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Dodger
Sunday, 5 July 2009
U12 BLITZ - PECKHAM RYE - 4TH JULY 2009
'On this day' - American Colonies Declare Independent 4th July 1776
Peckham Rye is a treat at the best of times, and I will say worth the journey over from Morden, but on Saturday last it was a delight and a hive of activity with a mini festival in full flow when I arrived just after midday.
The day was glorious - the sun beamed down from on high and for Round Towers U12s it shone brightly on all of them as they put in a most entertaining and tremendous performance and WON THE BLITZ.!!!!!!!!!!!!! The boys and girls were just brilliant in the final. The winning panel consisted of both U12s and U10s which made it doubly enjoyable to see the two younger panels demonstrating how well they have learned the Gaelic skills and how competitive they are. Dave Clarke has to be very proud of his U10 panel. All that hard work has paid off and it was particularly good to see Dave being able to watch his son play for a change. As for Danny O'Donovan and his very able c0-conspirator, Sean McInness, who are in charge of the U12s, - well they are a credit to them.
I have been hearing since the season began from Danny and Sean that they were very happy with their panel of U12s and felt their boys and girls could give a good account of themselves on the pitch. The U12s narrowly lost out to Tir Chonaill Gaels the previous weekend with a last minute goal from the Gaels to secure a win. That was last week though; they enjoyed the sweet smell of victory this weekend. RT did not disappoint yesterday and that was for sure. It was marvellous to witness the beaming smiles on the lovely faces of all those U12 and U10s, the coaches, Danny O'Donovan, Dave Clarke and Sean McInness together with all the parents and followers who were there to support their heroes.
Four clubs participated in the Blitz. They were
Round Towers
Dulwich Harps
Thomas McCurtains
Tir Chonaill Gaels
The first game of the afternoon was between Dulwich Harps v Thomas McCurtains.
Dulwich started really well and I thought they would wipe McCurtains off the pitch. As is customary, Dulwich fielded a set of fine boys, who as always, showed great confident and determination to win. Dulwich were dominant in the first half and McCurtains in some respects looked a bit intimidated by their opponents who looked as though they would surely win the game. I personally felt that if McCurtains' boys could keep the ball down, bearing in mind the height within the Dulwich panel, they could change the game bearing in mind skill was apparent within their ranks; not that it was in any way lacking within Dulwich but McCurtains needed a rethink at the break. Low and behold, McCurtains came out in the second half a different team. They were unrecognisable from the first half - but very pleasant to witness; the ball did not go into the air from McC's boots; they retained possession and were rewarded for their efforts - the ball obliged by going into the back of the net and a revival was evident. McCurtains' boys kept their heads and scores piled on the board giving them a deserved victory at the final whistle
The final score was
Thomas McCurtains 2 goals 4 points
Dulwich Harps 2 goals 0 points
McCurtains eagerly awaited the result of the second game between
Our very own Round Towers and Tir Chonaill Gaels
This game did not produce many points and indeed no goals and in some respects was a bit uneventful. Just saying what I saw - however see below............ Neither team seemed to be able to get the ball where they wanted it but persevered to the end. RT were delighted to see 4 of their shots go nicely between the posts with only one positive result for Tir Chonaill Gaels. The final result went our way
Round Towers 4 points
Tir Chonaill Gaels 1 point
THE FINAL CLASH WAS BETWEEN OUR VERY OWN
Round Towers v Thomas McCurtains
This final game was a most entertaining and enjoyable view. I do believe that RT were so delighted to find themselves in the final that they were not going to give away the game lightly.
Both teams demonstrated that they had learned the necessary skills very well indeed and it was apparent that both panels really wanted to win. It made for a good spectacle. Our boys and girls were superior on the day and RT's determination to win resulted in a display of fantastic skills; awareness of where the ball was; where their opponents were; nearly always first to the ball; successful in converting their efforts to produce goals and points....... You name it, they had it. RT were great. Thomas McCurtains came alive towards the end and put two deserved goals in the back of our net. We had, however, already done the necessary hard work, which paid off as RT had the better score at the end of the game. Our boys and girls deserved to win. I was delighted that I ventured over to Peckham and was awarded with a treat of a game and RT winning the BLITZ. WELL DONE.
