ANNACURRA

Last weekend saw the start of the 2018 league. Despite many lads not being available it was great to see we still had a large group of players to pick from.

For the first ten minutes we were off the pace of the game and trailed by four points to one, but as the half went on we improved and just trailed by one.

We played some nice football in the second half and with five minutes to go we lead by two.

However, with two minutes to go we conceded a penalty and we just didn’t get back in to it.

The final score was 2-10 to 2-09, but while we lost the match there were plenty of positives. Thanks to everyone who came to support. for the season on Saturday, February 24, from 9.30am in the complex. All children from four years of age up are welcome to come along. Contact Liam Kelly for more details on 087 6878123.

We are currently looking for coaches to help out in all areas of the club. For any senior players who are interested, your experience can be what a child needs to progress further in their game.

For anyone who is interested in helping out in the juvenile section, there are up and coming code of ethics courses with spaces available.

This course is a must have if you are working with, or planning to work with children. Contact Liam Kelly on 087 6878123 for more information.

Congratulations, and a big thank you to Barry Sheehan who completed his code of ethics course in Arklow on Thursday.

We have a bagpack coming up for the club in Centra Rathdrum on March 23 and 24. We’re looking for volunteers to fill some slots. Contact Liam Kelly for more details.

With St Patrick’s day around the corner, Avondale GAA are looking for our players to get creative! We are holding a competition for the best float idea. The winning idea will be used in the parade and the winner will receive a monetary award. Get your thinking caps on, kids. Your club needs you.

To all current players, past players, coaches or anyone with an interest in GAA, Wicklow GAA are holding a referee recruitment. Currently we only have a small number of referees and we need to increase on this. Contact Hugh Kenny on 0872718357 or hugh.kenny.gamesmanager. wicklow@gaa.ie.

A huge congratulations to our very own Catherine Behan-Cullen on winning the county Wicklow camogie volunteer 2017 in Croke Park on Saturday.

Catherine is a great presence in our club both on and off the pitch. The time and effort she puts into everything she does is unbelievable, not to mention how much she is loved by the children.

So Catherine, from everyone in Avondale GAA, thank you for everything you do and congratulations on your award. No better woman.

Team: Barry Behan, Barry Murphy, Stephen Bohan, Aaran Curran, Caolan McGorman, Paul McLoughlin, KJ Rodgers, Gavin Murray (0-1) Martin Shannon, Kevin Hanlon (0-1), Byran Carroll, Mick McLoughlin (0-1) , Michael Nugent, Curtis Geraghty (0-3), Patrick O’Connor (0-1). Subs: Anto McLoughlin (0-1), Mikey O’Connor (0-1), David Boothman, Peter Manning , Barry Finan, Conor Ryan. Next up Blessington at home against Baltinglass on Saturday, February 24, at 4pm.

Junior C – The lads had a great win in their opening match in the football league away against Kilbride Lacken on Sunday. Final score: Kilbride/Lacken 2-06, Blessington 2-12. Team: John Mc Enroy, Stephen Byrne, Bradley Foster, Declan Fennessy, Patrick Nolan, Paddy Reilly, David Williamson, Eoin Higgins, James Kearns, Kieran McGovern (0-01), Ciaran Mescall, Peter O’Connell (2-01), Stephen Carroll (0-02), Eddie Boylan (0-04) Sean Mescall (0-04), Fionn Walsh, Ferghal Hennessy, Danielius Sarkauskas, Cormac Brogan, Ciaran Paton, Ethan Cotter.

Next up at home against Kilcoole on Sunday at 11am.

Blessington GAA Ladies – Huge thanks to Gasworks for their very generous sponsorship of new training tops for the team. Presented by team manager Martin O’Driscoll on behalf of www.gasworks.ie before the ladies departed for the Páidi Ó Sé tournament on February 16 to 18.

The ladies had a great first performance in Tralee defeating Naomh Aban from Cork 4-13 to 5-05 in Mounthawk School, Tralee.

Another terrific win in Round 2 against Gowna from Cavan 7-09 to 4-05 and it was on to the final and unfortunately the ladies lost to Burrishoole from Mayo 4-14 to 2-08. Well done ladies and management.

Club registration night – Please put Tuesday, February 20, into your diary as this is the club’s registration night. It will take place in the clubhouse from 7.30pm – 9.30pm. Fees remain the same as 2017.

Under-17s – First match Sunday, March 4, at home against Clan na Gael. Time TBC.

Leinster GAA Cross County U15 league – The lads played two super games in the nine-a-side astro league last Sunday against Eadestown and Hollywood.

The lads had a very competitive game away on Sunday against Ashbourne. With injuries and sickness, the panel was reduced to a panel of 15.

Blessington led all the way but tired legs in the last 10 minutes or so against a full panel of under-15s from Ashbourne ended in a three-score loss. Another good early year game under the belt for the lads.

Lotto - No winner of €2,000 jackpot on February 13. Numbers drawn: 1, 11, 27, and 28. No match three winners. €300 will be carried over to the next draw which will be held in Bealin’s in February 27. T

ickets available in shops and pubs in the town and committee members. Don’t miss a draw again and sign up for Direct Debit. Contact Noelle McGarr 087 7460327 or Arthur Hennessy for details 087 2396157.

Remember you can also play online at www. blessingtongaa.ie

Scór Sinsear – Blessington GAA will host the Scór Sinsear County performance this Saturday in St Kevin’s Hall from 6.30pm to 9.30pm.

The club are looking for competitors to take to the stage and show their talents in a variety of disciplines which include Figure Dancing, Solo Singing, Recitation/Storytelling, Instrumental Music, Léiriú (drama), Ballad Group and Set Dancing (7pm – 8pm). If music or dancing isn’t your forte, then perhaps the table quiz which follows (8pm – 9.30pm) might interest you. We are looking for members to form a team of 4fourto represent different sections within the club to take part e.g. senior men, senior ladies, juniors, hurling, G4M, juveniles etc. Blessington GAA have not participated at this level in years so please support this effort by the club to revitalise our interest again.

We used to have a very healthy appetite for it years ago. Let’s show off our talents and our general knowledge. It is free to participate and entrants must be over 17.

All entries to Kathryn Noone (kathryn_noone@ yahoo.co.uk, 086 8664931) by Wednesday, February 21.

Locally please contact Catherine Behan on 087 1224019. If anyone is interested in pulling together a team for the quiz or take part in any of the other disciplines, please contact Noreen 0872858375 or Catherine 0871224019.

Leinster Senior Schools Championship - Well done to CBS Naas who had a great win over Colaiste Eoin in the semi-final of the Leinster A Championship on Saturday in Blessington.

Blessington GAA players on the team are Conal O’ Gallchobhair, Jordan McGarr and Ethan Cotter.

Good luck to all in the final on March 10 against Marist College, Athlone.

UCD Freshers - Hard luck to club man Jack Cotter and his UCD Freshers team on their Championship exit after defeat to NUI Maynooth on Thursday, February 15.

The team had won the All-Ireland League but under performed on the night against a very good Maynooth side. Jack has represented us well in the number two jersey.