ST. KIERAN’S GAA CLUB NOTES
County Junior ‘A’ Hurling Championship Final:
St. Kieran’s 0.10 Caherline 1.13
Large numbers of Kieran’s supporters made the journey to Kilmallock for Saturday’s County Junior Championship final. Kilmallock had proven to be a happy hunting group for the team throughout the 2021 campaign, winning three championship games at the venue en route to the final. Morale was high ahead of the game having played some excellent passages of hurling throughout the year as the team made steady progress from game one. Playing into the dressing room end in the opening half we started the game slowly with Caherline showing real intent inside the opening ten minutes and were it not for some wayward shooting on their part then we could well have found ourselves four if not five points in arrears. We got off the mark thanks to an Ian Mackessy free which proved to be our main source of scores throughout the game as heavy underfoot conditions due to the inclement weather at this time of the year slowed down the pace of the game as it became a physical dogfight. Despite Caherline’s early dominance in the possession stakes we kept ourselves in the game and at the first water break we trailed by a point, 5-4. We grew into the game in the second quarter, having quelled the early storm from Caherline. Up front Johnny McCarthy and Anthony Molyneaux were now getting more into the game and starting to find some space inside creating scoring opportunities which were duly finished off by Ian Mackessy to give us a half time lead of 7-6. There was a noticeable change in Caherline at the start of the second half, no doubt disappointed at trailing at the interval having played the better hurling in the opening half. From our perspective we were happy at half time, leading by the slightest of margins and having yet to play to our potential. Caherline took the initiative in q3, increasing their tally by six points thanks in no small part to the efforts of their marksman Andrew Brennan who was clinical from placed balls. At the arrival of the second water break the east Limerick side had reduced their half time deficit and had raced into a commanding four-point lead which was now going to be difficult to overturn. Up front we were finding primary possession difficult to come by as the Caherline defensive unit tightened the shackles on our forward line who had performed so excellently in the semi-final. The final quarter was a tense affair as we pushed forward in search of the decisive scores to reduce our deficit. As the game drew to a conclusion, we narrowed the deficit to three points thanks to scores once again from Ian Mackessy from free’s and Johnny McCarthy with only our second score from
play in the hour. We pushed forward in pursuit of an equalizing goal, but the Caherline defence stood up to our stern challenge. With the game in the dying moments and leading by three points Caherline capitalized on a moment of indecision on our part at the back and found the back of the net for the games only goal and secure their first county title since 2007. At the final whistle there was great disappointment on our part as Caherline rejoiced in victory. The players and management can be proud of their efforts throughout the campaign which has seen the team contest two finals as well as integrate many new players into the team for the first time. 2021 has been an extremely prosperous campaign for all involved and the team can look forward to 2022 full of optimism as we look to return to the knockout stages of the championship once again. The past two months have been extremely hectic for all the players who have been involved in a variety of different championships. For the majority of players, they can look forward to some down time for the next few months before pre-season preparations begin for 2022. Well done to the players and management for their efforts throughout the year, you have brought great enjoyment to the club with our performances. We look forward to 2022 full of optimism and hope.
Team vs Caherline:
John Greaney, Diarmuid Mulcahy, Paudie McCarthy, Aaron Heffernan, Jack Harnett, Brendan McCarthy, Cathal McEnery, Eoin McEnery, Cormac Mann, Darragh Treacy, Mike Flynn, Mossie Shine, Johnny McCarthy, Anthony Molyneaux, Sean Ryan, Anthony Mullins, Michael Murphy, Tom McMahon, James O’ Connor, Billy Breen, Mikie Breen, Eoin Burke, Conor Woulfe, Edward Fitzgerald, Patrick Liston, Donie Nolan, Kieran Copse, Padraig Balfe, William Steele, Danny Collum.
County Minor ‘B’ Hurling Championship Final:
This Sunday afternoon our minor hurlers travel to the Bog Garden, Rathkeale looking to complete a historic double when they take on Kildimo/Pallaskenry in the County Minor B Hurling Championship final. This will be our first appearance in a minor county final since 2006 when we experience defeat at the hands of Knockainey. Having already added the Minor ‘A’ Football championship title following a comprehensive victory over Croom our minor hurlers will have to put in a strong performance to overcome a Kildimo/Pallaskenry side who have been extremely dominant in their championship appearances to date. Our lads
have put in some fantastic performances throughout the championship securing victories over Drom/Broadford, Glenroe and Caherline en route to Sunday’s final while our opponents have been emphatic in each of their victories over Dromin/Athlacca, Ballybricken/Bohermore and St. Patrick’s. Sunday’s game throws in at 2pm in the Bog Garden, Rathkeale. Your support is greatly appreciated by all concerned.
U21 Football:
The u21 footballers are back in action this Friday evening when they make the journey to Caherdavin (Na Piarsaigh) for round 2 of the county championship where Monaleen are our opponents. Monaleen overcame Na Piarsaigh in their opening round tie while we drew with Fr. Casey’s. victory is vital on Friday evening is vital if we are to advance to the semi-final. Friday’s game throws in at 8.15.
2021 AGM:
Our 2021 AGM which was originally due to take place this weekend will now take place at a later date in the coming weeks. We will have full confirmation of a time and date in next week’s edition.
Bereavements:
St. Kieran’s GAA club would like to express our condolences to the Griffin family, Ardagh on the untimely passing of Matty Griffin this past week and also the McCormack family Ardagh following the death of Mary. May they rest in peace.
Ardagh Development Association & St Kierans GAA Club Lottery Draw:
Results for Monday 15th November 2021 as follows.
Jackpot €5300.00
Numbers Drawn 4, 6, 21, 30
NO WINNER
Lucky Dips
€40 Bridie Noonan c/o Josie
€40 Theresa Downey c/o Sean Downey
€40 Joe Mulcahy NCW c/o Dawn
€40 Angela Keane (Online)
€40 Winnie Murphy c/o Mackesseys
Next Draw Monday 22nd November with a jackpot of €5400.00
Thank you for playing and for supporting our lotto. Go raibh maith agaibh go léir.