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U21 (A) Hurling North Semi Final 20th November 2011: Nenagh Eire Og 3-12 Kildangan 2-09

Nenagh Eire Og book place in final

A brilliant opening 25 minutes paved the way for Nenagh Eire Og to overcome Kildangan in a highly entertaining North Tipperary Under 21 A Hurling semi final when the sides met in Templederry last Sunday afternoon. Playing in their first game of the championship, Nenagh Eire Og were glad to see Tipp senior panellist Paddy Murphy available despite an ongoing injury. Cliff Moloney was the only absentee through injury. Kildangan made just one change from their big win over Borris-Ileigh with David Fitzpatrick making way for James Holland.

Nenagh Eire Og opened brightly as Eoin Slattery pointed after a neat lay off from Tommy Heffernan before Heffernan pointed a fifth minute free from close to the sideline. Thirty seconds later, Jack Loughnane soloed through the Nenagh defence to register a point. However, Nenagh increased their lead as Mark Tuite won a high ball and fired over from the right. Tuite had to leave the scene few minutes later with a recurrence of an arm injury.

Nenagh remained on the march. Paddy Murphy won another high ball and turned for goal. He delivered low to Shane Maher who tested Kian Hayes. Hayes saved but Eoin Slattery reacted best to blast the rebound past the Kildangan keeper. Two minutes later, Hayes saved well from Tommy Heffernan and cleared the danger. At the other end the Nenagh full backline proved too strong for the Kildangan two man full forward line and the ball came out far too freely with Mark Flannery and Billy Heffernan controlling half back while Niall Madden was very prominent at midfield.

Another Nenagh move saw Tommy Heffernan add another point but Ruairi Gleeson replied with a pointed free. But with Nenagh continuing to clear at will, the Kildangan defence faced a torrid time. Eoin Slattery won possession out on the left and sent low to Maher. The full forward rounded Shane Seymour and blasted past a helpless Kian Hayes. A Mark Flannery clearance then reached Slattery who increased the lead to nine. Joe Gallagher moved to centre back and Eanna Gleeson moved to midfield and began to settle. With half time two minutes, away, Ruairi Gleeson kept Kildangan in touch with a close in free. Johnnie Horan replaced Holland as Kildangan continued to create more scoring chances. Eanna Gleeson delivered high towards the edge of the Nenagh square but the Nenagh defence failed to clear and Rory Whelan pounced on the lose ball by first timing to the net. From the puckout, Niall Madden raced through to find the target leaving Nenagh six points ahead at half-time.

Kildangan came out for the second half with a spring in their step and scored within eighty seconds as Ruairi Gleeson obliged. Two miSnutes later, Tommy Heffernan scored for Nenagh but Kildangan continued to move the ball well from defence where Paul Flynn and Pauraic Kelly made a number of clearances. Up front another Ruairi Gleeson delivery forced Nenagh to foul Rory Whelan. Gleeson stood over the twenty metre free and elected to go for goal which he achieved with success. Nenagh now had a game on their hands. In the 39th minute, a well flighted sideline ball by Tommy Heffernan reached Adam Grattan who scored from twenty metres out. A minute later, Ruairi Gleeson replied with another free.

As the pace of the game increased. David Cleary raced up the left wing to pick off a great score. Meanwhile, Tomas McLoughlin replaced Sean Hackett. At the other end, Nenagh rallied again. Eoin Slattery raced clear on goal but was tripped by a Kildangan defender. Shane Maher took on the responsibility with the twenty metre free and fired low to the corner. Hoping to seize the initiative, Maher increased his team’s lead with a point after another Niall Madden delivery. At the other end, Kildangan responded with a successful Ruairi Gleeson sixty five. From the puckout, Paddy Murphy created space for Tommy Heffernan to put Grattan through for another point. Twelve minutes remained and incredibly, the game went six minutes without a score with both teams guilty of missing the target.

Kildangan moved forward again as Ruairi Gleeson fired an ambitious shot at goal but Donnacha Heffernan saved. Danger remained but Rory Whelan fired low and succeeded in winning a sixty five. In continuing their attacking mode, Tadhg Gallagher pointed from play. Ruairi Gleeson added another point before Madden switched play to the other end as his well placed ball reached Shane Maher who scored to bring his total to 2-2. One minute remained as Tadgh Gallagher raced down the right wing. His delivery crossed the mouth of the Nenagh goalmouth escaping the clutches of the Nenagh defence before Johnnie Horan had a chance to find the net but failed to get a proper connection. Nenagh failed to clear the danger and Eanna Gleeson found space to fire over the bar. As play reached additional time, Kildangan went close again with Tadgh Gallagher testing the Nenagh defence but his shot went just wide of the posts. Nenagh had enough done to hold on for a good win. They meet Burgess in the final.

Blessed with ten players who had senior championship experience under their belt, Nenagh had aces in many departments. This was amply demonstrated by the work of their half backline comprising of Mark Flannery, Sean Geaney and Billy Heffernan. After such a slow start, Kildangan deserve praise for the manner in which they rose to the task in the second half, not once but twice as they attacked for goals right up to the very end. Ruairi Gleeson played a key role in the comeback with a great second half performance. Rory Whelan, Jack Loughnane and Tadgh Gallagher never gave up.

Team and Scorers: Willie Bolger, Donncha Heffernan, Daire Quinn, Kevin Gubbins, Billy Heffernan,Mark Flannery, Sean Geaney, Niall Madden(0-1), Eddie Darcy,  David Cleary(0-1), Paddy Murphy, Tommy Heffernan(0-3), Mark Tuite(0-1), Shane Maher(2-2,1-0pen), Eoghan Slattery (1-2)

Subs:Adam Gratton(0-2) for Tuite, David Hickey for Cleary.

 

Co Minor (A) Hurling Final 5th November 2011: Nenagh Eire Og 0-18 Mullinahone 1-18

Nenagh lose out in minor final classic

A performance of herculean proportions by Nenagh Éire Óg minor hurlers was not enough to prevent a slick Mullinahone outfit from making history for their club by winning its first ever county minor 'A' hurling title in a cracking final on Saturday afternoon.

Conditions for the 2011 showpiece in the month of November could not have been better. On a bone-dry day and before a large attendance the sides served up one of the best county finals in years. From the outset it became apparent in the tit-for-tat nature of the contest that little was going to separate the teams in the end, and the fact that they were level nine times over the hour highlighted the closeness of the exchanges all through, and the top class fare on exhibition.

In a real nip and tuck first half the protagonists were deadlocked six times, they retired to the dressing rooms at the interval with 0-9 apiece on the scoreboard. They were 'all square' again in the early minutes after the restart, following an exchange of points, before skillful county star Cathal Horan scored the only goal of the contest in 34th minute (1-10 to 0-10) that was to prove critical to the outcome. Horan was a key figure in Mullinahone's journey to victory (he finished with 1-5 to his credit) but it was far from plain sailing for the winners who endured many anxious moments before the final call.

It was a tribute to Éire Óg's character and resilience that they never allowed their rivals, who at the three quarter stage looked set to take complete control, enjoy more than a three-point advantage. Indeed, a solid recovery by the North champions saw them score three unanswered points in as many minutes to level the pegging (1-14 to 0-17). The sides were level for the final time in 54th minute and a riveting finish ensued.
All credit to the South representatives, they opened their shoulders in one last telling surge, and as Éire Óg wasted chances the winners were on target three times to clinch a well-deserved triumph. In truth, had the club lost the minor hurling decider they would never have come to terms with the agony of defeat. After all, they shot no fewer than thirteen wides over the hour to Nenagh's six and still managed to register a very impressive 1-16 from play. Bearing in mind that they should also have scored at least two of three goal chances, it is easy to appreciate why they greeted the final whistle with more than a modicum of relief. That said, on the run of play Nenagh were in with every chance up to the very end of claiming for the club its second crown in the grade in four years. Had a couple of breaks gone their way they could well be in celebration mode today. They will be very disappointed that they, at least, didn't survive to fight another day.

Certainly, they did well to survive a very early onslaught from their breeze-assisted rivals that could have yielded goals from classy forwards Jack Shelly and Luke Mullally. However, when they settled down, thanks to the opening point of the match from midfielder Killian Gleeson in second minute and good work by Sean Geaney, Darragh Walsh, Mark Higginbotham, and Bob O’Brien, they were more than a match for the South champions and a ding dong battle ensued. Mullinahone enjoyed far more possession in attack on the strength of sterling work in their half back line of Gary Cronin, Eoin Fennelly, and David Walzer, and their strong midfield partnership of Diarmuid O’Halloran and Sean Walzer. However, they squandered a litany of chances, in fact they had registered as many wides (nine) as scores by the interval, while Nenagh made the very best of scoring opportunities that came their way. For the most part, every time Mullinahone advanced the North champions responded quickly, and they managed to restore parity.

Both sets of attackers shot splendid points from a variety of angles in a full-blooded sporting encounter that was a shining advertisement for the grade. After a shaky start the Éire Óg defence, wellmarshalled by Kevin Gubbins and Sean Geaney, stuck rigidly to their task in the face of mounting pressure. Donnacha Heffernan and Niall Kennedy covered well in front of sound keeper Kevin Flynn, while impressive Sean Geaney got good support from Michael Collins and Joe Geaney. Darragh Walsh and Killian Gleeson supplied ball in abundance to the forwards in the second quarter of the game that enabled the side to cut away a three-point deficit, and the introduction of Mark Tuite in 21st minute made a significant difference to their cause. He scored the first of his three points from play shortly after his arrival on the pitch.

Indicative of Éire Óg's economy in play was the fact that they had registered only one wide by the halfway stage.
With the breeze in their favour Nenagh were back on level terms thanks to a Mark Higginbotham point two minutes into the second-half, but in a twinkling Cathal Horan had the sides on 0-10 each when he converted a close-in free. Four minutes in came his all-important goal, he took a smart pass from the excellent Jack Shelly (who scored 0-4 from play) to crash his shot to the roof of the net from twenty metres. Staunch centre back Eoin Fennelly drove over a magnificent point to signal a period of dominance for his side, but Éire Óg were in no mood to capitulate. Mark Tuite and the highly impressive James Mackey rallied the side, and critically they were denied a goal in 41st minute, Mullinahone keeper Richie Walsh made a superb save at the expense of a '65 from Tuite. What a goal would have done for them at this crucial stage. Darragh Walsh, unerring from frees, all day converted the '65 to leave his side just a point in arrears (1-12 to 0-14).

Cathal Horan with two sweet scores on the trot suggested that his side were going to dictate the final quarter. However, Éire Óg stepped on the gas again, and Paul Slattery, Barry Heffernan and Mark Tuite struck wonderful scores to bring them right back into contention (1-14 to 0-17). Enterprising centreforward Denis Connolly shot Mullinahone in front again, and while Nenagh squandered scoreable chances at this stage that were to prove costly in the end, substitute Donnacha Quinn fired over the leveller five minutes from the end. It was to be Eire Og's last salvo. After their claims for a free near the Mullinahone goal were unsuccessful, the South champions launched a counter attack and Jack Shelly scored a lovely point following a solo run through the centre. They were unstoppable as they surged towards the winning post, scores in the dying minutes from Michael Dunne, and substitute Gerard Horan (nephew of former Tipp star John Leahy) putting the seal on a sweet victory.

A memorable season so far in the history of the famous dual club. In addition to the divisional and county titles in minor hurling and intermediate football, they also regained the South senior hurling crown, while inter-county senior hurling star Paul Curran received the coveted All-Star award. Spare a thought for Éire Óg. They have nothing to be ashamed of in defeat. Like Mullinahone, they have a number of players eligible for the grade next season, and in the case of some for another two years. In addition to those already mentioned, hardworking Adam Grattan also got his name on the scoresheet. Out of their total the losers scored 0-13 from play, a margin more than enough to win many a game. Much interest will focus on the career prospects of corner forward James Mackey who showed his class in the number 13 shirt for the Sky Blues.

Team and Scorers:
Kevin Flynn, Donnacha Heffernan, Kevin Gubbins, Niall Kennedy, Joe Geaney, Sean Geaney, Michael Collins, Darragh Walsh(0-5, 4f and 1-65), Killian Gleeson(0-1), Barry Heffernan(0-1), Mark Higginbottom(0-2), Paul Slattery(0-1), James Mackey(0-3), Bob O Brien, Adam Gratton(0-1).
Subs: Mark Tuite (0-3) for O Brien, Donncha Quinn(0-1) for Geaney.

MH COUNTY SEMI-FINAL 22nd Oct 2011 - Nenagh Eire Og 2-13 ClonoultyRossmore 2-8

Nenagh Éire Óg booked their passage to this year’s County Minor ‘ A’ hurling final with a comfortable win over West champions Clonoulty/Rossmore at a miserable rain-soaked Ragg on Sunday afternoon. The five-point winning margin belies the dominance of a Nenagh side, that never really looked in danger of being beaten by an injury-hit Clonoulty outfit, and were it not for a late scoring brace of 2-2 from the West champions in the closing ten minutes the gap would have been considerably greater at the final whistle.

A dominant opening half laid the foundations for a well-deserved Nenagh victory and while Clonoulty battled right to the death a nine-point interval deficit proved too much for the west champions to overcome. Minus the services of the injured Mark Tuite, Nenagh took the game to their opponents right from the throwin but it was Clonoulty corner-forward, Darren Corcoran who was first to raise a white flag after just 45 seconds. Nenagh responded in kind thanks to a well-taken James Mackey point following a great cross-field ball from Adam Grattan before Grattan popped up again to fire over Nenagh’s second point in the sixth minute. Nenagh continued to dominate the majority of the exchanges with Darragh Walsh adding Nenagh’s third point after gathering Sean Geaney’s quickly-taken free in the eighth minute. Nenagh pulled three clear minutes later after Mark Higginbotham spotted Sean Geaney in space and he bisected the uprights with ease. Clonoulty were struggling to cope with the dominance of Nenagh’s half-back line and with scores hard to come by they switched Sean Maher to centre forward in a bid to curb Sean Geaney’s early dominance. However, defensively Clonoulty were being put to the pin of their collar by a rampant Nenagh attack and it came as no surprise when James Mackey and Adam Grattan both linked up again to provide an early goal scoring opportunity for full forward, Bob O’Brien. O’Brien rattled the net from close-range in the eleventh minute after a Grattan spotted him unmarked on the edge of the square to fire Nenagh 1-4 to 0-1 ahead.

Sean Maher cut the deficit with a free but an instantaneous reply from the stick of Barry Heffernan maintained Nenagh’s advantage. Nenagh continued to threaten the Clonoulty goal and were unlucky not to find the net again in the 18th minute after Bob O’Brien sent James Mackey through on goal. Mackey unleashed a rocket but unfortunately saw his effort cannon off the crossbar while Bob O’Brien saw his follow-up effort cleared off the line. Clonoulty’s goal was leading a charmed life but Nenagh’s ability to adapt to the terrible underfoot conditions coupled with the dominance of their defence and the impressive work ethic of midfield pairing, Darragh Walsh and Killian Gleeson ensured they continued to maintain pressure on the men in green and gold.
Bob O’Brien put seven between the sides with a point from close-range before Adam Grattan pulled first time following a long delivery out of Nenagh’s defence to rattle the Clonoulty net for a second time after 21 minutes. The impressive Barry Heffernan quickly added another Nenagh point from an awkward angle along the bank sideline before successive Sean Maher points, the first coming from a long-range free, cut Nenagh’s advantage to nine.

Nenagh took a comfortable 2-7 to 0-4 lead to the dressing room at the break but faced a stiff Clonoulty challenge in the second half. Within seconds of the re-start the Nenagh goal came under attack with Ciarán Quirke almost netting from close range. Minutes later Sean Geaney was called upon to clear Sean Maher’s longrange free off the Nenagh line as Clonoulty went in search of an early goal. However, Nenagh’s inside back line held fast before Adam Grattan extended his side’s interval advantage. Nenagh continued to thwart the best Clonoulty could muster in the opening ten minutes of the half with goalkeeper, Kevin Flynn expertly blocking Sean Maher’s close-range shot in the 38th minute. Jimmy Maher converted the resulting 65’ but Nenagh’s tenpoint advantage was soon restored by Darragh Walsh. Successive points from Barry Heffernan and James Mackey put further daylight between the sides before a disputed sideline ball saw matters get a tad fractious along the stand sideline. Calm was quickly restored though before Sean Maher pointed a 49th minute free to keep the scoreboard ticking over. James Mackey and Sean Maher quickly traded points as the game entered the closing stages before Darragh Walsh fired over Nenagh’s thirteenth point on the 53rd minute. Nenagh continued to raid and were unlucky not to bag a third goal after Adam Grattan saw his goalbound effort rattle off the crossbar and away to safety.

Credit to Clonoulty they battled right to the death with Sean Maher rattling the Nenagh net with a superbly struck 21-yard free in the 54th minute before raising a white flag a minute later from a long-range free. Clonoulty goaled once more in the dying seconds after Sean Maher drilled a penalty straight to the back of the Nenagh net after corner back, Niall Kennedy was adjudged to have scooped the ball off the goal line with his hand. It mattered little to the eventual outcome though as Nenagh Éire Óg deservedly progressed to this year’s county final. The North champions were good value for their victory and impressed right throughout the field. In defence Kevin Gubbins and Sean Geaney marshaled their respective lines well with Geaney revelling in a sweeping role between both lines. Donnacha Heffernan, Niall Kennedy, Michael Collins and Joe Geaney were touch tight throughout while at midfield, Darragh Walsh and Killian Gleeson ran the show. In attack, Nenagh relied on the dangerous corner-forward duo of Adam Grattan and James Mackey while Bob O’Brien at full-forward provided the physical threat. In total, the inside forward line racked up 2-6 with all scores coming from play. Nenagh’s half-forward line also proved influential with Barry Heffernan, Mark Higginbotham and Paul Slattery contributing in no small measure to many of Nenagh’s attacks. Heffernan chipped in with three points from play, all of them from difficult angles as Nenagh booked safe passage to this year‘s decider. Clonoulty, on the other hand relied too heavily on the obvious talents of Sean Maher while Ciaran Quirke, Jimmy Maher and Conor Hammersley also impressed for the West champions.

Team and Scorers:
Kevin Flynn, Donnacha Heffernan, Kevin Gubbins, Niall Kennedy, Joe Geaney, Sean Geaney(0-1), Michael Collins, Darragh Walsh(0-3, 2f), Killian Gleeson, Barry Heffernan(0-3), Mark Higginbottom, Paul Slattery, James Mackey(0-3), Bob O Brien(1-1), Adam Gratton(1-2).
Subs: Donnacha Quinn for O Brien, Andrew Coffey for Collins.

SH 17th Sept 2011 - Nenagh Eire Og 0-14 ClonoultyRossmore 3-18

Nenagh Éire Og’s journey in this year’s County senior hurling championship ended last Saturday when Clonoulty Rossmore overwhelmed them in a disappointing county senior hurling quarter final. Never getting off the ground, Nenagh met a disciplined Clonoulty side where John O’Neill and county minor star Sean Maher led the way for the West champions. With their forward line not functioning, the Nenagh defence came under huge pressure and leaked goals at the wrong time. Nenagh made a good start and led 0-4 to 0-2 after 16 minutes but Sean Maher’s secured a goal after 22 minutes and from there, the Clonoulty side improved in the second quarter to take a 1-9 to 0-6 lead at half time.

Nenagh managed to stay with the leaders for the opening ten minutes of the second half but a John O’Neill goal in the 44th minute put the game out of reach for Éire Óg and it was beyond doubt six minutes later when O’Neill grabbed his second. O’Neill and Maher were in great form with the duo poaching 3-7 from play between them. However, players like Ritchie Flannery, Hugh Maloney, Eoin Fitzgibbon, John Brennan, Daire Quinn, Mark Flannery and Paul Ryan did as much as anyone could to quell the westerners but with John Devane and James Heffernan, Paudie White (0-5 and 0-3 from play) at midfield, keeping a tight grip on the game, the Nenagh attack where Michael Heffernan –who carried an injury into the game – and Paddy Murphy tried hard but were overawed and failed to get the necessary breaks needed to get over this hurdle.

It took the game eight minutes to get the scoreboard moving as Nenagh enjoyed their best period with Paddy Murphy (2), Michael Heffernan and Paul Ryan scoring to make it 0-4 to 0-2 after 16 minutes. John O’Neill had earlier opened the scoring and he had his second to level matters at 0-4 each after 20 minutes. Then two minutes later came Maher’s goal when he slipped inside the Nenagh cover after a good delivery from John O’Neill. A point from Timmy Hammersley plus three long range scores from Paudie White, the second from a free, increased the lead to seven. Nenagh would hit back and when Tommy Heffernan raced through but had his shot deflected out for a 65 by goalkeeper Declan O’Dwyer. Michael Heffernan converted but Sean Maher responded for Clonoulty before Tommy Heffernan pointed a sideline ball to leave the half time score at 1-9 to 0-6. Éire Óg looked to have a more determined look for the early part of the second half as Michael Heffernan pointed just seventeen seconds into the half. A long distance free by Paudie White helped regain the six-point lead for the westerners but Michael Heffernan hit back with a brace,the second a free from half way.

The four-point lead seemed manageable for Nenagh but the Clonoulty attack seemed a gear ahead as Paudie White and Timmy Hammersley pointed with Hammersley’s shot destined for the roof of the net before Michael McNamara deflected it over the bar. Veteran Eddie Tucker won a free on his first possession and Heffernan
scored but the game then entered a critical phase when John O’Neill raced inside the Nenagh cover to blast home a goal after running parallel to the endline. Sean Maher added a point seconds later. Michael Heffernan pointed a free to make it seven points for the former Tipp player but his efforts were in vain as Clonoulty continued to turn the screw with O’Neill grabbing his second goal.

There was more to follow as Sean Maher raced through before Eoin Fitzgibbon conceded a 65. Hammersley had no bother in finding the target from the placed ball and with the hour almost up another O’Neill score left fourteen points between the teams. At this stage, Clonoulty had lost Paudie White and Kevin Horan through injury. The intensity had decreased as Nenagh outscored their opponents three points (two for Paul Ryan and one for Mark Tuite) to two for the winners with Sean Maher and Fiachra O’Keeffe on target in the final run in.

Team and Scorers: Michael McNamara, Daire Quinn, Ritchie Flannery, Eoin Fitzgibbon, John Brennan, Hugh Maloney, Mark Flannery, Sean Geaney, Paul Ryan(0-3), Paddy Murphy(0-2), Shane Maher, Tommy Heffernan(0-1), Michael Heffernan(0-7, 3f 1-65), Noel Maloney, Cliff Maloney

Subs: Eddie Tucker for Maher, Mark Tuite(0-1) for Maloney, Billy Heffernan for Geaney.

SH 10th Sept 2011 - Nenagh Eire Og 2-16 Eire Og Annacarty 1-12

Nenagh Éire Óg needed a late rally to help them overcome West side Éire Óg Annacarty in an entertaining County Senior Hurling Championship round 3 clash on Sunday afternoon.The North semi finalists scored 1-4 in the last ten minutes to help secure the win. Prior to that, Nenagh were fighting hard to hold off a well-organised Annacarty side with just one-point separating the sides. From there, Paddy Murphy scored a point in the 50th minute with top scorer, Michael Heffernan, adding a free one minute later to give Nenagh some breathing space. Seconds later, Cliff Moloney raced on to a Noel Maloney centre before striking home for his team’s second goal and a satisfactory six point lead resulted. At this stage, Annacarty had Eoin Kennedy sent off for a second yellow card offence and with the game coming to a close Nenagh finished with confidence as Tommy Heffernan scored with Michael Heffernan having the final say when pointing a 65.

In the end the victory margin looked comfortable but it was a tough day at the office for a Nenagh side that lined out without the injured Kevin Tucker. It is suggested that he will have no further involvement with the team for the remaining of the campaign.

Nevertheless the Nenagh side had plenty leaders where Paddy Murphy was their best forward alongside Michael Heffernan. Daire Quinn was their most consistent defender while, Ritchie Flannery, John Brennan and Hugh Maloney gave it everything as did Mark Flannery and Sean Geaney. Éire Óg Annacarty side displayed real commitment with former Tipp defender Conor O’Brien really impressing with Brian Fox, Damien O’Brien and Padraic O’Dwyer also catching the eye.

With the game two minutes old, Nenagh won an early twenty metre free but Ritchie Flannery’s effort for goal was saved. The response from the West Tipp side was two points through Paul Ryan and Conor O’Brien from a free. By the tenth minute, Nenagh were level. Michael Heffernan pointed a twenty metre free before adding a 65. Steady play by Daire Quinn and Hugh Maloney, helped Nenagh began to take a grip on the game and they went on to take a three point lead with Paul Ryan finding the target from play plus two Michael Heffernan scores, the first a twenty metre free from a tight angle plus another from play. A quick response by Damien O’Brien was followed by a well worked move which had the Nenagh cover split in two allowing Kevin Fox run through to point after 17 minutes. Michael Heffernan replied for Nenagh with a 65 but with Conor O’Brien impressive at midfield, Annacarty continued to improve and points by Padraic O’Dwyer and Damien O’Brien -from a free- had the teams level at 0-6 each. Paudie O’Dwyer then gave Annacarty the lead but Paul Ryan levelled for Nenagh on 23 minutes. Michael Heffernan then helped his side regain the lead three minutes later.
Nenagh’s next attack was even more rewarding when Paddy Murphy switched from midfield to the forty commenced a great individual run when he raced up the left wing and after getting by two Annacarty defenders, he executed a great goal. Four minutes still remained to the break but neither side scored until Conor O’Brien pointed a free in added time to see the half time score at 1-8 to 0-8.

Four minutes after the break, Nenagh increased their lead with a longrange metre free from Michael Heffernan. However the Nenagh defence display more than the coolness and nerve required in usual circumstances as evident in Annacarty’s next attack. A high ball towards the Nenagh goalmouth seemed to have very little danger until Hugh Maloney decided to send the ball back to goalkeeper, Michael McNamara. McNamara appeared to have everything in hand and in his attempt to clear, he had half blocked by an in-rushing Donal O’Dwyer which deflected the ball to the net. A Michael Heffernan free in the 38th minute helped increase the Nenagh lead but the margin was quickly back to the minimum thanks to a Ronan O’Brien score. Further Nenagh scores from Michael Heffernan and Shane Maher put Nenagh three clear but Ronan O’Brien held his nerve to narrow the gap with a forty metre free on the three quarter mark. It was now a place for cool heads and good nerve as both sides failed to score over the next five minutes. Paddy Murphy led the way for Nenagh but the Annacarty defence gave little away. Eventually the scoring drought ended when Conor O’Brien was on target from a free. Patrick Murphy created a Nenagh attack and linking up with Michael Heffernan who missed the target. Murphy was more successful with his 50th minute score from play before Heffernan added a free a minute later. Then with Cliff Moloney finding the back of the net, Nenagh were home and hosed with their sights firmly set on further West opposition in Cappawhite in the next round.

Team and Scorers:
Michael McNamara, Daire Quinn, Ritchie Flannery, John Brennan, Mark Flannery, Hugh Maloney, Sean Geaney, Noel Maloney Billy Heffernan, Paul Ryan(0-2), Paddy Murphy(1-1), Shane Maher(0-1), Tommy Heffernan(0-1), Michael Heffernan(0-11, 6f 3-65), Cliff Maloney(1-0).
Subs: Pearse Morris for B Heffernen, Eddie Tucker for Maher, Eoin Fitzbiggon for H Maloney.

 

Minor Hurling North Final: Thurs 1st Sept 2011
Nenagh Eire Og 0-13 Toomevara 1-08

Nenagh complete their own 5 in a row

Nenagh Éire Óg created history by claiming their fifth North Minor ‘A’ hurling title in a row when they held off a second half rally from Toomevara following a very exciting final last Thursday evening. The winners played with the breeze in the first half and proceeding to build-up a five-point lead after thirty minutes but also shot seven wides. However Toomevara finished the half with a flurry hitting 1-1 in added time to leave the half time score at 0-7 to 1-3. The pace of the game upped in the second half but Nenagh remained composed as Mark Tuite helped increase their lead to three points after forty minutes. However Toomevara began to stage another recovery. They narrowed the gap to one at least twice in the final quarter the latest coming from Conor Delaney 65 after 60 minutes leaving the minimum between the teams.

