NO JOY FOR COUNTY FINAL
In a low scoring encounter the two point advantage to Clara at the final whistle was probably a fair reflection on the way the game unfolded. Small margins were the only difference in what in truth could easily have gone O’Loughlins way..a different angle on that final delivery, the occasional fumble or a mere gust of wind at the wrong moment would ultimately mean that the Tom Walsh Cup was not going to St .Johns Park on this occasion. In fairness Clara too suffered the same ills in what was a poor game overall but recovered from those mishaps that bit better. Clara got a great start on the game going 1-3 to 0-2 in the first 10mins helped by a fine goal from Ciaran Prendergast who was one of two pre-match changes to their starting line-up. O’Loughlin Gaels took hold of the game for the next ten minutes with that man Martin Comerford lifting the troops with another massive performance. Martin’s performance along with good Brian Hogan assistance and a strong Paddy Deegan display  opened up the game allowing for quick ball to move to the forwards where Mark Kelly and Sammy Johnston were causing problems in the Clara defence. A diagonal ball to the hard working Sammy Johnston allowed him the space to  pick out Danny Loughnane with a high ball that he palmed to the net Diego Maradona style. The St. Johns crowd who gathered on the O’Loughlin road side of the park were feeling a little better after period of play, arguably the best of the match, which saw O’Loughlins draw level and go two points clear with two minutes of the half remaining. Clara to their credit saw the game changing and chose to smother the game. No space given and very little opportunity was afforded by the Clara defence who were happy to disrupt any flow the O’Loughlin forward line wanted to impose. O’Loughlins had survived the half on scraps the Clara defence were happy to give in frees and Mark Bergin was equally as happy to convert. With the wind in their backs  O’Loughlins needed to keep their advantage but Clara finished the half the stronger and the sides went level at 1-9 apiece in a tense first 30mins.
The second half didn’t explode into life with both teams only managing four scores each but Clara taking the advantage with a goal from a loose ball in the O’Loughin Gaels defence four minutes into the half. A tussle for a high ball saw Eddie Kearns crash into the goal post after a wild overhead swing. The resulting scramble saw the ball reach the net while Eddie lay stretched on the ground. Not for the first time Eddie Kearns put his body on the line for the club and it won’t be for the last. The groundsmen at Nowlan Park however may be looking to replace the posts at the country end!  It was disappointing to see but two fine saves from Stephen Murphy earlier could have meant the game was beyond reach. O’Loughlins fought as is to be expected of these lads and Andy Kearns stepped up to rally the troops with a brilliant performance from full back.  Three occasions in the second half Andy rose to take ball in hand and clear his lines with precision ball to the hard working Martin Comerford. Martin gave it everything for his team and club. Emptied the tank and fought on through pain and exhaustion. When the final whistle sounded you could feel his heart sink and part of his soul was left on the field in Nowlan Park. A pure legend. It was gut wrenching when that final shrill sounded and although the players were emptied inside the large support that had been a very big part of this teams build-up flooded onto the field to give comfort. There was no hard luck. The boys did well..Clara are the victors but they know it could easily have been the other way around. Keith Hogan lifted the Tom Walsh Cup.. he and Brian played out a dual after a week-long build-up that saw the two brothers being the focus of much media attention. They were glad to get on with the game and both played well with neither one getting the better of the other… Only that Keith celebrates with his team mates. But not before an emotional embrace with his big brother at the games end. Only in GAA.
The year may have ended for the seniors with disappointment but the club is in a good place. This team will build from this experience and will come back stronger and more determined. With good people behind them and good support from a great club O’Loughlin Gaels will always be competing at the business end of the season for
Thanks to : S. Murphy, A Forristal, A Kearns, E Kearns, H Lawlor, B Hogan, P Deegan, M Bergin, S Mahony, D Burke, E Grant, M Comerford, S Johnson, D Loughnane, M Kelly, C Bergin, J Nolan, A O’Brien, B Leydon, P Butler, P Cantwell, S Parsons, D O’Connor, G Bryan, N Bergn, A Cantwell, S Cummins, J Doyle, T Gleeson, F Brennan, M Gibbons, G Kelly.
Manager: Aidan Fogarty. Selectors: Colin Furlong, Nigel Skehan, Derek Shelly, Michael Comerford.
 
