Two teams in Leinster finals

TWO TEAMS from Wexford participated in the Leinster Community Games team finals in Carlow recently.

This was the first part of the provincial finals, with the second session taking place in July. The weekend got off to a good start with the launch on Saturday evening where the county was represented with children dressed in the purple and gold tracksuits.

Then the games themselves got under way on Sunday morning. The Kilrush-Askamore Under-12 draughts players were in action in their semi-final where they took on Two Mile House, Co. Kildare.

This was a very close encounter with Kilrush-Askamore coming through to take the match on a 12-8 scoreline. They then took on Ashbourne from Co. Meath in the final.

Ashbourne have a very good record in draughts and they proved to be very strong opponents. Nevertheless, Kilrush-Askamore did not let that deter them and they seemed to be really enjoying the game. Ashbourne took the title, with the silver medals going to Anna Tomkins, Adam Donohoe, Cian Lancaster, Shay Doran and Laura Kehoe.

A team of girls from the Rathgarogue-Cushinstown Area were in action in the seven-a-side soccer competition. They took on Monasterevin, Co. Kildare, in their semi-final and came through on a 2-1 scoreline.

In the final their opponents were from Clonbroney, Co. Longford. Neither side could score in the first- or second-half and the game ended 0-0. Extra-time was then played and still the sides could not be separated.

It was then down to the dreaded penalty shoot-out, not a nice way to have to end a match, and lady luck did not shine on our girls as they lost out 4-3. It was tough to take, but well done to the girls and their mentors on reaching the final.

The panel of players consisted of Neala Barron, Caitlin Gaffney, Sophie Kennedy, Katie-Mae McCarthy, Eibhlin McHale, Meya Murphy, Eimear Porter, Tara Roche, Emma Rossiter and Milly Sutton.

The county gymnastic competitions were held in Gorey Gym Club recently. Co-ordinator Angie Dooley and her team of workers had everything in order for the event which ran off very smoothly indeed.

It was sponsored by Funge’s of Gorey who have been long-time friends and associates of Wexford Community Games. We wish to thank them most sincerely for their continued support and look forward to continuing that support and loyalty. It is much appreciated.

Thanks also to all who competed, with entries in the younger age groups very good. GIRLS’ EVENTS Under-9: 1, Rebecca Lynch, Craanford; 2, Pippa Kinsella, B.B.B.C.R. and Jessica Kelly, B.B.B.C.R.; 4, Holly O’Brien, Gorey town.

Under-11: 1, Megan Hayes, Craanford; 2, Beidhinn McDonald, Kilanerin; 3, Anna Hughes, Gorey town, and Samantha Quirke, Rathangan.

Under-13: 1, Aislinn Buttle, Kilanerin; 2, Aalayiah Watters, Gorey town; 3, Saidhbhe Sheil, Gorey town.

Under-15: 1, Shauna Owley, Gorey town; 2, Ali Bushe, Kilanerin; 3, Robyn Cousins, Gorey town. BOYS’ EVENTS Under-9: 1, Aidan Kavanagh, Craanford; 2, Noah Murphy, Gorey town; 3, Rory King, B.B.B.C.R., and James Luff, Gorey town.

Under-11: 1, Tobiah Walters, Gorey town; 2, Jack Murphy-Nicholson, Gorey town.

Under-15: town. UPCOMING EVENTS April 12: closing date for receipt of entries for indoor soccer.

April 27: closing date for receipt of entries for outdoor soccer.

May 5: closing date for receipt of entries for talent and stage events.

May 5: closing date for receipt of entries for outdoor team events. County finals to be held in Glynn, possibly on May 20/21.

May 5 to 31: closing date for receipt of entries for athletic events. The county athletic finals have been fixed for Sunday, June 25, and will take place at The Hub in Enniscorthy.

A reminder that we are still seeking entries for the project competitions. Competitors are asked to study and source information on a given topic and then display their results on a board. There is competition for the Under-11, Under-13 and Under-15 age categories.

All of this year’s topics can be found on www.communitygames. ie and all are based on Community Games - a Community Games hero, the future of Community Games, and the role of volunteers. 1, Jamie Doyle, Gorey