Granagh/Ballingarry GAA Club Notes:
Croag/-Kilfinny ease to third win over neighbours Granagh-Ballingarry
Limerick County Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship Round 4:
Croagh/Kilfinny 2-24 Granagh/Ballingarry 1-13
2024 second tier County Intermediate hurling champions Croagh-Kilfinny after going under to last year’s defeated finalists Garryspillane in round 3 by a point, 1-16 to 1-15, took their third brace of points in this year’s Limerick County Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship (Bill Fox Memorial Cup) with an impressive 14 point, 2-24 to 1-13 victory over gallant neighbours and great rivals Granagh-Ballingarry in ideal conditions at Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale on Thursday evening to go second on the league championship table on 6 points, two behind Garryspillane and Granagh-Ballingarry fourth, on 4 points, one behind Effin.
The clash of the 2023 and 2024 second tier Intermediate hurling champions in round 4 of this year’s County Premier Intermediate Championship was played in front of a big crowd, who gave great support to their sides on an excellent pitch with Kieran Guina of Feohanagh-Castlemahon in charge. Granagh-Ballingarry were forced to line out, minus key players in team captain Damien O’Donovan and Josh Quille Mulcaire injured and Sean O’Connor and Cathal O’Keeffe, who are both out of the country at present due to work commitment, were simply no match for the Croagh-Kilfinny boys who were forced to lineout minus Seamus Hickey. To be fair to the Granagh-Ballingarry boys they did hold their own with their opponents in the opening 30 minutes but unfortunately shot 10 wides to 3 for the Croagh-Kilfinny boys and coupled up with Luke Flynn’s shot for goal hitting the post on 27 minutes, they did not deserve to be seven points down 1-14 to 1-7 at the interval. Andrew Meade goaled four minutes into the second half killed off any chance of a Granagh-Ballingarry recovery. The opening 3 minutes at Mick Neville Park belonged to Croagh-Kilfinny No. 14 Cian O’Carroll with a trio of white flags (165 and 2 play) before Granagh-Ballingarry keeper Denise O’Connor got his side off the mark with a monster point from a placed ball well inside his own half on 5 minutes. Croagh-Kilfinny had a pair of white flags from open play through Bryan Flynn on 9 minutes, Cian O’Carroll on 10 minutes before points were traded by Luke Flynn from a placed ball on 11 minutes and Bryan Flynn from open play on 12 minutes, Eoin Horgan on 13 minutes and Owen Dee, two minutes and Cian O’Carroll from a placed ball on 17 minutes, James Lanigan on 18 minutes and Paulie Murphy on 19 minutes from open play before Andrew Meade split the uprights from open play on 20 minutes to leave five between the sides, Croagh-Kilfinny 0-10, Granagh-Ballingarry 0-5. Following good work by Brian Sheehy and Eoin Horgan, Granagh-Ballingarry No. 12 Tom Horgan finished past Croagh-Kilfinny keeper Donal Lynch on 21 minutes, but the boys in black and green joy was short lived when Croagh-Kilfinny No. 12 James Lanigan finished past keeper Denis O’Connor a minute later to leave five again between the sides, Croagh-Kilfinny 1-10, Granagh-Ballingarry 1-5 on 22 minutes. White flags were traded by Michael Russell from open play on 23 minutes and Cian O’Carroll from a placed ball on 25 minutes before Seamus O’Carroll from a placed ball on 25 minutes before Seamus O’Carroll split the uprights following a good solo run a minute later to increase the Croagh-Kilfinny boys’ advantage to six, 1-12 to 1-6 on 26 minutes. Granagh-Ballingarry created a great chance to reduce the deficit to three on 27 minutes, when their No. 11 Luke Flynn cut through the Croagh-Kilfinny boys’ defence only to see his shot for goal hit the post. A pair of white flags through Cian O’Carroll from a 65 on 28 minutes and Andrew Meade from open play on 29 minutes extended the Croagh-Kilfinny boys’ advantage to 8 before Luke Flynn of Granagh-Ballingarry split the uprights from a placed ball one minute into added time to close the gap to 7, Croagh-Kilfinny 1-15, Granagh-Ballingarry 1-9 on 33 minutes. Croagh-Kilfinny’s No. 10 Andrew Meade cut through the Granagh-Ballingarry defence and finished past keeper Denis O’Connor on 34 minutes before white flags were traded by Seamus O’Carroll from open play on 35 minutes and Luke Flynn from a placed ball 2 minutes later to leave nine between the sides Croagh-Kilfinny 2-16, Granagh-Ballingarry 1-10 on 37 minutes. The Croagh-Kilfinny boys raised a trio of white flags in a 6 minute spell through Cian O’Carroll from a placed ball on 38 minutes, Bryan Flynn on 41 minutes and sub Conor Lenihan on 43 minutes from open play before Luke Flynn finally ended 8 minutes without a Granagh-Ballingarry score, when he split the uprights from a placed ball to reduce the deficit to 11, Croagh-Kilfinny 2-19, Granagh-Ballingarry 1-11 at the end of the third quarter.
