Castlelyons Senior Hurlers commence a new season on Sunday.

Our senior hurlers travel to Ovens on Sunday 8.3.26 at 11.30am for their first league game of the year as they take on Eire Óg in first round of the Red FM Hurling League Division Three.  We have a much-changed backroom team this year as both Michael Spillane the manager and coach Noel Furlong have stepped down after some great years.  Ciarán McGann a selector last year has taken up as manager with Barry Fitzgerald and Peter Murphy selectors as well.  Ross Corbett from Mitchelstown has taken up as Coach with Anthony Kenny taking on Strength and conditioning and David Beausang is on Stats and Robbie O’Leary on Logistics.  Our players are making a great effort with all panels training together.  However, training is a little hampered by the poor weather and pitch playability.  The other teams in this league are Mallow, Ballinhassig, Courcey Rovers, Fermoy, Kilworth, Carrigtwohill, Ballyhea, Fr O’Neills, Bandon, Cloyne, Castlelyons, Valley Rovers.  Best of luck to the team on Sunday and your support appreciated.

East Cork Junior Hurling League Division 1

Castlelyons 0-12 Bride Rovers 1-18

This game was played this Monday evening in Bride Rovers new pitch Pyne's Field which was in very good condition with excellent floodlighting. We travelled with a very strong panel though lacking match preparation and were defeated by the home side in a lively encounter for the most part. We started well with two points from frees and one from play Brian O’Donovan and a mighty one from the wing by Ronan Fenton.  But Rovers keeping the scoring board ticking over too and it was 0-4 apiece on 15 minutes with our goalie Gavin O’Neill after making two good saves.  Dylan Leetch in his first adult game sent over 0-1 from play and Robbie Feeney had two put again Rovers were dominant for the second quarter and led at half time 0-11 to 0-7.  

Rovers started the second half very well and tacked on 1-1 which left us chasing the game. We continued to press a lot but lacked a bit of scoring power. The Rovers defence began to dominate and gave plenty of opportunities to their forwards and they drove on while we just scored 0-5 in the second half. Overall, it was a good game and lots of our lads tried very hard. Referee Niall O'Neill had a good game too and was very vigilant on throw ball as he blew for that on numerous occasions.

Our next game in this league is in Park South Midleton on Friday evening the 6th of March at 6.45pm when we the home side Midleton.

Panel:  Gavin O’Neill, Bryan Carroll, Liam Moroney, Stephen Casey, Jamie O’Leary, Stephen Griffy, Conor McCarthy, Dylan Leetch, Brian O’Donovan, Brian Spillane, Ronan Fenton, Shane Flynn, Adam Lardner, Darren Tobin, Eoin Barry, Matthew Rosner, Sean Óg McGuire, Cees Kouwenberg, Declan Morrison, Darragh Bransfield, Kevin Barry, Jack Kenny, Stephen Rice, Ian O’Sullivan, Shaun Lenegan, Cathal Sheehan, Rochard Morrison, Oisin Morrison.

The AFL Europe Fitzpatrick Cup – Castlelyons interest.

This is an annual Australian Rules football tournament catering for European university and college teams. It is a very prestigious competition 9-a-side competition with 14 on the panel and was held last weekend in Belfast.  The UCC Bombers (men) won the final defeating MTU Cork in the final.  The MTU team was captained by Eoin O’Neill, Castlelyons.  Then UCC Crusaders (girls) made it a double they Bermingham, Oxford and Belfast in the group section.  They defeated the second UCC team in the semi final and in a hectic final they defeated University of Limerick by just one point.  Olivia Beausang, Castlelyons, a finance student who was on the winning UCC Crusaders Team.  There was another girl on the team with Castlelyons connections, namely Sinéad Galway, Kilkenny whose mam Josephine O’Brien (Sonny’s daughter) was a Castlelyons woman but long married and living in Thomastown, Kilkenny.  Incidentally, Sinéad’s brother Diarmuid was the sub goalie for Kilkenny today versus Cork in Nowlan Park. Castlelyons patrons may remember him in goal for Thomastown in the intermediate hurling club championship in Croke Park when the defeated us and he saved a few raspers from our forwards including a great one from Anthony Spillane.  Comhghairdeas to Olivia Beausang, Castlelyons, to Sinéad Galway, Kilkenny and all the Crusaders girls.  

