St Catherines GAA Notes.
- Sep 19,2023
Last week’s hopes and dreams all bear fruit
There were two main issues encircling the brain approaching last week’s report. Both round 3 fixtures in their respective hurling grades. Premier Junior Hurling Championship tie in Rostellan. Stressing the Saints would have to get something out of it for progress to be made. They did, and more. While a share of the spoils would have been acceptable it must be said that a 1-point victory ensured a +10 table topping role and automatic county semi-final place secured. Ballynoe then the appointed venue for Ballygiblin and Midleton in the Intermediate A Hurling Championship 24 hours later on Saturday afternoon last at 2pm. It seems all organisational plans worked to a tee. So, could we be so bold? Both objectives achieved. Report on weekend upcoming. While the Saints kept their winning run going with a solid victory over Erins Own in round 3 of the Rebel Óg East U17 (Minor) Hurling Championship in Caherlag. So, with beating heart and peace of mind we investigate another sporting week and what it brought us.
Round 3 group C Co-Op Superstores County Premier Junior Hurling Championship
Russell Rovers 1-17 St Catherines 0-21
What a match as the Saints off target with their opening four shots at the posts, registering eight first half wides in total adding to the concession of Kevin Moynihan, releasing James Kenefick for the opposition’s and game’s only goal on 6 minutes meant an interval deficit of four points with Russell Rovers ahead on a half time scoreline standing at 1-11 to 0-10 when this championship tie went ahead at a sunny and well prepared Rostellan, home of Aghada GAA Club on Friday evening last at 6.30pm.
Any switches made an impression. All subs introduced seem to work as the Saints charged forward at any given opportunity and four points without reply, Brian Mulcahy and Daniel Mangan among the scorers, had the teams together for the first time since the 18th minute on a scoreline of 1-11 to 0-14 to 40 minutes. ‘Bud’ Hartnett and Eoin Davis exchanged points before Kevin Barry pointed a beauty. Easing the Saints marginally ahead and into the lead for the first time since the opening exchanges on a 0-16 to 1-12 scoreline to 49 minutes. Luke Duggan Murray saw parity restored for a 5th and final time at 1-14 to 0-17 to 56 minutes. Catherines defended as if their very lives depended on it. One late Conor Hegarty catch was particularly memorable. Meant to inspire. Sending out a message – no surrender. Kevin Roche pointed a few late scores for the opposition. All three coming in the 8 added minutes. A share of the spoils would have been sufficient for the Saints. But late points from Daniel Mangan and yet another Sean O’Donoghue placed ball secured a memorable one-point victory. First victory over the opposition since the County Junior A semi-final of 2017 a year which also saw an East Cork Final success over the combination of Shanagarry and Ballycotton. Topping a table a +10 tally Catherines now await the winners of Glen Rovers and Kilbrittain in the county semi-final.
What a day Saturday was. Supporters on a high from the evening before, excruciating heat, something we haven’t been used to, with Ballygiblin and Midleton descending on Ballynoe for round 3, group C of the Co-Op Superstores Intermediate A Hurling Championship. The clubhouse café working a treat. Paula and Elaine dishing out teas and coffees. Much needed minerals and ice-creams prove equally as popular. Car parking and ticket scanning working efficiently. Public address ideal for Ballygiblin chairman Liam O’Doherty, for the timely release of the lineouts re the team sheets. People will always have a few bob with scanning applying for all county games and they had no problem purchasing a few club lotto tickets from you. Met a few faces from the past working on that.
A novel idea with Board approval was the half time pairing of Ballygiblin and the Saints for an U8 hurling challenge That’s how the seed is planted. They literally couldn’t wait to burst through that gate! Watch out Tom!
As for the big game itself it was all going so well for the reigning All-Ireland Junior champions. Enjoying a 9 point lead on a 1-11 to 0-05 half time scoreline. It went on to 2-12 to 0-08 after that. But it aint over ‘til it’s over! Midleton staging an astounding turnaround. Winning out on an end scoreline of 2-21 to 2-15. They’re semi-final bound. It’s the quarters for Ballygiblin. What a weekend.
