Allianz Cumann na mBunscol
Go Games Hurling in Arklow
Arklow Boys Primary School and Bearna Chle NS Johnstown participated in a Go-Games Hurling Blitz which was played in Pearse Park, Arklow this week for 1st class. With the weather good there were over 60 boys and girls from both schools attending. Each team were given the name of a county with players from both schools then mixed together. The games were refereed by young whistlers from the local Post Primary Schools in Arklow who have just complicated a young referees course. Overall it was a very enjoyable day because for some boys and girls this was their very first introduction to the game of hurling and camogie.
Events in March
Boys Allianz Football League day 1 will take place on March 4 at Bray Emmets. Eleven-a-side and no age limit at 1pm. Teams will have been put into divisions on Coughlan Competition day.
Girls Allianz Football League day 1 will take place on March 11 in Roundwood. Nine-a-side. Teams will have been put into divisions on Wicklow Times Shield Day.
Boys Allianz Football League day 2 will be on March 18 at Bray Emmets. Eleven-a-side and no age limit at 1pm. Teams will have been put into divisions on Coughlan Competition day.
Boys Allianz Football League county finals will be during the week of March 23 in Ballinakill.
Girls Allianz Football League day 2 will be on March 25 at 1pm in Roundwood. Nine-a-side. Teams will have been put into divisions on Wicklow Times Shield Day.
National Awards
Allianz Cumann na mBunscol has been nominated in two categories in the National Awards this year. The two categories are Public Relations and Promotion of Gaelic Games and Culture. This is an All-Ireland competition so it is a great achievement and honour to be nominated. The winners will be announced on March 6 in the Landmark Hotel in Carrick-on-Shannon. We wish all involved the best of luck. It would be fantastic to bring some All-Ireland glory back to the Garden County.
West Wicklow fixtures
Boys Football eleven-a-side blitz events. Please note eleven-a-side smaller schools may have some girls on teams if needed.
Group 1: Blessington, Baltinglass, Hacketstown, Dunlavin
Venue: Blessington, March 4
Group 2: Hollywood, Donard, Valleymount, Blessington N01
Venue: Blessington, March 13
Group 3: Gaelscoil na Lochanna, Stratford, Knockananna, Talbotstown
Venue: Donard, March 11
Group 4: Blessington 2, Baltinglass 2, Hacketstown 2, Dunlavin 2
Venue: Blessington March 4
Group 5: Jonathan Swift, Tynock, Blessington Ed Together, Donoughmore, Stratford Lodge, Kiltegan NS, Bigstone, Lacken, Grangecon, Kilbride
Venue: Baltinglass, March 18
County finals – Ballinakill
Group 1: week of March 23
Group 2: week of March 23
Group 3: week of March 23
INTO skills challenge for boys/girls football, hurling and camogie
Two children from each school can participate in each category but cannot compete in more than one event. Winning players in each category will represent West in INTO Skills Challenge Finals Day in Ballinakill. Any player who has gone to Croke Park before as winner of this competition can not be selected again.
Venue: Hollywood, April 15 from 11am to 1.30pm
County finals: Ballinakill, April 22, from 10.15am to 12.15pm
Contact numbers/emails
Tommy Brennan, Chairman West Wicklow Cuman na mBunscol 087 9082892
Paul Garrigan, West Wicklow GDA 083 4366801, paul.garrigan.gda.wicklow@gaa.ie
Please send results, reports or photos to pro.cnmb.wicklow@gaa.ie. Follow us on Twitter and keep up to date with all the news in Wicklow at www.cnmbwicklow.ie
Victory for Wicklow Minor Ladies
by Margot Hughes
Wicklow: 6-10
Carlow: 3-8
Wicklow Minor Ladies took on Carlow in Tinahely in the Leinster Championship on Saturday, February 28, 2015. After a heavy defeat in the opening round against Meath, the Wicklow girls needed a positive result in this encounter and Carlow, having beaten Longford in the opening round, were also determined to battle this one out. Both teams worked hard throughout the sixty minutes and this was a tough encounter with some very good periods for both sides. Carlow opened the scoring in the 3rd minute but a curling ball from Wicklow’s Clodagh Fox in the 4th forced the goalkeeper to step over the line in her attempt to control it and the goal was speedily awarded. Ciara Byrne quickly added a point for Wicklow and two goals from Molly Cullen and Katie Miley in the 7th and 10th minutes gave Wicklow a very solid lead. Further points from Miley, Cullen and Byrne left Carlow with an uphill battle to stem the tide. Points from Aoibhinn Gilmartin and Roisin Byrne brought Carlow’s tally to 5 and a goal in the 22nd minute reduced Wicklow’s lead to just five points. Wicklow had begun to allow Carlow to breach their defensive line and Carlow took full advantage with some excellent passing and well taken scores. Niamh O’Brien steadied the ship for Wicklow with goal in the 27th minute and two further points from Ciara Byrne and Molly Cullen extended the Wicklow lead to ten points at half-time on a score line of 4-6 to 1-5.
