HURLING
SENIOR MEN
2018 proved to be a year of improvement for Arklow Rock Parnells culminating in an appearance in the intermediate hurling championship final. Although the day itself ended in disappointment it will provide building blocks for further improvements in 2019. Highlights of the year included an unbeaten run in the championship from the 2nd round all the way through the semi-final. The seamless integration of three of last year’s minor team was also very pleasing. Watching Shane Mellon, Darragh Walker and Sean Somers perform so well in their first year in adult hurling is a massive success for the club structures and bodes very well for the future. Huge credit must to go to all the players. After a rough couple of years, they really put the work in this year and have put themselves in a good position looking into 2019. I would personally like to thank each and everyone of them for their efforts this year. I would also like to extend my huge appreciation to our coaches Jason Redmon and Kevin O’Reilly and Selector John Somers, who were always on hand to talk hurling. Thanks also to our physio Sinead Wixted and our strength and conditioning coach Eoin Pluck for the amazing job they did all year and I certainly hope to continue that in 2019. Last but certainly not least I would like to thank our team administrator Tom Byrne and our kit man Peadar Kehoe for all their time and advice this year. They are truly two legends of the rocks and we are lucky to have them. Here’s to 2019….Y’Up the Rocks!
PANEL: 1. Olagh Redmond, 2. Jimmy Dignam, 3. Eamonn Doyle, 4. Martin Gilbert, 5. Tony Kinsella, 6. John Furlong, 7. Sean Somers, 8. Shane Mellon, 9. Colin O’Connor, 10.Cian Doyle, 11.Paddy Mellon, 12.Tiarnan Mellon, 13.Chris Kavanagh, 14.John Cushe, 15.Conor Doyle, 16.Bryan O’Leary, 17.Kevin O’Reilly, 18.John Foxton, 19.Darragh Walker, 20.Jason Redmond, 21.Tyrone Byrne, 22. Danny Curran, 23.Dave Carroll, 24.Philip Byrne, 25.Paul Lacey, 26.Charlie Monaghan, 27.T.J. Byrne, 28. Keith Barnes
MANAGER: Sean Pierce
ARP Senior Team 2018
U7 and U9 BOYS
The season for our Go Games hurlers started mid-March 2018 when training started on Saturday mornings. It was great to see our young hurlers in the field practicing and trying their best whilst having fun at the same time. The Go Games started in mid-April with a Monster Blitz and both teams represented the club well on the day. As the year progressed it was evident to see that both teams U7 and U9 skill level improved and they were really enjoying the games.
By the end of the season there was some excellent displays from the future stars of this great club. The highlight of the year for me was watching our U7 and U9 teams putting on a brilliant display of hurling at halftime in Joule Park at the Intermediate hurling final. Our young hurlers cannot wait to get stuck in to the 2019 season. Well done to all our players, up the Rocks!
COACH: Philip Byrne
Under 7 Arklow Rocks Stars 2018
Under 9 Arklow Rocks Stars 2018
Lining up on Finals Day
Playing at half-time
U11 BOYS
Our under 11’s season started in Bray on a wet cold night in May with the view of the lads to reach a county final. We were shaping up nicely to be a good solid squad with plenty of variety. We played solidly for most part of the season with the whole squad improving with every game, even our younger crew of three who made the big jump from under 9s. All our newcomers were developing excellently and were not shy about putting in the hard work.
At the end of a well ran league, every second Wednesday, we reached our destination a county final. Kilcoole stood before us in the final. It was a typical U11 Final plenty of nerves and excitement at the start (and that wasn’t just the players) as the game went on we found our feet in what was a keenly contested game with some amazing hurling and scores on display from both sets of players.
But our persistence and skill proved too much for Kilcoole and we reached the well-deserved holy grail of County Champions.
What a year for this groups of players who put in a massive effort at training and richly deserved their county final win. They are a credit to themselves, our club and their families.
I would like to take this opportunity to thank the parents who without a thought or cross word brought their kids to the field and matches weekly to allow us here at A.R.P. to teach their kids the fastest and Greatest field game in the world.
