CLUB LOTTO
There was no winner of last weeks Club Lotto. The numbers drawn were 8, 9, 13, 26 and the bonus number was 14. Next  week’s Jackpot prize will be €8,000 so make sure to get a ticket from the usual promotors.
 
BRAIN ROCHE IS NEW PRINCIPAL
Last weekend Mr Brian Roche was appointed as new Principal of St John’s Senior School, Ballybough Street. He will succeed Mrs Mary Neary who will retire on the 8th of January, with Brian taking up his appointment the following day.
Son of Tommy and Geraldine Roche, Greenridge, Johnswell Road, Brian has been teaching in St John’s Senior School since his graduation 17 years ago. He has experienced a wide range aspects of the primary education system: special needs, home-liaison, senior and junior cycles, etc.
We congratulate him on his elevation and wish him every blessing in his new and challenging role as Principal Teacher.
 
JUVENILE REGISTRATION 2017 Feb 10th
As the new year begins it’s time to start getting ready for the upcoming season and thoughts turn to returning to the pitches at St. John’s Park. Eddie Maher and his team have been busy with pitch maintenance throughout the off season so that every square inch of the facilities are pristine for the return of our young Gaels, and the welcoming of our new Gaels. The juvenile section is stocking up the equipment store and on Friday February the 10th at 7.30pm all boys and girls u6 to u12 from St. John’s Parish are invited to the club to register their intent for the season ahead with O’Loughlin Gaels GAA & Camogie Clubs. Full details are on the website and the club’s social media pages. There will be an opportunity to get photographs with the Tom Walsh Cup that the seniors hurlers collected after their County Final win, and no doubt aspire to do the same when they complete the new Player Pathway that the club have carefully tailored for its juvenile players. Keep the date free and keep a close eye on the website and here for more details.
 
ON-LINE CLUB SHOP
The On-line Club Shop can provide you with everything you need for the 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.
https://www.oneills.com/shop-by-team/gaa/ireland/o-loughlin-gaels-gaa.html
 
 
Operation Transformation 2017
Kick start your New Year with a healthy walk! Join us on one of the Operation Transformation Walks in Kilkenny on Saturday January 7th.  Walks will take place in the following locations: The Castle Park, Kilkenny City @ 10.30am and Castlecomer Discovery Park at 11am.  Walks are approximately 4 to 5km and all fitness levels will be catered for.  Each venue will have an 8 week walking programme following the national walk! For further information, please contact Caitriona, Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership on 087 9750501. For further information, visit www.krsp.ie or www.rte/ot
 
MARTIN WINS PLAYER OF THE MONTH
Congratulations to Martin Comerford who was the final recipient of the Murphy Jewellers / Kilkenny People and Seiko Irelands Player of the Month for his contributions to the O’Loughlin Gaels Senior Teams recent successes. Well done Martin..richly deserved. Lovely hurling.
 
O’LOUGHLIN GAELS CLUB CALENDARS
O’Loughlin Gaels GAA 2017 Calendars can be purchased from Kearns Butchers in Ballybought Street for only €5 each. These are nicely produces by our Juvenile players as part of their Transition Year Enterprise Project at CBS Kilkenny and will look good at home or at work…especially if your work colleagues are from a rival club!!!
 
 
THE ’12-NOON’ CHOIR
Like all parish Choirs, the 12 O’clock Choir is currently looking for new members. Please consider sharing your talent and ability with our congregations. Male and female are most welcome. Rehearsals for this choir take place Monday nights at 8.00 p.m. in The Presbytery. So please, come along and give it a try.
 
HAPPY NEW YEAR – O’LOUGHLIN GAELS GAA
O’Loughlin Gaels GAA wish to take this opportunity to remember all those members and friends who left us during 2016, to thank all those who helped to make the year such a great one for the club, and to wish each and every one of you a very Happy New Year.  We look forward to making 2017 even better.
 
HAPPY NEW YEAR
 
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE IN ST. JOHNS PARISH, THEIR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS.

