Castlelyons Under 21 Hurlers advance in close encounter

Castlelyons 0-20 Sarsfields 0-19

We headed across to nearby to a well prepared Páirc De Bríde for the Under 21A Championship versus Sarsfields on Friday evening and came out on top in an entertaining game by just one point. The evening was dry with a tough breeze blowing into the town goals. On paper our team looked very strong, but we had to line out minus Ian Riordan and Shane Cotter who were injured, also, Mark Spillane and Richard Morrison retired at half time through injury. Sarsfields, had a recent win over Blackrock in the premier section. They have a tremendous academy and its showing as they have a massive panel of players at this age.

We started with the breeze and had a lot of possession as Keith O Leary had 0-2, Barry Murphy 0-2, James Kearney 0-2 and Mark Spillane 0-1 while Patrick O Driscoll had 0-4 (2 frees) for Sarsfields to leave it 0-7 to 0-4 after 15 minutes. Mark Spillane had 0-1 again, Keith O Leary 0-2 and Davy Morrison 0-2 while Patrick O Driscoll had another 0-3 (frees) for Sarsfields to leave us 0-12 to 0-7 up at half time. During the first half we had twelve wides’ and committed a few needless fouls but we were under pressure at times and the full back line of Jamie O Leary, Conor McCarthy and Redmond Walsh done well while Peter Roche and Barry Murphy hurled well at midfield.

Shane Bargery and Jack Kenny came on for Mark Spillane and Richard Morrison at half time as the lads were carrying knocks. Bargery and Kenny did very well. The big battle certainly materialised in the second half as Sarsfields found their range. Patrick O Driscoll was accurate for them again from both frees and play and John Kelleher with strong stuff influenced the game a lot. However, Eoin O Neill, Niall O Leary and Leon Doocey came to the fore in the half back line while Dave Morrison, Keith O Leary and Barry Murphy hurled mighty for us for a while. John Paul Murphy made two excellent saves towards the end for us. It was level in injury time and Dave Morrison put us 0-1 up. Sarsfields went for the jugular but both and when Conor McCarthy came out with the last ball for us and the referee blew it up it was a relief but nice to win by one.

Hopefully we will have Ian Riordan, Shane Cotter and the other injured lads back in the reckoning the next day. There are areas for improvement particularly needless fouling, over engagement with the referee and some wild shooting at times and is a bit prevalent with the older players in the other teams too. This is a matter for coaching and team meetings when all train together. The referee Shane Hodgins from the Knockshegowna Club in North Tipperary while a bit peckish with the whistle did a good job overall. Once he blows no point in talking as he rightly brings the ball forward. Well done lads anyway and especially to our mentors Colm Barry, Anthony Spillane and Eoin Maye. Good times with juniors and intermediates still in their championships and a minor final coming up.

Team: J P Murphy, J O Leary, C McCarthy, R Walsh, E O Neill, N O Leary, L Doocey, P Roche, S Cotter, K O Leary, Barry Murphy, M Spillane, R Morrison, D Morrison, J Kearney. Fir Ionad: G O Neill, A O Neill, S Flynn, J Kenny, S Bargery, J Ronayne, D Geary, A Henley, S Morrison, S Casey, I Riordan.

Minor Footballers defeated by Lisgoold in Rebel Óg East Final.

Castlelyons 1-3 Lisgoold 2-8

Castlelyons Minor Footballers were at home to Lisgoold in the Rebel Óg East Final on Wednesday evening, but this advantage was not enough as we suffered a 2-8 to 1-1 defeat. We knew that Lisgoold were strong but having defeated St Catherines 1-9 to 2-9 in the semi-final we were hopeful. Richard Morrison our main man was sick for the game but played and he scored 1-1 in the first half. Goalie Peter Greaney made a few great saves as Declan Geary Dara Spillane and Declan Morrison were busy in the full back line. The half time score was 2-4 to 1-1 and we were still in it.

We started well in the second half scoring two early points and had a few wides as Shane Cotter, Oscar Hallihan, Gavin O Neill and Leo Shanahan drove at them. Overall Lisgoold were a stronger team and had a bit more footballing skills than us. They finished 2-8 to 1-1 deserving winners. We have the hurling final to come versus St Catherines shortly so let’s have a right cut off this as we are better at the hurling, but a savage effort will be required. Manager Pat O Neill, Selector and coaches Willie Casey, Alan Fenton and Niall O Leary will be working hard in the next week and we wish them the best of luck.

Team: P Greaney, D Geary, D Spillane, D Morrison, S Cotter, M O Sullivan, L Doocey, J Kearney, R Morrison, E Lenihan, C McCarthy, J Kenny, O Halligan, G O Neill, I Ryan. Subs: I O Sullivan, M Griffin, L Shanahan, C Kouwenberg, A Fenton, and S Casey.

Intermediate Hurling Challenge.

