GRASSROOTS
GLENEALY CAMOGIE
Last Saturday the presentation day for the juvenile camogie teams was held in glorious sunshine at the pitch.
Well done to the under-8s, under-10s and under-12s teams who were presented with their medals thanks to Warren Kavanagh and Leighton Glynn. Wishing all the girls in red a great season in 2017.
There was a great turn out of support for the girls and thanks to all the organisers and bakers there was a wonderful spread of pizza, cakes, buns and goodies for all.
Congratulations to the Glenraly Senior hurling team on winning the Dessie Murphy last Saturday in Arklow.
Glenealy Camogie Club AGM will take place in the clubhouse on Tuesday, November 1, at 6.45pm. All are welcome.
ENNISKERRY
Lotto - Winning numbers on October 10 were 06, 24, 26, and 27. Bonus 38. No jackpot winner, match three numbers receive €250 each. Jackpot on October 17 stands at €7, 400.
Thanks to all buyers and sellers of club lotto tickets for continued support.
Ladies football - After our narrow defeat (5-8 to 4-9) against Arklow GB in the league final on October 7, the dust now settles on the season where a great effort was put in by the squad led by captain Orla Kearns and managed/coached so well by Aoife Heffernan and Heather Blackbyrne. Many thanks to Aoife and Heather from all in Enniskerry GAA Club for their hard work put in this year and hopefully all the girls will be back in 2017 for another tilt at league and championship glory.
Adult football - As with the ladies team the lads came agonisingly close to championship glory in the Junior ‘B’ final against Knockananna. Hard luck to the squad, you certainly did the club proud and will bounce back in 2017. Many thanks to Alan King, John Tobin, Dara Connolly, Gary Kavanagh, Larry Brady, Paul Nugent and JP Connolly for their hard work through out the year with this team.
The level of performance put in against Knockananna says it all regarding the quality of training and coaching given to the squad. Also a huge thanks to our brilliant supporters who along with Knockananna’s, made for a great occasion with colour and noise aplenty.
Finally, thanks to the Powerscourt Arms Hotel for their support and sponsorship over the year and Paul Dempsey for supplying the fine banners promoting the final.
Congrats - Best wishes and congratulations to our stellar full-back Brendan Fitzgerald and his bride Nessa on their wedding last Friday. Many happy years of marriage from all in Enniskerry GAA Club.
Bon Voyage - Our star forward and wholehearted club man Anto O’Neill is departing to Canada this week with his girlfriend Louise for a bit of travelling. Safe journey and best wishes to Anto and Louise from all in Enniskerry GAA Club and hopefully we’ll see you back in the Black and Amber in the not too distant future.
County Yearbook - Reminder to all club mentors that material for the County Year Book has to be emailed to gkavanagh7@gmail.com on or before Friday, October 28.
Scór na nÓg - This year’s Scór na nÓg county finals take place on Friday, November 11. This is for under 17 years of age. We’ll be going into more detail on events/disciplines in the next few weeks. For more info contact Liam at 086 8185944.
BALLYMANUS
The footballing year came to a close last weekend when the lads took on neighbours Ballinacor in the Gap in a special competition to mark 100 years since 1916 rising.
Both sides were missing regulars and in the end Ballinacor ran out convincing winners on a score line 2-13 to 1-5.
The club would like to thank all players, Micheal, John, Padraig, Gerry, Mervyn, Tara, Aine and Rory, Michael and Margaret for their efforts over the year. Next year’s another year which hopefully will return silverware back to the Gap.
Speaking of silverware, there is a juvenile day next Sunday the 23rd in the football field starting at 12pm. Under-6/8/10/13s all playing. Also Tara is holding her annual ice cream Sunday that day too. All support welcome. Will be a great day. Finally, there was no lotto jackpot winner last week. The numbers drawn were 7, 17, 19, and 23 with Mary Byrne, Chris Killalea and Fiona Christie all match three winners.
CARNEW EMMETS
There was no winner of the GAA lotto numbers were 10, 12, 15, and 25, lucky dips were Will and Don Kenny, Corner House. Liz Collins, Trevor Walshe, Glenview, and Don Hyland. The next draw is October 24 and the jackpot is €3,200, tickets only €2 from any player or local shop, your support is greatly appreciated.
