7.10.2014
The last game for the club took place on Saturday at Ruislip when the U17’s played in the Championship Final. Unfortunately the result didn’t go our way, St Kiernan’s winning on the day 2-10 to 3-05. However disappointing that was, the club is just thankful that two of our key players emerged from the game being able to walk off the pitch. In atrocious conditions, putting their bodies on the line defensively, they collided going for a ball, clashing heads, which left them both sprawled out on the ground. With our physio, Grace Reilly and our own club officials in attendance, they left the field after a lengthy stop in play.
David Pender was dazed but escaped with bumps and bruising to the forehead. However, Michael Walsh was less lucky and had a deep, lengthy gash across his eye which resulted in the ambulance service being called. Taken to hospital, news came later in the day that he would need to return and receive a large number of stitches on the Monday by a specialist. The club and players were in shock and did their best on the day in the remainder of the game. Both teams played great football in the driving rain and points taken by St Kiernans in both halves kept them in the game and saw them as eventual winners; well done to St Kiernans.
It was a difficult day for me as PRO to follow the game. Of paramount importance was the health and welfare of our players which necessitated that I stayed with the players and communicated to parents and the ambulance service. That meant I could not watch the entire game and was absent for three quarters of it. An opportunity was missed in achieving the double and injuries and a sending off certainly affected the result. On behalf of the club I would like to thank the St Kiernan’s mentors and players for their concern and good wishes, Colin McGuinness (Youth Chair) who travelled with Michael Walsh to hospital in the ambulance, Geraldine Munnelly and Mary Healy who stayed with Michael in the medical room and ensured that Grace Reilly (Physio) had all the help she needed. Grace was calm and professional and played a vital part in his injury after care. The accompanying photo doesn’t have all the players in it. It was rushed due to the weather and not all had made it out of the changing room!
The club held a very successful golf day at Stanmore Golf Club the weekend before last. Thank you to the golf club, the golfers and sponsors involved. Details of winners and the event will be published soon on the website.
14.10.2017
With the disappointment of the U17 team not being able to complete the double themselves last week, it was with optimism that they travelled to Killarney to enjoy some local friendly matches with an end of season trip. Organised by the management team of Mark White and Danny Twomey, the players enjoyed success in atrocious weather against Dr Crokes and Firies. Both local teams were defeated at the hands of some very watchable and skilful football even in the bad weather conditions. The players were a credit to the club and well done to them.
Events: Many club members attended the Late Late Show London event and had a marvellous time. Parnells Youth Annual Presentation Date will be the 20th October 2018 at Harrow Rugby Club. Doors open from 3.00pm and presentations start at 4.00pm. £10.00 family entrance fee which includes buffet and raffle. Please come along to our Youth end of season event which will be a great evening to round off the year.
