Sport

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR

SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

BENNETTSBRIDGE were crowned league champions on Sunday, following a 3-point win over Clara at Nowlan Park. Building upon recent success at both junior and intermediate level, this was the Bridges rst senior silverware since 1971 – some 50 years ago.

Playing against the wind in the rst half, both sides appeared to be sounding each other out, as they traded scores. Neither side able to build any clear momentum or gain dominance in any area of the pitch.

It would Clara that opened the scoring with a lovely point from Matthew Kenny. Bennettsbridge responded with a free from the very accurate Nicky Cleere. e bridge nudged in front thanks to a ne point from Liam Blanch eld. Clara then hit two in a row to edge ahead. e joy of going ahead was tempered by a nasty looking hamstring injury to former county star Lester Ryan, which forced him from the action.

Clara keeper Kevin Nolan then made a ne save from Liam Blanch eld to prevent a certain goal. Despite playing with the wind, e Waterford in uence on the Bennettsbridge team was clear to see as they were playing a short strongrunning game. is resulted in the odd ‘heart-in-mouth’ moment for the Bridge defence as Clara pressed high to try and force the opposition into mistakes near their own goal.

At the rst water break, Clara led 0-6 to 0-5, the only cloud, the injury to key man Lester Ryan.

Nicky Cleere notched his 3rd score of the day before Liam Ryan edged Clara ahead. e sides would draw level on seven occasions during a tense rst half but it was the ever-reliable Cleere that would get the nal score of the rst period to leave Bennettsbridge 0-10 to 0-9 ahead at the short whistle. e second half began with Clara on the attack, going in search of the equalising score. eir rst couple of attempts failed to raise a ag, as the game started to spark. It would be that man Nicky Cleere that registered the rst score of the second period following yet another indiscretion by the Clara defence. Following Clara’s fourth wide of the half, Bennettsbridge struck again following nice play which

Bridge bag league title with Clara victory victory

An exciting Q/F awaits against holders Ballyhale

Clara on the attack

Liam Blanchfield and Bill Carrigan race for possession

Power to the Bridge nished with Willie Murphy pointing.

Proceedings livened up when Bill Carrigan and Liam Blanch eld continued their niggly contest from the rst half. e referee consulted with his linesman and this resulted in both players receiving a yellow card. Willie Murphy got his second score of the game shortly after the ‘handbags’, only for Liam Ryan to respond for Clara. No. 19 Willie Murphy then hit his 3rd point of the day following some lovely individual play, to leave the Bridge 0-14 to 0-11 ahead. Again, Clara responded with Liam Ryan hitting his 2nd and 3rd score of the day to leave just one between the sides at the second water break.

When play resumed, Liam Blanch eld hit a nice point to put two between the sides again. e gap was back to the minimum following a lovely long-range point from Clara’s Jack Langton. at man Willie Murphy was everywhere, supporting, assisting and scoring – another – another cracking point to edge his cracking point to edge his side further ahead.

Clara, playing with the strong wind at their backs were racking up the wides – 14, the same number of points they had managed. Great play from the Blanch eld’s saw the ball reach Willie Murphy who yet again found the target to leave the Bridge leading 0-17 to 0-14. eir ability to be more economical with scoring was very evident, with no wides in the second period. Matthew Kenny reduced the de cit to two, before man of the match Willie Murphy hit another lovely score. e icing on the cake was the Bridge’s nal point which came on the back of some lovely hurling and saw Jason Cleere raise the white ag.

Following roughly 8 minutes of injury team, the referee blew the nal whistle and Bennettsbridge were deservedly crowned St Canices Credit Union League Champions for 2021 on a score line of 0-19 to 0-16.

>> SHERRY SAYS...

IT may have only been the league title, but judging by the demeanor of the Bennettsbridge management team, they really wanted this win. Messer’s Dooley, Shanahan & Maher were animated throughout the contest, and certainly provided an exciting side-show to the hurling action!

Let’s start with the beaten nalists Clara. eir wide count was certainly almost greater than their scoring total. is would normally spell defeat, and in Nowlan Park last Sunday it did. Having said that, Clara didn’t appear to despondent at the nal whistle. One would imagine that their attentions had already turned to championship action next weekend. Losing the in uential Lester Ryan certainly didn’t help their chances against the Bridge, but more worryingly Lester’s expression on the sideline indicated that his season may be over.

Turning to Bennettsbridge. A fantastic result for the club. 1971 is a long time ago. A rst senior title in 50 years testimony to all the work done over the last decade or so. In Nicky Cleere, they possess one of the most reliable and accurate dead ball specialists in Kilkenny club hurling. Ably supported on the scoring charts by man-of-the-match, Willie Murphy (0-5) and county player Liam Blanch eld (0-4), the Bridge were far more economical with their scores.

Don’t forget, there are still 2-3 starting players to come back into their side, that will certainly boost their attacking prowess next weekend. Ballyhale will be aware of the threat, having seen it at close quarters during their league defeat recently. Should the Bridge come up trumps next weekend, I hope the cameras catch Dan Shanahan’s reaction on the sideline!