Tracton 1-18 Castlelyons 0-14

We were at home to Tracton in an Intermediate challenge on Saturday evening. Tracton came with a full team as they are out shortly in the IHC. We were short the lads involved with Imokilly and UCC and some U21’s who had a hard game the previous evening. Eoin Maye, Darren Tobin an Alan Fenton all had scores in the first half as we put 0-8 on the board but Tracton managed 1-9 as their free taker Ronan Walsh landed 0-5 from frees.

Tracton dominated for a while of the second half but Brian Carroll, Liam Moroney and Declan Varner did very well. Robbie Feeney worked hard in the full line and Darren Tobin clipped over a few good scores for us. Overall this was a good game for fringe players, and they done very well. We have a bit of tidying up to do for the championship in two weeks’ time. We have the training done but it was that great one himself that said I don’t count my sit ups I only count them when it starts hurting as they are the only ones that count. The players must endeavour to rub off all the scratches and war wounds getting themselves right for the game while management must endeavour to get the best side out. We know our opponents Inniscarra are in a good place and are motoring well with two big wins especially the Mallow one recently se we must be ready.

Well done to Cork Minor footballers.

Well it is a case of putting on your red shoes and dancing the blues away as Cork minor footballers made it two all-Ireland titles out of three finals this year to end the famine. A fantastic 3-20 to 3-14 extra time victory over Galway a few weeks after bagging the U20 football All Ireland title certainly puts Cork back in the big time. There were a lot of heroics on Sunday and none more so that young Conor Corbett who scored 1-7. So, its onwards and upwards for Cork football and credit to all involved.

Results of Weekly Lotto Draw. 

Our weekly club lotto draw was held in the Peddlers on Monday 2^nd September and the numbers drawn were 3, 20, 26 and 29. There was no winner. There were eight Lucky Dip winners were as follows: Nora Connolly, Bridget Maye, Michelle Griffin, Ester O Sullivan, Colman O Connell, Mary Geary, Patricia Lawlor and Claire Daly.

Next week’s draw will be held on Monday 9th September at 9.30pm in the Peddlers. The Jackpot is still a massive €20,000 so don’t forget your ticket for next week. The results of the Club Lotto are published on both the Avondhu and social media. Thanks to all our Lotto players who support us each week as without you we would not be able to invest in the future of our club.

Imokilly hurlers advance to quarter final of SHC.

Last year’s county senior hurling finalists Midleton and Imokilly were billed to play for a place in the last eight of the SHC in Carrigtwohill on Sunday evening. Played in the heart of the barony a huge crowd milled in early. Traffic arrangements, stewarding and the pitch were top class by the Carrigtwohill club, and wouldn’t it be great to see a few more of these games back in East Cork. Midleton had prepared well for the game but the expected challenge did not materialise until well into the second half when they reduced Imokilly’s big lead to 0-3. Imokilly drove on again and won 0-34 to 4-16. Imokilly did score a massive number of points but their shots on goal were few. This was a good win but there will be tougher days ahead. Our own men Colm Barry did well at full back and Anthony Spillane (0-2), especially in the second half had a good game too. Tom Carroll and Barry Murphy are also on the panel.

East Cork Hurling Final in Lisgoold on Sunday 8^th September.

The East Cork Junior Hurling final between Carrignabhfear and Russell Rovers is on at 6pm in Lisgoold next Sunday evening at 6pm. Russell Rovers the defending champions won it for the first-time last year while Carrignabhfear won it in 2008 and 2012. Russell Rovers have won all their games while Carrignabhfear were defeated by the ‘Hill before reversing the result against the same team in the semi Final. Carrignabhfear are a club with a growing population and matching it with the development of a second pitch and draining of their main one. Russell Rovers another growing club had a narrow victory over St Ita’s in the other semi-final. The host club Lisgoold are boosting a new set of dressing rooms, four in total, new gym, new meeting room and a synthetic pitch presently under construction. They have hosted East Cork finals previously and we wish them well. Finally, the referee for the game will be Jim Hennessey, Dungourney.

Castlelyons GAA Draw.

Castlelyons are embarking on a major fundraising draw. We have many teams involved in the business end of the championships and there is a serious outlay in repairs and pitch maintenance to cater for an array of teams both boys and girls. The draw will comprise of five euro per ticket with first prize 500 euros, second 300 euros and third 200 euros so we are looking to all members of our committees and clubs giving a handout in sales. The general involvement in and social values of the local GAA Club are invaluable to the local community and we appreciate your support as always.

Wedding Bells.

Congratulations to Marie Murphy and Martin Fitzgerald who were married recently at St Nicholas Church, Castlelyons. Marie, a sister of Peter and Eoin who were stalwarts with us down the years, is a camogie star herself and a great supporter of our club. So, to Marie and Martin may the years ahead be filled with lasting joy.

Fixtures.

Sunday 8^th September: East Cork Junior ~B Hurling Championship Quarter Final Castlelyons v Dungourney: Venue & Time TBA.

Tuesday 10^th September: Rebel Óg East Division 2 Minor Hurling Final: Castlelyons v St Catherines: Venue & Time TBA.

Castlelyons Main Sponsor: ZEUS Packaging Group.