STREET LEAGUES 2010

BABE IN CORTOBER!!!!!! This Monday (May 3rd) SuperValu Carpark 2-6pm

SHANNON GAELS LADIES and MINOR PRESENTATION NIGHT

WE ARE PROUD to announce that our Ladies and Underage teams will be awarded for their 2009 successes this coming Friday (26^th) in The Bush Hotel, Carrick-on-Shannon. MC on the night will be the comical Mickey Lynch and special guests will join him in saluting the underage and Ladies’ stars – with awards for player of the year, most improved player and club person of the year. Among the awarded will be the 2009 U14 Championship winners (girls), the U14 League champions (boys), the victorious Fr. Manning & Ted Webb team of 2009 and the U12 girls’ runners-up team. All managers, coaches and affiliates will be in attendance and will receive a deserved mention for their continuing hard work and support. Everybody is welcome to attend and a word of thanks to all helping in its preparation, including those in The Bush Hotel. Please be there for 8.30pm. Music, refreshments and raffle will conclude the presentation.

Dear Club Supporter

Despite the difficult times at the moment, Shannon Gaels G.A.A. Club are day by day continuing to provide Gaelic Games and coaching to all members of the community both male and female from age 6 and up. As a sports club we are extremely fortunate to have coaches, helpers and officials who give of their time for free. Without this support we simply could not continue as a club.

We are currently improving our existing Gaelic facilities at Cortober, Carrick on Shannon, Co. Roscommon. The work on the pitch development and erection of new dressing-rooms/toilet facility is crucial in making our training ground correlate with modern G.A.A. standards. To date, Phase 1 has been completed i.e. – drainage and re-surfacing of our playing pitch, erection of new goal posts and net minders, new flood lighting system, construction of new dressing-rooms (including roof, windows and doors) and toilet/store-room facility. Phase 1 has been completed for the sum of €50000.00 and has been paid for in full by the Club Development Draw which took place in October 2007. Phase 2 of the development will be completed by March 2010 – i.e. the internal finishes to the dressing-rooms, installation of electrical and plumbing including showers, external drainage, footpaths etc. and completion of flood lighting to pitch.

Due to the present economic climate, no grant funding has been made available from government or any other source. The work completed to this stage is being aided by a tremendous local voluntary input; which the club is in deep gratitude of.

The estimated cost to finish the work i.e. Phase 2 on time is €30000.00.
We are holding a Development Draw in order to raise the adequate finance to get Phase 2 completed on time. We know that times are difficult for everybody at the moment but we hope that when you look at the benefits that this facility will provide to all age groups within the club, that you will support our new fundraiser.

Tickets are 50 euro each or three for 100 euro. First prize is €2000.00 Members of the club will be calling to you in the next few days looking for your support and answering any questions you may have.

We thank you for all your support in the past and look forward to your support in the future. 

Look ahead to the U16 fixtures

Sunday 28/02/10

All games 12pm

U-16 Football Division 1:

Oran V Boyle (Rockfield, Oran) P.Neilan

Clann na nGael V Castlerea St.Kevins (Johnstown) A Clogher

Roscommon Gaels V Padraig Pearses (Hyde Park) E.Nestor

Strokestown (bye)


Division 2 Group A:

St.Aidans V St.Ciarans (Ballyforan) K.Naughton

Éire Óg V St.Dominics (Loughglynn) T.Moore

St.Brigids (bye)


Division 2 B: all games 12pm

Kilbride V Western Gaels (Kilbride) S.Feeney

Elphin V Michael Glaveys (Elphin) C.Candon

Tulsk Lord Edwards (bye)


Division 3: all games at 12pm

Shannon Gaels V St.Faithleachs (Croghan) S.Gilleran

Kilmore V St.Croans (Kilmore) J.Murray

Ballinameen V St.Ronans (Ballinameen) N.Daly

Kilglass Gaels (bye)


All fixtures were correct at time of publish.

