Granagh-Ballingarry GAA AGM Report 2015

AGM REPORT

Annual general meeting time has arrived once more and I would like to welcome you all here to the clubhouse in Ballingarry. It is my great pleasure in this, the 25th Anniversary of the reformation of this great club, to put before you my report of the happenings in Cumann Greanach Baile an Gharraí CLG for 2015. The time has come for us to look back and reflect on the happenings both on and off the field over the past 12 months and to look forward and make plans for the year ahead. The year under review was successful and busy, contesting six county and west finals, winning seven pieces of silverware; 56 competitive games were played at adult level, an increase of 9 games on the previous year, and a large number of games were also played by the Bórd na nÓg section of our club.

The highlights of the year were undoubtedly the success of our Junior B hurlers, achieving a West League/Championship double and reaching the county finals; the fine displays given by the intermediate hurlers to capture both the West Senior and Intermediate Championship, finishing second in Division 2 of the County League on 10 points, one behind Knockainey, drew with Feohanagh Castlemahon in the Dunworth Cup final and most unlucky to lose out on a County Premier Championship semi-final spot by going under to both Knockainey and Blackrock with late scores to finish sixth in the group on six points.

The minor hurlers, who amalgamated with Rathkeale on winning the West A Championship title and reaching the county final where they went under to Claughaun/Old Christians in a thrilling contest, while their counterparts in football amalgamated with Banogue, winning all three group stage games in the West B Championship to reach the semi-final where they were convincing winners over Daithí Brudairs but unfortunately lost to St. Kierans in the final (by four points, when conceding two late goals at Sean Finn Park, Rathkeale, on what was probably the wettest night of the year).

Our U21 hurlers fought a great campaign to finish level with Killeedy on five points in the county 13-a-side competition, but unfortunately lost out on scoring difference to Killeedy for the second semi-final spot from Group 1. Their football counterparts reached the West B Championship semi-final where they went under to a strong St.Kieran’s side. It was most disappointing to have only fielded a team for one of our six West Junior A football games.

David Condron won Munster and All-Ireland U21 Championship medals. Sean O’Connor was a member of the Limerick U15 hurling team, winners of the Ted Henley Memorial Shield. Donal O’Grady was appointed captain of the Limerick senior hurling team for the third successive year, leading them to Waterford Crystal glory. Donal O’Grady (senior hurling), David Condron (U21 hurling), Jack O’Donoghue and Edward Sheedy (minor football), Sean O’Connor (U15 hurling), Luke O’Flynn (U14 hurling) and Darragh Casey (primary schoolhurling), had the honour of wearing the green and white of Limerick.

The highlight of the Bord na nÓg scene was the most enjoyable yearbook launch and awards presentation function on Sunday 1st March in Granagh Community Centre, and we won the County Division 3 U14 Football and U15 Hurling Championships and reached the Division 3 County U13 hurling final and the U14 and U16 Hurling Shield semi-finals. Creditable performances were given by the U16 footballers before they made the exit against Drom Broadford, having a small pool of players to select from. The U12 hurlers enjoyed a successful day out in Thurles on Friday 5th August, playing Wolfe Tones (Clare) and St. Catherine’s and Inniscarra (Cork).

The Summer Camp that was run in July was enjoyed by all the children.

Mark O’Shea, who recited ‘The Greatest Game of them All’, won the recitation and Therese Noonan, Aislinn Herlihy, Caoimhe O’Flynn, Olivia Bennett, Gráinne Lynch and Nessa Houlihan who performed ‘Emigration and An American Wake’ won the Drama/Novelty Act at the West Scór na nÓg finals and won first place in the County Scorn a nÓg finals on 3rd December, while Mark O’Shea came second at the same event for recitation.

On the local camogie scene Granagh Ballingarry won their 23rd County Senior Championship title. It was encouraging to see the ladies’ footballers win their Division U12 and U14 Shields and fielding an adult 13-a-side team.

Orla Linehan and Sean O’Connor received GAA part-scholarships to Corcha Dhuibhne Gaeltacht.

There was no winner of our lottery jackpot since Jim Ivess won €20,000 on Tuesday 28th October 2014. We had no winner in the County Club Draw. Jimmy’s Winning Matches team won the adult section and the Liam McCarthy team won the Family Section in our sixth annual King of the Hill Challenge.

The launch of the 10-month Draw on Friday 13th March in Condron’s bar, Ballingarry with 387 punters was the main source of income for the year.

Jim Lynch was elected Assistant Secretary and Jimmy Stapleton re-elected President of the West Board on Wednesday 9th December.

Jimmy Winning Matches team win Knockfierna King of the Hill

Thirty-five teams completed the sixth annual Granagh-Ballingarry GAA Club King of the Hill challenge. In difficult windy conditions on St. Stephen’s Day over Knockfierna, the adult competition was won by the local Jimmy Winning Matches team of Seamus, Peter and Stephen Stapleton on a very creditable score of 51 shots. Joint second on 52 shots were the Adare Bandits team of Michael, Andrew and Stephen O’Connell and the local Brian Geary Ltd team of Mikey O’Keeffe, Denis O’Connor and Damien O’Donovan. The bronze medals went to the Will Always Get Home team of Noel O’Grady and Shane and Darren Clifford on 53 shots.