BIG EFFORT BY A PROUD CLUB
There was a massive effort out in by a huge amount of people to prepare the club for one of the biggest days of the Kilkenny GAA year and O’Loughlin Gaels GAA. The players were fantastic and the management left no stone unturned in preparing them to be in prime condition. Helped by a focused executive the members all pulled together to show strong support. The supporters shop provided the white and green colours that festooned every vantage point around St. Johns parish thanks to the help of an army of volunteers who scaled lampposts, trees and buildings. The presence of young juvenile members and their families in Nowlan Park ensures that there is a strong future for our great club. The club is lucky to have such brilliant sponsors too – the main Sponsor of the senior teams Pat Carrolls has been avid supporter of our teams for many years with both club and business benefitting from the clubs rising profile. McDonagh Junction Shopping Centre looks after the clubs juvenile section and Newpark Eurospar and The River Court Hotel have also offered their along with a host of others. The club wishes to express it’s humblest gratitude to all those who have contributed to a great club…the mentors, members and sponsors. Continued thanks.
 
MINOR COUNTY FINAL SUNDAY
On Sunday our minors face city neighbours Dicksboro in what will be a repeat of last year’s County Final…and let’s hope the result will be repeated also. Both teams coasted through to the final with Dicksboro probably shading the favourites tag. It has all the makings of a classic and it’s another call to arms for the St. Johns support to get to Nowlan Park and cheer on our young stars. They’ve been training hard. They work is nearly done but will only be done once the final whistle sounds. Well done to a great management team in Manager Niall Bergin, selectors Mark Bergin and Davey Ronan, and team medic and physio Parick Corr. Up the’Loughs
DARTS FINALS TO BE HELD IN CLUB
Every Friday night for the last few months Kilkenny District Darts League has been held at O’Loughlin Gaels GAA Club. The clubhouse again demonstrates it’s capacity to host any event of any size and the long upstairs lounge is perfect to host this. On Friday evening October the 30th the Finals of the Darts Leagues will be played and the lounge will be lined with 10 dart boards with a large crowd enjoying the spectacle. Well done to Paddy Green yet again for catering for such events and continues to attract and improvise to cater for any event. To hire or organise your event contact Paddy on 0861298329
 
CLUB LOTTO
There was no winner of last weeks Lotto.  The numbers drawn were 4,13, 16 ,28 and the bonus number was:2.  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.
 
EVENTS AT O’LOUGHLIN GAELS GAA
 
The capacity to hold events of any size or manner was demonstrated again at the weekend when the club hosted a Strictly Come Dancing fundraiser for Vespa Entertainments and Carrick Swans GAA Club. 1100 people attended the event that ran from 8pm to 2pm on Saturday night last. The carpark was full with a caravan of busses from the Carrick club and the cars overflowed unto the adjoining juvenile pitch making sure that anyone that came got in safely. The doors opened at 7pm and patrons enjoyed the O’Loughlin Gaels hospitality thanks to an army of volunteers who stewarded and manned the bars late into the night until all our guests were safely on their way home. Well done to all and thanks again for a massive effort.  
 
 
U12s SOAK UP THE ACTIVITIES
 
The u12s headed to The Kilkenny Activity Centre for an end of year get together. The boys relished in the activities provided to come away soaked in muck and water in what was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. As we know these guys don’t care about tough conditions or hard work and they came through the day with big smiles on their faces. Well done to the boys on  great year with the club and thanks to their mentors John Holohan, Sean Hogan, Brian Fox and Alan O’Meara
 
 
 
 

WHITE AND GREEN FORAY
The white and green of O’Loughlin Gaels is set to dominate the streetscapes, estates and townlands of Johns Parish this week culminating with a full on incursion by club support into Nowlan Park at 3.15pm on Sunday afternoon.  After the dethroning of Ballyhale in last week’s semi-final and the disposing of city neighbours Dicksboro the previous week O’Loughlin Gaels are in prime position to lay claim to their fourth ever Senior County Title. Clara stand in the way and will probably fancy themselves to reclaim the title they won in 2013. It’s the old cliché ..it will be whoever wants the most. It’s crazy to think that any team wants it any less than another so that old cliché is  nonsense. But what’s not a nonsense is that this team has worked hard, trained hard and sacrificed to be there and the O’Loughlin Gaels supporters are going to be needed to drive them on one last time. Wear your colours and bring your best vocal support to Nowlan Park on Sunday and let’s give the lads every encouragement and advantge to bring the Tom Walsh Cup to St. Johns Park. Up the ‘Loughs
 
