GRASSROOTS

LUKE O’TOOLES

It has been a bad two weeks for the club. So much had been expected of the under-14 and under-16 hurling teams in the business end of the season, but unfortunately both teams came up short.

The under-16s were beaten by Michael Dwyers in the ‘B’ hurling championship final. Dwyers were out of sight in this game at half-time on a score of 2-10 to 0-02, but Lukes came thundering back in the second half to worry Dwyers in the last few minutes.

The final score was 2-14 to 2-08. If Lukes’ had scored a few of their many scoring chances in the first half it could have been a different result.

The under-14s too were beaten by Michael Dwyers in the ‘A’ hurling championship final. Luke’s were there or thereabouts with Dwyers all year, but unfortunately didn’t show up for the final.

The loss of captain and free taker, John Toomey and stout defender Dan Hedderman were major factors in the defeat, but nothing should be taken away from the Michael Dwyers play.

They were superior all over the field, their first touch was excellent and they clearly deserved their victory, as was said to Dwyers last year, when Lukes beat them in the final, there is no disgrace in being beaten by All- Ireland Féile winners, so congratulations to Dwyers who won all before them this year.

Our last chance of a championship win now rests with the Luke O’ Toole’s Minor football team, and we wish them all the best in their ‘B’ Championship final v St Kevins. This game is due to be played shortly.

The Luke O’Toole’s club would also like to wish Tinahely under-14 footballers the best of luck in the ‘A’ championship final and the Tinahely under-16 team who play in the ‘A’ championship semi-final v Avondale soon, and also the best of luck to Derry Gaels under-14 football team that take on Avondale in the under-14 ‘B’ Shield final.

NEWTOWN

The seniors narrowly lost out to Avondale in the final match of the league on Friday evening last, however the efforts put in by the lads and management team throughout the season ensure that Newtown retain their senior title for next season. Well done all.

Pearse Gaels face the defending champions AGB in the Minor football final. The match is fixed for next Sunday at 11.45 in Aughrim. Best of luck to all involved especially our own large crew of players, manager Ciaran McGuirl and the extended management team.

Our junior Magpie’s nursery has now finished and the lads are taking a well-deserved break, we will be moving into the sports hall of the community centre around the middle of November. Dates will be confirmed on Facebook and in the paper.

There is a LGFA fundamentals course on Saturday 5th November in the clubhouse. Anybody who wishes to be involved with girls football in the club must complete this course, places can be booked in advance and you can do so by giving the juvenile secretary Tom a ring on (087) 661 1480. Registration on the morning is at 9.30, course runs from 10am to 3.30.

Marty, Noel (the boxer) and the under-16s are playing St Nicholas in the A shield final, which will be played next week. There is no time or venue yet but please check fixtures.

We are having a social night on Saturday 12th November in the Druids well pub and everybody is invited to what should be a great night.

Our juvenile presentation is taking place on Saturday 26th November at 4pm in the community centre and everybody is invited to attend.

If you want that special magpie tracksuit or jersey before Christmas then we will be placing a large order at the end of October with our suppliers. We cannot guarantee that orders placed after that date will arrive before Christmas.

There is a good stock of club gear now available to buy for any enquiries regarding club gear please contact Ruth on 0877472682. Tickets are now available for the national club draw, some great prizes on offer. First prize is a car and all money raised by the club through the sale of tickets goes to the club, so why not buy a ticket, support the club and maybe win a fantastic prize. Tickets available from all committee members.

There were 5 match 3 winners in last week’s lotto, but no jackpot winner, numbers drawn were 8, 11, 12, and 25. This week’s jackpot is €2,800.

BALLYMANUS

Well done to all concerned in organising the Family Fun day in aid of Down Syndrome Ireland and the feast of football provided for the Jack Murphy Cup.

Thanks to Knockananna and Avoca who played on the day and well done to our lads and ladies for winning the under-6s, under-8s, and under-10s and the under-13s who drew in a pulsating game after extra time. Thanks to Rory, John and Darragh for refereeing the games, Paul for photos/videos and to all who brought/served refreshments on the day.

There was no lotto jackpot winner last week with the numbers drawn being 2, 5, 15, and 23. Match three winners were Ann and Kathleen, and John Keogh.

BARNDARRIG

Well done to our under-14 football who played in the county final last Sunday morning in Tinahely against St Kevin’s (Hollywood/Valleymount).

Alas it was not meant to be, but the lads went down to a team who came down a division to play in this championship group.

It was a great achievement by the team to reach this level. Our lads gave a great display of high fielding and kick passing and their skill levels were excellent.