Family Section

The Liam McCarthy Man team of James Flynn, his son Luke and first cousin Darragh Casey won the second annual Family Section with 51 shots. The same number as the adult section winners. Joint second on 55 shots were the Kilcolman Rangers team of Richie Snr, Richie Jnr. and Lisa O’Keeffe, and the Kerry Hurling team of Mary and Aoife Flynn. The bronze medals went to defending champions Fiona, David and Eimear Morrissey on a very creditable 56 shots. Thank you to 53 teams who completed the course, Cormac McCarthy and Aiden Quaid fortheir kind donations, the Dunworth family for the light refreshments and Dinny Ahern for the soup and sandwiches, which were more than welcome. Thank you also to O’Sullivan Insurance for their sponsorship and the organising committee, Niall Carroll, Niall Kennedy, Liam Carroll, Eoin Kennedy, Donagh McCarthy; drivers Jimmy Stapleton and John Scanlon and to all the volunteers who helped on the day.

Awards for Jimmy, Fiona and Jack

The 18th Annual West Limerick GAA All-Star Banquet took place on Saturday 21st February in Rathkeale House Hotel. There were 35 present from our parish to pay tribute to Jimmy Stapleton, who received the Hurling Hall of Fame; Fiona Hickey - Senior Camogie Award and Jack O’Donoghue, the Minor B Football Award. The West Board Chairman Gerry Molyneaux and his officials deserve great credit for the way the banquet was organised.

An enjoyable night

Our Bord na nÓg committee held a most enjoyable yearbook launch and awards presentation function on Sunday 1st March in Granagh Community Centre. Guests of honour were our own West Limerick Hall of Fame winner Jimmy Stapleton, Limerick senior hurling captain Donal O’Grady, Kilmallock, hurler Eoin Ryan and Sean Herbert of the County Games and Development Committee.

The honour of launching the first annual Granagh-Ballingarry Bord na nÓg Yearbook went to Club President (and West Limerick Hall of Fame winner) Jimmy Stapleton. Donal O’Grady made the presentation to the U8, U10, U12, U14 and U16 hurling and football teams and to the Granagh-Ballingarry / Banogue team that won the 2014 West Minor B Football Championship. Individual presentations were made to Sean O’Connor in recognition of his winning the All-Ireland Feile na nGael Skills, Luke O’Flynn and Keith O’Kelly (Mackey and Sarsfield Cups), Darragh Casey (Sarsfield Cup), Ciara O’Connor and Molly Cagney (Larkin Shield), Ciara Sheehy and Ciara English (Neville Cup), Sean English (Liam English Cup), and Maurice Noonan (Interprovincial Wheelchair Hurling).

The last presentation of the night of one of the first copies of the Bord na nÓg Yearbook was made to Jimmy Stapleton by Club Chairman Dinny Ahern. Our Bord na nÓgCommittee deserve credit for the way the function was organised.

Thank you to Jimmy Chawke who did an excellent job as MC, Conor, Eoin and Sean for collecting membership fees, the invited guests, the ladies for the tea and sandwiches, Granagh Community Centre for the use of the hall and everyone who helped in any way to make the night so enjoyable.

Club 10-Month Draw

The launch of the Granagh-Ballingarry GAA Club 10-Month Draw took place on Friday 13th March in Condron’s Bar, Ballingarry. Congratulations to all the lucky winners in this draw, which was the main source of income for our club this year. Thank you to our Finance Committee. Thank you to all our 387 punters who supported this draw during the year. The last draw takes place on Saturday 12th December in Dinny A’s Bar, Ballingarry, at 8pm.

Playing Activities for 2015

2015 was another active and busy year for Granagh Ballingarry on the field. Our various adult hurling and football teams played 56 competitive and sporting games since our U21 hurlers began the competitive playing season on Sunday 8th March, playing a thrilling 3-10 to 1-16 draw in the opening round of the County 13-a-side competition at Ballingarry. The curtain finally came down on a long and successful season on Saturday 28th November when their counterparts in Football went under to St. Kieran’s 1-19 to 2-7 in the semi-final of the West B Championship.

U21 hurlers out on scoring difference

Due to insufficient numbers of players available for 15-a-side hurling it was agreed for the second successive year to enter the county 13-a-side competition. The honour of commencing the adult competitive playing season on Sunday 8th March fell to the U21 hurlers who played a thrilling 3-10 to 1-16 draw will Killeedy in the opening round of the County 13-a-side competition at Ballingarry.

They went under to Feohanagh Castlemahon by seven points, 3-18 to 1-17 in round two at Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale on Friday 13th March. Went on to defeat Askeaton 4-15 to 3-9 in Askeaton on Sunday 15th March and Glenroe 4-15 to 3-11 in the final group stage game in Ballingarry on Sunday 22nd March to finish level with Killeedy on five points but, unfortunately lost out on scoring difference to Killeedy for the second semi-final spot from Group Two.

