NO CHAMPIONSHIP ACTION THIS WEEKEND

The master fixture list had us down to play the first round of the county junior B football championship this Sunday. However, following the late withdrawal of our opponents, Kilbrin, we now have a ‘free’ weekend. At the time of writing, there were attempts to arrange a challenge match; this may or may not happen - players will be kept updated via WhatsApp.

STAYING ACTIVE

‘Free’ weekends have been a rarity as the boys have been on the go since the end of February. At this stage, there should be plenty ‘fitness in the legs’. The challenge for both sets of management (football and hurling) is timing their preparation and ‘peaking’ for the all important championship matches.

In fairness to the coaches (James Kearney, football and Shane Hickey, hurling), they’ve worked together and divided their time between both codes as best they can.

APPEAL TO PLAYERS TO PAY THEIR INSURANCE

Players are further reminded to pay their insurance premium online via ‘Foireann’. The fee for an adult player is €30.

KICK OUT STRATEGIES

One of the biggest changes to Gaelic Games in recent times has been the emphasis on retaining possession from kick outs (puc outs). It’s not so long ago, when a goalkeeper’s job was to hit the ball as far as he could and hope for the best. The reality of the modern game (hurling and football) is that without an effective kick out (puc out) strategy, you are doomed.

As a result, teams are placing more and more emphasis on ‘restarts’. This being the case, it can’t be a coincidence that management of the Dublin senior footballers have drafted ‘the master of the restart’, Stephen Cluxton, back into their squad. With this man between the posts, Dublin are more or less guaranteed possession following a wide or a score.

ATTRACTIVE GAME IN ‘THE PARK’ ON SATURDAY EVENING

Following a facile win over a hugely disappointing Waterford side last Sunday, Cork’s hurlers are in for ‘ the real thing’, when they face old rivals, Tipperary, in Pairc Ui Chaoimh next Saturday evening at 7pm. This has all the makings of a real cracker.

WALKWAY DEVELOPMENT

The club’s attention is now turning to developing a walkway in Araglin Community Field. We’ve been grant aided to the tune of €10,000 and this should make the plan a reality. Unfortunately, walking on roads, especially during the autumn and winter, is a hazardous business and a well lit walkway would be a great benefit to the community.

WORK IN THE COMMUNITY FIELD

There’s been a lot of activity in Araglin Community Field in recent weeks as the local Pony Club commence work on developing a third arena. The Pony Club has a lot of young members, all of whom receive expert tuition on all aspects of horsemanship.

LOTTO TICKING OVER NICELY

The lotto committee go about their business in a quiet and efficient manner. Thanks to their efforts, the club has a steady income stream, that’s made up of cash and online sales. Araglin GAA lotto draw takes place every Thursday night in Christy’s and is currently worth €11,800.

The numbers drawn last week were: 04, 18, 25 and 26 (no winner). Lucky dips to the following: €50 Michael and Bridie Fitzgerald, c/o Fitzgerald Hurleys, Araglin; €50 Joan Gallagher, Glanworth, c/o Araglin bingo; €25 Anthony Barry, Lyrefune, c/o Christy’s and €25 Michael Fitzgerald, c/o Fitzgerald Hurleys, Araglin.

BINGO ON SUNDAY

Regular bingo in Araglin Hall takes place on Sunday next, 7th May at 2.30pm. This is an important fundraiser for the hall and is deserving of support. Araglin bingo attracts players from Mitchelstown, Kilbehenny, Ballyduff, Ballysaggart and neighbouring villages. There are plenty cash prizes to be won, so, why not try and get along next Sunday.

HALL ON THE LOOK OUT FOR FUNDRAISERS

Araglin Hall committee are presently considering a number of fundraising ideas, with a view to generating much needed finance for the community centre. Increases to ESB, oil, insurance, water charges, rubbish collection and fire regulation fees is making the running of community centres a very costly business. Anyone with a fundraising idea, should contact a member of the hall committee.

DOG SHOW

Araglin Dog Show takes place in Araglin Community Field on Sunday, 4th June. Make a note of the date.