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St. Johns Notes Weekending Feb 22 2015

2/25/2015

MAYOR HOSTS JUVENILE SECTION IN CITY HALL
Lord Mayor Andrew McGuinness last Wednesday evening hosted a special ceremony acknowledging the achievements of O'Loughlin Gaels GAA Juvenile Section in 2014. Juvenile mentors, club officers, players and members gathered in the Chambers as Mayor McGuinness described his pride at having the opportunity to recognise our great club. He remarked upon how from his offices on O'Loughlin Road he has seen first hand the great work that the Juvenile Section does and how happy looking the faces of the young St. Johns parishioners are as they leave the grounds after having played or trained. On behalf of O'Loughlin Gaels Juvenile Chairman Niall Bergin thanked Mayor McGuinness for the invitation and the recognition bestowed upon the club for its work in providing a well balanced environment for the young players in the parish. He thanked the Mayor for his continued support. Niall also impressed upon the gathered members that although it is right to acknowledge last year’s successes, that even without silverware at the end of a season the success is in knowing that the club always did its best, insuring our young members will forever enjoy being part of the club whether it be as a senior or junior player or a club volunteer. The Mayor eluded to the importance of the club as a central community facility and implored all the people of St. Johns parish to take a look at what's going on in O'Loughlins and discover what element if the club suits best. He finished by acknowledging the passion the club has for inspiring its young players to be rising stars or club stalwarts evoked by the words of the Juvenile Chairman. The club takes this opportunity to publicly thank Mayor McGuinness for this wonderful gesture and hospitality which was appreciated by all the members who gathered. We look forward now to a good 2015 as the season gets underway.
www.oloughlingaels.gaa.ie
MINORS WIN THE DOUBLE
There was another big win for O'Loughlins Minors at the weekend who completed the Championship Double beating Mooncoin in the Kilkenny Citroen Centre Minor Football Championship Final. The lads really had to pull this one out of the fire as they were 7 points down 10mins into the 2nd half. But they put their collective shoulders to the wheel and played out of their skins for the remainder of the game finishing on a scoreline of 5-5 to 2-9. Captain fantastic Eoghan Croghan very happily accepted the trophy on behalf of this great team adding yet another County Title for 2014 to the the clubs healthy haul. Well done to all involved.
Team: J. Lalor, S. Kiely, L. Brannigan, K. Rowe, E. Kelly, J. Leahy, B. Leydon, T. Gleeson, C. Loy, B. Buckley, D. O’Conner, L. Rafter, D. O’Driscoll, P. Collins, R. Butler, E. Croughan (Capt), R. Buckley, H. Lalor, S. Bolger, T. Wallace, G. Bryan
Junior B in All-Ireland Semi Final
Junior B’s were unlucky to be beaten in the All-Ireland Semi-Final on Sunday. It marked an end to a great season for them after been crowned County Champions and Leinster Champions for 2014. Well done to all the lads.
Club Lotto
There was no jackpot winner of this week’s club lotto. The numbers drawn were 4, 14, 20, 28 and the bonus number was: 06. Tickets can be bought from the usual selling agents or by asking at the clubhouse bar. Remember – if you’re not in; you can’t win the jackpot prize of €20,000. Best of luck!

Juvenile News
There was a huge turnout again on Sunday morning last for a series of Juvenile challenge matches for our u7, u8s,u9,u10s,u12s and u14s. The Dublin visitors came down in their busloads from various clubs to challenge the might of our young Gaels. The weather may have dampened the pitches but it certainly didn’t dampen the spirits as both players and supporters enjoyed the spectacle played out on the rich green grasses of St. Johns Park and afterwards all enjoyed the customary O’Loughlin Gaels hospitality. The new Barista Bar provided connoisseur coffees and hot chocolate thanks to the endeavours of the Camogie Club.
Camogie News
The Juvenile Camogie section resume training next Saturday (Feb 28th ) at 10.30am for u6s, u8s, u10s and u12s. If you havn’t registered don’t worry you can then. Hurls and helmets will be available on the morning and all new members are welcome. Upstairs in the club there will also be the new Camogie Club’s Café stocking a selection of the delicious barista coffee range , hot chocolate and snacks to savour while you chat and watch the girls train.
Boxing Madness

Well done to Marble City Boxing Club who hosted a Charity Fundraising Fight Night at O’Loughlin Gaels GAA Club. Army v Garda provided a great atmosphere and some hardened battles in the ring entertaining an almost 1000 strong crowd. A great venue and a fantastic cause as the Carlow/Kilkenny Hone Care team benefitted from the event.

