Contents:

• Camogie Final!

• Minor Semi-Final!

• Chairman’s Message: Oneness Success

• Christmas Shoebox Appeal

• Mid-Term Camp

• Sam in Scoil

• Underdogs vs The Big Dogs

• A Tough Week in Review

• Scoil All Over Schools Croker Finals

• A Thank You From Spud Murphy

• Scoil Spotlight: Scoil Walking Club

• Other News

• Team News

• Fixtures

Don’t forget to Save the Date (Jan 26th) for Dinner Dance 2019!

Camogie Final!

First juvenile camogie final in the Club’s history

Our amazing U13 CamogieGirls are playing the Division 6 Cup Finalvs Craobh Chiaráin on Monday, 29th October @2pm, Maypark, Malahide Rd. 

Please get out & support the girls!

Minor Semi-Final

Scoil & O’Tooles combined minor team (St Paul’s) progressed to championship semi final after beating Whitehall on Sunday 2-13 to 3-8

St. Paul’s were the better team on the day.  Despite St. Paul’s having the better opportunities in the first half the game was a draw at half time.

See full match report below

Make sure & get out to support the lads in their semi-final vs St Peregrines in Blakestown sun 4th nov @ 11am!

Chairman’s Message: Oneness Success

A message from our Chairman Maurice ‘Mossy’ O’Connell

Dear Members,

Following on from our recent very successful Oneness event in Chicago I want to acknowledge the work of the Committee in arranging the event, in particular Colm Kennedy and Project Manager Sheila Kelly. This was a huge event to organise and administer particularly given the event was held in Chicago.

I would also like to thank the Club Members (over 40) who attended the event and represented the Club so well as ambassadors, it was a very proud moment for all involved. We were delighted that both ex-Taoiseach Enda Kenny and Lord Mayor of Dublin Neil Ring were in attendance and presenting such a positive message on behalf of the Club.

I am delighted to report that the events over the few days raised in excess of €93,000 which is a fantastic achievement and I would like to thank all those who contributed to the event.

Of these funds we will be contributing 10% to both O’Connell Primary and Secondary Schools, 20% will go to the general running expenses of the Club with the remaining amount going towards the development fund and the purchase of the grounds.

We hope to place a permanent memory board of the event in the Clubhouse.

Maurice O’Connell
Scoil Uí Chonaill GAA Chairman

Christmas Shoebox Appeal

Any members interested in contributing to the Christmas Shoebox Appeal please drop it to the Clubhouse for the collection on November 9th.

For queries, please contact Màire O’Connell on 086 3946179

Mid-Term Camp

There will be an Advanced Camp (Under 11-14) running in the Club on October 30th & 31st from 10am-1pm

Cost will be just €10!

Contact GPO Thomas on (085) 113 7728 to book place.

Sam in Scoil

Sam Maguire was in Scoil HQ last weekend, and some of our next generation members — perhaps unbeknownst to them! — had the honour of a snap with the coveted silverware, including Chairman Mossy O’Connell’s grand nephew Cillian O’Connell!

Underdogs vs The Big Dogs

With Scoil on both sides

Congratulations to Dual Stars Adam Wilson & Andy Bunyan for featuring on either side of the Underdogs vs Dubs match in Parnell Park on Friday night, which saw a Dubs team full of eager lads seeking an opportunity to impress just too strong for the TG4 men.

A Tough Week in Review

It would be easy for us to bury our head in the sand and shy away from recognising what was a very disappointing week on the pitch for Scoil. In seven days the Adult Footballers & Hurlers both crashed out of the Intermediate Championships at the semi-final stage, our Ladies Footballers were beaten in a Cup Final and our Minor Girls were beaten in the Championship Final.

But such is sport, and we must take the bad with the good and ensure that we learn from the upsets.

There’s no better time than now to take a moment and acknowledge the amazing progress we’ve made on & off the pitch in Scoil over the last number of years with Adult Mens & Ladies teams steadily climbing their way back to the top, second and third teams being established to provide a platform for everyone to get involved, while pushing the ‘first’ teams on, as well as the resurgence of Camogie in the Club, huge advancements in our facilities and a general collectively positive and ambitious attitude.

So while there is still plenty to be hopeful for the year on the pitch (Junior Football & Hurling League playoffs, Minor semi-final + u13 Camogie final, to name a few), if there are any of us reeling from the last couple of weeks then be sure to appreciate all this incredible positivity we’re currently enjoying, and know that sometimes you need to get a little jab to make room for you to land your haymaker 😉

A big congrats to all those involved — especially management & backroom staff — for getting these teams into the position to be able to lament important defeat.

#UpScoil

Scoil All Over Schools Croker Finals

Well done to OCS Primary!

On getting to the Cumann na mBunscol Final in Croke Park!

Hard luck to the O’Connell Primary School lads who were beaten by a strong St Pat’s team, with some individual midfielder magic being the difference, as told by this SportsJoe.ie article on the game.

