WINNING START FOR INTERMEDIATE HURLERS
Last Sunday afternoon August 02nd, Kilworth got their 2026 Co-Op Superstores Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship campaign off to a winning start with a deserved 3-26 to 2-20 victory over Ballymartle. Played in ideal conditions, this opening-round encounter was hosted by the Bride Rovers club in Rathcormac, who deserve great credit for presenting both their facilities and pitch in excellent condition for this championship fixture. Kilworth lined out as listed on the team sheet, with the notable exception of veteran corner-forward Noel McNamara who unfortunately due to a hamstring injury, brought an end to his remarkable run of 60 consecutive championship appearances since 2011 which is a testament to his commitment and consistency to the club over so many years.
Ballymartle made the brighter start in this contest and immediately put Kilworth under extended pressure with some fine shooting from play. Kilworth struggled to settle in the early stages and, after thirteen minutes, found themselves trailing by seven points with the scoreboard reading 0-08 to 0-01, with all of Ballymartle’s scores having come from open play. Kilworth, however, to their credit remained composed, sticked to their game plan, and gradually worked their way back into contention.
Further points from Liam Óg Hegarty, Michael Sheehan, Leo Coffey and Liam Whelan reduced the deficit to three points before Ballymartle responded with a three-pointer to stretch their advantage back out to six, but Kilworth continued to battle and began to gain momentum as the half progressed. A brace of points from William Condon, followed by another excellent effort from Liam Óg Hegarty, left just three points between the sides as half-time approached. Then, one minute into added time, William Condon sporting the number fourteen shirt, struck Kilworth’s first three-pointer of the afternoon, bringing the sides level just as the half-time whistle sounded. Half time score: Kilworth 1-12, Ballymartle 1-12.
Kilworth emerged for the second period with renewed energy and quickly seized control. Just four minutes after the restart, wing-back Luke Carey produced one of the games key moments as he embarked on a powerful solo run and whilst losing his hurley in the process, showed great composure to kick the sliotar into the Ballymartle net, giving Kilworth the advantage for the first time. This three-pointer proved a major turning point as Kilworth’s half-forward line of Liam Óg Hegarty, Michael Sheehan, and Jamie Sheehan began to exert a significant influence, with a succession of scores to extend Kilworth’s lead and by the three-quarter mark, Kilworth had turned the table and opened up a six-point lead on their Carrigdhoun opponents.
With confidence now growing, Kilworth maintained the pressure and continued to dominate the scoring exchanges with the impressive half-forward trio already mentioned contributing a remarkable nineteen points between them over the course of the hour. The decisive score, however, arrived with seven minutes remaining when following a brilliant solo run and perfectly weighted pass from midfielder Leo Coffey, William Condon once again finished clinically to the Ballymartle net to push Kilworth ten points clear and effectively put the game beyond reach. Ballymartle, however, deserve credit for their determination and continued to battle until the end, grabbing a second goal with two minutes remaining, however, another final point from Liam Óg ensured that Kilworth finished strongly and secured a deserved nine-point victory. Full time score: Kilworth 3-26, Ballymartle 2-20. Referee: James Birmingham, Bride Rovers.
This result represents an encouraging start to the championship campaign for Kilworth, who now turn their attention to an eagerly anticipated round two clash against Valley Rovers in Páirc Uí Rinn on Thursday August 20th at 7.30pm.
Team & Scorers: Killian Heggtveit, Austin O’Hara, Kieran Lane, Michael Gowen, Luke Carey 1-00, Eoin Carey, David Twomey, Jeremy Saich, Leo Coffey 0-02, Liam Óg Hegarty 0-07 (3-f), Michael Sheehan 0-05, Jamie Sheehan 0-07, Liam Whelan 0-02, William Condon 2-03, & Brian Sheehan. Substitutes used: Eoin McGrath, & Pierce Riordan.

KILWORTH COMMUNITY AND GAA FESTIVAL 2026
Kilworth festival is now in full swing so please continue to show your support where possible. This Friday evening sees the famous festival show at the marquee which is followed on Saturday evening by “Smash Hits”. Finally, on Sunday “Fair in the Square” returns which kicks off with the Fancy Dress Parade starting at 1.30pm followed by the usual entertainment which has something on offer for everyone. All support is greatly appreciated.

WEEKLY CLUB LOTTO RESULTS
There was no winner of last week’s lotto jackpot of €3,400 held on Monday July 27th. The numbers drawn were: 05, 13, 14, & 27. The lucky dip winner of €50 was Michael A. Gowan c/o Online. The lucky dip winners of €25 each were Sean & Sheila Hegarty c/o Centra, Natasha Bracken c/o Online, & Mary Russell c/o Centra. The jackpot prize on Monday August 03rd is €3,600.
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. Míle Buíochas!

VOTES OF SYMPATHY
The club would like to extend its deepest sympathies to the McCarthy/McCormack families, Killybegs, Donegal/Kilworth, and the English families, Ballydorgan, Fermoy/Ballyduff Upper following their recent bereavements.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha dílse.

UPCOMING FIXTURES
Thursday August 06th; Walsh’s Pharmacy Junior B1 Football Championship – Round 2, Kilworth V Abbey Rovers in Mitchelstown at 7.30pm.
Saturday August 08th; Country Clean Recycling U21 B Hurling Championship Semi-Final, Kilworth V Kilshannig in Ballyhooly at 6.30pm.
Thursday August 20th; Co-Op Superstores Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship – Round 2, Kilworth V Valley Rovers in Páirc Uí Rinn at 7.30pm.
Monday August 24th; Denis Gallagher Air Conditioning Services Junior B2 Hurling Championship – Round 1, Kilworth V Ballyhea in Kildorrery at 7pm.
Please keep a watchful eye on club social media platforms for fixture updates etc.

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