St Catherines GAA Notes.
- Dec 02,2022
Annual General Meeting this weekend
An intensely busy weekend and pray tell another one coming up! So, without further ado presenting you with the results of the most recent lotto draw from Monday night last, November 21st. Numbers drawn were 3, 23, 24 and 27 and the jackpot wasn’t won. The consolation winners were Helen O’Neill Ballynoe, Judy Donnelly Ballynoe, Angela O’Donoghue online, Denis O’Neill Ballynoe and Mary Delaney Carrigmore Conna. There will be a draw on Monday night, November 28th in the clubrooms, Ballynoe. Jackpot is €20,000.
Annual General Meeting this weekend
Nomination papers are out there with a couple of weeks. Probably returned to the secretary by now. Upcoming is the most important off field activity of the season where you have an opportunity to participate in a review of the year just past and provide input into the future and what it might hold. So that’s the annual General Meeting of St Catherine’s GAA Club and it’s fixed for the main hall of Ballynoe Community Centre. It’s on this coming Friday night, November 25th and is timed for 8pm. Sorry to be taking you away from the Toy Show!
St Catherine’s Juvenile GAA AGM report
You could say the camogie club set the wheels in motion with their collective gathering of a week previous. Outgoing chairman Brian Sheehan informing a sizeable attendance that it was a first full coming together in 3 years when addressing the AGM of the Juvenile GAA Club held in the main hall of Ballynoe Community Centre on Thursday night last. He’s right of course. Restrictions were still holding sway 12 months ago. Going back before that because of the cursed coronavirus a meeting held on phone/zoom. Pointing out that maybe up to 50 mentors could be helping out through all aspects of the juvenile club, major priority of which, all would be in agreement would be the appointing of a coaching officer. This is a necessity. A position that must be filled. You will be hearing more about this.
Looking back over a season now all but over he went back on the huge effort put into the annual Cúl Camp. Coordinator being Martina O’Connor. Head coach Padraig O’Connor. It’s not all about the 5 days of activity out there on the pitches. There are the weeks of preparation going into it. Another major success would be the staging of the parish school’s blitz. Don’t forget a number participating had never been inside the gates of the pitch. That was one of the purposes of the exercise. Mainly the brainchild of Steve Cummins and Sean O’Farrell whose overall work in the schools was also complemented.
Ber Feeney as Child Welfare Officer has her finger on the pulse. A meeting informed that the child protection course needs to be completed on a 3-year basis. Safeguarding training organised for the end of this month. Stressing the need for continuous focus on the code of behaviour and make sure that respect is enforced. By and large the disciplinary code is well observed and respect for referees must always be upheld. Earlier in the year a coaching session for all groups was delivered. Membership Officer Cathy Cotter organised a first aid course and had an attendance of 20 people.
Outside of the club 4 players are making the St Colman’s Harty and O’Callaghan Cup campaigns. There are also those in attendance at Coláiste an Chraoibhín and Blackwater Community College. St Catherines also have players making Dean Ryan Cup teams.
In a thorough, well thought out oration, Brian Sheehan highlighted the cooperation always forthcoming from the parent club. Pointing out glowing tributes bestowed on the facilities from visiting clubs. Mulcahy Steel will continue with their sponsorship. While Paul Higgins was again thanked on the donation of the portable goal posts. Great cooperation existing with the newly formed ladies’ football and camogie clubs. Niamh Pyne and David O’Sullivan the respective chairpeople. Heaping praise on his fellow officers Brian would be of the opinion the juvenile club could only get stronger. Hoped he had added value to his role. Concluding that on serving a 3-year stint was now stepping away from the position as chairman of St Catherine’s Juvenile GAA Club.
Treasurer Paddy Ryan presented what can only be described as a thorough financial report. My God, every penny spent or more importantly taken in accounted for in that balance sheet.
Tom Morrison on behalf of the parent club spoke highly in his praise of work ongoing. Holding the view that good young players are coming on stream.
Club PRO John O’Mahony presented a detailed synopsis of competitive matches played. Be it Championship, Shield, League or Féile, through both codes. Pointing out as well how well they did in the Scór na bPáistí category. Retaining the Buckley/Casey Cup as strongest overall club within the Imokilly division. Subsequently achieving some success too at county level.