Scorers: S O’Donoghue (0-08 frees) (0-10), D Mangan (0-04), B Mulcahy (0-03), K Wallace, K O’Donoghue, K Barry and E Davis (free) (0-01 each). Russell Rovers scorers: B Hartnett (0-05 frees) (0-06), J Kennefick (1-00), R Cummins and K Roche (frees) (0-03 each), L Duggan Murray (0-01 free) (0-02), M Dwyer, K Moynihan and D Moynihan (0-01 each).
St Catherine’s team: E Davis, F O’Connell, E O’Riordan (joint captain), L O’Connor, C Hegarty (joint captain), O Fitzgerald, K Neville, K Wallace, K O’Donoghue, D Mangan R Galvin, S O’Donoghue, K Barry, B Mulcahy, M Mulcahy. Subs: S Cotter and E Wallace for K O’Donoghue and K Neville (both second half), W Leamy for M Mulcahy (39), J Neville for F O’Connell (54). Referee: Pa Beausang (Midleton).
Please note that the round 3 group C East Cork Junior C Hurling Championship Cobh v St Catherines match was not played.
Juvenile section
Round 3 division 1 Rebel Óg East U17 (Minor) Hurling Championship
Erins Own 0-10 St Catherines 1-15
In a contest largely dominated by the silken free-taking skills of football captain Diarmuid O’Connell for the Saints and the stylish Finn O’Brien the winning run would continue for the Saints from this minor hurling championship tie when played in overcast Caherlag on Wednesday evening, August 30th. Captain Ciaran Pietropaolo and Sam Foley also exchanged scores in a first half where two thus far evenly matched teams were together on 5 occasions when the key score unfolded. A magnificent attack driven by a Diarmuid O’Donovan clearance out near the sideline from the halfback line was just ideal for the expectant John Temple to cleverly pick his spot for the Saints’ and the game’s only goal. Making it 1-06 to 0-06 to 23 minutes and by half time 1-08 to 0-07.
Again scores from placed balls were ruling the roost on the change of ends. Though special mention to Conor Hayes in picking out Ciaran Leamy for a class score. Making it 1-10 to 0-08 to 38 minutes. Erins Own were unable to breach the 5 point deficit thereafter. Now it’s Kiltha Óg on the double.
Scorers: D O’Connell (0-10 frees), J Temple (1-01), C Pietropaolo (0-03) and C Leamy (0-01). Erins Own scorers: F O’Brien (0-05 frees) (0-01 ’65) (0-06), S Foley (0-02 frees) (0-03) and C Power (0-01).
St Catherine’s team: J Bryan, G O’Callaghan McCarthy, C McCarthy, C Dunning, T Barry, E O’Driscoll, D O’Donovan, D O’Connell, C Hayes, D Murphy, C Pietropaolo (capt), C Leamy, C Hickey, J Temple, G Sheehan. Subs: T Clancy for D Murphy (second half), K O’Donoghue for J Bryan (33 – temp), K O’Donoghue for C Hickey (45), J Pietropaolo for T Barry (57). Referee: Paudi Kearney (Killeagh).
Round 4 division 1 Rebel Óg East U13 Hurling League
St Catherines v Lisgoold
Sunday morning was largely overcast. With fog and mist visibly lifting and a large, regular flow of traffic, mostly from the south, descending on the pitch (top one near the road) for U8 and 10 girls football blitzes. Directing traffic and parking cars, Noel Early said it could go on all day. Down below in what were again exceedingly hot and warm conditions by now we went in to see Lisgoold and the Saints in a rescheduled U13 hurling league tie. Lisgoold have form and are good. We picked out Sean Cullinane, Padraig O Sé, James Forrest and Kai Savage among others as good players and prominent names. For the Saints Sean Moore, Cathal Higgins, Eoin Dillon and Tadgh Walsh did their best to stem an ever-increasing tide. The fact that Sean O’Keeffe was the busiest player on the pitch sums it up in a nutshell for you. Between the codes there are upcoming trips to Killeagh and Castlemartyr. Heading back to the car the blitz is now in full flow and the whole place visibly looks resplendent. It fell in for glowing comments from Midleton and Ballygiblin the day before. There must have been more come Sunday. Surely two of the most endearing days ever down there. All with the backdrop of Friday’s savage win still prevalent.
