Granagh/Ballingarry GAA Club Notes:
200 Guests at Presentation Dinner Dance:
Granagh/Ballingarry GAA Club celebrated the many acclaimed and outstanding double success of the intermediate hurlers winning the County Intermediate Hurling Championship and the Twin Lynch Memorial Cup, the Junior B Hurlers on winning the West and County Junior B Hurling League Double, the Dinny Cup Tournament and the West Junior B Hurling Championship in 2023, in front of 200 guests last Friday night at the Longcourt Hotel Hotel, Newcastlewest.
Those who graced the presentation function with their presence over the years were there and also some new people, MC Jimmy Chawke welcomed everyone especially the invited guest Seamus McNamara (Fr. Casey’s) chairperson of the County Board Frank Reidy, Feohanagh/Castlemahon vice chairperson of the County Board, Breda Breen, chairperson of the West Board and her partner, Jimmy Condon, Pat Ryan (Doon) Limerick All Ireland senior hurling medallist and Fr. Tom Carroll PP who congratulated us on our intermediate and Junior B hurling success in 2023.
After the beautiful meal was served the honour of presenting the County Intermediate Hurling Championship, West and County Junior B Hurling League and West Junior B Hurling Championship medals was accorded to Limerick All Ireland senior hurling medallist Pat Ryan, Doon.
Special presentations were made to the successful team mangers, coaches, selectors, first aiders, physio, doctor, stats James Flynn, intermediate support team Maurice Noonan in recognition of winning his fifth All Ireland wheelchair medal with the Munster Hurling Club in 2023, team sponsors Dinny Ahern of Dinny A’s Bar, Ballingarry, Donal O’Grady, coach/selector 4-in-a-row 2021/22/23 senior hurling champions, County Intermediate Hurling Championship final 2023, Man of the Match award, Luke Flynn, Club Person of the Year award, Niall Carroll.
The final presentation of the night was made to Jimmy Chawke for his service as MC for all events held by the club in 2023.
Raffle prizes went to: 1st Limerick team photo, Leah Twomey and Josh Quille Mulcaire, 2nd Longcourt House Hotel voucher, Klara Carroll, 3rd Club draw entry with 1 line in the weekly club lottery, value 150, Eoin Cahill, 4th club draw entry, value €100, Mossie O’Grady, 5th Club draw entry, value €100, Marion O’Connor, 6th spot prize from Buckley’s, Ballingarry, Fr. Tom Carroll PP.
It was then onto the dancefloor with dancing well into the early hours of the morning to the music of Free Beer followed by a disco. Thank you to all who supported the night, Jimmy Chawke who did an excellent job as MC, the organising committee, David Clancy, David Condron, Seamus Twomey, Niall Carroll, Michael Clancy, door tickets, Mossie O’Connor, guest, Seamus McNamara, Frank Reidy, Breda Breen and Jimmy Condron, Pat Ryan, Fr. Tom Carroll PP, Laura O’Keeffe and Eddie Guiry for taking photos, the raffle ticket sellers and everyone who helped in any way. All in all, a brilliant night was had and thanks to the Longcourt Hotel for the beautiful meal served and all the patrons who played their part in making tonight so enjoyable.
Bord na nÓg:
As the freshness of spring begins to surround us, the sound of sliotars striking hurleys is once again echoing through the air with footballs repeatedly pounding the gable ends, it can mean but one thing, we are heralding a new season of Gaelic Athletic Association sports.
In our communities, the focus is not just on the games but on the development and enjoyment of our young players, the heartbeat of our club. From the tiniest U6 enthusiasts to the more seasoned 18s athletes, each age group is embarking on a journey through sport culture and community, and we can’t wait to get going again.
U6 The Building Blocks of Play:
At U6, the primary goal is to introduce our youngest players to the joys of hurling and football. We emphasise the importance of getting used to holding the hurley, develop ball skills with the first touch sliotars and most importantly, having fun. At this stage, its less about competition and more about movement, activity and laughter.