We sought a playoff with Killeedy on the grounds that the Killeedy v Askeaton and Granagh Ballingarry v Glenroe games on Sunday 22nd March were not played at the same time. The CCC investigated the matter and it was found that games in the competition were, in fact, played subsequent to the final rounds involving both Granagh Ballingarry and Killeedy. As both games (Feohanagh Castlemahon v Glenroe and Feohanagh Castlemahon v Askeaton) could have materially affected the final table,

it was found that the games played on Sunday 22nd March need not have been played simultaneously as was the case. Therefore, as per general rule, scoring difference was used to decide progression in the competition. Thank you to team manager, Niall McCarthy, selectors, Liam Carroll, Sean Lenihan and Thomas O’Donovan and the panel of players for giving creditable performances, scoring a total of 12-57 in their four County 13-a-side competition games and most unlucky to lose out on a semi-final spot on scoring difference.

Late goals deny Granagh Ballingarry Banogue two in a row

Due to insufficient numbers of players available in Granagh Ballingarry for the Minor grade in 2015 it was agreed to amalgamate with Banogue for Minor Football for the second successive year to play under the name Granagh Ballingarry Banogue.

This year’s West Minor B Football Championship was played on a League system in one group of four teams with the top team to play the bottom team and the second placed team to play the third placed team in the semi-finals. Granagh Ballingarry Banogue who received a walkover from St. Senan’s in their firstgame had a long wait to Friday 24th July to commence their playing season at Banogue, where they were impressive 7-8 to 1-8 winners over Daithí Broudairs.

They went on to defeat St. Kieran’s 7-17 to 3-6 to finish top of the group on six points to qualify for a semi-final meeting with Daithí Broudairs at Pairc Caoimh Uí Luing, Feenagh on Tuesday 25th August, where Granagh Ballingarry were convincing 4-17 to 1-5 winners to advance to a final meeting with St. Kieran’s. The final played on Friday 11th September at rain-soaked Sean Finns Park, Rathkeale, where a pair of opportunist goals by Cillian Enright, the first from a 30 metre placed ball in the last five minutes paved the way for a four point victory 3-3 to 1-5 victory for St. Kieran’s to claim their first ever West Minor B Football Championship and deny gallant Granagh Ballingarry Banogue two in a row.

Thank you to Manager, Liam Lynch, Selectors Richie O’Keeffe, Mike Meale, Jim Dore, the Banogue Club and the panel of players for giving creditable performances winning all their group games to reach their second successive final.

Historic first West title for Granagh Ballingarry Rathkeale

Due to insufficient numbers of players, like their counterparts in football, it was agreed to amalgamate with Rathkeale for minor hurling and play under ‘Granagh Ballingarry Rathkeale’. It was a successful year, playing a total of six games, winning an historic West Minor A Hurling Championship and reaching the county final. This year’s West Minor Hurling Championship was played on a League system in one group of three teams with the top two teams to contest the A final with the loser to play the third placed team in the B final.

Granagh Ballingarry Rathkeale commenced their Championship campaign on Friday 24th July with a comfortable 2-24 to 2-9 victory over Daithí Brudairs. They went on to defeat St. Kieran’s 3-27 to 0-2 on Friday 5th August at Ballingarry to qualify for a final meeting with second placed Daithí Brudairs.

The West Minor A Hurling Championship final abandoned on Tuesday 29th September by referee Donncha O’Callaghan after only 9 minutes at Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale due to a serious leg injury to Jack O’Donoghue of Granagh Ballingarry, was replayed on Sunday 4th October 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 3-20 to 2-9 victory over gallant Daithí Brudairs, the Dromcollogher Broadford and Killeedy selection.

County Minor A Hurling Championship

Granagh Ballingarry Rathkeale as West champions, clashed with City - East runners-up South Liberties in the County Minor A Hurling Championship semi-final on Sunday 11th October in Clarina, where a point from a 40-metre ball two minutes into added time by Cathal O’Keeffe, earned Granagh Ballingarry Rathkeale a deserved 3-12 each draw. The replay at the same venue on Sunday 25th October was another exciting contest with a point from a placed ball from all of 65 metres by last year’s National Féile na nGael Skills Champion, Sean O’Connor, in the final minute of normal time earned West Champions Granagh Ballingarry Rathkeale a hard fought one point 1-11 to 1-10 victory over unlucky South Liberties and a place in the County Minor A Hurling Championship final against City / East winners Claughaun - Old Christians on Sunday 31st October in Bruff.

Here both sides served up a memorable contest. With a well struck sideline cut by Richard O’Keeffe of Granagh Ballingarry and Rathkeale going all the way to the city side’s net on 53 minutes to level the score for the ninth time at 2-11 all Claughaun / Old Christians upped their game with points by Killian Hennon on 55 minutes, Dylan Lyons on 57 minutes and Dylan Blackhall on 31 minutes to go three ahead. It took some great defence by the City boys to prevent the boys from the West getting the goal that would take this thrilling contest to a replay in added time, but at the final whistle it was the City team who had won their first County Hurling Championship under the Claughaun and Old Christians name by three points 2-14 to 2-11.

The Granagh Ballingarry Rathkeale boys lost nothing in defeat and were sporting enough to stay on the field for the cup presentation. Thank you to managers Liam Lynch and James O’Connor, selectors Richie O’Keeffe and Tom Keating, first aider Mary Sheahan, Rathkeale club secretary Pat Sheahan and the panel of players for giving outstanding displays to win the West Minor A Hurling Championship title and reaching the county final.

