U17, U19 and U21 Amalgamation with Croom Agreed:
Due to reduced number of players at U17, U19 and U-21 level for 2023 it was agreed for Granagh/Ballingarry to amalgamate with Croom in both hurling and football. There was one change in the management committee with Seamus Twomey replacing Liam Carroll, who did not seek re-election as assistant secretary at a very successful and workmanlike Annual General Meeting of Granagh/Ballingarry GAA Club in Granagh Community Centre last Friday night.
Outgoing chairperson Andrew Holmes presided. He welcomed everyone on such a cold night and thanked Granagh Community Centre chairman Joe Power and his wife for the use of the warm hall.
Present were Adrian Farragher, Andrew Holmes, John Lynch, John Joe Carmody, Jim Moore, Seamus Twomey, Stephen Stapleton, Seamus Murphy, Fr. Tom Carroll PP, Mossie O’Connor, David Clancy, Damien O’Donovan, David Condron and Conor O’Keeffe.
Apologies were received from John O’Keeffe, Jimmy Chawke, Graham Russell, Michael Clancy, Cormac McCarthy, Niall Carroll, Liam Carroll and Donal O’Grady.
Minutes:
The minutes of the previous AGM on 17th December 2021 were taken as read and Seamus Murphy and Seamus Twomey proposed their adoption.
Secretary’s Report:
A copy of the secretary’s report was given to each club member present. The report was taken as read proposed by Stephen Stapleton and Seamus Twomey.
Treasurer’s Report:
Outgoing Treasurer Adrian Farragher 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 especially the Golf Classic committee and all our sponsors for their generosity to both the Senior and Bord na nOg clubs. He thanked JP and Noreen McManus for their kind contribution of 5,000 development grant to the club as part of the JP McManus Invitational Pro-Am funding. Adrian was delighted with the great support received for the race night to be held on Friday 30th December in the Longcourt Hotel, Newcastle west and informed us that he has decided to step down after four years in the position and was willing to stay on as acting treasurer until a replacement is found. Many paid tribute to Adrian for his huge contribution made as treasurer over the past four years. After a number of questions the adoption of the Treasurer’s report was proposed by John Joe Carmody and Mossie O’Connor.
Chairperson’s Address:
Outgoing chairperson Andrew Homes thanked all those who helped him during the year and those who gave of their time voluntarily and made contributions to both the Senior and Bord na nOg clubs and joined the secretary in congratulating all the people who made 2022 such a successful one both on and off the field, with the continued development of our club facilities and winning three pieces of silverware. He thanked JP and Noreen McManus for their kind contribution of €5,000 grant as part of the JP McManus Invitational Pro-Am funding and the Hogan family for the 15 year lease of the training field and for allowing it to be developed. He wished us a happy Christmas and successful 2023.
Development Report:
David Condron of the Development committee gave a detailed report on all the developments carried on club facilities in 2021. He thanked Granagh Plant Hire, Mike Healy, Kevin Carroll and all who worked so hard on the development of the new training field. He looked forward to good support for the club race night in the Longcourt Hotel, Newcastle west on Friday 30th December with all proceeds from the night towards the next phase development of the new training field. He wished all present a Happy Christmas and successful 2023 both on and off the field.
Election of Officers for 2023:
Chairperson Andrew Holmes. Vice Chairperson David Clancy. Secretary/PRP John Lynch. Assistant Secretary/Bord na nOg Secretary Seamus Twomey. Treasurer TBC, Adrian Farragher to act till a replacement is appointed. Assistant Treasurer John O’Keeffe. Bord na nOg Chairperson Stephen Stapleton. Bord na nOg PRO Seamus Murphy. Children’s Officer Stephen Stapleton. Designated Liaison Children’s Officer Andrew Holmes. Coaching Officer Cormac McCarthy. IT Officer James Flynn. Insurance Officer Niall Carroll. Health and Wellbeing Officer Aine Healy. Irish Officer John O’Riordan.
Proposed by Fr. Tom Carroll and Seamus Murphy.