ST JOHNS PARISH
www.oloughlingaels.gaa.ie
 
CLUB LOTTO
There was no winner of last weeks Club Lotto. The numbers drawn were 14, 15, 18, 28 and the bonus number was 10. Next  week’s Jackpot prize will be €7,600 so make sure to get a ticket from the usual promotors.
 
Mr Roche – New Principal
Last weekend Mr Brian Roche was appointed as new Principal of St John’s Senior School, Ballybough Street. He will succeed Mrs Mary Neary will retire on the 8th of January, with Brian taking up his appointment the following day.
Son of Tommy and Geraldine Roche, Greenridge, Johnswell Road, Brian has been teaching in St John’s Senior School since his graduation 17 years ago. He has experienced a wide range aspects of the primary education system: special needs, home-liaison, senior and junior cycles, etc.
We congratulate him on his elevation and wish him every blessing in his new and challenging role as Principal Teacher.
 
SUICIDE AWARENESS GATHERING – St. Johns Church Jan 2nd at 7.30pm
All are invited to St. John’s Church to evening of Talk and Music at a gathering for Suicide Awareness. Guest Speakers will be football player Mikey Drennan and Dr. Fergus Heffernan with music provided by local Kilkenny Musicians
 
ON-LINE CLUB SHOP
The On-line Club Shop can provide you with everything you need for the 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.
https://www.oneills.com/shop-by-team/gaa/ireland/o-loughlin-gaels-gaa.html
 
Operation Transformation 2017
Kick start your New Year with a healthy walk! Join us on one of the Operation Transformation Walks in Kilkenny on Saturday January 7th.  Walks will take place in the following locations: The Castle Park, Kilkenny City @ 10.30am and Castlecomer Discovery Park at 11am.  Walks are approximately 4 to 5km and all fitness levels will be catered for.  Each venue will have an 8 week walking programme following the national walk! For further information, please contact Caitriona, Kilkenny Recreation and Sports Partnership on 087 9750501. For further information, visit www.krsp.ie or www.rte/ot
 
 
O’LOUGHLIN GAELS CLUB CALENDARS
O’Loughlin Gaels GAA 2017 Calendars can be purchased from Kearns Butchers in Ballybought Street for only €5 each. These are nicely produces by our Juvenile players as part of their Transition Year Enterprise Project at CBS Kilkenny and will look good at home or at work…especially if your work colleagues are from a rival club!!!
 
 

THE ’12-NOON’ CHOIR
Like all parish Choirs, the 12 O’clock Choir is currently looking for new members. Please consider sharing your talent and ability with our congregations. Male and female are most welcome. Rehearsals for this choir take place Monday nights at 8.00 p.m. in The Presbytery. So please, come along and give it a try.
 
HAPPY NEW YEAR – O’LOUGHLIN GAELS GAA
O’Loughlin Gaels GAA wish to take this opportunity to remember all those members and friends who left us during 2016, to thank all those who helped to make the year such a great one for the club, and to wish each and every one of you a very Happy New Year.  We look forward to making 2017 even better.
 
HAPPY NEW YEAR
 
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO EVERYONE IN ST. JOHNS PARISH, THEIR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS.

AGM 2016
O’Loughlin Gaels GAA Club held its annual AGM in the Club House last Wednesday evening to a packed lounge. Chairman Brian Murphy opened proceedings and thanked everyone involved in the club for their valuable contributions throughout the year. He congratulated and thanked the senior Team Players, Management and Backroom Teams on becoming County Champions. He acknowledged the hard work and effort that goes into achieving such success. Brian called for a moments silence in memory of those members and friends who passed during the year and this was followed by all club officers gave their reports on the years events. The reports made demonstrated that a vast amount of work that goes into making the club run smoothly. A growing membership at juvenile and adult levels requires a large volunteers force to ensure that the players get the best benefit from their involvement with the O’Loughlin Gaels GAA, and the evidence from the reports showed that that willingness to volunteer is also growing. As the club continues to grow more help will be needed and anyone is welcome to get involved. An extensive amount of facilities work was carried out this year and will continue to be done in line with available funds. Co. Board Vice-Chairman and club member Conor Denieffe was present also and congratulated the club on its success in winning this year’s Senior County final. He also wished to thank the club on behalf of the County Board for the use of facilities during the year and acknowledged the excellent condition of the pitches at St. Johns Park. The meeting continued with ratification of the club officers for 2017 whereby no changes were made. Further discussion on recommendations proposed were debated cordially and approved for going forward in 2017. Chairman Brian Murphy thanked all for their attendance and wished all the members and friends of O’loughlin Gaels GAA a very Happy Christmas.
 
