Club Notes - 28th April 2019

​Lotto
Jackpot - €8,450 No Winner
Numbers Drawn - 2, 10, 15, 24

€30 winners
• Declan Hoare, Ardsallaghmore.
• Berney Higgins, Tulsk.
• Ann Harkins, C/o K Collins.
• Dylan Keane, Donamon.

Thanks to everyone who bought and sold tickets your support is very much appreciated.

Message from Chairperson April 2019

Roscommon Gaels GAA club 60th Anniversary

Our club is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year as the club was formed when the two GAA clubs in Roscommon town St. Comans and Eoghan Ruadh's (Rows) joined together under the banner of Roscommon Gaels on 1st May 1959. A series of events and activities to celebrate this diamond anniversary are planned over the year.

The first of these events is the official opening and blessing of the facilities in Lisnamult. This will take place on the weekend of the 1st of June 2019- the highlight of which is a family and members fun day on Saturday 1st June with BBQ, mini matches, skills competitions, presentations and lots of fun activities in Lisnamult during the day and the presentation of the club awards for 2018 in “Oscars” function room rear of Hollywood Bar) that night. Plans are being put in place for this and details of all the activities will be circulated in the next few days.

The first quarter of 2019 has been really busy with a huge amount happening both on and off the pitch.

Teams, Coaching & Education

At this stage of the year almost all age groups in all codes are out on the field having done some indoor work. A number of teams are at the business end of the leagues or championships and are in semi -finals or finals at this early stage of the year- well done all. An incredible amount of time, energy, commitment and planning goes into training these teams so we encourage people to come and support the people who put in great effort to prepare teams and play for Roscommon Gaels and who represent our club with great pride. Best of luck to all the Roscommon Gaels players and their coaches for the remainder of the 2019 competitions.

Following the Club Mentoring programme in 2018 these were the aims decided upon
· the club school link,
· extend the coaching committee and
· to do some coach training both externally and internally within the club

These were implemented by the coaching committee under the guidance of the 2018 coaching officer John Donnellan. These were successful put into action and have yielded dividends.

The club school link was an excellent development with all Junior & /or Senior infants in St Comans Wood, Gaelscoil de hIde and Kilteevan primary schools were coached by a group of volunteer coaches from our club. The coaches did the ABC (agility, balance & coordination) programme and basic skills in football and hurling/camogie with all the children. At the end of six months the students got a presentation of a certificate and a Gaels wristband and the fruits of this programme have transferred into the Academy with great numbers attending in the first few weeks. Many thanks to all the coaches involved in this initiative, Mick Byrne, Seamus O’Neill, Decie Walsh, Paulie Hoare, Dion Hegarty, John Conneely, John Donnellan, Adrian Tully, Teresa Hession and Enda Daly

As mentioned earlier the Academy for camogie/ hurling and football for all school going children U6 has begun on Tuesdays ( for girls) and Wednesdays (for boys) in the Hyde with great numbers of both players and coaches participating. The children do a similar programme to the one that the club coaches ran in the parish primary schools and there has been a great uptake on both evening with lots of new parents happy to assist. It is a wonderful initiative and being received very positively. Well done to all involved in the planning, organising and execution of this programme

Child Protection & safe guarding

The club has successfully run two child protection courses in 2019 and any coaches have attended various coaching courses at both foundation and Level 1. Lots of good work has been done in the club to ensure we are compliant with the legal requirement that all coaches and mentors who have players u18 on their panels must be garda vetted. However there may be some who have joined panels late etc and they are reminded that garda vetting is a legal requirement when working with children in the GAA / LGFA / Camogie and GAA e-vetting must be done immediately via the link on the GAA website. Garda vetting from workplaces or other voluntary organisations will not suffice . Anyone who has not completed a child protection course or a foundation training course should contact our childrens officers, Peter Mullen and Maire Allen, asap to get their name down for these as a matter of urgency.

An AED / defibrillator course was held recently with a good attendance. Thanks to all for completing this vital training. It is a life skill we hope you never have to use but if you do use it then you may save a life.

