Dicksboro GAA Club

Dicksboro are Under 15 Roinn A County Champions

Dicksboro won the first ever Under-15 Roinn 'A' Hurling County Champoinship on Monday, 3rd Sept 2018 in Danesfort, beating an honest Thomastown side.
The scoreline of 4-18 to 0-7 does do not do justice to the quality of the hurling.
The lads led at half-time 1-8 to 0-4 with Nick Doheny scorer in chief ,aided by Harry Shine and Sean Maher. In the second half, Dicksboro pulled away with ’Boro man of the match, Rory O'Connor outstanding.
Brian Manogue, ’Boro captain, is pictured above receiving the cup from John Byrne, chairman of Kilkenny Bord na nÓg.

Stars of the future

Dicksboro Under-8s and Under-9s who played really well against Naas teams in Naas over the weekend. Well done to John Treacy and the gang.

Ollie plays captain's role in great senior league win

Dicksboro senior hurlers bounced back from last week's defeat against the Village with a heartwarming win against Ballyragget in the third round of the senior league, putting themselves in a great position with four points on the table. And it was Captain Fantastic, Ollie Walsh, who cut short his foreign holiday to play, who was the catalyst for this superb, 3-19 to 1-13 win in Freshford. He was masterly and a real captain.
Robbie Murphy also stood out in a team where everyone was tuned in - They were a different outfit from the one that played last week.
Bill Sheehan was also excellent soring 2-2 but it was Murt Gaffney at centre forward that made a lot of the scores for those around him while Kevin Kenny showed why he is so highly thought - He is back to his very best. 
The Boro were by far the better team and some of the hurling was of the highest quality with the link play, exceptional.
The backs were tight, mifield strong and relentless and the forwards were magnificent, making great runs.
The two Fitzpatrick brothers were also magic (big hearts), in fact almost every player was on top and Edward Moylan was super at midfield.
Playing with the wind in the first half, they dominated and were hungrier and more tenacious. The first goal in the 11th minute came from Kevin Kenny after great work by Murt Gaffney and Shane Stapleton and the second in the 29th minute by Bill Sheehan was another team effort and gave the Boro that extra cushion they needed and they led at the break, 2-13 to 0-8.
After Shane Stapleton sent over the first point of the second half, it was already obvious that Ballyragget were in trouble and when, sadly, Kevin Kelly limped off with a knee injury it was all over. The final score was 3-19 to 1-13
Team: Darragh Holohan, Conor Fitzpatrick, Michael Fagan, Thomas Kenny, Eoin Gough, Robbie Fitzpatrick, Ollie Walsh (capt), Edward Moylan, Robbie Murphy, Martin Gaffney, Shane Stapleton, Kevin Kenny, Oisin Gough, Bill Sheehan.
Subs Eddie O'Donoghue for Eoin Gough, Joe Sheehan for Edward Moylan, Andy Garcia Gaffney for Oisin Gough, David Glynn for Evan Cody and Stephen Farrell for Robbie Murphy.
Scorers; S Stapleton 0-13 (one from play), Bill Sheehan 2-1, K Kenny 1-1, O Gough 0-1, O Walsh 0-1, R Murphy 0-1, M Gaffney 0-1.

Denis Philpott Under 11 memorial tournament a wonderful success

The first ever Denis Philpott under 11 Memorial Tournament was a huge success at Palmerstown on Saturday.
A total of 16 teams from Kilkenny and around the country, including two from Blackrock in Cork enjoyed a wonderful time at the club and in the end wouldn't you know, the Denis Philpott Memorial Cup was won by one of the Dicksboro teams involved.
It was heartening to see all the club members present to help out the man behind the project, Niall Lacey who did such Trojan work to bring all the strands of the day together.
He deserves great credit and is a mighty club man.
The tournament was run in an exemplary fashion and everyone left the Boro feeling appreciated after a great day.
This was a team effort and everyone did Denis proud and it was great to see Cillian Buckley present to hand over the cup along with Padraig and Tommy Walsh - Memories are made of this.
The Philpott family were delighted and Denis's daughter, Emer spoke at the presentation about her father and his love of Dicksboro and his native Cork.
A wonderful programme was produced which included a magnificent article on Denis by one of the country's best and most popular sport writers, PM O'Sullivan of the Irish Examiner.
Can't wait for next year!