SUPPORTERS SHOP – THURSDAY/FRIDAY 8pm TO 9.30pm
The White & Green Supporters Shop is open for business all week. Bunting, flags, beanies and car flags are all available in the club so that you look the part on Sunday afternoon.  Get behind the team and display your colours at home, at work and in transit. Make sure your business takes the opportunity to hitch a ride on the White & Green bandwagon and display your shop and office windows with the club colours. Let the players know when they walk down John Street that support for them is everywhere. The Supporters Shop is open on Thursday and Friday Night from 8pm to 9.30pm.
JOHN JOE CULLENS BUTCHERS ON JOHN STREET also stocks flags and buntings and know that there is no such thing as too little when it comes to supporting your team. Cover your shop windows until you can’t see out , decorate the lamp posts, the staff…the dog…your granny..nothing is out of bounds.
 
MINOR FACE NEIGHBOURS ‘BORO
The Minors will take centre stage the week after next when they too compete in the County Final. It’s a great time for O’Loughlin Gaels GAA when the seniors and minors both take part in this year’s Finals. The minors had accounted for Mooncoin ten days ago but had to wait until the weekend to see who their opponents were to be. Dicksboro and James Stephens fought out a tense semi-final and it was Dicksboro who triumphed with a two point win and a final berth facing the St. Johns side. It promises to be another cracking day out with a repeat of last year’s final and hopefully a repeat of last year’s result!! Good luck lads.
 
COUNTY FINAL AFTER MATCH MEAL
There’s no doubt the match is going to burn off some calories ..the tension and drama is going to contribute to a ferocious appetite and as always your favourite club, O’Loughlin Gaels is looking after you. For €10 you can avail of a shuttle bus from the club on the evening of the match and be whisked to the Kilford Arms Hotel for 8pm to have a 3-course meal. That’s all – just €10!!. TICKETS AVAILABLE IN THE CLUB BAR or CONTACT Paddy Green on 086 1298329 . And then back to the club afterwards for plenty of match analysis!
CLUB LOTTO
There was no winner of last weeks Lotto.  The numbers drawn were 15,16, 24 ,27 and the bonus number was:1.  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.
 
U12s SOAK UP THE ACTIVITIES
 
The u12s headed to The Kilkenny Activity Centre for an end of year get together. The boys relished in the activities provided to come away soaked in muck and water in what was a thoroughly enjoyable afternoon. As we know these guys don’t care about tough conditions or hard work and they came through the day with big smiles on their faces. Well done to the boys on  great year with the club and thanks to their mentors John Holohan, Sean Hogan, Brian Fox and Alan O’Meara
 
 
CAMOGIE AWARDS NIGHT – SATURDAY OCT 17TH 6.30pm
 
O’Loughlin Gaels Camogie Club held their awards night last Saturday Night in the clubs upstairs function room celebrating a very busy and enjoyable year. Chairperson Joan Galwey addressed the packed room impressing upon the girls the importance measuring success by enjoying camogie, being part of a team, making friends and learning from disappointment. Not much disappointment for our u12s who were presented their medals for winning their groups County Final. The u6, u8 and u10 teams were presented with specially commissioned calendars for their age groups. Special presentations too were made to players Rebecca Cleere, Aisling Butler (Intermediate) and Laura Murphy and Laura Green (Minor) for their parts in the County Teams national successes. Each player was presented with a beautiful handcrafted engraved hurl made by James O’Keefe. Co-founder of the club Marie Fitzpatrick made a special presentation to John Sheridan for his exceptional dedication to the club. John’s mother, the late Rena Sheridan , co-founded the cub with Marie back in 1991 when they would have dreamed of nights like this. Well done to everybody involved with O’Loughlin Gaels Camogie in what has been a very successful year with membership continuing to grow – a testament to many years of hard work by a great number of volunteers.
 
FINAL – LY
 
Last word this week to the weekends adventure. It’s a positive time for St. Johns Parish and the club that serves it. It’s an opportunity to get involved if you haven’t been involved already. Even if it’s just donning the club colours on your car or from your house. Go to the match..experience the magic. A Hurling County Final in Nowlan Park is a special occasion and it should be embraced. Lots of people have already contributed to making the week special…those who decorated the club, the streets and those who lined the ring road from Glendine to Middleknock with white and green checkered flags. Preparations are in order to welcome everybody from St. Johns parish and beyond to St. Johns Park on Sunday evening to celebrate a community. All are welcome. We salute the players and their management and back room team. Well done ..great work..now finish it off. Good luck O’Loughlin Gaels.