COACH: Bryan O’Leary
U13 BOYS
It was a great year for our young Under 13 team! It was a very early start to the year as we contested in the cross-border league against clubs from Wexford and Wicklow. We were lucky enough to reach the final of our division winning against a Kildare club!
While training hard preseason, we also played a lot of friendlies against our near neighbours, Castletown and Kilineran. In our own league we played no less than 12 games. For a young team we got a lot of very competitive and tough games and finished a respectable mid table.
We had many players that represented the team outside the group. Cian Redmond and Adam O’Leary represented their school and got to the final of Wicklow Schools Skills competition, narrowly missing out on Leinster final.
We had four players representing the club at county level; Adam O’Farrell, Bartley Crummy, Kyle Byrne and Liam Óg Murphy. We also had ten of our Under 13 squad that won an Under 11 County Final
Next up was championship. We were placed in the B championship with Carnew, Micheal Dwyers A and B. With two wins from three we qualified for the final. We gave a great account of ourselves but came up short against Michael Dwyers A on the day.
The Under 13 also love our social scene and are great bunch of friends. This year they enjoyed a trip to Tayto Park which the boys really enjoyed and showed they are a bunch of friends not just team mates.
A special thanks to Kevin Harper, Liam Murphy and Bill Connors who gave up endless time to help with training and matches. Also, big thanks to the parents who are always of great support and travel everywhere. Looking forward to next year already.
Yours in sport Jason Redmond
COACH: Jason Redmond
ARP Under 13 Team 2018
U15 BOYS
On a bitterly cold night in Ballinakill, the lads took to the pitch with fire in their bellies to win the county final as they have been so unlucky in previous years. We played against the wind in the first half (managers tactics) and were unlucky not to have the sliotar in the net on numerous occasions. At half time we were eight points down but as the saying goes it’s a game of two halves.
We came out the second half a more determined team and within minutes had scored three points. The lads played out of their skins and with great skill and determination they turned the game on its head with three quick goals leaving Luke O’Tooles rattled. The game finished 3 – 6 to 0 – 11. The Rocks Rejoice.
PANEL: Daniel O’Reilly, TJ Murphy, Casey Doyle, Oisin Woods, Liam Murphy, Matt Curran, Padraig Kelly, Seosamh Kelly, Niall O’Donovan, Daire Furlong, Conor Gahan, Sean McCarthy, Josh Tunney, Kyle Byrne, Fionn Merrigan.
COACH: Cormac Tunney, Paul Gahan, Gary Byrne
U17 BOYS
This year’s u17 hurling proved to be one of the most competitive leagues in years with several teams fighting for the top two places and a place in the a final. Our lads, under the management team of Joe O’Connor, Donal Browne, Bill Dickenson and John Somers, started the year off in Bray and got off to a great start with a hard-fought win.
The league was then thrown into disarray as Glenealy and St Pats both threatened to pull out after losing their first-round games unless they could join so after an emergency meeting this was allowed and so a new league had to be started.
Our first win against Bray stood so up next was the joint team of Glen/Pats who would prove to be a very tough team. This game was played in front of a very large crowd at the Rocks pitch and both teams entertained the crowd with some fine score taking and fully committed hurling from the start. There was only a point in it at half time with our defence playing brilliantly Des and Tim Byrne, TJ Copeland, Darren Reilly, Ross Kenny, Liam Dickenson. Conor Jameson in the goal was having a man of the match game. Glen/Pats were relying on their star midfielder Sam O’Dowd but a smart move by the Mangers put Liam Somers out to mark him and he done a brilliant job to completely take him out of the game in the second half. Parnells were now on top and when Glen/Pats had their full forward sent off with a straight red, the game was all but over. PJ O’Connor, Zack Cullen, Barnie Torna Mulconroy all starred in the forwards to secure our second win.
Next up was most pundits’ favourites for the championship Michael Dwyers. Again, a home game and another large crowd turn up in lovely weather to support the lads, but this was not their night. The first half was a very close contest with only a couple of points in it but a in the second half our backs got pulled too far up field and the runners from Dwyers cut through the defence to score three goals. The lads fought hard but could not pull back the scores so the first loss of the year.
