AHANE GAA CLUB NOTES

Ahane Junior A Hurling Championship Rnd 4

Ahane took on Doon in the East Junior A c/ship on Sunday in Caherconlish with Doon the favourites having won 3 out of 3 prior to this encounter.
But they came up against a very young, fiercely motivated and committed Ahane side on the evening. With Ahane playing against a strong wind in the 1st half, they stuck to an intelligent game plan, keeping possession and working the ball up the field. Despite Doon having the elements behind them, Ahane held their own and probably felt they should have led at half time given their domination but found themselves 0-09 to 0-07 down despite 4 excellent frees from the ever young Mike Carr and 3 well taken points from Ollie Moran, Patrick Minehan and Minor Ronan Fox.
An inspired half time substitution from manager Jim Hackett bringing in Ronan Reale led to him scoring a goal with his 1st touch and Mike Carr tapped on a few frees to put Ahane 5pts up in a really dominant period for Ahane. However Doon got themselves back into it with a goal against the run of play but Ahane rallied again and Mike Carr finished to the net after a fine move involving Conor Heffernan and Ollie Moran to put 6 between the teams.
Ahane were dominant throughout that 2nd half period with 2 excellent points from Ronan Fox, and one each from the “bomber” Davey Laing and Ollie “goggles” Moran. Mike Carr showed ace-marksmanship throughout and duly ended up top scorer on the night with 1-08 (8f) in total on what was a great night for Ahane. Doon got a late consolation goal from a 20M free but Ahane ran out deserved winners.

Next up for Ahane is another must win match v Ballybricken/Bohermore on Thursday evening at 7.30 Pm in Fedamore where the winner will progress to the East C/Ship Semi-final.

Team: J. Hayes, G. Harnett, M. Hayes, T. O’Sullivan, T. Doheny, P. Morrissey, P. O’Grady, A. Shanahan, C. Heffernan, Ollie Moran (0-2), A. Minihan, R. Fox (0-3), J. Power, P. Minihan (0-1), M. Carr (1-8, 8f) Subs: D. Laing (0-1), R. Reale (1-0), J. Maguire, D. Hayes, B. Rolls

U12 Hurlers and Tipperary All-Star

Our U12 Hurlers were delighted to have former Tipperary All Star Hurler Conor O’Mahony participate and lead the training session earlier this week in Mackey Park. Conor showed the players some fantastic drills to improve their movement and skills and there was a great turnout and effort shown by all the players who were delighted to get some words of wisdom and training techniques from the former Tipperary great. Conor has numerous winners medals from his hurling career incl. All-Ireland, National League, Munster Senior / U21 / Minor and All-Star awards. Conor was also kind enough to take part in a question and answer session with the players after the training and there was lots of interest and debate on the Limerick All-Ireland holders and their quest for back to back All-Ireland wins. Conor is no stranger to Ahane and Mackey Park with his sister Linda living locally and who is also Bord na nOg Secretary. Conor has also been kind enough to previously support training sessions with other underage groups over the past few years. A big thank you to CONOR from all the U12 Players, parents and U12 Mentors – Liam, Brendan, Eugene and Mike.

All-Ireland Hurling Semi-Finals – Limerick v Kilkenny (Minor & Senior)

All roads will lead to Croke Park this Saturday evening for Limerick supporters as the reigning all-Ireland champions face Kilkenny in an exciting double header.

The minors, in their first outing since claiming the Munster Championship, will take on the Cats at 4pm. Kilkenny were beaten in the Leinster Final against Wexford but they appear to have regrouped and will be a stern test for this , as yet, undefeated Limerick side. All Ahane supports will no doubt show keen interest in this encounter given we have two prominent players involved with Adam Murrihy and Cian Casey.

The seniors will take to the field with a 6pm throw-in, as they will try to repeat the feats of last year and over-turn Kilkenny again. This will no doubt be a cracking encounter with both sides appearing to be finding good form at the right end of the year. Best of luck to Tom and Dan Morrissey and indeed to all the players and management involved.

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