Wicklow made a strong start to the second half with a well worked goal between Amy Ryan, Katie Miley and Molly Cullen in the opening minute. Carlow responded with three points from Aoibhinn Byrne and Roisin Byrne. There followed a scoreless spell for both teams until Clodagh Fox added a point for Wicklow in the 14th minute. Two quick goals from Roisin Byrne lifted Carlow spirits but there were instant replies from Niamh O’Brien, Annie Conroy and Eabha Barnes who all added points for Wicklow. Aoibhinn Byrne added a final point for Carlow in the closing minutes but a 28th minure goal for Ella Doran left Wicklow convincing winners on a closing score-line 6-10 to 3-8. Chloe Dwyer had a confident performance in the Wicklow Gaol and she was well supported by her backline of Shauna Byrne, Mary Healy, Laoise Marron, Annie Conroy, Jessica Byrne and Mayghan Doyle. Molly Cullen and Amy Ryan were very effective at mid-field and Aisling McDonald, Niamh O’Brien, Ciara Byrne, Lisa Lawlor, Katie Miley and Clodagh Fox made full use of any ball that came their way in the forward-line. Subs Sarah Kendrick, Aoife Grace, Ella Doran, Eabha Barnes and Jade Manley also contributed significantly to an all-round solid performance from the Wicklow girls. Best for Carlow were Aoibhinn Byrne, Antoinette Dowling, Mairead O’Shea, Aoibhinn Gilmartin and Roisin Byrne.
The Wicklow management will be happy with this result as injury worries continue to plague the panel. The girls were due to face Kilkenny in the next round but as Kilkenny have pulled out of the competition their next encounter will be away to Louth on March 28 and finally at home to Longford on April 11.
Wicklow: Chloe Dwyer, Shauna Byrne, Mary Healy, Laoise Marron, Annie Conroy (0-1), Jessica Byrne, Mayghan Doyle, Molly Cullen (2-1), Amy Ryan, Aisling McDonald, Niamh O’Brien (1-2), Ciara Byrne (0-2), Lisa Lawlor, Katie Miley (1-2), Clodagh Fox (1-1), Chelsea Snell, Ella Doran (1-0), Jade Manley, Sarah Kendrick, Eabha Barnes (0-1), Aoife Grace, Hannah Dowling, Alanna Conroy, Medb O’Kane, Amy Burke, Aimi Healy, Katie Bouchier.
Carlow: Shannon Cotter, Katie Mooney, Anne Roche, Ciara Nolan, Doirrean Walsh, Mairead O’Shea, Grainne Mullins, Aoibhinn Byrne (0-2), Katie Byrne, Antoinette Dowling, Roisin Byrne (2-4), Caoimhe Byrne, Leah Coffey, Nicole O’Hara, Eva Kealy, Grace Kelly, Aoibhinn Gilmartin (0-1), Ellen Atkinson, Orlagh Hickey, Tara Ryan, Katie Brennan, No. 22 (1-1) not listed in programme.
An Tochar
Parish Punch-up
Our neighbours Kilmac made the short journey up the hill on Saturday last for another hugely successful night enjoyed by all present. Well done to all the boxers for representing their clubs with great pride. It was great to see both clubs mingling so well on Saturday night, some of whom might be lining out as team-mates later this year.
There are many people to be thanked for their contribution, without whom we could not have staged such a big occasion. MC for the night was Jim McCabe of 4FM, TV3 and Setanta Sports fame. Jim’s professional hosting of the event added greatly to the enjoyment of all present. Go raibh maith agat Jim!
The club and our boxers would like to acknowledge the support of all their generous sponsors – we hope they enjoyed cheering on all our brave fighters, the club would also like to thank all the local businesses for their continued support and for placing ads in our fight night program.
All boxers were expertly prepared by trainer Barry O’Toole – many thanks to him and referee Darren O’Toole of the IABA for facilitating the competition. Thanks also to Andrew Curley for assisting with training and trending to our boxers as cornerman. Dr. Gráinne Ní Ghairbhí from Newtown Medical Practice was on hand for any medical emergencies but thankfully was not required. Thanks to Sean Kenna and his crew for the sound, lighting and video and also a big thank you to Angela Halpin Photos for her fantastic photos of the action.
