Deirdre and Jonah Rigney attended the Jersey Presentation in Kilclonfert recently. Photo: Bridie Roe.

PHOTOS: Jersey presentation evening at 100-year-old Kilclonfert GAA Club

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Wednesday evening last, July 31, was a busy one at Kilclonfert GAA Club in Offaly, where a number of initiatives are currently underway during its centenary year.

On Wednesdays the club's underage 3-11 year old Cill Cubs train. Cill Cubs is split into 4 groups: nursery 3-5 yr olds, under 8s, U11s, and an All-Inclusive All-Stars group for children with additional needs.

The club has over 60 boys and girls from Kilclonfert, between the ages of 3 to 11, and its All-Stars group includes 17 children from Kilclonfert and surrounding areas.

Cill Cubs was established in 2021 with the view to getting that important early connection for children in Kilclonfert to their home club. Mark Kearney, Paul Coyne and David Kelly were instrumental in getting this off the ground, but the club didn’t envisage back then the huge numbers it would have week after week, with attendance averaging at 50 children per night.

Fergal Smyth (Arramount) and Roger Smyth (Teknabuild) are pictured with some of the nursery group in Kilclonfert. Photo Bridie Roe.

This year saw the launch of the All Inclusive All Stars programme - which has been opened up to children from all areas. Kilclonfert GAA realised the need to create a fun, safe environment for children with additional needs to get involved in football and, in turn, feel part of the GAA community.

The feedback from parents has been amazing and the All-Star children have really added to the atmosphere at the Wednesday evening sessions.

Pictured are some of the Kilclonfert All-Stars group at the recent jersey presentation event. Photo: Bridie Roe.

The GAA has always been at the heart of the community in Kilclonfert and this was evident at Wednesday's session when the club presented its Cill Cubs with their new training tops, kindly sponsored by Arramount Furniture (Fergal Smyth) and Teknabuild (Roger Smyth).

Roger Smyth (Teknabuild) and Fergal Smyth (Arramount) pictured with some of the U8 group in Kilclonfert. Photo: Bridie Roe.

Seventy-three jerseys were presented, and the children couldn’t wait to try them on. The club expressed its gratitude to Fergal and Roger for their kind sponsorship - there were loads of smiling faces on the Cubs as they received their jerseys and got photos taken with Offaly senior footballer David Dempsey.

David Dempsey (Ballycommon & Offaly) is pictured with U11 girls at the recent jersey presentation event in Kilclonfert. Photo: Bridie Roe.

This was followed by the presentation of the new adult team jerseys, kindly sponsored by a long-time loyal supporter of Kilclonfert GAA, Seerys Bar. Mick Seery presented the new jerseys to Kilclonfert chairman, Ger Brennan, along with players Dan Daly, Niall Spillane, Tj Moore and Eoghan Spillane.

Thank you to Mick and the Seery family for their continued support of Kilclonfert GAA.

Pictured at the adults' jersey presentation were (L-R): Dan Daly, Mick Seery (sponsor), TJ Moore, Ger Brennan, Eoghain Spillane and Annette McGrath. Photo: Bridie Roe.

2024 is a big year for Kilclonfert GAA as it celebrates 100 years in existence.

A new strategic plan for the club is its final stages, and this will be launched at its 100-year celebrations on Saturday, August 17, with a full day of activities planned.

Pictured are some of the sponsors, committee and Cill Cubs coaches for Kilclonfert GAA. Photo: Bridie Roe.
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