Club News

 The club is deeply saddened by the passing of Sean Walsh. Sean was born in Lucan in 1937 and from an early age was very active in Lucan Sarsfields playing both hurling (his first love) and football with the club. It was all hands on deck in those days and from the age of 16 he also helped with club administration and other duties. In the early 70’s he helped the club re invigorate its juvenile section setting up under 11 teams and managing one of the teams to win the South Dublin Championship, beating Kilmacud and Ballyboden on the way! He subsequently became selector on the intermediate football team with his 3 sons, Eoin, Donal and Fergal playing on that team. Off the field he was Juvenile Chairman for years, amongst other offices and was a key driving force behind buying, developing and funding the 12th lock. He and his friend also set up the first Lucan Sarsfields Golf Classic and he loved that day. He was both Club Person of the year and Honoured by the club with the Hall of Fame Award. In later years, he loved attending as many matches watching Lucan Sarsfields and his Grandchildren Luke, Colm and Dara play and meeting his friends at the matches. It was a huge part of his life. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam. 

Hurling

This weekend's action was round 4 of the adult hurling championship group stages. Despite clashing with a major cultural event in County Laois, Lucan managed to field four teams across the divisions, with our Junior B's perhaps fortunate to have a bye this weekend. Some of our players showed commendable commitment to sacrifice the attractions of Laois for a while to play a match, although the sight of EP wristbands only partly hidden by tape was perhaps an encouraging sign for the opposition! 

Our seniors were the headline act on the main stage (O'Toole Park) on Saturday, and although they secured a win (v Whitehall Colmcille), the performance was a bit flat and perhaps reflected the fact that a place in the semi-final was already secured. The Intermediates played in Rathcoole on Saturday evening and went down to Commercials. The Junior Cs suffered the same fate the following afternoon, but our Junior A's had secured a good win away to Na Fianna on Sunday morning. 

Senior Hurling Championship: Lucan Sarsfields 3-18 Whitehall Colmcille 1-21. O'Toole Park, Saturday 2/9/2023.

All of the goals and most of Lucan's best hurling came in the first 20 minutes of this encounter. Lucan started brightly and well taken goals from Ben Coffey and Charlie Keher in the 9th and 10th minute respectively had them in a comfortable position, leading 2-4 to 0-3, after 10 minutes. Whitehall countered quickly with a goal and a point within 2 minutes. However, Lucan's third goal from a Chris O'Leary free in the 17th minute extended the lead to six again. Whitehall countered again and at half-time Lucan led by four, 3-8 to 1-10. The game was quiet flat in the second half with a lot of stoppages and frees and neither side showed much fluency. Lucan always held an advantage on the scoreboard though Whitehall had reduced it to two on a couple of occasions and could have edged ahead if they took their chances. Rob Ward got a couple of good points for Lucan in that period and the last score by Matt McCaffrey secured a three point win. 

Great credit to Luke and Colm Walsh who gave very commendable performances despite the passing of their grand-father Sean the previous day. Sean made a great contribution to Lucan hurling over many decades and was very respectfully remembered with a minutes silence before the game. 

Lucan Team/scorers: C Murray, L Walsh, P Rigney, R Smith, M McCaffrey (0-1), J McCaffrey, J Behan (0-1), C Walsh (0-3), L Garrigan, C O'Leary (1-3, 1-1f), K Fitzgerald, P Crummey (0-1), C Keher (1-0), B Coffey (1-1), S Harkness (0-6, 0-3f). Subs introduced; R Ward (0-2), C Dowling, M Coogan, E Dowling, C McHugh. 

Intermediate Hurling Championship: Commercials 0-22 Lucan Sarsfields 1-15. Rathcoole, Saturday 2/9/23.

These teams had met previously in the Junior A Final in 2022, when Commercials were much the better team and comprehensive winners. This game was a much more competitive encounter but was somewhat spoiled by a very high number of frees. Commercials had the benefit of Dublin senior inter-county sharp shooter Diarmuid Ó Dulaing who gave an exhibition of free taking, scoring 18 placed balls from 19 attempts. This ultimately was the difference between the sides. Commercials had established an early advantage and led 0-13 to 0-8 at half time. Lucan countered strongly in the second half and reduced the deficit to more manageable levels on a few occasions only for Ó Dulaing to respond with a few frees each time. Lucan's goal, well taken by Joey Dunne, came too late to really put pressure on the home team, and Commercials were comfortable enough winners in the end. Shane Coffey in defence and Colm Keenan in mid-field were the outstanding performers for Lucan.  

