Granagh Ballingarry GAA Club Notes:
O’Connor’s Point Snatches Late Win for Granagh/Ballingarry:
West Senior Hurling League/Championship Round 1
Granagh/
Ballingarry………………0-17
Croagh/Kilfinny…………0-16
A well taken point from an eighty metre placed ball by keeper Denis O’Connor, two minutes into added time, earned Granagh/Ballingarry a thrilling one point victory over unlucky neighbours Croagh/Kilfinny in the opening round of the West Limerick Senior Hurling League/Championship in cold windy conditions at Ballingarry on Saturday evening.
The first round West Senior League/Championship tie was played in front of a big crowd in heavy underfoot conditions with Nigel Carey of Patrickwell in charge. Croagh/Kilfinny, with the wind at their backs, dominated the opening seven minutes with four unanswered white flags from open play, through Brian Hannon on 2 minutes, Jack Lenihan on 3 minutes, Brian Hannon on 5 minutes and Barry Lenihan on 7 minutes. The game was held up for the next three minutes due to injury and when play got underway again Damien O’Donovan finally opened the Granagh/Ballingarry boys’ account when he split the uprights from open play on 11 minutes, followed up a minute later with another white flag courtesy of Michael Russell to reduce the deficit to two, Croagh/Kilfinny 0-4, Granagh/Ballingarry 0-2 on 12 minutes. The next 9 minutes were close and exciting with white flags traded by Michael Russell (play) on 14 minutes and Cian O’Carroll (play) on 16 minutes, Cathal O’Keeffe (play) on 17 minutes and Cian O’Carroll (free) on 18 minutes, Brian Hannon (play) on 19 minutes and Michael Russell (play) two minutes later to leave two still between the sides, Croagh/Kilfinny 0-7, Granagh/Ballingarry 0-5 on 21 minutes. Luke Flynn and Owen Lynch had wides for the Granagh/Ballingarry boys before four unanswered white flags for Croagh/Kilfinny, courtesy of Cian O’Carroll from open play on 23 minutes and a 65 on 24 minutes, Jack Lenihan (play) on 26 minutes and Josh O’Connor (play) on 28 minutes before Damien O’Donovan finally found the range for the open side when he split the uprights following a good solo run on 30 minutes to reduce the deficit to five, Croagh/Kilfinny 0-11, Granagh/Ballingarry 0-6 at the interval.
With the wind at their backs it was all Granagh/Ballingarry in the opening ten minutes after the interval with six unanswered white flags through Darragh Casey (play) on 37 minutes, Damien O’Donovan (free) on 34 minutes, Cathal O’Keeffe (play) on 36 minutes, Michael Russell (play) on 37 minutes, Paudie Murphy (play) on 39 minutes and Cathal O’Keeffe (play) to leave Granagh/Ballingarry ahead for the first time in their hard fought contest by one 0-12 to 0-11 on 40 minutes. Then white flags were traded from open play by Brian Hannon on 41 minutes and Damien O’Donovan on 42 minutes before a trio of white flags, in as many minutes for the visitors, courtesy of Gearoid Lenihan (play), Cian O’Carroll (free) and Jack Lenihan (play) to leave the 2021 and 2022 defeated County Intermediate Hurling Championship finalists Croagh/Kilfinny two ahead 0-15 to 0-13 at the end of the third quarter. A couple of wides were exchanged before a trio of white flags for Granagh/Ballingarry, courtesy of Damien O’Donovan (free) on 49 minutes, Cathal O’Keeffe (play) on 52 minutes and Damien O’Donovan (play) three minutes later to leave the home side one ahead 0-16 to 0-15 on 55 minutes. The final five minutes plus were very exciting with play flowing from end to end and Cian O’Carroll of Croagh/Kilfinny making the sides level at 0-16 each when he split the uprights on 59 minutes cancelled out three minutes later when Granagh/Ballingarry keeper Denis O’Connor sent an eighty metre placed ball straight between the uprights two minutes into added time to put Granagh/Ballingarry one ahead. The final whistle sounded shortly after to leave the home side one point, if only just, 0-17 to 0-16 winners of the two West Senior Hurling League/Championship points on offer after a most enjoyable close hard fought contest.
Well done to referee Nigel Carey of Patrickswell, an excellent job in this his first game in charge of at adult level.
Granagh/Ballingarry scored 0-15 from play and 0-2 from frees. Croagh/Kilfinny scored 0-11 from play, 0-4 from frees and 0-1 from a 65.
