09: We wish a Happy New Year to all our young players, to their friends and families and to all our supporters.
AGM: Our Juvenile Annual General Meeting will be held on Monday next, 5th January, @ 7.30pm.
FAOI 12: Our Under 12 boys had a very pleasant social gathering on the last Sunday of Advent when they were presented with their hard-earned ‘o8 silverware. The special guests of honour were our own Wayne Guthrie and Barry Shanahan
our minor county representatives and players who, because of their talent, discipline and willingness to work hard, have earned a place of pride in the minds of our younger sportsmen within the ”black’n’amber” community. Our Chairman, Ger Reidy, spoke glowingly of our Under 12 stalwarts and of what the future holds for them in the football world if they keep up their dedication and training. He praised the mentors who have willingly dedicated their time and energy to the development of these youngsters. Ger also reminded the assembled multitude that this group of boys could be encouraged to have a go at INDOOR HURLING when the sessions recommence on 11th January ‘o9 in The Green Gym. Juvenile boss, Tim McMahon, was also loud in his admiration for the Under 12 section of the club…bheidís molta dá mbeadh sé ina thost, a dúirt sé. The presence of a fine group of parents reflected their appreciation of what our club is doing for the youth of our town/parish. Colm Mangan, who also believes that we have mighty players in this group, was in charge of ‘o9 Club Calendar sales…”going well,” he stated, ” but still a few left…and all for a good cause!”.
NA STARS IS FEARR: I measc na laochra faoi 12 bhí Jack Ó Muireagáin, Cathal O’Reilly, Cian Ó Cathasaigh, Shane Ó Néill, Jack Murray, Rory Hill, Adam Barrett, Dylan Harnett, Colin Griffin, Seán Fitzmaurice, Mícheál Ó Dónaill, Brian Hill, Claudio Demna, Richard Hurley, Seán Dukes, Timothy Murphy, Daragh Scanlon, Seán Ó Riain, Dylan Hennebery, Jack McCarthy, Enda Jordan, Tommy Flynn, Cillian Ó Briain, Sam Nealon, Darren Bastible, Jack O’Donnell, Eoin Quirke, Kevin Murphy, Oisín Mac Gearailt, Louis Ryle, Andrew McEllistrim agus Daniel Ó Tiocháin. And mentors: Éamonn O’Reilly, John O’Sullivan, Dónal Corcoran, Tim Murphy, Eddie Scanlon.
UNDER 12 BOYS IN ’08: We had a very adventurous season with our two Under 12 sides. The county league form was disappointing but we returned to form following the summer break resulting in two shield victories in the Coiste Thrá Lí tournament in September. We look forward to next year with great anticipation with a large number of this year’s under 12s again at the correct age. Well done to Dónal Corcoran, John O’Sullivan, Tim Murphy, Eddie Scanlan, Éamonn O’Reilly for a great year for all concerned
IOMÁNAÍOCHT: ’08 began well for our very younger hurlers with sessions under the eye of Ger Scollard and helpers in Connolly Park. As the season progressed hurling continued in the all-weather pitch in the I.T.T. under the County Board coaching team. This initiative moved indoors as the evenings shortened and the final ‘o8 indoor hurling sessions were run by our own club mentors. As we think about the ’09 season, be forewarned and advised that INDOOR HURLING will continue, under club management, in the GREEN GYM on Sunday evenings. We look forward positively to Bliain Nua Iománaíochta!
The Under 15/16 hurlers began the ’08 season enthusiastically and worked hard at training until state examinations took their toll. Silverware was scarce but these lads enjoyed their hurling and when our INDOOR work continues in ‘o9 we hope to have a good turn-out of hurlers intent on preparing well for our Under 16/17/18 matches. Ger, Brendan & Co. look forward to a Bliain Úr Mhaith…agus go n-éirí go geal leo agus le luascadóirí an chamáin! Hurling is expected to take off again on 11th January in The Green School Gym…a great facility and for the use of which we are grateful.
