GRANAGH/BALLINGARRY GAA CLUB NOTES
Cuntas An Runaí Seán Ó Loingsigh
A Cahaorleach agus chairde Gael, Annual General Meeting time has arrived once more. I would like to welcome you all tonight to our newly renovated clubhouse in Ballingarry. It is my great pleasure as An Runaí to put before you my 30th annual report of the happenings in Cumann Greanach Baile An Gharraí CLG for 2021. 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.
The impact of the Covid-19 pandemic has had and continues to have a massive effect as we know on all aspects of life for the second successive year and specifically led to a pause on all our club activities from Monday 5th October 2020 until Monday 10th May 2021, when training was permitted at club adult level in pods of a maximum of 15 people and club games permitted from Monday 7th June at all levels behind closed doors.
The year under review was another very successful one on the Inter County front with the Limerick Senior hurlers winning their 22nd Munster Championship title and a first three in-a-row in 85 years, with a thrilling five point 2-29 to 3-21 victory over Tipperary at sunny Pairc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday 18th July, and recorded an impressive 16 point victory over gallant neighbours Cork 3-32 to 1-22 at Croke Park on Sunday 22nd August, to capture their third All-Ireland title and the Liam McCarthy Cup in four seasons, their 10th overall and back-to-back wins for the first time in the history of the competition. The Limerick U20 hurlers fought a great campaign to reach the Munster Championship final, where they went under to holders Cork by two points 1-26 to 1-24 at Pairc Uí Chaoimh and the Minor hurlers also went under to Cork 1-24 to 1-14 in the Munster semi-final at Semple Stadium Thurles. On the football front Limerick enjoyed a successful season reaching the National League Division 3 semi-final, where they were most unlucky to go under to Derry by four points 0-17 to 0-13 at Pairc Seán Mac Diarmada and the Munster Championship semi-final, where they went under to Cork 1-16 to 0-11 at Pairc na nGael. The Minors reached the Munster final for the first time since 1998, where they went under to Cork 1-17 to 0-13 at Semple Stadium Thurles and U20s went under to Tipperary by three points 0-16 to 1-10 in the opening round at Thurles.
On the local front, we had a curtailed and condensed year again on the playing fields due to Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. 36 competitive games were played at adult level – an increase of 14 games on the previous year – winning seven pieces of silverware. An increased number of games were also played by the Bord na nÓg section of our Club, winning the 2020 County U16 13-a-side Football title. The highlights of the year were undoubtedly the success of our Junior ‘B’ footballers, achieving a West and County Championship double and their counterparts in hurling winning the delayed 2020 West Championship title. The fine displays given by the Intermediate hurlers reaching the County Championship semi-final for the first time since 2018, where they went under to eventual winners Effin by two points, reaching the West Senior Hurling League Championship final where they went under to Adare by four points at Newcastle West; winning the Jim ‘Twin’ Lynch Memorial and Hennessy Cups. Our U21 hurlers with only a panel of 17 players fought a great campaign to reach the County ‘B’ final, where they defeated Dromin-Athlacca 0-18 to 0-7. To capture the Club’s first County 15-a-side County U21 Hurling Championship title. The U19 hurlers reached the County quarter-final, going under to neighbours Dromin-Athlacca. Spirited performances were given by our U21 footballers against Belville Gaels and St. Patricks in the ‘B’ County Championship.
· Weekend 48-hour Relay raises €15,579.
· The hosting of 3 hurling tournaments – Jim ‘Twin’ Lynch Cup, Dunworth Cup and Dinny Cup.
· The Summer Camp that was run in July was enjoyed by all the children.
· The financial success of the County Club Draw, our own Club Draw / Lottery online.
· The €3,000 Development Grant received from Limerick City / County Council.
· The €1,034.85 cheque presentation to Milford Care Centre proceeds of the Jim ‘Twin’ Lynch Memorial Cup Hurling final.
· Scroll presentation by Limerick Major Michael Collins to acknowledge our Club’s contribution and assistance to the community during the Covid-19 pandemic
· Completion of Club gym.
· Limerick receiving 12 Hurling All-Stars and Cian Lynch Hurler of the Year, were among the many other highlights.
Events Cancelled
Unfortunately, due to Covid-19 restrictions the following events were cancelled:
· County and Munster Scór na nÓg finals.
