Lissycasey GAA Club Newsletter 2019

Lissycasey GAA Club

Newsletter 2019

Compiled by Oisín Talty – Coaching Officer 2019 Page 1 of 43

Lissycasey GAA Club Newsletter 2019

Lissycasey GAA Club – Continuing to Develop for the Future

Introduction Lissycasey GAA Club began its preparations for 2019 at their AGM, which was held on Friday 16th November 2018 at Frure meeting room, with fifty members attending the meeting. Most executive and team management positions were finalised on the night and the first order of business was to organise the club’s annual winter fundraisers; the ‘Winter Fuel Raffle’, with the draw taking place in the week leading up to Christmas, and the ‘St. Stephen’s Day Wren’. Once these fundraisers were completed and the new year upon us, each team started to make plans for returning to training. The pitch schedule was drawn-up, the pitch barriers were lifted, the grass was cut, and training commenced. This newsletter was produced in order to showcase some of the hard work that was carried out in the club in 2019, and the fruits of that labour. We start by introducing the club executive and then a brief review of all the club teams in action during the year. We follow this with a more detailed report of each team with photos. Also included are the national schools and community games teams, the David McMahon Summer Camp, the Youth Camp, Scór, Club development, inter-county photos of club players, and a mention for the Lissycasey GAA Junior ‘A’ 1992 and 1994 Intermediate championship winning sides. We hope you enjoy this combination of photos and reports, which will help you reflect on 2019 with all the joys and heartaches it brought on the football field, and we look forward to the time when we will get back to training and matches with hope of future success.

Club Executive The Lissycasey GAA Club executive for 2019 were as follows: President: Fr. PJ Melican, Vice- President: Tommo Hill, Patrons: Fr. Joe Hourigan and Fr. Martin Kelly, Chairman: Jamesy Meere, Secretary: Mary Kelly, Treasurer: Richard Eustace, Vice-Chairman: Paudie Carmody, Assistant Secretary: Deborah Coughlan, Assistant Treasurer: Pat Delap, Registrar: Frank Culleton, P.R.O.: Deborah Coughlan, County Board Delegate: Jamesy Meere, Bord na nOg Delegate: Declan Kelly, Field Chairmen: Christy Talty and Brendan McCarthy, Child Protection Officer: Seán Hayes, Coaching Officer: Oisín Talty, Irish & Culture Officer: Anne Marie Wragg, Lotto Co-Ordinator: Pat Keane, Assistant Lotto Co-Ordinator: Declan Kelly.

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Lissycasey GAA Club Newsletter 2019

Lissycasey GAA Club’s 2019 Review 2019 has been a very successful year, both in terms of silverware and development, which are two components that are very difficult to balance, but it has been done so excellently this year. Our u-6 academy continues to thrive, taking on 19 children this year who all move onto u-8 for 2020 after a great introduction, at the community hall, to life as a Lissycasey footballer. Similarly, our u-8 academy team enjoyed a super year of developing their skills at Frure pitch and were always competitive in their blitzes throughout the year. Our u-10’s are going from strength to strength, competing in their County blitzes, the Brian Casey tournament, Community Games, Munster blitz in Mallow, and also getting invited to Mungret for a tournament in which they outplayed all of their opposition. Equally as impressive were our u-12’s who went unbeaten in their County Mini-League, then went through a very successful West Clare ‘A’ campaign only suffering one defeat, and finally competed in the invitational Oranmore tournament in which they were victorious. Our u-13 team played in three tournaments and ended the year with three trophy’s; the Garda tournament, the Tom Conway, and the West Clare championship, all at ‘A’ level. Our u-14 team contested the Féile ‘A’ final and reached the ‘A’ championship semi-final, losing both to eventual winners Doora . Our u-15 team competed in the West Clare ‘A’ championship and brought home the trophy after a hard fought win over /. Our u-16’s were very competitive in their championship, again competing at ‘A’ level, where they narrowly missed out on a semi-final spot by one point and then lost the shield semi-final by the minimum to the amalgamation side of Shannon Gaels/Kilimihil//. Two players, Luke Griffin and Thomas Collins, captured silverware with the Clare u-16 team and both were prominent players in the teams’ victory. Our u- 18 team were competing in the ‘C’ grade for 2019 due to the lack of player numbers in their final year, only having 3 this year. They developed impressively throughout the year and contested the semi-final against . Parteen had won every game during the league stage of the championship and they were very lucky to come back and get a draw against Lissycasey in that semi-final which meant a replay was required. Parteen won the replay and then also the final against , but Lissycasey can be very proud of their contribution to this championship. Likewise, our u-21 team were sparse on player numbers, with only a panel of 20 players and 7 of which were u-17, they competed in the ‘B’ division and played Miltown in the quarter final of this knock-out competition which they lost by 4 points. Our Juniors’ have proven to be a championship team over the last two seasons. In 2019 they got relegated from the division 4 league before topping their championship group and contesting the quarter final against eventual winners, Michael Cusack’s. Our Senior team also got relegated from their division of the league, before beating in their group to qualify for the quarter final of the Senior Championship. There they met reigning champions Miltown and after a battling display lost the game by 4 points and again, the team that beat us went on to win out the competition. The seniors season did not end at their championship exit however, and they competed in the Senior ‘B’ semi-final where they lost out to and then signed off the year by winning the O’Gorman cup for the third time in the Club’s history. On the 23rd June Lissycasey hosted the Brian Casey 7’s Tournament and this year Miltown were the victors defeating Lissycasey in the final at the Main Pitch.

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Lissycasey GAA Club Newsletter 2019

Lissycasey players that represented Clare in 2019 were: 1. Cathal Hill Masters 2. Noel Finnucane Masters 3. Conor Finnucane Senior 4. Thomas Collins U-16 & U-17 5. Luke Griffin U-16 6. Colin O’Shea U-15 7. Ian Griffin U-15 8. Conor Meaney U-15 9. Darren Keane U-14 10. Dáire Hill U-14 11. Jack Leahy U-14 12. Darragh Killeen U-14

Lissycasey GAA’s Competition Wins in 2019 include: 1. O’Gorman Cup Senior 2. West Clare ‘A’ Championship U-15 3. McMahon Cup U-14 4. Garda ‘A’ Tournament U-13 5. Tom Conway Cup U-13 6. West Clare ‘A’ Championship U-13 7. Clare Primary Schools Division 1 National Schools 8. Oranmore Tournament U-12 9. Mungret Tournament U-10 10. Clare Community Games U-9 ½ (with Clondegad)

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Lissycasey GAA Club Newsletter 2019

Under-6

Pictured at the u-6 jersey presentation at Frure meeting room. Many thanks to our local sponsor for sponsoring the jersey’s for the boys which they will wear when playing their u-8 blitzes for Lissycasey next year. Back Row (L to R): MJ Haier, Darragh O’ Haire, Conor Seery, Mark Daly, Jack Lynch, Seán Hick, Padraic O’Flaherty, Dáire Shannon, Michael Haugh, Abel Houssou-Hudson. Front Row (L to R): Harry Higgins, Nathan Talty, Greg McMahon, Conor Connellan, Damien Kennedy, Adam Marrinan, Joe Clancy, Cian McNamara.

