GAA Report 2006
G.A.A. News
Doon had a mixed year in 2006 with our teams' performances generally improving
as the year progressed. This was most apparent with the senior team who enjoyed
a revival in fortune during the championship. Doon also provided two players to
the Limerick senior hurling panel in 2006, Michael Fitzgerald and Denis Moloney
who was unfortunately injured against Tipperary. All involved with Doon wish him
a full recovery.
The seniors began the year very poorly enduring several defeats in the County
League and being knocked out of the East Championship by Murroe/Boher. The signs
were ominous when Bruree comfortably beat Doon in the first round of the
championship. However with relegation on the horizon, Doon reorganised and began
to find form. Doon went on an excellent run defeating Adare, Na Piarsaigh and
Ahane to reach the County Semi-final. However the seniors were beaten by a
strong determined Bruree side at this stage. The year was encouraging with the
team at last emerging as a serious force in Limerick hurling. Manager, Andrew
Mackey was assisted by Mike Ryan and Declan Ryan. The team was coached by Eamon
Cregan and later Ger O'Neill. The juniors were the second best team in the
Eastern Division but were unable to defeat a youthful Caherline side in the
league, Brian Butler Cup and championship. Doon were unlucky not to win the
Brian Butler Cup but failed to convert possession into scores. Mike O'Connell,
Roger Maher, Fr. Tony Ryan and Denis Ryan organised the team while John R. Walsh
proved an able captain.
The Junior B team competing against second teams in the East League found the
going tough, only recording one victory against Knockane. However the team went
on a three match winning streak in the championship accounting for Pallasgreen,
South Liberties and Ballybricken. However Doon were defeated by one point in the
East semi-final at the hands of a strong Murroe/Boher side. The high level of
players participation is a credit to our club. Jason Ryan and Paul Carr trained
the team with Anthony Fahey, Con Barry and Liam Kennedy the other selectors.
At the time of writing our under 21 team are in the County Semi-final. Doon have
a very talented side hoping to retain their County title. Doon are undefeated at
this stage having comfortably beaten Cappamore in the East Final. Denis Barry,
Denis Kennedy, John Collins, Con O'Connell, Paul Carr, Don Anderson and Seamus
Barry have organised the side. The minor team were unlucky to be without key
players during the championship. This meant that Doon failed to make the Premier
Division Semi-finals. However a determined team defeated Ahane in both Division
1 and City East Finals. Jim McGrath managed the side assisted by Olly Walsh, Pat
Coleman, George Allis and Barry Whelan.
Doon were represented at County Under 21 level by Roger Ryan, Michael Fitzgerald
and Edward Kiely who captained the side. Mark Fenton and Michael Ryan played on
the Limerick minor team. Liam Reale played on the Limerick Ui6 team with Cathal
McNamara and Michael Barry playing Uis Gerard MacPartland and Martin Byrnes
played Ui4.
At underage level Doon were very strong again this year. The Ul2 team won the
East Final. The team was coached by Bro. Dormer with help from Joanne Breen and
Brian Stapleton. Doon also won the East Uis final. Doon's Ui4 team showed great
promise this year under the guidance of Jim McGrath. They bounced back from an
unlucky defeat to Ahane in the East Feile Final to convincingly defeat them in
the East championship Final. The Ui4 team narrowly lost the County Semi final to
eventual champions Adare. Fr. Ryan, Michael Carew, Roger Maher, Pat Coleman and
Derek Ryan assisted with the team. Doon also won the East Uis final beating
Pallasgreen. Doon fielded a very young Ui6 side and lost in the Division i
Shield Final. Sean Lysaght, Brian Treacy Pat Coleman, Pat Ryan and Myles Treacy
organised the team.
Great work coaching youngsters took place on Saturday mornings with Mark Doyle,
John Cummins, Anne McPartland, Tim Whelan and Robert O'Connell organising the
sessions. Overall Doon had a year of mixed fortunes but our teams are always
well coached and organised. The club would like to thank all those who volunteer
their time to coach the players and assist the club in our fundraising. The
lotto people in particular deserve credit for their consistent work. Jamesie
Butler must be thanked for his work on the field. Finally I would like to finish
on an optimistic note and I hope with better luck next year we can win a senior
title.
By Liam Kennedy, Sec. Doon GAA