After all the medals and cups won by our squads last year, we knew it would be a hard year to follow especially since a lot of our players moved up into different age groups. Every player made us proud. Táimid bródúil as a gcuid éachtaí! (we are proud of their achievements)
Our Saturday academy started of the year encouraging all children from Arklow and surrounding areas to come and ‘give it a hurl’ for the first three weeks and we had a great response, and we believe we had a good few that stayed for the season.
What we particularly were happy to see was all the older youth players coming out and helping the coaches with the younger kids showing us that they care about Arklow Rocks and while they want to be winners, they also want their club to succeed, and they are happy to share their skills with the younger players. An-mhaith, tá said iontach.
We would like to thank our young Whistlers, who ensured all the younger games and blitzes were played well and fairly this year. Tiernan Pierce, Robert Waddell, Cian Redmond, Niall O Donovan, Mickey Kinsella, Grace Delaney, Ailbhe Wood, Erin Byrne, Ava Wolohan, Aine Byrne, Poppy Heald and Doireann Kiloran.
Positive comments were received on their fairness, ability to explain to the juveniles why something was not allowed and being able to deal with difficult decisions. All the lovely compliments above were highlighted to the club from parents and coaches of our Club, other Clubs and County Officials. While they may not have realised it, they were acting as wonderful Ambassadors of the Arklow Rocks. Go raibh maith agat ar son an Choiste.
After such a wonderful year in 2022 we started off the juvenile year with a lot of optimism and many returning young players which we were really happy about.
We ran a programme of open play for anyone who wanted to give hurling a try and we were thrilled with the success and number of children that turned up, even when the weather was against us the young boys and girls came out to play, many thanks to St Marys for letting us use their facilities when we were waterlogged. Luckily our youth players also came out to help teach our new recruits which made it a fun event that we all enjoyed.
HURLING
Intermediate Hurling
TEAM MANAGEMENT: Ray Nolan, Colin Byrne, Joe Connors, Bryan O’Leary
Our hurling campaign started in early February under the new Management of Ray Nolan and his team. The team started with a good run in the Leinster Club League and they put in some fine performances. Our League campaign started on the 8th of April away to Western Gaels and this tough match ended in a draw. This was followed by a loss to a very strong St Pat’s of Wicklow who had just came down from Senior and then a narrow one-point loss to Carnew in Carnew. Our next match saw us record an impressive win over Avondale in Parnell Park and then another win on the road away to Kilcoole. We then toped this off with another home win against Aughrim and the signs were positive heading into the championship.
With the Championship split into 2 groups, 1 group of 4 and 1 group of 5, the Rocks were placed in a group with Aughrim, Carnew, Glenealy and Western Gaels. First up was Western Gaels in Echolon Park, Aughrim. This was a game full of drama and entertainment and the team dug deep to come back in a game that looked out of reach at half-time. A spirited comeback in the second half saw the Rocks come away with a two-point win, 2-14 to 2-12. Things appeared to be going in the right direction.
Our next match out was Aughrim on the 23rd of July, All-Ireland Hurling final day, in Avondale. From the throw in Aughrim appeared to have the measure of the Rocks and perhaps drawing on the fact that one of their mentors and club members were refereeing the All-Ireland Final in Croke Park that day, Aughrim ran out easy winners on the day 1-16 to 1-8.
Things went from bad to worse when the Rocks lined out against their old foe Carnew on the 26th of August in Pearse Park. This was to be the Rocks biggest loss in Championship with the team only registering 7 points in 60 minutes of hurling. A lot of players, mentors and supporters left Pearse Park that day wondering where hurling in Arklow was headed. This saw an end to our championship hopes with one game left. Not where we wanted to be. Our last game was against Glenealy on the 2nd of September in Annacurra. The Rocks put up a score of 1-20 but Glenealy proved too strong scoring 3-18.
Another year of what could have been but in my humble opinion not without small green shoots of hope. The Rocks is a family orientated club, always was and always will be. Like family, we are always critical of our own but when times are tough you would have their back and will stand shoulder to shoulder with them in the fight. Time to stand up and fight!
