doora barefield gaa summer 2014 newsletter

St. Josephs Doora Barefield GAA Newsletter1

Our first Newsletter of 2014 offers me an opportunity to reflect on what has been a busy six months for the club. It’s also my first opportunity to acknowledge the immense hard work and dedication of a number of

people who have served as officers of the club. My predecessor, Berney Hallinan, during his two year stint as chairman did trojan work in all areas of club activity, a fact which I felt was not appropriately acknowledged in the ‘cut and thrust’ of our 2013 AGM. We also ‘lost’ three other stalwarts off the front bench – Donall O’Connor retired from the Secretary’s role after three years of extraordinary work. His recent engagement to Aoife Nash is, I’m assured, totally coincidental and we extend our sincerest congratulations to both of them. Seamus O’Sullivan stepped down, albeit gingerly, in view of an impending hip operation from his PRO function after a huge contribution especially in his pioneering work with the Social Initiative and the setting up of this Newsletter. Christy O’Connor combined his vice chairman’s role and co-ordinating the Schools’ coach with management of the U21 hurlers and excelled at all functions. Happily all of the above remain involved in different roles, surely a measure of selfless commitment.

I am delighted to welcome some new members, Martin Brooks, Brian Dilleen, Liam Clohessy and David Frawley to the executive committee of the Senior Club. This infusion of fresh blood has enabled us to lessen, in some little way, the burden of administrative duties that traditionally fell on the club secretary in particular. That’s not to suggest, of course, that Dan O’Connor now has a ‘cushy number’. Far from it, in fact, and I believe that the issue of reducing the workload on the GAA club

secretary will be a major challenge for all clubs in the future. For a club of our size to function properly a veritable army of volunteers is now required to cover all age groups and to cope with the maintenance and servicing requirements. Thankfully our members have never been shy in giving of their time and talents to the cause and I thank you sincerely for this. It is only through this commitment that we can continue to fulfil our core objective – the provision of a safe, healthy and happy environment within which all our members can enjoy Gaelic games. I would particularly acknowledge the continued contribution of our various sub-committees – Lotto, Astro turf, Hall, Field and Finance. A special mention of Joe McNamara who again confounded ‘the loaves and fishes’ challenge that the Training Pitch schedule presents annually.

Another major piece of Administration work being undertaken is the development of the Club 5 year plan – 2020 Vision – which all clubs countrywide are being encouraged to produce. Donall O’Connor and Seamus O Sullivan are spearheading this project for us and they have been busy recruiting a steering committee.

On field activity has been gathering momentum over the past few weeks and I wish all players and mentors the best of good luck in their endeavours. Whilst ‘the taking part’ and enjoyment of the games should always be the priority it is wonderful too when a bit of success on the field of play comes our way. It is my great pleasure therefore to congratulate players and mentors of our U16 football squad on their winning of the U16A County Championship. The U14 girls have also brought home the laurels in winning the County Féile and now have the distinction of representing the County at National Féile. Also our Boys were recent victors in Community games hurling action. Well done to all.

Enjoy the Summer,

Martin Coffey

www.doorabarefieldgaa.com

St. Joseph’s Doora-Barefield G A A News l e t te rN u a c h t l i t i r - N a o m h S h e o s a m h

Teachtaireacht an Cathaoirleach

Issue 11July 2014

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ST. JOSeph’S SeNiOR ClubRound Up by Seamus O’Sullivan

2

New Officers Join Executive.

The AGM attracted a good attendance where the events of the previous year were reviewed and plans were set out for the new year. The meeting by and large and with few exceptions was constructive and positive with the vast majority of the attendance offering constructive comments and suggestions.

The meeting marked the stepping down of Berney Hallinan as Chairman, Christy O’Connor as Vice-Chair, Donall O’Connor as Secretary and Seamus O’Sullivan as PRO. The club thanked them for their contributions over the years and looked forward to their continued involvement and support.

The following officers were elected, Martin Coffey, Chairman; Brian Dilleen, Vice Chair; Dan O’Connor, Secretary; Martin Brooks and David Frawley, Assistant Secretaries;

Noel Stapleton, Treasurer; Donall O’Connor, Assistant Secretary; Cillian Griffey, PRO; Liam Clohessy, IT Officer; Bill Clohessy, Minor Club; Joe McNamara and Pat Frawley, County Board Reps; Michael McMahon, Hall and Astro; Tommy Duggan, Liaison Officer; Berney Hallinan, Joe Hallinan and Seamus O’Sullivan.

Club Players to the Fore

on Many FrontsThe club has a proud tradition of contributing to many county and selection panels and in 2014 the following are involved;

Alan O’Neill is a member of the Clare Senior Hurling Panel, Steven Collins is on the Senior and Junior Football Panel while Luke Brannock

is on the U21 Football team. Brian Guilfoyle and Colm Fitzgerald were on the Clare Minor hurling team that lost to Waterford in the Munster ¼ final.

Alan O’Neill, Jarlath Colleran and David Conroy are members of the U21 hurling panel. Alan Duggan continued his involvement with the county U21 and Junior teams.

Eoin Hanrahan was a member of the minor football team that defeated Westmeath 1-09 to 1-06 in the Leinster Special minor League.

Fergie McDonagh is a kit Manager for the County Senior Hurlers while Dan O’Connor is on the CCC committee and Seamus O’Sullivan on the County draw committee.

Bernard Keane continues as county treasurer.

Parish Players featured prominently on the Rice College U15 football


team that defeated Flannan’s in the county final by 5-16 to 0-11. They were Niall O’Brien, Conor Kerns, Conor Tierney, Cathal Ruane and Eoghan Perrill.

Six Parish players were prominent as Rice College reached the Munster U15 hurling final. Included on the panel were Niall O’Brien, Conor Kerns, Cathal Ruane, Conor Tierney, Eoghan Perrill and Eoghan O’Sullivan.