The senior hurlers drew with Bray on Sunday in the final, score 1-09 to 12 points, best of luck in the replay on this Sunday, October 23, at 2pm in Aughrim. A sincere thank you to everyone involved and anyone who helped in anyway during the year, special thanks to all who sponsored items or donated in anyway especially Hillard Civil Services, The Lodge, Carnew Winners Enclosure, Niall McCrea, Sinnotts, McCrea’s, Corner House, Gardiner Grain and all other business. To the ladies committee for the lovely meal afterwards in The Corner House, many thanks.
Sincere sympathy is extended to the family and relatives of Dehila Cummiskey, Drummin, Clonegal who died during the week.
The astro turf pitch is available for training, get togethers, kids parties etc, contact Trevor Gilligan to book your slot.
TINAHELY
Tinahely ladies - Well done to the Tinahely ladies senior team on winning the league last Saturday evening. The girls defeated St. Pat’s on a score line of 2-16 to 3-03. Great way to end the season. Enjoy the rest over the winter and we hope to see ye going for three in a row in 2017.
Lotto results from October 10 – Numbers drawn were: 6, 10, 22, and 26. Bonus number was nine. No jackpot winner. Match threes: Eddie McGlynn, Kieran O’Shea, and John Rawson. Next lotto jackpot: €4,400. Our under-16 footballers will have to replay the semi-final again after it was abandoned last Monday night due to a injury.
HOLLYWOOD
Lotto – Results from October 13: The numbers drawn were 12, 20, 24, and 29. There was no winner of the Jackpot. The sellers prize was won by Emma Burke. The winners of the €50 prizes were: Hal and Pat Traynor, Pat Traynor, Matthew Kelly Merginstown. The next draw for €6,800 will be held in the Hollywood Inn on October 27. Thank you to everyone for your continued support.
Congratulations to Michael Dwyers hurling team who won the under-16 ‘B’ championship final today beating Luke O’Toole’s 2-15 to 2-7. Well done to the Hollywood lads on the team Conall Byrne, John Farrington and Brian Keogh. Comhghairdeas go léir.
BALTINGLASS
Lotto - There was no match four winner of last weeks lotto which was for €7800. The numbers drawn were 3, 13, 14 and 29. There were however six match three winners, each of whom win €50. The jackpot for the draw to be held on October 17 will be for €8,000 and will be held in Timmins Pub on Weaver Square. We would like to thank all of you who continue to support our lotto, as well as those who sell tickets, check tickets, collect and deliver etc. Remember, you can also play our lotto on line. Please check out www.locallotto.ie. Perhaps you might pass this website on to those who are away but would like to support the club and be in with a chance to win the ever increasing jackpot.
Senior men - Firstly, the writer would like to apologise for the absence of notes in last week’s publication. This was due to the writer being immersed in the celebrations which followed the Senior men winning the first championship in nine years and only the second in 22 years.
I would dare say that the ramblings of a Baltinglass supporter on such a day were not missed as there was plenty of fine writers on hand to give unbiased critical analysis in last week’s publication.
I would however like to reflect on last week and in particular the buzz which was created around the locality. A few things stood out. Firstly, the good will towards the team from those in the locality in the lead up to the match was something to behold. There was an energy in the town. Having been so close, so many times in the past, everyone seemed wary of being confident but confident nonetheless.
Brendan Lawrence wrote the following last week about Our Captain “In Kennedy, Paul Garrigan un-earthed a fine captain for his squad who drove hard and fair on the field and then spoke with respect and eloquence after he had lifted the Miley Cup”.
Kennedy was better than fine. He was immense, and the talk of the town on Sunday night. His speech is one which will be remembered by all, but particularly by the young players in the town. It was notable that boys aged between 8 and 12 years of age almost breached the gate at the top goals after the match, and when it was opened, hurled themselves on John McGrath who just happened to be the closest to them.
The decision made later on that night to allow these young players to lead the parade with the Miley cup in hand was thoughtful to say the least. When we stood and looked around the sea of green and white which enveloped Aughrim on Sunday, we saw a great mix of people.
