Congrats to St. Pats
We begin by saying a massive congratulations to all in St Pat’s Castleisland on their historic All Ireland Final victory.
Pat’s took on O’Carolan College, Nobber, Co Meath in Dr Cullen Park, Carlow in the Masita Eamonn O’Sullivan PPS cup final on Saturday March 10 th . They were victorious on a final scoreline of: St Pat’s 2.8 (14) – O’ Carolan College 0.11 (11)
Congratulations to everyone involved, especially Desmonds own Conor Wilkinson, Ruairi Burke, Evan Brennan, Thomas Conway, Eoghan Shire, Larry Nolan, Ayrton Burke, Mint O’Connor and Patrick O’Shea.
Incredible Achievements by Paris
A massive congratulations to Desmonds own Paris McCarthy on signing for AFLW side Sydney Swans, An incredible achievement.
Upon her signing , Swans manager Kate Mahony praised Paris, saying “she has performed at elite levels, and whether that be at basketball or Gaelic football, she knows what it takes to be a professional athlete. Those are qualities that can have a profound impact on the rest of the playing group.”
Congratulations Paris, all at Castleisland Desmonds are incredibly proud of you.
Fixtures and Results
Castleisland Desmonds returned to Division 1 of the County Senior Football League on St. Patrick’s Day, with an opening round away game to Munster Senior Club Champions, Kerins O’Rahilly’s.
In overcast, rainy conditions, played on a heavy surface, Keith Moynihan’s side emerged from Strand Road with maximum points, following a physical, end to end encounter.
Goals from Thomas Conway and Tomás Lynch proved vital, as Desmonds picked up two points on the opening weekend of the County League.
Final score: Kerins O’Rahilly’s 1.9 (12) – Castleisland Desmonds 2.8 (14). Castleisland Desmonds: Steven Bartlett, Gearóid Leonard, Brian Leonard (C), Ruairí Burke, Luka Brosnan, Denis O’Connor, Tadgh O’Shea, Adam Donoghue, Maurice Hickey, Fintan O’Sullivan, Tomás Lynch, PJ Curtin, Adam O’Donoghue, Thomas Conway, Graham O’Connor; Subs: Conor Wilkinson, Ryan Maguire, Luke Curtin, Colm Roche, Micheál Walsh, Pat Fitzgerald, Mark Hickey, Cian Mangan, Patrick O’Shea, Páraic O’Connor, Kevin Daly, Conor O’Sullivan. Subs made: Micheál Walsh for Maurice Hickey, Ryan Maguire for PJ Curtin.
Scorers: Thomas Conway 1.0, Tomás Lynch 1.0, Steven Bartlett 0.3 (0.2 f, 0.1 45), Adam O’Donoghue 0.2, PJ Curtin 0.1, Luka Brosnan 0.1, Graham O’Connor 0.1. Manager: Keith Moynihan; Roghnoiri: Michael McMahon, Thomas Hickey and Niall Mitchell. Logistics; Gerdie Murphy.
Kerins O’Rahilly’s: Conor Hayes 1.1, David Moran 0.3 (0.2 f), Diarmuid O’Sullivan 0.2 (0.1 f, 0.1 45), Tommy Walsh 0.1, Sean Walsh 0.1, Tom Hoare 0.1. Referee: Seamus Mulvihill, St Senan’s.
Desmonds are away to Milltown/Castleimaine in Round 2 on Sunday April 2nd at 2pm.
Desmonds B Team Kicked off Season on Sunday Afternoon
Castleisland Desmonds welcomed Churchill to Moanmore for the opening round of Division 6 of the County senior football league.
In drizzly, windy conditions, played in front of a good attendance, Desmonds B shared the spoils with the seasiders.
Goals from Stan Divane and Tadgh Walsh gave Desmonds a four point lead at the break – Half time score: Desmonds 2.05 (11) – Churchill 1.04 (7)
An entertaining and cagey second half saw both sides create opportunities to clinch the victory, but ultimately neither team could find the winner. Full time score: Desmonds 2.09 (15) – Churchill 2.09 (15)
Castleisland Desmonds: Patrick Hickey, Cian Mangan, Neilus Lyons, Eamon McLoughlin, Stan Divane, Daniel Walsh, Daire Murphy, Michael Walsh, Luke Curtin, Paraic O’Connor, Barry Lynch, Mark Hickey, Conor O’Sullivan, Tadgh Walsh, Patrick O’Shea, Managers: Pearse Cronin and Charles Nelligan.