Having to give us a run down on the revelations from the corresponding meeting of 12 months ago staged on December 9th, Secretary Lisa Moore then pressed forward with a detailed, meticulously prepared report. Taking a chronologically laid out platform and homing in on the medal presentation ceremony of Sunday, March 6th. To the Féile na nGael games and Páirc Naomh Caitríonaigh playing host to Fermoy, Killeagh, Bride Rovers, Youghal and the Saints on the morning of Saturday, April 16th. Touching on that mid-summer U14 double.
Now it would be safe to say that all age groups from U13 to U17 receive ample coverage. Playing competitive matches, you see. But Lisa didn’t omit anyone. With the U11s improving as the year moved on. Some of them would have been seen in the recent Paddy Sheehan Cup. There was an excellent showing from the 6 to 10 age groups. Going on to have an enjoyable and busy year. Go Games started at the end of March, going on to the end of October. Numerous challenge games were arranged for them. Castlelyons, Bride Rovers, Killeagh, Kilworth and Watergrasshill etc among the teams played. At the other end of the scale Sean O’Donoghue and Oisín Fitzgerald were on the Cork minor hurling team. Not left out either the fact Laura Hayes, Aoife Hurley, Finola Neville and Ally Mulkerrins achieved success on the county camogie fields.
A reminder from Lisa that all injuries must be reported to Tom Morrison who is the club medical officer. She complemented Mike Walsh on his refereeing duties and Ed Galvin on his hard work regarding pitch allocations. Thanking the parents for their continued support in bringing players to training and matches. For their behaviour at games, their buying of club lotto tickets and helping with refreshments when needed at events throughout the year. Some points unavoidable. Hear it twice rather than not mention it all. Would you agree?!
Of course, St Catherines would suffer their own share of disappointments and setbacks over a year. As would all clubs. Like back in January there was the death of club president Dick Morrison. A legendary figure. Like since coming to the parish Lisa wouldn’t have had that any dealings with the great man. But it’s testament to her awareness of the respect and love the parish reserved for the late Dick Morrison. We won’t see his likes again. Our thoughts are with the family and friends of the late David Mc Donnell who sadly passed away towards the end of September. May he rest in peace. Ar dheis Dé go raibh na nanamacha dílse. A fitting conclusion to a masterful report. All of which were ratified.
Although apologies were read out at the start, bit disappointed with the non-appearance of a few familiar faces. Still, not everyone can put the GAA first. Even if it’s just for one night.
Open discussion centred on grading of teams and age groups to take part. Managers were appointed and at the end of a meeting of roughly 100 minutes duration it was confirmed that St Catherines Juvenile GAA, camogie and ladies football clubs’ annual social goes ahead at the Rochestown Park Hotel on Friday night, January 20th, 2023. Tickets will go on sale before Christmas. More, much more about that later.
Managers appointed at U7 age group are Paddy Ryan and Eamonn Buggy. While Patrick O’Neill takes charge of the U8s. It’s Liam Barry with the U9s and Padraig O’Connor the U10s. U12 manager is Martin O’Keeffe. Likewise, Paul Higgins with the U13s. Mark O’Driscoll will take the U15s and Brian Sheehan the U17s.
Lisa Moore is juvenile secretary. Susan Sheehan assistant secretary, Paddy Ryan is treasurer. Assistant treasurer Eric Flynn. Membership Cathy Cotter, PRO John O’Mahony.
Manager of an age group takes charge and promotes both codes, football, and hurling. Conceivably more age groups could be added, and any remaining administrative roles not filled will be sorted certainly within a few weeks. And to think on Friday night we do it all again!
Juvenile match played
Focus on semi-final division 2 Rebel Óg North U16 Football Championship
Fermoy 3-04 St Catherines 3-12
A relatively short history despite a slightly lopsided end scoreline shows these to be two evenly well-matched teams. Many of the players from both squads are at school together. Last season there were three meetings, all in different competitions, run off in just over a nine-week period. St Catherines superior in what was termed a preparatory league match in Fermoy just shortly on from a welcome easing of covid restrictions. Five weeks after that it was the turn for an opposition win in an U15 championship qualifier. Played at a wet and windy Ballynoe towards the end of July. While Ballycastle Gaels, Fermoy, Kilara Óg and St Catherines were the four teams congregating in Kilworth early on the morning of Saturday, August 28th, 2021, for the Féile na Peil qualifiers. Winning all three matches, St Catherines then headed to Lotabeg the following evening. Accounting for a Jaimie Wall coached Kilbrittain before losing out to a good St Colm’s Kealkil team down the hill in their main pitch in the subsequent final.
