Castlelyons 3-21 Watergrasshill 1-11.

Well folks the long awaited first round of our Co-Op Superstores PIHC game with Watergrasshill was held in Páirc na Bríde on Saturday at 3pm. The day was perfect for hurling with just a slight breeze down towards the village. A word on the set up and well done to Bride Rovers as the pitch was pristine, the arrangements top class for parking with a programme supplied and loads of stewards in high viz to assist.  No doubt it their staged development is certainly going well.

Castlelyons had prepared well this game but were hampered in preparations by a few injuries as Colm Barry and Barry Murphy were out and Colm Spillane had a slight problem as well.  Of course, the ‘Hill were without Daire O’Leary and Shane O’Regan went off injured.  We started the game showing massive form and led 2-7 to 0-3 at the first sos uisce as Eoin Maye and Alan Fenton were really motoring in the middle, both scoring but better still sending in great ball as the full line of Anthony Spillane, James Kearney and Brian Morrison done well and got vital scores.   We lost our intercounty man Colm Spillane through injury and his brother Michael Spillane came on for him. We continued to play very well and closed out a great first half hurling leading 3-13 to 1-5.

The second half was a more dogged affair as Watergrasshill fought back with a lot of spirit.  This time it was the turn of our backs to take a bit of pressure, but they coped very well as Tom Carroll, Niall O’Leary, and especially Jamie O’ Leary, did well in the full back line.  Their intercounty man Shane Óg O’Regan of the ‘Hill did his very best and put over frees, two sweet sideline points and, of course struck the first half goal.  We still led 3-16 to 1-9 at the last sos uisce.  Colm O’Neill came on for Eoin Maye and we done well overall in second half as Shane Moroney, Leo Sexton, and Leo Doocey in the half back line, Alan Fenton with 0-8, and Mike Spillane 0-3 showed fine form.  Well done to the team and management mar deirtear tosach maith leath na hoibre. Referee Niall O’Neill of Midleton had a good authoritative game too.

Next week it’s off to the back of the Powder Mills in Ballincollig for a tussle with Valley Rovers.  Now this will be a tough one as the Valleys are a strong physical team already after beating the famed Nemo Rangers in the Cork SFC and then taking up the camáns and defeating Inniscarra in the PIHC at the weekend.  They will be all out to keep the fast lane, and it will take a massive effort from Castlelyons to stay with them.  Remember 5.30pm Saturday 18.921 in Ballincollig and tickets are available on the Cork website.  We would appreciate all possible support.

Team: Jack Barry (0-1), Jamie O’Leary, Niall O’Leary, Tom Carroll, Shane Moroney, Leo Sexton, Leon Doocey, Eoin Maye (0-2), Alan Fenton (0-8), Keith O’Leary, Colm Spillane, Ronan Fenton, Dave Morrison (1-1), Anthony Spillane (1-2), James Kearney (1-4). Subs: Mike Spillane (0-3) for Colm (inj), Colm O’Neill for Eoin Maye.

Castlelyons v Valley Rovers PIHC - Ballincollig on Saturday 18.9.21 at 5.30pm – All Ticket

This game is all ticket again; Adult €8; Senior Citizens / Students €5; and note that tickets for Juvenile/U16 tickets will not be required for Club Championship games taking place outside of Páirc Uí Chaoimh and Páirc Uí Rinn. As in other years, Juveniles/U16s can gain entry free of charge at the gate.

East Cork Junior B Hurling Championship.

Carrigtwohill 2-22 Castlelyons 2-11.

This game was played in Lisgoold early on Sunday morning.  The team had lost a few to the intermediate team and it appeared that there may be one or two missing.  Carrig put five points on the board before we rose the first flag, a point from Brian O’Donovan.  We upped our game through good covering in the back line by Liam Moroney, Stephen Casey, and Conor McCarthy.  Colm McCarthy showed some great touches and put over a few points as Dunny and Mike Geary scored a point apiece.  Shane O’Sullivan very sound in goals for us pulled off a massive save from Shane Healy. Then Oscar Hallihan won a turnover and crossed to Dara Spillane who slammed in a great goal leaving it 1-10 to 1-8 at half time in favour of Carrig. 

Unfortunately, we could not keep with the overall strength of Carrig in the second half as they ran our winners 2-22 to 2-11.  This was an experience for some of our younger players as 18-year-old Colm McCarthy had a fine game notching 1-9 from play and other young players Oscar Hallihan, Dara Spillane.  Generally, while the scoreboard might show an eleven-point deficit we were well in until the last water break and had two players dismissed which did not help. Carrigtwohill are a senior club with a massive set up and strong playing numbers so well-done lads.  Let’s keep it going and give it all in the next game which is scheduled for Sunday 19.9.21 at 11.30am with venue and referee to be arranged.

Panel: Shane O’Sullivan, Eoin Barry, Liam Moroney, Stephen Casey, Declan Geary, Conor McCarthy, Mike Geary, Brian O’Donovan, Colm McCarthy, Alan O’Regan, Darren Tobin, Richard Morrison, David Beausang, Dara Spillane, Oscar Hallihan, Michael Griffin, and Ian O’Sullivan.  

