THE SASH June 3rd 2008
The Weekly Online Newsletter of Sarsfields GAA Club.
Junior Hurling League Final: Clane 2-9 Sarsfields 0–9
Two goals, one in each half from Clane’s former Offaly intercounty senior player John Rigney was the decisive factor in destination of the League title as Clane held off a determined challenge from holders Sarsfields to annexe their first adult hurling title since 1983 at Kilcock yesterday evening. It was a tough physical encounter in which the physically stronger Clane team had the edge on a lighter Sarsfields team.
Sarsfields full forward Joe Murray opened the scoring in the eight-minute with an excellent shot from 30 metres. Clane wing forward Eoin Nolan replied immediately with a fine strike from the left wing. After a brilliant clearance from Sarsfields full back Dennis O’Callaghan who had an outstanding game, straight to Joe Murray in the full forward line who beat his marker and fired over a point to edge Sarsfields ahead. A minute later it was Eoin Nolan’s turn again as he scored from a similar position to that of his first point to bring the sides level. Two minute later Gary Hogan with a great puck from the sideline put Sarsfields ahead 3-2.Midway through the half a Mick Ahern free stretched Sarsfields lead 4-2.
When John Rigney struck for his first goal in the 25th minute to put Clane 2 points clear 1-3 to 0-4 Clane never looked back and thereafter were in command of the game. Midfielder Thomas Lawless replied for Sarsfields with an excellently taken free from 50 metres. Bernard Day scored for Clane a minute later before Thomas Lawless struck another excellent point from midfield to leave just a single point in Clane’s favour at the break 1-4 to 0-6.
Just 4 minutes into the second half had elapsed when the deceptively mobile John Rigney showed his experience when he struck again to severely dent Sarsfields chances of retaining their League title by shooting to the net from close range. It was a blow from which Sarsfields never recovered and ominously it was another 16 minutes before the managed to get their first score of the second half. It arrived courtesy of a Mick Aherne 20 metre free to leave Sarsfields trailing by 4 points 2-5 to 0-7. While the four points deficit was not insurmountable such was the stranglehold that the Clane backs particularly the half back line, held over the Sarsfields forwards that Sarsfields were going to need goals to win. Despite living off scraps in the second half Sarsfields did create three clear goal chances. One effort from Mick Aherne rebounded off the crossbar another from Ahern a few minutes later was brilliantly saved by Ray Moloney in the Clane goal and then in injury time Cillian Deegan was fouled in the square. But it was simply not to be Sarsfields day as the resultant penalty was cleared off the line. Even had it been converted it would not have mattered as time was up and Clane were deserving champions. The sides will meet again in the championship in a few weeks in the but unlike yesterday Clane will be deprived of their senior players as they begin their senior championship campaign this weekend
Sarsfields: Frank Maguire, Dane Barrett, Dennis O’Callaghan, Paul Murray, Senan Clandillon, David Breslin, Olan O’Mahoney, Conor O’Dwyer, Thomas Lawless,(0-2) Cillian Deegan, Declan Flood, Gary Hogan,(0-1) Martin Murray, Joe Murray,(0-2) Mick Aherne(0-4) Subs: Shane Flaherty for Martin Murray (36 mins) Ciaran Lynch for Gary Hogan (44 mins) Niall O’Conner for Paul Murray (48mins injured) Colm Harrington for Niall O’Conner (58 mins)
Clane: Ray Moloney, Eoin Kilbride, Michael Walsh, Simon Jackson, Alan Corey, Ciaran Murphy, Cillian Ryan, Jim Byrne, Ciaran Brady, Eoin Nolan (0-2) Richie Cribbin (0-3), Eugene Walsh, Bernard Day (0-2) John Rigney,(2-0) Martin White. Joe Gleeson (0-1) Joe Gleeson for Jim Byrne (24Mins) Colm Doolan (0-1) for Martin White (40mins) Paddy Meehan for Ciaran Brady (45mins)
GAA See Red as RTE put Euro 2008 Games ahead of Leinster Championship
By Cliona Foley
A MAJOR row over live television coverage blew up between RTE and the GAA yesterday after it emerged that the national broadcaster was set to snub two Leinster championship matches in favour of live coverage of Euro 2008 games.