Junior Hurling
Junior Hurling in Wicklow seemed to be forgotten about until the middle of August when all the fine weather for hurling had been a distant memory. The Rocks took to the field in all their Junior Championship matches. The first game was against Barndarrig in Parnell Park and saw the Rocks losing 1-10 to 0-20 to the eventual winners of the Junior Hurling Championship. A quick turnaround saw them travel to Kiltegan where they lost by a big margin. This team did not have time to lick their wounds though as they were out 2 days later in Knockanna where they lost by the smallest of margins after putting up a good score. Seven days later the Rocks recorded their first win in the championship in Ballinakill by defeating Bray Emmets 3-13 to 3-9.
Our last game was against Kilcoole and despite scoring 5 goals on the night the Rocks lost to a spirited Kilcoole side. Last up was Greystones 7 days later in Ballinakill and again the Rocks came up short. This left us joint bottom of the Championship table with Knockanna and thus meant we were in the Junior B Championship semi-final against Knockanna with the winner going through to play Kilcoole. The Rocks were victorious in the semi-final and progressed to face a decent Kilcoole side who had beaten us earlier in the championship.
Neither side could be separated in the Final and the game went to a replay. The replay was set for Sunday the 22nd of October in the Hurling cauldron that is Annacurra. In front of a big crowd of supporters for both teams this game delivered in terms of drama and entertainment.
The Rocks had brought their ‘A’ game for the first half and with some fine performances from the Rocks saw them lead 1-6 to 0-3 at half-time. Kilcoole found their rhythm in the second half and came back strong but with some fine hurling from all the Rocks on the day we ran out winners 1-13 to 2-6. Well done to all involved.
Under 7s
TEAM MANAGEMENT: Philip Byrne
The year started after Easter this year and we had a great turn out to our 3 Saturday’s of ‘Come N Try’ hurling. This was a great initiative, and we gained a few new faces as a result.
The Go Games Blitz didn’t start until May of 2023 and we had a great turn out for most of them, at times fielding 2 teams that were very competitive. A huge thank you must go to the players and parents who travelled all over Wicklow to play the games. I must also thank Robert Waddell, Bill Connors, Niall O’Donovan and Eoin Byrne who helped out with the young lads this year.
Under 9s
TEAM MANAGEMENT: Bill Conors, Sharon Curran
There was great excitement on the 13th of May when our U9s played go games at half time of the Nicky Rackard cup with Wicklow played Roscommon in Aughrim.
What a great group of boys, they turned up to training every week and played their hearts out at every blitz. U9s have been a please to watch and see each boy develop to their potential developing into a great little team. The future looks bright for the Rocks with this team of boys on the rise. Thanks to all the parents who brought the kids to training and games every week.
Under11s
TEAM MANAGEMENT: Ciarán Mellon, Paul Guilfoyle, Declan Kehoe, Kim O Leary
Our U11 boys had a superb season this year. Training began in February and continued throughout the year. Attendance at training was admirable with great commitment and fantastic attitude within the group.
This year for the first time the club entered two teams into the Wicklow GO Games. Between both teams over 23 games were played, with remarkable improvements noted over the course of the season. Results were excellent overall with outstanding hurling being displayed by both teams.
Outside of the county the boys were delighted to participate in a tournament hosted by our neighbours Naomh Éanna, in what can only be described as a memorable day for all involved.
The boys finished off their season with a well-deserved trip to Hidden Valley, Rathdrum. A fun-filled day was experienced by all as the boys celebrated an enjoyable year.
The younger cohort of this group along with the help of some of our u9’s competed in U10 Player Pathway League. They took to the pitch with great determination, taking great pride in showing off their skills which in turn resulted in a consistent run of positive results. The lads finished off their season by participating in the Kilmacud Festival of Hurling in U.C.D. A fantastic day for our young stars, playing against some of the top clubs in the country.
A special mention must also go to the parents. Without their support, none of this would be possible.
The coaches and club are very proud of this group of boys and would like to thank them for their efforts throughout the season. With continued support and commitment, we look forward to these players continuing to develop their range of skills and passion for hurling in 2024.
Under 13s
TEAM MANAGEMENT: Philip Byrne
A huge thank you to all the lads that turned up and played hurling for the club at the u13 age level. This bunch of lads turned up every time no matter what and they are a credit to themselves and their parents.
