GAA Report 1994
The highlight of this year was the official opening of our new G.A.A. field at
Toher Road on May 1st. The opening was performed by the ex-president of the
G.A.A. Peter Quinn, who caused quite a stir by touching down in Doon by
helicopter. His Excellency the Australian Ambassador to Ireland, Terence
McCarthy and his wife made a welcome return to the village and also officiated
at the opening. In the tourament game to mark the occasion, a large crowd saw
Limerick beat Laois in an entertaining encounter. A great day for the club and
the people of Doon was rounded off by a dance in the Community Centre, where the
ever popular Jimmy Buckley, provided the entertainment. On the playing fields,
1994 was not as successful as other years. The senior team were pitted with
Kilmallock, Ahane and Cappamore in the new-style county championship. The first
game resulted in a good win over old rivals Cappamore. However defeat was our
lot against Kilmallock and Ahane (twice) A series of play-off matches to avoid
relegation followed and eventually Hospital-Herberstown were defeated 4-9 to 1-9
and so the club maintains it's senior status next year.
The Junior team had a poor year failing to win anything of note. Interest in the
league ended with Ballybricken defeating us in the semi-final. The team had two
good wins over Fedamore and Pallasgreen in the intermediate championship but
Ballybricken were our conquerors in the final after a replay. In the
championship first round Caherline were defeated but Ahane beat us by the
narrowest of margins in the semi-final. The team reached the Brien Butler Cup
final but again Ahane were the masters.
The Club's third string Junior B team had a very successful season. The East
league title was captured, beating Ahane in the final. Ballybrown were defeated
in the county semi-final and Bruree were our opponents in the final. An injury
time goal from Mike Roche gave us a famous victory 2-9 to 3-4. October 16th will
be remember as the day a twelve year wait ended when this team annexed the
county title beating Askeaton 1-5 to 0-2 in the final. In the first round
Knockane gave Doon a real fright before going under 3-11 to 3-5. Pallasgreen
were easily beaten in the East final. Doon now faced a strong Na Piarsaigh side
in the county semi-final but emerged winners by ten points. A large crowd of
supporters travelled to Croom for the final and a second half goal from John
Ryan sealed a memorable victory.
The minor team had a good year reaching the county final where they had two
great tussles with arch-rivals Patrickswell. In the league campaign the team had
big wins over all opponents after losing to the Well in the first game. The
county semi-final pitted us against Na Piarsaigh and in a hard fought encounter
we emerged winners by eight points. The county final was played in Kilmallock on
September llth. Patrickswell were hot favourites but came up against a Doon side
hungry for victory. A pointed free from Paddy Coleman a minute from time sent
both teams back to the same venue for a replay on October 2nd. This was as close
and exciting as the drawn game but the Well were a little sharper and a. goal
from a free proved decisive as they emerged victorious over a gallant Doon side.
1-10 to 0-9.
The U-16 team were expected to be challenging for major honours this year but
were surprisingly beaten by Knockainey in the county semi-final after remaining
unbeaten in the league campaign. The U-21 team failed to regain their East
title, losing to Cappamore in the final. The U-14 team regained the East crown
but lost to a strong Adare team in the county semi-final. Feile na nGael
returned to Limerick this year where Down champions Portaferry were guests of
the club. The U-12's bridged a ten year gap by capturing the East title beating
St. Liberties in the final. Team member Michael McKenna played in Croke Park in
the I.N.T.O "Mini Sevens" during the All-Ireland Semi-finals in August.
The building of dressing rooms at the new G.A.A. field are at an advanced stage.
Fundraising events continue with the field opening on May 1st and the Sale of
Work in October the major money-earners. The club are very grateful to all our
supporters who attended games and fund-raising events as well as supporting the
Limerick G.A.A. Development Draw. As we approach 1995 we look forward to another
playing season and the opening of our magnificent new dressing rooms at Toher
Road.
Michael Ryan P.R.O