Disappointing year for junior A footballers

Unfortunately little interest was shown by some players in Gaelic football in 2015. We did not enter the West A League and only fielded a team for one of our six West Junior A Football Championship games that was against Newcastle West on Friday 19th June at Pairc Caoimh O Luing, Feenagh, where the Magpies were 3-10 to 0-7 winners when we had to call on soccer star Anthony Forde, playing his first game for the black and greens since the County Minor B Football Championship final in November 2008, to be in a position to field a team. This is most disappointing after the great effort but in the previous years, especially after only going under to Cappagh after extra time at the quarter-final stage in 2014, who we congratulated on winning West and County Championship honours this season. I hope every effort will be made by the club in 2016 to field strong teams as we have some very good young footballers in our club.

West Junior B Hurling League/Championship Double

Granagh Ballingarry junior B hurlers enjoyed a very successful year, winning 13 of their 17 games to claim theWest League and Championship double, reach the County League and Championship finals and contest both the Dinny Cup and Barry Quaid Memorial Cup.

West Junior B Hurling League - Group 2

Our junior B hurlers began their competitive playing season on Sunday 19th April in the opening game of Group 2 in the West Junior B League with a hard fought two point 1-10 to 1-8 victory over neighbours Croagh Kilfinny.They went on to defeat St. Kieran’s by six points 2-9 to 0-9 at Coolcappa on Tuesday 19th April before disappointingly going under to neighbours Knockaderry by three points 2-16 to 1-16 away on Tuesday 12th May, in the final group stage game to finish level with Croagh Kilfinny and Knockaderry on four points and a play-off to decide the two semi-final places in group two.

Granagh Ballingarry defeated Croagh Kilfinny 5-13 to 1-8 in the first round play-off at Sean Finns Park, Rathkeale, on Tuesday 28th May to qualify for a semi-final class with holders Feohanagh Castlemahon at Tournafulla on Wednesday 10th June who they defeated by three points 1-16 to 2-10 to qualify for a final meeting with Tournafulla. The final played on Tuesday 16th June saw Granagh Ballingarry claim their third West Junior B Hurling League in five years and their first since 2012 with a one-point 1-17 to 2-13 victory over gallant Tournafulla in a thrilling 33 score contest at sunny St. Kieran’s GAA grounds in Coolcappa.

County Junior B Hurling League Semi-final

The County League semi-final was played on Thursday 18th June at O’Carroll Park, Ballyagran, where a point from a 30-metre placed ball in the final minute of normal time by Blackrock took this thrilling contest to extra time and a long range point by Man of the Match John O’Grady in the final of the second period of extra time earned Granagh Ballingarry a thrilling 1-17 to 2-13 victory over unlucky Blackrock to qualify for a final against holders All-Ireland Champions, Doon.

The final was played on Thursday 25th June in Hospital where goals by Mark Coleman and Ger Beary were crucial to All-Ireland champions Doon’s five point 2-12 to 0-13 victory over a very much understrength Granagh Ballingarry to take their second County Junior B Hurling League title in a row.

West Junior B Hurling Championship - Group 2

Granagh Ballingarry commenced their West Junior B Hurling Championship campaign on Wednesday 1st July inDromcollogher where they made it a League and Championship double over the Feohanagh Castlemahon boys with a 2-11 to 0-8 victory.

They went on to defeat Feenagh Kilmeedy 0-31 to 1-2 at Knockaderry on Sunday 5th July in Round 2 and Tournafulla 3-18 to 0-12 at Pairc Caoimh Ó Luing, Feenagh, on Wednesday 29th July and received a walkover from Newcastle West in the final group 2 stage game to finish top of the group on eight points to qualify for a semi-final with Tournafulla at Quaid Park, Coolyroe on Friday 4th September where the black and greens made it a hat trick of wins over Tour with a five point 0-21 to 2-10 victory to qualify for a final meeting with Feohanagh Castlemahon.

Here a point from a 30-metre placed ball near the sideline after a foul on PádraigLynch in the final minute of normal time by John O’Grady paved the way for a hard fought 0-12 to 1-8 victory for Granagh Ballingarry over unlucky Feohanagh Castlemahon and first West Junior B Hurling Championship title since 2003 and a League and Championship in ideal conditions at Dromcollogher on Saturday 16th September.

County Junior B Hurling Championship

As West Champions Granagh Ballingarry travelled to Adare where they defeated South runners-up Camogue Rovers by four points 0-16 to 1-9 in the County quarter-final to qualify for a semi-final meeting with All-Ireland champions, Doon on Sunday 18th Ocotber at Bruff.

Here a point from a 20-metre placed ball in the final minute of the second period of extra time by John O’Grady after a foul on Pádraig Lynch earned Granagh Ballingarry a thrilling 1-18 to 0-20 victory over the All-Ireland Championship to qualify for their first County Junior B Hurling Championship final since 2008 against last year’s defeated finalists Monaleen, a repeat of the 2002 decider won 2-6 to 2-4 by Monaleen.

The final, played on Friday 23rd October under lights at Pairc na nGael, where goals by Alan Kitson on 2 minutes and David Hennessy on 18 and Darrell Smith on 36, coupled with a penalty save by former Newcastle West keeper, Ollie McCoy from John O’Grady on 52 minutes helped enormously in acquiring a hard-fought two point 3-9 to 1-13 win for Monaleen over gallant Granagh Ballingarry to claim their second County Junior B Hurling Championship title and a first since 2002 when they also defeated us by two points at Fedamore.