Féile footballers enjoy a magical weekend in Meath

It might sound like the same old story but Dicksboro were on the wrong side of some refereeing decisions in the quarter final of division 5 Feile in Co Cavan on Saturday. Having said that, looking at the results afterwards that might have been a blessing in disguise. The boys faced the Legion of Killarney and were beaten 1-3 to 1-2. To say the boys and management were disappointed was an under statement but the reception and hospitality we received from our hosts, Gaeil Colmcille GAA Club of Kells more than made up for it.
After a long journey on Friday evening, four hard games and a lot sweat, the team, parents, supporters and mentors enjoyed a pig on a spit in the club grounds on Saturday night. This is what Feile is all about - people. We were bowled over by the people of Kells and when our team bus entered the town of Kells there was a big sign welcoming us. The entrance to the GAA grounds was covered with maroon and white and 100 children were to greet us along with the under 14 team, parents, club members and officers.
Every time we came to the club there was loads of food and drinks and they couldn't do enough for us.
The really magnificent thing about our hosts was that they travelled to our quarter final, an hour away from them and had a huge Boro flag while the Legion had 10 supporters. The Killarney team were convinced they were going to win and had no little cockiness about them. They were given a fright to remember as everyone of the Boro boys dug deep.
We were denied by the cross bar and had a man sent off in dubious circumstances. The guts, bravery and honesty shown was a credit to the boys and their families. 
START
The campaign started with game againstSt. Ultan’s/Cortown Gaels (Meath) in Boheerman on Friday evening which we won easily. The heat took its toll and we lost the second game at the same venue to Ballinderry of Derry in Boheerman. There was drama before the match when one of our players discovered that his boots were not in his bag. Of course he blamed the mother! The host club sent a man to Kells to buy him a new pair and just before the match he returned with a pair of size 12 boots. We were in awe of their kindness.
On Saturday morning we played host club, Gaeil Colmcille and we had to win and we got through by four points and that took us to Mattock Rangers Club in Louth where we played Legion. The management team was exceptional and again it was the welfare of the players which was the number one consideraton.
The boys ended up swimming in lake in Cavan on Saturday before their quarter final and what they have told us is that they will never ever forget the manner in which they were received into the homes of their host families.
Former All-Star and senior All-Ireland winner, Mickey Walsh, is one of most honest and passionate GAA men in the country and was the heart of the management and while John Keane was manager, Mickey was in charge. He is an exceptional person and the boys had nothing but praise of him. The two other selectors were Cillian Starr and Conor O'Grady – two absolutely magnificent human beings. Their attention to detail and love of the ’Boro shone through over the weekend. They are a credit to the club and never once raised their voices at a player. Honestly, the boys will probably never again take Gaelic football as seriously but it was a joy to be with them and share their enthusiasm and their desire to win,
After all our games, our leading scorer was David Mulrooney and he got well paid for it.
Declan O'Farrell snr is paramedic by profession but he is the male equivalent of Florence Nightingale.
He has an empathy with people that is wonderful to see and he really helped out with injuries, when boys got affected by the heat and when a player from another club got seriously injured Declan had the presence of mind to realise the seriousness of the situation, called the ambulance and stayed with the injured youngster until the ambulance arrived. He is a parent but really he was like our guardian angel.
The parents were brilliant and were a great back up and never uttered a negative word, only positivity. 
Féile panel: Fionn McGarry, Sean Knox, Kevin Moore, Charlie Miller, Sean Keenan, Kyle Maher, Thomas Cassin, Mikey Raggett, Matthew Kelleher, David Mulrooney, Cillian Hackett, Jamie McGrath, Peter Conroy, Mick Carroll, Josh Leahy, Conor Kavanagh, Johnny Keane (captain), Harry Shine, Luke Burke, Luke Morrissey, Josh Galvin, Sean Cullen, Michael Clarke, Sam Tynan, Declan O’Farrell, Denis Dalton.

From left: Ed Nolan, Secretary of Dicksboro GAA Club; Jim Murphy, Vice-Chairman of Dicksboro GAA Club; Debbie Woodcock, Marketing and Communications Manager, Aut Even Hospital, Kilkenny; Simon McGowan, Chief Financial Officer, Aut Even; John Keane, PRO of Dicksboro. Aut Even are juvenile club sponsors of Dicksboro and Mr McGowan handed over the sponorship cheque to Mr Murphy at Aut Even on Tuesday.
Aut Even Hospital is a seventy-one-bed elective, private hospital with an eighteen-bed day surgery unit. It has six X-flow, ultra-clean laminar operating theatres and a twin suite endoscopy unit. The Hospital offers 25 medical in-patient beds and 46 surgical in-patient beds, 80% of which are in private rooms.
Aut Even Hospital has achieved accreditation from the independent US-based Joint Commission International (JCI) with the most recent review taking place in 2018. This accreditation is one of the highest seals of approval for medical facilities and ensures that the Hospital meets high standards of patient safety and quality care.
At Aut Even Hospital, we promise all of our patients access to expert Consultants and medical staff who will be dedicated to their individual healthcare needs.
Founded by Lady Desart in 1915, Aut Even Hospital shares the honour of being the oldest private hospital in Ireland. The Hospital was purchased in 1933 by St. John of Gods who managed the organisation for over 70 years.
Today, one hundred years on, the Hospital is continuing its tradition of care, within a framework of quality and patient safety, by offering patients a broad range of surgical specialities, access to diagnostics and the provision of medical services.

Down senior footballers to coach Dicksboro youngsters on Saturday

On Saturday, four County Down senior footballers will visit our club grounds in Palmerstown.
It is a great honour for all invovled in Dicksboro.
They will coach the under 14 and under 15 footballers. This is a terrific opportunity for the club and thanks goes to Mick Keenan for organising it. The session starts at 3pm and all are welcome. The four players are: Ryan Johnston, Benny McArdle, Jason Brown and Danny McKibben

