St Catherine's Notes (3rd May)
- May 03,2024
Constant bad weather causes fixture cancellations
It has been threatening for weeks. Looking ominous for ages. Reaching our seemingly inevitable conclusion around 3pm on Friday afternoon last. Such has been the intense rainfall in all that time that pitches can’t absorb any more water. Now this isn’t just a St Catherine’s problem. It’s across the board. Covering all sports. From hurling and football to camogie, rugby, soccer, golf, racing and point to points. Fixtures being cancelled left, right and centre. You see, you can’t control the weather.
First to go was the proposed round 2 junior football league tie with Cloyne. U14 football league v Buttevant quickly followed on. Then came the news Youghal had ‘ceased trading’ taking with them round 2 division 2 East Cork Junior and Rebel Óg East U16 hurling league fixtures. God only knows how the situation develops as this week gathers momentum. Just sit back, relax and live in hope. We wait for the call.
Juvenile meeting
There is a meeting of St Catherine’s Juvenile GAA Club tonight Thursday, April 4th at 8.30pm. Surely that will survive whatever the weather throws at us!
St Catherines v Kilworth
Well as we all know now last Friday, Saturday and Sunday didn’t materialise as planned. These things happen. So that leaves a slot in the schedule turning the focus on this upcoming weekend. Normally something not resorted to. Space wouldn’t allow it.
There have been numerous challenge matches over the years. Kilworth have played their share of championship matches in Ballynoe, a chance to meet some old familiar faces there. Maybe old might be a bit crude. Knew about the league match fast approaching. Weather permitting!
Last week had to make a brief call to Shane Mulkerrins, remembering he was involved as to when did the two teams meet in the championship. If Shane names the year well then we can advance from there. 2010. Worked it out with almost embarrassing logic.
Both teams were struggling going into it. Kilworth were already beaten by Eire Óg and Barryroe. Likewise, Blackrock and Cobh in turn had inflicted losses on the Saints. That was the backdrop going into the Evening Echo sponsored County Intermediate Hurling Championship third round tie. Played in Castlelyons on Saturday evening, July 3rd 2010. Referee was Eamonn Sheehy (Newcestown) with the opposition making the livelier start. Will Twomey and Adrian Mannix to the fore. Liam O’Connor and Kieran Morrison pointing for the Saints. Brian Mulcahy, ideally placed, forces in the Saints’ goal. Securing a return of 1-03 without reply meant the East Cork team were now ahead on a scoreline of 1-04 to 0-04. Twenty-one minutes elapsed on the clock. Four unanswered points turned it around with Kilworth ahead on a half time scoreline standing at 0-08 to 1-04.
No doubt defining score of this tie surfacing through a Liam Whelan goal, seven minutes into the second half. With Mannix piling on the pressure from placed balls, margin between the teams stood at 8 points on a scoreline of 1-15 to 1-07 to 50 minutes. There would be no comeback from that. Elation for Kilworth. They moved on, leaving the Saints in the mire which they eventually emerged from when getting the better of St Vincents in a replayed relegation Final, which came perilously close to being abandoned, at Castletownroche a month late. Final score in Castlelyons was Kilworth 1-15 St Catherines 1-08.
St Catherine’s team: Ian O’Connell, Conor Hegarty, Shane Fitzgerald, Alan Keane, Ronan Clancy, Ed Kenneally, Martin O’Keeffe, Padraig Cotter, Liam O’Connor, Brian Mulcahy, Shane Kearney (capt), Patrick Roche, Kevin Dinneen, Kieran Morrison, Stephen O’Brien. Subs used were Johnny Sheehan, Noel O’Brien and Tim O’Connor.
Saturday evening’s league match in Kilworth will be the first competitive fixture between the teams in 14 years. Watch out for upcoming fixtures in division 4 of the Red FM County Hurling League. They being at home to Milford and a trip to Shanagarry to play Russell Rovers. Both over the next month. Take note St Catherines go back to Kilworth on the evening of Saturday, April 27th when playing Araglin in round 1 of the County Junior B Football Championship. It’s timed for 5pm. A month after that the Saints meet Deel Rovers, football version of Milford at Buttevant in round 2. Who knows, we could be playing in excruciating heat by then. That’s how it goes. At least we’re heading in the right direction.
