O'Loughlin Gaels 4:09 to 1:17 James Stephens
(For more photos see click here
If this were a TV Drama the critics would be raving about it. It had a similar tale to that of early 80s drama about the illusive Highwayman - The local Village's Stage Coach was about to pull into it’s stop and record a successful 60minute journey when in the last scene Dick Turpin would turn up and deal the final twist in the storyline and takes off with the prize… In Dick Turpin’s case it was the girl.. in Niall Higgins case an u16 County Final Medal!
It wasn’t as simple as that however.. This was a superb game of hurling. The Village owned the first half..dictating all around the field and causing all kinds of animated panic on the Gaels sideline. This was a much more open game than last week’s drawn match as the village sought to give their key players the option to express their hurling ability...and that they did. Their forwards reaping the rewards of good delivery from midfield..running into space and popping over scores at will. Ethan Kerwick did get the first score of the game but the Village would see out the half with a comfortable lead of 7 points ..0-7 to 1-11. (The goal coming from Leon Hayes). But for all their dominance O’Loughlin Gaels would go into the dressing room with some hope, as they had broken the Village defence on 2 occasions but for the brilliant goalkeeping of their no. 1.
The second half started with a village pointed free putting them 8 ahead. Conor Kelly and Eoin Guilfoyle (Village) traded frees again before Vincent O’Grady pounced on a deflected ball to whip the Gaels first goal to the net..The St. John’s support perked up but young Guilfoyle , who was having the game of his life, returned 3 points for the Village (2 from play) to quell any nerves. O’Loughlins lads don’t do doubts and when Ronan Lavelle took advantage of another loose ball in the Village danger area the doubts started to creep into the leaders and the game shifted momentum. O’Loughlin Gaels struck again within a minute when Conor Kelly rifled another 3 pointer bringing the score to 3-8 to 1-16 on the 42nd minute ..a 2 point deficit! Conor Kelly converted a 65 to bring it to the minimum and the game was in the melting pot.
It was a nervy, tense but brilliant final quarter with not an inch spared. There was no score for the almost 10mins when the Village pointed through Cian Kenny to put them 2 ahead. The final moments were manic..every young player putting their hearts and souls into it, showing pride in their respective clubs beyond the call of duty. Both sets of supporters rightly proud of their charges. As the game swung into the 31st minute Conor Kelly won a free on the 40…the question was asked…another 2 minutes was the answer. The decision was take the point and win the puck out. Conor’s effort sailed to the left and wide and the St. John’s support looked on in hope. But the players believed…never give up has always been the message. With the ball nestled down in the O’Loughlin defence they worked it up to the half forwards.. the pressure was relentless...Conor Kelly made a surge only to be met by 3 defenders…he managed to pass it off to Ethan Kerwick… Jack Sheridan and Ronan Lavelle got involved in the move..the ball passed from Gael to Gael as they looked for that last opportunity and with the whistle firmly in the referees grasp Niall Higgins received the final pass and had space to pick his spot from 30 yards. It floated in a slow motion arc through the air over the heads of several defenders and passed the hapless keeper and the movement of the net was met with a roar that sent startled crows flying from trees for 10 miles and the O’Loughlins supporters leaping from their skins. The final whistle sounded and O’Loughlin Gaels were u16 Co. Champions for the third time in four years.
Well done to all the young lads from both teams who hurled over two well contested games and continue a fine tradition of hurling in Kilkenny.
Congratulations to the u16s panels: D Murphy, D.O’Leary, D Fogarty, I O’Keefe, P. McNamara, J Young (Capt), B Tyrrell, N Higgins (1-0), D Coffey, J McNamara (0-1), C Kelly (1-6, 5f) J Sheridan, R. Lavelle (1-1), V. O’Grady (1.0), E Kerwick(0-1) C Murphy, M Hogan, C Maher, N Flanagan, J Leydon, D Walsh, H Bland, J Hickey, W. Slattery, J Byrne, L Hehir, S Lawlor, J Phelan, L Hennessy
Mangers: N Bergin, B Cleere, B Fogarty, D O’Connor, P Tyrrell
Spnonsors: MacDonagh Junction Shopping Centre
CLUB LOTTO - €20,000
There was no winner of last weeks Club Lotto. The numbers drawn were 01, 11, 17, 24 and the bonus number was 20. Next week’s Jackpot prize will be €20,000 so make sure to get a ticket from the usual promotors. Tickets only €2 available from the bar http://www.oloughlingaels.gaa.ie/lotto
SENIORS LEAGUE FINAL
O'Loughlin Gaels 1:14 to 0:18 Dicksboro.
Some early silverware for the Boro but in truth neither team will be thrilled with their performances..a late goal by substitutes Gary Kelly put a bit of gloss on the scoreline and a draw was there for the taking. The ‘Boro did look the sharper however and we're well deserving victors...but with championship looming the reigning champions will be upping the ante in an effort to make a serious challenge for another title
JUNIOR CHAMPIONSHIP:
O'Loughlin Gaels 1:21 to 1:20 Ballyhale.