We saw the legends of the club, such as Ken Browne, Tommy Murphy, Brian Fitzpatrick, to name but a few, some of whom were almost reduced to tears. We saw new people to the town, whose children maybe played at half time or who are new to the club and who were witnessing this for the first time celebrating proudly with what is now their club.
Of course then there were the supporters, who have seen it all, the triumphs and the defeats, once again with broad smiles on their faces. Absence indeed makes the heart grow fonder, but the feeling which this created around the locality is just too good to be forgotten for another nine years. If however the effort which was put in this year can be replicated, we have no doubt that Baltinglass GAA will be serious contenders for the years to come.
Broadway Challenge - Tickets now on sale. They cost just €25 each and if you want to have a great nights entertainment, please come along to Mount Wolsley on October 30, at 7.30. Everyone has been practicing intensely for this, including I might add at 8.30am on the morning of the county final. The show itself will see some of the best musicals performed on Broadway, interpreted in a way which will have to be seen to be believed. Participants are currently selling tickets and all of the teams are on Facebook. This is on the night of the Seniors first round match Leinster club championship, but there will be plenty of time to get home from Aughrim, get your glad rags on and come along. Some of the players are even taking part, so no excuses. After the long day, you have the bank holiday Monday, to relax of perhaps for some participants to leave the country. We are all going to have a good laugh on the night, it would be a shame to miss it. Tickets can be purchased from any of the participants, but are limited.
Senior Men - Well done to the Senior men on winning the Division 1A League on Sunday morning against Donard-The Glen on a score line of 3-11 to 0-08. County Chairman Martin Coleman had the job of handing captain, Jason Kennedy a second cup in seven days. Well done to the lads who will now have their heads down for the first round of the Leinster championship in Aughrim on Sunday, October 30.
Juveniles - The under-13 girls had a very good win against Milltown on Saturday. The girls played really well in a very physical encounter. The final score was 3-04 to 2-01.
BLESSINGTON
Seniors – Blessington 0-11, Rathnew 0-09: Blesington played the final league game in Blessington on Saturday. Rathnew led by two points at the break and a strong second half along with a four-point haul for substitute Eddie Boylan, brought Blessington home by two points. Both teams could again meet in the Dunne Cup playoffs in the coming weeks.
The squad on the day: S. Kitt, D. Fennessy, M. McLoughlin, J. Gilligan, K. Hanlon, C. McGorman, C. Kenny, M. Shannon, P. Manning, E. Keogh, B. Carroll, KJ. Rogers, M. O’Connor, M. Nugent, P. O’Connor, E. Boylan, J. Nolan.
Senior Ladies – New adventures begin again for our Senior ladies as Steven Bohan and Kevin Hanlon step down as our management team of the last two and a half years. They have been a fantastic asset to us coming in when the odds were against us with numbers, commitment and competition within Wicklow and further. There is no doubt they have set the stepping stones in place for us to keep up their great standard of work - the coaching was top notch and built an amazing team spirit back into the girls.
Minors – Training Thursday 7.30m to 9pm. Girls played away to Bray on Friday in the first round of the championship and the game was effectively over at half time but the girls turned it around in the second half but the there was too much to do.
G4M &O - Training Wed 6.45 to 8pm. The ladies had a great day in Portmmarnock on Saturday at the All-Ireland Blitz. They came up against Erins Isle (Dublin), Inch (Cork), Finuge St Senans (Kerry), St Colmcille’s (Meath) and Mount Leinster Rangers (Carlow). While scores aren’t kept in the games the ladies came out on top in all five games and celebrated accordingly. Really fantastic day with Blessington the only team to represent Wicklow and proudly so. G4M is open to anybody aged 18 and over all are welcome. No previous football experience required. If interested please contact Michelle 0863734748, Sinead 0862446510 or Kevin 087 6123203.
Under-9s - Girls under-9s played away v Milltown in KL match on Saturday. Very tough and close game but Blesso came out the better side on a result of 4-5 to 2-4.
Under-7s - Girls under-7s, played their first game in KL away v Milltown. Won well.