IT'S TIME TO COVER THE PARISH IN WHITE AND GREEN
O’Loughlin Gaels Seniors and Minor Teams will compete in this year’s respective hurling County Finals after two powerful performances in their semi-finals at the weekend generating an air of excitement amongst the St. Johns faithful. Over the next two weeks the build-up will gather momentum. There will be friendly banter with our opponents – the minors await the outcome of the other semi-final between Dicksboro and James Stephens to be played this weekend – the seniors know its Clara. Neighbours all and the banter will be good. Club rivalries will be rife…neighbours will display opposing club colours in locations designed to annoy neighbours…households will be split! Yes households will be split..who’d be Mrs Hogan as her two sons will square up to each other on County Final Day!  It has all the makings of a great great day and no matter what the outcome all those rivalries, splits and annoyances will be put to one side again once the dust settles and brought out again the following season. It’s a spirit that’s unique to our games and what makes them so special. But bragging rights are bragging rights and each club will want to have them so it’s all hands on deck to show our support for our teams. Display your colours..offer your words of encouragement and if called upon to help in any way answer that call. It’s an opportunity to get together and support your club. Preparations will continue over the next 2 weeks so get involved if you can.
 
SENIORS TOPPLE CHAMPIONS
A huge team performance has seen O’Loughlin Gaels Seniors dethrone Ballyhale Shamrocks in a tense semi-final in Nowlan Park. Everyone was writing off the St. Johns side as is understandable considering the quantity of household names the opposition boasts. But the ‘Gaels were not for showing too much respect last Sunday and rightly treated every player with equal measure. The young guns on the team of Paddy Deegan and Huw Lawlor cared less that Henry Shefflin, TJ Reid or Michael Fennelly were in their company. Paddy stepped up to the plate particularly in the second half and cleared ball after ball to set up numerous attacks on the Ballyhale posts. There were heros all over the pitch. Martin Comerford reeled back the years and was into everything throughout the first half that saw him break ball and set up scoring opportunities at will. His energy and passion inspiring the players around him. Mark Bergin was one of those players who benefitted from Gorta’s play scoring a total of 1-9 including a fantastic goal in the first half that saw him thread the ball past the Ballyhale keeper. It was just rewards for the workrate he applied to his game. If you’re looking for work rate you can’t look much further than the full back line Anthony Forristal, Andy Kearns and Eddie Kearns.   A couple of early scares in the game were quickly thwarted by a solid line throughout. Mark Bergin’s goal was the difference between the sides at Half time and the large Nowlan Park crowd wondered if it was enough considering the firepower that was available to the champions. And sure enough Ballyhale did hit a purple patch and not only clawed back the lead put went ahead by a single point with 20minutes remaining after a Henry Shefflin free was converted. Mark Kelly immediately hit back with a pointed free of his own and added three more along with a Martin Comerford point to Ballyhale’s single point before Mark Kelly found the net on 26mins. The Gaels now had formed a healthy looking lead and Mark Kelly was finding his groove thanks to excellent play by Jack Nolan and Danny Loughnane. Conor Bergin was introduced and added to further pressure on the Ballyhale defence. The last 10 mins were nail biting if you were from St. Johns Parish. The legs were tiring and Ballyhale were panicking throwing everything at the O’Loughlin Gaels goal. Stephen Murphy made two top class reflex saves during the game but a high ball and low sun combined helped Ballyhale managed to find the net to put the defibrillators on standby as the game came to its climax. Staunch defending by O’Loughlin Gaels defender Eddie Kearns as one TJ Reid launched a final attack ensured that O’Loughlin Gaels head to this year’s County Final in two weeks time. It was a great win and one that was richly deserved. The best team won on the day and now the preparations are underway for a shot at a county title. One that hasn’t been achieved since 2010. Clara stand in the way and will be favourites to regain the title they won in 2013. Our lads will have their work cut out but as we’ve just discovered they like to work. Well done to all and Up the ‘Loughs.
MINOR SEMI FINAL
O’Loughlin Gaels minors learned a few valuable lessons on Saturday evening in a breezy Ballyhale to overcome Mooncoin in the first of this year’s County Semi-Finals. Mooncoin put on a fine first half performance with their mid-field duo taking advantage of the strong breeze and some wayward marksmanship by the O’Loughlins attack. The men from the south headed into the second half with a six point advantage. The second half proved  different story however with the O’Loughlin’s forwards finding their radar. In truth the delivery to the forwards was much improved from the first half probably due to the strong breeze. Pat Byrne was introduced into the action at half time and quickly made an impact with a fine goal six mins into the half. Cian Loy soon found his scoring prowess and pointed his second of three points two minutes later. Sean Bolger was flying thoughout the game and pointed for the second time next. The game was definitely turning in the St. Johns side favour now and some fine performances were popping up around the field. Conor Heary and Robbie Buckley were dominating their areas and providing intelligent ball to a now confident attack. Shane Maher pointed three of his frees and Cian Loy found the net thirteen minutes into the second half that eased the sizeable St. Johns support. It was a professional ending to the half from then on and the lads eased to a county Final date in two weeks time. Well done to all involved and  good luck.
 
