Club Notes (October 5th 2020)

INTERMEDIATE QUARTER FINAL SPA V LAUNE RANGERS
Spa progress to the Intermediate semi-finals after a two-point win over Laune Rangers on Saturday night, the highlight of which was a heart-stopping final few moments when Spa keeper James Devane pulled off not one - but TWO - magnificent injury time saves.

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Full match report available here

Spa: James Devane, Eric O’Donoghue, Eoin Fitzgerald, Shane Lynch, Shane Cronin (0-1), Dan O’Donoghue, Gary Vaughan, Ciaran Spillane, Mike O’Donoghue (0-1), Niall O’Mahony (0-2), Dara Moynihan (1-1), Niall McCarthy (0-1), Michael Foley (0-2), Evan Cronin (0-1), David Spillane (0-1). Subs: Eoin Cronin, Michael McCarthy, Cormac Cronin 

INTERMEDIATE CHAMPIONSHIP SEMI-FINAL
The draw was made on Sunday for the Intermediate Championship semi-finals. Dates, times, venues etc to be confirmed as games may be delayed due to inter-county competition. The draw is as follows: Spa V Castleisland Desmonds and Na Gaeil v Beaufort 

JUVENILE TRAINING  
Every Saturday the Academy welcomes BOYS & GIRLS from ages 3 to 10 in the ABC, U6, U8 and U10 groups. The Academy starts at 10am each Saturday and new members are always welcome! If you would like any additional information or for any queries on juvenile training times, please contact our Coiste na nOg Secretary Andrew on 0871385612.             

GAA UPDATE ON TEAM GROUPINGS
A Rúnaí a chara, As part of our policy of reviewing our Covid restrictions on an ongoing basis and following engagement with NPHET, we are requesting that all of our units actively discourage huddles before, during and after games in the days and weeks ahead. We are also asking for all of our teams to avoid the following:
* Team photographs (unless in seated area conforming to social distancing)
* Shaking hands with other players and personnel
* Celebrations and commiserations involving close physical contact

Players are also expected to:
* follow Public Health Advice with respect to personal hygiene and etiquette
* social distance from broadcasters if and when being interviewed
* refrain from swapping their shirts
* avoid congregating in indoor areas or passing through pitch-side tunnels at the same time as opponents.

These guidelines should be discussed with all teams who are still involved in competitions.

We appreciate the challenges some of these restrictions pose but as public health measures and as part of GAA efforts to tackle the spread of the virus, compliance is crucial.

GAA INCLUSION DAY
Spa GAA Club were delighted to be part of the national GAA inclusion celebration last week, where clubs across the country promoted the ethos of inclusion in the GAA community. Led by our Health & Wellbeing Officer Margaret Doyle, Spa created a video to highlight the sense of community and inclusiveness that exists within our Club as part of the celebrations to support the very first GAA National Inclusive Fitness Day. The event took place during the European Week of Sport (23rd – 30th September) and the aim was to promote sport and physical activity to everyone regardless of age, sexual orientation, ability, ethnicity, nationality, or fitness level. Inclusion means people having a sense of belonging, of being comfortable in being part of something they value. Well done to Margaret and everyone who took part. #GAABelong #BeActive 

Watch the videos online here
Video 1 Margaret, Paudie & Seamus
Video 2 Ian and Triona

U12 GIRLS
Our u12 girls had their first challenge game against Firies in Spa last Friday night. It was brilliant for the players to play, as we didn't enter an u12 team in the league this year. The backroom team of Emma Daly, Susan Waters, Claire Tangney, Tomas Daly and Rory Waters continue to train the girls every week and it sure paid off. The girls played a very spirited Firies team and were evenly balanced until we pulled off a late goal to seal this victory. Hopefully, a few more challenge games before the end of season if regulations allow.

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Then our u12 girls played their second challenge game against ISG in Spa last Friday night. Close game throughout but the visitors pulled away in the last few minutes to snatch victory. On the positive side the team played excellent football and were very unlucky with some scores and played brilliantly as a team.

