Athea GAA

Club Draw:

Our Club Draw will be taking place shortly and this is a great opportunity for people to support our local club. Money collected from the draw will also benefit the Coiste na nÓg and Ladies football. Our promoters will be out and about shortly selling tickets and all support would be greatly appreciated.

Matches:

Intermediates:

Athea 2-18   Cappagh/Kilcornan 4-8

Mick Neville Park was the venue as Athea Intermediates played Cappagh/Kilcornan in the fourth round of the league. An impressive first half performance saw Athea lead by ten points at the break. Gerard Ahern opened the scoring with a point. Cappagh/Kilcornan responded with a point of their own, but Kevin O’Keeffe who was put through by Pat Ahern picked his spot and calmly slotted the ball to the roof of the net. Further points from Gerard Ahern(0-7), Sean McGrath(0-1), Jamie Collins(0-1), Pat Ahern(0-1) and a super point from Denis Greaney left Athea with a comfortable lead at the break. The second half was a different story as the opposition came more into the game. Following an exchange of points, Tom Greaney ponced on a long ball in by Tom Collins to punch the ball to the back of the net. Cappagh/Kilcornan hit a purple patch midway through the half as they scored 3-01 to leave just two point between the teams. A strong finish from Athea ensured victory as Gerard Ahern scored four points to leave the final score Athea 2-18, Cappagh/Kilcornan 4-08. Team: Gerard Collins, Shane Tierney, Martin Chawke, Raymond Brouder, Padraig Reidy, Paul Collins, Denis Greaney, Morgan O’ Connor, Michael Reidy, Sean McGrath, Gerard Ahern, Kevin O’ Keeffe, Pat Ahern, Jamie Collins, Conor Mullane. Subs: Tom Greaney(for Kevin O’ Keeffe), Patrick Kiely, Liam O’ Brien, Timmy Enright, Tom Collins(for Morgan O’ Connor), Eoin McCarthy, Dan McMahon, Brian Murphy & Michael Ahern(for Paul Collins).

Fixtures:

Saturday May 4:

The Intermediates will play St. Mary’s/Sean Finn’s in the County Intermediate Championship on Saturday May 4 in Newcastle West.

Meeting

There will be a Committee Meeting this Friday 3^rd May 9.30pm at our Club House. All general members are welcome to attend.

Old Photographs:

The Club are still looking for any old photographs or match programmes from anyone that has them in the parish. Contact John Hunt or Lal Browne.

 

Athea Coiste na nÓg:

Matches:

County Champions:

Athea Girls school team made the long journey to UL on Thursday last to take part in the mini sevens County finals. There were three teams taking part, the games were eight minutes aside and after an open draw Athea were drawn to play Monaleen in the first match. Both teams were evenly matched throughout the game and it was Aibhilín Murphy who opened the scoring when she scored a great goal. Monaleen responded with a point but Aibhilín was on the score sheet once again as she rose the white flag for Athea. Just before half time, the opposition drew level when a mix up at the back allowed Monaleen in for a goal. So it was all to play for in the second half. Sinead Hunt who had a super game in goals pulled off a great save at the start of the half. The score of the tournament came when one of Sinead’s long kick outs was well fielded by Claire Carmody who rounded her marker and after a one two with Rachel Greaney blasted a shot to the roof of the net giving their goalie no chance. Our backs of Ciara O’ Shea and Grace Ryan were in top form and kept the oppositions forwards at bay. Ciana Murphy had a stormer of a game at mid-field as she constantly broke down Monaleen attacks. A late point by Monaleen was not enough as Athea won on a scoreline of 2-01 to 1-02. The second match saw the very impressive Caherline beat Monaleen and that meant it was Athea versus Caherline in the final. Caherline got off to a great start as they scored an early goal. Athea then settled well after this and took the game to the opposition. Mid-way through the half Aibhilín Murphy went on a scoring blitz as she scored 2-01 to rattle Caherline. A super goal by Rachel Greaney just before halftime gave Athea a seven point lead at the break. At the start of the second half Caherline scored an early goal once again and our girls were on the back foot. A huge team effort was called upon and the girls did not disappoint. Sinead Hunt made yet another great save in goals, Ciara O’ Shea and Grace Ryan defended with all their hearts, a free kick which was goal ward bound was bravely blocked down by Claire Carmody for a forty-five. Rachel Greaney and Aibhilín Murphy continued to cause problems for their defense. Ciana Murphy played as if her life depended on it as she covered every part of the field, she was tenacious in her tackling and her distribution of the ball into the forwards was excellent. A late point by Aibhilín Murphy ensured that Athea National Schools Girls team were county champions. Maura Broderick and Ciara Hunt also played their part as they helped the team to get to the finals in the earlier rounds in Mick Neville Park. Grace Ryan accepted the shield on behalf of the team and the whole school came out to cheer and celebrate as the girls arrived back in Athea. A big congratulations goes to Ciana Murphy who was chosen to represent Athea National school in the I.N.T.O mini sevens game which will be played at half time on All Ireland Final Day in Croke Park on the third Sunday in September. This was a great day for Athea National school and Athea football and a big thank you goes to all involved. Team: Sinead Hunt, Grace Ryan, Ciara O’ Shea, Ciana Murphy, Claire Carmody, Aibhilín Murphy, Rachel Greaney, Ciara Hunt & Maura Broderick.

