February Newsletter - New Season 2022

As the last restrictions are finally removed, we look forward to 2022 with a renewed hope and excitement for our games to return to normal once more. The new year also brings a change to our Executive with the election of Richard Aslett as Chairman.  Richard has been in the role of Secretary under Paddy Miskelly's stewardship and he is most welcome to the position.  We are also delighted to have poached Anne Lawlor from the Ladies  Committee as new Secretary to the Club Exec. Anne is already getting her teeth into the role and, will no doubt, be a great addition.

Chairman’s Message

Syls has had a fantastic start to 2022 with our senior ladies lifting the all Ireland intermediate trophy.

On behalf of all syls members I would like to thank Paddy for his Chairmanship over the last 5 years and indeed, his time as Juvenile Boys Chair prior to that. St Sylvester's has grown significantly over this time and is in a great position to build on in the coming years. I am pleased to say that Paddy's love and passion for Syls continues unabated and he has agreed to take the role of Vice Chairperson for 2022.

As we start the playing season, I would like to remind all players, coaches, mentors and supporters the importance of living the club and GAA values, of respect, integrity and inclusiveness. We are all ambassadors for the club and each other. Let us encourage and support each other and make this another year to remember.

Stronger together !

Richard Aslett
Chairman

ALL IRELAND CHAMPIONS

Congratulations to St Sylvester’s Senior Ladies team and Management, Anthony Cooke, Shane Cowley, Noel McStay, Declan Hetherington, Mick Stuart & Paddy Miskelly who brought home the silverware in 2021, with not one but THREE trophies brought over the bridge in celebration to 2 Church Rd.

The Dublin, Leinster and All Ireland Intermediate Championships were won in style. Our fantastic playing facilities were host to teams from around the country and the team commended by many opponents for their sportsmanship. Indeed, Dublin LGFA press coverage described Syls’ play in the Dublin championship as “Champagne Football”.

Our Juvenile girls were staunch supporters, all inspired to create wonderfully artistic posters for each match. The committees, facilities management and volunteers worked in all weathers and at all hours to bring the best out of Malahide in support. A huge thank you from the Ladies Committee to all!

The Senior team win has seen the entire Club come together in support of the squad and the wider community too, as the town was decked in blue and green to celebrate the team's campaign. The team has been busy since the win visiting the younger teams who were so supportive throughout.

FOOTBALL FOCUS

After the Covid disruption of the past 2 years the AFL league format returns to the all county 15 game season. This will test the full squads and resources of all clubs in order to complete the season between February and mid July. There is a positive atmosphere around adult football in the club at present with all four teams winning on the opening league weekend and each team getting good numbers out to training. 

The Senior Mens football team kicked off the AFL2season with a hard fought win away to Round Towers Clondalkin and it is hoped that the team can build on this positive start through the league.  Joint Manager Derek Roche says, 'Our men will be aiming to gain promotion back to AFL1 this season and build on the positivity around our club and games created by the recent success of our ladies senior team. The success of  Alex Wright and Mick Shiel representing the club so well in the Dublin senior team set up only adds to the anticipation that this could be a year for Adult football to take a large step forward.'

2022 brings much change to our AFL4 team that has started the season well with a win over Castleknock first time out.  A number of older players have hung up their boots, namely, John Coughlan, Ciaran McArdle, Brian McCarthy, Gavin McArdle and  Russey Cleere who have all given many years of Club service and will be badly missed. Manager, Shay Byrne 'They are all great role models for the younger players and wish them well for the future and thank them for their long years of service.' Sean & Liam Foley have also stepped aside to concentrate on hurling this year.  Shay now welcomes a batch of new young players who are starting in adult football this year. We wish them well in their challenge for a promotion spot in what is a very competitive league. 

The AFL7 team has started the season with an impressive win away to Good Council.  A  celebrated feature of the match was the brilliant penalty save from Ciaran "Mugser" Murray who is in his 38th season for Syls!  At the other end of the scale the team has welcomed ten of last year's Minor players who are making their debuts in adult football. We are especially looking forward to seeing these young players develop and mature as footballers playing alongside the experience already in the team.
Manager, Aidan Mahon says, 'The result of  our next match to Garristown's 1st team should give us a fair insight into the progress the team has made this season and also highlight some areas of our game we need to work harder on.' We wish them all the best in the months ahead.

