U12’s Block & Hook Like KK’s Finest!

Congratulations must go to OLG U12’s who won the Jimmy Comerford memorial tournament in Jenkinstown last Sunday. The Continent’s finest beat St Martin’s of Muckalee in a nail biting semi-final that went down to the wire. The final was against surprise package- Lisdowney, who took care of an impressive Graigue Ballycallan outfit in another mouth watering clash.

The final exploded into life when OLG full forward - Vincent O’Grady won possession, moved into space and struck a beauty off his left to the top right corner to the Lisdowney net. Such was the ferocity of the shot - the umpire at that end, seemed momentarily confused as to the whether it was a score or not. The same umpire was brought to his senses moments later by several OLG stewards who were only too happy to help!

Clinton Morris showed a maturity beyond his years as goalkeeper. He took a bullet for the team and his puck outs were long, unerring and relieving. Jake Hickey was a rock in defence – hoovering up ball after ball and clearing his lines. Harry Bland took one from the clouds at a vital part of the game, as Lisdowney were attacking in droves. John McNamara was justifiably singled out by Nigel Leydon (Manager) at the end of the final as someone who had given selflessly for the cause. Ronan Lavelle (centre back) cleared over his left shoulder as though his life depended on it – time after time.



Alex Molloy was fearless in the tackle. He was down but never out as he fought through the pain barrier for the cause. Mikey Wallace gave an exhibition in ball striking from the middle of the field. Time and time again – his Exocets either found the target or went deep into enemy territory.  Wee Decky Murphy was tigerish in the tackle and battled all day in the half forward line for the St John’s Parish boys. John Comerford never gave up. He chased, hooked and blocked as well as anything that was seen in Croker on the previous evening.

Luke Hennessy showed a clean pair of heels to the Lisdowney defence on several occasions and was awarded for his efforts with a poacher’s goal that would prove crucial. Joseph Leydon was manly in around the house. He too got his just reward with a match winning green flag. Vincent O’Grady typified all that was good about this great performance and terrorised the Lisdowney defence relentlessly.

Replacements: Chase Leefar, Morgan Leefar, Damien Dowling, Sam O’Connell, Aidan Kenny

OLG would like to thank all our U12’s and their parents for their dedication throughout the year. We wish all our boys well over the Winter and hope to see you early in 2015 for U14 registration.  

All-Ireland Champions

OLG would like to congratulate our own Brian Hogan and Mark Kelly who were crowned All-Ireland Champions for 2014 on Saturday evening last. Brian and Mark contributed hugely to the cause throughout the season and were instrumental in bringing the Dr Croke, Bob O’Keeffe and Liam McCarthy cups Noreside. Don’t rest on your laurels boys – we need yez for the County Championship ahead.

Club Lotto

There was no jackpot winner of this week’s club lotto. The numbers drawn were 2, 3, 21, 27 and the bonus number was: 22. 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!

Pulswave Ireland

Pulsewave Ireland is offering Bpro medically approved non-invasive heart & artery screenings (recently featured on BBC NEWS) in Hotel Kilkenny on Wednesday 24th September. Affordable & Accurate.  Call 087-7151623 for appointments or log onto www.pulsewaveireland.net . Prices as follows: Adults €40, Couple €60,Medical Card/OAP's €30, Child €20. Screenings are carried out by a qualified technician who will go through your results and provide you with a printout which you may discuss with your GP.

Virtual Tour

Be sure to log onto our parish website – stjohnskilkenny.com – and click on Virtual Tour to see the beautiful wide-angled views of the exteriors and interiors of our three parish churches.

Kilkenny Leader

KLP are taking registrations for a Benefit 4 Computer Class which they will be delivering in O’Loughlin Court Community Centre. The course is a good basic computer course covering topics such as using the internet, emails, digital photography, skype and using social media such as facebook and twitter. 
The course is for 5 weeks commencing on Monday 29th September  from 4pm -6pm.For more information or to register for course please contact Connie McGee on 0867718040.

Kilkenny Leader

KLP are taking registrations for a Benefit 4 Computer Class which they will be delivering in O’Loughlin Court Community Centre. The course is a good basic computer course covering topics such as using the internet, emails, digital photography, skype and using social media such as facebook and twitter. 
The course is for 5 weeks commencing on Monday 29th September  from 4pm -6pm.For more information or to register for course please contact Connie McGee on 0867718040.