Feile Football 2019

Following the incredible success of the camogie and hurling feile last year the Connacht region has been chosen for the football feile for boys and girls in June 2019. This was one of the highlights of the GAA year in the Gaels last year as it was brilliantly organised and run with huge numbers of club people working on the planning of the events, preparation of teams, hosting of players, entertainment and refreshments as well as the preparations of our playing facilities and funding of gear and teams etc. We have three teams involved again this year with two girls teams and one boys team enetered. This is a whole club event and planning is well underway for the upcoming football feile. Please support all initiatives to make this equally as successful and memorable as last year’s feile was . Other club activities

Other club activities

The progressive 25 cards on a Monday night (which just finished up for the summer months and will recommence on 21st Oct 2019)and bingo on a Sunday night both in the Hyde centre have proven to
be a great success with ever growing numbers and give our community a connection with our club as well as providing much loved weekly social events. Thanks to all to run and organise these very important events

Roscommon Gaels All Stars team

Another new initiative which is coming next month is the Roscommon Gaels All Stars team for primary children from the parish and beyond with special or additional needs so that they can enjoy the benefits of team sport and being part of a GAA club. This is a really positive development in the club, Thanks to those who are driving this initiative to make it a reality.

Club Mass

A large crowd attended the club mass in early February in the Sacred Heart Church. It was a lovely occasion to celebrate the activities of Roscommon Gaels in our parish and was a real celebration of our club. It was a fitting way to remember the deceased members of our club and also people who are ill or going through difficulties and to look forward to the coming year. Huge thanks to Una Ni Chuinn for organising the Mass and to all those who sang / played music, read and presented gifts and to Fr. Joe for celebrating the Mass for us.

Hyde Park

There is a group of very hard working people who work tirelessly before, during and after big match days in the shops and programme selling in the Hyde and whose contribution to the club is valued and raises much needed revenue for the running of the club. They have been particularly busy with a lot of NHL and NFL as well as LGFA matches in the Hyde from the 2nd week in January to early April with the culmination of the league.

Developments in Lisnamult

We all should be very proud of the dressing rooms, toilets etc that have been in use since June 2018. They have greatly enhanced the club and is much admired by all who have used it. We should be especially proud of the air to water heating system that has been certified by SEAI.

Currently the finance and development group is looking at the next phase of development of our facilities in Lisnamult. These include development of new car park spaces, resurfacing and lighting of existing car park and putting astro turf surface, fencing and proper lighting in front of sports wall to make it more user friendly for the whole year especially when adverse weather and poor lighting prevails. The further treatment and development of our pitches is always ongoing. These developments as well as the running of the club and paying our debts on our facilities are expensive
and constant and will need to be funded through various fundraising initiatives, lotto sales etc. All of this will need the full support of all the club and the wider community.

To finance and help in the running of the club and to further develop the facilities in Lisnamult we would encourage
​
• Participate in the upcoming fundraising events
• We are encouraging all club members to support our weekly Lotto( the jackpot currently stands at €8,000) by subscribing on an annual basis - €90 per year pay upfront (resulting in 8 free draw entries) or pay €8 per month standing order (resulting in 4 free draw entries). This is less than €2 per week.
• Donate to the club towards the development of the club facilities
• Sponsorship
• You can help with teams by coaching, assisting at training, umpiring at matches, helping with refreshments after matches or other club events etc
• Get involved in organising a fundraiser or a club event
• Become an administrator
• Help with Scor or any of the social or cultural activities
• Assist with programme selling or in the shops on match day in the Hyde or Lisnamult
• Become part of a team that sells the Lotto weekly
• Be a part of the club in any way that you can as it is a most rewarding, satisfying social and enjoyable experience for all the family
We thank you all for the work that is currently being done and for your support of Roscommon Gaels club in the past. It is very much appreciated. We look forward to the 60th anniversary year and urge everyone to participate in the celebration of this special year starting on the 1st June.

“Ní neart go cur le chéile - there is no strength without unity”

Is mise le meas
Treasa Uí hOisín
Cathaoirleach Gaeil Roscomaín CLG

Camogie  
U8 and U10 Camogie
U8 and U10 Camogie continue to train Friday evenings at Lisnamult from 6.30-7.30pm all welcome.

Hurleys for sale
We have hurleys for sale in the club if parents or coaches wish to contact me on 0863466465.
22”, 24” cost €10 each. 
26”, 28” cost €15 each. 30”, 32” cost €20 each. 
33”, 34”, 35” cost €25 each. 

