ST.KIERAN’S GAA
2022 Munster Club Junior Hurling Championship Final:
This Sunday our Junior Hurlers go in search of a first Munster Club Championship title for our club when they go up against the defending champions Ballygiblin from the Avondhu division in North Cork. Both sides go into the game with exemplary records having won each of their championship encounters to date en route to the Munster Final but had contrasting fortunes in their respective Munster semi-final encounters. We overcame the tough challenge of Banner, Ennis in Cusack Park following a dramatic encounter which looked to be going to a dreaded penalty shootout before a late score from Donie Nolan saw us snatch the victory in the closing moments of the game. In the second semi-final in Pairc Uí Rinn, Ballygiblin put in a strong second half performance to comfortably see off the resistance of Waterford Champions Colligan.
Sunday will be a historic day for both clubs. Ballygiblin go into the game as reigning champions having also won the Munster title in 2021and were subsequently narrowly beaten by Mooncoin of Kilkenny in the All-Ireland Final. But as there was a revamp of the Cork Championship structure this season, they did not enjoy promotion from the Junior ‘A’ Ranks to intermediate level and rose to the newly created Premier Junior Level which saw several lower intermediate clubs make the drop also. From a St. Kieran’s perspective Sunday’s game marks, the ten-year anniversary since our last appearance in a Munster club decider. On that occasion we also faced Cork opposition from the Avondhu division in shape of Kildorrery and after a titanic battle it was the North Cork outfit who emerged with a two-point victory, and we will be hoping to go one better on Sunday afternoon and capture the Munster title.
Both clubs are littered with talent among their ranks who have set their respective championships alight this season. Ballygiblin have senior intercounty experience in the shape of former Australian Rules player and current Cork Senior hurling panellist Mark Keane operating at centre back while they can also call upon the services of Cork senior footballer Cathal O’ Mahony and 2020 All Ireland U20 medal winner Darragh Flynn. From our perspective we also have a wealth of intercounty experience at our disposal with the three McCarthy’s all having represented Limerick at minor level during their illustrious careers while Darragh Treacy and Liam Kennedy are currently members of the Limerick senior football panel.
The 2022 County Championship has seen each club enjoy a stellar record winning each of their championship games to date but unfortunately on Sunday, someone 0 has got to go. Ballygiblin had a very strong group campaign winning all three of their games and setting their stall out in impressive fashion comfortably seeing off the challenge of Dripsey in the opening round. Subsequent victories over Ballygarvan and Argideen Rovers saw the Avondhu club advance directly to the County Semi final where they faced a stern test from 2020 All Ireland Club Junior Hurling runners up Russell Rovers. Following a titanic battle, the north Cork side emerged with the win by three points to set up a County final berth against Tracton. In the County Final Ballygiblin were far through strong for their opponents and captured back-to-back County Championships.
Following on from the disappointment of the 2021 County Final loss to Caherline there was a fierce determination within our group of players to go one step further in 2022 and capture the elusive County title. We got our championship campaign off to a flying start with a comprehensive first round victory over Askeaton before defeating another west Limerick rival in Feenagh/Kilmeedy in round 2. In round 3 we came up against a Ballybrown side who had defeated us in 2020 and we showed great composure to see off the challenge of the Clarina side following a strong second half by them. In the final two rounds we required one victory to secure qualification to the quarter final and were pushed all the way by am excellent Doon side who had revenge on their minds following defeat in the 2021 quarter final. We went into the final round encounter against Mungret/St. Pauls safe in the knowledge that qualification was assured, and it provided us with the opportunity to rest several players and give more panel members invaluable playing time. This was vital as much of the starting team were playing on both fronts during this period with our senior footballers also qualifying for the county championship quarter final. In the quarter final east Limerick side Kilteely/Dromkeen stood in our way. Both sides met in the group stages of the 2021 championship and on that occasion the men in red and green led by a tour de force from Limerick senior Brian O’ Grady emerged with a commanding victory. To our lads great they battled back from a half time deficit this year to put in a strong third quarter performance and book our place in the semi-final. Kileedy would be our opponents in the County Semi final in Ballyagran. The men in blue and white got off to an excellent start before an Ian Mackessy goal calmed the nerves and we took the ascendency. Once again, the third quarter proved vital to our chances and we upped the ante here, a second half Darragh Treacy goal gave us a nine-point lead with the final whistle approaching before a late Killeedy
goal left seven between the two sides at the final whistle as we advanced to the County Final. Drom/Broadford awaited in the County Final and were determined to capture the County title having suffered an agonising defeat the week previously in the County Intermediate football final. Drom showed no sign of tiredness in the first half racing into a four-point lead at the interval as we failed to get going. The second half saw a complete change of attitude from our lads, Anthony Molyneaux was introduced at half time and immediately made an impact on the game scoring the opening point of the half to calm the nerves and from here we took control of the game. At the final whistle there were scenes of jubilation as we captured the County title for the first time since 2012 and made our return to the intermediate ranks following relegation in 2017.
