Vol. 3 Issue 2 March 2015

ST. PATRICK’S DAY 2015

Vol. 3 Issue 2 March 2015

ST. PATRICK’S DAY 2015: Many thanks to our super young hurlers, their parents and mentors who marched behind the Éire Óg banner on St. Patrick’s Day. For many it was their first time walking in the parade and they had a great time. Congratulations to Hughie McGrath and the organising committee on another wonderful parade.

Vol. 3 Issue 2 March 2015

FROM HEARTBREAK TO HOPE – AN EVENING WITH CHRISTY KENNEALLY

Born in Cork in 1948, CHRISTY KENNEALLY is a veteran broadcaster and author of numerous publications, including the bestselling book, Living with Loss.

He is well known for his work in communicating with the terminally ill and the bereaved.

The former presenter of RTÉ’s No Frontiers says we can become paralysed by the sudden losses that change brings to our lives.

“TOO OFTEN, WE CAN SINK INTO DESPONDENCY AND DESPAIR. IT IS POSSIBLE TO MOVE FROM HEARTBREAK TO HOPE. ALL OF US CAN DEVELOP THE MUSCLE OF RESILIENCE TO COPE WITH AND TRANSFORM CHANGE. INDIVIDUALLY OR AS A COMMUNITY, WE CAN MAKE A VITAL DIFFERENCE TO SOMEONE SHATTERED BY SUDDEN CHANGE AND THE SENSE OF LOSS IT BRINGS.”

Vol. 3 Issue 2 March 2015

THE NENAGH ÉIRE GAA HEALTH AND WELL BEING CONFERENCE ÓG HEALTHY CLUB club’s PROJECT TEAM, represented by newsletters, Michael Geaney and Sister Clare annual report Slattery, were asked to showcase and details the amazing work done over the last about the club’s two years at the GAA Health and website etc. Well Being Conference in Croke Park on Saturday, March 21st. The team also met with Nearly three hundred delegates Caroline attended the conference. McGuigan (CEO of Suicide or Survive). During her presentation Stacey Caroline Cannon (Community and Health thanked Éire Óg for the club’s Marty Morrissey and Tipperary Department in Croke Park) spoke partnership with SOS in running the senior hurling manager Eamon about Nenagh Éire Óg. She referred Wellness Workshop last January in O’Shea pictured with Clare Slattery to the club’s annual report where Nenagh and said that the facilitators and Michael Geaney at the Nenagh the Healthy Club Project is very who gave the workshop spoke very Éire Óg stand in Croke Park. much part of it. She said that all highly of the way it was organised. clubs should aspire to having health All of material which was on display and wellbeing at the centre of its at the conference is available to ethos, like Nenagh Éire Óg. Others who visited the Éire Óg stand were Eamon O’Shea view on the Healthy Club Project (Tipperary senior hurling manager) section of nenagheireog.com. All the presentations from the and Conor Cusack (Cloyne, Cork). conference will all be available on Eamon has a great interest in the the GAA website in the coming elderly and has been responsible for weeks. numerous reports commissioned by national and international agencies on Ageing and Older People. Eamon O’Shea has agreed to come to Nenagh to give a talk on the elderly and their importance in a club and community – details of same will be confirmed in the coming weeks.

All the clubs who took part in the Healthy Club Project Phase One were presented with a certificate by Ciarán Mc The team met with many delegates Laughlin, Chairperson of the from all over the country who were National Health and Wellbeing so positive and full of praise for Committee (right) Nenagh Éire Óg Healthy Club Project. They took photos of the club’s posters, wanted to know all A brilliant day for Nenagh Éire about the club’s initiatives on Óg! wellbeing, mental health and anti- bullying. Many took copies of the Vol. 3 Issue 2 March 2015