New Readers for Mass in Dunmore
Anyone interested in joining the team of readers for Mass in Dunmore on Sundays, please contact Bernard O Gorman (056 7761306). We are always looking for new readers and would love to hear from you.

Cois Nore
Table Quiz in aid of The Cois Nore Cancer Health Centre to be held in Rafter Dempsey's pub on Friary St on Friday Feb 27th @8.30pm.Loads of great prizes and raffle and also music on the night. Come along and join in the fun while helping a worthwhile local Charity. Tables of four €20 @ €5 each.

Confirmation for St. Johns

You Shall Be My Witnesses is the parish program widely regarded as being most suitable and beneficial for children preparing for the Sacrament of Confirmation.
On Monday last , the 51 candidates for Confirmation – comprising of pupils from St John’s Senior, Johnswell and The Model schools – attended the second night of a four-week program in St John’s Senior School.
Sixteen volunteer-parents are conducting the program, having been trained by its author, Ms Maeve Mahon from the Diocese of Kildare & Leighlin.
The parish thanks the Volunteers as well as all Parents for cooperating in this crucial element of preparation for our Parish Confirmation Day, scheduled this year for Saturday, April 25th at 11.00 a.m.

Johnswell National School

Enrolments are now open for Johnswell National School. Application forms are available from the School Tel 77598 95. Completed application forms to be returned by February 27th.

New Pilates Session
Commencing 25th of February in the Dunmore Hall from 8.00 - 9.00pm . (8 weeks €60) All abilities catered for. Fully qualified Pilates Instructor. Places are limited so booking is essential. Please call (086 8547710) Margaret

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St. Johns Notes Weekending 15 February 2015

2/17/2015

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O'Loughlins Juvenile Section to be Honoured by Mayor
On foot of a very successful 2014 for O’Loughlin Gaels Juvenile teams Kilkenny’s Mayor John McGuinness has invited representative players, mentors and Club Officers to be honoured in City Hall on Wednesday Evening (Feb 18th). It’s rare thing that a clubs’ U14s, u16s and Minor teams all win their respective Roinn A Hurling County Titles… along with a few more honours added in 2014. This is the result of some very hard work by the club in providing excellent facilities, coaches training, and up to date welfare practices ensuring that all the clubs’ players are afforded the best opportunities. At the recent County Bord Convention the O’Loughlin Gaels Juvenile Section was awarded the “The Club Cill Chainnigh 3 Star Flag” for Games Development & Coaching. O’Loughlins are the only club in Kilkenny to be awarded this and it is reward for the hard work and commitment put into to educating and training all the coaches and volunteers, and for honouring its commitment to ensuring all juveniles get game time and access to skills development. O’Loughlin Gaels GAA appreciate the acknowledgment by the Mayor and look forward to the evening.
www.oloughlingaels.gaa.ie
Minors in Football County Final
O’Loughlins Minors continue to prepare for the County Football Final against Mooncoin scheduled for Friday. ( See Kilkenny GAA Fixtures) This would be a great achievement for players and mentors should they succeed completing a double in County Titles so get out to support and show your appreciation for your team’s efforts.
Junior B in All-Ireland Semi Final
Next weekend O’Loughlin Gaels Junior B team continue their quest for All-Ireland glory when they take on Limerick’s Doon GAA in the All-Ireland Semi-Final. The game is fixed for Sunday 22nd at 3pm in Ratheneesagh, Co. Limerick. Please keep an eye out on O’Loughlin Gaels Facebook page for details and travel arrangements. Best of luck to manager Davey Ward and the boys.

