ÉIRE ÓG GREYSTONES
AGM - The attitude of many of the beneficiaries of the work of the club’s administrators often appears to be one of entitlement rather than responsibility. Not the merest thought is given as to the costs in time and money which go into keeping barque Éire Óg afloat.
Their attendance (what a hope!) at the agm on December 14 in the clubrooms at 7.30pm would both enlighten and surprise (maybe even shock) them as to the figures involved. Tá dualgaisí ag baint le baillríocht – membership carries responsibilities.
Finance - The club’s Achilles heel. As well as posing a serious problem in the running of the club it greatly curtails the implementation of the coiste’s plans for expansion and improvement of the club’s facilities.
You can help by supporting the club Lotto online at www.eireoggreystonesgaa.ie and our Christmas Draw which takes place in the Horse and Hound on December 9. Jackpot on December 5 stood at €2,400.
From January 1, our lotto will be going paperless. No more paper tickets will be sold. Remember, tickets are always available at www.eireoggreystones.com
Under-10 Peil - It came as somewhat of a surprise, but for all that a pleasant one, to learn that some of our younger members are still active on the playing field at this time of the year.
On November 12 three under-10 teams from Greystones participated in a blitz in the grounds of Bray Emmets while on November 20 a group of players at the same age level, divided into two squads, took on their counterparts from Clann na nGael Fontenoys of Dublin. The squads were labelled x and y to avoid any implications of inferiority!
Squad x: In the opening period these lads were very much on the back foot and things looked bleak enough at the break. was slotted home by Piaras Healy at the end of a spectacular move involving Daniel Connerty, Robbie Owens, Adam McDonald, Charlie Grogan, Charlie Fox and Adam Travers.
This was followed by another, a solo effort from the strongly running Liam Finn. The Greystones lads now had their tails up and Piaras Healy made full use of the two goal-scoring opportunities afforded him by the excellent combination play of Adam McDonald, Charlie Grogan, Gavin Lincoln and Daniel Connery.
Daniel Connerty, Adam Travers and Charlie Grogan added some very well-taken minors. Daire McGowan, Ben Ascoli and Charlie Fox provided great cover for goalie Séamus Darcy who brought off some excellent saves. His kick-outs were well targeted.
Squad y: The thermal conditions were very challenging for children in this age group so many of the team found it hard to get into the game. Cathal Byrne opened the Greystones account with an excellent point and the hard-working Sam Travers added a couple a short time afterwards.
Darragh Shanahan who played well in the centre was ably assisted by a hard working Robert Moore. In defence Matt Fallon battled gamely.
Evan Donnelly showed himself a good reader of the game while Conor Ryan defended solidly.
Cillian Goff’s performance improved greatly over the duration of the game and Sean Lehane displayed some excellent touches of skill.
Defender Joshua Barry demonstrated his versatility with a well-taken goal. James O’Dowd scored a great point. Alex Baines caught some beautiful ball in his sojourn between the posts.
Peil na mBan - Last week’s Sports Section of the Bray People carried in its front page a photo, occupying nearly half its area, of former Éire Óg players Laurie Ahern and Lorna Fusciardi in celebratory mood outside Bray Emmets clubhouse. And they had good reason to be so! Both were key members of the Foxcab ladies’ team which had just beaten Cornacon of Mayo (team of the great Cora Staunton) in the semi-final of the Senior All-Ireland Club Championship. Alas, they were beaten in the final.
Congratulations - To the North Wicklow Gaels team which included a number of Éire Óg players on their victory in the county Minor ‘B’ hurling championship final. Details next week.