Granagh/Ballingarry GAa Club Notes:

Cumann Greanach-Baile an Gharraí C.L.G.

Cuntas an Runaí Seán O Loingsigh

A Cathaoirleach agus a chairde Gael, Annual General Meeting time has arrived once more. I would like to welcome you all here tonight to the clubhouse in Ballingarry. It is my great pleasure as An Runaí, to put before you once more my annual report of the happenings in Cumann Greanach Baile an Gharraí CLG for 2023. The time has come for us to look back and reflect on the happenings both on and off the field over the past twelve months and to look forward and make plans for the year ahead.

Inter County

On the inter–county front, Limerick Senior hurlers winning their 14th National Hurling League Division 1 title, a third in five seasons with a comfortable twelve point 2-20 to 0-14 victory over Kilkenny in the decider at Pairc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday 9th April, and their 24th Munster Senior Hurling Championship title, a first five-in-a-row, only achieved by neighbours Cork on three occasions, 1961, 1905, 1975, 1979 and 1982 to 1986, and the Mick Mackey Memorial Cup with a thrilling one point 1-23 to 1-22 victory over gallant neighbours Clare at sunny Pairc na nGael on Sunday 11th June in front of a crowd of 43,700. They then defeated Galway 2-24 to 1-18 in the All-Ireland semi-final before recording an impressive 9 point 0-30 to 2-15 victory for the second year in a row over gallant Leinster champions Kilkenny at Croke Park on Sunday 23rd July to capture their fifth All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship title and the Liam McCarthy Cup in six seasons, their 12th overall and four-in-a-row for the first time in the history of the competition, a record held only by two counties, Cork in 1941, ‘42, ‘43 and ‘44 and Kilkenny in 2006, ‘07, ‘08 and ‘09, who lead the roll of honour with 36 titles. The win sees Limerick Captain Cian Lynch become the first Patrickswell clubman to lift the Liam McCarthy Cup and Limerick are also the only team to win the All-Ireland Senior Hurling title in July, August and December. Peter Casey, who finished with 0-5 all from open play, was named Man of the Match.

The Limerick U20 hurlers beat Waterford, drew with Clare and lost narrowly to both Tipperary and Cork in the group stage of the Munster Championship to finish fourth in the group on 3 points, one behind Clare, to lose out narrowly on a semi-final spot.

The Minor hurlers defeated Waterford, Clare and Tipperary and lost to Cork to finish level with Cork and Clare on 6 points, to qualify for a semi-final meeting with eventual Munster and All-Ireland champions Clare, who they went under to by six points 2-21 to 2-15.

On the Football front Limerick Senior Footballers, after suffering relegation to Division 3 in the National Football League, suffered a narrow one point 1-24 to 2-20 defeat to Clare in the Munster Championship semi-final, went on to defeat Longford and Carlow and went under to Wicklow in the group stage of the Tailteann Cup Competition to qualify for a quarter-final meeting with Laois at Pairc nan Gael on Saturday 17th June, where they went under to the Laois boys by three points 1-14 to 0-14, courtesy of a late goal.

The Limerick Masters Footballers fought a great campaign to become the first winners of the Spirit Cup with a thrilling four point 2-14 to 1-13 victory over gallant Armagh after extra-time in the decider in St. Brigid GAA grounds in Roscommon on Saturday 16th September. The U20 Footballers beat Waterford in the quarter-final of the Munster Championship before going under to Cork 2-14 to 0-6 in the semi-final played at Paddy Carroll Park, Ballyagran.

The Minors lost to Tipperary and beat Clare and Waterford to qualify for the Phase 1 Munster final, where they beat Tipperary by three points 1-9 to 1-6 in Mallow, only to go under to eventual winners Kerry 1-19 to 1-2 in the Munster Championship semi-final at Newcastle West.

On the All-Ireland Club Hurling front city side Monaleen became the first Limerick team to be crowned All-Ireland Club Intermediate Hurling Champions with a two point 1-17 to 1-15 victory over gallant Tooreen of Mayo after a thrilling contest in Croke Park on Saturday 14th February under lights. Monaleen now follow Blackrock in 2010 and Na Piarsaigh in 2016 who brought Junior and Senior All-Ireland Club Hurling Championship titles to Shannonside.

On the post-primary schools front, our own Sean O’Gorman and Mark O’Shea were members of the Coláiste na Trócaire Rathkeale side who were crowned Munster Post-Primary Schools All-Ireland Senior ‘D’ Hurling Champions, with an outstanding 8 point 2-21 to 1-16 victory over gallant Coláiste Phádraig at Portlaoise on Thursday 16th March.

On The Local Front

On the local club front 42 competitive games were played at adult level, a decrease of 4 games on the previous year, winning six pieces of silverware. A huge number of games were also played by the Bord na nÓg section of our Club, winning three pieces of silverware, the U9 Hurling Murroe-Boher (Reale Cup), U11 Hurling Granagh-Ballingarry (Liam English Memorial Cup) and Blackrock (Cahill Cup). The U13 hurlers reached the County Division 2 Championship semi-final where they were most unlucky to go under to eventual winners Killeedy-Tournafulla by one point 2-9 to 1-11 after extra time in a thrilling contest at Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale.

The highlights of the year at adult level were undoubtedly the success of the Intermediate hurlers who bridged an 18 year gap when defeating neighbours Croagh-Kilfinny by two points 0-18 to 1-13 in a thrilling County Intermediate Hurling Championship final, played in front of a record crowd at Paddy Carroll Park, Ballyagran on Sunday 29th October, winning the Jim (Twin) Lynch Memorial Cup for the fourth year in a row and reached the West Senior Hurling League / Championship semi-final, where they went under to eventual winners Adare.

Our Junior ‘B’ Hurlers also enjoyed a very successful season, winning 15 and drew 1 of their 17 games, achieving a West and County Junior ‘B’ League double, Dinny Cup Tournament, and West Junior ‘B’ Championship before suffering their first defeat of the season, when going under to defeated finalists Ballybrown by three points in a thrilling County Championship quarter-final.

The fine displays given by the U19s, who amalgamated with Croom, suffered narrow defeats to neighbours Croagh-Kilfinny/Rathkeale in hurling and St. Senan’s in football. Creditable performances were given by the U21 Hurlers in Group 3 of the County ‘B’ Championship after going under to Claughaun/St. Patricks by six points 4-18 to 4-12 in the opening round, and recorded an impressive ten point 1-12 to 0-5 victory over Caherline in Round 2, but unfortunately failed to qualify for the semi-final. Due to insufficient numbers of players, due to college exams, we did not play in the County U21B Football Championship.

Other Highlights:

….were among the many other highlights.

159 participants in 13th Annual King of the Hill

A total of 159 participants took part in the 13th Annual Granagh-Ballingarry GAA Club Knockfierna King of the Hill challenge in difficult wet conditions on St. Stephen’s Day.

Adult Competition winners – the Kilotal team of Harry Dore, Damian Mullane and Stephen Hickey. Family Section winners – the Lee’s Cross team of John and Liam English. Thank you to all 159 participants who competed the course, to Denny Ahern of Denny As Bar, Ballingarry who provided the food, which was more than welcome.