Executive committee
Chairperson Andrew Holmes. Secretary John Lynch. Treasurer TBC. Assistant Treasurer John O’Keeffe. Vice Chairperson David Clancy. Bord na nOg Chairperson/Children’s Officer Stephen Stapleton. Assistant Secretary/Bord na nOg Secretary Seamus Twomey. Coaching Officer Cormac McCarthy. Players representative: Intermediate hurling captain Mick Healy, James Flynn, Kevin Carroll, Pat Herlihy, Conor Snow, Mossie O’Connor Jimmy Chawke and David Condron.
Proposed by Mossie O’Connor and David Clancy.
Membership Fees 2023:
The fees were agreed at €40 for adult players (€120 with club draw), €20 for students and non-players, €20 for Bord na nOg (€120 per family), non players who play €100 club draw fee in full will automatically be members for 2023. Fees should be paid on or before March 31st to club registrar John Carroll. Proposed by Stephen Stapleton and Mossie O’Connor.
Recommendations:
1 Due to reduced number of players at U-18 level for 2023 that Granagh/Ballingarry amalgamate with neighbours Croom in both hurling and football to play under Granagh/Ballingarry, proposed by Seamus Murphy and Stephen Stapleton (carried).
2 Due to reduced number of players at U-19 level for 2023 that Granagh/Ballingarry amalgamate with Croom in both hurling and football to play under Granagh/Ballingarry/Croom, proposed by Seamus Murphy and Mossie O’Connor (carried).
3 Due to reduced number of players at U-21 level fro 2023 that Granagh/Ballingarry amalgamate with Croom in both hurling and football to play under Granagh/Ballingarry/Croom, proposed by John Joe Carmody and Seamus Twomey (carried). Note to be agreed by Croom.
4 That a combined club social event be organised for the presentation of 2022 West and County Junior A Football Championship medals and the silver jubilee of Granagh/Ballingarry winning the Wet and County Junior A hurling championship in 1992 proposed by David Clancy and Seamus Twomey (carried). Organising committee appointed David Clancy, Stephen Stapleton, Seamus Twomey, Damien O’Donovan and Shane Mulqueen.5. That the club appoint a caretaker to oversee and manage the facilities in the club grounds (to be further discussed).
5 That the club appoint a caretaker to oversee and manage the facilities in the club grounds (to be further discussed).
Team Management for 2023:
The following adult team management were appointed. Intermediate Hurling manager Michael Clancy. Coach Ger Kelleher, Dromin/Athlacca. Strength and Conditioning Coach Donal Walsh, Dromin/Athlacca. Selectors Eoin Kennedy and Donagh McCarthy. Stats James Flynn. Rest of backroom team to be confirmed.
Junior Football manager Shane O’Grady. Coach Mark O’Sullivan. Selectors TBC. U-19 hurling manager Seamus Murphy. Selector to be confirmed. U-19 football manager Edward Sheehy, selector Seamus Murphy. U-21 hurling manager Graham Russell, selector to be confirmed.
Junior B Hurling TBC. U-21 football manager Edward Sheehy, selector to be confirmed, proposed by Stephen Stapleton and Mossie O’Connor.
Tributes:
Many paid tribute to outgoing assistant secretary Liam Carroll and intermediate hurling selector Bobby Houlihan, who have decided to step down for their contributions made to the club over many years.
First Meeting:
The first meeting date for 2023 TBC.
Players:
The AGM ended with Fr. Tom Carroll PP saying prayers for deceased members.
13th Annual King of the Hill Challenge:
Have you got three people capable of striking a sliothar? Are you up for a challenge? Have they got a great head for heights? Then outside Denny A’s Bar, Ballingarry is the place to be on St. Stephen’s Day as Granagh/Ballingarry GAA club have organised their 13th annual King of the Hill challenge.
Registration is from 8.30am to 11.30am in Denny A’s, Bar, Ballingarry. The competition will commence at Denny A’s Bar and will continue in a circuit around roads in and the team that completes the course which takes about two hours with the fewest pucks win the King of the Hill perpetual trophy. We introduced a family competition in 2013 with a team of three members of the same family with the 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 and U-16s must be accompanied by an adult.
