Jenkinstown was the wild, wet and windy venue on Saturday last for the eagerly anticipated all city Roinn A M.H.C. semi-final between O’Loughlin Gaels and James Stephens. Scores were always going to be at a premium for both teams on what was a Dog Day Afternoon in Conahy. But two vital points into the wind from wee Sean Bolger along with an opportunist strike from his older brother – Danny would be the first half platform for a memorable victory, for the St John’s Parish Boys.
The Village opened their account early with a close range Ray Lahart dead ball. This was quickly followed by a fine strike from Tadhg Dwyer to double their lead within the first five minutes. The OLG defence however slowly started to gain the upper hand. Robbie Buckley put in a great block and would go on to give a MOTM display. Gary Bryan took up where he left off the previous week – leading by example. Cian Loy in the middle of the field - did the spade work for what would turn out to be a crucial settling score. Loy made space for himself at top of the right and drove the ball across the parallelogram on the eighth minute, where Danny Bolger was on hand, to pull off his left and first-time the ball to the Village net. Cul!
Danny’s younger brother was keen to get in on the act. Twice, he made outstanding catches and twice, he struck off either side for two wonder points. The Village were managing to stay in touch from frees but in the twenty fourth minute, Shane Maher rounded his man and headed for goal. His low hard strike off his right to the far left corner was sublime. Cul eile! Ray Lahart then converted two more frees at the death to keep the bare minimum between the teams at the interval.
H/T: O’Loughlin Gaels 2-02, James Stephens 0-07
DOC was out in front of his man from the off and was fouled – Maher pointed the resultant free. Shane then added two more dead balls before hitting a beauty from play. The Continent had the wind at their backs and were headed for home. James Stephens would only manage a further two points in the second thirty and resorted to bombarding the OLG defence for elusive three pointers. The Continent stood firm however and heroic defending from Gary Bryan, Huw Lawlor, Brian Buckley and goalkeeper – Robbie O’Driscoll kept the door firmly closed. The siege was lifted by a Cian Loy special with five minutes to go and then added to, by yet another Shane Maher free.
Our minors now face a very stiff test in the shape of Dicksboro, who saw off Thomastown at the weekend. They will need to prepare well over the next fortnight in order to meet this challenge. We appeal to all OLG members – young and old to get along to Nowlan Park on Sunday 16th November to cheer on our boys in the Roinn A Minor County Final.
Robbie O’Driscoll, Daniel O’Driscoll, Huw Lawlor, Brian Buckley, Shane Mahony, Robbie Buckley, Gary Bryan, Thomas Gleeson, Cian Loy 0-1, Ross Butler, Sean Bolger 0-2, Danny Bolger 1-0, Shane Maher 1-05 (4 f’s), Daniel O’Connor, Ben Leydon
Club Lotto
There was no jackpot winner of this week’s club lotto. The numbers drawn were 3, 15, 17, 26 and the bonus number was: 28. 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. Best of luck!
All-Ireland Sunday
O’Loughlin Gaels GAA Club was delighted to have two very special visitors on Sunday last. Our Juvenile boys and girls got to get up close to the Liam McCarthy & Irish Press Cups. Also on hand to pose for photos with the children were our own Club players, who were members of both the Senior & Minor All-Ireland winning teams. OLG would like to say a big thank you to Brian Hogan, Mark Kelly, Ross Butler and Daniel O’Connor for making the day a memorable one for our juveniles.
OLG Christmas Shop – Open for Business
OLG is delighted to announce that the Club's Christmas shop is open for business. Please visit our website: www.oloughlingaels.gaa.ie for the selection of Club apparel from which to choose. To place an order - please call to the Club on the following dates: Tues Nov 4th, Fri Nov 7th, Tues Nov 11th and Fri Nov 14th. Opening hours on each night are from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.
Cards Night
There will be a Game of 25’s commencing on Tuesday the 4th November in Dunmore Hall from 10.30am to 12.30pm. For details - contact Stephanie Butler on 085 2072641 or 056 7767869. All are welcome.
Bangers and Mash
The Samaritans Kilkenny Branch is hosting a BANGERS & MASH FUND RAISING LUNCH on Thursday 6th November 2014 at The Pembroke Hotel, Patrick Street, Kilkenny – from 12.30p.m. to 2.30p.m. – donation is only €10.00. Please drop by for a quick lunch in an ideal location to support this very worthy cause. Samaritans Ireland provides 24-hour emotional support to anyone struggling to cope. Samaritans can be contacted on Lo call 116 123 email: jo@samaritans.org or SMS 087 260 90 90
Short Mat Bowls
Short Mat Bowling and Go For Life games are resuming in the Watershed on Tuesday the 4th November from 8 until 9pm. No experience is necessary. First night is free to all! Come along and try it out!
New Pilates Session
Commencing Wed 5th November, 2014 in the Dunmore Hall from 8.00 - 9.00 p.m. (7 weeks €55). All abilities catered for. Fully qualified Pilates Instructor. Places are limited so booking is essential. For further information please call Margaret at 086 8547710.