A tough weekend on our Junior B Hurlers.

Youghal 3-14 Castlelyons 1-13

We were at home to Youghal in the East Cork Junior B League on Monday evening last. This was a very entertaining game as both teams gave it everything.  We were down a number of player’s and it was great to see Shane Hickey make a return and it was not just to make up numbers as he gave a great hour’s commitment.  However, the surprise of the evening was the comeback of Barry Fitzgerald.  The word on the gate-side seat during the game was that our goalie Eoin Barry would be out for the championship due to a working holiday in the USA.  We wondered about a goalie but sure enough twenty minutes into the game Barry Fitzgerald arrived togged out and ready for goals in the second half in order to get a bit done for the championship.  Back to the game and our backs particularly Barry O Connell and Mark Murphy with Shane Fenton and Brian O Donovan in the middle all hurled well. We had points from Michael Geary, William Daly, Timmy McCarthy and 1-1 from Michael John Dorgan to keep us well in the game as we trailed 1-7 to 1-3 at half time.

However, in the second half got on top and we could not break through for a goal even though Timmy McCarthy worked hard in scoring 0-5 and Michael Geary had 0-2.  Youghal ran out winners on the score 3-14 to 1-13.  It was not the best preparation for the JHBC game in a weeks’ time as we seemed to be missing a few players and lads need to play together to establish team play.  Well done to all who worked so hard and to the management for getting out a team.

Scores: -  Timmy McCarthy 0-6, Ml John Dorgan 1-2, Michael Geary 0-3, William Daly 0-1, David Beausang 0-1

Carrignabhfear 2-14 Castlelyons 2-10.

We played Carrignabhfear in the first round of the East Cork Junior B Hurling Championship in Páirc na Bríde, Rathcormac on Sunday morning at 12 noon.  However, while the game was exciting it did not reach the high noon expectations and we suffered a four-point defeat.

We took the field with a much stronger outfit that the previous Tuesday League game versus Youghal and opted to play with a very strong breeze.  However, we did not go well as Carrignabhfear started very well.  Paul Murphy, a man who has had his share of injuries but back again was on fire for Carrignabhfear as he moved about the forward line and rattled in 1-3 for them in the first half.  We failed to make any use of the breeze and Carrignabhfear led 1-9 to 0-6 at half time. 

We hurled much better in the second half and with a bit of luck could have taken it.  Michael Geary although midfield played a deep defensive role and did it well and Noel McAuliffe covered well in the backs with Shane Fenton going well at midfield.   Mike Hegarty moved in on goal and had his shot blocked but followed up to blast kick the sliotar to the net for a good goal and put us back in the game.  However, Carrignabhfear with Paul Murphy (0-3) again to the fore kept ticking over with scores.  Then came the score of the game as Ml John Dorgan got possession out in the corner and sent across an intelligent ball.  Timmy McCarthy grabbed it took on his man with speed and blasted a rocket to the net.  Then Timmy put over a free to leave the minimum between the sides but we ran out of steam a bit in the end. However, the full time score was 2—14 to 2-10 in favour of Carrignabhfear.

Hopefully, we have learned a bit from this game as we do have another opportunity through the ‘back door’ and as we said before it is important to have the second team going well too.  Great to see Timmy McCarthy, Barry O Connell and Barry Fitzgerald still lining out and hurling so well.  These are men who have given tremendous service to Castlelyons and played Junior B, Junior, Intermediate and Senior with such great distinction for this Club.  They are all hard men with great hearts and a mighty love of our game and give such an example to our young players. Timmy has taken up running, found a massive level of fitness and is scoring freely in the last few games what an option for the intermediate team.   

Team: - Barry Fitzgerald, Liam Moroney, Barry O Connell, Mark Murphy, Finian Waters, Niall O Leary, Noel McAuliffe, Shane Fenton, Michael Geary, Chris Cotter, Michael Hegarty, Ronan O Regan, Andrew O Neill, Timmy McCarthy, Ml John Dorgan. Subs: - David Beausang, Alan O Regan, Mark Henley, Will Daly and Jack Buckley.

Congrats to Castlelyons Minor Hurlers.