On the Rice College U16 1/2 football team beaten in the Munster championship by Castleisland were, Niall Duggan, Cathal O’Brien, Sean Murphy, C. Ruane, Michael Junaid and Mikey Whelan

On the St. Flannan’s U15 hurling team that lost the Munster final to Charleville were, Scott Currid, Dylan Mulligan and Eoin Tynne.

On the Mid Clare U14Development Squad for hurling were, Conor Hehir, Conal Kelliher, Eoin Thynne, Fionn Mulqueen, Tom O’Brien and Conor McDaid.

Retirements2014 saw a number of retirements and resignations. The most notable were that of Fergal O’Sullivan after 28 years of playing service. Dermot Daly also retired after 22 years of service. Both had contributed to the success of the Junior Hurlers over the past three years . Their loss is a serious setback to the team but father time always catches up. It is great that they are continuing to contribute as coaches and mentors. May saw the retirement of hurling power house Ken Kennedy. He called time on his long and successful career. It is to be hoped that Ken will be persuaded to join the junior panel.

All three players were part of the great successes of the club that saw titles won at County, Munster and All

Ireland level.

In May also, David Greene resigned as coach to the senior hurlers.

In March Kieran Kelliher resigned as a senior football selector and as manager of the U21 team. His contribution to football should never be underestimated. The start of the year also saw Diarmuid O’Sullivan step down from Junior Hurling Management as he transferred to his club of residence Ballyea.

Hurling Review

The hurling year has been most disappointing with the seniors struggling to be competitive and only amassing 8 points from 8 outings in the cup and going down tamely in the first round of the championship. The U21 teams all made first round exits and the juniors have failed to register a single victory. The decline in our hurling fortunes is alarming.

The first major shock of 2014 for St Josephs was the defeat of the U21s in the first round (1/4 final) of the championship. Under manager Sean McMahon a huge effort had gone into preparation and the loss to Feakle/Killanena by 2-13 to 0-16 was frustrating. Simply said it was the winners’ greater heart and commitment that saw off St. Josephs, sporting such names as Alan O’Neill, Jarlath Colleran and David Conroy.

The winners led by 2-6 to 0-5 at the interval. St Josephs were dependent on O’Neill frees for their scores. Indeed over the hour St Joseph’s relied on 0-11 from frees with O’Neill accounting for 0-7 and Conroy 0-4. They each added 0-1 from play also. Jarlath Colleran, Colm Devine and substitute Colm Fitzgerald added the remaining points.

The team was; Kevin Moloney, Kevin Meaney, Eoin Hanrahan, Fiachra Touhy, Fionn O’Carroll, Brian Clancy, Pat Hennessy, Jarlath Colleran, Conor O’Brien,

David Conroy, Alan O’Neill, Colm Devine, Brian Guilfoyle, Donall O’Halloran, Seamus Nugent.

Subs used; Colm Fitzgerald for Nugent and Stephen Horgan for Devine.

The youthful U21C hurlers lost to Ennistymon in the county 13 aside semi-final by 1-09 to 1-02. The team was;

Paul Hallinan, Lorcan O’Connor, Diarmuid Barron, Ciaran O’Halloran, Sean Mulqueen, Ciaran Browne, Jason McNamara, Oisin Kennedy, Alan Woods, Cody Fitzgerald, Cathal Clune, darragh O’Sullivan, Barry Guilfoyle.

Subs; Ryan Mulligan, Niall Keane, Johnnie Mathers, Andrew Whelan and Darren Walsh.

The senior hurlers under the management of John Halpin, Kevin Kennedy, Alan Duggan and Kitman Sean Conroy had several challenge games against teams from Galway, Limerick and Clare in the build up to the competitive season. These were worthwhile even though no wins were recorded but confidence was high that the team would be competitive for both cup and championship.

They commenced their cup campaign with two losses to Broadford by 2-12 to 1-12 and Feakle by 3-15 to 3-10. Both games were in Gurteen.

Bank holiday Monday April 21st marked the first competitive hurling win of the year when the senior team travelled to Whitegate and came away with a 2-15 to 2-14 victory. The sparse support that travelled was looking at another defeat when St. Josephs trailed by 1-4 to 0-3 after 15minutes despite playing with the strong breeze and were still 1-8 to 0-8 behind at the interval. On top of that they had lost the services of Sean Flynn through a severe shoulder injury and Rory O’Connor.

Fionn O’Carroll and Donie O’Halloran replaced them. On the resumption


Damian Kennedy replaced Mikie Rosengrave. St Josephs were a different side playing with commitment and determination and goals from D. Kennedy and O’Carroll really lifted the side. On top of that Davy Conroy showed his promise with some excellent points from frees and play. Over the hour he accounted for 0-8. Leo Duggan also put in a superb hour by adding 0-4 from play. At the back, Brian Clancy, Kevin Dilleen, Eamonn Clohessy and Ivor Whyte were most prominent. This win lifted spirits and hopes for the championship campaign. After the euphoria of the Whitegate win, normal service resumed at Clonlara when the home side easily defeated a spiritless St Josephs by 1-23 to 2-11. The poor form of the hurlers continued when they could only draw with Sixmilebridge’s 2nd team in Sixmilebridge on the score of 2-16 to the home sides 4-10. In the 1st week of May another draw was secured when Ballyea visited Gurteen and the sides finished level on the score of 2-10 each. A rare but welcome win was recorded on May 24th when visitors Ruan were defeated by 0-16 to 0-10.

On June 8th thanks to a superb 1-04 from Donal O’Halloran Division 1B Cup status was secured with a 1-16 to 0-15 victory over Tulla.

The senior championship saw St. Josephs take on Broadford in Shannon and in a poor display where they were out muscled and out hurled they lost by 1-14 to 0-10. This was a most disappointing performance with the team showing a lack of heart, determination and skill.