 
CLUB LOTTO
There was no winner of last weeks Club Lotto. The numbers drawn were 3, 12, 26, 27 and the bonus number was 23. Next  week’s Jackpot prize will be €7,200 so make sure to get a ticket from the usual promotors.
 
ON-LINE CLUB SHOP
The On-line Club Shop can provide you with everything you need for the 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.
https://www.oneills.com/shop-by-team/gaa/ireland/o-loughlin-gaels-gaa.html


ST. JOHN’S PARISH CHRISTMAS MASS TIMES
 
Christmas 2016 – Mass Arrangements
 
 
 
Christmas Eve
(Saturday 24th)
 
 
No Morning Masses
6.30 p.m. St John’s – (Family Mass)
7.00 p.m. Dunmore
8.00 p.m. Johnswell
9.00 p.m. St John’s

 
 
Christmas Day
(Sunday 25th)
 
 
8.00 a.m. St John’s
10.30 a.m. St John’s
12.00 noon St John’s
10.00 a.m. Johnswell
11.00 a.m. Dunmore

Monday to Saturday:
(26th to 31st)
10.30 a.m. Mass Each Morning


ANNUAL ST. JOHNS SCHOOL CAROL SERVICE St John’s Senior School Carol Service takes place tomorrow, Monday at 7.30pm. This is always a very popular festival of carols and Nativity drama. Families involved in the school or with no connection at all, always enjoy the experience. So, why not come along!
 
MRS. NEARY’S RETIREMENT MASS
St John’s Senior School As you may be aware, Mrs Mary Neary of St John’s Senior School will retire on the 8th of January following 36 years teaching service in both parish schools. 
We, the Board of Management of St John’s Senior School, would like to invite all past pupils and parents associated with our schools to a Mass to mark her retirement next Wednesday (21st) at 1:45pm. 
The Parents Association will host an informal chat and tea on Thursday 22nd from 9:10 to 10:30 for parents wishing to say a final farewell and thank you to Mary for her dedication and kindness to our children over the years - as both a teacher and principal.  She deserves a very warm send off from us all.  Hope to see you there.
 
O’LOUGHLIN GAELS CLUB CALENDARS
O’Loughlin Gaels GAA 2017 Calendars can be purchased from Kearns Butchers in Ballybought Street for only €5 each. These are nicely produces by our Juvenile players as part of their Transition Year Enterprise Project at CBS Kilkenny and will look good at home or at work…especially if your work colleagues are from a rival club!!!
 
SUICIDE AWARENESS GATHERING – St. Johns Church Jan 2nd at 7.30pm
All are invited to St. John’s Church to evening of Talk and Music at a gathering for Suicide Awareness. Guest Speakers will be football player Mikey Drennan and Dr. Fergus Heffernan with music provided by local Kilkenny Musicians
 
THE ’12-NOON’ CHOIR
Like all parish Choirs, the 12 O’clock Choir is currently looking for new members. Please consider sharing your talent and ability with our congregations. Male and female are most welcome. Rehearsals for this choir take place Monday nights at 8.00 p.m. in The Presbytery. So please, come along and give it a try.
 
HAPPY CHRISTMAS
 
HAPPY CHRISTMAS TO EVERYONE IN ST. JOHNS PARISH, THEIR FAMILIES AND FRIENDS.
 

