Intermediate Notes week ended 25.8.2014

County Junior B Football Champions 2014

Castlelyons have taken the County Junior B Football Title for the second time in the Clubs history.  They defeated a tough Kilmeen team last Sunday in Páirc Uí Rinn by 1-6 to 0-7. This was a dogged game with both sets of backs marking tight and scores hard come by. 

We began this championship in May when we defeated Kilmeen in the first round.  Then we had victories over Doneraile, Rathpeacon and Grange in the Semi Final and faced Kilmeen for the second time in the final.

We last won this title in 1989 when we defeated Whitechurch.  At that time it could be argued that we were as much football as hurling.  However, after years of outstanding success in hurling and spending many years in the senior ranks, the interest in football waned somewhat at adult level.

Well done to Michael Spillane our Manager, who took on the job at the AGM and Michael Barrett our Selector, and, indeed, all involved on the day.  This county title has done great for the morale of both the club and the community.   No doubt, after a short sojourn we can take to the camáns again, drive on and win more silverware before the year is out.

Castlelyons 1-06; Kilmeen 0-07

Castlelyons played Kilmeen in the County Junior B Football Final on Sunday last in Pairc Uí Rinn. It was a wet day with a greasy surface which really mitigated against fast open football. This resulted in a very even contest with a limited number of scoring chances for both sides. 

Castlelyons had the first score of the match when Timmy McCarthy got on the end of a long pass and he fisted the ball over the bar. Kilmeen levelled the match shortly after and went ahead when they scored their second point after ten minutes. 

The rest of the half was very even with both defences on top and scoring opportunities were limited. Castlelyons added two more points, both scored by Alan Fenton, who was on his game. 

This left the score at half time Castlelyons 0-3 and Kilmeen 0-4. While we trailed by a point we were still doing well and one could sense that with a bit of luck we could swing it.

The second half was a copy of the first with very few scoring opportunities created by both sides. Kilmeen got the first point of the half to extend their lead to two points but Ronan Bransfield replied for Castlelyons with a point from a free. Kilmeen scored two frees in a five minute spell of attacking and domination to go three points ahead.  

There was serious pressure on our backs and it looked as if Kilmeen would take the spoils. Stephen Hickey made two fantastic saves to deny Kilmeen before Anthony Spillane reduced the gap to two points with ten minutes to go. 

But still Castlelyons were under constant pressure but the defending was mighty as time and again all the backs stood up and did their part, indeed, none more so than Stephen Hickey our goalie who showed bravery in his saves and class in his huge kick outs.  

At this stage our two midfielders Barry Fitzgerald and Colm Spillane dropped back to help out well and while we may have lost a little shape it was a packed defence.  There was no score for almost ten minutes.

Heading for the long whistle and with Kilmeen still leading by two points Barry Fitzgerald drove in a long and high line ball into the full forwards.  Timmy McCarthy went high with the full back and the corner back got sucked in as well but these guys were not going to outfield Timmy.  Suddenly, the ball broke to that goal poacher supreme, Alan Fenton.  He gained possession and moved into one on one with the keeper.  As with Alan in those situations one result, bang! Goal!!! The right hand corner of the net shook, a mighty roar and Castlelyons were up a point.   With time almost up Robby Feeney scored the insurance point when he fisted the ball over the bar to insure a memorable victory.

Well done to all concerned players, management and selectors on securing our first county football title in 25 years.

Team: - Stephen Hickey, Brian Carroll, Barry O Connell, Cian Lawlor, Eoin Maye, Colm Barry, Tommy Carroll, Colm Spillane, Barry Fitzgerald, Ronan Fenton, Ronan Bransfield (0-01f), Ronan O Regan, Alan Fenton (1-02), Timmy McCarthy (0-01), Anthony Spillane (0-01).

Subs Used: - Leo Sexton, Darren Tobin, Cian O Leary, and Robby Feeney (0-01)

Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship

This Saturday our Premier Intermediate Hurling team are back in action when we play Ballyhea in the quarter final of the Championship in Kilworth. Ballyhea are a formidable outfit with a peerless tradition.  League wise Ballyhea are tops this year.  However, this is not always the greatest form guide and Castlelyons have shown their mettle many times in the heat of the Championship down the years. 

We won our first round match against Watergrasshill on the 1st June and because we received a bye in the 4th Round it has been all of three months since our last championship match. This team has been active all summer with league and challenge matches and numerous training sessions under Manager Con Lawlor, Coach John Boylan and Selector Ger McCarthy.

Preparation for this match has been hindered by other matches that had to be played but with the boost of the football victory and a solid week hurling training the lads will, no doubt, be ready for the challenge of Ballyhea.  

