ISSUE 6 OCTOBER 2013

NENAGH ÉIRE ÓG - SENIOR FINALISTS OCTOBER 13TH 2013

Panel: Back row left to right: Alan Kelly, Eoin Fitzgibbon, David Hackett, Kevin Flynn, Billy Heffernan, Richie Flannery, Noel Moloney, , , , Dáire Quinn, Johnny Slattery, Pearse Morris, Killian Gleeson, Gary Howard, Brian Quinn, , James Mackey, Adam Gratton, Bob O’ Brien. Front row: Seánie Geaney, Darragh Walsh, Dáire Gleeson, Donnacha Quinn, John Brennan, Mark Flannery, Michael McNamara, Michael Heffernan, Tommy Heffernan, , Andrew Coffey, Philip Hickey, Michael Collins, Niall Cahill, Paul Ryan, Donnacha Heffernan ÉIRE ÓG – TIPPERARY MINOR ‘A’ CHAMPIONS OCTOBER 20TH 2013

Panel: Brian Gubbins, Conor Ryan, Michael Collins, Ger O’Gorman, Aodhán Geaney, Barry Heffernan, Jack Molamphy, Andrew James Mackey, John Cahalan, Donnacha Quinn, Killian Gleeson (captain), Philip Hickey, Gary Howard, Anthony Walsh, Aaron Hogan, Brian Flynn, Christopher Ryan, Aidan Healy, Gavin O’Connor, Oisín Ryan, Paul O’Leary, Jack Sheedy, Niall O’Gorman, Michael Hallinan, Luke Kennedy, Shane Hennessy, Brian Tuite, Peter O’Reilly, Adam Carey, Gerard Mitchell. Management team: Greg Browne, Michael McNamara and Con Morris. Also in photo, Brian McDonnell, Eddie Hynes, Derek Lillis, Mark Long

ISSUE 6 OCTOBER 2013

Clean Recycling County into contention – half-time: Senior Hurling Championship Nenagh Éire Óg 1-7 - Final 0-6.

Nenagh Éire Óg 1-16 Second Half Loughmore-Castleiney 1-17 A Cian Hennessy point closed the On Sunday, October 13th 2013 the gap to three points immediately Blues lost their 13th championship after the break, but this final game of the year by a single point reached a significant juncture in to a superb Loughmore-Castleiney the 34th minute when Richie team at Semple Stadium, . Flannery was pulled down for a penalty. Michael Heffernan made a Following a disappointing defeat telling connection on the placed suffered at the hands of ball, but his effort flew narrowly in a over the crossbar – 1-8 to 0-7. senior hurling championship quarter-final Nenagh Éire Óg found four-point lead. Andrew Coffey and Two Noel McGrath points (one ’65) their form to beat Thurles Tommy Heffernan then added to left two in it before Paddy Murphy Sarsfields (defending Munster the Blues’ tally and Éire Óg led 1-5 helped Éire Óg into a 1-9 to 0-9 champions and 2009, 2010 & 2012 to 0-2 by the 14th minute. lead by the 38th minute. county champions), Drom & Inch (2011 county champions), Noel McGrath responded for Points from Tommy and Michael (2012 county & Heffernan then forced Éire Óg four Munster intermediate club Loughmore-Castleiney, but Nenagh Éire Óg hit back almost clear (1-11 to 0-10) with twenty champions) and Kildangan (2013 minutes to play. north Tipperary champions) before immediately when Michael losing out to a Loughmore- Heffernan swung over a Two Noel McGrath points reduced Castleiney side who were inspired magnificent right-handed effort in Éire Óg’s advantage to two points, by inter-county star Noel McGrath. the 17th minute – 1-6 to 0-3. but the Blues responded to the Loughmore-Castleiney closed out challenge once more when Pearse Nenagh Éire Óg fought like men Morris grabbed a puck-out and right to the very last, but the half impressively with three points dragging the favourites back drove over a superb point (1-12 to Loughmore-Castleiney edged out 0-12) in the 43rd minute. the Blues in a dramatic final With quarter of quarter. an hour to play a Cian Hennessy Éire Óg started point roused well and led 0-3 Loughmore- to no-score Castleiney thanks to early before Liam points from McGrath Pearse Morris, gathered a John Michael Heffernan Meagher (free) and Richie delivery in the Flannery. 46th minute and Loughmore- buried a goal Castleiney hit which presented back with a brace Loughmore- of points to trail Castleiney with 0-2 to 0-3 before the lead for the Richie Flannery first time. Four broke the ball to minutes later Paddy Murphy in John McGrath the 12th minute landed a point and Paddy fired and now Éire Óg Éire Óg into a ISSUE 6 OCTOBER 2013

1), John McGrath, (0- 1), Cian Hennessy (0-2), Noel McGrath (0-7, 0-1 frees, 0-1 ’65), Evan Sweeney (0- 1), Liam McGrath (1-2). Subs: (56th) Micheál Webster for David Kennedy.

Nenagh Éire Óg: Michael McNamara, Mark Flannery, Noel Maloney, John Brennan, Daire Quinn, Hugh Maloney, Billy Heffernan, Barry Heffernan, Kevin Tucker, Pearse Morris (0-3), trailed by two (1-12 to 1-14).A them (1-15 to 1-17).A Michael Michael Heffernan Michael Heffernan free reduced the Heffernan free right on the hour (0-7, 0-3 frees, 0-1 penalty), deficit, but Noel McGrath hit back mark dragged Éire Óg to within Tommy Heffernan (0-2), Andrew almost immediately for touching distance once more, but Coffey (0-1), Paddy Murphy (1-2), Loughmore-Castleiney in the 52nd the Blues failed to create one final Richie Flannery (0-1). Subs: (46th) minute. opportunity which could have Paul Ryan for Andrew Coffey, rescued the situation. Sadly in the (52nd) Donnacha Quinn for Billy Heffernan, (60th) Johnny Slattery Éire Óg, however, charged forward final twenty minutes Éire Óg fired for Paul Ryan. in search of scores with efforts five wides while Loughmore- from Paddy Murphy and Michael Castleiney hit just one. Heffernan levelling matters at 1-15 Remaining Panel Members: apiece by the 56th minute. Loughmore-Castleiney: Brian Quinn, James Mackey, Killian Shane Nolan, Tommy Long, Derek Gleeson, Alan Kelly, Kevin Flynn, Seánie Geaney, Adam Grattan, Ciarán McGrath helped Loughmore- Bourke, Joseph Hennessy, Aidan Castleiney back into the lead McGrath (0-2, 0-2 frees), John Conor Ryan, Donnacha Heffernan, before an Evan Sweeney point in Meagher, Tom King, Ciarán David Hackett, Niall Cahill, Eoin Fitzgibbon, Gary Howard, Michael the 59th minute left two between McGrath (0-1), Tomás McGrath (0- Collins, Bob O’Brien, Philip Hickey, Darragh Walsh & Daire Gleeson.

