KNOCKADERRY GAA CLUB NOTES
LOTTO JACKPOT €16,100
The latest draw was held in the Halla Beag on Thursday 25th November
There was No jackpot winner.
Numbers drawn were 1,10,11,32
Prizes on the night: Brid Danaher – In house draw | Mag Enright – winning promoter | Andrea O Connor C/O Scanlons Bar | Colman & Mgt Duffy – Colman Duffy | Mary A Kelly C/O Denis O Connor | Aileen O Dowd C/O Pa Downes | Mag Enright – Online
This week’s draw will be Thursday 2nd December and will take place in Scanlons Bar. Please contact your promoter to purchase tickets if you normally purchased weekly tickets. All monthly and upfront subscriptions are automatically in the draw.
The Club Lotto can be played online on https://knockaderrygaa.clubifyapp.com/draws
All online entries must be logged before 8pm on the Thursday evening of the draw.
Thank you for your continued support and good luck!!
FIXTURES
U21 B Football Championship ¼ Final
Saturday 4th December at 2.00pm in Kilbreedy
Knockaderry v Galtee Gaels
Ticket purchase needed in advance – Contact Ger Corkery
RESULTS
U21 Hurling Championship Quarter Final
Knockaderry 1.12 Sarsfields 1.17
FIELD BOOKINGS
All field training/matches to be booked through Johnny Lavelle.
KNOCKADERRY CLUB GEAR
Club gear can be ordered from the Knockaderry site on O’ Neills. https://www.oneills.com/…/gaa/ireland/knockaderry-gaa.html
KEEP IN TOUCH
www.facebook.com/CnocandoireCLG-Twitter @KnockaderryGAA. You can also contact us by email secretary.knockaderry.limerick@gaa.ie or pro.knockaderry.limerick@gaa.ie
Knockaderry GAA – AGM 2021
Congratulations to Ger Downes who was elected Chairperson
The AGM of Knockaderry GAA was held on Saturday 27th November in Clouncagh.
There following officers were elected for 2021:
Chairperson: Ger Downes
Vice-Chairperson: as per club rule will be elected following Bord na nOg meeting
Secretary: Gerard Corkery
Assistant Secretary: as per club rule will be elected following Bord na nOg meeting
Treasurer: Sean Condon
Assistant Treasurer: Mary Collum
PRO: TBC
Irish Language Officer: Donagh O’Sullivan
Registrar: Diarmuid O’Sullivan
Health & Wellbeing Officer: TBC
Club Development Officer: Ted Danaher
Secretary Report 2021
Once again, it is a huge honour for me to present my eight consecutive secretary’s report. Following on from the disruptive 2020, we were hoping that 2021 would be a bit more normal and even though Covid is still very much in our lives, I am glad to report that we had a very busy year of activities within the club. Like my previous secretary reports, I will concentrate both on on-field matters as well as off field developments in a year where current pride of place went to our victorious Minor Football Champions and since our last AGM Limerick have now won an additional two All Ireland Hurling titles.
Intermediate Hurling Championship
Knockaderry participated in the Intermediate Hurling Championship grade for the 17th year. Like 2020, we were very competitive but unfortunately got knocked out at the ¼ final stage in a restructured championship. Our first game was against near neighbours Feohanagh (who had drawn with Croagh Kilfinny the previous week) played on the 12th September in The Bog Garden. We started very well and led 0.11 to 0.07 as half time approached but a late goal and point meant we went in level at HT – 0.11 to 1.08. We had an excellent start to the second have and were 1.15 to 0.11 points up after 37 mins. We continued to hold a good lead but Feohanagh did fight back scoring 5 points in a row in last quarter but we managed to hang on and win on a score line 1:17 to 1:15. This win practically guaranteed us ¼ final spot but we still had Croagh Kilfinny to play in our final group game a week later in Newcastlewest. This game could have gone either way and knowing they had to get a result Croagh Kilfinny finished stronger and were winners on the day on a score line of 1.21 to 1.17. All of this meant we finished second in the group and were paired against Effin in the ¼ final played in very challenging conditions in Feenagh on the 3rd October. Despite loosing Tom Condon to injury very early, we did play relatively well in the first half, but were really outpowered in the second 30 mins and were beaten comprehensively on the day 2.13 to 0.09. This concluded our championship. Effin went on to secure county glory with a victory over Croagh Kilfinny in the final. Tournafulla were relegated to Junior grade. A huge acknowledgment and thanks needs to go to the players led by captain Micheal O Sullivan, management team of Ted Danaher, Ger Hickey, Ger Ambrose and to the backroom team Katie Condon, Colum Moloney, Mike Mortell and Muiris O Connor. Ger Hickey informed the secretary last month that he was stepping away from his role and we would like to put on record our sincere appreciation and thanks for all the effort he put in over the season.
