Attached, please find the February edition of the GAA Club Newsletter.

6th March 2018

Fixtures: 8th March - 14th March

Premier U21 Championships Round 5 Doon V Garryspillane on 8th March at 8pm in Kilbreedy.

U14 Feile semi final Vs Mungret at 12.15pm Sat 10th in Old Christians GAA grounds

MEMBERSHIP 2018:

Adult Players: €50

Non-Players & OAPs: €30

Juveniles/u18s: €20

LOTTO:

Doon GAA Weekly Lotto Results Mon 26/2/2018 Jackpot €4,400

Numbers Drawn 4-10-15-21 - No Winner.

6 x Match 3 @ 35 each. Laurence Ryan Shanaclune, Niall Ryan c/0 Ed, Pat Loughman Gurtnageara, Joe Maher

Cooga, Daithi Barry ℅ Seamus Barry, Catherine Anderson Lisnakella.

10 x Lucky Dips @ €20 each, Joan Riall Clonganhue, Cappawhite, Eddis Stapleton ℅ Doon GAA, Anne Whelan

Bank place, Ronan Costello Loughrea, Noreen Hynes ℅ J.Power, Benji ℅ Whelans, Ann & Tess O’Connell, ℅ J.Murphy, Daniel Hill Killuragh, Adele Hanevy Internet, The Madden Clan ℅ Thos Maher

Next Week’s Jackpot €4,600

Next Draw in Moores Bar Monday 5th March 2018.

Underage Medal Presentations

Doon G.A.A Underage Hurling and Camogie Medal presentation will take place on Sat March 10th at 7.30 in

Doon Community Centre. Medals will be presented by the clubs most recent all Ireland Medal winners Barry Murphy and Eoghan McNamara.

All Welcome.

Movement skills for Gaelic Games

This 5 week program started last Mon night. We had a great turnout of Children from U6 to U9 years. All participants must be members of Doon or Oola GAA. This program is free to all children. A great start in developing your child's skills through fun. If you are interested please contact Richard on 086 8155237

Doon G.A.A Online Shop:

Doon G.A.A online shop has been updated for 2018. Check out the latest club gear on o'neills website

https://www.oneills.com/

Doon’s Strictly Come Dancing:

Doon will hold its Annual fundraiser Strictly Come Dancing on Sunday 28th October in Ballykisteen Hotel.

More details to follow please keep this date free.

CASH FOR CLOBBER:

Doon G.A.A is holding its Annual Clothes Collection. Bags can be dropped to the clubhouse on Saturday

mornings from 11-12 or Contact any committee member to arrange collection. All support would be greatly appreciated.

TEAM APP:

Since 20th February Doon G.A.A have been sending out all messages from the club through Team App. Team

App has the latest news, fixtures and results. Team App can be downloaded from Apple and google stores. This is a free App. For further information or help in downloading the contact any committee member. Thanks to the 169 people who have downloaded the app

so far

Child Protection Workshop:

Child Protection Workshop Will take place in Oola Community Centre on Wednesday March 21st from 7-9. Workshop

is open and mandatory for all those in Oola and Doon who are involved with Teams who have players under 18. Places are limited on this course so please contact Mary Purcell Oola Children's Officer on 087-2435970 to book your place.

Limerick G.A.A Draw:

1st Draw takes place 31st of March and the last Saturday of every month. Doon G.A.A club will again be

taking part. 50% of all funds returns to club. For Brochure or more information contact local Coordinator Donal Anderson on 086-8421747.

27th February 2018

Fixtures: 1st March - 7th March

Premier U21 Championships Round 5 Doon V Garryspillane on 6th March at 8pm in Kilbreedy

MEMBERSHIP 2018:

Adult Players: €50

Non-Players & OAPs: €30

Juveniles/u18s: €20

LOTTO: Doon GAA Weekly Lotto Results Mon 19/2/2018 Jackpot €4,200

Numbers Drawn 10-13-20-27 - No Winner.

3 x Match 3 @ 70 each James McPartland Carrigmore, Sheila Kennedy Doon, Gerard McPartland c/o Ann McPartland.

10 x Lucky Dips @ €20 each, Liam Cummins Carrigmore, Dee Heelan c/o Ed, Lorraine Beary Hillview Grove, Jenny & Richie c/o Anna Moore, K.O.R c/o C O'Brien, Fox family Main street Doon, Tos Martin c/o John Murphy, Amy Ryan(S) Coonagh Court, Nora O'Connell Cooga, Jackie Ryan Hollyford.

Next Week’s Jackpot €4,400

Next Draw in G.Ds Bar Monday 26th February 2018.

