The Junior team played St Clarets last Saturday in the Championship. The end result was not what the club had hoped for losing 1-11 to 1-16 but the process of getting there is a massive achievement. There were 27 players ready for action and a couple unable to make it and a line full of support for what has been a fantastic journey this season.
Team/Squad: Frazer Beckles, Jack Flanagan, Jack Woulffe, James Donnellan, Gerry Gallen, Daniel Bracken, Jason Maguire, Liam Bakery, Josh Obahor (0-2), Alan Callanan, Luke Horgan (1-0), Eamon Kane (0-1), Kieran O’Connor (0-1), Aiden Callanan (0-6 5f) and Connor Spinks (0-1f). Ruairi O’Connor, Niall Murphy, Harry Logan (on for Alan Callanan-Black Card), Lewis Dickinson (on for Gerry Gallen-Black Card), Michael Walsh, Jack Ryan, Sean O’Sullivan (on for Jack Woulffe-injured), Jamie Murphy (on for Lewis Dickinson), Kieran McCarthy, Connor Doran, Darren Callanan.
Bearing in mind this team had not existed until this year, it is remarkable that they have enjoyed so many victories and near wins and only a few games lost. Everyone involved has done a fantastic job and should be recognised; the management team of Tony Griffin, John O’Sullivan, Ger Foley and Barney Breen, all the players who have continued their gaelic development stepping up from youth football, past players that have ‘returned’ to gaelic, family and friends who have come to all the games and a club committee and sponsor (JSM Specialist Services Ltd) behind the team, without these people, the job would have been much harder. Although disappointed that the season is over, the team can’t wait for next season!
Also in action this weekend were the girls. Our U14 and U18 teams took part in the J French tournament, they were all delighted to get out and play football after a long summer break. The U14 team were very young and after a lengthy wait to start and back to back games, their commitment and effort was without question and although no wins on the day, they never gave up. They unfortunately also had some injuries: Maddi Cox (played on), The U18 had some very competitive games with 1 win and 2 losses. They dominated parts of the games but were let down by their finishing. Well done to all involved.
U18 Team
The Senior team will be involved in their remaining Championship games in the coming weeks so watch out for confirmation of time and venue. The next one is against North London Shamrocks at McGovern Park, Ruislip, throw in 12.30pm.
Events: Apart from a return to matches and blitzes in September, the club has three special dates to put in the diary and look forward to.
- The Youth Golf Day is taking place on Friday 13th September at Stanmore Golf Club. We have a large number of golfers taking part and fabulous prizes and look forward to a successful day and thank all our sponsors in advance. Also after the golf we will be welcoming Ballyporeen/Skeheenarinky Juvenile from Tipperary at Harrow Rugby Club who arrive in London that evening. All are welcome to come along and meet our visitors.
- On Saturday 14th September we will be hosting our U12 Commemorative Games for the Ryan, Togher and Somers trophies. This year we will be introducing a new trophy competition for an U12 girl’s competition in honour and in memory of Brendan Lynch (RIP). We will be welcoming visiting teams including Sean McDermotts from Birmingham and Ballyporeen/Skeheenarinky Juvenile from Tipperary. The club will celebrate with football, watching the All Ireland replay, family fun and hope that it will be a great success and look forward to everyone joining us.
- The Youth Annual Presentation Day takes place on October 13th in Harrow Rugby Club from 3pm onwards. This is a great day of celebration of what the club has achieved on and off the field. More details to follow.
With the school summer holidays now over, training for the youth section has resumed for certain age groups (managers will be in contact for each age group concerned). A great turnout last week and great to see everyone after the summer and enjoy the last few sessions in September. The U17 team will return to training on the 12/9 at Northwick Park (7.00pm) in preparation for the forthcoming championship. Senior team training is currently taking place on a Tuesday and Thursday at 7.00pm. The season continues and Parnells are always happy to welcome new players at our bases, Harrow Rugby Club and Northwick Park, across all age groups and ability. For U6-17 please contact Colin McGuinness (07779 340398) or Veronica Bailey (07768 635534) and for the Senior/Junior teams, please contact Tony Griffin (07966 160999) or Dennis Diggins (07768 352680).
