GRASSROOTS
BALLYMANUS
A huge thank you to everyone who came and supported the recent Ice-Cream Party for Down Syndrome Ireland and the Martin Family in Rathnew – a whopping €3,780 was raised which was split equally between them. What an amazing community we have – the generosity shown is truly overwhelming! A huge thank you to the following for donating raffle prizes:
The Beauty Spot, LVP Renewable, The Saltee, Woodside Nurseries, The Irish House Tinahely, Byrne’s Stores Londis, Paddy Phelan’s, Blossom Hill Florist, Glenmalure Lodge, Woodenbridge Hotel, El Barberie, Aughrim, Lawless’s Hotel, KK Styles, Rednagh Stores, Earls Newsagents, Aughrim Pharmacy, Super Valu, Wicklow, Sean Byrne, Ballymanus, William Tyrrell, Joe O’Tooles, The Coffee Shop, Truly Scrumptious, The Stonecutter, Tracy’s Barber Shop, Ann Whelan, Askakeagh.
Also, thanks to The Saltee pub for sponsoring the prises for the tug-of-war, Albert Webster for bringing the tunes and the fun ….free of charge!, Casey Keogh for her amazing face-painting, Sean O’Neill for the sumo suits, Theresa and Byrne’s Stores Londis for their continued support every year in sponsoring ice-cream along with Pettitts and Dunnes Stores in Arklow, Coca Cola for sponsoring the drinks, Augustus Cullen Law Solicitors for sponsoring the sweets and the very talented Rowena Greene for her balloon display.
Thanks to all who baked food for the day, our ice cream ladies (Anne, Agnes and Naomh), tea ladies (Margaret, Catriona and Christine), our chefs Kev and Paul, all who helped out with supervision on the day (Laura, Liam, Rory to name a few), to all who helped set up in the days before (Micheal, Lorcan, Gerry, Paul, the twins, Pat, Michael, Larry, Tom, Billy, John, Kieran, Shane, Sean, PJ to name a few), Rory and John for their electrical expertise, Andy Doyle for the rope, and Deirdre and Siobhan for running the races so well.
A special thanks to Jim in particular and the field committee on having the field looking so amazing!
Thanks also to Kiltegan, Knockananna and Annacurra for taking part in our tug-of-war – hoping next year this will be bigger and better!
Well done also to Aughrim, Annacurra, Michael Dwyers, Avoca and the Billies for the highly entertaining games which were played throughout the day – a more skilful display you would find hard to see at adult level!
NEWTOWN
Round two of the Senior championship takes place this Sunday in Pearse’s Park, Arklow, at 12.30pm. Best of the luck to all the lads, Johnny and his management team as they take on Annacurra. In what will be a tight game, a good crowd can make all the difference so please come along and cheer the lads on.
Over recent weeks we have enjoyed glorious sunshine at our popular junior Magpie’s nursery which takes place every Saturday at 10am on the pitch, the nursery is for kids aged 4-8 and great fun is had by all every week. All are welcome to join at any stage throughout the season.
The under-7 and under-9s had their last home blitz of the year last week, with two blitzes left to finish out the season in Greystones and Ballinakill. Thanks to all who helped out especially the young whistlers- Lee, Aisling and Luke. Both of these teams are training on Tuesdays at 6.30pm.
The under-11s were back in action last week and train on Wednesdays at 7pm.
The under-13s are doing well in the league and had another good win over Clara Gaels last week; they train on Mondays at 6-30pm.
The under-8 and 10 girls train Wednesdays at 6.30pm. The under-12 girls are away to Baltinglass next Monday for the first match of the championship.
The under-14 girls are due to play AGB in the championship next week however there is no date confirmed as yet, training is Mondays and Thursdays at 7pm.
The under-16 girls clinched the league during the week with a win over Valleymount; the girls had been playing brilliant football earlier in the season but hit a sticky patch the last few weeks.