Just What The Doc Ordered!

The magnificent James Stephens complex of pitches on the Kells Road was the setting for an uncharacteristically flat OLG performance, on Saturday evening last.  The Continent took on their city rivals Dicksboro in this second round, Junior Championship match.

Sammy Johnston was tested early with a high ball in around the house, but coped admirably and was awarded a free for his efforts.  With two minutes on the clock, the boys from St Canice’s Parish opened proceedings, before Alan Geoghegan equalized from a free awarded on the back of some Danny Bolger hard graft.  Young Shane O’Brien (‘Boro) had two early goal chances but missed narrowly on both occasions – OLG were getting stretched at the back and too much of the game was being played in the Continent’s half.

Huw Lawlor made a great catch and clearance as do-or-die defending became the order of the day. Paddy Cantwell struck a wide but did not let that deter him. Moments later, he was on the ball again (thanks to a brilliant Paddy Deegan pass) and struck straight and true to level matters at two points apiece. The O’Loughlins defence however was coming under increasing pressure – Alan O’Brien chipped in with a wonder catch and a one handed clearance for the cause.

Both Cantwells set up the next OLG score. Andy’s hard work released Paddy for a great point. PC’s two on the trot helped OLG into a one point lead. But still the defence was being tested – Brian Murphy made a great catch and clearance. Ricky Leydon also pulled one from the clouds and released Paddy Deegan to clear OLG’s lines. Wily veteran Alan Geoghegan won possession and a free under the posts – which he duly converted to restore the one point advantage.  The same Alan Geoghegan would tag on two more points to bring this low scoring opening half to a close.

H/T: O’Loughlin Gaels 0-06, Dicksboro 0-05

It was no surprise that changes were made and the second half saw the introduction of Daniel O’Connor, Ben Leydon, Fergal Brennan and Vinny Wallace. Each played his part in a Continent revival of sorts but in truth it was to be the DOC substitution that would prove most decisive of all. No sooner was Daniel on the pitch; than he was on the end of a precision Danny Lenihan pass. DOC struck high and handsome between the posts to raise a white flag and give the St John’s Parish Boys a two point lead and some much needed momentum.  The ‘Boro were not for giving up easily however and struck a brace of their own to level matters –both Eddie O’Donoghue & Owen Gough continually catching the eye.

John Doyle and Paddy Deegan combined well five minutes into the second half – Deegan’s shot raised his first white flag of the day. Paddy’s midfield partner – Martin Gibbons then got in on the act with a lovely point of his own, to once again put two points between the teams.  John Doyle then got on the end of a beautifully drilled Ricky Leydon crossfield ball and applied the finish the pass deserved. But this was not before the ‘Bro hit a brace to keep the minimum between the teams again, in this tight encounter. Somehow, O’Loughlins managed to keep their noses in front. Alan Geoghegan hit three on the trot and Paddy Cantwell was unlucky to see his ground pull goal effort, go narrowly wide.

Fittingly though, it was the defence and replacements who deserved the plaudits in this game. With minutes to go – Andy Cantwell made a surge out of his own defence. Knowing he couldn’t catch the ball a second time, he booted it away to the cheers of the Continent’s faithful. The Doc O’Connor stamped All-Ireland minor class on proceedings with a bone crunching shoulder followed by a mighty catch, which would set up a Geoghegan pointed free to increase the margin to two near the hour’s end. Paddy Deegan scored his second and OLG’s last point of the game, on the back of Danny Bolger’s spade work. The ’Boro battled bravely and added two points late in the day but ran out of luck and time. O’Loughlins march on knowing they will need to improve if they are to remain in this prestigious Championship.

F/T:  O’Loughlin Gaels 0-14, Dicksboro 0-13

Sammy Johnston, Alan O’Brien, Brian Murphy, Andy Cantwell, Huw Lawlor, Rick Leydon, Padraig Meaney, Paddy Deegan 0-2, Martin Gibbons 0-1, Danny Bolger, Alan Geoghegan 0-7 (6 f’s), Paddy Cantwell 0-2, John Doyle 0-1, James Lenihan, Danny Lenihan Subs used: Daniel O’Connor 0-1, Ben Leydon, Fergal Brennan, Vinny Wallace



Replay

 O’Loughlin Gaels is running buses to the All-Ireland final replay, Adults €15, Children €10, to be paid when booking places, leaving at 12 Noon, U16s must be accompanied by an adult. OLG would also like to extend best wishes to Brian Hogan and Mark Kelly on the re-run of the big day.