Mickey Walsh - A great coach and a wonderful human being

The epitome of sporting graciousness, Mickey Walsh manager of the Dicksboro under 14 Feile team gathered his players around him on Sunday afternoon after they had narrowly lost the Division 1 Feile semi-final to eventual
winners, Turloughmore, and praised them for their attitude and for reinvigorating Mickey's love of hurling and for giving him joy.
His honesty and empathy wasn't lost on the boys who were gutted after being beaten by two points.
His words meant a lot to everyone and we all learned a lot from him.
The lads had a fantastic weekend hosted by the Killimoredaly club who were absolutely wonderful and gave the boys magical memories. They laid on sandwiches and refreshments on the Friday night and on Saturday, they had a barbecue followed by a disco form the youngsters.
They even got Sky in especially so that their Kilkenny guests could watch the Kilkenny v Wexford game. Most of all they offered the hand of friendship.
This is what makes the GAA different; the camaraderie and bonds formed and the lasting links forged.
The lads will be disappointed to lose but won't forget all the fun they had and all the people they met and new places they visited.
Killimoredaly under 14s are coming down to us for a weekend and we will belooking for parents to help out with accommodation.
ON THE PITCH
In the first game, they accounted for Sarsfields of Galway by 6-5 to 0-0 and in the second game they beat Clooney-Quin by 2-6 to 0-4.
In the final group game, Boro played host club, Killimoredaly and won 0-12 to 0-3. Both teams had won their opening two matches and it was a draw at half-time.
In the quarter final,played in Gort, the boys played Clarinbridge, Galway and beat them by three points, 1-7 to 1-4 but it came at a huge cost. Influential back, Sean Keenan suffered a broken thumb and was immediately sent to hospital where a cast was put on it. He was a huge loss for the semi-final and his ability to catch the ball in the air was missed.
In the semi-final the Boro went down 1-9 to 1-7. In the end, the boys were unlucky but Turloughmore are a very good team.
Every one of our lads can hold their heads high. They acquitted themselves so well, on and off the field, They are a credit to the club and to their families.
Finally to all the supporters who came up from Kilkenny to see the lads (and one from Kerry) it was really appreciated by the boys, managements and parents.
The mentors, parents and supporters did a magnificent job with fundraising and all costs are completely covered. It was a fantastic team effort led by the management and in particular, Fergal Murphy.
Panel: Fionn McGarry, Sean Knox, Kevin Moore, Charlie Miller, Sean Keenan, Harry Shine, Kyle Maher, Thomas Cassin, Mikey Ragget, Matthew Kelleher, David Mulrooney, Cillian Hackett, Jamie McGrath, Peter Conroy, Mick Carroll, Josh Leahy, Conor Kavanagh, Johnny Keane, Luke Burke, Luke Morrissey, Josh Galvin, Sean Cullen, Michael Clarke, Sam Tynan, Declan O’Farrell and last but by no means least, Denis Dalton.  

Dicksboro boys off to the Féile today

The Dicksboro Under 14 Feile team with manager Mickey Walsh, mentors and Deirdre Shine (centre back) of Bank of Ireland in Palmerstown last night before going to Galway to the National Feile finals. Bank of Ireland made a major contribution to the Feile fund. 

Wednesday, 23rd May 2018

Under-13 Football champions

Dicksboro Under-13 football team beat a gallant James Stephens side in the Roinn A county final this evening in Clara. It was a fantastic game and at the break the Boro boys led by five points.
Playing with the wind in the second half they secured victory with a solid performance.

AIB support Dicksboro

AIB High Street Kilkenny are supporting Dicksboro's hurling, football and camogie Feile under 14 teams.
From left: Noreen Phelan, Camogie Club Chairperson, Cillian Buckley, Kilkenny Captain, Yvonne Dunne, Dicksboro and AIB, Fergal Freyne Branch Manager, Conor O'Grady Under 14 Hurling Coach and AIB

 Great win for Under 13 Boro hurlers in Dublin

Dicksboro U13 team win a prestigious blitz in Faughs GAA club in Dublin: they beat St Martins of Wexford in the final

DICKSBORO NEWS – 9th May 2018

JUNIOR A – The junior As had a brilliant win against Dunnamaggin at sunny Palmerstown on Monday afternoon. They ran out winners 3-13 to 1-15 and goals do win matches. The team is really progressing well. Dicksboro led 2-6 to 0-9 at the break and while Dunnamaggin peressed hard, the Boro had the measure of them. Things are looking good for a long championship.

Team: Aaron Duggan, Philly Hogan, Jesse Watters, Evan Carroll, Alan Phelan, Kevin Nolan, Jamie Lynch, Paul O'Flynn, Chris Kavanagh, Mason Clifford, Edward Moylan, Stephen Tynan, Darragh Lynch, Cian Butler, Ger O'Donoghue. Subs: Shane Maher, Ronan Butler, Kieran Cuddihy and Enda O’Donohue for Ger O'Donoghue.

JUNIOR B – The junior B team were not as lucky and were beaten 0-13 to 0-9 by Mullinavat in Mullinavat on Saturday night.

Te:am: J.J. Hogan, Travis Fahy, Eoin McCormack, TJ Stynes, Ronan Butler, Jamie Lynch, Daragh Maher, John Hanrick, Conor O' Grady, Graham Egan, Mason Clifford, Stephen Tynan, Ger O'Donoghue, Peter Fitzpatrick, Tommy Farrell. Subs used: Mark Kenny and Eoin de Buitléir.

UNDER 9s – The Boro Under-9 teams played well in the Ossory U9 Blitz on Saturday. 

Great win for Dicksboro minors against Village

The Dicksboro Minors (Under 17) had a great win against The Village last night in the League. The ’Boro led 1-5 to 0-6 at half time. Kevin Fitz got two goals and David Delahunty got a goal as well.
Brian Minogue made a last minute penalty save for the Boro to win 3-6 to 0-12.

GET WELL SOON EDDIE – Chairman of Dicksboro, Eddie Holohan is recovering from surgery and will be out of action for a while and needs plenty of rest.