Club Lotto
There was no jackpot winner of this week’s club lotto. The numbers drawn were 4, 7, 20, 25 and the bonus number was: 33. Tickets can be bought from the usual selling agents or by asking at the clubhouse bar. Remember – if you’re not in; you can’t win the jackpot prize of €20,000. Best of luck!
Juvenile News
O’Loughlin Gaels Juvenile teams from u6 to u12 continue to train on Sundays at 10.30am. There was another huge turnout as St. Johns Park was packed to capacity with happy young Gaels playing the game of hurling in one of the best environments local GAA has to offer. The u6s ran rings around each other in the gym and the u7s, 8s, 9s, 10, 11s and 12s filled the vast fields in preparation for the battalions of Dublin visitors expected at the club next Sunday morning. Kilmacud Crokes, Ballinteer GAA and Balyboden St. Endas will all have teams descending upon O’Loughlins GAA to enjoy games and the hospitality that the club offers on such mornings. It will be a good family fun morning and if you have a young player involved or want to get him involved come in to the club and enjoy the spectacle. After the games the young players, mentors and families from all clubs will mingle and chat and look forward together to the afternoons game in the NHL between Kilkenny and Dublin in Nowlan Park.

St. John’s Man Mark frustrates Cork.
Well done to O’Loughlins man Mark Kelly who made a significant contribution to Kilkenny Senior Hurlers NHL win over Cork last Saturday evening. Mark scored 4 great points from play in what was a very tough encounter and was unlucky not to add a goal but for a great stop by the cork keeper. Marks’ work-rate epitomises the attitude of this Kilkenny team and is a great example for young O’Loughlin’s players who aspire to great things. Well done Mark and keep it going.
Annual Novena
Next Thursday evening, at 7.30 p.m. we invite all interested people – especially those who help or attend or who are involved in any way with the Novena, to come together in the Parish Centre for a Review of our Annual Kilkenny Novena, for example: Eucharistic ministers, readers, pastoral council, etc.
It’s good practice, before we put the Novena ‘on the back burner’ for another year, to have the occasional review as Novena Models tend to change, or perhaps, deserve to be changed, from time to time.
We thank all those associated in any and every way for making the Novena, just concluded, a very successful one in it’s eighth year of existence. The help and cooperation we received from all concerned was absolutely excellent, and contributed to the smooth running of the event.
Many thanks, also, to all those parishioners and visitors alike who attended the Novena sessions for the nine days, once again making it a great success.
Finally, we thank the two men who conducted the Novena on behalf of the Redemptorists: Frs Laurence Gallagher and Johnny Doherty. They put great effort into sharing their spirituality and being available to all – including our schools.
Johnswell National School

Enrolments are now open for Johnswell National School. Application forms are available from the School Tel 77598 95. Completed application forms to be returned by February 27th.

Kilkenny GAA Referee Recruitment

GAA Referee Recruitment Course starting on the 24th of February 2015. For details contact Recruitment Officer Sean Cleere 087 - 4632118

Drugs Awareness in Sport

Aut Even Hospital will Host a Lecture by Journalist David Walsh titled: “How the Abuse of Drugs is Destroying Sport”. David Walsh is Chief Sports Writer with The Sunday Times. The event takes place on Friday the 20th of February in the Ormonde Hotel, 5.30pm to 6.30pm. Admission is free by booking on 1890 493 493 or email bookings@auteven.ie

New Pilates Session
Commencing 25th of February in the Dunmore Hall from 8.00 - 9.00pm . (8 weeks €60) All abilities catered for. Fully qualified Pilates Instructor. Places are limited so booking is essential. Please call (086 8547710) Margaret

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ST JOHNS NOTES WEEKENDING 08 FEB 2015

2/8/2015

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Davey Ward receiving Manager of the Year for 2014

