All roads from Castlelyons to SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday for SAHC Semi-Final.

In a big weekend for the Cork senior hurling championships Castlelyons play Blarney in the semi-final of the SAHC on Saturday 4th October in Páirc Uí Chaoimh at 7.30pm.  The game is preceded by Bride Rovers versus Carrigtwohill in the other semi-final at 5.45pm.   Our opponents Blarney have played four championship games to date.  They were defeated by Bride Rovers first day out and then recovered to best Watergrasshill 3-24 to 0-12.  In their third game they defeated Coursey Rovers 3-17 to 0-7.  Their quarter final game versus Na Piarsaigh was much closer but they came through 1-21 to 0-19.  In that game they built up an early lead and Cian Barrett banged in a goal while a much-changed Na Piarsaigh from last year missed a penalty.  As a writer said Blarney were “steady and certain, go on” and they are also the punters favourite to win out the championship. 

Castlelyons have done all required with three straight wins putting us through to the semi-final.  While we may not have notched up high scores, we were steady in our games too.  The panel and management have worked hard during the last few weeks with some games, training sessions and hopefully a few injuries have cleared up.  Blarney defeated us in the county PIHC of 2020, but our top man and Cork star Colm Spillane had to go off injured after three minutes.  Colm’s loss was a massive blow to us and effected our performance as we were eventually beaten 1-20 to 0-15.  So, while Saturday will be a supreme test for us the lads will be motivated to give it their all and we will be in with a fighting chance.  Best of luck to the panel and management and with your support in the Páirc together we can rise the roof.  Castlelyons Abú.

Under 12 Heroes do the double in Hurling and Football.

Rebel Óg East Under 12 Football Group 4 Cup Final.

Castlelyons 2-12 Bride Rovers 1-3.

Last weekend it was Mayfield for the hurling final versus Bride Rovers and this weekend it was the more homely surroundings of Glenville for the final of the Rebel Óg East Football group 4 cup final versus Bride Rovers in yet another local derby.   This was a good game, but our lads played great football right from the goalie to the corner forward and, indeed all subs played their part too. They led all the way despite some massive pressure from the Rovers at times and had a few points to spare on the full-time whistle.

It was a lovely evening for football.  The Glenville venue was in great condition despite there being juvenile finals played there all day.  There was a good support for both teams as referee Johnny O’Connell threw in the ball.  While the game was hard fought from the start and Robbie Wallace scored a point for us.  Rovers attacked a lot then but had two wides and goalie Sean Ekechukwu made a great save.  Luke Dolan, Cian O’Donovan and Liam Cashman tidied up a lot of ball in defence, and the midfielders Rian Fitzgerald and Bobby Hosford linked up to get our attack going again.   Eoghan McCarthy, Liam Martin and Robbie Milword worked hard and laid off a lot of ball. Robbe with 0-3, Darragh McCarthy 0-2, Rian with 1-1 and Tom Barry with 0-1 put us into a strong lead approaching half time.  However Rovers tried very hard and again had some wides but there was good marking by Jack Cronin, Darren Buckley and Fionn O’Neill and our goalie brought off wo more good saves.

Bride Rovers started the second half well and had a point from Cian O’Donovan.  They were awarded a penalty a few minutes later as one of our lads committed a foot block foul and they clung it to make the score 1-8 to 1-1 and the Rovers were back in the business.  Robbie settled us with a good 0-1 and on 10 minutes Tom Barry turned over a hard-fought ball and laid off to Rian who put over a point again.  However, back came Bride Rovers with waves of attacks but their kicking could be better.  They did force another penalty and this time our star goalie Sean made a great and vital save.  Rovers did score 0-1 soon after.  The selectors did some rotations as lads were tiring, and our subs did very well. Rian scored a valuable point for us and Flynn Murphy round off our scoring with 0-1.     

The game was sporting all the way and Johnny O’Connell referee did a fine job. Our management of Declan Wallace, Michael O’Donovan, Declan Martin, Paul Cashman and Barry Fitzgerald have worked hard with the panel all year and they have really responded and improved a lot as the months went by. Comhghairdeas go léir. Castlelyons Abú.

Panel: Sean Ekechukwu Tom Barry, Darren Buckley, Bobby Hosford, Fionn O'Neil, Liam Cashman, Jack Cronin, Luke Dolan (Joint Capt), Robbie Wallace, Rìan Fitzgerald, Cìan O’Donovan, Eoghan McCarthy (Joint Capt), Dara McCarthy, Liam Martin, Robbie Milward, Callaghan McCarthy, Flynn Murphy, Diarmuid Ó hUallacháin, Mason White, Harvey White, Morgan O’Driscoll, Noah O’Loughlin.

Rebel Óg East Under 18 Division 2 Hurling Championship Final.