Big Turnout for Race Night

A massive thank you to everyone who helped make the Granagh-Ballingarry Club new training field Race Night fundraiser such a huge financial success on Friday 30th December. A great night was had by all at the Longcourt Hotel, Newcastle West. After months of planning, countless meetings, phone calls and emails, it all come together on the night. Thank you to our sister organisations, Granagh-Ballingarry Camogie and Ladies Football Clubs, who rowed in behind us to make it a shared successful event on the night. We had a total of 44 races with the winner of each race receiving €100. All the winners went into the drum and the overall winner of €1,000 drawn by our independent adjudicator Fr. Tom Carroll PP, was Tom Noonan, Kilmore, Granagh. Following on from this we had our auction race. The support we received from individuals and syndicates was phenomenal. Our MCs Neill Dunworth and Jimmy Chawke oversaw with professionalism, good grace, humour and fun. Our hard-working treasurer Adrian Farragher was busy making payments to all the punters. The DJ played long into the night and capped off a most enjoyable evening for all in the large attendance. Thank you to everyone who helped out on the night. Cormac McCarthy, Eddie O’Brien and Mossie O’Connor on the door. Our army of tellers who worked tirelessly. Seamus Twomey and Stephen Stapleton who oversaw the tote and everyone who supported this event through ad sponsorship, race sponsorship or anyone who bought a horse. It showed the best of the parish as everybody chipped in to make it a success. All funds raised went to our new training pitch fund, which will be a superb asset to all three clubs going forward. Thanks again, with particular mention of Eddie Guiry of the Weekly Observer / Vale Star and our own Laura O’Keeffe for taking photos. To all those who attended the regular meetings over many months, Andrew Holmes, Adrian Farragher, Seamus Twomey, John Kearney, David Clancy, Eddie O’Brien, Laura O’Keeffe, Deirdre Keating, Mossie O’Connor, Neil Carroll, Donal O’Grady and countless others.

107 Players present at Bord na nÓg Presentation Night

107 players were present at a most enjoyable Granagh-Ballingarry Bord na nÓg Presentation Night on Sunday 19th February in Ballingarry Community Hall. Jimmy Chawke, MC, welcomed everyone, especially the players, their coaches, parents and club officials. Presentations were made to all panels of players from Under 5 upwards. To Tim O’Donoghue and Eoin Horgan, who are leaving Bord na nÓg for their dedication to Granagh-Ballingarry GAA Club over the years. Club service awards were presented to Mossie O’Connor, Ballingarry and Mick Chawke, Granagh. Special presentations were made to Declan Dunworth, Nathan Hartnett and Eoghan Kiely who represented the club on the West School Mackey Cup Hurling Team. To William O’Grady, who made the U14 West Hurling Academy 2023, to Danny O’Grady who made the West U14 Hurling Academy, the U14 County Hurling team and represented the Club in the Primary Game at half-time in the 2022 Limerick Clare Munster Senior Hurling Championship final in Semple Stadium, Thurles. To Darragh O’Donoghue who made the U15 County Hurling and Tom Horgan the County U16 Football Academy. To Eoin Horgan who represented the Club in last year’s Sarsfield Cup team. A special award was made to Maurice Noonan, a member of the Munster Wheelchair Hurling / Camogie Champions in 2022. Our Bord na nÓg Committee, especially Chairperson Stephen Stapleton, Secretary Seamus Twomey, Coaching Officer Cormac McCarthy and PRO Seamus Murphy deserve great credit for the way the function was organised. Thank you to Jimmy Chawke who did an excellent job as MC, John Carroll for his help with the purchase of the gear and the ladies for the tea and goodies served. To Emma Noonan for taking photos and John Joe Carmody and all in the Hall Committee and everyone who helped in any way to make the night so enjoyable.

Cheque Presentation to Irish Red Cross Ukrainian Fund

Granagh-Ballingarry GAA Club made a cheque presentation of €500 from the proceeds of the Jim (Twin) Lynch Memorial Cup Hurling Final Tournament 2022 between Feohanagh-Castlemahon, Tournafulla and Granagh-Ballingarry to Bryan Lynch of the Irish Red Cross Ukrainian Appeal Fund Committee on Tuesday 7th February at the Rock Bar, Granagh. Jimmy Chawke welcomed everyone, especially Bryan Lynch of the Irish Red Cross Ukrainian Appeal Fund Committee. Granagh-Ballingarry GAA Club Secretary, John Lynch and Treasurer Adrian Farragher made the presentation of the €500 cheque to Bryan Lynch of the Irish Red Cross Ukrainian Appeal Fund Committee. Bryan thanked our Club for the kind donation from the Memorial Cup game and spoke of the work carried out by the Irish Red Cross. Thank you to all who supported the night, MC Jimmy Chawke and Seamus and Janet Twomey of the Rock Bar who provided the food.

Limerick GAA Annual 2023 Launch

A full review of all Granagh-Ballingarry GAA Club activities both on and off the field, plus photos was included in the 16th March by Limerick Senior Hurling Manager, John Kiely in Quaid Park, Coolyroe Clubhouse.

Con and Annie Kirby Memorial Stake

Granagh-Ballingarry first nominated dog Saleen Ollie finished fifth in heat 12 in Round 1 on Saturday 25th March. Our second nominated dog Burgess Bolger failed to finish in the top three of Heat 1 in the quarter-finals of the Con and Annie Kirby Memorial Stake sponsored by JP and Noreen McManus at the Limerick Greyhound Stadium on Saturday 8th April, so unfortunately was not included in the semi-final draw.

220 Guests at Presentation Dinner Dance

Granagh-Ballingarry GAA Club celebrated the winning of the West and County Junior ‘A’ Football Championship in 2022 and the Silver Jubilee of winning the West Junior A Hurling League Morrissey Cup and West and County Junior A Hurling Championship double in 1998 (defeating Newcastle West in both finals) in front of 220 guests on Saturday 25th March at the Longcourt Hotel, Newcastle West. Those who graced the presentation function with their presence over the years were again very much in evidence and there were also some new people. MC Jimmy Chawke welcomed everyone, especially the invited guest Wayne Fitzgerald, Chairperson of Limerick County Football Board and his wife Gráinne, Breda Breen West Board Chairperson and her partner, Jimmy Condon, Limerick Senior Football Captain Ian Corbett of Newcastle West and Fr. Tom Carroll PP, who congratulated us on winning of back-to-back West and County Junior B and A Football Championship titles and the Silver Jubilee of winning West and County Junior A Hurling Championship honours in 1998, after the beautiful meal served and watching Limerick’s great win over Tipperary in the National Hurling League Division 1 semi-final on the big screen. The honour of presenting the West and County Junior A FootballChampionship medals was accorded to Limerick County Senior Football Captain Iain Corbett, Newcastle West and presentations were made to the successful 2022 Junior A Football and Intermediate Hurling Jim (Twin) Lynch Memorial Cup winning team, management and club officers and first aid officials. Liam Carroll in recognition of his dedicated service as Bord na nÓg Chairperson/Secretary/Assistant Club Secretary/Team Manager/Coach and Player 1998 to 2022. Neil Dunworth and Niall Carroll for their dedicated service streaming games. Maurice Noonan in recognition of winning All-Ireland Wheelchair medal with Munster Hurling Camogie Club 2022. Sean O’Gorman and Mark O’Shea in recognition of winning Masita Post-Primary Schools Senior D Hurling with Coláiste na Trócaire, Rathkeale. Donal O’Grady, Coach/Selector Limerick All-Ireland 3-in-a-row 2020, 2021, 2022 and 2023 Senior Hurling Champions. Bord na nÓg club officers John Joe Carmody and Jim Roche joint supports of the year. Andrew Holmes and Adrian Farragher Joint Club Persons of the Year. John Lynch for his 30 years service as Club Secretary/PRO. The final presentation of the night was made to Jimmy Chawke for his service as MC for all events held by the Club in 2022. The raffle for the Limerick All-Ireland 3-in-a-row jersey, which was won by Tom O’Callaghan, Monagea and the second Limerick 3-in-a-row jersey, which was auctioned was purchased for €550 by Eddie O’Brien, Coolrus, Granagh. It was then on to the dance floor with dancing lasting well into the early hours of the morning to the music of Overdrive, followed by disco. Thank you to all who supported the night. Jimmy Chawke who did an excellent job as MC, Organising Committee, David Clancy, Stephen Stapleton, Seamus Twomey, Shane Mulqueen, Shane O’Grady and Damien O’Donovan. Guest Wayne Fitzgerald and his wife Gráinne, Breda Breen and Jimmy Condon, Fr. Tom Carroll PP, Eddie Guiry and Mick Raleigh for taking photos and raffle ticket sellers. All in all a brilliant night and thanks to the Longcourt Hotel for the beautiful meal served and all the patrons who played their part in making the night so enjoyable.

