GAA: Historic First West Final
Granagh-Ballingarry/Rathkeale…3-20
Dáithi Broudairs…2-9
The West Minor A Hurling Championship final, abandoned on Tuesday 29th September by referee Donnacha O'Callaghan after only 9 minutes at Mick Neville Park Rathkeale due to a serious leg injury to Jack O'Donoghue of Granagh-Ballingarry/Rathkeale, was replayed on Sunday in Newcastle West where history was made when the first ever combined Granagh-Ballingarry and Rathkeale side won a West championship title with a convincing victory over gallant Dáithi Broudairs, the Dromcollogher-Broadford and Killeedy selection.
The Newcastle West officials had their pitch in top class condition for this final between two fine sporting sides played in front of a good crowd who gave great support to their teams, with Donie Neville of Croagh-Kilfinny in charge. Granagh-Ballingarry/Rathkeale lined out wearing the blue and white of Rathkeale while Dáithi Broudairs were in the black, amber and red of Dromcollogher-Broadford. Dáithi Broudairs wn the toss and chose to play with the aid of the wind in the first half, but it was Granagh-Ballingarry/Rathkeale who made all the early running with points by Cathal O'Keeffe and Mikie Morrissey in the opening two minutes before points were traded by Nigel O'Callaghan on 6 minutes and Cathal O'Keeffe from a placed ball on 8 to leave it Granagh-Ballingarry/Rathkeale 903 Dáithi Broudairs 0-1 on 6 minutes. Then a long delivery by Seamus Keating was finished past Dáithi Broudairs keeper Conor Begley by Seán O'Connor on 8 minutes to give Granagh-Ballingarry/Rathkeale a five point 1-3 to 0-1 lead.
The next seven minutes were tense and exciting with both sides missing chances before points were exchanged by Damien Burke on 13 minutes and Cathal O'Keeffe from a placed ball on 15 to leave Granagh-Ballingarry/Rathkeale still five ahead 1=4 to 0-2 at the end of the first quarter. A couple of wide were exchanged before a long delivery by Mikie Morrissey finished in the back of the net to increase Granagh-Ballingarry/Rathkeale’s lead to eight, 2-4 to 0-2 on 19 minutes. The next five minutes belonged to Cathal O'Keeffe with four points, two from play and two from frees, to leave it 2-8 to 0-2 in favour of Granagh-Ballingarry/Rathkeale on 25 minutes. Points were traded by Jack O'Sullivan from a placed ball on 26 minutes and Mikie Morrissey on 27, followed by three points for Dáithi Broudairs courtesy of Jack O'Sullivan from a placed ball on 28 minutes, Dan Noonan on 29 minutes and Jack O'Sullivan from a placed ball on 30 minutes, before O'Sullivan finished past Granagh-Ballingarry/Rathkeale keeper Eoin Kelly on 31 minutes to reduce the deficit to seven, 2-10 to 1-5. The final score of this well contested half fell to Cathal O'Keeffe who pointed after a good solo run to leave Granagh-Ballingarry/Rathkeale eight ahead, 2=1- to 1-5.
The first six minutes after the interval were close and exciting with points exchanged by Jack O'Sullivan and Cathal O'Keeffe from placed balls and Padraig Aherne and Cathal O'Keeffe from play to leave Granagh-Ballingarry/Rathkeale still eight ahead, 2-12 to 1-7.
Then a well taken point by Richie O'Keeffe on 39 minutes followed by a cracking Brian Keating goal two minutes later increased Granagh-Ballingarry/Rathkeale’s advantage to 12 on 40 minutes before points were traded by Gearóid Lehane on 42 minutes and Seán O'Connor on 45 to leave Granagh-Ballingarry/Rathkeale still 12 ahead 3-14 to 1-8 at the end of the third quarter. Then points were traded by Brian Keating on 47 minutes and Gearóid Matthews on 48 before Alex Culhane finished past Granagh-Ballingarry/Rathkeale keeper Eoin Kelly on 50 minutes to reduce the gap to nine, 3-15 to 2-9. The final ten minutes were all Granagh-Ballingarry/Rathkeale with five points by Cathal O'Keeffe on 52 and 54 minutes, Mikie Morrissey on 56, Andrew white on 58 and Cathal O'Keeffe on 60 minutes to leave Granagh-Ballingarry/Rathkeale convincing 3-20 to 2-9 winners of the first ever West Championship title under the Granagh-Ballingarry/Rathkeale name; they now go forward to play South libz in the County A final while Dáithi Broudairs play St Kieran's in the West B final.