CASH FOR CLOBBER:

Doon G.A.A is holding its Annual Clothes Collection. Bags can be dropped to the clubhouse on Saturday mornings from 11-12 or Monday nights from 7-9 or Contact any committee member to arrange collection. All support would be greatly appreciated.

TEAM APP:

From 20th February Doon G.A.A will be sending out all messages from the club through Team App. Team App will have the latest news, fixtures and results. Team App can be downloaded from Apple and google stores. This is a free App. For further information or help in downloading the contact any committee member. thanks to the 164 people who have downloaded the app so far

OPERATION TRANSFORMATION:

Our Operation Transformation "Ireland Lights Up" has come to the end of the 6 weeks. Doon GAA would like to thank all those who tunred out week after week in some terrible weather conditions. We hope you continue the walking

Child Protection Workshop:

Child Protection Workshop Will take place in Oola Community Centre on Wednesday March 21st from 7-9. Workshop is open and mandatory for all those in Oola and Doon who are involved with Teams who have players under 18. Places are limited on this course so please contact Mary Purcell Oola Children's Officer on 087-2435970 to book your place.

Movement Skills for Gaelic Games:

This 5 week programme is free to all Children from under 6yrs to under 9yrs. All participants must be registered members of Oola GAA or Doon GAA.

Get the new season off to a great start and have fun developing your skills. Commencing March 5th. Please contact Richard on 086-8155237 but hurry spaces are filling up quickly.

Limerick G.A.A Draw:

1st Draw takes place 31st of March and the last Saturday of every month. Doon G.A.A club will again be taking part. 50% of all funds returns to club. For Brochure or more information contact local Coordinator Donal Anderson on 086-8421747.

Congratulations:

Well done to the Under 14 Doon team and management that won the Feile quarter final on Sunday 25th against Ballybrown. Doon 3 - 9 Ballybrown 0 - 4. Well done also the the U21 team who beat Ahane in round 3 of the championship. Doon 2 - 14 Ahane 0 - 8

Congratulations to Barry Murphy and Pat Ryan (S) who were part of the UL team that won the Fitzgibbon Cup

Premier U21 County Championship

County Premier U21 Hurling Championship Group 1

Round 1

Kilmallock V BYE

Na Piarsaigh v Patrickswell 30/01 Rhebogue 8.00pm

Adare v Mungret St Paul's 03/02 Clarina 3.00pm

County Premier U21 Hurling Championship Group 2

Round 1

Monaleen V BYE

Murroe Boher v Doon 30/01 Kilbreedy 8.00pm

Garryspillane v Ahane 03/02 Cappamore 3.00pm

County Premier U21 Hurling Championship

Round 2 -

Patrickswell V BYE

Kilmallock v Adare 06/02 Mick Neville Park 8.00pm

Mungret St Paul's v Na Piarsaigh 12/02 Rhebogue 8.00pm

County Premier U21 Hurling Championship Group 2

Round 2

Doon V BYE

Monaleen v Garryspillane 11/02 Kilbreedy 3.00pm

Ahane v Murroe Boher 11/02 Cappamore 3.00pm

County Premier U21 Hurling Championship

Round 3 -

Adare V BYE

Patrickswell v Mungret St Paul's 20/02 Rhebogue 8.00pm

Na Piarsaigh v Kilmallock 20/02 Mick Neville Park 8.00pm

County Premier U21 Hurling Championship Group 2

Round 3 -

Garryspillane V BYE

Doon v Ahane 20/02 Kilbreedy 8.00pm

Murroe Boher v Monaleen 18/02 Cappamore 3.00pm

County Premier U21 Hurling Championship

Round 4 -

Mungret St Paul's V BYE

Kilmallock v Patrickswell 27/02 Mick Neville Park 8.00pm

Adare v Na Piarsaigh 27/02 Rhebogue 8.00pm

County Premier U21 Hurling Championship Group 2

Round 4 -

Ahane V BYE

Monaleen v Doon 27/02 Kilbreedy 8.00pm

Garryspillane v Murroe Boher 25/02 Cappamore 12noon

County Premier U21 Hurling Championship

Round 5 -

Na Piarsaigh V BYE

Patrickswell v Adare 04/10/03 Clarina 3.00pm

Mungret St Paul's v Kilmallock 04/10/03 Mick Neville Park 3.00pm

County Premier U21 Hurling Championship Group 2

Round 5 -

Murroe Boher V BYE

Doon v Garryspillane 06/03 Kilbreedy 8.00pm

Ahane v Monaleen 04/03 Cappamore 3.00pm

Semi Finals 20/03

Final 27/03 or 01/04

Limerick Poc Fada Competition 2017

The Limerick Senior, U16 Poc Fada competition will take place on Friday May 26th at Galty Mór, Galbally, Co. Limerick.

