In conjunction with Men's Health week and as part of the Kilmeena GAA Healthy clubs initiative we will host a men's health talk in the club house on Friday the 16th June 2023 at 7:30pm. Guest speakers on the night will be - Martin McHugh, former Leitrim footballer, cancer survivor and author of the book "Born to Save" Pat O'Donnell, former Snr Vice President of Allergan Pharmaceuticals and advocate for cardiac health Nurses from CROÍ will be in attendance on the night to offer cardiac screening to those who would like to avail. This is a free event for all men in the community and you are encouraged to come along to hear the experiences of the two guest speakers. You do not have to be a club member to avail of this opportunity.

Early Saturday morning, a steady flow of cars was making the meandering journey on country lanes to the Home of the All Ireland Junior Champions 2022. Kilmeena was their destination for what has become an annual event in the GAA calendar for many clubs, particularly in West Mayo. The Paddy Golden Memorial Blitz has become known as a fantastic event for showcasing all that is good about being part of the GAA community. It's an opportunity to meet your neighbours, friends and rivals. It's an opportunity to come together as a parish. It's also an ideal opportunity for clubs to prepare for participation in future competitions at the various age grades, including observing and evaluating your teams' level of skill development. Three shields were up for grabs in the boy's blitz across A, B and C divisions including two for the girls competition. The Kilmeena boys managed to field three teams, one in each division and one team in the girls section. The games got underway promptly at 10:00 am under an overcast sky. Spirits were high, and you could feel the energy from the young players on the grounds. Our boys were very competitive in all of their games, and spectators were treated to some great performances throughout. Our oldest team competing in the A division played some marvellous games beating Breaffy, Achill, Westport and Parke en route to the final. Kilmeena had only one game left to reach the Promised Land, which was against their old rivals Tourmakeady whom they were only too familiar with. These two teams had gone toe to toe on many occasions over the years. It was a wonderful spectacle to watch these young footballers from both sides just going for it, displaying all the skills of the game. No blanket defences here! No negative tactics, just pure, honest football at its best, and it was exciting to say the least. Unfortunately, it was not to be for our boys. Ultimately, Tourmakeady proved too strong on the day and won the A shield. Our boys were disappointed, but we know they have a bright future ahead of them. All the boys did super, and the club is extremely proud of them. Ballintubber won the B shield, with Achill, the eventual winner in the C section. In the girls' competition, following some fantastic performances throughout the rounds by all the teams involved, Carnacon girls were crowned champions, defeating Westport in the A final. At the same time, the Balla girls were successful against Louisburgh in the B section. The day was a huge success on all levels, with many clubs commenting on how well the event was organised. It is a huge undertaking to run an event of this scale in the club, and it involves many putting their shoulder to the wheel. We are lucky in Kilmeena GAA that so many volunteers are willing to give up their precious time so freely for the betterment of our club. A special word of thanks to "The Golden Family" for their continued sponsorship of this event. Thank you also to everyone who helped in any way to make the day such a success, especially the following; Club Chairperson: John Mc Donald, Bord na nÓg Chairperson & Pitch Coordinator: Pete Mortimer, Club Secretary: Mary Slattery, Bord na nÓg Secretary: Noleen O'Grady. Not forgetting the Car parking attendants and tearoom staff in the clubhouse, Tuck shop staff, Registration: Maura Hastings & kathleen Geraty, Our M.C Michael Carney, Photographer: Martin McIntyre, First Aid: Edel Ryder & Will Fahy, Scorekeepers, Referees, Umpires, Coaches, people involved in the setting of the pitches, and all the volunteers who made sandwiches and baked goods. Report: Brian McManamon. Padraig Golden presents the Paddy Golden Memorial Cup to the winning captain of the Tourmakeady team winners of the Boys A section. Carnacon captain accepting the winning Girls A Shield from Charles Golden on behalf of her teammates. Ballintubber captain, winners of the B section, gratefully accepts the Shield from Pauline Golden, Patrick Golden was on hand to present the shield to the captain of the victorious Balla team winners of the girls' B section. The captain of the Achill team, winners of the Boys C Section, proudly accepts the shield from Hugh Golden. link to photos from the various matches... Note: Given the number of match images included in the link above (in no particular order) from the event, it will be necessary to scroll through all the photos to find those relevant to your team.

In a high-scoring game, Kilmeena Ladies secured the points in round 4 of the Kelly Memorial League against Kiltane in ideal playing conditions yesterday in St Brendan's Park Kilmeena. Kilmeena 6 - 13 5 - 06 Kiltane more...