Gum Shields:

Following the GAA’s Annual Congress in April 2012 a new rule was enacted that made it mandatory to use a mouth guard in all Football Games and Football Training sessions from January 1st 2013 for all age grades up to and including Minor. The club by ordering in bulk can buy them for €5 each. If you wish to order one please contact Jacqueline.

Coiste na nÓg on line:

You can now view all our notes ,results, fixtures and pictures of Athea Coiste na nÓg on the Athea GAA website. Just go to www.atheagaa.com and click on the ” Coiste Main Page” for all the latest news and information.

Fixtures for May:

Wednesday May 8:

U12: Athea U12’s are at home to Gerald Griffins on Wednesday evening May 8 at 6.30pm in Páirc na nGael. Players to be at the field for 6.10pm.

Friday May 10:

U10: Athea U10’s have a home Blitz on Friday evening May 10 in Páirc na nGael at 6:30pm. Players to be at the field for 6.10pm.

Sunday May 12:

County Final:

U15: Athea U15’s will play St.Marys/Sean Finns in the County Final on Sunday evening May 12 in Templeglantine at 7.15pm. Cars leaving the village at 6.30pm. All support would be greatly appreciated.

Training:

Wednesday May 1:

U12: Training for U12’s will continue this Wednesday evening May 1 in Páirc na nGael from 7pm to 8pm. All players are asked to attend. For any player who has not registered they can do so on the night.

Friday May 3:

U6: Training for U6’s will continue this Friday evening May 3 from 6.30pm to 7.30pm in Páirc na nGael. Any player who has not registered can do so on the night. All players need to wear gum shields and can be purchased from the Club for €5. For any player who has not registered they can do so on the night.

U8: Training for U8’s will continue this Friday evening May 3 from 6.30pm to 7.30pm in Páirc na nGael. Any player who has not registered can do so on the night. All players need to wear gum shields and can be purchased from the Club for €5.

U10: Training for U10’s will continue this Friday evening May 3 from 6.30pm to 7.30pm in Páirc na nGael. Any player who has not registered can do so on the night. All players need to wear gum shields and can be purchased from the Club for €5.

Tuesday May 7:

U14 & U15: Training for U14 & U15 will continue next Tuesday evening May 7 in Páirc na nGael from 6pm to 7pm. All players are asked to attend.

Registration:

For any player who has not registered with the club, you can still do so by contacting John Hunt or Jacqueline. Registration costs €15 for any U6 player, for U8’s up to U16’s it will be €25 for one child and €40 for a family of 2 or more children. Any child registering for the first time please bring a copy of their birth cert. The Club will offer a €10 refund to any parent that helps out the club with fundraising during the year.