JUNIORS BOW OUT
The Juniors were shown the road in this year’s championship with a defeat to neighbours Dickboro in Ballyragget on Saturday evening. It has been a good year for the juniors who've worked hard and got some good results during the year to reach the Section B final. Well done to all the players and the management team.
CLUB LOTTO
There was no winner of last weeks Lotto.  The numbers drawn were 6,10, 19 ,25 and the bonus number was:17.  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.
 
JUVENILEs ENJOYED A GREAT YEAR
 
On Sunday the O’Loughlin Gaels Juvenile teams completed their season with a grand finale of games  in front of  packed St. Johns Park. Parents of all age groups from u6 to u12 gathered on the club steps to witness their young Gaels perform at an exceptionally high level. Each age group organised end of year leagues and the games culminated with a series of finals played out on Sunday morning. The parents thoroughly enjoyed the exhibition put on and it was certainly a good appetiser for what was to come in ‘the Park’ later in the afternoon. After the high octane matches the players were each awarded their Certificates of excellence presented by their respective coaches. A huge thanks must go to the dozens of volunteers who mentor and coach all our young players so that they can become the best that they can. The St. Johns Parents too all play their part towards the development of these aspiring young hurlers. The parents very much enjoy their Sunday morning and Thursday evening gatherings which is helped along by this year’s innovation by the Camogie Club to provide a Café. Standing on the sidelines is much more sociable with a nice hot cup of coffee in hand so well done to them for that. The Camogie Club would like to offer their thanks to all those who supported the shop throughout the summer.  Well done to all involved and the we are already looking to towards the Spring when the 2016 season throws in again. Well done all.
 
CAMOGIE AWARDS NIGHT – SATURDAY OCT 17TH 6.30pm
 
After what has been a great year for O’Loughlin Gaels Camogie Club next Saturday the club hosts an Awards Evening for the season just ended. It has been one of the most successful years for the Camogie club with membership the highest ever. The switch to Saturday mornings for Juvenile training has played a huge part in that success and in the development of the social side of being involved in a sports club. More volunteers and more equipment means that O’Loughlin Gaels camogie is going to grow and grow and is heading to be one of the most prominent camogie clubs in the county. Most of the juvenile and senior teams competed at the latter end of their respective championships which is a credit to the standard of coaching provided. This year too saw the Club host their own underage Tournament- the Rena Sheridan Cup - which brought many visiting clubs to St. Johns Park. The u12s won the County Championship and Minor and junior players, Laura Murphy, Laura Greene, Rebecca Cleere and Aisling Butler all represented the club on County Teams and contributed to them winning national honours. The awards night takes place in the club on Saturday evening at. 6.30pm
 
