Historic West Championship Success for U21 Hurlers!!!
Single point win after extra time!
St Marys created a bit of history by winning the West under-21 A-grade hurling final in the Bog Garden last Sunday evening in a thrilling encounter against Allaughaun Gaels. In doing so, they bridged a 47 year gap since the Rathkeale club last won an Under-21 West Hurling Championship. The game was played in front of a sizeable crowd in poor weather conditions on a well presented pitch with Pat Carroll of the Granagh/Ballingarry club in charge. Despite the constant rain, both teams served up a thrilling contest with the result in doubt right up to the end of the second ten minute period of extra time. There was never much more than a single score between the sides over the entire 80 minutes. Indeed as time was running out, both teams were still deadlocked until Pauls White's run through the heart of the Allaughaun defence drew a foul and Patrick Wilmott held his nerve to cooly slot the ball between the posts to secure an historic win for the Rathkeale club by the narrowest of margins.

After a minutes silence in memory of Conor Moroney's great-grandfather the match got underway. Conor Moroney opened the scoring for Allaughaun with a well taken point before Patrick Wilmott and Darren Jones (f) replied for St Marys on the 5th and 8th minute. With scores hard to come by for both sides due to the poor weather, Moroney levelled from a placed ball on 13 minutes. Three points in succession for St Marys from Darren Jones (f), Conor Lyons and Patrick Wilmott opened a gap after 20 minutes before Cian Larkin and Moroney (free) reduced the margin to a single point after 22 minutes. Eoin O'Donnell pushed St Marys two ahead as half time approached with a well worked point. Half time score 0-06 to 0-04 in favour of St Marys.

The second half was only 2 minutes old when Andrew white received a second yellow card for a wild pull and St Marys were reduced to 14 men and facing the strong breeze playing into the road end. A tough task seemed in store, but to a man, they stuck to the task and scored the next 3 points, all from placed balls, from Darren Jones and Patrick Wilmott (2). Five points up and it looked possible. The pressure began to count for Allaughaun Gales and after 15 minutes Conor Moroney got them off the mark with a well taken point from out the wing. A two goal salvo between the 15 and 18 minute swung the momentum in favour of Allaughaun and when Moroney pointed another free, it seemed as if the title was heading toward the Devon Inn as Allaughaun now led by three points. St Marys pushed hard and had plenty of possession but it wasn't until the final minute that Mikey Morrissey rifled the ball to the back of the Allaughaun net from a tight angle to level matters and force the tie to extra time. Score at end of normal time was St Marys 1-09, Allaughaun Gaels 2-06.

Two 10-minute periods of extra time had to be played with the light beginning to fade. St Marys, who were now back to parity on the numbers with Peter Brennan coming on for the red-carded Andrew White, could taste victory and hunted in packs. Marty Roche, now operating at full forward, opened the scoring with a great point. Then Allaughaun had the ball in the St Marys net only for the "goal" to be disallowed for a pick off the ground to the relief of the Rathkeale side. Roche pointed again to push St Marys further ahead. Half time score in extra time 1-11 to 2-06 in favour of St Marys.
Playing against the wind, into the road end again for the second half, we wondered if it was enough. Allaughaun levelled with a point from play and another Moroney free after 5 minutes. A tense last few minutes with possession swinging both ways ended with Paul White being fouled on the 20 metre line out on the left wing and Patrick Wilmott steering the resulting free between the posts to put St Marys ahead with time up. The final whistle sounded on the puck-out and set off great celebrations for the Rathkeale side. Full time score (aet) was St Marys 1-12, Allaughaun Gaels 2-08.
The West Board Chairman thanked both sides for a fine sporting game and for agreeing to the re-scheduling of the game. He congratulated St Marys on their win and commiserated with Allaughaun Gaels for being gallant losers. He thanked referee Pat Carroll and his team of officials for the way they handled the game, the St Marys/Sean Finns club for the condition of the pitch and he also thanked Cavanaghs of Charleville for sponsoring the championship. Liam Herlihy (Cavanaghs) then presented the cup to the St Marys captain, Marty Roche. Marty thanked Willie Coffey & Maurice Hurley for their commitment to this team and also thanked all his fellow players for their efforts and commitment. He finished by wishing Allaughaun Gaels well in the B-final against Croagh-Kilfinny and called for three rousing cheers for Allaughaun Gaels.

Back at Rathkeale House Hotel after the match, Damien O'Grady had refreshments ready for the team and sponsored a man-of-the match award. After much debate, this was awarded to Paul White. Paul thanked the hotel and staff for looking after the team so well and again thanked the team mentors and hoped that the team could now go on and push for county honours.
Team & Scorers; Emmet Walsh, Adrian Stackpoole, Michael Keating, Gearoid Mulcaire, Jason Jones, Martin Roche(0-2), Frank Geary, Paul White, Darren Jones(0-3, 2f), Eoin O'Donnell(0-1), Conor Lyons(0-1), Andrew White, Evan Lenihan, Patrick Wilmott(0-5, 3f), Mikey Morrissey(1-0). Subs Eoin Dillon, Patrick Naughton (for Jason Jones ht), Peter Brennan (60 mins), James Moran (for Marty Roche, inj, (75 mins), Michael Enright, Thomas Collins, Steve O'Reilly.

