KILWORTH GAA NOTES 14TH APRIL2020 2020-04-14 09:09:00

Votes of Sympathy


On behalf of the club we would like to express votes of sympathy to the Aherne family

Kilworth and the Dineen/Harrington family Kilworth and Ballyhooly following their recent bereavements.


History of Kilworth GAA achievements


This week we look back on the history of the Junior Hurlers 2006/2007 season. A positive during this time is being able to stop and reflect on our club’s achievements throughout the years. Enjoy this trip down memory lane!


NORTH CORK FINAL TAKES CENTRE STAGE


At the final whistle, on a cold night at Pairc Ui Rinn last November reaching the 2006 North Cork final seemed a lifetime away.  The sense of disappointment was huge but over the winter and spring months this eased, and the club began to look forward to 2006.  The fortunes of the team were entrusted in last year’s management team and they set about re-charting the route to another final.  This they have achieved with an exceptional bunch of dedicated lads who have reached their third final in a row, on merit.  On Sunday afternoon we cross cumann’s with Charleville in the 2006 Hibernian Hotel sponsored North Cork Junior A hurling championship final.  This game is fixed for 3.00 with Willie Magnier from the Castletownroche club, the man in the middle.  Patrons are advised to arrive at the venue early as there is a very attractive curtain raiser in the U21 A hurling championship semi final, between Newtown and Doneraile.  Supporters please note due to a clash of colours we will line out in white on the day.


COMFORTABLE ROUTE TO FINAL BUT SIXTY MINUTE DISPLAY ESSENTIAL


After regaining the North Cork title after a lapse of 10 years and just failing in our bid to gain promotion to Intermediate ranks, 2005 was considered a very successful year for all in Kilworth GAA circles.  There was a great feeling of achievement in the club when the North Cork trophy was back in the village to give Kilworth their tenth Junior title.   The plan outlined at the outset of this current campaign was to reach the final for the third consecutive year and secure the North Cork title for the second year in a row, a feat achieved only once, back in 1966-1967.

The championship trail to the decider was to see a combination of hard-fought games.

The first round was played in Ballyhooly in front of a sizable crowd on June 11th.  A spirited Harbour Rovers side ensured there was a good edge to the contest, showing decent resistance and putting in a gutsy hour of hurling.  We ran out winners on a scoreline of 2-18 to 2-5.  Two first half goals in quick succession from Noel Gowen and Damien O’Donoghue followed by a Rovers goal on the stroke of half time left Kilworth well in control 2-9 to 1-3 at the break. The Harbour, who emerged for the second period quite determined goaled early to leave just six points between the teams with the score 2-10 to 2-4 with a third of the game remaining. Kilworth again got on top and out scored the Rovers 0-8 to 0-1 in the remaining minutes for a well-deserved victory. The concession of two soft goals and a high wide’s tally were cause for concern in the aftermath of this contest.  However, Kilworth’s greater craft and overall balance surfaced at key stages and safe passage to round 3 was secured.

Team and scorers:  K Walsh, J Horgan, J Hegarty, D Tobin, M McNamara, W Twomey, D McNamara, E Pierce, D Cahill 0-1, J Cahill, N Gowen 1-1, Aidan Kenny 0-2, P Lynch 0-6 (0-3f), B Tobin 0-4, D O’Donoghue 1-4. Sub used: M O’Connor 


We awaited the third-round draw with anticipation, and it didn’t disappoint. We were pitted against great rivals and near neighbours Fermoy.  There was a six-week gap before this game was played on Sunday July 23rdat Ballygiblin.  Two early goals from Paudie Lynch and Damien O’Donoghue in the opening 10 minutes provided crucial to the outcome of this keenly contested game.  Kilworth laid the foundations for victory in the opening half with an eight-point lead.  This was a typical Kilworth versus Fermoy clash.  The hitting was hard and uncompromising, and the exchanges were tough.  We were made fight all the way for a 2-12 to 0-12 victory.  While we started well and held a comfortable half time lead, we failed to build on this in the second period and seemed less direct with the wind at our backs.  However, our defence never looked like conceding a goal that was crucial to the outcome.  We lost the services of influential midfielder Dion Cahill early in this game when he suffered a nasty ankle injury that would rule him out of the subsequent quarter and semi-final clashes.

Team and scorers: K Walsh, Alan Kenny, J Hegarty, D McNamara, M McNamara, W Twomey, M O’Connor, D Cahill, E Pierce, Aidan Kenny 0-1, N Gowen, J Cahill 0-1, P Lynch 1-5 (0-4f), A Mannix 0-3, D O’Donoghue 1-2. Subs used: D Tobin, B Tobin, T Twomey.

 

We had now qualified for the quarter-final, where our opponents were last year’s beaten finalists, Clyda Rovers.  In this game we ran out comfortable winners on a scoreline of 2-16 to 1-10.  This game was played in Ballyhooly before a large crowd on Sunday 30th July.  After a sluggish start, where Clyda led early on, the lads settled well and two opening half goals from Aidan Kenny and Joe Cahill ensured we overturned an early deficit and lead 2-8 to 1-6 at the interval. Kilworth were well on top in the second half and tagged on some excellent scores and were full value for the 9-point win.

Team and scorers: K Walsh, Alan Kenny, J Hegarty, D McNamara 0-1 (0-1f), M McNamara, Will Twomey, M O’Connor, B Tobin 0-1, E Pierce, A Kenny 1-2 (0-1 ’65’, N Gowen, J Cahill 1-2, P Lynch 0-3 (0-3f), A Mannix 0-7 (0-2f), D O’Donoghue.  Subs used: T Twomey, S Beecher.