Co Hurling League / West Hurling Championships
There was a new structure put in place in 2021 which saw the leagues played on a divisional basis. We played in a very competitive West Senior Hurling League loosing to Feohanagh in Rd 1 but had three wins in a row against Tournafulla, Granagh Ballingarry and Newcastlewest before loosing comprehensively to Adare in the final round.
Junior B Hurling
For the first time in a number of years, we affiliated a JB Hurling team this year. The league commenced on the 20th June where we lost narrowly to Feenagh Kilmeedy – 1.09 to 0.11. In early July where we had a good win over Dromcollogher Broadford in Knockaderry. The following week, we were away to Tournafulla in tough battle and the points were shared. We didn’t get to play our final game v Crecora Manister as both teams couldn’t qualify for the knockout stages. In the West championship, we were drawn in a group with Dromcollogher Broadford and Monagea where we had 2 good wins by 11 points and 4 points respectively. This set up a ¼ spot with Croagh Kilfinny played in Ballingarry on the 3rd of October. We were second best for the whole game and exited the competition. On reflection, we succeeded on what we set out to do which was give players games and be as competitive as we could. Many thanks to Noel Molloy and John O Connor who managed the team.
Junior B Football
We had a relatively successful year in JB football but didn’t secure any silverware. In the West championship we lost narrowly to Granagh Ballingarry in Rd 1 by a point. We got a walkover from Newcastlewest and beat Glin well in the final round. This sent us through to a sem-final where we were paired against Ballysteen in the Bog Garden on 17th October. This was a tough battle and in low scoring game, we won 0.06 to 0.05. This set up a West final against Granagh Ballingarry played in good conditions in Athea on the 23rd October. Granagh Ballingarry always had a couple of points of a cushion throughout until we scored a goal with just 5 mins remaining leaving only a point in it. Almost straight away Granagh Ballingarry responded with a goal and a point and we lost on the day 1.11 to 1.06. In the County championship we had very hard fought wins in the ¼ final v Knockane (1.10 to 1.08) and the semi final v Galbally (1.08 to 0.10). This set up another meeting with our neighbours Granagh Ballingarry just last Sunday. After an encouraging start, we were second best for most of the game and were defeated on the day 0.10 to 0.02 which was a disappointing end to an enjoyable campaign.
Thanks to the work all season by the management team comprised of Johnny Lavelle, Muiris O’Connor and Mike Downes. We didn’t participate in the league in 2021.
U21 Hurling
This competition is ongoing and at the time of writing we are scheduled to play County U21B ¼ final on Sunday 28th v Sarsfields (Pallasgreen & Kilteely Dromkeen combination). In the group stage we had a big win over Croom in Rd 1. We eventually overcame a tough task v Ballybricken Bohermore Fedamore in Rd 2 (3.13 to 1.13) and were beaten narrowly Granagh Ballingarry a couple of weeks ago. Best of luck in the remainder of the competition to the players and management team of Ger Downes, Ted Danaher, Sean Condon, Noel Molloy and John O Connor.
U21 Football
At the time of writing, the U21B Football is still ongoing. We have played one game where we had a solid win away to Athea. Caherconlish withdrew from the competition meaning we top our group and we are now due to play Galtee Gaels in the ¼ final in the comings weeks. The football management team is the same as that of the hurling.
U19 Hurling
After our victorious county championship win of 2020 at U18B grade, we participated in U19A grade for 2021. Again we were very competitive and we started the competition with a great 10 point win over Tournafulla Killeedy in very inclement weather conditions in early August. Next up was a home game v South Liberties / Crecora Mainster in the end of August and after a superb performance – we ran out winners 2.20 to 2.13. All of this meant succesfull route to ¼ final where we came up against Cappamore. It is fair to say we under performed that day and exited the competition on a score line of 2.16 to 2.10. A huge acknowledgment and thanks needs to go to the players and management team of Noel Molloy, John O Connor, Tom McGrath and Sean Condon.
