North Tipperary GAA Affairs

By Michael Quinn PRO

Junior 'A' Hurling League

In Group 1, Nenagh Eire Og got the better of Silvermines in Dolla on Wednesday, 2-18 to 1-13. First-half scores from Cathal Treacy, Orrie Quirke, Fionn Ryan Mulqueen, Ronan Cunneen, Bryan Seymour, and a goal from Dan Ryan gave Silvermines a fighting chance in the first half as Eire Og led 1-9 to 1-6 at the break. Eire Og held a two point lead going into the last five minutes and they stretched this lead scoring 1-4 without reply.

Kiladangan recorded a 3-16 to 2-5 win over Ballinahinch in Puckane on Saturday. The home side held a 0-9 to 1-4 half time lead with Raphael Ryan rolling back the years with a well-finished goal in the 24th minute. Darren Moran, Jos Slattery, and Daragh Butler chipped in with points for the home side. There was a hectic start to the second half with Kiladangan's Eoghan Sharkey scoring two goals either side of a Karl Kelly Ballinahinch goal within the first two minutes. Sharkey completed his hat-trick in the 41st minute as Kiladangan secured victory.

Group 2 commenced last Saturday. Toomevara edged past Kilruane MacDonaghs 3-20 to 2-19 victory. The game was finely balanced at the break, with Kilruane holding a slight 1-12 to 2-7 advantage. Toome’s second goal, a Shane Nolan free on the cusp of halftime, kept them within striking distance. With five minutes remaining, Toomevara led by just a point, but three late frees from the impressive Nolan sealed the win. Nolan finished with a remarkable tally of 3-12, including that pivotal goal. He was well supported by Eoin Grace, who chipped in with five points from play, and Mark McCarthy who added three.

For Kilruane, Michael Cleary top-scored with 0-9 (eight from frees), while standout performances came from Shane Cleary, Brian O’Meara, and Fiachradh Ahearne Woods.

Borris-Ileigh got their League campaign off to a winning start with a hard-fought one-point victory over Roscrea - 1-17 to 0-19.

The decisive moment came midway through the second half when Oisín Stapleton found the net with a well-taken goal, pushing Borris into a slender lead. Points from Patrick Ryan (free) and Dan Ryan from play, helping Borris build a two-point cushion. Roscrea kept the pressure on but couldn’t find the equaliser.

The next round in Group 1 sees Nenagh Eire Og hosting Newport on Thursday 1st May at 7.15pm whilst the next day Ballinahinch host Silvermines in Shalee at 7.15pm. The next round in Group 2 will both take place at 7.15pm on Friday, 2nd May with Kilruane MacDonaghs hosting Borris-Ileigh and Roscrea hosting Toomevara.

Junior 'B' Hurling League

Round 2 of Group 1 took place last weekend.

Kilruane MacDonaghs claimed a solid 2-12 to 1-7 victory over Shannon Rovers in Cloughjordan on Friday. Kilruane led comfortably at the break (1-7 to 0-3) but the Rovers came out strong in the third quarter, closing the gap. However, a goal from Tommy Burriss in the 48th minute swung the momentum back in Kilruane’s favour. Standout performances for the winners came from Paul Molloy, Cathal McIntyre, and Matthew Moyles in a well-rounded team effort.

Liam Donoghue and Martin Gormon scored the goals for Lorrha in their 2-14 to 1-15 victory over Knockshegowna in Tony Reddin Park on Sunday.

Moneygall had a solid win over Borrisokane, finishing 1-13 to 1-7 after a tight first half (0-5 to 0-3 to Moneygall at half time). Moneygall held this lead throughout the second half - Borrisokane briefly threatened a comeback with a goal from Andrew Nevin approaching the final ten minutes, reducing the gap to a single point. However, Moneygall responded swiftly as Mark Fanning fired home a crucial goal to restore control. James Carroll’s accuracy from frees proved vital throughout for the victors, helping to keep the scoreboard ticking in a composed second-half display.

Round 3 of Group 1 will take place on Sunday, 4th May at 12 noon - Knockshegowna host Moneygall, Borrisokane host Roscrea and Shannon Rovers host Lorrha.

Group 2 will commence on Saturday, 3rd May with Kiladangan hosting Toomevara, Burgess hosting Ballina and Portroe hosting Templederry.

Under 13

Well done to Newport who claimed the North 'D' Football title on Monday in Toomevara over Roscrea.