Halting of all club matches
With the announcement of level 3 restrictions across the country and the GAA announcement of the halting of all club matches, we are thankful that in the past week Ballycastle managed to get their two finals completed for our minors and U12 footballers. The results did not go the right way on the scoreboard but in both games the endeavour and performance was a pleasing aspect and all players have plenty to be proud of and well done lads.
We wish to thank all our coaches, our Covid supervisors and parents who have ensured we could continue training across our groups and please note that under level 3 restrictions, non-contact training can continue in pods of up to 15 players including coaches, and we urge everyone to stay alert to the risks, follow the health advice and the advice of our Covid committee, and stay safe and look after each other as the current health pandemic continues.
U7s, U8s, U9s
The Ballyhooly U7s, U8s and U9s had a busy week getting some challenge games under their belts. On Thursday, October 1, the U7s travelled to Mitchelstown GAA for a challenge football game, thanks to both sides for a great display in wet field conditions but all players coped very well with pleasing aspects of team play on show. On Saturday, October 3 the U8s hosted Glanworth in Ballyhooly for a challenge game also in football, and aided by some U7 clubmen, they coped very well against strong opposition and great displays of the skills of the game on show by both sides, well done lads. Also on Saturday morning last the U9s hosted Killavullen in Ballyhooly for challenge games in both hurling and football, with both sides showing strongly and great sporting games, well done to all.
U12s
U12 footballers had good preparation for their league cup with a hard fought win over Fermoy in Ballyhooly last Thursday night. This was to set them up for a super team performance in their league football final against Mitchelstown on Sunday last.
However, it was a shame it wasn’t reflected more on the scoreboard but the lads kept their heads up and kept going and all players should be very proud of how they played and conducted themselves, they are a credit to themselves, their families, the club and the parish. Thanks also must go to all the coaches and mentors too with this group of players, and well done to Mitchelstown on their victory.
MINORS
It was a great effort by our minor hurlers in testing conditions in Glanworth last Sunday in the division 1 Plate final against Kilavullen. Two Killavullen goals in the third quarter proved the difference as they emerged 2-12 to 1-09 victors on the day. We extend a big congratulations to Killavullen on their victory. This concluded the minor team action for 2020.
We wish the best of luck to the lads who have played their last games at juvenile level. Thanks Dylan Collins, Patrick Sheehan, Jeff Gowen, Noah O’Brien, Aidan O’Leary, Sean Sugrue, Colm Crowley, Shane O’Meara, Gearoid Roche, Darragh Whelan and Ben McCarthy - you have given us plenty to shout about down through the years and have been a credit to your club and parishes and we look forward to cheering you on into the future.
LGFA U12s
Our U12 girls faced two league matches last week to complete their league run. On a damp Thursday night in Mallow, Ballycastle played out a very competitive and intense fixture versus Mallow Red. These teams had two close encounters last season and the Mallow team had defeated Ballycastle in the first league match earlier this season. Ballycastle came from behind as light closed in the final quarter to narrowly win the match.
The second fixture saw Ballycastle travel to Newmarket on Saturday, where our girls ran out comfortable winners. These results see Ballycastle qualify for the final stages, which hopefully will be played before the end of the season.
Well done to the players and mentors, in particular the four U10 players who stepped up and gained invaluable experience over the two fixtures and sincere thank you to the parental support on both days.
Ballycastle U12: Saoirse O’Connor, Aislinn Allen, Leah Godwin, Robyn Maher, Ellie Whelan, Eileen Sheehan, Eabha O’Leary, Joanne Cogan, Heidi Lord, Aisling Kennedy, Katie O’Connell, Sophie McCarthy, Anna Dineen, Daire Power, Hannah Sheehan, Ciara Hanrahan, Evie McCarthy, Ellie Leamy, Ella O’Sullivan.
CLUB SPONSOR
Kenmona Ltd.