Nenagh Hockey Club

Munster U18 Girls League: Nenagh 1-5 Harlequins

Nenagh, who have been enjoying a good run of form lately, headed to Cork on Sunday to take on Harlequins at Farmers Cross. Always a tough venue, Nenagh were hoping that the momentum from previous games would stand to them in this tough fixture.

It wasn't to be, however, and the visitors were punished clinically early on as they struggled to get up to match pace. The second quarter saw the visitors string some nice passages of play together but when the Cork side scored from a short corner, Nenagh had it all to do. A few poor umpiring decisions denied Nenagh opportunities to get into the game which only added to the frustration on and off the pitch.

Nenagh played better in the second half but struggled to get any clear shots on goal to reduce the deficit. When a goal by Harlequins which should've been disallowed was awarded, the Nenagh side, were desperate to claw some scores back. A superb goal by Celia Moreno was the only consolation in what was a very disappointing and frustrating game. The team will regroup before their next outing also in Cork, where they take on last year's League and Cup rivals, Kinsale HC.

Munster U16 Girls League: Nenagh 0-7 Cashel-New Inn

The U16 girls took on league leaders Cashel/New Inn in Thurles on Sunday.

It was always going to be a tough ask against a strong and skilful Cashel-New Inn side but the team were confident following their positive game last week.

They were dealt a blow, however, in the first five minutes of the opening quarter when the home side scored. The early goal unnerved the team and they lost their shape and composure in the aftermath. Cashel-New Inn, sensing the opportunity put serious pressure on the Nenagh defence and were rewarded with two more goals in relatively quick succession. The first quarter ended with the Nenagh team trailing 3-0.

A strong Cashel/New Inn defence denied Nenagh any foothold in the game in the second quarter. Nenagh pressed forward looking to find gaps and in the process left themselves vulnerable in defence. Team captain, Lilly Delaney, worked tirelessly fending off wave after wave of attack but the home side moved the ball superbly and put themselves in goal scoring positions time and again. Nenagh goalkeeper Aibhlinn Cantwell was forced to make several saves but eventually Cashel-New Inn managed to get past to add to their scoreline. Despite some promising breaks, the game was largely played in the Nenagh half and the Cashel-New Inn side showed their class and skill by coming away with an impressive seven goals on the day.

"These days are always tough on the girls", said coach Hilary Curley.

"They didn't really get a chance to show what they can do and that was down to the pressure of the Cashel/New Inn team who gave them no space. We just have to take the learning and bring it back to the training ground in preparation for the match against Castletroy next Saturday".

Upcoming Fixtures

There are lots of fixtures in the schedule for next weekend. Nenagh’s U13 boys take on Catholic Institute on Friday night in Limerick. Nenagh’s U14 girls travel to Ballincollig on Saturday to take on Belvedere. The U16 side play Castletroy at home in the Ursuline on Saturday also.

The action continues on Sunday when the U12 girls play Thurles in a friendly. The U10s are also in blitz action in Thurles followed by the Nenagh Men who take on Midleton in the Munster League. Elsewhere, the Nenagh Women travel to Fermoy for their next Munster League game which is a must win if they are to be in with a chance of promotion this season.

Munster Blitzes

Our U10 girls travelled to Rockwell college where Cashel-New Inn hockey Club were hosting the blitz where teams from Limerick and Tipperary got an opportunity to play each other in a fun blitz format. The Nenagh team played exceptionally well and really enjoyed their day out.

On Sunday the Nenagh U8 girls and U9 & U11 boys travelled to Limerick for the Catholic Institute Blitz. The U8s were first in action when they played a host of Limerick teams. The girls were fantastic, playing some great hockey and showing off all they have learned so far this year. The U9 and U11 boys played in their blitz directly afterwards against teams from Galway and Limerick. A few great matches played and lots of great skill were on display by all teams.