Castlelyons minor hurlers play Nemo Rangers in the final of the Rebel Óg East Under 18 Division 2 Hurling Championship in Glenville on Sunday 5th October at 12 midday.  While our minors have already annexed the League in the North defeating Kilworth recently this will be a real test for the lads.  We already played Nemo in their Complex in Trabeg during the group games and while we played well, they defeated us by a few points.  They were that bit sharper on the evening looking strong up the middle and had a good goalie.  However, our panel have worked very hard, have improved and are up for the challenge.  So best of luck lads and let’s lend them all possible support on Sunday in Glenville.  Castlelyons Abú.

East Cork Junior C Football Semi Final. 

Castlelyons 5-8 Aghada 4-8.

Castlelyons played Aghada under lights on Friday evening at home in Castlelyons.  The evening was dry and playing conditions with a slight breeze down field towards the Fr Ferris Park.  This was a most interesting and entertaining game, and we were winners with a goal to spare at the final whistle than ran a bit over time. 

There was some good quality football by both sides as Ronan Ryan and Jack Cremin had points from frees, while Ray Savage and Finn Crowley had goals for Aghada.  But each time Richard Morrison respond with two great goals for us.  Our backs were under serious pressure at times as Aghada were working in the ball well with Oisin Counihan scoring 0-1.  However, some great tackling by the Morisson brothers and Conor McCarthy in the full backline kept them out.  Conor McCarthy came downfield and released to Sean Óg McGuire who scored a point for us. Jack Cremin added a point and Richard Morrison got in for this third goal.  We settled down with minors Dylan Leetch and Sean Óg McGuire doing well in the middle.  We went in at half-time up 3-4 to 2-2.

Aghada started the second half well with points from Counihan and Savage.  However, in between Rishard Morrison got in for his fourth goal and this one was a cracker Liverpool style.  Our half back line of M Rosner, E McLoughlin and S Leneghan were doing well as Aghada pressed hard again.  Shane Flynn and Mike Griffen combined again with Morrison who was tackled very heavy and J Cremin put of the free. Referee Shane Hodgins often had better games as some of our forwards merited frees and then at the other end Aghada who in fairness attacked a lot were awarded a dubious penalty to the dismay of our supporters and they scored it.  They added another 1-1 while Dylan Leetch did score 0-1 for us from play.  

The score now 4-6 to 4-5 in our favour with a few minutes to go and the game in the melting pot with some interesting decisions by the referee, but we defended very well with Stephen Griffey helping our half backs.  Then enter Cees Kwoenberg as a sub for us and he got on a lot of ball. His first touch was a mighty thump of a score from the village sideline.  He then got on a ball and released to Dylan Leetch, and he cut in and passed to Ronan Ryan who scored a vital goal for us.  Then Cees scored another point from out on the other side. This left us 5-8 to 4-7 up and still Aghada came forward.  One of our players received a black card and Aghada did score two points but with great defending and commitment from our team in a long injury time we ran out winners 5-8 to 4-8.   Well done to the team and management who are giving us great days out and enjoyment in football this year and our next game is the final versus Cobh on a day to be arranged.

Panel: - Stephen Hickey; Oisín Morrison, Conor McCarthy, Declan Morrison; Matthew Rosner, Eoin McLoughlin Sean Leneghan; Dylan Leetch, Sean Óg McGuire; Shane O’Flynn, Michael Griffin; Jack Cremin, Ronan Ryan, Stephen Griffey, Jack Kenny, Alan O’Regan, Cees Kouwenberg, Tom O’Neill, Kevin Barry, Stephen Rice, Cathal Sheehan, Eoin Barry.

Second Phase of Major Development commencing shortly – Castlelyons GAA.

Our Club have undertaken a very ambitious development project in the last few years as we purchased and developed land adjoining Páirc an tAthair Peadar Uí Laoighaire.  The main works were the construction of a second playing field, a Stand to cater for 300, carpark and fully lit one kilometre walkway.  These parish facilities are now enjoyed by young and old in their leisure times playing our games and exercising on the walkway.  Senior, Adult, Juvenile, Camogie, Ladies Football Clubs, their families and the many members of the community have joined the contribution scheme to help finance the facilities which will benefit the Castlelyons parish for generations to come and we thank them for their generosity.

The Club is now embarking in a second phase of the development and machinery will be moving on site this week.  A Synthetic Pitch 40’ by 80’ fenced in with Floodlights with a Hurling Wall will be constructed on the Abbeylands side of our lands.  Ladies, gents and accessible toilets will be constructed at the back of our new Stand and there are some other requirements in time.  Full planning for these works is granted and including permission from Cumann Lúthchleas Gael.  We have gained funding for this second phase development through Government and other grants.  We do have a shortfall in the funding, and our Community Contribution Scheme is still open to new people.