Again, early goals from Diarmuid O’Connell and John O’Keeffe saw it all square to the end of the opening quarter in the semi-final of this U16 football championship tie played in a dry albeit decidedly cold Fermoy on Friday evening last. Fermoy are doing a big job with the stand demolished. Catherines into a lead not surrendered and ahead on a half-time scoreline standing at 2-05 to 2-02.
Cian McCarthy and Evan O’Driscoll defensively solid with Diarmuid O’Donovan and team captain Conor Hayes picking up more than their share around the middle. That said it was still only 2-09 to 3-04 with the final quarter dawning. When at the end of a four man move Ciaran Pietropaolo engineered his second and match winning third Catherine’s goal on 54 minutes. Douglas (2) and Kilworth/ Araglen Óg were to meet in the other semi-final the day after.
Scorers: C Pietropaolo (2-04), D O’Connell (0-01 free) (1-02), G Sheehan (0-03), D O’Donovan, C Leamy and C Hayes (0-01 each). St Catherine’s team: T Dee, C Murray, C McCarthy, G O’Callaghan McCarthy, T Barry, E O’Driscoll, C Dunning, D O’Donovan, C Hayes (capt), G Sheehan, C Pietropaolo, D Murphy, J Bryan, C Leamy, D O’Connell. Subs: J Pietropaolo and C Hickey for G O’Callaghan McCarthy and J Bryan (both second half), K O’Donoghue for G Sheehan (45), G Sheehan for C Murray (59). Referee: Dave Twomey (Shanballymore).
What’s happening elsewhere
We said we will, and we did! Ballygunner’s relentless charge to title retention continues at pace. They beat a savagely good na Piarsaigh team last Sunday. So, what are our conclusions now? Ballyea provincial champions in 2016 will be opposition in the Munster club final on December 3rd. Themselves finishing a man and a point up after a battle with the Barrs in the other semi-final which went ahead in Ennis. We’ve said it before. Here we go again! Kilcoo, Ballygunner, Ballyhale. Get inside any of those three and you’ll be doing well. Otherwise only a moderate weekend for Rebel clubs. Ballygiblin won again. Now playing St Kierans of Limerick in the Provincial Junior Hurling final. But Inniscarra lost. So Roscrea must now play Monaleen in the intermediate decider.
Following a six-point win over the Saints in the penultimate round and Aghabullogue just edged out Lisgoold in the inaugural county premier junior hurling league final. Glanmire beat Aghada in the East Cork Junior C Football championship final.
St Catherine’s GAA Club sponsors
T& A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherine’s GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel sponsor St Catherine’s Juvenile GAA Club.
Juvenile AGM tonight Thursday
Just take note, should that current sizeable jackpot remain in situ well those bonus consolation prizes will again be incorporated into the weekly lotto draw of the first Monday of next month. Spelling it out for you that bit more that if that attractive jackpot stays afloat, apart from the regular consolation prizes an extra bonus consolation prize (€50x3) will again be included in the draw due for Monday, December 5th. Using that as the backdrop in giving you the results of the most recent weekly lotto draw from Monday night last, November 14th. Numbers drawn were 10, 17, 20 and 30 and the jackpot wasn’t won. The consolation winners on the night were Kathleen Joyce, c/o HOC, Lorna Dunlop c/o Fisherman’s Rest, Conna, Eoin Corcoran, online, John O’Mahony, Ballynoe and Ann Finn c/o HOC.
Next draw with jackpot at €20,000 goes ahead in the clubrooms Ballynoe on Monday night, November 21st at 9pm. Anyone who wants are welcome to call while draw in progress.
Upcoming meetings
Now that the camogie version has come and gone, focus automatically moves on to St Catherine’s GAA club Juvenile AGM. Going ahead tonight, Thursday November 17th. That’s where it all starts with the underage. Nomination papers have been distributed and must be returned to the secretary at the latest by Sunday 20th as the most influential meeting of the year fast approaches. This is the most important off field activity of the season where one has the opportunity to participate in a review of what’s just past and provide an input in to the future. That’s the AGM of St Catherine’s GAA Club on Friday night, November 25th. Both meetings will gather in the main hall of Ballynoe Community Centre and are timed for 8pm.
