CLUB CALL
INDOOR BOWLS
Kildare West Wicklow Indoor Bowling Association (KWWIBA)
Ardclough Cause More Headaches For League Champions - On the Friday of Christmas week, Caragh, the league champions for the past two years, travelled to the Ardclough GAA hall to take on Ardclough in Round 8 of the Division 1 league.
The champions, after a relatively poor start to the campaign, needed to get back on track as quickly as possible if they were to give themselves a fighting chance to try and make it three in a row.
With their arch-rivals Kildare Town setting the pace and twelve points clear at this stage in the table it was a real pressure game for Caragh, as they needed to get some points to close the gap somewhat. But they would feel confident having succeeded in winning their previous three games, taking all five points from each one.
Having to play this game in Ardclough would be the ultimate challenge for them, as very few teams succeed in coming out of this venue with points in their pockets or with very little to say the least.
Ardclough on the other hand lying in second place would be trying to hold that position and increase their points tally to keep pace with the leaders.
With another round of games after this one before we reach the half way stage of the league there would no need for panic from either team, but with home advantage Ardclough would have the edge to shade it.
Absorbing Game - On Mat 1 we witnessed a fantastic game of bowls by two brilliant teams. In the early stages it was the visitors that dominated, but within a short period the home team had levelled the game at five scores apiece. The champions were really getting into their stride by now and gradually built up a commanding lead of six.
Ardclough once again rallied to the challenge and within a few ends had the sides level for the second time at 11 each.
On the next end the home team took the lead for the first time in the game, but only by the slender margin of one score. Back came Caragh to level up matters for the third time and then take a lead by one, only again for Ardclough to level it for the fourth time.
The twists and turns were far from finished in this absorbing game, as again the visitors gained the upper hand to lead by three, again in a few ends the home side were back in the lead but this time by a margin of six.
With only two ends left to play it looked comfortable enough for Ardclough, but the champions put in a supreme effort in those last two ends to try and redeem the situation but just fell shorts by two scores. A great game, great bowls and great scores, what more could one ask for. Final score: Ardclough 21 Caragh 19.
Ardclough: Margaret Fogarty, Nina Delmer, Loreto Farrell and Ben Maguire.
Caragh: Pat O’Driscoll, John O’Toole, Christy McDonald and Denis Judge.
Intriguing - On Mat 2 this was every bit as intriguing as mat 1 but for different reasons. From the onset it was the home side that completely dominated the exchanges.
They were so much on top we were left wondering what on earth had happened to Caragh, as they were completely being obliterated.
By the seventh end we were looking an unbelievable scoreline with the home side leading by 13/1.
At this time the champions decided to introduce their substitute John Doyle and what an impact he made straight away.
Suddenly the champs looked a different team and they started the process of hauling in their opponents.
For the rest of the match it was all Caragh as they scored end after end and by the fourteenth end had turned the game on its head and were leading by two scores.
On the last end a shocked Ardclough regained their composure to score two, thus ending the game with the score of 16 apiece.
This was a most intriguing contest as you are ever likely to see.
Ardclough: Olivia Maguire, Tony Maguire, Brien Cullen and Leo Tiernan.
Caragh: Timmy Wright, Dom Kavanagh, Martin Lynch, John Murphy and sub John Doyle.
The standout players on view were Nina Delmer (Ardclough) and John Doyle (Caragh). Nina played a marvellous and consistent game throughout, and John without question had the game of his life, and helped to drag the champions back from the dead.
Ardclough will be very happy having secured four points from this encounter, and Caragh will surely be disappointed but can count themselves lucky to take one point home.
Recent league results (home team first):
Division 1: Ardclough 4, Caragh 1; Caragh 5, Brownstown 5.
Division 2: Balyna 5, Baltinglass/Kiltegan 0; Blessington 2, Prosperous 3; Prosperous 0, Rathmore 5.
Division 3: Donard/Glen 5, Straffan 0; Hollywood 1, Naas 4. Division 4: Balyna 3, Kilcullen 2. Division 5: Kill CBC 5, Clane/ Staplestown 0.
WICKLOW ROVERS
The senior men resumed action on Friday night when they travelled away to take on second placed Castleknock Celtic.
The lads came home with an excellent point but it could have been even better as the lads had the chances to win the game.
Rovers led 1-0 before been pegged back when Castleknock fired home the next two goals to hit the front.
Rovers then battled back to level matters, which was the very least they deserved.
Gareth Murphy nabbed his ninth of the season with Ciaran McGettigan firing home his sixth of the campaign in what was a solid team performance in their first game after the Christmas break.
This point was enough to send our opponents to the top of the table but it also keeps the lads very much in promotion contention. A good start to the new year, well done lads.
The club’s weekly junior soccer academy continues every Saturday morning (weather permitting) under the watchful eye of senior club coach Johnny Dunne.
The academy takes places on the all weather pitch on the club grounds at the Whitegates and is open to all kids from the age of 3 years to 8 years. The academy starts at 11 o’clock and finishes at 12. There is no need for registration so you can come along to any week that suits.
Come along and learn the skills of football while having fun and enjoyment, it’s a great way of meeting new friends as you learn the skills as you get prepared for the introduction to participate in organised league football in the coming years.
For all your club gear you must contact Mandy O’Neill who is running our club shop, everything regards club gear goes through Mandy and no one else. You can contact Mandy at 087-7924649 and she will only be too glad to discuss all details with you.
All enquires regarding the club should be done at a respectable time of the day, please remember that all club committee members are also volunteers the same as coaches, managers and players. The committee members are giving their spare time to the club to try help its progression so please remember most of us have our day jobs to attend to as well, many thanks.
