Congratulations to our Ladies Football Junior A's who are the 2021 Go-Ahead Dublin Junior F Champions following their victory over Round Towers Clondalkin in the final on Wednesday evening. It was fantastic to have both Junior ladies football teams playing in championship finals on the same night, the Junior B's, unfortunately, came up short against our neighbours St Finians in Newcastle, but huge credit to both teams and management for this achievement. Well done to both clubs U8 future stars who played a mini match during the half time interval. The Ladies Football Intermediates were also in league action at home against Templeogue, and while leading for most of the game, were caught out near the end, losing by two points.

Congratulations to Abby Shiels and the Dublin Senior Ladies Football team on the win over Mayo, and who now meet Meath in the All Ireland decider in September. Congratulations also to Mayo senior footballers on reaching the mens football equivalent after extra time against 'The Dubs' last Saturday. It is perhaps fitting that Dublins closest rivals over the last ten years or so should be the ones to inflict defeat against the reigning 6-In-A-Row All Ireland champions.

Best of Luck to John O'Connell manager of the Dublin Minor Camogie team that will face Waterford in the Tesco All Ireland Quarter finals on Saturday, (2:30pm Abbotstown) and to all our girls on the panel, Cliobhna Ni Bhuchalla, Sinead Daly, Hannah Gibbs, Sophie McIntyre, Millie Reid and Phoebe Shannon.

Last weekend also saw the final round of regular games in the Covid truncated adult hurling leagues and our teams finished as they started, with four wins from four.  The Seniors set the standard with an impressive and much needed win over Division one league leaders Ballyboden on Wednesday night.  On Friday night, the Junior C’s travelled “away” to St Catherines Park where they comfortably defeated Na Gaeil Oga, and then Sunday saw big wins for both the Junior A’s over Realt Dearg and the Junior B’s over Round Towers. The Junior A’s achieved five wins from five in their League Division and they now progress to the final against Skerries on Sunday morning 11am at the 12th Lock.  Across the four teams, we achieved 14 wins from 20 league games (a 70% success rate) and all four certainly have the potential to make an impact in the Championships which commence in early September. (Match reports below)

Best wishes to the Lovett family as they relocate to Gearoid's homeplace, Causeway, County Kerry, at the end of the month. We are sure that Sara (Minor and Junior Ladies Football) and Joe (u13 Football and Hurling) will easily find places on their new local teams.

Congratulations also to Fintan Clandillon who also won tickets in the members only Club Development raffle held last Wednesday evening.

For advance notifications of draws and special offers for members, please get the clubforce app from  https://clubforce.com/ and make Lucan Sarsfields GAA your favourite club, and/or subscribe to our mailing list http://eepurl.com/gSDqc1

Lucan Sarsfields Social Initiative

It was like the cattle being released from their winter sheds to fresh grass, such was the enthusiasm of members of Lucan Sarsfields Social Initiative to their gathering on Thursday evening 12 August, 2021. Some arrived early keen to avail of the fresh grass (or pints), others came for Jackie Foleys sambo's and cocktail sausages. Seaghan O’Lanagain spoke to those assembled on the 10th anniversary of the Mary McAlease founded initiative and on how this was their first gathering since their visit to Kenmare almost two years ago while Chairman Colm Farrell welcomed all to our newly renovated lounge. 

The atmosphere was buzzing with conversation. It was like the geriatric equivalent of a teenage disco, but without the females, until the arrrival of the successful Intermediate Camogie team, fresh from their Cup success. Some 40 members enjoyed a night of conversation that was so long over due. Having spent the last 18 months or so self isolating or cocooning the delight in just meeting face to face was palpable. The delight for some was enhanced with three lotto lucky dip prize winners amoung those gathered. 

The work of the clubs volunteers in renovating the club was universally praised, while many felt it was now one of the best locations in Lucan to socialise. We really look forward to a repeat event.

Lucan Sarsfields Golf Society

The Golf Society's next outing is Jack Butler's Captain's Day in the wonderful Luttrellstown Golf Club on Saturday 28th August 2021. 

Tee is booked from 12.40 to 3.10pm. Play in 4-balls. Fee €50.00 (bring cash).

Great prizes for best scores, longest drive, nearest the pin, 2's club and past Captains.

Dinner / presentation is deferred until our Millicent outing on 25th September 2021, - covid protocols permitting.

A number of tee-times are still available. 

To book please contact/text Jack Butler on 087 258 2780 or Seamus Fagan on 086 816 8984 before 6.00pm Wednesday 25th August.