U15 EAST KERRY LEAGUE
An U15 East Kerry League competition kicks off this weekend with Spa in Group 2 with Legion, Gneeveguilla and Firies. The fixtures are as follows: Friday October 2nd Spa v Legion at 5.30pm in Spa (changed from Oct 4th); Sunday October 11th Spa v Gneeveguilla at 12noon (away); Sunday October 18th Spa v Firies at 12noon in Spa

U8 & U10 GIRLS
Our u8s girls played Kilcummin in a friendly game of football to enhance the skills that our valuable coaches Denis O’Connor, Denise Gleeson and Erin Holland pass on each week. Thanks to Kilcummin who travelled with two teams in large numbers and it’s great to see. Well done to everyone involved.

Then our u10 girls had a very busy weekend playing football in Spa and in Rathmore. On Saturday we were invited to Rathmore to play their talented team in the glorious sunshine. On Sunday Kilcummin travelled to Spa with their large numbers to play our girls.

Then this weekend Our U8 and u10 girls had a busy weekend. We hosted Listry on Saturday. On Sunday we were invited to Lewis Road to play against Dr. Crokes u8 girls. Both days highlighted their skills, and each girl is improving with each fun game. Well done to all involved and thanks to Listry and Dr Crokes clubs.

All sides benefited from these fun games and they continue to grow in skill and confidence with every outing. Thanks to all the players, coaches and parents who continue to make this possible.

SYMPATHY
Our condolences to Eileen Moynihan and family on the passing of Eileen’s mother Julia Breen, Glencar.

SPA LOTTO RESULTS 28/09/20 
Numbers drawn 5, 20, 24, 26. No winner and Lucky Dips receive €50 each to Marese Kearney, John & Noreen Doolan, Mike Mangan and Aoibheann O’Leary. Our weekly Spa GAA Club Lotto continues every Monday night at the clubhouse and the JACKPOT prize is currently at €5,600!

Tickets are €2 each, 3 tickets for €5 or €100 for an Annual Ticket and there are 3 ways to purchase:
1) ONLINE here on our club website www.spagaa.com 
2) At the SATURDAY JUVENILE ACADEMY in Spa from 10am-11am every Saturday
3) from Club TICKET SELLERS who distribute tickets each week.  

Many Spa lotto annual tickets will become due for renewal in the next few weeks. Their duration was, of course, extended to compensate for weeks missed when lotto was suspended. Please check with your usual seller or ring Jim Gleeson at 087 6340581. Thank you all for your continued support.

U16 BOYS
Spa u16's played their last game of the season on Sunday last away to An Ghaeltacht. In what was a very windy day, the boys could not get to grips with the conditions & unfortunately came away empty handed. The boys have given everything that the coaches have asked of them this year. Every one of the boys are a credit to both their parents and the club. The coaches would like to thank the following people for their help throughout the year: Seamus Moynihan, chairman of Spa Coiste na nÓg for all he has done for us this year; Andrew Sullivan for his tireless and unseen work behind the scenes for getting the games arranged & then rearranged due to changing circumstances; Michael Cronin for his patience when we had to change our training times; John O’Neill for helping us get used to rule changes at the start of the year; Ann Holland for her camera work. To the parents for getting the boys to training and games. Finally, to a great bunch of boys who have been brilliant to coach.

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SPA MERCHANDISE SHOP  
Spa Merchandise Shop is open every Saturday morning from 10am – 11am. Any enquiries contact Mathilda on 0876487356.     

COFFEE MORNING FOR KERRY MENTAL HEALTH SERVICES
Spa are delighted to take part in the Kerry Mental Health & Wellbeing Fest running from October 10th – 17th, whereby clubs, business and local organisations organise their own free event to promote available mental health supports. Spa GAA Club are planning a Coffee Morning at the club on the morning of Saturday October 17th between 10am – 12noon. Everyone is welcome to come along, the event is open to club members, neighbours, supporters and everyone in the wider community. All home baking welcome, and anyone that would be available to help out on the morning, please contact Margaret on 0879181970.

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ITEMS FOR NOTES  
Any items for the club notes please contact Deirdre at pro.spa.kerry@gaa.ie or 0851216359 before 8pm on Sundays.