3, 7, 17, and 26. There were eight lucky match three winners. Please buy a ticket and help support our club.

TINAHELY

Tinahely Ladies play in the County Final - Tinahely v AGB on Saturday 10th September in Roundwood at 6pm. Please come along and show ur support for the ladies and cheer them on. Be great to get flags out for Ladies Final around the Village.. Thanks Tinahely Ladies. Senior Football Our senior team travelled to Dunlavin last Saturday to play in the Division 1 league. We knew going up we were under strength but I don’t think anyone expected a scoreline that bad. For now every senior player available has to knuckle down for the Keating Trophy where we play Hollywood first. This match will be in two weeks time.

Tinahely GAA would like to wish our senior ladies team all the best this Saturday in the county final when they take on AGB at 6.30pm in Roundwood GAA club. Go all the way ladies. Best wishes to the management and all involved.

Lotto – Draw made on August 29. Numbers drawn were 3, 10, 17 and 20. Bonus number nine. No jackpot. Match three winners: Darren Dunne, Des Kirwin, Elsie Ennis, Grace Ennis, Tom Doran, and Phylis Whelan.

Next lotto jackpot: €3,800.

AGB

AGB U16 Girls travelled to Tinahely on Thursday evening for their U16A Championship semi-final. After a very close league encounter earlier this year, the girls knew this would be a tough game against a strong Tinahely side, who have stepped up a level this year and were looking to make home advantage pay .

AGB started brightly and notched the first couple of scores only for Tinahely to score a goal to level matters. It was nip and tuck then with AGB ahead by 3 as the half ended . Our girls will wonder how they weren’t further ahead though with a combination of goalkeeper and the crossbar on three occasions denying goal opportunities. The second half was frantic with both teams showing real heart and determination to reach the final. In the end it was the AGB defence and goalkeeper that stood firm and kept out Tinahely as they searched for a goal to level. Final score was AGB 2-07 to Tinahely 2-04. This was a different performance from AGB tonight in a game which we probably would have lost previously, but these girls are following in the footsteps of the Senior panel and are showing that when the going gets tough AGB get going. The girls are showing more steel this year when under pressure.

AGB Senior Ladies took on Clara in Avondale GAA grounds on Tuesday in the semi-final of the Senior Championship. Having beaten St. Patrick’s and Bray and losing by a single point to Baltinglass the Arklow girls had their sights firmly set on a place in the final. But the Clara ladies were not to be brushed aside and played some super football throughout the sixty minutes to really put it up to AGB. They had suffered defeat at the hands of Tinahely in the group stages but a victory against Blessington saw them through to the semi-final in their first season at Senior grade. They were justifiably proud of this achievement and threw everything they had into this semi-final. AGB opened the scoring in the second minute with a well-taken point and a strong game ensued from there in. Both sides played really good team football with each girl playing their part throughout the sixty minutes. Both teams had great support and a super game of football was enjoyed by all. Tinahely advance from the other semi-final after a convincing win against Baltinglass. The final will take place on Saturday September 10th at 6pm, in Roundwood. Best of luck to our AGB Senior Ladies.

AGB U12 Girls hosted Blessington on Monday evening in Pearses Park. A really good start saw the girls ahead at half time. Blessington fought back hard in the second half. AGB showed excellent team spirit and with every player giving it their all right up to the final whistle, the girls finished with a well deserved win. Well done to all the girls and their coaches!!

The AGB U16 Boys played the League Final against Rathnew on Friday evening in Aughrim. This was the second time the two teams faced each other, as previously the match was abandoned due to a serious injury for one of the Rathnew players. Both teams were eager to win, and put everything they had into the match but unfortunately our U16s narrowly lost to Rathnew by 6 points. The U16 boys will now build on from this and continue with their Championship conquest.

Our U16 Boys also played St. Kevin’s in the Championship on Monday night away, and finished with a final score 4:10 to 2:12. This match was an excellent warm up for the U16 Boys in the preparation for Friday night’s League Final. The boys played a great game of football.

AGB Boys played in the U12 Football Mini Festival Round 2 on Monday evening and played Carnew Emmetts. For those in attendance in Carnew, they were treated to a tough and exciting encounter the result of which could have gone either way in

the end, and perhaps a draw was a fair result on the night. AGB got off to a very quick start, and were leading by 6 points after 15 minutes, and produced some excellent scores.

Carnew then took over and and due to some serious pressure particularly around their half back line and midfield, they fought back intensely, which led to errors by AGB and in turn a number of frees, which led to scores which reduced the margin down to a single point at half time.

After the break, Carnew continued from where they had left off and led after 15 minutes. As was the trend in the first half, it was mirrored in the second half, but this time by AGB, and following a number of positional changes at half time and during the course of the second half, together with substitutions, they settled down, and taking over they clawed their way back with some great team work, and actually led coming into the closing minutes, but Carnew rallied once more to produce two more scores to level the match at the final whistle, to the delight of their home supporters.

AGB U12s Boys Team also had a great day out in Dublin on Saturday. First up was a good work out against a very strong well drilled Geraldine’s U12 team. The lads came out of the blocks early and took control of the game with some fine moves from the forwards.

AGB created allot of scoring opportunities in the first half however failed to convert the openings created.

In the second half the Geraldine’s came back into the game and stepped up their intensity and slowly clawed their way back into the game bringing it back to one point.

The full back line were put under immense pressure. However dealt brilliantly with the pressure. In the final quarter the AGB forward line created some great scores and finished off a great move with a good goal to seal the game for AGB. Final score 2:08 to 1:06 to AGB.

Special thanks to Geraldine’s for hosting the game in Dublin, the refreshments after the game was welcome in the sunshine.

AGBs All Ireland Ticket Draw took place on Wednesday 31st of August in Pearses Park. Many thanks to all who supported our annual draw. All winners have been contacted.

AGB membership badges are now available for €5 for all Club members and friends of the club. They can be bought in Pearses’ Park or Ballymoney.

The next meeting of the Arklow Geraldines Ballymoney Club Executive is scheduled for Wednesday 07th of September 2016 at 8.00pm in Pearses’ Park.

AGB Club gear is available at great prices. Orders now being taken for Christmas. See gear and prices on AGB Facebook page. Contact Kerry on 087 3287881 to order.

Please send club notes to arklowgaa@gmail.com You can contact the AGB PRO at above email, Facebook (‘Arklow Geraldines Ballymoney GAA Club’ or ‘AGB Ladies’) or Twitter.