Leah Hallihan helps Cork Senior Ladies Football team stay clear at top the table.

Cork 1-12 Waterford 3-5

Cork moved further clear at the top of the Lidl Ladies Football League Division 1 table after edging out their Munster rivals at Páirc Uí Rinn on Saturday night.  A late free from Bride Rovers Katie Quirke separated the sides after a highly entertaining game. Leah Hallihan played corner forward and although not scoring she had a good game.

Ciara Morrison helps Cork U23 camogie defeat Clare.

Cork 0-11 Clare 0-9

Cork got the better of Clare in their Munster U23 Camogie championship quarter-final clash at Castle Road on Sunday.  Both teams had to battle terrible conditions to perform on the day.  Cork played with a strong wind in the first half and were four points up at half time.  But it was a savage battle in the second half.  Our own Ciara Morrison (Castlelyons) scored a great point against the driving wind an rain to help Cork as they held out against the Banner ladies.  They now play Limerick in the semi-final next weekend.  Well done Ciara and Cork.

Castlelyons Camogie Bingo Night – Saturday 7th March at 8.30pm.

The next Bingo night takes place on Saturday 7th of March at 8:30pm in the Community Centre. The Camogie Club are calling on all parents, players and members current and new to come along and support this fundraiser. There is a raffle and refreshments with a great night guaranteed. All proceeds go directly towards the running of the Camogie club.

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. Derek Kent (Wexford) was elected as Uachtarán Tofa (President-elect) at the GAA Annual Congress in Croke Park last weekend, securing a decisive victory on the first count with 169 of 277 votes. Ger Ryan (Tipperary) got 76 votes and John Murphy (Sligo) 32.  Derek Kent will take over from Jarlath Burns in 2027.

The integration of the GAA, LGFA and Camogie Association as ‘One Association has a target deadline of 2027 but there are doubt surrounding its feasibility.  Ensuring equity in facilities and opportunities, with logistical, financial, and cultural hurdles are all significant.  Maybe a phased approach rather that one bang may be more suited.  However, there is over ninety cent support for a move to one Organisation so it will be don and while it may be challenging it is a fantastic time for the new President Derek Kent to take up office in 2027.

GAA Integration Roadshow up and running – important for your Club.

The Steering Group on Integration, comprised of stakeholders from the three Gaelic games Associations along with chair, and Iar-Uachtarán na hÉireann Dr. Mary McAleese, are holding roadshows over the coming weeks.  Attendees from all around the various clubs are attending these events to learn more about integration timelines and structures and had the opportunity to ask questions and provide feedback on the process.

Registrations for Munster at Supervalu Páirc Uí Chaoimh on the 10th of March is now open. If you would like to attend in person, you should register for the event taking place in your own province. Registration links were shared with all club secretaries.  Places for the in-person events are limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

If you are unable to attend in person, we encourage you to register for the live-streamed event, which has greater capacity.  Attendance at the in-person event is limited to one representative per club, and all attendees must be registered members of either the Camogie Association, GAA or LGFA.  If you have any questions, please contact submissions.integration@gaa.ie.

Conflicts in the Middle East.

The conflicts in the Middle East, have led to significant disruptions in Dubai, including the suspension of operations at Dubai International Airport, the world's busiest international hub, and numerous flight cancellations. There is an estimated 12,000 Irish nationals in the United Arab Emirates with a huge proportion in Dubai.  We have a number of Club members and, indeed, supporters in Dubai.  However, we have been in touch with them, and all are safe and well as their area is not directly involved in the troubles.  Let us pray for peace and the safety of our members and their friends. 

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 the draw is 1pm on Friday 27th of March.  The draw takes place on Friday 27th of March at 7pm.

Votes of sympathy.

Sincere sympathy to the O’Flynn family, Castlelyons on the sad passing of Gretta Power, Tallow. Sincere sympathy to the Roche family, Glenarouske on the sad passing of Margo Roche.  Sincere sympathy to the Clegg family, Castlelyons on the sad passing of Dr John Thompson, Midleton.  Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n-anamacha dílse. 

Sponsor:  East Cork Oil.