HURLING HOTSPOT

Our AHL2 players are very much looking forward to getting a full season of normal league fixtures underway this year. While this is Pat Hoyne's third season as manager with the team, this will be his first proper full season so can’t wait to finally get full momentum.  As well as Ian, Eoin, Cobb & Ger from last year, the panel welcomes addtional experience in management with Ronan Kennedy and Joe O’Grady on board this year. 

The panel remains a very young group overall with a lot of players having come on board from underage ranks over the past few years.  Pat says, 'The league will be great to progress the team's development alongside the more experienced lads, although some of our veterans at this stage are only 24 themselves!'  This year's league fixtures are actually the same as they were two years ago so first game out will be Ballyboden away on Sunday 27th Feb @ 10.30.  Pat adds, 'We didn't actually get to play Boden two years ago in the same fixture as their pitch was called off on the morning of match, so we’re hoping weather improves from last weeks washout to enable us to be able to play this weekend.

The AHL6 management team begins 2022 without a team legend as Declan Byrne has decided to stand down after many years looking after the team. Declan developed the team from times he fielded himself to times of reaching County finals! He will supporting them throughout the year with thanks to him for everything.  With one legend lost another is gained with arrival of Eddie McLoughney to the team and is doing a super job at training,  Manager John Crosse says,  ‘Eddie’s experience will be invaluable  - it will great to have someone on the management who know one end of a hurley from the other!'  The team is preparing well for this weekend's return to league and seeing good numbers at training boosted also by the U19 hurlers who are very welcome and bring lots of enthusiasm.

After reaching the semi-final of their Championship last season, our AHL8 team are currently recruiting after the retirement of long standing stalwarts who have contributed so much to the Club over the years. Interested players should contact Danny O'Connor 086 1742380

LADIES LATEST

Following a hugely successful year for many of our teams, St Sylvester's Ladies & Girls are inspired for the new season ahead.  The Junior ladies brought home the spoils, winning the Ladies Junior D Championship shield final. 

In underage sections,  the U14 Div 1 team won the Single Code Championship, the U15 Div 1 team finished joint top of the league and the U15B team ran out Single Code Division D Champions.  The year finished with our indomitable U16 team B champions!  With several players on Dublin development squads, we can’t wait to see what the future holds!

We’re now well into 2022 despite it being just a couple of short weeks since the 2021 season ended for the Senior Ladies Team.  After last years’ success, the ladies will once more be competing in the Senior Championship.  But first there is the league.  The same management team is expected to remain in place for 2022. Some of the players are taking well deserved sabbaticals, while other players are returning. With a recruitment campaign underway for both Senior and Junior teams, the ladies adult section is growing.  We’re excited to see our inter county players continuing to shine in both the Dublin and Down teams.   This year is certainly shaping up to be a mouth-watering prospect!

JUVENILE DEVELOPMENTS

Best of luck to all teams who are beginning their season this weekend.  In particular the U8s who have their first Go Games this Saturday 26th Jan and also to the U15 boys starting both Hurling & Football Feile in the coming fortnight.  We also congratulate U17 boys Pierce Donohue & Josh Moore representing Dublin at Minor level.

We are seeing year over year growth in the Juvenile boys section.  Juvenile Chairman Will Rooney says, 'In order to capitalise on these increased numbers, we have expanded the Juvenile Comittee incorporating a coach of each age group  to implement a Club Coaching and Player Pathway. Look out for meeting requests, Coach The Coach sessions and more developments as the year unfolds.' 

At the Academy, we have seen more record numbers join us on Saturdays. We also look forward to welcoming back our Mini All Irelands after a 3 year break!  Keep an eye on the Club website for more details in due course!

Child Safeguarding Course Level 1 for Mentors.
New dates in March to be confirmed soon for child safeguarding course level 1 for all new mentors to take place in the clubhouse. This is a requirement for all who are involved in all activities in the club and includes those who completed the online Temporary Child Safeguarding Course last year.   Places on a first come first served basis. More dates to be added after Easter.