The sight of these little ones taking their first swings is a reminder that every star player starts with a dream and a tiny group on a hurley.
U8 and 10 Backyard Hurlers Dreaming Big:
While official training has yet to commence for the U8 squad the anticipation is palpable.
Parents and guardians are encouraged to get out in the yard with their aspiring young athletes, fostering a love for the game through playful practice. Its about nurturing those dreams in the comfort of home, ensuring that when the time comes, we will be out of the blocks swinging.
U12 Early Victories and Team Spirit:
The U12 team has hit the ground running, with training already underway in the alley. This hard work has paid off already, as evidenced by the Ballingarry boys clinching the West Indoor Schools Championship last week. Pushing on after so much success is a testament to the dedication of both players and coaches in the school and in the club and it sets a positive tone for the season ahead.
U14 and U15 Féile Focus:
Our U14 and U15 teams are a source of immense pride. Two of our U14 players have earned places on the esteemed Mackey Limerick team, a remarkable achievement that speaks volumes about their talent and commitment. Well done Adam Mulqueen, Chríost an Slánaitheoir NS and Daniel Hartigan, Granagh NS. Meanwhile, training for the Féile continues with our U15s. Its going to be another exciting year.
U16/17/18 Indoor Training:
The U16 and U17 teams have commenced their indoor training sessions, laying the groundwork for a competitive season. Although matches have yet to be scheduled, the focus is coming together as a team and building on our skills.
2024 Bord na nÓg Committee:
Cormac McCarthy is now leading the ship as the underage chairperson with Seamus Twomey (secretary) and Eddie O’Brien (assistant secretary) in key supporting roles.
Paul McDonagh heads up coaching development and has great plans in place for the year. Tricia Clancy remains on as Child Welfare Officer and it is fair to say we are in very good hands there with her child-centred focus omnipresent. Charlotte Hanley will manage PRO activities.
Celebrating Past Success and Future Ambitions
Amidst preparations for the upcoming season, we took a moment on Sunday, February 24th, to celebrate the achievements
All Ireland Fresher’s College Hurling Final:
UL Fresher 1……1-14
D.C.U…….1-13
Hearty congratulations to our own Paudie Murphy, a member of the UL Fresher 1 Hurling squad on their thrilling one point 1-14 to 1-13 victory over DCU to take the All Ireland Fresher 1 Hurling title at UL on Wednesday night.
Monaleen Crowned All Ireland Junior Hurling Champions:
All Ireland Junior B Hurling Championship Final
Monaleen (Limerick)..2-11
Drom/Inch (Tipperary)……….0-8
Hearty congratulations to Limerick City and County 2023 Junior B Hurling champions Monaleen on their thrilling 9-point 2-11 to 0-8 victory over Tipperary champions Drom/Inch to avenge their recent Munster final defeat at the hands of the Tipperary champions to bring the All Ireland Junior B Hurling Championship title and trophy to Shannonside for the second time, a first in Doon, in 2015 at Killeedy GAA Club Grounds in Raheenagh on Saturday.
National Hurling League Division 1 Group B Round 4:
We wish the best of luck to manager John Kiely, our own Donal O’Grady coach/selector, Daragh O’Grady stats, and the rest of the management teams as 4-in-a-row All Ireland senior hurling champions Limerick for a straight win in Group B of Division 1 in the National Hurling League when they travel to Páirc Uí Chaoimh on this Saturday to play Tipperary in a top-of-the-table clash at 7.35pm. Please support.
Football League Opener This Saturday:
Last year’s defeated finalists Granagh/Ballingarry open their West Junior A Football League/Championship campaign this Saturday 9th March against Monagea, weather permitting, at a venue to be confirmed at 2pm. Six teams – Granagh/Ballingarry, Monagea, Mountcollins, Athea, Cappagh and Feenagh/Kilmeedy have entered with the top few teams to qualify for the West Junior A Football Championship semi finals: 1st v 4th and 2nd v 3rd. Of teams finish level on points, scoring differential will apply. West Championship Final winners qualify for the County Junior A Football League semi final.
