Juveniles
U6: A superb sunny Sunday morning saw a turnout of 14 boys and girls, this was a great number as there was no U8 training. A fun warm up, with lots of ball skill exercises, was followed with an excellent display of kicking against U8 volunteer goalkeepers Darragh and Dylan.
A 7 on 7 game finished off the session with some great teamwork and passing on display. Aaron put in a mature performance, always looking to involve teammates and Mary-Kate made some textbook tackles. It was however Enda Moriarty who took home the player of the week award for his overall play including finding space and fielding high balls during the game, he has clearly been practicing at home!
Looking forward to seeing who practices at home this week and shows off their skills next Sunday.
U8: A beautiful sunset provided the perfect backdrop for our U8 Fun Games last Friday when we hosted Ardfert. All the boys and girls involved overcame the unseasonal heat and put on a great display of running and kicking.
U10: Ardfert is well known for the surviving structure of the 12th Century Cathedral built in the village and which is greatly admired by those passionate about architecture. The local GAA club pitch is adjacent to this great heritage site and is also a location that tends to witness a lot of passion for those who enjoy gaelic football.
And so it was last Friday evening we witnessed some great football played with passion, honest endeavour and plenty of skill by our young St Pats footballers versus the local Club. The games were part of the Go-game series organised by the County GAA and we had two teams in action: the Red team and the White team.
The Red team comprising of some of our older players in this age range got nothing easy against a very good Ardfert side. It took a while for our players to adjust to the tempo of the game and we got back into the game through some sterling defensive work by the Jones brothers Ben and Sam with Rory Daly clearing danger on many occasions. Ben O’Leary was a vital link player between the half back line and the forwards and along with our midfield pairing of Jack Cashman and Jack Flahive ensured that the Ardfert backs were put under pressure. The dynamic forward play of Conor Sheehan and Ródhan Culloo resulted in some fine scores. Special mention goes to Luke Passway who changed from his normal goal keeping duties to take up an attacking position and finished the game having scored 3 goals.
The White team had an equally exciting game against a second Ardfert team and all of the White team played extremely well. With Gearóid Hingston a very assured goalkeeper along with James Daly and Eddie Hayes providing a strong defense it made scores hard to come by for Ardfert . Rián Flynn and Tommy Costello in centre field ensured plenty of ball to our forwards resulting in some great scores by Hugh Costello, Dee Hanly and Seamus Hingston. Stephen Enright was outstanding as he time and again won the ball, took on the defense and scored.
Thanks to the Ardfert Club for the welcome, providing us with two great competitive games on a pitch in excellent condition.
U12: Our U12’s played a challenge match against Churchill last Sunday morning in Churchill. The boys displayed their great battling spirit once again and the effort put in by each player was great to see. Many thanks to Churchill for a great game of football.
U14: We played our cross over game last Sunday morning under sunny conditions in Blennerville against Beale but our opponents got the better of us in the end with their better conversion rate. Our work rate improved as did the performances of some our fringe players and the mentors were delighted with their efforts. Again, we had great numbers for this game but Beale only had 11 players which made it tricky giving all game time.
We are hoping to have a number of challenge matches over the next few weeks and will inform parents as soon as they are confirmed.
U16: Our U16’s played Beale last Monday evening and started very brightly and were well ahead at the end of the short whistle. Our boys came out much stronger in the second half and were only a point down by the start of the second water break, however, we conceded 2 quick goals and never recovered from it as the away side took all the points.
As with the U14’s, our U16’s will also have one more round of games and this will be played weekend of 26/27th September. We will inform parents as soon as we have more information.
County Junior Football League
Our Senior B team had a great win away to Keel last Friday evening. Full time result was Keel 0-10 St Pats 2-14. Well done to all involved.
Seniors
Our seniors will be back in competitive action this time in the Lee Strand St Brendans Board Senior football Championship when they take on holders, Na Gaeil in Killeen next Sunday, 27th September at 2pm. Extra time and a result on the day rules apply.
Best of luck to all involved.
Club Caretaker
St Pats are currently looking for a club caretaker to help maintain our facilities in Blennerville. The job will be for 19 hours per week. Candidates must be eligible for the Túas Employment Scheme
Private message us on our Facebook page for further details.
Lotto
There was no winner of our Club Lotto Jackpot on Sunday night last. The numbers drawn were 08, 13, 28 and 29. The five €30 consolation prizes went to Fergal O’Brien Tonevane, James O’Connor Lohercannon, Noreen Lacey c/o Seamus O’Sullivan, Mary Jordan Blennerville and Suzanne Byrne On Line.
Next week’s Lotto will have a Jackpot of €2400 along with 5 lucky dip winners of €30. The draw will take place on Sunday night September 27th in The Clubhouse. Lotto tickets can be purchased online, from any club officer or at the following outlets: Seamus O'Sullivan Master Butchers, O'Shea’s Shop and Service Station, Poff Motors, Noyeks and Byrnesworth.
Click here to purchase on-line : LOTTO
Congratulations
Congratulations to the pupils from Blennerville National School who received their First Holy Communion last weekend. A special word of thanks to all who helped prepare the children for this very special event
Covid-19 GAA Update
Following the publication of the Irish Government’s Plan for Living with Covid 19 document on Sept 15th, here is a summary of the GAA’s Covid Advisory group:
Use of indoor facilities - Dressing rooms, showers, gyms or indoor training facilities should remain closed for club activities, or for teams participating in 2nd schools or 3rd level competitions. This position will be reviewed in early October when further advice will issue.
Club Training - All Counties are currently considered to be at Level 2 in the Government Classifications. This means teams can train outdoors on a contact basis in pods of up to 15 (underage).
Adult club teams can train as normal.
Attendances - All Counties are currently classified as Level 2. This means up to 100 spectators can attend in grounds with an accredited capacity of less than 5,000 and up to 200 for grounds with a minimum accredited capacity of 5,000 (note this does not apply to games taking place in Dublin at the moment where only 100 spectators are allowed to attend, irrespective of ground capacity).
The figures quoted above are in addition to players/match officials/stewards.
Where attendances are permitted for club games, the previously issued provisions on a parent/guardian being allowed attend at underage games should be factored into the final figure (i.e. parents/guardians should be included in the final 100 or 200 figure).
- Committee meetings - GAA Covid Advisory group are recommending that on a Risk minimisation basis the only indoor meetings that should be held in Level 2 Counties are: · Disciplinary Meetings (max of 14 personnel)
- Club Executive meetings (max of 14 personnel)
- County Management meetings (max of 14 personnel)
These notes are compiled weekly by Dipo Dairo PRO St Pats GAA Club for circulation to local news outlets.
