Monaleen Juvenile GAA Club

Intermediate Hurling Quarter Final

Monaleen intermediate hurlers qualified for the semi final of the County Championship with a hard earned but merited victory over Knockaderry.

Played in Askeaton in glorious September sunshine we raced into an early lead and went into the dressing room at half time leading 0-13 to 0-5 thanks to some well taken points from play from Ger Collins and Shane Mullane and accurate free taking from Peter Russell. The expected comeback from our opponents did materialise but our defence held out under severe pressure and scores were level into added time when a tremendous block down by Peter Russell gave Barry Fitzpatrick the chance to score the winner from midfield. The next game will be a stern test but under the guidance of Frank Holohan this team have remarkable character and spirit and will endeavour to regain our senior status. An interested spectator was Mark Cummins just back after his two years in UK and he will certainly be an addition to our hurling and football teams in the future.

U8 Hurling v Patrickswell

The Under 8’s got their season off to a great start after the long summer break with this very enjoyable series of games with Patrickswell. These were two very well matched teams, with four games played altogether, with just a puck of a ball between the sides in each game.

Jason Aylward scored a goal from a 65, which was the crucial score of game 1, which ended 1-1 to 0-1. Caolan Dignam’s energetic display in midfield tipped the balance in Monaleen’s favour, while brave defending by Peter Maher was also needed. The second game for this team had a lot more scores, finishing 3-3 to 3-2. Monaleen just holding on at the end, while the “Well” laid siege on the Monaleen goal. It was all action from start to finish with Eoin Twomey and James Flannery getting vital goals, with John Moloney a constant attacking threat.

Meanwhile, the other half of the squad battled out two more closely fought games, edging out just on top in each case. Conor Deegan’s brave display and Jack Ronan’s drives out of defence were a feature, with super-sub John Ryan, younger brother of team regular Daire, coming on and scoring two goals.

A big thank you to Patrickswell for a great evening, and we look forward to the away trip to Patrickswell in two weeks.

Each and every player put in a super display, full of skill and bravery, and were a credit to their club.

Team 1 was Jason Ayward, Claudio Lopes, Eoin Twomey, James Flannery, Niall McGrath, Caolan Dignam, Peter Maher , Mark Harty, John Moloney.

Team 2 was Conor Deegan, Morgan Connolly , Muiris Bowler, Donncha O Dalaigh, Michael O Hanrahan, Daire Ryan, John Ryan, Jack Ronan, Caolan Madden

Beginners Boys Hurling (U6/5)

Thanks to all parents who encouraged their boys to participate in their first hurling session in Monaleen. A fantastic turn-out of 20 players led to a busy evening for the coach who was delighted with the upsurge of interest in hurling in the locality. Great enthusiasm was shown by all players. Word on the street is that even more boys are expected to turn up next week! All new members, born 2003 or 2004 are welcome. With the increase in numbers the coach would very much welcome assistance from any parent during drills and games. Just give the coach a shout on the evening for more details. Hurleys and helmets are available for loan or purchase in the club shop. It is mandatory for all players to wear helmets. On October 9th coaching will move from the clubhouse pitch to the superb facilities of the Milford School Gymnasium for the winter months.

Lotto

There was no winner of the club lotto draw on 3rd September. The numbers drawn were 7, 8, 9, 12 Next week’s jackpot will be €4,200.

The lucky dip winners were

· Clodagh Moynihan Monaleen

· Joe Murray C/O The Hurlers Bar

· J & A Flannery Mount Shannon

· Natali Gebruk c/o Morrison’s Bar

Tickets for the lotto can be purchased in Monaleen Stores, Leo Morrison’s, The Black Swan, and The Hurlers Bar and in the club