 
Virtual Tour

Be sure to log onto our parish website – stjohnskilkenny.com – and click on Virtual Tour to see the beautiful wide-angled views of the exteriors and interiors of our three parish churches.

Camphill Community

Annual open day for Camphill Community, Callan takes place this Sunday 21st from 2pm to 5pm.  Wheel of Fortune, Cake Sale, numerous stalls & huge range of children’s activities/ entertainment.

Kilkenny Leader

KLP are taking registrations for a Benefit 4 Computer Class which they will be delivering in O’Loughlin Court Community Centre. The course is a good basic computer course covering topics such as using the internet, emails, digital photography, skype and using social media such as facebook and twitter. 
The course is for 5 weeks commencing on Monday 29th September  from 4pm -6pm.For more information or to register for course please contact Connie McGee on 0867718040.

Two Goal Lenihan Leads From The Front

O’Loughlin Gaels juniors were handed the tricky assignment of taking on Erin’s Own in Jenkinstown on Saturday last. This JHC, Section B, first round encounter saw two fine teams battling it out, on an unseasonably warm September day.

Martin Gibbons signalled intent from the whistle with an immediate charge down and block. The loose ball was received gratefully by Paddy Cantwell, who duly raised a white flag for The Continent’s opening score. Comer’s Eoin Meally (who would impress throughout the hour) sent an equalizing free thar an trasnan with three minutes on the clock. John Doyle moments later, proceeded on a slalom run through the heart of the Erin’s Own defence before firing between the uprights to restore the one point advantage.

Comer then wrestled that advantage away by scoring three unanswered points of their own. The crowd sensed instantly that this was going to be hard fought and hard won. Danny Lenihan struck a wonder score off his left from the Jenkinstown side of the pitch but yet again – Erin’s Own hit three on the trot, in what was a dominant period of the game for the boys in blue.  The St John’s Parish Boys sensed the half was beginning to slip away from them but responded in fine style.

Alan O’Brien sounded the rallying cry from the heart of the defence. Despite being tied up, he averted imminent danger by kicking the ball away from trouble. The forwards seemed to take inspiration from this do or die defending. A combination move which saw Paddy Deegan find John Doyle; who in turn released Danny Lenihan - would reduce the deficit to a single point. Young Huw Lawlor could be seen scrapping for every ball in the middle of the field. An illegal full frontal charge which sent Huw momentarily into his own dugout could have signalled the end of his day’s hurling. But Huw was up and about almost immediately – giving every bit as good as he was getting - for the cause.

Three consecutive OLG wides preceded a Paddy Cantwell white flag in the twenty-first minute to level matters yet again. One of the scores of the game was then to follow – Andy Cantwell struck deep from his own half – whatta way to take the lead! OLG then made this period of dominance tell on the scoreboard. James Lenihan found himself in space in front of goal and slid his shot neatly home to raise the green for the first goal of the game. Alan Geoghegan then pointed a free to bring matters to a close for the opening thirty.

H/T O’Loughlin Gaels: 1-09, Erin’s Own: 0-08

The second half saw the introduction of Daniel O’Connor and Danny Bolger. Alan O’Brien put in a superb block to thwart a Comer attack and concede a sixty-five, almost straight from the throw-in. But lightning was then to strike twice for the Erin’s Own defence, as that man James Lenihan yet again rattled the net in a decisive strike for home. The lead was now seven and the men from The Marble City were in the ascendancy. Sammy Johnston sent a laser beam of a puck out into the left hand of Alan Geoghegan. Geoghegan then fed Gibbons for one of the scores of the game – now the lead was eight. Two great catches were to follow by Paddys - Deegan & Cantwell (the latter converting his fetch into a lovely point from play). Martin Gibbons also got in on the act with another point of his own.

