COUNTY MINOR ‘A’ HURLING CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL
NAOMH BRÍD 0-13 KILLULTA GAELS 1-7.

Naomh Bríd (Kilteely-Dromkeen/Ballybricken-Bohermore) were crowned County Minor A Hurling Champions following a tough win against Killulta Gaels (Kildimo/Pallaskenry) in Claughaun last Saturday afternoon. On an ideal day for hurling with the pitch in excellent condition it was Naomh Bríd who started the brighter leading by eight points to one after 20 minutes with Enda Frawley hitting five points, four from frees, and Daniel Holton, Darren Connery & Paudi Ahern all scoring fine points. Darren Walsh eventually opened Killulta Gaels account on 17 minutes after several chances had been missed including four frees as the usually reliable William Griffin failed to find the target. Griffin did hit the target from play just before half time but eight first half wides told it’s own story as Namh Bríd looked comfortable leading by seven at half time, 0-9 to 0-2. Best for Naomh Bríd were centre back & captain Paudi Ahern, Enda Frawley, Paul Martin & Denis O’Dea.

Three points in the opening ten minutes of the second half narrowed the gap for Killulta as Naomh Bríd only managed one point, a free from Frawley. Edmund (Scoby) Nunan began the comeback and William Griffin finished offa great move involving Daniel Hannon & Daniel Maher before Ronan Liston had Killulta within five points of the City/East Champions. Some fine saves from young keeper Martin Nunan kept Killulta Gaels in the game but Naomh Bríd extended their lead to eightwith points from O’Rourke, Frawley & David Murphy which finished their scoring for the day with fifteen minutes still to go. A pointed free from William Griffin gave Killulta hope, before they struck for the only goal of the game with seven minutes remaining. Chris McMahon was the scorer, following his move to full forward he gained possession six yards out and made no mistake as he turned and pulled in one sweeping motion. Another William Griffin free reduced the deficit to a goal as referee Shane Hourigan signalled five minutes of added time. Naomh Bríd had to dig deep but keeper Tom Healy along with full back Kieran Murphy and centre back Paudi Ahern held firm to close out the game and bring the cup back East. Tony Roche, representing the County Board, praised both teams for a good, hard game of hurling before presenting the cup to winning captain Paudi Ahern.

Naomh Bríd: Tom Healy, Michael Ryan, Kieran Murphy, Sean Browne, Denis O’Dea, Paudi Ahern (Capt.) (0-1), David Murphy (0-1), Paul Martin, Daragh Lyons, Daragh Martin, Darren Connery (0-1), Enda Frawley (0-7, 0-4f), Daniel Holton (0-1), Liam O’Rourke (0-2), John Ryan. Subs: Darren Murphy for John Ryan, James Dalaigh for Michael Ryan, Shane Holton for Darren Connery, John Ahern for James Dalaigh.
Killulta Gaels: Martin Nunan, Stephen Hodnett, David Keating, Eoin O’Brien, Brian Howard, Shane O’Brien, Peter Nash, Barry O’Connell, Darren Walsh (0-1), Ronan Liston (0-1), Daniel Hannon, Christopher McMahon (1-0), Daniel Maher, William Griffin (Capt.) (0-4, 0-2f), Edmund Nunan (0-1). Subs: Robert McKeogh for Edmund Nunan, Tony McCarthy for Daniel Maher, Ciaran O’Brien, Niall O’Brien, Tommy Kenny, Darragh Walshe, Rory O’Donnell, Johnny Nash.
Referee: Shane Hourigan (Rathkeale).


City/East MinorHurling Final
Killulta Gaels 1-8 Naomh Bríd 1-14.