Frantic negotiations are ongoing in an attempt to salvage at least one of the matches which RTE had previously agreed to cover, particularly because one is in the hurling championship, of which RTE, embarrassingly, is now a competition sponsor.
Angry words were exchanged after RTE informed the GAA that it would not be covering the upcoming Leinster SHC semi-final between Dublin/Wexford on Saturday, June 14, and the province’s SFC quarter-final between Offaly and Westmeath a week earlier.
Only last Monday, Leinster Council announced that it was bringing forward the throw-in times for both games from 7pm to 6.30pm to facilitate live television, and both games were listed on the GAA’s agreed original ‘live’ schedule with RTE.
RTE’s apparently sudden decision to jettison these matches in favour of showing two 5pm soccer matches (Switzerland v Czech Republic and Sweden v Spain) prompted immediate outrage in GAA circles and early speculation that it was because of the poor quality of some of the early championship matches.
However, the Irish Independent understands that RTE officials are blaming the change on a scheduling cock-up by the GAA. Montrose officials are arguing they understood that the two Leinster games were to have early afternoon throw-ins, which meant they would not clash with their Euro 2008 coverage.
Leinster Council and several county boards are up in arms over the U-turn, particularly as host counties were set to pick up cash bonuses this summer for live television.
The row could not have come at a worse time for RTE whose monopoly has been broken by rival station TV3 this summer.
TV3 is starting its live television coverage with the meeting of Clare and Waterford hurlers this weekend and kicked off a new ‘magazine’ preview show with some big-name analysts last week.
Neither RTE nor Croke Park would comment yesterday and Leinster GAA Chairman Seamus Howlin would only say that ‘we are in ongoing talks with RTE and would hope to come to some agreement in the next 48 hours.’
The Irish Independent understands that the likely compromise will be to cover the Dublin/Wexford hurling game, but that the Offaly/Westmeath game will be kicked to touch.
That will have immediate repercussions, with the Offaly County Board likely to seek cash compensation as under the new system as host county they would have been guaranteed around €30,000 for local signage replaced by advertising for the GAA’s new title sponsors.
GPA Announces Hurling Twinning Scheme
by JP Lonergan
The Gaelic Players Association, in association with Halifax, has
announced the launching of The Hurling Twinning Programme, a new
initiative with the aim of promoting the small ball game in the weaker
counties.
The scheme will see hurling powerhouses from The Liam McCarthy Cup, such
as Kilkenny, Cork, Waterford and Galway team up with Nicky Rackard sides
like Donegal, Fermanagh, Cavan and the new South Down non Ards side.
It aims to improve the level of the game in the weaker counties as well
as further popularising it, by sending the top level McCarthy Cup squads
on scheduled sessions where they will give out advice, guidance and
training as well as the benefit of their experience.
It is also hoped that local coaches, schools and development squads in
the region could be included during the visits.
GPA chief Dessie Farrell said of the scheme: ‘The creation of the tiered
championship structure has given weaker counties a chance to develop
their panels. Hurlers are fiercely loyal to their sport and one another,
so we saw the Twinning Programme as a natural way of harnessing that
loyalty to help promote the game in the non-traditional regions.
‘To be honest, the top hurlers have been travelling to the weaker
counties on a voluntary basis for years. The Twinning Programme is
formalising that voluntary effort on a wider scale and hopefully, with
the help of the players and the local media, it will help to increase
the profile of hurling regionally.’
Karl Manning, Director of Sales at Halifax added, ‘We are delighted to
be involved in promoting the sport in non-traditional hurling counties.
It is great to see The GPA taking such a proactive approach to promoting
hurling throughout Ireland.
‘It shows the passion players from the traditionally strong counties
have for the game that they are investing their time and energy to give
hurling a much needed boost in other counties where those who play
hurling are just as passionate about the sport.
‘I have no doubt the Twinning Programme will make a substantial
difference to the games throughout Ireland and will foster friendships
and bonds between players from all over the country which is what
Gaelic Games are all about.’
