Seniors:
County League Div 1:
We tie for 2nd place in the county league after 3 rounds on 5 points, level with Dr Crokes and one behind pacesetters Spa. We are back in county league action next weekend when we travel to Killarney Legion on Sat 12th where throw in is @ 19.00 – we are at home then on Sat 26th to John Mitchels with this game completing our schedule for May.
Congratulations to our former player Patrick Begley who made his Connacht championship debut for London this weekend against Sligo, lining out at left half back. Patrick was an outstanding player with the club prior to emigrating to London and he has made his mark on the London GAA scene with club side St Kiernans, winning a championship medal in 2016. Unfortunately for Patrick he and his team mates ended up on the losing side on a score line of Sligo 1-21 to London 1-11.
County League Div 5, Group A:
Kerins O’Rahillys 1-07
Churchill 3-09
After a promising first half when we led by two points at half time, 1-04 to 0-05 we ran out of steam in the second half and went down in the end by 8 points to Churchill.
We started brightly and had a goal ruled out in the first few minutes when Diarmuid O’Sullivan pulled on a loose ball and drove to the net only for the referee to indicate a free out – this was not the only controversial decision on the night from the official as he left many bewildered by his interpretation of the rules through out the game.
After this opening salvo, Tom Hoare operating at centre forward goaled almost immediately and we held the lead all the way to half time when we went in two points up, 1-04 to 0-05. Tom added another two points from play, Chucky had a massive free from distance and Gazza chipped in with a point from a free.
The second half saw us add another point from Gazza before the ref awarded a penalty to Churchill which was duly converted – this tied the scores but the next score was crucial as Churchill goaled when a foul on Jason O’Leary saw the referee hop the ball and we conceded a goal from this. Worse was to follow with the dismissal of John C O’Connor on a black card when he was fouled in possession and shortly afterwards we lost Chucky on a second yellow reducing us to 14 after he clashed with their midfielder – he was also dismissed. Despite this, we were in the game with scores from Gazza and Donagh O’Brien which saw us two in arrears approaching the 25th minute – then a quick kick out was intercepted by their full forward resulting in a goal and there was no way back from there. Our next fixture in this competition takes place next Sunday 13th @ 14.00 when we host Asdee in Strand Road.
Coiste Trá Lí:
The draw for the town championship sees us pitted against John Mitchels in a game scheduled to take place over the bank holiday weekend in August – more details later.
Junior Blues:
The weather gods aligned to bring a glorious sunny day for our inaugural Donal Walsh Livelife Memorial tournament held today in Healy Park and Strand Road.
Participation and enjoyment were the key elements of Donal’s message to the youth of this country and to live your life to the full – we had it all today as seven teams took part in a 9 a side, super touch style competition which all got under way this morning at 10.00 am.
By early afternoon, the action was reduced to four teams as Ballymac and St Pats battled it out initially in the shield competition with the physically stronger boys from Ballymac taking the honours against a gallant St Pats side.
The main competition featured ourselves and old rivals Austin Stacks and it was perhaps befitting that after a great tussle we emerged victorious on a final score line of 0-08 to 0-05. There was little to choose between the sides in the first half but having an interval lead of 0-03 to 0-01 having faced the slight breeze made us favourites for the cup – the Rock had other ideas and after 5 minutes of the 2nd half we were all square at 0-04 apiece; it was then that we upped the ante and scored four unanswered points to see out the game.
Fionbarr Walsh presented wining captain TJ Heaphy with the magnificent cup with Jack Savage taking the Man of the Match award and Danny Hennessy being awarded the Player of the Tournament.
The annals will recall in time that we were the first winners of this tournament but the real winners were those lucky enough to participate in this event which remembers a favourite son of Strand Road.Academy:
U14 B: vs Legion on Weds last 2nd May.
It was a great game and great performances by all. There was great excitement right to the final whistle with KoR coming away winners in the end by one-point, final score KoR 4-6 , Legion 1-14.
U14 B’s away to Ballymac on Wednesday the 9th May @ 19.00
U12 A&B’s: Played at home to Moyvane Tuesday evening at 6.30pm the 1st May….. The 1st day of summer, well it didn’t feel like summer as it poured rain for the entire two games.
U12 A Team played their hearts out against a strong opposition – conditions were difficult with a slippery ball and some tough, physical tackling – Moyvane coming out winners in the end on a final score line of 4-12 to 4-05.
