Killeagh Notes (24th Aug)
- Aug 24,2025
Killeagh GAA Club Notes August 24th 2025
CLCG Cilliath, Nuacht an Chlub, Lúnasa 24, 2025
CONGRATULATIONS AND THANK YOU
Firstly, this week we congratulate all in our community – GAA player or not – who received their Leaving Certificate or LCA results last Friday. This is a momentous achievement but just one more step in your life’s journey – move on now and make the most of the next phase of your life, whatever and wherever that may be. Go n-éirí libh!
Now for the thank you. In the wonderful 2000 film “Remember The Titans” (based on the true story of Coach Herman Boone and his American football high school team, including the legendary Gerry Bertier), Coach Bill Yoast (Boone’s assistant) is denied a promised Hall of Fame by the racist School Board because he acted honourably in preventing a plot to have Boone sacked and replaced by Yoast. Although he lost his Hall of Fame award, (SPOLIER ALERT), when their team won the State Championship, Coach Boone uttered the immortal lines “You’re Hall of Fame in my book” to his assistant and friend Bill Yoast, an accolade much more meaningful than the promised award. Ultimately, the history books will show that Pat Ryan and his team of players, coaches, selectors and assistants did not reach the Holy Grail with Cork hurling and suffered two agonising All-Ireland final defeats. In stepping down from this volunteer post with enormous pressure and responsibility, Pat now passes the torch to another – as yet unknown - person and team to strive to reach that ever-stretching mountain top. There is no doubt, though, from this vantage point, that, Pat, “you’re Hall of Fame in my book” – this is what you have been and will continue to be. Best wishes to you and to all who brought us on a fantastic journey over the past three years – it’s the journey, not the destination, that creates the memories. Míle buíochas!
MATCH REPORTS (ADULT)
(On a roll now with the cultural references!)
In November 1992, Queen Elizabeth II (not normally a feature in GAA reports!) spoke about her “annus horribilis”, with a devastating fire in Windsor Castle and fires aplenty in the marriages of her famous sons. (As an aside, the Latin term was famously mispronounced live on RTE Radio, I’ll leave that up to your imagination to figure out what was inadvertently said!). Anyway, back to the GAA! Last weekend Killeagh hurlers suffered a “triduum horribilis” of epic proportions as our three adult hurling teams suffered serious blows one after the other that put progress into knockout stages in jeopardy. We lost four matches, I hear you say! Ah yes, but the efforts of the brave Junior C boys who put in a mighty shift against Sarsfields on Monday night we may consider as a “moral victory” of sorts, given that once again it looked like we would struggle to put a quorum together in the 24 hours leading up to Monday evening. On to the painful reports!
Co-Op Superstores Senior A Hurling Championship Friday August 15th Femoy 1-16, Killeagh 3-05
So once again, we won’t give a blow-by-blow account, as you’ve either been to Ballynoe or you’ve squinted through closed fingers to glance disbelievingly at the fine report from Barry O’Mahony that made da Echo and de Paper. 3-05 tells its own story, it’s been a long time since a senior hurling championship side scored as few as eight times in over an hour of hurling. Like Cork senior hurlers, we don’t respond well to being favourites, and like Tipperary, Fermoy relished in being written off by so many, even if that was not the case within the Killeagh camp. Barry Walsh manfully tried to stem the tide and Gary Leahy showed that he’ll be close to a starting jersey the next day, but apart from that, we had little to celebrate. As we saw in the League final against Midleton, one red card does irreparable damage to a team, two red cards in this one meant game over by the 43rd minute. The battle at that stage was to keep the margin of error as low as possible, and in the circumstances, a five-point defeat could yet be highly significant. Bizarrely, we could yet finish top of this crazy group if we beat Carrigtwohill and Na Piarsaigh beat Fermoy at the same time, or we could beat Carrigtwohill and yet finish third and not qualify (if Fermoy win with a margin two greater than our margin if that’s less than nine points). We could also finish last if Na Piarsaigh beat Fermoy by two points or more (they can still qualify with one win on the final day, as we did in 2024) and we lose to Carrig by three points or more. And most bizarrely of all, we could still finish second even if we lose to Carrig by one point (we finish with 2 points and -4 on score difference) and Na Piarsaigh beat Fermoy by either one point (they both finish with 2 points and -6 and -5 respectively) or two points (-5, -6 respectively). All very easy to follow then, inn’it? You have until 1830 hrs on September 6th to practice your Higher Level Mathematics! So it’s all to play for, but a win would put us in with a great chance of getting through, either in first or second place.
Team: Philip O’Neill, Brendan Delaney, Pa O’Brien, Allen Keniry, Andy Walsh, Dinny Walsh, Ben Walsh, Sean Long, Cathal Fitzgibbon, Ryan McCarthy, Evan Lane, Richie Long, Shane Smiddy, Dylan McCarthy, Barry Walsh, Colm Leahy, Ciaran Leahy, Gary Leahy.
