Granagh/Ballingarry GAA Club Notes:

Granagh-Ballingarry 1-2 Croagh/Kilfinny 2-17

The meeting of holders Granagh-Ballingarry and great rivals neighbours Croagh-Kilfinny in the final group stage game in Group 1 of the West Limerick Junior B Hurling Championship went the way of the boys from Knockfierna with a 4 point 1-24 to 2-17 victory over gallant Croagh-Kilfinny after a thrilling 44 score contest played in ideal conditions in Sean Finsn Park Rathkeale on Tuesday 26th August to finish joint top of the league/championship table on 4 points with Feohanagh-Castlemahon to qualify straight for the semi-final in a couple of weeks time on the head to head rule against Feohanagh-Castlemahon who carved out a quarter-final walkover from Knockaderry and Croagh-Kilfinny 3rd on two points with Newcastle West play Feenagh-Kilmeedy in the second semi-final. The clash of table toppers in the final group 1 stage game in the West Junior B Hurling Championship was a thrilling 44 score contest played in front of a good crowd who gave great support to their sides on an excellent pitch with the issue in doubt right up to Joe Mulcahy of Killeedy’s final whistle. Granagh-Ballingarry’s No. 9 Colm Noonan from a placed ball and Croagh-Kilfinny No. 14 David Walzer from open play traded white flags in the opening 2 minutes before a pair of white flags for Croagh-Kilfinny through Pat Lenihan from a placed ball on 3 minutes and Gearóid Lenihan from open play 2 minutes later to leave the boys in blue and white 2 ahead, 0-3 to 0-1 on 50 minutes. Richard O’Keeffe won a point back for Granagh-Ballingarry from a placed ball on 6 minutes before points were traded from open play by Declan Walsh on7 minutes and Colm Noonan on 8 minutes, Gearóid Lenihan on 9 minutes and Brian O’Sullivan a minute later to leave one again between the sides, Croagh-Kilfinny 0-5, Granagh-Ballingarry 0-4 on 10 minutes. The Croagh-Kilfinny boys dominated the next 8 minutes with four unanswered white flags through Declan Walsh from a placed ball on 11 minutes and Darragh Carroll on 13 minutes, David Walzer on 16 minutes and Declan Walsh 2 minutes later from open play to extend the Croagh-Kilfinny boys’ advantage to 5, 0-9 to 0-4 on 18 minutes. The Granagh-Ballingarry boys far from being overawed had a gem of a goal by 2013 Munster Senior Hurling Championship winning captain Donal O’Grady on 19 minutes followed good work by John Carroll, Owen Lynch and John O’Grady to reduce the deficit to 2, 0-9 to 1-4. Three minutes later a pair of white flags for the holders courtesy of Colm Noonan from a placed ball on 23 minutes and Brian O’Sullivan from open play a minute later to level the score for the second time in this exciting opening half Granagh-Ballingarry 1-6, Croagh-Kilfinny 0-9 on 24 minutes. Darragh O’Carroll finished past Granagh-Ballingarry keeper Keith O’Kelly on 25 minutes before points were traded from open play by Declan Walsh on 26 minutes and Philip Byrnes a minute later to leave it 1-10 to 1-7 in favour of Croagh-Kilfinny on 27 minutes. Brian O’Sullivan from open play on 28 minutes and Richie O’Keeffe from a placed ball on 30 minutes raised white flags for Granagh-Ballingarry to reduce deficit to the minimum before David Walzer finished past Granagh-Ballingarry keeper Keith O’Kelly one a minute into added time to leave the Croagh-Kilfinny boys in at the interval leading by 4, 2-10 to 1-9. The opening 10 minutes after the interval were close and exciting with white flags traded from open play by Donal O’Grady on 31 minutes and Con Costello on 32 minutes, Donal O’Grady on 34 minutes and David Walzer on 36 minutes, Richie O’Keeffe from a placed ball on 38 minutes and Declan Walsh from open play 2 minutes later to leave 4 between the sides again, Croagh-Kilfinny 2-13, Granagh-Ballingarry 1-12 on 40 minutes. Granagh-Ballingarry had a pair of white flags through Colm Noonan from a 65 on 42 minutes and Donal O’Grady from open play on 43 minutes before points were traded by Richie O’Keeffe from a placed ball on 44 minutes and Cian Costello from open play a minute later to leave two between the sides, Croagh-Kilfinny 2-14, Granagh-Ballingarry 1-15 at the end of the third quarter. Granagh-Ballingarry No. 14 Richie O’Keeffe split the uprights from placed balls on 46 and 48 minutes before points were traded from open play by Declan Walsh on 50 minutes and Donal O’Grady on 51 minutes, Cian Costello on 52 minutes and Donal O’Grady a minute later to leave the sides level for the fourth time in this thrilling contest, Granagh-Ballingarry 1-19, Croagh-Kilfinny 2-16 on 53 minutes. Brian O’Sullivan on 54 minutes and John O’Grady on 55 minutes split the uprights from open lay for the Granagh-Ballingarry boys before Declan Walsh of Croagh-Kilfinny split the uprights following a good solo run two minutes later to bring his tally for the game of 0-7 (1 free) to leave one between the sides, Granagh-Ballingarry 1-21, Croagh-Kilfinny 2-17 on 57 minutes. The Granagh-Ballingarry team finished strong with a trio of unanswered white flags courtesy of John Carroll on 58 minutes and his brother Pat on 60 minutes before Richie O’Keeffe split the uprights from a placed ball one minute into added time to seal a four point 1-24 to 2-17 victory for holders Granagh-Ballingarry after a thrilling 44 score contest to finish joint top of the Wet Junior B Hurling championship group 1 table on 4 points with Feohanagh Castlemahon to qualify straight for the semi-final in a couple of weeks time on the head to head rule against Feohanagh-Castlemahon, who received a quarter final walkover from Knockaderry and Croagh-Kilfinny third on 2 points and Newcastle West play Feenagh-Kilmeedy in the second semi-final . Well done to both fine sporting sides on a thrilling 44 score hard-fought contest, to the Rathkeale club for having the pitch in top class condition and for making it available to us to play the game and going to Ballingarry on the evening for junior hurling training, and referee Joe Mulcahy who also played his part in this thrilling contest.

