NA PIARSAIGH GAA CLUB NOTES
SENIOR HURLERS
Our Senior hurlers are back in the County Final again following a hard fought victory over Kilmallock in the Gaelic Grounds on Sunday.
We began the game minus the services of two of our top class forwards namely Shane Dowling and Peter Casey.
In the absence of the lads it was Pat Gleeson and Will Henn who filled the breach with Will in particular playing extremely well contributing 13 points in total albeit 11 of those from frees.
Playing against he breeze in the first half we flew into a 6 points to 2 lead with Will O Donoghue, Kevin Downes and Will Henn all on the mark.
As the half progressed Kilmallock began to dominate the middle third and before long had pegged back our lead and hit the front for themselves.
In fact they hit 6 scores in the trot to lead at the break 12 points to 9.
Three quick fire points on the change of ends had us all square.
Then disaster struck on 35 minutes when referee Mike Sexton deemed that Ronan Lynch had pulled wildly and as a result issued a straight red card.
This appeared to galvanise the lads who redoubled their efforts to drive on.
Points from Will Henn, David Dempsey and a long range from goalkeeper Podge Kennedy began to turn the tide.
Man of the match Will Henn had the final say with 2 pointed frees to send us back into another County Final.
Our backs worked extremely hard on the day with Mike Foley and Tommy Grimes particularly dominant.
Overall it was a game to be won and win it we did so now we prepare for Sunday weeks County decider.
P. Kennedy, C. King, M. Casey, N. Buckley, M. Foley, R. Lynch, T. Grimes, C. Houihan, W. O’Donoghue (c), D. Dempsey, K. Downes, C. Boylan, A. Breen, W. Henn, P. Gleeson.
Subs: A. Dempsey for Gleeson (HT); K. Ryan for D. Dempsey (60).
Scorers Will Henn (0-13, 11f), Adrian Breen(0-3), Ronan Lynch, Tommy Grimes, Alan Dempsey, Podge Kennedy, David Dempsey, Will O Donoghue and Kevin Downes (0-1 each)
LOTTO
The jackpot total is now on €9500 following last Mondays draw.
The numbers drawn were 8, 9, 12, 26.
Lucky dip winners were Liam Kiely, Fiona Dowling and Peter+Mary Sheehan.
Kenny Leonard won the sellers prize with Kenny Kavanagh winning the house draw.
Get your ticket online through our website at www.napiarsaighgaa.com at €2 each or 3 for €5.
UNDER 14 HURLERS
Our under 14 hurlers were in Vounty Final action on Saturday against Monaleen in Claughaun GAA club.
This was a close affair from start to finish with two first half penalties proving the difference In the end 2-8 -to 0-8.
We wish to thank the management team and the entire panel of players for a very good year.
We look forward to next season already.
COUNTY FINAL
With the County Senior Hurling final only 2 weeks away why not call down to the Club shop any Saturday and tog yourself out in style for the final.
Lots of fine merchandise there to purchase
Shop open from 10.30 to 12noon on Saturday
FOOTBALL ACADEMY
Our football academy continues each Monday evening at 6.30pm for all 6 to 11 year olds who want to give Gaelic Football a try.
We currently are training in Coonagh but will be back on home turf in the near future.
All are welcome.
CAMOGIE
Senior Camogie Championship Round 5
Ahane 2-17, Na Piarsaigh 1-5
Our senior Camogie played their final game of the season in Rathbane against reigning county champions Ahane. Short injured duo Enya Harrington & Katie Campbell, this game was always a mammoth task. The good news is we finished with our highest scoring tally of the season with most coming from play. After a competitive first half we trailed 2-6 to 0-2 at the break with Rachel Considine & Ciara Hogan on the scoresheet. Ahane stretched their lead in the second half with all-star nominee Niamh Mulcahy in fine form but Jane Wilson scored a great goal to give our supporters plenty to cheer.
Team: Laura O’Neill, Emma O’Rahilly, Niamh Tuite, Róisín McNamara, Jessica Ward, Sinéad McNamara (0-2, 0-1 free), Jane Wilson (1-0), Aideen McNamara, Aoife Wilson (0-1), Moya Henn, Rachel Considine (0-1), Ciara Hogan (0-1), Rebecca Slater, Katie Keane, Rachel Murray, Subs used: Tara Hurley, Emma O’Rahilly, Katie Keane, (0-1) Subs used: Tara Hurley, Ellie O’Regan, Ciara O’Brien.
Co. U16’A semi-final.
Newcastle West 4-10, Na Piarsaigh 2-5
A journey, which began in the U16’B leagues which we won resulting in promotion to the A Championships and a place in the A semi-final is huge progress for this team, however the disappointment was evident after bowing out to a strong Newcastle West side in west Limerick last Thursday.
The effort throughout the year by manager Katie Campbell, coach Aideen McNamara, and mentors Sean Murray, Mike Kenneally and Bridget Stanley was matched by the panel in training so despite last night’s reversal, there is plenty to be positive about for the future.
Last night, everything was going our way in the opening quarter when we led 1-3 to 0-1 with the goal coming from Sarah Stanley. However, Newcastle West took over the 2nd quarter and a fortunate goal followed by a less fortunate shot off the woodwork showed their dominance and left the west Limerick girls leading by the minimum at half time, 1-5 to 1-4. Interestingly Newcastle West used 3 first half substitutes which highlighted their concerns. The 2nd half belonged to Newcastle West we only added a solitary 2nd goal by Sarah Stanley.
Team:
Ciara Grant, Orna O’Neill, Laura Ahern, Rebecca Gilvarry, Grace Palmer, Sarah Murray, Eva Long, Áine Ní Tiarnsaigh (0-1 free), Niamh Skehan (0-1), Liz Anna Boylan, Robyn Conlon, Sarah O’Keeffe (0-1), Jayne Meaney, Sarah Stanley (2-2). Subs: Hannah Kehoe, Mattala Hickey Quaid, Ashling Morrissey, Niamh Dineen, Aisling Moloney, Anna Sexton.
Our U8’s and U10’s took part in blitzes organised in Monaleen & Kileedy respectively.
Fixture
Minor Championship Rd 3 29th Sept away to Doon .
BINGO
The weekly bingo is back up and running and the snowball is €300
Why not give itt a try any Tuesday night from 8pm.
Door opens at 7.30pm.
All are welcome.
NEWS
Congratulations to senior footballer Brian Shannon who tied the knot over the weekend to girlfriend Gemma O Connor Higgins.
We wish them both every happiness in their lives together.