 

This victory set up a semi final clash against a young and improving Doneraile side.  Played in Fermoy on August 11th a crucial second half goal from Adrian Mannix sent Kilworth into the North Cork final for the third consecutive year.   This score provided the cushion required to overcome the challenge of a gallant Doneraile side in this hard-fought championship semi-final. Throughout the game Doneraile provided strong opposition and even though Kilworth were well on top in the opening period and always controlled matters, goals from frees either side of the break and a second half rally kept Doneraile in contention.  Only the bare minimum separated the sides with a quarter of the game remaining, before Adrian’s goal secured victory on a scoreline of 1-14 to 2-7.


Team and scorers: K Walsh, Alan Kenny, J Hegarty, D McNamara, M McNamara, W Twomey, M O’Connor, B Tobin, E Pierce 0-2, Aidan Kenny 0-1, N Gowen, J Cahill, P Lynch 0-7 (0-4f, 1 sideline), A Mannix 1-2 (0-1 ‘65’), D O’Donoghue (0-2).  Subs used: T Twomey, D Tobin.

 

While we won our games en route to the final comfortably enough, we are by no means the finished article.  We have not yet put together a full hours quality hurling and this will be required if we are to overcome a strong, classy Charleville outfit on Sunday.


STRONG CHARLEVILLE SIDE STAND IN WAY OF BACK TO BACK TITLES


Charleville will provide formidable final opponents, and this has the making of a cracking contest.  It is 1995 since we played Charleville at this stage of the competition and the same outcome on Sunday would be very welcome.  Indeed, Kilworth and Charleville have had some memorable battles over the past decade or so, at minor, U21 and Junior level.  Charleville defeated, Liscarroll, Ballygiblin and Churchtown en route to the final having received a bye in round 3.  They last won the title back to back in 2001 and 2002 and while in the last number of years they have been out of the limelight this year they have a well balanced, determined and accurate side. Sunday’s game has all the bearings of a real cracker and it’s a hard one to call.  At the time of going to press it would appear that Pat Greehy and his management team have a fully fit panel of players to pick from.  This is of huge importance as it may take 17/18 or even 20 players to taste victory come Sunday evening. The club would like to wish the very best of luck to the panel of players and their mentors in their quest to secure back to back to back titles.  We have a well-balanced side with a good mixture of youth and experience.  Aidan Kenny (who will be attempting to win his 5th medal), Will Twomey, Elton Pierce, Noel Gowen, team captain Kieran Walsh, Alan Kenny are vastly experience players while the likes of Mark O’Connor, Paudie Lynch, Adrian Mannix have skill and pace in abundance.  But at the end of the day its much more than a 15-man game and as mentioned already a strong panel of players is vital, and that we have, with every player willing and waiting to play his part.  It is testament to this bunch of players and mentors that they have reached the final for the third year in a row.   This is a great achievement and hopefully we will be celebrating our 11th North Cork junior hurling championship win Sunday evening.



NORTH CORK FINAL REPORT (FROM WEBSITE)

Having been beaten in the 2004 North Cork Final and the 2005 County Final, Kilworth’s sole aim at the outset of the 2006 season was to continue their progression and take the next step in reclaiming the Cork County Junior Hurling crown for the first time since 1967. Victories over Glanworth in Ballyhooley, neighbours Fermoy at Ballygiblin, Clyda Rovers in Ballyhooley and Doneraile in Fermoy saw Kilworth qualify for their third final in a row against Charleville to be played in Shanballymore. There was little between the teams in the opening stages with Charleville going in at half time leading by 0-09 to 0-07. The switch of Damien McNamara to full back mid-way through that first half to mark Charleville danger man Mervyn Gammell proved to be a master stroke by the Kilworth management as McNamara went on to have one of his most memorable days in a Kilworth shirt. With little separating the sides early in the second half a fantastic diving last ditch block by McNamara on Gammell spurred on the Kilworth challenge and they upped the tempo considerably in the final quarter. The decisive score of the game came after full forward Adrian Mannix won a long clearance from Mark O Connor before giving an inch perfect pass to Paudie Lynch to score an excellently worked goal with 14 minutes remaining. Other than Damien McNamara, Dion Cahill who uncharacteristically played the entire second half without his helmet, and Paudie Lynch, who won his second consecutive North Cork Final Man of the Match Award played very well for Kilworth who ran out 1-17 to 0-12 winners.


County Quarter final

GREAT DISPLAY EARNS SEMI FINAL SPOT

Kilworth           3-14

Cloughduv       0-10


The final score tells its own story.  A fantastic performance from a dominant Kilworth saw the side sweep to a comfortable victory over Cloughduv on an excellent Pairc Ui Rinn surface last Friday evening.  Giving their best display of the season to date the lad’s advance to play Banteer in the semi-final after proving too strong for the Muskerry side. Two first half goals in quick succession and a scoring spree of 1-3 without reply at the outset of the second half were key in the final analysis of this contest.  Inspired by the scoring prowess of Paudie Lynch who registered 1-7 of Kilworth’s total, this was a superb team performance and the lads were good value for a 13-point win.

After a sluggish start where the opening exchanges were keenly contested both sides were level 0-2 to 0-2 after 12 minutes, our scores coming from two excellent Adrian Mannix strikes.  There was little between the sides in the opening spell before Kilworth’s first goal.  In the 15th minute a fine delivery from Dion Cahill into the square was not dealt with by the Cloughduv keeper.  Great pressure from Paudie resulted in the number 1 failing to clear his lines with Paudie nestling the ball to the back of the net for a three-point lead.  Cloughduv had a great goal chance a minute later but Kieran Walsh made a fine save deflecting the ball out for a 65.  Cloughduv who were failing to take advantage of the strong wind at their backs conceded a second goal a few minutes later.  A Damien O’ Donoghue threaded pass picked out Adrian Mannix who in a flash slipped the ball to Brian Tobin who blasted to the net from close range. Both teams exchanged a number of points to leave the score 2-4 to 0-5 approaching half time.  Our scores in this period coming from Paudie Lynch and an inspirational point from corner back Damien McNamara, who sent over a huge, free from his own half, against a strong breeze after Will Twomey was impeded.  Cloughduv got back into contention briefly, reeling off three points in as many minutes to reduce the deficit to two after 30 minutes of play.  The momentum appeared to be turning in their favour but a superb point from Paudie Lynch, disrupted their surge and gave Kilworth a priceless three-point interval lead, with the prospect of playing with the strong wind for the second half.  Half time score: Kilworth 2-5 Cloughduv 0-8.

