Na Piarsaigh GAA Club Notes:

Limerick Minor Hurlers:
Congratulations to Eoin Brosnan, David O’Keefe and Danny Sheehan on making the Limerick minor squad for 2024. The team is managed by Na Piarsaigh’s Shane Dowling, with Barry O’Regan also part of the backroom team. We wish Shane, Barry, his management team, and all the panel the best for the season ahead.

Limerick Under 20 Hurlers:
As with the Limerick Minors, we have another 3 Na Piarsaigh men selected for the Limerick Under 20 squad. We would like to send our best wishes to Vince Harrington, Wayne Kearns and James Finn who have all been selected in Evan Loftus’ panel for 2024.

Schools Hurling:
Ardscoil Rís made it through to the semi-final of the 2024 Croke Cup with a 5-point win over Presentation College Athenry in Tulla on Sunday. An important victory for the North Circular Road school after losing out to Nenagh CBS in the Harty Final by a solitary point. James Finn lined out a right wing back once again, a position he has made his own right throughout the season. Also on the match-day panel from Na Piarsaigh was John O’Keefe, while Ronan Benson, Sean Harrington and Eoin Brosnan were part of the extended squad. Ardscoil will now take on St Kieran’s College Kilkenny, with details of the fixture to be confirmed this week.

Fitzgibbon Cup:
Vince Harrington has added another medal to his ever-growing collection after a 2-point victory for Mary I over UL in the Fitzgibbon final on Saturday. Vince, while named at corner forward, lined out at right wing-back for the college. This topped a great week for the Coonagh man having been named on the Limerick Under 20 squad just days earlier. Well done again to Vince and all in Mary I.
Underage Hurling and Football Returns!
Our football academy returned last Monday night with a strong attendance. This along with our Saturday morning hurling academy will continue right up to the summer. Once again, registration can be completed via ClubZap and all new comers and beginners are welcome.
A gentle reminder that all coaches are required to ensure their safe guarding / Garda Vetting is up to date in advance of coaching sessions commencing. If in doubt check it out.

Happy Retirement to Bernie Buckley!:
The curtains were drawn on 49-year career in the ESB for Bernie Buckley last Friday. Originally from Lattin in Tipperary, Bernie first got involved in the underage in Na Piarsaigh in the mid 90’s, having been coaxed down by Timmy O’Connor, a duly taken under Liam O’Brien’s wing. Since then, the yellow ESB van has been regularly observed in the club car park or at numerous Na Piarsaigh games around Limerick. A big celebration was had in the clubhouse last Friday night with his family, former ESB colleagues, friends along with a strong Na Piarsaigh showing. We would like to wish Bernie (or dad, as I like to call him!) all the best in his retirement.

Membership:
Reminder that membership for 2024 is open and can be renewed using ClubZap. This must be renewed prior to March 31st in order to have a vote at the end of year AGM. Only full adult members can vote at the AGM so please get this sorted sooner rather than later.