AGM Report Our under-6’s commenced training on Thursday 21st March; they completed 27 sessions at Lissycasey Community Hall and concluded their 2019 season on 17th October. 19 boys took part in this years’ programme and all will be representing Lissycasey at U-8 level in 2020. We had another successful season, fulfilling our pre-determined goals of introducing these new members to , developing key movement skills, attracting parents into the world of coaching, and initiating the concept of using both left & right feet/hands without hesitation. To close out the 2019 season each u-6 player will receive a Lissycasey jersey at a presentation night to be held at Frure Pitch dressing rooms in December. The players will wear these jerseys when representing Lissycasey for the first time on the football pitch in 2020. Many thanks to all parents who helped out at coaching sessions during the year, it would have been impossible for these sessions to go ahead without the help that was received. And thanks to all parents/guardians for bringing their child to training on a regular basis, the start of a long and hopefully successful journey to the senior team. Oisín Talty

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Lissycasey GAA Club Newsletter 2019

Under-8

Pictured after our final blitz of the year at Wolfe Tones GAA, Shannon on Tuesday 22nd October 2019. Back Row (L to R): Oisín Talty, Darren Haugh, Craig Ryan, Michael Troy, Noel Cleary, Finbar Considine, Alan Carmody, Michael Hanrahan. Middle Row (L to R): James Troy, Stephen Shannon, Cillian Murphy, Ronan Considine, Darragh King, Robert Pelczar, Oisín McMahon, Conor Melican, Ciarán Hanrahan, Aaron Cleary, Patrick Haugh, Aidan McNamara, Fionn Frawley, George Earle, Colin Slattery, Daniel McNamara. Front Row (L to R): Blake Dullaghan, Leon Maher, AJ Carmody, Lucas Ryan, Rory O’Shea, Max Donnelly, Ben McNamara, Adam Connellan. Missing from Photo: Colin Coghlan, Cathal Kelly, Alex Kiely, Shane Callinan, Igor Nowak. AGM Report We had a total of 29 players who attended under-8 activities in 2019. We started our season at Astro turf on a wintery March evening on Monday 11th March. We held other sessions at Lissycasey Community Hall and Frure Pitch, together with blitzes at St. Flannan’s College, Kilmihil x2, Doonbeg, Killimer, , Shannon, and Frure x2. Overall we had 60 get-togethers and finished our season with a blitz vs. Wolfe Tones at Shannon on Tuesday 22nd October. On Saturday 22nd June we held our official County blitz at Frure pitch and this was a great success where Doora Barefield and Kilmihil were the opposition. Our players’ parents/guardians put on a great spread of teas, coffees, buns, cakes, sandwiches, etc. and this was greatly appreciated by everyone involved. On Saturday 7th September we held our second blitz where we invited Clondegad and Kildysart to Frure, and another successful blitz was held.

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Lissycasey GAA Club Newsletter 2019

On Saturday 5th October we had out u-8 tour; we set off from Lissycasey Main Pitch at 8:30am on a bus destined for . On the way we stopped in to Cratloe GAA who hosted a challenge blitz for us. After the blitz we fuelled up on sandwiches and tea and loaded onto the bus again to continue our journey. Our next stop was Jetland cinema where Angry Birds 2 was the movie of the hour which was enjoyed by both players and coaches. We had one more stop on our itinerary which was Jumplanes in Ballysimon where the players enjoyed the trampolines for an hour before tucking into the food supplied at the same venue. We boarded the bus for the final time and set for home, the players engrossed in the Smiths Toys Catalogue all the way home, and we arrived back at Lissycasey Main Pitch at 4:30pm. Before 2019 ceases to exist, our u-8 group will meet up one last time in order to present the players with half-zip tops as a reward for their great effort and commitment shown during the season. Many thanks to Gerry and Agnes Shannon (Shannon’s Garage) and Lissycasey GAA Club for sponsoring these tops; it is greatly appreciated by both coaches and parents/guardians. Thanks to Michael Hanrahan, Keith King, Barry McNamara, and Andy Pelczar for helping out at blitzes. Thanks to our referees at our home blitzes: Sean Hayes, Aidan Halpin, Frank Culleton, Eoghan O’Leary, and Mikey Nagle. Thanks to the parents/guardians of our players for bringing them to training (especially the wet and windy days) and encouraging them to play this great game. Special thanks must go to our main coaches: Alan Carmody, Finbar Considine, Noel Cleary, Darren Haugh, Michael Troy, Craig Ryan, and Oisín Talty. Finally, we want to wish the best of luck to the 11 players moving on to u-10 in 2020.

The boys after they received their new Lissycasey GAA tops. Many thanks to Gerry and Agnes Shannon, of Shannon’s Garage, and Lissycasey GAA Club for sponsoring the U-8 tops.

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Lissycasey GAA Club Newsletter 2019

Under-10

Back Row (L to R): Mark Jackson, Colm Griffin, Jamie Culleton, Michéal Hanrahan, Callum Cullinan, Kris O’Callaghan, Tom McMahon, Alex Pelczar, Seanie Connellan, Liam Keane, Dylan Griffin, Luke O’Flynn, Cailean Rynne, Adam McMahon.

Front Row (L to R): Brian Conway, Cathal Finnucane, Lee Morrissey, Jack Earle, Ciarán O’Neill, Cathal Geary, Robert Pelczar, Ciarán Hanrahan, Keenan Talty, Cathal O’Rourke, Caelum Killeen, Oisín McMahon, Conor Faughnan. Missing from Photo: Eoin Connellan, Cillian Feeney, Dara Griffin, Keelan O’Gorman.

The boys after receiving their new Lissycasey GAA tops. Many thanks to Fiachra Talty, of Glass Company for sponsoring the U-10 tops. Also, thanks to Pat and Breeda Considine of Pat Considine Auctioneers for sponsoring the meal on the night of the presentation.

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Lissycasey GAA Club Newsletter 2019

AGM Report This year’s under-10’s started training in the hall in Lissycasey back in late January. In March we moved to two evenings a week in the pitch in Frure. We had, on average, 26 boys in training every evening. Our main focus during the year was on skill development. We played in all the County Blitzes and organised multiple challenge games. The boys showed a lot of skill and determination in their training and matches throughout the year. Their attitude to learning new skills and improving themselves was excellent. We hosted several Clare clubs and Mungret from Limerick for a very successful evening’s football in the Brian Casey under-10 Tournament. Mungret returned the favour and invited us to their tournament which the boys performed excellently in very poor conditions, winning the overall tournament. Our annual trip this year was to Killarney Legion for a blitz followed by a stop-off in Limerick at Jump Lanes; a big thanks to Legion for hosting us. Thanks to Fiachra Talty and Ennis Glass for helping out and sponsoring new training tops for the boys, this was co-funded by the parents contribution and Ennis Glass. Thanks to Patrick and Breeda Considine for sponsoring food for our presentation evening in Fanny O’Dea’s. Throughout the year we have asked the parents to travel the length and breadth of the County for matches, also, we have asked them to contribute food for our blitzes throughout the year. We would like to thank them for all their help and support. Also, if any parents want to get involved in coaching please let us know. To all the boys, a huge thanks for all your effort and skill in training and games throughout the year. To the coaches, thanks for all your efforts and commitment in improving this group of boys. Michael O’Rourke

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Lissycasey GAA Club Newsletter 2019

Community Games

Back Row (L to R): Ger Keane, Fiachra Talty, Declan Conway, Padraig Rynne, Justin Griffin. Middle Row (L to R): Dáire O’Rourke (mascot), Michael O’Rourke, Jamie Culleton, Tony Deveraux, Kris O’Callaghan, Cathal O’Rourke, Conal Clancy, Alex Pelczar, Colm Griffin, Dylan Griffin, Luke O’Flynn. Front Row (L to R): Shane Sheehan, Conor Faughnan, Brian Conway, Keenan Talty, Jake O’Donoughue, Caileann Rynne.