Kilworth applied a stunning opening to the second period scoring 1-3 without reply.  Damien O’ Donoghue struck the psychological blow within 30 seconds of the restart scoring our third goal.  Damien broke through a number of challenges, powered his way towards goal and coolly slotted the ball home.  Three high quality points in quick succession from Paudie, Dion Cahill and Thomas Twomey put 9 points between the sides effectively killing off the game as a contest.  Cloughduv never recovered from this and only managed two points in the second half.  We had firmly seized the initiative and tagged on a further 0-6 to run our comfortable winners on a score line of 3-14 to 0-10.  Attacking halfback, Mark O’Connor and centre forward Brian Tobin chipped in with sweet long-range efforts, while Paudie was unerring from placed balls and play adding four additional points to his tally.

The final whistle was warmly welcomed by the large Kilworth support in attendance. As already mentioned, this was the team’s best display of the year and hopefully, they can keep it up for Saturday evening. Our uncompromising half back line with the outstanding Will Twomey leading by example was dominant.  That dominance allowed our forwards gather ample possession with fine displays from Thomas Twomey, Brian Tobin, Adrian Mannix and Paudie Lynch.  Our midfield pairing was as consistent as ever with our keeper again keeping a clean sheet.  Kilworth never left Cloughduv gain a grip mainly due to our ability to battle and fight for every ball.

The club would like to congratulate the players and mentors for a great victory.  If the lads can reproduce this brand of hurling, there is no doubt they have the ability to go one step further than last year and capture county honours.


Scorers for Kilworth: P Lynch 1-7 (0-4 frees), B Tobin 1-1, D O’Donoghue 1-0, A Mannix 0-2, D McNamara (free), D Cahill, T Twomey, M O’Connor 0-1 each.

Team: K Walsh, Alan Kenny, J Hegarty, D McNamara, M McNamara, W Twomey, M O’Connor. D Cahill, E Pierce, T Twomey, B Tobin, J Cahill, P Lynch, A Mannix, D O’Donoghue.  Subs used:  Aidan Kenny, N Gowen, D Tobin.

 

 

County semi final

ONE STEP FROM COUNTY HONOURS

Kilworth   2-15

Banteer     1-6 

Our junior hurlers eased their way into the Evening Echo Cork County Junior A hurling championship final with a comfortable 2-15 to 1-6 win over a young Banteer side in the penultimate round at Pairc Ui Rinn last Saturday night. After a slow start, a blistering sequence of play two thirds of the way through the first half and an all guns blazing, opening to the second period killed of the game as a contest.

Damien McNamara thumped over a free after a minute, from the halfway line, to get Kilworth up and running.  Paudie Lynch added our second pointed free in the 8th minute after a foul on Joe Cahill.  Banteer struck back immediately with a pointed free.  Our opponents, who were very lively, and fit had settled well but missed a number of scorable frees.  The opening 17 minutes were very edgy but then, in a five-minute burst, Kilworth cut through at will, scoring 1-2 without reply to race 1-4 to 0-1 ahead.  Adrian Mannix gathered a Damien McNamara free, turned and dissected the posts before Damien O’ Donoghue added 1-1 in the space of a minute.  Good work from Elton Pierce and Adrian set Damien on route to goal with his momentum carrying him through with his low shot finding the net.  He followed this with a fine point from the left after a Mark O’Connor pass.  Further long-range points from Brian Tobin, Elton Pierce and Paudie Lynch left Kilworth in a very commanding halftime position leading 1-7 to 0-1.

Within 90 seconds of the restart the lads confirmed their dominance scoring 1-2 to open up a 13-point lead.  Paudie Lynch opened the second half scoring from an acute angle on the right, before a searing run through the middle from Thomas Twomey allowed Adrian Mannix the space to billow the net for a 2-8 to 0-1 lead.  Damien McNamara quickly followed this with a point from the middle of the field after Brian Tobin was impeded. Two Banteer points on the trot were quickly cancelled out by Adrian Mannix and a massive Damien McNamara free after Will Twomey was fouled. Banteer tried gamely, but their lack of scoring power was their downfall.  Further white flags from Damien O’ Donoghue and Adrian Mannix following fine play from Maurice McNamara consolidated Kilworth’s outright superiority.  Banteer and Dion Cahill who was a tower of strength at midfield exchanged points to leave it 2-14 to 0-4 in our favour with five minutes remaining. Banteer to their credit fought to the final whistle and scored 1-2 in quick succession.  These scores improved their situation, but it was never going to affect the result, as this was virtually decided seconds after the restart.  Substitute Ned O’Brien rounded off the scoring with a sweet point to give us a very comfortable win on a score line of 2-15 to 1-6.

While we started slowly and conceded some very soft frees this was a very satisfactory result.  Semi-finals are first and foremost for winning and safe passage to our second county final in a row has been achieved.  The mission since winning the North Cork title last month has been the attempt to try and atone for last year’s county final defeat.  The final frontier now awaits, and the lads are possibly 60 minutes from achieving Intermediate status for 2007.  Many would say that Kilworth have been under achievers in this grade down they years but there is a huge desire to put this right on this attempt.  The work ethic and focus of the lads is immense, while they have raised the bar in terms of fitness in the recent past.  These lads deserve to win a county title and hopefully the pain of last year’s loss will spur them on to victory Saturday week. To the players and management team we congratulate you on a great achievement in reaching back-to-back county finals.


