NO JOY ON THE HURLING FRONT

Last Thursday evening, April 03rd, our Premier Intermediate hurlers welcomed reigning All Ireland Intermediate Club champions Watergrasshill to Kilworth’s Moorepark East venue for the third round clash of the Red FM sponsored Division 4 Hurling League. This contest really was a game of two halves with the overall outcome going in favor of the Senior A hurling side. Kilworth started the strongest and played some fine hurling for the first thirty minutes with the sides on level terms at the interval, but the East Cork divisional club really outclassed Kilworth all over the field in the second half and were comfortable winners at the full time whistle.

Liam Óg Hegarty scored two consecutive long range frees which got Kilworth off to a positive start, but Watergrasshill responded immediately with three white flags to retake the lead. Eoin Carey who lined out at wing forward got Kilworth’s first score of the evening from play through a nicely taken left hand strike on the sixth minute and including a trio of placed balls all converted successfully by Liam Óg, Kilworth were three points the better after twelve minutes played. It really was a game of cat and mouse between the sides until the interval with the five Kilworth scores again coming from the sticks of Liam Óg (2 frees), Eoin Carey (2 from play), with Cormac Donnellan also joining the scoring club when his nicely timed strike sailed between the uprights. Half time score: Kilworth 0-11, Watergrasshill 1-08.

Watergrasshill introduced some key personnel to the fold at the interval and immediately laid down a marker by adding two further points to their scoreline. A missed penalty chance by Kilworth was the closest the home side were to get to regain any form of lead for the remaining 25 minutes as Watergrasshill hit a purple patch and it was really game, set, and match by the three quarter mark. Kilworth’s four second half scores came the sticks of Michael Sheehan (2), Leo Coffey, and Liam Whelan. Full time score: Kilworth 0-15, Watergrasshill 3-21.

Kilworth were without the services of some key individuals for this encounter which was evident but it’s now back to the drawing board for the lads as they prepare for their next outing, which is next Tuesday week, April 22nd, away to Cloughduv.

Team & Scorers: Sean Keane, John Horgan, Kieran Lane, Austin O’Hara, Jeremy Saich, David Twomey, Michael Gowen, Noel McNamara, Brian Sheehan, Eoin Carey 0-03, Liam Whelan 0-01, Leo Coffey 0-01, Liam Óg Hegarty 0-07 (all frees), Cormac Donnellan 0-01, & Michael Sheehan 0-02. Sub used: Darragh Sheehan.

JUNIOR HURLING LEAGUE

Last Saturday evening April 5th, our Junior hurlers finally got their league campaign underway when they faced Newtownshandrum at home in their delayed opening round of the Cavanagh’s of Fermoy Division 2 Hurling League. Brian Carey who has taken over maintaining the pitch grounds had the pitch looking exceptional and I’m sure every club member would agree that the late Tom Howard (RIP) would be extremely happy with Brian’s detail of care and give his utmost approval!

With Mallow conceding to Kilworth in the first round last month it was great for the lads to finally take to the playing field but with a limited panel of players available, Kilworth were minus the services of key individuals from last season’s North Cork final encounter. A physically strong and skillful Newtownshandrum side were by far superior in this contest and dominated play with some fine set pieces throughout the hour. Kilworth playing against the wind in the first half started well, but after the quarter hour mark Newtownshandrum showed their superiority and started to dominate proceedings, and ultimately it was the western divisional side who were worthy winners come the final whistle. Full time score: Kilworth 1-05, Newtownshandrum 6-16.

Team: Aaron Browne, Kieran Twomey, John Horgan, Brian Whelan, Gearoid Carey, Michael O’Callaghan, Sean Moriarty, Daniel O’Regan, Brian Dunne, Brian Casey, Ben Carey, Darragh Sheehan, Darragh Gill, Liam Óg Hegarty, & Michael Lenihan. Subs used: Jason McCarthy, Jamie Foley, & Kenny Murphy.

MEDAL PRESENTATION

The club will hold a medal presentation for the successful 2024 Kilworth Junior hurlers who after a 21 year lapse were last season crowned North Cork Junior B2 Hurling Champions. Reminiscing on that famous victory, which was played in Castletownroche on October 13th last, the lads when trailing by 10 points after 35 minutes played, dug deep and reignited their engines to claim a 1-point victory over rivals Newtownshandrum in the final of the Denis Gallagher Refrigeration Centenary Junior B2 Hurling Championship. This function will be held this coming Saturday evening April 12th in Aherne’s Bar, Kilworth at 8.30pm, and all players and supporters are invited to attend as the club recognises this remarkable achievement.