After 3 minutes of scoreless play Croagh-Kilfinny had a pair of white flags from open play through James Lanigan on 49 minutes and Cian O’Carroll on 51 minutes before Michael Russell split the uprights for the third time from open play on 52 minutes to leave 12 between the sides Croagh-Kilfinny 2-21, Granagh-Ballingarry 1-12. With 8 minutes of normal time remaining Andrw Meade on 53 minutes and Luke Flynn on 56 traded white flags from open play before man of the match Cian O’Carroll of Croagh-Kilfinny split the uprights from placed balls on 58 and 6- minutes to bring his tally for the game to 0-12 (7 frees, 1 65) to leave the boys in blue and white comfortable 14 point, 2-24 to 1-13 winners of their third brace of points in the Limerick County Premier Intermediate hurling championship after suffering a one point, 1-16 to 1-15 defeat to last year’s defeated finalists Garryspillane in round 3 to go second on the league/championship table on 6 points, two behind Garryspillane and can now look forward with confidence to their round 5 against third placed on 3 points Glenroe on this Friday in Bruff at 6.15pm where a victory should see them through to the semi-final. The Granagh-Ballingarry boys in 4th spot on 4 points will know they will have to up their game for their next outing against Blackrock, who are joint bottom of the table on two points with Bruff and South Liberties, on this Saturday in Paddy Carroll Park, Ballyagran at 3pm.
Croagh-Kilfinny scored 2-16 from play, 0-6 from frees and 0-2 from 65. Croagh-Kilfinny scored 2-16 from play, 0-6 from frees and 0-2 from 65s. Granagh-Ballingarry scored 1-8 from play and 0-5 from frees.
Croagh-Kilfinny: David Lynch, Denis Lenihan, Aidan O’Shea, Eoin Barry Tom McMahon, Barry Lenihan, Jack Lenihan, Owen Dee 0-1, Seamus Lenihan, Andrew Meade 1-3, Bryan Flynn 0-3, James Lanigan 1-3, John Wall, Cian O’Carroll 0-12, (7 frees, 1 65), Seamus O’Carroll 0-1. Subs used Nessan Leahy 0-1, Liam Lenihan, Brian Hannon and Owen Dee.
Granagh-Ballingarry: Denis O’Connor 0-1 free, Eoin Casey, John Kealy, Mark O’Shea, Eoin Horgan 0-1, Jack Cagney, Ronan Mullane, Darragh Casey, Brian Sheehy, Michael Russell 0-3, Luke Flynn 0-6, 5 frees, Tom Horgan 1-0, Eoin Lynch, David Condron, Paudie Murphy 0-2. Subs used Jack Mulqueen, Josh Quillie Mulcaire and Jack Hartnett.
Referee Kieran Guina, Feohanagh-Castlemahon.
County Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship Round 5:
All roads lead to Paddy Carroll Park Ballyagran this Saturday 30th August for the mouth-watering clash of Granagh-Ballingarry and Blackrock in round 4 of the County Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship in a rematch of last year’s round 6 tie by three points, 3-17 to 4-11 by Granagh-Ballingarry Fitzgerald Park, Kilmallock on Saturday 21st. The teams that sunny evening in Kilmallock were
Granagh-Ballingarry: Denis O’Connor, 0-1 free, Eoin Casey, John Kealy, Mark O’Shea, Eoin Horgan 0-1, Jack Cagney, Ronan Mullane, Darragh Casey, Brian Sheehy, Michael Russell 0-3, Luke Flynn 0-6, 5 frees, Tom Horgan 1-0, Eoin Lynch, David Condron, Paudie Murphy 0-2. Subs used Jack Mulqueen, Josh Quille Mulcaire and Jack Hartnett.
Referee Kieran Guina, Feohanagh-Castlemahon.
County Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship Round 5:
All roads lead to Paddy Carroll Park, Ballyagran on Saturday 30th August for the clash of Granagh-Ballingarry and Blackrock in round 4 of the County Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship in a rematch of last year’s round 6 tie by three points, 3-17 to 4-11 by Granagh-Ballingarry at Fitzgerald Park, Kilmallock on Saturday 21st. The teams that sunny evening in Kilmallock were
Granagh-Ballingarry: Denis O’Connor, Eoin Casey, John Kealy, Brian Sheehy, Ronan Mullane, Jack Cagney 0-1, Michael Russell, Josh Quill Mulcaire, Darragh Casey 1-1, Sean O’Connor 0-8 frees, Cathal O’Keeffe, Luke Flynn 0-3, Damien O’Donovan 1-1, Paudie Murphy 1-2, Eoin Lynch 0-1. Subs used Colm Noonan and David Condron.
Blackrock: Richie Murphy, Ian O’Brien, Daithi Heffernan, James Phillpot, Killian Aherne, Jimmy Quilty 0-1 free, Simon Hennessy, Paudie O’Leary 1-2, 1-0 pealty, 0-1 free, Shane Lyons, Fionn Heffernan 0-1, Colm O’Keeffe 0-5, 4 frees, Sean O’Neill and Callan Ensor??? O’Shaughnessy 1-0, Richie McCarthy 2-1, Ruairi O’Shaughnessy. Subs used Barry O’Shaughnessy, Liam Walsh, Sean O’Dwyer.
Granagh-Ballingarry will enter Saturday’s game fourth on the league/championship on four points, one behind Effin after back to back wins over Glenroe by 2 points, 1-187 to 0-19 and South Liberties by 8 points, 1-19 to 0-14 before they suffered two straight defeats to Bruff by 5 points, 0-16 to 0-11 and to neighbours Croagh-Kilfinny last time out by 14 points, 2-24 to 1-13. Blackrock who were runners up in 2023 recorded an impressive 7 point 1-19 to 0-15 first round win over Bruff before suffering three straight defeats to Croagh-Kilfinny by 8 points, 1-26 to 2-15 Effin by 2 points 3-20 to 0-12 last time out to join Bruff and South Liberties at the bottom of the league/championship table on two points. A mouth-watering clash awaits as a win is a must for both sides to keep their chances of a semi-final spot alive. Paddy Carroll Park, Kilmallock, is the place to be for all Gaels in Granagh and Ballingarry this Saturday 30th September at 3pm to cheer on the boys in black and green and their management team to a third win to get their County Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship campaign back on track.
Players Membership:
Granagh Ballingarry players’ membership can still be renewed online at www.foireann.ie Any player not currently registered who incurs an injury will not be covered by GAA insurance and will have to cover all costs including medical and loss of earnings. So, we ask all players to register as soon as possible.
August County Club Draw:
The next Limerick County GAA Club’s draw will be held on Saturday 30th August with a top prize of €10,000. There are a host of other prizes to be won, 2nd €3,000, 3rd €2,000, 4th €1,000, 5th Executive Star Prize, 6th to 9th €500, 10th to 13th €300, 14th to 30th €200. Granagh Ballingarry had 198 members in the fifth draw in July and three winners to date, Club Chairperson Andrew Holmes and Noreen Hennessy won €200 in the first draw in March and Mary Horgan €200 in July. If you would like to renew your membership please visit limerickgaa.ieclub/limerickdrawnsighup and select Granagh Ballingarry GAA club or contact Granagh Ballingarry Club co-ordinators Stephen Stapleton.