A recent draw to pair the 24 teams saw All-Ireland champions Kilkenny
paired with Donegal and runners-up Limerick drawn to aid Tyrone.
National League champions Tipperary have been paired with Monaghan, with
fellow Munster giants Cork, Waterford and Clare to work respectively
with Fermanagh, Cavan and Louth.
Galway will work with South Down with Antrim drawn with Leitrim.
Leinster sides Wexford, Dublin, Offaly and Laois will work with
Longford, Warwickshire, Sligo and Fingal in that order.
Legends To Take Centre Stage at GAA Museum This Summer
GAA Museum launches Summer Calendar of Events
Croke Park, Wednesday 28th May: Clare’s All-Ireland Hurling success in ’95,
Meath’s successive titles in ’87 & ’88, the era of ‘Heffo’s Army’ – Crok
e Park has witnessed some incredible action over the years, and this summe
r, GAA fans have the chance to relive those epic occasions in the company
of the ‘Legends’ themselves.
The Legends Tour series is just one of the highlights of an action packed
summer of events at the GAA Museum in Croke Park. Kicking off on June 5t
h with Dublin footballing legend Jimmy Keaveney, these special tours wi
ll relive some magical moments at the stadium as they were experienced
by players, managers and commentators.
Legend tours will take place throughout the Summer with Sean Boylan,
Charlie Redmond and Davy Fitzgerald among the former players and manager
s involved. RTE commentator Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh also joins muse
um staff on June 26th to take visitors on a behind- the-scenes tour at the
stadium.
Other GAA Museum summer events include art workshops, two week long summer
schools in July and the ongoing Museum lecture series, which continues wit
h a talk by Dr. Sean Crosson entitled ‘Hurling and Hollywood’ to coinci
de with Heritage Week on 28th August.
The museum is also running a special photographic competition for primary
school children, in association with FUJIFILM. Entitled ‘A GAA Sportin
g Moment – From Your Club to Croke Park’, prizes include a digital camer
a, All Ireland tickets and a class trip to Croke Park. Further details
are available at www.crokepark.ie
The recently released Croke Park iWalk podcast will enhance a summer visit
to HQ. This tour, narrated by Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh, begins at
Suffolk Street and winds its way past historical landmarks on O’Connell
Street, Parnell Square and Mountjoy Square before arriving at the st
adium and museum.
Full details of the Legends Tours and all other Museum activities this
summer are available on the website www.gaa.ie/museum
Further information and booking:
Contact Selina O’ Regan at the GAA Museum Tel 01 8192361 / 8192323 Email so
regan@crokepark.ie or visit www.gaa.ie/museum.
Press Release
International Rules
The GAA and the AFL have confirmed that there will be a two-game
International Rules Series between the countries in October of this
year. The games will take place on October 24th in Perth and October
31st in Melbourne. Details of the stadiums to be used and other
arrangements with regard to the Series will be confirmed at a later
date.
Feile Laighean Saturday May 31st
The Feile Laighean U14 took place on Saturday last in Kildare as a forerunner to the All-Ireland Feile, which will be held for the first time in Kildare in 2009. Well done to Sarsfields Girls and Boys who reached the semi- finals.
Sarsfields Fixtures for the coming week
SFL Division1 Sunday 8th June at 7pm In Athy, Sarsfields V Athy.
SFL Division 3 Sunday 8th June at 7pm in Sarsfields Park, Sarsfields V Moorefield.
Sunday June 8th at 11am U14 A Sarsfields v Confey. U14 B Sarsfields V Nurney. Both games away.
Sarsfields Lotto
Sarsfields require club member to promote Sarsfields Website lotto sales. Candidate must be computer literate. Would suit student with IT/Marketing experience. Full training and support given. Contact PRO Tony Ryan: Tonyr06@eircom.net or 087- 2767338
TV3 GAA Fixtures
Date Match Competition
8/6/2008 Dublin v Louth LSFC R1
22/6/2008 Wicklow/Laois v Meath/Carlow/Wexford LSFC S/F
29/6/2008 Offaly/Longford/Westmeath v Dublin/Louth LSFC S/F
6/7/2008 Leinster Hurling Final LSHC
13/7/2008 Connacht Football Final CSFC
19/7/2008 Round 1 Qualifiers AIFC
20/7/2008 Ulster Football Final USFC
26/7/2008 Round 2 Qualifiers AIFC
2/8/2008 Round 3 Qualifiers AIFC
GAA And Other Quotes.
