ONE POINT VICTORY

NORTH CORK HURLING LEAGUE DIVISION 2 Castletownroche 5-15 Ballygiblin 4-17

We played our final game in the Hurling League on Friday night last, April 28th, when Ballygiblin came to Castletownroche to provide the opposition. On a perfect late spring evening, with conditions ideal for hurling, it turned out to be a thrilling encounter. On the night, we were missing a number of players, due to work commitments and injury, so it was clear we were going to have our work cut out for us.

Ballygiblin started in whirlwind fashion and threatened to be out of sight, scoring 3-03 to no score in the opening minutes. It was hard to see a way back for our lads at that stage, but to give them their due, they settled to the task and didn’t panic. By half time, they were back in the game to some extent, though Ballygiblin still held a comfortable 7 point lead, on a scoreline of 4-07 to 2-06, with Dave and Mark finding the net for Castletownroche.

The second half saw Castletownroche continue their comeback. Two goals from Mark had us within touching distance. Late in the game, Castletownroche struck for the decisive score, when Dave goaled. This saw us take the lead for the first time and we held out from there to the finish to record a one point victory, which looked most unlikely an hour previously. This was a great way for the lads to sign off on an encouraging league campaign and the heart and commitment they showed will stand them in good stead as they enter the County Championships in both football and hurling over the next few weeks.

Team: Mick Ryan, Will Madden, Thomas Barrett, Adrian O’Donovan, Sean Sugrue, Muiris Browne (0-01), Liam McGrath, Noah O’Brien, Aiden O’Leary (0-02), Dane O’Neill (0-01), James Linehan, Seamus Sheehan,

Mark O’Callaghan (3-10), Dave Relihan (2-01), James Ladd.

FIXTURE

Our first game in the Junior C Football Championship takes place on Saturday next, May 6th, when Abbey Rovers travel to play Rathpeacon in Carraig na bhFear. Throw-in scheduled for 3pm. A reminder to all supporters that County Championship games are all tickets, and tickets must be purchased in advance via the Cork County Board website.

CLUB LOTTO

The next club lotto draw takes place on Monday, May 8th in the Castle Arms, with the jackpot now standing at €6,700. Tickets are available through local retail outlets in the village, from your usual sellers or through any club officer. The club would like to express our appreciation to everybody who continues to support our draw.