GAA Report 2007

Doon G.A.A


2007 was a great year for Limerick hurling with the County teams' remarkable run to the All Ireland Final and Doon were delighted to have a player in Mike Fitzgerald who made a huge contribution to Limerick's success and earning himself an All Star nomination in the process. We all hope that Mike goes on to enjoy a long career with Limerick. Doon also made history this year with our under 12 side winning the county final in dramatic fashion. This was our first county title at this grade.
The senior team began the year full of promise and looked to have Ahane beaten in the first round of the championship until two late goals deprived us of a deserved victory. The team played very poorly in the next game losing out to Knockaney by a large margin. This ended our involvement in the Championship and sent the team into the dreaded relegation series. Doon played recent champions Garyspillane in two games, losing the replay by a narrow margin. Doon were the better team in both games but just couldn't find the scores to secure victory. Doon comfortably beat Killeedy in the final game. To retain their senior status, Andy Mackey, Declan Ryan and Mike Ryan gave up a great deal of time to organise the team which was made difficult by the long layoff due to Limerick's championship success. The Junior A team began the year in great form beating Pallasgreen, Caherline and Ballybricken to win the East Intermediate title for the first time. This was a great achievement. Doon began the championship in good form comfortably beating Fedamore. However the team did not play as well in beating Cappamore in the semi-final. In the final Doon conceded several goals which allowed Caherline win comfortably in the end. At this stage several players were injured and some had graduated to the senior team. However the team put up a spirited performance in the County Quarter Final only losing out to eventual County Finalists Effin after extra-time. Jim McGrath managed the team assisted by Roger Maher and Ollie Walsh. The Junior B team enjoyed a very successful season in both the league and championship. In the east final of the league, Doon defeated Murroe-Boher and then defeated Bruff in the County semi-final. In the county final Doon were defeated by Templeglantine in terrible conditions by a goal. The championship saw Doon defeat all its eastern rivals to win the east final. The east final was a hard fought affair with Doon fortunate to beat Pallasgreen by a point. Doon went on to defeat Camogue Rovers and St. Mary's of Rathkeale to reach the County Final. The Doon team gave a great account of itself but lost by one point to Templeglantine for a second County Final defeat. The team exceeded all expectations to reach both finals and captain Eugene Ryan has two cups to mind for the winter. Paddy Coleman trained the team with Anthony Fahey, Liam Kennedy and Con Barry selectors.
The under 21 team comfortably won the East Championship defeating Ahane in the East Final. However a poor performance against Bruree ended our involvement in the Championship at the quarter-final stage. Denis Barry, Denis Kennedy, John Collins, Paul Carr and Seamus Barry organised the team.
Doon had a fine run in the minor championship despite having a very young side. Doon finished level on points with Kilmallock in the group stage. A playoff with Kilmallock followed with Kilmallock winning, ending Doon's Championship aspirations. Scan Lysaght managed the team assisted by Brian Treacy, Paddy Coleman, James O'Brien, Pat Ryan and Mike Carew. The under 16 team did not make the County semi-finals but went on to defeat Granagh-Ballingarry in the County Shield competition. Sean Lysaght, Brian Treacy, Paddy Coleman, James O'Brien, Jim McGrath and Mike Carew organised the team. At under 14 level Doon enjoyed an excellent season. The team lost the Final of the Feile na nGael to Ahane but went on to defeat Ahane in the East Championship Final by a large margin in Murroe. This was a great result as Doon fielded a very young side with a number of twelve year old boys playing excellently. Doon comfortably beat Kilmallock in the County semi¬final before losing out to a very good Na Piarsaigh side in the final. Jim McGrath managed the side assisted by Fr. Ryan, Eddie Stapleton, Roger Maher, Denis Moloney and Michael Carew.
Doon were blessed with a very talented under 12 team this year who comfortably won the East Final defeating Ahane. Doon went on to beat Kilmallock and Adare to reach the County Final. The game was played in the sunshine in Rathkeale where a late surge by Doon overcame Mungret to secure the Ui2 title for the clubs first time. This is a great reward for the work put in by Br. Dormer and his selectors Joanne Breen, Brian Stapleton and Denis Barry.
Doon are very active at under 11 and under 10 level with coaching taking place on Saturday mornings and the children participating in ground hurling blitzes. John Cummins, Robert O'Connell, Tim Whelan, Mark Doyle, James O'Donovan, Ann McPartland and Declan Ryan are among the parents who help to coach the boys. The club thanks all the parents who helped out during the year.
Doon players who represented their County this year include Michael Fitzgerald at senior, Michael Fitzgerald and Micheal Ryan at under 21. Eoghan Fitzgibbon, Niall Maher and Tom Treacy at minor, Michael Barry and Cathal McNamara at under 16, Martin Byrnes, Gerard McPartland and Diarmuid Ó Cuimin at under 15. At under 14 level Liam Ryan, Colm Ó Cuimin, Fionn Carew, Matthew Russell and Derek Ryan. The club also congratulates Niall Maher who was awarded the East Board Intermediate Hurler of the Year with Daniel Landers getting the Junior B award. Boon are the envy of most clubs with such a high level of player participation and fielding competitive teams at all grades. This is down to a lot of voluntary effort from local people and it is important that these people's efforts are acknowledged and respected. Hopefully more people will take on positions in the new year. The club also wishes to thank all the fundraisers who gave their time to sustain the club. Finally to all the players, keep trying and more success awaits next season.

And as we go to press we are delighted to record the success of the Doon Senior Hurling Team on Sunday 18th November in Caherconlish. They defeated Ahane to become East Limerick Senior Hurling Champions, 2007 and once again received the Sean Cunningham Cup.

Liam Kennedy, Secretary Doon G.A.A.


 


 

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