Unfortunately both our U15 football teams lost in Championship semi-final action during the week, the A by 2 away to Ballyboden and the B by the smallest of margins AET v Judes. A huge effort by both teams but unfortunately came up short, but well done to all involved. The Inter Ladies footballers were unlucky not to leave Rush with a win on Wednesday night, but a draw was a good result in their opening Championship group game vs St Maurs, next up Skerries at home next Wednesday 15^th May, 7.30pm. Support very much welcome. Better news on Tuesday as all our Adult Camogie teams recorded league wins, as did the Jnr A footballers. Our Minor Ladies Footballers secured the league title with a game to spare on Friday night with an impressive win vs St Brigids. Our Snr footballers followed up a tough loss away to Judes with an impressive win at home vs St Brigids on Sunday, which keeps them in contention at the top of the league, Jnr A made it two wins in a row as well on Sunday, unfortunately our Inters and Jnr Bs lost out. Good wins as well on Sunday for both Minor Hurling teams and Minor Camogie. Junior A hurling Championship tomorrow night away to St. Brigids, 7.15pm, Jnr B play away to Pat Donabate on Thursday, and on Saturday the Senior hurlers are away to Craobh Chiarain. Lots of supplied Match reports feature below.

Well done Charlie Keher, Colm Walsh and Evin Dowling part of the Dublin minor squad who drew with Wexford and have now qualified for the Leinster semi-final. Hard luck to Chris Crummey and the Dublin Senior hurlers, losing out to Kilkenny, we wish him luck as the head straight for another big game, at home to Wexford, in Parnell Park this coming weekend.

Our deepest condolences to Ryan and Afanascenco-Butenco families, on their recent losses.

Volunteers Needed. - Great teams aren’t just on the fields.
We are currently looking for volunteers to help our Childrens’ officer in our club to look out for the welfare of our children and ensure that we are providing a safe and fun environment for them to learn the skills of the GAA. If you have an interest in child welfare in our club and have a balanced and strong personality we would like to hear from you. We rely on volunteers to run our club and hope you would consider helping us to help our kids enjoy our sport. You can contact via email - childrensofficerls@gmail.com

Lotto There was no winner of the lotto on the 9^nd May, Numbers were 11, 12, 13 and 14. Next weeks’ jackpot €5,800, next draw will be managed by Diarmuid Dawson. Lucky Dip Winners: E,C&U Dardis, Brendan Gallagher, Darren Sharkey, Bridie Burke, Breda Sargent. Play Online here, Or Tickets can be purchased at the Club, or in Kenny’s Vesey Arms.

Golf society’s next outing is this Satruday 18^th May in Moyvalley Golf Club. All welcome. contact Seamus Fagan at 086 8168984 for preferred tee time between 12.36pm and 1.40pm.

We also have the famous Ladies night, in aid of the Marie Keating foundation, coming up, Friday 24^th May, 8:30pm. Tickets €10.

Sars Stars – ‘GAA for All’ recommenced as is on the AWP every Tuesday at 5pm.

Lucan District CREDIT UNION Academy Saturday mornings 9:30am Girls, 10am Boys. 

Zumba class is Tuesdays. 

25 Card Drive every Friday in the Bar, 8.00pm.

CÚPLA FOCAL’  is taking a break for the Summer. 

Bingo Wednesdays 8:30pm.

Club Shop is open Saturdays.

Juvenile Football Report
Both of the Lucan U-15 football teams were in championship semi  final action on Tuesday last.

In the U-15 A championship semi final Lucan travelled to Cherryfield to play Ballyboden St. Endas. In a low scoring match in quite difficult conditions for a match. Lucan lost out on a score line of of 0-09 to 0-07.

The U-15 D championship semi final proved to be a very exciting match which went to extra time. Lucan fought to the end but lost out on a score line of 2-14 to 3-10 to St. Judes.

In the U-13 Football League Division 2 league, Lucan lost out to St. Judes on a score line of 6-03 to 2-09.

Date: 11 May 2019

Venue: Griffeen Park

Opposition: Na Fianna

Competition: Football League Division 5

Final Score: Lucan Sarsfield 4.10 – Na Fianna 7.05

Perfect conditions for a match, another high scoring game, unfortunately saw Lucan lose their opening division 5 league game.  A bright start with Lucan dominating possession failed to produce scores that would have seen Lucan ahead by a big margin.  Halftime saw Lucan trailing by a point.

