JUNIOR LEAGUE:
What a difference a week makes. After last week's fine performance when defeating Ballyhale Shamrocks in their 3rd round league fixture, the Junior "A" hurlers failed to continue the positive momentum and were beaten convincingly, 3-13 to 2-10 by a stronger O'Loughlin Gaels side in Pairc Sheamuis Stiophain on Tuesday evening. Failing to register a score between the 13th minute of the first half and 7th minutes into the second period was the home side's undoing in this competitive derby fixture. Taking advantage, O'Loughlin's added 1-5, in that 24 minute barren spell, starting with a breakaway goal, 20 minutes into the first half which gave them the impetus to drive for victory. Two further goals mid-way through the second half killed any hope of victory The Village men might have entertained. To their credit, however, they fought to the final whistle and goals from substitute Andy Parsons and the lively Micky Drennan offered a measure of compensation on a disappointing night where many players failed to perform up to expectation. Paddy Duggan was the outstanding defender on view for James Stephens ably assisted by Shane Campion and Ben Lahart. In the forwards, Richie Hayes and Matthew McWey tried hard, while the newly returned All-Ireland Feile star, Micky Drennan continues to improve his undoubted skills, after an absence of almost 10 years away from the game.
JUNIOR RECOVERY:
On Friday night, the Junior team put their poor performance against O'Loughlin's just three days previous, firmly behind them with a 2-22 to 2-13 victory over Tullaroan. The James Stephens men were in control of this fixture from the start and led by 1-17 to 0-5 at the break. In fact the league points were safely in the bag when The Village players "took their foot off the pedal" allowing Tullaroan to score 2-4 in the final ten minutes of the game. Their next outing in a busy playing schedule is on Friday evening in Clara when they play Graiguenamanagh in the Kevin Fennelly Cup final.
NORTHERN JUNIOR "B" LEAGUE:
The Junior "B" team continued their run of victories with another fine win against St. Lactains in the Northern Junior "B" league / championship fixture on Thursday evening in Larchfield. Again, their victory was built on a strong defence where David "Dotsy" Byrne, Shane O'Neill along with the Meehan brothers, John and James were particularly outstanding in the 2-15 to 0-15 victory. A goal, minutes into the game by Niall Tyrrell gave an early boost of confidence to the team, followed by some quality point scoring from Andy Parsons, Ian Hayes and Niall Tyrrell (2) before Andy finished a fine passing movement by Maurice Harkin to the nett for a half time lead of 2-7 to 0-10 for the home club. Earlier in the 25th minute goalkeeper, Keith Morris was forced into action making a brave stop under pressure to keep a forceful St. Lactains side at bay. The second half saw Cormac Connolly contribute two fine points from play to the hard earned victory. All the while St.Lactains kept up the pressure reducing the lead to 2 points, midway through the half, with some quality point scoring from their forwards, but further points from Micky Drennan (2) and the "fresh legs" of substitutes Liam Rafter (2), and Colm Dowling were enough to hold out for a deserved win and two valuable league points. Manager, Eamon Tyrrell and his selectors, Aodhan O'Ruairc, Michael Slattery, Denis Carney, Paddy Butler and Sean Doyle are due great credit as they have injected a new found enthusiasm and belief in the players which hopefully will bring further rewards as the season progresses. The "B" team's next fixture is against Threecastles (tonight), Wednesday 8th June in Threecastles.
JUNIOR & LEAVING CERTS:
We send best wishes to all students, male and female, from the parish secondary schools as they "swat away" in preparation for the Junior & Leaving certificate examinations which start this week.
GOLF CLASSIC:
Golfers should note that the popular annual golf classic is booked for Thursday 23rd and Friday, 24th June in Kilkenny Golf Club. Contact Richie Manogue 087 2573697or Richie Guilfoyle 086 3840094 to book your team x 4 on the time sheet for either day. The entry fee stands at €200 per team for the round of golf, the 10th tee, Seamus Kennedy, "breakfast special" and a meal at the end of the round.
MINI MARATHON CHARITY RUN:
Well done to Junior "B" team manager, Eamon Tyrrell who has been training for the mini-marathon for some time now in between encouraging his hurlers to produce their best on the hurling fields. Eamon completed the testing run in humid conditions on Bank Holiday Monday in aid of the Carlow/Kilkenny Homecare and Cois Noir charities. Eamon would appreciate support for these worthy charities. Donations can be given to any member of the club's executive committee.
CEMETERY MASS DATE:
Parishioners should note that the annual Foulkstown Cemetery mass will take place on Thursday evening, 28th July at 7.30p.m..
KNOCK PILGRIMAGE:
The annual Parish pilgrimage to the holy shrine in Knock takes place on Thursday, 23rd June. The fare is €15.00 and bookings can only be made at the reception in the Parish Centre. The bus will leave St.Fiacre's Church at 7.15p.m. and St.Patrick's at 7.30p.m..
VOLUNTEER DRIVERS:
For patients undergoing chemotherapy in Waterford Regional Hospital there is a FREE volunteer drivers Service available courtesy of the Irish Cancer Society. For further information contact Gail at 01-2310566.
JOE DOLAN TRIBUTE BAND:
Music fans should note in their diaries that the excellent Joe Dolan tribute band will be performing in the Clubrooms on Saturday, 2nd July
LOTTO:
This week's numbers are 5, 10 & 17. There was no winning ticket. Next week's jackpot increases to €1,400. The consolation winners were Miriam Maher, The Dubs, Dermot Cullen, Ann Gaffney and Sean & Mary.
