Secretary’s Report 2005
Annual Convention
Sunday 11 December 2005, Greenhills Hotel, Limerick
In 2005 we had new All Ireland champions in Croke Park and after a 5 year spell without Munster representatives and 7 years since All Ireland honours, Cork appearing in their first ever Senior All Ireland, did not read the script and were crowned deserving champions on Sunday October 2.
The player inter-county seas began in earnest on Saturday march 5 with our Under 14B competition in Ballygibblin, Limerick 1-5 Waterford 3-8. Sunday March 6 in Ballyporeen, Clare 3-6 Tipperary 2-7. Saturday march 12 in Ardfinnan, Tipperary 2-7 Waterford 2-12. Sunday March 13 in Cooraclare Clare 8-4 Limerick 0-7. Saturday march 19 in Tipperary Town, Clare 7-5 Waterford 2-5.
Sunday March 20 in Effin Limerick 3-13 Tipperary 1-6. The Under 14A championship kicked off on Saturday April 2 Limerick, 1-2 Kerry 3-15 in Feenagh, Tipperary 30-2 Cork 7-19 in Cahir. Saturday April 9 in Bushy Park, Waterford 3-16 Tipperary 1-4. Sunday April 17 the weather played its part with the postponement of Clare v Limerick until Wednesday April 20 in Coorclare, Clare 0-10 Limerick 2-7. Saturday April 23 in Glanworth Cork 6-11 Waterford 1-2. Sunday April 24 in Cooraclare the upset of the championship were Clare easily accounted for Kerry 6-9 to 0-2. As all 3 teams in the group finished level on points a new draw was made with all 3 counties present, the draw was made immediately after the game in Cooraclare to determine first and second placings in the group. Group play off Wednesday April 27 in Castleisland, Kerry 4-12 Limerick 3-1. Saturday April 30 in Mungret Limerick 2-4 Clare 5-9.
The Under 14 A championship semi finals Saturday May 7 in Ballincollig, Kerry 7-12 Waterford 1-4. Sunday may 9 in Dromina, Cork 2-12 Clare 2-2. Saturday May 21 in Charleville, Munster Under A and B finals. B final Clare 5-8 Waterford 2-7 and Niamh O’Dea (Clare named player of the final. In the A final Cork 4-8 Kerry 2-7 and Niamh O’Keeffe (Cork) named player of the final with the Rebels recording their successive provincial title. Saturday June 4 in Mullingar Under 14 All Ireland semi final, Cork 3-10 Donegal 3-11, the Munster champions losing by the minimum.
The Under 16 Championship with a B competition for the first time unfolded as follows – Saturday March 26 in Feenagh Limerick 1-2 Cork 6-20; in Doonbeg Clare 6-10 Tipperary 3-1; in Glanworth Kerry 2-9 Waterford 2-5; Sunday April 3 first play off in Ardfinnan Tipperary 1-1 Waterford 8-12; Monday April 11 second play off in Kilworth Limerick 3-5 Waterford 3-11. The A championship semi finals Saturday 16 April in Killagh, Cork 5-16 Waterford 2-4. Sunday April 17 in Quilty, Clare 4-5 Kerry 6-9. Saturday April 7 in Ballincollig, Under 16A final, Cork 3-16 Kerry 3-3 and Amanda Murphy (Cork) named player of the final. Under 16 Munster B final, Cork 3-16 Kerry 3-3 and Amanda Murphy (Cork named player of the final. Under 16 Munster B final in Dromina on Sunday April 8, Clare 1-6 Waterford 2-20 and Mairead Wall (Waterford) named player of the final. Saturday June 25 in Portarlington, Under 16A All Ireland semi-final, Cork 3-11 Monaghan 1-8. Saturday July 16 in Cashel Under 16 All Ireland final Cork 4-13 Dublin 1-11.
The Under 18 championship began on Tuesday March 29, Clare 0-1 Cork 8-28 in Rathkeale; Kerry 6-13 Limerick 0-3 in Listry; Wednesday March 30 in Kilwroth, Tipperary 2-8 Waterford 4-18. First Under 18 play off, Limerick 5017 Tipperary 3-5 on Wednesday April 6, second Under 18 play off in Coolmeen on Thursday April 14 Clare 3-4 Limerick 1-13. Under 18 Munster semi finals, Saturday April 23 in Rathcormac Cork 4-16 Waterford 0-2. Tuesday April 26 in Glin, Limerick 0-4 Kerry 3-18. Munster Under 18 final day in Killorgliln on Bank Holiday Monday may 2, Kerry 3-8 Cork 2-23 and Ciara Walsh (Cork) named player of the final. All Ireland Under 18 semi final in Tuam on Saturday July 9 Cork 0-15 Donegal 2-11.
