News on Aug 31st……………

Bray Senior Ladies Football team in B Championship Semi -Final

Bray Emmets 4-24, Valleymount  1-04;  

Bray Emmets are through to the Senior B championship final following a comfortable victory over Valleymount  last Sunday, 27 th August 2006  . The disappointment of losing the ‘A' semi-final was firmly put to bed with an emphatic victory that was never in doubt after the Bray ladies opened an early lead with a series of well taken scores from open play. Valleymount never quite got to grips with the pace and movement of the Bray forwards, but this was a performance characterised by solid defensive work and creativity finished off in excellent style by some great scores.  Valleymount tried desperately hard to curtail Bray's efforts, but the rout continued in the second half as the Emmets, using their full compliment of five substitutes ran out comfortable winners.

 Bray Emmets Team: Christine Murphy, Caroline Bolger,  Sheena Smith, Jenny Ding, Laura Richardson, Aisling O'hAnnaidh, Eileen Henley(0-1), Aoife Heffernan (0-2), Mikaela Shelley (0-8), Sinead Boland, (3-5), Val Hughes, capt. (0-3), Niamh Ryan, Karen Reilly (0-1), Catherine Corbett (0-4), Lisa Brady. Subs:  Sarah McGraynor (for Niamh Ryan), Roisin Linnie (for Catherine Corbett), Jessica Concannon (for Eileen Henley), Kim Cusack (1-00) (for Val Hughes), Niamh Coleman (for Aoife Heffernan).

U14 Footballers back in form

Under 14 footballers got back to winning ways with a 3-14 to 0-7 win over Rathnew at Old Conna on the 23 rd August.  Captain and man of the match Arron Murphy showed the way and was backed up with excellent performances by Peter O'Reilly in goal, Cathal Nolan, Paddy O'Toole, Stephen Delaney, Luke O'Reilly, Eoin O'Dea , Robert Walsh, Anderw O'Rourke, Nicky Sweeney  and free taker Harry Stephenson. Scorers:- H. Stephenson 1-5  S. Delaney 2-2  J. Henderson 0-2  A. Murphy 0-2  L.O'Reilly 0-1 A.O,Rourke 0-1 N.Sweeney 0-1.

Academy Enrolment

Bray Emmets' G.A.A.Junior Academy caters for children from Junior Infants up to the age of eight. The academy develops children in team sports as well as the development of their motor, co-ordination and agility skills. Children partake in both Gaelic Football and Hurling with fun and games an important part of the coaching programme. The club has in place a code of conduct and a charter for the welfare of children and with this in mind the coaching is provided by experienced coaches and parents attached to the club. The academy has been developed over a number of years with children going on to play for the underage and adult club teams. We will now be enrolling for the new term on the following dates: Saturday 16th September 2006 from 10am to 11am and Saturday 23rd September 2006 from 10am to 11am. Enrolment will take place at our new club grounds at Old Connaught Avenue . Making children happy and comfortable in their surroundings is our key aim and therefore we are always keen to get parents involved in coaching. Experience is not required as we will be running a course for new coaches. So if you are looking for an outlet for your child where they can become part of a team, please come along. For further information contact Tom Kearney  086-3983399, Gabriel Plower 087-6591716, Conor Ryan  087-2383181 or John McMahon 087-1326341.

Minor Footballers draw with EireOg in great game of football.

  The Emmet's Minor footballers picked up their fourth point in the Championship as they drew with Eire Og on a score line of Eire Og 15pts to 2.09 in Old Connaught on Wed 23 rd August.  This was a great game of football and credit must go to the players and mentors of both teams for serving up such great football. The referee, Johathon Doyle from Ashford also contributed with his sensible handling of the game. The game was nip and tuck all the way thru and Eire Og led by 7pts to 6 at half time.  The Emmet's went ahead early in the second half but Eire Og hit back to go 3pts ahead, the Emmet's drew level with a David Finn goal only to see Eire Og go four points ahead.  A grandstand finish saw Peter Walsh score a great goal and Emmet's man of the match, David Finn score the equaliser.   The whole team played well against a good Eire Og team and deserving of special mention are, Mark Breen, Conor Power, Cormac Martin, Cathal Wogan , Jordan Egan and Declan Snow.  The Emmet's now have 4pts from 4 matches (1 win/2 draws/lost 1) and have two matches remaining, at home to St. Patrick's on, Wed. 30 August in Old Connaught at 7.15 and away to Baltinglass on Mon. 4 August.

