GRASSROOTS
BALLINACOR
Well done to the lads on a good win away to Ballymanus on Sunday! Fair play to the lads for putting in a decent performance in bad conditions and coming away with a 2-14 to 1-6 win. Next up is a league match this weekend at home to An Tochar, time to be confirmed so keep an eye on fixtures and the Facebook page for confirmation of this.
Well done to Evan Byrne for qualifying for the Irish Youths Darts team last weekend, great achievement from a super young thrower.
The club is running a Race Night in Glenmalure Lodge on Sunday, November 13. More information and sponsor cards to come this week.
ÉIRE ÓG GREYSTONES
Last Thursday with the death of Jimmy O’Toole another chapter was closed in the history of the Greystones (Éire Óg) G.A.A. club.
Jimmy and his family have figured in the club’s annals from the 40s to the present day – his grandson Jamie is a member of the current senior squad.
Jimmy himself played in goals for Greystones (red and white) seniors for about 20 years and was extremely proud of having been a member of the Junior Championship winning teams of ’56 and ’65. His son David’s winning of an Intermediate Championship medal with Greystones in the 80s was also a great source of pride to Jimmy.
He never lost interest in the affairs of the club and regularly attended our home games. One of my last memories of Jimmy was of seeing him, towards the end of last year and not long before his health began to deteriorate, standing in the spills of rain watching a senior league game which was being played under lights.
At his funeral Mass in Holy Rosary Church his ‘championship boots’ which he had preserved and polished since his playing days were placed on his coffin. These have been presented to the club and will be on display in the clubrooms.
Ray Barry, an Uachtarán of the club and a close friend of Jimmy’s for more years than he cares to remember, gave the eulogy. In it he described a person of great humanity, an exemplary family man, and a kind and caring neighbour with a ready smile that lifted the spirits of all who met him.
Jimmy’s wife of over 50 years, Hilda, predeceased him by 6 months. May they both rest in peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha.
Lotto - Winning numbers on October 10 were 3, 14, 15, and 25. Jackpot for Monday 17 was €12,000.
Our under-16 girls were imbued with a more than normal determination and focus as they took to the pitch for the county ‘B’ championship final against St Pats ‘B’ team in Ballinakill on Saturday week last. An attitude nurtured on the experience of the nucleus of the squad who had suffered the disappointment of defeat at this stage on 3 previous occasions.
Even though missing two of their key players, Aoife Teague and Katie Lawless, the team’s hopes were high as it had had wins over the same opposition earlier in the season and were well apprised as to their relative strengths.
Four of the Éire Óg under-14 ‘B’ championship winning squad of the previous Saturday had their names pencilled in on the team sheet viz. Eva Magennety, Andrea Hanlon, Alice O’Neill and Iseult Brosnan who was assigned the formidable task of deputising for Aoife Teague at centre-field.
To say that the Éire Óg cailíní had a whirlwind start would be somewhat of an understatement as they had gone three goals ahead after five minutes. The goals came from well worked movements involving Ellie O’Neill, Ellen Prendergast and Rachel Purcell all of which ended with Rachel rifling the ball to the back of the St Pats net.
On eight minutes Rachel added what was the score of the match; a hooked shot over her left shoulder, as she was being forced away from goal, had the ball landing on top of the Pats net.
With the mid-field duo of Shauna Dillon and Iseult Brosnan having the upper hand in the middle third and with a go-forward half-back line of Eva Megennety, Eva Roche and Frances Dallaghan, the Éire Óg forwards were ensured a bountiful supply of quality ball which was used to good effect by half-forwards Aisling Lawrence, Claudia Randalls and Megan Healy.
As often happens in games, the team being outplayed has a period of dominance and such was the case for St Pats in this match.
Later in the half they succeeded in mounting a period of sustained pressure on the Clocha Liatha goals but their best efforts came to nought as each chance was snuffed out by a combination of the rock-solid defending of Katie O’Reilly and her backs and by the immaculate handling of goalkeeper Erica Bellamy.
Ellie O’Neill and Erica Bellamy exchanged roles for the second half but this did not result in any respite for the hard-pressed Baile Chill Mantáin fifteen and Éire Óg exited the game as comprehensive winners.