Kildorrery did it in June defeating Cloyne in the IFC in Castlelyons in a hectic game after extra time.  Then on a four day turn around they defeated Fr O Neills in the IHC in Watergrasshill.  Our lads, no doubt will be ready and biting at the bit for Saturday evening. Best of luck to all involved, Players, Management and Selectors.

Our supporters are the best and we appreciate it so hit the road to Kilworth Saturday evening for 6.30pm and cheer on the Parish team.

Junior B Championship

Our Junior B Hurling team are playing the next round of their championship on Sun 31^st August when they take on Carrignavar in Rathcormac at 6.30pm. This team has given us some mighty evenings and two spectacular games with Ballinacurra.  

Winning that replay in the first round, this team are eagerly looking forward to this game and to keeping their run going. Again best of luck to all involved and your support on the night is requested.

Fundraising Draw

The countdown is well and truly on for the two fundraising draws, both of which will be staged in September. The total prize fund is in excess of €2,000 with the two top cash prizes being €500 each. In all, there are in excess of fifteen prizes to be raffled.

To date, the response to this fundraising initiative has been exceptional as befits a locally based draw with a prize-fund of this scale. In excess of 70% of the projected number of lines is already sold and final efforts are now in train to achieve a target which reflects in a very positive manner on the entire Castlelyons community.

The success of this ongoing initiative has been has only been made possible by the generosity of the sponsors who have once again come on board and supported us. These sponsors include Murphy Vehicle Repairs, Lagan Group, East Cork Oil, Suit Distributors Cork, Bord Gáis Networks, Fitzgerald Bros, Metrology Systems and Services, The Farrier's Bar, Abbey Tavern, Bertie Murphy Painting Contractor, The Paddocks Bar Ballyduff and The Grand Hotel, Fermoy.

Raffle Cards and lines are still available from any GAA Committee Member, The Juvenile Club and the Camogie Club. Also, you are requested to return all completed cards to any member of the Adult Club.

The initial draw takes place in Community Centre on Saturday September 13th with the second draw scheduled for The Farrier's Bar on Saturday September 27th.

Fixtures

PIH Championship V Ballyhea on Sat 30th @ 6.30 pm in Kilworth.

JBH  Championship V Carrignavar on Sun 31st Aug @ 6.30 in Rathcormac.

Notes week ended 4.8.14 - Memorable Week for Castlelyons Hurling

What a week of Castlelyons hurling it was with three fantastic games played and two championship victories recorded.  We had the epic Junior B Championship hurling game and replay with Ballinacurra to the U21A hurling championship victory over Dungourney.  Outstanding entertainment provided for all our supporters that attended.

U21A Championship Hurling

Castlelyons 2-20 Dungourney 1-14

The semi final of the U21A East Cork hurling championship was played on Saturday evening last in Ballynoe when Castlelyons took on Dungourney. This match started with Castlelyons racing into the lead with points from A Spillane, J Barry and C Spillane and a well taken goal from A Fenton to lead by 1-07 to 0-01 after 15 mins. Castlelyons were dominating all over the pitch and with our back lines, superbly lead by C Barry and C O Leary, on top we picked off some great scores.

A Spillane got our second goal after 20 mins and we saw out the half with points from C Barry, R Bransfield, S Moroney and C Spillane to lead at half time by 2-12 to 0-07.

A Fenton scored our first point of the second half but then Dungourney got on a run and scored 1-04 in the next 10 mins to reduce our lead to 6 points Bransfield steadied the side with the next 3 points and we saw out the match with points from R O Regan, J Barry, S Moroney, and A Fenton to win on a score of 2-20 to 1-14. A great performance by all that played and we look forward to the final against Sarsfields on Sat 16th August.

Team: - E Barry, T Carroll, C O Leary, L Moroney, C Lawlor, C Barry (0-01) , R Bransfield (0-04), E Maye, R O Regan (0-01)D Lawlor, C Spillane (0-05), S Moroney (0-02), A Fenton (1-02), J Barry (0-03), A Spillane (1-02, 2f)

Subs Used: - S Fenton, B O Donovan.

East Cork Junior B Hurling Championship

Castlelyons 4-28 Ballinacurra 8-16 (after extra time)

As the scoreline suggests this was an epic match that had everything with a total of 56 scores registered in the game. This was a match that began with Castlelyons on top and we raced in an 8 point lead after 15 mins. Ballinacurra cut the deficit to 3 points when they scored 2 goals after 20 mins but Castlelyons replied with a goal from Alan O Regan to lead at half time by 1-12 to 2-03.

The second half was a whirlwind of scores with Ballinacurra scoring 5 goals in this half to take a commanding lead at times but Castlelyons to their credit managed to bring them back each time and with a late goal from Jack Barry and a great equalizing point from Eoin Maye teams finished level and we then went on to play extra time.

Both teams again scored goals with Ballinacurra going into a five point lead with 5 mins left to play but a goal each from T McCarthy and R Feeney and late points from J Barry, E Maye and T McCarthy levelled the match and it went to a replay after the most exciting match witnessed by everyone in a long time.