Our players were gutted to have lost their fifth final since 2002 but were very sporting in defeat and stayed on the field for the presentation of the cup to Monaleen Captain Niall Macken by County Board Youth Officer, Mike Cunningham.

Tournaments

Granagh Ballingarry Junior B Hurlers contested two tournament finals, the Dinny Cup on Sunday 30th August at Ballingarry where they went under to Camogue Rovers 2-14 to 1-11 and Barry Quaid Memorial Cup final on Saturday 10th October at Croagh where they went under to Croagh Kilfinny 3-20 to 1-15.

Conclusion

Granagh Ballingarry Junior B Hurlers and management team put in a lot of effort winning 14 of their 18 games,winning the West League and Championship and reaching the County League final, where they were unlucky to go under to All-Ireland champions Doon and to Monaleen in the County Championship after playing a lot of good hurling on the way. I congratulate the players on the many great displays they have given.

Well done to the management team of Conor O’Keeffe, Manager, Tony Delaney, Coach, Liam Carroll, Andrew Holmes, Niall McCarthy and Stephen Stapleton, Selectors; Breda and Laura O’Keeffe, First Aid Officials who gave a lot of time to the team. I am sure if most of this team and management team are together they will be a match for the best again in 2016.

Intermediate hurlers claim West Senior and Intermediate Championship double

Granagh Ballingarry relegated from Senior to Premier Intermediate Hurling for 2015 enjoyed a very successful year, winning 13 and drew one of 20 games played to win historic West Senior and Intermediate Hurling Championship double, finishing second in Division 2 of the County Hurling League on 10 points, one behind Knockainey, drew with Feohanagh Castlemahon in the Dunworth Cup final and were most unlucky to lose out on a County Premier Intermediate Championship semi-final spot when going under to both Knockainey and Blackrock with late scores to finish sixth in the group of six points.

County Hurling League Division 2

Granagh Ballingarry Intermediate Hurlers commenced their playing season on Saturday 21st March with an impressive 2-16 to 0-12 victory over Garryspillane in the opening round of Division 2 in the County Hurling League at Ballingarry. They went on to defeat Blackrock 4-10 to 2-10 at home on Saturday 18th April and Bruff 1-16 to 1-13 away on Tuesday 18th May before going under to South Liberties 1-15 to 0-11 at home on Tuesday 9th June and defeating Croom 1-15 to 0-15 away on Saturday 4th July and Effin 2-15 to 2-12 in Round 6 at home on Saturday 18th July to go top of the table on ten points with Knockainey in second place on 9 points to play in the final round.

Knockainey was the venue on Saturday 5th September for the eagerly awaited clash of Granagh Ballingarry and Knockainey to decide the destination of the Division 2 County Hurling League title for 2015 with Knockainey crowned champions with a deserved 1-12 to 0-8 victory over the boys in black and green who were forced to line out minus a number of key players on the evening.

County Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship

The 2015 County Intermediate Hurling Championship was played on a League system in one group of eight teams with the top four teams to qualify for the semi-finals winners of both semi-finals promoted to Senior for 2016. County final winners represent Limerick in Munster Club Championship and bottom two teams in Group relegated to second their Intermediate.

Granagh Ballingarry suffered two straight defeates in the opening two group games of the County Premier Intermediate Hurling Championshp to Knockainey by one point 1-12 to 0-14 courtesy of a late point from a placed ball by Dermot Walsh at Fitzgerald Park, Kilmallock on Sunday 12th April and Garryspillane 2-13 to 1-5 at rain soaked Michael Fox Park, Kilfinane on Friday 1st May.

The boys in black and green got their season back on track with two straight three point wins over Pallasgreen 0-13 to 0-10 at Fitzgerald Park, Kilmallock on Saturday 30th May and over Monaleen 0-17 to 0-14 at the same venue on Saturday 26th June.

They suffered their third defeat when going under to Blackrock by two points 3-16 to 2-17 courtesy of an injury time goal by Ruairí O’Shaughnessy on Saturday 8th August at Fitzgerald Park, Kilmallock before defeating neighbours Dromin-Athlacca 0-20 to 1-13 at the same venue on Saturday 29th August to stay in contention for a semi-final spot and out of the relegation zone.

The final group stage game played on Sunday 20th September in Kilmallock where Bruree were comfortable 2-14 to 0-8 winners to finish second in the table on 10 points and qualify for a semi-final meeting with third placed Monaleen and Granagh Ballingarry in sixth place on six points and out of contention for a semi-final spot. Congratulations to our neighbours Bruree who went on to defeat Monaleen and Knockainey in the final to capture County honours.

Thrilling draw in Dunworth Cup Final

A point from a 30-metre placed ball two minutes into added time by Alan Roche earned Feohanagh Castlemahon a deserved 4-19 to 4-16 draw with holders Granagh Ballingarry in a thrilling 42 score Dunworth Cup final in front of a good crowd in ideal conditions at Ballingarry on Sunday 23rd August. Thank you to Dinny Ahern for kindly sponsoring the medals. The replay will take place early in the New Year.