MINORS – Our minors (Under 17) play the Village at 7pm tonight (Wednesday) in Palmerstown. The lads are going great and have won two of their first three league matches.

STEWARDING – Sunday was a tough day for the club with a game in the Boro at 1pm and the Boro game in Gowran at 3.30pm. The team on Sunday which looked after parking and everything else was:  Jimmy McGarry, Fergal Ryan, Tom Casey, Declan Gough, EJ Ryan, Jim Kerwick, Dick McGrath, Noel Deevy, Jim Murphy, Murt Gaffney, Seamus Rochford, Paddy Cahill (scoreboard), Tom O'Donoghue and Phlilly Hogan.

Wonderful team performance enough to beat Clara  in first round of league

Dicksboro senior hurlers showed their mettle in the second half of this first round St Canice's Credit Union League match  against Clara at Gowran this afternoon.

Despite the poor conditions, they put in a phenomenal second half to win 1-14 to 0-10.

The score at half-time was 0-6 apiece and Clara missed a number of scoring chances in that first period which makes the second half from the Boro all the more remarkable.

The game turned in the 17th minute of the second half when Kevin Kenny pounced on a ball that broke to him in front of goal and he made no mistake, putting Dicksboro into a six point lead, 1-11 to 0-8 and although Clara piled on the pressure in the last few minutes, the Boro held out comfortably.

The first half was very even  and no side got the upper hand and 0-6 apiece at half time was a fair reflection of the game.

Dicksboro got the first five scores, all points, of the second half and that was the foundation for victory.

More importantly, the lads finished strong and hopefully Cillian Buckley's knee problem will not be too bad and he should certainly be fit for the next round in three months time.

The backs were strong but Mick Fagan stood out. Each of the six harried and blocked and each one deserves great praise. Midfield were sound and solid with Ollie Walsh steady all through.

And up front everyone did  their bit and we have to remember it's only the first round of the league,  so we shouldn't get too carried away. There was a lot of pulling and our lads reacted well and again every player, had a major role in this important victory, going forward. We need two more wins to avoid relegation and they we can start to dream.

Team: Darragh Holohan, Mick Fagan, Evan Cody, Conor Fitzpatrick, Tom Kenny, Conor Doheny, Aidan Nolan, Robbie Fitzpatrick, Ollie Walsh, Robbie Murphy, Martin Gaffney, Shane Stapleton, Kevin Kenny, Oisin Gough, Bill Sheehan.

Subs used: Chris Kavanagh (half-time), on 26 minutes: Edward Moylan, Andy Gaffney and Stephen Farrell for R Murphy, O Gough and O Walsh and on 28 minutes, Eddie O'Donoghue for Stapleton.

Scorers: S Stapleton: 0-7 (six frees), K Kenny 1-0, B Sheehan 0-2, O Walsh 0-1, R Murphy 0-1, O Gough 0-1, M Gaffney 0-1, C Doheny 0-1.

Club chairman Eddie Holohan's mother passes away

The mother of our club chairman, Eddie Holohan has passed away. Mrs Kathleen Holohan (née Darcy), Tullow Road, Carlow and formerly of Coon in North Kilkenny passed away earlier today. She had been in poor health over recent days and weeks.
A member of the highly respected Darcy family from Coon, she died peacefully at her home in Carlow town.
Beloved wife of the late Bob and much loved mother of Willie, Paddy, Eddie, Anne (Burke), Dick, Mary (Walsh), Kathleen, Norah and Gerard. Sadly missed by her loving sons, daughters, sons-in-law, daughters-in-law, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, brothers-in-law, sister-in-law, nephew, nieces, cousins, relatives and friends.
Reposing at R. Healy & Son Funeral Home, Pollerton Castle from 2pm on Wednesday with removal that evening at 6.45pm to the Church of the Holy Family, Askea. Funeral Mass on Thursday at 11am. Burial afterwards in St. Mary’s Cemetery.

Dicksboro and sponsors before the county final

Dicksboro GAA club with their sponsors for Sunday's senior hurling county final. Back row, left to right: Martin Gaffney, FM Embroidery; John Ryan, Pembroke Hotel; David Beirne, UPMC; Jim Langton, Grassland ( Adult Team Sponsor), Frank Morrissey Hennessy Sports; Robert Murphy, RFM Construction; Niall Lacey, Lacey Electrical Contractors. Front Row Left to right: Stephen Farrell, Robert Lacey, Patrick Lacey and Eoin Fennelly.
Missing from photo is Sean Moore of Kevin Moore Building Contractors Ltd.

Come to Callan on Sunday and support the Dicksboro senior camogie team

Sunday will be one of the most important days of the year. The Dicksboro senior camogie team take on Thomastown in the senior championship final at John Lockes Park, Callan at 12.30pm. All support will be welcomed for this young team which has brought such great joy to so many people, so far.