Thanks for your great support and happy golfing! 

The LDCU Academy which takes place on Saturday mornings for boys and girls aged between 4 and 7 will return on Saturday 4th September.

12th Lock Café is open from 6pm-8pm weekdays and weekend mornings when training/matches are taking place.

The ONeills Club Shop is open Thursdays 7-9pm. Saturday opening will recommence from September 4th

Lucan Sarsfields GAA Club Lotto

Jackpot €13,400

There was no winner of the Club Lotto Jackpot of €13,000 held on 19th August 2021. 

The numbers drawn were: 

8, 9, 15, 24

Lucky Dip winners of €30 each:  

Claire Joyce, Darragh Ryan, Tony Rigney, PJ Finnerty, TNG

The Jackpot for the next draw, to be held on Thursday 26th August, is €13,400, and is sponsored by:

Newcastle Golf Centre. 

The draw, managed by Josephine Donohue, will live streamed from the Clubhouse at 9pm to our Facebook page. 

Tickets can be purchased via the website, ClubForce APP or at the following link: http://bit.ly/LucanSarsfieldsClubLotto. 

Go raibh míle maith agaibh as ucht tacú le Na Sárséalaigh Leamhcáin.

For The Record

19/08/2021

U15 Football A Qualifying Gp.A

Lucan Sarsfields A 8-8, Thomas Davis A 5-11, @12th Lock

U15 Football C Qualifying Gp.B

Castleknock B 4-16, Lucan Sarsfields B 1-9, @Porterstown

18/08/2021 

Go-Ahead Junior F Championship Final

Lucan Sarsfields B 2-16, Round Towers Clondalkin 0-9, @Monastery Road

Go-Ahead Junior H Championship Final

t Finians (N) 1-14, Lucan Sarsfields C 1-3, @Newcastle

Go-Ahead Adult League Division 2

Lucan Sarsfields 4-4, Templeogue Synge Street 1-15 @12th Lock

17/08/2021

U13 Hurling Grading League Div.1

Kilmacud Crokes A 2-11, Lucan Sarsfields A 2-8, @Deerpark

U13 Hurling Grading League Div.3

Naomh Olaf A 4-4, Lucan Sarsfields B 0-7, @Pc Ui Bhriain

U13 Hurling Grading League Div.8

Lucan Sarsfields C 8-1, Ballyboden St Endas C 3-7, @Arthur Griffith Park

U16 Football League Div.1

Lucan Sarsfields A 5-11, Clontarf A 1-14, @12th Lock

U16 Football League Div.5

Lucan Sarsfields B 1-3, Parnells 10-22, @Arthur Griffith Park

16/08/2021

Under 18 Ladies Football League Division 6a (Play Off Rounds)

Lucan Sarsfields C 6-15, Clontarf B 0-11 @12th Lock

15/08/2021

Go Ahead Adult Hurling League Division Five South

Lucan Sarsfields 3-25, Realt Dearg 1-8, @Arthur Griffith Park

Go Ahead Adult Hurling League Division Seven South

Round Towers (C) 0-4, Lucan Sarsfields 4-24, @Monastery Road

Minor Football League Division Two South

St Judes 1-12, Lucan Sarsfields 1-9, @Tymon North

Minor Football League Division Four North

Na Fianna 2-15, Lucan Sarsfields 2-8, @Collinstown Lane

13/08/2021

Go Ahead Adult Hurling League Division Ten North Group 1

Na Gaeil Oga 0-15, Lucan Sarsfields 4-14, @St Catherines Park

MATCH REPORTS

Match reports are always welcome after every game. Please include the date and time of the fixture, the venue, opposition and competition. 

If you have a team photo, or a photo of the coin-toss, that would be great, and always include the squad list and scorers.

Send reports by email using this link  or you can use this form to submit a report online

Adult Ladies Football Championship Finals

Junior A Ladies Football

Go-Ahead Junior F Championship Final

Monastery Road, Clondalkin, Wednesday, 18 August 2021

Lucan Sarsfields 2-16, Round towers 0-9

Wednesday the 18th of August and all roads lead to Monastery Road, Clondalkin for the Junior F Championship final against our hosts Round Towers GAA club. While the location may have been different, the same journey was travelled last year, with the result not going our way then. Anyway, they say that “you have to lose a final to win one”, so we were going to put that theory to the test. With match preparations all going to plan, kick off couldn’t come quick enough for the girls, who wanted to right the wrongs from 12 months previously. The message in all the girls heads was clear, as they entered the pitch…..”A strong start was crucial, and if each girl could win their own individual battles, then as a collective, they would be in with a great chance”. 