Two more stars play in CrokePark.

The full house in CrokePark on Sunday last not only got to see a thrilling match between Mayo and Dublin but also got the honour of seeing two of the Bray Emmets stars play in the mini sevens at half time. Lee Brandon and Luke Maloney who represented Cill Mhantain Cumann na mBunscoil both go to St. Cronan's BNS, Bray and also play for Bray Emmets u12 football and hurling teams. Lee was the goalie and Luke played in the number 7 jersey on their big day.

U12 hurlers played Glenealy on Wednesday last and notched up another win.

Congratulations to Peter O'Reilly, John Conroy, John Henderson, Arran Murphy, Harry Stephenson, Paddy O'Toole, Mikie Lee who played with the Wicklow Hurling team in the Tony Forrestal competition last week-end in Waterford . Wicklow played Meath in the Division 3 final on Sunday morning in WalshPark.

The u14 hurling and football teams in the club wish Hugh Douglas and Chris Lyons a speedy recovery from their injuries.

News on Aug 24th ……………

Luas With regard to recent publicity in National and local press concerning the proposed plan for the extension of the Luas Line to Bray the Club management would like to inform members of the information available to us within the Club at the moment.. The initial decision by Martin Cullen, T.D., Minister for Transport, to extend the Luas line to Fassaroe Industrial Park which is on the M11 south of our ground on the same side of the motorway has been taken and is due for completion in 2015. There are three proposed route options all of which could impact on our grounds. Bray Emmets have been aware for some time of the proposal to run the Luas Line through our new grounds in Old Connaught. While it is only a proposal we have been involved in discussions with all interested parties including  the Wicklow County Board, the developers of the lands adjoining Old Connaught, Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council, Bray Urban District Council and have written to all councellors and local representatives expressing our concerns and explaining in some detail our plans to remain in Old Connaught and have our Club House and four pitches there. We have a meeting planned with the Railway Procurement Agency in the near future. Within the next 3-4 weeks there will be a series of Public Meetings where people can meet the Railway Procurement Agency. The Club would welcome members support in attending these meetings and expressing their concerns as it is at these meetings that the inputs are taken for decision on the Luas Routes. If anyone requires further information please contact either our Secretary Paul Cunningham or our Public Relations Officer Frances Stephenson. Both names and numbers appear on at http://www.brayemmets.com/ClubInfo.htm We plan to hold an information night for our members after the public meetings when we get to see the proposals for Old Connaught in late September. We appreciate your continued support for our Games and also for the future development of Old Connaught as the centre of our GAA activities within Bray.

U12 hurlers notch up another win!

Bray Emmets played Eire Og, Greystones on Friday evening, 18 August, in Old Connaught and again came away with a victory. Both teams were very short and there were quite a few 10 year olds and even one 5 year old David Maloney on the panel. This meant we had three Maloneys on the field (four if you count the ref!!), Luke, Sean and David while older brother Dara was the main supporter. We had Peter Conroy starring at corner back in his first U12 Hurling match and every bit as good as big brother John who plays with with both the County Hurling team and Bray's u14 team. Also we had Shane Lohan and the two Doyles from Cois Cairn as well as the Mc Cormacks , Ben and Eoin. Once again David Gallagher featured and scored a great goal after fielding a high dropping ball. Daire Henderson ably looked after the goal for the first half of the match. The regulars including Pierce Sweeney, Lee Brandon, Luke Maloney, Jim Doyle, Diarmuid Masterson, Cian O'Byrne, Dara Loghan, Ryan Fagan, Emily Stephenson, Alan Doogan performed really well and we move on towards the play off stages of the U12 Hurling Championship. Final Score: Bray Emmets 4:15 Eire Og 1:2.