Roll of Honour:
The Kilmallock team of Eoin Ryan, Andrew O’Shaughnessy and Seoirse Bulfin won the first contest in 2009 with a creditable score of 53 shots. Tied for second place were the Pallasgreen team of Denis, Ciaran and Glen Ryan and the Ballyguile team of Billy and Liam O’Connor and Shane Mulqueen. Thirty-two teams completed the course in 2010 and the local team of Pat Carroll, Mick O’Rourke and Mark Tierney won with 45 shots. Joint second with 69 were the Kilmallock 2009 winning team and the local team of Evan Fox, Eoin and Niall Cahill and 27 teams completed the course in 2011. The winners were the local Craigacurra team of David Condron, Gerry O’Donovan and his son Thomas with 38 pucks.
Joint second on 39 were the Bruff line stokers Shane Mulqueen and Billy and Liam O’Connor and the Coalruss team of Matt Carroll, Patrick Potter and James Noonan. The local power rangers team of cousins Willie Power and John and Connor O’Keeffe took the Gronze with 40 shots.
30 teams completed the course in 2012 in difficult wet and wintery conditions and it was won again by Kilmallock fielding Andrew O’Shaughnessy, Eoin Ryan and Billy O’Loughlin with 49 shots second on 51 were the local team of Denis O’Connor, Damian O’Donovan, and Mickie O’Keeffe. The local spar team of Donal and Darragh O’Grady and Michael Corrigan were third with 52. 39 teams completed the course in ideal conditions in 2013 won by the local Kilayol boys’ team of Stephen Hickey, Jack O’Donoghue and Edward Sheehy on 46 second on 47 were the Larry Murphy team of Mick O’Keeffe, Damian O’Donovan and Denis O’Connor and joint third on 49 shots were Willie and Jack Banks and Darragh O’Grady and the always get home team of Darren and Shane Clifford and Noel O’Grady. In the family section the winners were Fiona, David and Emma Morrissey on 52 shots second with 58 were Pat, Eoin and Aisling Herlihy and third on 59 were Bill Cagney, John and Sean English. In 2014 35 teams completed the course in difficult windy conditions and it was won by the locals Seamus, Peter and Stephen Stapleton on 51 shots joint second on 52 were the Adare Bandits Michael. Andrew and Stephen O’Connell and the local Brian Geary ltd team of Mick O’Keeffe, Denis O’Connor and Damian O’Donovan. The bronze medals went to the will always get home team of Noel O’Grady, Shane O’Grady and Darren Clifford. In the family section the Liam McCarthy team of James Flynn his son Luke and cousin Darragh Casey won with 51 shots the same numbers as the adult section winners joint second with 55 were the Kilcolman rangers team of Richie Snr, Richie Jnr and Lisa O’Keeffe and the Kerry Hurling team of Mary and Aoife Flynn. The bronze medals went to defending champions Fiona, David and Emma Morrissey on 56. In 2015 38 teams completed the course an increase of three teams on 2014 again in difficult wet conditions. The adult competition was won by the local team of Thomas O’Donovan, David Condron and Colm Noonan with a very creditable score of 42 shots close second on 45 shots were the team of Gerald and Kenneth Linehan and Richard O’Dea. The bronze medals went to the Bruff liners Billy O’Connor his son Liam and Shane Mulqueen on 46 shots. The best team of Clare Eoin and Siobhan Enright won the third annual family section with 43 shots one behind the adult section winners second on 54 shots were 2014 winners the Liam McCarthy team of John, Sean and Clare English and the Lynch Granagh Road team of Noel, Gerard and David Lynch. In 2016 36 teams completed the course a decrease of two teams on 2015. The adult contest was won by the Mighty Morrissey team of David, Fiona and Emma Morrissey with a creditable score of 42 shots close second on 43 were the Henry Street Garda team of Dennis O’Connor, Damian O’Sullivan and Mike O’Keeffe. Four teams finished level on 45 shots. The local sliced pan team of David, Cathal and Kieran O’Keeffe the team of Thomas O’Donovan, David Condron and Colm Noonan. The Bruff liners Shane Mulqueen, Billy O’Connor and her son Liam and the snipers team of Kieran Mulqueen, Josh Quelle Mulcare and Brian O’Shea. The Stapleton team of Kayleigh, Jesse and Beth Stapleton won the fourth annual family section with 48 shots. Close second on 49 were the local team of James Flynn his son Luke and cousin Darragh Casey. In third place