Hill on the double
It was a successful weekend for the Watergrasshill U12s and U14s, who accepted an invitation from St Colmans to participate in their invitational memorial tournaments, and a double win brought double silverware back to Watergrasshill.
U12 GER “SMURF” LEWIS CUP FINAL Watergrasshill 3-06 St Colmans 3-05
On a beautiful Saturday morning in Cloyne, Watergrasshill took on St Colmans in a much reduced Ger “Smurf” Lewis Perpetual Cup final. It was an exciting see saw battle that had the outcome in doubt till the final whistle. While the Watergrasshill lads battled well throughout, their display was marked with some uncharacteristic errors which led them to trail by 5 points at halftime. However, these boys are made of stern stuff and the second half was a different story. The Watergrasshill boys rallied in the second half and managed to eliminate the errors which dogged their first half display, down 5 points at half-time, second half goals from Donnacha O’Leary, a bullet into the top corner by David Barry and Tadhg McCarthy with a clever finish set the stage for Jayden Hennebry to step up to fire over the winner in the last minute.
Captain Jack Counihan accepted the cup on behalf of his delighted Watergrasshill team mates. In a lengthy and articulate speech after the game Jack thanked; St Colmans for inviting us down, referee Cathal McAllister for officiating the game, all the boys’ parents and family members for all their words of encouragement and the coaches for all the work they are doing. Louie Guichard suffered an arm injury in the second half and we wish him well in his recovery.
Panel: Leon Clarke O’Shea, Conor Webb Duggan, Dara O’Neill, Zach Curtin, Adam Casey, Jack Counihan, Dylan Joyce, Tadhg McCarthy, Eoghan Forde, Jayden Hennebry, David Barry, Daniel O’Connor, Dylan McCarthy, Donnacha O’Leary, Louie Guichard, Cillian O’Connor, Sean McHugh. Injured/other commitments on the day; John Kelleher, Sean Callinan, Jack Long, Ryan Kavanagh, Liam Kelleher, Josh Madden, Gearoid Fitz, Daragh Murphy.
U14 MOSSIE CAHILL CUP FINAL Watergrasshill 4-12 (24) St Colmans 2-7 (13)
Played in glorious sunshine and on a superb pitch, Watergrasshill got off to the dream start with two quick goals from Ryan Loftus in the first three minutes. Ethan Bowman added a point to the Hill’s score before St Colmans got their only two points of the first period. Shane O’Callaghan added a further point to see Watergrasshill lead 2-2 to 0-2 at the first water break. The second quarter belonged to St Colmans where they upped their game and pushed the Hill back into their own half and reduced the Hill’s advantage from six points to a single point, scoring 1-3 and keeping the Hill to scoring a single point from Billy Ryan. Halftime score Watergrasshill 2-3 to Colmans 1-5. The half-time break gave the Hill time to regroup and with inspirational words from Martin O’Riordan and Ger O’Brien, the lads returned to the pitch determined to regain control of the game.
Four points in succession (two from Shane O’Callaghan and two from Jack Counihan) saw the Hill rebuild their advantage to five points before Colmans got their first point of the second half. The Hill responded swiftly with three more points (Shane O’Callaghan (f), David Barry and Cathal O’Brien) to see the Hill go to the second water break with a seven-point advantage 2-10 (16) to 1-6 (9).
The final quarter saw the Hill maintain their advantage with a quick goal from David Barry before Colmans scored a point. Ethan Bowman replied with a well-struck point before David Barry got his second goal. Colmans weren’t in the mood for giving up and scored a goal to reduce the advantage of the Hill before Ethan Bowman scored his third point and the final score of the game to see Watergrasshill run out winners on a scoreline of 4-12 (24) to Colman’s 2-7 (13). Captain Fionn Fitzgerald accepted the Mossie Cahill Cup on behalf of his teammates and thanked St Colmans for the invitation to take part in the tournament, the great game and the U14 coaches.
Particular thanks to Ger O’Brien, Martin O’Riordan and Derek Casey who have given so much time to this squad. Thanks to Dermot O’Mahony for all his help and especially Michael Bowman who has done a great job as U14 Covid officer.