Clancy’s goal bridges 7-year West Senior Cup

The quarter-final of the West Senior Hurling Championship at Askeaton on Friday 12th June resulted in a hard fought two point 0-13 to 0-11 victory for Granagh-Ballingarry over second tier Intermediate side, St. Kierans to advance to a semi-final clash with great rivals Newcastle West at Sean Finn Park, Rathkeale on Saturday 25th July who they defeated by six points 3-11 to 1-11 to qualify for a final meeting with Adare. The final, played on Bank Holiday Monday, 26th October in wet and windy conditions at Sean Finn Park, Rathkeale where an opportunist goal by David Clancy in the final minute of normal time from a Donal O’Grady long delivery, earned Granagh-Ballingarry a thrilling one point 1-14 to 1-13 victory over unlucky Adare to claim their first West Senior Hurling title since they won the 2008 final, also against Adare.

Historic first West intermediate hurling title

The quarter final of the West Intermediate Hurling Championship at Croagh on Monday 20th April resulted in a four point 1-23 to 3-13 victory for Granagh Ballingarry over Junior A side Monagea to advance to a semi-final meeting with Dromcollogher Broadford. Here Granagh Ballingarry received a walkover from the newly crowned County Junior A champions to qualify for a final meeting with holders Feohanagh Castlemahon on Saturday 21st November, played in treacherous conditions at Sean Finn’s Park, Rathkeale where Granagh Ballingarry were comfortable 5-16 to 1-7 winners over gallant Feohanagh Castlemahon of their first ever West Intermediate Hurling Championship title to go alongside the West Senior title won on Bank Holiday Monday 26th October against Adare. I congratulate the players on the many great displays they have given to win the double. Well done to the Management team of Seamus Stapleton, Manager; John Tuohy, Coach; Paddy Hennessy, Willie Power and Darragh O’Grady, Selectors; Breda and Laura O’Keeffe, First Aid Officials and Kitman Donal Mulcahy.

Seamus steps down

Seamus Stapleton has decided to step down after serving two years as Senior and one year as Intermediate Hurling Manager. In his three year term Seamus guided the Black and Greens to reach the County Senior Hurling Cup final in 2013 and to a West Senior and Intermediate Double this year. As Junior B football team manager he guided them to a West and County League and Championship double in 2010 and to the West Junior A Football League title in 2011. He was an outstanding dual player, winning a record number of West and County Underage and adult medals, played Intermediate Hurling for Limerick and served as Club Chairman from 2010 to 2013. I thank Seamus for his immense contribution to our Club as a dual player, mentor and Club official and wish him the best of luck in whatever road he wishes to take.

U21 footballers reach West B semi-final

For the first time since 2010 Granagh Ballingarry fielded a 15-a-side in U21 Football in the West BChampionship. Three teams entered with the tope team in the group to qualify for the final and the second and third placed team to meet in the semi-final. In the opening game on Saturday 14th November under lights at Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale.

St. Kieran’s proved too strong for the boys in Black and Green, with a convincing 4-11 to 1-6 victory. In the second and final group game in bitterly cold conditions, again at Mick Neville Park on Friday 20th November, St. Senan’s were comfortable 3-12 to 0-3 winners over gallant Granagh Ballingarry and went top of the group on 4 points to qualify for the final, while Granagh Ballingarry played St. Kieran’s in the semi-final on Friday 27th November at Mick Neville Park, where the Saints booked their place in the final against St. Senan’s, with a comfortable 1-19 to 2-7 victory over Granagh Ballingarry to bring the curtain down on a long, busy successful season for the club.

Well done to Manager Niall McCarthy, Selectors Liam Carroll, Sean Lenihan andMicheál Clancy and the panel of players for completing their full programme of West U21 B Football Championship games with a small pool of players to select from.

Bórd na nÓg enjoy successful year

Jimmy Chawke was re-elected Chairman, Conor Snow Secretary and Donagh McCarthy Games and Coaching Officer of Granagh Ballingarry Bórd na nÓg Committee for 2015. Teams were affiliated in all grades of hurling and football from U8 to U16. Our Bórd na nÓg officials, team managers and selectors must be complemented for the great work they did for the young people from Granagh Ballingarry in 2015. The highlights of the year included the most enjoyable yearbook launch and awards presentation function on Sunday 1st March in Granagh Community Centre.

Winning the County Division 3 U14 Fooball and U15 Hurling Championship, reaching the Division 3 County Under 13 Hurling final and the U14 and U16 Footballers, before they made their exit against Drom Broadford, having a small pool of players to select from. The U12 Hurlers enjoyed a very successful day out in Thurles on Friday 5th August playing Wolfe Tones (Clare) and St. Catherine’s and Inniscarra (Cork).

The Summer Camp that was run in July was enjoyed by all the children who participated. Congratulations to all concerned for making 2015 such a busy, successful and enjoyable year for Granagh Ballingarry Bórd na nÓg. A more comprehensive report on Bórd na nÓg affairs will be given at their AGM on Tuesday 15th December inBallingarry clubhouse at 8pm.

Primary schools

Well done to both Granagh and Ballingarry National Schools who gave creditable performances in this year’s primary school hurling and football competitions with Ballingarry most unlucky to go under to neighbours Ahalin in the Division 2 Hurling final and to Killoughteen in the Division 2 Football final. Congratulations to the boys and girls who were selected to play on the West Mackey Cup, Sarsfield Cup, Larkin Shield and County Primary Schools teams. Credit is due to the teachers and coaches of both schools for the great work they are doing in promoting Gaelic games.

