MINORS ARE COUNTY FOOTBALL CHAMPIONS
Congratulations to everybody involved in securing this title for O’Loughlin Gaels GAA for 2015. This the Minor Football Championship Title completes the trio of Football Championships for the Club’s Juvenile Section for 2015, after u14s and u16s achieved success during the year. A decent following from the St. Johns club headed out of town to James Stephens GAA venue on the Kells Road. Conditions were poor for football, or anything for that matter, as the cold and wet hampered any chance of the lads silky skills being exhibited. The experts predicted a low scoring game and at 0-4 to 0-1 at half time to the St. John’s side advantage, that is exactly what it was. The conditions made it tough and fair play to all the players they put every ounce of effort in, as the wet ball and soft ground tried to beat them on occasion. Jack Lawlor & Ross Butler provided the twin- engine at the two central positions and Tervine Wallace made sure that the O’Loughlin’s defence was impenetrable. In fact Jack Lawlor was the provider O’Loughlin Gaels second goal deep into the second half to make sure of the tie after a good defence splitting run. Earlier Daniel O’Connor got on the end of a good team move and latched onto a cross from full forward Thomas Wadding, finishing to the net and quelling the resurgent Village side midway through the second half. The game was up then for the Village and O’Loughlin Gaels looked comfortable for the last ten minutes of the game. Well done to these young lads and their mentors for returning more success to St. John’s Park.
Team: Sean Kiely, Steven Scallan, Lyndon Brannigan, Tervine Wallace, Peter Collins, Ross Butler, Ronan Buckley, Jay Leahy, Gary Bryan, Sean Bolger, Jack Lawlor, Joe Banville, Thomas Wadding, Daniel O'Connor, Shane Maher, Ben Maher, Pat Byrne, Eoin Kelly, David McCormack, Adam Power, Liam Andrews. Mentors: Niall Bergin & Davey Ronan
CLUB LOTTO
There was no winner of last week’s Lotto. The numbers drawn were 4, 17, 19, 25 and the bonus number was: 9. 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- PLAYERS FUNDRAISER FOR STRENGTH & CONDITIONING FACILITIES
There's a new Leader Board in but no change in the placings. There is however a noticeable charge from the rear with Andy Kearns (+44) and Mark Bergin (+31) having the most sales this week. Texas Longhorn Comerford and Hereford Red Hogan might have run out of steam and the early charge was probably too hard on those old legs!! Not much ground gained by those two and Team Mark Kelly is poised just behind them to push for that final charge. So it’s getting exciting..the race is coming to an end. The players are selling their allocation well and we could be heading for a photo finish. They have until FEB 5th WHEN THE RAFFLE TAKES PLACE IN PAT CARROLLS PUB (8pm) and you can see if you are the winner of the Bull Calf or €1000. You won't if you don't buy a ticket.
The players on the team that sells most wins a players prize and you get to be in with a chance to win the raffle. Just log on below or contact your favourite player for tickets. Tickets for the raffle are available from your player online. 1st prize of a Bull Calf or €1000. Tickets are €10 and can be purchased online on www.oloughlingaels.gee.ie Bull Rush.. 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 REGISTRATION- FEB 5th at 7pm
Registration of Juvenile Players for both the GAA and Camogie Clubs for the coming season will take place in O’Loughlin Gaels GAA on Friday the 5th of February at 7pm. Already the mentors are being mobilised and the equipment is being collected to be ready for the new season. Boys Training will recommence for u6 to u12s on Sunday February the 14th at 10.30am at St. Johns Park and we look forward to seeing all the young faces return with new faces always welcome. U6 Boys will start indoors in the Club’s Large Indoor Facilities for boys born 2010/2011 – the time and dates for this will be available on registration night. O’Loughlin Gaels GAA serves to facilitate all Gaelic Games activities for St. Johns Parish in Kilkenny City, Dunmore and Johnswell.
U14 & U16 MEDAL PRESENTATION
Next Friday, January 29th, our successful u14 and u16s panels will be presented with their medals for their achievements throughout the 2015 season. It promises to be a great night where these young players will be feted in front of their families and friends and members of O’Loughlin Gaels GAA. The u14s had a very successful year finishing up with retaining the u14 Hurling Championship title for the 3rd year in a row and the 4th in five years for the club. On top of that they boys achieved success when winning the Paddy Grace Tournament (County Feile), The County Football Championship and the All-Ireland Feil Peil Div 5 Championship back in June. The u16s will also be rewarded for their efforts when they receive medals as u16 County Hurling Champions, County Football Champions and County Hurling League winners. Not bad going boys. Looks like it could be a long and enjoyable evening! ALL ARE WELCOME
U21 MEDAL PRESENTATION
The successful O’Loughlin Gaels u21s Hurling Team will be presented their County Medals in the Club Lounge on Saturday February the 6th at 8.30pm. This is a great opportunity for club members and supporters to get together and celebrate this great achievement. It was 34 years since the title was last won by a club team so there will be plenty of reminiscing, but also some thoughts will no doubt be put forward to make sure it’s not another 34 years before we see the next one. The lounge is big enough so don’t be shy! – ALL ARE WELCOME.
CAMOGIE NEWS – JER LEADS THE WAY
Congratulations to O' Loughlin Gaels Camogie Club member, Jer O' Donovan, on his recent appointments to county and provincial camogie committees. Jer was appointed County Development Officer for the coming season and also accepted the position of Leinster Development Officer. He will bring his enthusiasm, energy and ability to listen to the needs of the clubs at grass roots, to benefit camogie in the club, county and province. We wish him well.
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 Eamonn for this wonderful recording of an important time in our great club’s infrastructure. Maith thu Eamonn.
ANNUAL PARISH SOCIAL
The Annual St. John’s Parish Social will take place on Sunday, January 31st in Langton House Hotel. Tickets will be on sale next weekend at €10 each, for which you get a meal followed by music and dancing. Tickets can be bought from any member of the Pastoral Council (names on top of page), from the Sacristy or at the Parish office
O’LOUGHLIN GAELS BAR & LOUNGE
The people of St. Johns Parish are fortunate to have such great facilities available to them in O’Loughlin Gaels GAA - St. John’s Park Complex. The handball alleys and gym host many activities from week to week drawing good crowds to the locality all the time. With extensive parking and a short walk to John’s Street the Club House Bar and lounge is an ideal spot to get your evening going with your friends and family. Friendly atmosphere, comfortable surrounding and a safe environment combined with a well-stocked bar it is the ideal location to enjoy your evenings in your secret local. Watch sport, play cards and enjoy the craic. The bar is open Thurs to Sun and Tues evenings from 8pm.
JOHNSWELL BADMINTON CLUB
Johnswell Badminton club’s annual table Quiz takes place in Johnswell Hall on Friday January the 29th at 8.30pm. Tables of four bright sparks and there’ll be lots of prizes
PILATES CLASSES
Starts on Thursday, September the 17th in Dunmore Hall at 7pm. 6 Weeks only €50 and places are limited. Contact Margaret at 086 8547710
St John’s Homes for the Elderly
A vacancy has arisen at the Homes for the Elderly, St John’s Court, located on the grounds of St John’s Church. Application forms are available from the Parish Office during office hours 9.30-2.00pm Monday to Friday. Closing date for applications is 21st January.
Side By Side Club
The Side by Side club takes place every Thursday at 2pm in the Day Care Centre. New members welcome. Contact Helen Goode on 087 6884072