Nenagh had to keep their nerve and when they created one last attack, a free from target man, Mark Tuite proved enough to seek the insurance score.The five-in-a-row is a first for Nenagh however their record and is one short of Roscrea’s six in a row 1958 to ’63 inclusive and Toomevara’s similar feat from 1993 to 1998. Nonetheless, the win brought the best from their defence where Adam Grattan, Sean Geaney and Joe Geaney hurled powerfully at half back. Sean Geaney played soundly at centre back and will be remembered for his goalline clearance in the second half as Toome enjoyed their best period. Kevin Gubbins enjoyed a good hour at full back as did Donnacha Heffernan and Niall Kennedy who never put a foot wrong in the corners in front of goalkeeper, Kevin Flynn who produced a string of great saves.

At midfield both Killian Gleeson and Darragh Walsh had their moments enjoying a great battle with Colin Hall and Mark Harty. Mark Tuite was Nenagh’s leader in attack. His move to centre forward made the difference as he had a right good battle with Toome’s Colm Canning who was one of Toome’s best players up to then. And while Tuite led the way, there was much to admire from James Mackey at left corner forward who picked up two valuable points in the first half. Both Barry Heffernan and Paul Slattery improved as the game went on. Both Paudie Shanahan and Conor Delaney led the fight back for the Greyhounds. Mark McCarthy was always available to pounce on any lapses by the Nenagh defence and almost succeeded on more than one occasion. Colm Canning played fantastic at centre back especially in the first half. Cathal Kennedy was reliable at full back with Ashley Bentley Brian Dunne and Jason Ryan catching the eye. Within a minute of the start, Mark McCarthy had Nenagh keeper Kevin Flynn on his toes after the corner forward let fly a rasping ground shot which went straight at the keeper. As both defences held firm, it wasn’t until the sixth minute before Nenagh opened the scoring through a Mark Tuite free after Killian Gleeson was fouled fifty metres out.

Toomevara responded immediately as centre forward Conor Delaney cut through the cover and passing to an unmarked Shane Nolan who levelled matters. Toome threatened once again with McCarthy cutting through the opposition defence but Donnacha Heffernan’s timely hook forced the Toome attacker to shoot wide.
In response, a poor Toomevara clearance, allowed James Mackey take a Daryl McCormack pass before scoring on sixteen minutes. Three minutes later, Mark Harty was on hand to level again. From there, Nenagh began to improve. Mark Tuite put his team ahead in the 20th minute. James Mackey scored brilliantly from the left wing on 24 minutes and two minutes later, Killian Gleeson put Mark Higginbotham through for another score.
At this stage, the Nenagh half backline of Adam Grattan plus Sean and Joe Geaney were slowly gaining confidence, and another score in the first minute of added time, scored by Mark Tuite make it 0-7 to 0-2.
Toomevara introduced Willie Coffey and the substitute and had a Toome point with his first touch. Half time was around the corner but one last attack by Toome saw Colm Canning’s long distant free come back from the stick of Kevin Flynn before Mark McCarthy reacted quickest to find the Nenagh net reducing the margin to just one at the break, 0-7 to 1-3.

Soon after the restart, Mark Tuite set the wheels in motion by putting Paul Slattery through for a Nenagh point. Seconds later, Tuite himself increased the lead following a link up with wing back Joe Geaney.
Toomevara responded with Paraic Shanahan being fouled on route to goal and Conor Delaney pointed the resulting free. Back came Nenagh as Daryl McCormack was through on goal before forcing a 65 which Tuite converted. However Toome replied with two quick points, one from play by Anthony Whelan plus a pointed free from Conor Delaney to leave Toomevara within a point of the leaders. The strengthening breeze was now helping Toome and similar to Nenagh in the first half it was now the turn of the Greyhounds to begin missing the target.

The next score would be vital and once Barry Heffernan caught a lengthy puckout, he raced through to put Nenagh two clear. In the 49th minute, Conor Delaney replied with a free from a difficult angle. Further Toomevara pressure had the Nenagh support in shock before Sean Geaney cleared the ball off the line after a low shot by McCarthy. Relieved to have escaped, Nenagh went down field. James Mackey won a free, and Nenagh were thankful for Mark Tuite’s accuracy. Toomevara were not done yet. Mark McCarthy raced through and was fouled. A chance to narrow the gap but Shane Nolan went for goal. His shot was weak and Nenagh cleared. By now the game had reached the hour mark. Toome forced a 65 and Conor Delaney narrowed the gap to one. The Toome attacks continued. Colin Hall had a chance to level but chose to go for goal but Kevin Flynn dealt with the weak shot and cleared. This led a chance for Nenagh to break out of their half. Darragh Walsh led the way and earned a free which Mark Tuite scored to leave two between the teams - the game now three minutes into added time. Toome made one last attempt for a goal but Nenagh managed to hold on for their historic win.

Team and Scorers:
Kevin Flynn, Donnacha Heffernan, Kevin Gubbins, Niall Kennedy, Adam Gratton, Sean Geaney, Joe Geaney, Killian Gleeson(0-1), Darragh Walsh, Paul Slattery(0-1), Mark Higginbottom(0-1), Barry Heffernan, Daryl McCormack, Mark Tuite(0-8, 4f, 1 65), James Mackey(0-2).
Subs: Donnacha Quinn for Higginbottom, John Cahalane for McCormack, Andrew Coffey for Gratton.

SHC 2nd Round: Sunday 31st July 2011
Nenagh Eire Og 3-13 Holycross 2-08

Nenagh Éire Óg made hard work of overcoming a resolute Holycross side in a well-contested county SHC clash on Sunday afternoon.

Going into this encounter Nenagh were deservedly cast as odds on favourites but following the previous weekend’s disappointing loss to Toomevara in the North semi-final many wondered if they would be caught cold by a Holycross side who failed to impress in this year’s Mid championship. Added to this was the fact that they were forced to line out without Michael Heffernan (injured ankle) and Noel Maloney (injured hip) but still fielded a side peppered with a nice blend of youth and experience.

From the outset it appeared that Nenagh were the stronger side but a plethora of wides coupled with the fact that their forward line looked far from dangerous saw them fire no less than eight wides in the opening quarter. Nenagh relied on the impressive Kevin Tucker to open their account with an early free and 65' before his brother Eddie fired over Nenagh’s first from play in the seventh minute.
Holycross kept pace though with Liam Dwan (two frees) and James Dunne both on target before Dwan was again on target from a free and a 15th minute effort from play to edge Holycross two clear.
Nenagh continued to create the chances though with Tommy Heffernan firing narrowly wide after beating his man and making a bee line towards goal, but they were rocked back on their heels in the 19th minute after Kevin Tucker was penalised for a challenge on midfielder, Michael Doyle and Liam Dwan’s low trajectory free flew straight to the back of the Nenagh net.
Despite the blow Nenagh gathered themselves and switched Paddy Murphy to full-forward and Eddie Tucker to centre-forward in a bid to shake up their attack. Within six minutes of the goal, two fine points from Murphy coupled with an earlier Kevin Tucker effort had Nenagh back in touch again.Nenagh continued to gain momentum as the half came to a close with Shane Maher knifing over a fine effort on the stroke of half-time to see Nenagh trail by just the bare minimum at the break,
0-7 to 1-5. Indeed, Nenagh were right to felt aggrieved that they weren’t on level terms at the break after Paul Ryan’s 28th minute effort from range was deemed wide despite one umpire adamantly calling for a point and the other calling for wide.

Within minutes of the restart Paddy Murphy set up Paul Ryan for another crack at goal at he duly bisected the uprights before Holycross again threatened to de-rail Nenagh’s bid for county glory with a cracking 39th minute goal from the stick of Dinny Ferncombe.
Nenagh provided the perfect riposte though with Paddy Murphy tearing through the Holycross defence to rattle the net at the other end to abruptly cut short the Holycross goal celebrations. Worryingly though for Nenagh was the fact that the wides count was steadily increasing while Holycross responded impressively to the Nenagh goal with two Rob Stakelum points.
Midway through the half Nenagh introduced Michael Heffernan and Noel Maloney and despite carrying knocks both men added potency to the Nenagh attack while a 46th minute 65’ from the stick of Kevin Tucker ensured Nenagh restored parity.

Within minutes of his introduction, Michael Heffernan accepted a deft pass from Paddy Murphy before firing Nenagh into the lead for the first time in the game before a crucial and brave save from Nenagh goalkeeper, Michael McNamara with nine minutes to go served to put more than a dent in the Holycross challenge after Liam Dwan found himself one-on-one with the Nenagh custodian.
Had Holycross bagged a third goal it may have been curtains for Nenagh. However, despite the missed goal opportunity substitute, Liam McCullough's point leveled matters for the sixth time but as time
ticked away it was Nenagh who opened the taps in the closing stages to pull clear.
Within seconds of his introduction, substitute Pearse Morris rattled the Holycross net after impressive approach play from Cliff Moloney before Tommy Heffernan added an insurance point with three minutes of normal time remaining. A further Noel Maloney point coupled with an injury time Michael Heffernan goal was enough to see off a game
Holycross side and ensure Nenagh ran out eight point winners. The margin of victory does not reflect the inadequacies in Nenagh’s performance though. A total of 21 wides will raise concerns but far better to experience a bout of squanderlust in front of goal at this stage of the championship than at a later date against tougher opposition. Nenagh were out of sorts in attack in the opening half but defensively Daire Quinn, Ritchie Flannery and John Brennan were impressive, as were Sean Geaney, Hugh Maloney and Mark Flannery in the half back line while Kevin Tucker got through a mountain of work at midfield. Holycross battled hard in the second half and while Nenagh’s defensive dominance waned slightly for the opening quarter of the half, Nenagh’s respective forward lines started to pick off the much-needed scores. The introduction of subs served to bolster Nenagh’s cause and with their second goal from the stick of Pearse Morris serving to deflate the Holycross cause.
Meanwhile, Holycross can feel duly proud of their performance with Cathal Carroll, Michael Doyle, Liam Dwan, Rob Stakelum, Sean Stakelum and the impressive corner back, Tossy Comerford catching the eye for Holycross.

Team and Scorers: Michael McNamara, Daire Quinn, Ritchie Flannery, John Brennan, Mark Flannery, Hugh Maloney, Sean Geaney, Kevin Tucker(0-5, 1f, 2 65), Billy Heffernan, Paul Ryan(0-1), Paddy Murphy(1-2), Shane Maher(0-1), Tommy Heffernan(0-1), Eddie Tucker, Cliff Maloney.

Subs: Michael Heffernan(1-2), for Maher, Pearse Morris(1-0) for Tucker, Noel Maloney(0-1) for Ryan.

 

 

North Senior Hurling Championship Semi-Final: Sat 23rd July 2011
Nenagh Eire Og 0-16 Toomevara 0-18

Two points in the final five minutes proved the difference as Toomevara edged out great rivals Nenagh Éire Óg in a gripping North Senior Hurling Championship semi-final on Saturday evening.
While the sides have produced better quality games down through the years, few will have been as tense as this one as there was little between the sides at any stage with crucially Toomevara always managing to keep their noses in front. When the greyhounds assumed the lead for the second time in the 17th minute, they never relinquished it thereafter and crucially when Nenagh fought back to level on two occasions in the final ten minutes, Toome managed to get the next score with a revitalised Willie Ryan and sub Bob Duff popping up with the winning scores.
The tense nature of the game spilled over in the 41st minute when following an altercation between Ken Dunne and Hugh Maloney, an ugly row developed with all 30 players becoming involved with referee Willie Clohessy and his linesmen struggling to restore order with battles developing among several players.
When order was finally restored, both Dunne and Maloney were issued with just yellow cards with the match official fortunate that both teams settled down to hurl and provide a hectic finish as Nenagh fought in vain to at least force the game into extra time in front of a large crowd at as ever was a well-prepared Dolla venue.
Very little separated the sides but Toomevara just shaded it in the performance of their back line. The full back line led the way with Terry Dunne producing a superb display at full back as Nenagh tried four different players at full forward but none managed to get the better of the veteran defender.
Barry Dunne and Andrew Ryan had very good games in the corners while the half back line of Darren Delaney, Benny Dunne and David Young were strong under the dropping ball and delivered quick ball into their forwards.
Joey McLoughney’s impressive championship form continued, particularly in the first half and his three long range points proved the difference come the end as Toome’s forwards struggled also but the ability outfield to pick off long range points was crucial.
John O’Brien and Willie Ryan were the only Toomevara forwards to score with two each with Willie Ryan appearing to have a pep in his step again which is only good for Toome going forward. Eoin Brislane was kept well under wraps by Ritchie Flannery.
Flannery along with Daire Quinn and John Brennan were also a very strong full back line for Nenagh and could not have done more for the cause. Hugh Maloney was powerful in the half back line with Sean Geaney and Mark Flannery solid lieutenants on the wing.
Paddy Murphy partnered Paul Ryan in midfield for the main part with the latter contributing two points in an effective display while Murphy had a frustrating game, being well snuffed out in various positions. Michael Heffernan finished with three points but didn’t manage to get on the ball as much as his side had hoped while Kevin Tucker was solid from frees once again.
Tommy Heffernan’s pace caused the Toome defence problems and could have taken on a few more attempts at goal while Cliff Moloney was lively when introduced late on and had chances for points which could have taken the game to extra time.
Scores flowed regularly throughout despite the game really only springing to life in the second half. Toomevara captain John O’Brien fired his side into an early lead before points from Kevin Tucker
(free) and Michael Heffernan had Nenagh in front inside four minutes.
Ken Dunne and Kevin Tucker traded frees before Tucker doubled the lead with an eighth minute free. Long range points from wing backs Darren Delaney and David Young brought Toome level after eleven minutes before Paul Ryan edged Nenagh back in front soon after.

The quality of scores was high in the early stages with Joey McLoughney and Kevin Tucker adding wellworked points for their sides before a poor clearance by Paddy Murphy went straight to John O’Brien who pointed from 70-yards to level the game once again at six points apiece after 16 minutes.
A Ken Dunne free nudged Toome back in front before Willie Ryan began a move at midfield and ended up pointing from the left wing to double Toome’s lead. Kevin Tucker reduced the arrears before Joey McLoughney
nonchalantly slotted over from distance for another super point for
Toome.
Two points from Ken Dunne put Toome into a four-point lead after 24 minutes as they made a crucial move in the buildup to half time. Paul Ryan pointed from distance before Michael Heffernan doubled a loose ball over the bar. Ken Dunne and Kevin Tucker added frees for their respective sides with Toome having the best goal chance of the half when Paddy Grace doubled on a ball from 21-yards which Michael McNamara did well to stop.

Trailing 0-12 to 0-10 at the interval, Kevin Tucker quickly reduced the arrears with a free after half time before Ken Dunne added to his tally of frees before McLoughney again landed another fine point from the right wing.
Ritchie Flannery landed a long range free before Paul Ryan played a fine ball in front of Michael Heffernan who landed an angled point as the margin was again down to onepoint just prior to the 30-man brawl which ignited the game.
When the dust settled, despite Ken Dunne landing a 65-yard free, Nenagh began to dominate, particularly in defence with Ritchie Flannery and John Brennan making numerous clearances and after Kevin Tucker converted another free, Noel Maloney played in Cliff Moloney for the levelling score with ten minutes or normal time remaining.
All the momentum was with Nenagh but Toome managed to create a half chance of a goal with Willie Ryan’s shot being saved at the near post by Michael McNamara at the expense of a 65 which Ken Dunne duly
converted. Cliff Moloney should have levelled for Nenagh as he
passed up an easy chance in search of a goal which James McGrath comfortably dealt with.
Tommy Heffernan cut through the middle of the Toome defence to flick the equaliser with four minutes to go but from the puckout, Willie
Ryan pointed from a difficult angle to edge Toome back in front and
a minute later, sub Bob Duff pointed from a similarly acute angle on the other wing although Nenagh’s protests that it went wide went unheard. Nenagh had their chances in the dying minutes but in their
search for a goal,gave up point scoring chances with Toomevara seeing out the three minutes of added to take a step closer to winning back-to-back North Senior Hurling titles

Team and Scorers:
Michael McNamara, Daire Quinn, Ritchie Flannery(0-1,1f), John Brennan, Mark Flannery, Hugh Maloney, Sean Geaney, Kevin Tucker(0-8, 7f), Paul Ryan(0-2), Paddy Murphy Michael Heffernan(0-3), Shane Maher, Tommy Heffernan(0-1), Noel Maloney, Pearse Morris.
Subs: Cliff Maloney(0-1) for Morris,

 

North Tipp Junior A Hurling league final - 8th July 2011 - Portroe

Nenagh Eire Og 1-17 Kildangan1-12

 

North Tipp Junior B Hurling league final - 1st July 2011 - Toomevara

Nenagh Eire Og 0-12 Silvermines 0-10

Nenagh Éire Óg captured the North Junior 'B' hurling league title following a tough battle with a fancied Silvermines side at a sunsplashed Toomevara on Friday evening. Going into this encounter many fancied the 'Mines to build upon their hard-earned victory over Toomevara in the semi-final while Nenagh went into the decider following an unexpected victory over Kilruane MacDonaghs.Despite being underdogs from the outset the Sky Blues never shirked from the challenge that faced them and despite a nervy start took the game to Silvermines. In a game peppered with some fine passages of play the 'Mines appeared to hold the upper hand for the majority of the encounter but credit to Nenagh they managed to keep in touch right to the death thanks in the main to the accuracy of Darragh Walsh and Niall Madden from placed balls.

Silvermines were quick out of the blocks with Gary Tuohy (free) opening their account in the second minute before Touhy again converted seconds later after Eamon Hodgins fouled Timmy Kelly. The 'Mines continued to dominate the opening flurries with Brendan Timmons delivering a booming clearance to full-forward, John Kennedy and he bisected the uprights with ease. Despite the bright start the 'Mines soon allowed Nenagh to gain a foothold with Niall Madden opening the Blues' account with a well-struck 65' in the sixth minute before Madden stepped up again seven minutes later to drill over a long-range effort.

Although the Mines' half back line of Stephen Kennedy, Brendan Timmons and Damian Egan were well on top with some fine clearances it was in attack where the 'Mines were struggling. In contrast Nenagh's half-back line of Shane O'Carroll, Kieran O'Donoghue and Kieran Duffy were also on top and snuffing out the best Nenagh could muster. With both defences on top scores were hard to come by but Nenagh eventually bagged their first from play thanks to a David Hickey effort in the 19th minute. Silvermines responded with a third Gary Tuohy free before Anthony McGrath fired the 'Mines back in front with a sweet 23rd minute point.

Nenagh again restored parity with a 25th minute Darragh Walsh free but a late Gary Touhy free on the cusp of halftime saw the 'Mines take a deserved 0-6 to 0-5 lead with them to the dressing room.
The 'Mines introduced Sean Quirke at the break in a bid to strengthen their flagging attack but within seconds of the re-start Nenagh had once again pegged back the solitary point lead thanks to a welltaken David Cleary point. However, the 'Mines quickly responded again with Sean Quirke setting up Cathal Gleeson for his side's seventh point. Ace freetaker, Darragh Walsh hit back with a closerange 36th minute free but not before Kevin Flynn in the Nenagh goal had grabbed Sean Quirke's goal bound snapshot and cleared upfield. Timmy Kelly edged the 'Mines back in front in the 44th minute but as matters threatened to turn a little fractious mid-way through the half, referee Seamus Tynan issued no less than four yellow cards in the space of a couple of minutes in a bid to calm matters down.

Nenagh then introduced Adam Grattan and Bob O'Brien in a bid to boost their midfield and attack as the 'Mines threatened to gain a deciding foothold in the closing quarter. And a foothold they subsequently got with points from Gary Touhy (free) and Timmy Kelly saw the 'Mines pull two clear for the first time since the opening exchanges with just seven minutes remaining of normal time. Nenagh rallied late onthough thanks to frees awarded by referee, Seamus Tynan. A beautifully struck Niall Madden free with five minutes remaining coupled with a closerange free from the stick of Darragh Walsh brought Nenagh on terms before a sublime long-range free from Madden saw Nenagh snatch the lead as injury time approached.

Credit to the 'Mines they battled hard to secure an equalizer but a dubious free deep in injury time which was duly converted by Darragh Walsh put pay to any aspirations the 'Mines may have harboured.
Impressive for Nenagh were Shane O'Carroll, Kieran O'Donoghue, Kieran Duffy, Niall Madden, Darragh Walsh and Eamon Hodgins while Brendan Timmons, Damian Egan, Stephen Kennedy, Peter Kennedy, Cathal Gleeson, Timmy Kelly and Gary Tuohy caught the eye for the 'Mines.

Team and Scorers: Kevin Flynn, Michael Hynes, Eamonn Hodgins, Paddy Flynn, Kieran O Donoghue, Kieran Duffy, Shane O Carroll, Niall Madden(0-4, 3f and 1-65), Jamie Gallagher, David Cleary(0-1), David Sherlock(capt|), John Donnellan, Peter Egan(0-1), David Hickey(0-1), Darragh Walsh(0-5,5f).
Subs: Adam Gratton for Gallagher, Bob O Brien for Egan, Noel Tomlinson for Donnellan

North Tipp Senior Hurling Championship quarter final - 22nd June 2011 - Toomevara

Nenagh Eire Og 1-20 Kilruane 2-13

Nenagh Éire Óg set up a North semi-final clash with arch-rivals Toomevara after deservedly fending off the challenge of Kilruane MacDonaghs in a highly entertaining quarter final last Wednesday evening. Three points in injury time finally confirmed their progress as despite dominating the game for periods, they could not shake off the challenge of Kilruane who will rue missed chances in the second half for their failure to progress. Eight second half wides and three goal chances spurned saw Kilruane’s title hopes evaporate for another year. However, Nenagh were the better-rounded team, more efficient in attack and disciplined in defence where they conceded only two points from frees.

Nenagh goalkeeper Michael McNamara came to his sides’ rescue in the second half with two point blank saves in an impressive display. In defence, Sean Geaney had his difficulties with Shane Quinlan but his deft flick to deny the Kilruane a certain goal nine minutes into the second half which was the turning point as Kilruane would have hit the front. Noel Maloney started at full back but was swiftly moved out following Brian O’Meara’s goal with Ritchie Flannery moving back from centre back where he produced a man of the match display, as Kilruane sent ball after ball down the middle in the second half but Flannery won them each time. Daire Quinn’s good form continued at wing back while Hugh Maloney was impressive right through and stepped-in to great effect at centre back when Nenagh re-jigged their defence. The move saw Paul Ryan move to midfield where he got through a lot of work along side Kevin Tucker. In the forward line, Michael Heffernan responded to be being dropped from the Tipperary senior panel with a superb performance, ending with seven points from play. Paddy Murphy was excellent allthrough in a forward role in the first half scoring three points and drifted back to midfield to win a lot of ball in the second half. Shane Maher and Tommy Heffernan had their moments also.

The game saw the return to action of Seamus Hennessy for Kilruane. The centre back has been out of action for the last four months with a knee injury and his lack of game time showed in the first half in every aspect of his game but he really stepped into the game in the second half. He along with Martin Walsh, Gavin McAvinchey and Eoin Hogan did well in defence while at midfield Justin Cahill was their star man from first minute to last as he and Niall O’Meara featured prominently and more than most helped pull Kilruane back into the game despite the loss of Mark O’Leary before half time. Ray McLoughney and Shane Quinlan were their leading performers in attack with four points each from play while Brian O’Meara cracked in a superb first half goal, we could not get free from the shackles of Ritchie Flannery and eventually went to centre forward in the second half.

Nenagh made just one change from the side that defeated Roscrea with Noel Maloney returning from injury at full back with Billy Heffernan losing out in the defensive reshuffle. Kilruane made four changes with Seamus Hennessy, Stephen Murphy and Eoin Hogan returning to the defence with Niall O’Meara returning to the half forward line. Ray McLoughney fired Kilruane into an early lead with Shane Quinlan adding a second after Kevin Tucker had converted his first free of the evening. Michael Heffernan levelled in the third minute but from the puckout, Kilruane created their first goal. An Eoin Hogan delivery broke off Brian O’Meara into the path of Shane Quinlan in a dangerous position but he was pulled down in the square by John Brennan; Seamus Hennessy came forward and made no mistake as he shook the net. Kilruane almost added a second two minutes later when Sean Geaney cleared off the line as Shane Quinlan was ready to pounce.

Kilruane didn’t build on their start as Nenagh began to take over, winning all the 50-50 battles and they were level by the 16th minute with Michael Heffernan adding two points with Kevin Tucker converting a free. Paddy Murphy edged them in front before they hit for their only goal after twenty minutes as Tommy Heffernan’s shot was saved by David Reddan but the rebound fell to Pearse Morris who could not miss from three-yards. Kilruane responded positively with Shane Quinlan adding his second before they hit the net again in the 23rd minute
when a Justin Cahill delivery was superbly caught by Brian O’Meara who shrugged off the challenge of Noel Maloney and fired to the net from 21-yards to bring the sides level again.

Kevin Tucker and Thomas Williams traded frees as Nenagh slowly reexerted their control with Michael Heffernan and Kevin Tucker adding to their tallies with Paddy Murphy adding a further two from play to one lone range point from Justin Cahill as Nenagh took a 1-11 to 2-5 lead to the break. Kilruane hurled with more urgency at the start of the second half with Brian O’Meara winning a free, which Thomas Williams converted. There was almost a dramatic shift in the 35th minute when Gavin McAvinchey cleared off his own line at one end and began a move where Shane Quinlan flashed a goal chance wide that the other. They carried all the threat in the early minutes of the second half with Ray McLoughney reducing the margin to a minimum and in the 39th minute, Shane Quinlan was through on goal again but Sean Geaney got back to make a crucial last-ditch dispossession.

Nenagh finally got going with a 42nd minute point from Michael Heffernan and with Kevin Tucker (free) and sub Eoghan Slattery adding further points as Nenagh went four ahead with seventeen minutes to go. Kilruane remained threatening with Ray McLoughney adding two points, the second from a 65 after his goal chance was well-saved by the advancing Michael McNamara in the 46th minute. Michael Heffernan and Shane Quinlan traded points and when Kevin Tucker scored a fine point from play, Nenagh were three-points clear again with eight minutes to go. Kilruane never gave in and two 55th minute points from Brian O’Meara and Shane Quinlan reduced the margin to the minimum once again. Michael Heffernan added his seventh of the game but Ray McLoughney followed up once more. Kilruane almost forced the goal they were threatening but Michael McNamara was alert once more to come out to deny Liam Gibson. That proved to be their last chance as Nenagh impressively saw the game out with Shane Maher, Tommy Heffernan and Hugh Maloney all firing over injury time points to seal a four-point win.

Team and Scorers: Michael McNamara, Sean Geaney, Noel Maloney, John Brennan, Mark Flannery, Richie Flannery, Daire Quinn, Hugh
Maloney,(0-1) Kevin Tucker(0-6, 5f), Paul Ryan, Shane Maher(0-1), Paddy Murphy, (0-3) Tommy Heffernan(0-1), Michael Heffernan(0-7), Pearse Morris(1-0)
Subs: Eoghan Slattery (0-1) for Morris, Cliff Maloney for Ryan

North Tipp Senior Hurling Championship- 15th May 2011 - Toomevara

Nenagh Eire Og 0-14 Borrisoleigh 2-08

Borris-Ileigh will rue what might have been as Nenagh Éire Óg came from behind to earn a vital point from a hard-fought North Senior Championship clash on Sunday evening. The maroons wasted five decent
goal-scoring chances after Philip Rabbitte added two more to bring it championship tally to four in three games. But credit goes to Nenagh who stuck to their task and fought back well in the second half against the wind and had their own goal-scoring chances in the game with sub Pearse Morris having the best of them late on.
In a game where the biggest lead was three points, a draw was probably a fair result in a wellcontested game played at a high intensity but it didn’t lead to good passages of hurling as there was a lot of bunching under the high ball while rucks for possession were a regular feature.