The Senior & U16 compettiton will commence at 7:00pm, register participants will meet at the Square in Galbally @6:30pm

Please pass this information onto interested parties in your club. Please note that Entrants are asked to bring another person with them who will act as a marker for the event. Markers will be requested to act for one of the other competitors.

Once again the county's Poc Fada is to replicate in some form the Munster Competition which will held in the Burren, Co. Clare and the All-lreland competition that is held in the Cooley Mountains every August.

Participants are also asked to wear their club jersey and/or training tops.

People travelling to support the long puck are advised that the terrain is hilly and underfoot conditions may be uneven at times. They are advised to bring suitable footwear and in the event of the weather changing, suitable clothing. Supporters may travel the course at a safe distance to the competitors to shout them on. The overall length of the course is 3km approx.

All participants must register prior to the event with Noel Hartigan at the following email: noel.hartigan.gda.limerick@gaa.ie

Interested participants must be registered by Wednesday May 24th

If you have any enquiries please contact me.

Please note that each participant must bring a marker with them who will be used to mark the ball and or score cards of other competitors.

CLUB LIMERICK DRAW 2017

APRIL DRAW 2017 WINNERS

1st Prize €10,000 79475 MICHAEL BRESNIHAN NA PIARSAIGH

2nd Prize €3,000 74206 KEVIN O'DEA BRUREE

3rd Prize €2,000 82895 THOMAS LYNCH CROAGH/KILFINNY

4th Prize €1,000 78311 TIM & EMILY RYAN DOON

5th Prize €500 80575 NICK GREEN BALLINACURRA GAELS

6th Prize €500 77011 TIMMY COPSE ST. KIERANS

7th Prize €500 79795 MATTHEW RICHARDSON NA PIARSAIGH

8th Prize €500 81611 MICHAEL & ROSE ENGLISH KNOCKANE

9th Prize €500 79226 BRENDAN WALSH TEMPLEGLANTINE

10th Prize €250 74773 MIKE RYAN ST. SENANS

11th Prize €250 80311 LIAM LYNCH CROOM

12th Prize €250 77416 MARCELLA O'CALLAGHAN BRUFF

13th Prize €250 74771 TOMMY WALLACE St SENANS

14th Prize €100 81869 CONOR GEARY CROAGH/KILFINNY

15th Prize €100 79168 MICK MC COY TEMPLEGLANTINE

16th Prize €100 75965 DENIS MOLONEY OOLA

17th Prize €100 80948 SEAN SHEEHAN BALLYSTEEN

18th Prize €100 77376 PAUL DENNEHY BRUFF

19th Prize €100 74072 JIM QUAID FEOHANAGH CASTLEMAHON

20th Prize €100 82205 MICHAEL THORNTON GERALD GRIFFINS

21st Prize €100 79623 MICHAEL HOURIGAN NA PIARSAIGH

22nd Prize €100 76428 GER DILLON CRECORA

23rd Prize €100 74532 ANTHONY FITZSIMONS ASKEATON BALLYSTEEN BORD NA N

24th Prize €100 80987 OWEN RANAHAN BALLYSTEEN

25th Prize €100 77280 BREDA HENNESSY NEWCASTLEWEST

26th Prize €100 74116 DONNACHA O'CALLAGHAN FEOHANAGH CASTLEMAHON

27th Prize €100 83315 CLODAGH BETH CURTIN CLUB LIMERICK

28th Prize €100 83067 JOHNNY O' BRIEN EFFIN

29th Prize €100 74457 PALLASGREEN GAA CLUB PALLASGREEN

30th Prize €100 78215 DONIE ANDERSON DOON

LOTTERY DRAW PRIZE

NUMBERS DRAWN

NO WINNER

€10,000

6,12,18,28

Limerick Panel Announced for 2017

Courtesy Limerick Leader

THE Limerick hurling management have announced a 31-man panel for the 2017 inter-county championship.

John Kiely and his backroom team have omitted seven players that were involved during the Allianz Hurling League.s

A total of 17 different clubs are represented with 2016 All Ireland club SHC winners Na Piarsaigh leading the way with seven players on a panel that is captained by James Ryan with vice-captains Diarmaid Byrnes and Gearoid Hegarty.

Nine of the senior panel are eligible for the U-21 grade this season – the Pat Donnelly managed Limerick play Tipperary in the Munster U-21 quarter final on June 22 in the Gaelic Grounds.

Gone from the new-look senior panel are John Fitzgibbon, Seanie Tobin, Kevin Downes, Seanie and Kevin O’Brien, Andrew La Touche Cosgrave and David McCarthy.

11 of the 2017 panel have no previous senior championship experience, although just five of the 31 weren’t part of TJ Ryan’s panel last season.

