GAA Report 1993
The year 1993 will go down as being one of the most successful in the past ten
years. Three teams reached county championship deciders and although
unsuccessful they were a credit to the club with sportsmanship of the highest
order. Great progress was made with the new playing pitches at Toher Rd. and
these should be in peak condition for the planned opening next Spring.
The year started with the holding of the County Convention in the Community
Centre the first time that this event was held in Doon. Gaels from all over the
four divisions descended on Doon on January 26th and much comment was made of
the way the Doon club staged such a successful event.
On the playing fields their was much to look forward to with great expectations
of county success in many grades. The seniors had a particularly good season
winning the County Cup and the County League titles for the first time, also
being defeated in the 1992 decider played in May. The East Championship was
retained in one of the best finals for many years against Ahane. The league
title was a sweet one, beating old rivals Ballybrown at the Gaelic grounds. It
was some compensation for the heavy championship defeat against Adare. Great
credit is due to trainer Matty Ryan for the amount of work he put into the
preparation of the team. The year will go down as the best ever in the Senior
grade and with a nice crop of young players the future is bright.
The Junior A team appeared strong on paper but flattered to deceive in the
championship first round against Ballybricken. The league final ended with a
narrow defeat by Ahane but Doon turned the tables to win the Brian Butler cup
for the fifth time in a row. The Junior B side had a great run which saw them
lose to a strong Kilmallock side in the County final at Kilteety. Doon recorded
a rare five in a row of East titles when defeating Knockane in the East final.
In the County semi final, Askeaton were edged out by a three point margin. In
the league, Doon had good wins over Knockane and Ballybricken before being
defeated by Feoghanagh in the County semi final at Croom. It was a great
achievement by the club to have its third team contest a county find, it must be
remembered that this was Kilmallock's second team. The team consisted of two
sixteen year olds and had a nice blend of youth and experience.
The U21 team put up a spirited display against Na Piarsaigh in the County final
at the Gaelic Ground. They trained hard over a long period and gave great hope
for the future. On the way to the final they beat Ahane and Cappamore to record
three in a row of East titles and Adare in the County semi-final.
The Minors reached the County semi-final and were defeated by the eventual
winners Mungret in a replay at Caherconlish by a three point margin. This was
the first year of the all County League which saw us travel to Knockaderry for
the first time and a rare visit to Bruree. Other games were against Bruff,
Hospital/Herbertstown and Garryspillane. For the first time since the East Board
was formed in 1944 there was no divisional championship, although a special U17
competition was started. Doon played no game with it being deferred to the new
year.
The Juveniles could be described as the hard luck side, reaching the county
final. This Championship played on a league basis was long drawn out commencing
in April and concluding in early November. On the way Doon beat Hospital/Herbertstown,
Na Pirasaigh, Cappamore, Adare, Monaleen (twice) and a defeat at the hands of
Patrickswell. The county final at Caherconlish was played on a miserably wet and
windy day which made conditions unsuitable for hurling. The lighter Doon lads
found it hard to adapt to the conditions but to their credit they gave of their
best and despite some bizzare refereeing decisions lost by an injury time
pointed free.
The U/14 side recorded the East Féile na Gael and championship double losing to
Ballybrown and Patrickswell in the County semi finals. They showed great
enthusiasm during the campaign and should blossom in the years ahead.
The U/15's retained the East title beating Ahane andCaherline with convincing
wins on the way. The U/13 and U12's, although not up to the standard of previous
years gave of their best during their campaigns.
So much for the playing, activities, the year also saw many fund raising events.
The Mackey Draw continues to be the number one cash earner with the numbers
being one of the highest in the County. A Race Night held in March was a
tremendous success as was the Sale of Work in October. A novel event was a
Boxing Tournament in November which yielded a handsome profit. The club are
deeply indebted to the many supporters who attend all games and fund raising
events, without them the club would not be such a successful one today. As we
enter 1994 we can look forward with confidence to a successful playing season,
and the opening of our new field and dressing rooms at Toher Road.
Tom O'Brien