JUNIOR FOOTBALLERS CLAIM LEAGUE TITLE
Last week, on Tuesday evening, June 02nd, Kilworth travelled to Ballyhooly to contest near neighbours Grange in the final of the Avondhu division three football league. Credit must be given to Ballyhooly GAA, who presented both the venue and pitch in superb condition, with a pristine, carpet-like playing surface and excellent pitch markings providing the perfect stage for this occasion.
Kilworth opened the scoring in this lively encounter in the sixth minute of play when Olann McCarthy-O’Donoghue intercepted a Grange pass along the Kilworth half-back line before embarking on a remarkable 60-yard solo run and finishing confidently between the uprights. Two minutes later, corner forward Brian Sheehan doubled Kilworth’s lead with an excellent left-footed score before Ryan Jordan added a well-taken 45” in the thirteenth minute to extend the advantage to three points. Olann continued his impressive start by registering his second point from play just a minute later, pushing Kilworth further ahead before Grange opened their account on the quarter hour mark with a neatly converted placed ball. Two pointed frees from Brian Sheehan stretched Kilworth’s back lead to four, however, Grange responded strongly, with their goalkeeper, who proved clinical from distance, converting two two-point frees in succession to bring the sides back on level terms. As the half drew to a close, Jamie Sheehan restored Kilworth’s lead with a well-worked point from play to leave just a single point separating the teams in what was an entertaining and closely contested opening half. Half time score; Kilworth 0-07, Grange 0-06.
Upon the restart, Kilworth quickly asserted their authority as Brian Sheehan opened the second half scoring with another well struck pointed free, before Sean Murphy and Liam Óg Hegarty also added their names to the scoresheet to further extend Kilworth’s lead. Grange, playing in their distinctive saffron and white colours, responded with a point from play, but Kilworth maintained control with further scores from substitute Mark Carey, the ever-reliable Brian Sheehan, and Liam Óg Hegarty pushing Kilworth six points clear with just nine minutes remaining. Both sides exchanged two points apiece in the closing stages, from a mixture of play and placed balls, with Grange adding a final converted free three minutes into injury time. Despite that late consolation score, Kilworth remained comfortable and in control throughout the closing period and at the final whistle, blown by referee Denis Motherway, Kilworth were worthy and convincing winners, thanks to a disciplined and efficient second half display. Full time score; Kilworth 0-15, Grange 0-10.
Following the game John O’Donovan, secretary of the Avondhu GAA board, firstly presented Kilworth’s wing back Sean Murphy with his well-deserved Man-Of-The-Match award before presenting the league trophy to the victorious Kilworth captain Michael Gowen. In his acceptance speech, Michael thanked Ballyhooly GAA for the excellent condition of the venue and playing surface, referee Denis Motherway and his officials for officiating the contest, the Kilworth players and management team of Tim, Paul, Sean, and Fergus, team medic Deirdre, as well as the club’s loyal sponsors and supporters. He also acknowledged Grange for their sporting contribution to an enjoyable and competitive final whilst whishing them the very best of luck in their confined county championship campaign.
Team & scorers: Sean Óg Kenneally, Ronan Fenton, Kieran Lane, Michael Gowen, David Twomey, Sean Shanahan, Sean Murphy 0-01, Michael Sheehan, Ryan Jordan 0-01 (1-45”), Liam Óg Hegarty 0-02, Jamie Sheehan 0-01, Olann McCarthy-O’Donoghue 0-02, Aaron Browne, Brian Sheehan 0-07 (6-f), & Anthony Sheehan. Substitutes used: Mark Carey (HT) 0-01, Eoin Carey (45mins), & Leo Coffey (45mins).

ANNUAL GOLF CLASSIC
The annual Kilworth GAA Club Golf Classic is fast approaching and will take place next week, on Friday June 19th at Fermoy Golf Club. The club would like to sincerely thank Blackwater Motors of Fermoy, Cork, and Skibbereen who have come onboard again this year as the events main sponsor. Your continued support is greatly appreciated. This highly popular event along with our weekly club lotto and Rebels Bounty draw, is one of the clubs three main fundraisers each year with all proceeds raised from the event ringfenced for loan repayments on our recently opened new Dressing Room & Community Gym Complex, and pitch upgrade works.
The details of the event are as follows: 3 players per team, 3 ball scramble format, €180 per team. Fee includes entry to Golf Classic, refreshments, and meal on completion of round, with valuable prizes up for grabs for GUI and Non-GUI teams. Should you wish to enter a team, sponsor a green or tee box, or require further details, do not hesitate to contact Ned O’Brien at 087-9349071.

CLUB SHOP
Make sure to visit our Club Shop to check out the latest Kilworth GAA club merchandise and get prepared for the summer ahead. There is a fantastic range of newly customised club gear and essentials available to choose from, with something to suit all ages. Many items can also be personalised with names, numbers, initials, etc. Free delivery is available on all orders over €50. Browse the full range at www.oneills.com/shop-by-team/gaa/ireland/kilworth-gaa

LOTTO JACKPOT WON
Comhghairdeas to Maurice McNamara (Jnr) who was the sole lucky winner of last week’s lotto jackpot of €2,600 held on Monday June 01st. The numbers drawn were: 04, 12, 21, & 30. The jackpot prize on Monday June 08th is €2,000.
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!

CONGRATULATIONS
The club would like to extend its sincere congratulations to our neighbours, Kilworth Celtic Football Club, who marked their 30-year anniversary last Saturday with a fantastic family fun day. It was a wonderful occasion and a great celebration of their proud history in the community. We wish them continued success in the years ahead.

UPCOMING FIXTURES
Tonight, Thursday June 11th; Red FM Division 4 Hurling League; Kilworth V Mallow in Kilworth at 8pm.
Sunday June 28th; Red FM Division 4 Hurling League; Kilworth V St. Catherines in Ballynoe at 11.30am.

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.