Back in action on Monday June 29 as GAA Pitches reopen.

There were so many dark days since lockdown as our country wrestled with a worldwide pandemic that unfortunately took so many lives and brought the nation to standstill. Now in line with a gradual reopening of the economy there huge challenges to manage and mitigate the disruption of Covid-19.  There were so many that stated all games including GAA were gone for 2020 at least.  Now here we are in mid-June with outstand news that there is a possible return to training and games again and still five months left in 2020.

Well done to the GAA Advisory Group as they have studied widely on the best advice from Government, Health agencies, other sporting bodies and the international scene. Some countries like Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Taiwan, and others that really flattened the curve have now to do it all over again as they are in the midst of a second surge.  It is not gone away in Ireland and the greatest care is required.   So, while a resumption of activities is complex hopefully small careful steps can bring about a return to full activity and the actual playing of our games.

The document produced by the GAA ‘Safe Return to Gaelic Games’ is comprehensive and detailed.  It is not long as some pundits say as it is just fifteen pages. But the devil is in the detail and it is a must for study by every member of the Organisation.  The return to reopening of the pitches and return to train is on Monday 29^th June and that is agreed by the three groups GAA, Camogie and LGFA. Participation is voluntary as players, mentors, referees, and club officers may choose to opt in or out from activity at any level at their discretion.  Accordingly, with clear directions from the Organisation and without any insurance cover for person or property it is imperative that we refrain from training or playing until the 29.6.20.  Meanwhile we have a suite of work in the preparation of our pitches and facilities so looking forward to good times again.

Congratulation to our Priests.

Congratulations to our PP Fr Gerard Coleman and Fr Peter Hegarty on achieving their forty years of priestly service and to wish them many more years in the Lords Service. Fr Coleman was based in England for a few years before return to the diocese of Cloyne wad was appointed parish priest in Castlelyons before been appointed as parish priest of Castlelyons.  A Ballyhea man with hurling in his blood Fr Coleman is a good supporter of our Club and wishes us well for our championship games and attends when he can.

A few months after Fr Hegarty was ordained in Kiltegan, he left for Malawi, Africa where he served as a priest for many years before returning to Ireland in 2010. Fr Hegarty is from Coolagown and resides there now while assists about the Diocese of Cloyne. Fr Hegarty is from a great sporting family dating back to his grandfather Peter Linehan who won county football titles with Fermoy and was on a Cork team beaten in the all-Ireland final in the early 1900s.  Fr Hegarty was a renowned cyclist with and has a few all-Ireland medals for track cycling and a great club supporter.   

Congratulations also to Fr Marek Pecak also based in Castlelyons and celebrates his twenty fifth anniversary of priestly service. Fr Marek is chaplain to the Polish community in the Diocese of Cloyne who celebrates the 25th (Silver Jubilee) anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood. Fr Marek is a native of South Poland. He has worked in Poland, Nova Scotia and came to work in the Diocese of Cloyne in 2009 and resides in Castlelyons.

Castlelyons Community Text Alert.

The Community Text Alert system is ongoing for many years now and is a quality communication system between An Garda Síochana and the Community.  Castlelyons are part of the system for some years now and now is the time to re-join or join the system. Forms are available from Pauline Sheehan, Ballydorgan, Ann Murphy Kill-St-Anne, Liz Paterson, Pellick & Centra Castlelyons, James Ronayne Bridesbridge.  The membership contribution is €10.

Upcoming Fixtures.

Everybody will have an opinion on the fixtures for upcoming games and county and intercounty championships will run for the remainder of the year.  Right now, county championships are set for 31^st July and intercounty on 17^th October.  However, if the curve continues to flatten and all is good these dates could change. We await the divisional and county championships fixtures. This will be tough going and senior teams will be required to play their first-round games before their second team can participate in a lesser grade.  Presently Divisional fixtures cannot be made until the county scene is set out, so we await.

Cúl Camp 2020.

Due to the current restrictions both outdoors and indoors (in the case of rain) our juvenile subcommittee have reluctantly decided in the interests of safety that they will opt out of participating in Cúl Camps this year.  However, it was agreed that if significant changes came about in both the Government, medical and GAA advice they will review their decision as they are aware that juveniles are disappointed.

Vote of Sympathy.

Castlelyons GAA extend sincere condolences to the Lynch family Knock, also, to the Richards and Bowes families Fermoy on their recent bereavement. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a ainm dilis.

Castlelyons Main Sponsor: ZEUS Packaging Group.