It's great to see the many parents who support the U10s and U12s. Special praise for Danny O'Donovan, Dave Clarke and Sean McInness. You guys have done a superb job and should be really proud of yourselves. All that hard work and time given up to RT definitely provided a good bonus yesterday.
On a slightly lighter note, it was fun to watch Dave who, this time, had checked the weather forecast and came prepared for the sun. Dave was sporting what could best be described as 'Paris cat walk dessert rat' head gear. I am of course referring to a previous Blitz up in Greenford when Dave forgot his hat and returned with a bit of sun stroke. Not this time though - have a look at the pics. Danny also paid heed to the forecast and came dressed for sun and, just in case weather conditions changed suddenly and a sand storm arrived he brought his 'dessert' goggles - those goggles look as though they could multi task!!!! This is a joke and should be taken in the manner in which it is intended. My pics will bear my comments out boys. Sean, as always, dressed in a most appropriate manner with the RT shirt on ..........
Finally, I would like to comment on one of our parent's good sportsmanship. I was positioned near a chap who cheered RT with great enthusiasm, but who also commented very favourably on our opponents' efforts and consistently said 'well done', 'bad luck number 10, 8, etc' when one of our opponents showed good play and skills or had a near miss. I was shouting like mad for the Towers but could not but notice what a good example this parent showed. It's great to have such a good attitude to our childrens' games and I guess we should all try to take a page out of his book and be a bit more like him. I refer to none other than Brian McNulty.
Mags Cremin made a great umpire - see photos and I also met Joe English who has been supporting the Gaelic ladies for many years now. He is organising a
FUNDRAISING JAMBOREE in support of Dulwich Harps under-age Girls' and London Ladies Team) which will be held at
ADDISCOMBE CATHOLIC SOCIAL CLUB Bingham Road Addiscombe CR0 7EN on Friday 17th July 2009 from 8 pm.
Entertainment with Fingar and Bernie. Contact Joe 020 8659 5625 for tickets.
Joe extracted £5 from me and Mags for tickets, but promised to give our Club and our blog a mention at the event.
Peckham Rye is a treat at the best of times, and I will say worth the journey over from Morden, but on Saturday last it was a delight and a hive of activity with a mini festival in full flow when I arrived just after midday.
The day was glorious - the sun beamed down from on high and for Round Towers U12s it shone brightly on all of them as they put in a most entertaining and tremendous performance and WON THE BLITZ.!!!!!!!!!!!!! The boys and girls were just brilliant in the final. The winning panel consisted of both U12s and U10s which made it doubly enjoyable to see the two younger panels demonstrating how well they have learned the Gaelic skills and how competitive they are. Dave Clarke has to be very proud of his U10 panel. All that hard work has paid off and it was particularly good to see Dave being able to watch his son play for a change. As for Danny O'Donovan and his very able c0-conspirator, Sean McInness, who are in charge of the U12s, - well they are a credit to them.
I have been hearing since the season began from Danny and Sean that they were very happy with their panel of U12s and felt their boys and girls could give a good account of themselves on the pitch. The U12s narrowly lost out to Tir Chonaill Gaels the previous weekend with a last minute goal from the Gaels to secure a win. That was last week though; they enjoyed the sweet smell of victory this weekend. RT did not disappoint yesterday and that was for sure. It was marvellous to witness the beaming smiles on the lovely faces of all those U12 and U10s, the coaches, Danny O'Donovan, Dave Clarke and Sean McInness together with all the parents and followers who were there to support their heroes.
Four clubs participated in the Blitz. They were
Round Towers
Dulwich Harps
Thomas McCurtains
Tir Chonaill Gaels
The first game of the afternoon was between Dulwich Harps v Thomas McCurtains.