Note – All new members for the next draw must be in by tomorrow Thursday 28th August at 5pm.
Bord na nÓg Table Quiz on Friday Night:
Let’s catch up, test your knowledge, and see who comes out on top at the annual Granagh/Ballingarry Bord nan ÓG table quiz on this Friday 29th August in the Rock Bar, Granagh at 9am. It’s always a brilliant night and this year’s quiz will again help find the summer tours for our underage teams. €40 per table of four, spot prizes and raffle on the night. If you can’t make it but want to support it you can donate directly at www.idonate.ie/fundraiser/gbquiz2025
The MC on the night will be Jimmy Chawke. Your support for this fundraiser in aid of the youth of our parish would be greatly appreciated on Friday night.
County Minor C Hurling Championship Final:
The mouth-watering clash of neighbours and great rivals Granagh/Ballingarry and Knockaderry in the inaugural Limerick County Minor C Hurling Championship Final on Sunday 7th September in Páirc Caoimh Uí Luing, Feenagh at 4pm. Please support.
Club Championship Tickets:
All Granagh Ballingarry GAA Club supporters are asked to please take note of the links below to purchase tickets for all Limerick County Senior Intermediate and Junior hurling and football championship games in 2025. There are two ticket categories for adults (€15 per ticket pre-purchased through www.universe.com) and GAA/Student €10 (€8 for tickets pre-purchased through www.universe.com valid ID to be shown at venue). Children U16 are free. Tickets are sold through www.universe.com this year. Direct link for tickets to all matches are as below and note separate links for each game and tickets can be also purchased through Limerick GAA website www.limerickgaa.ie under ‘Buy Club Tickets’.
Club Gear:
Granagh Ballingarry Club tops, hoodies, tracksuits, shorts and socks can now be ordered online at www.laochrasports.ie/product-category/clubs/granaghballingarry
€11,600 Jackpot on Saturday:
There was no winner of the €11,500 jackpot in the Granagh Ballingarry GAA Club Lottery draw held on Saturday 23rd August in Dinny A’s Bar, Ballingarry. The numbers drawn were 11, 23, 24 and 25. The lucky dips of €20 each went to Catherine Raleigh promoter online, Una O’Grady promoter The Rock Bar, Granagh, Bobby Houlihan promoter Eoin Kennelly, Joanna O’Shea promoter Eoin Kennedy.
The next draw will be held on Saturday 30th August for a jackpot of €11,500. Tickets are €2 each or three for €5 and are on sale in local shops, bars and from promoters. You can now also buy the weekly draw online available on the club’s Facebook or Twitter page, which finishes at 6pm every Saturday. Thank you for your continued support.
Sympathy:
The Granagh/Ballingarry GAA Club extend sympathy to West Limerick GAA Committee Communications Officer Johnny Walsh and family, The High Road, Mountcollins on the death of Johnny’s sister Breád?????? O’Keeffe née Walsh. Ar dheis Dé to raibh a hanam dilís.
Club Diary:
Friday 29th August
Granagh/Ballingarry Bord nan Óg Table Quiz in the Rock Bar, Granagh at 9pm. €40 per table of 4.
County Premier Junior A Hurling Championship
Group 1 Round 4
Tournafulla St. Patrick’s in Ballingarry at 6.15pm
Saturday 30th August
County Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship Round 5
Granagh/Ballingarry v Blackrock in Paddy Carroll Park, Ballyagran at 3pm.
County Senior Hurling Championship
Group 2 Round 4
Dromin/Athlacca v Adare in Ballingarry at 3pm.
Thursday 4th September
County Premier Junior A Football Championship
Group 2 Round 3
Granagh/Ballingarry v Croom in Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale at 7.30pm.
Sunday 7th September
County Minor C Hurling Championship Final
Granagh/Ballingarry v Knockaderry in Páirc Uí Caoimh Uí Luing, Feenagh at 6.15pm.
County Junior B Football Championship Group 1 Round 3
Bruree v Askeaton/Ballysteen/Kilcornan in Ballingarry at 6.15pm.