The year started out in Division A of the U13 League and it was a tough battle from the start. After being on the receiving end of several heavy defeats the club applied to drop down to Division B in the Championship. This division was more competitive and the team started to grow in confidence and the matches were much closer. As a result, the team made it to the Division B Shield Final. After a number of postponements, the final was played on Sunday the 5th of November in Kilcoole vs St Pats of Wicklow.
After a nervous start the team found their rhythm and started to hurl with a determination that they had shown all year. At the break they lead 1-3 to 0-4. The second half was a continuation of that grit and determination and with some fine scoring from ‘Man of the Match’ Ollie Madigan, Senan Byrne and Sean Kavanagh the Rocks ran out eventual winners.
Well done to all the lads!
PANEL: Eoghan Killoran, Shane Scanlan, Eoin Byrne, Adam Keogh, Aaron Scanlan, Ryan Mellon, Kobi Hudson, Ollie Madigan, Sean Kavanagh, Jamie O’Neill, Shane Fortune, Alex Holt O’Brien, Faolan Carroll, Scott Kavanagh, Senan Byrne, Alex Massey, Ethan Duffy, Darragh Lynn, Diarmuid Casey
Under 15s
TEAM MANAGEMENT: Sean Pierce, Bill Connors, Denise Pierce
Due to lack of numbers our U15 hurlers played with 4 St. Patricks players on permission for year 2023. That gave us a total of 16 players on age u15/u14 plus 3 more u13s stepped up on multiple occasions.
We formed a very strong team but unfortunately due to different players suffering injuries at different times we did not reach full potential. In fact, we only had a full pick of all players on 4 occasions throughout the year.
We finished in 5th place in the league out of 9 teams.
We competed in Féile where we played Bray in the 3rd/4th place play off having finished 2nd in our group and only lost out by a point after extra time.
The championship fared slightly better where after 7 games we finished 3rd, winning 4, losing two and drawing one and also finishing as top scorers in the competition.
That put us in the shield final against Carnew where we eventually lost by a goal. In other years where injuries are kinder these were probably the two best teams at u15 in the county this year.
Thank you to all the parents, players, admin Denise and especially, Jason Redmond, Bill Connors, Liam Murphy, Tom Connors, Kevin Reilly and Philip Byrne who covered more sessions than they probably should have had to throughout the year due to my own work commitments, unfortunately.
Definitely put down as a year of ‘nearly but not quiet’. Plenty to work towards in 2024.
Hurling Féile 2023
Our U15 lads did us proud at the County Wicklow Feile, with wins against Luke o Tooles and Michael Dwyers and a loss to Carnew with the team finding themselves in the final with Bray Emmets, unfortunately Bray managed to score in extra time to win.
Minor Hurling Team
TEAM MANAGEMENT: Jason Remond, Liam Murphy, Bill Connors
These young men came from a fabulous year last year moving up from U15s with the majority of the team born 2007 or under it was always going to be a competitive year. I have coached most of these young men since they were 6 so I knew they were up to the challenge. We started training in February so that we would be fit and ready for our first match. 3rd of April saw us out against Luke O Tooles in Aughrim, unfortunately not the result we wanted but they played a good match and a lot of good hurling was observed. We had wins and loses some of which were difficult for the team but as always, they picked up their hurls and trained a bit harder and worked towards the next match. Next year we will be an even stronger and older and hopefully will push our way through to a trophy. I will be sorry to say goodbye to our 2006 boys who all played excellent hurling this year and hope to see them move to one of our Men’s team next year.
I would like to thank all the parents who got the boys to training and to matches and trusting me to coach their sons for the last 10 years.
CAMOGIE
Intermediate and Junior Camogie
TEAM MANAGEMENT: Billy Mellon, Penni Heald, Martin Reilly, Vinnie Byrne
PANEL: Abbey Wolohan, Aideen Reilly, Aífe O’Brien, Aine Byrne, Aishlinn Strahan, Amy Burke, Amy-Lee Hill, Aoife Kavanagh, Aoise Dunning, Chloe Dobson, Ciara Lancaster, Doireann Kavanagh, Doireann Killoran, Elizabeth Bourke, Ellie Duffy, Emma Bardon, Emma Breen, Erin Bardon, Grace Delaney, Íde Ryan, Jessica McDonald, Jessica Mellon, Katie O’Reilly, Kelly Somers, Louise Flood, Maisie Mellon, Mary Geraghty, Niamh Killoran, Orlagh Kelly, Roisin Murphy, Rose Hudson, Sophie Mooney, Stacey Reilly, Zara Fennell
U16s playing up: Catherine Bourke, Clodagh Shelton, Nia Deveraux, Poppy Heald and Saoirse Shell
Another amazing year in Camogie! We fielded two adult teams at Intermediate and Junior level. Proof that the club is growing and improving and has no signs of slowing down any time soon.
