Castlelyons qualify for the semi - final of the Cork Senior A Hurling Championship.

Co-Op Superstores Senior A Hurling Championship.

Castlelyons 2-18 Inniscarra 1-19

This was a big game for both teams in Páirc Uí Rinn on Saturday evening.  The weather conditions with rain and strong breeze blowing straight down the Blackrock end were not conducive to good hurling.  Even the supporters seemed locked away in the bowls of the Stands as they took to the shelter. The game was a bit tame in the first half but came to life in the second as we managed a three-point victory over the Muskerry men to make the semi-finals of the Co-Op Superstores Senior A Hurling Championship for the second year in a row.

We started well with a point from play by Anthony Spillane.  Inniscarra had three points while Alan Fenton had two points from frees for us.  We were a little wayward in our shooting and gradually Inniscarra eased themselves into control of the proceedings. A point from midfielder Joseph Enright and massive sideline cut from Pádraig Holland put Inniscarra 0-5 to 0-3 ahead on fifteen minutes.  Olan Linehan, who replaced the injured Leon Doocey, was doing well and was fouled.  Alan Fenton converted it.  But Inniscarra went on the rampage aided by the wind for a while putting 0-4 without reply from us. Nevertheless, our backs in particular Colm Spillane and Niall O’Leary and Colm Barry done well.  Keith O’Leary got one back for us while Sean O’Donoghue who was hurling well for Inniscarra concluded the first half proceedings with a point to leave the score 0-5 to 0-12 in favour of Inniscarra.

We started the second half in determined manner with Keith O’Leary striking over 0-1.  Olan Linehan won a vital ball in a ruck and parted to Alan Fenton who obliged with a good point.  Our backs and midfield were doing well now too and getting on top as Keith with two and Alan with one made it 0-10 to 0-12 and it was game on.  Inniscarra plundered for another point, but Darren Tobin scored again for us.  This was our sixth point in over five minutes, and we were now just two points down.  Inniscarra were proving a bit stubborn but credit our backs like the first half for a lot of hooking and blocking.  Another attack resulted in a harmless free to us, but an Inniscarra player threw away the ball and the referee brought it up closer to goal.  Alan Fenton lined up to take it and being the sniper that he is he sensed the unsettled atmosphere in the Inniscarra line up and planted the free in the net for a cracking goal.  Shane Moroney then made a great catch made ground and scored a fine point while Inniscarra replied.  Niall O’Leary hurling a pile of ball all day won possession on the Cork Con sideline and from well over 70 yards put over a beauty to put us up 1-14 to 0-14 with 15 minutes left.

Inniscarra pulled a point back and Keith O’Leary in fine form added another for us.  Then came a great pick up and run by Dave Morrison.  He shot low but it was saved by the goalie.  The ball broke loose for that moment and Anthony Spillane the supreme poacher was on hand to lash to the net for a vital goal for us. They got a point back but again Niall O’Leary scored another monster of a point from way back the Boreenmanna Rd side this time.  We need it because Inniscarra got a handy goal leaving the score 2-1 to 1-17 and putting them right back in the game.  Then came for this writer was the score of the game when Anthony Spillane won a great ball and turned shaking off Sean O’Donoghue’s tackle to score and put us three points up again on 59 minutes.  Dave Morrison done well again and was fouled, and we scored the free.  The last few minutes of extra time was all Inniscarra as they got a goal and a point leaving just a goal in it.  However, our lads defended very well as one mighty catch from the clouds by Colm Spillane rallied the troops and we were deserving winners on the score 2-18 to 1-18.

The referee Niall Fahy of Brian Dillon’s kept the game going and had a good game.  We now have four weeks to prepare for the semi-final which gives an opportunity to improve on some areas of our game and injuries to hopefully clear up.  Well done to the team and management as this is the sixth year, we have made the semi-finals of premier intermediate and senior A championships.  Castlelyons Abú.

Castlelyons: J Barry; S Moroney (0-1), C Barry, C McCarthy; D Spillane, C Spillane, N O’Leary (0-2); J Kearney, A Fenton (1-6); K O’Leary (0-6), L Doocey, S Cotter; A Spillane (1-2), D Tobin (0-1), D Morrison. Subs: O Lenehan, E Maye, Brian O’Donovan: G O’Neill, P Roche, B Carroll, R Fenton, B Spillane, R Feeney, J O’Leary, M Rosner, S Flynn, A O’Regan, J Cremin, O Morrison. Photo: - James KearneyCastlelyons clears from Cormac Dineen Inniscarra (photo Jim Coughlan)

Castlelyons Under 12 hurlers win prestigious Colman Dillon Tournament in Erins Own.

