GRASSROOTS

SHILLELAGH

Derek O’Brien, Ramsgate Village, Gorey, Co.Wexford, passed to his eternal reward (suddenly) on Monday of last week .

To Derek’s wife Barbara (nee Walker) children Molly, Ruth and Lorcan, to Jim and Maureen Walker, Batchelors Walk, Gina, James, Aisling and Brenda, to the extended O’Brien and Walker families and friends all connected with Shillelagh GAA club extend their deepest sympathy. R.I.P Derek. The Junior football team will be hoping to follow up on successive wins over Enniskerry and Kilbride when they entertain St. Patrick’s on The Fairgreen on Saturday next, April 22, in Division 3 of the football league.

Throw-in is at 5pm and players should report for duty at 4.15pm sharp.

Our annual golf classic will this year take place on Sunday, June 4 (bank holiday weekend). Tee times are available from 2.30pm to 5.30pm. A team of four to participate will cost €40 per person (incl meal).

Lar Behan at 087 2785242 is the go to man for this project. Anyone wishing to enter a team, sponsor a tee box or contribute in any way to the success of the venture should contact Lar, Chairman Mark Dempsey 087 9755557, secretary Richard Lambert 087 6594662, treasurers Noel Murphy 087 0574552, Tommy Murphy 086 0280377, Juvenile Chairman Paul Behan 087 7405359, or indeed any player or committee member your continued support is invaluable and much appreciated.

The memorial garden at the Fairgreen is currently in full bloom and is a sight to behold if you happen to be in the vicinity and have a moment to spare , also in an effort to keep it looking the part we would be delighted to hear from anyone in the locality or surrounding areas who might have an hour or two to spare on a weekly basis and would be interested in contributing to the upkeep of the garden. Please contact Chairman Mark Dempsey or any committee member.

JUVENILE NEWS - Upwards of 20 juvenile members travelled to Croke Park on Tuesday, April 11, to participate in the ‘Stay and Play’ day.

Shelmaliers/Raparees provided the opposition and judging by the feedback our juveniles gave a good account of themselves and enjoyed the day immensely.

To coaches Francis Simpson, Daniel and Paul Behan, to parents Finessa Byrne, Deidre Hilliard, Carol-Anne Simpson, Michael Fogarty, John Jennings and Michael Doyle who gave of their time at short notice and contributed to the success of the day, we say thank you.

The St Mary’s under-13 football team had to give best to a physically stronger St. Nicks team on the Fairgreen on Wednesday last.

The vast majority of this Coolkenno/Shillelagh combination are eligible to play under-13 again next season and are still getting to know one another.

This project is going to require time and patience. Cathal Rossitter, James Keogh, Patrick Murphy, Richard Lambert, Noel Murphy and Paul Behan are the people looking after this panel of players, plenty of knowledge and expertise amongst that group so instead of being critical let us give them our support.

The under-11 Shillelagh team made the long haul to Enniskerry on Wednesday last, April 12, and after a hugely impressive display came away with two league points. The next outing for this talented group is on this Wednesday, April 19, when Laragh are the visitors to the Fairgreen. Please check with team mentors for confirmation of this fixture.

The next instalment of the ever popular Go Games series takes place on Saturday next, April 22, when our juveniles travel to Stratford. Parents will be advised of assembly time and travel arrangements prior to Saturday .

HOLLYWOOD

Lotto results from April 13: Numbers drawn were 2, 18, 19, and 23. There was no winner of the jackpot. The winner of the sellers prize was Anne Peppard. The €50 winners were Frank Griffin, Richard Burke and Eamonn Deegan. The next draw for a jackpot of €9,400 will be held in Poulaphouca House on April 27. Thanks for your continued support.

Hollywood GAA under-8s had an outing recently to Croke Park. The day sponsored by Littlewoods Ireland was a great success. Thank you to the mentors and parents who made the day such an enjoyable experience.

There will be an under-7 and under-9 football Go Games next Saturday, April 22, at Dunlavin GAA at 10.45am.

Reminder that club membership is overdue. Players of all ages must have paid their membership to play.

ANNACURRA

There was no jackpot winner last week in our lotto. Numbers were 14, 16, 22, and 25. Match three winners were Rory O’Brien (Aughrim); Jimmy Byrne (Coolahullen). Next week’s jackpot is €4,600.

Our under-11 team were away from home v Éire Óg but came up against a very strong side and where defeated well but a lot of team spirit was shown by all.

Next up where the under-13 away also to ashford with the home team getting off to a good start but the boys dug deep again and showed great heart at getting back in the game but lost by a scoreline of 4.8 to 4.6 and very easily could of got the win in the dying minutes with a late goal chance.

Next was the turn of Derry Gaels against St Kevin’s at home this is a good side to watch moved very well as a unit. Taking a very comfortable victory by 2-07 to 0-03. Well done, lads.

The Juniors had a practice match against Avoca at home on Thursday last with once again good numbers turning up to give the management something good to pick from the result was a draw in the end, 1-08 apiece.

