Great day for Cork Fans in a fantastic SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

We were all really looking forward to the commencement of the national hurling and football leagues last weekend.  We were not disappointed as there were some cracking games countrywide with many shown on TG4, RTE2 and GAA+, plus a roundup on Sunday night.  SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh held a double header on Sunday with over 20,000 fans in attendance.  The Cork footballers took Cavan at the death with Stephen Sherlock kicking a great two-pointer.  Then Cork hurlers were outstanding in their win over Waterford.  What a start for the new Cork management with ten of last years All Ireland finalists including our own Castlelyons man Niall O’Leary who had a fine game. There were many new guys champing at the bit too especially the St Finbarrs man William Buckley who scored 1-4 from play.

The attendance in the Páirc was over 20,000 with bigger days to come.  No doubt thousands of fans, like me, watched many games on TV as well and could only marvel at the quality SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.  All the focus naturally falls on the players and teams.   However, behind the scenes the preparation of the pitch is so important, and the quality of the turf can really influence the game, player safety and the fans experience.  We often hear of ball bounce as judgement of pitch quality but in the Páirc on Sunday we had several examples of perfect sliotar bounce as the Rebels showed their class.  Ben O’Connor mentioned about getting and A versus B game on it during the previous week as being a great help.  Congratulations and well done to Colm Daly, Head Groundsman and his team who work so hard to keep the pitch in pristine condition.  Indeed, the who Stadium these days is a tremendous experience and a credit to the Rebels.

East Cork U21F Development League.

The game versus Glenville was postponed on Friday evening last as a mark of respect due to the death of our secretary’s mother.  It is now listed for Tuesday 227.1.26 at 7.30pm in Castlelyons with Mike Carey referee.  Round 2 of the competition versus Fr O’Neills will be on Friday 30th January in Aghavine with Jimmy Smiddy on the whistle.  Shane Flynn has secured the following selectors: Eoin McLoughlin, Darragh Spillane and Oscar Hallihan.  Thanks to Shane and the lads for coming on board as it is most important to keep the football going in the club.

Castlelyons GAA Weekly Lotto Results.

Our weekly Lotto Draw on Monday evening 26.1.26 in the Community Centre.  The Jackpot of €20,000 was not won.  The lucky dip winners were as follows: Healy Grandchildren (CD), Mag Carroll (CC), Sarah Barry (CM), Lucy Geary (SHD), Edward Casey (Pedlars), Assumpta Mangan (DH), Kevin Sheedy (1) (JB), Cillian Smyth (MD)

The next Draw for a massive €20,000 Jackpot will be held on Monday 3rd February at 8pm in the Community Centre. If you’re not in you can’t win.  You can play our Lotto Online or purchase from the usual outlets. Thanks for your support.

Appeal for Referees from Castlelyons.

Referee's Administrator, Jim McEvoy gave an update on a new Referee’s recruitment campaign at the first County Board meeting of 2026 took place on Tuesday, January 20th at SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh.  A total of 29 Clubs in the county do not have a referee currently and 19 of those clubs participate in the county championships.  These clubs have been put on notice that home advantage for League games in 2027 may be withdrawn and that includes Castlelyons, if the situation does not improve.

We have no referee representing Castlelyons GAA Club for many years and we are appealing for ex-players male or female to get involved. There are good expenses paid for refereeing games, and you can stay fit while ensuring the games are fair and enjoyable.  Of course, one can always progress from local games to provincial and national stages.  There are training courses commencing shortly across the county and led by experienced referees with a mentorship program. You get a referee starter kit, including your official gear and there is recognition and appreciation events to celebrate your contribution.  Almost all our local clubs have a numbers of referees and it would be great to have referees in our club rather than lose out on home games.

Inaugural Club Summit at Croke Park to celebrate Volunteers.

This will take place in Croke Park on 7 February 2026.  The initiative will bring together club and county volunteers from across Ireland and the world for a full day of expert-led seminars, interactive exhibitions, take-home resources, and inspiring forums. There are many famous contributors attending. With five core content areas - Developing Your Games, Running Your Club, Supporting Your People, Enhancing Your Facilities, and Contributing to Your Community - the Summit offers something for everyone volunteering in GAA, Ladies Football, Camogie, Handball, and Rounders Clubs, from club officers to coaches, grounds persons to referees.

Tickets for the event are priced at €20 per person and it will run from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm - with doors open right up until 3:30pm. Included with every ticket is: A €20 concession voucher for The Clubhouse at The Club Summit - our onsite café and restaurant.  The Club Summit Kit Bag - a goodie bag for all attendees.  One entry in The Club Summit Draw with offering prizes for Clubs and individuals.  If you are interested in attending as a member of Castlelyons GAA, Camogie, LGFA or Sport for all further details are available on the GAA Website GAA.ie.

Votes of Sympathy.

We wish to offer our sincere condolences to our secretary Margaret Doran and family on the sad passing of her mother Nora of Archerstown, Thurles, Tipperary.  Also, to the relatives of Very Reverend Fr. Michael Madden who passed away recently in his 92nd year.  Fr Madden spent many years as Parish Priest of Castlelyons before moving to East Cork. Go raibh suaimhneas síoraí dá n-anamacha.

Notes:  Kieran McGann Communications Officer.

Club Sponsor: East Cork Oil.