Community & GAA Notes

LOTTO

Lotto Results 16th May. Numbers drawn, 17, 18, 28. No Jackpot winner. €30 each to Peter Nolan, James Dowling, Stephen Whearty, Robbie McPartlan, Barbara Farrell. Thanks to all for your support.

SUPPORTERS CLUB

Kilkenny GAA Supporters Club. For anyone wishing to join or pay their membership renewal please contact Martin Nolan of Clara at 086-2343254. Thanks for the support.

PILTOWN DRAW

Hurlers co-op member draw tickets (Piltown tickets) are now available from Executive, Camogie and LGFA committee members, senior hurlers and camogie players or contact Dermot Nolan 0879206998. This is an important fundraiser for our club and your support is appreciated. First draw takes place on June 13th.

COUNTY

Hard luck to David Barcoe who was part of the Kilkenny minor team that lost out to Munster champions Clare in the All Ireland semi-final in Thurles on Saturday. Davy was introduced as a late sub as 14 man Kilkenny went under to a strong second half Clare display.

Well done to backroom sta Conor Phelan and John Murphy for their part in Kilkenny’s victory over Dublin in Nowlan Park on Saturday.

JUNIOR D

The Clara Junior Ds had a terrific 2-16 to 3-10 victory over St. Martins on Sunday morning. Initially struggling to field a team, players like Gary and Noel Kehoe and Thomas Armitage answered the call and made up the numbers for Clara. All three played their part in the victory but this was a win for the whole team. Ned Langton, who had an outstanding game, picked up a nasty looking injury near the end but hopes were high that it mightn’t be too serious. Ned and midfield partner Harry Boyle, along with forwards Sean Carrigan and Noel Kehoe were the only scorers for Clara but they still managed to hold on for the win.

Team - Ruairi Breen, Nick O Kee e, Mick McDonald, John Brennan. Cian Kelly, Gary Kehoe, Adam Harding. Harry Boyle 0-9, 0-4f, Ned Langton 1-2. Conor (Curly) Phelan, Noel Kehoe 0-2, Sean Carrigan 1-3. Eoin Harding, Ben Nolan, Thomas Armitage.

CAMOGIE

The U10 Camogie team had a busy week playing matches. On Wednesday night they travelled to Thomastown for a Go Games blitz competing against teams from Thomastown and Gowran. On Saturday Bennettsbridge travelled to Clara for more Go Games. There was plenty of fantastic skill on show over the matches played. Well done to all the girls and coaches and parents for facilitating the development of these players for the future.

Diocesan Pilgrimage To Lourdes

The annual Diocesan Pilgrimage 2023 to Lourdes begins this week. It will be led by our Bishop Niall Coll. The annual Lourdes Church door collection will be taken up next weekend before all our masses.

FIRST HOLY COMMUNION IN GOWRAN CHURCH

Congratulations to our First Holy Communicants and the families involved. 23 young boys and girls received the ‘Bread of Life’ for the first of numerous occasions during their lives. There is one other mass on Corpus Christi which is the 11th June. Hopefully all the boys and girls will dress up again for this mass of thanksgiving

YEAR OF PRAYER FOR VOCATIONS

As the Irish Church has now begun a special year of prayer for Vocations please join with us in praying for the needs of our own Diocese. You can pray the Novena at home and they will pray it at our daily Masses in the Parish. Copies of the Novena prayers are available in the Church.

GOWRAN PITCH AND PUTT

Great day for the club at the Leinster Matchplay finals in Enniscorthy. The club were represented in both of the inter and junior semifinals and finals. Mark Comerford and Patrick Robinson in the intermediate and James Casey and Robert Middleton in the junior. Mark and James won their semifinals with Robert and Patrick narrowly beaten in their games.

Mark finished runner up in the final to the home course player Wayne Allen.

James won the junior final against another home course player Jack Kirwin. Well done to James on his win and all the players who represented the club over the weekend in two immaculately prepared courses in Bagenalstown Pitch and Putt and St Patricks Enniscorthy.

