Well deserved victory

COUNTY JUNIOR C FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP Abbey Rovers 3-11 Gleann na Laoi 0-13

Abbey Rovers played their final game in the County Junior C Football championship round robin section, when they travelled to Glenville on Saturday last, June 3rd, to face Gleann na Laoi. On a beautiful early summer’s evening, conditions could not have been better with brilliant sunshine and no breeze to speak of.

Abbey Rovers reserved their best performance of the campaign to date for this game. They were first on to the scoreboard, thanks to a point from Muiris, though Gleann na Laoi responded with a point from a free. Abbey Rovers were playing well and a brace of points from both Mark and Niall saw us take a four point lead. Indeed, this might have been much worse, were it not for some outstanding goalkeeping from the Gleann na Laoi stopper, who made brilliant saves at different times from Aidan, Liam and Dane.

They rallied to cut the deficit to two points, again from frees, before well engineered points by Mark from play, James and another from Mark, this time courtesy of a free extended the lead. The goal which had been threatening all half finally arrived, when Mark played a ball inside to Mark, who finished soccer-style to the net. Gleann na Laoi had the final two points of the half in injury time, with Abbey Rovers leading at half time 1-08 to 0-05.

The second half saw Abbey Rovers tested much more on the defensive side, but credit to our backs, who proved equal to the task. The third quarter saw the sides share six points, Abbey Rovers efforts coming from Mark, Muiris and Liam. In the final quarter, Gleann na Laoi attempted to narrow the deficit and had two points from frees. Another effort was brilliantly tipped over the crossbar by Johnny in goals. Credit to our boys who never panicked and a breakaway move saw the ball arrive with Patrick in the large square.

Although he finished to the net, the referee had already blown his whistle for a penalty. Up stepped Adrian from centre back and he made no mistake, sending the keeper the wrong way. By now, we had introduced fresh legs onto the team and they helped see out the game, with the opposition registering a point in injury time to cut the deficit to four. Once again, a fantastic length of the field move saw Patrick bearing down on goal and with the last kick of the game, he rattled the back of the net to seal a well-deserved victory on a scoreline of Abbey Rovers 3-11 Gleann na Laoi 0-13.

This was a very entertaining encounter, and credit to both teams for playing their part in this, despite the warm conditions. Our lads can be very pleased with their performance, with each line of the team playing well throughout. The draw for the knockout stages takes place this week, with two of the three group winners (of which Abbey Rovers are one) guaranteed a semi-final berth. Commiserations to Gleann na Laoi, who also advance to the knockout stages, for a good sporting encounter.

Thanks to Glenville for having their venue in great condition and to Paddy O’Sullivan and his team of officials for handling the game well.

Team: Johnny Batterberry, Will Madden, Sean Sugrue, Pat Madden, Thomas Barrett, Adrian O’Donovan (1-00), Noah O’Brien, Patrick Sheehan (1-00), Muiris Browne (0-02), James Linehan (0-01), Aiden O’Leary, Niall Hazelwood (0-02), Liam Sugrue (0-01), Mark O’Callaghan (1-05), Dane O’Neill. Subs: Jack Relihan for James Linehan, Leon Farrell for Dane O’Neill, David Linehan for Liam Sugrue.

FIXTURE

Castletownroche play the final game against Iveleary in the County Junior B Hurling championship round robin section on Saturday next, June 10th. Castletownroche will hope to put the disappointing defeat against Ballyclough in their last game behind them. This is a winner takes all encounter with the victor progressing to the quarter final section of the Championship. The game will throw in at 7pm in Riverstown (Glanmire). Patrons are reminded tickets must be bought online in advance via the Cork County Board website.

CLUB LOTTO

The latest lotto draw took place on Monday night, June 5th, in the Castle Arms. The numbers drawn were 12, 21, 25 and 30. There was no winner of the €6,900 jackpot and the five €20 lucky dip winners were Paddy Geaney, Hannah Roche, Joe Connors, Linda Barrett and Brian Mellerick. Congratulations to all the prize winners.

The next club lotto draw takes place on Monday, June 19th, in The Rockforest Bar, with the jackpot now standing at €7,000. 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.

REBELS’ BOUNTY 2023

The latest draw in the Rebels’ Bounty took place on Thursday night last. The winner of the €20,000 May jackpot was David Caulfield from Ballyphehane. Unfortunately, there was no winner from Castletownroche in this draw.

The next draw will take place towards the end of June.