Granagh/Ballingarry GAA Club Notes:

Joe Mulcahy from the Limerick County Referees Association will give the Granagh-Ballingarry Club a briefing on the new Gaelic Football Rules next Tuesday, 25th February in Granagh-Ballingarry GAA Clubhouse, Ballingarry at 7.45pm sharp.

All adult club players, managers and selectors along with Bord na nOg managers and coaches are requested to attend. Looking forward to seeing you there.

All roads lead to Dinny As Bar Ballingarry on Saturday night March 1st for a night of nostalgia celebration and craic at the Granagh/Ballingarry GAA Club medal presentation awards function. Players and supporters will be celebrating their achievements of the past year as well as looking forward to the 2025 season. We will honour the many acclaimed and outstanding successes of our Junior B hurlers winning 8, drew 2, and lost 2 of their 12 games in 2024, achieving back-to-back West Junior B Hurling League Championship titles defeating neighbours Bruree 3-17 to 0-15 in the league final at Paddy Carroll Park, Ballyagran on Wednesday 12th Juneand Adare 1-16 to 0-11 in the championship final at Sean Finns Park, Rathkeale on Sunday 6th October,  and reaching the County Junior B Hurling League Final for the second successive year where they were most unlucky to go under to South Liberties by two points 1-12 to 0-13 in Kilmallock on Friday 19th July,  and the County Junior B Hurling Championship semi final where they went under to eventual winners Munster champions Kildimo/Pallaskenry by four points, 2-18 to 4-8 after a hard fought contest in Adare on Saturday 26th October.

The following 36 Junior B hurling players will be part of the medal presentations which will be performed by a special guest of honour to be confirmed at 9.30pm sharp:

Keith O’Kelly (West Junior B Hurling Championship captain), Eoin Herlihy (West Junior B Hurling League captain), John O’Grady, Ger Ryan, Eoin Enright, Mike Carroll, Niall Cahill, Mark O’Shea, John Carroll, Pat Carroll, Ronan Mullane, Jack Hartnett, Jim O’Keeffe, Padraig Mkenna, Eoin Lynch, Brian Sheehy, Owen Lynch, Rory Condon, Conor O’Donoghue, Thomas O’Donovan, Eoin Horgan, Ian Sheehy, Richie O’Keeffe, Brian Mulqueen, Edward Sheehy, Mikey O’Keeffe, Niall Carroll, Gearóid Lynch, Darran Clifford, Donal O’Grady, Jack O’Donoghue, Peter Hughes, Tom O’Sullivan, Cian Cagney, Conor O’Donoghue and Marcus Moore.

Special presentations will also be made to the team management of Niall Carroll, Mick Chawke, Benjie Kelly, Andrew Holmes, Mikey O’Keeffe, first aid officials, Niamh Keeffe, Anne Marie O’Keeffe, Theresa Noonan and physio Caolan Scott, Intermediate Hurling Jim (Twin) Lynch Memorial winning team management Michael Clancy, Stephen Stapleton and Eoin Kennedy, Maurice Noonan in recognition of winning his sixth All Ireland Wheelchair medal with Munster hurling/camogie club in 2024; Denis O’Connor winning All Ireland Junior Hurling Inter Firm medal with Limerick Garda Donal O’Grady, coach/selectors and Daragh O’Grady stats Limerick Munster 6-in-a-row senior hurling championship winning team, intermediate hurling, Junior B hurling, Junior A football player of the Year, West Junior B Hurling Championship Final 2024 man of the match award, club person of the year award.

Your support for this social event on Saturday 1st March in Dinny’s Bar, Ballingarry at 9.30pm is greatly appreciated.

Cathal O’Keeffe, Granagh-Ballingarry to St. Gabriels GAA Club in Perth, Australia. We wish Cathal the best of luck with his new club in sunny Australia and thank him for his outstanding service given to Granagh Ballingarry GAA Club through the year in both hurling and football.