· The 12th Annual Knockfierna ‘King of the Hill’ on St. Stephen’s Day.
· The West Limerick All-Star Banquet.
· Bord na nÓg Awards Night.
Weekend 48-hour Relay Raises €15,579
Thank you to everybody who made the Granagh Ballingarry GAA Club 48-hour Relay such an overwhelming success over the weekend Friday 26th to Sunday 28th March, when club members from near and far, young and old, ran for one hour over a continuous 48-hour period and raised a staggering €15,579 with two cheques for €3,895 presented to both Ballingarry and Granagh National Schools and €7,789 towards the new Club Gym. A special word of thanks to the organisers of the fundraising event and thanks to the adult players themselves. It was run with military precision and was ultimately a huge success.
The Con & Annie Kirby Memorial Stake
The Con & Annie Kirby Memorial State got underway on Saturday 27th March at Limerick Greyhound Track. The Granagh Ballingarry nominated dog Live Everything came in third in heat six to qualify for round 2 on Saturday 3rd April, but unfortunately was a non-runner due to injury.
Scroll Presentation
Granagh Ballingarry GAA Club were delighted to welcome Limerick Mayor Michael Collins to our club grounds in Ballingarry on Saturday May to present a beautifully framed scroll to our Club Chairman Andrew Holmes to acknowledge our club’s contribution and assistance to the community in both Granagh and Ballingarry during the Covid-19 pandemic. Granagh Ballingarry GAA Club officials are very grateful to all the volunteers who gave of their time to look after the members of our wider community over the past year.
€3,000 Council Grant
Granagh Ballingarry GAA Club Officials would like to formally and sincerely thank John O’Donoghue for his kind contribution of €3,000 Development Grant to the Club as part of his Limerick City and County Council GAA funding allocation for 2021. Massive thanks to John for supporting our Club in this manner, it is greatly appreciated by the Club Executive. Thanks also to our hard-working Club Chairman Andrew Holmes, who completed all the paperwork in drawing down these funds.
Playing Activities
The year 2021 was another quite condensed year for Granagh Ballingarry on the playing fields due to the Covid-19 pandemic restrictions. A total of 36 competitive and very sporting games were played since our Junior ‘B’ Footballers commenced the competitive playing season on Bank Holiday Monday June 7th going under to Feenagh-Kilmeedy 1-17 to 0-11 in the much delayed 2020 West Junior ‘B’ Football Championship semi-final at Knockaderry and the curtain finally came down on Sunday 12th December on a high note, defeating neighbours Dromin-Athlacca 0-18 to 0-7 at Kilbreedy to capture the County U21B Hurling Championship title, the first ever County 15-a-side U21 Hurling Championship won by Granagh Ballingarry.
Delayed 2020 West Junior ‘B’ Football and Hurling Championship Final Spot for Feenagh-Kilmeedy
The honour of commencing the adult competitive playing season on Bank Holiday Monday June 7th fell to the Junior ‘B’ Footballers who went under to Feenagh-Kilmeedy 1-17 to 0-11 in the much delayed 2020 West Junior ‘B’ Football Championship semi-final at Knockaderry. Congratulations to the Feenagh-Kilmeedy boys who, despite going under to Adare in the final, gained promotion and went on to capture West and County Junior ‘A’ Football Championship honours.
Granagh Ballingarry Bridge Four-Year Gap
2019 defeated finalists Granagh Ballingarry recorded a deserved 13 point 3-13 to 0-9 victory over a gallant Feenagh Kilmeedy in the much delayed 2020 West Junior ‘B’ Hurling Championship semi-final at Knockaderry on Friday 11th June, to qualify for their fifth final in six seasons, and their second in succession against great rivals Feohanagh Castlemahon on Friday 25th June in Dromcollogher. Here Granagh Ballingarry, with a strong all-round team performance, took their fourth West Junior ‘B’ Hurling Championship title and the Mary Sexton Memorial Perpetual Cup, a first since 2016 with a hard fought one point 0-11 to 0-10 victory over a gallant Feohanagh Castlemahon in the much delayed 2020 West Junior ‘B’ Hurling Championship final in ideal conditions.