Improved teamwork in the second half saw Lucan turnaround the deficit and saw them lead by six points mid-way through the second half.  The last ten minutes saw Lucan fading out of the game as Na Fianna reeled in the scores to close out the game winning by four points.

Overall some good passages of play needing to work on closing out a game from a winning position and continue to improve on decision and taking scores.

Squad: Conor Dolan, Shane Dolan, Alex Keegan, James Scott, Ryan Feighery, Eoghan O Connor, Dylan Carr, Michael Lynch, Adam Salmon, Ben O Keeffe, Oisin Sharkey, Aaron Cronin, Maitiu Brennan,  John Patrick O Connor, Cian Waterhouse, Luke Gibbs

Scorers:Cian Waterhouse (2.00), Oisin Sharkey (1.03), Adam Salmon (1.01), Alex Keegan (0.01), Conor Dolan (0.01), Ryan Feighery (0.01Free), Ben O Keeffe (0.01Free), Dylan Carr (0.01), Eoghan O Connor (0.01)

Date: 11/05/19

Venue: AGP2

Opposition: Thomas Davis B

Competition:U13 Football League

Final Score: Lucan Sarsfield’s C 5.5, Thomas Davis B 3.5

 What a game, the first league game for Lucan was quite dramatic from start to finish.

The visitors got off to a flying start scoring 2. 2 in the first ten minutes without reply with Lucan's defence and midfield under severe pressure.

As Lucan caught up with the pace of the game , they started to break down the play and turn defence into attack.

Lucan dominated possession for large parts of the 1st half and had to fight hard for every ball. The tackles were flying in and the lads were working extremely hard for each other. The hard work paid off with Lucan scoring 2.3 to lead at half time.

The second half was won in the last 10 minutes when Lucan scored 2 goals and 2 points in what was a very tough and exciting start to their league campaign.

Squad: M Brennan, C Lawlor, D Thomas, S Dolan, S Dolan, E Walsh, K O’Connor, H Geoghegan, C Murphy, S Geoghegan, S Walsh, C Hartigan, J O’Reilly, J Browne, D Carr , B O’Keeffe

Scorers: K O’Connor, C Murphy, J O’Reilly, C Dolan, S Dolan, D Thomas.

Date: 11.05.2019

Venue: Sancta Maria, Ballyboden St Enda’s

Opposition: Ballyboden St Enda’s

Competition: Boys U10 Football

Squad: Team 1: Derry Ware, Jack Taffe, Aidan McCabe, Conor Gilmore, Cian Becker, Niall Brady, Ray Whelan, Evan Duffy, Joseph Cosgrove.

Team 2: Niall Harte, Dylan Scott, James Connolly, Eoin Darcy, Lorcan Flynn, Calum O’Neill, Max Dunne, Nathan Dooley, David Meskell.

Team 3: Anthony Nolan, Daniel Cronin, Killian Lynam, Sean Gilvarry, Adam Gaughran, Rory McKinlay, Cian Dolan, Sean Dolan, Sean Mulligan.

Team 3.

On a perfect morning for Football this team went to Ballyboden and put on a display full of all the skills they have been practicing in training. Right from the start the boys got stuck in and began the game on top with a couple of good chances for scores going narrowly wide. Ballyboden came back strongly and had 3 very strong players through the centre of the pitch, but these boys were extremely well marked by Sean Dolan, Sean Gilvarry and Adam Gaughran, and this laid the foundation for what came in the 2nd half.

The boys kept tackling, working hard and when in possession moving the ball up to the forwards who managed some very good scores in the first half. Sean D and Daniel Cronin were playing full of confidence in mid-field, and Cian Dolan’s kick outs when he was in goal help keep the pressure off the defence where Anthony & Sean M were working hard to keep the Ballyboden forwards quiet. Forwards Rory, Adam & Anthony were playing very well together and taking their chances when available .

Ballyboden had the better of the 1st half, but the Lucan boys took over right from the throw in of the 2nd with Sean Gilvarry catching high from this and surging up the field to come close to scoring. Sean did get a few great scores in the 2nd half, and cracked one great chance off the crossbar with the keeper well beaten. Other great scores included a beautiful point from wide on the right by Killian Lynam, Sean Dolan’s bouncing point and Cian Dolans goal, which came from hard work and following the ball all the way in to the keeper and putting him under pressure to allow an easy finish. In defence Anthony, Rory, Daniel and Sean D were having a much quieter period, but kept the ball away from the Lucan goal and kept BallyBoden scoreless in the 2nd half. Mid Fielders Sean G & Adam were covering every blade of grass, and forwards Cian, Sean M & Killian kept the Boden defence very busy in this period.

