Club Information

2010 was another successful year in the short history of the Nenagh Eire Og camogie club. This year for the first time ever we fielded championship teams in all grades from adult level down to juvenile.

Junior B team: Back L to R: Sarah Maher, Aoibheann Geaney, Lisa Cleary, Danielle Harrington, Catriona O Connor, Katie Madden, Laura McKenna, Donna Mitchel, Vanessa Grace, Jessica Maher, Ceri Healy, Mary Dillon, Emma Mitchel, Roisin O Brien, Sarah Lovett
Front L to R: Rebecca White, Caoimhe Geaney, Alice Darcy, Aileen Duggan, Gemma Morris, Ciara McGrath, Claire Collins, Bridget White

Nenagh U/14

This was another big year in the development of our Camoige Club. Due to our breakthrough wins two years ago, all our teams where now playing in the B championship. This also shows the progression of the Club in such a short period of time. Our year started well with 4 of our girls getting picked for the county set-up, Alana Morris, Coleen O’Brien, Rachel Maher and Zoey Gratton and all preformed at the highest level winning the Tipperary Blitz and competing in numerous other finals throughout the year. One of our trainers Mike Ryan was a part of the management team. The Club scene started in April when we were in a group with Thurles, Holycross and Clonoulty. We knew this was a step up in class and this was in real evidence in our first game against Thurles. In what was a truly outstanding game which ebbed and flowed throughout, we finished level thanks to a late Aine Long goal, but all that witnessed the game agreed a draw was a fair result as nether team dissevered to lose such an excellent encounter. We played Holycross next in Nenagh, a team who we have played in a lot of Finals over the years. Nenagh settled quickly and got some great scores from Coleen, Grace and Holly O’Brien to win with something to spare. Clonoulty were next up and once again the girls put in a huge effort with some of our younger girls getting a good run out and showing that we now had a good panel of girls to choose from.

Due to that big win we came out top of our group and had to face the might of Kilruane in the semi-final. They are a strong Club who have been at A and B level for a number of years while this was our first. This was another excellent game with a huge amount of skill and effort on show. Our backs led by Rachel and Alana were excellent and while from mid-field up we were under a lot of pressure we still got the scores when it mattered, with the O’Brien’s again to the fore, to win by 5-4 to 1-4. Thurles beat Moneygall in the other semi-final to set up a mouth-watering Final. Unfortunately it did not work out like that. We had to go into the game without our County star Rachel Maher while from the first match Thurles had two of their County girls back. Nenagh started well going a goal up but Thurles got better and better the longer the game went on and while Nenagh can be proud of their efforts and the fact that the kept fighting to the very end, Thurles ran out dissevered winners.

A lot of our girls then went on to represent there schools in Semple Stadium with the Convent primary School winning there U/11 and U/13 County Finals. Also Rachel Maher, Grace O’Brien and Sarah Quigley got picked for the Cuman Na Mbunscoil primary teams with Grace and Rachel playing in Cork.

Next up for us was the County B League and with Thurles having to move up to A we believed if we worked hard during the summer that we had a good chance of winning it. We added a few of our new County U/12 winning team to the panel and not only did they add to the quantity but also the quality of the panel. We started with hard fought wins over Holycross and Clonoulty who had improved a lot from earlier in the year. Our final match in the group was against Newport. Newport had won the C championship with a bit to spare and was doing well in the B league. They had also beaten us in the final of last years U/14 championship. We travelled to Newport on a very damp evening and started the game very slowly. At half time we were behind but the girls really upped the workrate in the 2nd half to pull off a great win. Our semi-final was against Kilruane once again. This was another great battle with Nenagh having to work very hard for every ball and while we won by two goals at the end, the game could have gone either way right up to final whistle. This was one of the reasons the girls had such a great year, with their workrate and fitness and that they kept going to the very end of every match which was to be very evident in the Final.

