County Junior B Football Champions 2014

Castlelyons have taken the County Junior B Football Title for the second time in the Clubs history.  They defeated a tough Kilmeen team last Sunday in Páirc Uí Rinn by 1-6 to 0-7. This was a dogged game with both sets of backs marking tight and scores hard come by but Kilmeen were ahead by two points in the 60th Minute.  It was like the PIH County Final 2013 and Youghal deja vu all over again as it looked to be slipping away from us but what a victory in the end. We began this championship in May when we defeated Kilmeen in the first round.  Then we had victories over Doneraile, Rathpeacon and Grange in the Semi Final and faced Kilmeen for the second time in the final.

We last won this title in 1989 when we defeated Whitechurch.  At that time it could be argued that we were as much football as hurling.  However, after years of outstanding success in hurling and spending many years in the senior ranks, the interest in football waned somewhat at adult level.

Well done to Michael Spillane our Manager, who took on the job at the AGM and Michael Barrett our Selector, and, indeed, all involved on the day.  This county title has done great for the morale of both the club and the community.   No doubt, after a short sojourn we can take to the camáns again, drive on and win more silverware before the year is out.

Castlelyons 1-06; Kilmeen 0-07

Castlelyons played Kilmeen in the County Junior B Football Final on Sunday last in Pairc Uí Rinn. It was a wet day with a greasy surface which really mitigated against fast open football. This resulted in a very even contest with a limited number of scoring chances for both sides. 

Castlelyons had the first score of the match when Timmy McCarthy got on the end of a long pass and he fisted the ball over the bar. Kilmeen levelled the match shortly after and went ahead when they scored their second point after ten minutes. 

The rest of the half was very even  with both defences on top and scoring opportunities were limited. Castlelyons added two more points, both scored by Alan Fenton, who was on his game. 

This left the score at half time Castlelyons 0-3 and Kilmeen 0-4. While we trailed by a point we were still doing well and one could sense that with a bit of luck we could swing it.

The second half was a copy of the first with very few scoring opportunities created by both sides. Kilmeen got the first point of the half to extend their lead to two points but Ronan Bransfield replied for Castlelyons with a point from a free. Kilmeen scored two frees in a five minute spell of attacking and domination to go three points ahead.  

There was serious pressure on our backs and it looked as if Kilmeen would take the spoils. Stephen Hickey made two fantastic saves to deny Kilmeen before Anthony Spillane reduced the gap to two points with ten minutes to go. 

Our defenders were outstanding as time and again they all stood up and did their part, indeed, none more so than Stephen Hickey our goalie who showed bravery in his saves and class in his huge kick outs.  At this stage our two midfielders Barry Fitzgerald and Colm Spillane dropped back to help out well and while we may have lost a little shape it was a packed defence.  There was no score for almost ten minutes.

Heading for the long whistle and with Kilmeen still leading by two points Barry Fitzgerald drove in a long and high line ball into the full forwards.  Timmy McCarthy went high with the full back and the corner back got sucked in as well but these guys were not going to outfield Timmy. I think Anto may have got a touch also.   Suddenly, the ball broke to that goal poacher supreme, Alan Fenton.  He gained possession and moved in one on one with the keeper.  As with Alan in those situations one result, bang! Goal!!! The right hand corner of the net shook, a mighty roar and Castlelyons were up a point.   With time almost up Robby Feeney scored the insurance point when he fisted the ball over the bar to insure a memorable victory.

Well done to all concerned players, management and selectors on securing our first county football title in 25 years.

Team: - Stephen Hickey, Brian Carroll, Barry O Connell, Cian Lawlor, Eoin Maye, Colm Barry, Tommy Carroll, Colm Spillane, Barry Fitzgerald, Ronan Fenton, Ronan Bransfield (0-01f), Ronan O Regan, Alan Fenton (1-02), Timmy McCarthy (0-01), Anthony Spillane (0-01).

Subs Used: - Leo Sexton, Darren Tobin, Cian O Leary, and Robby Feeney (0-01)

Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship

This Saturday our Premier Intermediate Hurling team are back in action when we play Ballyhea in the quarter final of the Championship in Kilworth. Ballyhea are a formidable outfit with a peerless tradition.  League wise Ballyhea are tops this year.  However, this is not always the greatest form guide and Castlelyons have shown their mettle many times in the heat of the Championship down the years. 

We won our first round match against Watergrasshill on the 1st June and because we received a bye in the 4th Round it has been all of three months since our last championship match. This team has been active all summer with league and challenge matches and numerous training sessions under Manager Con Lawlor, Coach John Boylan and Selector Ger McCarthy.

Preparation for this match has been hindered by other matches that had to be played but with the boost of the football victory and a solid week hurling training the lads will, no doubt, be ready for the challenge of Ballyhea.  Kildorrery did it in June defeating Cloyne in the IFC in Castlelyons in a hectic game after extra time.  Then on a four day turn around they defeated Fr O Neills in the IHC in Watergrasshill.  Our lads, no doubt will be ready and biting at the bit for Saturday evening. Best of luck to all involved, Players, Management and Selectors.

Our supporters are the best and we appreciate it so hit the road to Kilworth Saturday evening for 6.30pm and cheer on the Parish team.

Junior B Championship

Our Junior B Hurling team are playing the next round of their championship on Sun 31^st August when they take on Carrignavar in Rathcormac at 6.30pm. This team has given us some mighty evenings and two spectacular games with Ballinacurra.  

Winning that replay in the first round, this team are eagerly looking forward to this game and to keeping their run going. Again best of luck to all involved and your support on the night is requested.

Fundraising Draw

The countdown is well and truly on for the two fundraising draws, both of which will be staged in September. The total prize fund is in excess of €2,000 with the two top cash prizes being €500 each. In all, there are in excess of fifteen prizes to be raffled.

To date, the response to this fundraising initiative has been exceptional as befits a locally based draw with a prize-fund of this scale. In excess of 70% of the projected number of lines is already sold and final efforts are now in train to achieve a target which reflects in a very positive manner on the entire Castlelyons community.

The success of this ongoing initiative has been has only been made possible by the generosity of the sponsors who have once again come on board and supported us. These sponsors include Murphy Vehicle Repairs, Lagan Group, East Cork Oil, Suit Distributors Cork, Bord Gáis Networks, Fitzgerald Bros, Metrology Systems and Services, The Farrier's Bar, Abbey Tavern, Bertie Murphy Painting Contractor, The Paddocks Bar Ballyduff and The Grand Hotel, Fermoy.

Raffle Cards and lines are still available from any GAA Committee Member, The Juvenile Club and the Camogie Club. Also, you are requested to return all completed cards to any member of the Adult Club.

The initial draw takes place in Community Centre on Saturday September 13th with the second draw scheduled for The Farrier's Bar on Saturday September 27th.

Fixtures

PIH Championship V Ballyhea on Sat 30th @ 6.30 pm in Kilworth.

JBH Championship V Carrignavar on Sun 31st Aug @ 6.30 in Rathcormac.