It was dead ball marksmen who held sway in Jenkinstown on Saturday evening. Mark Bergin and Stephen Murphy of OLG plus Conor and Killian Phelan (Clara) shared no less than twenty-one white flags between them on a brisk August evening, in round five of this Group A SHL clash. The Continent had bagged a maximum eight points from four games prior to meeting the County Champions but their luck was to run out on the night........by the narrowest of margins.
F/T O’Loughlin Gaels 0-17, Clara 1-15 Stephen Murphy 0-2 (2 –f’s), Huw Lawlor, Paddy Deegan, Eddie Kearns, Andy Kearns, Brian Hogan, Paddy Cantwell (0-1), Mark Bergin (0-10 – 8f’s, 1 65), Davy Burke, Sammy Johnston (0-1), Conor Bergin, Jack Nolan (0-1), John Doyle (0-1), Mark Kelly (0-1), Danny Loughnane Subs used: Sheamie Cummins, Alan Geoghegan
The complete version of this OLG match review is available on the O’Loughlin Gaels website: www.oloughlingaels.gaa.ie There is also a full review of this match in the Sports section of this newspaper.
Camogie U12’s Trip to Tullamore
The Camogie Association, busy celebrating its 110th year (founded 25 February 1905) insisted that the party wouldn't be held without the Girls from the 'Gaels! The O'Loughlin Gaels u12 team travelled in convoy to famed O'Connor Park last Saturday to play in the "Camán To Tullamore" Blitz. The girls played three good games, including the final against St Rynagh's, Banagher, home club of O'Loughlin Gaels senior hurling team manager and Offaly stalwart, Aidan Fogarty. The first round match was against St Finian's, Swords, Co Dublin and the girls battled well against bigger opponents to achieve a great result. The white & green stepped it up further to overcome Moorefield, Co Kildare and then had 30 minutes to prepare for the final against a very strong 'Rynagh's team which had cruised through the group games. O'Loughlins benefited from the break and produced a spirited team effort in the final against very skilful Offaly girls. This was an extremely tight and exciting match which ended honours even at the final whistle. Manager Colin Furlong, mentors Eugene Doheny and Mark Brett were very pleased with the performance of the team: Amy Kelly-Kavanagh, Orla Doheny, Sadhbh O'Leary, Sarah Holohan, Abigael Egan, Taylor Brett, Aoife O'Neill, Danielle Quigley, Claire Morrisson (Capt.), Tracy O'Reilly, Kate Furlong, Aoife O'Neill, Ciara Maher, Katy Hynes, Shauna Ryan.
What the Dickens?
This reporter called to Kyteler’s Inn on Friday night last to see a recital of Great Expectations by none other than the man himself’s Great, Great Grandson – Gerald Dickens. This reporter was astonished to find out that the proprietor of Kyteler’s Inn – Nicky Flynn is in fact Gerald Dickens’s sister. Nicky is a Sion Road and John’s Parish resident of many years. She was self effacing and modest with regard to her distinguished ancestry when probed further by this reporter. Gerald Dickens is a frequent visitor to The Marble City. Be sure to catch his next performance when he pitches tent again in Kilkenny.
Winners of the U10’s Shield
O’Loughlin Gaels would like to pass on sincere congrats to our boys U10’s who won the prestigious St Mary’s Shield in Clonmel on Saturday last. They were pitted against Ballyboden St Enda’s, St Mary’s Clonmel (hosts), Mount Sion, Clonea Power and Kilmacud Crokes. Well done to the following players who did the Club proud on the day: Alex Sheridan, Evan O’Neill, Michael Butler, Kieran Delaney, Gerard Delaney, Jack Aylmer, Finn Hogan, Ollie Duncan, Kevin Waldron, Kevin O’Connor, Tadhg O’Meara, Mark Holohan, Arron Grogan, Harry O’Grady and Cian Farrell. Well done boys and keep up the good work.
Go GAAmes!
The games are coming thick and fast for our O’Loughlin Gaels under 12’s squad these days. We hosted Conahy Shamrocks and Graigue Ballycallan during the week in two rip roaring contests. What a pleasure it was though, to roll into Windgap on Saturday last to play what turned out to be a formidable outfit. Windgap mothers know their hurling and roared on their sons as the game took on an ebb and flow life of its own. The twelve a side format was hotly contested from start to finish. Windgap were gracious hosts. It looks as if hurling’s future is in safe hands on the Kilkenny / Tipp border – if the evidence of last Saturday’s encounter is anything to go by.
Club Lotto
There was no jackpot winner of the Club Lotto this week. The numbers chosen were: 9, 11, 24, 26 and the bonus number was: 5. If you want to be in with a chance to win €20,000 – you can buy a ticket from the usual promoters or from behind the bar in the Clubhouse.
Congrats Aisling
Congratulations to O'Loughlin Gaels Camogie player - Aisling Butler and the Kilkenny Intermediate Camogie team on reaching the Intermediate All-Ireland Final. Kilkenny will play Limerick on September 14 next.