On Saturday morning at the well turned out pitch of Ballyragget, O’Loughlin Gaels u14s retained the Roinn A County Hurling Title in style. It was a performance that included all the traits of champions- skill, aggression, teamwork and raw determination. A sizeable support gathered for both teams and credit to our O’Loughlin Gaels support as it’s getting bigger and more vocal with every outing and must contribute to our clubs’ successes. Keep it up! The first 20mins or so of the game were nervy with both teams showing signs of anxiety at being in a county final. At four points each the game came to life for O’Loughlin Gaels when Jack Sheridan, Declan Coffey and Niall Higgins collectively got to grips with the Castlecomer mid-field and started to launch some worthwhile attack. In fact on 25mins Jack Sheridan collected a breaking ball to feed the hardworking Ethan Kerwick who dropped the ball at the edge pf the square for corner forward Vinnie O’Grady to batt to the net. A wonderful goal that kick started a five minute purple patch for O’loughlin Gaels that included 3 more points and a further goal from Mikey Wallace just before the break. Half time 2-7 to 0-4. The second half got under way with a point from play by Conor Kelly who set the tone for the next 20 minutes. O’Loughlins were in the driving seat and controlled the game throughout the field. Corner back Donal O’Leary was having a stormer winning all his battles, clearing his lines and allowing his half backs of Niall Higgins and the teams engine Jamie Young to trouble the Erins Own defence. Points were traded before Erins Own caught a break 10mins into the second half with a goal from a long range free that hopped to the net. They added another point before Mikey Wallace found the net for a second time to settle the St. Johns support. But it was short lived and the relentless endeavour of a very good Erins Own side saw them take two more goals ‘as a cheile’ on 22 and 23 minutes from Jack Buggy and Dan Coogan respectively. The ‘Comer gander was up and our lads looked rattled. They added another point that saw the half time lead of 9 points whittled down to a single point with only 2 mins remaining. But this is where champions are made…a steely resolve was shown by the team as they knew the consequences of wilting now..with Mick Nolan breathing fire from the sidelines it wasn’t an option!. John McNamara introduced fresh legs to the attack and within a minute Conor Kelly converted a free to bring the lead to two points again. On the puck out O’Loughlins fought hard to gain possession and Ethan Kerwick launched a final attack that produced both a blistering goal and new St. Johns hero. The sideline erupted with joy as the final whistle sounded and O’Loughlin Gaels were crowned County Champions for 2015. Credit to a super Erins Own side who gave it their all and have the honour of been league champions for their troubles. I’m sure these two sides will do hurling a great service again as they do battle in the coming years. Well done to all the players and well done to O’Loughlin Gaels. Final Score 4-11 to 3-9
Panel; R. Lavelle, P. McNamara, D Fogarty, D. O’Leary, C. Murphy., J. Young, N. Higgins, D. Coffey, C. Maher, C. Kelly, B. Tyrrell, J. Sheridan, V. O’Grady, E. Kerwick (Capt.), M. Wallace. D. Murphy, N. Flanagan, J. McNamara, I.O’Keefe, H. Bland, S. Lawlor, J. Hickey, J. Phelan, J.Leydon, J. Byrne, W.Slattery, S. O’Connell, C. Leefarr, L.Hennessey, M. Hogan, M. Gormley.
Mentors: Sheamie Cummins, Bryan Skehan, Mick Nolan, Pat O’Grady, Brian Kelly.