Both sets of backs had the upperhand with Tommy Fahey and Rory Kinane outstanding for Borris-Ileigh while Sean McCormack and Vincent Stapleton were also to the fore. On the Nenagh side, Sean Geaney continues to impress at corner back while John Brennan, Daire Quinn and Ritchie Flannery also had tidy games. Kevin Tucker was the games’ top-scorer with eight points and was unerring from placed balls. Tommy Heffernan was Nenagh’s main threat with three points from play as Michael Heffernan was well curtailed. Paddy Murphy won some crucial ball on the forty while Hugh Maloney and Shane Maher also had their moments. Mark Bourke matched Tommy Heffernan with a three point haul from play and Borris needed his scores from midfield as they got little in the forward line apart from Philip Rabbitte who finished with 2-1. They will wonder how they only scored 2-8 with the ease at times at which they opened up the Nenagh defence as added to the goal chances, they also shot eleven wides. Nenagh made just one change to the side that defeated Templederry with Mark Flannery coming in for the injured Hugh Flannery. Borris made two changes from their draw with Templederry with Tommy Fahey and Martin Maher handed starts with Benny Harkin and John Ryan dropping to the bench.

Playing with a stiff breeze, Nenagh made the better start and points from Kevin Tucker and Tommy Heffernan had them off and running inside five minutes. Mark Bourke and a David O’Connor free had Borris level after seven minutes but Nenagh pulled three clear by the 13th minute as a second Tucker free was added to by points from Eoghan Slattery and Tommy Heffernan. Borris-Ileigh levelled on the quarter hour as Dan McCormack hooked Paul Ryan before taking possession and soloing forward before off-loading to Rabbitte who rifled the ball to the roof of the net from an acute angle. The full forward almost struck a second a minute later as he connected to a David O’Connor free but Willie Bolger showed great reactions to save and clear. Nenagh had a chance at the other end soon after when Paddy Murphy burst through the middle but his handpass was just inches too far in front of Tommy Heffernan as the ball rolled wide. Mark Bourke and Kevin Tucker traded scores before Philip Rabbitte struck for a second goal in the 23rd minute, scoring from a fine ground shot from an acute angle after another David O’Connor free landed dangerously in the square. O’Connor converted a free for Borris’s final score of the half but Nenagh hit back with two frees from Kevin Tucker and a second Tommy Heffernan point to trail 0-9 to 2-4 at half time.

Borris could and should have sealed the game in the five minutes after half time. Dan McCormack again put Philip Rabbitte in within fifteen seconds of the restart but the full forwards’ shot flew across the face of goal and wide. Mark Bourke did extend the lead with his third point of the game but Rabbitte again spurned a chance in the 33rd minute, again fed by McCormack but he didn’t get control of the ball when he was unmarked in front of goal. Keith Ryan extended the lead to three points but Nenagh slowly began to get a foothold and three points in six minutes from Kevin Tucker (2 frees) and fine high catch and point by Shane Maher had Nenagh level after 43 minutes. Borris squandered another goal chance a minute later as Keith Ryan robbed John Brennan and bore down on goal but kicked his shot badly wide with only the keeper to beat when he had time to shorten the hurl to flick to the net. Philip Rabbitte pointed to edge Borris back in front before Keith Ryan had a goal chance blocked when a point should have been taken. David O’Connor extended the lead to two with nine minutes to go but Nenagh finished the stronger.

Michael Heffernan reduced the arrears to one before Tommy Heffernan put Pearse Morris in behind the Borris defence but he didn’t get a proper connection on his ground shot which was comfortably saved by Jody Harkin. Nenagh levelled with a Kevin Tucker 65 with four minutes to go. In the time that remained, neither side could create and giltedged winner with Borris having the best chance but a David O’Connor free from 70-yards tailed wide.

Team and Scorers: Willie Bolger, Sean Geaney, Noel Maloney, John Brennan, Mark Flannery, Richie Flannery, Daire Quinn, Hugh Maloney, Paul Ryan, Kevin Tucker(0-8, 7f,1 65), Shane Maher(0-1), Paddy Murphy, Tommy Heffernan(0-3), Michael Heffernan(0-1), Eoghan Slattery(0-1).
Subs: Pearse Morris for Ryan, Mark Tuite for Maher (blood.

 

North Tipp Senior Hurling Championship- 9th May 2011 - Dolla

Nenagh Eire Og 1-16 Templederry 0-09

Nenagh Éire Óg leaped to the top of the ultra competitive Group 2 of the Senior Hurling Championship as their first half display laid the foundations for their second win on Sunday afternoon. Coming off the surprise defeat to Portroe six days previous, a backlash was always expected from Nenagh as they put Templederry to the sword in the first half opening a nine-point lead at half time and while they did have to suffer a few nervous moments in the second half, found the scores required to keep Templederry at arms length.

Nenagh’s greater potency in attack was the main difference between the sides, particularly Michael Heffernan who scored six points from play in the first half in an impressive showing. It was a superb haul considering the difficult conditions endured by both sides with a gale force wind blowing across the field making shooting very difficult with both sides having wides totals in the double figures come the final whistle.

Heffernan was well contained in the second half when Christy Coughlan was moved to   full back but the damage had been done at that stage.

Heffernan was part of a potent full forward line where his brother Tommy as well as Eoghan Slattery shot two points from play each.

Kevin Tucker found free-taking difficult in the conditions but not so Ritchie Flannery who judged the elements superbly for two long range placed balls. Flannery was in command in open play at centre back in a backline that contained Templederry very well with Noel Maloney, Daire Quinn and Sean Geaney also to the fore. Behind them, Willie Bolger had a fine game in goals, making a fine save to deny Brian Stapleton in the first half while also dealing with high balls very well and also saving   two 21-yard frees late on.

Hugh Maloney made a welcome return to the midfield, wearing a modified helmet to provide extra protection to his fractured cheekbone and along with Paul Ryan did a lot of good work in midfield.

This was a very disappointing performance from Templederry with their forwards in particular struggled to get scores. The loss of the injured Éanna Murray is huge in   this respect as Gearóid Ryan is a marked man and again struggled to influence the game. Adrian Ryan again top-scored with five points from placed balls from midfield.

Thomas Stapleton could not have done much more at centre back with another fine display with Michael Ryan, John Harkin and Christy Coughlan also having their moments. It was another tough day for full back Donal McGrath who found Michael Heffernan on form.

Nenagh made to changes from the side that lost to Portroe with Sean Geaney coming in at corner back and Hugh Maloney at midfield. Billy Heffernan and Mark Flannery were the players to lose out while Templederry were unchanged.

Nenagh made the brighter start and were four points to the good after nine points through points from Ritchie Flannery 65, Tommy Heffernan and two points from Michael Heffernan and but for four wides, it could have been greater.

Timmy Minogue got Templederry off the mark after twelve minutes but his side was struggling to make their slight wind advantage count as shots tailed wide to the left. Michael Heffernan benefitted from a slip by Donal McGrath to fire over his third point in the 18th minute.

From the puckout, the ball broke into the path of Brian Stapleton who  soloed on but his shot was saved at the near post by Willie Bolger for a 65. The 65 dropped short and cleared but only to Padraig O’Leary who shot Templederry’s second and final point of the half as Nenagh took control to shoot six unanswered points from play, Michael Heffernan (3), Eoghan Slattery, Tommy Heffernan and Paddy Murphy to take a commanding 0-11 to 0-2 lead at half time.

Templederry started the second half with much greater urgency in their play and crucially got the first score through Donal McGrath who was now at wing back. A lovely weighted pass from Tommy Heffernan to Kevin Tucker saw the veteran forward open his account in the 33rd minute but

Nenagh weren’t to score for a further   fourteen minutes as

Templederry whittled the lead from nine to five with Adrian Ryan converting three placed balls and when Padraig Ryan scored a fine angled point, the comeback looked on.

However, former Templederry player Paul Ryan eased Nenagh’s nerves with a long range point with Kevin Tucker (free) and Eoghan Slattery adding points as Nenagh eased clear once again by eight points. An Adrian Ryan free was cancelled out by a Ritchie Flannery 65 before the centre back was sent forward to take a 54th minute penalty after a foul by Christy Coughlan on Hugh Maloney. Flannery’s crisp strike flew to the back of the net. Templederry pushed hard for goals in the remaining minutes but Nenagh keeper Willie   Bolger saved 21-yard frees from Matthew Ryan and Thomas Stapleton with their final consolation score coming from an Adrian Ryan free.

Team and Scorers: Willie Bolger, Sean Geaney, Noel Maloney, John Brennan, Hugh Flannery, Richie Flannery(1-2, 1-0pen, 0-2f), Daire Quinn, Hugh Maloney, Paul Ryan(0-1), Kevin Tucker(0-2, 1f),  Shane Maher, Paddy Murphy(0-1), Tommy Heffernan(0-2), Michael Heffernan(0-6), Eoghan Slattery(0-2).

Subs: Pearse Morris for Maher.

North Tipp Senior Hurling Championship- 2nd May 2011 - Toomevara

Nenagh Eire Og 0-19 Portroe 3-14

Portroe caused the first major upset of this year’s North Senior Hurling Championship with a well-deserved victory over a disappointing Nenagh Éire Óg on Monday afternoon. Undoubtedly favoured by many prior to this encounter, Nenagh were hit by a first half Portroe whirlwind which laid the foundations for their subsequent four-point victory.

However, the elements played a major part in this encounter also with a stiff breeze ably assisting Portroe’s efforts in the opening half and duly providing the Portroe men with the platform upon which to build a sizeable interval advantage. That platform was seriously stress-tested though in the second half as a spirited Nenagh Éire Óg fightback saw them peg back a 13-point interval deficit only to be undone once more by a late Portroe goal.

Playing into the Nenagh end and with the fall of the slope to assist them, Joe Sexton’s side were quick to settle with early points from John Sheedy (free), Michael Sheedy and wingforward, Mark Gennery propelling Port’ into an early three point lead. With a number of new young faces in the starting line-up, Nenagh appeared all at sea in the opening   quarter and it wasn’t until the eleventh minute until they opened their account, thanks to a close-range, Kevin Tucker free.

Portroe’s dominance continued unchecked though and with Darren Gleeson’s wind-assisted puckouts landing on the edge of the Nenagh square it wasn’t long before Portroe’s talismanic forward, Dinny Hogan flicked one to the back of the Nenagh net.

Hogan’s 12th minute strike was quickly followed by two sublime points from Mark Gennery and James Ryan before Gennery knifed over his third point mid-way through the half to put eight between the sides.

Shane Maher temporarily stemmed the green and gold tide with a Nenagh’s first from play in the 16th minute but it wasn’t long before Portroe surged further ahead with a 19th minute John Sheedy point.

Despite Nenagh having switched Ritchie Flannery to centre-back and Noel Maloney back to the edge of the square, Portroe contrived to heap misery upon the Nenagh rearguard, bagging their second goal on 20 minutes when yet another Darren Gleeson clearance caused consternation and was pounced upon by the alert Michael Sheedy who finished with ease after Hugh Flannery   was caught out by the hop of the sliotar on the firm surface.

Further points from John Sheedy (free) and Colm Gleeson extended Port’s advantage before John Sheedy fired over a point which many in the sizeable attendance assumed had tailed wide, with referee, Kieran Delaney forced to halt play to make the necessary change on the scoreboard.

Portroe added their final point of the half with four minutes remaining to the interval thanks to a wellstruck 65’ from the stick of John Sheedy. Although Portroe had been in the ascendancy for the most of the opening half the Nenagh men were offered some solace in the closing stages with two Kevin Tucker frees and a Paddy Murphy effort cutting the deficit to 12 at the break.

Trailing by 2-11 to 0-5 a disconsolate Nenagh side sought the sanctuary of the dressing room and a way to extricate themselves from what appeared a very bleak position. However, the elements were now in their favour and with the introduction of Pearse Morris for Billy Heffernan the Sky Blues set about their task with renewed vigour.

Two early Kevin Tucker frees sowed the seeds of recovery while a further Tucker point from play and points from Morris and Shane Maher heralded some fragile green shoots. Two additional Tucker frees in the 38th and 40th minutes cut the gap further before points from Eoghan Slattery and Paddy Murphy further resurrected Nenagh’s hopes.

Portroe struggled to contain Nenagh in the opening ten minutes of the half electing to bring Dinny Hogan out under any puck-outs but it wasn’t until the 44th minute before the raised their first white flag of the half, John Sheedy converting from close-range after Mark Flannery had fouled the increasingly dominant Jimmy Creamer.

Nenagh’s fightback continued unabated though with Kevin Tucker (free), Paul Ryan, Paddy Murphy and Michael Heffernan all on the mark with Heffernan’s 55th minute restoring parity and completing an unbelievable Nenagh Éire Óg comeback.

As this juncture it appeared odds on that Nenagh would push on but like a champion racehorse the Portroe men responded once they sensed Nenagh coming upsides, carrying the fight to Nenagh and grabbing an all important  third goal after Justin Conroy pinged a quick free to John Sheedy in space and his looping shot somehow managed to deceive Willie Bolger in the Nenagh goal and arc into the top left hand corner of the net.

The audible deflated groan from the Nenagh faithful needed no explanation and suddenly Portroe were infused with a dose of renewed vigour. Successive Jimmy Creamer points added to Nenagh’s woes and despite Nenagh pressing hard for goals in over six minutes of injury time it was these points which effectively copper-fastened victory for the Portroe men.

Nenagh came closest to bagging a late goal with a well-struck Paul Ryan effort but Darren Gleeson parried to safety and although Kevin Tucker converted a late consolation 65’ it was little comfort to a dejected Nenagh side.

Impressive for Portroe were Noel O’Halloran, Justin Conroy, Michael Creamer, Jimmy Creamer, Dinny Hogan, Michael Sheedy, John Sheedy and Mark Gennery while Daire Quinn, Paul Ryan, Paddy Murphy and Kevin Tucker caught the eye for Nenagh Éire Óg.

Team and Scorers: Willie Bolger, Hugh Flannery, Richie Flannery,  John Brennan, Daire Quinn, Noel Maloney, Mark Flannery, Kevin Tucker(0-10, 8f),  Billy Heffernan, Paddy Murphy(0-3), Shane Maher(0-2), Paul Ryan(0-1), Tommy Heffernan, Michael Heffernan(0-1), Eoghan Slattery(0-1).

Subs: Pearse Morris (0-1) for B Heffernan, Hugh Maloney for Slattery, Eddie Tucker for T Heffernan

North Tipp Senio Hurling Championship- 14th April 2011 - Cloughjordan

Nenagh Eire Og 2-20 Borrisokane 2-12

Nenagh Éire Óg off to winning start

Borrisokane were given a harsh reality of the step-up in class that comes with their return to the senior grade as Nenagh Eire Og comfortably claimed the two-points in the final game of the first round of the North Senior Championship on Thursday evening.

The Intermediate champions, making their return to the North senior competition for the first time since 2001 made the best possible start and had two   goals to their credit inside fourteen minutes but it only served to focus the minds of Nenagh who quickly responded and eased away to a handsome win.

They key difference between the sides was the ability of both forward lines with Nenagh on song throughout and were efficient, only registering four wides with Kevin Tucker, Michael Heffernan, Shane Maher, Billy Heffernan and man of the match Paddy Murphy always prominent.

At the other end, Borrisokane had a shaky Nenagh full back line in bother and made it count early with two goals but they got little joy thereafter with only Philip Austin and Gordon Harding continuing the fight. An efficient freetaker will be required going forward as the Lower Ormond side shot four wides from frees, three of them from right in front of the posts.

There is plenty to work on for Nenagh, particularly in defence where the full back line were unconvincing with Noel Maloney struggling in his new surroundings of full back following the injury to his brother Hugh which saw captain Richie Flannery move to his usual surroundings of centre back where he did well in a half back line along side Mark Flannery and the ever-dependable Hugh Flannery.

Kevin Tucker and Billy Heffernan formed a good midfield partnership with the twenty-year-old Heffernan having the ideal senior championship debut with three well-taken points.

In the forward line, Michael Heffernan was very sharp having missed a lot of hurling in recent weeks through injury while Paddy Murphy’s call into the Tipp seniors appeared warranted after a dominant performance with a high workrate and good scoring ability.

With their first game out of the way, Borrisokane now know their level and they can be quite happy with their performance; 2-11 was a good total and could have been a little higher but for some poor free-taking. With such a small panel, the loss of Eoin Larkin, Andrew Comerford and Cathal Dooley were hard to replace.

In defence, they had a tough evening against a lively Nenagh attack but they stuck to their task with Conor Forde, Padraig Moriarty and David Kennedy giving their all.   Seosamh Cleary and Graham McMahon worked hard at midfield as did Brian Davis in the second half and he added a scoring threat with two well-taken points from distance.

Philip Austin and Colm Larkin were the pick of the forwards grabbing a goal each but the forward line struggled to win enough possession as a unit against a physical Nenagh defence.

Nenagh lined out without the injured Hugh Maloney, Billy Heffernan making his championship debut in midfield. Kevin Tucker converted a first minute free to get Nenagh off the mark with Colm Larkin levelling in the third minute.

Tucker and Billy Heffernan had Nenagh two clear then they handed Borrisokane their first goal in the seventh minute when Hugh Flannery’s intended handpass to John Brennan was intercepted by Philip Austin and he strode clear before firing to the net.

Nenagh levelled with a first point from Michael Heffernan. Tommy Heffernan cancelled out a Colm Larkin free before Borris grabbed their second goal in the 12th minute when a long ball bounced in behind the full back line with Colm Larkin beating the advancing Michael McNamara to the loose ball before slotting to an empty net.

However, the score only served to kick Nenagh into life as they went onto score 1-6 without reply before Shane Dooley score the final point of the half. The goal came two minutes after Larkin’s effort with Tommy Heffernan doing well under pressure to get a pass out to brother Michael who scored another trademark volley from 12-yards.

Kevin Tucker (2 frees), Paddy Murphy (2), Richie Flannery and Paul Ryan all found the range as Nenagh led 1-11 to 2-3 at the break.

Any chance of Borrisokane rescuing the situation evaporated within a minute of the restart when Paddy Murphy reacted quickest to the break off a lengthy Richie Flannery sideline cut before showing great control and then accuracy to find the net from an acute angle.

A Shane Maher free extended the lead to twelve points but Borris kept on battling with points from Gordon Harding and Brian Davis and but for two missed frees they could have gotten much closer.

However, Nenagh reassreted themselves with Michael Heffernan, Shane Maher, Paddy Murphy, Kevin Tucker and Billy Heffernan all adding to their totals.

Borrisokane did have the last hurrah with three points from Graham McMahon, Tadhgie Slevin and Brian Davis to put a better gloss on the final outcome but it was the perfect start for Nenagh after their losing start to last years campaign.

Team and Scorers: Michael McNamara, Daire Quinn,  Noel Maloney, John Brennan, Hugh Flannery, Richie Flannery(0-1,1f), Mark Flannery, Kevin Tucker(0-6, 5f),  Billy Heffernan(0-3), Paddy Murphy(1-3), Shane Maher(0-2), Paul Ryan(0-1), Tommy Heffernan(0-1), Michael Heffernan(1-3,1f), Eoghan Slattery.

Subs: Sean Geaney for Brennan, Johnny Slattery for Ryan.

 

 

County Junior A Football Final - 13th Nov 2010 Holycross

Nenagh Eire Og 1-10 Rosegreen 0-6

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v =EyqM0Xz0zp8&NR=1

Report by Muiris Walsh

Nenagh Eire Og are the new County Junior Football Champions after a merited four point victory over West Champions Rosegreen in Holycross last Saturday afternoon. Played in front of a sizeable attendance, Nenagh, despite a shaky opening fifteen minutes always looked the stronger side and the more likely winners. The decisive period of the game coming between the 15th and 50th minutes; in that twenty five minute period Nenagh outscored their opponents 1-7 to a single point.  A converted penalty by man of the match Jimmy Hynes two minutes into the second half set Nenagh on their way and despite a late rally by Rosegreen which included a beautifully executed goal by David Cully, which sadly for Rosegreen came in the final minutes and in truth only served to put respectability on the scoreboard. 

It was Rosegreen who made the electrifying start to the game. Within forty seconds centre forward Sean Cormack kicked a beautiful point to give Rosegreen the perfect start.

Operating with a two man full forward line, Rosegreen had Nenagh chasing shadows and two super points from John Walsh had Rosegreen ahead by three points. It was ten minutes before Nenagh registered a score, when Noel Maloney finally converted a free after two poor efforts from Jimmy Hynes.

Rosegreen remained in complete control, dominating midfield and when Nenagh did manage to get beyond midfield they found Rosegreen's half back line as impenetrable a force. A half back line that was lead superbly by centre back Mark Hartnet and when in the 15th minute the big number six landed a wonderful point to put his side three points in front, you sensed there was only to be one winner. Not so. This was to be Rosegreen's last score until the 50th minute. From this moment on, Nenagh gained a grip of the game that they in truth never really let go of.

Nenagh responded to Hartnet's point with a Paudie Breen point. This was followed by a terrible free kick by Michael Walsh. However, Nenagh managed to remain focused and two points from Maloney and Mark McKenna had them level with four minutes of the half remaining. Any forays into Nenagh territory was now being halted by Pearse Morris, Hugh Flannery and the excellent corner back Lennie Ryan. Veteran Eddie Tucker was beginning to prove a handful at full forward. In the 29th minute Michael Heffernan gathered a wonderful foot pass from Tucker to kick his side in front for the first time.  In the 30th minute Nenagh had the ball in the net but Jimmy Hynes goal was ruled out as he was adjudged to have been in the square, this despite the ball coming back off the post. It was a very close call. Still, Nenagh finished the half with another converted free, by Mark McKenna. The half time score read 0-6 to 0-4 in Nenagh's favour.

It was the opening ten minutes of the second half where this game was won and lost. Rosegreen were in need of a blistering start, however it was Nenagh who got it. Half forward Jimmy Hynes was causing all sorts of problems for Rosegreen. Within in a minute of the re start he kicked a super point. One minute later he gathered a pass from Noel Maloney before being upended in the square, giving referee Michael Hassett little option but to award a penalty. Hynes picked himself up before dispatching the ball to the net past Keith Phelan. Five minutes later Hynes converted a free to give his side a very comfortable looking seven point lead.

Rosegreen finally registered another score, again from the boot of John Walsh. It did commence a fight back. Trevor Downey and Michael Heffernan traded free's before John Walsh blazed wide when the goal was at his mercy. This was not to be the only goal chance squandered by Rosegreen.

Only some last gasp defending and poor shooting denied John O'Gray and David Cully. Both of these chances came in the final ten minutes and had one been converted, it would have made for a titanic finish. When Rosegreen did raise a green flag, it came after a great move that saw Rosegreen work the ball from one side of the field to the other, before Cully drilled the ball low into the bottom corner of the net. It was a super finish. The goal came after Noel Maloney had put Nenagh seven points in front. The last action of the day was reserved for an audacious effort from Richie Flannery. The midfielder's punt from the middle of the field saw looked to be heading into the net but great credit is due to Rosegreen's goalkeeper Keith Phelan who recovered well to push the ball on to the cross bar and then away to safety.

Michael Hassett's whistle sounded for the last time, bringing an end to what was a fine advert for the game of football in Tipperary. Nenagh who last won this title back in 1986 were worthy champions and for the majority of the match the better side.

Rosegreen will be bitterly disappointed to have lost a match that for the first fifteen minutes looked to have in their control. They lost the initiative and never got it back. The fought hard and never gave in but they would be the first to concede that on the day they came up short against a better side. They had fine performances from Mark Hartnet, Ger O'Gorman, Vinnie Downey, Frank Culleton, David Cully and John Walsh who kicked three superb points.  Nenagh will be delighted with this county title. Despite a slow start, they gradually worked their way into the game and by the end, they were commanding winners. The county champions were best served by Brian Maxwell, Pearse Morris, Hugh and Ritchie Flannery, Paudie Breen, Noel Maloney and Eddie Tucker. However special mention to Lennie Ryan who was outstanding at corner back and his main competition for the man of the match award came from Jimmy Hynes. Both men were outstanding on a great day for Eire Og Nenagh.

Nenagh: John Norton, Lennie Ryan, Brian Maxwell, Mark Flannery, Pearse Morris, Hugh Flannery, Alan Kelly, Ritchie Flannery, Paudie Breen ( 0-1), Jimmy Hynes ( 1-2,1 f), Michael Walsh, Noel Maloney ( 0-3,2f), Mark McKenna ( 0-2f), Eddie Tucker and Michael Heffernan ( 0-2)

Subs: John Flannery for Alan Kelly, Michael Hynes for Michael Walsh and Michael O'Gorman for Mark McKenna

Rosegreen: Keith Phelan, David Quirke, Denis Golden, Michael Kelly, Ger O'Gorman, Mark Hartnet ( 0-1), Michael Lacey, Vinnie Downey, Frank Culleton, Adrian Gleeson, Sean Cormack (0-1), David Cully (1-0), Trevor Downey (0-1), John Walsh ( 0-3) and Michael Golden.

Subs: Jackie Cahill for Trevor Downey, John O'Gray for Michael Golden and JP Burns for Michael Kelly.

Referee: Michael Hassett (Moycarkey-Borris)

 

County Junior A Football Semi Final

Nenagh Eire Og 1-7 Moycarkey Borris 0-6

By Cathal Ryan

In a dominant second half display Nenagh Eire Og marched into the county
Junior A Football Final with victory over Moycarkey Borris on Saturday
afternoon in the Ragg. The emergence of winter was evident as a cool
breeze blew back towards the road end of the pitch and was occasionally
joined by showers of rain that provided slippery conditions for the
players. The 41st minute of the match provided the critical sequence of
events that altered the tie in favour of the Nenagh. The referee awarded
a penalty amid a crowded edge of the square tussle for possession and
when order was restored Jimmy Hynes stood up to take the kick. The
elusive wing forward placed his shot low and hard to left corner of the
net sending the keeper the wrong way.

This goal put the men in navy and blue back in the driving seat and they
pressed home their advantage by pushing the gap out to four points. Noel
Maloney who started proceedings at midfield but in the second period
operated at full forward landed a massive 55 yard free with a heavy
thump of the left boot that floated all the way to land on the roof of
the net and put Nenagh in a winning position. Eire Og will be delighted
with their second half display in particular as their forwards made some
intelligent runs to gain possession and provided no little skill and
pace that they should look to exploit once more in the final. Looking
forward to the final against Rosegreen they will expect an even contest
but this win will build a belief in the camp that they are capable of
victory.

For Moycarkey they will be very disappointed with the manner of the
defeat as they never played to their potential and apart from the final
five minutes of the first half didn't pose problems to the Eire Og full
back line. The match began at a pedestrian pace with both sides
misplacing passes and providing little in the way of goal mouth action.
It took ten minutes before a score was registered and it came from the
boot of Nenagh wing forward Paudie Breen who snapped up possession on
the 14 yard line to point after Captain Michael Walsh had an attempt
blocked.

Corner forward Mark McKenna extended the north sides advantage with
another close range effort eight minutes later before Moycarkey finally
found their range in the closing minutes of the half. Centre back
Matthew Shortall provided Moycarkey with their opening score as he made
a great run forward and finished after receiving a pass from Anthony
Healy. Moycarkey entered a period of dominance in the last few minutes
of the half and drew level when Robert Doran slotted over a right footed
effort after a clever pass by skilful wing forward Ken Ryan. A great
goal chance then fell the way of Moycarkey forward Ger Carey in the
final minute of the half as the ball rebounded off the post but his
instinctive effort crept agonisingly over the bar leaving the men in red
and yellow leading 0-3 to 0-2 at the break.

The second period saw Nenagh raise their game dramatically and they drew
level again when Noel Maloney gathered a Michael Walsh free before
stepping away from a defenders challenge and kicking over with the left
boot. Despite falling behind again soon after, once Jimmy Hynes calmly
finished the penalty to the net in the 42nd minute Eire Og never looked
back. Three quick scores from frees through Michael Walsh and two from
Noel Maloney left four between the teams for the final ten minutes.
Although Anthony Healy got Moycarkey within a goal by scoring a late
free, victory and a passage to the county final was secured for Eire Og
when substitute Michael O Gorman scored a fantastic point with time just
up lifting the Nenagh camp to their feet in celebration.

Teams:
Nenagh Eire Og: John Norton; Lennie Ryan, Brian Maxwell, Mark Flannery;
John Flannery, Hugh Flannery, Alan Kelly; Ritchie Flannery, Noel Maloney
(0-3,2F); Paudie Breen (0-1), Michael Walsh (0-1, 1F), Jimmy Hynes
(1-0); Mark McKenna (0-1), Eddie Tucker, Michael Heffernan. Subs: Pearse
Morris for J. Flannery (h/t), Michael Hynes for M. McKenna (h/t);
Michael O Gorman (0-1) for M. Heffernan (47), John Brennan for M. Walsh
(53).

