North Tipperary GAA Affairs

By Michael Quinn PRO

The Hibernian Inn Senior Hurling Championship

The Senior semi-finals were held last Wednesday, 30th July, featuring two tightly contested games. Borris-Ileigh edged out Kilruane MacDonaghs 2-18 to 0-21 in Nenagh, while Kiladangan secured a 3-21 to 2-21 victory over Toomevara in Templederry.

The Final took place last Sunday in Nenagh with Kiladangan claiming their tenth title after a 0-20 to 0-19 win over Borris-Ileigh. Kiladangan captain Tadhg Gallagher accepted the Frank McGrath Cup from Ciaran Morris of The Hibernian Inn and North Board Chairperson Brendan Shanahan. Congratulations to Alan Flynn, who was named Player of the Match.

Munster Solar Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship

The semi-finals took place last Tuesday, 29th July, with Burgess securing an impressive 2-23 to 2-18 victory over Moneygall in Borrisoleigh. Meanwhile, Ballina finished strongly to overcome Templederry Kenyons 1-26 to 2-19 in Toomevara.

The Final was held last Sunday in Nenagh, where Ballina claimed the Liam Devaney Cup for the first time in their history, defeating Burgess 1-24 to 1-15.

Ballina joint captains David Grace and Michael Breen accepted the Cup from Eddie O'Meara of Munster Solar and North Board Chairperson Brendan Shanahan.

The Watch Centre Junior 'A' Hurling Championship

Round 6 took place in recent days.

On Thursday, Nenagh Eire Og continued their good form with a 2-22 to 2-14 victory away to Borris-Ileigh.

Eire Og started strongly, opening up an 0-8 to 0-3 lead after thirteen minutes before Filip McIntyre’s well-taken goal really hammered home their advantage. Eire Og found scores easier to come by as the half progressed and went in at half time 1-13 to 0-6 ahead.

Eire Og continued to control the game for the first ten minutes of the second half, but Borris-Ileigh then hit a purple patch, scoring 1-2 in quick succession with young players Eoin Boyle and Lar Stapleton to the fore. However, Eire Og responded swiftly with a second goal from Filip McIntyre, quenching any hopes of a Borris comeback. Dan Ryan’s rocket of a goal for Borris narrowed the gap to seven points at one stage, but Eire Og held firm to run out deserved winners.

The remaining two games took place on Friday. Ballinahinch took on Kilruane MacDonaghs in Puckane with Ballinahinch leading for much of the first half, but Kilruane MacDonaghs hit back with an early goal from Conor Doheny in the thirteenth minute to help close the gap. Kilruane then took the lead just before half time to go in 1-7 to 0-8 ahead.

The second half started with Ballinahinch levelling at 1-10 apiece thanks to a goal in the 40th minute. However, Kilruane responded quickly as Michael Hennelly netted their second goal on 44 minutes, swinging momentum firmly in their favour. From there, Kilruane pulled away. Ballinahinch managed a consolation goal deep into injury time, but Kilruane ran out deserved winners, 2-19 to 2-12.

Toomevara delivered a dominant performance against Roscrea, cruising to a 3-27 to 2-13 win. They took control early, leading 1-13 to 0-6 at half time thanks to a first-half goal from Bob Delaney. In the second half, Toome kept the scoreboard ticking with fine points from Mikey Brislane, Eoin Grace, Alan Ryan, and Tim Flaherty. Bob Delaney capped off a standout display with two late goals to complete his hat trick, sealing a comprehensive victory for the Greyhounds.

Only one game takes place this week with Nenagh Eire Og hosting Roscrea this Friday, 8th August at 7.15pm.

The Watch Centre Junior 'B' Hurling Championship

A number of games took place in the last week in the North Junior 'B' Championship.

In Group 2, Kilruane MacDonaghs dominated from early on, heading into half time with a commanding 3-14 to 0-10 lead over Templederry Kenyons. They continued their strong performance in the second half, adding two more goals and a string of well-taken points as their forward line proved too sharp for the hosts. Wave after wave of attack turned what was already a solid lead into a convincing victory, The final score read Kilruane MacDonaghs 5-24, Templederry Kenyons 0-18.

Two games took place in Group 3: On Monday 28th July, Kiladangan had a hard fought 1-16 to 0-18 win over Borrisokane in Puckane. Conal Larkin and Cathal Blake contributed key scores in the first half to give Borrisokane a 0-13 to 0-8 lead at the break. Kiladangan came out firing in the second half, with a crucial Tommy Connors goal setting the tone. Darren Ryan added some excellent points to push Kiladangan ahead by the 40th minute. The final stages were tightly contested with Paraic Kelly landing the winning point in injury time.

Kiladangan added a second victory in the space of a week as they defeated Burgess 0-17 to 0-14 last Saturday in Puckane.

Burgess held a narrow 0-8 to 0-7 lead at half time after an evenly contested opening half, with both sides trading scores throughout. Conor Cooney was a constant threat up front for Burgess, registering all of their second-half points to keep them in contention. However, Kiladangan found important scores when it mattered most, with wing back Jim Minehan popping up to land two crucial points in a tight second half. Burgess pushed hard in the closing minutes in search of a late goal, but a well-organised Kiladangan defence stood strong and denied any clear-cut chances.

This week in Group 3, Moneygall are in action twice at home. On Friday, 8th August at 7.00pm in Moneygall they take on Kiladangan. Then on Monday, 11th August at 7.00pm, Moneygall host Borrisokane while in the same evening in group 2, Toomevara host Templederry Kenyons.

Ger Gavin Furniture Under 19 'Hurling Championship

The championships continue this Wednesday, 6th August with a full slate of exciting fixtures, all throwing in at 7.15pm. In Group 1 of the 'A' Championship, the only fixture is the postponed round 2 clash between Silvermines and Roscrea, which will take place in Dolla. Group 2 sees Kilruane MacDonaghs hosting Toomevara, while Borris-Ileigh welcome Nenagh Éire Óg.

In Group 1 of the 'B' Championship, Lorrha Rovers face Borrisokane in Ballinderry, and Kiladangan will travel to Kilcolman to take on Burgess. Meanwhile, Group 2 action features Moneygall/Clonakenny up against Ballinahinch-Templederry in Moneygall.