Intermediate Hurling Challenge.

Castlelyons 2-17 Castlemartyr 0-15

The Intermediate hurlers took on Castlemartyr with James Birmingham the whistler in a challenge at home on last Sunday.  The game was in doubt due to weather conditions and in fairness the pitch was soft in places but there are few pitches available due to the poor winter. 

Our team showed a few changes from last year and we started very well as Colm Barry sent in a long diagonal ball to Aidan O Sullivan who was out first, won his own ball, turned his man and sent a rocket to the net in Kilkenny like fashion.  Alan Fenton sent over a free. Then Aidan O Sullivan again came out fast to meet a good cross from Darragh Lawlor.  Aidan showed great pace and banged in a second goal.  This set the pattern for a good first half display as we led 2-9 to 0-5 at the break.

Castlemartyr did pose strong opposition and no doubt have a good lot of work done.  They made a few changes as the game progressed and got to grips with our lads.  Barry Lawton was outstanding as he scored from frees and play, and Eddie Carroll caught the eye in the forwards as was strong and moved about picking up a lot of ball as they outscored us 0-10 to 0-8 in the second half

We gave all the lads a game as we made a number of changes too in the second half.  This changed the focus of our play as fellows saw the result in the bag.  Overall, this was a good challenge and we got in some valuable game time. 

Our goalies Jack Barry and Shane O Sullivan kept a clean sheet in each half, Cian O Leary was rock solid at full back, Owen Maye was most industrious at midfield and Aidan O Sullivan showed massive early season form as he had ability to win his own ball and tacked on two majors to the scoreboard.

Team: - J Barry, B Carroll, C O Leary, D Varner, C O Neill, C Barry, T Carroll, R Feeney, O Maye, R Bransfield, S Maloney, D Lawlor, R Fenton, A O Sullivan, A Fenton.  Subs: - S O Sullivan, M Murphy, P Mahon, R O Regan, A Spillane, B O Donovan, M J Dorgan, E Barry, A O Regan, S Fenton, Ml Spillane and C McGann. Scores: - A O Sullivan 2-4, A Fenton 0-3 (2f), S Moroney 0-2, R Fenton 0-2, R Bransfield 0-2, R Feeney 0-2, D Lawlor 0-1 and C McGann 0-1(f).

Serious Injury Blow for Colm Spillane.

Colm Spillane our star player left the field after jarring his knee midway through the second half of the Cork versus Waterford league game on Saturday evening last.  It is most unfortunate that a scan has revealed that he has ruptured his cruciate ligament and will undergo surgery in due course.

This is a major blow for Colm as he was in sparkling form this year after a mighty championship season for us last year and, of course, some great displays with Cork in the Munster League and especially the Allianz versus Waterford last Saturday evening.  He now faces a nine-month layoff.

We wish Colm a full and speedy recovery but knowing the commitment and strength of the man we are confident that he will be back better than ever.

County Division 2 Intermediate Hurling League.

This league commences at the weekend and we travel on Sunday to Carrigaline to play the home team on Sunday 28.2.16 at 12 noon. This will be a tough one as Carrigaline are a most competitive outfit who mix the small and big ball with great success as they won the football championship last year.

Nevertheless, our lads have done a bit of work and got in a game.  We have some injuries but there is a big panel and a good start is vital so we must go for it.  We would appreciate your support.

East Cork Under 21 A Football Championship

We play Glanmire in the East Cork U21 A Football on or before Saturday 5^th March.  There is no definite date or venue set to date and due to pitch availability the agreement between the teams to play home or away if a neutral venue cannot be got.  We are ambitious in moving up a grade this year and have a chance to prepare as the weather is improving and our pitch is available again. Best of luck to the lads,  Mark Murphy and his management team.

Membership

Last calls for us to pay up our 2016 membership. The membership fees of €50 for Adults and €20 for Students and Old Aged Pensioners is very reasonable when one looks around the other clubs.   It can be paid to Donal O Leary our Treasurer, Kieran McGann our PRO or any club officer.

Club Lotto Draw on Monday night 22.2.16. 

The numbers drawn tonight were 15, 19, 29 and 32.  There was no winner.

The Jackpot next week is €6,800.

There were eight Lucky Dip Winners as follows: -

Clem Carroll - Clem Carroll:  Eily Whelan - Michael Hegarty:  Shane Fenton Mary Fenton:  Donal Sheehan - Dave Hegarty:  Chris O Sullivan - Chris O Sullivan:  Cathy Sheehan - Post Office:  Nora Hurley - Mike Spillane:  Eamon McCarthy - Dave Hegarty.

Next Week’s Draw on Monday 29.2.16 in the Abbey Tavern at 9.30 pm.  Thanks for your support and please tell your friends they can all play Online or purchase tickets from the usual outlets.

Our Club Main Sponsor: - ZEUS Packaging Group