Moycarkey Borris: Daniel Kirby; Eamon Flanagan, Ger Dempsey, Brian
Moran; Kevin Moran, Matthew Shortall (0-1), David Morris; Pat Carey,
Rory Ryan (0-1); Ken Ryan, Robert Doran (0-1), Ger Carey (0-1); Ciaran
Clohessy, John Kelly, Anthony Healy (0-2, 2F). Subs: Kieran Morris for
K. Ryan (39), Pat Molloy for J. Kelly (49), Willie Dempsey for G. Carey
(61).

Referee: Oisin Ryan

Senior Hurling - Seamus O Riain final - Sun 31st Oct 2010 -Nenagh Eire Og 3-17 Loughmore 1-6

Nenagh ease past depleted Loughmore to capture Ó Riain Cup

Nenagh Éire Óg senior hurlers - Seamus O'Riain champions. Back row: (l to r) Noel Maloney, Hugh Maloney (Captain), Shane Maher, Ritchie Flannery, Mark Flannery, Hugh Flannery, John Flannery, John Slattery, Michael McNamara. Kneeling: Alan Kelly, Kevin Tucker, Michael Heffernan, Pearse Morris, Daire Quinn, Paul Ryan, Willie Bolger.

The records will show that Nenagh Éire Óg captured this year’s Seamus Ó Riain Cup final when they easily accounted for a very weak Loughmore-Castleiney side in what was a disappointing spectacle for a county final in Semple Stadium.
Played as a curtain raiser to the county senior hurling final between Thurles Sarsfields and Clonoulty-Rossmore, this was an eagerly anticipated game but the final was dealt a blow with news that Loughmore were looking for the game to go back a few weeks because of their involvement in the County Senior football final next Sunday.
The County Board would not budge and the information arrived in the days leading up game that Loughmore would play a second string outfit.
Nenagh with eleven regulars on the starting line out won easily as was then expected but the game as a spectacle was ruined long before the game commenced. The standing and the make up of the competition – now in its third year, is in need of much scrutiny.

At present, the competition involves teams that failed to reach the last four of their divisional championships. The teams that reached the final are permitted to take part in the Dan Breen Cup proper but in hindsight, it would have been more preferable if the final were played last September when both finalists were known.
Loughmore’s fifteen had only two prominent seniors in Seamus Bohan and Johnny Campion. Meanwhile Nenagh’s first fifteen included eleven regulars. Goalkeeper, Michael McNamara was replaced by Willie Bolger. Mark Flannery took up corner back in place of John Brennan. Brennan later came on as a substitute in the forward line. Eddie Tucker was another absentee while Paddy Murphy missed the game as he is out of the country. This allowed both Alan Kelly and John Flannery to take up positions at midfield allowing Hugh Maloney and Pierce Morris to move to the forward line.

That attacking sextet wasted little time in taking the game to the opposition as they scored 1-4 in the opening ten minutes. Hugh Maloney had the opener followed by two Kevin Tucker frees. With the Nenagh half backline of Hugh Flannery, Ritchie Flannery and Noel Maloney moving the ball well Nenagh continued to keep the pressure on and could afford four wides in the midst of the scores, one of them from Michael Heffernan after seven minutes.

Three minutes later, Hugh Maloney initiated a four man move on the right wing which included Kevin Tucker and John Slattery before Pearse Morris tucked the ball past Loughmore keeper, Shane Nolan for a goal.
But Loughmore displayed great courage and with minors John Meagher and Henry Maher at centre and wing back respectively, they gained room to create a number off attacks, the latest which paid off when wing forward, Shane Hennessy fired home a close range goal after James Connolly moved the ball in from the end line.
But Nenagh restored normality with a fourteenth minute point by John Flannery. One minute later, John Slattery put Pearse Morris through for his second goal. Hugh Maloney then added a great point as Nenagh went about their business in a manner more associated with a practise match.

Leading 2-6 to 1-0 after 18 minutes the game looked game over. Seamus Bohan continued the struggle for Loughmore though when he replied with a forty metre free before John Meagher brought his teams wides to three following a long range free.
Nenagh seemed to take their foot off the gas for a short period and as a result Loughmore grabbed an excellent 22nd minute point through Eamon Connolly. Johnny Campion scored in a similar vein and after Shane Hennessey won a free; Seamus Bohan obliged to leave five points between the teams and two minutes remaining to half time.
But as the break approached, Nenagh finished on a positive note with Kevin Tucker pointing an angled free and Paul Ryan following up with a point from play to see their side leading 2-8 to 1-4 at the break.
During that time, Nenagh withdrew Kevin Tucker and Hugh Flannery, which allowed Tommy Heffernan and Brian Quinn to taste the action. Once play resumed, Hugh Maloney increased the lead with a point after 14 seconds. Pearse Morris added another before Bohan replied with a free for the green and reds. Loughmore made a few raids but Paul Ryan managed a reply from a free on 36 minutes.
With the scoreboard operator idle for the next eight minutes, it meant a good time for either set of defenders to enjoy prominence especially Daire Quinn at corner back for Nenagh. Both Shane Maher and Ritchie Flannery enjoyed their moments also while, Kevin Johnson and Eoin Ryan defended well in front of an alert Shane Nolan in goal for Loughmore.

The action remained in front of the Nenagh goal when Loughmore won a twenty metre free after 44 minutes. Seamus Bohan went low but his shot was deflected over the bar by Willie Bolger. That score marked the end of Loughmore’s challenge as Nenagh came down field. Paul Ryan choose a rocky road in weaving through the Loughmore defence before kicking the ball to the net and he later added a free as the clock began to wind down.
Nenagh remained focused as the subs bench was emptied. One of them, Mark Tuite, marked his appearance, firstly by winning a free - which Paul Ryan converted- and then adding a point. Shane Nolan kept the margin on hold with a number of smart saves but the fresh legs helped Nenagh increase their lead as Brian Quinn, Tommy Heffernan and John Brennan – playing at full forward - added further scores as the game went two minutes into added time.

At this stage, Nenagh had done enough. They now join Carrick Swans and Kilruane MacDonaghs as winners of the competition.

 

(Report by Liam Hogan)

Junior C Hurling - North final - Sun 23rd Oct 2010 Puckane -Nenagh Eire Og 2-13 Shannon Rovers 0-11

Nenagh full forward, Brian Quinn stole the show with a 2-9 scoring return to help Nenagh Éire Óg defeat Shannon Rovers in a well contested North Junior ‘C’ hurling final on Sunday. What lacked in quality was very much replaced with large degrees of honest endeavour and the big crowd enjoyed it. Nenagh were always in command except for a period of the second half when Rovers cut a six-point margin down to three with ten minutes remaining. However Quinn was always a big threat as he broke Rovers hearts for the second time with a 55th minute thus making up for the one he missed earlier in the half. The Nenagh win makes up for the teams defeat in last year’s final to Borrisokane. Apart from Quinn, there was some fine support from Noel Tomlinson, John Donnellan, Kieran Duffy with Leonard Ryan, Paul Burke and Patrick Flynn best in defence. Brian Duffy was always in the thick of things while Eamon Murtagh and Liam O’Gara had their moments but faced a tough task in keeping an eye on the veteran Tommy Hogan while Niall Cahalan created a lot of danger when scoring four great points.Stephan Darcy had a good first half for Rovers with Liam O’Gorman improving steadily to produce his very best in the   second half. Ray Burke had his moments at full back but had to face the best player by far on the day in Brian Quinn. Both Michael Quinlan and David Ducie never gave up in the corners with John Costello always available at half back. Up in attack both Conor Deegan and Danny Burke tried hard as did Donal Hourigan on his arrival at half time.

The summer like conditions attracted a big crowd as Nenagh began the game in dominant fashion but had to wait until the sixth minute before team captain, Kieran Duffy produced the opening score. Three minutes later, Noel Tomlinson was put clear on goal by Eamon Hodgins with a goal chance very much on hand was happy to score a point after his shot scraped over the crossbar. While Nenagh enjoyed the majority of possession, Rovers had to contend with sporadic raids on goal, which resulted in three wides from far out. Eventually they opened their account in the tenth minute when Tommy Hogan pointed a 45 metre free after Pakie Burke was fouled. Two minutes later, Dan O’Halloran found space for an excellent Niall Cahalan score to leave the teams level.

Brian Quinn replied with a pointed a free after David Hickey was fouled but Rovers, were back level with a David Hogan point before a Niall Cahalan pass put Tommy Hogan through for a lead score after 16 minutes. With Kieran Duffy doing well at midfield, a pass by Eamon Hodgins reached Brian Quinn who scored the first of three unanswered points from play. Four minutes from the interval, Quinn was through on goal but Rovers keeper, Sean Michael O’Dwyer saved well and continuing in the same vain, Quinn then added a free on 28 minutes before executing a brilliant score from play with play in added time.

But Rovers never lacked effort and Niall Cahalan replied with a brilliant long range point. The fleet footed David Hickey responded to put Nenagh three ahead again but as additional time continued a David Hogan move ended when Tommy Hogan won a free and the former converted leaving the half time scoreline reading Nenagh Éire Óg 0-9 Shannon Rovers 0-6.

Rover’s veteran, Donal Hourigan, came on as a half time replacement but had little time to settle into his new surroundings when Nenagh attacked from the restart. The Rovers defence seemed to have the danger covered but a neat flick by Noel Tomlinson put Brian Quinn through for a great goal. A six-point deficit seemed insurmountable but Rovers began to dig deep. Liam O’Gorman began to settle at half back and Donal Hourigan moved things on at midfield while Niall Cahalan and Tommy Hogan had become more of a threat in attack. Another foul on Tommy Hogan allowed him his fourth point of the day.   Niall Cahalan added another point before Donal Hourigan upped the ante with a well directed score. Thirteen minutes remained but trouble resurfaced at the other end. Brian Quinn was left unmarked and in front of goal but blazed wide with only Sean Michael O’Dwyer to beat.

He soon made up for the error when stretching his teams lead to four after 49 minutes. John Costello moved to the attack and his first touch earned a free. Tommy Hogan did the necessary to bring the three point deficit back on view. Rovers continued with their pressure leaving the number of Nenagh attacks limited. When they did come itwas the dependable Brian Quinn to   provide another pointed free.

Seconds later, Paul Slattery delivered from midway and Quinn broke free this time, leaving O’Dwyer with little chance for Nenagh’s second goal. It looked game over for Rovers but a Danny Burke delivery, from the left, found Niall Cahalan who had goal in mind before losing his footing and his shot went inches over the bar. With that, the subs benches were being emptied. Nenagh rolled on and David Hickey increasing the lead on the hour. Five minutes of added time were then allowed as both sides vied for scores. Nothing accrued until Quinn secured his final point on 62 minutes.

Man of the Match: Brian Quinn

Team and Scorers: Kevin Flynn, Brian Duffy, Eamonn Murtagh, Lenny Ryan, Paul Burke, Liam O Gara, Paddy Flynn, Kieran Duffy (0-1), Jamie Gallagher, John Donnellan, Eamonn Hodgins, David Sherlock, David Hickey (0-2), Brian Quinn (2-9, 3f), Noel Tomlinson (0-1).

Subs: Paul Slattery for Hodgins, Derek Lillis for Sherlock, Enda O Sullivan for Tomlinson, Peter Egan for Donnellan, Ciaran Morris for B Duffy.

 

Junior Football - North final - Sat 16th Oct 2010 Moneygall - Nenagh Eire Og 1-10 Inane Rovers 2-06 AET

Extra time was needed to separate these two sides who fought gallantly from start to finish with Nenagh Éire Óg regaining the title for the first time since 1986. Éire Óg man Sean Healy played a crucial part in his sides victory, scoring three excellent points in extra time when the game was hanging in the balance. Inane Rovers will feel that they should have done it in the sixty minutes, they were dominant for most of the second half and really Éire Óg were lucky to force extra time. The first half was forgettable and only provided four scores, the first of these came in the 20th minute when Éire Óg full forward Michael O’Gorman manufactured a great point from the 21-yard line. Johnny McMahon was the only Rovers man to hit the target in opening half, his point left it at 0-3 to 0-1 going into the break. The main talking point of the first half was a clash between Inane corner forward Johnny McMahon and Éire Óg’s Brian Duffy, both players were yellow carded for an off the ball incident.

Both sides re-emerged with some changes in personnel for the second half. Eddie Tucker went into full forward for Éire Óg and Brian Brookes did likewise for the Rovers. The changes made seemed to help up the tempo in the second half and also made for a higher frequency of scores. Inane’s Johnny McMahon was the star of the second period and he was causing havoc in the full forward line. McMahon found the back of the net twice in the second period and those two goals should really have seen Inane through to the end.
The first of his goals came ten minutes into the half when David Buckley, who had been moved from the backline to corner forward, hand passed the ball across the square to the on rushing McMahon who punched the ball past John Norton. McMahon rose the green flag again just five minutes later, this time with the boot, finding the corner of the net from just inside the 21-yard line. A nice point by Jason Fitzpatrick left Inane leading 2-3 to 0-3 with ten minutes of normal time left. They will be kicking themselves that they couldn’t hold on to such a substantial lead, however a number of other factors provided Éire Óg with the chance to tie up the game. Two long stoppages during the second half lead referee Martin Griffin to add on six minutes of extra time, this gave Éire Óg just enough time to draw level. Michael Heffernan was the key player for Éire Óg during the closing period of the second half, he managed a point from play, which he struck off the ground and also was influential in setting up Éire Og’s only goal, which was forced over the line by Sean Healy. Points from Mark McKenna and Ritchie Flannery proved vital for Éire Óg, as they tied up the game 2-4 to 1-7 just before the end. Initially there was some confusion at the end of the sixty minutes, but the referee was quick to notify both sides that extra time was going to be played.

Having been introduced late in the second half, Sean Healy proved to be the key man in the first period of extra time. Healy was too fast for a tiring Inane defence to deal with and he kicked two fantastic points from play and also a free from the 21-yard line. Joe Carroll kept Inane in touch with a great individual score from inside the 45. Éire Óg didn’t score in the second period of extra time and they were under severe pressure as Inane fought doggedly for an equalising score. Jason Fitzpatrick did manage to get one point, leaving Inane trailing by just a single point. Inane’s last chance came as a result of Fitzpatrick being fouled on the 21-yard line, up stepped Johnny McMahon but unfortunately for the attacker, who was superb throughout, his shot tailed wide and Martin Griffin blew his whistle very shortly afterwards.

Team and Scorers:
John Norton, Leonard Ryan, Brian Maxwell, Brian Duffy, Mark Flannery, Hugh Flannery, Alan Kelly, Richie Flannery, Paudie Breen, Mark McKenna(0-2, 2f), Michael Walsh, John Flannery, Kieran O Donoghue(0-1), Michael O Gorman(0-2), Michael Heffernan(0-1).
Subs: Eddie Tucker for O Donoghue, John Brennan for Duffy, Sean Healy(1-3, 1f) for J Flannery, Pearse Morris(0-1) for McKenna, John Flannery for H Flannery, Hugh Flannery for Breen.

 

U21 Hurling North Semi final - Templederry Sat 9th Oct 2010 Nenagh Eire Og 1-14 Borris-Ileigh 2-13

Nenagh bowed out of the U21 championship following a two point loss to Boriis-Ileigh played in breezy conditions in Templederry last Saturday afternoon. Only inches prevented Nenagh from forcing extra time when they were awarded a controversial penalty five minutes into injury time when Michael Heffernan was adjudged to have been fouled in the square. With Shane Maher having already blasted a 21-yard free to the net earlier in the half, the full back came forward again but his effort skimmed the crossbar and over and with it came the final whistle as Borris-Ileigh hung on for a 2-point win. This was a disappointing defeat for Nenagh considering the team they had at their disposal, even without Paddy Murphy. They relied too heavily on the free-taking of Michael Heffernan for scores as their forwards found the Borris-Ileigh defenders just too resilient. Eoin Slattery and Tommy Heffernan contributed the scores from play in attack but the remainder were well curtailed. Pearse Morris drove his team on well from midfield but needed more support against a strong Borris midfield. In defence, Shane Maher, Daire Quinn and Billy Heffernan all performed well.
Borris-Ileigh made the livelier start and were three points to the good after four minutes with a Cathal Bourke free being added to with points from play by Brendan Maher and Benny Harkin. Michael Heffernan converted a long range free in the fifth minute to open Nenagh’s account but it was all Borris in the opening quarter and they stretched the lead out to five points with Dan McCormack and Cathal Bourke (free and sideline cut).
Jack Bourke made a good save to deny David Cleary before Eoin Slattery pointed from play after eleven minutes. Cathal Bourke passed to Paul Maher who pointed from the wing before Bourke extended the lead, although fortunately in the 16th minute as his long range free went all the way to the net. He quickly added another point from a free to extend the lead to nine points and it was at this stage that Nenagh upped a couple of gears all over the field and took the fight to their opponents. Winning more possession, they forced two frees which Michael Heffernan converted. Paudie Stapleton and Cathal Bourke kept the scoreboard ticking over but Nenagh finished the half strongly with Michael Heffernan (2 frees) and Eoin Slattery reducing the arrears to six points by the break and it could have been much less but for Jack Bourke making a point-blank save to deny Tommy Heffernan. Nenagh didn’t manage to generate the desired momentum early in the second half as Borris only conceded three points in the opening twelve minutes of the half via two Michael Heffernan frees and Tommy Heffernan from play. Points from play from Cathal Bourke and Dan McCormack ensured a decent fivepoint margin remained. Michael Heffernan added another free before Borris struck a tonic goal in the 44th minute as a Cathal Bourke close-in free carried a low trajectory with goalkeeper William Bolger batting the ball out but only to Danny Ryan who managed to force the ball over the line. Nenagh’s response was just what they wanted just two minutes later as Tommy Heffernan was fouled just outside the square but it didn’t matter to as Shane Maher as he blasted to the net past the six Borris men on the line.
With the momentum having swung back in their favour, Nenagh didn’t build on it as they didn’t score for a further six minutes through Pearse Morris, by which time Dan McCormack had score his third of the game. Borris-Ileigh’s defending was superb during this period as they also kept their discipline, only conceding again in the first minute of injury time with Michael Heffernan’s ninth pointed free.
Borris shot five wides in the final ten minutes which would have made the closing stages less anxious but they managed to hold out in the end with Jack Bourke making another fine save from Mark Tuite in the play which resulted in the last gasp penalty which Nenagh didn’t profit from.

Team and Scorers: Willie Bolger, Sean Geaney, Shane Maher(1-1, frees), Michael Hynes, Daire Quinn, Mark Flannery, Billy Heffernan, Pearse Morris(0-1), Niall Madden, Sean Healy, Michael Heffernan(0-9,9f), Eoghan Slattery(0-2), Tommy Heffernan(0-1), David Cleary, Cliff Maloney.
Subs: Mark Tuite for Madden, Joe Geaney for Healy

 

Seamus O Riain quarter final- Eire Og 4-19 Lorrha 0-04

Eire Og were in clinical form last Monday night after dishing out a heavy beating to North neighbours Lorrha in the quarter final of the Seamus O Riain Cup.
From early on it became apparent that Lorrha were completely out of their depth and despite playing with the aid of a stiff breeze for the first half, they trailed by 1-11 to 0-3 at half time. In the second half, Eire Og picked off scores at will and outscored Lorrha by 3-8 to 0-1. Throughout the game Lorrha were punished for fouling within scoring range as Kevin Tucker picked off eight of his eleven points from frees. Lorrha's corner back recieved a second yellow card in the 46th minute to leave more space for the Eire Og forward line. Sub Tommy Heffernan came on with 13 minutes remaining and finished with 2-1 beside his name.
Mikey Heffernan, a senior and U21 All-Ireland medallist with Tipp in recent weeks, scored Eire Og's first goal on 15 minutes as the blues went onto lead by eleven at half time.
The opening score of the second half, five minutes in was a Johnny Slatttery goal for Eire Og before Tommy Heffernan added two more in the 53rd and 56th mute. The first was smashed home emphatically from close range after Richie Flannery's long free caused havoc in the Lorrha goalmouth. And Tommy Hefferan finished well from 20 yards for his second after taking a lovely pass from brother Mikey who showed lovely touches and close control throughout despite difficult weather conditions.

Team and Scores:
Micael McNamara, Daire Quinn, Richie Flannery, John Brennan, Hugh Flannery, Shane Maher, Noel Maloney, Hugh Maloney, Pearse Morris, Kevin Tucker (0-11)(8f), Paddy Murphy, Paul Ryan(0-3), Johnny Slattery(1-0), Eddie Tucker(0-2), Michael Heffernan(1-2),
Subs: Tommy Heffernan (2-1) for E Tucker, Brian Dillon for Morris, Alan Kelly for Quinn, Cliff Maloney for K Tucker, Eoghan Slattery for Murphy.

 

County Minor Minor A semi-fFinal- Eire Og 3-12 St Marys Clonmel 0-13

Eire Og advanced to this years minor county final following at eight point win over St Marys from Clonmel played in Holycross last Saturday afternoon.

Playing against the wind, Eire Og started off brightly and were two points up after three minutes with scores by Tommy Heffernan and Paul Slattery following good work by Adam Gratton. St Marys levelled the scores with two frees before Gratton put Eire Og back in front with a well taken point. Again, St Marys equalised with a point to leave the teams level at the mid-way pont of the opening half. Eire Og upped the tempo and scored three of the next four points through two Mark Tuite frees and a Heffernan point. At the other end, kepper Kevin Flynn made a great save to deny St Marys a goal. Paul Slattery got his second point of the game just on half time after a cross field pass by Daryl McCormack. St Marys finished the half with another free to leave Eire Og one point ahead on a scoreline of 0-7 to 0-6.

Eire Og started the second half just as they did in the first with two frees from Tuite. However they were soon cancelled out by two St Msrys points from play. A big turning point came in the ninth minute when Tommy Heffernan ran through the St Marys defence and handpassed to David Hickey who finished the ball to the back of the net to take a four point lead. Tuite followed with another free before Hickey was on hand with his second goal after a lovely flick on by Daryl McCormack. St Marys again reduced the gap to six points and could of been closer only for another great save by Flynn in the Eire Og goals. A poor puck out from St Marys was collected by Adam Gratton as he passed to Tuite to score Eire Og's third goal and end the game as a contest on twenty-one minutes. Heffernan tagged on two more points before St Marys managed two more points of their own before full time was up as Eire Og ran out comfortable eight point winners on a scoreline of 3-12 to 0-13.

Team and Scorers:
Kevin Flynn, Sean Geaney, Kevin Gubbins, Donnacha Heffernan, Eddie Darcy, Daire Quinn, Kevin Kennedy, Daragh Walsh, Mark Higginbottom, Adam Gratton (0-1), Tommy Heffernan (0-4), Paul Slattery (0-2), David Hickey (2-0), Mark Tuite (1-5, 5f), Daryl McCormack.
Subs: Oisin McGlynn for Hickey, Paddy Sheahan for Slattery

 

MHAC: North Final Nenagh Eire Og 4-10 Kilruane 2-14 . Tues 7th Sept 2010

Team captain Daire Quinn was the unlikely hero for the blues as he popped up in stoppage time to snatch a dramatic victory for Eire Og in this years minor final played in Dolla. At the stage of the game, a draw was the best Eire Og could of hoped for but Quinn was on hand to squeeze the ball through a crowded defence and into the corner of the net. When the final whistle blew less than a minute later, Eire Og celebrated the win as well as winning the four in a row minor championships while Burgess were left to ponder what might of been.

As well as scoring the winner, Quinn dominated his area for Eire Og ably assisted by Kevin Gubbins and Sean Geaney who cleared his lines well. While Tommy Heffernan and Mark Tuite were carefully watched, Heffernan still managed to elude his marker for two goals in a three minute spell in the opening quarter. Adam Gratton, David Hickey and sub Barry Heffernan contributed scores at vital times.

The big finish to the game contrasted with a rather slow start, with Burgess getting the first score after seven minutes. Kevin O Flaherty added another in the 11th minute while Eire Og replied through David Hickey. Daniel Ryan was set up for Burgess first goal but no sooner has the cheers dissipated when Tommy Heffernan cut through the Burgess defence for his first goal. Heffernan was again on hand three minutes later to flick a Darragh Walsh sideline cut to the net and give Eire Og the lead for the first time. Eire Og had points from Adam Gratton, Mark Tuite (2) and Barry Heffernan while Burgess replied with three to complete the first half scoring leaving Eire Og three points ahead by 2-05 to 1-05.

Burgess got a great start to the second half and were level by the 36th minute. However, Eire Ogs ability to get goals at vital times proved a problem for Burgess as Adam Gratton's shot shaved the post on its way to the Burgess net. Again Burgess replied with three more points but were cancelled out by points from Hickey and Tuite. With ten minutes remaining, Eire Og were still leading by two points, Burgess got a second goal after a good move in their forward line. Mark Tuite and Eoin Hogan exchanged two frees each and Burgess held their slende lead as the game ticked into injury time and Quinns intervention sealed the win for Eire Og at the death.

Team and Scorers:
Kevin Flynn, Sean Geaney, Kevin Gubbins, Donnacha Heffernan, Eddie Darcy, Daire Quinn(1-0), Joe Geaney, Daragh Walsh, Mark Higginbottom, Daryl McCormack, Tommy Heffernan (2-0), Paul Slattery , David Hickey(0-2), Mark Tuite (0-6, 6f), Adam Gratton(1-1).
Subs: Barry Heffernan (0-1) for McCormack, Killian Gleeson for Geaney, James Mackey for Slattery.

 

MHAC: Nenagh Eire Og 1-15 Kilruane 2-10 . Wed 1st Sept 2010

Our minor hurlers made it through to the fourth north minor final in succession after a hard fought win over Kilruane on Wednesday evening last played in Puckane. It was a huge turn around in fortunes for this team after they were beaten by 19 points bythe same opposition three weeks previously in the group stages.

Played in sunny conditions, Kilruane opened the scoring with two points before Mark Tuite got Eire Og on the scoreboard with a point from play in the sixth minute. On nine minutes Tommy Heffernan (operating at centre forward)made a great run through the middle and hand passed to the unmarked Tuite who crashed the ball to the Kilruane net and Heffernan followed up with a well taken point from play. Kilruane fought there way back into the game and scored three points without reply to level the game on eighteen minutes of play. Both teams traded scores before Eire Og hit three points without reply through Daryl McCormack, Paul Slattery and a Tuite free. On the stroke of half time Kilruane struck for their first goal from a close in free which left Eire Og a point ahead at the break 1-07 to 1-06.

Mark Tuite opened the scoring in the second half with a point from play. Eire Og were dealt a setback when Kilruane raced in for a second goal in the sixth minute to lead by a point. This score made Eire Og more determined than ever and scored four points without reply from Tommy Heffernan (2) who was now at full forward, Tuite (centre forward)and sub Barry Heffernan to lead by three at the half way mark of the second half. Kilruane responded with a point before Tommy Heffernan got two more from play and Tuite with one also from play after his initialshot hit the cross bar. With five minute left, Kilruane piled on the pressure in search of scores and reduced it to three going into injury time. Referee Liam Hogan awarded Kilruane a 21 yard free which went over the bar and the final whistle was blown with Eire Og deservedlytwo point winners on a score line of 1-15 to 2-10.

Team and Scorers: Kevin Flynn, Donnacha Heffernan, Kevin Gubbins, Sean Geaney, Eddie Darcy, Daire Quinn, Joe Geaney, Mark Higginbottom, Darragh Walsh,Daryl McCormack (0-1), Tommy Heffernan (0-5), Adam Gratton, David Hickey, Mark Tuite(1-7) 5f ,Paul Slattery(0-1).

Sub: Barry Heffernan (0-1) for Hickey.

MHAC: Nenagh Eire Og 2-15 Toomevara 1-07. Wed 18th Aug 2010

Our Minor hurlers made it through to the semi final of the championship after a fine win over Toomevara on Wednesday evening last.

In wet and slippery conditions, Eire Og's performance in the first half laid the foundationsfor this win.

