Lucan Sarsfield’s Club Notes 

Hurling 

The minor hurling season finally got going this weekend after two false starts due to the weather. We had three teams in action, all playing away from home. Our Minor As went down to Ballyboden in a very entertaining encounter (see report below) but there were good wins for our Minor B’s over Erin Go Brath and Minor Cs over Na Fianna. Thanks to the under 16 players and mentors for helping our three teams to field with many of the minor cohort missing due to county commitments, injuries and exams. 

 
MHL1. Ballyboden 1-20 Lucan Sarsfields 1-17 
Sancta Maria. 23/3/24. 
Lucan Minor A’s lost out in a very competitive and entertaining encounter against Ballyboden. The match was played on the grass pitch at Sancta Maria which was in reasonably good condition considering the recent weather. Boden got the opening couple of scores, but Lucan soon found their rhythm and got on top. Early points from Oscar Brennan and Liam Fitzgerald set the tone and Rob Keher started to find the range as well from both frees and play as Lucan had the edge for most of the half.  Boden broke through for a goal after 20 minutes, but Lucan regained the initiative and led at half time by 0-13 to 1-9. 

A strong third quarter from Ballyboden proved decisive, however. They had reversed the half time deficit and built up a 3-point lead by the 40th minute which they extended to 6 by the 50th.  Lucan fought back and a well finished goal by Oscar Brennan gave them a lifeline. They laid siege to the Boden goal in the closing stages but couldn’t get the goal they needed to snatch a draw as Boden held on to win by 3. 
 
Lucan team/scorers: F Haran, R Kelly, C Keane, M Byrne, D Collis, G Lynch, M Deignan, L Fitzgerald (0-2), P Cosgrove (0-1), S Curran (0-1), O Brennan (1-3), M O’Brien (0-1), C Morris, R Egan, R Keher (0-9, 0-4f, 0-2 ‘65). Subs introduced D Coakley, S O’Neill, K Quinn. 

Football

The Junior C Division 10 South team finally got the ball rolling on Sunday after two cancelled matches. The team gathered in a car park at the foot of the Dublin mountains and prepared for the trek to the pitch at Ticknick Park to face Cabinteely.

The warm-up was quite the journey, with 145 steps up the side of the mountain and a snake-like descent that provided a good run on the way down. Some of the elder players were already joking about the possibility of a helicopter landing on the pitch to bring them back up and over the mountain after the game.

When the whistle blew, Lucan appeared confident and collected. Within just two minutes, Kevin Gormley and Jack McCarthy put Lucan on the scoreboard. Charlie Caseley and Andy Glynn added further points, and the goal fest began with a total of six goals for Lucan. Charlie was on fire, scoring 4-5 throughout the game, but it was the team's overall performance and the smooth flow of the ball into the forwards that stood out. The team displayed great team spirit, which was evident in the final score. Cabinteely put up a strong fight, and the scoreline didn't do justice to their efforts.

Justin Meyler stood in as goalkeeper, and his exceptional back line were instrumental in maintaining Lucan's lead throughout the game. Their solid defense and strategic plays ensured that Cabinteely had limited opportunities to score.

At halftime, some changes were made, and the bench was emptied, which had a positive impact on the game. Gareth Kennedy's athleticism was exceptional, as he moved up and down the pitch like a march hare and scored an impressive goal along with a few points. Harry Day accumulated three points, while Ryan Brant and Neil O’Leary each contributed with a point. Jack Kelly's persistence paid off as he scored a remarkable goal while playing out of position at wing forward.

Overall, it was an impressive win for the team's first venture in a higher league, with hopes for more goals in the future matches.

24/03/2024 10.15am        AFL4         12TH  LOCK

LUCAN SARSFIELDS (2-6) 3-12  v 1-8 (1-3) FINGAL RAVENS

Conor O’Flynn                

Conor McGrath                

Eoin Farrelly                    

Callum Bradley                

Tony Mulqueen                

Colum Rogers                    

Rob Ennis (0-1)

Keith Moran

Oscar Nolan (0-1)

Louis Butler (1-0)

Brendan Gallagher (0-6)

Oisin Ryan 

Conor Gallagher (0-2)

Sean Casey (1-2)

Charlie Mulqueen (1-0)

Subs:

Sean Langton, Brendan O’Shaughnessy, Luke Murphy, Cian Gaire, Colm Kelly

There can be a certain angst within the football fraternity about lateral play, and blanket defences, and whatever other ailment one wants to moan about, but if you were in the Lock on Sunday morning, there was no need for anguish. This was 2 teams just going at it. Great scores, plenty of huffing and puffing,  a few hefty shoulders, couple of lads experiencing raised testosterone levels (no whey products involved), and at the end a sweet result. This was just enjoyable football. I would accept that Ravens might not have enjoyed as much, but did I ever strike you a someone that would care?