Our own club members played a stormer in running this event; before, during and after. Thanks to all our sponsorship team for their hard work, Philip for his social network and media coverage, Gary, Noel and their team for getting the hall set up for the show, to our car park attendants Liam, Brendan and the two Anthonys, James and his security staff, Bill, Ciara, Sorcha, Aideen, Lucy and Leann and all of the very hard working bar staff, Chris and his floor staff, the door staff of Audrey, Liam and George and the boxer ushers David and Paul and of course our Chairman Nick for overseeing the smooth running of the event.
This event was conceived and planned by the fight committee of Ollie Byrne, Noel Brady and Gary McGillycuddy – well done guys! A special word for the key participants – our boxers. A huge thank you and well done to Shay, Roisin, Stephen, Brian, Rob, James, Mandy, Craig, Caroline, Ken, Enda and Mikey. You were immense!
U12 Girls
U12 girls training returns this Tuesday 6.30pm for girls aged 10, 11 and those turning 12 years old this calendar year. Please remember gum shields and plenty of warm layers as training will be outdoors. Contact Roisin Langrell (086 8888443) or Aileen Leacy (087 2071703) for further info.
Juvenile Committee
There will be a meeting for coaches of all our Juvenile teams on Thursday, March 5 at 7.30pm in the complex. All teams must be represented at this meeting.
Men’s football
Our men’s football squad will kick off the season with a game at home vs Aughrim on Friday, March 13. All support welcome.
Bray Emmets
Follow us on Facebook, Twitter and website.
Lotto
The numbers drawn were 28, 18, 23, 6. There was no winner, next jackpot will be €12,000. Please sign up here, it’s a fantastic way of supporting the club and winning some cash.
Well done
Congratulations to 17-year-old club member Pádraig Doyle who was one of four GAA youth ambassadors from around the country invited to present the Having Our Voice Heard report to the GAA’s annual congress in Cavan last weekend.
The report, based on major consultation days in 2014 in which over 100 youth ambassadors from every county took part, sets an agenda for increased involvement and participation by young people in the organisation of the GAA at all levels. Coming just after the presentation of the GAA’s annual report Pádraig opened the presentation of the report’s contents on the main platform in front of Uachtarán and Árd -Stiúrthóir in a packed Congress opening session and was followed by youth ambassadors from Kildare, Clare and Wexford.
All four gave a very authoritative and professional performance and received a sustained round of applause from the huge crowd as well as lots of congratulatory feedback from delegates after the session. Pádraig is a minor hurler and footballer, a minor and U21 county hurler and is also a member of the senior hurling team who won the club’s historic county championship in 2014. He can now add representing club and county at congress to his GAA CV.
Recycling fundraiser
Recycling day is March 7. Please drop off all clothes bags before 12 noon on the day. Laptops with leads and mobile phones are acceptable but please keep separate. No household bric-a-brac, dirty or wet clothing, mats, carpets, duvets or pillows. If you cannot drop off the bags on the day please contact Paul Sweeney at 086 3934273.
U12 Camogie
The U12 Camogie team had their first Dublin league games of the year on Saturday, February 28. The girls went down to neighbouring Kilmacud Crokes where they met 4 different teams. In the first game, we met Cuala. Pearl O’Connor, Aine Farrell and Madge Redmond led from the front chasing every sliotar courageously, while a long-range Sarah Lambe point settled the result.
The second and third games ended in a draw against Kilmacud and Cuala respectively. The skill levels on show were very respectable, with players like Roisin Benville, Erica Brierton and Mary-Anne Aherne showing they could stand toe-to-toe with the top tier. In the fourth game, a strong Crokes outfit took the honours despite tidy goalkeeping from Eimear Timmons. Míle buíochas as an gcabhair a thug Larry Timmons agus John Broderick dúinn.
Foireann: Aine Farrell, Eimear Timmons, Ellen O’Doherty, Erica Brierton, Kaleigh Broderick, Madge Redmond, Mary-Anne Aherne, Olivia Kissane, Pearl O’Connor, Roisin Benville, Sarah Lambe, Sarah Staunton.
Bainisteoir: Brian Lambe
Adult Camogie
This year Bray Emmets are entering a team in the Wicklow Adult Camogie League. It will be the first time in 35 years that the club has fielded an adult camogie team. This is a great opportunity to capitalise on the fantastic progress that has been achieved in the past seven years. If you would like to take part in this great adventure please contact camogiebray@gmail.com
Dates for your diary
Saturday, March 7: Recycling day at clubhouse. All bags to be dropped off by noon
April 24: Club dinner dance, Royal Hotel
June 26-28: Football Feile
Arklow Geraldines Ballymoney GAA
Dates for your diary
Next executive meeting: Wednesday, March 4 in Pearse Park at 8pm
Ladies meeting: Provisionally, March 5 in the Harbour Bar at 8pm
Easter Raffle: Tickets are now available for the Easter Raffle. Please request from any committee member or pick up at training
Request for Feile photos
Can anyone with photos from previous Feile competitions please post in the AGB or AGB Ladies Facebook groups or email to arklowgaa@gmail.com please, as part of the 2015 Feile competition promotion? Thank you.