Magical end to year for Dicksboro under 14s

Dicksboro under 14s ended their season with a great win over Thomastown in the under 14 Roinn 'A' county hurling final in Bennettsbridge today.
They won well and we're always in command helped by the fact that Thomastown missed a large number of chances in the first half with the wind to make it a one sided affair in the second half. First half goals by Harry Shine and Nick Doheny gave the Boro Pumas a nine point cushion by the middle of the first half.
The team have won every game they played this year winning the county league Roinn A in football and hurling, Roinn A hurling and football championships, Feile qualifiers in hurling and football in Kilkenny and the National Roinn A hurling Feile and the national Division 5 national football Feile.Dicksboro looked as dangerous without the ball as when they had it thanks to great tackling and marking. At half-time it was 2-11 to 0-3 and Dicksboro had the wind in the second half.
It didn't get any better in the second half for Thomastown and the Boro tagged on 2-13 to run out easy winners. Dicksboro had no weak link and with midfielder, Rory O'Connor in gr...eat form, the Boro's lethal forwards got the kind of ball they needed to inflict damage on a committed Thomastown defence. Harry Shine was again tormentor in chief and even though he scored 1-11, it was his hooking and blocking that really caught the eye.
Thomastown had fantastic individual performances by Zach Bay Hammond, Tony Collins, Cian Moore, Naoise Dempsey and Jordan Knight.
Dicksboro: Brian Manogue, Luca Loli, Niall Rowe, Stephen Dermody, James Carroll, Charlie Nolan, Eoghan O'Neill, Rory O'Connor, Charlie Delahunty, Nick Doheny, Timmy Clifford, Sean Maher, Vinny Roberts, Harry Shine, Cillian Hackett.
Subs used: Zac Mchardy, Kevin Moore, Johnny Keane, Eamon O'Reilly, Declan Farrell, Michael Raggett, Sean Keenan, Andrew Brennan Smyth.
Scorers: Harry Shine 1-11, Nick Doheny 1-2, Timmy Clifford 1-2, Cillian Hackett 1-2, Sean Maher 0-3, Rory O'Connor 0-1, Vinny Roberts 0-1, Zac McHardy 0-1, Declan O'Farrell 0-1.
Thomastown: Conor Holden, Conor O'Neill, Ben Tennyson, Senan O'Neill, Tony Collins, Luke McNena, Cian Moore, Luke Connellan, Zack Bay Hammond, Naoise Dempsey, Conor Cody, Luke Skehan, John McCarthy, Jordan Knight, Paddy Collins. Subs used: Kasper Kanopika, Dylan Cullen, Sean O'Keeffe, Kyle Jordan.
Thomastown scorers: Naoise Dempsey 1, Jordan Knight 0-2.

Great win in quarter final replay inspired by Holohan save

Dicksboro dug deep to win this hotly contested senior hurling championship quarter final replay this afternoon in Callan against a great Mullinavat team.
With three minutes to go, they trailed by a point but another storming finish saw them scrape home to victory.
And it was a crucial penalty save in the last seven minutes, by Darragh Holohan which set up the storming finish.
John Glynn's wonderful photos shows Boro keeper, Darragh Holohan, diving to his left, getting low a...nd denying John Walsh.
There were tired bodies on either side at the end of this epic battle which will be remembered for the quality of the hurling and the sportsmanship.
it was very tight in the first half until the 11th minute when Oisin Gough goaled for the Boro.
Three minutes later Robbie Fitzpatrick added a second goal and Dicksboro were six points clear. That lead was wiped out by the 27th minute and we sneaked another point in the 30th minute which left us a point ahead at the interval, 2-7 to 1-9.
Crucially we didn't go in at the break behind like we did in the drawn game and we again had the wind in the second half.
The last 20 minutes was a dogfight and being a point down a few times and with Holohan's brilliant save, the Boro just dug in as they have all year and refused to lie down or to be beaten.
It was a super game of hurling and Mullinavat lost nothing in defeat. The final score was 2-18 to 2-16.
Team: Darragh Holohan; Conor Fitzpatrick, Evan Cody, Michael Fagan; Tom Kenny, Cillian Buckley, Conor Doheny; Ollie Walsh, Robbie Fitzpatrick; Oisin Gough, Eoin Gough, Shane Stapleton; Bill Sheehan, Andrew Gaffney, Martin Gaffney.
Subs: Robbie Murphy for A Gaffney, Kevin Kenny for M Gaffney and Stephen Farrell for O Gough.
Scorers: Shane Stapleton 0-7, Bill Sheehan 0-4, Andrew Gaffney 0-1, Oisin Gough 1-2, Brian Fitzpatrick 1-0, Ollie Walsh 0-3, Cillian Buckley 0-1.

Dicksboro seniors earn last minute draw

Shane Stapleton is making a habit of scoring last minute frees for Dicksboro senior hurlers.

This afternoon he slotted home a free from around 60 metres out to earn his team a draw in the quarter final of the senior championship at Callan.

It followed a foul on Cillian Buckley. And it was Buckley who scored the crucial goal for the ’Boro in the 27th minute to put just a point between the teams.

He had just been switched from centre back and the move paid off. He thwarted a dominant Willie O'Dwyer, got the goal and was fouled for the equalizing point.

Dicksboro had a strong wind in the second half but could not stop Mullinavat scoring on the break.

It was thrilling stuff and the ’Boro man were five points down with just over six minutes left.

They showed real guts to come back and that is the one over-riding thing to take away from this near defeat, the ’Boro are never beaten.

The team started well against the wind and had a goal after five minutes and should have had a second but for the post and the set goalmouth.

However after that it was all Mullinavat, while up front, Bill Sheehan and Murt Gaffney got on some good ball.

We went in at the break 1-11 to 1-4 behind and we struggled to read the game and they just would not be broken down even though each time the ball went in around their goals it was pandemonium.

In that  first half, eight of Mullinavat's points came from frees.

