EIRE OG GREYSTONES

Is this a precedent for the club? Two of its teams in County Finals - the Minors who play St. Pat's, Wicklow and the Junior Bs who play the winners of An Tochar and Baltinglass. This is the first time since 1988 that our Junior Bs have reached the final of their championship. Baltinglass are very short odds favourites to reach the final and, indeed, to win it out. One can be sure, however, that An Tochar have other ideas and are fully intent on doing the bookies a favour. Philip Smullen espouses a Que Sera, Sera philosophy and feels that speculation on the outcome of the semi-final serves no purpose. On the other hand he has promised that his charges will make their opponents, whoever they may be, earn their laurels.

Our Junior B semi-final was played in Ashford at 3 pm on Saturday; the time of the game was changed from 5 pm late in the week and some of our supporters who were guided by last week's fixtures arrived to see the players trooping off the pitch. Those followers who were lucky enough to see the whole of the game were given their money's worth. They saw their team shake off its underdog tag - the win represented an 11 point turnaround from their league meeting in Dunbur - in a tough physical encounter. One wonders sometimes at referees' punctiliousness with respect to technicalities while having an altogether more relaxed attitude to 'over the top' physicality. We did have two casualties - Seán Ryder who had to be substituted and Willie O'Hagan who, eventhough badly dazed, refused, despite the urgings of Lorna Fusciardi, to leave the field of battle. The same Willie led by example, he scored 1-5 and was the conduit for much of Éire Óg's constructive play. Paddy Taylor was back at his best and had a very solid game at corner-back. Colm Taylor and Dominic O'Brien gave great performances at centre-field and were instrumental in keeping the Pats' defence under near-constant pressure. Leon Hargan had, once again, a fine game at full-forward and Jamie McDonnell provided, on occasion, glimpses of his undoubted ability. Johnnie Groomes, with his speed and ball-carrying skills, posed a constant threat and was a contender for Man of the Match.

Who needs enemies when you have friends like these? could have been the question passing through the mind of Barry O'Reilly as he struggled to cobble together a team for his game against Arklow in the semi-final of the shield on Saturday evening. Some of these so-called friends whom he had led through an enjoyable games/training campaign during the spring and summer had let him down. Self interest had, in their cases, taken precedence over loyalty. Never mind, he did have a team, thanks to the ever steadfast and true Glenn Hayden who, once again, proved to be effectual in the corner-forward slot. Those who took to the field did themselves proud - they won 2-7 to 2-4. The opposition held the advantage physically but such handicaps are there to be overcome - an té nach bhfuil láidir ní foláir dó bheith glic (he who is not strong must be astute). The Éire Óg lads made light of this disadvantage with a performance of brave competitiveness, skill on the ball and intelligent football.

We were treated to some beautiful passages of play as Éire Óg, in splendidly sustained movements, swept the ball out of defence with accurate passes from boot and hand. The Thompsons, Sam and Evan, with their footballing nous and skills, readily integrated into these movements. Daniel Keane and Justin O'Brien secured great ball at centre-field and orchestrated much of the Éire Óg play while James Smullen did not spare himself in his efforts for the cause and was a major influence in the game. Alan Joyce was outstanding at full-back, his reading of the game was excellent and he was rarely wrong-footed. Even then he was quick to recover. Adam Manning, in goal, brought off some brilliant saves and his excursions off the line were accurately timed. Two of his saves in the second half were spectacular in their execution and vital in their impact.

Ronan Delahunt says 'go raibh mile maith agat' to Arklow for agreeing to the postponement of the U14 hurling game.

BRAY EMMETS

As part of Wicklow GAA 125 year's celebration, all the clubs in the county paraded their club banner before the county football final in Aughrim on Sunday, October 11. Our club banner is the legendry 'Robert Emmet banner and it was proudly paraded by Mathew Thompson Jnr. and Eoghan O' Reilly. The boys did as great job and thanks also to Matt senior for his assistance. What a great day the county final day was, sunshine, a great crowd, well organised, TnaG cameras and two fine teams, Rathnew and St Patrick's of Wicklow town.

We send our best wishes to Oisin O hAnnaidh and Monica Karon who are getting married soon. Oisin is one of our most dedicated players, who along with his brothers Brendain, Darragh and sister Aisling have given great service to our club. The Emmet's will be well represented at the wedding with most of Oisin's team mates and other friends taking the short flight. We hope Oisin and Monika have a great day and wish them every happiness in the future.