Coláiste na Trócaire Crowned All-Ireland Champions Masita Post-Primary Schools Niall McInerney Cup Senior ‘D’ Hurling Final

Coláiste na Trócaire, Rathkeale…..2-21

Coláiste Pádraig CBS Lucan…….1-16

Massive congratulations to Coláiste na Trócaire Rathkeale on being crowned Masita Post-Primary Schools All-Ireland Senior ‘D’ Hurling Champions with an outstanding 8 point 2-21 to 1-16 victory over gallant Coláiste Pádraig CBS Lucan at Portlaoise on Thursday 16th March. The Rathkeale boys with our own Sean O’Gorman wearing the No. 5, Mark O’Shea the No. 6 and former club chairperson and player Seamus Stapleton’s son Ryan in the No. 8 jersey, battled hard for their 8 point victory to bring the first All-Ireland title and the Niall McInerney Cup to Coláiste na Trócaire. Well done to all involved in this great victory for the Rathkeale school and the squad of players drawn from five local clubs – Croagh-Kilfinny, Granagh-Ballingarry, Rathkeale, St. Kierans and Knockaderry.

Quiz

Congratulations to Patsy and Willie Power and Ann and Tom Hickey, the overall winners of the Granagh-Ballingarry GAA Club fundraising Table Quiz on Saturday 8th April at Condron’s Bar, Ballingarry. Thank you to all 19 teams, Yvonne and Mick Condron for hosting the event, quizmaster Jimmy Chawke and to everyone who helped in any way to make our quiz fundraiser such a huge financial success.

€2,008 Munster Council Grant

Granagh-Ballingarry GAA Club would like to formally and sincerely thank the Munster Council Officials for their kind contribution of €2,008 Development Grant. Thanks to Seamus Twomey, Adrian Farragher, John Kearney and Andrew Holmes who helped to complete the paperwork in drawing down these funds.

Training Jumpers

Thank you to Aaron and Robert Noonan at A&R Plant Hire and Groundworks for kindly sponsoring a set of adult team training jumpers.

Community Games Re-established

We are all delighted to have the Community Games re-established in our parish again. Community Games is where all young people begin and provides a huge range of activities for children from from 6 – 17 years of age. These activities include a number of individual and team sports, same include art, hand writing, drama, music, draughts, chess, hurling, football, Camogie, soccer and athletics. The full list can be found on the community games website. I wish the Committee running our Community Games Club the best of luck in the year ahead and look forward to County Munster and National titles coming back to our parish like the years gone by.

Playing Activities 2023

The year 2023 was another very active and busy year for Granagh-Ballingarry on the playing fields. A total of 41 very sporting competitive games were played at adult level since our Intermediate hurlers commenced the competitive playing season on Saturday 1st April defeating neighbours Croagh-Kilfinny 0-17 to 0-16 in the opening round of the West Senior Hurling Championship at Ballingarry and the curtain finally came down on Saturday 18th November when defeating Ballybricken-Bohermore-Fedamore by ten points 1-12 to 0-5 in the second round of Group 3 of the County U21B Hurling Championship.

Intermediate Hurlers Bridge 18-Year Gap

Defeated narrowly at the semi-final of the County Intermediate Hurling Championship by eventual winners Effin in 2021 and Na Piarsaigh in 2022. Since the start of the year Granagh-Ballingarry Intermediate hurlers and management team put in a lot of effort to win 9, draw 2, lose 2 and received one walkover in their 13 competitive games, to reach the West Senior Hurling League / Championship final. Win the Jim (Twin) Lynch Memorial Cup for the forth year in a row and crowned County Intermediate Hurling Champions for the first time in 18 years. They beat neighbours Croagh-Kilfinny, drew with Newcastle West, beat Feohanagh-Castlemahon (West Senior Hurling League Round 3/Jim (Twin) Lynch Memorial Cup final), received a walkover from Knockaderry and went under to Adare to finish third on 7 points in the West Senior League/Championship table to qualify for the semi-final where they went under to eventual winners, Adare. They regrouped to finish top of Group 2 in the County Intermediate Hurling Championship on 10 points with five straight wins over Knockainey, Feohanagh-Castlemahon, Croom, St. Kieran’s and Murroe-Boher to qualify straight for the semi-final, where they again defeated Murroe-Boher after extra-time in a thrilling contest in Fedamore to set-up a County Intermediate Hurling Championship final clash with 2021 and 2022 defeated finalists, neighbours and great rivals Croagh-Kilfinny on Sunday 29th October at Paddy Carroll Park, Ballyagran. Here, in front of a record crowd for an Intermediate Hurling Championship final, the Croagh-Kilfinny boys went in at the interval one ahead 1-7 to 0-7. It was tit for tat again in the second half with the sides level Granagh-Ballingarry 0-15 Croagh-Kilfinny 1-12, two minutes into added time, then Granagh-Ballingarry No. 14 Luke Flynn, who had moved outfield, showed his class with a pair of long range points from open play on 63 and 65 minutes before a foul on Sean O’Connor allowed Sean to split the uprights from the placed ball awarded a minute later to give the boys from Knockfierna a three-point 0-18 to 1-12 advantage six minutes into added time. Then a mistake by the Granagh-Ballingarry defence allowed Croagh-Kilfinny No. 3 Barry Lenihan through for a goal chance to level the score for the boys in blue and white, only to see his show go just over the crossbar to the delight of the Granagh-Ballingarry supporters to reduce the deficit to two on 68 minutes. With the atmosphere electric the Croagh-Kilfinny boys created a number of chances, which they filed to convert against a firm Granagh-Ballingarry defence, who held out for a thrilling two point 0-18 to 1-13, if only just, victory to claim their third Limerick County Intermediate Hurling Championship title, a first since 2005. The Granagh-Ballingarry supporters went absolutely wild with delight at reiteoir Declan O’Driscoll’s final whistle and they charged onto the pitch to cheer their heroes, who brought the County Intermediate Hurling Championship title to the club and parish for the third time, a first since 2005 and the Michael O’Leary Memorial Cup. There was no doubt that the better side won, but the losers must be regretting their missed goal opportunity to take the game to extra-time in the final minutes of added time. The Croagh-Kilfinny mentors and players were very sporting in defeat and wished us the best of luck in the Premier Intermediate grade in 2024. Croagh-Kilfinny have a fine young side and should again be a match for the best next season. All the Granagh-Ballingarry team were heroes on the day but the performance of No. 14, Luke Flynn who scored 0-4 from open play, must get the Man of the Match tag.

West Senior Hurling League / Championship

Round 1:​Granagh-Ballingarry ​0-17 ​Croagh-Kilfinny ​0-16

Round 2:​Granagh-Ballingarry ​0-13​Newcastle West ​0-13

Round 3:​Double-up with Jim (Twin) Lynch Memorial Cup

​Granagh-Ballingarry​0-26​Feohanagh-Castlemahon​0-10

Team: Denis O’Connor, Brian Sheehy, John Kealy, Niall Cahill, David Condron (Captain), Jack Cagney (0-1), Ronan Mullane, Edward Sheehy (0-1), John Quille Mulcaire, Luke Flynn (0-3), Darragh Casey (0-5), Michael Russell (0-6), Eoin Horgan (0-5), Damian O’Donovan (0-4, 2 Frees, 1 65), Gearóid Lynch (0-1). Subs used: Brendan Lynch, Padraig McKenna, Colm Noonan, Jack Hartnett and Eoin Lynch.