CLEAN IRELAND RECYCLING COUNTY SENIOR HURLING CHALLENGE CUP NENAGH V KILDANGAN

KILDANGAN TOO STRONG FOR A James Mackey free tied the game Two Kildangan points during the ÉIRE ÓG ON OPENING DAY once more before Michael opening ten minutes of the second McNamara made a terrific reaction half extended the Kildangan lead to Nenagh Éire Óg suffered a defeat in save to deny Kildangan a certain five (1-11 to 1-6) before James their opening competitive fixture of goal. Undeterred, and despite Mackey managed a response from a the year when losing by five points playing into the breeze, Kildangan placed ball in the 42nd minute. to an impressive Kildangan at tacked on further points to lead 0-8 Three more Kildangan points added MacDonagh Park, Nenagh on to 1-2 before two James Mackey to their tally and although Paul Ryan Sunday afternoon March 8th. frees tied the game (1-5 to 0-8) by hit back for Éire Óg another the 30th Kildangan brace saw the Blues trail minute. Éire 1-8 to 1-16 by the 51st minute. Óg were also left to During the ensuring five minutes rue their Éire Óg out-scored Kildangan 0-3 to misfortune 0-1 to cut the deficit before Barry in the 26th Hogan saved once more, this time minute from the raiding Pearse Morris. A when Killian goal at that juncture (1-11 to 1-17) Gleeson’s might have transformed the effort at remaining minutes of this goal was encounter, but it was not to be. blocked by Two late Kildangan points helped an alert the visitors toward a deserved win Barry while Philip Hickey set up Pearse Hogan. Morris for a rasping late goal to reduce the final margin to five points. John Cahalan, Richie Flannery and A Tadhg Gallagher goal in the first Paddy Murphy pictured in action minute of injury time propelled the Kildangan will now progress to face against Kildangan. visitors into a 1-9 to 1-6 interval the Templederry Kenyons in the lead and the defending champions next round while Nenagh Éire Óg Clean Ireland Recycling County (Johnny Ryan Cup) had it all to do will take on Boherlahan-Dualla who Senior Hurling Challenge Cup in the second half. lost to Ballingarry (1-8 to 1-17) in Nenagh Éire Óg 2-11 the opening round of this year’s Kildangan 1-19 competition. at MacDonagh Park, Nenagh Nenagh Éire Óg: Michael Éire Óg got off to an McNamara, Mark Flannery, Alan enterprising start when John Kelly, Conor Ryan, Adam Gratton, Cahalan set up Philip Hickey Barry Heffernan (0-1, 0-1 ’65), for a goal in the second Andrew Coffey, Billy Heffernan, minute. Cahalan then added a Killian Gleeson, John Cahalan (0- point from play before the 1), Richie Flannery, Pearse Morris Blues saw two efforts at goal (1-1), Philip Hickey (1-0), Paddy saved by Kildangan’s Barry Murphy, James Mackey (0-7, 0-5 Hogan. A James Mackey point frees). Subs: (37th) Kevin Tucker in the tenth minute added to for Adam Gratton, (41st) Paul the Blues’ tally, but Kildangan Ryan (0-1) for Richie Flannery. soon settled into the game and led 0-6 to 1-2 by the 17th Referee: Johnny McDonnell minute. (Boherlahan-Dualla). Vol. 3 Issue 2 March 2015

CLEAN IRELAND RECYCLING COUNTY SENIOR HURLING CHALLENGE CUP NENAGH ÉIRE ÓG V BOHERLAHAN-DUALLA

Clean Ireland Recycling County the points while Senior Hurling Challenge Cup Pearse Morris and Nenagh Éire Óg 4-24 Boherlahan- Tommy Heffernan Dualla 0-11 were responsible for the goals. The Blues got off to an encouraging Boherlahan-Dualla start when Andrew Coffey set up then hit three Philip Hickey for a goal in the consecutive points second minute. Boherlahan-Dualla, to leave sixteen who were playing with the wind in points between the opening half, hit back with a the sides (3-16 to point, but efforts from Philip Hickey, 0-9) in the 44th Andrew Coffey, James Mackey and minute. Tommy Heffernan helped the home side into a 1-4 to 0-3 lead by the Points from Pearse seventh minute. Morris and Killian Gleeson extended Boherlahan-Dualla responded with Éire Óg’s two points to cut the gap to two advantage to before Pearse Morris was denied a eighteen before goal when the Boherlahan-Dualla Boherlahan-Dualla ‘keeper made a great save in the managed a 11th minute. A point from Tommy response. Heffernan preceded a good goal- scoring opportunity for Boherlahan- A Killian Gleeson Dualla, but Michael McNamara point preceded saved smartly. another fine save from the Boherlahan-Dualla ‘keeper (this The Blues last participated in the Dr Points from Andrew Coffey, Tommy time from Pearse Morris) in the 51st Fogarty Cup in 2013 when losing Heffernan (two) and James Mackey minute. A free with nine minutes of the final after a replay to Burgess. (free) helped the Blues into a 1-9 to normal time remaining concluded 0-5 lead by the 17th minute. the scoring from a Boherlahan- Nenagh Éire Óg: Michael Boherlahan-Dualla responded with a Dualla point of view (3-19 to 0-11). McNamara (captain), Mark Flannery, point, but Éire Óg closed out the Hugh Maloney, Conor Ryan, Dáire half in positive fashion with points A Paul Ryan point extended the Éire Quinn, Barry Heffernan, Adam from John Cahalan, Andrew Coffey, Óg lead to eighteen before Pearse Gratton, Kevin Tucker, Andrew Pearse Morris, Tommy Heffernan Morris and Philip Hickey were denied Coffey (0-4), John Cahalan (0-1), and James Mackey helping the goals by the Boherlahan-Dualla Pearse Morris (2-2), Killian Gleeson home side into a 1-14 to 0-6 ‘keeper. At the opposite end of the (0-4), Philip Hickey (1-2), Tommy interval lead. field second half substitute Kevin Heffernan (1-5), James Mackey (0- Flynn made a fine save of his own in 4, 0-3 frees). Subs: (38th) Paul The Blues’ lead could have been the 53rd minute before a James Ryan (0-2) for Tommy Heffernan, more significant, but Philip Hickey Mackey free helped the Blues into a (39th) Michael Collins for Mark was denied a goal in the 29th 3-21 to 0-11 lead. Flannery, (40th) Niall Madden for minute when the Boherlahan-Dualla Kevin Tucker, (40th) Kevin Flynn for ‘keeper made another stunning Michael McNamara, (42nd) Brian Pearse Morris’ second goal Flynn for Dáire Quinn. reaction save. materialised in the 58th minute following fine work from Philip Éire Óg hit 2-2 without reply during Hickey before late points from Paul Referee: Tommy Ryan (Kildangan). the opening six minutes of the Ryan, Andrew Coffey and Killian second half. Killian Gleeson and Gleeson concluded proceedings. Philip Hickey helped themselves to Vol. 3 Issue 2 March 2015