Wicklow Rovers AFC promote soccer for schoolboys/girls, youths and seniors men and ladies in the community, our club is growing all the time and any assistance with the help of running the club would be very much appreciated.
At present we have a very hard working committee but we are always on the look out for people interested in helping out.
The club are always on the look out for people who are interested in getting involved in soccer, whether its coaching and managing or on the executive committee or a sub committee.
Maybe you would just like to help as an assistant manager, help with fundraising or help just around the grounds or in anyway at all, don’t hesitate, get involved, anyone interested in helping out the club in anyway can contact any committee member.
So, if your interested in doing some work around the club please contact any of the following committee members, John Frazer, Paul Delaney, Johnny Dunne, Franny Copeland, Jimmy Nolan, Jason Harris, Mandy O’Neill, Rachel Bolger and Brigid O’Reilly. Contact numbers can be found on the club website or alternatively you can private message our club facebook page.
Remember the more people we get involved the smaller amount of work everyone will have to do.
At present we have people like Robbie Dover, Maria Lewins, Anthony Earls and Charlie Mitchell helping out doing non executive roles which takes the pressure of committee members, for this the club are so grateful and appreciate their help so much.
So, if you feel you have something to offer why not have a chat with one of our committee members and see where you can help our club prosper.
It is hoped to start our second Last Man Standing competition very soon, dates for the start of the competition will be posted on the club Facebook page, club website and printed here in the club notes as soon as the start date has been decided.
Anyone with information for the club notes or the club website can contact me at 087 9108706 or e-mail me at jimmy.nolan09@ hotmail.com.
For all news regarding the club, check out the club website at www. wicklowrovers.com or the club Facebook page.
BRAY WANDERERS
Lotto draw - There was no jackpot winner on January 7. Numbers drawn were 3, 19, 24, and 27. €30 lucky dip winners were Mary Byrne c/o D. Crinion, Willie Robinson c/o Bray Lakers, Charlie Kavanagh c/o C. Kavanagh, Aidan O’Toole c/o D. Crinion, Mick McDwyer c/o D. Crinion. Next jackpot is €7,975.
Player Signings - Bray Wanderers are delighted to announce the re-signings of Conor Kenna, Hugh Douglas, John Sullivan, Gary McCabe and Ger Pender. Also signing on for the new season are Dylan Hayes (Bohemian FC), Paul O’Conor (St. Patrick’s Athletic), Sean Heaney (Shamrock Rovers), Jake Kelly (Longford Town) and Darragh Gibbons (Shamrock Rovers).
Leinster Senior Cup - The draw for the Fourth Round of this season’s Leinster FA Senior Cup has given Bray Wanderers a home draw against St. Patrick’s Athletic. Date and time of game to be arranged.
Season Tickets – Bray Wanderers 2018 season tickets are now on sale from our online store. This season will see the introduction of excellent value family season tickets alongside regular season tickets.
Those under the age of 14 will now come under the child category. Prices for the 2018 season are: Adults €210, student/concession €130, family season tickets are one adult and two children €210, one senior citizen and two children €130, two adults and four children €420, season tickets are valid for all home league games and pre-season friendlies.
Tickets can be ordered on line at www.braywanderersfc.ie/ tickets. Bray Wanderers begin their league season with an away game against Dundalk on Friday, February 16.
The first home league game of the season is on Friday, February 23, against St. Patrick’s Athletic.
Underage teams - We are delighted to announce the appointments of Gavin Teehan (U15), Bernard Byrne (U17) and Tom O’Connor (U19) as the managers of the SJ.B Academy teams for the 2018 season.
All three coaches have vast experience in Elite Youth Development having helped to develop some of the best young players in the country in recent years and we are delighted to have them and their backroom teams on board.
Preparations are well under way for the upcoming season as the Academy aims to build upon the many successes of last season.
NEWTOWN JUNIORS
No on field action now until mid-February when the season will recommence with our 12s and 14s playing their two legged finals as a curtain raiser to the official Calendar season.
Up until then the WDSL will be running Futsal over the coming months at three venues across the county i.e. Aughrim, Arklow and Newtown at the following age groups under-9s (2009/2010), under-11s (2007/2008) and under-13s (2005/2006).
For further information please contact our secretary Hughie at 0876987653/hughienolan@ gmail.com.
Our under-13s team will have their first Futsal outing on Saturday, January 13, in Newtown where their opponents will be Aughrim, Coolboy Rangers Girls and Sporting Greystones Red, while our under-9s Black team should/could also have their first outing on this weekend (TBC).
So, that’s it now until the New Year when our next Last Man Standing competition will kick-off on the weekend of Saturday, January 20, until Monday, January 22.
As before the cost is €10 per head and all monies raised go back into the youth of the area. Please support your local club.
All support is very much appreciated.
Three of our players celebrate their birthday in the coming week and they are Alex Ryan from the under-9s, PJ Duffy from the under-11s and last but not least Laragh Davis from the under-14s. Happy birthday to all three players from everyone at Newtown Juniors F.C.
Newtown Juniors F.C. would like to wish all our players, members and their families, supporters, sponsors, opponents, league officials and referees a very Happy and peaceful New Year.
The club would like to extend its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Elizabeth Mooney (nee Kennedy) of St Patrick’s Road who sadly passed away recently. May she rest in peace.
For further information on all matters Newtown Juniors F.C. please contact the secretary at 087 6987653 or by email to hughienolan@gmail.com and you can also follow the club on our Facebook and Twitter pages as well.