HAPPY NEW YEAR 
 
O’Loughlin Gaels GAA would like to wish all its members and St. Johns Parish supporters a very Happy New Year with a very special wish for all the teams who had an incredible year throughout 2015. There were certainly highs and no doubts there were lows but with ALL teams competing on the final day of their respective championships it was a great year in what was a very special year for O’Loughlin Gaels GAA.
 
Our u14s kicked off with a County ‘A’ Football Title a week after becoming Paddy Grace Tournament Winners (County Feile Champions). The lads followed up with National Honours winning the All-Ireland Div 5 Feile Peil for the second time in the clubs history. The u14s completed a super year by retaining the County ‘A’ Hurling Final in September.
 
The u16s had a magnificent year completing their season earlier this month by adding the County ‘A’ Football Championship to the Hurling ‘A’ League and Championship Titles won earlier in the summer. Add the prestigious Killenaule 7’s Tournament to their haul of silverware and you’d have to agree it was good year for these boys.
 
The minors too were feasting at the top table on County Final day but alas the Gods determined that neighbours’ Dicksboro would spoil this party. Two points deep into injury time was the only difference between two sides that have had mighty encounters over the years. All agree it was a determined performance and that the lads were unfortunate not to come out the winners. They went on to win the Hurling League ‘A’ Shield Final later and are still in a shout for the Football Title.
 
The seniors will feel certain that they left a title behind them too. Again competing on the final day of the Championship this was a team that brought great joy and pride to its supporters. Beating All-Ireland club Champions Ballyhale earlier on the campaign was a reflection on the hard work and growth that this team have developed over the year and we certainly look forward to 2016 when these guys will strive to achieve the highest of standards and ultimately a County Title.
 
The fifth Hurling County Final came earlier this month when our u21s won the County U21 ‘A’ Hurling Title overcoming Glenmore in a well contested final.  Seanie Bolger capped a superb year with a game defining goal in the final minutes and Paddy Deegan surely cemented a brilliant future in the game with a mammoth performance from centre back.  
 
Not bad going – 2015 saw competitive teams through all the ages achieve seven titles at County Level, (including Three Hurling County Championships) and one National Title. It must also be noted that the club had 16 representatives on County Teams of different ages which included a Leinster Final Winning Captain in Daniel O’Connor. It’s safe to say then that 2015 was a great year for O’Loughlin Gaels GAA and huge  thanks must be afforded to all the players and their mentors for making 2015 a remarkable one.  So let’s get together again and make 2016 even better. Happy New Year.
 
CLUB LOTTO 
There was no winner of last week’s Lotto. The numbers drawn were 9, 10, 18, 22 and the bonus number was: 4.  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.  
THE BULL RUSH
Week two of the Player Fundraiser continues but no change in the leader board only because the update isn’t due until this weekend. So for now Team Martin ‘Texas Longhorn’ Comerford leads the way closely followed by Mark ‘Angus Brown’ Kelly but is expected to drop back as he’s on a well-deserved team break with the Kilkenny Senor Panel for his work in retaining the Liam McCarthy in 2015 . All the others are the also rans unless YOU get out there and start buying tickets. Tickets are €10 and can be  purchased online on www.oloughlingaels.gee.ie Bull Rush.. Help the lads to raise enough funds for strength & conditioning facilities at the club by buying a ticket from your favourite team. Just logon and find the option to purchase from your favourite Captain to see them win the team prize and help get their facilities. Well done to all the players for driving their own initiative and a huge thanks to event sponsors SRS Steel & Roofing Systems for supporting the lads.
 
ST JOHNS PARK - A FOUNDATION
You are invited to log on to www.oloughlingaels.gaaa.ie/view-from-the-shed to read about a period in the history of O’Loughlin Gaels GAA Club that saw the formation of the development of St. Johns Park. An insightful and personal piece of writing by ex-president and founder of the club Eamon Doyle it is a must read for anyone who enjoys the facilities available at O’Loughlin Gaels GAA. We thank Eamon for this wonderful recording of an important time in our great club’s infrastructure. Maith thu Eamon.
 