U19 Football
As mentioned earlier, pride of place goes to our U19 footballers who secured County success this year. We commenced the competition on the 3rd August with a comprehensive win at home to Athea. A week later we had a fantastic spirited win away to Dromcollogher Broadford winning by 2 points on the night 2.09 to 2.07. Shannon Gaels were next up on the 17th August and again we ground out a win by 3 points on the night. We progressed to the ¼ final v Belville Gaels played in MNP on the 21st of September. Again, we were too strong for the opposition winning by 7 points on the night. This set up a semi final meeting with Rathkeale Cappagh, played in far off Knocklong under lights in early October. Again, Knockaderry were far superior and claimed a final spot on the score line of 1.10 to 0.06. The final was eventually played one month later (5th November) v Banogue in Caherdavin. Please note match report from Ger Downes on the night.
The jubilant cheers of the large Knockaderry support rang out over the northside of Limerick city in the crisp winter air on Friday evening to herald the clubs victorious u19 footballers who claimed county honours in great style. The result, which was inevitable for some while towards the end as we opened up a gap on the scoreboard in the final ten minutes, was met with great scenes of delight by all at the full time whistle as we added an u19 football county title to the clubs growing roll of honor. Indeed it may not be the last county title coming to the club in 2021 as we maintain a keen interest in u21 hurling and football and are just 120 minutes away from a possible title at junior B football, but it is the first and it was secured showing the hallmarks of previous successful teams from our little club – spirit, determination and an abundance of skill. Banogue for their part were worthy finalists and maintained the battle until the end but crucial goals, three in the second half, proved decisive in this contest.
The first quarter dominance had Knockaderry firmly in command, leading 1.4 to 0.1, our opening goal coming from the boot of Gary Stroin after some great interplay through the pitch in the build up. We would wait however until the dying moments of the half before increasing that tally with Banouge finding their rhythm and kicking three unanswered points to cut the gap to a goal, and it was that Gary Storin goal that separated the sides at the short whistle, 1.5 to 5. Mike Molloy’s searing run and cool finish to the net pushed the lead to eight on the 42min but Banogue would respond and cut that deficit to five as they raised a green flag of their own in a rare breach of our defence just moments after. But it was from here that we thundered home. Jack Molloy was holding firm at the back aided by the Lyons twins, Michael O Connor and Darren Bridgeman as we begun to come forward with more menace and when Colm O Connor’s goal arrived, after a powerful run leaving many defenders in his wake, just three minutes from time it asserted our control of the game on the scoreboard. Jack O Connor, who was very potent all evening and Kieran Storin, his usual industrious self had raised white flags just beforehand to cushion the lead. It was left to Mike Molloy, twin of Jack, to finish the scoring with a well slotted penalty in injury time to carry our score to 4-8 to Banogue’s 1.6.
In what was a difficult week for the Lyons family after the passing of a great club stalwart Paddy on the weekend previous it was fitting that it was his grandsons, Cormac and Darragh, who continue the great lineage, had the honour of jointly accepting the trophy on behalf of the team and club in front a boisterous mix of young and not so young faithful. Well done to each player and to management, county titles are hard won and rare for small clubs which makes them all the more special when they come. These boys have given great entertainment and service over many years but we hope that even better days lay ahead. Cnoc an Doire abu!
Knockaderry Football Team:
Cormac Lyons Darragh Lyons (Joint Captains), Micheal O Connor Oran Ryan Gearoid Fenniman Ray Lacey Colm O Connor Cathal Moran Bryan Mortell Eddie Foley Ronan Keating Eoin O Connor Kieran Storin Mike Molloy Edward Hayes Enda Moran Gary Storin Jack Molloy Jack O Connor Eoghan Doherty Darren Bridgeman . Management Noel Molloy John O Connor Tom Mc Grath and Sean Condon , Physio/First Aid Katie Condon.
Bord na nOg
I would like to acknowledge the continued proactive work that has been done at underage level. I would like to acknowledge the work that Johnny Lavelle, Ger Downes, club officers, coaches and parents are continuously doing year on year to promote our games. We had well over 100 children registered this year and great credit is due to all team at all grades from U6 to U17. Well done all! Please see separate report on activities by Ger Downes Bord na nOg secretary.
