St. Kierans GAA Club Notes:

St. Kieran’s 0.7 Goleen (Cork) 0.8

Following their extra time victory over Waterford Champions Roanmore two weeks ago the Junior footballers returned to Munster Championship action on Sunday afternoon against Cork Champions Goleen. The Cork side faced an arduous journey from the Mizen Peninsula and showed no signs of rustiness from the long 150km journey as they got off to a lightning start and could count themselves unlucky not to score two goals inside the opening five minutes of the game with the post coming to our rescue early on. Given the inclement weather that battered the country it was a miracle that the game went ahead, and both sets of players deserve huge credit for bearing the elements and providing the large crowd in attendance with a highly entertaining hours football. Much credit must also go to Castletown / Ballyagran for providing the use of their excellent facilities which also hosted a game on Saturday afternoon. The Cork side were the first on the scoreboard and despite our slow start we soon grew into the game. A Luke Corrigan free opened our account after some excellent built up to tie up the game. despite the challenging underfoot conditions from the biblical rainfall in the opening hard both sides worked extremely hard to retain possession of the ball. We played with the assistance of the elements in the opening half and scores from Anthony Molyneaux and Luke Corrigan ensured that we went toe to toe with Goleen. By now we were working tirelessly throughout the field. Our six backs soon got to grips with their West Cork counterparts reducing scoring opportunities and pushing forward at all times. We could well have found the back of the net as the opening half concluded, full forward Oisin Ryan excellently won possession from a long ball into the inside line. Despite some stern challenges from the oncoming defenders cut in along the endline and placed the ball across the square. Alas midfielder Jack Sullivan was foiled by the oncoming Goleen defenders who came to the rescue. Further scores from Anthony Molyneaux and a late point from the dangerous Luke Corrigan ensured that we led by two points at the interval, 6-4 having played with a strong wind in the first half. Both sides emerged from the dressing rooms in a changed strip for the second half given the opening half deluge. Once again, the Cork side got off to a flying start and our first half lead was soon wiped out with three unanswered points inside the opening ten minutes of the second period. Playing conditions improved in the second half and while we worked extremely hard to win and maintain possession the strong breeze into our face made scoring opportunities hard to come by. Seamus Mangan was introduced for Ray Cahill who left the field of playing having put in another excellent performance following a nasty head injury. With the final whistle on the horizon both sides pushed hard for the decisive score to book their place in the Munster final against Kerry Champions Beale next Sunday. Goleen were awarded a late free in front of the goals and it looked as if our race was run. Thankfully the resulting strike was caught by a strong gust of wind and went outside keeper Con Enright’s left-hand post. We continued to press forward thanks to strong runs from Ian Mackessy, James O’ Connor and John Doyle from the back but the Goleen defence stood firm getting bodies back behind the ball, closing the space for our shooters inside the scoring zone. With five minutes of added time on the clock Goleen would find the decisive score as their midfielder fired over a long-range effort to once more put them in the ascendency. Despite our best efforts and with bodies tiring we couldn’t create one more scoring opportunity and with eight minutes added time played the referee called time on what was a pulsating encounter who gave the punters full value for their money. While we are disappointed to lose out by the slightest of margins the players and management team deserve huge credit for the hard work and commitment they have given over the last two years. It is fair to say that over the years we have underachieved at this level but 2023 and 2024 have been extremely fruitful as the side have won two West championships, a County League and County Championship and we were within a whisker of qualifying for a Munster final. While titles are extremely important for building confidence and momentum within the club of greater importance is developing interest and giving players in particular younger players and opportunity to play adult football. Having a strong Junior team is vital in a club. It provides a stepping stone from minor to senior level in both football and hurling giving young players their first taste of adult competition. Over the last two seasons many younger players have benefited and grown as players from playing and winning with the Junior side. They have shown they have the potential to progress to senior level in the years to come. Furthermore, it has also provided some of our older players with the opportunity to stay in or return to the game and it was great to see so many older players who have given so much to the club over the decades at senior level be rewarded for the sacrifices with West and County honours last season. For 2025 we make the step up to the Junior ‘A’ ranks which will undoubtedly be a challenging prospect but one to relish as it will help to improve the overall standard players within the club are playing. Once again, many thanks to the panel of players who played at this level in 2024 for their hard work and commitment, their efforts were duly rewarded with three titles. Huge credit must go to the management team of Patrick Windle, James Windle, Noel Broderick, Nicky Kelly and coaches Paudie McCarthy and Alan Daly for driving the team forward and bringing a great level of professionalism and organisation to the group. Also, many thanks to team captain James O’ Connor for the level of leadership and desire he has brought to this group constantly motivating players in particular the younger players to strive for success. We would also like to wish influential midfielder and Man of the Match in the 2024 County Final Donie Nolan a speedy recovery following a recent injury. The 2025 season will officially begin on March 9 when we play Granagh / Ballingarry in the opening round of the West League where we are also joined by Feenagh / Kilmeedy and Castlemahon. These games are invaluable as we build towards the County Championship campaign in the summer months.

