.Castlelyons Under 12 team celebrations

Sunday evening was special for our U12 teams as they were presented with East Cork hurling and football medals at a party in the Community Centre. The team had a great year in 2025 and won East Cork championships in both hurling and football plus the Ryan Tournament in Aghada and the Colman Dillon Tournament in Erins Own. The medals were presented by Castlelyons and Cork Star Niall O'Leary who had very encouraging words for the lads. Niall was delighted to see so many trophies won by the lads last year and said no doubt they will come through the ages to play at adult level for our Club. He wished them enjoyment and success for 2026. Coach Declan Wallace also spoke and gave rousing talk on keeping up the standards and of course being a Kerryman he did mention the Kerry footballers as a team who adheres to the highest standards. Club Chairman Michael O'Donovan thanked all the parents for their help during the year and for attending the party.  Michael had special words for Niall O'Leary who is always available and attends some juvenile training sessions as well. He then made a presentation to Niall on behalf of the juvenile club. Afterwards all had a well-deserved pizza party and no doubt looking forward to games in 2026. Comhghairdeas agus Castlelyons Abú.

Under 16 (13 a side) Rebel Óg Football League.

Newmarket 3-16 Castlelyons 5-8.

We are very slack in numbers at U16 level this year however we put in an outstanding performance versus Newmarket in Castlelyons this Sunday morning. We could even have sneaked a win against one of Cork’s more renowned senior football clubs just losing by two points.  The morning was dull with some rain and a strong wind blowing towards Abbeylands.  Newmarket travelled because their pitch was unplayable and their mentors were all praise of the good condition of our new pitch. It was great to hear referee Peter Watson, who is also the chairperson of Rebel Óg give a talk to our players before the game on the rules and gave special advice about engaging on backchat as well.  We had just the thirteen players while Newmarket had a panel of twenty-two.  Ned Condon scored some fantastic goals one in the first half as he cut through the centre and sent a rocket to the net.  Robbie Wallace gave another lovely assist to Ned for a goal. A feature of the game was some great free taking from Cionnaith Cotter who scored five points from frees.

Panel: Tadhg Hickey, Rory Lardner, Ned Condon, Ewan McCarthy, Dylan Barrett, Cathal O Keeffe, Tommy Barry, Alex O Brien, Jimmy O Riordan, Christopher O’Sullivan, Cionnaith Cotter, Cathal Henley, Robbie Wallace.

Astro Pitch and Hurling Wall nearing completion.

Our new Hurling Wall is built but the surrounds are not yet complete.  The surrounds and new Astro pitch should be complete by end of February.  We are presently drawing up protocols for usage and forming a committee for running and maintaining the pitch.  There will be two members from the Steering Group on the committee namely John McCarthy and Declan Spillane, Helen Hussey is representing the Camogie, Declan Wallace the Juvenile GAA.  The adult GAA representative will be nominated at the next monthly meeting while our secretary Margaret Doran is checking with the LGFA for a representative.  The 80’ X 40’ Astro Pitch is yet another fantastic facility and it is most important that it is brushed, cleaned and well maintained while treated with the utmost respect by user.

Cork GAA have a new sustainability programme – Club Sustainability Officer required.

The Cork County Board has announced a new long-term sustainable partnership with the Zeus Group and local man Brian O’Sulllivan.   Brian sees this as an important step in demonstrating how practical sustainability solutions can be successfully integrated into large scale sporting venues.  Cork GAA are setting out to be more than than a sporting organisation as they are moving towards a community built on values, pride, and a sense of belonging.  While it may be the Rebels going red in their thousands to support the teams Rebels going green is a most important commitment to creating a sustainable future for our people, our communities, and our planet.  Through this initiative, Cork aim to make sustainability a central part of everything we do, from local clubs to Páirc Uí Chaoimh.

There is Sustainability Vision, Strategy, and Roadmap (2025–2030), completed including objectives, key initiatives, and milestones.  From energy efficiency and biodiversity projects to community engagement and the Green Clubs Initiative, Cork GAA are embedding environmental responsibility into the heart of Cork GAA.  All members, clubs, and supporters are invited to explore this strategy, learn more about our sustainability goals, and join us in building a greener, stronger future for our communities.  It is hoped that a Club Sustainability Officer will lead and coordinate sustainability activity within their club. Working with the club executive, the officer will: Promote environmentally responsible practices and champion projects that reduce waste, improve energy efficiency, and enhance community wellbeing.  To compliment this great initiative by the County Board and ZEUS we require a club Sustainability Officer and hopefully that he/she can be ratified at our next monthly meeting.

Election of new GAA President at Congress this weekend.

Jarlath Burns is the current Uachtarán Cumann Lúthchleas Gael, took up office in February 2024 for a three-year term that runs until February 2027. He was elected as Uachtarán Tofa (President-elect) at the GAA Annual Congress in 2023, securing a decisive victory on the first count with 158 of 277 votes. Already the election for the next President to succeed Jarlath Burns in 2027, will take place at the GAA Congress this coming weekend.  There are three candidates as follows: -

Ger Ryan (Tipperary): the former Munster Council Chairperson is running to become the first Tipperary man to lead the association in over 50 years.

Derek Kent (Wexford): the Taghmon/Camross clubman former Wexford County Board chairperson and current Leinster Council Chairperson.  He is hoping t become the first Wexford man to lead the association sine Michael Kehoe in 1952

John Murphy (Sligo): The Tubbercurry clubman a former Sligo and Connacht GAA Chairperson, is a current trustee of the GAA and on the Board of Páirc Uí Chaoimh.  He is aiming to become the first Sligo man to hold the position of President.

Following a vote of delegates at our last County Board Meeting, the Cork delegation to Congress was mandated to support the motion calling for the return of the Minor Finals to be played before All-Ireland Senior Finals and to oppose the motion proposing to extend the inter-county season.  It should be an interesting Congress 2026.

Rebel Bounty 2026 – your support appreciated.

Tickets are going very well for this the Rebels’ Bounty and the draws for January, February, and March will be taking place towards the end of March 2026.  After that the draws will take place monthly.  We have a set quota of tickets to sell and while it is fairly demanding for us as a senior club all the proceeds from ticket sales above this quota will go directly to our club.  The profit from sales provides vital funds for Castlelyons GAA.

The purchase of a ticket is a most exciting chance to win great cash prizes while supporting the club. Participants can win one of 30 prizes in each draw, ranging from €100 to €20,000. A special prize of €100,000 will be awarded in December 2026, providing a thrilling end to the year’s draws.  Tickets are priced at €100 each and can be purchased directly from any club member or online through a provided link in the Conty Board Website.  The closing date for direct debits is the 1st of March and the closing date for the draw is 1pm on Friday 27th of March.  The draw takes place on Friday 27th of March at 7pm.

Sponsor:  East Cork Oil.