Toome opening the scoring with a point from play. This was shortly cancelled out by Tommy Heffernan in the 2nd minute. Again Heffernnan struck for his second point before David Hickey scored Eire Og's first goal after the Toome keeper was penalised for pucking the ball out from outside the square on several occasions. Toome went up the field and scored a goal of their own and tagged on a point to level the scores after eleven minutes. Eire Og began to dominate from then on till half time keeping Toome scoreless while shooting 1-06 themselves. Corner forward Paul Slattery getting the goal Mark Tuite (0-3) Heffernan, Adam Gratton and Sean Geaney getting the other points. Eire Og went in at half time leading 2-08 to 1-02.

Toome started the second half brightly with two unanswered points before Eire Og gor on the scoreboard thanks to a free from Sean Geaney. Again Toome made a comeback but three points from Tuite kept Eirenine pointsahead after eighteen minutes. Eire Og finished the game strongly and scored three more pointsbefore the finish with two from Tuite and one from sub Barry Heffernan to leave eleven points between the teams at full time.

Team and Scorers: Kevin Flynn, Sean Geaney(0-2,2f), Kevin Gubbins, Donnacha Heffernan, Joe Geaney, Daire Quinn, Eddie Darcy, Mark Higginbottom, Darragh Walsh, Daryl McCormack, Tommy Heffernan(0-3), Adam Gratton(0-1), David Hickey(1-0), Mark Tuite(0-8,6f), Paul Slattery(1-0).

Subs: Barry Heffernan(0-1) for Slattery, James Mackey for Hickey, Bob O Brien for Gratton.

JAHC: Eire Og 1-15 Lorrha 0-15 Cloughjordan Saturday 7th August 2010

Our junior A team made it through to the quarter final of this years championship following a three point win over Lorrha last Saturday evening. After a slow first half showing, Eire Og improved alot in the second half and ultimately Sean Healy's goal was the difference at the final whistle.

Eire Og opening the score with a Billy Heffernan free after three minutes of play. This was quickly followed up with a nice point by corner forward Mark Grace. Lorrha got off the mark with a free after eight minutes of play. Mid way through the half Lorrha levelled the game with three pointed frees which all came from poor Eire Og indiscipline. Things could of gotten worse for Eire Og when an on rushing Lorrha forwards shot was smothered by 'keeper Willie Bolger to keep Eire Og in the game, For the rest of the half, both sides traded points with David Cleary (2) and Sean Healy getting Eire Og's points to leave Eire Og trailing by three points at the mid way point.

Half Time Lorrha 0-10 Eire Og 0-7.

Eire Og made a great start to the second half, and were two points up are fifteen minutes thanks to five points without reply. The backs were dominant in this period also, with Lorrha registering their first score of the second half after eighteen minutes of play.On twenty-one minutes Lorrha had the game level but Eire Og pushed on got the vital goal through Sean Healy and Shane Maher tagged on two more points approching full time. Lorrha reduced it to three going into injury time but Eire Og held on for the three point win and a place in the quarter final.

Teams and Scorers:
Willie Bolger, Michael Hynes, Stevie Ryan, Brian Fitzgibbon, Kevin Gubbins, Mark Flannery, Sean Geaney, Niall Madden, Billy Heffernan(0-1,f), Paddy Harrington(0-2), Shane Maher (0-3), Sean Healy(1-5, 2f), Joe Geaney, David Cleary, (0-2), Mark Grace (0-2)
Sub: Daryl McCormack for Harrington

Seamus O Rian - R1 - Nenagh Eire Og 4-31 Golden Kilfeacle 2-4 - Drombane Friday 30th July 2010

An onslaught led by Tipp U21 shooting star Michael Heffernan and the clinical finishing of Kevin Tucker was instrumental in helping Nenagh Éire Óg crush a hapless Golden-Kilfeacle in this one-sided Seamus O’Riain Cup opening round tie in Drombane on Friday evening.

Nenagh Éire Óg, looking to make their way back into the county championship whilst picking up some silverware on the way demolished a Golden-Kilfeacle side that was always playing catch-up.

The 2009 North Tipp champions that reached the quarter-final of the Dan Breen Cup last year led 2-16 to 1-3 at the break, never looked in trouble adding another 2-14 in the second half. Golden-Kilfeacle, although first to score in each half, struggled and the gulf in class was evident from the fourth minute onwards when Nenagh registered their opening score.

Golden who were in disarray as they struggled to field a team minutes before the throw-in got off to the ideal start with Brendan Moloney splitting the post after two minutes but once Nenagh Éire Óg bounced back with a well taken free by Richie Flannery from the middle of the park after four minutes there was only going to be only the one outcome.

That score was the pickme-up that Nenagh needed as the North Tipp side opened up an eight point lead. Kevin Tucker back after a three month lay-off and taking over set-piece duty added a point from a free and another from play and these were followed by ones from Paddy Murphy and Eddie Tucker before Michael Heffernan, who didn’t show any sign of fatigue following his outstanding performance for the Tipp U21 Munster winners 48 hours earlier, added a point and then raised the green flag when he crashed home a superb angled shot from 20 metres.

Golden responded with points from Kevin McCarthy and Damien Fogarty but the West Tipp outfit were being outplayed by a Nenagh side that went 2-10 to 0-3 clear with fifteen minutes gone. Kevin Tucker added a point from play before Richie Flannery with a free from his own 45 metre line sailed between the posts. Flannery was instrumental in Nenagh’s second goal as another free from the same spot a minute later dropped short but Michael Heffernan was quickest to react to fire home. Kevin Tucker added a free before scoring another point from a very acute angle.

Richie Flannery was busy in front of his own goal doing well to block Kevin McCarthy’s goal bound shot but the ball rebounded into the path of the inrushing Michael Harding who rattled the back of the net to make it 2-10 to 1-3 in favour of Nenagh going into the last ten minutes of the half.

From then until half-time a dominant Nenagh side clocked up further points from Pierce Morris, John Slattery, Michael Heffernan with a brace, Paul Ryan and Eddie Tucker to lead by 2-16 to 1-3 at the halfway stage.

Golden were again first off the mark on the resumption with a Kevin McCarthy free, but Nenagh replied with a well struck point from midfield by Tipp U21 star Paddy Murphy.

Seven minutes into the half it looked like Golden might make a comeback when Michael Harding added his second goal when his free from 20 metres caught Nenagh napping as the sliotar rattled the back of the net, but it only proved to be just a token of resistance being the West Tipp side’s last score.

From that stage onwards there was just one team in this game as Nenagh piled on the scores. Hugh Flannery got his name on the scoreboard with a free followed by a point from the halfway line. Kevin Tucker added two frees and another from play before Eddie Tucker and Michael Heffernan with a brace put Nenagh 2-25 to 2-4 ahead as the three-quarter stage was reached.

Kevin Tucker, John Slattery and Hugh Moloney tagged on points to put Nenagh 2-28 to 2-4 ahead with five minutes left. By that stage Golden had given up the ghost as a clinical Nenagh side that showed no mercy continued to stream forward looking for further scores. Substitute Eoin Slattery announced his arrival, dispatching the sliotar to the net and followed that up with a point with three minutes still to play.

Paul Ryan added Nenagh’s fourth goal, finishing a Kevin Tucker pass to the net before Tucker capped an excellent performance adding the final nail in the West Tipp side’s coffin scoring a point from play to give the North Tipp side a very impressive 4-30 to 2-4 victory.

The final outcome was never in doubt with Nenagh Éire Óg outplaying their opponents with craftiness, superior stick work and capable picking off scores from every area of the pitch. Richie Flannery at the heart of the defence swept up everything that came his way and he was ably assisted by Hugh Flannery and Brian

Dillon. Hugh Maloney was pulling the strings in midfield with Paddy Murphy and Paul Ryan supplying the ammunition for Michael Heffernan and Eddie Tucker. However, it was the welcome return of Kevin Tucker, sorely missed during the North Championship campaign that added the gloss to this display.
Team and Scorers:
Michael McNamara, Daire Quinn, Richie Flannery(0-2,2f), John Brennan, Hugh Flannery(0-1), Noel Maloney, Brian Dillon, Hugh Maloney(0-2), Pearse Morris(0-1), Michael Heffernan(2-5), Paddy Murphy(0-3), Paul Ryan(1-1), John Slattery(0-2), Eddie Tucker(0-4), Kevin Tucker (0-9,5f)

Subs: Alan Kelly for Quinn, Eoghan Slattery(1-1) for E Tucker, Brian Maxwell for H Flannery. Mark Tuite for Heffernan

JAHC: Eire Og 2-11 Burgess 1-14 - Dolla Saturday 24th July 2010

Eire Og made a great comeback to get a draw against Burgess in Round 4 of this years Junior ‘A championship played in Dolla last Saturday afternoon.

Burgess made a great start and raced into a three points lead inside the first three minutes. Sean Geaney opened Eire Og's account with a well taken point in the forth minute. Burgess pushed on and scored a goal and two points to lead by seven points after ten minutes of play. Eire Og just about kept in sight through a Billy Heffernan 65 and a Sean Healy free. As the half time interval approached both teams were finding it hard to get scores with no score in the final eight minutes of the half, but Burgess had a eight point advantage to lead 1-9 to 0-4 at half time.

Eire Og who were playing with the slight breeze after half time registered the first score of the 2nd half through Niall Madden. Burgess then struck three points without reply to go ten ahead. Eire Og started to hurl after this and dominated the next ten minutes to score 1-4 without reply, the goal coming from the Burgess corner back deflecting the ball into his own net. Burgess responded with a point before Eire Og goalie Willie Bolger made a great save on 23 minutes to keep Eire Og in the game. Eire Og pushed on and two Heffernan frees and a goal by David Cleary put Eire Og in the lead coming up to end of normal time Burgess had the last say and leveled the game with a late free to leave the full time score Eire Og 2-11 to Burgess 1-14.


Teams and Scorers: Willie Bolger, Michael Hynes, Stevie Ryan, Brian Fitzbibbon, Kevin Gubbins, Mark Flannery, Eddie Darcy, Niall Madden(0-3), Billy Heffernan(0-3,2f and 1 65), Paddy Harrington(0-1), Sean Healy(0-3, 1f), Sean Geaney (0-1), Joe Geaney, David Cleary, (1-0), Michael Walsh.
Sub: Daryl McCormack for Walsh

 

North U21 1/4 Final Dolla - Monday 19th July 2010 : Nenagh Eire Og 3-14 Burgess 1-11

The U21 team made it through to the North semi final after a nine point win over Burgess on Monday evening last in Dolla. Eire Og led from start to finish in this tie and the foundations for the win were laid in the first half with three goals. Michael Heffernan led the way for Eire Og and the wing forward finished the game with a tally of 2-9.

Eire Og got a dream start when Michael Heffernan soloed through the Burgess defence to score the first goal for the winners in the first minute. Heffernan added another two points after before Burgess got on the score sheet thanks to a free after ten minutes. Eohan Slattery and Heffernan (free) added two more points before Paddy Murphy gave Heffernan a lovely handpass and he ran through the middle again to blast the ball in to the top corner of the Burgess net. Burgess kept themselves in the game with a couple of frees but Eire Og hit for a third goal in the 28th minute when a long run from Pearse Morris found David Cleary who made no mistake with the finish. Burgess finished the half with two more frees to leave the half time score Eire Og 3-5 Burgess 0-6.

Both teams traded scores early in second half and on ten minutes, a high ball decieved Eire Og keeper Willie Bolger for a Burgess goal. This goal to cut the lead to just four points. Heffernan (2) Paddy Muphy, Sean Healy responded with points to settle Eire Og again. Murphy added two more points in between two Burgess scores in the last five minutes to run out comfortable winners on a scoreline of 3-14 to 1-11.

Team and Scorers:
Willie Bolger, Sean Geaney, Daire Quinn, Michael Hynes, Billy Heffernan, Mark Flannery, Niall Madden, Pearse Morris, Sean Healy(0-1), Mark Tuite, Paddy Murphy(0-3), Michael Heffernan(2-9, 4f), Joe Geaney, David Cleary(1-0), Eoghan Slattery (0-1)
Subs: Donncha Heffernan for Hynes.

 

Minor Hurling Championship Round 1: Eire Og Nenagh 1-13 Borris-Ileigh 2-10

Our minor hurlers opened their championship campaign with a well deserved draw against Borris-Ileigh on Wednesday evening last. After a slow start by both teams, Eire Og opened the scoring through a Mark Tuite free after four minutes. This was soon cancelled out by a goal from Borris. Eire Og responded well and drew level with points by Kevin Kennedy and Paul Slattery. Eire Og pushed on from there and a long delivery from goalie Kevin Flynn was collected by Paul Slattery who fed Kevin Kennedy who scored an Eire Og goal. The goal was quickly followed by points from Tuite and Joe Geaney. Both teams traded scores up towards half time with Eire Og ahead by four points thanks to hard hard throughout the field and a great save by Flynn in the Eire Og goals.
Half time score Eire Og 1-7 Borris 1-3.

Eire Og were playing into the breeze in the 2nd half and opening the scoring through a Sean Geaney 65. Borris then came back and got the margin back to two points after ten minutes of play. Another Geaney 65 and a point by sub Barry Heffernan gave the initiative back to Eire Og once again. Again Borris never gave up and got a second goal on the midway point of the half and the momentum swung in Borris' favour again. A big turning point came on 27 minutes when a Borris penalty was saved on the Eire Og line, As we approached 30 minutes, Borris pointed a free to level the game. After five minutes oif injury time, Borris took the lead (for 1st time) with a 65 but Eire Og just about had enough time to grab a draw through sub Darragh Walsh and the referee blew the whistle for full time.

Team and Scorers: Kevin Flynn, Donnacha Heffernan, Kevin Gubbins, Oisin McGlynn, Eddie Darcy, Daire Quinn, Sean Geaney(0-2) 2 65, Daryl McCormack, Joe Geaney (0-01), Adam Gratton, Mark Higginbottom(0-1), Mark Tuite(0-3) 1 free , Paul Slattery(0-2), Kevin Kennedy(1-1), Niall Kennedy.
Subs: Barry Heffernan(0-02), for McCormack, Darragh Walsh(0-01) for Higginbottom

North Tipperary Junior ‘C’ Hurling League Final

Eire Og Nenagh 1-14 Borris-Ileigh 2-13

Burgess needed extra time to see off a spirited Nenagh side and land the inaugural North Junior ‘C’ league on Friday evening. In a scrappy opening period it was Nenagh who eventually seized the initiative to open a three point lead. Kieran Duffy was the first to raise the white flag on ten minutes and this was followed by a Niall Madden free and an excellent point from Joe Geaney after collecting a John Donnellen cut. Slowly Burgess began to settle and though they were solid in defence their forwards struggled to find their range. On twenty minutes Declan O’Dwyer pounced on Leonard Ryan’s error and pointed before wing back John O’Dwyer added a free and a 65 to tie the game. Nenagh substitute Shane O’Carroll, who replaced the injured Liam O’Gorman, won the following puck out and pointed well from distance but the lively John O’Dwyer cancelled this out with a superb effort for Burgess after he won his tussle with John Donnellan.
In a game this tight goals were always going to be telling and it was Burgess who struck first. Declan O’Dwyer’s sideline cut was gathered by Colm O’Brien who slipped it to Kevin O’Flaherty and despite huge pressure he managed to boot the ball past Kevin Flynn in the Nenagh goals. Fergal MacDonnell added a point to extend the Burgess advantage but John Donnellen did cut the half time deficit to just three after good play from Shane O’Carroll. Nenagh set about their task without fuss in the early stages of the second half and their best period of play saw midfielders Niall Madden and Kieran Duffy hit good points.

Burgess surrendered the momentum and indeed only scored three times in the entire second half. The first was a fine individual effort from full forward Liam O’Donoghue and minutes later persistent pressure from Kevin O’Flaherty set up Fergal MacDonnell to point and restore their three point advantage. Another Niall Madden free cut the lead before Nenagh got a goal that they surely thought could win them the game. A speculative ball that seemed to be trailing harmlessly wide was brilliantly retrieved by substitute Sean Brennan and the waiting John Donnellen fired it past Burgess goalie Brian Sherlock. Two more points from Nenagh’s Shane O’Carroll and Niall Madden opened up a three point lead as the game ticked into injury time but there was still life in a shell shocked Burgess. Kevin O’Flaherty gathered possession and he cut in along the endline before passing to Liam O’Donoghue and he rescued his side with a low finish to send the match to extra time.

The first period of extra time was hotly contested but it was Burgess who regained their composure and were slightly more efficient in front of goals. Fergal MacDonnell, Liam O’Donoghue, Colm O’Brien and substitute Paudie MacDonnell all added impressive points whereas Nenagh struggled by comparison. They had to rely on two Niall Madden frees and a scrappy effort from Eamon Hodgins to trail by just a point at the interval
Burgess dominated the second period of extra time as Nenagh faded. Full forward Liam O’Donogue converted their possession with two excellent points whereas the most Nenagh could reply with was a terrific first time pointed effort from the resilient Niall Madden.

Man of the Match: Liam O’Donoghue (Burgess)

Scorers: Burgess: Liam O’Donoghue 1-4; Declan O Dwyer 1-1; Fergal MacDonnell 0-3; John O Dwyer 0-3, 1 free, 1 65; Colm O’Brien, Paudie MacDonnell 0-1 each.
Nenagh: Niall Madden 0-7, 6 frees; John Donnellan 1-1; Kieran Duffy, Shane O Carroll, Joe Geaney 0-2 each.

Burgess: Brian Sherlock; David Seymour, Kevin Cooney, Sean Flynn; Thomas Walsh, Brian Tucker, John O’Dwyer; John Byrne, Mick Dunne; Declan O’Dwyer, Fergal MacDonnell, Kevin O’Flaherty; Daniel Ryan, Liam O’Donoghue, Colm O’Brien.
SUBS: Paudie MacDonnell for O Flaherty; Paul Seymour for Ryan; Tony Hogan for O’Brien
Nenagh Eire Og: Kevin Flynn; Michael Hynes, Leonard Ryan, Kevin Gubbins; Paddy Flynn, Brian Fitzgibbon, Eddie Darcy; Niall Madden, Kieran Duffy; John Donnellan, Liam O’Gorman, Michael Walsh; Eamon Hodgins, David Sherlock, Joe Geaney.
SUBS: Shane O’Carroll for O’Gorman; Daryl MacCormack for Walsh; Tony O’Gara for Flynn; Sean Brennan for Hodgins.
Referee: Michael Murphy (Toomevara).

Report by Kieran Mullarkey (Nenagh Guardian)

 

JAHC Round 2: Nenagh Eire Og 0-20 Templederry 0-3

The junior A team made it two wins from two in this years championship following a comprehensive win over Templederry on Sunday afternoon. Eire Og opted to play against the breeze in the first half and the foundations for this win were laid in the first half going in at half time leading by 0-10 to 0-3.

Great credit goes to the defence as they held Templederry scoreless for the whole second half while another ten points were scored in the second half period.

Team and Scores:

Willie Bolger(0-1 free), Sean Geaney, Stevie Ryan, Kevin Gubbins, Shane O Carroll,Mark Flannery, Eddie Darcy, Niall Madden(0-1), Billy Heffernan(0-2), David Cleary(0-2), Shane Maher(0-3), Sean Healy(0-9)5 frees, Joe Geaney(0-1), Sean Brennan, Cian Tucker.

Sub: Daryl McCormack(0-1) for Brennan

JAHC Round 1: Nenagh Eire Og 1-14 Kildangan 1-11

Eire Og made a winning start to this years Junior A championship win a three point win over Kildangan on Tuesday evening in Dolla. Eire Og started off very brightly and and the first score came courtesy of Sean Healy in the first minute. After six minutes of play, Eire Og were awarded a penalty and Shane Maher blasted to the Kildangan net to lead 1-1 to no score. Eire Og pushed on and scored three more points through David Cleary (2) and Joe Geaney. Kildangan finally got on the scoreboard on the half way point with a goal and point from their full forward in the space of two minutes to bring them back into the game. The young Eire Og side responded well with three points with reply from Healy, Maher and Cian Tucker. For the final six minutes of the half Kildangan got on top and got three points without reply and a great goal chance saved by goalie Willie Bolger.
The half time score read Eire Og 1-8 Kildangan 1-5.

Kildangan started the second half brightly and scores two points in the opening three minutes but were soon cancelled out by two Sean Healy frees for Eire Og. Kildangan got on top again and were level by the fourteenth minute at 1-10 each. The turning point in the game came soon after when a Kildangan player recieved a second yellow card and was sent off. Eire Og tagged on three more points along with another fine save from Bolger to hold out for a deserved three point win.

Teams and Scorers: Willie Bolger, Michael Hynes, Stevie Ryan, Kevin Gubbins, Sean Geaney, Mark Flannery(0-1), Eddie Darcy, Niall Madden, Shane O Carroll, David Cleary(0-2), Shane Maher(1-3)1-0 pen, Sean Healy(0-6) 4 frees, Joe Geaney(0-1), Sean Brennan, Cian Tucker(0-1)

North SHC Round 4: Nenagh Eire Og 1-11 Kilruane 2-14

Nenagh Éire Óg finally lost their grip on the Frank McGrath Cup on Friday evening as Kilruane MacDonaghs confirmed their place in the quarter final with a deserved win. The victors came into the game under pressure knowing a defeat would put them in jeopardy of making an early exit and for the first fifteen minutes, they played second fiddle to a sharp and hungry Nenagh side. However, Kilruane hung onto Nenagh’s coat tails and a goal from a 21-yard free from Seamus Hennessy on the cusp of half time ensured they were level at the break.

It took Nenagh a full sixteen minutes to score in the second half when John Slattery found the range but by then they had fallen six-points adrift as Kilruane confidently strode clear with Ray McLoughney and Seamus Hennessy outstanding.

The latter came into the game having sustained a broken toe on his left leg in training with Tipperary the previous Tuesday. So heavily was he limping as he left the dressing room you’d wonder how he would last six minutes let alone sixty. Hennessy was relocated to full forward and while the injury visibly hampered him, he still ended the game with 1-4 as he won his crucial duel with Ritchie Flannery who started at full back as Nenagh tried their third different player in the troublesome position in four games.

As much as Hennessy influenced the game, the platform for Kilruane’s success was laid in defence where Ray McLoughney stepped in for Hennessy at centre back and proceeded to have an outstanding game and set the tone for the game by striding forward for the opening point inside thirty seconds.

He was aided in defence by Pat Williams, Stephen Murphy and Gavin McAvinchey who were much more forceful as a full back line after being shredded by Kildangan five days previous and when they were breached, goalkeeper David Reddan was in outstanding form, making three super saves in the first half, including a double stop from Michael Heffernan.


It was another disappointing defeat for Nenagh, considering they set the pace for most of the first half and should have had a healthy lead at half time when they only went in level. Defensively, Ritchie Flannery did shore up the full back position but struggled to deal with the power of Seamus Hennessy. He was missed from the half back line as the forwards missed his crisp early deliveries.

Making his first start, Dáire Quinn did well in defence while Pearse Morris and Hugh Maloney got through a lot of work in midfield while in the forward line, Paddy Murphy was their only major threat.

Despite Kilruane making the better start with points from Ray McLoughney and Seamus Hennessy, Nenagh were the better side for much of the opening quarter and quickly hit back to go two points ahead with Ritchie Flannery converting two long range frees with Michael Heffernan and Paddy Murphy adding the remainder.

Hurling with greater intensity, Nenagh should have been further ahead but lead by just one point after twenty minutes when Michael McNamara came to their rescue making a smothering stop to deny Seamus Hennessy.

A minute later, his opposite number was called into action as Michael Heffernan bore down on goal but David Reddan showed great reflexes to deny the Tipp senior panellist on two occasions before conceding a 65, which Ritchie Flannery converted.

Seamus Hennessy ventured out to wing to score a cracking point but with two minutes to go to half time, they still trailed by two points when Brian O’Meara was fouled on the 21-yard line. Back chat from a Nenagh player saw the ball moved to the front of the goal and Hennessy needed no second invitation to go for a three-pointer as he gave Kilruane the lead.

However it was shortlived as David Reddan made another super save to deny Brian Dillon at the expense of a point as the sides went in level at half time, 1-6 to 0-9.

Ritchie Flannery’s radar was off early in the second half as Nenagh failed to add to their tally as Kilruane took advantage to score six points without reply from Hennessy, McLoughney (4, 3 frees) and Brian O’Meara before John Slattery found the range in the 46th minute. Nenagh’s hopes of making the quarter finals were finally dashed four minutes later as Ritchie Flannery was dispossessed as Darren Killackey nipped into kick to the net at the second attempt to stretch the lead out to eight points.

For the remaining minutes, Nenagh laid siege to the Kilruane goal and forced three 21-yard frees from where they did manage a goal from Michael Heffernan but it was ultimately too little too late.

North SH Championship - 5th June 2010 - Nenagh Eire Og 0-24 Portroe 4-9

Nenagh Éire Óg secured their first win of this year’s championship but were left sweating in the closing minutes of Saturday evenings encounter in Toomevara. At times Éire Óg looked to be cruising to an easy victory and picked off some delightful points but Portroe, renowned for their attitude and character just wouldn’t give up. Goals normally win games and Port could have had three more but for the agility of Michael McNamara between the posts.
Ritchie Flannery turned back the years with a magnificent performance at wing back while Hugh was not far behind on the other wing. Hugh Maloney dominated midfield while up front Michael Heffernan turned in his best hour of the championship to date.
Éire Óg welcomed back Eddie Tucker from injury and both he and Johnny Slattery used their guile to good effect in front of goal.
For Portroe, Darren Gleeson kept a clean sheet and even managed to pull down a couple of certain points. The defence worked hard to keep the lively Nenagh forwards at bay and Justin Conroy did his best at midfield. Veteran Dinny Hogan was once again the inspirational figure at centre forward and contributed to most of Portroe’s scores. Éire Óg failed to combat the aerial threat posed by Hogan and Michael Sheedy and John Sheedy also put in a decent hour at the edge of the square.
Éire Óg made the livelier start and raced into a three point lead after only seven minutes through Michael Heffernan, Hugh Maloney and Johnny Slattery. Port registered their first score in the 12th minute when Mark Gennery combined with John Ryan and John Sheedy for a nice point. John Ryan gave Port an unexpected lead a minute later in blasting home the first goal.
Paddy Murphy and Heffernan (2) exchanged points with Michael Sheedy, Darren Gleeson and John Sheedy. With ten minutes to go Éire Óg moved up a gear and scored six points without reply through Johnny Slattery, Eddie Tucker and two each from Michael Heffernan and Paul Ryan while Portroe’s Michael Sheedy missed a glorious goal chance in the same period leaving the half time score at 0-13 to 1-4. On the resumption Éire Óg opened the scoring with a Ritchie Flannery free but from the resultant puck out Michael Sheedy rose highest, turned and drove past the helpless McNamara for a goal.
In the very next play John Sheedy was unceremoniously brought to the ground on route towards goal. Darren Gleeson made the familiar trek from the goals and, although he struck the penalty with his usual power, McNamara dived to his right to make a fine save. The chance to reduce the deficit to the minimum was lost and Éire Óg quickly regained control with three unanswered points.
In the 37th minute, referee Michael Cahill was left with no option but to issue red cards to Paul Ryan (Nenagh Éire Óg) and Charlie Wilford (Portroe) who had engaged in a brief wrestling match.
A Michael Sheedy point in the 38th minute was quickly followed by four unanswered Éire Óg scores. John Sheedy had two frees to give Port some respite and McNamara made two vital saves from Michael Sheedy.
With four minutes left on the clock and supporters heading for the exits, Sheedy struck Portroe’s third goal to leave seven points between the teams. David Gleeson added a point and when Dinny Hogan caught a Darren Gleeson free and scrambled the ball to the net to reduce the gap to three, the crowd wondered if an upset was on the cards. It wasn’t to be however and, although Port pressed hard in injury time, Éire Óg held on for a deserved victory.


Team and Scorers:
M McNamara, E Fitzgbbon, B Maxwell, J Brennan, H Flannery, N Maloney, R Flannery(0-2),1 free, H Maloney(0-3), P Morris, M Heffernan, (0-9),6 frees P Murphy(0-2), P Ryan(0-2), M Tuite, J Slattery(0-2), E Tucker(0-2)
Subs: D O Meara(0-1) for Tuite, A Kelly for Fitzgibbon, E Slattery(0-1) for O Meara, W Bolger for McNamara.

