It was another week-end of mixed weather conditions which impacted our games. The Junior 10 South League game fixed in Bohernabreena was the first game to fall victim to unplayable pitches. however, Saturday morning was beautiful and the Kevins Heroes, Donore Credit Union ABC Nursery and underage training went ahead as normal. With Dolphin Park declared unplayable again, our under 13 hurling home advantage was lost against a strong Crumlin side who ran out winners.
Our Dublin Social Rounders Winter league final was fixed for Tymon Park which was also declared unplayable and that game was moved to Loreto College. Many thanks to Limekiln who came over to assist in setting up. It was great to see such a big crowd at the game including GAA Rounders President Michael Dowling and a number of members from the National Ard Comhairle. We were fixed against Limekiln who were unbeaten in the league. The league itself commenced in October 2021 and was organised to give existing clubs an opportunity to new players game time and new clubs more experience before championship. The competition was run on a league basis with the top two teams playing for the Shield in memory of Ritchie Costello who was Dublin’s first GAA Rounders All-Star. The event also formed part of the Dublin GAA Health Week and was attended by Chairperson of the Dublin GAA Health & Wellbeing Committee. Limekiln won the toss, chose to field first and got off to a strong start in the first innings leading 8 runs to 2. Kevins had a lot of work to do to catch up, but some good fielding from Jack Shallow and Aidan Lynskey kept Kevins hopes up. Merelin Neiland holds the honour of scoring the clubs first run in a county final and in fact the first ever run in any county final in GAA Rounders history. Brian Connolly holds the honour of the clubs most dramatic run in a county final, as when running from third to home it looked like he was safely home when it appeared he had been hit by a snipper. As the Limekiln fielders scrambled to get him out he managed a fabulous roll and tumble before jumping to his feet and getting home before the ball. Some positional switches in the 2nd and 3rd innings made an impact on the game, as Wayne Cullen’s bowling started to put the Limekiln batters under pressure. Boston batter Connor Cahill also made an impact securing a run when he came on. While Kevins gained momentum some big hits from Limekiln kept our late burst at bay. In the forth innings Kevins caught Limekiln out for no runs, but unfortunately the 12 run deficit was too much. Kevins secured 2 runs in their last innings ending the game 20-10 in what was the first ever Dublin Social Rounders final. Scores by innings were 2-8, 1-6, 1-6, 4-0, 2-x. Kevins 10 runs were scored by Katie Glynn (2), Wayne Cullen (2), Aidan Lynskey (2), Jack Shallow (1), Merelin Neiland (1), Brian Connolly (1) and Connor Cahill (1). Overall the league has been a great success for Kevins as we have recruited new players and given them valuable game time. Saturday’s final was also the first time some of our players had the opportunity to stand for the National Anthem before a big game. Of course next time we will inform our players – who didn’t grow up in Ireland – of the GAA customs.
Dublin were playing Armagh on Saturday in the division 3 league and two of our girls were playing prominent roles. Emma Young started at centre forward and Meadhbh Hicks at full forward who scored two crucial points, as the Dubs drew with Armagh.
Dolphin Park was deemed unplayable again on Sunday, as were a number of other grounds around the county. As a result the AHL3 game was moved to Rathcoole, with commercials running out winners on a scoreline of 3-15 to 2-11. The AHL7 game against Crumlin was postponed. The Under 18 camogie game versus Lucan Sarsfields was also called off, but Kevins travelled to Arthur Griffith Park to play a friendly. Kevins were missing a number of players due to Leaving Cert commitments, but still managed to win on a scoreline of 4-3 to 0-5. The minors are back training on Tuesday and Thursday.
We were also contacted over the week-end by a descendent of Gerald Boland who was one of our founding members in 1902, who forwarded some artefacts of historical significance. A minor football championship medal from 1921-22. Check out the images here. We also updated our roll of honour webpage with more camogie honours. You can also follow our historical stories on social media using the #KevinsHistory hashtag.
The next child safeguarding 1 workshop was announced and will be held on Friday 25th March at 8pm in Saint Catherine’s National School, Donore Avenue, Dublin 8. Prospective and new coaches requiring a refresh should contact our Child Protection Officer Karen Jordan on 086-8264603 for further information or to register.
With the excitement of the big Lotto jackpot being won, we’d also like to remind you that Monday nights draw will be held in Lowes Pub and the Jackpot will be €2,000. Funds raised goes towards the many activities we run and you can play online using the secure Clubforce link by clicking here.
Finally if you have a match report or news item you would like to post please email pro.kevins.dublin@gaa.ie. If you have some club history you’d like to share please get in touch.