2005
The Munster Junior Championship started on Monday June 27 in Ardfinnan, Tipperary 0-16 Limerick 1-9; Kerry 1-5 Cork 2-24 in Killorglin; Monday July 4, Tipperary 2-20 Waterford 0-7 in Ardfinnan; Cork 2-10 Limerick 2-9 in Ballincollig; Monday July 11 in Scartaglin, Kerry 2-10 Llimerick 3-11; Cork 2-13 Waterford 1-8 in Pairc Ui Rinn; Monday July 18 in Araglin Limerick 2-11 Waterford 1-11; Tipperary 8-21 Kerry 4-5 in Monagea; Monday July 25 Kerry gave Waterford a walkover, Tipperary 3-10 Cork 3-10 in Ardfinnan. Munster Junior final in Fitzgerald Stadium Killarney on Sunday August 7, Cork 2-13 Tipperary 3-7 and Anne Walsh (Cork) named TG4 player of the final. With the introduction of the qualifiers for the junior competitions, this allowed both counties to participate in the All Ireland series and on Saturday 27 August, Cork travelled to Portlaoise to meet their northern opponents Fermanagh but come up short 1-9 to 2-7. The following day Tipperary travelled to Mullingar but met a strong Sligo side and were defeated 3-8 to 4-10 and Angie McDermott (Tipperary) named TG4 player of the quarter final. The Munster Senior Championship began on Monday June 27 in Killorglin with Kerry hosting the champions and after a dramatic game with 4 penalties and a point scored from then, Cork winners 2-14 to 2-7. Sunday 31 July in Cappamore, Clare 0-3 Waterford 4-24. Clare, despite objections to playing in the senior championship fulfilled all their fixtures despite the fact that they knew they were not going to progress to the final.
Saturday July 9 in Cooraclare, Clare 0-4 Kerry 11-31; Monday July 11 in Pairc Ui Rinn, Cork 0-16 Waterford 1-8. Munster senior semi final Saturday July 23 in Fraher Field, Waterford 3-9 Kerry 5-8 after extra time. Bank Holiday Monday August 1 in Donoughmore Cork 5-28 Clare 1-3. Munster senior final in Fitzgerald Stadium Killarney Cork 2-15 Kerry 1-8 and Juliette Murphy (Cork) named TG4 player of the final. All Ireland quarter final in Portlaoise on Saturday August 27, Cork 2-19 Meath 3-10 and Briege Corkery (Cork) named TG4 player of the quarter final. All Ireland semi final in Portlaoise on Saturday September 10, Cork 0-13 Mayo 1-9 and to say luck plays a part in sport was never more evident in this game, and it was a game that matured this group of players and give them the final belief in themselves to go further and be successful. All Ireland final day Croke Park and for the first time in 5 years the province were represented with first timers Cork. The final was a game of tight marking and heroic defending and definitely not short on skill. Cork 1-11 Galway 0-8, the Brendan Martin Cup finally going to the farthest point south to rest by the banks of the Lee. Cork ensured Munster increase their title tally with them capturing their first All Ireland senior. Compliments to all involved for your professionalism and enjoyment given.
The Cailini Oga competition once again proved its worth and success with all counties drawing from panels of 40 players, thus giving all the girls an opportunity to wear their respective county jersey. With 20 players per county displaying their skills, thus allowing counties to develop their underage squads for the future. Monday June 27 in Killorglin Kerry (1) 4-3 Cork (1) 2-4; Tipperary (1) 0-3 Limerick (1) 3-10 in Ardfinnan. Monday July 4 in Ardfinnan, Tipperary (2) 3-1 Waterford (1) 4-4; Saturday July 9 in Cooraclare, Clare (1) 2-1 Kerry (2) 2-18; Monday July 18 in Araglin Limerick (2) 4-15 Waterford (2) 0-1.