 Incredibly though, it would be all of fifteen minutes before the Continent would score again. Erin’s Own took over completely and struck a goal and seven points without reply!  The game was once again in the melting pot and cool heads were called for. Brian Murphy stood tall in the OLG defence and made a crucial intervention. He cleared his lines a la Brick Walsh by batting the ball away.  The experienced Alan Geoghegan also showed his class in the closing minutes of this tight tussle by striking a wonder score.  This was seen and raised by Paddy Cantwell in the last minute of the game, to give OLG a hard fought two point win.

F/T O’Loughlin Gaels 2-14, Erin’s Own 1-15

Sammy Johnston, Kevin O’Brien, Brian Murphy, Alan O’Brien, Andy Cantwell, Rick Leydon, Padraic Meaney, Paddy Deegan, Huw Lawlor, Paddy Cantwell (0-4), Martin Gibbons (0-1), A Geoghegan (0-5, 4f’s), John Doyle (0-2), James Lenihan (2-0), Danny Lenihan (0-2), Subs used: Daniel O’Connor & Danny Bolger

 

Camogie

OLG would like to commiserate with Aisling Butler and the Kilkenny Senior and Intermediate teams in the All Ireland Finals last Sunday. The Junior team will play Glenmore in the League Semi Final on Sunday at 11am venue TBC. Last Saturday the Camogie club held it's first u-14 Rena Sheridan tournament.  Paulstown, Danesfort &St Fiachres all took part. Each team played each other. St Fiachres and O Loughlins got through to the Cup Final with St Fiachres winning by a few goals and Danesfort won the shield final. A great morning of Camogie was had by all and a big thank you to John Sheridan for presenting the medals and trophies. Well done also to our U-12’s who beat Dicksboro in the Kilkenny final. 

Buses to All-Ireland Replay

The Club is running buses to much anticipated replay on Sat 27th Sept.  Adult tickets are €15 & children: €10, to be paid when booking. U16’s must be accompanied by an adult.

 
Club Lotto

There was no jackpot winner of the Club Lotto this week. The numbers chosen were: 6, 16, 19, 23 and the bonus number was 13. 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.            

 
Pitch and Putt

Kilkenny Recreation Sports Partnership is starting an Older Adult Introductory 4 week pitch and putt programme. This will start next Wednesday 17th at 11am at Lacken pitch and putt (St Canice's hospital grounds, Dublin Rd). There is no fee required from those interested in signing up.  Beginners Welcome! Contact Alan on 056 7794990 or 087 3276271.

 
Art Classes

Morning art classes for adults will resume in September. The classes are run in Bishop Birch Institute, Waterford Road, from 10:30 am to 12:30 on Thursdays and Fridays. For more information and to sign up call Sonja at 083 3941220 or email artwithsonja@gmail.com.

 

 

 

 

Junior B Champions

O'Loughlin Gaels had to battle right to the end of this pulsating Junior B Final in Thomastown against a gallant and hard working Graignamanagh side. The City side won this game probably because of a very healthy, never give up, attitude which is been seen across all teams in the Club at present.

During normal play, the City side dominated for long periods and at half time were leading 0.10 to 1.3 having played with a decent breeze.. By the 52nd minute O'Loughlins were ahead by 6 points and one sensed the cup was only going one way, but frees were to become very rewarding for the Graig men and ace sharpshooters Cathal Dunne(3) and Lee Kinsella(3) took advantage of all that came their way in the second half. The Graig men drew level and had momentum and Cathal Dunne and Terry Dreelan popped up to the mark and brought the match to extra time.

O'Loughlins had started in a flourish with Stephen Tyrrell picking up two loose balls around centre-field and slotted both over with class. Fergal Brennan and James Lenehan added two more beuts as the Graig men failed to find their range. A blunder in the O'Loughlin's defence allowed Ken Walsh to tap in for a handy goal to bring Graig right back into it after 12 minutes. Barry Hogan scored the first of his 8 frees next which was followed by a James McGrath score for the hoops.

