Kilruane N.S. North Tipperary Football Champions 2006

On Wednesday October 25th Kilruane N.S. took on Corville N.S. in the 1st round of the North Tipperary Football Championship 2006. It took place in torrential rain at St. Cronan’s Park, Roscrea, refereed by Dan Darcy. It was a great game with Kilruane coming out on top on a score of 3-6 to 3-3. Next we were up against Lorrha in Gardiner Park, Borrisokane, in the semi–final on Friday November the 10th, on a pleasant winter’s day. Jack Peters was in top form scoring 2-2, leaving us comfortably in the lead by half time. After a quick pep talk both teams thundered back on to the field. Lorrha surprised all with their display of great teamwork. However, Kilruane were not to be denied and the game finished with a score of 7-3 to 2-1 in our favour.

Then came the big day, our first time since 1999, Kilruane v Ardcroney in the Thomas MacDonagh Park, Cloughjordan. Apprehension filled the air. At 11.45 that morning, the bus arrived and 2nd to 6th class hopped on as Liam Hogan drove us on the short journey to Cloughjordan. When we arrived the team headed for the dressing room where not a sound could be heard, while the supporters went over to the stand. We waited patiently for them to emerge, while in the meantime Ardcroney arrived. At 12.45 the team burst out onto the field and began their warm-up. Christy McLoughlin then blew the whistle and the match began.

There was a diagonal wind and Ardcroney had the advantage. Raymond Kelly tipped our first point over having hit the cross-bar. We played some great football but missed a few chances. Soon afterwards it was half time. We had a good lead after Jack Peters scored 2-1 and Finnian Mannion, Raymond Kelly and Shaun Farrell each scored a point. Shortly afterwards the team came back and as they did so a huge cheer went up from the crowd. Kilruane dominated with a good combination.

Darragh Peters made some great saves as the game unfolded. Every one gave it their best and it was all well worth it when the whistle was blown. Kilruane were champions for the fourth time. Supporters charged onto the field shouting ‘Congratulations!’ . The final score was 4-6 to 0- 7. Relief washed over the players.

Len Gaynor presented the plaque, giving a quick speech, before the captain Mary Walsh replied with a few words thanking everyone. Three hearty cheers went up for a gallant and sporting Ardcroney team, followed by Mary Peters photographing the jubilant winners. Nobody needed to be told to smile as everyone was already delighted.

The team was:Darragh Peters, Mary Walsh, Jack Banaghan, John Healy, Tomas Hogan, Stephen Cleary, Raymond Kelly (0-1), Shaun Farrell (0-1), Finnian Mannion (0-2), Jason Burns, and Jack Peters (4-2). Subs: Peter Blessing, Caroline Morgan, Cillian Finn, Alanna Morris, Sarah Flannery, Sarah Ward, Caoilainn Conroy, Conor Nevin, James Cleary, Kieran Lillis and Paul Dwan. J

ust before Christmas, Eoin Hogan came, accompanied by Len Gaynor for the presentation of the medals. It was a great year for the football and we’re looking forward to the hurling.