Sport

ROUND-UP

St Canice’s Credit Union Senior Hurling Championship

BY NIALL SHERRY SPORTS EDITOR

SPORTSEDITORKILKENNYOBSERVER.IE

It was an intriguing weekend of championship hurling, as the senior club sides took to the stage in a bid to continue their quest to become county champions 2021. Saturday’s games started the goals fest with no fewer than eight green ags raised across the two xtures. Sunday’s servings went one better and saw nine majors scored as the championship picture begins to take shape.

Ballyhale & Graigue Ballycallan

Defending champions Ballyhale got the better of a spirited Graigue Ballycallan in Callan, running out 3-23 to - 0 winners. Despite hitting 0 wides in the first half, James O’Connor’s charges settled down and claimed a uarter-final berth thanks to goals from Joe Cuddihy and Colin Fennelly , coupled with some fine points from uarter-final berth thanks to goals from Joe Cuddihy and Colin F the Cody’s, Brian and Eoin along with TJ Reid. Despite his two-goal salvo, captain Colin Fennelly was pipped to the Cody’s, Brian and Eoin along with TJ Reid. Despite his two the man of the match award by an eye-catching display from Joe Cuddihy.the man of the match award by an eye-catching display from Joe

Credit to Graigue Ballycallan who despite defeat, can be pleased with their showing, and now must focus attentions on a relegation semi-final.

O’Loughlin Gaels & Rower-Inistioge

Saturday’s second serving of championship action saw Thomastown host the meeting of O’Loughlin Gaels and Rower-Inistioge. The biggest surprise here was the lining out at full-forward of renowned county defender Paddy Deegan. No surprise that the classy Deegan excelled, and finished the day with a tally of 0-5 to his name. Paddy Deegan. No surprise that the classy Deegan excelled, and Leading by points at the interval, the city side showed no mercy to their opponents in the second period, Leading by points at the interval, the city side showed no me with Deegan on hand to assist in goals for Owen Wall and Conor Kelly as the Gaels powered home on a score line of - 5 to 0- .

Dicksboro & Lisdowney

Sunday’s championship action started with the meeting of last year’s beaten finalists Dicksboro facing-off against senior newcomers Lisdowney at P irc Lachtain. Again, Lisdowney can be reasonably satisfied with their showing. With 0 minutes remaining in the contest, last year’s intermediate champions were some their showing. With 0 minutes remaining in the contest, last points down, but they never gave up and a string of unanswered points got them to within four of the Boro. points down, but they never gave up and a string of unanswered

Then the drama started, a green flag raised when O’Carroll goaled, left just the minimum between the sides approaching stoppage time. Dicksboro weren’t to be denied and they held on to make the next round on a score line of - to - 5.

Tullaroan & Erin’s Own

The final installment of the weekend’s championship menu pitted Erin’s Own Castlecomer against Tullaroan at Nowlan Park. Despite the Comer men hitting four goals, they still fell to the Walsh backed side, who had at Nowlan Park. Despite the Comer men hitting four goals, the county forward Martin Keoghan to thank for one of their goals as they strode to victory on a score line of - to 4-11.

QUARTER-FINAL PREVIEW

Mullinavat v O’Loughlin Gaels Saturday October 9th - Venue: Pairc na Seamrg (4pm) Following their defeat to James Stephens in the Shield final last weekend, Mullinavat will have it all to do against a heavily fancied Gaels team. They will again look to the scoring threat of John Walsh and Willie O’Dwyer to keep the heavily fancied Gaels team. They will again look to the scoring scoreboard ticking over. It will be interesting to see if county defender Paddy Deegan reverts to the full-back line, or scoreboard ticking over. It will be interesting to see if coun if he is deployed at full-forward as he was to great effect last time out against Rower when finishing the day with 0-5. Along with Owen Wall and Conor Kelly, they should possess enough firepower to outgun Mullinavat.

VERDICT – Deegan & Co to march on

Bennettsbridge v Shamrocks Bennettsbridge v Shamrocks

Sunday October 10th Venue: UPMC Nowlan Park (4pm) Well. Well. This could be interesting. Reigning county champions vs reigning league champions. With the league title secure, the Bridge men will know the challenge that lies ahead at Nowlan Park. In securing the league title, they secure, the Bridge men will know the challenge that lies ahead had key performances from Nicky Cleere, Liam Blanchfield and Willie Murphy. While they rested a couple of their normal starting XV, I would expect the management to start with their strongest possible side on Sunday. While the

Shamrocks were rattled last time out against Graigue Ballycallan, they will know that they may have to go through the gears a little more here. TJ will tip away at the dead balls, Adrian Mullen, Eoin Cody, Colin Fennelly and last week’s star man Joe Cuddihy will fancy their chances of progressing to the semi-finals.star man Joe Cuddihy will fancy their chances of progressing to VERDICT – Shamrocks to show pedigree and advance