Lucan team/scorers: C Doody, P Smith, R Twomoey, L Murphy, A McNulty, S Coffey, E O'Connor, D Kavanagh, C Keenan (0-12, 0-8f, 0-1s), H Cuffe (0-1), N Stagg, E Allen (0-1), B Cavanagh, C Hyland, A Carroll (0-1). Subs introduced: J Dunne (1-0), J Finn.

Junior B Hurling Championship: Na Fianna 1-14 Lucan Sarsfields 3-15. Mobhi Road, Sunday 3/9/23.

Lucan Junior As secured top position in their championship group with this good win over a battling Na Fianna side. An early goal from Evan Lombard had Lucan on their way but Na Fianna replied with a goal from a penalty soon after and the sides were level 1-6 each at half time. Lucan started the second half a bit stronger and Lombard pounced for a second goal midway through the half to create some daylight between the teams. Na Fianna responded again though and a series of pointed frees kept them in touch, despite being reduced to 14 players. A late goal finished by Shane Donohue finally settled the issue and Lucan were relatively comfortable winners in the end. 

Lucan Team/Scorers: L Finnerty, J Doyle, K Roche, T Clandillon, C Duffy, P Kelly (0-1), M Young, C O'Maolmhána (0-2), P Fagan, M May (0-2), D Kelly (0-1), S Donohue (1-6, 0-5f), A O'Neill (0-2), E Lombard (2-1), N O'Leary. Subs introduced: C Boylan, E Connolly, J Byrne, J Mullins. 

Junior G Hurling Championship: Commercials 4-18 Lucan Sarsfields 1-6. Rathcoole, Sunday 3/9/23.

Lucan Junior C's have experienced the ups and downs of the lower grade championships in recent weeks. A huge win over Wanderers in their last fixture was followed by a comprehensive defeat to Commercials this time round. Commercials were a much more experienced team with many players used to playing at a higher level. They were dominant from the start and had three goals gathered before half time. Nevertheless, Lucan kept battling and played better hurling in the second half, defending resolutely and picking off some nice scores. Luke O'Neill, Aidan Sheery, Adam Whyte and Joshua Murphy were notable performers. Lucan remain in contention to progress to the knock-out stages and this very young team will learn from this experience and continue to improve. 

Lucan Team: L O'Neill, C McCormack, M O'Malley, D McCarthy, J Ryan, A Sheery, J Lakes, N Higgins, A Whyte, J Murphy, D Shiels, M Doyle, C Cregg, R Hazley, C Chambers. Subs introduced: J Langan, D Geoghan. 

Football

DLGFA GO-AHEAD INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONSHIP GROUP A, 7:00pm. Wednesday 30 August 2023 12th Lock, Lucan - Referee, David Murphy Lucan Sarsfields – Ballinteer St John

Last Wednesday evening saw the second round game of the intermediate championship with our senior ladies at home to Ballinteer St John. This was indeed a game of two halves, each team winning one, but Sars holding out for the win. On a perfect evening for football, Ballinteer got started with plenty of possession but failed to convert the early shots to scores, with Lucan drawing first blood in the fifth minute with a well worked point from play from Sophie McIntyre. Ballinteer responded with more wides and shots dropping short into Abby Shiels hands. Sinead Daly opened her account with a goal from play and Mairi Moynihan added a point from a free when the ladies in orange fouled the kickout. Daly took a another point from play 10 minutes into the half, and Ballinteer finally opened their account from the restart. McIntyre took another point, and then our 2022 U16 All-Ireland winner, Siobhan Birnie blasted into the net to make it 2-5 to a solitary point. 

At the end of the quarter Zara lawless fired into the net, and some great play from Birnie, Ellen Lyons, Aoife Seery, Emma Flanagan and Lawless starting to dominate between the halfway and Ballinteers 45. The Ballinteer centre forward was causing all sorts of problems for our backs, however her support play was lacking and Lucan were able to close down the attacks. The away team were rushing their kickouts in an effort the deny Lucan the chance to press hard, however, they were not quick enough, Moynihan intercepted and pointed. Seery, Flanno, her sister - Rebecca, Patricia Gordon, Lily Rooney and Avril Quinn were solid at the back moving the ball forward at the earliest opportunity, Emma O’Brien, just back from injury, and Lyons in midfield provided the support in defence and attack. Our forwards were working well together and some lovely interchange between them saw Daly take another point from play. With just a minute left, Birnie pointed again from play. All-in-all a good half of football with Lucan leading 3-8 to 0-2 at the interval, and with only 4 wides! 