Granagh/Ballingarry GAA club membership fees for 2025 are fixed at €100 to include membership of the 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 foireannatgaa.ie as per official guide before training and playing season commence to be covered by insurance.

The Granagh-Ballingarry 2025 Club Draw will be held quarterly with €2,000 in prizes, 1st €1,000 with ten prizes of €100 with the option to join the club weekly lottery and draw for €150 and the club draw lottery/county club draw for €200. If you wish to renew your membership please contact your promoter on or before Wednesday 19th March as the first draw will take place on Saturday 29th March.

Granagh Ballingarry GAA Club are promoting the 2025 National Club Draw. There is no financial cost to the club to get involved as the cost of tickets and prizes are covered by the Central Council. In addition to maintaining the proceeds for all tickets sold by the club, any club who sells a minimum of 200 tickets automatically gets into a draw for €1,000, a prize won by Granagh Ballingarry GAA Club in March 2024. Prizes include 1st €50,000, 2nd €20,000, 3rd €10,000. Other prizes include All Ireland Final tickets and overnight package, €2,500 voucher plus a number of other cost prizes. Tickets are currently on sale in local shops/bars and from promoters.

Granagh-Ballingarry GAA club are once 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 €300; 14th to 30th €200.

Thank you to all who joined the draw through our club in 2024 with six winners Liam Carroll won 200 in April, Patsy Quinn won 300 in June, Elizabeth Cregan 3,000 in July, Margaret Kelly 500, Jack Hennessy and Noel Noonan 200 each in November. If  you wish to renew your membership for 2025 please go to the link limerickgaa.ie/club-limerick-draw-signup and select Granagh-Ballingarry GAA Club or contact club co-ordinator Stephen Stapleton on 086-1960301.

Note the first draw for 2025 is on Saturday 29th March, so please contact your promoter as soon as possible.

The Limerick County Senior Scór Finals are on Friday 7th March in Askeaton Community Hall at 7.30pm. The question time final team of 4 will be held at Mungret-St. Paul’s GAA Clubhouse on  Thursday 6th March at 7.30pm. Anybody interested in taking part and representing Granagh-Ballingarry club please contact club secretary John Lynch a.s.a.p. There are eight events/disciplines in Scór that cover all aspects of Irish Culture – Figure Dancing, Amhranaoicht Aonair (Solo Singing), Aithriseoireacht/Scealaiocht (Recitation/Storytelling); Bailead Grupa (Ballad Group); Leiriu (Drama); Ceoluirise (Instrumental Music); Ring Seit (Set Dancing).

As the freshness of spring surrounds us, the snow and winds have subsided, and the storms are being us. A new sound fills the air, the rhythmic clash of sliotars against hurleys, the steady thud of footballs against gable walls. This can mean only one thing – a new season of Gaelic Athletic Association sports is upon us.

In our community, it is not just about the games but also about nurturing and enjoying the journey of our young players – the heartbeat of our club. From the tiniest under six enthusiasts to the more seasoned under 18 athletes, each age group is ready to take on the season ahead. We eagerly anticipate the excitement, development and camaraderie that lie ahead. Let’s get going.

At under 6 level, the focus is on introducing our youngest players to the joys of hurling and football. We emphasise getting comfortable with the hurley – think of it as shaking hands with your hurley for the perfect grip – developing ball skills with First Touch sliotars, and most importantly, having fun. At this stage, it is all about movement, activity and laughter rather than competition.

Seeing these little ones take their first swings is a reminder that every star player starts with a dream and a small hurley in hand. David Clancy will lead the charge for this group, welcoming children born in 2019 and 2020.

The excitement is building as U8 hurling training returns soon under the guidance of Fergal Noonan and his coaching team, while David Clancy will continue on with the U10s.

While we confirm dates and times, parents are encouraged to get out in the yard with their young athletes, making play an every day activity. By fostering a love for the game at home, we ensure that when the time comes, our players will hit the ground swinging!