Minors Edge Past Castlerea St. Kevin's

The Minor team got the year off to a good start for the club defeating Castlerea St. Kevin’s in the Division 2 League with a scoreline of 2-8 to 1-8. It was a fast paced game of football in Castlerea– with some marvellous individual battles and an overall good team display from both sides. Our minor team is managed this year by Jimmy Deane, Cathal Sweeney and James Deane. Management had a simple plan with every player given a specific role from the keeper right up to the full-forward line. It was good to welcome Shane Leydon back after injury, and he more than fulfilled his full-forward role – working brilliantly partnered with the on-fire Fintan Sweeney - scoring a tally of 2-7 between them. Another man of the match contender was full-back James Filan who proved strong and decisive in his role – a great reader of the game, and working dependently alongside him was Luke O’ Dowd whose pace was a real advantage on the day. Some of the younger players also showed what they are capable of – Keelan Loftus tipping over a crucial point at a vital stage, David O’ Dowd battling midfield with his counterpart Fintan Kelly, while Rory McDonnell was working tirelessly in centre-field. Liam Murtagh, Dara O’ Carroll, John McDermott and Darren Conlon were stalwarts in defence and attack respectively. Substitutes Matthew Mulvey and Michael Murtagh looked threatening, while Chris Jordan was excellent between the posts.

A look ahead at the Minor League

Sunday 21st February 2010


Minor League Division 1:

St.Aidans V Roscommon Gaels (Ballyforan) 12 noon Ref: B.McDermott

Boyle V St.Brigids (Boyle) 12 noon Ref: N.O'Grady

Michael Glaveys V Clann na nGael (Ballinlough) 12 noon Ref: P.Daly


Minor League Division 2:

Group A:

St.Michaels V Éire Óg (Cootehall) 12 noon Ref: A. Mahady

Western Gaels V St.Dominics (Frenchpark) 11.30 Ref: F.Keane

Castlerea St.Kevins V Shannon Gaels (Castlerea) 12 noon Ref: V.Hardiman

Group B:

Tulsk V Strokestown (Tulsk) 11.30 Ref: M.Brehony

Elphin V Oran (Elphin) 12 noon Ref: S.Regan


Minor League Division 3:

St.Barrys V St.Croans (Tarmonbarry) 12 noon Ref: M.Brennan

St.Ronans V St.Faithleachs (Ballyfarnon) 12 noon Ref: C.Candon

Ballinameen V Kilmore (Ballinameen) 12 noon Ref: K.Oates

Kilbride V Kilglass Gaels (Kilbride) 12 noon Ref: J.Reilly


All fixtures and times were correct at time of publishing.

Scòr Update!

Scór Sinsear
The County semi-finals of Scór Sinsear are scheduled to take place on Friday February 26th in Kilmurray Hall, Castleplunkett at 8:30pm and on Sunday February 28th, in Ballybay Parish Hall, Kiltoom at 6pm.
Entries must be submitted before 5pm on Wednesday the 17th of February and following the receipt of entries the organising committee will allocate semi-final slots to each club. Please note that the semi-finals will not necessarily be divided on a North-South basis.

Seachtain na Gaeilge Table Quiz
Roscommon GAA will host its annual Seachtain na Gaeilge Table Quiz in Kilbride Community Centre on Wednesday February 24th at 8:30pm. The competition forms part of the GAA’s contribution to the Seachtain na Gaeilge events agus beidh na ceisteanna ar fád as Gaeilge - after all, one of the stated aims of the GAA is the promotion of Irish language and culture.
The top three teams in Roscommon will go forward to the Connacht Final, and if they are successful there, to the All-Ireland Final which takes place in Croke Park on St. Patrick's Day, prior to the All-Ireland Club Football and Hurling Finals. Roscommon GAA would like to see all clubs entering at least one team in this competition. The Quiz is free to enter, teams can have a maximum of four members and entries will be accepted on the night. Do aon eolas eile, chuir glaoch ar 086 7821022 nó chuir R-Phost go irishculturalofficer.roscommon@gaa.ie

Club Development Draw - Funding the completion of new dressing rooms in Cortober

Cash for Clubs

P.S. REGISTERING FOR MEMBERSHIP IS DUE NOW

G.A.A. Newsletter published November 2009

125th Anniversary 

The Association’s 125 Anniversary Celebrations are coming to a close and on November 1 the GAA returned to where it all began back in 1884. Exactly 125 years after the foundation of the Association at Hayes’ Hotel a special commemorative day of celebration was held in Thurles. Mass celebrated by Archbishop Clifford of Cashel at Thurles Cathedral was followed by a procession to Dr Croke’s statue on Liberty Square. A number of speeches were made before the President and Director General laid a wreath.

