Rathkeale GAA Club Notes:

Our Junior Hurlers were left disappointed last Saturday, as we lost out in the Woodlands House Hotel Junior A Hurling County Final, to the hands of Monaleen in what was a pulsating game of hurling. This was our lads first Hurling County Final since 2009, and they were hoping to bridge the 15 year gap in Bruff. After a slowish start from Rathkeale, we hit 3 points on the trot before the half time break, leaving the scoreline reading 0-08 to 0-06 in Monaleen favor. The first half scores from Rathkeale came from P. Wilmott (2 frees), S. Sheahan, D. Clancy, R. Stapleton, E. O’Connor, 1 point each. The second half was a very close affair, with very little between the sides. Both sides found the net, with the Rathkeale goal coming from a well-struck Michael Sheahan penalty, and as we entered the 48th minute there was only 1 point between the sides. It wasn’t to be our day however, and we just couldn’t get our noses in front, with Monaleen edging out as winners, winning on a scoreline of 1-16 to 1-14. Congratulations to Monaleen and commiserations to Rathkeale, who gave it their all, and made great strides and progress in 2024. As the hurling season comes to an end, we should have cause for great optimism for 2025, as the focus will now turn to the Intermediate Football Final for the next week or so. Well done to all involved, and thank you for all your efforts.

Caption: Commiserations to our Junior Hurlers who lost out narrowly in the County Final

Team from Left to Right

Back row: Jack Giltenane, Andrew White, Eoin Kelly, Jack Fahy, Michael Sheahan, Jack Hennessy, Patrick Wilmott, Niall Sheahan, Evan Lenihan, Paidi Mulcaire, Emmett Walsh, Tommy Dillane.

Front row: Mark White, Patrick Sheahan, Sean Sheahan, Evan Barrett, Jimmy Dillane, Ryan Stapleton, Mikey Morrissey (Captain), Eoin O’Donnell, Barry Coleman, Eoghan O’Connor, Mark Sheahan, David Clancy, Darren Jones.

All roads lead to Ballyagran on Sunday, as our Intermediate Footballers take on Galbally in the second of two county finals in a week. After topping the group stages, our footballers were back in action, playing Claughaun in the County Semi Final, 10 days ago, with Rathkeale running out worthy winners on a scoreline of 2-09 to 0-08. Galbally will once again provide stiff opposition, and our lads will need to be at their best if we want to win the cup. Throw in time is at 1.00pm in Ballyagran, and we are looking for a large turnout from Rathkeale. Please get the blue and white flags and bunting out, which can be purchased from Tom White’s Foodstore & Filling Station, Inver Five Roads Filling Station, Downes’ Eurospar, and O’Gairbhi’s Newsagents. Best of luck to all the players and management team, we hope you bring the cup home, the whole of Rathkeale parish and community are behind you.

Caption: The Intermediate Footballers of Rathkeale are ready for another County Final

Team from Left to Right

Backrow: Paul White, Barry Coleman, Adrian Stackpoole, Mark Sheahan, Andrew Meade, Tommy Dillane, Jack Fahy, Jimmy Dillane, Patrick Wilmott, Michael Sheahan, Dean Maune, Jack Hennessy, Eoin Kelly, Bryan Meade.

Front row: Darren Jones, Ryan Stapleton, Eoin O’Donnell, Mikey Morrissey, David Clancy, Niall Sheahan, Andrew White, Paidi Mulcaire, Adam Shanagher, Mark White, Evan Barrett.

Congratulations to David & Lucy Noonan, who won €200 in the October Club Limerick Draw. A nice little win as we face into the winter, enjoy your winnings! This leaves us with two remaining draws, November and December, so hopefully we will have more winners in the winning enclosure! You can still join these remaining draws, with the star prize for November being a voucher for Shreelawn Oil for the value of €500!

The County Finals of Scór na nÓg talent competitions will take place on the weekend on Saturday 9th of November 2024 in Askeaton Community Hall.

All budding entertainers who were under 17 on Jan 1st 2024, are eligible to compete in Scór na nOg provided you are a registered member of the GAA/Bord na nOg club you are representing. There is no entry fee. Applicants need to apply through the local Irish Officer as soon as possible, as entry forms need to be signed and submitted by 31st of October. The main difference between Scór na nOg and other talent competitions in that the emphasis is on Irish Culture and themes relating to Ireland, Irish people or the Irish Language.

The following 7 Stage Competitions will take place beginning at 4pm on Nov. 9th:

1. Figure Dancing,

2. Solo Singing,

3. Recitation,

4. Instrumental Music,

5. Drama /Novelty Act,

6. Ballad Group and

7. Set Dancing.

The 8th competition is a Table Quiz with teams of 4, which will take place earlier that afternoon at 2.30pm.

All winners will represent Limerick in the Scór na nOg Munster semi-final on 30th November. The Munster final will then take place on December 7th while the All-Ireland will take place in January 2025.

Please contact the Rathkeale GAA Irish Cultural Officer, Shivaun O’Connor immediately if you are interested in entering any of the competitions. Further details may be got by contacting 086-1556727 or e-mail oconnor.shivaun@gmail.com.

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