Next up was Luke O’Tooles but as one of their players was involved with the county football team this game was postponed. Carnew came to the Rocks next and as usual this game did not disappoint with the teams battling for every ball and score. Again, only a point in it at half time with PJ O’Connor on the frees and scoring most. Liam Somers was having a very good game and was one on one with the keeper only to hit the keeper instead of the net. The second half continued score for score but with only minute to go John Doyle of Carnew broke through the defence to score a goal. This was the team’s second loss and now they could not afford another slip up.
After an eight week break for the exams the league started back in July and it was Bray again. The training, plus eight of the lads were involved with the county minor team, showed the improvement that had been made and our team made easy work of defeating this Bray side.
On to Glenealy now who had beaten Dwyers and ran Carnew to a single point, so no slip ups allowed. The first half of this game was by far the best the lads played with some of the finest fielding and score taking that we have seen. Zack Cullen was outstanding. The lads played so well Glen/Pats could only manage one point from a free in the first half. The second half was a complete reversal with Glen/Pats on top, but they could not get the better of our Backs, especially the Byrnes Tim and Des who both had great games.
The long trip to Hollywood for a massive game against Dwyers. This game had everything from commitment, score taking, team work and a finish that would test the hearts of the players, supporters and especially the management. The first half was even with both teams giving their all, but both set of backs were on top, so scores were very hard to come by. Dwyers started the second half on fire and after ten minutes had opened a seven-point lead and looked as if they were going to run away with this game. The team settled and picked off a few good points when a long ball into the square was won by the big man Elliot Young who turn and made space to finish to the net. The Rocks now were a point up but disaster as a long ball into the Rock’s square with no danger Conor Jameson dropped the ball into his own net probably due to the flood lights. Most young teams would have dropped their heads but not this team. They dug deep and went back up the field and the lively Torna Mulconroy whipped up a loose ball and finished brilliantly to the net. They added another two points to win the game by three.
Another away game in Carnew and again a lovely evening and a massive crowd turned up in to support the lads as hopes of a County Final were starting to grow. This was a real battle with every player giving there all but Carnew were the sharper in the first half going in at half time leading by three points. Only for Conor Jameson in the goal they could have been out of sight. Liam Somers was moved out from full forward to the wing in the second half and he gave an exhibition of high fielding winning some brilliant balls to help bring his team back into the game. After 15 minutes they had moved four points up but Carnew fought hard and with only injury time left they went one point up. Again, the players fought to the end and with only seconds to go Zack Cullen pointed to level the game. A draw.
Luke O’Tooles was our last league game played under lights in terrible weather and this game was really a semi-final as a win put us into the A County Minor Final. From the start the were on top and ran out comfortable winners to take their place in the county final.
Minor Hurling Final 2018 – 30th September 2018.
Avondale Parnells v Carnew
Having played Carnew twice already this season, both teams knew it was not going to be easy to become 2018 champions. This was certainly the case last in Aughrim with a final scoreline of Avondale Parnells 1-10, Carnew 2-07. Carnew came out of the blocks very quickly and with their two-man full forward-line of John Doyle and James McGing in fine form, scored 1-04 in the first 10 minutes. Parnells’ only reply was a goal scored by Oisin Kelly after some good work from Liam Somers. Parnells looked somewhat nervous for the first 15 minutes with some uncharacteristic fumbling of the ball and were also guilty of hitting several bad wides. We were not hurling particularly well but our backs got to grips with the Carnew forwards and the tide changed from then until half time. We went on to score 0-4 to Carnew’s 0-1 leaving the half-time score Avondale Parnells 1-04, Carnew 1-05. At this stage we did not want the referee to blow for half-time. However, facing a deficit of one point and with the aid of a strong wind behind us for the 2nd half, it certainly looked like we had weathered the storm and were in a very strong position to kick on. Carnew started the 2nd half like the first and scored 1-02 before we knew the half had even started. The massive support from Avondale and Arklow were a little shell-shocked. At times like this you need your big players to stand up and that is exactly what happened, starting with our two joint captains, Des Byrne and Zach Cullen. Des was hurling magnificently in the backs and with the aid of his five companions ensured Carnew did not get another score for the remainder of the 2nd half. Shane Browne made a magical run through the middle, Ciaran Carey style, before splitting the posts for a superb point and that great hurler Zach Cullen showed the crowd just some of the silky skills he is renowned for. With scores so hard to come by, free-taking was going to prove vital.