Newtownshandrum’s exciting Munster Club win over Thurles Sarsfields rounded off a memorable day. Work on the graves of founding fathers John McKay (London), Thomas St George McCarthy (Deansgrange), John Wyse Power and Michael Cusack (both Glasnevin) was also completed as part of the 125 Anniversary Year.

 

“The GAA: A People's History” was also launched this month to celebrate its 125th anniversary. The GAA: A People’s History tells the story of how the GAA has carved for itself a unique place at the heart of Irish life. It outlines how Gaelic games and the social world which revolves around the Association, has shaped the lives of generations of Irish people at home and abroad. From parades and ballads to epic journeys across land and sea, this history of the GAA is as much about what happened off the field as what happened on it. Clubs play a central role in the growth of our Association and are featured throughout the book. Reflecting on where our clubs came from and how they have grown and developed over the past 125 years will help us to build a strong Association for the future.

A special word of thanks to all clubs who marked the year by organising their own unique events and to those who went to great lengths to celebrate Lá na gClub last May,.

Lisa Clancy

GAA Director of Communications 

Hurling Helmets

In just over a month a new ruling will come into effect meaning that all hurlers of all ages will be obliged to wear a helmet complete with faceguard once they pick up a hurley whether in training or in a game.

 

Members of the National Medical, Scientific and Welfare Committee made a presentation to the media in the last month outlining statistical evidence of the reduction of serious head and facial injuries when helmets are worn.

 

Helmets have been compulsory at U21 level since 2006 and although goalkeepers face a special challenge adjusting to the use of helmets, they too are covered by the new ruling.

 

From January 2010 match officials will stop play in a situation where a player removes a helmet or attempts to enter the field of play without one. Posters outlining this initiative can be downloaded from http://www.gaa.ie/page/hurling_helmets.html.

  

Ag Éisteacht Programme Continues 

The Uachtarán and Ard Stiúrthóir between them have now visited almost 20 clubs since April with Eoghan Rua in Derry and Ballymanus in Wicklow, two of the most recent visits. Thanks to all clubs who have expressed an interest in hosting what is an informal two hour questions and answers fact finding and information gathering session. The 2010 schedule is being compiled and clubs that are interested in participating in the programme should contact the Communications Department through alan.milton@gaa.ie. 

Vodafone Affinity Scheme

The roll out of an Affinity arrangement with GAA Football Championship Sponsors Vodafone that will see clubs that register their members recoup 5% of those members’ Pay Monthly Bills or Top Up transactions continues after the launch of the scheme in October.
 
For more information about this new arrangement with one of the GAA’s Official ‘Give Back Partners’ and for details on how your club can sign up, please visit http://www.supportyourgaaclub.ie. 

Make a Splash with the GAA Museum

Ultimate Club Day Out - for under €15 - Special Offer – 25% off group rates when you visit Croke Park Stadium & the National Aquatic Centre in one day!

The Croke Park Experience has teamed up with the National Aquatic Centre to provide a fun filled day out for GAA Clubs wanting to reward their players of all ages and levels for their hard work and dedication on the pitch. Great savings can be made if you visit both between January and March 2010. Take a behind-the-scenes guided tour through the dressing rooms, players' lounge, pitch side and media centre of the fourth largest stadium in Western Europe. Afterwards enjoy extreme thrills and raging water adventures in the AquaZone at the National Aquatic Centre, which hosts Europe’s biggest and best rides.
Check out www.nac.ie and www.gaa.ie/museum for more information or contact: Maria Gorman, Bookings Executive, Tel- 01 8192374 or email tours@crokepark.ie. 

