Hurling league points shared

CAVANAGH’S OF FERMOY DIVISION 1 HURLING LEAGUE

In damp conditions last Sunday afternoon Ballyhooly faced Killavullen in their second game of this year’s Cavanagh’s of Fermoy Division 1 Hurling League. Ballyhooly had a good first half putting together a number of great passages of play. Although still competitive in the second half Killavullen got into the game more and racked up more scores than the opening half. Frees and an unfortunate goal conceded by Ballyhooly allowed Killavullen to catch up resulting in a drawn game.

Even though Ballyhooly made a good start they went three points down to Killavullen before Brian Lombard put over his first free on the ninth minute. This score seemed to settle the team and four points from Brian Lombard frees had them ahead 0-5 to 0-4 after fifteen minutes. Ballyhooly continued to outscore Killavullen for the remainder of the first half as Dylan Collins got two points from play and one each from Eoin Twomey and Peter Ahern. Half-time score Ballyhooly 0-9 Killavullen 0-5.

Diarmuid Linehan opened the scoring in the second half but two points from frees helped Killavullen close the gap a little. Scores eluded Ballyhooly even though they had the majority of the chances for the next ten minutes with four shots going wide. Killavullen added a point from play which Fionn Hess quickly cancelled out so that the sides were still four points apart after forty minutes, Ballyhooly 0-12 Killavullen 0-8.

There was an exchange of points by both sides over the next ten minutes, Brian Lombard scoring two frees and a further point by Dylan Collins which still kept four points between the teams, Ballyhooly 0-15 Killavullen 0-11. Two more points for Killavullen put just two between them and with a lucky goal after fifty three minutes Killavullen were ahead for the first time. Fionn Hess pulled one back for Ballyhooly to level things up but this was quickly cancelled out by a Killavullen pointed free to put them back in front again. With just a minute remaining Gearoid Roche got the levelling point once more. Kevin Kiely and Seamus Roche both created chances to get scores before the final whistle but they edged wide leaving the final score Ballyhooly 0-16 Killavullen 1-13 and the league points shared.

Team: Cian Murphy, Jeff Gowen, Eoin Sykes, Fergal O’Connell, Dylan Collins (0-3), Eoin Buckley, Peter Ahern (0-1), Eoin Twomey (0-1), Seamus Roche, Diarmuid Linehan (0-1), Fionn Hess (0-2), Kevin Kiely, Gearoid Roche (0-1), Brian Lombard (0-7f), Darragh

Whelan. Subs: Dan Cooney, Tom Crowley, Sean Dineen, Robert Campbell, Oisin Ahern, Brian O’Driscoll, Robert O’Gorman. Referee: Justin Murphy.

Next week will see the start of Ballyhooly’s involvement in the Division 7 County Football League following their North Cork Division 1 League win in 2023. This will be a new challenge for the team at this level and against unfamiliar opposition. There are seven games to be played, so there will be busy times ahead.

FR DONAL BRODERICK R.I.P

Last week the parish said farewell to Fr Donal Broderick who had served as our priest in residence over the last number of years. Fr Broderick was a kind, gentle and caring man and we were very fortunate to have him with us in Ballyhooly. He will be long remembered and sadly missed. Our sincere condolences to his family, may he rest in peace.

LOTTO

The next lotto draw will be on Monday, 1st April for a jackpot of €1,400. Tickets are available on Clubforce, the shop, pub or your usual seller.

FIXTURES

Division 7 County Football League v St James’ on Saturday, 30th March at 4pm in Ballyhooly.

CLUB SPONSORS

Walsh Engineering.