AGM Report Our under-9 ½ parish community games team won gold in , for the second year in a row, after three very tough games against Kilrush, Doora Barefield, and . In the Munster semi-final in Tralee we were unlucky to lose 5-05 (20) to 4-05 (17) against Killarney. Can we thank both Lissycasey and Clondegad for providing the training pitches for the boys. Michael O’Rourke

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Lissycasey GAA Club Newsletter 2019

Under-12

Back Row (L to R): Cathal Casey, Michael O’Flaherty, Diarmuid McMahon, Ben Wragg, Sam Wall, Ben McMahon, Evan Cleary, David King, Cillian Galvin, Cian O’Callaghan, Aaron Lynch, Conor Hill, Aidan Weaver, Eoin Griffin, Diarmuid McGuane. Front Row (L to R): Josh Marrinan, Aaron Killeen, Thomas Faughnan, Jason Daveron, Darren Garry, Michael Donnelly, Ewan Wragg, Alex Griffin, Odhran Murphy, Shane Cotter, Dale Coughlan, Luke Conway, Shane Finnucane. Missing from Photo: James Murphy, Padraig Healy, Jack Sexton.

U-12 Management Team (L to R): Declan Coughlan, David Considine, Brian Sexton, Jimmy Conway, Kevin Casey, Ann Weaver, John Joe McMahon, Cathal Hill, Noel Finnucane.

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Lissycasey GAA Club Newsletter 2019

AGM Report Under-12’s started on the 26th February 2019 with a panel of 31. We had a total of over 50 training sessions; we trained twice a week every Tuesday and every Friday. The under-12 competition started on the 24th March and we entered two teams. Our under- 12’s played in the Brian O’Reilly league and our under-11’s played in the Banner league. Both teams played seven games in this competition and this was 11-a-side. The final day of this competition ended up playing in on the 24th June. Both teams played very well on that evening and enjoyed their trip to the Park. The under-12 ‘A’ West Clare competition started on the 5th July. We could only enter one team and this was given precedence to our under-12’s. There was five games in this competition and we ended up in the final against and were successful on the evening. Thanks to the Club for treating the boys to a meal at Talty’s after the final. Our under-11’s played various challenge games during this time. On the 7th September, our under-12’s were brought on their day out to Ballybricken GAA pitch, Limerick, where we played a couple of competitive games there, and thanks to John Hanley for his hospitality. The boys then went paintballing in Quin and then the children got their meal in Supermac’s in Shannon on the way home. This was funded by the money which was collected at the training sessions. On Saturday 21st September we brought two teams to Renville Sports Ground in Oranmore to take part in the cup and shield tournament. The clubs participating were: Oranmore Maree, Austin Stacks, Westport, and Lissycasey; and we were successful in winning the cup tournament. After this our under-12’s then went on to participate in the under-13 and under- 11 competitions. We wouldn’t have any training sessions without the help of the mentors twice a week. I would like to thank John Joe McMahon, David Considine, Declan Coughlan, Cathal Hill, Brian Sexton, Jimmy Conway, Ann Weaver, Noel Finnucane, and Kevin Casey. A huge thanks to Kevin Cotter for the sponsorship for the kit bags for all of the under-12’s. Also, thanks to Oisín Talty for his dedication and time that he has given to us this year. Finally, I would like to thank the parents for bringing their children to the training sessions and matches, and for their support during the year. Thanks to the children for their dedication to football in Lissycasey. Under-12 Management

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Lissycasey GAA Club Newsletter 2019

The boys after they received their new Lissycasey GAA gear bags. Many thanks to Kevin and Anne Marie Cotter, of Kevin Cotter School of Motoring, for sponsoring the U-12 gear bags.

Under-12’s ready for some paintballing action in Quin on their day out. Which coach will they go for first, I wonder?

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Lissycasey GAA Club Newsletter 2019

National School

Back Row (L to R): Ben Wragg, Luke Conway, Jack Sexton, Jason Daveron, Eoin Griffin, Daniel McMahon, Aidan Weaver, Diarmuid McMahon, Aaron Killeen, Conor Hill, Luke Lyons, Padraig Conway, Evan McMahon, Noah Halpin, Evan Cleary, Michael Hartnett, David King, Josh Marrinan. Front Row (L to R): Dale Coughlan, Michael Donnelly, Diarmuid McGuane, Alex Griffin, Thomas Earle (joint captain), James Hartnett (joint captain), Ewan Wragg, Michael O’Flaherty, Odhran Murphy, Shane Cotter, Darren Garry, Liam Keane, Thomas Faughnan. The Lissycasey schools team comprises of players from the three schools in the area: Caherea N.S., Clondrinagh N.S., and Lissycasey N.S. and the team continued its unprecedented run of success in the ‘Clare Primary Schools Championship’ winning for the 5th year in a row. In 2015 Lissycasey won the ‘B’ championship and for the last four years they have won the ‘A’ championship (2016, 2017, 2018, & 2019). Lissycasey began its 2019 campaign with a win over Cooraclare N.S. and received a walk-over from /. In the semi-final, Lissycasey beat Lisdoonvarna which set up a final date with Cooraclare. In the final, played at Kilrush GAA, Lissycasey were victorious after a hard- fought game which went right down to the final whistle. Lissycasey GAA club would like to thank team mentors: Alan Killeen, Denise Quinlan (Lissycasey N.S. teacher), and Dermot O’Gorman (Clondrinagh N.S. principal) for their time and effort in looking after this team. The Club-School link is an essential part of underage development and for the past three years, Lissycasey GAA and Fergus Rovers LGFA have combined resources to supply a coach to conduct sessions in all three schools during the school year. For the academic school year 2018/2019, 10 weeks of coaching was conducted at each of the schools.

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Lissycasey GAA Club Newsletter 2019

David McMahon Summer Camp The Lissycasey GAA Club summer camp took place at Frure from Tuesday 16th July to Friday 19th July 2019. This year the club decided to change the name of the camp in memory of its initial organiser in chief and first head coach, David McMahon. The first camp was organised in 2012 and without David’s contribution it would not be the success it is today. A total of 131 children, both boys and girls, between the ages of 5 and 12 attended the camp in 2019. During the week the players participated in FUN games, movement skills, football drills and games, and towards the end of the week we held the camp leagues. Before going home on Friday each participant received a GAA football and goody bag and the club was delighted to have Tony and Eimear attend at that time to present each player with these items. With the increase of participants, the need for more coaches was essential. We are very lucky to have a number of top-quality experienced coaches within our community who are willing to give up their time to help out at the camp. I would like to thank all the coaches who attended and provided a positive experience for all the children.

David McMahon doing what he did best - Coaching

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Lissycasey GAA Club Newsletter 2019

U-6 ↑ U-8 ↑

U-12 ↑ U-10 ↑

All Groups in action ↑ - Each to their own corner

Goody Bags ↑ - One for all

Shop ↑ - The most important part of the camp

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Lissycasey GAA Club Newsletter 2019

The Coaches

Back Row (L to R): Bríd Keane, Lewis Wragg, Back Row (L to R): Aodán Hanrahan, Harry Keane, Shane Griffin, Kevin Hanrahan. Michael Madigan, Shane Griffin, Luke Griffin, Harry Keane, Roisín Killeen. Front Row (L to R): Kevin Shivers, Luke Griffin, Meabh McCarthy, Lauren Griffin, Front Row (L to R): Oisín Talty, Kevin Ciara O’Malley, Eoghan O’Leary. Hanrahan, Eoghan O’Leary, Jenna Coughlan (mascot), Ciara O’Malley, Meabh McCarthy.