Granagh Ballingarry West Junior ‘B’ Hurling Champions 2020
Jimmy Shiels 0-1 (free), Mikey O’Keeffe, Donagh McCarthy, Mike Carroll, Brendan Lynch, Mark Tierney, Eoin Enright, Edward Sheehy, Mike O’Rourke, Sean Murphy, John O’Grady 0-2 (frees), Brian Noonan, Jack Hartnett 0-1, Jim O’Keeffe [Capt.] 0-1, Gearóid Lynch 0-5 (0-2 frees). Subs used: Kevin Ford 0-1, Brian Mulqueen, Marcus Moore, Niall Carroll. Other panel members: Conor Mulqueen, Richie O’Keeffe, Robert Noonan, Niall Fitzgerald, Kevin Mulcahy.
Well done to Manager Conor Snow; Selectors Stephen Stapleton, Denis Noonan, Andrew Holmes; First Aid Officer Theresa Noonan and panel of players on this great victory.
County U19 Football Championship
We entered a team in the County U19 13-a-side Football Championship, but as only one other club entered the competition was not played. We were then entered into the County U19 ‘B’ Championship but due to insufficient numbers of players we were forced to withdraw.
U19 Hurlers Reach County Quarter-Final
The County U19 Hurling Championship was run on All-County basis. There were two groups of four and two groups of three, with the top two teams in each group to qualify for the quarter-finals. Granagh Ballingarry were drawn in Group 2 with Dromcollogher Broadford and St. Kierans. In the opening round on Friday 13th August, Granagh Ballingarry recorded an impressive 4-22 to 0-9 victory over gallant Dromcollogher Broadford at Ballingarry. The second-round game against St.
Kierans was not played as St. Kierans had also defeated Dromcollogher Broadford to qualify for the quarter-final, along with Granagh Ballingarry from Group 2. The meeting of neighbours Granagh Ballingarry and Dromin Athlacca in the quarter final of the Limerick County U19 ‘B’ Hurling Championship played in difficult, wet and windy conditions in Kilbreedy on Sunday 3rd October, was a close, hard-fought contest with a pair of late points from placed ball, courtesy of Cian Scully, paved the way for a two-point 2-14 to 1-15 victory for the South Division side over the unlucky boys from Knockfierna.
Thank you to the management team of Graham Russell and Mick Chawke and the First Aid Official Louise Enright and to the panel of players for giving creditable performances in this years County U19 ‘B’ Hurling Championship reaching the quarter-final despite being short a number of key players due to injury.
Creditable Performances in the All-County U21 ‘B’ Football Championship
The U21 ‘B’ Football Championship was run on an All-County basis this year and 13 teams entered. There was one group of four, and three groups of three, with the top two teams in each group to qualify for the quarter-finals. Granagh Ballingarry were drawn in Group 1 with Belville Gaels, St. Patricks and Ahane. In the opening round on Tuesday 22nd November under lights at Mick Neville Park Rathkeale, Belville Gaels, the Feohanagh-Castlemahon/Feenagh-Kilmeedy combination recorded an eight point 3-11 to 2-6 victory over the Granagh Ballingarry boys. We travelled to Rhebogue two nights later on Thursday 25th November to play the home side, St. Patricks in Round 2, played under lights in cold, wet and windy conditions. St. Patricks were sharper, more direct, showed better touches up front, were too strong for their under-strength opponents, forced to line out minus three members of their County Junior ‘B’ Championship winning panel. The home side led 3-7 to 0-3 at the interval. St. Patricks continued to pile on the pressure in the second half and added 5 points to their total to 1-3 for their opponents. At the final whistle St. Patricks were comfortable 3-12 to 1-6 winners of their second successive brace of points in Group 1 of the Limerick County U21 ‘B’ Football Championship to qualify for the quarter-final and Granagh Ballingarry made their exit after suffering two straight defeats, and as a result did not play Ahane in the final group stage game. Thank you to Manager Edward Sheehy; Selectors Graham Russell and Niall Carroll and the panel of players for giving creditable performances in this year’s County U21 ‘B’ Football Championship.