Management Team: Liam Heffernan (manager), John Fitzgerald (coach), Noel Coffey (selector) & Enda Costello (selector). Physio: Paul Dillon & Eddie Hynes. First Aid: Liam Quinn. Doctor: Paul O’Farrell. Logistics: Matt Lillis.

Referee: John McCormack (Knockavilla-Donaskeigh Kickhams). ISSUE 6 OCTOBER 2013

2013 Championship Heffernan (13, 3-52), Campaign Billy Heffernan (12, Clean Ireland 0-2), Paddy Murphy Recycling County (12, 4-15), Donnacha Senior Hurling Quinn (12, 0-16), Championship Pearse Morris (11, 0- 4), Hugh Maloney (11, 0-2), Tommy Final Nenagh Éire Óg Heffernan (11, 3-28), 1-16 Loughmore- Seánie Geaney (10, Castleiney 1-17 0-5), James Mackey Semi-Final Replay (10, 1-4), Killian Nenagh Éire Óg 1-17 Gleeson (9, 3-5), Kildangan 0-12 Alan Kelly (7, 0-1), Semi-Final Nenagh Brian Quinn (7, 0-3), Éire Óg 4-13 Andrew Coffey (6, 0- Kildangan 2-19 1), Richie Flannery Quarter-Final Nenagh (6, 3-7), Johnny Éire Óg 1-15 Drom & Inch 2-11 0-13 Slattery (5, 0-1), Round Four Nenagh Éire Óg 1-21 Round Three: Nenagh Éire Óg 0-21 Adam Grattan (5), Silvermines 0-8 Kilruane MacDonagh’s 0-15 Paul Ryan (2,0-1). Round Three Nenagh Éire Óg 2-18 Round Two: Nenagh Éire Óg 5-12 -Drombane 1-17 Moneygall 0-9 Round Two Nenagh Éire Óg 1-18 Round One: Nenagh Éire Óg 0-17 *Seven players – namely Michael 0-9 Kildangan 1-14 McNamara, Noel Maloney, Michael Round One Nenagh Éire Óg 0-15 Players Used (number of Heffernan, Daire Quinn, John Thurles Sarsfields 0-12 appearances & total scores in Brennan, Barry Heffernan & Kevin brackets): Tucker – played a part in every Hibernian Inn North Tipperary Michael McNamara (13), Mark game while Michael McNamara, Senior Hurling Championship Flannery (13), Noel Maloney (13), Noel Maloney, Michael Heffernan Quarter-Final: Nenagh Éire Óg 1- John Brennan (13), Daire Quinn and Daire Quinn played every 13 Toomevara 2-18 (13, 0-1), Barry Heffernan (13, 0- minute of every championship game. Round Four: Nenagh Éire Óg 1-10 4), Kevin Tucker (13, 1-53), Michael Our under-10 hurlers had the privilege of playing in mini-games at half-time in the semi-final and county final in Semple Stadium this month. Click on any image below to see the boys in action on the field of dreams. ISSUE 6 OCTOBER 2013

NENAGH ÉIRE ÓG – TIPPERARY MINOR ‘A’ CHAMPIONS 2013

Nenagh Éire Óg claimed their -Ballycahill. However trailed 0-3 to 0-6 by the 22nd eighth Tipperary county minor before Jamie Woods could address minute. ‘A’ title at Semple Stadium, the placed opportunity the Thurles on Sunday afternoon Holycross-Ballycahill management A fine Donnacha Quinn point from thanks to a dramatic one-point team attempted to change the ball play cut the deficit to two points, win over an excellent – referee Paddy but Holycross- Holycross-Ballycahill team. Ivors spotted Ballycahill the infraction responded with Clean Ireland Recycling County and elected to a Shane Ryan Minor A Hurling Championship throw the ball in free to leave Final as a result. three between Nenagh Éire Óg 3-10 After a fierce them. Holycross-Ballycahill 1-15 battle Éire Óg cleared their Another Nenagh Éire Óg claimed their lines. Donnacha eighth Tipperary county minor ‘A’ Quinn (pictured title at Semple Stadium, Thurles on Holycross- left) point in Sunday afternoon thanks to a Ballycahill the 27th dramatic one-point win over an started minute left two excellent Holycross-Ballycahill brilliantly and in it once more team. Sunday’s victory capped a led 0-4 to no- before Éire Óg campaign which featured the club’s score before struck for their 21st divisional title and seventh Gary Howard first goal in the North title in-a-row (2007-13). got Éire Óg off 28th minute – Ger O’Gorman the mark in the tenth minute. Two cleared his lines in inspirational Éire Óg led by a single point in the Donnacha Quinn frees kept the style before Killian Gleeson raced first minute of injury time when scoreboard ticking over from an through and buried a super goal – Ciarán Maher won a penalty for Éire Óg point of view, but the Blues 1-5 to 0-7. ISSUE 6 OCTOBER 2013

A Liam Moloney point in the 54th minute tied the game, but Donnacha Quinn (free) fired Éire Óg back into a precious one-point lead in the 56th minute following a foul on the Blues’ John Cahalan (the first free won by the Blues in the second half). Holycross- Ballycahill enjoyed late opportunities to equalise, but it was not to be for the Mid champions.

The club would like to thank the management team – comprising Greg Browne, Michael McNamara and Con Morris – for their efforts in preparing the minor ‘A’ team this year.