Panel: Darragh O’Neill, Eoghan Forde, Jack Counihan, Donnacha O’Leary, Fionn Fitzgerald, Luke DoranGood, Darragh O’Bric, Mike O’Riordan, Billy Ryan, Cathal Sheehan, Dean Field, Cathal O’Brien, Darragh Collins, Conor O’Mahony, Shane O’Callaghan, Ryan Loftus, Ethan Bowman, Donnacha Forde, Ciarán Linehan, David Barry and Coran O’Neill.
NURSERY
Our nursery groups U6s and U7s played their first games of the year against Bride Rovers. Our U6s hosted Bride Rovers in Watergrasshill on a glorious Saturday morning. This is the first year playing for some of these kids so it was fantastic to see new faces, such great numbers and enthusiasm on display. Our U7s made the short trip to Rathcormac. Now in their second year, again it was great to see such energy and enthusiasm on display. It is fantastic to see such big numbers in our nursery groups, a sign of positive things to come for the club as we continue to grow into this decade and beyond. The nursery groups are where it all begins for these kids and the skills they learn and friendships they make are the future for our club, our community and our association. Many thanks to the new parents who help out with our nursery groups, you’re contributions are much appreciated.
Our U9s have had a busy few weekends and plenty of action. They welcomed Carrigtwohill to Watergrasshill recently and then made the trip to Ballincollig. Again, a great turnout on both occasions with 3 games played and our teams competing strongly in every game. These kids are showing great determination and togetherness. With handshakes replaced by hurley taps - this bunch still know how to give their all and have fun at the same time. Thanks again to all the coaches and our Covid officers Marie and Joe for their great help.
CONGRATULATIONS
Many of our U16s were involved in football action with sister club Glenville who defeated Carrigtwohill 2-08 to 1-05 recently in the East Cork final. It was just rewards for these lads who were unlucky not to make it a double success as they narrowly lost out after extra-time in the final of the East Cork U16 hurling. This illustrates the great work being done at underage level across the parish and the co-operation between both clubs enabling a small pool of players to maximize their potential. Congratulations to Glenville on a fantastic victory.
LOTTO
There was no winner of the lotto jackpot this week. Numbers drawn were 1, 14, 21 and 25. €20 lucky dip winners are Margaret O’Callaghan, Tommy O’Keeffe, Kathleen O’Riordan and Thomas O’Callaghan. Congratulations to you all. Next week’s jackpot is €4,900 and the draw will take place Monday, October 5. Tickets are now once again on sale in some of the village businesses, Centra, Johnny’s Shop, The Fir Tree and The Hut Bar. Tickets can also be purchased online via our club website. The club would like to take this opportunity to thank all our members and supporters of the Watergrasshill GAA Club Lotto. The club lotto is a vital source of income for the running of all our teams within the club and for future development of our facilities, so we ask you to please support it if you are in a position to do so. Remember, if you’re not in you can’t win.
PITCH SIGNAGE AND ADVERTISING OPPORTUNITY
As we enter a new decade, we do so with great optimism and excitement here at Watergrasshill GAA Club. Later this decade we will celebrate our centenary year, which will be a special milestone. While it’s important to celebrate the past and the history of the club, it’s also important we look forward to the future. With this in mind, the club will shortly be undertaking a development project, to prepare the club for the future and further position ourselves at the centre of our community. Part of this project will be the development of our existing club grounds. To that end we will endeavour to raise a revenue stream from advertising, while giving businesses the opportunity to advertise their services and reach a wider audience within our community. If you would be interested in this opportunity to advertise and support our club, please contact Claire O’Leary on 087-6239297 or any member of the club who can provide assistance.
CLUB SHOP
Our club shop is always open where club crested clothing is available to buy, from shorts to jerseys to training tops and tracksuit bottoms, for adults and juveniles in various sizes. Hurling helmets also available to buy through the club. If you need anything or would like to speak to someone about what is available and sizes, contact Adrienne on 0877589139. Also keep an eye on our club social media page where new club gear can be seen.
RYAN’S SUPERVALU GLANMIRE CLUB LOYALTY SCHEME
One more week to go! Can you help us win a share of €30,000? Ryan’s SuperValu Glanmire continuing in their efforts to Champion Green and support local, have launched the Ryan’s Local Loyalty initiative. This is aimed at local GAA clubs and offers us a great opportunity to get much needed financial support to run the club. Over the coming week we will distribute the loyalty card and we hope you will consider using it and support Watergrasshill GAA by joining us in this great campaign from Ryan’s SuperValu. Thank you for your support if you can.