Lucan started the second half winning possession, and following up and down the pitch from both teams, a free was awarded to Lyons who found Daly and she duly pointed. Orlaith McKelvey came on for Lily Rooney, to take a turn at marking the troublesome centre-forward. This was our last score for a while, as whatever the opposing manager put in the water at half time seemed to work as they started building momentum, getting a couple of scores in the next few minutes. Lucan had plenty of possession, but were unable to convert, a combination of shots dropping short or being turned over. Ballinteer added another point in the eight minute, and were starting to win more frees. They were still putting them wide, though, and were pushing up on Shiels’ kickouts. They added another point from play, Laura Quinn was on the pitch now, replacing O'Brien, however she could do little to stop Ballinteer going through to score a goal. The gap was down to 8 points now, the away ladies were beginning to get some hope, losing their markers and keeping the ball in the Lucan half. Lucan conceded the next two kickouts which resulted in scores. 

Into the last quarter, Lyons wins a free, and sends it to Laura Quinn, but it goes wide. Lucan were starting to bunch, but manage to win a midfield battle and Leah O’Byrne sent it over for a point. Drama now as the referee has decided that her score was, in fact, Sarsfields first point of the half - sorry Sinead, your score does not count anymore. With the scoreboard amended, and from the restart, Ballinteer take a point from play reducing the new deficit to five. Lucan follow up with their eighth wide, before Birnie dances through four defenders and passes to McIntyre who puts it in the net. A minute later the ball is in the net again, but Lucan’s one this time, back to a five point margin. With seven minutes to go, the pressure was mounting, mistakes were being made, instead of making possession count, Sars allowed Ballinteer to turn-over the ball and they took another couple of points from play. In overtime, a free awarded to Ballinteer, who were going for goal, failed to be converted and the final whistle sounded, much to the relief of the Lucan side line. Final Score: Lucan Sarsfields 4-10, Ballinteer St John 2-13, and while we won the game, we lost the second half 1-2 to 2-11. On the positive side Lucan scored 4-10 from play which is terrific, however, some things to work on for the visit of Parnells on Wednesday 6, September at 7pm. 

Lucan Sarsfields: Abby Shiels, Rebecca Flanagan, Patricia Gordon, Emma Fallon, Lily Rooney, Avril Quinn, Aoife Seery, Emma O’Brien, Ellen Lyons, Siobhan Bernie (1-1), Emma Flanagan, Sophie McIntyre (1-3), Mairi Moynihan (0-2, 1f), Sinead Daly (1-3), Zara Lawless (1-0), Subs: Orlaith McKelvey for Lily Rooney, Laura Quinn for Emma O’Brien, Leah O’Byrne (0-1) for Zara Lawless, Ellen Dunphy for Aoife Seery and Michelle Kelly for Siobhan Birnie

JAC2 Championship 27/8/23, 11am, Rathcoole Park, Lucan 0-12 v 1-9 St Mary’s 

At this level lads don’t always have a selection of boots in their kitbag. Looking on, it resembled one of those Christmas skating rinks. Can’t remember so much slipping and sliding, which meant a lot of turnovers. Lucan had exclusive possession of the ball for opening 10mins, with just a well worked Jordan point, and a snappy left footed one from Tony. Mary’s worked their way into the game to level matters with a couple of frees. It was point for point up to half time, with the scores very hard to come by. In the conditions both sides were looking to get in close but it was very crowded, and plenty of ball was spilled, or blocked down, or over carried. It was not a day for carrying into contact. An incident late in the half was a neon lit signpost for what transpired later. Lucan won a free around Mary’s 40m line. The Mary’s sweeper stood in front of Jordan to make sure there was no quick take, complaining bitterly that the ref had got it wrong awarding a free to Lucan. Ref told him to move back. Ref told him again. Ref moved ball to the 20m line. Sweeper kept on yapping. Ref booked him. Will someone explain that to me? From our sideline it looked dumb. From the other sideline I imagine they were pulling their hair out. 