SENIORS TO COUNTY SEMI-FINAL
The short trip out the country to Kells Road brought a large O’Loughlin Gaels support for this Quarter Final Derby against neighbours Dicksboro. The Dicksboro crowd spoke in hushed voices at the loss of two key players in Fagan and Buckley. A loss to any team for sure but the St. Johns side were up for this and it wasn’t’ going to be the game changer. The game ran through the motions for a lot of the time but the five point difference at the end of the game was a fair reflection on the O’Loughlin performance. From the throw in it looked like this was going to be a cracker when within the first minute of play Mark Kelly found the net. The celebrations were shortlived however as Dicksboro returned with the maximum within seconds after a catastrophic mistake in the O’Loughins defence. One minute of play and a goal each the crowd was rubbing its hands with anticipation. The next few minutes saw the usual sorting out of players ruffling the feathers of the their opponents but referee Eamonn Mansfield sorted matters and the game got into its stride. O’Loughlins proved the more potent in this first half and found their scores easier than their counterparts who would rue their wides at the town end of the pitch throughout the half. In fairness O’Loughlin would go through the same problem in the second half but it was the first half score line of 2-7 to 1-5 that was the winning of the game. O’loughlins second goal coming from full forward Danny Loughnane who had a good game overall. The second half was all about keeping the scoreboard ticking over..and although O’Loughlins shooting was wayward at times they created enough chances to stifle any treat from the Dicksboro attack. Brian Hogan and Andy Kearns pulled the strings in the defence both covering a lot of ground with Anthony Forristal equally having a good game. Martin Comerford’s workrate was 100% as always and finished the game out with two top class points. Arguably the best player on the field Mark Kelly finished his tally with 1-2 and Mark Bergin was rewarded for his endeavours with a total of 7 points – 3 of which were from play. It’s a good result and the lads will look forward to next weekend’s challenge – a semi-final encounter with current County and All-Ireland Champions Ballyhale. Sunday afternoon at 3.15pm in Nowlan Park let’s bring a big St. Johns support and drive on the lads. Best of luck lads. Final Score 2-15 to 1-13
JUNIORS COMPLETE A GOOD WEEKEND
The Juniors were the third club team out this weekend in Championship action and they too had no intentions of letting the sides down. This was in Danesfort and with a strong breeze in their faces took a good advantage in the first half with a half time score of 1-8mto 0-8. The goal coming from Alan Geoghegan after a sniping run from the industrious Danny Lenihan. Daniel O’Conner was in good form in this first half scoring two of his three point total for the game. The second half would see the St. Johns side dominate proceedings..Brian Dowling took hold of midfield and his determination was evident in his play and vocal encouragement of the players around him. Gary Bryan had a strong performance on half back and earned himself a good point for his efforts. Shane Parsons too was rewarded for his workrate with minimum with Paddy Cantwell (1pt), John Doyle, Niall McEvoy, Brian Dowling (2ps each), Doc (3) , Danny Lenihan (5) and Alan Geoghegan (1-3) all getting on the score sheet. It was a good performance and the lads now face Dicksboro next Sunday in the Section B final. Well done to all involved. Final score 1-20 to 0-11
MINOR COUNTY SEMI-FINAL
The minors look forward to this weekends action with a Saturday afternoon encounter against Mooncoin in this years County Semi-final. With some players involved in senior and junior teams there’s been plenty of match practice for these lads. We wish all involved the very best of luck. It will be a busy weekend for the club again and your support is always appreciated and needed. Keep a close eye on the clubs face book and twitter pages for the weekends fixtures and get out to support your club.
CLUB LOTTO
There was no winner of last weeks Lotto. The numbers drawn were 2,15, 27 ,28 and the bonus number was:26. 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.
PITCHES PRISTINE !
Well done to Mick Nolan and his grounds team for having the pitches at St. Johns Park in such pristine condition after a summer of constant pressure. Over the last few weekends Johns Park has hosted a number of County Board Championship fixtures and all teams have been complimentary of the pitch conditions. With constant juvenile development in progress, club fixtures and county board fixtures it’s a credit to Mick and his team for providing a facility that we all can be proud of. This weekend the club hosts the intermediate relegation final between Emeralds and Dunnamaggin and the pitch is perfect. Well done to all involved.
PARISH NEWS
Monster Bingo
A Monster Bingo with €15,000 prize money will be held in Cillin Hill, Kilkenny on Sunday 18th October at 3.00pm in aid of St Mary’s Cathedral Restoration Fund. Gowran Parish Bingo Committee will be taking charge of staging this Bingo. Books €15 and €20 Single Sheets (3 in number) €2. Raffle tickets €2 or more. Please support.
First Penance and First Holy Communion St John’s Junior School
An enrolment meeting for parents of First Holy Communion Children will take place in St John’s Junior School on Monday 5th October at 7.00pm. Please bring your enrolment form along if it has not been completed already
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.
PILATES
Pilates( Body Control Pilates trained ) starting at the Dunmore hall for the older adult on a Wednesday at 10 am as well as a Wednesday evening class at 6.30 pm for all age groups .To sign up for this low impact exercise that will keep you fit and toned contact Emma on 0874313925 , classes are limited to no more than 12 people so early booking is advised .