Our Minor hurlers are playing the 'A' championship final against Glenealy on Sunday next 18th October at 1.15 pm in Aughrim. This final is being played before the senior hurling final which is welcome development as it gives our young players an opportunity to play on the biggest day for hurling in the county. Our team had a victory over Carnew in the semifinal but must improve if they are to overcome the favourites Glenealy to retain the title. Please support our Minors next Sunday.

Bray Emmets 2-21, Carnew 0-5: Our Minor hurlers played Carnew in the semi-final of the championship on Saturday last. Mikie Lee put the first point of the game over in the seventh minute of the game and Carnew responded fairly quickly. Arran Murphy then scored the next point which allowed Bray to remain in the lead for the remainder of the match. At half time Bray led by 1-8 to Carnew's 0-3. The final score line didn't reflect the play – Carnew put up a good effort and the Bray team had to work hard. Final score: Bray Emmets 2-21 Carnew 0-5.

The final will be played in Aughrim on Sunday next against Glenealy prior to the Senior Hurling Final. Please support the team.

The team: Peter O'Reilly, Pierce Sweeney, Cillian O'Maolmhuaidh, Enda O'Maolmhuaidh, Luke O'Reilly, Hugh Douglas, Harry Stephenson, Owen Brazil, Arran Murphy(1:2), Nicholas Sweeney, Tom Cash(1:12), Paddy O'Toole, Mikie Lee (0:3), Arron Shortt, John Henderson(0:2). Subs Niall Mccague(0:1) for P O'Toole, Matthew Keating for N Sweeney, Emmet Fitzgerald(0:1) for A Shortt.

Bray Emmets 0-7 Arklow AGB 2-3:

Kilcoole GAA club proudly hosted the regional hurling clinic on 10th October, with Paudie Butler, National Director of Hurling, Tipperary hurler Tommy Dunne, and Kilkenny selector Martin Fogarty, providing invaluable info on coaching and drills. There was an indoor session at Coláiste Chraobh Abhann followed by outdoor sessions in the field. There was a huge turnout from a wide variety of clubs in the region and we hope all involved enjoyed it.

Training takes place in the field at 5:45 pm on Thursday. This will be the last outdoor session. There is a hurling blitz for U-8's and U10's in Glenealy on Saturday 17th October, meet at the church at 9:15 am sharp. Support and drivers most welcome.

Training takes place in the field at 6 pm on Wednesday.

The U-16 footballers played out their championship final last Friday in Newtown. The game was an entertaining spectacle and despite the difficult conditions, both teams played some great football. Kilcoole got off to a dreadful start, when St. Kevins scored two very fortunate goals and we found ourselves 2-01 to no score down. Shane Doyle then scored a goal for Kilcoole and the come back was on.

We ended the first half well on top and had everything to play in the second half and what a second half it turned out to be. In front of a large Kilcoole following, our lads played their hearts out, with a display of sheer character, skill and determination.

With a few minutes remaining, we found ourselves two points down, but somehow we managed to fight back and level the game in a nail biting finish

The final score was Kilcoole 1-07, St. Kevins 2-04, which means that we must do it all again next week. We can't thank the players enough for the effort and commitment they showed and your efforts will be rewarded next week when the trophy comes back to the Goosebank.

A few players deserve special credit for their outstanding performances, notably Arran Lennon, Eoin Keddy, Dara Killen, Matt Mannix and Ciaran Byrne.

The team was captained by Darren Gammell on the night and the team was as follows.

Stephen Kelly, Dermot ' Farmer' O' Brien, Matt Mannix, Arran Lennon, Cillian Thompson, Darren Byrne, Danny Kavanagh (0-2), Dara Killen (0-1), Ciaran Byrne (0-1), Michael O'Brien, Shane Doyle (1-0), Eoin Keddy (0-2), Andy Watson, Darren Gammell (0-1) and Rob Clarke. The subs were Barry Mason (for Stephen), Eoin O'Brien, Conor O'Neill, Dan Halligen, Lee Dutton (for Rob) and Glen Mitchell. Thanks to Ross, Johnny and Bernard for their help and thanks to the Doyle family (Byrne's Pub) for the use of the Mill Room.

So Kilcoole, come out in force next week to support this marvellous Kilcoole team and we all hope Danny and Darren shake off their injuries.

The Under-14 squad finished their season with a back match from the League which was played in Kilcoole in Summer like sunshine on Sunday against Knockananna. Some of these players move on to the U-16 squad for next year and were playing their last game at this grade. Knockananna came out on the winning side and will now play Glenealy for the League title.