Granagh-Ballingarry/Rathkeale scored 3-14 from play and 0-6 from frees; Dáithi Broudairs scored 2-6 from play and 0-3 from frees.
Granagh-Ballingarry/Rathkeale: Eoin Kelly, Paudie Power, Gearóid Mulcaire, Edward Sheehy, Andrew White 0-1, Brendan Lynch, Aaron Smith, Mikie Morrissey 1-3, Seamus Keating, Seán O'Connor 1-1, Cathal O'Keeffe 0-13, Barry Coleman, Conor O'Donoghue, Richie O'Keeffe 0-1, Brian Keating 1-1.Subs uised: Cormac Snow, Darragh O'Grady, Darragh Curtin, David O'Donnell, Mark Wilmott; other panel members Jack O'Donoghue, Enda Lynch and Josh O'Connor.
Dáithi Broudairs: Conor Begley, Anthony Barrett, Alan McNamara, Donal Molyneaux, Alex Culhane 1-0, Donal Noonan 0-1, Nigel O'Callaghan 0-1, Padraig Aherne 0-1, jack O'Sullivan 1-3, Daniel Curtin, Gearóid Lehane 0-1, Damien Burke 0-1. Subs used: Gearóid Matthews 0-1, Michael Ryan.
Referee: Donie Neville, Croagh-Kilfinny.
After the game West Board treasurer Peter O'Donnell congratulated Granagh-Ballingarry/Rathkeale on their historic West Championship title and praised Dáithi Broudairs for their part in the final. he wished a full recovery to Jack O'Donoghue, complimented the host club Newcastle West on having their pitch in such good shape, and praised Donie Neville and his officials. He then presented the cup to joint winning captains Gearóid Mulcaire and Brendan Lynch. Gearóid complimented the referee and his officials and the Newcastle West groundsman, thanked the players and selectors Liam L:ynch, James O'Connor, Richie O'Keeffe and James Keating for the great work they had done to blend the side together, wished Jack O'Donoghue well and called for three hearty cheers for Dáithi Broudairs.
Path to the title
Round 1 Granagh-Ballingarry/Rathkeale 2-24 Dáithi Broudairs 2-9
Final Granagh-Ballingarry/Rathkeale 3-20 Dáithi Broudairs 2-9
Granagh-Ballingarry minor hurling roll of honour
West Minor Premier Hurling Championship: Granagh 1939, 1980; Ballingarry 1970, 1972, 1974, Granagh-Ballingarry 1958
West Minor A Hurling Championship: Granagh-Ballingarry 2001, 2006; Granagh-Ballingarry/Rathkeale 2015
West Minor B Championship: Granagh 1988, Ballingarry 1989
Na Fiann: Granagh-Ballingarry/Croagh-Kilfinny 2011
County Premier Minor Hurling Championship: Granagh 1939, Ballingarry 1971
County Minor A Hurling Championship: Granagh-Ballingarry 1993, 2001
County Minor B Hurling Championship: Granagh 1988, Ballingarry 1989
Na Fianna: Granagh-Ballingarry/Croagh-Kilfinny 2011
FIRST U14 TITLE SINCE 1996
County Division 3 U14 Football Championship final
Granagh-Ballingarry…4-14
Rathkeale…0-6
A far more complete and physically stronger Granagh-Ballingarry were convincing winners over gallant neighbours Rathkeale to claim their first County U14 Football Championship title since 1996 at sunny Mick Neville Park Rathkeale on Saturday afternoon. Granagh-Ballingarry were sharper, more direct, showed better touches up front and were too strong for thei opponrnts. They laid a firm foundation for victory in the first 30 minutes, going in at the interval leading 4-8 to 0-3. In the second half the black and greens continued to pile on the pressure even though Rathkeale refused to give upand continually took the fight to their opponents right up to the final whistle.