Granagh/Ballingarry: Denis O’Connor 0-1, Eoin Casey, Niall Cahill, Eoin Herlihy, Ronan Mullane, Jack Cagney, Sean O’Connor, Josh Quill-Mulcaire, Darragh Casey 0-1, Michael Russell 0-4, Cathal O’Keeffe 0-4, Luke Flynn, Paudie Murphy 0-1, Damien O’Donovan 0-6 (2 frees Owen Lynch. Subs used: Brendan Lynch and Edward Sheehy.
Croagh/Kifinny: Cian Sheehy, Seamie Lenihan, Denis Lenihan, Conor Lenihan, Barry Lenihan 0-1, Tom McMahon, Mark Storan, Josh O’Connor 0-1, James Lanigan, Andrew Meade, Cian O’Carroll 0-6 (4 frees, 1 65), Jack Lenihan 0-3, Brian Hannon 0-4, Nessan Leahy, Gearoid Lenihan 0-1. Subs: Robert Lynch, Mark Mullane, Kevin Dee, Jamie Burke, Jack Shiels, Pat Lenihan, James O’Brien, Colin Barry, Richard Lenihan, Maurice Lenihan, Gerard Madigan.
Referee: Nigel Carey (Patrickswell).
West Senior Hurling League/Championship, Round 2 and 3:
A busy few days of action lie ahead for Granagh/Ballingarry in the West Senior Hurling League/Championship. On Saturday 8th April they play last year’s defeated County Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship semi finalists Newcastle West in Ballingarry at 6.30pm. Four days later, on Tuesday 11th April, they travel to Coolcappa to play the home side St. Kieran’s, last year’s County Junior A Hurling champions at 6.30pm. Two exciting games are in prospect, so come and support the boys in black and green and their management team on both evenings in their bid to make it a hat trick of wins in the West Senior Hurling League/Championship.
Granagh/Ballingarry Off to a Winning Start
West Junior B Hurling League Group1, Round 1
Granagh/
Ballingarry……..4-20
Monagea…….1-8
2022 West Junior B Hurling Championship defeated finalists Granagh/Ballilngarry made a winning start to their West Junior B Hurling League Group 1 campaign with a comfortable victory over a gallant Monagea in Ballingarry on Sunday evening. A good crowd turned out to watch this opening Junior B League tie despite the cold conditions which was played in heavy underfoot conditions with John O’Halloran of Bruree in charge. The home side Granagh/Ballingarry were sharper, more direct, showed better touches up front, were too strong for their opponents. The home sided led 2-14 to 1-3 at the interval. Credit to the Monagea boys who refused to give up and continuously took the fight in the second half to their much stronger and fitter opponents. At the final whistle the 2022 West Junior B Championship defeated finalists Granagh/Ballingarry were comfortable 4-20 to 1-8 winners of the two West Junior B Hurling League Group 1 points on offer. They can look forward, with confidence, to the next round against Kildimo/Pallaskenry on Thursday 13th April in Pallaskenry at 6.45pm. Granagh/Ballingarry scored 4-13 from play and 0-7 from frees.
Monagea scored 1-3 from play and 0-5 from frees.
Granagh/Ballingarry: Keith O’Kelly, Mickie O’Keeffe, Eoin Enright, Ger Ryan, Eoin Herlihy, John Carroll (captain), Mark O’Shea 0-1q, Pat Carroll, Edward Sheehy 2-0, Eoin Lynch 0-6 (4 frees), Owen Lynch 0-4, Brendan Lynch, Richie O’Keeffe 1-1, John O’Grady 0-3 (frees), Padraig McKenna 0-1. Subs used: Dean Clancy 1-1, Marcus Moore, Niall Carroll, Kieran Condron, Ronan Mullane.
Monagea scorers: James Normoyle 1-6 (0-5 frees), Kevin Mulcahy 0-3.
Referee: John O’Halloran.
Membership Closed:
The closing date for membership for Granagh/Ballingarry GAA Club for 2023 was Friday 31st March. A word of thanks to all who have paid. Those who play their club draw €100 subscriptions in full are automatically members for 2023.
Players Membership/Insurance:
Granagh/Ballingarry players’ membership can still be renewed online at www.foireann.ie Any player not currently registered who incurs any injury will not be covered by GAA insurance and will have to cover all costs including medical and loss of earnings. So we ask all players to register at www.foireann.ie as soon as possible.
Another Night Out with Burgess Bolger:
The best of luck to our second club nominee Burgess Bolger in the quarter final of the Con and Annie Memorial Stake at Limerick Greyhound Stadium on Holy Saturday 8th April. Your support for this event would be greatly appreciated.