CHALLENGE CUP QUARTER-FINAL NENAGH V MOYCARKEY-BORRIS ÉIRE ÓG EDGE MOYCARKEY- Efforts from Andrew Coffey and but full credit to Moycarkey-Borris, BORRIS IN HARD-FOUGHT James Mackey (free) helped Éire Óg the home side converted three late CHALLENGE CUP QUARTER- into a four-point lead immediately placed balls to reduce the deficit to FINAL after the break. Moycarkey-Borris two. However, Moycarkey-Borris responded once more, however, and struggled to conjure the goal- out-scored the Blues by three points scoring opportunity which was The Blues survived a battle with to one to close the gap to two (2-8 required to rescue the situation. Moycarkey-Borris in Littleton on to 0-12) by the 39th minute. Saturday evening to book their Moycarkey-Borris were misfortunate The three remaining quarter-finals place in the semi-finals of the Dr to miss out on a three-pointer in the in the Dr Fogarty Cup take place on Fogarty Cup. 37th minute when Michael Sunday, March 22nd – Mullinahone

McNamara made a telling save at v Moneygall, Lorrha-Dorrha v Clean Ireland Recycling County his near post. Cappawhite & Éire Óg Annacarty v Senior Hurling Challenge Cup Burgess. Dr Fogarty Cup Quarter-Finals Philip Hickey found the side netting Nenagh Éire Óg 2-14 in the 42nd minute before points Moycarkey-Borris 0-18 Nenagh Éire Óg: Michael from Paul Ryan and Tommy McNamara, Mark Flannery, Hugh Heffernan helped the Blues into a 2- Maloney, John Brennan, Adam Moycarkey-Borris started well and 10 to 0-12 advantage entering the Gratton, Dáire Quinn (0-1), Barry led 0-5 to 0-2 after sixteen minutes. final quarter. Heffernan (0-1), Andrew Coffey (0- Éire Óg initially struggled against an 3), Billy Heffernan, John Cahalan enthusiastic home side with a James Moycarkey-Borris responded with a (0-2), Killian Gleeson, Tommy Mackey free and an effort from John point, but further efforts from Heffernan (1-1), Philip Hickey, Cahalan getting the Blues off the Andrew Coffey and James Mackey Paddy Murphy (captain, 1-1), James mark. (free) left five in it before a Mackey (0-4, 0-3 frees). Subs: (HT) converted free from the home side Conor Ryan for Adam Gratton, (HT) A John Cahalan point in the 17th reduced the margin to four with ten Kevin Tucker for Billy Heffernan, minute reduced the margin to two minutes to play (2-12 to 0-14). (HT) Paul Ryan (0-1) for Killian before Philip Hickey set up team Gleeson. captain Paddy Murphy for a goal Thanks to points from Dáire Quinn which presented Nenagh with the and Andrew Coffey Éire Óg led 2-14 Referee: Seán Bradshaw. lead (1-3 to 0-5) for the first time in to 0-15 with five minutes to play, the 19th minute. Four minutes later a clever James Mackey pass sent Tommy Heffernan through on PLAY THE CLUB LOTTO. IT COULD BE YOU! goal, Heffernan finished well and Éire Óg led by four.

To be fair to the opposition Moycarkey-Borris responded to the challenge in admirable fashion and struck four consecutive points (two frees) to tie the game (2-3 to 0-9) by the 29th minute.

Éire Óg closed out the half positively with points from Paddy Murphy and Barry Heffernan helping the visitors into a 2-5 to 0-9 interval lead. Vol. 3 Issue 2 March 2015