Scorers for Kilworth: A Mannix 1-3, D O’ Donoghue 1-2, D McNamara 0-3 (0-3 f), P Lynch 0-3 (0-1 f), D Cahill, E Pierce, B Tobin, N O’Brien 0-1.

Team: K Walsh, Alan Kenny, J Hegarty, D McNamara, M McNamara, W Twomey, M O’Connor, D Cahill, E Pierce, T Twomey, B Tobin, J Cahill, P Lynch, A Mannix, D O’ Donoghue.  Subs used: Aidan Kenny, N Gowen, D Tobin, S Beecher, N O’Brien.

 

 

COUNTY FINAL REPORT FROM WEBSITE

The final, which was Kilworth’s third game of the campaign to be played under the Pairc Ui Rinn lights proved to be a dogged affair against Dungourney. Both teams’ defences were well on top throughout and at the short whistle the sides remained deadlocked at 0-08 apiece. The second half progressed in similar fashion to the first and a single point was the most that separated the sides at any stage. With space at a premium and the sides deadlocked as the clock ticket through the second minute of injury time, Adrian Mannix who had been moved from full to left half forward, won a ball in front of the Kilworth dugout before going on a cross field run to score a famous championship winning point from 45 metres for a 0-13 to 0-12 victory. Unbridled joy and emotion poured from the stands on all sides of Pairc Ui Rinn as the final whistle sounded moments later as finally, at the fourth attempt, the team of 1967 was emulated, and intermediate hurling was once again in store for Kilworth.

 

MUNSTER SEMI FINAL

TRIP TO WATERFORD FOR MUNSTER SEMI FINAL

Waterford representatives Fenor will provide our opposition in the Munster junior hurling championship semi-final clash to be played on Saturday November 25th or Sunday November 26th at 2.00 (at the time of going to press the date is yet to be confirmed).  Fenor had a convincing 2-13 to 0-8 win over Clare side Meelick last weekend in the quarter final. By all accounts Fenor were very impressive on the day putting up a big score in poor conditions.  More details of this clash will follow in next week’s edition.

 

EXCETIONAL SCORING POWER SEALS VICTORY

Kilworth  4-19

Fenor        0-6      

Kilworths fantastic season just keeps on getting better and the scoreline above tells its own story of this one sided Munster Semi Final clash.  On Sunday last our junior hurlers turned on the style and hurled superbly to defeat Waterford representatives Fenor and claim a place in the Munster club final.  The gulf in class was very evident and Kilworth were good value for a convincing 4-19 to 0-6 victory after a display of sheer exhibition hurling. Played on an excellently prepared Fenor surface, in front of a fantastic Kilworth support, the game was effectively over as a contest at halftime as we lead 2-7 to 0-5, with the prospect of a gale force wind at our backs for the second period.

The opening exchanges were tight and the sides were level 0-3 apiece after 15 minutes.  Damien O’Donoghue and Adrian Mannix had us two points to the good before the Waterford side added three on the bounce to take the lead for the first and only time in the contest.  Kilworth began to settle and find their range and a point from Paudie Lynch tied up the scores.  A Brian Tobin over followed by a Joe Cahill goal after great work in defence and a pen point flick from Adrian Mannix opened up a four-point lead for Kilworth.  Fenor and Paudie Lynch exchanged white flags before a long range free out of defence from Damien McNamara was not cleared by the Fenor defence with the ball falling to Brian Tobin who billowed the net from the 21 yard line, to open up a seven point lead with five minute to go to the break.  Fenor and Brian Tobin traded points before Dion Cahill dissected the posts with a long-range strike to leave it 2-7 to 0-5 in our favour at half time.

Predictably in the second half with the backing of a strong breeze Kilworth took control outscoring Fenor 2-12 to 0-1.  The writing appeared to be on the wall for the Waterford side when Adrian Mannix and Damien O’Donoghue landed two early scores to increase our advantage.  Fenor pointed a free in the 36th minute but this was to be their last score of the game.  Two points apiece from Elton Pierce (1 free), Paudie Lynch (1 free), Aidan Kenny (1 free) and one each from Ned O’Brien and James Moakley left it 2-17 to 0-6 after 56 minutes. Brian Tobin with his second goal of the game in addition to a Noel Gowen green flag each side of two Aidan Kenny overs (2 free) resulted in a final score of 4-19 to 0-6.


This game was the clubs first venture into this arena and a very successful one it was.  The lads put in a fine display with top quality scores all through.  Twenty players were used, and the substitutes scored 1-6 between them.  The club would like to congratulate the team and their mentors on this historic win. Our support last Sunday in Fenor was magnificent and the club would like to thank you all sincerely.  It was great to see the red and while out in such force.  The Fenor club actually commented on the volume of support we had on the day and they were a taken back by it.


Kilworth scorers: B Tobin 2-2, P Lynch 0-4 (0-1 f), Aidan Kenny 0-4 (0-3 f), J Cahill 1-0, N Gowen 1-0, E Pierce 0 -2 (0-1 f), A Mannix 0-2, D O’Donoghue 0-2, D Cahill, N O’Brien, J Moakley 0-1 each.

Kilworth Team: K Walsh, Alan Kenny, J Hegarty, D McNamara, M McNamara, W Twomey, M O’Connor, D Cahill, E Pierce, T Twomey, B Tobin, J Cahill, P Lynch, A Mannix, D O’Donoghue.  Subs used:  D Tobin, N O’Brien, Aidan Kenny, N Gowen and J Moakley.

