The 2011 AGM took place last Friday 3^rd February 2012 in the Greville Arms Hotel. There was an increase in numbers from last years AGM and it was good to see such a strong attendance present. Secretary,  Conleth McCormack, treasurer, Dermot Curley and outgoing senior manager Eddie Casey all delivered their respective reports on the events of 2011.
Understandably, there was no-one from the club present on the night that didn’t have the late Tony Donoghue on their mind throughout  the meeting. His very obvious absence at an annual club event that he rarely missed represented the huge void he would be leaving in the club. But the strong attendance and positive nature of the meeting was a true reflection of the willingness of the club to push on with business of running St Oliver Plunketts in his memory. This was epitomized by club chairman Liam Dalton as he paid a warm & heartfelt tribute to his close friend during his speech to the floor.
The final act of the evening was the election of officers for the coming year.
The club wishes to acknowledge the contribution of both Conleth McCormack and Eddie Casey to the club as they both step down from their respective roles after many years of hard work and effort. The lads will continue to be involved with Plunketts in other areas which is great news as the club look to retain good clubmen for the future.

2012 Officers: Chairman – Liam Dalton, Vice Chairman – Paddy Duggan, Secretary – Mark Landy, Assistant Secretary – Michael Coyle, Treasurer – Dermot Curley, Assistant Treasurer – Paddy Gorman, P.R.O – Paul Murtagh, County Board Rep – Kieran Fitzgerald, Registrar – Mickey Harris

The club will host an underage AGM this coming Thursday 9^th Feb in the Greville Arms to elect officers and mentors for underage teams for the coming year.

Tony Donoghue.

On Monday 12^th December we received the heartbreaking news of the passing of our great friend and clubmate Tony Donoghue. Tony was born with a heart of gold and a hurl in his hand; his love of hurling was second only to the love and dedication he had for his family. He arrived to the midlands from Portumna Co Galway as a member of An Garda Siochana and was initially stationed in Killucan for a number of years. While there he played hurling for Raharney and his fondness of the Joristown team was never hidden as was the respect that Raharney folk had for Tony.

 

In the early 1970’s Tony was posted to Mullingar Garda Station. Tony and family moved to Hillside Drive Mullingar. Pearses’ Hurling Club had just disbanded in Mullingar and Tony Donoghue recognised the need for a hurling club within the town. He arranged a meeting of a number of former Pearses’ members and local hurling enthusiasts, following this meeting Oliver Plunketts Hurling Club was formed in April of 1976. Tony worked diligently with the schools of Mullingar and with great help from local teachers and fellow hurling folk the clubs youth policy brought great glory for the Mullingar based club. One of Tony’s proudest moments was the winning of the clubs first underage title back in 1986 with the capture of the U16 championship title that year.

 

Tony also recognised the need for Oliver Plunketts to have their own facility and in 1988 with the help of a number of prominent club members and local business people, Robinstown was purchased and developed, to this day remains the home of Oliver Plunketts H.C. Fundraising is the hardest part of any Club’s duties but Tony never shirked from this responsibility. From the bingo nights in the County Hall and The Greville Arms Hotel to lotto and raffle ticket selling duties, Tony was at the forefront of each fundraising event. The respect that people had for Tony was evident by the number of tickets that he returned sold for any given draw or raffle.

 

There were some sad times within the club also, most notably the sad passing of club members John Joe Lynch, Ben Kelly and Paul “Podger” Daly. Tony steered the club through these sad and difficult times and he always noted that difficult times would make the club stronger. The club now faces its most difficult time; Tony’s passing leaves an enormous void within our Club. He was the father figure to all involved with Oliver Plunketts. It is our duty as club members to ensure that the club continues to grow for the youth and adults of Mullingar as this is what Tony strived to achieve during his fruitful time in Mullingar.

 

Tony’s removal and funeral took place on the 14th and 15th of December and the large numbers who attended was testimony to Tony’s legacy. People travelled from far and near in order to pay respect to this great character. To his wife Mary, family Kieran, Diarmuid, Sinead and Fergal, sisters, brothers, daughters-in-law, son-in-law, grandchildren, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, nieces, nephews, relatives and many loyal friends we offer our deepest sympathy and support. Ar Dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilis.

U6 Realt Glas Last Sunday morning, our “Realt Glas” or “Green Stars” U6 players turned up for their very own training session in Robinstown. Unfortunately a lot of our U6 panel didn’t make it down, with the poor weather not helping. However, the few that did make it had a great time playing fun games, learning skills and having a little match as well before getting their stickers at the end. The players that attended were Martin Wilton, Thomas Kenny, Eoin Meehan, Tadhg Sheridan, Donnacha Maguire & Daniel Cunningham. These players are the future of the club, so we hope they continue to come down for the years ahead.