Round 4:​Granagh-Ballingarry w.o. Knockaderry

Round 5:​Adare 1-23 Granagh-Ballingarry 1-15

West Senior Hurling / League Championship semi-final:

Adare 2-26 Granagh-Ballingarry 1-10

County Intermediate Hurling Championship Group 2

Round 1:​Granagh-Ballingarry​1-26​Knockainey​1-13

Round 2:​Granagh-Ballingarry ​3-21​Feohanagh-Castlemahon 0-8

Round 3:​Granagh-Ballingarry​4-28​Croom​0-14

Round 4:​Granagh-Ballingarry​0-20​St. Kierans​0-11

Round 5:​Granagh-Ballingarry​2-24​Murroe-Boher​0-19

County Intermediate Hurling Championship Semi-final:

​Granagh-Ballingarry ​2-31​Murroe-Boher​3-27 (AET)

County Intermediate Championship Final:

​Granagh-Ballingarry​0-18​Croagh-Kilfinny​1-18

Granagh-Ballingarry: Denis O’Connor, Eoin Casey, John Kealy, Brian Sheehy, Colm Noonan, Jack Cagney, Donal O’Grady, Josh Quille Mulcaire, Darragh Casey (0-1), Michael Russell, Cathal O’Keeffe (0-2), Sean O’Connor (0-8, 6 frees), Paudie Murphy (0-1), Luke Flynn (0-4), Damien O’Donovan (0-2). Subs used: David Condron (Captain) and Niall Cahill. Other subs used in the course of the Championship: Ronan Mullane, Thomas O’Donovan, Pat Carroll. Other squad members: Keith O’Kelly, Owen Lynch, Eoin Lynch, Eoin Herlihy, Mark O’Shea, Padraig McKenna, Brendan Lynch, Edward Sheehy, Jack Hartnett, Gearóid Lynch, Ger Ryan, John O’Grady and Sean Murphy.

Congratulations to the players on their County Intermediate Hurling Championship success. I look forward to seeing them be a force to be reckoned with in the Intermediate Premier grade in 2024. Thanks to Manager Michael Clancy, Strength and Conditioning Coach Donal Walsh, Selectors Eoin Kennedy, Donagh McCarthy, Stats: James Flynn, Physio: Caolan Scott, First Aid: Niamh O’Keeffe, Dr. Cian Cagney, along with the backroom support team of Graham Russell, Bobby Houlihan, Andrew Holmes, Darragh O’Grady, Niall Carroll, Stephen Stapleton, Cormac McCarthy, Darren Clifford, Sponsor Dinny Ahern and the supporters. They all played a very important part in our Intermediate Hurling success story in 2023.

Granagh-Ballingarry County Intermediate Hurling Championship 2023 Stats

Played 7, Won 7, Scores For: 12-168, Scores against 5-105, plus 84, Scorers – Luke Flynn 3-19, Paudie Murphy 5-6, Cathal O’Keeffe 0-17, Michael Russell 0-15, Damian O’Donovan 1-11, Donal O’Grady 2-2, Darragh Casey 0-7, Denis O’Connor 1-3, Josh Quille Mulcaire 0-6, Jack Cagney 0-5, David Condron 0-2, Brian Sheehy 0-1. 20 players were used out of a panel of 34 players, difference plus 84 points.

4 Cup Wins for Granagh-Ballingarry Junior B Hurlers

Granagh-Ballingarry Junior ‘B’ Hurlers enjoyed a very successful season, winning fifteen, drew one and lost one of their 17 games played to win the West Junior B Hurling League (Seamus Flanagan Memorial Cup), County Junior ‘B’ Hurling League (County Board Cup), West Junior B Hurling Championship (Mary Sexton Memorial Cup), Granagh-Ballingarry Junior B Hurling Tournament (Dinny A Cup), Granagh-Ballingarry finished top of Group 1 in the West Junior ‘B’ Hurling League on 10 points with four straight wins over Monagea 3-20 to 1-8, Kildimo-Pallaskenry 1-15 to 3-6, Knockaderry 2-17 to 2-9, Tournafulla 5-17 to 0-14, received a walkover from Newcastle West to qualify for a semi-final meeting with neighbours Croagh-Kilfinny who they defeated 3-14 to 1-13 at Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale and Kildimo-Pallaskenry in the final by two points 3-10 to 0-17, after  a thrilling contest at Adare on Tuesday 13th June with a strong all-round team performance to take their fifth West Junior ‘B’ Hurling League title and the Seamus Flanagan Cup, a first since defeating Askeaton by a point 1-11 to 0-13 in the 2016 decider.

Granagh-Ballingarry: Keith O’Kelly, Mickie O’Keeffe, Eoin Enright, Ger Ryan, Marcus Moore, John Carroll (Captain), Brendan Lynch, Pat Carroll, Ronan Mullane (0-1), Brian Sheehy (0-2), Colman Noonan (0-5, frees), Gearóid Lynch, Eoin Horgan, John O’Grady (2-0). Subs used: Thomas O’Donovan, Jim O’Keeffe (0-1), Owen Lynch (1-0 free), Eoin Herlihy and Richie O’Keeffe. Other players used in the course of the competition: Niall Carroll, Kieran Condron, Edward Sheehy, Brian Mulqueen, Dean Clancy, Eoin Lynch, Mark O’Shea and Jack Hartnett.

In the County Junior B Hurling League semi-final, a well taken point from out near the sideline by second-half substitute Richie O’Keeffe five minutes into added time paved the way for a thrilling one point 2-9 victory for the West winners Granagh-Ballingarry over unlucky East kingpins Cappamore at Staker Wallace GAA grounds in Kilbreedy on Saturday 17th June to qualify for their first County Junior B Hurling League final since 2016 against city winners Caherline on Thursday 22nd June, played again in Kilbreedy, where West champions Granagh-Ballingarry, with a strong all-round team performance, coupled with 2-3 from open play by the youthful Eoin Horgan in the opening 23 minutes and five top class saves by keeper Keith O’Kelly, two in the first and three in the second half, paved the way for an impressive fourteen point 3-21 to 1-13 victory for the boys from Knockfierna over gallant Caherline to take their second County Junior ‘B’ Hurling League title, a first since defeating Blackrock 3-10 to 1-9 in the 2016 decider at Fitzgerald Park, Kilmallock on Thursday 16th June.

Granagh-Ballingarry: Keith O’Kelly, Brendan Lynch, Eoin Enright, Ger Ryan (0-1), Marcus Moore, John Carroll (Captain), Ronan Mullane (0-1), Pat Carroll (0-2), Owen Lynch (0-5, 1 free), Eoin Lynch (0-2), Colm Noonan (0-5, 3 frees), Jim O’Keeffe (0-2), Eoin Horgan (2-3), Mick Carroll (1-0), John O’Grady. Subs used: Mark O’Shea, Richie O’Keeffe, Padraig McKenna, Brian Mulqueen, Mickey O’Keeffe. Other players used in the course of the competition: Brian Sheehy, Eoin Herlihy, Niall Carroll, Kieran Condron, Edward Sheehy, Dean Clancy, Jack Hartnett, Thomas O’Donovan and Gearóid Lynch.

Dinny A Cup Final

With the sides level at 3-14 each, with three minutes of normal time remaining on the clock, a trio of white flags from placed balls in as many minutes by Owen Lynch, paved the way for a thrilling three point 3-17 to 3-14 victory for West and County Junior ‘B’ Hurling League winners Granagh-Ballingarry over unlucky Camogue Rovers in the final of the Granagh-Ballingarry Junior ‘B’ Hurling Dinny A Cup final, after a thrilling, hard-fought 37 score contest at Ballingarry on Sunday 30th July.

