GRASSROOTS

BLESSINGTON

John Magee (Snr) - It was the news no one wanted to hear but it happened late on St Patrick’s night to say that our club President and groundsman John Magee (Snr) or Jack, as he was better known, passed away peacefully with his family around him.

Jack was brought to Church of Our Lady, Blessington on Saturday for 11am mass with his family. A memorial mass will be held at a later date. The streets were lined with people from the community and Blessington GAA players and supporters from the church to the graveyard in Burgage where Jack was laid to rest.

Sincere condolences to his wife Kathleen, his children Chris, Noelle, John, Paddy and Sarah and extended family. There will be further coverage in next week’s notes. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilis.

Due to the Covid-19 Blessington GAA has now ceased all activities until March 29. No matches, use of gym, training is allowed. Blessington GAA have put a team of volunteers together led by our senior men’s and ladies’ teams to help our community at this uncertain time. If you know of anyone in need of assistance with shopping, picking up prescriptions or anything you can think off please don’t hesitate to contact Lisa on 086 3766534 or Michelle on 086 3734748.

Lotto - Considering the current situation our lotto draw that was due to take place on Tuesday, March 24, will now take place on Sunday, March 29, and jackpot will be €2,600.

Bingo – In the interest of the health and safety our bingo has been cancelled until further notice.

Kelloggs GAA Cúl Camp Coaches Summer 2020 – Apply now - Head coaches must be over 18 and assistant coaches must be over 16 years old. Apply to Cormac Noone on 086 7013403. Dates for Blessington GAA - Football and Ladies camp dates, July 6 to 10, and August 10 to 14. Hurling/Camogie, July 20 to 24.

Remember to keep updated on what is happening in the Club log on to Blessington GAA on Facebook and on Twitter @blessingtongaa. If you wish to be on the Blessington GAA Supporters Whats App please text your name to 087 2858375.

VALLEYMOUNT

The next lotto draw will be held in the clubhouse on Saturday, March 28, with a new jackpot of €9,900. Tickets are €2 and available from all members. If anyone would like to buy a yearly lotto ticket please contact Michael Nolan on 087 2964476.

The Kellogg’s Cúl Camps 2020 are now recruiting for head coaches over the age of 18 and assistant coaches over the age of 16. If you are interested please fill out the online form. The Valleymount camp will take place from June 29 to July 3.

All who need to use the field for either training or matches MUST book the pitch with Liam Kavanagh.

Deepest sympathy to the families and friends of John Magee, Blessington, and Anna Whittle, Stratford-Grangecon who passed away recently. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Valleymount GAA is now on Instagram. Keep up to date with all the action by following us - Username @valleymountgaa_.

ANNACURRA

In light of the current Covid-19 pandemic and Government/HSE guidelines, Annacurra GAA Club, led my its members, have decided to volunteer to help our community (vulnerable, self-isolating and, in particular, our elderly community members) at this difficult and uncertain time.

If you, or if you know of anyone in need of assistance with shopping, picking up prescriptions or anything else that might help to get through this difficult period, please contact any of the following club members: Jude Dalton – 086 8160451; Michael O’Brien - 087 7640649; Denis Doyle – 087 9530210; Bob Fitzgerald – 087 2985737; Martin O’Brien - 086 3624388; Michael Doyle – 086 0203844; Rachael McGrane – 087 7647687; Alan Nolan – 087 1934382; Colin O’Driscoll - 086 3310716; Brian Moran – 087 2355748; Eileen Horan – 086 1084059; May O’Brien - 086 8677147.

The information night for the Oscars which was due to go ahead on March 28 has been postponed until further notice.

AUGHRIM

Unfortunately, due to the recent health situation, Aughrim GAA club decided to postpone the Walkathon event for the foreseeable future.

We thank all who have generously sponsored our walkers and we will be rescheduling the event.

The health of the community and beyond is a priority, and the event will be enjoyed when the recent Pandemic is under control.

Aughrim GAA Club would like to offer our help to any persons in the Community (elderly, in isolation or just not able to get around) who require assistance during this tough time with the outbreak of Covid-19.

Whether it’s to deliver groceries, fuel, coal, pick up from chemist or any help at home, we have plenty of members only too willing to help. Only people who are low risk will be available to help out.