Croke Park/Parnells visit:

A bus load of 43 children and 11 adults left Athea at 8.30am on a sunny Saturday morning last for what turned out to be an absolutely fabulous day for Athea Coiste na nÓg. We arrived in Parnells very impressive GAA Club grounds in Dublin at 1pm to a very warm welcome by their officials. Shortly afterwards both our U10 and U12 teams togged out and played very exciting matches against the locals. Following the matches, all our boys and girls were presented with medals and our Club Chairman Paul Curry was presented with a beautiful plaque as a memento of our visit to Parnells. Paul in turn presented Parnells with a token of appreciation and gratitude for the kindness and warm welcome they expressed to us on the day. As our children were treated to lunch upstairs in the clubhouse, all our coaches were given a tour of the ultra modern complex. We would like to thank all at Parnells GAA club for their hospitality shown to us on the day. We departed Parnells at 4 p.m for the short trip to Croke Park and all our boys and girls put on the white t-shirts which were kindly sponsored by our Athea GAA Senior Club to mark the occasion with ” Supporting Limerick” printed on the front and “Athea Coiste na nÓg 2013” printed on the back. This is a nice keepsake for the children to have for years to come. The excitement was building as we marched into the Hogan stand to support the Limerick Senior Football team in the Division 4 league final. The atmosphere the boys and girls created did not go unnoticed by Croke Park officials as they surprised all of us by giving us a tour of the dressing rooms just before the throw in. A constant chant of “Lets go Limerick, Lets go” could be heard all around the stadium throughout the whole match. When the final whistle went, all our children and coaches were delighted with the Limerick victory and celebrated with them as Limerick footballers lead by Captain Seanie Buckley marched up the steps of the Hogan Stand to receive their cup. There was great excitement back home in the parish as the children were easily spotted on TG4 wearing their white t-shirts throughout the match. On the way home a welcome stop at Supermacs was enjoyed by all and we arrived back in the village safe and sound at around 11.30pm. The following morning Athea Coiste na nÓg boys and girls were complimented on their great efforts for Supporting the Limerick Senior footballers by Limerick management, players and supporters of the team who were at the match in Croke Park. This indeed was a day to be remembered for all the children and adults who travelled to Dublin and as one child put it “it was the best day of my life”. Many thanks to all those involved and to all the coaches who travelled up on the day and to Athea GAA senior Club for their kind sponsorship of the t-shirts.

County:

We would like to congratulate the Limerick Senior Footballers on their great victory over Offaly in this years Division four league final in Croke Park last Saturday. After a slow start Limerick found themselves six points down midway through the first half but they soon got into their stride and were on level terms at the break, The second half was score for score and with five minutes to go Limerick were two points down when they introduced Derry O’ Connor who made an immediate impact scoring two super points, one with either leg. A point from Man of the match Stephen Lavin and a forty five from Seamus O’ Carroll ensured Limerick victory on a scoreline of Limerick 0-16,  Offaly  1 -1 1.

Cúl Camp:

This years Cúl camp will take place in Páirc na nGael from Monday July 8 to Friday July 12 from 10.00am to 2.30pm.. You can book on line at www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie and save €5 with the code from promotional packs of Kelloggs Cornflakes and Rice Krispies. Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps provide boys and girls between the ages of 6 and 13 with an action packed week full of activities, fun and games. The cost of the camp is €55 for the first child, €45 for the second and €40 for the third and subsequent child. Booking forms will be available at a later date. If you have any queries please contact Jacqueline.

Athea United Soccer

Bs WIN LEAGUE TO COMPLETE THE DOUBLE
Last Sunday our Bs won the Division 3 title without kicking a ball after nearest challengers Ferry Rangers failed to win at home to Knockaderry thus giving us an unassailable lead at the top of the table. In so doing we completed the League/Cup double in Division 3, the first time ever this has been achieved in the club at junior level. It is not the first time a team from the club has done the double, that distinction fell to our U14s in 2000 with many of that squad now playing junior football. Credit to managers Bobby Barrett and Paudie Lynch and the great squad of players who have worked really hard this season and it is now paying off in abundance.