Bank Holiday Monday August 1 in Donoughmore Cork (2) 11-15 Clare (2) 4-4. As both Kerry and Limerick won both their games, they contested the Munster Cailini final in Fitzgerald Stadium Killarney on August 7. Kerry on course for the 3 in a row and in a low scoring competition final, the Treaty county deserving winners, Limerick 2-4 Kerry 1-2.
Clare were given permission to play in the Intermediate Championship by Central Council and on Sunday August 28 in Breffini Park, the Munster girls were heavily defeated 7-18 to 1-10 by Down in the All Ireland Intermediate semi final.
The Munster Club Championships began on Sunday September 18 with the junior quarter final in Ardfinnan, St Ailbes (Limerick) 0-8, Commeragh Rangers (Waterford 6-13. Prior to the next round of the provincial club championships the Clare County Board sought re-gradings of their clubs in Munster and were granted the request so no Clare club would participate in the Senior Club Championship which was decided by Central Council. Saturday September 24 in Knocknagoshel Laune Rangers (Kerry) 5-8, Crusheen (Clare) 1-5 in the junior. Saturday October 8, Commragh Rangers (Waterford) 2-5, Laune Rangers (Kerry) 4-14 in Kilworth in the junior semi final, Mourneabbey (Cork) 4-26 Cahir (Tipperary) 1-1 in Cappamore in the other semi final. The Munster AIB Junior Club final on Saturday October 15 in Rathmore, Laune Rangers (Kerry) 1-11 Mourneabbey (Cork) 5-11. In the All Ireland junior quarter final on Sunday October 23 the Mourneabbey club travelled to Co Roscommon to play the local club Oran and were comprehensive winners 6-15 to 1-3. Mourneabbey hosted Tara'’ of London in the semi final on November 6 in Charleville, again comprehensive winners 4-23 to 1-3. Next stop, All Ireland junior final in Cashel on December 3, Munster v Leinster, Mourneabbey (Cork) 4-11 Athgarvfan (Kildare) 4-7 and Sile O’Callaghan (Mourneabbey)named player of the final.
The Munster Intermediate club championship began on Saturday September 24 with Abbeydorney (Kerry) 0-10 St Joseph’s Milltown (Clare) 1-2 in the quarter final in Knocknagoshel; Tramore (Waterford) 2-0 Gerald Griffins (Limerick) 5-9 in Mallow. Intermediate semi final Saturday October 8 Gerald Griffins (Limerick) 4-9 Cappawhite (Tipperary) 1-8 in Cappamore. Abbeydorney (Kerry) 4-8 Gabriel Rangers (Cork) 1-8 in Kilworth. The Munster AIB Intermediate club final on Saturday October 15 in Ballylongford, Abbeydorney 3-11 Gerald Griffins 1-6. Last year’s All Ireland Junior club champions move up the grade and pass the test to again experience the All Ireland series and the provincial champions play host to wire but the Munster girls excelled on a score line Abbeydorney 1-4, Aughawillan 2-8 in Ballyduff. Abbeydorney once again have home advantage when they took on the visitors from across the Irish sea, they being Parnells (London) and were comprehensive winners, Abbeydorney 5-20 Parnells 0-6 in Ballyduff on Saturday November 5 in the All Ireland semi final.
Final stop and travel involved on Sunday December 4 All Ireland Intermediate club final in Banagher, Co Offaly, Abbeydorney (Kerry) 2-13 Clann Eireann (Armagh) 1-5 and Noreen Fealy (Abbeydorney) named player of the final.
The Munster Senior Club championship began on Saturday October 15 in Cappamore where Ballymacarbry (Waterford) 3-24 winners over Athea (Limerick) 1-6 and on Sunday October 16 in Ballydesmond, Donoughmore (Cork) 2-19, St Pats (Kerry) 4-10. Munster Senior club final on Saturday October 22 in Ardfinnan, Ballymacarbry 1-8, Donoughmore 5-8 to give the Cork champions their 5 successive provincial title. The All Ireland senior club semi final and Donoughmore host the defending champions Ballyboden St Endas (Dublin) and Donoughmore score at the death after extra time to take the game to a replay, Donoughmore 1-10 Ballyboden St Endas 2-7. Replay Sunday November 13 in Dublin and in a low scoring game, Donoughmore fell short to the Leinster and defending All Ireland champions for the second year in a row 0-7 to 0-9.