The 31-man championship panel selected by Kiely, Jimmy Quilty, Brian Geary, Paul Kinnerk and Joe O’Connor comes after they have had 43 different players in their panel since last November.

Limerick used 35 different players during the Allianz Hurling League with Aaron Gillane the only player on the championship panel that didn’t see league action during the seven game campaign. He did play earlier in the year in the Munster Senior Hurling League before he was omitted in the original league panel, only to be recalled after sparkling displays for Mary Immaculate College in the Fitzgibbon Cup.

The new-look panel will have their first outing this Sunday, May 30 at 7pm when Limerick play Cork in a pre-championship challenge game in Old Christians GAA grounds in Rathbane.

PANEL: Shane Dowling, Ronan Lynch, Mike Casey, Peter Casey, Alan Dempsey, David Dempsey, William O’Donoghue (all Na Piarsaigh), Diarmaid Byrnes, Cian Lynch, Aaron Gillane (all Patrickswell), Richie English, Pat Ryan, Darragh O’Donovan (all Doon), Gavin O’Mahony, Barry Hennessy, Graeme Mulcahy (all Kilmallock), Dan Morrissey and Tom Morrissey (both Ahane), Paul Browne and Sean Finn (both Bruff), Richie McCarthy (Blackrock), Nickie Quaid (Effin), Kyle Hayes (Kildimo-Pallaskenry), Tom Condon (Knockaderry), Seamus Hickey (Murroe-Boher), Colin Ryan (Pallasgreen), Gearoid Hegarty (St Patricks), Stephen Cahill (Tournafulla), Barry Nash (South Liberties), Declan Hannon (Adare), James Ryan (Garryspillane).

Courtesy of The Pundit Arena

After a hurling league full of brilliant action and some surprise results, many players are already putting their hands up for the 2017 All-Star awards. The old refrain of “it’s only the league” seemed to be ignored by all this season with some cracking games. Many of the encounters had championship feel to them also.

There’s been some great hurling on display this year already so here we look at the team of the league campaign. After the conclusions of the actual league section of the campaign, not many were looking beyond Tipperary for the title. Galway had other ideas, however. The attacking display from the tribesmen in the final at Limerick’s Gaelic Grounds was a joy to watch. Their defensive effort also deserves credit, as it kept Tipperary to just 14 points, only 6 of which came from play. Wexford and Limerick joined Galway from Division 1B to complete the semi-final line up, turning many pundit predictions on their head. If the league tells us anything, it’s that we’re in for a great championship later in the year.

But who has impressed us most?

_____

1. Eoin Murphy (Kilkenny)

Murphy is undoubtedly the number one keeper in the country at present. He was on top before the knockout stages and put in a good shift against Wexford too. Couldn’t be faulted for either goal that day, with his defense failing him in that regard. He had so many fine saves in the 2017 hurling league, frustrating some of the best attacking talent in the country.

_________

2. Richie English (Limerick)

It’s been a Spring to remember for the young Doon clubman. Not only did he take All-Ireland honours with Mary I in the Fitzgibbon Cup, but he also acquitted himself quite well against some of the best attacking talent in the country. He played particularly well in the Cork game where a previously in-form Rebel full forward line could only muster three points from play. Had he not been on college duty for round 1, the league may have panned out very differently. The under-21 hurler of the year from 2015 looks set to make a big break at senior level this year having made his debut last season. A lot will rest on the Clare game in June though.

_________

3. James Barry (Tipperary)

Barry has had an excellent Spring. He’s the rock on which the Tipperary defense relies and proved again why he’s the reigning All-Star full-back. Throughout the 8 games he played in this campaign, he has conceded a miserly 1-7 from play.

That stat speaks for itself. He bore no fault for TJ Reid’s goal rush in the Kilkenny game. The only foot he put wrong throughout the league was that Jason Flynn sidestep for his second goal in the final. Barry will use that as fire to drive him on. At just 26 years of age, there’s a lot of hurling in the Upperchurch-Drombane man yet.

_________

4. Seadna Morey (Clare)

Morey has come of age in this league campaign as the Banner’s first choice corner-back. His consistency at the back in earlier rounds was subsequently followed up by an all around outstanding display against Dublin in the league proper. He also managed to pop up for a score against Tipperary and two against the Dubs.

We know well his scoring credentials from previous seasons but this winter/spring we saw his defensive game really flourish. He’ll be disappointed with the second Dublin game in which Eamon Dillon got the better of him. Nevertheless, he should relish the summer ahead in the number 4 jersey.

_________

5. Conor Gleeson (Waterford)

The Waterford attack all winter/spring was built on good primary possession and go forward ball. Gleeson has had a lot to do with that.