The game ebbed and flowed with both sets of players not willing to give an inch. The game went into the final minute with Parnells down by one point. Carnew got a free out and took an eternity to take it. I really thought our chance was gone at this stage, game over. Hang on, the ball has just gone to PJ on the wing, just in front of the dugout. He cannot strike it as there are three Carnew men around him. He takes off, gets put out over the side-line with a shoulder but scoops the ball over the Carnew defender’s head. He runs back onto the pitch and retains the ball before it hits the sod, magic. Another defender is rounded and he’s getting himself into a shooting position but is taken down, free in. It’s not an easy free, certainly not under these circumstances. If he scores we have another bite of the cherry, if he misses, well that never came into my head to be honest. His father faced the other way with his head in his hands, but the ball was struck as sweet as a nut with unerring accuracy. Avondale Parnells 1-10, Carnew 2-07.
The replay brought a very large crowd turn up for what should be a great game. Unfortunately, this game proved to be one game too many for the Avondale Parnells players as Carnew seemed to be always a bit sharper and had a three-point half time lead. As hard as the team tried they could not get closer than the three points and with only seven minutes to go we brought out Des Byrne to try and make up the gap. This opened our back line and John Doyle, who is one of the County’s most dangerous forwards, latched on to a ball and broke the defence to finish to the net and kill off the game.
Team management would like to sincerely thank all supporters that attended and would hope you will attend the replay, it was great to see so many people from Avondale and Arklow mingling freely together.
We did not end up county champions, but we had a great year. The lads made great friends who will last a life time and the great supporters watched some of the best hurling we have seen in years. A big thanks to the management team and the kit men Peadar Keogh and John Copeland.
After both finals all the team and supporter were invited back to the Rocks club house for a curry which was kindly sponsored both days by the Arklow CBS. We would also like to thank Declan Kenny of the Harbour Bar for his sponsorship. Lastly the players looked great on the day and we would like to thank Sweeney’s Garage, Ferrybank, Arklow for their generous sponsorship of the t-shirts.
Lastly the management would like to thank all the players for their efforts this year. For the players moving up to the adult teams, we wish them all the best in the future. They will be an asset to whatever team is lucky enough to get them.
COACH: John Somers
CAMOGIE
Camogie continues to grow here at Arklow Rock Parnells GAA Club. This year, unfortunately, we did not field a Ladies Team, but we did field Under 8s, Under 10s, Under 12s and Under 14s. Hopefully in 2019 we will have an Under 16 and Ladies team.
A special mention to our “Super Subs Ladies”, Breda McCarthy, Roshella Wood and Daimhnait McDonough, for all your administration help throughout the season.
U6 and U8 GIRLS
Once again, a fabulous year was had by our little Rockettes. A great group of girls which are a joy to coach. A percentage of these girls have been playing together for a while, but it is great to welcome new little Rockettes to our growing team.
With the late start we had due to the adverse weather and our pitch not being unavailable. They have worked hard on their gaining the skills required for this brilliant game. Once the sun came, they practiced frequently and had fun making friends along the way and this effort is reflected in their improvement in the blitz games.
This year our Under 8s attended nine blitz competitions in Kiltegan, Aughrim, Wicklow, Ballinakill and here at home at “The Rocks”. Although at this level the emphasis is on taking part our little Rockettes went out to win and succeeded most times. Our U6s joined us for half of our blitzes this year, it is watching the club’s Camogie future unfold.
The Under 8 Camogie trained together the Under 7 Boys which was very successful for both groups so thank you to Philip Byrne for the joint training. Also, a big thank you to Keith Barnes, Danny Curran and Jason Redmond who helped with training as the numbers grow!