Feile Peil na Og hosted by Limerick with help from their neighbours Clare, Cork and Tipperary was a most enjoyable weekend, unfortunately no Munster team was involved in the Division 1 final with Erins Own of Cork and St Ailbes Limerick failing at the semi finals. Hard luck to Aherlow (Tipperary) who were defeated in the Division 3 semi final by St Rynagh’s (Offaly) after extra time, 2-3 to 1-2. However, in the Division 2 final the Banner club from Clare made up for the past few years’ near misses and for the second time in their history were crowned Division 2 All Ireland Feile Champions in the Gaelic Grounds on Sunday July 3 defeating Portlaoise (Laois) 1-4 to 1-1.
The Post Primary Schools competitions are as competitive as ever and with new schools registering, the competition is increasing constantly. Some County Boards are giving lost of support to their Post Primary committees, we ask for all to work together as over all it will only benefit the county. It will also help eliminate the number drop off from the game. In the Munster Senior A on Friday February 4 in Cromane, Intermediate School Killorglin (Kkerry) 5-5, Colaiste na Sceilge (Kerry) 4-9 giving the Caherciveen girls a two point advantage t the finish.
On Thursday March 3 in Adare, Co Limerick the senior A All Ireland semi final Colasite na Sceilge 2-14 St Josephs Summershill Athlone 2-4. All Ireland Senior A Post Primary final in Nenagh Colasite na Sceilge 4-13 St Louis Monaghan 3-19 after extra time in a thrill a minute game and definitely all in attendance got value for money. The Munster Post Primary senior B final played on Tuesday February 2 in Moyvane, St Josephs SS Spanish Point (Clare) 506, Hazelwood College, Dromcollogher (Limerick) 2-8 in a very entertaining final and on Tuesday February 22 in Tuam Stadium, St Josephs 2-9 Coola Post Primary (Sligo) 1-7 in the All Ireland semi final and on Monday March 21 in Kiltoom the Munster champions were defeated by Mount Lourdes Grammar School (Fermanagh) 4-11 to 2-3. The Munster senior C final played on Friday 4 February played in Newcastlewest, St Josephs SS Doon (Limerick) 2-8 Rathmore Community School. 2-3. Thursday March 3 in Gort, St Josephs 1-3 Community School Dunmore (Galway) 7-10, comprehensive winners over the Limerick school.
The Musnter Junior A Post primary final played on Thursday February 10 in Millstreet Intermediate School Killorglin (Kerry) 4-13, St Mary’s Mallow (Cork) 3-5. Thursday March 10 in Crusheen All Ireland semi final, Intermediate School Killorglin 7-17 St Attracta’s Tubbercurry (Sligo) 4-6.
All Ireland Junior A Post Primary final in Banagher on Thursday April 7 Intermediate School Killorgllin 4-14, St Louis Monaghan 4-11 and Niamh Sheehan ISK named player of the final. The Junior B Munster final played on Friday February 25 in Ballydesmond St Joseph’s Presentation, Castleisland (Kerry) 1-7, Hazelwood College, Dromcollogher Limerick 2-2. All Ireland post Primary Junior B semi final in Nenagh on Thursday March 10, St Josephs Presentation Castleisland 1-19 Scoil Mhuire Strokestown (Roscommon) 1-2. all Ireland B Final in Banagher on Thursday April 7 St Joseph’s Presentation Castleisland 0-10, Largy College Clones 0-7 on a very windy bitterly cold day the Kerry and Munster champions crowned all Ireland Junior B champions. The Munster Junior C post primary final played in Kilworth on Friday February 25, St Joseph’s Doon (Limerick) 6-5 Colaiste na Toirbithe Bandon (Cork) 2-4.
For the second occasion the Limerick school represented the province in the All Ireland series and on Wednesday march 9 in Crusheen defeat again was their lot 4-7 to 4-9 by St Brigid’s convent of Mercy Tuam (Galway). A sincere thanks to all our Post Primary School’s mentors and officials, teachers and to all the school principals who promote our game in a dedicated manner throughout the province. These players are the future of our clubs and counties and with both Post Primary Committees and County Board structuring competitions to further develop the game, it may eliminate the drop out from the game at these age groups.