Granagh-Ballingarry scored 4-13 form play and 0-1 from a free; Rathkeale scored all 0-6 from play. After the game Denis O'Carroll, County Bord na nOg chairman, presented the County Division 3 U14 Football Championship Cup to captain Gearóid Lynch to the joy of the large Granagh-Ballingarry support. Gearóid thanked mentors James Flynn, James O'Connor andDarragh McCarthy and called for three hearty cheers for Rathkeale.
Granagh-Ballingarry: Denis Sheehy, Seán Murphy, Eoin Enright, Daniel Herlihy, Shane Collins, Darragh Casey, Adam Long, Gearóid Lynch (capt.) 0-1, William O'Regan, Keith O'Kelly 3-9, Luke Flynn 0-2, Jeremy O'Connor, Bryan Mulqueen 1-1. M. J. Purtill 0-1, Jamie O'Donovan, Josh Mulcaire-Quille, Michael Russell, Owen Lynch, Philip Burns,Pearse Kirwan. Mentors: James Flynn, James O'Connor and Donagh McCarthy, first aid Louise Enright and OonaghCondon.
Rathkeale: Niall O'Shea, Brian Og Colmeen, Colin Fitzgerald, Conor O'Flaherty, Evan Barrett, Paudie Mulcaire, Michael Brennan, Seán Malone 0-1, Patrick Johnson 0-1, Andrew Meade, Eoin O'Doherty, Michael Mulcahy 0-1, Dominic White, Aaron Hogan 0-3, Mark Sheehan, Nathan Teskey, Lucas Costello, Michael Sheehan, Niall Sheehan, Matthew Cronin. Manager: Ciara O'Shea. First aid: Tom Keating.
COUNTY MINOR A SEMI-FINAL
Clarina is the venue on Sunday 11th October for the clash of West champions Granagh-Ballingarry/Rathkeale and City/East winners South Liberties in the County Minor A Hurling Championship semi-final at 11.30am, with extra time if required. An exciting game is in prospect and your support for Granagh-Ballingarry/Rathkeale would be welcome.
BARRY QUAID MEMORIAL CUP FINAL
The final of the Croagh-Kilfinny hurling tournament for the Barry Quaid Memorial Cup and a set of 21 engraved medals will be played this Saturday 10th October in Croagh at 5pm when Granagh-Ballingarry clash with Croagh-Kilfinny. The late Barry was a dual star with Croagh-Kilfinny hurling and Cappagh football clubs and was a member of na Fianna (Granagh-Ballingarry and Cappagh) side that won the Division 2 county U16 football title in 2008 (beating Killulta Gaels 1-6 to 0-3 in the final at Croom on Saturday 4th October, and the na Fianna panel was Colm Barry, Gearóid O'Leary, Cathal O'Sullivan, Barry Quaid, Kevin Moynihan, David Mooney, Kieran O'Donovan, Stephen Foley, Padraig O'Connell, Seán Lenihan, Stephen O'Brien, Kevin O'Kelly, Brendan O'Connor, Seamus Collins and Pa Healy). Your support at the Barry Quaid Memorial Cup final would be appreciated in Croagh this Saturday at 5pm.
SEPTEMBER CLUB DRAW WINNERS
The following were winners in the September Granagh-Ballingarry G.A.A. club draw on Friday 2nd October in the clubhouse: €400 Dan Sheehan, €100 Bertie Hanley, €100 Kieran Irwin. We thank all our punters for their support. The date for the October draw is still to be confirmed.