This is down to the massive effort that Seamus and his management team have put in over the last while. A St. Kevin’s player deservedly took the man of the match award but it has to be said that there were a few Barndarrig lads in the running too, with Joe O’Shea unstoppable at midfield, Daniel Murphy strong in the air at the back, Rian Downes and Mikey O’Doherty teak tough in defence and Conor Leonard tricky in the forwards.

While the score line does not reflect how close the match was, if it wasn’t for the excellent blocks made by the St. Kevin’s defenders, Barndarrig would have been in the match right to the end.

The lads created so manty goal chances in the second half but just lacked that bit of luck-hitting crossbars and last ditch St Kevin’s goalkeeping that you need to win finals.

Congratulations to all the lads: Kevin Leonard, Rian Downes, Tom O’Shea, Max Richards, Mikey O’Doherty, Daniel Murphy, Joe O’Shea (capt,) Conor Leonard, Andy Traynor, Luke Kennedy, Mark Whelan, Johnathan Collins, Peter Schmidt, Conor Fleming and Darragh O Murchú.

The team management would like to thank all the people who came to support the team. Andrew and Hilda Cullen, Paul and Anne Browne and Michael Byrne to name a few. We will see the lads again soon at Wicklow bowling for a well deserved social outing. They have done their club proud.

TINAHELY

Lotto results from October 17 - Numbers: 6, 15, 25, and 27. Bonus number: 7. There was no jackpot winner.

Match 3’s: Caoimhe Stanley, Ann O’Shea, Liz Gethings, David Blake. Next lotto jackpot: €4,500. Our under-16 footballers qualified for the co final last Sunday evening by getting a walkover in the semi-final.

It’s not clear at the minute who we will be playing yet but keep your eyes open and put the final into the diary.

Junior football - Our Junior football team still have the Carter Cup competition coming up so keep a look out for the fixtures.

LARAGH

The season came to an end on Sunday last when we played our Division 3 league final against Kilcoole even do both ourselves and Kilcoole were all ready promoted to Division 2 for next season we had to fight it out for the Johnny Fox Cup.

And that we did what a team performance from start to finish. We started off well with some great scores from Myles Conway and two from Dan Power then two from John Nolan before Keith lawlor and John Nolan added a point a piece before half time.

We went in winning 7-5 at half time playing with the wind. We knew kilcoole would come out fighting in the second half and they did that.

They scored three in a row to put them one point up. But we fought back with three in a row with two frees from John Nolan and a Damien Hanlon point and that was the end of the scoring for the game. We ended up winning 10-8.

The support on the day was unbelievable as always. I’m sure all will hear plenty more about this victory for years to come. Well done to manager John Begley and his selectors, Fergal Olohan Roger Miley Tommy Cullen and Seamus Holden.

Also, special thanks to our physio Paul Sherry. Once again our sponsors Caseys bar and bistro came up trumps with there excellent food after the game.

After this kind season it’s time to put the feet up and relaxfor a few months as February we not be long coming around. Well done to all involved Division 3 champions!

Team on the day: Peter Merrigan, Ross Doonan, Alan Smyth, Stephen Curley, Craig Mccoy, Gary Cullen, Jack Dunne, John Nolan, Davie McDonald, Dan Power, Keith Lawlor, Mark Miley, Damien Hanlon, Myles Conway, Eamonn Kennedy. Subs: Gary Cullen, Simon Byrne, John Hayes, Liam Mcevoy, Andy Kenny, Steve Olohan, Aran Lynham, Fergal Olohan, Conor Windsor, Jamie Cullen.

The club send its deepest sympathies to the Hanlon family on the sudden death of Eddie.

KNOCKANANNA

Lotto - No Winner of this week’s jackpot of €5,400.

Numbers drawn were: 3, 6, 12, and 15. No winner.

Five match threes: Jimmy Kelly, Vinny Blake, Anthony O’Farrell, Liz & PJ c/o of the Corner House, and Brigid Murray. Sellers prize: Edward Carroll. The jackpot now stands at €5,500.Tickets are on sale in The Wagon Wheels, Jacobs, Byrne’s shop, Knockananna.

You can also purchase a ticket in Boland’s pub Hacketstown, the Corner House and Sean Murphy’s Butchers. Thank you for your continued support. Jack Murphy Cup - The good folk of Ballymanus and Knockananna witnessed a thrilling under-12 final in the Jack Murphy Memorial Cup last Sunday evening in Ballymanus.

The game ended 2-04 to 10 points in normal time. Extra time was 10 minutes per half which left us six points behind half time.