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U14s ARE COUNTY CHAMPIONS
On Saturday morning at the well turned out pitch of Ballyragget, O’Loughlin Gaels u14s retained the Roinn A County Hurling Title in style. It was a performance that included all the traits of champions- skill, aggression, teamwork and raw determination.  A sizeable support gathered for both teams and credit to our O’Loughlin Gaels support as it’s getting bigger and more vocal with every outing and must contribute to our clubs’ successes. Keep it up! The first 20mins or so of the game were nervy with both teams showing signs of anxiety at being in a county final. At four points each the game came to life for O’Loughlin Gaels when Jack Sheridan, Declan Coffey and Niall Higgins collectively got to grips with the Castlecomer mid-field and started to launch some worthwhile attack. In fact on 25mins Jack Sheridan collected a breaking ball to feed the hardworking Ethan Kerwick who dropped the ball at the edge pf the square for corner forward Vinnie O’Grady to batt to the net. A wonderful goal that kick started a five minute purple patch for O’loughlin Gaels that included 3 more points and a further goal from Mikey Wallace just before the break. Half time 2-7 to 0-4. The second half got under way with a point from play by Conor Kelly who set the tone for the next 20 minutes. O’Loughlins were in the driving seat and controlled the game throughout the field. Corner back Donal O’Leary was having a stormer winning all his battles, clearing his lines and allowing his half backs of Niall Higgins and the teams engine Jamie Young to trouble the Erins Own defence. Points were traded before Erins Own caught a break 10mins into the second half with a goal from a long range free that hopped to the net. They added another point before Mikey Wallace found the net for a second time to settle the St. Johns support. But it was short lived and the relentless endeavour of a very good Erins Own side saw them take two more goals ‘as a cheile’ on 22 and 23 minutes from Jack Buggy and Dan Coogan respectively. The ‘Comer gander was up and our lads looked rattled. They added another point that saw the half time lead of 9 points whittled down to a single point with only 2 mins remaining. But this is where champions are made…a steely resolve was shown by the team as they knew the consequences of wilting now..with Mick Nolan breathing fire from the sidelines it wasn’t an option!. John McNamara introduced fresh legs to the attack and within a minute Conor Kelly converted a free to bring the lead to two points again. On the puck out O’Loughlins fought hard to gain possession and Ethan Kerwick launched a final attack that produced both a blistering goal and new St. Johns hero. The sideline erupted with joy as the final whistle sounded and O’Loughlin Gaels were crowned County Champions for 2015. Credit to a super Erins Own side who gave it their all and have the honour of been league champions for their troubles. I’m sure these two sides will do hurling a great service again as they do battle in the coming years. Well done to all the players and well done to O’Loughlin Gaels. Final Score 4-11 to 3-9
Panel; R. Lavelle, P. McNamara, D Fogarty, D. O’Leary, C. Murphy., J. Young, N. Higgins, D. Coffey, C. Maher, C. Kelly, B. Tyrrell, J. Sheridan, V. O’Grady, E. Kerwick (Capt.), M. Wallace. D. Murphy, N. Flanagan, J. McNamara, I.O’Keefe, H. Bland, S. Lawlor, J. Hickey, J. Phelan, J.Leydon, J. Byrne, W.Slattery, S. O’Connell, C. Leefarr, L.Hennessey, M. Hogan, M. Gormley.
Mentors: Sheamie Cummins, Bryan Skehan, Mick Nolan, Pat O’Grady, Brian Kelly.
 
 
 
SENIORS TO COUNTY SEMI-FINAL
The short trip out the country to Kells Road brought a large O’Loughlin Gaels support for this Quarter Final Derby against neighbours Dicksboro. The Dicksboro crowd spoke in hushed voices at the loss of two key players in Fagan and Buckley. A loss to any team for sure but the St. Johns side were up for this and it wasn’t’ going to be the game changer. The game ran through the motions for a lot of the time but the five point difference at the end of the game was a fair reflection on the O’Loughlin performance. From the throw in it looked like this was going to be a cracker when within the first minute of play Mark Kelly found the net. The celebrations were shortlived however as Dicksboro returned with the maximum within seconds after a catastrophic mistake in the O’Loughins defence. One minute of play and a goal each the crowd was rubbing its hands with anticipation. The next few minutes saw the usual sorting out of players ruffling the feathers of the their opponents  but referee Eamonn Mansfield sorted matters and the game got into its stride. O’Loughlins proved the more potent in this first half and found their scores easier than their counterparts who would rue their wides at the town end of the pitch throughout the half. In fairness O’Loughlin would go through the same problem in the second half but it was the first half score line of 2-7 to 1-5 that was the winning of the game. O’loughlins second goal coming from full forward Danny Loughnane who had a good game overall. The second half was all about keeping the scoreboard ticking over..and although O’Loughlins shooting was wayward at times they created enough chances to stifle any treat from the Dicksboro attack. Brian Hogan and Andy Kearns pulled the strings in the defence both covering a lot of ground with Anthony Forristal equally having a good game. Martin Comerford’s workrate was 100% as always and  finished the game out with two top class points. Arguably the best player on the field Mark Kelly finished his tally with 1-2 and Mark Bergin was rewarded for his endeavours with a total of 7 points – 3 of which were from play. It’s a good result and the lads will look forward to next weekend’s challenge – a semi-final encounter with current County and All-Ireland Champions Ballyhale. Sunday afternoon at 3.15pm in Nowlan Park let’s bring a big St. Johns support and drive on the lads. Best of luck lads. Final Score 2-15 to 1-13
 