PEIL FAOI 14 IN ’08: Again the county league form was disappointing with elimination at the quarter final stage in the Féile na nGael competition. Our B side did far better with a number of exceptional performances. Like the Under 12s, our form in the Coiste Thrá Lí competition was much better. Performance of the season came in our semi-final victory over county champions Ardfert. In a tremendous final we came out second best to Féile champions John Mitchels after a great display. The B team also came a cropper in their shield final in controversial circumstances against Laune Rangers. Well done to mentors Mike Lynch, Brian Morgan, Brian McKivergan, Brendan O’Donnell, Noel O’Connell, Tim McMahon.
UNDER 15 IN ’08: After our narrow defeat in the Under 14 final no stone was left unturned in the quest for victory in the Coiste Thrá Lí Under 15 tournament. Many of our lads had tasted defeat at Under 14 level and were hell bent on victory which duly arrived in a tight final victory over Ardfert.
SCÓR: We were victorious in the Athriseoireacht/Recitation competition in Scór na Sinsear…Co. Final…early in ‘o8. In Scór na nÓg Megan Nic Ionnrachtaigh (Enright)…Scéalaíocht…and Shelley Ní Eidhin (Hynes)…Solo Singing…performed well in the Co. Semi-final. Scór na bPáistí (for Primary School Pupils) will take place after Christmas…We have a singer and storyteller…but we need dancers, musicians and quiz experts! Senior Scór will also take off early in ‘o9.
FÉILIRE ’09: The club ’09 Calendar is still on sale in Siopa de Barra in Rock St., in SPAR at Cathair Saili and in the Clubhouse. Of course, if you urgently need one to plan your new year or write down your new year’s resolutions just give Colm Mangan a shout! Remember all funds from sales go the the Juvenile Fund. And don’t throw out the old calendar…put all those nice photos in a photograph album…for the benefit of the next generation!
FAOI 6/8/10: This age-group has been catered for on Sunday mornings throughout the season. Basic coaching in an enjoyable fashion as well as excursions to other juvenile GAA clubs is the order of the day. The dedication and enthusiasm of the many mentors at these sessions, coupled with the joy and excitement of the ever-improving novice football stars, is wonderful to behold. Gur fada buan iad go léir. All Under 6/8/10 club INDOOR activity will resume on 11th January. Ár mbuíochas le Bainistíocht
Scoil na mBraithre, An Fhaiche, agus Bainistíocht Scoil na Trócaire, Cnoc an tSeabhaic.
SCOIL: We hope that all our scholars are enjoying the break from the school and that they’ll return to the front lines of the educational system next week with fresh minds and renewed vigour!
NA CAILÍNÍ: Weren’t they only gorgeous in the Calendar? We hope that the Academy girls will have a successful New Year and that they’re eagerly looking forward to the ’09 season.
GIRLS IMPROVING: Austin Stack Club Ladies’ GAA established a Football Academy over six years ago for children of primary school age. It started with four children in the first few weeks and has now grown to a membership of over ninety. The Acadamh focuses on the provision of age-appropriate football that focuses on fun, friendship and learning. 2008 was one of the most successful years to date. Not alone did the Academy grow in terms of the number of players attending the sessions but it also welcomed a number of new coaches: Caitríona Chester, Anne Moynihan, Trina McCorry, Ken Hayes and Amy Jordan. Many of these coaches have undertaken coach education.The Academy also forged a very successful relationship with Scoil Eoin, Balloonagh [Balluamhnach = Place of the Caves], with support from the Kerry Local Sports’ Partnership. The club hosted a number of ‘festival of football’ days for the school and there are plans afoot to strengthen this relationship in the coming year.Another development this year was the addition of a second mid-week training session for the U10 players during the summer holiday season. These were very well attended and the children showed wonderful gains in terms of their ability to play the game. The U12 squad was incorporated into the academy structure also this year. Thanks to the boundless energy of John Gutteridge a weekly column was submitted to local media this year on a consistent basis. This served as a vital part of our communication with parents. A huge part of the Academy has been the effort put into it by Úna Moynihan, who is still looked on by all the mentors as the boss of the Academy…an Mháistreás! Development plans are currently being developed for 2009 to ensure that the club continues to meet the sporting and social interests of as many girls as possible. All coaches who have not already done so, are being encouraged to undertake ethics’ training being offered by Kerry Local Sports’ Partnership. Further coach education opportunities are being organised to allow coaches to continue to up-skill. The partnership arrangement with Scoil Eoin is to be further developed to the mutual benefit of each organisation. The club has established a well equipped fitness suite and, chomh maith leis sin, programmes to promote access to this facility among the mothers of players are being developed. The Academy coaching sessions will recommence on Sunday January 11th from 10am-12pm in the The Green Sports’ Hall…the C.B.S. (Secondary). New members will be most welcome to join and any adult with an interest in promoting an active lifestyle for children will be welcome to join the coaching squad. Full training and mentoring will be provided for all new coaches. DÁN: The exploits of our brilliant U12 Academy girls inspired the following:
Just a Rockie
At the Top of the Rock, did a new chapter unfold,
Sit there for a while, that my story be told,
We started slowly, but soon found our swing,
Plenty of training, right through the Spring.
