JUNIORS REACH EAST CORK DIV 3 LEAGUE FINAL
We travelled to Caherlag last Wednesday evening to take on Erins Own in the East Cork Division 3 Hurling League. We knew that a win would place us in prime position to qualify for a league final if we produced the goods.
We played with a strong wind in the first half and really made use of the conditions to race into an early lead. Oscar Hallihan was a constant danger, scoring 3 points in the first half.
Brian O’Donovan was very sharp from placed balls and converted every opportunity. Our defence was on top throughout and gave very few chances to Erins Own. We went in 0-11 to 0-03. We kept up our intensity in the 2nd half. Jack Waters and Shane Cotter both scored points soon after the restart. Erins Own scored a 21 yard free to try to ignite their comeback. Shane Cotter responded with 2 fine points to settle things down again.
Erins Own scored the next 4 points but credit to our lads we didn’t leave them get any closer on the scoresheet. Veteran Ciaran McGann raised a white flag, followed by Brian Spillane and Griffin O’Keeney. We managed to see out the game over the final few minutes and won the game on a scoreline of 0-22 to 1-11.
This means we have qualified for the league final v Russell Rovers on the weekend of the 25th June. More details are to follow in the coming weeks.
Team: JP Murphy, E Barry, L Moroney, R Feeney, S Moroney, C O’Neill (0-01), J Healy, B O’Donovan (0-05, 0-04f), P Roche, S Cotter (0-04), G O’Keeney (0-03), J Waters, O Hallihan (0-03), D Spillane, B Spillane (0-01). Subs: C McGann for D Spillane (26 min), I O’Sullivan for O Hallihan (45 mins).
SPOILS SHARED
We played Éire Óg in Rathcormac last Friday evening on what was perfect conditions in the Red Fm Division 3 Hurling League. We started very well with Alan Fenton converting a free and a Keith O’Leary point from play. This was followed by some scintillating hurling with points from Colm Spillane, Ronan Fenton and Brian O’Donovan as we raced into a 5 point lead.
Éire Óg responded sure enough with 2 points and the Ovens’ men raised the first green flag of the game from a penalty after Jack Barry fouled the attacker as he was through on goals. We responded well scoring four points on the trot to retake the lead. Colm Spillane and Alan Fenton both scored excellent points as we started to take the game to our opponents. Eire Óg were reduced to 14 men just before half time after their centre forward swung wildly at Leo Sexton. They managed to get the last score of the half to leave it 0-13 to 1-08 at the break.
The 2nd half was a frustrating affair for both teams. Alan Fenton scored a couple of frees after James Kearney was fouled. James nearly scored a good goal only for a fine save with his foot by the Eire Óg keeper. Eire Óg will be rueing a spate of wides as they wasted many a good opportunity in front of the goals. Likewise, Castlelyons will be disappointed that we weren’t able to extend our lead with the man advantage.
Colm Spillane was proving to be a handful and won a free and converted a superb point after a great high catch to keep us 2 points in the lead with time running out. Brian Spillane had a chance to seal the victory but his shot was well saved by the keeper and Alan converted the 65. With time all but up and the last puck of the game Eire Óg came forward with their last attack and found a free man who buried the ball into our net to level the game.
The match ended 2-13 to 0-19. There is a bit of a rest until our next game and our preparations will start ramping up for championship later in the summer.
Team: J Barry, J O’Leary, C Barry, R Fenton, D Spillane, L Sexton, C O’Neill, A Fenton (0-8, 0-06f), K O’Leary (0-02), R Fenton (0-01), C Spillane (0-04), P Roche, O Hallihan, J Kearney (0-01), B O’Donovan (0-02). Subs: S Cotter for P Roche, (40 min), S Moroney for C O’Neill (inj 51 mins), B Spillane for B O’Donovan (55 min).
U12 HURLING LEAGUE Castlelyons 5-3 St Colmcilles 1-10
On Monday night our U12s took on St Colmcilles in Castlelyons. Some excellent hurling by both teams ensured a tight contest. A good battle developed around the middle of the field, with good tackling from our boys. Some well taken goals by Castlelyons proved to be the difference in the end, with the lads holding on well in the final quarter to come away with the win.
Team: Bobby Hosford, Carter Clegg, Elliot Mc Loughlin, John Moloney, Ewan McCarthy, Alex O'Brien, Ned Condon, Malik Abdelrazik, Ryan Wallace, Cionnath Cotter, Robbie Wallace, Dylan Barrett, Cathal Henley, Tadgh Hickey, Tom Barry.
U10S
Our U10s travelled to Ballyduff on Friday evening to take part in their annual Hurling Tournament. They played 3 great games against Cappoquin, Kilworth and St Olivers. The boys showed great skills and determination, to come out on top in the 3 games. They now progress to the semi-finals this weekend, where no doubt they will again play brilliantly. Well done boys.
U7S
The U7s played a football blitz in Ballyhooly on Saturday morning. They played 3 games against Clyda Rovers, St Marks and Banteer and played some lovely passing football. Keep up the good work boys.
FIXTURES
Friday 2nd June - U14 Football Championship vs St Nicholas 7pm away. Friday 2nd June - U17 Hurling League v Fr O'Neills 7.15pm away. Saturday 3rd June - U10 Ballyduff Blitz semi-finals in Ballyduff. Time to be confirmed. Sunday June 4th – Junior B football championship v St Catherines at 7.30pm in Rathcormac.
FULL STEAM AHEAD WITH DEVELOPMENT
Castlelyons Development Project is moving along excellently and ahead of target. The work on the new pitch is nearing completion with some massive work in the last few weeks and may be ready for mid-September. Split drains were recently placed in the pitch and our new irrigation system was set up. The walkway is due to commence shortly with fencing, completion of the carpark and the banks about to commence also. Well done to all concerned and thanks for your generous contributions. A lot done and more to do. Ar scáth a chéile a mhaireann na daoine.
REBELS BOW OUT
The Cork hurlers lost out to Limerick last weekend in a thrilling encounter in the Gaelic Grounds. 40,000 fans packed into the stadium to create a wonderful atmosphere. Unfortunately, there were a few decisions and fine margins that went against us. Limerick proved to be the great champions they are and just had enough in the end to see them over the line. Pat Ryan and his men will be back next year, and we will all be behind them.
Special fair play to Niall O’Leary who had the honour of captaining Cork for 3 games this year. You represented the club fantastically and were a credit to us and your family. We hope you have many more years in the blood and bandage.
LOTTO JACKPOT €20,000
Numbers drawn on were 8, 11, 25 and 31. There was no winner of the jackpot. Lucky dip winners were Declan Whelan, Mairead Healy, John Feeney, Stephanie Barret, Mary Murphy, Nora McGrath, Pat Shanahan, and Nora Connolly. Next week’s jackpot is still a huge €20,000. Make sure to buy your ticket to be in with a chance to win. Next draw will take place on Tuesday, 6th June in the community centre.
VOTES OF SYMPATHY
We wish to extend our sympathy to the McGann family on the recent passing of Nellie. May she rest in peace.
SPONSORS
Our main sponsor is Zeus Packaging. We would like to thank them for their continued support.