O’Loughlin Gaels GAA 5-17 to 2-14 St. Martins GAA
St. Johns Park was the venue for this first round encounter between O’Loughlin Gaels GAA & St. Martins in the Junior Hurling League. A bright spring evening provided the backdrop for an entertaining game of hurling between these two sides. O’Loughlin’s got on the score sheet early via a Paddy Cantwell point from play after some good work by midfielder Shane Parsons. That was quickly trumped by an excellent goal from St. Martins half back Adrien Farrell. The game certainly started brightly and St. Martins full forwarded Robert Shore, who caused many headaches for the O’Loughlin’s defence all evening, drew and excellent save from goal keeper Billy Leydon on the 6th minute parrying over the line for a 65 which was converted by Shane Kinsella. Brian Dowling who had an excellent game for O’Loughlins, pointed a free soon after to be followed up by another point from St. Martin full forward Robbie Shore. O’Loughlin Gaels gathered a bit of momentum now as midfielder Shane Parsons along with Martin Gibbons and Brian Dowling took hold of the game for a period allowing O’Loughlins’ to hit a purple patch and scored 1-5 without reply including a well worked goal from Danny Lenihan. O’Loughlin’s looked like they were in the driving seat now with Rick Leydon and Huw Lawlor dominating things throughout this period but St. Martins upped the pace in the full forward line with Robbie Shore and Shane Kinsella creating the chances to add another 5 points before half time along with an excellent score form centre forward Pauric Haughney who was battling hard. However good work from Gary Bryan (O’Loughlin’s) at mid-field to feed Paddy Cantwell, dissecting the St. Martin defence before offloading to centre forward Martin Gibbons and finished the move to the net, keeping a healthy four point advantage for O’Loughlins at half time (2-10 to 1-9)
The second half started well for St. Martins as Shane Kinsella pointed twice (one free) before full forward won a penalty after being pulled down in the square. Jason Shore took responsibility for this one and rifled it to the net to put St. Martin one point ahead within 4 minutes of the restart. O’Loughlin’s wing forward Paddy Cantwell was finding form now and made two more defence splitting runs hitting the crossbar on his first but making no mistake on his second finding the net again. Brian Dowling (O’Loughlin’s) pointed either side of that goal with the latter point arguable the score of the match with a beauty from 70 yards. Two more points from St. Martins’ Robbie shore and Shane Kinsella kept the game alive. Danny Bolger fetched a ball from a Gary Bryan worked clearance and engineered a one handed strike to the net to ease the nerves of the St. Johns supporters. From here on in O’Loughlin’s drove for home. O’Loughlin’s corner back Alan O’Brien was dogged in defence and with some heroic blocking, launched an attack on the St. Martins goal resulting in Danny Lenihan splitting the defence and striking for goal. A few more points from Brian Dowling, Martin Gibbons and one from substitute Ross Butler put the game out of sight, with the final score coming from St. Martins talisman, Shane Kinsella.
Final Score: O’Loughlin Gaels 5-17 to St. Martins 2-14.
O’Loughlin Gaels: 1. Billy Leydon,2. Alan O’Brien, 3.Brian Murphy, 4. Kevin O’Brien, 5. Andy Cantwell, 6. Ricky Leydon, 7. Huw Lawlor, 8. Shane Parsons, 9. Gary Bryan, 10. Brian Dowling (0-9, 5f), 11. Martin Gibbons (1-4), 12. Paddy Cantwell (1-1), 13. Danny Bolger (1-0), 14. John Doyle (0.1), 15. Danny Lenihan (2-1), subs, E. Croughan , Ross Butler (0-1)
www.oloughlingaels.gaa.ie
Junior A
After a good win over Gowran in the first round of the Junior A Hurling League O’Loughlin Gaels were beaten by a better St. Lachtain’s on Sunday afternoon in the 2nd round. The boys well take some positives from the game and move on to the next round of fixtures coming up. Heads up and keep working boys
Club Lotto
There was no jackpot winner of this week’s club lotto. The numbers drawn were 8, 11, 13, 20 and the bonus number was: 24. 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
Handball Success
Well done to John Morrissey and Joe Hennessy in winning the County Doubles handball championship for O’Loughlin Gaels Handball after overcoming the challenge of Johnny Brennan/ Paul Dowling last week. Hard luck though to young Rory Glynn who narrowly lost out on an u10 County Title when his game went to a tie-breaker in the Final. Hard luck on young Rory but keep up the good work. Finally, Congratulations to Gráinne Glynn who won the u13 Schools Girls County Final. Great work continuing at O’Loughlin Gaels Handball.
Juvenile Section.
U10 teams hosted Kilmacud Crokes GAA (Dublin) on Goof Friday morning at St. Johns Park . Sixty players filled the front pitch and provided some very competitive action for the large crowd of parents and friends who had gathered. It was a sterling effort by the O’Loughlin’s volunteers and parents who were setting up early to make sure that the journey was worth it for our guests. It certainly was for both guests and hosts as the standard of hurling was exceptionally high. The damp morning didn’t quell the enthusiasm either as a full complement of young Gaels were present to hone their skills. A super effort too was made by the player’s parents too in providing well received refreshments, sandwiches etc and the club is always grateful for the parents contributions to making these mornings successful. THANK YOU.
Training for Juveniles u6 to u12s continues each Sunday Mornings at 10.30am and each Thursday evening at 6.30pm. Newcomers are always welcome.
St. Kieran’s College
Congratulations to St. Kierans College and O’Loughlin’s man Damien O’Conner in winning the All-Ireland Senior Colleges Final in Thurles last Saturday.
Best Parish Entry St. Patricks Day Parade.
Stephen McCormack, organiser of the O’Loughlin Gaels entry in the Tradfest St. Patricks Day Parade, and his team were in City Hall last week to receive their certificate for Best Parish Entry form Mayor Andrew McGuiness and Tradfest Chairman Malcom Noonan. Both men congratulated O’Loughlin Gaels on their efforts and its contribution to making the parade such a success. Stephen is a dab hand at organising the clubs entry each year and the recognition of his efforts is just rewards. Well Done.
Easter Camp
Playball Easter Camp 2015 takes place in O’Loughlin Gaels GAA Club Facilities from April 7th to April 10th. Children from 4 -13 years can enjoy multi-sports, art, drama, adventure games and much much more. Through Playball, children progress from learning the basic fundamental sports skills to playing mini-games for sports such as – soccer, hockey, baseball, basketball, cricket, tennis, gaelic football, volleyball, rugby and more. Playball plays a vital part in the health and well-being of every child. Contact Joe 087 7749598 or email joe.playball.ie to book an Easter Camp place.