Holy Saturday Night Quiz:
Granagh/Ballingarry GAA Club Fundraiser Quiz Night takes place in Condron’s Bar, Ballingarry on Holy Saturday April 8th at 9.30pm. €40 per team of 4. Your support for this fundraiser would be great appreciated.
Limerick GAA Annual 2023 Launch:
A full review of all Granagh/Ballingarry GAA Club activities, both on and off the field, plus photos in 2022 are included in the Limerick County GAA Yearbook which was launched recently by Limerick senior hurling manager John Kiely in Coolyroe. The book, numbering 240 pages, is packed with information and photographs. It represents exceptional good value at €20. It would make an ideal present for a family member or friend and is available in O’Grady’s Spar Shop, Ballingarry and O’Gorman’s Shop at Chawke’s Cross, Granagh.
Ladies Football Junior Team:
Well done to the Granagh/Ballingarry Junior Ladies football team who played their final game of the season against Fr. Casey’s in Ballingarry on Sunday morning. It’s absolutely fantastic to see the club fielding a junior team again after a number of years.
Results:
Munster U20 Hurling Championship, Round 2: Limerick 1-19, Clare 1-19; Cork 1-17, Waterford 1-13.
Munster Minor Hurling Championship, Round 2: Limerick 2-20, Clare 0-22; Cork 3-19, Waterford 0-15.
West Senior Hurling League/Championship, Round 1: Granagh/Ballingarry 0-17, Croagh/Kilfinny 0-16; Newcastle West 0-16, Adare 1-13.
West Junior B Hurling League, Group 1, Round 1: Granagh/Ballingarry 4-20, Monagea 1-8; Knockaderry 1-19, Newcastle West 3-8; Kildimo/Pallaskenry 3-22, Tournafulla 1-15.
West Junior B Hurling League, Group 2, Round 1: St. Kieran’s 0-16, Askeaton 2-6; Feohanagh/Castlemahon 1-16, Feenagh/Kilmeedy 0-15.
Limerick Bid for 13th National Hurling League Title on Sunday:
The best of luck to manager John Kiely, captain Declan Hannon, our own Donal O’Grady, coach/selector and the Limerick senior hurlers who are playing Kilkenny in the National Hurling League, Div 1 final on this Sunday 9th April in Páirc Uí Chaoimh at 2pm in this the fifth final meeting of the sides – 1933 Kilkenny 3-8, Limerick 1-3; 1947 Limerick 3-8, Kilkenny 1-7; 1983 Kilkenny 2-14, Limerick 2-12; 2006 Kilkenny 3-11, Limerick 0-14.
Kilkenny, joint top of the Div 1 National Hurling League roll of honours with Tipperary on 19th titles, will be aiming to take the Dr. Croke Cup for the second time in three seasons. Limerick, third on the roll of honour with 14 titles, one behind neighbours Cork, are aiming for a first league title since 2020. Your support for the boys in green and white on Sunday in Páirc Uí Chaoimh for the 2pm throw in, would be appreciated to cheer them on in their bid to win their 14th National Hurling League Div 1 title and a first since 2020.
National Hurling League Final Tickets:
The Limerick v Kilkenny National Hurling League, Div 1 Final on Sunday 9th April in Páirc Uí Chaoimh at 2pm is a fully reserved seating fixture. Adult €25, student/oap €25, juvenile €5, wheelchair and attendant €25. Purchase your ticket now at www.ticketmaster.ie/allion/event/1800SE7DACS39009 or at selected Centra and SuperValu stores.
Munster Championship Tickets:
All Munster Championship matches in 2023 will be all-ticket and must be purchased in advance. Tickets for all Round Robin games in this season’s Munster Seniior Hurling Championship will go on sale this Thursday April 6th at 11am via Ticketmaster and selected SuperValu and Centra outlets.
West Junior B Hurling Championship 2023:
Group 1: Monagea, Adare, Granagh/Ballingarry, Askeaton.
Group 2: Kileedy, Newcastle West, Tournafulla.
Group 3: Knockaderry, Croagh/Kilfinny, St. Kieran’s.
Group 4: Feenagh/Kilmeedy, Feoahanagh/Castlemahon, Dromcollogher/Broadford.
Note: Two top teams in each group qualify for quarter finals, 1st Group 1 v 2nd Group 2; 1st Group 2 v 2nd Group 1 and 1st Group 3 v 2nd Group 4, 1st Group 4 v 2nd Group 3. If teams finish level, on points scoring differential will apply.