Using his strength to good effect, the young wing-back can harass opponents sternly but fairly. This has led to turnover ball from which Waterford can build. His distribution is also sublime and has led to some great team scores in the league campaign. Manager Derek McGrath will be hoping that more of his team show the consistency of the Nire dual star.

_________

6. Liam Rushe (Dublin)

In what has been a disappointing spring for Dublin, Rushe has come up with some good performances. An understrength Dublin, missing their sizeable Cuala contingent, needed leadership and Rushe provided just that.

His aerial domination in the Cork game was matched with a solid display against Clare in both the league proper and their relegation match. The 26-year-old has proven himself the fulcrum of all that was good about Dublin’s play this year so far. There’s not many half-backs that control games in the manner Rushe can.

_________

7. Padraic Maher (Tipperary)

The Thurles clubman’s form never dipped throughout last season and it has continued to be solid right up to Sunday’s league final. His long range scoring has been a key feature of the Tipperary game. Galway did well to avoid him by not hitting any long range puck-outs his way. This starved Tipperary of primary possession and, in effect, shows how instrumental a play-maker Maher is for the All-Ireland champions.

All through the league, though, he was well able to display why he’s among the best in the business. Not only is he amazing in the air, but his skill and strength snuff out attacks from all and sundry.

_________

8. Lee Chin (Wexford)

The Yellow-Bellies’ promotion and subsequent victory over Kilkenny simply could not have happened without Chin. He really is the consummate athlete. He’s well able to use his strength to win vital ball in the middle of the pitch. His pace also allows him to drive at the opposition and cut them open.

He’s well able to take his own scores, however he’s an intelligent player who looks to make the maximum return from every possession. Without this, Wexford would be looking at another season at 1B.

_________

9. David Burke (Galway)

Burke has been on fire for Galway as of late. His six points from play against Limerick last weekend were a thing to behold. The main weapon in his arsenal is his pace coming through the middle, however. He has cut defences open throughout the league campaign by either taking his scores or drawing defenders out to open up space for others.

Waterford, Limerick and Galway were well-warned of Burke’s ability ahead of the knockout stages but could do nothing to negate him. He’s playing like a man possessed this year so far. More of the same in the championship and we may have the Tribesmen breakthrough they’ve threatened for years.

_________

10. TJ Reid (Kilkenny)

Reid stole headlines with his 3-05 show-stealing performance against Tipperary. That would be enough to warrant inclusion on this team. However, he was amazing throughout the league.

He finished the second highest scorer of the competition (behind Offaly’s Shane Dooley). Kilkenny proved they were still a force to be reckoned with this year in the league. They won’t worry too much about the loss to Wexford at the quarter-final stage, a game in which Reid contributed 10 points. All eyes are now focused on a potential championship clash between the two in June.

_________

11. Joe Canning (Galway)

The Portumna legend was missed by his county at the early stages of the league. There’s been no doubt, though, that he’s back to his usual best post injury. He’s filling a more dynamic role for Galway this year too. Being placed on the 45 has given him more scope to be a play maker, creating scores for others as well as pitching in fine scores himself. He’ll go down as one of the greats for sure, but that won’t replace the All-Ireland title he and Galway desperately crave. This could be the year.

_________

12. Conor McDonald (Wexford)

Not content with being the man who was the difference when Wexford beat Galway and Limerick, McDonald put in a great shift in beating Kilkenny.

8 points against the Cats, 4 from play, was subsequently followed by 7 more against Tipperary in the semi-final. His free taking is near flawless. His general in-play vision is also brilliant, as he finds colleagues in space. Kilkenny need to find a way to neutralize McDonald if they are to claim a fourth Leinster title in-a-row.

_________

13. Conor Whelan (Galway)

A complete workhorse who can pop up out of nowhere for a score. He made many a defender’s life a misery throughout the league. In the final he came up against All-Star corner back Cathal Barrett and came away with five points. He links up well at the head of the attack with Mannion and Burke and can provide as well as take his own scores. That in itself sets him apart. He proved his goal-poaching ability also, with well taken chances against Offaly and Laois.

_________

14. John McGrath (Tipperary)

McGrath enjoyed a healthy return during the league. In the absence of Seamus Callinan, he proved an equal threat in front of goal. He also contributed a man of the match performance against Waterford. There were criticisms of him at times that he was selfish with the ball. On a number of occasions this saw him caught in possession and taking his own point where team-mates were in better positions for a chance at goal.

He shook this off to turn in good performances against Offaly and Wexford that saw him link up with others, especially brother Noel, to demonstrate he’s a much more rounded player. His ten point return against Clare also caught the eye. His final showing will be worrying for him, however. It is apparent that in tight, physical games, he needs Callinan alongside him to deflect some of the attention. An interesting summer awaits him.