Our Final was against Moneygall. Both teams had only lost one match all year and they were against Thurles, so a very even contest was expected. Both defences dominated the opening half with very few scoring chances being created. Also a few scoreable frees from both sides were missed. A moment of class by Coleen O’Brien with a great catch, strong run and a fierce shot to the back of the net proved the only difference in the first half. The 2nd half opened up a bit more with both goalies forced in to making fine saves, with Elaine Slattery going close on two occasions. A brilliant run and shot by Moneygalls excellent centre back got the game back level. Moneygall then went ahead when a missed clearance allowed them in for a 2nd goal. Nenagh made some changes bringing on Lisa Darcy and Sarah O’Connor for Elaine and Kara and swapping Alana and Zoey. These moves all had a big impact on the game. After a few near misses Alana Morris picked up a ball about 40 metres out and drove forward to the 21 where she unleashed an unstoppable shot to the moneygall net. Moneygall did have a chance to win it but good defending by Niamh Ryan and Mary McKenna and a great save by Sarah Quigley took the game into extra time. While not many people were in favour of extra time due to the light the referee made the call and it added to unfolding drama. We moved a few girls around and brought on Mairead Sheridan to the forwards. Our Fitness really told in extra time. Our u/12 star Grace O’Brien popped over a point to put us ahead. After a period of good pressure by Nenagh a clearance by Moneygall was picked up by Alana Morris who drove forward and finished the ball to the net. But in the excitement we only then realised that ref had blown up for a 21m free to Nenagh. Alana put it over to have us two points ahead. We were well on top now and after more good pressure Sarah O’Connor crashed a loose ball to the back of the Moneygall net. The 2nd period was just as exciting with two dangerous moneygall attacks being stopped by Anna Dillon and our Captain Amy Heffernan. Paula Ryan and Cliona Curran came on for Michelle and Anna to add fresh legs and we were unlucky not to add to our score with good chances falling to Mairead and Grace. The final whistle went in the near darkness but also to the joy of our large crowd who watched Nenagh win on a scoreline of 3-2 to 2-0. It is a great reward for all the hard work and training but in by this group of girls.

Nenagh U/14 panel 2010

Sarah Quigley, Mary McKenna, Rachel Maher, Niamh Ryan, Anna Dillon, Alana Morris, Amy Heffernan, Kara Ryan Mulqueen, Zoey Gratton, Michelle Collins, Aine Long, Coleen O’Brien, Elaine Slattery, Holly O’Brien, Grace O’Brien, Lisa Darcy, Sarah O’Connor, Mairead Sheridan, Paula Ryan, Cliona Curran, Saoirse Gleeson, Saoirse Whelan, Linda Meagher, Laura McCarthy, Alison McGrath, Roisin Starr, Taylor Murphy, Clodaigh Ryan, Aishling O’Brien, Alison Burke, Roisin Moyles.

Mentors: Liam McGrath, Tony Slattery, Philip Ryan, Denise Morris, Mairead Long and Mike Ryan

Our Junior B team made history this year as they became the first camogie team under the Nenagh Eire Og name to play at adult level. There had been adult camogie teams from the town in the past but none ever played as Nenagh Eire Og. The team itself was mostly made up of players from the under sixteen panel as well as a number of more “mature” ladies, some of whom were playing camogie for the very first time. At the start of the year the management team of Enda Costello, Enda O Sullivan and Derek Lillis set two achievable goals, namely to improve the players as hurlers and to make sure the girls all had fun in the process. These goals were surpassed when the girls managed to win two championship games against Moneygall and Cahir respectively. The joyous scenes that greeted these two successes were reminiscent of those witnessed in Croke Park last September. While winning two Junior B championship games may not be viewed as “successful” by many it is from little acorns that champion oaks grow. The delight on the players faces at the final whistle spoke volumes. It was a fitting reward for months of hard training. The players all have to be commended for their attitude and dedication to training all year. We rarely had less than full attendance despite some poor results and the girls always displayed a positive yet determined attitude.