Scorers: M Gaffney 1-2, S Stapleton 0-4, A Gaffney 0-3; C Buckley 1-0, O. Walsh 0-2, O Gough 0-1, K Kenny 0-1, C Doheny 0-1.

Team: Darragh Holohan, Conor Fitzpatrick, Evan Cody, Michael Fagan, Tom Kenny, Cillian Buckley, Aidan Nolan, Ollie Walsh, Robbie Fitzpatrick, Oisin Gough, Eoin Gough, Shane Stapleton, Bill Sheehan, Andrew Gaffney, Martin Gaffney.

Subs: Conor Doheny for O Gough, Kevin Kenny for A Gaffney, Eddie O'Donoghue for Eoin Gough.

Dicksboro senior hurling team won the Senior Hurling League on Saturday, 16th September 2017 and it marked the first time in many years that the B’oro club won anything at this level.
They have drawn Mullinavat in the quarter-final of the senior hurling championship and they will provide a formidable challenge, having won the senior football championship. They are on a bit of roll and will be a stern test.
Cillian Buckley. who came off at half time in Saturday's league final against O'Loughlins with a nasty looking head wound, is expected to make a full recovery and it was good to see Conor Doheny back playing competitive hurling after his serious injury earlier in the year.
The team won by a point thanks to an injury time free by Shane Stapleton and it was another victory – but we learned nothing ahead of the white heat of the championship. 
The scorers were: Andy Gaffney (0-6); Bill Sheehan (0-3); Eoin Gough (0-3); Shane Stapleton (0-2); Ollie Walsh (0-2); Robbie Fitzpatrick (0-1); Kevin Kenny (0-1).
Dicksboro: Darragh Holohan; Conor Fitzpatrick, Evan Cody, Michael Fagan; Tom Kenny, Cillian Buckley, Aidan Nolan; Ollie Walsh, Robbie Fitzpatrick; Kevin Kenny, Eoin Gough, Shane Stapleton; Bill Sheehan, Andrew Gaffney, Martin Gaffney. 
Subs: Conor Doheny for Buckley, Stephen Farrell for Andy Gaffney, Chris Kavanagh for Robbie Fitzpatrick, Eddie O’Donoghue for Walsh.

Great semi-final win by Under 14 camogie team

The girls of the Dicksboro U14 squad ensured their place in the County Final on Thursday last with a great win in a closely fought contest over a valiant St Brigids team in Freshford.
In perfect conditions for the game both sides showed a level of skill and determination from the throw in to the final whistle that would be an example to any team wishing to play the game. The team started the first half at a great pace and dominated the early stages running up an early lead, but St Brigids countered with a goal against the run of play. The team responded very well with a goal from Sophia O’Shea leaving the Boro girls ahead by a single point at half time.
The second half proved to be a great battle with the boro getting a great start with goals from Amy Clifford and Katie Byrne, but St Brigids countered with two quick goals to grab the lead, but a late flourish with a goal from Tara McGrath to settle the result in the Boro’s favour.
Final score Dicksboro 4:05 St Brigids 3:05.
The match proved to be a great advertisement for the game with both teams displaying great skill and battling qualities. Both clubs should be proud of these girls. As for the Boro, this team has shown great fighting spirit all through the year and have the opportunity to add to the Feile crown earned last June with the County Title to make it a year not to be forgotten.

Fantastic, uplifting victory for juniors over The Village in the championship

Dicksboro had, in the end,  a comprehensive win in the first round of the Junior A Championship this afternoon against city rivals, James Stephens. They ran out 3-18 to 0-15 winners in what was a wonderful game of hurling played in a sporting manner at John's Park with both teams making it an enjoyable match.

Having been hammered by The Emeralds a few weeks ago in Palmerstown, there were serious concerns that the junior 'A's might come a cropper at the first fence. Those worries were compounded when The Village raced into  a 0-3 to 0-1 lead after just five minutes. That was the last time they led as the ’Boro Bombers gave an exhibition of hurling and it all started with a well taken Shane O'Brien goal after great work out the field. That put the Boro 1-1 to 0-3 ahead and suddenly they found their flow and played wonderful hurling, running for each other and making life difficult for their opponents.

The Village were dealt a bad blow when ace attacker and free taker, Ray Lahart had to leave the field mid-way through the half. After 19 minutes the ’Boro struck for a second goal. Again it was well worked and Paddy Cahill finished it off. Cahill has been improving every game since coming back  from his sabbatical and he was a constant threat exposing the Village back line with his pace helped by Shane Maher's clever play and Enda O'Donoghue's running off the ball to make room  for him.

At the break, they went in 2-7 to 0-11 ahead after leaving the Village back into it in the last few minutes of the half.

By the mid-point of the second half there were only three points between the teams before the ’Boro put over a string of points to all but seal victory. The killer blow was long ball from wing back, Johnny Minogue that deceived the goalie and went into the back of the net after 26 minutes to make it 3-17 to 0-15. The Village had their chances and on anther day, they might have clawed back the deficit but not today. It was fitting that fantastic club man, Cillian Starr put over the last point to leave it 3-18 to 15.

The Village spent the last 9 minutes of the match  trying to engineer a  goal but Darragh Holohan was Houdini like in the way he dealt with the shots that came at him. It has to be said that the Village missed a penalty which came off the post after Holohan got the slightest touch on it.

