Club News

AGM 

The Annual General Meeting of Lucan Sarsfields GAA Club will take place on Thursday November 23rd at 9pm in the Function Room at the Clubhouse. All proposed motions, recommendations and nominations for Officer Positions on the Executive should be submitted to me, Club Secretary, by 9th November, 2022. All submissions must be made in writing or by email. They can be left in the post box in the Club café, posted to the Club address or emailed to: secretary.lucansarsfields.dublin@gaa.ie More details and the nomination form for officer positions can be found on the web here  

LGFA 

Minor A Ladies Football Shield Final Lucan Sarsfields 0-11 Thomas Davis 0-05

Lucan Sarsfields Minor Ladies finished out their season with a gripping game against Thomas Davis in a fixture that was a repeat of their earlier group stage encounter. Having drawn in the group stages of the championship this game promised to be competitive encounter and didn’t fail to live up to expectations. The first half began at a blistering pace with both teams looking to take an early advantage. No shortage of determination and intensity on display from the off with the middle third being a real battle zone during early exchanges. 

Thomas Davis edged into an early lead with the first point of the game. A well worked score to take the lead. Lucan struggled to make in roads during the first quarter through in no small part to the hardworking endeavours of Thomas Davis defensively. A well organised and drilled defence was the challenge Lucan needed to face. To the fore came Orla Morrisey, the quintessential corner forward, making clever runs and winning ball to help setup attacks. This incisiveness coupled with intricate forward play resulted in Lucan’s first score. A point excellently secured by Caoimhe Keller’s direct running and fine execution. 

Thomas Davis responded with their second point of the game and began to apply pressure to make further in roads on the scoreboard. Great credit must be given to Lucan’s full back line during this period as time and again they repelled attacks. The reliable trio, the establishment even, of Shauna Rooney, Caoilfhionn Sheary and Saoirse Balfe. A brilliant and determined display from the three girls meant time again opposition attacks broke down and a platform for Lucan attacks began. 

It’s often quoted good forwards win games, but good defenders win you championships. To not mention the performance of Lucan’s half back line throughout the game would be reprehensible. The rear guard of Lucan’s middle third deserve massive credit. The ever-present trio of Aoife Fox, team captain Niamh Roche and Eve Bruton put on a phenomenal display throughout. Sometimes it just comes down to shear guts and this trio have it abundance. Lucan secured their second point from a difficult free brilliantly converted by Leah Duffy. Lucan forwards were working hard, but chances were at a premium and the accuracy of free taking from Leah was crucial. It takes a certain level of bravery and composure to be a free taker in crunch matches and Leah displays these characteristics time and again. Once more Thomas Davis worked an excellent scoring chance and if not for the sharp reactions of goalkeeper Tegan Kelleher a goal could have been secured. Massive praise should be given to Tegan for taking part on the night despite carrying injury. A determination and commitment recognised by players and mentors alike. Keeping a clean sheet in such a tight game was crucial for Lucan and full credit to Tegan for an excellent display of goal keeping. 

Thomas Davis secured their final point of the first half from a brilliant long distance effort leaving Lucan with minutes to respond before the break but what a response ensued. The midfield efforts of Siobhan Birnie, Blathnaid O’Dwyer and Leah O’Byrne must be recognised. This is the engine room of any football team. A position which requires grit, determination, and no shortage of stamina and the three girls demonstrated this in abundance. The final score of the first half for Lucan was a joy to behold for any footballing supporter and wouldn’t look out of place in Croke Park. Strong running by Milly Hughes supported by Caoimhe Costello setup up a long-distance chance from a difficult angle. The execution of the opportunity from Siobhan Birnie was second to none leaving the sides all square at half time. Lucan knew they were in a battle but were determined the continue with the same intensity in the second half. The ask was to focus on more direct running to try penetrating the oppositions defence and create easier opportunities close to goal. This approach did pay dividends in the second half and key to this emphasis were the endeavours of Naoise O’Sullivan, Caoimhe Costello, Milly Hughes and Leah O’Byrne who’s determination and excellent ball carrying helped punch holes in very solid Thomas Davis defence. 

Well taken scores from Milly Hughes and Leah Duffy helped Lucan to an early second half lead and Thomas Davis responded with a point of their own to leave the bare minimum between the sides again. The next score of the game was a brilliant team effort started with a save from Tegan Kelleher which was worked through the defence and midfield to find Niamh Doolan in space. Despite the challenging angle Niamh succeeded in raising the white flag with a brilliant point. A real corner forwards score which raised a cheer from the Lucan support on the night. 

Credit must go to Thomas Davis as they never withdrew. Time and again they fought hard to create chances and hinder Lucan’s progress while securing the next score from a difficult angle to again leave the bare minimum between the teams with 20 minutes remaining. The introduction of Naoise O’Sullivan, Kerry Leahy and Aisling Colfer in the second half brought a renewed energy to Lucan helping to secure possession in forward positions to setup attacks. Couple this with their relentless tackling in forward positions, turning over possession and limiting quick counter attacks, demonstrated that Lucan were prepared to battle for this final. 