Changes to membership rules and registration rules for 2010

Clubs are reminded that all clubs must complete the registration of Full and Youth members before April 1. Registrations must be completed electronically, through the Association's online player and member registration system (rule 2.2 of the Official Guide). This is now the only acceptable method of registration in the GAA.

 

Clubs should also be aware that the closing date for the acceptance of membership fees in order to entitle a person to the privileges of membership, including the right to vote at the club AGM, is on a date prior to March 31 (rule 6.2 of the Club Constitution). Therefore, the old date of August 1 is no longer in use.

 

Training for the new online registration system will take place in all counties in early 2010. Many counties are already on board the online system, with 960 clubs having used the system to register in 2009. Clubs will be receiving further communication on this in due course.

 

Games Development

The GAA Games Development Conference took place in Croke Park last Friday and Saturday, November 20th-21st. Over 650 delegates from all 32 Counties as well as delegates from Europe and North America attended the two day event. Speakers at the event included Liam Sheedy (Tipperary Hurling Manager), Mickey Ned O’Sullivan (Limerick Football Manager), Aidan O’Connell (Trainer Cork Senior Football Team), Enda McNulty (Sports Psychologist), Rod Thorpe (University of Loughborough) and John Considine (Cork Minor Hurling Manager). Topics such as Technical Development, Tactical Awareness in Hurling and Gaelic Football, Nutrition and Sports Psychology were discussed, and delegates had an opportunity to quiz speakers throughout the day. It is possible to download the presentations made at the Games Development Conference from - http://gamesdevelopment.gaa.ie/page/games_development_conference_2009.html.

 

 

The Conference was streamed live in conjunction with RTÉ sport. It is possible to watch the video files of the Key Note addresses from the Games Development Conference 2009 on the RTÉ media player. Click on the link below:

http://www.rte.ie/sport/gaa/championship/2009gaagdc_archive.html.

 

The Games Development Conference has grown from strength to strength over the last 7 years and planning for the 2010 event has already begun. 

  
Ticketing
Supporting your County has never been so easy.....
The 2010 GAA Season Ticket is fantastic value for the true GAA fan. At a starting price of €75, the GAA Season Ticket is available for football or hurling. It includes entry to all your County’s Allianz GAA National League matches and your County's opening GAA Championship match in your selected code. In addition to this, Season Ticket holders get a €5 discount on entry for their county's subsequent Championship matches (excluding Provincial & All-Ireland Finals where no discount applies) in their selected codes.

For further information or to purchase see www.gaa.ie. 

Scór 

The winter is upon us shorter days and longer evenings that are less conducive to our field games. However, our cultural activities in the form of Scór, provide a suitable alternative and Scór na nÓg has already reached the county final stage.   
 
The Provincial Scór na nÓg Finals dates are as follows:
Ulster - 16th. January, 2010 - Galbally, Co. Tyrone
Leinster - 17th. January, 2010 - Ballymore, Co Westmeath
Connacht - 23rd. January, 2010 - Banada, Co. Sligo
Munster - 31st. January, 2010 - Ballybunnion, Co. Kerry
The All-Ireland Finals are in Athlone IT Hall on Saturday, 20th. February, 2010 at 3.00 p.m.

Scór Sinsear will be starting up early in the New Year and we would encourage all clubs to make every effort to participate in what is a most enjoyable GAA activity and who knows – there might be an All-Ireland in it! 

Eolas ó Máire Ní Ghráham, Cumann Lúthchleas Gael, Páirc an Chrócaigh, Baile Átha Cliath 3.
Ríomhphost:  moira.graham@gaa.ie Fón: 018658683.

Shannon Gaels G.A.A. Club Newsletter Published weekend 14th November - detailing winter draw to take place to raise much needed funds for the new club dressing-rooms/training facilities. Substantial prizes on offer. We hope you can support this superb project. Click on the Images to enlarge.

 

Shannon Gaels Scòr competitors

  The Ballad group who progressed to the County Semi-Finals. Well done girls and all the best in the next stage, which is to be held in Ballyleague Friday 27th/Saturday 28th November. 

