Granagh/Ballingarry GAA Club Notes:
Three new officers elected and O’Kelly Brothers Demolition New Sponsor:
On Thursday night at a very successful and workman-like AGM of Granagh-Ballingarry GAA Club in front of 21 delegates in Ballingarry Clubhouse former dual County minor player David Condron was elected as the new treasurer in place of joint treasurer Adrian Farragher and Niall Fitzgerald; Charlotte Hanley, Health and Wellbeing Officer in place of Aine Healy, who did not seek re-election; Christine Connell, Irish Cultural Officer replacing the late Johnny O’Riordan; outgoing Vice Chairperson David Clancy replaced Andrew Holmes as Chairperson on an interim basis and Kelly Brothers Demolition confirmed as the new club sponsor for a 3 year term.
Outgoing Vice Chairperson David Clancy deputising for Chairperson Andrew Holmes who was absent for good reason, welcomed everyone to our newly renovated clubhouse.
Present were Jimmy Chawke, Paddy Hennessy, Mossie O’Connor, John Joe Carmody, Edward Kennelly, Eddie O’Brien, Ollie O’Brien, Jim O’Keeffe, John O’Keeffe, Laura O’Keeffe, Damien O’Donovan, David Condron, Cormac McCarthy, Stephen Stapleton, Adrian Farragher, David Clancy, Seamus Twomey, Mark O’Sullivan, Seamus Murphy and John Lynch.
Apologies were received from Niall Carroll, Michael Clancy, John Carroll, Charlotte Hanley and Pat Carroll.
Minutes:
The minutes of the previous AGM of Friday 21st December 2024 were taken as read and Mossie O’Connor and Seamus Twomey proposed their adoption.
Secretarys Report:
A copy of the Secretary’s Report was given to each club member present. The report was taken as read, proposed by Seamus Murphy and Seamus Twomey.
Treasurers Report:
Outgoing joint Treasurer Adrian Farragher who did not seek re-election after 7 years in the position, gave a detailed account of the club’s financial state, which showed a healthy surplus after the year’s operations. Adrian thanked all the people who helped finance the club for the year through the many fundraisers held and all the sponsors for their generosity to both the senior and Bord nan Og club. He thanked Niall Collins, Minister of State, for his assistance and support during the Community Centre Investment Fund grant of €21,500 which the club successfully received and Councillor John O’Donoghue for his support for the €3,000 cheque received by the club through the County Council’s General Municipal Allocation funding. The Treasurer ended his report by thanking all the officials, draw promoters, players and members of both the adult and Bord na nOg for their help and support over his seven years as treasurer, wished the incoming treasurer the best of luck and chairperson Andrew Holmes a full and healthy recovery and wished us a Happy Christmas and may the club continue to progress forward in 2026 on and off the pitch. After a number of questions, the adoption of the Treasurer’s report was proposed by Seamus Murphy and Mossie O’Connor.
Development Report:
David Condron of the Development Committee outlined the Grants and Facilities update report as shown on page 21, and 22 of the AGM booklet. David thanked everyone who helped out in any way during the year. He wished us a Happy Christmas and successful 2026.
Chairperson Address:
Outgoing Vice Chairperson David Clancy deputising for outgoing chairperson Andrew Holmes, who was absent for good reason address was as follows:
I would like to welcome everyone to our AGM her in our newly refurbished clubhouse in Ballingarry. I would like to start off by thanking our club officers, our secretary John for his many years in the role and Treasurers Adrian and Niall on giving detailed reports on our club affairs in 2025. Thank you to David Condron and his development committee, along with Paddy Hennessy, Eddie O’Brien and John Joe Carmody in the running of the clubhouse and field. Well done to Cormac and the Bord na nOg officers on the work they have carried out over the season. Congratulations on the U17 minor and U16 success, which was the highlight of the year. Big thanks to all management teams and players for their efforts this year. It is recognised and greatly appreciated. Thank you also to all our sponsors and local businesses that contributed to both our adult and Bord nan Og clubs throughout the year.
