Féile na nGael
Our under 15 hurlers made the trip out to Ballybrown for the group stage of the Féile na nGael on Saturday morning. We were drawn in a very tough group alongside Ballybrown, Mungret and Kilmallock with our first game taking place in the Castle Field against the hosts.
We took a 1-point win in this game against a strong Ballybrown side. The winning of the match was our first half performance only going in a point down while playing against a stiff breeze. Final score: Na Piarsaigh 1-04 Ballybrown 0-05 Scorers: Shane Waters 1-03, (2f) Charlie Ryan 0-01
We made the short walk across the road to Ballybrown’s new field for our tie with Kilmallock. Our opponents got off to a blistering start with a goal straight out of the blocks. We opted to play against the breeze in the first half with Kilmallock taking a 2-point lead at the break. The second saw our best scoring of the day with our lads outscoring Kilmallock by 8 points to 1. The victory saw us topping the group with Mungret having lost both of their opening games and us pipping Ballybrown on the head-to-head rule. Final score: Na Piarsaigh 0-11 Kilmallock 1-03 Scorers: Shane Waters 0-07, (4f) Charlie Ryan 0-02, (2f) Darragh Kirwan 0-01 Sean Ryan 0-01
Our last group game saw us face Mungret. While on the losing side, we got some well needed minutes into the squad and saw players stake a claim for positions leading into the knockout stage fixed for Monday morning. Final score: Na Piarsaigh 0-05 Mungret 2-06 Scorers: Shane Waters 0-03 Charlie Ryan 0-02, (2f)
Murroe Boher were our opponents in the semi-final, which took place in Mick Neville Park, Rathkeale. The opening half was tight with both teams swapping scores and entering the break at 4 points each. Harry O’Sullivan’s skillful strike off the hurley being the pick of our opening half scores. The second 15 minutes saw us move into a 4-point lead with Shane Waters striking 3 frees and a 65. This lead was cut back to a point with a Murroe Boher goal. Shane put 2 more balls over the bar to put us 3 points ahead but our opponents got a fortuitous goal in the dying moments to bring the game to extra time. 2 periods of 5 minutes was to be played and we went in a point to the good at half time of extra time with Shane and Charlie Ryan adding to our tally. Charlie duly buried a goal straight after half time to extend our lead. Murroe Boher got a goal back but Shane Waters closed out the game with 2 frees, the first being from a monster distance out. Final score: Na Piarsaigh 1-15 Murroe Boher 3-06 Scorers: Shane Waters 0-12 (9f, 1'65) Charlie Ryan 1-02 Harry O'Sullivan 0-01
The Féile na nGael final pitted us against Ahane, them having overcome Ballybrown in the other semi-final. A big physical team, Ahane lead at the break on a scoreline of 1-03 to 0-02. It was point for point in the second half with our lads putting in a mammoth effort for the 20 minutes. But in the end Ahane proved too strong and we struggled to whittle down the lead they built at half time. It would be fair to say that the extra time in the semi-final had seen our lads expend a lot of energy with Ahane being that bit fresher going into the final. Even still, Na Piarsaigh left absolutely everything out there and the work rate shown throughout was immense. Final score: Na Piarsaigh 0-06 Ahane 1-07 Scorers: Shane Waters 0-05 (3f) Charlie Ryan 0-01
Great credit must be given to this team and management for the time and effort that they have put into this Féile campaign over the last number of months. The quality of hurling on show over this Easter weekend has been exemplary and they can all hold their heads high in knowing they gave it their all. The future is certainly bright for Na Piarsaigh.
Easter Camp 2024
Our Easter Camp kicks off this week and runs from Tuesday to Friday. Registration can be completed by using the Club Shop section in the ClubZap app. Please spread the word as all are welcome and not just limited to club members.
Con & Annie Kirby Memorial Stake
Our dog, “Da Bould Falcon” came second in the 2nd round of the Con & Annie Kirby Memorial Stake last Saturday evening. This means we qualify for the next round which takes place next Saturday night.
Limerick Camogie
Lizzie Boylan was on fire for Limerick last Saturday scoring 1-2 in the opening half in their win over league table toppers Wexford. Well done to Lizzie and all the Limerick team as they push for promotion.
Club Limerick Draw
Congrats to all our winners in the March edition of the Club Limerick Draw. Thank you to all our members who continue to support this fundraising initiative as it goes a long way in supporting both Na Piarsaigh and the Limerick County Board. The March Draw Winners were Cathal Barry, Patsy Barry, Gearoid & Pamela Shinners, and Carol O’Brien.
Team Limerick Clean-up
We would like to say a big thank you to all that took part in the Na Piarsaigh Team Limerick Clean-up on Good Friday. Lavinia and Doreen were on hand to provide tea and hot-cross buns afterwards. Thanks again to all who helped on the day.
Abseil for Na Piarsaigh
Together with Nevsail, and as part of our first big fundraiser of 2024, we are abseiling down Thomond Park Stadium on the 25th of May. We are looking to recruit as many club members, family, and friends of Na Piarsaigh to join in an enjoyable and thrilling event while also raising funds for the club. Participants must be aged 13 and above. To register, please send your name, number and team group to napabseiling@gmail.com or contact Club PRO Brian Buckley @ 0872666960
Fixtures This Week
Féile na nGael Semi-Final Vs Murroe Boher, Mick Neville Park, Easter Monday 10:45
Senior Football League Vs Monaleen, Maguire’s Pitch’s UL, Tuesday 18:30
Under 13 Football Vs Monaleen, Caherdavin, Thursday 18:30
Senior Hurling League Vs Patrickswell, Patrickswell, Saturday 18:30
Junior B Hurling League Vs Caherline, Caherline, Sunday 12:00
Intermediate Hurling League Vs Ahane, Ahane, Sunday 18:30