Good Year for Intermediate Hurlers
Since the start of the year Granagh Ballingarry Intermediate hurlers and new management team put in a lot of effort to win seven of their 12 competitive games. They finished top of the West Senior Hurling League on eight points, ahead of Adare on scoring average, and were most unlucky to go under to the Adare boys in the final by four points 4-21 to 5-14 in a thrilling 44 score contest at Newcastle West, won the Jim ‘Twin’ Lynch Memorial Cup for the second successive year in a row, defeating Feohanagh Castlemahon in the final, and the Hennessy Cup defeating Ballyhooly, Cork in the final at Ballyhooly in a penalty shoot-out. Defeated Tournafulla and lost to Bruree to finish second in Group 1 of the County Intermediate Championship to qualify for a quarter-final meeting with Croom, who they defeated to qualify for the semi-final for the first time since 2018, against Effin on Saturday 9th October at Newcastle West, where they were most unlucky to go under to the eventual winners by two points 2-16 to 1-17.
West Senior Hurling League / Championship
Round 1 Granagh Ballingarry 2-17 Tournafulla 0-12
Round 2 Granagh Ballingarry 2-18 Newcastle West 0-13
Round 3 Knockaderry 3-20 Granagh Ballingarry 1-20
Round 4 Granagh Ballingarry 0-25 Adare 1-14
Round 5 Granagh Ballingarry 0-26 Feohanagh Castlemahon 0-14
Final Adare 4-21 Granagh Ballingarry 5-14
County Intermediate Hurling Championship Group 1
Round 1 Granagh Ballingarry 2-19 Tournafulla 3-14
Round 2 Bruree 0-19 Granagh Ballingarry 1-15
Quarter-final Granagh Ballingarry 3-18 Croom 1-13
Semi-final Effin 2-16 Granagh Ballingarry 1-17
Jim ‘Twin’ Lynch Memorial Cup Final
Granagh Ballingarry 0-26 Feohanagh Castlemahon 0-14
Dunworth Cup Final
Ballyhea (Cork) 2-18 Granagh Ballingarry 1-18
Hennessy Cup Final
Granagh Ballingarry beat Ballyhooly (Cork) in a penalty shoot-out
Well done to Manager Eoin Kennedy; Selectors Michael Clancy and Bobby Houlihan; Coach Pat O’Connor (Newtown); Stats James Flynn; First Aid Annmarie O’Keeffe; Physio Caolan Scott and the rest of the backroom team, along with the panel of players for giving some outstanding displays to reach the West Senior League/Championship final, County Intermediate Championship semi-final and winning the Jim ‘Twin’ Lynch Memorial Cup for the second successive year and the Ballyhooly Hennessy Cup final. If they all stay together this team looks like being a match for the best next season.
Quarter-final Exit for Holders in West Junior ‘B’ Hurling Championship
Granagh Ballingarry, winners of the much delayed 2020 West Junior ‘B’ Hurling Championship, defeating Feohanagh Castlemahon 0-11 to 0-10 in the decider at Dromcollogher on Friday 25th June, made the first defense of their title on Saturday 18th September, going under to eventual winners Adare by three points at Croagh. We got our campaign back on track a week later with a 5-15 to 0-8 victory over gallant Askeaton to finish second in Group 2 on two points to qualify for a quarter-final clash with Newcastle West. Holders Granagh Ballingarry made their exit from this year’s West Junior ‘B’ Hurling Championship at the quarter-final stage going under to a fine Newcastle West side by two points 0-15 to 1-10 at Pairc Caoimh Uí Luing, Feenagh on Sunday 3rd October.
Dinny Cup Final
Camogue Rovers 2-24 Granagh Ballingarry 3-11. Thank you to Dinny Ahern for kindly sponsoring the medals. Thank you to Manager Niall McCarthy, Denis Noonan, Stephen Stapleton and Andrew Holmes, and First Aid Official Theresa Noonan, and the panel of players for giving creditable performances in this year’s West Junior ‘B’ Hurling Championship. Unlucky to lose out at the quarter-final stage minus a number of key players.