U16 camogie
Back L to R: Enda O Sullivan, Coleen O Brien, Judy Mulqueen, Alice Darcy, Lisa Darcy, Derek Lillis, Sarah O Connor, Danielle Harrington, Stephanie Browne, Rachel Maher, Aine Long, Kara Ryan Mulqueen, Ger Morris
Front: Holly O Brien, Gemma Morris, Catriona O Connor, Alanna Morris, Ciara McGrath, Sarah Quigley, Jessica Maher, Shannon Moran, Aileen Duggan, Paula Ryan, Zoey Gratton

Our Under sixteens can also be very proud of their achievements in 2010. This year we played in the “B” grade which was a step up from what the girls had been used to. Under the expert guidance of Ger Morris, Pearce Morris and Derek Lillis this team reached the county semi final where heartbreakingly they lost to Thurles. Their opening match was an away game against Silvermines and this turned out to be an epic encounter. The girls played out of their skins and won a fantastic match that belied its “B” status. Next they played Moneygall in Nenagh and that night the team gave their best performance of the year. They outhurled their opponents all over the pitch and Ger Morris was greatly confused when it came to deciding who to take off when making substitutions! We lost then to Kilruane but the result mattered not as we had already qualified for the county semi final. This was played in The Ragg against a fantastic and well drilled Thurles side. The girls fought to the bitter end and but for some superb goalkeeping that would have done Brendan Cummins proud we would have emerged victorious. While the players were visibly upset at the final whistle the Eire Og supporters rightly acknowledged their efforts and determination and applauded the team off the pitch. The under sixteens finished the season on a high by winning the Cis Corcoran Tournament ( the late Cis Corcoran was known as the Queen of Kildare Camogie)in Naas without conceding a single score in four matches. Due to other commitments we travelled with a very young squad with only four under sixteen’s with the rest of the panel made up of under fourteen’s and under twelve’s. This did not deter the girls who defeated Naobh Fionbarra ( Dublin) O Loughlin Gaels ( Kilkenny) Dunderry ( Meath) and Naas in the final. This very young team gave away a lot in size but it was their skill levels that shone through scoring 27-10 in the four games and conceding nothing. Team captain Gemma Morris picked up the Cis Corcoran trophy for her team.

U18 team: Back L to R: Laura McKenna, Aileen Duggan, Judy Mulqueen, Sarah Maher, Sarah O Connor, Mary Dillon, Catriona O Connor, Jessica Maher
Front L to R: Zoey Gratton, Niamh Costello, Katie Madden, Danielle Harrington (Captain), Rebecca White, Alanna Morris, Ciara McGrath

This year for the first time ever we fielded at team in the under eighteen grade. Managed by former Tipperary full back Conor O Donovan the girls very first match was against Shannon Rovers in Nenagh. On the day we prevailed on a score line of 3-07 to 1-01. Next up was Moneygall who proved to be much stronger than us on the day. At time of going to press we have yet to play our final match against Kilruane. Regardless of the result fielding for the first time at this grade and winning our first game is yet another milestone in our history. Congratulations to Conor and the team.
It is a remarkable testament to all involved with the club that after only seven years of existence we had a number of players pull on the county jersey in 2010. At under sixteen level Ciara McGrath led the way when she played a pivotal role at midfield in helping Tipperary capture the Munster title when they defeated Clare in Nenagh. Watching and supporting Ciara winning this title was a very proud moment for us all but for it to happen on our own pitch in front of a large and vocal home support was extra special. Ciara, following in the footsteps of club legend Michael Cleary, wore the number ten jersey as this Tipperary team reached the All Ireland final but were unfortunately beaten by Galway. Alice D’Arcy also represented the club at under sixteen level when she played a number of games for the Tipperary Under Sixteen “B” team.

