Castlelyons GAA Notes WE 22.6.20. 2020-06-29 15:02:00

Fast Forward on return to action.

The latest Government revised roadmap for the opening of society and business was announced on 19.6.20 and Cumann Luthchleas Gael responded to this the following day by fast forwarding into action as pitches open together with non-contact training on Wednesday 24.6.20.  The Minors are back on the 27th with full contact training on the 29th June and championship action on the 17th July.  Then there is a bit of ongoing buffoonery between intercounty county training, intercounty championship weeks and dates which although set is certainly not on limestone.  Let us hope all stays well and we could have an enjoyable autumn.

Intermediate hurling.

Our intermediate hurlers are back training (non-contact) on Friday 26.6.20 and will take it from there as they go through the gears of full contact and, hopefully, full fitness to playing games on the various dates.  They hope to play a few challenge games then as they await the revised draws and dates of the championship.

Some concerns expressed by players and referees for new 2020 season.

The Gaelic Players Association CEO have outlined to the CAA CCC Committee that seventeen per cent of their members may not play again in 2020 due to significant health and safety concerns as we cope with the aftermath of the pandemic and fears of a 'second wave' remain. He has called for inter-county training sessions before 14th September to be covered by injury insurance schemes, a defined closed season, and all Championships to be completed before 2020.  He then outlined that the GPA was in favour of completing the if not enough space in the calendar an open draw with each team getting two games rather than the existing provincial format and desire a defined closed season between 2020 and 2021 competitions.

This is certainly a lot to chew on for Central Competitions Control as they prepare the intercounty fixtures commencing in October.  Some counties are awaiting these fixtures before they make out the club games for county championships and this includes some of the largest counties with most club teams.  Scheduling championship games for over two hundred clubs is a serious piece of work for any county and our new county secretary had an excellent plan for 2020.  No plan survives contact with the enemy and this being Covid-19 it was certainly extraordinary time and it is not gone away.  Our County Secretary had made out an outstanding table of fixtures for 2020 but that has changed now and with a small group he is revising these fixtures again. So, despite a shortened season I have no doubt our county secretary will do a good job again but should be left at it and look after clubs as they are the cradle of our games.

Rebel Óg circulated a proposed blueprint for the shortened season last week.  This had competitions in U12, U14, U16 and minor level but only the minor would have a championship.  The three other age-grades are to be played as leagues and all the competitions starting on the 1.8.20.  There were some clubs unsatisfied as U13 and U15 are not being played this year.  However, the earlier start from Croke Park of 1.7.20 now gives Rebel Óg an opportunity to have another look the competitions and maybe include all age groups as some clubs were not happy.

Intercounty referee David Coldrick has taken to the media to express concern about refereeing in the current scene.  He outlined that he was in contact with other referees and they are many unsure about returning as they must consider family, elderly parents and their own jobs and employment.  They all want to return but must consider is this the right time as these are all valid concerns.  Of course, the first few weeks will tell a lot.  It is important to note that participation is voluntary and the opt in or opt out clause is there for all. 

One thing for sure if all games return referees will be kept busy every evening for the four groups adult, juvenile, camogie and LGFA. There is just one pool of referees and some clubs supply none. Pitch availability will be at a premium as we attempt to cater for adult, juvenile, camogie and LGFA games in the short timeframe.   

Covid-19 Sub Committee.

Our club chairman Con Lawlor is personally chairing a special Covid-19 Sub Committee. This includes the chairman of the Juveniles Declan Spillane and John Coleman of the Camogie Club together with other representatives of all three clubs.  Helen Hussey, Simon Barry, and Colm Barry have put together a training timetable with agreement of all teams for the next few weeks.  It is imperative that all players, mentors, parents/guardians all complete the online education module and the online health questionnaire as soon as possible.  The link is available from officers of all three groups.  Each team should have appointed the Covid Supervisor and should get the names to the chairman.   There will be signage and hand sanitizers will be readily available about the place and must be observed and utilised on entry and exit to the place.  Further instructions will ensue after this Tuesday’s meeting.

It is imperative that all possible precautions are taken as Cumann Lúthchleas Gael attempts a return to play games.  Figures are still profoundly serious in some countries. During the last week alone, we had three international sporting incidents. In soccer was an issue with an unidentified Arsenal player who tested positive, there is a soaring ‘R’ rate in Germany giving a serious cause for worry and there was a postponed Aussie rules game in involving an Irish player.  Coronavirus is not your typical sporting opponent that you can identify, mark tight and take out. Tabhair aire.

 A good day works.

The meitheal is a rare sight nowadays in the rural Ireland of the tractor and the combine harvester.  However, we had a tractor and trailer with a meitheal in Páirc an tAthair Peadar last Saturday. clearing the way for tree felling and the replacement of boundary fencing.  Thanks to all the players and parents who came along.  Thanks especially to George Goggin with his machinery, Willie Casey, Pat O Neill, and Michael John Dorgan with some specialist equipment. There was a mighty turn out and much appreciated.  There are a few more days coming up and no doubt it will be good too. Ní neart go cur le chéile.

Castlelyons Under Fourteen Football Champions 1970.

Castlelyons won the under 14 Football Team East Cork League Champions 1970. This was the first Castlelyons team to win a juvenile competition. Hard to believe it is fifty years ago.  This was a tough league as they played five games and won them all. Dave Hegarty was the manager and coach to the team and fondly recalls 1970. He says they were an excellent side as there were good players all over the field. Dave who is an encyclopaedia of sporting knowledge and has a load of valuable club records had all the scores to hand and they go like this: - Defeated the following teams Bride Rovers 9-4 to 1-2, Lisgoold 5-5- to 0-0, St Catherines 8-6 to 0-0, Carrignabhfear 8-6 to 0-1, and Glenville 5-9 to 2-2.   Thirty-five goals in five games is some scoring.  It is regrettable that three of the team have gone to their eternal reward namely Raymond Murray the captain, John Murphy and most recently Oliver O Brien.  Solas na bhFlaitheas ar a nainmeacha go léir. Many of this team did go on to play a major part with the club both in the playing fields and at the administration tables and are still involved.  The team panel was: - Sean Barry, Michael Lyons, Sean Barry, John Murphy RIP, Maurice Carroll, Liam Barry, Gerry Healy, Anthony O Regan, Patrick Noonan, Pat Quirke, Seamus O Sullivan, Ronnie O Leary, Mossy Burke, John Barrett, Raymond Murray (Capt) RIP, M. J Burns, Oliver O’Brien RIP, Thomas Murphy, and Michael Barrett.  Who knows when matters settle down later on in 2020 there may be a bit of celebration?

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