Kilmeena GAA All Stars is back. Our fun games for children with additional needs will take place on Saturday 15th July 2023 at 2pm and Saturday 19th August at 2pm at Kilmeena GAA Grounds F28 VP96. For further details please contact Noreen 087 8164692.

Following bowing out at the semi-final stage of the league, we went for a change of scene for our final training session last Tuesday before taking a break for exams. On a beautiful Summer's evening, we had a relatively light and relaxed training session on the Golf course Beach in Mulranny. We then wrapped up a nice evening with a BBQ. Best of luck to the lads doing exams. We're looking forward to getting back to training, for a good crack at the Championship when Junior cert finishes!.

Kilmeena"s first-half performance laid the groundwork for a fine victory in their Cusack Cup clash with old rivals Tourmakeady on a sun-drenched Páirc Naomh Muire Tourmakeady yesterday evening. Kilmeena 3 - 15 2 - 9 Tourmakeady more...

Kilmeena GAA Club are hosting an event for Men's Health week. This event takes place on Friday the 16th June 2023 in Kilmeena GAA Clubhouse, F28 VP96. Guest speakers include Martin McHugh, Leitrim GAA legend, cancer survivor and author of Born to Save. Also on the night, Pat O'Donnell, former Snr Vice President of Allergan and advocate for cardiac health. Croi will be there on the night to carry out cardiac screening. Screening will be available from 7.00 and talks commence at 7.30. Light refreshments available. Come along to hear the lived experiences of two great men.

On Thursday evening, our u16 boys were in the league semi final where we fell agonisingly short to Tourmakeady. After a great start by the away team, it took our lads awhile to get to the pace of the game but soon after our lads hit back with 4 goals from Oran Grimley (2), Sean Keane & Kyle Mulchrone and some well taken points by Cormac O’Malley & Patrick Feehan would keep us ahead. Some great saves by our goalkeeper Louie Corcoran ensured we were in front at halftime by 4 points. In the second half, Tourmakeady got off the mark hitting 3 points in a row and gaining momentum but points from our own Aaron Murray, Dean Staunton, Cormac O’Malley and Oran Grimley kept us ahead. However, Tourmakeady hit back with 2 goals and 4 points of there own and would see out the game from there. A brilliant effort from our lads this year in the league and have made huge progress over the last number of years and will hope to continue this fine run of form going into championship. Click on the following link to access photos from the match. https://photos.app.goo.gl/RuGJXrCBscWwU3N46

A huge crowd gathered for an emotional evening for the U14 Division 4 semi-final at Garrymore GAA Club between Carras and Kilmeena. A presentation of a card signed by all our U14 players and coaches along with a Kilmeena number 13 jersey (the same number worn by the late Kyle Pilbrow) was made to Kyle’s father, Yanni, before the game. The Carras and Kilmeena players, along with the coaches from both teams, gathered for a minute’s silence before throw-in. The match itself was effectively over at half time, after a flurry of goals and points from Carras in the second quarter. Ours boys lifted themselves in the final two quarters but couldn’t claw back the deficit, eventually losing by 15 points. When all is said and done, however, the tragedy suffered by the Pilbrow family put this game into perspective. Too often we forget that it is just that - a game - at the end of the day. Thanks to Ollie Mulchone for capturing the evening through his lens. You can see Ollie’s photos here. More photos from the game can be seen here.

Kilmeena senior ladies traveled to Breaffy for their second round game of the league on Sunday 21st May 2023. The game was reduced to 13 a side as Breaffy could not field 15. Things started off at a fast pace with both sides up and down the pitch at speed. Kilmeena started the brighter with a lot of attacks but failed to convert with three wides. Breaffy looked dangerous on the counter attack but Kilmeena managed to register two points before being hit by a sucker punch goal. Injuries to Fiona Groden, Mags Ryder and Roisin Carney forced all three to retire from the game which unsettled Kilmeena. Before the Kilmeena ladies could catch their breath, Breaffy struck a second goal. Points from play from Shannon Bourke, Emma Murray, Eabha Carney and a pointed free from Lisa Hastings kept the Kilmeena ladies in touch, however Kilmeena should have had a comfortable lead but for a high tally of wides. The Kilmeena backs were busy and some great interceptions and tackling from Maureen Joyce and Captain Sarah Mulchrone had the Breaffy ladies working hard to get scores. Breaffy finished the half ahead by two points at half time. The Kilmeena ladies setted after half time and got down to business. Shot selection improved and the scores started to add up, the deficit was over turned and Kilmeena took the lead. However Breaffy scored another goal to steal the lead with five minutes remaining. Kilmeena didn’t panic - some wonderful interplay brought the ball down the other end of the pitch and Ciara Joyce playing a brilliant second half rattled the net. Breaffy never looked beaten, but for some staunch defending and blocks by Abby McGreal, Siobhan Golden and Maureen Joyce the game could have swung back in their favour. However it was to be Kilmeena’s day and they won on a score of 1-16 to 3-08.