Castlelyons Ladies football club.

Castlelyons Under 12s played their first football match away to Ballyduff last Monday evening. Our thanks to Ballyduff for inviting us.  The mentors were relay looking forward to this game as it was the team’s first outing.  However, they pleasantly surprised as the girls played great football. It was a great match to watch with the game flowing from end to end and plenty of excitement and great scores from both sides.

A buala bos to their coaches Donal O'Callaghan, Cathal Doherty and Pat Finn who have done a great job. It was history making stuff and congrats to the girls who are a credit to the club and parish.  The next outing for the Under 12s is at home to Lisgoold this Saturday with an 11.30 throw in.

Note: The first Ladies Gaelic Football Club meeting takes place this Thursday evening 16.9.21 at 8.30pm in the Community Centre at 8.30pm. All welcome.

Camogie Finals bring huge support to Croke Park.

We recently had the Ladies Gaelic Football Finals and last weekend it was the turn of the Camogie Finals in Croke Park, and they were all so exciting with a higher standard every year.  There were young groups from both Castlelyons, and Fermoy at the Camogie games.  All the juveniles had a great day out even though Cork were just pipped by Galway in the final. Well done to all the adults who helped as days like these stay in the mind for a lifetime.

Rebel Óg Fé 17 Football Championship

Whitechurch 4-8 Castlelyons 4-2

We were away to Whitechurch in this game. Unfortunately, due lack of numbers and other games on the same night, we only had 12 players. These 12 put up a great performance and we led at half time. However, we couldn’t keep up the pace towards the end of the second half and with Whitechurch able to use 5 strong substitutions, they got the better of us in the end.

Panel: Aaron Fenton, Anthony Moron, Marc Callinan, Gearoid O Sullivan, Mathew Rosner, Oisin Morrisson, Cees Kwoenberg, Patrick Dooley, Olan Lenehan, Jack Cremin, Cian O’Callahan and Brian Spillane.

Castlelyons 5-5 Ballycastle Gaels 1-2

Last Friday we hosted Ballycastle Gaels in the Fé 17 football championship. This time we had more numbers and both clubs agreed beforehand to go with 15 aside. While Ballycastle were big physically and well able to make runs towards our goals, our backs were excellent on the night turning over the ball and letting us attack. We managed to turn these attacks into scores and after another tough game, we came out on top. Huge thanks to the Fé 14 lads who made themselves available and were excellent on the night.

Panel: Aaron Fenton, Tom O Neill, Anthony Moron, Colman O Flynn, Marc Callinan, Gearoid O Sullivan, Adam Lardner, Mathew Rosner, Leon Shanahan, Oisin Morrisson, Cees Kwoenberg, Brian Spillane, Ritchie Barry, Patrick Dooley, Olan Lenehan, Jack Cremin and Cian O Callaghan. Castlelyons Abú

Rebel Óg Fé 14 Football

Clyda Rovers 2-14 Castlelyons 2-4.

On Wednesday Castlelyons travelled to play Clyda Rovers for probably our last football match of the season. The evening was damp. The referee didn't turn up, but we agreed to use one of the Clyde lads as referee.  He done well and let the game flow. We came up against a good Clyda team who haven't been beaten this season. Unfortunately going into the game, we lost four good players Seanie, Dylan, Kevin and Ronan and being short Patrick Verling and Jack O’Connor, we were always under pressure. This has been the same for us all season and if you were to take six of any other teams’ best players it would be a different outcome in all the matches.

Once again, we called on the Under 13s to help us and we had Shane Hallihan in goal, and he brought off some great saves and we had John O'Neil and Gearoid McCarthy who played very well for us. As the match started, Clyda got the first three points, but Torin found himself in space and rattled the back of the net. We then lost Luke Morrison through injury, which was another huge loss to us, but credit to Clyda they took off one of their lads to keep the teams equal. Clyda got the next three points and scored their first goal and tapped over another point. But our goal scorer supreme Torin hit the back of the net for his second goal, Clyda added another point before the half time break leaving the score at 1-8 to 2-0.

Starting the second half Clyda got the first point and then Tom O'Neil supporting the attack added another point.   Unfortunately, that was to be our last score of the evening, but Clyda added another 1-4.  A big plus was having Peter Verling back after a long injury spell. Delighted to have you back Peter. All the lads worked well and played good football but, on the day, Clyda were too strong for us. Our next outing is hurling, and we have been invited to a memorial tournament by Bride Rovers on the 2.10.21 so we are looking forward to that.

Aidan O’Sullivan and Darragh Lawlor win the senior double in the USGAA

Congratulations to two Castlelyons stalwarts who won the double hurling and football in the USGAA Championships this year. Aidan O’Sullivan and Darragh Lawlor hit for Boston, USA a few years ago and quickly settled into the life of the Irish Diaspora. They joined up with Donegal Boston in Football and Galway Boston in hurling and had success in the first year over there. However, this year they both played the hurling with Galway and won the NE Division thus qualifying for the finals of the USGAA SHC.