Junior ‘B’ Footballers Claim West and County Championship Titles
Granagh Ballingarry Junior ‘B’ Footballers, after going under to Feenagh Kilmeedy 1-17 to 0-11 in
the much delayed 2020 West Junior ‘B’ Football Championship semi-final at Knockaderry on Bank Holiday Monday 7th June, regrouped to claim 2021 West and County Junior ‘B’ Football Championship honours. In their opening game in Group 2 of the West Championship on Wednesday 18th August at Newcastle West, Granagh Ballingarry signaled their intent with a one point 1-12 to 1-11 win over Knockaderry, courtesy of a fisted goal by Aaron Scott two minutes into added time. We received a walkover against Newcastle West in the second round. This was followed by another walkover, this time against Glin with the opening round win over Knockaderry enough to top the group. In the West semi-final Granagh Ballingarry played Athea on Sunday 17th October in Coolcappa, where they were comfortable eleven point 3-13 to 1-8 winners to qualify for a West final meeting with Knockaderry. In the final, played in difficult wet and windy conditions at Athea on Saturday 23rd October, with only a point separating the sides following a cracking Kieran Storan goal for Knockaderry on 55 minutes, which was cancelled out two minutes later by second-half substitute Luke Flynn following a long solo run and a well taken point by Denis O’Connor on 59 minutes, paved the way for a hard fought 5 point 1-11 to 1-6 victory for Granagh Ballingarry over gallant Knockaderry to take their sixth West Limerick Junior ‘B’ Championship title and a first since 2018 to go join top of the Roll of Honour with Knockaderry. Granagh Ballingarry scored 1-6 from play, 0-4 from frees and 0-1 from a 45. Knockaderry scored 1-1 from play and 0-5 from frees.
Granagh Ballingarry: David Clancy, Niall Cahill (Captain), Kieran Condron, Brendan Lynch, Eoin Herlihy, Darragh Casey, Eoin Lynch, David Condron, Edward Sheehy, Jack Cagney 0-1, Jack Hartnett, Aaron Smith 0-5 (0-4 frees, 0-1 from 45), Denis O’Connor (0-3), Gearóid Lynch, Jack O’Donoghue (0-2). Subs used: Luke Flynn (1-0), Damien O’Donovan, Thomas O’Donovan, Michael Russell and Niall Fitzgerald.
In the County quarter-final at Croom on Saturday 6th November, newly crowned West Junior ‘B’ Football Champions Granagh Ballingarry fought hard in difficult wet and windy conditions to beat East runners-up Fedamore by four points 0-10 to 0-6 to qualify for a semi-final meeting with City champions Claughaun. The following Saturday 13th November Granagh Ballingarry booked their place in the Limerick County Junior ‘B’ Football Championship final for the first time since going under to Dromcollogher Broadford by 1 point 0-13 to 2-6 in the 2018 decider at Knockaderry as they defeated the Claughaun boys comprehensively by twenty points 3-13 to 0-2 at Clarina to advance to a final meeting with neighbours Knockaderry. The final, played on Sunday 21st November at Pairce Caoimh Uí Luing Feenagh, where Granagh Ballingarry improved on their opening round and West final wins over the Knockaderry boys, this time winning by eight points 0-10 to 0-2 to claim their fifth Limerick County Junior ‘B’ Championship title, a third since 2010, to bring the Jim ‘Twin’ Lynch Perpetual Memorial Cup (now County Junior ‘B’ Football Championship Trophy) home. A delighted Captain Niall Cahill, received the new trophy jointly from our own Munster Council Delegate, Seamus Twomey and Gráinne Lynch to the joy of the large Granagh Ballingarry support. Granagh Ballingarry: David Clancy, Thomas O’Donovan, Niall Cahill (Captain), Kieran Condron, Edward Sheehy, Sean O’Connor, Jack Cagney, Aaron Smith (0-3 frees), Cathal O’Keeffe (0-3), Denis O’Connor (0-3), Damien O’Donovan (0-1). Sub used: Jack O’Donoghue. Other panel members used in the course of the Championship: Denis Sheehy, Keith O’Kelly, Eoin Lynch, Gearóid Lynch, Jack Hartnett, Sean Murphy, Brian Mulqueen, William O’Regan, Niall Fitzgerald, Kevin Forde, Michael Russell, Gearóid O’Leary, M.J. Purtill, Josh Quill Mulcaire.
Congratulations to the players on their West and County Double success. I look forward to seeing them be a force to be reckoned with in the Junior ‘A’ grade in 2022. Thanks to Team Manager
Shane O’Grady; Selectors: Mark O’Sullivan and Andrew Holmes and First Aid Official Theresa Noonan for their help and co-operation. They played a very important part in our Junior ‘B’ Football success story.
