Major weekend ahead for Delvin Celtic"s young stars

On Sunday next, November 9, Delvin Celtic AFC will hold a soccer blitz in what will be the club"s first major chance to showcase its talented pool of young soccer players.The blitz, which kicks off at 10am, will take place in the Astroturf soccer pitch just off Main Street, Delvin. The pitch is located on the alleyway which leads to St. Patrick"s Hall, just beside Carmel Gaffney"s pub.Scores of young Delvin Celtic players will play soccer for five hours, and this will be followed by an hour-long blitz for parents. At present, there are three teams boys" teams (Under 7, 9 and 11s) and two girls" teams (Under 11 and 13s).The objective of the blitz is to raise much-needed funds for the club, which came into existence to satisfy local demands for a soccer club during the summer.Funding is badly needed by the club for the purchase of necessary equipment and clothing for the teams, and as the club grows, it"s becoming clear how important it is for members of the community to help make it a lasting institution in the village.The five teams compete in the Meath and District League, and although they"re hardly a wet week in competition, the players are beginning to make a name for themselves.Over the next few days, they will be calling to houses in Delvin with sponsorship cards, and your support and generosity would be appreciated.Basketball coach soughtAfter enjoying national success in draughts, table tennis and athletics in recent years, the hard-working people behind Delvin Community Games are looking to broaden their horizons by recruiting a basketball coach.The committee is looking for somebody with basketball experience to come forward and volunteer their services, as it is planned to enter a basketball team for the forthcoming competition schedule.If anyone with a love for the 'hoop game' would like to come forward and offer their experience, please contact Pauline Quinn on (044) 9664865.Girls" hockey training, facilitated by Kathrina Bray, continues in St. Patrick"s Hall, Delvin each Thursday night between 7.15pm and 8.15pm.Tickets on sale for GAA Annual DrawSaturday, December 6 is the date for that annual institution - Delvin GAA Club"s Annual Draw, which always generates much excitement and interest in the community every year.After the first week in December, someone"s Christmas dreams are going to come true when they win the first prize of €3,250. Three other prizes: €1,000, €250 and five prizes of €100, are also available, bringing the total prize pool to €5,000.The Annual Draw is one of Delvin GAA Club"s major annual fundraisers, and your support would be appreciated. Tickets are on sale in local business, or from any member of the committee.Christmas Lights meetingIt"s hard to believe, but it"s that time of year again: when a number of local volunteers get together to discuss the erection of Christmas lights in Delvin.With all the necessary fundraising and organisation to be looked after, it"s hoped that a committee will be formed at a meeting on Wednesday night of this week, November 5 at 9pm.If anyone is interested in getting involved, please come along and volunteer your services on the night.Hospice quiz this FridayDelvin Hospice Homecare will hold their Annual Table Quiz on this coming Friday, November 7 in The Blue Hackle Inn (Dolores Gaffney"s), starting at 8.30pm. The fee for a table of four is €40, while a student/underage table is €20. A raffle will take place on the night, and your support would be greatly appreciated.St. Joseph"s YPS AGMThe Annual General Meeting of the St. Joseph"s Young Priests" Society will take place in the Parochial House, on the grounds of the Church of the Assumption, Delvin on Thursday next, November 6 at 8pm.All present members are asked to attend, as arrangements must be made for the Diocesan Meeting, which takes place on Thursday, November 20.Successful fundraiser for Crumlin HospitalThe Blue Hackle Inn, Delvin was the venue for a very successful fundraiser in aid of Our Lady"s Hospital for Sick Children, Crumlin, Co. Dublin - and it was a fundraiser with a difference.With the Hallowe"en atmosphere in the air, residents of Delvin descended on the popular venue for a fancy dress competition in aid of this worthwhile cause.Some colourful and elaborate costumes were on display, and the organisers would like to thank everyone who put in the effort to come and support the night out.A total of €1,412 was raised, and all prizes won on the night were donated back to the chosen cause.Winner of first prize was Pauline Brady, who dressed as Little Bo Peep, while Clodagh Coll and Ollie O"Neill took second prize as Betty and Barney Rubble from the Flintstones. In third was the nun and cardinal duo, Stephen Clune and John Gorman.Pheasant season opens for Delvin and District Gun ClubThere was plenty of activity among members of Delvin and District Gun Club last week, with the opening of the pheasant shooting season. Saturday, November 1 saw members vying for the longest pheasant competition held in Carmel Gaffney"s, with Denis Vaughan Jnr. claiming the prize with a bird at nearly 39 inches, and P.J. Gaffney downing the heaviest bird.The Club is set to hold its very popular Annual Draw soon, with seven prizes ranging from €1,000 to €100 available. Tickets cost €5 each, and the draw will take place on Saturday, November 22. Best of luck to all entrants, and your support would be appreciated.Delvin and District Gun Club would also like to thank all landowners for the privilege of use of their lands for either shooting or conservation purposes.All members are fully insured and will gladly produce proof of same to any landowner on request. All members pledge to respect all property at all times.