A 61st minute point by Sarah Burke earned O’Loughlin Gaels Camogie Club the Junior County Championship for the first time in its 27 year history. There were joyous scenes at John Lockes Park at full time as players, club stalwarts and supporters celebrated a hard fought win. Burkes' point topped a superb individual performance (3 points from play) and was just rewards for a team that were dominant throughout the game.
The game started brightly for the girls who played against a stiff wind in the first half. Within 3 minutes of the start 2 goal chances were scuppered by an already under pressure St. Claires defence as Burke, Amy Bryan, Danielle Quigley, Ella Richardson and Nyah Egan were eager to take on this game from the outset and lay down a marker. Before long the Gaels had worked up an advantage of 1-1 to no score – Laura Greene getting the scoreboard ticking with a fine point while some well-earned fortune saw an Aisling Butler 45’ drop to the net. St. Claires returned 2 points before Sarah Burke pointed her first and Aisling Butler converted a free to make it 1-3 to 0-2 at half time.
The early exchanges could have reflected a stronger advantage going into the break but this was a tough encounter with nothing coming easy. Lizzie Kavanagh (Goalie) and Ciara Murphy combining to clear the lines also in that first period hence averting a mis-leading score differential. The challenges were hard but the O’Loughlins team spirit was self-evident as no girl was going to be left alone. The workrate to block, hook and break ball was relentless with the half back line of Ailbhe Galwey, Rebecca Cleere and Shauna Brennan in no mood to allow any advantage to the opposition. Rebecca Cleere’s performance in the no. 6 earned her a well-deserved Player of the Match but in truth each player did their jobs with a 100% commitment.
The gaels continued to dominate the second half and a brace of points from Laura Murphy looked to put a safe distance between the sides with less than 20 minutes remaining. But all teams hit a purple patch and St. Claires would hit theres now. The efforts exherted to this point by our heroines were beginning to show as legs were tiring allowing St Claires take advantage by hitting 1-2 without reply to narrow the margin to the minimum. Sarah burke sought to steady the ship with her second point but St. Claires refused to lay down and hit a goal to put them 1 point clear and 6mins remaining putting a shudder down the collctive spines of the strong St. John's parish support. It was almost curtains soon after when a St Claires forward found herself alone in front of the goal only to gather the ball and strike for goal but for the unrushing heroics of corner back Ena Kearns who managed to break the tackle and clear…a resulting point the lesser score to give away. With two points behind and as many minutes left on the clock, and thoughts of heartbreak, the girls somehow collectively re-energised and put in a massive final few moments to draw level..a superb second point from Laura Greene and a converted placed ball (Aisling Butler). The second half introductions of Kate Lawless and Neasa Galwey injected a fresh energy and a renewed drive to the cause as Ella Richardson and Amy Bryan had given it everything to ensure the teams success. With their tails now up Rebecca Cleere directed matters at the back, supported by captain Kate Nolan from full back, and delivered to the attack where Danielle Quigley gathered and offloaded to Sarah Burke who broke to the centre and struck for the final deciding score. Two minutes of nervous tension followed but a huge team effort ensured that nothing was going to take this away from them. The final whistle sounded to huge emotional scenes and O’Loughlin Gaels Camogie were crowned Junior County Champions for the very first time.
Well done to all the players, manager Stephen Murphy, Selectors, Maurice Nolan, Ruth Comerford & Sheamie Cummins, and all involved. Lovely hurling.
Team: L. Kavanagh, C. Murphy, K Nolan (Capt)., E Kearns, S Brennan, R Cleere, A Galwey, L. Murphy (0-2), L Greene (0-2), S Burke (0-3), A Butler (1-2, 45’ F), D Quigley, E Richardson, N Egan, A Bryan.
K Lawless, N Galwey, S Mguni, K Noonan, K Walsh, J Holohan, B Cleere, S Holohan, J O’Keefe, P Ryan.
Sponsors : JB Burkes Bar, John Street
There was no winner of this weeks Club Lotto. Numbers Drawn were 2, 5, 14, 23 Bonus 6 Next weeks prize will be €10,000. Tickets available from the bar any evening for just €2. Thank you for your continue support.
LIP SYNC BATTLES – O’LOUGHLIN GAELS
Our LipSync Program on the night will include pictures, articles and memories celebrating 50 Years of O'Loughlin Gaels GAA. Local businesses are invited to advertise or sponsor pages or acts and can please contact Bryan - 087 9495891 Or Eoin - 087 6806833 for further details
eoinl2000@gmail.com for business logo
LipSync Battles O'Loughlin Gaels kick start with rehearsals commencing this week. At a first meeting of participants last Thursday it was all looking very competitive as the acts sized each other up for the first time. There's a few surprises in the offering ..you will not want to miss this!!!
Tickets will be available soon.
NEW SCOREBOARD – KILKENNY CITY HOSTELS
Thanks to Kilkenny City Hostel who today signed up to a new sponsorship deal with the club that will see a new electronic scoreboard installed at St. John's Park in 2019. Pictured at the club this morning is John's Street Busness man and owner of Kilkenny City Hostel Noel Buckley launching the new partnership with O'Loughlin Gaels GAA, presenting club Chairman Brian Murphy with an image of the new scoreboard. Also in the picture is Club Secretary Margaret Hanlon (Left), Padraic Leydon,( Club stalwart & member of AC/D-frib - LipSync Battles O'Loughlin Gaels) and Mick Cahill (Right) who will operate it....lovely hurling
A kids movie night takes place in the club this Friday at 7pm. Admission is €5 and includes popcorn. All 6-13 years olds and their families welcome. Bring a cushion, pyjamas or fancy dress optional and watch the Halloween classic ‘Hocus Pocus’ with your friends. All funds to LipSync Battles Fundraiser.
KIDS MILITARY BOOTCAMP
A kids Military Bootcamp on Saturday November the 10th for 7-12 year olds takes place at the club from 11am to 12pm. €5 per child this will be an hour of the best fun run by the best soldiers the army can offer. All welcome pay on the day.
KARAOKE FOR THE ADULTS
A Karaoke Night will be held at the Orchard Bar on Saturday November the 10th at 9pm. Admission will be €5 and this will be a chance to sing your heart out. All monies raised to the Orchard Bar Act fundraising for LipSync O’Loughlin Gaels.
CALF RAFFLE
LipSync O’Loughlin Gaels vintage Act AC/D-Frib are raffling a calf ( or value of) to raise funds for their entry into the the LipSync event to be held on Dec 8th. The lads are busy rehearsing for what will be an act to forget but you won’t be able no matter how hard you try. Tickets are €5 and are available at the bar.