Next on the calendar
Tonight, Thursday November 17th at Ballynoe Community Centre, Juvenile Club AGM at 8pm. Friday November 18th semi-final Division Two Rebel Óg North U16 Football Championship in Fermoy at 7.30pm.
Action on the field of play
Semi-final Division 3 Red FM Sponsored County Premier Junior Hurling League
St Catherines 1-13 Aghabullogue 3-13
A return of 1-01 almost following the initial throw-in with the goal coming off a three man move inside sixty seconds as in all forward Matthew Bradley produced a tally of 2-04 made for the perfect Aghabullogue start. For an improving Saints there was the accuracy of Kyle Wallace from placed balls allied to some well executed scores most notably by Kevin Barry. With the score standing at 2-06 to 0-06 to 22 minutes. But saw a lot of the good work undone when the mobile, skilful and ideally placed John Corkery polished off a third goal on 29 minutes. Enough to establish a lead on a half-time scoreline standing at 3-07 to 0-08. A six-match unbeaten run right at the start meant the Saints were able to absorb the concession of their only defeat. Prize for a return of twelve points from seven matches played meant as table toppers made for a home draw. So, this Premier Junior Hurling League semi-final was played under the lights at Ballynoe on Wednesday evening, November 9th last.
Margin whittled to four points at 3-08 to 1-10 when Eoin David goaled a penalty on 40 minutes. As the scores continued to flow. Shane Tarrant for the opposition likewise Gearóid O’Brien for the home team. Who saw 22 players sample game time as Niall Barry Murphy pointed the final score of the hour on 62 minutes. Aghabullogue advance to the league final. A decider against Lisgoold fixed for the 4G pitch at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on this coming Friday evening, November 18th.
We thank team manager Shane Kearney along with fellow selectors Shane Fitzgerald, Tim O’Connor and Martin O’Keeffe for their efforts. Denis Ring coached the team during the year. Colm Burke on stats. John Hartnett and Michael Hegarty were around as well.
Down come the curtains on their playing year. Following AGMs, conventions, Poc Fada, seasonal lotto draws and any socials there might be we will take a closer look at the shape of the new league for the 2-023 season. Beware juvenile year is still ongoing with U16 football championship in Fermoy tomorrow evening, Friday November 18th. See you all there and best of luck to them as well.
Scorers: Kyle Wallace (0-05 frees) (0-01 ’65) (0-07), K Barry (0-04), E Davis (1-00 pen) and G O’Brien (0-02). Aghabullogue scorers: M Bradley (2-04), J Corkery (1-04), S Tarrant (0-01 free) (0-04) and N Barry Murphy (0-01).
St Catherine’s team: Eoin Davis, Philip Keane, Eoin Condon, Fionn O’Connell, James Neville, Conor Hegarty, Kieran Neville, James Hayes, Gearoid O’Brien, Aaron Neville, Eoin Wallace, Kevin Barry, Matthew Mulcahy, Brian Mulcahy, Kyle Wallace. Subs: Eoin O’Riordan, Shane Cotter and Richard O’Connell for Eoin Condon, James Hayes and Matthew Mulcahy (all second half), Harry Draper for Aaron Neville (48), Stephen O’Brien for Philip Keane (52), Ronan Clancy for Kevin Barry (57), Peter Ryan for Kieran Neville (58). Also Eoin Sheehan, Ed Aherne and Shane O’Brien. Referee: James Bermingham (Bride Rovers).
Club scene elsewhere
It has all the ingredients to be the club match of the year down south. This upcoming weekend at a Limerick venue vastly talented county champions na Piarsaigh come face to face with reigning provincial and All-Ireland holders Ballygunner in the semi-final of the Munster Senior Hurling Championship. On the other side Ballyea who pulverised Glen Rovers a few years back even though the famed north side club hadn’t won the county, will now play a seemingly rejuvenated St Finbarrs. Mentioned it before. We do so again. We will learn a lot in three days’ time.
Just wondering if already things look a bit lopsided in the east. Ballyhale motor on in third gear. They now prepare for Naas. While it’s Kilmacud and St Mullins in the other semi-final of the Leinster club Senior Hurling Championship.