The full back line were teak tough and Mikey Hayes was a powerhouse while Jim Dullard was wonderful. no 4,  Evan Carroll was incredible in the second half especially. The half back line were equally good and Robert Crotty just gets better and better while minor Johnny Minogue and the McGregor look-like, Enda Malone were great and manned the centre of defence so well that even Floyd Mayweather wouldn't have got through. At midfield, Cillian Starr and Joe Sheehan were like human dynamos. Everyone of the six forwards that started scored from play and that's a  great sign of a team.

Shane O'Brien was deadly as was the warrior that is Kevin Nolan while minor Sean Boyd showed why he should have been on the county minor team as did Johnny Minogue. Enda O'Donohue  inside was brilliant from frees and open play while Shane Maher has a fantastic touch and a big heart. And Paddy Cahill,  the George  Best look-alike with that great pace was a breath of fresh air.

Just after half-time Chris Kavanagh came on to replace Robert Crotty and was superb. Bill Sheehan also performed well after being introduced as did Edward Moylan.

Team: Darragh Holohan, Jim Dullard, Mikey Hayes, Evan Carroll, Johnny Minogue, Enda Malone, Joe Sheehan, Shane O'Brien, Kevin Nolan, Sean Boyd, Enda O'Donoghue, Shane Maher, Paddy Cahill.  Subs used Chris Kavanagh, Edward Moylan and bill Sheehan.

Scorers – Enda O'Donoghue 0-5, Paddy Cahill 1-4, Shane O'Brien 1-1, Johnny Minogue 1-0, Sean Boyd 0-2,  Kevin Nolan 0-2, Cillian Starr 0-2, Shane Maher 0-2.

Dicksboro to face O'Loughlins in League Final

Dicksboro 0-21 Clara 0-13
(Photos by John Glynn)

Dicksboro ended their League campaign on a high with a comfortable win over Clara in the last round of the competition in Thomastown last night (Tuesday). This made it five wins out of five, something never before achieved by a ’Boro team.
Clara were without county men Lester Ryan and Chris Bolger and a number of other regulars. However, the ’Boro played well and had a rhythm and style that was impressive and let's hope they can maintain this momentum. 
Stephen Farrell, who started at midfield, got the first point and seems to be coming back into real form. Again it was the Gaffneys who did most of the damage for Dicksboro. Martin drifting in and out from full forward and Andy on the wing. They were excellent and along with Oisin and Eoin Gough were great all through, creating opportunities and scoring themselves. It's amazing what can be achieved when you go injury free for a sustained period.
By half-time, the ’Boro had raced into a 0-13 to 0-5 lead.
Cillian Buckley was as usual superb and he has been brilliant for club and county all year.
In the second half, Clara tried hard to come back into it but were never were able to bridge the gap.
Dicksboro ran out easy winners – 0-21 to 0-13.
Team: Darragh Holohan, Conor Fitzpatrick, Evan Cody, Michael Fagan, Tom Kenny, Cillian Buckley, Aidan Nolan, Stephen Farrell, Robbie Fitzpatrick, Edward Moylan, Eoin Gough, Oisin Gough, Bill Sheehan, Martin Gaffney, Andy Gaffney. Subs used: Kevin Kenny, Paul O'Flynn, Eddie O'Donoghue. Scorers: A. Gaffney 0-12, M. Gaffney 0-2, S. Farrell 0-2, Bill Sheehan 0-2, O. Gough 0-2, E. Gough 0-1.

’Boro athletes at National Community Games finals

The national finals of The Community Games are being held this weekend in the National Sports Complex, Blanchardstown.

The County Kilkenny team will have seven representatives from the Dicksboro Area - six athletes and one artist. Emma Hogan competes in the 60m under 8 and Robert Lacey goes in the 80m under-8. 

Ruairi McEvoy, Billy Fitzpatrick, Sean Young and Patrick Lacey make up the under-12 relay team and will have the distinction of being in the first event on the track on Saturday morning.

Two of the team are further involved later in the day with Patrick Lacey competing in the 100m and Sean Young going in the 600m. Our artist is Nina Rebi who takes part in the under-14 competition. We wish them every success and enjoyment over the weekend.

Cillian Buckley-Walter Walsh  summer camp a huge success

There was a fantastic turnout for the Cillian Buckley-Walter Walsh GAA summer camp in Dicksboro this morning. 
Completely oversubscribed, the youngsters received one to one tuition with Cillian, Walter, Padraig Walsh, Joey Holden and other county players. It continues all week.

Boro footballers win national Feile title

 The under 14 footballers crowed an incredible eight days when they won division 5 of the national Feile competition in Castleblaney on Sunday afternoon. They beat  favourites, Buttevant 1-12 top 2-4 at Castleblaney Faughs pitch in a fantastic contest. They were two points down at half time but cam  back well in the second half with the wind behind them and again their work rate and willingness to give everything for their team mates was what set them apart. They don't know when to give up and they are a credit to their club, parents, mentors and county.
In the semi-final they played Clonduff of Down in Latton and again they got better as the game went on. They won well in the end, 3-9 to 2-3. In the quarter final played in Ballyjamesduff, They beat odds-on favourites Ardfert of Kerry 2-6 to 0-5 and again they just never gave up and Ardfert had no answer to their fast, free flowing football. it was a joy to watch  them playing the ball long and not depend on the handpass game. They were just super in that game and Ardfert mentors said afterwards they they had never seen a team to work as hard when they didn't have the ball.
In the group games they had two great wins on Friday evening in Cootehill, Co Cavan. They beat Mohill 3-4 to 1-2 and in the second match defeated Cootehill 5-6 to 1-2.
Panel: Brian Manogue, Luca Loli, Eamon O'Reilly, Eoghan O'Neill, Charlie Nolan, James Carroll, Stephen Dermody, Zac McHardy, Sean Maher, Charlie Delahunty, Rory O'Connor, Vinny Roberts, Nick Doheny,
Timmy Clifford, Andrew Brennan Smyth, Cillian Hackett, Harry Shine, Kevin Moore, Michael Raggett, Sam Tynan, Johnny Keane, David Mulrooney, Liam Connolly, Evan Rowe, Mick Carrolll, Matthew Kelliher and Conor Kavanagh.
Manager of the team was Richie Mulrooney with selectors, Donal Carroll, Sean Moore, Jim O'Neill  and Conor O'Grady. Physio for the weekend was the wonderful Tommy Bawle.