Granagh-Ballingarry: Keith O’Kelly, Mickey O’Keeffe, Eoin Enright, Ger Ryan, Marcus Moore, Brian Sheehy (0-1), Brendan Lynch, Pat Carroll (Captain), Edward Sheehy, Brian Mulqueen, Eoin Lynch (1-2), Eoin Herlihy (0-2), Eoin Horgan (1-2), Owen Lynch (0-10), Richie O’Keeffe. Subs used: Niall Carroll (1-0), Mark Tierney.

West Junior B Hurling Championship

In Group 1 of the West Junior B Hurling League Granagh-Ballingarry recorded three straight wins over Monagea 3-20 to 0-9, Askeaton 4-23 to 0-8 and Adare 0-17 to 0-11, to finish top of the group on six points to qualify for the quarter-final meeting with Killeedy, who they defeated 1-17 to 2-5 and holders Knockaderry in the semi-final 3-14 to 0-7 to qualify for a final meeting with Feohanagh-Castlemahon. The West Junior ‘B’ Hurling Championship final played in difficult, wet and windy conditions at Dromcollogher on Saturday 23rd September, a point from a placed ball by Owen Lynch, following a foul on John O’Grady one minute into added time earned Granagh-Ballingarry a deserved 0-12 each draw with gallant Feohanagh-Castlemahon to take the 2023 West Junior ‘B’ Hurling Championship final to a replay on Sunday 1st October at Killeedy GAA Club grounds in Raheenagh. Here in sunny conditions Granagh-Ballingarry recorded a hard-fought five point 1-13 to 0-11 victory over unlucky Feohanagh-Castlemahon who were reduced to 14 players twelve minutes into the second half, when their scorer in chief, Jamie Butler, was shown a red card to claim their fifth West Limerick Junior ‘B’ Hurling Championship title (a first since 2020) and the Mary Sexton Memorial Cup to add to the West and County Junior ‘B’ Hurling League titles and Dinny Cup Tournament yearly in the year and stretch the unbeaten run to sixteen.

Granagh-Ballingarry: Keith O’Kelly, Mickey O’Keeffe, Eoin Enright, Ger Ryan, Thomas O’Donovan, John Carroll (Captain) (0-1), Mark O’Shea, Owen Lynch (0-4, frees), Pat Carroll, Jim O’Keeffe (0-2), Eoin Lynch (0-1), Mick Carroll (0-1), Eoin Horgan (0-1), John O’Grady (0-1), Brendan Lynch (1-2). Subs used: Eoin Herlihy, Edward Sheehy, Kieran Condron, Padraig McKenna, Niall Carroll. Other panel members used in the course of the Championship: Marcus Moore, Jack Hartnett, Aaron Smith, Dean Clancy, Mark Tierney, Richie O’Keeffe, Brian Mulqueen, Brian Sheehy.

County Junior B Hurling Championship Quarter-final

At sunny Killeedy GAA Club grounds in Raheenagh on Sunday 8th October City Junior B Hurling Championship runners-up and defeated finalists Ballybrown recorded at hard-fought three–point 2-18 to 3-12 victory over gallant West Champions Granagh-Ballingarry to bring their sixteen game unbeaten run to an end and qualify for the County Junior ‘B’ Hurling Championship semi-final.

Conclusion:

On behalf of the club and people of Granagh-Ballingarry, we congratulate the players on the many great displays they have given, winning fifteen, drew one and lost one of their 17 games played this year to win the West Junior B Hurling Championship and reaching the County Junior B Hurling Championship quarter-final, where they went under to defeated finalists Ballybrown by three points 2-18 to 3-18, after a hard-fought contest. Well done to the management team Conor O’Keeffe, David Clancy, Andrew Holmes, Eoin Cahill and first aid officials Niamh O’Keeffe, Theresa Noonan and Physio Calon Scott and the backroom staff too. If they all stay together this team looks like being a match for the best again next season.

Good Start to Season Ends in Disappointment for Junior Footballers

After winning promotion in 2021 and 2022, Granagh-Ballingarry playing in the Premier Junior ‘A’ Football grade in 2023, won 4, drew 1 and lost 4 of their nine competitive games this season. In Group 2 of the West Junior A Football League/Championship Granagh-Ballingarry defeated Dromcollogher-Broadford 5-17 to 2-8, went under to Newcastle West by 3 points 1-12 to 1-9 and defeated St. Kieran’s 2-9 to 0-9 to finish second in the group on 4 points, two behind Newcastle West to qualify for the semi-final where they defeated Feenagh-Kilmeedy by a point 2-6 to 0-11 after extra time at Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale on Monday 29thMay to qualify for their second successive West Junior A Football League/Championship final against Mountcollins, with a strong all round team performance, took their first West Junior AFootball Championship title since 2009 with a 2-7 to 0-6 victory over holders Granagh-Ballingarry.

Granagh-Ballingarry: David Clancy, Eoin Casey, Niall Cahill, Kieran Condron, Brian Sheehy, Darragh Casey, Pat Carroll, Luke Flynn, Josh Quille Mulcaire, Aaron Smith (0-2, 1 free), Donal O’Grady (0-3), Edward Sheehy, Eoin Horgan, Denis O’Connor (0-1), Padraig McKenna. Subs used: Gearóid Lynch and Jack Hartnett.

Granagh-Ballingarry were drawn in Group 2 of the Premier County Junior A Football Championship. In the opening round on Friday 30th June recorded an impressive 2-10 to 0-9 victory over Athea at Newcastle West and drew 2-5 each with eventual winners Newcastle West in Round 2 on Sunday 9th July at Sean Finn Park, Rathkeale and nicely set up for a semi or quarter-final spot with 3 points on the table, one behind Feenagh-Kilmeedy at the break for the commencement of the Hurling Championship. On the resumption of the County Premier Junior ‘A’ Football Championship on Friday 18th August, Granagh-Ballingarry suffered a most disappointing three-point 1-6 to 0-6 defeat to Cappagh at Pairc Caoimh Uí Luing, Feenagh and an eight point 2-11 to 0-9 defeat to Feenagh-Kilmeedy at Quaid Park, Coolyrue on Thursday 24th August when fielding very much under strength sides for various reasons and gave a walkover to Cappamore in the final group stage game as we were out of contention for a quarter-final spot to finish fifth in Group 2 on three points, ahead of pointless Athea, to retain our Junior ‘A’ Premier status for 2024.

Thank you to our Junior A Premier Football Management Team of Shane O’Grady (Manager), Mark O’Sullivan (Coach), Andrew Holmes (Selector) and the backroom for their co-operation and to the players who gave the required commitment. Having drawn with eventual County Premier Junior ‘A’ Football Championship winners Newcastle West in Round 2 and defeating defeated finalists Feenagh-Kilmeedy in the West Junior A Football League/Championship semi-final after extra time, if this panel of players and management stay together they will be a match for the best in both the West and County in 2024.

One Point Defeat for Croom / Granagh-Ballingarry in U19A Hurling Championship

Due to insufficient numbers of players available in Granagh-Ballingarry for the U19 grade in 2023, it was agreed to amalgamate with neighbours Croom for U19 Hurling to play under the name Croom/Granagh-Ballingarry. The 2023 County U19A Hurling Championship was run on an All-County basis. There was one group of four and three groups of three, with the top two teams in each group to qualify for the semi-final. Croom / Granagh-Ballingarry were drawn in Group 3 with Crecora / South Liberties and Croagh-Kilfinny / Rathkeale. In the opening round on Tuesday 18th July in Croom the meeting of neighbours Croagh-Kilfinny / Rathkeale and Croom / Granagh-Ballingarry was a thrilling 43 score contest played in front of a big crowd with the Croagh-Kilfinny / Rathkeale boys shading the issue by a point 2-19 to 1-12 with a strong second half performance. The Croom / Granagh-Ballingarry boys with the wind at their backs led by six 1-12 to 0-9 at the interval. The Croagh-Kilfinny/Rathkeale boys with the wind at their backs inspired by the free taking of their No. 11 Cian O’Carroll outscored their opponents by 12, 2-9 to 0-9 in the second half  for a thrilling one point 2-19 to 1-21 victory to take their second successive brace of points in Group 3 of the Limerick County U19A Hurling Championship after wins over Crecora / South Liberties and Croom/Granagh-Ballingarry to finish top of the group on four points to qualify for the semi-finals, while the Croom / Granagh-Ballingarry v South Liberties / Crecora final group stage game was not played as both sides had made their exit from the competition having suffered defeat to Croagh-Kilfinny/Rathkeale.