Scorers: T Walsh (0-02 frees) (1-03) and D Temple (0-01). St Catherine’s team: S O’Keeffe, C McCarthy, S Moore, J Coughlan, A O’Gorman, C Higgins, N Keane, T Walsh, E Dillon, A Burke, T Morrison, D Temple, N Curtin, J Cunneen, R O’Donoghue. Subs: Z Pyne and C Fitzgerald for S Moore and R O’Donoghue (both 42). Referee: David Hickey (Youghal).
Round 3 division 4 Rebel Óg East U12 Hurling League
Cobh 1-05 St Catherines 6-14
Following that mid-season reshuffle this team have really blossomed, are thoroughly enjoying themselves and are now doing well in both codes. Latest again impressive victory coming in this round 3 U12 HL tie played in Cobh on Monday evening, August 28th.
Scorers: K O’Connell (0-01 free) (4-06), D Temple (2-03), N Keane and S O’Keeffe (‘65s) (0-02 each) and O Sheehan (0-01).
St Catherine’s team: P O’Sullivan, C Fitzgerald, S Moore, T Shiels, G Leahy, S O’Keeffe, J Mulkerrins, K O’Connell (capt), Z Pyne, A O’Gorman, N Keane, S Maguire, B Coakley, D Temple, J Bryan. Subs: A O’Connor, D Kenneally, O Sheehan, A Coakley and O Feeney. All second half. Referee: Padraig Walsh (Midleton).
A great and enjoyable weekend for this squad of players. Winning all 3 matches played in Tourin as part of a field day for fundraising purposes locally on Sunday, August 27th. St Catherines defeated St Patricks, a combination of Colligan and Kilgobinet (2-04 to 2-03), Ashbourne (Meath) (local connection) (3-09 to 0-02) and Cappoquin on a 3-13 to 3-01 scoreline. Tourin, situated between Lismore and Cappoquin are unable to field teams this year so players at all levels are playing with Cappoquin. Many thanks for the invite, great and enjoyable day had by all. Coming home brimming with ideas.
Panel of players in Tourin: Padraig O’Sullivan, Cian Fitzgerald, Sean Moore, Sean O’Keeffe, Kenneth O’Connell, Aaron O’Gorman, Brian Coakley, Tadgh Shiels, Sean Maguire, Adam Coakley, James Bryan, David Temple, Darragh Kenneally, Noah Keane, Zack Pyne, Jack Mulkerrins, Oisín Feeney and Olan Sheehan.
Next on your fixture list
Saturday, September 9th semi-final East Cork Junior B FC v Dungourney at 6pm, venue Youghal. Monday, September 11th at Carraig na bhFear, round 5 division 4 Rebel Óg East U12 HL v St Colmcilles at 7pm. Wednesday, September 13th at Ballynoe, round 4 division 1 Rebel Óg East U17 (Minor) HC v Kiltha Óg at 6.30pm. Also round 3 division 1 Rebel Óg East U13 HL in Killeagh at 6.30pm rearranged after Storm Betty.
Exam results
Congratulations to all boys and girls on recent Leaving Cert results.
Camogie Collection
Hopefully the camogie club church gate collection went well when taken up after all Masses throughout the Parish last weekend.
Lotto jackpot is now €17,000
We have been that bit adrift as we update your weekly lotto draw starting with Monday, August 28th. Numbers drawn were 4, 9, 21 and 30. Jackpot of €16,600 not won. Consolation winners were Pat O’Sullivan, Aghern, John G Barry, Kilcor, Castlelyons, Anne Galvin, Lacken, Colm Finn, Monagown, Conna and B Kelleher c/o PH Conna. Moving on with the results from the most recent draw, Monday, September 4th. Numbers drawn were 6, 9, 12 and 25. Jackpot not won. Consolation winners were Peter Barry, Clancy family, Kilclare, Conna, Shane O’Brien Mogeela, Conna, Cathal Leahy, Curraheen, Conna and Pamela (phone number given). All of which means the draw in the clubrooms, Ballynoe on Monday night, September 11th will now have a jackpot of €17,000.
St Catherine’s GAA Club Sponsors
T&A Building and Civil Engineering Contractors, Ballynoe are sponsors of St Catherine’s GAA Club. Mulcahy Steel are sponsors of St Catherine’s Juvenile GAA Club.
