GRASSROOTS

SHILLELAGH

The Junior A football team continued their good run in Division 3 of the football league on Friday last when accounting for Hollywood on the Fairgreen on a score line of 1-11 to 6pts.

While the lads made hard work of putting the opposition away the management team of Anthony Grey. Darren Kavanagh and Noel Murphy will have been impressed with the work ethic of the entire panel on Friday last and this year to date, a lot of scoring opportunities spurned during this encounter, rest assured it will be a topic of conversation at training during the coming week.

St Pats are the visitors to the Fairgreen on Saturday next in the Division 3 Cup competition. Throw in is at 7pm. All connected with our club, particularly our greatest asset the players are delighted to see the increase in spectator numbers in attendance at our games, a trend that we hope will continue.

Good to see Declan the Gooch in attendance, albeit in his civvies. The Gooch suffered a hand injury during the Kilcoole league game and has been out of action since. The Coolattin man brings a wealth of experience to the table so looking forward to getting him back in the geansai.

The combination drawn in the club lotto draw on Monday, April 16, was 9, 11, 19, and 26. There was no jackpot winner. Noel Murphy was the sole match three winner and procured €100. David Nolan won the promoters prize.

The next draw with the jackpot an enticing €2,400 was scheduled for Monday last. Results will be available to interested parties from Tuesday morning in local business outlets, on the club Facebook page and in next week’s club notes. Your continued support is invaluable and much appreciated.

REMINDER - Golfing enthusiasts, the club annual golf classic will take place in Coolattin G/C on Sunday June 3. Lar Behan at 087 2785242 is the man in charge and he would be delighted to hear from anyone willing to support this venture, a team of four to enter costs €50 per person and Lar will advise re available tee off times.

Remember the Shillelagh Games of 2016, when after two weeks of competition in a variety of disciplines involving all age groups the RED area, capably led by their successful lord mayor candidate Eileen Kelly, emerged victorious, well it’s time for round two. Can the REDS defend their crown and make it two in a row? Watch this space.

The under-13 St Mary’s football team made the long journey to Kilcoole on Monday, April 23, and after a thriller had to give best to the home side on a score line of Kilcoole 3-14, St Mary’s 3-11 (one that got away according to reports). This is a skillful and committed group who despite having had a difficult 2017 have re-grouped and are without doubt heading in the right direction and are deserving of the support of members of both Coolkenno and Shillelagh clubs, full marks to all involved, the 13s next fixture is a home game versus Newcastle, date and venue T.B.C.

The next instalment in the ever-popular Go Games series catering for our under-7 and under-9 warriors is scheduled for Saturday, May 12, parents will be informed well in advance of venue and travelling arrangements.

The under-11 panel continue to blaze a trail and thus far are unbeaten in their division. Word on the street is that this talented group could be plying their trade in a higher division come their next fixture, a compliment to the coaches/ parents and in particular to the dedication of the boys and girls involved.

ÉIRE ÓG GREYSTONES

It is not often that it falls to one’s lot to record victories by three of our adult teams in the same instalment of the Notes. First there was the lads’ win over Enniskerry in the Wicklow Hire Div. 3 League, 2-11 to 2-08.

A very welcome bit of news as there appeared to have been a degree of precariousness in relation to the team’s future.

The existence of a solid competitive junior squad is a huge bonus to a club which fields a team at senior level. For, not only does it act as a feeder to that team, but it also provides its peripheral members the chance of playing meaningful football (or hurling) and further it allows younger players with potential to gain the experience which they require in their progression to senior level.

One of the great footballing rivalries in the N.E. in the late 70s and early 80s and again in the noughties was that between Kilmac and Greystones (who can forget the shock our newly crowned intermediates got when they played Kilmac, for a NE trophy, shortly after the county final) was that between Kilmac and Greystones.

Their encounters generated great excitement and, as another code would euphemistically have it, their fair share of handbags. Any of the on-field animosity was thankfully short lived.

Unfortunately, if last Friday’s game is anything to go by a gulf seems to have developed between the standards of the top teams in the clubs. Older Greystones supporters, while regretting the absence of the fire and brimstone of the games of yore, were on this occasion very pleased with what was a relatively facile win. It halted what threatened to be a freefall to the lower regions of the table. As it happens this win secures the team’s Div. 1A status for next season.

Our ladies continued on their winning ways in the league with their defeat last week of An Tóchar in Roundwood. A tightly contested first half saw Éire Óg enjoy a four-point lead going into the break; it could have been a good deal greater but for the excellent goalkeeping of the local custodian who included among her many exploits the saving of two penalties. The second period was an altogether different affair with Éire Óg exercising such a degree of dominance that they were 14 points (6-12 to 3-7) ahead at the final whistle.

Katie Lawless was a live wire in the attack and contributed 2-2 to the scoreboard while Ciara Patrick in her forays from the half-back line scored 1-3. Shauna Dillane was most prominent among the defenders and Erin Wylie played a very effective nomadic role.

