Under 19 Hurling Western Champions
Pride of place this week goes to our Under 19 hurlers who beat Saint
Carthage’s in the Western Final last Sunday at the wonderfully appointed Gold
Coast venue. Playing divisional finals in December is never ideal but
conditions on the day were, if a little on the chilly side, more akin to what
would be expected in mid-summer. Allied to the excellent playing surface both
teams went on to produce an open, exciting game with no little skill on display
from both sides.
Saint Carthage’s opened the brighter and it took our lads a little time
to settle into the game but once they did we took a firm grip on proceedings
and 2 well taken goals gave us a 7 point half time lead. The 2nd
half followed a similar pattern with our opponents storming out of the blocks
and before long had reduced the deficit to a single point. However, credit to
our team, there was never any panic and we gradually reasserted our dominance
and began to get on top. A number of nicely taken scores, including 2 further
goals, gave us a comfortable 7 point margin at the final whistle on a score
line Abbeyside 4-14 Saint Carthages 2-13.
Neil Moore in his capacity as Western Board chairman presented the cup
to team captain Ben Flynn, who gave a fine acceptance speech.
There were some excellent individual displays on the day, but primarily
this was a great team performance with every player contributing to a superb
victory. Well done to all involved, from the players to manager Neil Moore and
his team of mentors, Conor Prunty, James O Mahony, Joey Mullin and Eoin Kiely,
all of whom it will be noted are current players. It is heartening to see adult
players take such an active role in the development of younger teams within the
club and long may it continue.
We now await the Eastern champions in the County Final with the hope
being this will be played before Christmas.
Panel – Eoin Fitzgerald, Patrick Fitzgerald, Johnie
Treen, Daire Slevin, Colin Foley, Cian Fagan, Seanie Lanigan, Ben Flynn (Capt),
Daithi Brunnock, Eoin Ahern, Willie Beresford, Michael Kiely, Niall Buckley,
Jamie Walsh, Oisin Hallahan, David Byrne, Conor Kent, DJ Kiely, Dean Beresford,
Rian Walsh, Sean Roche, Ben O Donovan, Jamie Moylan, John Joe Queally, Cian O
Riordan, Jake Moore.
AGM
Our Club AGM took place last Friday night in Abbeyside School hall with
a sizable attendance ensuring a lively debate on a number of topics.
Jonathan O’Donovan produced an excellent and comprehensive Secretary’s
Report which covered in great detail all elements of the clubs activities in
2019. Having been received very favourably by all those present and following a
discussion on areas raised therein the report was approved.
Chairman Michael Briggs gave a wide ranging address which again touched
on everything that has been happening over the past 12 months. He thanked in
particular all his fellow officers, committee members, players, team
management, everyone working away in the background and all those who continue
to contribute to the ongoing development works at our club grounds. On the
playing side he congratulated our Junior C Hurling County Champions, whilst
also reflecting on a few near misses and some disappointments in the other
grades.
As Michael has stepped aside as
Chairman it is only right at this time that we thank him and the Vice Chairman
Michael Cosgrave for their sterling work over the past two years.
The last item on the agenda was the
election of Officers and the committee for 2020. With Neil Moore standing
unopposed for the position of Chairman he was ratified for the coming 12 months
along with the other Club Officers and new committee. The incoming Chairman
gave a brief address outlining plans for the year ahead and with that the
meeting was called to a conclusion.
The new committee then convened for a
brief meeting where, amongst other items, it was agreed that the appointment of
team managers would be dealt with over the coming weeks. The intention being to
have this finalised prior to Christmas.
The following are the officers and
committee members for 2020
Chairman: Neil Moore
Assistant Chairman: Michael Ferncombe
Secretary: Jonathan O’Donovan
Treasurer: Pakie Hurney
Membership Officer: Kevin Tobin
PRO: Paidi Shields
Committee: Bernard Gorman, Eddie O Halloran, Michael O Donovan, Joe Cleary, Frank
Sweeney, Jim O Mahony, Timmy Organ, Danny McGrath, Ian Kiely.
Jack the Joker
Our ever popular Jack the Joker fundraiser continues this Sunday night
in Minnie’s Bar where the jackpot is €3400 as on Sunday night The Morning Club
were drawn out of the drum and chose card number 43 which when turned over was
not the joker, but they did win €50. The Walsh Family and Sandra Cliffe won €25
each.
Club Bingo
Our club bingo continues in the CBS Hall this Sunday night where the
jackpot is €700.
