Castlelyons 0-23 Inniscarra 2-13

Castlelyons have repeated last years feat and made the county semi final PIHC again at the cost of Inniscarra.  In 2020 we enjoyed the plush settings of the Páirc and ran out 3-18 to 1-21 winners over the Muskerry men and last Saturday evening in Riverstown we had four points to spare again. Castlelyons have now come through the group stage turning in a few impressive performances with wins over Watergrasshill, Valley Rovers and Inniscarra.

However, on Saturday evening even though we were ahead on the scoreboard Inniscarra pushed us all the way.  They brought good hurling mixed with a physical side to their game that shook us at times.   We started well and had our nose in front 0-5 to 0-3 at the first water break with Niall O Leary 0-1, James Kearney 0-1 and Alan Fenton putting over 0-3. Keith O’Leary received an unfortunate bang to the head and had to retire early on.

On the resumption Inniscarra narrowed to a point and went really on the attack. A massive turnover from Tom Carroll and he came tearing out to place Dave Morrison who obliged with great 0-1. Niall O Leary now on top of his game scoring 0-1 and setting up Anto for a fine 0-1.  It was noticeable that Sean O’Donoghue their county star was getting no change off an in-form Shane Moroney and centre back Leo Sexton with Leon Doocey were doing well also.  The game ebbed and flowed as we were in for goal opportunities that did not come off.  Our lads kept the scoreboard ticking with 0-3 from Alan Fenton and 0-1 from Anto Spillane.  Inniscarra switched out Sean O’Donoghue to midfield where Alan Fenton and Eoin Maye were going well too.  We led 0-12 to 0-6 at halftime.

On the resumption Inniscarra had 0-4 from play but that was split by 0-2 from frees by a deadly accurate Alan Fenton and Davy Morrison added 0-1. A high ball in from Colm Casey deceived our goalie in the lights a bit and went in for a fortuitous goal but they all count.  However, our reply was instant and clinical as we scored 0-4 without reply which included a great point by Barry Murphy who was hurling mighty and a class one by Anto Spillane as he had it handled twice but put it over off the hurley with the backs crawling all over him.  James Kearney was taken down unceremoniously en route for goal with no correction and again a similar story as Niall O Leary was motoring through but we got a free this time and Alan Fenton put it over plus another 0-1 from distance.  This left the score at the water break 0-19 to 1-10.  We resumption with 0-1 from an A Fenton free and then Inniscarra came back with two points from Sean Sheehan and Fergal O Leary.  Dave Morrison and Niall O Leary replied again for us with points.  Inniscarra came at us hard, but our full back line of Jamie O’Leary, Colm Barry and Tom Carroll held firm, and they needed to as the one ball that was not cleared Liam Ryan scored a cracking goal for Inniscarra to leave just three points in it.  Then young Colm McCarthy who had come on won a dirty ball, turned majestically, and planted a great point for us to put us four up again and heading for the finishing line.  Inniscarra came back and were rewarded with a 21-yard free.  However, it was saved and in a massive struggle the ball was cleared much to the joy of the supporters on the final whistle.

So here we are at the business end of things and word has it could be a semi-final outing against the winners of Kilworth and Valley Rovers.  Both these teams have put in a very strong shift in their groups.  We saw first-hand the skill and craft of Kilworth who had a big win over Aghada in Castlelyons and have shown they are matching their ambitions with hurling. As almost neighbours just across the Blackwaters they would relish a cut off Castlelyons as they have taken us a few times in the past.  Speaking with two Valleys men recently they felt they did not do themselves justice against us in the group game so I have no doubt they would love another crack at us and would set up a little different too.  The gap has really narrowed with no safety net left and it will take massive effort.  So, for the next few weeks it is not the will that matters as all teams will have that it is the will to prepare that matters.  Great work to date lads on qualifying and best of luck in the preparations. Castlelyons Abú.

Panel: J Barry; J O’Leary, C Barry, T Carroll; S Moroney, L Sexton, L Doocey; E Maye, A Fenton; K O’Leary, N O’Leary, R Fenton; D Morrison, A Spillane (Capt), J Kearney. Subs: B Murphy for K O’Leary (2 inj), M Spillane for R Fenton (39), C McCarthy for J Kearney (60). S O’Sullivan, C O’Neill, C McCarthy, D Tobin, L Moroney, B O’Donovan, O Hallihan, S Casey, A O’Regan, D Spillane, P Roche, E Barry, A Kenny, G O’Neill. Manager; C McGann; Selectors P Murphy, S Kenny J Crowley (Coach); Medic P Hanley, Logistics B Hoare.

Weekly Lotto Draw Results for 11.10.21 – Jackpot now €16,800.

This week’s draw was held Monday 11.10.21 and the numbers drawn were 8, 13, 25 and 26. There was no winner, and the Jackpot is now at €16,800. The Lucky Dip winners were as follows: - Liam Óg O’Brien, Oisín Hegarty, Liam Moroney, Polly Shanahan, Rory Waters, Roseanne Tobin, Nelius Murphy, and John Coleman.

The results of the Club Lotto are published on both the Avondhu and social media.  The next draw is Monday 18.10.21 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.

Annual General Meeting.

At our last monthly meeting there was disappointment expressed at the low number of attendees. There was still very interesting discussion.  The Annual General Meeting was fixed for Saturday 20^th November.  There are a few officers and others standing down this year which include the Secretary, PRO, and the Lotto Manager.  No doubt this will provide an opportunity for new blood which can be a conduit for change and driving the Club through the various development phases in the future.

Club Main Sponsor: ZEUS Packaging Group.

By Kieran McGann, PRO Castlelyons GAA Club.