GRASSROOTS
BLESSINGTON
Lotto –Next draw on October 23. Jackpot €2,000. Thank you for your continued support.
Date for your diary – Blessington GAA night at the dogs at Newbridge on Friday, November 30, at 8pm. Sponsored by Dunnes Stores Blessington. €10 ticket will entitle you to entry on the night and for some great prizes also. Total prize fund €3,600. First race at 8pm. Buster Draw One – 1st Prize €750, 2nd prize €400, 3rd Prize €200. Buster Draw two - 1st Prize €750, 2nd prize €400, 3rd Prize €200. 5 prizes of €100.
You can nominate a dog for €50 which entitles you to entry to the dogs on the night and a prize of €100 if dog wins the race. Tickets available from all coaches and John Magee Snr 086 8717483, Breda Brophy 087 2253892 and JP Moran 087 2253892. Bus will be going on the night. Details to be confirmed later.
Club AGM – Blessington GAA AGM on Monday, November 26, in the Baile Coimin Centre at 7.30pm.
U20s – Lads had a good challenge v Castledermot on Sunday, October 21, at home to prepare for under-20s championship. First match of the championship at home on Sunday, October 28 v Naomh Eoin at 2pm.
Ladies Minor A Championship Semi Final - Blessington 3-8, Tinahely 2-10. Played under lights in Donard on Wednesday night, one of the best games on the Wicklow ladies calendar this year between two fantastic sides.
The high tempo started from the throw in and turned out to be a cracker of a game. Blesso were fierce in every contest and put in a solid team performance.
The whole defense were solid clearing up many Tinahely attacks. Midfield pairing Moya Richardson and Lisa Mullaly had outstanding games with Lisa and Aimee Maher being a great match up.
It was also the work and dangers of Anna Vas, Niamh Cullen and Sophie Cronin that sealed the victory for Blesso with the narrowest of margins over a very accomplished Tinahely side! Team: Ellen Murray, Mallaidh Behan, Becky Doran, Maebh Murphy, Erin King, Abaigh Craul, Ellie McKeever, Lisa Mullaly, Moya Richardson 0-1, Sine O’Neill, Anna Vas 1-0, Niamh Cullen, Sara Bohan 0-1, Emma Moody, Sophie Cronin 2-6, Subs: Aoife Richardson, Izzie Halligan, Leah Quigley, Clodagh Hynes, Meaghan Carlyon, Katie Kendrick, Orlaith Behan and Niamh O’Brien.
Ladies Minor A Championship Final - Hard luck to the ladies who were beaten today by AGB in Roundwood on Sunday. The ladies played their hearts out but lost out on a scoreline of 4-16 to 4-6. Well done to this fantastic team and their mentors. The future is bright for these young ladies. Juveniles
U11s - A fantastic bunch of under-11 players played in three top finals of their divisions and won all three cups on Saturday in Ballinakill. This is no more than they deserve after playing games every second Wednesday night and improving every game. Credit to themselves, their parents, their coaches who put so much effort in all year and finally credit to Blessington GAA club. White team beat Kiltegan. Red team beat Coolkenno and Blue team beat Dunlavin.
U9s – Under-9s finished the season with a super match against Sallins in NKL on Saturday. The lads put in a great performance with some regulars unavailable. The teams tackling and work rate to the fore again along with some excellent early direct kick passing. Well done on a super year. Lads you have all been great and huge improvements with your development. A big thanks from all the coaches to the parents for all their support over the year.
Hurling - U17 B County Hurling Final – Well done to Michael Dwyers beat Glen/Pats in Aughrim on Saturday, October 20, 2-17 to 0-5 in Aughrim on Saturday in the ‘B’ Minor county final. Blesington lads on the team- Oisin Brogan, Jake O’Kelly and Kevin Quinn (Capt) and Man of Match. Well done lads.
U15s - Busy week for under-15. On Sunday, October 14, they played Killcullen in the Kildare league. The lads gave a good game with a lot of lads rested up for championship. On Tuesday, October 16, they played away against Éire Óg and played a fantastic game ending 4-6 to 4-6.