GOWRAN BOYS WIN YOUNG IRELANDS U-12 TOURNAMENT

The annual U-12 Young Irelands Tournament took place in Gowran with this years Tournament held in honour of Beatrice Treacy. It was a very special occassion on a very special day, and the Young Irelands boys were most fitting winners with the team Captained by Patrick Treacy who is a Grandson of Beatrice.

Beatrice’s Husband Paddy Treacy presented The Cup to Patrick in a very special moment, while her Son Brian “Beano” Treacy came home from New Zealand especially for the occassion.

Before The Tournament began last Saturday morning, the eight teams that competed lined up in a circle led by a Piper Musician. The eight teams that competed were Young Irelands Gowran(Cup Winners), Graigue-Ballycallan, Danesfort, Mullinavat, St. Martins, Mooncoin, Bennettsbridge (Shield Winners) and Barrow Rangers.

Beatrice was a Young Irelands stalwart heavily involved in The Club for so many years with both Hurling and Camogie. She served as PRO of The Club for almost 20 years, while in Millenium Year(2000) she was Editor of The Gowran GAA Story.

She was also a founding member of St. Marys Camogie Club in Gowran, while she was very centrally involved in Kilkenny Camogie both as a County Board delegate and also was a Selector in Kilkenny’s First Senior All-Ireland in 1974.

Beatrice’s Granddaughters Ste i and Ti anie were on The Starting Team as Kilkenny won The Senior All-Ireland last year.

JUNIOR A TEAM SURVIVE TULLAROAN FIGHTBACK

The Young Irelands survived a late onslaught against Tullaroan to win 1-19 to 1-17 last Friday night in Gowran, as they made it two wins from two.

The Gowran Men appeared to be in total control as they led 1-13 to 0-6 at half-time thanks to a Killian Carey goal.

Killian pointed a free at the start of The Second-Half to extend the lead to 11 points (1-14 to 0-6), but Tullaroan came storming back and by about the midway point of the Second-Half they had narrowed the gap to just four points. 1-15 to 0-14.

Young Irelands steadied the ship with points from Dylan Carey, Paddy Langton with a superb long range e ort and Jimmy Lennon as they led by 6 points with less than 10 minutes remaining. 1-18 to 0-15.

However, Tullaroan scored a fortutious goal from a long range shot to halve the deficit(1-18 to 1-15) to set up a nervous finish, but Young Irelands held out for a relieving victory.

JUNIOR F TEAM FINISH STRONG TO OVERCOME BORO

The Young Irelands Junior F Team finished strongly to overcome Dicksboro 1-13 to 0-14 in a most enjoyable and entertaining game in Gowran last week.

Dicksboro led 0-8 to 0-7 at half-time, as Davy Carter pulled o a great save late in the first-half to deny The Boro Men a certain goal.

The City Men were quickest o the blocks at the restart, and by the 41st minute they built up a 0-13 to 0-8 lead.

Thomas Carroll was giving an exhibition for Young Irelands at Centre-Forward as he scored 0-4 from play to keep The Gowran Men in contention. Young Irelands kept chipping away primarily through the exploits of Jack Lagra who added 0-4 - 0-3 from play - as they narrowed the gap to a solitary point entering the closing 5 minutes. 0-14 to 0-0-13. The winning goal came moments later as a well worked move ended up with Diarmuid Langton firing the winning shot to the net. A tenacious display by Young Irelands as their strong work rate laid the platform for victory, with Jack Glendon and Jonny Dunphy in particular magnificent in defence.

U-19 DRAWS

Young Irelands U-19s have been drawn in the same Group as Lisdowney, Ballyhale Shamrocks and Danesfort as they will attempt to defend their League title. Those matches are scheduled to take place in July

YOUNG IRELANDS DOG NIGHT

Young Irelands GAA and Camogie Clubs will host their annual Dog Night in Kilkenny Greyhound Track on Sunday 28th May. There are a whole host of Prizes to be won on the night and a great night out is guaranteed. First Race is at 7.30pm, and Admission is €10 for Adults with Children Free.

All proceeds from Ticket Sales will go to Young Irelands GAA and Camogie Clubs. For further information on The Young Irelands Dog Night, check out The Young Irelands GAA and Camogie Club pages on Facebook for further details.

