GRASSROOTS
AN TOCHAR
Catchphrase Plus - Maria Magee’s Strictly Fundraiser takes place next Friday, September 1 at 8 pm in Fanning’s Tochar House. This will be good fun! Say what you see.
Denis Healy’s Strictly for An Tóchar Fundraising campaign kicks off with a fun table quiz on Friday, September 8, in Kavanagh’s pub, starting at 8.30pm sharp. Spot prizes, finger food and overall winners prizes. Raffle on the night. This is sure to be great craic so come along and enjoy the craic
Richie Cullen is kicking off his Strictly for An Tóchar campaign with an Irish Night/Set Dancing on Saturday, September 23, in Kavanagh’s Lounge from 8.30 pm. €5 admission. Raffle on the night.
Clothes Bank - Please note the list of suitable and UNSUITABLE items. Thank you for your support. We are looking for clothes (incl school uniforms), shoes, bed sheets and linen, belts, bags, soft toys. Please DO NOT deposit duvets, pillows, rugs, soiled clothes or rubbish.
HOLLYWOOD
The next Hollywood GAA Club lotto draw will be held this Thursday, August 31, at 7.30 pm for a Jackpot of €11,200. Thanks for your support and good luck.
LARAGH
On Saturday we headed to Arklow to play the quarter-final of the Junior ‘A’ championship we knew we would be up against a very determined Newcastle team.
It was a slow start to the game with both teams struggling to get a grip of it. Newcastle got the first score of the game but we were quick to level through a John Nolan free they then took the lead again before we got three points in a row through Myles Conway, Damien Hanlon and another John Nolan free.
Newcastle then got a free to put a point back in the game it was then point for point for the next 10 minutes with our score coming from Damien then a Newcastle point tightened it up with five minutes to go in the first half.
This is when we started to get control of the game we hit them for 2-01 in the last five minutes of the first half with the goals coming from Dan Power and Mark Miley and the point from Damien.
Half-time score: 2-06 to 0-04. We started the second half well with two points from mark Miley and John Nolan this put us well in control but in fairness Newcastle kept coming at us and hit us with three points in between a mark Miley point.
We finished the stronger with four points in a row from Mark Miley, Aran Lynham, Liam McEvoy and a final score from a John Nolan free. Newcastle tried there best and kicked a lot of wides but we deserved our victory in the end. Final score: 2-13 to 0-08. Roll on the semi-finals.
A big thanks to all our supporters today ye we’re all a savage help urging the lads on.
Our next Go Games fixtures will be the last one for the year this is for our under-7s and under-9s this will take place in Ballinakill on September 2. It’s been a good year for both these age groups with plenty of improvement been noticed.
Due to unforeseen circumstances we’ve had to cancel our Duck Race that scheduled for Sunday last. All ducks bought to date will automatically be entered into the race when we reschedule a new date which will be done over the next few days. Sorry for any inconvenience caused by this. Ducks are still available to buy at €10 contact any player or committee member.
Everyone in the Club send there best wishes to Tom Miley and we wish him a speedy recovery.
The club send its deepest sympathies to the Nolan Kinsella and Doyle families on the sudden passings of Wendy, Denise and Chrissy.
NEWTOWN
Weather permitting our junior Magpie’s nursery finishes for this term next Saturday and we hope to resume indoors over the winter months. Nursery runs each Saturday at 10am on the pitch and we cater for kids aged 4-8 and great fun is had by all every week.
The under-7 and under-9s have their last blitz of the year in Ballinakill next Saturday, September 2, and continue to train Tuesdays at 6.30pm.
The under-11s are starting to gain a bit of momentum as players return from the holidays, training is on Wednesdays at 7pm.
They are playing Enniskerry tonight at home. The under-13s are doing well in the league and although beaten by Annacurra recently we still remain in the top four play-off places, the under-13s train on Mondays at 6.30pm.
The under-8 and 10 girls train Wednesdays at 6.30pm. The under-12 girls next match is in the shield with no date or time yet. Training continues every Tuesday and Friday at 7pm.
The under-16 girls match was called off last week and training has been stepped up. We really need everybody to attend all sessions. Next match is at home to AGB, no date confirmed yet.
There is a good stock of club gear now available to buy for any enquiries regarding club gear please contact Amy at 086 3332195.
Our next fundraising event takes place on Friday, September 15, in the Parkview, we are pleased to announce that the Fureys are playing and tickets cost €25.
Tickets are available from the hotel reception or contact any committee member, it promises to be a great night so get your tickets early as they are limited.
The draw for All-Ireland hurling tickets will be on Thursday, August 31, in the clubhouse at 7.30. Tickets cost €5 each and are open to members only.