Ball thrown in, and the first few minutes was as hectic as expected with both sides creating chances. However, it was Round Towers, that raced into a 2 point lead. This group of girls don’t do panic though, and slowly but surely, they settled into the game. By the first water break, we had turned the tables, and Lucan were now 6 points to 2 ahead. With play back on, it was Round Towers who made the most of the ‘curse of the water break’, and within 5 minutes, they had scored 3 unanswered points, to leave Lucan just one point ahead. They say if plan A doesn’t work, then just try plan A again, but do it better. That’s exactly what Lucan did. No panic, stick to the task, and over the remaining 10 minutes up to half time, they kept Towers scoreless, while at the same time they clocked up an additional 1 -4 themselves. The goal was a well worked move from a sideline ball, taken by Katie Hegarty. She  played it long into our full forward Bella Fay, who grabbed it out of the clouds, rounded her marker, and laid it off unselfishly to the incoming Aoife O’ Kane, who buried it low into the left corner. At half time it was 1 – 9 to 0 – 5 in favour of Lucan. During the first half, 4 of the 6 forwards had scored, with Chloe O’Connor contributing 3 points, Bella Fay and Roisin Egan 2 points each, and Aoife O’Kane adding a point, as well as scoring that crucial first goal. For good measure, our midfielder Faye Murphy also had time to pop up with one point, despite covering every blade of grass around the middle third, where she was ably assisted by her midfield partner Anna Cuffe, who also never stopped. 

With time to draw breath at half time, it was clear that Round Towers had serious potential in the forward line and in particular the full forward line. However, full credit to our full back line to Erris Smith, Cliona O’Donnell (captain), and Aimee Kate (I know I’m a corner back, but that doesn’t mean I can’t go up the other end of the pitch and try to score a goal) Clyne Farrelly, whatever was thrown at them, they were ready for it! Unfortunately for Aimee though, she had to come off at half time, due to suspected concussion, but only after putting in a solid 30 minutes of corner back play against a very nippy corner forward.

With the second half back on, Dani O’Connor replaced the injured Aimee. It was crucial that Lucan didn’t allow Round Towers get on another scoring spree, similar to what had happened at the start of the match, and also after the first water break. Full credit to Lucan, they kicked off exactly the same way they had finished the final 10 minutes of the first half and you sensed they were starting to take control, although it was still very early days. In particular the half back line of Aisling Kavanagh, Lauren Dawson and Niamh Stokes, were starting to both block off any potential attacks from Towers, but also drive forward themselves. This meant it was a real ding dong battle in that middle third. Our ‘middle 8’ was really working well together though, with the half forward line of Roisin Egan, Chloe O’Connor and Aoife (I could pop up anywhere on the pitch) Seery, also starting to take control. Another injury was to hit us early in the 2nd half when Niamh Stokes went over on her ankle. While to her credit she considered staying on, it was clear the way the match was going, that we needed 15 fit soldiers out there, and Lauren Finan entered the frey. She made her mark straight away by winning a great one on one with her marker and drove up the field. Scores seemed to be harder to come by at this stage,with both sides exchanging points. A few minutes before the water break Roisin had a great effort for goal come crashing off the crossbar, and Katie H was on hand to palm it into the net for goal number 2. By the 2nd water break it was Lucan 11 points up at 2 – 12 to 0 – 7. However this scoreline did not accurately reflect the overall play, with Round Towers hitting the crossbar twice and our goalie Emma McGivney making a spectacular full length save to ensure she kept a clean sheet for 2 games running. By the way, her kick outs weren’t bad either, with regular pin point 30 yard kick outs falling straight into a Lucan team mates hands.

With the final quarter now in play it was a matter of, what we have, we hold. Lorna Sexton and Orla O’Toole also joined proceedings at this stage, replacing Aoife O’Kane and Bella Fay respectively. Both girls had run themselves ragged, and clocked up multiple scores along the way. While Lorna would be better known as a defender, she wasn’t to be outdone by the other forwards, and knocked over a well taken point with a few minutes to go. In between Dani (is she not a defender aswell?) O’Connor also scored a point and Roisin Egan added to her tally, with a well taken free. After what seemed like a lot longer (and was actually) than 30 minutes the ref finally blew the whistle and the girls ran out worthy winners on a scoreline of 2 – 16 to 0 – 9. This really was a team effort of all 19 girls who played on the night. In all, there was 9 different scorers, with all 6 starting forwards getting on the scoresheet. The goalie, backs and midfield just kept going and going til the very end, and got their just reward. While there could have been a number of different ‘Player of the Match’, it was Chloe O’Connor with 6 points (all from play) at centreforward who justifiably got the award.