Significant racing success
Weather was awful. Would have been in Youghal for division 2 junior hurling league. Off for obvious reasons. But what a day of sport was served up by various TV channels. Just the ideal replacement and at exactly the right time. Those two football league finals well above average. Willie Mullins had already recorded the half dozen as the build-up to the Willow Warm Gold Cup began in earnest. Brian Gleeson sussed out Jimmy Mangan who was fairly buoyant on the chances of Spillane’s Tower. Even though feeling he would have to dethrone the King to achieve the win required. It was one all in previous battles with Blood Destiny but even the racing media felt with the extra four furlongs victory could be achieved. They were right. Maybe if they were fit Ferny Hollow or Grangeclare West might have had a go at this. But they weren’t and they didn’t. In the end the talented though rarely seen Tactical Move acquired the runners-up spot. Blood Destiny just third. But the real winner was Jimmy Mangan. Dishing out praise to everyone but himself this horse owned by the legendary JP rightfully restores his place in the top flight. Sixteen years on from winning it with Conna Castle when it was the Power Gold Cup. Bookmaker reaction sees 16’1 being quoted on next year’s Ryanair. Spillane’s Tower is 40’1 for the 2025 Cheltenham Gold Cup. Before that what about the King George? Not the toughest three miles around?
A great day too for groom Chloe Draper. As Davy Russell aptly put it at end of piece ‘and the St Catherine’s colours flying’. Referring of course to Jimmy Mangan and that legendary woolly hat.
Return of Rebels’ Bounty
It’s back. With no return to the club with the opening three draws of the year on Thursday evening last from 7pm. However as the saying goes, this is a marathon not a sprint. Plenty more fish in the sea. Major big money winners being Jerry and Mary Dinneen of Éire Óg for January. While the big winner for the month of February was Andrew O’Connor of Boherbue. Likewise Kenneth McCarthy from St Finbarrs for March. Early days yet.
Lotto draw results
We were in the clubrooms, Ballynoe on Monday night, March 25th for the weekly lotto draw. Numbers drawn were 16, 22, 26 and 29, no winner. €30 consolation winners on the night were; Margaret O’Connell, Kilphilibeen, Ballynoe, Liz Power, Ballynoe, Neilus Kearney c/o PH Conna, Jeremiah and Elaine O’Donovan, Glentane, Ballynoe and D Hartigan c/o PH Conna. We are in the throes of bank holiday season. Latest draw with jackpot standing at €4,600 reserved for Tuesday night last, April 2nd. Results upcoming.
Fixture list – ground conditions pending
Friday, April 5th at Ballynoe, round 2 division 2 Rebel Óg East U14 Hurling League v Cobh at 7pm. Saturday, April 6th round 1 division 2 Rebel Óg North U16 Football League in Castlelyons at 2pm. Fixture rescheduled. Saturday, April 6th round 3 division 4 County Hurling League in Kilworth at 6.30pm. Monday, April 8that Carrig na bhFear round 3 division 2 Rebel Óg North U16 Football league v St Colmcilles at 6pm. Wednesday, April 10th at Caherlag round 3 division 2 Rebel Óg East Minor Football League v Erins Own at 7pm. Wednesday, April 10th at Ballynoe round 1 Coiste na nÓg division 4 County U13 Football League v Cobh at 6.30pm.
Point to points
Best of luck to all concerned with the Ballynoe point to point race meeting on Sunday, April 7th at 2pm.
A week of regular league activity
Round 2 Red FM County Hurling League Division 4
St Catherines 0-17 Ballyhea 1-18
Though starting well enough to lead 0-04 to 0-01 to 10 minutes and again at 0-08 to 0-04 well into the second quarter, the Saints’ positive start was eventually eroded by a gallant Ballyhea challenge when this round 2 tie went ahead in damp, overcast conditions at Ballynoe on Sunday morning last. Throw in at 11.30am.
It was 0-08 each at the interval and although a Rory Galvin point on 39 minutes restored the home team’s advantage at 0-11 to 0-10, it was the final time the Saints led this hurling league tie. Ballyhea registered the next 5 scores with wing forward John Morrissey a constant threat when Eugene O’Leary pounced for the crucial goal, a game defining score and a lead of 1-15 to 0-12 to 51 minutes. Still the home team battled away and with Eoin Davis, Kevin Barry and Sean O’Donoghue among the scorers who strove manfully to retrieve the situation. A late Joseph Hickey point sealed the issue. Next game will be in Kilworth on Saturday, April 6th.