With the majority of the team playing for our Under 11 and Under 12 teams in the Club it’s so promising to see such heights being reached so early on!

Well done lads!

Congrats to Scoil Neasain

On winning the Cumann na mBunscoil Final in Croke Park!

Scoil Neasain made up mainly of the Scoil UI Chonaill u11s and 13s won their cumann na mbunscoil final against mount merrion with a scoreline of 1.10 to 1.6.

After a cagey start the girls came into their own and showed their skills and team play to work easy scores with Sorcha and Sophie the main benefactors. Kate, Roisin and Martha worked tirelessly in front of Alannah who was in goal for the school team to make every score a massive effort for the opposition.

But the work was made easier as the quality of ball into their forwards was pressured due to the constant harrying and tackles out the field by Aoife, Anna, Eabha, Sadhbh, Muireanns plural, Liadan Meave.

Parents and teachers left a very proud group of the efforts and improvements made by these girls 2/3 times a week in the club. The future is bright for Scoil…

CONGRATS TO JACK & BELGROVE BOYS!

On winning the Corn Kitterick in Croke Park!

Jack Kennedy, pictured below with mum Ramona proudly sporting Scoil colours, played a pivotal role from corner-forward in his school Belgrove Senior BNS in their Corn Kitterick win in Croke Park.

Read the full match report here

WELL DONE TO Ella & BELGROVE GIRLS!

On reaching their final in Croke Park!

Hard luck to Ella Geraghty who lost the Corn Austin Finn Final in Croke Park with the Belgrove Girls team on Monday.

A Thank You From Spud Murphy

On behalf of my daughters, extended family and I, sincere thanks to all of you who sent their condolences & sympathies since Jean’s passing. Those of you who visited our home, attended the funeral service, sent emails, texts, letters, cards and the heart-warming tribute paid to Jean in the Club notices, all the stories retold, the hugs and handshakes received, they have helped us all get through those initial days of grief and the past few weeks.

Particular thanks to TJ and Mossy, who attended as pallbearers on the day. They represented all the good friends past and present Jean made in Scoil Ui Chonaill over the years and all the good times had. She would have been very proud.

Your kindness is very much appreciated.

Kind regards,

Séamus (Spud), Linda, Jennifer, Laura, Sarah and Rachel

Scoil Spotlight: Scoil Walkers

By Màire O’Connell

Which group in Scoil Uí Chonaill are you shining the spotlight on?
Scoil Walkers

Please provide a brief synopsis of this group.
Walking club started Easter Saturday. It’s mainly a social gathering of all ages of present and past members good fun nothing to strenuous. A bit of a slow burner but we will get there!

How often (and when) does the group meet?
In the Club. Been on a summer break hopefully another walk in 2 weeks.

What is the goal / purpose of the group / activity?
Just fun chat and maybe a glass of vino at the end

What drew you to this group, or what do you think is it’s biggest selling point?
Walking is great for Mental Health and for a bit of exercise. Also meeting up with past members and catching up with everyone

Imagine the Club is a family, and your group is a family member – where does this group fit in to the family tree?
Elder lemon’s but young at heart.

What is your favourite memory of the group / activity?
Having a lovely cup of coffee / wine after our first walk it was a very cold day.

What is the funniest thing that has happened within the group?
Not allowed say !!!

What is the group’s greatest achievement?
Our first walk there was only a few of us but it was great

If the group was a person, how would you describe their personality?
Enthusiastic

If other Club members could do one thing to help your group thrive, what would it be?
Get more people involved

What is the beyond-your-wildest-dreams ambition for this group? 
Walk Croagh Patrick

Describe the group in 3 words.
Young at heart

Is the group seeking new members? If so, please let readers know how they can get involved.
Turn up at the next walk

Want your group to feature next?

As a Club, we really pride ourselves on the close-knit community that we have at Scoil Uí Chonaill – help us in our effort in getting to know all of our members by filling out the below questionnaire on behalf of your group or team!

Other News

• It’s that time of year again! Juvenile membership payments are now due for the 2018/2019 season. You can easily make payment on the Scoil website, as well as complete the membership questionnaire.

• Well don to Nursery Players of the week Lua, Feidhlim, Eoghan, Taylor & Reilly

Team News

Full reports (where available) below

• Hard luck to the Adult Hurlers who both crashed out of the Intermediate Championships at the semi-final stage

• Also hard luck to our Minor Girls were beaten in the Championship Final.

• Minor Boys seal place in semi-final with win over Whitehall.

• U14 Hurlers with tremendous win in St. Annes Park

• U10s Boys Hurlers play in beautiful Leixlip sunshine vs Na Gaeil Oga GAA Club

• U9 Hurlers dazzle in bright sunlight

MINOR Boys FootbalL

Scoil & O’Tooles combined minor team (St Paul’s) progressed to championship semi final after beating Whitehall on Sunday 2-13 to 3-8

St. Paul’s were the better team on the day.  Despite St. Paul’s having the better opportunities in the first half the game was a draw at half time. Playing with breeze in the second we took some good scores and built a good lead. A few lapses in concentration gave Whitehall some late scores which made for a nervy ending.

