GAA News from Conor Killeen

Championship date fixed

The draw for the first round of the senior football championship has been made and Shannonbridge will face Gracefield in the first round of the SFC in Tullamore on Saturday the 19th of May.

This is the first year that I can remember that the County board has set in stone a championship fixture so early in the year and it is greatly welcome by all clubs and especially players.

The County board can often come in for criticism but on this occasion they must be commended for their organisation. They have also set out a full schedule of league fixtures for the coming season.

When the County board sets out these fixtures early in the year it gives players the opportunity to plan their holidays, work etc for the coming year and makes life alot easier for Managers to gear their training for their respective teams.

Communication between the County board and the clubs has some times left a lot to be desired over the years with major Championship fixtures been handed out just a couple of weeks before before the game, which often left clubs without players as they may have pre-booked holidays or had prior work commitments.

Top marks goes to the GAC for this simple yet much needed communication and this will be of great benefit to the GAA in Offaly.

League fixtures

Shannonbridge Junior and senior footballers will open their league campaigns this weekend with two home games. Our Juniors take on Shamrocks on Saturday at 4pm while the senior footballers will face Edenderry on Sunday at 3pm.

Shannonbridge will be hoping for their loyal supporters to turn out in numbers for the opening weekend and get behind their club for the coming year.

Membership

Membership is now due from anyone who wishes to become a member of Shannonbridge GAA club for the coming year. The fee is just €15, subscription can be paid to registrar Declan McEvoy or indeed any official of the club.

Lotto

There was no winner of last weeks Shannonbridge/Doon GAA lotto. Congratulations to all our match three winners. Last weeks jackpot was a whopping 17,400. Good luck to all who take part.

O'Connor park tickets

Tickets for the redevelopment of O'Connor park GAA grounds in Tullamore are currently on sale from Shannonbridge GAA club. The club must sell a certain quota of tickets for redevelopment of the grounds.

Tickets are for a monthly draw which goes on for the year with prizes on offer such as cars, holidays and large amounts of cash prizes. They are €100 and can be obtained from any club official. Your support is greatly appreciated.