Club Notes 2/09/2024

Good morning. Just to start with a bit of housekeeping, so again we need to stress that dogs are NOT permitted on or in and around our club grounds ( except official service dogs) . This is entirely for health and safety of everyone attending. On Saturday the top pitch had to be cleared of dog mess before the U14 girls played their match. This is absolutely not tolerable and very embarrassing when it’s the visiting team to point it out. Please do not bring your dogs to the pitches and do not take offense if a volunteer asks you leave. Thanks to everyone in advance.

Senior Men

Our senior men’s championship came to an end on Saturday evening when they lost to St.Pat’s. The team were absolutely gutted to not make it out of their group. The amount of time and preparation that went in to the championship cannot be faltered. The team and management gave it everything. Thanks so much to all the sponsors of the team and also a huge thanks to everyone who came out and supported the lads.

The positive support was very much appreciated and it outnumbered the few negative comments coming from behind the dugout, all of which can be heard from the sideline. These comments don’t help but only add to the heartache.

The lads face Bandarrig on Friday 13th in Bray to stay in senior football and all positive support is very much appreciated.

Junior A

A super win yesterday in Roundwood for our junior A team, defeating Bray on a score of 2.09 to 0.09 . With stalwart centre back Luke O’Brien on holiday, in stepped Kevin John Rodgers to have a huge influence in the victory.

The game was level three times in the first halve with our points coming from Ruairi Finan , a Sean Byrne 45 and two from Finn Behan . While Bray landed a goal and two points before halve time , Thomas Fisher kicked a point and Finn Behan soloed right through the Bray defense for a terrific individual goal , leaving us just a point behind at halve time .

Finn Behan kicked a long range free to level the game on the restart, however, Bray responded with two of their own.  Then it looked like it might not be our day as big goal chances were saved of Aaron Keogh and Thomas Walsh, but shortly thereafter Thomas Walsh who had a super second have hit the net and we were one point up. Bray levelled again with was to be their last score as Ruairi Finan with a free and Thomas Walsh with two fine points gave us a three-point win , relief all round, we play JAFC next year , well done lads and to mentors Darren Behan , Stephen Doyle , Peter Behan and Barry O’Donovan .

Minor Boys

The lads head to Dunlavin this evening to take on St. Nick’s in the 5th round of their championship. The best of luck to the team and management. Throw in at 7.15pm.

Team : Adam Williamson , Sean Ellis , Terence Punselle , David Williamson (capt.) , Dylan Friel , Killian Bailey , Aaron Keogh , Sean Byrne (0.1, 45 ) , David Phibbs , Finn Behan (1-3 , 1f) , Ruairi Finan (0.2 , 2f) , Padraig Quinn , Kevin John Rodgers , Thomas Fisher (0.1) , Thomas Walsh (1.2) and reserve Danielius Sarkaukas .

Blessington U8s hosted Athgarvan for go games this week in the NKL. Playing 4x10 minutes due to numbers, the lads grew into the game improving each quarter. With our focus on our use of the width on the pitch and creating space, plenty to get stuck into in training. Thanks to Athgarvan for travelling and to all the players giving it their all after a busy week back at school.

Ladies Football

U16 Girls

Tough day at the office on Thursday for both U16 teams. It happens sometimes, ya just come up against tougher opposition on the night and the breaks don’t go your way. . Well done to both Rathnew and St Pats, good games. Hats off to our girls, not an easy task to get 40 girls out playing for championship , some who have only started ball this year, unreal, so well done to each and every one of them. Some of the girls were really upset coming off the pitch and although we explained at the end of the day “it’s a game of football” it shows the heart and passion they have for their club and the jersey on their back which is what matters the most. All we will do is learn and we’re certainly not down and out just yet, we are Blesso. Well done girls, heads up and thanks to everyone for the support as always. A million thanks to the U14 girls and management, without them the 16’s wouldn’t be able to field two teams. On we go.

U14 Girls

Our u14 girls played their second game in the Div.1 championship yesterday afternoon, away to An Tochar. From the off the girls started at a blistering pace, keeping the ball and scoring at any chance they got. When An Tochar got the ball we defended really well and confined An Tochar to 3 points for the first half. Half time score Blessington 5-3 to An Tochar 0-3.

Second half An Tochar came out strong and had racked a few scores. Blesso dug deep and worked the ball through the hands and scored 3 goals to help keep the home team at bay. The rest of the second half was nip and tuck with both teams battling hard for each and every ball.Final score Blessington 9-5 An Tochar 3-10. Player of the match goes to Skye Moran who was brilliant today, winning alot of ball and tackling everyone who came near her, well done Skye.

Thanks to all parents who travelled across the gap to support. Next championship game is next week at home to Eire Og.

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.

Condolences

Our heartfelt sympathies go to the Teague family Rockypool Crescent on the passing of Michael Teague , senior ,at Naas hospital on 24 August , mass for Michael was in Church of our Lady , Main Street , on Thursday last and then news of the passing of Michaels wife , Bridie , also at Naas hospital on Friday .  Deepest sympathy to our former junior footballer , Michael , junior ,  and sisters Margaret , Celine and Audrey and grandchildren to include grandson , Baltinglass and Wicklow keeper , Mark Jackson . Mass for Bridie will be on Wednesday next .

We also send our deepest condolences to John and Irene Walsh on the sudden passing of Irene’s Mam. May she rest in peace.

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