SANTA COMES TO TOWN..
Santa paid a flying visit to St. Johns Park on Sunday afternoon on his way around Ireland with the Temple Street Children’s Hospital Foundation for the O’Loughlin Gaels GAA Juvenile Christmas Party. They came from all over St. John’s Parish for a chance to meet the magical man and they were not disappointed for from the time Santa and Rudolf flew into the venue they were given his undivided attention for over two hours for which all at O’Loughlin Gaels is very grateful as we know how busy it can be at this time of year. Santa’s grotto and decorations were prepared by underage mentors and volunteers the previous evening under the tutelage of chief organiser Sean Hogan who puts a huge amount of work into this event each year. It is an annual event that every child and parent look forward to and enjoy and all are very appreciative of the work put in by the great man..(That’s Sean now..not Santa!!) A special thanks to DJ Seanie-D who kept the party going all afternoon with his music while Santa met with each and everyone of the children with their families. Seanie donated his time to the event insisting that no fee be charged so that The Temple Street Foundation got the full benefit of the occasion. He’s a ‘sound’ man in so many ways!!. If Seanie kept the music going MC for the afternoon Stephen McCormack (u6 mentor) kept the party going with games and dancing getting the best out of the young children in attendance. It was as always a super occasion and another event that brought smiles and happiness to all those that passed through the Hebron Rd venue’s gates,  as is evident in the photos that can be seen on our photo gallery at http://www.oloughlingaels.gaa.ie/whats-on-in-the-clubhouse  Well done to all involved.
 
 
CLUB LOTTO
There was no winner of last weeks Club Lotto. The numbers drawn were 5, 9, 14, 28 and the bonus number was 2. Next  week’s Jackpot prize will be €6,800 so make sure to get a ticket from the usual promotors.
 
3 STAR CLUB  🌠🌠🌠
 
Well done to everyone at O'Loughlin Gaels GAA Juvenile Section who have been awarded the top accolade in Promoting Best Practice at the club - the 3 Star Flag - by Kilkenny County Board. This is the third consecutive year the club has won which means we are the only club in Kilkenny to have won it three times. That's thanks to the Coaches, mentors, players, organisers, parents, supporters and committees. Keep up the good work.....Maith sibh go léir!
 
ON-LINE CLUB SHOP
The On-line Club Shop can provide you with everything you need for the 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.
https://www.oneills.com/shop-by-team/gaa/ireland/o-loughlin-gaels-gaa.html
 
 
DEFIBRILLATOR COURSE
The Club will be running a Defibrillator Course open to ALL members.  Anyone interested in taking part please text  087 229 8028 to register your interest.  You never know.. you might save someone's life!
 
O’LOUGHLIN GAELS GAA AGM 7.30pm,
The 2016 Club AGM takes place in the Club Lounge tonight (Wednesday) at 7.30pm. Nomination and recommendations were posted out to all members over the last two weeks and  ALL members are encouraged to attend.
 
CLUB CHRISTMAS PARTY
O’Loughlin Gaels GAA will host its annual Christmas Party for all Members, Payers, Mentors and friends on Saturday night (December 17th)  It’s been another great year for the club and there is plenty to celebrate together. THIS IS FOR EVERYONE….players, coaches, mentors, volunteers, supporters and friends. Come along …Paddy is looking forward to welcoming a full house and he promises there will be no mistletoe this year!
 
O’LOUGHLIN GAELS CLUB CALENDARS
O’Loughlin Gaels GAA 2017 Calendars can be purchased from Kearns Butchers in Ballybought Street for only €5 each. These are nicely produces by our Juvenile players as part of their Transition Year Enterprise Project at CBS Kilkenny and will look good at home or at work…especially if your work colleagues are from a rival club!!!
 
 
THE ’12-NOON’ CHOIR
Like all parish Choirs, the 12 O’clock Choir is currently looking for new members. Please consider sharing your talent and ability with our congregations. Male and female are most welcome. Rehearsals for this choir take place Monday nights at 8.00 p.m. in The Presbytery. So please, come along and give it a try.
 