Pictured at the end of the final day of camp, before the presentation to all participants; taken from the balcony of the dressing rooms at Frure.

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Lissycasey GAA Club Newsletter 2019

Under-13

Pictured above at our first outing on 15th September 2019 for the Garda Tournament group stage held at .

Pictured after winning the West Clare ‘A’ final on 09th November 2019 at Cooraclare. Back Row (L to R): Frank Culleton (selector), John Joe McMahon (selector), Aidan Weaver, Luke Lyons, Daniel McMahon, Stephen Daveron, Dáire Culligan, Josh Daniels, Evan McMahon, Aaron Clohessy, Aaron Lynch, Michael Kelly, Thomas Earle, Noah Halpin, Padraig Conway, Eoin Griffin, James Murphy, Oisín Talty (selector), Eoghan O’Leary (selector). Front Row (L to R): Shane Finnucane, Michael Donnelly, Cathal Casey, Ryan Courtney, Sam Wall, Darren Garry, Ben McMahon, Michael O’Flaherty, Ben Wragg, Aaron Killeen, Ewan Wragg, Conor Hill, Cian O’Callaghan, Thomas Faughnan, Diarmuid McMahon. Missing from Photo: Jason Daveron, Cillian Galvin, Dean Marrinan.

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Lissycasey GAA Club Newsletter 2019

Michael Kelly, Lissycasey captain, receives the Garda Tournament Division 1 cup at Cusack Park, Ennis, after Stephen Daveron, Lissycasey Captain, Aaron Lissycasey and Lissycasey captain, Clohessy, with the U-13 drew the final which receives the Tom Conway West Clare ‘A’ trophy after resulted in both clubs cup from Seán O’Sullivan Lissycasey defeated Kilrush sharing the cup. at Frure pitch. in the final at Cooraclare.

Clare Senior Football Captain for 2020, Eoin Cleary, addressing the room before presenting the players with their u-13 West Clare ‘A’ medals at Frure meeting room.

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Lissycasey GAA Club Newsletter 2019

AGM Report The under-13 group met up on a total of 13 occasions, 6 of which were match days. Each occasion was attended very well from our panel of 33 players, only once having an attendance below 20. We commenced on Sunday 15th September in Clarecastle when competing in the Garda Tournament. On this day we played Wolfe Tones in our group where a win set-up an ‘A/B’ semi-final vs. Miltown and another win for Lissycasey. We were now through to the ‘A’ final which would be played the following Friday 20th September at Cusack Park vs. Ennistymon. A tough battle ensued and at the end of the match both teams were unable to be separated on a score-line of Lissycasey 4-04 (16), Ennistymon 3-07 (16). This meant that both Clubs shared the cup and Michael Kelly lifted the cup on behalf of Lissycasey for the first time in the Clubs history. On Sunday 6th October Lissycasey hosted the Tom Conway tournament and played Clondegad at Frure. Lissycasey were again victorious this year, on a score-line of 1-12 (15) to 1-08 (11), and Stephen Daveron accepted the cup from Sean O’Sullivan at the end of the game. Our final tournament was the West Clare and this was a knock-out competition. Our first match was a quarter-final vs. Cooraclare. Played at Frure on Saturday 12th October we progressed to the semi-final on a score-line of 2-12 (18) to 1-03 (06). In the semi-final we met Miltown at Miltown on Thursday 24th October and a very dominant display was produced by all Lissycasey players which resulted in a 4-15 (27) to 1-07 (10) win to set-up a final date with Kilrush on Saturday 9th November at Cooraclare. In the final both teams gave everything they had in tough conditions and in the end Lissycasey had 4 points to spare on a score-line of 3-02 (11) to 0-07 (07) which meant that Lissycasey retained the U-13 ‘A’ West Clare trophy and won it for a 4th time in all. Aaron Clohessy received the trophy on behalf of the group to the delight of players, management, and supporters of Lissycasey. Thanks to all parents/guardians that bring their children to training and matches and for the support they showed to both the players and coaches when dealing with such a large panel of players. Special thanks to the four selectors: John Joe McMahon, Frank Culleton, Eoghan O’Leary, and Oisín Talty for their work during the 8 week u-13 season. Under-13 Management

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Lissycasey GAA Club Newsletter 2019

Under-14

Back Row (L to R): Frank Culleton (manager), Matthew Culleton, Jack Leahy, Dáire Culligan, Aaron Clohessy, Dáire Hill, Darren Keane (captain), Dean Marrinan, Adam Downes, Seán Kinneen, Josh Daniels, Aaron Lynch, Michael Kelly, Stephen Daveron, Harry Hamel, Evan Courtney, Declan Kelly (selector). Front Row (L to R): Oisín Talty (selector), Darragh Killeen, Aidan Weaver, Aaron Killeen, Cathal Casey, Luke Lyons, Diarmuid McMahon, Sam Wragg, Ryan Courtney, Daniel McMahon, Noah Halpin, Thomas Earle, Evan McMahon, Aidan Halpin (selector). Missing from Photo: Padraig Conway AGM Report We met a total of 68 times this year: 52 training sessions, 15 matches and 1 Information evening. We had 28 players on the panel: 10 x 14yr olds, 13 x 13s and 5 U12s. Management team; myself, Oisin Talty, Aidan Halpin and Declan Kelly and Killian Normoyle did Goalkeeping coaching when required.

Training: We started training on 15th March, training twice a week (Wednesdays and Fridays) in the run up to Féile on the May Bank Holiday weekend. We also started the boys on Strength and Conditioning, doing circuits in the GYM when the pitch was wet. The purpose of this was to build core strength and to introduce them to proper technique. The boys did well in our First Challenge game v Wolfe Tones in Shannon on Tues April 9th despite missing some of our County U14s. We held a Parent’s Info Night on 27th April that was very beneficial for all.

Féile: Lissycasey GAA held one of the Group stages of Féile on Friday 3rd May hosting Doora Barefield, ClooneyQuin and Eire Og. We lost to Doora Barefield in the first game and beat Eire Óg well in our second game. With no official Referee turning up we did not get to play our third game v Clooney Quin to decide who would take the 2nd place in Féile SF. I would like to thank the Club Executive and Parents for all their help in preparing the dressing rooms, all those who prepared and gave out food and refreshments or did umpire on the field that night in both

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Lissycasey GAA Club Newsletter 2019

Frure and the main pitch. The re-fixed Féile match was played against Clooney Quin on May 6th in Gurteen and despite conceding 2 early goals the boys battled back to win the match and qualify for the Feile SFs. The SF took place in Gurteen on Thurs May 9th v Kilrush/Killimer which we won by 1 point after extra time in a very physical game. I have to compliment our boys for the way they stuck to the plan and kept their heads in this game. Unfortunately, we lost to Doora Barefield in the Féile Final that evening but the boys gave everything they had.