Blessington were far the better team on the day. Éire Óg were fortunate to be awarded two penalties and Blessington had a penalty awarded and then overturned in a bizarre decision which would have sealed a spot in the ‘B’ final play-off, but it wasn’t to be.
On Friday, the lads travelled to play Rathnew. Three early goals from Rathnew and a penalty had Rathnew in a big lead at half-time. The lads tightened up and gave it everything to finish 2-6 to 3-8 but couldn’t overcome the three-goal lead Rathnew had built up in the last game of the championship. The under-15s have seven games left in Kildare league to finish a very busy season.
U13s – Michael Dwyers under-13 hurling team were unfortunately beaten by Naas in the Division 1 Cup Final of the Kildare League on Sunday. It was a gallant effort by the lads up and down the field in Hawkfield. Well done to Finn Behan and Brian Richardson who performed extremely well.
School/Club Link Coach - Blessington GAA are seeking a new School/Club Link Coach. The role is financially supported by the Club and requires morning/afternoon availability for three to four days per week.
We are looking for the right candidate that is passionate about developing GAA skills and driving recruitment for our growing Club. Applicants must have a minimum of Foundation Level Coaching, Code of Ethics and Garda Vetting (if suitable applicant interested, we can provide the training for above spec). If interested, please enquire by email to Noreen Keegan Kavanagh: secretary.blessington.wicklow@gaa.ie or by phone to Jess Brennan 086 8602822.
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 WhatsApp, please text your name to 087 2858375.
VALLEYMOUNT
The club’s second €100 fundraiser draw was held in O’Connor’s Valleymount which was a great success. The winners of the €100 fundraiser draw were: €500 - Jonny Cahill, €500 - Jimmy (Buckets) Byrne, €100 - Jimmy Flynn, €100 - William and Kathryn Kavanagh, 4 Ball Golf Voucher - Andy Farrington, Turkey Voucher - Eimear Flynn.
Thanks to everyone who bought tickets and to the sponsors of the spot prizes. The next €100 fundraiser draw is at the end of November.
Our lotto draw was held at the weekend and there was no winner of the jackpot. The numbers were 7, 19, 20, and 27. The three €25 winners were Pat Fitz, Caroline Maguire and Sally Hughes. Our next lotto draw will be on Saturday, November 3, with a jackpot of €6,300. Congratulations and thanks for the support.
Hard luck to our Junior As who lost out in the final last weekend against Kilcoole on a score line of 0-14 to 0-13, on a miserable wet day.
Thanks to all those who travelled out to Aughrim to support the lads, to all those who supported them from afar and a huge thanks to all those who put in a lot of effort over the past two weeks dressing the village in red and white.
Thanks to O’Connor’s for the food on our return. A huge thanks also to everyone who wished us the very best of luck, from past players, local people and neighbouring clubs, it didn’t go unnoticed. Thanks to our management team who have stuck by us and given their all to the lads over the years and a big thanks to our physio’s. We couldn’t be prouder of our lads who gave their all on the pitch and on the sideline in Aughrim. Words can’t express how proud we are of all of ye! Roll on 2019 what is sure to be the best year yet. Up the Valley!
Well done to Wicklow’s under-16 footballers, especially our own Robbie Miley, who beat Louth on a score line of 3-16 to 2-11. They will now go on to play Roscommon in Baltinglass next Saturday. Hard luck to the St. Kevin’s under-11 teams who played in Ballinakill at the weekend.
Big congratulations to Ger Conway and Oisin Scally on the birth of their baby boy Gerard.
The club sends its deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Ann Mahon, Lacken.
ST PATRICK’S
All roads lead to Joule Park Aughrim on Saturday when our Senior footballers take on our neighbours and reigning champions Rathnew in the Renault Senior Football Championship final replay at 3pm following Shane Murley’s equalising point in the final seconds of the final.
Best wishes to manager Casey O’Brien and captain Dean Healy all involved with our Senior footballers.
We hope to see you all in Aughrim to cheer the lads over the line and bring Miley home!
Congratulations to all involved with St Patrick’s ladies who had an excellent week in Dublin completing the double of winning the Dublin League and Cup.