Team: Erica Bellamy, Alice O’Neill, Andrea Hanlon, Katie O’Reilly, Eva Megannety, Eva Roche, Frances Dallaghan, Iseult Brosnan, Shauna Dillane, Claudia Randalls, Megan Healy, Aisling Lawrence, Ellen Prendergast, Rachel Purcell, Ellie O’Neill. Subs.: Eva Moore, Niamh Hanrahan, Chloe Leonard, Kate Walker, Karen Nevin.
KILBRIDE
Ciaran Jones Memorial Walk is on this Sunday, October 23, at 12pm. Starting from Kilbride Hall and Ciaran Jones Bridge at 12.30pm It is suitable for all walkers, and is only about 8km, refreshments will be served in hall after the walk at 2.30pm.
The footie golf was a big success on Saturday for all the juvenile teams end of season day out and well done to John and all the helpers.
A big thank you to John Ward Construction for sponsoring the ladies team with a new set of gear and hoodies. Also thank you to Sandra Moody for all her good work on the juvenile committee over the years.
No Lotto winner, next week’s jackpot €16,600, numbers drawn 4, 15, 18, and 24.
€20 Winners; Patrick Donohoe, Billy Meade, Ciara Roche, Paul Tisdall, and Mark Griffin.
AGB
AGB’s under-14s boys played out of their skins to qualify for the Shield final last Wednesday in Ballinakill, where they faced Clan na Gael, a big and mobile team and who proved to be tough opposition but when it came down to heart and drive AGB came through.
Oisin, and later, Liam in goal, proved a strong and solid foundation. The accuracy from Liam from his restarts meant their entire offensive push was bypassed and it proved a brilliant launchpad for our numerous attacks.
In the full-back line it was simply business as usual from Sean, Adam and Finn. Opposition mentors must wonder why their full-forward lines don’t seem to register any scores; the three lads simply put their opponents into their pockets from the throw in, out of kindness let them out for water at half-time, then tie them up again for the second half. It’s a graveyard for scoring forwards.
Our half-back line of Brandon, Hugh and Evan, then later Chris, showed once again why a half back line can direct the flow of traffic in a game. Nothing wasted, nothing given away, no 50-50 balls lost and the driving force behind every score we got.
In midfield Chris and Cian faced very mobile opposition and they once again gave an exhibition of midfield ability and superb fitness. Getting the upper hand on the Clan na Gael pairing took massive heart yet they found the energy and skill to drive the whole team forward while never missing a step in defensive duties. Once again, while our backs win the games, our forwards decide how big the margin will be.
For Seosaimh and Brian, marking men twice their size, it showed how guile, heart and skill can easily win over bigger opposition and they both gave tremendous displays. Alan and Joe continued to be thorns in the side of any opposition, picking of some incredible scores and generally causing mayhem. Jack and Ryan waited till the semi-final to once again up their performances, battling for everything, keeping the scoreboard ticking over and making the game a nightmare for the corner backs.
The movement and skill on show from the entire unit was simply brilliant. With one more performance required it all eyes on next Wednesday night.
AGB’s under-16 boys faced Rathnew in the under-16 championship final on Friday evening in Avondale. A much debated match where previously the under-16 boys were offered a walkover but declined to take it, had the atmosphere in the pre-match build up at an all time high.
AGB supporters travelled in their droves to support the young team, and an exciting match ensued. AGB came out gallant and strong and were ready for their opponents.
The first half saw the young AGB team pull together and not let Rathnew get the better of them. Their determination and football skills shone and they put on a tremendous team performance. The boys went into the half-time break 3-07 to Rathnew’s 0-04.
The second half continued much the same as the first, however, Rathnew upped their pace and clocked up some scores.
Not being deterred, AGB continued on and battled through the Rathnew defence line. Delighted to have played out the match on the pitch, and not on paper, the AGB team finished with a score of 4-11 to Rathnew 0-10.
They were crowned under-16 championship winners and happily took the trophy home. Scores on the night were Cian Bolger 2-02, Sean Crowley 1-01, Liam Moore 0-03, Conor Breslin 1-00, Jack O’Reilly 0-02, and Nathan Cullen, Mossy Lynch, Mark Hurley 0-01 each.
AGB Minor ladies began their championship journey on Sunday and travelled to Valleymount to face them. Although playing conditions were tough, the AGB girls did not let that get to them.