MINOR FOOTBALLERS
 
This weekend the Minor Footballers host Dicksboro in the County Semi Football Final. Plenty of time to shed off the excesses of the Christmas celebrations and we look forward to seeing our boys in action for the first encounter of 2016 – albeit a 2015 competition.   Keep working hard lads and keep enjoying playing together and the successes will continue. Up the Loughs.
 
ANNUAL  PARISH SOCIAL
 
The Annual St. John’s Parish Social will take place on Sunday, January 31st in Langton House Hotel. Keep the date in your diary and further details will follow. Always a good night and an opportunity for friends and neighbours to get together.
 
 
MARBLE CITY BOXING CLUB
 
The Marble City Boxing Club will host their annual Tournament at their premises in Michael Street ( Old Swimming Pool) on January 2nd at 7.30pm. A selection of the clubs top boxers will take on a Connaught selection in the club for second year in row. The corresponding fixture last January was a very enjoyable evening for boxing enthusiasts and is a recommended night out. For tickets (€10) contact 0872757372  or just pay on the night .
 
 
ST. JOHNS PARIH LOCAL HISTORY CALENDAR
A new St John’s Local History Calendar for 2016 is now available. Contact Frank Cody, Newpark Close FRC at 056-7723309. Cost: €5.00
 
 
Kilkenny Cribs
The annual walk of the cribs of the city churches will take place on Saturday January 2nd beginning at the Capuchin Friary Church at 11 am. 
All welcome.
 
Suicide Awareness Gathering
The 3rd Annual Suicide Awareness Gathering takes place on Monday 4th January at 8pm in St John’s Church. Guest Speaker Maurice Shanahan, Waterford Hurler and Current All Star. Tukolo Gospel Choir and Alan Hayes will be Singing. All are welcome.

 
 
CLUB LOTTO 
There was no winner of last week’s Lotto. The numbers drawn were 1,4, 25, 27 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.  
 
 
THE BULL RUSH
The first week of the Players on-line fundraiser is over. As part of their overall Fundraising efforts for Strength & Conditioning Facilities in the Club the players are selling tickets for a raffle for a Bull Calf or  €1000. They are also competing in teams against each other to sell the most tickets. Tickets are €10 and can be  purchased online on www.oloughlingaels.gee.ie Bull Rush. The first leader board was published last Friday and it saw Team Martin Comerford slightly ahead of Team Mark Kelly in a very tight race. Not far back in 3rd place is Team Mark Bergin with Brian Hogan’s Team following in 4th position. However way back with a lot of work to do is Team Andy Kearns. Help the lads to raise enough funds for facilities at the club by buying a ticket from your favourite team. Just logon and find the option to purchase from your favourite Captain to see them win the team prize and help get their facilities. Well done to all the players for driving their own initiative and a huge thanks to event sponsors SRS Steel & Roofing Systems for supporting the lads.
 
 
JUVENILE CHRISTMAS PARTY –
 
Saturday’s (12th) Juvenile Christmas Party was another huge event hosted for our juvenile players and their families all for free. All morning organiser Sean Hogan and his team of elves were preparing the hall and Santa’s Grotto so that the young Gaels can experience some magic. From 3pm they began to gather and dance to the seasonal music and hits sounded by the DJ. The hall filled with excitement and anticipation for arrival of one Santa Clause. True to his word at 3.30pm exactly Santa arrived into the St. Johns Park Complex on his Sleigh led by Rudolf to a very, very excited bunch. After a noisy welcome Santa greeted every youngster with a handshake and made his way to the Grotto where he met every single child and their family’s again and took photographs available for all the young members at the clubs pages . Such was the crowd that two hours later Santa re-embarked on his tour of the country in aid of Temple Street University Children’s Hospital. All the while Sean Hogan and his team provided games and treats for the children and the Camogie Café provided refreshments for the parents. Santa didn’t leave the complex empty handed either as a sizeable donation was gathered from the club and parents to bring back to his chosen charity. O’Loughlin Gaels GAA wish all our young juveniles a very happy Christmas and thank all for their wonderful generosity. Photographs of the event are available for the participating families on the club website.
 