David Kennedy put in a man of the match performance scoring 8 points. Good performances too from Jake Prendergast in midfield, Sean Downes, Josh Fitzpatrick & Adam Nolan at half back & Peter Cronin at full back.

Scorers for St. Paul’s
David Kennedy 0-8 (5f), Jordan Dunne 1-1, Robert McBride 1-0, donal Mckay 0-2 (1f), Sean Downes & Eoin Sterio 0-1. 

Semi final v st peregrines in Blakestown sun 4th nov @ 11am.

U14 Boys HURLING

Scoil 3:18 St Pats 1:3

The U14 ‘s had a tremendous win in St. Annes Park last Saturday evening, they put up a large score against a team they just barely beat last year which indicates the progress this team has made in the last year. It was the last match of the season and they finished top of the split league. Monday night training has paid off in abundance.

U10 Boys Football

The boys played an away hurling game against Na Gaeil Oga GAA Club on a beautiful sunny Saturday morning in St Catherines Park in Leixlip. Given the numbers available from both teams we played a 12 a side game on a larger pitch. Whilst this made for a good open game with plenty of space available it made for a low scoring game as even our big hitters had a long distance to cover. It was an even enough game in terms of standard and possession of the ball with Scoil winning narrowly by two goals to one. Both goals came from the man of the match Eoghan Og. Our new recruit Rys did well in goals with some great puck outs. The defence of Isaac, Cillian, Paddy and Senan presented a very strong back line making it hard for the opposition to get any time on the ball. The midfield of Eoghan Og, Luke, Jake and Michael won a lot of ball in midfield and supplied plenty of ball for the forwards Evan, Temi, Ruairi and Callum. Temi showed some great skills picking up the ball in some very tight situations even with the referee being a bit harsh on some of his pickups. As well as the scores we did put a few point opportunities wide when put under pressure. Whilst it is great to be getting in the position to score points a bit more accuracy in front of goal would have given us a bigger win. Team work, skills and competitiveness on the pitch are improving every week which is great to see as the team develops.

U9 hurlers dazzle in bright sunlight

We had one of our best turnouts for an away game on Saturday with 27 enthusiastic U9 players turning up at Naomh Mearnóg.  Playing against such formidable opposition was a fantastic opportunity for our players to put into use what they’re learning when practicing at home and also at Clontarf Road on Mondays and Wednesdays.

In keeping with the spirit of Go games, no score was kept on the day.  However, all three of our teams went home very happy.

Saturday’s performance was a just reward for the incredible effort the boys have been putting in during training.  The improvement in hurling skills, team work and game awareness since our first hurling league match on 24 February is quite amazing.

For the Red team Cody had a terrific game in goal and made a number of important saves. The coaches were pleased that he always looked up to find players in space and delivered long, accurate puc outs that put us on the attack.

Noah set an example for the team by getting stuck in with some super tackles and doubling on the moving ball which is a difficult skill to master.  He took several knocks but kept coming back with even more determination.

Sam had another fine game and kept close to his opponents to prevent them from lifting the ball. He also made some super long clearances by keeping his head down and following through with his swing.

The Amber team put in a superb performance mixing grit and flair. The development of the team over the year was really in evidence, with all players trying to jab lift, backs disciplined in their marking and strong tackling throughout. Oisín was a giant at the back winning every 50/50 challenge and ably assisted by long clearances from Conall and Rían.

Eoin in goal pulled off one great stop on the line then lifting it and lashing the ball out under pressure from three Mearnog forwards. Meanwhile Brodie, Joseph and Rory were ruling midfield, each showing their ability to strike from the hand. One thing to work on was the lack of the killer touch in front of goal but overall it was a great team performance.

The blue team showed great fighting spirit and terrific skills from the start. Not one player gave an inch and every ball was contested.  

Darragh showed that he has been practicing his air hurling at home and did some excellent striking by keeping his eye on the ball and following through to drive the sliotar a long distance.

Zach had another super game and kept getting close to his opponents to tackle and clash. Hugh did a number of perfect jab lifts and, just like we have been practicing, took 4 steps before striking the ball.

Boys born in 2009 appeal

The coaches’ attention is already turning to 2019! We believe that we have the makings of a super squad, but have room for a few more players.  

If you have a school friend, neighbour or relative who was born in 2009, bring them along for fun, friendship and fitness. If they have tried other clubs in the past and didn’t fit in, they will find our club and team culture completely different to larger clubs. Alternatively, if they have not played GAA previously, we will devote time and attention to help develop their skills.

So, please tell John or Cormac if you know anyone who was born in 2009 and might be interested in joining our team.

Fixtures

Our amazing U13 CamogieGirls are playing the Division 6 Cup Finalvs Craobh Chiaráin on Monday, 29th October @2pm, Maypark, Malahide Rd. 

No other official fixtures due to Bank Holiday weekend.

Enjoy the break everyone, and please get out & and support the Girls!