The Club is very strong these days with good numbers, and we are competing with great success and enjoyment in so many grades of juvenile and adult in the ladies and gents’ teams. We would appeal to new people in the parish or those who can do so to join our contribution Scheme.  Details of the scheme can be got from our club treasurer and chair of the steering group Mick Spillane, any member of the steering group or, indeed any members of Castlelyons GAA Committee.

Congratulations to Niall O’Leary on being an All-Star Nominee.

Congratulations to Niall O'Leary, Castlelyons and Cork, who is named amongst the PwC All-Star hurling nominees for 2025. Niall is among 18 defenders nominated and he had an outstanding year with Cork. Comhghairdeas Niall and best of luck on the big night.

Congratulations to Stephen Bennett and Melanie O’Connor on their wedding.

Congratulation to Mr Stephen Bennett, School Principal in Kilmagner N.S. and Melanie O’Connor on their recent wedding. Wishing you both a lifetime of adventures from Castlelyons GAA.  Also, hearty congratulations to Stephen himself who was named on PwC All-Star hurling nominees list for the forwards, as he had a great year with Waterford.

Great win for Under 13 Ladies footballers.

Our Under 13 LGFA team had a great win over Inch in the East cork championship.  They are now into the semi-final versus Fermoy next Sunday morning.  This game will double up as a Under 13 Plate Final.

Cork Colleges O’Callaghan Cup Under 19A.

St Colmans College Fermoy 1-21 Hamilton High School 0-17.

St Colmans are up and running preparing for the Harty Cup too.  They had a win with 0-7 to spare over Hamilton High School, Bandon last Wednesday in Watergrasshill.  Great to see Castlelyons lads involved Ciarán Murphy starting at wing forward and throwing over a few points as Adam Lardner and Sam McCarthy came during the second half.  Our senior men Keith and Niall O’Leary, teachers in the College are involved with team management.  Well don to all and it is always a rocky road in the Harty we wish them the very best.

Munster GAA Third Level Bursaries

Munster GAA is once again offering Third Level Bursaries for the 2025/26 academic year.
Students from Cork who are attending third level colleges outside of UCC are encouraged to apply for this valuable support scheme. The bursaries are open to students who are active members of their GAA club and are pursuing studies at third level.

Complete the official Munster Council Bursary Application Form 2025/26, available online, and ensure it is submitted by the deadline. Contact local GAA development officer in your college.  This is a fantastic opportunity for students to receive recognition and support for their commitment to both their studies and the GAA.  The closing date for applications is Thursday, 10th October 2025 (close of business).  Late applications will not be accepted.

Down Memory Lane.

I spoke with Dave Hegarty after the launch and presentation of the Dave Hegarty Perpetual Cup.  He was really delighted to see a photo of the first Castlelyons team to win a juvenile competition in the new Tuck Shop.  Incidentally a member of the team spoke to me about the enjoyment they got out of it too.  So having mentioned about it on notes previously I decided to revive the memories.

It was a was a tough league as Castlelyons played five games and won them all. Dave Hegarty was 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 outlined how they defeated Bride Rovers, Lisgoold, St Catherines, Carrignabhfear, and Glenville.   It is regrettable that three of the team have gone to their eternal reward namely Raymond Murray the captain, John Murphy and Oliver O Brien. 

Many of this team went on to play a major part with the club both in the playing fields and at the administration tables, showed massive foresight in development and progress and of course financial assistance too. 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.

Castlelyons GAA Lotto Results - Monday 29.9.25 - Jackpot now €18,200

The results of the draw held on Monday 29.9.25 had the following numbers drawn were 5, 12, 17 and 27. There was no Jackpot winner which was €18,000. The Lucky Dip Winners of €20 each were as follows: - 

• G Ní Laochdha (BF).
• Tom & Isabelle (EOB).
• Sophia Fitzgerald (TN).
• Noreen Broderick (PO).
• Dave & Clodagh (JB).
• Dave & Mary Hoare (DH). Shiela Cotter (SHD).
• Paul Hickey (DH).

The Jackpot is now a massive €18,200. The next Draw be held in the Community Centre on Monday 6th October at 8pm. Thank you all for your support and don’t forget you can play our Lotto Online or purchase from the usual outlets

Votes of Sympathy.

Sincere sympathy is extended to the Buckley and Pigott families Staffordshire, England, and Castlelyons on the sad passing of Bridget (Bonny) Pigott (née Buckley) and the O’Sullivan family on the sad passing of James O’Sullivan, Ballinlough.  Also, to the Fitzpatrick and Butler families on the sad and untimely passing of Elmaree Butler née Fitzpatrick, Cahir and Castlelyons.

Fixtures

Co-Op Superstores SAHC County Semi-Final; Cork v Blarney; in Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday 4.10.25. at 7.30pm.

Rebel Óg East Division 2 Hurling Championship Final; Castlelyons v Nemo Rangers; in Glenville on Sunday 5.10.25 at 12md.

Notes:  Kieran McGann, Communications Officer.

Club Sponsor:  East Cork Oil.