Football championship wins at junior and juvenile level
What kind of week was it? St Catherines getting the better of Araglin in their opening match of the County Junior B1 Football Championship. Both teams in turn now play Deel Rovers. There was also success in Division 2 of the Rebel Óg East U14 Football Championship. Nominating the Minor Football League tie against Carrigtwohill as game of the year thus far. Cork in serious trouble in the provincial Senior Hurling Championship. Ok that’s how it’ll go. Read on.
ROUND 1 MCCARTHY INSURANCES COUNTY JUNIOR B FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP St Catherines 3-14 Araglin 1-06
St Catherines eventually wore down an occasional Araglin challenge to win their opening game in this year’s County Junior B1 FC when played in dull, overcast conditions at Glanworth on Saturday evening last at 5pm. Only a point separated the sides at 0-02 to 0-01 and again at 0-03 to 0-02 to the end of the opening quarter, when in a move initiated by Kyle Wallace, it was Ciaran Pietropaolo finishing off the Saints’ and game’s score of the first 30 minutes. Thus establishing a lead on a half-time scoreline standing at 0-07 to 0-02.
Adding two points without reply quickly on the change of ends. Now although a man down, losing a player on two yellows and subsequently awarded red after 23 minutes, Araglin went on to enjoy their most rewarding period of the contest. Boosted by a Conor Twomey goal 6 minutes into the second half before Ben Carey and Aaron Hegarty added points with the margin trimmed to 3 points, one kick of a football, on a scoreline of 0-10 to 1-04 to 40 minutes. But that was as close as it would get. Catherines finishing very strong. Points from Sean O’Donoghue followed. Eoin Davis left-footing over frees from the hand. Also supplying the key pass for Eoin Condon to goal for a lead now standing at 1-11 to 1-04 to the end of the third quarter. Adding a second 5 minutes later. Replacement Nathan Sheehan goaling a third at the second time of asking virtually right at the death.
Third team in the group are Deel Rovers. Football version of Milford. Playing Araglin at Castletownroche on Saturday, May 11th. They face the Saints at Buttevant on the evening of Saturday, May 25th. Throw-in will again be 5pm.
Scorers: E Condon (2-02), E Davis (0-04 frees) (0-05), N Sheehan (1-00), S O’Donoghue (0-03), K Wallace, C Pietropaolo, L O’Connor and D O’Connell (0-01 each). Araglin scorers: C Twomey (1-02), A Hegarty (0-03 frees) and B Carey (0-01).
St Catherines team: A Carr, F O’Connell, E O’Riordan, J Neville, K Neville, L O’Connor, E O’Driscoll, O Fitzgerald, R Galvin (capt), S O’Donoghue, E Kenneally, K Wallace, E Condon, E Davis, C Pietropaolo. Subs: N Sheehan for K Wallace (35), R McConville for E Kenneally (47), K O’Donoghue for R Galvin (48), D O’Connell for E Davis (53), P Keane for C Pietropaolo (58).
Referee: Bernard Kiernan (Ballyhooly).
JUVENILE SECTION ROUND 4 DIVISION 2 REBEL ÓG EAST MINOR FOOTBALL LEAGUE St Catherines 3-13 Carrigtwohill 3-14
All action, never say die approach from this encounter. A totally attack orientated, highly exciting Minor Football League tie played in sunny conditions at Ballynoe on Wednesday evening, April 24th last. A well struck Matthew Barrett goal on 26 minute exemplifies how open the game was unfolding. A score from the centre back having proceedings at 2-07 to 1-06 with Carrigtwohill, who had Niall McCarthy on board as a mentor, now ahead on a half-time scoreline standing at 2-09 to 2-06.
Back on the front foot and the home-based team had cut the deficit to the minimum within two minutes of the resumption. Up and down the pitch the action continued. Defenders being stretched all over the venue in a clear, high scoring league encounter. A definite contender for match of the year thus far in what is proving a splintered season. Kevin Jones goaling, stretching it out to 3-13 to 2-10. Eighteen minutes elapsed on your second half clock. Over? Not on your life!
Points from John Temple and Diarmuid O’Connell ensued. Ciaran Pietropaolo completing a hat trick of goals, his fifth in two matches. Bringing his tally to six over a four game encounter so far. A well struck Gearoid Sheehan leveller had two well matched teams together at 3-13 apiece on 56 minutes. Talk about excitement? You can only imagine it! Together five times over the hour thought the home team never led. A late Josh Tynan point ensured nothing was forthcoming from this contest. Catherines first loss in the league. Said it before – this is a good team. Just have incurred a few injuries. Who doesn’t?! We’re in Midleton tonight Thursday, May 2nd for Minor hurling.
Scorers: C Pietropaolo (3-00), D O’Connell (0-02 frees) (0-05), J Temple (0-04), G Sheehan (0-02), C Leamy and E O’Driscoll (0-01 each). Carrigtwohill scorers: K Jones (2-03), M Barrett (1-02), D McCarthy (0-04), B Murphy (0-01 free) (0-03) and J Tynan (0-02).
St Catherines team: T Dee, G O’Callaghan McCarthy, C Leamy, S Aherne, T Barry, D O’Donovan, T Clancy, E O’Driscoll, C Pietropaolo, J Temple, D O’Connell, C Hickey, J Hickey, D Murphy, G Sheehan. Subs: J Pietropaolo for S Aherne (second half), C Murray for J Hickey (44). Also L Moore.
Referee: Arthur Murphy (Killeagh).