They say it takes a village to rear a family, and it seems like it takes something similar to compete in a final. Great thanks and credit must go to Round Towers GAA who were great hosts on the night. The pitch and grounds were immaculate, and we were made feel very welcome from start to finish. Thanks as well to the large group of supporters on both sides who really added to the occasion. Many thanks also to John O’Connor and John McGivney who did umpire, and Don Stokes who did linesman for us. It was also great to see our U-8s ladies football team during half time. Stars of the future no doubt!!!

Commiserations also to our Junior B team who lost their Championship final on the same night. We’ve now proven the theory that ‘you have to lose a final to win one’ so no doubt they’ll be back again next year!!!!                           

Full Panel : Emma McGivney, Lauren Finan, Lorna Sexton, Cliona O’Donnell, Aimee Kate Clynne Farrelly, Niamh Stokes, Katie Hegarty, Lauren Dawson, Dani O’Connor, Aisling Kavanagh, Ali Dune, Anna Cuffe, Chloe O’Connor, Erris Smith, Aoife Seery, Aoife O’ Kane, Faye Murphy, Roisin Egan, Bella Faye, Orla O’Toole, Cora O’Toole,  Phoebe Shannon, Cara Ware, Kate Finan, Ella Lacey, Leah Dunne and Carah McLoughlin.

Mentors: Tracey Walsh, Billy Egan, Glen Maguire and JJ Hegarty

Junior B Ladies Football 

Go-Ahead Junior H Championship Final, 

Newcastle, Wednesday, 18 August 2021

St Finians (N) 1-14, Lucan Sarsfields 1-3

The Girls from Lucan travelled a short distance to Newcastle to face St Finians in the Junior H Championship final. Unfortunately it wasn’t to be Lucan’s night as our host came away with the win 1:14 to 1:3. The girls didn’t give up and should be proud, firstly with the performances in the group stages of the campaign, but secondly, to reach a final in their first year together which is a great achievement. Ladies football has come a long way in the club and by having both Junior Ladies Football teams reaching their respective finals bodes well for the rest of the season and  for the coming years. 

Lucan Sarsfields: Aoife Murphy, Tracey Walsh, Aileen Walsh, Mari Mahon, Laura Lakes, Sophie Smith, Cora Scannell, Ellie Wisdom, Sara Lovett, Rachel O’Neill (c) , Aimee O’Sullivan, Mags Commane, Aaron Woods, Sadhbh Murray, Ella Dawson, Gillian Ryan, Shauna Conway, Siobhan Casey, Croía Kelly, Bevin Kelleher, Chloe Bernie.

Management: Tracey Walsh, Triona Leonard, Phil Murphy

Adult Hurling Reports:

AHL1:  Lucan Sarsfields 3-23   Ballyboden St Endas 0-14.

Lucan seniors completed their league campaign with a morale boosting win over leaders Ballyboden.  This was Lucan’s most impressive performance of the league campaign and sets them up well for the Championship preparations ahead.  Lucan set a high intensity level from the start and an early pointed free by Ciaran Dowling was followed by a well taken goal from Ronan Smith.  Paul Crummey had added a second goal by the water break at which Lucan were ahead 2-3 to 0-1.  The visitors were more competitive in the second quarter but Lucan continued to press and were ahead 2-8 to 0-5 at half-time.  Boden’s cause wasn’t helped by a sending off just before half-time and the Lucan lead was extended to 12 points by the second water break.  A flurry of late scores, including a goal from substitute Evin Dowling saw a final score-line of 3-23 to 0-14.  Lucan were solid in defence throughout with full back Alan Byrne and half backs John Bellew and Chris Crummey particularly impressive.  Ronan Smith set the tone at midfield and Ciaran Dowling and Paul Crummey delivered most of the scores in a forward line that work hard in disrupting the visitors possession and delivery.