Under-11 and under-12 boys - The under-11s had another busy week drawing with Confey at home on Monday, October 11, in a very competitive game. The lads lost to a very strong Carbury team at home on Saturday. This was their first loss of the Autumn NKL. No training this week. Under-12 boys away against Clane on Tuesday. Time TBC. Under-12 NKL final on Saturday, October 22. Opposition and time TBC.
Under-10s – Under-10s will travel to An Tochar for a challenge game on Friday, October 21 at 7pm.
Under-8s – Under-8s finished off their NKL campaign with another top class performance with a big win away to Raheens on Saturday, October 15. Super performance’s by all but special mention for Oisin Kelly who finished with a 3-2. All these little warriors have a very bright future ahead of them.
Under-7s – Under-7s were out on Saturday against Ardclough.
Under-7 NKL - Great win by our under-7s on October 15 at home to Ardclough. The team started well but then fell behind. However, they rallied superbly and didn’t concede a score in the final two quarters for a narrow but well deserved win. Final score: 6 to 5. Great performance by all. What a super little bunch.
Academy: The Blessington GAA Academy will finish up for this season on Saturday, October 22. All children from the Astro, under-6s, under-7s and under-8 (boys and girls) are invited on the day to join in the fun and games which all the coaches have organised. We will also have some goodies on the day for all the children. The coaches would like to take this opportunity to thank all the parents for bringing the children to training and to matches every week as well as to those parents who joined in each week. Training for all academy ages will re-commence on March 4, 2017.
Wicklow under-16s - A good start in the Fr. Manning Cup for the Wicklow under-16s when they defeated Wexford 5-16 to 2-8 in Ferns on Saturday. Our lads, Conall Gallagher (8), Eoin Higgins (7) and Ethan Cotter (13) were big contributors on the day. Next up is Laois in Ballinakill next Saturday. The lads expect a bigger challenge but this performance gave cause for optimism.
Hurling – Under-16s - Congrats to Michael Dwyers who won the Under-16 ‘B’ hurling championship today. Final Score: Michael Dwyers 2-14, Luke O Toole’s 2-08. Well done to the Blessington GAA lads on the team - Eoin Higgins, David Williamson, David Phibbs, Kevin Quinn and Oisin Brogan.
Under-14s - Unfortunately the under-14 hurling Final Michael Dwyers v Luke O’Toole’s was called off on Saturday due to the rain that fell on Friday night. Match is fixed for next Saturday, October 22 at 1pm. Good luck to Blessington GAA lads on the team – Oisin Brogan, Jon Kehoe and Liam Phibbs.
Lotto - No winner of the lotto jackpot on October 4. Next draw October 18 in the West Wicklow House. Jackpot €5,000. Tickets are available in shops and pubs around the town. Remember you can also play online at www.blessingtongaa.ie. If you would like tickets, please contact Lotto Chairperson Noelle Mc Garr 0877460327. Thanks for your continued support.
Avon Ri – In support of our good friends at Avon Ri, Blessington, Blessington GAA will be purchasing a table for 10 people for the Masquerade Ball in aid of Barretstown on Saturday, October 29. Blessington GAA will raffle off five sets of two tickets among the registered members of the club on Tuesday, October 18. If anyone else is interested in attending the Masquerade Ball please contact 045 900670.
Clothes Collection – Final week. We accept - All clean unwanted clothes, bedlinen, towels and textiles including shoes, bags, belts and soft toys but please keep separate from clothes and textiles. Last few day as closing date is October 19. Evening deliveries will be accepted between 7.30pm and 9p.m. each evening and Saturday between 11.30am and 1pm. If you cannot deliver but have donations, please contact any of the following: John Magee Snr. 086 8717483. Breda Brophy 087 2253892.
Condolences - Sincere sympathy to Tom Byrne on the recent passing of his wife Margaret. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a h’anam dilís.
Remember to keep updated on what is happening in the Club log on www.blessingtongaa.ie and Blessington GAA on Facebook and on Twitter @blessingtongaa.
If you wish to be on the Blessington GAA Supporters text list, please text your name to 085 1607808.