John
McGrath RIP
On behalf of all in our club we would like to
extend our deepest sympathies to the family and wide circle of friends of the
late John McGrath who passed away yesterday. A hurler and footballer of note
John and his family have made an enormous contribution to our club for almost
60 years, with John being associated with many important milestones in our
club.
On the playing front John was a stylish hurler
who lined out in our halfback line for many years when we were close to winning a Senior County Title, but
unfortunately, we were defeated by Mt Sion in the County Finals of 1964 and
1969. John did succeed in winning a Sargent Cup medal in 1963, at a time when
this was a prestigious competition. Along with other members of our club at this
time John was selected on the Waterford Senior Hurling panel and was on the
panel in 1963 when Waterford lost the All-Ireland Final to Kilkenny. John did
enjoy success in the Waterford jersey winning an Oireachtas medal in 1962 and a
National Hurling League medal in 1963.
John
was an equally talented footballer and played at centre back on the very first
Ballinacourty team to win a title, when in 1962 they defeated Colligan to win
the Western Junior Football League. This progress continued in 1965 when John
captained Ballinacourty to the Intermediate County Title as they defeated
Rathgormack in the County Final. That night saw great scenes of celebration at
Elsteads Pub and Ballinacourty Point, where John would later establish his
successful business.
Having
retired from playing John played a crucial role in purchasing our present club
grounds and helping to develop the pitches we see today. It was only natural
that John's family would maintain his proud tradition, as his sons wore our
jerseys with distinction and that tradition is carried on by his grandsons and
granddaughters today.
As
mentioned above John along with his wife Ann established thriving businesses at
the Gold Coast and Clonea Strand Hotel. These hotels along with John's Joinery
business gave great employment to many of our members and brought visitors from
around the world to our parish. Both hotels hosted many club celebrations, and
we were always afforded the warmest of welcomes by John, Ann and his family.
Our
club has lost one of our best players and our parish lost possibly the greatest
entrepreneur we will ever know. But most importantly the McGrath family lost a
husband, father and grandfather. Once again, we send our deepest sympathies to
Ann and all the McGrath family on their loss.
Championship
2021
The football
championships continued last weekend with the Seniors continuing their defence
of the Conway Cup with a hard-fought victory over Stradbally in what were, to
put it mildly, inclement weather conditions. The Intermediate team also continued their
good form with a win over Sliabh gCua on Friday night in Fraher Field.
Unfortunately out Junior team went down to Sean Phobal whilst there was mixed
luck for both Minor teams. The Division1 team beat Tramore and the Division 4
had to give best to Clashmore.
We’re into knockout
championship from here on in as the Seniors face off against Kilrossanty at
7.00 pm in Fraher Field next Saturday and the Intermediates travel to Cappoquin
to play Modeligo at 3.00pm on Sunday.
Jack The
Joker
The ever-popular Jack The Joker draw took place on Monday night last. Jack
O Hare was drawn and picked number 13. When turned this was not the Joker, but
he did win €50. Laura, Kieran & Darragh and Hiker McGrath won €25 each. The
jackpot next week will be €2,500.
Sunday Night Bingo
Our Sunday night bingo returned to the CBS Hall last week after a long
Covid induced absence. We will be back in the hall again this Sunday, eyes down
at 8.00pm with a €400 Jackpot in 40 calls. Books cost Single & Quickie €13,
Double & Quickie €16. See you there.
Championship
2021
The football
championships continued last weekend with the Seniors beginning their defence
of the Conway Cup with a good victory over An Rinn. The Intermediate team also got their campaign
underway with a great win over Colligan Emmets. On Sunday both the Minor teams
were in action with the Division 1 drawing with Gaultier and the Division 4
side going down against Ballyduff.
We have a full
complement of teams out this weekend. The Seniors face off against Stradbally
in Fraher Field at 19.00 Saturday. The Intermediates will play Sliabh gCua in
our own grounds at 20.00 Friday whilst the Junior team play Sean Phobal in
Bushy Park at 15.30 on Satruday.
In the Minor
championship the Division 1 team are away to Tramore at 11.00 Sunday and the
Division 4 team ravel to Clashmore at the same time.
Jack The
Joker
The ever-popular Jack The Joker draw took place on Monday night last. Louise
O Donnell was drawn and picked number 15. When turned this was not the Joker,
but she did win €50. Alice Cullinane and Pakie Lynch won €25 each. The jackpot
next week will be €2,400.
Deise Super
Draw
We
had one winner in the draw last week with Mattie Kiely being the lucky recipient
€250.
Championship
2021
The football
championships continued last weekend with both Minor footballers teams in
action. The Division 1 team continued their start to the campaign with a good
win versus St Pat’s / Naomh Brid, whilst the Division 4 lost out to Ardmore. Both are in action again this weekend with
Gaultier and Ballyduff providing the opposition. Also in action last weekend
were our Junior A’s who put up a fine performance against The Geraldines, but
unfortunately fell short at the end.
Both the Senior
and Intermediate teams enter the fray this coming weekend with the Seniors
beginning the defence of the Conway Cup against An Rinn on Saturday at 7.00pm
in Fraher Field. Whilst the Intermediates are out against Colligan Emmets at
4.30pm on Sunday in Fraher Field also.
Jack The
Joker
The ever-popular Jack The Joker draw took place on Monday night last. Billy
O Connell was drawn and picked number 26. When turned this was not the Joker,
but he did win €50. Mark & Kevin and Bryan Cosgrave won €25 each. The
jackpot next week will be €2,300.
Deise Super
Draw
The
next draw will take place on Wednesday, 13th October. Tickets,
priced at €15, can be purchased from any committee member.
Championship
2021
The football
championships kicked off last weekend with the Minor footballers getting their
Division 1 campaign underway with a great win versus St Mary’s. They continue
this weekend as they take on St Pats / Naomh Brid, whilst the Division 4 team
get their season up and running versus Kilrossanty.
Meanwhile the
Junior A team have their first outing against The Geraldines this coming
Sunday.
Jack The
Joker
The ever-popular Jack The Joker draw took place on Monday night last. Darrell
Ryan was drawn and picked number 12. When turned this was not the Joker, but he
did win €50. Shane Briggs and Michael Mansfield won €25 each. The jackpot next
week will be €2,200.
Deise Super
Draw
Johnny
Hickey receiving his €10,000 prize from seller Páidi Shields and Chairman Neil
Moore.
The
next draw will take place on Wednesday, 13th October. Tickets,
priced at €15, can be purchased from any committee member.
Sympathy
We were saddened
to learn during the week of the passing of Phil Duggan and on behalf of all the
club we would like to extend our deepest sympathies to his family. Phil was a
very well know figure around the village and donned the club colours with
distinction down through the years, winning a Western Minor hurling title in
1955, and indeed had the distinction of being called up to the Waterford minor
panel that same year. In 1960 he took up the position of secretary and filled
this role for a number of years.
Our thoughts are
with his family and friends at this difficult time.