The Under 12s are preparing for a strong start as they return to training in the alley, with fun and fast-paced sessions planned. After in impressive season last year, including victory in the inaugural game at Hogan’s field against South Liberties and lifting the Liam English Cup, their dedication and hard work are setting a positive tone for months ahead.

The first major challenge for these age groups is Féile. Under the leadership of Stephen Stapleton and his coaching team, the players have been training hard in the alley for several weeks. Fitness levels are already improving, and preparations for a competitive season are well underway.

The Under 16 and Under 18 teams will soon begin indoor training sessions, laying the groundwork for what promises to be a competitive season. While match fixtures are yet to be finalised, the focus remains on team cohesion and skill development for Noel Noonan and his group.

If you wish to contact any of the Bord na nOg, Cormac McCarthy continues to lead the way as underage Chairperson, supported by Seamus Twomey, Secretary and Eddie O’Brien Assistant Secretary.

Paul McDonagh heads up Coaching Development, bringing ambitious plans for the year ahead. Tricia Clancy remains as Child Welfare Officer, ensuring a child-centred approach is always at the forefront. Charlotte Hanley will manage PRO activities, keeping everyone informed and engaged.

On Friday, February 28th at 7.15pm in Ballingarry Hall, we will take a moment to celebrate the achievements of our young players during our registration and recognition night.

Every child will receive a token of appreciation for their hard work throughout the year.

We also will pay tribute to some Bord na nOg stalwarts from both sides of the parish, individuals whose dedication and commitment have laid the foundation for where we stand today. Their contributions have been invaluable, and we look forward to seeing them continue to share their knowledge on the sidelines.

As always, it was a fantastic night, and we look forward to seeing you all there. The Loachra Club Shop was available on the night, with personalised helmets available for order, those interested can contact Charlotte Hanley in advance. Stay tuned to our social media for updates.

As the season unfolds, let us remember that every game won and every cheer from the sidelines is rooted in the dedicated and joy of our youngest players.

This year, all members are signing up to our Code of Business Conduct which is available for review when you register your family on foireann.ie

New and returning players are welcome and encouraged.

Team updates will be shared via WhatsApp groups, and parents and guardians can also stay informed by following our updates on Facebook and Instagram or by reaching out to one of the team leads.

Here’s to a year filled with growth, friendships and a deep love for the game and for sport.

Limerick County GAA Board launched their 2025 season tickets recently. The tickets will entitle the bearer entry to all Limerick County Board club games in 2025. For €150 it would make an ideal present for a family member or friend and can be purchased online at limerickgaa.ie  tel 061-335576.

Please note Granagh-Ballingarry GAA Club’s Eircode is V94V264.

The Granagh-Ballingarry Cúl Camp will be held in the Granagh-Ballingarry GAA club grounds V94V264 in Ballingarry from Monday June 30th to Friday 4th July. Booking is now accepted online on www.kelloggs.gaa.ie/booking

Granagh-Ballingarry Bord na nOg registration/awards night is on Friday 28th February in Ballingarry Community Hall at 6.30pm. Looking forward to seeing you there.

We wish the best of luck to manager John Kiely, our own Darragh O’Grady and the rst of the management team as 6 in a row Munster Senior Hurling champions Limerick aim for back-to-back wins in round 4 of division 1A in the National Hurling league. When they travel to Nolan Park, Kilkenny this Sunday 23rd February at 1.45pm. Kilkenny will enter Sunday’s game joint top of the title on four points with Tipperary and Galway while Limerick and Cork are on three points having a game on hand. Your support for the boys in green and white on Sunday in Nolan Park would be appreciated.

Higher Education Fitzgibbon Cup Hurling Final

UL 0-23 DCU 1-15

Hearty congratulations to Limerick senior hurlers Colin Coughlan (Captain Ballybrown), Adam English (Doon), Aidan O’Connor (Ballybrown), Patrick O’Donovan (Effin) and Cathal O’Neill (Recora Manister) who played leading roles for UL in their six point 0-23 to 1-15 victory over gallant DCU to claim their third Fitzgibbon title in four seasons in the decider played on Saturday afternoon in the Connacht GAA Centre of Excellence in Mayo.