 

U8 News Cullion Blitz: We had another very strong turnout for the final blitz of the year last Friday night. Once again we had a panel of 22 players which meant we were able to field 2 teams on the night. The panel were as follows: Daragh Luby, Matthew Clinton, Oisín Sheridan, Tadhg Sheridan, Oisín Duncan, Caoimhín Duncan, Tom Hickey, Ruairí Hickey, Ronan Casey, Martin Wilton, Ben Egan, Ross Clinton, Mickey Granahan, Dominic Byrne, Daniel White, Daniel Shaw, Kelton Hanlon, Carson Hanlon, Owen Charles, Andrew Cunningham, Daniel Cunningham and Conor Fagan. Both teams played 2 games each against Edgesworthtown, Southern Gaels, Fr Daltons and Cullion; they put in some stirring performances with plenty of heroics along the way. It was a great way to finish off the competitive end of the season. Thanks to John Shaw & Cullion for hosting the games.

 

Hurling on the Greens: On Sunday last the club held 6 special training sessions at venues across the town. While the very heavy rain lead to the Brookfield session being a wash-out, it eventually subsided and we had more success at Raithín, Greenpark Meadows, Chestnut Grove, Gleann Petit and Petiswood Manor. There was a lot of interest shown by the current Under 8 panel members and a few more also joined in. Members of the U8 panel that attended the sessions were – Keelan Poynton, Owen Petticrew, Dominic Byrne, Martin Wilton, Thomas Meehan, Eoin Meehan, Ronan Casey, Matthew Moore, Ross Clinton, Ben Egan, Matthew Clinton, Tom Hickey, Ruairí Hickey, Mark Shaw, Darragh Luby and Mickey Granahan. The final U8 training session of the season takes place this coming Tuesday 27^th at 6:30pm

 

Fixtures There are Minor, U16 and U14 championship fixtures this coming weekend so please check County Board fixtures list within this paper or check out the fixtures section on the County Board web site -  www.westmeathgaa.ie

 

Condolence St Oliver Plunketts HC wishes to express deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the late Pat O’Brien of Mullingar Road, Castlepollard. May he rest in peace.

 

Best of Luck We wish Mullingar Shamrocks all the best for their forthcoming Senior football final, a number of Plunketts members are involved so best of luck to all concerned.

 

Club Notes Anyone wishing to have notes included in our weekly column should contact myself at 086 8062103 before 9pm on Sunday evenings or send an e-mail to    phmurtagh@yahoo.ie

 

And Finally A selection of St Oliver Plunketts members are helping out at a fundraiser for St Lukes Hospital Cancer Care Cure and Control programmes. The head-shave, hair dye and body wax fundraiser is been organised by Helen Murtagh; Seamus “Sobby” O’Brien will host the proceedings with Ciaran McKenna providing music on the night. Some participants for head-shave are Helen Murtagh and Michael “Cosy” Coyle; their promises to be great fun for a worthy cause in the Annebrook Hotel commencing at 9pm on Friday 30^th Sept.

On Saturday next 27th september, Robinstown will host fixtures in the U16 All Ireland B Hurling Competition with the Westmeath team in action at 11am and 12pm. If they qualify for the knockout stage Westmeath will move onto Cusack Park so please come and support the Westmeath youngsters.

The quarter final replay has been fixed for Sunday 4th September in Cusack Park with throw in at 6pm. On Sunday evening last the Senior hurlers turned on the style in the quarter final versus Lough Lene Gaels. This was the game of the 2011 Championship as both teams battled hard and fair for the right to meet Clonkill in the semi final. Hopefully we can produce the goods for the replay and progress to the next round of the senior champioship. Best of luck to players and management.

St Oliver Plunketts Hurling Club Mullingar

 

U14 V Fr Daltons Our U14s had a good win against Father Daltons in poor conditions last Thursday in Robinstown. Goals from Ryan Purcell, Sean O Brien, Daragh Gray and Brian Carter sealed the win for the home side on a score line of 4-6 to 0-10. There's not much more of the championship left to play as Turin & Ringtown await next. Team: Conor McKenna, Sean O'Brien, Sean Kelly(C), Daragh Gray, Craig Reilly, Conor McKeown, Eoin Ashe, Brian Carter, Conor Mount, Dylan Byrne, Alex McKevilly, Dylan Ledwith, Ryan Purcell, Shane Lynam, Callum Wilson, Conor McKeown, Glenn Gilchriest.

 

U8s outing to Edenderry There was a very good turn out for our recent outing to Edenderry. 31 kids made the trip to the faithful county where we played two challenge games against the home side. The "Olivers" had Kelton Hanlon, Carson Hanlon, Owen Petticrew, Daniel Shaw, Kyron Reilly-Skey, Fallum Crichton, Oisín Duncan, Eoin Meehan, Darragh Luby, Dominic Byrne, Tadhg Sheridan, Daniel White, Shane Quinn, Conor Fagan and Michael Flanagan. The "Plunketts" were Ronan Casey, Matthew Clinton, Andrew Cunningham, Ross Clinton, Oisín Sheridan, Daithí Ó Máirtín, Tomas Meehan, Christopher Lynn, Darragh Hughes, Caoimhín Duncan, Niall Doonan, Tom Hickey, Rory Hickey, Mikey Granahan, Dáire Keane & Owen Charles. Among the highlights of the games was a long range goal crashed in by Andrew Cunningham and a super point by Daithí Ó Máirtín. But it was both teams’ efforts that pleased the coaches on the day, and they raised their game against a well organized Edenderry outfit. The under 8s are now starting to show the bit quality in play that they've been threatening to do all year and with strong numbers coming through there's a lot to be positive about. On the way home there was time to stop for a bite to eat in Raithin Woods and the lads then finished with an hour in Rock N Bowl. Thanks to all the parents who came out and generously gave up their afternoon to help out with the activities during the day.Thanks to our hosts Edenderry & we'll be returning the honours in Robinstown in a few weeks time.

