Congratulations to the Kilkenny team on yet another successful All-Ireland campaign. Well done to all the players but in particular our Mark Kelly whose commitment has earned him another wee-deserved All-Ireland medal. Everybody at O’Loughlin Gaels is very proud. Let’s not forget too that a successful team also has to have a back room team that is fully committed to the cause. The Kilkenny back room team is probably one of the best in the country and includes u16 camogie coach Tadgh Crowley who attends the battle weary wounded. Also included is u16s star Mikey Butler who this year has enjoyed being The Rackard’s aide in all the preparations that ensures the players want for nothing. Well done all
SENIOR HURLING RETURNS.
Now that all the madness of the All-Ireland has settled it’s back to business this weekend with a final round of the league versus city rivals James Stephens. James Stephens boast no less than four inter-county stars so our boys will have a task to out score these lads. O’Loughlins can take comfort knowing that their senior status is safe for 2016 but will want to take the easier route in the championship and book themselves into a quarter final berth with a win. This was is fixed for Sunday and a big support is both expected and required. Get out and support your club.
U16’s DRIVE ON TO RETAIN TITLE
U16’s moved one step closer to retaining their Roinn A Hurling Championship Title with a solid win over James Stephens GAA. O'Loughlins Gaels were the dominant side in this Semi-Final with another fine team performance . Dacel Fwamba scored O'Loughlins only goal in what was a very determined driven display. James Stephens found it difficult to handle the hurling dominance of the St. Johns lads resorting to giving away fouls which Ben Maher was happy to convert. The opposition did manage a couple of consolation goals towards the games end but truly this one was well put out of sight long before the final whistle. Well done to all the lads and they look forward now to a County Final meeting with Ballyhale at the weekend. Keep an eye on the clubs facebook page for updates on this fixture and give these guys your support. Their well worth it.
The u16b team didn’t shaer the same fortune in their semi-final meeting against The Fenians on the same evening. It was always going to be a big ask but the lads fought hard and a last minute goal by the winners provided them with a flattering score difference. It was one of those days where the ball didn’t fall right for the lads and on any other day you could safely be assured of another outcome. But it wasn’t to be. These guys have put in some hard yards this Summer and it’s a credit to their commitment to be still hurling at the penultimate stage of the Championship. A great bunch of lads they'll take their disappointment and only get better next year. Well done to all the lads and their management team. The boys look forward now to supporting their panel comrades in next weekend’s Roinn A final v Ballyhale.
JUVENILE NEWS
Well done to our u8s panel who enjoyed a great days hurling at the annual Dicksboro u8s blitz. Games v Dicksboro, Tullaroan, Cushenstown (Wexford), Urlingford, Ballycallan kept the boys busy on Saturday morning. On All-Ireland weekend these young lads showed that you don't have to go as far as Croke Park to see top class hurling. Well done boys.
The u10s travelled to Clonmel to take part in the St. Marys GAA tournament last Saturday. Our Tipperary hosts put on a good show and were very hospitable although a tad envious of our county’s participation in the following days All-Ireland. The boys played some good stuff too with the opposing net been rattled on a number of occasions. Well done to all on what was another enjoyable juvenile event.
CLUB LOTTO – JACKPOT WINNER!!
The was no winner of last weeks Lotto. The numbers drawn were 1, 2, 10 ,23 and the bonus number was: 19. 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.
GOLF CLASSIC
The Club held it's annual Golf Classic on Thurs/Fri, 27th & 28th in the immaculately manicured Kilkenny Golf Club. Fair play to former great Kilkenny and OLG hurler Sean Dowling on this, he looks after his own!!! The weather wasn't quite so kind at times and there were heavy showers particularly on the Thursday. This didn't stop the scoring being of a very high standard with the first 3 teams equal on 90 points. It was great to see that these 3 teams have been regular supporters over the years of our Classic and, after a back nine count-back 1st went to BTW/Danny Wall's team captained by Cyril Lawlor, 2nd to Country Style Foods lead by Joe Mulcahy and 3rd to M&A Coaches with Michael Dowling and his 2 ever-present playing partners Martin 'Goggy' Brennan and Ned Kenny. There was a ding-dong battle for the longest drive on the 14th as 2 of our own, Danny Loughnane & Maurice Nolan, battled it out. Danny lead for all of Thursday and most of Friday before Maurice pipped him with a massive drive to win the bragging rights. Thanks to all who played in the Classic and those businesses that sponsored teams, prizes or tee-boxes. Looking forward to 2016 already.
MEN ON THE MOVE
We all need a little maintenance so why not come along for your FREE Health Check as part of the Men on the Move programme in Kilkenny. You will be part of a network of 100 men from across County Kilkenny who are taking positive steps towards a healthier lifestyle.
The Free Health Checks will be available in Kilkenny City, Thomastown and Castlecomer. Each participant will receive 4 free Health checks (BMI, Waist Circumference, Blood Pressure, Cholesterol and basic Fitness Test) over a 12 month period. Following this, they can avail of a free 12 week physical activity programme in their community and two health and wellbeing workshops.
This programme is part of a National Research Evaluation so by participating you are taking steps to improve mens’ health across the country and you are also helping to raise funds for local organisations.
The only condition is that those availing of the Health Checks are currently inactive and will commit to attending the 4 health checks over the 12 month period!
Health Check Dates:
Castlecomer Health Check Thursday 10th September 8pm Erins Own Clubhouse
Thomastown Health Check Monday 14th September 7pm Thomastown United
Kilkenny City Health Check Tuesday 15th September 8pm O’Loughlin Gaels GAA
For more information on the programme, please contact Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership on 056 7794991 or our supporting clubs and organisations; Thomastown United, Erins Own, Castlecomer Athletics Club, Clara GAA, Young Irelands, O’Loughlin Gaels GAA and The Mens Shed.