Juvenile registration / open night

Last Friday’s juvenile registration / open night in the GP Room of Scoil an Chlochair was a resounding success.

Our underage chairperson Martina Rochford outlined our club structure, code of conduct and aims for the year as well as what’s expected of our members and parents, while underage secretary Sabrina Nannery introduced special guests, Westmeath footballers Ronan O’Toole and David Lynch, and spoke about the dedication and commitment that’s required.

Sabrina also thanked our mentors for their hard work. Our registrar Shaun Pidgeon and assistant treasurer Niall Carey had a busy evening handling all the requests for membership. You can still register on ClubZap (https://kilbegganshamrocks.com/membership_products )where Shaun will merge it to Foireann.

First non-national team mentor

As our juvenile section continues to go from strength to strength, we are delighted to welcome Kristina Luka as our first non-national mentor.

This marks another milestone in our long and storied history, and will hopefully lead to other new members of our community getting involved and helping out with our various teams.

Hailing from Latvia, Kristina and her husband Kaspars moved to Ireland in 2009 before settling in Kilbeggan in 2017 with their children Daniel (17) and Sofija (10). Sofija was part of our U10 girls’ team that played in Croke Park last Easter and is moving up to U12 this year.

When U12 lead mentor Richie McMahon asked Kristina to come on board this year, she jumped at the chance.

"I was both surprised and delighted to be asked. It was so unexpected. Hopefully I'll have something to offer. I'm really looking forward to working with a great group of girls and coaches, and to the start of the new season," Kristina says.

We wish Kristina and all of our fantastic mentors and juvenile players the best of luck in 2024. Here's to another great year of football and fun!

Membership

2024 membership is now due.

All players must have membership in order to train, play matches or use our facilities. Payment can be made through our system on ClubZap.

The rates are as follows: GAA adult player - €60; GAA / LGFA adult non-player - €20; GAA underage player (U18 and below) - €30; GAA family membership - €80; LGFA adult player - €80; LGFA U18 player - €65; LGFA U16 player - €65; LGFA U14 player - €65; LGFA U12 and below - €30; Gaelic for Mothers & Others - €30; LGFA family membership - €130.

Dinner Dance

The countdown is on to our dinner dance which takes place on Saturday, February 24 in the Tullamore Court Hotel and will be hosted by Rory O’Connor of Rory’s Stories fame.

Starting with a drinks’ reception at 5.30pm, there will be a three-course meal followed by the presentation of JFC medals and music by The Lols with a DJ afterwards. Tickets, costing €60, can be purchased from any committee member or online at https://clubzap.com/public/products/16126/purchases/new

All are welcome to join with us in celebrating a brilliant year.

Lotto

Last week’s lucky numbers were 8, 14, 22 and 26. The Match 3 winners were Lizzie McDonnell, Mary Daly, Finbar Coffey and Catherine Bradley. Thanks to everyone for their support. The jackpot is capped at €15,000. You can purchase your tickets in local shops or online.

Fundraiser for Declan Rogers

A GoFundMe page has been set up to raise money for life-changing treatment for our former player Declan (Deccie) Rogers.

Deccie, who won a JFC medal in 1992 and lined out at corner back in the IFC final against St Mary’s three years later, has been diagnosed with a neurological dysfunction called Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS). Deccie’s family are looking for help to raise vital funds and awareness about this extremely rare and excruciating ‘suicide disease’.

CRPS is a condition that is associated with the imbalance and malfunction of the autonomic nervous system. Medically speaking, it is the most painful disease known to man – rating higher than both childbirth and amputation on the McGill Pain Index. Many people who have CRPS, including Deccie, describe it as feeling like they are literally being burned alive.

Just when Deccie thought there was no hope, his family discovered The Spero Clinic, a holistic medical treatment centre in Arkansas, USA led by well-known Quantum Neurology Nerve Rehabilitation specialist, Dr Katinka van der Merwe. Dr Katinka has treated patients from all around the world with her effective 12-week Neurologic Rehabilitation program.

A place has been secured for Deccie in the clinic for April 15 this year and his security deposit paid. The duration of his treatment is three months, and the cost of the treatment is estimated at $50,000. This is the only place in the world that treats the condition.

A target of €80,000 has been set as the cost does not include flights, accommodation or living expenses. Please give what you can to help Deccie receive this vital treatment. To donate, go to https://www.gofundme.com/f/declans-last-hope-to-get-his-life-back