The 2015 Tipperary Allianz Cumann na mBunscol Football Finals too place in late November this year. The weather wasn’t helpful at times but matches went ahead with spirits high as teams battled to claim a county final title for their schools. The following is a taste of some of the many matches that took place over the course of the finals.
Under 13 D Football Kilsheelan v Ballina
The county final between Kilsheelan and Ballina was played on 24th November 2015 at 12:50pm in Littleton. The weather conditions were poor on the day but Kilsheelan’s spirits were high. With thirty three supporters from school in tow and numerous parents, the match began. Unfortunately Kilsheelan’s great sporting efforts were in vain as Ballina were a stronger team on the day. Kilsheelan scored one goal from fourth classes Liam Freaney; however that was not enough to secure the win for Kilsheelan. The Kilsheelan starting team on the day consisted of: 1. Jack Landy 2. Eimear Bates 3. Oisin Lavin 4. Thomas O’Connor 5. Alex Hanrahan 6. Micheál Freaney 7. Lauren Boland O’Reilly 8. Zac O’Loughlin 9. Liam Freaney 10. Ally Ryan. We had six substitutes – 11. Leah Rumble 12. Sophie Barry 13. Pamela Ormond 14. Aaron Costin 15. Conor Nugent 16. Oisin O’Donoghue. Only two substitutes played on the day after half time, they were Aaron Costin and Pamela Ormond.
Under 13 F Football Drangan v Moneygall
Moneygall N.S. under 13 boys travelled to Littleton on Monday November 16th to take part in the Roinn F county football final against Drangan N.S. On a windy but dry day, the conditions did not impact on the quality of football on show from both sides. Drangan started very well and played some lovely flowing football in the first half. They put 2-3 on the score board in great style while Moneygall registered just 2 points in the first half. With a 7 point lead at half time Drangan pushed their lead out to 11 points with another well taken goal and a point continuing their good form into the second half. Moneygall’s faith seemed to be sealed but their never-say die attitude shone through once again. Through hard work, tight defending and goals from Séan Kenneally, Séan Moroney and Cian McLoughlin along with some fine points from James Carroll, Moneygall amazingly brought the game level with minutes remaining. Drangan weren’t finished however and added a further goal to leave them a goal ahead heading for the final whistle. However, Moneygall once again showed great heart and with some clever interplay at midfield James Carroll found the top corner of the net with a cracking goal to bring the sides level again. Moneygall now had the momentum and won possession from the resulting kick-out through Sean Kenneally finding James Carroll who landed what would be the winning point, leaving the score 5-6 to 5-5 at full time. A brilliant win for Moneygall NS resulting in their first under 13 county football title. Well done to all involved. Congratulations also to Drangan who played their part in a fantastic match.
Under 13 H Football Grangemockler v Burgess
On a wet and windy day in Littleton Burgess NS made history by winning their first ever U13 county football final. Burgess played Grangemockler in a very tough encounter. Eoin Grace got Burgess off to a great start scoring a wonderful goal that put Burgess into the driving seat. Tremendous pressure from our mid field pairing of Michéal Ryan and Liam Grace helped brothers Eoin and Kieran Grace to keep the score ticking over. Grangemockler came back into the game in the last 10 minutes of the first half but our steady defence made up of Ciarán Slattery, Conor Reidy and goalie Michael Ryan kept them goalless in the first half. Great points from Michéal Ryan and Eoin Grace kept Burgess ahead at half time. Burgess started the second half with a great goal from Ciarán Slattery. Grangemockler fought back with two unanswered goals. Leaving just 2 points between the sides with 5 minutes left. Burgess were not going to give up their lead with great points from Eoin Grace and Michéal Ryan. A brilliant pass from Michéal Ryan to Ciarán Slattery who blasted the ball into the back of the net to seal the victory for Burgess. The final score: Burgess 4:3 Grangemockler 2:4. Thanks to all our supporters who travelled to the match on such a joyous occasion. Also, thanks to John Hogan who trained the team for the tournament. Medals were presented to the team by Seamus Callanan in Kilcolman on Friday 11th of December. Burgess NS: Michael Ryan, Liam Grace, Conor Reidy, Ciarán Slattery, Micheál Ryan (captain), Eoin Grace, Kieran Grace, Caolan Shinnors, Eamonn Moran, Thomás Ryan, Tom Hanrahan, Cathal Slattery, Conor Grace, Caelebh Ryan, Jack Sullivan, Diarmaid O’Donoghue, Conor Gorman, Ronan O Sullivan and Grady Buchanan.