Scorers: Tadgh Walsh 1.4, Mark Hickey 0.3, Stan Divane 1.0, Paraic O’Connor 0.1, Patrick O’Shea 0.1 Desmonds B will be away to Firies B in Round 2 of the County League Division 6, on the weekend of April 1st / 2nd.
Players Wanted
Desmonds B team are always on the lookout for new players, whether you’ve never kicked a ball before, or haven’t kicked a ball in 10 years, or if you play regularly and want to get involved, we’d love for you to come onboard.
If you’re interested contact any Desmonds on Facebook or Instagram or any member of the board or management team.
Full match reports for both games can be found on the Castleisland Desmonds Facebook page.
Minors Return to Action
Desmonds minors return to action in the County League on Monday March the 27th. when they will take on Rathmore in Castleisland, throw in at 6pm. The minors will play Dr. Crokes in a back game in the County League on Monday April 3rd.
Throw in at Lewis Road is at 6.30pm
Club 50/50 Fundraiser Launched
Castleisland Desmonds inaugural 50/50 draw will take place on Sunday March 26th.
We’re excited to announce the launch of the new Castleisland Desmonds 50/50 draw. The first draw will take place on this Sunday March 26th and entry to the draw can be done via the stands and buckets, which are located in various businesses throughout the town , see the list below or online via the club-force app on the link here: https://member.clubforce.com/memberships_cart_m.asp… )
Entries can be made in any of the following premises: The Forge; Circle K; Shoemakers Bar; Chicken Club; Martin Curtin’s; Whyte’s Centra; Den Joes; Vincent Murphy Sports; Tom McCarthy’s Bar; Tommy Hickey’s; Fagin’s Bar; Phil Horan’s Filling Station; Moloney’s Cake Shop; John Brennan’s Barbers; Browne’s Topline – Agri,Steel and Builders Providers.
A Forthnightly Draw
This will be a fortnightly draw with an additional €400 to be won in the first four draws.
One entry for €2, three entries for €5, with further options available in the clubforce app. Each 50/50 draw will have a guaranteed winner taking home 50% of the draw each fortnight.
The remaining 50% will go towards club development activities like: Developing two full sized playing pitches; Building new all-weather training pitch; Enhancing floodlights on playing and practice areas; New clubhouse and changing rooms; Underage investment in player and coach development; Increasing player participation and numbers with a view to competing at the top level of all age groups.
Appreciation for Supporters
We would like to take this opportunity to show our gratitude to all the local businesses and friends of Desmonds.
To all who have provided sponsorship in our recent fundraising drive and also those that are allowing us to collect the 50/50 draw on their premises.
Your continued support is greatly appreciated by all within the the club and is laying the foundation for the development of our future players and members.
Club Membership
Castleisland Desmonds GAA Club membership is open for all for the 2023 season.
Family memberships are available this year, along with our individual membership options. Membership can be purchased online via clubforce link or can also be purchased through any member of the club executive. We thank our members for your continued support of the club.
Desmonds Underage Academy
Castleisland Desmonds GAA club Boys underage academy kickstarted on Saturday March 18th with a fantastic turnout.
The academy will take place in the Desmonds field every Saturday morning at 10am with free supervised training and coaching sessions for U-7s, U-9s and U-11s.
The Academy is open to boys aged five to 11 years old and all new recruits are welcome to have fun, make friends, learn skills!
The girls academy and U-5 nursery will commence at a later date. Register online today, via the clubforce app.
Gratitude for Sponsorships
All at Castleisland Desmonds would like to say a huge thank you to all our sponsors for their continued supported of the club.
In particular, our main sponsors – the O’Donoghue Ring Collection; Niall O’Connor Heating and Plumbing Ltd; Walsh Colour Print; The Shoemaker Bar; Garvey’s SuperValu Castleisland; Munster Joinery; Griffin Brothers Contracting; Divanes Volkswagen; Island Property Solutions Ltd., and a huge thank you to all of our associate sponsors.
Volunteers in Demand
Castleisland Desmonds GAA Club is always on the lookout for new volunteers to help re-energise and drive our club into the future.
Our recruitment drive begins with the most basic unit of voluntary commitment, which is an hour.
While it might appear a small amount, one person volunteering just one hour per week can make a massive difference.
Desmonds GAA would love you to get involved. So why not give becoming a custodian of the club a go?
If interested, please contact our club chairman Kevin Lynch @chairperson.castleislanddesmonds.kerry@gaa.ie or Secretary John Kelly@secretary.castleislanddesmonds.kerry@gaa.ie or any board member or via social media.
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