SEMI-FINAL DISAPPOINTMENT FOR CIAN AND KILKENNY MINORS

There was disappointment for Cian Phelan and The Kilkenny Minors as they were defeated 0-23 to 0-15 against Clare in The All-Ireland Minor Semi-Final in Semple Stadium Thurles last Saturday.

YOUNG IRELANDS GOLF CLASSIC

The annual Young Irelands GAA Golf Classic will take place in Gowran Park on the weekend of Friday 23rd and Saturday June 24th with €3000 in Prize Money on o er. Tee times available on Friday and from 2pm on Saturday, while a Team of 4 costs €200.

Players without a GUI Handicap will be given one on the day, and prizes for Longest Drive, Nearest The Pin and Money Hole.

For further information on Tee Times, contact Liam Walsh on 087 2647248.

SCHOOLS HURLING

Well done to Joseph Langton, Kieran Carter who were part of The St. Kierans College U-15 Panel that won the All-Ireland Super 9s hurling tournament in Gort, Co Galway, while well done also to Dylan Brennan, Liam Farrell and Dylan Drennan who were part of The St. Kierans College Panel that won The Leinster 1st year Final in Inistioge.

St. Kierans College won 3-12 to 0-16 against Good Counsel of New Ross as Dylan Brennan was both Goalkeeper and ViceCaptain.

PRIMARY SCHOOLS CAMOGIE FINALS

One of The biggest days in Young Irelands Grounds takes place next Sunday as five Primary Schools Camogie Finals will be played on what is a very special day, as many of the girls will be playing in their first Final.

First up at 11am, Conahy National School play Moneenroe National School in The Roinn F Final, Tullaroan National School play Paulstown National School in The Roinn D Final at 12.30pm, while St. Aidans National School Kilmanagh play Freshford National School in The Roinn C Final at 2pm. Tullogher-Rosbercon National School play Muckalee National School The Roinn B Final at 3.30pm, while the days activities will be concluded by The Roinn A Final between Bunscoil Macauley Ris and Clara National School at 5pm.

Stella Langton from Young Irelands will be playing for her School An action packed day of Camogie Finals to look forward to on a very special day for The young girls.

COUNTY FINAL WINNING TEAMS

It is hoped to honour The County Senior Final winning Teams of 1996 and 2002 along with The Intermediate County Final winning Team of 1992 at a Presentation Night either later this year or early in 2024. It was hoped to have the night out in 2021, but unfortunately it couldn’t take place due to The Covid Restrictions.

U-11 HURLING

Well done to the Young Irelands U11s who gave a great display of hurling as they welcomed St Vincent’s GAA Dublin who stopped by on their way to Nowlan Park for The Kilkenny against Dublin Match.

MAGS HENNESSY

Mags Hennessy was awarded The Club person of the year at The Kilkenny Rugby Club Awards. Mags received the award for her e orts in helping promote the Womens game, and her trojan work in helping The Adults, Minis and Youths. Congratulations Mags on a well deserved Award.

CLUB LOTTO

There was no winner of club lotto dated May 16th. Numbers drawn were 1, 2, 8, 20 Bonus 27 Play now at www.oloughlingaels.com/lotto

Promotors Draw:1. Shiela Fahy c/o Mick Nolan. 2. Delores Walsh c/o Ml Doran. 3. Dinny and Mags c/o G Buckley. 4. Jimmy and Ann Doyle c/o E Maher. 5. Joan Knox c/o N Tyrrell 6. Anita Corcoran c/o Ann Cullen. 7. Murty Bambrick c/o Paddy Greene. 8. Brian Hogan c/o Online. 9. Nigel Farrely c/o Online. 10. Paula

Rogers c/o Online. Thank you for your continued support

LEINSTER CHAMPIONS

Congratulations to Laura Greene and Danielle Quigley who helped Kilkenny Camogie Intermediates to a Leinster Title on Saturday last. Laura was also awarded the Player of the Match accolade a er a powerful performance at mid-field . Well done to both girls

CLUB TEAMS

Please continue to support all our club teams. Fixtures will be posted on O’Loughlin Gaels Club social media. All our teams are working very hard and enjoy your support.