Under 14 County final - 5th August 2010

The U14s played their much anticipated county final on Thursday last against favourites Moneygall in the Ragg. It was to a fantastic game full of skill and endeavour with both teams giving their all. Nenagh started the brighter and Elaine Slattery was just wide with a great shot. She then forced a great save from the Goalkeeper which resulted in a 65. Coleen O Brien showed her skill by opening the scoring with a great goal after one of her trademark runs from the wing forward position. The first half ended with the game on a knife edge with Nenagh 1-0 to 0-0. the second half saw Moneygall getting more into the game with their influential centre back Mairead Teehan scoring a wonderful individual goal to even the scores. Nenagh were pressing hard with wides from Grace O Brien Zoey Gratton and Holly O Brien but it was Moneygall who went ahead with another goal to make it 2-0 to 1-0. Both Defences were completely on top and scores were at a premium. The Nenagh management made a few moves which would prove to be influential on the game bringing on Lisa Darcy and Sarah O Conner and Moving Alanna Morris to mid field. It wasn’t long before Alanna Morris was beginning to make probing runs from mid field and one of these runs ended up with her finishing brilliantly to the net to send the game into injury time and the large Nenagh crowd into ecstasy on the sideline. Injury time showed the fantastic shape the girls were in from the great training they had received from their management team. Sarah O Conner was causing the Moneygall full back line serious concern and Nenagh scored Points from Grace O Brien and Alanna Morris and after a disallowed Alanna Morris goal the coup de gras was provided by Sarah O Conner who scored the last gaol of the game. Nenagh won 3-2 to 2-0 against a valiant Moneygall team. The team have worked really hard all year and winning silverware is what they deserve for their endeavours.

Under 16 Blitz - Saturday 7th August 2010

On Saturday August 7th, our Under Sixteen camogie team travelled to Dundrum to play in a blitz hosted by the Knockavilla Kickhams club. This was the first time the Under Sixteen team played together this year as the girls have been busy playing with the Under fourteen and Junior B teams. In this regard it proved a very important exercise as the Under Sixteen championship is due to begin in the coming weeks. We played four games, winning two and very unfortunate not to get a result in the other two games. First up was Thurles Sarsfields. This was a highly entertaining game with Thurles winning on a score line of 1-02 to 0-02. Aileen Duggan and Ciara McGrath got the Eire Og scores.We played Limerick side Cappamore next and in this game the girls started to hurl to the best of their ability. We conceded an early goal but this did not deter the girls. Danielle Harington started the fight back with a well taken point from thirty yards. This lifted the entire team and soon Colleen O Brien finished a great move with a very well taken goal. Danielle Harrington then gathered possession on the forty and raced through the heart of the Cappamore defence before handpassing the ball over the bar. Aileen Duggan followed this up with another point before Colleen O Brien scored her second goal of the game with a bullet from a ground stroke. Final score Nenagh 2-03 Cappamore 1-00. That result gave the girls a lot confidence ahead of their next game against a combination of New Inn and host club Knockavilla Kickhams. Again we conceded an early goal but refused to panic. County Under Sixteen star Ciara McGrath led the comeback with a great point before Danielle Harington raced through and crashed the ball into the corner of the net. McGrath followed this up with a pointed free and Holly O Brien finished the scoring with a point. Final score Nenagh 1-03 New Inn / Knockavilla Kichams 1-00. We played our neighbours Burgess in the final game. This was a winner take all match with the victors qualifying for the final. We played outstanding hurling in this match restricting Burgess to just one attack from which they scored a goal. For the entire match we were camped inside the Burgess half and somehow failed to find the net. Aileen Duggan got our only score, a point from forty yards. We created numerous chances and but for great goalkeeping, brave defending and unfortunate wides we would have won. Final score Burgess 1-00 Nenagh 0-01. The day proved an enormous success and while we did not win, we achieved all our goals. Every member of the panel played and it was important for the Under Sixteen team to get much needed match practice together. We played very well in all our games against “A” opposition and most importantly the girls enjoyed the day. Thank you to Knockavilla Kickhams for successfully hosting and organising the blitz.

Panel: Colleen O Brien, Rachel Maher, Stephanie Browne, Catriona O Connor, Alannah Morris, Alice D’Arcy, Zoe Gratton, Aileen Duggan, Ciara McGrath, Gemma Morris, Danielle Harington, Holly O Brien, Shannon Moran, Judy Mulqueen, Jessica Maher, Paula Ryan, Sarah Quigley, Lisa D’Arcy, Sarah O Connor, Aine Long, Cara Mulqueen.

