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
Saturday, February 10th: Mid-Atlantic Division Competitions Control Committee (CCC) meetings begin
Sunday, February 11th: Super Bowl Squares
Thursday, February 15th:
Mid-Atlantic Division Club Chairperson Meeting
Youth Development Committee Meeting
Thursday, February 22nd: USGAA Ladies Gaelic Football Development Workgroup
Thursday, February 29 - Sunday, March 3rd: Capital Irish Film Festival 2024
Sat, March 2nd, 2024: Gaels Members’ Social at the CIFF, One Night in Millstreet
Sunday, March 3, 2024: Gaels family outing at the CIFF, Puffin Rock and the New Friends
Friday, March 1st: Club and USGAA Registration opens
Saturday, March 2nd: Ballyshaners St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Sunday, March 10th: Executive Committee meeting
Thursday, March 14th:
Washington D.C. Gaels Fox 5 Interview
Mid-Atlantic Division Board Meeting
Saturday, March 16th:
Ireland at The Warf
Sunday, March 17th:
Washington D.C. Gaels Fox 5 Interview
St. Patrick’s Day (Special Event at Hunter’s Hound)
Thursday, March 21st: Irish Network DC (INDC) Social
Saturday, March 23rd - Sunday March 24th: USGAA Camogie Workgroup (Camogie 360)
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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