with a very credible score of 52 shots were the Glengille team of Fiona Power and Laura and Ann Marie O’Keeffe. In 2017 a record a record 45 teams completed the course an increase of nine on 2016. The adult competition was won by the Wilson team of Richie Junior, Richie Senior and Cathal O’Keeffe with a very creditable score of 42 shots the same as 2016 winners. The mighty Morrisey’s tied second on 44 shotswith the Ballyguire Whistle Blowers team of Denis O’Connor, Damian O’Donovan and Mike O’Keeffe and the locals team of Kieran O’Donovan, Patrick Shelton and Sean Lenihan. The bronze medals went went to the Lismoate Ramblers brothers Niall and Eoin Cahill and Eoin Fox. The snipers team of Kieran Mulqueen, Ryan O’Shea and Josh Quelle won the fifth annual family section with forty two shots the same number as the adult section winners close second on 43 were the Kilmore team of Claire, Eoin and Siobhan Enright and that with a very creditable score of fifty one shots were the Kingland team of Seamus, Paudie and Sean Murphy. A record 51 teams completed the course in 2018 an increase of six on 2017 in ideal conditions. Adult conditions joint first place were Denis O’Connor, Mikey O’Keeffe and Damien O’Donovan along with 42 shots family section Claire, Eoin and Siobhan Enright won the sixth annual family section for the second time a first since 2015 with 42 shots the some numbers as in 2017. Winners Ryan O’Shea, Kieran Mulqueen and Josh Quill and adult section winners. A record 52 teams completed the course in 2019 an increase of one on 2018 in difficult misty conditions. Adult competitions first place on 44 shots were the IIA team of Josh Quill/Mulcare, Luke Flynn and Andrew Meade. Three teams finished level in second place on 45 John O’Grady, Kevin Trainer and Niamh O’Sullivan, Jim O’Keeffe and Conor Mulqueen, Jack O’Donoghue, Liam Barrett and Cal McCarthy. Family section Seamus Poter and Stephan won the seventh annual family section with 48 shots second were Beth, Jessie and Kaylee Stapleton on 50, third on 52 shots were Seamus, Paudie and Sean Murphy. Due to Covid-19 restrictions no competition took place in 2020. A record 56 teams completed the course an increase of one on 2019 in the 12th annual Granagh Ballingarry GAA Club Knockfierna King of the Hill Challenge in ideal conditions on St. Patricks day 2021 Adult Competition First on 49 shots were Jack O’Donoghue, Liam Barrett and Darragh O’Donoghue. Three teams finished level in second place on 53 Eoin Herlihy, Daragh Casey and Luke Flynn, Emer Hickey and Ronan Mullane, Henry Dore and Stephen Hickey.
Family Section: Sean and Paudie Murphy won the eight annual family sectionwith 51 shots second were Eoin and Tom Enright on 57 third on 59 shots were Mark O’Shea, Maurice and PJ Noonan.
Presentation: After successful completion of the course when all the teams have come in the King of the Hill perpetual trophies will be presented to the winning team and the winning family team in Denny A’s Bar, Ballingarry. If you need more information please contact Niall Carroll on 085 1026663 or any club member for more information.
Race Night:
Granagh/Ballingarry GAA Club is going to the races in conjunction with our partners in Granagh/Ballingarry Ladies Football and Camogie. The three clubs are hosting a joint race night in the Longcourt Hotel, Newcastlewest on Friday 30th December at 8.30pm. The lucky winners will take home 1,000 each. All proceeds from the night will go towards the club’s new training field. This is the first Christmas and New Year since 2019 without Covid-related restrictions. So, we hope this can act as a social event for all within the community to meet and greet neighbours and friends especially those who are home for the holiday season. So, remember the date – Friday 30th December at 8.30pm and we hope to see you all there. Entry on the night will be €15. Thanks for your support.
County GAA Club Draw:
Granagh/Ballingarry had approximately 117 members in the 2022 County GAA Club draw. There were three winners: Teresa McCarthy €3,000 in August, Joan and John O’Grady in May, Dan and Norina Sheehan in June winning €100. Thank you to our draw co-ordinator Stephen Stapleton and all who supported the draw during the year. Details of the 2023 draw will be announced early in the new year.