Draw Promoters Hit the Streets:
Granagh/Ballingarry GAA Club Draw promoters are taking to the streets of the parish to canvas members to join the 10 month draw March to December. By joining you automatically become a member of the club for 2023 and you will be included in the weekly Club Lottery if you pay your €100 membership in full by May 1st. See draw brochure for details of contact and member of the finance committee.
Note: The first draw will take place on Saturday 29th April and two draws will take place in December.
County GAA Club Draw:
Granagh/Ballingarry GAA Club are once more promoting the Limerick County Club Draw for 2023. There will be monthly draws from March to December. With a top prize of €10,000 there are a host of other prizes to be won, 2nd €3,000, 3rd €2,000, 4th €1,000, 5th exclusive star prize, 6th to 9th €500, 10th to 13th €300, 14th to 30th €200. There will again be exclusive monthly prizes to be won. Entry to the draw is just €10 per month or €100 for the ten draws with the option to join our own ten monthly draw and County Club Draw for €150. If you would like to renew your membership for 2023, please follow the link limerickgaa.ie/clublimerickdraw.ie/clublimerick-draw-signup and select Granagh/Ballingarry GAA Club and the number of draws you wish to sign up for. You may also contact the Granagh/Ballingarry GAA Club draw co-ordinator Stephen Stapleton on (086) 1960301.
Note: The deadline for accepting membership is now extending to this Friday 7th April at 4pm as the first draw will now take place on Saturday 29th April.
Munster U20 Football Championship Quarter Final:
The best of luck to the Limerick U20 footballers and their management team who play Waterford in the Munster Championship on Easter Monday, 10th April in Paddy Carroll Park, Ballyagran at 2pm. Please support.
Club Gear:
Granagh/Ballingarry GAA Club’s tops, hoodies, tracksuits, jackets, shorts and socks can now be ordered online at www.larochasports.ie product-category/clubs/granagh/ballingarry
Club Website:
Check out our website at www.granaghballingarry.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 www.facebook.com/granaghballingarrygaa and twitter at www.twitter.com/granaghballingarrygaa
€9,300 Jackpot on Saturday:
There was no winner of the €9,300 jackpot in the Granagh/Ballingarry GAA Club lottery draw on Saturday 1st April in Condron’s Bar, Ballingarry. The numbers draw were 22, 25, 27 and 29. The lucky dips of €20 each went to Eddie O’Brien, promoter online; Shane Mulqueen, promoter Conor O’Keeffe; PJ Lake, promoter John Lynch; Leah Twomey, promoter The Rock Bar, Granagh. The next draw for a jackpot of €9,300 will be in the Rock Bar, Granagh on Saturday 8th April. Tickets are €2 each or three for €5 and are on sale in local shops, bars and from promoters. You can also play the weekly draw online and the link is available on the Club Facebook and Twitter which finishes at 6pm every Saturday. Thank you for your support.
Club Diary:
Wednesday 5th April
Munster Minor Hurling Championship, Round 3: Cork v Tipperary in Páirc Uí Chaoimh at 7.30pm.
Saturday 8th April
West Senior Hurling League/Championship, Round 2: Granagh/Ballinarry v Newcastle West in Ballingarry at 6.30pm.
Granagh/Ballingarry Fundraiser Quiz Night in Condron’s Bar, Ballingarry at 9.30pm.
Sunday 9th April
National Hurling League Div 1 Final: Limerick v Kilkenny in Páirc Uí Chaoimh at 2pm.
Munster Senior Football Championship Quarter Finals: Tipperary v Waterford in Semple Stadium, Thurles at 2pm; Clare v Cork in Cusack Park, Ennis at 2pm.
Monday 10th April
Munster U20 Football Championship Quarter Final: Limerick v Waterford in Paddy Carroll Park, Ballyagran at 2pm; Tipperary v Clare in Semple Stadium, Thurles at 7pm.
Tuesday 11th April
West Senior Hurling League/Championship, Round 3: Granagh/Ballingarry v St. Kieran’s in Coolcappa at 6.30pm.
Thursday 13th April
West Junior B Hurling League, Group 1, Round 2: Granagh/Ballingarry v Kildimo/Pallaskenry in Pallaskenry at 6.45pm.
Sunday 16th April
West Junior A Football League/Championship, Round 1: Granagh/Ballingarry v Dromcollogher/Broadford in Ballingarry at 6.30pm.