We took a big step in winning the first round of the Rebel Óg East A Section Minor Hurling with a last Thursday evening with a big win over St Vincent's on the score 5-22 to 0-11. Tough on St Vincent's meeting our lads in this kind of form.

However, there are some tough rounds ahead. Well done to our star men Niall and Jamie O Leary, Barry Murphy, James Kearney and Jack Kenny and all the lads who are playing so well lately and, of course, our management outfit who are keeping these lads in top form.  There next game is on Wednesday 13.7.16 versus Ballygarvan.  The venue for this fame is also Ballygarvan which is unusual as one would expect championship games to be played at neutral venues and the referee is Dave Daly so best of luck lads.

Huge victory for our Under 16 Hurlers.

We put up a massive score in defeating St Vincent’s for the second time in a week this time in the Rebel Óg East Under 16 C Championship; Castlelyons 13 -24 St Vincent’s 3 -4.  The referee must have been tired from writing scores more rather than keeping an eye on the game.  This was an excellent performance by Castlelyons and well done to the lads and the selectors. Our lads have played one league game to date and defeated another city team Brian Dillon’s on a score Castlelyons 8-15 Brian Dillon’s 0-4.   

However, in order to bring as many players as possible through to achieve their potential in playing our Games with the necessary skills to perform under match conditions surely lads must be played at a grade that is appropriate to their ability. Again, just think of these lads on the St Vincent’s team and such a beating – will they play on to under 18 – it will be tough going.  While we do not grade the teams in Castlelyons and we can only play the teams in the section it would be advisable for the relevant grading group to examine their systems and ensure as many competitive games as possible.

Cork Senior Hurling Championship Uí Mac Coille v Douglas

This game is now fixed for Wednesday 20^th July in Páirc Uí Rinn at the most unusual late time of 8.15 pm.  This will necessitate turning on lights for a county senior hurling championship game in the month of July.  Now that Cork are no longer in the All Ireland 2016 Championship is there need for this stuff and bringing East Cork supporters into the city so late.  It will affect the gate also.

I strongly believe that only where really necessary should any games be played under lights.  Looking up and down the field is okay but any angles or corners can be really difficult to keep an eye on a slioter and a player can get blinded.  There can be shadows for hurling and football is different because of the size of the ball.  Martin Fogarty, a previous Kilkenny selector felt the same some time back when the Kilkenny goalie let in a ‘soft one’ against Cork under lights. Wonder what will he say now that he is the National Director of Hurling!  But one thing for sure they will be no rabbits dazzled in Nowlan Park, Kilkenny, because there’s no lights there.

Uí Mac Coille are making a good effort since the first round victory over UCC with recent challenges again against Sarsfields and Tallow.  Good to have our own Colm Barry back from the USA and going well last night against Tallow.  Tom Carroll is also doing the business with Aidan O Sullivan still out injured but recovering.  Douglas are an excellent side and the going will be tough.  Maybe there may be a review of the fixture date to keep an eye on the Websites please.

Premier Intermediate Championship – Castlelyons v Ballinhassig.

This game is now fixed for Saturday 30^th July at a venue to be arranged so it’s down to preparation and having the lads in order for the day.  At least, there is a bit of time for some of the lads with niggling injuries to recover but it’s too early for Colm Spillane who suffered a cruciate knee injury earlier this year.  Best of luck lads with the preparation let’s give it our best.      

Castlelyons Weekly Lotto.
On this Monday night 11th July, 2016 in the Abbey Bar. The Numbers drawn were 12, 19, 22 and 26. There was No Winner.

There were 8 Lucky Dip Winners of €20 each: -

1. Peter Murphy.  
2. Ann O Flynn.  
3. Martina Minihane.  
4. Ina O Brien.  
5. Chris and Ned.  
6. Killian Smith.  
7. Liz O Brien.
8. Sonny O Shea.

The Jackpot is now €2,600. 

The next draw is Monday 18th July in the Community Centre. You can play our Lotto Online or purchase tickets at the usual outlets. Thanks for your support.

Castlelyons Main Sponsor: ZEUS Packaging Group.