In the other games Team 1 & Team 2 again showed all the skills from training and did Lucan Sarsfields, their parents & coaches, but most of all themselves proud with their efforts. A very successful morning of football where Lucan competed well with Ballyboden with some very good football.

All three Lucan U-12 teams were in action on Saturday.

Lucan C vs O'Tooles B

A huge performance from our the Lucan U-12 C team against O'Tooles second  team. The key message from the start was to focus communication and support play and the boys really delivered. We started well with 2 quick points but O'Tooles struck with an early goal. Lucan did drop the heads and Lucan went on to lead 0-7 to 1-1 by half time. Having been denied by the woodwork a number of times in the first half Lucan hit the net twice in the second and we dominated in all areas of the pitch. A late rally by O'Tooles added to the scoreboard but every player gave their all right to the end to win by 5 points. Great to see all the Lucan forwards and midfielders get on the scoreboard in what a real team performance.

Lucan C 2-9; O'Tooles B 2-4

Lucas Enright 0-1, Daragh Walsh 0-2, Ronan O'Flaherty 0-1, Callum Mitchell 0-2, Liam Mitchell 1-0 Charley McGinn 0-2 , Alexander Bollard 1-0, Ben Fitzgerald 0-1

The Lucan U12 B lined out today in Catherines Park against Stars of Erin. A few last minute changes to the team as Jack Keogh arrived sick and we still played as a goalkeeper. Angad slotted in to the center of defence and proved to be very strong in that position as well.

The game started and soon became physical with several exchanges taking place. The Stars of Erin team had a few players who were quite tall. Lucan stood up to the challenge and got involved in the physical side of the game. No quarter asked and none given and there was also some great tackling on display.

While Stars of Erin  were first on the scoreboard our movement ensured Lucan tagged on several scores before the break.

Lucan  stuck to their task in the second half while not shirking their physical responsibility and played football which ensured they ran out winners in the end.

While Lucan an improve in their passing, they did try to find the player in the best position which was encouraging. The defence were solid. Midfield put in a great shift and our forwards were clinical for the most part. This is the second win under the belt and looking forward to the next challenge with a spring in the step

Final score

Lucan 6-8

Stars of Erin2-8

Scorers

Joshua O’Connor 1.0, Angad Dhaliwal 0.1, Phelim Dunne 0.1

Cian Waterhouse 2.2 Darragh Colfer 1.2, Liam Whelan 2.2

Lucans U12A footballers second outing of their div 1 league campaign saw them head to Ballycullen for a tough test against a strong Ballyboden team. Lucan knew this would be their toughest task of the year so far and missing a few key players added to this challenge.

The game started at a hectic pace with both teams contesting every ball fiercely. Ballyboden were quickest to settle with two quick points and were putting pressure on Lucan but some fantastic defending by Mark Byrne, Gavin Lynch & Conor Healy helped keep them at bay.

Playing against the wind and a Boden defensive system with a few 'sweepers', Lucans attacking opportunities were limited but from two swift attacks Lucan worked a great goal from Michael o Brien and a point from Patrick O Connor to take the lead.

Ballyboden continued to pressure the Lucan defence and recorded 3 unanswered points to retake the lead before a fortunate Ballyboden goal stretched their advantage. Lucan replied with their best spell of the game recording 4 points of their own the first from attacking corner back Cian Mc Cormick, followed by Jack Mills and two from Michael o Brien to put the sides level on 1-5 each after a hugely competitive first half.

Ballyboden started the second half strongly with strong tackling and running scoring three unanswered points to stretch their lead.

On a tight pitch Ballyboden were then tactically arranged to defend their lead with a very strong blanket defence with all bar 1 or 2 of their forwards funnelling back to deny the Lucan lads the space they needed to get their scores. Lucan fought bravely to the end but struggled to break Ballyboden down and only managed a Killian Costello point while Ballyboden’s great defensive effort along with a few quick attacking moves were rewarded with two late goals and a deserved win. Final score Ballyboden 3-10 Lucan 1-6

The better team won on the day but lots of learning for the Lucan lads with plenty to work on but their work rate and effort giving plenty of reason for optimism in the year(s) ahead.