Sunday afternoon’s game promises to be a mouth-watering encounter between two sides who have dominated their respective County Championships in 2022. Both clubs will undoubtedly be confident they can emerge victorious, Ballygiblin will be extremely motivated by wanting to become the first club to win this championship twice. Cork clubs have had a strong tradition in this championship winning it on fourteen occasions since its inception in 2021. We are looking to win a first Munster title for the club on Sunday will be looking to join fellow Limerick club Blackrock in becoming Munster Champions. We encourage the entire community to come along to the Mallow GAA Sports Complex this Sunday at 1pm and give the players, management, and backroom team your support. Your support has been vital throughout the campaign and will be needed once again this weekend. Make sure to wear your St. Kieran’s colours we want to create a sea of green and gold. Tickets must be purchased in advance of the game, and we will be having live twitter and WhatsApp updates throughout. KIERAN’S ABÚ
St. Kieran’s Path to the Final:
· County Junior ‘A’ Hurling Championship Round 1:
o St. Kieran’s 2.18 Askeaton 1.13
· County Junior ‘A’ Hurling Championship Round 2:
o St. Kieran’s 2.17 Feenagh/Kilmeedy 0.14
· County Junior ‘A’ Hurling Championship Round 3:
o St. Kieran’s 3.17 Ballybrown 2.7
· County Junior ‘A’ Hurling Championship Round 4:
o St. Kieran’s 2.15 Doon 0.13
· County Junior ‘A’ Hurling Championship Round 5:
o St. Kieran’s 2.13 Mungret / St. Pauls 0.13
· County Junior ‘A’ Hurling Championship Quarter Final:
o St. Kieran’s 1.16 Kilteely/Dromkeen 0.10
· County Junior ‘A’ Hurling Championship Semi Final:
o St. Kieran’s 2.17 Killeedy 1.13
· County Junior ‘A’ Hurling Championship Final:
o St. Kieran’s 0.14 Drom/Broadford 1.6
· Munster Club Junior Hurling Championship Semi Final:
o St. Kieran’s 0.17 Banner, Ennis (Clare) 0.16 (AET)
Ballygiblin Path to the Final:
Cork Premier Junior Hurling Championship Round 1:
o Ballygiblin 3.22 Dripsey 0.11
· Cork Premier Junior Hurling Championship Round 2:
o Ballygiblin 0.25 Ballygarvan 2.14
· Cork Premier Junior Hurling Championship Round 3:
o Ballygiblin 0.19 Argideen Ranger 0.16
· Cork Premier Junior Hurling Championship Semi Final:
o Ballygiblin 0.25 Russell Rovers 1.19
· Cork Premier Junior Hurling Championship Final:
o Ballygiblin 2.19 Tracton 1.12
· Munster Club Junior Hurling Championship Quarter Final:
o Ballygiblin 2.10 Grangemockler/Ballyneale (Tipperary) 0.11
· Munster Club Junior Hurling Championship Semi Final:
o Ballygiblin 1.19 Colligan (Waterford) 0.10
Munster Final Ticket Information:
PLEASE read this important message about arrangements for next Sundays Munster junior hurling final (St Kieran’s v Ballygiblin) in Mallow.
· The game throws in at 1 o clock. Please allow at least 1 hour 15 mins to get there and park. Mallow GAA complex eircode is P51 XV58
· On the off chance that anyone is travelling from the Mitchelstown direction, the Mitchelstown/Mallow Road is closed and there’s a long
diversion coming from that side. It won’t concern us coming from the Mallow direction to the venue.
· Children u16 are admitted free to the game. Everyone else HAS to have prepaid a ticket. CASH WILL NOT be accepted at the entrance.
· The link to purchase tickets will be sent shortly to all groups.
· If anyone is not able to pre purchase a ticket for the game, please contact Deidre Ambrose 087 9509218 by next Friday night and Deirdre will assist you to get a ticket.
AGM:
Our 2022 Annual General Meeting will take on Friday December 9 in Ardagh Hall where a variety of issues will be discussed. We would encourage all club members and all those who would like to contribute to the club in the upcoming twelve months to attend.
St Kieran’s GAA New Pitch Donation/fundraising fund.
Donations are continuing to come for the new pitch donation fund as can be seen from the donation barometer at the top cross In Ardagh. We sincerely thank all those who have contributed to date. Receipts will be issued in due course.
All donations will be acknowledged on a ‘donation wall’ in the later phases of the project.
Ní neart go cur lé chéile.
2022 Charity Road Hurling:
Our annual charity road hurling will once again take place on December 27 around our traditional 4km route in Ardagh starting and finishing at the Bottom Cross. This event has grown from strength to strength since its inception and the support and generosity of the entire community is greatly appreciate by all concerned. The event is open to participants of all ages. Teams of three. €10 per person. We will be announcing our chosen charities for the 2022 edition in the coming weeks. We look forward to seeing you all on December 27.
Ardagh Development Association & St Kierans GAA Club Lottery Draw
Results for Monday 28th November 2022 as follows.
Jackpot €10,500.00
Numbers Drawn 15,17.20,21
NO WINNER
Lucky Dips
€40 Catríona O Kelly Reens (Online)
€40 M & R Buston Coolcappa
€40 Helen Hough (Online)
€40 Marian O Connor Carrigkerry
€40 Mike Donovan Kilcolman
Next Draw Monday 5th December 2022 with a jackpot of €10,600
Thank you for playing and for supporting our lotto. Go raibh maith agaibh go léir.