Féile Results: Lissycasey 0-07 Doorabarefield 2-05 Lissycasey 4-07 Eire Óg 1-04 Lissycasey 3-5 Clooney Quin 2-04 SF: Lissycasey 0-04 Kilrush/Killimer 0-03 Final: DooraBarefield 4-11 Lissycasey 1-04

Championship: There were 7 teams competing in the U14 ‘A’ Championship with games fixed every Monday beginning 17th June. We won 4 of these matches and lost 2, which put us in 3rd place in the final Group. We then played the 2nd placed team Doora Barefield in the semi-final in Kildysart on 2nd September. They boys played really well in the first half and were unlucky to go in level at half time. Doora Barefield scored 1-02 early in the second half but our boys showed huge resilience and belief to battle back to just a point behind before Doora Barefield scored a breakaway goal at the end. Despite losing by 4 points (to the eventual winners) the boys made huge progress this year tactically and in their physical development.

U14 Championship Results: Lissycasey 3-15 Clooney Quin 5-08 Lissycasey 2-03 Doora Barefield 2-13 Lissycasey 7-13 Wolfe Tones 1-08 Lissycasey 3-18 Ennistymon 3-09 Lissycasey 0-10 Kilrush/Killimer 4-10 Lissycasey 5-24 Clondegad 2-05 Semi-Final: Lissycasey 0-12 DooraBarefield 2-10

I would also like to thank the following for their help with the U14s this year: Oisin Talty for excellent coaching, tactics and stats, Declan Kelly and Aidan Halpin for their input into coaching, tactics and team selection, Mary Kelly who attended all matches, Killian Normoyle who gave great goalkeeping coaching at key times, John Joe McMahon who released 5 U-12 players regularly to assist the U14s. The parents of all our players for their support during the year; helping out when we hosted Féile, bringing the lads to matches, doing umpire and most importantly encouraging all the players constantly during matches. Also, thanks to Jamesy - there was never a problem when we asked for club support during the year. Finally, the players - their attitude to learning and improving was the key ingredient this year, it made everything else possible and shows in the very high attendance rate we had at training.

Frank Culleton

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Lissycasey GAA Club Newsletter 2019

Under-15

Back Row (L to R): Pat Keane (selector), Terence O’Shea (manager), Darragh Killeen, Jack Faughnan, John Culligan (selector), Colin O’Shea, Jack Meere, Ian Griffin, Kieran Daniels, Ronan O’Callaghan, Conor Meaney, Aaron Clohessy, Darren Keane, Jack Leahy, Matthew Culleton, Adam Downes, Diarmuid Cahill, Declan Kelly (selector), Danny Lynch (selector). Front Row (L to R): Shane Culligan, Michael Meaney (captain), Sam Wragg, Josh Daniels, Fionn Cotter, Dáire Culligan, Evan O’Haire, Dáire Hill, Evan McMahon, Michael Kelly, Aaron Lynch (maor uisce). Missing from Photo: Barry Conway, Jack Warren

Lissycasey captain, Michael Meaney, accepting the U-15 ‘A’ West Clare Shield after Lissycasey defeated Kilrush/Killimer in the final played at Cooraclare.

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Lissycasey GAA Club Newsletter 2019

AGM Report Lissycasey u-15’s competed in the West Clare ‘A’ championship in 2019. A short season which commenced on the 22nd September when we had our first get together for a training session at Frure pitch. We played our first match, which was a quarter final, on 02/10/19 against Clondegad at Lissycasey Main Pitch. A strong performance from Lissycasey produced a 3-15 (24) to 3-03 (12) win and progression to the semi-final. We played Miltown at Miltown on 10/10/19 and the weather played a big part in this game. Miltown played with the aid of a very strong breeze in the first half and went in at half time 0- 06 (06) to no score ahead. Lissycasey showed great determination in the second half and fought back to win the match on a 1-08 (11) to 1-06 (09) score-line. The final of the West Clare championship was played at Cooraclare on 23/10/19 against Kilrush/Killimer, who had won the U-14 Féile and U-14 ‘A’ County championship double 12 months previous. After a Titanic battle, in which we scored two goals late in the second half, Lissycasey were victorious with the final score Lissycasey 3-05 (14) Kilrush/Killimer 0-13 (13). I would like to thank our panel of 28 players for their dedication throughout this competition where we always had a high number of players at training. I would like to express my gratitude to all the parents/guardians for bringing their boys to training and matches and for showing great support for the team at our matches. Thank you to the Club for their assistance when required, especially Mary Kelly for her help with fixtures. And finally, a huge thank you to my management team of Pat Keane, Declan Kelly, John Culligan, and Danny Lynch for their commitment to this group throughout this campaign. Terence O’Shea (Manager)

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Lissycasey GAA Club Newsletter 2019

Under-16

Back Row (L to R): Enda Finnucane (joint manager), Matt O’Shea (selector), Darren Keane, Jack Faughnan, Barry Conway, Colin O’Shea, Harry Keane, Daniel Delap, Kieran Weaver, Kieran Daniels, Luke Griffin, Ronan O’Callaghan, Ian Griffin, Diarmuid Cahill, Kevin Hanrahan (selector), Eoghan O’Leary (joint manager). Front Row (L to R): Jack Leahy, Dáire Hill, Conor Meaney, Evan O’Haire, Conor Killeen, Shane Culligan, Jack Cahill, Michael Meaney, Matthew Culleton. Missing from Photo: Paddy Griffin (selector), Fionn Cotter, Jack Meere, Jack Warren, Thomas Collins, Oisín Hehir, Adam Moloney, Alex Rynne, Eoghan Smith.

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Lissycasey GAA Club Newsletter 2019

AGM Report In 2019 Lissycaseys under 16 team took part in the ‘A’ championship. The panel contained 28 players. We began training on the 17th of November 2018 in Kildysart astro-turf. We played a Number of challenge games in preparation for the championship. In the championship itself, we played Doora-Barefield, Eire Og, Ennistymon, Clondegad, Cooraclare and the amalgamation of Kildysart/Coolmean and Shannon Gaels. Corofin and Kilrush Killimer were also part of the group but each team only played seven games. We lost to Barefield, Cooraclare and Ennistymon. We beat Clondegad and the amalgamation while drawing to Eire Og following the concession of a last minute goal. Ultimately this goal cost us a place in the semi-final as we finished 5th in the group of ten teams, a point behind fourth place. We then played the shield semi-final against the amalgamation which we lost following the concession of another late goal. This shield semi-final did not take place until the middle of August. While it was disappointing for both players and management that we did not make the A semi- final, the most important factor from the year was the huge improvement we saw in nearly all the players individually and as a team. Many of the players involved with this under sixteen panel went on to either contest the minor semi-final or/and win the West Clare under 15 competition. This group of players are an extremely talented bunch and I have no doubt will go onto have huge success with this club both at underage age and adult level. I would personally like to thank my fellow management team of Enda Finnucane, Paddy Griffin, Matt O’Shea and Kevin Hanrahan for all their help and support to the team throughout what turned out to be quiet a long year. I would also like to thank Mary Kelly, Jamsie Meere, Oisin Talty and Breda Clohessy for their help and support towards the team. Also, I would like to thank Kilmaley GAA club for their full cooperation throughout the year. The group contained a number of duel players from Kilmaley. Finally, my biggest thank you must go to the parents of the players, their support was immense throughout the year. I wish this group of players the very best of luck in the future

Eoghan O’ Leary

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Lissycasey GAA Club Newsletter 2019

Minor

Back Row (L to R): Kieran Clancy (selector), Martin Daly (manager), Conor O’Rourke, Colin O’Shea, Jack Meere, Adam O’Shea, Shane Griffin, Harry Keane, Caolán Crowe, Michael Madigan, Billy Delap, Kieran Weaver, Ronan O’Callaghan, Daniel Delap, Lewis Wragg, Gerry Moran (selector). Front Row (L to R): Aodán Hanrahan, Thomas Collins, Scott Kelly, Jack Cahill, Shane Culligan, Kevin Shivers, Luke Griffin, Adam Moloney, Evan O’Haire, Gary Heslin, Enda Meaney. Missing from Photo: Conor Killeen, Oisín Hehir, Jack Faughnan.