Then Saturday, the Senior men were on the road to Carnew where things didn’t go our way losing by a single point in the end, 2-08 to 2-07. Hard luck, men.

We are away to Kiltegan next in the Senior and the Juniors are away to Coolkenno where they get their league campaign up and running.

RATHNEW

Rathnew GAA Club would like to thank Bill Porter and friends, the McCormack family, the Britton family and Harry Murphy for organising the event, all club members who helped with stewarding and all of the competitors that turned up on the night to help make this such a wonderful event raising a tremendous €4,200 for such a worthy cause.

We would also like to thank all of our sponsors especially Tommy Murphy and Patrice MacNamara and anyone who donated raffle prizes. A special thanks goes to Vivienne and her team in the kitchen who provided refreshments all night and anyone else who helped in any way.

We wish Cathal, Ciaran, and the Martin family the very best in this harrowing time and please continue to help in any way you can.

Our Seniors had a good home win against county champions Baltinglass in front of a good crowd Saturday evening.

This was a good all round team performance from start to finish.

Our defence played really well, doing a good job in shackling the Baltinglass forwards. This laid the platform for the win. Our midfield and forwards worked very very hard in stopping Baltinglass to build from the back.

Our shooting wasn’t at its best as we kicked over 15 wides however management would be happy with the performance. Players to shine were John Manley, Theo Smyth, Andrew O’Brien, Jody Merrigan and Seamus Cosgrave.

Our Seniors’ next game is next Tuesday away to Avondale.

Our Juniors took on Avondale in their first league outing during the week and won on a scoreline of 1-18 to 12 points. Players to shine were Robert Byrne, Jem Hunter and James Manley.

Our girls had a busy few days. The under-16s won against AGB on Tuesday night playing in their new jerseys. Thanks to Kevin and Anita Healy.

Our under-12s lost to a strong Carnew side away on Tuesday but played much better second half.

The under-14s lost last night to a strong Barndarrig team.

Eight girls from the under-14 side are still under-12. They came out fighting in the second half, playing up the hill. All coaches are very proud of their progress! A reminder to all that membership is now due. Seniors/Intermediates/Juniors pay club registrar Tommy Murphy.

Juvenile membership is due by April 30. You can pay at Saturday morning coaching to Tommy Murphy and Catherine O’Connor or team managers.

Happy birthday to a great Rathnew/Tipperary man Tom Kelly who celebrated his 80th birthday recently.

LARAGH

We play Rathnew at home this Saturday in Division 2 at 5pm. All support welcome. Training continues every Tuesday and Thursday at 7.45pm. Big numbers expected.

Juvenile training is up and running for the year it’ll be on every Wednesday in the field from 6-7pm. All new players welcome.

Membership is now overdue and must be paid asap to Peter Merrigan or any committee member this can be paid any night at training.

The club send its deepest sympathies to John Begley and family on the sudden passing off his father, Niall.

STRATFORD-GRANGECON

The results of Monday night’s draw were as follows: Numbers drawn were 03, 12, 16, and 24. No winner. Next jackpot: €8,750, Draw on April 18 at 9pm at the clubhouse.

The Intermediate team played Ashford on Saturday 15th in an entertaining encounter. At half-time we went in five points to two up after kicking eight wides to Ashford’s four.

In the second half we kept our wide count up, kicking another seven. This would come back to haunt us when Ashford got a controversial penalty and came back in the dying minutes and kicked some good points to run out winners on a score line of Ashford 1-08, Stratford 0-10.

Next match away to Barndarrig is Saturday, April 22.

Training continues as usual on Tuesday and Friday at 8pm.

The Junior team played Blessington at home Thursday, April 13, in the Division 4 league. It was hugely positive that we had the numbers to be able to put out a team and now have our first game under our belt.

It was great to see a good number of spectators there supporting the team.

Next match: Thursday, April 20, away in the Football League Div. 4 Dunlavin v Stratford 7.15 p.m.

Juvenile club - Hurling - Under-7 and under-9 had their first Go Game hurling blitz last week in Blessington.

They played against teams from Blessington and Kilteagan. It was an excellent match playing experience especially for our first timers.

Post match food supplied by the hosts was greatly appreciated by the players afterwards.

Training continues next Tuesday in Stratford at 6.30pm.

Football - Next week we host the second blitz of the year for under-7 and under-9s. This is a big event for the club and we would ask for any people available to come and help out. No academy 4-6yrs training this Saturday.

Our under-11s playing with Kiltegan played Dunlavin on Wednesday, April 12. Final score of the under-11s match was Dunlavin 8-12, Kiltegan 6-04.

The Easter Bunny went hop hop hop and paid the clubhouse a visit at the end of training last Saturday.

All Juvenile teams from age 4 up to 16 were there together today.

Fantastic to see members from the Intermediate and Junior adult teams helping out, passing on their skills and love of the game.

Juvenile Committee meeting on Wednesday, April 19. Club Committee meeting Friday, April 21. Anyone welcome.

ASHFORD

Lotto results for Monday, April 3, for a jackpot of €5,900: Numbers drawn were 18, 21, 23, and 24. No jackpot winner.