ROUND 1 DIVISION 2 REBEL ÓG EAST U14 FOOTBALL CHAMPIONSHIP St Colmans 1-02 St Catherines 3-05
A welcome start for the Saints. Winning this championship tie in dry, overcast conditions at Cloyne on Friday evening last. With the pressure being applied, Jack Cunneen was trustworthy between the posts. Billy O’Connor marshalling his defence. Before the key, match-winning scores emerged especially through the second quarter. Tadhg Walsh, Ronan O’Donoghue, Kenneth O’Connell and especially Eoin Dillon with 1-02 splitting the posts. A contest blown up before the end because of an injury incurred by a St Colman’s player. Best of luck and a speedy recovery to defender Sean O’Lomasney.
Hurling starts v Whitechurch in Ballynoe this weekend. St Catherines will also be at home in the next football match when playing Cobh.
Scorers: E Dillon (1-02), T Walsh and K O’Connell (1-01 each) and R O’Donoghue (0-01). St Colmans scorers: D Philips (1-01) and D Collins (0-01).
St Catherines team: J Cunneen, C McCarthy, T Morrison, C Fitzgerald, N Keane, B O’Connor, A O’Gorman, K O’Connell, C Higgins, E Dillon, T Walsh, A Burke, J Mulkerrins, S O’Keeffe, R O’Donoghue. Subs: Z Pyne and D Temple for C Fitzgerald and J Mulkerrins (both 35).
Referee: David Butler (Carrigtwohill).
ROUND 3 DIVISION 2 REBEL ÓG NORTH U16 FOOTBALL LEAGUE Fermoy 3-08 St Catherines 1-09
Weekly lotto draw meant unfortunate non-attendance at this U16 football league tie played in Fermoy on Monday evening, April 22nd last at 8pm. A good start for the home based team. In the lead at 1-01 without reply and still ahead on a half time scoreline standing at 1-04 to 0-04. Callum O’Driscoll and Jaydn O’Connor kicked over a few well struck points. Tristan Clancy accurately converting from the penalty spot. All helping to keep the visitors in touch. Eventually undone by two goals on the breakaway. Scheduled for this week was hurling league in Passage.
St Catherines team: S O’Donoghue, S McCarthy, E O’Mahony, C Barry, S Walsh, K O’Donoghue, B O’Connor, L Moore, B Aherne, C O’Driscoll, T Clancy, J Pietropaolo, L Kilmartin, J O’Connor, A Cotter. Subs: C Higgins for C O’Driscoll, T Morrison, for K O’Donoghue.
Referee: John Ahern (Araglin).
ROUND 3 COISTE NA NÓG COUNTY U13 HURLING LEAGUE ST CATHERINES V ST DOMINICS – MATCH NOT PLAYED. U12 REPORT
Being in Glanworth for aforementioned county football match as St Catherines, winners of the hurling league a week previously and after a slowish start, recorded a victory over Youghal, this time in the U12 football league up on Magniers Hill on Saturday evening last at 4pm. Finishing up on a scoreline of Youghal 3-05 St Catherines 6-06. Panel as previously listed.
MUNSTER HURLING
Oh how the mighty have fallen Cork and Tipperary combined have almost 100 provincial senior hurling titles between them. There is now the more than realistic possibility that neither of them will even be around the environs when the presentation of this year’s Mick Mackey Cup is decided. With Clare, Waterford and almighty Limerick very much in pole position with two from three of those very much favourites for contesting this year’s Munster Senior hurling final. Maybe it’s worth pointing out the Rebels were in a similar position only two seasons ago as they are now. Grabbing the much sought after third place right at the conclusion of round-robin competition. In Olympic terms the bronze medal. So now Limerick come to town. As good as through. Likelihood now a few fringe players will start. Why not? In contrast Cork have no clue as to what their first choice team is. Fully realising now they are firmly placed at the door of the last chance saloon. It’s down to that.
SYMPATHY
A number of local families suffered bereavements over the recent week or so. There being the death of May Galvin in Mount Uniacke, Killeagh. A Peggy Ryan recently buried in Cahir was a grandmother of first team hurler and footballer Eoghan O’Riordan. Deepest sympathy too to Matt, Celine, William and Cathal McAuliffe, Ballynoe, on the sad passing of Celine’s mother in Killeagh. May they all rest in peace.
RECENT LOTTO RESULT
Draw held in the clubrooms, Ballynoe on Monday night, April 22nd. Numbers drawn were 14, 16, 18 and 32, no winner. €30 consolation winners were Michael A Leahy, Corrin View House, Glenreigh, Ballynoe, Kate, Sarah, Niamh, Suzanne c/o Conna PO, Brendan Wilson, Monagown, Conna, Edward Casey, Shanakill, Curraglass and Mark Lane, Curraheen, Conna. With a jackpot standing at €5,400 most recent weekly lotto draw was scheduled for Monday night last, April 29th.
BUSY UPCOMING FIXTURE LIST
Tonight, Thursday, May 2nd round 4 division 1 Rebel Óg East Minor Hurling League in Midleton at 7pm. Friday, May 3rd at Ballynoe, round 1 division 2 Rebel Óg East U14 Hurling Championship v Whitechurch at 7pm. Friday, May 3rd at Ballynoe, round 5 division 4 County Hurling League v Bandon at 8pm. Sunday, May 5th at Ballynoe, round 2 phase 1 U12 Hurling League v Carrigtwohill at 11am. Monday, May 6th at Kilworth, Féile na Peil, section 4 division 1 group B for Kilworth/Araglen, Kildorrery, Castlelyons and St Catherines. Starts at 2.30pm. Monday, May 6th round 5 division 2 Rebel Óg East Minor Football League in Cobh at 7pm. Tuesday, May 7th round 3 division 4 County Hurling League in Kilworth at 7.30pm. Re-arranged. Wednesday, May 8th at Ballynoe, round 4 division 2 Rebel Óg North U16 Football League v Whitechurch at 7pm.
ST CATHERINES GAA CLUB SPONSORS
T&A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherine’s Juvenile GAA Club.