 
 
 
 
MINOR FOOTBALLERS
 
O’Loughlin Gaels Minor Footballers booked themselves a place in this years’ Football Championship County Semi-Final with a win over St. Martins at the weekend. They now play Dicksboro in the penultimate round with a chance to compete in another County Final in New Year. Hard work by these lads and their management has made them a very competitive outfit this year. Well done to all involved.
 
ANNUAL  PARISH SOCIAL
 
The Annual St. John’s Parish Social will take place on Sunday, January 31st in Langton House Hotel. Keep the date in your diary and further details will follow. Always a good night and an opportunity for friends and neighbours to get together.
 
 
YEAR OF MERCY CHRISTMAS CARDS
The ‘Year of Mercy’ (8th Dec 2015 – Nov 20 2016) edition of our Parish Christmas Card, including Pope Francis’ Jubilee Prayer, are now available for purchase at the back of the church, in the sacristy or at the presbytery. Pack of six for €5.
 
 
ST. JOHNS PARIH LOCAL HISTORY CALENDAR
A new St John’s Local History Calendar for 2016 is now available. Contact Frank Cody, Newpark Close FRC at 056-7723309. Cost: €5.00
 
 
Kilkenny Cribs
The annual walk of the cribs of the city churches will take place on Saturday January 2nd beginning at the Capuchin Friary Church at 11 am. 
All welcome.
 
Suicide Awareness Gathering
The 3rd Annual Suicide Awareness Gathering takes place on Monday 4th January at 8pm in St John’s Church. Guest Speaker Maurice Shanahan, Waterford Hurler and Current All Star. Tukolo Gospel Choir and Alan Hayes will be Singing. All are welcome.
 
Christmas 2015 – Mass Arrangements

 
 
 
Christmas Eve
(Thursday 24th)
 
 
No Morning Masses
6.30 p.m. St John’s – (Family Mass)
9.00 p.m. St John’s
7.00 p.m. Dunmore
8.00 p.m. Johnswell

 
 
 
Christmas Day
(Friday 25th)
 
 
 
8.00 a.m. St John’s
10.30 a.m. St John’s
12.00 noon St John’s
10.00 a.m. Johnswell
11.00 a.m. Dunmore


Saturday 26th

10.30 a.m. Mass & 6.30 p.m. Vigil

Sunday 28th
Normal Mass Times

Monday to Saturday:
(28th  to 2nd)
10.30 a.m. Mass Each Morning

 
 
A very happy and peaceful Christmas

O’LOUGHLIN GAELS GAA
www.oloughlingaels.gaa.ie
 
U21s ARE COUNTY CHAMPIONS
A 34 year gap was finally was closed on Sunday afternoon when O’Loughlin Gaels took this year’s u21 Hurling Championship Title in dramatic fashion at Nowlan Park. Glenmore provided stiff opposition and although O’Loughlin Gaels started well going 1-2 ahead before Glenmore registered their first score, it was a hard fought contest throughout. Shane Parsons started proceedings with an early goal after good Shane Mahony pressure to put the St. Johns side on the front foot. They certainly were the better side in the opening fifteen minutes but when Glenmore got a handle on things they made their dominance in their half back line count providing the platform for a return of two goals from play helping them bring the sides all square by half time. 1-6 to 2-3 the Half Time Score. However the second half saw the O’Loughlin’s lads build on a restored confidence and scores from Daniel O’Connor, Sean Bolger and a buoyant looking Ross Butler gave the Gaels a little breathing space. Both sets of players dealt admirably with the slippy conditions and provided the gathering with a good quality game. It was hard hitting at times and the ground made for an energy sapping encounter. Ross Butler added his second point and Sean Bolger added a couple of pointed frees during the same period of time that Glenmore added four of their own, mainly through the work of Alan Murphy who was having a fine game for Glenmore. An off the ball incident on fifty minutes developed into a short melee and resulted in both sides loosing the services of one player. With both sides down to fourteen and the game in the melting pot Glenmore added another point to make it the minimum of advantages for the St. Johns side going in to additional time. The crowd were on the edge of their seats and the players were on their last legs and with O’Loughlin’s on the attack on the thirty second minute Seanie Bolger, who had been magnificent for the club all season, caught onto a breaking ball and rifled the ball to the net much to the delight and relief of a very vocal O’Loughlin Gaels support.  The whistle sounded and O’Loughlins were crowned u21 Champions for the 1st time since 1981. The win has a capped a great year for the clubs’ hurling teams having participated in five County Hurling Finals, winning three. Well done to all the lads and their management teams and the huge team of support that is O’Loughlin Gaels GAA Club.  Final Score O’Loughlin Gaels 2-13 to 2-09 Glenmore.