Limerick clubs draw
The draw took place on Saturday 3rd October at Limerick Live 95fm studio. The August winners were €13,000 Justin O’Meara,Mungret St Pauls; €3,000 Bríd Biggane, Croom; €2,000 Patrick Harnett, Monagea; €1,000 Dominic Devereux, Na Piarsaigh;€500 Breda Walsh, Blackrock Bord na nOg; €500 Fred Bourke, Na Piarsaigh; €500 James and Breda Riordan, Cappamore; €500Ger Moloney, Doon; €500 Niall O’Connor, St Marys/Sean Finns; €250 each William Ryan, Knockane; Owen O’Sullivan,Feohanagh/Castlemahon; Garry O’Regan, Feenagh/Kilmeedy; Agnes Feely Freeman, Na Piarsaigh; Brian O’Sullivan, Caherline;Christy Costello, Banogue; Richard O’Dea, Cappagh; Mark Noonan, Bruree; Mike O’Shaughnessy, Gerald Griffins; Shane andSadhbh Heffernan, Crecora; Nicola Savage, Kilmallock.
Lottery
The numbers drawn were 2, 22, 26 and 31. The jackpot was €10,000 and was not won. The next draw is on Saturday 31st October at Limerick Live 95fm studio. We thank all our punters who join this draw through our club.
CLUB LOTTERY
The numbers drawn in the Granagh-Ballingarry G.A.A. club lottery on Monday 5th October in Dinny A’s bar, Ballingarry, were 17, 23, 31 and 32. The jackpot was not won. lucky dips of €20 each: Anthony Dore, AZIZ, Noel O'Grady, Declan McEnery and Ray Moloney. The next draw is on Monday 12th October in Barrett’s bar Ballingarry for a jackpot of €9,800. We thank all our punters for their continued support.
GET WELL SOON
Best wishes for a full recovery to Jack O'Donoghue from Granagh-Ballingarry G.A.A. club officials, mentors and players.
CLUB DIARY
Wednesday 7th October
County Junior A Football Championship quarter-final, Kildimo-Pallaskenry v Pallasgreen in Rhebogue at 8pm
Friday 9th October
County Junior B Football Championship quarter-finals, Camogue Rovers v St. Senan's, Mick Neville Park Rathkeale, 6.45pm; Knockaderry v Banogue, Mick Neville Park Rathkeale, 8.15pm.
Saturday 10th October
County Junior A Hurling Championship quarter-final, Castletown-Ballyagran v Dromcollogher-Broadford, Pairc Caoimh O Luing Feenagh, 1pm
County Intermediate Football Championship final, Oola v Claughaun in Caherconlish, 2pm
County Junior B Hurling Championship quarter-final, Monaleen v Pallasgreen, Fitzgerald Park Kilmallock, 2pm
County Junior B Football Championship quarter-finals, Ballybrown v Fedamore in Mungret at 2.30pm; Crecora v Ballybricken in Fedamore at 6pm.
County Intermediate Hurling Championship semi-final, Mungret-St Paul's v Cappamore in Bruff at 3.45pm
County Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship semi-final, Bruree v Monaleen, Fitzgerald Park Kilmallock, 4.15pm
West Senior Hurling Championship semi-final, Feenagh-Kilmeedy v Adare, Seán Finns Park, Rathkeale, 5pm
Barry Quaid Memorial Cup final, Granagh-Ballingarry v Croagh-Kilfinny in Croagh at 5pm
Sunday 11th October
County Minor A Hurling Championship semi-final, Granagh-Ballingarry/Rathkeale v South Liberties in Clarina at 11.30am
County Intermediate Hurling Championship semi-final, Glenroe v Feohanagh-Castlemahon in Bruff at 12 noon
County Junior A Football Championship quarter-finals, Kilteely-Dromkeen v Galtee Gaels in kilbreey 12 noon;
Kildimo-Pallaskenry or Pallasgreen v Cappagh, Seán Finns Park Rathkeale or Claughaun 12 noon
County Junior B Hurling Championship quarter-final, Mungret-St Paul's v Doon in Claughaun at 12 noon
County Senior Hurling Cup semi-final, Ballybrown v Bruff, Gaelic Grounds, 3pm
County Senior Hurling Championship final, Na Piarsaigh v Patrickswell, Gaelic Grounds, 3pm
West Minor B Hurling Championship final, Dáithi Broudairs v St Kieran's, Quaid Park Coolyroe, 4.30pm
