ST. KIERAN’S GAA CLUB NOTES

County Junior ‘A’ Hurling Championship
St. Kieran’s 3.9 Monagea 1.9
The junior hurlers made it three wins in a row on Saturday afternoon with a comprehensive victory over Monagea in round 4 of the County Championship. Played in sunny conditions in Knockaderry it was our opponents who raced into a commanding five-point lead early in the first quarter as we struggled to cope with their movement and aggression up front. Trailing 4-3 at the first water break there was a noticeable difference in attitude for the second period of the half as we upped the ante and our backs got to grips with their men and began to win the major physical exchanges. Both teams deployed a man in the middle third of the field and it was clear that we made the most of the extra body in midfield as space now began to open up front in the danger zone with Sean Ryan and Johnny McCarthy beginning to pose major challenges to the Monagea defence. Ryan got the games opening goal and looked as if he had doubled his and our goal tally only to be called back by the referee who rewarded a penalty. Ian Mackessy put his first effort over the crossbar only to have his effort recalled by the referee, this time he made no mistake and put the ball past the Monagea keeper to put us into a six-point lead. We were now playing all the hurling with our half back line of Cathal McEnery, Brendan McCarthy and Diarmuid Mulcahy in particular giving us the platform for success. We led 2.5 to 0.5 at the interval despite our disappointing opening quarter and were now playing with confidence. As the second half progressed it began to turn into a very stop start affair. Monagea were wayward in front of goals missing a number of scorable chances from both play and placed balls. We led by five at the second water break with further scores from Ian Mackessy and Cathal McEnery. As the final quarter progressed Donal Nolan was introduced up front and soon made his mark on the game showing a poacher’s instinct to find the back of the net for our third and decisive goal to put us into a commanding nine-point lead. Monagea to their credit lose faith and soon reduced the deficit to three when they found the back of the net following a long ball into the square which was finished by their wing back, now operating at full forward. As the game drew to a close our backs held firm keeping the Monagea onslaught at bay. Much credit must go to the players for the manner in which they upped the ante in the second quarter to reduce the deficit and take the lead and from there they never looked back. With Saturdays win we now have a great opportunity to advance to the quarter finals. At present we are in third place on score difference behind Kilteely/Dromkeen and St. Patrick’s who play each other this weekend. For our part we play Ahane this Sunday afternoon where a win is essential if we are to qualify. Sunday’s game throws in at 1pm in Croagh.
Match Updates
Many people have found the match updates WhatsApp group very useful to keep up to date with weekly fixtures, team line outs, scorers, and regular score updates during matches, by someone nominated by the club, for a lot of matches when they can’t attend. Now that we’re at the ‘business end’ of the season, if anyone, or anyone you know, would like to be added to the group, text a member of the club committee and they will gladly add you to the group.
Friday 4k
St Kieran’s are promoting a 6-week walking programme, starting this Friday night September the 24th. It will be the same 4km walk that so many enjoyed pre Covid starting from the Astro turf car park at 7.30 pm sharp each Friday night. Everyone should have a high viz and a flashlight. For those who would prefer a shorter walk are welcome along and can do a few circuits of the Astro turf itself. Looking forward to seeing everybody Friday evening.
Ardagh Development Association & St Kierans GAA Club Lottery Draw
Results for Monday 4th October 2021 as follows.
Jackpot €4700.00
Numbers Drawn 19, 24, 25, 28
NO WINNER
Lucky Dips
€40 Gary Byrnes c/o D Greaney
€40 Helen Byrnes c/o D Greaney
€40 Claire Greene Newcastle West (Online)
€40 Johnny Nash c/o Hanleys
€40 Mairead Ellis Ardagh (Online)
Next Draw Monday 11th October with a jackpot of €4800.00
Thank you for playing and for supporting our lotto. Go raibh maith agaibh go léir.