BIG GAMES AT THE VALES NEXT SUNDAY

Last Sunday was a big day for the club at junior level with the Bs clinching the league. It was also a big day for our As with a dramatic late winner from Padraig Reidy at home to Rockhill Rovers sees them now in contention for promotion. Next Sunday we have a massive double header with the Bs at home to Knockaderry in the league at 11.30am and after the game they will be presented with the league trophy. Then at 2.30pm the As have another crunch game when they host league leaders Kildimo Utd and we hope to have big support for this vital game. So no doubt its all happening at The Vales next Sunday and hopefully a big support for both junior teams.

Division 1 League

Athea Utd A       (2)  3    Kevin Murphy, Padraig Reidy (2)

Rockhill Rvs        (1)  2

Referee Paul O’Brien.

ATHEA UTD FIXTURES
Saturday, May 4^th    

U10s away to Kilcolman B at 11.30am.

Sunday, May 5^th    

Junior As home to Kildimo Utd at 2.30pm.

Junior Bs home to Knockaderry at 11.30am.

FAI SUMMER SOCCER SCHOOLS 2013

Once again it’s the time of the year to start to think about the FAI Summer Soccer Schools and like previous years Athea Utd will be hosting one at The Vales from Monday, July 22^nd to Friday, July 26^th. All the camps are open to all boys and girls between the ages of 6 to 14. All head coaches and coaches are FAI Accredited and are also Garda Vetted as is FAI policy. Cost per participant is €65 with a €10 family discount for each additional brother/sister attending the same camp. Further details to follow very shortly so watch this space.

All participants will receive an eFlow FAI Summer Soccer Schools full Umbro kit, backpack and football along with a certificate of participation at the end of the week.

The camps run from 10.30am to 3pm daily from Monday to Friday and that’s five fun filled days packed with top quality coaching. The FAI are proud to have one of the highest standards of child safety and welfare maintained on all their camps with all participants constantly supervised as well as all coached Garda Vetted.

BOOKING: To book a place on any of the eFlow FAI Summer Soccer Schools log ontowww.summersoccerschools.ie or call 1890 653 653.

ONLINE BOOKING OFFER: Book online early to receive a free adult and child ticket to a Senior International game at The Aviva Stadium.  If you book two children at the same camp get two free child tickets with adult ticket for a Senior International game at The Aviva Stadium. Booking three children you will get three free tickets etc.

ATHEA UTD / ADRENALIN SPORTS
Athea Utd AFC in conjunction with Adrenalin Sport are pleased to announce details of some news that will be of interest to all the players in the club. Currently we are distributing Discount Cards from Adrenalin Sports to all our players. The Discount Cards allows you to a 15% reduction off all regular stock at any of its outlets in Abbeyfeale (Main Street) or in Newcastle West (Upper Maiden Street or Lower Maiden Street). In addition the Discount Card allows you a 10%
reduction on any sale stock in either outlets. So we would urge players that are looking to at purchasing any sports attire to support the local Adrenalin Sports outlets.

TRAINING AT THE VALES
In 2008 Athea Utd undertook a major development with the installation by Pride Sports & Leisure of a synthetic training area, the product is known as ‘FIELDTURF’ and is the only one of its kind in Co. Limerick. Pride Sports & Leisure have this product patented and are the only company in the country able to install this FIFA approved product. Recently Manchester United played on a similar surface in their Champiots available”.

WELL DONE

Well done to Phillip Daly who has been called up to the Munster Youths Rugby panel for the coming season. A great achievement in itself and we wish Phillip, who has played underage soccer with Athea Utd for the past number of season the very best in the season ahead with Munster.

ATHEA UTD LOTTERY RESULTS FOR APRIL 29^th      

The results of our weekly lottery draw held on Monday, April 29^th at Whites Bar are as follows –
Jackpot was €8500. Numbers drawn 15, 23, 24, 30. No jackpot winner.
Lucky dips to the following – Chris & Sharon, Markievicz Park. Kathleen Shanahan, Moyvane. Nicola Horgan, Hillside Drive. Shelia Hickey, Listowel. John Clarke, Galway.
Sellers Margaret Reidy & Brown Joes.
New jackpot will be €8600 next Monday night, May 6^th at Brown Joe’s.