Eugene Foudy, JJ Brynes and Sean Conroy took on the management of the junior hurlers. This panel was the most successful one of 2013 and indeed were most unlucky not to add the championship title.

However the team failed to record a single win in 6 outings.

They lost to Sixmilebridge in Gurteen

by 1-10 to 1-07 and away to Clonlara by 1-18 to 2-05. The decline of our hurling stock continued when making it three losses in a row against Ballyea by 0-15 to 0-9. This was Ballyea’s junior B team and they out performed us in teamwork, speed, touch and above all commitment. Scariff inflicted our 4th defeat when they came to Gurteen and won by 1-10 to 2-05. They next lost to Broadford in Gurteen on the score of 1-17 to 0-7. The team who went close to promotion in 2013 were relegated to division 5A when they lost to Tubber in their final game by 1-22 to 1-04. Missing from the 2013 county final team for the campaign were, Paul Dullaghan, Fergal O’Sullivan, Dermot Daly, Eoin Hanrahan and Mike McNamara.

Between the U21s, Juniors and Seniors we have played a total of 16 competitive cup and championship games and recorded just 3 wins. This is not what you expect of Parish Teams and its proud traditions and reputation.

FootballMark Rafferty and Declan O’Keeffe took on the management of the senior team and organised regular and intensive weekly training sessions.

They began their competitive campaign in the O’Gorman cup and defeated Ennistymon. In the 2nd round an under strength St. Josephs went down by 4 points to Doonbeg by 1-12 to 2-05. Walkovers were conceded as the panel was severely restricted due to the senior hurling championship preparations.

In the first round of the Garry Cup, O’Currys were defeated by 1-16 to 1-7. A major setback was the defeat to Wolfe Tones by 2-14 to 0-8 in the 2nd round. This was a significant shock as St. Josephs fielded their strongest side but on the night could not raise their game to meet the Tones effort. In their 3rd Garry Cup outing

where only 15 players showed up St Breckans were defeated by 1-10 to 1-08. Played in Lisdoonvarva, St Josephs led at ½ time 1-6 to 0-3. The footballers made it back to back wins when they overcame a depleted Shannon Gaels side in Gurteen by 0-15 to 1-05. Cooraclare proved too strong for visitors St. Josephs as they won by 2-11 to 1-08 on May 2nd. The game marked the return of Declan O’Keeffe to goal.

Liscannor visited Gurteen on May 24th and recorded their first win in a comprehensive 1-14 to 0-6 victory over lack lustre St. Josephs.

The junior footballers under manager Dermot Daly defeated O’Currys in the first round of the league. They travelled to Kilmurry-Ibrickane on April 26th and came away with a deserved 2-10 to 1-10 victory dispite struggling to field a team.

In a critical match at Gurteen they lost out by just 2 points to title favourites Meelick on a score of 1-08 to 1-06. St. Josephs dominated possession but failed to convert many opportunities.

Planning for the Future.

The Club following a suggestion by Donall O’Connor has embarked on the development of a 5 year plan. The committee under the chairmanship of Seamus O’Sullivan has held several meetings including a well attended open meeting. This saw close on 60 people dedicate 2.5 hours each to discussing and debating ideas for the future welfare of the club. It is hoped to have the plan launched in October. The committee members are Brian Dilleen, Leo Duggan, Donall O’Connor, Siobhan Hoey, Berney Hallinan, Dervilla Moloney, Sean Lenihan and Mark Reidy.


CAmOGieReport

U11 Mentors: Orla Ni Dhalaigh, Trish Towey.

U14 Mentors: Liam Duggan, Tony McGrath.

Intermediate Mentors: Rose Gormley, Eamon O’ Loughlin, Tom Hogan.

The next few months sees a very busy calender, with the U8 Camogie Blitzes and the start of the U10 Go Games, which will run throughout the summer, and with the exams out of the way, the U15B league and U16B Championship gets underway. The first match of the league v Newmarket on Fergus takes place on 2nd July, closely followed a week later by the start of the U16B Championships, five rounds of games with semi finals and finals taking place the 8th and 17th September. The Minor, U21 and Intermediate Championships also get underway in July and August, so busy times ahead!

A big thank you to all our camogie volunteers who helped out with stewarding/water stops at the Great Limerick Run on the May Bank Holiday weekend and in turn raising much needed funds for the club. A great day out was had by all, with a few tired bodies at the end of the day!

The Parish is also well represented on the County’s camogie teams this year:

U14 County Team: Kiera McGrath - Congratulations to the girls on booking a final place v Kilkenny in the James Hurley Inter-County Blitz in Mallow. Kilkenny proved too strong on the day, winning the title on a 1-7 to 1-2 scoreline.

U15 Development Squad: Ciara Guilfoyle, Hannah Meaney, Orla Hoey, Kate Dillon, Mary O’Connor

U16 County Team: Orla Moloney, Ciara Whelan.

Minor County Team: Doireann Hennessy, Aisling McMahon, Megan O’Brien. Congratulations on winning the Munster Camogie Shield against Waterford.

Senior Camogie Team: Caitriona Hennessy - Great to see the camogie girls in action in first ever National League Final in Semple Stadium Thurles.

Wishing all the U14 girls and their mentors in the Ladies Football Club the best of luck in the upcoming National Féile Competition the weekend of the 27th -29th June, and the best of luck to all our players and their dedicated mentors in the season ahead.

Come on the Parish!

U6 & U82014 has shown a huge increase in rising stars for the Parish. This has been reflected in the huge number of girls showing up each day to training. The U6 & U8’s competed in their firs blitz of 2014 in the Banner Pitch on May 24th. The girls won all three matches and played to their full potential. We have no doubt they will keep up their winning ways in their upcoming Blitzes. New members are always welcome to come along .Training is on Wednesday evenings from 6:30-7:30 and Sunday mornings from 11am-12pm. A big thank you to mentors Aoife Guilfoyle, Melanie O’Sullivan, John O’Connor and Ivan Kerins for their commitments and excellent techniques and skills they teach the girls each week.