Building on the success of last year’s County Junior Championship win, Martin and Vinnie joined the management team. Training started in February with the League running April to May and Championship August to October.
The Junior group included Annacurra, Avoca, Ballinacor, Carnew, Eire Og2, Kiltegan and Knockananna. The challenge of having two teams was numbers to play Junior. This was helped by some of our under 16s playing up as well as their own matches. There were two matches that numbers just could not be met.
The Junior team always gave everything the coaches asked of them in training and on the field. They improved individually and as a team throughout the year so whilst there may be no silver at this level this year, next year looks like a different story especially with the added talents that are coming up to this panel in 2024.
In between these, we played in the Junior Summer 7s which ran in July 2023. (These consisted of three, short, seven-a-side games played in one evening). Well done to Wicklow County Camogie board for organising and keeping the game time going through the summer. These matches turned out to be a lot of fun and great match experience for all the players. Definitely something we would play in again.
The Intermediate group included Aughrim, Avondale, Glenealy and Kilcoole. Wins against Avondale and Kilcoole, a draw against Aughrim and a loss against Glenealy saw the Rockettes to the semi final in Ballinakill. The green and white support were out in force on that dark, cold evening and got to witness a fierce match. There was not much difference in score between the teams throughout the match but Aughrim was always trying to catch Arklow Rocks. The Rockettes held their lead until the end with a final score of 1-9 to 0-9. Securing their place in the county final against the only team we had lost to during the Championship, Glenealy.
The memory of the day of the final is one that will last for a lifetime. The sea of green and white, being lead out by the youngest Rockettes, the roars of support and the battle that was before us. Arklow Rocks lead at half time 0-5 to 0-3. They lead for most of the game but Glenealy came back to go two points ahead in the 57th minute. The fast pace of this incredible game did not slow down and with a goal and four more points they earned their title win with the narrowest of margins. The final score of 1-9 to 0-11. We are now celebrating a further championship title and Senior status for 2024.
Due to this fantastic result, our season continued with the Leinster Championship. We made our debut in the Leinster Junior ‘B’ camogie championship when we were host to Carlow champions, Burren Rangers, at Pearse Park in Arklow on 11 November 2023. We trailed Carlow from the seventh minute onwards. Up until we went ahead one minute into added time when Erin Bardon got the crucial touch in a goalmouth scramble. What an amazing comeback and victory with the final score ending ARP 1-6 Burren Rangers 2-1. Arklow Rocks were in a Leinster final!
History was made at club and county level. Arklow Rocks are only the second team in Wicklow Camogie’s history to reach a Leinster final. So on to Ashbourne for the final against St Munna’s CC.
Unfortunately, on the day, St Munnas were too strong a side for our Rockettes.
Desperate to get their names on the scoreboard, the Rockettes gave it their best, and warranted it for their effort and desire alone, but we did not have the big match experience to turn our chances into scores. A lesson was learnt of the levels which we have to rise to next year. For now, we celebrate this amazing green and white camogie adventure, ascending from Junior to Senior in two seasons.
A huge thank you to The Corner House, MPH Operations Limited and Tommy Annseley for sponsoring the bus, all the flags and signs on the day. To PJ O’Leary and helpers for a good breakfast send off on the day from the clubhouse. To those that helped colour the town green and white and to all the supporters who flew the colours in great numbers. It was a pleasure to see and privilege to be part of.
Both these teams combined are one of the greatest group of females you can ever come across. Their team spirit, hard work and support of each other have no limits. On behalf of the management team and club, we are so proud of all of you, on and off the pitch.
