Mount Sion Gaa Weekly News
Senior Championship
The quest for the 36th Senior hurling title began last Saturday evening where we faced close rivals and Senior newcomers Roanmore. Sion opened the scoring through Eoin McGrath in the opening minutes but Roanmore were on target from a placed ball to draw level. Sean Ryan rifled to the net to edge Sion back into the lead. Roanmore reduced the lead with a number of successful frees but Martin O’Neill and Ken McGrath got themselves on the score sheet before play was halted for a serious injury on Roanmore’s corner back Philip Murphy, who seemed to have fallen awkwardly on his shoulder. Once the player was stretchered from the pitch and play resumed, The Roanmore forwards increased the pressure on the Sion defence and a great play from the sky blues found an unmarked player who slotted the ball past Ian O’Regan in the Sion goal to once again draw the teams level. Roanmore added one more point to their total but two frees from the stick of Martin O’Neill left the sides at 1-5 a piece at half time.The second half saw Sion play into the town goal with a blazing sun in the eyes of the Roanmore defence. Both sides went point for point, Sion’s points were scored from Martin O’Neill and Sean Ryan. A second yellow card on a Roanmore defender meant he was sent to the line and Roanmore were down to 14 men. Moments later another Roanmore player was sent to the line with a straight red card. A long but deceiving ball from Stephen Roche in the middle of the park dropped behind the Roanmore goal to give Sion a second goal. Mount Sion began to dominate the exchanges with Martin O’Neill scoring the next 3 points. Eoin McGrath added a final point before another long ball from Tony Browne bounced on the 6 yard box and to the back of the net to end the scoring and give Sion their first win of the championship in what is a young team. With that said a lot needs to be improved if they dare to make any serious impact on the 2011 championship and overcome a young and dynamic Passage, who to the best of my knowledge they have failed to beat in the championship since Passage rejoined the Senior grade in 2008. This game is scheduled for Walsh Park at 2pm on Sunday 1st May. Final score in the first round of the championship: Mount Sion 3-12 to Roanmore 1-7.
Intermediate Championship
The Intermediates also got their championship off to a start where De La Salle posed the opposition. With a small panel to choose from Manager Anthony Kirwan was limited to a selection of players and field what is considered to be a very young team with Shane Twomey and Paul Browne being the exception. Overall this game lacked appetite and passion and De La Salle ran out convincing winners. Final score Mount Sion 0-6 to De La Salle 1-17. The next intermediate game is against Ballydurn next Saturday in Walsh Park at 7pm. Best of luck.Junior Hurlers
The Juniors played a challenge game against Crecora/Manister from Limerick, where ex Limerick manager Richie Bennse was in charge. The Junior lost 7 of its available players to the above Intermediate game and will have to plan the year without them. The lads put in a great effort in the sweltering heat and ran out winners on a score line of 1-14 to 0-9. Championship for this team starts next Friday night where we travel to Passage to take on the home side at 7pm. Please get out and give the lads your support. Best of luck lads.Under 16
Our Philip Egan sponsored Under 16s faced their toughest opponents yet in Dungarvan. With a number of noticeable absentees through injury, Dungarvan ran out deserving winners. Their next game is against Ballygunner in Mount Sion at 7pm. Best of luck lads.Juvenile Fundraiser
The Juvenile section of the club held a fundraiser last Sunday night and it was well attended by our entire club. Well done to Tina Gleeson who organised the event. Please watch this space as Tina has plenty more events planned over the coming months. (See below)
Fashion Show
The next big event is the Fashion Show which takes place next Sunday in the club. Big brand clothes companies have come on board and some of our adult and juvenile hurlers, ladies footballers and coaches will be modelling. It promises to be a great craic so please come along enjoy the night.
Deise Draw
The second draw of 2011 Deise Draw takes place on the 29th April. If anyone wishes to buy tickets please contact Josie Evans. Tickets are €10 per draw. Best of luck to all them ticket holders!!
Waterford Minors
The very best of luck to Shane Forristal and Stephen O’Neill who represent Mount Sion on the Waterford Minor Team who face a tough challenge of Tipperary in Walsh Park in the opening game of the Munster Championship on Wednesday at 7pm.
Training Times
Here are the training times for next Saturday. New players are always welcome and hurleys and helmets can be supplied to those who don’t have any. Also please note training is free of charge and parents are more than welcome to come along and watch.
9 & 10 year olds (born in 2001 & 2002). – 10.30am to 12 noon. Coached by Damien Frisby, Roy McGrath Seamus Nolan, Shane O Grady and George O Grady.
5 & 6 year old (born in 2005 & 2006) – 12 noon to 1pm. Coached by Peter Walsh, Lindsay Grace, James Dunphy and Martin Walsh.
7 & 8 year olds (born in 2003 & 2004) – 1pm to 2pm. Coached by Nicky Mackey, John O Keeffe, Michael Frisby and Eric Curran.
If you have any queries just telephone Peter Walsh on 087-1355359.
Fixtures
Under 16 v Ballygunner in Sion at 7pm on Monday 25th April.
Under 12 City League v De La Salle in Sion on Friday 29th April at 6:30pm.
Junior Hurling Championship v Passage in Passage on Friday 29th April at 7pm.
Intermediate Championship v Ballydurn in Walsh Park on Saturday 30th April at 7pm.
Senior Championship v Passage in Walsh Park on Sunday 1st May at 2pm.
Under 16 Championship v De La Salle in Gracedieu at 7pm on Monday 2nd May.
More fixtures are available on our calendar on the website via the news tab.
Website/Facebook
The website is now nearly fully up and running. Each team have their own page for all the latest news and fixtures. Photos of nearly all the games are available to view in the Gallery. Sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest news directly to your email address. Become a friend on facebook and join in the chat and get all the latest events. Live updates of the games are available on the website too. Get the live info from the games when your away or cannot attend. Games are also available to play on the website. A calendar feature where you can see the up and coming events and fixtures can be seen also. All feedback is welcome and encouraged. The website address is www.mountsiongaa.ie
Membership
If anyone has not already paid their membership can they please contact Paul Fanning. Membership must be paid before the end of the month. Contact Paul on 086-1724807 or membership monies can be left behind the bar. Everyone is asked to make a special effort to pay as soon as possible. Membership rates are as follows: Hurling & Football – €50; Family – €50; Student – €20 and Social €15.
Darts & Cards
Darts and Cards for club members. Come along and join in the fun. Darts takes place every Thursday night with Cards on Friday nights, both starting around 10pm. Great prizes on offer!! All Club Members are welcome.
Notes for Paper & Website
If you have any Cnoc Sion notes or announcements for the paper or website please contact Owen Sauvage by email owen@mountsiongaa.ie or text your notes to 087-9706387 before 8pm Sunday night. You can also submit your notes through the website on the news tab. The website features a calendar so you can keep up to date with all the latest fixtures and events.