Castlelyons Notes (9th Jun)
- Jun 09,2025
Castlelyons GAA Notes week ended 9.6.25.
Congratulations to Niall O’Leary and his Rebel colleagues on a great win last Saturday.
Comhghairdeas mór le Niall agus the Rebels as Cork confounded the critics in a game for the ages to take the Munster senior hurling title 2025 and the Mackey Cup for the first time in the Gaelic Grounds on Saturday evening last. I hit off for Limerick early on Saturday and going into Caherconlish a fox crossed the road. The fox got me thinking and it crossed my mind were Cork playing cutely in the early round in Limerick as they were so casual and paid the price suffering a heavy defeat. Indeed, all the first-round games in Munster were a bit tame as Cork were coming along nicely to make the final. The atmosphere was electric, and Cork were far from fox like they tore into the game with tigerish hurling setting the tone from the start with some great scores. The game is well discussed by now but well done to the réitoir Thomas Walsh and James Owens (standby) who let the game flow and as a final it had it all. They were level on seventeen occasions with some powerful hurling, hard fair hits as they battled for possession around the middle third, extra time and then on to a penalty shootout. Penalties are surely just a lottery as players are tired and cramped up after a game, but it still added to the excitement. Just imagine a replay in SuperValu Páirc Uí Chaoimh or was it better get it over on the night under lights in June.
There were so many heroes but the trademark pick, turn and strike by Patrick Horgan to send the game into extra was my highlight of the game. Great to see that seasoned campaigner Damen Cahalane have a cracking game, young man Diarmuid Healy make a powerful contribution, older warriors like Conor Lehane and Shane Kingston made an impact too including Bride Rovers man Brian Roche. Heroes all the Rebels but pride of place to our own Castlelyons man Niall O’Leary who made a great recovery from injury to play a vital part in the game when the cause was greatest. Niall who is having such a star season until his recent injury is back bang on form again. Next stop for the Rebels is Croke Park for the All -Ireland semi-final on Saturday 5th July with a 5pm throw in and even the bookies are saving up for that evening.
Cork Red FM Division 3 Hurling League
Castlelyons 2-21 Russell Rovers 1-10
We had a good win in over Russell Rovers last Thursday in Castlelyons. The evening was fine with a nice atmosphere about the place, a good crowd in the stand and the waft of coffee radiating from our Tuck Shop. Referee Pa Beausang, Midleton, threw in and we led from the start putting three points on the board as Alan Fenton’s had two frees and one from play by Davy Morrison before Mark O’Dwyer scored for Rovers. The opposition puck out strategy was very good and caused us a few problems early on as their goalie, Ross Walsh, went short to one of the backs and then long to a loose forward managing a comeback to make it a one-point game around fifteen minutes in. However, we played very well at times as Shane Moroney powered through for a great score with James Kearney and Morrison linking well for another point. Darren Tobin in good form this year scored two points. Our half back line of Colm McCarthy, Colm Spillane and Shane Moroney got on top and an assist from Colm McCarthy to Barry Murphy was the highlight of the game as Barry slotted over a great score. Jack Barry landed over a monster of a free and Alan Fenton scored to leave us 0-13 to 0-7 ahead at half time.
At the start of the second half Colm McCarthy was on hand again with an assist to Alan Fenton for a fine score. Rovers scored a handy enough goal to come back into the game and applied a lot of pressure without reward as our backs played well. Davy Morrison, always industrious, got in for a goal for us. Colm Barry had to come off injured and Shane Cotter came on as there was a few switches and Shane done well. Luke Duggen Murray and Bud Hartnett done well at times for Rovers as they kept the scoreboard ticking over. However, Davy Morrison worked hard to get possession out in the corner and gave a great pass to sub-Olan Linehan who was hooked on the shot but then powered a great ground ball to the net to put us 2-15 to 1-10 up. Linehan put over two more good scores as did Morrison and one each by Eoin Maye and Brian O’Donovan to give us a convincing win. Well done to the lads and management. We now have six points in the league and mid table with one game left to play versus Newcestown on the 29.6.25 and should maintain our status as Division 3 again.
Panel: Jack Barry; Peter Roche, Colm Barry, Brian Carroll; Colm McCarthy, Colm Spillane, Shane Moroney; James Kearney, Alan Fenton; Brian O’Donovan, Barry Murphy, Ronan Fenton; Brian Spillane, Dave Morrison, Darren Tobin; Shane Cotter; Stephen Casey, Olan Linehan, Shane O’Flynn,
Rebel Óg East Division Two Under 14 Hurling Championship
Castlelyons 4-8 St Catherines 4-21.
Heading up to Ballynoe on Friday evening this writer was looking forward to a big game as both teams were going well with some good results recently. We started well as Cionnaith Cotter goaled from a good assist by Ewan McCarthy, but Catherines looked very sharp as they as they began to pick off their points and a long-range goal. In fact, they led 1-3 to 2-7 at one stage in the first half but a goal and a point from Ned Cotter brought us back into the game and it was 2-6 to 1-9 at half time in favour of Catherines.
St Catherines got really on top for the for ten minutes of the second half scoring 1-6 to no reply from us. We did get a point from Cionnaith Cotter and a goal and a point from Ned Cotter who hurled well for us. They had very good players in Kenneth O’Connell Sean O’Keeffe and Noel Keane and appeared to have brought on some very good younger players since we last played them in the league. This means that we are now out of the championship as both Catherines and Whitechurch qualify from our section. However, we did defeat Kildorrery, had some good games and the lads and management gave it their best.