An exciting opening game of the season is in prospect, so come and support the boys in black and green and their new interim player manager, Edward Sheehy, this Saturday 9th March in Ballingarry at 2pm in their bid to make a winning start to their West Junior A Football League Championship campaign.
Fourth Win for Clare:
National Football League
Division 3 Round 5
Clare……1-16
Limerick…………0-14
Clare took their fourth brace of points in Division 4 of the National Football League with a hard fought 0-5 1-16 to 0-14 victory over gallant neighbours Limerick at Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale on Saturday third table on 8 points, two behind Down and Westmeath. The Limerick boys will have to regroup ahead of their next outing against, also pointless, Wicklow on Saturday 16th March at 3pm in Aughrim where a win is a must to avoid the drop to Division 4 for 2025. Please support.
Results:
National Football League Division 3 Round 5
Clare 1-6 Limerick 0-14 Down 2-17 Sligo 1-8 Offaly 5-15 Wicklow 0-10 Westmeath 0-13 Antrim 0-9
West Senior Football League/Championship Round 1
Fr. Casey’s 1-9 St. Kieran’s 1-4 Newcastle West 3-11 Kildimo Pallaskenry 0-3
City/East Senior Football League Round 1
Oola 2-7 Na Piarsaigh 1-6 Galtee Gaels 0-9 Ballylanders 0-7
City East South Intermediate Football League Round 1
Galbally 1-7 Pallasgreen 0-10
West Intermediate Football League/Championship Round 1
Dromcollogher Broadford 4-11 Gerald Griffins 1-6 Rathkeale 3-12 St. Senan’s 0-3
West Junior A Football League/Championship Round 1
Cappagh 1-10 Athea 0-6
2024 GAA NATIONAL CLUB DRAW:
Granagh Ballingarry GAA Club 200 National Club Draw tickets sold will be returned online this Friday 8th March. The draw will take place on Friday March 29th in Croke Park. Thank you to all who supported this draw and club co-ordinator Niall Carroll.
CLUB MEMBERSHIP 2024:
Granagh/Ballingarry GAA Club membership fees for 2024 are fixed at €100 to include membership of club draw. Bord na nÓg players €40 (€90 maximum for two or more players), no family membership. Players to register online to pay fees through Foireann@gaa.ie as per official guide.
2024 County GAA Club Draw:
Granagh Ballingarry GAA Club are one more promoting the Limerick County Club draw. There will be monthly draws from March to December 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 €250, 14th to 30th €100. There will be again exclusive monthly prizes to be won. Granagh/Ballingarry had 117 members in 2023 and three winners Claire Herlihy €3,000 in August, Niamh O’Keeffe and Brian Burke €300 each in September and Joanne Kelly €200 in December. Thank you to all who joined the draw through our club in 2023 and if you wish to renew your membership for 2024 please visit limerickgaa.ie/club-limerick-draw-signup and select Granagh-BallingarryGAAClub or Granagh/BallingarryClub co-ordinator Stephen Stapleton on 086 19602301. Note the first draw for 2024 is on Saturday 30th March.
2024 Club Lottery Draw:
The new Granagh Ballingarry GAA 2024 club draw will be held quarterly with €2,000 in prizes. 1st €1,000 and ten prizes of €100 with the option to join the club weekly lottery/county club draw for €200. If you wish to renew your membership please contact your promoter on or before Wednesday 27th March, as the first draw is due to take place on Easte Monday 1st April.
Con and Annie Kirby Memorial Stake Launch:
The launch of the 11th annual Con and Annie Kirby Stake takes place tomorrow Thursday 7th March at Limerick Greyhounhd Stadium.