Granagh-Ballingarry scored 1-14 from play, 0-9 from frees and 0-1 from a 65. Croagh-Kilfinny scored 2-15 from paly and 0-2 from frees.

Granagh-Ballingarry: Keith O’Kelly, Cian Cagney, Eoin Enright, captain, Paudie McKenna, Ian Sheehy, John Carroll 0-1, Niall Cahill, Pat Carroll 0-1, Colm Noonan 0-4, 2 frees, 1 65, Donal O’Grady 1-5, Brian O’Sullivan 0-4, Philip Byrnes 0-1, John O’Grady 0-1, Richie O’Keeffe 0-7 frees, Owen Lynch. Subs used Ger Ryan, Donagh McCarthy and Sean O’Gorman.

Croagh-Kilfinny: Cian Sheehy, Patrick Lenihan, Kevin Dee, Gearóid Lowry, Ryan McCarthy, Mark Mullane, Maurice Lenihan, Patrick Hartigan, Cian Costello 0-3, Pat Lenihan 0-1 free, David Walzer 1-3, Darragh O’Carroll 1-1. Subs used Colin Barry Jack Shiels.

Referee Joe Mulchay, Killeedy.

Hearty congratulations to our own Maurice Noonan who captained the Munster Wheelchair hurling/camogie side who retained the All Ireland Inter Provincial Wheelchair hurling/camogie league title in Glenaine?? on Saturday. To captain this great Munster Hurling/Camogie club side to retain the league title is a great honour for Maurice, his family and the Granagh-Ballingarry club. He wished Maurice and all involved with the side in the All Ireland Final series on Saturday 20th September in SETU Carlow.