L/R: Eimear Gallagher, Eimear Cryan, Ciara McMorrow, Laura Dean and Niamh Murray.     

Joining the girls at the semi-final stage will be the successful quiz team that also made it through the qualifiers. The trio include Jack O' Dowd, Aideen Filan and Diarmuid Beirne. Best of luck in the next round and a photograph of the quiz team will appear after the Ballyleague heat

The first group of figure dancers L/R: Christina Beirne, Lauren Devanney, Rachel O' Dowd and Sarah Surlis.

The Second Group of figure dancers L/R: 

Elaine McDermott, Laura Dean, Rachel McDermott and Hannah O' Dowd.

Maureen Keenehan gives words of wisdom before showtime

Group of Shannon Gaels dancers enjoying the show.

Instrumental group who participated in the event L/R: Ciara Mulvey, Niamh Murray and Eimear Cryan.

Shannon Gaels support out in force at the Scòr quarter-finals last Friday in Elphin, Co. Roscommon. 

U14 Girls - County Champions 2009!!!!

Congrats to the U14 girls who had a terrific win over Kilglass Gaels in what was a superb game of football. It was a tremenduously tight match and a joy to watch.
Congrats to team managers Gerry Flanagan and Clodagh Corrigan also.

Well done girls!!!

Best of luck girls!!!

We would like to wish our U14 girls ALL THE BEST in the Championship County Final tomorrow against Kilglass Gaels.

Throw in is 2.30pm in Boyle and we want you all to support the team as they fight for county glory!!!


Pictured below are the team along with coaches Gerry Flanagan and Clodagh Corrigan.

Foundation Laying on Memorable Day

Young and old were in attendance to witness a truly great supporter and past player of Shannon Gaels, Paddy Mulvey, lay the very first stone of our new club dressingrooms recently.

It was a wonderful moment for the club to honour a man who has done so much over the years since the club was first established.

Also on hand was another prestiguous clubman, John 'Fr.' Heslin who blessed the ground amid much adulation - adding a humourous touch to the occassion and even referring to Good Friday at one point!!

The great man Paddy laying the very first block






John Heslin giving his esteemed speech, watched on by Aidan Filan


Father for the day Mr. Heslin doing the honours!!


Young and old members of the club... Paddy pictured with Frankie


The dressing rooms coming along nicely...

Parish League/FunRun

A work in Progress...

As we are sure you are well aware, plenty of hard work is currently to be had in Cortober as the good men of Shannon Gaels are putting shape on the new club dressing rooms.

Here are a few pictures of their recent endeavours.

Note in Photo 2, Wee Jimmy Glancy took it upon himself to instruct on the best practises for preventing radon gas.

Also photographed doing a mighty job are Paddy Filan, J.P. O' Dowd, Brendan Leydon, John Heslin, Joe O' Dowd and Aidan Filan.

Keep up the great work lads or wee Glancy might be putting on wellies next!

FUNRUN, Local Derby and All-Ireland final for desserts

THIS WEEKEND (September 19th) will see great celebrations in Croghan village to commemorate 125 years of the G.A.A. and what a line-up is in store.

On Saturday morning at 11.30am, the U14 Parish League will be held for its second year - with the local parishes up against each other in what is bound to be a highly contested affair! Boys and girls from the ages of 14 and under will fight it out in a local football derby to be crowned the Champs of Croghan!

The Shannon Gaels Minor Club are eager for you to come out and support us in our first fundraiser for 2009 on Sunday next at 6pm. The hugely popular FUNRUN will see both young and old darting around the village hoping to get a grasp on some of the plentiful prizes available!

The FUNRUN course will be the same as previous years’ with prizes for: 1st, 2nd and 3rd home – person who raised most money – youngest person home and of course much more!!

Your support is vital and we encourage you to help the children get as many names on their cards as possible. Every amount is imperative at keeping the minor club running.


We take immense pride in the beneficial role we have in the lives of our players and we strive to make the club the best that it can be. We really need your help - as parents, players or spectators – over the weekend.
Your support will be greatly appreciated.