A late Charges Fitzpatrick 21yard free found the net to make a nervous end to this game. But the lads defended stoically in the final moments to make sure they advance to the next stage of the Championship. The lads will be up again at the weekend against Clara in the Section B Final so please support
U14 CHAMPIONSHIP
O'Loughlin Gaels 1-8 to 4-12 James Stephens.
A gallant effort by these young charges saw them outscore the winners in the 2nd half 1-6 to 0-4...but the goals needed just would not come. A very young side these lads have a lot to offer. Hard luck boys..keep it up
The Players & Mentors of the 2017 u14 panel wish to thank all supporters, families, club members and sponsors for all their support and help over the past year
MINOR CHAMPIONSHIP
The minor championship gets underway this weekend with the A’s scheduled to play against Erin’s Own on Saturday and the B’s up to play against Conahy. Times and venues to be confirmed so please keep up to date on the club’s pages for updates and support out teams
http://www.oloughlingaels.gaa.ie/latest-fixtures.html
U12S TO HAVE HOME BLITZ
The u16s arrived at Juvenile training this morning to show our younger Gaels their latest reward for hard work. The message to all the young players from u6 to u12 was work hard, train hard and practice lots! There the met u12s who were preparing for next Sunday's home blitz when Muckalee Gaa Bruff GAA Club and Killenaule Juvenile GAA will play out a series of games from 12pm.
Well done to u6 Players Evan Wall, Robbie Brett & Scott Broaders who were this winners. Juvenile Training will be winding down over the next few weeks as most teams complete their respective seasons. Thanks to all the mentors, parents and especially players for making 2017 yet another enjoyable one. We’re already looking forward to 2018. There’s a few events still to get done so keep an eye out for schedules and please support all our young Gaels.
NOMINATE A ST. JOHN’S BUSINESS FOR KILKENNY BUSINESS AWARDS
Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce and main sponsor State Street have opened nominations for the Kilkenny Business Awards 2017. The awards’ process is free to enter and open to both members and non-members of Kilkenny Chamber of Commerce alike. Businesses and individuals in St Johns are being encouraged to nominate their own or another great St Johns business that they think is deserving of an award.
New Category:
With more than 20 diverse award categories available, a new category, Achievement in Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), will be introduced for 2017. Do you know a business in St Johns that has made a positive impact on your community? The award seeks to recognise the outstanding work of local businesses that are committed to giving back to the area through sponsorships, volunteer programmes and environmental initiatives.
Nominations close on Monday, 18th September; thereafter candidates will be asked to put forward a full application. A shortlist of finalists will be announced and go on to the interview round in November. The winners will be announced on Saturday, 25th November at the Chamber’s annual black-tie banquet and awards’ ceremony in Lyrath Estate Hotel.
See www.kilkennychamber.ie for nomination forms and more information.
VINYL NIGHT OCTOBER 7th
Oct 7th is Vinyl Night at O'Loughlin Gaels GAA...a social night for mentors and supporters of all Hurling & Camogie teams. So dust off your records and bring them in to give them a spin and be a DJ for 5 minutes! Don’t worry if you have none..come along anyway and enjoy the night and chat about the year gone by or look forward to what's ahead while listening to some great music...depending on what you bring! So whether it's Jimmy Comerford spinning Jimi Hendrix , U16s' Niall Bergin playing Adam Ant's "Stand and Deliver"...or O'Loughlin Gaels Camogie Club Tadhg Crowley rapping to Eminem's "Lose yourself" , it's going to be a great night. Don't miss it!
To celebrate Culture Night (22nd Sept.) at City Library, John’s Quay, Len Graham - one of Ireland’s finest traditional singers and storytellers will host a musical afternoon and evening. His extensive knowledge of Irish folk music from early classic ballads, and music hall pieces to songs of politics, love and emigration will entertain all ages in what promises to be a wonderful foot-tapping event! Open to all: Shows are at 3.30pm & 6.30pm.
BOOKINGS FOR OCCASIONS
O’Loughlin Gaels GAA Club boasts the best club facilities for it’s members in the city. With plenty of free parking, Kitchen, bar & Lounge facilities available it can cater for all your party needs. Contact Paddy on 086 1298329 to book your special occasion- christening, communion and confirmations, birthdays and anniversaries.. special wedding guests gatherings ..or any group occasion you require. The large hall is available for larger community occasions and the space outside is secure and safe for all the family.
ON-LINE CLUB SHOP
The On-line Club Shop can provide you with everything you need for that big day. It’s well stocked with all your essentials in your favourite club’s colours. Training tops, jerseys, jackets, beanies ..they’re all there just log on to the club website and hit the image to bring you into the shop AND your favourite club will also benefit with every sale. http://www.oloughlingaels.gaa.ie/shop.html
ST. JOHN NOTES
If you want your community activity or event included in these notes and on the Notice Board on the O’Loughlin Gaels GAA website please forward details on or before Sunday of each week to pro.oloughlingaels.kilkenny@gaa.ie. It won’t get noticed if you don’t send notice!