Junior A
In a closely contested County Final our Junior A team emerged victorious over a strong Lorrha side in the Ragg on Sunday last. It proved to be a case of 'third time lucky' for the Kilruane side who had lost this Junior A final in 2011 and 2012. However, this year Pat Shanahan's well-drilled squad had nothing in mind but victory.
Kilruane were determined from the off and centre field Claire Kennedy showed her supremacy from the start when she won the opening throw in. Lisa Cahill was superb in defence, clearing time and again. However, it was Lorrha who got the opening score with a 45. Kilruane were quick to react however and Lisa and Claire were again on hand to work the ball up the field before captain Orla Williams put over Kilruane's first point. Lorrha looked to be on top for large parts of the first half and were running at Kilruane's defence, who did well to keep them out. Roisin Cahill and Claire Kennedy both pointed to try to put some distance between the sides. However, it was short lived when Lorrha goaled to put them in front once again. Shauna Tooher equalised after a great run and side stepping her opponent. Lorrha added one again to give them the advantage. At this stage Lorrha looked to be all over Kilruane's defence. They were almost through for a goal, but had to settle for a pointed free instead. An unbelievable Sarah Coonan save prevented a further score. At this stage Kilruane's management called Roisin Cahill from corner forward, to try to quieten Lorrha's Elaine Hough, who was causing all sorts of problems for the Kilruane defence. This move seemed to take effect almost immediately. Marie Ryan pointed a free for the MacDonaghs to leave just 1 between the sides. Lorrha pointed a free of their own, before Marie Ryan pointed for Kilruane. In a final effort of the half Marie Ryan was unlucky to see her effort blaze over the cross bar after great work from Georgie Finn and Roisin Cahill. The sides were tied once again with a half-time score of 0-7 to 1-4. Talk among supporters at half-time was that we were lucky to be level, and that there was a lot more in our Kilruane girls.
No-one knows what went on the MacDonaghs dressing room at half-time, but it cetainly worked, as Pat Shanahan's side emerged a different team in the second half. Emer Starr came in at centre-forward, and Trisha Hogan at corner back, and both players contributed handsomely to Kilruane's win. Emer Starr was in action straight away and won her first ball, but was unlucky to see it go wide. Fiona Ryan pointed from the wing to put Kilruane 1 ahead. Marie Ryan added to this with a pointed 45. After great work from Emma Cleary, Emer Starr made no mistake in pointing, and put Kiruane 3 ahead for the first time. The magnificent Claire Kennedy added another, before Lorrha pointed a free. Roisin Cahill and Maria Hogan combined to set Claire Kennedy up for a further point to put 4 between the sides. Lorrha added two points from placed balls before Claire Kennedy claimed the game's last score. After injury time that seemed to go on forever the huge Kilruane contingent cheered with relief when the ref called time as Emma Cleary was clearning for Kilruane. Final score 0-13 to 1-7, a three point victory for the Kilruane girls.
Once again Sarah Coonan could not be faulted in goals. Kilruane's defence, marshalled by full back Mary Walsh and centre back Joyce Tooher, held Lorrha to just 2 scores from play in the entire match. Well done to Georgie Finn, Emma Cleary and Roisin Cahill who were the 3 new girls to this year's team. Despite their young age they gave everything on the field. Well done to our County girls Claire Kennedy and Lisa Cahill who led by example throughout. Kilruane had seven girls who scored from play, all contributing to the win.
Well done to the huge panel who worked so hard all year. This final showed that it takes more than 15 players to win a match. Thanks to the management and back-room team for their huge contribution. Many thanks to all supporters who came out in such numbers to support the side. Thanks also to all our sponsors who got behind the girls and gave so generously.
Team: Sarah Coonan, Katie Kennedy, Mary Walsh, Georgie Finn, Lisa Cahill, Joyce Tooher, Emma Cleary, Claire Kennedy (0-4), Shauna Tooher (0-1), Marie Ryan (0-4), Fiona Ryan (0-1), Maria Hogan, Shauna Heffernan, Orla Williams (0-1) and Roisin Cahill (0-1). Subs: Emer Starr (0-1) for Shauna Heffernan, Trisha Hogan for Katie Kennedy, Niamh Costello for Fiona Ryan, Noreen Maher, Carmel O'Brien, Marcy Keogh, Jennifer Hodgins, Lynsey Dunne, Clodagh Hodgins, Ciara Grace, Aine Kennedy, Katie Quinlisk and Helen Hogan. Manager: Pat Shanahan. Selectors: Martin Tooher, Freddie Williams, Frances Cleary, Martin Walsh, John Cahill. First Aid: Mel Callen. Stats: Paul Callen.
Under 18
In the next round of the 'B' championship the under 18 team face Clonoulty on this Sunday 27th at 12 in Clonoulty.
Under 12
Following their County Final success back in June, the under 12 team will have their of year celebrations in Pepe's restaurant this Friday night.
Poker Classic
The club's annual Poker Classic took place on Sunday last in Nenagh Golf Club. Thanks to all who came to support our event and well done to the winners on the night. Thanks to Nenagh Golf Club for the use of their excellent premises. Thanks also to Tom Doheny for all his work both before and during the event, to Brian Farrell who provided the catering and to Eugene Ryan who handled proceedings on the night. Thanks to the Committee members who helped out on the night, and finally a big thank you to Bernie Meagher for organising the event.
Table Quiz
The club will hold a table quiz on Friday 1st November so mark the date in your diary!