East Cork Oil Junior B Hurling Championship Saturday August 16th Midleton 4-19, Killeagh 3-09
Next team on the chopping block was our Junior B-Easts who, after the heroics against Cloyne in Shanagarry on the previous Friday, were tasked with taking on the Mighty Magpies’ third team. While we pride ourselves in closing the gap to the likes of Midleton and Sars with their junior teams, we were never really in with a chance of winning this one, and particularly when Andrew Leahy, Ritchie Landers, Aaron Walsh and Conor Burns were unavailable from the opening day lineout. Dara Motherway returned from his travels to play his first match in nearly two months, but lasted less than 20 minutes before a quad injury put him ar an taobhlíne. Midleton dominated the first half and led by 2-13 to 0-03 at half-time but a strong second half comeback saw us raise three green flags, with two from Dave Ogbebor and a third from Ciaran O’Rourke. Cloyne’s late late win against Watergrasshill on Tuesday evening makes the maths a bit simpler here – we must beat the ‘Hill on Saturday next, August 30th (no easy task) and hope that Cloyne fail to beat Midleton at the same time. That would guarantee us second place and a quarter-final. Dan Landers and Padraig Leahy’s subsequent involvement with the Junior A’s ends their availability for this team so it will be a huge challenge to progress further. We live in hope!
Team: Colin Walsh, Pierce Geary, Conor Meade, Tadhg O’Connor, Dan Smiddy, Kieran Lane, Ben Budds, Padraig Leahy, Aaron Fitzgibbon, Dan Landers, Dara Motherway, Davy Kelleher, Dylan Coleman, Ciaran O’Rourke, Dave Ogbebor, John Ogbebor, Diarmuid Buckley.
East Cork Oil Junior A Hurling Championship Sunday August 17th Bride Rovers 1-16, Killeagh 0-15
Almost as disappointing as our Senior A loss at the same venue on Friday evening was being turned over by a confident and competent Bride Rovers team on Sunday noon last. Despite leading 0-9 to 0-6 at half time, it was clear that we were lacking the fluency and cohesion that had been evident against Cobh. Similar to the Cobh game, conceding a goal shortly after half time put us on the back foot, and this time we were unable to claw back the deficit. Andrew Leahy and Jamie Fogarty both scored three points from play but the loss of four players from the Cobh match – three to injury (Kevin Murphy, Paudie Mackey and Sean Walsh) and Gary Leahy’s promotion to the Senior A team left us somewhat stretched in terms of depth and options. We play Carrigtwohill at 6.30 p.m. on Sunday September 7thin a must win match in Cloyne. If we win, that should see us into a quarter final, possibly against Sarsfields, St. Ita’s or Carrignavar. If we lose, we could be headed for a Slán Leat final, and nobody wants that!
Team: Fionn Murphy, Gary Lehane, Christy Coughlan, Aidan Morrison, Robbie Treacy, George Walsh Wallace, Rob Sinclair, Mikey Fitzgerald, Keane Budds, Andrew Leahy, Jamie Fogarty, Dan Walsh, Matthew Murphy, Dan Landers, David Buckley, Padraig Leahy.
East Cork Oil Junior C Hurling Championship Monday August 18th Sarsfields 0-25, Killeagh 1-15
With four of the team that played in the previous round unavailable for selection and two others promoted to the Junior B-Easts, the miracle of the loaves and fishes (renamed miracle of hurls and helmets I suppose!) was re-enacted last Monday evening. Except this time the recruiters weren’t satisfied with just 15, but managed to reach the magic number of an even score – all of whom got some game time. So again, the victory here was in the fielding, and anything after that was a bonus. Keeping the margin to seven against Sars with their endless pot of players was a remarkable achievement. Ageless Padraic Carroll, still beaming about Tipp’s glory day on July 20th, worked his magic again from placed balls (0-08) and from play (1-02) while Eoin Brenner chipped in with three points to put his hand up for selection up the ranks if required. Young Johnno manned the ramparts from the quarter-back position and also got a score of his own, while newly-wed Dermot Motherway helped to prevent any green flags being raised against us. Fair play to all involved once again, on the pitch and on the sideline. By Monday evening, 70 different players had played championship over the previous 96 hours. Add in up to 10 more who may yet feature – including some unavailable minors and those on the injury list – and this points to a remarkable return. All for one and one for all!
Team: Colm Crowley, Sean O’Riordan, Dermot Motherway, Ian Landers, Stephen Murphy, John O’Connor, Diarmuid Buckley, Michael O’Donovan, Dale McMahon, Eoin Roche, Padraic Carroll, Eamonn Byrne, Eoin Brenner, Darragh O’Connor, Olin Hennessy, Danny Fitzgerald, Dominic Byrne, Sean Lucey, Sé Barry, Paul Keniry.
