Watergrasshill GAA
- Jul 28,2020
Championship hurling resumes:
A big weekend coming up for our Intermediate and Junior teams, as both are in Championship action next Sunday. Both these game will have strict Covid protocols in place and both are all ticket games. Anybody attending must have a ticket. Due to HSE & GAA restrictions of 200 people max, it means after both squads, back room teams and match officials are looked after, we have a very limited number of tickets available to distribute. The tickets we do have will be raffled amongst members of the club, so if you would like to go to either or both games, please send your expression of interest to secretary.watergrasshill.cork@gaa.ie or PM us through the club Facebook page and we will ensure you are in the draw. The draw will be done Thursday night (July 30th) and once again is open to members only. We know there is great interest in both games and this is frustrating for everyone and goes against the ethos of the association but these are the guidelines in which we have to abide by for games at the present time. For those that don’t get a ticket to the Intermediate game we do hope to live stream this on Sunday via Facebook, watch out for details of this.
Those lucky enough to take in hurling action next weekend and over the next few weeks please remember the GAA recently published guidelines on the return of spectator’s to GAA club games, here is a few asks of members going to games.
• Spectators must not attend games if they display any symptoms of Covid-19 and instead should phone their GP and follow public health advice.
• Individuals that are considered high risk or are in close contact with others who are considered high risk should not attend games.
• Please follow current public guidance of 2m social distancing, wearing of face coverings (strongly advised for all patrons over the age of 13) and hand sanitation (we encourage you to bring your own hand sanitiser).
• Spectators must not enter the field of play at any time including pre-match, at half-time and other intervals and after the final whistle or at end-of-match presentations. Individuals and small groups should remain insofar as possible in the same area for the duration of the game, remain 2m apart and avoid intermingling with other individuals or groups.
• We advise to take note and keep a record of close contacts at a match for potential tracing purposes and we strongly recommend all members to download the HSE tracing app.
Juvenile Club Update:
Minor Championship East D2: Aghada 0-9 Watergrasshill 1-21
Our minors had their season debut last week with a championship fixture against Aghada. Before throw-in at picturesque Rostellan, we took the opportunity to express Watergrasshill GAA's condolences to our hosts on the recent passing of Kieran O Connor and presented Aghada GAA with a sympathy wreath bouquet. Kieran was a club hero, a county star and his tragic loss was felt right throughout the GAA community. Once again we express our deepest sympathies to Kieran's extended family, his countless friends and all associated with Aghada GAA. May he rest in peace.
The game began with our lads really showing intent and a great passage of teamwork resulted in the opening score of the game, inside the opening 30 seconds with Gary Doyle getting the first score. Aghada did hit back and a point from play and a converted 65 had them lead inside the opening 5 minutes. Brendan Lehane then levelled the game from a free, won after some great work by Cian Cronin O Neill, and from that point on the Hill lads would not see themselves behind in the game. Playing with a strong breeze in the first half it was clear we were out to gain the upper hand on the scoreboard and hit a purple patch for 20 minutes where we registered 1-11 to Aghada's 1 point. Daire O Leary playing at centre back got to grips with the breeze quickly and was showing great marksmanship from dead balls and also tagged on a great point from play in the 11th minute. On 18 minutes we struck for our first goal, it was somewhat fortuitous when a long range effort from Michael O Driscoll wasn’t dealt with by the Agahda's defence and the goalkeeper was short sighted and the ball hit the back of the net. The Hill lads didn’t ease up there, and further points from Brendan Lehane, one excellent effort from a free at a very tight angle drilled into the breeze, and excellent scores from play from Liam Foley, after quick thinking and quick hands from Cian Cronin O Neill, Colm O Regan & Cian Cronin O Neill getting on the scoresheet, gave us a halftime lead of 1-13 to Aghada's 3 points. The first half was a really good team performance. Right throughout the team from defence through midfield to the forward line the lads were working really hard for each other and gelled really well. A notable mention of our half forward Liam Foley who had an excellent opening half. Despite having a comfortable