U11's help out in football

Bray's u12s suffered their first defeat in the U12 Football League/ Championship last week. The team tried really hard and never gave up in spite being short a lot of regulars. Thanks to the U11 Manager John Anders who brought 6 players to Arklow to allow us fulfill the fixture.

Thanks especially to Matthew Thompson, Shane Anders and David Gallagher who made their U12 debuts. Final score: Bray Emmets 0-7, Arklow 2-9.

Hurling: Bray too strong for visiting Fingallians

Bray played Fingallians at home in Old Connaught on Thursday evening, 17 August and came away with a fine victory. Bray were once again missing a lot of regulars and had the bare 15 players. The players who stood out were Adam Conway, Philip Houghton, Tadhg Dornan and Karl O'Brien while John Gallagher had a great game in goal after a shaky start. All the regulars Pierce Sweeney, Luke Maloey, Jim Doyle, Diarmuid Masterson, Cian O'Byrne, Daire Henderson, Mark Lennon, Daragh Lohan, Ryan Fagan and Emily Stephenson played up their normal high standard. Final Score: Bray Emmets 5:13 Fingallians 1:1

Senior Footballers beat Shillelagh in League.

  The Emmet's senior footballers had a good win over Shillelagh, 3.09 to 1.07 in the SFL in Old Connaught on Wed. 16 August.  The Emmet's had a great start to this game and had goals from John Walsh and Conor Flannery in the first ten minutes.  There were also some nice points scored by Mikey Brown, Conor Flannery, Paddy Moynihan and Niall Mc Graynor.  The whole team was playing well and there was good movement off the ball by the backs and forwards.  Another gaol from John Walsh saw the half time score read Bray Emmets 3.05 to 3pts.  The second half saw the Emmet's lose their shape and discipline. The team did not play as a unit and did not move the ball as they had in the first half.  Granted they did bring on five subs but the management team will be disappointed with the second half display. The win keeps them in the top four of the league.  They have 4 matches left in the league, one away to Aughrim and three at home, Rathnew, Annacurra and An Tochar.

Their next match is the Championship quarter-final on Sat/Sun 26-27 August.  The team deserves the support of all club members in this game. (Check Fixture List) 

Fixtures.

  Three Championship matches in Old Connaught .

All our pitches in Old Connaught will be in use to night Wednesday 23 August because for the first time in the clubs long and illustrious history, our club has home venue in three championship matches. The Under 12 Hurlers play Glenealy at 7.15pm, the Und 14 Footballers play Rathnew at 7.30pm and the Minor Footballers play Eire Og at 7.30.  These championships are run on a league basis, so the mentors of all the teams will be looking to secure two points to reach the knock-out stages.  You may be able to get a look at all three matches.

Intermediate Hurling

Bray Emmets 2:17        Carnew Emmets 1:07

The intermediate hurlers kept their championship alive with a victory over an under-strength Carnew team in Ashford on Sunday morning. Playing with a stiff breeze in the first half Bray led 0:09 to 1:04 at half time despite shooting 10 wides. However the radar was in action after half time when 4 quick points stretched the lead to 6 and they never looked back after that.

Eoin Mason polished off a fantastic all round performance with 10 points, while his midfield partner (and former under age mentor) Ronan O Brien also contributed 3 points, to put the gloss on a powerful performance. All round it was a fine display from a very young team.

A serious hand injury, which puts the remainder of centre back Peter Kiely's championship season in doubt, took the sheen off the result, and we wish him a speedy and successful recovery.

Team: Peter Walsh; Michael Walsh; Michael Priest (Jnr); Tadhg O Broin; Ed Keating (0:01); Peter Kiely; Colin Salmon; Ronan O Brien (0:03); Eoin Mason (0:10); John Ward; William Nolan (1:00); Killian Foley (0:01); Derek Heffernan (0:01); Jackie Moorehouse; Barry Cunningham. Subs: C Mac Eoin for B Cunningham; M Browne (1:01) for D Heffernan; B Cunningham for P Kiely. P Barry; E Douglas

News on Aug 17th ……………

 Stars in Croke Park

 Bray Emmets was ably represented in Croke Park last Sunday by hurling stars Cian O'Byrne and Daire Henderson. Cian and Daire played as part of the mini sevens during half time in the Kilkenny Clare semi final. Cian plays with the u12 hurling team in Bray and Daire is on the u11 team. Both boys are students in St Cronan's Boys National School , Bray. On Sunday, 27th August, Luke Maloney and Lee Brandon will be playing during the Football semi final.