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Lissycasey GAA Club Newsletter 2019

AGM Report We started our season on the 25th of January with an 8-week programme. We met twice a week; every Tuesday we did strength and conditioning where we were very lucky to get the expertise of Aidan Moynihan for these sessions, and on Friday night's we used the hall facilities in Ennis national school for basketball which was very well attended and definitely helped a lot to improve basic football skills like catching, handling with close control, and tackling. From mid-March we continued with our S+C every Tuesday night from the programme given to us by Aidan and went outdoors on Fri nights. We also entered a 6-a-side astro turf league in Kildysart every Sunday morning. We played 5 games over 6 weeks winning all our matches. In April we got the services of Dermot Galvin from Kilkee to do a 6-week running programme on Friday nights. Unfortunately, these sessions were not well attended and I do believe it affected the start of our season as some were not fit enough for championship which started in 1st wk of July. Our group had 5 teams so we had 4 away games and 4 home games. Most games were very close but we struggled for wins and only got one draw and one win over this period but still saw improvement every time we played. As was the set-up of the group we still reached the semi-final and played our best hour of football drawing this game with eventual champions Parteen. The replay was disappointing and felt we didn't play as good as we could. All-in-all it was a huge improvement from where we started and with only 3 players from the panel over age for 2020 we would hope that this years’ experience shows them the work that's required to be successful. During the year we brought the lads on a team building day to Galway and gave them HPV training tops. We brought a dietician in for a chat also to help with proper diets and useful info for players and parents. And to finish off our season Pakie Keane and John Culligan sponsored all players and management a meal in Fanny O’Dea’s which was very generous and appreciated. Finally, big thanks to my two selectors Gerry Moran and Kieran Clancy. They were a huge help as was Oisin during the year. The club were always there to help too so big thanks also. Martin Daly (Manager)

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Lissycasey GAA Club Newsletter 2019

Youth Camp The first ever ‘Lissycasey GAA Youth Camp’ took place from Monday 19th August to Wednesday 21st August 2019 at the Club’s complex at Frure. The camp was proposed, organised, and implemented by club coaches, Oisín Talty and Frank Culleton. 21 boys between the ages of 13 and 17 attended the camp. We had many quest speakers and coaches during the week and covered many topics including: Kieran McDermot – Video Analysis, Garda Edel Curtin – Drugs and Alcohol, David Tubridy – Kicking Masterclass, Ger Keane – Sports Psychology, Oisín Talty – Strength and Conditioning, and Colm Collins – What it takes to be a Clare footballer. We also had a GAA quiz with the members of the winning team each receiving a €20 voucher for Elvery’s sports, and a skills competition for u-14 and u-18 with each winner receiving an O’Neill’s Gaelic football. Whereas this year, we were unable to include leagues at the camp, the boys did play matches at various stages during the week. At the end of the camp each participant completed a survey so that we could measure the success of the camp and see if this would be something that the club would organise again. I am delighted to say that the feedback was very positive with each participant enjoying the camp and said they would attend again if it was organised. The boys had a tremendous attitude towards the camp and showed great maturity in the way they approached each topic. I’d like to thank the boys for attending the camp and treating each quest with respect.

Each participant at the Youth Camp 2019 received a Lissycasey GAA Training Top (pictured above) at the end of the camp.

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Lissycasey GAA Club Newsletter 2019

Kieran McDermot runs Edel Curtin speaks to the David Tubridy gives the through some video group about the dangers group some tips for kicking analysis and how it helps of drugs and alcohol. off the ground. management make decisions on game day.

Ger Keane gets the group Pitch all set up for the Youth Camp GAA quiz discussing about sports skills competition. psychology and how sport winners after been is not just played with the presented with their prize of €20 gift vouchers for body but also the mind. Elvery’s Sports by Clare senior football manager, Colm Collins.

(L to R): Matthew Culleton,

Colm Collins, Kevin Shivers, Kieran Weaver.

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Lissycasey GAA Club Newsletter 2019

Matthew Culleton, being presented with an Shane Griffin, being presented with an O’Neill’s official match football by Clare O’Neill’s official match football by Clare senior football manager Colm Collins, as his senior football manager Colm Collins, as his prize for winning the U-14 skills prize for winning the U-18 skills competition. competition.

Back Row (L to R): Colm Collins (Clare senior football manager), Evan Courtney, Harry Hamel, Daniel Delap, Scott Kelly, Aodán Hanrahan, Harry Keane, Luke Griffin, Thomas Collins, Billy Delap, Adam O’Shea, Michael Kelly, Aaron Clohessy. Front Row (L to R): Jamesy Meere (Club chairman), Oisín Hehir, Kieran Weaver, Michael Madigan, Shane Griffin, Jack Meere, Kevin Shivers, Conor Killeen, Matthew Culleton. Missing from Photo: Caolán Crowe.

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Lissycasey GAA Club Newsletter 2019

Club Underage Coaches Development

Pat Moore informing participants of the next activity at the coach’s workshop at Lissycasey Community Hall. On Saturday 17th August 2019, GAA Master Tutor, Pat Moore, made the journey to Lissycasey to conduct a coach’s workshop at Lissycasey Community Hall. The workshop targeted coaches of teams from under-6 to under-12 and demonstrated activities to develop both fundamental movement skills and sports specific skills. The workshop was attended by 17 coaches and the feedback received from them afterwards was very positive. A huge thank you to Pat for making the long journey up to conduct the session, and to all the players and coaches who attended this workshop.

Coaches reviewing the 2019 season. To conclude the 2019 season, coaches across all underage teams attended a meeting on Tuesday 26th November 2019 at Frure meeting room to review the year. The meeting was facilitated by Ger Keane and the meeting was well attended. The meeting also began discussions on developing a club underage policy document and it was decided that this project would be led by club vice-chairman, Paudie Carmody. This document is in the process of writing at the moment and should be ready for the start of the 2021 season.

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Lissycasey GAA Club Newsletter 2019

Under-21 AGM Report The shortest season of all teams in our Club; this is due to the fact that the u-21 team is made- up of players who play the majority of the season with the minors and seniors, and these teams were competing right up to the start of the u-21 competition. This is also a knock-out competition and due to there being no ‘C’ division in 2019, we were competing in the ‘B’ division. We commenced training on Friday 18th October and we lost our quarter-final on Sunday 3rd November. Numbers were an issue with this group this year as we only had 20 players to choose from, 7 of which were u-17. Miltown played Parteen/Meelick in a preliminary round and we were drawn to play the winners in the quarter-final of the ‘B’ competition which, due to Miltown’s involvement in the Senior County final, was put back by a week. After the preliminary round game we played Miltown on Sunday 3rd November at Kilmihil. A battling performance by Lissycasey was not enough on the day as Miltown won out on a score-line of 1- 11 (14) to 1-07 (10). Thanks to the players for attending and giving their all for Lissycasey on the day. Thanks to Oisín Talty, Niall Kelly, Danny Pyne, and Eoghan O’Leary for giving their time to organise and support the team. Under-21 Management

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Lissycasey GAA Club Newsletter 2019