There were two match three winners in the lotto last week who received €100 each, but there was no jackpot winner. This week’s jackpot was €5,800, please buy a ticket and help support the club.
BLESSINGTON
Junior B - The lads had a great win against Donard away on Thursday in the Division 4 West league. Final score: 4-19 to 1-8. Scorers were S. Carroll 0-5, S. Mescall 2-2, I. Richardson 0-1, A. Ellis 1-3, D. Breen 1-3, J. Cotter 0-2, D. McEnroe 0-1, F. Hennessy 0-1, A. Curran 0-1.
Senior Ladies – Hard luck to the ladies who lost to Tinahely in the championship semi-final on August 22 in Baltinglass.
Under-12 girls – Under-12 girls (white) are away against Kilcoole on Tuesday, August 29, at 7pm. Under-12 girls (blue) are at home against Baltinglass at 7.15pm on Thursday, August 31.
Under-10 girls – The girls played their final blitz in Bray on Saturday. As usual they had a great win in every game. There is no stopping these girls. Well done.
Physio - Physio on Wednesday at 7pm in the clubhouse. €5 donation. Players training will have first preference.
G4M&O - Training on Wednesday as normal from 7pm to 8pm. For more information contact Michelle 086 3734748, Sinead 086 2446510 or Lorcan 087 76647625.
The ladies played St Kevin’s on Wednesday, August 23 in a very competitive fast paced game. Well done to Amanda Lynch on her first G$M game. G4M are going to hold an Open Day and Cake Sale on Saturday, September 9, at the pitch from 10am up at the pitch. It is a good chance for any ladies over 18 to try out Gaelic for mothers and others and get a taste of some football. G4M blitz is scheduled for Saturday, September 23.
Juvenile – For upcoming fixtures, pictures and pitch rota please see our website and Facebook page.
Mini All Ireland’s – This enjoyable event will take place over the next month. It will involve from under-7 to under-12. Details will be available soon.
Leinster Blitz - On Sunday, August 27, we welcomed under-8/9/10/11 teams from all over Leinster to our blitz.
In total 31 teams from the following clubs were involved: Blessington (Wicklow); Baltinglass (Wicklow); Clonmore (Carlow); Cuala (Dublin); Dunlavin (Wicklow); Edenderry (Offaly); Eire Og (Wicklow); Kill (Kildare); Naas (Kildare); Navan O’Mahony’s (Meath); Portlaoise (Laois); Rathvilly (Carlow); Sarsfields (Kildare); Two Mile House (Kildare).
The blitz format was based on eight teams at each age level with the teams split into two groups of four.
Each team played three group games and depending on results ended up in the Leinster, Connaught, Munster or Ulster final against a similar placed team in the other group.
At any one time eight matches were in progress and by the end of the blitz 36 hours of football was played.
The 400+ kids who attended played very entertaining football throughout and most importantly enjoyed themselves.
At the end of the blitz our Chairman, John Williamson, thanked all the teams for traveling before our Senior players handed out medals to all the kids.
A big thanks to the parents of each Blessington team who provided food and drinks for all the visiting teams and also helped out with car-parking, as pitch coordinators and various other jobs.
Also, a big thanks to Noreen, Ann-Marie, Des, Sorcha and Zara for keeping everyone in tea/ coffee and goodies from our club shop.
Thanks to all the referees who had a busy morning including our club members who gave up their Sunday morning to ref all the matches.
Thanks to Lesley Nolan and Barry Hamilton for photography on the day and Bailey and Blake for drone coverage.
Also thanks to all other club members who helped on the day including all the coaches of our various teams.
Finally, a special mention for the sponsorship we received from Qualitas Property Partners; Brian Carroll Plastering and an anonymous donation from a member of the community.
Also thanks to Conor Wilson for his donation to the club and for providing great food to all spectators. All going well this will be annual event in the club.
Under-7s – The under-7s away against Celbridge at 7pm on Tuesday, August 29. Also on Saturday, September 2, at home against Leixlip at 2.30pm.
Under-9s – The under-9s away v Raheens on Wednesday, August 30, at 7pm. Also on Saturday, September 2, at home against St Edwards at 3.30pm.
Under-11s – One of our under-11 teams played against Kilbride/Lacken in Wicklow league on Wednesday, August 23, in a game where players from both clubs played entertaining football.
Our under-10 and under-11 Kildare league teams have five games in the NKL autumn league with the first match away on Tuesday, August 29, where our under-11 team travel to Balyna. Under-11 boys are at home against Celbridge on Saturday, September 2 at 4.30pm. Under-11s at home against S Pat’s on Monday, September 4 at 7pm.
Under-12/under-13s – Training Wednesday and Friday from 6.30 to 8pm. Well done to all the lads that attended the last training session of the under-13 Wicklow Development squad on Saturday.