Con & Anne Kirby Memorial Puppy Stakes - First bend blues
A huge crowd attended Limerick Greyhound Stadium last Saturday night for the 2nd annual running of the richest Puppy stake in the world. Sponsored by JP & Noreen McManus, the event gives every GAA club in Limerick the chance to be a nominator of a dog and be in with a chance to win a winners nominator prize of €10000. Certainly not to be laughed at in these times and huge credit must go to the McNamus family for putting this unique event together. Our dog, Shaneboy Frankie, running from trap-3 in Heat-11, came with a good pedigree and decent form, having recently won a stake in Clonmel. However, a bump at the first bend put paid to both his and our hopes and we will have to go back to the drawing board for fund-raising during the year. Finishing 5th meant he didn't qualify for next week's second round so we were all down and out. Despite the disappointing result, a great night was had by the many club people at the event. Already looking forward to next year!!!
The Sheahan brothers, Mark & Eoghan represented us at the opening parade of the Con & Anne Kirby Memorial Puppy Stakes in Limerick Greyhound Stadium last Saturday night.

Senior Football
After a well fought victory away to Oola our Senior footballers take on Pallasgreen in an eagerly anticipated Round-2 league clash at home this Sunday (April 6th) at 4pm. Both sides will meet later this month in the 1st round of the Championship so it's an important to game to determine where we are at this stage of the season. All support is welcome as normal.

Junior Hurlers 2014
Our Junior Hurlers start their season with two games in 5 days. On Tuesday evening we travel to Ballybricken to play Ballybricken/Bohermore at 6.30pm. The following Saturday (April 5th) we play Askeaton at home in a game that was "doubled up" so the winner will take the points for both the West and County League encounter so this game has that added significance. It will also be a dry-run of our first championship game against the same opposition which will be played on the weekend of 25th May. Training has been going very well for the hurlers so the very best of luck to all involved.
Other League games as follows:
Co & West League 05-April (Sat) 5.30pm: home v Askeaton
West League: Thurs 17-April, Away v Templeglantine at 7pm
West League: Thurs 1-May Away v Adare 7.30pm
Co League: 20-May (Tue) 7.30pm : home v Murroe Boher
Co League: 27-May (Tue) 7.30pm; Away v Crecora Manister
Co League: 24-June (Tue) 7.30pm: Home v Templeglantine


St Senans.
Gerald Griffins
Knockaderry.
Glin.
Sean Finns.
St Senans.
Gerald Griffins
Knockaderry.
Glin.
Sean Finns.

West Minor Football Championships
This Friday night sees our minor footballers open their campaign when they host St Kierans in the opening round of the West League. Jimmy Dillane , Darren Jones, Francie Meade & Joe Roe are the men in charge. This promises to be a close opening game against the side that are steeped in football tradition.
Remaining games as follows:
Fri 18-April, Away v Adare at 7pm.
Fri 27-June - Bye.
Fri 4-July, Away v Granagh/Ballingarry/Banogue at 7.30pm.
Fri 25-July , Away v Daithi Broudairs at 7.30pm.
Fri 5-August Home V Deel Rangers at 7.30pm.
Fri 15-Aug, Away v Mountcollins/Athea at 7.30pm.


West Junior-B Football
Thursday 10th April is our opening league game against Gerald Griffins in the Bog Garden at 7pm. Lads are eagerly looking forward to this competition and it will be interesting to see how they get on. Other games oas follows: Thurs 24-Arpil Away v Glin at 7pm. Thurs 15-May Home v Athea at 7.30pm. The championship starts for us on the weekend of 8th June


Minor Hurling
Not starting until after the Leaving cert exams, we are in group-2
Group-1: Ballybricken Bohermore, Caherline, Dromin Athlacca , Feohanagh Castlemahon, Granagh, Glenroe.
Group-2: St Mary's Sean Finns, Feenagh/Kilmeedy, Knockainey, St Patrick's, Killeedy, Bruree .
Our games in this competition are as follows:
Sunday 29-June, Home v Feenagh/Kilmeedy 12 noon
Friday 11-July, away v St Patricks 7.30pm
Friday 18-July, away v Bruree 7.30pm
Friday 8-August, home v Knockainey 7.00pm
Friday 15-August,away v Kileedy 7.00pm.
Semi Final August 30th
Final September 06th


County Senior Football Championship
Group-1: Fr Caseys, NCW, St Kierans, Adare Galbally, Ballysteen.
Group-2: Drom/Broadford, St patricks, Pallasgreen, St Marys/Sean Finns, Ballylanders, Monaleen.
Our games in this competition are as follows:
Weekend 27-April: v Pallasgreen
Weekend 5-June: v Ballylanders
Weekend 10-Aug: v St Patricks
Weekend 24-Aug: v Drom/Broadford
Weekend 4-Sept: v Monaleen
Quarter Finals September 20th
Semi Finals September 27th
Final October 12th




Bord na nOg
Bord na nOg Results
Under 16 Football St Marys/Sean Finns 2-11 Drom/Broadford 1-08.
Our season commenced with a good victory in Dromcollogher and well done to all involved.

