GRASSROOTS
year for the club, having been crowned champions at under-12, under-14 and Senior in boys/men’s football and on the ladies side, having won the under-14 and under-16 Shield and Minor ‘B’ championship.
Last Saturday we had an opportunity to add to the haul for the year as the under-16 boys took on Tinahely in the under-16 championship final.
Few could argue that this would be a battle between the two best teams in county at this level, and only the very brave would dare to make a prediction. The game started nervously with both sides guilty of several handling errors on the greasy surface.
However, Baltinglass would be first to settle, picking off some nice scores, most memorably a long range effort from Sean Doody at midfield.
Baltinglass would soon find the net after a very fluid move, and follow up with a second goal by Jordan Deans, after he intercepted a loose hand pass and fired into an empty net.
Tinahely at this stage looked rocked. However, they would soon gain dominance in the middle of the field and in the half forward line and after falling behind by a nine point margin would soon find themselves back on level terms.
The momentum of the game had shifted completely in favour of Tinahely who went on to open up a three-point gap early in the second half. It looked at this stage that there was no way back for Baltinglass.
However, some heroic defending, particularly by Tadgh O’Toole and Darragh Doyle in the full-back line and some fearless contesting of the breaking ball by Christopher Grimes, saw Baltinglass once again take a foothold on the game.
The introduction of Emilio Faulkner, Aaron Corcoran and Deano Marcu in particular added real impact from the bench.
A Jack Hanlon goal, followed shortly by an Alan Barrett goal from a free which found the top of the net, saw momentum switch for the third time in the game, and Baltinglass once again saw themselves eight points up.
Tinahely, to their credit, fought back strongly to reduce the margin to three, when Emilio Barrett finished to the net to put the game beyond any doubt. The final score was Baltinglass 5-10, Tinahely 3-11. The cup was presented to Baltinglass captain Liam Fisher who spoke admirably in his acceptance speech, giving due credit to Tinahely who’s brand of football and skilful players are a credit to their club. helped out on the day especially Mario’s takeaway who delivered hot food and fed over 150 children. Thanks also to Niamh Collins and Molly lamb who helped out presenting medals on the day.
Last, but most definitely not least, heartfelt thanks also goes to our ever dedicated and hardworking juvenile chairman Shay Power and the extended juvenile committee for all their hard work throughout the season.
Officers elected at last week’s juvenile AGM were: Chairman: Shay Power, Vice Chair: Noel Doyle, Secretary: Tom Doyle, vice secretary: Shayne Murphy, and child protection officer: David McCormick; a strong committee who will do what’s right and best for the juveniles over the coming season. Best of luck to all for coming season.
The senior AGM is fixed for tonight, Wednesday, December 7, at 7.30pm in the clubhouse. Newtown Ladies Senior AGM was held in the clubhouse at 8pm on Monday, December 5.
There is a good stock of club gear now available to buy for any enquiries regarding club gear please contact Ruth on 087 7472682 or Amy at 086 3332195.
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.
Lotto rolls over into this week as there were no winners last week, numbers drawn were 6, 7, 20, and 27. Christy O’Toole.
The under-10 hurling and football panel were presented with their medals also by the three county players and their coaches who attended were Denis Hayes, Ned Doyle, and John Boland.
Foundation certification course awards in hurling were presented by Paul Garrigin to males and females members who had completed the coaching course earlier in the year. Refreshments were served to a large crowd after the presentation by the lady’s committee.
Our club are at present distributing tickets for the Croke Park national draw to all players, members, families and friends of our club. Tickets cost €10 with great prizes of cars and cash.
Lotto - Winning numbers were 11, 17, 19, and 29. No jackpot winner. Match threes for €50 each were Emma Farrell, Seamus Kelly, William Hackett, and Helen Ryan. Next week’s jackpot: €9,000.