The lads showed well at training and matches with excellent training and some great experiences playing their first inter-county game and came up against Wexford, Laois and Kildare.
Well done to Sam Gough, James Dooley, James Stack, Austin Brennan, Shane Brophy and Rory Cullen.
Under-15s – Lads are away v St Kevin’s on Wednesday (tonight) at 7.15pm.
Under-17s – Hard luck to the lads who lost by four points against Clara Gaels on August 21 in Laragh. Next championship match against St Nicks is now on September 8 in Hollywood.
Hurl repairs - Hurley repairs - €5 a fix, €2/hoop. Contact Ciarán 085 7145288 .
Lotto –No winner of lotto jackpot on August 22. Numbers drawn were 2, 4, 13 and 18. Seven people matched three numbers and won €45 each: Kathleen Magee, Derek Brophy. Sinead Johnston, Eoin and Laura co Eoin Devlin, Mr Long c/o Michelle Ricker, Jake Ball c/o Mary Hamilton and Eoin Russell c/o Niamh Carroll. Jackpot now €3,200. Next draw in Mick Reid’s on September 5.
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 McGarr 087 7460327 or Arthur Hennessy for details 087 2396157. Remember you can also play online by logging onto www.blessingtongaa.ie.
AFL International Cup – The club welcomed home Molly Cullen and Gavin Murray when they returned home from their successful trip down under.
They were greeted by members of the club and paraded in grand style to the pitch. Jessica Brennan presented both with a momento of the special occasion and their was craic agus ceoil. You did yourselves and everyone around you proud.
Paddy Magee Memorial Cup – The Annual match against Ballymore was held at Blessingon GAA on Friday, August 25.
Blessington won this year on a scoreline of 2-19 to 1-07. Chris O’Connor presented the Paddy Magee Memorial Cup to captain Kevin John Rogers and then presented the team with their trophies.
The Pete Nolan Man of the Match award was presented to Curtis Geraghty by Nora Nolan. Well done to the ladies who provided refreshments - Noelle, Geraldine, Denise, Karen and Olive. All proceeds from the event will go to Blessingon and Ballymore Senior Citizens.
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.
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
Tinahely Ladies
Intermediate and Senior Ladies are in county finals next Sunday, September 3. Intermediate - Tinahely v St Nicholas at 2pm Senior - Tinahely v St Pats at 4pm, all in Aughrim County Grounds.
What achievement for the club to have two teams in county finals, this bunch of girls has worked so hard all year to get to where they are today.
So let’s show Tinahely ladies that everyone is behind them, get the flags out, flying high wit pride. Tinahely Ladies Club want to wish our Intermediate and Senior teams The best of luck in the county finals. Bring home the cups, girls.
Tinahely GAA Club would like to extend sincere sympathy to the Doyle and Furlong families on the death Ned Doyle, R .I.P., Annacurra, our thoughts and prayers are with them at this sad time.
Senior Football - Our Senior team played their last game of the group championship on Sunday morning last in Baltinglass against Kiltegan.
This was a one sided game as Kiltegan stormed to victory. With the chase for Miley truly over for 2017 it’s the Keating Cup now that needs our full attention. Please make a effort to attend training sessions.
Junior Football - Our Junior C team were away to Avoca last Thursday evening in the Carter Cup.
We were short a number of key players and unfortunately we were not able to get the win. Avoca march on to the Carter Cup final for 2017. We will be playing the Junior C semi-final in the next two weeks so keep an eye out for the fixture.
ENNISKERRY
Pedal for Pieta – the club had a very successful day on Saturday with the charity cycle, between the two routes there was 32 cyclists taking part. A big thank you to helpers on the day – James Ennis, Helen Kirwan, Margaret Drew, Liam Kane, Heather Blackbyrne and Shay and his staff for a great post cycle meal and drink and music that night. Well done to all who completed their route and we would like to wish Michael Kelly a speedy recovery after his fall.
Men’s Championship – the men are scheduled to play AGB this coming Saturday in the quarter final however this could change so please keep an eye on our Facebook for updates.
Juveniles - Clan na Gael under-13s win the Division 3 league! Monday week ago so the under-13 lads face AGB in a horribly wet and wintery Kilgarron, the lads ran out 3-4 to 2-3 winners which saw them winning the 2017 Division 3 league, a huge congratulations to the lads and and a big thank you to mentors Christy Fox and PJ Scully for all their hard work throughout the year.
The under-7s and under-9s will have a blitz in Ballinakill this Saturday so won’t be training Friday.
Lotto results, August 21 – Winning numbers were 12, 13, 26, and 28. No jackpot winner. Seven lucky dips receive €30 and one seller prize of €30. Jackpot stands at €11,800. Thank you to all sellers and buyers of club lotto tickets.