Nenagh Éire Óg: Brian Gubbins, Conor Ryan, Michael Collins, Ger O’Gorman, Aodhán Geaney, Barry Heffernan, Jack Molamphy, Andrew Coffey (1-0), James Mackey, John Cahalan, Donnacha Quinn (0-8, 0-4 frees, 0-1 sideline), Killian Gleeson Killian Gleeson (captain) and Gary Howard (vice-captain) with County (captain, 1-0), Philip Hickey, Chairman Seán Nugent and Bill Ryan (Clean Ireland Recycling). Gary Howard (1-1), Anthony Walsh (0-1). Peter Gavin and Donnacha Quinn brace for Holycross- (free) traded points thereafter Ballycahill before ‘keeper before Holycross-Ballycahill ‘keeper Brian Gubbins made a fine Shane Skelly made a fine save to save to deny Peter Gavin a deny James Mackey. goal in the 44th minute. Three minutes later, Éire Óg struck for their second goal however, Gavin guided against the wind in the 34th home a three-pointer when minute of the opening half – this his clever flick found the Éire time Philip Hickey won possession Óg net. Holycross-Ballycahill before floating in a superb ball now led 1-14 to 2-9. Brian toward Andrew Coffey. Coffey Gubbins saved once more buried a left-handed shot and Éire from Peter Gavin with ten Óg now led 2-6 to 0-9. minutes to play while seconds later Shane Skelly Donnacha Quinn converted a saved from James Mackey in sideline ball in the opening minutes a frantic spell of hurling. of the second half, but a very Holycross-Ballycahill cleared determined Holycross-Ballycahill their lines at the expense of team attacked relentlessly and a sideline ball which reduced the Éire Óg lead to a Donnacha Quinn floated in single point (2-7 to 0-12) by the with nine minutes to play – 39th minute. Gary Howard turned the incoming ball past a helpless Shane Skelly and, suddenly, Éire Óg responded with points from Éire Óg held the advantage Donnacha Quinn and Anthony once more – 3-9 to 1-14. Walsh, but Liam Moloney hit a Jack Molamphy, Philip Hickey and Anthony Walsh ISSUE 6 OCTOBER 2013

CLICK ON CLICK ON CLICK ON THE THE IMAGE THE IMAGE IMAGE (LEFT) (LEFT) TO (LEFT) TO TO VIEW VIEW VIEW PRESENTATION COUNTY HIGHLIGHTS AND FINAL VS TRIBUTE CELEBRATIONS HOLYCROSS Panel members: Aaron Hogan, Brian Flynn, Christopher Ryan, Aidan Healy, Gavin O’Connor, Oisín Ryan, Paul O’Leary, Jack Sheedy, Niall O’Gorman, Michael Hallinan, Luke Kennedy, Shane Hennessy, Brian Tuite, Peter O’Reilly, Adam Carey, Gerard Mitchell.

Holycross-Ballycahill: Shane Skelly, David Carroll, Conor Ryan, Ray Nally, Jack Skehan, Shane Ryan (0-2, 0-2 frees), Kieran O’Dwyer, Páraic Russell (0-1), Matty Stakelum (0-1), Luke O’Meara (0-1), Ciarán Maher, Peter Gavin (1-1), Jamie Woods (0-3, 0-2 frees), Liam Moloney (0-4), Brian Hanrahan (0-2). Subs: (57th) Cian Hehir for Kieran O’Dwyer. Referee: Paddy Ivors (Ballingarry).

Nenagh Éire Óg’s County Aodhán Geaney and Andrew Coffey Killian Gleeson making his speech Minor ‘A’ Hurling Titles (8): Results Nenagh Éire Óg 1-18 Newport 1969, 1977, 1978, 1991, 1992, Gaels 0-17 2008, 2012 & 2013. Clean Ireland Recycling County Minor A Hurling Championship Final: Nenagh Éire Óg 3-10 Previous Winning Captains: Holycross-Ballycahill 1-15 Matt Sheary (1969), Michael Semi-Final: Nenagh Éire Óg 5-19 Kennedy (1977), Brian Heffernan Carrick Swans 0-14 (1978), Fergal Hynes (1991),

Shane Connolly (1992), Paddy Murphy (2008), Bob O’Brien Ger Gavin North Tipperary (2012) & Killian Gleeson (2013). Minor ‘A’ Hurling Championship Final: Nenagh This is the third time that Nenagh Éire Óg 4-22Toomevara 3-20 AET Éire Óg have managed to put Semi-Final: Nenagh Éire Óg 1-20 county minor ‘A’ hurling titles Borris-Ileigh 0-9Nenagh Éire Óg back-to-back (1991-92, 1977-78 & 2-23 Kildangan 5-7 2012-13). Five other clubs have Nenagh Éire Óg w/o Kilruane managed a similar feat: Thurles MacDonaghs Sarsfields (2006-07, 2000-01 & Nenagh Éire Óg 3-13 Toomevara 1954-57), (1966-67 & 2-12 1958-1963), and Toomevara Nenagh Éire Óg 1-17 Roscrea 2- (1986-87) & Cashel King Cormac’s 17 (1974-75). Nenagh Éire Óg 2-19 Borris- Ileigh 1-11 Anthony Walsh with his proud family ISSUE 6 OCTOBER 2013

NENAGH ÉIRE ÓG JUNIOR ‘B’ CAMÓGIE CHAMPIONS OCTOBER 27TH 2013

Panel: Back l-r: Kieran O’ Brien, Paul Henry, Danielle Harrington, Kara Ryan Mulqueen, Sarah O’ Connor, Elaine Slattery, Amy Heffernan, Mary Dillon, Ali Darcy, Rachel Maher, Julie Moylan, Clíona Curren, Claire Collins, Alice Darcy, Shane Connolly, Denise Morris. Front l-r. Ciara McGrath, Paula Ryan, Zoey Gratton, Aileen Duggan, Alanna Morris, Holly O’ Brien, Saoirse Gleeson, Aislinn o Brien, Judy Ryan Mulqueen, Michelle Collins, Gemma Morris Nenagh Éire Óg make history saw off a determined Knockavilla as Alanna Morris captains the Kickhams outfit with four points to Blues to a first-ever adult spare. The club was established in county Camogie title at the 2001 and it’s hard to believe that Ragg on Sunday October 27th – just twelve years later we have won our very first adult Éire Óg 4-6 Knockavilla 3-5. championship. In fact the meteoric Nenagh Éire Óg made history on rise of camógie in the town is Sunday afternoon at the Ragg astonishing and much credit must when Alanna Morris (pictured go to all our hard working coaches right) captained the Blues to a and committee members over the first-ever adult county camógie years. title – the Éire Óg Junior B team Having suffered a heart-breaking defeat in the 2012 county final Éire Óg attacked from the very start of this encounter Ciara McGrath drove over two frees and led 0-3 before Aislinn O’Brien notched the to no-score Blues’ first score from play. by the 17th minute – Goalkeeper Ali Darcy (pictured left) despite made a telling save in the tenth playing into minute – the first in a whole series the wind of significant interventions. Éire Óg ISSUE 6 OCTOBER 2013