All roads lead to Pairc Caoimh Uí Luing, Feenagh on Sunday 7th September at 4pm for the mouth-watering clash of neighbours and great rivals Granagh-Ballingarry and Knockaderry in the inaugural Limerick County Minor C hurling championship final. Both sides are in the final on merit after playing a lot of good hurling on the way. Granagh-Ballingarry will be aiming for a first County Minor Hurling Championship title since winning the B title in 2020. Both sides are in Sunday’s final on merit after playing a lot of good hurling on the way.

Knockaderry finished level on 4 points with Caherline and Pallasgreen in group 1 to qualify for the semi-final on a greater score differential than Pallasgreen, where they defeated Dromcollogher-Broadford by 3 points, 3-8 to 1-11 to book their place in Sunday’s final.

County Minor C Hurling Championship Group 1

Round 1: Pallasgreen 0-15, Knockaderry 0-12.

Round 2: Knockaderry w.o, Dromin-Athlacca scr.

Round 3: Knockaderry 0-17, Caherline 1-13.

Semi-final: Knockaderry 3-8, Dromcollogher-Broadford 1-11.

Granagh-Ballingarry finished joint top of group 2 on 5 points with Dromcollogher-Broadford to qualify for a semi-final meeting with Caherline who they defeated by 2 points, 2-16 to 3-11 to make it to Sunday’s final against neighbours Knockaderry.

Round 1: Granagh-Ballingarry 4-13, Dromcollogher-Broadofrd 5-10 a draw.

Round 2: Granagh-Ballingarry w.o Mungret/St. Paul’s scr.

Round 3: Granagh-Ballingarry 3-15, Southside Gaels 1-12.

Semi-final: Granagh-Ballingarry 2-16, Caherline 3-11.

Pairc Caoimh Uí Luing Feenagh is the place to be on Sunday 7th September at 7pm for all Gaels in both Granagh and Ballingarry to sheer on the boys in black and green and their manager Denis O’Connor and the rest of the management team in their bid to bring the inaugural County Minor C Hurling Championship back to the parish and club.

Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale is the venue tomorrow Thursday 4th September at 7.30pm for the mouth-watering meeting of Granagh-Ballingarry and neighbours Croom in round 2 of group 2 in the Limerick County Premier Junior A Football Championship, which is the first ever meeting of the clubs in an adult football championship game. Croom will enter Thursday evening’s game on top of the table on 4 points after two straight wins over Kilteely-Dromkeen by 13 points, 3-14 to 0-10 and Ahane by 4 points 2-12 to 1-11. Granagh-Ballingarry second on 3 points after a thrilling 3-7 to 1-13 draw with Ahane and recorded an impressive 4 point, 4-10 to 1-15 victory over Feohanagh-Castlemahon last time out.

Your support for the boys in black and green and their management team of Edward Sheehy and Seamus Murphy at Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale tomorrow Thursday 4th September at 7.30pm to cheer them on in their bid to make it back to back wins in group 2 of the County Premier Junior A Football Championship to go top of the league/champiosh8p ahead of the Croom boys.

Granagh/Ballingarry 1-21 Blackrock 1-18

Granagh/Ballingarry after a very promising start with back to back wins over Glenroe and South Liberties before suffering straight defeats to Bruff and neighbours Croagh/Kilfinny got their Limerick County Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship (Bill Box Memorial Cup) campaign back on track with a hard fought Round 5 3 point, 1-21 to 1-18, victory over gallant Blackrock (Kilfinane/Ardpatrick) at windy Paddy Carroll Partk, Ballyagran on Saturday afternoon to go fourth on the league championship table on six points, one behind Effin and can now look forward with more confidence to the next round against joint table toppers on eight points with Croagh/Kilfinny Garryspillane on Saturday 13th or Sunday 14th September, while the Blackrock boys are joint bottom on two points with South Liberties one behind Glenroe who they play in the next round.

