U16 Footballers Surprise Critics:-

Our under 16 footballers were involved in a most exciting game in Grangemockler on Thursday evening last. They played Clonmel Commercials in the semifinal of the -16A South Tipp championship. In the league section of this competition Mullinahone ahd gone down by a 15 point margin to the same opposition though most of the gap had ben caused by easily conceded goals. On Thursday last the game took a very different trend. Mullinahone playing with the advantage of the breeze built up a half time lead but this would have been much bigger had a goal of the softish variety not been conceded. In the second half Commercials began to come back into the game and pressure grew on the Mullinahone defence. The gap began to be narrowed but Mullinahone received a boost when one of the opposition literally "saw red". However Commercials kept up the attack and as the game entered the final minutes they drew level. Two mistakes saw Commercials take a four point lead and it looked as if it was a case of good effort lads. Well done but hard luck. However in injury time we managed a consolation goal or so many of us thought. There was still time for a final attack and we were awarded a close in free which Kevin Walzer pointed to level the scores. We thought the final whistle would come with the kick out but it didn't until Commercials were racing into attack well within scoring range of our goal. The shrill blast of Gerry Ryans whistle brought an end to a most exciting game with the score tied Mullinahone 1-10 Clonmel Commercials 2-7. The replay has been fixed for 7.15pm in Anner Park, Cloneen on this Thursday evening May 19th. Having improved so much since the league section and played so well last week the team deserves plenty of support in Cloneen. All patrons should note that there is always an admission charge to underage semi finals and finals. Well doen to Seanie Walzer and his assistants on getting the team so far. Perhaps they are still capable of yet another surprise. Well done also to the team who lined out. Good news on the injuries front. Sean Quirke who had to retire during the second half and whose loss was certainly felt seems well on the way to recovery and should be fit for the replay.

Plenty of Cuckoos:-

Last week we enquired if anybody local had heard the cuckoo so far this year. We are informed that quite a number have done so generally in the more secluded areas of the parish. In fact the first notes of the cuckoo were heard about a month ago circa mid April. This reminds one of an old verse concerning the habits of the cuckoo which we quote:

"In April come she will
In May she sings all day
By June she changes her tune
In July she is ready to fly
By August she is gone."

A world of information in just a few lines of verse. As for those who expect to see the barns filled with corn and hay as a result of a wet and windy May they could be disappointed as so far the month has been windy but cold and little rain and growth has been slow. Frost at night is still a problem for such things as potatoes, flowers and fruit blossoms.

Under 12's on Course:-

Our under 12 footballers are still on course for a semifinal spot. During the week they had to battle hard in the first half against Ballylooby in Mullinahone but pulled away in the second half. On Tuesday night they have their last league section game and after this they way should be clear for semifinals with Mullinahone and Ballyporeen (the only team to beat Mullinahone) the favourites for the semifinals. Our last league game is against Ardfinnan. Best of luck to Peter Morrissey and his charges in their upcoming games.

Local Lotto:-

The local lotto jackpot was not won on Monday night last May 9th (God between us and all harm) as Kitty the Hare used to say. the winning numbers were 9, 16, 23 and 24. Eight winners did share the match 3 prize of EU200. The next draw will be on Monday next May 23rd and the jackpot is expected to be EU1300.

Mullinahone Under 10 Soccer Notes:-

Mullinahone and Moyglass under 10 soccer players have become very familiar with each other over the last two years. So familiar that they couldn't be separated in the first league game of the season. Mullinahone took an early lead through a goal from Jack Shelly but despite some gallant defending conceded a late score that Moyglass fully deserved. It was a good away point to win and the Mullinahone bandwagon rolled on to Thurles two days later. This was a first ever meeting with Peake Villa one of the best known clubs in Tipperary soccer. The team had a few changes continuing the policy of giving everyone a change. David Walzer opened the scoring after five minutes quickly followed by goals from James Hindley, Chris O'Brien and Jack Shelly. At half time we were six nil up following two more goals from Sean Bermingham. A very young Peake Villa team continued to try hard and they were rewarded with two goals in the second half. Sean Bermingham then went on a scoring spree scoring three more goals to bring his tally for the game to five. Our next opponents are St Kevins of Littleton the team who knocked us out of both the league and cup last year. They are a very progressive club both on and off the field and have top class facilities. Then its on to Cashel for another meeting with a big club. The boys are hoping for good results and it wont be from lack of trying. The team is coached by John Bermingham, Lee Browning and newcomer sixteen year old David Carroll.

First Holy Communion:-

The long awaited and much prepared for First Communion Day will dawn on Saturday next May 21st. At a special mass to be said in St Michaels church at 11am 22 local boys and girls will receive their first holy communion. We wish them all well and hope that the weather will be pleasant on Saturday morning next.

May Devotions:-

May Devotions take place at the grotto at 8pm each evening from Monday to Friday.

Happy Birthday:-

Birthday wishes are extended to Mary Madden of Fethard Street. Mary celebrated her 85th birthday over the weekend and is still hale and hearty. We wish her continued good health and happiness.

400 Club Draw:-

The April results of the Mullinahone Community Council 400 club draw were as follows ; EU150 Annie Hickey, Ballyduggan; EU 70 Siobhan Quirke, Briarsfield; EU25 Geraldine Dunne, Kilvemnon; EU25 Nellie O'Meara, Kilvemnon.

Sympathy:-

Sympathy is extended to both the Morrissey families of Ballyvadlea and the Power family, Clashbeg on the sudden death in Thurles last week of Biddy Power nee Morrissey. Biddy was the oldest member of the Morrissey family and had returned from England a few years ago with her husband to reside in Rosemount, Thurles. She was in her early 70's at the time of her death. her funeral mass took place in the Cathedral, Thurles and burial took place in St Patricks cemetery, Thurles. To her husband, daughter, brothers and sisters we extend our sympathy. Biddy never lost her love of Mullinahone and her sitting room in Thurles had two old posters from Mullinahone framed on the wall advertising boats made by J.L. Norton of Fethard Street. It is a long time since those boats were on sale. Sympathy also to John Lannigan of Clashbeg on the recent death of Joan Lannigan in Killaloe. Eternal rest to both ladies.

Defibrillator Training:-

Training will start soon for those people who wish to offer their services and talents to the community to operate the acquired defibrillators. An accurate number of those who wish to take part is required as that will determine the size of the training team needed. Please hand in your name as soon as possible.

Well Done:-

Our representatives on the Tipperary senior hurling team against Limerick on Sunday last in Semple Stadium seem to have escaped most of the flack as all did well. General opinion is that Paul Curran was very hard done by for the penalty award to Limerick. Eoin Kelly put over some fine points especially the equaliser from the sideline and also did his bit at centre forward late in the game. Paul Kelly had his best county game in a while and scored four fine points. The replay on Saturday evening next would seem to have a halt to the South Tipp senior hurling semi finals next weekend but who knows. Best of luck to the three amigos in the replay on Saturday.