JUNIOR B HURLING - NENAGH V PORTROE ÉIRE ÓG JUNIOR BS LOSE BY FOUR POINTS TO PORTROE A Portroe point in the 38th minute progressing to the semi-finals. helped the visitors into a 0-11 to 0- March 28, 2015 4 lead, but further Éire Óg points, Nenagh Éire Óg have been drawn in which arrived courtesy of Gavin group one alongside Toomevara, The Nenagh Éire Óg junior Bs O’Connor and Lenny Ryan, cut the Newport, Shannon Rovers, suffered a defeat in their opening deficit to five with twenty-one Moneygall & Portroe. Meanwhile game of the league at MacDonagh minutes to play (0-6 to 0-11). group two features Borrisokane, Park on Saturday evening March Ballina, Borris-Ileigh, Lorrha-Dorrha 28th. However, despite losing by In the 45th minute Gavin O’Connor & Kildangan. four points this was a spirited set up Christopher Ryan for a goal display which the lads can build on. chance. Before Ryan could strike he The Nenagh Éire Óg team are was fouled for a penalty. The managed this year by Cian Tucker, Watch Centre North Tipperary unceremonious nature of that Mark Long, Paddy Flynn and John Junior B Hurling League challenge was deemed a sending off Paul King. Nenagh Éire Óg 0-9 Portroe 0-13 offence by referee Martin Griffin. Niall Madden took responsibility for Nenagh Éire Óg: Brian Darcy, John Portroe, whilst playing with the aid the penalty, but saw his effort saved Kelly, Ger O’Gorman, Brian Duffy, of a very strong wind, raced into a by the Portroe ‘keeper. Aodhán Geaney, Kieran Duffy (0-1, 0-5 to no-score lead inside the 0-1 frees), Lenny Ryan (0-1), Niall opening eight minutes. To be fair to Portroe, and despite Madden, Alex Jones, Gavin now playing with fourteen men, O’Connor (0-2), Paul Lillis (captain, The Blues were fighting hard for they battled well and won two frees 0-3, 0-2 frees), TJ O’Brien, every break of the ball and got off which were converted to hand the Christopher Ryan, Jack Sheedy, the mark in the eighth minute when visitors a 0-13 to 0-6 lead with ten Brian Tuite (0-2). Subs: (49th) Gavin O’Connor landed a point minutes to play. Michael Hallinan for Jack Sheedy. following great work from Christopher Ryan and Jack Sheedy. Éire Óg poured forward in search of Referee: Martin Griffin scores and although the Blues (Silvermines). Portroe led 0-6 to 0-1 in the 17th landed late points thanks to the minute when Niall Madden’s efforts of Brian Tuite (two) and Paul smartly-taken free found Paul Lillis Lillis (free) Nenagh failed to create a and the centre-forward fired over goal-scoring Éire Óg’s second point. opportunity PLEASE CONTRIBUTE TO THE RUNNING OF YOUR which may CLUB AND BECOME A MEMBER. CLICK BELOW TO Four more first half points from have rescued JOIN ONLINE OR SEE ANY COMMITTEE MEMBER Portroe helped the visitors into a 0- the situation. 10 to 0-2 interval lead. Considering the strength of the wind, however, The Watch the Éire Óg lads were still in with a Centre North shout of turning this one around. Tipperary Junior B The Blues started the second half in Hurling very positive fashion. In the 32nd League will minute Brian Tuite was fouled for a be played on free which Paul Lillis converted a two-group before Kieran Duffy landed a free system this from deep inside his own half year with the following a foul on wing-back Lenny top two Ryan. teams in each Vol. 3 Issue 2 March 2015

NENAGH PLAYERS IN ACTIONTION OUTSIDE OF THE CLUCLUBB

Congratulations to DONNACHA QUINN and BARRY HEFFERNAN who were members of the UL team which won the fresher's All-Ireland title. The University of Limerick beat UCC 1-24 to 1-18 (aet)

CLICK ON LINK REPORT AND VIDEO http://www.gaa.ie/gaa-news-and-videos/daily- news/3/1103152052-fitzgibbon-cup-final-ul-triumphant-in- replay/ Congratulations to TOMMY HEFFERNAN and DÁIRE QUINN who featured on the University of Limerick team which beat the Waterford Institute of Technology in the replayed Fitzgibbon Cup final on Wednesday, March 11th in Páirc Uí Rinn, Cork. Tommy and Dáire scored the vital goals for UL in a 2-18 to 1-14 win.

Senior hurler Dáire Quinn pictured with his uncle Denis (left) and father Liam (right) following the Fitzgibbon Cup final.

Dáire and Tommy Heffernan pictured with Tommy’s father Liam after the match. Vol. 3 Issue 2 March 2015

NENAGH PLAYERS IN ACTION OUTSIDE OF THE CLUB

GRACE O’ BRIEN in action for the Tipp Minors

Nenagh CBS: Well done to the Nenagh CBS team who were crowned Munster Post Primary Schools under-15A hurling champions (Hugh O’Dowd Cup) recently. Nenagh CBS beat Árdscoil Rís (Limerick) 1-13 to 0-5 in a final played at Newport. Nenagh Éire Óg’s Evan Murphy captained the team while he was also joined on the panel by the Blues’ Fiachra Starr, Barry Coffey, Seán Shanahan, Paul Slattery and Daniel Molamphy. Click below for Shane Brophy’s the Irish Examiner report. http://www.irishexaminer.com/sport/gaa/top-class-nenagh-hold-all-the- aces-in-harty-cup-320491.htm

Well done to Cian O’Farrell, Seán Phelan, Conor Hennessy, Liam Heffernan and Gavin Dooley who were members of the North Tipperary under-14 hurling squad who performed very well at the Peadar Cummins tournament in Borrisoleigh on Saturday. Well done to Shane Connolly and Michael McNamara who were Congratulations to GRACE O’BRIEN, HAZEL MCAULIFFE, members of the management team. CAROLINE BROWNE, NIAMH SHERIDAN, MAEVE COFFEY and the Tipperary under-16 team (above) who defeated Cork. Also the Tipperary minors recorded a 3-8 to 1-13 win over Cork in the All-Ireland championship. GRACE O’BRIEN, MAEVE COFFEY, SARAH QUIGLEY AND RACHEL MAHER were the Éire Óg representatives on this panel.