In the hurling final they defeated Fr Tom Burkes in the final 1-18 to 1-11 with Darragh at midfield and he had a top game fetching and distributing a pile of ball and Aidan at wing forward had good game too. Then in they won the football NE Division with Donegal Boston and qualified for the finals of the USGAA SFC. In the football final they defeated Kevin Barry's of Philadelphia 1-13 to 1-7 with Darragh again at midfield, doing well, and this time Aidan was corner back and he had a mighty game. Is this a record? Have we any two players from the same club in Ireland and winning the double hurling & football USGAA senior championships in the same year. Well done lads and comhghairdeas again from Castlelyons GAA.

Castlelyons GAA Weekly Lotto Jackpot now at €16,000. 

This week’s draw was held Monday 13.9.21 and the numbers drawn were 11, 15,16 and 32. There was no winner, and the Jackpot is now at €16,000. The Lucky Dip winners were as follows: - 

• EJN O’Leary. 
• Michael Barrett. 
• Mary Quinn. 
• Mary Quinn (X2). 
• Orla O’Sullivan. 
• Martina Minihane.
• Padraig M.
• Mark Henley.

The results of the Club Lotto are published on both the Avondhu and social media.  The next draw is Monday 20.9.21 at the Centre. Thanks so much for your support and please advise your friends that they can play our Lotto, ONLINE or purchase tickets from the usual outlets.

Castlelyons GAA Special General Meeting now on Saturday 2^nd October at 5.30pm.

This meeting originally arranged for 28^th August but was postponed due to unforeseen circumstances. The Club is hoping to lay down a development plan for both lands recently purchased, existing lands and the clubhouse. A piece of work has been carried out on available funding including capital sports grants, viewing other club layouts, plus preparatory work on planning permission. The Steering Group have prepared a Development Plan with some options. The movement of the existing pitch further down partly onto new lands purchased thus ensuring additional carparking close to the clubhouse and leaving room to develop and extend the current clubhouse in time.  The development of a synthetic pitch up near the Abbey lands road or down behind the existing pitch is another dependant consideration.  It is generally agreed that a second top class pitch meeting all necessary criteria will be constructed on the new lands purchased.  Accordingly, a Special General Meeting of the Club will now be held on Saturday 2nd October at 5.30pm to present and discuss the options in this proposed development plan.  This will give members an opportunity of deciding the best way forward and it is important there is a full attendance on the evening.

Big games return to Castlelyons.

This Saturday its Kilworth versus Aghada in Páirc Ó Laoighaire at 2pm for a round two clash in the PIHC.  This should be a cracker between two teams going all out to progress as defeat could be serious.  Kilworth levelled at the death in their game with Ballincollig 1-20 to 0-23 whereas Aghada suffered a heavy defeat at the hands of Ballinhassig 0-17 to 3-24.  This makes the match up in Castlelyons vital for both to progress in the championship.  We would appreciate some assistance from club members for the game so please be at the pitch for 12.45pm.  Thanks again.

Votes of Sympathy

Castlelyons GAA wish to extend sincere sympathy to the Noonan family, Bandon, and the McAuliffe family, Castlelyons on the sad passing of Irene Noonan (née McAuliffe), Allen Square, Bandon. Suaimhneas síoraí dá hanam dílis.

Castlelyons GAA wish to extend condolences to Mrs Kitty Cahill, daughters Annemarie (Motherway) & Kaye (Maher), sons Philip & Maurice and the extended Cahill family on the sudden passing of Philip Bunty Cahill of Cloyne. The late Bunty was renowned in Cumann Lúthchleas Gael with his native Cloyne and President of the Cloyne Club. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam uasal.

Adult Fixtures.

• PIHC: Aghada v Kilworth in Castlelyons Saturday 18.9. @ 2pm.
• PIHC: Castlelyons v Valley Rovers in Ballincollig Saturday 18.9. @ 5.30pm
• JBHC: Castlelyons v Dungourney Venue TBA Sunday 19.9. @ 11.30am.

Rebel Óg Fixtures.

• Fé 12 H Play Off: Castlelyons v Bride Rovers in Castlelyons Monday 20.9.@ 7pm.
• Fé 17 FC: St Catherines v Castlelyons in Ballynoe Saturday 25.9 @ 12md.
• Fé 13 HL Semi Final Ballyhea v Castlelyons in Ballyhea Saturday 25.9. @ 12md.

Camogie Fixtures.

• Junior A CH: Castlelyons v St Vincents in Carrigtwohill Friday 17.9 @ 7.30pm.
• Fé 16 Plate S/F: Castlelyons v Sliabh Rua in Ballymartle Sunday 19.9 @5.30pm.
• Junior C CH: Castlelyons v Kilbree or St Fanahans Venue, Date TBA.

Club Main Sponsor: ZEUS Packaging Group.

Notes by Kieran McGann PRO Castlelyons GAA