North Tipperary GAA Affairs

By Michael Kennedy PRO

Under 21 ‘A’ Hurling Championship

In Group 1, Nenagh Eire Og had a strong win over an injury hit Burgess on Sunday in Nenagh.

Burgess took to the field without Paul Cahalan and Joe O’Dwyer who picked up injuries in the previous rounds, and they were badly missed as Nenagh ran out 3-21 to 1-4 winners.

On Bank Holiday Monday afternoon in Ballina, Kilruane MacDonaghs booked their spot in the semi-finals thanks to a 2-14 to 1-8 victory over Ballina in tricky conditions.

Kilruane began with the wind behind their backs but it was Ballina who went against the script to hold a one point lead at the twenty minute mark thanks to a Charlie King goal, but points from Cillian Healy and Michael Cleary before half time had Kilruane one point ahead at the whistle, but it could have been more only for a brilliant save from Simon Grace who kept out Hugo Healy’s effort.

Playing with the breeze in the second half, Ballina were unable to capitalise with seven wides in the first 12 minutes of the half. They would rue these chances as Michael Cleary punished for Kilruane with a goal to put four between the sides.

From here, the visitors kicked on and the game was won when Cillian Healy hit Kilruane’s second goal in the second minute of injury time.

Kilruane finish top and guaranteed a semi-final spot while Ballina take on Nenagh next Saturday with the winners taking the second qualifying spot.

In Group 2, Silvermines conceded their final game to Toomevara who then had to wait on the outcome of Borris-Ileigh and Moneygall to know their fate. With the walkover, to determine the outcome of the group, a new mini table is created removing Silvermines results as Toomevara and Moneygall had drawn. Moneygall knew anything better than a two-point defeat would secure them a semi-final spot.

In tough conditions in Borrisoleigh on Sunday, both sides played out an entertaining game.

Moneygall held a one-point lead at half time (1-6 to 1-5) thanks to a Eoghan Doughan goal in the 23rd minute, Shane Ryan with the Borris goal in the 12th minute. Moneygall also had Paddy McCormack to thank who made two brilliant first half saves.

Jack Bevans scored a second goal for Borris in the 40th minute but Doughan responded three minutes later for his second to put Moneygall two points ahead.

Borris finished the stronger scoring four of the last five points to win by one, which sees them progress as group winners and will face either Ballina or Nenagh Eire Og in the semi-final while Moneygall finish as runners-up and will play Kilruane MacDonaghs.

Under 21 ‘B’ Hurling Championship

Only one game took place over the weekend in the U21 ‘B’ Championship where Kiladangan assured themselves of a semi-final spot in group two with a large victory over Ballinahinch/Templederry.

Already eliminated Lorrha conceded the other game to Naomh Eoin who will now take on Ballinahinch/Templederry in the re-arranged round 1 game to see who takes the second semi-final spot.

In Group 1, Kilruane MacDonaghs conceded their final game to Newport and Roscrea v Portroe was called off due to a bereavement.

Newport and Roscrea face off next Sunday in a re-arranged round 1 game with Portroe and Newport to be refixed.

Junior ‘B’ Hurling

Congratulations to Newport who won the County Junior ‘B’ Hurling Final on Saturday against Ballina.

Under 16 Football Championships

In the ‘A’ quarter final on Sunday, Burgess were defeated by Kilruane MacDonaghs by a single point in Kilcoleman.

Kilruane will take on Newport in the semi-final with Toomevara playing Nenagh in the other with both set for this Sunday afternoon.

In the ‘B’ quarter finals, Roscrea defeated Kiladangan by a single point, after extra time, while on Sunday, Naomh Eoin were defeated by Silvermines in Borrisokane. Portroe and Lorrha was postponed due to a bereavement and has been rescheduled for this Sunday.

Check out Tipperary.gaa.ie for full fixtures for these games.