_________

15. Luke Meade (Cork)

A classy league for the young Newcestown man. He took his goal well against Waterford. It proved a turning point in Cork’s season. Having been given the nod by manager Kieran Kingston, he’s not looked back. Although Cork would be disappointed losing to Limerick, Meade still shone that day. His goal against Limerick typified the kind of player he is. His positioning and runs are top class and, when fed the right ball, he’s a constant threat in front of goal.

Honourable mentions:

• Donagh Maher (Tipperary) – The Burgess clubman was in great form until injury cut his league short.
• Pádraic Mannion (Galway) – Chipped in some inspirational scores for the tribemen.
• Tony Kelly (Clare) – Missed most of the league due to Ballyea’s All-Ireland club final but produced the goods when Clare needed it.
• Pauric Mahony (Waterford) – Gave Waterford a lot to shout about as they did just enough this winter/spring.
• Aaron Shanagher (Clare) – Possibly the full forward the Banner have really needed for the past couple of years.

The importance of helmets in hurling:

By Cian O'Connell

Removing bars from the faceguard increases the risk of injury for hurlers.

Seven years after helmets were made compulsory at every level of the game, Dr Colm O’Brien, a leading eye injury specialist, has stressed the importance of not taking any unnecessary risks.

Referees have been reminded to be vigilant and Dr O'Brien is adamant that helmets shouldn't be tampered with.

Dr O'Brien is an advisor to the Medical, Scientific, and Welfare Committee of the GAA. “We aren't getting as many hurling injuries as we used to, but we are still getting some,” O’Brien says. “They are related to the fact that players are cutting out the central eye piece"

“The Departments of Ophthalmology in University Hospital Cork and Waterford published a case study of eye injuries within hurling matches in 2005. They described the injuries, some of them were terribly serious, some of them were not. In the past you'd occasionally have had the butt of a hurl being jammed into somebody's eye, and because of the protective faceguard we aren't getting as many of those either.

“The decision the committee made at the time was that it would be compulsory for everyone on the field to wear a helmet at all times to prevent injuries.”

The consequences of wearing an unapproved or altered helmet are the risk of severe injury and players are not covered under the terms of the GAA Injury Benefit Fund for facial/eye/head injuries suffered.

Encouraged by the fact that the number of eye injuries have been reduced, O’Brien still feels that some issues can be avoided.

"Initially a lot of the senior players didn't want to wear any helmets, but everybody is after getting used to it now,” O’Brien states.

“There was a period when they were first introduced, not everybody wore them and they have just got used to them now. You adapt to it.

“The particular case I was directly involved with a few years ago was a Dublin inter-county hurler when he was playing with his club. He took the ball in the eye, he took an awful bang in it. He recovered pretty much fully, but he was very lucky. Thankfully they seem to be far fewer than they used to be. Definitely we see fewer serious injuries.

“There had been quite a number of eye injuries, but then when they introduced that everybody had to wear a helmet since that has happened there appears to be fewer eye related injuries. There are still a few situations where it is happening.”

O’Brien highlights examples of how some eye injuries still happen. “The players who are cutting out the bit of metal in front of the eye so they get a better view and the second scenario is during warm ups and training sessions.

“In particular warm ups before a match when you might have 25 or 30 guys in an area of the field with sliotars flying everywhere. Also there has been one or two backroom team people getting hit in this situation. There has been one or two incidents like that when people have been around the vicinity of a warm up, they have got caught.

“The sliotars seem to be travelling a little bit faster. If they come in through the gap they will have an impact especially due to the edges of a sliotar.

“A sliotar isn't a whole lot bigger than a tennis ball, but a tennis ball has just got a round surface. Quite often that will hit the bony orbit and just bounce away. The sliotar has the edges on it, that is more likely to cause damage.”

***

The GAA would like to remind all players at all levels in all Hurling Games and Hurling Practice Sessions it is mandatory for, and the responsibility of, each individual player to wear a helmet with a facial guard that meets the standards set out in IS:355 or other replacement standard as determined by the National Safety Authority of Ireland (NSAI).

All players are advised that in the event of a head injury occurring, if the helmet being worn does not meet the standard or is modified or altered from the original manufactured state, they are not covered under the terms of the GAA Player Injury Fund.

The following helmet manufacturers currently provide products which meet the standards set out in IS:355 or other replacement standard as determined by the National Safety Authority of Ireland (NSAI).

Mycro

Azzuri

Cooper.ie

Marc Sports

O’Neills

Atak Sports

Players and parents should note that not all products provided by some of these manufacturers meet the standards of IS:355.

Once the helmet or faceguard is modified in anyway, the player is playing at an increased risk of injury and not covered under the terms of the GAA Player Injury Benefit Fund.

