Reeling in the year – remembering 2021
The second instalment of our reeling in the year feature will close out quarter one from 2021.
During early 2021 we had the continuation of our Watergrasshill and Glenville Community Help Group. This group was formed at the beginning of the pandemic, when cocooning for our elderly and most vulnerable in our community was in place. This meant that basic tasks such as prescription collection, groceries or just a simple conversation with a neighbour were more difficult.
A group of dedicated volunteers came together in mid-2020 to organise a confidential help line where anyone in our community could reach out and ask for support, no matter how large or small the ask, a friendly reception and strictest confidence was assured. Given the volume of calls received from mid-2020 until May 2021, it was clear that the service provided was of huge benefit to some in our community who found the lockdown particularly difficult.
January 2021 also saw a great community response to an appeal from local man Derry Desmond for used sports equipment in support of his Kenyan based charity Le Chéile Africa. Based in Solai Nakuru County in Kenya, Le Chéile Africa is an organization that aims to build healthier lives by enhancing the dignity and quality of life of individuals, families and communities.
The charity focuses on health and improving quality of life for people with disabilities. Watergrasshill United, Watergrasshill GAA and Glenville GAA came together to donate used sport equipment and once again the community responded with a massive donation of hurleys, helmets, sliotars, footballs and trainers.
In thanking the people of Watergrasshill and Glenville Derry remarked “The generosity of our community in Ireland is giving the Children of Solai the opportunity to dream and play like kids in Ireland. It’s giving them the chance to learn through the power of sport and helping leave everyday struggles behind, even if only for a few hours a week”. Well done to everyone who donated and gave something back to those less fortunate than us.
Finally, March saw a fantastic opportunity for Glenville man John Halbert Snr being appointed to the Central Competitions Control Committee in Croke Park. John, who was an outstanding player in his day, while giving years of unbroken service to coaching teams has also administered at every level including Chairperson. John continues to give outstanding service to his beloved Glenville. No doubt this committee in Croke Park which deals with all intercounty fixtures and disciplinary issues is all the better with the inclusion and experience that John brings.
LOTTO
There was no winner of the lotto jackpot this week. Numbers drawn were 7, 18, 23 and 26. Lucky dip winners are Martina O’Brien, Batt Sheehan, Dean Roche and Marie O’Neill. Congratulations to you all. Next week’s jackpot is a fantastic €11,000 and draw will take place on Monday, December 13.
Tickets are on sale in some of the village businesses, like The Hut Bar, The Fir Tree, Centra and Johnny’s Shop. Tickets can also be purchased online via our club website.
The club would like to take this opportunity to thank all our members and supporters of the Watergrasshill GAA Club lotto. The club lotto is a vital source of income for the running of all our teams within the club and for future development of our facilities, so we ask you to please support it if you are in a position to do so. Remember, if you’re not in you can’t win!
BUMPER CHRISTMAS RAFFLE
This year we are delighted to announce the return of our Watergrasshill GAA Christmas Raffle. Top prize this year is two tickets to a Premier League match including flights and accommodation. We have 15 other prizes on offer including €500 cash, €250 hotel voucher and many more fantastic prizes, with more being added every week. Tickets are just €10 and are available online. These would make a great Christmas stocking filler. Sincere thanks to all of our supporters and local businesses who have sponsored prizes for the raffle - your support is greatly appreciated.
CLUB SHOP
Now is the time to ensure that you beat the Christmas rush by using our online shop. We have partnered with O’Neill’s sportwear to provide an online shop for all of our club merchandise and training apparel. Club crested clothing is available to buy, from shorts to jerseys to training tops and tracksuit bottoms, for adults and juveniles in various sizes. The online shop is available at oneills.com