Match threes: Win or share €300 - Mick Evans c/o T Glynn.

Lotto results for Monday, April10 for a jackpot of €6,200. Numbers drawn: 5, 15, 22, 24. No jackpot winner.

Match 3’s: Win or share €300 - Anto Driver c/o S Driver; Lilian Manning c/o D Doyle; Pauline Grant c/o S McDermott; Eamonn Byrne c/o S McDermott.

Our winning league run came to an end on Saturday, April 8, with a losing two-point loss to Rathnew. Final score: Rathnew 1-11, Ashford 1-09.

Saturday, April 15, saw us returning to winning ways with a very good one-point win away to Stratford. Final score: Stratford 0-10, Ashford 1-08.

The Junior team got their campaign off to a winning start with a one-point win at home to An Tochar. Next match is away to Kilcoole this Thursday.

Our girl’s team had their first blitz of 2017 in Ballinakill on Saturday, April 8. A great day was had by all.

The under-11s have made a great start with wins over Newtown and Eire Og. The under-13s beat Annacurra last week.

The young boys and girls enjoyed a great trip to Croke Park for the NFL final. What a game they witnessed.

The Easter draw, run by Ashford GAA club, was in aid of the Martin family. Thanks to everyone who contributed.

A very successful cake sale was held outside the GAA grounds on Easter Sunday. Sincere thanks to all who contributed to the success of this event.

Boys born in the years 2008, 2009 and 2010 have coaching on Friday evening’s in the pitch commencing at 6.15 pm.

Our rescheduled Dinner Dance will take place in the Glendalough hotel this Friday, April 21. Tickets cost €30. Anyone requiring a refund from the cancelled event can contact their ticket seller directly.

AN TOCHAR

The first round of the Indoor Soccer Tournament to raise funds for the Martin Family Trust gets underway this Saturday/Sunday. The games take place over two weekends April 22 / 23 and 29/30 and the finals will take place on May 6 followed by BBQ, music and presentations. Please see Facebook.com/AnTocharGAA for further details

Coffee Morning and Cake Sale - Fundraiser for the Martin Family Trust. Saturday, May 13 - 10am to 12.30pm in Roundwood Parish Hall and Centre. Please come along and enjoy some time with family and friends and by doing so support these two little boys and their family

And another date for your diary - Friday, April 28, there will be a fabulous table quiz and rock n roll bingo in the Grand Hotel Wicklow.

It’ll be lots of fun, a fantastic raffle with some amazing prizes: tickets to the Late Late, a walk on part in Fair City and much more. Tickets are a snip at only €10.

AUGHRIM

We had our first outing in the league last Sunday away to Stratford-Grangecon.

Although we were well beaten in the end it was only a two-point game at half-time.

It was good to get this first game under our belts and the performance of a number of our young players was encouraging.

The players on duty were Brian Lynck, Paul Lacey, Eoin Forsyth, Willie Kavanagh, Jack Byrne, Oisin Doyle, Conor Phelan, Conor Lambert, Robert Lambert, Frank Byrne, Patrick Kavanagh, Shane McGuckian, Dermot Whelan, Richard Keegan, Danny O’Hehir, Aidan Stokely, Jamie Fleming and Peter Quigley.

Training continues on Tuesday and Friday nights. Our next match is against Ballinacor at home Saturday, April 22, at 5 pm.

BALLYMANUS

The Intermediate game due last weekend was rescheduled to Tuesday afternoon. They face Donard the Glen on Sunday morning.

The juveniles are hosting a table quiz on Friday 21st in Lawlesses at 9pm. Sean O’Neill Is Quiz Master. Please support.

There was no lotto jackpot winner last week from 14, 18, 22, and 27.

Match three winners were Alison, Zoey, Becky. Nuala Healy Gossey Moules Jim Darcy (butcher).

Finally the club would like to extend its deepest sympathies to the extended family and friends of the late Andy Byrne, Ballyteigue who sadly passed away last week. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a ainm dilis.

COOLBOY

A big welcome home to baby Callum Maher who no doubt will follow in his father’s Séan (Squeeky) footsteps and be involved with the club!

Get well wishes and a speedy recovery are sent to our Vice-President Eddie Byrne. The lads played their fourth game in the division 3 league on Saturday last at home to Valleymount. Unfortunately, it wasn’t the result we hoped for as Valleymount emerged as winners on a scoreline of 4-8 to 7 points.

As we approach the halfway mark of the league, next up the club travels to Eire Og Greystones on Saturday 29th of April with kick off scheduled for 6pm.

Annual Golf Classic - Back by popular demand! Coolboy Handball and GAA Club will hold a golf classic in Coollattin Golf Club on Sunday 30th April.

An option of €120 per team without food or €160 per team with food is available. Contact Miley O’Keeffe (087) 984 9999 or Patricia Byrne (087) 987 9920 for tee times.

Should you wish to sponsor a teebox please contact any member from the Handball or GAA committees.

Lines and cards are available from any footballer or committee member and all local shops. All support towards both clubs is appreciated by all involved.