Camogie Club Officers

President:Brid Baker

Chairperson:Siobhan Hoey

Vice Chairman:Liam Duggan

Secretary:Colette Bohannon

Assistant Secretary:Mary WhelanTreasurer:Mark Reidy

Assistant Treasurer:Caroline O’Connor

P.R.O:Orla Fawl

Club Registrar: Caroline O’Connor

Child Welfare Officer: Mary Whelan

Co. Board Delegate:Mikey McNamara

The 2014 Camogie season got off to a winning start with the U11 team winning Division 1 of the Tulla Camogie Tournament, and the following day the U14 girls won the B Cup final with a comprehensive win over Sixmilebridge. The Intermediate team also booked a place in this years league final but unfortunately lost out to a stong Clarecastle/Ballyea side. Good performances on the day from Caitriona and Erin Hennessy, Eimear Casey, Aisling McMahon and Louise Woods.

Well done to all the players and their mentors, and to all who came out to support the girls.



U11 TournamentCongratulations to the U11 team, who participated and won the Division 1 in 2014. They overcame Feakle/killanena in the Final on Saturday 7th June. This year’s tournament saw St Josephs play a total of 5 rounds which included 17 games. Out of the 17 games, St. Josephs won 13, drew on 2 and lost 2.

The Tournament began on 27th April with Tulla hosting the first round. The teams on the day were Tulla, Parteen, Banner and St. Josephs. St. Josephs got off to a great start with winning all 3 games on their first day out. We hosted round 2 in Gurteen on 5th May and again showed great fight with wins over Ruan and Kilkishen and drawing with Feakle / Killanena. We hosted Round 3 on 12th May with a total of 5 teams, Broadford, Wolfe Tones, Eire Og, Inagh- Kilnamona and St. Josephs. We won all our 4 matches on the day. Ballyea hosted round 4 on 23rd May in Clarecastle. Ballyea, Sixmilebridge, Clooney and Smith O’Briens were our opponents. We suffered our


first defeat against Sixmilebridge but went on to to have wins over the other 3 teams. Round 5 was hosted by Inagh Kilnamona in Kilnamona on 28th May. Teams on the day were Inagh/Kilnamona, Kilmaley and Crusheen. We Drew with Kilmaley, lost to Inagh-Kilnamona and won against Crusheen.

St Josephs qualified for the Semi Final play offs in Feakle on 1st June. St Josephs beat Sixmilebrige Feakle/

Killanena and Kilmaley. This resulted in a place in the Division 1 Final. Their opponents in the final on 7th June were Feakle/Killanena. The girls had a comprehensive win to take the honours on the final scoreline of 1-01 to 1-0. Well done to all involved.

The girls are now looking forward to the U12 Mini League which begins in June.

(U-11 Tournament 2014) below

Back L-R: Katie Callaghan, Ellen Doyle, Anna Cosgrove, Sindead O’Connor, Oriana O’Shea, Shauna Moloney, Saidhbh O’Brien, Roisin Dillon Front L-R: Sinead Quinlan, Ava Lenihan, Caoilfhionn Ni Chonaill, Emma Towey (c), Emma O’Dwyer, Aisling McDonagh, Emma McGrath Mentors: Órla Ní Dhálaigh & Trish Towey.

U14The Under 14 panel commenced indoor training last January and moved out to the Astroturf pitch in mid February with the start of the Championship scheduled for early April.

The team travelled to Clonlara for their opening game and suffered a heavy defeat as Truagh/Clonlara dominated throughout. The next game was in Gurteen against Sixmilebridge and again we suffered a defeat on a score of 1 - 1 to 0 - 0. The team travelled to Tulla to take on Tulla/Bodyke in the third round and in a keenly contested game, Tulla/Bodyke won on a score of 6 - 5 to 5 - 2. The team defeated Ballyea in the fourth round on a score of 2 - 5 to 2 - 2 played in Clarecastle. In the

final game Scariff-Ogonnelloe came out on top. The team struggled early in the league due to injuries and finished bottom of our group with Sixmilebridge. They now had a

playoff with Clooney and the Bridge faced Newmarket to advance to the semi-finals of the Under 14B Championship. The team defeated Clooney to advance to a semi-final

U14 Team who won the B Cup this year



meeting with Kilkishen. In the semi-final played in Shannon we had a tough game against Kilkishen and managed to hold out for victory to reach the Under 14B Cup final.

The Final was played in early June in Clooney. Our opponents were Sixmilebridge. St Josephs fought hard from the whistle and showed great determination and commitment. They held Sixmilebridge scoreless for much of the game. This sheer determination resulted in St Josephs coming out winners and U14B Cup Champions on a final scoreline of St Josephs 7-04 to Sixmilebridge 0-02.

Well done to all the girls for their commitment during the U14 Championship. Congrats to team mentors Liam Duggan and Tony McGrath.

Our very own St. Patrick (aka Tony McGrath) in this years St. Patricks Day Parade,along with some of our rising camogie stars

Having been elected PRO of this fine Club at the start of this year, it is with great pleasure I present this Summer Newsletter, the first of which I have compiled. We must be relentless in retaining as much as possible of our existing players and attract and welcome new players to the parish. Our fine facilities are on show and being advertised at every juncture of a visiting team to Gurteen.

If anyone has any suggestions or ideas on ways to improve what we are doing I would be delighted to hear from you.

I want to also take this opportunity to thank Seamus O’Sullivan for all his hard work and the commitment he continues to show to this Club.

I would encourage everyone to play their part by asking them to share the St. Joseph’s Doora Barefield online message. This club continues to play a prominent role in the community by keeping young people engaged through encouraging a healthy and active lifestyle, which comes with being an active member. It is in all our interests to see this continue. I hope to continue this work and encourage others to join with us in driving this club forward so we can build on solid foundations made.