Thank you to our own Seamus Murphy, the Croom club and the panel of players for giving a creditable performance in this year’s County U19A Hurling Championship.

Croom/Granagh-Ballingarry: Thomas Twomey (Granagh-Ballingarry), Diarmuid Sheehan (Croom), Marcus Ruddle (Croom), Mark O’Shea (Granagh-Ballingarry), Luke Murphy (Croom), Paudie Murphy (Granagh-Ballingarry), Ian Sheehy (Granagh-Ballingarry), Cathal Madigan (Croom), Eoin Lynch (Granagh-Ballingarry), Ciaran Wall (Croom), Eoin Horgan (Granagh-Ballingarry), Jack McNamara (Croom), Jack Daly (Croom), Kyle Hayes (Croom), Brian Sheehy (Granagh-Ballingarry). Subs used: Kieran Kelly (Croom) and T.J. Tierney (Granagh-Ballingarry).

Seven Point First Round Defeat For Croom / Granagh-Ballingarry U21B Football

Like their counterparts in football, due to insufficient numbers of players available in Granagh-Ballingarry for the U19 grade in 2023, it was agreed to amalgamate with neighbours Croom for U19 to play under the name Croom/Granagh-Ballingarry. The 2023 County U19B Football Championship was run on an All-County basis. There was one group of four and three groups of three with the top team only in each group to qualify for the semi-final. Croom / Granagh-Ballingarry were drawn in Group 3 with St. Senan’s and Cappagh-Rathkeale. In the opening round on Thursday 29th June at Foynes. The home side of St. Senan’s made a winning start to the County U21B Football Championship Group 3 campaign with a deserved seven point 2-14 to 2-7 victory of gallant Croom/Granagh-Ballingarry.

Croom/Granagh-Ballingarry: Jack McNamara (Croom), Mark Ruddle (Croom), Cathal Mangan (Croom), Mark O’Shea (Granagh-Ballingarry), Brian Sheehy (Granagh-Ballingarry), Kieran O’Kelly (Croom), Luke Murphy (Croom), Ian Sheehy (Granagh-Ballingarry), T.J. Tierney (Granagh-Ballingarry), Eoin Lynch (0-1) (Granagh-Ballingarry), Jack Daly (Croom), Eoin Horgan (1-0) (Granagh-Ballingarry), Cian McCoy (Granagh-Ballingarry), Paudie Murphy (1-7) (Granagh-Ballingarry). Subs used: Kieran Wall and Henry Costello (Croom).

Due to St. Senan’s defeating Cappagh/Rathkeale in Round 2 to finish on four points, the final group stage game between neighbours Cappagh/Rathkeale and Croom/Granagh-Ballingarry was not played as only the top team in each group qualified for the semi-final.

Thank you to our own Seamus Murphy, the Croom club and the panel of players for giving a creditable performance in this year’s County U19B Football Championship.

Creditable Performances by U21 Hurlers

The 2023 County U21B Hurling Championship was run on All-County basis. There was one group of three and three groups of four with the top team in each group to qualify for the semi-finals. Granagh-Ballingarry were drawn in Group 3 with Claughaun/St. Patrick’s, Caherline and Ballybricken-Bohermore. In the opening round on Saturday 4th November, played on the astroturf pitch in UL North Campus, where two goals each by Kyle Mullins and Shane Cross in the opening twelve minutes paved the way for a deserved six point 4-18 to 4-12 victory for Claughaun / St. Patricks after a most enjoyable 38 score contest in which Granagh-Ballingarry lost both Darragh Casey later in the first half and substitute Paudie Murphy on 50 minutes due to injury.

Granagh-Ballingarry: Thomas Twomey, Mark O’Shea, Eoin Enright, Paudie McKenna, Ian Sheehy, Darragh Casey, Eoin Herlihy, Brian Sheehy, Josh Quille Mulcaire (0-2), Michael Russell (0-4), Eoin Lynch (0-1), Owen Lynch (1-3, 1-2 frees), Rory Condon (1-0), Eoin Horgan (1-2), Tom O’Sullivan. Subs used: Paudie Murphy (1-0) and Sean Murphy.

We travelled to Caherelly on Sunday 21st November to play Ballybricken-Bohermore/Fedamore in Round 2 and recorded an impressive ten point 1-12 to 0-5 victory over the home side in difficult conditions to go joint second on the Group 3 League / Championship table on two points, with Ballybricken-Bohermore/Fedamore and Caherline, two behind Claughaun/St. Patricks on four points. Great credit is due to the players and management of both teams for waiting in the cold, wet conditions for 45 minutes for the start of the game and to referee Ger O’Riordan of Crecora/Manister for taking charge of the game at short notice. The final group stage game between Granagh-Ballingarry and Caherline was not played on the request of Caherline as Claughaun/St. Patricks had defeated both Caherline and Granagh-Ballingarry were already through to the semi-final on the head to head rule, as only one team in each group qualified for the semi-finals.

The structure of this championship, which is changed to U20 for 2024, needs to be addressed by the C.C.C. Well done to team manager Graham Russell and the rest of the management team for fielding teams in this year’s County U21B Hurling Championship, which was an easy one with a small panel of players to select from and a number of players injured.

County U21B Football Championship

Due to insufficient numbers of players due to college exams and work commitments, we did not play in the County U21B Football Championship.

Bord na nÓg 2023

The following officers were elected to guide Granagh-Ballingarry Bord na nÓg Committee for 2023: Chairperson: Stephen Stapleton, Secretary: Seamus Twomey, PRO: Seamus Murphy, Children’s Officer: Stephen Stapleton

Teams were affiliated in all grades of Hurling and Football from U6 to U15 and amalgamated with Croom for U17 Hurling and Football due to insufficient number of players, with all teams giving some brilliant displays despite having small panels of players to select from. Our Bord na nÓg officials, managers, selectors, parents, club school coaches and teachers in both schools must be complemented for the great work they did for the youth of our club in 2023.

The many highlights included:

Congratulations to all concerned for making 2023 such a busy and enjoyable year for Granagh-Ballingarry Bord na nÓg. A more comprehensive report will be given by Bord na nÓg Secretary, Seamus Twomey.

Primary Schools

Granagh-Ballingarry GAA Club recognise the crucial role both Granagh and Ballingarry primary schools play in promoting Hurling, Gaelic Football and Camogie, which ensures that games are part of the students’ everyday lives. Congratulations to Aoife O’Sullivan who played for the Limerick Primary Schools Football team, Eoghan Kiely and Nathan Clancy, the Limerick Primary Schools Hurling team and to all the girls and boys who played on West Limerick Primary School teams.

Emma, Donie, Ross and James Hit the Jackpot

There were three winners of the jackpot in the Granagh-Ballingarry GAA Club Lottery in 2023. Emma Crosby, Derryclough, Ballingarry won 10,800 on Saturday 22nd July in the Rock Bar, Granagh. Donie Barron €5,100 on Saturday 5thAugust in McAuliffe’s Bar, Ballingarry and James and Ross Tierney, Ahalin €3,000 on Saturday 12th August in Buckley’s Bar, Ballingarry. The jackpot will be worth €3,700 on Saturday 16thDecember. Thank you to our Lottery Committee for the dedication each Saturday night and to all who support the lottery each week through our local promoters and online.