With the county

On the Inter County front 7 of our players, Donal O’Grady (Senior Hurling), David Condron (U21 Hurling), Jack O’Donoghue and Edward Sheehy (Minor Football), Sean O’Connor (U15 Hurling), Luke O’Flynn (U14 Hurling) and Darragh Casey (Primary Schools Hurling) had the honour of wearing the Green and White of Limerick.

Donal re-appointed

Congratulations to Donal O’Grady on his appointment as captain of the Limerick Senior Hurling team for the third successive year in January, leading them to Waterford Crystal glory. This was a great honour for Donal, a regular in the Limerick side since 2004, his family and our Club.

Munster and All-Ireland U21 medals

Congratulations to the Limerick U21 Hurlers and our own David Condron who was very much part of the squad who were brilliant winning Munster and All-Ireland honours.

Lottery

There was no winner of the jackpot in 2015. It will be worth €10,700 on Monday 14th December. Thank you to our lottery committee for their dedication each Monday night and to all those who support the lottery each week.

County G.A.A. Club Draw

Our Club had a small number of members in the Limerick County GAA Club Draw but unfortunately no winner. Thank you to our draw co-ordinator, Eoin Kennedy and to all who support this draw during the year.

National Club Draw

A good number of tickets by our Club were returned to Croke Park for the National Club Draw which took place on Friday 25th February but unfortunately we had no winner. There are fantastic prizes on offer once more in the 2016 draw ranging from a trip with the 2016 All-Stars plus a host of large cash prizes. This draw will take place on Friday 11th March in Croke Park and our Club can retain the proceeds of the tickets sold.

Field Development

Thank you to our Field Development Committee who were working with Michael Healy finalising an overall plan for the refurbishment of our clubhouse and grounds in Ballingarry.

23rd camogie title

Granagh Ballingarry Camogie club once more had a very busy and successful year, winning their 23rd County Senior Championship title and their Division U16 League title. We look forward to seeing them capture their 24th Limerick County Senior Championship and back to the race for Munster and All-Ireland honours in 2016.

Community Games

Congratulations to Granagh Ballingarry Community Games Club whose officials and managers did great work for the Youth of our parish winning medals at County and National level in many competitions in 2015. It is through involvement in Community Games that some people begin their sporting career.

Ladies’ football

I would like to compliment Orla Keating on the excellent job she did in the promotion of Ladies Football in our parish. It is most encouraging to see them win their Division U14 and U16 Shield and fielding an adult 13-a-side team. I wish the Ladies Footballers continued success at both adult and underage level in 2016.

Scholarships

Congratulations to Orla Lenihan and Sean O’Connor who were awarded GAA part scholarships to CorchaDhuibne Gaeltacht this summer. Thanks to the two recipients who were worthy ambassadors for their families and our clubs.

Online Registration

I would like to compliment John Carroll on the excellent job he did on the online registration of club players and members. John was capably assisted by Eoin Kennedy and team managers to collect membership fees. It is essential to remember that for legal and insurance reasons that all players, officers and volunteers must pay annual club membership fees each year.

Congratulations Pat

Congratulations to our local referee Pat Carroll who officiated at many important hurling and football games in 2015. It would be great to see other club members pick up the whistle in the new year as the shortage of referees in the County is now at a critical stage.

West Scór na nÓg double

Granagh Ballingarry were successful in two events in the West Limerick Scór na nÓg finals at Ardagh Community Centre on Sunday 15th November - Mark O’Shea, who recited ‘The Greatest Game of Them All’ won first for recitation. The Drama / Novelty Act group of Therese Noonan, Aislinn Herlihy, Caoimhe O’Flynn, Olivia Bennett, Gráinne Lynch and Nessa Houlihan, who performed ‘Emigration and an American Wake’ also represented their club very well and they also won first place in the West Division in the County Scór na nÓg finals on Thursday 3rd December in the Millennium Centre, Caherconlish, while Mark O’Shea came second in recitation..

West Board President and Assistant Secretary. I would like to congratulate Jim Lynch on his election as Assistant Secretary and Jimmy Stapleton on his re-election as President of the West Limerick Board at their annual Convention held in the Devon Inn Hotel on Wednesday 9th December.

Tickets

Congratulations to Brian Kennedy, Cathal O’Keeffe, Donie O’Grady, Niall Carroll and Darragh O’Grady (Hurling), Rose McCarthy, Val Small and Donagh McCarthy (Football), the lucky winners of All-Ireland final tickets.

Sponsorship

Sponsorship is very important nowadays to help with the running of our club. I thank all our sponsors of both Senior and Bord na nÓg clubs most sincerely for their generosity during the year. Any more sponsors who wish to come on board would be more than welcome, as I believe we have a great product to promote.

Coverage

The promotion of our games through the media is very important. I was delighted to have had the time to attend and to cover all of the 56 adult games played this year, as well as all other club happenings. Thank you to Conor Snow and James Flynn for their reports and Nora O’Connor for photos on Bord na nÓg affairs and Liam Carroll who updated the club website weekly with fixtures, match reports and all other club happenings taken from the weekly notes in the Weekly Observer.

Get well soon

Best wishes for a full recovery to Jack O’Donoghue and we look forward to seeing him back wearing the black and green jersey.