Dulwich started really well and I thought they would wipe McCurtains off the pitch. As is customary, Dulwich fielded a set of fine boys, who as always, showed great confident and determination to win. Dulwich were dominant in the first half and McCurtains in some respects looked a bit intimidated by their opponents who looked as though they would surely win the game. I personally felt that if McCurtains' boys could keep the ball down, bearing in mind the height within the Dulwich panel, they could change the game bearing in mind skill was apparent within their ranks; not that it was in any way lacking within Dulwich but McCurtains needed a rethink at the break. Low and behold, McCurtains came out in the second half a different team. They were unrecognisable from the first half - but very pleasant to witness; the ball did not go into the air from McC's boots; they retained possession and were rewarded for their efforts - the ball obliged by going into the back of the net and a revival was evident. McCurtains' boys kept their heads and scores piled on the board giving them a deserved victory at the final whistle
The final score was
Thomas McCurtains 2 goals 4 points
Dulwich Harps 2 goals 0 points
McCurtains eagerly awaited the result of the second game between
Our very own Round Towers and Tir Chonaill Gaels
This game did not produce many points and indeed no goals and in some respects was a bit uneventful. Just saying what I saw - however see below............ Neither team seemed to be able to get the ball where they wanted it but persevered to the end. RT were delighted to see 4 of their shots go nicely between the posts with only one positive result for Tir Chonaill Gaels. The final result went our way
Round Towers 4 points
Tir Chonaill Gaels 1 point
THE FINAL CLASH WAS BETWEEN OUR VERY OWN
Round Towers v Thomas McCurtains
This final game was a most entertaining and enjoyable view. I do believe that RT were so delighted to find themselves in the final that they were not going to give away the game lightly.
Both teams demonstrated that they had learned the necessary skills very well indeed and it was apparent that both panels really wanted to win. It made for a good spectacle. Our boys and girls were superior on the day and RT's determination to win resulted in a display of fantastic skills; awareness of where the ball was; where their opponents were; nearly always first to the ball; successful in converting their efforts to produce goals and points....... You name it, they had it. RT were great. Thomas McCurtains came alive towards the end and put two deserved goals in the back of our net. We had, however, already done the necessary hard work, which paid off as RT had the better score at the end of the game. Our boys and girls deserved to win. I was delighted that I ventured over to Peckham and was awarded with a treat of a game and RT winning the BLITZ. WELL DONE.
It's great to see the many parents who support the U10s and U12s. Special praise for Danny O'Donovan, Dave Clarke and Sean McInness. You guys have done a superb job and should be really proud of yourselves. All that hard work and time given up to RT definitely provided a good bonus yesterday.
On a slightly lighter note, it was fun to watch Dave who, this time, had checked the weather forecast and came prepared for the sun. Dave was sporting what could best be described as 'Paris cat walk dessert rat' head gear. I am of course referring to a previous Blitz up in Greenford when Dave forgot his hat and returned with a bit of sun stroke. Not this time though - have a look at the pics. Danny also paid heed to the forecast and came dressed for sun and, just in case weather conditions changed suddenly and a sand storm arrived he brought his 'dessert' goggles - those goggles look as though they could multi task!!!! This is a joke and should be taken in the manner in which it is intended. My pics will bear my comments out boys. Sean, as always, dressed in a most appropriate manner with the RT shirt on ..........
Finally, I would like to comment on one of our parent's good sportsmanship. I was positioned near a chap who cheered RT with great enthusiasm, but who also commented very favourably on our opponents' efforts and consistently said 'well done', 'bad luck number 10, 8, etc' when one of our opponents showed good play and skills or had a near miss. I was shouting like mad for the Towers but could not but notice what a good example this parent showed. It's great to have such a good attitude to our childrens' games and I guess we should all try to take a page out of his book and be a bit more like him. I refer to none other than Brian McNulty.
Mags Cremin made a great umpire - see photos and I also met Joe English who has been supporting the Gaelic ladies for many years now. He is organising a
FUNDRAISING JAMBOREE in support of Dulwich Harps under-age Girls' and London Ladies Team) which will be held at
ADDISCOMBE CATHOLIC SOCIAL CLUB Bingham Road Addiscombe CR0 7EN on Friday 17th July 2009 from 8 pm.
Entertainment with Fingar and Bernie. Contact Joe 020 8659 5625 for tickets.
Joe extracted £5 from me and Mags for tickets, but promised to give our Club and our blog a mention at the event.
Thursday, 2 July 2009
RACE NIGHT - FRIDAY 26th JUNE 2009
Race Night has come and gone for another year - 'what relief that is', many parents will say. Well, to tell the truth it started a bit feeble with very few bodies appearing at the starting post at 7 pm but low and behold by 8 pm the tables were filling up and it looked like we would have a good race meeting. There was a great turn out from the U12 and U10 panels and a splattering from the U14/U16.