County GAA Club Draw

Our Club had approximately 117 members in the 2023 draw and three winners, Claire Herlihy €3,000 in August, Niamh O’Keeffe and Brian Burke €300 each in September. There is one draw remaining, which will take place on Saturday 27th January. Thank you to our Draw Co-ordinator Stephen Stapleton and all who supported the draw during the year.

Club Draw

Congratulations to all the lucky winners in the Club 10 Monthly Draw. It is the main source of income for our Club. Thank you to Draw Co-ordinators Eoin and Adrian, the promoters and all the punters who supported the draw during the year.

New Training Pitch Open

There has been a huge amount of work done on the development of our new training pitches this year, which are open and available for underage training, which is a necessity for our club and our partners in Granagh-Ballingarry Ladies Football and Camogie. With all three clubs and over 37 teams looking to use our field in 2023, our training pitches will mean we host more West and County Championship games enabling us to increase revenue without impacting our teams training schedules. Well done to all involved who worked with our dedicated Facilities Committee to oversee all improvements and to ensure that all applications for grant funding and prerequisites are met in their entirety. Thank you to the Hogan Family for the long-term lease of the training field.

Ladies Football

Well done to our Ladies Football Club on fielding teams at both adult and underage level this year. Congratulations on winning their Division U14 League and Championship Double. Congratulations and well done to all involved in the promoting of Ladies Football in our parish and club.

Camogie

Granagh-Ballingarry Senior Camogie team were defeated by Crecora in the relegation final and as a result will play in the Intermediate grade in 2024 and the Junior B’s by eventual winners Tournafulla in the County Championship semi-final. It was more encouraging to see the U14 girls win the Mackey Cup Championship and the creditable performances by all other underage Camogie teams, without winning any silverware. I wish our Camogie club the best of luck in 2024 and look forward to them back as Senior club in 2025.

Fifth All-Ireland Medal for Maurice

Massive congratulations to our own Maurice Noonan, a member of the Munster Wheelchair Hurling Camogie side who were crowned All-Ireland Wheelchair Hurling Camogie champions for the first time and the third year in a row at the Ashbourne Community School, Meath on Saturday 21st October. Munster defeated Ulster, lost to Leinster and beat Connacht in the group stage to qualify for the final, where they recorded a second victory over Ulster to be crowned All-Ireland champions for the fifth time and the third year in a row in extra time.

Munster team: Kieran Bennis, Steven Casey, Darren Dineen, Cormac Downey, Sean Hassett, Cian Hogan Skaker, Paul Kelly, James McCarthy, Edel Morrissey, Maurice Noonan (Granagh-Ballingarry), Caroline O’Halloran, Gary O’Halloran and Ellie Sheehy. Congratulations and well done to the panel of players, John Carey and Dave Fitzgerald, Coaches and all involved in this great 5th All-Ireland win. Well done also to our own Maurice on his selection on the Irish team who travelled to Prague this Summer to compete in the Floorball Games, which was a great honour for Maurice, his family and our club.

League of Their Own – Limerick Do Four-in-a-Row

Hearty congratulations to the Limerick Senior hurlers, manager John Kiely, Captains Cian Lynch / Declan Hannon, our own Donal O’Grady (Coach / Selector), his brother (Stats) and the rest of the management team on their impressive 9 point victory over gallant Leinster champions Kilkenny at Croke Park on Sunday 23rd July to capture their fifth All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship title and the Liam McCarthy Cup in six seasons, their 12th overall and four-in-a-row for the first time in the history of the competition, a record held only by two counties – Cork in 1941, 42, 43, 44 and Kilkenny in 2006, 07, 08, 09, who lead the role of honour with 36 titles. The win sees Limerick Captain the first Patrickswell clubman to lift the Liam McCarthy Cup and Limerick are also the only team to win the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship title in July, August and December. Peter Casey, Limerick and Na Piarsaigh, who finished with 0-5, all from open play was named ‘Man of the Match’.

Swail Goal Denies Limerick All-Ireland Crown

With the sides level at 0-4 each, a goal by substitute Orla Swail on 43 minutes paved the way for a two-point 1-7 to 0-8 victory for Down over unlucky Limerick to capture their second All-Ireland Ladies Football Championship title, a first since 2000 at Croke Park on Sunday 13th August. Limerick were the better team over the hour, who created a number of goal chances, which they failed to convert, which cost them at the end.

Limerick Win Masters Spirit Cup in Extra Time

Hearty congratulations to the Limerick Masters Footballers and their management team on their historic four point 2-14 to 1-13 victory over gallant Armagh to become the first winners of the Spirit Cup after extra time in front of a good crowd in St. Brigids GAA Grounds in Roscommon on Saturday 16th September.

County Senior Scór Final

Sixteen teams took part in the Limerick County Senior Scór Question Time final at Mungret / St. Pauls GAA Clubhouse on Friday 13th October. The Granagh-Ballingarry team of Stephen Stapleton, Jimmy Chawke, Seamus Twomey and Pat Herlihy did very well to finish sixth, narrowly behind winners Na Piarsaigh, Mungret/St. Pauls GAA, Mungret/St. Pauls Ladies Football, Kildimo/Pallaskenry and Banogue. On Saturday 14th October in Solo Singing, Johnny O’Riordan sung ‘Where Corby and Shannon Flow’ very well. Thank you to our Scór Officer Maura Friel-Lynch, Stephen, Jimmy, Pat, Seamus and Johnny for representing our Club with pride in Senior Scór 2023.

Tickets

The ticketing situation this year for all inter-county games from April to July has once more proved a challenging one for those Club Officers responsible for ordering, handling and distributing said tickets (through no fault of Limerick County Board or Club). Croke Park deal with Ticketmaster has resulted in a generous burden being placed on club officers due to placing orders, receiving codes, issuing codes, emails, registering Ticketmaster accounts, payment up front required on occasions and not others, which put a huge financial burden on clubs. Hopefully Croke Park will address the distribution of ticket situation with County Boards and Clubs for next season. Thank you all, especially Seamus Twomey, Andrew Holmes, Adrian Farragher and Stephen Stapleton for the excellent job they did with the distributing of tickets this season.

Limerick Players

Congratulations to our own Darragh O’Donoghue, a member of the Limerick U15B Hurling squad who defeated Westmeath 2-8 to 0-11 and Galway 3-13 to 0-12 to win the John Doyle Memorial Shield on Saturday 26th August in Clonoulty-Rossmore Clubgrounds in Tipperary. To Danny O’Grady, a member of the Limerick U14B Hurling squad who lost narrowly to Offaly and Dublin both the outings in the Tony Forristal Tournament, also on Saturday 26th August in Kilcormac, Co. Offaly. To wear the green and white of Limerick was a great honour for Darragh and Danny, their families and the Granagh-Ballingarry Club.

Online Registration

I would like to compliment John Carroll on the excellent job he did on the online registration of Club players and members. It is essential to remember that for legal and insurance reasons that all players, officers and volunteers must pay membership fees each year.

Coverage

The promotion of our games and other events through the media is very important. I was delighted to have had time to cover all our adult club games played this year, as well as other happenings. Thank you to Seamus Twomey, Stephen Stapleton and Seamus Murphy for Bord na nÓg updates, Niall Carroll, Neil Dunworth, Jimmy Chawke and Sean Murphy for streaming matches on Facebook, James Flynn, Andrew Holmes and Darragh O’Grady for their updates on both Facebook and Twitter and all involved in updating our club Facebook page.

Stephen Stepping Down

Our Club Bord na nÓg Chairperson and Children’s Officer Stephen Stapleton has decided to step down. I would like to thank and acknowledge Stephen for his huge contribution made to our club as Bord na nÓg Chairperson over the past six years 2018 – 2023 and for overseeing Child Welfare since 2022 in the most diligent and hands-on way possible. I am delighted that Stephen will continue working in other roles within our Club.