At 5pm in conjunction with the Limerick Greyhound Stadium sustainability plan in celebration of National Tree planting a treat exactly 6pm. Refreshments will be served in the Limerick Greyhound Stadium and the launch of the 11th Annual Con and Annie Kirby Memorial Stake 2024 will take place and club information packs will also be available for collection.
Scór:
The Limerick County Senior Scór Finals are on Friday 22nd March at 7pm in Pallasgreen Community Hall. Granagh Ballingarry will be represented in solo singing by Johnny O’Riordan. The question time finals (team of 4) will be held at Mungret St. Paul’s GAA Clubhouse on Thursday 21st March at 8.30pm and hopefully the club will be once more represented by Stephen Stapleton, Jimmy Chawke, Seamus Twomey and Pat Herlihy.
9th Team Limerick Clean-up:
Takes place on Good Friday 29th March. Please support.
La na gClub:
Takes place on Easter Monday 1st April. Bord nan Óg to hold fun events on the day weather permitting.
Club Gear:
Granagh-Ballingarry club tops, hoodies, tracksuits, jackets, shorts and socks can now be ordered online at www.laochrasport.ie/product-category/clubs/granagh/ballingarryclub.
Stewards Training Course:
Limerick County GAA board are holding a course for Voluntary Stewards to assist with our games in the Gaelic Grounds and various Grounds as the need arises. The purpose of this course is to ensure that there will be enough qualified stewards for events at these venues. Indeed, all clubs must have enough qualified stewards for games.
Conditions: Over 18 years of age (male or female). Available for a Steward Roster at weekends (average of 10 – 20 events annually). Fit and Active. Friendly, courteous, enthusiastic. Stewards will be trained and accredited by the GAA National Health and Safety Committee and the course is monitored by the Europlan Group who will be present.
Course Details: Course will take place in the coming weeks. Certification will only be awarded upon completion of the full course venue and date to be confirmed. To apply, please complete and submit online application form: forms.office.com/e/WqGzNUsJH3. Closing date for application is Friday 8th March. If you have any queries, please contact County Planning and Training Officer – Ger Corkery, email: planningandtraining.limerick@gaa.ie or call: 087-6303040.
€3,900 Jackpot on Saturday:
There was no winner of the €3,800 jackpot in the Granagh/Ballingarry GAA Club lottery on Saturday 24th February in Dinny A’s Bar, Ballingarry. The numbers drawn were 5, 9, 14 and 15. The lucky dips of €20 each went to Catherine Ahern, promoter online, Mark O’Kelly, promoter Paddy Hennessy; Gerard Reily, promoter Pat Cagney, Fergal Noonan, promoter Stephen Stapleton. The next draw for the jackpot of €3,900 will be held on Saturday 9th March in Buckley’s Bar, Ballingarry. Tickets are €2 each or three for €5 and are on sale in local shops, bars and from promoters, you can now also play online the link is available on the club Facebook or Twitter which finishes at 6pm every Saturday. Thank you for your support
Club Website:
Check out our website at www.Granaghballingarrygaa.ie for all the latest club news. Our club website is updated regularly and is well worth a visit. You can also follow us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/granaghballingarrygaa and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/granaghballingarry.
Strictly Come Dancing:
Granagh Ballingarry GAA club are seeking 14 couples to compete in Strictly Come Dancing on Saturday 12th October in the Charleville Park Hotel.
Club Diary:
Thursday 7th March
Launch of the 11th Annual Con and Annie Kirby Memorial Stakes at Limerick Greyhound Stadium at 5pm
Saturday 9th March
West Junior A Football League/Championship Round 2
Granagh Ballingarry v Monagea weather permitting at venue to be confirmed at 2pm
National Hurling League Division 1 Group 3 Round 4
Limerick v Tipperary in Pairc Uí Chaoimh at 7.35pm
Tuesday 12th March
March County GAA Board Meeting in the Woodlands House Hotel, Adare at 8pm
Saturday 16th March
National Football League Division 3 Round 6
Limerick v Wicklow in Aughrim at 3pm.