B Team: They played well, great performances. This team seems to be improving with every game. Conditions were poor yet they gave it their all till the bitter end. Moyvane were a strong physical side yet the boys were unlucky in the end, losing out by 4 points, 4-03 to 2-05.
A special mention to all the U12’s who played in matches both Sunday and Tuesday evenin gs as well as playing another competitive match Wednesday evening. A big thank you to all the parents for allowing their children to play again.
The U 12’s A&B teams have a bye this week in the County league.
U8 Go Games
They Kicked off in style on Thursday the 3rd May 2018 in Ballyrickard at 6.30pm.
There were huge numbers with everyone having great fun as they played in the sunshine. Overall, a great success.
No Go Games this week … A rest this week for the children (and parents)!
The Academy:
A large crowd gathered in Ballyrickard this morningat 11am for the Academy training.
It was warm glorious sunshine and it truly felt like summer!!!
The parents watched on in the sunshine as the children learned the next skill to work on this week which is the Hand Pass.
The coaches work so hard each week with all the children to teach them and help them improve the skills of the game.
Well done to all!
The parents enjoyed a Cuppa and as always, some home baking and even ice-cream was needed for the cool down!
A big congratulation to the players of the week:
U6 Boy Tadhg Lawlor
Girl Hannah O’Sullivan
U8 Boys Eoghan Behan
Roman Fako
U10 Boy Cayden Roche
U8/U10 Girls Caragh Houlihan
Caitlin Savage
See you all at the Academy next Sunday 13th May at 11am … Let’s hope the sunshine continues too!!!
U-14 County League:
Following on from our recent win over Ballymac last week we next take on Ardfert this coming Weds night ( May 9th) in a game scheduled for Strand Road with a 7 pm throw in; we are on 6 points from a possible 8 and look well set to have a home venue in the semi finals of this competition. The lads have been playing some great football since the first round loss to Fossa and another great tussle is guaranteed next week.
Central Region u-16:
Having lost to Churchill in last week’s rearranged fixture, we are scheduled to contest the semi finals of this year’s competition when taking on table toppers Glenbeigh/Glencar/Cromane this Monday night ( May 7th) in Glenbeigh where throw in is @ 19.00
Ladies:
U10 Girls
Next Sunday, May 13th the girls are off to Connolly Park to play in a ‘Fun Blitz ‘ run by The Ladies Town Board. We will be meeting in Connolly Park at 10a.m. The blitz commences at 10.30a.m.
U12 Girls
The Co. League kicks off this Tuesday May 8th when the girls travel to Killarney to play Dr. Crokes. Throw in at 7p.m. Best of luck to the girls and their coaches.
U14 Girls
We are home to Scartaglin on Bank Holiday Monday. Throw in at 5p.m. in Strand Road pitch. Best of luck to the girls, Danny, Con and Tricia.
U16 Girls
In our next round of the Co. League we meet Duagh. We are home and just waiting for Duagh to confirm fixture for next weekend. Best of luck to the girls, Martin, Kevin and Tricia.
Registration
Reminder girls for those who have forgotten- registration is now due ! Registration remains the same as it has for the past number of years:
€45 per juvenile player
€80 for two juvenile players
€100 for three juvenile players
€60 for 18 years and over
The club also subsidies part of the girls registration which keeps it at this cost.
In comparison to other sports this amount is quite low but we are also aware of the financial constraints for some parents. There is no problem discussing a payment plan if required. This will be treated in the strictest of confidence.
Both out of fairness to those parents who do pay and for insurance purposes registration must be paid. This year the club will not register anyone who hasn’t paid.
New members always welcome ! For further details phone or text Shirley (086) 8713552 or email korladiessec@gmail.com
Membership:
Membership is now due and anyone yet to pay is asked to do so as soon as possible.
Lotto:
There was no winner of last week’s draw where the winning numbers drawn were: 20, 29, 30 & 31 – there was no match 3 winner.
Next week’s jackpot will now be for a prize of €3,900.
The five entrants for the special December draw are as follows: Carol Stone, Cayden Roche, Helen Hennessy, Carmel Quille and Anne Woods.
Sympathy:
Sincere sympathy is extended to the family and friends of the late Robert O’Dowd, former John Mitchels footballer who passed away recently and also to the family of Mike Fitzgerald, Ardfert whose untimely death took place last weekend. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anamacha dilis.