 

Fixtures Senior Hurling Championship Quarter Final, St Oliver Plunketts v Lough Lene Gaels, Sunday 21^st August in Cusack Park at 7pm. Please come along and support our senior hurlers. Check out the County Board web site for the full list of fixtures or check County Board notes within this paper –  www.westmeathgaa.ie

 

Condolence St Oliver Plunketts HC wishes to express deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the late Ellen Dolan of Mount Temple, Moate. May she rest in peace.

 

Club Notes Anyone wishing to have notes included in our weekly column should contact myself at 086 8062103 before 9pm on Sunday evenings or send an e-mail to    phmurtagh@yahoo.ie

 

St Oliver Plunketts Hurling Club Mullingar

 

Senior Hurling Championship St OPHC 1.16 – Devlin 3.08. A two point win over a gallant Delvin outfit means that our seniors qualify for a quarter final tie versus Lough Lene Gaels towards the end of the month. This was a very lacklustre performance by our senior hurlers in Cusack Park on Saturday evening last, particularly in the second period. The game never got going and a lot of hurling work will be required between now and the quarter final if we are to have any chance of making the semi final. The first half was mostly dominated by Plunketts; with 20 minutes gone they were ahead 1.05 to 0.02. The game turned just before the break when Delvin converted a dubious penalty and immediately raised another green flag after some slack defending on the Plunketts 14m line. Half time score 1.10 to 2.04. The second half is best forgotten. There was no continuity to play during this period; scrappy play from both sides resulting in numerous frees. Players playing well out of position and running around after the sliothar, reminiscent of an under 8 game, leaving opposing players unmarked in various positions on the field. The final 7 or 8 minutes of the game was played largely in the Plunketts full back line as Delvin pumped in high ball at every opportunity hoping to raise another green flag. A fantastic save by Conor Lynch was batted out for a 65m and the ensuing melee resulted in a 21m free for Delvin which eventually found the net. Fortunately Plunketts were 5 points clear prior to that goal and following the puck out the final whistle blew much to the relief of the Mullingar hurlers. One bonus of this fixture was the return of Dermot Curley to the field of action, hopefully our crop of injured players will soon be fighting fit and ready for the quarter final fixture. Team; Conor Lynch, Oisin Clinton, Dermot Curley, Steve McManus, Damien Kiernan,  Greg Gavin, Michael Curley, Ciaran Curley, Aaron Craig, Noel Gavin, Davy Gavin, Govinda Geoghegan, Peter Collins, Johnny Dooley, Sean Maguire, Cian O’Leary, Connaire Flanagan, Paddy Laide and Clive Kenny. We wish Conor Lynch a speedy recovery from the shoulder injury sustained towards the end of this fixture.

 

Fixtures Check out the County Board web site for the full list of fixtures or check County Board notes within this paper –  www.westmeathgaa.ie

 

Club Notes Anyone wishing to have notes included in our weekly column should contact myself at 086 8062103 before 9pm on Sunday evenings or send an e-mail to    phmurtagh@yahoo.ie

St Oliver Plunketts Hurling Club Mullingar

 

Senior Hurling Championship St OPHC v Castletown Geo in Cusack Park Mullingar, Saturday 23^rd July at 7.30pm. A very important fixture for our senior hurlers so please come and support your team, best of luck to all involved.

 

Junior Hurling Championship Result St OPHC 3.11 – Lough Lene Gaels 2.15

 

Fixtures Check out the County Board web site for the full list of fixtures or check County Board notes within this paper –  www.westmeathgaa.ie

 

Members Monthly Draw All draw winners are noted on our Club web site and you can also find details of the draw and entry form on club web site. If you would like to be included in the draw please down load the entry form and return it to any of the committee members or contact Conleth McCormack on 087 2269359. Once again thanks for your continued support.

 

Hurling Helmet Appeal We're looking for hurling helmets for the club. Anyone who used to play hurling or who may even have a second helmet at home that they are not using may wish to donate it to our club. It doesn’t matter how old it is, so long as it's in reasonably good condition and it can be used. It's a small gesture that would go a long way to helping our club. If you have one, please contact Mark on (086) 8197607.

 

Condolence St Oliver Plunketts HC wish to express deepest sympathy to the family and friends of the late Peter Lennon of Parnell Terrace Mullingar, to family and friends of the late Catherine Daly of Petitswood Manor Mullingar and to the family and friends of the late George Savage of Cullionmore Mullingar. May they rest in peace.

 

Club Notes Anyone wishing to have notes included in our weekly column should contact myself at 086 8062103 before 9pm on Sunday evenings or send an e-mail to    phmurtagh@yahoo.ie