Under 13 I Football Killea v Gurtagarry
On Tuesday 17th November in wet and windy conditions Gurtagarry N.S under 13 football team, led by their coach John Ryan took on Killea N.S to defend their title as county champions. Within minutes Killea had scored a goal but it was to be their last. Gurtagarry put on an outstanding display led by their courageous captain Mark Carroll. Killea could not match the physical fitness and pace of the Gurtagarry boys, already county athletic champions. After a sluggish start, Gurtagarry’s defence of Ted Evans, John Brislane and Fionn McGuigan were impeccable. Despite much pressure and effort from Killea, they could not penetrate the Gurtagarry defence. The speed, stamina and work rate of Mark Carroll and Daniel Farrell in the middle of the field ensured a steady supply of ball to Cian Ryan and Joshua Powell in attack. The Killea goalkeeper made some fine saves but the skill and determination of Cian Ryan and Joshua Powell with Dylan Carroll as a valued substitute saw Gurtagarry victorious on a score line of 6-5 to 1-2.
Under 11 C Football Clerihan v Thomastown
Thomastown NS Under 11 Boys Football team headed to Cashel to take on Clerihan NS in the County Final on Tuesday, November 24th. Played in difficult and windy conditions, it certainly proved to be a game of two halves as Clerihan started very strongly and they had a commanding lead as the referee blew for half time. With the aid of the breeze in the second half, Thomastown gradually began to pull back Clerihan’s lead bit by bit and put them under immense pressure. Sadly, the lead that Clerihan had at half time proved to be too much to overcome. However, all of the panel can be extremely proud of their efforts and the second half performance was a wonderful display of heart and determination. Led by Evan Kennedy, who played a captain’s part and gave an exhibition of blocking down all throughout the game, this young group will no doubt learn from this experience for future games. This was the first County Final for all of the panel so if this was anything to go by then the future is certainly very bright! Final score was Clerihan 6-01 Thomastown 3-04. Under 11 Boys Football Panel – Evan Kennedy (Capt.), Ciaran McCarthy, Robbie McGrath, James McLaughlin, Jack Horan, Aidan Tuohy, Colin Tuohy, David O’Dwyer, Sam Hall, Kevin Hogan.
Under 11 D Football Corville v Moyglass
Last Wednesday, the 25th of November, Scoil Iosef Naofa and Moyglass N.S contested the Under 11 County Football Final. The game was played in wet and muddy conditions. Both teams came out of the dressing rooms and warmed up before the game as both were very determined to win. Moyglass N.S, playing with the aid of a breeze, led at half time but Corville were playing very well. A solid defensive display and two quick goals from Corville’s Devin Loughnane and Ryan Thompson in the second half gave Corville a well-deserved victory. When the final whistle blew Corville supporters ran on to the field to celebrate the historic victory as this was the first time Corville had won the county under 11 championships. The trophy was presented to a very proud captain, Devin Loughnane. Well done to the panel of players, the coaching staff and the whole school community.
Under 13 B Ladies Football Rosegreen v Our Lady’s Cahir
Our County U13 Football B Championship final took place on the 16th of November in Cashel. Rosegreen NS was our opposition. We were so proud of reaching the final and it was a lovely day for a game of football. We were leading at half time after a great team performance but we knew we had to continue playing well in the second half. Great goals were scored by Aisling Burke and Niamh Costigan. Our defence was rock solid and kept us in the game. Wonderful heart and determination was shown by our full panel of players. We were thrilled when the final whistle went and we celebrated with our supporters. It was great to see the shield coming to our school as it was our first time in many years to win a final. We would like to thank Rosegreen NS for a sporting game. We would also like to thank everyone from our school who came to support us and believed in us. It was encouraging to hear the chants from the side-line. We would especially like to thank Ms Doherty, Ms Duggan, Paddy Caplice, Joanne Noonan, Alan O’ Connor and Damien for training us and helping us to come this far. It was a day we will never forget. We were presented with our medals at a special school assembly. By Shannon Kennedy.
