|
It took until 1966 and a fine Juvenile team to bring the first county title to the parish. The young lads won the U-15 North
final with a 6-5 to 5-2 victory over Borrisokane. It was a great hours hurling, abounding in thrills with first time pulling
the order of the evening, enthused the Nenagh Guardian of 30 July 1966. The newspaper singled out Nicky Flannery at centre
back as the outstanding player on the day. The team travelled to Holycross with 300 supporters to meet Grange in the county
semi final, but their opponents failed to appear and Kildangan went directly into the final.
It was played at Borrisoleigh on Friday evening 29 July, Moyne Templetuohy were the opponents. After a hard fought match
Kildangan emerged winners by five points.Every boy was a hero from young Killeen in goals to the full forward line, commented
the Nenagh Guardian of 6 August 1966. The newspaper praised the courage of John Darcy, who continued to play despite a serous
mouth injury and the display of Nicky Flannery, who was heralded as the successor to Pat Stakelum. It recorded the delight
on the faces of the old stalwarts, Rody Gleeson, Jim Killeen and Martin Kennedy, as captain Tony Killeen of Knigh stepped
up to accept the trophy for the club's historic first county title. Kildangan recaptured the title the following year, defeating
Toomevara in the North decider and Clonoulty in the County final at Holycross.
Kildangan U-15, 1966: Ollie and John Killeen, Ger Flannery (all Monsea), Willie Mcgrath (Dromineer), John Grace (do), Andy
Flynn (Rockview), Tomas Moloney (Carhue), Tony Kelly (Knight), Nicky Flannery, Seamus and Jos Hogan, Tommy Collins (Urra),
Rody Ryan (Puckaun), Pat Gleeson (Johnstown), John and Stephen Darcy (Grange), Terry and Christy Moloney (Crannagh), John
Buckley (Ballyvillane), Seamus Hayes (Kildangan), Murt Kennedy (Ashley park).
|
 |
|
