Limerick play Kerry this evening in Newcastlewest in the semi-final of the Munster Minor football championship. (Throw-in 7pm.)
Limerick are managed by former Fr Casey’s captain, Gerard O’Connor, and included in the backroom staff are Gerard Moloney, a towering midfielder for Abbeyfeale in the early nineties, and the irrepressible Danny Browne, a fast-running and free-scoring forward with St Ita’s College and Abbeyfeale back in the late sixties. (He is also uncle of Limerick senior player, Padraig Browne)
Two Abbeyfeale players are included in the squad, Seanie O’Donnell, son of another Fr Casey’s midfield dynamo, Jim O’Donnell, and Shane O’Connor whose great footballing pedigree needs no explanation here. We wish them well.
Limerick have just one Munster minor title to their name. (Kerry have won forty) Limerick’s solitary success came in 1956 when they were captained by Eamon O’Connor from Knocknasna. Other players on that historic team include Joe Myles from Mountcollins, Mossy Lyons from Dromtrasna, Cyril Hobbs from Killarney Road and Liam Downey and JJ Donovan from New Street.
Meanwhile, Limerick seniors await the winners of Clare and Waterford in the senior semi-final, while Cork will play whoever wins between Kerry and Tipperary next Sunday.
Paddy Power has little faith in our minors. He goes 1/7 Kerry, 9/2 Limerick and 10/1 the draw. He has even less ‘meas’ in Tipperary seniors whom he quotes at 7/1 to beat Kerry, while the Kingdom are a miserly 1/12 to prevail.(Paddy has obviously learned from the recent banking crisis)
Cork are 9/4 favourites to lift the Sam Maguire. Kerry are 3/1, Tyrone 9/2 and Dublin 8/1.Limerick are a very generous 80/1.
Cork are 1/1 to win out in Munster with Kerry at 5/4 and Limerick 13/2.
In the hurling, Kilkenny are 5/4, Tipp 2/1, Galway 5/1 and Limerick a whopping 300/1.
Tipperary are 1/1 to come out of Munster, with Waterford at 5/2 and Cork 11/4. Limerick are a big price here also at 40/1.
This must be the first time in the history of the GAA that Limerick footballers are at a shorter price than their hurling counterparts to win both Munster and all Ireland titles.
If Limerick can prevail tonight, and if the seniors get through against the winners of Waterford and Clare, we could yet have two Limerick football teams lining out on Munster final day!
We live in hope.
RUGBY
The Club’s A.G.M. will be held this Friday night , May 14th at 8 o’clock in the Clubhouse. All Club officers , committee members , players , coaches are asked to attend. Anyone wishing to get involved with Abbeyfeale R.F.C. for the coming season are also welcome
There was no Jackpot winner in the weekly draw which took place on Monday night , May 10th at the Rugby Clubhouse. Winning numbers were 21 – 22 – 24 – 30. This week’s Jackpot now increases to € 4, 200. Lucky Dip winners who win 25 € each were Martin and Anne Murphy , The Hill , Stevie Murphy C/O Ronnie Murphy , Deirdre Cronin , C/O Kostal , Billy Quirke , Hill Rd., Mick Moriarty , Cryle.
Munster play Leinster in the RDS on Saturday evening in the semi-final of the Magners League.
SOCCER:
Abbeyfeale Utd B 1, Killeaney 3. Abbeyfeale Utd A 1, Rathkeale 3. Abbeyfeale Utd B 2, Athea Utd 2.
Chelsea were crowned Premier League champions at the weekend, and meet Portsmouth in the FA Cup final on Saturday.
GAA
County senior championship. Fr. Casey’s 2-13, Ballylanders 1-09
CAR BOOT SALE
The monthly fundraising car boot sale and indoor market takes place at the Community Centre, NCW on Sunday, May 16. Further information from 087 6866450.
CAHER CUMANN
The Fianna Fail Caher Cumann AGM took place on Thursday May 6th. The meeting was addressed by Deputy Tom McEllistrim T.D, Cllr Francis Foley M.C.C and Cllr John Brassil M.C.C. The following officers were elected; Honorary President, Mr Joe O’Connor, Chairman, John O’Sullivan, Secretary, Bobby Lacy O’Connor, Vice Chairman, Jimmy O’Connell, Honorary Treasures, Moss Broderick & Diane O’Connor, Membership Officer, Philip O’Connell, Youth Officer, Brian O’Connor. Comhairle Ceantair Delegates, Bobby Lacy O’Connor, Brenda Barry and Brian O’Connor. It was a well attended meeting with 21 members present and a lively discussion took place. The Cumann would like to sincerely thank Joe & Ann O’Connor for their hospitality on the night
LOUGH DERG
The first of the Lough Derg Pilgrimages takes place from Saturday, June 5 – Monday, June 7. Fare is €105 which includes coach and Island fee – no food….Further details from Peg on 068 31232.
BLESSED WELL
The rosary continues to be recited every Friday evening at the Holy Well in Killenagh at 7.30pm until the end of May.