Castlelyons GAA Notes WE 7.9.20 2020-09-10 15:21:00

Minors fail to get over the ‘Hill

Castlelyons 2-14 Watergrasshill 3-17.

There was a surreal atmosphere around Páirc an tAthair Peadar Uí Laoighaire last Wednesday evening as our minor hurling team played Watergrasshill in the semi-final of Rebel Óg Division 2 East MHC.  The game was played behind closed doors and even if the famous priest of 100 years ago came back, he would find very few around as the place was almost empty bar the teams and officials.  Tough on supporters as they could not come out and meet people on a fine evening and enjoy some sport in the open air while at the same time games can be streamed into crowded enclosed areas. Well back to the game and while the ‘Hill was a big one to climb and defeat was out lot we put in a very good display.

The réiteoir was Willie Wallis, who incidentally is doing the East Cork JAHC this year, and he done a good job. We started the game well as Oscar Hallihan had 0-1 from play and Colm McCarthy had 0-3 (0-2 frees). But gradually Watergrasshill came into the game as they a right number of good hurlers about the place.  Daire O’Leary began to clear a lot of ball around the half back position and the inside forwards took advantage as they put over a few points.  However, it was their half back who came down field for a great goal to put them in the lead.  We fought hard as Cees Kouwenberg took a pass from Hallihan to put us back in it and Leon Doocey probable our most consistent player all through the competition put over a massive 0-1. Then we had points from the ‘Hill three best players as Brendan Lehane put of 0-2, Colm O Regan 0-1 and Daire O’Leary drove a free from down near his own goal into the clouds but over for a massive 0-1.  We had a chance of a goal as Dara Spillane got great possession but was hauled down and Colm McCarthy pointed the free. Then further disaster as the ‘Hill were awarded a penalty and Daire O’Leary goaled to make it 2-7 to 0-8. Daire O’Leary and our own Colm McCarthy as Leon Doocey had another 0-1 for us.  Then Gavin O’Neill made a massive save to keep us in the game, but Brendan Lehane put over the resultant ’65 to leave it 2-9 to 0-10 at half time in favour of the ‘Hill.

We started the second half with Oscar Hallihan, who was very sharp, getting inside his marker for a cracking goal for us and Cees Kouwenberg had 0-1.  Mathew Rosner and Evan Lenihan lifted spirits by winning good ground ball and we made it draw game again at 2-9 to 1-12 as Colm McCarthy put over a free.  Incidentally, our half back line of Casey, Geary and Rosner were on top but were pulled outfield a bit too much.  The ‘Hill hit another high as Brendan Lehane had 0-4 and Colm O Regan 0-2 and then alas, a ‘Hill goal.  Our highlights were two excellent save from Gavin O’Neill and it fizzled out as a contest after that although we did manage another goal and won it 3-17 to 2-14. I have no doubt some the lads were disappointed with their display, but I think we had a great run of four games with three victories and the team improved as the competition went on. The standard of hurling from both teams was high the last evening.  Watergrasshill would have played at a higher level down the ages.  This showed as they were handier stickmen and stronger on the ball.  However, should our lads keep it up one could see many of them make the grade in the future.  Thanks to Alan Fenton who put in a lot of time and effort with the lads considering he is on the intermediate team himself, also, to Willie Casey and Pat O’Neill who managed the team together with John Lenihan Covid Officer. Fair play folks ye gave a lot of enjoyment in a tough year.  

Panel: Gavin O’Neill, Anthony Moran , Declan Morrison Ian Ryan, Stephen Casey Declan Geary, Matthew Rosner, Leon Doocey, Evan Lenihan, Cees Kouwenberg, Colm McCarthy, Leon Shanahan, Oscar Hallihan, Darragh Spillane, Brian Spillane, Michael Griffin, Ian O Sullivan, Peter Greaney, A Fenton, Oisin Morrison and Alex Newman and, Colie O’Flynn.

East Cork Junior B Hurling Championship versus Aghada on Sunday 9th August.

At the time of going to print we are down to play Aghada in the quarter final of the East Cork Junior B Hurling Championship on Saturday 12th September at 5.30pm.  Check social media later for venue and firming up of time.  In preparation for this game we played Killeagh last Saturday evening at home in Castlelyons.  This was a good warm up for the lads and, indeed, they played well winning on the score of 1-25 to 1-13.  However, Killeagh have also qualified for the quarter final because of the weekend results and play Midleton.  Aghada are a good side as they drew with Erin’s Own.  We have lost a few players to the intermediates and have injuries but great to see some of the younger minor players involved. The lads are making a great effort in training and overall, we should be in with a reasonable chance to make the semifinal.

Panel. v Killeagh: E Barry, D Morrison, L Moroney, C Lawlor, J Healy, C McCarthy, S Fenton, S O’Flynn C O’Flynn, C McGann R Bransfield, D Tobin (0-5 frees), R Fenton (0-2), Ml J Dorgan, A O’Regan, S Cotter, P Roche, R Morrison, S Casey, B O’Donovan and G O’Neill

Stephen Barrett travels from the roads of Coolagown to the hills of the Tour De France.

Always a quiet lad and great to study Stephen Barrett played senior hurling with us for a few years before embarking on an intense sporting life that included winning an Irish cycling championship, representing his country in the world  championships in velodrome cycling and just missing out in the Olympics due to a hitch in the team.  Later while a lecturer at Waterford IT he worked as strength and conditioning coach with Waterford senior hurlers as they reached the all-Ireland Final.  He returned to impart some of his knowledge to Castlelyons hurlers on few occasions and his lessons were invaluable to the lads.  Now on his way to completing a Doctorate in sports science he has hit the big time with what must be the most fascinating job ever for a sporting Castlelyons man as he helps the AG2R La Mondial cycling team attempt to win the Tour De France.  He works on maximizing their potential through coaching, personal training, researching proper equipment and aerodynamics to give advantage. Its certainly some difference from shouting up the field in Páirc an tAthair Peadar to directeur sportif in the Tour De France in a car shouting made at professional cyclists in the heart of the peloton on the race radio.  Congratulations Stephen and best wishes from Castlelyons GAA as you pursue a most interesting side to a great sporting career you are a credit to your family and the parish.

Castlelyons GAA Weekly Lotto Draw.

This draw was held in the Centre on Monday 7.9.20 and the numbers drawn were 6, 7, 12 and 26. There was no winner. The Lucky Dip winners were as follows: - Mary Fenton, Angela O Regan, John Barrett, Mike Geary, Carmel Beecher, Mark O Leary, Kathleen Cashman, and Christy Daly.

Next Draw Monday 14.9.20 in the Community Centre. Thanks for your support and please advise your friends that they can play our Lotto Online or purchase tickets from the usual outlets.

Castlelyons Camogie U18 in Quarter Final.

 Congrats and well done to our U18 girls and their mentors.  They had a mighty win over Tracton in Castlelyons.  This puts them into the quarter final, and they await the winners of Blarney and Rockbán who play shortly.

Votes of Sympathy.

Castlelyons GAA wish to express sincere condolences to the O Sullivan and Fenton families, and to the Cremin families on their recent bereavements. Solas na bhFlaitheas ar a nainmeacha go léir.

Main Club Sponsor: ZEUS Packaging Group




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