Junior AGM Report As is normal, the junior panel trained with the seniors this year. We played in Division 4 in 2019 and the original target was promotion. Unfortunately, we won none of our league games, lost six and drew one, resulting in relegation to Division 5. We had a provisional squad of under 30 players. As like last year, we struggled on occasions in the league to field 15. The main factor for low numbers at training and matches is simply commitment. League Results:

Date Venue Home Team Home Score Away Team Away Score Sun Mar 31st Lissycasey Lissycasey 1-09 (12) 1-09 (12) Fri Apr 5th Miltown Miltown 0-17 (17) Lissycasey 0-05 (05) Sun Apr 21st Ennistymon Ennistymon 3-14 (23) Lissycasey 2-12 (18) Sun Apr 28th Lissycasey Lissycasey 0-07 (07) 1-10 (13) Mon May 6th Clondegad 5-09 (24) Lissycasey 0-09 (09) Sun May 19th Lissycasey Lissycasey 0-07 (07) Kilkee 3-17 (26) Sun June 9th Ennis The Banner 1-11 (14) Lissycasey 0-03 (03)

Championship – Again like last year, we had a much better response from players for the championship. We won our two group games to qualify as group winners. We beat Doonbeg in round 1 (1-15(18) to 3-06(15)) and beat Kilmurry Ibrickane in round 2 (0-10(10) to 1-05(08)). In the quarter-final we were narrowly beaten by a strong Michael Cusacks team that won out the championship. On reflection it was again a disappointing campaign. If we had the same panel available for the league as we had the championship, I have no doubt we would have been at the other end of the league table. 2020 should be better in a lot of ways. We only lost a couple of players to senior this year so if we regrade our five players wisely and our squad of players show a greater level of commitment then we should be winning a lot of league games in Division 5 and be very competitive in the championship. I would like to thank Michael Stephens for his role as selector, Breda Clohessy as physio, our chairman Jamesy, and our secretary Mary for their assistance during the year. Paudie Carmody

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Lissycasey GAA Club Newsletter 2019

Senior

Back Row (L to R): Conor Finnucane, Paudie Carmody, Dáire Meaney, Niall Meere, Ryan Griffin, Roy Griffin, Niall McCarthy, Enda Finnucane, Niall Kelly, Francie Hayes, Eoghan O’Leary, Cyril Sheehan, Seán Kelly, Danny Pyne (selector). Front Row (L to R): Eoin Enright, Oisín Hanrahan, Mikey O’Neill, Killian Normoyle, Matt O’Shea (captain), Cian Meaney, Martin Moran, Gerry Moran, Aaron Griffin, Seán Hayes, Cathal Considine, Jimmy Collins (selector), Eddie Killeen (selector), Ger ‘Bobby’ Kelly (manager), Paul Nagle. Missing from Photo: James Foran (selector).

Michael Neenan, chairman of Doonbeg GAA club, presenting Matt O’Shea with the John O’Gorman cup after Lissycasey defeated Naomh Eoin in the final on Sunday 29th September 2019 at Doonbeg.

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Lissycasey GAA Club Newsletter 2019

AGM Report Lissycasey seniors were involved in four different competitions in 2019; the O’Gorman cup, the Cusack cup, the championship, and the senior ‘B’. The following is a breakdown of each competition. O’Gorman Cup – With victories over Kildysart, Coolmeen, Kilrush, and a draw with Doonbeg, it put us into the semi-final versus Kilmurry Ibrickane. This game ended in a draw after we let a seven point halftime lead slip, finishing strongly again to get the equalizing score. Kilmurry failed to show for the replay which put us in the final with Naomh Eoin. Goals at crucial stages got us the victory here on a scoreline of 4-09 (21) to 2-08 (14). Cusack Cup – We commenced with a comfortable victory over an understrength Cooraclare but this proved to be our only victory while we also drew with Eire Óg and suffered narrow one point defeats to both St. Breckan’s and Clondegad. This resulted in relegation to the Garry cup for 2020 which was a big disappointment for everyone involved. The Championship – We were pitted in a group with Kilmurry Ibrickane and Corofin, with KIB being first up. This resulted in an agonizing two point defeat. It was a game we should have won but out of the four goal scoring chances that were created, none were converted. This put us in a winner-takes-all clash with Corofin to claim a quarter-final spot and we came through in this one with reasonable comfort, recording a seven point winning margin. The quarter-final draw was not the kindest to us and put us up against Miltown in a wet and windy Cooraclare. With the elements at their back, Miltown started strongly but we hung in there and with a penalty before half time, we were only five adrift at the mid-term interval. This was reduced to two with 12 minutes to go but we just didn’t dig deep enough at that stage to grind out a victory. Seven missed second half frees didn’t help our cause. It was a hard defeat to have to take considering the game was there for the winning. Miltown went on to retain the championship. Senior ‘B’ – The senior ‘B’ semi-final put us up against Kilmihil. With the sides level at the break, Kilmihil showed the greater desire in the second half and went on to claim a three point victory. Conclusion – I would like to thank the Lissycasey club for giving me the opportunity to manage the Lissycasey seniors in 2019. I would like to thank the executive of the club for being helpful at all times. I would like to thank our many sponsors during the year, the panel was very well looked after at all times. I would also like to thank the other members of our management; James Foran, Danny Pyne, Jimmy Collins, and Eddie Killeen; they were all a pleasure to deal with. The management team do not seek re-election for the year ahead. We would like to wish continued success to Lissycasey GAA in 2020. Ger Kelly

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Lissycasey GAA Club Newsletter 2019

Brian Casey Tournament

Miltown – Brian Casey 7’s Tournament winners 2019. The 9th edition of the annual Brian Casey 7’s Tournament took place on the 23rd June 2019 with twelve teams entering the competition. Group matches were played at Frure and Lissycasey Main Pitch with the semi-finals and final taking place at Lissycasey Main Pitch. Miltown captured their second title in three years after defeating Lissycasey in the final on a score line of 0-07 (07) to 1-03 (06). It capped off a great weekend that included an under-10 boys blitz at Lissycasey Main Pitch on Friday evening; followed by a hotly contested quiz at Fanny O’Dea’s on the same night, MC’d by Paudie Carmody; and on Saturday morning, for the first time, the club hosted an under-10 girls blitz at Lissycasey Main Pitch with local ladies football club, Fergus Rovers, taking part. The boy’s blitz on Friday evening was attended by Doora Barefield, Kildysart, Clondegad, Mungret (Limerick), and host club, Lissycasey. The girl’s blitz on Saturday morning, hosted by Fergus Rovers, was also attended by Wolfe Tones, Doora Barefield, Kildysart, and Kilmihil. The committee would like to thank the parents of the boys and girls for their help with both blitzes. Also, a huge thank you to all the volunteers throughout the weekend who helped in any way. The Club would like to thank the committee who run should a tremendous weekend every year: David Considine, Niall Casey, Martina Casey, Gerry Moran, Kieran Clancy, Seamus Hayes, Paudie Carmody, Jamesy Meere, and Declan Kelly.

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Lissycasey GAA Club Newsletter 2019

Scór

Pictured after winning the Munster Senior Scór Set Dancing Competition 2019. Back Row (L to R): Danny Pyne, Kieran Moroney, Margaret O’Sullivan, Killian Normoyle, Kevin Hanrahan. Front Row (L to R): Louise Griffin, Gillian Griffin, Liam Lenihan (Munster Council Chairman), Lauren Griffin, Sineád Neylon.

Jack Earle, pictured after competing in the solo singing event of Scór na nOg at Clarecastle 2019.