Well done to Evan Murphy who was a member of the victorious North Tipperary under-15 squad (right) which won the Roger Ryan Tournament in Toomevara. Well done also to Mark O’Farrell, Jake Morris, Conor Bonar, Connor McCarthy and selector David Minogue on reaching the final of the under-16 Garda Cup.

Vol. 3 Issue 2 March 2015

OUT AND ABOUT WITH ÉIRE ÓG

#TRENDING at the moment is the hurling selfie and always on trend is Junior-B sub-goalie ENDA O’SULLIVAN. Now who would like to say for sure but where we think he got it slightly wrong was in taking photos during the match as play goes on around him!! #NEVERCATCHON Congratulations to Junior B hurling superstar PAUL LILLIS, who recently celebrated his 40th CLOTHES COLLECTION: We are holding a birthday party in Buddy's in his clothes recycling drive in order to raise much native Silvermines. Paul's party needed funds for the camógie section. Please was attended by his family, donate all your clean unwanted clothes, bed friends, numerous Éire Óg linen, towels, curtains, shoes, bags, belts and hurlers and the Junior B soft toys. The collection will take place in the manager Cian Tucker, selector club house on Saturday, April 18th, John Paul King and assistant to between 10am and 12 noon. If you cannot the manager Mark Long. make it on the date and have bags to donate please contact Marie 0872768444, Denise 0876742591 or Catherine 0861996643 to make arrangements for the collection of your items.

Congratulations to our former PRO MARK LANGTON who was the Deputy Marshall for the Bay Ridge parade in New York on Saint Patrick's Day.

Martin was joined there by his wife We wish to congratulate Junior hurler Teresa Morgan- Jamie Gallagher and Nicole Tiernan Langton and his on the christening of their beautiful parents Theresa and baby girl! Hugh. Vol. 3 Issue 2 March 2015

OUT AND ABOUT WITH ÉIRE ÓG

MICHAEL GEANEY setting up the Nenagh Éire Óg Healthy Club Project’s stand at the GAA Health and Wellbeing Nenagh Handball Club hosted two All-Ireland finals recently and it fell conference. Photo tweeted on the morning to handball legend MICHAEL ‘BOYSIE’ HOGAN to present the by The GAA @officialgaa. Follow to keep up to date with all the latest news. medals to the victorious Galway Intermediate team.

GIVE RESPECT – GET RESPECT FLYING THE FLAG FOR ÉIRE ÓG Nenagh and Ballina under-12 players ON ST. PATRICK’S DAY! shake hands with each other and ref PETER CARROLL before their football match.

GRACE O’BRIEN presenting a gift to the Tipperary under-16 Camógie selector Bill Mullalley at a recent presentation night. Grace was awarded ‘player of the match’ in the All- Ireland Final.

CONGRATULATIONS TO NENAGH ÉIRE ÓG’S DEAN RAY who is one of the five new refs in North Tipp. We wish him the best of luck for the year ahead. Vol. 3 Issue 2 March 2015

NENAGH HANDBALL CLUB

We had a number of girls taking part in very important matches in Broadford recently. Sarah Hallinan and Abbie Sheedy were runners up in the under-13 doubles while Hazel Cawley and Kate Kavanagh were runners up after an entertaining game against Limerick in the under-12 doubles. Well done ladies and thanks to their coaches for all their dedicated hard work. Handball is certainly in a very healthy state at the moment in Éire Óg.

CONGRATULATIONS TO SINÉAD MEAGHER WHO IS THE NEW GIRLS UNDER-16 SINGLES ALL-IRELAND HANDBALL CHAMPION. Sinéad had a convincing win at the Juvenile Handball Championships in Kingscourt Co. Cavan recently. Well done also to Eimear Meagher and Eleanor Percy (Lahorna) who competed well in the under-15 doubles final but lost out to Armagh opposition. Sinéad is pictured above with her sister Eimear. Well done girls from everyone in the club! Vol. 3 Issue 2 March 2015