Editoral Comment


The Minor club numbers are continuing to grow with more boys from U6 and upwards ages taking part in both Hurling and Football thus the need for more mentors has increased to keep the club growing. All mentors have filled out their Garda Vetting and have completed their child protection programme with many new coaches coming on stream this year completing their foundation course and many more signed up for the Level 1 coaching practice. The club was also lucky to get a practical hurling workshop from Paudie Butler and Peter Curran teaching basic skill and making the sport friendly and enjoyable for all ages. The session was well attended with many from other clubs in the county attending also.

Thus far in the Minor Club the U16 Division 1 Footballers were crowned County Champions. This was a very exciting few weeks for the boys and the mentors. Pride and passion was very noticeable on and off the field. The U11 Hurlers came out on top in the County Community Games and will represent Clare in the national finals.

U6/8 HurlingU6 hurling training commenced in mid-March and are continuing every Wednesday evening and Sunday Morning. Numbers have increased considerably with huge progress being made by all. It’s amazing to see the improvement the boys make in the first few months. The primary intention for this age group is to make the sessions as enjoyable as possible - while learning the very basics of hurling. To this end, a fun and games element usually helped

miNOR ClubReport By Dervilla Moloney

Coaching course last March in gurteen

interest levels. The boys have taken part successfully in blitzes in Eire Og and Gurteen and many more for the summer.

U10 Hurling May was a good Month for our U10 Hurlers, as a number of them were part of the U11 team that won the County Community Games and will be representing Munster in July. The boys train on Wednesday evenings at 6.30 pm and Sunday Mornings at 11am. Attendances again have increased since last year. The teams will have blitzes throughout the summer and their skills will have improved from the start of the year to the end. We do have a lot of talent at that age. Our emphasis is primarily on improving the skills of the kids at that age.

12 HurlingThe U12s started their season last January in the hall in Gurteen for one night a week and moved outdoor for two nights a week since then. The league started on the first weekend of June and there will a match every

week for the next seven weeks. There is great commitment and team play being shown by all the players.

U14 HurlingThe U14 hurlers started their season indoors in Gurteen in late December going outdoors early February. The U14 competition started in April with the A team in a group with Inagh Kilnamona, Clonlara, Corofin/Ruan, Kilmaley, Sixmilebridge and Clarecastle. Unfortunately this was not to be the year for the young team but spirits were very high through the competition and the boys are looking forward to the U13 competition in August.

The B team were in a group with Kilmaley, Eire Og, Ballyea, Inagh Kilnamona, and Sixmilebridge. The boys had 4 wins and a draw making it to the semi final against Eire Og. The competition was fierce and the standard of the players has immensely improved. The boys won on a 1:7 to 5 points scoreline. They secured a final spot against Inagh Kilnamona. The game was played in Kilmaley and the boys were unlucky not to win the match.


Doora Barefield U16 Footballers Crowned County

ChampionsCongratulations to St. Joseph’s Doora Barefield U16 footballers who were victorious in the U16 final on a final score of 3-13 to 2-04 against Kilmihil/Shannon Gaels. Huge credit is due to all involved. St. Joseph’s Doora Barefield got off to a fantastic start and were 1-8 to 0-0 up against Kilmihil/Shannon Gaels. Darragh Duggan, Mikey Whelan and Maurice Nugent were very sharp in front of goal in the opening stages. Credit to Kilmihil/Shannon Gaels, they never gave in and with 14 men they managed to bag 2 goals before the half time break. In a superb team performance, Peter Collins (Captain) and Tom Hannon were instrumental in defense. The strength of the panel was in clear evidence in the second half and when introduced, the substitutes continued the good work. At the mid way point of the second half, the scoreboard read

U-14B Hurling team that reached the final

U-16 Football Captain Peter Collins

U6/U8 FootballThe U6/U8 Footballers have over 60 players registered for the year with an average of 40 to 50 attending the training sessions. Training takes place on Friday evenings at 6pm. They kicked off with the first session last March. The club will participate in blitzes throughout the season. With such large numbers of players, it is critical that we have a significant number of coaches to guide these young footballers.

U10 FootballThe U10 Footballers are training weekly and will be competing in competitions throughout the summer. Again there are great numbers at this age where Doora Barefield should have 3 teams at this level. We are hoping to build on last year’s season with the kids skill level and give every child the same opportunity for inclusivity of game time. At this age it is important to have emphasis on improving the skills of the kids at this age.

St Joseph’s Doora Barefield 2-11 Kilmihil/Shannon Gaels 2-4 and the third goal was added after a superb run by Conor Brannock, slipping the ball through the on rushing Goalkeepers legs before finishing the ball to the net. Captain Peter Collins, lifted the cup and thanked the players, mentors and parents for all the effort put in since the start of the year.

The Panel consisted of:

Eoin Campbell, Cian Barron, Peter Collins, Tom Hannan, Niall O Brien, Jack Hannan, Darrah O Shea, Cian Murphy, Graeme Glynn, Mikey Whelan, Sean Murphy, Cathal O Brien, Darragh Duggan, Eoghan Thynne, Maurice Nugent, Conor Brannock, Conor Kearns, Conor Tierney, Keith Shea, Kieran Mulqueen.

Management: Kevin Thynne, Mike Murphy, Peadar Mc Mahon, Tony Murphy.

Minor Hurling/Football and U16 in both codes are training extremely hard at the moment with their season of competitions starting in August. The U14 Footballers will start their championship at the beginning of July.

The Minor club would like to thank all the mentors of both codes for their continuing time, effort and skill that they bring to the club and every season. Without these men and women the club would not exist. We would also like to thank the senior club for the help and support they give to the Minor club and the excellent upkeep of the facility.