CAMOGIE

All roads lead to Gowran on Sunday28th May when the St.Lachtain’s National School camogie girls take on St.Aidans in the final of the Cumann na mBunscoil competition at 2pm. The girls are wished all the best in the final and local support would be greatly appreciated so why not go along and cheer them on.

PEGGY CULLINAN RIP

The people of Freshford and surrounds were saddened last week to hear of the passing of Peggy Cullinan, late of Riverside Drive, Kilkenny and formerly of Kilkenny Street, Freshford. The deceased who was in her 80s was a member of a well known and respected family in the village. She was a kind caring and good living lady and worked as a Nurse for many years in the Clinic in James’ Green and amongst the community in the County. She was predeceased by her brothers John, Joe, Frank and Charlie and her sister Mai. Her Funeral Mass took place in St.Canice’s Church, Kilkenny on Sunday morning last followed by burial in St. Lachtains Cemetery, Freshford. She is mourned by her brothers Pat, Jimmy and Fr. Billy, her sister Joan, sisters in law, brother in law, nephews, nieces, grandnieces and grandnephews and extended family to whom sincere sympathy is extended

SUMMER CAMP

Freshford’s longest running annual summer camp will be held again this year from the 31st July to 4th August at the GAA Grounds. This camp has been organised and run for the past two decades almost by local man JJ Grace and his aids. For bookings or more information please contact JJ on 086 8629666

CONCERT

Féile Lachtain 2023 continues this weekend with a concert by upcoming singer/songwriter Ciara Dalton and friends at Ionad Lachtain on Saturday at 8.00 p.m. Ciara is from Dublin and has strong family connections with Freshford. Her most recent performance in Dublin was at Whelan’s of Camden Street. Admission is €10. Tickets on Eventbrite or at the door.

LIGHTING OF WALKWAY AT GAA CLUB

Councillor Mick McCarthy was delighted to welcome funding recently for the lighting of the proposed new walkway project in St.Lachtain’s GAA Club. The money has been allocated under the Committee Recognition fund and will be of great benefit to the community and surrounding area.

LOOP CAFE

The Committee of the Loop Café held a very successful fundraiser on Friday night last in Kavanagh’s Bar with Rod Stewart tribute providing the entertainment.

Thanks to all those who meet a friend for a cup of co ee/tea and homemade scones or get lunch at a very reasonable price, who supported the event or donated in any way.

The Café which is a great addition to the village is open from Tuesday to Saturday each week from 9.30am to 4pm.

DEATH

James Cahill of Ennis, Co. Clare and formerly of Moated House, Kilkenny Road, Freshford. James was a brother of the late Jack Cahill and a member of St.Lachtains Junior hurling team that won the County final in 1959, beating Thomastown in the final, Funeral mass took place in St Joseph’s Church, Ennis followed by burial in Drumcli e Cemetery.

The lucky winner of the May draw was Geraldine Kelly who won the sum of €182. The draw takes place once a month and tickets can be bought in any of the shops in the village or local pubs at just 2e each.

PLAYGROUND

Work is progressing fast and is now at the latter stages at the local Playground on the Kilkenny Road and it hoped that the playground will be opened within the next few weeks. This will be a great additional benefit to the villagae and much credit is due to the hard working Committee who have worked tiredlessly for the past few years to get this playground up and running.

MEMORIAL WALK

The Catherine Kavanagh 10 year Anniversary Memorial Walk will take place on Sunday June 18th starting from the GAA Grounds at 12.15pm. All are welcome to come along and join in, in honour of Catherine. Donations will be accepted and donation boxes will be available in the Clubrooms. All proceeds will go to the local branch of St. Vincent de Paul.

HERITAGE CENTRE

Ionad Lachtain Church, Arts and Heritage Centre is open every Saturday and Sunday from 11.30 to 4.30. Gi s on sale to suit every occasion.

FITNESS

Fitness sessions Boxing/fitness sessions at Community Hall

Freshford – Have you had a diagnoses of Parkinsons, Alzheimers or other neurological condition? If so maybe you are keen to get some level of fitness back or work on you balance or upper body strength? If so, these classes are just what you need. Classes take place each Tuesday from 11am to 12 noon - sessions cost just €10 each and are facilitated by a boxing coach. They will also give you the chance to socialise and meet other people. For more information or to sign up please contact Brenda Cooper on 0871369253

HELP FOR ALL

Are you struggling with anxiety or depression or finding life di icult or feeling isolated at this time GROW is there to help you. Their Mental Health support Groups are free and confidential and open to all no referral or booking is needed. For more information on same you can contact Mary on 087 284342 If you can’t cope and need support text HELLO to 50808.

