All roads lead to the Park for Imokilly v Midleton in the SHC final next Sunday.

This is great times for hurling with the introduction of the new style championships and sweltering summer Sundays sure we thought the 2018 county season would never end. However, Limerick finally captured the Liam McCarthy cup in style. The Rebels had a good year taking Munster and just coming up short in the semi-final to the Shannonsiders. This last few weeks it’s all about county championships and next Sunday is the grand finale of the Cork senior hurling championship as last year’s champions Imokilly take on Midleton on Sunday at 4pm in the new Park. This writer travelled through Castlelyons, Dungourney and into Midleton on a beautiful autumn evening last week and could not but admire the great land, houses and strong population along the way. The mind wondered about the intrinsic values, history and tradition that makes up East Cork, sure, it’s no wonder the county finalists are from Uí Mac Coille.

This final is an unusual pairing as Midleton the club side take on their own Divisional side in Imokilly. Midleton a club with a long and proud history have won seven Cork senior hurling titles. Their last title was 2013 with Conor Lehane scoring 2-10 and many of that young team are still hurling mighty and raring to go on Sunday. One thing for sure Midleton have been through the mill many times and have a massive club spirit. They are managed by Paddy Fitzgerald with his son Ger on the line. Both Paddy and Ger have a few All Ireland medals between them and assisted by Sean O Brien and other top lads.

Fergal Condon is delivering for Imokilly together with his coaches and selectors Derek Barrett, Jimmy Smiddy, Ciarán Cronin and Sean Harnedy. Imokilly are strong inside the lines too and can showcase current county stars like Colm Spillane, Bill Cooper, Brian Lawton and Sheamie Harnedy. They recorded a facile victory over UCC in the semi-final. Both teams were with laden talent and we were looking forward to a cracker that day. But once Imokilly hit the front with a mighty goal from Sheamie Harnedy they really took over and gave the students a lesson in some of the finer arts of the game. Our three men from Castlelyons Colm Spillane at corner back, Colm Barry at full back and Niall O Leary at centre back were outstanding in that game and Tom Carroll did not get game time. Our lads may be disappointed after the defeat by Courcey Rovers but one of the major honours of the game is to be involved in a Cork senior hurling final. Overall, the question here is spirit and the team that wants it most. We laboured a lot in the Newcestown game and almost came a cropper as many of the lads were not in the zone on the evening. Well, whatever zone or planet is necessary to win on Sunday we better be on it as nothing short of total determination and commitment will break the Midleton spirit. So best of luck and go for it lads.

Imokilly Training and Press Night in Castlelyons.

Imokilly held their training and Press night in Castlelyons last Thursday night. Shane Supple Imokilly PRO had a big selection of reporters and photographers present. However, he wishes to say well done and thanks to so many of the juveniles and parents that attended on the night as it certainly added to the atmosphere. Thanks to Elaine Murphy, Carmel Greaney and Liz O leary for their work in preparing such a spread of refreshments on the night. This shows the ability of the juvenile club to host such a wonderful evening in the Club Bar. Thanks again ladies.

Castlelyons footballers win survival battle.

Castlelyons 2-11 Cobh 2-10

Castlelyons are finding the going tough these days in the various levels. However, last week we travelled to Cobh to play the home side in Division 2 of the East Cork Junior Football League. We found it tough to get fifteen players to travel but full credit to our selectors Donal O Leary, Maurice Carroll and James Moroney they worked hard in getting out the lads as a victory would banish us to Division 3 for the coming year. However, from the minute Paudie Kearney threw in the ball our lads fought hard. We lead 0-7 to 0-5 at half time. In the second half Colm Barry received and injury which slowed him down and we fell behind. Again, we fought back and in injury time Jack Barry finished a good move to the net to give us a valuable win that maintains Division 2 status for 2019

Team: - John Paul Murphy, Liam Moroney, Colm Barry Robbie Feeney, Eoin Maye, Aidan O Sullivan, Tom Carroll, Darragh Lawlor, Shane Moroney, Ronan O Regan, Ciarán McGann, Jack Barry, Dave Beausang, Anthony Spillane, Brian O Donovan.

Junior B Hurlers record good win.

Castlelyons 1-15 Cobh 3-7.

This game was played at home in good conditions and with Mike Walsh on the whistle. Now Mike tends to let the game flow, and this surely contributed to the excitement with some great patches of hurling. Cobh scored an early goal, but Eoin O Neil, Ian O Riordan and Brian O Donovan levelled it with 0-1 apiece. Cobh going on the board again with a few scores but Noel McAuliffe who was doing well at midfield and Ian O Riordan again together with Shane O Flynn left us two up at half time. 1-3 to 0-8. Brian O Donovan got a nasty ankle injury and had to come off. Fair play to Alan O Regan as he was injured himself but came on to play his part.

The second half was even but our backs defended very well, and John Paul Murphy was safe in goal. The game ended in a welter of excitement as Dave Beausang got possession and was fouled. The referee awarded a free in and Shane O Sullivan took it and buried a great goal. Immediately after Ian O Riordan hit over a great point from the sideline for our only victory in this league but nevertheless a great on. Well done to all despite the low numbers.

Team: - John Paul Murphy, Mark Murphy, Liam Moroney, Padraig Murphy, Redmond Walsh, Shane Fenton, Shane Flynn, Brian O Donovan, Noel McAuliffe, Ian O Riordan, Michael John Dorgan, Eoin O Neill, Dave Beausang, Shane O Sullivan and Andrew O Neill. Sub Alan O Regan (inj) but still played for Brian

Lotto Results of the 1.10.18 and 8.10.18 - Jackpot now €12,600

The results of the Lotto Draw held on Monday 1.10.18 in the Club Bar. The Numbers drawn were 2, 15, 22 and 30. There was no winner of the Lotto Jackpot of €12,200. The eight Lucky Dip Winners of €20 each were Phil Shanahan, Tom Barry, Vonnie O Sullivan, Eileen Palmer, Mary Fenton, William Martin, Finian Waters, Carol Carey.

The results of this week’s Lotto Draw held on Monday 8.10.18 in the Club Bar. The Numbers drawn were 6, 7, 18 and 19. There was no winner of the Lotto Jackpot of €12,400. The eight Lucky Dip Winners of €20 each were Helen Hussey, Noreen Broderick, Helen Mackessey, Michelle Tobin, Paddy O Leary, Catriona McCarthy, Tadgh Foley and LNAP Hegarty

Again, next week’s Lotto will be held on this Monday the 8^15th October in the Club Bar at 9.30.pm. The Jackpot is €12, 600. We would ask all patrons and especially those in the Adult, Juvenile and Camogie Clubs to support our Club Lotto. The results of the Club Lotto are published each week on both the Avondhu and social media. Thanks for your support and please remind your friends that they can play our Lotto Online or purchase from the usual sources.

Castlelyons GAA Raffle Winners 

This years Raffle took place in the Club bar on Saturday night and the results were as follows: - 1^st Prize Redmond Walsh, Ballyroberts. 2^nd Prize Declan O Keeffe Fermoy. 3^rd Prize Paddy Woods Abbeylands. 4^th Prize Nelius Murphy, Coolagown and 5^th Prize Marcella McGrath, Kill St Anne. At our monthly meeting recently, Chairman Con Lawlor thanks all for their great support and outlined that the Draw was a great success.

Votes of Sympathy.

Our Club wishes to extend sincere sympathy to the Coughlan, Ryan and O Sullivan families on their recent bereavement. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a ainm dílis.

Club Main Sponsor: ZEUS Packaging Group.