Killulta Gaels surrendered their City/East Minor Hurling championship title when they were defeated by Naomh Bríd in this historic final at the floodlit Gaelic Grounds on Friday evening last. Well done to all concerned at the Gaelic Grounds for this positive move and having the place looking splendid. This was a repeat of the second round match played in Kildimo back in May when both team drew. Killulta Gaels were slow out of the blocks and trailed 0-6 before William Griffin got our first score on thirteen minutes. William was on target again on 22 minutes with a pointed free and when Chris McMahon scored the games first goal four minutes later the lead was down to two points. But Naomh Bríd had the last say of the half with a goal and a point to lead at the break 1-8 to 1-2.

The second half was even with both teams added six points each to their tally. William Griffin (4) Barry O’Connell and Ronan Liston all scoring. Naomh Bríd ran out deserved winners on the evening.

Team and scorers: Martin Nunan, Stephen Hodnett, David Keating, Eoin O’Brien, Brian Howard, Shane O’Brien, Edward Nunan, Darren Walsh, Peter Nash, Barry O’Connell (0-1), Ronan Liston (0-1), Daniel Maher, Christopher McMahon (1-0), William Griffin (captain) (0-6), Robert McKeogh.
Subs: Ciaran O’Brien for E Nunan 25 minutes. Tony McCarthy, John Sheehan, Thomas Moloney, Darragh Walsh, Tommy Kennedy, Colin Nash, John Nash, Rory O’Donnell, Niall O’Brien, Kieran Barrett, Naill Madden,Gearóid Nash.

Management: Denis O’Brien, Brendan O’Shea, Jim Maher, Adrian Guerin. First Aid: Phil McKeogh & Noel McCarthy

CITY/EAST MINOR HURLING C'SHIP ROUND 7

Killulta Gaels 4-7 Ahane 4-12

Killulta Gaels lost their unbeaten run in the City/East minor hurling championship against Ahane on last Friday evening. Killulta having already qualified for the City East Minor Hurling Championship final and with Ahane battling for a place in the Div 2 final and had everything to play for made for a thrilling encounter at Mackey Park with Gerry O’Dowd standing in when the appointed referee failed to show. Ahane were first to score with a point from a placed ball before Tony McCarthy equalised in the sixth minute with a smart point. William Griffin found the net a minute later Killulta were 2-2 to 0-4 up after ten minutes after another William Griffin point and a goal from Robert McKeogh but fifteen minutes without a score while Ahane hit a purple patch scoring 1-5 with score from play and two glorious lineballs points two placed balls to a solitary point from William Griffin. Ahane lead a t half time 1-9 to 2-3. Killulta made several changes at half time in the back line with all players moving in a move to get back into the game but it was Ahane’s Richard Ryan who was a handful all night who had three second half goals and swung the tie in Ahane’s favour.

Barry O’Connell had a long range point for our first score of the second half and two points in a minute from William Griffin had the score at 2-6 to 2-9 to the east men after 6 minutes. William Griffin had a great goal two minutes later to tie up the game and he put us a point up moments later. Richard Ryan goaled for Ahane but from the resulting puck out Shane O’Brien gained possession and his long delivery to the square deceived fullback and goalkeeper and nestled in the net on 12 minutes this proved to be our last score of the game while Ahane added 1-3 the last two points from play.

Next up is the City/East Minor hurling final against Naomh Bríd and a county semi final in minor football against Oola on this Saturday 26th Sept in Claughaun.

Team and scorers: Martin Nunan, Edward Nunan, David Keating, Eoin O’Brien, Brian Howard, Shane O’Brien (1-0), Daniel Maher, Darren Walsh, Barry O’Connell (0-1), Ronan Liston (0-2), Daniel Hannon, Christopher McMahon, Robert McKeogh (1-0), William Griffin (2-6), Tony McCarthy (0-1).
Subs: Tommy Kennedy, Colin Nash, John Nash, Rory O’Donnell, Thomas Moloney, Niall O’Brien, Peter Nash.


CITY/EAST MINOR HURLING C’SHIP ROUND 6
Killulta Gaels 4-21 Murroe/Boher 0-07.