At the Rocks this year we had some brilliant events. As always, we start with the St Patrick’s Day parade. It was a cold one, but all the Rocks were in great voice and spirit on the day. We then had our largest Easter Egg hunt at the Rocks. The boys and girls were given questions that they had to answer. Once they had all the answers on their sheets, they could swap their sheet for an Easter Egg. Our amazing Summer Camp, was our biggest to date and our end-of-season event saw 68 young camogie and hurling players go to Kid-Zone in Wicklow for bowling and soft play. We had the whole place to ourselves which meant we could have even more fun!
Thank you to all the mums, dads and grand-parents who committed to getting to training and matches, catered at home blitzes, washed the team jerseys and supported our team and club. Outstanding!
I am delighted to say that some of these fabulous girls are back in action with me next year whilst I must let some go as they are moving up. The U10s team will see the benefit of their skills next year. Keep up the good work, little Rockettes!
PANEL: Annie Breslin, Caoimhe McDonough, Ciara Chell, Cliona O’Donovan, Elsa Byrne, Emilie Vautrin, Emily Allen, Grace Furlong, Gracie Byrne, Hannah McGeachan, Jade Flusk, Jessica Pierce, Karla Redmond, Kate Geraghty, Kate McGeachan, Lily Curran, Mia Breen, Mia Flusk, Nina Caulfield, Olivia Del Rio, Rowena Carroll, Sophie Scallon, Zoe Walsh
COACH: Penni Heald
ARP Under 8 Camogie Team 2018
2018 was all about Camogie and the “Dab”
St Patrick’s Day Parade 2018
End of Season outing 2018 – 68 children from our u6, u8, u10, u7 and u9 teams with their coaches Fiona Byrne, Philip Byrne and Penni Heald
U10 GIRLS
Our Under 10 girls continued to achieve great success this season. Many of the team have been together for several years but it was fantastic to welcome some new members to the team and the club, with our numbers growing again. We were delighted to finish the season with 21 players, the highest number of players for any of our juvenile teams.
We played our first blitz of the season in April in Kiltegan, and then played in Aughrim in May before our home blitz on the 16th June. As usual our parents did a super job of organising refreshments for the visiting teams from Bray and Greystones. We played a further five blitzes over the summer and in several we were fielding two teams. Even playing three matches in most of these blitzes we were almost unbeaten throughout the season. The girls trained hard throughout the season and several of our team also played with the under 12 team when they were needed. Most of the team also attended our super Summer camp which was a great week of training and fun.
All the girls have improved greatly as players this year and will undoubtedly have continued success as they move towards competitive games in the years to come. It wasn’t all work this year. We did make time to march in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and had a great end of season trip to Kid-zone in Wicklow in October. Well done to all our superstars! Many thanks also to all those who helped with the team this year, Breda McCarthy, Aife O’Brien, Emma Breen and Vinnie Byrne. We look forward to a great season next year with this team and some very talented Under 8s that are moving up, and though we will certainly miss those that are leaving to go to the Under 12 squad we wish them every success!
PANEL: Erin Byrne, Suin Byrne, Olivia Byrne, Kitty Byrne, Gracie Byrne, Clodagh Carroll, Bronwyn Crummy, Sadbh Fitzgibbon, Kara Gager, Aloise Geraghty, Sophie Hughes, Sinead McCarthy, Niamh McGeachan, Leah Mellon, Aoibhe Merrigan-Carroll, Ellie Merrigan-Carroll, Freya Molloy, Maeve O’Donovan, Emma Jane O’Grady, Abbie Reid-Furlong, Ava Wolohan
COACH: Fiona Byrne
ARP Under 10s Camogie Team 2018
St Patrick’s Day Parade – it was a cold
U12 GIRLS
We started the year with a panel of 15 girls who were really committed to the cause. We travelled all over the county on Friday evenings playing teams in competitive and close games. The improvement in the girls’ skills and game management was fantastic. They just got better and better with every game and this showed in the final game of the season on Finals Day in Ballinakill where they were simply brilliant.
