Comhghairdeas le Kiladangan, winners of the Ahane GAA Inaugural 9-a-side Senior Hurling Competition.

The six team competition took place under the beautiful summer sun on Friday evening last in Newgarden. With the break in club championship action the next while as inter-county action takes precedence, this competition provided a great avenue for teams to get some games in, while competing in a fresh environment with rules tailored to 9-a-side game.

The feile was run in two groups, with Ahane, Adare and Kiladangan in Group 1, while Patrickswell, Murroe/Boher and the Bouncers from Garryspillane took their places in Group 2. 

Following the group games, Kiladangan and Garryspillane topped their respective groups, sealing their place in the Semi-Finals. Murroe-Boher overcame Adare in the first quarter final, while Ahane came second to Gary Kirbys Patrickswell in a tight game on the top pitch.

Indeed Patrickswells win saw them face the Tipperary men from Puckane and the ‘Wells third game in a row proved a step too far as Kiladangan proved too strong. The second semi-final saw Murroe/Boher and Garryspillane go toe-to-toe. With a “youthful” defence containing Donie and Davy Ryan, TJ Ryans charges played some lovely hurling to eventually overcome the east limerick men.

The final between the bouncers and Kiladangan proved to be a cracking game. While there were tired bodies a plenty across both squads, the quality of hurling remained very high and entertaining to the end.

Buoyed on by their bus load of travelling support (who kept hydrated as they basked in the sun throughout the evenings games),  the Tipp men eventually triumphed to become the inaugural winners of the feile and take home the shield for the year. Both finalists squads also received a set of O’Neills gear, also kindly sponsored by O’Neills.

Before handing over the trophy to the Kiladangan captain, Ahanes Irish Officer John Ryan made an eloquent bi-lingual speech, again promoting the native tongue and the GAA / Irish language initiative. The Kiladangan captain followed suit when receiving the trophy with his cupla focal also.

Well done to all who helped organise such a well-run and well received completion. Big thanks to the referees Philip Kelly, Eamonn Phelan and Philip Dee who officiated proceedings on the night.

The evening was finished off with a BBQ and drinks in the clubhouse bar which were delightfully enjoyed by all!