Nenagh Hockey Club
Under 14 Girls: Nenagh 0-1 Castletroy
Nenagh took on Castletroy in the Ursuline, Thurles.
Nenagh started well, playing an expansive passing game. The home side dominated the first half and were denied multiple goals due to some outstanding goalkeeping by the Castletroy keeper. Despite having the majority of the possession, it was Castletroy who broke the deadlock when they scored a wonderful goal against the run of play. Nenagh continued to press but were unable to find the Limerick side's net.
Although disappointed with the loss, there were many positives to be taken from the game, in particular the brand of hockey the girls are playing. They play another league game when they take on Crescent HC in Limerick on Sunday.
Under 16 Girls: Nenagh 0-2 Clonakilty
Nenagh were in Thurles when they took on Clonakilty in their first game of 2026.
Both teams started slowly but Nenagh began to string some nice passes together and played most of the first quarter in the Clonakilty half. The home side made some nice passes into scoring positions which resulted in multiple shots on goal. A strong performance by the Clonakilty keeper kept it goal-less heading into the second quarter.
Nenagh looked to be the much better side and kept up the pressure but the constant pressing forward left them exposed at the back and when Clonakilty got a break away, they caught Nenagh with scant cover and they managed to score to take the lead against the run of play.
Nenagh were not unduly phased and knew they had it in them to take the game to the visitors. Clonakilty also upped their pace in the second half, buoyed by the confidence of their goal. A very competitive quarter ensued with goal opportunities at both ends. The Nenagh defence was very strong throughout with Ellen Malone and Lilly Delaney (C) snuffing out any Clonakilty attacks. The centre pairing of Sarah Spillane and Clodagh McLoughney spread themselves around the pitch ensuring go forward ball for the forwards but it was just one of the days where the ball went everywhere except into the goal. The match was decided close to the full time whistle when Clonakilty scored a goal from a short corner.
"These are frustrating days - when you know with a bit of luck, it could have been a very different result", said coach, Hilary Curley.
"The girls delivered on what we have been working on at training - keeping switched on and competitive for sixty minutes. We achieved this today. This gives us at least the opportunity to go out and win games. And the wins will come; we just have to be patient and keep working hard”.
Under 18 Girls: Nenagh 0-2 Limerick
Nenagh faced off against Limerick at home in the Munster League.
Having played the league leaders twice in as many weeks, the Nenagh side were keen to get back to winning ways. Limerick, however, are always a strong side and they too were determined to gain valuable points.
In what was a close encounter, Limerick managed to score twice. Nenagh had several opportunities which they failed to convert which would have drawn the sides level. “That match was full of passion and 100% effort from our girls. On another week with a full fit squad, we could've beaten them. We are making great strides and will keep working on improving our performances and the wins will come”, said Coach Nanno Vuyk.
Junior Boys: Cork Harlequins 5-4 Nenagh
Nenagh travelled to Farmers Cross to take on Cork Harlequins in the Munster League.
Considered one of the best clubs in the province, Nenagh knew they would have to put in a strong performance from the first whistle in order to ensure they weren't overpowered by the home side.
A great game ensued which was highly entertaining for any neutrals watching. Harlequins drew first blood when they passed the ball quickly and decisively turning the Nenagh defenders around. Two identical goals were scored in this fashion towards the end of the first quarter.
Nenagh had been expecting an initial onslaught but were able to absorb the pressure in the second quarter. Some great tackling gave Nenagh some good field position and Andy Kennedy scored for the boys in white to bring the score to 2-1. Despite some great goalkeeping by Ruairí Slattery, Harlequins nicked another soft goal before the end of the quarter.
Nenagh made some tactical changes in midfield at half time. Harlequins started the second half well and immediately put the Nenagh defence under pressure. The home side added to their tally bringing the score to 4-1. The changes Nenagh made at half time started to have an effect and they got more go-forward ball and were able to work their way into goal scoring positions. The ball fell to Brian Ley who scored the goal of the game with a great strike into the top corner.
Nenagh continued to plug at the Cork sides defence and another Kennedy goal brought the score to 4-3. A lapse in concentration by Nenagh saw them leak an unfortunate goal with five minutes to go.
The Nenagh lads pushed forward. Some great passing by Paddy Quigley and Darragh McInerney released Ley and Kennedy who found the back of the net with minutes to go. The Cork side shored up their defence for the dying minutes and despite the strong work rate there was no way through for Visitors. The game ended 5-4 to Harlequins.
“That was such a tight game in the end,” said Coach Aine Egan.
“Had there been another couple of minutes I'm sure we could've equalised. We scored some lovely goals and once we found our rhythm and made those few changes in midfield, we really started to find space. I'm delighted with the lads' performances - everyone one of them put in a shift. We take on Bandon next weekend and we will really relish the opportunity to play another game so soon”.
Senior Men: Nenagh 3-4 Cork Harlequins
In what was a pulsating encounter, Harlequins emerged victorious over Nenagh in a seven goal thriller that was full of drama.
The match burst into life early on with the Cork side drawing first blood. A misunderstanding in the Nenagh D caused the men in white to give away a penalty stroke which the Cork side scored to give them a 2-0 lead heading into the second quarter, which saw the momentum shift to Nenagh and sustained pressure on the Harlequins goal yielded a short corner which Nenagh executed to perfection to bring the score to 2-1.
The home side played some great hockey in this quarter but the Cork side's pace and ability to change defence into attack left Nenagh scrambling and resorting to giving away a short corner as a consequence of last ditch defending. The Cork side scored to give them a 3-1 lead heading into half time.
Missing some of their explosive forwards, Nenagh nonetheless sent plenty of high balls in behind the visitor's defence. Stephen Hayes was tireless in pursuit of these opportunities as he looked to reduce the deficit. A goalmouth scramble ended in a foul and Nenagh's Ben Jones scored the ensuing short corner.
Harlequins restarted well and Nenagh hearts sank when a ball took a deflection off a Nenagh stick and went into the goal to bring the score to 4-2. The Men in white, tiring now due to a scant subs bench, nevertheless continued to look for gaps and another frantic goalmouth scramble caused the Cork keeper to give away a penalty stroke. James White scored a beautiful drag flick though the goalkeeper’s legs to bring the score to 4-3.
The Nenagh legs were tired and without another gear, the equaliser proved elusive. Nevertheless, there was relief from Harlequins when the final whistle blew to call time on the encounter.
Nenagh are out again next weekend in the first round of the McClean Cup when they take on Cork CofI in Thures.