A big thank you to all the parents who travelled in great numbers to every game. Thanks to Keith Delaney and Penni and Fiona for their assistance and patience over the season.
And too all the jersey washers thank you, it takes everyone’s little bit to make the year a success. We look forward to having everyone back next year and growing on this year’s successes.
PANEL: Abbey Wolohan, Ailbhe Wood, Deirbhile Gavaghan, Grace Delaney, Isabelle Chadwick, Isobel Byrne, Katie Allen, Niamh Farrell, Olivia Walsh, Poppy Heald, Saoirse Chell, Sarah Keeley, Sarah Hudson, Sophie Mooney
COACH: Vinnie Byrne
ARP Under 12 Camogie Team 2018
End of Season Outing Bowling and Pizza in Wicklow
U14 GIRLS
This year we started the year with low numbers at this age grade but with girls who were really committed and through their hard work and commitment we competed strongly in both the league and championship. Playing over 16 matches over the full season and competing strongly in all these games and winning their fair share. Incredibly through sheer force of nature of the girls and through word of mouth about how enjoyable their season was they attracted new girls in and by the end of year we had a full squad at the age grade. With the work carried out and the numbers increased this year brings great expectations for next year.
A big thank you to all the parents who travelled in great numbers to every game. Thanks John Somers and Billy Mellon for their assistance and patience over the season.
PANEL: Aine Byrne, Amy-Lee Hill, Ciara Lancaster, Elizabeth Bourke, Hannah Taylor, Jessica Mellon, Kelly Somers, Lily Guilfoyle, Mila Skakie, Tegan Doyle, Aisling O’Connor, Kaitlyn Byrne, Lily O’Toole, Roisin Murphy, Maisie Mellon
COACH: Vinnie Byrne
ARP Under 14 Camogie Team 2018
End of Season Outing Bowling and Pizza in Wicklow
SUMMER CAMP 2018
What a camp was had at Arklow Rock Parnells GAA Club this year! These camps are becoming more popular year on year. Fortunate with the glorious weather at summer we had a record number of boys and girls take part in our three-day camp, over 130.
We had some guest appearances. Firstly, Mr Parnells, our new mascot joined us for a brilliant aerial photoshoot. Special thanks to John Comerford for the drone expertise. We had a very useful water safety discussion from Jimmy Meyer from the RNLI.
A fabulous job was done by all the coaches and assistants making these camps a week of fun and games for all, with a great atmosphere. On top of the hurling/camogie skills and games being practiced there was also water fights, an outdoor disco, obstacle courses and “Bump Off” which was a game using inflatables. Great fun for all ages, including the coaches.
Coaches and Helpers: Vinnie Byrne, Phil Byrne, Fiona Byrne, Jason Redmond, Penni Heald, Tim Byrne, Fionn Merrigan-Carroll, Orlaith Kelly, Aife O’Brien. Emma Breen, Oisin Kelly, Kelly Somers, John Somers, Sean Pierce, Jimmy Dignam, Keith Barnes, Aine Byrne, Lizzy Burke, Jessica Mellon, Maisie Mellon, Roisin Murphy and Cian McBride.
Under 8 and Under 7 group of boys and girls at ARP Summer Camp 2018
Under 13 boys group at ARP Summer Camp 2018
Under 10 girls group at ARP Summer Camp
ARP Summer Camp 2018 – Arial drone photo
THANK YOUs
What a year 2018 has been here at “The Rocks”. The improvement, growth and effort put in by the players, coaches, administrators and committees is much appreciated and illustrated in the club. A big thank you to the parents, who have catered at blitzes, got their players to their matches, helped when needed and supported the club. Without your support and commitment our teams would not be as successful as they are.
Appreciation and debt must be paid to Jack O’Reilly for his work on maintaining the grounds. The grounds are always in top condition and the pitch is a joy to play on. A task not getting easier with the growing numbers
To our Executive Committee a huge thank you on leading us through a successful year and to all our sponsors, your continued support is invaluable to “The Rocks”. Well done everyone and here is to a bigger and more awesome 2019! Carraig Parnell abú!