Training has been stepped up and we really need everybody to attend all sessions. Well done to Philly, Aisling, Niamh, Nicola and all the girl’s and best of luck in the championship which starts shortly
If you need more info about any of our juvenile teams please give Shay a ring on 087 2699620. All membership is now overdue and must be paid immediately
There is a good stock of club gear now available to buy for any enquiries regarding club gear please contact Amy.
No winner of the lotto last week but there was, however, eight lucky match three winners who won €25 each.
BLESSINGTON
Senior – Next round in Championship is Saturday next against AGB in Aughrim at 6.45pm. Please show your support.
Junior B- Well done to our Junior B team who beat Lacken on Thurdays last by a convincing margin.
Senior ladies – Next stage of championship will be pushed due to Wicklow ladies progressing.
Wicklow ladies- Well done to the girls who beat Limerick on Sunday last, 6-9 to 4-9, in the All-Ireland series. Well done to Kim,Shauna,Shona and Molly. Next up is Clare on Sunday, July 30.
Under-12 girls- Training continues every Tuesday and Thursday for championship preparation. Well done to all our girls who have joined the Wicklow under-12 panel.
Physio - Physio on Wednesday at 7pm in the clubhouse. €5 donation. Players training will have first preference.
G4M&O - Training Wednesday as normal 7pm to 8pm. It’s been great to see some new members joining the team over the last while. . For more information contact Michelle 086 3734748, Sinead 086 2446510 or Kevin on 087 6123202.
Juvenile – For upcoming fixtures, pictures and pitch rota please see our website and Facebook page.
Hurl repairs - Hurley repairs - €5 a fix, €2/ hoop. Contact Ciarán 085 7145288
Lotto – Lotto continues every fortnight. Tickets are available from players, committee members and in shops and pubs around the town. Don’t miss a draw again and sign up for Direct Debit. Contact Noelle Mc Garr 087 7460327 or Arthur Hennessy for details 087 2396157. Remember you can also play online
Under- 10 Boys - We had under-11 Wicklow league matches at home on Wednesday last which went ahead despite the poor weather conditions. In group 1 we had two teams playing An Tochar and secured a good win. We also fielded a team against Avoca in group 4 but were second best on the night.
Wicklow under-16- Hard luck to the lads who lost to Wexford in Arklow on Thursday night last.
Wicklow under-15 - Well done to Wicklow under-15 who beat Meath 5-8 to 1-8. Special mention to our Blessington lads on the panel.
Best wishes- The club would like to send a speedy recovery to two of our players Jack Gilligan and Bryana Reid. Hope to see you back on the playing field very soon.
AFL - We wish Molly Cullen and Gavin Murray all the best as they head Down Under on July 29 for a month to play for Ireland in the Aussie Football League in Melbourne.
Outstanding membership - We would appreciate if players and non players could pay their membership to Breda Brophy or John Magee Snr by July 31 please.
Hurling Cúl Camps- well done to all who took part in The hurling Cúl Camp this week in the pitch.
Scór na nÓg – Blessington GAA will proudly host the Scór na nÓg on Friday, October 20. Scór is a GAA competition that combines all the colour and rivalry of Gaelic Games with the social/fun element of Ireland’s traditional past-times.
The competition was established by the GAA in 1969 with the aim of promoting Ireland’s traditional pastimes and culture while offering club members the chance to meet up, have fun and represent their club during the winter months while football and hurling had ceased.
There are eight events/disciplines in Scór that cover all aspects of Irish culture: Figure/ Céilí Dancing, Solo Singing, Ballad Group, Recitation/Scéalaíocht, Léiriú Stáitse/Stage Presentation, Instrumental Music, Set Dancing and Table Quiz.
The competition is divided into two age levels, Scór na nÓg, for young people under 17 and Scór Sinsir, for those over 17. Anyone interested in finding out more information can contact Catherine Behan on 087 1224019.
