Fans turn out in their droves for Offaly GAA Open Night
May 13, 2013At O'Connor Park, Tullamore there was an open training session with the Offaly senior football squad under the guidance of manager Emmet McDonnell.
While Offaly goalkeeper and the county's Coaching & Games Promotion Manager Alan Mulhall used the occasion to promote the forthcoming Kellogg's Cul GAA Summer Camps.
Offaly played Longford in a challenge game on Sunday, May 12 to mark the official opening of the refurbished Grattan Og grounds in Stonepark, Longford as they continued their preparations for their Leinster GAA Football championship quarter-final against Kildare on Saturday, June 1 at Croke Park. Longford triumphed by 1-16 to 1-11.
GAA fans, young and old, ventured to O'Connor Park where they had their photographs taken with players, obtained autographs and local media representatives were also present to conduct interviews.
Posters and wrist bands were also distributed on the night.
Meanwhile, following the Kilcormac/Killoughey versus Birr encounter in the opening round of the Molloy Environmental Systems Senior Hurling Championship at St Rynagh's Park, Banagher, there was a meet and greet with Offaly hurling manager Ollie Baker and members of his panel.
Offaly host reigning All-Ireland and recently crowned Allianz Hurling League Division 1 kingpins Kilkenny in the opening round of the Leinster Championship on Sunday, June 9 in O'Connor Park, Tullamore and that fixture is sure to attract a bumper crowd. Kilkenny, too, have been boosted by the news that JJ Delaney will be available.
Offaly's championship fixtures in the weeks ahead are ;
Saturday, May 18 - Electric Ireland Leinster MHC Laois v Offaly
Saturday, June 1 - Leinster SFC quarter-final Offaly v Kildare in Croke Park
Wednesday, June 5 - Bord Gais Energy Leinster U21 Hurling Championship Laois v Offaly in O'Moore Park, Portlaoise
Sunday, June 9 - Leinster SHC quarter-final Offaly v Kilkenny in O'Connor Park, Tullamore.
Draws for Offaly GAA Spring League Finals made at supporters Open Night
THE Offaly GAA Spring Football & Hurling Leagues at U14, U16 & Minor are reaching the concluding stages. Commencing in early March the programme has seen over 100 games being played in both codes at the above grades.
In a novel twist a draw has been made to see which of our finalists get HOME venue for the final. The draw was made at the Official Offaly GAA Open Night on Friday May 10th and the details of the finals pairings are listed below.
UNDER 14 LEAGUES
The U14 Leagues have been particularly competitive as the winners of the Div. 1 Finals go one to represent Offaly at the Football Féile in Derry and the Hurling Féile in Limerick.
U14 Football League Final
Tuesday 14th May
Venue - Walsh Island
St. Broughan's Vs. Kilcormac/Killoughey
U14 Hurling League Final (Div. 1)
Friday 24th May
Venue - Banagher
St. Rynaghs Vs. Kilcormac/Killoughey
U14 Hurling League Final (Div. 2)
Friday 24th May
Venue - Carraig
CRC Gaels Vs. Ferbane/Belmont
UNDER 16 LEAGUES
In U16 Football the final round of groups games takes place on Monday next 13th May and this will determine the final pairings. The pairings are already known in the U16 Hurling Competition.
U16 Football League Final (Div. 1)
Saturday 18th May
Venue - Winner Div. 1(A)
Winner Div. 1(A) Vs. Winner Div. 1(B)
U16 Football League Final (Div. 2)
Saturday 18th May
Venue - Winner Div. 2(B)
Winner Div. 2(B) Vs. Winner Div. 2(A)
U16 Hurling League Final (Div. 1)
Monday 20th May
Venue - Kilcormac
Kilcormac/Killoughey Vs. St. Rynaghs
U16 Hurling League Final (Div. 2)
Monday 20th May
Venue - Shinrone
Shinrone Vs. Na Fianna
MINOR LEAGUES
The Minor Final pairings are almost known with just one outstanding team in Div. 2 hurling
Minor Football League Final (Div. 1)
Wednesday 15th May
Venue - Edenderry
Edenderry Vs. Clara
Minor Football League Final (Div. 2)
Wednesday 15th May
Venue - Gracefield
Gracefield Vs. DER Gaels
Minor Hurling League Final (Div. 1)
Wednesday 22nd May
Venue - Birr or Shinrone (Birr & Shinrone play 15th May in final group game)
Birr/Shinrone Vs. Kilcormac/Killoughey
Minor Hurling League Final (Div. 2)
Wednesday 22nd May
Venue - Clara
Clara Vs. Winner 2(B) Tweet
