GRASSROOTS
AUGHRIM
A big thank you to all those people who travelled to Kilcoole on Sunday last to support our adult team on a wet and miserable morning.
Fielding a very young team and playing in difficult conditions weather wise the opening half was very competitive but the concession of a goal just before half-time left us with a big task ahead in the second half.
We started the second half brightly and pulled back a couple of points, but going down to 14 men and the concession of a second goal meant that Kilcoole ran out handy winners in the end.
Despite the end result there were a lot of positive performances on the day and plenty of promise for Brendan and his management team to work on. Our next match is at home next Sunday 25th at 11am.
STRATFORD-GRANGECON
The lotto numbers from last week’s draw were: 6, 14, 20, and 23.
No jackpot winner. Next jackpot will be worth €7,500, draw takes place on Monday, February 19.
Excecutive meeting at 8.30pm, on Tuesday 20th.
Membership is now due. Registration day on Tuesday, February 20, and Thursday, February 22 from 7.30-8.30pm. €20 non player €40 player, €20 juvenile.
Hurling Player Pathway early Go Games coaching workshop with GDA Jonathan Tallon from 7.30pm to 9pm in our clubhouse.
The Intermediate team’s second match is a Division 2 league match this Saturday 24th at home against Valleymount at 4pm. Training is Tuesday at 8pm.
Junior training is 8pm on Thursdays. Juvenile football training starts Saturday, March 3, at 11am, and Tuesday, March 6, at 6.30pm.
Our under-13s playing with Michael Dwyers are playing in a cross county league. Next game is Confey (Kildare) v Michael Dwyers, February 24 at 1pm. This is an away game.
Dinner dance is Saturday, February 24, from 8pm in Germaine’s. Book tickets with Ellen on 086 1615195 or ask any club officer or member.
Circuit training with Patrick Walsh PT on Tuesday and Thursday from 7 to 8pm. Social scene on Friday from 8 to 10pm. Intermediate Match Report
Our Intermediate team’s season kicked off last Saturday with an away match against Ballinacor.
It was the first match under the new management team of Pat Cronin, Jimmy ‘Sixpence’ Barrett and Declan Bollard.
The panel was small but committed and we took up the challenge on a fairly wet and heavy pitch.
Ballincor hit the ground running and dominated the early exchanges, a hand passing/high tempo running game had us on the back foot.
They struck for four points and then followed with a well taken goal. We settled a bit and scored a point from a free by Ross Coogan, followed by another from Ross again.
There was a schmozzle five minutes before half-time, both sides involved. Both teams ended the half down to 14 men. The half time score was Ballinacor 1-6, S-G 0-2.
Pat rallied the troops at half-time, with all acknowledging we had played poorly.
We flew out of the blocks in the second half; direct football that worked well.
The scores followed, points from Ross Coogan, and a cracking goal and point from Jason Bolger. To be fair, Ballinacor responded and points were exchanged till the end, in an entertaining second half. Mark Murphy, Eric Fenlon and Patrick Walsh all kicking points for us.
The game finished Ballinacor 1-13, S-G 1-8, by the referee’s count.
Not an ideal start for the team, but encouraging how we responded after a poor start.
Onwards and upwards now, training Tuesday night at 8pm. We play again next Saturday at home against Valleymount at 4pm.
Let’s make it a fortress in Winetavern again and get two points in the bag before the dinner dance.
Big nod of thanks to the travelling support, vocal as ever. More of the same next week please, gate collection on the day will go towards the juveniles.
Team: Patrick Cronin; Ian Moore, Eoin O’Neill, Joe O’Neill; Patrick Walsh, Marcus Hanbidge, Shane Byrne; Michael Mangan, Matt Manley; Colm Byrne, Ross Coogan, Ruairi Phelan; Kieran Byrne, Jason Bolger, Mark Murphy. Subs: Eric Fenlon, James ‘Sweetie’ Barrett.
