Castlelyons make last four in the PIHC.

Castlelyons 3-18 Inniscarra 1-21.

Castlelyons adult hurlers returned to championship hurling in Páirc Uí Chaoimh for the first time since 2001. The visit was worth it as the lads ground out a hard-earned victory over Inniscarra with three points to spare in the end of Round 3 of the Preminer Intermediate Hurling Championship. We were topping the group coming into the game and sure of qualification to at least the quarter finals. However, Inniscarra had a chance of qualification too and were not afraid of Castlelyons having beaten us in a few championship games recently and a win over on of our better U21 teams in the championship in in Mallow a few years ago. Dave Daly of Brian Dillons was an réiteoir for the game and in the circumstances did well. The Páirc looked well if not eerie as there was nobody about except players, officials, and a few media. However, it was locked tight until all teams converged together and our crew for streaming the game only got in at that time too, which meant they were not set up timely.

Castlelyons got a mighty start as Barry Murphy set up Michael Spillane for a point. Anthony Spillane moved out to the wing to win a great ball beat his man drew the second and slipped the sliotar to Dave Morrison who rocked the net and he nearly had a second shortly after. Eoin Maye had a point.  Leo Sexton, going very well at wing back, moved a pass to Anthony Spillane who found Dave Morrison again, but his shot was crowded out. Colm Spillane fetched well and drove over a fine point.  We were in command, but our shooting was poor and Inniscarra were 0-5 to our 1-3 at the water break as Sean O’Donoghue was going well for them around the middle. Tom Carroll, particularly, Jamie O Leary and Colm Barry were busy in the full back line but done well.  We were on top entering the last ten minutes of the first half but a total of ten wides did not help our cause and it was all square at the short whistle 1-5 to 0-8.

Fair play to the lads they upped their game on the restart and points from Barry Murphy, Anthony Spillane and Alan Fenton put us three up. Inniscarra did not go away as they put two more points on the board.  Then a good clearance from Colm Barry was picked up by Anthony Spillane who offloaded to Michael and he transferred to Dave Morrison who let fly for a second goal.  Then Anthony Spillane had another good score as Eoin Maye was really hurling well for us at midfield.  The introduction of James Kearney and Leon Doocey helped enormously, and Alan Fenton was deadly from two long range frees. The individual battles were most intriguing as Liam Ryan really stuck with Colm Spillane. Our goalie Jack was finding it difficult to claim a paw for puckouts as the opposition were alert. Our half back line was busy too but done well as Inniscarra moved about their forwards and tried their best to stop any flow hurling from Niall O Leary.  At the end of normal time we were just two ahead and then Anthony Spillane struck for a goal of his own.  That was cancelled out by a last-minute goal from O Donoghue for Inniscarra, but we got the victory the lads deserved.  Some fine for shown by Leo Sexton, Eoin Maye, Barry Murphy and especially Anthony Spillane but overall, it was a great team performance as every player gave it their all.  Victory has a cost and we have a few injuries but hopefully they will have cleared up for the next game. Inniscarra may have been down marquee player Colm Casey but they have the reserves of a Junior A, Junior B and Junior C teams in addition to their PIH team.  We now await the winners of Watergrasshill and Courcey Rovers in the semi-final.  Both these teams are going well this year too playing the winners will be some battle due up in about three weeks’ time.  You will be appraised of date, time and venue when known.  Meanwhile well done to the lads once again and to the management team also.

Team: Jack Barry, Jamie O'Leary, Colm Barry, Tom Carroll, Leo Sexton, Niall O'Leary, Colm O'Neill, Keith O'Leary (0-2), Eoin Maye (0-3), Barry Murphy (0-2), Colm Spillane (0-1), Alan Fenton (0-4), Dave Morrison (2-0), Anthony Spillane (0-3), Mike Spillane (0-1). Subs:  Leon Doocey, J Kearney (0-1), Cian O'Leary and, Bryan Carroll and Darren Tobin.

Rebel Óg East Semi Final Division 2 Hurling Championship 

Castlelyons v Watergrasshill

Our minor hurlers are having a great run to date with some very impressive wins in the championship.  The now play Watergrasshill in the semi-final of Rebel Óg Division 2 hurling championship on this Wednesday evening 6.60pm at home Páirc Uí Laoighaire.  Not that home advantage makes a difference now as all games are behind closed doors and the regulations are there to be honoured.  Great to be hurling in such tough times.

The ‘Hill are a strong outfit with top hurlers such as James Barry, free scoring Brendan Lehane and Daire O Leary plus a host of others.  While they will start as favourites our lads have shown great spirit and hurled well in winning their three games thus far.  They will not go down without a fight.  The result will be known when our paper reports are published but in the interim best of luck lads and to coach and management Alan Fenton, Pat O Neill and Willie Casey, John Lenihan, Covid Officer and Declan Spillane the Chairman. 

Castlelyons Weekly Lotto Draw Results.

