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Thursday 3 March 2022

In this edition:

Playing at Red


New Zealand is currently at the Red setting under the COVID-19 Protection Framework (traffic lights). With cases soaring by the day, it is important that players, coaches, and spectators follow the guidelines under this setting. These include:
  • Continuing to scan in
  • Ensuring we have your My Vaccine Pass on record
  • Maintaining a physical distance, if possible
  • Maintaining good hygiene practices
  • Staying home if unwell.
If you have any questions, please get in touch with your coach or a member of the committee.

You can read more info on sport at Red on NZ's official COVID-19 website: covid19.govt.nz/sport-at-red/

New Zealand Championships cancelled


The 2022 New Zealand Championships, scheduled for 26/27 March in Hamilton, have been cancelled due to COVID-19. Hosts Naomh Críostóir confirmed the cancellation earlier this week. They've also confirmed that the competition will not happen at a later date in 2022 due to pitch and team availability.
 

In-house games

With the championships cancelled, we'll now host some in-house competitive games across the four codes. We'll run two gamedays – the first on Saturday 12 March and the second on Saturday 19 March, both at Ian Galloway Park. The games will take place in compliance with the current guidance under the Red traffic-light setting. We'll have more details on the games soon. Training will continue as per the schedule in our calendar.
 
Training schedule

New website now live


We were delighted to launch our new and improved website last month. Hosted by FriendlyManager, the site is simple, easy to use, and will continue to be the main hub of information for all things Wellington/Hutt Valley GFHA.

As you'll know, we recently acquired a club management software system run by Tauranga-based FriendlyManager. A club website was also part of the package, and we've been busy pulling the site together. We'll continue to build the site in the months ahead. Have a gander through the link below.
 

 
www.wellingtongaa.com

Awards night


Our annual awards night will take place on Saturday 9 April at Whistling Sisters. While our teams haven't played in any national tournaments this year, we still have reason to celebrate another season of Gaelic games in the capital. And remember we have a great many individual awards to present for both on-field and off-field performances. In the meantime, you can see our award winners of yesteryear here. We'll have more details such as ticket information very soon.
 

Social Gaelic games


Sponsored by Whistling Sisters Beer Co. for the 2021/22 season


Thanks also to the Global Games Development Fund, the Department of Foreign Affairs Ireland, and the GAA for their support.

Our post-Christmas Gaelic football tournament concluded on Saturday 12 February with our finals day at Ian Galloway Park. Welly Warriors claimed the cup for the first time with a comprehensive 3-3 to 0-3 win over Kāpiti Coast Keas in the final. Having won the cup pre-Christmas, The Socialites added the plate to their season's trophy haul as they defeated a combined team of Mayo4Sam/Whelan 'n' Dealin' 4-8 to 1-3 in the plate final.

Our inaugural hurlogie tournament finished up on Wednesday 9 February. Feel the Byrne continued their great form in the knockouts, overcoming The Duggout in the semis and claiming the title with a close final against Steak 'n' Chips – 2-9 to 3-4. The Duggout beat Offaly Good 2-8 to 3-4 in the third-place playoff. Hurlogie has been a popular addition to the socials season and we're excited to see it grow in the coming years.

Congratulations to our winning teams and to each team's MVP who were feted at the awards night in Whistling Sisters following the finals. Lastly, thanks to all players, referees, and volunteers for your contribution to the best social summer sports in Wellington. See you all next season.
 
Post-Christmas round-up

Hurlers play Queenstown


On Saturday 26 February, nine intrepid Wellington/Hutt Valley hurlers flew down to Queenstown to take on the local hurlers. Playing a game of three thirds at the Recreation Ground, our lads came away with an 11-22 to 1-15 victory. 

The weekend was originally slated for the annual Lindis Pass Cup game between Queenstown and Canterbury, featuring Wellington/Hutt Valley. However, the event was cancelled due to COVID. Instead, this more intimate, COVID-compliant, challenge game was organised between our lads and Queenstown. Well done to all involved.
 

Wellington/Hutt Valley hurlers who took on Queenstown recently. Back row (L-R): Emmet Whelan, Dan Doyle, Davey Rynne, Darragh Corboy, Deccie Duggan. Front row (L-R): Keith Cleere, Peadar McGeehan, Steven 'Scooby' Coleman, Patrick Dempsey.
 

Kids Gaelic games
 

Sponsored by Hutt Valley Irish Society for the 2021/22 season

 
Kids Gaelic games resumed last Sunday after being rained out over the last few weeks. It was great to welcome everyone back again, including new players Molly and Conn Lenahan. Molly and Conn's mother – NZ-born Alana – played with our teams 10 years ago, so it's fantastic to see the next generation enjoying our games.

We're back at Trafalgar Park this Sunday 6 March before we wrap up for the season at the same venue the following Sunday, 13 March. Unfortunately, the Wellington St Patrick's Day parade has been cancelled, so we'll look to organise something special for the children on the 13th. We're looking forward to seeing you all there.

Meanwhile, our Kāpiti games are taking a break for the next two weeks and will return at the Kāpiti Irish Society's St Patrick's Day gathering at Weka Park on March 20. Our Wellington kids are more than welcome to share in the festivities.

If you need any more information, please contact our Youth Officer Siobhán Cotter at kids@wellingtongaa.com or call 021 078 9663. You can also follow us on Facebook at Kids GAA Wellington and Kāpiti Kids Gaelic Football for more info.

Happy Birthday, Anne O'Carroll


Club co-founder and patron Anne O'Carroll celebrated her 80th birthday at her home in Tawa recently. Anne has been the leading light at the club for more years than she cares to remember and still follows club activities closely. She celebrated with friends and family and, by all accounts, it was a very lively event. We wish Anne a very happy 80th and look forward to celebrating many more with her.


Anne celebrating with her grandson Otis.

Irish community


Kāpiti Irish Society's St Patrick's Day gathering

Kāpiti Irish Society are hosting a St Patrick's Day gathering at Weka Park on Sunday 20 March. The annual Stephen McAleer memorial soccer game will take place at 12.30pm followed by some fun activities for the kids, including Gaelic games. You can follow the Kāpiti Irish Society Facebook page to keep up to date with the event. 
 

Wellington St Patrick's Day parade

The annual St Patrick's Day parade, scheduled for Sunday 13 March, has been cancelled due to COVID.


Check out the links below for the latest news from the region's Irish community:

#WellyAbú

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