Knockaderry Bord Na nOg Review 2021
2021 was a year that once again had many highlights both on and off the field of play. Being able to field teams at Bord Na nOg level with our own colours is certainly a big highlight and the donation and commitment made by Michael Dowling to help fund the Bord Na nOg for the next two years is most welcome as we hope and pray at this years end that 2022 returns to normality. The year was again fractured with on the field training not commencing util the summer time owing to the covid situation in the country during the early part of the year. However through the effort, dedication and co-operation of coaches, players and parents we were able to field teams from u7 to u17 in both hurling and football in what was a shortened season once again. The season overall did not produce a trophy but endeavour was high among all groups with our u13s coming closest to landing one as they contested the shield hurling final in the autumn.
5 year olds
The youngest group in the club got together in early July and trained each Monday evening. This group was comprised of boys and girls born in 2016, all incoming into Junior infants in Ahalin NS this past September. A very committed, energetic and comical bunch improved night on night from learning to hold the hurley correctly right up to playing competitive games between themselves in the final few weeks in October. Thanks to Muris O Connor, Ken Walsh, Ollie O Connor, Ger Downes and a host of parents who stepped in each night to assist with the groups when it was needed. Onwards for 2022!
U7’s
We played several games with this bunch with the best way to describe the year as one of improvement with every outing. We have only two boys aged 7 so the majority of players were 5 turning 6 in this year and it was a big ask to be able to compete with other teams closer to the age. This did not dampen enthusiasm though and the efforts of coaches James O Connor, Felim Mullane, Carolin Liston, Bernard Scully and Cathriona O Donovan who were well rewarded as their charges bravely faced into every game, improving with every outing. We played games with Templeglantine, Tournafola, Athea and Askeaton to name just a few teams. The majority of this side is underage again in 2022 and the step up of a few from the younger age will make us much more competitive in the games programme next spring and summer.
U9’s
The u9 boys and girls made huge strides in 2021 in hurling and football. The coaching team of Ger Ambrose, Eoin O Grady, Johnny Lavelle, Declan Nash, John Power, Orla Ryan and Oliver Dowling had them busy week in week out with games each weekend and training during the week. We participated in the u9 leagues in hurling and football which were typically held on a Friday evening and we had games with Feohanagh, Croagh Kilfinny, Adare, Killedy among many others. This group holds plenty promise and it is no doubt that their trajectory is on the upward curve. Well done to all for your efforts in 2021.
U11’s
Our u11s played in the all-county leagues in hurling and football. Games were small sided to ensure that all players get maximum game time. We had regular games on a Tuesday evening however this meant that we fielded many evenings without the assistance of the girls due to a clash with camogie training at the same time. Richard Wall and Eoin Barrett coached and mentored the group through the season and travelled far and wide for games. The year ended with the annual Peter Butler cup and we had a very competitive game against Knockainey but lost narrowly in the end. Numbers wise we are very tight at this age group but they are a very committed bunch and thanks to all for your efforts in 2021.
U13’s
This group reached the u13 shield hurling final after a great campaign that saw victories over Granagh/Ballingarry, Belville Gaels and Drom/Broadford with Glenroe proving to be too strong on the last day. After having played with a stiff breeze in the opening half we found it very difficult to reel in the lead that they had ran up at half time. Indeed on a different day I do feel that the teams would be much closer. We lost to Monagea in what was very good game in Knockaderry to miss out on making the championship semi-final and they went on to lose narrowly to Garryspillane, eventual winners of the division 2 championship. All in all this group is very competitive with the top teams in this grade and have very good potential going forward. In football we reached the semi-final of the shield final, losing to a strong Hospital Herbertstown side after having defeated Belville Gaels and Granagh/Ballingarry in the group. St Kierans proved to be too strong for us in round one of the championship consigning us to play for a shield position in the remaining rounds. Thanks to Pat Windle, Darragh Moloney, Sean Ahern, Con Enright and Anthony Meehan for your unwavering efforts and dedication to the group over the past season.