The good news was that those who attended were very generous. The kids had a brilliant night. It was great to see and hear the excitment as they cheered each race in the hope that THEIR horse would come in first. The parents, grandparents and friends who were there were not shy when it came to placing bets.
Danny O'Donovan very kindly stood tall and conducted the auction. Great job Danny given that the supporters in the hall had already done a great job supporting the various races . Danny may have missed his vocation and perhaps should have considered auctioneering as a profession. Thank you.
Many thanks also to Sean McInness who stood firm at the entrance and extracted as much as possible from all as they walked through the door by way of buying Tri Cast numbers. Two lucky chaps scooped the £150.00 and later ploughed back some of their booty by contributing at the auction.
Maggie, you were a star as was Declan. Race sheets were well organised. I know that Jerry chased sponsors also so well done to all. Michael Maher, as always, put a big effort into the event. How you stretch yourself about the place so much is a bit of a mystery but you do it........ Rose stood in (sorry sat in) at the Tote and then volunteered her husband for the final few races - again great thanks.
Many thanks to the Old Ruts for agreeing to allow us back this year. It was a lovely evening and no better place to hold an event that there.
Our sponsors cannot be forgotten. They are seriously generous and we should try to support them if we can. The sponsors were - in no particular order -
KEVIN ENGLISH
KENT & ROBERTS (NORTH CHEAM)
WEST CHART LTD
THE MURPHY GROUP
CAPPAGH
FUTUREPRO COACHING
PADDY POWER
PARADIGM PROPERTY CONSULTING
S.M. GLAZING
If I have forgotten anyone, do forgive......not intentional I can assure you.
The good news was that those who attended were very generous. The kids had a brilliant night. It was great to see and hear the excitment as they cheered each race in the hope that THEIR horse would come in first. The parents, grandparents and friends who were there were not shy when it came to placing bets.
Danny O'Donovan very kindly stood tall and conducted the auction. Great job Danny given that the supporters in the hall had already done a great job supporting the various races . Danny may have missed his vocation and perhaps should have considered auctioneering as a profession. Thank you.
Many thanks also to Sean McInness who stood firm at the entrance and extracted as much as possible from all as they walked through the door by way of buying Tri Cast numbers. Two lucky chaps scooped the £150.00 and later ploughed back some of their booty by contributing at the auction.
Maggie, you were a star as was Declan. Race sheets were well organised. I know that Jerry chased sponsors also so well done to all. Michael Maher, as always, put a big effort into the event. How you stretch yourself about the place so much is a bit of a mystery but you do it........ Rose stood in (sorry sat in) at the Tote and then volunteered her husband for the final few races - again great thanks.
Many thanks to the Old Ruts for agreeing to allow us back this year. It was a lovely evening and no better place to hold an event that there.
Our sponsors cannot be forgotten. They are seriously generous and we should try to support them if we can. The sponsors were - in no particular order -
KEVIN ENGLISH
KENT & ROBERTS (NORTH CHEAM)
WEST CHART LTD
THE MURPHY GROUP
CAPPAGH
FUTUREPRO COACHING
PADDY POWER
PARADIGM PROPERTY CONSULTING
S.M. GLAZING
If I have forgotten anyone, do forgive......not intentional I can assure you.
Wednesday, 1 July 2009
RT U16 V DULWICH HARPS 23rd JUNE 2009
Dulwich came a visiting in their rather nice white bus and demolished us on the night. Dare I actually say, I believe that technically we are a better team but the Dulwich boys had the advantage of size, knowing each other's every move from playing together regularly and a very evident clear belief in their ability to win. They just 'know' that they are going to conquer. Shame they were all so scared of the spiders in our ultra modern dressing rooms!!.
Regardless, we showed some lovely movement at times but sadly these lovely moves did not result in points on the board. There was a bit of an incident towards the end of the match involving a Dulwich chap who decided he wanted to put the boot in literally. It seems the ref sent off the wrong chap. I have a question. ????? If an incident erupts where a boy is on the ground (it does not matter which team that boy comes from) and an opposing team player decides to put the boot in, is it totally unacceptable that a parent goes on to the pitch in order to intervene? I would mention that the ref was not near the incident at the time. The ref in question took charge of the game in a very efficient manner but, as can happen, simply was not near the incident when it started. I would like some comments please. I am not at all trying to be controversial but would actually like genuine comments and views. What is the current protocol? Is there a correct protocol in these situations? I bet I get no comments as I suspect that I am a lone voice in the dark and my blogs will be read in 100 years time by someone......................................