One of the greatest social nights ever for Boro

Lip Sync a huge success

Over 1,000 people cheered, jeered, laughed (with tears in their eyes) and clapped their way through 12 acts at the Dicksboro Lip Sync legends night in the Hub at Cillin Hill in what was the club's largest and most successful social event ever held.
Hard to believe that just four weeks ago there were serious concerns about it going ahead but the optimism and dedication of a small team of people headed by Eileen and Frank Morrissey (who came up with the idea) ,Eddie and Liz Holohan, Ed and Catherine Nolan, Davy Ryan, Fergal Murphy and the rest of the committee.
In the end it was family affair for the Gaffney family with mam, Mary playing Tina Turner against her son Murt (Scary Spice) and four other senior hurlers in the final. Judges Kieran Cuddihy, Helen Carroll, John Mulhall and Eileen Magnier could not separate the five, who included Paul O'Flynn (Ginger Spice); Mikey Hayes (Posh Spice), and Davy Ryan (Sporty Spice) along with Murt from Tina Turner and they drew the name out of a cup to decide the winner.
There were some hilarious moments like when Fr Jim Murphy, Parish Priest of St Canice's appeared on stage in leather as Bon Jovi while Darragh Holohan flashed a bit too much, to the delight of the female contingent who had the camera phones ready for the Destiny's Child star. We have since learned that Darragh wore his girlfriend's dress on the night.
This was a special night and people were queuing from before the doors opened at 7.15pm and shows what can be achieved when everyone in a club puts their shoulder to the wheel and works for the good of the club.
The final four acts had to do it all again and first up was Frank Morrissey followed by The Village People with Mary Gaffney next and last were the Spice Girls.
The comments of the judges throughout the night added to the sense of fun that was around and everybody was in great form and it augers well for the upcoming hurling season.
The night started on a high with the entire ensemble for the opening number led by Sr Fergal Murphy and Ber Brennan with a song from Sister Act.
It's hard to be the first act but Danielle Kenny, Ciara Phelan, Orla Fennelly and Jenny Clifford were super as One Direction complete with facial hair. And the acrobatics were a real treat.
Frank Morrissey became Frank Sinatra for five minutes on Saturday night and he brought the house down and he received a gret cheer at the of New York, New York. Despite threatening the judges with the mafia, he made the final.
Abba were next with Ber Brennan, Breda Clohosey, Jimmy McGarry and James Murphy. Again they were super and the choreography was top class.
Then it got raunchy with Destiny's Child made up of Darragh Holohan, Enda Donohoe and Robbie Fitzpatrick. Helen Carroll made the comment that all the boys were very comfortable wearing womens' clothes. Enough said.
What came next was most unexpected. Eucharisitic minister at St Canice's Church, tomas Turley became Elvis and was fantastic, a real surprise and a highlight of the night.
But when the Village People came on stage led by juvenile club secretary, Fergal murphy and his "harem" the crowd went wild.
Unfortunately, Valerie Brennan broke a bone in her foot the night before while rehearsing in the Boro club and was in a wheelchair for the night but her co-stars Eilis O'Shea, Yvonne Finlay, Grainne Timmons. Sinead Maher, Olive Lacey and the absolutely fantastic Siobhan Nolan complete with builder's hat, didn't leave her down and gave a rapturous performance that got them through to the final.
Some men were born to go on stage - John Hanrick, Shane O'Brien and Robbie Murphy were brilliant as the Bee Gees right down to the hair. They were magic.
And when Sinead Butler came on as Britney, the young lads went crazy and she didn't lave the down with a raunchy version of One More Time.
And the biggest cheer of the night was kept for fr Jim and his sexy backing singers Ariane Gravilan, Alice Holden and Catherine Nolan.
Helen Carroll said that if Fr Jim did that act every Sunday the church would be full to overflowing.
Mary Gaffney is a natural mover and her Tina Turner performance was electric and she received a deserved standing ovation. She was exceptional and helped make the night ahuge success.
However, straight afterwards hers son Murt as Scary Spice and the four others spicers made their way on to the stage from the back of the hall, like boxers going into the ring, with hooded robes straight out of Lord Of The Rings.
They were fantastic and I will never be able to look Mikey Hayes in the eye again and not laugh as he played Posh Spice to perfection.
Last on stage was Ronan Morrissey and he was excellent singing Is This The way To Amarillo.
this was entertainment at its best and they just about deserved the crown of Lip Sync Legends winners 2017.
This was a mammoth undertaking by the club and it will go down in local folklore for all the right reasons.