By Club PRO John Cashman

Excellent Football Win

Castlemartyr 1-14 Aghada 0-8

An excellent performance by our footballers saw them score a merited eight points win over Aghada last evening at Aghavine in their opening Group 3 fixture of the Michael O'Connor Motor Factors JAFC Championship.

This was a really solid hour by somewhat of a new look team - many regulars were unavailable for selection. However, there was a really steely determination about the display from early on with Aghada only managing to sneak in front for a very brief few minutes during the hour.

Inspired by a superb show from Jack McGann in the number 11 shirt , who struck a succession of outstanding points at vital stages, the reds managed the game admirably to record a significant win. Newcomer Rory Black had a day to remember posting 1-2 from the inside line on his debut, fellow under 20 player Ruairi Murphy made an excellent first strat at wing back, whilst Oisin Cantwell had a top drawer game in defence. In midfield, team captain Mick Cosgrave called the tune, producing a great hour to dominate in that sector.

Overall, so many positives to enjoy on a night, despite the backdrop of grey skies and intermittent rain. In fact, a prolonged pre match shower had made for greasy conditions.

 Jack McGann's close range free got the scoreboard ticking over, before the aforementioned Ruairi Murphy applied a smart finish to raise a second white flag. Aghada, who had midfielder Cian Hegarty in fine form, moved in front to lead 0-3 to 0-2 just after the quarter hour, before Rory Black made a big intervention.

  He grabbed a high delivery, turned his man and produced a fine left foot finish to the net for the game's only goal. Subsequent points from Jack and Rory had us ahead 1-4 to 0-4 by minute 22, with Eoghan Martin scoring the fifth point soon after. Aghada grew more into the contest and looked dangerous when winning turnovers, but Castlemartyr still held the advantage of 1-5 to 0-7 at the interval.

The third quarter proved vital as we kept the opposition sorceress all the way to the 54th minute, in a period when our team's high work ethic was to the fore. By this time, the reds had established a strengthening grip on the contest. Two more excellently taken points from the outstanding Jack McGann and Rory Black's splendid second white flag meant we led 1-9 to 0-7 before the opposition reopened their account. With Conor Whyte commanding things between the posts, Eoin Ronayne, his usual very dependable self at full back and Darragh Joyce solid as ever at centre back, we looked in a good place. 

Jack - with another marquee point, Mike Cosgrave, Andrew Kelly and Charlie O'Neill all got in the scoring act coming down the home straight to embellish a very good night's work for the team and management.

Scorers

Jack McGann 0-6 (0-1 free), Rory Black 1-2, Andrew Kelly 0-2, Ruairi Murphy, Eoghan Martin, Mike Cosgrave and Charlie O'Neill 0-1 each.

Team - Conor Whyte, Oisin Cantwell, Eoin Ronayne, Niall O'Donovan, Daire Coughlan, Darragh Joyce, Ruairi Murphy, Mike Coagrave, Peter Fleming, Cormac Lynch, Jack McGann, Charllie O'Neill, Rory Black, Eoghan Martin, Andrew Kelly.

Subs - Mike Kelly for Peter Fleming (ht) Adam McAuliffe for Cormac Lynch (46)

* Denis O Flynn has an array of photos from last evenings game on his facebook page.

Next Up

Next up for our footballers is a journey to Cobh two weeks hence to play Erin's Own .

Elsewhere so far in the opening few days of the championship. Midleton edged out Fr O'Neill's by 1-8 to 0-10 in group 1. Champions Lisgoold began their title defence with a 0-17 to 1-10 win over Youghal and Dungourney defeated Carrigtwohill 1-8 to 0-8 in the other group 2 game. 

Abernethy Cup

A big game is on the horizon on Tuesday evening at Paddy Walsh Memorial Park as we host the clash of Imokilly and Ballygunner in the Abernethy Cup Final at 7.45pm. Plenty of well known names are set to feature on both teams. With a big crowd expected just like last year, be sure to arrive early.

Div 4 League Final

Then, next Saturday, we also host the Div 4 League Final as the RED FM county leagues reach a conclusion. It's Lisgoold against Russell Rovers at 3pm.

Centenary Committee

The centenary committee reported good progress with preparations for their Club Day on Sunday August 4th. Activities will take place at our grounds from 2pm onwards, with the event very much tailored towards a celebration for all stands of the Castlemartyr GAA family. The sub committee meet again this week.

Golf Update

We are already on the approach to the first tee box in terms of preparations for the GAA Golf Classic, which begins on Wednesday week. Still time to get in some extra teams and tee boxes. Whilst Friday's time sheet is now full , there is some availability on both Wednesday and Thursday. Every team and every tee box counts, so please stay on the case. Thanks to all who have helped so far and big thanks to our sponsors again.

Gathering At Clifford's

After the conclusion of the Classic on Friday week July 19th, we are having a club gathering at Clifford's Bar. We want to make this a night where our members, supporters and friends will gather, It's an opportunity for all strands of the club to meet for midsummer catch up. Food served. So keep the date free in the July diary.