JIM O’HARA MEMORIAL POKER TOURNAMENT DEC  16
The Annual Jim O’Hara Texas Holdem Poker Tournament takes place in O’Loughoin Gaels GAA Club on Friday December the 16th from 8pm. Full details contact 056 7765036
 
JOHNSWELL SCHOOL CRAFT SALE & COFFEE MORNING
The annual craft sale and coffee morning will take place in Johnswell School on Sunday 18th December after 10am Mass. There will be a great variety of crafts and home baking for sale and as this is in aid of Johnswell School your support would be greatly appreciated.

AIB LEINSTER CLUB FINAL
What a great occasion for GAA Clubs and their communities the AIB Club Championship is, and last Sunday saw a huge crowd from St. John’s Parish travel to O’Moore Park to support the club. For that everyone at O’Loughlin Gaels is very grateful.  The result was disappointing as Cuala were without a shadow of a doubt the better team and from what we witnessed in Portlaoise last Sunday they will be very difficult to beat in this competition. Fair play to the O’Loughlins lads though, they kept in close contact for much of the came but with the kitchen sink been thrown in towards the end of the game the flood gates opened up and Cuala finished out impressive winners. But for the heroics of goal keeper Stephen Murphy though, the final deficit could have been far greater. Stephen put in a very impressive performance and pulled off point blank, reflex and rebound saves on numerous occasions and managed to score a long range pointed free also that earned him a shortlisting for the man of the match accolade. Martin Comerford emptied the tank as usual and Eddie Kearns can’t be faulted for his efforts to stem the tide. A poor day on the field of play but the occasion brought the best out in the community. The preparations , the words of support from the local schools and the gathering in the club for support demonstrates that O’Loughlin Gaels club and it’s supporters is one of the best in the GAA. All at O’loughlin Gaels GAA would like to thank everybody involved in preparing the teams, in administering the club, sponsors and all the clubs members and friends for their continued support.  O’Loughlin Gaels are Kilkenny Senior Hurling County Champions and we’re very proud.
 
 
CLUB LOTTO
There was no winner of last weeks Club Lotto.Next  week’s Jackpot prize will be €6,000 so make sure to get a ticket from the usual promotors.


CAMOGIE CLUB CELEBRATES 25 YEARS






 

O’Loughlin Gaels Camogie club celebrated its 25 year anniversary last Saturday evening. People of all ages who have been involved in the club came to reminisce, share memories and stories with each other. Joan Galwey, Chairperson of O’Loughlin Gaels Camogie welcomed all members, past and present. She thanked Catherine Neary, Camogie Association President, for attending and congratulated her on a wonderful year for Kilkenny camogie- and noted that it was a fitting reward for a lifetimes work to see both Senior and Intermediate Cups being brought to Kilkenny. 
A lovely booklet was available for all present to celebrate the history of the club to date. 
Special presentations were made to Marie Fitzpatrick and to Grace Sheridan, granddaughter of Rena Sheridan who was a co-founding member of the club. Marie Fitzpatrick spoke of the origins of the club which she and Rena Sheridan (RIP) founded in 1991 and emphasised the importance of sport was in the community to children of all ages. She was delighted to hear that O' Loughlin Gaels now has the largest total membership in the county.
There were also presentations to Laura Murphy and Laura Greene, our two heroes on the All-Ireland winning teams, who came with the Duffy and McGrath cups.
Denise Gaule who played much of her juvenile camogie with O' Loughlins was also honoured, and her former club wished her continued success as she has been nominated for Sports Personality of the Year.
Clubman and County and Provincial Development Officer, Jer Donovan was congratulated on his recent marriage to Linda..
No 25 year celebration would be complete without special mention for those long-standing members who are known for exceptional dedication and loyalty and Jim Kavanagh, Gerry Buckley and Eileen Cleere were the well deserved recipients, for their outstanding commitment to the club over the past decade and more. 
A great evening was had by all, and we look forward to continuing to build our club, on this solid foundation and enjoy future celebrations. O’Loughlin Gaels Camogie abú!
 