With the team almost back to full strength, we took control of the game almost from the beginning. Murroe got the first score of a point and this was only one of 2 points scored by Murroe in the first half. Every one in the team played their part in keeping murroe at bay whether it was our goal keeper Martin Nunan who pulled off great saves, our backs defended every attack,our midfielders continually winning breaking ball and feeding into our on target forwards every one played their part by half time the score was 1.13 to 2 points and the game looked all over.

Murroe came back in the second half to score 5 more points but they could not overcome the confidence in killulta on the night who went on to score another 3-8 in the second half, the final score did not reflect the effort of Murroe who tried to contain Killulta, but the scores came from the players making the best of every opportunity to get the ball to the free man and converting the play to excellent scores. Our Midfielders Barry O’Connell and Darren Walsh dominated play both scoring excellent scores from play, the game was without much incident except where Chris McMahon had to be substituted for Johnny Nash when he was injured from a nasty shoulder in the back .Willie Griffin was his usual best, scoring 3.14 on the night,2.10 from frees and one super goal from 65m line, others to score were Barry O’Connell 3 points Ronan Liston 2 points Dan Maher 1 point Darren Walsh 1point and Daniel Hannon 1 goal other subs used Bob McKeogh for Brian Howard, Ciaran O Brien for Peter Nash ,Tony McCarthy for Niall O Brien.

Congratulations to the team members who did so well in the leaving cert and wishing them well for the future in wherever their choices take them.

Team
Martin Nunan, Eoin O Brien, David Keating, Edmund Nunan, Brian Howard , Shane O Brien, Niall O Brien, Barry O Connell (3p),Darren Walsh(1p) ,Chris McMahon, Willie Griffin (3.14),Ronan Liston(2p),Peter Nash, Dan Maher(1p) Daniel Hannon(1g). Subs Bob McKeogh, Ciaran O Brien, Tony McCarthy, Darragh Walsh, Colin Nash, Tommy Kennedy, Johnny Nash.

CITY/EAST MINOR HURLING C’SHIP ROUND 5
St Patricks 3-14 Killulta Gaels 4-11.


A lacklustre performance from the minor hurlers almost saw them suffer a first defeat of this years’ c’ship as St. Patricks showed much endeavour and conviction as they led by 10 points going into the final quarter. Were it not for the hunger and skill of William Griffin & Chris McMahon along with the fight and desire of Daniel Hannon & Barry O’Connell Killulta could well have thrown away the defence of their title won so impressively last season. St. Patricks had their first goal after five minutes and had opened up a six point lead by halftime. William Griffin kept us in touch with pointed frees following fouls on Tony McCarthy & Peter Nash but our forwards as a unit failed to function as our defence struggled to contain the St. Patricks attacks led by Brendan Mullins. With five minutes remaining in the half and trailing by eight points we received a lifeline with a goal from Griffin after Daniel Maher was hauled down when clean through on goals. This was the first of a remarkable hat trick for Griffin with all three coming from frees outside the 20m line. With Peter Nash & Daniel Hannon both receiving yellow cards in the first half and down by six points a real battle seemed on to get something out of this game.

Things got worse early in the second half as the home team hit 1-2 with the goal coming from a free before William Griffin hit the net for a second time and Barry O’Connell pointed after a magnificent run. St. Patricks scored two further points to extend their lead and a comeback hardly look on the cards. The switch of Daniel Hannon though to full forward with Griffin moving out the field paid quick dividends as Griffin sent in a high hopeful ball that was flicked to the net by Hannon for Killulta’s third goal. Griffin added a ’65 shortly after but St. Pats hit back with two pointed frees to keep the gap at seven points. As the game entered the final ten minutes the Killulta team finally got going with Chris McMahon winning some good ball and Barry O’Connell taking on the St. Patricks defence with some brilliant, direct running. Some excellent defending saw St. Patricks held scoreless in the closing stages and two points each from Griffin & McMahon set up a grand finish as the game entered injury time. Once more an incisive attack was stopped short and referee Trevor Mann had no problem indicating for a free to Killuta Gaels just outside the 20m line. Taking no chances St. Patricks lined the goals but sharpshooter Griffin found a gap and hit the back of the net with the equalising score. Scarcely deserved but hard earned hopefully this point gained will spur the team on to successfully defend it’s title and push on for a shot at the county c’ship. We have two games remaining against Murroe/Boher this Friday and a back match against Ahane to be negotiated first.