Sympathy

During the year many were called to their eternal reward. To all families who suffered bereavements during the year, I offer my deepest sympathy on behalf of the club.

Acknowledgements

I would like to say a special word of thanks to the following for their help and co-operation during the year - my wife, Maura, Gearóid and Gráinne; fellow officers, especially Chairman Dinny and Treasurer Eoin for the professional way they carried out their duties during the year in very demanding positions. Bord na nÓg Officers Jimmy and Conor, Coaching Officer Donagh, West and County Board Officers, especially Mike and Oliver, Gerry and Mickie. Club players, Managers, Selectors, to Donal Mulcahy, Mike O’Neill, Pat Cagney, Liam Lynch, John Shields and the FÁS workers for looking after the clubhouse and field; Andrew Holmes, Chairman and Mossie O’Connor, Secretary and all Field Development Committee members, Children’s Officer, Jimmy Chawke.

A special word of thanks to Breda and Laura O’Keeffe for providing First Aid to our players as they are providing an invaluable service to our club. Thanks for the co-operation given by the Vale Star and Weekly Observer for the excellent and consistent coverage of club affairs, it is very much appreciated as is the contribution of Nora O’Connor for providing photos and both Granagh and Ballingarry local correspondents, John O’Riordan, Nora O’Keeffe, Mary O’Regan and Daithí O’Riordan in the weekly parish notes and the coverage given by West and County PROs, Pat O’Donnell and Eamon Phelan, John Meehan, Mick Moloney and Tom Begley of West Limerick 102, John Paul Ahern of Limerick 95FM, Jerome O’Connor of the Limerick Leader and Matt O’Callaghan of the Vale Star and Weekly Observer.

I wish all club members, officers, players and supporters a Happy Christmas and a prosperous and successful 2015 both on and off the playing field. The year ahead should be another interesting one and if all club teams can field at near full strength I hope we will be in a position to say it was a great year in both codes and be back playing Senior Hurling in 2017. I wish the AGM every success and hope that our deliberations are advantageous to the continued success of our club. Go raibh maith agaibh go léir.

Is mise, Sean Ó Loingsigh, Runaí

Parish Club Roll of Honour

Ballingarry

County: SHC 1911; IHC 1910; JAHC 1944, 1979; PMHC 1971; MBHC 1989; JBFC 1989; U16PHC 1969

West: SHC 1904; JAHC 1934, 1944, 1966, 1969; U21PHC 1974; MPHC 1970, 1971,

1974; MBHC 1989;U16PHC 1969, 1972; JBFC 1979; MBFC 1988; U14PHC 1962, 1969, 1976.

Granagh

County: JAHC 1914, 1916, 1942, 1976; PMHC 1939; MBHC 1988.

West: JAHC 1924, 1939, 1940, 1942, 1974, 1975, 1976; MPHC 1939, 1980; MBHC 1988; U16PHC 1964, 1976, 1978; JAHL 1986.

Granagh Ballingarry

County: JAHC 1998; IHC 2005, JBFC 1996, 2002, 2010; IHL 1995; Div1MHC 1993, 2001; 12-a-side MFC 2010; U21

12-a-side FC 2011; JBFL 2010; U12PHC 1985; U16BFC 1995,

1996; Div3U14FC 2015; Div2 U16HC 1997;U16PHS 1988; U16Div3FS 2007; ACHL Div5 2000; Div4 2004; Div3 2005; Div2MFC 2008; U14CHC 2007; U16 13-a-side HS 2011; U15 Div3HC 2015.

West: SHC 1945, 2008, 2015; IHC 2015; JAHC 1957, 1958, 1998; MBFC 2005, 2008; JAFC 2006,

2010; PMHC1958; MAHC 2001, 2006; U15AHC 1982; U15BFC 1985; U16PHC 1983, 1984; U16BFC 1985,

1987; U16BFL2004; U12PHC 1985, 1997, 2000, 2003; U14BFC 1995, 1996, 1997; U14BFL 1993, 1994, 1995,

2003; U14PHC1983, 1984, 1997, 2002, 2003; U14BHC 2001; U14CHC 2007; U12CFS 2002; U12BFC 1995, 2004,

2008; WestFéile na nGael 2002; U16BFL 2004; JBHC 2003, 2015; JBFC 1996, 2010; JBHL 2010, 2012,

2015; JBFL 1996, 2010; JAFL 2003, 2011; U21PHC 2003, 2004; JAFC 2006; Special JBHC 1994, 1995, 1996; U21

12-a-side FC 2012; All-Ireland 7s Junioe Hurling Shield 1999; Morrissey Cup 1998, 1999, 2002, 2010; Dunworth Cup 2001, 2005, 2006, 2010, 2011, 2013, 2014. Dinny Cup 2012.

Knockfierna Gaels:

County: JAHC 1990. West: JAHC 1990, 1991; U14PHC 1990; JAFC 1990; JAHL 1990, 1991; U12BFC 1992.

Na Fianna – Granagh/Ballingarry – Cappagh – Croagh – Kilfinny:

County: U16FC Div2 2008. MBHC 2011.

West: MBHC 2011.

Granagh-Ballingarry / Banogue West Minor B Football Championship: 2014.

Granagh-Ballingarry / Rathkeale West Minor A Hurling Championship: 2015.