James Stephens v Dicksboro Sunday October 10th - Venue: UPMC Nowlan Park (2:15pm) Having secured the league shield last weekend, the Village will know they have to step it up to get the better of last year’s beaten county finalists. The accuracy from placed balls from Eoin Guilfoyle could be key. Key scorers Andy year’s beaten county finalists. The accuracy from placed balls

Parsons, Cian Kenny, Niall Brassil, and Luke Scanlon will have major roles to play if the Kells Road side are to make the final four. Dicksboro were taken right to the wire by Lisdowney last time out and will expect the same kind of challenge from the Village. The Boro will look to Bill Sheehan and Shane Stapleton to trouble the opposition defence along with Martin Gaffney. This could be a tight and tense affair. Extra time anyone? VERDICT – Boro to edge it

Clara v Tullaroan

Sunday October 10th - Venue: St. John’s Park (12:30pm) Fresh from their league final defeat, Clara will hope to raise more flags than outstretched arms when they take on the sash on Sunday. Lester Ryan would need to channel his inner Lazarus to be available for this tie. It didn’t look good sash on Sunday. Lester Ryan would need to channel his inner La when he exited the battle in the first half last week. Other players will need to step up. Clara will need Liam Ryan, when he exited the battle in the first half last week. Other pl

David Langton and Mattthew Kenny to be on top form and take every chance that comes their way. Tullaroan will once again look to the Walsh’s along with classy forward Martin Keoghan to drive them over the line.

VERDICT – Sash for the semi’s

Kilkenny karate club are looking for new members

THE Budo Martial Arts Centre, Kilkenny (aka Kilkenny Karate Club) are looking for new members. e club which runs 4 days per week from its base in the Watershed, Kilkenny o ers classes for kids aged 6 years and above, teens, adults and even families.

Kevin Shortall who is the Chief instructor at the club says ‘students have the freedom to attend any class they like each week. ere is a friendly and professional atmosphere in the club with all students and instructors helping each other out. Our aim is to make karate an enjoyable activity for everybody involved while they learn this fabulous martial art.’

Here is a breakdown of the classes on o er at the Budo Martial Arts Centre, Kilkenny:

KARATE KIDS CLASSES

eir Karate Kids class is a high-energy, action-packed class for 6–12-year-old boys and girls where they practice karate and self-defence drills. ere are also plenty of aerobic activity, strength, and exibility training. is is an ideal activity for boys and girl of all tness levels.

TEENAGER & ADULT CLASSES

Learn traditional Shotokan Karate as it is taught in Japan. eir teenager and adult classes will help you increase your focus and awareness, improve your exibility, and help you become stronger.

FAMILY CLASSES

eir family karate classes are ideal for those that want to take part in a healthy activity as a family while improving their overall tness. e club has a number of families that train together regularly.

LIMITED FREE TRIALS AVAILABLE

Looking to try a class? The club have a limited number of free trials available. To book a free trial please call or text 086 3668669 or visit their website to book online – www.budomartialartscentre.com.

TIMETABLE

Beginner classes run in the Watershed on Mondays 7-8pm, Tuesdays 7-8pm, Thursdays 7-8pm and Saturdays 11am-12pm.

All classes are taught by experienced, garda-vetted black-belt instructors. The club is affiliated to the Japan Shotokan Karate Association. They have a very active kids karate program and work with local Schools on a regular basis. They have an almost 50:50 split between males and females training.

New posture tracker and trainer to be launched to help reduce back pain caused by poor lifting technique and desk posture

EOIN EVERARD

Dr. Eoin Everard, a regular contributor to this newspaper has recently announced the upcoming release of his new product the BackAware Belt™. is is a new wearable technology that gives you instant feedback on your lifting technique and posture in real time, so you can stop damage before it begins. With the belt it gives biofeedback by gentle vibrating to warn you when you are lifting with poor technique and with their app you get to train your lifting technique by

“I came up with the idea after seeing hundreds of patients come to me with back pain that could have been avoided”. Dr. Eoin Everard explains how he began working with a team of engineers over two years ago to help bring this idea to light. “Over 90% of back pain is avoidable. It is caused by the way we move or lift and how we sit. We overload certain areas of the spine, and this can have lifelong consequences. I thought if I could come up with a way to make people aware of their back position before they lifted or remind them that they are in a poor position then a lot of the problems would be solved”. e technology and development took longer than expected and Eoin explains some of the complications, “It took longer to get it right because the Belt calibrates to the users unique back position and can be used when sitting, standing, or doing any exercise. ere is nothing like this available, I have a patent pending, so we essentially had to trial various ideas and go through what seems like hundreds of prototypes, but I am very happy with how it is working now. e BackAware Belt can be used lifting, exercising or even sitting at your desk and will warn you when you have moved too much in your lower back. is allows less pressure on the lower back and thus removes the main source of back pain.

To celebrate we are o ering readers a chance to win this belt and get four physio sessions included for free. For more details just email everardpilates@gmail.com and say you read this article.