Well done to all.

Lucan Team & scorers: E Flynn, M Byrne, C McCormick (0-1), C Healy, G Lynch, K Quinn, A Leonard, K Costello (0-1),  J Dunne, M O'Brien (1-2), J Mills (0-1), O Brennan, P O'Connor (0-1), D Taaffe

Well done to all the teams competing at the weekend.

Adult Hurling Report

Good league wins for both Minor teams this weekend, see match reports below. There is mid-week Championship action this week with Junior A's travelling to Russell Park to play St Brigids on Tuesday night, while the Junior Bs have a long trek to Donabate to meet St Pats on Thursday night. These are both crucial games and support would be very welcome.

MHL1: Cuala 1-16 Lucan Sarsfields 2-15.

On a beautiful morning for hurling, these two squads of players provided an entertaining contest in front of a decent crowd in Shanganagh park. There was never much between the teams through out the game, even though Lucan were always able to stay ahead. That was until 5 minutes to go when Cuala scored a goal to go into the last few minutes a point up. They added a free and took a two point lead into injury time.

However, the Lucan lads knew they had the upper hand throughout the game and weren't in the mood to give up. A superb goal from Matt Dunne in injury time put Lucan 1 up. Moments later, he tapped over a free which sealed the deal and wrapped up a richly deserved 2 points for Lucan.

This was a squad performance if ever there was one. The finishing 15 were as strong as the starting 15 which keeps everyone on their toes !

Lucan Team/Scorers: Luke Finnerty, Daire Murphy, Fintan Ward, Philip Kane, Dylan Kelly, Ben O Toole, Cian Duffy, Colm Behan, Daragh Reid, Fionan Breen (0-1), Alex Hanley, Jack McCarthy, Oisin Ryan (1-0), Matt Dunne (1-13), Eoin Power. Subs: Mark Gormley, Alan Lynch, Evin Dowling, Sean Casey, Declan Lawlor. Cian Canavan, Charlie Keher, Colm Walsh, Mark Lavin.

MHL4: Kilmacud Crokes 1-5 Lucan Sarsfields 6-21.

Lucan Minor Bs had a good start against Crokes in Silver Park, playing with the wind in the first half. Oisin Twamley and Liam O'Connor converted five points in a show of intent against a single score by Crokes in the opening phase of the game. This was followed by an industrious Mark Daly goal having made a great catch. Cathal Shanahan then goaled to close out the first quarter. Lucan continued to dominate and had a range of scorers for another eleven unanswered first half points.

Crokes had a better start to the second half and scored 1-2 which was countered by Shanahan from play and an O'Connor free. Lucan converted some further goal chances with a second from Daly and two from Twamley. Lucan subs kept the pressure on with Michael Connolly and Cormac Sharkey pointing before a final goal from O'Connor. Lucan ended up very comfortable winners which keeps alive their chances of topping the league with one round to play.

Lucan Team/Scorers: M Coogan; A Smith, D Coogan, S Egan; L Power, C O'Brien, P Farrell; C Shanahan (1-2), C Casely (0-2); O Twamley (2-5), L O'Connor (1-6, 0-4f, 0-1:65), S Balfe (0-2); S O'Leary, M Daly (2-1), P O'Leary (0-1); C Sharkey (0-1), A Bernie, M Connolly (0-1).

Lucan Sarsfields Special Correspondent 

Tue 07/05/19
AFL6 Frank Kelly Park
Lucan Sarsfields 2-15 v 2-13 Wanderers.

M Robinson
S Keher
C Hickey
C McGrath
P O’Carroll
S Casey (0-1)
A Mitchell (0-1)
T Bradley (1-0)
P Carroll
C Gaire (0-1)
N McKiernan (0-1)
P Casey (1-3)
P Kennedy
M Moran (0-1)
J Doyle (0-4)

Subs
M Moore (0-2)
A Kirwan
N Flynn (0-1).

This was open football. Very open. It seemed as though every attack could yield a score. A total of 4 goals isn’t bad, but it could easily have been much more. P Carroll won the throw in and N McKiernan popped a 12sec opening score, but 2 attacks yielded 2 rapid fire points in reply. Then Wanderers launched their nuclear option, a big ball into the full forward. This gentleman did a passing resemblance of the Bomber, and buried ball in the net. Lucan were creating chances, in fact goals seemed inevitable.....but they wouldn’t come. Aidan Mitchell made great run from half back, only to see his final effort whizz over the bar, Mark Moran blasted against the bar, and Peter Carroll took a coat of paint off the outside of the post. Paddy Kennedy was forced to gobble ashore, and Mark Moore entered the fray.