National Football League Division 4 Round 3

Limerick 1-16 London 0-11

Well done to manager Jimmy Lee, Newcastle West and all involved with the Limerick Senior Footballers who recorded their first win in division 4 of the National football league with an eight point 1-16 to 0-11 victory over gallant London on Sunday. The Limerick boys next outing is against Tipperary on Saturday 1st Marh in Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale at 6.30pm. Please support.

Are you interested in becoming a referee? Think you can do better? Then become a GAA referee.

Why become a GAA referee? Stay involved with the game as an alternative to playing fitness. It is a great way to keep fit.

Ambition – Could you referee a county final or All Ireland final? Learn more about the game, give something back. It offers players at the end of their playing days the opportunity to continue in the sport.

Personal development – skills that are of value in all walks of life.

What qualifies are required to become a GAA referee? Good knowledge of the playing rules. Be physically and mentally fit. Have the ability to remain calm have the moral courage to make decisions which are correct. If interested please forward your details asap to Patsy Coffey, Cappamore on 087-016-344 or John Sexton, Bruree 087-4881182.

Granagh/Ballingarry club’s tops, hoodies, tracksuits, shorts and socks can now be ordered online at www.laochrasports.ie/product-category/clubs/granaghballingarry

There was no winner of the €8,800 jackpot in the club lottery draw held on Saturday 8th February in Rock Bar, Granagh. The lucky dips of €20 each went to Emma Crosby, promoter online; Paul Sheehy, promoter O’Grady’s Spar Shop, Ballingarry; John Cagney, promoter Pat Cagney; Liam Fitzgerald promoter Eoin Kennedy.

The next draw will be held on Saturday 22nd February in Buckleys’ Bar, Ballingarry for a jackpot of €8,900.  Tickets are €2 each or three for €5 and are on sale in local bars and from promoters. You can also play the weekly draw online and the link is available on the club’s Facebook or Twitter page, which finishes at 6pm every Saturday. Thank you for your continued support.

Check out our website at www.granagh-ballingarrygaa.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/granaghballingarrygaaclub and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/granaghballingarry.

Granagh/Ballingarry GAA club extend sympathy to the O’Grady family. Kilmihill, Ballingarry on the death of Ann O’Grady, Crumlin, Dublin 12 formerly of Kilmihill, Ballingarry; to the Boyce family Kilmore, Granagh on the death of Mary Agnes Boyce (née McNamara); to the Lacey family, Glenquinn, Strand, Limerick on the death of Mary Laacey (née Hartnett). Ar dheis Dé to raibh a hanam.

Saturday 22nd February

National Football League Division 4 Round 4

Carlow v Limerick in Cullen Park, Carlow at 6pm.

Sunday 23rd February

National Hurling League Division 1A Round 4

Limerick v Kilkenny in Nowlan Park, Kilkenny at 1.45pm.

Briefing of new Gaelic Football rules in Ballingarry clubhouse at 7.45pm.

Granagh/Ballingarry Bord na nÓg registration awards night in Ballingarry Community Hall at 7.15pm.

National Football League Division 4 Round 5 Limerick v Tipperary in Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale at 6.30pm.

Granagh/Ballingarry GAA Club medal presentation awards function in Dinny’s Bar, Ballingarry at 9.30pm sharp.

National Hurling League Division 1A Round 5

Limerick v Clare in Páirc na nGael at 3.45pm.

Limerick County GAA Board Meeting in Na Piarsaigh GAA clubhouse at 8pm.

National Hurling League Division 1A Round 5

Limerick v Galway in Páirc na nGael at 7.30pm.

West Junior A Football League/Championship Round 1

Granagh/Ballingarry v St. Kieran’s in Ballingarry at 2pm.