Senior Presentation Night

Friday Night saw O’Loughlin’s Seniors honoured for their achievements on the field of play during 2014. Chairman Eddie Buckley addressed the large crowd in attendance acknowledging the various volunteers and expertise available to the players and encouraged the players to utilise all that’s available in the club to make 2015 even better. He thanked Pat Carroll too for his continued support to the club. He called upon County Board Vice-Chairman and club man Conor Denieffe to say a few words before making the presentations. In congratulating the club and players on the great year just gone, Conor spoke of the privilege of being able to express his pride in being an O’Loughlins man while visiting clubs up and down the country in his capacity as County Board vice-chairman. He congratulated the players on their achievements – first time County Senior Hurling League Winners, Junior Northern Champions and County League, and Junior B County Champions. He congratulated the Junior B’s too on recently becoming Leinster Champions and on behalf of the County Board wished them well in the upcoming All-Ireland series. The players were then feted by Master of Ceremonies JJ Cullen and almost 200 medals were presented to the appreciation of the large support packed into the Club’s lounge. Hurling and Football Chairman Brian Murphy thanked all the management teams involved and credited the players for their commitment throughout the year. He also impressed upon the attendance the importance of the senior players involvement in coaching and administering the Juvenile Club acknowledging the effect this has had on the Juvenile Sections recent successes. He submitted that the club was in a very healthy state and looked forward to building on 2014 and to a better 2015. The presentations ended with the coveted ‘Manager of the Year Award’ and this years’ recipient was none other than the inspiring Davey Ward who steered the Junior B’s to County and Leinster Championship titles and now find themselves in the hunt for All-Ireland glory. The members then took to the tea and sandwiches provided by the clubs social committee and chatted about the great things the club’s achieved, the “what-might-have-been’s” and the possibilities for the year ahead. Roll on 2015.

Minors in Football County Final

Good news for the minors again as they move into a County Football Final after overcoming Dicksboro GAA in the semi-final played at Palmerstown on Friday evening last. This was a hard fought game played by two teams who know each other very well. The St. Johns lads were glad to get the result and now meet Mooncoin in the final and the chance to complete a double. Best of luck to them.

After a good first round the second round of the senior football league saw O’Loughlins GAA narrowly loose to Muckalee. The third round sees O’Loughlins Gaels getting maximum points as their opponents Thomastown withdrew from the competition. The u14s completed their first round league games with both the A & B teams falling short on their respective first round ties against their James Stephen counterparts.

Club Lotto

There was no jackpot winner of this week’s club lotto. The numbers drawn were 2, 6, 14, 24 and the bonus number was: 23. Tickets can be bought from the usual selling agents or by asking at the clubhouse bar. Remember – if you’re not in; you can’t win the jackpot prize of €20,000. Best of luck!

Juvenile News

There was a great turnout at the club Juvenile Registration Night on Friday with over 200 girls and boys turning up to register their intent for the year. Then on Sunday morning through thick icy fog St. Johns Park was packed with the boys from u6s to u12s eager to hone their skills in the ancient game. With the ability to do so the Club were able to use the large refurbished gym for the St. Johns ‘smallies’ to train and parents were thrilled to be able to sit up in the gallery and watch as the newest members began their paths to hurling glories. The large contingent of trained coaches present were impressed with the turn out and the enjoyment the youngsters took from the morning despite cold conditions. See you all next Sunday morning at 10.30am when training continues for all Juvenile players.

O’Loughlin’s man takes charge at Croke Park

Well done to O’Loughlin Gael Sean Cleere who refereed last Sundays Walsh Cup Final held in Croke Park between Galway and Dublin. Sean played a great game and as part of the panel of referees we look forward to seeing him take centre stage again very soon. Sean was accompanied by club stalwarts Mick Nolan, Niall Bergin, Coleman Loughnane and Noel Burke who umpired for Sean on the day.

Johnswell National School

Enrolments are now open for Johnswell National School. Application forms are available from the School Tel 77598 95. Completed application forms to be returned by February 27th.

Kilkenny Active Retirement Association

A.G.M will be held in the Club House Hotel next Monday 9th at 2.30pm.

Saint Vincent de Paul Society

Monthly collection in aid of the SVP Society takes place next weekend.

Kilkenny Search & Recovery

Ms Breda Dore, of the Kilkenny Search and Recovery (KSAC) Unit, wishes to sincerely thank all our Parishioners for the support they have shown us during the Annual Church Gate Collection last weekend.
People were extremely generous with their donations and also their kind words of appreciation for the service the Kilkenny Search & Recovery Unit do on a voluntary basis.

“A Time to Meet Others Bereaved by Suicide.”

Kilkenny Bereavement Support will host 6 nights of Group Support for Adults Bereaved by Suicide in recent times or in the past.
It will take place on Tuesday nights commencing on Feb. 24th at 8.00pm at Villa Maria, Talbot’s Inch, Freshford Road.
The Group will provide the bereaved with the experience of a safe and comforting place where they will receive the support of fellow bereaved. The group experience will help participants to understand the grieving process, remember the deceased and discuss coping strategies for difficult times, e.g. special dates and events.
For more information, please phone 056-7756538 or 087-9610334.