Many thanks for the match report by Joe O’Neill, any mistakes in scorers blame him.
We try to have a variety of people doing the match reports, so if you fancy giving it a go just send a text to Ellen 086 1615195 or email pro. stratford.wicklow@gaa.ie or message this page.
BALLYMANUS
The lads kicked the year off in style with an impressive 4-14 to 1-5 win over Ashford last weekend.
The damage was done in the first half when we led 3-8 to 1-0. We blooded a new player on the day - welcome aboard Ryan - but the win came at a cost with a nasty injury to Jim Byrne who will be out of action for a good while.
Next up is Carnew away on Sunday morning at 11am.
There was no lotto jackpot winner last weekend from 10, 15, 22, and 23. The only match three winners were Alison, Becky and Zoe who picked up their recent lotto jackpot last week also.
ANNACURRA
Last weekend saw the start of the 2018 league. Despite many lads not being available it was great to see we still had a large group of players to pick from.
For the first ten minutes we were off the pace of the game and trailed by four points to one, but as the half went on we improved and just trailed by one.
We played some nice football in the second half and with five minutes to go we lead by two.
However, with two minutes to go we conceded a penalty and we just didn’t get back in to it.
The final score was 2-10 to 2-09, but while we lost the match there were plenty of positives. Thanks to everyone who came to support.
HOLLYWOOD
Hollywood Seniors kicked off their Division 1 league season with a win over Blessington on Saturday, February 17, at Hollywood. The final score was 1-10 to 0-9.
Hollywood GAA lotto results from February 15: The numbers drawn were 10, 11, 12 and 24. There was no winner of the jackpot. Sellers prize of free book of tickets went to Brian O’Hara 116. €50 winners were: Rose Griffin, online ticket, Brian O’Hara, 116, and Brian Flynn, online ticket.
The next draw will be held on March 1 in Tutty’s for a jackpot of €3,600. Thank you all for your continued support.
Child welfare briefing and registration will be held on Sunday, February 25, at 2pm in the clubhouse. Attendance is mandatory for parents of juveniles and mentors alike.
AVONDALE
Lotto draw took place on Tuesday, February 13. Numbers drawn were: 4, 5, 16 and 19. There was no jackpot winner
One match three winner. Congratulations Jean Kearns on winning €200.
Next draw takes place on Tuesday, February 20, in Miley’s pub.
Lotto jackpot now stands at €1,800. Tickets available from most local businesses. If you’re not in...you can’t win. Thank you for all your continued support.
We had a great response to our last registration night which took place Wednesday 14th.
Another registration night takes place Thursday, February 22, in the complex between 7pm and 8.30pm. Come on out to avail of our all new family discount. Not to be missed!
Our Avondale academy is starting up again for the season on Saturday, February 24, from 9.30am in the complex. All children from four years of age up are welcome to come along. Contact Liam Kelly for more details on 087 6878123.
We are currently looking for coaches to help out in all areas of the club. For any senior players who are interested, your experience can be what a child needs to progress further in their game.
For anyone who is interested in helping out in the juvenile section, there are up and coming code of ethics courses with spaces available.
This course is a must have if you are working with, or planning to work with children. Contact Liam Kelly on 087 6878123 for more information.
Congratulations, and a big thank you to Barry Sheehan who completed his code of ethics course in Arklow on Thursday.
We have a bagpack coming up for the club in Centra Rathdrum on March 23 and 24. We’re looking for volunteers to fill some slots. Contact Liam Kelly for more details.
With St Patrick’s day around the corner, Avondale GAA are looking for our players to get creative! We are holding a competition for the best float idea. The winning idea will be used in the parade and the winner will receive a monetary award. Get your thinking caps on, kids. Your club needs you.
To all current players, past players, coaches or anyone with an interest in GAA, Wicklow GAA are holding a referee recruitment. Currently we only have a small number of referees and we need to increase on this. Contact Hugh Kenny on 0872718357 or hugh.kenny.gamesmanager. wicklow@gaa.ie.