Team vs Goleen

Con Enright, Michael Murphy, John Doyle, Ian Mackessy, Fionn Gleeson, Johnny McCarthy, James O’ Connor, Shane Fitzgerald, Jack O’ Sullivan, Ray Cahill, Jack Harnett, Cathal McEnery, Luke Corrigan, Oisin Ryan, Anthony Molyneaux, Seamus Mangan, Shay Greaney, Mike Upton, Cathal O’ Connor, Oisin Commane, Bryan Sheahan, Ben Cussen, Dan Duggan, Jack Mulqueen, Shane Lynch, Donie Nolan.

The senior footballers get their 2025 season underway on Saturday afternoon when they welcome 2024 County Finalists Fr. Casey’s to Coolcappagh for the opening round of the West League. This will be the first game played under the new Gaelic football rules including the two-point scoring arc which have so far proved to be highly successful at intercounty level. Saturday’s game throws in at 3pm in Coolcappagh.

St. Kieran’s GAA Club Membership 2025

St. Kieran’s GAA membership is now due, we would ask all members to have their membership fees paid by March 31. All playing members must have their fees paid by this date or will not be covered by the GAA player-injury scheme. Payment of membership fees can be completed through ‘clubforce’.

Limerick Development Draw Only – €100

Adult Social Non-Playing – €40

Adult Social Non-Playing & Club Limerick Draw – €130

Senior Adult Player (including Astroturf Levy) – €100

Senior Adult Player with Limerick Development Draw (including astroturf levy) – €190

Family Membership (includes 1 parent / guardian & all children under 18)- €120

Family Membership with Limerick Development Draw – €200

U21 / Student Membership (Over 18 – Including Astroturf Levy) – €80

Single Juvenile Membership (GAA & Camogie Player) – €50

We would like to sincerely thank you if you were a member of the Club Limerick Draw in 2024 and hope that you will continue to be a member as the draw is a major source of revenue for the club.

If you haven’t been a member in the past we would like to introduce you to the draw. There is a guaranteed prize fund of €362,500 and a €100,000 Lotto fund on offer over the 10 months. On offer also for people who join is a Loyalty Discount Card which entitles you to 10% off purchases made in Timmy Macs Woodland Hotel, Elverys, McGuirks Golf, Scanlans Menswear and Original Irish Hotels as well as an exclusive star prize for each draw.

Our club St Kierans is the big beneficiary of this draw with 50% of the draw income being returned to the Club. We are very grateful to our members who support us each year and by supporting it you are directly supporting our Club.

There are 10 monthly draws from March to December and the cost is €100 which represents excellent value for money. If you would like to join in 2025 and in turn support St Kierans GAA Subscriptions can be paid in any of the following ways:

Join through the Club Limerick Draw website.

Through Clubforce with Club membership at discounted price. Discount still available to those who have already paid club membership for the year.

Options to join include

€10 each month 1-10 month options

 €100 to sign up for all draws in 2025.

10 monthly payments of €10 to your promoter.

One payment of €100 to your promoter.

The first draw of 2025 is taking place on the 29th of March.

We look forward to your continued support for the coming year and hope that 2025 will be a success for our members both on and off the playing field.

Any issues or questions, Please contact St Kierans, Club Limerick Draw Coordinator John Hayes

at the following.

Contact No. 087-4633012

Email: johnchayes7@gmail.com

St Kierans GAA healthy club are delighted to bring “Fitness on the move” programme

Instructor led fitness programme for adults aged 55+

The programme begins on Friday February 21 from 2-3pm in Ardagh Hall. €5 per person. For further information contact Paula O’ Connor (0872223581)

St. Kieran’s Rounders

“St Kieran’s Rounders Team travelled to Caherdavin to play Na Piarsaigh under the floodlights in the second match of the Winter League last Sunday evening. The team was made up of Majella (captain), Siobhan, Stephanie, Caitriona, Nataliia, Grainne and Linda, who started the game batting and wasted no time getting into the swing of things! The ground was heavy underfoot and this along with strong winds made it a difficult challenge, but St Kieran’s were triumphant, defeating Na Piarsaigh 19-6. There was some magnificent batting, pitching, catching and fielding – terrific teamwork on display!  The next match will be a home game against Sporting Limerick, date TBC”

Results for Monday 24th February 2025 as follows.

 Jackpot €5700.00

Numbers Drawn:   1, 6, 14, 16. No Winner

Lucky Dips

€40 8+ c/o Dinny Greaney

€40 Linda Noonan The Commons

€40 John Shine Ballyine

€40 Noreen Horgan Rooskagh

€40 Donie Dineen Ardagh

Next Draw Monday 3rd March 2025 with a jackpot of €5800.00.