Luke added to Limerick Panel

Hearty congratulations to Luke Flynn who has been rewarded for his many outstanding displays for Granagh-Ballingarry on their way to winning this year’s County Intermediate Hurling Championship title by his selection on John Kiely’s Limerick Senior Hurling extended panel for the coming Munster Senior Hurling League. This is a great honour for Luke, his family and the Granagh-Ballingarry Club.

Sympathy

Since our last AGM on Friday 16th December 2022, many were called to their eternal reward. Among them were former Granagh-Ballingarry player Tom Hannigan (Granagh and Coolrue). We also remember Jimmy Hickey (Granagh), Catherine Dollery (Rathkeale and Ballingarry), Richard Chawke (Croagh and Granagh), Eddie and John Walsh (Moyne, Kilmeedy and Ballingarry), Nora Kiely (Granagh), all who had family connections with our Club. To their families and to all who suffered bereavement since our last AGM, I offer deepest sympathy on behalf of the club.

Acknowledgements

I would like to say a special word of thanks to the following for their help and co-operation during the year – my wife Maura, Gráinne, Gearóid, fellow officers, especially Chairperson Andrew, Acting Treasurer Adrian, Registrar John Carroll, Children’s Officer Stephen, Coaching Officer Cormac McCarthy and Bord na nÓg Chairperson Stephen Stapleton, Bord na nÓg Secretary Seamus Twomey and Bord na nÓg PRO Seamus Murphy for the professional way they carried out their duties during the year in very demanding positions. County Club Draw Co-ordinator Stephen Stapleton, Club Draw Co-ordinators Eoin Kennedy and Adrian Farragher, West and County Board Officers, especially Seamus, Mike, Frank, Mary, Sean and Eamonn, Brenda, Majella and Johnny, Club Players, Managers, Selectors, to Andrew Holmes, David Clancy, Christy Hennessy, John Joe Carmody, Stephen Stapleton, Jim Roche, John Shiels and all who helped out looking after the field and clubhouse finance, Coaching and Development Committee members. A special word of thanks to Niamh, Louise and Theresa for providing first aid and Physio Caolan Scott, as they are proving an invaluable service to our Club. Thanks for the co-operation of all who provided photos and local correspondents John O’Riordan, Mary O’Regan and Daithí O’Riordan in the weekly parish notes and Joe Power on the Granagh Community website and the coverage given by Matt O’Callaghan of the Weekly Observer and Vale Star, West Board PRO Johnny Walsh and County Board PRO Eamonn Phelan.

I wish the club members, officers, players and supporters a Happy Christmas and prosperous New Year and a successful 2024 both on and off the playing field. The year ahead should be another interesting one with our new training field in use and if all club teams can field at near full strength I hope we will be in a position to say 2024 was a great year in both codes and be back playing Senior Hurling and Intermediate Football for the first time in our Club’s history in 2025.

I wish the AGM every success and hope that our deliberations are advantageous to the continued success of this great club. Go raibh maith agaibh go léir.

Is mise

Seán O Loinsigh

Runaí

Parish Club Roll of Honour

Ballingarry:

County: SHC 1911; IHC 1910; JAHC 1944, 1979; PMHC 1971; MBHC 1989; JBFC 1989; U16PHC 1969

West: SHC 1904; JAHC 1934, 1944, 1966, 1969; U21PHC 1974;MPHC 1970, 1971, 1974; MBHC 1989; U16PHC 1969, 1972; JBFC 1979; MBFC 1988; U14PHC 1962, 1969, 1976.

Granagh:

County: JAHC 1914, 1916, 1942, 1976; PMHC 1939; MBHC1988.

West: JAHC 1924, 1939, 1940, 1942, 1974, 1975, 1976; MPHC1939, 1980; MBHC 1988; U16PHC 1964, 1976, 1978; JAHL1986.

Granagh Ballingarry:

County: JAHC 1998; IHC 2005, 2023; JBFC 1996, 2002, 2010, 2021; JAFC 2022; IHL 1995; Div1MHC 1993, 2001; 12-a-side MFC 2010; U21 12-a-side FC 2011; JBFL 2010; U12PHC 1985; U16BFC 1995, 1996; Div3U14FC 2015, 2018; Div2 U16HC1997; U16PHS 1988; U16Div3FS 2007; ACHL Div5 2000; Div42004; Div3 2005; Div2MFC 2008; U14CHC 2007; U16 13-a-side HS 2011; U15 Div3HC 2015; JBHL 2016, U21 13-a-side HC2017; U14 Div3HS 2017; U14 13-a-side HC 2018, 2020; Div3 U16 FC 2018; U16 13-a-side HC 2019; U16 13-a-side FS 2019; U16 Div3 HS 2020; JBHL 2016, 2023; U21BHC 2021; U16 13-a-side FC 2020.

West: SHC 1945, 2008, 2015, 2018; IHC 2015; JAHC 1957, 1958, 1998; MBFC 2005, 2008; JAFC 2006, 2010, 2022; PMHC 1958; MAHC 2001, 2006; U15AHC 1982; U15BFC 1985; U16PHC 1983, 1984; U16BFC 1985, 1987; U16BFL 2004; U12PHC 1985, 1997, 2000, 2003; U14BFC 1995, 1996, 1997; U14BFL 1993, 1994, 1995, 2003; U14PHC 1983, 1984, 1997, 2002, 2003; U14BHC 2001; U14CHC 2007; U12CFS 2002; U12BFC 1995, 2004, 2008; West Féile na ngael 2002; U16BFL2004; JBHC 2003, 2015, 2016; JBFC 1996, 2010, 2016, 2018, 2020; JBHL 2010, 2012, 2015, 2016, 2023; JBFL 1996, 2010; JAFL 2003, 2011; U21PHC 2003, 2004; U21BHC 1999, 2011; JAFC 2006; Special JBHC 1994, 1995, 1996; JBHC 2002, 2015, 2016, 2020, 2023; U21 12-a-side FC 2012; All-Ireland 7s Junior Hurling Shield 1999; Morrissey Cup 1998, 1999, 2002, 2010; Dunworth Cup 2001, 2005, 2006, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018. Dinny Cup 2012, 2020, 2023. MBHC 2017, 2018, 2019. Jim ‘Twin’ Lynch Memorial Cup 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023.

Knockfierna Gaels:

County: JAHL 1990. West: JAHC 1990, 1991; U14PHC 1990; JAFC 1990; JAHL 1990, 1991; U12BFC 2012.

Na Fianna – Granagh/Ballingarry – Cappagh – Croagh – Kilfinny:

County: U16FC Div2 2008. MBHC 2011.

West: MBHC 2011.

Granagh-Ballingarry / Banogue: West Minor B Football Championship 2014, West U21 B Football Championship 2016.

Granagh-Ballingarry / Rathkeale: West Minor A Hurling Championship 2015, West Minor B Hurling Championship 2016.

Club Officer Nominations 2024

Chairperson:​Andrew Holmes

Vice-chairperson:​David Clancy

Secretary / PRO:​John Lynch

Assistant Secretary:​Seamus Twomey

Treasurer:​Adrian Farragher / John Kearney

Assistant Treasurer:​John O’Keeffe

Registrar:​John Carroll

Coaching Officer:​Cormac McCarthy

Children’s Officer:​Stephen Stapleton (Withdrawn), Trish Clancy

Insurance Officer:​Niall Carroll

IT Officer:​James Flynn

Health & Wellbeing Officer:​Áine Healy

Irish Officer:​John O’Riordan

Adult Team Manager Nominations 2024

Intermediate Hurling:​To be appointed by selection committee

Junior B Hurling:​David Clancy / Conor O’Keeffe

Junior A Football:​To be appointed by selection committee

U20 Hurling:​Seamus Murphy

U20 Football:​Edward Sheehy / Seamus Murphy

Minor Hurling:​Shane Twomey

Minor Football:​Shane Twomey

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