A huge congratulations to our very own Catherine Behan-Cullen on winning the county Wicklow camogie volunteer 2017 in Croke Park on Saturday.
Catherine is a great presence in our club both on and off the pitch. The time and effort she puts into everything she does is unbelievable, not to mention how much she is loved by the children.
So Catherine, from everyone in Avondale GAA, thank you for everything you do and congratulations on your award. No better woman.
BLESSINGTON
Well done to the hurlers who had a great win over Donegal in Aughrim on Sunday on a score of 2-21 to 0-21.
Next up on Sunday, the hurlers are away to Mayo (Rd 4). Footballers are at home to Laois (Rd 4) on the same day.
Well done to the Wicklow ladies after a hardearned victory in Limerick on Sunday. Wicklow won by 2-07 to 1-05. Wicklow retain their 100 per cent record after three games. Congratulations on a great win.
Up again next Sunday, February 25, in Roundwood at 2pm against Antrim. Well done to our own club ladies, Kim and Shona.
Hard luck to the lads who lost their opening match in the Division 1 football league away to Hollywood on Saturday. A goal in the final minutes of the game sealed the deal for the opposition. Hollywood 1-10, Blessington 0-09.
Team: Barry Behan, Barry Murphy, Stephen Bohan, Aaran Curran, Caolan McGorman, Paul McLoughlin, KJ Rodgers, Gavin Murray (0-1) Martin Shannon, Kevin Hanlon (0-1), Byran Carroll, Mick McLoughlin (0-1) , Michael Nugent, Curtis Geraghty (0-3), Patrick O’Connor (0-1). Subs: Anto McLoughlin (0-1), Mikey O’Connor (0-1), David Boothman, Peter Manning , Barry Finan, Conor Ryan. Next up Blessington at home against Baltinglass on Saturday, February 24, at 4pm.
Junior C – The lads had a great win in their opening match in the football league away against Kilbride Lacken on Sunday. Final score: Kilbride/Lacken 2-06, Blessington 2-12. Team: John Mc Enroy, Stephen Byrne, Bradley Foster, Declan Fennessy, Patrick Nolan, Paddy Reilly, David Williamson, Eoin Higgins, James Kearns, Kieran McGovern (0-01), Ciaran Mescall, Peter O’Connell (2-01), Stephen Carroll (0-02), Eddie Boylan (0-04) Sean Mescall (0-04), Fionn Walsh, Ferghal Hennessy, Danielius Sarkauskas, Cormac Brogan, Ciaran Paton, Ethan Cotter.
Next up at home against Kilcoole on Sunday at 11am.
Blessington GAA Ladies – Huge thanks to Gasworks for their very generous sponsorship of new training tops for the team. Presented by team manager Martin O’Driscoll on behalf of www.gasworks.ie before the ladies departed for the Páidi Ó Sé tournament on February 16 to 18.
The ladies had a great first performance in Tralee defeating Naomh Aban from Cork 4-13 to 5-05 in Mounthawk School, Tralee.
Another terrific win in Round 2 against Gowna from Cavan 7-09 to 4-05 and it was on to the final and unfortunately the ladies lost to Burrishoole from Mayo 4-14 to 2-08. Well done ladies and management.
Club registration night – Please put Tuesday, February 20, into your diary as this is the club’s registration night. It will take place in the clubhouse from 7.30pm – 9.30pm. Fees remain the same as 2017.
Under-17s – First match Sunday, March 4, at home against Clan na Gael. Time TBC.
Leinster GAA Cross County U15 league – The lads played two super games in the nine-a-side astro league last Sunday against Eadestown and Hollywood.
The lads had a very competitive game away on Sunday against Ashbourne. With injuries and sickness, the panel was reduced to a panel of 15.
Blessington led all the way but tired legs in the last 10 minutes or so against a full panel of under-15s from Ashbourne ended in a three-score loss. Another good early year game under the belt for the lads.