On a very positive note, I understand that Pat Winston of Dulwich took decisive action after the match and banned the boy in question for a month. This has been reported to me third hand and therefore if this is incorrect I apologise but if it is correct, then I take my hat off to Pat Winston and commend him on his action. All our guys are liable to make mistakes and the only way they learn is by being checked and corrected. The really nice thing was at the end of a heavily contested match all the boys were more than happy to shake hands with each other with beaming smiles on their faces. Boys from both teams formed a combined South London team and therefore know each other from their travels to Ireland .
Well done Dulwich.
Photos to follow
30/06/09
by Dodger
1 – 1 of 1
Regardless, we showed some lovely movement at times but sadly these lovely moves did not result in points on the board. There was a bit of an incident towards the end of the match involving a Dulwich chap who decided he wanted to put the boot in literally. It seems the ref sent off the wrong chap. I have a question. ????? If an incident erupts where a boy is on the ground (it does not matter which team that boy comes from) and an opposing team player decides to put the boot in, is it totally unacceptable that a parent goes on to the pitch in order to intervene? I would mention that the ref was not near the incident at the time. The ref in question took charge of the game in a very efficient manner but, as can happen, simply was not near the incident when it started. I would like some comments please. I am not at all trying to be controversial but would actually like genuine comments and views. What is the current protocol? Is there a correct protocol in these situations? I bet I get no comments as I suspect that I am a lone voice in the dark and my blogs will be read in 100 years time by someone......................................
On a very positive note, I understand that Pat Winston of Dulwich took decisive action after the match and banned the boy in question for a month. This has been reported to me third hand and therefore if this is incorrect I apologise but if it is correct, then I take my hat off to Pat Winston and commend him on his action. All our guys are liable to make mistakes and the only way they learn is by being checked and corrected. The really nice thing was at the end of a heavily contested match all the boys were more than happy to shake hands with each other with beaming smiles on their faces. Boys from both teams formed a combined South London team and therefore know each other from their travels to Ireland .
Well done Dulwich.
Photos to follow
30/06/09
by Dodger
1 – 1 of 1
Sunday, 21 June 2009
Round Towers U16 v Tir Chonaill Gaels - Greenford - 20th June 2009
Final Score Towers - 6 goals and 4 points to Gaels 13 points
We travelled up to Greenford with our U16 panel of boys yesterday to face the Gaels in what was a most enjoyable watch for all who were on the side line supporting the Towers' boys.
We had the full management committee in attendance with Michael Maher, Declan Egan and Jerry O'Leary.
The Towers started really well and put together some fine passing which paid off with their shooters finishing off the job by putting the ball where we all wanted to see it - in the back of the net.
The team comprised many of the boys from last year's successful U14 panel plus a superb set of boys from the U14s
The team comprised many of the boys from last year's successful U14 panel plus a superb set of boys from the U14s
Edward Howford, Kieran Howard, William Rainbow, Sean Bennett, James McInnes, Joe Fortune and Michael White
It was great to see that the U14 boys were not at all intimated by their older opponents and as a result played a key part in their team's victory, particularly one player who, for me, was the MAN OF THE MATCH........ Our superative goalie - MICHAEL WHITE, who protected his goal with his life and allowed NOTHING to go past him.
While his brother made sure our goal was secure, Joe White did his job by ensuring that the ball did find the back of the Gaels' net - Joe's final tally was 3 goals with others coming from Mark O'Leary's boot (Mark celebrated his 15th birthday yesterday), our Captain, Josh Bargary, and the sweet boot of Ben Checklit. Points are always very important and these were provided by George Ransom, Edward Halford, Joe White and Ben Checklit.
The boys in defence did their job and hazzled the Gaels who looked as though they were going to put a few in our net but together the U16 won the day. There is great comradie between all the boys and is clear to see for those of us who have a joy of watching you guys win. Well done to all.
Our U16s will meet their great rivals, Dulwich Harps in Mitcham on this Tuesday evening. The game starts at 7 pm.
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