Team. Gary Kelly, Jay Leahy, Thomas Gleeson, Huw Lawlor, Jack Lawlor, Gary Bryan (0-1), Paddy Deegan, David Burke (Capt., 0-1), Ross Butler (0-2), Daniel O’Connor (0-1), Shane Mahony (0-2), Sean Bolger (1-5, (5f)), Robbie Buckley, Shane Parsons (1-0), Cian Loy. Ben Leydon, Daniel Bolger, Paul Denieffe, Pat Byrne, James Lenihan, Daniel O’Driscoll, Vincent Wallace, Lyndon Brannigan, Eoin Croughan, Brian Buckley, Tervince Wallace, Shane Maher.

U16s COMPLETE A COUNTY GRAND SLAM

The u16s added Football County Champions to their repertoire of titles for 2016. Having accomplished titles in the hurling championship, hurling league and a prestigious 7’s tournament during the season, the lads dominated proceedings at St. Johns Park on Sunday morning to claim the final prize of the season. Dicksboro came with high hopes but with a return of 1-1 in a two minute spell at the end of the first half their only reward, it was never going to be enough to beat a rampant O’Loughlin side. Success is in their veins now and they possess a determination that’s very difficult to deactivate.  A hatrick from talisman and Captain Eoin Wall capped a great year from him but in truth it was never ever going to be about one man. Across the whole team and panel a huge effort was put in all year. This day was a final reward for all that hard work.  Goals from Jamie Ryan and Ben Maher added to the tally and hard worked paid off for Eoin O’Shea (1pt), Dacel Fwamba (2pts) Ryan Poyntz (1pt) and David McCormack (1pt) who all added their scores to fine team performance. Well done to all the panel and their management headed by Brian Dowling, who also was part of the successful u21 Management later in the afternoon. Not a bad days work – 2 County Finals in one afternoon.

Team: Joe ‘Spud’ Murphy, Oisin Murphy, Adam Flynn, Joe Murphy,  Mikey Butler, Conor Heary, Eoin O’Shea, Dacel Fwamba, Ryan Poyntz, Luke Hogan, Ben Maher, Jordan Molloy, Jamie Ryan, Eoin Wall, Ronan Buckley. Eoin Neary, Sean O’Leary, Ian Clifford, David McCormack, Podge Nolan, Barry Lawlor, Odhrán Lawlor, Jamie Malone, Robert Boyd, Johnny Collins.

CLUB LOTTO 
There was no winner of last week’s Lotto. The numbers drawn were 2, 7, 10, 25 and the bonus number was: 16.  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.  
 
CLUB AGM
 
O’Loughlin Gaels GAA held their AGM in the club house on Wednesday evening last in front of a large crowd of club members. After a moment silence respecting the memory of members and friends deceased the gathering listened intently to the years reports and contributed to discussion and debate when items were raised. There was acknowledgement that although there were disappointments on the field the year was a very successful one for our great club. Good work has been done and is continuing to be done by many ensuring that the club is in a healthy state.  The evening saw a changing in the guard when outgoing President Eamonn Doyle presided over an emotional passing of the honour to long serving member and co-founder of the club Martin Hanlon.  Brian Murphy was ratified as new O’Loughlin Gaels GAA Chairman taking over from Eddie Buckley who received a standing ovation from the membership in recognition of a great job done during his tenure. Coleman Loughnane and Mick Nolan too stepped down from their roles on the club executive and were thanked for the many years of great work they’ve provided to the club. New Chairman Brian Murphy thanked everyone present for their continued support and finished the evening wishing all the members a very happy Christmas.
 