There can be no excuses offered for Nemo Rangers and the efforts they put up in the club football last weekend. A venue far removed from the atmosphere pertaining to a packed Páirc Uí Chaoimh two nights previously. In excess of 41,000 in attendance for the Munster match with reigning world rugby champions South Africa. There can be no questions asked regarding the effort and commitment of Cathal Deeley, Sean O’Connor, the Kennedys and Jason Lonergan. But the launchpad for virtually total Clonmel domination stemmed from the outstanding Michael Quinlivan around the middle of the field. You can’t play without the ball. ‘What we have we hold!’
Clonmel, who only conceded 1-02 in the Tipperary County final will now fancy a home draw the next day against Newcastlewest. While also very good were Ennis. Easily accounting for the Nire on the other side of the draw. Next up for Eire Óg will be Kerins O’Rahillys in the semi-final. It might seem that bit repetitive. But there goes. Kilcoo are still in there.
Elsewhere and that great club Kanturk go on another notch. This time beating Kildysart in the provincial intermediate football championship. They now meet Rathmore.
East Cork champions Cobh came unstuck in the county final. Losing out to Kilmurry who now represent the Rebel county in the Munster Junior Football Championship. They will meet Thurles Sarsfields.
You would feel at year’s end that Fr O’Neills claimed what they wanted most from an intensely busy season. Winning the Senior A Hurling Championship would be the primary aim. That duly arrived.
But they still lost not one but two county football finals. Diarmuid O Mathúnas winning the B 1 decider in mid-July. Then at the weekend Fr O’Neills were beaten by Blarney. A county junior B2 football final played in Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Still they will winter well.
Update on Cork National League matches
Touched on it when last with you. That bit more info this time around. With Cork facing Meath in their first match in division 2 of the National Football league. It’s down for Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Sunday afternoon, January 29th. First game on the road will be a week later in Newbridge against Kildare on the afternoon of Sunday, February 5th. Before high profile Dublin descend on the real capital on Sunday, February 19th. A week after that Limerick will be visitors. Before a trip to Ennis facing Clare on Sunday, March 5th. It’s off to Ardee for Sunday, March 19th. Before the Rebels complete their group stages of the competition with a visit from the newly crowned Ulster champions Derry a week after that on Sunday 26th. Cork must avoid relegation to make sure of being involved in a restructured All-Ireland series for the summer of 23. Failing that the Rebels would have to defeat Clare and Limerick in the championship. Thus ensuring a place in the Munster Senior Football final. And guarantee further Sam Maguire involvement. So realistically every outing is important and counts. There are no easy matches.
You are probably well aware by now that Cork face the ultimate test when starting their division one hurling league campaign at home to all conquering Limerick on Saturday evening, February 4th. It won’t get any easier the following week. They will be in Pearse Stadium playing Galway on Sunday, February 12th. While Sunday, February 26th will be an interesting day. There will be an early start for the hurling clash against Westmeath followed by the Limerick football match in a double header billed for GAA headquarters at Páirc Uí Chaoimh. Next up after that will be the visit of the Wexford hurlers for Sunday, March 12th. Concluding their group one A hurling league activity with a trip to Ennis. Round 5 encounter v Clare fixed for Sunday, March 19th. All league fixtures are provisional and must be ratified. Mist stop now or we will be expecting minor and U20 championships to be just about ready to commence. It’s not right!
Coist Móire
After that aforementioned County Premier Junior Hurling League semi-final and after the few words with opposition mentors, made it home in time for an excellent new programme – clár nua – on TG4. It’s going to be a four part series nearly two years in the making where the presenter follows in the footsteps of writer Annráoi Ó Liatháin. Telling the story of the Munster Blackwater. Starting at the source in the north-eastern Kerry mountains under the shadow of the paps onto Sliabh Luachra, taking in Ballydesmond, Gneeveguilla, Knocknagree and Millstreet and the killing of 21 British soldiers at Clonbannin. Taking the turn off for Kiskeam, Boherbue, Scartaglen and Castleisland will be looked at in a different light now. Presumably next show will take in Mallow and Fermoy. Then onto Lismore and Cappoquin. Entering the sea at Youghal Bridge. Beautifully made, informative, bilingually presented historical documentary shown on TG4 on Wednesday nights in the 9.30pm slot, it’s a programme you’d watch again and again and is tailor made for repeats.