Michael O’Connor Motor Factors Junior C Football Championship Friday August 22nd Aghada 4-06, Glenbower Rovers 1-07
Michael O’Connor Motor Factors Junior A Football Championship Saturday August 23rd Dungourney 5-16, Glenbower Rovers 0-07
We’ll take these together, and be brief, to dull the pain! On the positives – our second football team played as well as might be expected against Aghada on Friday evening, with a two-pointer from Fionn Brennan and a goal from Dan Landers leaving us behind by 2-03 to 1-04 at half time. However, we were unable to add any more than three further points to our total in the second half, while Aghada matched their first half tally. And the negatives – our Junior A football status is in serious doubt after our second consecutive 20+ points defeat, this time at the hands of a big and fit Dungourney team. While we had five additional players available who had missed the previous match against Carrigtwohill, we still fielded a very inexperienced and unprepared team. Dungourney took full advantage, leading by 3-09 to 0-01 at half time, and adding two more goals in the second period. We did mange six points in the second half, with two from Andrew Leahy and two from young John O’Connor, while the minors Jack Coleman and John Ogbebor showed commendable skill and speed on the ball, but we are now in a bit of a stew in relation to our promotion of Gaelic Football in our GAA club. It’s not one individual’s fault, and neither is it going to be fixed by one individual – this will take serious consideration from all who desire to promote Gaelic Football in our club, and it may not be fixed in just one year. But something must change, otherwise we may as well hand over the footballs (and interested players) to one of our neighbouring clubs. Thanks again to all those who togged out on Friday and Saturday and to Richard and Brian for their efforts in getting the fixtures fulfilled.
Players: Colm Crowley, Fionn Brennan, Eoin Brenner, Diarmuid Buckley, Dylan Coleman, Jack Coleman, Richard Coughlan, Rory Lynch, Aidan Morrison, Dermot Motherway, Darragh Murphy, Dave Ogbebor, John Ogbebor, Dan Landers, Sean O’Riordan, Eoin Roche, Keane Budds, Michael O’Donovan, Aaron Fitzgibbon, Jamie Fogarty, Fionn Murphy, John O’Connor, Manus Darby, David Kelleher, Andrew Leahy, Ciaran Leahy, Colm Leahy, Robbie Treacy, Sean Walsh, George Walsh Wallace, Olin Hennessy, Darragh O’Connor.
MATCH REPORT (MINOR)
Rebel Óg Division 1 Minor Hurling Championship Killeagh 2-11, Bride Rovers 2-07 August 13th 2025
We played Round 3 of the Minor hurling championship in Pairc Ui Chinneide on 13th August. This match was a real dogfight throughout. It was very physical, and scores were hard to come by. Bride Rovers set up with a sweeper and got bodies back behind the ball throughout. We started with two frees from Ben before Fionn scored from play. On the 20th minute a great run by John Ogbebor saw him beat three men before he unleashed an unstoppable shot to the roof of the net. John Farquhar followed up with a great team score to leave us ahead by 1-04 to no score after 24 minutes. Bride Rovers scored two points to leave us five ahead at the short whistle – 1-04 to 0-02.
The game opened up a bit in the second half. We hit seven points, three great efforts from play from Cormac, three from placed balls from Ben and a super effort after a great catch and run from Fionn. Bride Rovers had 1-05 in reply leaving it a bit too close for comfort with five minutes remaining. A goal from Bride Rovers left us only two clear in added time. A brilliant solo and shot from Cormac found the net. Bride Rovers hit another point but the full-time whistle saw us run out winners by four – 2-11 to 2-07. It was a good result and a gritty performance. Credit must go to Adam and the entire defence for holding Bride Rovers to a low tally. Alex & Andrew worked tirelessly at midfield. Every score was hard earned upfront. This win sees us top the group after three games.
Team: Adam Barry, Tadgh Considine, Oran Cunningham, Rian O’Connor, Cian O’Riordan, Jack Coleman, Cathal Brennan, Andrew Brenner, Alex Fogarty, John Farquhar (0-1), Cormac Deane (1-3), Fionn Brennan (0-2), Cormac Delaney, Ben Geary (0-5f), John Ogbebor (1-0) Subs: Tom Power, Billy Guerin, Jack Farquhar, Patrick Dineen, Seanan McDonnell
UPCOMING FIXTURES
Rebel Óg Division 2 Fé 16 Hurling Championship Aghada v Killeagh, Monday August 25th at 7.00 p.m. in Aghada
Rebel Óg Division 1 Fé 12 Football League Killeagh v St. Finbarr’s, Tuesday August 26th at 7.00 p.m. in Killeagh
Rebel Óg Division 1 Minor Hurling Championship Aghada v Killeagh, Wednesday August 27th at 7.30 p.m. in Aghada
East Cork Oil Junior B Hurling Championship Killeagh v Watergrasshill, Saturday August 30th at 3.30 p.m. in Lisgoold
Rebel Óg Division 1 Fé 12 Hurling League Carrigtwohill v Killeagh Saturday August 30th at 5.00 p.m. in Carrigtwohill
East Cork Oil Junior C Hurling Championship Killeagh v Russell Rovers, Sunday August 31st at 3.00 p.m. in Killeagh
LOTTO
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