lead, there was still a sense the breeze could be a factor in the second have and we knew Aghada would come out fighting. They certainly did that and registered the opening score of the second half right from the resumption. We quickly cancelled this out with another nice free from Brendan Lehane but Aghada did apply pressure. They registered four points over the next ten minutes but points from Daire o Leary a lovely accurate long range effort meant mid-way through the second half we still held a 10 point lead. After the second half water break and entering the final quarter of the game, our lads really kicked on. Further scores from Brendan Lehane, who together with Gary Doyle were winning the midfield battle, and a nice score from Michael O Driscoll made by the hard working Cael Guichard meant any momentum Aghada were trying to build was stifled. To Aghada's credit they did push on looking for the elusive goal to get them back into the game but the Hill defence stood firm and each of the lads from 1 to 6 were very solid, working hard and working ball out through our midfield where the platform was set to get ball into our industrious forward line. In the closing minutes, we weren’t done and great points from play from Liam Foley, Cael Guichard and a placed ball from Brendan Lehane ensured this was our day on a scoreline of Aghada 0-9 points, Watergrasshill 1-21. This was a great win and more pleasing a great team performance. Every one of the squad played their part, showcased their skill and high ability and the younger lads can be especially proud of their contribution on the night for sure. The coaching team of Tommy Bowe, Pat O Leary and Paddy O Regan, haven't had long with this group this year, but there is a great spirit evident and we look forward to more games in the coming weeks. Well done lads. A word of thanks also to all our travelling supporters on the night. Due to the Covid guideline's there was restrictions on access and this was an all ticket game, but players, parents, and supporters were a great help in the quick turnaround and confirming attendance for ticket distribution. Thank You.
The panel was: James Barry, Dylan Roche, Cathal Fitzgerald, Cormac Lenihan, Donal Sheehan, Daire O Leary, Andrew Chandler, Gary Doyle, Brendan Lehane, Michael Driscoll, Cael Guichard, Liam Foley, Cian Cronin O' Neill, Joe O Riordan, Colm Regan, Dylan Field, Ryan Murray, Ben Whelan, Darragh Casey
Our U11’s made the short trip to Lisgoold last Friday night for a challenge match. This was the first time this team lined out for a full 15 a side game. The lads acquitted themselves very well and showed great heart throughout, picking off some great scores. It was an evenly matched contest, and when the lads found themselves under the cosh in the dying minutes they dug in to shade it at the end. Well done lads on a good performance in our first game of the year, and thanks to coaches Brendan, Eamonn and Shane for the work being done with this group of boys. Thanks to our hosts Lisgoold for the invite and the match also. Keep up the good work boys and keep practicing.
Our U12’s traveled to Carrigaline for a challenge match last Saturday. With some players not available we still had a good team take the field of play for what we expected would be a tough test. The first half very much belonged to our hosts who looked strong in key positions and we spent much of the first half defending the threat they posed. The lads battled hard but did go in at half time well behind on the scoreboard. After a disappointing opening league game last week against Killeagh the boys could be forgiven for letting the heads drop but boy did they respond. If there is one thing this team has its heart, spirit and great camaraderie, and all these traits shone through in the second have. A fantastic performance from all players from the off, saw us claw our way back into the game. Some fine scores from the Hill and great defending meant we won the second half and by the final whistle had done enough to shade it on the final scoreboard. Well done boys, great performance today the coaches were proud of you all. Score of the game went to Dylan McCarthy who Messi’esque (if Messi played hurling!) managed to lob the Carrigaline keeper from a tight angle and under pressure, great bit of skill by Dylan.
Our U15’s made the short trip to Rathcormac for a challenge game against Bride Rovers. There is no U15 competition in place due to Covid 19, its U16, but that didn’t prevent Bride Rovers and ourselves organising a game that ensures all lads between this age group got hurling action last weekend. It turned out to be a great game between two great rivals. It was tough and competitive and played in the right spirit. Both teams hurled really well and it was our hosts who shaded it on the day by a narrow margin. Thanks to Bride Rovers for the game and well done to our lads for a good performance.
