North Tipperary GAA Affairs
By Michael Quinn PRO
Junior ‘A’ Hurling League
Group 1
Ballinahinch had a 3-22 to 2-11 victory over neighbours Newport last Friday in Lacken Park, Newport.
There was little between the sides in the first half but a Jack Delahunty goal just before the break helped Newport to an interval lead of 1-8 to 0-10. When Jack McCarthy raised another green flag just after the resumption, things looked for the home side. However, Evan Kearns fired home a goal soon afterwards and with just five minutes into the half, Ballinahinch were in control with the score at 1-13 to 2-8.
Midway through the half, Cathal Ryan raised another green flag and Ballinahinch cruised home to leave the final score at 3-22 to 2-11. Evan Kearns was scorer-in-chief, registering 1-13 (0-11f) for Ballinahinch. He got most assistance from Ger Grace (1-4) and Cathal Ryan (1-2), while further back, Karl and Paddy Kelly were prominent. Brian Tobin hit five points for Newport, while James Moloney also threatened most.
The second game in the group between Silvermines and Kiladangan was postponed due to the passing of Mary McGrath who's sons Cathal and Sean hurl for Silvermines. The North Board wish to offer sympathy to the McGrath family and to the Silvermines club on their loss. May Mary rest in peace.
Round 5 see's Ballinahinch host Nenagh Eire Og this Friday at 7.30pm in Shalee. The second game will not go ahead as Kiladangan have received a walkover from Newport. Keep an eye on the North Tipperary social media pages for details of the Silvermines v Kiladangan re-fixture.
Group 2
Toomevara claimed top spot in Group 2 and a place in the North Final after an impressive 2-32 to 0-9 victory over Borris-Ileigh last Friday.
After the opening six points were shared, Toome took control, with Mikie Delaney firing in the first goal in the eight minute. From there, they never looked back, racing to a 1-16 to 0-7 half-time lead thanks to sharp shooting from the likes of Bob Delaney, Conor O'Meara, and Eoin Grace.
Borris-Ileigh struggled to gain a foothold, particularly in attack, where they found possession hard to come by. The second half was a non-contest as Toomevara added another 1-16, including a second goal from Conor O'Meara, while Borris managed just two points.
Kilruane MacDonaghs were victorious over Roscrea with goals proving the key difference in a competitive encounter with Kilruane winning 2-13 to 0-14.
Michael Cleary struck the net in the ninth minute to give Kilruane an early edge, and they carried a 1-7 to 0-7 lead into the break.
The second half saw Roscrea push hard to close the gap, but Kilruane’s defence held firm. Oisín O'Meara's 44th-minute goal gave them crucial breathing space, and goalkeeper Kevin Naughnane contributed an impressive four points from long-range frees to keep the scoreboard ticking over. Roscrea battled to the end, but the green flags proved the difference as Kilruane held out for a deserved victory.
Junior ‘B’ Hurling League
Group 1
Moneygall proved far too strong for Shannon Rovers on Saturday, running out emphatic 6-17 to 1-8 winners. A blistering first-half performance, featuring goals from Dylan Maher, James Carroll, and two from James Doughan, saw Moneygall lead 4-7 to 1-5 at the break.
There was no let-up after the restart, with Tommy Devereux hitting the net twice more to cap a dominant display. The result underlined Moneygall’s form in the league so far as they made it four victories from four.
The second game in the group saw another comfortable victory with Lorrha defeating Kilruane MacDonaghs 4-14 to 1-7 on Tuesday 13th May in Lorrha.
Lorrha took control with two early goals and held a 3-9 to 0-3 half time lead and were comfortable throughout the second half despite an improved performance from Kilruane.
Knockshegowna and Roscrea did not go ahead due to the passing of Patrick Brennan who's son Padraig hurls for Knockshegowna. The North Board wish to offer sympathy to the Brennan family and to the Knockshegowna club on their loss. May Patrick rest in peace. The game will be refixed to take place on a later date.
The outstanding round 3 games took place on Tuesday 20th May with no result at time of going to print - Borrisokane hosted Roscrea whilst Shannon Rovers hosted Lorrha.
Round 5 in Group 1 will take place this Saturday at 7.00pm - Shannon Rovers host Roscrea in Ballinderry, Kilruane MacDonaghs host Moneygall in Cloughjordan. The game between Knockshegowna and Borrisokane is yet to be finalised - keep an eye on social media for an update.
Group 2
Ballina continued their good start to Group 2 with a comprehensive 2-22 to 0-7 victory over Kiladangan.
Burgess had a 2-26 to 2-19 victory over Templederry Kenyons. First-half goals from David Nealon—an outstanding angled strike in the 29th minute—and Sean Dunne just before the break helped Burgess to a 2-10 to 1-8 half-time lead, with Templederry’s goal coming from a penalty after eighteen minutes.
Templederry battled back and narrowed the gap to just four points with their second goal in the 57th minute, leaving it 2-22 to 2-18. However, Burgess responded impressively, with scores from Joe O’Dwyer, Aidan O’Flaherty (2), and Eoin Hogan sealing the win. Sean Dunne was the standout performer, hitting 1-7 from play in a man-of-the-match display, while Danny Ryan impressed at midfield in what was a strong team effort.
Templederry contributed to a great contest, but Burgess’s pace and long-range accuracy proved decisive.
The last game in the group between Toomevara and Portroe took place on Tuesday 20th May with no result at time of going to print.
Round 3 will take place this Saturday at 7.00pm - Toomevara host Templederry Kenyons, Kiladangan host Burgess and Portroe host Ballina.
Junior 'A' Football Championship
The Quarter Finals will take place this Wednesday 21st May at 7.15pm - Shannon Rovers host Portroe in Ballinderry, Nenagh Eire Og host Roscrea and Newport will host Kilruane MacDonaghs. Burgess await the victors in the semi-finals.
Under 13 Football
Well done to Ballinahinch/Templederry who had a 7-5 to 3-7 victory over Knockavilla-Donaskeigh Kickhams last Sunday in the County U13 'B' Football semi-final. They will face either Loughmore/Castleiney or Killenaule in the final this Saturday at 12.30pm in Dundrum.
Well done to Portroe who had a 4-11 to 3-7 victory over Sean Treacys last Saturday in the County U13 'C' Football semi-final. Portroe will face Ballingarry in the final this Saturday at 1.00pm in Dundrum.
Well done to Newport who had a 5-3 to 4-5 victory over Aherlow last Saturday in the County U13 'D' Football semi-final. They will face Boherlahan-Dualla in the final this Saturday at 12 noon in Dundrum.
Newport took on Cappawhite in the County U13 'A' Football semi-final on Tuesday, 20th May with no result at time of going to print. If they were successful, the County Final will be played in Dundrum this Saturday afternoon against Moycarkey/Borris.