Finally I would like to wish our chairperson Andrew Holmes well in his recovery and Happy Christmas and best wishes to everyone on and off the field in 2026.
Election of Officers for 2026:
The following officers were elected to guide the club for 2026: Interim Chairperson Andrew Holmes; Interim Vice Chairperson Andrew Holmes; Secretary/Communications Officer John Lynch; Assistant Secretary/Bord na nOg Secretary Seamus Twomey; Treasurer David Condron; Joint Assistant Treasurers John O’Keeffe and Andrew Holmes; Children’s Officer Trica Clancy; Bord na nOg Chairperson Eddie O’Brien; Bord nan Og Communications Officer Charlotte Hanley; Designated Liaison Children’s Officer TBC; Coaching Officer TBC. IT Officer James Flynn; Health and Wellbeing Officer Charlotte Hanley; IT Officer James Flynn; Irish Cultural Officer Christine Connell; Registrar John Carroll; Coaching Officer TBC; Insurance Officer Niall Carroll. Proposed by Edward Kennedy and John O’Keeffe.
Tributes:
Many paid tribute to outgoing Joint Treasurer Adrian Farragher and Niall Fitzgerald, Bord na nOg Chairperson Cormac McCarthy, Health and Wellbeing Officer Aine Healy, Coaching and Games Officer Paul McDonagh, who have decided to step down and Irish Cultural Officer Johnny O’Riordan RIP, for their contributions made to the club over many years in very demanding positions.
Executive Committree 2026:
Interim Chairperson David Clancy, Secretary/Communications Officer John Lynch, Treasurer David Condron, Assistant Treasurers John Kearney and John O’Keeffe; Children’s Officer Tricia Clancy; Bord nan Og Chairperson Eddie O’Brien; Assistant Secretary/Bord na nOg Chairman Seamus Twomey, Coaching and Games Officer TBC. Bord na nOg Communications Officer Charlotte Hanley, Players Representative Intermediate Hurling captain TBC; Mossie O’Connor, Adrian Farragher, Niall Fitzgerald, Andrew Holmes, Damien O’Donovan, Stephen Stapleton, Cormac McCarthy, Mike Healy, James Flynn, Kevin Carroll, Pat Herlihy, Conor Snow, Niall Carroll, Paddy Hennessy and Jimmy Chawke.
Proposed by John Joe Carmody and Seamus Twomey.
Club Membership 2026:
Agreed to remain same as 2025 to be paid by March 31st
Proposed by Seamus Murphy and John O’Keeffe.
Team Management:
The following adult team management was appointed:
Intermediate Hurling Manager/Coach John O’Connor, Newtownshandrum, Co. Cork. Selectors Ger Ryan, Mark O’Sullivan. States James Flynn, Graham Russell and Niall Carroll. Physio Caolan Scott. First Aid Officer TBC. Backroom TBC.
Junior B Hurling Manager Niall Carroll. Selectors TBC.
Junior B Football to be confirmed.
Minor Hurling Manager Noel Noonan. Selectors David O’Grady and Pat Carroll.
U20 Hurling Manager TBC
Minor Football Manager Noel Noonan. Selectors Donal O’Grady and Pat Carroll.
U20 Football Manager to be confirmed.
Proposed by Eddie O’Brien and Cormac McCarthy.
Recommendations:
1 That Kelly Brothers Demolition come on board as Granagh-Ballingarry GAA Club’s new sponsor for a 3 year term (carried) proposed by Paddy Hennessy and John O’Keeffe.
2 That Granagh-Ballingarry GAA Club make the decision to keep the three local Trustees and Corporate Trustee in place of change over to Corporate Trustee only to be further discussed with local three trustees proposed by Seamus Twomey and Davin Condron.
3) Due to reduced numbers of players at U20 level for 2026 that Granagh/Ballingarry amalgamate with Croom in both hurling and football (carried) proposed by Damien O’Donovan and Seamus Murphy.