Historic County U21 ‘B’ Hurling Championship Title
Granagh Ballingarry U21 Hurlers with only a panel of 17 players, fought a great campaign to reach the County ‘B’ final for the first time since 2011, defeating Ballybricken-Bohermore-Fedamore, Knockaderry and Croom to finish top of Group 2 to qualify for the quarter-final where they defeated Knockainey and Templeglantine in the semi-final to qualify for a final meeting with neighbours Dromin-Athlacca, who they defeated by eleven points 0-18 to 0-7 to capture our Club’s first ever County 15-a-side U21 Hurling Championship title to finally bring the curtain down on a long and successful season on Sunday 12th December at Kilbreedy.
Granagh-Ballingarry: Eoin Lynch, Darragh Casey (0-1 Free), Brian Sheehy, Sean Murphy, Luke Flynn (0-3), Sean O’Connor (0-8, 0-4 from Frees), Gearóid Lynch (0-1), Michael Russell (0-4, 0-2 from Frees), Paudie Murphy, Owen Lynch, Cian Mcgoey, Keith O’Kelly, Eoin Herlihy, Eoin Enright, Mark O’Shea. Subs used: Brian Mulqueen, Pádraig McKenna.
County U21 ‘B’ Hurling Championship Group 2
Round 1 Granagh Ballingarry 1-23 Ballybricken-Bohermore-Fedamore 0-11
Round 2 Granagh Ballingarry 1-16 Knockaderry 1-14
Round 3 Granagh Ballingarry 3-30 Croom 0-8
Quarter-final Granagh Ballingarry 2-13 Knockainey 0-7
Semi-final Granagh Ballingarry 2-13 Templeglantine 0-13
Final Granagh Ballingarry 0-18 Dromin-Athlacca 0-7
Thank you: to Manager: Graham Russell; Coaches; Mike Chawke, Thomas O’Donovan, Niall Carroll; Stats: James Flynn and First Aid Official: Louis Enright, and the panel of players for the hard work they put in and enjoyment provided on route to winning the County U21B Hurling Championship title, the first ever County U21 15-a-side Hurling Championship title won by Granagh Ballingarry.
Bord na nÓg 2021
The following officers were elected to guide Granagh Ballingarry Bord na nÓg Committee for 2021:
Chairman: Stephen Stapleton
Secretary: Seamus Twomey
Coaching & Games Officer: Niall McCarthy
Children’s Officer: Jimmy Chawke
Teams were affiliated in all grades of hurling and football from U8 to U17, with all teams giving some brilliant displays, despite having small panels of players to select from. Our Bord na nÓg officials, managers, selectors, parents and teachers in both schools must be complemented for the great work they did for the youth of our club in 2021.
The many highlights included:
· U16 Footballers winning the 2020 County 13-a-side title
· The Summer Camp that was run in July was enjoyed by all the children.
· The winter training at Croom astroturf.
· Unfortunately, the Awards Night, the National School Fun Days and our Club Fun Day did not take place this year due to Covid-19 restrictions.
Congratulations to all concerned for making 2021 such a busy and enjoyable year for Granagh Ballingarry Bord na nÓg. A more comprehensive report on Bord na nÓg affairs 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 the promoting of Hurling, Gaelic Football and Camogie, which ensures that Gaelic games is part of the students’ everyday lives.
Club Draw
Congratulations to all the lucky winners in the 10-month draw, which now runs from June to June each year. It is the main source of income for our Club. Thank you to Draw Co-ordinator, Eoin Kennedy, the promoters and all the punters who supported the draw during the year.
Lottery
Our weekly Club Lottery was worth €11,300 on Saturday 2nd January. There was no winner of the jackpot in 2021. It will be worth €16,200 on Saturday 18th December. Thank you to our Lottery Committee for their dedication each Saturday night and to all those who support the lottery each week through our local promoters and online.
County GAA Club Draw
Our Club had approximately 117 members in the Limerick County GAA Club Draw and five winners – Nora Farragher who won €100 in March, Paul McCarthy who won €100 in May and Teresa McCarthy won the exclusive star prize in August, which is 2 nights Bed & Breakfast in a Corrib Room at Ashford Castle, table d’hôte meal in the George V dining room on one night, Corrib cruise for two aboard the Isle of Innisfree, based on two people sharing. Donal O’Grady won €500 and Teresa McCarthy €100 in the final draw in December. Thank you to our Draw Co-ordinator Stephen Stapleton and all who supported the draw during the year.