 
THE BULL RUSH
The senior players have grouped to present their own Fundraising initiative. The purpose of the fundraiser will be to raise enough money to provide Strength & Conditioning Equipment at O’Loughlin Gaels GAA. The basic fundraiser is a raffle for a 1st Prize of a Bull Calf or €1000, kindly donated by club supporters. Tickets will be sold by the players for €10 each and we ask that you please support the lads where at all possible. Tickets will also be sold online in a sub-plot called The Bull Rush. Here the panel have divided into 5 teams captained by 5 senior players - Martin Comerford, Brian Hogan, Mark Bergin, Andy Kearns and Mark Kelly. The teams will compete against each other on a rush to sell the most tickets with the winning team receiving a ‘treat’ for their efforts – and bragging rights. Their progress will be monitored by no nonsense club supporter ‘Lochlainn the Bull’, who will keep the membership updated on his social media pages. If anyone is not putting in the effort no bull will be taken and they’ll be exposed for what they are by Lochlainn – slackers!!. A Big thanks to event sponsors, SRS Steel & Roofing Systems Ltd for their cotined spport. If you want to help your favourite team and captain log onto www.oloughlingaels.gaa.ie and click Bull Rush. Best of Luck!
 
 
 
JUVENILE CHRISTMAS PARTY –
 
Last Saturday’s Juvenile Christmas Party was another huge event hosted for our juvenile players and their families all for free. All morning organiser Sean Hogan and his team of elves were preparing the hall and Santa’s Grotto so that the young Gaels can experience some magic. From 3pm they began to gather and dance to the seasonal music and hits sounded by the DJ. The hall filled with excitement and anticipation for arrival of one Santa Clause. True to his word at 3.30pm exactly Santa arrived into the St. Johns Park Complex on his Sleigh led by Rudolf to a very, very excited bunch. After a noisy welcome Santa greeted every youngster with a handshake and made his way to the Grotto where he met every single child and their family’s again and took photographs available for all the young members at the clubs pages . Such was the crowd that two hours later Santa re-embarked on his tour of the country in aid of Temple Street University Children’s Hospital. All the while Sean Hogan and his team provided games and treats for the children and the Camogie Café provided refreshments for the parents. Santa didn’t leave the complex empty handed either as a sizeable donation was gathered from the club and parents to bring back to his chosen charity. O’Loughlin Gaels GAA wish all our young juveniles a very happy Christmas and thank all for their wonderful generosity.

ANNUAL PARISH SOCIAL
 
The Annual St. John’s Parish Social will take place on Sunday, January 31st in Langton House Hotel. Keep the date in your diary and further details will follow. Always a good night and an opportunity for friends and neighbours to get together.
 
 
YEAR OF MERCY CHRISTMAS CARDS
The ‘Year of Mercy’ (8th Dec 2015 – Nov 20 2016) edition of our Parish Christmas Card, including Pope Francis’ Jubilee Prayer, are now available for purchase at the back of the church, in the sacristy or at the presbytery. Pack of six for €5.

KILKENNY CHOIR AND KILKENNY YOUTH ORCHESTRA
The Kilkenny Choir together with Kilkenny Youth Orchestra will present a concert on Sunday 13th December, 2015 at 4.30pm in St. John’s Church, Kilkenny entitled Sacred Music from Paris with compositions by Liszt, Gounod and Saint-Saens, conducted by Philip Edmondson.
Tickets at the door before the concert. €8/€5.
 
JOHNSWELL SCHOOL CRAFT LAE AND COFFEE MORNING
A coffee morning and Christmas craft sale will be held in Johnswell Primary School after 10am Mass on Sunday 13th December. The crafts will be made by the pupils and parents of the school. Please support.
 
ST. JOHNS PARIH LOCAL HISTORY CALENDAR
A new St John’s Local History Calendar for 2016 is now available. Contact Frank Cody, Newpark Close FRC at 056-7723309. Cost: €5.00