The South v West Round 5 County Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship, Round 6 tie was played in difficult windy conditions on an excellent pitch in front of a good crowd who gave great support to their sides with Timmy McGrath of Oola in charge. Granagh/Ballingarry were forced once more to line out minus a number of key players including team captain Damien O’Donovan but welcome back Josh Quiulle Mulcaire after missing out on the four opening rounds due to injury and turned in a man-of-the-match performance with 0-3 from open play and Blackrock showed two changes from the match day programme.

Granagh/Ballingarry played with the strong wind blowing into the village goals in the opening half but it was the Rockies who were first off the mark with a Jimmy Quilty pointed free in the opening minute cancelled out by Eoin Horgan from open play on 3 minutes before points were traded from placed balls by Jimmy Quilty on 4 minutes and Luke Flynn a minute later for 0-2 each on 5 minutes.

Granagh/Ballingarry, with the wind at their backs dominated the next 6 minutes, followed by a trio from open play by Michael Russell on 8 minutes, Darragh Casey on 20 minutes and a second by Michael Russells a minute later to leave four between the sides, Granagh/Ballingarry 0-6, Blackrock 0-2 on 12 minutes.

The next 13 minutes were close and exciting with points traded by Conor Gilligan (play) on 12 minutes, Luke Flynn (free) on 15 minutes, Shane O’Neill (play) on 17 minutes, Josh Quille Mulcair (play) on 18 minutes, Colm O’Keeffe (play) on 19 minutes, Luke Flynn (free) on 21 minutes, Luke Flynn on 22 minutes and Colm O’Keeffe two minutes later from open play to leave four again between the sides Granagh/Ballingarry 0-10, Blackrock 0-6 on 24 minutes.

Then Granagh/Ballingarry had four unanswered points in as many minutes through Luke Flynn (free) and Darragh Casey (2 play) and Josh Quille Mulcaire (play) before Colm O’Keeffe split the uprights from a placed ball for the Rockies on 30 minutes to leave the Granagh/Ballingarry boys leading by double scores 0-14 to 0-7. Then a long range free by Granagh/Ballingarry keeper Denis O’Connor was collected by Tom Horgan who laid off to Paudie Murphy who was fouled in possession which resulted in a penalty which Granagh/Ballingarry sent past his opposite number David Moloney on 32 minutes and Tom Horgan followed this up a minute later with a point from play to send the Granagh/Ballingarry boys after playing with the strong wind at their backs in at the interval leading by 11, 1-15 to 0-7. Luke Flynn and Jimmy Quilty traded white flags from a placed ball in the opening two minutes after the interval before Blackrock with the strong wind at their backs had four unanswered points in an 8 minute spell through Jimmy Quilty (free) on 34 minutes and Paudie Leahy on 37 minutes, Ruairi O’Shaughnessy on 39 minutes and Liam Walsh a minute later from open play to reduce the deficit to seven, Granagh/Ballingarry 1-16, Blackrock 0-12 on 40 minutes. The game was held up for three minutes due to injury and when play got underway again white flags were traded by Granagh/Ballingarry keeper. Denis O’Connor (free) on 42 minutes and Colm Keeffe (free) on 44 minutes, Josh Quille Mulcaire on 46 minutes and Paudie Leahy (play) on 48 minutes, Paudie Leahy free on 50 minutes and Ronan Mullane (play) a minute later to leave seven again between the sides, Granagh/Ballingarry 1-19, Blackrock 0-15 on 51 minutes.

Then Colm O’Keeffe won points back from open play for the Rockies on 52 and 54 minutes before Luke Flynn of Granagh/Ballingarry pointed from a placed ball two minutes later to leave six between the sides, Granagh/Ballingarry 1-20, Blackrock 0-17 with four minutes of normal time remaining on the clock.