Alzheimers - Dementia

Support Group for past/present carers of people with Alzheimers/dementia meet on Wed 4-5.30pm, The Village Day Centre. Call 0567771230 for info.

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ST JOHNS NOTES WEEKENDING FEB1st 2015

2/3/2015

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Junior B’s are Leinster Champions

A strong crowd of hardened O’Loughlin Gael supporters travelled to Ballinakill on Saturday afternoon to witness another powerful performance by a team proudly wearing the white and green. Big respect to these lads who outstretched their arms to catch sliotar and fend off ash in the icy conditions provided while many in attendance kept their appreciation muffled with their applauding hands remaining in the warmth of overcoat pockets. Those who travelled were treated to another great day for O’Loughlin Gaels GAA Club as their team were crowned Leinster Champions overcoming old foe Clarinbridge GAA by a scoreline of 1-11 to 1-09.

The game started well for Clarinbridge getting ahead early while our lads took time to find their stride and get used to the unusual all-weather playing surface at the wonderful facilities of Heywood Community School. When they did however none could match them and O’Loughlins found themselves cruising with 5 mins remaining in the first half. A goal from Jason Forde however followed by another point took the shine off the O’Louglins first half performance however and the teams went for their sliced oranges all square at 1-3 to 0-6.

The second half again adopted the same pattern and the Galway men went ahead after a few early exchanges. The St. Johns men got on top again after good work from Alan O’Brien and Ricky Leydon tightened up the defence. This created the platform for good attacking play and after a good passage of play for O’Loughlin midfielder Andy Kearns burrowed his way into the opposition defence and got the decisive score of the game directing the ball past the keeper and putting O’Loughlin Gaels two points ahead on 40 mins. It was point for point after that with O’Loughlin Gaels maintaining the advantage with points from John Doyle, James Lenihan and free-taker Barry Hogan. O’Loughlins will feel they were better than the scoreline suggests but in these ice-cold conditions anything goes. All celebrations are set aside now as the players and management headed by Dave Ward prepare for an All-Ireland semi-final to be played in three weeks. Well done to all concerned.

O’Loughlin Gaels: Mark Croughan, Kevin O’Brien, Michael Lambert, Eoin Croughan, Alan O’Brien, Rickey Leydon, Andy Cantwell, Vinny Wallace, Andy Kearns (1-0), James Lenihan (0.1), Fearghal Brennan (0-1), Martin Gibbons, Barry Hogan (0-5 fs), John Doyle (0-2), Ben Leydon (0-2), Shane O’Neill (Capt), Stephrn Tyrell, David Rice, Richie Moylan, Joe Walsh, Andy Smith, John Corcoran, Michael Twomey, Kevin McGarry, Jamie Kavanagh, Evan Walsh.

Seniors first round win

O’Loughlin Gaels 3-10 to 0-10 James Stephen

The seniors got the year off to a good start with a comfortable win over city neighbours James Stephens on Tuesday night last in Palmerstown in the JJ Kavanagh and Sons Senior Football League. The St. Johns team played some good flowing football threatening the opposing defence on a number of occasions resulting in three well taken goals leaving no doubts about where the league points were going.

Club Lotto

There was no jackpot winner of this week’s club lotto. The numbers drawn were 12, 16, 25, 27 and the bonus number was: 21. Tickets can be bought from the usual selling agents or by asking at the clubhouse bar. Remember – if you’re not in; you can’t win the jackpot prize of €20,000. Best of luck!

Juvenile Regisration

It’s that time of year again and soon St. Johns Park will be filled with sounds of ash clashing and sliotars ricocheting off the crossbars as our young players enjoy Sunday Morning Action.