 

MUNSTER TITLE UP FOR GRABS

It may be the last playing weekend of 2006 but there is still a major championship title in the balance when our junior hurlers contest the Munster hurling final this Saturday against Tipperary side, Knockshegowna.  The original fixture for last Sunday was postponed early Sunday morning due to the adverse weather conditions.

The game is again fixed for the Bruff venue at 2.00 with Michael O’Connor from Limerick in charge.  Supporters please note that a second venue has been put on standby in the event that the Bruff pitch is unplayable.  Meelick on the Clare side of Limerick city is the alternative venue.  Please keep in contact with club officials in case of a late change of venue.

While Kilworth had a very comfortable win over Waterford representatives, Fenor in the semi-final stage, Knockshegowna were very impressive in defeating a fancied Mungret side, 3-8 to 2-6.  By all accounts our opponents are a physically strong team who have contested the last three Tipperary county finals and their fine win in the Munster semi-final will stand them in good stead.  They also have the experience of a Munster club championship campaign behind them, as they reached the final in 2005 only to be defeated by eventual All Ireland champions, Fr O’Neills.

However, our lads are determined to keep their winning run going and it would be a wonderful and historic occasion to enter the festive period as Munster champions with both an All-Ireland series and Intermediate championship campaign to look forward to in 2007. 

To the team and officials, we wish you the very best of luck on Saturday. Hopefully the weather will be conducive to our attractive brand of hurling and we will taste further success Saturday afternoon.


MUNSTER CHAMPIONSHIP ‘ICING ON CAKE’


Kilworth         4-16

Knockshegowna         1-7


What a way to round off a truly remarkable year for Kilworth GAA club.  After one of the most complete and finest displays of hurling from a Kilworth team our junior hurlers captured a historic Munster junior hurling title at a well-prepared Mellick venue last Saturday.  This great achievement by this exceptional bunch of players ends an unforgettable season in which they captured four titles, 3 championships and 1 league.  The team and mentors can now enjoy the Christmas break with the prospect of an All-Ireland quarter final and intermediate hurling in 2007. The lads turned on the power in the second half to record a comprehensive 4-16 to 1-7 win over Tipperary champions Knockshegowna.  Kilworth laid the foundations for this magnificent win in the first half.  Electing to play against a forceful wind we led 2-5 to 1-6 at the interval after a close, tough, uncompromising thirty minutes of play. We had a tonic of a start with a well-worked goal after two minutes.  Damien O’ Donoghue rattled the cross bar after a penetrating run with Adrian Mannix doubling the rebound goalwards, and Paudie Lynch on hand to flick the ball to the net. 

Knockshegowna pointed two close-in frees either side of Paudie Lynch pointed free before the hardworking Joe Cahill raised a white flag to give Kilworth a three-point lead, 1-2 to 0-2 after 12 minutes.  The Tipperary side levelled matters a minute later with a goal from a 21-metre free.  At this stage of the game the concession of soft frees in scorable positions was of concern, however the lads responded brilliantly to the set back of conceding this goal.  A quick ball from keeper Kieran Walsh was gathered by Elton Pierce who played an intelligent ball to the advancing Adrian Mannix.  Adrian gathered possession, turned, shed the shackles of his marker before unleashed an unstoppable shot to the top left-hand corner of the net.  This was a high-quality goal, one good enough to grace any occasion and it restored Kilworth’s three- point advantage.  Knockshegowna scored their first point from play before Adrian and Paudie from a free after a foul on Joe Cahill dissected the posts to open up a four-point advantage by the 23rd minute.  At this stage we seemed to be gaining the upper hand against a strong breeze but out opponents battling qualities came to the fore and they tagged on three points (1 free) on the trot to reduce their arrears to one point after thirty minutes.  Paudie Lynch concluded a bruising first half with a well-worked point from play to leave it 2-5 to 1-6 in our favour.

With the winds at their backs for the second half the lads hit the ground running with outstanding performances all over the field and opened up a eight point lead by the 45th minute, the scores coming from Paudie Lynch 3 (1 ‘65’ 1f) Brian Tobin, Thomas Twomey and Elton Pierce.  Knockshegowna added their only score of the second period before a Damien O’ Donoghue goal put the outcome beyond any doubt.  A pinpoint cross-field ball from Paudie was caught by Damien and he displayed calmness personified to dodge a number of defenders before billowing the net.  Further white flags from Paudie 2 (1 free), Brian Tobin, James Moakley and 1-1 from the too hot to handle, Damien O’ Donoghue left the final score 4-16 to 1-7.


As already mentioned, this was a superb all-round team performance with exceptional displays all over the field.  The players immense battling qualities shone through in the opening half and once they opened up and expressed themselves on the turn around the secured the title within ten minutes, racing eight points ahead.  Two great goals were the highlight of an action-packed opening thirty minutes while there were outstanding scores from all angles in the second half. After the game Sean Fogarty Chairman of the Munster Council presented the cup to team captain Kieran Walsh amid great scenes of joy and celebration.


Scorers: P Lynch 1-8 (0-4 f), D O’Donoghue 2-1, A Mannix 1-1, B Tobin 0-2, E Pierce, T Twomey, Joe Cahill and J Moakley 0-1 each.

Team:  K Walsh, A Kenny, J Hegarty, D McNamara, M McNamara, W Twomey, M O’Connor, D Cahill, E Pierce, T Twomey, B Tobin, J Cahill, P Lynch, A Mannix, D O’Donoghue.  Subs used:  D Tobin, Aidan Kenny, N O’Brien, J Moakley, N Gowen.


ALL Ireland Quarter Final

TRIP TO CLARE FOR QUARTER FINAL

Meelick, Co Clare is the venue for Saturday weeks All Ireland quarter final against London representatives, Granuailes.  Initially we were led to believe the game would be played at a Cork venue but as the Granuailes team are flying into Shannon, the game has been fixed for the Meelick venue.  This is a fine, open, dry pitch as was witnessed before Christmas when we defeated Tipperary side Knockshegowna in the Munster final at the venue.