Lucan team/scorers:  D O’Neill, A Murphy, A Byrne, L Walsh (0-1), M McCaffrey, C Crummey (0-1), J Bellew (0-2), R Smith (1-0), B Aird, R Stapleton, K Fitzgerald, C Walsh (0-2), C Keher (0-2), C Dowling (0-9, 0-7f), P Crummey (1-3).  Subs introduced: J McCaffrey, E O’Conghaile, C McHugh (0-2), P Claffey, R Ward, E Dowling (1-1), A McNulty.

AHL5:  Lucan Sarsfields 3-25  Realt Dearg 1-8

This big win saw Lucan Junior A’s complete the AHL5 South Division undefeated and now play the North Division winners, Skerries Harps, in a league final next Sunday.   Realt Dearg looked like they would be competitive when picking off a couple of scores in the early minutes.  However, Lucan played with a good tempo and soon got on top with a succession of scores from Emmet Allen and Rory Stapleton.   A goal against the run of play kept the visitors in touch but CJ Smyth cancelled that with a will finished goal before half time and Lucan led 1-10 to 1-6 at the break.   The second half was one way traffic as Lucan pulled away with the scores again mainly coming from the very impressive half forwad line of Allen, Stapleton and Oisin O’Brien who amassed 1-20 between them (1-15 from play).  The midfield pairing of Barry Aird and Eoghan O’Connor provided the platform for the forwards and contributed two scores each also.  The defence worked very well as a unit and was rarely troubled too much by the visiting forwards.   The three subs introduced contributed well also with Liam O’Connor getting the third goal to put the seal on an impressive win.  They will undoubtedly face tougher tests in the League Final and in the Championship campaign ahead, but can look forward to both of those with confidence.

Lucan team/scorers: F Clandillon, A Sheehan, R Twomey, T Behan, G Millea, L Murphy, D Reynolds, B Aird (0-2), E O’Connor (0-2), O O’Brien (1-3), E Allen (0-10, 0-5f), R Stapleton (0-7), K Masterson, CJ Smith (1-1), A Lee.  Subs introduced: C Canavan, F Ward, L O’Connor (1-0).

AHL7:   Round Towers 0-5  Lucan Sarsfields 4-24.

Lucan Junior Bs finished their league campaign with this very easy win over neighbours Round Towers.  Lucan were dominant throughout and the game was over as a contest from an early stage.  This win was Lucan’s fourth from five games with just a single loss to Thomas Davis denying them a place in the final.  They now look to the Championship campaign where they will be seeking to retain their Junior C title and win a third championshop in a row. 

Lucan team: L Finnerty, I Fitzgerald, K Roche, B McGarry, J Mullines, P Fagan, B O’Toole, A Finnerty, S Donohue, A Hanley, E Lombard, C Keane, C Boylan, J Cavanagh, A Carroll.  Subs introduced: D Reid, A Glover, E Power, C O’Neill.

Junior C Hurling 13/8/2021

Na Gaeil Oga vs. Lucan Sarsfields 

Lucan Junior Cs played their final league match of the campaign away against Na Gaeil Óga on Friday evening last and were looking to tip the ledger balance in our favour having won two and lost two in the earlier league rounds. We had a bright start with the inside line of Jake Mooney (two scores) and Eoghan Gately putting us ahead 3-2. Lucan added two more scores and following some good interplay, Eoin Higgins finished to the net to leave us ahead 1-5 to 0-2 at the first break having been aided by a slight diagonal wind. The second quarter was bookended by two more goals when Finan Breen and an amazing solo-effort by Daniel Coogan stretched our lead out to 3-11 to 0-6.

After halftime, the opposition stepped up a gear and tied the third quarter but our key score was goal number four from Mark Daly after he was put through by Gately. This quarter included some heroic defending by Justin Myler in goals and a hard-working Liam O'Connor who did a lot of tracking back to preserve the clean sheet. We added three more scores in the final quarter with the biggest cheer of the night raised when Donncha Hassey finally got off the mark for the season with the last score of the game. The match finished on an apparently comfortable scoreline of 4-17 to 0-15 but the excellent attitude and commitment of the nineteen players in attendance was the key in driving out the win. This was borne out by the fact we had thirteen different scorers from play!

Team & Scorers: J Myler; Daire Murphy, D Hassey (0-1), C O'Neill; R Moloney, P Kennedy (0-3: 0-2 65), D Coogan (1-0); E Higgins (1-0), Liam O'Connor (0-1); S Keegan (0-3), B Fagan (0-1), F Breen (1-1); E Power (0-1), E Gately (0-1), J Mooney (0-3); M Daly (1-1), J Brant (0-1), R Hazley, R Brant