Some early defeats, came by our way,
Tempered our spirit, prepared us to play,
In Moyvane we saw it, the fight it was there,
Chelsea and Áine competed with flare.
Up in the corner, we placed Clodagh Roche,
Always around, ready to poach.
Out on the wing, flew Clodagh Bisset,
Remember her goal, how could you miss it.
Up front there was Ciara, Williams by name,
Alongside her stood Kaley, always so game,
Shauna showed bravely, fitted the bill,
All had bottle, and no little skill.
In goal we had Ciara, Mc for a while,
Gave of her best, always a smile,
Siobhán in the middle, tenacious and strong,
Shelley behind her, we could not go wrong.
Out in O’Dorney, we gathered pace,
Nicole to the fore, won every race,
Lauren so strong, teak to the core,
On Aoife McAuliffe, we relied for a score.
Sarah from Oz, said to have fizz,
We gave her the gloves, and she was a whizz,
Karina at midfield, our leader so true,
Graceful and elegant, accurate too.
So on to final, for we made it there,
All arrived early, no nerves to spare,
I turned to Caoimhe, said what do you think?
She looked at me, just gave me a wink.
With Castle we struggled, against the wind we did fight,
With Megan so solid, we soon got it right,
Sadbh went first and pointed a beauty,
Then came Patriz, we call her shootie,
For she scored the goals, that turned the tide,
Courageously assisted by Laura at her side,
Rebecca was brilliant, Katie drove strong,
Sarah Cooper was flying, we all were on song.
As the end it approached, with heart in mouth,
Ciara Ryan rose up and gave us the shout,
“We must keep going, give of our best,
Glory is ours, forget all the rest”.
I’ll finish my verse with one piece of advice,
Always be gracious, always be nice,
Ignore those who’ll say that you’re too cocky,
And gently remind them, you’re JUST A ROCKIE.
FAOI 16 IN ’08: The season started off in style as this group were crowned town champions…curaidh an bhaile… with victory over Keirns~O’Rahillys. However, county titles are much harder to come by and we were unable to match both Legion and Kilcummin as we went under at the semi-final stage. Well done to Éamonn Scanlon, Kenneth Leahy, Fr. Kevin and Mike Godley who put in a tremendous effort throughout the season.
ATHBHREITHNIÚ PEILE: Overall, it was a very enjoyable season for all involved in juvenile football affairs in the club. Success comes in many guises and, silverware aside, the fact that the Austin Stack Club jersey…an dubh agus an t-ómra…was worn by more kids than any other club in Kerry in 2008 is a great credit to all who continue to keep the tradition of this great club alive. Roll on 2009! An Charraig Abú!
DUNLOE CUP: Sympathies to The Green team that was unfortunately beaten ~ by St Brendan’s ~ and by a single point in the Dunloe Cup…hard luck on David, Shane, Laurence, Alan, Danny and the rest. An fhoireann: J.McAuley, M.Tierney, David Hanafin, Alan Crean, S.O’Connor, A.Thompson, David O’Sullivan, J.Walsh, Laurence Bastible, S.Burke, R.Ó Sé, J.C.O’Connor, Shane O’Callaghan, Seán Walsh, Danny Carroll.
MENTORS: To all our club mentors we say: thank you for all the hard work, well done and Bliain Nua faoi mhaise.