DOON GAA CLUB 2024 ROUND-UP
Relief and pride were the overwhelming emotions for Doon supporters after our Senior Hurlers secured a historic victory in the Senior County Final. The passion, determination, and sheer work rate on display reduced many to tears as the final whistle blew. For years, it has been an obsession within the club to finally cross the line and add Doon’s name to the list of great clubs that have claimed the most coveted title in our county.
The scene after the match at the Gaelic Grounds will remain etched in memory for all who witnessed it – the outpouring of emotion as friends, family, and neighbours united to congratulate the players on their remarkable achievement. The homecoming on Sunday night was nothing short of spectacular, as the team proudly carried the Daly Cup from the clubhouse, marching up the street to the Church gates. The joy in the air was palpable, and as the players were introduced to the massive crowd, the atmosphere was electric. The mild weather allowed everyone to celebrate long into the evening, with singing, talking, and dancing continuing well into the early hours.
By Monday, the enormity of the achievement began to truly sink in, and the celebrations at the Cross of Doon gained legendary status. It’s taken over a century for our club to reach this pinnacle, and it’s vital that we all take the time to revel in this moment of glory. Derek McGrath and his team have become folk heroes in Doon, and their place in the club’s history is now firmly secured.
In 2024, for the first time, Doon fielded four adult hurling teams – a monumental achievement for a club in such a small area. The Senior team had a solid start to the year, finishing 3rd in the league group. The championship campaign kicked off on August 1st with a strong win over Kilmallock in the Gaelic Grounds, and just over a week later, the team triumphed over Patrickswell in Kilmallock. On August 30th, Doon scored a great win over Na Piarsaigh, followed by a victory over Mungret St. Pauls, which secured us a place in the County Semi-Final with a game to spare.
However, the final group match against Ahane in Cappamore didn’t go as planned, with a below-par performance resulting in a 2-24 to 1-16 loss. The Semi-Final, held on October 13th in Kilmallock, saw a stellar performance from Doon, as they triumphed over Patrickswell with a scoreline of 2-24 to 2-12.
The excitement built as history beckoned, and on October 27th, at 4:15 PM, Doon made history by winning the Daly Cup for the first time. In a thrilling game broadcast live on television, Doon triumphed by a single point, winning 0-16 to Na Piarsaigh’s 2-9. This unforgettable victory will live long in the hearts of Doon people everywhere.
Just a week later we were back in the Gaelic Grounds again representing Limerick in the Munster Club Championship. Ballygunner from Waterford were the opponents. Despite the great celebrations of the previous week Doon took the game to the former All-Ireland Champions and 3 time Munster Champions, leading for long stretches of the game. In the end Ballygunner prevailed by 0-25 to 0-20 but Doon lost nothing in defeat. A great battling performance.
Our Junior A team also made history, winning the Brian Butler Cup on July 11th with a dominant 2-24 to 1-14 victory over Caherline. In the Premier Junior A Hurling Championship, the team secured two wins in the group stages against Old Christians and Kilteely Dromkeen, but unfortunately, this wasn’t enough to qualify for the knockout stages.
The Junior B team had a strong campaign, qualifying for the East Championship Semi-Final with three wins over Fedamore, South Liberties, and Ballybricken-Bohermore, plus a draw with Ahane. Despite a valiant effort, we lost to South Liberties in the Semi-Final.
Our Junior C team, the club’s fourth adult team, finished second in their group with three wins, one draw, and one loss. In the County Quarter-Final, they defeated Monagea 4-13 to 3-13, but narrowly lost in the Semi-Final to Monaleen, who won by 1-18 to Doon’s 2-13.
At the time of writing, the U20 Championship is just beginning, and we look forward to seeing how our young hurlers perform in the coming months.
2024 has been a year of incredible achievement and unforgettable moments for Doon GAA, and we look forward to building on this success in the years ahead.
Doon GAA Underage Report 2024
U17
The main age groups reverted to U18, U16 and U14 this year. A short U17 league was played early in the season. Doon lost the final to Mungret St Pauls.
U16
Our young U16 team struggled in a very competitive group failing to make the knockout stages. They put up some very brave displays against very strong opposition and will have learned a lot for the coming years.
U15
In the Feile nan Gael Doon were in a group with Ahane, Murroe Boher and Monaleen and did not get through to the final.
U14
Our U14s were in a strong group of 8 teams and finished 5th which qualified them for the Shiel Semi-Final. We had a narrow win over Killeedy Tournafulla to qualify for the Final against a very strong Ballybrown team who were winners on the day.
U13
Our U13s played in a very competitive league early in the year.
U12
Our U12 team played in the Darren Hickey memorial tournament hosted by Rathdowney Erril GAA in Laois. This was a great day out and we would like to Thank Rathdowney / Erril for inviting us to compete in this great event. They also played in their own league all summer.
U6s – U11s
Our younger players played consistently in leagues and blitzes throughout the Summer and trained
hard with the help of a large number of volunteers and coaches. The work which is being done both
in schools and at the pitch on Saturday mornings is exceptional and great credit is due to all who
volunteer and help out.
Our Cul Camp held in July was a great success. The weather held good and the kids had a great time.
The highlight of the year for young and old was the successful Senior Hurling Campaign which brought home the Daly Cup for the 1st time.
This will inspire all well into the future.
Thanks to all who helped throughout the year.