O’Loughlin Gaels GAA Club proudly represents the city St. Johns Parish, Johnswell and Dunmore. It is the only Kilkenny City GAA club situated within the environs of Kilkenny City – with all the benefits that it’s location brings – ease of access, surrounded by an excellent road / footpath infrastructure etc. O’Loughlin Gaels prides itself on being family and community based club, where the emphasis is on fostering and encouraging participation, enjoyment and a positive club spirit. In 2014 the club was the only club in Kilkenny to be awarded the ‘Club Cill Chainnigh Three Star Award’ for Games Development and Coaching. O’Loughlin Gaels also won u14, u16 and Minor County Championships in 2014. The clubs facilities are second to none too boasting newly developed juvenile and adult pitches, full sized gymnasium, 2 indoor handball alleys, 6 dressing rooms, club bar & function rooms and wall ball playing facilities. So what are you waiting for? It represents great value. Juvenile Registration for u6, u8, u10 and u12s takes place on Friday Feb 6th from 6.30pm to 7pm in the club lounge. Training for boys resumes Sunday, Feb 8th, at 10.30am and every Sunday after. Training for u6 to u16 camogie takes place on Monday evenings at 6.30pm. For all registration details please see our website and facebook pages. www.oloughlingaels.gaa.ie

O’Loughlins Juveniles receive 3 Star Award

At the recent County Bord Convention the O’Loughlin Gaels Juvenile Section was awarded the “The Club Cill Chainnigh 3 Star Flag” for Games Development & Coaching. O’Loughlins are the only club in Kilkenny to be awarded this and it is reward for the hard work and commitment put into to educating and training all the coaches and volunteers, and for honouring its commitment to ensuring all juveniles get game time and access to skills development. The flag has been displayed in the clubs lobby for all its juvenile members to see in appreciation of the clubs efforts.

THE KILKENNY NOVENA
to
OUR LADY OF PERPETUAL HELP

The Annual Kilkenny Novena, which takes place in St John’s parish church, begins on Tuesday morning at 7.30 a.m. We look forward to large numbers from the parish, city and surrounding areas making the effort to join this spiritual opportunity of spiritual renewal and growth. Many people come each year to pray earnestly for healing, graces and blessings for themselves, their families and friends, and for the wider community. Many more use this as an opportunity to give thanks to God for favours and blessings received.
Ceremonies daily at: 7.30 & 10.30am; 7.30 pm. Normal times at w/e.

First Friday Friday next is the First Friday of February. The sick and housebound will be visited at the normal times. Please inform the parish office or one of the priests if you have a relative or neighbour who would like this service.

St John’s Homes for the Elderly Committee

A meeting will take place on Wed. at 6.30pm in the presbytery.

Johnswell Active Retirement

A meeting will be held in Johnswell Hall on Wednesday 4th February at 8:00pm. New members will be very welcome

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JUVENILE SECTION VISIT PARISH SCHOOL

2/3/2015

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Johnswell National School

JUVENILE SECTION VISIT PARISH SCHOOLS

Representative transition year students from our successful Minor and u16 teams, coaches from u14 and u8s and camogie reps visited the schools of St. Johns parish this morning in advance of next Fridays 2015 Juvenile Registration Night. There was a great reception and welcome from children and staff at all schools and the players and coaches got great fun from the exchange and banter with Teachers and children. The children seized the opportunity to view and hold the 3 cups won by the 2014 juvenile teams and perhaps dreamed of some day achieving the same success as young O'Loughlins Gaels themselves. That fact was impressed upon the children by u8s coach John Sheridan who told the St. Johns kids that the club was there for them..it was their club to enjoy and to meet and make new friends in while playing the best team sports in the world for the best club in kilkenny. First stop was St. John's Senior where some past pupils were warmly welcomed by principal Mrs Neary and deputy principal John Cooney and present pupils enjoyed the opportunity to lift the cups .Then it was on to John's Junior where Ms. O' Neill took the group around to visit some classrooms before heading into the hall where all the younger children had gathered with great excitement. There were hurling prizes offered in each school for correct answers to hurling questions...which all were eager to win. The Model school was the next stop where Ms. Mackey held a special assembly to mark the visit of the local club and cups and many of the students told of how they had been at the club the evening before at the wall ball honing their skills for the year ahead. The tour finished with a visit to Johnswell where we met many members of the club. All the children were reminded of the importance of team sport, making friends and being part of the community of St. Johns Parish. And many more told us how excited they were about training and looked forward to registration night. The club wishes to thank the principals, teachers and staff from all of the schools and we look forward to continued collaboration for the coming seasons.

Registration takes place on Friday evening for girls and boys at O'Loughlin Gaels Club at 6pm to 7.30pm

.ALL ARE WELCOME.