4) That the club promote the National Club draw in 2026 (carried) proposed by Jimmy Clarke and Paddy Hennessy.
5) That a combined Minor U17 Hurling and U16 Hurling and football medal presentation event be held locally in February (carried) proposed by Seamus Twomey and John Lynch.
6) That the original green and gold colour to remain in the clubhouse in Ballingarry. After a lively discussion it was recommended that the windowsills of the clubhouse be painted in the club colours proposed by Laura O’Keeffe and Seamus Twomey.
AOB:
The secretary informed members of the 16th Annual King of the Hill on St. Stephen’s Day with registration from 10am to 11.30am at the Rock Bar, Granagh, Post Office Book and design of club jersey were also discussed.
A full and Speedy Recovery Andrew:
A full and speedy recovery was wished to Andrew Holmes. We look forward to seeing him back in the new year working and supporting the club.
Players:
The AGM ended with Jimmy Chawke saying prayers for deceased members.
Last County Club Draw for 2025:
Unfortunately, Granagh/Ballingarry had no winner in the last Limerick County GAA Club draw of 2025 on Saturday 13th December. Full results in the sports pages of this paper our club had approximately 198 members in the 2025 draw and six winners club chairperson Andrew Holmes and Noreen Hennessy won €200 in the first draw in March. Mary Horgan €200 in July, Richard Chawke €200 in August, David O’Hanlon €10,000 and Paudie O’Sulivan, €2000 in November.
Congratulations to all the lucky winners and thank you to our draw co-ordinator Stephen Stapleton and all who supported the draw during the year. If you would like to renew your membership for 2026 please follow the link limerickgaa.ieclublimerick-draw-signup and select Granagh/Ballingarry GAA club and the number of draws you wish to sign up for. You can also contact the Granagh/Ballingarry club co-ordinator Stephen Stapleton on 086 1960301. Not all new members to be included in the first draw of 2026 which takes place on Saturday 28th March must be ibn by Wednesday 18th March at 5pm.
County Board Convention:
The Limerick County GAA Board reviewed a very successful year at the annual Convention on Tuesday 9th December at Ahane GAA Clubhouse where John Lynch and Seamus Twomey of Granagh/Ballingarry was among the gathered delegates. It was a quiet affair with only a couple of motions on the clár and two changes in the county management committee with Donie O’Gorman of Na Piarsaigh replacing Paul Foley of Patrickswell who will not seek re-election as County Planning and Training Officer and Pat Donnelly replacing his fellow club Denis O’Carroll as County Bord na nÓg, chairperson. The other officers elected were chairperson Seamus McNamara, Fr. Caseys, vice chairperson Frank Reidy, Feohanagh, secretary Michael O’Riordan, Kilmallock, assistant secretary Mary Hassett, Ahane, treasurer Seán Burke Crecora/Maniser, assistant treasurer Gerry Phillips, Monagea, Irish Officer Veronica Callinan, Bruff, children’s officer Gerry McNamara, Mungret/St. Paul’s, Communications Officer Eamonn Phelan, St. Patrick’s, coaching officer/chairperson Bord na nÓg Pat Donnelly, South Liberties Central Council delegate, Gerard Corkery, Knockaderry, Munster Council delegates John Cregan, Dromcollogher/Broadford and Pat Davoran, Ballybrowne, football committee chairperson Wayne Fitzgerald, Gerald Griffins, Demographics Office Jim Feane, Bruree.
16th Annual King of the Hill:
Have you three people capable of striking the sliothar? Are you up for a challenge? Then outside the Rock Bar, Granagh is the place to be on St. Stephen’s Day as Granagh/Ballingarry GAA Club have organised their 16th annual King of the Hill challenge. Registration is from 10am to 11.30am in the Rock Bar, Granagh. The competition will start at the Rock Bar and will continue in a circuit around roads in the parish and the team that completes the course which takes about two hours with the fewest pucks, will win the King of the Hill perpetual trophy. We introduced a family competition in 2023 with a team of three members of the same family with fewest pucks winning a family section perpetual trophy. It is the perfect way for mothers and fathers to play with their sons and daughters and have fun along the way. The entry fee is €10 per person, own hurley and sliothar needed. Route and rules will be provided on the day.