conjured their first goal in the 19th before a Holly O’Brien free in the The Collins and Ryan Mulqueen minute when Danielle Harrington 58th left seven families particularly hand-passed to the net. Two in it (4-6 to 2-5). enjoyed the minutes later Harrington helped occasion as sisters Two minutes into herself to another three-pointer Claire and Michelle injury time and Éire Óg now led 2-3 to no- Collins and Judy Knockavilla score. Two Knockavilla frees in the and Kara Ryan managed a third 23rd and 27th minutes cut the Éire Mulqueen played a goal, but Éire Óg Óg lead to seven points; that is massive role in held on for a until Danielle Harrington set up winning this famous win. This Holly O’Brien for a terrific goal in championship. One victory was the 30th minute. Seconds later girl in everyone's particularly Danielle Harrington completed her thoughts sweet for Mary hat-trick and although Knockavilla throughout the Dillon who has closed out the half with two game was Alice soldiered with converted frees the Blues led 4-3 Darcy who for the club since to 0-4 at the break. years manned the she first past full back position In the first minute of the second through the with the half a Knockavilla free found the gates of MacDonagh Zoey Gratton determination and vigour of Scathach, the Celtic Queen who taught Cúchulainn how to fight and play hurling. Unfortunately Alice missed out on the final through injury and it was sad to see one of the clubs stalwarts on the sideline on what should have been her biggest day on the playing field. Alice's injury inspired the girls to win it for her and when the pressure came on in the second half they responded magnificently. We wish to thank the management team of Paul Henry, Denise Morris and Shane Connolly, who left no stone Alannah Morris accepting the cup from County Camogie Chairman, unturned this year in their quest Joe Cahill for glory. Winning both the Junior net, but a Ciara McGrath ’50 Park as an eight year steadied the Blues and left nine in old, as she savoured it (4-4 to 1-4) by the 36th minute. county championship A second Knockavilla goal five success for the very minutes later allied to a Kickhams first time in her life. point in the 46th minute reduced Her delight and relief the Éire Óg advantage to five was clear for all to points (4-4 to 2-5). see as she celebrated the final whistle. It Knockavilla were awarded a was also Danielle penalty in the 49th minute, but the Harrington's first Kickhams spurned the opportunity county title while Ali before Zoe Gratton won a crucial Darcy has collected free. A Danielle Harrington point in her very first medal the 52nd minute soothing the in her first year nerves of the Éire Óg players Rachel Spillane, Aislinn O Brien, Rachel Maher, playing camógie. Ciara McGrath, Danielle Harrington ISSUE 6 OCTOBER 2013

NENAGH ÉIRE ÓG JUNIOR ‘B’ CAMÓGIE CHAMPIONS OCTOBER 27TH 2013 being promoted to Junior ‘A’ which is crucial for the development of our players as not only will we be playing at a higher standard but it also means a return to fifteen a side camógie and the possible use of five subs which gives more girls the opportunity to hurl at adult level in our club. CLICK ON THE ABOVE IMAGE TO VIEW THE PRESENTATION Nenagh Éire Óg: Ali Darcy, Mary Dillon, Rachel Maher, Alanna Morris (captain), Amy Heffernan, Ciara McGrath (0-3, 0-2 frees. 0-1 ‘50), Zoe Gratton, Michelle Collins, Aileen Duggan, Aislinn O’Brien (0-1), Holly O’Brien (1-1, 0-1 frees), Danielle Harrington (3-1). Subs: Julie Moylan for Michelle Collins, Saoirse Gleeson for Amy Heffernan. Remaining panel members: Rachel Maher Claire Collins, Paula Ryan, Clíona Alannah Morris, Ciara McGrath, ‘B’ league and championship this Curran, Brenda O’Sullivan, Judy Claire Collins year is a fantastic achievement and Ryan-Mulqueen, Alice Darcy, one the whole club is very proud Sarah O’Connor, Elaine Slattery, Kara FOR ALL CAMÓGIE MATTERS CONTACT ENDA of. Following this win we have now Ryan-Mulqueen. O’SULLIVAN AT [email protected] MOTIVATES THE JUNIOR CAMOGIE TEAM PRIOR TO COUNTY FINAL On the Friday night before our Junior B camógie team won the county final they were treated to a motivational talk from former Tipperary bainisteoir Liam Sheedy. The girls listened attentively as Liam spoke and no doubt his words had the desired effect as we managed to overturn a twenty one point defeat to Knockavilla three weeks previously in the round robin stage of the championship into a four point winning margin on county final day. We wish to thank Liam for his time and words of encouragement. ISSUE 6 OCTOBER 2013

Many thanks to everybody who contributed to the recent questionnaire on club actions and plans for the future. The results of the questionnaire have highlighted certain priority areas for us which we feel are typical of the needs of the modern club and community facing the results of unemployment and emigration which not only impact on those directly affected but on extended families and friends. We plan to focus on physical and mental wellbeing, community interaction and inclusion in our bid to improve the quality of life for all.

As the GAA sporting year draws to a close, the Healthy Club Project finds itself still in its first year of positive action. One we very much look forward to. Click here for Healthy Club Project page.

Healthy Club Project Team Team Leader – Michael Geaney: [email protected] Team Administrator: Nuala Connolly [email protected] Children’s Officer: Thomas Moylan [email protected] Community Representative: Clare Slattery [email protected] Greg Browne: [email protected] Club Chairperson: Jim Nagle [email protected] Club Secretary: Declan Bailey [email protected]

Conor Cusack of Cork recently published online a Friends in high powerfully honest account of places! Clare his relationship with Slattery, Nuala depression. His intelligent Connolly and Michael honesty has hit home with Geaney attended a many. Click below to read his workshop on the story. Healthy Club Project in Croke Park during http://ccusack111.blogspo the month. They are t.ie/2013/10/depression- photographed here is-friend-not-my- with Liam O Neill, enemy_28.html President of the GAA.