The Blackrock boys, far from being overawed, had a goal by Colm O’Keeffe on 58 minutes followed up by a point from play by Paudie Leahy a minute later to reduce the deficit to two, Granagh/Ballingarry 1-20, Blackrock 1-18 with one minute of normal time remaining on the clock.

Then Granagh/Ballingarry mounted their first attack in four minutes which resulted in Michael Russell ??? David Moloney in the Blackrock goal to bring off a top class save only for substitute Jack Mulqueen to send the rebound between the uprights to extend the boys in black and green’s advantage to three, 1-21 to 1-18 on 31 minutes. The Blackrock boys created a couple of chances from a placed ball and 65, in the final minutes of added time for the green flag to draw the game but they could find no way past a firm Granagh/Ballingarry defence who held out, if only just, for a hard fought three point 1-21 to 1-18 victory to claim their third brace of points in the County Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship to go fourth on the league championship table on six points, one behind Effin and can now look forward with more confidence to the next round against joint table toppers on eight points with Croagh/Kilfinny Garryspillane on Saturday 13th or Sunday 14th September while the Blackrock boys are joint bottom on two points with South Liberties one behind Glenroe who they play in the next round. Granagh/Ballingarry scored 0-13 from play 0-8 from frees and a penalty goal. Glenroe scored 1-11 from play and 0-7 from frees.

Granagh/Ballingarry: 1-2, (0-2 frees 1-0 penalty), Eoin Casey, John Kealy, Mark O’Shea, Eoin Horgan 0-1, Jack Cagney, Ronan Mullane 0-1, Darragh Casey 0-3, Brian Sheehy, Michael Russell 0-2, Luke Flynn 0-7 (6 frees), Tom Horgan 0-1, Josh Quille Mulcaire 0-3, David Condron, Paudie Murphy. Subs used: Jack Mulqueen 0-1, Jack Hartnet.

Glenroe: David Moloney, Nigel Hosford, Richie McCarthy, Shane Lyons, Killian Ahern, Liam Walsh 0-1, Marty Farrell, Aidan Gilligan, Jimmy Quilty (0-4 frees), Conor Gilligan 0-1, Paudie Leahy 0-4 (1 free), Seán Neill 0-1, Callan Ensor, Colm O’Keeffe 1-6 (0-4 frees), Shane Philpot. Subs used Ruairi O’Shaughnessy 0-1, Simon Hennessay, Barry O’Shaughnessy, Seán O’Dwyer.

Referee: Timmy McGrath.

Hearty congratulations to Richard Chawke, Granagh promoter Jimmy Chawke on winning 20th prize of 200 in the sixth Limerick GAA club draw on Saturday 30th August. The other lucky winners were 1st 10,000 Pat Bourke Galbally, 2nd 3000 Pa Ranahan (junior) Askeaton/Ballysteen/Kilcornan, 3rd 2000 Pat and Josephine Lyons, Effin, 4th 40 Joan and Liam Allen, Galtee Gaels, 5th Exclusive prize Sarah Brennan, Adare, 6th to 9th 500 Helen Hough, St, Kieran’s, John Sheehan, Dromin/Athlacca, Declan O’Driscoll, Ballinacurra Gaels, Christopher Scanlon, Gerald Griffins 10th to 13th 300 Jim Kelly, Tournafulla, Larry Foote, Na Piarsaigh, Galtee Gaels Ann O’Donoghue, Bruff, 14th to 30th 200 Nuala Lynch Barron, Castletown/Ballyagran, Shane Fitzgerald, Mungret St. Pauls, Marie Halvey, Knockane, Paddy Duggan, Club Limerick Chicago, Annette Murphy, Abbeysarsfields, Rose O’sullivan, Knockainey, Richard Chawke, Granagh/Ballingarry, Kieran McCarthy, Ballybrown, Marian Ryan, Camogue Rovers, Jackie Nelligan, Caherline, Eddie O’Shaughnessy, Glin, Jamie Collins, Athea, Laura Murphy, Club Limerick, New York, Eoin Fitzgibbon, Rathkeale, David Pinch, Patrickswell, Edwin Cagney, Croom and Brian Óg O’Sullivan, Patrickswell. Thanks to all the members who have already joined the Limerick County Club Draw through Granagh/Ballingarry GAA club and our co-ordinator Stephen Stapleton.