Today Show on RTE
Every day, five days a week, two hours daily, RTE dominate their afternoon schedule with a light-hearted magazine programme labelled Today. Featuring articles on health, cookery, music, and films to mention a few, get the picture! Usually on Fridays they include a makeover slot where a person is nominated usually by a family member for participation in such an undertaking. Most recent entrant was Ballynoe native and neighbour Mary Lane. At the end of which one would hardly recognise her – and I see her every day! Finishing out with a song Mary was very comfortable in her new-found environment and went down well with the show’s regular presenters Máire and Daithi. Getting their pic taken afterwards with Marty Morrissey. ‘For the archives!
Racing success
From Glengoura Church to the Cotswolds is quite a journey! But it all comes naturally to Jonathon Burke. Riding GA Law to win the valuable Paddy Power Gold Cup for Jaimie Snowden at Cheltenham on Saturday last. Growing up would always have known it as the Mackeson and to complete a memorable day Jonathon went on to win the bumper on the ironically titled queens gamble for retainer, Oliver Sherwood. May there be many more days like this.
St Catherine’s GAA Club sponsors
T&A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.
Dates for upcoming meetings
It was one of the quietest weeks for a while. Probably heading back to February. So last held, first out. Starting you off with the results of the most recent lotto draw from Monday night last, November 7th. The numbers drawn were 12, 16, 19 and 28 and the jackpot wasn't won. Regular consolation prizes were won by Ciara Coady, Tallow, LSS Moroney, Kilmagner, Pat Lane, Curraheen, Conna, Marian O’Neill, Ballynoe and Caroline Mulkerrins. In addition, bonus consolations prizes (€50x3) with the jackpot still standing went to Aoife O’Brien, Ballymaloe, T Walsh, c/o PO, Vincent and Michelle c/o Big Vinnies Conna. There will be a draw on Monday night, November 14th in the clubrooms, Ballynoe at 9pm. Jackpot €20,000. Draw open to everybody.
Action from East Cork playing fields
Round three group 2 East Cork Junior C Hurling Championship
St Catherines 0-09 Russell Rovers 3-14
St Catherines made an auspicious start to this particular competition. Brian Davis with a return of 1-12 including 1-03 from general play when recording a 2-13 to 1-08 success over Bride Rovers when played at Ballynoe on Friday evening, September 23rd. What was going to unravel the Saints’ challenge would be those encounters with clubs’ second string teams. No proviso for a dip in form or injuries working off a panel of 20 players over three games. A belief coming to roost when losing the next match 1-15 to 0-07 in a wet and windy Carrig na bhFear on the morning of Sunday, October 9th.
Russell Rovers were quick out of the traps for this one as well. There was the pace of Eoin McGrath with Donnchadh O’Donovan finding the range. All the while Cormac Aherne accurate from placed balls with the Seasiders to the good on a 0-06 to 0-01 scoreline at the end of the opening quarter. Dennis Temple on target for the home team. But the crucial score of those opening exchanges was the opposition goal. Ground-stroked to the net by Daire Healy on 21 minutes. Establishing a lead with Russell Rovers ahead on half-time scoreline standing at 1-09 to 0-03 when this championship tie was played under the lights at a cold Ballynoe on Tuesday night, November 1st last.
Dennis Lane, John Mulcahy and Maurice Dinneen were doing their best in a busy, frequently overworked defense. Eoin Sheehan fully focused between the posts. Indeed, the Saints did enjoy a halcyon third quarter run. Ed Kenneally, Owen O'Neill and Brian Davis all finding the range yielding a 4 unanswered point tally in producing a scoreline of 2-11 to 0-07 to 48 minutes. Any lingering hopes killed stone dead by a Shane O'Neill goal 9 minutes later.
Many thanks to the players and mentors Ed Galvin, Gary Hartnett, Paul Davis and Kieran O'Brien for work and commitment over a long season.
Scorers: B Davis (0-03 frees) (0-05), E Kenneally (0-02), D Temple and O O’Neill (0-01 each). Team: Eoin Sheehan, Peter Ryan, Denis Lane, Ger Leahy, John Mulcahy, James Casey, Maurice Dinneen, Johnny Hurley, Owen O’Neill, Denis Temple, Ed Kenneally, Cathal Dinneen, Evan Philpott, Brian Davis, Shane Walsh. Referee: Anthony Ryan (Youghal).
Colleges hurling
Another great result for Saint Colmans. Overcoming the challenge of CBC 0-16 to 0-12 in the O’Callaghan Cup quarter final when played on the 4G pitch at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Wednesday, November 2nd last. Next up are Midleton CBS in a competition which the organisers hope will be complete by Christmas. Ideal with Harty set for resumption in January.