U14 Camogie
On Sunday 28th April the Roscommon Gaels U14 Camogie team took on Tulsk in their Championship final in Oran.  With a panel of 25 the game started strongly with a goal and a point for Roscommon Gaels.  All the play was in the Gaels forward line and at half time the Gaels were up 2:6 to no score.  Several changes were made at half time and the Gaels continued with their winning streak to finish the game a decisive 5:8 to no score.  Scorers on the day were from  Grace Geraghty, Ava Mulry, Gwen Killion, Emma Hough, Ciara Killeen, Alannah Sutton, Beibhinn Hoare, Jane King, Zara Fallon, Shauna Walsh, Grace O Gara, Anna Kiernan,  This is the end of the Championship but the league starts for u14 Camogie on May 7th.  This panel of girls brought all the skill they have been developing since they began training in ,this year, to the game and demonstrated the potential they have going forward to be one of the strongest camogie teams in the County.

​Béibhínn Hoare, captain of Roscommon Gaels U14 camogie team being presented with the U14 Shield following the Gaels win against Tulsk in the County final on Sunday April 28th 2019.

U18 and Adult Camogie
Hi all. Camogie training for U18 and Adult will commence on Thursday 2nd May in Lisnamult from 6.30pm to 7.45pm. We will also train on Saturday’s in Lisnamult.
U16 players are invited to come along too so we can discuss the season ahead with everyone. Ideally U16 should be training separately with their peers to focus on the U16 competition. However at present we do not have a management group to take U16 camogie. If anyone among you parents would like to discuss same with us please feel free. See you all on Thursday evening next.

Congrats
Congratulations to Niamh Kilmartin who replaced Sheila O’Donohoe as the new Camogie Association Secretary.  We would like to wish  Niamh all the best in her new role.  

Camán to Croker
What a fantastic day we had in Croke Park last  with our under 12s . We are so proud of these girls who represented their club and county so well. A day the girls will never forget. Huge thanks to all involved.  Camán to Croker is a blitz for U12 teams. They played in three 12-a-side games, meeting teams from all over the country. This is a wonderful day for all teams and mentors and one we hope the girls will cherish forever.

Feile News
Maeve and Seamus Carthy received this message from an Ennistymon player that they hosted last year at Feile. 

"Hi Meave and family... Hope all is good with ye...just thought i’d text you to let yea know we qualified for the All Ireland Feile this year again and the lads went out and played a very tough semi final and final to qualify, their determination was unreal so alot of that is down to the Céad mile failte and hospitality they got from yer wonderful Club Roscommon Gaels and not forgetting the host families last year, so ye are spoken highly of down here in Ennistymon the past week....just thought it would be nice to let ye know...." 

What a lovely message to get.  We are still short some feile homes if you would like to host please get in contact with Finbar O’Reilly or Declan Walsh.

​Hurling
U10 Hurling
Our U-10 hurlers enjoyed a Chocolate detox training session on Easter Monday
Our first Blitz is coming up shortly so it’s important parents encourage the boys to do some home practice .
Training continues every Monday 6.30 pm to 7.30 pm. 

LGFA
U12 Ladies Football
Our Dermot Hughes Sponsored u12 girls continued their excellent form of recent weeks with a hard fought victory over Strokestown in Lisnamult on Tuesday evening. 

Having recently overcome tough competition from St. Faithleach’s and Kilbride the girls knew they would need a big performance in their first home game of the year and they did not disappoint. All the girls on the pitch played their hearts out with excellent performances from one to fifteen. 

Our Dermot Hughes Sponsored U12 girls were very busy this week the girls ended their East League campaign with a magnificent win over St Mary’s on Friday evening.  The girls played exceptionally well in tough conditions.  

The girls have put in some excellent performances over the past few weeks and we wish them continued luck and success in the weeks to come.  Their foucus  now turns to the Summer League which kicks off next Sunday the 5th of May with an away game against Eire Óg. 

U14 Ladies Football
Roscommon Gaels 2-07 Clann na nGael 4-04
Our McNeills Stores Sponsored U14 Girls played the first round of the Div 1 League on Wednesday evening last on a wet and cold evening in Johnstown.  A rush of goals 5 mins in with Clann finding the net on three occassions put us on the backfoot from the start.  Two crucial changes 6 mins in made all the difference.  Clann only scored two more points  after our change.  Half time score 3-3 Clann to Roscommon Gaels 0-7.  