A further point from the excellent free taking of Leah Duffy followed by a brilliant solo effort from Aisling Colfer helped to put some daylight between the teams again. However, two points is a dangerous lead in football and Lucan’s defence were coming under massive pressure midway through the second half but the response from Rebecca Mc Grath and Niamh Roche to shore the centre of defence was phenomenal. Time and again Rebecca and Niamh put their bodies on the line to stem the flow of attacks. This determined display from defence energised Lucan to drive on to the final whistle. Further scores from Leah Duffy, Leah O’Byrne and Milly Hughes helped Lucan pull away in the final stages to secure the victory. 

The scoreline doesn’t accurately reflect how good a contest ensued. The large crowd on the night were treated a brilliant exhibition of football. Full credit to both teams for this good honest display played in the right spirit throughout. A brilliant support from Lucan on the night was really appreciated including Aoibheann Stokes who despite being injured braved the cold weather to support her teammates. 

Lucan Team: Tegan Kelleher, Shauna Rooney, Caoilfhionn Sheary, Saoirse Balfe, Aoife Fox, Niamh Roche, Eve Bruton, Siobhan Birnie, Blathnaid O’Dwyer, Caoimhe Costello, Milly Hughes, Leah Duffy, Niamh Doolan, Caoimhe Keller, Orla Morrisey, Aisling Colfer, Kerry Leahy, Naoise O’Sullivan, Rebecca McGrath, Leah O’Byrne. 

Mentors: John Balfe, Sean Keller, Donal Colfer, Tom Doolan. FLO: Leigh Duffy 

Juvenile/Coiste na nÓG

Under 13 Football

Congratulations to our u13A Football who won the league at the week-end, maith siabh na buchalli

Under 16 Football

The u16 Football and Hurling teams climbed Ticknock on the 10th of September . They wanted to fundraise for a local charity and it was agreed that Stewarts School was most suitable. Thankfully we got a nice day for it. We had good numbers for the event with many parents also making the hike too. Each player got a sponsorship card and the group managed to raise €1255 . Thanks to all our sponsors and thanks to Damian Flynn of Creative Binding Solutions Ltd for his printing. We presented a Cheque to Mary Carrig and Mary Duane of Stewarts School on Monday 13th November . They were thrilled with the donation. This was a great character building exercise for the group. At the summit we spoke about how fortunate they are to get to play sport together as a group and represent the Lucan community. 

Social

Tickets are now sold out for the Lucan Sarsfields Christmas Gala which takes place on Saturday 2nd December at the Clubhouse, anyone still looking to attend is welcome to join the waiting list. But there is no need to worry about missing the Gala as we have another great night arranged for the Christmas Draw on Thursday 21st December at the clubhouse with finger food and live music provided by Madra.

The Lucan Sarsfields GAA Club 25 Card Drive resumes on Friday 13^th October 2023 and will continue to 10^th May 2024 in the Clubhouse Bar.

Time: Friday 8.00pm Sharp

1st Prize: €50 (if 12 or more players, 2nd Prize if 3 or more tables

Entry: €5 per person

Everyone is welcome - from beginners to those who played years ago and would like to resume playing so please spread the word! Members are also welcome to bring friends. Call Bill Ryan at 086-8500376 or Mary Flannery at 087-7469143 for further information.

Healthy Club 

^{Healthy Club are hosting a Senior Citizens Sunday Lunch on Sunday, 19th November. All enquires for tickets or from anyone who would like to help out or provide entertainment can contact the Healthy Club Committee or Colette @ 086 3799270.}

Lotto

No Winner of last week’s Lotto Prize of €7,000.

The Numbers were 6, 7, 9, 26.

The lucky dip prizes go to, The lucky dip prizes go to, Geraldine Coogan, Estelle Carr, Emma and Donal Flannery, Maura O’Keefe, Keith Gallagher.

Next week’s Lotto will be for a jackpot of €7,400. The draw is sponsored by Lucan Vollage Pharmacy and will be led by Edel Mooney.

Tá €7,400 sa phota óir don tseachtain seo chugainn agus is é urraitheoir na seachtaine:

Beidh sé beo ón Na Sárséalaigh Leamhcáin, an leathanach Facebook.

Déan cinnte go bhfuil d’iontráil curtha isteach agaibh roimh 6 i.n. oíche an chrannchuir, chun í a chur san áireamh sa chrannchur na seachtaine sin.

The draw will be held on Thursday 16^th November, at 9pm and is streamed from Lucan Sarsfields Clubhouse, on our Facebook page.

Make sure your entry is submitted before 6pm on the evening of the draw to be included in that week’s draw.

féidir libh ticéadaí a cheannacht ar líne leis an nasc seo:

Tickets can be purchased online at the following link:

http://bit.ly/LucanSarsfieldsClubLotto,

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

Thank You for supporting Lucan Sarsfields GAA Club.