AUGHRIM JUVENILES

The Under-12 footballers had a great win against Dunlavin on Tuesday last, and really put Dunlavin to the sword on a score of 9-10 to 3-04. The team overturned a defeat to Dunlavin earlier in the league and it augers well as we move closer to the mini festival finals.

The Luke O’Toole’s Under-12 hurlers were defeated by Bray Emmets on a score of 5-03 to 1-06. The team’s hurling ability continues to improve with every game and with a bit more luck will be competing with the best teams very soon.

The Aughrim Under-8 hurlers played Kiltegan on Friday last and competed very well as they too continue to improve with every game, unfortunately with holidays and kids away the Under-10 team didn’t take part. Thanks to Fiona McAllister for organising the game and the treats at very short notice when Glenealy cancelled. Next up is a football blitz v Dunlavin on Saturday morning next in Aughrim.

Under-10 Girls - Our Under-10 girls traveled to Fingallians GAA Club this week to play in their annual tournament.

The girls were fantastic on the day and on their way to topping group took on St. Galls of Antrim, Ballynea of Kildare the hosts, Fingallians and Ashbourne of Meath. They then beat St. Colmcilles of Meath in the semi-final.

The final would prove to be a bridge too far however as they were beaten by St. Pauls of Belfast. Both the club and the parents of these girls should be very proud of them. They commitment to training, their willingness to learn new skills and their attitude will serve them well in the future.

On the Field - Overall, this week was a very successful one, on the field. The Senior ladies recorded a very impressive win over AGB in the final on Tuesday night in the replay of the earlier match, postponed due to an injury.

The Intermediate men recorded a draw against a very tough Kilmacanogue side in a great game which finished Baltinglass 2-12, Kilmacanogue 2-12.

The Under-16 boys took part in a very worthwhile tournament, where they played Oldcastle and Dunboyne of Meath and Finians and St. Margarets of Dublin.

They would be beaten by the eventual winners St. Margarets but the experience will most definitely stand to them.

The Minor boys beat Michael Dwyers in the championship on a scoreline of 4-15 to 1-08, and the Under-14 boys took on a very strong Eire Og Greystones and came out on top. The score was 4-10 to 3-06.

The Under-16 boys who are currently top of their league table, take on a much fancied St. Nicholas side in Dunlavin on Thursday night. We would like to ask our supporters to come out for this great bunch of lads as they will need all the support that they can get on the night.

After winning the Junior ‘B’ championship last year this will be a big step up for some of our players but they have prepared we’ll and should give a good account of themselves. We wish them the best of luck and hope all supporters will travel in large numbers to cheer them on.

Our club held a very successful golf classic in Baltinglass Golf Club on Saturday. 28 teams took part and they all enjoyed a great day of golf.

A big thank you to the organising committee of Siobhan Doyle, John (Scally) Byrne, John Farrell, Michael Lennon and chief organiser Michael (Flash) Byrne.

A huge thanks to all our sponsors, Baltinglass Golf Club and all the teams who took part.

The presentation of the prizes took place in Katie Lowe’s on Saturday night. The G.U.I winners were Ned Rossiter’s team, the non G.U.I winners - first place winners: The Talk Of The Town team, second place: Adrian Byrne’s team, third place: Rory Finn’s team, fourth place: Nigel Bermingham’s team, fifth place: Ciaran O’Toole’s (Katie Lowe’s) team, and sixth place: John (Scally) Byrne’s team.

The longest drive winner was Cathal Fitzgerald, nearest the pin was Eoin Fitzgerald, who also achieved a hole in one with this putt. Well done to all the winners.

Lotto numbers were 1, 17, 21, and 27. No winner and no match three winner. This week’s jackpot is for €5,800.

Our club is running a fundraising raffle for two All-Ireland hurling tickets, €2 a line or three for €5. Lines available from Katie Lowe’s, Talk Of The Town, Junior’s, The Hub and all club members and players , draw will take place on September 2.

Our Under-13 and Under-14 camogie teams got the championship to a winning start with wins over Carnew and Knockananna last week. Well done girls.

Junior Ladies - Training Tuesday and/or Thursday from 7 to 8.30pm with Under-16s depending on Under-16 championship fixture. Next game is on Thursday, August 25, at 7.30pm away to Barndarrig.

Under-14s - Well done to the girls on their win v Newtown on Saturday, August 13. Final score 12-11 to 4-05. Get well wishes to Sorcha Nolan who was injured and has to hang up the boots for a while.

Annual Mini All Ireland Tournament will take place again in September. Sunday, September 11 (morning) Group Games, Wednesday, September 14 (evening) semi-finals and Friday, September 16 (evening) finals. €10 entry per child which includes a t-shirt (of the county team they represent) and medal for all. Open to all registered boys and girls in Under-8, Under-10 and Under-12.

Managers will have registration forms over the coming weeks at training. Booking details can also be sent to Jess Brennan 086 8602822.

Under-12s – Training Monday and Wednesday 6.30pm to 8pm.

Under-16s – Our Under-16s commences their championship away v Newtown on Thursday, August 18, at 7.15pm. Blessington are in Group A with Newtown, Bray and Avondale. The team had a very good training session with Alan Brogan and some of our senior players on Sunday, August 14.

Many thanks to Patrick Magee and all who helped out on the day. You know who you are! We had little helpers also with Sadhbh, Mikey and Harry.

Hurling - Well done to Austin Brennan who lined out at centre forward for the Tipperary Cumann Na mBunscol team today at half time in Croke Park.

They took on a Galway outfit as part of the entertainment at the break in the All-Ireland hurling semi final.

Austin scored one point from play and did his clubs, both Blessington and Western Gaels proud. Congratulations Austin and well done. Your school club and county are very proud of you.

Under-8 - Our Under-8s hurlers travelled to Bray Emmets on Friday night along with St Pat’s. We played three matches with a draw in first and narrowly beaten in the others. All our lads gave 100 per cent right up to the end. Kayden McMahon pulled off some fantastic saves in goal whilst the only girl playing for any of the teams was Ciara Whelan who played fantastic winning girl of the match in all three games. Training Thursday next at 6.30pm.

Under-14 - Championship Michael Dwyers v Carnew at 7.15pm.

Lotto - Blessington GAA Lotto - No jackpot winner. Numbers drawn 4, 5, 15, and 20. Five match three winners. Cormack Doyle, Steve McManus, Michael O’Neill, M and P O’Connor, Arthur Hennessy. Next draw August 23 in Bealin’s. Jackpot €4,200.

Club Notes - Congrats to the O’Donovan brothers who won silver in Rio. This is even more special as they are nephews of club member Mary Carroll. Well done lads.

Best of luck Gavin Murray who is representing Ireland in the AFL over in London next week.

Blessington car flags – Available from Noreen €10 a pair. Limited numbers available.

Cash for Clubs – This promotion has been extended to August 21. Can all members who purchase fuel in any Topaz garage get a tag and register online for Cash for Clubs.