We were dominant for most of the 2nd half and fought hard to the very end a pass from Shauna Walsh to Lauren O’Connor ended in the back of the net to level the two teams for the first time in the game. 

Clann found the back of the net one more time.   With only seconds to go Roscommon Gaels had another chance at goal which was saved by the  Clann keeper.  Our girls showed great determination and spirit and never put their heads down.   We take away a lot of learning which will help with the girls development.  As management we understand that kicking 17 Wides 10 of them from frees is something we need to work on with the girls. Despite a fantastic come back they were bet by a goal. Despite losing these girls should be very proud of their performance.   One thing for sure the future of Ladies football in Roscommon Gaels is looking bright with the quality and skill of this bunch of girls...... Great to see such a great crowd to cheer them on too.  Captain on the evening was Sarah Purcell.  

Team:  Caitlin Hannon, Eve McNeill, Beibhinn Hoare, Kate Harlow, Ciara Killeen, Sarah Purchell (c), Emma Hough, Carole Greene, Alannah Sutton, Zara Fallon, Ava Mulry 0-02, Martha McSharry, Grace Geraghty, Shauna Walsh 1-05, Molly Rose Finneran, Eimear O’Farrell for Beibhinn Hoare, Jenny Morris for Martha McSharry, Lauren O’Connor 1-0 for Grace Geraghty, Orla Dwyer on for Molly Rose Finneran.  Thank you to Clann for facilitating another game afterwards for our younger U14 girls with their Div 4 Team.  It was great to get all girls game time.
Next up we play Oran in Round 2 at 7pm on Wed 1st of May at Lisnamult.

U16 Ladies Football
The Ladies continue to train away with the Div 2 League Final looming on Sunday 5th of May in St Faithleachs at 3.30pm v Oran. In what is bound to be an epic battle between the two sides.  The best of luck to the Ladies and Managment.  All support greatly appreciated.

Roscommon County Football
Hardluck to Shauna Regan and Hollie Harkins who were on the U16 Roscommon County Football Team.  The girls had a tough encounter v Galway on Friday evening.  

The best of luck to Ava Mulry, Jenny Morris, Shauna Walsh & Zara Fallon ahead of the new U14 All Ireland Football Series.  The Girls are managed by Roscommon Gaels man Declan Walsh.  This was to take place Saturday but was postponed due to storm Hannah it has been rescheduled for the 11th of May.  Venue tbc.  

Football
U8 Football
Our U8 boys train on Saturday from 10-11am on the front pitch in Lisnamult.

U10 Football
Roscommon Gaels U10 Lads continue to train on Tuesday evenings 7-8pm on the back pitch in Lisnamult.

U12 Football Lads
The U12 Football boys started their Spring League fixtures today.  We have 3 teams at U12 playing this year, which may be the first time in the Clubs history.  Our Div 1 and Div 6 sides overcame Padraig Pearses in Woodmount this morning.  Our Div 5 team travelled to Boyle and went down to a good Boyle side.  Next up is training on Thursday evening from 6.45pm to 8pm.  All 3 teams are back in league action next Sunday at home in Lisnamult against St Dominic’s in the first 2 games and Western Gales in the 3rd.

Minor Football
Our Minor footballers had a good win on Friday night defeating Elphin/Ballinameen on a scoreline of Roscommon Gaels 1-08 Elphin/Ballinameen 1-07.  It was much improved display from the team and it resulted in a deserved one point win thanks to a goal from Mikey Corcoran with the last kick of the game.  This win leaves the lads in a play off for the league semi final which could happen this coming Tuesday.  Three teams have finished on 8 points and a draw will take place tomorrow to determine who plays first.

Div 4 League
Well done to our Junior lads who defeated Tulsk yesterday final score Roscommon Gaels 6-14 Tulsk 1-10.  Next match is against St Dominics away on the 11th of Mary.

U15 County Development
National U15 Football Development Squad Tournament:
Roscommon U15 football development squads commenced their National U15 football tournament on  Saturday in Scotstown against Antrim. Roscommon Gaels are represented by Ethan O’Reilly, DJ Hession, David Hough, Jack Fleming, Rodhan Dowd and Senan Lamb.  Well done lads .