Clothing Collection ongoing - collecting good quality second hand clothing suitable for re-use. Please fill as many black bin bags as you can – the more we collect, the more our club receives. If you are unable to bring them to the GAA Grounds we can arrange collection. Please contact: John Magee Snr 086 871 7483 or Breda Brophy 087 225 3892. Thank you for your support.
Car parking – For those who use Blessington GAA Grounds the club has a REVERSE IN, DRIVE OUT policy. This is for Health and Safety reasons. There is a lot of kids using our facilities and their safety is paramount. Yes, it’s a pain but it must be done. You will make our parking attendants life a bit easier. The club are also implementing a NO PARKING section at the area immediately beside the astro. It would be great if all everyone would comply. It’s not easy to implement change.
Shop at the pitch – Shop will be open for some home games. Boots for sale sizes 28 to 33 (age 4 to 8) €10. Tea, coffee and goodies. Gum shields also for sale.
Remember to keep updated on what is happening in the Club log on www.blessingtongaa.ie and Blessington GAA on Facebook and on Twitter @blessingtongaa. If you wish to be on the Blessington GAA Supporters text list, please text your name to 085 1607808.
TINAHELY
Junior Football - Our Junior team were out last Thursday evening in the first round of the championship against coolkenno.
Conditions on the night were very wet. The match finished a draw on a score line of 2-8 to 3-5.
Team on the night was Alan Lillis, Tonto, Brick, Danny, Anto Phelan, Ray McGlynn, Willie Quaile, Niall O’Gorman, Butch, Enda, David Dillon, Bill K, Eric, Stuart and the veteran Sean ‘Wazza’ Pollard.
The lads play Annacurra away this Thursday evening at 7.30pm in the next round. Please come along and show your support.
Tinahely GAA Lotto - Numbers drawn: 5, 8, 26, and 28. Bonus 22. No jackpot winner. We had two match three winners: Jacqui Whelan and Ross Nolan. Next week’s lotto jackpot is €3,700 in Maggies Bar.
Thanks to Maggies bar for kindly sponsoring gear bags to the Senior club.
Senior Football - The lads traveled over to coolkenno on Saturday evening to play in the Division 1A league looking for a good response after the championship. We were successful in coming away with two league points winning on a score line of 1-11 to 1-10. Another massive two points on the board. Well done to everyone involved.
Golf Classic - Thanks to everyone who took part in our hugely successful golf classic last Friday in Coollattin Golf Club. Thanks to all our sponsors for their kind sponsorship and to everyone that helped on the day.
Tinahely GAA Club would like to send their condolences to the Morris family, Balinacor, on their recent bereavement.
AGB
AGB’s Senior men’s league match against Ballinacor was cancelled last weekend and will be rescheduled.
Their next championship outing is Saturday where they will face Blessignton at 6.45pm in Joule Park, Aughrim.
AGB’s Junior ‘B’ men’s team travelled to Hollywood on Thursday evening for a Carter Cup game.
The Arklow side faced strong opposition from a very experienced Hollywood team.
The AGB men had a great game with excellent football on display, and although the scoreline didn’t end in their favour they gained valuable experience which will encourage the young AGB Junior Bs.
Scorers on the night were Tiernan McBride (1-00), Garrett Kenny (1-04), Quentin O’Reilly (0-01), Darragh Culleton (0-01) and Alan Mc Bride (0-01).
The final score finished Hollywood 1-17 to AGB 2-08. The Junior Bs will face Lacken at home in Pearse’s Park this Thursday. Throw in is at 7.30pm.
AGB’s under-17s/Minors finished 3-08 to 3-07 against St. Nick’s at home on Monday evening in Pearse’s Park.
A very close finish after a great game where both teams gave everything they had to ensure a win.
The Arklow side never held back and pushed on determined through the St. Nicks team.
Ben Fennel from the under-17 team represented AGB on Thursday evening when he played with the county Wicklow team that were defeated by Wexford in Pearse’s Park.