Bord na nOg Fixtures
Under 15 football V St Senans in the Bog at 6.15pm this Wednesday April 2nd
Under 16 football V St Kierans in the bog at 6.15pm Monday April 7th.
Under 14 football training begins this Friday at 5.45pm in the bog.

Helmets can also be purchase at a reduced rate, come along to training for further details.



Limerick GAA Clubs Draw (Formerly Mackey Draw)
Our promoters are currently travelling the high-ways & by-ways of the parish to promote this draw again this year. We have a number of new promoters on board so if you were in previously you may be getting a call from a new promoter this year. The first draw takes place on the last Friday of March with a draw each month right through to December. Cost is the same as previous years - €100 for the full 10 draws. There is a top prize of €13,000 each month with 22 other excellent prizes that must be won each month. Our club, (along with most of the other clubs in Limerick) is the big beneficiary of this draw. It is our main fundraiser for the year and we are very grateful to our members who support us each year. A big thank-you to each of you from all our players and members. We are appealing to you to support us again this year. By supporting it, you are directly supporting our club. Anybody looking to join as a new member can contact any of the following: Anthony Frawley, Brian Duggan, Brian Nolan, Dave Gilbourne, Jonny Mooney, James O'Connor, Joe O'Connor, Liam Chawke, Mike Barrett, Mike Sheahan, Mary Liston, Mike Stackpoole, Pat Sheahan, Shivaun O'Connor, Tom White.
The first draw of 2014 (March Draw) will take place on Saturday 5th April (put back by one week) live on Limericks Live95FM during the sports program between 10.00am and 11.00am. After that, the draws will revert to the last Saturday of each month, right up to December. Best of luck to all our members


Club Membership now overdue
Club membership for the 2014 season is now due. Rates for 2014 remain unchanged from last year and are as follows: Adult €20, Under-18 €10 and a family rate of €50. All players must pay their membership prior to taking part in any games or training. This will be strictly enforced this year so make sure you contact Philip O'Donnell, who is the club registrar again for 2014, before training commences. We are taking this matter very serious this year and you simply won't play if you haven't paid, players are also going to ensure that their fellow players have paid so no excuses..



Scrap Metal
There's an old saying that says "It's an ill wind that blows no good". Maybe the storms of last week have increased the possibility of scrap metal in the area. We would like take this opportunity to remind our friends and supporters that the club has an on-going scrap metal collection operation in place. Contact James O'Connor or any committee member if you have anything to donate. Collection can be arranged if necessary.


Follow us on Twitter & Facebook
To keep in touch and receive updates of last minute fixture changes, match results and live match updates, follow us on Twitter at the tag @RathkealeGAA. Also to become a friend on facebook go to www.facebook.com/#!/Rathkealegaa and send us a friend request. It's all about keeping in touch and getting live updates!

Recent Results
West U21H (1-March) St Marys 1-18 Daithi Broudair 1-10
West U21H (8-March) St Marys 2-13, St Kierans/Askeaton 0-09
West SFC: (17th March) Sean Finns 1-14, Drom/Broadford 3-11
Co SFL: (23-March) Sean Finns 2-11, Oola 1-10.
West U21-A Hurling Final: St Marys 1-12. Allaughaun Gaels 2-08
U16F Championship: Sean Finns 2-11, Drom/Broadford 1-08

Upcoming Fixtures
1-April (Tues): Co Jun Hurling League: away v Ballybricken/Bohermore at 6.30pm.
2-April (Wed): U15 Football: Home V St Senans at 6.15pm
4-April (Fri) West Minor Football Championship: Home v Kierans at 6.45pm.
5-April (Sat) West & County JHL: home v Askeaton at 5.30pm
6-April (Sun) Co Senior Football League: Home V Pallasgreen at 4pm
7-April (Mon) U16F home v St Kierans at 6.15pm
8- April (Tues): Co Jun Hurling League: home v Askeaton at 6.30pm.
10-April (Thurs) West Jun-B football league: home V Gerald Griffins as 7pm.
15-April (Tue) Co Senior Football League: away v Mountcollins at 6.30pm.
17-April (Thurs) West Junior Hurling League: Away v Templeglantine at 7pm.
18-Arpil (Fri) West Minor Football Championship: Away v Adare at 7pm
22-April (Tue) Co Senior Football League: Home v Mungret at 6.30pm.
24-April (Thurs) West Jun-B football league: Away v Glin at 7pm.
27-April (weekend of): County SFC v Pallasgreen (Venue/date/time tba).
1-May (Thurs) West Junior Hurling League: Home v Adare at 7.30pm.
15-May (Thurs) West Jun-B football league: Home v Athea at 7.30pm.
20-May (Tues): Co Jun Hurling League: home v Murroe/Boher at 7.30pm. Tweet

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