Barry Hogan with three converted frees and John Doyle increased the O'Loughlin's lead to 5 points after 28 minutes. O'Loughlins had dominated for long periods with the half back line of Kevin O Brien,Rick Leydon and Andy Cantwell driving ball after ball back to their forwards. Mick Lambert is a very solid full back and was flanked by one of the Club's greatest ever hurlers Brian Kelly on one side and minor starlet Eoin Croghan on the other, both of whom were excellent in protecting goalkeeper Mark Croghan at all times. A free converted by Lee Kinsella and a tidy point by Dane Flood reduced the margin before Barry Hogan added another for the 'Loughs to leave the half time score O'LG 0.10 Graignamanagh 1.3

Graig opened the second half tally through the impressive Cathal Dunne and a free by Lee Kinsella. Fergal Brennan,Danny Bolger and James Lenehan always looked dangerous and popped over three consecutive minors for the continent side. Hard-working half back, Kevin O Brien popped up for a good score on the the midway point of the second half and the city side looked to be cruising. Barry Hogan's 22nd minute free divided two more from Lee Kinsella. Cathal Dunne added another from play. Vinny Wallace scored what looked to be a match winner on 26 minutes but in the closing 4 minutes Graignamanagh dragged themselves back into it with 4 scores from Cathal Dunne,including 3 frees, and a brilliant equaliser from Terry Dreelan.  

Final Score O'LG 0.16 Graignamanagh 1.13

Ten minutes a side of extra time declared referee John Walsh of Rower Inistioge. Vice Chairman of the County Board was on hand to present the cup but had to wait another while to do the official duties. The game started much the same as it ended with Cathal Dunne converting two frees for Graignamangh which were divided by a good point from substitute Ben Leydon. The final six minutes of the now nervy extra time produced no more scores Half time in extra time and Graig were up by a point.

No player wanted to make a mistake or concede a free now but after 30 seconds Barry Hogan had one converted to level it. Lee Kinsella did the same a minute later before Dane Flood increased Graig's lead. Time was ticking away and O'loughlins were now working harder in the forward line.Barry Hogan popped over another free but the ball went up the field and Jamie McGrath scored, what might have been curtains for the city siders, but for their brilliant attitude. Evan Walsh was introduced at full forward and his quick intelligent play led to the last two scores of the game and ultimately landing the spoils for a famous O'Loughlin's victory.

James Lenehan ran onto the end of a well weighted pass from Walsh and point to leave one between the sides, Referee John Walsh held his index finger aloft indicating to all and sundry the time remaining. One more attack, maybe the chance of an equaliser one thought...... Ah no.. why bring us back for another day thought Club minor Ben Leydon ???? Latching onto another good pass from Evan Walsh in nearly the same position as Lenehan previously he got close to the goal and end line and somehow got a strike away which, may not have been his sweetest ever, but surely, he will not have scored as important a goal in his fledgling adult career. The O'Loughlins faithful jumped as high and shouted as loud as a last minute county final winning goal deserves. With only seconds remaining the City side were not going to relinquish a two point lead. Final score O'Loughlin Gaels 1.20 Graignamanagh 1.18

.

Credit to O'Loughlin Gaels management of Davy Ward (who played in 1999 the only other time O'Loughlin Gaels won the Junior B County Championship), John Joe Cullen, Michael Lambert, Gerry Buckley and Seanie Tyrrell.

O'LOUGHLIN GAELS; Mark Croghan, Brian Kelly, Michael Lambert, Eoin Croghan, Kevin O Brien, Rick Leydon, Andy Cantwell, Stephen Tyrrell, Martin Gibbons, Barrie Hogan, James Lenehan ,Fergal Brennan, John Doyle, Michael Hennebry, Danny Bolger. Subs: Shane O Neill(Capt.), Evan Walsh(used), Andy Smith ,Joe Walsh, Chris Lambert, Michael Twomey, David Rice, Ben Leydon(used),Stephen Wall, Kevin McGarry, Paul Denniffe, Jamie Kavanagh, Richie Moylan, Alan O’Brien (used), Vinny Wallace (used).

Nigel Leydon

 
Croke Park

O’Loughlin Gaels would like to congratulate both Kilkenny teams on their remarkable displays in Croke Park last Sunday.  Well done to Ross Butler and Daniel O’Connor who have earned the right to call themselves All-Ireland Minor Champions. Best wishes also to Brian Hogan and Mark Kelly who now must set about preparing for the senior replay on sat 27th Sept.