President Dan KeaneChairman: Sean Lenihan

Vice Chairperson: Ita HanrahanSecretary: Fiona Power

Asst. Secretary Maria O’LoughlinTreasurer: Annette Reidy

Asst. Treasurer Debbie LenihanRegistrar: Noirin CollinsDevelopment Officer:

Kieran KelleherChildren’s Officer:

Trudy DavenportPRO: Sharon Meaney

Asst. PROs:Ciara & Caitriona Davenport

2014 has been an exciting year so far for the Doora Barefield Ladies Football Club, with significant achievements already with our U14 team winning the County Feile Final and our U12 Team winning the County Community Games Final. Both now go on to represent the Club and the County with the U14s heading to the National Féile Peil na nOg Finals for the first time and the U12 team again preparing for the Munster Community Games Finals. Chairperson Sean Lenihan spoke about the opening six months of 2014, “The huge success we enjoyed at all levels in 2013 has spurred on both mentors and players to achieve even more this year. Training is going well with huge work being put in at all levels. The commitment from the U8s right up to the Junior Team and the pride in which they wear their jersey is wonderful. Also, the massive effort put in by the mentors is hugely valued and I want to particularly mention the great work done on winter fitness by David Courtney. I also want to acknowledge the hardworking committee, mentors, players, sponsors, senior committee and especially the parents who help us out at a moment’s notice with Lotto, Canteen duties, Church Gate, Flag Days, Clothes Collection, Bingo,

dOORA bARefieldLadies Football Club

Roughan and James McNamara are training in excess of 40 players every week. There are 5 groups in the U12 Competition for 2014, and Doora Barefield has 4 teams entered. The first of these matches was played against Crusheen; a very competitive match with Crusheen emerging as the winners. The U12 girls and their mentors have a busy summer ahead, with matches being lined up on a weekly basis for each of the 4 teams. Our U12s were victorious in the Community Games County Final in Lissycasey against stiff competition from Kilmihil, Clarecastle & Wolfe Tones. We are now drawn against Waterford in a game in Mitchelstown on the 24th June and if successful, progress to UL for the Munster Finals on the 5th July.

The U14s have had a busy 2014 already, with two teams entered into the Championship. The Doora Barefield A team have worked tirelessly throughout the Championship, losing only one game by a point against the Banner Ladies. The semi finals for this young team are looming, with mentors Pat Hanrahan and John Power praising the panel for

etc. It is greatly appreciated and is the cornerstone of a successful Club.”

The lifeline of any club is the young and upcoming players and it is great to see the huge number of U8 and u10’s training every Monday evening. The U8s are facing their first blitz in Fergus Rovers and mentors Treas Molloy, Martin Lillis & Enda O’Flaherty with support from parents on the sideline are gearing up their young players for their first outing.

The U10s hosted their first blitz on Saturday 14th June, with visiting teams Fergus Rovers, Banner Ladies and Eire Og attending. Doora Barefield entered two teams led by John Torpey & Martin Lillis and Joe Queally & Martina De Loughrey. Both teams played three competitive matches with local referees Ellen Meaney, Sally Molloy and Orla Meehan ensuring there were no black cards issued! The fantastic volunteers in the club house ensured that no one went home hungry! The U10s will be heading to Fergus Rovers at the end of June, with more blitzes organised throughout the summer.

Team mentors for the U12’s, Maria O Loughlin, Paudie Dorgan, Michael

Official Team Photo of the Féile Panel


their commitment to training and fantastic displays on the field. The Doora Barefield B team has had a very successful championship, showing consistent displays on the field. A Division 3 play-off was scheduled on the 17th June, between Doora Barefield B and Coolmeen; a competitive match played in scorching temperatures saw Coolmeen emerge as the winners. The Doora Barefield girls now go on to play Shannon Gaels in the Division 4 semi – final and mentors Noel Nagle and Gerry Clarke delighted with the improvement in both skill and fitness in this young team.

A panel representing the U14 Team gave an outstanding display on Sunday 13th April when they beat the Banner Ladies in Kilmihil in the County Féile Final on a score line of 2-06 to 1-03 after already having beaten West Clare Gaels in the semi final earlier in the day. Team Mentors Pat Hanrahan, John Power, Michael Meaney, Shay Norton and Féile Co-ordinator Sean Lenihan will travel with the team on the 27th June to Roscommon where they will be hosted by St. Faithleachs Club in Ballyleague. We would like to thank Ken Butler of Realprint who sponsored the fantastic signs wishing us support and best wishes. Sean Lenihan continued: “We are absolutely delighted to be heading to Feile for the first time. There are significant costs involved but we

have had great support from very many people. In particular, I would like to acknowledge Peter O’Keeffe from O’Keeffe Oil, Eoin Fanning from Yum Catering, Garech McGuinness from Ennis Lifts, Enda O’Flaherty from Shannonside Building Supplies, Tom Liddy from Liddys Costcutter, Donnagh Vaughan from The Grove, Enda Galvin from Galvin Construction, Seamus Mulligan from Clare Bouncing Castles, Liam Doherty Construction, Mike Dennehy from Johnno’s, Barry Lynch from Lynchs Centra, Eddie Rynne from Shiels, Paudie O’Connell from Wizard Bouncing Castles, Kathleen O’Brien from KGs Hair Salon, Shannon Airport Authority, O Connells Pharmacy, Abbey Street & Quinns Fruit & Vegetable Shop Four Seasons,

Tulla Rd., Ennis, Penneys, Ennis and of course the St. Josephs Senior Club Committee. It is a huge achievement and something the girls will enjoy and remember for years to come. ”

The U16 team mentored by Trudy Davenport, Kieran Kelleher and Pat Kearney reached the semi final of the Championship but were defeated by West Clare Gaels. Kilmurry Ibrickane went on to win the Championship and although disappointed, the U16 girls have put this behind them and are looking towards the Minor Championship which starts in August. Both the Minors and Juniors have been training under Paul Conway, Trudy Davenport, Joe Casey & Adrian Laws. The Junior Ladies played in the Munster Junior 7 a side in Mallow on Saturday 7th June. The team was drawn in a group with St Peters (Cork), Douglas (Cork), Oola (Limerick) and Dromid Pearses (Kerry). The team qualified for the plate semi-final but were beaten by Glanmire, Cork. This was a good performance by the ladies as a number of these teams had a lot of experience competing in this competition.