It is always nice to be invited to club blitzes and tournaments as players get an opportunity to express themselves in a kind of free spirit because they are not tied by championship and they meet up with teams from other areas. Our under 12 hurlers were invited to the Colman Dillon Tournament in Erins Own on Saturday and it was reminiscent of tournament games in olden days.  The games were very well organised with Erins Own, Castlelyons, Fermoy and Whitechurch in Group One and Kileedy/Tournafulla, Youghal, Glenroe and Carrigaline in Group Two. 

Declan Wallace and Mike O’Donovan our Under 12 coaches had an almost full panel and defeated Fermoy in the first game.  Their second game versus Erins Own was a tough one with little in it up to the last five minutes when our last pulled away down the home straight and winning 3-5 to 1-4.  We had a facile win over Whitechurch in the final game of the Group Two and to make the final.

So, it was into the final for us versus Glenroe of Limerick who topped the other Group. Castlelyons had played Glenroe a few times lately and our coaches knew well there would be little between the teams.  How right they were as this game was a hum dinger.  Glenroe won the toss and played with the wind in the first half.  We played mighty in that first half with the score 0-5 to 0-4 at half time in favour of the Limerick side.  Tom Barry was solid in goals with Fionn O Neill and Eoghan McCarthy working hard and hurling a lot of ball. We missed some goal opportunities and had a few wides in the second half, but Jack Cronin, Robbie Wallace and Rian Fitzgerald got on top around the middle.  Cian O’Donovan got a cracking goal.  He then showed nerves of steel to put over a last minute free out by the sideline to give us a one-point win on a full-time score Castlelyons 1-6 Glenroe 1-5.  It was heroes all.

A massive thank you to the host club Erins Own for inviting us to play in this great tournament. Thanks to the volunteers and workers on the day as all the matches were evenly contested which added to the excitement.  There were lots of refreshments and treats for the boys.   Well done to all our boys a great day’s hurling.  Comhghairdeas and go raibh míle maith agaibh go léir.

Panel: Tom Barry, Darren Buckley, Bobby Hosford, Fionn O'Neil, Liam Cashman, Jack Cronin, Luke Dolan, Robbie Wallace, Rìan Fitzgerald, Sean Ekechukwu, Cìan O’Donovan, Eoghan McCarthy, Dara McCarthy, Liam Martin, Robbie Milward, Callaghan McCarthy, Flynn Murphy, Dara Wallace.

Premier Junior Camogie Championship.

Tracton 2-8 Castlelyons 1-12

Our premier junior camogie crew were away in Minane Bridge last Wednesday and played the host Club Tracton in the championship.  The evening was dull and showery.  Playing against a more experienced team as Tracton are in the camogie game a lot longer and the Castlelyons girls certainly gave their very best.  They came up just short by a point at full time in a game they could possibly have won.

We were first to score with points from Evan Cotter and Leah Hallihan. Then one of our backs got a yellow card for an innocuous tackle and they pulled one back and their free taker floated over a ’65 to level the game.  We were hurling very well and Evan put us ahead again and the after a good run she dropped in a high ball which went straight to the net to put us up 1-3 to 0-2.  Tracton replied with o-3 on the trot and looked very dangerous.  However, Leah Hallihan went on a great run and planted a goal.  Malissa O’Sullivan won possession and laid off to Leah who pointed again to put us 1-5 to 0-5 with over 15 minutes gone.

Leah Hallihan who was doing well passed out to Evan Cotter who sent in a high ball and Niamh Barry crossed into the goal at the right time causing the Tracton goalie to lose sight of the sliotar and had little chance with the high ball and it was for another goal for us.  We were 2-5 to 0-5 ahead but seemed to lose our way a bit as but Tracton hit back with 1-2 of their own after.  We recovered but shot a few wides and Tracton made it a level game at half time at 2-5 to 1-8.

There was some great camogie in the second half as a determined Tracton outfit meant business on home turf.  However, we stayed with them through good work by our backs and Evan Cotter doing well from play and frees.  Robyn Hickey and was fouled and then Ciara Morrison was fouled rather heavily.  Ciara’s foul resulted in her opponent receiving a red card and the explanation to the Tracton officials by a strict by good referee Andy Larkin left no doubt what it was for.  Again, Evan pointed that free to leave it 2-8 to 1-11.  We hit into the last ten minutes and there was some mighty as the stand and quality of the camogie went up. Castlelyons did hurl very well too but we failed to get scores at a vital time.  Then a final Tracton attack resulted in a handy free when we were in possession and their free taker put over the winner to the delight of a strong home support.  Well done to the girls and their management as they are still in the championship and play Mallow in their next game on Wednesday 10th September at 8.30pm and we wish them the best of luck.