The legendary Paddy McCormack from Offaly (digging a hole in the ground with his boot):
You’re young Kearins, from Sligo. I presume you expect to go back to Sligo
this evening.
Mickey Kearins: Hopefully.
McCormack: Well, if you don’t pass the mark, you have a fair chance of
getting back.
Meath are like Dracula. They’re never dead till there’s a stake through
their heart.
Martin Carney.
I’m going to tape the Angelus over this.
Meath fan after recording the 2001 All-Ireland final.
My Dad told me you were the man that lost the All-Ireland for Tyrone!
Young fan to Iggy Jones.
Reporter interviews Kevin Moran on TV after the 1978 All- Ireland final.
Reporter: How’s the leg Kevin?
Kevin Moran: It’s fuc….. it’s very sore.
He’s as useless as a back pocket in a vest.
Kerry fan on Colin Corkery.
‘The main thing is, they’d eat grass to win. That’s what I want. I’m not
interested in lads ringing me up saying that they can’t train because they
need a babysitter, or their mother is not well, or there’s someone after
passing away.’
Larry Tompkins reveals the calibre of player best suited to his laid back
style or management.
‘At this stage, Eamonn, you’d nearly have to fancy the Dubs.’
The all-too honest reply of a Kildare player as they trailed heavily at
half-time in the 1978 Leinster final. In an attempt to rally his forlorn
troops, Kildare manager, Eamonn O’Donoghue had delivered a tub-thumping
speech which ended with the rhetorical question: ‘Who’s gonna win this
match?’
‘I never retired. They just stopped picking me.’
Derry full-back Tony Scullion explains the manner of his departure from the
intercounty game.
I’ve missed more than 9000 shots in my career. I’ve lost almost 300 games.
26 times, I’ve been trusted to take the game winning shot and missed. I’ve
failed over and over and over again in my life. And that is why I succeed.
Michael Jordan.
More Stupid Quotes.
‘Does the album have any songs you like that aren’t on it?
– Harry News, music reviewer
‘Coming on to pitch is Mike Moore, who is six-foot-one and 212 years old.’
– Herb Score, Sportpresenter
‘I deny the allegations and I defy the alligators!’
– Indicted Chicago Alderman
‘FIRST, CARRY TO FIRE.’
– Instructions on a fire extinguisher
‘I do not like this word ‘bomb.’ It is not a bomb. It is a device that is exploding.’
– Jacques le Blanc, French ambassador on nuclear weapons
‘His previous wives just didn’t understand him.’
– Jan Chamberlain, wife #8 for Mickey Rooney
‘Whoever designed the streets must have been drunk… I think it was those Irish guys.’
– Jesse Ventura, former Minnesota governor
‘The word ‘genius’ isn’t applicable in football. A genius is a guy like Norman Einstein.’
– Joe Theisman, quarterback and sports analyst
‘In a sense it’s a one-man show… except there are two men involved, Hartson and Berkovic, and a third man, the goalkeeper.’
– John Motson, BBC1 sports commentator
‘I don’t feel we did wrong in taking this great country away from them. There were great numbers of people who needed new land, and the Indians were selfishly trying to keep it for themselves.’
– John Wayne, Actor
‘I have a God-given talent. I got it from my dad.’
– Julian Wakefield, Missouri basketball player
‘I don’t think anybody anticipated the breach of the levees.’ –President Bush, on ‘Good Morning America,’ Sept. 1, 2005, six days after repeated warnings from experts about the scope of damage expected from Hurricane Katrina
‘Considering the dire circumstances that we have in New Orleans, virtually a city that has been destroyed, things are going relatively well.’ –FEMA Director Michael Brown, Sept. 1, 2005
Humour
Scottish Student
A student at an English university, by name of Donald MacDonald from the Isle of Skye, was living in the hall of residence during his first year.