ISSUE 6 OCTOBER 2013

U21 ‘A’ NORTH HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP

Nenagh Éire Óg enjoyed a Gallagher point reduced the Éire a effort neatly at his three-point win over Kildangan Óg lead to two points, but two near post in the third minute of in a north Tipperary under-21A Donnacha Quinn frees forced injury time. hurling championship clash Nenagh into a four-point lead A Stephen James Gleeson ’65 cut played in horrible conditions at before Paul Flynn left three in it at the Éire Óg lead to two in the 64th MacDonagh Park, the break – half-time: Nenagh Éire minute, but a Donnacha Quinn on Monday afternoon. Óg 0-9 Kildangan 0-6. point in the sixth minute of injury time sealed the win for Nenagh. North Tipperary Under-21A Tommy Heffernan got off the mark They now face Roscrea in the Hurling Championship for Éire Óg in the opening minute quarter-final. Nenagh Éire Óg 1-14 of the second half, but Kildangan Kildangan 0-14 responded with efforts from Tom Nenagh Éire Óg: Kevin Flynn, McLoughlin and Paul Flynn leaving Donnacha Heffernan, Kevin Nenagh Éire Óg enjoyed a three- two in it (0-10 to 0-8) with Gubbins, Conor Ryan, Adam point win over Kildangan in a north twenty-three minutes to play. Gratton, Daire Quinn, Barry Tipperary under-21A hurling Éire Óg, however, responded in Heffernan, Seánie Geaney championship clash played in kind with points from Donnacha (captain), Andrew Coffey (0-1), horrible conditions at MacDonagh Quinn (free) and David Hickey. Darragh Walsh, Tommy Heffernan Park, Cloughjordan on Monday Two Tadhg Gallagher efforts book- (0-1), Killian Gleeson, Donnacha afternoon. ended a Donnacha Quinn free to Quinn (0-9, 0-8 frees), Gary Three Donnacha Quinn frees leave three between them (0-13 to Howard (1-1), James Mackey (0- helped Éire Óg into a 0-3 to 0-1 0-10) entering the final quarter. 1). Subs: (39th) David Hickey (0- lead after ten minutes with Tadhg Éire Óg struck for a critical three- 1) for Darragh Walsh, (62nd) John Gallagher (free) responding for pointer in the 46th minute when Cahalan for James Mackey. Kildangan. Gary Howard flicked Killian Points from Jack Loughnane and Gleeson’s delivery past Eoin Maher Kildangan: Eoin Maher, Jim Tom McLoughlin levelled mattered in the Kildangan goal. Minehan, Shane Seymour, Darren by the 14th, but Éire Óg hit back Moran, David Sweeney, Stephen through James Mackey and Kildangan responded well to the James Gleeson (0-1, 0-1 ’65), Donnacha Quinn (free) to lead 0-5 challenge with two Tadhg Gallaher Willie Connors (0-1), Paddy to 0-3 by the 16th. points and an effort from Willie Gallagher, Jack Loughnane (0-1), Connors reducing the margin to Johnny Horan, David Fitzpatrick, Éire Óg ‘keeper Kevin Flynn made just three points (1-13 to 0-13) by , Paul Flynn (0-2), a fine save when deflecting a Tom the 58th minute. Tadhg Gallagher (0-6, 0-3 frees), McLoughlin effort over the bar a Tadhg Gallagher enjoyed a Tom McLoughlin (0-3). Subs: (HT) minute later while Andrew Coffey reasonable goal chance on the Seán Webb for David Fitzpatrick. and Gary Howard helped the Blues hour mark, but fired wide while into a 0-7 to 0-4 advantage with Éire Óg ‘keeper Kevin Flynn saved Referee: Dan Darcy (Kilruane twenty minutes played. A Tadhg MacDonagh’s).

Left, Boysie Hogan with Mary Spillane enjoying the handball in Ballina Centre, Nuala Connolly and Catherine Kennedy at the camógie county final. Above, Michael McNamara with his fans after the Drom match. ISSUE 6 OCTOBER 2013

BLAST FROM THE PAST: 1977 MINOR COUNTY FINAL WINNERS

Back Row (left to right): Michael McGrath, Chris O'Halloran, Pat Lee, Gerry O'Brien, Roger Coffey, Brian Heffernan, Conor Ryan, Joe Ryan, Philip Kennedy, Eugene Hackett, Michael Kennedy, Michael Griffin. Front Row: Jim O'Sullivan, Denis Finnerty, Sean Minogue, Ger Grace, Johnny O'Gorman, Jim Ryan, Denis Griffin, John Griffin, Charlie Cavanagh, Seamus Kennedy. *Denis Finnerty is the only player to start each County final, winning 6 in a row from 1977-1982.

In this month’s edition of our supporters roaring themselves minutes. Seán Minogue was newsletter we have decided to hoarse” “and there was scenes of another to leave his mark on the travel back thirty six years to 1977 great excitement and back- game, while Roger Coffey and when our minor hurlers captured slapping as Michael Kennedy went Eugene Hackett stormed into both divisional and county forward to receive the Dean action in the second half. These honours. This was our ninth north Hamilton Cup. There was a touch got most assistance from Denis title but only the second time in of originality about the setting as Finnerty, Conor Ryan, Philip our history that we managed to enthusiastic supporters borrowed Kennedy, Michael Griffin and win the county. that part of the scoreboard reading Michael Kennedy”. The North final was played on Éire Óg to form the background for home turf in MacDonagh Park and the presentation”. Éire Óg: Michael McGrath, Denis we defeated Silvermines on a score Éire Óg opened the scoring when Finnerty, Conor Ryan, Ger Grace, line of 4-09 to 2-05. “Parading Sean Minogue “found the gap and Ger O Brien, Eugene Hackett, their skills with purpose and clipped the ball to the ‘Mines net”. Johnny O Gorman, Michael brilliance in a nine minute spell in Both sides exchanged scores and Kennedy (0-02), Brian Heffernan, the second half” Nenagh scored at half time only the minimum Philip Kennedy (0-02), Roger three second half goals that killed separated them as Nenagh led 1- Coffey (0-02), Jim O Sullivan, Seán off the challenge from their rivals. 03 to 1-02. Minogue (2-03), Michael Griffin (1- “Éire Óg achieved their success on 00), Denis Griffin (1-00). merit, with greater fitness, superb In a nine minute spell in the determination and some really second half “the Éire Óg scoring Silvermines: Gerry Barrett, John significant individual contribution”, machine erupted. Denis Griffin Egan, Donal Forde, Willie Ryan, “cloaking themselves in a mantle grabbed the first of three goals, Kieran Dooley, John Quinlan (0- of glory they inflicted nine minutes Seán Minogue took the second 02), Michael Keane, Anthony of torment on the ‘Mines, hunting after a fine combined movement Timmons, Maurice Leamy (1-00), relentlessly to preserve their and Michael Griffin was on hand to Alan Kinsella, Pat Maher, Brendan unbeaten record, they dictated bang home the third after Gerry Timmons (0-01), Michael O Brien every facet of play and clinched Barrett had saved well in the (1-01), Martin Maher, Noel O Brien their first title in eight years”. The ‘Mines goal”. “Brian Heffernan was (0-01). atmosphere on the night was the outstanding performer on the exception with “rival young Éire Óg team with a display of Referee: Seán O Meara power hurling for the full sixty ISSUE 6 OCTOBER 2013