Some of these players have been playing with the club since they were small, some are returning now there are adult teams at the Rocks and some are only starting out their Camogie career. It is never too late to return or start Camogie with the Rocks!
Thank you to our sponsors Liam Mellon Construction, The Smokehouse Restaurant and Life Pharmacy. 2024 is going to be a great year. To quote Andrew Ryan from the Wicklow People, “This won’t be the last time Arklow Rock Parnells are at the business end of a provincial camogie championship, make no mistake.”
Under 6s and Under 8s
TEAM MANAGEMENT: Stacey Reilly, Ana Wolohan, Julie Ann Farrell
This year was an amazing year for U6/U8 camogie team. We had a great little team of about 20 girls that gave it their all throughout the year. These girls were a joy to coach and had great enthusiasm and love for the sport. It was great to see their confidence grow every week and to see all the great friendships they were forming as a team. We had a few new girls joining as the year progressed which is great to see.
We have a few girls moving up to the U10 girls next year. Good luck to you all you’ll be amazing.
A big thank you to Ailbhe and Poppy for all their help through the year. Both of you were always there every week to help us. We are looking forward to next year with the U6/U8 girls and can’t wait to see what it brings.
Under 10s
TEAM MANAGEMENT: Tony Kinsella, Colleen Clune, TJ Copeland
The U10 camogie team had a highly successful year. The girls trained 2 nights a week and took part in numerous Go Games blitz around the county. A total of twenty girls played throughout the year, some girls having a couple of years camogie behind them already and some girls picking up the hurl for the first time.
On All Ireland final day, the team were invited to play in a national blitz, where the girls represented the club with pride competing again teams from Dublin, Wexford, and Wicklow. This was a true measure of how these girls have excelled this year, they won all matches on the day without conceding a single score. Following on from the blitz the team travelled to Croke Park to look at the All-Ireland Finals where the girls and coaches got to wear their new gear sponsored by Wicklow Calf Company. All had a memorable day.
They are a fantastic group of girls with super manners and are a credit to their families. We celebrated the year of camogie, friendships, and fun with an evening in Coral Leisure followed by pizzas and a presentation from members of the Intermediate ladies’ team.
Half the girls will move up to U12 next year so a previous year’s group is reunited and a new u10 team will form. We look forward to seeing all return next year and hopefully more new faces and good games ahead.
A big thank you to all the girls’ parents/families who travelled to all the games and supported the team throughout the year.
PANEL: Kaylin Kinsella, Kate Marie Clune, Sophie Breslin, Teaghan Copeland, Jade Ella Flusk, Amelia Kelly, Eva Mellon, Sophie Scallan, Abbie Byrne, Sadie Baguley, Sarah Byrne, Macie Fitzgerald, Cara Malone, Emily Malone, Faye McDonald, Kate McGeachan,
Lucy O Reilly, Michaela Kinsella, Kate Wolohan, Aine Mellon.
Under 12s
TEAM MANAGEMENT: Danny Curran, Sinead Riley and Denise Pierce
The U12 girls had a very successful season. The club was lucky to be chosen for a Leinster organised blitz in Nowlan Park Kilkenny over Easter. This was a great day out and we won two of our three games as well. We were fortunate to be able to field two teams in all our Wicklow blitz games which meant every girl got full game time every blitz. We started out with 22 girls and finished with 27 on the books. We wish the girls moving on to u14 the best of luck and we will welcome girls from u10 for next season. Thanks to all the parents for helping with our jerseys etc. We look forward to the spring return. At a county admin level, we would like to see more advance fixtures notice and would welcome as many games as possible!
Under 14s
TEAM MANAGEMENT: Jason Redmond, Vinnie Byrne, Damhnait McDonough
The U14s started back to training for the 2023 season with Strength & Conditioning training in January. Camogie training then came back in February (thanks to St. Marys all weather pitch)
The league matches started in April. For the league we were in Division 2 with Avondale, Kiltegan, Knockananna, Aughrim and Donard. It turned out to be a tough division with some very tight games but the girls were improving with each week. It was a mixed bag weather wise with one game in May being abandoned by the referee due to the horrendous rain not to mention the lightening.
Summer 2023 saw our very first camogie team enter the community games competition during the summer. These great girls made it to a Leinster semi-final against a very strong Dublin side and unfortunately didn’t get the result they wanted that day but fantastic experience considering they were missing a few players through holidays and injury etc. plenty of experience gained for next year’s competition.