Note: the next draw will take place on Saturday 27th September. All new names to be in by 5pm on Thursday 24th September.

Congratulations to the team of Stephen Stapleton, Joe Twomey, John Paul Murphy and Andy Kenehan on winning the Granagh/Ballingarry Bord nan Óg table quiz at the Rock Bar, Granagh on Friday night. Thank you to all 16 teams who took part and all who donated online, Janet and Seamus Twomey and family for hosting the quiz and for the food served, Jimmy Chawke who once more did an excellent job as MC and the organising committee. The total raised was €2,500 which go to fund our Bord nan Óg summer tours.

Galway 2-17 Limerick 2-16

Hard luck to our own Noel Noonan and the Limerick Masters hurling side who suffered a heartbreaking one point, 2-17 to 2-16 defeat to Galway in Tier 2 All Ireland Masters Challenge Hurling Cup Final at Rapparess Starlights GAA Club, Enniscorthy on Sunday.

Hearty congratulations to our own Danny O’Grady wearing the No. 13 jersey for the Limerick U16 hurlers who were desperately unlucky to lose by a single pointed free against hosts Kilkenny. However, they came back to defeat West Meath in the Shield Final in Ballyragget club grounds in Kilkenny on Saturday.

Congratulations also to Eoghan Kiely and Adam Mulqueen on their selection as the Limerick U14 hurling side who competed in the Tony Forrestal Cup competition and Declan Dunworth on his selection on the Limerick U15 hurling side. It was a great honour for Danny, Eoghan, Adam and Declan, their families and the Granagh/Ballingarry Club to have had four players wearing the green and white of Limerick on academy teams on Saturday.

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

All Granagh Ballingarry GAA Club supporters are asked to please take note of the links below to purchase tickets for all Limerick County Senior Intermediate and Junior hurling and football championship games in 2025. There are two ticket categories for adults (€15 per ticket pre-purchased through www.universe.com) and GAA/Student €10 (€8 for tickets pre-purchased through www.universe.comvalid ID to be shown at venue). Children U16 are free. Tickets are sold through www.universe.com this year. Direct link for tickets to all matches are as below and note separate links for each game and tickets can be also purchased through Limerick GAA website www.limerickgaa.ie under ‘Buy Club Tickets’.

There was no winner of the €11,700 jackpot in the Granagh Ballingarry GAA Club Lottery draw held on Saturday 30th August in Buckley’s Bar, Ballingarry. The numbers drawn were 5, 9, 10 and 31. The lucky dips of 20 each went to Aileen Murphy promoter online, Teresa O’Keeffe promtoer Donal O’Grady, Donal McGoey promoter Pat Herlihy, Pat Boyle promoter the Rock Bar, Granagh.

The next draw will be held on Saturday 6th September for a jackpot of €11,700. Tickets are €2 each or three for €5 and are on sale in local shops, bars and from promoters. You can now also buy the weekly draw online 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

Thursday 4th September

County Premier Junior A Football Championship Group 2 Round 3

Granagh/Ballingarry v Croom in Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale at 7.30pm.

Sunday 7th September

County Minor C Hurling Championship Final

Granagh/Ballingarry v Knockaderry in Páirc Caoimh Uí Luing, Feenagh at 4pm.

Country Junior B Football Championship Group 1 Round 3

Bruree v Askeaton/Ballysteen Kilcornan in Ballingarry at 6.16pm.

Tuesday 7th September

Limerick County GAA Board Meeting in the Woodlands House Hotel, Adare at 8pm.