This week’s Lotto Draw was held on Monday 31.8.20 in the Centre.  Numbers drawn were 3, 11, 20 and 22. There was no winner of the €20,000 Jackpot. The Lucky Dip winners were as follows: - Deirdre Hazelwood, Liam Óg O Brien, Martina O Regan, Helen Hussey, Orla Hallihan, Ann Healy, Sarah O’Farrell, Liam O Brien. The next draw is Monday the 7.9.20 in the Community Centre. Thanks for your support and please advise your friends that they can play our Lotto Online or purchase from the usual outlets.

Steering Group ploughing a tough furrow.

Just to reiterate again the great foresight and contributions of so many of our patrons that facilitated in the purchase of almost ten acres of adjoining lands back in 2019. The Steering Committee under the chairmanship of Mr Jeremiah Healy are ploughing a tough furrow in its development these times. They are preparing an overall development plan which is a big challenge at the best of times and now more than ever since Covid-19. The Steering Group have met though Zoom, out on the pitch and recently in the hall with a view to progressing the development.  There was a suite of new groups but since Covid their work is really hindered. These include a technical group who are reviewing the site and carrying out a complete site survey. A grants group are studying available grants for the development and be ready to assist when the plan is set out and agreed.  Presently there is even difficulty in drawn down and existing grant.  We were delighted that the GAA were so generous in the purchase grant, but any development grants will be effected due to the empty stadiums. There is layout development group visiting recently completed GAA development projects with a view to gathering ideas and best practices. They are due to report back.  A business plan group are preparing, consult, and set down a club strategy and annual club plan and no doubt will be setting out a draft plan to the club shortly.

Of course, the GAA Club facilitated the Community Centre Committee with a lease of the hall and this initiative is working out very well as a programme of renovation and modernisation to the building has now commenced.  The Steering Group are presently reviewing works required to refurbish the back part of the Centre which includes the squash court, toilets, bar, and meeting rooms.  They are also looking at the possibility of linking with the works on the Centre and carrying out both simultaneously but only if possible and agreeable to all.

The trees have been cut and removed on the main boundary fence.  Thanks to all who put in many dedicated hours in the project.  Also, temporary fencing has been erected while awaiting our Sports Capital Grant and erection of the new permanent fencing which is now overdue.  Again, thanks to all who helped with their time, effort, and materials in this work.  Hopefully at the next monthly meeting we will have a full briefing from the Steering Group on progress to date.

Fundraising and Club Expenses.

There is little need to mention about how the pandemic of 2020 has disrupted all our lives as at this stage we will never forget it. Sport and physical activity are so important in these times to all of us as it is vital to players, and supporters alike. The GAA worked so hard to reintroduce games with practice even better than many international sports. In the last few weeks, the club championships have hit a new high despite the issues. We in Castlelyons are seeing progress in all our games as we have made the semi-finals of the PIHC, MHC and Camogie championships, also, the quarter final of the East Cork Junior B hurling. 

There have been many cracking games along the way and no doubt more to come.  Players and management have made an outstanding effort throughout the year in such difficult circumstances.  Throughout this time normal operational and team expense, pitch preparation, repairs, costs from recent damage by Storm Ellen and additional Covid10 related costs continue to be incurred.  Accordingly, we have set up a GoFundMe page which is on our Facebook, Twitter, Website and WhatsApp.  No doubt all club members are circulating and sharing this among ex-players, ex- club officials and friends in the hope that they might consider donating from €10 to €50, or any amount one may wish to contribute. Of course, thanks to all those who have contribute a scan be seen on the GoFundMe page as we really are thankful for your contributions.   Castlelyons Abú

Well done to the Junior Camogie Team.

Congratulations and well done to the Camogie girls and their management team of Timmy McCarthy, Trevor Hickey, Seanie Cotter, Mary McNulty & Orla Hallahan another County Semi Final for our Camogie team. A great win over Millstreet this evening by 4-12 to 1-4. Could be a cracking semi-final too.

Congratulations to Lisgoold Club.

Congratulations to neighbouring club Lisgoold who have qualified for their first ever East Cork Junior A Final as they defeated St Ita’s last Sunday.  The club was founded back in 1887 and the new grounds officially opened in 1994, with the addition of meeting rooms, gym, ball alleys and a fully synthetic pitch area since.  Incidentally, the late great Willie Moore, who won an All-Ireland with Cork against Wexford in 1954 in front of 84,000, a record at that time, was a Lisgoold man. He was also chairman of the Castlelyons Co-Op Committee for a few years.  They meet Carrignabhfear another great club in the final.  Surely the final will be one great day for outstanding clubmen like John Joe O’Regan who has been in the Lisgoold corner for many a year now.   

Congratulations.

Warmest congratulations to Dave Kenny and his wife Ann Marie on the birth of their baby girl.  Many happy and wonder filled times ahead for you.

Vote of Sympathy.

Castlelyons GAA extend sincere condolences to the Sherwood and Brennan families, Fermoy, and to the Guthrie and Hegarty families, Coolagown, on their recent bereavement. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a ainm dilis.

Club Main Sponsor: ZEUS Packaging Group.