All our teams are finished in Wicklow Competitions for this Year. Our Intermediates still have two outstanding matches in the Dublin League. All other teams are finished their Dublin Leagues apart from the Under-9s who continue with games until November 1st and take in a Blitz, along with the Under-8s, in the Phoenix Park. On Saturday October 17th, our Intermediates will travel to Clane in Co Kildare to take part in their Annual Sevens Tournament while on the same day, the Under-10s will take up an Invitation to play against Naas Camogie Club. On Sunday morning, the Under-9s play Good Counsel in Drimnagh - meet at the Church at 9 am.

Our Winter Indoor Training Programme gets underway in Colaiste Chraobh Abhann on Tuesday 13th. The schedule is as follows:

5-5.45 Under 5/6/7, 5.30 - 6.30 Under 8/9/10, 6.15 - 7.15 Under 11, 7.00 - 8.00 Under 12, 7.45 - 8.45 Under 13, 8.30 - 9.25 Under 14, 9.15 - 10.00 U16/Adult.

Register on the first night. Equipment is provided. Contact: Sec Tracy 0877518680/secretary@kilcoolecamogie.com

Be sure to get your copy of Garden GAA magazine - October edition where you will find a very colourful article about us on page 23 with extra photos on page 22. Copies of the magazine cost €3 and are available at Training on Tuesday.

Well done to Billy, Niall, Mary, Breda and Jordan who attended the Coaching Clinic at the weekend.

ENNISKERRY

Commiserations to the Enniskerry/Kilmac Junior Hurling team who lost out in the Junior C Championship final to Barrindarig.

The final score of 4-8 to 0-8 was not a reflection of the hard work the lads put in throughout the year under the guidance of a very capable Mick Priest. The team would like to thank him for his commitment this year and welcome his decision to stay on with us once we commence training once again next year.

A fundraising Casino Night will take place on Saturday the 17th in Nancy Murphys at 8 pm.

Tickets are €15 and can be purchased in advance from members of the football team. Prizes include: 4 Ball at Powerscourt Golf Club, 4 Ball at Rathsallagh Golf Club, Treatment with Alex Gleeson (Club Physio), Yoga Introductory voucher (Yoga Sacredspace Wicklow Town), DIY hamper from Superb Hardware Kilcoole, Ashgrove Interparts and a Looks Beauty Salon. Hope to see you all there.

Our under-12s were in action on Sunday in the county semi-final of the U-12 championship against Naomh Padraig of Wicklow. Unfortunately the result did not go our way but this was not from a lack of effort.

Our young team gave it there all in this very entertaining and very skilfull game and they did it with three players being struck down with illness the night of the match, so they where going to be up against it fromthe throw in.

With the very first whistle our team of heroes went for it and really put it up to Naomh Padraig resulting in taking the first scores of the game which seemed to settle us.

As the game went on we were the better team and that reflected on the scoreline as we had the lead as the half came to a close but it got better when we scored the first goal of the game which set us up really well for the second half. So the score line at half-time was Enniskerry 1-04 to 0-03.

In the second half we knew that they would have the advantage of coming down the slight hill but our team where determind not to give in but as they say football is a game of two halve. As we were put under big pressure we stood up to them but slowly they got back to us and soon their goal came which sent them into the lead for the first time, but our team does not know how to give up and they didn't this time either, as they kept going they got to grips with it and once again a goal swung it our way this time.

So with time slowly slipping away we scored another point which we thought could have being the winner but once again they came back down and scored a point to leave one point in it going into injury-time but a big slice of luck dropped on the Naomh Padraig side with a very lucky goal being bundled over our line leaving a huge mountain to climb with no time left, so then came the whistle and our great run in the championship was over but one thing's for sure we will be back and back with a bang for sure so from all the management a big thank you goes to our champions in black and amber and also to all the parents senior players and chairman and vice for coming and supporting our young players of the future of this great club so on a score line of Enniskerry 2-04 to 2-06 Naomh Padraig.

Our championship is over but this team still have some silver to play for with the league final still to be played over the next week or so.

As this was a great team display we will not pick a man of the match instead all the team are team of the match and the team are as follows, Ian Kirwan, Brandon Scully, Aodhan Garvey, Luke Dalton, Jack Conroy, Paul Maglone, Daniel Curneen, Ben Keely, James Cahill, AJ Porter, Nathan Nolan, William Coogan, Mark Mullan, Amy coogan, Eoin Corrigan, Oisin Barry, Adam O'Reilly, Noel Nolan, Rhys Cope and Keith Molloy.