An information sheet for parents and players is available at http://learning.gaa.ie/sites/default/files/Hurling%20Helmet%20Advice%20Info%20January%202017.pdf

HURLING HELMETS - learning.gaa.ie

learning.gaa.ie

REMEMBER: It is the player’s responsibility to wear a helmet with a facial guard that meets the standard! http://learning.gaa.ie/Injuryprevention

Limerick Senior Hurling Team Announced:

The Limerick management team has released their team and panel for Saturday’s clash away to Laois in O Moores Park Portlaosie at 7.30pm. John Kiely and his selectors released their team after training this evening at Rathkeale. He starting match team and panel members are as follows: 1. Barry Hennessy (Kilmallock), 2. Stephen Cahill (Tournafulla), 3. Richie Engish (Doon), 4. Sean Finn (Bruff), 5. Seamus Hickey (Murroe/Boher), 6. Declan Hannon (Adare), 7. Dan Morrissey (Ahane), 8. Darragh O Donovan (Doon), 9. William O Donoghue (Na Piarsaigh), 10. Shane Dowling (Na Piarsaigh), 11. Gearoid Hegarty (St Patrick’s), 12. James Ryan (Garryspillane)(Captain), 13. Kevin O Brien (Patrickswell), 14. Kyle Hayes (Kildimo/Pallaskenry), 15. Colin Ryan (Pallasgreen).

16. David McCarthy (Glenroe), 17. Tom Condon (Knockaderry), 18. Diarmaid Byrnes (Patrickswell), 19. Mike Casey (Na Piarsaigh), 20. Pat Ryan (Doon), 21. David Dempsey (Na Piarsaigh), 22. Alan Dempsey (Na Piarsaigh), 23. Andrew La Touche Cosgrave (Monaleen), 24. Ronan Lynch (Na Piarsaigh), 25. Sean Tobin (Murroe/Boher), 26. Peter Casey (Na Piarsaigh).

Foundation Award Courses

Below is a list of Regional Foundation Award Courses that are about to commence. Each club is advised to send their new coaches to one of these courses to allow them an opportunity to develop their full potential as coaches.

The Cost of the Foundation course is €10 per person and is payable on the night. Clubs or participants who wish to attend any of the courses should contact Noel Hartigan to book a place.

Places will be limited on each course so pre booking is essential.

Foundation Award Courses March/April 2017

Club/Venue

Code

Dates

Time

Glenroe/Ballylanders

H

Thur 2nd & Sat 4th March

Thurs - 7:00pm 9:30pm

Sat - 9:30am - 1:00pm

Croagh/Kilfinny

H

Fri 3rd & Sat 4th March

Fri - 7:00pm - 9:30pm

Sat - 9:30am - 1:00pm

Kilmallock

H

Mon 6th & Tue 7th March

7:00pm - 10:00pm

Both nights

Athea

Sports Hall

F

Tues 7th Mar, Tues 14th Mar

7:00pm - 10:00pm

Both nights

Caherline Millienum Centre Caherconlish

H

Sat 11th March & Sat 25th Mar

9:00am - 12:30pm

Both Dates

Adare

H & F

Fri 7th & Sat 8th April

Fri - 7:00pm - 9:30pm

Sat - 9:30am - 1:00pm

Please note that the foundation course is run over 2 nights so participants must be available to attend their chosen venue over the two specified dates.

Clubs who wish to host their own course may do so and must apply to the County Games Manager Noel Hartigan. Email: noel.hartigan.gda.limerick@gaa.ie .

Award 1 Courses:

We will be commencing award 1 courses in youth level starting Week beginning March 13th. I am just awaiting confirmation of venues. These courses will be located at regional venues in the county.

If you have any further enquiries about coaching courses please contact me.

This weeks Fixtures

U21 C'Ship Rd 2

WhenTue, 28 February, 7:30pm – 9:00pm

WhereKilbreedy, Co. Limerick, Ireland (map)

U21 Premier C'Ship Rd 2 Doon V Murroe Boher

East Senior Hurling Championship

WhenSun, 5 March, 3pm – 5pm

WhereAhane GAA Club, Mackey Park, Lisnagry, Co. Limerick, Ireland (map)

Ahane v Doon

Feile Iomaint A

Preliminary Rounds 12^th march @ 11.30am

1. Cois Lea Gaels v Patrickswell

2. Bruff v Killacolla Gaels

3. Doon v Na Piarsaigh

4. Tournafulla/Killeedy v Newcastle West

¼ finals 2^nd April @ 11.30am

a. Ballybrown v winner 1

b. Cappamore v winner 2

c. Monaleen v winner 3

d. Mungret v winner 4

Semi finals 16^th April time and venue to be decided

A v C

B v D

Final: 30^th april time and venue to be decided

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Limerick G.A.A. Week Results:

Inter-County

Allianz Hurling League Division 1B

Limerick 6-21 Kerry 3-08

Littlewoods Ireland Camogie Leagues Division 1

Limerick 0-18 Meath 0-07

Lidl National Ladies Football League Round 3

Limerick 3-03 Wexford 4-16

County

U21 Hurling 13 A Side Competition Round 2

Glenroe 1-09 Dromin/Athlacca 0-10

Caherline received walkover from Askeaton

Granagh/Ballingarry 1-18 Cois Laoi Gaels 1-16

Knockainey received walkover from Blackrock

South G.A.A.