Two brilliant goals from Knockananna tied the game up again at full-time. “When will the replay be,” the adults asked, as the kids lay exhausted on the pitch. And would you blame them? The sheer intensity from both teams was incredible; losing was never an option, especially in extra time.

Some of the tackles we’re outstanding from both sides, 50-50 balls were heavily contested, leaving a lot of battered and bruised bodies Monday morning.

Everyone was amazed at their commitment, their skill level and the scores taken by both sides.

Honestly it might as well have been the two adult clubs playing.

All the kids are a credit to their parents and clubs.

Both clubs decided to share the cup, a fitting gesture to a great GAA man, Jack Murphy.

Well done to the ladies who provided tea sambos, hotdogs, ice cream, etc all day despite the cold.

Thanks to Ollie Murphy and PJ Byrne for the invitation and everyone associated with the Billies club.

Thanks also to our own supporters and parents, many of whom were there from midday for the under-10 final, which we won.

This was another brilliant display play of passing and score getting and they have now completed the year unbeaten.

John Murphy, Jack’s grandson excepted the cup on behalf on the team from his uncle, Ollie.

Sadly, our under-8s were beaten by a point in their final against the Billies.

Another enjoyable game was the under-6 match between the same opposition in which the Billies won.

It was a bit like the Ryder Cup after four matches, the day ended 2 and 1/2 pts to 1 and 1/2 pts.

Knockananna GAA club wish to express their sympathy’s to the Whelan family on the sudden passing of James on Tuesday evening in St. Vincent’s hospital surrounded by family and friends.

James took a keen interest in all things Knockananna spending most of his time on different committees in the area.

He also loved talking to people about the “good auld days” and loved both to tell and hear a good story.

James was a life long Kilkenny supporter and you would often hear him shout come on the Cats, especially if he knew someone didn’t like Kilkenny.

A keen football supporter, James would often mention the Knockananna team of 1989 and his proudest moment was watching his brother Tom play in goals and winning championship honours that same year.

Sadly he was not able to witness the brilliant win in the final last week against Enniskerry. Ar dheis Dé a anam dilis. We would also like to pass on our condolences to Andy Flynn, Bridget, Mark, Darren, Tara, Amanda and Majella on the death of Andy’s father who lived in Tipperary.

His grandson Mark played football for Knockananna before he moved to Laois and Darren is currently on the Junior team where he played a key role in the final against Enniskerry. Ar dheis Dé a anam dilis

Also, sympathies to the Dunne family on the sad passing of Tom on Tuesday last.

Tom was a quite, inoffensive, hard working man and fought his illness for the last three years with great braveness.

Tom was well know for his mechanical skills and would spend countless hours in his garage sometimes working in to the early hours, even in the depths of winter.

He will be sadly missed by his wife Theresa, sons Thomas, Padraig and Sean. Ar dheis Dé a anam dilis

Knockananna play their final game of 2016 against Ashford in the Swan Cup final in Arklow on Saturday at 2.30pm.

This is another huge game for our lads and a victory would round of the year in style.

We certainly need your support again on Saturday as Ashford are an excellent team and won the Junior ‘A’ championship two weeks ago and played in the Leinster club championship last weekend.

ENNISKERRY

Lotto - Winning numbers on October 17 were 05, 11, 20, and 31. Bonus: 38. No jackpot winner, match three numbers receive €170 each. Jackpot on October 24 stands at €7,500. Thanks to all buyers and sellers of club lotto tickets for continued support.

Scorn a nÓg - The Wicklow Scor na nÓg for boys and girls under 17 years of age are taking place on Friday, November 11.

There are eight disciplines/events which are Figure/Ceili Dancing, Solo Singing, Ballad Group, Recitation/ Scealaiocht, Leiriu Staitse/Stage Presentation, Instrumental music, Set Dancing and Table Quiz.

Scór is a great chance for participants to meet up, have a bit of fun whilst representing their Clubs/ County

For more info contact Liam at 086 8185944 or commliam@gmail.com.All are welcome to take part, even if you are not a current member of the club once you are under 17 years of age.

County yearbook - Reminder to all club mentors that material for the county yearbook has to be emailed to gkavanagh7@gmail.com on or before Friday, October 28.

Congratulations to neighbours Bray Emmets on winning their third Senior hurling championship in a row and best of luck in Leinster.

To all our supporters and members have an enjoyable and safe Bank Holiday weekend.

Remember for all your up to date club information, check out the club’s website and Facebook pages at enniskerrygaaclub.com.