Victory for Castlelyons in CO-OP Superstores Senior 'A' Hurling Championship.

Castlelyons 0-24 Bishopstown 0-17.

We headed for Blarney on Saturday evening to play Bishopstown in the first round of the SHC ‘A’ down a few players from last season. Leo Sexton a loyal servant of many years had retired, Colm Spillane and Oscar Hallihan were both out through injury and Keith O’Leary was doubtful. However, the lads had trained well and despite a weak first half display we turned up the tempo to come home with a few points to spare over a strong Bishopstown team.  But there is room for improvement, and we will need it as games get tougher.

Our man Barry Murphy, who had been going well this season, received a serious leg injury on the throw in and was replaced by Darren Tobin.  Bishopstown started well with two points from play and our backs were under pressure but managed to hold up well as Colm Barry and Niall O’Leary cleared early trouble.  Dave Morrison came outfield to claim a great ball but was fouled. Alan Fenton put over the free and Anthony Spillane pointed from play.  Bishopstown came again but failed to take their chances. Aidan O’Sullivan who was outstanding on the night in the half back line placed Leon Doocey with a great ball and Leon pointed.  Then further trouble for us as Eoin Maye had to go off injured and was replaced by Shane Cotter.

Bishopstown’s Brian Murray outstanding around the middle pointed and was fouled which led to another score as Shane Cotter scored for us.  Then at four points apiece Bishopstown were awarded a penalty.  However, Jack Barry, who had a fine game for us made a mighty save.  We then went two points ahead. Bishopstown who had several of their football team fresh from a big win over Dohenys in the SFC and some more junior footballers adapted a sweeper system and came back hard putting over four points on the trot to go two up as we had lost shape.  However, some good hurling by Liam Moroney and Aidan O’Sullivan lifted the siege and Alan Fenton point a free with Anto adding one from play in between a good point for Bishopstown.  This left the half time score 0-10 to 0-11 in favour of the Bishopstown, and they were full value for that lead.

The second half saw some good hurling at times as Castlelyons upped the tempo and got stuck into a game that was slipping a bit from them in the first half.   Our half back line of Liam Moroney, Aidan O’Sullivan and now Niall O’Leary done well with James Kearney going through the gears at midfield as Doocey and Morrison got some great scores.  Colm McCarthy made some great catches and fired over a great point too.  But Bishopstown were hanging in there.  It took a massive effort from our lads and the introduction of Keith O’Leary helped as he put over two points.  Dave Morrison made a most innocuous contact with the Bishopstown goalie and received a straight card which could render him unavailable for our next game.   It was interesting that Bishopstown continued to a sweeper system even against fourteen for the remainder of the game as we held our shape and finished out the game with good hurling and took our scores well.

The Blarney pitch was in immaculate condition.  The referee Brendan Barry Murphy was up with play and had a good game.  Our next outing is on Saturday 16th August when we play Ballyhea in Kildorrery at 6.30pm.  They were defeated by Inniscarra at the weekend and will be all out to claim a win against us.  Well done all with tougher days ahead. Castlelyons Abú

Castlelyons: Jack Barry; Niall O’Leary, Colm Barry, Darragh Spillane; Shane Moroney, Aidan O’Sullivan (0-1), Peter Roche; James Kearney (0-1), Colm McCarthy 0-1; Eoin Maye, B Murphy, L Doocey; D Morrison (0-3), Anthony Spillane (0-4), Alan Fenton (0-9).  Subs: Darren Tobin (0-2) for B Murphy, Shane Cotter (0-1) for Eoin Maye, Keith O’Leary (0-2) for Colm McCarthy (50), Colm McCarthy for Leo Doocey.

Rebel Bounty Draw.

The July Draw was held in Mallow on Thursday 31^st July and streamed but did not go out live and the results were sent out on Friday evening 1st August.  There was no winner from Castlelyons in July.

Best wishes to Oscar Hallihan.

The club wishes our man Oscar Hallihan the best and a speedy recovery as he undergoes surgery for a serious injury received some weeks ago in a game with the Club and, also, to Barry Murphy who came off injured in the Bishopstown game on Saturday evening last.

Four Cork Minors 2025 Electric Ireland GAA Minor Star Hurling Team of the Year.

Four Cork rising stars have been recognised on the national stage as they were selected on the 2025 Electric Ireland GAA Minor Star Hurling Team of the Year. Cork won the Munster Championship and got to the All-Ireland semi-final and were defeated by Clare.  But great to see Cormac Deane (Killeagh), Colm Garde (Lisgoold), Darragh Heavin (Russell Rovers), and Michael Tadhg Brosnan (Glen Rovers), earning their place among the country’s elite minor talent. Clare had four selected while Kilkenny had two and Waterford the All-Ireland Champions had five.

Hurling Championship games in Castlelyons.

Maybe spirits were down for a few days after the All-Ireland defeat by Tipperary but there is no doubt about it there is something unique about the Cork club championships as they captivate the supporters with good hurling.  There was a huge number of games on the weekend, and Castlelyons hosted the IAHC game between Ballygiblin and Erins Own.  The evening was fine, and a good crowd were treated to great hurling with Erin’s Own winners by 2-22 to 2-19.

Our grounds, new pitch and stand and surround looked great.  Thanks to all the stewards who carried out the various tasks and the girls in the shop.  Our next game in Castlelyons is the Co-Superstores PIHC, Lisgoold versus Mallow, on Sunday 17th August at 1.30pm and a big crowd is expected.  Make yourself available for stewarding, if possible, mar a deirtear ní neart gur cur le chéile.

Special Meeting of Castlelyons GAA Club on Monday 11.8.25 at 8pm.

The Club is holding a monthly and special meeting on Monday 11.8.25 at 8pm.  There are some very important matters to be discussed on forthcoming development and finance.  It would be appreciated if all club members could attend, please.  

Kilmagner National School Golf Classic.

Kilmagner N.S. will hold a Golf Classic in Lismore Golf Club on Friday 29th and Saturday 30th August.  It will be a three-person full scramble at €75 per team and the timetable will be posted in the Club House.  Sponsorship is available.  Main Sponsors €250 (team included) and tee-box sponsor €50.  Contact 085 54026 and 083 4880145.

Rebel Óg – Hurling Week – Castlelyons.

It was a mixed bag for Castlelyons hurlers this past week as our Under 14s were comprehensively defeated by Whitechurch in the division 2 league and our Under 16s were defeated by St Colmans in division one league.  However, our minors had a facile victory over Cobh in the Division 2 hurling championship.   We had several players on holidays but as we move towards the business end of the season let’s hope all are available and we pick up a bit of success as all our management groups are working hard.

Rebel Óg Fixtures.

• Saturday 9.8.25 U12 FL: Castlelyons v Fermoy: in Castlelyons at 2pm.
• Monday 11.6.25 U16 HC: Castlelyons v Lisgoold: in Castlelyons at 7.30pm.
• Wednesday 13.8.25 U18 HC: Nemo Rangers v Castlelyons: in Trabeg at 7.30pm.

Junior B Hurling Championship.

• Saturday 9.8.25 East Cork JBHC: Castlelyons v St Catherines: in Rathcormac at 7pm. 

Notes: Kieran McGann Communications Officer.

Club Sponsor: East Cork Oil.