St. Kierans GAA Club Notes:

St. Kierans 1.11 Kilmallock 0.9

The intermediate hurlers travelled to Ballyagran on Saturday afternoon to face off against Kilmallock in a fight to preserve their intermediate status in 2025. As the south-west of the country experienced a deluge of rainfall both sides faced into a tough afternoon in challenging playing conditions. Castletown / Ballyagran GAA club deserve huge credit for the playing condition of their field which held up excellently despite playing host to two championship games on Saturday afternoon under a yellow rainfall warning. We played with the assistance of a strong breeze in the opening half as we played towards the old dressing rooms. We registered the opening score of the game thanks to a long-range effort from Cillian Ambrose. Kilmallock were soon on level terms with a free of their own before they took the lead capitalizing on an error from a short puck out to take a one-point lead. Kilmallock could well have increased their tally further were it not for some wayward shooting in front of goal, taking the wrong options at time which left us off the hook. Two further frees from Ian Mackessy and Cillian Ambrose once more from long range restored our lead. Possession was hard fought throughout the field for both sides with the hazardous conditions reducing both sides ability to play through the lines. Up front we found it difficult to secure primary possession, despite this we worked hard to slow the ball down coming out and forced Kilmallock to overcarry the ball on several occasions to add to our tally. At the break we trailed six points to five with our six backs in particular putting in herculean performances keeping the Kilmallock attack at bay. Playing against the wind in the second half we faced an uphill battle against a Kilmallock side who were gaining a stranglehold around the middle third. Jack O’ Sullivan was introduced for the injured Cormac Mann just before half time while Anthony Molyneaux replaced James O’ Connor at the interval and both made immediate impacts as we quickly regained the lead with two early scores from Sean Ryan and Jack O’ Sullivan before Cillian Ambrose added his third of the game to double our lead. A Kilmallock free reduced their deficit to one before the south Limerick side experienced a series of disciplinary issues which would ultimately see them reduced to twelve men at the final whistle following three second half dismissals. Holding a numerical advantage we could afford to drop bodies back around the middle third with Anthony Molyneaux operating as a sweeper picking up the world of possession. We looked as if we had got the decisive score of the game as corner back Mossie Shine pierced through the heart of the Balbec defence only for his effort to be saved at point blank range from the Kilmallock keeper and shepherded over the crossbar. Despite their numerical disadvantage the Kilmallock side continued to work hard and create scoring opportunities. We could well have found ourselves in greater trouble were it not for some wayward shooting once again. Two second half points from Michael Murphy and a second from Jack O’ Sullivan increased our lead to three points once again as the final whistle approached. With time running out Kilmallock pressed hard for a levelling goal. At this time Aaron Heffernan, Brendan McCarthy and Diarmuid Mulcahy standing up to the challenge with Mulcahy especially performing heroically winning several possessions as the clock ticked down. With Kilmallock pushing hard for a goal added to their numerical disadvantage spaced became more readily available up front. We hit Kilmallock on the counter and Eoin McEnery made for goal, as the keeper fast approached, he coolly slotted the ball into the back of the net to increase our lead to find and all but assure our place in the 2025 Intermediate Championship. At the final whistle there was a huge sense of relief having secured a vital victory to preserve our Intermediate status next season. The 2024 championship was very challenging for the panel of players, despite three heavy defeats in the group stage we put in strong performances against Pallasgreen and Bruree which could well have gone our way. Several new players have got their first taste of County Championship experience which will undoubtedly stand to them in the years ahead. In our final championship game on Saturday, we brought a must-win attitude and put in a battling performance against a physically strong Kilmallock side in extremely challenging conditions. If we continue to work hard bring these qualities to the field of play, then there is no reason why we cannot be competitive within the championship next season and contend for a place in the knockout stages. Many thanks to the management team of Chris Madigan, Jason Mullins, Paddy Downes and Andy O’ Connell for their hard work and commitment throughout the campaign preparing the team for the league and championship.

Team vs Kilmallock. Cillian Ambrose, Aaron Heffernan, Diarmuid Mulcahy, Mossie Shine, Sean Long, Brendan McCarthy, Cathal McEnery, James O’ Connor, Cormac Mann, Jack Harnett, Donie Nolan, Michael Murphy, Ian Mackessy, James Muckell, Sean Ryan, Jack O’ Sullivan, Anthony Molyneaux, Antony Mullins, Michael Long, Conor Woulfe, Edward Fitzgerald, Fionn Gleeson, Billy Breen, Cillian Meade, Bryan Sheahan, Cathal O’ Connor, Derry O’ Connor.

Following their victory over Knockane in the quarter final the junior footballers will take on the winner of south Champions Bruree and City division side Ballinacurra Gaels in the County Semi Final on the weekend of October 18th.Bruree and Ballinacurra play on Tuesday October 15th in Mick Neville Park. In the second semi-final Mungret / St. Pauls await the winners of the clash between Knockaderry and east champions Oola who also play on Tuesday 15th following the Premier Junior and Intermediate Hurling Semi-finals.

St Kieran’s Tractor Run takes place this Sunday October 13.  Tractors, Motorbikes, Trucks, Vintage and Modified Cars will meet in Ardagh village just before midday (at 11.30) for registration. Registration will take place in the car park of the New Pitch Development. There will be a tea/coffee shop on site with treats available as well as a BBQ.

Entry Fee is €20 for anyone who wishes to take part in the “convoy” but everyone is welcome to come and admire the vast array and selection of different makes and models of motors. Following the success of last year’s Tractor Run, this year we will also have a “Mini Convoy” where we invite children of all ages to bring along their favourite set of wheels! Scooters, bicycles, roll along wagons, ride on tractors, electric mini vehicles.  The kids will lead the way with a brief parade at 12.30 before the other vehicles begin their convoy at 1pm. The route will be the same as 2023, heading through Ardagh village and on to all the parishes of St. Kierans, meeting back in Ardagh village. There will also be a shorter route, led by stewards for anyone who wishes not to drive the full route. Were looking forward to seeing you all on Sunday afternoon.

Results for Monday 7th October 2024 as follows. Jackpot €7200.

Numbers Drawn 4, 11, 12, 15.

No winner, Lucky Dips winners were

€40   John O Mahony Ardagh

€40   Macks & Manns Ardagh

€40   Jason Mullins Ardagh

€40   John Dillane Old Mill

€40   John R O Kelly Rooskagh

Next Draw Monday 14th October 2024 with a jackpot of €7300.00.

Thank you for playing and for supporting our lotto.