Preparations are going well for this game and a very attractive challenge game against Courcey Rovers is fixed for this Saturday afternoon in Kilworth.  More details of the quarter final clash with Granuailes will follow in next week’s edition.

 

ACTION RESUMES WITH ALL IRELAND QUARTER FINAL

This Saturday January 26th will be yet another historic day in the life of Kilworth GAA club as our junior hurlers enter the All Ireland series for the very first time.  London representatives, Granuaile will provide the opposition in this quarter-final clash as the lads go in search off All Ireland honours.  The game is fixed for Meelick, Co. Clare with a 2.30 start.

While it is still in the month of January and most clubs are only contemplating returning to training the lads are after a number of training sessions and had a very good work out against premier intermediate side, Courcey Rovers last Saturday.  While our opponents were missing a few players this was a good tough workout in which the entire panel were used, with the lads having a few points to spare after 60 minutes.

After impressive wins over Fenor and Knockshegowna in the Munster championship the team and mentors will approach this game with reasonable confidence.  While this is a potential banana skin fixture, as we know very little about the Granuaile side, complacency will not be an issue with the lads very focused and determined to advance to a semi final meeting with Kilkenny standard bearers, Danesfort.

The club would like to wish the very best of luck to the panel of players and their management team and hopefully we will start 2007 as we finished 2006 ‘on a winning note’.

 

MUNSTER CHAMPIONS CRUISE INTO ALL IRELAND SEMI FINAL

Kilworth 5-13

Granuaile (London) 0-6

Our junior hurlers breezed into the AIB All Ireland semi final as London champions Granuaile were thoroughly outclassed in a very one sided encounter at Meelick on Saturday last.  The game played in excellent conditions was effectively over at the interval as the lads led 2-10 to 0-2.  This win sets up a mouth-watering semi final bout against Kilkenny and Leinster champions, Danesfort in Dungarvan, on Saturday week.  In fact the game could have been over after 15 minutes but for some woeful shooting from Kilworth.  While the lads were slow to start and looked a little rusty, once they settled and took control in the second quarter finding their range, safe passage to the penultimate round was secured well before the final whistle.

Kilworth led 0-5 to 0-2 after 15 minutes with points from Adrian Mannix 0-2, Paudie Lynch 0-2 (1 free) and Damien O’Donoghue, but in truth we could have been out of sight but for ten wides in this period of play all from very scorable positions.

Full forward Adrian Mannix turned goal scorer on twenty minutes after good work from the industrious Dion Cahill and it was all one-way traffic for the remainder of the half.  Two further wides were followed by a Paudie Lynch point after a sideline cut from Elton Pierce put him in the clear. The Granuaile shot stopper who was excellent all through was beaten for a second time a minute later.  A well-worked goal from Paudie Lynch opened up a ten-point gap between the sides.  Damien O’Donoghue was who was fouled on the left played a quick free to the unmarked Thomas Twomey.  Thomas slipped the ball through for Paudie to blast to the net.  Points from Paudie Lynch 0-2 (0-1 free), Brian Tobin and Adrian Mannix gave Kilworth a 14-point cushion to take into the second half.

Kilworth continued to chalk up the scores on the resumption with the Granuaile defence struggling to cope with the strong running of the Munster champions.  Ace marksman Adrian Mannix dominated the opening exchanges in the second period tagging on 1-2 in the space of five minutes.  Aidan Kenny, who played most of the opening half as a blood substitute, started the second period and was on the score sheet when pointing a free after Brian Tobin was impeded.  Granuaile scored two consecutive points to double their half time tally and leave the score 3-13 to 0-4 at the three quarter stage.

Kilworths fourth goal arrived in the 48th minute when a huge free from defence by Damien McNamara, following a foul on James Moakley rebounded of the post and Sean Beecher was on hand to dispatch the rebound to the net.  Joe Cahill got in on the scoring act, bagging our fifth goal firing home from close range with ten minutes remaining.  Granuaile to their credit battled to the end and completed the scoring with a pair of points in the 51st and 53rd minutes to leave it 5-13 to 0-6 at the death.

The score tells its own story and this was a mismatch of huge proportions with Pat Greehys charges dominant in all positions.  Our defence were once again rock solid with keeper Kieran Walsh having a very quite day at the office.  The energetic midfield partnership of Dion and Elton covered acres of ground and set up numerous attaching opportunities, while up front Paudie and Adrian hit a rich vein of form hitting 2-10 between them.

The high wides tally will be a cause for concern but I’m sure Pat and his management team will be working on this in advance of Saturday week and no stone will be left unturned in an attempt to reach the All Ireland final and Croke Park.  While it was evident early on our opponents were out of their depth, complacency from the lads was not an issue and they were as meticulous in their preparation and build up to this game as for all those that preceded it.  We picked up a number of injuries in the game and hopefully these will be ok for Saturday week, as Danesfort will provide a much sterner test.

The club would like to congratulate the team, selectors, mentors and all involved with the team on their eleventh championship win of the current campaign and on taking another huge step on the road to who knows ‘maybe All Ireland honours’.


Scorers: A Mannix 2-4, P Lynch 1-6 (0-3 frees) S Beecher & J Cahill 1-0 each, D O’Donoghue, B Tobin, Aidan Kenny (1 free) 0-1 each

Team:  K Walsh, Alan Kenny, J Hegarty, D MCNamara, M McNamara, W Twomey, M O’Connor, D Cahill. E Pierce, T Twomey, B Tobin, J Cahill, P Lynch, A Mannix, D O’Donoghue.  Subs used:  D Tobin, Aidan Kenny, J Moakley, S Beecher, A Kearney.