City East G.A.A.

U21 Hurling Championship Round 2

Southside Gaels 0-11 Ballybricken/Bohermore 0-07

U21 Hurling Championship Round 2

Mungret/St Pauls 1-20 Kildimo/Pallaskenry 0-06

South G.A.A.

U21 Hurling Championship

Sponsored by Bulgaden Castle

Killacolla Gaels 1-13 Tory Gaels 1-11

Grange (Bruff) 5-25 St Johns (Hospital/Herbertstown) 1-08

West G.A.A.

U21 Hurling Championship

Rathkeale/Croagh/Kilfinny received walkover from St Kierans

Dromcollogher/Broadford 2-19 Templeglantine 3-14

County U21 Premier Hurling Championship Draw:

The 2017 inter-county hurling season will be the last in which non-standardised sliotars are used.

Credit Irish Examiner

Director of games development Pat Daly said the GAA hopes to launch standardised, micro-chipped sliotars in spring 2018, sometime between St Patrick’s Day and Easter.

Daly’s efforts to regulate the sliotar market go back to the early 2000s and the process of developing a uniform core for the ball is going well, he reports. “We’re standardising the core in an attempt to ensure there is consistency in performance. We’re inserting a chip into the core for traceability. Obviously, it’s a painstaking process. You’re trying to make sure the chip can withstand the hits a sliotar takes. It’s essential the technology holds up to that.”

The readable chip will confirm the authenticity of a sliotar and Daly sees the approved match-ball being used in all games under the auspices of the Central Competitions Control Committee before it is mass produced. The GAA are working with two manufacturers in the development process but more suppliers will be involved providing they use the standardised core.

“Once the production and manufacturing process is straightened out, we hope to have the sliotar ready for St Patrick’s Day or Easter next year. Will or won’t we is another thing because it could run into an unanticipated blip. What we’re working towards is something we could sign off with the technology by then and ensure there is a consistent quality ball.”

Daly has previously spoken of a €5/€6 guideline price for the standardised sliotar. “It might have been premature to do it but if we can standardise the production process then it should be possible to bring out a high-quality ball at a reasonable price. By doing that, it wouldn’t be worthwhile for those undercutting the system and putting out inferior products. The price differential wouldn’t be economically viable for them.”

Old Time Gaels Awards

Congrats to Br J Dormer Jim Allis and Br M Cunningham on receiving their awards

THE Old Time Gaels of East Limerick continues to honour those who have made a huge contribution to the GAA.

On and off the pitch they represented their club with pride and paved the way for future generations. Many of these worked quietly in the background in areas like administration, fundraising, field maintenance, refereeing and endless other important chores. Others have excelled on the field of play and brought honours to their clubs, division and county.

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Fun Run Official Times

Limerick Senior Hurling Club Games 2017

Limerick Club Draws 2017

Group 1 Group 2

Ballybrown Patrickswell

Kilmallock Adare

St Liberties Knockainey

Bruff Monaleen

Doon Cappamore

Ahane Na Piarsaigh

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AIB will give €50 to your nominated GAA club when you purchase a new Home Insurance policy with us. So while you protect your home, you can also help support your nominated GAA Club.

This offer is available from the 3rd October 2016 and policies must remain in force for a minimum of 3 months. 1st payment to clubs will be made March 2017.

How to nominate your GAA Club for a €50 reward.

Purchase a new AIB Home Insurance policy and complete the Reward my Club form. See full terms and conditions here for more info.

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Club Members will soon be selling National Draw Tickets

Tickets are €10 each and you could be in with a chance to win fabulous prizes.

Remember all proceed from the draw are retained by the club

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Doon Senior Manager

Doon Gaa Club are delighted to announce Austin Buckley as Senior Manager for the coming year

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Limerick GAA (Health &Well Being Committee) are organising a trip to Croke Park on the 15th February

2017 for Senior citizens. It is not necessary to be involved in the GAA at present to qualify. The trip will

cost €20 per person and include Transport to Croke Park,Tour of Croke Park and Museum ,Dinner in Croke Pk and Tea break

on way to Croke Park. I would appreciate if each Club would highlight this trip in their areas.

Enquiries to Gerry McNamara 085 1901900

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