The Provincial Post Primary first year blitz once again was a resounding success of which our President Dan O’Mahoney has been a huge ambassador ensuring it will move to a higher level each year. On Tuesday may 10 In Mick Neville park, Rathkeale (Limerick) on a beautiful sunny day schools from all over the Province converged in Neville park and at the end of proceedings the Division 1 final Loretto Secondary School Fermoy (Cork) A team 3-4 winners over St Josephs Presentation Castleisland (Kerry) 1-2. Division 3 Carrig na Bhfear (Cork) 8-4 winners over Loretto B team 0-4. Division 4 Intermediate School Killorglin (Kerry) B team 4-3. Ursline Secondary School Thurles (Tipperary) B team 0-2. Congratulations to all counties who ran their own first year blitz.
Compliments to George Young for his drive and vision in organising a blitz with a difference at a later day than initiated due to the death of Pope John Paul 11 and it finally happened on Friday April 22 in the Waterford Institute GAA Grounds and with over 200 participants which involved the third level students of WIT coaching and refereeing and it catered for beginners, those who had never played the game previous to this blitz and those who are registered members of the association and all the games were dictated by zones which allowed all players a fair opportunity of being involved in their respective game. All participants were winners with each team being presented with t-shirts per member, 5 footballs per school and a specially inscribed plague in memory of the occasion. Special mention also to Waterford Sports Partnership along with George and the Institute of Technology for the organisation and development of our game in a fun way.
The Community Games competition is also adding to the development of our game and on Saturday July 9 in the Farm of UCC grounds in Cork, Caheriveen (Kerry) defeated Ballymacarbry (Waterford) 1-7 to 2-3. the Munster champions defending their title travel to Mosney in August.
All Ireland semi final, Caherciveen defeated Donoghmoyne (Monaghan) and the following day the Munster champions defeated Carbury (Kildare) to win back to back all Ireland gold medals.
Well done to James Laferty (Care) and his committee who organised Under 12 inter-county blitz competition held on Saturday September 17 in St Joseph’s GAA Grounds, Doora/Barefield, 8 counties participated and Division 1 winners Galway defeated Dublin, Division 2 winners Wexford defeated Clare and Division 3 winners Kerry defeated Cork. All participants were presented with a special medal in memory of Michael Cullinan founder member of Crusheen ladies Gaelic Football Club in Clare. A very enjoyable day’s football and well organised.
The Munster inter-provincial panel of 2005 were aiming to add to the success of 2003 and 2004 and make it 3 in a row. However, all players did not make themselves available for the tournament. But despite the setback to the management, all players who travelled for the province gave a committed effort and reached the championship final to lose to Leinster by 2 points, Munster 2-7 to Leinster 1-11.
The Munster panel 2005:
Elaine Harte, Brid Stack, Sinead O’Reilly, Juliette Murphy, Norita Kelly, Deirdre O’Reilly, Valerie Mulcahy (capt), Niamh Keohane, Caoimhe Creedon, Aisling O’Connor, Donna Frost, Marion Troy, Mary O’Donnell, Linda Wall, Aoife Murphy, Mary Hayes, Marian Ryan, Niamh Briggs, Lorraine Whelan, Marie Keating, Eimear Enright, Angie McDermott, Mairead Morrissey, Kacey O’Driscoll, Jenny Johnston.
Despite this loss it was the first game in 3 years were the Province were defeated and thanks to all who gave their commitment to the weekend of May 28/29 for Munster Ladies Gaelic. Game 1 – Munster 3-1 Leinster 2-4; Game 2 – Munster 1-5 Connaught 0-6; Game 3 – Munster 5-7 Ulster 4-5.
Congratulations to Laune Rangers (Kerry) Junior Championship club All Ireland 7s winners over Eadestown by the minimum 4-4 to 4-4. Cappawhite (Tipperary) Intermediate Shield winners over Aughawillan by the minimum 2-4 to 2-3. Ballymacarbry (Waterford) Senior Shield winners over Donaghmoyne 1-10 to 2-2 on Saturday October 1 in St Sylvester’s and Naomh Mearnog respectively. Well done to all clubs for participating in our biggest national competition.
The Under 14 All Ireland blitz held in Mullingar on Saturday August 20 even though no Munster county won honours, nevertheless the art of competing is very important and hard luck to Clare who were defeated in the Division 3 final by Louth 1-4 to 5-7.