The bigger scene
Just a brief glance at what's happening above and beyond our little neck of the woods. First and new Cork Senior hurling captain will be Sean O'Donoghue. On a halcyon run with club Inniscarra overcoming the tenacious challenge of Castlemartyr in the recent replayed final of the Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship.
Now we stress all this is provisional but Cork will start their National Football League campaign on week ending January 28th/29th. Just barely clinging on to their division two status and in what would have been a tie of huge and significant appeal in a bygone era, will be at home to a Meath team now managed by Colm O'Rourke. A tangible loss to the Sunday game programmes.
A baptism of fire for new manager Pat Ryan with the Rebels down to play multi-talented Limerick in their first match of the Allianz National Hurling League at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on week ending February 4th/5th.
For now of course it’s the club scene and rightly so that’s grabbing the headlines with Ballygiblin continuing on their winning way. Just seeing off the Grangemockler challenge in Thurles at the weekend. Next up will be Colligan in the semi-final of the Munster Junior Hurling Championship. With Fermoy apparently out of circulation that’s a match that could go to either Kilworth, Castletownroche or Kildorrery. Elsewhere Ballysaggart were beaten the Provincial Intermediate grade. But one team from Waterford continuing to impress are formidable Ballygunner. What a set up they possess. Just observe their recent CV which includes a narrow loss in the County Junior Hurling Final. They are also Intermediate champions. Being their second-choice team explains how Ballysaggart played Roscrea last Sunday. They began a massive defense of their Munster title with a hugely impressive victory over Kilrvane McDonaghs at Walsh Park. You could single out players like the Mahonys, Dessie Hutchinson and Stephen O’Keeffe, as good a keeper as there is. Be it intercounty or not intercounty. But really it’s how they all buy into the system. See how subs automatically slot into the action. So seamless you would hardly know a change was made. Of course, players must be of the highest standard for all that to evolve. Reigning All-Ireland title holders Ballygunner possess such assets. What a match it’s going to be against na Piarsaigh up in Limerick. In their lineup will be the likes of Kevin Downes, Conor Boylan, the Caseys, all captained by the energetic Will O’Donoghue. It’s a match that will tell us a lot. Ballyea of Tony Kelly fame and the Barrs are on the other side. It’s football this upcoming weekend.
Just to point out to you that also this weekend, St Catherines will be up against Aghabullogue at Ballynoe in the semi-final of the Premier Junior Hurling League. Conquerors of Aghada last day out they will be superbly fit having reached the Intermediate football final and will come fueled with the motivation for revenge having lost to the Saints 0-19 to 1-11 in round 5 of the round robin stages of the competition back on May 20th. Best of luck to all concerned. Lisgoold await the winners in the final.
Your upcoming fixture
Saturday, November 12th at Ballynoe, semi-final County Premier Junior Hurling League v Aghabullogue, time tbc.
Important dates for upcoming meetings
Major camogie club gathering of the year comes up tomorrow night, Friday November 11th. Less than one week later St Catherines GAA Club Juvenile AGM goes ahead as planned on Thursday, November 17th. While Friday night, November 25th is the date for the Annual General Meeting of St Catherine’s parent club. This is the most important off-field activity of the year where you have an opportunity to participate in a review of the season now all but over and provide an input into the future of the club. Nomination papers are out and must be returned to the secretary by Sunday, November 20th at the latest. Meetings will be in Ballynoe. All of them timed for 8pm.
Now spreading it out just a little and probably speaking to the converted here when informing you that the AGM of the East Cork Scór committee goes ahead at Lisgoold Community Hall on Friday night, November 18th. It’s timed for 7.30pm.
Limited panel it may be but Dungourney will now have their name in the hat for the Premier Intermediate Hurling Championship draw of 2023 when it comes up and this year’s East Cork Board convention goes ahead upstairs in their magnificent new sizeable meeting room on Wednesday, November 30th. One of several developments completed or being worked on around the Dungourney set-up in recent times.
Going on that bit further and the Cork County Convention will go ahead at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday, December 10th. That’s enough to be going on with for now. Wouldn’t want to muddle you up too much!
St Catherine’s GAA Club sponsors
T&A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherines GAA Club.
Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherines Juvenile GAA Club.