Finally, we would encourage anyone who is interested in following the Doora Barefield Ladies Football Club to like our Facebook Page – regular updates, photos, training times and results are posted by Catriona Davenport and Sharon Meaney. Special updates will be posted through the Féile weekend! Thank you for your support and enjoy the summer!

Team Captains at Award Ceremony held in the Old Ground 2014


Club COAChBy Christy O’Connor

A similar level of emphasis is still put on fundamental movement skills with first and second class. The warm up will still consist of fun games but they are a little more advanced for this age group. In third and fourth class, time is still spent in every session working on physical literacy and movement skills. Warm ups will incorporate games and skills that work on ABCs, RJTs and CPSs.

Given that the older classes look for competition at all times, Luke works on the skills for 5-10 minutes, or else he will play small sided games or throwing and catching games. He also plays all in full hurling games with them after small sided games.

When the club ran an Easter Camp in the middle of April, Luke overaw that camp, while all the coaches under his watch were from Doora-Barefield. Although the numbers were down on last Easter, the camp was still very enjoyable and very worthwhile.

Luke O’Loughlin continues to do great coaching in the schools. Yet his role is also crucial in how he continues to strengthen the link between the schools and the club. Overall, it has been another productive year’s work.

At the end of June Luke O’Loughlin completed his first year in his position as Club Coach in the three primary schools. Luke is one of the most highly qualified young coaches in Clare and is hugely admired and respected by all the kids he coaches. Overall, he has done a very productive year’s work.

Luke’s role is more than about just coaching. With infant classes in particular, developing physical literacy and fundamental movement skill are the main priority of the sessions. The sessions are comprised of ABCs (Agility, Balance, Co-ordination), RJTs (Running, Jumping Throwing) and CPS (Catching, Passing, Striking).

A lot of emphasis is also put on ensuring the children enjoy what they are doing in order to help build a positive relationship with sport. This is done by making sure the children are enjoying the games and not being tied down by a completely rigid and monotonous set of drills. Fun warm-up games are used to get the children instantly enjoying themselves. When executing the fundamental skills, praise is constantly given along with positive constructive feedback, which assists the children in developing a positive relationship with the sport.

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ClARe Civil eNGiNeeRiNG

proudly supportingSt. Joseph’s doora barefield GAA Club


The importance of IT and communication in today’s world is immeasurable, and with such a vibrant club with such a huge population and following, it is wonderful to see Saint Joseph’s Doora-Barefield continuing to provide up to date information on club affairs through the use of social media. During the year, take for example the under 16 boys team, who reached the Division 1 football final and were victorious;

hAll & ASTRO-TuRf By Michael McMahon

i.T. iN The ClubBy Liam Clohessy

The hall committee is comprised of six very committed people as follows:

Dan O’Connor, Maria O’Driscoll, Breda O Driscoll, Tom Duggan, John Joe Burns and Michael Mc Mahon.

A team of eleven men supervise the astro turf, throughout the season.

They are : Jimmy Mc Namara, Bernard Hoey, Joe Dilleen, Robert Hurley, Ml Carmody, Peadar O’Loughlin, Michael Neylon, Dan Keane, Noel Stapleton, Dan O’Connor and Michael Mc Mahon.

Sincere thanks are due to both committees.

The hall, meeting rooms, cafeteria, gym, offices and all the ancillary

facilities are a tremendous addition to the club. It has allowed us to cater for the needs of our own players and members and also to entertain visiting teams and guests. In this context we acknowledge the great work of catering committees who provide food for the many occasions on which this is required.

The hall has been widely used during the past year. Our own hurling , football , camogie and basketball teams do winter training and in addition the hall is rented to outside groups, notably basketball and badminton. More recently it has become popular for childrens parties. The hall and astro pitches are available for games and the canteen area is ideal for serving food.

The meeting rooms are used for coaching coarses, community meetings, yoga sessions, as well as club meetings and activities.

The astro turf was put in place as a fund raising project and over the years it has contributed handsomely. Since so many young people have left, it is noticeable that demand is not as strong as in the past, but the accounts will still show how significant is the income generated by the hall and the astro turf.

Again, sincere thanks to all on these committees.

the number of views, posts and pictures relating to the match totalled 675 people on the St. Joseph’s Doora Barefield Facebook page. Not alone can social media communicate with local club members but it can also connect with community members, members of other clubs and also similar clubs across the county and country, as well as former members living and working abroad. The peak activity on our facebook page this year was between the 25th and 27th of May. Twitter is another invaluable resource utilised by the club to provide up to date scores

on hurling and football games; another vitally important tool to benefit club members who may be unable to attend club matches. Having been appointed to the role of IT officer, I realise that how essential team work is; “ni neart go cur le chéile”- as a committee, a club and as a parish, support is paramount. I envisage the promotion of club facilities through social media as well as pictures of merchandise from the club shop as another step and another milestone in relation to promoting the club in the near future.


GAeliC GAmeSIN BAREFIELD NATIONAL SCHOOL

By John Burns, Principal

in the championship.

Last year’s successfully promoted camogie team played some challenges before travelling to Ruan for two very competitive matches against Kilmaley N.S,( fresh from their Mini-7s victory), and a Ruan-Toonagh amalgamation, but, though competitive, did not progress to the semi-final.

The senior footballers competed in Division One this year and gave tremendous commitment to training but did not emerge from a group consisting of Knockanean, Ennis C.B.S. and Ennis N.S. The girls’ senior team competed in Division One again this year, qualifying for the shield final and they also provided great excitement in reaching the semi-final of the I.N.T.O. mini sevens competition.

