PR Weekly Bulletin

A Chairde,

This week’s 3 page edition includes “Bits & Bytes” from the past week, a Quickfire question round with Kildare Senior Hurler Jack Travers and Kildare Senior Footballer Mark Dempsey.

“Bits & Bytes”

• The Kildare Senior Football Team play Laois on Sunday in the third round of the Allianz Football League. The match throws-in at 1:45pm and the fixture will be streamed live on GAAGo via https://www.gaago.ie/fixture/PL5-21-F-W4K

• U20 Football Manager Brian Flanagan has announced the panel for the upcoming Leinster Championship. Their campaign begins with a Rd1 fixture v Westmeath on 1st July in St. Conleth’s Park, Newbridge. The full panel can be viewed on https://kildaregaa.ie/kildare-u20-football-panel/

• Manager Eoin Stapleton and his Selectors have announced the Minor Hurling Squad ahead of the Leinster Championship. Their campaign begins on 30th June away to Carlow in Netwatch Cullen Park. Visit https://kildaregaa.ie/2021-kildare-gaa-minor-hurling-squad/ to view the panel.

• Draft EMS Copiers Senior Football League fixtures were issued to Clubs during the week. A full schedule can be found on https://kildaregaa.ie/draft-ems-copiers-senior-football-league-fixtures/

• Draft Senior Hurling League fixtures were also issued to Clubs during the week. The first round is scheduled to take place on 15^th Full details to be found on https://kildaregaa.ie/draft-senior-hurling-league-fixtures/

• Clubs are asked to take note that the Child Safeguarding Risk Assessment and Statement needs to be submitted by 5pm on Monday. The documents are to be registered via link issued by County Childern’s Officer Dermot Lavin.

• An Treoir Oifigiúil 2021, Cuid I agus Cuid II are now available for download on https://www.gaa.ie/the-gaa/rules-regulations/

• Reminder that the deadline for Club Membership subscription is next Monday 31st May 2021. All Clubs are asked to ensure all players are registered as training is now in full swing.

• Registrations for this summer’s Kellogg’s GAA Cúl Camps are flying in. Book now to avoid disappointment as places in each camp are limited due to Covid-19. Visit https://www.kelloggsculcamps.gaa.ie/ to secure your child’s entry.

• Upcoming Fixture for the diary:

Sunday 30^th May:

• • Allianz Football League: Kildare v Laois @ 13:45 in MW Hire O’Moore Park, Portlaoise. Fixture will be broadcast live on GAA Go.

Sunday 6^th June:

• • Allianz Hurling League: Kildare v Roscommon @ 14:00 in Dr. Hyde Park, Roscommon. Streaming details to be confirmed by Roscommon GAA in the coming days.

Quickfire Questions with Kildare Senior Footballer Mark Dempsey

Age: 22

Club: Moorefield

Senior Inter County League Debut: 2018 against Galway.

Senior Inter County Championship Debut: 2019 against Wicklow.

Pre-Match Day Routine: I usually try get as much sleep as possible before getting up, get dressed, have breakfast and then relax until its time to leave for the match. I double check the gear, have some snacks and then head off.

Pre match rituals: No, very boring.

Toughest opponent: Paul Mannion – He is pacey and nippy and could score from anywhere.

Team you most like to beat: Any of the local rivals.

Proudest Day: Either winning the Leinster Club with Moorefield or the U20 All Ireland with Kildare.

Toughest or most disappointing day: Losing to Corofin in the All Ireland Club Semi-Final.

Biggest influence on your career: My parents.

Joker in the panel: Mick O’Grady.

Best Dressed: Aaron O’Neill.

Worst Dressed: Aaron Masterson.

Player do you admire from another sport: Katie Taylor – She is so driven, talented and has achieved so much. She also just seems like a great person.

Manager from another sport do you admire: Davy Fitzgerald – He is so passionate about hurling and always seems to get the best out of players.

Quickfire Questions with Kildare Senior Hurler Jack Travers

Age: 22

Club: Leixlip

Senior Inter County League Debut: Derry 2020.

Senior Inter County Championship Debut: Roscommon 2019.

Pre-Match Day Routine: Porridge with honey and fruits starts the preparation off.  I like to stretch while listening to music to get the body moving and the mind focused on the game. I usually try to visualise small plays before arriving to any game but never try to overthink just stick to the simple stuff.

Pre match rituals: Always like to have a coffee and laugh with teammates before a game to keep mind and body at ease, before the switch is flicked to fully focus on game ahead.

Toughest opponent: Derry are very physical and always a tough opponent.

Describe yourself in three words: Resilient, dedicated, easy going.

Proudest Day: Kildare Debut or winning Ryan Cup with Maynooth University.

Toughest or most disappointing day: Injury that made me a spectator at Christy Ring Final – always find it difficult watching knowing you could contribute.

Biggest influence on your career: Ken Hogan.

Joker in the panel: James Burke.

Best advice you were given: To trust and enjoy the process.

Best Trainer: Simon Lacey.

Teammate most likely to be a future manager: Paddy McKenna.

If there was a transfer market, who you buy: Brendan Maher – has it all from leadership to skill level is a joy to watch and a great athlete.