BLASTBLAST FROMFROM THETHE PASTPAST -- HANDBALLHANDBALL SPECIALSPECIAL “A DREAM BECOMES A beaten by the master players, REALITY” screamed the opening Paddy Perry, Roscommon and page of the official souvenir Mullaney, Roscommon. programme as the now defunct In the following year, the Golden Sarsfield Handball Social Club Jubilee of the GAA, they had the opening their brand new premises measure of the Roscommon pair, on John Street (better known as who they defeated in the final, to Johns Lane) on February 26th, 1977. take the championship for the first The handball alley was built on the time. site of the old CBS school at a cost The following year they retained of £6,000. The alley itself was 40 X their title and were met by bonfires 20 and boasted showers, toilets, and the Nenagh Catholic Boy Scouts lighting, a glass back wall and was Band on their return to the town. fully enclosed. While such facilities From a window of the old Shamrock may seem modest in 2015, they Club, the former North Tipperary were extremely modern for the era TD, Mr Dan Morrissey, told the in question and something to be cheering crowd, “I think we have very proud of. The glass back wall every reason to be proud of this was kindly “presented” by Carey town, this old street, and this old Brothers who continue to this very club, where the Hassetts learned day to be a major employer in our their handball, which enabled them town. Michael Ryan was afforded a to bring championship honours to special “thank you” in the Nenagh”. programme for supplying a pony for Mr Morrissey said the Hassetts a raffle. travelled all over Ireland and played The caretaker for this alley was a decent, clean, straightforward Michael Hassett, a nephew of Joe game. They brought honour on and Ned Hassett, two of the themselves and on this town. greatest players ever to grace a Mr James Sheehan, the Nenagh handball court. The following is an handball representative on the article printed in the programme on North Tipperary Board, said he had the Hassetts. travelled all over Ireland with the THE HASSETT BROTHERS of Nenagh Hassetts and better sportsmen he are still our best pair of handballers never knew. with the rubber ball. They have When the Hassetts won their fifth been tested on the courts of three consecutive championship in 1938, provinces and have returned to their The Guardian described their old supremacy. Blending well, right achievements: Since1933 all and left, the Nenagh pair play with a challengers to dethrone these single mind and they have never masterful ‘tossers have been played so well as this season”. Such skilfully resisted. In bringing further lofty praise came from none other honours to the county, they deserve than the legendary GAA journalist, the plaudits of the Gaels of the Carbery, in the Cork Examiner after they won their fifth consecutive All Ireland softball doubles championship in 1938. The Hassett brothers arrived on the inter-county senior handball scene in 1933. They went to the semi- finals of the softball doubles championship when they were just Vol. 3 Issue 2 March 2015

BLAST FROM THE PAST - HANDBALL SPECIAL 1942, the Collins brothers once North Tipperary and in a 14 year again reached the final which was period he was only beaten twice. In played in Casey’s Court in Boyle Co. all he has 13 Munster medals in Roscommon. minor, junior and senior grade. The final was unique for all four Partnered by Paddy Cleary contestants were Tipperary men. (Clogheen) the Nenagh man won his The Ballina brothers’ opponents first senior title in 1968 when the were Joe and Stephen Bergin, pair captured the All-Ireland senior representing Sligo. After a trilling handball championship. The same game, Tipperary won by three partnership were again successful in games to one. the senior grade in 1972.

NED HASSETT – THE GREATEST (pictured left) Paddy Perry, holder of a record that is virtually certain never to be equalled, winner of eight successive All Ireland senior titles, recalling some of his experiences for a jubilee magazine on handball said

“There were so many great players I met. I Think Ned Hassett of Nenagh was the greatest I ever played county in establishing such a unique against. We started together as we record. Their feat is outstanding and were about equal in age, but he had deserves recognition.” more experience on that back wall. In 1939 their reign came to an end, Three wall was my play in the West, when they were defeated in the but Ned had the experience of the county championship by the up and back wall in Limerick – and I found coming Ballina brothers, Anthony Ned better than anyone I’d met in and Connie Collins. It was a case of the junior, but strange to say he the “master pupils” for the previous never gave me the same games in year, the Hassetts, had coached the senior as in junior. But in doubles I Collins brothers to win the All- could never beat the Hassetts. Ireland junior softball doubles title. CONNIE CLEERE’S TITLES It was the end of a brilliant career In more recent years for the Nenagh brothers, but Joe Connie Cleere continued Hassett won many more All Ireland the fine tradition of honours with his adopted Kerry. handball in the town. In Down through the years Ned 1959 when partnered by remained active in the ball courts of John Cleary (Tipperary North Tipperary and was associated Town) he won the minor with Joe Bergin’s successes almost a All Ireland handball decade later. doubles titles. His brother The pupils had learned well from Tommy helped him to their masters and went on to reach further success a year the final of the softball doubles later when they won the championship but failed narrowly in junior All Ireland handball the final against John Joe Gilmartin doubles. and Jasper Dunne (Kilkenny). When Connie Cleere dominated the championships were resumed in the handball scene in Vol. 3 Issue 2 March 2015

