Nollaig Shona daoibh go léir
Santa
It was a very special time in the Clubhouse on Saturday for everyone who dropped in to see Santa and to visit the wonderful Grotto. Santa was delighted to visit and meet all the Boys & Girls along with their families as he took a break from a well known store on Henry Street. Our Santa spoke to all the visitors and had lots of photos taken – he enjoyed the visit so much that he has already committed to joining us again next December!
A very special thank you to each and every volunteer who helped make the event so special and welcoming for all the visitors. Santa himself was hugely impressed with the Grotto and his special chair (borrowed from St Anthony’s). Some photos from the event are available to view at:
https://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.639955362775719.1073741844.121763621261565&type=1
National Club Draw
Support YOUR Club. The GAA National Draw is upon us again and last year it was the biggest single source of revenue to the Club. Our Club was the best performer in Leinster which is a fantastic achievement for our size. Scoil keeps ALL the money from our ticket sales so every ticket sold counts.
Tickets have been distributed through the teams’ mentors and are available also to supporters, friends and non-playing members who played a big part in last year’s successful drive.
Please contact John Coady 087 2483182 or Dominic Morgan 087 6579300 for more information / tickets if you have yet to receive an allocation. Go raibh maith agat.
Volunteer night
Our annual mentors/ helpers night took place on Friday last in the Clubhouse. It’s an informal get together to celebrate the end of another club year. It also gives the Chairman, Declan Hoban an opportunity to say thanks for all your efforts. Please pass the message on to all in your group. Spouses and significant others are, of course, also invited as these play an important support role as well. All drinks will be €2 on the night. Look forward to seeing as many as you as can make it.
Andy Kettle RIP (Notice from Dublin County Board)
The Dublin County Committee wishes to express its sincere sympathies and those of the GAA to the family of our County Chairman, Andy Kettle, who has sadly passed away. Andy made an immense contribution to the Association over the course of his life, to his Club Fingal Ravens, to the Dublin County Committee and also to the Central Council of the GAA as a current member of their Management Committee. As a leading administrator he ensured that the Association continued to grow and develop in our county and his dedication, enthusiasm and integrity ensured that Dublin GAA prospered during his reign. Andy always had the well-being and core principles of the GAA, and Dublin GAA in particular, at heart and did whatever he could through the power of his warm personality, intelligence and common sense to safeguard the best interests of players, officials, club members and supporters.
On behalf of the Officials and members of the County Committee and our clubs we extend our deepest sympathy to his wife Phyllis, sons Patrick, Peter, Eoin and daughters Niamh, Orla and Ciara. Ar dheis lámh Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
Message from Club Chairman, Declan Hoban
As another year draws to a close I’d like to thank all those who contributed to the club during the year. The success of the club depends on the efforts of so many people. To all of those who helped train our players from under age 4 to over age 40, managed teams, put up nets, washed jerseys, worked on the grounds, made coffee, served in the shop, kept our profile high on social media, helped fundraise, served on committees, played on our teams and supported from the sidelines – thank you.
As with all years, 2014 had its share of highs and lows both on the pitch and off it. What makes a club is the sharing of these highs and lows. It’s the sense of community when we celebrate together and on sad occasions commiserate and support each other. Being a non-parish based club means that we have to work a little harder to make sure we generate a sense of community. There is great community spirit around matches and the Nursery and in 2014 we had a series of social event during the year which helped build on this. The End of Season Party, the Taste of Ireland event, the recent Nursery table quiz and the visit of Santa to the club last weekend all spring to mind. For 2015 there will be a renewed focus on hosting social events. The first event will be our End of Season Party on Saturday 31 January in Clontarf Castle. Tickets sold out last year and with the price unchanged at €30 I expect them to sell out quickly this year.
Looking back over the year we can reflect with some satisfaction on work well done during 2014 and plan for work yet to do in 2015.
Finally, at this time of year when we celebrate family in a special way I am sure you will all join with me in thinking of those of our members and loved ones who are abroad and those who passed away during the year. They and their families are in our thoughts at this time.
Le gach dea ghui i gcoir na Nollaig agus na hAth bhliana.
Declan Hoban
Goal Mile, St Annes Park
The Annual Goal Mile run/walk takes place on Christmas Day at 11am from the Sybil Hill entrance.
There’s always a great Scoil crowd in attendance at this and many other charity events over Christmas so best wishes to all taking part.
Married v Single
The Annual Married v Single football ‘game’ takes place on New Year’s Day at 2pm in the Club.
Rumour has it the ‘marrieds’ are preparing for the big game already!
Everyone is welcome to drop by on the day – even if they’re not taking part.
Finally, I add my own wishes to all Members, their families and firends at home or away for a very Happy Christmas!
