Two under 8 and two under 9 teams from O'Loughlin Gaels travelled to the annual Roanmore Hurling Tournament, in Waterford City, last Saturday. Each team played three matches of ground hurling. This type of game made for excellent battles in all matches and was really exciting for the large attendance.
The under 9 teams were really spoilt because their matches were refereed by Michael Wadding, who had refereed the All-Ireland final the week before. Each hurler was presented with a gold medal from the Roanmore club as well as some well deserved treats.
O’Loughlin’s juvenile blitz and street league finals day
All the underage teams in the club will be getting ready for the annual juvenile blitz and family club day which this year takes place on Saturday, September 25. Juvenile chairman John Collins will be asking for "all hands on deck " for what is always a fabulous family occasion.
O’Loughlin’s seniors contesting league shield final
O’Loughlin Gaels seniors will be defending their county shield they won last year when they meet Erin’s Own of Castlecomer on Saturday in Nowlan Park —throw in is at 3.30pm.
O’Loughlin’s minors to play John Lockes in championship
Tonight (Friday 17th ) sees the eagerly awaited clash of O'Loughlin Gaels and championship favourites, John Lockes, Callan in the Kilkenny Minor Championship.
Suffice to say that the winner of this clash will have a lot to say when the trophy is being presented on county finals day in Nowlan Park. Throw in is at 6pm tonight in Bennettsbridge.
Under 14s in county semi final
The O'Loughlin Gaels under 14 team will play the county semi final against Rower Inistiogue on Sunday at 5pm in Bennettsbridge.
Following the two great under 13 seven a side victories in Lisdowney and Kilmacud Crokes, the serious part of the season now takes centre stage. O'Loughlin’s guided by Niall Bergin, will be ready for what will be a big battle from their southern opponents. A big crowd is guaranteed for this one, and a massive support for the John's boys is called for.
Junior team v Galmoy
The O'Loughlin Gaels Junior team were beaten by Galmoy in the Northern Junior Championship last Sunday on a scoreline of 2-8 to 2-14.
The O’Loughlin’s backs were excellent. Great displays from goalkeeper Sammy Johnston, Rick Leaden at full back and Brian Murphy at centre back made sure the Galmoy forwards were held for long spells of the game.
However apart from the hardworking James O’Keefe and substitute Jack Nolan in the forwards the city team could not penetrate the Galmoy defence enough to cause an upset.
O’Loughlin’s manager Donal O’Dwyer and his selectors Anthony Cleere and Pakie Fitzgerald will rue the injury to ace freetaker Nigel Skehan who was unable to line out. However, after just one year in charge, they can look forward to building up their panel for another attack on the Northern Championship next season.