 

Co SHL played on Sun the 16th May in Clonoulty

Clonoulty Rossmore 2.16 Nenagh Eire Og 0.14

Clonoulty Rossmore had 8 points to spare over Nenagh Eire Og round 5 of the county senior league played in Clonoulty on Sunday afternoon last. Played in sunny conditions, Eire Og opened the scoring with two points by Johnny Slattery in as many minutes but Clonoulty responded with the first goal of the game after a high ball decieved the Eire Og goalie to put Clonoulty ahead inside three minutes. The first half was evenly contested and Clonoulty went in at the break four points up on a scoreline of 1-7 to 0-6.

Both sided traded scores after the restart until the mid way point when Clonoulty scored their second goal courtesy of Timmy Hamersley. This opened up a nine point lead and the game was effectively over as a contest at this stage. Eire Og finished with a couple of late frees from sub David Hackett and the final time score read Clonoulty 2-16 Eire Og 0-14.

Best for Eire Og were Eoin Fitzgibbon, Brian Maxwell and Johnny Slattery

Teams and Scores:
Micael McNamara, Eoin Fitzgibbon, Brian Maxwell, John Brennan, Hugh Flannery, Noel Maloney, Richie Flannery, Brian Dillon, Pearse Morris, David Cleary, Shane Maher, Declan O Meara(0-1), Eoghan Slattery(0-1), Johnny Slattery(0-3), Mark Tuite(0-3,2 frees).
Subs: Daire Quinn for Dillon, David Hackett (0-6, 4 frees) for Cleary, Sean Geaney for Tuite, Mark Flannery for Noel Maloney, Alan Kelly for R Flannery,

Co SHL played on Friday the 23rd of April in Nenagh

Nenagh Eire Og 0-13 - 1-15 Upperchurch Drombane

Eire Og lost their 100% record in this years Co league following a five point loss to Upperchurch on Friday evening last in McDonagh Park. Upperchurch opened the scoring with a point from play after two minutes. Eire Og replied with two points from play through Shane Maher and Declan O Meara and by the tenth minute Upperchurch had it back level at two points apiece. Both sided traded scores from then on until half time but some poor shooting by Upperchurch left them behind at the break on a score line of 9-5 to Eire Og.
After the break, Eire Og opened a five point lead through a Kevin Tucker free. From there on, Upperchurch took over and scored 1-5 without reply including the goal after after fifteen minutes to put them three points ahead. Eire Og were finding it hard to get scores throughout the second half and by full time Upperchurch were ahead by five points and were full value for their win. Final Score Upperchurch 1-15 0-13 Nenagh Eire Og.
Nenagh were best served by Sean Healy, Eoin Fitzgibbon and Kevin Tucker who was accurate from placed balls.

Scorers: K Tucker 0-7 (all frees), S Maher 0-2, D O Meara, Paul Ryan, E Slattery and M Tuite all 0-1 each

Team: Sean Healy, Alan Kelly, John Flannery, Eoin Fitzgibbon, Brian Maxwell, Mark Flannery, Hugh Flannery, Paul Ryan, Brian Dillon, Kevin Tucker, Shane Maher, Declan O Meara, Eoghan Slattery, Paddy Murphy, Mark Tuite.
Subs: Daire Quinn for Ryan, Sean Geaney for Kelly, Cliff Maloney for O Meara, David Ryan for Maxwell.

Co SHL played on Sunday 18th of April in Nenagh

Nenagh Eire Og 3.17 - 1.20 Thurles Sarsfields

Nenagh Eire Og maintained their 100% record in this years county league thanks to a three point win over Thurles Sarsfields on Sunday evening last in Nenagh. Played in perfect conditions, Eire Og opened the scoring through a Richie Flannery 65 but was quickly cancelled out by a Thurles free in the second minute. Eire Og pushed ahead and scored the first goal courtesy of Johnny Slattery on eight minutes to put Eire Og ahead by four points.A second goal by Nenagh after the thirteenth minute by Kevin Tucker opened up a seven point lead for the north men. Sarsfields got back into the game after this goal and were only down four points at the break as the scoreboard read 2-10 to 0-12.

Sarsfields made a wonderful start to second half and by the eleventh minute they were ahead bythree points in which the hit 1-5 to Eire Og's point in that spell. Again both sided traded scores in a well contested game. In the final ten minutes Sarsfields failed to score and Eire Og grabbing 1-3 thanks to a second goal from Johnny Slattery and points from Kevin Tucker, Tommy Heffernan and Mark Flannery. Sarsfields brought goalie Bill Mc Cormack up for a 21 yard free but was saved on the goal line and Eire Og held on for a three point win. Final Score Nenagh Eire Og 3-17 to1-20 forThurles Sarsfields.

Best for Nenagh were Richie Flannery in the Neagh defence and Johnny Slattery took his two goals well.

Scorers: J Slattery 2-0, K Tucker 1-4 (2 frees), R Flannery 0-3 (2 65, 1free), B Dillon 0-2, D O Meara, P Murphy, P Ryan, E Slattery, T Heffernan, B Maxwell, M Flannery, D Hackett all 0-1 each.

Team: Michael McNamara, Alan Kelly, John Flannery, Eoin Fitzgibbon, Richie Flannery, Brian Maxwell, Hugh Flannery, Paul Ryan, Brian Dillon, Kevin Tucker, Paddy Murphy, Declan O Meara,David Hackett, Johnny Slattery, Eoghan Slattery

Subs: Sean Geaney for Fitzgibbon, Mark Flannery for Dillon, Tommy Heffernan for Hackett, Shane Maher for O Meara, David Cleary for E Slattery

 

Co SHL played on Friday of 2nd of April in the Ragg

Nenagh Eire Og 3.20 - 0.15 Drom Inch

Nenagh Eire Og recorded a 2nd successive victory in this years county league with a comprehensive win over Drom-Inch in the Ragg on Friday evening last. This game was slow to take off and finally Drom got the first score of the game after six minutes but Eire Og had a quick reply through a Kevin Tucker free. Johnny Slattery made a good run who passed off to Brian Quinn who goaled for Nenagh in the 8th minute, Both team traded scores until a long delivery by Noel Maloney was flicked to the net by Johnny Slattery to lead by six points after twenty minutes. Nenagh pushed on with scores from Richie Flannery (2), Paul Ryan, Johnny Slattery and Declan O Meara. This left the half time score at Nenagh Eire Og 2.10 to Drom-Inch 0.07.

As the sun came out for the 2nd half, Eire Og continued where they left off in the first half with a goal from Paddy Harrington after a great run from Hugh Maloney. For the rest of the half, both teams traded pointed with the pick of the scores coming from Johnny Slattery over the shoulder mid way through the 2nd half. Drom finished up the scoring in injury time with a point from play.
Final score Nenagh Eire Og 3.20 - 0.15 Drom Inch.
Best for Nenagh Eire Og were Richie Flannery,Hugh Maloney and Johnny Slattery.

Scores for Eire Og: Kevin Tucker 0-6 (4 frees), Johnny Slattery 1-3, Richie Flannery 0-5 (1 free,1 65), Paul Ryan 0-3, Paddy Harrington, Brian Quinn 1-0 each, Hugh Maloney, Declan O Meara, David Hackett 0-1 each


Team:Michael McNamara, Alan Kelly, John Flannery, Eoin Fitzgibbon, Richie Flannery, Noel Maloney, David Ryan, Paul Ryan, Hugh Maloney, Kevin Tucker, Declan O Meara, David Hackett, Brian Quinn, Johnny Slattery, Paddy Harrington

 

Co SHL played on Sunday 28th of March in Nenagh

Nenagh Éire Óg 1-16 Borris-Ileigh 1-12

Borris-Ileigh opened the scoring at MacDonagh Park scoring but soon after Nenagh found their range and led 0-5 to 0-2 after 13 minutes thanks to points from Kevin Tucker (2) and Paddy Murphy (2) and a long range effort by Paul Ryan. Borris hit next with a goal from David O'Connor to level the scoring. Good work by Cliff Maloney set up David Cleary for a Nenagh goal which propelled them to a half time lead of 7 points, 1-10 to 1-3. Borris made a great start to 2nd half with the first two scores but Nenagh replied with two points from Kevin Tucker, 1 from play and the other a free. Borris continued to fight back and had good scores from Aidan Cowan, Mark Bourke and Declan Maher. However a total of 14 wides would prove their undoing and the home side ran out deserving 4 point winners. Nenagh's full back line played well all through the game and Kevin Tucker and Paddy Murphy were best in the forwards.

Teams and scorers:
Nenagh Éire Óg: Michael McNamara; Alan Kelly, John Flannery, Eoin Fitzgibbon; Richie Flannery, Noel Maloney; Hugh Flannery; Paul Ryan (0-1), Declan O Meara; Kevin Tucker (0-8, 0-5 frees), Eddie Tucker (0-1), Paddy Murphy (0-2); David Hackett, David Cleary (1-3), Cliff Maloney (0-1).

Subs used: Sean Healy for Hackett.

 

U21 Championship vs Kilruane in Toomevara 27th March.
Nenagh 2.14 Kilruane 1.18
Our U21s played the 1st round of the U21 championship on Saturday last in Toomevara. Condtions were good for hurling with a slight breeze blowing into the scoreboard end of the ground.
Early exchanges were tough and close with both teams getting some good scores. A big turning point in the game came on 7 minutes when referee issued two reds cards to Nenaghs Pearse Morris and Kilruane’s Justin Cahill. This seemed to ignite Nenagh as the raced into an 0.08-0.04 lead after 25 minutes thanks to points from Michael and Tommy Heffernan, Paddy Murphy and Sean Healy. On 28 min, Nenagh went up 6 points thanks to a well taken goal from Micheal Heffernan who was playing well at centre forward for Nenagh. Nenagh went in ah half time with a 7 point lead with the scoreboard reading 1.10 to 7 points.
Kilruane made the perfect start to the 2nd half with three points from Brian O Meara (2 frees). Another major turning point came in the game when captain Micheal Heffernan received a second yellow card which reduced Nenagh to thirteen players for the remainder of the game. After fifty one minutes of play, Nenagh were seven points ahead thanks to a well taken goal by David Cleary and points from Tommy Heffernan and a brilliant save from Willie Bolger in the Nenagh goals. From there on, Kilruane clawed their way back into the game and went one point ahead in injury time. Nenagh tried very hard to get the equaliser but didn’t happen for us.
Team and scorers: W Bolger, S Geaney, S Maher, M Hynes, B Heffernan, M Flannery, D Quinn, P Morris, M Tuite, D Cleary(1.1), M Heffernan(1.5, 3 frees), S Healy(0.2), T Heffernan(0.4, 1 free, 1 65), P Murphy(0.2), Cliff Maloney.
Subs: E Slattery for M Tuite

 

Sat-26 Sep 09 Senior Hurling Championship Quarter Final

Thurles Sarsfields 1-18 Nenagh Eire Og 0-18

Round-up - Thurles Sarsfields scored 1-13 in the second half to secure victory over Nenagh at Semple Stadium on Saturday. Nenagh led by 7 points (0-9 to 0-2) after 25 minutes and by 5 points at the interval. However, Sarsfields were a different team in the second half and drew level by the 42nd minute. The decisive score came midway through the second half when Denis Maher scored the only goal of the game and despite Nenagh reducing the lead to just a point in the final minute, Sarsfields got two late points to ensure victory. The second half was quite a good game of open hurling after a tame enough first half.

Full-time score - Nenagh Eire Og 0-18 Thurles Sarsfields 1-18

61st minute - Pa Bourke scores a good point from play to put Sarsfields three points ahead - Nenagh Eire Og 0-18 Thurles Sarsfields 1-18

60th minute - Alan Kennedy scores a good point from play for Sarsfields - it's up to the referee now in terms of additional time - Nenagh Eire Og 0-18 Thurles Sarsfields 1-17

58th minute - Kevin Tucker points a free for Nenagh - can they draw level? - Nenagh Eire Og 0-18 Thurles Sarsfields 1-16

57th minute - Michael Gleeson scores a point from play for Sarsfields - Nenagh Eire Og 0-17 Thurles Sarsfields 1-16

57th minute - Eddie Tucker scores a point from play for Nenagh - Nenagh Eire Og 0-17 Thurles Sarsfields 1-15

56th minute - Pa Bourke points a free for Sarsfields to stem the tide - Nenagh Eire Og 0-16 Thurles Sarsfields 1-15

54th minute - Michael Heffernan with another point from play - just one point in it now with five minutes to play - Nenagh Eire Og 0-16 Thurles Sarsfields 1-14

53rd minute - Michael Heffernan scores a point from play - his fifth and there are just two points in it - Nenagh Eire Og 0-15 Thurles Sarsfields 1-14

51st minute - Pa Bourke hits a scoreable free wide from 45 metres out in front of the goal.

50th minute - Kevin Tucker points a free for Nenagh - Nenagh Eire Og 0-14 Thurles Sarsfields 1-14

49th minute - Richie Ruth scores a point from play for Sarsfields - Nenagh Eire Og 0-13 Thurles Sarsfields 1-14

48th minute - Richie Flannery points a free from his own 65 metre line - Nenagh's first score in 15 minute - Nenagh Eire Og 0-13 Thurles Sarsfields 1-13

47th minute - Alan Kennedy scores a point from play for Sarsfields to put them 4 points up - Nenagh Eire Og 0-12 Thurles Sarsfields 1-13

46th minute - Lar Corbett amazingly hits a goal shot wide after a great pass from Richie Ruth - that would have been game over.

45th minute - Denis Maher scores a goal for Thurles Sarsfields to put them in front - all Thurles since the start of the second half - Nenagh Eire Og 0-12 Thurles Sarsfields 1-12

42nd minute - Pa Bourke points a free from his own 65 metre line and the sides are level - Nenagh Eire Og 0-12 Thurles Sarsfields 0-12

41st minute - Richie Ruth scores a point from play and now its all Sarsfields - can they level proceedings? Nenagh Eire Og 0-12 Thurles Sarsfields 0-11

39th minute - Kevin Tucker and Liam Cahill receive yellow cards

38th minute - Pa Bourke points a free for Sarsfields after Lar Corbett is fouled following a good solo run - Nenagh Eire Og 0-12 Thurles Sarsfields 0-10

37th minute - Lar Corbett with a nice catch and score from 65 metre - just 3 points in it now - Nenagh Eire Og 0-12 Thurles Sarsfields 0-9

33rd minute - Shane Ryan scores a point from play for Sarsfields - Nenagh Eire Og 0-12 Thurles Sarsfields 0-8

33rd minute - Kevin Tucker points a free for Nenagh - Nenagh Eire Og 0-12 Thurles Sarsfields 0-7

32nd minute - Pa Bourke scores a point from play for Sarsfields - Nenagh Eire Og 0-11 Thurles Sarsfields 0-7

32nd minute - Patrick Murphy scores a point from play for Nenagh - Nenagh Eire Og 0-11 Thurles Sarsfields 0-6

31st minute - Richie Ruth scores a point from play after 7 second of the second half - Nenagh Eire Og 0-10 Thurles Sarsfields 0-6

Half-time round-up - Nenagh Eire Og lead by 0-10 to 0-5 at the interval after dominating the first half for long periods.  Nenagh led by 0-9 to 0-2 after 25 minutes but Sarsfields finished the half strong to leave just 5 points in it at the interval. Both sides have missed chances but Nenagh are getting their scores a bit easier thus far. Five points is nothing in hurling though so if Sarsfields can improve for the second half, it could go either way.

 

Sun 13 -Sep-09 Watch Centre Junior "A" Hurling Championship Final
Nenagh Éire Óg (3-14) Vs Toomevara (0-17) in Cloughjordan

Team 1. Willie Bolger 2. Stephen Ryan 3. Lenny Ryan 4. Brian Fitzgibbon 5. David Ryan 6. Mark Flannery 7. Billy Heffernan 8. Michael Hackett(0-01) 9. Brian Maxwell 10. Declan O'Meara 11. Chris Bonnar 12. Mark Grace (0-01) 13. Sean Healy (1-03)14. John Kennedy (1-03) 15. David Hackett (1-06)16. David Cleary on for Chris Bonnar 17. Kevin Kennedy 18. Robbie Tomlinson 19. Eoin Slattery 20. Christy McLoughlin 21. Brian Duffy

The Junior (A) Capped off a fine run in this years North Tipp Junior Championship with a victory last Sunday evening over old rivals Toomevara to add to the League Title won earlier. Nenagh have had an excellent run this year and will be hoping to keep it going in the County Championship. The game was an open but close game with both teams taking some really good scores in the first half.

Sean Healy opened the scoring with a well taken point and added a second not long after. Sean had an excellent first 30 minutes as did John Kennedy and David Hackett with John bagging 1-03 and David striking 0-03. Our back six looked strong and assured throughout the game with David Ryan and the the never say die Stevie Ryan who cleared a mountain of ball, Mark Flannery Billy Heffernan and Brian Fitzgibbon holding their line well and Lenny Ryan sweeping up at Full back .
Half Time Nenagh Eire Og 1-10 Toomevara 0-13

The second half was a real struggle as the teams fought to gain the upper hand and swing the tie in their favour. The decisive moment of the game came when Willie Bulger was forced to make a brilliant double save, the second a save made with no thought for his own safety and an open goal at mercy. This spurred Nenagh on and finally broke Toom's spirit with David Hackett capitalising and scoring a fine Goal as did Sean Healy to top off a fine indivdual performance. We ran out eventual winners by 6 points Nenagh.

Well done to Liam Heffernan and his backroom team .

Thur 03-Sep-09 Ger Gavin Minor "A" Hurling Championship - Semi finals
Nenagh Éire Óg (4-15) Vs Toomevara (3-15) in Cloughjordan @ 6:30 PM;

Team : 1. Kevin Flynn 2. Donnacha Heffernan 3. Sean Geany 4. Kevin Gubbins 5. Eddie Darcy 6. Billy Heffernan(0-02 x65's) 7. Joe Geany 8. Darragh Quinn(0-01) 9. Darragh Walsh 10. Mark Tuite(2-01) 11. Tommy Heffernan(1-07) 12. Kevin Kennedy(0-03 1x free) 13. Cliff Moloney(0-01) 14. David Cleary(1-0) 15. David Hickey 16. O Mc Glynn 17 K O'Gorman 18. John Minogue 19 Niall Kennedy 20 Pierce O'Brien 21 Paul Slattery 22 Daryl McCormack .

Nenagh kept up a fine year for the club by qualifying for the North Minor Final by defeating Toomevara on Thursday evening in Cloughjordan by a single goal. The saying a game of two halves is often overused but it describes this game to a tee. Nenagh exploded out of the blocks and went 1-01 up in the first 6 minutes with an opening point from Darragh Quinn followed up by a brilliant ground stroke that rocketed past the toom keeper. Nenagh kept up the pressure all through the half with some excellent inter paly between the forwards from good ball supplied from the half back line and this good play was rewarded with two very well taken goals from Mark Tuite the first from a very tight angle and the second a scuffed ground ball the trickled past the keeper but they all count. Tommy Heffernan added another fine goal with Billy Heffernan striking two 65's and Kevin Kennedy topped an excellent half with two points of his own. Half Time score 4-07 to 0-06 . Now if you Think Toomevara were dead in the water think again they came out after the break like a team possessed and fought with all there heart to pull back the deficite and they ripped into the score line with passion. Toom hit us for three goals and 9 points in the second half as we just could not get to grips with the flood of ball coming from the middle of the field our back six had to fight for there lives and were feeling the strain . having said that of the 8 points we did score in the second half 6 came from play and these just kept our noses in front but it has to be said Toom gave us a fright and could well have snapped the win very easily. It was not to be as we finished the game on a score line of 4-15 to 3-15 . Man of the Match in my view comes down to Sean Geany for hid first half display and David Cleary for his display and leadership on the field with David just edging it.

Senior Hurlers win North Final....more

Tue 28-Jul-09 - Walshs Nenagh Under-21 "A" Hurling Championship - Quarter Final
Nenagh Éire Óg(0-16) Vs Kilruane MacDonaghs (1-18)in Puckane @ 7:30 PM

Nenagh Eire Og were defeated by a stronger Kilruane side on Tuesday Evening last in Puckane.We put up a fight but we could not take that extra step despite some good performances around the field. Man of the match from Nenagh point of view was Michael Heffernan who kept us in the game with a personal tally of 10 points. We conceded a soft goal just before half time which seemed to set us back on our heels , but the lads had the right attitude and kept battling away. Some of our big names who were involved with the seniors the Sunday previous were understandably out of sorts and did not feature as much as they could have and the loss of Paddy Murphy to injury from the same game was also a huge loss. All that being said our second half performance did improve immensely and we out scored Kilruane 8 points to 7 and pressured them all the way. We just could not get the run we were looking for as Kilruane defended stoutly. Thanks to Eddie Tucker and his management team for their efforts over the course of the season and despite this result we have great potential for the future . Final Score Nenagh Eire Og (0-16) Kilruane (1-18)

Team 1 Willie Bolger 2 Brian Maxwell 3 Shane Maher(0-01 pen) 4 Michael Hynes 5 Billy Heffernan (0-02 frees)6 Mark Flannery 7 Nial Madden 8 Pearce Morris 9 Shane O'Carroll 10 Sean Healy 11 Michael Heffernan (0-10 3 frees)12 Mark Grace (0-01)13 Cliff Moloney 14 Eoin Slattery 15 Tommy Heffernan (0-02)16 Darragh Quinn on for S. O'Carroll 17 David Hickey on for Mark Grace

Sun 26 Jul 09
Hibernian Inn Senior Hurling Championship Semi Final
Nenagh Eire Og (1-16) V Borris -lleigh ( 0-08 )

Nenagh booked a place in the North Final last Sunday evening with an 11 point victory over Borris-lleigh. Congratulations to Sean Treacy and his team on reaching the Final. Nenagh took to the field at 7.45pm for the late throw in and in what was a workmanlike performance were in control from the starting whistle. Our six defenders were very solid and made life very difficult for Borris-lliegh to create scores. The only clear cut shot on goal was a roaster from John keane that Mickey Mac deflected over the bar with a fine save. Eoin Fitzgibbon, Hugh Moloney and John Brennan were outstanding in the full back line. Our Half Backs were also extremely solid and Richie Flannery is invaluable with his long range free taking as he proved with three more points struck from inside his own 65yard line. In the middle of the field Treacy handed Pearse Morris his Senior Debut and he grasped his opportunity with both hands with a soild display as had his partner Brian Dillon . Our Half Forward line bagged the lions share of the scores with 1-08 of the 1-16 final tally coming from the half forwards. Michael Heffernans goal being the pick of these as the goal was struck with conviction to the back of Jody Harkins Net. The full forward line worked feverishly all through with Tommy Heffernan showing and battling well for his two first half points. The only thing to take the gloss off this fine victory was a leg injury suffered by Paddy Murphy which resulted in him having to be stretchered off he field and we wish him a speedy recovery . Well done to all Involved and we can now concentrate on preparations for the North Final where we will be meeting neighbours Portroe .

Team :

1 Michael McNamara 2 Eoin Fitzgibbon 3 Hugh Moloney 4 John Brennan 5 Hugh Flannery 6 Noel Moloney 7 Richie Flannery(0-03 frees) 8 Pearse Morris (0-02) 9 Brian Dillon 10 Kevin Tucker (0-04 3 frees)11 Eddie Tucker(0-02) 12 Michael Heffernan (1-02 ) 13 Cliff Moloney(0-01) 14 Paddy Murphy 15 Tommy Heffernan(0-02 ) 16 John Slattery on for Paddy Murphy 17 John Flannery on for Brian Dillon 18 Paul Ryan on for Tommy Heffernan

Sat 04-Jul-09 - Watch Centre Junior "C" Hurling Championship
Nenagh Éire Óg (2-23)Vs Ballina (0-06) in Portroe

The Junior (C) team took to the field in Portroe last Sat evening in their opening fixture of the Championship and recorded a convincing victory over Ballina. Following on from his performance in the minor game on Thursday evening David Hickey again came home with a Tally of 1-03 from this game and also showing well on the night were Niall Madden, Martin Donnelan also Eoin Slattery. There is great interest in this team and the performances on the field matched the interest. Nenagh are well on the way in the Junior (C) Championship with this result and should be in the final shake up well done to all and Keep up the great work.

Team 1 C.McLoughlin 2 D.Minogue 3 S.Connelly 4 M.Hynes(0-01) 5 P.Burke 6 N.Madden (0-05 3 frees )7 P.Flynn 8 S.O'Carrol 9 M.Ryan(0-01) 10 N.Tomlinson (0-03)11 C.Kirwin 12 Cian.Morris 13 E.Slattery(1-07) 14 S.Brennan 15 D.Hickey (1-03) 16 M.Donnlan(0-03) on for S. Brennan 17 D. Lillis on for D.Minogue 18 Ciaran.Morris on for D.Hickey 19 S.Ryan on for N.Tomlinson 20 P.Egan on for M.Ryan 21 D.Sherlock 22. K.O'Donoghue 23 J.Minogue .

Thu 02-Jul-09 - Ger Gavin Minor "A" Hurling Championship - Group 1 Round 1
Nenagh Éire Óg (3-17) Vs Templederry Kenyons (1-11) in Templederry

Nenagh Eire Og Minors continued the clubs overall excellent start to the season with a well earned win over Templederry last Thursday evening. A fine all round Team performance with stand out displays from David Hickey and Sean Geany to name just two and also to show well was Joe Geaney Darragh Walsh, Daragh Quinn and Mark Tuite . The first half of this game was a close affair as both teams were sounding each other out with Templederry who started with their two County Minors, Stapleton and Murray who played with the county the previous evening. They were with out doubt going to feel the effects of that game but it didn't show in the first phase of this game as they stood out but we in turn had a couple of players who shone out, David Hickey could not put a foot wrong as a personal first half tally of 1-02 showed he was on form , Tommy Heffernan also caused the Templederry defence problems with 4 points . Darragh Walsh was also very effective and the half time score was Nenagh Eire Og 1-09 toTemplederry 0-09. Nenagh had the advantage, finishing the half stronger . Nenagh drove home their advantage in the second half with an early goal from the impressive Darragh Walsh and this seemed to take the wind out of the sails of Templederry as Nenagh started to put the pressure on with Tommy Heffernan and Billy Heffernan taking advantage of Templederry's indiscipline adding 5 points from frees. David Hickey also added 3 well taken points topping of his individual inspired performanc . Tommy Heffernan added to Templederry's woe's from a penalty as Mark Tuite was fouled when bearing down on goal. Tommy striking a rocket that deflected off the underside of the cross bar to nestle in the back of the net . Templederry added a consolation goal nearing the end but were well defeated at this stage . Final Tally Nenagh 3-17 Templederry 1-11, - Man of the Match David Hickey .

Team : 1 K.Flynn 2 D.Heffernan 3 S.Maher 4 K.Gubbins 5 S.Geany 6 B.Heffernan (0-03 frees)7 J.Geany 8 D.Quinn 9 E.Darcy 10 M.Tuite 11 T.Heffernan (1-08 1 penalty 4 points frees) 12 D.Walsh (1-01)13 C.Molloney(0-01) 14 D.Cleary(0-01) 15 D.Hickey (1-05)16 K.Kennedy on for D.Walsh 17 O'McGlynn on for J.Geany 18 C,Gleeson 19 J.Minogue 20 P.O'Brien 21 P.Slattery 22 S.Nagle 23 N.Kennedy

SH Championship - Round 4 - Sunday 7th June 2009 Cloughjordan
Nenagh Eire Og 1-16 v Toomevara 0-18

Nenagh Eire Og gained a place in the semi-finals when they grabbed an important victory over close rivals Toomevara in a hot affair at Tomas MacDonagh Park last Sunday. Paddy Murphy’s goal eight minutes into the game proved the difference for Nenagh whose four point lead with ten minutes to go almost slipped from their grasp and in the end they needed a resolute defence to help them hold out for their first victory over the Greyhounds in years.

But for all of the good hurling – and there was a quiet a bit – the game was ruined by some unsavoury incidents in which ten yellow cards and two red were issued by referee John Ryan. Referee John Ryan lost his patience ten minutes into the second half, sending Francis Devaney, Toomevara and Brian Dillon, Nenagh, to the line but things took a turn for the worst when Nenagh keeper, Michal McNamara was injured in an incident involving some off-field intervention. The Nenagh net minder had to leave the field with a blood injury and was replaced temporarily by Willie Bulger. Thankfully the remainder of the game was free of any more un-necessary stuff as Nenagh needed all their wit to keep their grip on the scoreboard.