Under 13 C Ladies Football St. Joseph’s Templemore v Thomastown
Thomastown NS U13 Ladies Football team made the journey to Golden on Friday, November 20th to take on St. Josephs Templemore in the County Final. As a result of having successfully won the Under 13 County Final last year, the team had to go up a division. Templemore were also beaten in their respective County Final last year so this was always going to be a very difficult task. Thomastown made a lightning quick start to the game and scored the first goal of the game. This lead was to be short-lived as Templemore replied with a goal of their own. The Thomastown girls weren’t to be deterred by the St. Josephs’ challenge and went on to score a couple of more goals to lead by 8 points at half time. Despite the 8 point lead, Templemore had some good opportunities to score but the hard work and quick thinking of goalie Ava Agar and defenders Molly Hogan, Laura Hally and Kate Flannery meant that St. Josephs found it very difficult to convert these chances. Emer McCarthy, who proved to be a thorn in St. Josephs’ side all throughout the game, began the second half as she finished the first by scoring another fantastic goal. She was ably assisted in the forward line by the tenacious Sarah O’Donnell. At this stage, the energetic duo of Lucy Fogarty and Fiona Tuohy were controlling the mid-field area and Thomastown were able to see off the Templemore challenge and win another county title. Joint captains Fiona Tuohy and Emer McCarthy were presented with the trophy after the game much to the delight of all our supporters in attendance. Well done to all of the panel, this was a real team effort especially as only one of last year’s starting team was still in the school. Thank you to Golden Kilfeacle GAA club for the use of the pitch and facilities. Also, many thanks to Brian Leamy and Tommy Boles for setting up the goals and the pitch. Under 13 Ladies Football Panel – Fiona Tuohy (Joint Capt.), Emer McCarthy (Joint Capt.), Kate Flannery, Molly Hogan, Laura Hally, Sarah O’Donnell, Lucy Fogarty, Ciara Quirke, Kate Grogan, Emma Rafferty, Ava Agar, Eimear Crowe, Olivia Leamy, Jenny Ryan, Catherine Meagher, Shona Hogan, Ella O’Dwyer, Zoe O’Mahoney, Anna Keane, Ellie Crowe, Taylor McCarthy, Sarah Grogan, Tara Crowe
Under 13 E Ladies Football Donaskeigh v Ballyneale
On Friday 13th November Donaskeigh NS took on Ballyneale NS in the U/13 Ladies Roinn E County Final. The rain stopped as the teams took to the field in Leahy Park in Cashel. A large crowd from both schools were there to cheer on the girls. Ballyneale won the toss and played with a strong breeze. The game was hard fought and Ballyneale scored a great long range goal. Donaskeigh kept working hard against the wind and got a deserved goal by Chloe Farrell. At half time Ballyneale led by 1 –01 to 1 –00. Donaskeigh took advantage of the wind in the second half . Ellie Hadnett and Emma Daly started to dominate midfield. Ellie scored 1 –03 and Donaskeigh moved ahead. Rebecca Ryan was solid in goal with Niamh Hayes, tigerish in defence. Mary Louise O’Rourke strove forward scoring a fine point. Chloe Farrell was a constant threat in attack gaining lots of possession with Caoimhe Breen giving her best. At the final whistle Donaskeigh were victorious by 2 –05 to 1 -03. Well done to all especially coaches Catherine Hayes and Margaret O’Carroll. Captain Emma Daly accepted the trophy from Donal McCarthy. The Donaskeigh team were: Rebbeca Ryan, Niamh Hayes, Mary Louise O’Rourke, Ellie Hadnett, Emma Daly, Chloe Farrell, Caoimhe Breen, Sheenah O’Brien, Sophie Flannery, Mejiga Pleska, Chloe Greene.