Wanderers finally got the ball back. Route 1. Colm Hickey did what any decent full back would do, and climbed all over his man......but there was an awful lot of man to clamber over. There is photographic evidence of the incident, but Colm is a married man with young children, so I think it’s best that we keep them to ourselves. Anyway a fair thunderbolt flew past Mikey, and he was probably as well keeping out if it’s way! Lucan were rattled, & Wanderers very much in the ascendant. By the 15th min Lucan were 9 points in arrears.

All was not lost. The 2nd quarter belonged to Lucan as they slowly worked their way back into the game, but Wanderers defence were tigerish and scores were hard come by. By the turn the deficit stood at 5 pts.

At the start of the second period, Lucan were slow to get going, & it took Mark Moran 20 secs to open our account, and what an account. A magnificent point off his left peg. Personally, I’d have no truck with suggestions, that it’s a pity that I didn’t find out years ago, that he can shoot straight with his left! Andy Kirwan & Noel Flynn came aboard, but despite a good start, with gap reduced to 3, it was Wanderers that kicked on with 4 excellent points. Entering the final quarter Lucan were 7 pts adrift, and in trouble. A barnstorming point from Shane Casey lifted the siege, and seemed to inspire some belief. Tim Bradley managed to get on the end of a ball across the square, and the 2 of them finished up in the net. Suddenly Wanderers were in panic mode. Kick outs were falling to Lucan now, and tails were up. Points were exchanged, but despite this rich purple patch Lucan could not get their noses in front......until in the 57th min Paul Casey, took the ball at pace into the red zone, and without TV replay I cannot be sure quite how, but like Timmy earlier, Paul & ball finished up in the net.

The final mins plus 4+ added minutes were frantic. A point reduced the gap to one, but a Noel Flynn free held them at bay, and Lucan held on for 2 point victory.

Have to return to the first half travails in defence. Wanderers continued to use their full forward, but the whole defence should take credit for snuffing out the route to goal so vivid in the opening exchanges.

Sun 12/05/19
AFL 6 12th Lock
Lucan 4-14 v 1-13 Fingallians

M Robinson
J Keating
C Hickey
C McGrath
C Gaire
S Casey
A Kirwan
T Bradley (0-3)
O Tully (0-1)
P Casey (1-3)
P Carroll
M Moore (0-3)
C Torsney (1-2)
M Moran (1-1)
C Buckley (1-1)

Subs
Eoin Gormley
Barry Torsney
Mick Casey

Swings and roundabouts. Lucan seemed to be in control, but Fingallians refused to lie down; with 5 mins left on the clock the “Swordsmen” had reduced the deficit to 2 pts, and things looked very iffy. On Tuesday night Lucan had come from behind with a late winner; this looked worryingly similar....except the shoe was on the other foot.

Games turn on the smallest of things. On this occasion, having racked up 1-2 without a response, Fingallians were turned over in midfield, whilst pressing forward looking for an equaliser. Lucan broke forward, & a powerful surge through the middle from Cian Torsney was finished neatly into the corner. Game over. An additional 1-2 was the icing on the cake.

Having lost John Doyle in the warm up, Lucan were very tight on numbers.
Cian Buckley from minors, with Eoin Gormley & Barry Torsney from Inter panel had arrived to bolster our forces. Cian made an auspicious debut, playing out of position, with a well taken 1-1. Eoin & Barry brought badly needed fresh legs in the 2nd half. At the very end Mick Casey returned to the fold with a cameo, when Banisteoir, Ed O’Brien, found nobody else on the bench!

Johnny Keating was combative, as ever, & especially in the 1st half was on a huge amount of ball; Cian Gaire got onto even more ball, and seems to improve with every match; Paul Casey added another 1-3, to Tuesday’s 1-3. What odds Mr Paddy Power, that he can’t repeat the dose the next day? Mark Moore did really well, and might easily have doubled his contribution......but it’s the Ayatollah Moran, with an early goal to grace the ages, and also seen tracking back to his own 13m line to break up an attack, that receives a cream egg this week!