Panel: Tadgh Hickey; Cathal Henley, Dylan Barrett, Robbie Wallace; John Maloney, Ryan Wallace, Jimmy O Riordan; Alex O’Brien, Ned Condon; Ewan McCarthy, Cionnaith Cotter, Christopher O Sullivan; Fionn O Neill, Tom Barry, Joshua Kinnane, Liam Martin; Bobby Hosford.
Castlelyons GAA Lotto Results – Tuesday 3.6.25 and Monday 9.6.25 Jackpot now €1500
The results of the draw held on Tuesday 3.6.25 had the following numbers drawn were 7, 24, 25 and 26. There was no Jackpot winner which was €14,600. The Lucky Dip Winners of €20 each were as follows: James Hurley, Fiona Dunne, Anthony Buckley, Tom McAuliffe, Donal O’Connell, Cian O’Leary, Sharon Hyland, Mark O’Leary.
The results of the draw held on Monday 9.6.25 had the following numbers drawn were 10, 17, 18 and 23. There was no Jackpot winner which was €14,800. The Lucky Dip Winners of €20 each were as follows: Michael Mahony, David Hegarty, Yvonne Bransfield, John Dineen, Eleanor Wrynn, Martin Dorgan, Trisha Lawlor, Stephen Hickey.
The Jackpot is now a massive €15,000. The next Draw be held in the Community Centre on Monday 16th June at 8.15pm. Thank you all for your support and don’t forget you can play our Lotto Online or purchase from the usual outlets.
Non-Exam Minor Sevens in Lisgoold.
This was a non-exam Minor seven a side tournament arranged by the Lisgoold club in honour of the late Donal Woods. Donal was a gentleman who had a shop, a travelling shop and a bar in Lisgoold village for many years. He provided an outstanding customer service to the local community and was a keen GAA supporter.
There were four teams and Castlelyons played Lisgoold in the first game. This was highly entertaining with some great scores and despite the room for movement in sevens there was some hard hits too. Lisgoold led 2-9 to 0-6 at half time and we had a cracking second half with interchanging of players I noted that goalie Alex Quirke, Kieran Murphy, Darragh Bransfield, Darragh Fleming, Khaled Abdelrazik, Cahal Sheehan, Ronan Ryan, Adam Lardner, Oran Hickey; Dylan Leetch, Ronan Ryan and Sean Hussey all gave a savage effort. At full time the score was level and referee Cahal McAllister set the extra time at first score from play to win. We missed a few chances but then Lisgoold put over a point to play in the final. Killanaule from Tipperary defeated Fermoy in the other semi-final and went on to defeat the home side Lisgoold in the final by two points much to the delight of their large following. We played Fermoy in the Shield final and despite a great effort came up short by two points. Great effort lads and well done to Lisgoold for hosting this novel tournament.
Congratulations to Bronagh Fitzgerald, Castlelyons.
Congratulations to Bronagh Fitzgerald, Castlelyons, who played with Cork in the Primary Schools game versus Limerick at half time in the Munster final. The Primary Game is an integral part of the Munster championship with some 30 years, and the jersey is always a coveted one for the participating players. Well done to all the dedicated teachers who work so hard at promoting our games including John Boylan our own former trainer who is promoting these games for many years. Best of luck to Bronagh in her camogie career into the future.
Junior Hurling.
Our junior hurlers are going well in the East Cork Division 2 hurling league. We are second to Fr O’Neill’s and play Carrig na bhFear in a vital game away on Sunday the 15th of June at 2.30pm up in Carrig. Hopefully we will have a strong team as a win could put us in the final. Best of luck to the team and management.
Continuing development of our Grounds.
No doubt patrons have recently noticed our new digital scoreboard which is now operation for the main pitch. Well, we have serviced and restored the previous scoreboard and construction work is ongoing to have it operational for games shortly in the old pitch. Plans are completed and submitted for quality ladies, gents and accessible toilets with a storeroom at the back of the Stand with construction commencing as soon as possible. Planning permission has been granted for a forty by eighty metres synthetic pitch with fencing lighting and a ball wall. We have applied for grants and hope to be able to proceed with construction soon if all is agreed.
Cork in All Ireland Minor Semi Final on Sunday 15th June in Thurles at 1pm.
The stage is set for a thrilling weekend of action in the Electric Ireland Minor Hurling Championship, with Cork preparing to face off against Clare in a high-stakes semi-final clash on this Sunday 15th June at 1pm in FBD Semple Thurles. The panel includes locals Denis Fitzgerald, Bride Rovers and Rauric Donovan, Fermoy and we wish them the best of luck. Cork will be looking to build on their impressive campaign to date as they take on a talented Clare outfit with a place in the All-Ireland Final on the line. Supporters are encouraged to make the trip to Thurles and get behind this exciting young Rebel team as they aim to reach another All-Ireland decider. Waterford play Kilkenny in the other semi-final at Chadwick Park Wexford on Saturday 14th June at 7.35pm. Note that both games are live on TG4
Votes of sympathy.
Castlelyons GAA wish to express sincere condolences to the Conran family of Fermoy and Castlelyons on the sad passing of Kevin. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a ainm uasal.
Fixtures.
Camogie Under 12 league Castlelyons v Blarney on Saturday 14th June in Castlelyons at 11:30am
Rebel Óg East Under 12 Football League; St Vincents v Castlelyons; on Sunday 15.6.25 in St Vincents at 12.30pm.
East Cork Division 2 Hurling League; Carrig na bhFear v Castlelyons; on Sunday 15.6.25 in Carrig na bhFear at 2.30pm.
Camogie U14B League Semi Final; Castlelyons v Newcestown; on Sunday 15th June in Castlelyons at 5pm.
Kieran McGann: Communications Officer
Club Sponsor: East Cork Oil