Lotto - No winner of €2,000 jackpot on February 13. Numbers drawn: 1, 11, 27, and 28. No match three winners. €300 will be carried over to the next draw which will be held in Bealin’s in February 27. T
ickets available in shops and pubs in the town and committee members. Don’t miss a draw again and sign up for Direct Debit. Contact Noelle McGarr 087 7460327 or Arthur Hennessy for details 087 2396157.
Remember you can also play online at www. blessingtongaa.ie
Scór Sinsear – Blessington GAA will host the Scór Sinsear County performance this Saturday in St Kevin’s Hall from 6.30pm to 9.30pm.
The club are looking for competitors to take to the stage and show their talents in a variety of disciplines which include Figure Dancing, Solo Singing, Recitation/Storytelling, Instrumental Music, Léiriú (drama), Ballad Group and Set Dancing (7pm – 8pm). If music or dancing isn’t your forte, then perhaps the table quiz which follows (8pm – 9.30pm) might interest you. We are looking for members to form a team of 4fourto represent different sections within the club to take part e.g. senior men, senior ladies, juniors, hurling, G4M, juveniles etc. Blessington GAA have not participated at this level in years so please support this effort by the club to revitalise our interest again.
We used to have a very healthy appetite for it years ago. Let’s show off our talents and our general knowledge. It is free to participate and entrants must be over 17.
All entries to Kathryn Noone (kathryn_noone@ yahoo.co.uk, 086 8664931) by Wednesday, February 21.
Locally please contact Catherine Behan on 087 1224019. If anyone is interested in pulling together a team for the quiz or take part in any of the other disciplines, please contact Noreen 0872858375 or Catherine 0871224019.
Leinster Senior Schools Championship - Well done to CBS Naas who had a great win over Colaiste Eoin in the semi-final of the Leinster A Championship on Saturday in Blessington.
Blessington GAA players on the team are Conal O’ Gallchobhair, Jordan McGarr and Ethan Cotter.
Good luck to all in the final on March 10 against Marist College, Athlone.
UCD Freshers - Hard luck to club man Jack Cotter and his UCD Freshers team on their Championship exit after defeat to NUI Maynooth on Thursday, February 15.
The team had won the All-Ireland League but under performed on the night against a very good Maynooth side. Jack has represented us well in the number two jersey.
KNOCKANANNA
Knockananna started their league campaign under the new management team of Pat Lambe, Anthony Tracey and Declan Whelan away to Vallymount on Saturday evening last and suffered a very heavy defeat to a well drilled and experienced Vallymount outfit.
Many people may be hoping that the club could build on the fantastic success of the previous two years, but moving up to Intermediate was always going to be a tough ask particularly as this team is on the road for the last 12 years with only one or two new faces joining the panel in that length of time.
The most pleasing thing about last Saturday was for the first time in 20 yeas we have nine new faces, all of whom are 17 years of age and this bodes well for the future.
While the defeat on Saturday may have been hard to take, it’s worth remembering that only four players from the championship winning team and the team that gained promotion last year started the game.
Most of these lads that were missing will be back over the few months so we should be in good fettle come championship time on August 4.
On a separate note the club would like to thank Pat Bracken and Eugene O’Brien for the last two years and two nicer fellows you couldn’t meet.
They have brought a whole new approach to training and tactics etc. and was very enjoyable particularly 2016, culminating with the Swan Cup victory over Ashford.
Thanks also to Paul Canna and to Denis Kinsella who replaced Anthony Tracey last year as selector.
In a two-year period we played 37 matches, winning 28, drawing one and losing eight and five of them were league games.
Apart from the league final against Vallymount which we lost by 10 points, the biggest defeat we suffered was six points and that’s testament to a great team and management.
Knockananna will be running a race night on March 18 in the Wagon Wheels. Horses are priced at €10 and are on sale now from all good committee members, and some bad ones.