Under 11 A Ladies Football Clerihan v Gaelscoil Durlas
Thóg se alán ama agus oibre chun bheith réidh do Chraobh an Chontae i gcoinne Clerihan NS. Thosaíomar ag traenáil ar ais I Meán Fómhair agus chuireamar an iarracht isteach na seachtainí ag druidim leis an gcluiche mór. D’imríomar i mbliots i mBóthar Leathan, ag tabhairt aghaidh ar an scoil áitiúil féin agus Maigh Coirce. Bhuamar an dá chluiche sin agus ar aghaidh linn ansin chuig an gcraobh. Bhí gach éinne ar bís. Faoi dheiradh tháinig an lá mór. Bhí an aimsir go hainnis agus bhi gach duine ag mothú an bhrú! Sa seomra gléasta dúirt ár mbainisteoir, Múinteoir Labhaoise agus Mairéad cúpla focal faoin cluiche agus an iarracht a bhi orainn chur isteach. Bhíomar réidh! Bhí go leor ráite! Am don pheil! Ansin ritheamar ar nós na gaoithe amach ar an bpáirc. Thosaíomor ag cleachtadh. I gceann cúpla noiméad thosaigh an cluiche. Chaith an réiteoir an liathróid suas agus rug Gaelscoil Bhríde air. Ansin thosaigh cluiche iontach deachair. Fuaireamar dha chúilín luath agus níos deanaí sa chéad leath fuaireamar cúl. Ach fuair Clerihan cúl ag druidim le leath ama. Bhí an liathróid ag dul ó cheann ceann na páirce gan móran idir na fóirne. Sa dara leath thosaigh Clerihan an láidir. Fuair said tri chúl gleoite. Shocraigh cailíní na gaelscoile síos agus d’oibrigh said go dian dícheallach ag tacú lena chéile. Chríochnaigh roinnt gluaiseachtaí I scóranna deasa ach sheas cúl báire Clerihan a fód agus shábháil si a foireann arís is arís eile. Cluiche den scoth abhí ann le ard chaighdeán peile ón dá scoil. Bhí na coinníollacha uafásach ach níor lig na cailíní do seo cur isteach orthu. Chuir said taispeántas den scoth ar fail agus ta moladh mór tuillte ag an dá fhoireann. Ag an deireadh bhuamar le dhá chúilín le sparáil. Bhi an t-adh linn! Ár mbuíochas le Múinteoir Norma freisin, nach raibh linn ar an lá ach a d’oibrigh go dian linn i rith na bliana. Tar eis an cluiche bhi gliondar croi ar gach duine ar an bhfoireann agus iad iontach bródúil ag breith an corn ar ais go Gaelscoil Durlas. Roinn County Champions Faoi 11. Scríofa ag Chloe Ní Bhroin, Robyn Ní Fhainín agus Molly Ní Mhurchú.
Under 11 D Ladies Football Two Mile Borris v Kilcash
On Monday 16th November 2015 the Under 11 girls from Two-Mile-Borris N.S. lined out to play Kilcash N.S. in the Roinn D County Final in Leahy Park, Cashel. Both teams had played 5 games to get to the final. Kilcash started the stronger team and scored two goals in quick succession to put Two-Mile-Borris on the back foot in the first quarter. Amy Callanan kept Two-Mile-Borris in play in the first half scoring 1-2 from play. Half time score was 3-0 to 1-2 in favour of Kilcash. In the second half from the throw in of the ball it turned into a very exciting match. Slowly Two-Mile-Borris narrowed the gap with Sarah Corcoran scoring 1-3(2 from free’s). The lead was down to one with two minutes to play. With time running out, following some great play Amly Callanan scored the winning goal. There was not enough time for the brave Kilcash team to respond to this late goal and Two-Mile-Borris held out for victory. Final score 3-5 Scoil Mochaomhóg Naofa to 3-3 Kilcash. Scoil Mochaomhóg Naofa Picture: Mrs Doherty Principal, Ms Ryan Teacher, Ellie Darmody, Blathnaid Power, Molly O’Dwyer, Aoibh Carroll, Sarah Corcoran, Amy Callanan, Lucy Callanan, Eimear Ryan and Alisha Kearney.
Under 11 Roinn A-1 Football
Gaelscoil Dúrlas are Roinn A1 County Champions tar ar éis a bheith ag traenail go dian, ag am lóin agus tar éis scoile, tháinig lá an bhliots! Bhí sceitimíní ar chách agus sinn reidh don dúshlán. Bhí a fhios again go mbeadh sé deachair le scoileanna móra an chontae san iomaíocht! Bhí St. Peter & Pauls, St. Marys, Carraig CBS, Scoil Ailbhe, St. Colmcille’s, Templemore and Rahaelty go léir ann. Bhí orainn a bheith láidir agus tapa. Bhíomar réidh. Tar éis na gcluichí ar fad bhí Gaelscoil Durlas fágtha chun aghaidh a thabhairt ar St. Peter and Paul’s. Chuir ár mbuachaillí an iarracht agus troid isteach agus ag an deireadh bhíomar chun tosaigh ar an gclar scórála! Bhuaigh Gaelscoil Durlas an craobh agus bhí gliondar croí ar chách nuair a d’ardaigh Jack an corn. Ár mbuíochas le Múinteoir Eamon as an obair ar fad.