The 2nd period didn’t see much change. Lucan now had the slight wind advantage, but it didn’t seem much of an advantage! Throughout Lucan had dominated possession but struggled to carry through a packed defence. When Lucan went direct the Mary’s sweeper did exactly what it said on the tin. Mary’s were much more direct and this finally paid dividends. Peter had pulled on a loose ball to edge Lucan in front. From the kickout Mary’s won the ball in the middle and a single long ball fell kindly on the edge of the square for a well taken goal. Lucan heads seemed to drop a little, or maybe it was just Mary’s tails were up, as they added 3 quick points to leave Lucan trailing by 5, with 10 mins left on the clock. Lucan looked down, and in need of oxygen. Mary’s may have lost the run of themselves. They just needed to batten down the hatches. Instead it got a little fractious. All the slipping about saw a tangle of bodies in the middle of the park. The referee blew up, and that might have calmed matters, but Mary’s lad tried to reshape Callum’s nose as he ran past. It was a crass and cheap shot. Not to mention stupid. Right in front of the ref. Red card. 

The extra man might have been a help, but I think the psychological lift was more important. Callum got up off the canvas, and in the process lifted Lucan too. Suddenly it was Lucan in the driving seat. Jordan popped 2 points. Mary’s implosion continued apace when their midfielder picked up a 2nd yellow and departed. Not without loud protestations as to his innocence. I can make no comment as I’ve no idea what he did. 13 man Mary’s were pinned back, but time was their friend. 30 mins was up, and it seemed that only a goal would solve the puzzle that Lucan had struggled with for the previous hour. Lucan pressed up. Eoin bounded forward for a point. David broke a couple of tackles and his shot flashed over the bar. Was that it? Last chance of a goal gone? Ref waved play on. A couple of wides seemed to spell the end. Still ref waved play on. Lucan won the kickout. Pressed forward and the ref felt that along with the 9mins of added time, we deserved a 20m free for the last kick of the game. Jordan did the honours. Did we deserve the draw? Yes. In fact we should have won this. But, if I had been standing on Mary’s side of the pitch, I might have had a very different perception. Especially the final 10mins. Today was knockout Championship. A draw means we have to beat Templeogue in a fortnight. We go again.

Team/Scorers: Shane Kerins, Michael Young, Eoin Farrelly (0-1), Colm Kelly, Cian Gaire (0-1), Callum Buchanan, Conor Sheary, Conor McGrath, Oscar Nolan, Tony Mulqueen (0-1), Peter Carroll (0-1), Louis Butler Aaron Garrigan, Jordan Delmar (0-7), Brendan Kavanagh Subs: David Brosnan (0-1), Brian Tracey, Daniel Coogan, Declan Lawlor, Gareth Lenehan, Dean Davis

Coiste na nÓg / Juvenile

Well done to our U14c’s who beat St. Judes in the Championship this Weekend

We have now reopened our Academy all children are welcome and the good news is that new members charge is only €20 for the rest of the year. Anyone interested in joining can contact Alan.

Lotto

No Winner of last week’s Lotto Prize of €3,000.

The Numbers were 5, 14, 19, 25.

The lucky dip prizes go to, The lucky dip prizes go to, Sinead Seeley, Cormac Gordon, Paul Quinn, Roisin Cleary.

Next week’s Lotto will be for a jackpot of €3,400. The draw is sponsored by Red Island Interiors and will be led by Diarmuid Dawson.

Tá €3,400 sa phota óir don tseachtain seo chugainn agus is é urraitheoir na seachtaine:

Beidh sé beo ón Na Sárséalaigh Leamhcáin, an leathanach Facebook.

Déan cinnte go bhfuil d’iontráil curtha isteach agaibh roimh 6 i.n. oíche an chrannchuir, chun í a chur san áireamh sa chrannchur na seachtaine sin.

The draw will be held on Thursday 4^th September, at 9pm and is streamed from Lucan Sarsfields Clubhouse, on our Facebook page.

Make sure your entry is submitted before 6pm on the evening of the draw to be included in that week’s draw.

féidir libh ticéadaí a cheannacht ar líne leis an nasc seo:

Tickets can be purchased online at the following link:

http://bit.ly/LucanSarsfieldsClubLotto,

Go raibh míle maith agaibh as ucht tacú le Na Sárséalaigh Leamhcáin

Thank You for supporting Lucan Sarsfields GAA Club.