All existing mentors are also required to do the  refresher Child Safeguarding Course level 1 every 3 years.  Its an online course that takes 40 minutes . We are asking all coaches and mentors to complete this course by 31.03.22. Those who completed this course in 2021, do not need to redo it this year.   https://learning.gaa.ie/safeguardingrefresher

Code of Behaviour  (underage) - We continue to promote the code of behaviour throughout the club. It aims to provides  guidance om how we provide  a safe environment for all young players  at underage level.   We would encourage all to review – mentors, young people parents / guardians and spectators.  For additional information please go to gaa  / lgfa code of behaviour.

MEMBERSHIP LAST CALL

Membership subscriptions for 2022 are due to be paid by 28 February 2022.  For any queries in relation to membership please contact sylsmembership@gmail.com. Please note that the Club will implement a 'No Pay,No Play' policy from 1st March 2022. Insurance cover for 2021 members expires on 28 February 2022, so only paid 2022 members can partake in training and matches from 1 March 2022. We fully appreciate these are difficult times financially for many families and we absolutely do not want inability to pay to be an issue for any of our members who want to play our games. The Club will deal with all requests for support in this matter with compassion and in the utmost confidence. Please contact either Club Chairman Richard Aslett on 086-1709267 or Club Treasurer Seamas Early on 086-8114820.

PITCHING IN - FACILITIES UPDATE

Our Facilities team have been hard at work during the teams' down-time to get pitches and equipment play-ready.  A new generator is installed to now facilitate training and matches under floodlights on both Pitch 2 & the AWP at the one time that was not possible before. Pitch 1 maintenance has it looking in top condition for the first games.  New juvenile portable goalposts were purchased for use at front of castle and the AWP. A reminder to teams to ensure visiting players & coaches are advised that football boots must be worn by all on our AWP (see graphic below).
2022 priorities include the new gym and new toilets at Gaffney Park changing rooms which should see momentum in the coming months.

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WELCOME TO THE CLUB - NEW SPONSORS

We'd like to take this opportunity to thank our many sponsors & welcome new supporters to the Club.
Hession Hairdressing have recently opened a business in Malahide and they have very kindly agreed to sponsor the first year of our Syls Academy! The children will receive specially branded training tops to celebrate the occasion.

A big welcome too to additional pitch sponsors at Gaffney Park, Broomfield. 

• Kelly Auctioneers
• Alpha Mechanical
• PCG Media Group
• Irish College of English
• Johnstown House Hotel
  
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FUNDRAISING

At Sylvester's, we pride ourselves on being a debt-free Club.  As a result, our development planning runs in tandem with hard-working fund-raising initiatives. Our signage deals mentioned will be reinvested in the Broomfield facility as will our recently awarded Government Sports Capital Grant.
One of our priority projects in 2022 will be to invest in improved toilet facilities for our players in the coming months and will need to raise €100k to support it. We will also be using funds raising in our weekly Club Lotto to also help facilitate this investment. In the coming months we will also be launching a major fund-raising campaign to allow us to invest in additional winter training facilities & improved playing pitches for the future of our Club.

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HEALTHY CLUB

Our Healthy Club is planning a new year of interesting and collaborative initiatives for 2022. The first, completed in tandem with RTE's Operation Transformation, was the popular Healthy Walks 'Ireland Lights Up' series every Wednesday evening for 6 weeks.The next active event is a fundraising walk up Paddy's Hill to coincide with Climb with Charlie on 2nd April.

The committee, under the banner of mental health support, have also undertaken fundraising for SAMH, our local youth counselling service for 12 - 18 year olds. The monies raised at the shop during the Ladies All Ireland matches at Broomfield will be presented to SAMH at a special presentation in the Clubhouse on the 7th March.

The next big event will be the return of the very popular Darkness Into Light Walk and Breakfast at 2 Church Road on the 7th May. Other events over the coming months include monthly walking club, SafeTalk training (suicide awareness), One Good Coach training and family fun National iIclusion day in September. Information on all activities will be announced on the Club social media.

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