Parnells GFC saw a feast of football this weekend as our club hosted two blitzes over 2 days.
On Saturday (13th), the U12’s were in action in Pool A of the League. Four teams visited Northwick Park on a day that saw mixed weather, dull at times but NOT the football! Each club played to the best of their ability, even with key players missing. The U12’s will be in action on Saturday the 20th May from 10.30am as Dulwich Harps host another round in Pool A of the League.
On the Sunday (14th) which was a sunnier day but still windy, the weather was kinder to us. A total of seven clubs participated in one of the largest blitz’s of the summer covering 4 different age groups, U6, U8, U10 (mixed) and U12 girls. A blitz of this kind required good organisation and two key people led the way in this, Colin McGuiness and Tim Slattery. A booklet was made available at the registration desk for clubs which contained the pitch configuration and game timetables. Most games ran to time and it was great to see so many children playing, having a competitive edge but above all enjoying themselves. The U6’s who may be tiny in size but mighty in their numbers had no problem covering the pitch and all with one thing in mind: wanting to get hold of the ball. The U8’s was a very busy age group and looked to be having great fun. All clubs in attendance fielded in the U10 age group with three pitches on the go as the games rotated. The U12 girls have definitely seen an increase in numbers and four clubs participated on the day. Fiona Corrigan at the helm organising and switching games to help everything run smoothly.
As the day drew to a close after 3.00pm, it was great to see smiling faces leave the field. Throughout the weekend all teams displayed great skills, flair and good discipline; the players, coaches and parents of all clubs are all to be complimented for what was a fantastic show of Gaelic football. A massive thank you to all the coaches, to the ladies that helped with the refreshments from the club and to anyone that refereed a game on the day.
The other age group that was in action for the first time was the U15’s in the first game of the Development League. Playing in Greenford on Saturday evening against St Kiernans, the final score illustrated a convincing win for Parnells 4 – 17 to 0 – 12.
Best of luck to the U14’s who play St Kiernan’s at 7.00pm at Northwick Park on Monday 15th May and to the Senior Men who face Neasden Gaels there on Tuesday 16th May at 7.15pm.
Training for the Youth section remains unchanged as the season gets underway. The U6/8/10 have sessions on a Wednesday from 6.30-7.30/7.45pm. The U12 Girls and their programme ‘Gaelic 4 Girls’ also taking place on a Wednesday 6.30-7.30pm. U12 Boys-Thursday’s 6.30-7.45pm, U14’s-Tuesday 6.15-7.30pm, U16’s-Tuesday 6.30 – 7.45pm. Minors linking up with the Seniors for their training sessions. To attend any of the above training sessions contact Youth Club Secretary, Colin Corrigan on 07917729411 or Fiona Corrigan for the girls on 07940 568702. A great response to the handing in of membership forms to date but there are still some outstanding, please ensure they are completed and passed to your manager as soon as possible.
Forthcoming Events: A get together for the Senior and Minors of the club is in the diary for the 19/5/2017 at Buckley’s in Queensbury. This is to formally present the new training jerseys to the Senior section by Noreen Buckley who has kindly sponsored them and also for the Minors to present some outstanding winners medals from previous years competitions. It would be great to see ‘everyone’ there. ‘Race for Sam & Liam’- Entries by envelope (available from committee members), £10 ea. with a cash prize of £500.
Training at Northwick Park for the Seniors is going well on Tuesdays from 7.30 – 9.00pm. Always happy to welcome new players to an established and sociable club. Please contact Senior Secretary Dennis Diggins on 07768352680. Lifts can be arranged.
As the exam season starts for our older players, we wish all of them the best of luck and every success as they put pen to paper.