Team: Colin Nash, Edmund Nunan, David Keating, Eoin O'Brien, Niall O'Brien, Ronan Liston, Ciarán O'Brien, Peter Nash, Barry O'Connell (0-2), Daniel Maher, Daniel Hannon (1-0), Chris McMahon (0-2), Kieran Barrett, Willie Griffin (3-7, 3-3f, '65m), Tony McCarthy. Subs:Shane O'Brien, Martin Nunan, Darragh Walshe.


CITY/EAST MINOR HURLING C’SHIP ROUND 5
Killulta Gaels 1-16 South Liberties 1-13.

Killulta maintained their quest to retain their City/East title when they had a three point win over South Liberties onThursday evening in Kildimo with Colm Moriarty as referee. South Liberties sprang from the blocks early with two points in as many minutes. William Griffin had Killulta ahead by the 13 minute with three pointed frees from a variety of distances. South Liberties had four points in a three-minute spell three from placed balls by the 17 minute. Killulta then had a similar scoring spell when they added 1-6 without reply with scores from William Griffin 1-3, Daniel Maher 0-1 and two excellent points from Barry O’Connell to lead at the break 1-10 to 0-6.

Barry O’Connell pointed on the resumption of play. South Liberties pointed three frees before Robert McKeogh had a point from play when a goal chance presented itself on the eleventh minute. South Libertieshad a period of dominance and had the game tied up by the 20 minute with a goal coming from a semi penalty. Killulta sprang to life with the introduction of subs and a Barry O’Connell point and tree points from the talented William Griffin to bring his tally to 1-10 on the night. South Liberties added a point from yet another placed ball in time added on to close out the scoring. Killulta remain unbeaten in second place behind Naomh Brid with a game less played. Next up are St. Patricks, Ahane and Murroe/Boher.

Team and scorers: Stephen Hodnett, Eoin O’Brien, David Keating, Edward Nunan, Kieran Barrett, Shane O’Brien, Ciarán O’Brien, Ronan Liston, Peter Nash, Daniel Maher (0-1), Barry O’Connell (0-4), Christopher McMahon, Daniel Hannon, William Griffin (1-10), Robert McKeogh (0-1), Subs: Niall O’Brien, John Nash, Tony McCarthy, Colin Nash, Martin Nunan, Darragh Walsh, Felim O’Leary.

CITY/EAST MINOR HURLING C’SHIP ROUND 4
Killulta Gaels 3-20 Cappamore 2-5.

Killulta Gaels took on Cappamore in the City/East Minor hurling Championship at Kildimo with Martin Doherty as referee on Wednesday evening last in a rescheduled match. Killulta Gaels came away with both points in a well deserved win and now top the table on score difference from both Ahane and Naomh Bríd. William Griffin gave another sensational scoring exhibition with fourteen points twelve from play. He was well assisted on the scoring front from Daniel Hannon 1-1, Ronan Liston 0-3, a goal apiece from Daniel Maher and Johnny Nash and a point from Robert McKeogh.

We had good defensive displays from Shane and Ciarán O’Brien, David Keating, Edward Nunan, John Sheahan and Stephen Hodnett in goals, while Darren Walsh worked tirelessly in midfield. Cappamore centre back John Ryan with three well taken points cannot be faulted for this heavy defeat.

Team and scorers: Stephen Hodnett, Edward Nunan, David Keating, Eoin O’Brien, Brian Howard, Shane O’Brien, Ciarán O’Brien, Ronan Li! ston, Darren Walsh, Peter Nash (0-1), Daniel Hannon (1-1), Christopher McMahon, Robert McKeogh (0-1), William Griffin (0-14), Daniel Maher (1-0). Subs: John Sheahan, Johnny Nash (1-0), Niall O’Brien, Kieran Barrett, Tommy Maloney, Colin Nash, Tommy Kennedy.