Please pass this information on to any personnel that you feel meet these criteria. All enquiries will be handled with confidentiality and total respect.

All enquiries can be made by contacting the below.

Chairman Eugene O’Brien 086 2718264 Secretary John Keenan 086 8465587.

BRAY EMMETS

It was with deep regret that members of our club and indeed the Wicklow GAA

community heard of the death this weekend of Bill Moorehouse, father of legendary Bray Emmets and Wicklow hurler, Christy. Bill died peacefully on Sunday in the Blackrock Hospice and the club would like to

extend sincere condolences to his loving wife, Margaret, his children Ellen, Michael,

Margaret, Mary, John, William, Anne, James, Bridget, Christopher and Kathleen. He will also be sadly missed by his sons in law, daughters in law, 35 grandchildren, two great grandchildren, brothers James, Christy and Joe, sister Ellen, extended family, neighbours and a wide circle of family friends.

Because of the current restrictions on public gathering in an effort to combat the Covid-19 virus, the funeral will be private and confined to family.

We would ask those who would normally want to attend the removal or requiem mass to instead leave a message to the family on the RIP.ie website or through texting etc.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. Chairman Sets Out Club Policy On ‘No Access’ During Corona Virus - Our Club Chairman Paul Cunningham wants to make it clear that no one, repeat no one, is allowed access to any of Bray Emmets facilities until further notice during the current Covid-19 emergency.

This means that there is no access to club pitches, clubhouse or (in particular) the gym while this battle with the coronavirus goes on.

‘There has been a clear direction from Croke Park and also from the Management Committee of the club and I would appeal to everyone to observe this protocol going forward,’ he emphasised.

COOLKENNO

With all things quiet on the GAA front, this week, we take a look back nine years to March 2011!

The countdown is over! The Coolkenno 30 Dinner Dance is on this Saturday in the Ramada, Killerig. The meal will be served at 8.30pm sharp. A great night is in prospect with plenty of celebration and nostalgia as we look back on 30 years of Coolkenno GFC.

Earlier on Saturday, the intermediates travel to Wicklow down to take on St Pat’s in the first round of the league. Throw in 3pm. The O’Dwyer era begins…

The annual awards night for Coolkenno Ladies GFC was held in Ballyconnell Hall on Friday, March 18. To present prizes, the club were lucky enough to secure the services of former Wicklow star and holder of the only Wicklow All Star award, Kevin O’Brien and Wicklow and Coolkenno player, Paddy Dalton and Stephen McNulty, chairman of Wicklow Juvenile County Board.

Plaques were presented on the night to the under-12, under-14 and Junior teams. The under-12s and under-14s had a very successful 2010 while the Juniors won the ‘B’ championship. Also present were club trainers Jack Bowes, John Birmingham, Pat Murphy and Paddy Comiskey.

Mementos sponsored by Wild Irish were presented on the night on behalf of Coolkenno Ladies GFC to the special guests. Coolkenno Ladies GFC extends its sincere thanks to all who have supported the club over the last number of years and hope they will continue to do so. A great night was had by all and it is hoped that the club’s success will continue in 2011.

The Minors continued their good start to the season with two wins in three days over the weekend. On Friday evening they travelled to the home of Wexford side Craanford and came from behind to snatch victory by the minimum.

Less than 48 hours later they were in action again, this time in the league against Annacurra. A healthy band of supporters for both sides turned up for the 11am throw-in. In nigh on perfect conditions for football, Coolkenno got off to much the better start.

Keith Farrell crowned this good start with a goal after seven minutes after good work by Cormac Byrne and David Cole. Full-forward David Tompkins also knocked over a few points and it appeared that Coolkenno were in for a leisurely Sunday morning.

Annacurra however, lifted themselves and dominated the remainder of the half. Despite scoring a penalty, wayward shooting meant Coolkenno were still three points ahead at the break.

The second half started just as the first did. Coolkenno began playing some really good football with David Cole outstanding in midfield, Cormac Byrne linking the play well and Daniel Doyle becoming the scorer in chief with three points from play.

The backs, marshalled by Burgess and O’Neill repelled any Annacurra attack. During this period Cole and Byrne also goaled for the home side.

With Coolkenno almost out of sight Annacurra finally started to play and lashed home two goals to ensure Coolkenno were glad to hear the final whistle. Final score was 3-10 to 3-6.