Club Notes 11/08/2024
Good evening. We’ve had some nice sunshine over the past week, so just to remind everyone of the SunSmart pilot scheme that the Healthy Club Team are taking part in. We have two SPF 50 dispensers situated beside the Brew Container and outside the clubhouse. We ask you to scan the QR code attached and take part in a very short survey. It is hoped that if the dispensers prove to be popular that this initiative will be rolled out nationwide. Thanks in advance for your support.
The club will hold a Sports Direct Grassroots Minor blitz on Saturday 24th August 10am-2pm. We have teams taking part nationwide and we look forward to welcoming them all. Save the date and we will have more details in the coming days. It promises to be a fantastic day and hope to see as many as possible there.
Thanks to all who turned out on Wednesday evening to surprise Olympic Star Erin King at our welcome home celebrations.
Erin was very humbled by the gathering and it’s no less than she deserves. We couldn’t be prouder of the tournament performances she put in, an absolute star. Thank you Erin for the wonderful words and signing autographs for all our future aspiring sports stars. They too want to be just like you some day
The club presented Erin a lovely glass gift and unveiled a sign of the now famous iconic “lift” which will take pride of place in our clubhouse
We look forward to following many more years of success in the green jersey for our Olympic Phenomenon .
Senior Men
The senior men were back in Echelon Park Aughrim on Saturday afternoon against Baltinglass in the third round of the championship. Unfortunately they are carrying a lot of injuries, but all credit to everyone stepping up. The result did not go in their favour and were beaten 1-16 to 0-12. We wish Jordan Mc.Garr a speedy recovery as he suffered concussion at the match.
Also wishing Jack Cotter the very best of luck and safe travels as he heads off for a couple of years. Jack has been a huge presence on the team and he’ll be greatly missed by the team and management.
Junior A
The Junior A team faced An Tochar in Valleymount on Friday 9th August. An Tochar led by 3 at the break 0-08 to 0-05. Blessington levelled with 3 pts in the 2nd half before An Tochar hit the back of the net. Following a brilliant free from the 45 from Mikey O'Toole, An Tochar found the back of the net again. Finn Behan scored a cracker of a goal. We ran out of time and the final score was An Tochar 2-12 Blessington 1-12. Next up is Baltinglass in two weeks time Fri 23 August.
Junior B
The lads were away to Newcastle on Wednesday evening. Unfortunately the result did not go their way . Final score Newcastle 1-11 to Blessington 0-08
U13 C championship
The lads made the long journey to Avondale this evening. We started well and looked as though we were going to dominate, Avondale had other ideas. After leading for most of the first half and some great defending and saves by our keeper. We switched off for a 10 minute spell before half time conceding 3 goals. Losing at half time 4:04 to 1:07.
Second half it was nip and tuck for most of the half, nothing between the teams. When we attacked and looked for goals , the final pass wasn’t quite there or we were fouled and forced to take the point. Avondale very dangerous on the break with a substantial size difference in their forward line , we struggled to contain. Overall good competitive game , after going on a winning streek recently, this is a positive set back as we learn more in defeat. The lads disappointed but we needed to remind them this is our u12 team playing against u13 teams.
Next game Friday night , great opportunity to put things back on track
Thanks to all parents who travelled out, thanks to our u11 who helped us out again tonight. Cian, Tomas, Ewan and Daragh
U12 pathway league
Blessington vs St Nicholas
We started slow and before we knew it, we were losing 1:02 to no score .
Started to win primary ball and then there was no stopping us. Moving the ball from defence to attack and taking our scores. Starting to take our goals with some great pressure on their kick outs and team work combinations we kept the pressure on. When St Nicks broke through we defended in packs forcing turnovers . Halftime score we had a big lead.
Second half we made a few substitutions and positional changes to ensure everyone had max game time. Overall a great performance by all and great to get back to winning ways.
Thanks to the big crowd of parents for coming out and cheering on the team .
Thanks to the u11 lads for stepping in- Cian, Tomas, Josh, Ewan, Darragh and Rian all played great and fitted in nicely.
Blesso U8s and U9s were welcomed to sunny Stratford for a mini blitz with Stratford/Grangecon and Dunlavin. A good test for the lads with 3 good matches played. Thanks to Stratford for hosting and to parents for travelling.
Our U7s were out on Saturday morning playing in a blitz with Startford and Dunlavin. Well done to all the lads, there all making big improvements every week with some great skills on display.
Ladies Football
Senior Ladies
Our Senior Ladies had a disappointing start to our Championship,losing by 2 points to a well drilled St.Pats team in Wicklow Town.
Disaster struck minutes before throw in when Robyn went over on her ankle on a very uneven,lumpy dangerous pitch!!!!
Resulted in a broken ankle for our young star,which knocked us all before the game even began!!!
Two more of our players had injuries during the game due to the condition of the pitch!!!!
The girls battled hard, never gave up, we didn't play to our full potential, but we reset and go again in 10 days to Baltinglass at Home!!!!
No gripes, On the day we were beaten by a better team, somthing has to be done about the pitch it's lethal and we learned the hard way!!!!
We wish Robyn a speedy recovery, we're all here to support her through the next couple of months!!!
U14 Girls
The U14 girls kicked off their Div C Championship campaign with a visit to Greystones. Eire Óg started off strong but our girls dug deep in very warm conditions with Emma V hitting the crossbar before finally getting on the score sheet in a very exciting and close match.
The 2nd half brought more of the same but Eire Óg scored a late goal followed by a couple of unanswered point to get the win. A disappointing result but coaches are so proud of the attitude and teamwork displayed by the great little bunch. POTM is difficult to choose but goes to Sophie.
Blesso 5-4 Eire Òg 6-5
Irish language and culture
Blessington GAA have received funding from the Fondúireacht Sheosaimh Mhic Dhonncha (Joe McDonagh Foundation) and this is part funded by Blessington GAA to host a series of "FREE Irish storytelling for children" between the ages of 4 and 8 which will be held in Blessington Library every two weeks commencing Sat 14 September to Sat 14 December 2024 from 12 noon to 1pm. This event is open to all children in the community but numbers are limited for each session. Please contact Noreen on 0872858375 to book a child's place. Places will be offered on a first come first served basis.
Blessington GAA are running the very popular Irish classes again. This time it is pitched at those who are pre-intermediate to intermediate level. The classes are held in Blessington GAA clubhouse on a Wednesday evening 8pm to 9pm commencing Wednesday 4 September for 6 weeks. Anyone interested in attending please contact Noreen on the number above. There is a charge of €10 to attend all 6 sessions. Again, numbers are limited and offered on a first come first served basis.
Well done to Fionn O’Donavon, Aaron Keogh and Rob Grassic for taking part in the Getting Fit For Equality which took place on Saturday in Croke Park. Looks like we might have 3 new reqrutes for the Healthy Club Team.
Get Well Wishes
We continue to send our very best wishes to our good friend Mary Finnegan (little Nan) who is in Hospital. We wish you a speedy recovery.
You can keep up to date on all club related news across all social media and also with our new Tik Tok account Blessington GAA Club.
For all thing LGFA related you can contact Olivia on 086 030 8395 and for everything else football or club related you can contact myself Lisa on 086 376 7534 and pro.blessington.wicklow@gaa.ie