its final ten minutes, Éire Óg well realised that they would have to throw everything into it if they were to dethrone the champions”. “Roger Coffey coolly sent over a point and Brian Heffernan pointed a 70”. Two further points were added by Hackett and Heffernan and Éire Óg led by the minimum when “Jimmy Collins ended a thrilling game and Éire Óg captain Michael Kennedy went to the stand to receive the trophy from County Board Chairman, Mr Hubie Hogan”.

“Overall balance is the hallmark of It was then onto the county final “It was typical of this sectors this Éire Óg side. They have no one where they faced the holders performance that centre back who could be said to be one on Loughmore Castleiney. In 1968 whom most depends and it was when Nenagh previously won this Eugene Hackett should have been truly a team effort that brought title they also faced the holders, the one to send over the equalising them their second title”. that time it was Moycarkey Borris. point six minutes from the end, a For three quarters of this game point that was added to three Nenagh: Michael McGrath, Denis Nenagh looked like losing but “it minutes later by Brian Heffernan, Finnerty, Conor Ryan, Chris O was their refusal to accept defeat” from a free, the winning point”. Halloran, Gerard O Brien, Eugene that saw them through “sheer Éire Óg started brightly with two Hackett (0-01), John O Gorman, persistence and smartness” loft goals in the 7th and 10th minutes Brian Heffernan (0-03), Michael “over the scores that mattered and when Michael Griffin, with “a rather Kennedy, Jim O Sullivan, Roger edged them home by just a point” lazy shot” and Gerard Grace with Coffey (0-01), Philip Kennedy, on a score line of 2-05 to 0-10. “a fine ground shot” both goaled. Gerard Grace (1-00), Michael Loughmore came storming into the Griffin (1-00), Sean Minogue “What a thrilling climax this was to game and led at the interval 2-00 the minor campaign. Two fine to 0-07. Nenagh started the Loughmore Castleiney Francis teams, expertly trained and second half in determined fashion McGrath, Tom Ryan, Peter coached, threw everything into it but it appeared not to be our day Brennan, Pat Cormack, Stephen and provided spectators with an when Michael Griffin had a goal Maher, Richard Stapleton, James ideal pipe opener to the county’s bound free saved and Sean Maher, Pat McGrath (0-07), Eamon big hurling day”. It was the half Minogue’s palmed effort rebounded Brennan (0-01), Joe Sweeney, Pat back line that led the team to from the crossbar. Gleeson, Michael Sheehan, Ger victory getting on top of their Geehan, Pat Lynch (0-01), Mike opponents, who were expertly “Éire Óg kept up the pressure and Walsh (0-01) aided by midfielder Pat McGrath. Brian Heffernan” pointed a semi Referee Jimmy Collins, St Marys penalty. “With the game entering ISSUE 6 OCTOBER 2013

PLAY THE CLUB LOTTO – WE position it currently enjoys. The club. We currently have online ALL WIN club have teamed up with players in Ireland, Spain, The Nenagh Éire Óg Club Lotto has www.locallotto.ie to allow you the Switzerland, USA, and Australia. been in operation for many years opportunity to play online and be in If you would like to join and help now and has provided the club with a chance of capturing our weekly support the club please click on vital funds that help us run our lotto jackpot. You can subscribe to this link (CLUB LOTTO) and sign up various teams, maintain our our lotto on a yearly basis and as today. grounds, club house and help well as having the chance of promote Gaelic Games in our winning you will also receive a community. Without this stream of weekly email with the results of the income there is no doubt that the draw plus you will also receive our club would not be in the healthy weekly notes keeping you up to date on all activities within the

IF YOU WOULD LIKE TO HAVE THE NENAGH ÉIRE ÓG NEWSLETTER DELIVERED TO YOUR IN-BOX EVERY MONTH PLEASE CLICK ON THE ‘SUBSCRIBE’ BUTTON OR E-MAIL [email protected] WITH YOUR REQUEST CLICK ON IMAGES TO SEE DARYL IN ACTION WITHOUT A HURLEY. taken particular interest in these campaigns and now the new MACE advert as they feature our own Daryl McCormack. Daryl, a very YOU CAN TAKE THE MAN talented hurler, won various north OUT OF NENAGH………….. The Referendum Commission were titles with the blues and we are all busy recently with their information thrilled to see his career start to Following on from last campaign's regarding the recent votes take off. Well done Daryl and when month’s story about the on The Seanad and The Court system. you're big in Hollywood don't 1947 minors, we have one Nenagh Éire Óg supporters have forget us!!!!! more connection. Peter Maloney in the front row is a grand uncle to senior hurlers, Noel and Hugh. Living is Australia since the mid 1950’s, we hear he still has the Naynagh accent – he never lost it.