SAMARITAN - Whatever you’re going through a Samaritan will face it with you – available 24 hours a day 365 days a year –Freephone 1161Alone is available for older people who need support and you can call them on 0818 222024 (8am to 8pm)

AMBER KILKENNY WOMENS REFUGE – is available for confidential support relating to domestic violence - call them on 1850 424244 (24/7) or on 056 7771404 or email into@amberwomensrefuge.ie.

CHURCH NEWS

VISIT OF BISHOP COLL

Bishop Niall Coll will celebrate Mass in Bennettsbridge Church on Sunday 28th May at 10.30am. We look forward to welcoming Bishop Coll to St Bennett’s Church and meeting him a erwards in the Community Centre.

LOURDES CHURCH DOOR COLLECTION

The Annual Church door collection for the Lourdes Invalid Fund will be held next weekend in both churches

FUNDING FOR BRIDGE PLAYGROUND

Under the Community Recognition Fund Bennettsbridge playground has been awarded €35,500 for the provision of an inclusive roundabout, inclusive play panels, the installation of bike parking stands and general upgrades

SESSIONS HOUSE – CENTRE OF EXCELLENCE

Local councillor, Deirdre Cullen was delighted to welcome Minister Heather Humphries to Thomastown for the o icial opening of Sessions House. This project received funding from the Rural Regeneration Development Fund in partnership with Kilkenny County Council and the Design Cra Council. Sessions House will be a centre of excellence for Jewellery and Goldsmith 3rd level accreditation bringing educational opportunities, employment and footfall to the town. A very positive day for Thomastown.

LOTTO RESULTS

Lotto 25th May. No winner of Jackpot. Numbers, 11, 17, 22, 28. Consolation Prizes, Rory Tyrell, c/o Richie Cody, Carmel Egan, Castlegarden, Liam O’Neill, Ballinaboola, Bernadette Vousden, c/o Cra ed, S and P Connery, Norewood Heights.

ART GROUP

Meeting as usual this week as the group continues to work towards the Kilkenny Arts Week Exhibition. This year promises to be a continuation of the success achieved last year and the interest shown in the work of the artists. A vote of sympathy was passed to the family of Veronica Wall, a member of the class who died recently.

GATHERING GROUP

The Gathering Group held their weekly meeting last Wednesday and enjoyed a table quiz with questions set by Mary Williams. This week a visit to Billy’s Tea rooms in Ballyhale is planned. The group will take its summer break shortly.

CAMOGIE

Great win for the Juniors on Sunday. Well done to all. Bennettsbridge/John Lockes 1.14 Piltown 1.06.

U 12 Hurling

Well done to the U12 boys winning the Shield Final at the weekend against Danesfort at the Young Irelands GAA U12 Tournament in honour of Beatrice Treacy.

GAA

Inter county Hurling

Well done to David Blanchfield and the Kilkenny team that defeated Dublin in Nowlan Park in the Leinster championship last weekend. Best wishes for the game this weekend.

GAA SCRAP METAL COLLECTION

Many thanks to all who contributed to Bennettsbridge GAA recent scrap metal collection which had a very good response. Please contact Leo 086-8861906 or Tim 086-3441652 if anyone has more scrap to donate and they will arrange collection.

CLUB HURLING

The Junior B team play Emeralds at home this Friday at 7 pm. Best of luck to both teams. Please see the Kilkenny GAA website for all club fixtures and changes

UNDERAGE GAMES

Our under 13 team had a good win over Emeralds in round three of the league and play Mulllinavat away this Friday night. Our under13 a-side team had a great win over O’Loughlin’s in their first league game last week. Our under 12 hurlers played some great hurling in the Gowran tournament last Saturday. The ‘Bridge lads defeated Mullinavat and Mooncoin and lost out to Gowran in their group to finish second in the group and qualify for the shield final. They played Danesfort in the final and