Limerick GAA Club Season Tickets:
Limerick County GAA Board launched their 2023 club season tickets recently. The tickets will entitle the bearer to entry to all Limerick County Board Club games in 2023 from minor to senior levels. The cost is €150 plus postage. Order your ticket now at limerickgaa.ie/shop/limerick-gaa-club-season-tickets-2023/
Regrading:
Any Granagh/Ballingarry players wishing to be regraded from Intermediate to Junior B Hurling for 2023 should contact club secretary John Lynch at 087 2912356 as soon as possible as forms must be returned to the county secretary in early January.
Results:
Limerick County U21B Hurling Championship Final
Dromin/Athlacca 0-19, Knockaderry 2-9.
County Premier U21 Football Championship Group 2 Round 3
Galbally 3-10, St. Kieran’s 1-6.
County U21A Football Championship Quarter Finals
Dromcollogher/Broadford 4-14, St. Patrick’s 1-14 aet
Ballylanders 3-0, Ahane 0-6.
Oola, w/o Claughaun scr.
County U21A Football Championship Group 3 Round 3
South Liberties/Crecora Manister w/o, Rathkeale/Cappagh scr.
County U21B Football Championship Group 1 Round 3
Belville Gaels w.o, Ballybricken/Bohermore/Fedamore scr.
County U21A Hurling Championship Semi Final
Newcastlewest 0-20, Kildimo/Pallaskenry 0-12.
All Ireland Club Intermediate Hurling Championship Semi Final
Monaleen (Limerick) 2-19, Bray Emmets (Wicklow) 0-20.
All Ireland Club Junior Hurling Championship Semi Finals
Ballygiblin (Cork) 1-12, Horeswood (Wexford) 0-8.
€7,800 Jackpot On Saturday:
There was no winner of the €7,000 jackpot in the Granagh/Ballingarry GAA Club lottery on Saturday 17th December in Condron’s Bar, Ballingarry. The numbers drawn were 12, 14, 17 and 23. Lucky dips of €20 each went to Mona Callaghan promoter (online), Paudie O’Sullivan promoter Condron’s Bar, Ballingarry, Patrick Sheehy promoter Andrew Holmes, Thomas O’Donovan promoter Niall Carroll. The next draw for a jackpot of €7,800 is on Saturday 24th December in the Rock Bar, Granagh. Tickets are €2 and 3 for €5 and are on sale in local shops, bars and from promoters. You can now play online and the link is available on the club Facebook page and Twitter and finishes at 6pm on Saturdays. Thank you for your continued support.
Website:
Check regularly for all the latest club news. It is updated regularly and is worth a visit over the Christmas and New Year season.
Merry Christmas:
All the officers, players and members of Granagh/Ballingarry GAA Club wish you all a merry Christmas and sporting and successful new year both on and off the field. We thank you for your support in 2022. We thank the Weekly Observer and the Vale Star for the consistent publicity they give our club and we wish the staff there the blessings of the season.
Club and other GAA Diary:
Wednesday 21st December
Limerick County U21A Hurling Championship Final
Newcastlewest v Murroe/Boher in Adare at 8pm.
Thursday 22nd December
County Premier U21 Football Championship Group 1 Round 2
Monaleen v Newcastlewest in Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale 3A pitch at 6.30pm.
Friday 30th December
Granagh/Ballingarry GAA Camogie and Ladies Football club race night in the Longcourt Hotel, Newcastlewest at 8.30pm.
Tuesday 3rd January
Munster Senior Hurling League Group A Round 1
Waterford v Tipperary in Fraher Field, Dungarvan at 7pm.
Wednesday 4th January
McGrath Cup Senior Football Group Round 1: Cork v Kerry in Páirc Uí Rinn at 7pm.
McGrath Cup Senior Football Group B Round 1
Limerick v Waterford in Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale at 7pm.
Thursday 5th January
Munster Senior Hurling League Group B Round 1
Kerry v Cork in Austin Stack Park, Tralee at 7pm.