Clubhouse and Field Development
The refurbishment of our clubhouse and the laying of astroturf on the floor of the ball alley is now complete and we thank Limerick City/County Council for the €3,000 received for same, to Councillor John O’Donoghue and our hard-working Club Chairman who completed all the paperwork. Well done to all involved and worked on the gym in the back dressing room of the clubhouse, which is a wonderful facility for the club to have.
Ladies Football
Well done to our Ladies Football Club on fielding teams at both adult and underage level this year. Congratulations on winning the County U14 ‘B’ title, defeating Ballylanders 4-4 to 2-6 in the final.
Camogie
Granagh Ballingarry Camogie Club once more enjoyed a very busy and successful year, winning the much-delayed 2020 U16 ‘B’ title, the U18 ‘B’ title and Junior ‘B’ Summer League Division 4 title. The Seniors were most unlucky to go under to eventual winners Newcastle West by 4 points,
1-7 to 0-6, in the County semi-final and the Junior B team reached the County quarter-final, where they went under to Tournafulla. The future for the girls in Black and White is bright after the underage success this season. I look forward to seeing Granagh Ballingarry back in the race for County Senior honours in 2022.
Seamus Re-elected
Congratulations to our own Seamus Twomey on his re-election to the position of Munster Council Delegate at the County Convention held online on Tuesday 14th December.
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 annual membership fees each year.
Tickets
Our Club received 6 tickets for the Munster Senior Hurling Championship semi-final, 18 tickets for the Munster final, 90 tickets for the All-Ireland Senior Hurling semi-final and 130 for the All-Ireland final. The draw for tickets for all games was streamed live from the clubhouse, with the exception of the All-Ireland semi-final for good reason.
League of the their own – Limerick do the Double
Hearty congratulations to the Limerick Senior Hurlers, Manager John Kiely, Captain Declan Hennessy and our own Donal O’Grady and the rest of the Management Team on winning their 22nd Munster Championship title and a first three in-a-row in 85 years with a thrilling five point 2-29 to 3-21 victory over Tipperary at sunny Pairc Uí Caoimh on Sunday 18th July and recorded an impressive 16 point over gallant neighbours Cork 3-32 to 1-22 at Croke Park on Sunday 22nd August to capture their third All-Ireland title and the Liam McCarthy Cup in four seasons, their 10th overall and back to back wins for the first time in the history of the competition. Congratulations to the 12 players who received All-Stars and to Cian Lynch ‘Hurler of the Year’ for the second time in four seasons.
Coverage
The promotion of our games through the media is very important. I was delighted to have had time to attend and coverall our adult club games played this year, as well as other happenings. Thank you to Seamus Twomey and Stephen Stapleton for Bord na nÓg updates, Neill Dunworth and Niall Carroll for streaming matches on Facebook, James Flynn for his updates on Twitter and Andrew Holmes and all involved in updated our Club Facebook page.
Officers Stepping Down
Two of our Club outgoing officers, Jimmy Chawke Children’s Officer and Niall McCarthy Games and Coaching Officer have decided to step down from their positions. I would like to thank and acknowledge Jimmy Chawke for overseeing child welfare in our Club since 2010 in the most diligent and hands-on way possible; and Niall McCarthy after serving well as Games and Coaching Officer over the past twelve months. I’m sure we will see both Jimmy and Niall back again in some capacity in the near future.