Kerry Hamilton scored two well-taken goals and Megan Healy, who besides scoring 1-3, was hugely effective as a link between the defence and attack and was awarded the accolade of Player of the Match.

For team manager Ray McTague the highlight of the game was Wendela Zeger’s spectacular gymnastic roll out from a tackle.

The under-14 girls have been doing very well in their league and scored their 3rd win on the trot (4-10 to 5-1) against the locals in Rathnew on Tuesday.

Our u-12 girls were not so lucky and lost their home game to Baltinglass Bs on Saturday afternoon 7-9 to 6-7. Éire Óg were actually four points ahead at the break. This has to be rated as a very good performance from what is an inexperienced and physically light squad. The team is hugely dependent on three of its members viz. Sophia King, Camille Madden and Sophie Keddy who are the only girls with real experience having played on last year’s team.

COUNTY AFFAIRS - Iar-scoláirí of Éire Óg’s ladies football school are part of the county squad which contests the final of Div. 4 of the All-Ireland League on Bank Holiday Monday at 2p.m. in Birr.

The opening rounds of the All-Ireland Championships are nearly upon us and Cill Mhantáin teams will be in action the week-end after next; the hurlers in the Christy Ring Cup on Sat. 13th and the footballers in the Leinster Championship on Sun. 14th. As a build-up to these games the Coiste Chondae is having a Meet and Greet Your County Players evening in Ballinakill on Friday 4th 6.30 to 8-00p.m. Your attendance would be a great and deserving boost to these dedicated lads.

ST PATRICK’S

What can we say only a big thank you to everyone who supported us last Friday night especially all our sponsors. A massive crowd turned up and the crack was 90 with Rory’s Stories for the first time in Wicklow. Well done to Robert Hollingsworth and St Patrick’s GAA Wicklow Ladies Committee for organizing an truly memorable evening of fun and laughter.

We would like to take the opportunity to thank all the local businesses who Kindly donated wonderful prizes for our raffle in Rory Stories.

Best of luck to Stephen McNulty and his team Dave Fitzgerald, Donal Marron, Damien O’Brien and Henry Leonard who got appointed for the Division 2 National League Final Cavan v Tipperary on Sunday, May 6, in Parnell Park, Dublin.

All in St Patricks send best wishes to all involved with Wicklow Ladies in their quest for a National Title in the Lidl NFL Division 4 final against Louth especially our own Niamh McGettigan Rose Fagan, Clodagh Fox and Mick Kavanagh on Monday, May 7, at 2pm in Birr, County Offaly.

We should all get and support our county ladies in the national final. The team certainly deserve it.

Congratulations to our U17 Footballers who travelled to Bray on Monday in their Division 2 league game against the local side. In an entertaining game of football, the lads converted their goal scoring opportunities to go in ahead at half time with the score of Bray Emmets 0-06 St Patrick’s 3-03. In the second half playing towards the dressing room goal the lads upped their intensity and playing some delightful football and supporting each other they ran out deserving winners on a final scoreline of Bray Emmets 2-08 St Patrick’s 8-05.

Congratulations to our senior player Saoirse O’Reilly who represented Ireland in the U18 Rugby Europe Women’s Championship 2018 where they reached the semi-finals, losing to France. The girls picked themselves up in the play-off against Italy and finished 3rd in Europe.

Congratulations to our very own senior player Stephen Duffy on making the junior Leinster panel to play Connaught at the weekend.

Congratulations to our own Lucy Dunne who captained the U16 Ladies in the U16’s Leinster semi-final against Westmeath in Mullingar, Westmeath. Full time score: Westmeath 1-15. Wicklow 10-2.

Congratulations to all involved with our Division 3 Under 14 girls who took on Blessington in Dunbur Park on Tuesday evening. Full time score: St Pats 4-09 Blessington 1-07

Well done to all involved with the Division 2 Under 14 girls who welcomed St. Nicholas on Tuesday evening to Saunders Lane, Rathnew. Full Time score: St Pats 3-10 St Nicholas 3-04

Sincere thanks and appreciation to Rathnew GAA club and Chairman Laurence Ellis for allowing us the use of their new Saunders Lane pitch to play the game.

Well done to Brian McSorley and the U16’s Ladies on a great win over neighbours AGB 2-05 St. Pats 4-13 in Pearse Park, Arklow on Thursday evening having lead at Half time 2:05 to 1:04.

We had two entertaining club hurling games in Dunbur during the week. First up the Junior hurlers welcomed Kiltegan to Dunbur on Wednesday but were on the wrong side of the full time score in an entertaining game: St Patrick’s 4-11 Kiltegan 6-09.

On Saturday it was our Senior hurlers who welcomed Carnew to Dunbur in the Senior Hurling League but were unlucky to finish on a final scoreline: St Patrick’s 1-13 Emmet Carn An Bhua 0-23

On Wednesday our U11 hurlers travelled to Glenealy in Division 1 and Avondale in Division 2. A good night for our U11 hurlers where we came away with two wins beating Avondale and Glenealy. Well done to all the boys.

