Castlemartyr GAA Notes.
- Nov 14,2023
Launch Of Centenary Year Plans
A very large crowd was present on Friday evening last as Castlemartyr GAA launched their plans to celebrate the club's Centenary Year in 2024.
The gathering of members, family and friends kick started what will hopefully be a highly successful year of celebration with activities and events planned from January 1st onwards.
Last Friday's launch at Castlemartyr National School gave us the first sighting of the new club jersey, centenary year leisurewear and the splendid commemorative calendar which spans the decades with some wonderful pictorial memories. Also on view were an extensive range of other photos from the archives which recalled some of the club's greatest days and greatest characters. All were reviewed with great interest by those present. Officers of the East Cork GAA Board were on hand to extend best wishes to all at Castlemartyr GAA ahead of their landmark year, whilst Chairperson Avril Geary complimented the club on all on their endeavours of the past 100 years.
Thanks to all who contribute in any way to making the evening a very enjoyable occasion.
A special mention to John Whyte, who was so much part of the steering committee over the past number of months. Our thoughts and prayers were with John on the night and we are all delighted to hear of his great progress over the past few days. John was at the forefront of preparations for last Friday night's launch and also initially aired the idea of four big celebration weekend next August which will be the highpoint of the Centenary Year celebrations. Looking forward to seeing you back in Castlemartyr soon John!.
First Event
The club has adopted the tagline "Let's Celebrate Together" for the year ahead and with that in mind everybody is invited to join fellow members, friends and neighbours for the first official event - a Centenary Year Stroll on the walkway at Paddy Walsh Memorial Park on New Year's Day from 2pm to 4pm. Be sure to wear your club colours on a day that we will also raise our special centenary year flag. Light refreshments will also be served.
Calendar On Sale
The souvenir centenary calendar priced at €10 euro is proving a big hit with supporters and is currently available at Clifford's Butchers and the The Village Greengrocer in Castlemartyr
Jerseys/Sportswear
The new club jersey, along with the centenary tee shirt and polo shirt will be available on the O'Neill's website (Castlemartyr page) from this Monday November 13th. In approximately two weeks we will also have more jerseys in stock locally in the club along with a new centenary year half-zip top. Please keep an eye here for more updated information. The half-zip will also be available to purchase online in two weeks time,
Car Stickers
Don't forget to display the club's centenary car sticker and ensure our news of our 100 year celebrations travels on the highways and byways.
Under 21 Hurling
No joy for Castlemartyr rin their opening championship game which was switched to Whitechurch on Sunday morning. After a tight first half in which the teams were level on a number of occasions, the reds found themselves 0-7 to 0-6 in arrears at the change of ends. A good start to the second half helped Whitechurch push on to lead by 3 points by the 40th minute, a lead which extended to 5 points inside the last ten minutes, before they eventually ran out winners by 0-15 to 0-9. Andrew Kelly and Mike O'Dwyer were amongst those on target form play, on a day when scores were in limited supply as underfoot conditions were tricky.
James O'Donovan, Sean Morgan and Jack Smiddy all made their hurling debuts for the club.
Next up is an away game in Cloyne next Saturday at 2.30pm.
Team v Whitechurch. James O'Donovan, Oisin Cantwell, Daire Coughlan, Tom Fleming, Darragh Leahy, Darragh Joyce, Charlie O'Neill, Ciaran Sice, Andrew Kelly, Billy McGann, Mike O'Dwyer, Cian Murphy, Sean Morgan, Ewan Wimpenny and Dave Lynch. Sub - Jack Smiddy
Under 21 Football
Carrigtwohill's game v Glenville in the under 21 championship was postponed last week and will now take place on Saturday next. After that game, Castlemartyr's opponents in the football final will be known. Erin's Own are also in the mix with a chance of qualifying. The decider is expected to play within the next few weeks.
Sciath Na Scoill
Congrats to the Castlemartyr NS girls Sciath na Scoil team who are celebrating following their win in the football decider at Pairc UI Chaoimh. Well done to all concerned.
Best of Luck Ciaran
Finally, all Castlemartyr eyes will be on Friday's PwC All Stars banquet, as local hero Ciarán Joyce, has for the second year in a row been nominated for the young hurler of the year accolade. The category which sees Clare duo Mark Rodgers and Adam Hogan also nominated, recognises the best players in the land in the under 22 age bracket. Ciarán enjoyed another excellent year in the number 6 jersey for the rebels following last year's stellar breakthrough year at the heart of the defence.