Ravens arrived with a fearsome record. One loss in League football in 2 years. They had won 2022 AFL6 unbeaten, including 2 spankings for Lucan in League and Championship. They then tore through AFL5. So Lucan awaited with some trepidation on Sunday morning. Perhaps that was more on the sideline, because there was no sign of nerves on the field of play. An early Ravens attack was broken up when Eoin Farrelly was well ahead of his man. A quick transfer to Oscar, on to Conor, who linked with Brendan and flag was raised. Beforehand management had talked about getting the ball forward as quickly as possible. Eoin to Brendan was no more than 10 secs, and it was that speed of play that was to cause problems for the visitors for the rest of the morning. Still the day was not to be without jeopardy. Lucan were creating chances……but they were not taking them. I could name names, but…….sometimes I can be a nice guy! Jeopardy became more pronounced when Ravens midfielder appeared, as if by magic, all on his own, standing on the edge of our D. Not much Conor could do about this one rifled to the net. I could name names…….I am tiring of this nice guy thing already! 

Amongst the wides Lucan managed to add points from Sean, Conor and Brendan. Ravens levelled matters, but as we eased into the 2nd quarter, Lucan’s high press on the kickout finally paid off. A poor kick out was snaffled up by Sean, a perfectly weighted pass saw Charlie one on one with the keeper. Conor couldn’t do much about their goal; the Ravens keeper didn’t get in so much as a blink of an eye, as Charlie did the business. He had barely laid a hand on the ball up to that point, but an impressive first touch! Less than 5 mins later Oscar won good ball in the middle; quick passing via Louis & Conor, left Brendan bearing down on goal, a last second pass across the goalmouth was bundled home by Sean. Double scores at 2-4 v 1-2, finally saw a scoreboard to reflect the early domination.

Halftime was all about keeping up the momentum. Ravens, no doubt, were looking for some of that momentum. Keith did enough from referee’s throw in to allow Oscar to pick up the loose ball. Oisin played it forward and Brendan did the deed. Momentum firmly with Lucan. Ravens pointed a couple of frees, but any resistance was quenched when ball came back off the post and in the scramble that followed it was Louis that got a toe to steer the ball over the line. 

Defensively this was a solid performance. Management had been looking for aggression. May have got more than they bargained for! 6 of Raven’s 8 points came from frees. On another day that might be hurtful. Also a black and 2 yellows, so need to keep the right side of that aggression. Callum and Conor Mc had exactly what you want from your corner backs…..a tight display. Colm was always looking to carry ball forward. Always a threat. Tony might have allowed his head to drop after a couple of misdirected passes, but he picked it up, and at the end his dispossession of Raven’s centre back, was a highlight of the morning! All 5 subs came on, and each of them settled into their allotted role. Each will be pressing for a starting jersey in the games ahead.

I think we knew it was in the bag at this stage, especially when one of the half backs, no names, as is the policy, sauntered up the field to slot as neat a point as you will see. Well didn’t Rob have the big satisfied head on him after the game? Not to be outdone Oscar repeated the dose a few minutes later. 7 different scorers sounds like a nice spread. There will be tougher battles ahead, but this was a nice one to settle any nerves.

Played 2. Not lost 2

Juvenile  

There was plenty of action this week for our juvenile teams. Pictured below our U13B and U15A ladies' footballers. 

Academy 

Our Academy is on every Saturday morning from 9-11am and provides a great opportunity to get involved in Gaelic, Hurling and Camogie. It is open to children born in 2017, 2018, 2019 and 2020. Training times are age dependent, please contact our club Games Promotion Officer, Alan O’Neill - 0871213587   

County 

Congratulations to Mia Farrell and Chloe O’Connor who were on the Dublin Intermediate camogie team who won the division 3B league over the weekend.  

Social 

Our Annual Golf Classic will take place on the 21st of June 2024 in Lucan Golf Club. The cost of a four-person team is €450. This event books up quickly and we had an unprecedented demand for tee times last year so make sure to register early. Invitations are also open for sponsorship opportunities for both companies and personal support. Please contact any member of our committee for registration, sponsorship enquiries and any other information. Maggie Mulqueen 087 2866581, Sara Hickey 086 8187070, Ruth Langton 086 8231139 

The Cúpla Focal Club started on Monday the 15th of January from 8-9pm and will continue every Monday. This is a great opportunity to learn Irish. All welcome.  

The club has recently introduced Honorary Life Membership. Club Members over the age of 70, who have been members of the club for at least 20 years, can be nominated for approval by the Executive for this Membership of the club. Such nominations can be made by any full member of the club by emailing lucan.sarsfields.registrar@gmail.com  

White Collar Boxing 

Due to unprecedented demand, we are once again taking over the big top on the 4th of May 2024 for another White-Collar Boxing Showdown. 

We are looking for sponsorship for this event. If you have a business, work for a business or know someone who does, that might like to sponsor or advertise at our event, please contact lucansarsfields.fundraising@gmail.com 

We had our official launch of the event last Friday the 22nd of March in the club bar. It was a great night to meet everyone involved. (Pictured below) 

Lotto 

We had no winner of last week’s lotto jackpot of €1,800. 

The Numbers were 6, 5, 17, 28 

The lucky dip prizes go to Lucas & Ruby Glover, Louise O’Neill, Catherine Dardis, Damien O’Brien and Ian Brogan 

This week’s Lotto will be for a jackpot of €2,200. The draw is sponsored by John Ryan, Accountant and will be led by Josephine Donohue. 

Thank You for supporting Lucan Sarsfields GAA Club.