CITY/EAST MINOR HURLING C’SHIP ROUND 3
BALLYBROWN 3-05 KILLULTA GAELS 3-15.

After a break for exams the Minor Hurling C’Ship resumed last Friday night with a bang as we faced our local rivals Ballybrown in the old pitch, Clarina. While a match of this standard should have been played on the new pitch we managed to make space in the tight confines and come away with a decent victory.

Ballybrown settled first and got their first score of a goal within the first 2 minutes and a second to follow shortly after from a penalty but we were never far from their score due to well taken frees from Willie Griffin, seven in the first half. But after 15 mins Killulta had taken control all over the pitch from the backs to midfield to the forwards with the midfield players Darren Walsh, Peter Nash, Barry O’Connell, Brian Howard, were first to the ball, winning the puck outs.

We had a commanding lead at half time of 1-12 to 2-1 as we totally overran our opponents and the message was clear from the management not to let up. The second half was tighter, score wise, but Killulta had the majority of the possession for the remainder of the game, taking their scores at will and defending well. There was some clever play from the team such as one instance was where Willie had the ball and could possibly have scored a point but spotted Robert McKeogh free and with quick thinking flicked the ball to bob who scored an excellent goal.
Next up we travel to Cappamore on Friday July 10th, with the first round match against St. Patricks still to be refixed.

Team: Steven Hodnett, Edmund Nunan, David Keating, Eoin O’Brien, Brian Howard, Shane O’Brien, Ciarán O'Brien, Darren Walsh, Peter Nash(0-1), Barry O’Connell(0-2), Chris McMahon (0-1), Daniel Hannon, Daniel Maher, Robert McKeogh(1-0), William Griffin(1-11; 1-0 penalty, 0-7 frees 0-2 ‘65s). Subs used: John Sheehan for Edmund Nunan, Niall O’Brien (1-0) for Daniel Maher, Johnny Nash blood sub for Barry O’Connell.
Referee: John Maher (Kilcornan).

CITY/EAST MINOR HURLING C’SHIP ROUND 2
Killulta Gaels 4-6 Naomh Bríd 3-9.
Killulta Gaels set out in defence of their City/East Minor hurling Championship title against Naomh Bríd (Ballybricken/Bohermore and Kilteely/Dromkeen) in Kildimo on Friday evening. Short the services of Stephen Hodnett, Darren Walsh, Ronan Liston and Peter Nash for various reasons the points were shared in a well-contested encounter. Barry O’Connell had the games opening goal with a well-placed shot in the first few minutes. Christopher McMahon had a good point to put us two points up. William Griffin goaled at the quarter hour stage to but us up by a point and added two pointed frees plus a line ball from 40m. But Naomh Bríd led at the break 2-5 to 2-4.

Barry O’Connell goaled six minutes into the new half. Two points from D. Hogan the Naomh Bríd corner forward keep them in touch. Points from Christopher McMahon and William Griffin on 16 and 18 minutes William goaled on 20 minutes but Naomh Bríd had a never say die attitude and hit back with two late points to share the points. We had good defensivedisplays from David Keating, Shane O’Brien and Ciarán O’Brien. While Gearóid Nash did well when introduced. This competition will resume after the exam break on 26-Jun with an away fixture in Clarina against Ballybrown with a 7:45 PM throw in.

Team and scorers: Colm Nash, John Sheahan, David Keating, Eoin O’Brien, Edward Nunan, Shane O’Brien, Ciarán O’Brien, Daniel Maher, Barry O’Connell (2-0), Brian Howard, William Griffin (2-4), Christopher McMahon (0-2), Robert McKeogh, Daniel Hannon, Kieran Barrett.
Subs: Gerard Nash, John Nash, Tommy Kennedy, Niall Madden, Rory O’Donnell, Thomas Moloney.