 U10 footballers record a good win

 Our good friends from Roundwood came down to play the final league match on Friday 11th August in Old Conna. Though Bray led from start to finish. The match was keenly contested, and the result was in doubt until the final whistle blew. Both teams were missing key players but this afforded opportunity to several younger players to step up to the mark, none more so than 5-year old David Maloney and 6-year old Donncha Morgan. Outstanding as ever in goals was Michael Curran and well-known brothers Karl and Aaron Doyle continue to shine in midfield. New recruit Michael O'Brien shows outstanding talent, fitting well beside seasoned pro's, Peter Conroy, Shane Lohan, Dean, Marcus and Sean. Final score line on Friday: Bray Emmets: 2-6. An Tochar: 1-5.

Team management would also like to wish Ishmael Mnensa and Thomas Kelly speedy recoveries also.

 Under 14 Footballers lose first match in championship

 The Emmet's under 14 boy's football team lost at home to Eire Og Greystones in the championship on Wed. 9 August.  This was the Emmet's fourth match in the championship which is run on a home and away league basis.  They had beaten Rathnew, St. Brigid's and St. Kevin's away but lost out to the championship favourites, Eire Og on a scoreline of 2.08 to 0-4.  Both teams were missing players and the game was much closer than the score line suggests.  Eire Og played with the wind and scored a goal in the first minute to get off to a good start.  The Emmets improved and Chris Lyons was unlucky when his penalty effort hit the crossbar and rebounded to safety. They trailed at half time, 1.05 to 0-2. The Emmet's had the advantage of the wind in the second half and had a good amount of possession but failed to convert the chances.  Peter O' Reilly in the Emmet's goal had a great game and was very unlucky when the ball just crossed the line for the second Eire Og goal.  Eire Og missed some scoring chances as well but they now remain unbeaten in the championship.  Best for the Emmet's, Peter O' Reilly, Eoin O'Dea, Hugh Douglas, Killian Molloy, Finian Green, Adam O'Connor, Paddy O'Toole, Daragh Maloney and Chris Lyons.  The referee, Brain Morgan did a good job on the game.

The next two matches are away to Eire Og and Baltinglass followed by four home matches. The top four teams qualify for the playoffs.

 All Ireland Kick Fada and Mini- All Ireland Hurling Competitions.

Saturday 9th September 2006.

 The Emmet's adult and juvenile committees are now in the process of organising the 6th   annual All Ireland Kick Fada and Mini All Ireland competitions.  The competitions were held for the first time last year in our new grounds at Old Connaught and were another great success. It is hoped that after the Emmet's successfully hosted the All Ireland Feile Competition, that this year will be even better.  Keep the 9th September free and come along to see the best Gaelic players in Ireland try to win the All Ireland title.  The mini All - Ireland hurling competition will feature teams from around the country including our own u12 and u14 hurlers. The younger players of the club will have their event in the morning as usual.

News on Aug 1st ……………

  U8s continue Go Games

Last Saturday morning 21 boys and girls from a mixed U8 and U9 team travelled down the N11 in monsoon like conditions to take on St Pats. As Bray outnumbered St Pats on the day we split into two teams. Each Bray team played a 20 minute football “Go Game”.

The rain stayed off for the first game and Bray proved to be very strong. The defence cleaned up any St Pats attacks. A fast moving full forward line constantly broke away from their markers and were fed in lots of clever ball from a dominant midfield. The Bray forward line took some fine scores from play and also a well taken close in free driven to the top of the net through a crowded defence. The rain started to come down during the second game and this turned into a match dominated by both defences. Regardless of strong efforts by both teams the match ended in stalemate. Despite the holiday season and the inclement weather on the day there was a great turnout from Bray and each one of them put in a huge effort. The U8s and U9s continue informal training each Saturday morning from 10 am until 12 noon during August.

