John McGrath RIP

On behalf of all in our club we would like to extend our deepest sympathies to the family and wide circle of friends of the late John McGrath who passed away yesterday. A hurler and footballer of note John and his family have made an enormous contribution to our club for almost 60 years, with John being associated with many important milestones in our club.

On the playing front John was a stylish hurler who lined out in our halfback line for many years when we were close to winning a Senior County Title, but unfortunately, we were defeated by Mt Sion in the County Finals of 1964 and 1969. John did succeed in winning a Sargent Cup medal in 1963, at a time when this was a prestigious competition. Along with other members of our club at this time John was selected on the Waterford Senior Hurling panel and was on the panel in 1963 when Waterford lost the All-Ireland Final to Kilkenny. John did enjoy success in the Waterford jersey winning an Oireachtas medal in 1962 and a National Hurling League medal in 1963.

John was an equally talented footballer and played at centre back on the very first Ballinacourty team to win a title, when in 1962 they defeated Colligan to win the Western Junior Football League. This progress continued in 1965 when John captained Ballinacourty to the Intermediate County Title as they defeated Rathgormack in the County Final. That night saw great scenes of celebration at Elsteads Pub and Ballinacourty Point, where John would later establish his successful business.

Having retired from playing John played a crucial role in purchasing our present club grounds and helping to develop the pitches we see today. It was only natural that John's family would maintain his proud tradition, as his sons wore our jerseys with distinction and that tradition is carried on by his grandsons and granddaughters today.

As mentioned above John along with his wife Ann established thriving businesses at the Gold Coast and Clonea Strand Hotel. These hotels along with John's Joinery business gave great employment to many of our members and brought visitors from around the world to our parish. Both hotels hosted many club celebrations, and we were always afforded the warmest of welcomes by John, Ann and his family.

Our club has lost one of our best players and our parish lost possibly the greatest entrepreneur we will ever know. But most importantly the McGrath family lost a husband, father and grandfather. Once again, we send our deepest sympathies to Ann and all the McGrath family on their loss.

Championship 2021

The football championships continued last weekend with the Seniors continuing their defence of the Conway Cup with a hard-fought victory over Stradbally in what were, to put it mildly, inclement weather conditions. The Intermediate team also continued their good form with a win over Sliabh gCua on Friday night in Fraher Field. Unfortunately out Junior team went down to Sean Phobal whilst there was mixed luck for both Minor teams. The Division1 team beat Tramore and the Division 4 had to give best to Clashmore.

We’re into knockout championship from here on in as the Seniors face off against Kilrossanty at 7.00 pm in Fraher Field next Saturday and the Intermediates travel to Cappoquin to play Modeligo at 3.00pm on Sunday.

Jack The Joker

The ever-popular Jack The Joker draw took place on Monday night last. Jack O Hare was drawn and picked number 13. When turned this was not the Joker, but he did win €50. Laura, Kieran & Darragh and Hiker McGrath won €25 each. The jackpot next week will be €2,500.

Sunday Night Bingo

Our Sunday night bingo returned to the CBS Hall last week after a long Covid induced absence. We will be back in the hall again this Sunday, eyes down at 8.00pm with a €400 Jackpot in 40 calls. Books cost Single & Quickie €13, Double & Quickie €16. See you there.