Kilmeena Senior Ladies played host to Ballinrobe Sunday morning last in the first round of the league. The sun shone brightly over St. Brendan’s Park for what transpired to be a very entertaining game. The first half was an intense and bruising affair as both teams tried to take control of the game. Kilmeena took the lead right from the off with some stylish attacking play, working from a strong defensive base. Playing against a strong breeze Kilmeena moved the ball through the hands, cutting open the Ballinrobe defence to take a commanding lead at the half time break 2-07 to 1-02. The second half saw Kilmeena continue to command the game as they repelled the Ballinrobe attack time after time. Some excellent defensive play from our full back line kept Ballinrobe scores to a minimum. Scores from Shannon Bourke, Lisa Hastings, Fiona Groden, Emma Murray and Eabhe Carney to name a few, put Kilmeena in a commanding position. Kilmeena’s pace, movement and desire were the difference in this tie as Kilmeena ran out worthy winners on a score line of 6-11 to 1-05. The whole team dug deep to secure the victory but, as the old saying goes: ‘It takes a player to shoot a shot. But it takes a team to win a game’. Kilmeena face Breaffy on Sunday morning next in round two of the league.

The cubs were joined today by a special guest. A badger, as for who was under it, shall remain a secret. More photos here https://photos.app.goo.gl/43ERi3T7soKTt4hG6

After a nervy start, Kilmeena U14s imposed themselves on this game, particularly in the second half, eventually winning by 15 points after some fine performances. This was an important result as it gives us a real chance of qualifying for the League semi-finals - depending on the result of the final game in the group between Carras and Moy Davitts next Monday - a scenario unthinkable just two weeks ago. The boys themselves can take full credit for this as their dedication and hard work in training is really beginning to pay off.

Kilmeena 4-10 to Kilmaine 2-05 On Sunday last, the 30th April Kilmeena ladies registered their first win in the Frank Kelly memorial league. Playing with wind advantage the Kilmeena ladies chocked up a 2-07 to 0-01 point lead by halftime. The Kilmeena full forward, Shannon Burke had an outstanding first half, contributing 1-04 from play while centre half forward Lisa Hastings chipped in with two points. Midfielder Fiona Groden scored a great goal and Katie Hogan made a welcome return marking it with a quality point from play. Niamh O Conor played with confidence laying off some great assists at corner forward. The second half saw Kilmeena Management make several changes, giving all 24 ladies togged some valuable game time. Playing with the breeze, Kilmaine started the second half strong challenging the Kilmeena defence with their penetrating runs. Teak tough defender and Captain for the day, Mags Ryder led the ladies through this second half challenge with notable performances from Sarah Mulchrone and Julia Sztenjner. Lisa Hastings kept the score board ticking in the second half to ensure a well deserved win for the home side. Thanks to Kilmaine for a sporting game and best of luck in your remaining matches.

We hosted a group in the B Division of the County Féile competition(u15) on today, Saturday 6th May. The format was a four team group where each teams play's each other in a League format . The winner of the group goes on the county semifinals/finals in Beakan on the following day. The other teams in our group were Tourmakeady, Breaffy and Moy Davitts. Our first game was against Breaffy where we were in fairness well beaten. In our second game we faced Tourmakeady in a cracker of a game. Despite going up by two points with a late goal, Tourmakeady to their credit responded with another goal to win it by a point. Our last game was against Moy Davitt's. Again we started bad and were well down at half time. Our lads responded strongly in the second half and we went on to win by 5 points. It was great to get this age group together again in advance of competing at U16 level next season. Big thanks to the four U13 lads who helped us out. Indeed everyone on the panel got game time and contributed to a great team performance. Finally best of luck to Breaffy who advanced from the group with three wins and compete on Sunday in the County Semifinals. Kilmeena Breaffy Tourmakeady Moy Davitts