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Lissycasey GAA Club Newsletter 2019

Lissycasey continued its long association with Scór in 2019. For Scór na nOg there was entries for Rince Seit (set dancing) and Amhránaíocht Aonair (solo singing). Both acts performed very well but had stiff competition in their categories and were unable to progress to Scór na Mumhan (Munster Scór). Thanks to all the participants and also to Anne Marie Wragg (Irish Language and Culture Officer) and Dáire Hanrahan (Youth Officer) for their work with Scór in 2019. For Scór Sinsir, Lissycasey GAA club had an entry for Rince Seit which proved very successful. They progressed to Scór na Mumhan after winning the County title at . They travelled to City on 02nd March 2019 and performed brilliantly at City Hall to claim the Munster Crown. This meant they were now in with a chance of All- glory and made the journey to Castlebar, Co. Mayo on 13th April 2019. Before the All-Ireland weekend, Scór na Mumhan previewed the category on their Facebook page on 09th April 2019: ‘All Ireland Final 2019 – Preview Rince Seit. Lissycasey will be Clare’s sole representatives onstage and will do battle in the Set Dancing competition. Having overcome five other teams in the recent Munster final – Lissycasey would love to bring the Rince Seit title to Clare for the first time since 1993 when Doora Barefield won the title in the Green Glens arena in Millstreet. More surprising is, despite Munster’s excellent record in this competition at All-Ireland level, Munster have not won the title since Kilcummin all the way back in 2014. On that occasion the final was also held in Castlebar – a good omen maybe? With Glen from Derry, as well as last year’s All Ireland winners, Aghamore from Mayo, and the 2016 winners, Bunbrosna Westmeanth also taking to the stage – Lissycasey will have no easy task but we believe they are more than capable of doing the business. Hon The Banner! From all at Scór na Mumhan.’ The Lissycasey set took to the stage, with the Province behind them, and again their performance was top class. Unfortunately, they came up just short, finishing in second place but they did their Club, their County, and their Province proud. A huge thank you to all the dancers for putting in the time to practice and perform on behalf of the club and also to set dancing coaches, Niamh Normoyle and Helen Hehir, whose expertise have proven invaluable to the success of this set. Finally, the supporters came out in their droves to cheer on the set in Castlebar and all involved would like to thank them for making the occasion extra special.

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Lissycasey GAA Club Newsletter 2019

Club Development

Lissycasey GAA club installed lights in the spectator stand at their Main Pitch during the year (2019). On the 16th March 2019, the Lissycasey senior team organised a Race Nite in Fanny O’Dea’s which was well supported and is always an entertaining night. The squad would like to thank its many sponsors for each race and to all who bought a horse and supported the fund raiser. Lissycasey GAA Club held a Flag Day in Ennis on the 01st June 2019. On the same day, Clare were playing in Cusack Park which meant the town was very busy on that day. Many thanks to club treasurer, Richard Eustace, and the many club members who gave up their time on that Saturday to collect money on behalf of Lissycasey GAA Club. Lissycasey GAA also opened their O’Neill’s online store in October 2019, where you can shop for the all the newest Lissycasey GAA club gear. A huge thank you to club secretary, Mary Kelly, for organising this and getting it online. On the 26th October 2019 Lissycasey GAA Club held a Machinery Auction at Lissycasey Main Pitch carpark which proved very successful. A massive thank you to all who helped out with this, especially: Desie Hill, Pat and David Considine, Mary Kelly, Deborah Coughlan, Aoife Clohessy, and Ciara Meere; and a special mention to Martin Meaney, and Club chairman Jamesy Meere who thought up of the event and saw it through to the finish.

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Lissycasey GAA Club Newsletter 2019

Inter-County

Thomas Collins and Luke Griffin pictured with the ‘Fitzgerald’s Woodlands House Hotel’ U-16 Football Tournament Division 3 Cup after they played their part in Clare’s win over Roscommon on a score of 2-09 (15) to 1-09 (12).

Cathal Hill and Noel Finnucane pictured after Clare won the All-Ireland Masters Plate final after beating Kildare on the 28th September 2019 at St. Bridget’s GAA Club, Kiltoom, Co. Roscommon on a score of 3-12 (21) to 1-09 (12).

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Lissycasey GAA Club Newsletter 2019

25th Anniversary Twenty-five years ago, on the 09th October 1994, Lissycasey won the Intermediate championship, in Cusack Park vs. Éire Óg Inis, to become a senior club for the first time in its history. Two years previous, Lissycasey won the 1992 Junior ‘A’ championship, at Clareabbey vs. Cratloe. So, it was decided that in the year of it’s 25th Anniversary of that Intermediate championship victory (2019) that members of both teams would be honoured with a presentation in appreciation of their efforts. On the 30th December 2019, Lissycasey GAA Club held a function at Fanny O’Dea’s which was well attended by both squads. A recording of the 1994 club social was played on the 72” screen in the lounge, as players and supporters reminisced on those glory days. Afterwards the presentations took place, and MC for the evening was Seamus Hayes; Seamus was also a selector for both of those championship winning teams. The presentations were made by Clare footballer, Gary Brennan. Gary’s father, Martin Brennan, was team manager for both teams, and for the 1994 Intermediate final, Gary was the Club mascot pictured before that County final. Once the presentations were complete, the music began, and all in attendance had a wonderful night. The Club would like to thank Deborah Coughlan for organising the event, Gary Brennan, Seamus Hayes, Talty’s Mace for sponsoring the trophy’s which were presented to each player, and Fergal Haier for the use of his premises on short notice.

Intermediate Championship Winners 1994 Back Row (L to R): Barry Rynne, Martin Brennan (trainer/coach), Michael Coghlan, Danny Lynch, Pat Healy, Pat Keane, Terence O’Shea, Brian Healy, Lawrence Culligan, David McCarthy, Declan Coughlan, Martin Daly, John Culligan, Brian Talty, Noel Finnucane, Paudie Halpin (selector), Seán Sexton. Middle Row (L to R): Seamus Hayes (selector), Derry McNamara, Michael Brennan, Anthony Culligan, Kieran Brennan, Cathal Talty, Senan Culligan (captain), Colin Lynch, Fergal Haier, Conor Clancy, Joseph Kelly, Gearóid O’Sullivan (selector). Front Row (L to R): Brendan McNamara, Paddy Griffin, Damien Normoyle, Glen Halpin (mascot), Michael Melican, Danny McCarthy, Gary Brennan (mascot), Barry McMahon, Padraig Halpin, Cathal Hill, Eamon Finnucane.

Compiled by Oisín Talty – Coaching Officer 2019 Page 42 of 43

Lissycasey GAA Club Newsletter 2019

Junior ‘A’ Championship Winners 1992 Back Row (L to R): Gearóid O’Sullivan (selector), Martin Brennan (manager-Coach), Sean Sexton, Declan Conway, Barry Rynne, Declan Daly, Colin Lynch, Martin Daly, Alan Carmody, Senan Culligan, Kieran Brennan, Jimmy Doohan, Seamus Hayes (selector). Middle Row (L to R): Lawrence Culligan, Declan Coughlan, Pat Keane, David McCarthy, Fergal Haier, Anthony Culligan, John Culligan (captain), Barry McMahon, Aidan Halpin, Liam Kelly, Paudie Halpin (selector). Front Row (L to R): Danny McCarthy, Cathal Talty, Glen Halpin (mascot), Padraig Halpin, Brian Talty.

Compiled by Oisín Talty – Coaching Officer 2019 Page 43 of 43