North Tipperary GAA Affairs
By Michael Quinn PRO
The Watch Centre Junior 'A' Hurling Championship: Congratulations to Kiladangan who claimed back to back North Junior ‘A’ titles after they defeated Nenagh Eire Og 1-17 to 2-10 last Saturday in Cloughjordan. Kiladangan captain Darren Moran accepted the Michael Cahill Cup after the game – see match report for full details of the game.
The Watch Centre Junior 'B' Hurling Championship: Moneygall progressed to the semi-finals of the North Junior 'B' Hurling Championship after they had a 2-22 to 0-14 extra time quarter final victory over Newport last Sunday in Newport. Moneygall made a blistering start, racing into a 0-7 to 0-0 lead inside the first quarter.
Newport gradually settled, however, and cut the deficit to 0-9 to 0-3 by half-time. The second half saw Newport continue to chip away at the lead, eventually edging in front in the closing minutes. James Doughan’s accurate free-taking kept Moneygall in touch, and his late equaliser forced extra time with the sides level at 0-13 apiece.
In extra time, Moneygall regained control, leading 0-17 to 0-14 at the turnaround before pulling clear with a flurry of scores. They sealed the win with two late goals – one from substitute James Carroll and another from Doughan, who capped a superb display with a personal tally of 1-10.
Moneygall face Silvermines in the first semi-final which takes place in Dolla this Saturday 20th September at 5.00pm whilst the second semi-final takes place in Ballingarry with Knockshegowna taking on Ballina on Sunday 21st September at 2.00pm.
The Final is provisionally scheduled for Sunday 5th October. Date, venue and time will be confirmed after the Semi Finals are completed.
Junior 'C' Hurling Championship: The opening round of the North Junior ‘C’ Hurling Championship got underway at the weekend, with plenty of close contests across the groups.
In Group 1, Ballinahinch showed strong early-season form as they accounted for Shannon Rovers 0-22 to 1-12.
Group 2 saw Ballina overcome Lorrha in a lively encounter. The sides traded goals, but Ballina’s greater scoring spread gave them the edge as they finished 2-15 to 2-8 winners.
Meanwhile in Group 3, Silvermines defeated Borris-Ileigh 2-12 to 2-10 after a tightly fought battle. Sean Quinlan was the star performer for the ‘Mines, hitting two goals and several points, while Kieran Fogarty, Ronan Clifford and Kevin Kennedy also chipped in with important scores to get their campaign off to a winning start.
Round 2 takes place this Sunday, 21st September, with all games throwing in at 12 noon.
In Group 1, Ballinahinch will host Nenagh Éire Óg in Shalee, while Shannon Rovers have a bye. Over in Group 2, Lorrha-Dorrha face Moneygall in Lorrha, with Ballina sitting out this round. Finally, in Group 3, Borris-Ileigh welcome Newport to Borrisoleigh, while Silvermines have a bye.
Under 19 Hurling: The County semi-finals took place last week. Hard luck to Borris-Ileigh who lost to St Marys in the 'A' semi-final whilst well done to Moneygall/Clonakenny who got the better of Moyle Rovers in the 'B' semi-final.
Under 17 Hurling: Both North Under 17 Hurling finals took place last Sunday.
Congratulations to Newport who claimed the 'A' title in Borrisoleigh after their final victory over Ballina whilst well done to Portroe who claimed the 'B' title in Templederry after a 0-20 to 2-11 final victory over Moneygall/Clonakenny.
Under 15: The North U15 'A' Hurling Final between Newport and Toomevara takes place this Saturday at 12 noon in Puckane.
Under 13: Congratulations to Newport who claimed the County U13 'A' Hurling title last Saturday in Holycross after defeating Moycarkey/Borris.
Commiserations to Silvermines, Lorrha Rovers and Roscrea who lost their respective finals.