Nenagh councillors pay tribute to North Senior Hurling winners Kilruane

Tributes have been paid by Nenagh district councillors to the victorious Kilruane MacDonagh team who won the North Senior Hurling championships this September for the first time in 28 years.

Leading the tributes at Nenagh Municipal District Council was Cllr Ger Darcy from Ardcroney who pointed out that he was 27 years on the council and it was 28 years since the cup came to KIlruane.

"Billy O'Shea and his team and joint captains Jack Peters and Justin Carthy did us proud," he said.

He pointed out that Kilruane had played against their neighbours, Kiladangan, in the final, and he was in no doubt Kiladangan would be back.

Cllr Darcy also praised the U14B team who won the minor championship and the U12 team for winning their divisional title.

"It is great to see a revival in hurling in Lower Ormond," declared Cllr Michael O'Meara.

He said that having one club win would bring the other clubs through.

Shannon Rovers man Cllr Joe Hannigan said he knew what the win would mean to other teams such as his and that they will inspire young lads to take up hurling again.

Cllr John Carroll described Kilruane's win as a "great achievement" and also said that Kiladangan would be  back again.

He also congratulated the county U21 team in winning the All-Ireland.

"There is a lot of good work going on in clubs," said Cllr Seamus Morris. "A lot of hard work goes in and it can be a thankless job if you are not winning medals."

He pointed out that local handballers had won medals at the world championships this summer and congratulated the Nenagh Eire Og U11 team for winning the Community Games.

"Well done to all the coaches and parents," said Clllr Morris.

MDC Cathaoirleach Cllr Mattie Ryan said he wished to be associated with the comments about Kilruane.

He also pointed out that athlete Gary Ryan was due to be inducted into the Hall of Fame in the University of Limerick.

Area meetings administrator Rosemary Joyce asked councillors to submit a list of those sporting winners they thought deserved to be recognised and the council would host a sports awards evening later in the year.