ALL Ireland Semi Final


SEMI FINAL CLASH ‘MAKINGS OF CRACKING CONTEST’


Fraher field, Dungarvan is the setting for this Sundays All Ireland junior hurling championship semi final against Kilkenny and Leinster champions, Danesfort.

There is a great air of anticipation around the parish in advance of this mouth-watering fixture between the blood and bandage of Kilworth and the black and amber of Danesfort.   This contest should provide our toughest game since the county final victory over Dungourney last November and a huge crowd will be in attendance on Sunday afternoon.

Danesfort have followed a similar path as Kilworth in advancing to this stage of the competition.  They made history when capturing the Kilkenny championship for the first time since 1930, beating Tullogher/Rosbercon by the narrowest of victories 2-12 to 2-11 in the final.  Knockbridge from Louth were easily accounted for in the Leinster final 4-11 to 1-5 and Wicklow champions Bray Emmets fell at the semi final stage at the hands Sunday’s opponents.  While Danesfort have a few big names in their ranks that will take careful monitoring on the day, we have a very well balanced, determined and focused bunch of players who are hell bent on progressing to the final.  If the lads play with the same style and brand of hurling displayed thus far in the North Cork, county and Munster championships there is no reason why we should not be planning for an All Ireland final and a trip to Croke Park come 2.30 or so on Sunday.

The club would like to wish the very best of luck to the panel of players and their management team on Sunday and I know there will be a huge Kilworth support present, hopefully to cheer the lads to victory.

The second semi final to be played in Mullingar on Sunday features Skehana (Galway) v Cloney Gaels (Antrim).


DISAPPONMENT IN DEFEAT; HUGE PRIDE IN ACHIVEMENTS

Danesfort  0-12

Kilworth    0-10


At wind swept Dungarvan on Sunday last the curtain came down on a superb season for an exceptional bunch of players who can hold their heads high after a two-point defeat to Kilkenny side, Danesfort. The lads gave it their all but in the end we were unable to penetrate a rock solid Danesfort defensive unit, and while we could have snatched it at the death our opponents deserved their victory after a very determined display. Playing against a gale force wind in the opening half we trailed 0-5 to 0-2 at the break and confidence was high entering the second period.  Two fast points by Danesfort on the resumption were crucial to the outcome of this encounter as they stretched their advantage to five points by the 34th minute.  However, the lads battled gamely and gave it their all, scoring four points between the 50th and the 59th minute to reduce the arrears to 0-1 heading into injury time.  Crucially Danesfort doubled their advantage a minute into added time and a goal was now required to rescue the encounter.  This point turned out to be the insurance score with the Kilkenny side holding out for a 0-12 to 0-10 win.

Danesfort had the better of the opening exchanges and led 0-4 to 0-0 after twenty minutes.  Both sides were guilty of a number of wide in this period of play.  While it took the lads a while to settle they began to get on top approaching the short whistle.  An excellent cross field ball from Will Twomey fell to Adrian Mannix and he opened our account in the 29th minute and this was quickly followed by a Paudie Lynch pointed free after a foul on Damien O’Donoghue.  We were now well back in the game with the prospect of a strong wind at our backs for the second period.  Danesfort had the final score of the half well into injury time, to leave it 0-5 to 0-2 in their favour.

It was important that we start the second period on the ascendancy but our opponents drew first blood pointing twice (1 free) in four minutes to extend their advantage to five points.

The lads failed to lie down and battled on in this pulsating contest with points from Elton Pierce, Paudie Lynch (free) and a Joe Cahill beauty from an acute angle, to leave two points between the sides by the 38th minute.  Danesfort and Paudie exchanged pointed frees before Danesfort raised three white flags in succession to lead 0-11 to 0-6 with ten minutes remaining.  While the game may have looked beyond us at this stage the lads had other things on their mind and went about reducing the gap once more.  Points from Paudie Lynch (2 frees) and Adrian Mannix (2) reduced the deficit to the minimum with time running out.  But try as they might, the lads were unable to penetrate Danesforts watertight defence and they completed the scoring with a pointed free deep into injury time to leave it 0-12 to 0-10 at the death.


Scorers:  P Lynch 0-5 (0-5 frees), A Mannix 0-3, E Pierce, J Cahill, 0-1 each.

Team:  K Walsh, Alan Kenny, J Hegarty, D McNamara, M McNamara, W Twomey, M O’Connor, D Cahill, E Pierce, T Twomey, B Tobin, J Cahill, P Lynch, A Mannix, D O’Donoghue.  Subs used:  D Tobin, N O’Brien, Aidan Kenny.


While all associated with the team and the club are hugely disappointed following this defeat it has been a magnificent year for the team and their mentors.  They can hold their heads up high with what they have achieved.  The lads displayed true character all year in capturing the North Cork, County and Munster titles along with the league title and they kept going until the bitter end last Sunday in this tension filled game.

While there is huge disappointment in defeat it has been a wonderful year and they team have done themselves, their families, club, parish and county proud.

The club would like to thank the panel of players most sincerely for their dedication and success in 2006.  The plan at the start of the year was to win back to back north cork titles and with this achieved the next step was to attempt to atone for last years county final defeat to Fr O’Neills.  This was also achieved and while Sundays defeat ends this group of player’s junior hurling campaign it is the start of their Intermediate career.  The team and management learned a lot from defeat to Fr O’Neills in 2005 and this helped them come back stronger in 2006 and hopefully the same will be true for the coming season in the Intermediate grade.

The club would also like to thank coach Pat Greehy, his management team of Jack Keane, John Kenny, Tony Sheehan, Noel Daly, team trainers Barry O’Neill and Lorenzo Bracken for their dedication and effort throughout the year.  These men brought us to the county final in 2005 and 2006, achieving ultimate honours last November.  It has been a long campaign since the first round of the north cork championship on June 11th and the season comprised of 12 championship games and the players and management team are due a well deserved break before the Intermediate league commences in March.  The club would also like to thank Dr Paddy Burke, Motty McCormack, Fergus Flynn and especially Sheila Greehy for their valued work with the team throughout the year.