Both under-13 boys teams were in action on Monday evening. Well done to our under-13 boys who played Annacurra at home in Ballymoney. Final score finished AGB 10-05 to 9-04.
Well done to our under-13 boys who travelled to Aughrim also. Their final score finished 2-07 to 2-05.
AGB were greatly represented when Wicklow’s under-13s were out against Wexford in Ferns last week when nine of our young players doned the Wicklow jersey.
The AGB lads were brilliant and showed some great skills. Well done to Niall Dempsey, Conor Hannon, Dean Farrell, Oran Dunning, Chris Obrien, Luka Connolly, Darragh Furlong, Adam Mulervey and Cormac Ward.
The under-7/9 boys hosted a blitz on Friday evening in Pearse’s Park. A huge number of children arrived to play from Rathnew and St. Pats with both pitches being used to host the games.
The atmosphere was exciting as the children really enjoyed the games. Refreshments were available and a great evening was had by all.
Well done to all the organisers, parents who supplied refreshments and to the junior referee’s who made the evening so enjoyable for the children.
The Junior ladies finished 2-5 to St. Pat’s 2-8 mid week in a tough clash for the local rivals.
An excellent first half saw the Arklow girls showcase their skills and they were the most dominant team on the pitch.
The second half saw St. Pat’s come back with gusto, and our girls struggled to regain the pace they had set in their first half.
Although the score wasn’t in their favour, the Arklow girls will have gained great experience from this match which they will continue to use in their championship campaign.
An exciting morning of football was had on Saturday, when the under-10 girls travelled to Clonee, Wexford for a blitz. Great football was on display with the AGB girls displaying their skills and enjoying every match they played.
AGB under-8 girls had a great evening of football in Kilanerin on Wednesday 19th where they fielded two teams against two very enthusiastic home sides.
The Arklow girls showed great determination and used their newly learned skills throughout both games.
For their part Kilanerin also showed great skills and all four teams had a lot of fun and learned much about the game through practice.
With super parental support and encouragement these young players continue to make great strides in this wonderful team sport.
Patience is the order of the day and lots of positive reinforcement. Well done to the referees on the evening who took great care to explain the basic rules to the youngsters throughout.
And well done to the forty young ladies who brightened up our evening and reminded us why we all love Gaelic football!
Super Valu, Arklow, are running a promotion from June called “Behind the Ball”. The promotion will give AGB the opportunity to win some much needed footballs for our Juvenile section.
The idea is that the customer shops in store and spends over €20, the customer uses their Real Rewards Card, the till prints a receipt then the customer chooses their club to support and drops receipt into our Collection Unit.
This will run for nine weeks, so whichever club reaches 2000 receipts first will win a set of footballs for their club. So please spread the word and let’s win these for AGB.
AGB’s clubhouse is now open for Sunday Dinner, every Sunday this July from 1pm to 6pm. Call in and sample our delicious menu, with great choices and prices.
The bar is also open on Friday and Saturday evenings from 8pm during the summer months. The first of our live entertainment nights kicks off next Saturday, July 29, with music from Don Donnelly. Admission is € 5.00 which will include a curry and promises to be a great evening.
AGB’s Summer Camp will takeThursdaye this August in Pearse’s Park on the week of the 14th to the 18th from 10am to 2pm. The price will be €45 per child, or €80 for two children. Great fun and games will be played. To celebrate our summer camp, we will also be taking a trip to Croke Park on the Friday of our camp week at an additional cost of €5. To book your place please contact Sinead on 0871374812.
The next meeting of the AGB Executive Committee will take place on the August 9 in the AGB offices in Pearse’s Park at 8pm.
AGB Club gear is available at great prices. Contact Kerry on 087 3287881 to order.
Please send club notes to arklowgaa@ gmail.com You can contact the AGB PRO at above email, Facebook (‘Arklow Geraldines Ballymoney GAA Club’ or ‘AGB Ladies’) or Twitter.