Team: - E Barry, M Murphy, L Moroney, C Lawlor, S Cotter, D Varner, D Tobin (0-01), E Maye (0-08), R Fenton (0-02), D Lawlor (0-05), A O Regan (1-00), M J Dorgan (0-01), T McCarthy (1-02) R Feeney (1-07   3f).

Subs Used: - D Sexton, M Spillane (0-01), J Barry (1-01), S Fenton.

East Cork Junior B Hurling Championship Replay

Castlelyons 3-16   Ballinacurra 1-11

Following on from the epic drawn game last week this replay was eagerly looked forward to by all and it did not disappoint with some fantastic scores and some epic defending. Castlelyons were not going to concede goals as in the drawn match and with our back line, superbly lead by Cian O Leary and Declan Sexton, playing really well it set a foundation for an excellent display. 

Castlelyons raced into an early lead with points from D Lawlor and M Spillane and a goal from Timmy McCarthy to lead by 1-03 after 10 mins.

Timmy McCarthy added a second goal and with points from M Spillane, R Fenton, E Maye, M J Dorgan and R Feeney we led at half time by 2-10 to 0-06.

Ballinacurra scored the first 3 points of the second half and when they added a goal from a free it made a very exciting match of it. But points from R Feeney, C Cotter, A O Regan and T McCarthy and a late goal from Jack Barry saw Castlelyons win on a score of 3-16 to 1-11 after a very good performance.

Team: - E Barry, M Murphy, C O Leary, L Moroney, K Kenny, D Sexton, D Varner, E Maye (0-01), D Lawlor (0-01), A O Regan (0-01), T McCarthy (2-02), M Spillane(0-03), M J Dorgan(0-01), R Fenton (0-02), R Feeney (0-02)

Subs Used: - S Fenton, J Barry (1-01), C Cotter (0-02).

Fundraising Draw

Since the launch of our fundraising draw last month sales have been going extremely well with sellers out in all areas of the parish.  The purchase of 1 line allows the holder entry into 2 draws that will be held on Sept 13th and Sept 27th with substantial prizes on offer each night, a top prize of €500 and in excess of €2700 in overall prizes.

The success of this ongoing initiative has been has only been made possible by the generosity of the sponsors who have once again come on board and supported us. These sponsors include Murphy Vehicle Repairs, Lagan Group, East Cork Oil, Suit Distributors Cork, Bord Gáis Networks, Fitzgerald Bros, Metrology Systems and Services, The Farrier's Bar, Abbey Tavern, Bertie Murphy Painting Contractor, The Paddocks Bar Ballyduff and The Grand Hotel, Fermoy.

Cards and lines are available from any GAA Committee Member, The Juvenile Club and the Camogie Club and your support is requested to help the club going forward as it continues its proud sporting and cultural tradition.

Well Done to our County Men.

Well done to our three club players Colm Barry, Colm Spillane and Anthony Spillane who were on the Cork U 21 team who lost out to Clare in the Munster Final last Wednesday evening.    Again we wish the best of luck to these three great lads as they play Wexford in the All Ireland Intermediate final on Sat 9^th August in Nolan Park. No doubt a might honour for our Club to have so many players involved.

Fixtures

Minor A Hurling Championship V Erins Own on Fri 8th @ 7.00 in Bride Rovers.

PIH Challenge Castlelyons V Courcey Rovers on Sun 10th Aug @ 12.00 in Ballinspittle

Club Main Sponsor: - South Coast Logistics.

Notes Courtesy Denis Fenton: - PRO

Intermediate Notes week ended 14.7.14.

Mighty Wins for our U21 and Minor Hurlers.

U21 Hurling

Castlelyons     1-19  Fr O Neills   1-14

Castlelyons  took on Fr O Neills in the 1st round of the U21A hurling championship last weekend in Dungourney. A nervous start resulted in both sides shooting some wides before A Spillane had the first score of the game when he pointed a free after 5 mins. After 10 mins Castlelyons led by 4 points to 2 and for the remainder of the half we dominated possession in all areas of the pitch resulting in good scores from D Lawlor and A Spillane. A Fenton got in for a well worked goal after 20 mins to increase our lead and with points from E Maye, A Spillane and C Spillane we led at half time on a score of 1-10 to 0-05.

Fr O Neills really upped their game in the second half and scored the first 5 points to cut Castlelyons lead to 3 points. A Spillane with 3 points from frees gave us some relief but Fr O Neills replied with 1-02 to leave just a point between the sides with 15 mins to go. C Barry and R Bransfield, who were well supported by T Carroll and C O Leary, got to grips with Fr O Neills forwards and set up good scores for E Maye, A Spillane and C Spillane. S Moroney's persistence won him a 65 which A Spillane scored to stretch our lead to 3 points with 5 mins to go and we closed out the match with points from A Fenton and A Spillane to win on a score of 1-19 to 1-14. A good overall performance with lots of positives and we look forward to the semi final against Dungourney in the next few weeks.