U15’s
We played in division three of the hurling at u15 level having decided to leave behind the 13 a side competition in favour of more games. Grading, which is a problem in many age groups at Bord na Nog, was an issue for us as we encountered a number of teams that should have been in a grade higher than division 3. Numbers are extremely tight at this age and we were depending on the help of boys as young as 12 at times to field and while we were as competitive as we could be with Askeaton/Ballysteen, Granagh Ballingarry, Ballybrown and Blackrock we did not qualify for the latter stages of the competition, picking up one win on the road against Blackrock. We entered the hurling Feile B but were defeated by Mungret and Kildimo Pallaskenry one Friday evening in late August. In football we gave two walkovers after being defeated heavily by Askeaton/Ballysteen in round 1 of the competition. The team was looked after Chris Moloney, Andrew Faughnan, Anthony McMahon, Don Hanley and Michael O Sullivan who put in a huge effort with the team right through the season.
U17’s
Our u17 footballers lost the shield semi-final to Ahane, eventual competition winners, in October after coming through a group consisting of South Libertiers/Crecora, Ballybricken Bohermore with two wins and a defeat to Cappagh Rathkeale. We also qualified for the shield semi-final in hurling, our only defeat coming in round one at the hands of Ballybrown but going on to have good wins over Knockainey-Hospital/Herbertstown and Croagh/Kilfinny-Rathkeale. On the morning of our semi final fixture with Murroe Boher, eventual competition winners, we were down in strength and found ourselves on the wrong side of very determined home side. This should not take from the year as the team has again showed that they can compete with the best of them even with limited numbers. We are expecting a few players from this side to make an impression at adult level in 2022 and our thanks to Tom Foley, Mark and Keith Danaher along with Steven McMahon who helped to steer the side through 2021 and did a very fine job once again.
Winter League for u12’s
Our u12s are currently in a winter hurling league being hosted by St Kieran’s in their new all-weather facility in Ardagh. We had a great win over Granagh/Ballingarry in round one by lost out by two points to Drom Broadford in round 2 on Thursday last. We play St Kieran’s in the final game on Saturday next to determine our place for the finals day. Thanks to Darragh Moloney, Sean Ahern and Anthony Meehan for looking after the team and every best wish to all in the coming weeks. They are hardy souls in this weather!
Winter training programme
Presently our u15s are working with Tom Foley and Mark Danaher on a Tuesday evening and are working on their functional movement skills. This programme is set to continue for the next few weeks and into the spring time. Our u12s train each Monday evening in the Ball Wall in NCW in preparation for their games in the winter league on Saturday. It was hoped to run sessions for more age groups but the unavailability of facilities locally meant that this was not possible however we do aim to start a little earlier in the new year with all age groups.
Ahalin NS
Due to Covid there have been no competitions this past year in school but again we wish to acknowledge the contribution of all the teachers and staff in helping promote Gaelic Games at every opportunity. We look forward to having school games return in the spring time pending the situation around public health advice.
Kelloggs Cul Camp
We had 106 boys and girls from the age of 5 to 13 at the Cul camp, hosted on the first week of July. This number was up a few from last year and again a fantastic week was had by all. Thanks to Tom Sheehy and Aidan Becton who once again managed the BBQ, to Mary Collum and Margaret Bridgeman who assisted with the preparation of the food and to all the helpers who organised the lines and handed food out to the masses! Thanks to the camogie club for paying for the ice cream truck to attend afterwards for a much deserved treat for all. David O Dea lead the camp for the week and we extend a word of thanks to David and his team of coaches for all their work in making the week so enjoyable for all.
Donation towards running costs
Thanks to Michael Dowling for his very generous donation towards the running cost of Bord na Nog for the next numbers of years. This financial backing is very welcome and it has already been put to good use with the purchase of new small goals, extra training and gym equipment which all help with the preparation of all teams and we already have a number of initiatives in the pipeline for next year that will aid the development of all players of the club.
Thanks
A few special acknowledgments must go to a number of people whom are almost invisible in the background when it comes to doing certain jobs – thanks to Johnny Lavelle for managing the field bookings throughout the year, he is in regular contact with each age group and his job at times is not easy trying to ensure everyone has a space to train and play on. To Richard Wall, Mike Downes and Liam Kennedy for all matters regarding the upkeep and preparation of the pitch for games, our pitch once again was in pristine condition in 2021 and this comes in no small part to the efforts of these men. To Orla Ryan and her team of lotto sellers whom sell tickets week in week out at Bord na Nog training. This is a vital source of income for the club and thankfully we have very generous supporters each week whom also must be acknowledged. To Nora Condon for her excellent coverage of all our activities in the local papers and also to Ger Corkery for keeping all of our teams to the forefront on social media. To Margaret Bridgeman who helps with so many different small, odd jobs through the year – your help is greatly appreciated. To all of the parents who supported any initiatives and in particular followed all the Covid guidelines very respectively throughout the year. Thanks to my fellow officers Richard Wall, Ger Corkery, Sean Condon and the committee of the senior club. A huge thanks to chairperson Johnny Lavelle for his calm and measured approach to managing all the affairs of Bord na Nog in 2021. Finally to all of the coaches whom give of their time year in, year out, in the promotion of our games and who put themselves forward to guide our young people through the formative years. Without the help and assistance of coaches our games would cease as would our club and on behalf of the club we say a huge thanks to you as a collective group for all of your efforts in 2021.