Four players in Croke Park 

Congratulations to four of our young stars who will be playing in Croke Park in August. Cian O'Byrne and Daire Henderson will be playing during the half time of the All Ireland Hurling Semi Final on Satuday, 13 th August. Luke Maloney and Lee Brandon will playing on Sunday, 27 th August during the All Ireland Football Semi Final.

U14 Hurlers notch up another win

Despite a slow start on Sunday morning last which allowed Glenealy slip in a couple of goals the U14 hurling team had another win. A strong wind created a number of wides along with some great saves by the Glenealy goalie there was only a two point lead by Bray at half time. The second half showed an improvement in play and the final score was Bray Emmets 4:14, Glenealy 3:4. The team: Peter O'Reilly, Lee Brandon, Cillian O'Maolmhuaidh, John Conroy, Luke O'Reilly, Harry Stephenson, Dara Maloney(0:2), Hugh Douglas, Chris Lyons, Nicky Sweeney(0:2), Paddy O'Toole, Luke Maloney(0:1), Karl O'Brien, John Henderson (4:3), Mikie Lee(0:5), Cian O'Byrne, Enda O‘Maolmhuaidh, Jim Doyle.

Under 14 Footballers win in Hollywood .  

The Emmet's U14 footballers had a good win ( 5.06 to 2.03) against St. Kevin's on Wed 26 July in Hollywood .  This was their third away win but was not an impressive display.  Granted they were missing some players but they played below the standard that they set in the All Ireland Feile. The half time score was 2.03 to 2pts with the Emmet's missing a lot of chances.  There was an all round improvement in the second half which meant the entire panel was given a run with the permission of St. Kevin's.  Best for the Emmet's were Hugh Douglas, Eoin O'Dea, Rob Walsh, Peter O' Reilly, Paddy O' Toole, Stephen Delaney, Dara Maloney, John Henderson, Arron Murphy and Nicholas Sweeney. Lee Brandon played well on his debut as did the other players making their first appearance. There is a break now for two weeks and the next scheduled match is against Rathnew in Old Connaught on Wed. 16 th August. 

All Underage County Fixtures postponed for two weeks.

 The Wicklow clubs voted at a Fixtures meeting in Aughrim on Thursday 27 th July to postpone all underage fixtures for a two week period from the 1 st Aug to 14 th Aug.  This decision was necessary because of the difficulty that clubs had fielding teams at this time of year. This decision was supported by Bray Emmets and we would like to see a period, at least two weeks, put into the fixtures calendar every year to allow for holidays. Clubs have been asked to play back matches where possible during the two week period.

Senior Footballers into Championship Quarter-Finals.

 The Emmets Senior Mens' Footballers drew with An Tochar in the Championship group decider in Newtown on Sat. 29 th July, 1.08 to 11pts.  The draw was enough to get the Emmet's into the quarter final because Kiltegan beat Shillelagh.  This was not a good display by the team but they are still in the championship race.  They were short a number of players for various reasons. It is hoped that when all the players are available it will give the management team some more options. The half time score was 5pts to 4 for An Tochar. The Emmet's won this match during a fifteen minute purple patch where they scored 1.03 and went four points ahead.  But they did not keep the pace up and allowed An Tochar back into the game in the last few minutes.  The referee, Eugene O'Brien did a good job on the match but most people present were surprised when he played seven minutes injury time.  Best players were, Barry Lyndsey, Oisin O hAannaidh, Brian O' Keefe, Ray Lamb, Eamon Furlong, Ross Mc Anaspie (1.02) and Paul Molloy.

The quarter final opponents will be drawn from Rathnew, Blessington or St. Pats/Newtown/Coolkenno. 

Senior Ladies

Hard luck to Bray Senior Ladies football team who were beaten by Arklow Geraldines in the Semi Final of the Championship on Sunday in Newtownmountkennedy.