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!
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.