Happy Christmas and happy new year to one and all.
Cnoc and Doire abu!!
Gearoid O Dubhain
Runai, Bord na Nog,
Field
I would like acknowledge the work carried out throughout 2021 by various club officers assisted by Liam Kennedy (Community Employment Scheme) who kept the field in excellent condition all year. We hosted multiple game throughout the year and thanks to all lead coaches (incl Camogie club) for liaising with Johnny Lavelle who as always did an excellent job in relation to field management and booking.
Communications
In 2021, Knockaderry GAA continued to have a big presence on Social Media through Facebook, Twitter, Snapchat and Instagram. We also have weekly notes in the Limerick GAA website as well local newspapers. A huge word of thanks to Nora Condon for the submission of weekly notes/photos and also to Caoimhe Danaher for being our “Social Media Person” once again this year. We also have a WhatsApp group set up for communication purposes. Thanks also to Sean Liston for his contributions during the year.
Finances and Fundraising
The following is a breakdown of Fundraising events for the year. I would like to acknowledge Sean Condon for overseeing a very busy financial year.
Lotto
The Lotto has become very popular throughout 2021 and continues to be one of the most consistent fundraisers especially with the high jackpot and the selling of tickets online which is showing good success in recent weeks. It is envisaged again for 2022 that Registration packages incorporating club lotto would be continued. The promotion of these packages will start again ASAP via online platforms. I would like to acknowledge and thank the Lotto committee and all the promoters for their continued work. I would also like to thank the Community Council and Scanlons Bar for facilitating the draws during the year
Club Limerick Draw (Mackey Draw).
The club continued to support the Club Limerick Draw in 2021 and had roughly 76 members signed up. I would like to acknowledge and thank our Assistant Treasurer Mary Collum for co-ordinating this.
Clouncagh Knockaderry Combined Parish Draw
This turned out to be a great success in 2021. We had circa 270 subscriptions (back 10 from previous year). The organisations involved are GAA, Camogie, Community Council and Ahalin NS Parents Association. The profits from the draw were split as follows:
GAA = 50%
Community Council = 25%
Camogie = 15%
Ahalin NS Parents Association = 10%
I would like to acknowledge Mag Bridgeman, Pauline McMahon, Mary Collum and all the promoters for all the effort throughout the year.
All Ireland Hurling Tickets
We had great success in this novel online ticket purchase raffle for All Ireland tickets back in August. It firmly highlights the point that online raffles need to be integrated into any fundraising initiatives going forward. (Congrats to James O Connor Ahalin who won the top prize)
Registration
Thanks to Bord na nOg officers and especially to our Registrar Diarmuid O Sullivan who coordinated a very successful Registration process (bulk of it online through new GAA platform Foireann). The registration fee at the start of the year is crucial to allow us pay for the ever increasing Insurance and Affiliation fees.
Michael Dowling Support
During the year, as the committee would be aware, we received a very generous donation from Michael Dowling in the USA to help towards the running costs of the Bord na nOg unit within the club. We are internally grateful for this support which will directly and indirectly assist us in our plans and development over the next couple of years. Some of the club officers had the honour of meeting Michael when he visited Knockaderry in September where we had an opportunity to thank him personally for his support. Michael also visited the GAA field at this time where he met current underage players and coaches. We would like to acknowledge his sister Mary for liaising with us during the visit and special word of thanks to Vincent Hanley for helping to set up the initial correspondence.
Development Plan
Unfortunately, due to Covid and other delays, our development plan was very much paused in 2021. This is at the top of list of priorities in 2022. We did however submit a Sport Capital Application early in the year and are waiting on an update on that process. Thanks to all that assisted in compiling the grant application especially Caroilin Liston and Declan Nash.