Scorers: R Galvin (0-01 free) and S O’Donoghue (0-04 frees) (0-05 each), B Mulcahy (0-02), O Fitzgerald, N Sheehan, K Wallace, K Barry and E Davis (free) (0-01 each). St Catherine’s team: E Davis, J Neville, E O’Riordan, K Neville, G O’Brien, O Fitzgerald, E Condon, K Wallace, K O’Donoghue, K Barry, R Galvin, M Mulcahy, B Mulcahy, A Neville, S O’Donogue. Subs: N Sheehan for K O’Donoghue (17), P Keane for E Condon (40), W Leamy for G O’Brien (42), T O’Donnell for A Neville (45), H Draper for K Barry (57). Referee: James Bermingham (Bride Rovers).
Juvenile Club
Another week of juvenile activity starts with round 2 division 2 Rebel Óg East Minor Football League.
St Catherines 2-11 Passage 1-11
Make no mistake about it, a timely Thomas Dee stop had a major say in the destination of the points on offer from this minor football league tie. No rain or wind evident, only real cold, when played under the lights at Ballynoe on Wednesday night, March 20th. Blinding, stunning, call it what you will, it reinvigorated the home team’s challenge which had waned. Behind 0-04 to 0-02 and again 0-05 to 0-03 when Josh Barry converted a ’45 on 17 minutes. Jack Hickey and Gearoid Sheehan points among others followed on. Two points adrift at various stages the home team now found themselves four points to the good. Ahead on a half time scoreline standing at 0-09 to 0-05.
It's ironic the two penalty kicks subsequently awarded revolved around the work rate of Ciaran Pietropaolo. Both converted by the ever-accurate Diarmuid O’Connell. The ‘Doc’ finishing the game’s top scorer with a return of 2-07. Sandwiched in between Passage had their goal. Finished off by Jack Barry who threatened all game. Ensuring a competitive league tie right to the finish. Hurling in either White’s Cross or Carrig na bhFear on April 3rd. Next football league match will be in Caherlag on Wednesday evening, April 10th. This team are playing well. Keep it going!
Scorers: D O’Connell (2-00 penalties) (0-03 frees) (2-07), J Hickey (0-02), G Sheehan and J Temple (0-01 each). Team: T Dee, G O’Callaghan McCarthy, C Leamy, F McCready, C Hickey, D O’Donovan, C McCarthy, C Hayes, E O’Driscoll, D ‘Chips’ Murphy, D O’Connell, J Temple, J Hickey, C Pietropaolo, G Sheehan. Subs: T Clancy for G O’Callaghan McCarthy (48), K O’Donoghue and S Aherne for J Hickey and G Sheehan (both 53), J Pietropaolo for C Hickey (56). Referee: Anthony O’Regan (Youghal).
Round 1 division 2 Rebel Óg East U14 Hurling League
Whitechurch 1-09 St Catherines 1-06
A commendable second half recovery only just came unstuck when this U15 tie went ahead at occasionally showery, frequently windy, wide open Whitechurch just after 2pm on Saturday afternoon last.
Favoured by the strong wind there was a serious chance the home-based team would overrun the visitors’ challenge such was the difficulty in even getting the sliotar beyond the middle of the pitch. Naoise Daly, Adam Lawlor and Conor Gleeson all on top in their various roles. In a breakaway attack a Cathal Higgins point would prove a beneficial score. Helping the Saints to settle, give them confidence with the boost of the strong wind at their backs for the resumption of the second half to come, albeit trailing on a 1-07 to 0-01 interval scoreline. Sean O’Keeffe, Tom Morrison, Shane Riordan, Billy O’Connor, Kenneth O’Connell and Cathal Higgins trying their hearts out. Only a smart Dara O’Sullivan stop very near the finish denying the Saints the complete recovery. No doubt losing hurts. Getting a performance always eases the pain. It’s football against Buttevant at Ballynoe this upcoming weekend.
