Club Notes: 22nd October 2019

Last Monday’s winning lotto numbers were 6-14-20-27, and there was no winner. €20 winners were Joe O’ Keeffe, Martin O’ Keeffe, Anne Tobin, Bernie Murphy, and John Luke McGrath. Next week’s jackpot will be €2,550.

 

Photos: Sean Murphy.

 

Shamrocks retained their Western title with a close and hard fought one point win over Geraldines last Sunday night at Fraher Field amid scenes of joy unrestrained.  It was almost a carbon copy of the drawn game a week ago also in Fraher Field, except it happened in reverse, by which I mean this week it was Geraldines who started well, we were 3 points down at half time, then we had a purple patch and raced into a lead, and it was Geraldines’ turn to claw back the lead with time ebbing away, except we hung on for a narrow win this week. We were dealt a double blow before the match had even started with the news that two of our starting line up were out injured, namely Shane Roche, and Padraig Roche, who were replaced by Tom Roche and Liam Motherway. Then we had the misfortune to concede an early goal which was blocked, hit the post and crossbar, and was adjudged to have crossed the line. To further add to our misery, Edward Lonergan had to go off with a dead leg very early on, and Geraldines took full advantage of our nervous start to race into a 1-4 to 0-1 lead, a free from Billy Hynes our only reply. However, this team are made of tougher stuff, and, despite all the odds, they worked their way gradually into the game, and steadied the ship with points from John Paul Lucey, a couple of frees from Billy, and a fine score from Joe Leahy to leave 3 points between the teams at the break, and a glimmer of light. We had further bad news at the start of the second half with the news that our very solid goalie, Richie Murphy had to be replaced by Tim Lenehan due to injury. But we made light of our injuries with younger players like Tom Roche, Liam Motherway, Ivan O’ Neill, and Kieran Crawford all gaining in confidence and really coming to the fore. Kieran hit our first point, then Chris Murphy, very strong again this week, intercepted a short kick out and buried the ball to the back of the net, and suddenly we were ahead. Though Geraldines pulled it back, we hit a purple patch and totally dominated the next ten minutes with wonderful scores from Paidi Ahearne (2), two Billy Hynes frees, and another point from Edward Hynes to give us a five point lead. However, whether it was fatigue ( this was our third game in three weeks), or just mentally relaxing, we got a bit sloppy, started conceding needless frees, and Geraldines clawed back with the next four scores, 3 from frees, to leave just the minimum between the sides. However, we managed to hold out for what one stalwart supporter said was one of our sweetest ever wins which our very vocal supporters fully appreciated. We had a lot of heroes on the night, but it would be remiss of me if I didn’t mention our two joint captains John Paul Lucey and especially Paidi Ahearne, who covered every blade of grass up and down the field. I thought they were outstanding, and when men were needed, they delivered. With almost half the first choice players missing by the end of the match through injury, and Stevie Lucey in Australia, it was truly a remarkable win, and a testament to the managing skills of coach Noel Crowley, selectors Dan Casey, Declan Butler, and Seamie Tobin. We have a fortnight to get back some of our injured players before we take on Ballyduff East in the county final. Congratulations one and all. Panel; Richie Murphy, Tom Roche, Tommy O’ Donovan, Brian Harnedy, Adam Crawford, Padraig Ahearne (0-2), Jason Ahearne, John Paul Lucey (0-1), Joe Leahy (0-1), Chris Murphy (1-0), Billy Hynes (0-5), Edward Lonergan, Liam Motherway, Edward Hynes (0-1), Kieran Crawford (0-1), Ivan O’ Neill, Tim Lenehan, Ciaran O’ Keeffe, Michael Lucey, Alan Kelly, Shane Harnedy, Cathal Herlihy, Tom Goulding. 

 

Heartiest Congratulations to neighbours Ballysaggart who won their first ever County Intermediate Hurling title when they defeated Ballygunner last Saturday. A remarkable achievement for one of the smallest clubs in the county. When you consider the resources and manpower that the city team has, well suffice to say we salute you, Ballysaggart!  Best of luck in the Munster series.

 

Our congratulations also go out to the girls of Knockanore N.S. who won the schools final last Saturday. Well done to all concerned, our ladies football club is built on solid foundations!

 

There will be a Halloween Party at the KGK Hall next Monday evening 28th October ( Bank Holiday) from 6 to 8pm for kids, and both kids and parents are urged to come in costume on the night. Should be a great night!

 

Wednesday evening 6th of November at 8pm is another night to mark on the calendar, because that’s the night the 2019 KGK Parish Annual will be launched in the KGK Hall. The two Pats, Geary and Casey, have put a huge amount of work into this publication, and it’s always a great read. Come along and give them some support.