COMMUNITY CLEAN UP DAY 

In association with Cork GAA, Kilworth GAA, Camogie & LGFA clubs are proud to take part in the 2025 Cork GAA Community Clean-Up Day which will be held this coming Saturday afternoon April 12th. This initiative is a fantastic way to give back, connect with the community, and showcase our clubs pride. All members, players and supporters are encouraged to get involved in this worthy community event which gets underway at 2pm from the GAA pitch.

DARKNESS INTO LIGHT 2025

This year, in the early hours of Saturday May 10th, Kilworth GAA, Camogie & LGFA clubs together with the wider Kilworth Community are once again joining forces to participate in a fundraising walk in aid of Pieta House and Darkness into Light. Gathering for the walk will start at 4am with the walk itself commencing at 4.15am from the GAA Grounds. All support will be greatly appreciated, and it will go a long way to help the amazing work that Pieta House does. Please spread the word!

WEEKLY CLUB LOTTO

There was no winner of this week’s lotto jackpot of €12,400 held on Monday April 7th, the numbers drawn were: 17, 22, 24 and 29. The lucky dip winner of €50 was Oran & Sheila O’Mahony c/o Patsy O’Mahony. The lucky dip winners of €25 each were Mary Darcy c/o Online, Amy & Ryan c/o Patsy O’Mahony, & Ollie Shanahan c/o Yearly. Next week’s jackpot on Monday April 14th is €12,600.

Tickets cost just €2 each or three lines for €5 and they are available online, in the local business outlets or from your usual local sellers. As always, we would like to thank you for your ongoing support.

VOTE OF SYMPATHY

The club would like to extend its deepest sympathy to the Mannix families, Kilworth/Bartlemy following their recent bereavement.

Ar dheis Dé go raibh a hanam dílis.

UPCOMING FIXTURES

Friday April 18th; Cavanagh’s of Fermoy Division 2 Hurling League; Kilworth V Kildorrery in Kildorrery at 8pm.

Tuesday April 22nd; Red FM Division 4 Hurling League; Kilworth V Cloughduv in Cloughduv at 7.45pm.

Please keep a watchful eye on club social media platforms or the club website www.kilworthgaa.com for club news, lotto results, fixture updates etc.

MAIN CLUB SPONSORS: Mike Walsh Pharmacy, The Village Inn, Aherne’s Pub, KDC Ltd., Kilally Stables, Mitchelstown Dental Clinic, Joe and Trish Bonner, Centra Kilworth

KILWORTH JUVENILE GAA CLUB NOTES

U14 HURLING

Our U14 hurlers continued their promising start to the season with a win over Mallow in Mallow last Friday evening. Disappointingly for both sides, there was a “no show” by the appointed referee. Not for the first time Tony put on his cape, stepped in, and a superb game of hurling commenced once he threw in the sliotar. A competitive game followed, played in a great spirit with determination, and we got the “bounce of the ball” that put us in a comfortable position. Mallow battled on stubbornly, and fought to the end, but to no avail as we ran out winners in the end. Jack Condon and Darragh Lynch were impressive in a steely backline and Charlie O’Brien shone on the “40” with a number of impressive points. Some serious training to be done as we look forward to the challenging games ahead.

U11s PERFORM WELL IN AGHADA 

Saturday morning last saw the U11 footballers kick off their season with an away game against Aghada. The sun was shining for this one, but a strong wind blowing straight down the field made conditions a little difficult. We had two teams out. Both played two 25-minute games against the hosts. We started a little rusty, but the boys improved as the games progressed, with some excellent tackling and support play on show. All four games were competitive and both sides will take several positives from the mornings football. Special mention this week to Charlie O’Donoghue who pulled off three outstanding saves in the first game that had both sets of supporters rising to applaud his acrobatics and to Noah Dunne and Jamie Evans for their all actions displays. The boys will switch to hurling next Saturday morning when they travel to Blarney to take on the hosts and Dunmanway.

UPCOMING FIXTURES

13th April 2025, Fe12 Hurling League; V Ballygiblin in Ballygiblin @ 12:30

15th April 2025, Fe13 P3B Football; V Fermoy in Fermoy @ 18:00

16th April 2025, Fe14 D2 Football League; V St Catherine's in Kilworth @ 18:30

16th April 2025, Fe12 Hurling League; V Ballycastle Gaels in Kilworth @ 18:45

18th April 2025, Fe18 D2 Football League; V Mayfield in Kilworth @ 19:00

19th April 2025, Fe15 Feile Football; V TBC in TBC @ TBC

21st April 2025, Fe12 Football League; V Duarigle Gaels in Kilworth @ 19:00

U8 FOOTBALL

Pictured is our U8 footballers who played their first blitz in Mallow and showed some great skill and teamwork.