On Tuesday night, October 16, they travelled to St Monicas GAA Club to challenge Scoil Ui Chonaill at 8pm for the Division 3 Cup final.
The ladies were excellent and deserved their win with the full time score: St. Patricks 2-19, Scoil Uí Connall 1-08.
On Sunday, October 21, all roads diverted to St. Annes Park to take on Naomh Barrog in the Division 3 League final.
Another entertaining game of football ensured the Ladies completed a well-deserved double with the final scoreline: St. Patrick’s 6-18 Naomh Barrog 4-06. An excellent finish to the season for a super committed bunch of girls and management team.
Well done to the under-15 footballers who beat AGB today in their Division 2 Plate final on Saturday afternoon in Ballinakill.
The team have had a tough year but always work hard every time they pull on the blue jersey and their commitment was rewarded with a 3-7 to 1-3 win in a very enjoyable game.
St. Pat’s played into the Ballinakill wind in the first half and had the better of the play early on without getting scores on the board.
Around 10 minutes in, a nice move ended with Mark O’Brien getting a goal.
St Pat’s followed that up with some excellent running and good scores to go six up.
St. Pat’s were on top right through the first half and finished very well with a late goal from Conor Luddy to leave the half-time score St. Pat’s 2-04, AGB 0-01.
AGB came out strongly in the second half and an early goal brought them back into the game.
The Pat’s defence with Mark Evan’s in excellent form held strong and 15 minutes into the half another goal from Conor Luddy put some daylight between the teams.
AGB never gave up and a late goalmouth scramble had the supporter’s hearts in their mouths!
St. Pat’s finished well though and more strong running and good interplay led to a couple of late points and a final score of St. Pat’s 3-7, AGB 1-3.
After the game, Mick Murphy presented the trophy to captain and man-of-the-match Mark Evans who had a great game at full-back.
Thanks from all of the management to the parents and supporters who followed us all year. Most of all, thank you to the players. We had some tough games this year and it would have been very easy to give up.
We couldn’t have asked you for any more effort and commitment every time that you played - it was great to finish with a good performance and a win.
Our under-15 panel: Aaron Loughlin, Bill O’Brien, Cathal O’Briain, Chris Bouchier, Conor Lacey, Conor Luddy, Darragh Cahill, Darren O’Brien, Finn Egan Barron, Fionn Luddy, Fionn O’Brien, Jordan Younger, Joseph Davis, Liam Nicholson, Mark Evans, Mark O’Brien, Matthew Harbourne, Max Kearney, Ryan Kavanagh, Sean O’Meara, Tiernan O’Brien, Tom Davis, Tom Hodgkinson.
Management: Padge McWalter, Paul Earls and Paul O’Brien.
Well done to our under-11 footballers who did themselves and the club proud at the county under-11 football finals in Ballinakill Centre of Excellence Rathdrum on Saturday, October 20, at 2.15pm. We took part in three finals and came home with two trophies!
St Patrick’s 4-9, Eiré Óg Greystones 0-7. St. Patrick’s 2-11, Kilmacanogue 2-07.
St. Patrick’s 1-2, An Tochar 1-16.
It’s fantastic to have such great numbers and the future is bright. Congrats to the players and coaches Paul, Swaz, Frank, Johnny and Gary.
The under-13 hurlers had their final game in the A championship round robin last Monday night in Ballinakill and put in a tremendous performance against Luke O’Tooles winning on a scoreline of 11-9 to 6-3.
It was great to see Fionn Laffan back on the playing field again after his recent injury and he put in a fantastic display in midfield.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to qualify for the ‘A’ final but the players can be proud of their efforts this season. Well done to all involved.
The under-13 White football team competed in the Shield final on Friday night in Ballinakill against AGB.
After a fantastic game of football extra time still couldn’t separate the teams. St Pats trailed by four at half-time and seven points at one stage during the second half but showed tremendous fighting spirit to come back and push the game into extra time.
The final score after extra time was 4-6 to 3-9. Both teams deserve great credit for serving up a hugely entertaining game. Well done lads and best of luck in the replay next Wednesday night.