Sympathy
Since our last AGM on 18th December 2020 many were called to their eternal reward. Among them were former players and medal winners with our Club, Jimmy Stapleton and Joe Hennessy. We also
remember Oisín Walsh, Teresa Leddin, Mairéad Chawke, Peter and Josie Meehan, Tadgh McCarthy, Mairéad Treacy Cagney, Paddy Forde, Bernie Houlihan (nee Meehan), Eileen Houlihan (nee O’Brien), Mary Gleeson (nee Burke), Denis O’Keeffe, Mary Ita Twomey and Catherine (Kitty) Clancy, Jim Kennedy and Teresa Chawke, 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 a very difficult year for us all – my wife Maura, Gráinne and Gearóid, fellow officers, especially Chairman Andrew, Treasurer Adrian and Registrar John Carroll for the professional way they carried out their duties during the year in very demanding positions. Bord na nÓg officer Jimmy Chawke, Club Draw Co-ordinator Eoin Kennedy, County Club Draw Co-ordinator Stephen Stapleton, West and County Board Officers, especially John, Mike, Seamus, Eamonn, Mickie and Breda; Club players, managers, selectors, to Andrew Holmes, David Clancy, Pat Cagney, Mike O’Neill, Christy Hennessy, Jim Roche, John O’Keeffe and John Shiels and all who helped out looking after the clubhouse and field. Andrew Holmes, Mossie O’Connor, Seamus Twomey, Michael Healy, Pat Herlihy and all the Field Development Committee members. A special word of thanks to Theresa Noonan, Louis Enright and Ann Marie O’Keeffe for providing First Aid to our players as they are providing an invaluable service to our club. Thanks for the co-operation of Nora O’Connor, Marion Sheehy and Sylvia Hartigan for providing photos and local correspondents John O’Riordan, Mary O’Regan and Daithí O’Rirodan in the weekly parish notes and Joe Power of Granagh Community website and the coverage given by Jerome O’Connor of the Limerick Leader and Matt O’Callaghan of the Vale Star and Weekly Observer, West Board PRO Johnny Walsh and County Board PRO Hugh Murphy.
I wish all club members, officers and supporters a Happy Christmas and a prosperous New Year and a successful 2022 both on and off the playing field. The year ahead should be another interesting one and if all club teams can field at near full strength, I hope we will be in a position to say 2022 was a great year in both codes and be back playing Premier Intermediate Hurling and Premier Junior ‘A’ Football in 2022.
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 Loingsigh
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; MBHC 1988.
West: JAHC 1924, 1939, 1940, 1942, 1974, 1975, 1976; MPHC 1939, 1980; MBHC 1988; U16PHC 1964, 1976, 1978; JAHL 19
Granagh Ballingarry:
County: JAHC 1998; IHC 2005, JBFC 1996, 2002, 2010, 2020; 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 U16HC 1997; U16PHS 1988; U16Div3FS 2007; ACHL Div5 2000; Div4 2004; Div3 2005; Div2MFC 2008; U14CHC 2007; U16 13-a-side HS 2011; U15 Div3HC 2015; JBHL 2016, U21 13-a-side HC 2017; 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; 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; 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; U16BFL 2004; JBHC 2003, 2015, 2016; JBFC 1996, 2010, 2016, 2018, 2020; JBHL 2010, 2012, 2015, 2016; JBFL 1996, 2010; JAFL 2003, 2011; U21PHC 2003, 2004; U21BHC 1999, 2011; JAFC 2006; Special JBHC 1994, 1995, 1996; JBHC 2002, 2015, 2016, 2020; U21 12-a-side FC 2012; All-Ireland 7s Junioe Hurling Shield 1999; Morrissey Cup 1998, 1999, 2002, 2010; Dunworth Cup 2001, 2005, 2006, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2018. Dinny Cup 2012, 2020. MBHC 2017, 2018, 2019. Jim ‘Twin’ Lynch Memorial Cup 2020, 2021.
Knockfierna Gaels:
County: JAHC 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
Chairman: Andrew Holmes
Secretary/PRO: John Lynch
Treasurer: Adrian Farragher
Vice-Chairman: David Clancy
Assistant Secretary: Liam Carroll
Assistant Treasurer: John O’Keeffe
Registrar: John Carroll
Coaching Officer: Niall McCarthy (withdrawn), Cormac McCarthy
Children’s Officer: Jimmy Chawke (withdrawn), Stephen Stapleton
Insurance Officer: Niall Carroll
IT Officer: James Flynn
Health & Wellbeing Officer: Áine Healy
Irish Officer: John O’Riordan
Adult Team Manager Nominations
Intermediate Hurling: To be appointed by Selection Committee
Junior ‘B’ Hurling: Niall McCarthy (withdrawn), Conor O’Keeffe
Junior ‘B’ Football: To be appointed by Selection Committee
Under 21 Hurling: Graham Russell
Under 21 Football: Edward Sheehy
Under 19 Hurling: Graham Russell
Under 19 Football: Edward Sheehy