Within a week of retaining the Roinn A Hurling Championship the u16s completed a double by adding the u16 Roinn A hurling League title for the club. This was no easy task and although the scoreline at the end shows a considerable gap it was far from the case. Graigue Ballycallan and O’Loughlin Gaels went at it ‘hell for leather’ the whole way through in what was a pulsating finale to the u16 season. In truth the game could have gone either way but for two goals in the dying moments of the game to give the St. Johns lads a flattering score difference. But it is a credit to the teams resolve and determination that they did pull through. This is a team who know how to win out games..have learned how to pull together to win those precious inches that true champions know are needed. This determination, teamwork and resolve are all instilled by an equally determined group of mentors and strong team bond created by a club ethos of fairness for everybody. Well done again to all the lads and all of the u16 panel of 2015 who have contributed to another successful year at this level. Last week I listed the u16 mentors and inadvertently omitted James O’Keefe..I won’t do that this week James! James is the hurl man and when James O’Keefes van pulls into Johns Park on any given day it’s like the Ice Cream van turning into a housing estate except instead of ice-cream this van contains wonderfully crafted hurls. Keep up the good work James both at your mentoring and hurl making. Final Score O’loughlin Gaels 3-15 to 1-11 Graigue Ballycallan
Panel: D. McCormack, L. Hogan, J. Molloy (Capt), M. Butler, B. Lawlor, C. Heary, O. Murphy, R. Buckley, E. O’Shea, R. Poyntz, A. Flynn, S. Kenny, E. Wall, D. Fwamba, B. Maher. J. Malone, J. Murphy (Spuddy), I. Clifford, E. Neary, J. Ryan, R. Boyd, J. Collins, L. Whelan, P. Nolan, J. Kearns, J. Murphy.
Mentors: Brian Dowling, Paul Phelan, Kevin Cleere, Rick Leydon and James O’Keefe.
SENIOR SHIELD FINAL DEFEAT
It wasn’t to be on this occasion. Before going into the shield final the club had already surrendered the league title they fought hard for in 2014. Last weekend they couldn’t put together a performance to win the Shield as The Fenians deservingly took the honours. With a few injuries however it was an opportunity for management to sample some more personnel who acquitted themselves quite well. It will be all hands on deck now as Championship time looms and the knockout stages get underway. The boys will by chomping at the bit going into a quarter final meeting at the weekend. Keep an eye on the clubs facebook and twitter for fixture updates and get out to support your club.
U14s CHAMPIONSHIP
The u14s will play Bennettsbridge in the Roinn A Championship Semi-Final at the weekend. Training is going well and the lads are leaving no stone unturned to be prepared for a hefty challenge in Bennettsbridge. This one will go to the wire and in tight games every little advantage counts. It’s down to the support to help with that advantage and this fixture will be confirmed on Kilkenny GAA fixtures list and posted on our facebook and twitter account so keep an eye and go support your club. Best of luck boys
JUVENILE NEWS
All juvenile teams continue training and participating in arranged challenge matches as the season’s end approaches. It’s a hive of activity in St. Johns Park as dozens of youngsters converge on the club to get the last ounce of play before things pack up for the winter. It has been great season again with numbers rising and games being arranged regularly. Blitzes, tournaments and challenge games are arranged for the benefit of all the young players with a huge effort put in by the mentors that look after all the juvenile teams. The enjoyment these young players get is very evident too when you see them grace the pitches any evening of the week for a puc-around with a few mates independent of training nights. Hoards of O’loughlin’s kids too pour into Nowlan Park at half time on match days proudly wearing their club colours is another sure sign of things been done right at O’Loughlin Gaels GAA. Keep up the good work boys and keep on practicing.
CLUB LOTTO – JACKPOT WINNER!!
There was no winner of last weeks Lotto. The numbers drawn were 9,10, 11 ,20 and the bonus number was: 6. 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.
JUVENILE BAG PACK –NEWPARK EUROSPAR SEPTEMBER 25TH & 26TH
On Friday and Saturday parents of juvenile player at O’Loughlin Gaels will be at the tills at Newpark Eurospar to help you with your packing. This fundraiser contributes to the costs of training equipment and the running costs of the clubs juvenile section. The young lads of St. Johns Parish get a lot of enjoyment in participating with O’Loughlin Gaels GAA and take great pride in wearing their club colours. They are given the opportunity to make friends that they train with and play against and learn healthy habits in a very active environment. This fundraiser helps the club to keep that momentum up and your help is greatly appreciated. If anyone wants to help out on the day you can contact your child’s team manager or you can contact the club via facebook or twitter.
CLUB FACILITIES
The club boasts the best facilities for any sports club in the town. A full sized gym is available to hire for sports activities or indeed for your own clubs big fundraising event. With newly refurbished kitchen the facilities also include a function room for your family gathering, club gathering or conference. Paddy Green is on hand to take any bookings and facilitate your needs. Contact Paddy on 0861298329 or 056 7765036
PARISH NEWS
Eucharistic Adoration
Eucharistic Adoration takes place in Dunmore Church every Tuesday from 3-4pm. All are welcome.
10.30am Choir
10.30am choir will be resume on Sunday 4th October. New members are welcome.
St Joseph’s Young Priest Society
A meeting will take place in St John’s Presbytery on Monday 28th September at 11.00am (immediately after the 10.30am Mass) with a view to forming a Branch of the St Joseph’s Young Priests Society in St John’s Parish. All who are interested are asked and encouraged to attend.
Fibromyalgia support group
Meetings will be held each Saturday in Ossory Park Community Centre, near Nowlan Park, at 2.30pm. All newcomers are most welcome for tea/coffee and chat, sharing of advice. Guest speakers/ therapists to be scheduled. Tel: Doris on 086 2346491 or Tommy on 086 1080291
Irish Kidney Association
Kilkenny Branch of the Irish Kidney Association will be holding their Annual Church Gate collection next weekend 26th / 27th September. Thank you for your support.
Parish Pastoral Council
The September meeting of the Parish Pastoral Council takes place this coming Wednesday at 7.30pm in the Presbytery.
St John’s Prayer Group
Mass will be held in the Day Centre at 8.15pm next Wednesday 23rd September. All are welcome.
Ossory Bus To National Eucharistic Congress Knock
Members of the faithful are invited to travel by us to attend the National Eucharistic Congress next Saturday, 26th September.
Father Brian Griffin, St. John’s Parish, will accompany the faithful on the bus. Bishop Seamus will attend the Congress and will meet the Ossory group in Knock. Date: Saturday, 26th September. Collection points: 7.00 a.m. Loughboy Car Park. Cost: €13.00 per person. Contact: Marian Fennelly at 086-0693510