U16s must be accompanied by an adult. If you need more information please contact Niall Carroll on 085 102663 or any finance committee member for more information.
Thank you to John Carroll of Laochra sports gear for his kind sponsorship of the King of the Hill challenge.
Maurice Noonan win Community and Games for All Award:
Hearty congratulations to our own Maurice Noonan on winning the Munster GAA Community and Games for All award at Saturday evening’s Munster GAA Awards in Killarney. Maurice captained the 2025 Munster Wheelchair hurling/camogie team which won the championship and league double. He regularly tops the scoring charts and his expertise at taking sideline cuts is legendary. Maurice has represented Ireland on three occasions at the Para Floorball International Tournament and also finds time to help out at coaching underage players. This latest award is a great honour for Maurice, his family and the Granagh/Ballingarry Club.
2026 GAA National Club Draw:
Granagh/Ballingarry GAA Club are promoting the 2026 National Club Draw. There is no financial cost to the club to get involved as all costs 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 automatically gets into a draw for €1,000, a prize won by Granagh/Ballingarry GAA Club in March 2024. Prizes include: 1st Toyota Corolla Hybrid, 2nd €20,000, 3rd €10,000, 4th €5,000, 5th €5,000, 6th €2,500, holiday voucher7th and 8th All Ireland Hurling and Football Final package 2026, 9th All Ireland Football Final package 2026. 10th All Ireland Hurling Final package 2026.
Club Specific Draw:
A draw will take place whereby three clubs will receive €5000.
Another draw will take place whereby one club in each county will receive €1000.
The club with the highest ticket sales in each province will receive €1,000. To qualify for these draws a club must sell a minimum of 200 tickets, record all sold on the online ticketing system, account for all funds raised through the draw separately on the club account, adhere to all terms and conditions of the draw which was outlined on the back of the tickets. The draw will take place on Wednesday 25th March in Croke Park and tickets will go on sale in the coming weeks online in local shops/bars and from promoters. For further information contact Niall Carroll at 085 1026663 or club treasurer David Condron 086 3482210.
Limerick GAA Season Tickets:
Limerick County GAA Board launched their 2026 season tickets recently. The tickets will entitle the bearer entry to all Limerick County Board Club games in 2006 for €150. It would make an ideal Christmas or New Year’s present for a family member or friend can be purchased online at limerickgaa.ie Tel 061 335576
Club Gear:
Granagh-Ballingarry club hoodies, tracksuits, shorts and socks can now be ordered online at www.lauchrasparts.ie.product-category/clubs/granagh-ballingarry
Field Rent:
Thank you to Limerick County GAA Board for the €1,674.54 in respect of field rent for 2025.
€13,200 Jackpot on Saturday:
There was no winner of the €13,100 jackpot in the Granagh/Ballingarry GAA Club lottery held on Saturday 13th December in the Rock Bar, Granagh. The numbers drawn were 2, 25, 26 and 30. The lucky dips of 20 each went to Stephen Stapleton, Paddy Tierney, Seán Dunworth and Michael Clifford. The next draw will be held on Saturday 20th December in Buckley’s Bar, Ballingarry for a jackpot of €13,200. Tickets are €2 each or three for €5 and are on sale in local shops, bars and promoters. You can 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.
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.club and on Twitter at www.twitter.com/granaghballingarry
Club Diary:
Saturday 20th December
County U20B Football Championship Semi Final
Granagh/Ballingarry/Croom or St. Senan’s v St. Patrick’s or Hospital/Herbertstown in South Campus, UL at 1pm.
Thursday 26th December
16th Annual King of the Hill Challenge
Registration in the Rock Bar, Granagh from 10am to 21.30pm.
Wishing you all a Happy and Peaceful Christmas.