North Tipperary GAA Affairs

By Michael Quinn PRO

Kelly’s of Fantane Intermediate Hurling Championship

MacDonagh Park in Nenagh will host the North Intermediate Hurling semi-finals next Sunday, 29th June.

Shannon Rovers face Portroe at 2.00pm whilst Borrisokane take on Newport at 4.00pm.

Shannon Rovers will be aiming for a tenth North Intermediate title having last won the Fr Hewitt Cup in 2010.

Portroe last won the title in 1990, their fourth time as victors at the grade in the division.

Borrisokane are the most recent victors, having won the title in 2018 whilst Newport completed back to back victories in 2014 and 2015.

Entry to the games is via either ta &go or tickets are available to purchase at embed.futureticketing.ie/c/north-tipperary-gaa/

The Watch Centre Junior 'A' Hurling Championship

Commenced last weekend.

Kilruane MacDonaghs claimed the spoils in a cracking clash with Roscrea last Friday in Borrisoleigh, edging a five-goal thriller, 3-19 to 2-19.

A strong first-half showing saw the MacDonaghs lead by six at the break (2-11 to 0-11), thanks in part to green flags from Michael Cleary (20th) and Cian Moyles (23rd). Kevin Naughnane added a third goal for MacDonaghs from the penalty spot to stretch the lead to seven points.

Roscrea battled back gamely after with Conor Donovan finding the back of the net in the 43rd minute. Roscrea levelled in the 54th minute through a Sean Synott goal but MacDonaghs finished strongly, with Michael Cleary helping his side to victory with a number of points. In the second game on Friday evening, Nenagh Eire Og had a comprehensive 6-19 to 1-13 victory over Ballinahinch in Toomevara. A ruthless attacking performance saw Eire Og hit six goals, with Aodhan O’Connor, Gary Howard and Emmet Jones each raising green flags in a blistering first half. Eire Og led 3-9 to 1-5 at half time. They picked up where they left off after the interval, with further goals from Howard, O’Connor and substitute Daniel Quinn stretching the margin beyond reach. Niall Madden was reliable from placed balls, while Filip McIntyre, Stevie Hallinan, and Sean Geaney chipped in with tidy points from play. Ballinahinch battled gamely and found the net midway through the opening half, but they struggled to contain a slick-moving Eire Og outfit.

On Monday evening, Kiladangan were comfortable 1-20 to 1-9 winners over Borris-Ileigh in Puckane.

Kiladangan held a 0-5 to 0-2 lead after 12 minutes but Borris had the sides level 0-5 each by the 17th minute with Micheal Carey prominent for the visitors.

However, Kiladangan dominated the remainder of the half, keeping their opponents scoreless as they led 0-12 to 0-5 at the break.

A well worked Mikey Kennedy goal in the 40th minute gave Borris some hope but they were unable to make much of a dent at Kiladangan’s lead as the home side rounded off the game with a well finished Darren Moran goal with the last puck of the game.

Round 2 will take place this Friday, 27th June with all games throwing in at 7.15pm - Ballinahinch will face Roscrea in Toomevara, Borris-Ileigh and Toomevara face off in Roscrea whilst MacDonagh Park Nenagh will host the clash of Kiladangan v Kilruane MacDonaghs. Nenagh Eire Og will have a bye.

Junior 'B' Hurling League

The semi-finals took place last weekend. Lorrha booked their place in the final after a hard-earned two-point win over Burgess in Kilcolman on Friday.

Martin Gorman’s first-half goal proved crucial as Lorrha built up a commanding 1-11 to 1-5 half-time lead. David Nealon netted a superb goal for the home side.

David Fogarty was to the fore in the scoring stakes for the winners, while Lee Hogan stood out with a solid showing in defence. Burgess mounted a determined second-half comeback and had the deficit reduced to just one point in the closing stages but Lorrha held firm to seal the victory, 1-16 to 1-14. Moneygall advanced to the final with a well-earned 2-19 to 0-14 win over Toomevara on Sunday in Moneygall.

Early goals from Tommy Devereux and Mike Ryan inside the opening twenty minutes proved crucial, giving the home side a slender lead at the break. With the breeze at their backs in the second half, Moneygall gradually took control.

A steady flow of points in the closing quarter saw them stretch their advantage and run out convincing winners by eleven points - 2-19 to 0-14. The final will take place this Saturday, 28th June at 7.00pm in Ballinderry with Brendan Ryan officiating.

Entry to the game is via either tap and go or tickets which are available to purchase at embed.futureticketing.ie/c/north-tipperary-gaa/