Celebration night in St John’s
The victorious O’Loughlin Gaels under-14 hurling and football teams were presented with their All-Ireland and county medals by guest of honour Micheal Ó Muircheartaigh at a gala celebration in the club’s sportshall last Saturday evening.
Some 200 people filled the beautifully decorated gymnasium, and enjoyed a three course meal professionally prepared by caterer Alan Cullen and his excellent team.
Messages of congratulations to the team were played on the big screen from sporting stars such as Eoin Kelly (Tipperary ), Michael ‘Brick’ Walsh (Waterford ), rugby heroes Ian Dowling, Marcus Horan, Keith Earls and Thomas O’ Leary, Irish International soccer player Kevin Doyle – and from Kerry – Colm ‘The Gooch’ Cooper.
Brian Hogan, who was unable to attend due to the All-Stars tour, also sent his best wishes.
Following the meal, chairman of O’ Loughlin Gaels Mick Nolan welcomed everybody to the evening and thanked the sponsors of the night, Eurospar of Newpark Shopping Centre.
Club president Eamon Doyle introduced Micheal Ó Muircheartaigh to the delighted audience, who hung on every word while the great man spoke. Chairman of Kilkenny county board Paul Kinsella and O'Loughlin Gaels’ youth chairman John Collins also addressed the crowd.
Manager of the successful under-14 team Niall Bergin then introduced the dual All-Ireland champions to the crowd. One by one they were presented with their medals by and then presented with their jerseys by six time All-Ireland medal winner Martin Comerford.
Niall Bergin thanked all who had helped him and told his team that this was only the start of their hurling careers and that they would face many challenges on and off the field in the next few years.
Presentations on behalf of the players’ parents were made to Niall Bergin and his fiancee Eilis Mealey, from Neil Loy and Majella Bolger. Presentations were also made by the parents’ group to selectors Sean Cleere, Mark Bergin, Maurice Nolan and team medic Maurice Wadding.
Following the presentations a party took place upstairs with DJ Seany Dunne who entertained the crowd for the rest of the night.
A booklet was produced by Niall Bergin, who got great help from Tom Beirne, for the occasion. Over 150 photos were taken by club photographer Luke Leydon and can be seen on www.oloughlingaels.gaa.ie
Local craftsman finds niche
Johnswell native James O’Keefe has started producing personalised medal cabinets, and has seen orders grow and grow.
Prices start from €30 and there are four styles to choose from. The medal cabinets and medal display units would make a very nice Christmas gift for the successful athlete in your life .
They can be seen on the O’Keefe fitted furniture Facebook page. James O’Keefe can be contacted on 086 3843898.
Girls prepare to celebrate
The O’Loughlin Gaels Camogie club have had an unbelievable year, in terms of on field success in 2011.
They captured the county championships at under 14 level, under 21, and junior B. They won the All-County Junior League title, as well as the Kilkenny Junior 7s title. The under-16s were narrowly beaten in the county final but went on later in the year to capture the CIS cup.
The O’Loughlins Camogie club’s 20th anniversary celebration and presentation night will take place in the O’Loughlin Gaels clubhouse on Friday, December 16. Tickets for what promises to be a brilliant night (with plenty of finger food and a DJ ), cost €5 and are available to purchase from the O’ Loughlin Gaels clubhouse, Paddy Leydon’s bar, John Joe Cullen’s butchers, Richie Kearns’ butchers, or from Gerry Buckley on 086 1642878.
Medals will be presented to the under-14 , under-16 ,under-21 and junior winning teams on the night.
Christmas party in O’Loughlins
The O’Loughlin Gaels Christmas party will take place in the club on Saturday, December 10 at 9pm.
Paddy Greene advises that he has just received a fresh delivery of mistletoe, and that all are welcome to attend on the night. Finger food and music will be accompanied by plenty of party games.