County U12B county Final report. 27th May 2010

The U12 team captured the county U12B title on Thursday with a comprehensive victory over a determined St Cronins of Roscrea team. In fact it was Roscrea that drew first blood with a great individual goal from the wonderful Chloe Kirwan. Nenagh were rocked back in their heels and it looked like the favorites tag was going to be a heavy load to carry for Nenagh. In the next attack parity was restored when Leah Sheedy creased the ball to the net. Nenagh now had got their composure back and for a short while it became the Grace O Brien and Chloe Kirwan show with Grace O Brien scoring 3-4 to Chloe Kirwans 1-1 to make the halftime scoreline Nenagh Eire Og 4-4 Roscrea 2-1
In the second half it was obvious that Nenagh had decided to put two markers on Chloe Kirwan and Hazel McAuliffe and Clodagh Ryan stuck to their task nullifying Roscreas main threat while Grace O Brien ran riot in the second half scoring a further 4-5 to make her final tally an amazing 7-8. Maeve Coffey and Hazel Coffey finishing the scoring with great individual scores. In goals Sarah Quigley is proving to very safe the fullback line of V Tynan N Ryan and K O Connor were very efficient at protecting their goalkeeper the half back line of R Bourke A Dillon and E Percy have great skill the mid field of H McAuliffe and L Darcy worked tirelessly for their team the half forward line of G O Brien ( 7-8) C Ryan and M Coffey (1-0) proved to be very clinical and the full forward line of L Sheedy ( 1-0) A Hallinan and Fiona Hennessey have proven all year that they have the goal scoring capacity and cuteness needed for any team to win any championship title. The team were superbly augmented by a huge panel of players and the subs were H Coffey (1-0) R Hasset S Morris S kennedy S Griffen A Byrne C Phelan A Kennedy C Costello C Browne R Browne B McGrath N Sheridan K Manicle B Boland L Kelly R O Connor B McKenna S Shanahan. We were lucky enough this year to field two teams and the all the girls have worked hard and have improved immeasurably under the Guidance of K O Brien N Coffey and M Ryan. A special mention must go the Lisa Darcy who showed real courage to come back to play a leading role in mid field despite having to overcome a debilitating eye injury this season.

County u16c Final report. Nenagh Eire Og 2-0 Holycross 2-5 - 6th Feb 2010

The long awaited county u16C Final took place on Saturday last in The Ragg Camogie pitch. The game was played in a heavy fog so it was hard for both teams to perform to the best of their ability. The first 15 minutes was the scene of intense battle with both sides trying to get the better of each other. Nenagh had the first chance of the game with a 65 going just wide. She then had a brilliant goal bound shot stopped by the Holycross defense. Holycross responded with a goal and a point in quick succession. The battle for ascendancy in mid field was fierce and it was one of Nenaghs mid fielders Mary Dillon who showed why she is Captain when she got to a ball she had no right to and beat the Holycross goalkeeper with a ground shot. Holycross responded with two points from frees to make the half time scoreline 1-3 to 1-0. Unfortunately Holycross started the second half on fire with a goal and a point in quick succession. Nenagh responded with a long range Cíara McGrath goal. Holycross finished off the game with 2 points to make the final scoreline Holycross 2-5 Eire Og 2-0. The Nenagh girls were devastated afterwards but in fairness Holycross were the superior team on the day. Both teams showed Honesty Integrity Skill and Determination and were a credit to their clubs for their Endeavour. Some of the Nenagh girls played with injuries and others despite being involved with other sports just hours before this, shows the absolute courage and commitment of the team for each other. Nenagh will have learned a lesson from this defeat and we will be the better for it. Thanks to the large support as always and to the management of Conor O Donavan Enda Costello Ger Morris. Team L McKenna S.Browne A Darcy S Maher D Mitchell A Morris M Dillon ( capt) A Duggan G Morris C Mcgrath N Costello Z Gratton A O Brien R O Brien C O Brien S Moran J Mulqueen C Curren C Collins C Healy C O Conner R White J Maher