Tipp Fm visited the Nenagh Éire Óg complex prior to the county final and talked with club stalwarts Shane Connolly, Anne Kennedy, Jimmy Morris, Ger Gavin, Conor O’Donovan and Jim Nagle ISSUE 6 OCTOBER 2013

NENAGH HANDBALL CLUB

Congratulations to Cameron Spillane (2nd boy from left, back Well done also to Sinéad Meagher row) who brought back the second All-Ireland medal to the who won the Junior Singles Munster club in two weeks during October. Cameron was part of the Colleges final in Limerick recently. Tipperary under-12/13 team who won the 60 x 30 All-Ireland Sinéad was representing St. Mary’s final in Roscommon recently. Secondary School in Nenagh

Last winter the club was rocked made the decision to with the news that Assistant substitute Paul on forty Logistics Manager Paul Lillis minutes. Lillis having given all had decided to transfer to he had could only watch as Cullion Hurling Club in Southern Gaels ran out Mullingar. Managed by former winners on a scoreline of 1-13 Éire Óg hurler Frank McGrath, to 1-07. the Mullingar based outfit reached the final of the This defeat was particularly Westmeath Junior E hurling hard on Paul as he missed out championship where they faced on the Junior C championship Southern Gaels from Athlone (2010) and Junior B league this month. title (2011) with Nenagh after suffering an ankle injury. Paul was selected to play at Paul vows to be back and centre forward where he hopes to capture that elusive notched up two outstanding Junior title in 2014. We wish points, one from eighty yards. Paul, Frank and Cullion the However, having run himself very best next year. into the ground, the manager

Senior club PRO Paul Lillis (above left). Also pictured is Cullion Please e-mail: [email protected] , manager and former Nenagh Éire Óg player Frank McGrath. [email protected], [email protected] with anything of interest for the Newsletter ISSUE 6 OCTOBER 2013

NENAGH ÉIRE ÓG U-13 COUNTY CAMÓGIE CHAMPIONS

On September 29th last our collected the trophy on behalf Under 13 camógie team of her team mates. retained their county title after Thanks to mentors Caitriona a hard fought two point win Morris, Greg Browne, Philip over an outstanding Ballina Shanahan, Pat Sheridan and side in The Ragg. The game Mairéad Long for all their went to extra time with outstanding work and it is Nenagh emerging victorious on bearing fruit with the high a scoreline of 1-06 to 1-04. calibre of players they are Captain Katie Mannicle producing.

PROFILE OF CAMÓGIE PLAYER CLAIRE COLLINS

Age: 19 Occupation: Student nurse. Favourite Position: Corner back. Earliest memories of the club: Training sessions when we were u10 and we got the choice of training inside when it was raining....the good auld days! Toughest opponent: Definitely my sister Michelle. She kills me on the field and I'm the older one. Something you don't know Favourite food: Anything from about me: For someone who has Collins' bakery....'wink wink'. grown up around baking her whole Favourite drink: Tea. life.... I can't bake a cake to save Favourite camógie player: my life! Jessica Maher. What the club means to me: A Proudest moment: Captain for place where I'll always be welcome the u14 league team and winning. (I hope) even if I'm still playing or Advice for young players: Put not and a club I'll always the hard work in because it pays support...... 'Hon Éire Óg'. off in the end.

ISSUE 6 OCTOBER 2013

WILLIE BOLGER – THE GAEL DOWN UNDER

Emigration it seems is the curse of like mad. And slagging Christeoir him. There are roughly ten of us the Irish nation. Throughout McLoughlin of course”. from home working with the history there are countless Being abroad is “different and company, Cliff Moloney, Paul O’ examples of the Irish, through tough at times. When the lads are Gorman, Brian Armitage, Matt poverty, unemployment and many playing I just want to be there Cooney, Davy Ryan, other reasons being forced to pack togged out for every game but I Andy Chadwick, Danny White, Alan their belongings and head for know I can’t. I still text all the lads Kelly and Pearse O Brien who foreign shores. Emigration has before each game wishing them works with a different company. continued to be a common social the best of luck and I tune into the Brian Maxwell has recently arrived theme in Ireland since live feed on Twitter for the scores”. to Perth as well. It helps a lot independence and apart from a Living on the other side of the being around them”. brief respite during the Celtic Tiger years it continues to Being a passionate haunt families and follower of a club is communities today. particularly hard for those abroad when Nenagh Éire Óg has also they reach a major suffered as a result of the final. While Willie recession and in recent years was thousands of we have lost stalwarts such as miles away there’s Mark Langton (New York) and no doubt his heart Paul Burke (London), among was in Semple others. Although the club Stadium when hasn’t been decimated like Noel Maloney led the some other GAA clubs, this men on blue onto year, adult hurlers Pearce O Tom Semple’s field Brien, Cliff Moloney, Brian on county final day. Maxwell and Willie Bolger have “I was absolutely all decided to seek their delighted for the fortune in The Land Down lads when they Under. reached the county final. I know the Willie Bolger won the double dedication needed North Tipperary Junior A and the training the hurling league and lads do from championship in 2012 and was February and it’s not hoping to force his way into easy so they the senior set up this year definitely deserve to however the scourge of be there, not to unemployment forced him into mention knocking changing direction in his life. out some of the “The fact that I was out of giants of Tipperary work for quite a while was the hurling along the main reason why I choose to Willie Bolger in action for Western Australia way. emigrate. I knew there was money to be made in Australia and I had planet without the support of your From a personal perspective at many friends over there also. I was family is very tough but the times I was actually gutted that I sick of the rain in Ireland as well” Nenagh diaspora do act as a wasn’t there and thought ‘this is he joked. wonderful little community abroad typical, the one year I go they get “Two of the hardest things to leave supporting and helping each other. to the final’. But I got on with it behind were my family and the and focused on work to take my hurling club. I’ve hurled with Eire “It’s actually like a mini Nenagh mind off of it. I’m sure I will have Óg since the age of eight so it was out here. My boss of Danmar many more big days like it in a strange that I knew I wouldn’t be a Homes, Danny White is originally a Nenagh jersey. The day of the Nenagh player for the rest of the Nenagh man which is probably county final here was strange. I year. I still miss the hurling craic partly the reason we got work with knew it was such a huge game and ISSUE 6 OCTOBER 2013

emigrants and has lucky enough to get called as they helped the Irish to were stuck for a goalie but I ended settle into their up impressing out the field and new surroundings. actually played the tournament as “I play with Perth a wing forward. We beat Victoria in Sarsfields and the final easy enough and I really enjoy it. notched up around 1-4 for the There are a good tournament. Not boasting or few Tipp lads on anything ha”. the panel that I