From the opening minutes they got stuck in and showed Valleymount they weren’t a team to be reckoned with. They never relented to let Valleymount break them, and battled hard against the Valleymount girls to keep the scores in their favour.
The skills and performance on show ensures a promising championship season lies ahead of these young ladies over the next few weeks. The final score was AGB 9-15 to Valleymount 2-03.
AGB’s ladies’ AGM takes place on Friday, November 4. If you have any nominations for any position on the 2017 ladies committee please contact any member of the outgoing committee.
AGB’s Annual General Meeting is scheduled to take place on Friday, November 25, in the Ballymoney Clubhouse.
The next meeting of the Arklow Geraldines Ballymoney Club Executive is scheduled for Wednesday, November 16, at 8.00pm in Pearses’ Park.
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.
GLENEALY
The Senior hurlers retained the Dessie Murphy with a narrow win over St.pats in Arklow last Saturday.
They say a good start is half the battle and so it proved in this game,we raced into a seven point to nil lead after 15 minutes, but some sloppy defending allowed St. Pat’s back into the game,and we were only the bare minimum ahead at the break 1-8 to 2-4.
Warren Kavanagh.Gary Byrne,Enan and Leighton Glynn were our best performers on the day.
Congratulations to Danny Staunton who has been selected on the Irish under 21 Shinty/Hurling team to play Scotland in Inverness next Saturday.Check out TnaG for details as there could be live coverage of the game.
The Clubs Monster Bingo returns to Glenealy Hall next Sunday Oct,23rd at 3pm.The usual rules apply,and the prize money has been increased to €2,300,so it could be worth your while to pay Glenealy Hall a visit,everyone from far and near are welcome.All proceeds go to the Club Development fund.
Well done to Ciaran Manley on a top class display of refereeing in last weeks senior hurling final.It might have been Ciaran first senior final,but judging by his sensible handling of the game and application of the rules,it wont be his last.
Congratulations to parish neighbours Ashford on winning the Junior ‘A’ football championship last Saturday week.
There was no jackpot winner in last week’s club lotto.The numbers drawn were 3, 5, 22, and 26. The jackpot this week stands at €2,600.
ASHFORD
Club lotto results from Tuesday, October 11 for a jackpot of €2,300: Numbers drawn: 3, 5, 22, and 26. Match threes: Win or share €300: S Quinn c/o S Quinn; E Woods c/o S Driver; A Bolger c/o S Douglas
Next Draw: Monday, October 17 in Chester’s for a jackpot of €2,600.
Big match this Saturday in the Leinster Junior football championship quarter-final. We play Bracknagh (Offaly) in Bracknagh - time tba.
Support will be very much welcome and appreciated. Last Sunday, despite missing a number of our county final winning team, we defeated Laragh in the 1916 Commerative Cup. The Swan Cup final, Junior ‘A’ champions v Junior ‘B’ champions, (Knockanna), is scheduled for Saturday, October 29.
Congratulations to Pearse Gaels on qualifying for the county minor ‘A’ championship final by defeating Baltinglass in the semi-final on a scoreline of 1-12 to 0-12. Especial congrats to Thomas Kearns, Cormac Doyle and Cal Connolly for playing their part. Winners play AGB in the final.
SCD practice continues in the clubhouse each Thursday. Take note that this event takes place in the Ashdown Park Hotel, Gorey on November 5. Tickets are €20 each.
AGM of club will take place on Friday, November 25.
Further information on Ashford GAA activities can be found via Facebook and from our web page, www.ashfordgaa. com.
VALLEYMOUNT
No winner of this week’s lotto. Numbers drawn were 1,11,25 29. €25 winners were John Ryan, Kathryn Kavanagh and Anne Flynn.
Only a few weeks to go to the Lip Sync Battles event on the 12th November and tickets are now available at €20 each and can be purchased from any of the participants or committee members.
The fundraising events continue on the bank holiday weekend with Friday, October 28, seeing team Ghetto Valley running a kids Halloween Party in Valleymount Parish Hall from 6pm-8pm, entry €5 with games, prizes, face painting and disco. All welcome.
On Saturday 29th team Mate Us invite you all to a fancy dress night in Leo’s with a live band, monster raffle and a pig on a spit for a bit of grub to keep up the strength for the nights dancing. Entry is €15 and a great night is sure to be in store.