ON-LINE CLUB SHOP
Get your colours for Leinster Final Day! The On-line Club Shop can provide you with everything you need for the 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.
https://www.oneills.com/shop-by-team/gaa/ireland/o-loughlin-gaels-gaa.html
 
ALL-IRELAND CHAMPIONS
Congratulations to FOUR of our young Gaels, David Fogarty, Dacel Fwamba, Conor Kelly and Jamie Young who all played a huge part in brining yet another All-Ireland Hurling Title to St. Kierans College when they won the Junior All-Ireland against Fermoy in Clonmel last Sunday. Lovely hurling young men!
 
DEFIBRILLATOR COURSE
The Club will be running a Defibrillator Course open to ALL members.  Anyone interested in taking part please text  087 229 8028 to register your interest.  You never know.. you might save someone's life!
 
O’LOUGHLIN GAELS GAA AGM
The 2016 Club AGM takes place in the Club Lounge on Wednesday December 14th at 7.30pm. All members are encouraged to attend
 
JUVENILE CHRISTMAS PARTY – SANTA CAN’T WAIT!!
Keep Sunday December the 11th free for a special visit to St. Johns Park for one big jolly guy in a red suit. Santa will make his annual visit to the club for the Juvenile Christmas Party as he tours the country raising funds for Temple Street Childrens Hospital. As always no doubt  the young players and their families will be generous in their support of this worthy cause and as always Santa will be generous with his time for all the young children. Santa is expected to drop in around 3pm so the Party throws in at 2.30pm
 
CLUB CHRISTMAS PARTY
O’Loughlin Gaels GAA will host it’s annual Christmas Party for all Members, Payers, Mentors and friends on Saturday night December 17th.  It’s been another great year for the club and there is plenty to celebrate together. Keep the date free and we’ll all come together for one hell of a local party.
 
O’LOUGHLIN GAELS CLUB CALENDARS
O’Loughlin Gaels GAA 2017 Calendars can be purchased from Kearns Butchers in Ballybought Street for only €5 each. These are nicely produces by our Juvenile players as part of their Transition Year Enterprise Project at CBS Kilkenny and will look good at home or at work…especially if your work colleagues are from a rival club!!!
 
 
THE ’12-NOON’ CHOIR
Like all parish Choirs, the 12 O’clock Choir is currently looking for new members. Please consider sharing your talent and ability with our congregations. Male and female are most welcome. Rehearsals for this choir take place Monday nights at 8.00 p.m. in The Presbytery. So please, come along and give it a try.
 
TAIZE YOUTH TRIP 2017
A youth trip to Taizé in France organised by Ossory Youth will take place from 25th June to 2nd July 2017. A week in Taize is an opportunity for reflection and contemplation and a little step back from daily life. But bringing people together is also the essence of Taize and it is a week of meeting young people from different countries and cultures where new friendships are made. Over 100,000 young people from around the world make the trip to Taizé each year.
The trip is open to Transition year, 5th year and Leaving Cert students. Numbers are confined to 25 young people. For additional information, including cost, and application forms, contact Patrick Bookle, Ossory Youth at (056) 7761200, (087) 2129006 or pbookle@ossoryyouth.com
 
JIM O’HARA MEMORIAL POKER TOURNAMENT DEC  16
The Annual Jim O’Hara Texas Holdem Poker Tournament takes place in O’Loughoin Gaels GAA Club on Friday December the 16th from 8pm. Full details contact 056 7765036
 
DUNMORE ANNUAL BAKE/CAKE SALE
The annual bake/cake sale will take place on Sunday 11th Dec. after the
11 am mass to raise funds for Christmas time in our Church.  All donations of cakes and buns gratefully accepted and raffle prizes appreciated.  Please come along on the morning for a cuppa and get dessert sorted for the dinner.  
 
JOHNSWELL SCHOOL CRAFT SALE & COFFEE MORNING
The annual craft sale and coffee morning will take place in Johnswell School on Sunday 18th December after 10am Mass. There will be a great variety of crafts and home baking for sale and as this is in aid of Johnswell School your support would be greatly appreciated.