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February 2024 Newsletter - Getting Ready for the '24 Season

 

As we look forward to the upcoming season, the Executive Committee has been hard at work behind the scenes to ensure that our club is fully prepared to get our players back on the field. We have many updates to share about what we've been working on, how you can help, and the events in and around the club.

 

Membership Survey

 

The Executive Committee is currently working on developing a 5-year plan for our club. To ensure that we make the best decisions for the future of Washington D.C. Gaels, we would like to hear your opinions. Please consider taking a few moments to complete an anonymous survey. Your input will play a vital role in helping us and as a token of our appreciation, we are offering you the chance to win one of four $25 Amazon gift cards upon completion of the survey. Responses are due, no later than February 25th.

 

Super Bowl Squares 2023

 

The clock is ticking, but there's still time to snag your Super Bowl Squares! By participating, not only do you have four chances at winning $250 (up to $1,000), but you also contribute to vital fundraising efforts that support our club's activities throughout the year. Don't miss out on this chance to show your support and potentially score big!

 

2023 Awards Night



Thank you to everyone who attended our 2023 Awards Night at the Hunter's Hound, despite the cold weather. We had a wonderful time celebrating together and recapping the events of last year. Cheers to a successful 2023 and congratulations once again to all the award winners:


  • Camogie

  • Player of the Year - Candice Stone

  • Most Improved - Chelsea Bucklin

  • Hurling

  • Player of the Year - Ian Hutchison

  • Most Improved - Michael Brophy

  • Ladies Gaelic Football

  • Player of the Year - Katherine Walsh

  • Most Improved - Ashley Kelly

  • Men’s Gaelic Football

  • Player of the Year - Shaun Saul

  • Most Improved - Liam McCaffery

  • Club Person of the Year

  • Ronan Kelly

  • Years of Service Awards

  • Richard O’Rourke (5 years)

  • Patrick McCabe (4 years)

  • Ian Hutchinson (4 years)

 

Washington D.C. Gaels in the Media



On February 5th, our Chairperson Ronan Kelly was interviewed by Seán O'Regan, a news editor and reporter for Newstalk in Dublin. Seán was traveling to Washington D.C. for Tánaiste Micheál Martin's visit, and while covering the events and engagements he's attending, he spent time lining up interviews with the Irish community based in Washington. A recording of the interview will be shared once available. 



We're also excited to share that our club will be showcased on Fox 5 in two special segments that are scheduled for March 14th and March 17th, for St. Patrick's Day. This presents a fantastic opportunity to showcase our club to a wider audience. A special thank you to the below members who have agreed to showcase their talents and demonstrate the skills for each code:

  • Camogie: Candice Stone

  • Hurling: Ian Hutchinson

  • Ladies Gaelic Football: Christina Petrocelli

  • Men’s Gaelic Football: Seán Murray

  • Club Spokespersons: Ronan Kelly, TJ Fitzgerald

 

Capital Irish Film Festival 2024

 

The Capital Irish Film (CIFF) takes place from February 29 - March 3, 2024. The club is going to have a social night on Sat, March 2nd, 2024. We’ll plan to meet in McGinty's ahead of and after the 7pm showing of One Night in Millstreet. To avail of a group rate for this showing, please RSVP here.

 

For those interested in the Gaels family outing at the CIFF on the following morning, Sunday, March 3, 2024, Puffin Rock and the New Friends will be shown at 10am.

 


Ballyshaners St. Patrick’s Parade, Alexandria VA

 

Join us as we paint the town green at the Ballyshaners St. Patrick's Parade on March 2nd! This annual tradition is not only a chance to celebrate Irish culture and heritage but also an opportunity for us to demonstrate our strong community spirit. If you’d like to join us, please register your interest here before March 1st.

 

2024 Player Representatives and Coaches

 

We're delighted to announce the coaches and player representatives for the upcoming 2024 season. Please join us in thanking them for volunteering their time and offering your full support throughout the season:

 

  • Camogie:

  • Player’s Representative and Coach: Rosemary Reilly

  • Hurling:

  • Player’s Representative: Ian Hutchinson

  • Coach: Donal Murray and Patrick McCabe

  • Ladies Gaelic Football:

  • Player’s Representative: Katie Landes

  • Coach: Robert Kevlihan

  • Men’s Gaelic Football:

  • Player’s Representative: Eugene McCormick

  • Coach: Mark Kilkelly

 

Pre-Season Fitness Sessions

 

Before a ball is kicked or a sliotar pucked, the club will be scheduling pre-season fitness sessions. This is an excellent opportunity to get to know your fellow club mates and get rid of any rustiness before the season. More information about the locations will be shared soon. Keep an eye on our events page and weekly updates for further information.

 

Player Recruitment

 

Attention all ambassadors of our club! We need your help in promoting and attracting new members to join the D.C. Gaels community. You can find all the necessary materials to share information about the club on the Player Recruitment page, which is available here. Your efforts in reaching out to potential recruits will play a vital role in expanding our teams. Whilst the details of the New Player Days are still being confirmed, if you come across any prospective members, please direct them to our P.R.O so they can coordinate the correct details.

 

Upcoming Club & Partner Organization Events

 

 

As always, thank you for being a part of our club and we look forward to seeing you at one of our events ahead of the new season.

 





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