Team: -  E Barry, D Varner, C O Leary, T Carroll, C Lawlor, C Barry, R Bransfield, E Maye (0-02), R O Regan, S Moroney, C Spillane (0-02), D Lawlor (0-01), A Fenton (1-01), J Barry, A Spillane (0-13   9f).

Subs Used: - B O Donovan, L Moroney.

Minor Hurling

Castlelyons 5-11 Cloughduv 1-17

Castlelyons and Cloughduv played the 1st round of the minor hurling championship in Mayfield on Wednesday night last. On a perfect night for hurling Cloughduv got off to the better start and had 6 points scored in the first 10 mins with 2 points from B Murphy and T Stephenson being Castlelyons reply. J Barry got in for a well worked goal after 15 mins to reduce Cloughduv lead and points from J O Leary and J Barry left the score at half time Castlelyons 1-05 Cloughduv 0-13. J O Leary had the first point of the second half but Cloughduv replied with a goal and a point of their own to extend their lead to 8 pts. Castlelyons half back line started to dominate from here on and sent some quality ball into the full forward line where Jack Barry, in a blistering 15 min spell, scored 3 second half goals(what a hat track) and with B Murphy chipping in with another goal Castlelyons were well in control. S Moroney and N O Leary closed out the scoring to leave Castlelyons winners on a score of 5-11 to 1-17. This was a great second half performance by all the team with some fantastic defending with Declan Varner and John Paul Murphy leading by example and great interplay between all the forwards resulting in some great scores. They now advance to the quarter finals where they will play Erin’s Own.

Team: - JP Murphy, T Collins, D Varner, R Walsh, S Moroney, S Fenton, N O Leary (0-01), M Cronin, T Stephenson (0-01), J Barry (4-02), S Moroney (0-03), P Varner, B Geary, J O Leary (0-03), B Murphy (1-01).
Subs Used: -  K O Leary, C O Flynn, M Spillane.

Premier Intermediate Hurling

Castlelyons   1-16 Kilworth 2-19

Castlelyons and Kilworth played Round 8 of the Intermediate Hurling League last Sunday morning in Castlelyons. This was our first league match since beating Watergrasshill in the championship and while we were missing 6 of that championship team it provided a good test for the entire panel. Aidan O Sullivan got our first point after 2 mins and with further points from B Fitzgerald and D Tobin sides were level on 3 pts each after 10 mins. Kilworth got a run on us in the next 20 mins and scored 1-10 with our reply being 4 pts scored by A Fenton, D Lawlor and R Fenton to leave Kilworth leading at half time by 1-13 to 0-07. We started the second half well and with points from R Feeney, D Lawlor, E Maye and L Sexton we cut their lead down to 4 pts. S Moroney worked hard to score a good goal to leave 3 pts between the sides with 15 mins to go but Kilworth with a few easy frees stretched out their lead once again. D Tobin and A Fenton both scored points for us but Kilworth were always able to stay ahead and when they scored a goal with 5 mins to go they were 8 pts ahead again. A Fenton finished out our scoring with 2 points in the last 5 mins to leave Kilworth winning by 2-19 to 1-16. A disappointing result but great effort and commitment shown by everyone that played. Hurling takes a break this week as the semi final of the County JB football against Grange takes place on Saturday night in Fermoy.

Team: - S O Sullivan, B Carroll, C O Leary, T Carroll, R Bransfield, L Sexton (0-01), A O Sullivan (0-01), E Maye (0-01), D Tobin (0-02), R Fenton (0-01), B Fitzgerald (0-01), D Lawlor (0-03), R O Regan, S Moroney (1-00), A Fenton (0-04  3f).
Subs Used: - R Feeney (0-02), A O Regan, C Lawlor.

Fundraising Draw Launch

Similar to last year’s very successful fundraising initiative Castlelyons GAA Club has decided to run a fundraising draw again this year.  This draw will operate on the same basis as last year with the purchase of 1 line allowing the holder entry into 2 draws. Draws will be held on Sept 13t and Sept 27th with substantial prizes on offer each night, a top prize of €500 and in excess of €2700 in overall prizes.

The success of this ongoing initiative has been has only been made possible by the generosity of the sponsors who have once again come on board and supported us. These sponsors include  Murphy Vehicle Repairs, Lagan Group, East Cork Oil,  Suit Distributors Cork, Bord Gáis Networks, Fitzgerald Bros, Metrology Systems and Services, The Farrier's Bar, Abbey Tavern, Toss Bryan's, The Paddocks Bar Ballyduff and The Grand Hotel, Fermoy.