Scorers: B O’Connor (0-01 free) (1-02), C Higgins and K O’Connell (0-02 each). Team: S O’Keeffe, C McCarthy, T Morrison, Z Pyne, S Moore, S Riordan, N Keane, B O’Connor, K O’Connell, E Dillon, C Higgins, T Walsh, R O’Donoghue, J Cunneen, J Coughlan. Subs: A Burke for T Walsh (second half), C Fitzgerald and D Temple for Z Pyne and J Coughlan (both 42), A O’Gorman for R O’Donoghue (54). Referee: Peter O’Donovan (Carrig na bhFear).
Cork County Scór na bPáistí Finals
Well it didn’t happen for either of St Catherine’s entries. No joy for the Saints from the County Scór na bPáistí Finals when held at the Eire Óg GAA Pavilion in Ovens on Saturday afternoon last. Disappointment for Stephanie Carr in sean nós dance, and the ballad group made up Mileda Didek Lara Byrne, Isla Ryan, Fira Lane and Caitlin Twomey. That’s how it goes. There will be another day.
Cork Footballers
Most of the attention centred on the National Hurling League semi-final where Kilkenny dethroned reigning holders Limerick. Followed at Páirc Uí Chaoimh on Saturday evening last by a share of the points (2-16 each) when Cork played already qualified Armagh in round 7 division 2 of the National Football League. We won’t hear an awful lot now about either Rebel team for a few weeks/ Then bang! You’re into championship. For the record it’s Donegal and Armagh in the division 2 National Football League Final.
Sympathy
A first team ever to record a unique or historic achievement enter the annals of club history. Invariably they will linger somewhere in the memory for evermore. After back-to-back defeats (1955 and ’56) St Catherines recorded their big breakthrough when defeating Killeagh (3-10 to 2-07) in the East Cork Junior A Hurling Final. Decider played at Midleton on Sunday, September 8th 1957. Left halfback on that team was Paddy Murphy. Now into his nineties the genial, much loved and respected Paddy sadly passed to his eternal reward last week. We reckon only two of that historic panel are still with us. Paddy’s nephews, most notably Richard, Dessie and Martin O’Keeffe, also the O’Briens Ciaran and Gearóid played with their beloved St Catherines. Grandnephew John O’Keeffe lined out at corner back with Limerick in last year’s Munster Minor Hurling Championship, You can’t beat tradition. Ar dheis Dé to raibh a anam dílis.
Bartlemy Ballynoe Fermoy Community Employment Scheme
Now then, the above body have a vacancy for a groundsperson in St Catherine’s GAA Club, Ballynoe. Duties include grass cutting, strimming, lining of pitches, cleaning dressing rooms, meeting room, toilets etc, litter picking. 19.5 hours per week. Applicants must meet the Department of Social Protection community employment criteria. Eligibility to participate on CE is generally linked to those over 21 years of age and in receipt of a qualifying social welfare payment for at least one year. For further information contact Assumpta on 086-3828722 or assumpta@bbfermoyce.ie.
Lotto
Draw held on bank holiday weekend, Tuesday March 19th. Numbers drawn were 8, 15, 16 and 19 and there was no winner of the jackpot. Consolation winners were Mary O’Brien, Rathdrum, Ballynoe, Jenny Quirke, Conna, online, Sean Cronin, c/o Fisherman’s Rest, Conna, Richard Higgins, Kilcronat, Ballynoe and Emer Doyle, Conna, online. Most recent draw with €4,400 jackpot scheduled for clubrooms, Ballynoe on Monday night last, March 25th. Results coming.
What comes up this weekend
Friday, March 29th at Ballynoe, round 2 division 2 East Cork Junior Football League v Cloyne at 8pm. Saturday, March 30th at Ballynoe, round 2 division 2 Rebel Óg North U14 Football League v Buttevant at 2pm. Sunday, March 31st at Magniers hill, round 2 division 2 East Cork Junior Hurling League v Youghal at 2pm. Monday, April 1st at Magniers Hill, round 2, division 1 Rebel Óg East U16 Hurling League v Youghal at 2.30pm. Wednesday, April 3rd at Carrig na bhFear or White’s Cross round 2 division 1 Rebel Óg East Minor Hurling League v St Colmcilles at 7pm.
Easter Greetings
It’s a Happy Easter to St Catherine’s players, mentors and supporters, to GAA people everywhere. In so doing can we also remind you it’s a weekend seeing the introduction of summer time. So clocks go forward one hour this coming Saturday night/Sunday morning.
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.