Well done to our U13 football blue team who played host to Eire Og on Monday night in Dunbur. We started well and finished with a solid win. U13 Football Division 1: 2 St Patrick’s 10-14 Eiré Óg Greystones 1-02

On Sunday 22nd April our U13 football white team continued their winning start to the season with an exciting 3-10 to 5-2 victory over AGB on a sunny evening in Dunbur. St Pats trailed by 5 points at half time but showed great team spirit and determination to come from behind for a fantastic win. Both teams deserve great credit for putting on a hugely entertaining show. Well done to all the Pats boys for a great team performance - keep up the good work lads!

Congratulations to Kayden Connolly Walker and Aidan Dewar being crowned U7 hurlers of the week.

The sun was shining in Dunbur on Saturday as our U7 footballers were put through their paces! In the spotlight this week were our two players Of The week were Callum Dunne and Daire Mitchell.

Our sincere condolences to the family of Charlie Melia of Arklow and Ballyguile Mor, Wicklow who passed away suddenly on Friday 20th April 2018. Predeceased by his father Charley. Remembered with love by his partner Helena, mother Catherine, sisters Shauna and Mairead and their spouses Pat and Alan. Adored uncle of Fionn, Sahar, Lily, Sam, Tia and Shay; he will be sadly missed by his extended family and friends.

“I’ll keep watch”. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.

Our sincere condolences to the family of Michael (Mac) Hanlon of Glenview Road in Wicklow Town who passed away 27th April 2018 peacefully at St Vincent’s University Hospital. Deeply regretted by his cousins, extended family and friends.

Mac will repose at Flannery’s Funeral Home, Bachelors Walk, in Wicklow Town from 6 until 8pm on Monday. Funeral arriving to his home at Glenview Road on Tuesday morning at 9.30am and then proceeding at walking pace via Market Square to St Patrick’s Church, arriving at 9.50am for Funeral Mass at 10am followed by interment in Rathnew Cemetery. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam Please send any information for club notes to Pro.stpatricks.wicklow@gaa.ie before 9pm on Sunday evenings. You can contact St Pats at Facebook St Patrick’s GAA Club Wicklow Town or Twitter @StPatsGAAWick.

ENNISKERRY

Men’s Notes – the lads played Eire Og last week in the league, whilst they had a strong comeback in the second half unfortunately they couldn’t get the win in the bag. Final score 2-11 to Eire Og, 2-09 to Enniskerry. Next up they play Blessington at home on Saturday time TBC, this match will count for both the league and cup so all support welcome.

Ladies Notes – Clan na Gael senior ladies will play Kilbride in the league in Kilgarron on Thursday evening while the under-12s are away to Kilcoole at 7pm.

Juvenile Notes – the under-11s play Barndarrig tonight (Wed) in Barndarrig at 7pm while the under-15s play Michael Dwyers away, venue TBC.

Healthy Clubs – Enniskerry GAA have been picked as one of 90 clubs across the country to partake in the ‘Healthy Club’ initiative. There are 5 key pillars to be a Healthy Club and Croke Park have asked each participating club to pick one to two pillars and focus on them for the remainder of the year. The pillars Enniskerry are proposing to choose are Community Development and Mental Wellbeing, the clubs Health & Community Officer Jack Conroy will be leading this project over the coming months.

KILBRIDE/LACKEN

Kilbride Lacken mens team got a walk over from Kilcoole in the League Cup on Friday night.

The ladies team are back training in the pitch and have an away match this week in Enniskerry.

Kilbride/Lacken lotto jackpot was €6,000, no winner last night. Numbers drawn 4, 13, 19, and 26. Next week’s jackpot €6,100. Draw on Sunday, April 29, in Bealins. €20 winner Junior and Pat, Teddy Cruise, Sean Murray, Gerry O’Neill, and Tom Maguire.

Lacken Kilbride GAA juvenile news – Under-11s play Blessington away this Wednesday 7.15pm. Training on every Monday starting April 9th at 6.30pm in Kilbride Pitch, for all age groups.

RATHNEW

Lotto numbers last week (23rd), were 6, 7, 22 and 30. No winner, 1 match 3 - Joanne O’Neill

Rathnew GAA hosted a Table Quiz this at The Arches, Rathnew. This was a Juvenile fundraiser and I am happy to report that the event was very successful. Fourteen tables competed in the quiz and lots of craic and banter was had.

Winners were Harry Murphy, Pat Sheehy, Whacker Doyle and Tommy Murphy and the runners-up Kasey Doyle, Aoife Murphy and Anto Nolan. Well done to our Quizmaster for the evening Amy Tierney, thanks to all who attended this fundraiser and those who contributed prizes for the Raffle.

U12s v Fergal og Tuesday and U16s v Roundwood Thursday.

Keep an eye to fixtures on Facebook for more information.

Registration night in the field for all Juveniles. The event takes place this coming Friday (4th) from 6.30pm-8pm.