We would also like to thank O’Sullivan coaches, Kildorrery and driver, Pat Cusack for the last four outings in the Munster and All Ireland series.  After the game Sunday the team and officials were fed and watered at Lawlor’s hotel in Dungarvan, and we would like to compliment the management and staff.


SUPPORTERS TAKE A BOW

What can one say about our supporters?  I think events in the village Sunday evening epitomise what the panel of players mean to the people of the parish.  As the team bus arrived back in the village fires blazed at the pitch gate and in the square and the team were greeted with cheering, singing and clapping as they emerged from the bus.  It was a truly remarkable sight and lifted the player’s spirits. The village has been on a crest of a wave over the past two years or so due to the success, and dedication of this bunch of players.  There was no criticism of players in the aftermath of the game just paths on the back and appreciation for the great enjoyment and euphoria generated in the recent months.  There were Kilworth people now domiciled in places such as Wexford and Kildare in attendance on the day and it shows how highly these lads are held in people’s eyes.  In thanking our supporters, we have to pay special mention to the juvenile club and their officials and mentors for their amazing support and the colour generated all season.  Well done to all involved.

 

LEAGUE FINAL

CHAMPIONSHIP AND LEAGUE DOUBLE COMPLETE


Kilworth    2-16

Kildorrery 0-12


Kilworth with an impressive final twenty minutes powered their way to a fifth consecutive Cavanagh’s of Fermoy, division 1 hurling league title played on an excellent Kildorrery surface last Saturday.  Two goals one in either half were crucial to our defeat of the home side in this hard fought game.  Only a point separated the sides with forty minutes on the clock, however Kilworth’s superior fitness told in the final third of the game with the lads running out comfortable winners on a scoreline of 2-16 to 0-12.

Kilworth started the brighter with two early points from Damien O’ Donoghue and Adrian Mannix.  Damien pointed after collecting possession following a free out of defence from Will Twomey after a foul on John Horgan.  A fine cross-field ball from Brian Tobin set up Adrian for his well taken over.   A fired up Kildorrery side went onto dominate the next ten minutes and tagged on four points without reply to lead 0-4 to 0-2 after 12 minutes.  The lads got the first of their two goals a minute later when a huge free from defence by Damien McNamara that appeared to be drifting wide was excellently kept in play by Damien O’Donoghue who set up Paudie Lynch and his ground shot from close range nestled in the back of the net.  Joe Cahill and Paudie Lynch (free) with a point each helped open up a three-point lead by the 20th minute.  Kildorrery and Damien O’Donoghue exchanged points before a foul on Damien resulted in a pointed free from Paudie to put four points between the sides after 28 minutes.  Kildorrery finished the half in the ascendancy and added two points (1 free) to leave it 1-6 to 0-7 in our favour at the short whistle.

Both teams exchanged two points apiece in the opening ten minutes of the second half with our two scores coming from Paudie Lynch frees following fouls on Adrian Mannix and Elton Pierce.  An accurate ball from keeper Kieran Walsh was collected by the impressive Dion Cahill who turned and dissected the posts to regain our three-point advantage.  Our outlook was improved further with a pair of points, one from a Paudie Lynch free after Thomas Twomey was impeded and a fine point from Damien O’Donoghue who caught a Damien McNamara free from defence.  Kildorrery and Elton Pierce now operating very effectively on the forty traded white flags to leave it 1-12 to 0-10 with seven minutes remaining.  An excellent passage of play resulted in the next score, a pointed free from Paudie Lynch.  Damien McNamara switched the focus of play with a great cross-field ball out of defence to Thomas Twomey, who sent an appetising ball across the goalmouth with the outstanding Damien O’Donoghue upended catching the ball.  Paudie landed the resulting free to extent the lead to six points.  Kildorrery added two scores from frees either side of a Kilworth point from attacking halfback James Moakley.  This was quickly followed by a Noel Gowen goal after a long direct ball from defence caused significant problems in our opponents defence.  Aidan Kenny finished the scoring with a pair of points (1 free) to leave it 2-16 to 0-12 at full time.

This was an excellent win after a tough, hard hours hurling.  As already stated this was a close game for forty minutes.  A number of changes during the course of the game worked the oracle and the lads pulled away for a ten-point victory.  The lads stood up when it was counted and pulled away in the last ten minutes for a deserved win.

This game was badly needed to get the show on the road again after our county exploits and it provided a great preparation ahead of the Munster club semi final.

Club player and member, Brian Carey representing sponsors Cavanagh’s of Fermoy in the presence of North Cork board Chairman, Tom Crowley presented the cup to team captain Kieran Walsh.

The club would like to congratulate all concerned on a fine victory.  To win five league’s in a row is a great achievement and it was a great way to sign off from junior hurling for this team.  To win back-to-back championship and league titles in consecutive years shows how good this panel of players are.

Scorers for Kilworth:  P Lynch 1-6 (0-6 f), N Gowen 1-0, D O’Donoghue 0-3, Aidan Kenny 0-2 (0-1 f), D Cahill, E Pierce, J Cahill, A Mannix, J Moakley 0-1 each.

Team and subs:  K Walsh, J Horgan, J Hegarty, D McNamara, M McNamara, W Twomey, M O’Connor, D Cahill, E Pierce, T Twomey, B Tobin, J Cahill, P Lynch, A Mannix, D O’Donoghue.  Subs used: J Moakley, A Kenny, N O’Brien, N Gowen.

 

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MAIN CLUB SPONSORS: Mike Walsh Pharmacy, Aherne’s Pub, The Village Inn, KDC Ltd., Kilally

Stables and Mitchelstown Dental Clinic




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