JUNIORS COMPLETE A GOOD WEEKEND
The Juniors were the third club team out this weekend in Championship action and they too had no intentions of letting the sides down. This was in Danesfort and with a strong breeze in their faces took  a good advantage in the first half with a half time score of 1-8mto 0-8. The goal coming from Alan Geoghegan after a sniping run from the industrious Danny Lenihan. Daniel O’Conner was in good form in this first half scoring two of his three point total for the game. The second half would see the St. Johns side dominate proceedings..Brian Dowling took hold of midfield and his determination was evident in his play and vocal encouragement of the players around him. Gary Bryan had a strong performance on half back and earned himself a good point for his efforts. Shane Parsons too was rewarded for his workrate with minimum with Paddy Cantwell (1pt), John Doyle, Niall McEvoy, Brian Dowling (2ps each), Doc (3) , Danny Lenihan (5) and Alan Geoghegan (1-3) all getting on the score sheet. It was a good performance and the lads now face Dicksboro next Sunday in the Section B final. Well done to all involved. Final score 1-20 to 0-11
MINOR COUNTY SEMI-FINAL
The minors look forward to this weekends action with a Saturday afternoon encounter against Mooncoin in this years County Semi-final. With some players involved in senior and junior teams there’s been plenty of match practice for these lads. We wish all involved the very best of luck. It will be a busy weekend for the club again and your support is always appreciated and needed. Keep a close eye on the clubs face book and twitter pages for the weekends fixtures and get out to support your club.
 
 
CLUB LOTTO
There was no winner of last weeks Lotto.  The numbers drawn were 2,15, 27 ,28 and the bonus number was:26.  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.
 
PITCHES PRISTINE !
 
Well done to Mick Nolan and his grounds team for having the pitches at St. Johns Park in such pristine condition after a summer of constant pressure. Over the last few weekends Johns Park has hosted a number of County Board Championship fixtures and all teams have been complimentary of the pitch conditions. With constant juvenile development in progress, club fixtures and county board fixtures it’s a credit to Mick and his team for providing a facility that we all can be proud of. This weekend the club hosts the intermediate relegation final between Emeralds and Dunnamaggin and the pitch is perfect. Well done to all involved.
 
 
PARISH NEWS
 
Monster Bingo
A Monster Bingo with €15,000 prize money will be held in Cillin Hill, Kilkenny on Sunday 18th October at 3.00pm in aid of St Mary’s Cathedral Restoration Fund.  Gowran Parish Bingo Committee will be taking charge of staging this Bingo.  Books €15 and €20 Single Sheets (3 in number) €2.  Raffle tickets €2 or more.  Please support.
 
First Penance and First Holy Communion St John’s Junior School
An enrolment meeting for  parents of First Holy Communion Children will take place in St John’s Junior School on Monday 5th October at 7.00pm. Please  bring your enrolment form along if it has not been completed already
 
Eucharistic Adoration
Eucharistic Adoration takes place in Dunmore Church every Tuesday from 3-4pm. All are welcome.
10.30am  Choir
10.30am choir will be resume on Sunday 4th October. New members are welcome.
St Joseph’s Young Priest Society
A meeting will take place in St John’s Presbytery on Monday 28th September at 11.00am (immediately after the 10.30am Mass) with a view to forming a Branch of the St Joseph’s Young Priests Society in St John’s Parish.  All who are interested are asked and encouraged to attend.
PILATES
Pilates( Body Control Pilates trained ) starting at the Dunmore hall for the older adult on a Wednesday at  10 am as well as a Wednesday  evening class at 6.30 pm for all age groups .To sign up for this low impact exercise that will keep you fit and toned contact Emma on 0874313925 , classes are limited to no more than 12 people so early booking is advised .