BLAST FROM THE PAST - HANDBALL SPECIAL ANOTHER GOLDEN ERA the left corner. His tossing seemed to throw the Dubliners completely out of gear and his right hand seemed to have the power of a battering ram behind it. For the opening minutes of the junior final, it looked as if the Wexford man was heading for a comfortable victory over Paddy Kennedy. He was simply piling up the aces to the tune of 11, and Paddy didn’t seem to be able to do a thing about it. Then that wise coach Phil Ayres came on the scene. The moment he saw the ball he knew what was wrong. It was soft and flabby and incapable of bouncing an inch off the floor. Phil gave Paddy the tip to ask for a new ball. That did it. From then on Kennedy was the master of the Another golden era in the handball game. annals of Nenagh was written in The third title came to Nenagh that 1949 when three All Ireland year when Denis Carey and Paddy championships came to the town. Kennedy had to battle every minute Joe Bergin and Jackie Sweeney won of the way in a desperate two hour the senior softball doubles, Denis battle to snatch a slender junior Carey and Paddy Kennedy the junior softball doubles titles from the boys softball doubles and Paddy of Wexford. After this game, which Kennedy(pictured above) the junior several past masters of the sport handball singles. described as the most thrilling for Writing in the Guardian, Arthur many years, the juniors were Moore tells the story of those great mobbed by fans and admirers at a victories: It was a big day for dance in the AOH Hall, Parnell Tipperary when at the Depot ball Street, where they were introduced court in Dublin, Joe Bergin and from the stage. Jackie Sweeney, Nenagh, dethroned the reigning holders of the All- When Joe Bergin regained the All- Ireland senior softball doubles Ireland senior singles title in 1950, crown in a three straight games Arthur Moore had this to say: The final and when Paddy Kennedy most crushing answer his critics (Nenagh) added his name to the could possibly get was given by Joe list, as All Ireland junior handball Bergin (Nenagh) when at Fahy’s champion with a 3-1 victory in a Cross ball court Edenderry, he battle no less worthy of a disposed in three effortless straight memorable occasion. In the second games of his opponent John Ryan game of the senior final the Nenagh Wexford. pair were playing with confidence and determination that gave no In the special circumstances that thought to defeat. surrounded this final, it was a signal Bergin was throwing himself into the victory for Bergin. game with dynamic abandon; Sweeney was a rock of strength in Vol. 3 Issue 2 March 2015

BLAST FROM THE PAST - HANDBALL SPECIAL NENAGH GUARDIAN Tom Brophy, Co. Manager, Mr Tony Mr Michael O'Kennedy, TD, said you REPORT MARCH 5, 1977 McCormack, Town- Clerk, Mr Patrick must have respect for the past. In Crowe, BE, Mrs Una Bergin, Mr Milo this old town and this old club, there Opening of new handball alley in McGee, UDC, Mr Ger Ryan, UDC, is a great past. They all had great Nenagh and Messrs Anthony and Connie respect for the sporting past of A town with a proud tradition lived Collions, Ballina, and Mr Herbert Nenagh. "They are a grand old team up to its reputation on Saturday Cannon, manager, Intercontinental to play for", he added. Mr John evening when the Sarsfield Handball Greetings Ltd, Nenagh. Ryan, TD, said it gave him great and Social Club alley on the site of pleasure to be present to night and the former CBS alley at John St was Mr Denis Carey, a trustee of the to see some of the old familiar packed to capacity, and many more club, welcomed everybody to the faces, that he saw in the Shamrock failed to gain admission for the alley which he said was steeped in Club when he was a little younger. official opening by Mr Michael tradition. It was first built in 1932 They had a tremendous tradition O'Meara, chairman of Nenagh Urban by Edward Warren & Sons, Sarsfield and he was certain that would be Council. The building was 'blessed St, Nenagh. It was a dream come continued. by Rev. Michael Sheedy, CC, through for Paddy Bourke and those Nenagh.It was a night of memories associated with him. It all started Referring to the rivalry that existed and slipping through the shadows when Dinny Carey was home on a between Sliver Street and Pound were the immortal names of Nenagh holiday from America after 26 Street he said he was delighted the handball, Ned and doe Hassett, Joe years. Negotiations, he said, were new alley is on neutral grounds. It Bergin, Jackie Sweeney, Dinny first started with Peter Hogan and was a wonderful amenity for the Carey, Paddy Kennedy As Mr Batt O'Keefe and it was finally left town with the comforts of a first O'Meara said "I could keep on on the desk of the Co. Manager. He class indoor building. He hoped narrating famous handball names in thanked the members of the local there would be all-Ireland the town". Urban Council, Michael O' Kennedy, champions in Silver Street and It was a moment of history the men John Ryan, Patrick Crowe — who Pound Street in the not too distant who pioneered the project, when at designed the alley, the Mid-Western future 7.59 p.m. the first game in a Health Board, M. Herbet Cannon, Mr Connie Collins, Ballina, said he covered in alley, got under way in Intercontinental Ltd, and everybody was honoured to be with them the town. It was played between Pat who had helped them to achieve tonight. Tills alley held great and Joe Sheeran, Co. Westmeath, their object. and Joe Henchy and Tommy memories for him and among those Coughlan 12th Battalion, Limerick. He had a special word of gratitude who appeared in it were the Hassett Mr O'Meara, in his address, called for Mr Jack Meaney, manager, Bank brothers, two of the greatest on the Government to restore the of Ireland, Mitchel St, who set them players in the country. "It should be amenity grants. He said they were on their feet. Speaking in a lighter an incentive to the youth of Nenagh an enducement to people to build vein he said "I want to deny a to regain the glorious honours of the something like they had here. rumour, it is the other one, that the Nenagh players of long ago", he Presenting a trophy for Br Wall for trustees, Michael and Paddy Ryan, added. Handballers from the 13th an under 18 singles competition Mr are going to play Paddy Bourke and Battalion, Limerick, Ballina and the O'Meara recalled that his son Noel, myself. It is not on, we are sorry', Sarsfields Club played a number of and Paddy Kearns, won a Munster he added. exhibition games. The local club colleges handball title while at CBS. NURSERY FOR CHAMPIONS were represented by Paddy He presented another trophy from Mr O'Meara said it gave him great McLoughlin and Michael Stanley, Peter and Annette Tobin to the club pleasure to be present in the old and in one of the most exciting for a competition of their choice, school where he had served his games of the evening lost to an while plaques were presented on early years. "I played in the alley Army pairing by 21.20, 21-20. The behalf of the trustees Arobhgthe many times, it was a nursery for a Army handballers were attendance were Mr Michael O lot of all-Ireland champions". accompanied by Billy McGrath, Kennedy, TD, Mr John Ryan, TD, Mr formerly of St Joseph's Park. Vol. 3 Issue 2 March 2015

