Castlelyons GAA Notes WE 22.11.21. 2021-11-26 18:20:00

PIHC Final versus Courcey Rovers in the Páirc this Saturday at 5pm.

Well, it is off to the Páirc again on Saturday evening for another county final. This time the PIHC final against old rivals Courcey Rovers. It was back in 1985 Balinspittle became a famous place as the crowds flocked to the place to see the moving statue. Maybe this helped the games down there as Courcey Rovers made up of Ballinspittle and Ballinadee have really become a big club in recent years. Stephen Nyhan their goalie nailed 1-3 in the semi-final versus Valley Rovers this year and will put anything over from his own twenty-one on. They have a strong back line and star forwards in Sean Twomey, Gerry O’Neill, Richard Sweetnam and Tadgh O’Sullivan which puts them in the favourite’s parlour.

Our own little club is small in stature by comparison but big in heart and this is our second premier intermediate county hurling final in a row. Amazingly, our first county title did not come until 1989 and that was a county junior B football title. It was a watershed occasion as many great hurling titles followed and even a county senior hurling semi-final appearance in 2001. These titles did not come easy as there was great work put into coaching, good management, and commitment to training by so many players down the years. I really like the honesty and commitment of this group of players as well as the efforts of the management team. They are very respectful outfit well-grounded and prepared to work. Equally there is a good fondness for the parish and the club in the sporting world. While it can be tough to lose the lads have really fought back this year to make the final again. We have some warhorses along the battle lines who can stand the test and inspire too. Unlike the Blarney game last year supporters are back, and we can have up to 45,000, not that we will have such a crowd but sure we can sound like it. Best of luck to all let’s go for it. Is feidir linn.

Castlelyons back in another PIHC Final after hectic struggle with Ballinhassig.

Castlelyons 1-17 Ballinhassig 1-17.

Castlelyons are back in the county final again for the second year in a row. There was no championship game with the last seven weeks, and we were down to top forwards in Barry Murphy and James Kearney. However, they team showed some character to prevail 1-17 to 1-16. Ballinhassig came to do business and hurled for their life for 45 minutes. In fairness, our lads met them head on and when Anthony Spillane was fouled for a penalty round seven minutes in up came goalie Jack and hit the net with a mighty shot. A little cushion you may say but Ballinhassig stayed for the session too as only the goal separated us at the sos uisce 1-4 to 0-4 and again at half time 1-7 to 0-7. During this time, we were lucky enough as Ballinhassig shot a few wides. But our six backs continued to hurl very well while Jack added two more points to his penalty with massive drives.  

We picked up an excellent work rate for the second half too as Eoin Maye buzzed about midfield to great effect. Ballinhassig hit three points before the last water break. But Castlelyons like horses going out the back showed their class to put their stamp on the run in as Niall O’Leary, Colm Spillane, Alan Fenton, and Anthony Spillane worked the oracle. Also, young Harty Cup man Colm McCarthy came on, won three great possessions carrying the ball forward each time.

However, Ballinhassig almost took us at the death as a strong ground shot gave Jack no chance in goal and only a point in it. With time up there was another play and Ballinhassig carried it forward, but Anthony Spillane chased with speed and disposed him leaving the referee an easy decision to blow the final whistle. This was a close shave even in stubble weather but mighty commitment from the lads when it was put up to them. I spoke with an old friend of mine from Ballinhassig that evening, and he was disappointed as they were going excellently as a team in both grades all season, had beaten Castlelyons in championship before and were not afraid of us. They thought they would do it and almost got there. So well done lads fair play to ye. Incidentally, Ian McCarthy, Referee from Bandon, handled the game very well. We will all be off to the Páirc on this Saturday evening to play another tough outfit Courcey Rovers at 5pm. Please prepare the village and parish with some decoration and life for the occasion. Get your tickets on time and motor on with hats, flags and buntings for the week and all support appreciated.

Panel: J Barry (1-2), J O'Leary, C Barry, T Carroll, S Moroney, L Sexton, L Doocey, E Maye (0-1), C Spillane; A Fenton (0-7), N O'Leary (0-3), R Fenton; D Morrison (0-1), A Spillane (0-3), K O'Leary. Subs: M Spillane, C McCarthy, S O Sullivan, C Oneill, C McCarthy, D Tobin, L Moroney, B O Donovan, O Hallihan, S Casey, A O’Regan, D Spillane, P Roche, J Healy, D Kenny, G O’Neill, JP Murphy, E Barry, D Beausang, I O Sullivan. Team Management: C McGann Manager/Selector, J Crowley, Coach / Selector, P Murphy, S Kenny, Selectors, B Hoare Stats, D Kenny GK Coach, P Hanley, Physio, Dr Paddy Burke (Doctor)

Castlelyons GAA Weekly Lotto Jackpot now at €18,000. 

This week’s draw was held Monday 22.11.21 and the numbers drawn were 7, 9, 11, and 13. There was no winner, and the Jackpot is now at €13,000. The Lucky Dip winners were as follows: - DH AH LH, Martina Minihane, LNAP Hegarty, Wm Connelly, Pat Drislane, Neil Spillane, Nicola Cremin Hurley, David Caplice.

The results of the Club Lotto are published on both the Avondhu and social media. The next draw is Monday. 29.11.21 at the Centre. Thanks so much for your support and please advise your friends that they can play our Lotto, ONLINE or purchase tickets from the usual outlets.

Club Main Sponsor: ZEUS Packaging Group.




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