Currently, the internal Frank Burns memorial junior and senior hurling and camogie leagues are engendering great energy and enthusiasm. Congratulations also to Anna Nagle who will represent Clare at half time in the Clare v Waterford football championship tie

A highlight of the G.A.A. year was undoubtedly the visit of local hero Alan O Neill, Nicky O’Connell from Clonlara and popular back room member Michael Collins, all from the victorious All Ireland U- 21 and senior hurling teams together with special guest, the Liam McCarthy cup in toe.

Once again I am delighted to acknowledge the tremendous coaching support provided by St Joseph’s Club and club coach Luke O’ Loughlin who does fantastic work. I also salute the large numbers of children who attend after school coaching sessions which are so generously committed to by many of our teachers.

Back row (L-R): Emma Clune, Ruth Gleeson, Eva O’Keefe, Leah Mc Mahon, Holly Alderson, Enya Ghilardi (captain), Carol Ann Finn, Julia Cwik, Zara Casey Hanrahan, Sarah Eyres (Trainer).Front row (L-R) : Ailbhe Reid, Rachel Quinlivan, Aoibhínn Feighery, Tara Murphy, Jodie Fogarty O’Neil, Matab Babiker, Ava Cuffe-Kelly, Éabha Lynch, Caoimhe Lynch.

Back Row – Left to Right: Enya Ghilardi, Eva O’Keeffe, Ruth Gleeson, Lauren Rynne, Dianna Carmody, Jessica Leathem, Anna Nagle, Kacey O’Neill, May McCarthy;Front Row – Left to Right: Ailbhe Reid, Rachel Quinlivan, Aoibhínn Feighery, Tara Gregory-Gorman, Ava Cuffe-Kelly, Katie McDermott, Kate Montwill, Julie Clarke, Maria Montwill.(Trainers: Ms. Sarah Eyres, Ms. Goretti Quinn)

barefield N.S. indoor Camogie Team 2014

barefield N.S. Senior Camogie Team 2014

Championship season is back and Clare supporters are savouring the thrills provided by our wonderful Clare teams. Here in Barefield National School the hurling season got off to a flying start when the boys from third and fourth class created school history by being the first Barefield team to win the

Clare indoor hurling competition under the guiding hand of Mr Murray. As March blew in the senior boys hurling team had victories over Ballyea and Clarecastle before losing out to Gaelscoil in the I.N.T.O. 7-aside competition. Despite spirited performances, they had to give way to Knockanean and Broadford teams

o Sí lM h A din a fÓ ci og ie T a sgu


GAeliC GAmeSin Knockanean National School

By Jim Curran

Gaelic games play a huge part in the life of Knockanean National School. The school enters all Cumann na mBunscol competitions resulting in a very busy year in terms of matches and training. This year was particularly successful with victories in four different county finals. On Friday evenings, boys and girls, from 4th, 5th, and, 6th, travelled to Gurteen

Back Row: Left to Right: Cian Lahiffe, John Connaughton , Padraic Geraghty [Joint Captain] , Mark Hanrahan, Brendan Cleland , Ciarán O’Halloran [Joint Captain], Matt Hanrahan, Tommy Quinlivan, Alan Moloney, Patrick Browne, Matthew Ryan, Darragh Whelan, Niall O’Regan, Odhran Meaney, Eoin Clune, Mr. Murray [Trainer],Front Row: Left to Right: Mark Moloney , Jack Power, Adrian Baker, Andrew Knox, Jack Galvin, Joe Daly, James Curran, Conal O’Regan, Eoghan Talty, Dara Nagle, Shane O’Halloran, Cillian Warner.

barefield National School Senior hurling Team 2013-2014

for hurling and football training from September to June.

In November, our boys and girls football teams won Division 1 titles defeating Ennis National and Clarecastle respectively. Our boys and girls participated competitively in the indoor hurling and camogie competitions in January and February.

To cap off a great year, this June, our camogie team won the Division 3 competition defeating Kilmurry, and, our boys hurling team lost out narrowly in the final to Broadford. Our girls’ football team also won the Clare Ladies Football Board Division 1 final against Gaelscoil Mhíchíl Cíosóg. We also had great success this term in the mini 7’s competitions, with the boy’s football and hurling teams, and, girl’s football and camogie teams, reaching the finals.

We wish continued sporting success, participation, and, most importantly, enjoyment, to all our 6th class pupils.

The following pupils were chosen to represent the school in the primary game:

Camogie: Roisín Corbett, Girls Football: Aisling Reidy, Boys Football: Conor Mc Daid Hurling: James Shaw

Many thanks to Luke O’Loughlin for all his work with the classes on Thursdays and to Donnchadh Murphy, Martina Deloughery, and, John Corbett, for the endless work they did in promoting Gaelic games in the school this year.

continued overleaf


This school year Doora NS competed in the Cumann na mBunscol Hurling and Boys’ Football and the I.N.T.O mini-7s. The boys reached the semi-final of the hurling where they had to give way to a strong Clonmoney side. The boys trained each Tuesday with Luke O’Loughlin and each Thursday after school with Mr. Corcoran. Great improvements were made. Most of this team came from 3rd, 4th and 5thclasses so we will be hoping for great success over the next few years.

Each Tuesday all the pupils in the school get an opportunity to play hurling with Luke O’Loughlin. Great interest has been generated due to Clare’s win in the All-Ireland and the subsequent visit to the school by some of the players along with the Liam McCarthy cup.

GAeliC GAmeS

in Doora National School

By Kieran Corcoran

Knockanean National School continued

doora barefield gaa summer 2014 newsletter

Documents

senior club

gaa club secretary

areas of club activity

trojan work

pioneering work

christy oconnor

dan oconnor

field activity