know also. We got “The original plan was to do out bet this year in my one year visa and go home but the championship with a fulltime job, hurling and a semi-final. Hurling good social life I’m struggling to here helps in find a reason to go home after one many ways, year. We will see what happens making friends, and who knows if I save enough getting work and money I might go home at not losing your Christmas for a holiday for a few competitive edge weeks”. are just three All of us here in Nenagh Éire Óg ways. It’s grand wish Willie and all our friends and to be hurling so supporters the very best and we can’t wait until you return back to far away from “the auld sod”. home. I’d be lost without a few pucks against a Willie Bolger pictured with his Western Australia wall”. teammate and goalie, Martin King. there was nothing I could do to be The there. I had a barbeque, a few standard is actually unreal. bottles of beer in 26 degrees heat There are a lot of former and went to bed around half ten inter county hurlers and Aussie time. I got Tipp FM regular senior club hurlers streamed on my phone, wore my out here. I couldn’t believe Nenagh jersey and pretended that how tough it was and how I was there ha. While I was good the hurling was when devastated about the result, long I first came. I realised term it doesn’t actually worry me fairly quick I wasn’t just that much because I know the going to walk into a team”. players Nenagh have at their Well Willie worked very disposal and I have no doubt they hard at his hurling and was will be back and Dan Breen will be fortunate enough to make resting in Rohan’s again before the Western Australia state long”. team. “Hurling with Life abroad for the Irish is made Western Australia was up easier with the presence of GAA there with one of greatest clubs throughout the world. They hurling memories I’ve had. provide the Irish with an There are five clubs in opportunity to mingle with others Western Australia and in in the same boat (pardon the October of every year they pun!!) and to continue to play the pick the strongest panel of games they love. The GAA abroad 25 players to hurl for the is a vital lifeline for many state. Being honest I was Willie in action for Éire Óg ISSUE 6 OCTOBER 2013

FOR ALL THE MEN THAT WORE THE BLUE Brian Hudner Prior to the County as in 1995, we are set up for a tilt might have a smaller pick, what a Final, Brian Hudner at a Mid side, though not one of pick it is! The cousins McGrath wrote of his the Mid sides more favoured at the match our Heffernans, and will memories of ’95 and outset of the season. Indeed, the take the same watching. Each of the pride that ‘all the resurgence of the Mid division - them is a gamechanger in his own men that wore blue’ and a countervailing fall in the way, but the men running the feel for their club. North - has been much heralded in Naynagh 'line have given every the last few years. We need no indication so far that they have a I was living 6,000 miles from home reminders that since Éire Óg won, shield for every arrow, and a when Éire Óg, Nenagh won their no other North side apart from couple of spares in their own solitary senior hurling title a Toomevara has won the County quiver. While this Nenagh team is generation ago. It was morning my championship (and their incredible short of county medals - Kevin time when I heard the news of haul of eight over eleven years is a Tucker aside - it is dotted with lads victory down a long-distance phone spur to action on Sunday like no who have won All-Ireland titles line. The connection was poor; our other.) with Tipperary at senior and voices echoed more than the One measure of the gap to the last underage, and who have county Ailwee Cave, and we spent most of win lies of course in the fact that titles all through the juvenile and the time talking across each other the current team features sons of U-21 grades. Added to a scattering like Brolly and Spillane. those who played in the last victory of lads who won a recent All- Nonetheless, I got the jist of it in or featured in the final earlier in Ireland colleges title with Nenagh the end. It had been a "bóthar the 90s. Noel Coffey lined out at CBS as well, it gives Nenagh a fada" to get over "Bóthar Leathan", corner-back in 1995 and his son great chance on Sunday. but in 1995, Conor O' Donovan Andrew wore 13 against Kildangan I predict a tight game with Nenagh raised Dan Breen and dedicated it in the semi-final replay. Billy of the prevailing through goals scored. to all those who ever wore the Heffernan clan is a backman like But the margin of victory might be blue. The Mammy sent out The his dad (though John had a sojourn as skinny as one of Paddy Rohan's Guardian a week later and I on the edge of the other square in ties. inhaled it with the ink-stained 1995 of course.) No surprise to see As something of a postscript to this fingers of the exile. Howards, Quinns, and Flannerys piece, there are many of us who What I didn't know then was that it following fathers and brothers "wore the blue" (without any was also Monday morning his time either. And there are other distinction in my case) that will be when my father walked home from connections in the latticework: the there on Sunday. It is gratifying to John Ryan's in Summerhill, a half- entire side is spliced with familiar see Nenagh in a final again after a gallon of porter his only source of surnames, some in their third seven year gap. I grew up a sustenance. To this day, he claims generation of service. Brendan Cummins puckout away it is the fastest time he has ever One such name of note is that of from "the hurling field" and made taken to cover the couple of miles Kevin Tucker who will man his up the numbers as a young fella. home. If I'm being honest, I've station in the centre of the Tom Many's the evening that Dinny always been dubious about his Semple's field on Sunday. It is McSweeny or Seán Foley came to time-tracking on that night. After hard to believe it is 20 years since round up a few of us to head off to all, he left the pub as full as a Biro he won the North Tipperary Player Dolla or Cloughjordan, though it - no, as full as Mikey Heffernan's of the Year, or that is so long since has to be said that some of us medal drawer - and fairly skated he gave a certain famous were, as the fella says, no home, songs still ringing in his bainisteoir the run-around in the addition. But no matter. We still ears. Whether or which, it was a Munster Final of 1997. He is, so to cast a shadow on a hurling pitch night of nights in Nenagh town, speak, the son of his earlier self! sometime. and I missed it. He was by common accord one of Anyhow, if Nenagh win, myself and I need hardly add that Nenagh the best men on the park against the oul' fella will doubtless be have threatened Dan Breen twice Kildangan the last day and will be looking at our watchfaces since then and run into a certain key to unlocking Loughmore, a sometime on Monday morning as neighbouring parish on both club chasing their third county we point the shoeleather for home. occasions. This year, happy to title. This time, there will be no long report, the townies have no, ahem, Loughmore-Castleiney have of distance. Toomstone around their necks to necessity also made a virtue of pull them towards perdition. Now, family tradition. And while they And no records either… ISSUE 6 OCTOBER 2013

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