AGB Adult Ladies
Training for AGB U16, Minor, Junior and Senior ladies has recommenced. Training is on Tuesdays and Fridays at 7pm sharp in Ballymoney pitch. The Cup competition kicks off on March 8 with AGB 1 vAGB 2, second round AGB 1 v Tinahely and AGB 2 v Clara on March 15. New members very welcome. Cup fixtures at www.arklowgaa.com
AGB Girls Training
Training for AGB U14 girls is on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5.30pm-7pm in Pearse Park (top pitch)
Training for AGB U12 girls has started back. Initially this will be on Saturdays at 12.15pm-1.45pm on the Astroturf in Pearse Park until pitches reopen. This will change to Tuesdays and Thursdays from 5.30pm-7pm in Pearse Park (training pitch) later.
Training for AGB U10 girls has started back. Initially this will be on Saturdays at 12.15pm-1.45pm on the Astroturf in Pearse Park until pitches reopen.
Training for AGB U8 girls is provisionally set to start back from Saturday, April 11. Training will be on Saturdays from 11.15am-12.15pm on the Astroturf/training pitch in Pearse Park.
Academy times/dates to be confirmed.
U14 Girls
Our U14 girls made the short trip across the border to Wexford on Saturday, February 28, to face Castletown in a pre-season encounter. The girls have just returned to training and with Castletown starting their league campaign next week, you might have expected AGB to be a little off match pace. However, with a strong wind at their backs, the girls started brightly and were first to everything, opening up a good lead at half-time 3-5 to 0-0. The wind was proving a factor and Castletown rallied and upped the ante in the second half as the girls tired. Some great defending on show from AGB to compliment the first half efforts of the forward line. Castletown piled on the pressure and made it a great game of it but AGB’s ability to find crucial scores against the wind saw them victorious. Final score AGB 4-7 Castletown 4-3. A great start to the year, with some room to improve. Well done girls and thanks to the ever-dependable parents for driving.
Scór
Contact Kathryn on 086 8664931 or kathryn_noone@yahoo.co.uk if you’re interested in taking part in Scór in 2015. Club members and non-club members welcome.
Club gear
AGB club gear is available at great prices. Some lovely new gear included for 2015. Check out AGB Facebook page for pictures. Contact Kerry on 087 3287881 to order.
Club notes
Please send club notes to arklowgaa@gmail.com or agbladiespro@gmail.com. You can contact the AGB PRO at above email, Facebook or Twitter.
Wicklow GAA Garden County Academy
Under 13
There were 46 boys in Ballinakill for the U13 GCA training on February 28. The aim of this week’s session was to develop good habits to improve the kick pass. All boys put in a big effort again. Players were given a sponsorship card for the upcoming 5K run on April 11. Parents, players and supporters are asked to support this events. March is a busy month for the U13’s with training on three Saturdays, March 7, 21 and 28. All clubs are reminded that this age group is open to all boys born in 2002 (only). There is no selection process. Management and coaches are looking forward to seeing the numbers increase over the coming weeks. Finally for any coach out there interested in helping with the U13 GCA squad, please contact Eoin on 086 8282033.
Under 15
Our U15 squad had an excellent workout last Saturday. The warm up and strength and conditioning element of the session was conducted by Shay Dunne. After that, the lads were put through their paces by GDA Paul Garigan. The theme of the session was high intensity, where the players completed three different game based drills before finishing up with a full game. Paul and all of the other coaches were very happy with the work rate of all the 26 players in attendance. The attitude of the players is exactly what is required to help bring them to the next level of their development. Coaching continues next Saturday at 10.30. All players born in the year 2000 are welcome to attend.
Under 16
Our U16 panel had a good workout on Saturday morning under the stewardship of Hugh Kenny, Kevin Gill and Conor Parsons. We had 27 in attendance. On Sunday morning we had a challenge match against Offaly. Again we had 27 players in attendance. We had a very impressive first half leading by 2.9 to 1.4. However Offaly came out the much stronger and won by 3.14 to 2.11. Many thanks to Owen Dole and Paul Garrigan for taking charge. We have now seen approximately 30 plus different players at our training sessions. There are still some players who have not yet seen. We will have a final two training sessions before our panel is finalised for the year ahead. And they will take place on Saturday, March 7 and 14.
Under 17
Under 17 squad were in the gym this weekend. The management team reported a good attendance and were pleased with how the session went. We hope to have a match for this squad next week.