Panel: Ellie O’Brien; Olivia Sheehan, Isabel Fenton, Emma Darragh; Michelle Hartnett, Rachel Murphy, Malissa O’Sullivan, Leah Hallihan, Emer Hallihan, Eavan Cotter, Avril Byrne, Aisling Rosner, Niamh Barry, Sarah Morrison, Ciara Morrison:  Subs:  Ava Hallihan, Sharon Byrne, Siobhán Crowley, Sive Hallihan, Robyn Hickey, Saoirse McAuliffe, Olivia Nonan, Katie O’Riordan, Cara Hickey, Niamh Coleman, Ella Quirke, Sarah Kate Reals, Michaela Griffin, Phoebe Hallihan Olivia Beausang.  Injured: Gráinne McCarthy.

Juvenile Street Leagues on Sunday 14th September at 2pm.

Our Juvenile Club under chairperson Michael O’Donovan have resurrected the Street Leagues competition in Castlelyons this year and the big day is Sunday 14th September commencing at 2pm.  The games will involve U12 down to U6 in what looks a major festival of juvenile hurling.  The highlight will be the games for the Dave Hegarty Perpetual Cup which will be launched and presented for the first time on the day.

The cup is a fitting tribute to Dave Hegarty’s lifelong dedication to Castlelyons GAA which is a testament to his unwavering commitment to our club's success and legacy.  Dave was an excellent forward in his day for Castlelyons scoring two goals in the East Cork JBHC Final of 1965.  However, a serious injury meant early retirement, and he took up work as an administrator, referee and organising juvenile games.  He founded Castlelyons juvenile club in 1977 and was secretary for over 20 years.  Dave as a club member has always made a big contribution to debate and decision making for betterment and progress while helping with great success on the field and development of the Club over the years. He was also the Castlelyons representative to the East Cork Board and on the GPC for many years.  He always ensured that Castlelyons got the best possible deal in fixtures and decisions.  These days he enjoys supporting Castlelyons and wherever we play from Páirc Uí Chaoimh to Páirc an Chrócaigh Dave is there.  Well done Dave and hopefully the Rebels will take the Liam McCarthy Cup in 2026 as you are one great Corkman. Photo: Dave Hegarty receiving a Club Award from GAA President Christy Cooney.

 Annual 24hr Walkathon on this Friday and Saturday 12/13th September 25.

This Walkathon is taking place again this on Friday and Saturday 12/13th September on our one kilometre fully lit Walkway and hopefully the cards are going well.  Proceeds are going towards the new synthetic pitch, toilet block and the walkway maintenance. There are 24 teams and 24 captains representing all groups, clubs and ages in the parish. Cards are in circulation with a prize of €250, €100 and €50. Declan Spillane is in charge and please book in your teams with him in good time. There will be refreshments on the Saturday between 11am and 3pm. There will be a party on Saturday evening in Pedlers Rock with fun and prizes. Any information needed available from any committee member.  This is our main fundraiser of the year, and you support is appreciated.

Rebel Óg Under 14 Division 2 Football Championship.

On Sunday he 7^th September our Under 14 footballers played St Vincents away in the championship and were defeated in a high scoring game by 7-17 to 5-5.

A big thank you to our Stewards.

We hosted the Co-Op Stores third round Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship game between Dungourney and Lisgoold last Sunday 9th September. There was a huge crowd and Dungourney were the winners by four points.  We have hosted a few big games to date this year and thanks to all the Stewards who worked and ensured all went well. Also, thanks to Garda Ciarán Cronin, Watergrasshill for supplying the Garda Cones and his work on the days of recent games.

Condolences.

Sincere sympathy to Pat O Neill and family on sad passing of Pat’s father George.  Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.

Fixtures. 

Wednesday 10.9. Rebel Óg East U18 Division 2 Hurling Championship: 

Castlelyons v St Vincents; in Castlelyons at 7.30pm. 

Wednesday 10.9. Premier Junior Camogie Championship Qr Final 

Mallow v Castlelyons; in Mallow at 8.30pm. 

Wednesday 10.9. Under 12 Camogie League. 

St Vincents v Castlelyons; in St Vincents at 6.30pm. 

Saturday 13.9. Rebel Óg East U14 Division 2 Hurling Championship: 

Castlelyons v Fr O’Neills; in Dungourney at 2pm. 

Saturday 13.9. Under 14 Camogie Championship. 

Ballinora v Castlelyons; in Ballinora at 2.30pm. 

Saturday 13.9. Under 10 Camogie Blitz: 

Milford v Castlelyons & other teams in Milford at 3pm. 

Saturday 13.9. East Cork Junior C Football Championship 

Midleton v Castlelyons in Midleton at 6pm.

Castlelyons Street Leagues – Sunday 14.9.25 at 2pm.

Dave Hegarty Perpetual Cup Under 12 – Under 6 - Big Day.

Notes:  Kieran McGann Communications Officer.

Sponsor: East Cork Oil.