CAMÓGIE NEWS UNDER-16 CAMÓGIE TEAM earn Becky McGrath all pointed a 12-point win over Silvermines before the visitors staged a comeback with a goal MARCH 30, 2015 following a superb save from Niamh Sheridan. Under-16A County Becky McGrath responded in Camogie Championship kind with a goal of her own Nenagh Éire Óg 5-8 before Vanessa Tynan scored a fine point from a tight Silvermines 2-5 angle.

Nenagh faced into a stiff breeze in The Silvermines goalkeeper the opening half. The Silvermines made an astonishing double opened brightly and had three save, just one example of points on the board inside the great goalkeeping from her all opening six minutes before Maeve night, before Ruth Hassett Coffey responded with a pointed completed her hat-trick of free after she was fouled. Despite goals from the rebound. the wind disadvantage Nenagh found the net through Becky Silvermines had the final say McGrath after great work from on the scoreboard with a Niamh Kennedy and Caroline point before referee Martin Browne. O’Shea called full-time.

This seemed to lift the ‘Mines rather Both sets of backs can be than the home side and they scored proud of their evening’s work 1-1 almost immediately. A Maeve while the goalkeepers gave Coffey free rebounded off the commanding displays at upright and Ruth Hassett was first either end of the pitch. The to respond to the breaking ball and forwards worked hard in scored a great goal. difficult conditions and we wish Maeve Coffey and This goal was in fact Ruth’s first- Kristen Howard speedy ever championship goal as up to recoveries from their injuries. tonight’s game she had always played her hurling in the backs. Nenagh Éire Óg: Niamh Sheridan, Rita Bourke, Emer Nenagh tagged on two more points Ryan (captain), Lily Purcell, from Maeve Coffey and Caroline Rachel O’Connor, Kate Browne before the ‘Mines finished O’Connor, Sarah Kennedy, off the scoring for the half with a Laura Tierney, Niamh point of their own to leave the Kennedy, Caroline Browne, scores Nenagh Éire Óg 2-3 Ruth Hassett, Maeve Coffey, Silvermines 1-4 at the break. Becky McGrath, Vanessa Tynan, Leah Sheedy. Subs: Nenagh started the second half in Leah Kelly for Maeve Coffey. determined fashion and Maeve Coffey was quick to split the posts Referee: Martin O’Shea with a well-taken goal before Ruth (Borrisokane). Hassett goaled in the 38th minute following a fine save from the Bottom right: some idea of Silvermines netminder. the ‘stiff breeze’ blowing. Maeve Coffey, Leah Sheedy and Vol. 3 Issue 2 March 2015

JUVENILE NEWS

Well done to our FÉILE hurling team who beat Kildangan 3-07 to 0-05 in Nenagh in their quarter-final match. Goals by Barry Coffey (2) and Seán Phelan. It was a great team performance and we wish them the best of luck in the semi-final and final which will be held on the same day, Easter Monday April 6th in Dolla.

UNDER-16 FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP

Our under-16 footballers kicked off their football campaign with a win over Inane Rovers in Roscrea. Nenagh led at half time on a scoreline of 1-07 to 1-05. The first half goal coming from Daniel Molamphy following good play between Conor McCarthy and Conor Bonar. Roscrea started the second half brightly scoring an early goal. Their lead was short lived as aided by the breeze Nenagh dominated the rest of the second half and ran out convincing winners on a scoreline of 5-14 to 2-05. The second half goals coming from Daniel O'Donovan and Conor McCarthy (3). Fiachra Starr and Conor McCarthy impressed for Nenagh. Vol. 3 Issue 2 March 2015

HAPPY EASTER TO ALL OF YOUNGEST HURLERS!

Reprinted courtesy of the Kidzpage.com