After he had been there for a month, his mother came to visit, no doubt carrying reinforcements of oatmeal.
‘And how do you find the English students, Donald?’ she asked.
‘Mother,’ he replied, ‘They’re such terrible noisy people! The one on that side keeps banging his head against the wall, and won’t stop.
The one on the other side screams and screams and screams away into the night!’
‘Oh, Donald! How ever do you manage to put up with these awful noisy English neighbours?’
‘Mother, I do nothing, I just ignore them! I just stay here quietly playing my bagpipes!’
Waking up at the Wake
Murphy, O’Brien & Casey were sitting in a bar discussing the words they would like to hear spoken over their coffins at their wakes. Casey says, ‘I would like them to say ‘He was a
wonderful family man- he always supported his wife and kids, and they never wanted for anything”. O’ Brien says, ‘That’s lovely Casey. But I would like to hear them say, ‘He was a great man in the community – he undertook a lot of projects to make his community a better place.” Murphy says, ‘Thats’s very nice, O’Brien. But I would like to hear them say, ‘Look!
He’s moving!”
No Dogs Allowed
A man goes to a bar with his dog.
He goes up to the bar and asks for a drink.
The bartender says ‘You can’t bring that dog in here!’
The man, without missing a beat, says ‘This is my guide dog.’
‘Oh ,” the bartender says, ‘I’m sorry, here, the first one’s on me.’ The man takes his drink and goes to a table near the door.
Another man walks in the bar with a Chihuahua.
The first man sees him, stops him and says ‘You can’t bring that dog in here unless you tell the barman that he’s your guide dog.’
The second man graciously thanks the first man and continues to the bar. He asks for a drink.
The bartender says ‘Hey, you can’t bring that dog in here!’
The second man replies ‘But this is my guide dog.’
The bartender says, ‘No, I don’t think so. They do not have Chihuahua’s as guide dogs.’
The man pauses for a half-second and replies ‘What?!?! What you mean the miserable feckers gave me a Chihuahua as a guide dog
Talented Dog
A local business was looking for office help. They put a sign in the window, stating the following: ‘HELP WANTED. Must be able to type, must be good with a computer and must be bilingual. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer.’
A short time afterwards, a dog trotted up to the window, saw the sign and went inside. He looked at the receptionist and wagged his tail, then walked over to the sign, looked at it and whined.
Getting the idea, the receptionist got the office manager. The office manager looked at the dog and was surprised, to say the least. However, the dog looked determined, so he led him into the office. Inside, the dog jumped up on the chair and stared at the manager.
The manager said ‘I can’t hire you. The sign says you have to be able to type.’ The dog jumped down, went to the typewriter and proceeded to type out a perfect letter. He took out the page and trotted over to the manager and gave it to him, then jumped back on the chair.
The manager was stunned, but then told the dog ‘the sign says you have to be good with a computer.’ The dog jumped down again and went to the computer. The dog proceeded to enter and execute a perfect program that worked flawlessly the first time.
By this time the manager was totally dumb-founded! He looked at the dog and said ‘I realize that you are a very intelligent dog and have some interesting abilities. However, I still can’t give you the job.’
The dog jumped down and went to a copy of the sign and put his paw on the sentences that told about being an Equal Opportunity Employer. The manager said ‘yes, but the sign also says that you have to be bilingual.’
The dog looked at the manager calmly and said, ‘Meow!’
Clinton Orders A Quickie
Bill Clinton and Al Gore go into a local diner for lunch.
As they read the menu the waitress comes over and asks Clinton, ‘Are you ready to order?’
Clinton replies, ‘Yes, I’d like a quickie.’
‘A quickie?!?’ The waitress replies. ‘Sir, given the current situation of your personal life I don’t think that is a good idea. I’ll come back when you are ready to order from the menu.’ She walks away.
Gore leans over to Clinton and says, ‘Bill, it’s pronounced ‘Quiche.”
Thanks to Dema Houlihan for some of the GAA quotes.
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