The winners can be very happy with their victory with the younger members standing the test with Michael Heffernan, Paddy Murphy and seventeen year old Tommy Heffernan leading the way. The current Tipp minor scored four very good points from play. Murphy scored the important goal before taking charge of the pivotal position in midfield after starting on the edge of the square. Elsewhere Michael Heffernan caused Toomevara plenty headaches on the left wing area well supported by Kevin and Eddie Tucker. Brian Dillon had his moments at midfield with Richie Flannery well on top at half back as Noel Moloney and Hugh Flannery stood the test on the half line. Placing Hugh Moloney at full back – in place of exam tied Shane Maher – was a master stroke with John Brennan adding assurance at corner back as he replaced Alan Kelly who was on holiday.

Spare a thought for Toome who produced some wonderful scores. Tipp stars, John O’Brien and Willie Ryan fired an accumalative total of seven points from play. Paddy O’Brien picked up two when he came on after forty minutes while Ken Dunne stroked nine from frees with two from his own half. Benny Dunne added another impressive outing at number six with David Kennedy, David Young and Paul McGrath getting in their usual amount of work.

The game was thirty seconds old when play was held up as two players wrestled to the ground. After consultation with the umpires, the first yellow card was issued. When peace was restored and Ken Dunne had the opening score with a free. Two points by Michael Heffernan and Tommy Heffernan gave Nenagh the lead with the latter arising after a well placed delivery from Noel Moloney on four minutes. Francis Devaney put Ken Dunne through to level but Nenagh responded immediately to grab a goal. It came after Michael Heffernan won Michael McNamara’s puckout. The wing forward went on a short run before supplying the supporting Paddy Murphy who riffled the ball past Sean Delaney. Toome hit back with three great scores, the first two from John O’Brien with Willie Ryan grabbing the third to level maters on ten minutes. Hugh Flannery replied with a long distance effort and Kevin Tucker added a free when Cliff Moloney was fouled by Paul McGrath. John O’ Briens influence on the game meant a switch by Richie Flannery which was to prove beneficial. Meanwhile Willie Ryan narrowed the gap for Toome after fifteen minutes. Two Kevin Tucker frees gave Nenagh some breathing space and the lead might have being greater had Tommy Heffernan not being denied by Paul McGrath’s vigilance. A sixty-five accrued with Kevin Tucker making it 1-7 to 0-6 after 20 minutes. The remaining ten minutes saw Toome up the pace, striking four unanswered points two frees from Ken Dunne with John O Brien firing his third after Michael McNamara made a good save from Ken Dunne. Seconds later, Dunne scored another free with Willie Ryan putting Toome ahead with a minute to the break. Nenagh introduced Johnny Slattery to full forward allowing Paddy Murphy to midfield and meantime, Nenagh drew level thanks to a Kevin Tucker free. After both sides missing some chances in the early minutes of the second half, Nenagh fired over four quick points with two from Tommy Heffernan from play allied by two Kevin Tucker frees. Meanwhile the play was disrupted once more with further yellow cards issued before referee decided enough was enough when Devaney and Dillon walked. This led to the alleged off the ball incident which saw the Nenagh keeper needing assistance with a blood injury. He was temporarily replaced by Willie Bulger. When play resumed the O’Brien brothers combined two good scores. Eddie Tucker replied for Nenagh but his score was met by a Ken Dunne free from well inside his own half. Tommy Heffernan won the resulting puckout and scored. Ken Dunne replied with another free, this time from his own forty-five. Played ebbed and flowed for the next seven minutes with Nenagh spoiling too many chances. Ken Dunne’s twenty metre angle free kept Toome in touch and Paddy O’Brien’s fine score from the right wing left the minimum between the teams as the game slipped into added time. Kevin Tucker’s 63rd minute score gave Nenagh the look of a winner before they conceded one more Ken Dunne free. By then Nenagh had entered the winner’s podium for a deserved win.

Man of the match Tommy Heffernan, Nenagh Eire Og.

SCORERS: Nenagh- K Tucker 0-8 (5f, 1=65); T Heffernan 0-4; P Murphy 1-0; E Tucker 0-2; H Flannery and M Heffernan 0-1 each.
Toomevara- K Dunne 0-9 (8f); J O Brien 0-4; W Ryan 0-3; P O’Brien 0-2.

NENAGH EIRE OG: Michael McNamara; Eoin Fitzgibbon, Hugh Maloney; John Brennan; Richie Flannery, Noel Moloney, Hugh Flannery; Brian Dillon, John Flannery; Michael Heffernan, Eddie Tucker, Kevin Tucker; Cliff Moloney, Paddy Murphy, Tommy Heffernan..

Subs: Johnnie Slattery for J Flannery (29m); Paul Ryan for C Moloney (57m).

TOOMEVARA: Sean Delaney; Paddy Tuohy, David Young, Paul McGrath; Joey McLoughney, Benny Dunne, David Kennedy; Ken Dunne, Terry Dunne; Ciaran Brislane, Francis Devaney, John O’Brien; Willie Ryan, Eoin Brislane, Michael Bevans.

Subs: John Delaney for E Brislane [inj] (20m); Paddy O’Brien for C Brislane (40m), Jimmy Duignan for Delaney (40m); Andrew Ryan for McLoughney (40m); Brian McCormack for Bevans (50m).

Referee: John Ryan (Cashel).
By Freelance - Liam Hogan

Junior (A) League Final
Friday 29th May 7.30pm Toomevara
Nenagh Eire Og 2-11 v Roscrea 2-08

Team : 1 Willie Bolger 2. Eoin Fitzgibbon 3. Lenny Ryan 4. Brian Fitzgibbon 5. Billy Heffernan 6. John Flannery 7. Brian Maxwell 8. Pearse Morris 9. Michael Hackett 10. David Hackett ( 0-05 ) 11. Chris Bonner 12. Sean Healy ( 1-01 )13. Cliff Molloney ( 0-03 ) 14. John Kennedy ( 1-01 )15. Tommy Heffernan ( 0-01 )

The first and hopefully not the last Hurling Silverware arrived in the club on Friday evening after what was a thrilling league final against our near urban rivals Roscrea. Having lost to Roscrea in the league stages Nenagh were well aware of the task that was ahead of them. A tough hard encounter ensued. Roscrea started the slower and we took some good scores amd a fine point from the sticky Cliff Moloney got us underway followed up by a well taken point from John Kennedy. With 15 minutes gone John Kennedy pounced on a ball to expertly flick to the back of the Roscrea net giving us a 3 point lead . The goal seemed to spur on Roscrea as they started to pile on the pressure on our back line, peppering the full back line with shots on goal and eventually this had to tell and Roscrea scored two goals in the space of five minutes to put us under pressure. We tacked on two more points before half time one from Sean Healy and a free taken by David Hackett ,Half Time score Nenagh 1-05 , Roscrea 2-04 .

The second half was a different story as Nenagh showed a steel about them as the sought to fight from two point defacit and only allowed Roscrea to gain 4 points although they were guilty of hitting 6 wide's. They helped us to gain the victory as their indiscipline counted against them in the end as David Hackett converted two frees and a 65 and Cliff Moloney scored two well manufactured points from play brfore Sean Healy scored the winning goal as we put pressure on the Roscrea back line . After a fine League Campaign which saw only one defeat to Roscrea earlier, Nenagh topped off the League with a well fought win to bring home the League Final. Well done to management and the squad on this win and best wishes for the Championship.

Junior (A) Championship
Sunday 24th May 6.30pm Portroe
Nenagh Eire Og 3-22 v Ballina 1-09

Team
1 Willie Bolger 2. Ciaran Duffy 3. Lenny Ryan 4. Brian Fitzgibbon 5. Billy Heffernan ( 0-03 1 free 2 x 65 )6. Stevie Ryan 7. David Ryan 8. Pearse Morris ( 0-01 )9. Brian Maxwell ( 0-02 1x 65 ) 10. Michael Hackett (0-01) 11. Chris Bonner ( 0-02 1 x free ) 12. Declan O'Meara 13. David Hackett (1-04 1 free )14. John Kennedy ( 0-02 )15. Sean Healy ( 0-03)16. Kevin Kennedy ( 0-01 ) on for Pearse Morris 17. Cian Tucker ( 2-00 ) on for John Kennedy 8. Pearse Morris on for Declan O'Meara( 0-03 ) 14. John Kennedy on for Sean Healy

Nenagh got off to a flying start in the Championship with a comprehensive win over Ballina on Sunday Evening in Portroe. After conceding an early goal this acted as a wake up call and Nenagh started to take there scores at will with direct play out of defence , with fine performances from John Kennedy and Chris Bonner who linked up well and set up scores for the forward lines. With 1-10 coming from play we were very accurate and consistent with the ball we were supplying . Our backs stood strong as well with good performances from Brian Fitzgibbon and Lenny Ryan. Stevie Ryan and Billy Heffernan were also well up for this game , Half Time score Nenagh Eire Og 1-13 , Ballina 1-03 . The second half proved no better for Ballina as Nenagh drove home there advantage and took full control of the game as we drove forward and took our scores well , we made a raft of changes in the second half as Liam Heffernan amd his selectors took the opportunity to try new things. Kevin Kennedy scored a fine point shortly after his introduction as did Cian Tucker who Bagged two well struck goals to end any chance of a revival from Ballina . Final Score Nenagh Eire Og 3-22 , Ballina 1-09.

 

Junior (A) League Semi Final (Second Replay)
Tuesday 19th May 7.30pm Templederry
Nenagh Eire Og 1-08 v Kildangan 0-09

Team :

1 Willie Bolger 2 Eoin Fitzgibbon 3 Lenny Ryan 4 Alan Kelly 5 Billy Heffernan 6 Stevie Ryan 7 Mark Flannery 8 Brian Maxwell 9 John Flannery (0-02 1x65)10 Michael Hackett 11 John Kennedy (0-01)12 Pearse Morris 13 Tommy Heffernan(0-01) 14 David Hackett (0-02 1xfree)15 Cliff Moloney (1-01)16 Sean Healy (0-01)on for Mark Flannery 17 Kevin Kennedy on for Ml Hackett 18 David Cleary on for J Kennedy


The long saga between these two teams finally was resolved with Nenagh coming out the right side of a low scoring encounter putting us through to the League Final against Roscrea , The night was a wet and miserable and the pitch conditions were just ok to play this game as it had seen a lot of rain but the conditions were there to be mastered by both teams , The weather was always going to play a big part in the game and both teams found it difficult to take there scores but once again Cliff Moloney proved to be the difference with a well taken goal to but some light between the sides , Willie Boulger in Goal was secure and calm dealing with anything that came his direction in the first half and the back 6 were also very solid limiting Kildangan to 5 points in the first Half , Half time Score Nenagh 1-05 Kildangan 0-05, with a lot at stake the second half was a battle all the way as neither team wanted to loose after putting so much into the three games and as such the defensive side of hurling was on show as both teams were intent on stopping the opposition for edging away , Stevie Ryan John Flannery and Eoin Fitzgibbon were solid and cleared there lines well and Tommy Heffernan fought his corner for every ball , and the one opportunity Kildangan did get close to scoring the important goal was cleared off the line by the excellent Willie Boulger , we only managed to add three more points to the half time tally of 1-05 to make the final score 1-08 but this proved to be enough as kildangan themselves could only add 4 more points to see them finish at the final whistle on 0-09 thus putting Nenagh through by two points all that separated Nenagh and Kildangan after a total of 220 minutes and change , some exciting hurling over the three games but there has to be a winner and Nenagh scarped home to reach the League Final .

North Tipperary Hibernian Inn Senior Hurling Championship
Sun 10th May
Nenagh Éire Óg 2-17 Vs Borris-lleigh 2-12 in Toomevara 7:00 PM;

Team:

1. Michael Mc Namara 2 Eoin Fitzgibbon 3 Shane Maher 4 Alan Kelly 5 Hugh Flannery 6 Noel Moloney 7 Richie Flannery 8 Brian Dillon (0-01)9 John Flannery 10 Kevin Tucker (0-10 7frees)11 Eddie Tucker (0-01)12 Michael Heffernan (1-03)13 Cliff Moloney 14 Paddy Murphy(0-01) 15 John Slattery(0-01) 16 Tommy Heffernan on For Johnny Slattery 17 Paul Ryan on for John Flannery .

Nenagh Eire Og achieved their second success in this years Championship with a win over Borris-lleigh , this game was always going to be a close encounter and so it proved to be , Nenagh for the first ten Minutes showed that they were up for this game with two early points From Michael Heffernan and two more added by John Slattery and the ever youthful Kevin Tucker ,at this point Borris roared into life and threw everything at Nenagh and put immense pressure on the Eire Og defence forcing Michael McNamara into two outstanding saves before defensive mix up's allowed Borris in for us to concede Two goals which changed the complexion of the score board going in at half time Nenagh 1-07 to Borris-lleigh 2-08 , Going in at the break four points down Nenagh would have a fight on there hands as would be expected ,with the wind and the fall of the hill a determined Nenagh Eire Og team came out after the break with a sense of purpose , Michael Heffernan gave us the ideal start with a fine individual goal immediately pulling three points back and with Michael Macnamara's giant puck outs hitting the far 21 yard line Nenagh were putting pressure on the Borris defensive line , and with Eddie Tucker and his brother Kevin rolling back the years with excellent displays on the half forward line and Cliff Moloney in the corner causing Havoc Nenagh never lifted the foot as they stormed into a 5 point winning lead , what was a fine Team performance standing out were Michael McNamara , Alan Kelly , Eoin Fitzgibbon , Eddie and Kevin Tucker and Cliff Moloney . well done on a fine performance our first in the Championship over Borris-lleigh since 2001 .

Tuesday 12th May
Junior Hurling League Semi Final - Nenagh Éire Óg 2-14 Vs Kildangan 0-20
in Dolla @ 7:15 PM; Went to Extra Time .(AGAIN)

Team :
1 Willie Boulger 2. Stevie Ryan 3. Lenny Ryan 4. Eoin Fitzgibbon 5. Alan Kelly 6. Mark Flannery 7. Billy Heffernan 8. Brian Maxwell (0-01)9. John Flannery (0-01)10. Pearse Morris(1-0) 11. David Hackett (0-09 6 frees)12. Sean Healy 13. Cliff Moloney (1-03)14. Michael Hackett 15. Tommy Heffernan 16. David Cleary on for Sean Healy

This game was a level above the first game in intensity and endeavour from both teams, and the standard of hurling was quiet good . Kildangan are proving to be a Tough Nut to crack and another ding dong battle was on the cards and so it was , we started well with Frees flowing our way in the first half and David Hackett making the most of the opportunities , and what could be remembered as one of the goals of the season from Cliff Moloney who struck and overhead shot as everyone thought it was going wide he converted it taking all be surprise cliff also added a point to his tally , Half time score 1-07 to Nenagh Kildangan 0-09 , The second Half swung Kildangans direction as we conceded a big Number of frees putting us under pressure to hold them but fortunately they did not convert the majority of these and a goal from Pearse Morris kept us afloat , Stevie Ryan also came into his own with a fine hard working performance which saw him return to form after an illness , we finished the send half again un able to be separated from Kildangan on an score line of 2-10 Nenagh to 0-16 Kildangan ,the two periods of extra time were unexciting with both teams exchanging 2 points each in both of the periods , thus sending us to a third meeting which will be again an interesting battle .

Fri 1st May
Junior Hurling League Semi Final - Nenagh Éire Óg 2-15 Vs Kildangan 1-18
in Dolla @ 7:15 PM; Went to Extra Time .

Team :
1 Willie Boulger 2. Eoin Fitzgibbon 3. Lenny Ryan 4. Brian Maxwell 5. Alan Kelly 6. Mark Flannery (1-00)7. Billy Heffernan 8. Michael Hackett 9. John Flannery(1-01) 10. Mark Grace 11. David Hackett (0-08 frees)12. Sean Healy (0-03)13. Cliff Moloney (0-01) 14. John Kennedy 15. Tommy Heffernan(0-01) 16. David Cleary (0-01) on for J.Kennedy 17. Kevin Kennedy on for M.Grace 18. Cian Tucker on for Tommy Heffernan 19. Eddie Darcy on for Cliff Moloney (Tommy Heffernan and Cliff Moloney both returned for Extra Time) .

Nenagh Eire Og played out a tough hard and a nerve racking Draw with Kildangan on Friday evening last in the League Semi-Final ,Both Teams showing great determination and effort to try and win through to the Final, The first half was a very close affair with points being traded between both teams but it has to be said that Nenagh were Guilty of not taking advantage of there strong attacking options striking 8 wides which could have made the difference in the end , as Kildangan were more economical with there efforts and taking 6 points in the first half which was littered with frees , half time Eire or were up by a point 0-07 to 0-06 ,
The second half was a carbon copy of the first with nothing between both sides both teams doggedly fighting there corner and yet no team willing to lie down , and the tension getting higher and this showed with the free count escalating 17 in 30 minutes making it a very stop start affair ,Nenagh added 2-04 to there tally and Kildangan added 1-08 making the score 2-11 to 1-14 at the final whistle sending the game into two periods of ten minutes which at the end we cloud still not be separated , when the whistle went to end this battle both teams were locked together on 21 points each 2-15 to 1-18 . leaving us to Replay on Tuesday 12th May .

Sat 25-Apr-09 North Tipperary Senior Championship
Senior Hurling - Nenagh Éire Óg 3-17 Vs Moneygall 2-11
in Cloughjordan @ 5.30 PM;

Nenagh Eire og opened this years senior championship with a 9 point win over Moneygall and with it banishing the memory of the 2008 season which saw us winless in the championship. Sean Treacy fielded a mixture of youth and experience which brought a freshness to the team. With names like Shane Maher at full back and Cliff Moloney & Tommy Heffernan in the two corner forward positions you could have mistaken the team to be our u21 outfit but these lads were surrounded by experience to guide them through the 60 minute. The welcome return from injury of Hugh Moloney helped to anchor the defence and the two Tucker Brothers on the half forward line were there to feed the two young eger corner forwards. Tommy Heffernan opened his senior debut with a well worked goal as he proved to be a thorn in the Moneygall defence side all evening as did Cliff Moloney who opened his senior account with a fine point, These scores added to scorers from Kevin Tucker 0-03 (2 frees ), Michael Heffernan (0-03) and an excellent line ball pointed by Noel A long range free by Richie Flannery saw us reach the half time whistle 1-09 to 0-07, a 5 point advantage to build on in the second half .
The second half proved a very tough affair as scores were slow in coming and Moneygall got back in the Hunt with a early goal pegging us back to two points. This seemed the spur on a fresh and fit Nenagh side who did not panic and kept the eye on the game and worked hard to rebuild their lead. Brian Dillon in the middle of the field worked tirelessly to bring Nenagh forward as did the whole Nenagh defence - Shane Maher , Eoin Fitzgibbon and John Brennan all making solid long reaching clearances opening up opportunities for the forwards, one of which Cliff Moloney pounced on and dispatched with ease to the back of the Monegall net. Kevin Tucker added 4 frees to his tally and 1 from play. Paddy Murphy who showed very well at full forward also picked up two more points and Michael Heffernan added another point from play to the score line for Nenagh. Johnny Slattery and Paul Ryan were both introduced and not long after being sprung from the bench a hungry Johnny Slattery pounced on a loose ball in the Moneygall defence to seal the win for Nenagh. Well done to all and we hope this is the first step on a long road as the focus moves to Borris-lleigh in two weeks time.

Sun 19-Apr-09
Junior (a) hurling league- Nenagh Éire Óg 0-10 Vs Roscrea 1-09
in Nenagh @ 7:00 PM;

Eire Og were narrowly defeated by Roscrea in a very tight and tough game which saw Roscrea run out with a two point Victory ,This was the last game for both teams in the league series and we both had a 100% record going into this encounter and as per form there was nothing to choose between each side during the first half as we traded points Tommy Heffernan striking Three from Play as did Sean Healy as he picked up one and Michael Heffarnan struck a free sending the sides in at half time 0-05 each ,
The second half was a carbon copy of the first with neither team able to stamp their authority on the game and both teams had to dig out every extra score. Billy Heffarnan showed well in this half and added Three points to the Nenagh tally (2 frees ) and Tommy Heffernan and Michael Hackett added a point each Michaels coming from a free , But the old phrase "Goals win games " was to prove again correct as Roscrea struck late on to seal there win and keep their 100% record in the league , both teams are through to the Semi Final stage of the league and i'm sure that this result will not affect our ability to make a strong challenge for the title . The game was marred by an freak injury to Pearse Morris which saw him stretchered off half way through the first half , the injury resulting in the player requiring Stitches , we wish Pearse a speedy recovery.

Sat 18 - Apr-09
U21 Football - Nenagh Éire Óg 2-07 Vs Loughmore/Castleiney 4-15
in Templederry @ 6:30 PM;

Our U21 Footballers crashed out of the county championship at the semi final stage on Saturday evening , to a strong Loughmore/Castleiney team ,Loughmore will be a strong opposition to any team as we could never get to grips with the passing game they undoubtedly are very skilled at , running at us from deep we struggled to keep up and bar two pointed frees from Michael O'Gorman and a point from play from Paddy Murphy we trailed by 6 points at half time on a score line of 0-03 to 1-06. The second half was to offer no relief as Loughmore pressed home their superiority in the footballing stakes and added 3 more goals and 9 points , having made their mark loughmore eased of the throttle and Nenagh started to find some gaps to exploit at the back and Paddy Murphy scored a well worked Goal , more pressure from Nenagh yielded 4 extra points and Michael O'Gorman rifled home a 21yard free to the back of the net to put a better complexion on the final tally . Best of luck to Loughmore/Castleiney in the Final , The club would like to thank Christy Mcloughlin and his management team of Lenny Ryan and Kevin Flannery and the whole U21 Squad for there efforts which saw us bring home the North Title to the club , hopefully setting a trend for the season .

Mon 13-Apr-09
Junior hurling - Nenagh Éire Óg Vs Lorrha/Dorrha
in Lorrha @ 3:00 PM;

Nenagh 2-19 Lorrha/Dorrha 0-04

1. Willie Boulger 2. Stevie Ryan 3. Lenny Ryan 4. Eoin Fitzgibbon 5. Alan Kelly 6. Mark Flannery 7. Billy Heffernan 8. John Flannery 9. Pierce Morris 10. Sean Healy 1. David Hackett 12. Michael Hackett 13. Cliff Moloney 14. Cian ucker 15. Tomy Heffernan 16. Chris Bonner on for Sean Healy 17. Eddie Darcy on for Alan Kelly 18. Paddy Harrington on for Cliff Moloney 19. Christy McLouglin On for Willie Boulger .

Nenagh Eire Og came away from Lorrha on Bank Holiday Monday with a devastatingly Clinical first Half display to blow away a lacklustre Lorrha Junior Side , all six of the forwards got on the score board in the first 30 minutes of this game and showed they can worry any defensive outfit that will be put their way, Cliff Moloney led his marker on a merry dance around the forward line and came up with a personal Tally of 2-01 in the first half , as did Tommy Heffernan who put 0-04 points on the tally , Sean Healy , Cian Tucker and David Hackett all struck 2 points each and Michael Hackett added three more points ( 1 from a free ) to this huge first half tally of 2-14 to Lorrha's 0-01. The second half was a quieter affair which Nenagh add just 5 more points to their total ,Michael Hackett put another 0-03 points to his own and Nenagh's score and Tommy Haffernan and David Hackett added a point extra a piece to it , but we still showed our battling qualities in defence as Lorrha threw everything at us to try and put a better complexion on the score line but only managed to add 3 points to a poor performance . Final Score Nenagh Eire Og 2-19 , Lorrha / Dorrha 0-04

Sat 11-Apr-09
County Senior Hurling League - Nenagh Éire Óg Vs Holycross/Ballycahill
in Borrisoleigh @ 6:00 PM;

Eire Og Team
1. Michael McNamara 2. Stephen Ryan 3. John Brennan 4. Eoin Fitzgibbon 5. Noel Moloney 6. Richie Flannery 7. Hugh Flannery 8. John Flannery 9. Brian Dillon 10.Kevin Tucker 11. John Slattery 12. Paddy Murphy 13. Paul Ryan 14. Eddie Tucker 15. Michael Heffernan 16. Alan Kelly on for S.Ryan 17. Cliff Moloney on for E.Tucker 18.Tommy.Heffernan on for P.Ryan 19.D.O'Meara 20. M.Flannery 21. S.Maher 22. B.Heffernan 23. P.Morris 24. C.Tucker 25. S.Healy 26. W.Boulger

Half Time
Nenagh Eire Og 0-09 HolyCross 0-09
Full Time
Nenagh Eire Og 0-15 HolyCross 1-14

Scorers
Paul Ryan 0-01
Michael Heffernan 0-02
Brian Dillon 0-01
Kevin Tucker 0-10 (8 frees)
John Flannery 0-01

Nenagh ended their involvement in the County Senior League on Saturday evening loosing out to Holycross in a closely fought encounter. On a what was a very poor surface both teams were struggling to find their feet which did not lend itself to a great game , Noel Moloney along with Brian Dillon and Richie Flannery were the best for a Nenagh side who failed to play to their potential . it what was always a closely fought encounter Nenagh could not get to grips with the conditions and this was reflected in the number of wides that were struck for all areas of the pitch 15 in total which makes this defeat all the more bitter , but having said that this result is sure to spur the team and management on to getting the most out of the potential that is within this team .

Thurs 09-Apr-09
Junior A - Nenagh Éire Óg Vs Kilruane MacDonaghs
in Nenagh @ 6:30 PM; Ref: Stephen Egan

Nenagh Eire Og 0-25
Kilruane 1-13

Team 1. Willie Boulger 2. Stevie Ryan 3. Lenny Ryan 4. Brian Maxwell 5. Eoin Fitzgibbon 6. Mark Flannery 7.Alan Kelly 8. Pierce Morris 9. John Flannery 10. Michael Hackett 11. David Hackett 12. Sean Healy 13. Cliff Moloney 14. Paddy Harrington 15. Tommy Heffernan 16. Chris Bonner 17. Conor Kirwin 18. Eddie Darcy 19. Niall Madden 20. Christy McLoughlin ,

Nenagh recorded another fine performance against old rivals Kilruane on Thursday evening last . Nenagh ran out with an impressive 9 point victory and with 25 points in total racked up , this shows that this was a complete team performance. Sean Healy recorded a personal tally of 0-05 points after a fine performance .

Senior County League - Sun 5th April 2009 Nenagh Eire Og 1-21 V Portroe 2-10 : 11.00am Nenagh

We met Portroe in Nenagh for an early throw in at 11.00am Sunday morning it was Over all good Team Performance with Kevin Tucker well on the mark with his free taking as was Richie Flannery who hit two long range frees ,John Slattery went very well again at centre forward and it was his ground stroke that put Declan O'Meara throught to score his well taken goal in the second half , and Paul Ryan was effective when moved to the wing , and Shane Maher was solid in the full back position. Portroe are as always a strong dogged side and made a fight of this game and we probably did not do ourselves justice but still ran out with an 8 point win .

Eire Og Team
1 Willie Boulger 2. John Brennan 3.Shane Maher 4. Eoin Fitzgibbon 5. Hugh Flannery 6. Richie Flannery 7. Billy Heffernan 8. Brian Dillon 9. John Flannery 10. Mark Grace 11. John Slattery 12. Kevin Tucker 13. Paul Ryan 14. Declan O'Meara 15. Tommy Heffernan 16.Alan Kelly on for Billy Heffernan 17. Brian Maxwell on for Hugh Flannery 18. David Hackett on for Mark Grace (Injured) 19. Pierce Morris on for David Hackett (injured) 20. Stephen Ryan on for Shane Maher 21 Michael McNamara 22. Cian Tucker 23. Mark Flannery.