Upcoming Juvenile Fixtures:
Under 12’s: Saturday 1st August, versus Inniscarra, home in the Hill @ 12pm
Under 14’s: Friday 31st July, versus St. Colmcilles, home in the Hill @ 7pm
Under 16’s: Monday 3rd August, versus Lisgoold, home in the Hill @ 11.30am
Minor’s: Wednesday 5th August, versus Fr O’ Neills, home in the Hill @ 6.30pm
Best of luck to all our teams, have fun lads!
Lotto
There was no winner of the Lotto Jackpot this week. Numbers drawn were 2, 15, 16 & 22. €20 lucky dip winners are Kevin Cotter, Claire O Leary, Eugene O Neill & Dick Gardner. Congrats to you all. Next week's jackpot is €3,850 and draw will take place Monday 3rd August. Following the Covid lockdown we have moved our lotto ticket sales exclusively to on-line for now but we do hope to have tickets available for purchase in some of our village outlets shortly. Details of how you play are as follows: Step 1: Visit our Club website (www.watergrasshillgaa.ie) or indeed look at our Facebook, Instagram or Twitter pages and you can click on the Lotto links. Step 2: Choose if you want to buy for yourself or buy for a friend. Step 3: Choose how many draws or plays you want (various options available, from €5 for three lines, right up to the annual ticket for €80 which gets you 52 weeks for the price of 40 (12 free)). Step 4: Select your numbers. You can also selct a quickpick option and numbers will be randomly picked for you. You can add a line to select different numbers from here. Step 5: Enter your card details (Debit or Credit). There is also an option to auto renew to ensure your ticket and numbers are renewed after all draws on the current ticket have expired. This makes certain you never miss another draw and also don’t have to follow steps above again. Step 6: Confirm you purchase. The Club would like to take this opportunity to thank all our members and supporters of the Watergrasshill GAA Club Lotto. The Club Lotto is a vital source of income for the running of all our teams within the Club and for future devolopment of our facilities, so we ask you to please support it if you are in a position to do so. We do very much intend to restart ticket sales from our local village outlets in the near future, but for now its done via on-line. Remember, if you’re not in you can’t win.
Pitch Signage & Advertising Opportunity
As we enter a new decade, we do so with great optimism and excitement here at Watergrasshill GAA Club. Later this decade we will celebrate our centenary year, which will be a special milestone. While its important to celebrate the past and the history of the club, its also important we look forward to the future.With this in mind, the club will shortly be undertaking a development project, to prepare the club for the future and further position ourselves at the centre of our community. Part of this project, will be the development of our existing club grounds. To that end we will endevour to raise a revenue stream from advertising, while giving businesses the opportunity to advertise their services and reach a wider audience within our community. With the playing numbers on the increase our facility will be a busy spot over the coming years and we would love to have your name and business positioned in the hearts and minds of all those who visit on a weekly basis. We are offering advertising space via pitch signage, 3000mm wide x 750mm high. These are a 5 year gloss laminate, flash mounted to 0.2mm skin diabond sign. If you would be interested in this opportunity to advertise and support our club, please contact Claire O Leary on 087-6239297 or any member of the club who can provide assistance.
Club Shop
If your noticing a dramatic growth spurt in your kids (or indeed yourself!) over the past few months, maybe its time to update the wardrobe. Well fear not as our summer collection of Watergrasshill GAA club clobber has just been launched and we are here to help you. Our club shop is opened, here you can get yourself the latest club fashion must have's for summer 2020. Club crested clothing is available to buy, from shorts to jerseys to training tops and tracksuit bottoms, for adults and juveniles in various sizes. Hurling helmets also available to buy through the club. If you need anything or would like to speak to someone about what is available and sizes, contact Adrienne on 087-7589139. Also keep an eye on our club Facebook page where new club gear can be seen.
Members & Trips Abroad:
We would ask playing and non playing members returning from trips abroad over the coming weeks, of all ages, not to attend the pitch, training or matches for a period of 14 days after your return as per Public Health Guidelines. We would encourage all members to download the HSE covid tracker app and maintain the guidelines around social distancing, hand washing etc Thank you"