In August we moved on to the Championship In the Division this time were Aughrim, Kiltegan and Knockananna. Again, we had some tough, tight games but the girls kept their heads up and improving their camogie skills each game. They were rewarded with a superb win in the U14 Division 2 Shield Final against Aughrim on another rainy night in Ballinakill.
We had a fun team building day out in The Stables Gorey in October and we are trying to continue training the odd week when the weather permits.
All in all, this team has grown in numbers to 28 players over the season and hopefully their numbers will continue to grow in the coming years. They are a fantastic group of girls with super manners and are a credit to their families.
A big thank you to all the girls’ parents/families who travelled to all the games and supported the team throughout the year.
Another big thank you to Michael Priest who stepped in to help with the team when needed.
Under 16s
TEAM MANAGEMENT: Vinnie Byrne, Michael Priest, Richella Woods, Gill Priest
If we were to summarise our u16s camogie team it would be using words such as resilient, brave, determined. Although no trophy was brought home, the fierce attitude of the girls to battle every match made them a joy to watch. Their skills are improving year on year.
…every match, in the A Grade League and Championship for the first time this year. Their skills continue to improve every year from this special group of players. Making their management team very proud of them.
We had highs and lows, dramas and some cards but bring it on next year, we will be ready
Camogie Feile 2023
This year’s County Feile was held in Ballinakill on Easter Monday on another rainy day!
We were in a group with Carnew and Bray Emmets. The girls started well and progressed to a semi-final with Annacurragh and then on to the top final with Carnew. Unfortunately, on the day the girls lost the final to Carnew and were out of Feile. …..or so we thought!
Late in May we got a call from the County Board to say that an additional spot was available at a Regional Feile in Carlow and would we like to go! With little time to organise we decided to just go and give it our best – what a day! We were in a group with Ballieboro, Killarney and Burren Rangers. The girls were on fire and won all three group games.
On to the semi-final where we met Eglish from Tyrone in a tough contest but the Rocks girls came out on top. The final was against Ballieboro who we had met in the group stages, unfortunately in the final the girls just came up short. All 22 players on the day had a great day and were a credit to their club, roll on Feile 2024.
Camogie Minors
TEAM MANAGEMENT: Vinnie Byrne, Michael Priest, Richella Woods, Gill Priest
Saturday 9 November 2023 was a culmination of our season and our minor camogie final.
To spite gale force winds we were victorious on the day and fought bravely in dreadful conditions against a very brave Donard team. We brought home the silverware and are very proud of this team of girls.
Thank you to the parents for their ongoing support and due diligence on the line keeping an eye on management. Also, thanks to the girls themselves especially the girls who played at three different levels this season for their love of the game and proud to represent their club.
We look forward to an exciting year ahead in 2024.
Easter
On the 8th of April the Easter bunny arrived at Arklow Rocks pitch to the excitement of our academy boys and girls, many chocolate easter eggs eaten by both children and a few of the helpers.
Summer Camp
We had a wonderful three days from 8th to 10th of August when we hosted our Summer Camp, as always this was a great success, again this can only be the great event it is because of the time given up by our volunteer coaches and admins, and for this we are eternally grateful. All the kids had a ball, with everyone going home happy, having had great fun.
At the start of this year, we ran an introduction to coaching course, we are planning to run another one at the start of the year 2024 and an all-county award one coaching course is being run at the end of this year, then just emphasise the need for more coaches, helpers, admins.
Special Mentions
As always, thank you our Executive for all the background work you do. To Tom Byrne and Jack O’Reilly for their time and work maintaining the grounds and the outdoor area, the pitch is a joy to play on when the rain is not torrential.
Thank you to all support throughout the year from our green and white followers, especially our little Rockettes who came out to wish us luck on the day of the Camogie final. Hopefully it will be you one day!
Young Whistlers
We would also like to thank again our young Whistlers who ensured all the young games were played well and fairly. We hope they continue to referee for us next year.
Tá súil againn go mbeidh bliain iontach againn an bhliain seo chugainn – (We hope to have a great year next year)
Go raibh maith agaibh go léir.