Half Time Score Nenagh Eire Og 0-11 Portroe 1-05
Full Time Score Nenagh Eire Og 1-21 Portroe 2-10

Scorers : First Half Second Half Total
Richie Flannery 0-02 (0-01 free) 0-01 (0-01 free) 0-03 (0-02 frees)
Kevin Tucker 0-04 (0-04 free) 0-07 (0-06 free) 0-11 (0-10 frees)
John Flannery 0-02 0-00 0-02
Tommy Heffernan 0-02 0-01 0-03
Mark Grace 0-01 0-00 0-01
Brian Dillon 0-00 0-01 0-01
Declan O'Meara 0-00 1-00 1-00

U21 North Tipp Football Final : Nenagh Eire Og 2-08 v Burgess 1-03 Sat 4th April 2009 7.00pm Puckane

Nenagh Eire Og won their first and hopefully not their only silverware of the year on Saturday evening Against a fancied Burgess Team , Burgess hit us early with a goal as it took us a little time to settle into the game but we pegged back that score when points were scored by Sean Healy and Mark Grace to settle us and Cliff Moloney as only he can popped up with the goal this put us into or stride and Michael O'Gorman scored a free to send us in at half time on a score line of Nenagh Eire Og 1-03 , Burgess 1-00 . After the break it was clear that Nenagh would have to fight for every ball to keep burgess out and the whole team got down to this task to a man we Hassled and harried every time a burgess player had the ball and forced burgess into making the mistakes Michael O'Gorman and Paddy Murphy were beginning to Winn the Mid field Battle and O'Gorman scored three points in this half two from Frees to push us forward Burgess only added tree points half as we pressured every ball and as a result David Cleary forced a mistake in the burgess back line to win a ball which he dispatched to the back of the net Pierce Morris and Sean Healy tacked on two more points to finish the Burgess Challenge , Thomas Martin collected the cup from Rocky McGrath making it a memorable birthday Celebration for him personally , Congratulations to the full Panel and to Christy Mcloughlin , Lenny Ryan and Kevin Flannery on a job well done.

Eire Og Team

1. Aron Savage 2. Patrick Flynn 3. Brian Maxwell 4. Conor Fahy 5. Michael Hynes 6. Mark Flannery 7. Pierce Morris 8. Paddy Murphy 9. Michael O'Gorman 10. William Boulger 11. Sean Healy 12. Mark Grace 13. Cliff Moloney 14. David Cleary 15. Thomas Martin 16. Niall Madden on for Thomas Martin 17. Eddie Darcy 18 . Brian Duffy 19. David Minogue on for Sean Healy 20. Danny Ryan on for Cliff Moloney

Junior (A) League Borris-lleigh 2-13 v Nenagh Eire Og 3-17 Wed 1st April 2009 7.30 pm Borris-lleigh

We got off to a great start in the Junior (A) league with a fine win over rivals Borris-lleigh on Wednesday evening last , with a high standard of Hurling on display from both teams for this early stage of the season credit has to be given to both teams for the performance , John Flannery in the middle of the park put in a fine performance with a personal tally of 1-04 hitting three points from the middle of the park and collecting a long range goal from a free after a goalkeeping error , Pierce Morris also in the middle of the park had a fine performance and he also scored a fine goal giving him a personal score of 1-01 , David Cleary was introduced after half time and made the difference in the forwards as he struck for goal and fininshed with a score of 1-01 , Cliff Moloney was again a needle in the side of the Borris-lleigh backs as he was all over the place and causing a nuisence to the backs palying a vital part in two of the goals , Lenny Ryan at full back was very solid as was his two corner back partners , a good start to the league which we can build on .

Eire Og Team
1. Willie Boulger 2. Brian Maxwell 3. Lenny Ryan 4. Kieran Duffy 5. Eoin Fitzgibbon 6. Mark Flannery 7. Stevie Ryan 8. John Flannery 9. Pierce Morris 10. Michael Hackett 11. David Hackett 12. Mark Grace 13. Cliff Moloney 14. Cian Tucker 15. Tommy Heffernan 16. David Cleary on for Cian Tucker

Senior County League - Sunday 29th March in Littleton 2.30pm

Moycarkey-Borris 1-12 v Nenagh Eire Og 1-15

A minute's silence was respectfully observed before our County Senior League game against Moycarkey-Borris in memory of Patricia Tucker , The afternoon was bitterly cold and windy not lending itself to a great game of hurling , as proved to be correct in the first 20 minutes of the afternoon with Moycarkey Peppering our goals with shots on goal and our back line had to scramble on several occasions to keep Moycarkey out , Michael McNamara was busy man and made two very important blocks which kept us afloat in the half but there was a glimmer of light to come out of the half with a brilliant sideline cut from Tommy Heffernan and Mark Grace continued his previous evenings form in the U21 championship with another fine half of hurling as did Michael Heffernan who put 7 points on the board 5 of which were frees taken in a strong gusting wind , John Flannery topped off a fine first half with a fine point. Half Time Score ; Moycarkey Borris 0-07 , Nenagh Eire Og 0-11
The second half was another tough affair and Moycarkey were proving to be a tough nut to crack , John Slattery came into his own in this half and took some fine ball out of the air to turn and cause havoc in the Moycarkey defence and was rewarded with a well taken goal , scorers were proving to be hard to come by and Moycarkey were pushing forward and the pressure eventually told as Moycarkey scored a vital goal , counting down the clock we battled well to hold out until a penalty was conceded and the nerves were beginning to frey but the resulting penalty was stopped on the line by John Brennan and cleared down the field and this ended the Moycarkey challenge , Final Score Moycarkey 1-12 Nenagh Eire Og 1-15.

Eire Og Team
1. Michael McNamara 2. Eoin Fitzgibon 3. John Brennan 4. Alan Kelly 5. Brian Dillon 6. Shane Maher 7. Richie Flannery 8. Paddy Murphy 9. John Flannery 10. Mark Grace 11. John Slattery 12. Michael Heffernan 13 . Paul Ryan 14. Declan O'Meara 15. Tommy Heffernan 16. Billy Heffernan on for Shane Maher 17 . Paddy Harrington 18 . Mark Flannery 19. Pierce Morris 20 . Noel Moloney 21. Hugh Moloney 22. Hugh Flannery .

Scorers

Tommy Heffernan 0-01(sideline cut)
Michael Heffernan 0-10 (8 frees )
John Flannery 0-01
Paul Ryan 0-02
Declan O'Meara 0-01
John Slattery 1-00

Saturday 28th March 2009 - Dolla - First Round U21 Championship Versus Borris-lleigh

Nenagh Eire Og 1-11 Borris-lleigh 0-10

We started our Championship off in the right note with a win over Borris-lleigh on Saturday evening in Dolla ,both teams found it difficult to come to terms with the game in the first half , and it was clear that it was the first competitive game of the year as we provided a very lack lustre performance , Having said that good performances from Mark Grace and Michael Heffernan was very accurate and assured with his free taking , our full back line had a very solid half as we finished the half on four points each .
The Second half proved to be a different game as both teams seem to have shook of the cob webs of the winter and game sprang into life with two opening points from corner forward Tommy Heffernan ,a goal was always going to decide this game and shortly after his introduction David Cleary popped up to score it after a mistake in the Borris-lleigh back line , Mark Grace continued his good performance and added two more points to the one he scored in the first half ,Borris-lleigh piled on the pressure in the last 10 minutes and willie Boulger pulled off a fine save to keep them at bay and a goal line clearance from Brain Maxwell saved us again Michael Heffernan tacked on two further Frees to ease the Nerves and we finally ended our 6 year wait for a first round win in the under 21 Championship.

Team :1. Willie Boulger 2. Michael Hynes 3. Shane Maher 4. Brian Maxwell 5. Niall Madden 6. Mark Flannery 7. Billy Heffernan 8. Pierce Morris 9. Michael Heffernan 10. Mark Grace 11. Paddy Murphy 12. Eoin Slattery 13. Cliff Moloney 14. Cian Tucker 15. Tommy Heffernan 16. Kevin Kennedy on for Eoin Slattery 17. David Cleary on for Cian Tucker 18. Eddie Darcy on for Niall Madden 19. Sean Healy 20. John Minogue 21. Paddy Flynn 22. Michael Finn.

Scorers :
Michael Heffernan 0-06 (5 frees)
Mark Grace 0-03
Tommy Heffernan 0-02
David Cleary 1-00

 

Senior County league - Nenagh Eire Og 0-15 JK Brackens 1-09 - Sunday 15th Mar 2009

The senior team recorded recorded a 0-15 to 1-09 victory over JK Brackens in the first round of the County league.

Nenagh Eire Og Team

1. Willie Boulger, 2. Alan Kelly 3. John Brennan 4. Hugh Flannery 5. Eoin Fitzgibbon 6. Richie Flannery 7 . Mark Flannery 8. Pierce Morris 9. John Flannery 10. Paddy Murphy 11. Joh Slattery 12. Eddie Tucker 13. Kevin Tucker 14. Declan O'Meara 15. Mark Grace. Subs : David Hackett on for Declan O'Meara , Michael Hackett on for Eddie Tucker (injured) , Billy Heffernan on for Hugh Flannery (injured) , Shane Maher , Paddy Harrington , Cian Tucker ,Noel Moloney , Stevie Ryan ,Brian Dillon , Michael McNamara .

Half Time Score Nenagh Eire Og 0-07 , J.K.Brackens 0-06
Full Time Score Nenagh Eire Og 0-15 ,J.K.Brackens 1-09

Scorers : Kevin Tucker 0-10 (0-07 frees
Richie Flannery 0-01 (65)
Paddy Murphy 0-03
Michael Hackett 0-01

Our next match is on Sunday 29th April against Moycarkey Borris.

County (A) Minor Final - Nenagh Eire Og 5-10 Upperchurch Drombane  1-10 - Sunday 2nd Nov 2008

After the disappointment of last years loss in the Final and the loss of Tommy Heffernan to injury Nenagh Eire Og went into this encounter with Upperchurch/Drumbane determined not to let lightning strike twice. So it was that Nenagh produced the performance of the season to capture the county minor honours. From one to fifteen they worked hard to produce a clinical performance. Shane Maher commanded his full back position with authority and gave a masterful display, Mark Flannery at centre back was also commanding and Billy Heffernan at No 8 was a tower of strength plucking ball out of the air with ease and supplying excellent ball to our forwards who made full use of it with David Cleary at full forward scoring a personal tally of 3-02. Cliff Moloney in the corner went unmatched as he caused havoc in the Upperchurch/Drumbane defence, the pick of his scores was a point in the first half from an impossible angle, credit to the umpires for seeing it !!! Other names that stood out were Eddie Darcy and Sean Geany in defence who gave assured displays despite their young age and Eoin Slattery was also assured and worked hard at every opportunity that came his way. The Final scoreline showed the dominance of the Nenagh Performance Nenagh Eire Og 5-10 - Upperchurch/Drumbane 1-10 ...click here for more

Congratulations and thanks to Manger: Tony Slattery , Selectors: PJ Maxwell , Tommy Murray Trainer: Ritchie Flannery and Coach : Hugh Moloney. Their hard work and commitment to the team showed in a fine team performance.

County semi -final - Minor Hurling - Nenagh Eire Og 2-09 v Clonoulty Rossmore 2-07 Sept 19th 2008

Nenagh recorded a thrilling victory over Clonoulty on Sunday afternoon in the Ragg in somewhat difficult conditions. In this tight encounter it was always going to be tense and closely fought to achieve the goal of reaching the final and the conditions played their part. Playing against the wind in the first half Nenagh initially were struggling to find there mark but Cliff Moloney got us off to a start with a fine point after some hard work and this settled us. We kept pressure on as the Backs worked hard to keep Clonoulty at bay only conceding 4 points in the first 30 min, Mark Flannery standing out in a fine no 6 performance. At Half time we went in 1-05 to 0-04 up after David Cleary scored a fine individual gaol.
Clonoulty came out in the second half with renewed ambition and threw all they had at us. Nenagh however rose to the  challenge and kept Clonoulty on the back foot with a goal from Mark Flannery that dropped in to the top right corner of the net direct from a 65. Clonoulty pegged us back to within a point with a scrambled goal with two minutes left , but a fine point from Paddy Murphy put us two points up to cap a fine captains performance. On the final Whistle the Score Line was 2-09 to 2-07 and Nenagh are in the County Final for the second year running . Some fine performances on the day came from Mark Flannery , Billy Heffernan , Cliff Moloney , and Paddy Murphy But the whole team deserve credit on the manner of the victory a fine team performance .

North Final - Minor Hurling - Nenagh Eire Og 2-14 v Kildangan 0-13 - Sept 13th Sept 2008

Nenagh and Kildangan are no strangers to each other at this grade having met down through the seasons and having some thrilling encounters, with Kiladangan coming out winners two years ago at u16, so Nenagh knew they had a battle on their hands in this game.

And so it proved to be the case a ding dong first half was the order of the day as both teams trading points in a tough close encounter Kevin Kennedy opened our account with a fine point , followed with points from David Cleary and two more from Tommy Heffernan , A captains part was played by Paddy Murphy with a point on 12 min and Kevin Kennedy struck the final point of an injury delayed half as the half was about to close Nenagh earned a penalty with six minutes of injury time played at the end of the first half , Shane Maher stepped up from his full back position to drill a shot to the back of the kiladangan net . Sending Nenagh in at half time 1-06 to 0-08 up by one.

The second half was all set for a thriller but with five minutes played the turning point in the game came with the sending off of kildangan  No.9 James Holland for a foul on Eoin Slattery, Eoin Slattery then went on to score a goal and a point in the next 5 min to put Nenagh on the way to a fine well earned Victory running out 2-14 to 0-13.

Team: W.Boulger. S. Geany. S. Maher (1-00) pen. B. Duffy , E. Darcy , M. Flannery , N.Madden , K.Kennedy (0-02) , B.Heffernan , E. Slattery (1-01) P.Murphy (0-03) , T.Heffernan (0-03) , C.Molloney (0-02) , D.Cleary ( 0-03) , M. Tuite . Subs: Pa.Flynn on for M.Tuite , K . Flynn, K.O’Gorman, J. Minogue, D.Hickey, D. Quinn on for N. Madden, J.Geany on for B.Duffy

Minor Hurling - Nenagh Eire Og 2-13 v Borrisileigh 2-11 - Sept 8th Sept 2008

We played The North Minor Semi Final against Borriseligh and ran out with a fine well earned Victory on a score line of 2-13 to 2-11. Borrislleigh went in at half time six points in front having converted two fine goal chances, with Nenagh struggling to find their feet in the first half we needed to settle and find the form that had got us to this point . Half time score Borris 2-07 Nenagh 0-07. We came out in the second half with a renewed vigour and hunger for the game Cliff Moloney started the fight back with a well taken point and that was followed quickly with a fine goal from Paddy Murphy bringing us right back into the game. David Cleary then bagged a goal and a point in quick succession to put in the driving seat. These were followed with points from Cliff Moloney and another point from David Cleary to keep us in front and when the final whistle blew we had won by two points to put us into the Final which will take place on Saturday 13th Sept at 4.00pm in Cloughjordan.
Team : W.Boulger , Sean Geany , Mark Flannery , Patrick Flynn , Brain Duffy , Billy Heffernen (0-02), Niall Madden , Edward Darcy , Paddy Murphy(1-01) , Eoin Slattery , David Cleary(1-02) , Tommy Heffernen(0-03) , Cliff Moloney(0-04) , Shane Maher (0-01), Joe Geany . Subs : Kevin Flynn , Kevin O’Gorman , John Minogue , Kevin Kennedy , Mark Tuite , David Hickey , Kevin Gubbins , Adrian Brennan .

Under 21 Hurling - Nenagh Eire Og 3-17 v Borrisileigh 1-11 - Sunday 24th August 2008

We played our final game in the group on Sunday evening 24th. Although we were already knocked out of the Championship we fielded a youth full looking side against Borrisleigh and ran out convincing winners ,giving a much need boost to the club for the future. There were fine performances all over the field. Brian Maxwell stood out as did Billy Heffernan and David Cleary who scored 2 goals and a Man Of the Match Performance from Cliff Moloney topped of this fine performance. Liam Heffernan and his selectors would like to thank the panel for their effort over the season and wish all the players the best for the future.

Minor Hurling  - Nenagh Eire Og 1-16 v Templederry 1-07 - Tues Aug 19th 2008

Our Minor Team were in action Last Tuesday night against a strong Templederry side, We ran out with a convincing victory on a score line of 1-16 to 1-07 , this was a whole team performance as we looked strong from back to front with , some fine displays from Paddy Flynn , Kevin Kennedy , Eddie Darcy , Mark Tuite , Paddy Murphy and a Fine display From Joe Geany at top of the Right with a personal score of 1-02 , And The Man of the Match performance came from No.6 Billy Heffernan , with a great defensive performance. This result puts us into the semi final stage .

Junior B Hurling - Nenagh Eire Og 0-07 Templederry 1-11 Fri 8th Aug 2008

Our junior (b) team were in action last Friday Evening and unfortunately they came out the wrong side of a 1.11 to 0.07 score line, We entered this game with a number of injuries and players missing due to other commitments. But we felt confident that we could come out of this encounter with a result unfortunately this proved not to be the case. The game was hard fought as we kept point for point with Templederry and went in at the break only two points in arrears 0.07 to 0.05, After the break we battled hard to keep in touch but Templederry kept us at bay and we were beginning to struggle as we were unable to convert good
ball reaching the forwards , D.Quinn was introduced and we rallied with two good points from him but
Templederry got the all important goal to end our challenge. Paul Henry and his selectors Donnie O'Brien and Paul Kennedy would like to thank the Junior (b) Panel for the effort put in during the season .

Junior A Hurling - Nenagh 2-11 V Toomevara 2-17 - Sunday 28th July 2008

Nenagh Eire Og v Toomevara 11.30am Dolla Our juniors were in action last Sunday week and unfortunately they came out the wrong side of a 2.11 to 2.17 score line, We went in at half time having conceded two soft goals leaving the score line 0.08 to 2.06 which put us under pressure to turn the game around, We put up a determined effort in the second half to try and pull this game out of the bag a man of the match performance from Pearse Morris who finished with a tally of 2.02 dragged us back into the game but Toom finished the stronger and pulled away too win by 6 points.
Team : W.Boulger , B.Fitzgibbon , E.Fitzgibbon , M.Hynes , S.O`Carroll , B.Heffernan , N.Madden , P.Morris (2-02), J.Donnellan (0-02), M.Grace , C.Kirwin , S.Healy (0-03), D.Cleary , R.Ryan (0-03)frees, E.Slattery (0-01). Sub : P.Flynn on for R.Ryan.

Junior A Hurling - Nenagh 1-11 V Roscrea 1-10 - Thur 17th July 2008

Our Junior team travelled to Moneygall, for their championship encounter with Roscrea , this was a very close run game as we recorded our first win in this years championship , a spirited performance that saw the whole team overcome a bad start 0-4 down early fought back to lead 0-8 to 0-5 at half time we went on to hold the lead with Nenagh running out one point winners at the full time whistle 1-11 to 1-10 , score of the game a floating ball was dispatched from the middle of the field and was met expertly with an overhead pull from Robert Ryan to land the ball in the back of the Roscrea Net ,This may prove to turn out Contender for Goal of the season. Man of the Match performance from John Donnellan pushed closely by Billy Heffernan.

Team : W. Boulger , B.Fitzgibbon , E. Fitzgibbon , Ml.Hynes , S.O’Carroll ,B.Heffernan (0-3), N.Madden , P.Morris (0-1) , J.Donnellan , M.Grace , C.Brennan (0-1) , S.Healy ( 0-3), R.Ryan (1-02) , C.Kirwin (0-1), D.Cleary , Subs: P.Flynn on for C.Kirwin

Minor Hurling - Nenagh 1-10 V Kilruane 2-17 - Wed 16th July 2008

Our Minor’s were in action last Wednesday eve in the championship we encountered a very dogged and strong Kilruane outfit , there was nothing between the teams at half time going in at the break with Kilruane holding a one point advantage on a score line of 1.07 to 1.08 .  After the break the second half proved to be forgettable for a disappointing Nenagh Team adding just 3 more points to their 1.07 tally at Halftime , Kilruane stretched their lead and finally ran out winners on this occasion on a final score line of 1.10 to 2.17 . Nenagh will be sure to learn from this defeat and no doubt will still have a big say in this year’s championship.

Team: K .Flynn, S .Geany, S .Maher, P .Flynn, B. Duffy, M .Flannery, N. Madden, B. Heffernan , E .Darcy , W .Boulger , P . Murphy, M .Tuite, C. Moloney, D .Cleary, A. Brennan, Subs: K. Galvin, J. Geany, D. Quinn, K .O`Gorman, J .Minogue, D. Hickey, K. Kennedy, Pearse O’Brien, T. Heffernan (injured), O .Slattery

Junior A Hurling - Nenagh Eire Og 0-09 , Kilruane 1-09 - Sun 29th June 2008

Our Junior A team were in action Last Sunday Evening against Kilruane in Puckane , In a hard fought encounter we unfortunately came out on the wrong side of 3 point loss, in a low scoring game every score was going to be vital and as the saying goes “Goals win games” ands so this proved to be the case, There were some fine performances in the shape of Billy Heffernan at wing back and John Donnlan at number 9 just to mention two.
Team , Willie Boulger , Brian Fitzgibbon , Conor Kirwin , Michael Hynes , Niall Madden , Eoin Fitzgibbon , Billy Heffernan (0-3)from frees, Shane O’Carroll , John Donnlan (0-2) , David Cleary (0-2), Conor Brennan, Sean Healy , Mark Grace , Robert Ryan (0-2) 1 free , Pierse Morris.
Subs: Cian Tucker on for M.Grace , Paddy Flynn.

Junior B Hurling - Nenagh Eire Og 1-09 Ballina 1-14 Fri 20th June 2008

Our Junior (B) team were in action on Friday evening last in Kilcolman , we faced Ballina in the first round of the championship , we were unfortunately defeated on the night but showed signs that there are better things to come form this team , with good displays from individuals like Cliff Moloney and Brian Maxwell , Eire Og 1-09 , Ballina 1-14 ,
Team : Christy McLaughlin , Shane Connolly , Lenny Ryan , Brian Duffy , John Kelly , Frank McGrath , Declan Bailey , Brian Maxwell (0-2) 1.65 1.free , Ciaran Duffy , Cliff Moloney (1-02) 1.free , Tom O’Gara (0-2) , Eamonn Hodgins , Noel Tomlinson , Liam O’Gara (0-1) , Mike Ryan , Subs : David Minogue , Paul Lillis , Tomas O’Brien (0-02) on for E.Hodgins , John O’Gorman on for N.Tomlinson , Enda O’Sullivan on for F.McGrath , Mark O’Dwyer , Peter Egan on for L.O’Gara , Derek Lillis , Paul Burke , Paddy Harrington on for M.Ryan

Senior Hurling - Nenagh Eire Og 0-16 Roscrea 4-09 - Sat 14th June 2008

Full match report .... click here

The Senior Championship season came to a disappointing end in Toomevara Saturday evening when we bowed out of this year's Tipperary senior hurling championship just days after new Waterford manager, Davy Fitzgerald was relieved of his management duties at the club. Fitzgerald's unremarkable reign at Nenagh saw the Blues suffer earlier defeats to both Borris-Ileigh and Toomevara leaving Nenagh with a must win clash against Roscrea on Saturday evening in Toomevara. With former inter-county Tipperary hurler and Eire Og clubman, John Heffernan drafted in to replace Fitzgerald just last Wednesday, Nenagh faced an uphill battle going into the encounter and were also without Hugh Maloney, Brian Dillon and Declan O'Meara who were all ruled out through injury.

After a difficult week Eire og went into this encounter with a sense of determination and pride in the club, but unfortunately we just did not get out of the blocks at all in the first half. With 9 minutes gone we were 1-1 down to no score and struggling to find our way. A goal chance was saved from Paul Ryan on 10 min and our first score did not register until a free converted by Kevin Tucker after 11minutes. Roscrea continued to pile on the pressure with a second goal from Tommy Fitzgerald on the 14minute mark, and another goal from Mark Ryan on 25 minutes made life very difficult for us. Kevin Tucker kept us in touch with three more points from frees points from Ritchie Flannery, Paul Ryan and Eddie Tucker took us in at half time 0-7 to 3-06 down.

Eire og returned after the break a different team and started to eat into Roscrea’s lead early on with a point from Michael Heffernan, further points from Kevin Tucker’s free(s) and Hugh Flannery, Paul Ryan from play kept the score board ticking in our favour. The game was being played at a fast and furious tempo with Eire Og piling on the pressure and Roscrea at this juncture had only registered 2 points in the second half. With 22min gone Eddie Tucker’s point brought us to within 3 points of Roscrea. An excellent save form a Michael Haffernan strike resulted in a 65 converted by Kevin Tucker to bring us to within 2 points, but a controversial goal from John Carroll right at the death sealed it for Roscrea .

Team; Michael McNamara , Stephen Ryan , John Brennan , Alan Kelly , Hugh Flannery (0-1) , Richie Flannery (0-1) , Noel Moloney , John Flannery , Michael Hackett , Paul Ryan (0-2) , Eddie Tucker (0-2) , Paddy Murphy , Michael Heffernan (0-1) , Kevin Tucker (0-9) 8 from frees , David Hackett , Subs John Kennedy , Conor Kirwan ,Shane Maher .

Senior Hurling - Nenagh Eire Og 2-12  Toomevara 2-13 - Sat 10th May 2008

Nenagh Eire Og slipped to their second successive North SHC defeat to Toomevara on Saturday evening in Cloughjordan. Having already succumbed to Borris-Ileigh, Nenagh badly needed a win over the ‘Greyhounds’, and we got a tonic start with Paul Ryan’s goal after just 15 seconds. Nenagh led 1-3 to 0-1 after just nine minutes, but as the opening half unfolded became dependant on Kevin Tucker’s accurate free-taking, and bagged only two points from play. Toomevara cut the deficit to four points by the 18th minute, with Ken Dunne and John Delaney on target, before Delaney slipped the Nenagh cover on 22 minutes to rattle the net. The goal spurred Toomevara and Willie Ryan brought the sides level in the 26th minute before Francis Devaney and Ryan (free) ensured Toome led, by 1-7 to 1-5 at the interval. Michael Heffernan brought Nenagh to within one early in the second half before Ken Dunne scored Toomes second goal in the 43rd minute. Nenagh drew level the 53rd minute when Michael Heffernan pulled first time on James McGrath’s batted clearance. Nenagh then edged ahead with Kevin Tucker’s eighth free before Ken Dunne converted after Brian Dillon was harshly penalised for over-carrying. The momentum was with now with Toome though and despite the best efforts of Stephen Ryan, John Brennan and Hugh Maloney in particular, two late points from Ken Dunne and Francis Devaney ensured that Toomevara held on for a 2-13 to 2-12 victory. Nenagh must now watch and wait for the next five weeks before their next encounter and must secure wins over Roscrea and Lorrha and hope results go our way to avoid being consigned to the inaugural County B championship.

Senior Hurling - Nenagh Eire Og 0-9  Borrisoleigh 0-16 - Sun 4th May 2008

The first round match of the league stages of the North senior championship took place on Sunday 4th May 2008 when we faced Borriosleigh in Dolla. A close opening half saw Borrisoleigh lead by two points at the interval, 0-8 to 0-6, but following the restart a 29-man melee led to referee Johnny McDonnell flashing four yellow cards. Borrisoleigh went on to dominate with points from John Keane, Mark Bourke and Patrick Stapleton ensuring they ran our seven point winners in the end.. Our next match is against Toomevara on Saturday evening next May 10th at 7:00pm in Cloughjordan. Nenaghs scorers were Kevin Tucker 6 pts, Hugh Flannery, Paul Ryan, Michael Heffernan 1 pt each.

Tipperary 3-21 Limerick 1-12
Munster and All-Ireland minor champions Tipperary started their 2008 campaign off to an impressive 3-21 to 1-12 victory over Limerick in Semple Stadium on Thursday. Nenagh Eire Og star, Paddy Murphy contributed handsomely to the victory with 2 well taken points. Paddy is hoping to secure a 2nd All Ireland minor with Tipperary this year and will line out with the Senior team against Borrisoleigh at the weekend.

Well done to Nenagh Vocational School on their great win in the All Ireland final against Kanturk last weekend. The team was captained by Nenagh Eire Og's Pearse Morris and included also Michael Heffernan and Tommy Heffernan.

Tommy Heffernan also picked up a Munster title at the weekend when he captained the North Tipperay U16 team to victory over Waterford. Mark Tuite was also on the panel and Liam Flannery was a selector.