Hard luck to all involved with Glen/Pats in the Minor ‘B’ hurling final. Full time score: Micheal Dwyers 2-18, Glen/Pats 0-05.
Congratulations to Ms Griffin and all involved with the CCM Senior girls GAA team who had their first match on Friday at home against Avondale.
It took the CCM girls a while to get started. The girls battled hard and scored some very skilful points in the first half.
Lucy Hobbs scored a goal just before halftime. CCM started much stronger in the second half with Amy O’Doherty, Holly O’Toole, Millie Tierney and Kerry O’Toole working well together in the backs.
They defended well and stopped Avondale from scoring on many occasions. Sophie Porter, Weronika Kuizio, and Laura Murphy did well in the centre of the field carrying the ball forward. In the forwards Orla Kenny, Laura Newsome and Siobhan Gorman worked together to get several good scoring chances.
Avondale did enough in the first half to stay ahead but the CCM girls improved throughout the game.
They play St. David’s from Greystones after the midterm and are looking forward to another tough game.
Congratulations to Mr Guinan and all involved with CCM on the Super 7 post primary victory.
On Thursday, the first year boys were crowned Wicklow Super 7’s post primary schools champions for 2017/18 in the Centre of Excellence in Ballinakill, Rathdrum.
CCM had two evenly picked teams representing the school and in total 17 teams took part.
The competition was set up into four groups with the top four team going through to a semi-final.
CCM team 1 won one of their three group games while CCM team 2 won all three group games.
Both team grew in confidence as the group stages progressed.
Team 2 played Coláiste Raithin Bray in their semi-final and were on top from start to finish.
Bray were a bigger more physical team but CCM’s ability to tackle, take scores when the opportunity presented and willingness to work for one another was very impressive.
In the final Scoil Chonglais, Baltinglass who had won all of their group games with plenty to spare and CCM lads knew they were up against it.
This did not prevent the boys from giving it their all, especially in the first half when they went behind a few times. They responded straight away at the other end on the scoreboard.
They were down by two point at half-time and against a slight breeze they made a poor start to the second half conceding a goal in the very first attack.
Their cause was aided with the sending off of a player on the Baltinglass side that had received a yellow card for talking back to the referee in the first half, he did the same in the second half.
From here on the CCM boys pushed on and won the game by five points. Hugh Kenny from Wicklow GAA presented the cup the winning captain Callum Clarke.
St. Patrick’s Club Shop will have Plaits/Bunting and flags available on Saturday morning from 10am until 12.30.
Wicklow Camogie County Board are looking for a Junior county manager. Applications to secretary.wicklow@camogie.ie. Closing date: Friday, November 2.
Congratulations to St Patrick’s legend Pat Rasher Roche and Chrissie Roche who celebrated 65 years of married life with family and friends in Glengarriff recently.
Congratulations to Caroline Cullen and Ciaran Doyle on the birth of Joshua. The future of St. Pats is bright
Congratulations to former club player Niall “Boom Boom” Kennedy who is still undefeated following his victory in Boston.
Thank you to everyone who supports our club lotto. Numbers from the October 16 draw were: 1, 17, 18 and 23. Bonus: 13.
No jackpot winners: €10,000.
No match-four jackpot winners for €2,500. One match-three winner: Erica Newsome c/o Malone’s Shop.
This week’s match-four jackpot will be €2,600. Next draw on Monday, October 22, in the clubhouse.
Thanks to the weekly Club Lotto Sellers who give up their time to help raise funds for the Club. It’s greatly appreciated.
Our sincere condolences to the family of John Salley of Roscath, Kilbride, who passed away on October 18, suddenly but peacefully at his home. Dearly loved husband and best friend of Carmel and much loved Da of Bobby, Johnny, Bridget and Vessy and adored grandad of Ruby, Toby, Leah, Alfie, J.K, John, Isobelle and Alex. Sadly missed by his brothers Robert and Syl, sisters Mary, Eilis, Annette, Celeste and Fidelma, sonin-law Ronan, daughters-in-law Nora, Steph and Bernie, extended family and friends.
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.