Sympathy
On behalf of the Club I would like to extend our sympathy to all members, players and supporters who suffered bereavements during the year. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.
Limerick GAA
We would like to extend our huge gratitude and congratulations to the County Board and in particular to the Limerick Senior Hurling team and management for giving us the most unprecedented success over the last 12 months. The manner of victory last December v Waterford and to back it up with an extraordinary 2021 campaign which again saw us lifting Liam MacCarthy was a joy to be hold. We look forward to 2022. Thanks to all our club members for your understanding with regard ticket allocation through out a very disruptive year where attendance restrictions really hampered the ticket demand.
Congratulation to Jack Molloy who is currently training with the Limerick U20 panel. Best of luck going forward.
Congratulations to JJ Condon who was part of the Minor Hurling Panel in 2021. Best of luck going forward.
Earlier this year Tom Condon retired from Intercounty Hurling. Please see statement below which the club released at the time.
Knockaderry GAA Statement following the announcement of Tom Condon retirement from inter county hurling
Knockaderry GAA wish our club member Tom Condon the very best for the future on the announcement of his retirement from inter county hurling today. As a winner of two senior hurling All Irelands, three Munster championships, two National hurling leagues and two Railway cups, Tom has achieved it all in his illustrious hurling career. He was an unbelievable servant, a warrior and a leader on Limerick teams for over a decade. Tom leaves the field of intercounty hurling having helped create a lifetime of wonderful memories for all Limerick hurling supporters, but in particular to those from Knockaderry, to be proud of.
In recognising Tom’s achievements we also pay tribute to the Condon family. To his wife Sarah, son Nicky, father Sean – our club treasurer, his mother Christina, sisters Sinead and Orla who have been a constant support to Tom down through the years during highs and lows associated with intercounty hurling.
Tom has proved that key players can come from small rural clubs, like ours, to play on the biggest days for their county. He has shown that it doesn’t matter where you are from, if you can hurl, are coachable, possess the right attitude accompanied with the will to succeed, you will be found and you can compete.
There were so many great days following Limerick and Tom, watching some of the great corner forwards of this generation running to Tom’s corner to be met with a “best of luck” followed by another “best of luck” and that player knowing, deep down, that this guy can run faster than he could, hurl every bit as good as he could, and that it would be a long afternoon if he didn’t have the mental and physical strength for the impending battle. No one will ever forget his catch in the square in the dying seconds of the 2018 All Ireland final or his famous run up Frawley’s Hill into the village of Knockaderry, with Liam McCarthy in hand, to an ecstatic, euphoric and proud people welcoming home our hero, our most famous son.
Tom’s legacy will endure, he continues to be a role model for so many current and future young players in the county but in particular to those in our club whom he has showed that dreams do come through.
Go raibh mile maith agat as na cuimhni agus gach rath ort amach anseo, a Thomais.
And Finally….
I would like to thank all fellow officers and committee members for your help and support over the past unique and strange year. I look forward to working with you all again in whatever capacity in 2022.
I would like to give a special mention to Knockaderry Camogie Club and especially clubs officers Orla Ambrose, Bernie Molloy and Zara McGrath for their help and assistance throughout the year especially in relation Covid 19 protocols.
Many thanks also to Knockaderry Community Council and Scanlans Bar for the use of facilities over the year.
2022 is going to be a big year for the club. We will need to commence with our physical development and as already stated this needs to take priority. We can see from our neighboring clubs that it can be done and it is hoped that the development committee will meet ASAP to ensure the project can commence.
From an Intermediate Hurling management perspective, a subcommittee has been set up, and we will keep everyone informed on developments in due course.
As you are all aware, Richard Wall has decided to step down as his role as Chairperson after holding to position now for four years. On behalf of the club, I would like to thank and acknowledge Richard for overseeing affairs since 2018 in the most diligent and hands on way possible. I’m sure we will see Richard back again in some capacity in the future!
I wish all the teams in Knockaderry GAA and Knockaderry Camogie the very best of luck in what I hope will be more safer and normal 2022. Finally, I want to take this opportunity to wish you all a Happy Christmas and a Sporting & above all Healthy New Year.
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Gearóid Ó Corcora,
Runaí Cnoc an Doire